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Post by Shelby on Jul 8, 2021 17:52:16 GMT -8
Roll20 Dragonlance Campaign Log
Session One, August 11th, 2019 (Champ, Alex, Iris, Daniel, Heather, Brian, Aaron)
Day One – Hiddumont 7, Year 351
Autumn in Abanasinia, why does it seem so inviting? Two groups of friends are reunited on the road to Solace. The Heroes of Canton greet each other with smiling faces and warm embraces, contrasting with the chilling breezes from the eastern plains that stir the golden vallenwood leaves.
The Battle of Canton was not soon forgotten, in which Barnaby defeated Lord Ethilrist on the field in single combat while the soldiers burned the village. The party had done their best to let time heal their wounds, but the sights and smells of death on such a scale leave scars even on those who live to walk away.
Not long after the defeat of Ethilrist, half the party journeyed south to the Tower of High Sorcery at Wayreth, where Ilyrana the Maga took her Test and lived. She was welcomed into the ranks of those whose destiny is to wield true power, and yet the balm of sleep eludes her.
At the same time, the others accompanied Barnaby to the coast of Solamnia, where he successfully petitioned for his knighthood. His forthrightness and humility seemed to impress his examiners, and he returned home with his head held high.
The Companions' joyful reunion just east of home was interrupted by a rough voice commanding in Hobgoblin, “Kill them, and see if they have the staff!” A band of hobgoblins burst forth to attack from the undergrowth, but the team of heroes swung back into action with practiced ease. The foe was dispatched, with the exception of one prisoner they brought back to Solace in the dying light of the setting sun.
It was with relief that the twinkling lights of the homes of Solace came into view from among the high branches of the vallenwood trees, seeming to welcome the travellers back. They brought their mounts to the stables, and secured their still unconscious prisoner in a stall. Some climbed the steps up to the Inn of the Last Home, looking for someone who spoke Hobgoblin, while the others remained on guard below.
Upstairs the heroes were welcomed home. Tim had already started several conversations. Barnaby was approached by two young men, Fred and Charly, who were looking to join the band. But the knight and his sister Lilac dissuaded them. Eventually a translator, Tevik, was enlisted to help interrogate the prisoner, so down they went again.
Tevik proved to be quite eager to help, but the prisoner? Not so much. Tevik said there were some men in robes who had been in Solace asking about a staff, but he knew nothing more than that they seemed to be monks. Tim produced a scrap of paper from somewhere that had a picture of a blue staff on it, but no one could definitively say that they recognized it.
The group decided to rest the night, so Ilyrana could enspell the hobgoblin in the morning and get his cooperation. They had much to think on, while they took it in turn to keep up the guard on the prisoner. Why were they attacked? What was this about a staff? Could the picture be connected?
Day Two – Hiddumont 8, Year 351
In the morning Ilyrana cast her spell, and Tevik asked the questions while Lilac monitored his translations. They tried to learn why the hobgoblins had attacked them, but it proved difficult to get much out of their prisoner. Something he said made them think of the Seekers in Haven, who had recently come to Solace. They had informed the populace that the town in the trees was now under the protection of the city of Haven. Could there be a connection?
Session Two, September 8th, 2019 (Champ, Alex, Iris, Daniel, Heather, Brian, Aaron, David)
The prisoner is dispatched, and the Companions reconvene at the home of Barnaby, Lilac, Ilyrana and Soltim. They decide to try and gather information on the monks who asked about a staff, then head to Haven. After Chalmis fails to explain the information-gathering mission to Soltim, they all decide to visit Theros Ironfeld the smith and sell the swords they claimed from the hobgoblins.
Theros believes most of the swords were made in Haven. Shown a Solamnic coin taken from the hobgoblins, he says he has received a few in payment. Theros confirms there were some questions about a staff, and points out that the folks wearing brown robes who were asking might be Seekers, but he knows nothing more.
The Heroes head up to the Inn and talk to the people there without learning much more, but they do meet two Plainsmen of the Que-Shu tribe, Riverwind and Goldmoon Chieftain’s Daughter. Chalmis invites them to travel along to Haven, and off they go.
West of town, Chalmis asks a songbird if there are goblins about. The bird indicates that “goblin-things” are over in the trees. However, as the party approaches they note that these are not goblins but reptile men! Ilyrana manages to cast a Sleep spell on most, while Barnaby and his sister Lilac kill the rest. They are wearing brown robes. Not long after, the group sees the dead ones turn to stone, then to dust.
An interrogation begins after waking one prisoner. Apparently his group killed some Seekers and took their robes. He asks to be freed, but that is not to be. He and the remaining sleepers are killed, and the party learns that a weapon used to kill these creatures may become stuck when the thing turns to stone.
Moving on again, Soltim spots a white stag at the foot of Sentinel Peak. He approaches, and it leads him away. Eventually, the entire party follows after, to a trail and then up the mountain slope. Chalmis notes that the stag leaves no trace in the dirt when it passes.
Session Three, October 6th, 2019 (Champ, Alex, Iris, Daniel, Heather, David, Aaron)
The heroes follow the white stag through the cleft in Prayer’s Eye Peak and down into Darken Wood, where it disappears in the gloom. After deciding to camp for the night, Soltim is confronted with a group of centaurs who announce that the party must be judged. Fortunately, Tim tells them that a white stag led them into the Wood. When they hear this, the centaurs’ attitude changes, saying that the party has been expected, and they will escort the travellers to the Forest Master.
After a bewildering trip among the trees with Soltim gleefully riding one of the centaurs, the group enters a clearing where a unicorn greets them. He says he is the Forest Master, and offers them his hospitality. They follow him to where the centaurs are laying out a meal under the stars, and while Lilac is standoffish, the others carry on a long conversation.
The Forest Master tells of a visit by a powerful, shining being who predicted their arrival. This being said that if the party could reach the ruins of Xak Tsaroth within three more days, they would be given the greatest gift ever given to the world. Concerned over the pace that would be required to meet that deadline, Barnaby asked if the Forest Master could help them in any way. The unicorn replied that, in fact, he could, and with that, a herd of flying horses appeared at the edge of the meadow. With some hesitation, the heroes arranged for their animals to stay under the Forest Master’s protection until their return. The unicorn also told them that he sensed a great evil to the north, but could say no more.
Day Three – Hiddumont 9, Year 351
After a night’s rest, the flying horses carried the group into the morning sky and headed east towards Xak Tsaroth. But soon, everyone except I’tari, Ilyrana and Barnaby fell asleep. After hours of flying, they noticed a column of smoke on the plains. With foreboding, they followed it to the site of the village of Que-shu, the home of Lilac, Barnaby, Goldmoon and Riverwind. The village had been burned to the ground, and there were bodies charred beyond any recognition.
Searching through the rubble and circling the area garnered some information. First, the attack must’ve been a day or two ago. Second, there had been hobgoblins here, along with something else. Third, there were hobgoblin tracks that came from the north, and returned there. There were also the tracks of Plainsmen heading south. And finally, the heat of the fires that burned Que-shu were hot enough to melt stone. No one could think of anything that hot, except Bangor. The dwarf pointed out that in the past day they’d seen things they hadn’t believed could actually be real; centaurs, a unicorn, and flying horses. And in the old myths, there were dragons who could breath fire. Therefore, wasn’t it possible that a dragon could’ve burned Que-shu?
An argument ensued over whether they should follow the Plainsman tracks heading south, or go north to rescue any Plainsmen that might’ve been captured as prisoners. Ultimately the group mounted the flying horses and tried to head south; but the winged beasts headed east towards Xak Tsaroth!
Ilyrana pleaded with her mount to let them just take a short trip south and see what had become of the survivors. Something she said turned out to be persuasive enough to convince the herd to swerve away and head south.
Four figures were spotted from the air. As they grew closer, one could be seen by his clothes to be a Plainsman. Closer still, and the other three were revealed to be some kind of reptile-men in pursuit. The group swooped down and rained death upon the three. When killed, they first turned to stone, then crumbled to dust.
The heroes dismounted and ran to the fallen Plainsman.
Session Four, November 3rd, 2019 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Heather, David, Aaron, Brian)
Nightshade the Plainsman is from Que-Teh. He tells the party that there are two armies threatening the land, one to the north and one to the south. They’re mostly made up of reptile men who call themselves draconians, and they sometimes explode when killed. There are also other creatures like hobgoblins and ogres in their ranks. The armies attacked the Plainsmen villages, killing all who resisted and enslaving the rest. Nightshade escaped when some of his fellow slaves created a disturbance. He needed to tell someone that the armies aren’t attacking the Seeker towns yet because they fear a crystal staff may be brought to the ruins of Xak Tsaroth and somehow thwart their plans. He begs Goldmoon to make this happen, because this may be the only way to stop the invasion.
After some discussion, the group bids Nightshade farewell and flies away on their Pegasi. They head over the eastern mountains, and land in a wet forested area. The leader of the herd tells Chalmis that they can fly no closer to Xak Tsaroth. They fear a powerful evil that they can feel coming from there.
Stranded, the Innfellows make camp for the night. They are attacked by a group of trolls, and the battle is a close one. Hoggle almost dies, Barnaby sustains a fierce blow to the head, and Lilac’s right foot is torn off. After the fight, Goldmoon takes up her staff, and answering a strange urge she uses it to heal the wounded with a glowing blue light. The party stares in awe as the staff changes from simple wood to a translucent blue crystal. If this is no illusion, and it doesn’t appear to be, then it is the first evidence of holy healing magic to be witnessed in hundreds of years. What does this portend in mankind’s search for true gods?
But the staff doesn’t heal all the wounds that were sustained, and finally fades back to its natural wooden appearance. Goldmoon tells the story of how Riverwind brought it back from a swampy land, but he has little memory of the journey. All agree to keep its existence a secret for now.
Day Four – Hiddumont 10, Year 351
In the morning, the group heads north until they come upon the remains of an ancient road. Chalmis speaks to a bird who tells him the road leads to the big water. Soltim climbs a tree, and sees swampy land to the north, and the road heading west and then bending to the north. The team confers and attempts to determine their location relative to Xak Tsaroth.
Session Five, December 1st, 2019 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Heather, David, Aaron, Champ, Brian)
The team decides to head west, then turn to the north with the road. Lilac gets practice using crutches and the prosthetic foot, until she can keep up with her brother Barnaby. Soltim spots a light in the swamp, and heads off after it without a word. The party halts to wait for him, and check to see how Barnaby is feeling after his recent head wound.
In the swamp, Soltim splashes into a deep pool as a ball of light approaches him. He thinks it must be a will o’ the wisp, but it is hostile and shoots him with electricity. He ducks back underwater. When he pops back up it attacks again, so he drives it off with thrown daggers.
Meanwhile, back on the road with Barnaby there is some talk about drilling, but for now he agrees to a bandage and leaving his helmet off. Golmoon tries to heal him with her staff, but other than a dim glow there is no effect. While this is happening Chalmis asks a bird about Soltim, and soon the party trails after the wayward kender. Fortunately Lilac has no trouble following his tracks. They come upon a very wet kender trying to dry himself with a very wet towel. Barnaby takes personal charge of Soltim as they resume their travels.
The Innfellows return to the road and continue north, but finally decide to head directly east into the swamp again towards where they believe Xak Tsaroth to be. After getting thoroughly wet and muddy, Soltim spots a cow up ahead. When Chalmis tries to speak to it, it attacks him with a gaze weapon. Ilyrana casts a Web spell, preventing it from closing the distance, and the party fires at it until it has perished. It’s now dark, and Ilyrana (who has had trouble sleeping) is near exhaustion. But mindful of the urgency of their quest the adventurers persevere.
Eventually the group spots an old bridge made of rope and vines. It appears to cross a section of deep water. They do their best, but several party members slip off into the swamp. Water snakes hiss, but the team scrambles back out of reach. Moving on, Soltim hears something ahead and reports back that there are four creatures waiting in ambush. He sneaks around for a backstab, but the draconian moves at the last minute and avoids the killing blow. A general battle ensues, with spells thrown left and right. Lilac has a string of bad luck, and the reptile-men explode when killed, but in the end it is the heroes who live to fight another day.
Session Six, December 29th, 2019 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Heather, David, Aaron, Champ, Brian)
Exhausted, caked with mud and slime, the sojourners from Solace hitch up their packs and slog on through the swamp. On their way they stumble across a broken flag stone, a shard from a broken pot, a piece of stone, and what appear to be a scattering of cobblestones. They cross a fallen tree over a large area of water, and fight more draconians. Chalmis and Bangor pin one; he is tied up and interrogated. He tells them they have already arrived in Xak Tsaroth, but that they will stand no chance against the draconians here.
Lilac dispatches the prisoner and they trudge on, struggling to remain awake. They come to two bridges, one of vines, one of old rotted wood. Rejecting both, they continue past until Soltim suggests sending I’Tari’s owl to scout the area. Chalmis speaks to it, and learns that there are “lizards” to the north.
So back they go to the two bridges, in the last hours before dawn. The party takes elaborate measures to reduce the chances of falling through the wooden bridge, and manage to successfully cross with only a couple of close calls. And while Soltim had tried to warn them, they are almost overwhelmed by large numbers of draconians that charge out of the darkness all around them.
In the battle, Ilyrana is shot in the back by her own team, while trying to help Barnaby. She collapses into the mud. Bangor seems to be heading their way to help when a draconian voice shouts out, “Help me, they’re trying to kill me!” At that, Bangor stumps over to Riverwind, who’s been peppering the draconians with arrows. Bangor takes a swing at his comrade, spurring return attacks from Riverwind and Goldmoon. Soltim, observing the mess, taunts Bangor into chasing him back towards the bridge. Finally, Chalmis knocks him out.
With two unconscious heroes, a bit more scouting is in order. Soltim discovers a dragon, but on further inspection it turns out to be made of wicker. It is pitched into the fire. There is also evidence that the draconians had human prisoners, but there are none to be found at the moment.
Session Seven, January 26th, 2020 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, David, Aaron, Champ, Brian)
Regrouping and treating their wounds as best they can, the Innfellows are relieved when Ilyrana and Bangor regain consciousness. They are further relieved that Bangor is once again himself.
Day Five – Hiddumont 11, Year 351
They resume heading north as the sky grows lighter. Coming upon a gigantic toppled monolith, they chase a lone draconian down. It crumples with their arrows in it.
The obelisk makes a handy bridge. As Ilyran climbs its rubble she finds an inscription, identifying this area as Xak Tsaroth.
On the far side, they tread on broken flagstones. Spotting a ruined building ahead, they send I’tari’s owl aloft. When it returns, it speaks with Chalmis and as a result, they continue north, skirting the ruined building.
They circle an intact building that has three towers, finally coming to a set of massive golden doors. Inside they find a statue that I’tari recognizes as representing Mishakal, the goddess of healing. Goldmoon places her staff in the statue’s hands, and its face animates and speaks.
It tells them they must descend below the temple, and take the Disks of Mishakal from a dragon. Presenting the staff boldly will allow them to prevail. The Disks will enable them to follow the gods. Then they must find a leader of the people. Finally, the heroes’ wounds are healed, and the statue grows silent.
Everyone feels much better. Lilac is persuaded to remove her boot and Goldmoon tries to regenerate her foot with the staff, but nothing happens. Lilac, angry and bitter, gets into a fight with the others, who begin debating whether she is possessed or evil – right in front of her. She reacts indignantly, accusing them of following a trick and a fantasy.
In the meantime, Soltim wanders off and discovers stairs leading down. He narrowly avoids a nasty fall, then decides to return to the group.
Deciding to rest a bit before looking for a way underground, the adventurers are interrupted by three draconians. However they are quickly eliminated. After a short rest, Ilyrana and I’tari regain their spells, and the team follows Soltim’s directions to the stairs.
Day Five – Hiddumont 12, Year 351
They enter an underground chamber filled with warm, wet mist that blocks vision. They avoid falling through the crumbling floor several times as they pass burial niches. Muffled voices can be heard dimly, somewhere in the mists. Finally, Chalmis agrees to prod ahead while Barnaby and Riverwind hold a rope tied to his waist.
There is the sudden sound of a chain clanking, very loud and close by. Chalmis sees something ahead.
Session Eight, February 23rd, 2020 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Aaron, Brian)
Out of the mist comes a squad of Draconians. A fight ensues, but the party is victorious.
A group of Gully Dwarves comes through, and tries to just file past the heroes. Soltim feeds one, but when he asks it about a dragon it misunderstands. It panics and runs off a cliff, plummeting towards certain death.
The group explores a bit. There is a giant cauldron and a chain that was making all the noise. There is a sound like a clash of metal from below. They suspect the cauldron is used to descend, but decide to explore for other options.
Barnaby almost slips and dies falling over a cliff, but the party has a rope around him and he is saved. Next they discover a massive clay pipe that appears to go down. There are more sounds of metal clashing, far away. The group decides to return to the cauldron. They spot more Gully Dwarves. Bangor tricks them into talking about the cauldron. The party learns that the Gully Dwarves are supposed to get into the cauldron. They go down, then climb back up. Bangor tells them to get into the cauldron. Over a dozen come out of the mist, leap into the cauldron, and descend. Soon, another cauldron comes up filled with Draconians. There is another fight, but these Draconians die too.
The party chooses to crowd into the cauldron and they descend through the mists into a vast cavern, with the ruins of a city below. They drop into a square with a dragon in it! Goldmoon is wrestling her magic staff out when they realize the dragon is made of wicker, like the one in the swamp. There are only two Draconians here, and the group makes short work of them.
There are doors all around, and the party selects the only set of double doors in sight. Soltim listens, hears nothing beyond, and Barnaby opens the portal. There are more Draconians, and another battle. This time there is a drunken Draconian among them. He seems to realize that Barnaby is a knight, and staggers up to fight him. The rest of the Draconians are dispatched. The drunk appears upset that Soltim and Chalmis are also fighting him. He challenges Barnaby to single combat, and Barnaby accepts, shouting to his companions, “He’s mine!” Chalmis then deals a mighty blow to the drunk’s head. The drunk curses, Barnaby gets angry, and Chalmis withdraws. Finally, Barnaby vanquishes his foe honorably. Then the body of the drunken Draconian explodes.
The party is relatively unscathed. The worst wound that anyone took in all the Draconian battles was when I’tari took a serious blow to the head. She fears she may have a concussion.
Session Nine, March 22nd, 2020 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Aaron, Brian, Champ, David)
The group explores the building they’re in, but finds little of interest. Exiting, they find a street with water flowing down its center. Barnaby discovers a Gully Dwarf named Glik in a ruined building. Barnaby asks questions, and learns that the dragon is called Onyx. After a bribe, the dirty dwarf leads the group to his leader, the Highbulp. Sure enough, upon reaching a blank wall Glik opens a secret door leading straight into the Highbulp’s bedroom!
Again, a Gully Dwarf is bribed, this time for directions to the dragon’s lair. Setting off down the street, the adventurers decide to explore behind a waterfall. Soltim is sent inside. He returns with a Plainswoman of the Que-shu tribe, Sunstar. She begs Barnaby to rescue her husband, who is being held near the dragon’s lair.
Day Six, Hiddumont 12, Year 351
The group heads into a large plaza which has several streams of water running through it. A group of Gully Dwarves looks surprised to see the party approaching. And a huge black dragon’s head appears out of the gloom.
The Gully Dwarves run away, shrieking. The dragon breaths a stream of acid at Barnaby, and when all hope looks lost, he cries out to Mishakal. A shield of blue energy appears at the last possible second to protect Barnaby from the acid. The dragon roars in frustration and leaps into the air while the group surges forward.
A battle ensues, some blows are exchanged, and then Goldmoon strikes the dragon with her Blue Crystal Staff. Blue light is everywhere. The dragon writhes and twists, glowing and then fading away. Goldmoon, too, fades away. The earth begins to shake, and there is an ominous rumbling. The only other enemy in the area is a single Draconian, who is swiftly dealt with.
The party heads in several directions at once. Riverwind finds the dragon’s lair and rescues the Disks of Mishakal. Chalmis and I’tari encounter a pair of Draconians. But they explode when they die, knocking both heroes unconscious.
Barnaby, Ilyrana and Bangor find another waterfall, this one overgrown with vines. Ilyrana explores behind it, with nothing to show but drenched clothes and shivers. A group of Gully Dwarves appears. Bangor commands them in the name of the Highbulp. They want to escape, and the adventurers watch as they scamper away up the vines. Barnaby remarks, “We’ve found the way out.”
Soltim comes across Chalmis and I’tari, keeps them from bleeding to death, but is helpless to do more. Meanwhile, Bangor gets the last Gully Dwarf to lead him to where Sunstar’s husband was being held. They come across Soltim and his charges. Riverwind joins them. Rounding a corner they come across another Draconian. Bangor threatens him, it turns invisible, but Bangor strikes it anyway and it runs away.
And there in an alcove is the missing Raven-Eye. He says that he and his wife Sunstar are the last living members of the Que-shu tribe. They rejoin the other party members, and climb the vines – although Barnaby suffers a nasty fall. Ilyrana uses a levitate spell to float the two unconscious team mates, as well as herself, and eventually the exhausted group finds itself high above, climbing into another section of the ruined city.
Opening a door, Barnaby spots a group of ghosts. He immediately slams the door shut again, and the Gully Dwarf runs away. The group continues “upstream,” fighting the flow of water as they go.
Session Ten, April 19th, 2020 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Aaron, Brian, Champ, David)
The party continues exploring the area, looking for a way out before the caverns come down on their heads. They discover a library, where Ilyrana sees a ghost. The ghost needs to answer one question before he can move on. Ilyrana asks a carefully-worded question about getting out quickly and safely. The ghost tells her to go up the chimney. The group takes the few books that are still usable, and then tries resting a bit, but the ceiling is still coming down. With no other options, Soltim climbs up a chimney.
Eventually the others follow, hauling their two unconscious comrades along. Soltim spots a large group of ghosts at the top, but the group successfully skirts them. The rooms here are upside-down, and opening two sets of shutters adds a great deal of water to the stream that’s flowing down – Barnaby is almost washed away.
Entering a doorway leaves Barnaby facing a huge spider. He ducks past it and follows Soltim’s advice, slamming a door in the monster’s face. There was another pipe in the wall of the spider’s room; Soltim has a plan to taunt the spider and lead it on a merry chase, while the rest of the party gains access to the room. The plan goes off faultlessly, and they slam a second door in the spider’s face. No meal for that spider today!
Up the pipe for a long way, until the team regains the level of the cauldrons. They rope together and cross the slick floor to the stairs leading up. Following the stairs, they come to the statue of Mishakal. There they find Goldmoon – Riverwind rushes to her, and she awakens. There is a flash of blue light, and everyone is healed. But there is no sign of Lilac.
Goldmoon takes the staff down from the statue, and Riverwind hands her the Disks of Mishakal. She feels that they should move on, and find the one to lead them.
Day Seven – Hiddumont 13, Year 351
With their energy restored, the heroes exit the building and watch the sun rise again. They journey through the ruins of Xak Tsaroth, which seems free of Draconians. They agree to head through the swamp and back to the mountains, again going the way they came.
But it is in the swamp that they are attacked by more spiders, and this time Sunstar is killed in the battle, while Soltim’s leg is torn off by the aggressive arachnids! Once the beasts have been defeated, Goldmoon uses the staff and to everyone’s amazement Soltim’s leg is re-attached! But Sunstar remains dead, and the saddened heroes build a funeral pyre as the sun goes down, and send her off to whatever afterlife there may be.
Session Eleven, May 17th, 2020 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Aaron, Brian, Champ, David)
Settling in for the night, the Innfellows look over the Disks of Mishakal. Riverwind also unpacks two spellbooks that he found in the dragon’s hoard. Ilyrana and I’tari begin studying them. Goldmoon studies the disks and reveals a holy symbol that has appeared around her neck. It splits and provides a second holy symbol for I’tari. The disks talk about the gods being represented by objects in the sky, and as the two clerics point out the various heavenly bodies and what they represent, they realize with a shock that there are two constellations missing; Paladine’s and Takhisis’. That night Ilyrana is plagued by dreams.
Day Eight – Hiddumont 14, Year 351
The group spends most of the day trudging through the swamp. Finally they locate the trail that heads back into the mountains. They make camp just before the ascent, then continue studying both spellbooks and Disks.
Day Nine – Hiddumont 15, Year 351
Getting an early start, the adventurers head up into the mountains. When they reach the highest point, the plains are revealed to them. There is a great deal of smoke on the horizon, an ominous site.
They begin their descent, but soon I’tari’s owl Riversong warns of an ambush ahead. Tim goes to scout out their opponents, and a group of ogres comes out of the trees. There is another battle, notable for Ilyrana’s use of a Levitate spell to raise one ogre into the air. Also Raven-Eye successfully uses a crossbow lent to him by Bangor. The team moves on and camps where the plains begin, at the foot of the Forsaken Mountains.
Day Ten – Hiddumont 16, Year 351
The party heads into the plains with the dawn. Avoiding the ruins of Que Shu, they head west encountering neither man nor beast. But that night, Riverwind hears something strange, almost like the sound of birds. Riversong takes to the air but learns nothing more.
Day Eleven – Hiddumont 17, Year 351
When they reach the crossroads, it’s time for another decision. Most of the locations of the villages and towns appear to be sources of smoke, with birds circling overhead. The group decides to head north, planning to pass Solace and return to the unicorn grove for their mounts.
Towards the end of the day they reach Que Kiri. It has been burned, the buildings destroyed by fire. Soltim finds an old man trapped under a beam. When Tim sees the man is still hanging onto life, the others shift the beam and Goldmoon uses her staff to save him.
But while Barnaby is scouting the perimeter, he spots a group of Draconians and sounds the alarm.
Session Twelve, June 14th, 2020 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Aaron, Brian, Champ, David)
The battle with the Draconians is tense, but effective. Soltim shrieks taunts in his piercing voice, driving the reptiles mad with fury. As they surge forward, Ilyrana calls forth arcane power that is manifested in strands of webbing, enrobing most of the enemy in bindings they cannot escape. Riverwind uses his mighty bow to great effect, while Barnaby feels almost ignored as the maddened foe attempts to rush past him in their eagerness to reach the infuriating Kender. Nonetheless, Barnaby takes full advantage of their distraction to indulge in swordplay, and soon enough he causes the first fatality. However, upon death this new variety of Draconian dissolves into acid, burning the knight as the reptile-man melts into a puddle.
The fight goes on, Chalmis, I’Tari and Hoggle engaging in melee while Bangor stands ready to assist where necessary. After another spell, Ilyrana holds her powers in reserve against need, while Goldmoon guards the old blind man they had rescued. Poor Hoggle is struck down by an enemy sword, and I’Tari is miserable when she sees the poison in his wound – he is the victim of a powerful paralytic. Barnaby is whittled down, but when the fighting is done, all that’s left of the Draconians is steaming pools of acid.
As the light fades fast, the group sets up camp. The village’s inhabitants who had died defending their families are gathered for a funeral pyre. During the evening a pack of wild dogs appears, but Soltim carries some food out to them and they leave without a fight.
Day Twelve – Hiddumont 18, Year 351
The next morning the adventurers resume their journey, Hoggle back on his feet once again. At the top of the pass they look out to the Vallenwood forest of home, but their spirits sink as they see that it has been ravaged. Many of the giant, noble trees have been burned, uprooted or chopped down. Far in the distance, smoke hovers over the village of Solace.
After some discussion the old friends continue on to the unicorn grove, hoping for guidance and the retrieval of their mounts. Chalmis is saddened at the lack of animal life, but the group is somewhat refreshed when they take the pass into Darken Wood, leaving much of the smoke behind them.
The light has completely gone as the Innfellows prepare to make camp at edge of the Wood, but when they light torches to make camp they are confronted by Ents! Goldmoon steps forward, her crystal staff shining like a star, and the Ents’ fury is mollified. When Goldmoon tells them she is here to see the Forestmaster, the Ents take the group up into their boughs and march them to the enchanted grove.
The Forestmaster welcomes them. Here the party is reunited with their mounts, although they note that Lilac’s cat Felix is not present. The Forestmaster invites the old blind man to stay with him. That night they refresh themselves, eat and talk, seeking guidance. The unicorn shares what intelligence it has, and the group decides that in the morning they will head towards the only free people left in Abanasinia, the elves of Qualinesti. On the way they will pass by Solace, so that they may learn the fate of their home. And with thoughts of home, they go to sleep.
Session Thirteen, July 12th, 2020 (Alex, Iris, Daniel, Champ, David)
Ilyrana, having spoken with the Forestmaster about her prophetic dreams, is determined to feel for any trace of a divine presence in her visions that night. She dreams of being pursued through a forest, but the only presence she feels is the terror that chases her.
Day Thirteen – Hiddumont 19, Year 351
The next morning, re-provisioned and outfitted by the Forestmaster, the group heads back to Prayer’s Eye Peak, led by a centaur. Raven-Eye rides Lilac’s horse, which Lilac hadn’t returned for. Goldmoon and Riverwind ride a pair of horses rescued from Dragonarmy attacks.
Only encountering a band of faeries (one of which makes friends with Hoggle), the Innfellows bid the centaur goodbye and ascend to the Peak. They look out and I’tari sees no smoke over Darken Wood or Qualinesti Wood. They ride without pausing, reaching the vicinity of Solace after nightfall. Vallenwood trees have been snapped like twigs. Approaching the town carefully, Soltim and Bangor scout ahead.
The scene is tragic. The town has been destroyed. All the Vallenwoods have been snapped, their buildings crashed to the ground. There is an army of goblins, hobgoblins and draconians here. Bangor spots another scout, and he and Soltim meet an elf who returns with them to the party. He tells them that a red dragon killed his elven band, but his life was saved by the local smith. The Dragonarmy is sending caravans south every few days, transporting slaves. The group decides to follow the next caravan south, because the elf says that when it draws near to the Qualinesti Wood he expects an elven force to attack it.
I’tari recognizes the elf as Gilthanas, a prince of her people. Soltim is delighted. But some of the companions are a little cautious about trusting him. That night, Ilyrana dreams of being backstabbed by a hooded figure; and Gilthanas wears a hood.
Day Fourteen – Hiddumont 20, Year 351
They agree to tell Gilthanas nothing of their mission. I’tari is disappointed in Ilyrana’s distrust.
They wait a day for the caravan to pass, but it doesn’t arrive until after dark. They follow it through the night.
Day Fifteen – Hiddumont 21, Year 351
The caravan reaches the town of Gateway about mid-day. Apparently this town has also been destroyed. There it camps. While Barnaby and Ilyrana are on watch they encounter three giant centipede-like monsters, but Ilyrana immobilizes them with a web spell and Barnaby easily cuts them apart.
Session Fourteen, August 9th, 2020 (Iris, Daniel, Champ, David, Brian)
At dusk, Ilyrana and Barnaby hurry back to the party and announce that the caravan is getting ready to move again. They learn that Soltim has decided to return to the unicorn, and has ridden off back north. The trip south is quieter, but missing that tone of mirth that the kender usually brought to their travels. Ilyrana continues to watch Gilthanas suspiciously.
Day Sixteen – Hiddumont 22, Year 351
The caravan moves along the road heading east, into the plains. The travellers’ spirits plunge as they spot the silhouettes of two dragons flying overhead. Fortunately the winged creatures pass them by. As the wagons of the goblinoids approach Que-Teh the Innfellows are attacked by poisonous three-foot centipedes, but make short work of them. They debate how to proceed as the caravan moves through the village without stopping. Finally the adventurers decide to bypass the village, which they note appears to have been burned to the ground.
The caravan continues south along the old road, and at dawn makes camp again. While the team keeps watch, they are approached by a scouting party, but sit hidden and are passed by without incident. At dusk the caravan packs up and continues to roll south. The adventurers debate how to proceed as they approach the old bridge. Asking Gilthanas about the elf ambush, he sketches in the dirt and indicates that the elves will attack the caravan when it approaches closest to the Qualinesti Woods, further south of the bridge. Barnaby promises that if the elves betray them, he will exact retribution. (Well, not in so many words, but still.)
Day Seventeen – Hiddumont 23, Year 351
The group decides to ride around the caravan and cross the bridge first. As they approach the bridge, they note that the nearby fishing village has been destroyed. They ride across the bridge and make camp further on, when they note the wagons stop for the daylight hours once more.
At dusk both groups return to the road, the party electing to stay ahead of the goblins this time. They watch the edge of the forest draw nearer. Ilyrana observes Gilthanas mimicking a bird-call. Two elven archers rise from the grasses ahead. As the elven prince walks towards his kinsmen, Barnaby spurs his horse and lurches after, his lance at the ready. Chalmis attempts to intercede, but Barnaby spurs his horse and pushes past. Turning in reaction to the thunder of the heavy warhorse’s hooves, Gilthanas sees the knight bearing down upon him and calls out the word “traitor.” He turns to run towards the other elves. I’tari spurs her horse forward as well, shouting at Barnaby and attempting to intercept him.
Riverwind draws his bow, Ilyrana casts a web spell on the two elven archers, and Barnaby forces his way past both Chalmis and I’tari.
The plainsman Riverwind coolly launches arrows into the two elves, killing them instantly. Barnaby impales the prince on his lance, but miraculously the elf stumbles on. I’tari tries to pull Gilthanas onto her horse, but again Barnaby forces her horse to give way. The prince continues to run, Barnaby and I’tari in pursuit, as an army of elven archers rises from the grass and aims its bows at the adventurers.
At this point, Barnaby heads back towards his group, while I’tari carries the prince to his people. The party elects to head north a short way, and are allowed to retreat unmolested by the elves. After a heated debate, they wait for the elven ambush so they may attempt a rescue of the human prisoners being transported by the caravan.
But there is no ambush, and the caravan rumbles past with no action from the elves. Resolute, the group follows it as before.
Day Eighteen – Hiddumont 24, Year 351
The caravan rolls south until morning, then camps along the road again.
When she finally has a chance to rest, Ilyrana has another vivid dream. In it, she is in the woods and sees Gilthanas killing Barnaby. Upon awakening she relates the dream to her friends, along with her thought that the “leader of the people” they were charged to find by Mishakal may have been among the elves. Perhaps they should try and make peace? Regardless, they continue to follow the caravan south at dusk, still concerned about the prisoners and hoping to discover the enemy’s base of operations.
The land becomes rockier, mountains appear to the south, and the road begins to climb. Bangor tells the others that they are approaching the lands of the dwarves. They watch in horror as a massive fortress is revealed ahead. The road goes straight within its mighty gates, and so does the caravan with the human prisoners.
Bangor tells them that the fortress is called Pax Tharkas. It was built by dwarves, but was created due to a treaty with the elves. As far as he recalls, the fortress was either abandoned or only manned by a skeleton crew, since it serves no real purpose. He searches his memory and recalls that the elven hero who was the cause of the treaty, Kith-kanan, was supposed to have a tomb nearby. And Bangor seems to recall a story that said it was connected to Pax Tharkas.
Once again, the party must decide how to proceed. The fortress looms ahead, apparently fully manned. What will they decide?
Session Fifteen, September 6th, 2020 (Iris, Daniel, Champ, David, Brian, Aaron)
The party stares at the walls of Pax Tharkas, the fortress that has swallowed the prisoners of the draconian army. Its torches flicker in the cold evening. With a start, I’tari’s owl lands on Ilyrana’s saddle. It has a note tied to its leg. She unties the note and reads it as the owl watches her with its great eyes. After a few moments she looks up at her companions, and with a sigh tells them that I’tari will not be re-joining them. She looks crushed.
The Innfellows, now numbering three less than their original number, decide to head off the road and up a trail to wait for dawn. They sleep fitfully in the cold, with Ilyrana remembering her lost friends.
Day Nineteen – Hiddumont 25, Year 351
There is some frost on the ground when the group packs up to move in the predawn light. Following Bangor’s best advice, they decide to continue on to the east. About mid-morning they come across a small group of humans fighting against draconians and hobgoblins. They are too late to save anyone except Running Bear, a tribesman of the Que-Shu. He tells them that there are at least a dozen of their tribe being held in the fortress. He also overheard two pieces of information. One, the captives are being used to work a mine. And two, the draconian armies have conquered the humans of both plains and towns. Next will come the elves of Qualinesti.
Running Bear is speechless as he witnesses Goldmoon using her staff to heal Chalmis, who was crippled in the fight. Truly, his new chieftain is blessed.
Continuing on to the area that Bangor hopes will reveal the tomb, Ilyrana senses a group of trolls about to attack. There is a furious battle, but the team is almost as surprised as the trolls by how viciously they cut the horrible monsters apart. Wisely, they drag the bodies together and burn them before they can regenerate.
The party discovers the trolls’ lair in a small cave at the source of a mountain stream. Inside is a chest containing some coin, a shield and a few gems, one of which glows. While Goldmoon and Ilyrana talk quietly, Barnaby experiments and the gem’s glow intensifies and changes hue when touched to Goldmoon’s staff. Goldmoon feels that the staff approves, somehow.
Ilyrana calls the others over to a secret door in the cave wall. Bangor says it’s not dwarven make, but when Barnaby touches the magic gem to it, a door grates open. Revealed beyond is a passage leading into the rock, undisturbed by the years. The adventurers decide to leave Raven-Eye behind with their mounts. He will wait for one week, then will return to the plains. As the party heads into the tunnel, I’tari’s owl watches silently from the back of Ilyrana’s horse.
Session Sixteen, October 4th, 2020 (Iris, Daniel, Champ, Brian)
The adventurers advance slowly and cautiously into the long-disused passageway that winds its way into the mountains. Coming to an intersection they find faint trails in the dust. Advancing further, Bangor and Chalmis discover a mechanism that would block off a section of the tunnels. Chalmis speaks with some rats, and is told that something bad lies down one of the passages.
While they debate, Ilyrana spots some carrion crawlers approaching rapidly. A furious melee ensues, and Running Bear is paralyzed by the fiends. It looks bad for a while, but eventually the group of heroes is victorious. Running Bear soon recovers. While Goldmoon is administering to him and praying, she begins to feel the presence of Mishakal.
So the group goes ahead. A feeling of cold dread grows stronger as they advance. Bangor is alone when he spots a ghost ahead in the darkness, and he runs from it as fast as he can while encouraging the party to accompany him. They do so, and retrace their steps until they no longer feel the cold dread in pursuit. They wait, but nothing appears, so they head in a different direction.
This new passage leads them through the broken wall of a vast pillared chamber. After exploring it for a while they decide to make camp. It is while Goldmoon is praying that she feels Mishakal’s presence again. The goddess has granted her healing spells! The wounded are extremely grateful as this holy power mends their wounds.
Day Twenty – Hiddumont 26, Year 351
After resting, the group resumes their explorations and finds a large set of double doors, but pass them up for now. They come across a giant stone throne flanked by two fifteen-foot statues. On the throne is the desiccated body of an elf, with a sword set across its lap. The throne is engraved with the name “Kith-Kanan,” and Bangor recalls that was the name of the elven hero who allied with the dwarves and established the fortress of Pax Tharkas.
Barnaby reaches for the sword but Ilyrana grabs it first and pulls the blade slightly from its scabbard. A magic glow emerges, but she re-sheathes the blade and releases it to Barnaby. He draws the blade fully, and it radiates a bright light in a magic glow. He touches the magic gem from the trolls’ lair to it, and that glows brighter as well.
The heroes finish exploring the hall and decide to peek into the double doors, bronze and engraved with an image of the fortress of Pax Tharkas. But there is a stench beyond, and a trail of slime leads ahead into the darkness, so they retreat. Chalmis wedges a handaxe into the doors to jam them shut.
Once again retracing their steps, they follow a new passage until it too enters a chamber through a broken wall. They wander about and find a stone door set into one side.
Session Seventeen, November 1st, 2020 (Iris, Daniel, Champ, Brian, Aaron, David)
After moving along rows of stone doors on both sides of the dusty chamber, Bangor decides to pull one open. Inside are two zombies who rise from their burial niches and head towards him. Bangor quickly shuts the door, but the sound of similar stone doors opening from either side fills the air. Bangor re-opens his door and engages in melee, while from everywhere more zombies converge on the party. A terrible battle ensues against the undead horde. Goldmoon, recently granted the power to heal by Mishakal, feels the urge to command the horrors to flee by boldly presenting her holy symbol. The power of her goddess fills her, and half a dozen of the foe are repelled and flee. However, as more and more zombies gather, Goldmoon finds that she can’t control them. Riverwind remains by her side but the rest of the group retreats into the crypt to limit their exposure. Bangor calls out to the couple from the plains, and they break and run to join the rest in the crypt. Finally, Ilyrana casts a web spell and blocks off the door to the crypt, providing them some temporary measure of safety.
Unfortunately there is no other exit. Ilyrana leads the others in prayer. When the magic expires and the doorway is clear again, there is no sign of zombies. Hesitantly at first, and then with greater speed, the Innfellows retreat back the way they came to the troll cave. They find Raven-Eye waiting for them, as snow flurries sprinkle the cave mouth. Looking over their wounded, Goldmoon resolves to pray for more healing powers before they try anything else. Raven-Eye is distraught at the thought of the plainsmen who remain captive in the fort, and chafes at the delayed rescue. He also mentions that the elven prince said that the dragonarmies were expected to attack the city of the elves.
Session Eighteen, November 29th, 2020 (Iris, Daniel, Champ, Brian, Aaron, David)
The weary adventurers settle in to rest in the troll cave while Chalmis, Running Bear and Riverwind do some fishing in the fresh snowfall. Riverwind hears what he suspects is a draconian army on the march. A little scouting seems to indicate that there are draconians heading their way, so the party retreats into the cave and masks the opening.
Goldmoon is successful in calling upon Mishakal for the miracle of healing. Itari’s Snowy Owl Riversong, speaking through the two monks, says the draconians are marching on the elves. Ilyrana becomes quite despondent at the thought of I’tari sacrificing her life in battle.
Day Twenty-one – Hiddumont 27, Year 351
After sufficient rest the Innfellows return to the tombs, once again leaving Raven-Eye behind with the animals. Wandering about, they are attacked by a spirit that can only be harmed by magic. Bangor bravely remains in the fight even when he learns to his horror that his weapon is useless. Fortunately Goldmoon, Ilyrana and Barnaby inflict enough damage to banish the thing from the world of the living.
Further exploration reveals a small group of elven zombies. Goldmoon channels holy power that makes them hesitate, but when Riverwind fires at them they shake off the effects and continue the fight. Luckily the undead are no match for the heroes.
A section of floor sinks down when trod upon without apparent effect. Following the passage leads the team back to where they started, but now the exit is sealed off. Despite all their efforts, the stalwart crew is trapped.
Session Nineteen, January 24th, 2021 (Iris, Daniel, Brian, David)
The trapped heroes decide to split up using torches to try and find a draft that could lead to a hidden escape from the tunnels. They are relieved to find just such an escape, but cautious once they learn they have entered a crypt. Exiting the crypt from the opposite side, they soon learn that they have entered the chamber of burial vaults where they had been overwhelmed by undead.
Careful not to touch anything, the explorers head into the unknown and come upon a bronze door. Beyond lies a columned chamber, thick with dust. Another door leads to a pit trap. The fall causes a great deal of damage, almost killing Ilyrana. Another corridor leads deep into the darkness. Eventually the team decides to rest and recuperate. Food is running low.
Day Twenty-two – Hiddumont 28, Year 351
Continuing on the adventurers come to a storage area, with a covered well and crates of non-edible supplies. Chalmis hears a monstrous conversation beyond a door. Deploying their ranged weapons, Chalmis wrenches the door open revealing a group of draconians! A fight ensues, and the party’s strategy prevails. Chalmis prevents the last remaining draconian from escaping, putting its eyes out with his lucerne hammer as it lunges for a door.
Session Twenty, February 21st, 2021 (Daniel, Brian, David, Champ, Rick, Jonas)
Grimly, Chalmis ends the life of the blinded draconian, who dissolves into a pool of acid. The group refills its waterskins and Barnaby washes off the oil on his skin and clothes. Riverwind and Goldmoon find a small box containing four vials, which Ilyrana identifies as Extra-Healing Potions. Chalmis sorts through the supplies and grabs some cold-weather clothing.
Barnaby abruptly bursts the door open revealing a lit corridor and two small figures in the distance. A moment’s scrutiny and he has identified Riko, a kender wearing the colors of a Seeker, as well as a gnome named Kleemo! Barnaby closes the door, advises his group, then re-opens it. The strangers introduce themselves and decide to combine forces in spite of Ilyrana’s misgivings.
Searching for captives, Barnaby tries to smash in a locked door unsuccessfully. Kleemo goes to work on it, revealing a group of town women apparently held here. The party reassures them while Kleemo tries unsuccessfully to open a second door. A third door gives way and reveals more women, along with two wounded men. One is a smith with his right arm cut off, the other is revealed to be the HighSeeker of Haven! Riko and Goldmoon do their best to help. Goldmoon uses a magical blessing of her goddess, Mishakal. The HighSeeker questions her while Riko mostly listens.
In the meantime a group of gully dwarves comes down the stairs. Riverwind makes short work of two while Barnaby, Chalmis and Bangor rush after them. Chalmis stuns one and then kills another just as it has reached a massive set of doors to the outside. They return with their prisoner and interrogate him in the same room where Kleemo and Riko had been held. He is Sim, and he says he lives here. He agrees to take them to meet his leader, the Highkladh.
Speaking to the female prisoners, the party learns that their men are working the iron mines and won’t rebel because their women and children are held hostage. The women go once per day to feed the men. They also go once per day to feed and exercise their children, who are guarded by a red dragon called Flamestrike! The adventurers persuade the women to stay put while they explore.
After a short trip, Sim leads them to the lair of the gully dwarves. Their leader the Highkladh becomes quite friendly when Chalmis gives him his old shoes. Kleemo agrees to cook a feast while information is traded. The leader of the soldiers is called the Dragonlord. He is fearsome and wears a horned mask.
The heroes rest with the gully dwarves and refresh their spells, Riko and Goldmoon spending some time deep in discussion. Riko and Kleemo offer to scout while dressed as gully dwarves, but the plan is abandoned and Kleemo scouts ahead as the rest of the party follow him upstairs. He hears an argument behind one door, and the party pauses outside the barred door that should lead to the dragon and the children.
Session Twenty-one, April 18th, 2021 (Daniel, Brian, Champ, Rick, Jonas, Gray)
The group decides to bar the doors leading outside, and open the door they hear voices behind. Chalmis opens it and steps aside for those with missile weapons. The room contains draconians who melt into acid when slain. They call out for reinforcements, and two hobgoblins join the fight. Apparently the enemy believes the party is here to rescue an elven princess. The adventurers vanquish their foes.
Riko hears thumping coming from behind one of the doors down the hall. Sir Barnaby discovers a door with a fresh lock on it. Kleemo picks the lock freeing two elven prisoners. They are Mallagar and Princess Lauranthalasa, and they agree to help free the other prisoners.
Deciding to check another door, the group finds a series of richly-decorated rooms. When they get to the bedchamber Chalmis sets off a gas trap, disabling most of the group. Barnaby attempts a rescue but also succumbs to the gas, leaving Riko to engineer a plan. He orders the others to open doors and allow the gas to dissipate, while dragging what prove to be unconscious bodies back into the hallway.
Fortunately everyone recovers, and the group heads upstairs. Chalmis looks out an arrowslit and sees a draconian army a few hours away. The heroes rush back downstairs and return to the doors they believe lead to the children, supposedly guarded by a dragon. Kleemo hears draconian voices beyond.
Session Twenty-Two, May 16th, 2021 (Daniel, Rick, Jonas, Gray, Don)
Kleemo and Riko work out a plan to draw the draconians out from the double doors by setting another fire, and using a ventriloquism spell to shout “fire.” The plan works, and Riko spies the creatures heading down the hall to fight fires.
Kleemo asks Chalmis for the schematics of the fort he found earlier, but they make no sense to the gnome. Mallagar, however, determines that there is a mechanism to bring tons of rocks down to block the pass.
Bangor discovers the courtyard and small valley behind the fort, where the slave miners work under the guidance of their draconian masters. He also hears a voice from nowhere that tries to determine which side the party is on, the masters or the slaves.
Riko goes and surveys the situation outside the front gates. The enemy army has almost arrived.
Kleemo heads down a passage and comes upon a sleeping dragon. He tells the others, and they send Goldmoon and Riverwind down to get the women ready to escape. Then Kleemo tries exploring beyond the dragon to find the children. Riko follows his friend at a distance.
While that happens, Mallagar and Running Bear go and close the main gates, to hinder the returning army’s access to the fort.
Kleemo finds the children and tries sneaking them past the sleeping dragon with Riko’s help, but some of the frightened children cry. Thinking quickly, Riko pretends to be a child and convinces the sleepy dragon that the children are only playing a game. It goes back to sleep and the children are evacuated.
Meanwhile, Chalmis has gone downstairs and returned with the women. Goldmoon calls upon her goddess, Mishakal, and miraculously heals some of the party’s wounds.
Having examined the schematics again, the party decides to try and release the boulders. Bangor throws a grappling hook up the outside of the tower, and Kleemo and Riko discover the winch and release an avalanche of rock to choke the pass.
The miners had been warned by their unseen ally that the rock fall is their signal to turn against their masters. The party, women and children rush into the courtyard as the men slay their draconian guards. Refugees begin to mill about, families trying to reunite.
Then the dragon appears at the double doors, trying to escape to the courtyard. Mallagar charges forward to slam and bar the doors. The dragon breathes, but the brave elf is protected by a miraculous golden shield that appears out of nowhere. Mustering all his strength, he forces his way forward and bars the doors in the face of the furious dragon.
The party assists the refugees to reunite and get moving. They begin loading what supplies they can find onto some abandoned carts. Then the dragon bursts through the barred doors.
At the same time, another dragon appears at the top of one of the towers. A figure in plate mail sits astride its back. He shouts at the refugees in anger, saying he will kill them all for their impudence.
But the dragon at the base of the tower shouts “No! They are mine!” and flies up to engage the newcomer. Some party members attack the rider, some help the now terrified refugees to escape. The dragon rider is hit several times, and is chased off by the other dragon. With the party’s help, the former slaves take this opportunity to escape through the snow towards the dwarven lands as night falls.
Session Twenty-Three, June 13th, 2021 (Daniel, Rick, Jonas, Gray, Don, Champ, Brian, David)
The refugees stream southward along the Old South Road in the dark of night, during a snow storm. The party members do their best to assist, and eventually spot the best camp site to be had as the escaped slaves collapse from exposure and exhaustion. Those who can, help set up camp for the rest. It is bitterly cold.
In the course of the journey and setting up camp the party happen to meet refugees who can help them improve their skills through training. They make plans to meet and practice as often as possible during this journey.
The heroes are invited to join a “council” meeting, where they are greeted by the elven princess Lauranthalasa as well as Elistan the High Seeker of Haven. Also among these leaders is Elder Brookland from Solace, Chieftain Briar of the Que-Teh, Councilor Locar of the Seekers of Haven, and Captain Eben of Newports. Most of these leaders are known to one or more party members.
Many things are discussed. There are about 300 families of refugees, and they end up coalescing around one of the five leaders (Laurana is not actually a leader as there is no group of elven refugees to lead). Few are trained warriors. There is food for about two days. The refugees want to flee from the army and find a place of safety. The valley of the dwarves has but one way out, through the lost Kingdom of Thorbardin. There is a legend that to access the Kingdom one must explore Skullcap, the tomb of an ancient wizard under a skull-shaped mountain. For the moment at least, the heroes will travel south with the escaped slaves.
Day Twenty-three – H’rarmont 1, Year 351
At dawn the camp is attacked by a pair of snow leopards. The adventurers make short work of them, and Mallagar goes to work converting them into food and footwear. Chalmis and Kleemo track the leopards back to their lair, returning with two cubs. They learn that overnight, thirteen refugees died of exposure.
The refugees move south. Eventually the heroes spot tracks heading off the road and to the west. Scouting west it appears a small group made the tracks, possibly dwarves or goblins. Kleemo goes back to the refugees and convinces them to head west, while Chalmis runs ahead and encounters a small hunting party of dwarves. After talking with them for a bit, they come back to meet Bangor, whom they know. Finally the dwarves decide to escort everyone to the dwarven village of Neidarbard so that King Falric Stinger will be able to question them.
The heroes and leaders are invited into the king’s hall, while the refugees make camp outside. The king hears their story and allows the refugees to stay for a day or so, but he cannot support so many; especially through winter. He offers to share some supplies with them for now, what he can spare. After more discussion, Riko demonstrates the healing magic he’s been granted by Mishakal. The dwarves are astounded.
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Post by Shelby on Mar 20, 2022 19:54:51 GMT -8
Session Twenty-Seven, October 3rd, 2021 (Daniel, Rick, Gray, David, Don, Champ, Brian)
Day Twenty-six – H’rarmont 4, Year 351
After the exhausted adventurers have rested, they continue exploring. They find another passage that gets hotter, until they retrace their steps and try another way. Finally Chalmis spots a series of gates guarded by a lone Gully Dwarf named Squigo. They feed him and in return he leads them through a mostly-empty underground city to meet the Highphulph. The Gully Dwarf leader proudly shows them his “treasure,” a monolithic slab with a golden circle inset in the ground before it. After much experimentation, Bangor learns that asking questions in dwarven prompts answers written in fiery letters on the slab. The only relevant information is another iteration of the advice that to access Thorbardin one must travel beneath Skullcap Mountain.
The Highphulph is dejected that he can’t use the secret treasure because he’s illiterate, but he drowns his disappointment at the subsequent “feast.” Most of the food served is edible, if not particularly desirable. The Highphulph says he knows the way to Thorbardin and agrees to lead them there for a shiny coin.
There are many delays but eventually the combined group of heroes and Gully Dwarves heads back into the tunnels and marches until exhausted. Then they make camp again.
Day Twenty-seven – H’rarmont 5, Year 351
Finally the explorers pass through a broken-up area of tunnel and out onto a mountainside. They locate water and hunt for food. They spot a dragon way off on the horizon, but it comes no closer. They’re looking down into a wooded valley below, and after much questioning and conjecture conclude that the tunnel that would’ve led them to Thorbardin has collapsed, but apparently led east.
The Highphulph is enthusiastic at talk of farmers coming to live with him and increasing their crop yield, so the whole expedition begins retracing their steps. After a long march they encounter a group of trolls. Fortunately the hungry monsters prove to be no match for the powerful heroes.
Session Twenty-eight, October 31st 2021 (Daniel, Rick, Gray, David, Don, Champ, Brian, Jonas)
Day Twenty-seven – H’rarmont 5, Year 351
The party pick themselves up after the battle with the trolls. Kleemo finds a silver ring with a bat and a jack o’lantern etched on it. He tries it on then shrugs. The Gully Dwarves have long since run off so the adventurers trudge along after them. Eventually they are met by a group of Gully Dwarves and the whole mob returns to the ruins where the Highphulph reigns.
Day Twenty-eight – H’rarmont 6, Year 351
After getting cleaned up, resting, eating and re-supplying, the heroes resume marching to fetch the refugees from Abanasinia, the last of the free people from their homeland. But the group is astonished when a section of tunnel floor rolls up and begins to crush Riko and Barnaby – it is a Trapper! After bringing weapons to bear the two are released relatively unscathed. More hours pass when suddenly stalactites begin plummeting down trying to pierce the hapless heroes! And thus the monsters’ name, Piercers. It is the monsters who prove to be rather helpless once they’ve crashed to the ground though. Nonetheless one has torn Goldmoon’s hand off on its way down! Kleemo retrieves the hand as Riverwind comforts her. She prays silently to Mishakal and tries to keep hope alive in her heart.
Subdued, the group moves on and finally encounters the remnants of the refugees hiding in the dark tunnels. They recount a tale of having been attacked by dragons and driven into the caves! The heroes talk the starving folks into following them back to the old dwarven city, and return they go.
Day Twenty-nine – H’rarmont 7, Year 351
It’s only a few hours before everyone collapses from exhaustion, sleeping where they lie. During this sleep period there is an attack by Giant Rats. There are a few civilian deaths but it could’ve been much worse had the party not dealt with them.
When everyone has regained their strength they resume the march to rejoin the Highphulph and his Gully Dwarves. The refugees collapse among the ruins and the astonished Gully Dwarves tend to them as best they can, apparently moved by their plight. This helps to mollify the reaction most folk normally have upon encountering Gully Dwarves. With the exception of Councilor Locar and possibly Chief Briar, the Council of Freedom express their gratitude for the Highphulph’s hospitality. They will remain here until the heroes can reach Skullcap and find the way through Thorbardin out of the valley and away from the dragonarmies. While here the farmers among them will try and improve the Gully Dwarves’ farming techniques...
Day Thirty – H’rarmont 8, Year 351
Goldmoon’s morning prayers are answered and Mishakal’s staff flashes, reattaching her right hand. She devoutly gives thanks, and soon the adventurers have left to see what may be seen at the far end of the tunnels, where they had spent a little time once before. After a full day’s march they camp in their old spot.
Day Thirty-one – H’rarmont 9, Year 351
After the last short leg of the journey the blessed light of day can be seen ahead, along with the cold air of a winter’s morn. Chalmis takes a quick look outside and see that snow is falling. He also spots an airborne dragon, so ducks back inside to report. Pine volunteers to learn more. He disappears from sight, and once outside levitates to gain a better view.
He sees the dragon again, apparently circling the general area with the same warrior on its back that they saw back at Pax Tharkas. Pine also notes the wooded valley below, mountains to his right and behind... and a huge dragonarmy a few miles to his left. He ducks back inside to report.
After some debate, the group decides that they will attempt to sneak down the mountain slope, keeping to cover as much as possible and not clumping up, generally making for the wooded valley below and points east and south.
Hopefully ahead of the dragonarmy. And not being spotted by any flying dragons.
Session Twenty-nine, November 28th 2021 (Daniel, Rick, Gray, David, Don, Brian)
Day Thirty-one – H’rarmont 9, Year 351
The party heads downslope and manages to avoid discovery. As far as they know. They move for hours, and feeling more secure they have favored speed over caution. With only a minute’s warning they are confronted with a dragon flying overhead, seen through the trees. It breathes fire down but Goldmoon holds up the blue crystal staff of Mishakal. Miraculously the group survives what would’ve otherwise been their doom. They are teleported and find themselves in a frozen bog. Goldmoon says they should be near their objective, Skullcap. Mallegar expresses his concern for Princess Laurana and the refugees, but the heroes can only hope to discover the way to Thorbardin.
Chalmis comes upon an old man in the bog who calls himself Fizban and claims to be a great wizard. He is introduced to the party and after some banter agrees to accompany them. Pine levitates for a bird’s-eye view and directs them towards what he hopes will be Skullcap. Mallegar does a bit of scouting and finds an entrance. Once inside the entrance the group camps and calls upon the gods for healing.
Day Thirty-two – H’rarmont 10, Year 351
After many hours they feel well enough to chance exploring the depths below. Under the skull-shaped outcropping they find worked stone corridors and begin to explore, coming upon a huge ruined staircase descending below.
Session Thirty, January 23rd 2022 (Daniel, Rick, Champ, David, Don, Brian, Jonas)
Day Thirty-two – H’rarmont 10, Year 351
The adventurers search a set of bedrooms with varied results. Riko finds an amulet, Chalmis finds a scroll of protection from undead, and Kleemo finds a pouch of odd-shaped gems. When Barnaby picks up a discarded tunic a ghostly figure appears. The creature attacks Kleemo, who feels the cold draining touch of the undead. Fortunately when the tunic is discarded the ghost fades away.
Next they open an armory, and within is a dragon chasing a goblin – both suspended in a sphere of magic. After much debate the group decides to leave, but not before Barnaby exchanges his suit of armor for another which provides superior protection.
Heading down another hall the group discovers a series of doors protected by arrow slits. They suffer many wounds breaking through the doors, but they come to where the tunnel has been sealed by a collapsed roof. In the fighting Goldmoon’s Achilles Tendon is cut, and the damage is beyond her ability to heal. Another door reveals more undead, carrying bows. Can these be the archers from behind the arrow slits? Riko drives them away, except for the one who is engaged in melee. It is destroyed.
Session Thirty-one, February 20th, 2022 (Daniel, Rick, Gray, David, Don, Brian, Jonas)
Day Thirty-two – H’rarmont 10, Year 351
The heroes persist in their quest to gain access to Thorbardin, the refugees’ last hope to escape the invading Dragonarmy. Opening a set of doors reveals a once-luxurious room with several spirits within. Fortunately the spirits flee, no doubt due to the presence of such righteous priests of the true gods.
However the next room proves to be a different matter altogether. It is a large ballroom filled with shadowy spirits. Some few launch themselves towards the party, but the heroes remain stalwart in the face of this horror and the shades are dispersed.
The group decides to rest in the prior room before continuing their search.
Day Thirty-three – H’rarmont 11, Year 351
Next the adventurers enter a vast, smooth-walled cavern hosting a waterfall splashing into a pool. Riko’s lantern picks out what appear to be coins and other loot heaped upon an “island” visible across the water. The party carefuly deploys, Barnaby beginning to take off his armor while Chalmis and Kleemo shed their clothes and Bangor elects to hold his breath while traversing the pool’s depths. Crocodiles appear to menace those on the island, then the shadowy form of a dragon is glimpsed at the crest of the falls. Chalmis directs a stream of bats at it with the magic ring that Kleemo had given him, and the dragon breathes some kind of impenetrable mist down on the heroes.
Those who can attack do, then the dragon decides to leap down upon the hapless monk below. Fortunately Bangor has arrived in time to deliver a series of hammer blows, and when the dragon expires it simply fades away. Since the others hadn’t waited for him, Barnaby never even had time to get all of his armor off.
Now is the time to investigate the dragon hoard upon the island. There are thousands of coins for a dragon to lie upon, as well as a score of gems. Also found are three bottles of liquid, a small set of chainmail, a pair of boots and a short sword. Chalmis puts the boots on his feet and finds that he can walk just above the water. A moment’s experimentation and he realizes the boots provide the power of levitation.
Session Thirty-two, March 20th, 2022 (Daniel, Rick, Gray, David, Don, Jonas, Champ)
Day Thirty-three – H’rarmont 11, Year 351
The group sorts through the dragon hoard and stashes their winnings away. While this is happening a strange creature, a “Jack o’Bear,” appears in the corridor and attacks. Fortunately it is dispatched before any of the heroes are torn apart.
Next the party checks out a few rooms in the south, finding another magic sword. Finally they decide to investigate the spiral stairs leading down the central shaft. Apparently there’s been a great deal of damage and the stairs have collapsed after only a short way. Mallagar uses the levitating boots and begins spiking rope to the walls so that the adventurers can descend in safety. Chalmis stays on guard at the surface with Mallagar’s wolf, and the rest head downwards. It’s almost 200 feet before they come to the bottom of the shaft, where they find a pile of rubble and three animated skeletons. The skeletons attack while at the same time begging to be freed, asking the group to retrieve a circlet. For good or ill the group cuts down the undead foe before coming across any circlets in the area. In the last minutes of the battle Randolfo the Mage tries casting a fireball but it winks out. As a result Pine casts a stinking cloud on the old man, then reports to the others that the fireball would’ve killed the party. Barnaby ties and gags the helpless wizard, then backhands him across the face with a gauntleted hand. Riko, too, attempts a stern interrogation, but the senior is having none of it. His voice grows stern and he reprimands the group. Then there is a flaring light that blinds the party. When it recedes, the old man has disappeared.
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