2097 lines
86 KiB
Plaintext
2097 lines
86 KiB
Plaintext
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: Earth's Dreamlands : Info on: RPG's, :(313)558-5024 : area code :
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:RPGNet World HQ & Archive: Drugs, Industrial :(313)558-5517 : changes to :
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: 1000's of text files : music, Fiction, :InterNet : (810) after :
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: No Elite / No porn : HomeBrew Beer. :rpgnet@aol.com: Dec 1,1993 :
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:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:
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My Dear Lord Gradion,
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You had requested that I research the matter of that group of
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heroes known as The White Hand, especially as it is pertinent to
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our present situation. Such research is rendered difficult by the
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mass of rumour and spurilous detail which grows up around any
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popular tale. I have however, made a breakthrough.
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I have, at personal risk and expense, been able to obtain a
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copy of the diaries of the group's personal bards, chiefly Lorac
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himself. Although I doubt the claim that these are the original
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manuscripts, I have reason to believe that they are an early copy.
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Although they surfaced in an entirely different part of the world,
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the early entries agree closely with a set of books which surfaced
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in Tareg. Although much controversy revolves around the
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authenticity of the Tareg Diaries, I am now convinced they are
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genuine.
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I have instructed my most trusted servant, Hallon, to
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transcribe a copy of these diaries for you along with my notes.
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Ever your servant,
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Sydylus
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Foreward:
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The White Hand has its roots in a group of adventurers from
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the country of Tyglas, which lies northwest of the Federation.
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Tyglas had been a part of the Federation, however had revolted.
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The split had its origins in religion. Tyglassian humans worship
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the Ukko pantheon and do not acknowledge the Dahgdha, whose
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pantheon predominates in the Federation. The first date recorded
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in the diaries is April 24, 1101 Year of the Federation. This puts
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events a few months before the outbreak of civil war in Tyglas
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between the Tyglasian ruler the Ri Lukra and Lord Rath the Hiissi
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worshipper.
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The first diaries make reference to the cities of Iatanor (the
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Tyglassian capital), Port Corvor and Canvale.
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It is difficult to find details on the lives of all the
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original members of the band, but some have come to life. The
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party grew up around two priests of Mielikki, Stenn Morgan Tremoth
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and the druid Bjonri Arik, who dominated the early leadership (such
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as it was) of the party, mostly because priests are held in such
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high regard in Tyglas. Both Bjonri and Stenn were half-elven and
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at least Stenn had been raised by elves. The two were soon to be
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joined by Stenn's half brothers Sven, the author of the first
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diary, and Prothus, the warrior elf who was at this, time, as yet
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an unknown. By the time Sven meets his brother, two more members
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have attatched themselves: Throrn, a dwarven fighter and Grizelda
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the gnome warrior and illusionist, also at the beginning of her
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career. Lorac the Bard and Magnar the Ranger were not with the
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group at the outset.
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Diary of Sven
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I am Sven Yahoo, priest of Ahto, student of Crux and
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apprentice to Arkelus and son of Tremoth the sailor. My mother
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died when I was 6. My father left me with Arkelus and Crux when I
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was 10. Crux left me last year. Arkelus died 3 weeks ago and I am
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alone. I have a half-brother, Stenn, but I do not know him well.
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I have been told that he has become a priest of Mielikki
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Since Arkelus died, Ahto bless him, I've decided to search for
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a new Father and Master. I'll head towards Iatanor on the East
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Coast, possibly finding a teacher on the way. I should be alright
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travelling alone. After all, Crux trained me as a warrior. I may
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be rusty, but I'll practice on the way.
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Apr 24/01
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I reached a halfling town, Boda. By Ahto they're short! I
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meant to spend by remaining few coins on a bed, but met up with
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Stenn. There were some other people with him. An unusually dour
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looking elf was introduced as Prothus. He is Stenn's half brother
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on his mother's side (Ethelia). Stenn and I are half-brothers
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through our father, Tremoth. With them was Bjonri, a druid and
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fellow priest of Mielikki whom Stenn met at their temple. Bjonri,
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like Stenn, is a half-elf. They also had with them two short
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individuals, a dwarf by the name of Throrn, and a gnome by the name
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of Grizelda. The only full human in the group was a fellow by the
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name of George. Alas my few coins I spent on brew drinking with
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them.
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A portly halfling, Tom, asked us to assist him in some family
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problems. Someone, he thought, had been sabotaging his farm; a
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barn burnt down, wine stolen and his cows painted green! He wants
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us to catch the culprit. He suspects his neighbour is responsible.
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We're going to stay at his place. We're all in desperate need of
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money.
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George, the human, is apparently the torch bearer for Bjonri.
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Odd that a half-elf, especially a Druid, would want a torch bearer.
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Apr 25-28/01
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We've been looking around the farm and some surrounding area,
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which is dreadfully dry, and figured out enough to get paid for our
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efforts.
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A tower on Tom's property has long fallen, now he is using the
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stone blocks to re-build his barn. However, the stone giant (as
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big as halflings are small) moving the blocks was accidentally
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spilling dirt down an unused (dry) well centred in the tower ruins.
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The well, however, is the home of a leprechaun (a very short
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underground creature with an apparently playful disposition and a
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taste for wine) that painted the cows in vengeance.
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The wine was stolen by Tom's daughter Berry who was trying to
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impress her secret love Sammy, the neighbours son. In turn, the
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barn was burnt down unintentionally by Sammy who had dropped his
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pipe in the hay while wooing Berry at their secret rendezvous point
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in back.
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We've been paid 50 gold pieces and given a room for 4 days!
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I think I gained ten pounds with all the food provided.
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May 1/01
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We left today for Boda with the lovebirds. Bjonri helped them
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to escape since Sammy's father intended to ask for the stone blocks
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as a dowry, Bjonri felt it best financial matters shouldn't
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interfere with romance.
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In Boda we met a minstrel, Telgray. He accepted our offer to
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travel together, his music is good but monotonous--no, aggravating,
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since his selection is limited.
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We're heading East, to the ocean!
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May 2/01 The Keep of Brandberg Ness
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While preparing to bed down for the evening, a somewhat
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strange individual blundered into our camp. He told us that Lord
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Ness wanted us to play Spottle with him. Although both Ness and
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the circumstances are suspect, we accepted his offer to come to
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Lord Ness' keep.
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We arrived and almost immediately were invited to the gaming
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table. Spottle is a dicing game. I was winning a bit, though the
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odds were against it, and noticed that any suggestion of leaving
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brought bribes from Ness to stay! There were two odd players, a
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man that turned into a boar at midnight--a wereboar I believe--and
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a lizard-man.
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The lizard man took advantage of the 'formal challenge' aspect
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of the game wherein a gripe can be settled in combat. He
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challanged Stenn to single combat. Stenn was a trained fighter
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(he'd been taught by the ranger Morgan), but after awhile the
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lizard-man got the better of him. The lizard-man was poised to
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deliver a life-ending blow when Ness declared the combat at an end.
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A tense moment followed before the lizard-man acquiesed. The
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second battle took place between the lizard-man and the wereboar.
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During this fight a number of wild boars came to assist!
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When we were, or at least I was, ready to leave some (3?)
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hobgoblins (tall, ugly creatures) came into the keep. From the
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ensuing conversation it became apparent that Lord Ness had intended
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to sell us as slaves, but the hobgoblin leader Lord Kooz referred
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to us as "Thoal Fodder." Lord Ness claimed that this was not part
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of the agreement and threatened to use his "statue" against the
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Hobgoblins. Apparently he needed a key to operate it and he
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fumbled vainly in his bag for it.
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Battle erupted between us and the hobgoblins. Somewhat
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distraught, we smited them all. Although the hobgoblins were
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tough, there was one creature, the Thoal, an undead hobgoblin whose
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wounds healed even as we fought it. Quite the challenge, or so I
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hear, for I dropped early.
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In thanks and apology, Brandberg Ness gave us treasure and to
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each of us a ring, which he said would identify us to his friends
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throughout Tyglas. Prothus received a sword. It looks very fine.
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It has a copper handle in the form of a dragon's head. Prothus
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almost drooled over it.
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May 3/01
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We're still recovering. I'm starting to train George to use
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his torch holder as a staff since he's willing to help us out in
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battle.
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May 4/01
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After leaving the keep, I remembered we still had the keys. I
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insisted on returning them. Prothus and Throrn scowled at me,
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saying it was a waste of time. Stenn seemed cross with us for
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arguing. After a heated argument and a period of chaos (back and
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forth to the keep) it turned out to be impossible to get in to give
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the keys back. Both the elf and the dwarf looked very smug. We
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left the keys by the keep.
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May 5/01
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We travelled a good distance today. I had it easy using a
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Mount for a while. While on watch that night we were attacked from
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the trees by four more hobgoblins using arrows. After everyone
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roused from sleep, Prothus, Throrn, Stenn and Grizelda (the
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idiots!) chased the hobgoblins blindly, singly. Bjonri hung back.
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We took more than a fair share of damage but came out on top, Ahto
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be praised.
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May 6/01
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We came accross a large fort, Fort Armak, and were admitted to
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the guest house. There are many elves, humans and dwarven
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mercenaries here.
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We're enjoying the rest.
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Grizelda showed off to the fort bigwigs. She claimed to be as
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strong as any of them. Grizelda has a high pitched voice and the
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soldiers scoffed at such boasts from the diminutive gnome--until
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she picked up one fellow with one hand. Throrn followed suit by
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picking up Grizelda while she still held her erstwhile cynic.
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May 7/01
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Still resting, the bath is great!
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May 8/01 The Battle of Fort Armak
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That night, the fort was attacked by hobgoblins. They erupted
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in force from holes which suddenly appeared in the ground inside
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the fort. The elves, humans and dwarves retreated to their
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respective barracks. The elves fired arrows from the roof. The
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dwarves presented a front to the hobgoblins and fought valiantly,
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though sustaining heavy losses before being forced back into their
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barracks house. I'll never forget the eight of us trying to bar
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and shutter the windows and doors of our guesthouse. It took four
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of us to close one window against the press of hobgoblins outside.
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Stenn, his face white, slammed it shut. Sammy and Berry cowered in
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a corner. I think we all wanted to cower with them.
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We held the guest house (barely) killing about twenty and
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capturing one. Grizelda must have handled five of them single
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handed. I think Stenn was jealous. He hates hobgoblins, but has
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had less luck with the sword of late. Credit for the capture
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should go to Bjonri. He tossed out a bottle crying: "Oh no! I've
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dropped my potion of fiery dragon breath." The hobgoblin bought
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it. When he picked it up and drank it, he fell into a drugged
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stupor. The battle turned in favour of the defenders when the
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fort's mage cast a spell and lit the entire central grounds with a
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carpet of fire, killing hundreds of hobgobins.
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I took a cloak from a hobgoblin and tried it on, it was
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magically cursed and I became very weak and incredibly stupid, I'm
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told. Bjonri did better. He got a hat which allows him to
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transform himself into a completely different creature.
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After the battle, Grizelda took our prisoner to the fort
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commanders. They turned him over to the interrogator. He asked a
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few questions of the hobgoblin who reacted only with defiance. In
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disgust and impatience, the interrogator sliced the creature's
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throat, moving too fast for Grizelda to stop him. Apparently this
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man is known for such behaviour.
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May 11/01
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Battle recovery. People in the fort were very down. There
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had been quite a few lives lost during the battle. Stenn has been
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providing healing and consoling those who have lost friends.
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Bjonri befriended the fort druid. They communed together and
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with the spirit world through the agency of something called
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"peyote."
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The hobgoblins returned to collect their dead. This was
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allowed by the fort commander even though it is known that the
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bodies will probably be turned into thoals. Apparently the
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hobgoblins and the Tyglassian military honour the right of the
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enemy to recalim their slain.
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May 12/01
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We were awarded with medals of valour for our success in
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battle. Grizelda received the Flaming Sword of Valour for killing
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SIX single handed, and I thought I was good, ha! Her grin has been
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almost as big as her nose ever since.
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May 13/01
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The forests surrounding the fort are still infested with
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hobgoblins. It's a virtual siege. We were summoned to General
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Norcap's office. He commands the fort. He asked us to get help
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for the keep so we're heading East again. Sammy and Berry are
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staying behind. Hopefully they'll be safer there.
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May 14/01
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We slept in a cave and Bjonri was attacked and subsequently
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possessed by a Haunt. The only things that would hit it were
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Bjonri's sickle and Prothus' sword. I had a chance to use the
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sickle but, damn, Crux couldn't teach me to use it, the weapon of
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Ahto's choice. There didn't seem to be much we could do. Once he
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was possessed he insisted upon "returning to the light house", so
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we simply accompanied him to a ruined tower which stood by the sea.
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Stenn is very concerned, but says he is not skilled enough to
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perform an excorcism.
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May 15/01 The Lighthouse
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Undead creatures came out of the ocean and attempted to kill
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Bjonri. It was an extremely unpleasant battle (only the sword
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worked against them). I fought using it for a while, but Prothus
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was whining for the sword and getting on my nerves so I threw it to
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him. He can't catch worth shit, and the sword fell off the tower.
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Eventually, we killed them all.
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May 16/01
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We stayed for recovery before continuing East.
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May 17/01
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We finally reached Port Corvor. The haunt was excorcised from
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Bjonri by a cleric here. I think we'll stay for a while now that
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an army has been summoned to help the fort. I made sacrifices to
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Ahto (two 50 gp gems) and feel much better for it. Ahto granted me
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a few powers: immunity to water and I can identify pure water.
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Ahto blesses.
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May 22/01
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Four of us got very ill, probably from the zombie things. The
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healer was able to cure one of us each day, so we're staying at
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least until we're all better. I tried to do some spell research
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and discovered its virtually impossible without a decent library.
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May 23/01
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We've been approached to go on a quest for the king. We've
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accepted to travel to Poll Dubh Dorocka to get the Cauldron of
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Plenty back from the giant known as The Balog Moor. It used to
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belong to a magician and they say it is bad luck to take it by
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force.
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It's not going to be easy. The Balog Moor is known to set
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intelligent traps. He's also a powerful foe. What's more, Poll
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Dubh Dorockra lies deep in the Badlands and we have to go through
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Hobgoblin territory. Stenn is sharpening his sword. My half-
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brother was raised by elves, in the same village as Prothus lived
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When Stenn was young, their forest was invaded by hobgoblins.
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Apparently a ranger by the name of Morgan taught him how to use a
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sword. Morgan didn't like hobgoblin's either.
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I managed to get a map here (I copied the one shown to us).
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May 24/01
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We're on a boat heading North along the coast to the Donlookra
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river, the northern border of Tyglas. Stenn argued with the ship's
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master for a while but he refused to take us into the Badlands,
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which is the local name for the wild terrain north of the
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Donlookra. We met a few travellers at night while docked.
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May 25/01
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Nothing exciting.
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May 26/01 The Death of Sven (as recorded by his companions)
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Our boat was attacked today by humanoid creatures who
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came up out of the sea. They resembled hobgoblins, but had gills.
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Sven dived in to the water to attack them, but was soon
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overwhelmed. Stenn, the only other person who could swim dived in
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to save his brother. He too was overwhelmed and only Bjonri's
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arrowfire saved the two. Stenn was able to get his brother to
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shore, but once revived, Sven valiantly and foolishly returned to
|
||
combat. Unfortunately he was unarmed. Stenn was unable to effect
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||
a second rescue. Sven's body was recovered.
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We and many of the sailors have survived, but our ship is
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wrecked and we are in the Badlands.
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||
|
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Diary of Lorac the Bard
|
||
|
||
Jun 1/01
|
||
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||
I woke up today with no memory what-so-ever! I had forgotten
|
||
everything! There were a number of people around me, dead.
|
||
Although I'm not sure exactly, I pieced together the following from
|
||
things around the camp.
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I'm Lorac, a bard and I was travelling with Shotan, Reliantius
|
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the Paladin, Garth and one other. We were looking for Sven Yahoo,
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priest of Ahto, but I'm not sure why.
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There doesn't seem to be much I can do for them so I'll bury
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them. I'm not sure, again, whose goose is here, but I'll take it
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||
with me. I'll call it Bob.
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After leaving, I headed some direction and reached a road,
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||
which I followed. I met a large group of humans and demi-humans
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||
which I approached with a Phantasmal Force to judge their
|
||
reactions. It seemed alright so I vaulted into the open. The
|
||
dwarf didn't seem very impressed, pity.
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||
|
||
Half this group is heading South, the rest, whom I'm
|
||
travelling with, North. Apparently they're a group of adventurers.
|
||
The party heading South were sailors. All of them were on the same
|
||
boat, but it was wrecked of the coast of the Badlands. The
|
||
adventurers escorted the sailors back to inhabited lands and are
|
||
now turning north to resume their mission. They are Stenn the
|
||
half-elf ranger/priest of Mielikki, Prothus the fighter elf,
|
||
Grizelda the hobgoblin killer from hell (a gnome), Throrn the
|
||
dwarf, Telgray the Bard, Bjonri the half-elf Druid and George the
|
||
torch bearer, a human.
|
||
|
||
We seek a cauldron, ooh, what fun. While travelling we came
|
||
across a giants home. People seem keen on it, so I guess this is
|
||
where the cauldron is. The giant came across us, and demanded a
|
||
toll to pass. We paid it and now we're heading away, but will
|
||
return soon.
|
||
|
||
Jun 2/01
|
||
|
||
While on the path we met some small, rather stupid creatures,
|
||
Goblins I think, asking for directions. After a brief discussion,
|
||
they attacked us, so we slaughtered them all.
|
||
|
||
That night while on watch a large creature, an ogre, was
|
||
moving about in the woods. Bjonri attacked it for nor apparent
|
||
reason with an entanglement spell. We decided that it would be
|
||
best to leave since the ogre had done nothing to us.
|
||
|
||
When we stopped again, the ogre had followed us and tried to
|
||
attack the camp. Grizelda bested it using illusionary magic pair.
|
||
We tied it up.
|
||
|
||
Throrn and Stenn were attacked by a giant centipede.
|
||
|
||
Jun 3/01
|
||
|
||
We've headed out towards the Balog Moor's cave again. We
|
||
knocked out the ogre, untied him and left. Hopefully he'll be
|
||
alright.
|
||
|
||
Jun 8/01 The Lair of the Balog Moor
|
||
|
||
We entered the cave of the Balog. He should be sleeping.
|
||
Although there are a large number of passages, the Gods led us
|
||
almost directly to the room of Balog. We found a secret room
|
||
nearby, an excellent hiding place and place of supervision since
|
||
there was a small peephole into the Balog's room. It was apparently
|
||
a sorcerers study room. Within it we found some texts on various
|
||
things. He was evidentially wealthy, as a solid silver chandelier
|
||
and a solid brass brazier revealed.
|
||
|
||
While entering, we found it necessary to climb down a wall,
|
||
60', George slipped and fell the full distance dying horribly. Gods
|
||
bless him.
|
||
|
||
From the secret room we could see the Balog's sleeping
|
||
quarters, within which was the cauldron we sought, and a vast
|
||
quantity of gems, jewels, gold and so on. When the Balog left, we
|
||
went in, took the cauldron, and all the gold we could carry, and
|
||
returned to the secret room.
|
||
|
||
The Balog, upon returning, discovered the cauldron missing,
|
||
and became very upset. He placed two wolves to watch over the
|
||
room. Prothus, spoke the command word which fills the cauldron
|
||
with stew. The wolves were alerted by the smell. We had to leave
|
||
immediately.
|
||
|
||
We formulated an escape plan, a problem since it takes four of
|
||
our strongest to lift the cauldron. Furthermore, we needed to lift
|
||
the cauldron up the 60' we climbed down. We used two summoned
|
||
Mounts to haul it up, and used them to carry it out.
|
||
|
||
As we were leaving the Balog returned. We hid in a side
|
||
passage, which he luckily didn't take, and we escaped unharmed if
|
||
not unshaken. Once out, we continued down the mountain trail,
|
||
until we and the Mounts were exhausted. Fortunately we had lost
|
||
the Balog by this time. Perhps he was fooled by a false trail we
|
||
constructed halfway through the day.
|
||
|
||
Jun 11/01
|
||
|
||
We're still heading down the mountain using the conjured
|
||
Mounts to carry the cauldron. The Balog is not in sight.
|
||
|
||
Jun 12/01
|
||
|
||
It seems that none of us know where we are, nor which
|
||
direction to go, so we're continuing down. We reached a river
|
||
which will, hopefully, lead us to the ocean. The cauldron floats--
|
||
barely--which makes moving it much easier.
|
||
|
||
I've become very sick, I suspect as a result of a scroll I found
|
||
in the study room within the Balog Moor's cave. It caused me to
|
||
flash purple at the time, but has had no other obvious effect.
|
||
Strange that Grizelda hasn't been similarly taken ill. She too
|
||
flashed purple light.
|
||
|
||
Jun 13/01 Battle of the Sinking Hobgoblins
|
||
|
||
We were attacked by hobgoblins at the side of the river. We
|
||
found ourselves in a triangle, with two fronts of advancing
|
||
hobgoblins (about 20 in each) and the river at our backs. I was
|
||
too sick to assist in the battle. We were terribly outnumbered and
|
||
owe our escape to the druid. Bjonri read a spell off a scroll.
|
||
The ground beneath the one line of hobgoblins turned into an oozy
|
||
mess. The hobgoblins on that side sank to their deaths. Still
|
||
outnumbered, we set upon the remaining front. Prothus displayed
|
||
his fighting skill, his sword dancing between hobgoblin ribs.
|
||
Stenn took delight in the fight. He usually doesn't display such
|
||
battlelust. The gnome can add a few more hobgoblin skulls to her
|
||
trophy room. All forty hobgoblins were slain.
|
||
|
||
Still bleeding, our thrill of victory was cut short as we
|
||
spotted a veritable army of hobgoblins on the far side of the
|
||
river. The group that attacked was the size of a mere patrol by
|
||
comparison. Were it not for the river, they could have rushed us
|
||
easily. They were looking for a way to cross. Ten Prothus' and
|
||
ten Grizelda's could not have saved us. But one druid could. He
|
||
rushed forward, crying out in defiance to the yellow eyed host:
|
||
"This battle is ours!" In unison our enemies raised their spears
|
||
and clapped them once on their shields in salute. They turned back
|
||
and melted away into the forest which now looked a far more
|
||
threatening place.
|
||
|
||
Strangely, Bjonri is now being followed by a moose, though he
|
||
doesn't seem to have any control over it. He refers to it as a
|
||
friend. Stenn seems to understand. He has also informed me that
|
||
the moose is a sacred creature to Mielikki worshippers.
|
||
|
||
Jun 14/01
|
||
|
||
We're still following the river.
|
||
|
||
Jun 15/01
|
||
|
||
We're continuing down the river. We're pretty much out of the
|
||
hills.
|
||
|
||
Jun 16/01
|
||
|
||
The river we were on feeds into a larger river, which we're
|
||
now following. There was a bridge of stone across the first river,
|
||
fairly new according to Grizelda who claims that any respectable
|
||
gnome would see that.
|
||
|
||
Jun 17/01 The Death of Grizelda
|
||
|
||
We met a caravan heading South to Iatanor. They've agreed to
|
||
assist us in transporting the cauldron, for a small fee. I'm
|
||
feeling even sicker.
|
||
|
||
After Stenn and Prothus had gone to speak with the caravan
|
||
leader, these things, which look a lot like gnolls (were actually
|
||
flinds) attacked us from the hills to our left. Stenn and Prothus
|
||
returned to help, but half of our party was dropped: Grizelda,
|
||
Stenn, Bjonri, Prothus, and both of the guards with us.
|
||
|
||
Grizelda is dead, and Prothus is in seriously bad shape, he's
|
||
got blood coming out of his mouth. Hopefully, the caravans' priest
|
||
can help us out.
|
||
|
||
He healed Prothus and tells me I should be better tomorrow.
|
||
He's taken Grizelda away saying that her soul could not have
|
||
journeyed far and that perhaps he could call it back.
|
||
|
||
Jun 18/01 Grizelda Returns!
|
||
|
||
The priest Devon, came by today and healed me. I'm all
|
||
better. I paid homage to Dionacecht, and Devon gave me a wooden
|
||
cross. Stenn and Bjonri seemed cool in their attitude toward
|
||
Devon. I don't really understand this religious stuff.
|
||
|
||
Some merchants tried to sell us books and paintings. I tried
|
||
to sell him my books. He offered 25 gp, so they're probably worth
|
||
about 40.
|
||
|
||
Grizelda walked into camp behind Devon looking hale and
|
||
healthy! Devon explained the ressurection.
|
||
|
||
Bjonri attempted to take credit (or rather give credit to
|
||
Mielikki) for this miracle resulting in a confrontation between us.
|
||
I insisted that Mielikki had had nothing to do with it. Bjonri
|
||
became enraged. I could barely move, as I was sick, and he hit me
|
||
then stabbed me! I've agreed to write a song in tribute to
|
||
Mielikki. Stenn was not around to watch this exchange. I wonder
|
||
if all priests of Mielikki are this violent.
|
||
|
||
Jun 19/01
|
||
|
||
We're heading South again, we came across Fort Armak. It
|
||
seemed vacated but we were admitted with little difficulty. There
|
||
are scant troops here and they were hungry till we fed them. It
|
||
appears everyone else has been here before. This is where they
|
||
received their medals. Bjonri went looking for a druid friend.
|
||
|
||
Jun 23/01
|
||
|
||
We've been travelling.
|
||
|
||
Jun 24/01
|
||
|
||
We saw the dreaded Lord Rath on the road. He caused quite a
|
||
disturbance, everyone cleared off the road and averted their eyes
|
||
as he thundered by on his charger. I saw he had a full set of
|
||
plated armour, jet black, with huge horns projecting from his
|
||
helmet. His horse was similarly attired.
|
||
|
||
Jun 25/01
|
||
|
||
We have entered Iatanor finally. The Ri Lukra now has his
|
||
cauldron back so our quest is complete.
|
||
|
||
I attempted to sell the books I found by visiting the local
|
||
mages Barnac, Siaric, and Yen. I sold two of them to Yen and the
|
||
third was stolen by Siaric. I'm now looking for a hired hand to
|
||
carry things for me. I didn't realize how little I can actually
|
||
carry.
|
||
|
||
Grizelda and the others have gone to sell the jewellery they
|
||
found at the Balog Moor's.
|
||
|
||
There was a great feast held at the castle by the Ri Lukra,
|
||
and wow what a feast! We were the guests of honour. Stenn made a
|
||
speech about how we killed Lord Cooz of the Hobgoblins. Stenn
|
||
seems to have given himself most of the credit. Prothus was angry
|
||
about this.
|
||
|
||
Jun 27/01
|
||
|
||
I found a job working at a bar for 10 gp for the week.
|
||
|
||
Our party has made a contract with Lord Randall to collect
|
||
some spores from the mushroom people off to the Southwest.
|
||
|
||
Jun 28/01
|
||
|
||
During the day I've been working on the song (as by agreement
|
||
with Bjonri and Stenn) for Mielikki.
|
||
|
||
Throrn was on his way to the jewelers with Stenn for company,
|
||
when they were approached, out of an alley, by the ten city guard
|
||
demanding to see in their packs. After some argument they complied
|
||
and the city guard insisted they disarm (probably a result of
|
||
Throrn's generally belligerant attitude). Stenn also complained
|
||
about the way in which they were treating him, a priest.
|
||
|
||
The guard refused to believe the wealth of jewellery came from
|
||
the Balog Moor nor that Throrn and Stenn had even gone on a
|
||
northerly mission for the Relookra. The guards did not seem
|
||
concerned with my friends threats to tell the Ri what had happened.
|
||
The guard officer simply replied that the Ri did not run the city
|
||
guard. Throrn decided to head for the Ri Lukra's palace, ignoring
|
||
the guards, and a fight ensued.
|
||
|
||
Stenn was wrestled to the ground, crying out to passers by
|
||
that he was a priest of Mielikki beset by brigands. People
|
||
stopped, for it is no small thing to attack a holy man, but no one
|
||
interfered.
|
||
|
||
Throrn is even stronger than Grizelda. Three times he was
|
||
knocked to the ground and three times he forced his way through a
|
||
pile of guards to his feet. At one point he was tied, but managed
|
||
to burst his way out. On the third sequence, Throrn lashed out at
|
||
the lieutenant with a wicked blow to the head, crushing his skull.
|
||
Then he was taken from behind and this time he did not get up.
|
||
|
||
They were taken to the city jail.
|
||
|
||
Sol 1/01
|
||
|
||
We've noticed Throrn and Stenn are missing. Yesterday's
|
||
events were related to us later. We asked Joe the jeweller and
|
||
Prothus (who told us) about them.
|
||
|
||
Sol 2/01
|
||
|
||
Bjonri managed to have Stenn released for the collection of
|
||
mistletoe, something about a full moon. Stenn's holy symbol was
|
||
taken off him, quite the issue it seems.
|
||
|
||
Sol 3/01
|
||
|
||
I hired a guy to carry my stuff, a guy called Biff. He's a
|
||
mute, but he's a big guy. He should be able to carry a lot.
|
||
|
||
Sol 4/01
|
||
|
||
What a boring day. I'm taking tomorrow off.
|
||
|
||
Sol 5/01
|
||
|
||
Rather than working at the bar today, I cast Find Familiar. I
|
||
received a cat that seems to prefer the name Gwen. I can see in
|
||
the dark now. Cool!
|
||
|
||
Grizelda's dog seems to be well trained now. I think she's
|
||
more attached to that dog than to any of us.
|
||
|
||
Sol 6/01
|
||
|
||
I met up with Bjonri and Prothus today. They have a plan for
|
||
revealing (discovering) the wickedness which resulted in Throrn's
|
||
and Stenn's jailing.
|
||
|
||
Sol 7/01
|
||
|
||
We, Grizelda and I, tailed Bjonri and Prothus, to Lenny the
|
||
Jeweller. They have some rocks in a pack instead of jewels. We
|
||
noticed, and tailed, some guys listening at Lenny's door while
|
||
standing outside. We followed them to a bar, where we overheard
|
||
them talking about Bjonri, Prothus. Later they returned to talk to
|
||
Lenny. We felt we had better not tail them further; it would have
|
||
looked too obvious.
|
||
|
||
Sol 8/01
|
||
|
||
A couple of us went to see Randal to get a delay on our
|
||
contract. He'll be in the city for another 5 days. We have to
|
||
contact him before then. We seem to be at a dead end in helping
|
||
Throrn. Bjonri and Prothus have returned to Lenny's this time with
|
||
one of the Ri Lukra's 100 gp gems as a 'sample'.
|
||
|
||
Lenny and his men attacked them. Grizelda and I, backing up
|
||
again, went in to help. All of Lenny's men dropped. After
|
||
disarming them I checked for onlookers outside, attempting to
|
||
casually distract them, circled around the block and went back in.
|
||
Somehow, Lenny escaped. We're leaving. Bjonri and I will watch
|
||
the front, Gwen the back. Prothus went to advise the Ri.
|
||
|
||
Some 'shady' characters entered a bit later.
|
||
|
||
Prothus returned with the Ri to discover the men we left
|
||
unconscious (but bandaged) had all been slaughtered in cold blood.
|
||
Prothus was subsequently detained.
|
||
|
||
Afterward, Bjonri and Grizelda left the city and I risked
|
||
going to the Ri for assistance. However, he let me know that our
|
||
situation was pitiful. He said he couldn't help at all and we
|
||
should hunt down Lenny. He got me out of the city, magically.
|
||
After but three paces I was outside the walls, and lost. Although
|
||
I had planned to wait until nightfall, to see light from the city,
|
||
I was able to follow Gwen back to the temple.
|
||
|
||
Sol 9/01
|
||
|
||
I talked to Dirtal to send message to Bjonri and Gwen. Bjonri,
|
||
disguised went into the city and asked some questions of certain
|
||
people. He discovered a link between Lenny and the city guard,
|
||
some guy named Captain Pine. Bjonri seems in his element when he's
|
||
doing something involving deceit. Thank the gods he's on our side-
|
||
-I think.
|
||
|
||
Sol 10/01
|
||
|
||
Bjonri got into the city guard through Lenny and had an
|
||
uneventful first night. He's using his hat to disguise himself as
|
||
a human.
|
||
|
||
Sol 11/01
|
||
|
||
Bjonri managed to get Sylar, the group leader, to take
|
||
Peyotee. He also managed to confirm our suspicions about the
|
||
guards corrupt behaviour. Bjonri really likes this undercover
|
||
stuff.
|
||
|
||
Sol 12/01 Jail Break
|
||
|
||
Captain Pine has asked his guards to bust Throrn, Stenn and
|
||
Prothus out of jail. The idea is to fake a battle, and kill all of
|
||
the above as well as any incidental witnesses. Bjonri told them
|
||
where they could find us, that we would have a good reason for
|
||
being in the jail -- as prisoners.
|
||
|
||
So Grizelda and myself, looking glum, went with Bjonri (still
|
||
disguised) and the guard to the jail. Although Bjonri called out
|
||
the warning to the real guard a little early we battled them and
|
||
managed to save one (possibly two) witness. We freed Stenn and
|
||
Throrn. They looked pretty haggard.
|
||
|
||
Then Captain Pine appeared. Bjonri told me to hold him back
|
||
for a minute and he'd cast a 'sure fire' spell on him. I held him
|
||
for a while but the spell didn't work and as I was being cut to
|
||
pieces. I faked dropping. Pine stepped over me to chase the
|
||
others and I, a little hastily, attacked from behind. Pine dropped
|
||
me. The others managed to get away--with one of the honest guards.
|
||
|
||
Our witness was taken to the Ri by Bjonri who after delivering
|
||
the guard to the gates, left to hide. So did everyone else. I,
|
||
unconscious, was locked in a cell.
|
||
|
||
Sol 13/01
|
||
|
||
All of the charges against us were dropped, so apparently, the
|
||
witness' testimony was suitable. Now we will be able to pursue our
|
||
quest for Randal the alchemist.
|
||
|
||
Hopefully, I'll be able to regain consciousness, escape,
|
||
contact Ren (the mercenary eager to travel with me) and go with the
|
||
rest on this quest.
|
||
|
||
Sol 14/01
|
||
|
||
We were talking to Randal again to confirm details of this
|
||
quest. Throrn, it seems, has decided not to accompany us on this
|
||
quest. Something about a city filled with corruption seems to
|
||
appeal to him. However, we met with a human named Glendor, a
|
||
paladin of Ukko who desires to come. I was not able to contact Ren
|
||
before leaving. Before we left the city, Stenn purchased a hunting
|
||
cat which he has named Link.
|
||
|
||
Sol 15/01
|
||
|
||
Prothus said in that offhand manner he usually affects, that
|
||
there were some giant rats in the camp last night that ate our
|
||
scraps. They didn't do any harm though and soon left.
|
||
|
||
We saw a few people on the road today, but nothing especially
|
||
dramatic. Travelling is much easier now that Biff is carrying my
|
||
stuff.
|
||
|
||
Sol 16/01 Trollbridge
|
||
|
||
We're nearing Canvale. Today on the road we came across a
|
||
bridge with two dead humans on it. While looking them over, a huge
|
||
green thing-- a troll if I remember correctly the stories I've
|
||
heard--attacked us from under the bridge. Although we were able to
|
||
smite it quickly, it came back to life! We battled it a second
|
||
time. Link proved a lethal pet. Eventually we stopped it by
|
||
burning its remnants. I wonder if that cynical dwarf Throrn would
|
||
beleive this.
|
||
|
||
Sol 17/01
|
||
|
||
We passed through a very small town today, Umville, and
|
||
verified that we were still heading in the right direction. It
|
||
seems that Glendor is a good guide for us. We stopped for the
|
||
night at a ruined keep by the side of the road.
|
||
|
||
Sol 18/01
|
||
|
||
During the night, all of our equipment was repaired. In the
|
||
morning a small man (recognized to be a Brownie) appeared,
|
||
accepting our gift of thanks, some food and gold. He returned the
|
||
gold, however, it not being useful to him.
|
||
|
||
At the point where the road turned south we left it,
|
||
continuing our trek westward. Hopefully, we won't get lost like we
|
||
did in the mountains. Glendor appears to be competent in these
|
||
matters.
|
||
|
||
We did reach the foothills described to us by Randal. After
|
||
a long search we discovered a doorway with a large Rune carved in
|
||
the doorway frame. There is no actual door. Glendor suggest it is
|
||
Dwarvish. Too bad Throrn isn't here to verify. We'll go in
|
||
tomorrow.
|
||
|
||
Sol 19/01
|
||
|
||
We've decided to wait another day before entering, we need to
|
||
be more prepared to enter. While standing around preparing, and
|
||
discussing possibilities, a giant horned beetle came over the hill
|
||
at us. It gored me after I cast Grease under it, which didn't
|
||
hinder it but severely inconvenienced the party. However, Prothus
|
||
had (I'm told) an amazing hit and killed it. I recovered later.
|
||
|
||
Sol 20/01
|
||
|
||
When we finally decided to enter the cave we had some
|
||
problems. The least of which was what to do with our menagerie--
|
||
the horses specifically. We finally decided to let Biff take care
|
||
of them, though he was somewhat unsure of what to do with them
|
||
himself.
|
||
|
||
Worse though, was getting through the door. Apparently, the
|
||
Rune is one of fear -- our group couldn't get through without
|
||
individuals running off in fear.
|
||
|
||
Once inside, we found a huge maze of passages which seemed to
|
||
lead no-where. Some frustrated bickering has ensued. As usuaul,
|
||
Prothus was in the middle of it. We argued for some time. Stenn
|
||
and Grizelda also added their two cents. Stenn is not blessed with
|
||
much patience. Glendor just stood there in silent disapproval. We
|
||
returned to the start to try again but achieved as little.
|
||
|
||
Sol 21/01
|
||
|
||
The same drivel again today. People are becoming very angry
|
||
with one another. At least Throrn's not here to argue as well.
|
||
|
||
Sol 22/01 The Forest of the Myconids
|
||
|
||
The party still had a lot of trouble deciding on a plan of
|
||
action. Eventually, we left the passages, did some hunting and
|
||
returned. Grizelda lost her dog to the fear Rune. It ran off.
|
||
Some soot on the ceiling which had been noticed by some of us, but
|
||
not all, marked the trail to our goal.
|
||
|
||
Inside we came across, but avoided, more flinds. We did
|
||
eventually find the Myconids, they looked like huge mushrooms with
|
||
legs. Though they had no visible mouth, they were able to
|
||
communicate using some sort of telepathy.
|
||
|
||
They said it would be necessary to survive for six hours of
|
||
their forest--a forest of gigantic mushrooms. We went through it,
|
||
wandered around for while, were attacked by some very strange
|
||
creatures and passed the survival test. We were taken by the
|
||
Myconids and told to sit with them in this circle, whereupon a huge
|
||
quantity of spores were released so that we might 'meld' with them.
|
||
It was too much for me--it knocked me out.
|
||
|
||
They asked us to help fend off the flinds in exchange for the
|
||
spores. After a reasonably successful battle, we collected the
|
||
spores, as well as gems and gold from the flinds.
|
||
|
||
We are heading now to Canvale to meet Randal to collect our
|
||
reward.
|
||
|
||
Sol 25/01
|
||
|
||
My calendar is a few days out according to Bjonri. The mind
|
||
meld must have lasted longer than it seemed. This morning when we
|
||
awoke, at the mouth of the cave, we quickly discovered that Bjonri
|
||
and I have annoying rashes. Grizelda is in even worse condition
|
||
with blisters. Bjonri says its a result of contacting so much
|
||
fungus in the dungeon.
|
||
|
||
While on watch, Grizelda noticed a creature which at first
|
||
looked like her dog but turned out to be a giant wolf, 10' at the
|
||
shoulder, with a horn protruding from its head. It was quite
|
||
hostile. After we killed it, Bjonri severed the head from the
|
||
body. He wants to find out what it is.
|
||
|
||
Sol 26/01
|
||
|
||
We found the road today.
|
||
|
||
Sol 27/01
|
||
|
||
We saw some travellers on the road today.
|
||
|
||
Sol 28/01
|
||
|
||
At the end of the day we reached Canvale. After setting up
|
||
camp, six mounted humans, five armed with lances, approached. The
|
||
walked up to Prothus and drew Prothus' sword right out of its
|
||
scabbard. He then said "Nice sword", turned around and walked off
|
||
with it. Arrogant bastard! The five mounted men lowered their
|
||
lances menacingly.
|
||
|
||
Prothus and Stenn followed them but their rode into the city
|
||
and they couldn't get admitted through the city gates. Not until
|
||
Stenn and Bjonri exerted the prestige of their priestly orders and
|
||
threatening the disfavour of the gods, did we manage to gain
|
||
access. By this time, the men we were chasing had disappeared.
|
||
|
||
We met up with Throrn here as well as a girl named Divain.
|
||
They and Bjonri went to a bar of low repute and discovered the
|
||
thieves. Throrn followed them when they left, but they noticed him
|
||
and a battle ensued. Although temporarily single handed, Divain
|
||
helped him defeat them, recovering the sword.
|
||
|
||
Jul 1/01
|
||
|
||
We saw Randal for our reward and headed to the temple of
|
||
Mielikki.
|
||
|
||
Bjonri took the wolfhead to the temple. The mutation in the
|
||
wolf, is apparently the result of its parents eating a plant called
|
||
moon melon. This plant, though once common, had supposedly been
|
||
eradicated from the land. Apparently, it causes many bizarre
|
||
mutations in the children of the eater.
|
||
|
||
Jun 2/01
|
||
|
||
We are waiting for tomorrow night, such that Bjonri and Stenn
|
||
can collect mistletoe.
|
||
|
||
Jun 4/01
|
||
|
||
We returned to the town to volunteer our services in the
|
||
hobgoblin war but have been asked to head northwest to Sysak to
|
||
investigate losses of herd animals, apparently by a large creature.
|
||
Much suspicion has been laid upon Thadigran Dentiata, a local mage.
|
||
A town mob 'attacked' his tower, but were invited inside kindly and
|
||
offered a tour. Although he seemed nice, he did room with orcs,
|
||
his servants. In any case, the townspeople have no idea what else
|
||
to do. Thus outside assistance is necessary.
|
||
|
||
Jun 5/01
|
||
|
||
We reached Sysak by the afternoon. A desolate place, it is
|
||
devoid of farm life. The only sign of life we saw was a man
|
||
cursing as he tried to move his wagon through the ford. We
|
||
assisted him and discovered some interesting things.
|
||
|
||
Recently, two townspeople's, Diater and Meekal's, mutilated
|
||
bodies were found after they had headed out to Thadigran's tower.
|
||
A third, Grigor, was dragged off by what appeared to be orcs. If
|
||
so, they were probably Thadigran's servants.
|
||
|
||
Vladislav, the wagoneer, and his friend Nefald invited us to
|
||
the bar. Grigor is their leader. Neffin saw a werewolf and says
|
||
that a mysterious sleep came over him. Further, we are told
|
||
Thadigran has strange visitors and a slave vampire girl.
|
||
|
||
We did a proper burial for Meekal.
|
||
|
||
Jul 6/01
|
||
|
||
We went to Thadigran's tower today, and were invited in, as
|
||
had been the townspeople. As we were led through Thadigran's
|
||
study, Bjonri happened to notice some papers, on which Thadigran
|
||
had done some anagrams. We learnt little else.
|
||
|
||
We followed the trail of orcs from the site of the incident.
|
||
They led back to the tower.
|
||
|
||
Inspired by the anagrams we managed to work out variations on
|
||
Thadigran's name. We asked the town wise woman about NIGHT ADDER
|
||
and DREAD NIGHT, the second elicited a strong response. In short,
|
||
the Dread Night is the time when evil conquers the land, a group of
|
||
mages follows this belief.
|
||
|
||
Jul 7/01
|
||
|
||
We figure that Thadigran is more than likely the werewolf. The
|
||
smith who was killed, had been making a silver sword which led us
|
||
to believe this was knowledge Thadigran did not want leaked out.
|
||
|
||
Jul 8/01
|
||
|
||
We are preparing an attack on the tower.
|
||
|
||
Jul 9/01
|
||
|
||
Throrn was able to coat the ends of my staff with silver. This
|
||
ought to enable me to hit a variety of magical creatures, among
|
||
them, the werewolf.
|
||
|
||
Jul 10/01
|
||
|
||
We couldn't find any entrance other than the one guard by the
|
||
wolves. Thadigran observed us and tried to scare us off. It
|
||
almost worked. Eight of him appeared by the tower to turn us away.
|
||
We successfully released his wolves however.
|
||
|
||
Jul 11/01
|
||
|
||
We were attacked by huge cockroach things, Pedipalp I'm told,
|
||
which did brutal damage to my arm, it had grabbed me while I slept.
|
||
We found some gems and a scroll inscribed with a levitate spell in
|
||
their nest.
|
||
|
||
Jul 14/01
|
||
|
||
We've been resting. We noticed a large group of hobgoblins
|
||
which, on further investigation, seem to be heading to Canvale. We
|
||
sent a townsman, Bren, to the city with a message of warning.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Jul 15/01 The Storming of Keep Dentiata
|
||
|
||
Last night, Throrn was enchanted to believe that Thadigren was
|
||
actually a nice guy. After Bjonri cured him, we used Throrn to
|
||
gain access to the tower. When the orc opened the door to admit
|
||
Throrn, we charged from the bushes and forced our way inside. An
|
||
intense room to room battle followed. Dentiata always kept behind
|
||
his orcs. That didn't stop him from being hit by Throrn's arrow,
|
||
the most amazing shot I have ever seen. It was shot from one end
|
||
of a corridor past the battling orcs and party members to hit
|
||
Dentiata square on. He retreated. Eventually we forced our way to
|
||
the hatch which led to the roof, Dentiata's last place of retreat.
|
||
Grizelda and Throrn charged through the hatch to be met by a
|
||
painful bolt of darkness. Grizelda could go no further. Throrn
|
||
retreated briefly, but joined the general charge through the hatch.
|
||
|
||
On the roof we found Dentiata, with his back to the
|
||
battlements, preparing to cast a spell. His two remaining orc
|
||
guards barred our path from him. Our swords carried the day.
|
||
|
||
Jul 19/01
|
||
|
||
We spent this time clearing out the tower, searching it for
|
||
useful items. We found that the tower stairs led down to
|
||
catacombs. There we found the people kidnapped from the town. Our
|
||
biggest gains were a ball of crystal, a wand, a book of spells, a
|
||
protective ring as well as some, in comparison, minor magical
|
||
objects.
|
||
|
||
Stenn noticed a magical bag. He found it after entering a
|
||
room from the center of which appeared a shadowy creature similar
|
||
to one we had fought in the cave of the Balog Moor. Stenn, his
|
||
holy symbol held before him, cried "By the power of Mielikki,
|
||
begone!" The shadow fled. The bag turned out to hold a lot more
|
||
than it should have been able to for its size.
|
||
|
||
Jul 27/01
|
||
|
||
We spent this time in Sysak to recover, to relax, and to allow
|
||
Grizelda time to identify the various items we picked up. I learnt
|
||
a spell out of the book called Read Magic. I met a nice girl named
|
||
Annie in this town--I'll have to look her up sometime again.
|
||
|
||
Aug 7/01
|
||
|
||
Grizelda is still identifying things. Throrn has been
|
||
spending his time learning how to smith weapons and can now,
|
||
apparently do it with some proficiency. He redid my staff with
|
||
much better looking silver tips.
|
||
|
||
Aug 8/01
|
||
|
||
We're trying to decide whether to go to Canvale for training
|
||
and to check up on the hobgoblins, or to try to deal with the moon
|
||
melons. Stenn and Bjonri are in favour of dealing with the moon
|
||
melons. Stenn says they are abominations and must be destroyed.
|
||
Others among us believe that checking up on the hobgoblin movements
|
||
is more important. If they have forces this deep in Tyglas, the Re
|
||
must be warned.
|
||
|
||
Aug 10/01
|
||
|
||
Stenn and Bjonri carried the day. We've decided to hunt for
|
||
moon melons.
|
||
|
||
Aug 11/01 The Siege of Moon-Orc Lair
|
||
|
||
Not only did we find a large patch of these moon melons, (and
|
||
destroy it), we discovered a lair of orcs who apparently eat the
|
||
moon melons intentionally in order to strengthen their race. We
|
||
entered the cavern to fight this evil we have dubbed moon-orcs.
|
||
|
||
After killing many of these creatures, right near the entrance
|
||
to the cavern, as well as some boulder-like creatures we were
|
||
weakened significantly. We left to recuperate. While inside we did
|
||
notice one moon-orc casting spells and agree this is probably a
|
||
leader.
|
||
|
||
Aug 15/01
|
||
|
||
We returned to fight and discovered that those we had killed
|
||
had been raised again! Of course, they were expecting our return
|
||
which made entry more difficult. After fighting the zombie-moon
|
||
orcs, some spider-scorpion things attacked us, as well as more
|
||
moon-orcs. We came under fire from arrows shot through slits in
|
||
the wall. We had a job to battle our way down the hall and into
|
||
this room. The mage also made an appearance, shooting darts of
|
||
fire down the hallway at us. As we were in reasonable condition,
|
||
we decided to barricade the arrow slit room and try to hold it.
|
||
Further, all of those that attacked us appeared to be female.
|
||
|
||
This night we were attacked en masse, a magical fog surrounded
|
||
the entrance and then some large moon-orcs in plate mail attacked.
|
||
Thanks go to Grizelda, Stenn and his cat, Link, the only three to
|
||
stand at the end of the battle. We recovered outside.
|
||
|
||
Aug 17/01
|
||
|
||
We were resting outside, attempting to fully recover. We
|
||
noticed we were being watched, so we're going back to Sysak.
|
||
|
||
Aug 18/01
|
||
|
||
We met Bertha, Paladin of Ilmatar here, in Sysak!
|
||
|
||
Aug 22/01
|
||
|
||
We returned once again, briefly, and after another battle
|
||
actually had the opportunity to talk with the mage. When we
|
||
refused to stop our attempt, he empowered the stone statues to
|
||
walk. Bertha and I wanted to make a stand, but everyone ran. We
|
||
almost got trapped between the golems and more plate mailed moon-
|
||
orcs, one of whom was armed with a sword which I recognized from
|
||
descriptions I had read in Dentiata's tower. It was the Moon
|
||
Sword, a weapon of great evil. Prothus was able to defeat this orc
|
||
and seize the sword. The battle nearly turned against us, but we
|
||
made it to the door and out again. We returned to Sysak after
|
||
burying the moon-sword.
|
||
|
||
This night on Prothus' watch in the Inn, we heard crashing on
|
||
the main floor. The golems had followed us here. I stayed in the
|
||
room while some fought the creatures. When the first finally
|
||
entered the room, it came straight at me and picked me up and threw
|
||
me across the room. Bertha killed the other as it was entering the
|
||
room and I killed the first, weakened one, shortly after.
|
||
|
||
Ania was, of course, upset with the damage to her bar. I
|
||
assured her we would pay for the damages and leave the town, since
|
||
we were bringing this evil upon the town. The party, however,
|
||
especially Prothus, disagreed, so we stayed.
|
||
|
||
Aug 23/01
|
||
|
||
Later in the night, almost morning, the Inn was torched. We
|
||
helped people escape the Inn but during the ensuing chaos, Stenn
|
||
was kidnapped by the moon-orcs.
|
||
|
||
We chased them back to the dungeon and confronted four moon-
|
||
orcs and the mage. However, while dealing with the moon-orcs, the
|
||
mage escaped into the dungeon. We think he probably had Stenn.
|
||
|
||
We entered the dungeon again, meeting the weakest front yet.
|
||
Luckily we had the foresight to look for traps on the door, and
|
||
managed to disarm a trap similar to the blast of fire that hit us
|
||
at Thadigren's tower.
|
||
|
||
It appears that Bertha will be a great help to our group,
|
||
however, this attempt on the dungeon involves a hostage. Further,
|
||
Stenn is not assisting us and Grizelda seems to be very
|
||
uninterested in life. None of Stenn, Bjonri, Bertha, nor the
|
||
physician at Sysak were able to help her.
|
||
|
||
We also received a reply from the temple of Mielikki. Bjonri
|
||
had sent a message with his bird stating our situation. It
|
||
returned carrying three scrolls, two of which are medical, more
|
||
powerful than he can do however in curative spells, and the third
|
||
is an extremely powerful spell he says he can't use as long as
|
||
Stenn is being held.
|
||
|
||
Hopefully, we can save Stenn and finish the destruction of
|
||
this evil lair.
|
||
|
||
When we reached the statue room, Grizelda did a Hide spell on
|
||
Throrn who managed to get right in to attack the mage. After he
|
||
was dead the rest of the dungeon was straight forward to clean up,
|
||
although we had some problems. We found Stenn and freed him. With
|
||
him was one other. A strong looking fellow who spoke little. He
|
||
was not interested in any of the treasure in the lair except for a
|
||
single sword. When he picked it up, the sword spoke to him! It
|
||
called him by name and said it was good to be together again. We
|
||
did not know how to react to this. The fellow simple turned and
|
||
left.
|
||
|
||
Aug 26/01
|
||
|
||
We spent some time recovering outside before returning to
|
||
finish off the plate mailed moon-orcs and collect treasure.
|
||
|
||
Aug 27/01
|
||
|
||
We're spending some time recovering since we've accomplished
|
||
our mission. We also must deal with the evil sword we encountered.
|
||
Hopefully, the priests will advise us.
|
||
|
||
Sept 1/01
|
||
|
||
We're on our way to Canvale. We came across a caravan that
|
||
had been destroyed, apparently by hobgoblins. We can't be sure,
|
||
but it might have been the group we saw near Sysak. Stenn now has
|
||
an owl which follows him. He "met" it in the forest by the
|
||
ransacked caravan.
|
||
|
||
Sept 4/01
|
||
|
||
I started training Biff to use the staff. Hopefully, it will
|
||
be effective for him. We reached Canvale and managed to get
|
||
Grizelda cured by the high priest.
|
||
|
||
We met with someone from the Iron Ring and discovered our
|
||
party is both feared and respected. He wanted to know who we were
|
||
working for and why we had attacked Dentiata. He refused to
|
||
believe what we told him, which was essentially the truth. He says
|
||
that we must be more powerful than we say we are to have
|
||
accomplished what we did: rescueing Ft Armak, retrieving the
|
||
cauldron, defeating Dentiata etc.. He says we're too often in the
|
||
company of powerful people to be just a group of adventurers. They
|
||
(the Iron Ring) intend to make our lives difficult.
|
||
|
||
Sept 5/01
|
||
|
||
We agreed to look for a merchant's Mastiff, a large dog. He
|
||
suspects, strongly, that it was stolen to prevent it from entering
|
||
into the fights coming up in a few days.
|
||
|
||
Bjonri and Stenn deplore the dog fights and are adamant about
|
||
the attempted release of all the animals.
|
||
|
||
Sept 6/01
|
||
|
||
The party generally agrees that nothing anyone else says is
|
||
relevant or accurate. The focus of the conversation seems to be
|
||
what to discuss.
|
||
|
||
Finally, we are going to try to rescue the dog. The plan was
|
||
that I should distract the owner of the boat (where we discovered
|
||
it) while Throrn and Grizelda infiltrate the front end of the boat.
|
||
|
||
After leading off a number of the crew using a Phantasmal
|
||
Force, we approached. As I aggravated the owner (who is the
|
||
commissioner of the city guard!) this fantastically good looking
|
||
woman hijacks the ship! I approached her and attempted to work out
|
||
an agreement for the release of the dog. I realised this was Red
|
||
Francis!
|
||
|
||
While in the captains quarters, a fight broke out-- apparently
|
||
Throrn attacked the crew. Red Francis defended her crew, but
|
||
departed before we were decimated.
|
||
|
||
It seems that Throrn released the commissioner. I'm not quite
|
||
sure why. In any case, the commissioner told us to keep our mouths
|
||
shut--or we would go to jail!
|
||
|
||
In general, the party feels that Red's 'crime' of stealing the
|
||
boat is worse than the dog napping, and further, that she was
|
||
imposing on our freedom.
|
||
|
||
I felt that she had done nothing wrong. She accomplished
|
||
exactly what we intended to do, the liberation of the
|
||
"commissioner's" property, without loss of life. Not only that,
|
||
but she seemed to make the crew a whole lot happier. Is this evil?
|
||
|
||
Throrn never did explain why he untied the dog-napping, two-
|
||
faced, lying, corrupted city official.
|
||
|
||
Sept 7/01
|
||
|
||
I'm staying at the Inn for the day. I'm considering whether
|
||
I should continue to travel with these people of questionable
|
||
morals.
|
||
|
||
Sept 8/01
|
||
|
||
I must remember to pick up the robe which I ordered to be
|
||
made. I did remember to return to the weapon's shop to pick up my
|
||
darts and am training to use them.
|
||
|
||
Later in the evening while at the Inn in our room discussing
|
||
a plan of action, the pirate came into the bar. We went down and
|
||
made it as difficult as we could for her to charm the men in the
|
||
bar. It seemed as though she was looking for recruits.
|
||
|
||
She managed to charm Prothus and brought him up to the room
|
||
where we had gathered again. However, she merely spoke to us,
|
||
explaining that she was following the law of the sea, hadn't hurt
|
||
anyone, and probably no one would have been hurt had we not
|
||
attacked. She also mentioned she had difficulty believing our
|
||
"dog" story.
|
||
|
||
Sept 9/01
|
||
|
||
Today, Stenn and Bjonri attempted to break the Mastiff out of
|
||
its cage at the Mastiff fighting ring. It was a fiasco. Stenn
|
||
almost got himself killed and as a number of powerful figures
|
||
gathered there, we decided to abandon the effort. We will quietly
|
||
finish our training and leave the town.
|
||
|
||
Sept 11/01
|
||
|
||
I hung out at the Inn's bar while Throrn and Grizelda were
|
||
trained.
|
||
|
||
Sept 12/01
|
||
|
||
We've noticed a guy in the bar at the Inn that is extremely
|
||
quiet that sits by himself. He carries a (poorly) concealed short
|
||
sword.
|
||
|
||
I hired a crier to help me find a juggler.
|
||
|
||
Sept 13/01
|
||
|
||
Evidently, the crier was successful. A guy named Kane came to
|
||
the Inn and agreed to teach me to juggle.
|
||
|
||
Sept 14/01
|
||
|
||
People are still training. I'm still learning how to juggle.
|
||
|
||
Sept 15/01
|
||
|
||
I can now juggle reasonably well. Training continues. Biff
|
||
still isn't quite grasping the use of the staff.
|
||
|
||
Sept 16/01
|
||
|
||
While performing on stage I went completely and totally deaf.
|
||
I continued to perform, except for the flute.
|
||
|
||
Sept 17/01
|
||
|
||
I went to the temple of Mielikki to get my hearing fixed. They
|
||
told me it was indeed a magical affliction. It cost me 800 gold.
|
||
|
||
Sept 18/01
|
||
|
||
Since the cost for fixing my deafness drained all my funds, I
|
||
went to Mage Edson for a pre-payment on the spellbook I'm selling
|
||
him. He gave me 200 gp.
|
||
|
||
A Grease spell was cast against me while I was on stage. I
|
||
called Grizelda over to me, knowing she wouldn't come if she had
|
||
cast it. However, she did come and slid across the stage after
|
||
falling on it.
|
||
|
||
Sept 19/01
|
||
|
||
We have been requested by General Banask to do a recon through
|
||
Canamar to determine the extent of the hobgoblin attacks. Throrn
|
||
would prefer more specific details before tackling this assignment.
|
||
|
||
Sept 20/01
|
||
|
||
We returned to General Banask. He paid us 200 gold each and
|
||
will pay the remainder of 800 gold each when we return.
|
||
|
||
That night, most of the party went to a different bar to
|
||
determine whether the mysterious quiet guy was following us; he
|
||
doesn't seem to be.
|
||
|
||
Apparently, the attacks made against me in the bar were not
|
||
all hostile--Grizelda cast the grease spell.
|
||
|
||
Grizelda is having charges added to her wand.
|
||
|
||
Sept 24/01
|
||
|
||
We are stocking up on heavy clothing for the quickly
|
||
approaching winter. We have to wait for Grizelda's wand to be
|
||
recharged before we leave.
|
||
|
||
Sept 25/01
|
||
|
||
Grizelda identified two of three magical potions we were
|
||
carrying. They are curative.
|
||
|
||
At night, we investigated an odour and discovered four bodies
|
||
in the next room.
|
||
|
||
Sept 26/01
|
||
|
||
We finally are leaving Tyglas. We crossed the bridge at
|
||
Canvale into Fellmore. We had some troubles with the guard on the
|
||
far side. Apparently, we are carrying a suspiciously large quantity
|
||
of gems and gold.
|
||
|
||
Sept 27/01
|
||
|
||
We're still heading souteast on the road towards Doddle.
|
||
|
||
Sept 28/01
|
||
|
||
When we left our campsite, we were attacked by a gigantic
|
||
humanoid spider creature (an ettercap) and a gnome-like creature
|
||
(spirag). The attack started with two logs swinging down from the
|
||
trees. These logs had some sticky material on them, effectively
|
||
trapping various members of our party. We eventually won the
|
||
battle and removed the logs from, among other things, Prothus'
|
||
sword, Grizelda's feet, Stenn's hands and Throrn's torso.
|
||
|
||
Although there appeared to be little of value here, we did
|
||
discover various other creatures (quite dead) trapped in a spider
|
||
web of massive proportion.
|
||
|
||
Furthermore, there are the ropes that were used to hold the
|
||
logs which seem to be impervious to steel, even the magical blade
|
||
of Prothus.
|
||
|
||
Oct 1/01
|
||
|
||
After an uneventful day of travel, we met with ogres, just
|
||
after setting up camp. During the battle we were assisted by
|
||
Magnar, a ranger that has agreed to join the troop. He's almost
|
||
seven feet tall and carries ogre skulls on his belt.
|
||
|
||
He has told us of an evil temple nearby. We are considering
|
||
searching it out to destroy it. Throrn feels we are breaking our
|
||
contract to scout for Hobgoblins. Stenn and Bjonri think that it
|
||
is morally important to destroy the temple.
|
||
|
||
Oct 3/01
|
||
|
||
We rest, discuss, heal and train.
|
||
|
||
Oct 4/01
|
||
|
||
Some bizarre things happened during the night. A ball of
|
||
light, much like the one Grizelda claimed to see out by the Balog
|
||
Moor's, was seen bounding around in the forest. Divain attacked
|
||
it, for no obvious reason, though she explained her paranoia was a
|
||
result of the frequent attacks in the last few days.
|
||
|
||
We are heading to the evil temple today.
|
||
|
||
Oct 5/01 The Lost Temple of Inbindarla
|
||
|
||
Magnar knows the approximate location of the temple, but not
|
||
exactly where the entrance is to be found. We came across a
|
||
walking, talking tree. It seemed rather pleasant but attacked when
|
||
we approached by trying to drop what can only be described as
|
||
nooses on us. It surrendered when we used fire against it. We
|
||
discovered that it was blocking the temple entrance we were
|
||
seeking. It agreed to move in return for our promise to set it
|
||
free from the curse which holds it here.
|
||
|
||
Beneath the entrance, we found a three hallways. One passage
|
||
(which was unnaturally cold) led to a pit with spikes in the floor.
|
||
The roof was a trap door. Apparently, this was a trap. Good thing
|
||
none of us were caught in it. We went back to the main entrance
|
||
and took the second corridor. There were some strange glass orbs
|
||
afixed to the ceilings. They seemed to contain swirling mist.
|
||
|
||
After walking along for awhile, something moved into the hall
|
||
in front of, coming from a side room. At first I thought it was a
|
||
humanoid, but it was a walking corpse! It took some hard fighting
|
||
by Magnar, who was in the lead, but we destroyed it.
|
||
We continued along the hall, which turned a corner. A little
|
||
further along, our torches were snuffed out as a cold, howling wind
|
||
blew out of a side passage. We moved forward out of the wind and
|
||
relit our torches. At the end of the passage we found what must,
|
||
at one time, been a bedroom. There was rubbish everywhere in here.
|
||
Hanging on the wall above the remains of the bed was a large
|
||
sapphire, shaped as an octagon. I took it down.
|
||
|
||
We set out to explore the passage from which the wind had
|
||
come. This passage, also unnaturally cold, led to another room.
|
||
There was a huge black statue on the altar at one end. Stenn
|
||
through holy water on it. The surface hissed and stained as though
|
||
the water had been acid. We now left to rest for a few days.
|
||
|
||
Oct 7/01
|
||
|
||
Rest and recover. Stenn is having trouble sleeping within
|
||
half-day journey of the temple. Nightmares keep him awake.
|
||
|
||
Oct 8/01
|
||
|
||
We returned to the temple. We took the third passage from the
|
||
entrance. It led past an old kitchen and storeroom, then led into
|
||
an area of magical darkness. We felt our way to the right and
|
||
entered a new room, where we could see once again. As we walked in
|
||
a wailing arose and human figures appeared on the walls. They were
|
||
emaciated, almost skeletal, but even where they should have been
|
||
solid, one could see through them, as though they were ghosts. We
|
||
feared attack, but the creatures were manacled to the walls,
|
||
however immaterially and made no move toward us. They merely
|
||
continued their pathetic crying. Stenn and I wanted to rescue
|
||
them. Some in our group (Prothus and Throrn among them) thought we
|
||
shouldn't even try! In the end it was no use. We couldn't even
|
||
grasp their ghost-manacles, let alone cut them and no one knew of
|
||
a spell which could help. We had no choice but to abondon them.
|
||
|
||
We backed out of that room, returning to the darkness. We
|
||
found another passage out. It led to a long room. There was a
|
||
large sarcophogus at one end. The room itself was lined, either
|
||
side with skeletons. As we stepped into this room, the skeletons
|
||
began moving toward us. Prothus, Stenn and Magnar met their
|
||
attack. We won, but were now further wounded when the sarcophogus
|
||
door opened. A huge skeleton walked out (Magnar said it was an
|
||
ogre skeleton) brandishing a metal club. Grizelda stood her ground
|
||
and traded blows with it. The thing nearly took her head off with
|
||
one swing, but I,d forgotten just how strong that little gnome is.
|
||
She deflected the club with her sword and launched an attack of her
|
||
own, shattering several ogre ribs. By this time, Magnar, Bjonri
|
||
and I were by her side. We followed Grizelda's example and added
|
||
an ogre skull to the bones littering the floor.
|
||
|
||
We examined the sarcophogus from which the skeleton had
|
||
emerged. The back was a wall with an octagonal shaped depression
|
||
in it. When the sapphire was placed in it, the wall opened as a
|
||
door to a passage, rough hewn from the rock. It led to an
|
||
underground lake. There is a long, dark beach, and a single,
|
||
dilapitated dock. On the beach was a skeleton with gems set in the
|
||
eye socket. It proved not to be magical, but a feather, lying
|
||
nearby was. The water receeded into the darkness.
|
||
|
||
We turned back and went back to the altar room. On the altar,
|
||
we found a book that was encased in glass. There was an octagonal
|
||
depression in the glass. I placed the sapphire in it and the glass
|
||
case opened. We took the book out. I opened it and read "Serpine
|
||
Lexicon" on the title page. We left the temple once again.
|
||
|
||
Oct 9/01
|
||
|
||
After praying for new spells, Bjonri cast a "Detect Evil" and
|
||
said the book was overwhelmingly so. I discovered it was magical,
|
||
and Stenn decided to Bless the book. A huge skeletal creature rose
|
||
from the book and almost destroyed us all, but mysteriously
|
||
vanished.
|
||
|
||
Since the horses were still uneasy, (as well as most of the
|
||
party), we decided to split up. Strength in numbers, I suppose.
|
||
While Prothus, Bjonri, and Grizelda were gone, I recalled the name
|
||
of the book was associated with legends of evil. It is an ancient
|
||
book able to summon creatures of evil. One priest of an old
|
||
religion used the book until it destroyed him.
|
||
|
||
While the others were walking, the creature reappeared. They
|
||
destroyed it.
|
||
|
||
After the party re-united, we decided it was in everyone's
|
||
best interest to seek assistance from the Temple of Mielikki
|
||
regarding the book. We will travel for 4 days towards the temple,
|
||
then send a messenger of Bjonri's to the temple. Apparently
|
||
Mielikki grants him the power to ask the birds to carry messages
|
||
for him.
|
||
|
||
We had a long discussion regarding party organization, most of
|
||
us appreciate the convenience of a large group but dislike the
|
||
frequent quarrels resulting from a variety of opinion. I
|
||
recommended that Stenn be made leader. He will have final say in
|
||
settling these quarrels.
|
||
|
||
Oct 10/01
|
||
|
||
Last night, one of Grizelda's jokes set the group in an uproar
|
||
of argument, as well as actual physical attack. She and Bjonri
|
||
crept into some nearby bushes and hid. Grizelda cast an illusion
|
||
of their dead bodies lying in camp. When the rest of woke up, we
|
||
saw our dead comrades. Magnar detected figures moving around in
|
||
the bushes. Assuming they were the attackers he fired arrows at
|
||
them. Stenn cast an entanglement spell. Grizelda was immobilized
|
||
and knocked unconscious by an arrow hit. Bjonri managed to avoid
|
||
the entanglement spell and came out into the open to explain the
|
||
joke.
|
||
|
||
Unfortunately, tensions were now high. Stenn trained his bow
|
||
on Bjonri, demanding that he stop where he was. Stenn had just
|
||
seen Bjonri's body lying on the ground and he was unsure if this
|
||
truly was Bjonri, or merely a monster in Bjonri form.
|
||
|
||
It took a long time to calm everybody down. Some comments
|
||
were of particularly questionable nature, such as, "I think she
|
||
[Grizelda] deserves to suffer for a while," "Go ahead, shoot, I
|
||
dare you to," "I'd like to know who exactly you [Magnar] really
|
||
are," and "Fine, I'm outta here." Such a shame after making such
|
||
progress yesterday.
|
||
|
||
We continued on our journey.
|
||
|
||
Stenn is looking for berries as we travel. Magnar has
|
||
suggested another Augury to clarify the one perviously done on the
|
||
book. We would like to know if we can destroy it at all, without
|
||
destroying ourselves. He also suggests the danger indicated by the
|
||
Augury Bjonri did previously, was the beast still luring about the
|
||
forest that came from the book.
|
||
|
||
It's snowing.
|
||
|
||
Oct 11/01
|
||
|
||
Stenn performed the Augury this time, asking, "Will it cause
|
||
us serious harm to try to destroy the book?" with the response,
|
||
"No."
|
||
|
||
After some discussion we decided to try to destroy the book by
|
||
dropping it into a bonfire. When we did so, Magnar saw something
|
||
run out of the fire. Shortly after, we were attacked by a huge
|
||
dog-like creature with glowing red eyes. After a brief battle, it
|
||
disappeared, and the smaller creature re-appeared. Again, a short
|
||
battle ensued before it disappeared, but upon guessing where it
|
||
ought to be, I managed to hit the invisible creature. Magnar and
|
||
Prothus managed to follow its tracks in the snow and kill it. The
|
||
book was unharmed by the fire.
|
||
|
||
That night on first watch, a huge two-headed creature with a
|
||
spiked club in each hand burst from the forest. I think it was an
|
||
Ettin.
|
||
|
||
Oct 12/01
|
||
|
||
We sang happy birthday for Grizelda. We spent the day
|
||
recovering. Grizelda cast a spell and determined that the wand
|
||
from the temple will fire magic missiles. I will carry it.
|
||
|
||
In the meantime, Stenn has decided it will be safest to keep
|
||
The Book in his magical bag. He doesn't think anything can get out
|
||
that way.
|
||
|
||
Oct 13/01
|
||
|
||
We reached Doddle today and sent a message to the temple near
|
||
Canvale about The Book.
|
||
|
||
We discovered from fighters in the local bar of this small
|
||
town (about 60) news of the hobgoblins is common. They intend to
|
||
sell their service in Tyglas.
|
||
|
||
One of them, who had been in The Isles, said it was a
|
||
dangerous and dreadful place. He also mentioned "The Golden
|
||
Empire," a place to the south of the Isles, he heard about while
|
||
there. Furthermore, the Black Eagle Barony (to the West) is
|
||
supposed to be the centre of the Iron Ring.
|
||
|
||
Oct 16/01
|
||
|
||
Stenn's owl arrived with a message instructing us to await
|
||
Peath's (the high priest of the temple) arrival. This must be
|
||
major!
|
||
|
||
Oct 17/01
|
||
|
||
Biff seems competent with the staff, finally.
|
||
|
||
Oct 18/01
|
||
|
||
Peath arrived today with an entourage of followers. He
|
||
provided a lot of information about The Book, received from Edson.
|
||
|
||
The Serpine Lexicon's (aka Cripto-Chronus, Book of Horrors,
|
||
Grimoire, etc.) first known appearance was thousands of years ago
|
||
when Ezaria summoned The Book from worlds beyond. Sages agree
|
||
Ezaria went mad using the Grimoire for his evil purpose: attempting
|
||
to summon the ultimate beast of destruction to destroy the world.
|
||
|
||
For 500 years nothing was heard, until Adazat recovered the
|
||
book and unleashed its powers. He eventually went insane and
|
||
committed suicide by ingesting Green Slime.
|
||
|
||
His apprentice Elmorith inherited The Book and used it, once
|
||
again, to summon creatures of evil. He managed to gain a lot of
|
||
power as the leader of a religious sect. However, Elmorith lost
|
||
the book in a Necromantic duel with his ally.
|
||
|
||
Only now has it turned up, for the first time in hundreds of
|
||
years, in the temple of Inbindarla.
|
||
|
||
Edson suggests, the only way to destroy The Book is to return
|
||
it to its plane, (the place from where it was summoned). By taking
|
||
the book to Melnibone where the river Styx is said to "cross our
|
||
world," and placing the book there.
|
||
|
||
We've decided to send Stenn and Magnar to Canvale to discuss
|
||
either modification, interruption or cancellation of our contract
|
||
to scout hobgoblins. Hopefully, we will be able to pursue the
|
||
contract, sending messages to Canvale by hireling. Once we reach
|
||
the West coast, we will continue or journey towards Melnibone to
|
||
destroy the book, as Stenn and Bjonri are obligated to do so.
|
||
|
||
While in Canvale, Stenn and Magnar intend to gather
|
||
information about Melnibone and petition Edson to identify the
|
||
feather, ring and potion.
|
||
|
||
We will travel to the border with them.
|
||
|
||
Oct 20/01
|
||
|
||
We travel and reach the border. While Stenn and Magnar travel
|
||
across to Canvale, we will wait here. They managed to cross
|
||
without a problem and arranged the contract suitably with General
|
||
Banask.
|
||
|
||
Oct 21/01
|
||
|
||
After speaking with Peath, we received a scroll for
|
||
protection.
|
||
|
||
Edson relayed: The Melniboneans are very similar to grey elves
|
||
and highly magical in nature, maligned in intent and known to have
|
||
ridden dragons. It is within the Imperial City the river Styx is
|
||
said to pass, thus giving the Melniboneans there heightened
|
||
military power.
|
||
|
||
Oct 23/01
|
||
|
||
After waiting for Edson to cast Identify and receiving a mace,
|
||
sword and hammer made from cold steel (apparently useful in hitting
|
||
some of the creatures we've met) Stenn and Magnar returned. The
|
||
feather is a magical device known as Quall's feather token.
|
||
Apparently it turns into a boat.
|
||
|
||
We are following up first on the temple, as suggested by
|
||
Edson, it may provide us with more information about The Book.
|
||
|
||
Oct 24/01
|
||
|
||
We met with a camp of ogres and, under Stenn's leadership
|
||
managed to organize battle to destroy them all, efficiently. We
|
||
continue on our journey to the Temple of Inbindarla.
|
||
|
||
Oct 25/01
|
||
|
||
We met with Bertha and continued travel.
|
||
|
||
Oct 26/01
|
||
|
||
We reached the temple site once again. While travelling, we
|
||
had a long discussion about carrying the book back into the temple.
|
||
It was decided the lesser risk was to bring it back into the temple
|
||
rather than leave it unguarded outside.
|
||
|
||
Oct 27/01
|
||
|
||
We re-entered today and used Quall's feather token, which
|
||
turned into a boat as promised, and set out into the underground
|
||
lake. We could hear distant cries of pain coming from out of the
|
||
darkness. The cavern continued for some distance slowly narrowing
|
||
into a twisting passage. Our magic boat sailed noislessly on past
|
||
dead bodies floating in the water. As we sailed into their midst
|
||
they began to move. Stenn organized a defense of the boat,
|
||
steering it away from our attackers. I attacked two of them with
|
||
my staff as they tried to climb over the side of our boat. On the
|
||
other side, Magnar was hacking them in twain with mighty blows from
|
||
his sword. Grizelda and Prothus did the same at the back of the
|
||
boat until all the water-zombies had been destrayed.
|
||
|
||
The passage opened up into a large cavern. In the middle
|
||
there was an island, piled with treasure. In the centre of the
|
||
island was a pale skull at its peak, apparently inert. We stepped
|
||
onto the island to load the treasure. Breaking the silence, a
|
||
vaguely human shaped skeleton rose out of the black water. It
|
||
attacked and sunk its fangs into Divain. Flesh began to appear its
|
||
the bones. Stenn swung at it with his sword, but although the blow
|
||
ought to have sundered it of a limb, it had no effect. Neither did
|
||
the blow which Magnar dealt it. Divain began to pale. Grizelda
|
||
moved forward weilding the new club she had won from the ogre
|
||
skeleton. This time the blow took effect, but did not shake the
|
||
creature from Divain. Grizelda spoke the magical word inscribed on
|
||
the club "Alumine" and it burst out in brilliant light. The
|
||
skeleton reared up with a scream and dropped Divain, then splashed
|
||
back into the water, leaving as suddenly as it had come. Shaking,
|
||
we hurriedly through the treasure into the boat and made back
|
||
toward the beach, looking over our shoulders the whole time. I
|
||
don't think anyone spoke a word on the trip back, save for Stenn
|
||
giving out terse commands to steer the boat.
|
||
|
||
We reached the beach and unloaded the seriously wounded
|
||
Divain. Bjonri examined her wounds and applied some salve. She
|
||
had lost an awful lot of blood. Both he and Stenn looked
|
||
concerned. The rest of us examined what we had found in the
|
||
treasure chest.
|
||
|
||
The next I knew, Stenn was crying out in alarm and fumbling
|
||
for his holy symbol. The skeleton thing was back. It sped by
|
||
Magnar who had turned to meet it, by Stenn and straight for Divain.
|
||
Everybody rushed it. Once again most of our weapons had no effect.
|
||
Only Prothus' sword and Grizelda's staff would damage it. It dug
|
||
its fangs once again deep into Divain's neck. I could see blood
|
||
leaking out around its newly forming lips. I could hear Bjonri
|
||
casting a spell. Then Prothus' sword struck downward in a high
|
||
arc, severing the now mostly formed flesh of the creature. Once
|
||
again, it tossed away Divain and before our eyes it melted into
|
||
gas.
|
||
|
||
With a cry of triumph Bjonri let forth his spell. The air
|
||
before him began to swirl as his "Dust Devil" was called into
|
||
being. He ordered it to attack the now gaseous bloodsucker. The
|
||
combat that ensued was strange. The Dust Devil attempted to
|
||
envelop its prey, but the creature managed always to slip from its
|
||
grasp. The two combatants moved out over the lake into the
|
||
darkness. Eventually they disappeared and the sounds of whirling
|
||
winds died away. Bjonri didn't seem to think his Dust Devil was
|
||
around anymore.
|
||
|
||
We got ready to leave. The treasure we had found was heavy so
|
||
Stenn prepared to load it in his Bag of Holding. When he opened it
|
||
the gas-thing came charging out of the darkness. It went straight
|
||
for the open bag--the one that contained The Serpine Lexicon.
|
||
|
||
We were all exhausted and wounded so we were forced to spend
|
||
the "night" here on this eerie subbterrainean beech. Although
|
||
Stenn cannot sleep some of us managed to get some rest. I spent
|
||
the time reading one of the books found on the island -- it
|
||
discusses various aspects of health and some exercises to perform.
|
||
|
||
Oct 28/01
|
||
|
||
We searched the last corridor in the temple today. It lay
|
||
behind a secret door in the altar room. We had to fight a skeleton
|
||
creature in the passage (not like the skeleton-bloodsucker thing).
|
||
After yesterday, this is beginning to seem like routine. The
|
||
passage led to a mist-filled room. We could find nothing in there,
|
||
though Grizelda said something definately brushed by her leg.
|
||
Before we left the temple we tipped over the altar-statue and
|
||
destroyed it. The strange fire disappaered. The magical lanterns
|
||
were extinguished and Stenn could finally sleep without being
|
||
overcome by a feeling of dread. Our mission there was done.
|
||
|
||
Nov 1/01
|
||
|
||
We spent time studying and left the temple. The curse, we
|
||
think, should be broken, so we told the Hangman tree it could
|
||
leave.
|
||
|
||
Nov 2/01
|
||
|
||
At Doddle we sent a message to Peath to tell him about the
|
||
creature in the bag and ask for advice. We think it is safely
|
||
trapped within.
|
||
|
||
Nov 4/01
|
||
|
||
Grizelda identified things as we awaited Peath's reply. It
|
||
came. "The creature you are dealing with is a vampire! Do not
|
||
attempt to confront it under any circumstances. It will destroy
|
||
you all!"
|
||
|
||
Nov 6/01
|
||
|
||
We're heading to Canvale to have our treasure changed. Their
|
||
was some consternation when we realized that most of our treasure
|
||
was in the bag. Could we open it without letting the vampire out?
|
||
Bjonri seems to think it will be okay as long as it is daylight.
|
||
Stenn cast an Augury. The answer that came out was yes. We opened
|
||
the bag with no ill effects.
|
||
|
||
Nov 7/01
|
||
|
||
We spoke to the High Priest at the temple of Ukko to return
|
||
the cold iron weapons and try to have Divain healed. The vampire
|
||
apparently weakened her greatly -- and permanently!!! We'll
|
||
probably be in town for a long while for the treasure changing.
|
||
Hopefully, the Iron Ring won't be a problem.
|
||
|
||
Nov 8/01
|
||
|
||
I went into town with Throrn today. We dropped into a tavern
|
||
called the "Red Hair" as recommended by Divain. While there, a
|
||
group of Iron Ringers approached us. Their leader, after asking
|
||
where the rest of us were, said they would have to come into town
|
||
to find us. The leader left us to his men, whom we slaughtered (I
|
||
drank the beer which they offered, which was poisoned, I passed
|
||
out.)
|
||
|
||
Nov 9/01
|
||
|
||
Grizelda and Prothus have gone to see Edson and Roask.
|
||
Although we have camped outside of town to avoid the Ring, we are
|
||
considering movement to avoid troubles.
|
||
|
||
Nov 13/01
|
||
|
||
We've been travelling in circles. Grizelda and Throrn have
|
||
gone into town to do Identifies with Roask.
|
||
|
||
Nov 15/01
|
||
|
||
Prothus, Grizelda, and Magnar went into town to retrieve magic
|
||
items from Roask. He wasn't home so they returned the following
|
||
day.
|
||
|
||
We tried to cross the border at the bridge. We were hassled
|
||
for carrying skulls, money, herbs, and other things. Many
|
||
questions were asked when they discovered The Book. We were turned
|
||
back.
|
||
|
||
We had some trouble recovering Magnar, he had swum across with
|
||
many of our possessions to meet us.
|
||
|
||
We will head west to cross the river where it is shallower.
|
||
|
||
Nov 19/01
|
||
|
||
We found a hobgoblin camp at the crossing Magnar told us
|
||
about. We destroyed it and about 40 hobgoblins. Now, we're
|
||
travelling South to avoid more hobgoblins. The ones that ran may
|
||
get reinforcements. Although it is almost dusk, we'll travel until
|
||
midnight.
|
||
|
||
Nov 20/01
|
||
|
||
While travelling, a manticore attacked. It was difficult to
|
||
fight since it flies, but it succumbed, none-the-less.
|
||
|
||
Nov 21/01
|
||
|
||
While travelling West along a tributary to the Frontier River
|
||
we came across a marsh. Unwilling to try to go around it to the
|
||
North, we've decided to cross it. It seems to be safely frozen.
|
||
Magnar says the marsh is large, large enough to be named. It is
|
||
called "The Vales".
|
||
|
||
Nov 22/01
|
||
|
||
We travelled well into the night in order to find a rise of
|
||
land suitable to set up camp.
|
||
|
||
Divain heard noises while on watch but nothing transpired.
|
||
We'll continue west in the morning.
|
||
|
||
Nov 23/01
|
||
|
||
We looked for and found roughly humanoid tracks.
|
||
|
||
While travelling with caution, a group of lizardmen attacked
|
||
us. I managed to break the ribs of one, rendering it helpless.
|
||
After killing the rest, Bjonri determined the creatures were not
|
||
evil, so we attempted to help out the remaining one by patching its
|
||
wounds and leaving it with food.
|
||
|
||
Nov 24/01
|
||
|
||
We continued west through the marsh on the North side of the
|
||
river until we reached a bridge. Although the bridge was safe,
|
||
there were pits completely blocking the far side.
|
||
|
||
We're following the road South.
|
||
|
||
Nov 25/01
|
||
|
||
Finally, we left the swamp.
|
||
|
||
Nov 26/01
|
||
|
||
Grizelda levitated up to see our surroundings. She saw what
|
||
appeared to be a small village further down the road.
|
||
|
||
Later, we encountered the village Rometh. They were surprised
|
||
we survived travel through the swamp.
|
||
|
||
Nov 27/01
|
||
|
||
Although one days provisions were provided, further purchases
|
||
would cause undue hardship on the small village. We came to a
|
||
mutually agreeable solution. A villager will accompany us to a
|
||
town west of here and we will pay for a guard to accompany him back
|
||
to his home. Thus he will be able to restock for the remainder of
|
||
the winter.
|
||
|
||
No sign or rumour of hobgoblins here.
|
||
|
||
Dec 1/01
|
||
|
||
Travelled South to the cross roads then headed West. The
|
||
weather has broken finally, the clearer sky is nice. Later, we
|
||
captured an orc (the 'pigface' the villager had mentioned.)
|
||
|
||
Dec 2/01
|
||
|
||
Grizelda rode in the wagon with the captured orc but it broke
|
||
free so she killed it.
|
||
|
||
Dec 4/01
|
||
|
||
We reached Whiteheart. This "large town" has about 40
|
||
buildings.
|
||
|
||
Grizelda played one of her jokes while I was on stage. This
|
||
time I broke my flute because of it. I felt I had warned her
|
||
frequently enough about interfering with my profession, so I
|
||
Shocking Grasped her.
|
||
|
||
In the meantime, the girl that was chasing Bjonri, gave up and
|
||
dove for Magnar, then left with him to a private room. Her husband
|
||
came looking for her, and knocked Magnar out. He tried to take
|
||
Magnar's sword, but Bjonri heated it using a spell.
|
||
|
||
After the husband dropped the sword, Throrn followed him. He
|
||
was invisible at this point, a result of Grizelda's spell. At his
|
||
house, Throrn hassled him, became visible and was chased out into
|
||
the woods. There he fought and beat the guy, and finally returned
|
||
to town.
|
||
|
||
The town folk are now looking for Throrn. We discussed our
|
||
possible actions.
|
||
|
||
Stenn healed Grizelda. I hope she learnt her lesson. It's
|
||
not exactly a punishment I enjoyed handing out.
|
||
|
||
I finished reading that book. I feel quicker some how.
|
||
|
||
Dec 6/01
|
||
|
||
We arranged to pick up grain at the mill for our horses.
|
||
|
||
Throrn talked to the council and paid a fine of 5 gp. When we
|
||
exited the town, we discovered Bjonri had stolen the oxen they'd
|
||
suggested Throrn might be responsible for stealing.
|
||
|
||
Of course, I insisted it be returned.
|
||
|
||
Dec 7/01
|
||
|
||
This day passed while we travelled West. We heard more about
|
||
a rider by himself searching for us, heading West ahead of us.
|
||
|
||
Dec 8/01 The Day of the Portal
|
||
|
||
We continued West. As night fell, a horse approached the camp
|
||
-- it is apparently the rider that we've heard about. He says he
|
||
is the Mage Stire sent by The Re, via Mage Yen with an important
|
||
message for us.
|
||
|
||
He is very cautious, and requests us to accept a spell (Detect
|
||
Lie) to determine if we are who we say we are. He asked us many
|
||
question about Dentiata and our involvement. He didn't recognize
|
||
Magnar. He had joined us later.
|
||
|
||
Well, we believed him and were attacked. He cast a holding
|
||
spell on Magnar, Prothus and Throrn then cast globes of force,
|
||
balls of fire, and bolts of lightening. He was assisted by about
|
||
20 Draconian warriors. Link was killed at the outset by a
|
||
draconian. All but Grizelda and Bjonri were helpless, but they too
|
||
were soon under his wicked control.
|
||
|
||
They bound us and searched all of our stuff. Stile found the
|
||
bag. We warned him not to open it, but he simply assumed we had
|
||
something valuable in it that we didn't want released. He didn't
|
||
heed our warning. He should have.
|
||
|