Very true Pygon! It was a madhouse for a bit. I knew once I started getting you guys together that it would calm down.
Session 1
0 Character Deaths
Characters
-Dorin (male human Fighter 1) played by JonShade was unable to attend.
Harvester 2nd, 595 CY.
[i]It was a cool day for this time of year in Diamond Lake...thick clouds overhead shadowing the day and dimming Liga's light. It seemed a day like any other here, the residents toiling away in the mines or at the winesinks. And yet this was an auspicious day, for some interesting travelers had come to Diamond Lake.
Curunir, an elven veteran of the Battle of Safeton and longtime friend to Dobrun Trent, had received a few unnerving letters from his old friend and came to Diamond Lake to investigate when the letters stopped coming. After resting the night at the Able Carter Coaching Inn (area 21), he went to call on Dobrun at the Garrison. Before long, he was informed that Dobrun was missing and had been for nearly a week. Marris Sandovar, chief scout of the Diamond Lake garrison informed Curunir that she thinks Dobrun might have gotten involved with something shady. The last place she saw him was at the Emporium talking to Zalamandra.
Dalrack made the long and dusty trek from the Duchy of Urnst all the way to Diamond Lake...investigating rumors of indestructible undead monstrosities in the Cairn Hills around Diamond Lake. On his way into town he stopped and chatted with the blacksmith Osgood and his strapping young apprentice, Atreus. After a grumbling of greetings and some half-hearted conversation, Osgood sent Atreus off to show Dalrack around a bit...OH!...and to see if he couldn't find himself a good lass in town. Osgood had promised Atreus' mother to see the young man well settled one day.
Barl Burlyfoot rose from him bed to find his father gone for the Dourstone Mine to earn his wages. The ever adventurous Barl decided to set out for some food and drink and made his way to the Spinning Giant (area 15). Finding the place a haven for off-duty militiamen, he made haste in leaving. Upon leaving, a washerwoman mistook him for a boy and offered him some sweets. I shall leave his response up to the imagination of the readers. Arriving at the square, Barl spied Atreus, whom he had the fortune of knowing. Seeing his friend, Barl went over and engaged Atreus and Dalrack in conversation.
Morwel rose late and leisurely before spying the traveler walking down the road with the handsome young apprentice blacksmith. She finagled some coin from "Cousin" Elluviel and set out to see Allustan, a renowned magician and scholar about some interesting finds she'd seen in Elluviel's study. Stepping out of the compound imperiously, she made her way there only to find that Allustan had left for the Emporium. So then, she made her way back and entered the dubious establishment, looking for the Wizard.
Shortly thereafter, Barl, Atreus and Dalrack, all of whom had been admiring Morwel glide into the Emporium decided to follow. Shortly thereafter, Curunir arrived to talk to Zalamandra. After some extensive roleplay and discussion amongst the party members everyone save Morwel ended up together. Morwel had an informative conversation with Allustan for a while, as did Dalrack when he approached. Enter Auric. The brash Champion of the Great Games at Greyhawk the last two years in a row, approached Morwel, bought her expensive Velunese wine and proceeded to compliment her on her beauty before beginning to espouse his own greatness and puissance. It was an interesting conversation, to say the least.
At last, Izraphel arrives. As he was leaving, Allustan directed Izraphel to Morwel, thinking she might know where the man Izraphel sought could be found. Izraphel had already been to the Moonmeadow estate looking for Kaleceth Evelion, the estranged father of a ranger of the Bronzewood Lodge whom had gone missing not long ago. Kaleceth was supposedly here. Shortly after Izraphel's arrival and Auric's disparaging remarks about the "savage", Tirra and Khellek came to collect Auric. They left after Auric made an invitation to Morwel to watch him win the Champion's Belt again! Before long, Kaleceth came down from the Veiled Corridor, so drunk he could barely stand and began making a scene about his wretched daughter the moment Izraphel and Morwel asked about her. Kaleceth seemed destined for a beating by Kurlag, the burly Half-ogre bouncer of the Emporium, had Morwel not interceded and decided to take the drunk home. Atreus ran up and gallantly decided to help the woman home with her burden.
As a few hours had passed all in all, the long twilight was already falling on Diamond Lake..the thick clouds overhead only adding to the early dusk.
While all the others are drinking, talking and discussing what they know, Atreus hears a faint scream and spies a fallen pipe on the road, glowing still, smoke wafting from the pipe. Seeing what it was, he set Kaleceth down, abandoned Morwel and took off running down the street after the sound. Fortunately for him, Atreus lost the trail after spotting some movement past some buildings. Shortly thereafter, the rest caught up to the annoyed Morwel and tried to figure out what was going on. Izraphel used his skill at tracking to find tracks of multiple small-footed beings and followed it...right into an ambush, the others were just behind him...except Morwel and Dalrack.
A fierce battle broke out as two Dark Creepers attacked Izraphel, Barl, Curunir and Atreus. Morwel and Dalrack were a few hundred feet away near the now unconscious Kaleceth. Morwel called to the Moonmeadow Estate for aid with Kaleceth. At least until a Dark Creeper struck out of the shadows and nearly pierced Morwel's heart in one blow! The gravely injured Morwel flung her magic at the creeper to little effect, the nimble creature evaded the worst of it.
The entire battle changed when Izraphel invoked the power of his celestial ancestry and a false sun rose near where they battled the other creepers. One was surrounded by them and had no chance, the other fled as soon as it had the opportunity. The one that attacked Morwel and Dalrack moved like a snake and slashed a great rent into the unconscious Kaleceth's throat! His lifeblood gushing out, Kaleceth gurgled his last there in the street. Fortunately for the beleaguered Morwel and Dalrack, the Elven retainers of Elluviel Moonmeadow opened fire with arrows at the creeper attacking them, which sent the creature scurrying off into the deepening shadows of twilight.
Right around then, Izraphel, Barl, Atreus and Curunir finished off the only remaining Creeper only to shrink back in surprise as the creature burst into bright flames and was reduced to naught but ashes. Its smoldering rags and red-hot dagger all that remained. Looking down on this small pile...they began to realize that there was not a single shred of proof...not even a body.
End Session.
The day started out quite promising.
My patron spoke to me through my familiar saying that today is the day that would put me on the path to power. Seems quite laughable now, but that morning I had all sorts of hopes and dreams, but I should have guessed nothing good would come of these predictions. My patron had previously told me before my meeting with that retched queen that I would ‘get what I truly desired’. Being sent to Diamond Lake isn’t something that anyone would desire. In the future I won’t be so trusting of someone who chooses to talk through a snake.
In the morning I did my usual chores for Ellival, insufferable tasks like meeting with his underlings and taking reports on his mine, tasks he would have done himself, but now he has me. Anyways the brutes seem to have basic verbal skills and they know enough to remove their caps and they seem to understand what an honour it is for them to be allowed to speak with me. I continue to play along, letting them see who they want to see, and they left bowing and scraping as if I were overqueen of Ahlissa. It’s amazing how a simple smile has even these rough men fawning.
I was done my chores in time for an afternoon nap. I awoke feeling refreshed but no closer to discovering the answer to my patron’s cryptic prediction. I decided to visit Allustan, I thought that it was best to push matters a bit, but first I would need some coin. I found cousin Elluviel in his office.
“Elluviel, I’m going out,” I said in my most stately voice, “give me some spending money.”
We’d discussed this before, a woman of my stature shouldn’t be expected to buy her own drinks, but nor should she be expected to rely on the courtesy of gentleman. Especially not a lady of my stature and especially not in this town. Besides, I’d made it clear that someone had been spreading rumours that Elluviel and I were lovers, and that Elluviel had once killed someone in a jealous rage. It now seemed unlikely anyone would dare make advances on me. I made it clear who I held responcible for that, and now Elluviel was responsible for me. To my surprise the prince laid out fifteen gold coins for me.
“Its good to see you going out to get some fresh air,” he said, “as if something of the sort existed here. Do tell me if you find some."
Perhaps he was feeling wistful or melancholy, either way didn’t stick around to offer him comfort, he took enough of my time as is. I collected the coin and left.
I found Allustan in the Emporium. Finding proved to be a bit of a bother, first he wasn’t at his home where he should have been, and then when I enquired after him at the Emporium the idiot bar tender left me waiting. To make matters worse I spied a rather pretty elf at the bar but when I decided to honour him by acknowledging his presence he seemed distracted. I suspect the commoner didn’t understand the great honour I was bestowing on him. Naturally he would need to be punished for that outrage: I spoke with him a moment more, drawing him in, and then left him when the bartender left to fetch Allustan. Let him know what it feels to be shunned!
Allustan was a touch more robust then what I pictured, he was a man that seemed to garner respect, and I was pleased that he already knew who I was. The information I was able to pull from him wasn’t that substantial, the Vaati it would seem are an ancient race, and discoveries of their existence was rare. This of course meant that any relics relating to their civilization would be extremely valuable. Allustan also believed that one of the nearby cairns might belong to the Vaati.
My understanding of history for this area is sketchy at best, but I understood that the city of Greyhawk was built on wealth plundered from these ancient cairns, and it seemed likely that this Vaati tomb might have the most substantial wealth of them all. I couldn’t just run off to explore those cairns now however, after talking with Allustan and looking through my cousin’s journals . . . what I need now is deniable culpability.
I thought for a moment that I’d discovered it in a hulk of a man named Auric, a braggart and a bully, but not one without his charms. He at the very least knew how to treat a lady. It seemed he was already interested in robbing the local cairns, but the cairn he was interested in was on the other side of the lake, and I already knew from my cousin’s maps that the Vaati pottery shards were found nowhere near there. All in all it was probably for the best, he was interested in fame of all things, and people who seek such fleeting things can’t be rational.
Sadly after Aluric arrived the day began to rapidly go downhill. Allustan became distracted with another wizard. Auric’s companions arrived, a wizard named Khellek and some elven tart whose name I didn’t bother to learn. Their presence wouldn’t have been so insufferable if not for the elf. Despite her blood she was as tasteless and as common as every other person in this dreadful town. Thankfully the wizard Khellek was quick to put her in her place. Still, her somewhat forced apology had a backhanded insult buried within it. I decided she was too stupid to realize what she was saying and was beneath retaliation.
Then I was approached by a member of the bronze wood lodge, not that he was particularity savage or uncouth, but he failed to introduce himself before asking for my aide. Worse still he wanted me to help him find Kaleceth, which would mean me giving up my free time to help him find someone who I didn’t even know. Auric had even bought me a fine bottle of wine. Thankfully Kaleceth was already in the building, unfortunately he was also very drunk, and tempted as I was to enjoy watching a little blood sport as the bouncer Kurlag twisted the elf’s body in new and entertaining ways, I knew Elluviel wouldn’t have been pleased if he discovered that I’d sat idly by whitest one of his servants was beaten to a pulp. I quickly intervened.
The savage from the lodge didn’t even have the courtesy to help me get Kaleceth home after his questions got Kal so worked up in the first place. I thought for a moment there was at least one gentleman in the bar when the blacksmith offered to help me take him home. He had ulterior motives though, he was interested in the conversation Kal had moments earlier, but I didn’t mind because he was one of the few moderately attractive men in this town. I’d seen him on a couple of occasions with his shirt off and had been impressed. However he was no cup bearer and he displeased me greatly when he failed to escort me home like he said he would. Instead he took me away from the busy square, where a lady might have enlisted the aid of some locals, and promptly dumped Kal on the road and ran off . . . claiming to have heard some noise or some such. One would think that if he actually suspected danger about he would have at least seen to the safety of my person and Kal (who had passed out) before running off blind into the night.
I was left to my own devices for a time, I contemplated abandoning the drunk, and had I done that I’m sure no harm would have befallen me, but against my better instincts I kept watch hoping someone would come to our aid. Finally when hope seemed lost four men came jogging down the road. Two I’d seen with the blacksmith earlier, so I assumed they were his friends, one was the pretty young elf I’d spotted in the bar earlier, and another was that insufferable savage. They seemed intent on finding their friend and completely unconcerned with my situation. All but one ran off after their friend, probably getting into drunken mischief, but the fourth seemed to have a conscious and couldn’t help but see my plight and not feel pity. He half heartedly tried to follow his friends but with a few simple sighs and cries I forced his conscious into doing the right thing. He offered to help me drag the unconscious Kaleceth back to Elluviel’s place.
We had just reached the shadow of the Moonmeadow (had there been a sun to cast a shadow) and I’d just called out to the guards, who were supposed to be watching the walls, when disaster struck. A little hoofed gnome like creature scampered out of the darkness and stabbed me in the back. It first I didn’t know what happened, I felt dull thud, almost like someone punched me in the back, but I almost immediately felt light headed. Some of that dizziness, I’d later learn, was likely due to the poison.
I turned to face my attacker whilst I felt where he had struck me. I was horrified to see my hand come back red with blood. I screamed. Then I used my magic to attempt to burn my attacker but the fire had little effect. Dalrack, the wizard who had been talking to Allustan earlier and the lone man in this town who had come to my aid, attempted to chase it away with his magic but again the little monster resisted. Things were bad, I’d used my best magic to no avail, but things were about to get decidedly worse. The little beast grabbed a handful of Kal’s hair, put his sword against the helpless elf’s neck, and slit his throat. Dalrack tried to save Kal, but he’s clearly not a warrior, and I watched in horror as Elluviel’s servant bled out in front of me. Dalrack knew we were doomed, he cast mage armour on me to try and ensure my safety, and I used my hex to heal myself.
I ran towards the compound. Where were those lazy guards? They finally appeared after it was already too late. They chased off our attacker and escorted us inside. I wanted to berate them but I was tired and weary. Let them live with the fact that their tardiness cost Kal his life and nearly cost me mine as well. My injuries weren’t that bad by the time I was in the safety of the Moonmeadow estate but I played them up refusing to answer any questions till morning.
Someone is going to pay for this. Assaulting my person and destroying my cousin’s property will not go unpunished. First I shall need to figure out who and why. There is no doubt in my mind that this wasn't a random attack. I will get to the bottom of this and I think I know the first person to ask.
Morwel
Dalrack's Journal
Harvester 2, 595 CY
My investigation into the "unkillable" undead in the hills around Diamond Lake proceeds forward with a hasty start. My conversations with the members of the Cult of the Green Lady have led me to believe that the rumors that have drawn me here are, unfortunately, true. They were not able to provide me additional details about them, but at the very least they have helped me not dismiss the claims too early.
I questioned a number of the townsfolk of Diamond Lake to little avail. None seemed to even know of the dangerous undead I seek out. Allustan, a scholar of great renown in the area, couldn't tell me more than confirm the existance of undead in the area. No specific creatures seemed to come to his mind with the vague description I had. He offered to speak with me more at a place called Lazare's, hopefully I will be able gain more knowledge through him.
The town itself seems to be a dangerous place. While many of the people that I spoke with today seemed uncorrupted, there is a feeling of desperation in the air. I might have imagined it or I could otherwise be misinterpreting the dedication of this town's people, but the desire to change one's position in the world might be drawing some of the residents to dark rituals and deals with devils.
I must be aware of this while I stay here. If the town falls to the worship of a dark deity the undead will be the least of the troubles for this land.
I have begun to form into a group with a few of the locals and a few travelers with their own goals in the area. One of them, Curunir, brought up that he had a friend go missing because of a group local to Diamond Lake. Allegedly they are responsable for performing human sacrifices and are established in one of the cairns in the area.
However, the convienance with which everything has come together makes me uneasy. The moment I came into the town I had a person guiding me right to a seat at the tavern and, before the sun had set, two travelers that had come into town that day came into the establishment and found that the different people they were looking for were both involved with one another. It feels like this was set up and that I'm heading into a trap.
After the bar, I found myself alone with a most beautiful woman, Morwel. Most of my companions had run off to investigate something on the other side of town and I was ready to follow them, but, after hearing Morwel's voice call out, I could not bring myself to chance leaving her alone in the dark. It seems that my instinct was right as some creature lept at us in the darkness. It struck at Morwel and killed her acquaintance before vanishing back into the dark. I don't know if my new "friends" set this up, if these creatures were watching and waiting for us to split up, or if Morwel intended for me to be drawn into that fight. However, the injuries she suffered were severe. If she saw it coming, it is more likely that she was seeking help rather than kill me.
---
Atreus - A strong man that I met working at a local blacksmith shop. He has guided me through the town and pointed at the people I should talk to. With how easy he became my guide, it might be that he was waiting for me to get into town. He might be subverting or redirecting my investigation. Aside from that he looks to be a good man.
Osgood - Owner of the blacksmith shop and possibly the best blacksmith in town. He was the one that suggested Atreus guide me through the city. He would have to be in on it as well for it to work out.
Balabar Smenk - Information from Atreus identifies this man as the most powerful of the mine managers in the area. He also hinted that Smenk created accidents to take out his enemies.
Mayor of Diamond Lake - Atreus neither pointed out him being either despicable nor benevolent to the people here.
Morwel - A beautiful woman that lives in a small complex Atreus refered to as "Elfland." She is a wonderful woman and quite nice to be around, but I can not help but have the feeling that she is waiting for an opportune moment to bare her fangs and drain me of my life. She seems to be some sort of spellcaster, a bard or a sorcerer perhaps. She seems to be vulnerable to the hardships of physical combat. She can not seem to last long when forced into melee.
Barl Burlyfoot - A halfling with more comebacks, jokes, and innuendo than I care to deal with, but he seems to be well connected in the town and knows a bit about the local cairns. His demeanor is irritating, but that doesn't stop me from trusting him. Although, it may just be a facade for me to let down my guard.
Allustan - A local that Atreus directed me to. He seems to be an impressive scholar though our interests do not seem to be aligned with one another. Still, he might be a good person to question about the history of this area. As long as I am careful and do not take his word as the complete truth, he should be incredibly useful.
Curunir - Came to the town looking for a friend named Dolbrun Trent.
Dolbrun Trent - A lieutenant in the town garrison. He disappeared after investigating or otherwise getting involved with a group of dangerous men. Before he went missing he seemed to be involved in some way with Daejin Moon.
Auric - A local adventurer that works with two others. Has proclaimed his intention of delving into one of the local cairns and becoming rich off of it's contents.
Izraphael - Druid of the Bronzewood Lodge. Came to the town looking for a member of his order, Daejin Moon.
Daejin Moon - A tracker for Izraphael's circle. Was sent to monitor the creation of a new mine by Elluviel Moonmeadow to ensure there would be minimal negative consequences for the surrounding environment.
Kaleceth - The father of Daejin Moon. Worked for Morwel's cousin. I knew him very briefly at what might have been one of the lower moments of his life as he drunkenly raged in the bar. Despite whatever else I thought of him, I regret not being able to stop the taking of his life.
Shadowy creatures - A short creature attacked Morwel from the darkness. I do not believe that it was either a halfling or a gnome, but I can not be certain. It did not seem to be abnormally resistant or vulnerable to Morwel's fire spell. It seemed to rely on a strong initial surprise attack with poison. If forced into a drawn out one-on-one fight, it might be less able to deal deadly blows.
Harvester 2, 595 CY.
Mother,
This is my first letter to you since your departure. I trust that you are as well as can be expected. Until last eve things had been fairly typical of our years spent in what you liked to call "this pathetic backwater dump of trash and human waste." You always did have a gift for words.
I killed someone tonight. Though you always told me it was an important detail to remember for a First, I'm afraid I am not sure of their species. While appearing to be perhaps a halfling or a gnome initially, they exploded into blinding light when my dagger found their heart. I performed the rite you taught me before i wrote this. You would be proud that i remembered each step even now, years later. Your lashings at my earlier failures were the excellent learning motivator that you thought they would be.
The act itself was not what I expected it to be. I didn't feel panic, fear, exhilaration, nor excitement, all of which are used to describe the act in the telling of stories. In truth it was more of a cold logic. The realization of the opening, the moment of the decision to strike. Even now i can't say that i even feel remorse, regret, or the opposite, satisfaction. This concerns me somewhat, as it is not the only thing strange to happen to me since you left.
Midwinter's Day, 589 CY. That would be when it started. Despite the light snow I was in the hills outside of town, going through the forms you had taught me. Yes, I practice them to this day, do not worry. I was attacked by a wolf. It was a young one, and clearly starving so chose me for its meal. It was faster then I was, and was upon me in a flash. It savaged my leg and took me off my feet. I struggled upright and struck back at it, your lessons to always have a weapon at hand serving me well as you swore it would with such conviction. Two strikes slew the animal; in its condition it didn't have the energy for a long battle. It was only afterwards, when I examined my leg and the shredded leggings that I realized there was no pain, nor blood. Somehow its teeth closed on but did not break my skin.
What do all of these things mean, Mother? Is this tied into why you always said I was Special? I wish you were here to answer my questions. Is this connected to my father perhaps? You never spoke of him either, and turned away every question I had regarding him. I have so many questions. So many things I don't know because you left. And now... I feel restless. Like something is stirring inside me, I find myself wishing to act. To Do. Yet to do what, I simply don't know.
I find myself throwing myself into whatever I choose to do. Osgood has remarked on this more then once. He even joked that I needed to find a woman to get myself married off and settled down, but I don't think he realizes that no woman in this town could hope to meet your standards, Mother. I have made a friend since you left. His name is Barl, and I know you would not approve of him. He is rude, loud, disrespectful, and uncouth. All of which would do nothing to endear him to you. Yet he is steadfast in his desire to leave this town, and strongly believes that there is something greater in store for him out there. In this we are kindred, and for that reason I will accept your displeasure and continue my association.
I have seen more strangers. New arrivals in town, they come here for different reasons. Morwel; a beautiful woman who stays with the elven overseer. Curunir; an elven veteran who is searching for a missing friend. Dalrack; a wizard who is following the trail of some type of vermin. Izraphel; searching for the missing daughter of a friend of his. I wonder what has brought them here for such different reasons, yet at the same time. The stirring I feel is strongest when they are near. I believe that when I see what my future holds one or more of them will be involved.
I bid you farewell for now, Mother. Dawn is almost here and the new day comes. Worry not however, for I shall write to you again soon.
Strength in Victory, Mother.
Your loving son, Atreus.
Experience for Session 2
700 each
Some of you will notice I slipped in some bonus xp into the session as well. I will be doing this regularly for particular actions, successful rolls and such. So keep track! Its easier for me to reward these actions during the session than try and remember them all after the fact, so in the interest of efficiency, we'll be doing it. It also makes bookkeeping on my end a little easier as well.
GMs perspective, Session 2
0 Character Deaths.
The party finished their investigations near Mayor's Hill in Diamond Lake, but by virtue of the rockier ground there, were unable to find further tracks from the Creepers. Izraphel spoke his concern though that the tracks he saw before seemed to indicate more of them. Returning back to the road where they had left Morwel and Dalrack earlier, they discovered they went inside Ellival Moonmeadow's estate and that Morwel had been injured. Ellival's guards informed him of the strangers outside and after hearing what Morwel had to say, invited them to the courtyard with food and wine.
Despite his early coldness, Ellival seemed oddly interested in the Creepers once Barl described them. Curunir showed him the 'remains', but after examining the cold iron dagger and stirring the rags a bit he seemed to lose all interest. Afterwards, he invited them to bed down in the courtyard of his estate as he was leaving for the evening. Gathering a few guards, Ellival left for an unknown destination. Barl, Atreus and Curunir went up to Morwel's chambers to check on her and Dalrack to find him tending her wounds as best he could. During a brief conversation, they found Dalrack had already invited her to investigate this possible cult locale on Curunir's map. She convinced them that she should come with minimal argument.
The following morning (Harvester 3rd, 595 CY) dawned with heavy thunderclouds overhead and rain. They were to meet at the Rusty Bucket to discuss their plans. Dalrack distracted Ellival's compound guards, while Morwel slipped out, ignoring Ellival's orders for her to remain in the compound. After discussing their plans, grabbing some needed equipment, the party left Diamond Lake for the northern Cairn Hills...finally coming to an abandoned mining site. The Mine was old and played out, its passages collapsed not far inside, the mine office standing derelict watch over it. Curunir's map indicated that the Cairn they sought should not be far. Sharp eyes found the entrance quickly, and by clearing away some of the brush, they found the entrance to the Whispering Cairn.
Atreus strapped a sunrod to his shield and Barl led the way inside. Investigating the alcoves off the main passage quickly, the group came to the largest hall they'd yet seen, them noticing the odd, flickering green light coming from down a set of stairs, the upper portion of the downward shaft covered by heavy sheets of dusty webs. Here a small pack of half-starved wolves attacked them. They made short work of the wolves, earning themselves some decent pelts, should they choose to skin and clean them.
Session End.
The promised map of the Abandoned Mine Office, ignore any notations made on this website aside from the map itself.
This map can also be found in Dragon Magazine #333 in the Wormfood article.
With some fixing up - especially replacing the roof, repairing the water damage and getting the kitchen into working order - the place should be pretty nice. If they go into "being ready to be beseiged" they'll install a small cistern to store potable water within the house itself.
Although if they are laid siege to by giants, the building won't last very long under boulder pummeling ...
Barl awoke to the sound of crashing dishes. His mother was yelling.
"Get your hands off me! Buddig! Barl!" *kong*... clearly she was fighting using her cooking pan.
Barl snatched up his blades from beside his bed and began running towards his bedroom door.
"Unhand my wife, you - mmrgmph!" His father had been taken, too.
Thinking quickly, he opened his bedroom window and clambered up the side and on to the roof. The moonlight revealed two black gnomish figures dragging his parents out the front door.
Barl jumped down on top of the one dragging his father away. The creature spun to face Barl without realizing a dagger had been tossed to his father, who had already stood up and pierced it through its ribcage.
Leaving the slumping figure behind, they charged the remaining dark creeper who had an odd look of fear in its eyes. Clearly outmatched, it released Barl's mother and turned to flee. But Barl's mother, anticipating these events, had already grabbed hold of its tattered rags and managed to slow its withdrawal.
Buddig and Barl exchanged smiles as they proceeded to pierce the creature from all angles. Exchanging one final glance and a nod, Buddig dove to cover his wife as Barl lept to the dirt. Two blinding flashes of light later, all that remained were two more piles of rags and primitive weapons.
Blinking, Barl emptied his mind once again, struggling to fall asleep. He buried his face deeper into his pillow.
Indeed Turin, glad to see you are still checking out the thread. I've changed up things in that campaign a bit, so we'll see if they decide to take over the abandoned Mine Office or not. If they do and make some repairs, that should give them a nice, defensible hideout to use.
They do have the good fortune of having a character or two with some Crafting abilities too for repairs, which would help.
That being said, I have high hopes for the next session of the Whispering Cairn. They are just now starting to get to the meat of things...so it should be interesting to see how they do. So far they have rolled well and used good tactics, so they may do just fine...we'll see!
Barl
Barl, Atreus and Curunir went up to Morwel's chambers to check on her and Dalrack to find him tending her wounds as best he could. During a brief conversation, they found Dalrack had already invited her to investigate this possible cult locale on Curunir's map. She convinced them that she should come with minimal argument.
Not quite right. Dalrack was allowed to tend Morwel's wounds after the other PCs had left. It will be straightened out in Morwel's next journal.
Not quite right. Dalrack was allowed to tend Morwel's wounds after the other PCs had left. It will be straightened out in Morwel's next journal.
I know. I was summarizing in the simplest and quickest sense. I'll leave it to the journals to tell perspective story.
I summoned Dalrack to my bed chamber once Elluviel’s sorry retainers had tended to my injury. It didn’t feel any better, but at least now it was bandaged and might continue to heal naturally. Dalrack seemed slightly embarrassed when he came to see me. I suspect it is because he, being a somewhat low born gentleman, was unfamiliar with customs of the court. The idea of ladies entertaining gentlemen in their boudoirs probably seemed scandalous even though it was a very common and mundane practice back home. However here, in these sad little apartments in Diamond Lake, I had but one chair to bid him sit at. Naturally his first line of questioning was concerning my health, as it should have been, and I played down my injuries with my words but allowed the full extent of my wounds to show through my visage. Better a man to think you stoic then weak.
My cousin then found the bad timing to interrupt:
“What happened,” he asked, as if I were one of his lackeys or underlings. This should have been reported to him the moment it happened or else Dalrack should have been questioned whilst my wounds were attended too. Despite my better judgment I responded.
“Kaleceth was murdered and an attempt was made on my life as well!” I snapped with a tad more venom then I intended.
“Is that so?” he asked. As if I would ever tell a lie.
“Had your guards been doing their duty we might only have been bloodied and Kaleceth might still be alive.”
“Don't fault them Morwel,” he said, obviously oblivious to the gross negligence of his underlings, “their task is to guard the compound, not this collection of hovels."
"What about the people who live within this compound?” I asked, “Are we not safe within the sight of your walls? I called for help when I stood in the shade of your walls, screamed when I was attacked, but help only came later, well after Kaleceth's throat was slit from ear to ear."
"Do not take such a tone Morwel,” he said, obviously having already made up his mind, “this village is a quiet place, we seek no trouble with the rash humans. You would obviously not complain so were you gravely injured."
I sighed and turned my attentions to Dalrack. Elluviel wasn’t worth wasting my breath on for the time being .
“Do you know of any reason why you might have been attacked?” the aged spell caster asked, looking towards me but clearly addressing Elluviel.
“This was just the question I was going to ask you,” I said, knowing full well that my cousin had been in Diamond Lake for over one hundred years without drawing enemies. I was an unknown and completely without enemies. I needed to know if these creatures were after Dalrack, or, more likely, after Kaleceth.
"I do not know of any enemies I have in this village,” he said, “I have been here less than a day investigating strange creatures in the hills. Few people should know that I was coming here and I know little about this town or its people."
"Be that as it may,” Elluviel suddenly cut in, “while you have my thanks for attempting to protect Morwel, she will henceforth cease any association with you. I will provide you with a reward, of course."
“Why?” Dalrack asked, “do you see me as a threat?”
“You are an outsider and human. Morwel has seen no trouble before your arrival."
I grit my teeth. Although correcting my cousin about his incorrect assumptions of his role in my life would be high on my priority list, I would not do him the indignity of correcting him in front of company; however his apparent lack of hospitality was completely unacceptable.
"Kaleceth was your man cousin," I said as calmly and as evenly as possible, "if you don't think that his murder just outside your walls is of grave concern then I shall say no more on the matter. But I was very nearly slain alongside him. The blow I took was truly a grievous one and I don't think I should have been able to have taken another. However we won’t quibble about that; but you have duties as lord and host of this house: you will not send him back outside with those creatures lurking about. Not after lending me aid!"
"Very well,” Elluvil said glancing quickly to me, “guest . . . right,” he added with a nod, “He shall have until dawn."
“We have so few guests," I quickly said to Dalrack by way of an explanation, "so sometimes my cousin forgets himself. But he has been under a lot of stress lately so you'll understand his stiffness"
I allowed the men to talk for a time. They needed to talk business (or whatever they call it) pledging to track who and whatever down and promising aid or allegiances. Typical male fantasy. Every man wants to be a knight or a lord. I can’t imagine who it is they thought they were impressing. Just when I’d grown board with the entire conversation a messenger arrived. It seems those four who had left me to my fate earlier had finally returned from their gallivanting and now thought to check on me.
“Friends of yours?” Elluvil asked, he looked to both of us but the question seemed to be directed at me.
"Oh yes," I muttered, "the men that abandoned me as I was dragging Kaleceth home"
"Had you taken them into service?” He asked, his eyes narrowing.
Ignoring Elluvil’s folly was becoming a bit of a struggle but I continued on as though he hadn’t spoken.
“Well to be fair only the blacksmith abandoned me," I said, not wishing to cast guilt on the entire band, "the others passed me by while looking for their friend. Only Dalrack offered his help. Of course such manners can be expected from rabble in the area. I can only assume they had a very good reason for leaving a lady in distress . . .”
"True...one can hardly expect chivalry from wretches such as these,” Elluvil said, “I will let them stay in the yard tonight. Tomorrow they clear out and do not return. Are we clear, Morwel?"
I glared at him. I wondered if the man knew what irony meant. Had he been living amongst these humans so long that he’d forgotten how to address a lady? In the end it worked to my favour as Dalrack clearly couldn’t stand the tone he took with me either. Later he seemed almost too eager to conspire against the ogre.
“I shall return,” he said as wilted under my gaze. Fortunately for him that was not the case. It seems he left that night for places unknown. It seems I would need to set him straight some other time.
Once he had left I was finally able to question Dalrack as I had intended before my socially blundering cousin arrived. We sat in silence a moment as I allowed the wizard to feel comfortable. I didn’t wish to make the first move in this new conversation, as I didn’t wish to appear too forward, but thankfully Dalrack eventually found the courage to address me.
“How are your wounds Lady Morwel?" he asked.
"I suspect I'll live," I said, "The poison has left me weak though"
"I am unsure of what healing your people can offer you,” he said, “but I am willing to offer the little skill that I have to help treat the damage the poison has inflicted."
The rudimentary bandages would stop the blood loss and prevent infection but little else. Perhaps if Dalrack was an experienced healer I’d need to take him up on that offer, but for now I needed information from him, and I had no idea if or when my cousin would return at the time.
"The blacksmith had questions for me and Kal," I said, quickly changing the subject, "I saw you walking and talking with him earlier. Perhaps you can tell me what his interest was."
"I am unsure if I can be definite,” he said, carefully crafting his words, “You are a beauty like no other I have seen, so that may be what had drawn him to you. But it may have also been that he wanted to see if you could help us in an upcoming expedition."
"Upcoming expedition?" I asked, internally wondering if this was the opportunity I’d been waiting for, "tell me more . . ."
"I am unclear about the exact details as we just met right after the few began discussing the particulars. I believe that there is some interest in exploring the cairns: a particular cairn, with a dark cult, which has caused the disappearance of several people. One of them was a friend of an elf named Curunir."
At the mention of the cairns I couldn’t help but smile. Finially I had my deniable culpability. ‘Why no cousin,’ I thought to myself, ‘I had no idea you’d already surveyed the area. Yes I did look through your journal, only because I was curious, but I promise you that when I saw there was nothing there about your business I didn’t read anything. These men were interested in exploring the local cairns how was I to know that the one we explored was the one that you’d already looked into?’ ‘Why no Allustan,’ I thought, ‘how was I to know that this was the same cairn you and I spoke about? I merely joined an expedition already intent on exploring that cairn. Still you are a man of learning, I’m sure you could help us identify and verify all these rare and valuable Vaati artefacts we’ve uncovered. I’m sure my companions would even allow you to publish your research before we sell these relics off in Greyhawk.’
“Excellent,” I said.
"I am not sure what has drawn a few of the others to this,” Dalrack said, clearly trying to fill the void in the conversation, “It could have been the desire to expunge evil from this village or simply the chance of wealth and fame to remove them from it. Either way I believe that we will all receive what we seek. Assuming we can stay together."
“Dalrack I wish to accompany you on this expedition,” I said, “Although Elluvil isn't concerned about this ordeal I will not allow this affront to myself and my cousin go unpunished."
Although I didn’t believe for a moment that this cult was hiding out in the cairn I wanted to explore, the very fact that Allustan and my cousin’s men had been about the area and reported nothing told me as much; but it didn’t make my statements any less true. I would have revenge and inflict tenfold the suffering and pain I’d experienced on whoever was responsible. However there was no reason not to grow wealthy before tracking down my attackers. Exploring this cairn might even give me the resources to better hunt these vermin down. There was no reason to let Dalrack suspect that my goals were anything less than noble.
"I would be joyous to have your magical talent,” Dalrack said, “but what about Elluvil?"
"I'll handle him," I said, "he is right to be worried for me, but I am not his subordinate and I will not follow his commands. I do respect that this is his domain, and while living under his roof I will respect his rules; but I need to understand why Kaleceth was attacked. I will not idly stand by while he does nothing."
"I understand,” Dalrack said, “I will make sure that you are included. I believe the group waiting outside was the band that was leaving for the cairn.”
I reclined in my bed contemplating my next move. Perhaps I should send Dalrack off to arrange a meeting with the group. If they were being questioned by my cousin it wouldn’t do to arrange an envoy in front of him. I suspected that Dalrack was capable of tact and guile but there was no reason to chance it at the moment. I suspected that once the clods discovered what had befallen me once they’d left they would wish to check up on me and apologize in person, this could give me the opportunity I needed, but if my cousin would consent to such a meeting was another question. For the moment my best option was to bide my time.
"If you don't mind my asking Lady Morwel,” Dalrack said after a time, “what is your relationship with Elluvil?"
This was a question I was getting very tired of answering.
"He is a cousin," I said, keeping the annoyance out of my voice, "a distant one I believe, I can never be sure of the family trees, the elves are such long lived people after all"
“Of course,” Dalrack said, wisely deciphering my hint and choosing not to ask the next obvious question, “My mind can barely contemplate it. How long have you lived in this village?"
“Just a few weeks now," I said in disgust, "before that I lived in the elven kingdom of Celene."
"What brought you here?" he asked, knowing full well that no one comes here voluntarily.
"That . . . Queen Yolande,” I said, quickly catching myself, “the perfect flower of Celene thought I should expand my education in the human lands so she sent me here."
“I see,” he said, before offering the proper sympathy, “I can only imagine the hardship you have gone through making such a transition."
“Thank you for your concern Dalrack," I said downplaying the great injustice that had befallen me, "I'm sure you've faced much hardship in your time as well."
With that we talked a little of him. I was casually curious of who he was and what brought him to Diamond Lake as well. I knew from the earlier conversation between Dalrack and my cousin that he wasn’t a native. However before I could probe too deeply there came a sheepish knock at my door and three of the four men that had left me and Kaleceth to our fates entered. They quickly apologized for leaving me, claiming they thought I was in no danger or some other excuse, but I choose not to let them off the hook so easily. Had just one of them stayed behind Kaleceth’s murder and my attacker might not have gotten away so easily. I caught sight of the Halfling snickering.
“Does my suffering or the murder of my kin’s man amuse you?” I demanded.
“No,” he said, seeming to be caught abash, “I take death pretty seriously, if I do say so myself.”
“Good,” I snapped, “because if I am to accompany you on this expiation I wouldn't like to be in the company of someone completely lacking compassion or feelings."
"Wait, what?" the blacksmith stammered.
"She will be joining us on the expedition." Dalrack said in a tone that left no room for debate.
“Why?” he had the audacity to demand.
“Because I cannot allow this attempt on my life or slight against my people go unpunished,” I said, “Because you all owe me some small debt after abandoning me on the road to be attacked; and lastly because I wish to go," I added with the force of a hammer, "because this town is dreadfully dull and I'd rather die a quick violent death of a knife in the back then the slow dreadful wasting of ennui."
Curunir, the elf seemed quick to accept me, Barl, the Halfling, was a bit hesitant but even he seemed beat into submission if nothing else. The only one who looked close to a holding out was the blacksmith. My speech brought a flurry of conversation and planning but I kept my eye on the blacksmith. Curunir spoke of some mission, to which Dalrack supposedly already informed me of, and then there was more talk of healing. The elf had taken wounds and Barl, being a local, knew of several places he could purchase it. I sighed and sat up in bed, I could only assume that the blacksmith would need some show of good faith before he let go of his lingering doubts, and this opportunity was too perfect.
“Come here elf,” I said, not yet pleased enough with Curunir to use his name, “give me your arm.”
The blacksmith sighed and took a deep breath, "You were in no danger where you were left,” he said, trying to justify his actions, “you were in sight of this very compound. I am sorry that you were injured and will attempt to make amends for that in some way . . .”
Just then Curunir approached, “Yes Lady Morwel?” he murmured as I grabbed his aim and let the magic flow through me.
“But I do not think that someone such as yourself would be an asset to. . ." the blacksmith continued but then Curunir gasped as the energy almost completely healed him. The blacksmith’s eyes darted from his elven companion to me, "Alright; I recant." He quickly said.
It seems I’d won his trust. Or was it his respect? One can never tell with human males.
"Now leave me," I said falling back into bed, "I'm still quite weak, but before you go take this."
From under my pillow I produced the list I’d been working on as well as the coins my cousin had given me only a short while ago.
"That's a list of things I'll need," I said as the elf examined the list, "I'm too weak to leave tonight, but if I am to accompany you I'll need a few things. Pick them up upon the morrow if you’d like, but I will need my own supplies if I am to be travelling with you, for I don’t wish to be a burden on anyone."
The men quickly rose to take their leave of me but I called out to Dalrack to wait, “actually I’d better take you up on that offer of treatment,” I said once I was sure the others had left, “it is a long road to the cairn and I don't wish to be a bother. You are trained in medicine?"
"A bit,” he said, “I usually aid those more adept than me."
I pulled myself from my bed and stepped behind the dressing blind, "I shall take whatever little aide I can at this time," I said. Perhaps he was being modest in his appraisal of his skills, perhaps not, but he couldn’t be any worse than Elluviel’s sorry retainers. "My cousin is likely to try to keep his word," I said as I removed my clothes, "And it seems as though we'll have little opportunity on the road.
“I will likely need an escape plan," I quickly added, hoping Dalrack would handle this unpleasant part, "and so you shall need to think of something to help me escape in the morning as well"
I put on my dressing gown and stepped out from behind the blind. Dalrack nervously looked away, which I found adorable; perhaps he wasn’t lying about his meagre medical skills. I stepped in front of him where it would be impossible to look away.
"What if I were to have a loud argument with one of them men,” he said, “Could that provide an adequate distraction for you to make you way out?”
"Yes,” I purred, “That sounds fine, so if you could do these two things for me," I said meaning the healing and the assistance with my escape, I then allowed the gown to fall so Dalrack might examine my injures, "I might find myself very much in your debt"
“I will do my best to accomplish them Lady Morwel,” he said as his face grew crimson. Surely I wasn’t the first female he’d examined in all his years? I was undoubtedly the loveliest, few I think could compare with my youth and beauty, but to a trained practitioner the aesthetics shouldn’t matter. Then again, by the looks of him, I suspected it had been a long time since he had had any company, feminine or otherwise. His hands were rough but gentle. His work was no worse than that of Elluviel’s sorry retainers but he seemed disappointed in his work. He apologized but I wouldn’t hear a word of it. He had been the most loyal and cleaver companion I’d encountered thus far in these human lands; and one shouldn’t fault someone for failure in a skill that is clearly out of their skill set. Dalrack would make a fine assistant.
After he bid me goodnight I composed a letter for my cousin. If I didn’t see him the next morning I’d need to get a few things straight between us. A letter was hardly the most ideal format, but I was hardly going to wait for his return:
Dearest Cousin Elluviel,
I am sorry I couldn’t be there for your return but I cannot allow this unprovoked attack upon myself and those in my care go unpunished. I have left to investigate these attacks. I will see that the perpetrators are dealt with.
There is another matter that I wish to discuss with you though, and although I’d have preferred to have dealt with it last night, away from prying ears; I fear I must address it in this letter. We need to straighten a few things out: first of all you are not my guardian. It is your house and I will abide by your rules but you are not my guardian. I am not your ward, servant, subordinate, or thrall. I am your guest. It would seem that you’ve been away from our homeland for so long that you don’t remember how a guest is to be treated. Please allow me to give you a small refresher:
I do not follow your orders. Never bark commands at me. Ever.
I assist you out of respect and obligation. Do not assume that my assistance is anything but a favour granted by me in return for allowing me to stay under your roof.
Do not enter my room without permission.
Do not correct me in front of the help or visitors.
Never doubt my word in front of the help or visitors.
Do not make assumptions about my personal life! As if anything living in this town were worthy of my affections. The only thing more distasteful then the lowly mayor making advances towards me was your insinuations that I had been fraternizing with the local men.
Never tell me who I can or cannot see. It is your house and I would never ask a gentleman caller over without your permission, but outside of your walls I am free to associate with whomever I wish. Supposing I forgot my breeding and lowered myself to accepting the advances of someone like Smenk. You would free to offer your counsel. It would be in within your powers to banish me from your home. But you cannot tell me who I can or cannot see.
I suspect that I will be away for a few days, perhaps as much as an entire week. I shall endeavour to send word to you in a couple of days to let you know I am safe; but should you fail to hear from me for five days or more, you should fear the worst.
I won’t speak of this little incident with mother when next I write; I will assume that your manners are rusty and that you’re not used to sharing your house with a guest of the gentler sex. These slights and insults can be overlooked and forgiven. I trust that you will be in better behaved and in spirits when next we meet,
Morwel
The letter I would place in his office so he’s be sure to discover it when he returned.
Harvester 3, 595 CY
I had a conversation with Ellival Moonmeadow that controls the mine. He was somewhat antagonistic to my appearance and would seem to have preferred that I never have the pleasure of entering his home or interacting with Morwel again. I understand this well, but I am worried how far he might go to protect his home from outsiders.
I was allowed to stay the night and learned that my companions had found themselves at the gates. While the master talked with them, I spoke with Morwel a bit and learned more about her. After some incident in her homeland, she had been forced into this village. I believe that she is intent on finding something to regain the comfort, freedom, and respect she deserves. If some enemy offers it to her, I cannot be sure that she would not take it.
Still I could not turn away when she wanted to join the expedition into the cairn. Her magic would prove very useful and I feel more comfortable with not finding myself entirely within a party that conveniently all found themselves at a tavern table one day.
After that, I rejoined with the rest of the party. They themselves had allegedly battled some of the shadowy figures that had attacked Morwel and the late Kaleceth. Neither Atreus nor Barl seemed to want Morwel in the party, but after she displayed her healing abilities, they accepted her offer of help. I am curious about her healing ability myself. Although the magic moves in an odd way, I hope that, with Morwel’s help, that I can learn how to apply it to my own magic.
With that done, I spent the rest of the day in Morwel’s room treating her wounds. I sadly found myself too distracted to administer proper care. Her figure was quite astonishing… I never saw her without her gloves or footwear though. She might have been hiding some scar that marred her beauty; I did not find it prudent to push it.
She also asked me to figure out a way to get out the complex unimpeded. Unable to come with another plan I just yelled at the elven guard, distracting him until thought Morwel had escaped. It was crude and I likely went over the top, but it seemed to have worked. This would likely produce a displeased reaction from Ellival Moonmeadow; I will have to be ready for it.
The journey to the cairn was thankfully uneventful.
A pack of wolves attacked us once we delved into the cairn. They appeared to be normal in all respects, but I am wary of someone that might have directed them to take a position guarding the tunnel. They wounded Barl, but thankfully not as badly as he could have been.
Addendum: A broken stone arch within the cairn appears to have been made by the same people that created the artifacts that interested Allustan at the bar. I should question him about it when I go back to the town.
Atreus – Although I have only seen him fight once, he is clearly a powerful warrior. His powerful blows are easily able to dispatch most with one swing. I may have imagined it, but it seemed as though that, when a wolf stuck him with a solid bite, he did not take as much damage as I would have expected. It might have just been luck, but it could be that his body is capable of ignore some amount of damage to it, like a vampire or a werewolf. There may be a way be a way to bypass this.
If he has weaknesses, they are not within his melee abilities or endurance. Attacking his mind might be the easiest way to defeat him. Bolstering his mental defenses will be the best way to ensure he keeps fighting for the group.
Barl Burlyfoot – A skilled warrior with a weapon in each hand. His weakness appears to be where his strength lies. His attacks improve considerably when catching an opponent unaware or when working with another to flank a target. To minimize his damage, an opponent needs to ensure he does not leave their sight and you do not let an ally of his find a way behind you. Well-positioned allies make him a considerable threat on the battlefield.
Curunir – At the very least Curunir is a skilled archer. He also has said his magic can bolster us, but circumstances have not happened to force him to reveal that yet. One way to negate his ranged abilities would be to have several people were to engage him in melee. If he is too far to engage in melee, one might take cover and force him to approach for a clear shot. He still has difficulty firing at creatures in close melee, so keeping some enemies clear would increase his accuracy.
Dark Creeper – These shadowy creatures were the ones that struck Morwel and attacked the other party members. Upon death, they produce a blinding flash of light that left their gear intact, but body destroyed according to the rest of the party.
Ellival Moonmeadow: Owner and patriarch of the elven estate in Diamond Lake. He seems knowledgeable of the area, but he carries a strong dislike and distrust of people that come from outside his family tree. That is understandable. My aiding of Morwel’s escape quite likely will bring his anger down upon me.
Izraphael – Did not join the party on the expedition to the cairn. It is unknown what he could be doing. Allegedly has the power to use magic to fill an area with daylight.
Morwel – An impressive spell caster, but it seems that the amount of magic she can call upon in a day might be as limited as my own. She was favoring her crossbow in combat, but her accuracy did not seem exceptional. She would be in danger if forced into melee. She has to have room to be able to move and cast her spells freely. If I turned, the same strategies would be just as effective on me.
With Morwel’s help, I might learn from her how she can cure light wounds with her magic. I have been unable to make this discovery myself, but she might have a knowledge that I lack. She has also created a blast of fire in the battle with the dark creeper, I am hopeful that she might be able to teach me how she cast out a wave of fire with her burning hands.
Even without assistance, I might be able to mimic healing magic with my necromancy to create a sort of false life that could serve to protect myself against attacks or restore the energy that I transfer to others.
With the number of malevolent creatures we might be facing, I find it prudent to investigate ways to create a protection from evil ourselves from their mental and physical attacks.
Barl might continue needing assistance with flanking that will be too dangerous for me to provide. I search for a way to summon monsters to attack with him while not putting ourselves in danger.
I still find myself wary being in a strange town with no one that I can be sure of. It may be I might need to make it appear as if were dead in order to ensure that does not become the reality. While I lack illusion, I might be able to use necromancy to alter the shape of a body to make it appear as if it were mine or another persons. After using this sculpt corpse spell, I should be able to divert any that would have me killed, at least for a short time.
Harvester 3, 595 CY.
Mother,
I hope Scourgehold has recieved you with open arms and that you feel at home there.
I apologise for the abrupt arrival of my first missive. Events have proceeded apace this day. I met with the others in our 'party' this morn, at the Rusty Bucket. Yes, it has not changed much in the years since you last saw it and Gansworth has kept it respectable in decor. I think you would find it more tolerable then the other establishments still. I continue to remember that it was your favourite here.
The Elf was adressing us over the morning meal. I believe his name is Curunir but that is of no real import. What matters is that he was telling us of a cult he was hunting down; he was insisting it existed in the area and apparantly inside this town itself. He called it the Ebon Triad. Yes Mother, he said They were here in town. I remember that you mentioned Them before; You thought that They would be more of a
danger to us then the Church itself could be.
This news got my attention. As the Elf had not a single lead as to who or where in town They could be located, I supported searching a suspected location for them outside the town. The Whispering Cairn; That was its name. I remember now in hindsight that the local children used to dare each other as a test of courage to sleep a night inside its entrance because the sounds of ghosts could be heard.
It surprises me that trivial details from years ago can rear up and suddenly become important. I wonder what subtle nuances of yours i have forgotten Mother, and what answers they would give me. The Elf's news regarding the cult placed their arrival shortly after your departure. Were the two connected in some way? I was determined to find this out.
I shall continue this letter shortly, Mother. It is time for dinner and I am expected; though I confess I do not have much of an appetite. Perhaps I am too distracted by recent events; but I have had to remind myself to eat for the past two days now.
Strength in Victory, Mother.
Your loving son, Atreus.
Case File: Trent Investigation
Field Report Day 1 Trent Investigation
Arkady Leonov, Specialist Chaplain First Class Order of Heironeous
Marris led to Whispering Cairn entrance. No sources of light detected upon entry. Short exploration into Cairn led to discovery of Curunir and other civilian adventurers.
Initial encounter with civilian adventuring band reveals extreme paranoia and inability to trust one another let alone peaceful military official. Approached and announced self. Small brush with wolves appears dealt serious wounds to assembled civilians. Performed basic Chaplain-level field treatment.
Explained dispatch order to observe and assist as necessary. Civilian assembly understandably skeptical, but reticence quickly became annoying. Young lad Atreus questioned about Ebon Triad. Formal request for Chapel file on Atreus and Ebon Triad filed alongside report.
Curunir claims membership with Black Arrow regiment. Respectable roots, but Curunir himself very cautious. Too many conspiracy tales as child, perhaps. Believed me sent for purpose of harm.
Old man named Dalrack seems to drain own vitality to boost others. Interesting talent, but also dangerously close to dark magics. Wizardly talents are obvious, but actual spellcasting not yet observed.
Halfling civilian named Barl appears thankful to have clerical support in exploration of Cairn. Irreverent to fault but otherwise decent combatant.
Morwel exhibits extreme oddities in behavior. Claims sight beyond standard ranges and lacks proper respect for fire. Elf also shows heavily manipulative nature, possible artifact of upbringing in Fey kingdoms.
Room which civilians occupied enclosed mural of following room. Various lanterns appear lit within painting. Only green lantern in room lit with magical torch. Investigation of yellow lantern triggered summoning of so-called "Deathbug". Deserved name, as poison particularly virulent. Thankfully, poison reversed upon return to chapel.
Additionally, sarcophagus found in chamber turns to each lantern. When pointed at green lit lantern, hole in floor opened and monstrous vermin attacked. Swarm of Acid Beetles nearly kill young Atreus, but quick thinking resulted in improvised flint and steel maneuver with stone floor and shield rim to light oil and burn most of remaining insects away. Dalrack finished off remaining beetles with torch.
Green lantern now hangs over 60ft deep hole to lower level. Investigation resumes on morrow, however group needs reprieve to restore magical energies and the like, and Cairn clearly constitutes greater than anticipated threat, requiring special requisition of equipment from Chapel armory. Requisition requests attached.
Formal Requisition Request:
Chapel File Direct Access or Copy Requested:
Atreus
Morwel
Dalrack
Barl Burlyfoot
Curunir "Black Arrow"
Ebon Triad
Armory Requisition Request:
20 flasks oil, with fuses (2 GP)
5 flasks acid (50 GP)
Grappling hook (1 GP)
Silk rope (10 GP)
3 Antitoxin vials (150 GP)
Minor healing potions
Potions or scrolls for countering, delaying, or repairing effects of poison.
Tools for restoration of abandoned structure near Cairn to use as temporary base of operations for expedition into Cairn.
Authorization requested for advance loadout necessary for completion of mission. Authorization given to hold value of requested items against future combat pay.
A couple of notations:
1) Houserule Revision: Crossbows
-At Point-Blank Range Crossbows will do 1 die size larger of base damage (excluding Hand Crossbows). This gives crossbows a needed boost, but does
not penalize folks for using a bow at low-levels.
Light Crossbows do 1d10 at 30 feet or less of range.
Heavy Crossbows do 1d12 at 30 feet or less of range.
Double Crossbows do 1d10 at 30 feet or less on both boths, provided they hit.
These rules apply to Repeating Crossbows as well.
2) Fatespinner's character Izraphel is officially dropped from the game.
3) For Arkady's requisitions:
-10 Flasks of oil, prepared. This is over half the Chapel's store of oil.
-Valkus is able to requisition 2 flasks of acid from Captain Trask of the garrison.
-Grappling Hook is available.
-Silk rope as well.
-Standard workman's tools are available as well, without issue.
-2 vials of Antitoxin are provided (this is all they have).
-1 potion of Delay Poison.
Half of Arkady's pay as a Chaplain of Heironeous will be put towards this, the rest he will still receive. The rest will need to be either payed back eventually or will be eventually bought down by his garnishment.
Total Cost of Items: 232 gp. This includes half-price for the healing implements you've acquired, including the potion.
For Arkady's requisitions: ** spoiler omitted **
(If it's alright, Arkady would have asked only for what he thought the chapel was willing to give. I thought the garrison would have more supplies.)
Sadly no, Arkady. While the Chapel of Heironeous isn't a bad post, the garrison of Diamond Lake is where military careers go to die for the Greyhawk Military. As such, they have only standard supplies like rope oil, etc. Alchemicals or specialty items aren't really provided.
So while a Priest-Chaplain is not a looked down upon post, Diamond Lake is still considered rather backwoods/BFE. The Garrison folk, on the other hand, would be badly derided if they were to go to Greyhawk itself. And thats only if they didn't get sentenced to Diamond Lake as part of Greyhawk's Penal soldiers.
Two blade spiders dropped from the ceiling and surprised the group.
Naturally, Atreus and Arkady rushed forward to engage them, once again blocking Barl.
"Dammit people! Spread out!"
Responding almost reflexively, Arkday and Atreus separated and the spiders followed, leaving a space between them.
With a roll and a somersalt, Barl landed between the spiders. Several quick jabs to each midsection, and they fell with little effort.
"You really are a benefit to the group, Barl. I'm sorry that I tried to force you into any position at all with me", Morwel beamed.
"Yes, we should make sure Barl can get attack everything from behind. Otherwise there will be no chance for us."
"Now that's what I'm talkin' about", Barl barked.
"Are you going to help us clean this building?" Dalrack said, annoyed.
Barl halted practicing his new weapon swings, annoyed.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Barl put his weapons away.
"Stupid people..." he muttered to himself.
Alright! I should get to this.
Session 3 of the Whispering Cairn
0 Character Deaths
Notes:
-Fatespinner/Izraphel not present (dropped out).
-Research/Arkady joining in with a Cleric (yay!).
Total Session Exp: 1067 each + bonuses awarded individually during the adventure.
Our stalwart heroes, after dispatching the scraggly wolf pack last session stood around discussing the merits of mangy wolf pelts as a light began to shine from the entry hall of the cairn. While most of the party remained oblivious to this, it was noticed and a voice was heard to call out from the hall. Arkady, the Chaplain of Heironeous had come to aid them, it seemed.
Some distrust and innuendo followed his arrival...especially since he had been sent by the Chapel of Heironeous to investigate the disappearance of Lt. Dobrun Trent of the garrison as well. Curunir wasn't quite willing to accept that explanation, but eventually some measure of suspicious consensus was reached after Arkady channeled positive energy, healing many of their hurts. They were ready to move on, at least. Investigating the wolf's den, Barl and Atreus were able to located a metal and glass lantern of indigo hue inside a backpack beneath some gnawed upon bones.
After passing suspicions regarding the mural of the lantern room, the part continued onward into the Lantern Hall (the real one) and almost immediately began to explore...looking for the real lanterns to match the indigo one they had.
Almost immediately during the investigation, Arkady triggered a trap, summoning a Jungle Rhagodessa! A short but intense battle followed in which Arkady was grappled, macerated and poisoned to within an inch of unconsciousness. A succession of attacks, followed by great shots from both Morwel and Curunir killed the summoned rhagodessa just as it was preparing to snap its chelicerae down on Arkady's neck! It faded...vanishing back to the realm from which it was summoned.
Further investigation of the room occured once everyone had their wounds treated and cured. Investigating the various lanterns, the party began lighting candles and putting them in the lanterns. Morwel's investigations of the sarcophagus turned up with the revelation that it would rotate if pushed hard enough. Two successive turns rotated it to the Green Lantern hall whereupon a deep grinding shriek of metal sounded. A moment later a hollow thunk...then a sharp CRACK! as the ground gave way suddenly, directly below the green lantern. A slew of lucky perception checks later and the party deduced a coming menace...and then the Mad Slasher rushed from the hole....followed almost immediately by a swarm of acid beetles! A desperate battle commenced, the Slasher rushing forward and the swarm attacking whoever was nearest....after a few rounds of pitched combat...the swarm moved towards the greatest concentration of blood on the ground...right where the Mad Slasher, Dalrack and Arkady were! Its ravenous collection of corrosive mandibles thankfully ended the threat of the Mad Slasher, though it wounded Dalrack and Arkady as well.
The swarm was finally dealt with by a few flasks of alchemists fire from Barl followed by a gambit by Arkady and Atreus. Atreus attempted to finish off the swarm by turning a bottle of oil into a firebomb (see Oil)...but the wick failed to light the oil as the flask shattered on the ground. Atreus bravely stood there to draw the beetles onto the oil-soaked area. Throwing chance, caution and good sense to the wind, Arkady then tried an insane maneuver (Arkady would say "Epic Maneuver!")...he charged towards the swarm, throwing himself on his shield, trying to strike enough sparks to light the oil (and possibly himself) on fire! I gave this maneuver a 1 in 6 chance of working....(he rolled a 1). So, striking sparks as he slide into the swarm, Arkady ignited the oil, setting the beetles to shrieking as some of them dispersed...but not enough...the swarm still remained.
Finally, Dalrack took matters upon himself, getting a torch lit and dispersing the swarm with it. Arkady, who had miraculously managed to not light himself on fire, tended to the sorely wounded Atreus.
Once wounds were again tended, exploration began again...and then arguing began to ensue over where to explore first! Atreus had noticed the difference in height in the Blue Lantern Hall earlier on...while Morwel and Arkady were looking down into the hole beneath the Green Lantern. Finally, after much discussion over the matter, Barl climbed up the shaft over the Blue Lantern and found the upper hall. He was unwilling to explore any further without aid though. Tossing back down his torch, he saw something odd on the wall of the shaft, across from the ledge. Further close investigation revealed it to be a patch of dried blood, hair and bits of bone...driven into the stone. Barl was able to deduce that someone was hurled out of the upper passage to collide with the opposite wall with enough force to kill the person. Dropping down and informing the rest of the party of this...a quick decision was made to retreat from the Cairn for the remainder of the evening to rest and resupply after their exertions. Tensions were high...Atreus especially was still suspicious of Arkady and his sudden arrival...however, ultimately, Arkady and Atreus seperately returned to town for supplies, while the rest spent the evening working to make the old mine office somewhat comfortable, for at least the night.
The new day beginning is Harvester 4th.
Harvester 3, 595 CY, Continued
A cleric of Heironeous named Arkady Leonov approached the party soon after we had dispatched the wolves. After the fierce battle, we were especially on our guard and wary of anything that might attack us. A number of the party members showed distrust of him. Maybe all of them showed distrust even, but the majority came from Atreus and Curunir.
Curunir’s concern seemed to come from suspicion of a stranger wandering in to help, which I can agree with, I am not sure if there was a deeper reason for it. While I share his concern, I do not want it to blind me to the help we certainly needed, no matter who offered it.
Atreus seemed to have a deeper issue with Arkady. Maybe Atreus is more defensive as we begin to delve down because of the local legends and dangers surrounding these cairns. I suspect there are deeper reasons for it though. In either case, I will have to be cautious of this and do my part to avoid forcing them to put their lives in the each other’s hands.
Barl accepted him readily when Arkady demonstrated his healing ability. Arkady did so in a similar manner to how Morwel used her healing magic at the Moonmeadow compound, except in this case Akady demonstrated his healing ability on me. While I certainly felt uncomfortable being an example for his healing prowess, it irritated me even more to watch Arkady waste his healing on me. Investing my own life energy in Barl had left me winded, but I would have recovered before the end of the day. There were others with actual injuries to treat before me.
Atreus grudgingly allowed Arkady to stay with the party as we continued onward. In the wolf’s den, we found humanoid remains along with a bag. Inside we found a colored lantern with no immediate purpose. In another alcove, we found a diagram with a central room surrounded by alcoves filled with lit colored lanterns forming the spectrum of a rainbow. Walking down a set of stairs, we found a room that matched that diagram except two lanterns were missing and, except for the green lantern, all the lanterns were dark. The lantern we had found just before seemed to be one of the missing lanterns, but the other is still missing.
A trap summoned a monster before we could investigate much more. It was a massive venomous spider conjured by Arkady’s movements. The strength it had was obvious with the massive blows it dealt to the armored cleric. Arkady retreated to heal himself as the spider’s venom drained his strength. Then Atreus was the only one left facing the creature in melee. Everyone else stayed a good distance from the creature. Morwel stood behind me and used her healing to replenish the energy I spent to bolster those next to the spider. I was tempted to admonish her for healing me when I did not need it, but this seemed neither the time nor the place to speak of that. Thankfully, the creature was quickly defeated and it disappeared as summonings do.
After we recovered, we filled all of the available lanterns with our torches. As we did, Morwel noted that the sarcophagus at the center of the room was shaped like an arrow. With some effort, we rotated it to point to the other alcoves. When it reached the green lantern, a rumbling filled the cavern and a hole crumbled beneath the green lantern’s chain. From there came a swarm of acidic beetles and a giant spider-like creature with bladed legs. The swarm was hard for the party to defeat. Almost all of us had nothing to drive away their numbers. Morwel and Barl did the most to it with their spell and flask of alchemist’s fire. Arkady was lucky when he lit a patch of oil by striking his steel shield against the stone ground. I had only just managed to light my own torch and strike it back for a moment before they finally dispersed.
That left us with two directions we could go without trying to move the sarcophagus again. The new hole that descends sixty feet into the darkness below and a passage that opens up high at the top of another alcove. At the top Barl found the remains of a person launched out of the passage and slammed into the wall at an incredible speed. I worry that passage may become our only option for moving forward and, in that case, that wall may become my grave. Barl inspected it briefly before it was determined we should leave further exploration for the next day when everyone was better prepared. I would have rather continued forward. I had held most of my magic in reserve for a greater threat, but it seems that I might have held it back too much.
However, I feel comfortable as I go back to the decrepit mining office with most of my magic ready. At least more so than if I had no magic left here in the wilderness among people that I have known for no more than two days. I have to chastise myself though, retaining my magic will mean little if I lost a good ally because of my frugality.
Atreus and Arkady left for the town separately. I am not sure if they are more of a threat to each other or the beasts that roam the wilderness.
I talked with Morwel about her magic and I am no longer certain how she practices magic. If I understand her correctly, she prepares spells in the same manner as I each morning, but her snake familiar, Sir Hiss, instructs her in the preparation of these spells. I am not certain where Sir Hiss’s knowledge comes from, but it seems that he can learn magic through the consumption of a prepared scroll. I will continue to investigate the nature of her unique magic to see if I can apply to my own studies.
The mining office is in an extreme case of disrepair, but it should serve better than camping outside. A bit of work should make it into an adequate base for the moment. At the very least, this effort should make up for my lack of physical training over the last few days. If the dangers continue to build deeper within the cairn, I will need a greater well of endurance to grant to my allies. Barl has helped clear out a portion of the living room and I have nearly cleared the well. It grows dark quickly, but I believe that we should be done before we lose our light.
Acid Beetle – While this is little threat by itself, it became a great danger when it joined with hundreds of its kind to attack. The swarm has incredible defenses that are hard to deal with. Killing a few with a sweep of a blade or firing of a ray does not impede these at all. Fire was the only thing that harmed them. Either from a magical burning spray, a vial of alchemist’s fire, burning oil, or a lit torch, nothing aside from flame did any apparent harm to it.
Arkady Leonov – He is a cleric of Heironeous, a member of the clergy in Diamond Lake. His arrogance is obvious and irritating to deal with. If he feels that we have done something wrong in his mind, I am not sure if he would seek to judge and execute his sentence right there in the cairn. Despite his exceptional power, he is still vulnerable to creatures with pure strength and shows no signs of being resistant to poison.
Atreus – He showed an unusual amount of aggression at Arkady, I am unsure if this will become a continuing issue. He seems to have no significant ability to protect himself or combat against vast swarms of insects. Still, I doubt that a swarm would provide any exceptional threat if there was nothing barring his retreat.
Curunir – He used his magical abilities and empowered the attacks of our allies. I can maximize this ability if I am able to finish my research into conjuring more creatures to fight alongside us.
Slasher – This quick insect-like creature attacked with quick strikes from bladed legs. It even seemed capable of striking everything around it in a whirl of cuts.
Summoned Giant Spider – This appeared fast and had attacks that could easily kill a man even before the poison completely drained them of their strength. I was not able to note any exceptional defenses before it was defeated.
While I might be able to learn Morwel’s fire magic, I find it prudent to begin my own research into the matter given today’s experience with the beetle swarm. A longer lasting flame should complement instantaneous blasts of fire. I have seen the spell before in my studies and I should be able to replicate the magic to create flaming spheres soon.
Much of what is broken in the mining office is shattered beyond the ability of my cantrips to make whole. It would speed up repairs to the office if could take the broken pieces and use my magic to completely restore the destroyed object.
My life as an adventurer began today.
With no sign of my cousin I left my note on his desk. I’d have preferred to have dealt with him in person but everything I wanted to say to him was left in the note. He’ll be furious no doubt, which made me glad, I wanted him to feel at least a fraction of the anger I’d felt last night. But sadly the letter does make me seem a bit like a coward, however I had little recourse as I had no intentions of waiting on him, this opportunity may never come round again. Perhaps after I was certain he had my letter I’d let him stew a bit.
Dalrack came up with a simple plan to get me out of the compound, he would distract the guards and I would simply slip out the front door. The plan was beautiful in its simplicity. Why over think things? If something should go wrong I would simply give them the tongue lashing they deserved and leave of my own accord. I did hope things worked out though because I had no desire to even address these incompetent fools that failed to protect me. I didn’t feel they deserved the honour of having me yell at them. Elluvil had forgiven them, I had not. Maybe after their latest blunder my cousin would begin to see them as the inept undisciplined freeloaders that they were. But then again perhaps not. Denial is a powerful force.
I packed what I thought I’d need: my comb, my mirror, some twine and ribbon for my hair and miscellaneous purposes, a wash cloth, soap, a razor, tweezers, some scented oils, a couple of pieces of paper, a pen, ink, sealing wax, my knife and crossbow, a case of bolts, and I tucked my signet ring into one of my secret belt pockets. I wore my sturdy traveling cloths, good hiking boots, a warm cloak, and of course my working gloves. These had good firm leather on four of my six fingers and because they were for ‘work’ I wouldn’t care if they got dirty. Hopefully the others had done as I’d asked and purchased the remainder of my supplies.
When I was ready Dalrack moved to distract the guards. I couldn’t help but smile as the wizard verbally tore into them. Had I felt anything towards them I would have given them much of the same, though undoubtedly with greater eloquence and more zeal. People often think that volume equates to anger, that the louder they shout the greater the displeasure they’re showing, but this is a mistake: when I made my formal rival Ellundeene run away I scarcely raised my voice louder than a whisper. Perhaps one day I’d let these fools know how I felt about their failure but for now I had more important things to do. I easily slipped out the front door.
The group choose to meet just across the street in a restaurant called “The Rusty Bucket”. I’d never bothered to visit it before. It seemed rather mundane, completely un-noteworthy, and once I found my way inside I found I wasn’t wrong. It was well furnished, for a backwater berg; I’ll give it that much. The food was edible but nothing stood out. Perhaps this restaurant was considered fancy in this sad little town. I saw that it had a VIP section with velvet ropes. There were green stain glass windows and a trio of pipers playing a somewhat discordant melody. It seems sad that they needed to make such pretences. The restaurant seemed like a peasant wearing noble’s cloths. No one of distinction would be fooled.
I found the others already assembled as I entered. I immediately suggested that one of the men check on Dalrack just in case things had become physical across the road. My concern was unfounded, Dalrack entered just moments after one of the men reluctantly went to check on him, but I didn’t dare take a chance. He’s the only one I’d stumbled across thus far in these human lands that showed any real potential.
After a small discussion we headed towards the cairn. I was pleased that the cairn they were interested in exploring was the one that I thought I might have to secretly steer them towards. That meant less effort on my part. I was also happy that the men had bought the equipment I’d requested. Perhaps this expedition wouldn’t be as tedious as I’d imagined. The men, though clearly not of quality, were at least capable of following simple instructions.
The hike to the cairn proved to be nothing. I had some worry that I might slow the men down but the smallest, I believe his name is Barl, was quite slow and the hike became more of a leisurely stroll to me. The abandoned mine was quite easy to locate, there was even an old path and there was a broken down mine office near the site that the men decided could be used as a camp site. Locating the cairn proved to be a bit more difficult but the halfling Barl is quite close to the ground and has sharp eyes. He soon spotted an overgrown tangle that had something behind it.
The mouth of the cairn wasn’t much to look at: no statues, runes, or architecture to hint this was this was the final resting place of an ancient and/or advanced race. Naturally I wasn’t impressed. I suspected that a race powerful enough to get my cousin and Alustan “the smartest man in town” all excited would have some hint that there was something here. Still, I suppose if there were any treasure still within, it would be better not to have something too ostentatious on the outside to attract thieves.
Unfortunately, when we began investigating, we saw signs early on that the place had already been plundered. The entrance had names written and carved into it, we discovered an old mouldy bed roll, and there were plenty of signs of vandalism. The “whispering” sounds that lent the cairn its name for example proved to be strange air pipes that hand long ago been busted open. There was a strange statue or structure made out of an equally strange material that had been shattered. To me it looked as though it might have been an oval, perhaps in the shape of a mirror frame at one time. I couldn’t help but note the Vaati runes on it but no one else in the group seemed to know what I was talking about. Dalrack could only repeat what Allustan had told us both. The seeds were planted though; I could see that, I didn’t doubt that Dalrack would now look into this for me.
It seemed my hopes of finding wealth and magic in this place seemed less likely the further we went in but then we had an unexpected encounter: early on one of the men spotted tracks and as we went deeper into the cairn the smell of wet fur became unmistakable. A small pack of wolves lunged out of the darkness and attacked us. Not that this was any great boon but after we’d put the feral beasts down our halfling explored their den and discovered a backpack with a couple of treasures inside. There was a armband of unmistakable elven quality and a strange lantern that looked like one in a fresco we found nearby. One item clearly belonged to the cairn and the other didn’t. Suddenly we knew there was treasure to be found, and perhaps not all of it local.
While we were dealing with the wolves the halfling Barl somehow found the gull to call me “hot cheeks” and later “curves”, and while some highly derogatory names like this can be terms of endearment between lovers, Barl and I were acquaintances at best. I suppose it’s my own fault, earlier I’d allowed the elf Curunir and the blacksmith to bark orders at me. I thought it was amusing that they thought to protect me but clearly allowing the men that familiarity had sent the wrong message to the halfling. I decided to put an end to the matter immediately.
"I will not be called 'curves', 'legs', or 'hot lips' or anything else of the sort,” I finally said to him, “you may call me Morwel or failing that Lady or Miss”
“As you wish . . . Lady,” he said with a bow.
I suspect that the bow was meant to be mocking but I wouldn’t press matters at this point. I didn’t want a conflict, the halfling seemed to be rather good natured and popular with the group and starting a fight with him might cause the others to resent me. Besides the wolves had savaged him a fair bit and one might be content to conclude that he had been punished enough. I wasn’t, but then again I am rather blood thirsty at times . . .
It was around that time that someone noticed a light behind us. Somehow a cleric of Heironeous had stumbled onto our little band. It seems he was investigating something or another and the elf seemed to know what business he was referring too and so I let the men talk. I knew a cleric could prove useful in keeping the others alive, but the men seemed to want to pound their chests and yell at one another so I let them have their fun. In the end the others let the priest stay, which I thought was the correct decision, but the blacksmith and he were like oil and water. I suspect that it was because they both imagined that they were commanding, that this was their expedition, but both were wrong though. I would need to correct them at some point but for now they could have their fun.
The newcomer was named Arkady. He was loud and pompous, but he seemed well educated and I suspected that he was a gentleman, which meant less training in the future . . . which was always a good thing. However he would need to learn his place. He was an officer and a priest and naturally that meant that he was used to barking orders and having them obeyed, but I wasn’t an acolyte or a soldier, and my class were accustomed to ordering his class around. There was no need to press the matter though; his kind would fall into line, that’s what made them so useful.
Once we joined forces we explored deeper into the cairn. The men seemed to ignore me, except to keep me ‘safe’, which for the most part suited me fine, but it was annoying when they ignored my observations and decided to do their own thing. The priest (amongst others) was very quick to point out that exploring on my own might set off traps, but he himself went off exploring on his own and was nearly killed when a giant bug was summoned (perhaps via trap) and almost mauled him to death. Again I couldn’t help but take some sadistic pleasure as someone who had slighted me was dealt with by the cruel hands of fate.
The main chamber was massive. In the centre was a sarcophagus with seven alcoves and each one had a lantern hanging in it . . . all but two. This corresponded with a fresco I’d discovered earlier. The men seemed to want me and Dalrack out of the way while they explored and they asked us to stand on the dais. I found myself looking over the sarcophagus and I quickly noted that the pedestal looked like an arrow. Sadly they failed to take notice. When they did I’d say they only half heartedly explored the alcove I suggested. When I suggested that the sarcophagus might move the elf gave it a pathetic little push. They went about like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off, lighting candles and toarches, exploring here and there. Finally I’d had enough and took matters into my own hands. I pushed the sarcophagus. Unlike the elf I put my back into it. With a creak the great stone box rotated to point in a new direction. There was a click as I pointed it to yellow.
Nothing happened.
I decided to point it towards the green lantern. There was another click but this time something else. The ground started to rumble and shake. Then the floor crumbled away . . . we thought to investigate the hole but then the sounds of a thousand chitterling and crawling bugs began to echo up from somewhere below. What followed was a desperate fight with a massive six legged monstrosity and a carpet of beetles. The spider like thing was fast and capable of lashing out in every direction, but it was the swarm of beetles that posed the greatest threat. I blasted it with my fire to little effect, Barl tossed alchemical fire and acid onto it, the blacksmith even tried to throw oil onto it. Sadly it didn’t light. I ran to get a torch but sometime between me fumbling with one of the lanterns and the priest falling down good old reliable Dalrack lit a torch and finished the beetles off. In the end most of us were covered in beetle bites but thankfully the priest was able sooth most of those wounds.
The others seemed interested in continuing to explore but Dalrack and I had our fill. We eventually retreated back to the tiny mine offices were we set up for the night. We talked for a while about what we should do with the tiny offices, we cleaned a bit, and then the blacksmith and the priest went back to town for supplies. Dalrack and I talked for a while about magic. He was a wizard and seemed to have little understanding for my style of magic. I answered his questions but didn’t volunteer anything. I didn’t tell him about my patron for example . . . not that I could tell him much anyways. My magic was in many ways a mystery even to me. However I wasn’t interested in questioning what worked too much.
Morwel
The blacksmith approached me when we returned. The usual question about what I was and what my motives were came up immediately. I grew quite annoyed at him, not because he wanted to know what I was, everyone wants to know this but most are too polite to pry, but because he didn’t listen. Last night I told him why I was accompanying them to this cairn. I wanted revenge, but for some reason the blacksmith only heard my comments about money, and then failed to understand why I grew angry. In the future I shall refrain from speaking with him. It seems a pointless task anyways.
I lay awake a while after that conversation. Someone with such an untrusting nature is likely use to betrayal and thus likely to try to betray those around him before they can do the same for him. I believe him to be untrustworthy and I shall need to watch him carefully.
I decided that I’d tell Dalrack what I was. The others I didn’t care about but Dalrack I didn’t want to hear about my species second hand. He had been loyal and kind thus far and deserved the right to know. I’ve only known him for about a day now but I trusted him and believed he had a noble soul. It’s too bad he wasn’t easier on the eyes . . .
Harvester 3, 595 CY. Part 2
Mother,
My apologies for interrupting this missive earlier. I shall resume where I had stopped previously, for your convenience. While traveling to the Whispering Cairn, we stopped at a site close by. It was an old mine and estate, long since played out and abandoned. The mining office was decrepit, but despite being run down and damaged in places would still be a better shelter then being outside with nothing. Perhaps you know of the place? It is from there, actually, that I write this letter to you now as our venture for the day has us taking shelter for the night in this dilapidated wreck before heading back into the Cairn again come daybreak.
We found the Cairn itself with no real difficulty. After clearing the brush at the entrance aside, we ventured in, but encountered a small pack of hungry wolves that had taken shelter. Barl must have reminded them of other game of similar stature like rabbits, so they focused on him in preference but were no match for bared steel and they fell quickly.
We found several unusual things. Relics, Ruins, Remnants, I'm not sure what is most fitting to describe them most accurately at this point. My companions were also not full of answers regarding them but perhaps later on I will know more to relay. A partially destroyed curved arch of stone covered with runic markings. A painting of a crypt lit up with the colors of the rainbow. Lanterns similarly colored. A movable sarcophagus that seems to trigger things when turned specific ways. All strange and not what I expected. Perhaps I should focus more on the unexpected instead.
We ran into another person shortly after we finished with the wolves before. At first I thought he could be one of Them, and was very suspicious. Alas, the truth was worse than even that. This man was a servant of Heironeous the Weak. Could he be working with Them? I am still unsure on this point. All I can say is that he bullied his way into acceptance from the others by blinding them with 'blessings' from his patron, and like bees to honey the others acquiesced, allowing him into the party as a whole. You would no doubt have slain him on the spot for trying such a ploy in your presence. I know as well, you don't even need to tell me, that it is only a matter of time before he turns on us. I shall keep an eye on him until that day, and when it happens I shall finish it.
We saw no sign of the Them during our explorations. Aside from the possibility of the Heironian, of course. We did however, encounter a magical summons ward, and a variety of vermin. Either this location is not being used by the Them, or they have cleverly hidden themselves and we have not yet discovered the route to reach Them. The presence of the ward does give me hope still however, and we will continue our explorations on the morrow.
Another interesting and amusing discovery, Mother. It would seem that Morwel is a Tiefling. I spoke to her briefly concerning some discrepancies in behavior, and while she did puff herself up and try to cow me with threats and bluster and declarations of persecution, she did reveal that much. To be honest, this discovery sets me a bit more at ease, for if I wished to see it from certain ways it could explain a bit of her behavior. I am still unsure if she would (or could ever) meet your approval Mother, but there does appear to be a bit more steel in her then I at first believed.
We found the remains of another one of those Creepers inside the Cairn. Well, to be frank, it was rags and a knife, but it was eerily similar to what was left after I slew the one I mentioned in my first letter. I am not sure why it was in the Cairn in the first place, nor what relation it has to events going on in relation to the town. I shall however, not forget their involvement so as to not be taken by surprise when I believe they shall inevitably reappear.
Lastly Mother, your son almost died this day. The details are unimportant really, but I felt you would wish to know. My injuries were greater then any I have felt before, as was the pain. You would be proud to know that neither prevented me from performing my duty. Yet, strangely, even now after the fact I don't find myself fearing it happening again. Also, I find myself more calm in thoughts and emotion after the incident;and I am unsure why. Perhaps this is the Tempering you often spoke of, like the transformation of the raw iron into razor sharp steel. Is that what it is, Mother? Of course you cannot answer.
I shall say farewell for now, Mother. I hope receiving my letters has pleased you.
Strength in Victory, Mother.
Your loving son, Atreus.
Just to let everyone know as soon as possible, there will be no AoW game this month on September 26th. I have a reptile-related meeting to go to on that day. We'll consider that weekend a bye weekend for this campaign. If you folks want (and can) play on a different sunday either before or after and Blazej wants to as well, we might be able to negotiate that.
Our game scheduled for Sept 12th will be going forward as planned. Let me know what/if you folks want to do something to make up that weekend we'll be missing.
Thanks.
Just to let everyone know as soon as possible, there will be no AoW game this month on September 26th. I have a reptile-related meeting to go to on that day. We'll consider that weekend a bye weekend for this campaign. If you folks want (and can) play on a different sunday either before or after and Blazej wants to as well, we might be able to negotiate that.
Our game scheduled for Sept 12th will be going forward as planned. Let me know what/if you folks want to do something to make up that weekend we'll be missing.
Thanks.
I work the sundays before and after. if folks want to try hard for one, i can see about swapping the day with a coworker. i just need to know preferences.
Atreus suffer from an Oedipus complex ?
Something like that Turin....you'll learn more as the campaign goes on.
Alright...having talked to a few folks about it and having had some time to think about it as well...we will be skipping AoW Sept. 26th.
We will play normally the 12th and resume the game on October 10th.
Atreus suffer from an Oedipus complex ?
LOL
Thanks Turin. Just the chuckle I needed. There is indeed something under the surface there, but later journals will shed more light on that.
Atreus suffer from an Oedipus complex ?LOL
Thanks Turin. Just the chuckle I needed. There is indeed something under the surface there, but later journals will shed more light on that.
^_^
^_^Atreus suffer from an Oedipus complex ?LOL
Thanks Turin. Just the chuckle I needed. There is indeed something under the surface there, but later journals will shed more light on that.
If you're bored you can pop into the chatroom and i can spoiler a few things for ya. If not, you have to WAIT.
^_-
^_^Atreus suffer from an Oedipus complex ?LOL
Thanks Turin. Just the chuckle I needed. There is indeed something under the surface there, but later journals will shed more light on that.
If you're bored you can pop into the chatroom and i can spoiler a few things for ya. If not, you have to WAIT.
^_-
Too late for tonight, what about during the rest of the week ?
ACK....curses, rats and all that.
Alright folks...my gaming ambition has overreached reality. After tomorrow's scheduled AoW session, I reluctantly have to close this campaign. Too many new things have been popping up into my schedule recently for me to continue running a game right now. I'll still be able to play in games every other week or so, maybe sometimes more depending on holidays and things of that sort.
Apologies to everyone that was as excited to play in this as I was to run it. Its just too big a project for me to keep up with though.
In the future, should a regular group still remain from this, I will be more than willing to run single module adventures from time to time, but nothing long-term like AoW. Like I said...I get too ambitious with my GMing sometimes.
As for tomorrows session..it can either move forward as is, or we can try and do something else, whatever you folks decide.
Thank you everyone for you interest and awesome roleplaying. You are all a complete blast to play with.
Ah well that's too bad. Hope everything calms down for you man.
If we're not doing AoW tomorrow it would be good for me to know. I have friends in town and I would probably duck out and spend time with them. I should be cutting back on my gaming regardless, as I'm simply stretched far too thin at the moment between 3 campaigns, PFS, and the podcast productions.
Just go ahead and take the day off then Research. I'm not 100% we will be doing AoW anyway...but even if we do, it'll be the final session. So, do all the stuff you need to do.
I was happy to have played as much as I did.
As for tomorrow I will be going off to another event I was invited to.
Okay, thanks for the reply Blazej. So, with two folks already declaring they have other stuff they could be doing we might just call the Game off completely, unless some of the rest of you want a chance to go out in a blaze of glory or something.
Let me know. I'll be in chat tomorrow as well, of course.
Okay, thanks for the reply Blazej. So, with two folks already declaring they have other stuff they could be doing we might just call the Game off completely, unless some of the rest of you want a chance to go out in a blaze of glory or something.
Let me know. I'll be in chat tomorrow as well, of course.
Alright then. It's over.
Alright then. It's over.
Yeah, sorry about that Rathendar. I've just got too much going on to continue running a game right now.
Alrighty then! It was fun while it lasted and a job well done Yasha!
Yeah, I wish it could have been a longer/better run, but you guys made it a blast. Thanks again.