The middle leg of the heroes’ journey took them through the Thorn Wastes, a somewhat dry land of overgrown bushes and vines. The ground vegetation has choked out most trees and stands 6+ feet tall in many places. There were a number of animal trails, but the majority were too narrow for a wagon. So, the party had to zig-zag through, hacking at the vegetation regularly to progress south.
As they approached the desert, movement was spotted in the bushes, but the satyr disappeared and fled before the party could react. Near the village, a scream was heard, which ended abruptly. The adventurers cleared the tangle of plants to see a small farming community on the edge of the desert. Most of the villagers were gathered near the fire pit.
A large Gnoll (with a Behir mount and various lackies) was addressing the villagers. One man lay dead at the Gnoll’s feet, his head crushed by a huge bloody flail. The “Warden” was here to collect tribute (food & water) from the village, but was disappointed in their contribution. He killed the man as a warning to the rest. When the strangers (PC’s) proved uncooperative and not so humble, the Warden ordered them dead too.
The villagers quickly ran for cover as the battle ensued. Satyrs struck from behind while the Gnolls and Behir engaged the outsiders from the front. The fighting went on for several minutes with both sides taking a beating. The Behir even tried to eat Toradin. The heroes had healing on their side though & outlasted the tyrant and his fools.
The villagers were not pleased. “The Queen will send more agents. Where will you be when they come with their vengeance?” Most of them wandered off and refused to speak with the outsiders. The dead man’s wife and children mourned their loss. There were a few courageous souls though. The village elder explained the situation and offered the adventurers shelter for the night. The Halfling baker (with the outrageous accent) offered them food. And little Jenny asked the great warriors to rescue her pet billy goat, Rosalima.
This village was obviously built on the ruins of a dwarven settlement (the Karak supply depot?). A lone tower is the only remaining structure. Many of the current “buildings” sit on ancient foundations.
The trek through the desert would be a rough one. The wagon was left in the village and the heroes packed as much food and water as they could comfortably carry. Then they struck out. The map led them from one geographical marker to another. Seregdur did an excellent job navigating the wasteland with nothing but the sun to discern directions. The group quickly shifted to night-time travel and rested during the day.
A day and a half out, near one of the last markers, the adventurers spotted a patrol approaching. Half a dozen shifters and a woman (hag) descended on them without a word. The woman shrieked at the party several times, but they died in silence for the most part.
Pressing on, the heroes finally came to a fortress, the last landmark on the map and hopefully the Karak mines. The dwarven towers and battlements still stood 900+ years later, carved into the side of a low cliff. The only obvious entrance is a gauntlet between two towers, with many arrow slits and a portcullis guarding a sturdy looking stone door some 80-100 feet in.
Paleus: “If that’s guarded, it’s suicide to attempt entry through the front door.”
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Session 14 Rewards
+2 Scale Armor (Dwarven)
600 gp
725 xp each
Encounters:
2250 xp Dunesend (3 gnolls, 3 satyrs, 1 behir)
1800 xp Desert patrol (1 hag, 5 shifters)
300 xp Navigating the desert (skill)
600 gp
725 xp each
Encounters:
2250 xp Dunesend (3 gnolls, 3 satyrs, 1 behir)
1800 xp Desert patrol (1 hag, 5 shifters)
300 xp Navigating the desert (skill)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Blades of Legend
Luna - A silver longsword encrusted with rubies. Nina Delavega (Nina Quicksilver, The Wisp of Westdeep) used this blade 1000 years ago. The silver lady had zero tolerance for trespassers in the elven woods.
Lightbringer – A silver greatsword ornamented with red opals. Wielded 900 years ago by Parlin Ironfell (Guardian of Karak, Scion of Ironfell). Parlin was a great dwarven warrior of clan Ironfell at the peak of their power. In his later years, Parlin held the Karak Lode mines safe from intruders, thieves and the ravages of the desert. Parlin was the last scion of the legendary diamond mines before they disappeared into history.
Xaran - A platinum longsword with rubies. This was the favored weapon of Kenji Sonbai (The Silver Dragon, Kenji the Righteous) 700 years ago. Kenji was a dragonborn paladin of Bahamut who traveled the vale vanquishing evil, defending the weak and promoting the tenets of the Platinum Dragon.
Angel - A mithril bastard sword with a single star ruby. Christine Yatkina (Maiden of Vrath, Scourge of Wyrmsmoke) devoted her life to fending off the goblinoid hordes from the Wyrmsmoke mountains 500 years ago. Drellin’s Ferry was established during her time and still maintains a small shrine to their protector of old.
Ruach - A golden scimitar encrusted with rubies. The tried and true blade of Ishtar Flagens (Lion of the North, the Horse King) 400 years ago. Ishtar roamed the great plains in the northwestern vale with his riders. His kingdom had no great cities or defensible geographical features. His elite riders descended on any trouble & resolved the issue with great efficiency.
Corvin - The holy (silver & opal) longsword of a fallen Paladin 200 years ago. Juttsin Telvar (The Crimson Knight) fell out of grace with High Priestess Zamora of Pelor when he refused to obey some long forgotten command. The rogue knight left the church and roamed the countryside for another decade aiding the poor and the sick before dying at the hands of orcs.
Lightbringer – A silver greatsword ornamented with red opals. Wielded 900 years ago by Parlin Ironfell (Guardian of Karak, Scion of Ironfell). Parlin was a great dwarven warrior of clan Ironfell at the peak of their power. In his later years, Parlin held the Karak Lode mines safe from intruders, thieves and the ravages of the desert. Parlin was the last scion of the legendary diamond mines before they disappeared into history.
Xaran - A platinum longsword with rubies. This was the favored weapon of Kenji Sonbai (The Silver Dragon, Kenji the Righteous) 700 years ago. Kenji was a dragonborn paladin of Bahamut who traveled the vale vanquishing evil, defending the weak and promoting the tenets of the Platinum Dragon.
Angel - A mithril bastard sword with a single star ruby. Christine Yatkina (Maiden of Vrath, Scourge of Wyrmsmoke) devoted her life to fending off the goblinoid hordes from the Wyrmsmoke mountains 500 years ago. Drellin’s Ferry was established during her time and still maintains a small shrine to their protector of old.
Ruach - A golden scimitar encrusted with rubies. The tried and true blade of Ishtar Flagens (Lion of the North, the Horse King) 400 years ago. Ishtar roamed the great plains in the northwestern vale with his riders. His kingdom had no great cities or defensible geographical features. His elite riders descended on any trouble & resolved the issue with great efficiency.
Corvin - The holy (silver & opal) longsword of a fallen Paladin 200 years ago. Juttsin Telvar (The Crimson Knight) fell out of grace with High Priestess Zamora of Pelor when he refused to obey some long forgotten command. The rogue knight left the church and roamed the countryside for another decade aiding the poor and the sick before dying at the hands of orcs.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Karak Lode Mines
The great dwarven empire that ruled Elsir Vale fizzled out nearly 900 years ago. Overlook is virtually all that remains. At the peak of the empire, a lesser clan made it's mark on vale history. Clan Ironfell ventured far and wide in search of mineral wealth. And to many's surprise, they found their treasure in the middle of the desert, far south of Overlook.
The mine established was named the Karak Lode, after the first dwarf of Clan Ironfell to fall in its defense. Over long years, Karak became a legendary source of diamonds (think King Solomon). A supply depot was established at the desert's edge to service the caravans traveling between the mine and Overlook. The location of the Karak Lode was kept a closely guarded secret though. Only oath-sworn members of Clan Ironfell ever made the final leg of the journey across the sands.
Dwarves hold their secrets close, and their grip is doubly tight where wealth is concerned. So it was that Karak's secrecy eventually became its downfall. Under the pressure of monstrous maurauders, famine, and migrant human tribes, the dwarf kingdom of Elsir Vale declined. As its resources were taxed past the breaking point, the kingdom's borders began to contract. In time, sandstorms struck the southern wastes and the Karak supply depot was abandoned. Soon, all contact with the mine was lost, and the Karak Lode was consigned to history.
During the decades of wealth, Clan Ironfell established themselves as merchants and jewelcrafters. They grew in power and influence and virtually became nobility in Overlook. Even after the loss of the mine, the clan has managed to maintained much of that power.
Bram Ironfell now heads the clan. His uncle, Varthag, was the clan historian the party made contact with. Bram is a prominent member of the Elsir Consortium (largest merchant group in vale). Clan Ironfell boasts some of the finest jewelcrafters as well. All dealings concerning the Karak Lode will be handled personally by Bram.
The mine established was named the Karak Lode, after the first dwarf of Clan Ironfell to fall in its defense. Over long years, Karak became a legendary source of diamonds (think King Solomon). A supply depot was established at the desert's edge to service the caravans traveling between the mine and Overlook. The location of the Karak Lode was kept a closely guarded secret though. Only oath-sworn members of Clan Ironfell ever made the final leg of the journey across the sands.
Dwarves hold their secrets close, and their grip is doubly tight where wealth is concerned. So it was that Karak's secrecy eventually became its downfall. Under the pressure of monstrous maurauders, famine, and migrant human tribes, the dwarf kingdom of Elsir Vale declined. As its resources were taxed past the breaking point, the kingdom's borders began to contract. In time, sandstorms struck the southern wastes and the Karak supply depot was abandoned. Soon, all contact with the mine was lost, and the Karak Lode was consigned to history.
During the decades of wealth, Clan Ironfell established themselves as merchants and jewelcrafters. They grew in power and influence and virtually became nobility in Overlook. Even after the loss of the mine, the clan has managed to maintained much of that power.
Bram Ironfell now heads the clan. His uncle, Varthag, was the clan historian the party made contact with. Bram is a prominent member of the Elsir Consortium (largest merchant group in vale). Clan Ironfell boasts some of the finest jewelcrafters as well. All dealings concerning the Karak Lode will be handled personally by Bram.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Session 13 Recap
From the library, the brave adventurers moved to the central hall of Sarshan's tower. They got the drop on 4 Shadar-kai guards, including captain Thannos. As they wailed on the guards, one ran for help. The rest were put down just as re-enforcements arrived. The six guards made for a more difficult battle, but a small challenge for heroes. Then Sarshan arrived, porting back to the second floor of the tower, with more guards and panthers.
Outnumbered and possibly outmatched now, the adventurers agreed to a momentary truce to discuss the situation. An amazing bluff convinced Sarshan that they had followed Modra into the tower, and he's still here, somewhere. Impressed with their skill Sarshan offered them possible employ in his organization, if they helped find & kill Modra. During this conversation, Sarshan hinted that he already knew of the party. He was aware of their presence in Overlook, and that they have been after Modra for a few days.
The adventurers were left to guard the central hall, while Sarshan and his guards searched the rest of the tower. Several Gnolls were spotted joining the search. Then things got interesting. The volcano decided to blow. The ground tremors became near constant and more violent. Structures started to crumble. Tunnels colapsed. The party quickly exited through the foundry & made their way for the portal room. They picked up a few mercenaries along the way (the nicer races) for evacuation. The portal room was about to cave in as they ran through. Seconds after crossing to Overlook, the portal exploded with necrotic energy, the Shadowfell room obviously destroyed. The energy pulled 6 shadows into the room, but the heroes quickly put them to rest.
Once settled back in Overlook, the party began digging through the library data they had collected. There were several Elsir Vale history books and old maps. One map in particular caught their attention. It had few markings, but did bear the symbol of clan Ironfell. Could it related to the Karak Load Mines (legendary diamond mines from centuries ago)?
A visit to clan Ironfell (Overlook merchant/jewelry family) sparked further interest and sponsors for a search of the desert. 3000g upfront. 3000g & 1% of profits if the party can locate & secure the mines. The adventurers left a few days later loaded with water & provisions. The journey took them south along the edge of the forest. Two days out they were jumped by clan Flameforge dwarves (and a hell hound). Clan Flameforge caught wind of the desert expedition and a possible map to the Karak Load Mines. The greedy clan should have sent more men.
The heroes continued southward to the edge of the desert and the small village of Dunesend...
Outnumbered and possibly outmatched now, the adventurers agreed to a momentary truce to discuss the situation. An amazing bluff convinced Sarshan that they had followed Modra into the tower, and he's still here, somewhere. Impressed with their skill Sarshan offered them possible employ in his organization, if they helped find & kill Modra. During this conversation, Sarshan hinted that he already knew of the party. He was aware of their presence in Overlook, and that they have been after Modra for a few days.
The adventurers were left to guard the central hall, while Sarshan and his guards searched the rest of the tower. Several Gnolls were spotted joining the search. Then things got interesting. The volcano decided to blow. The ground tremors became near constant and more violent. Structures started to crumble. Tunnels colapsed. The party quickly exited through the foundry & made their way for the portal room. They picked up a few mercenaries along the way (the nicer races) for evacuation. The portal room was about to cave in as they ran through. Seconds after crossing to Overlook, the portal exploded with necrotic energy, the Shadowfell room obviously destroyed. The energy pulled 6 shadows into the room, but the heroes quickly put them to rest.
Once settled back in Overlook, the party began digging through the library data they had collected. There were several Elsir Vale history books and old maps. One map in particular caught their attention. It had few markings, but did bear the symbol of clan Ironfell. Could it related to the Karak Load Mines (legendary diamond mines from centuries ago)?
A visit to clan Ironfell (Overlook merchant/jewelry family) sparked further interest and sponsors for a search of the desert. 3000g upfront. 3000g & 1% of profits if the party can locate & secure the mines. The adventurers left a few days later loaded with water & provisions. The journey took them south along the edge of the forest. Two days out they were jumped by clan Flameforge dwarves (and a hell hound). Clan Flameforge caught wind of the desert expedition and a possible map to the Karak Load Mines. The greedy clan should have sent more men.
The heroes continued southward to the edge of the desert and the small village of Dunesend...
Session 13 Rewards
+2 Glaive (Controlling)
Healer's Sash
+1 Throwing Hammer
Diamond Signet Ring (Modus, 200g)
Diamond Signet Ring (Thannos, 200g)
2 Diamond Earrings (guards, 100g each)
300g from Shadar-kai
300g from mercenaries for evacuation
100g from Dwarf attackers
3000g from Clan Ironfell
1008 xp each
Encounters:
1450 xp Guardroom (Thannos, 3 guards)
300 xp Bluff Sarshan (skill)
1050 xp Portal room (6 shadows)
300 xp Modra removed from Overlook (quest)
1500 xp Info on Sarshan's operations (quest)
1450 xp Clan Flameforge (6 Dwarves, 1 Hell Hound)
Healer's Sash
+1 Throwing Hammer
Diamond Signet Ring (Modus, 200g)
Diamond Signet Ring (Thannos, 200g)
2 Diamond Earrings (guards, 100g each)
300g from Shadar-kai
300g from mercenaries for evacuation
100g from Dwarf attackers
3000g from Clan Ironfell
1008 xp each
Encounters:
1450 xp Guardroom (Thannos, 3 guards)
300 xp Bluff Sarshan (skill)
1050 xp Portal room (6 shadows)
300 xp Modra removed from Overlook (quest)
1500 xp Info on Sarshan's operations (quest)
1450 xp Clan Flameforge (6 Dwarves, 1 Hell Hound)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
PC Status
The PC's have had 4 encounters so far "today;" gather info in the camps, ogres, the foundry & the library. Most of you have used item dailies & action points. Everyone has at least 1 action point (you just reached a milestone).
You are on the cusp of level 7. Please update your character to 7th level. Bring both the 6th & 7th versions next game. Once you rest, you'll level. Make sure you bring all of your level 6 notes. Surges, dailies, etc will likely be important.
You are on the cusp of level 7. Please update your character to 7th level. Bring both the 6th & 7th versions next game. Once you rest, you'll level. Make sure you bring all of your level 6 notes. Surges, dailies, etc will likely be important.
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