| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|
| #1sirkaikillah11Feb 05, 2015 20:20:14 |
~~The Player Characters
Aktameyra Ea’nra played by Kelly
The tiefling wizard Aktameyra Ea’nra, an evocation savant, was a renowned dragon scholar among sagely circles despite prejudice toward her kind. Akta, as she was called by those who knew her, was very thoughtful and deliberative, listening to all sides of an argument before forming an opinion. Aktameyra discovered a book written in Infernal titled, “The Queen’s Masks”. The scholarly wizard realized the book was the key to the use of powerful magical devices and should not fall into the wrong hands. Aktameyra Ea’nra had a reputation as a fearless researcher, some say foolhardy. She risked her ward just for an opportunity to learn more about the Cult of the Dragon, raiding and looting in the Greenfields area.
*Deceased 1489Flamerule22; Akta was cut down by kobolds’ rusty knives defending Greenest.
Ambian Lightheart played by Ambrose
The former soldier and scout fought for a defeated cause. The human fighter, Ambian Lightheart had experienced much of war and was full of inspiring and cautionary tales from his experience. The seasoned fighter was proficient with many types of armor, weapons and fighting styles but was a master with two-weapons. Seeking employment, Ambian entered the small town of Greenest, when his old enemies attacked, the Cult of the Dragon.
*Deceased 1489Flamerule24. Ambian was cut down facing his old enemies, Langdrossa Cyanwraith, half-dragon and Forlam Mondath priestess of Tiamat in the cave behind the raiders’ camp.
Rayne played by Mitchell
Rayne was a greedy human criminal and thief who valued coin more than friendship. Rayne was going to be the best thief that ever lived. He was independent and self-sufficient always looking for an opportunity. Never tell Rayne, “He can’t do that.” It was a sure thing he’s going to do it. After a run in with a few cultist, he was told “don’t mess with the Cult of the Dragon.” Rayne heard the cult was raiding in the Greenfield area, so he went there.
*1489Flamerule24, Rayne left the party, unhappy with lord Tarbow Nighthill’s decision not to pay them until they gathered more intelligence from the cultists. He chose to follow the cultists’ four treasure laden carts west.
Torzael played by Jesse
The young dragonborn acolyte of Bahamut was reared in a monastery perfecting his mind and body. Meditating on the perfection of the father of dragons and rigorously training his body, made the dragonborn monk a dangerous combatant especially unarmed. He respected other’s faith and the worship of other gods, except Tiamat. Yet he could be a harsh judge of others but was a much more severe critic of his own shortcomings. Leosin Erlanthar, a wandering monk, once saved the young dragonborn monk’s life. Leosin has sent word for the young monk to meet him in Greenest. The young dragonborn monk went there to meet his old friend.
Locke Lamore played by Travis
The very young high moon elf noble Locke Lamore had the bearing of one who truly believed the world revolved around himself. The noble elf was very proud of his heritage and family. Locke was an accomplished fighter proficient with all kinds of weapons, armor and magic. Locke was an expert archer. The elf noble’s grandfather was a famed dragon slayer. Locke had never been shy throwing his famous sur-name around. A group of hoods jumped the noble elf, taunting, “The Cult of the Dragon never forgets and always avenges!” Locke barely escaped with his life. Locke Lamore also never “forgets and always avenges.” He took it upon himself to avenge this slight against him and his family name. Locke Lamore followed rumors of cultists raiding in the Greenfield area. The noble elf arrived in Greenest to destroy the Cult of the Dragon.
Septemus played by BJ
The devout high moon elf cleric of Bahamut, Septemus spent the majority of his young life a reclusive hermit. Septemus lived alone in the wilderness for decades, meditating days on end. Deep in seclusion, meditating on the wisdom of Bahamut, The elf cleric was given great insight, the cosmos whispered of an impending doom. The release of Tiamat from hell and her rise in the world. Septemus devote cleric of Bahamut was drawn by rumors of the Cult of the Dragon, to the small town of Greenest.
*Deceased 1489Flamerule22. Septemus was killed by kobolds’ sling stones defending Greenest.
Grenish Longhorn played by Eric
Wanderer, outlander, hunter, ranger, Grenish Longhorn was all of these and more. A human, Grenish was raised by wolves. Grenish had a deep respect and connection with nature. He was also easily enamored with the ladies. Grenish Longhorn was haunted by nightmares of dragons ravaging the countryside with fire, lightening, acid, ice storms, and poisonous vapors. Grenish’s journey to end his nightmares led him to Greenest.
Azna Nyx played by Marley
Yes that Azna Nyx, famed tiefling cow bell virtuoso and entertainer. Long ago, Azna sold his soul to Cthulu, for fame and fortune, becoming a warlock. Azna had become an unmotivated burned out one hit wonder, cocky and an alcoholic. His cowbell remained a prized position, “Nobody touches the cowbell!” The jaded entertainer had been there and done that. Azna liked to burn things and sought sensation and excitement. But at that time in his life little thrilled him. Maybe he would find excitement in Greenest?
*Disappeared 1489Flamerule22. Azna was last seen purchasing something from an adolescent tiefling, probably drugs, and has not been seen since.
Clairmont played by Sam
Clairmont, soldier, scout, investigator, rogue, assassin? Clairmont was a human agent of Silvermoon and Lord Taern Horneblade. Clairmont was polite, respectful and utterly unremarkable. Clairmont fought for those who could not fight for themselves. He was a responsible citizen and believed laws were always to be obeyed. Clairmont, the loyal agent of Silvermoon, believed the needs of the many out way the needs of the few. He was willing to sacrifice his comrades in the party to accomplish his mission. At that time, Clairmont was on a mission for his liege, investigating the theft of a treasured “dragon mask” and its connection to the Cult of the Dragon.
Hank da Tank played by Bj
The stalwart sun dwarf fighter, Hank was a sergeant in the Flaming Fists mercenary army of Baldur’s Gate. The steely eyed dwarf could stare down a hellhound without flinching and had little respect for those not proven as warriors. Hank believed in the greater good and fought for those who could not. Hank’s life was saved by a comrade long ago, and never liked leaving his comrades behind. Hank was always the first through a breach and last out. At that time, Hank was on a mission for Captain Kyra Ravengard daughter of Marshal Ulder Ravengard, leader of the Flaming Fists and Lord of Baldur’s Gate, to investigate rumors of raiders in the Greenfield area.
Wren Folker-Turen played by Kelly
The forest gnome Wren was a druid acolyte of the Circle of the Moon. A long time ago Wren fell in love, only latter to find out the object of his affection was the ancient silver dragon, Otaaryliakkarnos. A romantic love that could not be. Wren entered into seclusion for decades and only recently has come out. Despite or because of, his seclusion Wren remains very curious and believed inquiry was a pillar of progress and his druidic gifts were for all. Wren could remain utterly serene in the face of danger. When he returned to society Wren had taken to enjoying the world’s pleasures a little too much. The gnome Wren and his half –orc barbarian friend Fluffy Bunny were just passing through Greenest after enjoying the fair in Nashkell when it was raided by the Cult of the Dragon.
Fluffy Bunny played by Amanda
Fluffy Bunny was a half-orc barbarian with a deep connection to nature and was more comfortable with animals than people. Fluffy believed the only constant in nature was change and his whims changed with the wind. Slow to trust, Fluffy had befriended the gnome Wren a while ago. Fluffy Bunny thought simply, and violence was his answer to any problem.
*Deceased 1489Flamerule24. Fluffy Bunny was slain by Langdrossa Cyanwraith battling the half-dragon in pursuit of the priestess Forlam Mondath in the caves behind the raider’s camp.
Teras played by Jay
Teras, the half-elf bard, was a caller or MC for tourneys in the small fight pits and arenas in and around Baldur’s Gate. Teras’ role in a tourney match was to provide colorful commentary, magical flash and also maintain safety and fairness. Teras was a natural entertainer, always with a story for the situation and enjoyed making others smile. Teras’ crossed a local noble, who wanted him to cheat for one side in a sword match. Teras would not cheat and is now wanted dead. The half-elf bard decided to lie low in Greenest when it was attacked by the cultists. Teras had taken up the cause against the Cult of the Dragon.
Thorny Hare now Thorny Eagle played by Tom
Thorny was the older brother of Fluffy Bunny and also a half-orc barbarian. Thorny had learned many lessons from keen observation of nature. The barbarian believed life was like the seasons in constant change and we should change with it. Thorny valued his family and brother and had tracked him to Greenest. He did not trust his brother’s gnome friend Wren. Like his half-orc barbarian nature, Thorny Hare’s answer to trouble was violence.
Chasm played by Amanda
Tiefling warlock Chasm always sought self-improvement through knowledge and logical thinking. Chasm’s mother made a pact with a mysterious arch fey, giving her daughter magical power. The tiefling mage feels awkward in crowds, as she has great presence that draws atention. She is also curious to a fault and easily distracted by promise of knowledge. Chasm’s thirst for self-improvement and knowledge led her to become a sage studying the arcane in Luskan. There she befriended Aktameyra and they discovered the book “The Queen’s Masks”. Chasm was to meet Aktameyra in Greenest, knowing the book should never fall into the wrong hands.
Ken Ryu played by Jason
The half-elf monk sorcerer was reared in the streets as an urchin. Drive, talent, and confidence got him into a prestigious monastery. In isolation with the masters the young Ken Ryu developed his talents into a unique martial arts style combining monk discipline, training and fighting techniques with sorcery.
Ken’s monastery was recently raided by the Cult of the Dragon. Many were slain and an artifact was taken, the Dragon Mask. Ken vowed revenge upon the Cult of the Dragon. A former associate, Leosin Erlanthar, sent Ken to Baldur’s Gate to meet up with Locke’s Slayers.
|
| #2sirkaikillah11Feb 16, 2015 12:20:30 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 10; Episode 3 “The Hatchery”; 1489 Flamerule 25
Without their fallen comrades, the half-orc barbarian, Fluffy Bunny and the human fighter, Ambian Lightheart, the party returned to Greenest for a much needed rest. After a meal and some rest the party then reported to Lord Tarbow Nighthill. They reported a plot to move the treasure stolen in the raids. First, the Cult of the Dragon would move the loot west toward Berghest, then north on the Coast Way to Baldur’s Gate. They also reported plans for “the special project” to finish in the caves behind the raiders’ camp. Despite the intelligence they presented to Tarbow Nighthill, the lord of Greenest withheld payment. Lord Tarbow Nighthill implored the party to find out the nefarious doings of the cultists still in the caves, “What is this special project?”
The human thief Rayne, did not like Lord Nighthill’s deal and abandoned the party. The thief chased the treasure laden carts headed west.
Teras the half-elf bard, fell very ill the next morning when the party was to return to the cultists’ cave. The body of a slain child was found in the village’s well, polluting the water. Many of the villagers also fell ill. The rest of the party, healthy, returned to the cave behind the cultists’ camp to learn more.
The party consisted of six; noble moon elf archer-mage, Locke Lamar, the unassuming human investigator, Clairmont, steely eyed dwarf battle master, Hank, dragonborn acolyte of Bahamut and disciple of the elements, Torzael, circle of the moon druid, the gnome Wren and the local hunter and human, Grenish Longhorn. By that afternoon, in the heat under the mid-summer sun, the six entered the damp cool cave behind the abandoned camp of the Cult of the Dragon.
Hank led the way with the others following behind. This time they decided to take a different route, hopefully avoiding a choke point, which was disastrous. Hank looked over a ledge before he approached stairs, cut into the stone, going down. The stairs led to a mushroom garden in the dark below. The wily dwarf recognized a threat, a mushroom indistinguishable from the others, except for long slim tendrils reaching into the dark. Violet fungi at the bottom of the stairs. The tendrils of a violet fungi could instantly rot the flesh.
Next to Hank standing on the ledge, the archer-mage, Locke, splashed the violet fungi with conjured acid, until it was a bubbling puddle. Hank, Locke, Wren and Grenish descended the stone stairs, before the stairs collapsed into a slide. The four slid on their butts into the middle of the mushroom garden next to the pool of dissolved violet fungi. Both Torzael and Clairmont avoided the slide. In a few minutes, the versatile Clairmont disabled the trapped stairs before he and the dragonborn monk descended to their comrades on the mushroom covered floor.
Led by the steely eyed dwarf Hank, the party penetrated deeper into the cavern. As the mushrooms thinned out upon the floor, Hank and the others noticed the ceiling covered with bats. Grenish recognized them as harmless, foxbats but warned not to startle them. They proceeded cautiously and as quietly as they could manage.
Clank, clink scuffle, Hank in chainmail did not do quietly well and startled the bats hanging from the ceiling. The bats swarmed around the party flapping wings, screeching and buffeting. Hidden among the bats lurked more dangerous stirges, blood-sucking, vermin, denizens of the underdark. One stuck to the dwarf Hank, sucking his blood. Locke screamed, “Still!” As he prepared to conjure an acid splash. Hank pushed him away, “No!” Regardless of the distracting bat swarm, Grenish tried to aim his bow at the stirge on the dwarf’s neck. The level headed Clairmont pushed the hunter’s bow down, then dashed through the swarm and snatched the stirge from Hank’s neck.
The party rushed to the back of the cavern and a ledge as the bats continued swarming around, warding off the occasional stirge. They exited the batty cavern to the right into a chilly stairwell down. They tried to pass a curtain of strips of leather embedded with poisoned hooks hung in the way. Hank of course found the poison hooks. But with the dwarf, the effects of the poison was minimal. The investigative Clairmont found an old broken spear and a hole in the wall and pinned the leather strips up against it.
First, their nostrils were assaulted by the tangy smell of stale blood. Then at the bottom of the stairwell the party entered a cool chamber to a disturbing sight. The corpse of Fluffy Bunny, gutted and hung upside down. Another corpse they recognized as the headless Ambian. There were others they did not recognize and the carcasses and partial carcasses of animals, antelopes, deer, hogs, bovines and bison. A large wooden table covered in blood sat in the chamber with various knives for skinning, dismemberment and deboning upon it. The party spent some time searching for a secret door but they found none. They only found a quartet of unlucky kobolds sent to retrieve some meat. Hank, Locke and the others dispatched them quickly, then hid their bodies deep in the meat chiller cave.
The party again crossed the batty cave, disturbed the inhabitants and warded off stirge attacks. They entered a hallway, an anti-chamber, before a larger cavern. They all heard echoes as kobolds barked orders and drakes growled replies. Torzael quickly put out the torch, he and Clairmont needed to see. The party prepared to breach, then hesitated with apprehension. Many allies had perished in the previous days, two just the day before, in these very caves.
As the party hesitated, a kobold barked more orders in draconian, “Meepo, check the others getting the meat?”
Torzael grunted softly and lurched forward in the dark. In the lead, beads of sweat built upon the brow of the apprehensive dwarf, Hank. A kobold appeared startled in front of dwarf warrior. The little beasty dropped from an arrow splitting its head.
Hank rushed in dodging and parrying teeth, tail, sling stones and rusty knives. Locke followed splashing acid at a strange hovering fat kobold with wings as he dodged the kobold knives and guard drake teeth and tail. Locke Lamar pulled his short swords to face a pair of kobolds with rusty knives.
Hank turned to face a guard drake and a pair of kobolds with Locke at one flank and a ledge on another. A second drake entered the fray from the stairs below the ledge, as did Torzael. The monk disciple of the elements, released his Ki in a fist of unbroken air and struck down the winged kobold. With a grunt, a crunch and a burb an unseen drake finished the winged kobold below a ledge dividing the cavern.
The little Wren courageously entered battle wielding twin scimitars, drawing blood. Clairmont and Grenish followed with volleys of arrows. Clairmont arrows were placed precise, piercing deep into a guard drake. Grenish released arrows rapidly dropping a pair of kobolds simultaneously.
A quartet of kobolds slung stones at Tank from the stairs below the ledge and missed. Torzael, dragonborn, unleashed his acid breathe, melting the faces of the first pair of kobolds on the stairs as the other two jumped to save their lives.
A third guard drake ascended the stairs to face Torzael and Hank as the pair of heroes dropped the first guard drake with strikes from hammer, staff and feet.
Locke finished off the pair of kobolds in front of him with twin short swords. But the brave gnome’s scimitars were no match for the drake he faced and fell to the beasts snapping jaws. Clairmont moved in to pull the fallen gnome from the melee. Grenish covered Clairmont with rapid bow shots. Clairmont drew his sword and took Wren’s place in the melee. His sword was as precise as his arrows and pierced drake flesh as the beast was distracted by multiple enemies.
Torzael, Hank and Clairmont stood toe to toe with the remaining two guard drakes. Grenish shot arrows into the pair of drakes as well. Locke finished the remaining kobolds as they tried to ascend the stairs with conjured acid. The tough little gnome, Wren, revived himself with shear will as the rest of the party finished the tough guard drakes.
The battle had taken much out of the party so they rested and bound their wounds, taking refuge in dark of the lower part of the large cavern. As they bound their wounds and recuperated their strength, the always inquisitive Clairmont investigated the area. He found a ritual circle on the floor of the lower part of the cavern. There were also cages in the back with a dozen monitor lizards. Clairmont guessed the Cult of the Dragon transformed these normal lizards into monstrous drakes with dark magic rituals. “Was this the special project?” Thought Clairmont, “Or was there more going on here?”
|
| #3sirkaikillah11Feb 16, 2015 12:25:16 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 11; Episode 3 “The Hatchery”; 1489 Flamerule 25
Half-orc barbarian Thorny Hare had tracked his brother, Fluffy Bunny, south on the Coast way to Nashkel, then on the Uldoon trail to Greenest. On that morning, Thorny found one of Fluffy’s allies, an ill half-elf bard, Teras. The half-elf told Thorny about Fluffy’s death at the hands of the half-dragon, Langdrossa Cyanwraith. Thorny Hare vowed vengeance, he then gave Teras a potion that cured the bard’s illness, so that the half-elf could lead him to Cyanwraith. The two followed the other six party members to the caves behind the cultists’ abandoned camp.
Thorny and Teras cautiously entered the cultists’ cave. The pair descended stairs to a mushroom garden. They then passed quietly under a swarm of bats, then turn left into an anti-chamber, then into a larger cavern divided by a 10 feet high ledge, where they found the others, Teras’ party at rest. After quick greetings, introductions and condolences, the party resolved to push deeper into the caves.
The party grew to eight; Lock Lamar the moon elf archer-mage, Hank the gold dwarf battle-master, Wren the forest gnome circle of the moon druid, Torzael the dragonborn monk disciple of the elements, Clairmont the unremarkable human investigator, Grenish Longhorn the human hunter, Thorny Hare the half-orc barbarian and Teras the half-elf gladiatorial bard.
Thorny descended a stairwell and scouted ahead. The barbarian discovered a large chamber with an unknown number of barking kobolds. Thorny returned back up the stairs to report what he found.
Again indecision and apprehension gripped the party as they bickered over light and marching order. The bickering alerted their enemies and they lost the element of surprise. Over the bickering, Thorny exited the stairwell ready for combat.
Six kobolds appeared out of the dark of the large cavern and pelted the half-orc Thorny and the gnome Wren with sling stones. A fat winged kobold flew out of the darkness just behind and above the six kobolds on the ground. The winged kobold twirled a wand above its head then pointed it, three magic missiles zoomed out of the wand and slammed into the large half-orc barbarian Thorny. Wren, moved quickly in front of the six kobolds on the ground as he swung his arms as if he gathered the wind. The little druid clapped his hands and released a thunderous wave that knocked the six kobolds down and out. Archer-mage Locke followed wren and released three magic missiles into the fat winged kobold. The kobold swelled with the magic energy and burst, destroying its wand. “Ah.”, greedily sighed Locke.
The party took a few minutes and investigated the large dark cavern. The floor was covered with the kobolds’ nests. They looted a few silver coins from dead kobolds. Then the party exited down an unexplored stairwell, eager to confront the cult of the Dragon and discover their plots.
The bottom of the stairs were bathed in light from the cavern below. Thorny Hare and Hank led the party down into the chamber at the bottom of the stairs. The party flooded into a large chamber well lit by two large chandeliers and half a dozen lamps in the walls. The walls, ceiling and a pair of columns were covered with carvings of dragons and dragon motifs. One walls was covered with a carved and painted relief of a volcano and emerging from it, a large dragon with five heads, one red, one white, one blue, one green and the largest one set in the center was black. It was Tiamat, goddess of evil dragons. A stone altar sat in front of the Tiamat relief with the head of Ambian Lightheart atop the altar, with a lit candle burning atop the decapitated head.
Langdrossa Cyanwraith half-dragon, Forlam Mondath priestess of Tiamat and a pair of dragonborn berserkers awaited the party’s arrival. Forlam cast a spell that summoned a dozen ghostly spirit guardians that flited about the priestess. Langdrossa half-dragon and the two dragonborn berserkers advanced on the party, as they exited the stairs to enter the chamber and blasted the party with lightening, acid and fire.
Wren rubbed his bone and wood pipe with both hands then gestured toward Cyanwraith with the pipe cupped in his little hands. Cyanwraith’s metal splint armor began to heat up like an oven. The half-dragon roared in pain then advanced and swung his great sword at Thorny, who stood between the half-dragon and the gnome druid. Cyanwraith’s great sword missed Thorny and struck the ground and shattered into three pieces. The half-dragon again roared in frustration and pain. Thorny Hare the half-orc barbarian raged then he and Hank the dwarf battle-master engaged Langdrossa half-dragon, as he roasted in his armor, no honorable duel this time.
Torzael the dragonborn monk entered the fray, attacked one of the dragonborn berserkers with staff and tail. The berserker struck back wildly with a great-axe. The second dragonborn berserker rushed in and swung its great-axe down upon Wren and badly wounded the gnome. But the little druid’s heat metal spell held and continued to roast Langdrossa in his own armor.
Clairmont and Grenish entered the chamber and flanked left and shot arrows at Forlam Mondath from a distance, weary of the spiritual guardians about the priestess. Wounded Forlam’s spiritual guardians dissipated and she took cover behind a column and healed herself with magic.
Wren also retreated and cured his wounds with a spell in the stairwell the party entered from. Cyanwraith half-dragon roasted in his armor as he drew a hand-axe and attacked the half-orc. A dragonborn berserker wildly entered the melee between Hank, Thorny and Cyanwraith. Teras and Locke entered the chamber behind Thorny. Teras stopped and healed the barbarian with a spell. Locke the archer mage continued into the chamber to confront Forlam and launched three magic missiles at the human priestess.
The three magic missiles were absorbed by Forlam’s broach. The priestess eyed the half-elf archer mage then cast a spell that held Locke completely still. Teras moved to gain line of sight on Forlam behind a column. The half-elf bard blew a queer note on his flute then made a funny face as if to make Forlam laugh. The human priestess was not amused. Teras cursed out laud, “That was a waste.”
Hank, the dwarf battle-master dropped Cyanwraith with a mighty hammer strike to the half-dragon’s knee that severed his leg. Langdrossa bled out upon the floor as he roasted in his armor.
Thorny advanced upon Forlam, now that her spiritual guardians were gone. Locke broke the priestess’ hold spell and drew his bow. The priestess had one more trick and commanded Thorny and Locke to “grovel”. Locke fell to his belly then cursed at his lack of will, “Damn!” The half-orc barbarian, in a rage, stood his ground and struck with his great-axe and split Forlam from shoulder to sternum.
Hank stood over the fallen Cyanwraith and noticed something weird. The half-dragon’s leg stopped bleeding, the severed legs open wound unnaturally begun to close. Cyanwraith continued to draw breathe. The dwarf mercenary would have none of that and beheaded the half-dragon with a hand-axe.
The remaining two dragonborn berserkers were zealots of the Cult of the Dragon and would surrender nor retreat. Outnumbered the pair fought wildly to the death, quickly overwhelmed by the party. Locke Lamar noble moon elf would take no prisoners and assured that all the cultists died.
The party bound their wounds, looted the corpses of their fallen foes then examined the altar. The investigative human Clairmont realized the altar could be opened but it was trapped. Clairmont cautiously opened the altar with a key found on the dead priestess Forlam, as the others kept their distance. They found quite a treasure, jewelry, gems and a jar of Keoghtom’s Ointment. As the party took a short rest, Clairmont took an interest in Forlam Mondath’s diary looted from her body. The investigative human read her last passage, “That fool, he underestimated those adventurers. They are far more persistent and resilient than he believed. There will be nowhere for me to go, if his dragon eggs were to fall into the enemies hands. I fear Rezmir left me to my doom.”
|
| #4sirkaikillah11Feb 07, 2015 23:18:28 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM notes
Character Creation
There are no restrictions in regards to class or race. I placed our campaign
I wanted to bring the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, the Sword Coast and the Forgotten Realms, alive in the imaginations of the players and myself. To bring the campaign and setting alive in our imaginations, I felt it important to work with the players to develop pcs’ backgrounds. I did not go around giving pcs bonds like those suggested in the HotDQ appendixes. I instead offered suggestions, some from HotDQ and some from my imagination. I think it is important to offer suggestions and be ready for their rejection. I like to keep it collaborative and empower the players to make the decisions they want about pc background.
Session 10 episode 3 Dragon Hatchery
Every session I start out with the date In the Forgotten Realms, hopefully to get there imagination going and bring them into the Realms.
In area 4 the stirge lair; I did not have players roll initiative when they disturbed the bats and the stirges attacked. Instead I had everyone roll d20, the lowest guy was attacked. Then I let everyone take a turn dealing with it starting from my left. I just repeated every round until they got out. It worked as smooth as I hoped. After thinking about it I would have had everyone roll a d6 and have the stirges attack everyone who rolled an odd. It would have been a lot more hectic in that cave with the bats swarming around. Still it worked smooth, the party felt threatened and wanted out of their quickly.
In area 6 the meat locker; when I described the party’s fallen and abandoned comrades hung and gutted, it sucked the air out of the room. I doubt anyone was surprised, but it was shocking. I got the desired effect I wanted, abit of shock, a little remorse and guilt, for the abandonment.
Darkvision and lightsources became an issue with the players. I was ruling that light from like a torch ruined darkvision. I was wrong and corrected that in the next session.
Session 11 episode 3 Dragon Hatchery
One player who missed the last session returned. In the previous session I narrated that the village well was polluted and Teras, the player’s character was ill from the water. Teras was too ill to return to the caves with the party. Another player had joined the campaign. He created a new PC, Thorny Hare ½ orc barbarian, brother to the fallen Fluffy Bunny (a long story I will not get into here). Anyway Thorny Hare had a potion of cure disease and gave it to Teras and they both went to the cave, only a few hours behind the rest.
At this point I did the unthinkable, I railroaded those two pcs. Yep instead of them playing out exploring the cave and hoping the two separate groups meet up, I just railroaded them together. I felt playing through that would not advance the story. For me it would be an unwanted distraction. I think distractions from the story are fine. But I also think that a group does not have to play through every moment. It’s alright to railroad from time to time as an exception.
In area 8 Kobold Barracks I gave the winged kobold a stolen wand of magic missile. The players already thought the winged kobolds weird and magical on their own. I decided to reinforce their own assumptions and feed their imaginations.
In area 9 Tiamat’s Shrine; previously I gave Langdrossa Cyanwraith a bad French accent. The players hated him instantly.
Heat Metal spell was the winner. 2d8 fire damage, repeated as a bonus action with concentration, no save. Langdrossa roasted in his armor for the whole fight.
I gave the Langdrossa a Peraipt of wound closure and the dragon claws pendant as magic items. I gave Forlam Mondath a broach of shielding. The archer-mage Locke Lamar found that out with a magic missile.
I decided Mondath would fight to the death to defend Rezmir’s dragon eggs. As a wearer of purple she has too much tied up with the cult of the dragon. If she lost the eggs she would have nowhere to go and lose everything.
|
| #5sirkaikillah11Feb 16, 2015 11:53:24 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 12; Episode 3 “The Hatchery”; 1489 Flamerule 25
After the party of adventurers defeated the cultists, looted and rested, they prepared to move on and find the dragon eggs mentioned in Forlam’s diary. The party consisted of eight; Locke Lamar moon elf archer mage, Tank gold dwarf mercenary of the Flaming Fist, Teras half-elf bard, entertainer and fight caller, Thorny Hare half-orc barbarian of the High Forest, Grenish Longhorn human hunter and Greenfield local, Wren forest gnome druid of the Circle of the Moon, Clairmont the unassuming human investigator and Torzael dragonborn monk acolyte of Bahamut.
Hank and Thorny led the heroes down a stairwell. Bringing up the rear Torzael huffed then turned around at the stairwell threshold. The young acolyte of Bahamut glared across the shrine at the altar of Tiamat. The dragonborn disciple of elements focused his ki, “Haruukin!” The stone altar of Tiamat imploded from Torzael’s fist of unbroken air. Acid sprayed from the mouths of the dragons carved throughout the shrine walls and columns. The dragonborn monk was quick and his blood line copper, so the acid trap was but a nuisance. Torzael entered the stairwell after his comrades.
At the bottom, Hank and Thorny exited into a large dark cavern. Kobolds’ barked in the darkness beyond sight. From below a ledge to their left a dim light glowed. Visible a set of wooden stairs led over the ledge into the dim gloom below. Guard drakes growled unseen below the ledge. Hank and Thorny moved in and peered over the ledge into the dim gloom. Braziers of hot stones glowed fifteen feet below, stalagmites rose from below and on pedestals two three feet tall eggs visible to the dwarf’s and half-orc’s darkvision. In the darkness beyond their sight the growls of guard drakes grew more aggressive.
Both Wren and Teras followed the half-orc barbarian and dwarf mercenary to the ledge. Both called in draconic to the guard drakes hoping to command them. Thorny the half-orc barbarian leapt over the ledge to the ground below, then threw a hand axe into the closest dragon egg. The egg shell cracked, black fluid wept out of the egg like blood and the embryo’s leg fell out. Hank the dwarf mercenary stood at the ledge and shot the same egg with a crossbow bolt.
Locke, Clairmont and Torzael moved into the dark corners of the cavern above the ledge in search of the barking kobolds. Locke spotted the kobolds first with darkvision. The kobolds leapt out from behind another ledge and threw pots of glue then alchemist fire. Clairmont moved up and threw a torch forward, so he and Torzael could see their enemy.
“Raaah! They’re not tamed!” Roared Thorny in pain as the closest guard drake bit into his flesh. The half-orc barbarian swept down with his great-axe in a rage. Thorny’s great-axe bit deep into the guard drake. Hank moved swiftly for a dwarf, down the wooden stairs and into the fray with Thorny and the guard drake.
Grenish took a position upon the ledge with his longbow. The human hunter had a harder time than some of the others at finding targets in the dim light below, but when he did his arrows flew true. The hunter first put an arrow into the dragon egg Thorny opened up. Then Grenish put arrows into the guard drake the half-orc and dwarf battled below.
Wren beckoned another guard drake up the stairs. Being a druid the little gnome was assured this second guard drake would heed his commands. The aggressive drake climbed the stairs and approached Wren, then bit him. Wren retreated quite surprised.
Another creature appeared into the dim light of the braziers from the dark corners of the cavern below the ledge. It was a roper, a nine feet high stalagmite with one large eye and a large mouth full of rows upon rows of teeth with four tentacles thirty feet in length like four inch taught steel cables to feed its toothy maw. A monster of the underdark.
“Meat! Give me meat, rotten and stinky meat.” Grunted the roper. One of the monsters tentacles lashed out across the cavern then grabbed the exposed dragon embryo. The roper gobbled the embryo in an instant. “I just ate, can eat again, hmmm, fresh blood and old meat.”
Teras, had an idea. His comrades spoke of a locker full of aged meat and some corpses. The half-elf was pretty sure he could find that meat locker, retrieve some old meat and return to feed this monster of the underdark. There would be no need to fight. So the half-elf hoped.
Clairmont, Locke and Torzael quickly dispatched the kobolds by bow, spell, staff and tail. They took the corpses to the ledge and threw them to the roper below. The monster gorged upon the freshly killed kobolds as creatures of the underdark do. Life in this cavern had been good, the kobolds fed the roper regularly. But in the underdark, meals can be far apart.
Wren the gnome druid changed shape into a giant hyena and ferociously attacked the guard drake upon the stairs. Torzael the dragonborn monk joined the melee between Wren, the giant hyena druid and the guard drake. Locke and Clairmont kept their distance attacked with bow and spell, to bring down the beastly guard drake upon the stairs.
Thorny Hare half-orc barbarian raged on against the guard drake before him. Hank the mercenary dwarf fought by his side. From the ledge above Grenish Longhorn human ranger shot arrows into the drake as well. The guard drake fell. Hank moved behind a stalagmite and found a third dragon egg. The gold dwarf smashed it with his great-axe. Thorny in a rage, grabbed the guard drake by its tail then dragged up the stairs and left a trail of blood.
“I smell the blood! Give me the meat!” Grunted the roper in crude common. The monster from the underdark grabbed the guard drake’s bloody corpse, dragged behind the half-orc barbarian. Thorny raged and would not give up his prize so easily. The roper then grabbed Thorny and pulled them both to its gapping toothy maw. But the enraged half-orc strained and resisted. Thorny released the drake and swung at the tentacles about him with his great-axe. The axe bounced off the tentacles, rough like stone, and strong like steel cables.
Teras the half-elf bard was lucky and found the meat locker without incident. There he found the corpse of his former comrades, Fluffy Bunny and the headless Ambian Lightheart. He also found two other corpses he recognized. Hung, gutted and bled were the two mercenaries he had befriended two days earlier, when he and the others infiltrated the cultists camp. Before the cultists abandoned it. He had escaped when all hell broke loose by bribing the two to let him go. “It didn’t work out for them.” Thought Teras. Teras took one of their corpses with him. The half-elf thought. “There, that should work. No need to fight.”
Thorny was dragged by tentacles to the toothy maw of the roper, enraged, great-axe a swinging. Hank advanced with shield and hammer and entered melee with the underdark monster. From the ledge, Grenish found a new target, the roper, but its hide was tough, like granite, and the hunters arrows found it hard to bite.
The guard drake upon the stairs fell to Wren the giant hyena, Torzael dragonborn, Locke Lamar moon elf and the unremarkable human Clairmont. Wren and Clairmont joined the melee with the roper. Locke casted acid splash as his arrows had a hard time penetrating the monsters granite like hide. Torzael, unwilling to meet the monster face to face tossed darts.
The roper now on the defensive lurched forward, and bit into Wren, now a giant hyena. Badly wounded, Wren disengaged and fled up the stairs. As the battle raged within the cavern, Hank was next to find himself within the roper’s mouth. The monster bit down upon the mailed dwarf with row upon row of teeth. Rips crushed, a lung punctured, the tough gold dwarf fell. Then Clairmont fell as the creature’s rows of teeth found his flesh. The roper also tasted Thorny, but the half-orc barbarian was too swift and tough while enraged and the monster found it hard to get good bite. The roper’s tentacles lifted Thorny high to get a good bite. Thorny kicked with his muscular half-orc legs and wrestled to keep out of the monster’s mouth. The half-orc barbarian lifted his great-axe and swung down, into the creature’s mouth. The barbarian’s great-axe split the roper’s jaws and it fell.
Teras returned with his dead friend, just in time to see the end of the battle with the roper. Teras tossed the corpse over the ledge. The half-elf bard shrugged his shoulders, “Well that didn’t work out like I thought.”
After they revived Hank and Clairmont, the party investigated the cavern. There was a brief discussion about what to do with the last dragon egg. Locke Lamar decided with the confidence of his noble birth. The moon elf noble smashed the last dragon egg with a hand-axe. “It’s evil! We must destroy it!” All he said. Clairmont, not satisfied gathered the embryo and the egg shell. He would save the specimen for later study.
It was late when the party retuned to Greenest. But they were restless and after a meal and some wine the party spoke with Tarbow Nighthill and Leosin Erlanthar. Tarbow agreed to pay the party. Clairmont gave a thorough account of the ritual space to create drakes, the shrine and the hatchery. They all agreed the Cult of the Dragon was a threat to all of the Sword Coast.
From the map, notes and diary they had found with Forlam, they all believed the treasure wagons were headed through Beregost to the Coast Way then Baldur’s Gate. Leosin believed the cultist were headed further north. The half-elf monk then asked the party to follow the cultists north to their final destination.
Leosin had arranged to barrow enough horses for all of them to ride to Elturel. They were to leave the horses with a trusted stable, to be returned to Greenest later. Then take a river boat down to Baldur’s Gate. Leosin believed the party could be at Baldur’s Gate before the cultists with their slow heavy laden treasure wagons. Leosin would accompany them to Elturel and introduce them to some possible allies. Each decided to follow Leosin’s plan for their own personal and varied reasons.
|
| #6sirkaikillah11Feb 20, 2015 11:49:56 | Session 12 Episode 3 Dragon Hatchery DM nptes
I gave Torzael inspiration for destroying the altar. It was stated by the player Jes that Torzael acolyte of Bahamut respected the worship of other gods except Tiamat. I thought it was cool. It also cost 2 ki, just for cool role playing.
I thought it unrealistic for Teras to get a corpse from the meat locker, especially since he was not with the party to find it then bring it down to the hatchery before the end of the fight. But the player was intent on doing just that. So I made him spend a lot of time getting it but made sure he returned in time to do something. It didn’t work the way he thought, but he was there for the end and able to cast a spell or two.
At the end I did a debriefing, asking the players of what they thought was going on. Then we went through everything they learned, played out as a debriefing with Leosin and Tarbow. I like to use npcs to foster discussion on what had happened in the game. It’s important to have these discussions once in awhile with players. It’s also more fun to play these discussions out between npcs and pcs, than to have this discussion dm to player. Interactive scenes with npcs is also a good way to give players info on the campaign and further adventure, it sure beats a Dm monologue.
|
| #7sirkaikillah11Feb 25, 2015 23:00:24 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 13; Episode 4 “On the road”; 1489 Flamerule 26
The night before, as Locke and the others reported to Tarbow and Leosin, Thorny Hare built a funeral pyre for his brother Fluffy Bunny. As he prayed to the spirits to send his brother away to the one eye, Gruumsh, the spirit of the eagle revealed itself to Thorny. Since then the half-orc barbarian called himself Thorny Eagle. The party also honored the fallen Ambien Lightheart in the same way. During that night Leosin introduced an ally against the Cult of the Dragon, an old friend of the fallen Aktameyra, a tiefling sage and warlock, Chasm.
The morning after their return to Greenest the company of adventures rode out with Leosin Erlanthar upon horses loaned to them by Tarbow Nighthill and the people of Greenest. They were to leave them at Elturel with Jacob’s Stable, trusted by lord Nighthill. The party were now nine; Locke Lamar moon elf archer mage, Tank gold dwarf mercenary of the Flaming Fist, Teras half-elf bard, entertainer and fight caller, Thorny Eagle half-orc barbarian of the High Forest, Grenish Longhorn human hunter and Greenfield local, Wren forest gnome druid of the Circle of the Moon, Clairmont the unassuming human investigator, Torzael dragonborn monk acolyte of Bahamut and Chasm, tiefling warlock and sage from Luskan.
~~1489 Flamerule 28
For three days on the trail, there had been no game, traffic or trouble. Early in the evening, before the party set camp, wolves begun to howl. Later as the moon Selune rose with her tears, a pair of wolves walked up to the camp. Thorny was ready for battle. But the others bade him stand down.
Both the gnome druid Wren and the human ranger Grenish stepped forward in anticipation. Wren called for the wolves to come. They ignored the druid and approached Grenish. “They are my brother’s.” the ranger announced. There was a moment of silence between Grenish and the pair of wolves. The pack was on the hunt and wanted their brother to join them. Grenish would not, he was on a new hunt with a new pack. In recognition of Grenish’s decision, the wolves turned away from him. Grenish Longhorn watched as they disappeared into the night as tears ran down his cheeks. “The dream?” Grenish wondered softly to himself.
1489 Flamerule 29
The evening before midsummer’s eve Selune, the moon, rose full and magnificent followed by her tears. The heroes made camp in a cul-de-sac protected from the wind by a large rock outcrop. As Selune rose and before the sunset, a tower began to magically appear upon the rock outcrop. When the sunset finally diminished and Selune and her tears ruled the sky, the tower stood unquestionably. It was not their under the sun, but under the brilliance of the full moon the tower stood.
The young moon elf lord, Locke, asked Leosin about the tower, but the half-elf new nothing. Locke spoke, “The fey tell stories of the bewitched tower of midsummer’s eve. A tower inhabited by witches and hags that only appeared for a few nights during the full moon about midsummer’s eve.” The moon elf finished, “But I believed them only stories.” “Aye!” Agreed Grenish Longhorn a Greenfield local. “I’ve heard of the bewitched tower at midsummer’s eve. Full of beautiful maidens they say.” He continued.
Just then they all heard in a distance high above, a cackle, “Yehehehee!” A silhouette of a classic witch, pointy hat, long crooked nose upon a broom, flew across the brilliance of Selune and her tears. The party of heroes sat silent chilled by the ominous cackle and the sight of the flying witch. The heroes decided to pack up camp and ride through the night. Only Grenish voiced opposition, “But the maidens?”
As the party and Leosin rode away from the bewitched tower, a robed figure appeared upon the trail under Selune’s soft silvery glow. As they approached, the figure disrobed to reveal a beautiful naked maiden. The naked woman eyed the over sexed human Grenish Longhorn and seductively called, “Come and enjoy.” Grenish fell off his horse and onto his butt.
“Get on your horse Grenish.” Commanded the young elf noble Locke. Grenish shook his head and mounted his horse. The near naked maiden viciously mocked, “You useless eunuch!” the uber sexed Grenish withered in the saddle emotionally wounded. As the maiden’s demeanor grew ugly so did she, her nose grew long and crooked, her skin wrinkled and turned green, warts sprouted all over her body, her hair thinned.
Teras, half-elf bard retorted with his own vicious mockery, “Get out of here saggy ****.” The hag, her glamour gone, only hissed back, then retreated into the night and disappeared.
1489 Flamerule 30
Lead by Leosin the heroes rode throughout the night and into the next morning. They were guided by the divine glow above Elturel, like a star, that protected the fair city from undead. A score of knight’s, the Hellrider’s, greeted the large party of adventurers as they rode through the realm of Elturgard. The Hellrider’s were aware of raids to the south and on alert. After questions the Hellrider’s escorted the adventure party to Southport, across the Chionthar River from Elturel proper upon a bluff.
The gate officials identified the party as a company of adventurers and insisted they register as such. The party discussed a name for their company and settled on Locke’s Slayers after the young moon elf lord. Fees had to be paid, to register the company, enter the gates and cross the river on a ferry. Thorny chafed, “Cities are expensive.”
Leosin bid them to enjoy the fair city of Elturel. The city was alive the day before midsummer’s eve. The half-elf monk only requested that they join him the next day at the Black Antler Tavern, to meet his allies. To find an inn was difficult the night before midsummer’s eve, but they did and paid for premium rooms, the only ones available.
Much of Locke’s Slayer’s wealth was communally held. Their wealth was a combination of coins and bars of precious metals, hard to divide evenly. But registering as an official adventurer company sparked unity among them. They spent large amounts of their wealth on armor for Thorny and Hank. The half-orc barbarian found a breast plate and the gold dwarf Splint mail.
1489 Midsummer’s Eve
Elturel was filled to the brim with folk from the countryside. Good hard working folk, they had come to celebrate the holiday. Food carts, sweets peddlers, singers, dancers, shoppers, commoners and nobles moved about the city in a rare day of chaos and revelry in the usually ordered streets of Elturel.
It was late in the afternoon when Locke’s Slayers entered the Black Antlers Tavern, headquarters for the Order of the Gauntlet. The Order of the Gauntlet were dedicated to the fight against evil and injustice, many were followers of the god Torm. Already the Black Antler Tavern was raucous and laud. Leosin Erlanthar was already there and with a large bearded man, Ornthar Frume, Master of the Order of the Gauntlet.
After introductions, Ornthar bade Locke’s Slayers to eat and drink. There was roast mutton and pork, steamed greens and rice to eat. There was mead, wine, beer and strong spirits to drink. A belly full of food and drink loosened tongues and all began to talk story.
“So tell us your tale. Your encounter with the Cult of the Dragon.” Requested Ornthar. The half elf bard Teras stood and told their tale. The battle at Greenest with kobolds, cultists, drakes and a real dragon. The raider’s camp and rescue of villagers. The caverns and the dragon egg hatchery. Their victory over half-dragon Langdrossa Cyanwraith and priestess of Tiamat, Forlam Mondath. The battle with the monstrous roper. The loss of friends and allies.
As the evening lengthened, matches of arm wrestling began as drunk warriors of the order began to challenge one another. One challenged the gold dwarf Hank. The dwarf won easily. Soon the arm wrestling was usurped by full blown wrestling matches.
Ornthar asked Horny if he wrestled. The half orc eagle warrior smiled and answered with a challenge to the master of the Order. Ornthar agreed.
Teras stood, full of beer and wine and in his element. Teras the half-elf bard made his mark in Baldur’s Gate as a fight announcer. Teras begun, “On this side, the justice bringer Ornthar Frume, Master of the Order of the Gauntlet. Next to me, Eagle warrior of the High Forest, Slayer of the powerful high priestess of Forlam Mondath, Thorny Eagle. The crowd was pumped and roared in excitement as the two faced off.
Thorny quickly overpowered Frume and pinned him to the ground. The Black Antler fell silent. “Wow! Best two out three?” Offered Frume with some embarrassment. The Black Antler began to rumble in anticipation again. Thorny again quickly overpowered Frume and pinned him. Again the tavern fell silent. After he yielded, the Master of the Order rose from the ground and erupted in laughter. The Order followed suit and the entire tavern erupted with laughter. “Indeed you are mighty and a skilled wrestler. Damn glad to meet you Thorny Eagle.” Said the defeated Frume as he raised the half-orc’s hand in victory.
As the wrestling waned the Order celebrated the midsummer’s eve with more drink and bawdy songs of love making, drinking and fighting. It was at this late hour that Frume and Leosin invited Locke’s Slayers into a back room for a meeting.
As the Order continued to celebrate, those in the meeting all discussed the Cult of the Dragons past and present with scholars. In the past the Cult of the Dragon consisted of a small number of mages dedicated to reviving a long dead dragon empire. To this end they created powerful undead dragons, called draco-liches. They introduced the worship of Tiamat, which they never did before and recruited more widely. Often they recruited young wealthy nobles, convinced them to rob and murder their parents. They also begun to work with live dragons, which they never did before, to raid up and down the Sword Coast. The cult of the Dragon then represented a threat to Sword Coast if not all of Faerun. Leosin and Ornthar believed the cultist gathered treasure from the raids and moved it north. Where, they did not know. They wanted Locke’s Slayers to find out. Locke’s Slayers would meet up with the cultists treasure wagons at Baldur’s Gate, then follow them to their final destination. Both Ornthar and Leosin were sure the Slayers could reach Baldur’s gate before the cultists treasure wagon.
Finally Ornthar and Leosin invited each of Slayers to join their respective factions. Leosin represented the Harpers and Ornthar the Order of the Gauntlet. The Harper’s worked covertly for good and justice. The Order fought overtly against evil and injustice. Both Clairmont and Torzael joined the Harpers. Only Thorny Eagle joined the Order.
The next day Locke’s Slayers left Elturel on a river boat down the Chionthar River to Baldur’s Gate.
~~1489 Eleasis 3
asis 3For two days, Locke’s Slayers’ trip on the Chionthar River was uneventful. On their third day upon the river Thorny spotted a rare sight, a pair of giant eagles high in the sky. The eagle warrior was elated and begun a ritual to commune with his totem. The gnome druid Wren recognized the ritual and performed his own. Both Thorny and Wren called to the giant eagles. The giant eagles returned their call and swooped down from the sky. Both druid and eagle warrior danced and sung for the giant eagles and the deck of the river boat, as the giant eagles sung and danced in the sky above. It was a sight none on that boat would soon forget.
1489 Eleasis 6
Locke’s Slayers entered Baldur’s Gate and set up at the Slithering Eel Inn along the coast. Teras was home and stayed with his mother. There was much to do, Teras had some powerful enemies to be avoided. Hank needed to report to his superior Captain Karyn Ravenguard. They all needed to find the Cult of the Dragon. As a start they would need to contact Ackyn Selebom a caravan equipper in the Blackgate district, an acquaintance of Ornthar Frume.
|
| #8sirkaikillah11Mar 02, 2015 13:58:42 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 14; Episode 4 “On the Road”; 1489 Eleasis 6
On the sixth day of Selune diminished during Highsun in the year of Dragons’ Herald, the company of adventurers Locke’s Slayers, entered the city of Baldur’s Gate. Most of them took residence in the Slithering Eel Inn. Teras the half-elf went home to his parents’ house. Hank gold dwarf mercenary of the Flaming Fist took up residence in their commons barracks.
Moon elf noble Locke Lamar contacted Ackyn Selebom, as instructed by Onthar Frume. Selebom was a human equipper in the Black Gate district north of the city wall. Selebom equipped caravans headed north from Baldur’s Gate. “Onthar guessed you would beat them by a few days. Try more like a ten-day if not two or more.” Laughed Ackyn aloud. “You better settle in. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”
At first Locke stayed at the Slithering Eel, until his aunt Languisa Lamar insisted that he stay in her manor, “A Lamar shouldn’t stay in a place like that!” Lock Lamar cringed at his aunt’s high elf accent, “Fox you spoiled child.” The young moon elf grumbled, “Locke. My name is Locke.” “Yes, yes.” Scolded aunt Languisa, “Barely seventy seasons and you’ve taken an adult name, Locke. Come along child.”
For the rest of his time in Baldur’s Gate, Locke dutifully resided at his aunt’s luxurious manor as he sorted out his company, Locke’s Slayers’ business and his personal affairs. Aunt Languisa received the bones of Septemus, Locke’s former companion. Locke’s aunt requested he pay for the safe shipping of Septemus’ bones from Baldur’s Gate to the High Forest, 100 gold pieces.
Locke assured the use and residence of the Slithering Eel Inn for Locke’s Slayers. Also Hank the gold dwarf and Flaming Fist mercenary arranged for the elf noble to register Locke’s Slayers as a subsidiary of Flaming Fist, as all such companies do in Baldur’s Gate. After registration fees and rent for a ten day, the young noble Locke could not find the 100 gold pieces to send his cousin’s bones home to the High Forest.
Sergeant Hank of the Flaming Fist stood before Captain Kyra Ravengard, in her official garb as a captain of the Flaming Fist. Tank, was always the soldier in his new armor. Kyra broke protocol, smiled and hug the stout dwarf. Hank was a longtime family friend. The gold dwarf had been a loyal soldier of the Flaming Fist and Kyra’s father Lord Marshal Uldar Ravengard, Lord of Baldur’s Gate.
The gold dwarf reported his findings in Greenest. He reported the raid by the Cult of Dragons, his part in the destruction of their leaders and the dragon eggs. Hank reported the meeting with Onthar and Leosin and the plan to follow the cultists treasure wagon north. Hank then kept himself busy at the Flaming Fist’s Smithies. The gold dwarf returned to his roots and worked metal. To relax the industrious dwarf brewed beer. After a few days Kyra passed her father’s orders, continue the investigation of the Cult of Dragon and register Locke’s Slayers as a subsidiary of the Flaming Fist.
The unassuming human Clairmont kept a low profile. First he checked the offices of the Lord’s Alliance, where he received correspondence from his liege, Taern Hornblade. The observant Clairmont noticed the letters seal was opened. He realized someone had read the letter. His correspondence had been compromised, he must be careful.
Clairmont the human investigator sought clues of the Cult of Dragons in Baldur’s Gate. He did not go about and announce his intentions. He kept his mouth shut and eyes and ears open. Clairmont’s persistence paid off. He discovered a mark of Tiamat’s worship. Five claw slashes upon a sign for the Prancing Unicorn Tavern, within the inner walls of the city. Clairmont made sure to tell Locke about his suspicions of the Prancing Unicorn’s sign and connection to Tiamat.
The other human in Locke’s Slayers, Grenish Longhorn was less concerned about the cultists and more concerned about the vices of city life, specifically brothels. Grenish was raised by wolves in the Greenfields. It was the first time the young human hunter ever left his homelands. Grenish also had more coins than he ever thought possible. In the wilds of the Greenfields the young hunter saw no need for shiny little coins. But in the city, coins could buy time with the ladies. Grenish spent much of his coin on the ladies, tall, short, skinny and fat, there were such variety, so many. The young horny human explored them all with his carnal lust.
Wren the gnome druid also spent little if any time concerned with cultists or Locke’s Slayers’ business. Wren travelled to Nashkel Faire with Fluffy Bunny to enter his special herbs into a competition. That is how the gnome druid ended up in Greenest. Now he was a Locke’s Slayer in Baldur’s Gate with down time.
First the gnome made contact with local druids of the Circle of the Moon. He met a wereboar druid, Brom. After a discussion of what Wren knew about trouble with the Cult of Dragons, Brom gave the gnome a small wood talisman of a deer’s bust with an emerald set in it. Brom offered, “Supporters of the Emerald Enclave will recognize this token and may aid your cause.”
Wren spent most of his down time selling his wares in the lower ward. The nefarious gnome chose a spot to sell his herbs in front of the Burning Mermaid Tavern. This attracted attention. Two thugs approached Wren to stop and move on. Wren would not be intimidated and drew his scimitars. The three fought in the streets. The gnome druid led the two thugs into a back alley, then slew them.
“The imp murdered Carlos and Jon!” Screamed a witness who pointed at Wren in the alley. Wren began to run and hid in another dark alley. The gnome druid made sure no one would see and turned into an unassuming mouse. Across the street from the Slithering Eel Inn, the little mouse, Wren, made a dash for it. A group of drunken sailors exited the Inn. “Stomp the mouse.” The drunken sailors laughed as they spotted Wren. One was lucky and stomped poor little Wren. Almost instantly the little mouse exploded into a gnome under the foot of the drunk sailor. The sailors fled startled by the bewitched mouse turned into a gnome.
Much had changed for Thorny Eagle since he entered Greenest in search of his brother Fluffy Bunny. First he changed his name from Thorny Hare. The half-orc barbarian had a spiritual awakening as he watched his brother’s funeral pyre burn, the spirit of the eagle entered Thorny. In Erturel the half-orc joined the Order of the Gauntlet and purchased armor and a long-sword. Thorny once wore a loin cloth and wielded a great–axe. Later he wore a breast plate with the tabard of the Order of the Gauntlet and wielded a long-sword and shield.
Thorny Eagle in armor, sported the tabard of the Order of the Gauntlet through the streets of Baldur’s Gate, Thorny dutifully reported to the Gauntlets headquarters in the city. There the half-orc barbarian made friends with others of the order. Thorny volunteered for service, and posted as a guard and trained from time to time at the Gauntlet’ headquarters. When Locke vacated his room at the Slithering Eel, Thorny successfully billeted a member of the order in that room. Yet Thorny wanted some action and asked Teras to help him enter a wrestling match, as Teras was connected as a fight caller in Baldur’s Gate.
Teras the half-elf grew up in Baldur’s Gate. His human father Talos, was a porter in good with the guild. Teras’ mother was a humble elf Heowen. She worked as a maid for Lady Languisa Lamar cleaning the lady’s manor. Both were happy to see their son, but they worried about their son’s involvement in Baldur’s Gate’s fight tourneys.
Teras, half-elf bard, was a fight caller, for the tourneys in Baldur’s Gate. As such he would use his vaunted vocal talents and minor magic to add spice to the matches. Teras was formerly trained in the Mc Mahan’s College of Valor and Tourneys. The tourney matches were rarely if ever to the death, but dangerous none the less. Once he was asked by a noble, Sir Fister von Humperdink to cheat and help another combatant. Not only did Teras refuse but he called the noble out as a cheat in public.
Days after his return, Teras was served a notice for a duel with Sir Fister von Humperdink. Teras accepted but von Humperdink let it be known it would be on his terms when he decided.
Teras returned to the tourneys. He had set up a wrestling match for Thorny Eagle at a tourney held at the Prancing Unicorn Tavern. He would also call a later match that night, between armored knights. Clairmont and Locke were very interested in the tourney at the Prancing Unicorn Tavern.
The half-elf Ken Ryu was a wondering monk. He combined his natural talent for sorcerer with the discipline and training of a monk into a unique martial arts style. At that time he was a monk without a monastery. His monastery was recently destroyed by the Cult of the Dragon who stole a priceless artifact, a dragon mask. Ken Ryu vowed vengeance and to return the mask. While on the road, Ken Ryu met with an old friend, another wondering monk, Leosin Erlanthar. After an exchange of stories, Leosin sent Ken to join Locke’s Slayers in Baldur’s Gate. After a quick interview Locke greeted the half-elf monk, “Welcome to Locke’s Slayers. We have a meeting in two days here at the Slithering Eel. You can meet the others then.”
1489 Eleasis 16
Locke’s Slayers met at the Slithering Eel Inn a ten-day after their arrival at Baldur’s Gate. It was a dark moonless, foggy night. In attendance was Locke Lamar moon elf noble, Hank gold dwarf mercenary, Clairmont human investigator, Wren gnome druid, Thorny Eagle half-orc barbarian, Teras half-elf bard, Grenish Longhorn horny human hunter and Ken Ryu half-elf monk sorcerer.
Locke’s Slayers discussed the Cult of Dragons, Teras’ upcoming duel with Sir Fister von Humperdink, the Prancing Unicorn Tavern and a possible connection to Tiamat’s worship. Thorny volunteered to champion Teras in his duel. The half-elf wasn’t sure such a privilege extended to himself a commoner. They also decided the tourney both Thorny and Teras were to perform, was a great opportunity to investigate the Prancing Unicorn Tavern.
The evening grew late, Teras played a melancholy tune upon the flute that dreary night. All enjoyed one last glass of wine. Monsters, shark men with mouths full of sharp teeth, burst through kitchen on one side of the inn’s commons and burst through the latrine on the other side inn’s commons.
Sahuagin, shark men from the deep, often raided along the Sword Coast. Rarely did they raid Baldur’s Gate. But this dark moonless foggy night the sahuagin attacked. The Slithering Eel Inn stood upon stilts on the waterfront. The sahuagin entered the inn from underneath.
Eight sahuagin with spears and mouths full of sharp teeth attacked the Slithering Eel Inn that dark dreary moonless night. The sahuagin that burst into the Slithering Eel were no match for the Locke’s Slayers at the inn that night. The heroes heard screams from outside the Inn. There were more.
A pair of armored men burst through the front door of the inn, followed by a well-dressed noble. The noble exclaimed, “Those monsters are destroying my property!” He continued, “The sahuagin will not fight with out there leader. I offer this jewel for the Sahuagin’ leader’s head.” The noble pulled from his pocket a silver necklace with a jade pendant, worth at least two hundred and fifty gold pieces. All eyes flew to the necklace in the noble’s hand. Only Teras avoided the jewels and eyed the noble sternly, it was Sir Fister von Humperdink.
|
| #9sirkaikillah11Mar 02, 2015 14:41:21 | ~~Session 13 and 14 episode 4 “On the Road.”
I was looking forward to this episode. I viewed many of the encounters to be suggestions. But this episode was a great way to tour the Sword Coast. It was also the best place for a creative Dm to run some of his own encounters without changing the overall plot.
I made a random encounter table. Random encounters happen once a day with a roll of 12 on a d12
The wolf encounter was a random encounter. But at as long as they were in the Greenfields area it would be the wolves Grenish grew up with.
The bewithed tower at midsummers eve and the hag were planned encounters. I was inspired by the MM description of the hag. I put a lot of effort in this side track. But I decided the players could decide to pursue this encounter or not. They passed and were scared.
We enjoyed playing out the party with the Order of gauntlet. Most declined the offer to join a faction.
The giant eagle encounter was a random encounter. My players made it special by the way they chose to interact with the giant eagle.
Thorny Eagle has a Int 12 Wis 13 Chr 11. He is not stupid or a bore. Tom decided early on not to play thorny as the classic stupid half-orc. So it shows in his choices, totem warrior, armor and shield joining the Gauntlet. He also plays him smarter than your average half-orc.
I got more organized in session 14. I decided to do a 10 day turn. So I used playing cards to decide turn order ala Savage World. Each player took a turn describing what they would do in a 10 day. Also they each rolled a d12 for a random encounter. This lead to a lot of improvisation. All this improve leads to an encounter at the Prancing Unicorn, purely improve and by player Dm dialogue driven. some more dm work and customization for our campaign.
We ended session 14 with a battle at the Slithering Eel Inn, de facto Locke’s Slayers HQ. I always liked the sahuagin since 1e. So I introduced the sahuagin to our campaign as a side trek, one not easily avoided. I decided an appearance of von Humperdink, a foil for a pc Teras would be an interesting twist. They can decline to pursue this side trek further. They may just decide to attack von Humperdink. We shall see.
|
| #10sirkaikillah11Mar 13, 2015 15:24:16 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 15; Episode 4 “On the Road”; 1489 Eleasis 16
On the sixth day of Selune diminished in the month of Highsun during the year of Dragons’ Herald, in the foggy dark of a moonless night, eight sahuagin shark men with mouths full of teeth, attacked the Slithering Eel Inn, headquarters for Locke’s Slayers. The eight raiders from the deep sea were no match for them.
Screams from outside alerted the party to more trouble outside. A pair of guards burst through the door followed by a well-dressed noble, Sir Fister von Humperdink. “I offer this jewel to Locke’s Slayers for the head of the sahuagin baron!” Declared Sir Fister, as he held out a silver necklace inset with a large jade stone.
“We accept!” Locke Lamar, the young elf noble agreed, “Where is this baron?”
“On my property! My ship ‘Fister’s Flyer’!” the haughty noble replied.
Locke’s Slayers exited the Slithering Eel Inn into the cold foggy night. Fires burned a building a block away. Local knaves fought side by side Flaming Fist mercenaries and Red Stripe guards against the sahuagin raiders. Lanterns illuminated fuzzy balls of light in the fog along a nearby pier that led out to a ship, Fister’s Flyer, dimly lit by the same fuzzy balls of light. Men swung lifeless from the ship’s rigging. Sahuagin raiders ran upon the pier. A large four armed sahuagin stood upon the ship’s deck, roared and growled incomprehensible. A female sahuagin priestess stood next to the baron and spoke through a conch shell, “The Baron of the deep, calls Lord Marshal Uldar Ravengard to battle.”
Locke’s Slayers moved to take the pier, the ship and the sahuagin baron’s head. They attacked from the foggy dark and surprised the sahuagin baron and his entourage. Half-orc barbarian Thorny Eagle, gold dwarf mercenary Hank, and the sorcerous monk Ken Ryu rushed the pier. The anonymous human Clairmont and the gnome druid Wren followed closely behind. Clairmont, Locke Lamar the moon elf archer-mage and the human ranger Grenish Longhorn and the half-elf bard Teras loosed arrows that pierced the front row of sahuagin raiders on the pier and the priestess upon Fister’s ship.
Hank, Thorny and Ken advanced against the sahuagin raiders upon the pier. Ken Ryu vaulted over Thorny’s broad shoulders to flank a sahuagin and dropped the monster with a flurry of blows. Thorny raged and cut one sahuagin in half with his great-axe. Hammer, axe, fist, foot and spells cut the sahuagin raiders down.
Arrows from the longbows of Grenish and Locke dropped the sahuagin priestess into the dark churned water.
The sahuagin baron leapt from Fister’s Flyer, charged down the pier and launched a spear into Thorny’s thigh. Clairmont cleared off the pier to gain a bow shot around his allies at the sahuagin baron. Teras advanced on the pier and cast a cloud of daggers upon the four-armed baron that cut into its flesh.
The sahuagin baron moved out of the punishing cloud of daggers and jabbed Thorny in his left arm and shoulder with a trident. Teras reached the injured half-orc and cured his wounds with magic. Thorny raged and pushed the baron back into the cloud of daggers. Locke had enough and cast three magic missiles into the baron. The magic finished the sahuagin baron and he fell into the water. Locke called out, “We need his head.”
Wren, the gnome druid jumped into the dark water then exploded into a giant octopus. Almost immediately Wren was attacked by a quartet of sharks, allies of the sahuagin. Wren struck back against a hit and run shark. Then Wren the giant octopus grabbed the sahuagin baron out of the muck on the bottom. The giant octopus climbed back onto the pier with the sahuagin baron and his head.
Sir Fister von Humperdink his guards and his herald met with Locke’s Slayers in the fog, upon the boardwalk outside the Slithering Eel Inn. Fister handed the jewel over to a smiling Locke Lamar. The young von Humperdink looked over his saviors, Locke’s Slayer. He stopped in front of Teras and sneered.
“What, you cheat?” Taunted Teras the half-elf bard.
“Just can’t stop with the insults, you common ass.” Replied von Humperdink. “We will settle this the second day of Selune’s waxing with rapiers and bucklers. No armor. No magic.”
“You offered the challenge, I decide the means.” Declared Teras.
“I think not!” Retorted Sir Fister, “You have no such privilege. But I do. As a noble I could summon a champion. But I need not, I shall run you through myself.”
1489 Eleasis 18
Two days after the sahuagin raid Lord Marshal Uldar Ravengard invited Locke’s Slayers to the Marshal’s Palace for a dinner in their honor. Many nobles and important people were in attendance, including Locke’s aunt, Lady Languisa Lamar. Lady Languisa let it be known she was very proud of her young nephew.
Sir Fister von Humperdink son of Baron Hitler von Humperdink rewarded Locke’s Slayers with a valuable jewel for the slaying of the sahuagin baron. Politics being what it was in Baldur’s Gate, the Lord Marshal needed to be seen rewarding Locke’s Slayers in greater measure than the house of von Humperdink. To this end, Lord Marshal Ravengard rewarded the Slayers with an expensive silver chalice inset with seven moonstones.
1489 Eleasis 21
Teras half-elf bard, fight caller, had a bit of business the night before his duel with Fister von Humperdink. Teras was to call a tourney at the Prancing Unicorn Tavern. His friend the half-orc Thorny was slated to perform in an unarmed bout. As a headliner a pair of knights were to fight fully armed and armored. None of the bouts were to death, but a lot of entertaining violence was on tap for the evening.
Locke’s Slayers were interested in the Prancing Unicorn. Early after their arrival to Baldur’s Gate, the investigative human Clairmont found suspicious signs of Tiamat worship at the Prancing Unicorn, five claw marks across the taverns sign. This tourney was an opportunity for Locke’s Slayers to investigate a connection between the Prancing Unicorn Tavern and the Cult of the Dragon.
Like all events at the Prancing Unicorn Tavern that evening’s tourney was an expensive affair. It was five silver pieces for standing room in the back parlor. A gold piece would get a good seat near the tourney pit. But ten gold pieces would get a table seat on the balcony with dinner and a glass of wine.
Locke’s Slayers arrived as individuals and kept apart. The young noble moon elf Locke Lamar escaped a flower arrangement event that afternoon with his aunt. He impressed his aunt and her friends with his own arrangement of flowers. Locke took a reserved seat at a table on the balcony with his pet ferret, Wren in disguise. Clairmont also took a seat at a table on the balcony, but across from Locke. Hank the gold dwarf sergeant of the Flaming Fist took a seat near the pit. Grenish hesitated as he thought of the brothels, but spent five silvers to enter the Prancing Unicorn. There were many friendly women for the randy ranger in the inn, as long as he kept buying them wine. The clever Ken Ryu entered the kitchen as a wine server. Ken professionally executed his duty as a wine server. The Slayers who showed were in place.
The evening started with music from a quartet of singer musicians. The bands harmonic melodies were complementary to the dinner and wine. After dinner was served and people grew wrestles, Teras announced the first fight, “To my right, challenger, slayer of the sahuagin baron, the barbarian Thorny Eagle!” Teras paused for cheers and applause, then continued, “To my left, you know him well, undefeated in twelve unarmed bouts, the wily monk Jeet.” Cheers and applauses erupted throughout the Prancing Unicorn Inn.
Jeet did not look all that intimidating, small and skinny but he was undefeated in twelve bouts and favored two to one. Jeet moved with practiced precision and discipline. Jeet was a monk of the open palm and well versed in unarmed fighting and grappling. Thorny Eagle was intimidating, a large and muscular half-orc barbarian. Thorny was relatively unknown, but stories of his slaying of the sahuagin baron were fresh. Thorny relied on might, size and rage.
The fight went back and forth. Teras’ drums intensified the pauses and his calls intensified the action. Jeet moved quickly and landed many flurry of blows. The enraged Thorny shrugged the many blows off and retaliated with his own mighty strikes. Jeet showed off expert grappling technique. But the small wily human monk was no match for the mighty half-orc barbarian. Eventually Thorny’s rage overcame the expert techniques of Jeet. In an upset, Thorny won.
Clairmont paid little attention to the tourney fights below. The investigative human took in his surroundings. He noticed the mural on the walls about the tavern. Scenes of sprites, satyrs and faeries danced with unicorns in a magical forest. But dragons hidden ready to pounce lurked in the shadows of the mural. Clairmont also noticed the proprietor of the Prancing Unicorn, Lady Phillis was dressed in purple robes.
Locke and Wren, disguised as the elf noble’s pet ferret, also noticed Lady Phillis’ purple robe. Wren snuck off to get a better look. Eventually Wren ferretted his way into the Lady’s robes and nestled in her bosom. This caused a scene, Locke much embarrassment and Wren elated excitement.
Ken Ryu, the clever human moved about the kitchen, from the main parlor to the balcony, always the professional wine server. Eventually Ken found himself alone in the wine cellar. He noticed many feet walked through a pair of barrels in a corner. False barrels. After a quick examination Ken found a lever and opened a false door. Stairs led into the dark below. At the bottom of a door with a five headed dragon relief in iron and a huge pad lock upon it.
Ken returned to the balcony and poured Locke more wine and reported what he found below. Clairmont kept his distance and refused to recognize Locke or heed Ken’s report and join the two to investigate below the wine cellar. Locke had drawn too much attention for Clairmont.
Locke and Ken snuck into the wine cellar as the tourney continued above. They penetrated the false barrel door and descended the stairs to the locked door below. They both wondered if it the lock was trapped. Locke assured Ken it was not. Ken was prepared with thief’s tools and picket the heavy pad lock. It hissed a pale blue smoke into Ken’s face. The monk past out.
Locke made quite a seen as he dragged the young human wine server out of the wine cellar. It was late and the last bout was over. Bets were made and money traded hands. The Prancing Unicorn Tavern was a buzz as Locke’s Slayers made an exit.
1489 Eleasis 22
The sun hung high and the winds blew strong as Teras, half-elf bard walked the pier to Fister’s Flyer. Sir Fister von Humperdink waited upon his ship’s deck with a pair armored guards and his herald. There was also a cleric of Tyr, a judge flanked by a pair of knights from the Order of the Gauntlet. The young elf noble Locke Lamar followed his friend Teras, as did the gold dwarf mercenary Hank, the sorcerous monk Ken Ryu and the gnome druid Wren.
Clairmont found a corner on a back porch of the Slithering Eel Inn, over the water and within bow shot of Fister’s Flyer. Clairmont took a seat and sipped his tea. Grenish Longhorn took a seat on the porch as well, longbow and quiver within reach.
Teras and his attendants boarded Fister’s Flyer. Fister von Humperdink was warmed up, jabbed with his rapier and swung his buckler around. The judge nodded in greeting as did his knightly guards. The judge called the parties to order, “I Lord Priest Bender Hammerfell of the temple of Tyr will bear witness to a duel to settle a dispute between two individuals. Sir Fister von Humperdink son of Baron Hitler von Humperdink accuses Teras son of Talos of Baldur’s Gate, of slander.”
“He denounced me as a cheat and shows disrespect to a high noble of this city at every opportunity.” Declared Fister.
“You are a cheat, a liar and undeserving of noble respect.” Claimed Teras.
The two squared off, moved about the deck, exchanged thrusts and parries, both gauged one another’s prowess. As expected von Humperdink was well versed in dueling with rapiers. But Teras also showed familiarity with the rapier. As a bard of McMahon’s College of Valor and Tourneys, Teras was trained in weapons use especially the rapier. Teras son of Talos was also faster, more athletic than the pampered von Humperdink.
Just over thirty seconds and both combatants wore small cuts upon the arms and chest. Teras deeply pierced Fister’s left thigh with a quick and powerful low thrust. Teras then pushed Fister back with his buckler. The overwhelmed noble fell to the deck of his ship. Teras kicked Fister’s rapier out of his hand and away, then swiftly placed his rapier’s point at the defeated Fister’s neck.
“Mercy!” Grumbled Fister, “I yield! Mercy!”
Teras smiled. Then chuckled in relief, “What is your life worth?”
“Two hundred gold pieces! I offer two hundred gold!” Fister quickly offered.
“That all your life is worth?” Replied Teras, “Done! Your life for two hundred gold!”
“Then it is settled.” Commanded Lord Priest Hammerfell, “Teras son of Talos, by trial of duel, is exonerated of slander, disrespect of a noble and all other charges levied by sir Fister von Humperdink.” Hammerfell then attended to Fister’s wounds.
“Yeah! You are a liar dumb ass!” Taunted Teras as he pointed at the wounded Fister on the ground.
“I confess nothing!” Whimpered the deflated Fister.
“Yeah but I won!” Countered Teras with mirth.
One of the Order of the Gauntlets knights nodded and lectured, “You, Teras are exonerated of all charges, victor in trial by combat. But that does not prove Sir Fister guilty of anything. You could have leveraged a confession but chose to extort gold.”
The next day, Fister’s herald and two guards showed up at Teras’ parent’s house. The trio of von Humperdink servants presented Teras and his parents with four gold bars as payment. Teras signed a receipt for the gold and the three servants were off.
1489 Eleasis 24
Locke Lamar arranged for an audience with Lord Marshal Uldar Ravengard. Locke arrived with Hank sergeant of the Flaming fist and old friend of Uldar. Locke reported his suspicions of the proprietor of the Prancing Unicorn, Lady Phillis is a worshiper of Tiamat and a part of the Cult of the Dragon.
“I can’t move against Lady Phillis on your suspicions Sir Locke Lamar.” Baulked Lord Uldar.
Locke shrugged, “I’m just warning you she’s Cult of the Dragon.”
The young elf noble returned to his aunt’s manor unsatisfied. His aunt Lady Languisa Lamar called out, “Locke I have a guest.” Locke entered the parlor to greet his aunts guess, Lady Phillis stood proud and noble by a large window, splashed by soft afternoon light. “Ah greetings, I thought I recognized you at the tourney the other night at my place the Prancing Unicorn Inn.” Spoke Lady Phillis with a smile. Locke’s eyes widened and his mouth lied open and remained speechless.
|
| #11sirkaikillah11Mar 14, 2015 15:54:49 | ~~Dm notes session 15
Nothing in this or the last session was written in episode 4. 3 sessions into episode 4 and the campaign hasn’t left Baldur’s Gate. Except the encounter with the sahuagin, everything else was generated from player dm dialogue.
I introduced Fister von Humperdink during the sahuagin raid to the whole party, giving Teras a chance to interact with his nemesis in front of the other pcs. This makes von Humperdink more than an obscure npc from another pc’s background. Having Fister hire the pcs to kill the sahuagin baron gives him another dimension and makes him more than just a foil for one player.
Having the sahuagin baron call out Lord Marshal Uldar Ravengard was a way to give the pcs a taste of local politics. After the von Humperdinks rewarded the pcs for vanquishing the sahuagin baron, the Lord Marshal had to do better.
The encounter at the Prancing Unicorn Tavern came from one player’s assumption, the cult should have allies in Baldur’s Gate. So following the players lead in searching for signs of the cult I invented the prancing Unicorn and made it’s proprietor a cultist. The tourney part of the encounter comes from Teras’ background and Thorny asking if Teras can set up a wrestling match. Thorny wrestled Onthar in Erturel. Basically one player coming up with an idea from another’s background. Lady Phillis and the Prancing Unicorn were designed so the investigative pcs had something to investigate. For me it also filled a little gap, not mentioned in episode 4, does the cult have aid in Baldur’s Gate? The answer is yes, of course.
So developing Lady Phillis I decided she would be a wearer of purple. The cult in Baldur’s Gate is less about bringing about the will of cult leaders and more a way for young defiant nobles in Baldur’s Gate to play naughty. Hence Lady Phillis has a “secret” shrine for Tiamat under the Prancing Unicorn. Phillis knows nothing of the cults plans. She is happy playing secret cultist and no ambition within the cult. She provides material assistance and aid for cult members and asks no questions. Lady Phillis is wealthy and politically connected. At this time Uldar would do nothing to her. Even if it were proven she worshipped Tiamat. At this time that is not a crime in Baldur’s Gate. Although as the cultists plans come to fruition and the Sword Coast organizes against the cult that should change. But for now Lady Phillis is above reproach.
The duel was an encounter fully developed from a pc’s background and player dm dialogue. My thoughts that Baldur’s Gate being a city of mercenaries, ruled by mercenaries, they would give everyman a chance to duel in a dispute of honor or anything else. So a noble dueling a commoner would be unheard of elsewhere but not in Baldur’s Gate.
If Teras dropped Fister to 0 hp, I would set it up so he could show mercy. Although Fister would show no mercy if it went the other way. So Teras won, and he extorted Fister for 200 gp. If you thought that would be it wrong. I think all the von Humperdinks will want to do Teras in now.
So why should I go through all this work that doesn’t advance the campaign. Because I’m hoping to immerse the players in the Forgotten Realm. I can rush through the adventure book or take my time to immerse the pcs into the campaign and setting. Making these custom encounters based off pc background or player Dm dialogue through role playing, really goes a long way in getting the players immersed. 15 sessions in and the players are now thinking about interacting with different npc to achieve their goals and exploring the campaign on their own terms. Instead of letting me as Dm lead them along. It take time and work by all to get this way. But in my opinion well worth it.
|
| #12sirkaikillah11Mar 22, 2015 15:04:27 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 16; Episode 4 “On the Road”; 1489 Eleasis 24
Locke Lamar met with Lord Marshal Uldar Ravengard and told the Lord Marshal about his suspicions of Lady Phillis, the proprietor of the Prancing Unicorn Tavern being a member of the Cult of the Dragon. Uldar seemed unconvinced Phillis posed a threat to Baldur’s Gate. The young elf noble returned to his aunt’s manor unsatisfied.
His aunt Lady Languisa called out, “Locke I have a guest.” The young moon elf noble entered the parlor to greet his aunt’s guess. Lady Phillis stood proud and elegant by a large window, splashed by soft afternoon light. “Ah greetings. I thought I recognized you at the tourney the other night at my place the Prancing Unicorn Inn.” Spoke Lady Phillis with a smile. Locke’s eyes widened and his mouth lied open and remained speechless.
“Cat caught your tongue boy?” Taunted Lady Phillis as she smiled. “So what were you doing in the wine cellar with my wine servant?”
“Ah. You can guess, this and that.” Replied Locke with a wry smile.
“What did you see down there?” Followed Lady Phillis.
“Ah, not much. He was a server with a small spout, not much to see.” Joked Locke.
There was an uncomfortable silence where Locke smirked. Upset Lady Phillis spoke, “I see. Well then you are banned from my establishment. I don’t need disrespectful sneaks in my place.” She then curtly got up, bid Lady Languisa farewell and left. For a moment Lady Languisa silently scolded Locke with her deep piercing eyes. Locke continued to smirk. “You are such an embarrassment for me.” Recounted Lady Languisa as she bitterly left Locke alone in the parlor.
1489 Eleasis 26
Ackyn Selebon contacted Locke Lamar to let him know he thought the cultists wagons had arrived and would be heading north in a few short days. “As soon as I can arrange it.” Assured Ackyn. He then worked with Locke’s Slayers to find them positions within the caravan. Some of them were contacted by local associates, with jobs and duties on the road to Waterdeep.
Locke would escort his deceased cousin Septemus’ bones to Waterdeep. Hopefully he could find a family member to take Septemus the rest of the way home in the High Forest. The young noble moon elf bought a riding horse for himself and a draft horse with a cart for Septemus’ bones. Locke then convinced the gnome druid Wren to drive the cart, saving money on a teamster.
Locke also purchased a horse for Grenish Longhorn. The human outlander would hire on with caravan master Axes as a ranger. A horse would be required to scout ahead and around the caravan.
The half-elf bard Teras’ reputation had risen among his colleagues in McMahon’s College of Valor and Tourneys, especially the college’s master, Vince McMahon. “I plan to expand Teras. I want a McMahon’s College of Valor and Tourneys in Waterdeep. You friend, will be my agent, pave the way for our style of tourneys in Waterdeep. Are you with me?” Offered Vince McMahon.
“I’m your man.” Answered Teras.
“OK my friend. You’ll need a horse. I’ll give you one of mine.” Vince agreed as the two shook hands. “I’ll need two.” Added Teras, “Sell me a second for a good price.” Vince laughed, “Done.”
The half-orc barbarian Thorny Eagle was a member of the Order of the Gauntlet. Thorny’s reputation also grew swift within the Gauntlet. He had bested Onthar Frume in wrestling, defeated the undefeated Jeet in an unarmed bout and slayed the sahuagin baron.
Many of the Gauntlet were worshippers of Tyr god of justice. Sir Wilfred Bolten priest of Tyr was to go press the Gauntlets influence on the temple of Tyr in Waterdeep. Sir Bolten acquired Thorny as his personal bodyguard. Thorny was in charge of security for the priest and his family on the journey. Thorny was given a horse and charge of an attachment of three guards.
Sergeant of the Flaming Fist, gold dwarf Hank was a trusted friend of Lord Marshal Uldar Ravengard. Sergeant Hank was given charge of delivering a secret cargo to fellow Flaming Fists in Waterdeep. Four guards accompanied Hank and the Flaming Fists’ wagon.
Clairmont, the unassuming human wanted to maintain anonymity and distance from his compatriots Locke’s Slayers. Clairmont would become a lone traveler on foot.
Torzael, dragonborn monk devotee of Bahamut, had spent much of his time in Baldur’s Gate meditating at a small shrine dedicated to Bahamut. His meditation and tasks at the shrine kept him away from much of the doings of Locke’s Slayers in Baldur’s Gate. But as the Slayers moved out Torzael went with them. The dragonborn rode upon one of Teras’ horses as a lone wondering monk.
1489 Elient 1
On the first day of Selune’s waning during the month of the Fading in the year of Dragons’ Herald the last great caravan of the summer left Baldur’s Gate north to Waterdeep. The caravan was led by the renowned caravan master Axes. A middle aged human with over twenty years of experience on the roads of the Sword Coast. Locke’s Slayers hoped to travel unnoticed to tail the suspected members of the Cult of the Dragon, who were moving stolen treasure from the Greenfields north. Where? Why? Locke’s Slayer’s wanted to find out.
The Coast Way followed Ogma’s Ditch north then northwest for nearly fifty miles until Dragon’s Roost. Ogma’s Ditch was far more than a ditch, it was a spectacular feat of engineering, an aqueduct eighty six miles long. Completed twenty years ago, Ogma’s Ditch took the priests of Ogma and dedicated followers a decade to complete. Ogma’s Ditch moved water uphill over two ridges and valleys and brought fresh spring water to Baldur’s Gate.
Dragon’s Roost was a rock outcropping and longtime landmark along the Coast Way. Ages ago an Inn was built at its base. The Dragon’s Roost Inn has seen many proprietors and has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times. The priests of Ogma built Ogma’s Ditch over the Dragon’s Roost and used the rock outcropping as a base for a water tower, key to moving the water uphill and over the next ridge.
1489 Elient 4
Three days out of Baldur’s Gate and the caravan approached Dragon’s Roost late in the day. Locke’s Slayers tended to travel near one another and the front. On this day caravan master Axes put Grenish Longhorn in the lead as he and others scouted about.
A few miles from Dragon’s Roost and smoke could be seen rising from the Inn at the base of the rock outcrop below the aqueduct called Ogma’s Ditch. The Inn was in ruins. Grenish Longhorn was the first to spot it.
It dove out of the afternoon sun at the lead of the caravan. A monster the size of a wagon that flew upon massive wings. It had three heads one of a dragon, one of a lion and one of a goat, it was a chimera.
Grenish alerted the others and launched an arrow into the monster before it was upon them. Hank ordered his guards and wagon to turn and flee as he took a positon between his charge and the monster. Thorny leapt from his horse, ordered Sir Bolten to seek cover under the wagon while the guards protected him. The half-orc barbarian raged and rushed toward the diving monster and threw a javelin that bit deep into the chimera.
The chimera flight leveled just above a high swung great-axe then it released a gout of fire upon Thorny. The half-orc barbarian swiftness saved him from the worst of the chimera’s fiery breath. The monster continued to fly down the caravan line ready to wreak havoc.
Fear gripped the horses as riders struggled to maintain control. Dragonborn Torzael abandoned his horse and closed with the monster. Torzael, disciple of the elements, gathered his ki then released a fist of unbroken air that dropped the flying beast to the ground.
Wren also abandoned his cart and closed on foot. The forest gnome druid waved a fetish of wood, bone and feathers about and uttered a druidic chant. The weeds and short grass about the grounded chimera, grew long and thick like cables and entangled the beast. The chimera was now restrained, prone on the ground.
Moon elf archer-mage, Locke shot the monster with arrows as it flew, then launched magic missiles while it was upon the ground.
Teras struggled with his horse then also dismounted. The half-elf bard cast a cloud of daggers on the grounded chimera.
The mighty gold dwarf, for reasons obvious to himself, made sure his wagon moved away from the fire breathing chimera before he turned and engaged. The dwarf first shot at the flying beast with a crossbow. Then as the chimera was grounded Hank closed with his warhammer and smashed the downed beast.
Thorny half-orc scorched and enraged closed with the grounded chimera. A few mighty blows with his great-axe and the creature was laid open and died. Its flesh quickly rotted and turned to black goo as the bones petrified hard as stone.
Clairmont weary of another attacker searched the flanks and skies. The very aware human noticed a number, a large number of supposed lone travelers moved to defend the suspected cultists’ wagons. He also noticed a large nest of branches and bones above the ruined inn, upon Dragon’s Roost below the aqueduct called Ogma’s Ditch. The chimera’s lair.
The monster had burned and eaten everything that moved, the occupants of the inn were gone. The chimera’s draconic nature, drove the beast to horde treasure. It looted the inn and horded its’ treasure.
Locke’s Slayers climbed Dragon’s Roost to the chimera’s nest. The rest of the caravan helped themselves to the inn’s untouched stores of beer, ale and wine. Locke’s Slayers found barrels of copper and silver coins and a small chest of gold pieces. There were over a dozen platinum coins and near a dozen precious stones in a pile in the nest and a clearly labeled potion of climbing. The Slayers returned to the caravan camp by the ruined inn. Murmurs and rumors about Locke’s Slayers rushed about the camp that night. Rumors fueled by free beer, ale and wine?” Locke’s Slayers reputation grew with stories of slaying the sahuagin baron and the chimera and mystery. “Who were they?” “Where did they come from?” “What were they really up too?”
|
| #13sirkaikillah11Mar 22, 2015 15:43:04 | ~~Dm notes session 16 episode 4 “On the Road.”
Much of this session was discussing the roles each player would have in the caravan on the road. Instead of rolling random jobs with nondescript npcs. I decided to customize things, working with pc backgrounds and current situation. The customize approach takes into account players contribution to the game’s hopefully further immersing the players in the campaign. The players are far more conscious of what they are guarding than if it was some nondescript npc.
Dragon’s Roost with the aqueduct atop and the Inn below came out of my imagination and watching a show about roman engineering. I really wish I could draw the picture I see in my head. So I just guessed what would happen if a monster like a chimera took up residents in Dragon’s Roost.
The chimera was not the threat it looked on paper. The way things played out, only reinforces my opinion, that in 5e combat unlucky die rolls can be detrimental. I had a string of bad roles, while my players had a string of very good rolls. In short they took out the chimera in short order.
The players decided to stick together on the road. Locke Lamar has not been shy about spreading the Locke Slayers reputation. They have not been low key, except Clairmont, who has kept his distance and tries hard to keep his distance and anonymity. It should get real interesting on the road as Locke’s Slayers draw more attention and the cultists start to notice.
|
| #14sirkaikillah11Mar 31, 2015 15:04:30 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 17; Episode 4 “On the Road”; 1489 Elient 5
The caravan led by the renowned caravan master Axes, spent the night camped outside the ruins of Dragon Roost Inn. The Inn was destroyed by a chimera an unfathomable monster with three heads; a dragon, a lion and a goat. Locke’s Slayers slew the chimera the day before and claimed its’ treasure. The rest of the caravan claimed the ruined inn’s stores of beer, ale and wine.
Late in the morning, as the late summer sun began to heat the yellow dry grasses and the dry dusty ground, the caravan came upon an unusual site. A man buried to his neck along the side of the road. A wood plank read, “Oath breaker” was stuck in the ground next to the sad man’s dusty head. Most of the caravan uncaring, passed him by.
Half-elf Teras stopped and dismounted his horse and kneeled before the man buried next to the road.
“Phsst! Please water?” Hissed dryly the buried man face in the dust.
Locke rode up on his horse while Clairmont on foot walked up to Teras and the poor buried fellow. Teras pulled out a water skin and poured the man a drink.
“Thank you sir. Oh thank you!” Spoke hoarsely the buried man. “Please? Please get me out?” Continued the buried man.
“What’s with the sign? Oath breaker?” Asked Locke Lamar from upon his horse.
“A miss understanding” Replied the buried fella.
Locke and Clairmont rolled their eyes. But compassion overcame Teras and the half-elf dug him out. “Thank you kind sir. I am your servant, Carol Amoffel. Your name lord?” Offered Carol.
The half-elf bard simply relied, “Teras.”
“What’s the story?” Interrupted Locke.
“Aye ‘oath breaker’. I was tracking smugglers from the south. They found me out and convinced the other merchants, honest if not gullible merchants, to bury me as a spy for bandits.” Said Carol.
Clairmont nor Teras could tell if the man was lying. “Any funny business and I’ll kill yah.” Threatened Teras.
“No funny business, sir. I’ll leave the jokes to the bards.” Smiled the thankful Carol, “I can repay, I know people.”
1489 Elient 6
Axes caravan moved north by northwest briskly through the Fields of the Dead upon the Coast Way, north of Baldur’s gate. They were a few days from the Trollclaw hills. That early morning was cool, the sky was dark the summer was fading. The Coast Way ducked behind a ridge into a low flat area. Lock’s Slayers were in the rear of the caravan that day.
A saddled horse with no rider bolted from the west over the ridge toward the Locke’s Slayers. Grenish recognized the horses as one of Axes’ rangers. Thorny turned his horse toward the ridge ready to charge.
A troll crested the ridge swung a human body about and spit its’ head out and roared. The troll swiftly charged the Locke’s Slayers in the caravan line.
Thorny, half-orc barbarian dismounted, raged and charged the monster with sword and shield. Hank dwarf mercenary insured his charge put some distance between their wagon and the battle then turned and engaged the troll. Teras held his ground and their new friend Carol Amoffel “oath breaker” screamed in horror.
Clairmont, Grenish and Locke shot arrows at the troll. The sorcerous monk Ken Ryu launched a fire bolt. The wily gnome druid Wren leapt from his cart and summoned a flaming sphere. Wren chased the troll with a ball fire.
Many wounds regenerated on the troll. But the fire cauterized many other wounds that remained on the troll. The troll fought ferociously while trying to avoid Wren’s flaming sphere. But Wren was relentless. Ken Ryu then cast a spell, “Harruken!” An orb of prismatic scintillating light streaked from Ken and exploded into fire upon the troll.
Hank slammed his warhammer into the troll’s groin and goaded, “Come on ugly.” On fire the troll focused on the gold dwarf. Thorny struck with sword and Teras struck with rapier. But his rapier could not penetrate the troll’s thick hide and snapped. The half-elf swore, “Gods damn it!”
The troll was mad, berserk and fought on. Arrows, hammer, sword and spell wounded the troll. But the relentless Wren, drove his flaming sphere up the trolls arse, insuring it would not rise again.
As the caravan moved north through the Field of Dead and into the Trollclaw hills Locke’s Slayers stayed together and were adept at fighting monsters. Others took notice. A lone traveler, Eddy Torres, in a black cloak on horse attempted to make friends with Teras, Locke and Clairmont, but was rudely rebuffed. Clairmont and Wren noticed Eddy wore Cult of Dragon regalia under his cloak. Clairmont also noticed Eddy was friendly with other suspected cultists.
1489 Elient 12
Twelve days out of Baldur’s Gate, the renowned caravan master Axes moved the last great caravan north to Waterdeep before winter through the Trollclaw hills. Teras found a ranger willing to sell him a replacement rapier on the road. Eddy Torres continued to try and get to know Locke’s Slayers without much luck. For the most part the Slayers kept to themselves and their associates. That morning Grenish led the caravan with Locke’s Slayers close behind.
Two manticores roared out of the morning sun. Creatures with the head of a human, body of a lion that flew upon mighty wings. The manticores shot iron spikes from their tails at the caravan as they closed from the sky.
Locke, Grenish, Teras and Ken shot back with arrows and spell. Thorny ordered Sir Bolten and his family to flee with one of his guards. The half-orc then took the rest of the guards and rushed the flying manticores. Hank ordered his charge and guards to flee, while the gold dwarf mercenary turned to face the flying threat.
The duo of manticore hunters descended from the sky upon their intended pray. One dove upon Thorny, the other dove upon Hank. Thorny, half-orc barbarian raged, dropped his great-axe and leapt into the air as the monster flew by and attacked with claws and teeth. Thorny grappled the flying monster in the air and wrestled it to the ground. Hank stood his ground as the other manticore dove upon him. The beast reached out with claws and jaw that were unable to find purchase on the well armored gold dwarf. Hank swung over head with his warhammer as he leapt upon short legs to meet the flying monster. Hanks warhammer smashed the manticore on the nose. The dwarf’s mighty swing swiftly brought his shield around with momentum and he smashed the shield upon manticores head and dropped the flying monster out of the air prone upon the ground. The gnome druid Wren cast entangle spell. Grasses grew thick as steel cables andwrapped around the grounded manticore.
The mighty Thorny kept the creature upon the ground in a grapple as his guards attacked with swords and his Slayer allies attacked with arrows and spells. Entangled grasses kept the other manticore on the ground as Hank hammered away. Again Locke’s Slayers defeated monsters upon the road. Their reputation grew among the caravan. The renowned caravan master Axes thanked them again. Others grew weary of the Slayers prowess and real intentions.
That afternoon in the highlands of the Trollclaw hills the sky grew dark and grey. The caravan still led by the ranger Grenish and Locke’s Slayer came upon an ancient stone bridge that crossed a rocky and steep stream gorge. Two ogres crawled out from under the bridge and cried, “Pay the toll to the troll!” Teras looked around and asked, “What troll?” He was answered by a frightening roar from under the bridge.
|
| #15sirkaikillah11Apr 04, 2015 14:20:01 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 18; Episode 4 “On the Road”; 1489 Elient 12
Early in the morning two manticores attacked Locke Slayer’s at the lead of the caravan headed north from Baldur’s Gate. The Slayers again showed their prowess at killing monsters.
That afternoon in the highlands of the Trollclaw hills the sky grew dark and grey. The caravan still led by the ranger Grenish and Locke’s Slayer came upon an ancient stone bridge that crossed a rocky and steep stream gorge. Two ogres crawled out from under the bridge and cried, “Pay the toll to the troll!” Teras looked around and asked, “What troll?” He was answered by a frightening roar from under the bridge.
“Pay the toll to the troll!” Repeated two ogres as they emerged.
“What is the toll?” Asked Locke, the young noble moon elf.
“I smell elf!” Roared a guttural voice from under the bridge. “Give me the elf, will start there.” Continued from under the bridge.
Grenish in the lead, shot an arrow into one of the ogres. Both of them rushed the human ranger. Grenish released another arrow into the ogre he just shot, then whispered in the ear of his horse and stroked its neck. The horse remained calm as the pair of ogres advanced. The ogres swung tree trunk sized clubs at Grenish’s head. The first missed but the second one connected and nearly knocked the ranger from his horse. Grenish Longhorn kept his mount calm and retreated.
Sergeant Hank of the Flaming Fist directed his charge with practiced ease to retreat as Hank advanced upon the pair of ogres that attacked Grenish. The gold dwarf mercenary swung his warhammer low and connected with an ogre’s ankle. Hank jumped backed then leapt forward and smashed his shield into the ogres chin and launched the large monster onto its’ back.
Half-orc, Order of the Gauntlet associate, Thorny dismounted and ordered his charge to retreat as well then advanced with two of his guards, Frits and Franz. The Gauntlet’s guards shot with crossbows at the standing ogre as Thorny finished the downed ogre.
A troll emerged from the gorge under the stone bridge and sniffed the air and roared, “Wodee woyee! Give me the elf!” The mad troll avoided all other threats and charged the moon elf noble Locke Lamar.
The moon elf archer-mage and the others of Locke’s Slayers dismounted and advanced to fight. The sorcerous monk Ken Ryu threw fire bolts. The wily forest gnome Wren conjured a flaming sphere and rolled the ball of fire into the troll’s knees. Dragonborn acolyte of Bahamut, Torzael conjured sacred flames at the troll. Chasm, tiefling warlock showed up for the fight and cast a witch-bolt.
Thorny and Hank turned their attention to the troll. The half-orc barbarian raged on and struck with a great-axe. Hank tripped up the troll with his warhammer then flattened it with a shield to its chin. Fire bolts and a flaming sphere cauterized the troll’s wounds.
The second ogre rushed Grenish Longhorn upon his horse. Arrows and bolts pin cushioned the poor ogre. Frits and Franz showed their mettle as they shot crossbow bolts into the oncoming ogre and dropped it.
The troll remained unconcerned about its attackers and focused on getting an elf. The troll crawled to its feet and dashed toward Locke Lamar. The creature outpaced Wren’s flaming sphere. The gnome cursed then conjured a small flame and threw it at the troll and burned its face. Locke ran up to the troll as he yelled, “You want me? Here!” The moon elf archer-mage placed his thumbs together and spread his fingers. Jets of flame fanned out from his fingers into the eyes and face of the advancing troll. The troll roared in pain, frustration and anger, it stepped toward Locke and reached out with its razor sharp claws, “Elf!”
“Thunk!”
The troll fell immobile. Frits had shot a bolt into the back of the monsters neck and into its head. Wren finished the fell troll and burned it with his relentless flaming sphere.
The caravan master Axes, again, road up after Locke’s Slayers had vanquished yet another threat. Killing monsters on the road. Relieved and surprised Axes called for the caravan to stop for a short rest. As Locke’s Slayers again claim wealth of fallen monsters. Mounds of copper and silver coins, piles of gold and a hands full of platinum coins and precious stones and gems.
Locke’s Slayers were very adept at killing monsters. Their wealth and reputation grew on the road. The Slayers camped, traveled and kept to themselves. Others took notice.
1489 Elient 15
“Darius von Humperdink, my name master dwarf. Yours sir?” Asked a wealthy looking man in breast plate. He rode with an armored knight and a mystical type in ropes, presumed a mage.
“Von Humperdink?” Interrupted Teras.
“Yes that von Humperdink. I am Darius von Humperdink son of Baron Hitler von Humperdink.” Reiterated the dandy noble.
“You know Fister von Humperdink?” Continued the half-elf.
“Yes my useless foppish brother. What of him?” Darius looked the half-elf up and down searching for intent. “Ah the half-elf Teras. You are the one who gave my twit of a brother a good beating. Excellent!” Laughed Darius. The noble turned his attention to Hank.
“That jewel the periapt at your chest. It is exquisite. Fifteen hundred gold pieces for that periapt?” Offered Darius.
“No! I earned it in battle it is not for sale!” Barked Hank as he pulled his cloak over his chest and the jewel Darius desired.
“Oh! Well that’s a shame.” Said Darius.
Selune was completely diminished, there was no moon that night. Late in the pitch dark of a moonless night Hank gold dwarf mercenary slept, confident his guards were on duty. A small cold hand reached into his bedroll. The veteran dwarf woke immediately. A human child stared back at him. Startled the child sprung away. Hank reached out to grab the little crook. But the thief slipped his grasp and dashed into the dark. On instinct Hank reached for his crossbow and shot a bolt at the culprit. The dwarfs aim was true and the child fell dead, bolt to the back of the head.
“What’s going on?” whispered Locke, roused from his elf meditation. Hank wrapped the dead child in his bedroll. The dwarf looked up at Locke bewildered and upset, angry.
Another voice, “Hey what’s up?” Eddy suspected cultist walked up with a lantern. Both elf and dwarf starred into the light like startled deer. Eddy noticed the bloody bed roll. “What going on here guys?” Both Hank and Locke looked startled as if they got caught. Locke reached for his blade. Eddy stepped back concerned at what happened and for his life. “Axes!” Eddy screamed as he ran off into the dark.
Caravan master Axes showed up with another one of his rangers and Eddy. Locke remained exasperated. What Hank did Locke did not know, but he was sure it wasn’t good. Hank scolded and rolled out the bed roll and the dead child.
Hank burst, “I killed him. He’s a thief and my honor.”
Axes sadly cried, “But a child.”
Hank angrily scolded, “It is about my honor he was a thief and tried to rob me.”
Wren and Grenish followed the boy’s track back to his father’s wagon. Oyn Evenmor was a gruff merchant moving rare exotic birds north for a “great” profit. Oyn was a widower and lost his wife a year ago. It was Oyn and his son Noa. Oyn returned with his two guards and a lantern. “Ohh! Noo! My boy Noa!” Cried Oyn.
Locke offered to pay for a raise dead spell to bring back the child. Such miracles were beyond the simple Oyn’s experience. He cried and would have to see such a miracle to believe the gods would bring his child back from death. Hank roared about his honor and thieves.
Sir Bolten priest of Tyr interviewed Oyn and declared, “He is an honest man. He knows nothing about any theft.”
Wren cursed, “Argh! Someone is setting us up!” The gnome eyed Eddy and Oyn.
“Maybe it is just a boy being boy.” Mused thoughtfully the half-orc Thorny.
The gold dwarf full of emotion roared, “Justice! My honor! There is a plot to rob me! Honor!”
Axes felt Hank’s action beyond the pale and wanted the dwarf banished from his caravan. Oyn wanted justice and Hank’s head, but his guards shriveled before the idea of confronting Locke’s Slayers. Locke reached for his sword and spoke clearly, “Both are unacceptable.”
“You and I, dwarf! A duel. I’ll have your head and we will be done with this.” Spat Axes the human caravan master. Locke shook his head, but Hank jumped in front of the moon elf fuming. “I accept! I’ll have my honor. I will start by cutting you down human!”
Sir Bolten Priest of Tyr declared, “Trial by combat!”
Hank gold dwarf mercenary hopped in anger and anticipation. Axes moved to circle the dwarf. Hank charged the human. Hank swung low and tripped Axes up and off his feet. Like lightening the gold dwarf swung his shield high overhead and slammed the human in the face. Axes fell flat, hard on his back.
The dwarf was relentless and smacked his warhammer into Axes stomach as the caravan master tried to rise. Axes fell to the ground again. Axes was known as an exceptional warrior but Hank was at a different level. Hank humiliated the caravan master. The dwarf realized he outclassed the human and knocked Axes unconscious. Hank spared his life. “I did this for my honor. I did not want to kill anyone!” Declared the victorious dwarf.
“Yes spare his life. If you kill him it would the death of us all” Announced Leda, one of Axes rangers.
“Yeah! I know this. That is why I spared his life.” Replied Hank, “I’m an honorable dwarf.” Hank retired to his wagon. Many others had come out to see the commotion. That night rumors and stories flew through the caravan. Clairmont had caught Eddy before he retired, “Well played.” Eddy smirked then retreated into the night.
1489 Elient 20
The last few days on the road had been tense but uneventful. Some had sided with Axes and wished Hank was banished. Some thought Hank should pay with his own life. Others sided with dwarf, they felt he was justified in killing a thief. They believed thieves still plotted to rob others in the caravan as they tried to do to Hank. Axes brooded, kept to himself and talked only to his rangers. He gave Grenish Longhorn hired as a ranger, the cold shoulder. Grenish was known as one of Locke’s Slayers.
Paranoia motivated some of the Slayers to spy upon the others on the caravan. They kept particular attention on suspected cultists. Chasm, the tiefling warlock, kept her distance from the rest of the Locke Slayers and to herself. After Hank’s duel with Axes, Chasm took to a disguise. She time from time with a spell disguised herself as Jan one of the suspected Cult of the Dragon. Wren took the form of a mouse and sneaked into the cultists’ camp at night. They confirmed their suspicions of Eddy’s connection to the cultist.
The caravan closed upon a crossroads where the Coast Way and the Trade Way merged. The long standing inn at the crossroads was a ruin. A lone rider with a white flag waited for the caravan before the ruined inn.
“Greeting weary travelers.” Called the rider. He continued, “The Crossroads Inn is no more. Fear not a new Inn, The Gate House is now open for travelers like yourself. If you would follow me now to Dragonspear Castle.”
Grenish looked to the brooding caravan master. “I’m gettin’ a bath and bed” Mumbled Axes and rode after the rider with the white flag.
The Crossroads Inn was burned down but some entrepreneur had turned the gatehouse of a nearby ruined castle into a new inn. The caravan had been on the road for twenty days. The last few days had been intense, events had divided the caravan. Some doubted Axes capabilities. Others were weary of Locke’s Slayers prowess and Hank’s killing of a child.
Eddy rode up to Clairmont as he walked to the Gate House and whispered, “I remember you, crucified in the Greenfields.” Clairmont’s blood ran cold. He had been made. Clairmont walked coldly forward and ignored Eddy.
|
| #16sirkaikillah11Apr 19, 2015 11:56:39 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 19; Episode 4 “On the Road”; 1489 Elient 20
Locke’s Slayers with Axes’ caravan settled in for the evening at the new Gatehouse Inn on the edge of Dragonspear Castle ruins. Locke’s Slayers, the suspected cultists and the wealthier caravan members paid for rooms and billeting for their animals and wagons within the inn’s walled courtyard. The majority of the caravan camped outside the Gatehouse Inn.
The half-orc Thorny’s charge the Tyr priest Sir Wilfred Bolten and his family occupied a noble suit with a guard posted at their door. Thorny and the other guards took up posts with a keg of beer in the courtyard with Sir Bolten’s wagon and horses. The gold dwarf Hank rotated his guards, two enjoyed a hot meal and ale while he and two guards posted in the courtyard with his wagon and valuable cargo. The suspected cultists posted guards around their wagons in the courtyard rotating for meals and drink in the Inn’s common room.
Early that evening Locke took a booth in the common room and busied himself writing a scathing letter against Axes leadership to the caravaneers guild in Baldur’s Gate. He and the other nobles in the caravan, Sir Bolten and Darius Humperdink had discussed their dissatisfaction with Axes.
Ken Ryu had also taken a booth as well. Ken Ryu with a bottle of wine looked for trouble.
Chasm, the tiefling warlock, had taken a disguise as a suspected cultist Jan, and was seducing the cultists’ leader, a tall lanky red head human Erlich. They had taken a bottle of wine and a table in the common room.
The forest gnome druid Wren, had made a deal with the Inn keeper Jovan to sell his smoking herbs. Wren had taken a chair at the bar and peddled his commodities.
Grenish Longhorn was also at the bar flirting with a new female friend. Leda, the ranger Grenish had an affair with on the road caused some drama at the bar, then left angered. Grenish just shrugged and continued to flirt with his new friend.
Teras, half-elf guard made a deal with Innkeeper Jovan, a room, meal and a bath for an evening’s entertainment. Teras took the stage and began his gig with a bawdy ballad to get the rooms attention.
Clairmont paid for a single room for himself. The human investigator also paid for a room for the suspected cultist agent Eddy Torres. Eddy had made Clairmont from Greenest and let Clairmont know. Clairmont decompressed from the stress on the road, Eddy, Hank and that fool Locke. A friendly knock sounded on the door.
Clairmont opened the door, it was Eddy with a bottle of wine and two glasses. “We have much to discuss.” Offered Eddy. Eddy walked in the room and poured two glasses of wine. Clairmont mixed the wine in the glasses together, then placed them back on the table. Eddy smirked then knocked the glasses of wine to the floor, grabbed the bottle and drank. Eddy passed the bottle to Clairmont. The roguish human followed suit and drank straight from the bottle. The cultist turned to hide a vial and drank the contents. The ever perceptive Clairmont noticed Eddy’s trick and new he was in trouble. “Your gonna die!” Barked Eddy.
A hooded figure appeared behind a guard on the walls of the courtyard then the guard fell from the wall. The hood sparked a torch and threw it into pile of hay in the courtyard. As fire sparked in the hay, the hood threw a jug of lamp oil into the fire and it exploded. Thorny spotted the dark hooded figure on the wall. The hood’s face lit up from the fire, the hood gave the half-orc a wink a leapt behind the wall.
“Fire!” Yelled Thorny.
Two short hooded figures entered the common room of the Gatehouse Inn from different doors to the courtyard and barred them as Teras finished his opening ballad. The bawdiness of Teras’ opener grabbed the attention of the room. A tall lanky man in a hood stood at a table near the stage. “You suck! Die!” Interrupted the tall stranger. The stranger lifted a crossbow and took aim.
Ken Ryu saw the trouble he was looking for and threw his stein at Teras’ critic with the crossbow. The stein hit the critic in the face. Quick on the draw, Grenish Longhorn loosed an arrow into the critic’s shoulder. The critic missed Teras and threw down the crossbow.
Suspicious of the short hooded figure by the door behind the bar, the gnome druid Wren conjured a flaming blade in one hand and drew another scimitar in the other. The vicious little gnome cut deep cauterized wounds. Wren’s opponent was revealed, a drow elf, fought back with twin short swords.
Locke Lamar busied himself with pen and paper in a booth turned away from the bawdy Teras. The young moon elf noble noticed Wren in a duel with dark clad drow, flame blade flashed in the gnome’s little hand. Locke rose from his booth and drew an arrow and shot the drow embattled with Wren.
A second drow at another door moved against the Grenish at the bar. The drow cut down the ranger’s new friend then attacked him with twin short swords. This drow found herself surrounded, Hank’s guards aided Grenish.
Thorny and Hank rallied others and cooperated with suspected cultists to fight the fire in the courtyard. They started a bucket brigade from two of the courtyards fountains to the fire.
Clairmont thought he was done for, but the resilient and lucky human did not die. Eddy looked at Clairmont with surprise, he realized his mistake the poison was diluted in the wine. The cultist drew his swords and attacked. Clairmont rushed for his gear and kept his distance from the murderous cultist.
The tall and lanky critic stabbed Teras with twin short swords in the shoulder and the hip. Teras stumbled away. The half-elf’s wounds began to burn with pain and he turned pale. Poison. Ken Ryu jumped in the air and kicked the tall lanky assassin. The quick sorcerous monk launched another swift kick to the man’s inner thigh.
Chasm, disguised as the cultist Jan slid under the table with Erlich. “It’s not are fight let’s stay here.” Whispered the tall red head. Chasm rolled her magically disguised eyes.
Clairmont dashed away from the lunging Eddy and grabbed a ceramic jar from his kit and threw it at the cultist’s feet, strands of sticky covered his feet and legs. Eddy was stuck to the floor. Clairmont pulled out his short bow and an arrow then shot Eddy. The cultist screamed.
The Gatehouse Inn’s common room was in chaos and the courtyard on fire. Jovan the inn’s proprietor looked from the balcony of his room and smiled. The excitement! The round innkeeper sipped wine as he watched Thorny and Hank rally others to fight the fire in his courtyard.
Teras retreated from his attacker on the stage toward his friend Grenish at the bar. The human ranger and Hank’s guard engaged the drow by the bar. The dark short slippery assassin moved between them and attacked Teras as he retreated. The drow pierced the half-elf’s back. Poison coursed through Teras’ wounded body and he fell.
“I got him! He fell! Teras is down!” Claimed the drow assailant. The tall human assassin ordered, “Retreat!”
Chasm watched from under the table with Erlich. The tiefling warlock smiled at Erlich and changed her form into a drow assassin. Erlich freaked out and ran for the stairs, “Eddy! Doppelgangers!” Chasm smiled and returned to her own form.
The drow assassin that dropped Teras’ was surrounded by Longhorn and Hanks guards. They quickly finished her. The other drow took the worst of it in a duel with Wren, but slipped out the back door. The alert gold dwarf caught the drow as she exited with his hammer. The tall lanky human assassin’s exit was blocked by Locke Lamar. The moon elf put an arrow into the assassin. Ken Ryu finished the tall assassin with lethal unarmed strikes.
“Knock. Knock” Both Clairmont and Eddy looked at the door. The cultist screamed.
“It’s me Carol Amofoel.” Called a familiar voice from outside the door.
Clairmont opened the door. Carol dragged a dead Erlich into the room followed by Locke. Carol had run him through with a fine rapier. Carol explained that Erlich and Eddy were members of the Cult of Dragon. Also that he, Carol was a Harper and was following other cultists when he was discovered and left to die buried to his neck by the roadside.
Clairmont had discovered a poison kit on Eddy. The cultist not only had deadly poisons but poisons to incapacitate and poisons that compels others to speak the truth. Clairmont, proficient with poisons, used them on Eddy. Clairmont, Locke and Carol discovered the cult was gathering treasure and taking it north of Waterdeep to a place called Carnath House. The cult was now lead by the Wyrmspeakers, wearers of the Dragon Masks. The Wyrmspeakers were preparing for Tiamat’s coming into the world. Clairmont also discovered that Rezmir, the half-dragon at Greenfields had the Dragonmask he sought. After the interrogation, Clairmont coldly broke Eddy’s neck. Clairmont, Locke and Carol made it look like the two cultists were murdered by the assassins.
Hank and Thorny were successful in putting out the fire in the courtyard of the Gatehouse Inn. Wren was able to magically heal Teras and save his life. Grenish did the same to his new friend. The Slayers discovered the assassins were known as the Black Dagger from Baldur’s Gate. Darius von Humperdink confirmed their suspicions, “My father, Hitler von Humperdink probably sent the Black Daggers to assassinate Teras for what he had done to my twit of a brother. Be assured I have nothing to do with this my friends.”
|
| #17sirkaikillah11Apr 26, 2015 19:39:02 | ~~The Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Session 20; Episode 4 “On the Road”; 1489 Elient 21
Locke’s Slayers left the Gatehouse Inn with Axes’ caravan in the morning after an eventful evening. A fire and two assassinations. The fire was a diversion where members of the Slayers and suspected cultists worked together to put it out. The caravan left with two suspected cultist assassinated that evening presumably by members of the Black Daggers out of Baldur’s Gate. But some believe Teras was their true target.
That evening the moon Selune still a sliver was waxing, followed by her tears as she traveled through the sky at night. The stars shone bright that evening, drawing eyes to the sky as Selune dipped below the western horizon. Some of the stars began to move erratically about the night sky, they dipped and jumped, grew bright then faded to darkness. One bright star seemed to drop low in the sky and hung just above a meadow a short distance from all of the caravan’s camps. Some of Locke’s Slayers watched as two of their comrades, the sorcerous monk Ken Ryu and the dragonborn acolyte of Bahamut, Torzael were grabbed by shafts of light and carried a loft into the brilliance of that low hung star. It then zoomed away into the heavens.
1489 Elient 22
The morning was brisk and dew covered the grass in the meadow the caravan was camped. The sun rose in the east. A beautiful stag with platinum fur and sixteen point platinum antlers stood proud and shone brightly in the sun on the edge of the forest to the west of the meadow. Two of Axes rangers took after it with a hoot. A number of caravan guards roused with bows ready to hunt the prize. Locke’s Slayers were having none of that.
The forest gnome druid yelled a warning, “No one harm the golden stag. “Half-orc barbarian Thorny Eagle ran in front a group of crossbow wielding caravan guards and roared. Clairmont placed an arrow in front of the rangers on horseback, that whistled pass one of their ears. One crossbow bolt hit the beautiful stag and it fled into the forest. The others in the caravan were intimidated by the Slayers, no one followed to hunt the beautiful golden stag spirit.
Worried about the wounds caused by the one crossbow bolt that hit the beautiful golden stag. Wren, changed form into a stag himself and followed it. Clairmont, with a renewed since of humanity after the assassination attempt the night before, mounted Wren and rode upon him into the forest.
It was early morning and the sun hung low above the eastern horizon as Wren and Clairmont entered the forest after the golden stag. Within minutes the nature of the forest changed. The atmosphere was filled with fragrant scents. The colors of the forest became more vibrant. The forest was alive with pleasant and vital sounds. They followed the stag to a grove with a large standing white stone that stood upright. It was marbled with gold and platinum veins. The sun was high above, as if it were high noon. Clairmont wondered where the time had went, he was sure only a few minutes had passed since they entered the forest.
Wren realized they were no longer in Faerun, but had passed through a dimensional gate into the Feywylde, the realm of faeries. Clairmont dismounted Wren in stag form before they entered the grove. The human investigator watched from the edge as Wren approached the wounded golden stag. Wren in stag form plucked the bolt from the wounded golden stag with his mouth. The gnome druid then assumed his natural form and cast cure wounds upon the spirit. The high sun beamed down and the golden stag sprinted off into the woods. Wren received a charm of conjure animal, Clairmont a charm of vitality for their aid. Also, a beautiful magical longbow appeared from the white gold marbled standing stone. It was a blessed moment neither, Clairmont or Wren would forget. Both returned to their comrades in the meadow where the caravan camped, the sun still low upon the eastern horizon in the cool of the early morning. Thorny also received a charm for his help, a charm of giant slaying.
1489 Elient 25
In the dark of night, late after Selune and her tears vanished below the western horizon, a dozen ogres attacked Axes caravan and Locke’s Slayers as they camped. Five of the giant brutes attacked the Slayers’ camp. Thorny Eagle leapt into action and raged. The half-orc barbarian charm of giant slayer from the golden stag spirit empowered his attacks upon the ogres. Wren used his charm to conjure a giant elk to battle the ogres. The tiefling warlock, Chasm, sent her new pseudo-dragon familiar into the battle. Witch bolts and eldritch blasts were cast from the mouth of Chasm’s familiar. The mighty Hank dropped 10 feet tall ogres with mighty shield bashes and his crafty warhammer. Both Hank’s and Thorny’s guard attachments showed outstanding meddle in the battle. The ogres were no match. Again Locke’s Slayers vanquished another monstrous threat.
After the battle, Clairmont, Wren and the half-elf bard Teras went about the caravan camps to render aid and help the wounded. It was a change in disposition for many of the Slayers led by the contemplative human Clairmont. Since the attempt upon his life by Eddy, Clairmont took it upon himself to aid and help the others on the caravan. Clairmont spent time washing dishes for the chuck wagon and fed and watered the rangers’ horses. Even Axes openly appreciated Clairmont’s aid.
|