Game 10 07-09-10

Game Summary     Game 10     07/09/10

                 “Who are you, little man?” said the half-orc woman.  Marius was indignant.  They spoke for a while and she identified herself as a servant of Iomedae.  Kotri was suspicious and she and Marius grilled the old woman for a while.  She was quite aloof, however, and they were not able to pin down her location or her purpose.  That didn’t keep Tamarie from spying a landmark through a window.  It was clear that the old woman was in the town of Buttervale, in southwest Nirmathas.  Once her location was known, the group quickly ended the conversation with the enigmatic old half-orc.

                The group met back up with Kelsey Gavirk and Elric.  She made it known that she would like to travel to Corvale to meet up with General Rhinys (pronounced “Rines”).  She wants to rally Nirmathas and re-take the capitol city of Tamran.  The party agreed, after a lively discussion, to join her.

                The three day journey was pleasant.  A soft rain helped the party cleanse themselves from their last adventure.  About half a day from Corvale, the land changed.  What was fertile green grass and lush trees gave way to withered and dying greenery.  Even the waters took on a yellow and muddy palor.  The farms surrounding the town were obviously struggling.  Cattle and other livestock around the area were obviously suffering from malnutrition.

                Things weren’t any better as the party entered the town.  There were carts of fresh fruit and vegetables in the market, but they were clearly from out of town.  What was imminently noticeable was the sheer volume of silver being passed around in trade.  Unrefined lumps of ore were being handed out for just about every transaction – and even a novice appraiser could see that the value that the merchants were receiving for their food far exceed the value of their product.  Corvale was hurting and badly.

                While the party was directed to Councilor Bellannan, they elected to head straight to General Rhinys’s residence.  It was a good sized villa, surrounded by vineyards in each direction. Unfortunately, they too suffered from the blight that was plaguing the city.

                The General welcomed them with opened arms.  He listened as the party recounted their story and admitted that he had heard vague rumors, but nothing more.  Tamran was a long way from here and the news that it had fallen was, to many, incredulous.  However, after hearing their testimony as well as from Kelsey, the General agreed it was time for action.  He volunteered his vineyard as a training ground for the Nirmathian army.

                Before he could do that, though, someone had to break the curse on the town.  If he couldn’t feed the troops, he couldn’t train them.  The party began to investigate the town.  It seemed that there was a dwarf named Silvermane that had been run out of town.   The party found his journal where he detailed a vicious revenge upon the people of Corvale for treating a wizard in such a way.  They clearly prized silver more than anything else so he would make them truly dependent on it.  He had summoned something from the depths of the elemental planes to ruin the town.

                Marius was able to figure out how to end the curse, but he suspected that it would destroy the silver mine in the process.  In an emergency council session for the town, the party made their findings known.  They were asked to fix the problem and help the city.  Marius agreed, but at a price – his own weight in silver.  Reluctantly, the council agreed, though it was clear that they felt they had no choice.  The silver was collected and Marius asked Kelsey and Elric to take it out of the city limits.  They agreed.

                Once everything was set, the party met outside the entrance to the silver mine at the bottom of a rock quarry.  Marius set up the necessary ritual and, when all seemed ready, began to chant.   After a few words, the ground began to shake.  After a few more seconds, a section of rock exploded and an amorphous mass of rocks and boulders poured onto the ground.  The earth elemental summoned by Silvermane had arrived and its intent was clear.  Combat was imminent.  The party readied themselves while Marius continued to chant.

Game information

Starting in-game date:  Moonday, 11 Gozran, 4708 (Monday, Aprill 11^th, 4708)

Ending in-game date: Fireday, 15 Gozran, 4708 (Friday, April 15^th, 4708)

Total in-game campaign time: 28 days

NPCs encountered:  General Rhinys, Aufur Bellannan

Gear Sold: none

Gear Purchased:  none

Quests

Begun:

Silvermane and the Silver Mine

Ongoing:

A Will to Power – Escort Kelsey Gavirk to Lastwall

The Loves We’ve Lost – Look for more information about Malikune’s parents in Fairfield

A Bird in the Hand – Establish a trade route to Pryston

The Long Road to Redemption – Learn more about the crystal ball

Wind, Water, and Fire – Wait for another sign of Bron’s vision quest

Completed:

None

Rewards

Experience Points (per character): 0 (21,500 total)

Magical Items: none

Consumable Items: none

Non-Magical Treasure: none

Coins and Gems: none

Other: none

Notes and Observations

Don’t forget action points!!  You guys are close to leveling up so don’t hesitate to use them!!

Game 09 06-25-10

Game Summary     Game 09     06/25/10

                The evening’s adventure opened with Kotri and Marius being introduced.  They seemed to have a begrudging respect for each other, though it is hard to tell if Marius respects anyone.  Kotri then told the group that she had seen one or two cloaked individuals come to the ruins of the temple.  They placed their hand on a stone and waited as a door appeared.  The cloaked individuals then went through the door and it quickly faded away after they entered.

                The group started to discuss what they should do next.  Kotri wanted to investigate but Marius was more hesitant.  As they continued their discussion, Malikune made his way across the empty glen and began to search around the area.  He found a stone, blackened with layers of blood, imbedded near the empty archway where the doors had appeared.  As the rest of the group made their way forward, Malikune pulled out his sickle and cut his hand with it.  As blood welled up in the wound, he placed his hand on the blackened stone.  The door shimmered into existence.

                Now they were faced with a new dilemma.  Should they enter?  Marius clearly said “No.”  Kotri, however, was moved to action.  She, Malikune, Bron, and Tamarie opened the door and stepped through it.  Marius decided to wait outside.

                The group found themselves in a single room.  It was a stone amphitheater.  At the far end, down a rather steep slope, was a dais seemingly cut out of raw obsidian.  On the dais sat a single crystal ball.  Surrounding the platform and on the walls to the left and to the right were seven disturbing bas reliefs where servants of goodness were being sacrificed to some kind of dark power.  Each relief had the image of a priest holding a dagger in one hand and the heart of the sacrifice in another.  There was a hole in the sculpture where the creature’s heart had been.  On the back wall and over the door were seven sculptures of demonic heads, each with an open mouth.

                The party explored for a few minutes, but they found nothing else of interest.  When all other options were done, Malikune stepped onto the dais.  There was suddenly a sound like a thousand souls dying in agony.  The walls began to bleed from the holes in the bas relief sculptures.  A cylinder of light projected from the ceiling and covered the crystal ball and the dais itself.  Out of the mouth of the demon head above the door, an imp clawed its way out and attacked.

                The party destroyed the imp without a problem, but as soon as it died, three more replaced it, escaping out of the open mouthed sculptures along the back wall.  More pressing though was the blood pooling at the bottom of the amphitheater.

                The party splintered as they each tried to find a way to either fight off the imps or escape.  Bron held the center, fighting imps and eventually made his way to the door to hold.  He and Malikune tried to force it open, but it was no use.  Kotri and Tamarie headed to opposite sides of the room to find a means to stop the blood that was now gushing into the room.

                Imps continued to climb out of the mouths of the demons and the party was beginning to be overwhelmed.  The blood had filled almost half the room and Kotri, Tamarie and Malikune were each covered in the viscous substance.  In desperation, Tamarie cut her hand on the dagger that projected out of the bas relief she was studying.  The blood flow from that sculpture stopped and the cylinder of light (actually a wall of force, as poor Malikune harshly learned) flickered.  She excitedly yelled her discovery to the rest of the group.  Kotri and Malikune focused their efforts on stopping the blood flow along with Tamarie, while Bron continued to battle the imps.

                With each successful sacrifice, the blood flow lessened and the light grew weaker.  When the last of the bas relief’s daggers was coated with the blood of the party, the light vanished and the room began to drain.  The imps died suddenly and the doors unlocked themselves.

                The party opened the door to find Marius looking at them, shocked by the gore and gruesomeness in which they had apparently bathed.  The party collected the crystal ball and let Marius, their arcane expert, examine it.   He activated it and found himself looking at an older woman who happened to notice that the ball was active.  She looked into it and said “Who are you, little man?”

Game information

Starting in-game date:  Sunday, 10 Gozran, 4708 (Sunday, April 10^th, 4708)

Ending in-game date:  Moonday, 11 Gozran, 4708 (Monday, Aprill 11^th, 4708)

Total in-game campaign time: 24 days

NPCs encountered:  none

Gear Sold: none

Gear Purchased:  none

Quests

Begun:

None

Ongoing:

A Will to Power – Escort Kelsey Gavirk to Lastwall

The Loves We’ve Lost – Look for more information about Malikune’s parents in Fairfield

A Bird in the Hand – Establish a trade route to Pryston

The Long Road to Redemption – Learn more about the crystal ball

Wind, Water, and Fire – Wait for another sign of Bron’s vision quest

Completed:

None

Rewards

Experience Points (per character): 600 (21,500 total)

Magical Items: Crystal Ball

Consumable Items: none

Non-Magical Treasure: none

Coins and Gems: none

Other: none

Notes and Observations

Looking forward to the next game.  We have a lot to do so let’s get moving!

Game 08 04-30-10

Game Summary     Game 08     04/30/10

                The party gazed upon the Glade of Knives and gathered their strength as the prepared to march forward.  However, before they could begin, a gravelly voice spoke to them from the shadows.  It warned them of the evil here and that there was nothing good that could come from their presence.  The shadow voiced seeming concern for the welfare of the party, but seemed less than sincere.  The group demanded that the speaker show himself.  Upon receiving promises that no harm would come to him, a very young green dragon emerged from the trees.

                He gave his name: Ssaliban.  He shared with the group that he was in need of their assistance.  He explained that a pair of interlopers had taken over his hunting grounds.  He wanted the interlopers removed and was willing to reward the party for it.  The party was not overly enthusiastic about assisting a green dragon, known for their evil actions.  Sensing their hesitancy, Ssaliban offered one more morsel of enticement. He had captured a trespasser and was willing to let them have him if they would assist.

                Kotri decided that she could not leave the glade to assist a creature of such obvious malevolence.  However, she gave Bron leave to go and assist should his conscience be so moved.  After a short discussion, the rest of the group (Malikune, Bron, and Tamarie) decided to see what could be done.

                After a half-day’s travel – and a short rest at the campsite to check on Kelsey and Elric – the three companions found themselves in Ssaliban’s forest.  Tied to a tree, seated, and quite gagged sat a rather disheveled looking human.  Ssaliban directed them to release his captive.  The man introduced himself as Marius.  Clearly highborn and looking quite out of place, Marius and his captor soon delved into arguments and threats.  In the end, Marius agreed to travel with the three friends and reclaim Ssaliban’s grounds in exchange for the possessions that the dragon had stolen from him.

                The group made their way through the woods as best they could.  Several times, they thought that they heard something or caught a glimpse of some distant shadow.  The most astute of them could make out the sound of pipes playing somewhere off in the distance.  With trepidation, the party trekked toward the music.

                In early evening, they finally happened upon the two interlopers that were the cause of all the trouble.  It was two satyrs that had happened to overcome the dragon and taken his roost and his stockpile.  At first, the group thought that they had the drop on the two hooligans, but the keen senses of the fey removed any chance of surprise.

                The satyrs welcomed the party to the small campfire that they had built.  The group was clearly not alone as two obviously charmed and slightly intoxicated human women were fully naked and fully devoted to enjoying the evening with the satyrs.  One remained largely silent, while one – Elan he said his name was – enquired nonchalantly into the groups business.  Marius took the lead in speaking with the satyrs while Bron and Tamarie sat amazed.  The group wisely avoided drinking much wine and Marius deftly turned the conversation to the satyrs themselves.

                Having found a subject that they truly loved, the satyrs spoke of their escapades.  What became apparent was the party’s growing disgust for these creatures of the wild.  At one point, Malikune excused himself and actually retired early (though not as early as might have been thought).  One by one, they all fell to the irresistible call of sleep save three souls: Elan, his partner in crime, and Marius.  They talked and drank and laughed till dawn was soon to break.  Finally, the two woodlanders finally succumbed to slumber’s song.  Without a word and with ruthless efficiency, Marius struggled to his feet, warring against alcohol and exhaustion, approached each satyr in turn and executed them one at a time.  The deed done, he collapsed.

                Malikune woke to find the bodies.  He moved them from the camp so that the sleeping human women might not find them.  He woke the rest of the party and took them to the cave where Ssaliban’s treasures lay.

                The interlopers dead and their task completed, the party made their way back to Ssaliban.  He was grateful and bid them leave.  Once again, Marius challenged the dragon.  This time, there was no taking it.  The dragon attacked.

                It was a furious battle, but at the end, the dragon lay dead and the party lived on to fight another day.  They returned to Kelsey and introduced Marius.  They then journeyed back to the Glade of Knives there Kotri was much relieved to see her friends again and was surprised to see that they had returned with another member.

Game information

Starting in-game date:  Starday, 9 Gozran, 4708 (Saturday, April 9^th, 4708)

Ending in-game date:  Sunday, 10 Gozran, 4708 (Sunday, April 10^th, 4708)

Total in-game campaign time: 23 days

NPCs encountered: Ssaliban the very young green dragon, the satyr Elan

Gear Sold: none

Gear Purchased:  none

Quests

Begun:

None

Ongoing:

A Will to Power – Escort Kelsey Gavirk to Lastwall

The Loves We’ve Lost – Look for more information about Malikune’s parents in Fairfield

A Bird in the Hand – Establish a trade route to Pryston

The Long Road to Redemption – Investigate the “glade of knives”

Wind, Water, and Fire – Wait for another sign of Bron’s vision quest

Completed:

Wishing you well – Defeat the Saytrs, the Dragon, or both

Rewards

Experience Points (per character): 850 (20,900 total)

Magical Items: Figurine of Wonderous Power: Silver Raven

Consumable Items: none

Non-Magical Treasure: none

Coins and Gems: none

Other: none

Notes and Observations

Welcome Mark!!

The summary above was constructed as best as I remember it.  If you think of anything that needs to be altered and/or adjusted, please let me know!!

Game 07 04-23-10

Game Summary     Game 07     04/23/10

                The party had a few days to spend in Vigil before they would be meeting with the Precentors Martial of the War College.  They explored the town a bit and traded off some of their loot from some of their past exploits as well as resupplying any necessities.

                After three days, the group received a summons to appear at the war college.  Not wanting to delay the proceedings, the party dressed in their best attire and appeared at the War College.  They were met at the door by Baron Tannis Von Driesig.  He quickly ran down the protocols for addressing the Precentors as well as the general format for the meeting.  He took Kelsey aside, and the two spoke quietly.  She seemed very nervous, but his words, whatever they were, seemed to give her some assurance.

                The Baron entered the Great Hall with Kelsey.  He was announced and took his seat with the other Precentors.  The party was introduced, each by name, and then was directed to sit.  The room was spacious.  The main speaking area was a large circle in the center of the room.  The speaking area was surrounded by 10 foot marble retaining walls.  Behind the walls, tiered seating allowed for the speaker to be seen by all in attendance.  The Precentors sat evenly spaced at the front of the stadium seating, directly overlooking the speaking area from their places.  They were presented from left to right:

                Lucien Lachance, a human

                Nicholai Bellamont, a half-elf

                Quill-weave, a gnome

                Svana, the Blademaster, a halfling

                Rathala Hlaalu, an elf

                Lumbur Gro-Marag, a half-orc

                Mikkel the Hammerborn, a dwarf

                Baron Tannis Von Driesig, a human

                Seated between Svana and Rathala Hlaalu, on a simple oak chair, was Lord Ulthun II, Champion and Lord of all Lastwall and head of the Precentors Martial of the War College.  He was noticeably younger than most there save perhaps Svana.

                Kelsey addressed the council directly, relaying the harrowing story of the attack on Tamran.  She spoke briefly of the journey to Vigil before conveying the purpose of her trip.  She explained the current state of Nirmathas and how it had no standing army and, further, that they were in no position to defend themselves from an attack that robbed them of their ability to use traditional Nirmathian tactics.  She begged Lastwall to raise arms against Molthune and defend Nirmathas.

                The councilors responded in turn.  Several voiced their approval.  Others voiced their dismay, arguing that action would distract them from their purpose.  It was noted, however, that both Kotri and Bron were sent to talk with the Molthune army by Lord Ulthun II.  Following the councilors’ reactions, Lord Ulthun II was silent for a long time..  The Precentors were silent as he mulled over the arguments from both sides, clearly agonizing over the decision he was being forced to make.  Finally, he spoke. He addressed Kelsey Gavirk kindly, but directly.  He said that Lastwall could not interfere and that Nirmathas was on its own.

                Kelsey was visibly distraught, but maintained her composure as Ulthun continued.  Kotri and Bron were ordered to escort Kelsey and her companions to wherever Kelsey decided to go. The meeting was then adjourned.

                Outside, Kelsey broke down.  Baron Von Driesig met with the party briefly to express his sorrow at the decision.  He promised to continue to try to sway the council.  He then said his goodbyes and made his way back inside.

                The party packed up and began to prepare to head south.  While they were preparing for the journey, they happened to hear of a place called the “glade of knives”.  Her curiosity piqued, Kotri got more details.  The glade was near the path they were taking to the town of Summerlake.  Determined to find out more, the party headed to where they were told it might be.

                During their travels, they were interrupted by a stampeding herd of aurochs.  They survived with little more than bumps and bruises but knew to be more wary in the future.  The party soon made camp and began scouting for the glade.  It took a day or so, but diligence by Malikune revealed a strange grotto.  Further investigation revealed that they had, indeed, discovered the Glade of Knives.  In the center of the glade stood the ruins of an old stone structure.  All that was left intact was a stone archway.  The party moved forward to investigate with a twilight wind nipping at their heels.

Game information

Starting in-game date:  Sunday, 3 Gozran, 4708 (Sunday, April 3^rd, 4708)

Ending in-game date:  Starday, 9 Gozran, 4708 (Saturday, April 9^th, 4708)

Total in-game campaign time: 22 days

NPCs encountered: Lucien Lachance, Nicholai Bellamont, Quill-weave, Svana, the Blademaster, Rathala Hlaalu, Lumbur Gro-Marag, Mikkel the Hammerborn

Gear Sold: Wand of Invisibility, Wand of Blur, Scroll of Deeper Darkness

Gear Purchased:  Wand of Bull’s Strength (25 chrg), Wand of Stone Shape (20 chrg), Scroll of Lesser Restoration

Quests

Begun:

None

Ongoing:

A Will to Power – Escort Kelsey Gavirk to Lastwall

The Loves We’ve Lost – Look for more information about Malikune’s parents in Fairfield

A Bird in the Hand – Establish a trade route to Pryston

The Long Road to Redemption – Investigate the “glade of knives”

Wind, Water, and Fire – Wait for another sign of Bron’s vision quest

Completed:

Stampede!! – Survive the stampede.

Rewards

Experience Points (per character): 550 (20,050 total)

Magical Items: none

Consumable Items: none

Non-Magical Treasure: none

Coins and Gems: none

Other: For surviving the stampede with no injuries, you each gain 1 action point.

Notes and Observations

Welcome Patrick!!  We are glad to have you with us.

Game 06 03-26-10

Game Summary     Game 06     03/26/10

                Without being fully rested and being caught by surprise, the party was in dire straits.  The Cyclops, one Chauggoth by name, initiated the attack on the poor PCs.  Perhaps it was fate, perhaps luck, or perhaps it was divine intervention that allowed Malikune to survive the giant’s first onslaught.  In a flurry of high pitched squeals and shining blades, the remaining goblins and their disgusting goblin dogs descended upon the rest of the party.

                Kotri and Bron climbed to their feet while Tamarie and Kelsey danced with the goblins that were attacking them.  The goblins were brutal and punished the party for being caught unawares.  However, despite the nicks and cuts, the party rallied and soon Kotri, despite being wounded and unarmored, began to cut a path through their assailants.  Chauggoth had charged across the embers of their fire and was assaulting Bron.  The poor cleric was withstanding the blows but was outmatched.   Malikune moved through the combat as best he could, helping those that needed him.

                More than once a party member fell and those around them helped to pull their fallen party members back from the brink of death.  In an act of desperation, Bron grabbed the Cyclops in a heroic attempt to make an easy target for the group.  For a few moments it worked and the party was able to seriously injure the marauding giant.

                Injured, angry and spent, the party unleashed its full fury on the few remaining assailants and quickly brought their attackers down.  As he died, Chauggoth asked to be laid to rest with his companion Braxx.  The party correctly guessed that this was the name of the owlbear they had faced earlier that evening and complied with the dying giant’s final request.

                After a short respite, the group tracked the goblins back to a relatively small cave.  Inside, they found wanted posters for Chauggoth and his band of raiders as well as some choice magical items.

                Free to move forward again, the four companions took Kelsey north into Vigil.  They were quickly able to meet with Baron Tannis Von Driesig.  After introductions, he thanked them for protecting Kelsey and was curious to hear her story.  He listened intently as the group explained themselves and described their adventures.  When the story was through and the companions had answered the Baron’s questions to his satisfaction, he was still for a moment.  He then explained that Lastwall is supposed to maintain neutrality.  However, he was certain that securing a friendly southern border with Nirmathis would be favorable to maintaining a relationship with the expansionist nation of Molthune.  He pledged to assist the Kelsey and her entourage in their quest.

                As a Precentor Martial of the war college, Baron Von Driesig would be present at the next meeting in a few days.  He encouraged the party, saying that Kelsey would be able to plead her case to Lord Ulthun himself.  In the meantime, he thought the party might enjoy the sights of the city and get some valuable rest.  He then bid them good night.

                Before the party was escorted off the grounds, a servant brought them a few small magic items as thanks from Baron Von Driesig for their gallantry.  Finally able to rest, the party was able to get some respite from the long roads and dangerous adventures.

Game information

Starting in-game date:  Oathday, 2 Gozran, 4708 (Tuesday, April 2^nd, 4708)

Ending in-game date:  Sunday, 3 Gozran, 4708 (Wednesday, April 3^rd, 4708)

Total in-game campaign time: 16 days

NPCs encountered: Baron Tannis Von Driesig, Chauggoth

Quests

Begun:

None

Ongoing:

A Will to Power – Escort Kelsey Gavirk to Lastwall

The Loves We’ve Lost – Look for more information about Malikune’s parents in Fairfield

A Bird in the Hand – Establish a trade route to Pryston

The Long Road to Redemption – Keep an ear out for the “glade of knives”

Wind, Water, and Fire – Wait for another sign of Bron’s vision quest

Completed:

A Night of Swords – Survive the bandit assault

Rewards

Experience Points (per character): 850 (19,500 total)

Magical Items: Cloak of Resistance +1, Boots of Elvenkind

Consumable Items: Potion of Sanctuary, Elixir of Vision, Potion of Bear’s Endurance, Scroll of Cure Light Wounds, Scroll of Deeper Darkness, Potion of Detect Plants and Animals, Scroll of Endure Elements

Non-Magical Treasure: 500 GP

Coins and Gems: 400 GP

Other: none

Notes and Observations

Good game.  Sorry this took so long to get out.  I plan on making two major additions to how I run the game.  Each quest (specifically combat quests) will have a unique terrain feature that will hopefully spice up the combat a bit.  I will also be adding weather patterns to each quest so that the world feels more real and I remember to add the weather effects.  I have also added the “Total In-Game Campaign Time” record above so we can get some idea of how much time has passed since the beginning of the campaign.

Game 05 03-12-10

Game Summary     Game 05     03/12/10

                Having finally escaped the mysterious half-orc, the party was able to continue toward Vigil without too much incident.  The stranger’s attack had left their carriage in bad shape though.  The rear seat and storage areas were nearly destroyed and the wheel and axle assemblies had suffered slightly as well.  After two days of travel, they arrived at the town of Maplebrim, led by Mayor Unio Bellanon, a gnome.

                Some haggling with a merchant and the group was able to arrange repairs for the carriage, but it would take a few days.  With the spare time that they had, the party began to look for any information about the Glade of Knives.  They weren’t able to get much, but someone did say that he heard a group of priests mentioning it.  When pressed, all he could say was that the priests came from the west, in the forest.  Kotri was clearly interested in pursuing the trail, but it was clear that getting Kelsey to Vigil was more important.  She made a mental note to continue the investigation when time became available.

                The party was informed that the repairs were almost complete and even paid some extra gold to have the wheels and axels reinforced.  Kelsey and the four companions shared a table the night before their departure for Vigil.  Malikune revealed his nature and explained how he had no memory of his parents.  Encouraged by his candor and honesty, Bron revealed that he, too, was of mixed ancestry.  Seeing a common ground, Bron smiled at his new “brother.”  Kelsey’s reaction contrasted starkly with that of Bron.  Upon hearing of Malikune’s mixed heritage, Kelsey became withdrawn.  When pressed, she excused herself, refusing to even acknowledge Malikune.

                Dinner ended quickly after that.  Malikune excused himself and secretly went to check on Kelsey.  He tried to speak through the door, but she asked him to leave through what sounded like weeping.  Confused, Malikune obeyed.

                The following morning found Malikune still befuddled, Bron at peace, Kotri ready to go, Tamarie bored, and Kelsey even more withdrawn.  She spoke to no one for a while.  After some time on the road, Kotri invited Kelsey to ride with her.  They talked a bit about Malikune, Bron, and the others.  Mostly, it was about Malikune.  Despite her gentle prying, Kotri was unable to discover the reason for Kelsey’s distress.

                The party made camp about a day’s journey from Vigil.  The evening passed without incident until goblins attacked the party.  These goblins had a pet owlbear as well.  As Kotri handled the bear, the rest of the group handled the goblins, who immediately went for the carriage and the supplies it contained.  The party was unable to prevent the goblins from getting inside the carriage, but Malikune saw Kelsey head into the forest with three of the little beasts in hot pursuit.  Acting quickly, he flew after them, dodging trees and branches.

                He found them as they were approaching her, obviously intending the worst.  Malikune majestically swept into the open space between them and heroically put himself between the goblins and the girl.  He dispatched them quickly.  As he turned to take her out of the forest, she threw her arms around him.  She was so soft, so warm.  Malikune made a motion to kiss her, but she turned away.  She did not, however, release his grip, and the two of them made their way back to camp.

                In the meantime, Kotri had dispatched the owlbear almost singlehandedly, though Tamarie assisted greatly in the last moments.  Everyone was okay, and they were cleaning up the bodies.  Tamarie noted that they could follow the tracks back to the lair.  The group decided to rest before examining the lair.

                That was a mistake.

                The party woke to being surrounded by even more goblins and a large Cyclops was swinging a massive axe right at Malikune’s head!

Game information

Starting in-game date:  Starday, 29 Pharast, 4708 (Saturday, March 29^th, 4708)

Ending in-game date:  Oathday, 2 Gozran, 4708 (Tuesday, April 2^nd, 4708)

NPCs encountered: none

Quests

Begun:

A Night of Swords – Survive the bandit assault

Ongoing:

A Will to Power – Escort Kelsey Gavirk to Lastwall

The Loves We’ve Lost – Look for more information about Malikune’s parents in Fairfield

A Bird in the Hand – Establish a trade route to Pryston

The Long Road to Redemption – Keep an ear out for the “glade of knives”

Wind, Water, and Fire – Wait for another sign of Bron’s vision quest

Completed:

None

Rewards

Experience Points (per character): 400

Magical Items: none

Consumable Items: none

Non-Magical Treasure: none

Coins and Gems: none

Other: None

Notes and Observations

Nothing to report today.  Looks like you guys will have your hands full this time!

Game 04 02-26-10

Game Summary     Game 04     02/26/10

                The party steeled themselves and headed into the cave that had been discovered as a result of Bron’s vision.  The tunnel led them into a well-lit cavern.  In the center of the cavern sat a chest, obviously locked, atop a platform in the center.  Above the chest, a dark hole extended upward into darkness.  A small metal rod extended out of the void with a small hook at one end of it.  The other end of the rod reached into the darkness, anchored somewhere deep in the cliffside.

                A small, smooth bridge roughly a foot across seemed the only method to reach the chest.  Tamarie went first, only to discover that once she was within a few feet of the treasure, a gale-force wind was blowing constantly.  Within the wind tunnel, all she could hear was the roaring of the winds.  Outside, all the party could hear was silence.  Narrowly avoiding a fall to the bottom of the pit, Tamarie extricated herself from the wind and explained her experiences.

                The group spent some time trying to figure out how to approach the chest.  One failed attempt cost Tamarie her lockpicks.  It was Malikune that discovered that the empty hook held an invisible object.  He bravely (or foolishly, had events unfolded differently) leapt into the wind and was able to grasp the rod.  At the end, he grasped the object.  An object he was certain was the key they needed.  However, the wind was pushing him off the rod and he slipped closer and closer to an untimely demise.  Bron, however, mustered his strength and stepped into the wind.  He was able to grab Malikune and keep the two of them from falling.  Malikune passed the key to Bron, who used his considerable might to match the key to the chest.  The roaring winds immediately fell silent, and the chest sprung open.  Inside, the party found a Wand of Invisibility.  Having successfully completed the task set before them, the party returned to the top of the cliff and began making their way across the bridge.

                No sooner had they done so, but they saw a rider following them.  He was approaching quickly and soon the party realized that he wasn’t riding an ordinary mount.  He was riding a bulette, a dreaded land-shark!  Without warning the rider fired on the party’s carriage.  A closer look revealed that the rider was none other than the mysterious half-orc that had spoken with General Hakar at Fort Ramgate!  The party sent the carriage ahead and attempted to face off against the rider, but he obviously wasn’t interested, he raced past them and the chase was on.

                The battle taxed the party more than they expected and more than once they had to worry about their injuries.  At one point, Malikune was knocked off the bridge, forcing him to reveal his true heritage.   While unable to seriously injure the exceptionally skilled half-orc, the combined might of the party was able to take down his mount.  In a cascade of armor and flesh, the half-orc and the bulette tumbled to the ground.  His expression was impossible to determine as the party spread away to safety, but questions remain.  Who is this mysterious aggressor?  What does he want?  What can be said with certainty is that they haven’t seen the last of him.

Game information

Starting in-game date:  Starday, 29 Pharast, 4708 (Saturday, March 29^th, 4708)

Ending in-game date:  Starday, 29 Pharast, 4708 (Saturday, March 29^th, 4708)

NPCs encountered: The Mysterious Half-Orc

Quests

Begun:

None

Ongoing:

A Will to Power – Escort Kelsey Gavirk to Lastwall

The Loves We’ve Lost – Look for more information about Malikune’s parents in Fairfield

A Bird in the Hand – Establish a trade route to Pryston

The Long Road to Redemption – Keep an ear out for the “glade of knives”

Wind, Water, and Fire – Wait for another sign of Bron’s vision quests

Completed:

None

Rewards

Experience Points (per character): 1000

Magical Items: none

Consumable Items: Wand of Invisibility (20 charges)

Non-Magical Treasure: none

Coins and Gems: none

Other: None

Notes and Observations

Sorry that the combat got a little tedious.  I will work on making them more exciting.  One thing that will help will be for you guys to try to mix it up a little.  Try to never do the same thing from round to round.  I will do the same and we’ll see if that helps make things more interesting.  Good game, though guys!  I hope to be doing some NPC development as well.  I am looking forward to the next game!