+1 Morningstar (Wicked Fang)
Figurine – Ironwood Hound
Helm of the Eagle
1 Potion of Healing
1 Potion of Regeneration
1400 gp
1325 xp each
Encounters:
2250 xp Meditation Room (3 Psionic Echoes, 3 Mindscramblers)
2700 xp Training Room (12 gnolls, 1 shadar-kai)
3000 xp Bounty Hunter (1 Jimmy the elf, 2 owls, 2 hounds)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Session 18 Recap
The Githzerai “fortress” wasn’t very defensible. The heroes strode right in the front door. The entry hall was lined with windows/portals to other rooms. Most of them led to a guard room. The gnolls there quickly mobilized and positioned themselves, while the intruders tried to figure out how the portals worked. Both sides were split up between the rooms. The gnolls tried to gang up on 1 or 2 enemies, but still couldn’t bring down anyone. The adventurers eventually coordinated their efforts and removed the guards.
The portal system led to a four way intersection. Various sounds could be discerned from each direction. The group chose to follow the voices first. This led to the prison. The gnolls on duty here were trained to restrain and whip prisoners. Their tactics were less effective on hearty adventurers, though the manacles were annoying.
Two prisoners were found in the cells; a human deputy from Red Rock and an elf ranger from the Marth Forest. Both had been here less than a week, but were routinely beaten. The gnolls have been capturing skilled citizens in the region for several weeks, but neither of these men knew what had happened to the others. They confiscated gear from their fallen captors and headed home.
The group investigated the waterfall room next. Three gnolls (two mounted) were training in the water to build strength & stamina. The mounts were large hyenas, and they laid into Kava with their riders sporting light lances. These weren’t the real threat though. The third gnoll was a summoner. He called in swarms of crows and rats that viciously gnawed on several of the heroes, and he did so at least three times, flooding the room with vermin. But alas, his defenders weren’t as skilled, and once the heroes got to him, he went down quickly.
A door in the back corner was wedged shut with a note in Abyssal (the gnoll’s language): “Warning! Keep out! Haunted!”
The portal system led to a four way intersection. Various sounds could be discerned from each direction. The group chose to follow the voices first. This led to the prison. The gnolls on duty here were trained to restrain and whip prisoners. Their tactics were less effective on hearty adventurers, though the manacles were annoying.
Two prisoners were found in the cells; a human deputy from Red Rock and an elf ranger from the Marth Forest. Both had been here less than a week, but were routinely beaten. The gnolls have been capturing skilled citizens in the region for several weeks, but neither of these men knew what had happened to the others. They confiscated gear from their fallen captors and headed home.
The group investigated the waterfall room next. Three gnolls (two mounted) were training in the water to build strength & stamina. The mounts were large hyenas, and they laid into Kava with their riders sporting light lances. These weren’t the real threat though. The third gnoll was a summoner. He called in swarms of crows and rats that viciously gnawed on several of the heroes, and he did so at least three times, flooding the room with vermin. But alas, his defenders weren’t as skilled, and once the heroes got to him, he went down quickly.
A door in the back corner was wedged shut with a note in Abyssal (the gnoll’s language): “Warning! Keep out! Haunted!”
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Session 18 Rewards
+2 Tratnyr (Vengeful)
Gloves of Storing
Salve of Power
2 Potions of Clarity +2
2 Desert Roses
600 gold
1150 xp each
Encounters:
2300 xp Portal Room (7 gnolls)
2300 xp Prison (7 gnolls)
2300 xp Waterfall (3 gnolls, 2 hyenas)
Gloves of Storing
Salve of Power
2 Potions of Clarity +2
2 Desert Roses
600 gold
1150 xp each
Encounters:
2300 xp Portal Room (7 gnolls)
2300 xp Prison (7 gnolls)
2300 xp Waterfall (3 gnolls, 2 hyenas)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Session 17 Recap (part 2)
Brindol seemed somewhat less lively since the heroes had last seen it. There were fewer people on the streets. Rumors told of abductions in the night among the outlying villages. People of Brindol were packing up & moving. With goblinoid attacks, talk of orc armies, midnight abductions and rumors of werewolves, the people were uncomfortable. Surely life elsewhere would be safer than the vale.
Councilman Troyas was happy to see the adventurers. News of their feats in the west had spread all the way to Brindol. He chatted briefly with them concerning recent events and suggested that Reed might stay on with them in Toradin’s absence. He never mentioned the silver haired woman, and expressed genuine ignorance when asked. The museum curator though… It was time they paid him a visit.
Sertanian was busy cleaning the museum pieces when the group arrived. He tried to smooth is apron & hair when he saw his saviors, but he still looked old & dirty. The group was led to a back room, where he had moved one of the Silver Sentinal replica pieces, a platinum longsword with a red crystal in the pommel.
The voice from the dream spoke to them. The woman was trapped in the sword and needs their help to be released. A specific ritual was required, in a specific place. She could provide the ritual and directions, but the Githzerai monastery is now inhabited by Gnolls. Evil is at work in the vale and it has woken her from a long slumber.
The journey was somewhat uneventful. It took the adventurers to Red Rock and into the Giantshield Mountains. Her directions were sketchy at times, and her communications became increasingly shorter and weaker. The party found its way though, and found a number of hazards along the way. The Gnolls had a good hideout and did not want company.
Several days out of Brindol, the heroes finally came to the fortress. A huge stone stairway led up the side of a mountain to double doors. Githzerai carvings and statues gave no doubt this was their destination. Gnolls guarded the stairs with a ghost. The ghost “possessed” the statues to attack. All were vanquished, though the gnolls hit notably harder than most foes. The gnoll weaponry was noteworthy. Two of the guards were sporting weapons made of Shadowfell steel, and Shadar-kai style. The weaponry is strange and difficult to use, even for Kava.
Councilman Troyas was happy to see the adventurers. News of their feats in the west had spread all the way to Brindol. He chatted briefly with them concerning recent events and suggested that Reed might stay on with them in Toradin’s absence. He never mentioned the silver haired woman, and expressed genuine ignorance when asked. The museum curator though… It was time they paid him a visit.
Sertanian was busy cleaning the museum pieces when the group arrived. He tried to smooth is apron & hair when he saw his saviors, but he still looked old & dirty. The group was led to a back room, where he had moved one of the Silver Sentinal replica pieces, a platinum longsword with a red crystal in the pommel.
The voice from the dream spoke to them. The woman was trapped in the sword and needs their help to be released. A specific ritual was required, in a specific place. She could provide the ritual and directions, but the Githzerai monastery is now inhabited by Gnolls. Evil is at work in the vale and it has woken her from a long slumber.
The journey was somewhat uneventful. It took the adventurers to Red Rock and into the Giantshield Mountains. Her directions were sketchy at times, and her communications became increasingly shorter and weaker. The party found its way though, and found a number of hazards along the way. The Gnolls had a good hideout and did not want company.
Several days out of Brindol, the heroes finally came to the fortress. A huge stone stairway led up the side of a mountain to double doors. Githzerai carvings and statues gave no doubt this was their destination. Gnolls guarded the stairs with a ghost. The ghost “possessed” the statues to attack. All were vanquished, though the gnolls hit notably harder than most foes. The gnoll weaponry was noteworthy. Two of the guards were sporting weapons made of Shadowfell steel, and Shadar-kai style. The weaponry is strange and difficult to use, even for Kava.
Session 17 Recap (part 1)
Having cleared the dwarven fortress of intruders, the heroes exited the desert. The birdman and Rosalima (the billy goat) accompanied them to Dunesend. The villagers were relieved to know the Queen’s threat was finally gone. They were much friendlier this time. The local priestess favored the strangers with some equipment upgrades.
En route to Overlook, the party came across a camp of Ironfell men-at-arms. The clan had discovered spies in their midst and sent these men to protect their interests. They escorted the adventurers back to Overlook without incidence. Along the way, the travelers overheard several rumors concerning political power struggles between some of the merchant houses and the city council. Clan Flameforge was mentioned a few times as well, usually followed by a grunt or spitting.
Bram Ironfell listened intently to everything the group had to say concerning the Karak Lode. He asked for the map, signet ring & broken sword. He paid the 3000 gold balance and promised to keep in touch regarding future profits. It will take some time to get the place operational again though.
The group relaxed a bit and made plans for the future. They explored options regarding the hidden portals beneath Overlook. A significant sum of gold was spent on rituals to exploit this potential resource. Peleus met with some of his Erathis contacts.
Then Seregdur had a strange dream (yes, the elf dreamed). A silver haired elven woman was pleading with him for help. The dream was very vivid. Even after waking, he could hear her voice. Two days later Rathos had the same dream, plus a Halfling by her side. She asked for his help with a strained voice. The next day, a messenger arrived from Brindol; the Halfling from the dream. He introduced himself as Reed. Councilman Troyas requested their company in Brindol to discuss some urgent matter. Peleus dreamed of the woman next, with Troyas this time. She mouthed silent words. Finally, Kava had the dream. It was brief. The museum curator from Brindol stood beside her this time.
Reed also brought news of Toradin’s father. He was seriously ill, potentially life threatening. Toradin stayed in Overlook to use the portal with the others (faster transportation), but lost interest in the group’s activities. He took to heavy (heavier) drinking. One night he went to the bathroom half drunk and never returned. Lost ones had taken him.
The group soon learned that a bounty was on their heads, 500 gold each. They tracked Toradin’s kidnappers to an abandoned temple of Pelor just outside town. The thugs inside were feisty, but the heroes calmed them, permanently. Toradin was rescued & one thug was spared, to warn others against such foolery.
The group then used their portal to reach the Haunted Woods south of Brindol. Everyone was home in no time.
En route to Overlook, the party came across a camp of Ironfell men-at-arms. The clan had discovered spies in their midst and sent these men to protect their interests. They escorted the adventurers back to Overlook without incidence. Along the way, the travelers overheard several rumors concerning political power struggles between some of the merchant houses and the city council. Clan Flameforge was mentioned a few times as well, usually followed by a grunt or spitting.
Bram Ironfell listened intently to everything the group had to say concerning the Karak Lode. He asked for the map, signet ring & broken sword. He paid the 3000 gold balance and promised to keep in touch regarding future profits. It will take some time to get the place operational again though.
The group relaxed a bit and made plans for the future. They explored options regarding the hidden portals beneath Overlook. A significant sum of gold was spent on rituals to exploit this potential resource. Peleus met with some of his Erathis contacts.
Then Seregdur had a strange dream (yes, the elf dreamed). A silver haired elven woman was pleading with him for help. The dream was very vivid. Even after waking, he could hear her voice. Two days later Rathos had the same dream, plus a Halfling by her side. She asked for his help with a strained voice. The next day, a messenger arrived from Brindol; the Halfling from the dream. He introduced himself as Reed. Councilman Troyas requested their company in Brindol to discuss some urgent matter. Peleus dreamed of the woman next, with Troyas this time. She mouthed silent words. Finally, Kava had the dream. It was brief. The museum curator from Brindol stood beside her this time.
Reed also brought news of Toradin’s father. He was seriously ill, potentially life threatening. Toradin stayed in Overlook to use the portal with the others (faster transportation), but lost interest in the group’s activities. He took to heavy (heavier) drinking. One night he went to the bathroom half drunk and never returned. Lost ones had taken him.
The group soon learned that a bounty was on their heads, 500 gold each. They tracked Toradin’s kidnappers to an abandoned temple of Pelor just outside town. The thugs inside were feisty, but the heroes calmed them, permanently. Toradin was rescued & one thug was spared, to warn others against such foolery.
The group then used their portal to reach the Haunted Woods south of Brindol. Everyone was home in no time.
Session 17 Rewards
Magic Items
+2 Brooch of Healing (Peleus upgrade)
+2 Cloak of Distortion (Rathos upgrade)
4 Alchemist Fire Arrows (Level 7)
Cash
3000 gp – Clan Ironfell
400 gp – Kidnappers
400 gp – Gnolls
-800 gp – Analyze Portal Ritual
-680 gp – Link Portal Ritual
-150 gp – Arcane Lock Ritual
-800 gp – various ritual castings
1375 xp each
Encounters
1500 xp Secure Karak Lode Mines (Quest)
1500 xp Liberate Dunesend (Quest)
600 xp Locate kidnappers (skill)
2500 xp Kidnappers (4 dwarves, 3 dopplegangers, 2 dogs)
600 xp Navigate to Fortress (skill)
1550 xp Front steps (4 gnolls, 1 ghost)
+2 Brooch of Healing (Peleus upgrade)
+2 Cloak of Distortion (Rathos upgrade)
4 Alchemist Fire Arrows (Level 7)
Cash
3000 gp – Clan Ironfell
400 gp – Kidnappers
400 gp – Gnolls
-800 gp – Analyze Portal Ritual
-680 gp – Link Portal Ritual
-150 gp – Arcane Lock Ritual
-800 gp – various ritual castings
1375 xp each
Encounters
1500 xp Secure Karak Lode Mines (Quest)
1500 xp Liberate Dunesend (Quest)
600 xp Locate kidnappers (skill)
2500 xp Kidnappers (4 dwarves, 3 dopplegangers, 2 dogs)
600 xp Navigate to Fortress (skill)
1550 xp Front steps (4 gnolls, 1 ghost)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The Kark Load Mines - aftermath
The dwarves mined too deep and came across a natural rift to the Elemental Chaos. The energy burst forth from the chasm to flood the mines with it's chaotic influence. In the end, the dwarves went mad and killed each other.
The frost zombie was Parlin Ironfell. His missing greatsword, Lightbringer, is among the Naga's treasure. It is broken in half, the magic gone from it. It is easily identifiable though, and no doubt clan Ironfell will want it back. His signet ring is also there, on the Naga's tail. The ring has minor magical properties tied to the fortress and mines. The wearer can scry other rooms, open doors and portculli. It's abilities are of no value outside the fortress.
The recent inhabitants have mined all the diamonds from the upper tunnels. You have no clue where those went. The lower tunnels are subject to the chaos energy. If the rift is closed, the effect should dwindle in time. Until then, the lower mines are too dangerous to be worked. Perhaps clan Ironfell can move back in & setup shop. Magic might be employed to clean up the radiation. There is nothing more to do or learn here.
If the group returns to the village, the birdman accompanies them. Returning Jenny's pet billygoat, Rosalima, is proof enough to the villagers that the threat is gone. Fawma, priestess of Melora, offers her enchanting services as reward. Disenchanting some of the party's unused gear might provide enough residium to upgrade 1-2 items. Teregor uses his insight to determine that Fawma is not skilled enough to do these things. The birdman has taken up residence with her though. Perhaps there's more to him.
Assuming the party will be returning to Overlook, clan Ironfell will reward them 3000gold for the map, signet ring & greatsword. That leaves the PC's with a lot of cash. How will you spend it?
The frost zombie was Parlin Ironfell. His missing greatsword, Lightbringer, is among the Naga's treasure. It is broken in half, the magic gone from it. It is easily identifiable though, and no doubt clan Ironfell will want it back. His signet ring is also there, on the Naga's tail. The ring has minor magical properties tied to the fortress and mines. The wearer can scry other rooms, open doors and portculli. It's abilities are of no value outside the fortress.
The recent inhabitants have mined all the diamonds from the upper tunnels. You have no clue where those went. The lower tunnels are subject to the chaos energy. If the rift is closed, the effect should dwindle in time. Until then, the lower mines are too dangerous to be worked. Perhaps clan Ironfell can move back in & setup shop. Magic might be employed to clean up the radiation. There is nothing more to do or learn here.
If the group returns to the village, the birdman accompanies them. Returning Jenny's pet billygoat, Rosalima, is proof enough to the villagers that the threat is gone. Fawma, priestess of Melora, offers her enchanting services as reward. Disenchanting some of the party's unused gear might provide enough residium to upgrade 1-2 items. Teregor uses his insight to determine that Fawma is not skilled enough to do these things. The birdman has taken up residence with her though. Perhaps there's more to him.
Assuming the party will be returning to Overlook, clan Ironfell will reward them 3000gold for the map, signet ring & greatsword. That leaves the PC's with a lot of cash. How will you spend it?
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