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 Pommeraie under water.
"Nahawen! Get the horses accross the bridge
now while it's safe! If we can all get to the other side, we can continue away
from these beasts!" Shayesti shouts before
diving into the river to try and help free their trapped comrade...
"Everyone across the bridge, NOW! Nahawen take my horse over
too."
Anastasia jumps off
the bridge to help Pommeraie.
Gurv turns and runs back to the horses, climbing into the
saddle as fast as he can. He then will try to grab the reins of another horse
and lead both mounts over the bridge at a gallop.
Anastasia plunges deeply into the water, Shayesti following. Keelo attempts to stab at the coil of water around Pommeraie but fails (5 rolled). The coil of water maintains its grip on Pommeraie. The second water snake reforms and shoots up to menace the bridge. Nahawen, Ambrose and Gurv are able to make it across the bridge with the horses.
Anastasia (who is having a lot of trouble swimming in chainmail), Shayesti, Nahawen, Ambrose, Gurv and Keelo may act.
Anastasia
will try to swim to as shallow a section as possible in order to attack the
snake holding Pommeraie.
Anastasia can’t keep her head above water in her armor and gear and slips under the surface of the river.
Nahawen nods to
her companions. She nudges her heels into her horse's sides, urging it to go
forward while pulling Anastasia's horse along, trying to get across the bridge
as quickly as possible.
Shayesti swims to her trapped comrade and attempts to stab with her
sword at the coil of water that is holding him...
Shayesti fails to strike the snake of water (8 rolled).
Unconscious?
I’m afraid so.
Keelo also fails to keep afloat and slips under water.
Pommeraie takes another point of damage.
The second snake plunges back into the water and attacks Shayesti, but misses.
Pommeraie takes yet another point of damage.
The second snake attacks Shayesti again, this time striking her and coiling about her. Shayesti takes 1 point of damage and goes under water.
Shayesti goes unconscious.
Anastasia (underwater), Gurv, Keelo (underwater), Nahawen and Ambrose may go
Gurv looks
around, frustrated and helpless. He suddenly goes over to the horse and grabs a
coil of rope.
"Someone take
this and go grab one them before they drown. I'll pull
you out, I swear. I can't swim with this armor or I'd go myself."
The burly fighter
looks around for anyone to take him up on his offer.
Frantically, Nahawen dismounts
her horse. She runs over to Gurv and gives him a deep
look of trust. She then takes the other end of the rope, tossing her staff and
anything else on her to the ground (though most would be on her horse, I would
think). She attempts to tie the rope around herself as securely as possible and
then will continue to dive into the water after her friends.
(Not sure how many turns this will take, but this is what she will do
regardless)
Anstasia loosens her shield and lets it drift down into the depths of the river as she sheathes her sword, holding her breath and sinking down.
Keelo holds his breath and begins swimming toward shore.
Nahawen gets the rope tied around herself.
Ambrose stands by ready at the water’s edge.
Ambrose is holding.
Keelo continues swimming, but is having difficulty making headway.
Anastasia begins swimming toward the shore and the surface.
Nahawen dives into the water.
The one water snake lets go of Pommeraie. His lifeless body quickly sinks out of sight.
The other snake lets go of the unconscious Shayesti and immediately strikes out at Keelo and pulls him deeper under.
Nahawen is able to reach Shayesti and support her up as they both swim to shore. Anastasia makes it out of the river as well. When all turn again to look, the water is calm and there is no sign of either Keelo or Pommeraie, or the snakes of water.
Anastasia realizes she left the nice dagger she found back on the bridge. She cautiously approaches, keeping an eye out for the snakes. None form and she is able to retrieve the weapon and make it back.
Nahawen looks
frantically into the waters below, laying Shayesti
gently on the ground. She looks to Gurv. "Let me
go back in, I must see if I can find them." She makes sure the rope is
securely around her and looks to him for his answer.
Ambrose lays his hand on her shoulder as he comes over to revive Shayesti. “My child, they are gone. I am sorry.” He then busies himself about the elf and she sputters and regains consciousness in a moment’s time.
Anastasia
hangs head head a bit and looks rather "Indeed,
I am afraid they were dragged down to the depths. We should not make their
deaths in vain."
She looks at her companions, her piercing blue eyes
filled with a deep but sinking hope. She looks back toward the now-still
waters, still soaking wet from her plunge. She begins to shiver and wraps her
long arms about herself, oblivious to the fact that the rope is still tied
tightly about her waist. She didn't deal well with losing others... She never
has. Glad for the fact that she is dripping water, she stands there in her
thoughts with tears in her eyes, still half wanting and more than willing to dive
back in, determined to find her companions.
Ambrose, accustomed to being alone for too long, knows how to speak to spirits and deities more than people. He looks at Nahawen, almost says something, and then moves to the river’s edge and bows his head and prays.
Anastasia
moves to Nahawen, and puts a reassuring hand on her
shoulder. "Come now, there is little else we can do for them here. The
best we can do for them is to make sure they died for something. Let us finish
this quest in their names. Once we have finished we can try to find their
families and let them know. It is sad news indeed, but they should be
told."
"We need to mark
this map, to warn others of the danger which lies along this path."
Gurv slowly drops the rope he was planning on using and
looks into the water.
"Doesn't
seem right. The brave ones like them going to the bottom while people
like me get to keep living. Doesn't seem fair."
Gurv
walks back to check on his horse, rubbing his eyes.
"Well, let's prove to them and to all that they will
not be forgotten. Today is a new day, and if you were unhappy with the man you
were yesterday, then be greater today, and know that
there is a reason that you were meant to live this day."
Anastasia seems
determined to stay strong for the others, but it is obvious from her eyes that
the happier hours of the day are gone.
"It is how we
react to hardship that proves our metal. Will we crumble and fall in the face
of peril and adversity, or will we stand tall and strong, and push on against
the odds which at the moment seemed so stacked against us? If we fall let it be
with sword or staff in our hand, fighting what is wrong in this world and
striving to learn what is good and just. Not weeping at a rivers edge mourning
those who have lived and died so valiantly. To do so would taint their memory
and be a stain on what they did. Our time together with Mr. Keelo
and Pommeraie was cut short, but until we end the
evils that plague this world, other lives will be cut short. It will not end
unless we strive to make it end."
Ambrose looks up. “Anastasia is right. By the grace of King Halav, we must persevere and win through. Not only to honor him, but to honor our friends whom we leave behind.”
W7.
The Stealthy Craftsman
As
reluctant as you might be to press on, you feel you must. You travel for another hour or so. The trail narrows as you enter the rugged
foothills of what must be the
"Show
yourself. We mean you no harm, unless you mean harm for us. Come out of
there."
Anastasia speaks with
a loud commanding and confident tone.
Gurv turns towards the sound, his hand going instinctively to
his sword but resisting the urge to draw.
"Hello, out
there! We come in peace!"
The sound of movement stops, but you receive no reply.
"Come
on out of there, you've already been discovered, no use pretending your not
there now."
Anastasia's tone
softens a bit this time as she tries to sound almost friendly, her hand rests
lightly on her waist only a mere inch from the hilt of her sword.
Again, there is no reply.
Nahawen waits
and listens and after they receive no reply, she casts Detect Magic in the
general area of the movement.
Nahawen detects no magic in that area.
She
frowns a bit, looking to her companions with a shrug.
Shayesti breaks her long silence after losing their companions.
"Well, what now? Do we shoot some arrows in there to get them to identify
themselves?"
Gurv looks up at the rocks, trying to see anything
significant.
"Hey, let's not
do anything rash. Could be someone innocent, you know? Just scared, is all.
I'll go check it out. Cover me."
Gurv
dismounts and walks in the direction of the movement with his hands up.
"Hey,
you! If you're in need of help, maybe we can help you? If you want to
cause us harm, this is your chance to reconsider without any trouble from us.
If still want to hurt us, here's your chance. Let's get it over with if that is
the case."
Gurv moves up into the rocks.
(You hear someone or something run briefly, and then stop.)
Gurv yells back
at his companions.
"Whatever this
guy is, he's running around and hiding. I can't see him. If he hasn't attacked
me yet, I say we move on."
Gurv
walks back to his companions.
"Aye, lets press on, Gurv keep a watchful eye on our back, to make sure this guy
isn't going to try something foolish once we've passed him up."
You neither hear nor see more from within the rocks.
The
End of the Trail
You’re approaching the end of your journey. Jenlar Temlin’s map indicates that The Rock is less than two miles away. Barring any trouble you should reach The Rock soon. The trail slowly bends until it is heading due north. Within a quarter mile, however, the trail ends in a tangle of boulders and rubble. Ahead of you lies a land filled with huge boulders and thousands of rocks of every size and shape.
As this area is strewn with small sharp rocks, you will have to dismount and lead your horses.
Crone
of Chaos
It is late afternoon by the time you clear the rubble-strewn area and can re-mount.
You stand before a solitary peak in the center of a plain one-half-mile square. Your heart tells you this is your goal, this is The Rock. This mighty pillar of stone is 150’ tall from the base to its flat summit. The base is roughly rectangular, 50’ wide on its northern and southern sides, and only 15’ wide on the east and west sides. The Rock becomes more circular near the summit. The sides of the peak are steep, and it would be difficult to climb them, if possible at all. You ride closer and see a lovely young woman chained to The Rock. Her clothing is purple and yellow, but frayed and tattered; her golden hair is dirty and she wears a tarnished silver tiara. Her face is blotched with grime, her features pale and drawn with pain and loneliness. In a shrill voice she shouts to you, “Flee for your lives! An old hag who loathes my beauty has imprisoned me here until I die, old and ugly. Flee before she returns to punish you for daring to come near me!”
What do you do?
Gurv approaches
slowly, smiling kindly and reassuringly at the woman.
"Is this a trap,
maybe? Seems a bit weird, but I think we can help you if you're on the level. I
mean..."
Gurv
pats his ample belly.
"...I've been
hated for my beauty in the past, so I can relate."
All of your horses suddenly rear and throw you off. The horses gallop away as do the riderless mounts that belonged to Keelo and Pommeraie. Before you can get up, a dagger appears in front of each of you, as if wielded by an invisible hand.
The dagger attacking Ambrose misses. Anastasia is cut for 3 points of damage. Shayesti is slashed for 2. Nahawen is struck for 2 points. Gurv is cut for 2 points.
Shayesti, Nahawen, Anastasia, Ambrose and Gurv may now go. All are prone at the moment.
"By
the gods!", Shaesti
exclaims before standing and glancing quickly at the woman who spoke to them.
Specifically, she checks to see if the woman seems to be smiling or
concentrating in such a way that might indicate she is the source of this
attack.
Shayesti
also strains to see if she can detect something holding the attacking daggers
before them. Either way, her sword comes out of its scabbard to defend her.
Slashing in front of her, she tries to hit the dagger itself while attempting
to make sure any misses will follow through to an area that someone holding the
dagger would be occupying...just in case.
The woman appears to be concerned for you all and shouts words of encouragement. While the daggers act as if wielded by an invisible hand, there does not appear to be anyone there.
Shayesti misses her dagger (14 rolled).
Anastasia
draws her sword and swings at the dagger. "As soon as we finish these
hidden foes, we will set you free. No one should be punished for what is not in
their power to control."
Anastasia misses (3 rolled).
Ambrose draws his Morningstar with a worried look and attacks the dagger in front of him, missing (2 rolled).
(auto-posted for Nahawen). Nahwen recovers herself and strikes at her attacker with her staff, but misses (12 rolled).
(auto-posted for Gurv). Gurv also draws and attacks a dagger, hitting it and shattering it in one blow.
(Gurv feels dizzy and weak, -2 to attacks and saves).
Nahawen, Anastasia, Gurv and Shayesti may go.
Nahawen, taking
courage from Gurv's attack, swings at the dagger with
a fierce determination.
Nahawen misses (14 rolled).
Gurv struggles
to his feet, blade in hand.
"Even
if I can't see you, you can't beat us. Show yourself before it's too late for
you!"
Gurv
swings his sword at the foe threatening his closest ally.
Anastasia hits her dagger (16 rolled) causing it to shatter, then staggers for a second.
Gurv moves to Nahawen’s side and strikes the dagger attacking her, (17 rolled) destroying it. Gurv reels.
(auto-posted for Shayesti). Shayesti attacks again, but misses (2 rolled).
A dagger slashes Ambrose for a critical hit (double damage) for 3 points.
Shayesti is cut for 2 points.
Ambrose attacks and misses (10 rolled).
(auto-posted for Shayesti). Shayesti attacks again, missing again (13 rolled).
Ambrose’ attacking dagger misses him,
Shayesti’s dagger misses her by a wide margin.
(Carrying action forward here) Gurv moves to Shayesti’s dagger and attacks, missing (14 rolled).
Nahawen likewise tries to help Shayesti, barely missing her target (17 rolled).
Anastasia attacks Shayesti’s dagger and destroys it (15 rolled). Anastasia staggers a bit again.
Ambrose misses his attack (3 rolled).
Nahawen attacks the last remaining dagger but misses (4 rolled).
Anastasia misses as well (11 rolled).
Ambrose misses (10 rolled).
The dagger completely misses Ambrose.
Shayesti misses (11 rolled).
As does Gurv (15 rolled).
Gurv attacks again, missing so badly he strikes himself for 4 points of damage (1 rolled.)
The dagger completely misses Ambrose again.
Anastasia misses (12 rolled).
Shayesti misses (7 rolled.)
Nahawen strikes and destroys the last dagger (18 rolled.) Nahawen suddenly feels herself become dizzy.
Anastasia, Gurv and Nahawen are currently at -2 to hit and -2 to all saves.
In mere seconds, the form of the beautiful young captive woman changes. She becomes a withered, hideous old woman with sparse white hair, leathery skin, fangs, long inhuman arms, and large hands with claw-like fingers. She cackles, “Now you shall fall to the Crone of Chaos!”
Ambrose drops his Morningstar and clutches his symbol of Halav. Invoking a prayer he casts bless on the party.
Anastasia, dizzy as she is, advances and attacks, (13 rolled) hitting the Crone for 5 points of damage.
Gurv is up next.
Gurv, his world
spinning around him, still retains a grin.
"Heh, heh. I wasn't fooled.
I knew...I knew this was trap. I wasn't fooled. I just wasn't scared," he
mutters with an unusual show of bravado.
Gurv
closes with the hag and attacks with his sword.
Gurv cuts into the Crone (15 rolled) for 6 points of damage.
The Crone cackles maniacally and slashes at Gurv, one clawed hand catching his armor and the other doing 4 points of damage.
Shayesti and Nahawen may go.
Nahawen staggers a bit but takes the time to regain herself. She
puts a hand to her forehead for a brief moment, but then moves forward, trying
to hit the crone with her staff.
Shayesti holds.
Nahawen misses the Crone (7 rolled).
Nahawen is first in the next round and misses again (12 rolled).
Ambrose holds back should anyone get hurt, as there is no room for anyone to attack the Crone with her back to The Rock.
Anastasia hits the Crone (10 rolled) for 9 points of damage.
The hideous creature attacks Anastasia, missing with 1 claw but doing 2 points of damage with the other.
Shayesti continues to hold (until posted).
Gurv slashes at the creature, (15 rolled) dealing 9 points of damage.
With a horrible cry, the hag slumps to the ground. It is only a few seconds later that thos of you who are dizzy begin feeling well again.
"Leave her there, she will perish from her wounds or
recover as fate see fit."
Anastasia takes stock
of everyone’s condition. "Are you all well enough to press on?"
No objections are voiced, but how shall you proceed? There are no visible entrances in the surface of the Rock.
Gurv examines the barren rock face.
"I would say we should maybe split up and look for an entrance, but you
never know where the next trap will be. So, we should stick close to each other
and see if we can find a way in. Some of look for secrets while other keep an eye out for ambush, I say."
Gurv notices a crack in the rock face. It was not previously visible because the Crone was standing in front of it. There is a golden sword wedged in the far end of the crack. After Shayesti determines it to be safe, Gurv reaches in and pulls out the sword. Of magnificent quality, the following words are etched on the blade in the common tongue; “Broad and wide the path to nowhere, thin and narrow the way to true riches. Unravel the riddle the riches to win.”
After
reading the sword's etching, Nahawen looks around for
a path or something of the sort. "Vhat do you
think it could mean?"
Nahawen sees no path.
Gurv
investigates the crack, sticking his eye up near it to see if he can see
anything within.
Gurv sees nothing else.
"Lets stick together and look for any other small openings
into the rock. We must answer this riddle."
Walking around the rock, you see no openings. I will describe the monolith again; This mighty pillar of stone is 150’ tall from the base to its flat summit. The base is roughly rectangular, 50’ wide on its northern and southern sides, and only 15’ wide on the east and west sides. The Rock becomes more circular near the summit. The sides of the peak are steep, and it would be difficult to climb them, if possible at all.
"Maybe
ve need to climb to de top, da?"
Nahawen offers with a small shrug.
Gurv scratches his head, looking up at the stone monolith.
"Maybe we should
stick to the narrower sides, based on the clue. See what that shows us."
Taking the riddled
blade with him, Gurv examines the fifteen foot wide
eastern side, looking carefully for more cracks or other clues.
Gurv sees nothing but solid rock.
"Does
anyvone have some rope or anything that could help us
get up to de top? I vouldn't
mind taking a peek, myself..." Nahawen takes a
step back, looking up to the top of the rock. She puts a hand above her eyes,
squinting to see better.
"This is a puzzling mystery. But it must be solved
if we are to be done with our appointed mission. Let us see if we can find a
way too the top."
You see no way to get to the top.
Gurv looks up
at the monolith, then reads the clue off the blade
again.
"Well,
I aint much for riddles. Maybe we need more
clues."
Gurv
goes over to examine the hag, carefully approaching with the fine sword at the
ready. He will search her person for any item that may shed light on this
mystery. If that proves fruitless, he will start looking around the ground
surrounding the stone structure for anything interesting such as secret doors
or further clues.
There are no more visible clues anywhere you look.
((How
big was the crevasse the sword was in, could a person squeeze into it?))
A person could not fit into it. It was a relatively small crack in one of the wide sides of The Rock.
Anastasia
is going to do a complete search of all the side of the rock, starting at one
of the narrower sides. Hands on searching.
As soon as Anastasia touches one of the narrower sides, her hand disappears.
The Hall of the Rock
The stone is not solid! Anything that touches this side of the rock passes through as if through air! Is this the entrance you seek or yet another deadly trap?
Tired of walking around without purpose, Shayesti
presses forward to inspect Anastasia's find. She will search the area to see if there are any traps that
she can discover. If nothing is found she will volunteer to go forward into the
rock.
Shayesti finds no traps.
"We should light a torch, chances are it may be dark
in there, so let us light a torch first and hold the torch in. If that doesn't
get something’s attention then we should take a look inside."
Gurv comes over to where everyone has gathered by the narrow
wall.
"Ah...the wall
is enchanted in some way. I guess we should go in and check it out."
He opens his backpack
and reaches for a torch to light.
Gurv has not torches but he does have a bullseye lantern and oil.
You find yourselves in a large hall 380’ long and 240’ wide. The hall is brightly lit as if the noon sun were shining down into it. The walls are 50’ high, and from there the ceiling curves upward until it is approximately 350’ high overhead. You stand in the center of the hall looking forward. At the far end of the hall you see four raised platforms on the floor, grouped in two pairs, and seven chests between the pairs of platforms. Each platform has a statue of a crowned king on it. The walls of the hall are made of white marble filigreed with gold and silver in various natural forms: trees, flowers, wildlife, clouds; and human life: warriors, builders raising cities, market place scenes, etc. Letters of silver and gold are etched into the floor in front of you. They read, HUBRELIS TUMASSEN. To your left, the hall seems to be run-down and battered, as if time and weather had eroded the splendor of that side. The right side of the hall, however, glows and sparkles with beauty and wonder, as if it were still newly made. You stand in a group at the heart of this very magnificent hall!
"Everyone! Pay
heed to the warning we received before setting out on this journey...'All
that glitters, is not gold.'" Shayesti
quietly intones while staring around at the strange room that stands before
them...
"If ve take heed of de
riddle from ze beginning, mayhap ve
should try down de duller hallway, da?" Nahawen offers a shrug to her companions, glancing down the
dull hallway.
Gurv look at the riddle on his blade again.
"Yeah...that's
what it says on the sword. On the other hand, if I was going to create a trap,
I probably wouldn't leave the solution sticking in the wall outside. Seems
fishy, but what else can we do?"
Gurv
sighs with resignation.
"Just a few big
scores...then I can open up my tavern. Leave all this death and deception
behind me."
The words etched on the floor are in the same style of writing as was on the bridge archway. Everyone except Gurv can make the words out as meaning “THE GREAT PRIDE OF TUMA.” Gurv just can’t make sense of the markings.
The chests against the wall with the balconies are all made of wood; but the first is a simply constructed chest while the 7th is richly decorated with gems and silver and gold metalwork. The chests also vary in decoration.so that the first is the simplest chest and the last is the most ornate.
(To Gurv and Shayesti)
You hear quiet voices calling you. The tell you to look at the glorious side of the hall, saying, “This is Tuma! This is the greatness that was once lost but can now be yours. For long years its glory has waited for bold adventurers like yourselves to come and claim that which your daring and bravery has earned you. This is yours by right of valor, by might of arms, by sleight of hand and by keenness of mind. Others have tried but they have failed – all because they would not take the riches they had earned. Come, now. Take your due. The wealth of Tuma is yours; you deserve it more than any other. Behold the folly of those who ignored Tuma’s greatness! See the worn and weary section of this great hall! It has been brought so low by fools who mistook poverty for humility, simplicity for piety, who called wealth and riches greed and avarice. These fools thought honor meant lowering one’s self when one should have elevated one’s greatness. Do not be a fool! Let the trumpet of your true worth ring out! The great deserve the best! The bravest demand the finest! You have made it to The Rock; do not walk away empty-handed, a pauper forever! Be not a fool; be not a fool!”
Your attention can not help but be drawn to the glorious side of the hall.
"Let
us examine the other side first, the solution to our quest may well be found in
the poorer side of this place. Gold and jewels are fine indeed, but we are here
for knowledge."
Anastasia take the
lead and begins slowly and carefully moving to the side that is worse for wear,
being careful not to disturb anything as she moves.
Gurv’s gaze falls on the glorious side, his eyes almost glazing
over as he stares. He quickly shakes it off.
"Does anyone
else hear voices. You know, voices telling you to come
take the Treasures of Tuma or something like that. It's saying I've earned the glory and so on. That's what I'm
hearing right now. I'd even be tempted to take it up on its offer except
well...not too long ago a captured woman asking for help turned out to be a
monstrous hag. So...in regards to the Rock, if they're offering something, I aint buying, you know what I mean?"
Nahawen looks to Gurv, a concerned
look crossing her face. "No, my friend, I do not think any of us are
hearing de voices you speak of..." She looks over all of the chests, but
then settles her eyes upon the poorest looking one. "Considering de sword
riddle, as vell as de riddle we received from de man
before ve left on dis
quest, I have to say that I am thinking that ve
should stick to de simplest and poorest looking things vhile
here. De vorn-down hallway, de humblest chest... It
just seems to make sense vith all of de varnings and riddles that ve have
received and come across on dis journey. Don't you
all agree?"
"I agree Nahawen. And Gurv, you are not alone in hearing the call of Tuma's glory. But my heart speaks otherwise and I shall not
be tempted."
Shayesti
walks to the dreary, dusty side of the room and begins to look about at what
she can see there.
Nothing beyond what has been described is found in either side of the hall, save the chests.
You stand gazing at the seven chests lining the wall beneath the balconies. The first chest is elegant in its sheer simplicity, but each succeeding chest surpasses it in value and design. The last chest is by far the nest of the lot. Its jewels sparkle in the mysterious light of the hall; its gold and silver glitter with light. And then, from nowhere, a deep, rich voice calls out to welcome you to The Hall of The Rock. “You are indeed brave heroes to have reached this great Hall! To you a reward shall be given for your great courage. In one of these seven chests lies the goal of your journey, and much more! But you can choose only one of these chests and must be content with what you find. You have done well thus far; choose well and your journey shall be a success. What you have experienced on the way here will prove to be a guide beyond measure. Think, then, and choose; think and choose!” The voice falls silent, and you are left with only your thoughts.
"All
that glitters is not gold. We take the simplest chest, and hope to find the
answer to the mystery we have been sent to find."
Anastasia walks
forward the simplest chest, and opens it.
"Let us see what
fate holds for us."
"I agree vith you,
Anastasia. The simplest and humblest chest it is, for not everything is as it
seems." Nahawen nods to Anastasia, moving up
towards the chest with her.
The simple chest, although it appears to be locked like all the others, opens easily. The following items are within it: 100 platinum pieces, 1,500 gold pieces, 4 gold wristbands, a ring, 2 small glass vials filled with liquid, a 50’ coil of thin rope, 2 well-made daggers, and a curiously-fashioned talisman that looks like a capital T with a short diagonal stem hanging off the right side of the crossbar of the T. At the tip of the diagonal stem there is a small red stone, not a ruby.
A voice cries out, “Well done, brave heroes! To you shall the Secret of The Rock be revealed. And this be that greatest of secrets: A soul falls into judgement when a soul climbs high enough to sit in judgement’s seat; judge not by what is seen, but by what is truly there. Let the eyes of the heart guide and counsel the eyes of the body. Glitter does not make a golden prize; hidden in the heart the answer lies. How a creature looks never changes what’s inside. Judge with righteous judgement; be wise. Be wise!”
A glowing portal opens in the wall behind the chests.
Gurv opens his backpack and approaches the chest.
"Would you all
like me to hold the treasure for now or do you want to split it up before we continue."
He pauses, then looks back to the treasure suspiciously.
"Also, doesn't
it feel weird to actually take the treasure offered.
It...it almost still feels like a test."
"I believe the test to be over. We should split the
treasure as much as possible, as we know not what dangers shall face us on the
journey ahead. While I truly hope no more will fall into shadow, none may truely know what is to lie ahead."
Anastasia motions the
others up to the chest, and hands each person a gold wristband.
"Nahawen, why don't you carry these vials, perhaps at some
point in your studies you might be able to discover their use. Shayesti, I think your skills with daggers might put the
blades to the best use. Gurv, why don't you take the
rope mayhap it will be much needed in the future. Ambrose, will you carry this talisman,
keep it safe so we may learn more of it. As for the coin, lets each take as
much as possible, we can worry later about making sure each gets equal share,
for now we distribute the burden as much as possible."
Looking with uncertainty at the proffered daggers, Shayesti wonders if Gurv may well
be right about the test not being complete.
"Did not the man
say that the secret of the Rock was in two parts, visible and invisible? That
knowledge would be the invisible part, so what is the visible secret? Just the ways of entering and the test itself?
"Does it not
feel strange that all we must do is walk out with this treasure and return to
tell our employer: 'The secret is to be humble and unselfish in life and
judge with wisdom, now pay us our due so we can go!' Can it truly be so
easy? Should it be?"
The portal begins to grow smaller; slowly, to be sure, but a choice must be made.
"Come
we must act quick, do we believe the voice which told us that the treasure we
chose was ours to take or do we not. We must get through that portal before it
closes."
"We answered the
riddle to enter, proving our wits, we choose the
simplest of chests, to prove our humility and wisdom. Now we have only faith to
go on that the voice was true in its words. I have that faith, but I will defer
to the majority. Choose now what you would do, as time is of the essence."
Ambrose breaks his long silence. “I believe we are to take of this bounty and leave. The tests we have faced have been based on appearance. To have something appear to be one way, only to appear to be another way, but in fact be the first way? That is a test not worth giving, for what does it prove except mistrust?”
Gurv shrugs.
"Sounds
good enough to me."
With his backpack
open, Gurv starts shoveling the loose coins into it
with his cupped hands.
"We should hurry
while that portal remains open, right?"
With a sigh, Shayesti relents.
"I suppose you are correct. I beg your pardon, all." With that, she
takes the daggers and also accepts as much coin as she can carry out through
the shrinking portal.
Ambrose hands the talisman back to Anastasia. “I do not know if this belongs to a god or no. I cannot carry it.”
You are able to gather the contents of the chest and step through the portal. You find yourself outside, in the early evening, in front of Lirdriam Arkayz’s Manor. Jenlar Temlin is coming down the wide steps. His face is grim.
“I see you are fewer. My heart goes out to you. But life is for the living, as they say. Was your journey successful? What are the Secrets of The Rock?”
"Wisdom,
wisdom is the primary secret of the rock. There is more to say, shall we do so
inside?"
“Yes, of course! I should hope there’s more. Wisdom isn’t much of a secret. Please come in and tell me more.” You are escorted into the Manor.
Once
inside the manor Anastasia will begin the retelling of what happened in their
journey. The odd city of Black stone that was found, the water creatures on the
bridge, the Crone of Chaos that was disquised as a
young maid, the sword and it's riddle, and the massive hall hidden in the
confines of the rock. Where time seems to change not one side and yet th other stands ravaged by age and
elements. The words found in stone HUBRELIS TUMASSEN and THE GREAT PRIDE OF
TUMA, and the voice that spoke from nowhere and everywhere at the same time.
Anastasia pauses for
a moment now and then to let others add or correct the story as she goes along.
"And just as we
opened the simplest chest, as your master had said "All that glitters is
not gold", the voice spoke one last time and opened a portal back to here.
The voice said “Well done, brave heroes! To you shall the Secret of The Rock be
revealed. And this be that greatest of secrets: A soul
falls into judgement when a soul climbs high enough
to sit in judgement’s seat; judge not by what is
seen, but by what is truly there. Let the eyes of the heart guide and counsel
the eyes of the body. Glitter does not make a golden prize; hidden in the heart
the answer lies. How a creature looks never changes what’s inside. Judge with
righteous judgement; be wise. Be wise!” So there is
your master’s answer, that is the secret of the
Rock."
Jenlar smiles. “You have indeed done well, but the Secret of
the Rock is a twofold secret. What else
have you brought back from your journey to The Rock?”
"The treasures from the chest of course. I nearly forgot, and
Gurv you still have the sword I do believe."
Anastasia relates
each treasure and as she does motions to the person carrying the treasure.
"And of course
the oddest piece is this." Anastasia pulled the strange symbol from her
bag.
Jenlar Tem waves away the mention of each treasure, but upon seeing the Talsiman, he accepts it and bows deeply. He bids you wait where you are and returns with 5 sacks, each one containing 300 gold pieces. He offers you the hospitality of The Manor for the evening, so that you can leave for Threshold with the light of the new day.
Congratulations on completing The Hall of The Rock.
Ambrose earns 1,316 XP, for a total of 2,473 (enough to reach level 2)
Anastasia earns 1,708 XP, for a total of 2,920 (enough to reach level 2)
Gurv earns 1,631 XP, for a total of 2,277 (enough to reach level 2)
Nahawen earns 1,853 XP for a total of 2,514 (still needs 1,486 XP for level 2)
Shayesti
earns 1,423 XP for a total of 2,394 (enough to reach level 2)
As
you return to Threshold from the manor of the mage Arkayz,
you find an old man with a staff camped on the trail. He hails you.
“Ahhh, mighty heroes of Karameikos. I have heard your stories in Threshold. How fortuitous it is that we have met. I have been assured of your discretion. I am Anton Turino, a spy in the service of Duke Stefan. I have been seeking evidence that Baron Hendriks is causing unrest in the Duchy by secretly sponsoring goblin raids along the western border. I have learned that spies from the Black Eagle Barony are everywhere. I am meeting a contact with the final proof I need to expose the plot at Lone Tree Hill, a day’s ride east of Luln, however, there is a problem. I can’t take the proof to Specularum personally and need help. The job doesn’t pay anything, but when I talk to the Duke I will arrange for him to grant you a personal favor.”
"Anything in service of the Duke. What would you have
us do?"
Gurv steps forward to speak to the man.
"Yeah, I'd be happy to help.
Who is this contact? Someone you trust? You worried about a double-cross?"
“Well one never
knows. But it is of the utmost
importance that we depart for Luln immediately, as
it’s more than 70 leagues away if we travel by road.”
Shayesti sighs. "And I was looking forward to another nice
bath. Ah well, another time I suppose. I would be honored to serve the Duke and
Karameikos in this endeavor goodman Turino. Tell us
what we must do."
Ambrose says “Master Turino, pray, give us leave to speak in private for a moment.” The Celt then pulls you all some distance away and hurriedly whispers “I do not believe this man is sincere, or at the very least he is holding something back. It is just a feeling I have but I am usually right about such things. Also, there is the matter of the large amount of coin we now carry with us. We are an easy target for brigands…and traps.”
"Perhaps
you are right. Let us see how he feels about traveling with us to Threshold so
we may lighten our load. The less we are carrying the faster we will be able to
travel after all. Perhaps then we can find out a bit more about this man and
his "mission" while traveling with him for a bit."
Anastasia hesitates for a moment
"Let us use the wisdom we have been taught over the last few days to judge
our path carefully. It is easy for anyone to say they are on the side of good,
but where their heart truly lies can only be determined by their actions. Let
us approach our new friend with our idea of going to Threshold first."
Gurv nods at the plan.
"I agree. We could probably
get some horses to speed us along. I'm also curious to see how much he protests
our actions. The key to know if you're being walked into an ambush is to see
how insistent your guide is. Plus, I'd like to make some other purchases in
town."
Anton Turino seems slightly anxious at your message of not heading out directly, but agrees with a resigned sigh. “Very well, I will camp outside the town. It is not prudent for one in my business to make too many appearances in a small community. Head out tomorrow at first light on the road to Verge. I will meet you on the trail. Agreed?”
"Agreed."
You return to Threshold very late in the afternoon, but the businesses will still be open for a while if you wish to do some shopping. Also please let me know how much money you want to keep with you and how much (if any) you want to put in the bank. Money changing is also available for a 10% fee of the total changed.
Your total assets (beyond the mundane) are as follows:
Ambrose the Celt: 7cp, 393sp, 260ep, 880gp, 25pp
Anastasia Vorlois: very nice dagger, gold wristband, 2cp, 46sp. 252ep, 848gp, 62pp
Gurv Mohr: The Sword of The Rock, gold wristband, 7cp, 2sp, 606gp, 49pp
Nahawen: unidentified ring, 2 potions, gold wristband, 2cp, 364sp, 250ep, 908gp, 50pp
Shayesti: 2 very nice daggers, gold wristband, 3cp, 761sp, 260ep, 1030gp, 64pp
Shayesti will purchase the following:
- Light Sword 75 GP
- Bit & Bridle 1 GP
- 10 days of Feed 50 CP
- Harness 1 GP
- Saddle blanket 5 SP
- Saddle bags 4 GP
- Saddle 20 GP
Total spent: 101 GP, 50 CP, 5 SP
Put in bank: all but 25 PP, 50 GP, 25 SP
OOC: Is another thread going to start for this new adventure? Also, do we need
to spend
time/money to train for leveling up? Hmmm, if I'm 6XP away from level 3
will I level instantly when I get those or not till after the adventure?
Shayesti’s short sword costs 16gp, 7sp
Saddle & Tack costs 25gp
Saddle Bags cost 5gp
I didn’t see a horse but am assuming one. Cost is 143gp, 2sp, 5cp
10 days of feed costs 2gp
Total spent 191gp, 9sp, 5cp (I’ll assume smallest denominations spent first)
I will be starting another thread.
No time or money need be spent unless you are training in levels of weapon mastery (one slot which will be open to you at third level). The cost at this level would be 100gp and will take 1 week, if successful.
XP is not earned until the end of the adventure.
Gurv will buy a
horse, blanket, bit, bridle, saddle, saddle bag, 10 days feed, and 10 days
rations. He will also invest in the heaviest armor available with his remaining
funds, if possible. Gurv, liking the look of it, will
start wearing his gold wristband, as well. He also wears the Sword of the Rock
in his scabbard if it seems to be a functional sword
(OOC: Sorry I don't
have my book on me for figuring out prices. If you want, I'll figure it out
when I go home tonight.)
Saddle Bags cost 5gp
Riding Horse cost is 141gp
10 days of feed costs 2gp
10 days of rations cost 15gp
The best possible armor is suit armor, but has to be individually tailored to the wearer. “Off the Rack” you can get plate mail for 110gp, 4sp, but you can sell your chain mail for 20gp.
Total spent 278gp, 4sp, (I’ll assume smallest denominations spent first)
I also left out of the assets currently held by Gurv, a 50’ coil of unusually thin, strong rope.
Gurv has 49pp, 326gp,1ep, 3sp, 7cp left. Does he bank it or take some with him?
Saddle & Tack costs 25gp
Saddle Bags cost 5gp
Riding Horse cost is 144gp,7sp,5cp
10 days of feed costs 2gp
10 days of rations cost 15gp
6 torches for 1gp
Tinderbox for 3 gp
plate mail for 115gp, 2sp, and sells his scale mail for 15gp
Ambrose banks his remaining funds.
Gurv will bank
all but 10 pp, 75 gp, 3 sp, and 7 cp.
Oops! I meant that first line to say Light Horse for 75 GP.
This was per the equipment list from the start of the campaign. If that price
isn't right, then take whatever the cost is out of her treasure. Also, if I
hadn't already picked up a new short sword, I'd get that as well.
Saddle & Tack costs 25gp
Saddle Bags cost 5gp
Riding Horse cost is 119gp,2sp,5cp
10 days of feed costs 2gp
10 days of rations cost 15gp
Shield for 15gp, 7sp
plate mail for 109gp, 2sp, and sells her chainmail for 20gp
Anastasia banks her remaining funds.