Heartcross
Vagabond Drum - Tavern stop for those returning from or going to the Grey Peaks.
Baron Morningwinds (Lord of Heartcross)
Constantine (Chamberlin of Heartcross); Adventurer and Henchman of Baron Morningwinds; Current Bodyguard of the Baronette of Heartcross, Lord Morningwinds daughter.
Tamsin Morningwinds (Barons daughter; the baronette) - Paladin of Tyr (Law and Justice)
Caelia Alwys, priestess of At'ar, companion of Tamsin Morningwinds
Constable Jarev (City Constable)
Taniss furfoot (founder of Mapleacre) - Original member of the Red Company
Crystal Shores
Rumors from Heartcross
- Wildlife acting strangely; townsfolk acting strangely and growing sick; supposedly a zombie wolf running about
- Elor (Ay-lore) the bard - knows the story of crystal shores
Valon Deathmar - Tanner in Crystal Shores, dark skinned, ritual scarification. "Giant of a man"
Valonius - Valon's Wife, dark skinned, ritual scarring, and battle scars
Myleen - Caravan mistress of Crystal Shores, Owns the only horse and cart in town.
Henschel Gobbenmeyer - elected leader of Crystal Shores; member of the former adventuring party "Red Company"
Zeb and Triggo are villagers of Crystal Shores who have died of a disease that causes unchecked violent aggression. They were killed by Valon.
A dozen villagers are also showing signs of sickness.
Inn of the Blushing Trout is currently disease free. Ladorn - proprieter (became sick in the morning)
Inn of the Wasp, Inaldi - proprieter
The Cracked Mug, Muscovelli - proprieter
Sigard's Musings
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Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
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Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Mount du Plain
Entered town when we noticed one of the buildings seemed to be on fire. We worried a survivor may need assistance. Once we approached the building we heard screams from the upper floor. Ascending quickly I encountered a zombie in the hallway. I landed a stout hit upon it with my staff and Valdrok came up behind and finished it off with his large sword. Perhaps it's useful to have the murderous little dwarf with us. Pardue then passed us by and proceeded toward the fading cries for help. He discovered a zombie feasting on the the recently deceased young woman. Pardue and Valdrok dispatched the zombie while watched our backs. Pardue then smashed the poor young woman's head to prevent her from rising as a zombie. After ensuring the rest of the upper floor was clear we descended to the main floor where we knew two zombies were staring at the bar inside the inn.
The source of the smoke was revealed to be several burning logs that had been scattered from a cooking fire that were smoldering on the floor. Iolo drew the zombie's attention when he whistled to get the attention of other party members. They began shambling forward while Valdrok engaged from range. I attempted to strike from the flank through a windows but missed. As the zombies moved to engage Valdrok, Pardue and Iolo, who had created a barricade with tables. I and Bruno entered through the window. Bruno immediately began searching for items of value while the rest of us engaged the two zombies. A third zombie shambled in from the animal yard. I retreated to the window while closing the door to the kitchen the new zombie had entered. Thus blocking the stupid creature for the time being. The first two zombies were beaten down. I then proceeded to over-watch while Bruno continued to search for valuables. The zombie in the kitchen was repeatedly walking into the closed door. I stepped on a zombie mouse that appeared out of the fields under my feet, and continued over-watch. Valdrok extinguished the smoldering logs and secured them back to the cookfire. Bruno continued to search the corpses and collect their valuables.
I suggested we barricade the kitchen door and use a table bench to bust open the door and then use the bench to batter the zombie to death. Which we did.
In the kitchen we found several sealed and preserved foods including sauerkraut, smoked fish, jams and jellies.
The barn contained 4 saddles of common manufacture and several (6) harnesses and blankets. Inside the inn and among the dead we found a total of 2 PP, 69 GP, 172 SP, 131 CP, a small dagger, an iron key, a torch, a set of armor for a human female, a set of quality clothing for a female, and a journal.
Whilst cataloging the finds a giant spider appeared on top of the mill across from the inn and attempted to eat the zombie miller. We successfully engaged it an range and killed it. It's body lies curled up in the fields. We intend to clear the other zombies in the area we can see and then set the spiders body on fire to prevent it from rising as a zombie.
Entered town when we noticed one of the buildings seemed to be on fire. We worried a survivor may need assistance. Once we approached the building we heard screams from the upper floor. Ascending quickly I encountered a zombie in the hallway. I landed a stout hit upon it with my staff and Valdrok came up behind and finished it off with his large sword. Perhaps it's useful to have the murderous little dwarf with us. Pardue then passed us by and proceeded toward the fading cries for help. He discovered a zombie feasting on the the recently deceased young woman. Pardue and Valdrok dispatched the zombie while watched our backs. Pardue then smashed the poor young woman's head to prevent her from rising as a zombie. After ensuring the rest of the upper floor was clear we descended to the main floor where we knew two zombies were staring at the bar inside the inn.
The source of the smoke was revealed to be several burning logs that had been scattered from a cooking fire that were smoldering on the floor. Iolo drew the zombie's attention when he whistled to get the attention of other party members. They began shambling forward while Valdrok engaged from range. I attempted to strike from the flank through a windows but missed. As the zombies moved to engage Valdrok, Pardue and Iolo, who had created a barricade with tables. I and Bruno entered through the window. Bruno immediately began searching for items of value while the rest of us engaged the two zombies. A third zombie shambled in from the animal yard. I retreated to the window while closing the door to the kitchen the new zombie had entered. Thus blocking the stupid creature for the time being. The first two zombies were beaten down. I then proceeded to over-watch while Bruno continued to search for valuables. The zombie in the kitchen was repeatedly walking into the closed door. I stepped on a zombie mouse that appeared out of the fields under my feet, and continued over-watch. Valdrok extinguished the smoldering logs and secured them back to the cookfire. Bruno continued to search the corpses and collect their valuables.
I suggested we barricade the kitchen door and use a table bench to bust open the door and then use the bench to batter the zombie to death. Which we did.
In the kitchen we found several sealed and preserved foods including sauerkraut, smoked fish, jams and jellies.
The barn contained 4 saddles of common manufacture and several (6) harnesses and blankets. Inside the inn and among the dead we found a total of 2 PP, 69 GP, 172 SP, 131 CP, a small dagger, an iron key, a torch, a set of armor for a human female, a set of quality clothing for a female, and a journal.
Whilst cataloging the finds a giant spider appeared on top of the mill across from the inn and attempted to eat the zombie miller. We successfully engaged it an range and killed it. It's body lies curled up in the fields. We intend to clear the other zombies in the area we can see and then set the spiders body on fire to prevent it from rising as a zombie.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
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Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Mont du Plain Day 2
Recovered a silk sack from the dead giant spider.
Killed the little girl zombie and the miller zombie. Disengaged the millstone, and discovered a body killed by sword wounds inside. The corpse purse contained 8c and 8s. On the millers corpse 2p 5g 8s 20c were found along with 2 keys. Inside the millhouse we discover 2 lockboxes. One filled with coins 10P 50G 80s 120c. The second lockbox contained several old letters, drawings, and a bronze locket.
A flock of infected crows have taken up residence inside the burnt out attic of one the cottages (#4)
Building 3 contains the corpses of 3 wolves with bones broken at odd angles, and no less than 7 human corpses that have been gnawed on. After an extensive search Bruno discovered a silvered comb worth 25 GP.
Building 6 is the woodcutters home. It contains a nice double bearded Ax. There are several woodpiles outside and a rusty wood ax embedded in a tree.
Building 5 is a Tailor shop with a dead dog in the front. Contains 3 bolts of serviceable linen (15 to 20 GP per bolt).
Building 11 is a black smithy. The tools have been left exposed to the elements, though the anvil may be salvageable. Inside a religious lockbox was found that contains a lot of coins. A village temple was also located here. Containing to sliver candlesticks and a sliver idol to Waukeen, the Merchants Friend. On the upper floor we found the body of a priestess and an infant clearly killed by the priestess. In a chest we found a nice iron heater shield, fine chainmail for a human, a potion gourd, and a wooden box. A small jewelry box was also found. 100 GP, a golden pendant, and a sliver key were found inside the wooden box. The sliver key fit the jewelry box. Inside were 2 rings and a golden pendant that matched the one inside the wooden box. The rings are worth 50GP each, minimum, then pendants are probably worth 75 GP each.
Bruno noticed that he had been cursed for taking money from the temple lockbox and the next morning returned all the funds plus a pendant. He also returned the idol and candlesticks.
Recovered a silk sack from the dead giant spider.
Killed the little girl zombie and the miller zombie. Disengaged the millstone, and discovered a body killed by sword wounds inside. The corpse purse contained 8c and 8s. On the millers corpse 2p 5g 8s 20c were found along with 2 keys. Inside the millhouse we discover 2 lockboxes. One filled with coins 10P 50G 80s 120c. The second lockbox contained several old letters, drawings, and a bronze locket.
A flock of infected crows have taken up residence inside the burnt out attic of one the cottages (#4)
Building 3 contains the corpses of 3 wolves with bones broken at odd angles, and no less than 7 human corpses that have been gnawed on. After an extensive search Bruno discovered a silvered comb worth 25 GP.
Building 6 is the woodcutters home. It contains a nice double bearded Ax. There are several woodpiles outside and a rusty wood ax embedded in a tree.
Building 5 is a Tailor shop with a dead dog in the front. Contains 3 bolts of serviceable linen (15 to 20 GP per bolt).
Building 11 is a black smithy. The tools have been left exposed to the elements, though the anvil may be salvageable. Inside a religious lockbox was found that contains a lot of coins. A village temple was also located here. Containing to sliver candlesticks and a sliver idol to Waukeen, the Merchants Friend. On the upper floor we found the body of a priestess and an infant clearly killed by the priestess. In a chest we found a nice iron heater shield, fine chainmail for a human, a potion gourd, and a wooden box. A small jewelry box was also found. 100 GP, a golden pendant, and a sliver key were found inside the wooden box. The sliver key fit the jewelry box. Inside were 2 rings and a golden pendant that matched the one inside the wooden box. The rings are worth 50GP each, minimum, then pendants are probably worth 75 GP each.
Bruno noticed that he had been cursed for taking money from the temple lockbox and the next morning returned all the funds plus a pendant. He also returned the idol and candlesticks.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
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Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Mont du Plain day 3/4
We cleared the remaining dwellings including burning one more building full of spider webs. Several dog sized spiders escaped the building to only burn to death and explode. We left a coil of rope outside one of the other houses for possible future use.
We delved inside the ruins of the keep and quickly encountered 2 zombies. Iolo and Pardue were injured to the point of unconsciousness. Valdrok and myself managed to fight them off. I quickly evacuated Pardue and Valdrok bore Iolo. A third zombie attacked during our egress, but Bruno quickly dispatched it with a single shot. After arriving at the inn for rest I obtained Pardue's consent to administer the unknown potion. It turned out to be a healing draught. I quickly gave the second half to Iolo. After some rest Pardue was able to invoke some divine healing. We rested for the night and then descended into ruins for second time the following morning.
On the second attempt we discovered several chambers. One with an exit that we believe leads to a carrion crawler. We bravely turned around and continued investigating in another direction. Further in we discovered two more zombies, one of which was wearing chainmail. After dispatching them Pardue noticed a brand on the chainmail zombie that I recognized as a Takkeronian curse. I convinced Pardue to destroy her head. After which I was able to observe the curse dissipate into the air.
We cleared the remaining dwellings including burning one more building full of spider webs. Several dog sized spiders escaped the building to only burn to death and explode. We left a coil of rope outside one of the other houses for possible future use.
We delved inside the ruins of the keep and quickly encountered 2 zombies. Iolo and Pardue were injured to the point of unconsciousness. Valdrok and myself managed to fight them off. I quickly evacuated Pardue and Valdrok bore Iolo. A third zombie attacked during our egress, but Bruno quickly dispatched it with a single shot. After arriving at the inn for rest I obtained Pardue's consent to administer the unknown potion. It turned out to be a healing draught. I quickly gave the second half to Iolo. After some rest Pardue was able to invoke some divine healing. We rested for the night and then descended into ruins for second time the following morning.
On the second attempt we discovered several chambers. One with an exit that we believe leads to a carrion crawler. We bravely turned around and continued investigating in another direction. Further in we discovered two more zombies, one of which was wearing chainmail. After dispatching them Pardue noticed a brand on the chainmail zombie that I recognized as a Takkeronian curse. I convinced Pardue to destroy her head. After which I was able to observe the curse dissipate into the air.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
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Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Mont du Plain day 4/5
Valdrok quickly found 3 more zombies around a corner from where we fought the zombie bearing the Takkeronian mark. He lured them into a narrow hallway so we could engage them on favorable terms. We managed to dispatch all 3 with only Valdrok receiving a wound. Each of these zombies also bore a Takkeronian mark. I was able to partially translate one of them... "May this voluntary vessel bring glory to the Takkeronian Empire." Of these zombies, one was wearing robes and another was also wearing chainmail. We defaced the symbols and I was able to observe the curse energy dissipate into the air again from all 3.
Leading the way Valdrok found a room with possible supplies. He gestured us forward to investigate. I found a simple adventurers kit with a journal under a desk. An unknown holy symbol was also inside along with a stoppered glass bottle filled with a perfectly clear liquid, 7 days iron rations, a small coin purse, a book with Thyatian script, and flint and steel. The coin purse contains 18 pieces of Gold and 40 pieces of sliver (Thyatian). A scroll case was found beneath the pack. It contained a scroll of divine origin and a letter written in Thyatian.
The pack was under a crudely made desk that had a mostly ruined letter on top. The only legible words were "...I'm sorry."
Further inside the dungeon we discovered a one armed man laying over a grate that descended into a well fed by the river that runs into the lake. At the bottom of the well on the water was the man's missing arm. We retrieved it with a rope and some fishing nets. On the retrieved hand was an evil looking skull ring. I wrapped the ring in portions of cloth cut from the dead man's clothes. We destroyed the dead man's head out of an abundance of caution. We then exited the dungeon to prepare for an encounter with the possible carrion crawler.
I began to brew gelatin in a effort to make a sticky oil grenade for each party member. We devised a plan to lure and trap the carrion crawler between fires and barriers in an effort to kill it without endangering ourselves as much as possible. During the night I spot a campfire at our old campsite outside of town. There is movement around it but no one comes closer to town that I can tell. As my watch ends I retire to bed and pray for guidance regarding the tainted waters of the lake.
During the night I had a dream of walking across hilly terrain and seeing a bright reflected light in the distance from the rising sun. A hobbit. Not Bruno. Too old, too wise, and too battle scarred to be Bruno. An amulet floating in the air with Takkeronian glyphs surrounding it, but it is brilliant and "pure".
The next day the traveller mounted his horse and came into town. Iolo hailed him and exchanged words. He claimed to have been sent by Henschel and knew is description and favorite beverage.
Behind the carrion crawler we found several bodies. Three appeared to be villagers, two were unidentifiable, and the final one was dressed in clerical robes similar to the one handed man in the well room. On the corpses we found 60 copper pieces. The clerical corpse had a leather satchel with a book written in Thyatian, two gemstones, a holy symbol of the black wheel and no coinage. Bruno said the gems are deep blue spinals worth about 500 GP each.
Further inside the dungeon we discovered a chapel to a being called Ka-Sik-Fal. It is apparently a disgusting slug like creature with 10 tentacles for legs, 8 tentacles for arms, and a monstrous head with a single large horn. Several dead spiders were in the chamber that appeared to have been bludgeoned to death. The altar was made of black granite contained several items, including an immaculate black book, 2 obsidian candlesticks with 2 spent black wax candles, and a carved wooden hand that appears to have once had a ring on it.
Valdrok quickly found 3 more zombies around a corner from where we fought the zombie bearing the Takkeronian mark. He lured them into a narrow hallway so we could engage them on favorable terms. We managed to dispatch all 3 with only Valdrok receiving a wound. Each of these zombies also bore a Takkeronian mark. I was able to partially translate one of them... "May this voluntary vessel bring glory to the Takkeronian Empire." Of these zombies, one was wearing robes and another was also wearing chainmail. We defaced the symbols and I was able to observe the curse energy dissipate into the air again from all 3.
Leading the way Valdrok found a room with possible supplies. He gestured us forward to investigate. I found a simple adventurers kit with a journal under a desk. An unknown holy symbol was also inside along with a stoppered glass bottle filled with a perfectly clear liquid, 7 days iron rations, a small coin purse, a book with Thyatian script, and flint and steel. The coin purse contains 18 pieces of Gold and 40 pieces of sliver (Thyatian). A scroll case was found beneath the pack. It contained a scroll of divine origin and a letter written in Thyatian.
The pack was under a crudely made desk that had a mostly ruined letter on top. The only legible words were "...I'm sorry."
Further inside the dungeon we discovered a one armed man laying over a grate that descended into a well fed by the river that runs into the lake. At the bottom of the well on the water was the man's missing arm. We retrieved it with a rope and some fishing nets. On the retrieved hand was an evil looking skull ring. I wrapped the ring in portions of cloth cut from the dead man's clothes. We destroyed the dead man's head out of an abundance of caution. We then exited the dungeon to prepare for an encounter with the possible carrion crawler.
I began to brew gelatin in a effort to make a sticky oil grenade for each party member. We devised a plan to lure and trap the carrion crawler between fires and barriers in an effort to kill it without endangering ourselves as much as possible. During the night I spot a campfire at our old campsite outside of town. There is movement around it but no one comes closer to town that I can tell. As my watch ends I retire to bed and pray for guidance regarding the tainted waters of the lake.
During the night I had a dream of walking across hilly terrain and seeing a bright reflected light in the distance from the rising sun. A hobbit. Not Bruno. Too old, too wise, and too battle scarred to be Bruno. An amulet floating in the air with Takkeronian glyphs surrounding it, but it is brilliant and "pure".
The next day the traveller mounted his horse and came into town. Iolo hailed him and exchanged words. He claimed to have been sent by Henschel and knew is description and favorite beverage.
Behind the carrion crawler we found several bodies. Three appeared to be villagers, two were unidentifiable, and the final one was dressed in clerical robes similar to the one handed man in the well room. On the corpses we found 60 copper pieces. The clerical corpse had a leather satchel with a book written in Thyatian, two gemstones, a holy symbol of the black wheel and no coinage. Bruno said the gems are deep blue spinals worth about 500 GP each.
Further inside the dungeon we discovered a chapel to a being called Ka-Sik-Fal. It is apparently a disgusting slug like creature with 10 tentacles for legs, 8 tentacles for arms, and a monstrous head with a single large horn. Several dead spiders were in the chamber that appeared to have been bludgeoned to death. The altar was made of black granite contained several items, including an immaculate black book, 2 obsidian candlesticks with 2 spent black wax candles, and a carved wooden hand that appears to have once had a ring on it.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
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Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Mont du Plain Departure, Heartcross, and Mapleacre
We spent a day collecting supplies from Mont du Plain and building a raft from 4 fishing boats to transport things down the river. The next morning we departed with our supplies for Crystal Shores. That evening we noticed several fires in the direction of Crystal Shores. We stopped and camped for the night North of Crystal Shores. Bruno went forward to scout the village and was gone for a few hours.
When he returned he informed us that 6 guardsmen and a knight, bearing the colors of Shadehelm, were killing sick villagers over the objections of Henschel. The knight and 4 guardsmen departed for Mont du Plain. We took advantage of the moon to pass Crystal Shores in the night. We travelled through the night and day to reach Twotowers. Twotowers was gone. There was no sign that a village, town, or tower had ever been there. It was clear we were sailing through tainted waters. We continued to press onward day and night, sleeping in shifts, in an effort to reach Heartcross.
After a day and a night of travel we reached the outskirts of Heartcross in the early morning hours before dawn. Being too early to enter the town we setup camp on the river and waited for daylight before approaching the North gate. We arrived to find the town gates closed. Clearly we had not arrived before the tainted waters, but that was why I had sent Penny before us. Hopefully he made it in time to avert some of this disaster. Bruno, Pardue, and I retrieved 20 GP each from party funds to help with any expenses we might encounter entering the city and then we approached the gates. I informed the watch that we were in the employ of Chamberlin Constantine and that we were in possession of crucial information directly related to the sickness. I showed our writ, and we were escorted through the gates to the castle where Constantine met me.
I quickly informed the Chamberlin of all the details, sparing none, from our arrival in Crystal Shores until we arrived back in Heartcross. We have been billeted in the Vagabond Drum, and Bruno was given free passage in and out of the city for the day to server as a messenger to Valdrok and Iolo who remain with our supplies. Pardue took the opportunity to report to his religious order, and did not return that night.
Before I retired for the night, Baronette Tamsin Morningwinds, quickly entered the Vagabond accompanied by another woman (Caelia Alwys, a priestess of At'ar) and ordered Bruno and I to follow her. She informed us that we must leave immediately and then inquired as to the whereabouts of Pardue. I informed her that head had taken the opportunity to visit his temple. She cursed and then stated that we must "move quickly." Outside were 3 horses and a pony. Being an unsure rider I mounted from the left and held on with my legs as best I can. Bruno seemed a natural on his pony. During the trip Tamsin informed me that Constantine was sending men to arrest us in an effort to secure the "evil ring of zombie death." Apparently Caelia had conviced her that turning over the ring to Constantine would be a horrible idea. The ring would likely be weaponized by the Astian church in an effort to battle Thyatia. I quickly agreed with them that destruction of the ring was the best course of action.
We arrived at Pardue's temple and Caelia went inside to fetch him. They came out quickly with no fuss. He seemed a little confused about horses, but Bruno quickly instructed him on the absolute basics. We managed to leave the city to the North just as the alarms were beginning to ring out. After a short conversation with Tamsin regarding information about the ring wherein I informed here that I possessed several journals written in Thyatian that I cannot read. Bruno then suggested that he may know someone who could help in Mapleacre, but made no promises.
We then proceeded back to our raft. Valgard and Iolo agreed to take the raft back up river with the intent to meet us in Mapleacre. We then proceeded by road after a short rest of a few hours. We arrived in Mapleacre shortly before midday. Bruno led us back to the local inn, Toetappers, where we interacted with Toetapper Senior. After an exchange of 45 GP and some reading materials he agreed to provide us with translations. We feasted upon the excellent fare and then retired to Bruno's hole for the night.
Inside I revealed the hideous ring to Tamsin and Caelia. I quickly stored it away again and then retired to a guest room to rest. I spent the time meditating on the problems we have found ourselves in. Having gone against the wishes of Constantine, and therefore the Baron, it occurs to me that even if we are successful in destroying the ring we will likely not be welcome in Heartcross until and unless the Baronette comes to power. Caelia is clear that the powers that be wish to use it to further their covert war against Thyatia. While I do not follow the tenets of At'ar witch, I cannot fault her logic in this. I will have to keep my eyes, ears, and thoughts open on ways to make the Baronette's gratitude to us become great enough to ensure our protection.
We spent a day collecting supplies from Mont du Plain and building a raft from 4 fishing boats to transport things down the river. The next morning we departed with our supplies for Crystal Shores. That evening we noticed several fires in the direction of Crystal Shores. We stopped and camped for the night North of Crystal Shores. Bruno went forward to scout the village and was gone for a few hours.
When he returned he informed us that 6 guardsmen and a knight, bearing the colors of Shadehelm, were killing sick villagers over the objections of Henschel. The knight and 4 guardsmen departed for Mont du Plain. We took advantage of the moon to pass Crystal Shores in the night. We travelled through the night and day to reach Twotowers. Twotowers was gone. There was no sign that a village, town, or tower had ever been there. It was clear we were sailing through tainted waters. We continued to press onward day and night, sleeping in shifts, in an effort to reach Heartcross.
After a day and a night of travel we reached the outskirts of Heartcross in the early morning hours before dawn. Being too early to enter the town we setup camp on the river and waited for daylight before approaching the North gate. We arrived to find the town gates closed. Clearly we had not arrived before the tainted waters, but that was why I had sent Penny before us. Hopefully he made it in time to avert some of this disaster. Bruno, Pardue, and I retrieved 20 GP each from party funds to help with any expenses we might encounter entering the city and then we approached the gates. I informed the watch that we were in the employ of Chamberlin Constantine and that we were in possession of crucial information directly related to the sickness. I showed our writ, and we were escorted through the gates to the castle where Constantine met me.
I quickly informed the Chamberlin of all the details, sparing none, from our arrival in Crystal Shores until we arrived back in Heartcross. We have been billeted in the Vagabond Drum, and Bruno was given free passage in and out of the city for the day to server as a messenger to Valdrok and Iolo who remain with our supplies. Pardue took the opportunity to report to his religious order, and did not return that night.
Before I retired for the night, Baronette Tamsin Morningwinds, quickly entered the Vagabond accompanied by another woman (Caelia Alwys, a priestess of At'ar) and ordered Bruno and I to follow her. She informed us that we must leave immediately and then inquired as to the whereabouts of Pardue. I informed her that head had taken the opportunity to visit his temple. She cursed and then stated that we must "move quickly." Outside were 3 horses and a pony. Being an unsure rider I mounted from the left and held on with my legs as best I can. Bruno seemed a natural on his pony. During the trip Tamsin informed me that Constantine was sending men to arrest us in an effort to secure the "evil ring of zombie death." Apparently Caelia had conviced her that turning over the ring to Constantine would be a horrible idea. The ring would likely be weaponized by the Astian church in an effort to battle Thyatia. I quickly agreed with them that destruction of the ring was the best course of action.
We arrived at Pardue's temple and Caelia went inside to fetch him. They came out quickly with no fuss. He seemed a little confused about horses, but Bruno quickly instructed him on the absolute basics. We managed to leave the city to the North just as the alarms were beginning to ring out. After a short conversation with Tamsin regarding information about the ring wherein I informed here that I possessed several journals written in Thyatian that I cannot read. Bruno then suggested that he may know someone who could help in Mapleacre, but made no promises.
We then proceeded back to our raft. Valgard and Iolo agreed to take the raft back up river with the intent to meet us in Mapleacre. We then proceeded by road after a short rest of a few hours. We arrived in Mapleacre shortly before midday. Bruno led us back to the local inn, Toetappers, where we interacted with Toetapper Senior. After an exchange of 45 GP and some reading materials he agreed to provide us with translations. We feasted upon the excellent fare and then retired to Bruno's hole for the night.
Inside I revealed the hideous ring to Tamsin and Caelia. I quickly stored it away again and then retired to a guest room to rest. I spent the time meditating on the problems we have found ourselves in. Having gone against the wishes of Constantine, and therefore the Baron, it occurs to me that even if we are successful in destroying the ring we will likely not be welcome in Heartcross until and unless the Baronette comes to power. Caelia is clear that the powers that be wish to use it to further their covert war against Thyatia. While I do not follow the tenets of At'ar witch, I cannot fault her logic in this. I will have to keep my eyes, ears, and thoughts open on ways to make the Baronette's gratitude to us become great enough to ensure our protection.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
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Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Mapleacre departure and the formation of "The Quartermasters"
Upon discussing the translations and other known information the following morning amongst ourselves, we made an educated guess, thanks to the murderous dwarf; that the "amulet of life," that counters "The evil ring of death," was likely near Bronzehall. I proposed to Tamsin a plan that required us to return to Crystal Shores with our raft and horses via the ranches of Oxstorm to secure some draft animals. From there we could secure the wagon we left in Mont du Plaine and use it as our transport to Bronzehall. Posing as peddlers we should be able to arrive with a minimum of trouble. I asked her to help finance this scheme. She countered with a proposal to sponsor us as an adventuring company hired on to solve the problem of the ring. For the sum of one bar of gold worth 500 GP I agreed on behalf of the party after a short discussion with them.
We then departed from Mapleacre. In an effort to avoid the great highway we split into two groups. Pardue and Bruno would take the raft back upstream, while the rest of us would continue overland just south of the river within hearing distance of a hunting horn. Bruno and Pardue secured a horn to signal us should they need our assistance with speed. With great reluctance I have stashed away my beautiful hat, and Tamsin and Caelia have also agreed to disguise themselves. It is my hope that this splitting and disguising of our group will help us avoid unwanted attention. As the count would only have good descriptions of myself and Tamsin, and passable descriptions of Bruno and Pardue. I do not know of the Chamberlin's knowledge of Caelia, but I assume he is aware of her.
We were able to arrive in Oxstorm without incident. Upon approaching a cattle corral we were informed the price of oxen were 100 GP ahead. I loudly scoffed at that amount. Iolo quickly counter offered 50 GP for 3, and the rancher, LaMeth, who we had already observed taking his employees pay via gambling walked away. We decided to try our luck with another, smaller, rancher. As we passed the other ranches we noticed that all the cattle had the same brand. Upon approaching the goodwife of one such ranch we learned that the mayor of Shadehelm is styling himself as the baron of lands he doesn't have the legal right to, and he has forced locals to sign contracts that indenture them for life. After asking to view the contract I was able to spot a loop hole that would allow us to take the cattle we need, and free the family from bondage without adverse consequences. The Baronette Morningwinds was appalled at the situation and eagerly agreed to help with the situation by signing an official receipt where we paid 40 GP for one nights room and board.
The next day, the farmer, quickly brought us two oxen and two bulls that he quickly gelded. We also took the opportunity to hire two older children from a neighboring family as a drover/teamster and a torcher bearer (Giffard and Rebekka respectively ). We then departed for Crystal Shores. We met with Bruno and Pardue just south of the village before sending Bruno ahead to scout the village. He reported back that there were no signs of Shadehelm guardsmen. We were able to speak with Henschel and update him on the situation. He let us know that, Sir Erik, the Shadehelm knight Bruno had previously observed leaving for Mont Du Plaine, had returned and been killed by Valon and Valonius, when he accused their son of being ill. They had currently left the village to limit the revenge of the mayor of Shadehelm. He offered us a cottage on the outskirts to overnight in, and a place to hide our raft with it's supplies. The next day we departed for Mont du Plaine. When we arrived at Mont du Plain it was apparent that Sir Erik had burned the remains of the village to the ground. Thankfully the wagon was still intact. We hitched up our Oxen and returned to Crystal Shores without incident. After loading our supplies we were ready to depart for Northern locales.
Upon discussing the translations and other known information the following morning amongst ourselves, we made an educated guess, thanks to the murderous dwarf; that the "amulet of life," that counters "The evil ring of death," was likely near Bronzehall. I proposed to Tamsin a plan that required us to return to Crystal Shores with our raft and horses via the ranches of Oxstorm to secure some draft animals. From there we could secure the wagon we left in Mont du Plaine and use it as our transport to Bronzehall. Posing as peddlers we should be able to arrive with a minimum of trouble. I asked her to help finance this scheme. She countered with a proposal to sponsor us as an adventuring company hired on to solve the problem of the ring. For the sum of one bar of gold worth 500 GP I agreed on behalf of the party after a short discussion with them.
We then departed from Mapleacre. In an effort to avoid the great highway we split into two groups. Pardue and Bruno would take the raft back upstream, while the rest of us would continue overland just south of the river within hearing distance of a hunting horn. Bruno and Pardue secured a horn to signal us should they need our assistance with speed. With great reluctance I have stashed away my beautiful hat, and Tamsin and Caelia have also agreed to disguise themselves. It is my hope that this splitting and disguising of our group will help us avoid unwanted attention. As the count would only have good descriptions of myself and Tamsin, and passable descriptions of Bruno and Pardue. I do not know of the Chamberlin's knowledge of Caelia, but I assume he is aware of her.
We were able to arrive in Oxstorm without incident. Upon approaching a cattle corral we were informed the price of oxen were 100 GP ahead. I loudly scoffed at that amount. Iolo quickly counter offered 50 GP for 3, and the rancher, LaMeth, who we had already observed taking his employees pay via gambling walked away. We decided to try our luck with another, smaller, rancher. As we passed the other ranches we noticed that all the cattle had the same brand. Upon approaching the goodwife of one such ranch we learned that the mayor of Shadehelm is styling himself as the baron of lands he doesn't have the legal right to, and he has forced locals to sign contracts that indenture them for life. After asking to view the contract I was able to spot a loop hole that would allow us to take the cattle we need, and free the family from bondage without adverse consequences. The Baronette Morningwinds was appalled at the situation and eagerly agreed to help with the situation by signing an official receipt where we paid 40 GP for one nights room and board.
The next day, the farmer, quickly brought us two oxen and two bulls that he quickly gelded. We also took the opportunity to hire two older children from a neighboring family as a drover/teamster and a torcher bearer (Giffard and Rebekka respectively ). We then departed for Crystal Shores. We met with Bruno and Pardue just south of the village before sending Bruno ahead to scout the village. He reported back that there were no signs of Shadehelm guardsmen. We were able to speak with Henschel and update him on the situation. He let us know that, Sir Erik, the Shadehelm knight Bruno had previously observed leaving for Mont Du Plaine, had returned and been killed by Valon and Valonius, when he accused their son of being ill. They had currently left the village to limit the revenge of the mayor of Shadehelm. He offered us a cottage on the outskirts to overnight in, and a place to hide our raft with it's supplies. The next day we departed for Mont du Plaine. When we arrived at Mont du Plain it was apparent that Sir Erik had burned the remains of the village to the ground. Thankfully the wagon was still intact. We hitched up our Oxen and returned to Crystal Shores without incident. After loading our supplies we were ready to depart for Northern locales.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
-
Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Bronzehall
The stablewoman is good at running a stable but a terrible merchant with no willingness to bargain. Folcard the hobbit at Gertha's Topography is rather chatty with Bruno. He described a fight at the Three crowns the previous day and a Cyclops to the southwest somewhere, and a mercenary band recently returned with an Aurag head. Gertha's shop contains several drawings of mechanical and structural nature, including one of the keep. From my review of it I determined that the drainage should be in the east wall, and the likelihood of a postern door was minimal. perhaps it was meant to be a prison. Folcard described the western approaches to Bronzehall to be plains all the way to the Grey Peaks 400 KM away. Folcard said the that killing Orcs is local adventuring work. The Orcs are mostly towards the North, in the direction of the Dwarven Holds. They do range eastward around Bronzehall to the South for raiding, but typically avoid the West. Folcard claimed many nasty monsters live to the West of Bronzehall. He also mentioned a ranger who won a fight with the 3 or 4 members of the mercenary band single handedly.
Ketterman Barley the Dwarf is the local stonemason. He ocassionaly builds things for Gertha. He built the Keep and the Statue.
Master Tor, the blacksmith of Armored Apparel. A fine man who bargains well and offers good prices for armor and weapons. I'm sure he's making a mint on selling them to other adventurers. In the future we should send one member of the party to 'buy' items we're interested in selling before attempting to sell our own wares. That way we can have a better idea of local market prices. He also told us Thod and Sisnil, a human brother and sister, who run the Pro Warehouse. They provide reputable storage service for adventures while they are out of town. They also attempt to fulfill last will and testament requests.
Personal Note: Explore the feasibility of building a smokehouse for Orc meats in Bronzehall.
The Rusty Discount is a mercantile house for 'everything else.' It is run by a small human woman named Mildred. It turns out she is a hoarder who will buy anything she views as unique for a premium. I was able to make a tidy sum selling her a lot of our stuff.
I introduced myself as Simon to Wigo the proprietor of Aurora's Whole Realms Outfitters. I used a pseudonym in case the store was being used to help search for our party by Constantine. There is a 10,000 PP bounty for a secondary route across the grey peaks, for which cold weather gear will be required. Otherwise take your pick of the items on sale. The dagger boots did look intriguing.
A young woman (15 or 16) runs the counter at Charming Treasures. She is quite arrogant and operates under the principle that if you need to ask the price of an item you can't afford it. Inside were several objects that appeared to be of a magical nature, but there were not details displayed and the young lady was not forthcoming with information.
A building between Charming Treasures and parchment Pals had an unlit red lantern hanging outside the door. Clearly a brothel it was not open during the morning hours.
The Fatted Calf appears to be a slaughter house. Parchment Pals is clearly a scribe and bookshop. They offer all kinds of writing supplies and scribing services. There were several books on display. Categories included Diagrams, Historical Accounts, Lore, and Poetry. Most books are priced at 25GP. There appears to be a historical account of Bronzehall and Tanis Furfoot which may be worth acquiring, but I left behind for now. The helpful clerk is named Andwise.
The Gem House is a jewelry shop. I once again introduced myself as Simon to the Gnome behind the counter named Smonkoort. He purchased the two gold rings for 38 GP each, but passed on the locket. He informed me that he will not trade in any religious items. For the Blue Spinal gem he offered 400 + 50 GP worth of trade in another store in Bronzehall. I told him I would consider that offer.
The shopkeeper from Charming Treasures visited Pardue and the Three Crowns and revealed that she wished to purchase his armor and the warhammer that Valdrok now wields. She revealed they were known as the Accouterments of Waukeen. Neither Pardue or Iolo had knowledge of the vestments, but I wondered if a book from Parchment Pals might shed light on them without having to pay a hefty identification fee to Charming Treasures.
The stablewoman is good at running a stable but a terrible merchant with no willingness to bargain. Folcard the hobbit at Gertha's Topography is rather chatty with Bruno. He described a fight at the Three crowns the previous day and a Cyclops to the southwest somewhere, and a mercenary band recently returned with an Aurag head. Gertha's shop contains several drawings of mechanical and structural nature, including one of the keep. From my review of it I determined that the drainage should be in the east wall, and the likelihood of a postern door was minimal. perhaps it was meant to be a prison. Folcard described the western approaches to Bronzehall to be plains all the way to the Grey Peaks 400 KM away. Folcard said the that killing Orcs is local adventuring work. The Orcs are mostly towards the North, in the direction of the Dwarven Holds. They do range eastward around Bronzehall to the South for raiding, but typically avoid the West. Folcard claimed many nasty monsters live to the West of Bronzehall. He also mentioned a ranger who won a fight with the 3 or 4 members of the mercenary band single handedly.
Ketterman Barley the Dwarf is the local stonemason. He ocassionaly builds things for Gertha. He built the Keep and the Statue.
Master Tor, the blacksmith of Armored Apparel. A fine man who bargains well and offers good prices for armor and weapons. I'm sure he's making a mint on selling them to other adventurers. In the future we should send one member of the party to 'buy' items we're interested in selling before attempting to sell our own wares. That way we can have a better idea of local market prices. He also told us Thod and Sisnil, a human brother and sister, who run the Pro Warehouse. They provide reputable storage service for adventures while they are out of town. They also attempt to fulfill last will and testament requests.
Personal Note: Explore the feasibility of building a smokehouse for Orc meats in Bronzehall.
The Rusty Discount is a mercantile house for 'everything else.' It is run by a small human woman named Mildred. It turns out she is a hoarder who will buy anything she views as unique for a premium. I was able to make a tidy sum selling her a lot of our stuff.
I introduced myself as Simon to Wigo the proprietor of Aurora's Whole Realms Outfitters. I used a pseudonym in case the store was being used to help search for our party by Constantine. There is a 10,000 PP bounty for a secondary route across the grey peaks, for which cold weather gear will be required. Otherwise take your pick of the items on sale. The dagger boots did look intriguing.
A young woman (15 or 16) runs the counter at Charming Treasures. She is quite arrogant and operates under the principle that if you need to ask the price of an item you can't afford it. Inside were several objects that appeared to be of a magical nature, but there were not details displayed and the young lady was not forthcoming with information.
A building between Charming Treasures and parchment Pals had an unlit red lantern hanging outside the door. Clearly a brothel it was not open during the morning hours.
The Fatted Calf appears to be a slaughter house. Parchment Pals is clearly a scribe and bookshop. They offer all kinds of writing supplies and scribing services. There were several books on display. Categories included Diagrams, Historical Accounts, Lore, and Poetry. Most books are priced at 25GP. There appears to be a historical account of Bronzehall and Tanis Furfoot which may be worth acquiring, but I left behind for now. The helpful clerk is named Andwise.
The Gem House is a jewelry shop. I once again introduced myself as Simon to the Gnome behind the counter named Smonkoort. He purchased the two gold rings for 38 GP each, but passed on the locket. He informed me that he will not trade in any religious items. For the Blue Spinal gem he offered 400 + 50 GP worth of trade in another store in Bronzehall. I told him I would consider that offer.
The shopkeeper from Charming Treasures visited Pardue and the Three Crowns and revealed that she wished to purchase his armor and the warhammer that Valdrok now wields. She revealed they were known as the Accouterments of Waukeen. Neither Pardue or Iolo had knowledge of the vestments, but I wondered if a book from Parchment Pals might shed light on them without having to pay a hefty identification fee to Charming Treasures.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
-
Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Bronzehall Day 2/3/4
Rhasier Zhura, Earl of Bronzehall (March) - Son of Desminia Zhura and Reginald (compatriots of Tanis Furfoot)
Zasen Zhura and Jadruan are the brother and sister, respectively, of Rhasier. They are each leaders of their own adventuring companies that travel over the mountains.
I began the day at Parchment Pals where I acquired the tome on the history of Bronzehall and Tanis Furfoot. I then arranged for a reading of a tome on Waukeen for 10 GP. I spent the rest of the day pouring over it for passages on the "Acoutrement of Waukeen." I discovered these items were typically reserved for new Patriarchs of Waukeen (lvl 8 cleric). They are given when a cleric proclaims intent to establish a new holding. Once the holding is established it is rumored the items are further blessed. The hammer is blessed with the guidance of Waukeen (+1 to hit/damage). The armor provides her protection (-1 AC). The shield is also blessed with her protection (-1 AC). Due to the history of Mont du Plain, we should probably consider that these items have been further blessed beyond what I've discovered in this book. The Church of Waukeen considers these items to remain the property of the Church. So some care should be taken by those who use them.
<<< The following is an excerpt from Tanis' journal >>>
The Wise Ones have shown me my fate in my dreams. I have told the others but they do not believe. Reginald jokes that I have let Desminia's resurrection go to my head. Desminia refuses to believe that the Wise Ones would grant such power only to send me to my death. Eichmann is… Eichmann is Eichmann, more concerned with another possibility of adventure so long as it promises more wealth and glory.
What are the chances that the hole in the ground we've tracked the Redcap and his goblin minions to is the spitting image of my nightmares?
I do not understand the minds of the Wise Ones. What mortal could? That is the point of faith, to believe in something far greater than yourself, to blindly trust in their plans. If I am to die here, it will be their will and I accept their will.
My death, I believe, if I have interpreted my dreamings true, is to serve a greater good. To offer one last bit of help to those who would recover the Talisman of Alimar and put it to it's one true purpose.
I have searched for the Charnalite Ring since it vanished in the aftermath of Gaspard's death. It has been a fruitless search. I can only hope the [blacked out] have had as little luck as I have. Likewise I have searched for the Talisman of Alimar, though I have been given visions of it. Here, somewhere, in this hole in the ground. To think that I have chosen a place mere days from it to establish Bronzehall. So very close these past few years. In all the world, a mere three days travel away.
Tomorrow we descend. They know we've arrived. They will be ready.
—--
It is not a redcap. It is a [blacked out] behind the attack on Bronzehall. He demanded I surrender the Talisman of Alimar. He has given me the night to decide. The caverns below are no caverns. They are old ruins. We have discovered long forgotten signs of an old keep and monastery atop the structure. It is very well possible that the tales of Naius coming into possession of the Talisman of Alimar are true, and that this place, in the middle of nowhere nearly two hundred years ago, is where he established his monastery prior to going insane. If this be true, I fear what lay below. The [blacked out] may very well be the least of our concerns.
The others do not share my sense of dread. We have slain dragons, they remind me. We have braved the wastelands and survived. We are blessed by the Wise Ones. I cannot convince them otherwise.
The [blacked out] believes I have the Talisman. Perhaps he had heard tales of my own pendant. If the legends of the Talisman are true, it is possible he mistakes one for the other. If true, it can only mean the Black Wheel has not yet found it and still search. There may yet be hope.
Tomorrow we refuse the [blacked out] offer. We decimated his forces today, goblins and walking dead alike, though Starsteel was shattered in our last battle, it's magic weakened and finally vanquished. The [blacked out] is powerful. I have seen Reginald's death at the hands of the [blacked out], writhing in agony under electrical tendrils until his last breath. And I have been shown what I must do.
—-
We prepare to descend into the darkness once more to confront and destroy the [blacked out]. Four will descend, three will emerge. I have told Reginald of my desire to be laid to rest wherever I might fall, and my belongings to be secured with my body so that they may serve a greater purpose after my death, in a time of need.
To the follower of the Old Path who reads this some day, I offer you my greatest possession, the Pendant of Tanis Furfoot. It requires only a mug or goblet. A suitable offering to the Wise Ones must be added to water, and the necklace dipped within, to create a powerful curative capable of healing many.
Use it to find the Talisman of Alimar. You must find the Charnalite Ring. Then use the Talisman to destroy it. All that is required according to legend, is a suitable offering and one devoted to the Old Path.
Good luck, adventurer. May the Wise Ones guide your path as they have mine.
<<<------------------------------------------------>>>
Iolo has heard of Alimar. Alimar was a powerful (mage?) Takkeronian in the last era of that Empire before it collapsed in upon itself. As to who the Black Wheel is we have no idea. Pardue claims they are the true power behind the Thyatian Church.
Bronzehall construction was designed and overseen by Ketterman Barley. He built also constructed Tanis Furfoot's tomb, overtop of the ruins where Tanis died. Ketterman was the most trusted henchman of Tanis, and is the only known survivor of Tanis' adventuring party.
We spent sometime gathering more information regarding the local powers of Bronzehall (Ketterman and the Earl). Iolo was able to learn the Earl is currnently away fighting a savage tribe of orcs with at least a 100 mercenaries and his personal adventuring comapny. Jalsi Honorbraid is currently in charge. She is considered the captain of the Guard, but doesn't hold that title officially. She also supposedly an advisor to Rhasir, and logistician and an agricultural planner. Quite the resume.
Ketterman Barley contines to be entrusted by Rhasir and actively oversees the maintenace of the walls of Bronzehall. He is a local legend, highly respected for his past association with Tanis Furfoot. He is, however, incredibly tight lipped regarding his former patron. It is assumed that he carries a wealth of secrets that historians and scholars would love to have, but that is only speculation. He is known to be at odds with Von-Dirhah, the author of our book on the history of Bronzehall, as well as the owner of Parchment Pals for copying and selling the tome on a very regular basis.
It turns out that Furfoot's tomb is generally known to be to the southeast. Bronzehall does not pacify that area and a Cyclops is known to make that area home. Previous adventurers who have made their intentions to visit the tomb known are not received well by the locals. Most living in Bronzehall now have never been there, and weren't alive yet when Furfoot died. Access to the tomb is technically illegal without permission of the Earl or his representative, but Bronzehall does not actively patrol the area. Barley does not maintain the tomb.
Based on this information I am suspicious that the 'known' location of Tanis' tomb is nothing but a smokescreen. I feel the actual tomb is located elsewhere. Ketterman built a statue to his friend after death and is still on excellent terms with the descendants. The fact that he doesn't maintain the 'tomb' he built just doesn't sit correctly with me. I agree with Tamsin that approaching him with details of our quest may be the way to go. For now we have decided to wait for the map and pump Folcard for more information about Ketterman. Folcard revealed that Ketterman considers his statue his most precious achievement. He also replaced all the wooden granaries in the area with stone ones. He continued this work to the local populace. All the local homes are stone and slate. Ketterman is very active and inspects the walls of Bronzehall at least once a week.
Folcard claims that despite the known location of the tomb being to the southeast it is actually to the southwest, and the cyclops supposedly lives inside the tomb with his heard of sheep.
We decided to approach Ketterman after inspecting Folcard's map and finding the tomb he marked to not be in the right place according to Tanis' journal. We found him in conversation with a mostly bald woman with one long waist length braid. As she departed carrying several diagrams of construction and machinery Ketterman identified her as Jalsi Honorbraid.
After allowing Valdrok and Ketterman to speak for some time while we looked around the work area we came to business. I revealed that we had found the Charnalite Ring and the we required his help to retrieve the Talisman of Alimar to destroy it. After showing him the ring he agreed to help us, and bid us return in tow hours. We did so and found both him and Honorbraid awaiting us. Honorbraid handed me a scroll tube containing a journal.
<<< The following is an excerpt from the journal of Naius >>>
The Wise Ones guide my hand even as I walk in their footsteps. I need not understand their reasons, even here in this desolate windswept place so removed from civilization. I do not question why they have instructed me to build an mighty fortress and establish a monastery on this site. My faith, greater than most, has earned at least one answer from them. To protect a Talisman. A trinket purloined from the depths of the last Takkeronian ruin we cleansed on our last expedition. It is magical, and powerful, that I know, but no amount of research, divination or testing by Bargle has yet to discern it's purpose or use.
We think as one, Bargle, Rufina, Tessimera, Alistair and myself. We will do another Wise Ones wish and defend this object until we can determine it's true purpose and what it is they wish us to do with it. Our faith will not falter.
—
It has taken nearly a decade, but the work is complete. The last stone was laid just yesterday, and as if waiting for that very moment I was shown things that have made my skin crawl. My entire life I have served the Wise Ones dutifully and without fail, and they intend for all my efforts to take away all they have granted me. They intend for us to die, and for all our work to be wiped from the world to protect Alimar's work until it is needed in the world, until something known as the Charnalite Ring makes its way across the Greys.
I feel betrayed. I am betrayed. I will defend the Talisman as I have sworn to – we all will, on this we agree, but our lives and home we will not surrender. We will find another way. We will seek aid not from the Wise Ones, but from any who would listen and answer our pleas. We have only a year to prepare for the siege I have been shown. We have accomplished far greater things in far less time, and I am certain we will do so once more.
—
In his haste to call upon powers greater than the Wise Ones, Bargle lost control of a summoning spell. Several of the monks were killed, but in his failure, a glimmer of hope. He has made contact with a plane heretofore unknown to us, and from it came an answer to our pleas, a being calling itself Ka-Sek-Fal, who has promised to aid us. It claims to have defeated evil within it's own realm.
Yet I find myself suddenly with misgivings. Should we continue down this path I fear we will turn our backs on the Wise Ones completely. There is something about this being that causes concern, though I cannot put a name to what it is. I am afraid. Bargle is not, but I have seen marked changes in him the past year… a desire for more power, risk taking beyond that of any other mage I've known. He is certain that Ka-Sek-Fal is the answer to our prayers. The others are not yet convinced. If I am to act and return us to the path the Wise Ones have laid out before us, I must act with haste.
—-
Ka-Sek-Fal is all we need. Never have I commanded such raw power. Never had the Wise Ones seen fit to grant me such blessings. The keep is devastated, the monastery leveled. Only a handful of the monks survive, taking shelter with us beneath the ruins. Bargle is missing. But the Talisman is safe. Ka-Sek-Fal has promised everlasting life to us here, so that we may continue to protect the Talisman while time wears away any record of our worldly existence.
Rhasier Zhura, Earl of Bronzehall (March) - Son of Desminia Zhura and Reginald (compatriots of Tanis Furfoot)
Zasen Zhura and Jadruan are the brother and sister, respectively, of Rhasier. They are each leaders of their own adventuring companies that travel over the mountains.
I began the day at Parchment Pals where I acquired the tome on the history of Bronzehall and Tanis Furfoot. I then arranged for a reading of a tome on Waukeen for 10 GP. I spent the rest of the day pouring over it for passages on the "Acoutrement of Waukeen." I discovered these items were typically reserved for new Patriarchs of Waukeen (lvl 8 cleric). They are given when a cleric proclaims intent to establish a new holding. Once the holding is established it is rumored the items are further blessed. The hammer is blessed with the guidance of Waukeen (+1 to hit/damage). The armor provides her protection (-1 AC). The shield is also blessed with her protection (-1 AC). Due to the history of Mont du Plain, we should probably consider that these items have been further blessed beyond what I've discovered in this book. The Church of Waukeen considers these items to remain the property of the Church. So some care should be taken by those who use them.
<<< The following is an excerpt from Tanis' journal >>>
The Wise Ones have shown me my fate in my dreams. I have told the others but they do not believe. Reginald jokes that I have let Desminia's resurrection go to my head. Desminia refuses to believe that the Wise Ones would grant such power only to send me to my death. Eichmann is… Eichmann is Eichmann, more concerned with another possibility of adventure so long as it promises more wealth and glory.
What are the chances that the hole in the ground we've tracked the Redcap and his goblin minions to is the spitting image of my nightmares?
I do not understand the minds of the Wise Ones. What mortal could? That is the point of faith, to believe in something far greater than yourself, to blindly trust in their plans. If I am to die here, it will be their will and I accept their will.
My death, I believe, if I have interpreted my dreamings true, is to serve a greater good. To offer one last bit of help to those who would recover the Talisman of Alimar and put it to it's one true purpose.
I have searched for the Charnalite Ring since it vanished in the aftermath of Gaspard's death. It has been a fruitless search. I can only hope the [blacked out] have had as little luck as I have. Likewise I have searched for the Talisman of Alimar, though I have been given visions of it. Here, somewhere, in this hole in the ground. To think that I have chosen a place mere days from it to establish Bronzehall. So very close these past few years. In all the world, a mere three days travel away.
Tomorrow we descend. They know we've arrived. They will be ready.
—--
It is not a redcap. It is a [blacked out] behind the attack on Bronzehall. He demanded I surrender the Talisman of Alimar. He has given me the night to decide. The caverns below are no caverns. They are old ruins. We have discovered long forgotten signs of an old keep and monastery atop the structure. It is very well possible that the tales of Naius coming into possession of the Talisman of Alimar are true, and that this place, in the middle of nowhere nearly two hundred years ago, is where he established his monastery prior to going insane. If this be true, I fear what lay below. The [blacked out] may very well be the least of our concerns.
The others do not share my sense of dread. We have slain dragons, they remind me. We have braved the wastelands and survived. We are blessed by the Wise Ones. I cannot convince them otherwise.
The [blacked out] believes I have the Talisman. Perhaps he had heard tales of my own pendant. If the legends of the Talisman are true, it is possible he mistakes one for the other. If true, it can only mean the Black Wheel has not yet found it and still search. There may yet be hope.
Tomorrow we refuse the [blacked out] offer. We decimated his forces today, goblins and walking dead alike, though Starsteel was shattered in our last battle, it's magic weakened and finally vanquished. The [blacked out] is powerful. I have seen Reginald's death at the hands of the [blacked out], writhing in agony under electrical tendrils until his last breath. And I have been shown what I must do.
—-
We prepare to descend into the darkness once more to confront and destroy the [blacked out]. Four will descend, three will emerge. I have told Reginald of my desire to be laid to rest wherever I might fall, and my belongings to be secured with my body so that they may serve a greater purpose after my death, in a time of need.
To the follower of the Old Path who reads this some day, I offer you my greatest possession, the Pendant of Tanis Furfoot. It requires only a mug or goblet. A suitable offering to the Wise Ones must be added to water, and the necklace dipped within, to create a powerful curative capable of healing many.
Use it to find the Talisman of Alimar. You must find the Charnalite Ring. Then use the Talisman to destroy it. All that is required according to legend, is a suitable offering and one devoted to the Old Path.
Good luck, adventurer. May the Wise Ones guide your path as they have mine.
<<<------------------------------------------------>>>
Iolo has heard of Alimar. Alimar was a powerful (mage?) Takkeronian in the last era of that Empire before it collapsed in upon itself. As to who the Black Wheel is we have no idea. Pardue claims they are the true power behind the Thyatian Church.
Bronzehall construction was designed and overseen by Ketterman Barley. He built also constructed Tanis Furfoot's tomb, overtop of the ruins where Tanis died. Ketterman was the most trusted henchman of Tanis, and is the only known survivor of Tanis' adventuring party.
We spent sometime gathering more information regarding the local powers of Bronzehall (Ketterman and the Earl). Iolo was able to learn the Earl is currnently away fighting a savage tribe of orcs with at least a 100 mercenaries and his personal adventuring comapny. Jalsi Honorbraid is currently in charge. She is considered the captain of the Guard, but doesn't hold that title officially. She also supposedly an advisor to Rhasir, and logistician and an agricultural planner. Quite the resume.
Ketterman Barley contines to be entrusted by Rhasir and actively oversees the maintenace of the walls of Bronzehall. He is a local legend, highly respected for his past association with Tanis Furfoot. He is, however, incredibly tight lipped regarding his former patron. It is assumed that he carries a wealth of secrets that historians and scholars would love to have, but that is only speculation. He is known to be at odds with Von-Dirhah, the author of our book on the history of Bronzehall, as well as the owner of Parchment Pals for copying and selling the tome on a very regular basis.
It turns out that Furfoot's tomb is generally known to be to the southeast. Bronzehall does not pacify that area and a Cyclops is known to make that area home. Previous adventurers who have made their intentions to visit the tomb known are not received well by the locals. Most living in Bronzehall now have never been there, and weren't alive yet when Furfoot died. Access to the tomb is technically illegal without permission of the Earl or his representative, but Bronzehall does not actively patrol the area. Barley does not maintain the tomb.
Based on this information I am suspicious that the 'known' location of Tanis' tomb is nothing but a smokescreen. I feel the actual tomb is located elsewhere. Ketterman built a statue to his friend after death and is still on excellent terms with the descendants. The fact that he doesn't maintain the 'tomb' he built just doesn't sit correctly with me. I agree with Tamsin that approaching him with details of our quest may be the way to go. For now we have decided to wait for the map and pump Folcard for more information about Ketterman. Folcard revealed that Ketterman considers his statue his most precious achievement. He also replaced all the wooden granaries in the area with stone ones. He continued this work to the local populace. All the local homes are stone and slate. Ketterman is very active and inspects the walls of Bronzehall at least once a week.
Folcard claims that despite the known location of the tomb being to the southeast it is actually to the southwest, and the cyclops supposedly lives inside the tomb with his heard of sheep.
We decided to approach Ketterman after inspecting Folcard's map and finding the tomb he marked to not be in the right place according to Tanis' journal. We found him in conversation with a mostly bald woman with one long waist length braid. As she departed carrying several diagrams of construction and machinery Ketterman identified her as Jalsi Honorbraid.
After allowing Valdrok and Ketterman to speak for some time while we looked around the work area we came to business. I revealed that we had found the Charnalite Ring and the we required his help to retrieve the Talisman of Alimar to destroy it. After showing him the ring he agreed to help us, and bid us return in tow hours. We did so and found both him and Honorbraid awaiting us. Honorbraid handed me a scroll tube containing a journal.
<<< The following is an excerpt from the journal of Naius >>>
The Wise Ones guide my hand even as I walk in their footsteps. I need not understand their reasons, even here in this desolate windswept place so removed from civilization. I do not question why they have instructed me to build an mighty fortress and establish a monastery on this site. My faith, greater than most, has earned at least one answer from them. To protect a Talisman. A trinket purloined from the depths of the last Takkeronian ruin we cleansed on our last expedition. It is magical, and powerful, that I know, but no amount of research, divination or testing by Bargle has yet to discern it's purpose or use.
We think as one, Bargle, Rufina, Tessimera, Alistair and myself. We will do another Wise Ones wish and defend this object until we can determine it's true purpose and what it is they wish us to do with it. Our faith will not falter.
—
It has taken nearly a decade, but the work is complete. The last stone was laid just yesterday, and as if waiting for that very moment I was shown things that have made my skin crawl. My entire life I have served the Wise Ones dutifully and without fail, and they intend for all my efforts to take away all they have granted me. They intend for us to die, and for all our work to be wiped from the world to protect Alimar's work until it is needed in the world, until something known as the Charnalite Ring makes its way across the Greys.
I feel betrayed. I am betrayed. I will defend the Talisman as I have sworn to – we all will, on this we agree, but our lives and home we will not surrender. We will find another way. We will seek aid not from the Wise Ones, but from any who would listen and answer our pleas. We have only a year to prepare for the siege I have been shown. We have accomplished far greater things in far less time, and I am certain we will do so once more.
—
In his haste to call upon powers greater than the Wise Ones, Bargle lost control of a summoning spell. Several of the monks were killed, but in his failure, a glimmer of hope. He has made contact with a plane heretofore unknown to us, and from it came an answer to our pleas, a being calling itself Ka-Sek-Fal, who has promised to aid us. It claims to have defeated evil within it's own realm.
Yet I find myself suddenly with misgivings. Should we continue down this path I fear we will turn our backs on the Wise Ones completely. There is something about this being that causes concern, though I cannot put a name to what it is. I am afraid. Bargle is not, but I have seen marked changes in him the past year… a desire for more power, risk taking beyond that of any other mage I've known. He is certain that Ka-Sek-Fal is the answer to our prayers. The others are not yet convinced. If I am to act and return us to the path the Wise Ones have laid out before us, I must act with haste.
—-
Ka-Sek-Fal is all we need. Never have I commanded such raw power. Never had the Wise Ones seen fit to grant me such blessings. The keep is devastated, the monastery leveled. Only a handful of the monks survive, taking shelter with us beneath the ruins. Bargle is missing. But the Talisman is safe. Ka-Sek-Fal has promised everlasting life to us here, so that we may continue to protect the Talisman while time wears away any record of our worldly existence.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds
-
Captain_Blood
- Level 6: Adventurer
- Posts: 267
- Joined: December 10th, 2018, 10:21 pm
Bronzehall Day 4 to 18ish
Ketterman has indicated a desire to be the one to make the sacrifice required to destroy the amulet. Tanis' journal stated that sacrifice must be made by a follower of the Old Path. Ketterman is a Dwarf, and I haven't seen any evidence that he is a follower of the Old Path. If he is, then he is an exception among Dwarves in my experience. That combined with his threats regarding the tomb have created suspicions in my mind regarding his motivations.
a\=*
Bruno found an anonymous note in his room at the Three Crowns that said "Dead Hobbit Run." After thinking it might be a threat or a warning I remembered a settlement by that exact name on Folcard's map. Bruno suggested their may be a book about the town. The settlement is closest to his home area and is several weeks North of Bronzehall. For now the amulet and ring are the priority.
Ketterman says the Cyclops, Mordis, has become increasingly aggressive over the years regarding his home and flock. It is my desire to attempt to lure the Cyclops into diplomacy with well cooked food. I want to start with beef brisket.
We spent the remainder of the Day preparing to leave for the tomb. Ketterman took the time to put together a wagon, team, and supplies for the journey. Most of it passed without incident, but during the first night I began some prayers to the various gods of the old path aloud while on watch with Ketterman. Ketterman joined in and i took the chance to ask about his religious beliefs. He revealed that during his time with Tanis he became a follower of the Old Path, and paid particular observance to Waukeen. Which makes some sense considering his profession as a stonemason.
We arrived near the cyclops den without incident, though we did spot a couple of Owlbears along the way. Eventually we set up camp upwind of Mordis' home and began preparing the beef. It took a few days, but eventually we were able to lure Mordis into a conversation. I promised to teach him how to smoke lamb similar to how I had smoked beef, and he quickly agreed to allow us into the tomb. We also warned him of the presence of Owlbears in the area, and he spent the four days it took us to open the tomb getting rid of the Owlbears.
Once the tomb was open we followed Ketterman into its depths. He led us directly to Tanis' tomb where he retrieved the amulet from his sarcophagus. After some short conversations regarding the exact process to destroy the ring. Ketterman eventually took hold of the amulet and the ring and brought them together. They all then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Honoring Keterman's wishes we left the tomb undisturbed and began our return to Bronzehall. I gifted Morids some mint jelly to enjoy with his mutton and promised more if I were in the area again.
When we returned to Bronzehall we met Honorbrade and informed her of the events inside the tomb. She remarked that it was as Ketterman had feared and expected. She bid us welcome back to Bronzehall but it was clear she was upset at the passing of Ketterman. We then informed Tamsin of our successful destruction of the Charnelite Ring. She congratulated us and after paying our expenses inside Bronzehall. She also negotiated a 100 GP price for our excess saddles and tack. She then indicated that she would be returning to Heartcross to deal with the fallout of our adventure. I thanked her for her patronage and informed her that if she had need of my services in the future she only need write a letter and I would respond. For now we are a free company and can set our own destiny.
Ketterman has indicated a desire to be the one to make the sacrifice required to destroy the amulet. Tanis' journal stated that sacrifice must be made by a follower of the Old Path. Ketterman is a Dwarf, and I haven't seen any evidence that he is a follower of the Old Path. If he is, then he is an exception among Dwarves in my experience. That combined with his threats regarding the tomb have created suspicions in my mind regarding his motivations.
a\=*
Bruno found an anonymous note in his room at the Three Crowns that said "Dead Hobbit Run." After thinking it might be a threat or a warning I remembered a settlement by that exact name on Folcard's map. Bruno suggested their may be a book about the town. The settlement is closest to his home area and is several weeks North of Bronzehall. For now the amulet and ring are the priority.
Ketterman says the Cyclops, Mordis, has become increasingly aggressive over the years regarding his home and flock. It is my desire to attempt to lure the Cyclops into diplomacy with well cooked food. I want to start with beef brisket.
We spent the remainder of the Day preparing to leave for the tomb. Ketterman took the time to put together a wagon, team, and supplies for the journey. Most of it passed without incident, but during the first night I began some prayers to the various gods of the old path aloud while on watch with Ketterman. Ketterman joined in and i took the chance to ask about his religious beliefs. He revealed that during his time with Tanis he became a follower of the Old Path, and paid particular observance to Waukeen. Which makes some sense considering his profession as a stonemason.
We arrived near the cyclops den without incident, though we did spot a couple of Owlbears along the way. Eventually we set up camp upwind of Mordis' home and began preparing the beef. It took a few days, but eventually we were able to lure Mordis into a conversation. I promised to teach him how to smoke lamb similar to how I had smoked beef, and he quickly agreed to allow us into the tomb. We also warned him of the presence of Owlbears in the area, and he spent the four days it took us to open the tomb getting rid of the Owlbears.
Once the tomb was open we followed Ketterman into its depths. He led us directly to Tanis' tomb where he retrieved the amulet from his sarcophagus. After some short conversations regarding the exact process to destroy the ring. Ketterman eventually took hold of the amulet and the ring and brought them together. They all then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Honoring Keterman's wishes we left the tomb undisturbed and began our return to Bronzehall. I gifted Morids some mint jelly to enjoy with his mutton and promised more if I were in the area again.
When we returned to Bronzehall we met Honorbrade and informed her of the events inside the tomb. She remarked that it was as Ketterman had feared and expected. She bid us welcome back to Bronzehall but it was clear she was upset at the passing of Ketterman. We then informed Tamsin of our successful destruction of the Charnelite Ring. She congratulated us and after paying our expenses inside Bronzehall. She also negotiated a 100 GP price for our excess saddles and tack. She then indicated that she would be returning to Heartcross to deal with the fallout of our adventure. I thanked her for her patronage and informed her that if she had need of my services in the future she only need write a letter and I would respond. For now we are a free company and can set our own destiny.
“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.” -Malcom Reynolds