Leon's Account:
Session 13 As the Crow Flies - Part 1
It is unusual to fine a
crow in the ocean but bobbing about in a rowboat filled with gold and
broken glass is exactly where the emerald crow found himself, wondering
how he was going to explain this turn of events...
*
With
the grapple finally latched onto the railing after manoeuvring the
rowboat to the rear of the ship and avoiding the sea drake. Inknose
begged to assist us whether his intentions were true we'd never know as
he slipped and fell from the rope, falling between the ship and rowboat
and at unfortunate timing as a rogue wave from the wake of the sea drake
pushed our craft into the ship crushing the goblin.
The party merely
shrugged off the goblin's misfortune and Varis began the now slightly
more perilous rope climb, an outcry of orders and chaos could be heard
above as the sea drake slammed its body against the ship. With Varis
nearly able to board the ship a fireball came streaking over the sea
drake and much too close to us as the fire burnt Vagrim, Adel and merely
scorching the sea drake which was enough for it to pay us closer
attention but our luck held as it flicked its tail against the ballista
crews on the docks and then drew it's gaze back to the ship determined
to sink it.
As Varis neared the top a gnoll peered over the
railing sighting Varis and the would-be boarders drove it into
hysterical giggle launching its flail at the Elven avenger. The Gnoll
snarled in fury as the fail hit the railing as Varis had teleported
straight behind the Gnoll and tumbling into a forward roll, the violence
and magic Varis unleashed was that of a refined and systematic warrior
as he almost finished off three quarters of the crew himself his last
act of that battle was to teleport the Gnoll high above the water whom
had been doing its best at hitting whoever came up the rope next, why it
occurred for no one to go through the window I used in my escape is
beyond me, though I have no right complain as I did the same and was
struck by the vile gnolls flail. Varis's bold actions during this
encounter were met with no reward but a demise of humiliation which came
later that day, such a capable warrior deserved better.
With
the crew almost dead and only the sea drake to really contend with I
moved as quickly as possible finding a door to the captain’s cabin sadly
the chest I found within which was trapped and in my haste I triggered
narrowly avoiding the poison dart did not contain the coral crown but a
small fortune in gold, I began loading the gold as quickly as I could.
*
The
Crew now dead and the emerald crows apparent run for safety the others
scowled his cowardice. Valgrim cut one of the mooring lines but with the
sea drake still attacking the ship and without an outgoing tide the
heroes realised they were going no-where fast and that something needed
to be done about the seadrake and quickly as the ship wouldn't be able
to take much more they made for shore avoiding the sea drakes monstrous
jaws. The dock carved its way into a poorly lit chamber Varis’s keen
elven senses spotting a gargoyle adorned with coral crown realising it
was seen the gargoyle began to communicate with the elf both agreeing to
terms of a mutual alliance. It was then that the terror inducing cries
of great albino baboons broke the conversation. Everyone readied
themselves for the coming threat...
The Pallid baboons rushed
out from the dark of the corridor meeting Erik head on only for both of
them to leap over and flank Adel while hobgoblins and an imp harried
Erik, Valgrim moved to aid Adel, Varis had moved to strike from the
darkness still afforded to him and finally Nevi at the rear. Their
wizard master was the last to appear flanked by some archers he summoned
some shimmering orbs of blue energy which hovered around him "The crown
will be mine and you will die" with a flick of a finger one of the orbs
glided gently towards the ensuing melee, eldritch lightning broke out
amongst the combatants the Heroes of Punjar still standing "Impressive,
no matter I will destroy you" again another orb of lightning glided
fourth this time valgrim was overwhelmed by the pain as the wizard stood
and watched on.
Varis burst out from the shadows striking the
second of the baboons as the first one lashed out at Adel striking her
down, Erik hearing her scream called upon the divinity of bahamut
allowing Adel to stand and fight again as the paladin cut the imp so
cleanly it never noticed until it began to burn up returning to nine
hells from which it had been called. Nevi's healing powers almost
exhausted he was able to raise valgrim back to consciousness allowing
the fighter to cleave a hobgoblin and baboon the gargoyle followed up
valgrims attack on the baboon the creature not even flinching at the
injuries it had sustained at this point a ballista bolt slammed into the
cavern wall Erik glanced at where it had come from and could see Leon
manning one of the ballista’s on the dock with the sea drake eyeing him
as food.
"Your feeble skills are no much for my power" the second
to last orb unleashed its arcane energies driving the baboons to frenzy
the first baboon drove nevi and Adel back, while second one clipped
varis but was able to grab valgrim and twisted his head off then
proceeded to ragdoll his body against the ground and wall of the cavern.
Part 2
It was taking me a lot longer than I had
expected to reload the ballista as I looked back up to aim the thing I
saw in horror someone had fallen to one of apelike creatures from this
distance I couldn't tell who it was as more lighting jumped about the
room. Firing the second bolt from the ballista again my aim was off, how
you aim these things against things smaller than a sea drake or dragon I
don't know, It was then everyone began running towards me Varis was the
first jumping into the water for he had been blessed with the natural
ability to breath under water, followed by nevi and Adel and a gargoyle
which also made for the water adorned with the coral crown we had been
looking for , Erik was last holding the line as best he could before he
broke back towards the dock.
Only now did I understand the true
level of the threat before us as two great pale white baboons although
one was now covered in blood and gore bounded down towards the others
who'd grouped up 50ft in front of me then I saw him the white haired
wizard in aqua blue robes inlaid with gold walking calmly with staff in
hand spoke "Only now at the end do you understand your mistake" and with
that a sole blue orb of energy began to glide to the others as strands
of lighting began to strobe across the ground as it reached its
destination it exploded and great tendrils lighting shot into nevi,
Adel and varis who's form I could only just make out under water
writhing then nothing slowly his body began to descend to the murky
depths. At this I ran back to the ship glancing behind me I saw nevi
with the same idea, sadly Adel was not so lucky resigned to her fate her
eyes lost all sense of hope as a shower of daggers rained down on her
then only to be hoisted by the already blood soaked baboon it grabbed
her by the arms and legs and ripped her in half drinking the blood from
her torso. I fled in terror back to the captain’s cabin shutting the
door as the shipped felt like it was beginning to move running towards
the window I jumped through it and landed in the rowboat cutting rope
and began rowing assisted by the now outgoing tide.
Exhausted
Nevi made it back aboard the boat his mind in panic, struggling to
concentrate he was able to set the remaining mooring line alight but not
soon enough as a hobgoblin had given chase It cut Nevi down his body
fell to the gangplank and the hobgoblin smirking in victory kicked his
corpse into the water.
With everyone gone Erik's mind broke even
with the strict paladin training the deaths of Tasarus, Iriediana, Rex,
Nevi, Adel, Varis and Valgrim overwhelmed his mind, bleeding and badly
hurt only Bahamut's heedless fury is what drove him on charging the
wizard.
"Your determination is admirable" smiling the wizard held his
hand aloft; Erik’s sprit continued the charge only to stop at the edge
of a frozen lake.
"Erik, your safe now", he turned to see his wife
approach she grabbed his hand and stood by his side leaning her head on
his shoulder as they watched the sunrise on the city of tempered souls.
***************************************________
PCs killed by Ulars Bhet and his men: Valgrim, Adell, the Avenger, Nevi, Erik. Leon escapes the carnage with the pirate treasure, as does the Kapoacinth, which swims away with the Coral Crown.
Leon rows back to the Living Island and reaches the friendly village around noon next day, where Jenn Morgan and Captain Kaldi Rodeck are recovering from their wounds. There is no more sign of the pirates, and over the next few months it becomes clear the Dead Island natives are in disarray, though low-level warfare continues between the two groups and Leon, Jenn & Kaldi are called on to help Snake Sister & co dispatch several zombies sent against Living Island.
Eventually one year later (M8 714 NR) a passing Punjari ship stops by to take on fresh water, and Leon, Jenn & Kaldi are rescued. 100gp from Leon's stash persuades the ship captain to take them back to Punjar in comfort.
Back in Punjar a few weeks later, Geroff Nisjal debriefs the three survivors. The attacks on shipping ceased once the Sea Gargoyle broke free with the Coral Crown. It seems that the pirate captain Ulars Bhet departed the Isle of the Sea Drake with his few remaining crew and some new recruits from the Dead Islanders, and still plagues the sea lanes. Still, Leon Jenn & Cpt Rodeck seem to have technically accomplished their mission briefing, so Geroff pays them each the remaining 500gp promised.
XP (x1.5/6=/4)
3 hobgoblin reavers 300
gnoll first mate 250
2 sea dogs 300
4 ballista crew 500
Nas'rel the imp 150
Total: 1500/4=375
Level 3 Quest: Escape the Islands: +150 XP
Total: 525+6278 XP=6803
7500 XP for Level 6.
END OF ISLE OF THE SEA DRAKE
Tuesday 2 July 2013
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Session 12: The Big Dead and the Catamaran 21/8-23/8/713 NR
Return from cave, battle solo zombie on trail at night, rest in village.
Guide leads group north-west to hidden catamaran cave; defeat guards and capture Inknose.
Oar the catamaran west to the Dead Island, after midnight enter the sea caves and see the pirate ship under attack by the Sea Drake...
XP:
The Big Dead - Solo Zombie XP 1250/6=208x1.5=312.
Inknose the Goblin & co:
Spider 175x1.5=262
Goblin Swabbies 186
Inknose 250x1.5=375
Rik (flees) 75
Total 898/6=150
Level 1 quest - rescue the men 100 XP
Catamaran Navigation 40 XP
Level 2 Quest - find the enemy base: 125 XP
Total: 727+5551=6278 XP
Leon's account +77=6355 XP
7500 XP for Level 6.
Guide leads group north-west to hidden catamaran cave; defeat guards and capture Inknose.
Oar the catamaran west to the Dead Island, after midnight enter the sea caves and see the pirate ship under attack by the Sea Drake...
XP:
The Big Dead - Solo Zombie XP 1250/6=208x1.5=312.
Inknose the Goblin & co:
Spider 175x1.5=262
Goblin Swabbies 186
Inknose 250x1.5=375
Rik (flees) 75
Total 898/6=150
Level 1 quest - rescue the men 100 XP
Catamaran Navigation 40 XP
Level 2 Quest - find the enemy base: 125 XP
Total: 727+5551=6278 XP
Leon's account +77=6355 XP
7500 XP for Level 6.
Wednesday 5 June 2013
Session 11: Meet the Natives 21/8/713 NR
Leon Varju's Account
Session 11 – Turning South and Goblins
After the brief skirmish amongst the scrub and dunes, Varis took point following a trail left behind from a female native spotted watching us immediately fleeing realising she'd been seen. With the cicadas thrum in the background and the humid jungle island heat bearing down on us we trekked for five hours the heat causing discomfort for us especially Erik who somehow wasn't cooked alive in his plate mail. The cleric on the other hand looked not at all bothered by the heat some might say a divine breeze or that spending time in the island paradise of Hestivar home to Erathis may have helped, we'd never know.
After some minor insect bites and a short rest the jungle began to give way leading out to village clearing which appeared to have been attacked as the native woman were attempting to repair the fire damaged buildings though avoiding the largest hut being that two zombies were restrained and blindfolded as we approached the woman fled, after a quick vote it was deemed Jenn would be best suited to the diplomatic approach here, though not before several remarks were made about her abilities as a diplomat especially after the whole Dragora fiasco, still Jenn made her stand daring anyone else to step up "I thought not" as everyone averted her gaze for fear of being cut down where they stood. As Jenn made her way forwards into the village, Leon and Varis slipped off into the tree line reasoning should things turn south they'd be able to launch a surprise attack. As Jenn walked into the village a mighty Gnoll emerged from what was probably the chiefs hut sniffing the air it's fiery orange eyes locking onto Jenn who had stopped halfway on sighting the towering creature, as the gnoll walked towards her it barked broken common to the warrior natives who emerged from hiding moving to surround the heroes.
As expected reasoning with a Gnoll rarely goes well, if ever. In fact you’re lucky to make it that far. Perhaps Jenn's noble tongue was a bit strong or even just attempting to talk to the thing was reason enough, letting out a maniacal giggle the gnoll's dull yellow mane bristled followed a by swing of its weapon which was telegraphed ever enough for Jenn to shift out of the way, Varis and Leon broke cover Varis taking a right towards the zombies while Leon took the left towards the shaman's hut clearly both had plans of what was to be done but hadn't actually bothered to discuss them with each other. Meanwhile Captain Kaldi charged the gnoll followed by Erik who dispatched a native warrior in making his way to the gnoll allowing Jenn to recover her weapons after meeting some of the Gnoll's earlier demands. Nevi and Adell went about dispatching the remaining native warriors who had taken out both remaining members of Captain Kaldi's crew, as Adell took a few arrows for her troubles. Nevi eventually directed her divine wrath at the gnoll.
The Gnoll dealt as many injuries as it took eventually succumbing to deaths call, during this pitched battle Varis had dealt significant damage to one of the undead corpses before falling back should he be overwhelmed by the stench they hung about them, this allowed them to again violently expel gobs of parasitic worms through the air thankfully to Erathis' divine presence they weren't able to cause as much harm as they otherwise could have done. Finally Leon reappeared puffing slightly and shouting "the woman won't help us" as Erik had made his way to finish off the zombies but not before the emerald crow let loose his magical shuriken which struck the zombie in its brain dropping the abomination to the ground almost at once the corpse began to writhe and inflate Leon yelling "Run" in a rather pitched note taking off towards the safety of a hut leaving Erik only moments to cover-up with his shield before being showered in rotting flesh and gore, the final rotted corpse was destroyed by ertharis's holy light.
The native woman communicating through the shaman expressed their thanks and explained the history of the islands and the events that had taken place leading the heroes to assist in the release of village men who had been taken prisoner and were to be transformed into the walking corpses that been cut down moments before.
Below has been translated from goblin and amended where possible...
Skrit our best lookout up a tree tricked by a human speaking goblin, all goblins know a human speaks goblin badly. From the dark places they came skrit fell dead from the tree, next a red lady whom leap over the smelling pit attack skunkgut and me Rick, we hurt her good then the goblin speaker appearing next to her demanded we give up then nicked my nose we laugh at the goblin speaker and move away from the red lady who bleeding and starting to chop-up skunkgut. Both Skunkgut and Me Rick spiked red lady good through her guts she stuck to the ground and no longer try to chop us up, Shiny do gooder running towards the cave with arrows in his shoulder lots of shouting from there.
Skunkgut sees red lady arm move first she pull spikes out of her guts and stands with no holes in her, she runs towards us hacking up skunkgut real bad the goblin speaker follows her again, insulting us "beaten by a girl" he speaks. When to me ricks horror skunkgut is spiked dead through the side of his head exploding into a bright shocking light, me rick thrown into smelling pit and surrenders..
The Prisoners free, the goblin speaker pulls me rick out of smelling pit and asks "know where any treasure is?"
XP
Navigating Through Jungle twice: 200
Roleplay/Negotiation: 175
Battle in Village
Kravl the Gnoll 250x1.5=375
6 Comiqui warriors 62x6=372
2 Rotspitter Corpse 175x2=350x1.5=525
Comiqui Hunter (wounded): 50x1.5=75
Total: 1347
Goblin Pirates' Cave
2 Rigging Rats 125x2=250x1,5=375
3 Boarders 100x3=300x1.5=450
Waste Trench 100
Total: 925
Grand Total: 2647/6=441
441+5050=5491
Leon's Account +40
Rick's Account +20
Total: 5551
5500 XP for Level 5.
Level 5 reached! Gain a Daily power.
7500 XP for Level 6.
You reach a Milestone, +1 Action Point.
Session 11 – Turning South and Goblins
After the brief skirmish amongst the scrub and dunes, Varis took point following a trail left behind from a female native spotted watching us immediately fleeing realising she'd been seen. With the cicadas thrum in the background and the humid jungle island heat bearing down on us we trekked for five hours the heat causing discomfort for us especially Erik who somehow wasn't cooked alive in his plate mail. The cleric on the other hand looked not at all bothered by the heat some might say a divine breeze or that spending time in the island paradise of Hestivar home to Erathis may have helped, we'd never know.
After some minor insect bites and a short rest the jungle began to give way leading out to village clearing which appeared to have been attacked as the native woman were attempting to repair the fire damaged buildings though avoiding the largest hut being that two zombies were restrained and blindfolded as we approached the woman fled, after a quick vote it was deemed Jenn would be best suited to the diplomatic approach here, though not before several remarks were made about her abilities as a diplomat especially after the whole Dragora fiasco, still Jenn made her stand daring anyone else to step up "I thought not" as everyone averted her gaze for fear of being cut down where they stood. As Jenn made her way forwards into the village, Leon and Varis slipped off into the tree line reasoning should things turn south they'd be able to launch a surprise attack. As Jenn walked into the village a mighty Gnoll emerged from what was probably the chiefs hut sniffing the air it's fiery orange eyes locking onto Jenn who had stopped halfway on sighting the towering creature, as the gnoll walked towards her it barked broken common to the warrior natives who emerged from hiding moving to surround the heroes.
As expected reasoning with a Gnoll rarely goes well, if ever. In fact you’re lucky to make it that far. Perhaps Jenn's noble tongue was a bit strong or even just attempting to talk to the thing was reason enough, letting out a maniacal giggle the gnoll's dull yellow mane bristled followed a by swing of its weapon which was telegraphed ever enough for Jenn to shift out of the way, Varis and Leon broke cover Varis taking a right towards the zombies while Leon took the left towards the shaman's hut clearly both had plans of what was to be done but hadn't actually bothered to discuss them with each other. Meanwhile Captain Kaldi charged the gnoll followed by Erik who dispatched a native warrior in making his way to the gnoll allowing Jenn to recover her weapons after meeting some of the Gnoll's earlier demands. Nevi and Adell went about dispatching the remaining native warriors who had taken out both remaining members of Captain Kaldi's crew, as Adell took a few arrows for her troubles. Nevi eventually directed her divine wrath at the gnoll.
The Gnoll dealt as many injuries as it took eventually succumbing to deaths call, during this pitched battle Varis had dealt significant damage to one of the undead corpses before falling back should he be overwhelmed by the stench they hung about them, this allowed them to again violently expel gobs of parasitic worms through the air thankfully to Erathis' divine presence they weren't able to cause as much harm as they otherwise could have done. Finally Leon reappeared puffing slightly and shouting "the woman won't help us" as Erik had made his way to finish off the zombies but not before the emerald crow let loose his magical shuriken which struck the zombie in its brain dropping the abomination to the ground almost at once the corpse began to writhe and inflate Leon yelling "Run" in a rather pitched note taking off towards the safety of a hut leaving Erik only moments to cover-up with his shield before being showered in rotting flesh and gore, the final rotted corpse was destroyed by ertharis's holy light.
The native woman communicating through the shaman expressed their thanks and explained the history of the islands and the events that had taken place leading the heroes to assist in the release of village men who had been taken prisoner and were to be transformed into the walking corpses that been cut down moments before.
Below has been translated from goblin and amended where possible...
Skrit our best lookout up a tree tricked by a human speaking goblin, all goblins know a human speaks goblin badly. From the dark places they came skrit fell dead from the tree, next a red lady whom leap over the smelling pit attack skunkgut and me Rick, we hurt her good then the goblin speaker appearing next to her demanded we give up then nicked my nose we laugh at the goblin speaker and move away from the red lady who bleeding and starting to chop-up skunkgut. Both Skunkgut and Me Rick spiked red lady good through her guts she stuck to the ground and no longer try to chop us up, Shiny do gooder running towards the cave with arrows in his shoulder lots of shouting from there.
Skunkgut sees red lady arm move first she pull spikes out of her guts and stands with no holes in her, she runs towards us hacking up skunkgut real bad the goblin speaker follows her again, insulting us "beaten by a girl" he speaks. When to me ricks horror skunkgut is spiked dead through the side of his head exploding into a bright shocking light, me rick thrown into smelling pit and surrenders..
The Prisoners free, the goblin speaker pulls me rick out of smelling pit and asks "know where any treasure is?"
XP
Navigating Through Jungle twice: 200
Roleplay/Negotiation: 175
Battle in Village
Kravl the Gnoll 250x1.5=375
6 Comiqui warriors 62x6=372
2 Rotspitter Corpse 175x2=350x1.5=525
Comiqui Hunter (wounded): 50x1.5=75
Total: 1347
Goblin Pirates' Cave
2 Rigging Rats 125x2=250x1,5=375
3 Boarders 100x3=300x1.5=450
Waste Trench 100
Total: 925
Grand Total: 2647/6=441
441+5050=5491
Leon's Account +40
Rick's Account +20
Total: 5551
5500 XP for Level 5.
Level 5 reached! Gain a Daily power.
7500 XP for Level 6.
You reach a Milestone, +1 Action Point.
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Session 10: Isle of the Sea Drake 23/5-21/8 713 NR
Rescue of Erik from Tiamat Cult
Altar of Tiamat Zealotery - Elite Trap - 900xp
Doppleganger Sneak - 225xp
Quest Reward - Clearing out the Tiamat Cultist Lair and rescuing Erik & Sir Corbay - 150xp/PC
900+225=1125xp
1125/6= 187xp
Total: 197+150+4726= 4913 xp
Isle of the Sea Drake - battle at the seashore
4 enemies XP 425/7=91x1.5=137
137+4913=5050
Need 5500 XP for Level 5.
Level 3 PCs reach Level 4.
All PCs at Level 4.
Altar of Tiamat Zealotery - Elite Trap - 900xp
Doppleganger Sneak - 225xp
Quest Reward - Clearing out the Tiamat Cultist Lair and rescuing Erik & Sir Corbay - 150xp/PC
900+225=1125xp
1125/6= 187xp
Total: 197+150+4726= 4913 xp
Isle of the Sea Drake - battle at the seashore
4 enemies XP 425/7=91x1.5=137
137+4913=5050
Need 5500 XP for Level 5.
Level 3 PCs reach Level 4.
All PCs at Level 4.
Sunday 19 May 2013
Tuesday 7 May 2013
Session 9: Punjar Saga - fall of Mouringlar & Where's Erik? 18-23/5/713 NR
Party XP:
End of Dragora's Dungeon
Kill Mouringlar, Wyrmling Green Dragon: 625/4=156x1.5=234 XP each
Level 1 Quest - Save Surviving PCs: +100 XP each
Total: 334+4044 = 4378 XP
Cult of Tiamat - Pierre GMing
1st Encounter:
1x Guard - 225 xp
2x Berserkers of Tiamat 525 xp
2x Spitting Drake 450 xp
Celeste de Corbay escapes
2nd Encounter:
1x Mage - 262 xp
2x Guards - 450 xp
1x Berserker of Tiamat - 175 xp
The Pseudodragon escapes.
2087/6 = 348xp each
Total: 348+4378= 4726 xp
Need 5500 XP for Level 5.
Level 2 PCs reach level 3.
PC Group at end Session 9.
Knights of Punjar - Level 4
Lady Jenn Morgan, half-elf Warlord
Lady 'Red' Adell, half-elf Ranger
Sir Leon Varju, human Rogue
Sir Erik Van Karsen, human Paladin - missing
Other - Level 3
Valgrim, human Fighter (temp)
Varis, wood elf Avenger
Nevitash, Kalashtar Cleric
End of Dragora's Dungeon
Kill Mouringlar, Wyrmling Green Dragon: 625/4=156x1.5=234 XP each
Level 1 Quest - Save Surviving PCs: +100 XP each
Total: 334+4044 = 4378 XP
Cult of Tiamat - Pierre GMing
1st Encounter:
1x Guard - 225 xp
2x Berserkers of Tiamat 525 xp
2x Spitting Drake 450 xp
Celeste de Corbay escapes
2nd Encounter:
1x Mage - 262 xp
2x Guards - 450 xp
1x Berserker of Tiamat - 175 xp
The Pseudodragon escapes.
2087/6 = 348xp each
Total: 348+4378= 4726 xp
Need 5500 XP for Level 5.
Level 2 PCs reach level 3.
PC Group at end Session 9.
Knights of Punjar - Level 4
Lady Jenn Morgan, half-elf Warlord
Lady 'Red' Adell, half-elf Ranger
Sir Leon Varju, human Rogue
Sir Erik Van Karsen, human Paladin - missing
Other - Level 3
Valgrim, human Fighter (temp)
Varis, wood elf Avenger
Nevitash, Kalashtar Cleric
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Session 8: Punjar Saga II: Dragora's Dungeon 17-18/5/713 NR. Reach Level 4
Erik's Journal:
The realization of our loss slowly sank in as we silently made our way out of the swamp. With a good length of rope and a few jumps, we started crossing a patch of quicksand towards higher – and dryer – ground. Distracted by the proceedings, another giant boa sneaked up on us. So close to the death of Rex, courage failed us and we retreated hastily before losing another member of our party. Luckily, the reptile quickly lost interest and we were left free to examine the expanse overlooking the swamp and welcome Iriediana, a Thiefling bard teleported in reinforcement a few moments before. Apart from a sinister-looking sinkhole, the only way out of this cavern was a little passage leading to a series of tight, dark corridors. Even in these conditions, underground, on a perilous mission, surrounded by monstrous beasts, it didn’t take long to Leon to find some mischief to achieve. The damned rogue almost woke up the spectral guardians of an altar of Zehir. This one’s vices will need to be taken care of soon… Before they kill us all. Our journey into the darkness ended on an even larger cavern. The sheer size of it simply defied imagination. An entire city was sprawling within its limits, hundreds of feet below us. We had just reached the mythical hidden city of the sorcerer-kings of Parhok.
A gigantic orb, floating high in the “sky” of the city, was spreading an eerie glow over the scene and a multitude of campfires could be seen throughout the streets. Safely hidden by the the sheer altitude of our position and knowing the last part of our journey was to be the hardest, we decided to set up camp. The Gods granted us an undisturbed rest, leaving us to tend our wound and contemplate our mission. How could the bastard girl of the Overlord of Punjar have amassed that amount of power? How did she find the legendary city in the first place? Some other evil force must have been at work behind Dragora…
The orb illuminating the city apparently reproducing the surface day/night cycle, we decided to wait for the darkest hour before resuming our journey, climbing down the cliff down to the city. Adell had spotted some strange “birds” during her watch, they turned out to be small drakes, we discovered with horror, when they started harassing us during the descent. They seemed to be more interested in the shiny objects we were carrying that in ourselves though and we were able to reach the ground more or less unmolested. Infiltrating the city itself was a very tense process as the main streets were crawling with an army of ape-men. We kept to the back alley and advanced as discreetly as possible towards a very large pyramid at the centre of the city. A large patrol and a set of guards were keeping the structure secured, but we saw an opportunity by circling around the back of it, where stairs led us directly to the top. And to a big surprise. A big, green, scaly surprise.
We discovered a young green dragon soundly asleep on the pyramid’s platform. We came up short of ideas on how to diffuse the situation until our bard resolved to try and bluff our way past the winged monster. It unfortunately didn't pan out as we hoped and Dragora was swiftly warned. A platform magically rose up from inside the pyramid and she appeared, in all her glory, sitting on the throne of the sorcerer-kings, her magical halo almost palpable. Against all odds, she didn't outright attack us but instead invited us down to her chambers. She turned out to be a surprisingly well-mannered - albeit extremely devious and strangely dressed - young lady. I gave me hope to resolve the situation without further bloodshed and so I tried talking her out of revenge plans. It quickly proved to be utterly useless though, as she was entirely bent on ruining her father’s life. But this conversation turned out to be the perfect distraction for Leon, who deftly stole from her pouch the small orb that seemed to be the focused of her magical power, the very goal of our quest. He discreetly warned us of this fact, a large grin on his face, as the exchange with Dragora was concluding.
Somehow, this sprung Jenn into action. All of a sudden, she raised her axe, murderous intent in her eyes. The young sorceress was apparently prepared for this, and lashed out at our warlord before she could land her blow. The situation went from dangerous to desperate in matter of seconds. Dragora was as good a warrior she was a sorcerer, her pet dragon join the fray almost immediately and a couple of her guards came to her defence at our back. Focused on containing the dragon, I could only watched as Tasarus and then Iriediana suffered catastrophic injuries from its acid breath and the axes of the ape-men, falling dead in front of the dais. Dragora was not as resilient as her dragon however, and chose to flee by elevating her throne back to the rooftop of the pyramid. Jenn and Leon managed to jump aboard the platform, determined to finish her off. Her scally pet followed her as well, leaving Adell and me a couple of guards to deal with. As they* fell, we couldn’t hear any battle sound coming from above us any more and I had to contemplate the possibility they we were now trapped underground, alone, against a city full of soldiers, a dragon and her lethal mistress...
*GM: One Zain-Kin was killed, one fled.
XP
Quicksand & Boa - 500
Not messing with pit - 125
Grotto, not messing with sinkhole - 200
Not messing with serpent wraiths - 300
Cliff Descent - 500
Navigating through city - 500
Evading patrol - 250
Battle in throneroom - 1162
Total 3537/6= 590
Level 3 major quest - defeat Dragora - 150 XP each
Total: 740+3244 = 3984 XP
3750 XP for Level 4
Level 4 reached.
Erik's account +60 XP= 4044 XP
Need 5500 XP for Level 5.
The surviving heroes of Punjar catch their breath (short rest - can spend healing surges, regain Encounter powers).
In the sunlit world above, Jenn and Leon search Dragora - she has a +2 Resounding Longsword and the strips of leather she wears are +2 leather armour. Her belt pouch held 25gp and the dark red scaly Orb of Parhok.
Power
The realization of our loss slowly sank in as we silently made our way out of the swamp. With a good length of rope and a few jumps, we started crossing a patch of quicksand towards higher – and dryer – ground. Distracted by the proceedings, another giant boa sneaked up on us. So close to the death of Rex, courage failed us and we retreated hastily before losing another member of our party. Luckily, the reptile quickly lost interest and we were left free to examine the expanse overlooking the swamp and welcome Iriediana, a Thiefling bard teleported in reinforcement a few moments before. Apart from a sinister-looking sinkhole, the only way out of this cavern was a little passage leading to a series of tight, dark corridors. Even in these conditions, underground, on a perilous mission, surrounded by monstrous beasts, it didn’t take long to Leon to find some mischief to achieve. The damned rogue almost woke up the spectral guardians of an altar of Zehir. This one’s vices will need to be taken care of soon… Before they kill us all. Our journey into the darkness ended on an even larger cavern. The sheer size of it simply defied imagination. An entire city was sprawling within its limits, hundreds of feet below us. We had just reached the mythical hidden city of the sorcerer-kings of Parhok.
A gigantic orb, floating high in the “sky” of the city, was spreading an eerie glow over the scene and a multitude of campfires could be seen throughout the streets. Safely hidden by the the sheer altitude of our position and knowing the last part of our journey was to be the hardest, we decided to set up camp. The Gods granted us an undisturbed rest, leaving us to tend our wound and contemplate our mission. How could the bastard girl of the Overlord of Punjar have amassed that amount of power? How did she find the legendary city in the first place? Some other evil force must have been at work behind Dragora…
The orb illuminating the city apparently reproducing the surface day/night cycle, we decided to wait for the darkest hour before resuming our journey, climbing down the cliff down to the city. Adell had spotted some strange “birds” during her watch, they turned out to be small drakes, we discovered with horror, when they started harassing us during the descent. They seemed to be more interested in the shiny objects we were carrying that in ourselves though and we were able to reach the ground more or less unmolested. Infiltrating the city itself was a very tense process as the main streets were crawling with an army of ape-men. We kept to the back alley and advanced as discreetly as possible towards a very large pyramid at the centre of the city. A large patrol and a set of guards were keeping the structure secured, but we saw an opportunity by circling around the back of it, where stairs led us directly to the top. And to a big surprise. A big, green, scaly surprise.
We discovered a young green dragon soundly asleep on the pyramid’s platform. We came up short of ideas on how to diffuse the situation until our bard resolved to try and bluff our way past the winged monster. It unfortunately didn't pan out as we hoped and Dragora was swiftly warned. A platform magically rose up from inside the pyramid and she appeared, in all her glory, sitting on the throne of the sorcerer-kings, her magical halo almost palpable. Against all odds, she didn't outright attack us but instead invited us down to her chambers. She turned out to be a surprisingly well-mannered - albeit extremely devious and strangely dressed - young lady. I gave me hope to resolve the situation without further bloodshed and so I tried talking her out of revenge plans. It quickly proved to be utterly useless though, as she was entirely bent on ruining her father’s life. But this conversation turned out to be the perfect distraction for Leon, who deftly stole from her pouch the small orb that seemed to be the focused of her magical power, the very goal of our quest. He discreetly warned us of this fact, a large grin on his face, as the exchange with Dragora was concluding.
Somehow, this sprung Jenn into action. All of a sudden, she raised her axe, murderous intent in her eyes. The young sorceress was apparently prepared for this, and lashed out at our warlord before she could land her blow. The situation went from dangerous to desperate in matter of seconds. Dragora was as good a warrior she was a sorcerer, her pet dragon join the fray almost immediately and a couple of her guards came to her defence at our back. Focused on containing the dragon, I could only watched as Tasarus and then Iriediana suffered catastrophic injuries from its acid breath and the axes of the ape-men, falling dead in front of the dais. Dragora was not as resilient as her dragon however, and chose to flee by elevating her throne back to the rooftop of the pyramid. Jenn and Leon managed to jump aboard the platform, determined to finish her off. Her scally pet followed her as well, leaving Adell and me a couple of guards to deal with. As they* fell, we couldn’t hear any battle sound coming from above us any more and I had to contemplate the possibility they we were now trapped underground, alone, against a city full of soldiers, a dragon and her lethal mistress...
*GM: One Zain-Kin was killed, one fled.
XP
Quicksand & Boa - 500
Not messing with pit - 125
Grotto, not messing with sinkhole - 200
Not messing with serpent wraiths - 300
Cliff Descent - 500
Navigating through city - 500
Evading patrol - 250
Battle in throneroom - 1162
Total 3537/6= 590
Level 3 major quest - defeat Dragora - 150 XP each
Total: 740+3244 = 3984 XP
3750 XP for Level 4
Level 4 reached.
Erik's account +60 XP= 4044 XP
Need 5500 XP for Level 5.
The surviving heroes of Punjar catch their breath (short rest - can spend healing surges, regain Encounter powers).
In the sunlit world above, Jenn and Leon search Dragora - she has a +2 Resounding Longsword and the strips of leather she wears are +2 leather armour. Her belt pouch held 25gp and the dark red scaly Orb of Parhok.
Resounding WeaponLevel 2+ Uncommon
A thundering peal sounds when this weapon hits, dazing its target.
| Lvl 7 | +2 | 2,600 gp |
Enhancement Bonus: attack rolls and damage rolls
Critical: +2d6 thunder damage
Power 
Daily (Free Action)
Use this power when you hit with the weapon. The target is dazed until the end of your next turn.
In the Temple of Tiamat in the city of the Parhok, Adell and Erik search the throne chamber. The treasure chests are stuffed with tapestries, furs, and moldering bolts of ancient silk. While most of the treasure has fallen to the passage of time, some wealth yet remains: 2,000 gp, 5,500 sp, 2 potions of healing, and 5 emeralds v 150gp each (total non-magic treasure value 2000+550+750=3300gp).
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Session 7 Punjar Saga II: Dragora's Dungeon 17/5/713 NR
Leon Varju's Account (Hayden) – Waters of Death
The dusty chamber offered no challenge for the weasely senses of the rogues both finding the secret doors with ease, although no one was able to make sense of the crystalline pyramid at the centre of the room, Leon attempted push open the secret door but merely ended up running on the spot, both Rex and he realised it would take either a great deal of strength to open both the doors or finding a star shaped key. The stone altar at the rear etched iconography dedicated to Tiamat the most evil of the dragon gods had slight depression outlining where such a key would fit should it be found.
With no ideas forthcoming, Erik decided thinking time was over and began pushing against the door Leon had found and inch by inch stone began grate against stone as the door gave way to the paladins might, opening into a corridor at the end of which radiated pale blue portal, While Maldar began inspecting the portal Erik opened the other secret door Rex had found which led into a dimly lit corridor then to a stone bridge which connected to the top of a large pillar, atop the pillar the glint of silver could be seen Rex carefully moved along the corridor which had a very subtle downward slope unable to find any sort of trap mechanisms he continued towards the glint of silver, while Erik, Tasarus waited at the top. In the meantime Maldar's arcane teachings had allowed him work out the portal was only one way he made his way to the others to inform them of this, Leon waited by the portal kicking some pebbles about..
Rex one step away from the glint of treasure felt his foot sink ever so slightly the sudden shifting of stone and chain resonated all the way back up the corridor and to the chamber as a large boulder fell from the ceiling its path already determined by the placement of the pyramid, it rolled through Erik, tasarus and maldar knocking them aside and now building speed down the corridor the stone bridge collapsed under the mass of the boulder, Rex managed to move aside only for the boulder's weight to bring the pillar down throwing Rex and the treasure into the dark void below..
Bouncing in the cobwebs Rex picked himself up happy to still be alive though now in the dark he looked up and could see light emanating from above as his comrades had moved to the edge where the bridge, pillar, Rex and treasure were, Erik was able to get a rope lowered down although still 5ft short of the ground, Rex made a break for the rope managing to maintain his balance in the webbing no sooner had he begun moving than three large bristle back spiders appeared making their way towards him, Leon loosened a shuriken at one hitting it in the back, tasarus launched some lightning which singed the bristles of two of the spiders. Rex failed to get purchase on the rock missing the rope by a hand, once more he tried this time he was able to leap up off the rock face and catch the rope and begin climbing, part way he up he attempted to throw his fire bomb however he fumbled and instead of hitting the spiders it bounced off the rock and exploded with the flammable contents spilling down onto the webbing which lit up and was gone in flash one of the spiders was caught by the burst of flame and fell to its death as they jumped to the rock face. Erik ran back up the corridor as fast as he could hauling rex up the rock face and to safety as the remaining spiders scuttled back into the darkness...
After catching their breath, Leon's adventurous streak kicked in, like the blink of an eye he was gone off through the portal finding himself in tepid ankle deep waters, the others merely shrugged and followed him through the portal. As they made their way slowly they found they were actually in a deep cavern with stalagmite formations, a humid mist hung in the air which held the smell of soil and rotting vegetation, a water covered narrow path which could not be strayed for fear of falling into deeper waters broke to the left and right. To the left Leon could make out a dead tree with a symbol of snake carved into it, seeking advice for which way to turn Erik held the censure aloft with Bahamut once more lighting the way for him and guiding the party to the right. Once more Leon took the lead coming to a stop to check their surroundings he went to move forward realised his foot was trapped beneath roots and vines that were moving around him, leaping back as from the water emerged a tangled mess of vines and vegetation with mud dripping from it the Vine horror moved towards Leon striking him with large earthen claws, shifting out of harm’s way as quickly as possible and allowing the others to attack the horror, no sooner had it appeared it dissolved back into the waters from where it came.
Leon suggested Rex take the lead for now having faced his share of danger, coming to another fork one path leading to the left another straight ahead, again Bahamuts guiding light showed Erik the way straight ahead into area that had partially collapsed and the path turned to mud which began pulling everyone down, quickly the party moved back and headed down the path leading to the left rounding the corner the path led further on alongside a river which was partially fed by an aqueduct not wanting to risk swimming and running into some other unworldly horror they continued to follow the path round to the dead tree which Leon had spotted earlier. Erik, Rex and Tasarus investigated the marking on the tree determining it was a mark of Zehir only for a golden and black mottled Giant snake to rise from the waters near the tree is blood red ruby eyes, transfixing Rex in a stupefying awe of this seemingly bejewelled creature it's jaws snapping at him to see how he would react, it's second strike biting into Rex and not releasing him for the snake then began walking it's jaw down over Rex passing into the snakes gullet. The shock of this rippled through Tasarus and Erik, as the paladin went to move he found himself restrained by vines as behind him and to Leon's dread the Vine horror returned, Tasarus slammed his staff to the ground shooting great bolts of lightning the power of which crackled and danced over vine horror and great serpent, Leon's magical armour turned a strike of the vine horror that would have been a flesh wound to a scratch, he launched his attack dazing it as maldar cast an acid arrow back towards the snake, which everyone one else seemed more concerned about than more immediate danger of the vine horror. Erik managed to free himself from the twisting vines though not before they had left small razor like cuts upon him as the Emerald Crow finally emerged victorious covered in vines and mud only to ask "where's Rex?" as the snake had finished swallowing the unfortunate rogue and began to swim off its golden and black form dipping back under the water.... Erik fell to his knees "RRREEEEEXXXX!!!"
In a city floating atop an infinitely tall spire in a dusty stone furnace lit part of the mortuary a dustman scribe entered the name Rex Deveron as last name on the page and turned it over....
XP
Crushing Globe & Spider Trap: 750
Reaching Level 2 - The Forgotten Jungles of Parhok: 500
Swamp Horrors: 1300
Total: 2550/5=510 XP each
510+2674=3184 XP
Leon's account +60 XP bonus +3184=3244 XP
Need 3750 XP for Level 4.
PCs 3rd level: Leon, Erik, Tasarus, Jenn, Adell, Maldar
RIP: Rex Deveron
The dusty chamber offered no challenge for the weasely senses of the rogues both finding the secret doors with ease, although no one was able to make sense of the crystalline pyramid at the centre of the room, Leon attempted push open the secret door but merely ended up running on the spot, both Rex and he realised it would take either a great deal of strength to open both the doors or finding a star shaped key. The stone altar at the rear etched iconography dedicated to Tiamat the most evil of the dragon gods had slight depression outlining where such a key would fit should it be found.
With no ideas forthcoming, Erik decided thinking time was over and began pushing against the door Leon had found and inch by inch stone began grate against stone as the door gave way to the paladins might, opening into a corridor at the end of which radiated pale blue portal, While Maldar began inspecting the portal Erik opened the other secret door Rex had found which led into a dimly lit corridor then to a stone bridge which connected to the top of a large pillar, atop the pillar the glint of silver could be seen Rex carefully moved along the corridor which had a very subtle downward slope unable to find any sort of trap mechanisms he continued towards the glint of silver, while Erik, Tasarus waited at the top. In the meantime Maldar's arcane teachings had allowed him work out the portal was only one way he made his way to the others to inform them of this, Leon waited by the portal kicking some pebbles about..
Rex one step away from the glint of treasure felt his foot sink ever so slightly the sudden shifting of stone and chain resonated all the way back up the corridor and to the chamber as a large boulder fell from the ceiling its path already determined by the placement of the pyramid, it rolled through Erik, tasarus and maldar knocking them aside and now building speed down the corridor the stone bridge collapsed under the mass of the boulder, Rex managed to move aside only for the boulder's weight to bring the pillar down throwing Rex and the treasure into the dark void below..
Bouncing in the cobwebs Rex picked himself up happy to still be alive though now in the dark he looked up and could see light emanating from above as his comrades had moved to the edge where the bridge, pillar, Rex and treasure were, Erik was able to get a rope lowered down although still 5ft short of the ground, Rex made a break for the rope managing to maintain his balance in the webbing no sooner had he begun moving than three large bristle back spiders appeared making their way towards him, Leon loosened a shuriken at one hitting it in the back, tasarus launched some lightning which singed the bristles of two of the spiders. Rex failed to get purchase on the rock missing the rope by a hand, once more he tried this time he was able to leap up off the rock face and catch the rope and begin climbing, part way he up he attempted to throw his fire bomb however he fumbled and instead of hitting the spiders it bounced off the rock and exploded with the flammable contents spilling down onto the webbing which lit up and was gone in flash one of the spiders was caught by the burst of flame and fell to its death as they jumped to the rock face. Erik ran back up the corridor as fast as he could hauling rex up the rock face and to safety as the remaining spiders scuttled back into the darkness...
After catching their breath, Leon's adventurous streak kicked in, like the blink of an eye he was gone off through the portal finding himself in tepid ankle deep waters, the others merely shrugged and followed him through the portal. As they made their way slowly they found they were actually in a deep cavern with stalagmite formations, a humid mist hung in the air which held the smell of soil and rotting vegetation, a water covered narrow path which could not be strayed for fear of falling into deeper waters broke to the left and right. To the left Leon could make out a dead tree with a symbol of snake carved into it, seeking advice for which way to turn Erik held the censure aloft with Bahamut once more lighting the way for him and guiding the party to the right. Once more Leon took the lead coming to a stop to check their surroundings he went to move forward realised his foot was trapped beneath roots and vines that were moving around him, leaping back as from the water emerged a tangled mess of vines and vegetation with mud dripping from it the Vine horror moved towards Leon striking him with large earthen claws, shifting out of harm’s way as quickly as possible and allowing the others to attack the horror, no sooner had it appeared it dissolved back into the waters from where it came.
Leon suggested Rex take the lead for now having faced his share of danger, coming to another fork one path leading to the left another straight ahead, again Bahamuts guiding light showed Erik the way straight ahead into area that had partially collapsed and the path turned to mud which began pulling everyone down, quickly the party moved back and headed down the path leading to the left rounding the corner the path led further on alongside a river which was partially fed by an aqueduct not wanting to risk swimming and running into some other unworldly horror they continued to follow the path round to the dead tree which Leon had spotted earlier. Erik, Rex and Tasarus investigated the marking on the tree determining it was a mark of Zehir only for a golden and black mottled Giant snake to rise from the waters near the tree is blood red ruby eyes, transfixing Rex in a stupefying awe of this seemingly bejewelled creature it's jaws snapping at him to see how he would react, it's second strike biting into Rex and not releasing him for the snake then began walking it's jaw down over Rex passing into the snakes gullet. The shock of this rippled through Tasarus and Erik, as the paladin went to move he found himself restrained by vines as behind him and to Leon's dread the Vine horror returned, Tasarus slammed his staff to the ground shooting great bolts of lightning the power of which crackled and danced over vine horror and great serpent, Leon's magical armour turned a strike of the vine horror that would have been a flesh wound to a scratch, he launched his attack dazing it as maldar cast an acid arrow back towards the snake, which everyone one else seemed more concerned about than more immediate danger of the vine horror. Erik managed to free himself from the twisting vines though not before they had left small razor like cuts upon him as the Emerald Crow finally emerged victorious covered in vines and mud only to ask "where's Rex?" as the snake had finished swallowing the unfortunate rogue and began to swim off its golden and black form dipping back under the water.... Erik fell to his knees "RRREEEEEXXXX!!!"
In a city floating atop an infinitely tall spire in a dusty stone furnace lit part of the mortuary a dustman scribe entered the name Rex Deveron as last name on the page and turned it over....
XP
Crushing Globe & Spider Trap: 750
Reaching Level 2 - The Forgotten Jungles of Parhok: 500
Swamp Horrors: 1300
Total: 2550/5=510 XP each
510+2674=3184 XP
Leon's account +60 XP bonus +3184=3244 XP
Need 3750 XP for Level 4.
PCs 3rd level: Leon, Erik, Tasarus, Jenn, Adell, Maldar
RIP: Rex Deveron
Saturday 16 March 2013
Session 6 Punjar Saga II: Dragora's Dungeon 13-17/5/713 NR
Dragora's Dungeon
Eons past the fabled sorcerer-kings of Parhok perished in the rain of eldritch fire that destroyed Arkhosia. But legends hold that one tribe survived the apocalypse, fleeing with their slaves to a hidden city, where the greatest enchanters of all time could sleep away the centuries, and awaken in a future age as rulers of a ruined land...
Now once more the forbidden magic threatens the good folk of the Known Realms. A kingdom lies ensorcelled, a royal family ensnared by the forgotten dweomers of a long-dead race. When the best attempts of seers and diviners have failed, it falls to the heroes to save the kingdom.
Have the sorcerer-kings risen to reclaim their bejeweled thrones? Or has a more sinister power bent their ancient magics to its sinister will? Only the most courageous and cunning of heroes will emerge victorious from Dragora's Dungeon!
XP
13/5/713
Ape-Man Palace Infiltrator: 500
14/5/713
The Emerald Frog (ex Lord Viridius): 450
17/5/713
Descent Into the Rift: 300
Shattered Gates of Parhok: 125
Chamber of Eldritch Wizardry
Needlefang Drake Swarm: 187
14 Decrepit Skeletons: 350
Gelatinous Cube Trap: 400
Imp Menace: 100
Total: 2412/7=345 to party tally
345+2269 = 2614 XP
Erik's account 60 XP bonus, +2614=2674 XP.
Need 3750 XP for Level 4.
PCs on max XP: Leon, Rex, Erik, Tasarus + level up: Jenn, Adell
PCs 2nd level: Maldar
Session 6 account - Erik Van Karsen (Pierre)
Eons past the fabled sorcerer-kings of Parhok perished in the rain of eldritch fire that destroyed Arkhosia. But legends hold that one tribe survived the apocalypse, fleeing with their slaves to a hidden city, where the greatest enchanters of all time could sleep away the centuries, and awaken in a future age as rulers of a ruined land...
Now once more the forbidden magic threatens the good folk of the Known Realms. A kingdom lies ensorcelled, a royal family ensnared by the forgotten dweomers of a long-dead race. When the best attempts of seers and diviners have failed, it falls to the heroes to save the kingdom.
Have the sorcerer-kings risen to reclaim their bejeweled thrones? Or has a more sinister power bent their ancient magics to its sinister will? Only the most courageous and cunning of heroes will emerge victorious from Dragora's Dungeon!
XP
13/5/713
Ape-Man Palace Infiltrator: 500
14/5/713
The Emerald Frog (ex Lord Viridius): 450
17/5/713
Descent Into the Rift: 300
Shattered Gates of Parhok: 125
Chamber of Eldritch Wizardry
Needlefang Drake Swarm: 187
14 Decrepit Skeletons: 350
Gelatinous Cube Trap: 400
Imp Menace: 100
Total: 2412/7=345 to party tally
345+2269 = 2614 XP
Erik's account 60 XP bonus, +2614=2674 XP.
Need 3750 XP for Level 4.
PCs on max XP: Leon, Rex, Erik, Tasarus + level up: Jenn, Adell
PCs 2nd level: Maldar
Session 6 account - Erik Van Karsen (Pierre)
Erik’s Journal
Dragora’s Dungeon – Entry 1:
I am very
thankful for the few months of respite the Gods granted us after the purging of
the Beggar King’s lair. The winged horror that nearly slaughtered our party was
still haunting my nightmares, but we all had time to recuperate from our
various injuries. The only evidence I kept from our trials was a pretty nasty -
and very itchy - scar above my left temple, a reminder of how dangerous running
headlong into a crossbow bolt can be.
The Overlord’s
Palace is a beautiful place and our lodging more than spacious. That comfort, added
to the un-eventful bodyguard roles we had been assigned, might explained why we
were so easily overwhelmed that night. I dimly remember fighting against a very
strong urge to fall asleep, before being forcefully woken up by Rex. Still dazed by what must have been some form
of sleeping spell, I rushed outside our quarters, leaving Rex to wake up the
rest of our comrades. I found Jenn in the hallway, already fighting some sort
of humanoid ape, enveloped by bluish fumes. Attuning to the arcane currents
around me, I felt the censer that the beast was carrying to be the point of
origin of the enchantment. He quickly fell beneath our furious blows and Geroff
woke up just in time to witness him warn us with his last breath:
“Tell your master his daughter
will have her revenge! She is coming for him!”
What I would
have taken to be the ramblings of a mad creature turned out to be a lot more
sinister. Jenn confessed that she had heard rumours of the Overlord’s
indiscretions producing a female offspring, quickly spirited away to avoid any
scandal. Such a girl would have a
serious motive for vengeance, and if the raw power emanating from the sleeping
spell was any indication, she had mastered some astonishing magical skills
during her exile. Panicked palace guards broke up our discussion, alerting us
that the Overlord and his family had also been exposed to the sleeping spell:
“But they can’t be woken up! We
tried everything!”
This was very
bad news indeed… The infiltrator now dead, our only link to the culprit was the
sleeping spell; I extended my consciousness to reach the magical energy still
lingering around the man-ape censer. The enchantment did transit through the
artefact, but it wasn’t the point of origin. By holding the censer, I managed
to get a sense of its location: somewhere within the Black Swamp. Strangely
enough, the place had already caught my attention recently and I had planned to
investigate further... Our party, now joined by a fearsome looking fighter
named Kobbe, set out straight away, guided by the magical thread between the
censer and the power source.
Swamps
are dangerous places; any civilised humanoid is completely out of his element
there, fighting both treacherous terrain and wildlife. We indeed were expecting
monstrous reptiles, carnivorous plants or haunting spectres, but not what jumped
out of nowhere, clearly intent on murdering Leon: a giant, comical-looking emerald frog. He
luckily caught a glimpse of the amphibian before any of us did, throwing one of
his faithful shurikens at it and avoiding the leaping creature within seconds. But
the frog wasn’t to be underestimated. Once it closed in with Leon its rage and
cheer bulk rolled over our poor rogue before we could slay the beat. To be
honest, the determination of the emerald frog was quite intriguing and the
relief Leon expressed upon seeing the animal corpse confirmed that he
personally had something to do with this ambush. As mysterious as always, he
kept his secrets for himself, only keeping an eye of the monster as a
“souvenir”.
(3 days later, in the Mountains of Nerath south of the Black Swamp)
(3 days later, in the Mountains of Nerath south of the Black Swamp)
After
that first bloody incident the journey remained quiet, the pulsation coming for
the censer becoming stronger and stronger. We finally reached the edge of a
very impressive ravine, bordered by the ruins of long forgotten buildings,
covered with vegetation. Unnatural steam was floating up from a partly obscured
lake at the bottom, some 200 feet below. The source of the spell was located
directly below us, I was sure of it. We resigned to climb down the cliff using
ropes and grappling hooks, until we reached a plateau jutting out of the cliff,
leading to a set of shattered heavy doors. An old rusty blade trap greeted the
landing of our group, but was promptly disarmed by Rex. The corridor led to the
upper-level of a multi-layered room, like concentric steps leading down a
unique exit. A quick glance at the various bits and pieces littering the floor
and furniture indicated some sort of ancient magic laboratory. We were
definitely not the only there though: a maniacal laughter soon resonated
throughout the place. As Kobbe, Adell and I set up to go around the room, sticking
the walls as much as we could, a daring Leon decided to crawl across a pitiful
looking bridge crossing the emptiness
between each side of our level. This bold move wasn’t exactly rewarded
as expected. The laughter intensified and the sound of a rope being cut was
heard, preceding the fall of a large glass orb right in front of Leon. We could
just watch from afar as a swarm of tiny needlefang drakes rushed out of the
shards towards him. As if waiting for this very moment, skeletons all across
the rooms sprang back to life, aiming decrepit bows at us. Badly wounded, Leon
retreated to safety while the rest of the group took care of the situation with
a ruthless efficiency. So much so that I must admit that my sword wasn’t of any
use this time, as I couldn’t reach those bags of bones faster than the
long-ranged attacks of the rest of the party did.
The
chamber didn’t contain anything interesting and we were about to jump down to
the doors on the lowest level when Leon stopped us all on our tracks:
“Something isn’t right… See that
sort of… Veil… Floating?”
His keen perception saved us. The
small space in front of the door was completely covered by a translucent
gelatinous cube “lying” in wait. We quickly retreated to the upper floor,
giving enough space for Tasarus to reduce it to acidic goop with its powers.
After that, only a little bit of acrobatics were required to open the door
without falling into the acid, but we cleared the way quickly. The following
corridor gave way to a small bridge overlooking a wild torrent. The owner of
the maniacal laughter chose this spot to make his first appearance, a pudgy
winged mass trying to push Kobbe to his death in the rushing water. He did
recover in time but the little imp got away before any of us could react.
Thursday 14 March 2013
Session 5 account - Hayden
session 5 part 1 |
| Session 5 - The Beggar King and a touch of death, so much death.... With a sudden turn for the worst Maldar broke into a coughing fit and fever no doubt brought about his expulsion of power displayed earlier, Jenn decided it would be best to escort him back to Smokey Joes along with Zinsara to keep Maldar from getting any worse and to check that Lady Constance had done nothing rash should she not of heeded Jenn's advice of waiting. Leon shook Maldar's hand wishing him a speedy recovery and promptly palmed a small stone into his pocket while taking the platinum piece that was on his person and with that he sent them on their way. After a short rest reinforcements arrived from the master of smoke in the form a half elven tempest fighter named Red Adell, while the main party searched the chamber for treasure and anything else that may be of use, Leon scouted ahead entering a cavern with a large shimmering green rat statue with gems for eyes beneath which lay a king’s ransom in gold and jewellery, looking around for any signs of traps he could find none but noticed a large amount of rat holes lining the chamber and a door to the left of the statue unsure how best to proceed he returned to the party. Which in the meantime had uncovered a secret chamber with rusted chest and broken lock Rex was able to de-activate the trap plugging holes with rocks and snipping the trip wire then claimed the 12gp in the chest as hazard pay. Leon relayed his find about the room ahead everyone's eyes lighting up at mention of king’s ransom in treasure. The Party moved with excitement in their step hoping this would be the big payoff they had been waiting for as they entered cavern, Anger and offense fell across the face of Erik as he looked over the statue revealing it to be an idol to the god numouth "I must destroy it, for bahamut!!" before he could launch his assault Rex grabbed him by the shoulder explaining it had been inlaid with runes although unable to tell what they could do. Tasasrus managed to get cooler to heads prevail determining the risk to great even by the party's standards. Disappointed by having to forfeit the hefty sum of treasure a sudden wailing and groan was heard beyond the door, Erik finding the door was bolted from the other side vented some of his anger busting the door open and there in front of him stood a half man half shadow with bloated gut, withered limbs a decaying crown that had depressed into the skull of slightly rotting flesh and sores that oozed a black magical necrotic energy which had pooled and slowly formed a ring around him. The Beggar king was found, with an other worldly groan that travelled up the charnel tower Bats began swooping and filling the area Rex was able to launch a dagger that struck home before the bats obscured the king. Tasarus was able to let loose a bolt of lightning causing serious wounds to the beggar king only to have him spew a stream of black ooze over Erik and Rex that drew their life-force away, his bloated form deflating briefing only for the black ooze to be re-ingested and pour out of the sores to repair the wounds done by the lightning bolt. Leon then ran through the bats which was opportunity enough for them latch onto him and deliver their cruel bites, seeking refuge near the furnace only for some sort of undead horror to start reaching for him from within it Erik was next driving through the shroud of bats shield first pulling up alongside Leon he glanced at the furnace and back at the beggar king and determined that leaving Leon to hold off the undead while he attacked the beggar king would lead to certain victory he quickly imparted some healing on Leon and moved into the necrotic aura muttering litanies of bahamut as he steeled himself to face the beggar king. The bats swarmed over Rex blinding him and forcing him to fall back otherwise he surely would fallen to their bites and claws. Leon moved to close the furnace door searing the skin on his hands as he did so, the undeard thumping against the furnace door eventually their strength over whelmed Leon pushing him back and leaving handprints of flesh on the furnace door then piles of ash and red hot bones fell to the ground and began assembling themselves back to their intended form. Embers scatted into the air from the burning skeletons as they turned to attack Leon he was able to shatter some bones of one but barely damaged the other without warning the beggar king sent bolt of shadow magic into the rogue damaging him further. Reeling from the damage done by the beggar king the skeletons struck their necrotic and burning blades nearly dropping the emerald crow.
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Tuesday 12 March 2013
Session 5: End of the Beggar King 13/2/713. Reach Level 3.
Jenn Morgan escorts out the exhausted Maldar, and they return to Smokey Joe's with Zinsara. The group are joined by another of Geroff's allies, the former gladiator Red Adell.
The group find a hidden alcove containing a trapped chest, but most of the treasure is gone, only a few coins remain. Pressing on, the group find a statue of Niramuth, the Rat God of Punjar, 'guarding' a pile of treasure. Erik wants to take the treasure despite the hundreds of rat-holes in the cavern, but wiser counsel prevails.
Opening the last door, the group confront the Beggar King at the base of the Charnel Tower, surrounded by a black aura in front of the lit charnel-oven. He is trapped in an eternal ritual, acting as a portal between this world and the Shadowhold. Swarms of shadow-bats attack; Leon closes the charnel oven but burnt Cinder Skeletons clamber forth to attack, while flame and black energy blasts from the King. Leon falls, but then as the Beggar King dies the bats disperse and the skeletons crumble to dust. A healing potion restores Leon, but then the dungeons begin to collapse!
The group flee up the stairs of the Charnel Tower, where stars twinkle in the blue light of pre-dawn. But above the final threat awaits; a great Umbral Drake, released into the world by the Beggar King's death.
The monster proves too much for the party, scouring them with deadly shadow-breath, biting and clawing. Heroes fall until only Rex Deveron still stands, using the Shadow Ring to bolster him. A dagger to the eye and at last the drake falls. Rex manages to save most of the party, but Tasarus is dead.
Taking his body, the group leave the Smoke as dawn rises in the east (ca 07.30am), the sun dispersing the rain and smoke that has hung over the slums. Baroness Constance has left, her coach has apparently come at last. Geroff Nisjal thanks them, and informs them that the Overlord wishes to reward them personally and offer them a place in his personal retinue...
That evening, a cleaned-up party is presented to Overlord Amatheus in his Royal Court, a plump fellow who lounges on his throne surrounded by a bevy of concubines. Amatheus doles out the promised platinum coins, thanks them for their services, and offers them a place in his palace. The heroes accept, looking forward to their luxurious quarters with balconies overlooking the jasmine and rose-scented royal gardens, where fountains patter in the warm air of spring...
But what danger still threatens Punjar, that the Overlord needs such rough fellows in his court?
XP:
Evading Spear Trap on chest: 200
Not Messing with Rat God Statue: 250
Beggar King, Cinder Skeletons, & Bats: 950
Defeat the Umbra Drake: 1500
Level 3 Major Quest - Destroy the Beggar King: 750
Total: 3650/5=730
730+1447 = 2177
Hayden's Session 5 account: 46 XP + 2177 = 2223 XP
Hayden's Session 4 account 46 XP +2223 = 2269 XP
LEVEL 3 REACHED (2250 XP)
Need 3750 XP for Level 4.
PCs on max XP: Leon, Rex, Erik & Tasarus
PCs 2nd level: Jenn, Maldar, Adell.
The group find a hidden alcove containing a trapped chest, but most of the treasure is gone, only a few coins remain. Pressing on, the group find a statue of Niramuth, the Rat God of Punjar, 'guarding' a pile of treasure. Erik wants to take the treasure despite the hundreds of rat-holes in the cavern, but wiser counsel prevails.
Opening the last door, the group confront the Beggar King at the base of the Charnel Tower, surrounded by a black aura in front of the lit charnel-oven. He is trapped in an eternal ritual, acting as a portal between this world and the Shadowhold. Swarms of shadow-bats attack; Leon closes the charnel oven but burnt Cinder Skeletons clamber forth to attack, while flame and black energy blasts from the King. Leon falls, but then as the Beggar King dies the bats disperse and the skeletons crumble to dust. A healing potion restores Leon, but then the dungeons begin to collapse!
The group flee up the stairs of the Charnel Tower, where stars twinkle in the blue light of pre-dawn. But above the final threat awaits; a great Umbral Drake, released into the world by the Beggar King's death.
The monster proves too much for the party, scouring them with deadly shadow-breath, biting and clawing. Heroes fall until only Rex Deveron still stands, using the Shadow Ring to bolster him. A dagger to the eye and at last the drake falls. Rex manages to save most of the party, but Tasarus is dead.
Taking his body, the group leave the Smoke as dawn rises in the east (ca 07.30am), the sun dispersing the rain and smoke that has hung over the slums. Baroness Constance has left, her coach has apparently come at last. Geroff Nisjal thanks them, and informs them that the Overlord wishes to reward them personally and offer them a place in his personal retinue...
That evening, a cleaned-up party is presented to Overlord Amatheus in his Royal Court, a plump fellow who lounges on his throne surrounded by a bevy of concubines. Amatheus doles out the promised platinum coins, thanks them for their services, and offers them a place in his palace. The heroes accept, looking forward to their luxurious quarters with balconies overlooking the jasmine and rose-scented royal gardens, where fountains patter in the warm air of spring...
But what danger still threatens Punjar, that the Overlord needs such rough fellows in his court?
XP:
Evading Spear Trap on chest: 200
Not Messing with Rat God Statue: 250
Beggar King, Cinder Skeletons, & Bats: 950
Defeat the Umbra Drake: 1500
Level 3 Major Quest - Destroy the Beggar King: 750
Total: 3650/5=730
730+1447 = 2177
Hayden's Session 5 account: 46 XP + 2177 = 2223 XP
Hayden's Session 4 account 46 XP +2223 = 2269 XP
LEVEL 3 REACHED (2250 XP)
Need 3750 XP for Level 4.
PCs on max XP: Leon, Rex, Erik & Tasarus
PCs 2nd level: Jenn, Maldar, Adell.
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Session 4: Iron Circle Slaughter - 12-13/2/713
12/2/713
While freeing the Iron Circle slaves, the party are attacked by a strong force of slavers led by a goat-headed dragonborn, Orliss, who incinerates half the captives with his flame breath. One of the captives, Maldar the Wizard, slays Orliss with an acid arrow. The slavers are defeated, the hobgoblin archer again flees.
Erik interrogates the surviving beggar, Cratz, who confesses that most of the Beggar King's treasure has been spent hiring mercenaries. Baroness Constance recognises Jenn Morgan. The group escorts Baroness Lady Constance and her handmaids back to Smokey Joe's inn just outside the Smoke district, where they report back to Geroff Nisjal and rest overnight, rising before dawn.
13/2/713
(ca 4.00am) After a six hour rest the group are up well before dawn, and breakfast. Baroness Constance has sent a runner to her mansion to ask for a coach, but no sign of it after two hours. The group leave Constance at the inn and head back into the slums (ca 6.30am), accompanied by Geroff's henchman, a male half-elf Cleric called Zinsara. The fortress of the Beggar King appears deserted, though looters have ransacked the corpses of the slain and hundreds of rats are chewing on them.
Entering the dungeons, the group disturb lead seals and release a tentacled shadowstuff horror from a well of blackness! A fierce fight ensues until the wounded creature retreats back into the Shadowhold, leaveleaving a shadowy ring that is taken by Rex Deveron.
The group press on. A portcullis descends, splitting the party, and the remaining Iron Circle slavers attack, but are no match for the group, who slays their wretched gnolls and an eladrin mage. The survivors - the hobgoblin archer and a drow thief - escape in a boat down an underground stream.
XP:
Orliss the Goat, Dragonborn Warlord - 150
4 Hobgoblin Slavers - 400
6 Goblin Archers - 150
2 wretched Gnolls - 250
Virmoth, Eladrin Mage - 150
Shadow Tentacle Horror - 350
Escaped: Hobgoblin archer, Drow Thief - 125
Total: 1575/6 = 262 XP each.
Level 1 Major Quest rescue Baroness Constance = +100 XP each.
Total: 362 XP + 1085 = 1447.
2250 XP for Level 3.
Hayden's Session 4 account:
While freeing the Iron Circle slaves, the party are attacked by a strong force of slavers led by a goat-headed dragonborn, Orliss, who incinerates half the captives with his flame breath. One of the captives, Maldar the Wizard, slays Orliss with an acid arrow. The slavers are defeated, the hobgoblin archer again flees.
Erik interrogates the surviving beggar, Cratz, who confesses that most of the Beggar King's treasure has been spent hiring mercenaries. Baroness Constance recognises Jenn Morgan. The group escorts Baroness Lady Constance and her handmaids back to Smokey Joe's inn just outside the Smoke district, where they report back to Geroff Nisjal and rest overnight, rising before dawn.
13/2/713
(ca 4.00am) After a six hour rest the group are up well before dawn, and breakfast. Baroness Constance has sent a runner to her mansion to ask for a coach, but no sign of it after two hours. The group leave Constance at the inn and head back into the slums (ca 6.30am), accompanied by Geroff's henchman, a male half-elf Cleric called Zinsara. The fortress of the Beggar King appears deserted, though looters have ransacked the corpses of the slain and hundreds of rats are chewing on them.
Entering the dungeons, the group disturb lead seals and release a tentacled shadowstuff horror from a well of blackness! A fierce fight ensues until the wounded creature retreats back into the Shadowhold, leaveleaving a shadowy ring that is taken by Rex Deveron.
The group press on. A portcullis descends, splitting the party, and the remaining Iron Circle slavers attack, but are no match for the group, who slays their wretched gnolls and an eladrin mage. The survivors - the hobgoblin archer and a drow thief - escape in a boat down an underground stream.
XP:
Orliss the Goat, Dragonborn Warlord - 150
4 Hobgoblin Slavers - 400
6 Goblin Archers - 150
2 wretched Gnolls - 250
Virmoth, Eladrin Mage - 150
Shadow Tentacle Horror - 350
Escaped: Hobgoblin archer, Drow Thief - 125
Total: 1575/6 = 262 XP each.
Level 1 Major Quest rescue Baroness Constance = +100 XP each.
Total: 362 XP + 1085 = 1447.
2250 XP for Level 3.
Hayden's Session 4 account:
Session 4 account part 1 |
| Session 4 - Maldar the magnificent and the luckiest hobgoblin ever... Leon awakened in a slave cell with a dwarf standing over him, having moments earlier being smashed aside crashing down into the slave pens by the great ape. Erik strode past the others with the slave pen keys jangling in his hand naturally releasing lady Constance and her hand maidens first and then opening the remaining cells, where along with some beggars a young but sickly looking wizard named Maldar was also found with golden skin and black hourglasses for pupils in his eyes this was not a natural state for a human clearly the arcane power had taken its toll on him, asking to join us in revenge against his captors. In the ensuing chaos of the earlier battle Vialya had taken the opportunity to slip away back to her mother we could only hope she did not betray us. After some discussion with the party and some awkward conversation between Jenn and lady Constance we nearly had everyone out of the cells, Then they came goblins pouring into the upper chamber driven forward by their hobgoblin masters then finally Orliss the Goat a dragonborn warlord who took swift action incinerating the other slaves who'd not escaped their cells, enraged with magical fury Maldar moved back into the cells across the charred remains and launched a magical acid arrow at the dragonborn catching it in the eye it roared in pain as acid now began pouring from the grave wound, Orliss managed single shot of his crossbow in retaliation this was to be his last action as Maldar undeterred by the bolt to the arm, launched a magical missile the power combined with the continuous burning of acid was enough to send the warlord head first into the slave pens.. Meanwhile Tasarus had been on the walkway above discharging bolt upon bolt of lightning in the goblin/hobgoblin horde with Rex and Jenn providing support should the hobgoblins stray to close, all but one hobgoblin succumbed to lighting he was the only one to escape, again. During this time lady Constance’s handmaidens paying their new guardian in shining armour a great deal of attention making Erik blush a little and then he remembered the happy times he'd had with his wife her life robbed from him by an undead horror.. lost in thought reality came crashing back as the pitched battle was now over, Jenn deciding that everyone was in need of a rest and there was no way she was going to risk the lives of lady Constance and her maidens after what had happened to the other prisoners despite the rogues protests of "it'll be fine, what’s the worst that could happen!?!" needless to say she shot them a glance of such venom that they decided she was in fact right and they were wrong... Returning to Smokey Joes for a final rest before they pushed on and making sure lady Constance and her maidens were safe although she complained that the carriage she had sent for had not arrived, Leon called Jenn over to the table and informed her of the truth of lady Constance’s situation and problems her sudden and much unexpected return could cause. Presented with this bombshell of news Jenn tactfully sways Lady Constance into staying until she returns again. The Party awoke refreshed and ready to continue their adventure to stop the beggar king although the link to the iron circle was a worrying development and as such Geroff Nisjal had assigned them a cleric named Zinsara to assist. Resuming where they had left off the stench of burnt flesh still lingering in air, forced again to walk past their only failure thus far this hurt more for Jenn and Erik as they both prided themselves on their abilities to protect others. Past the slave cells and round the corner there was a large door ahead and to the right a small corridor that led into darkness, Before anyone had time to say anything Jenn wandered into the darkness as did everyone else though still caught by surprise by Jenn’s flippant choice, this was usually left to the rogues which was normally followed by trouble. They found themselves in a small dimly lit room which looks to have been used for some sort of ritual Maldar and Tasarus found some scrolls near a corpse that had been splayed across the wall, Leon was examining a wall with false portal painted onto it, closer inspection yielded it to be a facade of some sort. Leon then began chipping away at it with his crowbar while everyone else tried to consider what may have happened in here.
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