Module: In Search of Adventure (The Hall of Rock)
In Search of Adventure – The Hall
of Rock
"Threshold! The northernmost town in the Duchy - and your last stop before your adventures begin. Threshold, the gateway to mysterious castles, lost temples, deadly caves and caverns. You have heard the stories and legends, now you wish to see for yourself."
Characters:
Ambrose the Celt: A solid and devout man, Ambrose does not
believe in bloodshed, but will bash enemies on the head to subdue them. Young,
not tonsured, although dressed as a cleric, he insists on praying for one hour
a day. He is loyal and fearless in the face of evil.
He can most often be heard
proselytizing about the return of King Halav to Traladara, in the form of Stefan Karameikos.
It is clear that Ambrose, like his fellow Halavans,
deeply believes that Traladara is on the path to the
restoration of its former glory, and that Stefan Karameikos,
King Halav reborn, is the man to make it happen.
Due to the nature of his
profession, and the object of his devotion, Ambrose has little to his name
other than his leather armor and sturdy club.
Anastasia
Vorloi:
Anastasia Vorloi
is a fairly attractive 15 year old. She stands about 6
foot and is approximately 145lbs. She has long red hair that falls in loose
waves down to her waist, and eyes that look like pools of ink. Her smooth skin
glistens like bronze in the noonday sun.
Around the city she wears
fitted black pants that lace up the sides of her legs, a red linen blouse; a
black bodice wraps around her waits and laces up on either side. Black leather
boots come up just past her knees and fitted black leather gloves adorn her
hands. On her back a cloak, the color of her hair, falls down almost to her
ankles where it ends in a rather ragged and torn edge. She seems to wear this
cloak with the utmost of pride. There is a throwing axe and a sword on her left
hip.
Anastasia carries herself in a
proud and dignified manner. She seems confident in all she does. Her father,
Lord Vorloi, a general in Duke Stefan's army, taught
her swordplay since shortly after she could walk. While no one expected her to
go through the shearing, her father was only too proud to cut her cloak, give
her a sword and watch her go out to prove herself truly a Vorloi.
Since the shearing a few weeks
ago she has traveled to the neighboring city of
In the evenings she has a room
at a local tavern, and spends the evenings socializing with the locals, sharing
in a few drinks, and then quietly retires to her room for the night.
Gurv Mohr: Gurv was born the son of a soldier and tried his hand at it
for awhile. He chaffed under the yoke
of the discipline and decided to go freelance as a sellsword. Nothing too risky, just an
occasional bit of caravan escorting and bully beating. When he was in his mid-20s, he settled down
with a young barmaid he met at his favorite tavern. He thought about opening his own inn and
having a few kids. This plan fell apart
when his wife left him for a younger, handsomer, adventuring type. Now, to prove to his estranged wife and
himself that he's worth a damn, Gurv has taken up his
sword for real riches and real danger.
Gurv is a solid, 6' tall human man in his early 30s. He has brown, thinning hair and a thick
beard. His face is of average
appearance, but jovial and usually smiling.
Gurv is a bit soft and heavy around
his middle, but has wide shoulders and powerful build.
Keelo B. Marrows
Nahawen:
Pommeraie Sollis: is a
tall (just under 6') man in his late teens or early twenties, with tan skin,
short but thick and unkept red hair, and bright
cobalt blue eyes that seem to shine with either mirth or rage.
His dress is both practical
and subdued. Redish brown wool trousers, a studded
leather jacket, and a forrest
green hooded cloak blend in well in the woods of Karemeikos.
His boots have the worn look of long travels. He wears a longsword
on his left hip and a dagger on his right. Under that green cloak he has a dark
green metal shield slung on his back.
Pommeraie's
ancestors were traditional men-at-arms (frequently sergeants) of the Karemeikos family. When Duke Stephen chose to move to the
new land, Pommeraie's grandfather Uhtred
Sollis went as a sergeant of the guard and took his
own family with him. After years of service, the Duke granted Uhtred a title and small holding outside of the capital. Pommeraie's father, Uhtred's
eldest child (also named Uhtred - as are all of the
eldest surviving sons in the Sollis family) followed
in his fathers footsteps, now as a knight in the service of the Duke. As the
third born male, Pommeraie was ignored more often
than not. He was drawn more to the forrests.
When his father stated that he planned to make Pommeraie
become a cleric in the
Sevaliar he was a former officer/wizard in the elfguard,
then. I can't for the life of me
remember the name of the Colonel, (straight wizard, lots
of facial scarring) but for this we can bust him down to former Sergeant.
(Elves live a long time and can have a bunch of careers).
He'll still have the facial
burn scars, but not from battle or from some botched magical experiment: a
village that "didna need no fancy book larnin'" ran him out, and a villager made sure he got
cozy with a torch before he was clear. Traldaran cleric was leading the mob.
Shayesti: Shayesti grew up in the Alfheim town of
She also
enjoyed playing with mechanical things like locks and traps.
Unfortunately,
this cost her dearly once when the lock she was trying to pick had a needle
trap she failed to find. That incident cost her an eye
and the respect of her parents. In hindsight, she probably shouldn't have been
playing with the lock on her mother's magical laboratory doors.
Soon after
that, her mother left Shieldtree on a voyage to Glantri. Her whole caravan dissapeared without a trace one night as they camped on a
misty hillside. After that, Shayesti decided
she should be the one to inform her father of the dire news. So she took what
supplies she could carry and set out to the south on a journey to Karameikos. Eventually, she found herself in the town of
Introduction: To a wizard, knowledge is power, and the wizard Lirdrium Ardkayz wants to know the mysterious secret of The Rock. Many have tried to discover it – but The Rock keeps its secret well. The wizard offers a rich reward to anyone bold enough to solve this dark mystery.
But the road to the Rock leads to danger and hidden peril – dangers that have claimed the lives of many brave adventurers. Rashness and folly will lead to quick death, but riches await the clever and the brave. Have you the wits, courage and skill to survive the Journey to the Rock?
Date: Soladain, Yarthmont the 14th,
AC 1000
Location: Town of
Word of your clearing of
The message board in the center of town holds the following information:
WANTED: RENEGADE
CLERIC ELWYN
See Patriarch Halaran
PACKAGE DELIVERY
NEEDED TO SELENICA
See Merchant Sindar at the Stalwart Glass Tavern
The following “news” items are also posted on what seems to be a current events/ gossip parchment;
“Goblins raiding along the Black Eagle barony border. The Baron is suspected”
“Unidentified merchant has been making inquiries about something called “The Rock.””
“Foreign nobleman who owned a whole fleet of ships was assassinated Flaurmont 22, AC 1000 in Specularum. The Iron Ring is suspected.”
“Renowned fighter Rogahn the Fearless, long missing, is believed alive and working for Baron Hendriks.”
“Gnomes are smuggling gems down the river in hollowed logs.”
“The Black Eagle border raids must be getting worse. A mysterious messenger from there arrive in Specularum on Yarthmont 1, AC 1000.”
“A small hamlet only a day’s ride to the east was overrun by hobgoblins on Yarthmont 4, AC 1000. Everyone was killed.”
“The frost giants in the
Anastasia
would like to buy a new sword and throwing axe, and possibly look into some
better armor.
Anastasia can purchase a longsword for 27gold, 4silver and 5 copper. A throwing axe will cost 6gold, 6 silver and 4 copper. The following armor is available that’s better than Anastasia’s chainmail:
Platemail (AC +7) costs 996 gold and counts as 3 ENC
Full plate (AC +8) costs 1,660 gold and counts as 3 ENC
Nahawen takes a
room at a good inn and buys herself a warm and fulfilling meal. The next
morning she purchases what things she needs. Throughout the day she entertains
herself by telling the children tales of their adventures, enjoying the look of
surprise and happiness on their young faces as she tells their exciting
stories. Nahawen will also leave her coin at the bank
for safe keeping.
Well never you mind about the armor then as that’s a bit
rich for her blood still.
But she will buy the
sword and Axe and will get a common meal and a spot in the common room at the
inn for the night and leave the rest of her money in the bank.
Ambrose will tend to each of you until all your wounds are healed. It takes 5 days of rest and healing for you all to be back in top shape.
Gromdain, Yarthmont the 9th, AC 1000
Happy Birthday to Sevaliar. You don’t look a day over 54.
Soladain, Yarthmont the 14th, AC 1000
As you are taking breakfast at the tavern one morning, a traveler walks into the common room. In a loud voice he says, “Peace be upon you all! I’ Hakeem the merchant, seek worthy friends in search of adventure!”
"Greeting
Hakeem, please join us for a bit of breakfast and
tell us more of what you seek. For perhaps we might just be what you
seek."
Anastasia pulls
another table over to their table and rises to greet the man before them.
“Ah, very gracious, indeed, but I will not be staying long! As I passed through Sylvanhome forest on the way here, I stopped at the manor, a fine palace owned by the wizard Lirdrium Arkayz. His servant Jenlar Temlin paid me to deliver his message here. The wizard needs adventurers to undertake a quest, and he is willing to pay well anyone who answers his call. The letter of his servant explains all. Good day, my friends.” He lays a scroll on your table and then turns to leave.
You have heard the name Jenlar Temlin spoken about town – he has a reputation as a brave, honorable, and trustworthy fighter.
Gurv sits
contently, sopping up some beef gravy with a biscuit from his second breakfast
of the day. Since last seen, Gurv has bought new
black leather boots, two pairs of gray trousers, and three simple undyed woolen shirts. All are cut well to contain the large
fighters ample size. He has enjoyed the five days by
staying in the finest rooms available to him.
"Sounds
interesting, no doubt. Jenlar Temlin. My wife, um...ex-wife will surely hear about it if
I sit down with him."
Gurv
plucks the last sausage from his other plate and pops it in his mouth.
"I need to go
check what armor I can buy. New sword, too. I'm hoping
for something a bit more substantial than the old mail, but we'll see what's on
the market. Get a nice new steel hand-and-a-half and I should be set. Maybe a lantern too. Nice iron bullseye
number should do the trick. Busy day. I'll be back in
a few hours. Don't leave without me."
(OOC: Gurv's has bought boots (heavy), trousers (2), belt, cloak,
and shirts (2). He has also spent 5 days in a good inn, eaten 20 good tavern
meals, and had maybe 30 mugs of ale on top of that. Now he wants to buy a new
bastard sword, the heaviest armor available, armor and weapon oil, a winter
blanket, a large belt pouch, flint and steel, a lantern (bullseye),
flasks of oil (2), rope (silk, 50'), a waterskin, a
bedroll and a whetstone. Prices will vary, so it seems, so I leave it to you to
tell me how much that will be.)
The only prices that differ from the C&C PHB are for the bastrad sword (Gurv’s costs 37 gold, 7 silver, 5 copper) and the armor. The best Gurv can afford is a full chain suit for 350 gold pieces. This leaves Gurv with 24 platinum, 3 gold, 2 silver and 7 copper pieces left.
Anastasia
carefully lifts the scroll from the table and begins to read it. In a soft
voice so only those at the table can hear she reads the scroll to her
companions.
IN THE NAME OF LIRDRIUM ARKAYZ, I, JENLAR TEMLIN, OFFER GREETINGS
I have given this letter to the worthy Hakeem, and I hope that the letter has reached you promptly.
In younger days I sought gold and glory through adventure, but now I manage the affairs of The Manor for the wizard Lirdrium Arkayz. Lirdrium was also once and adventurer like yourselves, but now he devotes himself to philosophy and the discovery of forgotten secrets and ancient magical lore. Sometimes, he hires bold adventurers to obtain lore that he is too busy to get for himself. It is for this reason that we have sought you out. Master Arkayz needs adventurers to perform a certain task. When a man from the village told me you were there, I hired Hakeem to find you. I think that Master Arkayz’ offer will be an adventure to your liking.
To the West of The Manor there stands a solitary crag known only as The Rock. According to legend, The Rock holds a powerful, ancient secret. No one knows the secret, but Master Arkayz wishes to add it to his knowledge. Master Arkayz believes that you have the skill and courage to uncover that secret and bring it back to him. The quest will be difficult and dangerous, but great and lasting treasure will be yours if you succeed. I invite you to come to The Manor as the guests of Master Arkayz. When you arrive, I will explain in more detail what the quest involves.
JENLAR TEMLIN
A map accompanies the letter.
Anastasia
smoothes the letter and the map out on the table, and looks in turn to each
companion assembled around the table. "What say you? Do we take up the
call of Jenlar Temlin and
his Master Arkayz. If the reputations heard about town are to be trusted it
would seem the wise and honorable thing to, as they both appear well
respected."
After a moment of
deep thought, staring at the map and the letter Anastasia looks back up at her
companions "I say we head out to this Manor and hear more of what they
have to say. There is nothing to be learned or earned sitting here in a tavern
noon and night. I say we test our metal once more, and see if we can not once
again overcome most dire odds.” Anastasia says this last bit with such
confidence, that it is not hard to imagine why so many in her family become
great leaders.
"Seems worthwhile. It'll be a pleasant change to visit a place where using
the word 'arcane' doesn't make the locals wave their arms to ward off the evil
eye." Sevaliar then sips his tea, pointedly
ignoring the grimaces he fully expects from two or three party members.
Enjoying her food and wine, Shayesti
listens intently to Anastasia read about the job offered on the scroll. She
thinks silently to herself about her mother and father. Her
mother, gone...maybe dead. Her father, serving Duke
Stefan in Specularum. She thought she was on
her way to tell her father about his wife's disappearance and possible death.
Now...well, now she was not sure.
Perhaps her path lay
in a different direction. Her father had not been home in over a decade. Surely
just a little more time would not make much difference one way or the other.
And, she was only willing to admit to herself, after facing death with these others
she felt closer to them. Even the humans. So that is
the crux of it. She would stay with this group, for now at least.
"I am in favor
of journeying to hear what they have to offer. Let us hope we do not come so
close to death this time around. For I have centuries left to watch in this
world, and I do not intend to miss any of them."
OOC: Shayesti also stores the majority of her funds in the bank
in town. She will keep 7 platinum (assuming this still equals
70 gold) and 30 gold.
A platinum is equal to 5 gold in this game.
Pommeraei
hoists an ale as he considers the offered adventure.
Based on the map in front of you, it would take one day to reach The Manor.
"I
think that we should head out at first light tomorrow. We can take this last
day to gather up any other supplies we might need, and get a good nights rest
and head out at day break." Anastasia looks around the table as she says
this to see if anyone has any objections or any other suggestions to offer up.
Pommeraei looks up from his ale.
Let's get this
straight. There's this tough retired adventurer. He's into collecting lost
lore? And he needs someone to go to a ROCK, next to his HOUSE to find it? Uh,
can anyone else spell "set-up"?
Pommeraei
is unsure whether he really believes this or is just being contentious because
of his dislike of Anastasia's assumption of a leadership role. It will probably
come across that way regardless of the truth.
Hey, has anyone seen
one of the wizards lately? Or don't they do taverns?
Given the lack of posts and the interest in moving things along, the rest of the party agrees with Anastasia. You are able to have Nahawen cast identify on your sword, for the cost of 100 gold pieces. She tells you it is a magical +1 sword. She senses something else about it, but that something is beyond her abilities to identify.
Lunadain, the
15th of Yarthmont, AC 1000
The
With Jenlar Temlin’s map to guide you, you head for the Manor. Soon you enter the forest, following a narrow trail that leads to the north. Sometimes you catch a fleeting glimpse of a rabbit or squirrel that feels at your approach. However, you see nothing, animal or monster, that could threaten you. The trail seems peaceful and safe. As dusk approaches, the trail opens into a large clearing. A majestic building of white marble stands in the middle of the clearing. The elegant house is not fortified or protected by a defensive wall. A open courtyard decorated with statues of heroic adventurers and fierce monsters surrounds the house. From the descriptions of the villagers, you know at once that this is The Manor of Lirdrium Arkayz – the start of your adventure.
Gurv, who has
met up with the group after making his purchases, trudges gracelessly up the
trail, his new chain armor jingling all the way. Gurv
examines his surroundings as he approaches the house with an admiring whistle.
"Now this is a
nice set-up. Exactly how I plan to do it a few years down the road.
Gurv
approaches one of the statues and looks at if carefully.
"How much you
think a thing like this costs?"
"I know not, Gurv. But they
are all worth well more than we can afford as of yet. Though statues are nice,
I would still prefer to be back in Alfheim among the
trees." Shayesti replies as they walk up to the
manor. "Shall we knock and meet our new employer? If he needs any
references, I am sure mister Caldwell would be happy
to recommend us."
Anastasia approaches the door and knocks three times
before waiting patiently for someone to answer the door, with a very formal and
almost business like looks on her face.
The Manor
The doors to the house open silently. Two fighters stand just inside. One says, “We have expected you. Jenlar Temlin is waiting to see you.” They escort you into a lavishly-furnished room with a long table in the middle. A middle-aged man in a red robe sits at the head of the table. He rises when you enter. His hair and long, drooping moustache are red, and his eyes are green. He has the look of a tough, experienced warrior. He says, I trust you had a safe journey. Evil creatures have learned not to bother us here. Welcome to The Manor. I am Jenlar Temlin. The terms for hiring you are these: If you go to The Rock and bring its secret back, Master Arkayz will pay 300 gold pieces to each of you. You will also be able to keep whatever treasures you find along the way. Master Arkayz only wishes to have the secret of The Rock; he has no need for more wealth. We will provide riding horses for all of you, if you do not already have them. You can start now or rest here overnight and set out in the morning.”
Anastasia
gives the man a calculating, but friendly glance. With a slight bow of her head
she speaks "Anastasia Vorloi, Sir. Direct and to
the point, I like that. As far as the terms, they sound quite agreeable. For me
at least, I do not presume to speak for all those here. I do think it would be
best to set out at daybreak, as travel at night is treacherous at best."
After a brief pause
Anastasia continues "What may I ask is currently known of The Rock? Any
known creatures that have taken up residence, magics
that may affect the area, and the like. I prefer to know at least some of what
I am facing, one tends to live longer that way."
“For
certain, we know nothing at all. That is
the very reason for which adventurers were hired. Had the lay of the land or its inhabitants
been common knowledge, someone surely would have claimed the prize long
before. I’m afraid my details cannot
match Master Arkayz’ hospitality,
and it is for just such a reason that the reward is so generous.”
"Fair enough,
details then I suppose we shall retrieve." With that Anastasia bow her
head to Jenlar again and steps back to yield the
floor to another, should they so wish it.
Pommeraei steps forward and offers a slight bow. Raising, he meets Jenlar’s gaze. Pommeraei Sollis. Your offer of
horses is kind, yet I'm interested in the logistics of this quest. How far is
this Rock from this manor? If not far, why have you not sent some of these
strapping lads, Pommeraei waves his arm at the
fighters who escorted the party in, to investigate?
“The Rock is some 60 to 70 miles from here, to the west. And the guards are hired to guard. Adventurers are hired to adventure.”
"I,
for one, will agree to undertake this mission. I would not have come this far
if I had not been ready to do what was asked of me. My appoligies for interrupting you, Pommeraei."
Shayesti speaks quickly, then
just as quickly falls back into silence with a nod towards her host and her
companions.
“A most admirable attitude. Now then, if there are no more questions, it is only left to decide if you will leave today or tomorrow morning?”
Pommeraei
shrugs as though not completely convinced, but resigned to the decision to go. Very well. I can see your logic. I suggest that we get a
good night's rest, and Lord, if your generosity extends thus; could we gather
some dry rations and water from your stores? This party has tended to walk, so
if the horses could be equipped with saddlebags and rations of food and water,
we could make swift time in our gathering of your secret lore. I am sure that a
deduction from our fee would be in order, if that is an issue.
"Having already traveled this entire day, I would prefer
to start fresh in the morning," Shayesti volunteers.
Gurv smiles and addresses Jenlar.
"Master Temlin, I gotta say it's a real
honor to meet you. And be sure, we...well I, for sure, would be happy to look
into this Rock thing and the secret and all that. No problem at all. Would appreciate a night before heading out, though. A man
like me...well, I like to start each adventure with a night in a soft,
comfortable bed and good, hot meal in my belly. You make that happen and I'm
your man. no doubt about it."
Gromdain,
the 16th of Yarthmont, AC 1000 (high
spring)
You are given not only a wonderful dinner while watching the full moon illuminate the nearby forest, but a sumptuous breakfast as well. Riding horses laden with rations and water are ready for you in the morning. Jenlar Temlin sees you off.
“I have a final warning to give you, one that might help you on your way. Master Arkayz wrote it himself and hopes that you will be wise enough to remember it, and use it when you need it.
Jenlar Temlin reaches into his robe and brings out a small scroll. He unwinds it, clears his throat and begins to read.
“Golden dreams can quickly turn to nightmares filled with flames that burn. Dark clouds may not bring you light, but watch for silver linings bright. Strength is not as strength might look; remember falsely-covered books! Simple treasures won’t grow old, and all that glitters is not gold.” Jenlar winds up the scroll and adds, “Legends also say that the secret is in two parts, visible and invisible. Good luck to you all.” Jenlar Temlin also hands you a map, of sorts, with little detail but a path clearly marked.
Gurv appears to
be in good spirits. He walks his horse out from the stables and waves goodbye
to Jenlar.
"This is always
the best part. The day's ahead are full of the possibility of gold and glory. None of the reality of having a mound of acidic gelatin eating away
at your armor and a few layers of skin. No wolves yet biting into your
legs. Just a few days of pleasant travel with good
company."
Gurv
takes a swig of his waterskin and continues walking.
"Our thanks to you mesir
Jenlar. And our gratitude to you and your master for the warning. We
shall attempt to put it to best use." Giving a slight bow, Shayesti says farewell. "Until we
return then, good journey."
Shayesti
takes the reins of her horse from the handler and walks it out of the stables
following Gurv. Taking an apple from the saddlebags,
she takes a bite before feeding the rest to her horse and stroking its muzzle
as they walk away from the manor.
Anastasia gives Master Jenlar a
quick bow, before swinging herself up into the saddle. "We're off then,
and we will not return until we have the secrets your Master wishes, of that
you have my word. We will remember your Master's warning, please give him our
thanks." Anastasia gives a quick salute and rides off to the front of the
group and awaits them as they say their thanks and goodbyes.
You set out on the trail marked for you on the map, which for the first couple of hours is the same as that you followed to the manor, only heading the other direction. Where noted, you turn off on a path to the west.
W1. Harpy Clearing
It’s just past noon and the trail you are following is about 20 feet wide. Overhanging trees block out most of the bright blue sky. The sun is still hidden by the tall trees and only the bright sky lights up the forest. Rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals run among the trees, bushes and scrub. A few deer show their faces for a moment, then turn and run until their white tails vanish in the thick forest. The trail seems to be opening up just ahead. To your right the line of the forest is moving away to the north. You come to a clearing with bright green grass and some patches of fragrant wild roses. Suddenly, you hear singing; soft, fair voices singing to you, calling you to leave the trail and come to them.
Ambrose, Anastasia, Gurv, Keelo, Pommeraie and Shayesti suddenly stop urging their mounts forward and sit stock still in their saddles. Four creatures with the lower bodies and wings of giant eagles and the upper bodies and heads of hideous women come swooping down out of the trees, singing their enchanting song. One of the creatures is twice as large as the others and wears a tiara. The largest one screams “I am mighty Helgarth, Queen of Harpies! Who dares to attack the Wings of Death?”
Only Nahawen and Sevaliar may speak or act. What do you do?
OK, guys, I’d like to move this along, and I’m not sure Sevaliar is still with us; so, rather than have the party wiped out here, I’m going to have to fudge this encounter. We’re going to say Nahawen was enchanted as well. When everyone came to their senses, Sevaliar and his mount are gone. The last thing everyone remembers is hearing the singing.
"Sevaliar! Sevaliar!" Anastasia dismounts and looks for tracks to indicate
where he might have gone. Finding none she does a quick search of the immediate
surroundings for the wizard or clues to his whereabouts.
"There seems to
be no sign on him. I could not even guess a direction to look, I think it best
we press on, he knew the direction of our travel and it's
destination. Mayhap he'll meet up with us there."
Gurv shakes his head.
"Feels
weird. My head, I mean. Like...cloudy, I guess? Like when you drink too
much...but without headache or vomiting."
Gurv
checks his horse to make sure all his belongings are still there.
"We should be
careful. We're lucky to have not gotten are throats slit."
I knew this was a bad idea... Pommeraei
rubs his head.
Much as I dislike 'em, does anyone else wish we had a spellcaster
around for things like that?
As you search the clearing you do find a narrow trail leading north out of the clearing, in the direction from which the harpies came. Or you could continue in the direction indicated on your map.
"We
should continue on, there's no way to know exactly how much of the day we lost
seeing as we all blacked out. We are on a job and if we leave the path now
there is no telling if we will be able to make our way back. Let's continue to
our destination."
For once I agree. The harpies frankly kicked our
collective butts - I for one am not up on trying to chase that down again.
"In agreement I am. We should go on without them I am
afraid. It is unfortunate, but true. With some luck, perhaps they may yet
escape and return." Shayesti offers up.
Gurv frowns but nods.
"It's a shame,
you know, but we are unable to deal with those monsters. Though it burns me to
say it, no use us all dying. We need to move on."
Gurv
steps into his stirrup and mounts up.
Ambrose, Anastasia, Gurv, Keelo, Nahawen, Pommeraie and Shayesti continue on. After about two more hours on the trail, it splits into three different trails. Your map shows that all three reach the same destination. The southern trail through barrens, the middle trail (that most closely keeps the direction you are on) through the mountains, and a northern trail through unmarked territory. Any questions previously asked of Jenlar Temlin would not have provided any clues; the trails themselves have not been reconnoitered.
"Shall
we head to the North. That path seems most unknown, we might be able to start discovering a bit
starting now. Besides, I fear the mountains might be slow going for the horses,
and the barrens may leave them with little to graze on. We can always take
another path on our way back, as well."
Gurv, still shaking off his sleepiness, speaks slowly with a
yawn.
"Yes, the
northern way seems to make most sense. If it's dangerous, we know not to come
back that way and we can tell our employer. If it's safe, well...it never hurts
to avoid a fight when you can."
Pommeraei stretched his back. North it is.
The NorthernTrail
The northern trail seems more quiet and peaceful than did the stretch of trail before the fork. The trees are less thick in the Western Bough (the name of this forest) than those of the Sylvanhome, and daylight streams through to light up sections quite cheerily. You ride for about 2 hours since choosing this trail and realize it’s getting a little late in the day and you might need to stop and rest. Do you look for a suitable spot or press on?
"We
should begin looking for a suitable place to set up camp for the night, and we
should set up watches."
Anastasia begins
scanning the road for a suitable spot, that is
sheltered somewhat from the road, look defensible, and has a small area for the
horses to be tethered so they can graze and sleep as well.
There are several suitable areas nearby.
Gurv examines
the suitable areas for camping.
"I'm not much of
an outdoorsman, but this place looks okay for stopping for the night. This way,
we can be fresh when we get to the Rock."
Gurv
starts pulling his sleeping supplies off his horse.
The night passes uneventfully. You wake in the morning, break your fast, and head back out on your way.
Tserdain, Yarthmont 17, AC 1000
You travel in the morning air for about a half an hour, riding along very much at ease, when there is a crashing sound in the underbrush and four huge creatures charge out of the brush, 40’ ahead of you. They wear rawhide tunics, helmets fashioned from the skulls and antlers of deer, and large sacks on their backs. They are about 10 feet tall and brandish large wooden clubs. There are only four of them but they look powerful. They spread out across the trail to block your path.
What do you do?
Gurv, who tends
to travel with his sword drawn just in case of trouble, yelps a bit in surprise
when the creatures emerge. Barely holding onto his sword, he tries to gather
himself. Gurv calls out.
"Oh...hello.
I imagine that you guys plan on hurting us. If so...I guess we'll fight, then.
If you want to talk, we can do that too if you prefer."
Gurv,
grinning nervously, looks sideways at his companions.
"Maybe...I don't
know. Maybe they're nice."
While hours of travel with a weapon in hand (especially on horseback) would tend to be impractical, there is nothing preventing you from drawing your sword as you speak.
The creatures seem taken aback by Gurv’s matter-of-fact display of bravado. They hesitate for a moment, and then break into big grins (more frightening than their initial appearance.) “We bandits! But we no hurt you. You tough. We like tough!” They break their blockade of your path and wave you on. “You go on. We no hurt.”
After
riding on a bit and once safely out of ear shot "Well that was odd, not
quite how I expected it too work out, but non-violence works too."
Gurv nods, a bit stunned.
"I'm as
surprised as you. I figured they would just attack, as I think even they were
planning. I wasn't even trying to be intimidating. I just wanted to make sure
we all knew each other's intentions."
Gurv
shakes his head.
"Weird."
You travel on for a few more hours without incident. A large, snarling wolf suddenly lunges out of the forest in front of you.
We are initiative. Keelo, Shayesti, Nahawen, Ambrose, and Anastasia may go.
Anastasia
will dismount and draw her sword, closing on the wolf as much as possible.
Nahawen will wait, pulling up her horse to stop it and keep
it in check.
Keelo and Shayesti hold their actions
(no posts).
Ambrose follows Anastasia’s lead and dismounts and draws his Morningstar.
The wolf charges Anastasia, but misses.
Gurv and Pommeraie may now go.
Gurv, realizing
the wolf may spook his horse, wisely dismounts. Stepping forward, he takes a
hack at the animal with his sword.
Pommeraei leaps from his mount, pulls his bow and fires an arrow
at the wolf.
Gurv and Pommeraie can dismount and draw weapons but will have to wait until next round to attack.
Anastasia, Shayesti, Pommerai, Nahawen, Gurv, Keelo and Ambrose may go.
Anastasia attacks the wolf, (12 rolled) cutting into it for 7 points of damage.
Shayesti is holding until posted.
Pommeraie fires into the melee (17 rolled) hitting the wolf for 6 points of damage.
Nahawen may go at any point.
Gurv attacks, (20 rolled – critical hit!) and strikes the wolf square on the snout for 6 points of damage, taking it down.
It is only another hour or so when you reach the edge of the Western Bough.
Tuma
Plain
You enter a wide stretch of flatland with tall, waving grass like green wheat growing everywhere but on the dirt trail. About 3 miles due west you see the black walls of a city rising about the landscape. Your trail leads directly to it.
You may continue on, go back and choose another trail, or skirt the edge of the forest heading south to intercept the central trail.
Gurv looks at
the black city walls with some concern.
"Let me see that
map. Is this on the map. Seems like an odd thing to
leave off. Even if we're not charged with exploring that, I feel like it's an
important thing to check out, nonetheless."
Gurv
looks at the rest of the group.
"If you want to
go back, I recommend we try to intercept the trail. I don't relish going past
those large bandits again. I'd rather not tempt fate by testing their tolerance
a second time."
Let's skirt south and see if we can pick up the central
trail.
"Why do we shun the city? Black
walls. Is that a reason to run? Hardly, walls come in many colors, it all depends on the building materials at hand. We
should scout this out, add it too our map and try and learn a bit more. We are
on a mission for knowledge, are we not?"
Anastasia face set in
determination, as she looks at the city.
"Should we
discover trouble lies beyond the walls we can always head back for the central
trail, but it could be miles from here by now."
Uh...weren't you all for running for the "Rock"
for that retired adventurer guy a while back? Now ya
want ta go shopping in the big city? What gives?
"Shopping? No, we were hired to find out information
about the rock, however the way to the rock is also an
unknown. Don't you think it would be doing a more complete job to discover as
much as we can about the paths to the rock? If this city is something to be
avoided our employer should be made aware that this path is not to be traveled.
If it is a welcoming city that is also very useful information to have as it
means there is respite along the way. We were hired to gather knowledge and
make discoveries. What do you think we are doing?"
Anastasia sounds more
militant then usual, but her manner does not change and she does not even look
at Pommeraei as she speaks.
"As we were told
that all paths will take us to the rock, chances are good that the road
continues on the far side of the city."
Pommeraei makes a clearly audible sigh. Shrugging his shoulders,
he looks from Ana to Gurv, Shayesta
and Keelo. We're in this together. What say you?
As we seem to be at an impasse, and others have not voiced their opinions, Ambrose will weigh in on the side of visiting the city. “Civilization is the basis of King Halav, and the anithesis of the Beastmen that still live on our borders.”
N4. The Winged Warriors of Tuma
You travel
uneventfully for a few hours. The city
stands about a half mile away, its black walls gleaming in the light,
forbidding and menacing. The air is
cold, as if winter had suddenly descended upon you. The tall grass stirs slightly in a soft but
frigid breeze. You see coming from the
walls several flying objects. As they
speed nearer you can see that there are five huge, bird-like creatures
approaching. When they are 100 yards
from you see that there are five winged human shapes approaching. The wings are attached along their arms from
wrist to armpit, and extend down the sides of their bodies, so that they fly
with their arms extended. The bodies of
the creatures are faceted, made of some mineral or jewel-like material. They carry no weapons that you can see. They circle like gleaming vultures above you,
and stare at you as if studying you.
Then one of them speaks in a loud, cold voice that freezes your
heart. “Halt, travelers, and go no
further. None may enter the city of
"We
know not the secret of the Rock, but we would like to be able to prove
ourselves as friends. How might we prove ourselves worthy of your friendship?
We mean no ill in approaching your city, we seek only knowledge."
Anastasia keeps her
hands visible and makes no move for her weapon, her voice rings clear with
sincerity.
Pommeraei slowly lowers his bow and removes the arrow that he had
notched, replacing it in his quiver. He moves his hands out to his sides to
show that he is not planning of fighting. Hearing Ana's words, he is prepared
to let her do the speaking to these strange creatures...although he cannot help
but wonder, is this why the old noble is so keen on learning the secret to
Black Rock?
Gurv spreads his arms in a non-threatening manner.
"Yeah...friends.
Let's all be friends. I'm a friendly guy. All my friends say so."
The creatures circle above you, saying nothing.
"We
were following this trail, could you tell us but two thing?
Does the trail continue on the far side of your fair city? If so might we be
allowed to ride around the outside of your city to meet the trail once
again?"
The creatures land and begin approaching you in a combative fashion. You can see that the edges of their wings are razor-sharp. What do you do?
"Lets back away, slowly. We do not mean to start a war with their city, we can take one of the other paths." Anastasia
will start moving her horse back from the creatures, and will wait for the
others to turn back on the path, before turning as well. She will not draw a
weapon.
Gurv pulls his horse around and starts trotting away as well.
"Not
very friendly at all."
Pommeraei reaches out for the reins of his horse, also trying his
best to back away in an unthreatening manner.
As you back away, the winged creatures take to the sky once more and fly back towards the black city.
You now have a choice; return to where the path forked and take another route, follow the edge of the woods south until you hit another trail, or your map also appears to indicate you could cut cross-country and go through the mountains and make for The Rock.
"Why
don't we follow the woods to the center trail. Back
tracking will add on another 2 days to this trip and cutting cross country is a
sure way to loose our way. We also should add in the city on the map. It is
after all somehow linked to the rock."
Gurv nods.
"I agree. If we
follow the forest, there is no way we should miss that center trail."
You
head south and, after only a few hours, come to where the
The Forest Trail
W6. The
It is only another hour, at around noon when you notice something. The land on both sides of the trail is hard and rocky. Jagged boulders and sharp stones litter the ground. The trail remains smooth, however, and you have no trouble riding along it. A swift-flowing river crosses your trail, spanned by a bridge made of dull gray stone. An arch made of the same stone stands at the mouth of the bridge. Odd runes are carved into the arch. The runes are ancient, yet somehow familiar. Beyond the bridge the trail leads into a small stand of trees, which blocks your view of the terrain around it.
"How gorgeous!" Shayesti whispers upon seeing the runecarved arch before them. "Odd how familiar they
seem. I wonder if they are magical?"
(Shayesti is able to make out the ancient common tongue. The runes say “Let no man cross the bridge without first giving to the water that which is its due.”)
Pommeraei dismounts and nitches
an arrow in his bow. He continues to
lead his horse forward with the reins, but is clearly alert for danger.
Everyone be careful. This seems a perfect place for an ambush.
Anastasia dismounts as well, and hands the reins to Nahawen, before drawing her sword. With her free hand
Anastasia picks up a small stone and tosses it lightly through the archway.
The stone clatters through just as you would expect it.
Gurv watches
the arch with a worried expression. When Anastasia's stone bounces along the
bridge, he dismounts and draws his sword.
"I feel like
this is an odd bridge. Something about it seems...off. But, someone has to test
it. If no one has anymore precautions, I'm going tp
cross this. Can someone tie a rope to me, though. In
case it breaks away or has a trapdoor or something."
I feel sure that Shayesti would share this information. The Elf tells you she is able to translate the runes. They read, “Let no man cross the bridge without first giving to the water that which is its due.”
"Alright,
so we each need to give the river a token to pass over." Anastasia goes to
pull a gold coin from her pouch, however just as she looks in she recalls
leaving all of her coins in the bank. "Right."
Anastasia pulls a
rather nice looking dagger from her backpack. "Well I'd have prefered coin, but this will have to do."
Anastasia approaches
the bridge, her horse following closely behind her.
Pommeraei watches Ana, interested in how all of this plays out.
After dismounting and handing her reins to Gurv, Shayesti will take a gold
piece from her coinpurse and walk over to the arch.
"Who knows, maybe Anastasia and I would be fine regardless. After all, it
does say no MAN can cross..." she jokes with a smile. Tossing the coin at
an angle she attempts to make it pass through the arch and off the bridge into
the river below. If that seems to go properly, then she will attempt to walk
through the arch slowly before returning for her horse if she is uninjured.
Gurv watches, obviously relieved not to be going first.
"I'll
watch...you know, your horse for right now. I'll come
help if there is any problem, though," he adds sheepishly.
Shayesti proceeds through the arch. Nothing untoward happens. She returns for her horse, and again nothing happens.
Shrugging,
Pommeraei digs in his pouch for two gold coins.
Taking up the reins to his horse, (which he has taken to calling Errand, as in
Fool's Errand), he tosses the two coins into the water and then leads Errand
through the archway.
As soon as Pommeraie passes through the archway, 2 large creatures, appearing to be snakes made of water, begin to form on either side of the brideg.
Pommeraie, Ambrose, Keelo, Anastasia, Gurv and Shayesti may act in initiative order.
Nahawen watches
the others while she waits atop of her horse, holding Anastasia's reins as
well. She chuckles at Shayesti's comment, quite
amused at the thought. "Da, I like the idea of a
"Man Tax", don't you?", she says with a
playful grin.
As she watches Pommeraie go through the archway and the snakes form, she
mutters a quiet curse under her breath, watching the two large snakes form from
the water. "Maybe ve should have thought this
more through, da?" she says, tightening her grip
on the two sets of reins in her hands.
Well, it's on now!
Pommeraei
pulls his sword and, if possible stabs at one of the snakes forming in the
water, hoping that the weapons magic effects will disrupt what he assumes to be
water elementals.
Pommaeraie lets go of his horse’s reins to draw and attack, but his blade misses (3 rolled).
Gurv looks with
fear at the magical attack as it forms.
"I knew this was
going to be trouble. Stupid magic bridge."
He jumps down from
his horse and charges forward, sword ready to attack the first water snake he
can get to.
Ambrose dismounts before the bridge and draws his Morningstar.
Anastasia
will draw her sword and advance to the snake water things and attack.
Anastasia drops her dagger and lets go of her reins as she draws her sword and advances.
Gurv dismounts and draws his sword and charges onto the bridge.
The two water snakes finish forming and tower above you on either side.
Nahawen may now go.
Nahawen holds
onto her reins and that of Anastasia's horse tightly, waiting for the others to
attack before she does the same. (Holding)
Anastasia and Gurv are up.
"By the Light! I should learn to quiet my mouth when I think up things like
that last comment." Shayesti says while unsheathing
her sword and attacking one of the snakes when she can find an opening...
Gurv moves forward, slashing at one of the water snakes long
necks.
"Does this mean
I don't have to pay a gold?"
Anastasia slashes at the other water snake but misses (7 rolled.)
Gurv’s blade slashes into the water snake (15 rolled) but the blade passes smoothly through most of it, doing only 2 points of damage.
One of the snakes attacks Pommeraie but he batters it away with his shield.
The other attacks Anastasia and hits her. She feels herself being lifted off her feet but fights free (15 rolled on save vs. paralyzation)
Keelo holds (until posted)
Ambrose attacks the snake fighting Anastasia, but misses (13 rolled).
Pommeraie and Nahawen may go.
Nahawen will
cast a Magic Missile at the injured snake.
(auto-posted for Pommeraie) Pommeraie attacks again, and slips (1 rolled) but catches himself just before he falls.
Nahawen’s magic missile does 3 points of damage to the water snake.
Keelo, Anastasia, Nahawen, Gurv, Shayesti and Ambrose may go in order.
Anastasia
swings again at the snake.
"If an offering
was given why do they attack?"
Anastasia misses again (5 rolled).
Gurv steps up
next to Nahawen and swings again at the liquid
creature.
"Feels a bit
pointless, don't it. Then again, what else is there to do?"
Nahawen sends another Magic Missle
flying at the same water snake. "Da, it does
feel very pointless, but vhat else is der? I have no ideas.." She
tightens her grip on the reins in her hands, making sure to keep the horses in
check.
Shayesti swings at a water snake with her blade...
Nahawen’s magic missile does 2 points of damage to the water monster.
Gurv’s attack misses (9 rolled).
Shayesti’s attack misses (10 rolled).
Ambrose’s attack likewise misses (7 rolled).
The one snake misses Pommeraie again, and the other again hits Anastasia, but fails to luft her off the ground (20 rolled for save vs. paralyzation)
Pommeraie is now up.
Pommeraei
braces himself for an attack and launches a blow with his sword at the snake,
determined to not drop the sword in the process....
Pommaeraie misses (7 rolled)
Keelo, Anastasia and Nahawen may go again.
Anastasia
continues her attack on the snake.
Anastasia connects (12 rolled) for 4 points of damage.
The first snake misses Pommeraie and the second misses Anastasia.
Shayesti, Pommeraie, Gurv and Ambrose are up.
Nahawen will
wait for the time being, keeping a firm hold on the horses' reins.
Gurv continues his attack, swinging wildly with frustration.
Shayesti swings again at the nearest watersnake.
"These creatures are a difficult challenge, indeed!"
Shayesti hits the snake (19 rolled), but her blade passes easily through it, doing only 1 point of damage.
(auto-posted for Pommeraie) Pommeraie attacks again, but misses (7 rolled).
Gurv’s attack misses (8 rolled).
Ambrose attacks and connects (14 rolled) and his Morningstar seems to do more damage than the swords, dealing 6 points of damage, almost disrupting the water snake.
One of the snakes hits Pommeraie and tries to pick him up, but fails (rolled 15 for save vs paralyze).
The other snake misses Anastasia.
Anastasia, Pommeraie, Gurv, Shayesti, Keelo, Nahawen and Ambrose may go (actions will occur in that order unless someone holds or unholds from a previous round).
Anastasia
will continue attacking the snake.
Anastasia hits (19 rolled) again doing 4 points of damage, and one of the water snakes collapses back into the river from which it formed.
(auto-posted for Pommeraie) Pommeraie attacks again, but misses (9 rolled).
Gurv, Shayesti, Keelo, Nahawen and Ambrose may go (actions will occur in that order unless someone holds or unholds from a previous round).
Shayesti will swing
again with her blade. "I don't think our slashing weapons are going to do
much, but punching it won't do much either." she exclaims.
(auto-posted for Gurv) Gurv attacks the snake again, hitting the snake for 3 points of damage (19 rolled).
Shayesti’s attack misses (9 rolled).
Ambrose moves to attack the remaining snake and misses (6 rolled).
Anastasia attacks again, but misses (6 rolled).
Nahawen is holding.
Ambrose attacks, and misses (7 rolled).
Keelo is holding.
Gurv attacks, and hits again (14 rolled), doing 3 points of damage.
The snake hits Pommeraie, doing 1 point of damage, and lifting him off the bridge and plunging him into the river. Pommeraie is trapped underwater in a crushing force.
Looking down below, it seems apparent that the other snake is beginning to reform.
Keelo dismounts and dives into the river to help Pommeraie.
Shayesti and Pommeraie may go.
Shayesti is holding until posted.
Pommeraie struggles with the water snake (-4 to attacks), but to no avail (2 rolled).
Pommeraie takes 1 point of damage, and goes unconscious (6 rolled save vs Death)
Anastasia, Shayesti and Keelo may go,
Shayesti will attack
again with her blade...
There is nothing to attack. One snake was disrupted and is forming again down in the river. The other is trying to keep