Session 14 Recap

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.”