The Caron Campaign
Ninth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 3 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 3 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 3 Rogue)
Friday
The Ripper Five try to track down who has written the article in Under
the Heel. They find that Eccle the carter delivered the newspaper a few days
ago. He cannot recall what job he did a few days ago, his log is empty for
that day, and his wife recalls that he did get paid. They discover that random
people deliver the newspaper each day, no office can be found, and no one
knows where it is printed.
Rivery visits the prostitutes for the evening. He asks them about
Under the Heel. They know nothing, but in eight days they will have something
for him.
Aislyn asks Darthia about Under the Heel and she repeats the rumor that
the Mage's Guild produces the newspaper. Thus there may have been no one watching
their adventure with the Ripper, they may have used magic to either view the events,
or interogated them and caused them to forget. While this explains the "omniscient"
nature of the newspaper sometimes, it is not clear why the Duke tolerates its seditious
ranting. It is valuable for desiminating information and cuts down the spread
of rumors and speculation.
Saturday
Rivery awakens early and stakes out the carters day labor hut. He finds
nothing as Under the Heel is not published today.
Berana asks Uthnel about Dr. Copelius. He tells them that Copelius is
a genius and creates all manner of constructs. He has a rolling library, and
often is accompanied by mechanical bodyguards. He is a member of the Mage's
Guild (Rivery is paranoid about them at the moment), but has taken a less
active roll. He does seem obsessed with his work.
Stopping by the Ten Bells they see that it remains a crime scene.
Aurelia did ask after Biassay and found him sleeping.
They go to Copelius. They meet his mechanical butler and tell him
that they are the Ripper Five and are investigating the robbery at his house
of a few nights ago. The butler invites them in, and returns with a crystal
ball. Copelius talks to them, and invites them back to his lab. They see
some of his creations (cleaning bots, etc.) and see him working on a very large
metal construct. On the way they notice a pawn piece in a curosity cabinet
with other objects of art. They bluntly tell him that they will investigate
the attempted robbery in return for the piece. He agrees and promises to send
his "Chief of Security", Livy, a Silk Gollum with claws, along with them.
She is powered by a cat brain, needs to be repaired with fabric and thread
(roll d20, 1-5 = 1/4, 6-15 1/2, 16-19 3/4, 20 full repair adds for knowing
how to sew, she carries her own repair kit. For full repair she has to go
to Dr. Copelius and it takes at least a day), is immune to most magic,
very light, fast, jump and climbs easily, and is vulnerable to fire.
She does need to be wound up every twenty four hours, with a special key.
What is Dr. Copelius interest in the piece? (1/20) None at all. As long
as they have dealt a blow to those who attacked his house he is happy
to give them the piece. He notes that he needs something smarter than
an animal to run his larger creation. The Ripper Five do not volunteer.
Livy tells them that there were 5 to 6 black cloaked attackers,
who came up via a drain in the courtyard. They entered the house where
they were met by the bodyguards and forced to retreat. They killed one and found
a disecated human, some sort of undead. They see some constructs that are
reparing the courtyard.
Using their pieces they realize that there is piece under the low
city below the level of the sewers. They also notice that the Halder's
Gap piece is still behaving strangely. Entering the sewer's as close as
they can to the piece the begin to wander. They find a rats nest and kill
four giant rats. They stumble upon the entrance to Drakthar's Way.
They read grafiti at the entrance, "Drakthar is dead. Long live Drakthar."
Within they fight with the entrance guards using a sleep from Berana
to dispatch them. They kill two guards on the tunnel, are incompetant
at finding the treasure room, kill a sleeping goblin, and kill one of the
warg riding goblins. Hearing the howls from down the tunnel they retreat
to explore more of the old Dwarf work.
Friday
The Ripper Five try to track down who has written the article in Under
the Heel. They find that Eccle the carter delivered the newspaper a few days
ago. He cannot recall what job he did a few days ago, his log is empty for
that day, and his wife recalls that he did get paid. They discover that random
people deliver the newspaper each day, no office can be found, and no one
knows where it is printed.
Rivery visits the prostitutes for the evening. He asks them about
Under the Heel. They know nothing, but in eight days they will have something
for him.
Aislyn asks Darthia about Under the Heel and she repeats the rumor that
the Mage's Guild produces the newspaper. Thus there may have been no one watching
their adventure with the Ripper, they may have used magic to either view the events,
or interogated them and caused them to forget. While this explains the "omniscient"
nature of the newspaper sometimes, it is not clear why the Duke tolerates its seditious
ranting. It is valuable for desiminating information and cuts down the spread
of rumors and speculation.
Saturday
Rivery awakens early and stakes out the carters day labor hut. He finds
nothing as Under the Heel is not published today.
Berana asks Uthnel about Dr. Copelius. He tells them that Copelius is
a genius and creates all manner of constructs. He has a rolling library, and
often is accompanied by mechanical bodyguards. He is a member of the Mage's
Guild (Rivery is paranoid about them at the moment), but has taken a less
active roll. He does seem obsessed with his work.
Stopping by the Ten Bells they see that it remains a crime scene.
Aurelia did ask after Biassay and found him sleeping.
They go to Copelius. They meet his mechanical butler and tell him
that they are the Ripper Five and are investigating the robbery at his house
of a few nights ago. The butler invites them in, and returns with a crystal
ball. Copelius talks to them, and invites them back to his lab. They see
some of his creations (cleaning bots, etc.) and see him working on a very large
metal construct. On the way they notice a pawn piece in a curosity cabinet
with other objects of art. They bluntly tell him that they will investigate
the attempted robbery in return for the piece. He agrees and promises to send
his "Chief of Security", Livy, a Silk Gollum with claws, along with them.
She is powered by a cat brain, needs to be repaired with fabric and thread
(roll d20, 1-5 = 1/4, 6-15 1/2, 16-19 3/4, 20 full repair adds for knowing
how to sew, she carries her own repair kit. For full repair she has to go
to Dr. Copelius and it takes at least a day), is immune to most magic,
very light, fast, jump and climbs easily, and is vulnerable to fire.
She does need to be wound up every twenty four hours, with a special key.
What is Dr. Copelius interest in the piece? (1/20) None at all. As long
as they have dealt a blow to those who attacked his house he is happy
to give them the piece. He notes that he needs something smarter than
an animal to run his larger creation. The Ripper Five do not volunteer.
Livy tells them that there were 5 to 6 black cloaked attackers,
who came up via a drain in the courtyard. They entered the house where
they were met by the bodyguards and forced to retreat. They killed one and found
a disecated human, some sort of undead. They see some constructs that are
reparing the courtyard.
Using their pieces they realize that there is piece under the low
city below the level of the sewers. They also notice that the Halder's
Gap piece is still behaving strangely. Entering the sewer's as close as
they can to the piece the begin to wander. They find a rats nest and kill
four giant rats. They stumble upon the entrance to Drakthar's Way.
They read grafiti at the entrance, "Drakthar is dead. Long live Drakthar."
Within they fight with the entrance guards using a sleep from Berana
to dispatch them. They kill two guards on the tunnel, are incompetant
at finding the treasure room, kill a sleeping goblin, and kill one of the
warg riding goblins. Hearing the howls from down the tunnel they retreat
to explore more of the old Dwarf work.
Ninth Session Comments
Good session dominated by role playing. A good change of pace from the last few. They begin on Drakthar's Way from Shackled City. The town from
Shackled City came as a shock as it looks much like Caron being centered on a volcano with a round lake in the middle. I thought of Caron back in the
early 1990's. My players spend most of this session threatening to turn me in for plagerization every time something goes bad for them.
Who is Zagyg, the "rogue" mage? The answer is still not clear. The party should finally encounter him at our next session which I hope against hope will happen on my visit to Chicago next weekend. He was originally meant to be the Zagyg of Castle Zagyg, but I had to improvise something
else while waiting for Castle Zagyg to be released.
Shackled City came as a shock as it looks much like Caron being centered on a volcano with a round lake in the middle. I thought of Caron back in the
early 1990's. My players spend most of this session threatening to turn me in for plagerization every time something goes bad for them.
Who is Zagyg, the "rogue" mage? The answer is still not clear. The party should finally encounter him at our next session which I hope against hope will happen on my visit to Chicago next weekend. He was originally meant to be the Zagyg of Castle Zagyg, but I had to improvise something
else while waiting for Castle Zagyg to be released.
Tenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 3 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 3 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 3 Rouge), Livy (Lvl 1 Cloth Golum)
Saturday (continued)
The party fight the Adepts, one escaping, and capturing
one who suicides. They then smash up the Goblin Skirmishers, capturing
one. He tells them Drakthar is a powerful sorceror, but that he need
to sleep. They conclude he is a vampire, and decide they need to recover
their spells before taking him on. They leave the Drakthar's Way with
their prisoner.
They go to the South Tower and ask them to look after the goblin
prisoner. They say they will be back tomorrow and speak with Captain
Andretta.
They speak with Dr. Copelius. He continues to support them,
will repair Livy, and ID's their potions with a device he manufactured
for such purposes. After they leave he talks with Livy and realizes that
they need some sort of sun light to deal with the vampire. He begins
to add to her a sort of flash bulb system (3 bulbs that burn out after
use). (Call Light of the Sun 1d6 within 30 feet - bulbs that burn out
and are time consuming and expensive to replace.)
Rivery goes to find Osburn and find that the shop is closed, and
Osburn has gone home for the evening.
They overnight at the Temple of Athena and tell them that they
are facing a vampire. Biassay gives them the Cross Bow of Perkin which
is Holy Weapon (+2 Magic when wielded by those of Pure Heart, does 1d6
extra damage to evil and sucks one level/hit). There are 10 bolts.
They also gather lots of holy water.
Sunday
More Drug related deaths in Caron. News reports everywhere and Town Guard crack down.
14 total deaths attributed to the unusual drugs.
Story on events in Botkinburg in the Caron Chronicle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caron Chronicle
Ripper Five Defeat Red Hats in Botkinburg
=========================================
The Ripper Five, who exploded on the Caron adventurer circuit by
defeating the copy cat serial killer known as the Ripper just days ago,
apparently have also been active in the lands around Caron. The village
of Botkinburg lies just south of the Middle Scarp and guards a pass
through that Scarp. Over the last months the Botkinburgers
had been struggling with raids by the notorious Red Caps. The
Red Caps are a marauding band of fell creatures believed to be head
quartered in the northern mountains, or perhaps beyond in the Wild Lands.
They are known to be active south of the mountains, but only recently
have their predations reached south of the Middle Scarp. The Vale Lords
of Botkinburg tried to deal with the problem on their own, but were
forced to report the problem to the Guardians where it appeared on the
Trouble Board. Apparently this is where the Ripper Five learned of
the difficulty, and they took themselves to Botkinburg arriving a week
ago.
Apparently they spent some days in the area. They rescued
a halfling, Waddo Brikker, from the clutches of a fiendish ogre
in his underground lair. Brikker
had been traveling in a caravan from his home in Luddensheim towards
Botkinburg when the caravan was raided by the goblins of the Red Hats.
Brikker managed to elude the goblins, but he was then captured by the ogre
who held him in a sort of larder. Brikker thinks he was a captive for
a week, but became weak and delirious before he was rescued by the
Ripper Five. Brikker thanks the Ripper Five and is certain he would have
been ogre consumed if they had not rescued him. It is not clear if the
ogre had anything to do with the Red Hats.
Some days later the Ripper Five found an underground complex
full of the Red Hats. The complex had more than 50 Goblins plus
small numbers of more fearsome creatures such as gnolls and bugbears.
The Ripper Five accounted for nearly 20 of the goblins plus small
numbers of the larger types. They rescued two young Botkinburg halflings
who had foolishly went hunting for the Red Hats and a dwarf and human
who had apparently been captured in Red Hat raids. They also found
a shrine to the dreaded Horned One. The Horned One is a notorious
Fell Lord who the Elves claim held sway in the Galban Hills before
the coming of Humans. They also claim he is a Twisted One. While
this is disturbing it is not unusual that Fell Creatures active
in the Galban Hills to make exaggerated claims about the Horned One.
Pausing to recover their strength and raise the Botkinburg
militia the Ripper Five and the militia returned later in the day.
Leaving a nasty trap behind the Red Hats had apparently fled to the
north apparently to their unknown lair. Within the complex all that
was found was the evidence of the hasty retreat by the Red Hats and
some remnants for the more ancient evil that once held sway in these
lands. The Botkinburgers have since sealed the complex to insure that
Fell Creatures will not be able to make use of it again.
The Botkins, the Vale Lords of Botkinburg, are pleased to report
that over the last week no raids by the Red Hats have been attempted
south of the Middle Scarp, and that they now are maintaining a careful
watch on the pass to insure that no Fell Creatures will be able
to make use of it in the future.
Apparently it was on their return to Caron after the events
in Botkinburg described above that the Ripper Five had their encounter
with the Ripper as has been reported elsewhere. Clearly they have
had a successful adventuring career before they were noticed here in
Caron, and we wish them an equally successful future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivery speaks with Osburn. He knows of Drakthar's Way, which
the Thieves Guild uses for smuggling. Rivery seems suprised that
they deal with goblins and vampires (hey, get a clue, we are evil)
but Osburn tells them they have a lucrative arrangement (1) No
questions asked, 2) Drakthar is happy to make sure anyone turned
over to him will disappear, 3) Theives Guild makes sure that disappearences
in one section of the low city are not investigated.) Osburn is willing
to let Rivery know the outside exit of Drakthar's Way for 10kGP or a share
of their treasure. He suggest that the party can disguise themselves
as smugglers to gain entrance. Rivery and the party demurs. Osburn does send them
a smuggler who describes them what the warehouse looks like and says
that there are usually five guards and that he noted that they avoided
going up one part of the tunnel in favor of another.
They go back in and note that little has changed. They spend
some time exploring the defiled temple and are freaked by the library.
They encounter the Goblin, exchanging bow shots with him as he flees
down the cave. They head down the cave and walk into the ambush.
Using lots of magic they kill the skirmishers, sneakers, warg rider,
and warg, but the two adepts go invisible, launch some spells burning
ray, very effective ghost sound, aid, and flee. As the party is
recovering Drakthar shows up. He Dominates Aurelia, and begins
to drain her. The others douse him in holy water, Livy flashes
him twice, and Berana uses the sword and ring. He goes gaseous
retreating to fight again.
Saturday (continued)
The party fight the Adepts, one escaping, and capturing
one who suicides. They then smash up the Goblin Skirmishers, capturing
one. He tells them Drakthar is a powerful sorceror, but that he need
to sleep. They conclude he is a vampire, and decide they need to recover
their spells before taking him on. They leave the Drakthar's Way with
their prisoner.
They go to the South Tower and ask them to look after the goblin
prisoner. They say they will be back tomorrow and speak with Captain
Andretta.
They speak with Dr. Copelius. He continues to support them,
will repair Livy, and ID's their potions with a device he manufactured
for such purposes. After they leave he talks with Livy and realizes that
they need some sort of sun light to deal with the vampire. He begins
to add to her a sort of flash bulb system (3 bulbs that burn out after
use). (Call Light of the Sun 1d6 within 30 feet - bulbs that burn out
and are time consuming and expensive to replace.)
Rivery goes to find Osburn and find that the shop is closed, and
Osburn has gone home for the evening.
They overnight at the Temple of Athena and tell them that they
are facing a vampire. Biassay gives them the Cross Bow of Perkin which
is Holy Weapon (+2 Magic when wielded by those of Pure Heart, does 1d6
extra damage to evil and sucks one level/hit). There are 10 bolts.
They also gather lots of holy water.
Sunday
More Drug related deaths in Caron. News reports everywhere and Town Guard crack down.
14 total deaths attributed to the unusual drugs.
Story on events in Botkinburg in the Caron Chronicle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caron Chronicle
Ripper Five Defeat Red Hats in Botkinburg
=========================================
The Ripper Five, who exploded on the Caron adventurer circuit by
defeating the copy cat serial killer known as the Ripper just days ago,
apparently have also been active in the lands around Caron. The village
of Botkinburg lies just south of the Middle Scarp and guards a pass
through that Scarp. Over the last months the Botkinburgers
had been struggling with raids by the notorious Red Caps. The
Red Caps are a marauding band of fell creatures believed to be head
quartered in the northern mountains, or perhaps beyond in the Wild Lands.
They are known to be active south of the mountains, but only recently
have their predations reached south of the Middle Scarp. The Vale Lords
of Botkinburg tried to deal with the problem on their own, but were
forced to report the problem to the Guardians where it appeared on the
Trouble Board. Apparently this is where the Ripper Five learned of
the difficulty, and they took themselves to Botkinburg arriving a week
ago.
Apparently they spent some days in the area. They rescued
a halfling, Waddo Brikker, from the clutches of a fiendish ogre
in his underground lair. Brikker
had been traveling in a caravan from his home in Luddensheim towards
Botkinburg when the caravan was raided by the goblins of the Red Hats.
Brikker managed to elude the goblins, but he was then captured by the ogre
who held him in a sort of larder. Brikker thinks he was a captive for
a week, but became weak and delirious before he was rescued by the
Ripper Five. Brikker thanks the Ripper Five and is certain he would have
been ogre consumed if they had not rescued him. It is not clear if the
ogre had anything to do with the Red Hats.
Some days later the Ripper Five found an underground complex
full of the Red Hats. The complex had more than 50 Goblins plus
small numbers of more fearsome creatures such as gnolls and bugbears.
The Ripper Five accounted for nearly 20 of the goblins plus small
numbers of the larger types. They rescued two young Botkinburg halflings
who had foolishly went hunting for the Red Hats and a dwarf and human
who had apparently been captured in Red Hat raids. They also found
a shrine to the dreaded Horned One. The Horned One is a notorious
Fell Lord who the Elves claim held sway in the Galban Hills before
the coming of Humans. They also claim he is a Twisted One. While
this is disturbing it is not unusual that Fell Creatures active
in the Galban Hills to make exaggerated claims about the Horned One.
Pausing to recover their strength and raise the Botkinburg
militia the Ripper Five and the militia returned later in the day.
Leaving a nasty trap behind the Red Hats had apparently fled to the
north apparently to their unknown lair. Within the complex all that
was found was the evidence of the hasty retreat by the Red Hats and
some remnants for the more ancient evil that once held sway in these
lands. The Botkinburgers have since sealed the complex to insure that
Fell Creatures will not be able to make use of it again.
The Botkins, the Vale Lords of Botkinburg, are pleased to report
that over the last week no raids by the Red Hats have been attempted
south of the Middle Scarp, and that they now are maintaining a careful
watch on the pass to insure that no Fell Creatures will be able
to make use of it in the future.
Apparently it was on their return to Caron after the events
in Botkinburg described above that the Ripper Five had their encounter
with the Ripper as has been reported elsewhere. Clearly they have
had a successful adventuring career before they were noticed here in
Caron, and we wish them an equally successful future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rivery speaks with Osburn. He knows of Drakthar's Way, which
the Thieves Guild uses for smuggling. Rivery seems suprised that
they deal with goblins and vampires (hey, get a clue, we are evil)
but Osburn tells them they have a lucrative arrangement (1) No
questions asked, 2) Drakthar is happy to make sure anyone turned
over to him will disappear, 3) Theives Guild makes sure that disappearences
in one section of the low city are not investigated.) Osburn is willing
to let Rivery know the outside exit of Drakthar's Way for 10kGP or a share
of their treasure. He suggest that the party can disguise themselves
as smugglers to gain entrance. Rivery and the party demurs. Osburn does send them
a smuggler who describes them what the warehouse looks like and says
that there are usually five guards and that he noted that they avoided
going up one part of the tunnel in favor of another.
They go back in and note that little has changed. They spend
some time exploring the defiled temple and are freaked by the library.
They encounter the Goblin, exchanging bow shots with him as he flees
down the cave. They head down the cave and walk into the ambush.
Using lots of magic they kill the skirmishers, sneakers, warg rider,
and warg, but the two adepts go invisible, launch some spells burning
ray, very effective ghost sound, aid, and flee. As the party is
recovering Drakthar shows up. He Dominates Aurelia, and begins
to drain her. The others douse him in holy water, Livy flashes
him twice, and Berana uses the sword and ring. He goes gaseous
retreating to fight again.
Tenth Session Comments
Very good session with the party realizing how difficult vampires can be. Good mix of action and role playing. Drakthar's Way is proving to be
lots of fun. Looks as if we will get three sessions out of it. Livy becomes a
semiregular, played by the niece of one of the regulars.
lots of fun. Looks as if we will get three sessions out of it. Livy becomes a
semiregular, played by the niece of one of the regulars.
Eleventh Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 3 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 3 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 1 Cloth Gollum)
Sunday
The party uses their pieces and notes there is one near, but in the opposite
direction as Drakthar apparently fled. They move down the branch of the tunnel,
and fight with the two adepts. One burns Livy badly, but they kill one and capture the
other. He tells them that Drakthar has probably withdrawn to his throne room, where he
has a throne of human skin and keeps a very large bat as a pet. Down the main tunnel
is the way out, and they should avoid the right hand turn as there is a trap. They
explore, faced with a locked room they head back and rifle the bodies finding some
potions and keys, they find a storage room with more boxes and casks with the cage symbol,
leave the adept locked in there, and then stumble upon the ghast and his black
robed friends. A tough fight with Rir vaporizing a skeleton with his Luminous Lance,
a ghoul paralyzing Rivery, Livy vaulting in and killing the halfling zombie and a
skeleton. The others kill the ghouls, but the ghast grabs Livy and tries to
bargain, "What I have for the girl," but the party will have none of it.
A scrum develops with Aislyn, Aurelia, and Rir wrestling with the Ghast
who finishes off Livy, telling them that, "My master will make you pay."
Eventually they capture him, note that he was an elf, and in a rage, Aislyn
finishes him off. They find a pawn and gold coins from Venga on the ghast.
After some debate they decide to leave the dungeon back the way they came
in. They have no trouble getting out and head to Dr. Copelius. He is distressed
to see the broken Livy, and can repair her in eight days. He is happy to give
them the piece that he has, but wants to know more. He points out that major
magic is swirling around the pieces, and it is forcing him to pay attention
the to the outside world which he has ignored for some time. He gets something out of
Aislyn, Aurelia, Rir, and Rivery. They mention Kuttner and the Elven prophecy
of the One. He knows something of the former, but nothing of the latter. They
ask after the Mage's Guild specifically Under the Heel. He tells them that the
Mage's Guild does indeed publish the newspaper to relieve tensions in the city.
Likely the party's disturbance of the Undine's prison caused them to query
the party about what happened, but he does not have an explanation as to why
the detailed story appeared in print, beyond that it makes a good story.
He notes that Zagyg is not likely to be the source of the undead, but that
the pieces are likely to attract the attention of powerful magic users such
as Zagyg and others. He says that he does need to re-engage with the outside
world and will attend the next Mage's Guild meeting, which takes place every
full moon. That is likely to to cause some consternation.
They go to the Temple of Athena, to get repaired and healed.
All goes well and they note that Aurelia is under the domination of the
vampire. They immeadiately confine her and begin an excorcism ritual
which will take six days. Master Tercival offers them advice on
vampires.
Rir visits Fahet and sends a letter to his father. He tells him that he is
doing well, finding pieces of the machine, and that the Luminous Lance works well.
He has known scary times, but he has mostly had success. He mentions the
Prophecy of the Return.
Aislyn visits Darthia. Vampires are very bad. They think there is
an Elvish vampire operating to the north. She knows of rumors of Drakthar,
but knows nothing about the cage symbol.
Rivery sells some loot. Much stuff from the warg riding goblins and
adepts that have the motif of the Horned One. No one seems distressed at this
point about the Horned One as the Fell Creatures have been talking his return up
for some time.
They do visit the South Tower of the Town Guard who tell them that based
on their information from the goblin captive they left behind that they are planning
to raid Drakthar's Way. The party tries to warn them off, mentioning that the
leader below is a vampire.
Monday
Town Guard/Guardian/Mage's Guild assault on Drakthar's way.
Tuesday
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caron Chronicle
Town Guard Shuts Down Smuggler's Sewer Route
============================================
Acting on information gained from the famous adventurers the Ripper
Five, the Town Guard yesterday launched a raid on a underground passage
used to smuggle contraband into Caron. The Ripper Five apparently stumbled
on the passage in connection with their investigation of the attempted burglary
of Doctor Copelius' home and found
a goblin infested passage connecting to the Caron sewer system. The adventurers
dealt the goblins a grievious blow, killing many, and capturing one. They
turned a goblin over to the Town Guard who acting on the information
gleaned from interogation of the prisoner
organized an expedition into the sewers. Captain Runcton of the Guard led
the expedition which included a contingent of the Guardians of Galba.
They found more horrors still occupying the passage and drove
them from the section of the passage connecting to the sewers. Under
constant assault from the evil denizons, sappers collapsed the upper
portion of the passage, severing the smuggling route. Captain Runcton
pronounced the expedition a success, as the way was closed, but did
lament the loss of two guards and one guardian who fell during the
operation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the Heel
Town Guard and Guardians Bumble in the Sewer
============================================
The Town Guard, supported by the ultimate tool of the Duke's
opression, the Guardians of Galba, spent much of yesterday wandering about
Caron's sewer system searching for a putative smuggling route into the city.
Apparently they were acting on information from the Ripper Five who had
apparently learned of the route during their encounter with the notorious
Red Hats. Captain Runcton of the Guard claimed success, but at the
cost of the lives of three young soldiers, although all we could detect
was a blockage of a main sewer line that the Guard claimed had cut
off the route. We note that smuggling besides bringing in illeagal
substances also avoids the large tax on on goods entering the city and thus
is the main source of low cost food for the citizens of Caron.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday
Aurelia's brother Bancel seeks to visit her. He asks why
she has spent so much, why she has not visited, and congratulates
her on the credit she is bringing to the family. He knows nothing
about the inner workings of the Guardians, etc.
Inatia recieves the following note, and some jewels from
Alwine from Graham. She will try to contact Rivery and get
money from him for the contents of the note.
Inatia
I cannot come back as I promised. Take this,
forget me, do what you will with what I left
behind. Do not come here. He has punished me,
and I am lost.
Alwine
Thursday
Kalabash awakens from Baneberry poisoning. He speaks with Berana and
Uthnel. They tell him of the Prophecy of the Return, and that Berana
is apparently The One. He is incredelous, but sees their logic. He
tells them that he found the piece in Koda, and he used its Blink
ability as part of his Kalabash act. He knows nothing beyond that.
He has no clue why undead would want to kill him.
He tells them that he has to find Berana's mother. He suspects since
no word of her has been found, that she has been exiled beyond the
Western Ocean. He wants to journey to Marnor, and catch a Kodan
ship across the Western Ocean, and look for Berana's mother as sureptiously
as possible. He wants to travel to Yggsburg and catch a ship down
the Nor in 10 days.
Friday
Party able to visit the Ten Bells and see its condition. Much of the basement is not accesible.
They
go to the office of Unclaimed Real Estate. There they present letters from
the Town Guard (Captain Andretta), the Temple of Athena (Master Biassay),
and the Mage's Guild. They are told to fill out form 893456/8 and to
turn it in Tuesday morning as the office is closed for staff development
on Monday and they only give out forms in the afternoons, and collect
them in the morning. Rivery tries to bribe the clerk which only makes him
mad. He notes that back taxes are owed and that there is a lein on the
property to Riggit's Bank. Upon accepting the form, then a hearing will
be scheduled.
Sunday
One of Rir's lightstone lanterns burns out.
Aurelia is successfully broken of the domination of Drakthar
by a ritual at the Temple of Athena. They advise her to avoid the
vampire as she will be susceptible to his domination.
Rivery gets 100 GP from Osburn for sale of Bitter Root.
Prostitutes of Caron have information for Rivery on Under the Heel.
Rivery gets a note in a perfumed
envelope with a salacious drawing framed by a heart:
Hi Big Boy
We all miss you and wish you could visit to entertain
us every night. A mage called Sarsden also visits us,
but is much less entertaining than you. He claims to
be the person who is responsible for getting Under
the Heel distributed each day. While men say much
to impress women, we are pretty much sure things
thus we suspect his boast is likely to be true.
You owe us one. A big one, but that goes without
saying.
Alsiga and Adeliza
Tuesday
Party visit Dr. Copelius and find Livy restored to working
order. They tell them that they plan to head to Graham to investigate
the connection with Zagyg, and want Livy to accompany them. He is OK
with that. and gives them three extra bulbs for her Sunlight Flash
ability.
[/u]
Sunday
The party uses their pieces and notes there is one near, but in the opposite
direction as Drakthar apparently fled. They move down the branch of the tunnel,
and fight with the two adepts. One burns Livy badly, but they kill one and capture the
other. He tells them that Drakthar has probably withdrawn to his throne room, where he
has a throne of human skin and keeps a very large bat as a pet. Down the main tunnel
is the way out, and they should avoid the right hand turn as there is a trap. They
explore, faced with a locked room they head back and rifle the bodies finding some
potions and keys, they find a storage room with more boxes and casks with the cage symbol,
leave the adept locked in there, and then stumble upon the ghast and his black
robed friends. A tough fight with Rir vaporizing a skeleton with his Luminous Lance,
a ghoul paralyzing Rivery, Livy vaulting in and killing the halfling zombie and a
skeleton. The others kill the ghouls, but the ghast grabs Livy and tries to
bargain, "What I have for the girl," but the party will have none of it.
A scrum develops with Aislyn, Aurelia, and Rir wrestling with the Ghast
who finishes off Livy, telling them that, "My master will make you pay."
Eventually they capture him, note that he was an elf, and in a rage, Aislyn
finishes him off. They find a pawn and gold coins from Venga on the ghast.
After some debate they decide to leave the dungeon back the way they came
in. They have no trouble getting out and head to Dr. Copelius. He is distressed
to see the broken Livy, and can repair her in eight days. He is happy to give
them the piece that he has, but wants to know more. He points out that major
magic is swirling around the pieces, and it is forcing him to pay attention
the to the outside world which he has ignored for some time. He gets something out of
Aislyn, Aurelia, Rir, and Rivery. They mention Kuttner and the Elven prophecy
of the One. He knows something of the former, but nothing of the latter. They
ask after the Mage's Guild specifically Under the Heel. He tells them that the
Mage's Guild does indeed publish the newspaper to relieve tensions in the city.
Likely the party's disturbance of the Undine's prison caused them to query
the party about what happened, but he does not have an explanation as to why
the detailed story appeared in print, beyond that it makes a good story.
He notes that Zagyg is not likely to be the source of the undead, but that
the pieces are likely to attract the attention of powerful magic users such
as Zagyg and others. He says that he does need to re-engage with the outside
world and will attend the next Mage's Guild meeting, which takes place every
full moon. That is likely to to cause some consternation.
They go to the Temple of Athena, to get repaired and healed.
All goes well and they note that Aurelia is under the domination of the
vampire. They immeadiately confine her and begin an excorcism ritual
which will take six days. Master Tercival offers them advice on
vampires.
Rir visits Fahet and sends a letter to his father. He tells him that he is
doing well, finding pieces of the machine, and that the Luminous Lance works well.
He has known scary times, but he has mostly had success. He mentions the
Prophecy of the Return.
Aislyn visits Darthia. Vampires are very bad. They think there is
an Elvish vampire operating to the north. She knows of rumors of Drakthar,
but knows nothing about the cage symbol.
Rivery sells some loot. Much stuff from the warg riding goblins and
adepts that have the motif of the Horned One. No one seems distressed at this
point about the Horned One as the Fell Creatures have been talking his return up
for some time.
They do visit the South Tower of the Town Guard who tell them that based
on their information from the goblin captive they left behind that they are planning
to raid Drakthar's Way. The party tries to warn them off, mentioning that the
leader below is a vampire.
Monday
Town Guard/Guardian/Mage's Guild assault on Drakthar's way.
Tuesday
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caron Chronicle
Town Guard Shuts Down Smuggler's Sewer Route
============================================
Acting on information gained from the famous adventurers the Ripper
Five, the Town Guard yesterday launched a raid on a underground passage
used to smuggle contraband into Caron. The Ripper Five apparently stumbled
on the passage in connection with their investigation of the attempted burglary
of Doctor Copelius' home and found
a goblin infested passage connecting to the Caron sewer system. The adventurers
dealt the goblins a grievious blow, killing many, and capturing one. They
turned a goblin over to the Town Guard who acting on the information
gleaned from interogation of the prisoner
organized an expedition into the sewers. Captain Runcton of the Guard led
the expedition which included a contingent of the Guardians of Galba.
They found more horrors still occupying the passage and drove
them from the section of the passage connecting to the sewers. Under
constant assault from the evil denizons, sappers collapsed the upper
portion of the passage, severing the smuggling route. Captain Runcton
pronounced the expedition a success, as the way was closed, but did
lament the loss of two guards and one guardian who fell during the
operation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the Heel
Town Guard and Guardians Bumble in the Sewer
============================================
The Town Guard, supported by the ultimate tool of the Duke's
opression, the Guardians of Galba, spent much of yesterday wandering about
Caron's sewer system searching for a putative smuggling route into the city.
Apparently they were acting on information from the Ripper Five who had
apparently learned of the route during their encounter with the notorious
Red Hats. Captain Runcton of the Guard claimed success, but at the
cost of the lives of three young soldiers, although all we could detect
was a blockage of a main sewer line that the Guard claimed had cut
off the route. We note that smuggling besides bringing in illeagal
substances also avoids the large tax on on goods entering the city and thus
is the main source of low cost food for the citizens of Caron.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday
Aurelia's brother Bancel seeks to visit her. He asks why
she has spent so much, why she has not visited, and congratulates
her on the credit she is bringing to the family. He knows nothing
about the inner workings of the Guardians, etc.
Inatia recieves the following note, and some jewels from
Alwine from Graham. She will try to contact Rivery and get
money from him for the contents of the note.
Inatia
I cannot come back as I promised. Take this,
forget me, do what you will with what I left
behind. Do not come here. He has punished me,
and I am lost.
Alwine
Thursday
Kalabash awakens from Baneberry poisoning. He speaks with Berana and
Uthnel. They tell him of the Prophecy of the Return, and that Berana
is apparently The One. He is incredelous, but sees their logic. He
tells them that he found the piece in Koda, and he used its Blink
ability as part of his Kalabash act. He knows nothing beyond that.
He has no clue why undead would want to kill him.
He tells them that he has to find Berana's mother. He suspects since
no word of her has been found, that she has been exiled beyond the
Western Ocean. He wants to journey to Marnor, and catch a Kodan
ship across the Western Ocean, and look for Berana's mother as sureptiously
as possible. He wants to travel to Yggsburg and catch a ship down
the Nor in 10 days.
Friday
Party able to visit the Ten Bells and see its condition. Much of the basement is not accesible.
They
go to the office of Unclaimed Real Estate. There they present letters from
the Town Guard (Captain Andretta), the Temple of Athena (Master Biassay),
and the Mage's Guild. They are told to fill out form 893456/8 and to
turn it in Tuesday morning as the office is closed for staff development
on Monday and they only give out forms in the afternoons, and collect
them in the morning. Rivery tries to bribe the clerk which only makes him
mad. He notes that back taxes are owed and that there is a lein on the
property to Riggit's Bank. Upon accepting the form, then a hearing will
be scheduled.
Sunday
One of Rir's lightstone lanterns burns out.
Aurelia is successfully broken of the domination of Drakthar
by a ritual at the Temple of Athena. They advise her to avoid the
vampire as she will be susceptible to his domination.
Rivery gets 100 GP from Osburn for sale of Bitter Root.
Prostitutes of Caron have information for Rivery on Under the Heel.
Rivery gets a note in a perfumed
envelope with a salacious drawing framed by a heart:
Hi Big Boy
We all miss you and wish you could visit to entertain
us every night. A mage called Sarsden also visits us,
but is much less entertaining than you. He claims to
be the person who is responsible for getting Under
the Heel distributed each day. While men say much
to impress women, we are pretty much sure things
thus we suspect his boast is likely to be true.
You owe us one. A big one, but that goes without
saying.
Alsiga and Adeliza
Tuesday
Party visit Dr. Copelius and find Livy restored to working
order. They tell them that they plan to head to Graham to investigate
the connection with Zagyg, and want Livy to accompany them. He is OK
with that. and gives them three extra bulbs for her Sunlight Flash
ability.
[/u]
Eleventh Session Comments
First session after a bit of a break due to summer travel and vacations. Another good session. I had great trouble managing the confused melee between the party and ghast, ghouls, and skeletons. At one point I had to backtrack which got Aislyn's player very mad at me. This worked out as she was so angry that she killed off the surviving ghast, thus saving me from having to deal with an interogation of him. I point out that some times mistakes get made when I have to run an entire universe and the players bascially only have to keep track of one being. They forgive me. The party also takes the
bait and plans to go to the Dark Chateau which I locate near Graham which is taken from Castle Zagyg: Yggsburg and Environs. They are also getting
set up for a trip to Yggsburg from the same source.
As I clean up from this session and decide what will happen next the dice give rise to an improbable event. Someone new is interested in the pieces, and I begin to create a sub-plot that will keep us busy for a few sessions down the line.
Drakthar's Way from the Shackled City is excellent. I never weaved in more adventures from that campaign. Besides the first one I think they are very good. At my level progression we would never be able to complete that campaign in anything like a reasonable amount of time.
Finally some real world news. We are going to have a session Sunday.
Our last session was in March and I hope to get out of the dungeon crawl we have been slowly dealing with and get on to the last act of the campaign. I will be posting on that session in a week or two.
bait and plans to go to the Dark Chateau which I locate near Graham which is taken from Castle Zagyg: Yggsburg and Environs. They are also getting
set up for a trip to Yggsburg from the same source.
As I clean up from this session and decide what will happen next the dice give rise to an improbable event. Someone new is interested in the pieces, and I begin to create a sub-plot that will keep us busy for a few sessions down the line.
Drakthar's Way from the Shackled City is excellent. I never weaved in more adventures from that campaign. Besides the first one I think they are very good. At my level progression we would never be able to complete that campaign in anything like a reasonable amount of time.
Finally some real world news. We are going to have a session Sunday.
Our last session was in March and I hope to get out of the dungeon crawl we have been slowly dealing with and get on to the last act of the campaign. I will be posting on that session in a week or two.
Good read. So I have a week or two?
I like how your working Dark Chateau into things, and how you used the Vampire part of the AP. I only have the Dungeon part, not anything published. Shackled City is the published one, correct? IE the first AP?
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society
Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/
My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
I like how your working Dark Chateau into things, and how you used the Vampire part of the AP. I only have the Dungeon part, not anything published. Shackled City is the published one, correct? IE the first AP?
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society
Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/
My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael
Grand Knight Commander of the Society.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael
Grand Knight Commander of the Society.
Twelfth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 3 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 3 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 2 Cloth Gollum)
Wednesday
They ask Dr. Copelius about a better way to hide the pieces.
He says a bigger, thicker chest is the simplest way, but then they
could not carry it around. He will look into it (5/20), but not
come up with anything. He does note that their chest is unusual.
It has some magic on it, which is strange since lead objects are
not easy to magic.
As they leave Dr. Copelius they are ambushed by the assassins
sent by the Vale Lord of Luddenshiem. The fight is short and sharp,
with the Berana, Aurelia, and Rir felled by the magic user, who was
killed by Rir with a critical, and the cleric. They also take down one
of the rogues. The assassins move off when two of them go down, one runs,
and the guard comes. The party angers the guard and are hauled off to the
station. They spend most of the day there, but fortunately a passer-by
observed the ambush and confirms their story. They are asked
to inform the guard if they leave town and note that a wagon was
left behind by the ambushers. The guard (2/20) makes no progress
on a further investigation. They Speak with the Dead of one of
the assassins. They learn that they were associated with Baldrus,
the man they rescued from the Varglog near Botkinberg.
Kalabash tells them that next week he would like to journey
to Yggsburgh to catch a ship down to Marnor. They agree to escort
him and decide to head out to Graham tomorrow.
Rivery talks with Osburn, mentions troubles with Baldrus (9/20)
which will lead to nothing, and discovers that Paralyzation Poison,
as used by the assassins, is quite expensive.
Wednesday
Traveling to Graham. Encounter some pilgrims coming back from
visiting a shrine to Hephastus, aka The Great Smith, maintained by
the Dwarves. No news.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caron Chronicle
Ripper Five Disturb Peace in the Upper City
===========================================
Revealing the dark side of the adventuring business the Ripper Five
were at the center of an incident in the Upper City yesterday. Apparently
some enemies from their past attempting to settle a score ambushed the
Five as they walked the streets. Perhaps we should say that the Ripper
Six since they have been seen lately in the company of one of Doctor
Copelius' magomechanical creations, and the incident happened near Doctor
Copelius' home and workshop. The Town Guard and locals report that
five or six humans including at least two magic users began hurling
spells and poisoned tipped missile weapons at the Six. Three of them went
down, while two of the would be assassins were felled by the determined
defense of the Six. Fortunately members of the Town Guard were attracted
by the ruckus and their arrival sent those assassins still standing fleeing.
The Ripper Six then had the temerity to question the effectiveness
of the Guard's response and were taken in for questioning. Fortunately for
them members of the public witnessed the unfortunate events, and the Six were
released. This newspaper does question why they were not charged with Disturbing
the Peace. We assume that the Town Guard has given them a break due to their past
service to our beloved Duke and the City. Clearly while the City loves them,
as shown by the actions of the Town Guard, the Six do not return that adulation,
as shown by their disturbance of the peace and their disdain for the Town
Guard.
While we welcomed their appearance on the Caron adventuring scene,
we have to question if the Ripper Six actually have the city's best
interests at heart. Like most adventurers they inevitably bring a
degree of chaos to whatever they do; it is part and parcel of their
business. We hope that this incident is only a youthful indiscretion,
and it is not a sign of a future direction. Do we have to remind
our readers of the eventual fate of the Federline Force?
The Town Guard reports that those who attacked the Ripper Six
were well known vagrants and homeless. Twelve usual suspects have been
sent to the mines. At least some good has come of this unfortunate
incident.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday
Invitation to the Caron University Charity Ball arrives for the Ripper
Five.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Regents of the Caron University are pleased to invite you and
a compainion of your choice to their annual Charity Ball on Friday. This year the Ball will be held at the Temple of Apollo in Caron and
their High Priestess, Giorna Kal, welcomes you to their humble place of
worship. Chancellor Cavanaugh reminds you that donations in support of
faculty research, student scholarships, and the general fund are greatly
appreciated. This year those who donate more than 100 GP are invited to
participate in an exclusive behind the scenes of the University offered
on the day after the Ball.
Temple of Apollo, Caron
5:00 PM Doors Open to Guests - Food and Drink will be Served
6:30 PM High Priestess Giorna Kal on the Education Mission
7:00 PM Chancellor Cavanaugh Remarks
7:30 PM Presentation of the Donations
Next Day: Main Gate, Caron University
10:00 Start of Exclusive Tour
Formal Dress is required for entry into Charity Ball.
Good walking shoes are recommended for those participating
in the Tour.
Caron University Attendees
Charles Cavanaugh, Chancellor and Professor of Alchemy and Transmutation
Jacobus Pauley, Vice Chancellor
Kevrick Halstromm, Professor of Abjuration and Bookbinding
Ivara Carnen, Professor of Enchatment and Alchemy
Ablin Highhill, Professor of Divination
Dejah Corellis, Professor of Conjuration
Malvina Zevlin, Proferror of Evocation
Dimble Galemott, Professor of Illusion
Alton Lorock, Professor of Necromancy
Vermmon Haguus, Professor of Transmutation, History, Metallurgy, and Alchemy
Odilia Halsromm, Alumni Relations and University Scribe
Jaylin Vaas, Assistant to the Chancellor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aurelia's armor ready.
They arrive at Graham. At the tavern, they are directed to
Alwine's house. They find the half insect/half man who Berana
webs in, and they kill. He begs them for death and tells them that
"He is coming". They are then chased into the river by a swarm
of out sized hornets. They are rescued by locals who use fire and
smoke to drive off the swarm. Inside they find some change and
two dessicated bodies who the locals ID as Alwine's mother
and father. The locals say that Alwine returned a few weeks
ago, but they have not seen him or his parents for the last week.
They spend a night in the tavern.
Friday
The next day some town leaders approach them and ask
what happened. They are focused on Zagyg. They are told
that as far as they know his house has been unoccupied for
more than ten years, they do not keep any sort of watch on
it, locals do head up there and occasionally disappear.
It is definitely dangerous.
They head there finding the disused road, and
note that someone has been up there in the last week.
They note the arrow slits and move to flank the barn.
As they move towards it the goblins come out to attack,
with the orcs shooting from the cover of the barn.
The orcs shoot well, but a Sleep from Berana, and
a Command from Aurelia sends the goblins fleeing.
One is killed by Livy, but one escapes.
Rivery tries to sneak around the back, but alerts
the orc leader. In the end the party's fire power
knocks them out. They find some change, magic sword
from the orc leader, and the magic saddle.
Wednesday
They ask Dr. Copelius about a better way to hide the pieces.
He says a bigger, thicker chest is the simplest way, but then they
could not carry it around. He will look into it (5/20), but not
come up with anything. He does note that their chest is unusual.
It has some magic on it, which is strange since lead objects are
not easy to magic.
As they leave Dr. Copelius they are ambushed by the assassins
sent by the Vale Lord of Luddenshiem. The fight is short and sharp,
with the Berana, Aurelia, and Rir felled by the magic user, who was
killed by Rir with a critical, and the cleric. They also take down one
of the rogues. The assassins move off when two of them go down, one runs,
and the guard comes. The party angers the guard and are hauled off to the
station. They spend most of the day there, but fortunately a passer-by
observed the ambush and confirms their story. They are asked
to inform the guard if they leave town and note that a wagon was
left behind by the ambushers. The guard (2/20) makes no progress
on a further investigation. They Speak with the Dead of one of
the assassins. They learn that they were associated with Baldrus,
the man they rescued from the Varglog near Botkinberg.
Kalabash tells them that next week he would like to journey
to Yggsburgh to catch a ship down to Marnor. They agree to escort
him and decide to head out to Graham tomorrow.
Rivery talks with Osburn, mentions troubles with Baldrus (9/20)
which will lead to nothing, and discovers that Paralyzation Poison,
as used by the assassins, is quite expensive.
Wednesday
Traveling to Graham. Encounter some pilgrims coming back from
visiting a shrine to Hephastus, aka The Great Smith, maintained by
the Dwarves. No news.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caron Chronicle
Ripper Five Disturb Peace in the Upper City
===========================================
Revealing the dark side of the adventuring business the Ripper Five
were at the center of an incident in the Upper City yesterday. Apparently
some enemies from their past attempting to settle a score ambushed the
Five as they walked the streets. Perhaps we should say that the Ripper
Six since they have been seen lately in the company of one of Doctor
Copelius' magomechanical creations, and the incident happened near Doctor
Copelius' home and workshop. The Town Guard and locals report that
five or six humans including at least two magic users began hurling
spells and poisoned tipped missile weapons at the Six. Three of them went
down, while two of the would be assassins were felled by the determined
defense of the Six. Fortunately members of the Town Guard were attracted
by the ruckus and their arrival sent those assassins still standing fleeing.
The Ripper Six then had the temerity to question the effectiveness
of the Guard's response and were taken in for questioning. Fortunately for
them members of the public witnessed the unfortunate events, and the Six were
released. This newspaper does question why they were not charged with Disturbing
the Peace. We assume that the Town Guard has given them a break due to their past
service to our beloved Duke and the City. Clearly while the City loves them,
as shown by the actions of the Town Guard, the Six do not return that adulation,
as shown by their disturbance of the peace and their disdain for the Town
Guard.
While we welcomed their appearance on the Caron adventuring scene,
we have to question if the Ripper Six actually have the city's best
interests at heart. Like most adventurers they inevitably bring a
degree of chaos to whatever they do; it is part and parcel of their
business. We hope that this incident is only a youthful indiscretion,
and it is not a sign of a future direction. Do we have to remind
our readers of the eventual fate of the Federline Force?
The Town Guard reports that those who attacked the Ripper Six
were well known vagrants and homeless. Twelve usual suspects have been
sent to the mines. At least some good has come of this unfortunate
incident.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday
Invitation to the Caron University Charity Ball arrives for the Ripper
Five.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Regents of the Caron University are pleased to invite you and
a compainion of your choice to their annual Charity Ball on Friday. This year the Ball will be held at the Temple of Apollo in Caron and
their High Priestess, Giorna Kal, welcomes you to their humble place of
worship. Chancellor Cavanaugh reminds you that donations in support of
faculty research, student scholarships, and the general fund are greatly
appreciated. This year those who donate more than 100 GP are invited to
participate in an exclusive behind the scenes of the University offered
on the day after the Ball.
Temple of Apollo, Caron
5:00 PM Doors Open to Guests - Food and Drink will be Served
6:30 PM High Priestess Giorna Kal on the Education Mission
7:00 PM Chancellor Cavanaugh Remarks
7:30 PM Presentation of the Donations
Next Day: Main Gate, Caron University
10:00 Start of Exclusive Tour
Formal Dress is required for entry into Charity Ball.
Good walking shoes are recommended for those participating
in the Tour.
Caron University Attendees
Charles Cavanaugh, Chancellor and Professor of Alchemy and Transmutation
Jacobus Pauley, Vice Chancellor
Kevrick Halstromm, Professor of Abjuration and Bookbinding
Ivara Carnen, Professor of Enchatment and Alchemy
Ablin Highhill, Professor of Divination
Dejah Corellis, Professor of Conjuration
Malvina Zevlin, Proferror of Evocation
Dimble Galemott, Professor of Illusion
Alton Lorock, Professor of Necromancy
Vermmon Haguus, Professor of Transmutation, History, Metallurgy, and Alchemy
Odilia Halsromm, Alumni Relations and University Scribe
Jaylin Vaas, Assistant to the Chancellor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aurelia's armor ready.
They arrive at Graham. At the tavern, they are directed to
Alwine's house. They find the half insect/half man who Berana
webs in, and they kill. He begs them for death and tells them that
"He is coming". They are then chased into the river by a swarm
of out sized hornets. They are rescued by locals who use fire and
smoke to drive off the swarm. Inside they find some change and
two dessicated bodies who the locals ID as Alwine's mother
and father. The locals say that Alwine returned a few weeks
ago, but they have not seen him or his parents for the last week.
They spend a night in the tavern.
Friday
The next day some town leaders approach them and ask
what happened. They are focused on Zagyg. They are told
that as far as they know his house has been unoccupied for
more than ten years, they do not keep any sort of watch on
it, locals do head up there and occasionally disappear.
It is definitely dangerous.
They head there finding the disused road, and
note that someone has been up there in the last week.
They note the arrow slits and move to flank the barn.
As they move towards it the goblins come out to attack,
with the orcs shooting from the cover of the barn.
The orcs shoot well, but a Sleep from Berana, and
a Command from Aurelia sends the goblins fleeing.
One is killed by Livy, but one escapes.
Rivery tries to sneak around the back, but alerts
the orc leader. In the end the party's fire power
knocks them out. They find some change, magic sword
from the orc leader, and the magic saddle.
Twelfth Session Comments
We begin on the Dark Chateau with a good session. Also they are being
set up for Unhallowed Halls and a trip to Yggsburg.
Yes, Shackled City is the Adventure Path originally published in Dungeon and compiled into a book from Pazio. Drakthar's Way is the second adventure and, I think, did not appear in Dungeon, but was added to the book.
set up for Unhallowed Halls and a trip to Yggsburg.
Yes, Shackled City is the Adventure Path originally published in Dungeon and compiled into a book from Pazio. Drakthar's Way is the second adventure and, I think, did not appear in Dungeon, but was added to the book.
I've read enough threads about Drakthar I could probably run the scenario anyways.
I thought you said I would have a week or two?
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society
Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/
My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
I thought you said I would have a week or two?
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society
Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/
My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael
Grand Knight Commander of the Society.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael
Grand Knight Commander of the Society.
Thirteenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 3 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 3 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage),
Livy (Lvl 1 Cloth Gollum), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue)
Friday
They decide to head back to town to recover spells. There
they find Angus, fairy champion from Botkinberg, who tells them that
a Dark Fairy who is really nasty has showed up around Botkinberg
asking after the "big Elven Queen". Frosty Flower's fairy's
are OK, but they thought that Beranna should know that someone is
looking for her.
They head back to the house and tour the grounds. They fight
and destroy the Giant Weasel. They encounter some Goblins who claim
they are coming down to relieve the others. They follow Goblin tracks
going and coming from the north. They go into the house via the veranda
and encounter Wicked the talking cat. She tells them that she was
created by Zagyg to lead all the cats in spying, but that it did not
work as the cats were too stupid and too easily distracted to do any
useful work. She tells him that Zagyg has left here for another home,
but she does not know where it is. Also she says that Zagyg is "not
himself" and they figure out that he has multiple personalities. He
has been here recently and he had a vistor. She does not know much
about what else is in the house. There is a ghost and the basement
is dangerous. She would like to leave, but not with Goblins and has
been unable to go on her own due to the giant weasel.
They encounter the ghost of Nestor, Zagyg's brother, in the
library. He gets them to read him some stories and rewards them with
the key to the front door and some scrolls. They decide not to
touch the pictures, and fight with a rat swarm in the kitchen, and
find the magic cleaver. They find the door to the basement, but
decide to explore upstairs. They pop in on the library and try
to rifle the desk, but Nestor is awakened and starts throwing
books at them. They leave and head up stairs.
The explore about and animate the Owl Bear in Zagyg's
bedroom. They manage to defeat it with the help of Angus's
arrow of sleep. They find the key to the attic and a scroll.
They head up to the attic and find the scare crow, the scary
box with something magic and evil inside, the Caron's Mage's
Guild newsletter, and the locked, trapped chest. Rivery tries
to disarm and poison gas is released. Inside they find two
of Zagyg's old spell books (level 1 and 2) and a third that
is blank.
They decide to head down to the basement.
Livy (Lvl 1 Cloth Gollum), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue)
Friday
They decide to head back to town to recover spells. There
they find Angus, fairy champion from Botkinberg, who tells them that
a Dark Fairy who is really nasty has showed up around Botkinberg
asking after the "big Elven Queen". Frosty Flower's fairy's
are OK, but they thought that Beranna should know that someone is
looking for her.
They head back to the house and tour the grounds. They fight
and destroy the Giant Weasel. They encounter some Goblins who claim
they are coming down to relieve the others. They follow Goblin tracks
going and coming from the north. They go into the house via the veranda
and encounter Wicked the talking cat. She tells them that she was
created by Zagyg to lead all the cats in spying, but that it did not
work as the cats were too stupid and too easily distracted to do any
useful work. She tells him that Zagyg has left here for another home,
but she does not know where it is. Also she says that Zagyg is "not
himself" and they figure out that he has multiple personalities. He
has been here recently and he had a vistor. She does not know much
about what else is in the house. There is a ghost and the basement
is dangerous. She would like to leave, but not with Goblins and has
been unable to go on her own due to the giant weasel.
They encounter the ghost of Nestor, Zagyg's brother, in the
library. He gets them to read him some stories and rewards them with
the key to the front door and some scrolls. They decide not to
touch the pictures, and fight with a rat swarm in the kitchen, and
find the magic cleaver. They find the door to the basement, but
decide to explore upstairs. They pop in on the library and try
to rifle the desk, but Nestor is awakened and starts throwing
books at them. They leave and head up stairs.
The explore about and animate the Owl Bear in Zagyg's
bedroom. They manage to defeat it with the help of Angus's
arrow of sleep. They find the key to the attic and a scroll.
They head up to the attic and find the scare crow, the scary
box with something magic and evil inside, the Caron's Mage's
Guild newsletter, and the locked, trapped chest. Rivery tries
to disarm and poison gas is released. Inside they find two
of Zagyg's old spell books (level 1 and 2) and a third that
is blank.
They decide to head down to the basement.
Thirteenth Session Comments
Short session due to real world interference. We are enjoying Dark Chateau.
What I thought I wrote is that in about a week I will be reporting on a session we have on Sunday. This session thirteen took place in August of 2006 and I still have a bunch of 2006 sessions to get through. Unfortunately the number of sessions dropped to almost zero in 2007.
Still no one in the Detroit area has gotten in touch. I am willing to be Keeper. I am reminded how much fun this is as I review my campaign diary here.
What I thought I wrote is that in about a week I will be reporting on a session we have on Sunday. This session thirteen took place in August of 2006 and I still have a bunch of 2006 sessions to get through. Unfortunately the number of sessions dropped to almost zero in 2007.
Still no one in the Detroit area has gotten in touch. I am willing to be Keeper. I am reminded how much fun this is as I review my campaign diary here.
Fourteenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 3 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 3 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Livy (Lvl 2 Cloth Gollum), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue), Angus (Lvl 2 Fairy)
Friday
After some dithering they head to the basement. They
are afraid and send Enya to explore. She sees the well, big
statue of Hecate, oddity shelf, pentagram, and then gets caught
in the Mirror of Life Trapping. Beranna looses contact with
her, but does not feel that she has died. They head down the
stairs and notice the trash pile with rats at the bottom.
They decide to jump over the pile. Rir and Aurelia fall in and
a rat bites Aurelia. Wicked is sent to catch a rat, which they
then have Livy throw in the pentagram. Nothing happens. They
explore some of the storage rooms, gather the stuff on the shelves,
icluding three pieces,
and see the left overs in the preparation and potion rooms.
Aislyn gets caught in the mirror, followed by Rivery, and Angus.
The others begin bargaining with the goblin and eventually
break it realeasing every one. They capture the goblin and
truss him up. They decide to hold him and release when they
get out. Rivery wants to kill him. They take his "Two Daggers"
hat and tell him that anyone openly bearing this item will
be immune to attack by the tribe. He agrees to this bargain.
They ask him about mages from Caron spying on Zagyg, but
get no answer.
They explore the crypt and take Nestor's gift. They
see into the mine tunnels beyond. Enya is again sent in to
explore and she sees the odd symbols, dead goblin, cross bow,
web, and trash pile. They are very desperate to find the
green stone, but Enya does not get that far. They are
too scared to explore the mines. They waste some time battering
at the extra bound door and note that it is magical.
Finally they spend some time with the statue. They
find the drawer and Rir is pounded by the hand. Rivery is
very desperate to get the gloves as the goblin tells them
that Zagyg uses them to hold "hard to hold things". They
develop a strange plan with multiple people trying to open
the drawer and run away with the gloves, and the others standing
off with missle weapons. The arm pounds the drawer opener,
Rivery grabs the gloves and tries to run off, a magic missle
from Berana plugs Angus, and the arm grabs Rivery shakes
the gloves loose, throws Rivery in the corner, and returns
the gloves to the drawer.
After Aislyn chatises them, especially Rivery, for
coming up with such a bad plan, they decide to leave. They have
no trouble getting out, release the goblin who runs off to the
north, and head back to town. It is very late, but they rouse
the priest of Posiedon, and between him and Aislyn they are
able to heal up. Aislyn and Rir still have some infected
wounds from the poisoned orc arrows from early this day.
The town folk are frankly suprised to see them return as
when they were gone for so long, they assumed they were dead.
They go to sleep.
Saturday
Characaters awaken at lunch time planning to head
back for more. Angus decides to head back to Botkinburg.
Friday
After some dithering they head to the basement. They
are afraid and send Enya to explore. She sees the well, big
statue of Hecate, oddity shelf, pentagram, and then gets caught
in the Mirror of Life Trapping. Beranna looses contact with
her, but does not feel that she has died. They head down the
stairs and notice the trash pile with rats at the bottom.
They decide to jump over the pile. Rir and Aurelia fall in and
a rat bites Aurelia. Wicked is sent to catch a rat, which they
then have Livy throw in the pentagram. Nothing happens. They
explore some of the storage rooms, gather the stuff on the shelves,
icluding three pieces,
and see the left overs in the preparation and potion rooms.
Aislyn gets caught in the mirror, followed by Rivery, and Angus.
The others begin bargaining with the goblin and eventually
break it realeasing every one. They capture the goblin and
truss him up. They decide to hold him and release when they
get out. Rivery wants to kill him. They take his "Two Daggers"
hat and tell him that anyone openly bearing this item will
be immune to attack by the tribe. He agrees to this bargain.
They ask him about mages from Caron spying on Zagyg, but
get no answer.
They explore the crypt and take Nestor's gift. They
see into the mine tunnels beyond. Enya is again sent in to
explore and she sees the odd symbols, dead goblin, cross bow,
web, and trash pile. They are very desperate to find the
green stone, but Enya does not get that far. They are
too scared to explore the mines. They waste some time battering
at the extra bound door and note that it is magical.
Finally they spend some time with the statue. They
find the drawer and Rir is pounded by the hand. Rivery is
very desperate to get the gloves as the goblin tells them
that Zagyg uses them to hold "hard to hold things". They
develop a strange plan with multiple people trying to open
the drawer and run away with the gloves, and the others standing
off with missle weapons. The arm pounds the drawer opener,
Rivery grabs the gloves and tries to run off, a magic missle
from Berana plugs Angus, and the arm grabs Rivery shakes
the gloves loose, throws Rivery in the corner, and returns
the gloves to the drawer.
After Aislyn chatises them, especially Rivery, for
coming up with such a bad plan, they decide to leave. They have
no trouble getting out, release the goblin who runs off to the
north, and head back to town. It is very late, but they rouse
the priest of Posiedon, and between him and Aislyn they are
able to heal up. Aislyn and Rir still have some infected
wounds from the poisoned orc arrows from early this day.
The town folk are frankly suprised to see them return as
when they were gone for so long, they assumed they were dead.
They go to sleep.
Saturday
Characaters awaken at lunch time planning to head
back for more. Angus decides to head back to Botkinburg.
Session Fourteen Comments
We finish off Dark Chateau. Very good module, but I did seem to spend a lot of time flipping pages. One step below Shadows and Blacktooth Ridge and as good as DCC Ripper. Four modules that are very good or excellent and nothing worse than that is making for a very enjoyable campaign.
The players of Aislyn and Rivery are married. Their interactions during this session as they began bickering over how to recover the gloves were a great source of entertainment to everyone else.
The party is about to get caught up in unexpected events in the next session.
We had a good session on Sunday as we move towards the end. The players are eager to make progress and are planning to come to Detroit
in September to get in another session.
The players of Aislyn and Rivery are married. Their interactions during this session as they began bickering over how to recover the gloves were a great source of entertainment to everyone else.
The party is about to get caught up in unexpected events in the next session.
We had a good session on Sunday as we move towards the end. The players are eager to make progress and are planning to come to Detroit
in September to get in another session.
Fifteenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 3 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 3 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Livy (Lvl 2 Cloth Gollum), Rir (Lvl 3 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue)
Saturday
An argument ensues about whether to return to Zagyg's house
or head back to Caron. Rivery is fixated on recovering the gloves,
but the others, especially Aislyn, feel that they have recovered the
pieces and want to get back to searching for more. They decide to
head back to Caron, and Rivery itimates that they are cowards.
Just out of Graham Aislyn notes that something is wrong, and
just as they begin to head back about a dozen goblins spring an ambush
on them. There are 8 archers firing from dug in positions on either
side of the road, and 4 warg riders bearing down on them with large
spears. Rivery notes that one of the goblin riders is bearing the head
of the goblin they released from the mirror. They run back towards Graham,
with Aislyn taking an arrow and plugging one warg with an arrow in response.
Suddenly the goblins are attacked from the rear by the Skaven. They
see oversized rat creatures standing on their hind legs, in armor, and
bearing hooked swords. The attack opens with Warp Fire grenades which explode
among the goblins and send them scattering. Then about two dozen Skaven descend
on the goblins wreaking havoc. As the heroes stand dumb founded looking at
the carnage they see one of the rats rise up, raise his sword and tell them,
"Prepare to die, man-things!" The party quickly heads back to Graham.
There they find Ed Twing, informal town leader, and tell them that
they were ambushed by goblins and Rat folk. He tells then that the Skaven
are legendary creatures from the Chaos Wars, and that he thinks they are
working too hard. Nevertheless he calls out the town militia and tells the
people to have the fishing boats ready in case they have to retreat to them.
He plans to have the militia watch the tree line. The party sends out Enya
who flies about. At the sight of the ambush she sees nothing but some burned
areas. She sees no concentrations of the rat folk. Back at Zagyg's house
she sees trenches and some sort of tube like contraption on the balcony
defending the approach to the house. Based on this disturbing information
they decide to head back to Caron as soon as possible, bearing a plea for
help from the town.
They head out of town, pass a tinker that they convince that it is
dangerous to head to Graham who turns around, and some freighters that decide
to press on. They arrive late at an inn and mention Rat Folk. They again
are thought to be insane.
Full moon. Meeting of the Caron Mage's Guild. Copelius is
unable to attract any attention from the Mage's Guild that
something is going on. They have not noticed that anything
is going on.
Sunday
Back to Caron. They head first to the Guardians tower, but find it
closed and a notice directing them to the Duke's castle. There they are
recognized and brought to a lieutenant who takes their story although
he is skeptical. He does promise to send a squad to Graham to help defend
it.
They head to Dr. Copelius who can fix Livy's minor damage by
the next day. He tells them about the mage's guild meeting. He is
fascinated by Wicked and they convince her to be tested by Copelius.
He learns a great deal (17/20) and does no damage (9/20). They get
another lead box from him and divide their pieces into two parts.
They all get invitations to the Uiversity Charity's Ball. Uthnel,
an alumni, will investigate why the Charity Ball is in the Temple of Apollo.
He knows no more about the Skaven.
Rivery spends the night with some girls in a Low City brothel.
Aislyn asks Darthia about the Skaven. She does not know anything,
but will look into it.
Fahet knows something about Skaven. He says that the Dwarves
have consistently encountered them in the Underdark. They are very bad.
Monday: 5 May 980
Rivery and his girls are awakened early in the morning by
some thugs who hood and drag Rivery off to someplace where Osburn
shows up. He tells him that something black and horrible attacked
the bookshop last night, killed at least two, and wants to know where
Rivery has been and what he and Alwine were up to or else he will
be thrown into the lake. Rivery starts singing like a bird. He tells
Osburn that Alwine was working for Zagyg, was mutated, and has been
killed by Rivery and company. Osburn tells Rivery that Zagyg is not
sane, they have worked together in the past, locating things for him,
but that he is not consistent. Rivery tells him all he knows about
Kuttner's game, that he and his friends have been gathering pieces,
and at least two someones, Zagyg and someone else, are also trying to
gather some. Rivery thinks it is better for he and his friends to
have it, and that it could be very valuable. Osburn tells Rivery
that it is best if he got out of town for a while.
The rest of the party gathers in the morning, but Rivery is not
there. They go to his apartment where they are told that he visited
yesterday evening, and then boasted about going to a brothel. They
go there, where a bouncer shoes them away telling them that he is not
there, and finally they end up at the bookshop which is closed with a
number of people waiting on it to open. Osburn shows up and tells them
that Rivery is OK and they should go look for him somewhere else.
They find him back at his home curled up on his bed. He tells them
that they should get going escorting Kalabash to Yggsburg right
away.
They use their pieces and note some changes. The ones at the grocery
store, one in the University, and the one that was behaving strangely at
Halder's Gap are missing.
They go to collect Calabash and there ask Uthnel to hire a lawyer
to deal with the Ten Bells. The Factor Amaer is known to Uthnel and they pay
him 50 GP. He tells them it should take about 1 month.
They stop by Dr. Copelius'. He has fixed Livy, but he is
very distracted and the characters hear the yowling of cats in
the background. How does he do? (16/20) Very well.
They journey down the regions major overland trade route to the
town of Clifford. There is the NE limit of navigation of the River
Coniston and so goods to and from Caron are transhipped here. It is
a town of warehouses and docks, but not very pretty. They easily
find an Inn and Rivery bargains with a mage about items from Zagyg's
house. He finds that the scimitar is a +1, and various other stuff.
Tuesday
They catch a river barge to Yggsburg. The boatmen direct
them to Riverman's Tavern to find further river travel. They
pass through the main square and note that the fountain has a gold
chalice on it. They learn that the local Vale Lord leaves them about
for the use of the public. When one was stolen, one local was killed,
two, two, etc. Eventually the locals made sure that no one even looked
twice at the chalice's.
They leave the city and go the Boatmen's finding a board
with a listing of river travels in the morning. Kalabash is easily
able to book a barge leaving tomorrow morning for Marnor. There
are boats back to Clifford and one to Venga. They speak to the
Vengans, note that they seem to have a slave in attendance, and Aurelia
mentions that they are interested in stopping one mile north, the location
at which they have a hit from their pieces. The boatmen tell them that
they usually do not do this, but for extra money they would.
They are told that there are mines and such to the north and some
boats do go there to bring ore down to Yggsburg and supplies up to
the miners. They are told to look for the sign of the flying boat
in the town square if they interested in exploring the region around
the town.
They head back in the city and go to the shop of Gnigul
the Dwarf with the sign of a boat with wings. He is there and willing
to transport the characters tomorrow. He has a trip for someone else
first thing in the morning. He will charge them 10gp/person for a
sight seeing trip around the city. He notes that he used to be in
their business, but upon finding the flying boat he decided to settle
down in a quiet spot. This is a very quiet spot with the Elvish lands
across the river, and far from the northern mountains and the Cracktow.
They spend the night at the Riverman's Tavern.
Saturday
An argument ensues about whether to return to Zagyg's house
or head back to Caron. Rivery is fixated on recovering the gloves,
but the others, especially Aislyn, feel that they have recovered the
pieces and want to get back to searching for more. They decide to
head back to Caron, and Rivery itimates that they are cowards.
Just out of Graham Aislyn notes that something is wrong, and
just as they begin to head back about a dozen goblins spring an ambush
on them. There are 8 archers firing from dug in positions on either
side of the road, and 4 warg riders bearing down on them with large
spears. Rivery notes that one of the goblin riders is bearing the head
of the goblin they released from the mirror. They run back towards Graham,
with Aislyn taking an arrow and plugging one warg with an arrow in response.
Suddenly the goblins are attacked from the rear by the Skaven. They
see oversized rat creatures standing on their hind legs, in armor, and
bearing hooked swords. The attack opens with Warp Fire grenades which explode
among the goblins and send them scattering. Then about two dozen Skaven descend
on the goblins wreaking havoc. As the heroes stand dumb founded looking at
the carnage they see one of the rats rise up, raise his sword and tell them,
"Prepare to die, man-things!" The party quickly heads back to Graham.
There they find Ed Twing, informal town leader, and tell them that
they were ambushed by goblins and Rat folk. He tells then that the Skaven
are legendary creatures from the Chaos Wars, and that he thinks they are
working too hard. Nevertheless he calls out the town militia and tells the
people to have the fishing boats ready in case they have to retreat to them.
He plans to have the militia watch the tree line. The party sends out Enya
who flies about. At the sight of the ambush she sees nothing but some burned
areas. She sees no concentrations of the rat folk. Back at Zagyg's house
she sees trenches and some sort of tube like contraption on the balcony
defending the approach to the house. Based on this disturbing information
they decide to head back to Caron as soon as possible, bearing a plea for
help from the town.
They head out of town, pass a tinker that they convince that it is
dangerous to head to Graham who turns around, and some freighters that decide
to press on. They arrive late at an inn and mention Rat Folk. They again
are thought to be insane.
Full moon. Meeting of the Caron Mage's Guild. Copelius is
unable to attract any attention from the Mage's Guild that
something is going on. They have not noticed that anything
is going on.
Sunday
Back to Caron. They head first to the Guardians tower, but find it
closed and a notice directing them to the Duke's castle. There they are
recognized and brought to a lieutenant who takes their story although
he is skeptical. He does promise to send a squad to Graham to help defend
it.
They head to Dr. Copelius who can fix Livy's minor damage by
the next day. He tells them about the mage's guild meeting. He is
fascinated by Wicked and they convince her to be tested by Copelius.
He learns a great deal (17/20) and does no damage (9/20). They get
another lead box from him and divide their pieces into two parts.
They all get invitations to the Uiversity Charity's Ball. Uthnel,
an alumni, will investigate why the Charity Ball is in the Temple of Apollo.
He knows no more about the Skaven.
Rivery spends the night with some girls in a Low City brothel.
Aislyn asks Darthia about the Skaven. She does not know anything,
but will look into it.
Fahet knows something about Skaven. He says that the Dwarves
have consistently encountered them in the Underdark. They are very bad.
Monday: 5 May 980
Rivery and his girls are awakened early in the morning by
some thugs who hood and drag Rivery off to someplace where Osburn
shows up. He tells him that something black and horrible attacked
the bookshop last night, killed at least two, and wants to know where
Rivery has been and what he and Alwine were up to or else he will
be thrown into the lake. Rivery starts singing like a bird. He tells
Osburn that Alwine was working for Zagyg, was mutated, and has been
killed by Rivery and company. Osburn tells Rivery that Zagyg is not
sane, they have worked together in the past, locating things for him,
but that he is not consistent. Rivery tells him all he knows about
Kuttner's game, that he and his friends have been gathering pieces,
and at least two someones, Zagyg and someone else, are also trying to
gather some. Rivery thinks it is better for he and his friends to
have it, and that it could be very valuable. Osburn tells Rivery
that it is best if he got out of town for a while.
The rest of the party gathers in the morning, but Rivery is not
there. They go to his apartment where they are told that he visited
yesterday evening, and then boasted about going to a brothel. They
go there, where a bouncer shoes them away telling them that he is not
there, and finally they end up at the bookshop which is closed with a
number of people waiting on it to open. Osburn shows up and tells them
that Rivery is OK and they should go look for him somewhere else.
They find him back at his home curled up on his bed. He tells them
that they should get going escorting Kalabash to Yggsburg right
away.
They use their pieces and note some changes. The ones at the grocery
store, one in the University, and the one that was behaving strangely at
Halder's Gap are missing.
They go to collect Calabash and there ask Uthnel to hire a lawyer
to deal with the Ten Bells. The Factor Amaer is known to Uthnel and they pay
him 50 GP. He tells them it should take about 1 month.
They stop by Dr. Copelius'. He has fixed Livy, but he is
very distracted and the characters hear the yowling of cats in
the background. How does he do? (16/20) Very well.
They journey down the regions major overland trade route to the
town of Clifford. There is the NE limit of navigation of the River
Coniston and so goods to and from Caron are transhipped here. It is
a town of warehouses and docks, but not very pretty. They easily
find an Inn and Rivery bargains with a mage about items from Zagyg's
house. He finds that the scimitar is a +1, and various other stuff.
Tuesday
They catch a river barge to Yggsburg. The boatmen direct
them to Riverman's Tavern to find further river travel. They
pass through the main square and note that the fountain has a gold
chalice on it. They learn that the local Vale Lord leaves them about
for the use of the public. When one was stolen, one local was killed,
two, two, etc. Eventually the locals made sure that no one even looked
twice at the chalice's.
They leave the city and go the Boatmen's finding a board
with a listing of river travels in the morning. Kalabash is easily
able to book a barge leaving tomorrow morning for Marnor. There
are boats back to Clifford and one to Venga. They speak to the
Vengans, note that they seem to have a slave in attendance, and Aurelia
mentions that they are interested in stopping one mile north, the location
at which they have a hit from their pieces. The boatmen tell them that
they usually do not do this, but for extra money they would.
They are told that there are mines and such to the north and some
boats do go there to bring ore down to Yggsburg and supplies up to
the miners. They are told to look for the sign of the flying boat
in the town square if they interested in exploring the region around
the town.
They head back in the city and go to the shop of Gnigul
the Dwarf with the sign of a boat with wings. He is there and willing
to transport the characters tomorrow. He has a trip for someone else
first thing in the morning. He will charge them 10gp/person for a
sight seeing trip around the city. He notes that he used to be in
their business, but upon finding the flying boat he decided to settle
down in a quiet spot. This is a very quiet spot with the Elvish lands
across the river, and far from the northern mountains and the Cracktow.
They spend the night at the Riverman's Tavern.
Fifteenth Session
This session was a great deal of fun for the Castle Keeper.
The players were terribly
frightened by the Skaven who I have stolen from Warhammer. I did
buy Warrens of the Ratmen from Sword and Sorcery, but it was not very useful and I basically made everything up on my own. They were not
in the original story line, but showed up as it developed as an outside
force that took an interest in what the party was up to.
Events in Caron fall nicely into place to keep the party off balance
and on the move.
Graham and Yggsburg are from Castle Zagyg Environs and both
are excellent and smoothly fit into my homebrew.
The players were terribly
frightened by the Skaven who I have stolen from Warhammer. I did
buy Warrens of the Ratmen from Sword and Sorcery, but it was not very useful and I basically made everything up on my own. They were not
in the original story line, but showed up as it developed as an outside
force that took an interest in what the party was up to.
Events in Caron fall nicely into place to keep the party off balance
and on the move.
Graham and Yggsburg are from Castle Zagyg Environs and both
are excellent and smoothly fit into my homebrew.
Sixteenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 4 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 4 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Rir (Lvl 4 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 2 Cloth Golem)
Wednesday
They spend some time shopping in Yggsburg. At the magic shop they
buy stuff to manufacture the invisibility potion whose recipe they got
in Zagyg's house, but blanch at paying for the components for the Wolf Ward.
They go the south park and see the funny statue, the gazebo, Rivery notices
a trap door, and all ask questions to the statue. Berana asking about
what she needs, sends the statue to weeping.
They take the flying ship meeting the Dwarf and his body guard. Using the
pieces they are able to locate the mine that interests them, and for a small
extra fee the dwarf is willing to drop them near by. They refuse to pay
a larger fee to be picked up. The mine looks disused.
Inside they use Enya to scout ahead. They see the illusion of the
firing and fleeing dwarves. They head off to the banquet hall scouted
by Wicked and using
sleep and command they wipe out the banqueters noting that they can go
invisible. The salamander is killed by Berana wielding the wand
of Frost Bolts from Zagyg. Using a web they ensnare the remaining. They
capture one and using a command from Aurelia force him to answer. He
reveals that there are 25 Red Dwarves, and that they are here to serve
their god. When he stops responding they kill him. Rir does recognize
him as a Red Dwarf since he is paler than normal, and seems to have the
power to become invisible and illusion. They gather up their armor,
gold bars, and the leaders unusual looking weapon.
Wandering about heading towards the god's chamber they encounter
a mephit who grabs the exploring Enya, spits mud at them, but is then
killed via a command. They convince Wicked to explore and she tangles
with some bats.
They dither a good while and decide to leave the dungeon and
walk back to Yggsburg. There they find the armor is quite valuable,
and get a good offer for the axe which has a crystaline claw motif.
They see the armor and hold on to the axe.
[/u]
Wednesday
They spend some time shopping in Yggsburg. At the magic shop they
buy stuff to manufacture the invisibility potion whose recipe they got
in Zagyg's house, but blanch at paying for the components for the Wolf Ward.
They go the south park and see the funny statue, the gazebo, Rivery notices
a trap door, and all ask questions to the statue. Berana asking about
what she needs, sends the statue to weeping.
They take the flying ship meeting the Dwarf and his body guard. Using the
pieces they are able to locate the mine that interests them, and for a small
extra fee the dwarf is willing to drop them near by. They refuse to pay
a larger fee to be picked up. The mine looks disused.
Inside they use Enya to scout ahead. They see the illusion of the
firing and fleeing dwarves. They head off to the banquet hall scouted
by Wicked and using
sleep and command they wipe out the banqueters noting that they can go
invisible. The salamander is killed by Berana wielding the wand
of Frost Bolts from Zagyg. Using a web they ensnare the remaining. They
capture one and using a command from Aurelia force him to answer. He
reveals that there are 25 Red Dwarves, and that they are here to serve
their god. When he stops responding they kill him. Rir does recognize
him as a Red Dwarf since he is paler than normal, and seems to have the
power to become invisible and illusion. They gather up their armor,
gold bars, and the leaders unusual looking weapon.
Wandering about heading towards the god's chamber they encounter
a mephit who grabs the exploring Enya, spits mud at them, but is then
killed via a command. They convince Wicked to explore and she tangles
with some bats.
They dither a good while and decide to leave the dungeon and
walk back to Yggsburg. There they find the armor is quite valuable,
and get a good offer for the axe which has a crystaline claw motif.
They see the armor and hold on to the axe.
[/u]
Sixteenth Session Comments
Good session as the party explores Yggsburg and does one of the
side adventures of Castle Zagyg Environs. Great book.
Excellent for pacing as the players relax after the shock in the last session. Little do they know what is about to happen.
side adventures of Castle Zagyg Environs. Great book.
Excellent for pacing as the players relax after the shock in the last session. Little do they know what is about to happen.
Seventeenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 4 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 4 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 3 Mage), Livy (Lvl 3 Cloth Gollum), Rir (Lvl 4 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue)
Tuesday
Back to the Riverman's Tavern and turn in for the night.
Skaven attack on Yggsburg. Quite a fight with the party killing
five clan rats and a rat ogre. Two more clan rats are killed by the family,
but four kitchen staff are killed. Five tower guards are also killed.
The fleeing skaven try to fire the Tavern, but a concerted effort by
the town folk put out the fire. The Inn is badly damaged. Rats also
fired the draw bridge over the moat. Party is temporarily led to
the casino next door for the rest of the night.
Wednesday
In the morning they are asked by the locals to stay in town.
They talk with the Striped Mage about stuff they gathered from Zagyg's.
While researching their stuff he recognizes their provenance and refuses
to buy the more unusual items. He warns them to be careful, and suggests
that they can be sold at low prices at the Second Hand shop, or in
Caron where there are people who are less afraid of Zagyg. They buy more
lead boxes and separate their pieces into them.
Guardians from Caron arrive led by Sir Charles Thornsby, Colonel.
He questions them and realizes that the Skaven attacks are connected with
the party. He will not let them wander away and for their safety and the
rest of the town's safety puts them up in the Citadel for the night. The
party eventually admits to him that they have part of a powerful magic
item and it could well be that the Skaven are after them because of
it. They suggest that the Skaven are working with Zagyg, but offer
no proof. Faced with this he tells them that tomorrow he will escort
them back to Caron. They agree, but ask for an extra day to explore
the mine, and learn more of this mystery. He agrees and will send
some soldiers with them. Using their pieces they see no piece where there
was one before.
He tells them they have found a tunnel leading to a set of
tunnels under the city apparently run by the Thieves Guild. They
have blocked the tunnel, and cleared out the Thieves tunnels.
Response to Aislyn from Thorakil.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Aislyn
I am so pleased that you have made so much progress
on our enterprise. It is quite interesting that so many others
are trying to pursue the same goal. The Dwarves, while crude
in their methods, can accomplish much by shear determination
and persistance. The followers of Athena present a very benign
face to the outside world, but when mysteries such as the one
we are pursuing are involved they can be as ruthless as any orc.
It is curious that this item has attracted the persistent attention
of a common thief. I would guess that there is much more to his
story than simply a desire for profit. The half elf seems to have
stumbled into this, but nothing involving this item happens
completely by chance. Again there is probably much more to this
story. The forces that are swirling about you and your work
are growing much more powerful. My attempts to learn more about
the items have not gone well. While their magical power grows
they both attract more attention and become more difficult to
penetrate. I am not suprised that something dark and sinister
is resisting your efforts. I foresee that things will
become more difficult in the future. Operate with the utmost
caution, but do remember your ultimate goal. What you seek can end
our uncounted years of suffering, before the unending cycle of
woe, which is due to turn again soon, takes its inevitable toll.
Letting this item fall to something that does not have the best
interests of the elves at heart would not only doom our race, but
may plunge the whole world into the darkest midnight.
Thorakil
------------------------------------------------------------
Response to Rir from his father.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Rir
How pleased we all are to have received your letter. Your
mother is especially thrilled to hear that you are doing well. She
sends her loves and urges you to continue to be a credit to your clan.
I am so pleased that you are making progress on your work. You seemed
to have lerned much. Obviously the machine is more complex than
I had envisioned. Such things are likely to be dangerous, thus it
is not unexpected that you are facing frightening things that are
also pursuing your goal. I do not know much of Elvish legends.
All I can say is that they are frivilous and the machine is
far too complex and intricate to be their work. They are also
greedy for power and think they know best for everyone.
Do not trust anything they may tell you about the machine.
Do take care. If the machine is powerful it will attract the
powerful, and some of ther are likely to be very dangerous.
All ready you are following the road to success and bringing
credit to your family, clan, and race. Keep up the good work.
I am very pleased that the Luminous Lance has proved
useful. Also give Fahet my regards. Thank him for the help
he has rendered you. He continues to be a good apprentice.
In a bit of news the Goblinoid's seem to be having
a spot of trouble. We have seen some of them fleeing from
the Wild Lands trying to head south through the mountain passes.
Also from the Underdark horrible things have been turning up
in our deepest mines. Probably there is a civil war among
the Fell Creatures. We have doubled the guards both on the
surface entrances and the connections to the Underdark.
Your Father Mir of the Lightstone Clan
------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday
Back to the mines of the Red Dwarves. They find it empty, and the
bodies of 15 or so Red Dwarves and a salamander. They find the underground
pond is drained by an apparently new connecting tunnel, which they are
afraid to go down due to the mud. They do note that this is still an
active gold mine, and Rivery suggests that they file a claim.
Traveling back to Caron with a troop of about 40 Guardians.
Stop in Yggsburg to file a claim to the Red Dwarves mine.
Without trouble they get to Clifford.
Friday
Back to Caron without incident. Thornsby suggests that they
meet for dinner at the Guardians tower that evening. He leaves guards
with them as they visit their respective friends and patrons.
Find Dr. Copelius working with wailing cats. He agrees to join them
this evening. Uthnel tells them that the University Charity Ball is at
the Temple of Apollo because the High Priestess likes the Chancellor and
they are trying to promote some new seer from the country. He too will
join them for dinner. Biassay at the Temple of Athena will also join
them. Darthia at the Temple of Artemis has learned much of the Skaven.
Apparently they conrol the slave trade and have a nest under Caron,
where they transport slaves up to Venga via an underground way. A lead
to the next here is Gottlieb the Innkeeper. She will accompany them
at dinner. Rivery sees Osburn who is distressed by his Guardians
friends. He tells them that he knows of Gottliev as a person who
would make someone disappear, but nothing beyond that. Aislyn and Rir
collect their letters.
They arrive at the meeting and find Thornsby, High Priest of Zeus,
Master Ingram of the mage's guild, and someone from the Guardians who was
at Graham.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday
"Skaven" Assault on Graham
In a tale from the legends. the town of Graham, noted as the
home of the famous, unstable, powerful mage Zagyg, turned back an
assault by creatures from the wild lands. The town has long been
plagued by goblins, and strange creatures that escaped from Zagyg's
disused home, but on Wednesday as darkness fell the townsfolk claim
that Ratmen, also known as the Skaven, surrounded and attacked the
town. The story apparently began some days earlier when the famous
Caron based adventurers, the Ripper Five, arrived in Graham apparently
to explore Zagyg's home. After a likely successful foray into
the house, as the Five made their way back to Caron, they were
ambushed. They claimed that the ambushers were the Skaven, but no
proof could be found. Whatever the case, the town did call for
help, and a detachment of Guardians arrived within a few days.
Defensive measures were taken as evidence was soon noted that
Goblins were on the move in the area around Graham.
At sundown on the 6th, the long awaited attack came. Fortunately
the preperations were well done and the initial assault was turned
back. A good fraction of the town was burned down and a large number
of defenders were horribly burned as the attackers used fire grenades
and some sort of fire projector. Ed Twing, the leader of the small
town said that the town folk were well prepared for fire as whatever
attacked the Ripper Five did use fire, and precautions were taken.
The initial assault led to messages for help to nearby towns and prompt
action by militia and detachments of Guardians brought relief columns
converging on Graham. Upon their arrival before dawn on the 7th, the
attackers broke off their assault. There were also reports that a large
flying beast, some said it was an acid spitting black dragon, was seen
circling the town making an aerial bombardment on the attackers. We note
that one of the most famous incidents when Zagyg used to be based in
Caron, was when he attended a meeting of the Caron Mage's Guild
accompanied by a black dragon which he tried to bring into the
Mage's Tower leading to a animated discussion between Zagyg and other
members of the Guild. Zagyg left Caron soon after this incident.
While the defenders claim that the attackers were the legendary
Skaven, there is no proof. The Guardians involved were circumspect,
suggesting that likely the local Goblins were disguised as Skaven to strike
terror into the townfold. Ed Twing was similarly circumspect, saying
that he never got a good look at who or what was attacking the town,
and that he too was quite skeptical that the legendary Skaven were
involved. On the other hand many of the surviving defenders noted
that the attackers definitely had tails.
We commend the valient defenders of Graham, and the prompt
action by the Guardians. While it is beyond belief that the legendary
Ratmen have returned, this incident does seem to indicate that
Fell Creatures are stirring in the lands of our beloved Duke.
We urge constant vigilance. Watch the mountains.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday
Back to the Riverman's Tavern and turn in for the night.
Skaven attack on Yggsburg. Quite a fight with the party killing
five clan rats and a rat ogre. Two more clan rats are killed by the family,
but four kitchen staff are killed. Five tower guards are also killed.
The fleeing skaven try to fire the Tavern, but a concerted effort by
the town folk put out the fire. The Inn is badly damaged. Rats also
fired the draw bridge over the moat. Party is temporarily led to
the casino next door for the rest of the night.
Wednesday
In the morning they are asked by the locals to stay in town.
They talk with the Striped Mage about stuff they gathered from Zagyg's.
While researching their stuff he recognizes their provenance and refuses
to buy the more unusual items. He warns them to be careful, and suggests
that they can be sold at low prices at the Second Hand shop, or in
Caron where there are people who are less afraid of Zagyg. They buy more
lead boxes and separate their pieces into them.
Guardians from Caron arrive led by Sir Charles Thornsby, Colonel.
He questions them and realizes that the Skaven attacks are connected with
the party. He will not let them wander away and for their safety and the
rest of the town's safety puts them up in the Citadel for the night. The
party eventually admits to him that they have part of a powerful magic
item and it could well be that the Skaven are after them because of
it. They suggest that the Skaven are working with Zagyg, but offer
no proof. Faced with this he tells them that tomorrow he will escort
them back to Caron. They agree, but ask for an extra day to explore
the mine, and learn more of this mystery. He agrees and will send
some soldiers with them. Using their pieces they see no piece where there
was one before.
He tells them they have found a tunnel leading to a set of
tunnels under the city apparently run by the Thieves Guild. They
have blocked the tunnel, and cleared out the Thieves tunnels.
Response to Aislyn from Thorakil.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Aislyn
I am so pleased that you have made so much progress
on our enterprise. It is quite interesting that so many others
are trying to pursue the same goal. The Dwarves, while crude
in their methods, can accomplish much by shear determination
and persistance. The followers of Athena present a very benign
face to the outside world, but when mysteries such as the one
we are pursuing are involved they can be as ruthless as any orc.
It is curious that this item has attracted the persistent attention
of a common thief. I would guess that there is much more to his
story than simply a desire for profit. The half elf seems to have
stumbled into this, but nothing involving this item happens
completely by chance. Again there is probably much more to this
story. The forces that are swirling about you and your work
are growing much more powerful. My attempts to learn more about
the items have not gone well. While their magical power grows
they both attract more attention and become more difficult to
penetrate. I am not suprised that something dark and sinister
is resisting your efforts. I foresee that things will
become more difficult in the future. Operate with the utmost
caution, but do remember your ultimate goal. What you seek can end
our uncounted years of suffering, before the unending cycle of
woe, which is due to turn again soon, takes its inevitable toll.
Letting this item fall to something that does not have the best
interests of the elves at heart would not only doom our race, but
may plunge the whole world into the darkest midnight.
Thorakil
------------------------------------------------------------
Response to Rir from his father.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Rir
How pleased we all are to have received your letter. Your
mother is especially thrilled to hear that you are doing well. She
sends her loves and urges you to continue to be a credit to your clan.
I am so pleased that you are making progress on your work. You seemed
to have lerned much. Obviously the machine is more complex than
I had envisioned. Such things are likely to be dangerous, thus it
is not unexpected that you are facing frightening things that are
also pursuing your goal. I do not know much of Elvish legends.
All I can say is that they are frivilous and the machine is
far too complex and intricate to be their work. They are also
greedy for power and think they know best for everyone.
Do not trust anything they may tell you about the machine.
Do take care. If the machine is powerful it will attract the
powerful, and some of ther are likely to be very dangerous.
All ready you are following the road to success and bringing
credit to your family, clan, and race. Keep up the good work.
I am very pleased that the Luminous Lance has proved
useful. Also give Fahet my regards. Thank him for the help
he has rendered you. He continues to be a good apprentice.
In a bit of news the Goblinoid's seem to be having
a spot of trouble. We have seen some of them fleeing from
the Wild Lands trying to head south through the mountain passes.
Also from the Underdark horrible things have been turning up
in our deepest mines. Probably there is a civil war among
the Fell Creatures. We have doubled the guards both on the
surface entrances and the connections to the Underdark.
Your Father Mir of the Lightstone Clan
------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday
Back to the mines of the Red Dwarves. They find it empty, and the
bodies of 15 or so Red Dwarves and a salamander. They find the underground
pond is drained by an apparently new connecting tunnel, which they are
afraid to go down due to the mud. They do note that this is still an
active gold mine, and Rivery suggests that they file a claim.
Traveling back to Caron with a troop of about 40 Guardians.
Stop in Yggsburg to file a claim to the Red Dwarves mine.
Without trouble they get to Clifford.
Friday
Back to Caron without incident. Thornsby suggests that they
meet for dinner at the Guardians tower that evening. He leaves guards
with them as they visit their respective friends and patrons.
Find Dr. Copelius working with wailing cats. He agrees to join them
this evening. Uthnel tells them that the University Charity Ball is at
the Temple of Apollo because the High Priestess likes the Chancellor and
they are trying to promote some new seer from the country. He too will
join them for dinner. Biassay at the Temple of Athena will also join
them. Darthia at the Temple of Artemis has learned much of the Skaven.
Apparently they conrol the slave trade and have a nest under Caron,
where they transport slaves up to Venga via an underground way. A lead
to the next here is Gottlieb the Innkeeper. She will accompany them
at dinner. Rivery sees Osburn who is distressed by his Guardians
friends. He tells them that he knows of Gottliev as a person who
would make someone disappear, but nothing beyond that. Aislyn and Rir
collect their letters.
They arrive at the meeting and find Thornsby, High Priest of Zeus,
Master Ingram of the mage's guild, and someone from the Guardians who was
at Graham.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday
"Skaven" Assault on Graham
In a tale from the legends. the town of Graham, noted as the
home of the famous, unstable, powerful mage Zagyg, turned back an
assault by creatures from the wild lands. The town has long been
plagued by goblins, and strange creatures that escaped from Zagyg's
disused home, but on Wednesday as darkness fell the townsfolk claim
that Ratmen, also known as the Skaven, surrounded and attacked the
town. The story apparently began some days earlier when the famous
Caron based adventurers, the Ripper Five, arrived in Graham apparently
to explore Zagyg's home. After a likely successful foray into
the house, as the Five made their way back to Caron, they were
ambushed. They claimed that the ambushers were the Skaven, but no
proof could be found. Whatever the case, the town did call for
help, and a detachment of Guardians arrived within a few days.
Defensive measures were taken as evidence was soon noted that
Goblins were on the move in the area around Graham.
At sundown on the 6th, the long awaited attack came. Fortunately
the preperations were well done and the initial assault was turned
back. A good fraction of the town was burned down and a large number
of defenders were horribly burned as the attackers used fire grenades
and some sort of fire projector. Ed Twing, the leader of the small
town said that the town folk were well prepared for fire as whatever
attacked the Ripper Five did use fire, and precautions were taken.
The initial assault led to messages for help to nearby towns and prompt
action by militia and detachments of Guardians brought relief columns
converging on Graham. Upon their arrival before dawn on the 7th, the
attackers broke off their assault. There were also reports that a large
flying beast, some said it was an acid spitting black dragon, was seen
circling the town making an aerial bombardment on the attackers. We note
that one of the most famous incidents when Zagyg used to be based in
Caron, was when he attended a meeting of the Caron Mage's Guild
accompanied by a black dragon which he tried to bring into the
Mage's Tower leading to a animated discussion between Zagyg and other
members of the Guild. Zagyg left Caron soon after this incident.
While the defenders claim that the attackers were the legendary
Skaven, there is no proof. The Guardians involved were circumspect,
suggesting that likely the local Goblins were disguised as Skaven to strike
terror into the townfold. Ed Twing was similarly circumspect, saying
that he never got a good look at who or what was attacking the town,
and that he too was quite skeptical that the legendary Skaven were
involved. On the other hand many of the surviving defenders noted
that the attackers definitely had tails.
We commend the valient defenders of Graham, and the prompt
action by the Guardians. While it is beyond belief that the legendary
Ratmen have returned, this incident does seem to indicate that
Fell Creatures are stirring in the lands of our beloved Duke.
We urge constant vigilance. Watch the mountains.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seventeenth Session Comments
The Castle Keeper puts the party between a rock (the Skaven) and a hard
place (the Guardians). They were geniuinely terrified by the Skaven
attack in Yggsburgh and distressed that the authorities were on to them.
Setting up for Uhallowed Halls.
Castle Zagyg Environs including Yggsburgh and Grey (Red in my homebrew) Dwarf Dungeon gets an excellent.
place (the Guardians). They were geniuinely terrified by the Skaven
attack in Yggsburgh and distressed that the authorities were on to them.
Setting up for Uhallowed Halls.
Castle Zagyg Environs including Yggsburgh and Grey (Red in my homebrew) Dwarf Dungeon gets an excellent.
Eighteenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 4 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 4 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 4 Mage), Rir (Lvl 4 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 4 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 2 Cloth Gollum)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday: Under the Heel
DOUBLE TERROR ATTACK HORROR!!!
In a stunning development in two widely separated incidents Fell
Creatures have struck deep into the heart of the Galban Hills. The small
village of Graham, noted as the home of the famous wizard Zagyg, was surrounded
during the night and assaulted by shadowy creatures from the abyss. Only a
desperate, but sadly costly, defense saved the village from complete destruction.
A day later the second city of the Galban Hills, Yggsburgh, was similarly
struck by creatures who had tunneled from below, thwarting the famed defenses
of the city, and slaughtering unsuspecting citizens while they slept.
Typically the Guardians of Galba claim that their timely action
saved Graham from an even worse fate. It is hard to imagine how things
could get worse with the village left a smoldering ruins. Whatever attacked
the village wielded powerful magic as one citizen was horribly mutated
into a half man-half insect thing who madly attacked the citizens defending
the town and had to be dispatched by his horrified companions. Nearly half
the population of the village were killed during a desperate night time
defense. The unseen attackers only broke off their assault with the coming
of dawn and the belated arrival of reinforcements who had been urgently
summoned by the gallant defenders.
In Yggsburgh a smaller, but somehow more terrifying, assault
was carried out the next night. They had tunneled miles to assault the
city and ruthlessly killed the guards of the famed fortifications
without raising any alarm. With impudence the attackers then turned their
attention to an apparently random nearby building which they entered,
slaughtered the inhabitants in their sleep, and fired. As silently as
they arrived, they fled, leaving the city paralyzed with fear.
The Guardians release only the barest of details on these two
incidents. A whisper campaign informs us that in both cases the attackers
were the mythical Skaven. Clearly this is a cover story to obfuscate the
even more terrible truth, whatever that may be. These incidents are a
clear indictment of the Guardian's ability to defend our nation. We call
for a full investigation into these frightening incidents, with the aim
of increasing the security of the long suffering people of this land.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday
Rivery visits Alsiga and Adeliza, prostitutes that he
visits regularly. He invites them to the Charity ball giving them
35 GP to buy clothes that he tells them to attract attention, but
not too much attention. 5/20 - They do not do very well and end up
looking very slutty.
Meeting at the Guardians Tower. Topic 1) What happened.
They hear from Walter of Eyas who tells of the events in Graham.
The party tells of their activity in Yggsburg. Thornsby tells them
of the subsequent events in Yggsburg, pointing out that the party
seems as shocked as anyone, that they are gathering a magic device,
and have generally been cooperative. General conclusion that
the device is attracting the attention. In general there are some
incosistencies in the parties story, but they seem
to have been a source of good.
Topic 2) Nature of the device. Master Ingram of the Mages
Guild suggests that the device be turned over to them, but Thornsby,
Skyfather of Zeus, and Dr. Copelius disagree with this pointing
out that the device seems to be gravitating towards the Ripper 5 and is
decidedly hiding from the Mage's. Copelius also points out
that he tried to inform the Guild of Kuttner's device only a
week ago and they chose to ignore him. Biassay tells them that
Aurelia is searching for Kuttner's device which is said to be
a healing device, but that clearly does not make sense. Rivery
claims that it is some sort of teleport device, and many question
how he knows this, but he does not say. Aislyn reveals that she
has been sent by an Elven mage to recover the device as the Elves
think it might be valuable. Rir muddies the waters by claiming that
the Dwarves have a "table" that is likely the board for Kuttner's
game. Basically no one knows.
Topic 3) Zagyg and the Skaven. Possible that he attacked
the Skaven outside of Graham, but no clear conclusion. Virgo
Lister notes that the Theives Guild has worked for Zagyg in
the past, but recently he has become too unstable. Alwine, who
was working for Zagyg, did try to take over the Thieves Guild,
and that his shop was attacked by something horrible in the
last few days. The mages point out that Zagyg is not a necromancer,
and the half mantis that Aslwine turned into is more his style.
Skaven fit that too, but no clear conclusion can be drawn
about the Skaven working with Zagyg. Darthia does implicate the
Skaven in the disappearance of elves around Caron, which the
trees have told them did not travel to Venga over land, and
guess that they went via the Underdark. Here they implicate
Gottlieb the Innkeep who is known as the person to see if
someone is to disapper. Lister confirms this, but knows of
no connection to the Skaven. Thus they conclude that this
is a good lead to pursue.
Topic 4) What to do? General agreement to let the Ripper 5
pursue the lead, with the Mages Guild dissenting. Thornsby provides
two mooks, Joe and Fred, to help and equips the party with healing
potions. They plan to jump off tomorrow and spend the night in
the Guardians Tower.
Saturday
Party finds Gottlieb the Innkeep in a flop house in the
Low City. They end up paying him 600 GP to be shown the way in.
He tells them that no one ever comes back.
They go in and have a tough time at the beginning.
They wipe out the Cleric and friends in the first room,
take out the guards in slave cages, and the guards in the
next room, but the Dying One hurts them bad, before
being driven off. One of the mooks is killed by the rogues
who ambush them after the narrows. They escape.
They manage to get the boat to the dock, and
have a tough time on the scaffold and bridge, but with
liberal use of magic they get past the rats and guards.
They rush down the stairs taken in by the illusion, and
are caught in the web trap and slept by gas gernades.
Monday
They awaken to the sounds of the second mook,
being tortured to death. They have collars that prevent them
from using magic. They manage to escape through
the back wall of the cell and are carried down the river.
The manage to arrive at a tunnel leading away from the
river. They fight their way through the rat maze and
explore the Dying One's lab. They recover their non-magical
stuff and are disuaded from setting off a fireball trap.
They surprise the reveling rats and annihilate them.
They fight it out with the three guardians of the rod of
earth shaping and open entrances to the torture chamber,
killing the torturer, and the main dungeon. They
go on and get through the giant rat trap. There they
confront the Rat King and twelve giant rats. A tough battle,
but eventually they prevail and get to his treasure chamber
recovering their pieces plus five more, and get into five
of his six safes. He does curse them at death. They
climb out and come out to the sewers of Caron.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday: Under the Heel
DOUBLE TERROR ATTACK HORROR!!!
In a stunning development in two widely separated incidents Fell
Creatures have struck deep into the heart of the Galban Hills. The small
village of Graham, noted as the home of the famous wizard Zagyg, was surrounded
during the night and assaulted by shadowy creatures from the abyss. Only a
desperate, but sadly costly, defense saved the village from complete destruction.
A day later the second city of the Galban Hills, Yggsburgh, was similarly
struck by creatures who had tunneled from below, thwarting the famed defenses
of the city, and slaughtering unsuspecting citizens while they slept.
Typically the Guardians of Galba claim that their timely action
saved Graham from an even worse fate. It is hard to imagine how things
could get worse with the village left a smoldering ruins. Whatever attacked
the village wielded powerful magic as one citizen was horribly mutated
into a half man-half insect thing who madly attacked the citizens defending
the town and had to be dispatched by his horrified companions. Nearly half
the population of the village were killed during a desperate night time
defense. The unseen attackers only broke off their assault with the coming
of dawn and the belated arrival of reinforcements who had been urgently
summoned by the gallant defenders.
In Yggsburgh a smaller, but somehow more terrifying, assault
was carried out the next night. They had tunneled miles to assault the
city and ruthlessly killed the guards of the famed fortifications
without raising any alarm. With impudence the attackers then turned their
attention to an apparently random nearby building which they entered,
slaughtered the inhabitants in their sleep, and fired. As silently as
they arrived, they fled, leaving the city paralyzed with fear.
The Guardians release only the barest of details on these two
incidents. A whisper campaign informs us that in both cases the attackers
were the mythical Skaven. Clearly this is a cover story to obfuscate the
even more terrible truth, whatever that may be. These incidents are a
clear indictment of the Guardian's ability to defend our nation. We call
for a full investigation into these frightening incidents, with the aim
of increasing the security of the long suffering people of this land.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday
Rivery visits Alsiga and Adeliza, prostitutes that he
visits regularly. He invites them to the Charity ball giving them
35 GP to buy clothes that he tells them to attract attention, but
not too much attention. 5/20 - They do not do very well and end up
looking very slutty.
Meeting at the Guardians Tower. Topic 1) What happened.
They hear from Walter of Eyas who tells of the events in Graham.
The party tells of their activity in Yggsburg. Thornsby tells them
of the subsequent events in Yggsburg, pointing out that the party
seems as shocked as anyone, that they are gathering a magic device,
and have generally been cooperative. General conclusion that
the device is attracting the attention. In general there are some
incosistencies in the parties story, but they seem
to have been a source of good.
Topic 2) Nature of the device. Master Ingram of the Mages
Guild suggests that the device be turned over to them, but Thornsby,
Skyfather of Zeus, and Dr. Copelius disagree with this pointing
out that the device seems to be gravitating towards the Ripper 5 and is
decidedly hiding from the Mage's. Copelius also points out
that he tried to inform the Guild of Kuttner's device only a
week ago and they chose to ignore him. Biassay tells them that
Aurelia is searching for Kuttner's device which is said to be
a healing device, but that clearly does not make sense. Rivery
claims that it is some sort of teleport device, and many question
how he knows this, but he does not say. Aislyn reveals that she
has been sent by an Elven mage to recover the device as the Elves
think it might be valuable. Rir muddies the waters by claiming that
the Dwarves have a "table" that is likely the board for Kuttner's
game. Basically no one knows.
Topic 3) Zagyg and the Skaven. Possible that he attacked
the Skaven outside of Graham, but no clear conclusion. Virgo
Lister notes that the Theives Guild has worked for Zagyg in
the past, but recently he has become too unstable. Alwine, who
was working for Zagyg, did try to take over the Thieves Guild,
and that his shop was attacked by something horrible in the
last few days. The mages point out that Zagyg is not a necromancer,
and the half mantis that Aslwine turned into is more his style.
Skaven fit that too, but no clear conclusion can be drawn
about the Skaven working with Zagyg. Darthia does implicate the
Skaven in the disappearance of elves around Caron, which the
trees have told them did not travel to Venga over land, and
guess that they went via the Underdark. Here they implicate
Gottlieb the Innkeep who is known as the person to see if
someone is to disapper. Lister confirms this, but knows of
no connection to the Skaven. Thus they conclude that this
is a good lead to pursue.
Topic 4) What to do? General agreement to let the Ripper 5
pursue the lead, with the Mages Guild dissenting. Thornsby provides
two mooks, Joe and Fred, to help and equips the party with healing
potions. They plan to jump off tomorrow and spend the night in
the Guardians Tower.
Saturday
Party finds Gottlieb the Innkeep in a flop house in the
Low City. They end up paying him 600 GP to be shown the way in.
He tells them that no one ever comes back.
They go in and have a tough time at the beginning.
They wipe out the Cleric and friends in the first room,
take out the guards in slave cages, and the guards in the
next room, but the Dying One hurts them bad, before
being driven off. One of the mooks is killed by the rogues
who ambush them after the narrows. They escape.
They manage to get the boat to the dock, and
have a tough time on the scaffold and bridge, but with
liberal use of magic they get past the rats and guards.
They rush down the stairs taken in by the illusion, and
are caught in the web trap and slept by gas gernades.
Monday
They awaken to the sounds of the second mook,
being tortured to death. They have collars that prevent them
from using magic. They manage to escape through
the back wall of the cell and are carried down the river.
The manage to arrive at a tunnel leading away from the
river. They fight their way through the rat maze and
explore the Dying One's lab. They recover their non-magical
stuff and are disuaded from setting off a fireball trap.
They surprise the reveling rats and annihilate them.
They fight it out with the three guardians of the rod of
earth shaping and open entrances to the torture chamber,
killing the torturer, and the main dungeon. They
go on and get through the giant rat trap. There they
confront the Rat King and twelve giant rats. A tough battle,
but eventually they prevail and get to his treasure chamber
recovering their pieces plus five more, and get into five
of his six safes. He does curse them at death. They
climb out and come out to the sewers of Caron.
Eighteenth Session Comments
Defintely a return to the days of our youth as we spend an entire weekend doing a role playing intensive meeting with the movers and shakers in Caron and then the Dungeon Crawl Classics Revenge of the Rat King.
Very enjoyable time with this excellent module.
I begin to realize that we have got to start moving towards the end. We have two more months before I go away and three things that have to
be done. Unhallowed Halls, confrontation with Zagyg, and the final mystery in Venga. Loose ends, such as the A series and the Skaven, will simply be forgotten about or dealt with by deus ex machina. The Skaven were a giant distraction costing 3 or 4 sessions, but their appearance came via the dice.
We also had a great deal of fun with them; they were worth it.
Very enjoyable time with this excellent module.
I begin to realize that we have got to start moving towards the end. We have two more months before I go away and three things that have to
be done. Unhallowed Halls, confrontation with Zagyg, and the final mystery in Venga. Loose ends, such as the A series and the Skaven, will simply be forgotten about or dealt with by deus ex machina. The Skaven were a giant distraction costing 3 or 4 sessions, but their appearance came via the dice.
We also had a great deal of fun with them; they were worth it.
Nineteenth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 4 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 4 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 4 Mage), Rir (Lvl 4 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 5 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 3 Cloth Gollum)
Monday
They come out of the sewers. Rivery looks ill and lapses into
unconscousness. They go to the Temple of Athena and try to have
him cured. They fail, and suggest they get to the Guardians Tower.
Biassy speaks with them. Aurelia is very relunctant to talk about
them being captured, and leaves that part of the story out. They go
on to the Guardians Tower with Rivery in a litter. The doctors there
note that he has been magically poisoned, and that he is likely to recover
in some days. They expect he will regain consciousness tomorrow.
In discussion with Colonel Charles Thornsby they say that they
fought and defeated many Skaven, and killed the Rat King. They admit
that they cannot be sure that they cleaned out the nest, and they say
they were lost for a day in rat filled maze. They have found more of
the magic item that they were looking for, but still do not know what
it does. He tells them that he is still concerned about the Skaven
threat, and would like to go back to clear out the nest they found.
While the party would like to go back themselves, especially to recover
the orb, they do agree to act as guides for a large Guardian expedition.
He tells them to report back here at 6:00.
When they return at 6:00 they join a troop of about 50. The plan
is to secure both entrances and go through the sewer entrance. At the
sewer entrance when the door is opened to the ladder way down smoke
pours out, and it is clear that they cannot enter. As they retire Thornsby
tells them that Gottlieb the Innkeep is missing, and they think that
he left hastily. The party elects to stay at the Guardians Tower while
Rivery is recovering. They use their pieces and note 2 at the University,
1 at the Duke's Castle, 5 in the Craktow, and 5 in Venga.
Tuesday
Rivery awakes, but is in no shape to do anything. He asks the
party to let Adeliza and Alsiga know that he is hurt. They come to visit
him, but he is no shape for their sort of comfort.
The others prepare for the Charity Ball. The only interesting
thing is that Aislyn has difficulty finding proper attire. She ends
up finding something that is a fashion mistake. They do decide to see
the prophetress at the Temple of Apollo when Rivery is mobile.
Wednesday
Visit to Juliana the prophetress of Apollo. They ask as a party
about what they seek, and are directed to the end of their quest. Berana
asks and is told "He who should not be, seeks you that has not been."
Again they are directed to a city on a lake, with a statue over looking
the water, and a pillar of smoke. As they leave Juliana slips Aislyn
a ring from Caron University, which she finds later. The party is confused.
Rir invites Juliana to the Ball; she declines.
Thursday
Rivery told that he is persona-non-grata with the Thieves Guild by Osburn.
Aurelia and Berana used the week to learn some new spells.
Friday
Charity Ball for Caron University at the Temple of Apollo.
Party arrives fashionably late. They make a donation and mingle.
They over hear professors and the librarian, Adla Yreck, that there is a
funding shortage, but that the charity balls have gone very well. They
hear that Professor Haguus has been fired after disrupting the last Charity
Ball, and having a dispute with Chancellor Cavenaugh. They hear that orc
slaves have been sold to the University by a Dwarf trader called Ferocass
Grimm who is providing them and also arcane components. They meet the slutty
wife, Odila Halstromm who is the University's Factor, of one of the professors
and one of the professors, Ivara Carned, who was sleeping with a student who has
disappeared. They note that they prefered when the Ball was located
at the University. They also accuse the chancellors assistant, Jaylin Vaas,
of having an affair with him. They also talk to some students who tell them
that three students have gone missing, more about Professor Haguus, and that they
have seen dangerous experiments loose in the tunnels under the University.
The vice chancellor, Jacobus Pauley, hits on Aislyn whose dress scares away
the chancellor's pregnant wife, Ellayne. Alsiga and Adeliza recognize the
vice-chancellor who they call Lars. Rivery mentions to Jaylin Vaas, the
chancellor's asisstant that she is sleeping with the chancellor. She is
indignant and embarasses Rivery in response.
When the speeches begin Professor Haguus has crashed the
proceedings and delivers a tirade about the lack of funding, missing
students including his nephew, dangerous experiments out of control, and
grows increasingly incoherent as he accuses Chancelor Cavenaugh of being a
demon or being possessed by a demon. Eventually he is bundled out. The
high priestess of Apollo, Giorna Kal, introduces the Chancelor with effusive praise.
The Chancellor gives an excellent speech, and the party begins to break up.
The party notes that two people are missing. Doctor Copelius is not here,
the husband of the slutty wife is also not here, they discover that
he, Kevrick Halstromm, is one of the most respected members of the faculty,
along with the Professor of Necromancy, Alton Lorock,
As they leave the slutty wife hooks up with Adeliza and Alsiga,
and they leave together. Rivery declines to accompany them.
The party gets the address of Professor Haguus and goes there.
They find him there and he is only semicoherent basically accusing the
chancellor of being in cosort with demons and having magically tricked,
or possessed the high priestess of Athena.
When they arrive home they have a message from the Temple
of Apollo. Juliana has gone missing. Investigating they learn
from her confessor, Abelard, that she has been having nightmares for the last
few weeks since she came to the city. In her tent they find a drawing
of taloned creatures in front of a tower that they recognize as being
part of the University. They also find some grey threads that they
connect back with students at the university. They decide that they
will investigate tomorrow when they tour the university.
Saturday
Tour of the University. A dour student leads the tour. They see
the walled compound, the main building with class rooms and offices,
a student services building with a dining hall etc., a main hall which
they note could have easily hosted the Charity Ball and has a bell
tower, a tall tower where the main library used to be, and the warehouse
and barn where they are told there is a connection to the tunnels.
Here they see a dark figure moving around an orchard adjacent
to the barn. Rivery is able to get behind it and the party is able
to subdue it with a Command from Aurelia and capture it. The find
a creature covered in black fur,
rat-like facial features and green glowing eyes. It can only growl, but
they are able to figure out that it was a student, but not which one,
and that he blames Chancellor Cavanaugh for his plight and that there
are more underground. To try to learn more Berana and Aislyn go to
the Professor Lorock of Necromancy office. He was missing from the Ball last
night. On the way they encounter Vice Chancellor Pauley who continues
to put the moves on Aislyn. He escorts them to the Professor's office,
but the door is locked. Aislyn notices scratches on the floor and asks
the Vice Chancellor to open the door. In return for a dinner date, "what
is a little privacy violation among friends," he opens to door.
Inside they find a mess and the headless body of the Professor.
They find a diary page indicating that the Professor has uncovered
information about the "Nightling project" of the Chancellor. He has
apparently been using Warpstone to transform victims, students apparently,
into some sort of creature. Also he is trying to extract money from
the Chancellor to pay for his debt for the "Monk Arm" project. He claims
to have a partly tranformed Nightling in his lab.
Aislyn wants to tell the authorities, while the Vice Chancellor
agrees he does mention that the Chancellor has to be told, and rushes off.
Aislyn and Berana head back to the party in the barn, joining them.
Monday
They come out of the sewers. Rivery looks ill and lapses into
unconscousness. They go to the Temple of Athena and try to have
him cured. They fail, and suggest they get to the Guardians Tower.
Biassy speaks with them. Aurelia is very relunctant to talk about
them being captured, and leaves that part of the story out. They go
on to the Guardians Tower with Rivery in a litter. The doctors there
note that he has been magically poisoned, and that he is likely to recover
in some days. They expect he will regain consciousness tomorrow.
In discussion with Colonel Charles Thornsby they say that they
fought and defeated many Skaven, and killed the Rat King. They admit
that they cannot be sure that they cleaned out the nest, and they say
they were lost for a day in rat filled maze. They have found more of
the magic item that they were looking for, but still do not know what
it does. He tells them that he is still concerned about the Skaven
threat, and would like to go back to clear out the nest they found.
While the party would like to go back themselves, especially to recover
the orb, they do agree to act as guides for a large Guardian expedition.
He tells them to report back here at 6:00.
When they return at 6:00 they join a troop of about 50. The plan
is to secure both entrances and go through the sewer entrance. At the
sewer entrance when the door is opened to the ladder way down smoke
pours out, and it is clear that they cannot enter. As they retire Thornsby
tells them that Gottlieb the Innkeep is missing, and they think that
he left hastily. The party elects to stay at the Guardians Tower while
Rivery is recovering. They use their pieces and note 2 at the University,
1 at the Duke's Castle, 5 in the Craktow, and 5 in Venga.
Tuesday
Rivery awakes, but is in no shape to do anything. He asks the
party to let Adeliza and Alsiga know that he is hurt. They come to visit
him, but he is no shape for their sort of comfort.
The others prepare for the Charity Ball. The only interesting
thing is that Aislyn has difficulty finding proper attire. She ends
up finding something that is a fashion mistake. They do decide to see
the prophetress at the Temple of Apollo when Rivery is mobile.
Wednesday
Visit to Juliana the prophetress of Apollo. They ask as a party
about what they seek, and are directed to the end of their quest. Berana
asks and is told "He who should not be, seeks you that has not been."
Again they are directed to a city on a lake, with a statue over looking
the water, and a pillar of smoke. As they leave Juliana slips Aislyn
a ring from Caron University, which she finds later. The party is confused.
Rir invites Juliana to the Ball; she declines.
Thursday
Rivery told that he is persona-non-grata with the Thieves Guild by Osburn.
Aurelia and Berana used the week to learn some new spells.
Friday
Charity Ball for Caron University at the Temple of Apollo.
Party arrives fashionably late. They make a donation and mingle.
They over hear professors and the librarian, Adla Yreck, that there is a
funding shortage, but that the charity balls have gone very well. They
hear that Professor Haguus has been fired after disrupting the last Charity
Ball, and having a dispute with Chancellor Cavenaugh. They hear that orc
slaves have been sold to the University by a Dwarf trader called Ferocass
Grimm who is providing them and also arcane components. They meet the slutty
wife, Odila Halstromm who is the University's Factor, of one of the professors
and one of the professors, Ivara Carned, who was sleeping with a student who has
disappeared. They note that they prefered when the Ball was located
at the University. They also accuse the chancellors assistant, Jaylin Vaas,
of having an affair with him. They also talk to some students who tell them
that three students have gone missing, more about Professor Haguus, and that they
have seen dangerous experiments loose in the tunnels under the University.
The vice chancellor, Jacobus Pauley, hits on Aislyn whose dress scares away
the chancellor's pregnant wife, Ellayne. Alsiga and Adeliza recognize the
vice-chancellor who they call Lars. Rivery mentions to Jaylin Vaas, the
chancellor's asisstant that she is sleeping with the chancellor. She is
indignant and embarasses Rivery in response.
When the speeches begin Professor Haguus has crashed the
proceedings and delivers a tirade about the lack of funding, missing
students including his nephew, dangerous experiments out of control, and
grows increasingly incoherent as he accuses Chancelor Cavenaugh of being a
demon or being possessed by a demon. Eventually he is bundled out. The
high priestess of Apollo, Giorna Kal, introduces the Chancelor with effusive praise.
The Chancellor gives an excellent speech, and the party begins to break up.
The party notes that two people are missing. Doctor Copelius is not here,
the husband of the slutty wife is also not here, they discover that
he, Kevrick Halstromm, is one of the most respected members of the faculty,
along with the Professor of Necromancy, Alton Lorock,
As they leave the slutty wife hooks up with Adeliza and Alsiga,
and they leave together. Rivery declines to accompany them.
The party gets the address of Professor Haguus and goes there.
They find him there and he is only semicoherent basically accusing the
chancellor of being in cosort with demons and having magically tricked,
or possessed the high priestess of Athena.
When they arrive home they have a message from the Temple
of Apollo. Juliana has gone missing. Investigating they learn
from her confessor, Abelard, that she has been having nightmares for the last
few weeks since she came to the city. In her tent they find a drawing
of taloned creatures in front of a tower that they recognize as being
part of the University. They also find some grey threads that they
connect back with students at the university. They decide that they
will investigate tomorrow when they tour the university.
Saturday
Tour of the University. A dour student leads the tour. They see
the walled compound, the main building with class rooms and offices,
a student services building with a dining hall etc., a main hall which
they note could have easily hosted the Charity Ball and has a bell
tower, a tall tower where the main library used to be, and the warehouse
and barn where they are told there is a connection to the tunnels.
Here they see a dark figure moving around an orchard adjacent
to the barn. Rivery is able to get behind it and the party is able
to subdue it with a Command from Aurelia and capture it. The find
a creature covered in black fur,
rat-like facial features and green glowing eyes. It can only growl, but
they are able to figure out that it was a student, but not which one,
and that he blames Chancellor Cavanaugh for his plight and that there
are more underground. To try to learn more Berana and Aislyn go to
the Professor Lorock of Necromancy office. He was missing from the Ball last
night. On the way they encounter Vice Chancellor Pauley who continues
to put the moves on Aislyn. He escorts them to the Professor's office,
but the door is locked. Aislyn notices scratches on the floor and asks
the Vice Chancellor to open the door. In return for a dinner date, "what
is a little privacy violation among friends," he opens to door.
Inside they find a mess and the headless body of the Professor.
They find a diary page indicating that the Professor has uncovered
information about the "Nightling project" of the Chancellor. He has
apparently been using Warpstone to transform victims, students apparently,
into some sort of creature. Also he is trying to extract money from
the Chancellor to pay for his debt for the "Monk Arm" project. He claims
to have a partly tranformed Nightling in his lab.
Aislyn wants to tell the authorities, while the Vice Chancellor
agrees he does mention that the Chancellor has to be told, and rushes off.
Aislyn and Berana head back to the party in the barn, joining them.
Nineteenth Session Comments
Unhallowed Halls requires a great deal of effort to make work. Many, many
NPC's to keep track of; more than appeared in my diary. We do
have good fun with lots of role playing at the Charity Ball. Either the
mystery is too obvious or my players are too good. They figure it out and
we stop with a cliff hanger as we head towards the conclusion.
My optimism will get dashed as things go wrong in the next session.
NPC's to keep track of; more than appeared in my diary. We do
have good fun with lots of role playing at the Charity Ball. Either the
mystery is too obvious or my players are too good. They figure it out and
we stop with a cliff hanger as we head towards the conclusion.
My optimism will get dashed as things go wrong in the next session.
Twentieth Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 4 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 4 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 4 Mage), Rir (Lvl 4 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 5 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 3 Cloth Gollum)
Saturday Continued
Rir and Rivery gather some weapons from storage in the barn
and warehouse. As they do so a group of bandits appears from a
hatch in the floor and begins to pelt them with crossbows. The
party eventually gets the upper hand, felling two bandits, but
the remaining withdraw into the hatch. The party declines to
follow and make their way towards a back entrance. They find
some guards who tell them they must wait in the University. A
battle breaks out when Berana Sleeps the guards. The guards
are subdued and as the party goes out the gate it begins screaming
at them. They run to the Guardians Tower, and see Colonel Thornsby.
He is flabergasted by their tale, but a Guardian magic user is
able to communicate with their captive Nightling and confirm
the truth of their tale.
Thornsby gathers a troop and moves on the University. They
find it strangely empty. He divides his forces and tries to take
the three known entrances to the tunnels below. A stalemate
develops at the Main Building, the Guardians win at the Barn,
and they are turned back from the Chancellor's mansion. Thornsby
is exasperated especially when the party mentions that there are
missing students and talk of slaves going into the University.
He calls for reinforcements which arrive. They methodically clear
out the main building, and then assault the mansion. They
then move into the tunnels and flush Cavanaugh out. Things
go well until Skaven intervene allowing Cavenaugh to escape
into the Underdark.
In the pens below they find the University community.
Missing are the Chancellor, his pregnant wife and child, his
assistant Jaylen Vaas, and a contingent of guards. Most
are completely stunned, but some are saying "I told you so."
Vice Chancellor Pauley is exceptionally shattered and says that
he was working to understand 20kGP in missing funds.
Using their pieces they see 2 pieces moving east.
Rivery spends the night with Adileza and Alsiga. The others
spend the night at the Temple of Athena.
Sunday
Zagyg attack on the Duke's Castle. Skaven (19/20) respond
quickly and come up out of the sewers to join the fight.
Zagyg takes piece and Duke to his tower on the edge
of the Cracktow.
The party minus Rivery joins a contingent from the Temple Athena
who tries to retake the gate to the Duke's palace but run into Skaven
who withdraw and disappear in the moat. Aislyn sees a Black Dragon
fly off with a mage in a mage costume and a man in fine pajamas.
Soon the party is summoned by Charles Thornsby who asks them
to leave right away to try to recover the Duke. He will be along as
soon as possible with an army. The party visits Dr. Copelius to
recover Livy. He tells them that he has made great progress on his
creations and that he could not have done in without studying
Wicked. He also points out that he has repaired Livy. Apparently
the Skaven had altered her such that she could not do harm to a
Skaven or rat.
Using their pieces they see six pieces moving rapidly east.
They leave around noon for the Cracktow.
Monday
Someone from Yggsburg, the flying Dwarf Gnigul, to Caron to talk
to the Ripper Five about their valuable claim. Talks to their
factor Amaer. Amaer also gets a note from Odilia Halstromm asking
to set up a meeting with the Ripper 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday: Under the Heel and Caron Chronicle Special Joint Edition
Weekend of Woe
Events on Saturday and Sunday have shaken two of the most important
pillars of our community. While these two newspapers normally take opposing
views on the events of the days, these dire circumstances have led us to
unite for the greater good. We urge all citizens of Caron and the Galban
Hills to forget their petty differences and rivalries as we have done to
ask not what their city and nation can do for them, but ask what they can
do for their city and nation.
On Saturday a disturbance broke out on the campus of Caron University.
The Guardians of Galba responded to reports of an infestation of fell creatures.
Under the leadership of Charles Thornsby the Guardians found that fell creatures
had taken over numerous buildings of the University and had apprently taken many
of the University community hostage. As the Guardians searched the grounds
pitched battles between the Guardians and an unusual sort of fell creture broke
out. These creatures were created by a University experiment that evidently
went horribly wrong. The creatures are some sort of hybrid between a rat and
human dubbed Nightlings. A determined effort by the Guardians
restored order in the University. Sorties into the extensive tunnel network
under the University found a large nest of Nightlings.
In the desperate, but ultimately successful, struggle to clear out
the Nightlings prominent members of the University community are missing
and presumed dead. University Chancellor Charles Cavanaugh, his wife and
child, his assistant Jaylin Vaas, and much of the University security staff
are missing. Professor Alton Lorock, three members of the University
security staff and six Guardians are confirmed dead. An unknown number of
students are also missing. Odilia Halstromm, spokesperson for the University,
said that apparently Cavanaugh, an alchemist, and Lorock, a necromancer,
were studying a very dangerous magical substance and that had led to their
knowledge of things "man is not meant to know", and their descent into madness.
She denied that Chancellor Cavanaugh had embellezed funds and that the University
faced bankruptcy. She noted that the University had cancelled classes Monday
and Tuesday, but that the faculty and students were determined to carry on the
proud tradition of the one of Caron's oldest institutions. She thanked
the Guardians for their prompt actions in support of the University, and
urged magically talented young people to continue to apply to study at one of the
world's finest institutions of magical learning.
These fantastic events followed what is usually one of the highlights
of the Caron social scene. The University of Caron's Charity Ball was held
at the Temple of Apollo on the evening before the tragic events. By all
accounts that affair was very successful. The Temple of Apollo declined
to comment on any of these events.
While the above would normally be the most important events of the
weekend a similarly disturbing event occured the next day. At dawn on Sunday
morning Caron was disturbed by a large beast flying towards the center of the
city. The beast, reported to be a Black Dragon, landed in the court yard of
Castle Caron. The Guardians were unable to dislodge the beast from blocking
the entrance to the Castle Keep, and many clerics, warriors, and magic users
from the Temples and institutions along the Corniche assembled to assault the
beast. As they gathered for their assault, a troop of Nightlings boiled out
of the Castle's moat and pitched battle broke out around the entrance
of the Castle between the horrors and the assembled attack force. In the
midst of the battle the beast rose up spit acid on the fell creatures
as it flew off to the east. At this point the fell creatures hastily
retreated back into the moat.
Representatives of the Guardians of Galba denied that the beast was
being ridden by the famous Mage Zagyg and that the dragon and mage had
departed in the company of the Duke. They had no explanation for the
beast's appearance and attack on the Nightlings, and whether there is
any connection between the events at the University on Saturday and at Castle
Caron on Sunday. They speculated that the events were some sort of
out break of chaos from the Cracktow or the Wild Lands.
In response to these events the Duke of Galba announces the following
measures that will be in effect for the foreseeable future. The city
of Caron is under curfew from the hours of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. No one
is allowed out of their homes between these times without written permission
from the Guardians of Galba. The city gates will be closed between the hours
of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM. All citizens are urged to be vigilent and report
any unusual activities to the Guardians or the Town Guard.
Our newspapers support these drastic measures. This weekend's attacks,
by unknown possibly related assailants, on two of Caron's most important
institutions, call for a vigorous response to insure the safety of our
city and nation. We urge all citizens go about their normal business
and cooperate fully with the authorities. Together we will put the disturbing
events of this weekend behind us and enter a peaceful and prosperous
future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday
Rir's Lightstone lanterns burn out.
Wednesday
Party fights with Yuck Squirrels and tangles with the Black
Dragon at the Cracktow. The Black Dragon casts Corrupt Water on
them (Strength = 12) wrecking 1/2 of their Healing potions. The
dragon hits them with his acid breath and plugs Berana with a
magic missle, before flying off after being hit by Rir's Luminous
Lance, a magic missle from Berana, and some arrows from Aislyn.
They find some loot in the muck and enter the Palace
of Shadows.
Saturday Continued
Rir and Rivery gather some weapons from storage in the barn
and warehouse. As they do so a group of bandits appears from a
hatch in the floor and begins to pelt them with crossbows. The
party eventually gets the upper hand, felling two bandits, but
the remaining withdraw into the hatch. The party declines to
follow and make their way towards a back entrance. They find
some guards who tell them they must wait in the University. A
battle breaks out when Berana Sleeps the guards. The guards
are subdued and as the party goes out the gate it begins screaming
at them. They run to the Guardians Tower, and see Colonel Thornsby.
He is flabergasted by their tale, but a Guardian magic user is
able to communicate with their captive Nightling and confirm
the truth of their tale.
Thornsby gathers a troop and moves on the University. They
find it strangely empty. He divides his forces and tries to take
the three known entrances to the tunnels below. A stalemate
develops at the Main Building, the Guardians win at the Barn,
and they are turned back from the Chancellor's mansion. Thornsby
is exasperated especially when the party mentions that there are
missing students and talk of slaves going into the University.
He calls for reinforcements which arrive. They methodically clear
out the main building, and then assault the mansion. They
then move into the tunnels and flush Cavanaugh out. Things
go well until Skaven intervene allowing Cavenaugh to escape
into the Underdark.
In the pens below they find the University community.
Missing are the Chancellor, his pregnant wife and child, his
assistant Jaylen Vaas, and a contingent of guards. Most
are completely stunned, but some are saying "I told you so."
Vice Chancellor Pauley is exceptionally shattered and says that
he was working to understand 20kGP in missing funds.
Using their pieces they see 2 pieces moving east.
Rivery spends the night with Adileza and Alsiga. The others
spend the night at the Temple of Athena.
Sunday
Zagyg attack on the Duke's Castle. Skaven (19/20) respond
quickly and come up out of the sewers to join the fight.
Zagyg takes piece and Duke to his tower on the edge
of the Cracktow.
The party minus Rivery joins a contingent from the Temple Athena
who tries to retake the gate to the Duke's palace but run into Skaven
who withdraw and disappear in the moat. Aislyn sees a Black Dragon
fly off with a mage in a mage costume and a man in fine pajamas.
Soon the party is summoned by Charles Thornsby who asks them
to leave right away to try to recover the Duke. He will be along as
soon as possible with an army. The party visits Dr. Copelius to
recover Livy. He tells them that he has made great progress on his
creations and that he could not have done in without studying
Wicked. He also points out that he has repaired Livy. Apparently
the Skaven had altered her such that she could not do harm to a
Skaven or rat.
Using their pieces they see six pieces moving rapidly east.
They leave around noon for the Cracktow.
Monday
Someone from Yggsburg, the flying Dwarf Gnigul, to Caron to talk
to the Ripper Five about their valuable claim. Talks to their
factor Amaer. Amaer also gets a note from Odilia Halstromm asking
to set up a meeting with the Ripper 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday: Under the Heel and Caron Chronicle Special Joint Edition
Weekend of Woe
Events on Saturday and Sunday have shaken two of the most important
pillars of our community. While these two newspapers normally take opposing
views on the events of the days, these dire circumstances have led us to
unite for the greater good. We urge all citizens of Caron and the Galban
Hills to forget their petty differences and rivalries as we have done to
ask not what their city and nation can do for them, but ask what they can
do for their city and nation.
On Saturday a disturbance broke out on the campus of Caron University.
The Guardians of Galba responded to reports of an infestation of fell creatures.
Under the leadership of Charles Thornsby the Guardians found that fell creatures
had taken over numerous buildings of the University and had apprently taken many
of the University community hostage. As the Guardians searched the grounds
pitched battles between the Guardians and an unusual sort of fell creture broke
out. These creatures were created by a University experiment that evidently
went horribly wrong. The creatures are some sort of hybrid between a rat and
human dubbed Nightlings. A determined effort by the Guardians
restored order in the University. Sorties into the extensive tunnel network
under the University found a large nest of Nightlings.
In the desperate, but ultimately successful, struggle to clear out
the Nightlings prominent members of the University community are missing
and presumed dead. University Chancellor Charles Cavanaugh, his wife and
child, his assistant Jaylin Vaas, and much of the University security staff
are missing. Professor Alton Lorock, three members of the University
security staff and six Guardians are confirmed dead. An unknown number of
students are also missing. Odilia Halstromm, spokesperson for the University,
said that apparently Cavanaugh, an alchemist, and Lorock, a necromancer,
were studying a very dangerous magical substance and that had led to their
knowledge of things "man is not meant to know", and their descent into madness.
She denied that Chancellor Cavanaugh had embellezed funds and that the University
faced bankruptcy. She noted that the University had cancelled classes Monday
and Tuesday, but that the faculty and students were determined to carry on the
proud tradition of the one of Caron's oldest institutions. She thanked
the Guardians for their prompt actions in support of the University, and
urged magically talented young people to continue to apply to study at one of the
world's finest institutions of magical learning.
These fantastic events followed what is usually one of the highlights
of the Caron social scene. The University of Caron's Charity Ball was held
at the Temple of Apollo on the evening before the tragic events. By all
accounts that affair was very successful. The Temple of Apollo declined
to comment on any of these events.
While the above would normally be the most important events of the
weekend a similarly disturbing event occured the next day. At dawn on Sunday
morning Caron was disturbed by a large beast flying towards the center of the
city. The beast, reported to be a Black Dragon, landed in the court yard of
Castle Caron. The Guardians were unable to dislodge the beast from blocking
the entrance to the Castle Keep, and many clerics, warriors, and magic users
from the Temples and institutions along the Corniche assembled to assault the
beast. As they gathered for their assault, a troop of Nightlings boiled out
of the Castle's moat and pitched battle broke out around the entrance
of the Castle between the horrors and the assembled attack force. In the
midst of the battle the beast rose up spit acid on the fell creatures
as it flew off to the east. At this point the fell creatures hastily
retreated back into the moat.
Representatives of the Guardians of Galba denied that the beast was
being ridden by the famous Mage Zagyg and that the dragon and mage had
departed in the company of the Duke. They had no explanation for the
beast's appearance and attack on the Nightlings, and whether there is
any connection between the events at the University on Saturday and at Castle
Caron on Sunday. They speculated that the events were some sort of
out break of chaos from the Cracktow or the Wild Lands.
In response to these events the Duke of Galba announces the following
measures that will be in effect for the foreseeable future. The city
of Caron is under curfew from the hours of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. No one
is allowed out of their homes between these times without written permission
from the Guardians of Galba. The city gates will be closed between the hours
of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM. All citizens are urged to be vigilent and report
any unusual activities to the Guardians or the Town Guard.
Our newspapers support these drastic measures. This weekend's attacks,
by unknown possibly related assailants, on two of Caron's most important
institutions, call for a vigorous response to insure the safety of our
city and nation. We urge all citizens go about their normal business
and cooperate fully with the authorities. Together we will put the disturbing
events of this weekend behind us and enter a peaceful and prosperous
future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday
Rir's Lightstone lanterns burn out.
Wednesday
Party fights with Yuck Squirrels and tangles with the Black
Dragon at the Cracktow. The Black Dragon casts Corrupt Water on
them (Strength = 12) wrecking 1/2 of their Healing potions. The
dragon hits them with his acid breath and plugs Berana with a
magic missle, before flying off after being hit by Rir's Luminous
Lance, a magic missle from Berana, and some arrows from Aislyn.
They find some loot in the muck and enter the Palace
of Shadows.
Twentieth Session Comments
Sorry for not posting anything last week. Very busy in real world.
This session went very wrong. The players declined to take the bait
and enter the tunnels. They then cleverly get out of the University and
call for back up. They were distressed that they did not have their
regular equipment. Thus they are spectators for the climax of the
adventure.
On to the Palace of Shadows.
This session went very wrong. The players declined to take the bait
and enter the tunnels. They then cleverly get out of the University and
call for back up. They were distressed that they did not have their
regular equipment. Thus they are spectators for the climax of the
adventure.
On to the Palace of Shadows.
Twenty First Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 4 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 4 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 4th Mage), Rir (Lvl 4 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 5 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 3 Cloth Gollum)
Wednesday Continued
They decide to go through the blue door and see
the pool and robes with potions. They drink the potions and
head into the water. At the bottom they follow the woman
in distress and square off versus the Locathahs. They
dispatch them and the mermaid Alise tells them that further
on is a Sea Hag who is charge of this place. She is guarded by
many Locathah. Down the other paths is a monster with big claws,
and more Locathah. They face the Sea Hag who tells her Locathah
minions to stay out of the fight. She tries to enfeeble Rir, but
misses. Berana tries to sleep her, but she is immune. Finally
she uses her Horn of Blasting and gets Rir and Berana, before the
swarming party dispatches her. As the Locathah move menancingly
forward, Alise dispatches one with a magic missle, and claims
rulership of this realm. She rewards the party with a piece,
healing potions, and some gold, but claims the Horn of Blasting
for her own. Alise flirts with Rivery.
Next they hit the silver door and are confronted by the
Brass Golem in a red room and gargoyles and ivy in a green room.
As they explore the green room, the gorgoyles come alive and the
the Asassin Vine falls on them. It wraps up Rir as the others
dispatch gargoyles and finally the vine. They see a chess piece
shaped hole in the floor appear and a secret door opens up
beyond. They see a beautiful woman dancing with a transparent man
with an orchestra of self playing instruments. They stop and ask
the players why they are disturbed. They players say that they are
gathering pieces. The pair tell them that Zagyg holds them imprisoned
and to get to the tower they have to gather five pieces to open
the locks. They give them another piece and point to the lock here.
There are doors beyond that lead to new rooms with locks. They
suggest that the party go away and return when they have gathered
the rest of the keys. They surround and attack the Brass Golem
and are distressed when it bleeds molten brass on them. They
dispatch it and see the key hole.
They check out the green door, and see the garden. They
check out the red room and get an uneasy feeling about the first
room. They go through the gold door and see the rakashasa disguised
as a lamasu. It tells them he holds a key and he will gladly give
it to them when they are worthy of getting to the tower, that is when
they have gathered the remaining keys. He tells them that a Treant
is the guardian of the garden and he can be bargained with. The
Guardian of the lab, on the other hand is very nasty and should be
dealt with harshly. They party decides to head into the garden.
Wednesday Continued
They decide to go through the blue door and see
the pool and robes with potions. They drink the potions and
head into the water. At the bottom they follow the woman
in distress and square off versus the Locathahs. They
dispatch them and the mermaid Alise tells them that further
on is a Sea Hag who is charge of this place. She is guarded by
many Locathah. Down the other paths is a monster with big claws,
and more Locathah. They face the Sea Hag who tells her Locathah
minions to stay out of the fight. She tries to enfeeble Rir, but
misses. Berana tries to sleep her, but she is immune. Finally
she uses her Horn of Blasting and gets Rir and Berana, before the
swarming party dispatches her. As the Locathah move menancingly
forward, Alise dispatches one with a magic missle, and claims
rulership of this realm. She rewards the party with a piece,
healing potions, and some gold, but claims the Horn of Blasting
for her own. Alise flirts with Rivery.
Next they hit the silver door and are confronted by the
Brass Golem in a red room and gargoyles and ivy in a green room.
As they explore the green room, the gorgoyles come alive and the
the Asassin Vine falls on them. It wraps up Rir as the others
dispatch gargoyles and finally the vine. They see a chess piece
shaped hole in the floor appear and a secret door opens up
beyond. They see a beautiful woman dancing with a transparent man
with an orchestra of self playing instruments. They stop and ask
the players why they are disturbed. They players say that they are
gathering pieces. The pair tell them that Zagyg holds them imprisoned
and to get to the tower they have to gather five pieces to open
the locks. They give them another piece and point to the lock here.
There are doors beyond that lead to new rooms with locks. They
suggest that the party go away and return when they have gathered
the rest of the keys. They surround and attack the Brass Golem
and are distressed when it bleeds molten brass on them. They
dispatch it and see the key hole.
They check out the green door, and see the garden. They
check out the red room and get an uneasy feeling about the first
room. They go through the gold door and see the rakashasa disguised
as a lamasu. It tells them he holds a key and he will gladly give
it to them when they are worthy of getting to the tower, that is when
they have gathered the remaining keys. He tells them that a Treant
is the guardian of the garden and he can be bargained with. The
Guardian of the lab, on the other hand is very nasty and should be
dealt with harshly. They party decides to head into the garden.
Twenty First Session Comments
The Palace of Shadows which is a pure dungeon crawl. Definitely old school
with stacks of random monstors all held together by a contrived quest.
The module gets the job done, but is a cut below the Troll Lord stuff and
the Dungeon Crawl Classics. A special disappointment to me since this was
meant to be Castle Zagyg in my original plan for the campaign.
In the real world this was our last session in 2006. From now on the campaign slows to a crawl. So far we have gotten two sessions done in 2007, and I think we need about four more to get an end. We should finish some time in the first half of 2008.
with stacks of random monstors all held together by a contrived quest.
The module gets the job done, but is a cut below the Troll Lord stuff and
the Dungeon Crawl Classics. A special disappointment to me since this was
meant to be Castle Zagyg in my original plan for the campaign.
In the real world this was our last session in 2006. From now on the campaign slows to a crawl. So far we have gotten two sessions done in 2007, and I think we need about four more to get an end. We should finish some time in the first half of 2008.
Twenty Second Session
Party = Aislyn (Lvl 4 Ranger), Aurelia (Lvl 4 Cleric), Berana (Lvl 4 Mage), Rir (Lvl 4 Fighter), Rivery (Lvl 5 Rogue), Livy (Lvl 3 Cloth Gollum)
Wednesday Continued
They explore the garden of the Palace of Shadows. They fight and defeat
the Flesh Crawler, the Manticore, and the man eating plant. They gather
some of the mushrooms and enter the maze where they fight some ants.
They decide to avoid the Acheroi and talk to the Treant and the Satyr.
They get healed and rested by the waters to get ready to fight the "mole".
They answer 4/5 of the Satyr's riddles. They rest for 8 hours to recover
spells. They fight the Bulette and drive it away. Oakheart the Treant
rewards them with a piece/key.
Thursday
They go on to the lab. They leave a rope across the rolling platform, but
leave the door open causing the platform to speed up while they are
away. They fight the golem, kill it, and take its medallion. They get
10 potions from the potion machine. They enter the mirror maze and send
Wicked to scout ahead. She is turned to stone by the Gorgon. They enter
the maze and defeat the Gorgon. They prepare to enter the next room.
Wednesday Continued
They explore the garden of the Palace of Shadows. They fight and defeat
the Flesh Crawler, the Manticore, and the man eating plant. They gather
some of the mushrooms and enter the maze where they fight some ants.
They decide to avoid the Acheroi and talk to the Treant and the Satyr.
They get healed and rested by the waters to get ready to fight the "mole".
They answer 4/5 of the Satyr's riddles. They rest for 8 hours to recover
spells. They fight the Bulette and drive it away. Oakheart the Treant
rewards them with a piece/key.
Thursday
They go on to the lab. They leave a rope across the rolling platform, but
leave the door open causing the platform to speed up while they are
away. They fight the golem, kill it, and take its medallion. They get
10 potions from the potion machine. They enter the mirror maze and send
Wicked to scout ahead. She is turned to stone by the Gorgon. They enter
the maze and defeat the Gorgon. They prepare to enter the next room.
Twenty Second Session Comments
Crawling through the dungeon in our first session in three months. Session is also short due to real world considerations. By the end of this one I want the Palace of Shadows to end as I have gotten sick of its repetitive nature and want to move towards the end of the story.
As I prepare for the next session, the dice are not kind, indicating that something bad happens back in Caron while the party is away. The wheels begin to turn as I prepare to buffet the party yet again with something unexpected.
As I prepare for the next session, the dice are not kind, indicating that something bad happens back in Caron while the party is away. The wheels begin to turn as I prepare to buffet the party yet again with something unexpected.