Month: February 2018

SESSION 189 – February 7, 2018

Night of 7th Senrilden one moon is half waxing and other half waning and we set sail to the south.

Captain Nigel estimates 5 days to reach Feldmark.

Khaleen, AKA Bavmorda, spends the journey getting to know the crew.

Nash preaches Lysander.

Rallion keeps watch at night and scans the horizon with the telescope and chats with the sailors on watch.

The Bronze Wizard had enough rations to make it on partial rations, and the party had some food, but needed enough food for 31 days. Lambertus created food & water to allow us to avoid a starvation ration.

One sailor, Asa, knows Laris. He hold a grudge against Laris for winning all his wealth on the eve of his wedding, forcing him to take to the life on the sea. Still owing Laris. Laris charms him and forgives the debt Asa owes him.

Nash offers the ESP helm to Laris, and Laris tries it on and learns many things from Serithaz. Rallion told him not to do it. Rallion checks him out when he finishes his chat with Serithaz. Rallion isn’t convinced Laris is OK.

A heavy downpour begins on the 9th, our second full day of travel, and lasts a few days. We easily top off our water barrels. About 2:00 PM, there is a shout, we go up to see what it is. There is a boat with two islanders rowing for all they’re worth tryhing to escape a ship with tattered sails and the anchor chains apparently pulling the ship. Suddenly a zombie whale surfaces and chomps down on the boat and chews up the men. The ship changes course and closes with us. We notice pox riddled undead aboard. Nash attempts to turn with no effect. Lambertus casts prayer. We fire arrows. Lambertus turns and the whale wheels about, with no apparent affect on the creatures on deck. Captain Nigel and his crew manage to pull ahead and away. This ship was flagged out of Vargen.

The next day the rain is merely heavy, instead of a constant downpour.

On the 10th, Laris pulls Rallion aside during Rallion’s watch. Laris asks about the degrees of evil of ancient dwarves and devil fish. Rallion explains that the devil fish are allies of convenience, the enemy of my enemy.

Rallion gives 30 GP to Captain Nigel to pay his crew, and promises to pay the berthing fees.

We round the bend into the mouth of the Feldrun River and are greeted with a sea of masts at Landing. Landing is the small town at the mouth of the river. There is a picket of a warship and two armed merchantment preventing travel upriver. Across the river from Landing is a camp of refugees.

We are approached by Captain Holger, who is a merchant captain impressed to naval service. He must view our crew to make sure none are sick and see the ship.

Rallion tries to avoid showing the Writ as Keepers of The Council. However, his story of pilgrimage to the Grove of the Verdant Fellowship is not good enough. He relents and shows the captain the Writ. We learn that there is a lot of mistrust of agents of Midmark and what goes on with the Empire there. The high priestess, Alesta Drucal, of the church of the sea god, M…. escaped with a motley crew in an underwater boat. One was Baswick the asistant, and then Harbormaster. He was revealed as an agent of Feldmark, one of their Shadow Guard, the equivalent of the Grey Cloaks of Midmark. A dwarf with a skullcap with an eyepatch built in (Mortimer), and a large woman (Svelnid), and two crazy people.

Rallion is willing to let him take the writ, to show the officer in charge of the warship, but the others won’t have it, so Rallion, Bavmorda, Nash and Laris go with Captain Holger to the Flying Goblin, under Commander Evrardin, of the Feldmark guards. We learn of odd things in Feldmark and a power struggle. A member of the council suddenly changed her opionion about aid to Midmark. Grete Kygh of the Ropemaker’s Guild. The other faction who was once her friend, Cuddy Hawke opposes her. He is from the Carpenter’s Guild. Feldmark is a more tru democracy, one vote per person at 16 years. Although more guildmasters on it than others. It usually worried about the harvest and transport and other much more mundane matters.

The main sources of tension are:

– Refugees – a poweder keg issue

– Weird Dwarven numbers in the corner of everyone’s vision.

– Fishwick People

– Anti-Refugee Forces

Feldmark was a very laid back place until recently.

The Hull & Sheaf is the main trading copmany out of Midmark. There is argument that since their office can’t be contacted that their ships should be impressed into refugee duty. This would weaken the company, and make the merchants of the Merchant League would gain greatly by that. The commander suggests it would be best to leave them alone and move on, but that’s beyond his control.

Cmdr. Evrardin, is sending Capt. Holgar with us, as we probably can’t dock without him. The fee is 5 gp per day.

We see the road busy with carts laden with crops going to town for trade, and mercenaries guarding them, and obvious refugees who somehow got to this point heading toward Feldmark.

Capt. Holgar gets us to a dock, and Rallion pays 50 GP for ten days, as we may need more than a week. Capt. Holgar recommends an inn, The Black Bridge, named after the black bridge that crosses the northen branch of the Feldrun river. WE take a wagon/carriage. He arranges two rooms for us, and Rallion pays. Bavmorda puts out the word that we are hiring muscle, adn we get nibbles of interest. 2:00 PM we say to come talk to us. The next day, we go to HLM the half elf haberdasher, miliner, lapidary Haruth Mithlum Larkson to sell our loot.

Laris wears the hat once worn by Edan, the one made by Chaunese Silverbrow. Haruth is a pupil of Silverbrow and he was eagerly greeted, adn we we welcomed “to the party.”

We sold our loot and made a hefty sum. Most are ready for training. It apears we will be here for two weeks.

Captain Holgar is eager to get us to the council to speak with them. We fear that the council woman with the sudden change is wearing an inquisitor mask, and either a Dervish or Inquisitor. We had no time to discuss this in detail, other than Rallion mentioning his fear and that he will let others hold his magic while he bears the shard.

Here is Episode 2 of what amounts to Laris’ journal. I’m still getting used to this google docs and G+. I figured I’d post them as I write them instead of the whole doc for easier access as the sessions build up. I was trying to put it out primarily from Laris’ perspective. So it may lack some details that Larry put in his. If y’all think it sucks or isn’t mildly entertaining I’ll quit posting. Otherwise I’ll continue to hack at it. Also, if there are inaccuracies or something out of whack, lemme know and I’ll correct it.

Ted

Episode 2

Later in the day, 6th of Senrilden

Rallion’s Speech. Wow. So much for staying away from the weird stuff. I don’t think that my perceptions of a normal life will return to baseline if all that he says is true. That rattlebox thing seemed to confirm what he was touting. He definitely believes the meta story surrounding the adventures he and this group have had. The stories and legends we’ve all heard pieces of mesh with what his tale reveals. I still have my doubts on the connection of dots he’s claiming. Although I haven’t heard a better explanation for those dang numbers. Even if the machinations behind the events he’s describing are a little off, it still seems like the conclusions drawn, on the outside edges of a believable reality, might be true.

After his soliloquy, there was discussion. Mainly positive toward the tale from the Montoan and Hizzouites (Hizzouans? Hizzouinines?). Elder Emeric was not so impressed. His take on the story was… significantly less than receptive. Other than being an old codger, I’m not sure why he was so adamant in his position that the information was disingenuous. Unless what Rallion postulates that he could be unknowingly influenced or in cahoots with the Dark King could be true. Of course that was poo poo’d by Emeric.

Somehow Nash knows that Emeric poisoned the good captain. Maybe it has something to do with that cap that gives him some mind talking abilities. I’m not sure how comfortable I am not being able to tell if he’s messing with my head or not. But there’s nothing for it for right now. Hopefully it’s just communication and not control or influence. Oh crap. I need to think only of good beer and food from now on and not let my thoughts idly wander. No telling how often he just meanders around checking out whoever whenever. I know I certainly would.

So much for peaceful, productive encounters however. Emeric’s doubletalking and politicking continued, with indirect accusations and an alternate presentation of the events in Rallion’s tale spun in a way to cause question. On this dissonant note, my ears perked up and alarm bells dinged in my head. His elusiveness and sidestepping on the topics of Captain Nigel’s poisoning and outside influences on the current state of affairs continued to escalate the tension and distrust. I tried to defuse things as best I could, it still came to fisticuffs, no thanks to the hotheaded Drueta. All action and little lateral thinking. She almost flat out started a war with Shem and her village with Hizzou caught in the middle. I like to think that I interfered with her dagger toss, but I think I was just lucky she didn’t hit me with it. Of course Emeric was about as bad with his forked tongue. A little Shemmite subduing by our side and a sleep spell stopped any bloodshed, but ended all constructive conversation.

Chieftain Aldith was not real happy with the turn of events and told all present as much quite directly. He ordered Captain Nigel be presented in front of the whole conference of leaders to allow Nash or Lambertus affect what cures they could on his person, despite Elder Emeric’s protestations. Cure him they did. His story, once awakened, was not in contradiction to Emeric’s version. However the rattle box was rattling away unbeknownst to the good Captain as to why. Rallion brought this to the attention of the emissaries and the Chieftan by moving the box into the sight and hearing of all. Once Nigel finished his version of his story, the Chieftan sent Nigel with us and the other parties to our separate quarters. Effectively ending any discussion of the villages uniting against the Dark King at this point.

Once out of earshot of the rest of the villagers and the other delegations, we proceeded to get the real story from Captain Nigel. Emeric had him and his first mate shanghaied.Then held his first mate hostage to ensure Nigel’s cooperation, proceeded to poison him to discredit the Montoans and ruin the conference. Nigel is very thankful for the intervention and rescue from the poison. The specific reasons why Emeric did this, we don’t know beyond speculation. Drueta heads toward us, I alert the group and let her in. Long story short, Drueta joins us and we decide to leave Hizzou headed north toward Montoa. Once out of sight if the village, we circle back toward Shem to rescue Nigel’s first mate and continue on the quest of saving the world. We travel hard and rest before the final leg of our journey to Shem.

Evening of Senrilden 7th, Morning of the 8th

After resting and continuing our travels we arrive at Shem after dark. Discussion of tactics concerning the liberation of the mate ensues ranging from a burning distraction and a semi frontal assault to going in stealthy. Much to my happiness the subtle approach was elected. Adding to my happiness, I wouldn’t be alone in the scouting. Bavmorda also has a penchant for being sneaky and we will be gathering the information needed to effect the rescue.

I ask if there is any extra equipment they may have to help a guy out and Bavmorda tosses me what they are calling the Lieutenant’s Longsword. So me and L-T are partners now. I certainly do appreciate it.

Bavmorda and I set out to scout the situation. We locate the first mate and the layout of the town. We also confirm the ship seems to be intact and manned. All goes well, taking our time and avoiding all detection. It’s refreshing to be working again with a competent partner. The past few years, having others carry out my dirty work while raking in the dough kinda got a little boring. Good thing I kept my skills up, I’ve certainly needed them the past few weeks.

Another short planning session ensues with the stealthy approach taking first position with a less than subtle backup in case Bavmorda and I run into a hiccup. The group makes its way to the path to the beach where they are to prepare the launch to carry us to Nigel’s ship. Rallion stays near to cover our escape and render aid in the event things don’t go as planned with Bavmorda and I during the recapture of the mate. We retrace our steps back into the village carrying a dark elven cloak and boots for the first mate. Bavmorda holds the slats of the window covering open enough for me to cast a sleep spell on the two guards. They fall asleep along with our quarry who is shackled to the wall. We enter the front door, locate a key to the shackles on one of the guards and extricate the mate. Bavmorda throws him over her shoulder, I cover him up with the cloak and we make our way to Rallion and the beach uneventfully. Once safely on the ship we all celebrate a little for a successful operation.

Of course, as usual, safety is a relative term. Nash recognizes the ship that dropped him off wrecked on some rocks within sight. The story from Nigel and the crew is that it is overrun with lacedons, marine ghouls I think they said…. and he wants to go search it…. See, relative safety…. So our choices are raid the ship full of undead, or go to a city on an island on the way to our destination. After discussion, it seems we are going to keep our eye on the prize and stick with the main plan of saving the world. Yippee. Better that than the demise that I CAN see assaulting a wrecked ship crawling with undead…. I think we’ll soon be setting sail away from this place. We may be heading back here with Nigel one day to collect on the goods he left under duress and clear the wrecked ship of it’s treasures and pests. That is if we save the world. If not, I reckon it won’t make much difference. Time for a nap, it’s been an deliciously uneventful evening. Eventful would be referring to fighting and bleeding.j

SESSION 188 – JANUARY 31, 2018 (The same day as the Super/Blue/Blood Moon.)

Rallion steps up to give his speech to the delegations.

Rallion sets the liar box at his feet.

Greeting honored guests. We are thankful for the hospitality of Aldith, Chief

of Hizzou, who has allowed us to request your presence to share our news from the East.

Greetings to Shem and its honored council, guided by Elder Emeric.

Greetings to Montoa and its representative Druetta.

I beg your indulgence to let me share all of the news that we bear. It is

important that you hear it at the same time so that none can say they were

told a different message.

Should you doubt the truth of my words, this box before me will rattle when

it hears a lie. You will have noticed that it was silent while I spoke. I

shall tell an obvious lie to show you that it works. “I am short with green

hair.” We can use this box to find the truth of the matter about poisoning.

All who select, prepare, and serve the food can be questioned.

Rallion then invited the delegations to test it.

I am Rallion of the Wode. I am sent by the Verdant Fellowship in the East to

find the truth about the Dark King. The Druids of the Fellowship did not know

if this Dark King was an agent of the Dragon Empire or the far more ancient

Dwarven Empire. The Dark King has caused much calamity and destruction.

Entire villages have been destroyed or brought under his sway. Some are

forced into service by their families being held captive. Far more are forced

to be mindless servants controlled by those of the Dark King’s commanders and lietenants who wear various circlets that allow them to command those poor souls who have had their heads opened and cubes of command inserted. These creatures are now mindless and totally under the sway of the Dark King.

We have learned the truth of the Dark King, he is a servant of the Ancient

Dwarven Empire, and he prepares the way for the arrival of an even bigger

army from beyond the sky.

A couple weeks ago, you will have noticed these ancient Dwarven numbers

counting down each day. This count down tells us that we have 2 months and 9 days until this dwarven army with all of its magic will arrive and destroy

the world as we know it.

A fringe group of ancient dwarves controls the Silverthrone Company and they work to be the first to aid the arrival of these dwarves from beyond. They

have the same goal, but each wants the glory for himself. The head of the

Silverthrone Company has unleashed an ancient dwarven sickness that turns

those who succumb to it into mindless zombies, who are very difficult to

kill. Destroying the bodies by fire causes the ash to rise up, and the ash

too causes those it touches to be afflicted. We have not yet found a good way

to defeat this sickness.

This sickness has afflicted Vargen before the disaster struck it. This

sickness got out of control and has afflicted the dwarves of Xenilum Khel,

most do not know that their ancestors come from beyond the sky, or what evils those who seek to restore the Dwarven Empire are doing.

The Dragon Emperor’s forces have moved into Midmark, and have a foothold

there. The disaster that leveled Vargen has destroyed much of the navy of

Midmark. The terrible sickness has caused most surviving ships from Midmark to anchor off the coast, like the Bronze Wizard at Shemm.

We have fought the servants and allies of the Dark King. We found his secret

hiding place for what they call the Council of Twelve, far beneath Glavnone.

We fought there are barely escaped with the loss of many great ones.

That being said, not all dwarves follow the ways of the Dwarven Empire. Lord

Thorfus Ironhand was an honorable dwarf, Chief of Clan Ironhand, and he died fighting the Dark King’s forces. He was sickened when he learned the truth of his ancestors, a truth hidden to most dwarves today. Not all dwarves will join the Dark King’s forces or the new dwarves from beyond the sky.

The false god of the dwarves, Xenotel, is an evil creature who twists the

ways of the dwarves. We seek to defeat him in his Crystal Palace.

Our quest to prevent the arrival of a dwarven army had been hampered many

times by the lies and subterfuge of different factions. Not all who have lied

and hindered us, know the truth about the Dark King, but all the same have

their own desires for power, position, and wealth, that prevent our progress.

We must set aside the quest for these things, as we cannot enjoy them if the

islands are destroyed. If the islands are destroyed, where do we go, the

Dragon Empire?

Lastly, (pulling out the golden feather), we are the chosen of the

Matriarchs.

Druetta of the Montoa delegation was intrigued and asked how we came to have the feather and was very willing to believe Rallion’s tale. She asked after the former leader of the mountaintop sanctuary and was saddened to learn that only two of the monastic order remain.

Emeric of the Shemm delegation was very dismissive and Rallion’s tale fit his desire to twist the words of Rallion to his purpose.

Nash had Serithaz scan everyone and let him know that Emeric poisoned the ship captain, Nigel. Nash could only relay that to Laris, Oskar, and Lambertus, as the rest of us have mind shielded magic.

Emeric taunted the liar box and all our dwarven magic, and our representation of Midmark and the “EAST.” He even said that he poisoned the liar box, and it did not rattle. He said, it is some trick. Druetta was ready to attack. Laris tried to run in front of her, but she missed. Nash commanded Emeric to surrender, and he knelt and bowed his head. Bavmorda and Nash then rushed in to grapple and bind him. One of the Shemm delegation tried to grapple Bavmorda, and ended up knocked senseless. Laris ended the struggle by casting sleep.

Chief Aldith called for order, and was frustrated that fighting had broken our in his peace talks. He ordered the captain be brought in and through magic and a cure poison, we brought the captain around. He told his tale of volunteering to be part of the delegation. His story was punctuated by the liar box’s rattles. Rallion and Nash brought this to everyone’s attention, and all cast glances at Emeric.

It seems all believed Emeric capable of the deed.

The chief orders us out first, and says that the delegations of Shemm and Montoa would be free to leave. We get to our hut and question the captain to get the straight story. He and his first mate were imprisoned, and he was taken with his first mate held hostage. While Laris kept watch to make sure we were not overheard.

Druetta approaches and offers to go with us. We accept her offer.

She leads us north out of Hizzou, as if we were headed to Montoa, and then we circle around and travel through the night to get to Shemm. We rest in the morning, so our spell casters can re-learn their spells. We continue about 1:00 PM and get to the outskirts of Shemm about 8:00 PM.

Laris and Bavmorda are sent in to scout and they find their way to the central hut and find two guards dicing while the first mate slept in a corner. They report back to us. They go and get the prisoner, taking Rallion’s cloak to make the escape easier. The rest of us go down the path to the boats.

There is a hut at the bottom of the trail to the beach. Rallion keeps watch over it while waiting for Laris, Bavmorda, and the mate. The others go get the Bronze Wizard’s boat and get it in the water for a faster getaway.

While waiting for Laris and Bavmoda (Julie), Rallion carves into a stick, “Rallion was here,” and sticks it into the cliff beside the path near the hut.

Laris and Bavmorda easily return to the central hut. LAris casts sleep. They relieve a guard of the key to the manacles. Bavmorda throws the first mate over her shoulder while Laris drapes Rallion’s dark elf cloak over him, and they head for the trail. They almost surpsised Rallion, and join him in going to the boat, and they push off towards the ship.

The crew is relieved to have their captain.

Nash learns that the boat that dropped him off, the Gilded Gusset, is the one wrecked on the shore north of Shemm. Captain Nigel explains that it is infested with lacedons (sea ghouls). We decide to make our way south and leave Curmidden behind us, perhaps never to return.

We decide to seek port, perhaps at Feldmark, sell our gems, resupply, and perhaps take a week to train.