temp

---

A gold statuette of a female dwarf blacksmith at work at the forge, worth 1,500 gp A sapphire worth 1,000 gp.

The Vault A silver hammer (useless as a tool or weapon) worth 250 gp; A small topaz stone worth 150gp.

---

Stone of Wind, Stone of Earth, Counterstrike Guards

With that information they elect to try and follow Strifeminer in the evening, after a hearty meal in the Mountain’s Hearth.

As they head back to High Hall they are attacked on streets. They defeat the dwarven and human rabble and are in time to follow Strifeminer.

Eventually he leads them to pig and bucket, and they send a disguised Phi in to observe. He looks anxious and seems to be waiting for someone. Eventually he leaves is active looking for people following him making several seemingly redundant moves through town.

He doubles back before Rayor and Far’el can hide and they feel that he may have spotted them. So Raylor walks up and smashes his face with his craghammer and steals his guard badge.

A through search reveals a hidden note on his body that gives rough directions to a warehouse in Tradetown which they eventually find.

Bolstered by Far’el’s Feat of Strength ritual Raylor pulls the massive doors open and immediately they are peppered with crossbow bolts.

The fight goes well for the group and only four people escape two a down trap door, two manage to escape down ladders from the office are.

After doing some investigation they discver that the warehouse is owned by Durkik’s church. One captive spills her guts about the secret trapdoor and the real Durkik. Then has her guts spilled by Far’el who offers her to the Raven Queen in a bloody sacrifice.

Eventually with the aid of the Dark Light Ritual they navigate the underground passage way and find the real Durkik imprisoned in a cell. He warns them that it is trapped to prevent his escape. A series of 3 tubes that are set to send poision darts ar Durkik need to be disabled before they can get in the room. Phi’s hands aren’t nimble enough and set off the first dart tube sending a dart into Durkirk

Therandil and Far’el are able to hoist Raylor up enough so he can reach the second tube and he successfully wrenches the tube faster than it can fire and the dart misses Durkik. They try the to get him high enough to reach the bottom and he isn’t able to disrupt the tube enough before it fires and Durkik is hit again. By the time they get to him the posion has done it;s work and Durkik is dead.

The group first wants to find the imposter Durkik hopefully at the Stone Anvil, they elect to store the real Durkiks body in the warehouse while they head to the Stonehammer district to investigate.

It’s late in the evening and not many parishoners are at the temple and after asking around they are informed that Durkik left several hours ago. They then think of using the body of the real Durkik as a distraction while the attempt to get deeper into the temple.

They bring back the body and leave it at the steps of the front door. Before they sneak back they are are distracted by the Karros who wails and weeps for his slain friend. Ansector Karros can’t believe that just a few hours after he left he the temple he has appeared dead. He begins preparing last rites rituals and Raylor interrupts him looking for where “Durkik” went. Karros doesn’t know and can’t believe someone would be so uncouth. And after arguing for a few minutes he gets a healer who performs a Speak with the Dead ritual.

Durkik reveals what information Zithiruun was trying to get from him, about the Mountainroot Temple and asks if they can go and retrieve The Incunabulum Primeval. He whispers to Karros the secrets to get to the portal that goes to the lost temple.

They are led to a secret room and then allow Karros to attend to his dead friend. They enter into a huge room and are met by a huge filigree depecting Moradin hard at work at a forge.

The face of Moradin comes alive when they touch the filigree and are challenged to come up with a parable as proof of their devotion to Moradin. They are narrate an interesting and unorthodox parable about Moradin and his virtues that pleases the portal guardian.

They are allowed through and are transported into a cavernous room with harpies and a stange dwarf.

They beat them down.

---

Dual arrows +3 (2) Promised 3600gp to recover Incunabulum Primeval.

Quickly surrounded Gilgathorn attempted to attack with his longsword and after tossing his crossbow down, the group seizes the opportunity picking up and tossing it away. They then pulverize him to the point he is begging them to spare his life which they begrudgingly do.

Far’el is able to redirect the energies of the conduit as directed by Amyria who is restored to human form in a flash of blinding light. The process is not without its drawbacks Amyria’s memory is very vague and can only recall that she has a purpose but doesn’t know what it is. She does know that she must go to Overlook and ask the group to accompany her there, which they agree to.

They make their way back to Brindol and collect the 1000gp reward for the two captives who made it to the town of Red Rock.

They then travel to Talar a major outpost for the Elsir consortium to spend some of their new money. They rest the night in the Green Dragon before heading back on the Dawn Way. The journey back to Overlook is uneventful and as they get close they can see the city is in the middle of a fortification effort.

Upon reaching the gates they speak with Elster Strifeminer who has been promoted after cleaning up the dead bodies the group left behind. He explains that the Council of Elders thought it best to make sure Overlook is prepared in case of trouble.

Upon entering Overlook Amyria walks directly to the temple of Ioun in the Nine Bells district where she falls deep in prayer. After observing her for a bit Raylor makes sure to tithe in exchange for a promise from the priests to keep an eye on her.

The group then splits up to take care of their own personal business, Far’el and Phi go to raven queen temple in the Divine Knot to pray and notice that the matron Volorvyn was not quite herself and a bit distant. Therandil heads to a temple in Elftown to commune with nature he speaks with Aiden about Overlook’s new attempt at preparedness.

Raylor attempted to find a place to use as a home base and after working his way through a few inns in bad shape found his way into the Mountain’s Hearth. This was most fortuitous as the dwarven matron Reggen recognizes him and after explaining that the groups defeat of Szagyn, the Lost One’s who had been badgering her for protection money haven’t been seen by since. She charges them nothing for their rooms for as long as they care to stay and more importantly half price for drinks!

In the evening they all catch up with the each other and settle in for nice meal. Part way through the meal a serving girl tells them that a priestess named Lavinya had came in looking for them. She explains that Lavinya has been looking all over and would like to see them as soon as possible. She has been attending her temple in the Divine Knot in the morning and looking for them in the afternoon, the girl explains that she had been looking a bit frazzled and desperate.

They decide to see what she wants but think it better to wait until late morning before heading over to see her they don’t want look too eager or desperate.

The next morning as they walk through the Divine Knot it is apparent that a lot of work is being done to rebuild the temple of Moradin.

After finding the dirty and dilapidated building they go in and find the half-elf hard at work fighting a losing battle to the dirt and grime that saturates the temple. After hearing Lavinya’s story about her missing friend Haelyn they strike a deal to find out what has happened to her. She initially didn’t want to see the man who is in charge now Grovald hurt, but she gives in and also agrees to a deal where the group takes partial ownership of the temple of Erathis in Tradetown.

Far’el & Raylor go to speak with Volorvyn who disappointingly has not done the mornings rituals. Far’el helps get things in proper order and hearing that the Volorvyn has been feeling less and less like following the Raven Queen; he attacks her in a fit of rage knocking her unconscious. The parishioners scramble out while Phi and Raylor drag her to the back, tie her up and wake her.

She refuses to answer their questions and her body falls flat as she appears to die in front of their faces. After making preparations to perform the speak with the dead ritual Far’el finds it won’t work, the body has no recollection of events.

A group of guards burst in and demand to know what is going on but they successfully calm the guards (with the help of a bribe) and get them to leave without asking anymore questions.

Raylor and Therandil speak with Aiden again and he notes that Haelyn’s disappearance has been a bit puzzling, although he doesn’t speak much with other priests they do meet occasionally and from his brief experience she didn’t seem like the type of person to disappear without giving proper notice.

They meet up again and head out at dusk to the Shrine of Erathis in Tradetown to speak with Grovald. They spend a few minutes observing a man who seems to be less than interested in performing his duties as a priest. The group quickly ushers the few people in the tent out after Raylor’s declaration that the temple is closed for the evening.

Grovald takes offense to this intrusion and after giving answers the group doesn’t believe he tries to escape by cutting a hole out of the tent. His attempt was made difficult but the quick weapon work of Phi and Raylor who both get in a swing of their weapons before he could escape.

He manages to get outside and signal for help but his escape cut off by a Far’el’s conjured blade barrier. Three human thugs appear from the north cottage, three from the second cottage to the east. Therandil makes quick work of the three from the north with a well placed shot. The other thugs realizing that that they are overmatched manage to escape while the group kills Grovald.

Far’el again prepares the speak with dead ritual and even though Raylor and Phi’s attempt to help backfire causing more trouble. They still are able to learn from Grovald’s body that he was hired by a General Zithiruun, and was ordered to kill Haelyn because of her nosiness into his interests.

They try the ritual again to hopefully lean a bit more information and again Raylor and Phi’s attempts to help with the preparation do more harm than good but Therandil is able to correct their mistakes before the ritual is cast. They asked if Grovald ever worshipped a deity and the body responded that he never had.

Their search begins with both of the cottages on the property and it turns up a small gold-framed portrait of an old priest (worth 400 gp), two potions of healing, and a kit with many mundane ways to disguise one’s self (cosmetics, prosthetics) they find no information about where Grovald is from or anything pertaining to his benefactor.

Their search then extends to the temple grounds and they find some recently disturbed ground by the fountain, there they find the rotting corpse of Haelyn. Far’el prepares the ritual again and Haelyn eagerly tells them that after noticing some other prominent priests were acting strangely she began investigating. Shortly after her attempts at confrontation with a few of them Grovald came to the temple and slew her with his magic.

The sun having long set during their time at the temple they go back to the Mountain’s Hearth to rest and decide the next action should be to speak with Elster and see if the town has any knowledge of General Zithiruun.

The next morning after a hearty breakfast and hearing the local gossip about the murder in the Raven Queen’s temple, they head to the Ministry of War in the High Hall district and are allowed into the building to see Strifeminer.

They explain all they have discovered to him and as they do they notice that his demeanor is more subdue when responding to their story. He says he has never heard of a General Zithiruun and after some prompting from the group sends a guard to check with the other captains that may still be in the building. He explains that along with the work outside Overlook much work is going on inside specifically Ancestor Durkik’s decision to use a majority of the priests in the restoration of the Temple of Moradin has been causing problems as they require a good amount of guard presence to ensure there is not trouble. The guard returns and speaks with Elster quietly and he then explains that no one here has heard of this supposed General. He then quickly thanks the group and promises to investigate this matter further. The group tries to explain that they would like to continue as a service to Overlook since the guards have so much on their plate already but he aggressively tells them that this matter is now official business and that they should stay out of it or face the consequences.

As they leave Far’el and Phi tell the others that he was showing the same kind of distant look that Volorvyn had. They then speak with the guard who was waiting to show them out about how Strifeminer seems different than the last time they spoke with him. The guard reluctantly tells them that Captain Strifeminer has been acting strangely and quietly explains that he’s only telling them because of their great deeds in service of Overlook. He goes on to say that shortly after his promotion he began acting quite odd, he has been less adamant in his job and hasn’t been hanging out with his men after work. His mentality has been a do his day’s work and then to go off to do whatever he is doing after work.

Some of the other guards entertained the idea of following him once to see where he has been going at night but they were too afraid of the consequences.

---

Gold-framed portrait (worth 400 gp), Two potions of healing, and a Disguise Kit.

Overview

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pt2 of wilgem

Therandil puts his ear to each door and hears nothing but silence they decide to go through the door on the right. It leads into a unlit ten foot wide corridor, they begin moving cautiously forward with Auberry and Phi in front eyes open to any danger. They corridor leads to straight ahead roughly forty feet before sharply turning left, continuing onward they come across two doors on the west side. Auberry cautiously opens the first door and they enter into what looks like a study or laboratory of some sort the hairs on Far’el’s neck stand up as he enters and he informs the others the room reeks of necrotic magic.

They spread out and search the room looking for anything left behind, to help explain what is happening. After about ten minutes they spread out their findings on the large wooden table. Collectively they found, a page torn out of a book Therandil immediately recognizes the script as goblin and gives a hasty translation. Although most of what he translated doesn’t make sense the text at the top translates as “Ritual on Raising Dead” so they concluded this must be the missing page of Draal Keegan.

Hidden away in the bookshelf Phi found a handwritten notebook inside he found several journal entries the ones in the beginning describe his work as the commander of his regiment but towards the back it begins to describe his research into the arcane a few entries speak the loudest:

Entry 341
I’ve finally found a way to rid these foul creatures from the face of our world they are led by a shaman named Vinish. Once I cut her cold heart from her chest the true heirs of this land will be able to take over. I’ve live amid these feys and the only thing I see them useful for is servitude to the whispered one.

Entry 448
Now with the dammed Vinish out of the way the area can be consecrated properly, once this is accomplished and we have secured her amulet our plans will be unstoppable.

Entry 449
I can’t believe that the wench is holding the artifact if she only knew the power it holds I must get my hands on it.

On the table itself among several pieces of parchment they find one that has many handwritten scribbles and short notes, it mentions a betrayer, the whispered one, the lord of the rotted tower, whoever it is a foe to the Raven Queen and Orcus. Unfortunately higher powers are not most of this party’s area of interest. So they rely on Far’el to make sense of the writing, he spends some time thinking and doing a bit of research among the books on the bookcase and comes to the conclusion that the referenced god must be Vecna.

They decide to head back up to the barn barricade it and rest for the night, and continue exploring the caverns the next morning.

They descend down the crypt steps roughly fifteen feet into darkness Far’el lights a sunrod the steps lead into small corridor and roughly twenty feet ahead they see it leads into a small chamber with a larger pit in the middle and two doors on opposite sides. As Auberry cautiously steps in they hear the distinct sound of scraping coming from the pit and soon the sound of rumbling. They look at each other to see if they want to continue and suddenly a hand made of humanoid skeletons appears floating above the pit. “Who dares comes to disturb the pit of Captain Morsoc? The last remaining soldiers of his regiment will defend it!”

The battle begins as the hand grabs at Auberry holding him within its grasp, what follows is a lock down drag out fight as the hand desperately tries to smash the intruders. But Far’el’s divine magic provides a key advantage healing his new friends and hurting the hand at the same time. The hand stubbornly fights on but eventually succumbs to the groups attacks. They spend a few minutes resting before deciding to go forward looking to discover the secrets hidden here.

---

Intensifying Longbow +2

As they move closer three skeletons appear and what they thought was two gargoyles are actually dark black skeletons with wings. Again they stand firm while Therandil uses his superior range to attack from safety. Far’el murmurs a prayer and suddenly a blast of white radiance is invoked from his symbol, the three front skeletons get the full blast and the one in the middle bones exploded and hit the two on his sides damaging them.

The group precision attack are two much for the front liners especially Phi’s he uses the power of shadow to extend the reach of his blade attacking from a distance. But the black skeletons continue to assault the group with blasts of necrotic energy. Auberry has no weapons he can rely on to hit the perching skeletons but his trust throwing hammers bob and mary, unfortunately his throws are rather poor and both hammers go wildly off target. The best thing the group can do is hide as Therandil’s long range easily peppers the skeletons. They finally overwhelm the skeletons and they fall lifeless to the floor.

---

Gold Ring (250g), Silver Necklace (250g), Ivory Statuette (250g), Golden Brooch (250g)

All but Therandil cautiously advance he stands firm providing cover fire calling spirits to bring vines up from the ground striking his enemies feet. No one can understand why the farmer stands firm against the raving zombies, and suddenly a blade appears in his hand as he began slicing the foes with extreme precision. As a group moves to surround Far’el the symbol around his neck lights and webs of white energy cuts them. The group makes quick work and one of the guards tries to escape but was unable to escape from Auberry’s challenge. They search the bodies and find some gold pieces down the way and an ominous looking crypt stands out in the distance.

---

750 gold coins

After gathering together back at the inn, the intrepid adventurers share the information they’ve learned of the town. Definitely, something dark is brewing. The next morning the group decided to all head out to investigate the seeming center of the events happening in Wilgem, the Morsoc’s.

The farmland is roughly eight miles away from town on the other side of a small forest. Therandil lights his pipe and leads the way excited to see the forest lands. The trip is uneventful but a little after the third hour of walking they notice that an abnormally high number of trees have recently died. Far’el attempts to get a read on the flow of energy in the area and confronted by a strong feeling of undeath and the energy of the trees seems to have been forcibly taken.

As they continue on Auberry spots the farm house and to left of it a barn roughly two hundred yards ahead. As they move a bit closer they notice the buildings are weather beaten and not very well maintained. Distressingly by the barn a pair of figures in black robes are directing a mass of creatures into the barn.

Auberry aware of how loud his armor is asks someone to go ahead and take a better look. Therandil puts out his pipe and strides forward, quickly becoming disappearing into the trees. He moves silently closer within a hundred yards of the barn and sees the masses are four distinct groups being herded, skeletons, zombies, two sets of crazed humanoids. The herders themselves look somewhat organized dressed in identical black clothing leading him to believe they a part of a group.

He moves back to tell the group deciding to surprise them by popping out from behind. Explaining the situation they decide to move up and try to get the drop on the cultists. They move forward to the edge of the clearing as silently as possible roughly twenty-five yards away from the barn. Unfortunately one of the robed figures catches a glimpse of them and quickly directs the shambling monsters to attack will a loud yell.

The next morning each person head out on their own course of investigation. Therandil first heads to the curio shop in hopes of getting any information about the Amulet of Nan but can find no reference to it. Far’el heads to the temple of Ioun and speaks with the priests about any religious connection to the amulet and they saw they have never heard of such an artifact. Phi walks over to the doctor’s office looking a bit of history on Captain Morsoc and the doctor explains some local lore about his own troops turning on the captain and murdering him, even to this day the Morsoc are despised by the townsfolk.

Auberry heads to the library and tries to use his imposing presence to get the library staff to tell him about Eker Morsoc but they clam up and refuse to answer any questions. Therandil having seen Auberry barrel his way into the library sneaks in a side entrance hoping to overhear any chatter the attendants in the back of the library might be whispering after the shifter left, but the people here keep quiet mostly talking about how rude the traveler was.

Far’el heads into the library after Auberry grumbles his way out and take a more diplomatic approach which sets the librarian at ease. He reveals the amulet is infused with dark evil magic it had been associated with a dead god. At one time was known as the amulet of the “Undying King” and its last holder Vinish, an Elf, was protecting it.

Phi playing up his appearance as a traveling farmer heads over the sheriff to talk about the town’s missing people. The sheriff explains when some pets missing the town suspicion automatically went to the young Eker, he always has been an outsider and had recently been caught in the library at times he shouldn’t have been. The librarian explained to him that the boy was desperate to get his hands on Draal Keegan, and now that he himself has disappeared the townspeople have convinced themselves he is responsible.

Auberry having cooled off realizing making bold threats might not be the best approach heads to see the sheriff hoping to use his past as a lawman to his advantage but the sheriff realizing that he might have shared too much with the wanderer refuses to touch on the towns problems in their conversation. Therandil goes into the apothecary and tries to ease into a conversation before asking the proprietor if she knew anything about the amulet of nan. As soon as the words come out of his mouth she tells him to move along if he won’t be buying any items. Meanwhile Far’el makes his way into the curio shop and the owner explains when questioned that amulet was being protected by an Elven girl named Vinish and she was killed by Captain Morsoc the Great-Great-Grandfather of Eker.

Phi walks over to the library to get more information about the Draal Keegan; the librarian initially wonders how a traveling farmer came to know about the book. Phi puts him at ease by explaining the sheriff felt secure enough to speak about it he could as well. With his mind put at ease he reveals that the book was a record of a goblins necromancer’s experiments and that currently a page is missing out of it.

Auberry trudged into the temple and inquired about Eker, they freely admit that he is a disturbed boy and that they had tried put the boy on the right path. A few times they even went out to the Morsoc farmland on the outskirts of town bit the Morsoc’s had every right to be mistrustful of townsfolk and they were never allowed inside. Since they boy has disappeared they wanted to go out to the house but their fear of reprisal from the townsfolk, who are to all too happy to see him gone.

The day continues into the evening and the adventures all end up at the same common table again and get to talking revealing the information they gathered. This exchange leads to one new piece of information as Therandil blows out a puff of smoke revealing that Draal Keegan in goblin translates to “dead alive”.

The darkness of night is beginning to settle in on the little town of Wilgem.

A traveling farmer walks in from the north unbeknownst to anyone he is actually the changeling Phi who is on the run from Salpron royal family. After taking on a contract for them he decided there are some lines even a hired killer shouldn’t cross. He left Andven and now spends his time moving from place to place fulfilling any job he can get, while avoiding those who would turn him in.

The small town is a perfect place for him to hide; he believes no one would suspect him here. He heads for the inn looking to get some local history and a bed to rest for the night. As he sits down at the small common table his keen ears immediately pick up on a conversation about strange lights and sounds coming from one of the farming areas outside of town and talk of the few disappearances in the town.

From the south entrance a heavily armored figure appears, Auberry a Longtooth Shifter desperately needs to get off his feet. He’s been traveling for many days without the good night’s sleep provided by a proper bed. Although most of his kind would disagree his many years working as a member of the Kingmoor guard have left him with a strong appreciation for “civilized” life. After his time there a run of bad luck has led him back into the wandering life he gave up as a youngster. Wilgem is just the last of many stops made in an effort to earn enough coin to once again settle down.

Without a proper bar he has to settle for the town’s inn he spends some time chatting with the innkeeper who’s rather upfront about the towns despised residents the Morsoc’s. Specifically the young Eker who has been causing trouble lately by trying to get at the library’s restricted section of books.

Therandil is a bright eyed Elf with a positive outlook; although his family like most elves is content to live in one place he harbors a strong desire to see the world. His training in communing with the primal spirits has led to a greater appreciation of the gifts of nature and he wants to see more than just his clan’s plot of land. So he struck out to some chagrin to see the world, using his keen elven skills to find work as an explorer or travel guide which allows him to see the bounty of nature. With his latest job finished he has stopped at Wilgem to rest a few days and hopefully find someone in need of his services.

After getting a room for the night he begins chatting up the serving staff hoping to get a bit of history about the town. “The town has never been able to fully get rid of the Morsoc name, and you should know” the wench continues, “that Captain Morsoc was stationed working for a long forgotten empire. His harsh mistreatment and nearly tyrannical hatred of non-humans especially elves like yourself left a black mark; we are still trying to overcome his reputation today.”

Death comes for us all, no one appreciates that more than followers of the Raven Queen in their number we find human Far’el a cleric of the Spinner of Fate. Twenty-Eight years ago shortly after nightfall the moon turned red a sign the villagers knew was bad, before they could even grasp its implications a hoard of orcs came to raid the village. Those who escaped managed to take his mother out of town in the chaos; she died shortly after giving birth to him. The survivors tried to make a new life but their number dwindled in the following years, by the Raven Queen’s blessing a priestess found the few remaining survivors and sensing the ominous aura of death surrounding the boy decided to raise and train him. Before her death she taught him about his lot in life and now he travels conducting funerals preparing those for what is beyond. With his work done in Overlook he has set out again his trip has led him here to Wilgem.

He heads for the inn and goes straight to the bar area after procuring a drink he spends a little time chatting with the bartender looking for any information. He tells the bartender that he has gotten the distinct sense of death from this town and things may be unsettled. The bartender fills him in on one of the great mysteries of Wilgem the story of an Elven priestess who was killed by a soldier seemingly to steal a relic called the Amulet of Nan. Unfortunate yes but the strange thing is along with the amulet he took he carved her open and removed her heart. No one knows what became of the soldier he disappeared from record after this violent act.

With that grim story he moves over to the common table where he is confronted with a strange collection of people sitting and drinking. A meek looking farmer is wedged between a large Shifter and an Elf who amazingly just followed his pipe with a long drink of his beverage. He sits and tries to start a conversation explaining a bit about himself. The people pay little notice each seemingly involved in their own world they only reply giving their name before continuing their drink. After a few more he heads to bed with the idea of following up on this strange murder in the morning.

Session 11
Saturday January 30th, 2010
1:00pm – 5:00pm

If you’re reading this I haven’t done my work.

If you’re reading this I haven’t done my work.

If you’re reading this I haven’t done my work.

text filler

If you’re reading this I haven’t done my work.

If you’re reading this I haven’t done my work.

text filler

If you’re reading this I haven’t done my work.

Session 09
Saturday January 2nd, 2010
1:00pm – 5:30pm

The group is able to sneak in and silently make their way up to Sarshan’s private garden, they catch him mediating but as they attempt to sneak up on him they are spotted by his guard captain Thannu. Sarshan explains that they aligned themselves with the wrong power and instructs Thannu to kill the group. He then exits out into the next chamber. Thannu cockily attacks the group and quickly finds their strength to be more than he anticipated and is cut down before he can retreat.

The group quickly tries to catch up to Sarshan and through the window in the door see him get stabbed int the back by Leena Modra’s old accomplice.

Modra and Leena cannot believ that they were able to defeat Sarshan so easily and tell the group that they will take over as rulers of Sarshan’s criminal empire. The group now find themselves in a position of power as Modra owes them for their part in removing Sarshan from power. They ask that they keep the mercenaries and weapons out of the Stonehome Mountains and ask for a small cut of their profits.

They agree and send the group back through Sarshan’s personal portal to Overlook.

The group breaks into Sarshan’s Dark foundry and attempt to broker a deal the Modra. They believe it is in their best interest to help him destroy Sarshans operation and then doublecross kill him.

Modra at first rebukes their attempts to gain favor but finally sees this as an oppourtunity to weaken Sarshan for his own goals and has a test has Lain set charges to destroy the Dark Foundy. He does, and Modra takes them to a secret entrance into Sarshans tower.

The group searches for signs of Modra and quickly learn of his attempt to strike out on his own brokering a deal Sarshan past on. In the course of their investigation they are met by Leena a former associate who tells them that Modra (now an outcast) has been planning to strike at Sarshan’s operations.

The group finds themselves in a mirror image of the chamber they left, as they make their way out they overlook a wide plain. They make their way down an are mistaken for mercenaries and allowed into the camp.

The group encounters a group of wraiths one of which whispers impede their movements limiting their ability to act. They manage to detect him and defeated it and the others and using the key pass into the portal leading into the Shadowfell.

Session 08
Saturday December 12th, 2009
1:00pm – 5:30pm

(temp)
A lantern is burning somewhere beyond, giving a glimpse of a finished stone chamber set with marble flagstones.

This odd-shaped chamber extends outward in three sections, and it is about 60 feet wide at its end. Though its frescoed walls suggest a sort of temple, it resembles a storeroom now, with boxes and crates stacked in piles. In the center of room stands an enormous open stone archway. Adjacent to it is a large steel cage on a low cart, somehow obscured in shadow. Within the cage, two fierce hounds appear to be wrapped in darkness as they snarl and claw at the door.

A short figure all in black threatens the snarling hounds with a spear through the bars of the cage. Two more dark creepers push the cart toward the arch. Farther along, a tall, gray-skinned female is inspecting a stack of crates. None of them appear to notice him.

He reports back and they send Lain, and Braga ahead while they trail they are able to partially get the drop on the creatures and battle breaks out.

They creatures succumb to the outlanders superior tactics largely in part to Kitar using her abilities to keep the brunt of the attacks on her.

(temp)
Beyond a door, a section of stone wall appears to have collapsed, completely blocking a passageway that once led farther beneath the Beggar.

A quick search the area reveals that the rubble pile has been arranged by hand long ago, creating a hidden access to the secret caverns beyond.uncovers signs that a creature passed this way recently, and reveals the secret door. The secret door is a carefully balanced stone slab. When pushed, it swivels open to reveal a narrow passage wide enough only for Medium or smaller creatures. The passage slopes sharply downward at the end, Lain and Kitar stumble as they descend tumbling the last ten feet to the cavern floor and fall on their behinds.

Here they find bats who flyby attacking their heads and doomspore but they prevail over the creatures and avoid the toadstool-shaped fungus.

Braga sneaks ahead through the passageway and sees…

(temp)
Kitar does some snooping under the pretext of inspecting the place and meets an old man named Brenat who has some knowledge of Modra.

“I know the one you mean. A dark creeper, and none as dark as him, or so I’ve heard. Time was, he used the Happy Beggar as a meeting place, but I’d reckon he hasn’t been seen here in two years or more. I ran him off one time myself. I might not look it, but I fought dark creepers in the mountains as a younger man, sellsword to a dozen lords. Much as yourselves, I’d wager. Adventurers all have a price, eh?”

He leaves with this advice “Wherever you find this Modra, heed me. He’s a black-hearted one—make no mistake and strike no bargains with him. Kill him quickly before he gets the chance to return the favor.”

Mean while Lain “entertains” the transients with a song about pelor.

Kitar uses the distraction to do some snooping and makes her way to the kitchen downstairs signaling the others to follow.

(temp)
After a failed attempt to put one over on a weapons merchant the group make thie way to the happy beggar, they meet the two retired paladins who run the place.

(temp)
The next morning knocking at their door they find a half-elf her name is Reniss, sister of the warlock Jen of the Farstriders. When Jen was slain in the vents of the Stonehome, she used a sending stone to whisper her last words to her sister, a name the Farstriders tripped across before they were cut down—”Modra. . . .”

She’s wearing brown leather beneath a green cloak, and a longbow is slung across her chest. Quietly, she says “I’ve heard word that there’s a group in the city looking for someone named Modra. I’m doing the same, though I doubt it’s for the same reasons. Perhaps we should compare notes.”

“I met a dark creeper close to death in the Clean Sheets, looking like he’d been in the fight to end them all. He said he’d been working for this Modra when it happened. For a quart of bad beer, he told me that if I was looking for Modra, I’d better be fast. Someone else is hunting him—someone looking to kill him. The creeper didn’t know where Modra was, but he’d heard him talk about some Tradetown almshouse called the Happy Beggar.”

(temp)
One surrenders and reveals that a figure named “Modra” hired them to recover the key they found at Zvorg’s. Modra met with Alyssa (Tusk’s Shadar-Kai girlfriend).

Meanwhile Braga finds out that Modra is a well connecected arms dealer who has been hiding out ever since the orc’s were turned back at Bordrin’s Watch.

They met back up again and do some digging on Modra.

“Someone by the name ‘Modra’ was said to be buying information a few months back, looking for those with experience mining the old caverns of the Stonehome.”

“It’s said that the dark creeper Modra brokers weapons and armor through the Overlook black markets.”

“Modra met up with a shadar-kai witch a month ago. Some said she was doing a deal for weapons, but she didn’t look much like a warrior.”

“Last time anyone saw Modra was just before the raid on Bordrin’s Watch. I heard he’s been on the run since then. Some job that went bad.”

They then retire to the mansion.

(temp)
Lost Lost ones ambush the party and promptly get their butts kicked.

(temp)
Key goes to shadowfell
Braga goes looking for arrows
Kitar, Lain, Relik go looking for holy symbol after Lain and Relik loan him some gold pieces
They attract attention of Lost Ones.

Session 07
Saturday October 7th, 2009
1:00pm – 5:30pm

Lain was seeing red, ready for revenge and the group heartily agreed they quickly searched the mansion for signs of the doctor, it leads them down to the cellar basement storage area. A look around reveals a pair of potions and a pair of bags containing some medicinal herbs, Relik spots a trap door which leads into a basement area. They carefully descend the stairs and see what can only be his laboratory, shelves of books line the east wall, the north wall has a huge table with various liquids, beakers, tools, etc. The most disturbing thing was a large misshapen creature standing in the center of the room. They quickly move down and surround the creature dishing out their strongest attacks.

As they battle they hear a sliding sound from the west wall and a small red orb falls to the ground and rolls towards the group it explodes and flames burst out, and Lain and Braga get caught in the fire. Every few seconds after another ball rolls out they try to avoid the balls and still fight the creature at the same time, managing to do both but the creature proves quite tough and their attacks have a hard time finding home. But their tactics and skills again turn the battle and the creatures shrieks in pain as it falls to the floor. They then travel through the secret corridors but find no sign of the doctor or his servants, but they do find Svorg’s journal. Which details his dealings most notably the doctor was developing and selling weapons to the shadar-kai woman Myrissa who in turn was supplying them and other objects to Tusk and the orc army. The search also turns up a brass key which doesn’t work on anything they could find in the mansion.

---

2 potions of healing, 2 herbal poultice (lv3), Brass key, Svorg’s Journal

As they come up to the large double doors of Dr. Svorg’s mansion Lain knocks on the door while the others stay back a bit hoping to put the doctor at ease. An elven girl opens the door and after hearing their request she lets them in and goes to speak with the doctor. A few minutes later she returns and informs them that the doctor will take a few minutes to talk with them but first would like to extend some hospitality and will have his servants prepare them a meal, she then leads them into the dining room to wait. The time passed quickly and the girl and a elven boy bring in a full course meal and lay it before the adventurers. The pair encourages the group to try all the food, Lain and Kitar immediately dig in, Lain particularly getting plates full of food telling the servants to “keep it coming.” Braga declines and when pushed has to be a bit forceful in his refusal, Relik looks on with little interest in their dining.

After a short time the doctor appears looking a bit upset and harried, he quickly asks for the group to produce the materials for his appraising, Kitar produces the morningstar and the doctor picks it up and examines the symbol. “Hmm, he mumbles this appears to be a shadar-kai symbol I haven’t seen anything like this in a long time.” Relik immediately recognizes that Svorg might not be telling the whole truth. The doctor mentions that a gray skinned woman came by a few months ago asking for information and peddling some wares, he thinks he might still have a few items she left and goes to retrieve them. Relik shares his insight about Svorg with the group.

Just as soon as he can get the words out though the kitchen doors three iron dogs appears fangs barred, “Homunculi!” shouts Lain and they grab their weapons. The groups quickly engage with the dogs biting at the groups heels, the only problem being a few seconds into the fight Lain and Kitar both almost double in over in pain they realize the food had been laced with some kind of poison. It saps their strength but they manage to recover and the group quickly overwhelm the constructs using their superior numbers and tactics to overwhelm the dogs with their attacks. Braga was particularly vicious cutting through one dog almost single handedly unleashing three slashing attacks in quick succession. As they stood over the demolished mechanical monsters catching their breaths he simply said “I don’t like dogs.”

The next morning the head back and meet with Elder Cadrick, he explains that this is not the first time in Overlooks history that the orc menace has made an attempt to overrun the Stonehome mountains but this certainly was one of the most serious, most concerning about this attack was the strange weaponry used by some of the invaders.

He shows the group a morningstar with a half moon etched into the shaft, “either they have become more organized, or someone has been supplying the orcs with weaponry.” He continues “The latter seems to be the case when taken with a report made by Kalad and company; the orog leader Kalad defeated was in the company of a gray skinned human with eyes that were black orbs. Along with that, among the remains of the orc forces taken down by the (bleeps1) in the vents, a body of a cloaked unidentified humanoid was found with an “E” stitched into his cloak.

Our intelligence division believes this to be somehow related to a figure various group heard mentioned on the battlefield only known as emissary but unfortunately that is all we have to go by. One Ministry of War intelligence officer (blank) believes that the gnome artificer [[Dr. Svorg]] might have some knowledge about these things. But he is a reclusive and extremely temperamental figure, so we need a small group such as you to head out to mansion and try and get any relevant information out of him. You came highly recommended by commander ?? who said your skills were some of the best he had under his command at Bordrin’s Watch.

We can offer four hundred gold pieces now and another four hundred upon your return, hopefully this mission will lead to the discovery of the forces behind the scenes of this attack.”

The group agrees that this seems reasonable for a job they can seemingly wrap up in a single day and they make preparations to head out on foot northward with the general directions given to them towards Svorg’s Mansion.

Throughout the Stonehome Mountains the tide of battle was turning in favor of the protectors of Overlook and some say the decisive blow was struck by the ever cautious Kalad and a dispatched unit of soldiers from Overlook. Who made their way through the vents and sealed off the underground tunnels from any further orc use. He had reported to the Overlook council that he directed the group they had sent on the Monastery evacuation mission to the vents, but as soon he had recovered he would follow up on their progress.

They readily agreed and it was good thing they did go as the previous two groups The Farstriders and the (bleepers1) had fallen to the orog chieftain Tusk. He and his band were heavily wounded from a battle with the (bleepers1) and unable to mount a proper defense, Kalad and company defeated the foe and sealed off the Nexus. With their leader dead and cut off from the tunnels, the orcs had no choice but to attack Bordrin’s Watch. The fighting was brutal, for even though the orcs have lost their advantage, they are still numerous and powerful. After five days of fighting, the defenders on the walls turn back the hordes, sending them back into the badlands once more. Unfortunately the disfigured remains of the (bleepers) and Farstriders were found barely recognizable and chewed upon by Tusks’ kept cave troll.

As the soldiers were driving the orc forces back into orc country, the festivities had already begun in Overlook. Here we find the Overlanders celebrating their successful defense at the victory party at high hall inside of Caer Overlook. They avail themselves on the food and wine except for Relik who stares at the crowd, trade stories with other groups and learn the details and overall timeline of the past week’s events. Lain takes particular interest in exchanging stories with another adventuring companies, while the others look on at the revelry, as the night winds on they can sense the party is winding down but before they can head out Elder Cadric of the council walks over to make a simple and mysterious request of the adventurers, “tomorrow I would like to speak with you all about some information that has come to light.”

With that ominous invitation Lain begins saying the groups goodbyes and they all head back to rest at the Mountain’s Hearth in the Blister

With the bodies of the slain orcs laying on the floor they quickly go to see what was taking the commander so long. They find he is still trying to get Jocellyn ready and he tells them to be alert for signs of more orcs. As they wait in the room collecting their breaths, the sound of knocking on the doorway they had came through thunders through the silence.

Kitar and Relik go to investigate and as they approach they hear a booming voicing yelling “Hand over the princess now, and you will be spared an excruciating death!” They immediately respond that whoever they are they the trail of dead orcs should give them an idea of how strong a group they are about to face. “Then die by Vezul’s blade!” the voice responds and the doors immediately begins to strain under an impressive sounding blow.

With little time the group decides to use the narrow passageway to their advantage, Relik and Kitar take up flanking positions with and Braga holding his crossbow at the ready and Lain checking his notes for the best insult.

The booming sound of the door collapsing under the assault echoes down the hallway and the orcs begin to pour in, but with the room’s entrance protected the orcs who came in full steam were met with a painful surprise as sword strikes cut them from both sides. The chief orc was of course smarter and forced the groups to move positions to strike.

But the group used their superior location and their strongest attacks to their best effect and after a lengthy battle finished off the seemingly last of the orc forces. Surveying these bodies they managed to find and collected five hundred gold pieces, a horned helm, and a pair of healing potions.

---

500g, 2 Healing Potions, Horned Helm

As they catch their breath Lain moves to cover the door, the sounds of battle outside grow louder as reinforcements must have arrived to battle the orcs. They get a few minutes worth of rest before they hear the sound of the outer door break down the corridor. As they prepare for battle, the smell of burning flesh assaults their senses and a few orcs run in to room on fire and explode before the party’s eyes. A few more suffer the same fate then the remaining force makes their way inside.

The group is quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of the orc forces and they find no way to maneuver. Lain mocks the orcs as he stands guard and the rest slowly work their way through the wall of orcs, they cut through most of the rabble and only the strongest orcs stand, they won’t go down easily but the group double, and triple team the orcs into submission.

We currently find the group on a balcony they have been alerted to a small group orcs that have slipped around the defenses and now staging their own siege. The group is trying to repel the forces as they slowly working their way up the walls, making this task especially difficult is an ogre down below tossing boulders whenever the group attacks the north side. The group can only hold so long before the orcs overrun the balcony and they are forced to fight hand to hand.

They use their best tactics, Lain a Human Bard filling the air with insults and mockery at the orc forces, the Warforged Barbarian Relik swings his fullblade cutting deeply into the unfortunate orcs forces. Kitar a Longtooth Shifter Paladin challenging all opponents to face off in single combat, and Braga a Drow Rouge looks for the best opportunity to strike at an opponent’s back.

They managed to defeat the first wave and avoid most of the boulders but the force is too overwhelming and they are forced to retreat inside. They are given instructions by captain (blank) to hold the orcs off as long as possible while the commanding officer goes to secure the dignitary’s daughter, he quickly disappears around through the reinforced iron door and down a hallway.

The west walls of Bordrin’s Watch hava been under siege for the last four days but the orc army hasn’t been able to crack the dwarven stronghold’s protection. Durkik Forgeheart has done a great job leading the militias bolstering the main forces and the thousands of warriors along with the adventuring groups have been able to keep the invading army at bay.

But not every group has been assigned to defense a few groups have been tasked with smaller missions to advance the cause, one such group, (bleep2) has been assigned to the eastern back section and have been asked to be the personal protection of one of Overlook’s important figures daughter. They are assigned to captain (blank) who is overseeing several of the independent groups activities.

Session 06
Saturday October 3rd, 2009
1:00pm – 6:00pm

The group head through the west doors stepping into a massive chamber the ceiling rises one hundred feet above, at the center of the chamber is a pillar of solid steel that is screwed into the stone and that stand as tall as the ceiling. Two bronze and steel pipes emerge from the eastern walls and travel toward the steel column before vanishing into the stone. Rising around the outside of the room is a stone catwalk that connects to steel grating that wraps around the steel pillar like scaffolding. Dark tunnels pock the walls, leading to who knows where, and the faint odor of sulfur fills the air.

The group begins moving up the stone catwalk as they make it up the second sets of stairs a loud noise begins ringing out, they figure it must be some kind of alarm, and move quickly up the catwalk. As they move halfway across the catwalk’s south edge a few orcs begin coming out of the passages up ahead, they appear clubs raised, ready to fight. The front fighters quickly cut through the orcs and move further up the catwalk, to deal with four orcs that have appeared from the north passageway just beyond the second turn.

Yuriel and Quevven follow behind moving up the third set of stairs an Orog chieftain is seen barreling his way up the south passage toward the group, he’s wearing full plate armor and waving a falchion above his head. Following behind him are a pair of orcs carrying large “belly bows” and a woman figure resembling a human but her skin is gray and eyes that are solid black, like a raven’s. Her skin has patterns of tattoos and scarifications, as well as many piercings she has a wooden rod in hand.

They make a quick decision to form a two-man wall to block the passageway and hold off the advancing group, Yuriel sends arcane power swirling from his blade, engulfing the passage way in an inferno. Quevven begins muttering an arcane incantation and exerts his will on the advancing force a tide of magical weariness rolls over the group and they feel their bodies slow. Daeniroth and Gor have their hands full as they come up against the four orcs two of which are carrying heavy shields and bastard swords. They battle for advantageous position and a wrong step puts Gor in position to be pushed off the catwalk but thanks to his dwarven stoutness he stands his ground. They battle on unable to help their comrades as waves of orcs rush out from the passageway they fear any movement back would allow the enemy to surge over them. Daeniroth has no choice but to move forward step by step advancing Gor and himself to the best available spots.

Even with its impulses slowed the orog chieftain still is a formidable foe and he swings his falchion twice at Yuriel who dodges both blows, unable to accept his misses he grips his falchion and swings in a circle slashing at Yuriel and Quevven his attacks hit home this time with that mighty effort he falls face forward unconscious. The archers’ attacks prove as ineffective as the bolts bounce of Yuriels armor and they fall to the power of the spell. The gray woman screams at the chieftain “Tusk! Wake up!” and launches her own psychic attacks at Quevven but its effects are wasted on the wizard. With their foes unconscious Yuriel unleashes powerful coup de grace attacks on Tusk while Quevven creates a vertical column of golden flames burning the archers and the chieftain.

Daeniroth and Gor can only swing so fast as it seems every slain orcs is replaced by two and there is no end to amount of orcs pouring from the passageways of the chamber the north wall has at least sixteen pushing forward, luckily they appear in front of the the two melee fighters and not at the their backs. As they push forward almost reaching the next set of stairs it happens, three orcs appear from the west passage way they move to flank Daeniroth hoping to break open a hole for the orcs to get through. But they can’t up to Gor’s twin axes.

With the archers burnt the woman moves forward and magically appears behind Yuriel and Quevven quickly launching more psychic attacks at them. Her screaming must have had some effect on Tusk as his eyes groggily open and he shakes off the effects of the spell. He scrambles to his feet and levels a look of scorn on Yuriel and brings his falchion down on his chest, the hit knocks Yuriel unconscious and down on his back. Tusk seems to take pleasure in the pain he causes and appears visibly better after the attack. Seeing this Daeniroth has to disengage from the orc forces and begin moving backwards to heal his fallen friend. With him out of range Gor spins on his feet furiously slashing the plate armored orc and a few club wielding orcs dropping them dead in their tracks.

With Daeniroth gone the orcs forces begin to move forward the overrun Gor who begins getting clubbed from all directions dodging a few of the blows laid on him. Quevven reaches into his pouch for a healing potion to administer to Yuriel but before he can, Tusk free to move out of the corridor easily cuts through Quevvens leather armor and sending him to the ground. Daeniroth is able to get by the gray woman and reach the unconscious Yuriel calling out inspiring words of courage and determination that helps can dig into his resolve. Yuriel eyes open just in time to see the one-two combo of the woman’s psychic attack and Tusk’s mighty falchion send Daeniroth to the stone floor. Yuriel is able to stand and strike like lightning at Tusk and the woman his attack glances off the orog and digs deep into her leather armor.

Gor tries to hobble backward to aid his companions but the combination of club attacks and a to his body forces him to move carefully. Tusk moves into position and slashes twice at Yuriel who falls back down again, Gor can only look on in horror as now all three of his allies have fallen, he momentarily considers jumping off the catwalk but the nearly fifty foot drop would surely kill him. He decides to go out in a blaze of glory charging straight at the orog warrior.

The group then moves though the iron double doors leading them into a passageway that splits into three directions; west is closed off by another set of double doors, south a set of doors are cracked open slightly though they can’t see what’s behind them, and to the north the passageway goes a distance and turns left. The group asks the stealthiest among them Gor to go down the open corridor to see where it leads, he slinks ahead and makes his way to the turn where he sees another surprising sight, a cave troll looms large in a small sacred chamber, bits of flesh, bone, and gear litter the floor. Eight orcs stand around the room most up front desecrating an altar, which Gor recognizes as being dedicated to Moradin. Although the altar is wrecked is shines brilliantly, as if Moradin was calling for him to purify this chamber.

He reports back to the group and they decide that the west door probably heads to the nexus and given how wounded they are they should press forward. The bodies of the cocky Farstriders will have to be left behind.

He quickly shuts the door and relays the information to the group, they then form a strategy and Quevven throws open the door and begins muttering words causing a vertical column of golden flames burning a group of three orcs.

Now the group can all see in the room begins on a platform overlooking an enormous chamber, two everburning torches sit in iron sconces on either side of the iron door set in the center of the west wall. The ceiling, from the main level, is twenty feet overhead. Branching out to the south and north is a floor made of iron mesh which allows sight to the level below. Beneath the stone walk and scaffolding is a lower level, about twenty feet below the doors leading into and out of this room, and reached by twin staircases descending from the eastern platform. Two ten-foot wide pipes run across the lower level of the room, emerging from the eastern wall and exiting through the west.

All eyes are on the group, the orcs turn to face them, growling with rage and drooling with anticipation for the kill. Behind and below the orcs lies a sunken section of the chamber, where they see iron tubes as tall as a man running across the room. On the north side of the pit, they see several large beetles, their mottled hides glowing red as if aflame. Sprawled across the floor is the beheaded remains of a half-elf presumably a member of the Farstriders. A short human figure wearing a long black cloak is examining an iron wheel connected to the southern pipe.

Yuriel is the next in and he quickly focuses arcane power swirling around his blade and outward toward you’re the orcs them in an inferno. Gor quickly follows behind and swings his axes at an orc who avoided the fire and he drops to the floor Daeniroth moves in and attacks and simultaneously compels Yuriel to advance further in.

The room is quickly filled with the sound of battle as the orc forces advance on the well positioned group. The groups “make them come to us” plan seemingly working as the orcs were forced to come in waves and were never able to surround the group. The trouble came from the fire beetles who sent blasts of fire at the group, and a few bow carrying orcs who peppered the group with shots. While the orcs and heroes battled the cloaked figure must have finished his objective as he began making his way to the grating to get in on the battle.

As he reaches the fighting forces he steps forward as he does he seems to be surrounded by darkness and it makes it very difficult to gauge where to strike. Gor does his best though and misses, he does notice and “E” stitched onto the figures cloak as the figure passes by. The cloaked figure steps to Quevven and thrusts a dagger into his side easily piercing the armor. The group now confronted with a battle on two sides quickly dispatches most of the orc forces. Their plan to use Quevven’s Orbmaster’s Incendiary Detonation zone of fire to impede the beetles movement from the north backfires as the fire beetles walk through the fire unaffected.

But it does burn the shadow figure as he was forced to move into it by Gor and Yuriel’s superior footwork. Queven has a tough time with the beetles and falls to their attacks but Daeniroth was able to quickly get him back in the land of the living. The group begins dropping the last foes, and with all his allies gone the lone orc archer quickly drops his weapon and runs out the open door to east.

The group looks around at the bloodshed they had caused and each the have to get to the nexus quickly as their stamina was fading. Their search of the dead and turns up a few items, and Daeniroth attempts to undo whatever the cloaked figure did by reopening the valve.

---

50g, Potion of Healing, Cloak of Resistance

As they look into the darkness Gor reaches for another sunrod and lights it, they now can see the corridor stretches easily as far as the magical light can go and the ceiling corridor is about twenty feet overhead. About halfway down the corridor they see a strange statue that resembles a crossbow with legs, with statues of two iron dogs on each side, like the corridor they have accumulated layers of dust and cobwebs.

The group recognizing that the dwarfs would most likely protect their failsafe discusses the best way to proceed; they decided to have Gor shout a few words in dwarven hoping to pacify the possible traps. They get no response from the statues, and they to decide to have Quevven launch a magic missile to test if they are mechanical are they still in operation.

The silvery bolt strikes the crossbow and immediately the statues internal mechanisms activate, the statues all begin moving shaking off the layers of dust their mechanical eyes opening. The group now has no choice but to battle with these mechanical guardians they moves forward to strike. As Gor moves forward his foot presses down on a hidden pressure plate in the floor suddenly a panel in the south wall drops down and a crossbow comes into view it whirls around seemingly getting acclimated and points itself in the direction of the adventurers. The legged crossbow fires a pair of bolts at Quevven they sink deep into his leather armor. Daeniroth begins moving toward the revealed turret and trying to disable it the old fashioned way, smashing it to bits.

Gor moves forward and slashes with the ferocity of a wounded wolverine at the advancing iron dogs hitting them each. The iron dogs respond by moving to flank him and biting at his legs the first sinks his teeth in, the second set of jaws grab nothing but air. As they’ve moved in the light from the sunrod reaches the end of the corridor revealing a pair of large bronze doors. The legged crossbow fires another bolt at Quevven and now three arrows have pierced his armor and he barely stands. Yuriel hits the closest dog and bits of mechanical pieces spray out from its body. Daeniroth continues his assault on the turret; unfortunately it still fires a shot at Gor. Quevven heads for cover and on his way fires two bolts of blue-white energy at the dogs slowing them down. Gor swings both of his axes at the more damaged of the pair of dogs, one finds a home in its side. The animated crossbow begins slowly advancing toward Daeniroth firing arrows in the groups direction.

Gor proves too nimble for the dogs as they can’t seem to get their teeth into him, while focused on the dwarf Yuriel moves up and like a forked bolt of lightning, seemingly strikes at one of the iron dogs and the legged crossbow at the same time. Daeniroth strikes prove too much and the wall turret falls to pieces, Quevven launches bolts of force at the dogs helping Gor and Yuriel put them down. Gor then focuses his attention on the legged crossbow and his axes cut deep into the mechanical foe. Daeniroth yells at Yuriel to get ready calculates his next blow hoping to leave the crossbow exposed to attack, but as he follows through on his swing the crossbow falls on its side and the light in its eyes fades away.

The group takes a few minutes to rest Daeniroth offers inspiring words of courage helping his allies heal. They then try to listen through the double doors and hearing nothing Gor cracks the door open and sees a scary sight, orcs are spread all over the room.

Session 05
Saturday September 26th, 2009
1:00pm – 5:30pm

As the party comes deeper into the caves they hear a heated argument, and begin to head in that direction, there are at least two voices in the argument. Gor does a little sneaking ahead and spots in the source of the shouting match.

“Four orcs are standin’ in the cavern, one has a battleaxe on his back, and an everburning torch pointing back to the corridor behind them, the torch is the only source of light and it fills the room completely with bright light. Two orcs wearing hide armor,” Gor whispers “they must be some kinda orc freaks because they have two axes apiece. The biggest of the lot is in chainmail, a tattered cloak with a wicked lookin’ glaive on his belt. He seems to be in command, he’s pointin’ in this direction. The ceiling is fifteen feet tall, and the corridor behind them is filled with mist.”

The group decides the best strategy is to use the narrow opening to their advantage as the orcs seem to not have any ranged weaponry.

Yuriel moves forward between the last two cave walls before the cavern, the boss orc spots him, growling deep in his chest he yells “get them!” Daeniroth and Gor move behind Yuriel while Sioc and Quevven try for spots they can use some use their ranged attacks.

Of course all plans depend on good intel and unfortunately there was no way they could know the torch orc was carrying some type of primitive bomb. Upon hear the attack order he reaches in his belt pouch and tosses it. It explodes at Yuriel’s and Gor’s feet starting a small fire! With their plan shot, Yuriel quickly transforms into water form bypassing the blocking freak and begins slashing at the bomber.

The tables had turned as the group has to kill the first freak before they can gain access into the cavern. Gor taunts ”I’ll show yeh how to use some axes!” as he slashes the orc, Daeniroth wedges into position and begins hacking away while Sioc and Quevven fire bolts of energy at the blocker. He quickly falls under the onslaught and they gain passage, the group’s bad luck seems to have ebbed as most attacks know find their way home. But they don’t go down quickly, these orcs also seem to lust for battle as a few powerful swings seem to help them recover from some of the damage the group inflicted on them.

But as battlecrazed as they may be they fall to the party’s combined might. They find no valuables on the slain bodies, and as they down the dark corridor leading deeper into the vents the words of Gor capture their feelings “Who else is worried about a unlit passageway?”

The Vents are easy to find, even if they are several miles away near the foot of the mountains, the steam rising from the fissures is visible from quite a distance, so after a rest under the cover of darkness there was no challenge in reaching the caves.

Scattered across the lower slopes are numerous steaming fissures, some as small as tiny cracks in the stone with others large enough to accommodate an ogre. The rocks here are slippery and aside from ropes of brown-black fungus, moss, and lichen, nothing lives here. The air stinks of sulfur and grows stronger nearest the plumes of acrid smoke wafting up from the holes.

About a hundred feet down from the lowest cracks is a campsite. There, they see five horses tied up and empty feedbags hanging from their heads. A smothered campfire sits a few yards away from the horses. Footprints lead into one of the larger openings, there are five different sets of prints, and no sign of any prints coming out.

Kalad’s map leads only this far, the group now had to use their instincts and skills to navigate the tunnels. Luckily Gor is more than up for the challenge using his experience in spelunking to navigate the tunnels, the group also tries to follow the tracks left by the Farstriders with little success. After following the passages for several hours they reach the lower tunnels intact.

“The orcs came through the tunnels, we never expected an attack from below, but luckily in their haste to overrun the temple above I was missed. While the orcs fought my kin upstairs, I was able to get here to collapse the tunnel behind us, cutting off the route for more orcs to breach the mountain. Unfortunately I now had no place to go and when Og, the orog warrior, returned and found the tunnel caved-in, he was enraged and has spent the last few hours beating me to the brink of death. But praise be to Moradin, for he sent you to rescue and defeat these savages you’ve saved my life. What is a group such as you doing here? And how did you Sioc come to be in their company?”

They then explained their role in the defense of the The Stonehome Mountains and the main forces posting at Bordin’s Watch.

“Bordin’s Watch? The tunnels there are already sealed; I closed them myself a few days ago after the news of the approaching army grew dire. But what of the vents? Who is guarding them?”

Daeniroth explains “that the Farstriders were sent to that region and it’s very probable they were tasked with a secret mission there.”

Upon hearing this news Kalad’s face falls “They sent only one group! The fools they know the vents are much too important to be protected by one group. “You must go to the vents and make certain the other group completed their mission. There’s too much at stake, friends! The vents hold a secret: the tunnels that run under much of the mountains were built with a failsafe in case of invasion. Deep in the tunnels a secret area holds the mechanisms to activate the trap collapsing the tunnels on whoever is inside” he adds, “but it’s a labyrinth down there, easy to get turned around. They should have sent several groups to make the job is done.”

“The Farstriders are the said to be the best there are, they’ve defeated a black dragon.” Gor reluctantly chimes in.

“I don’t care how strong they’re said to be, would you risk the lives of everyone in this valley on the efforts of just one group? Sioc you must go with this group to see this through! I will return to Overlook to warn the elders and ministry of War. Can I trust you to do this task?”

Gor immediately respond in the affirmative pleased to be looked upon in such a favorable light by a supremely pious and devout warrior of Moradin. The rest of the group agrees with Kalad’s reasoning, the failsafe measures in the vents are too important, they must make sure they are activated and don’t fall into orc hands.

“Thank Moradin for such strong warriors such as yourselves,” he then sketches a rough drawing and directions to the vents in Quevven’s notebook.

With map in hand they begin the long climb back up to the monastery Kalad can barely stand and seeing his fallen comrades does little to improve his pain. Upon reaching the gates they wish each other good luck and watch as Kalad disappears around the mountain side, the group then begins their descent down the mountain side and towards the vents.

As they move forward the corridor narrows to a five foot tunnel leading into a large chamber where a fearsome blaze rages. The blaze fills the room with bright light and casting silhouettes of the orcs gathered here. They seem intent on something on the opposite side of the room, where grunts and shouts can be heard above the roar of the flame. Upon a closer look the group spots a dwarf being beaten by a hulking orog warrior, they can hear the orog demand in broken common that the dwarf “open the tunnel.”

A pair of orcs in leather armor are looking sideways in the party’s direction, almost as one they begin shouting, the other six orc “drudges” (the groups nickname for the weak looking club wielders) raise their clubs above their heads and throw themselves recklessly at the intruders. Over by the left side an orc in a fur coat grabs his spear and begins chanting, the warrior drops the beaten dwarf to the floor, draws his bastard sword and wades into the battle.

Yuriel surges forward in liquid form bypassing the main forces and charges at the muttering orc cutting him. The orcs respond quickly to this unforeseen threat, one of the leather clad orcs moves in front of the group blocking their entrance into the cavern. Orcs quickly swarm Yuriel and the mutterer stabs at Yuriel with the spear he retrieved from his back yelling “for Gruumsh!” The group cut off from entrance has only one target and Gor begins slashing at the leather clad orc with both axes and drawing blood, he musters enough energy to swing them both again unfortunately missing the second time. Quevven launches a silvery bolt of force, Sioc begins cursing the orc and firing bolts of dark, crackling eldritch energy, Daeniroth throws an axe lodging it in the orcs bloody shoulder.

Yuriel overwhelmed by the surrounding orcs strikes at the other fur clad orc and in the blink of an eye a “drudge” twenty five feet away, Gor’s next attack manages to strike the orc down and finally they can get into the cavern. Daeniroth moves forward calling inspiring words out to Yuriel helping him heal from the orc attacks. Gouts of flame pulse from Quevven’s orb and explode amid the enemies in front of the group, setting the area alight.

The battle raged on with both sides using their most powerful abilities the fur clad orc staying just out of range of the flames and peppering the group with attacks on their willpower most notably keeping Daeniroth from keeping the best defense possible. The leather clad orc seems to get a charge out of the violence of battle and after one strike actually seemed to shake off some of the damage he had taken. The orog warrior hit Yuriel so hard with his sword that the blow opened a huge gash that kept bleeping profusely until Yuriel was able to apply enough pressure to stop the bleeding. The group managed to kill most of the drudges but the warrior threaten so much space they were forced to attack him head on, Daeniroth’s ability to find and exploit weak spots let the groups blades and spells drive home a bit easier; Gor’s well-placed shot to the leg left the warrior hobbling and bleeding, and as a ferocious swing came at Yuriel his warding quickly turned to ice and lashed out at the warrior with the fury of winter.

After all this, the orog warrior still was left standing and he was mad, quickly whipping his blade around, slashing Gor, Yuriel and Daeniroth. Quevven’s illusions of assailants having no effect on him in his blood crazed fury. Sioc’s raised rod sent rivulets of clinging liquid fire over the warrior, catching his legs on fire burning until he could shake the fire out. Daeniroth unable to properly defend himself catches a blow from the leather clad orc and falls unconscious, Quevven moving much closer to the action then he has ever had too before yells for Gor and Sioc to move so he could use a sleep spell hopefully incapacitating the ferocious foe, upon hearing this Gor moves up into position to spins in place and slashes at the warrior and leather clad orc with the ferocity of a wounded dire wolverine. The last drudge looks on with glee at the carnage not noticing as the beaten and bloodied dwarf struggles to his feet managing to grab a club off a fallen orc and make his way behind the Gruumsh follower swinging at his backside and grabbing his attention. In a seemingly strange move Sioc moves close into the warriors range, he promptly slashes and cuts Sioc, Sioc then moves away pointing his finger, and the drudge is scoured in hellish flames which seem to burn a bit brighter, with Gor and Sioc out of position Quevven finishes his chant and exerts his will against his foes, overwhelming the warrior but not the leather clad orc with a tide of magical weariness.

The orc seeing his champion slowed slashes at Gor sending him to the floor, Quevven digs in his belt pouch for a potion he quickly gets the liquid down the warlord’s throat reviving Daeniroth, who open his eyes slowly and asks “did we win yet?” The warrior unable to summon enough will to resist the spell falls unconscious, and Yuriel quickly begins chopping at the orc. Kalad amazingly is still able to fight and keeps the fur clad orcs attention away from the party. Sioc quickly comes to Gor’s aid reaching into the dwarf’s bag and drawing a potion Daeniroth told him the group stored there; Gor’s eyes flutter open and he manages to climb back to his feet. Daeniroth immediately commands the groggy dwarf to strike and he manages to hit the leather clad orc. Some link between leader and soldier must have called to the orog warrior as he shakes off unconsciousness and rises to his scorched and blood soaked feet again, he immediately strikes at Yuriel who falls under the burden of the heavy blow. The group continues to fight against the warrior but he refuses to fall screaming curses upon the heroes in a combination of goblin and common. Sioc’s blast of eldritch energy shuts the muttering orc up as he drops dead onto his back, Quevven grabs his last potion and feeds it to Yuriel and his orb lights up with crimson and the bloodied foe’s wounds tear open and blood gushes from their bodies. Daeniroth continues to command Gor to strike and he manages to slice the last standing orc sending him to the Raven Queen’s tender embrace.

Sioc immediately moves to the beaten dwarf yelling “Kalad!” The group stands bloodied and barely alive but alive nonetheless. Each is amazed at the determination, fighting prowess and sheer involved in surviving this awful confrontation. They begin the process of recovery by sitting, most propped up by any vertical surface they could lay against. Quevven keeps his senses alert as he keeps watch for any danger, and as they look over the pile of bodies for any spoils. As the minutes pass Sioc and Kalad whisper in low voices when they finish the rest of the party get their first good look at Kalad.

He’s tall for a dwarf, thickly muscled, but his beard was savagely cut from his face and his injuries are extensive. His armor and weapon are still inside the chamber, and he has Sioc retrieve them.

As the group rests Kalad begins to tell his tale:

---

Hide Battle Harness Armor, 351 gold coins, 430 Silver coins, 2 gems (100gp), Ivory Statuette (250gp)

As the group catches their breath and Daeniroth recovers from his near death and in his heightened state is the only one to hear signs of an approaching figure. He looks towards the stairs and sees a figure moving down the second set of steps they had just traveled.

He warns the group each preparing for another fight, except Quevven who’s once again pouring over his spellbook, the figure is wearing a long cloak and covers his face with the hood as he comes closer. Gor calls up to the figure as he reaches the fourth landing he carefully explains he means them no harm and his name is Sioc, he is then allowed to continue down to the cavern floor he pulls back his hood revealing two large horns on his head and the solid white eyes of a Tiefling.

Gor again asks his business in being here and he gives a brief explanation explaining he is looking for Kalad a dwarf to whom he owes a great debt. Gor presses for more details and Sioc quickly responds that he means the group no harm but is not required to give details of his personal business to anyone. Gor is a bit taken aback by this answer and the group decides with his tenacity proven Sioc, can be allowed to accompany the group and search for his missing debtor. The group continues on, down the corridor 60 feet and feel the temperature rising as they continue onward.

After resting the group takes a look around the grand hall and from the look of things they deduce that the orcs took the dwarves by surprise, they fought bravely, but lacking their armor, they couldn’t stand against the invading orc force.

In the middle of the hall a statue depicting a battle Gor explains it shows Dergan Fellfist in combat with a legendary hydra, the hydra devoured 300 warriors until the dwarf hero killed the beast in single combat.

At the north end of the room, flanking the exit is a pair of thirty-foot tall statues of grim dwarf warriors, each holding an axe, with the head down, between its feet. The statues wear helmets that conceal all but their beard. Gor explains that the statues do not depict particular dwarf warriors, but rather are idealized versions of Moradin’s chosen servants. Before they continue he puts his hand to the smooth and dark base one of the statues; the difference in texture he says is caused by the countless hands that have touched them for the blessing they are thought to bestow.

They follow the path until the floor gives way to a massive cavern; a long staircase connects to one of the four fifteen foot square landings leading down to the cavern floor nearly two hundred feet below. They hear shuffling noises echoing in the cavern they move up and as they peer over the side they see a group of orcs climbing the third set of stairs. A group of five is quickly moving up, four in the front are carrying clubs; a few feet behind a bigger orc wearing stronger armor made of metal plates and a gigantic axe in hand follows. Ahead of them on the second landing, two orcs are shouldering the same strange bows the orcs in the hall of Moradin carried, and one more carrying the same bow is moving up the next set of steps.

The arches quickly get their bows in to firing position, pulling them back and sending arrows at the advancing Yuriel two find their way past his armor. Quevven steps close to the stairs and launches a bolt of silvery force at the archers in response. Gor then steps up rears his right hand back and throws a hammer at the first archer hitting him square in the leg he’s both pleased he hit and upset when he realizes that was his last throwing hammer. Daeniroth tries to do the same throwing his own hammer at an archer.

Yuriel transforms in to water form and flows down the steps and landing as he is reforming he quickly charges at the clearly surprised archer his sword cuts the archer down. The group of orcs continues advancing up past the archers the first club wielding orc moves forward and swings at Yuriel who easily dodges the blow. Gor and Daeniroth continue descending the steps, and out from the darkness a small white winged reptile creature appears in front of Quevven and tries to grab the orb right out of his hand, but he misses as Quevven uses his body to shield it from the creatures grasp.

Yuriel mutters a few words and his sword lights up with green flame and his blow cuts through the leather armor of the goblin in front of him and the fire bursts out killing the unprepared orc behind him. Daeniroth moves forward onto the second landing and Gor hearing the flitting wings of the drake runs up the stairs and strikes with both swords cutting a pair of gashes in the creature. The orcs seeing their friends burst into flame push the next front man at Yuriel, he swings his club but again Yuriel dodges. The archers fire arrows at the group which have little success; the drake swoops down at the advancing Gor and slashes with his talons cutting him.

With Daeniroth at his back Yuriel swings his blade like a forked bolt of lightning, he seems to strike the orc and the archer on the landing behind the advancing group at the same time, the orc falls and the unaware archer sports a new gash. The archers unable to wield their bows in close proximity to Yuriel quickly draw their blades and begin swinging at the newly appeared foe. Over by Quevven and Gor the drake moves in close and tries to grab the orb he almost succeeds but Quevvens conjured shield of arcane force blocks the claw from its intended target. Gor again moves back up the stairs and strikes the drake sending him falling down the cavern side, seeing things under control he begins his trek down the steps making it to the landing.

Daeniroth having traded a few hits with the well armored orc sizes him up and strikes at the perfect spot hobbling him, and leaving him exposed to an attack from Yuriel whose standing behind the imposing orc, his battle cry inspires Yuriel and fills him with courage. The orc hobbled and angry whips his axe around his body so fast the archers and the warlord can’t dodge in time. Daeniroth staggers under the fierce blow but remains on his feet. Gor moves forward preparing to charge the orc but Daeniroth eyes shine for revenge and he calls Gor off “ This Orc is mine!” he staggers forward brings his blade back over his head and everyone can only look on as he brings it down on the orcs head killing him in a spectacular fashion. With their leader gone the archers quickly succumb to an onslaught of melee attacks from Gor and Yuriel and the ranged spells of Quevven.

Session 04
Saturday September 5th, 2009
1:00pm – 6:00pm

The carnage in this grand hall is obscene, dead dwarves, some still in their nightclothes, litter the floor, blood painting the gray stone tiles, walls, and columns. All along either side of the room are stairs that climb 30 feet up to a landing and the entrance to one of the priests’ cells. A massive statue of a dwarf warrior battling a hydra dominates the center of the room, standing nearly as tall as the 20 ft ceiling. Two rows of 10-foot diameter columns support the ceiling overhead. In the light cast by burning braziers, you see the butchers: a group of orcs roughly nine of ten strong.

They look ready clubs, swords and axes in hand and begin charging forward the first group stands firm and cuts down the first wave, then each begins working forward Yuriel heading to the left Gor heading to the right Daeniroth moving cautiously up the middle and Quevven launching attacks from the back. The weak give way to the strong, Daeniroth moves forward to help Gor with a pair trying to flank him. Yuriel with the help of a few placed magic missiles brings down the greataxe carrying berserker. Exhausted and disgusted the group decides to sleep in the few unspoiled rooms they can find.

The cells are bare and devoid of much of interest, each containing a cot, a trunk filled with personal effects such as spare robes, smallclothes, and a few relics from the dwarves’ lives before they joined the monastery.

At the end of the courtyard another set of doors opens into the massive main chamber the dome ceiling stretches one hundred forty feet overhead and features a brilliant mural of dwarves fighting giants in what looks like the Stonehammer Mountains. As they move further in to the left and right are staircases lead up to a balcony that overlooks the hall two orcs, in leather armor are pointing “bellybows¹” straight at them.

Twenty feet head of the group to the left and right stairs lead down to sunken seating areas filled with pews, at the center of the room is a dais ringed with blood-spattered steps; two braziers atop the dais fill the room with bright light. Atop it stands a cracked anvil, clearly an altar, but now desecrated by dripping gore and smears of filth.

The remains of dwarf priests and paladins litter the floor, their blood cooling on the stone floor. A hideous orc crone dressed in tattered rags begins screeching as she sees the group, hopping from one leg to the other in outrage.

Gor begins climbing the stairs to the left and Yuriel heads to the right, the archers begin shooting their arrows each hitting the target climbing up their stairs. Daeniroth runs forward and charges at the crone slashing easily through her tattered rags, Quevven moves forward to support him sending illusions of spectral assailants at her to keep her attention. Meanwhile Gor made it up the steps and hits the leather clad orc hard putting some deep cuts in it, Yuriel takes his by surprise by charging up the stairs then turning to liquid and maneuvers behind him. After returning to form he grapples and manages to shove the archer over the edge and down some of the stairs.

On the dais the anvil altar slides on its base and a group of four orcs appear with clubs raised overhead a burly looking orc in chainmail comes behind glaive in hand, tattered cloak hanging behind him. Quevven immediately sets the area alight with flames and the four burst into flames the commanding orc yells at the death of his comrades. Gor finishes off his foe and makes his way down the steps and over up the dais, Daeniroth slashes at the commander who recklessly charged ahead trying to get to Quevven, the crone sensing the tide turning, backs up towards the newly revealed stairs. Yuriel quickly finishes the fallen orc and makes his way down the stairs, Quevven begins moving back from the fray, Gor makes it up the dais and slashing furiously at the commander.

Daeniroth moves into flanking position and puts a well placed blow he leaves him exposed to an attack from Gor who unfortunately misses. Yuriel makes in to fray and they quickly overwhelm the commander and kill the crone was doing her best to support him. The altar base reveals a spiral staircase going down. The group can only spend a few moments looking at the slain dwarves before Gor swears revenge; they descend down the staircase as quietly as they can with eyes alert to danger.

---

¹The ancestor of the catapult,the Gastrophetes or Belly Bow

It was laid out horizontal and braced up against the belly. This way the user could use both hands to draw back the string making it more powerful than the regular bow.

The group heads to the Monastery and after a day’s trek through the mountains of stone home they come up the path and cane see the high walls protecting the entrance, a terrible sight awaits them as smoke is billowing up from the other side and as they get closer the 30ft main doors are torn off. As they come closer to the gate they see three bonfires burning, where gray and green-skinned savages cook haunches of meat that look suspiciously like arms and legs.

The weapons users rush into the courtyard to attack the first group as they scramble to pick up their forgotten axes and Quevven begins attacking the groups with bursts of flame. Yuriel swift currents between two orcs and blasts magical energy from his sword at his enemies, Gor strikes with both swords slashing any enemy in his path. Daeniroth confuses an orc giving Gor a chance to strike his back, the others orcs surge forward surrounding the group two orcs run to strike Quevven he manages to dodge and set them on fire, a charging orc hit Gor in the back but Yuriel flicks his hand and a temporary shield manages to absorb some of the damage, the group manages to kill most of the surrounding group Daeniroth points Yuriel to an advantageous flanking position and Gor cuts downs the last foe. With these orcs defeated the party can only wonder how many orcs have infiltrated the monastery, as quickly search for clues they prepare for the worst.

(forgot to write up)

The next morning the group is summoned to Caer Overlook, a sprawling fortress of stone hauled out from the depths of the earth rising above all the other districts and buildings in the city. The castle consists of eight round towers arranged in a star pattern surrounding a central keep capped with a domed roof. Hedging in all the towers and the keep is another stone wall, taller than the wall bounding the High Hall it raises to two hundred feet tall.

Once there, the PCs and other adventurers are led through a maze of corridors until they reach the High Hall. Standing on the 20-foot tall dais are the five elders. Each of the three male dwarves has long beards that hang to their feet, and two are old, being gray and wrinkled. The third is younger, with black hair and hard features. The two female elders are both attractive, one with red hair and the other with brown. All five wear the robes of their office—luxuriant purple and silver damask. Arranged beneath them, filling the chamber completely, is a motley crowd of common soldiers, militia, and adventurers, with each race and occupation represented, and most standing in small groups, but a few mingling.

After a few minutes the youngest male elder steps forward and addresses the crowd:

“Welcome to High Hall friends. I am Elder Cadrick. I don’t much see the point in bandying words, so I’ll lay it out for you. War is upon us. A great host of orcs comes from the west. Their intention is clear. They will come through the mountains bent on slaughter. Those they spare can look forward to a short life of slavery. Overlook, and Bordrin’s Watch in the mountains, have long held fast against these raids, but our scouts say never has such an army gathered. Thus, we turn to you brave souls to help defend not only Overlook, but also all the Elsir Vale.

When the orcs arrive, we’re certain they will come up through the pass. We know this because already there have been attacks from the tunnels below, compromising the fastness. The defenders have fought back the savages, but it’s clear the rest are coming and fast.

So here’s the plan. Durkik Forgeheart will lead the militias and most of you to bolster Bordrin’s Watch. Orc trailblazers infest the tunnels below, so we’ve tasked their security to the Farstriders. One more mission remains, though. We need a group to evacuate the monastery on the other side of the mountains. It’s dangerous work, what with the orcs and all, but priests need a warning of what’s coming if they don’t know already.

Do we have any volunteers?”

The group looks at each other and each realizes that once again opportunity has presented itself; Daeniroth speaks loud and clear for the entire hall to hear “We would be honored to help protect the proud city of Overlook in this capacity.” This announcement is quickly met with looks of skepticism and unbelief from the people gathered in the hall.

“Splendid” Cadrick says as he sets his eyes on the four.

Just as quickly as he says these words Edgar Sommerfield, the leader of the Farstriders, angrily steps forward and says, “Should I remind the Council of our previous arrangement?” Cadrick responds with a nod and a placating gesture, thanks the group for volunteering their service, and dismisses the gathered crowd. The elder speaks with the Farstrider’s leader for a few moments, after which Sommerfield storms out of the hall. Cadrick then calls the group over and promises them 1,000 gp upon their return.

With this question in mind the group head into Overlook and share the news of these out of place orcs with the gate sentry he looks distraught over the news and tells the group to report to the ministry of war high in the high hall district where they can speak to the intelligence officials there.

Passing along the tight and cramped roads winding through the heart of Overlook, they see numerous shadowy alcoves, dead-ends, and limited range of sight as they turn and twist.

High Hall consists of a forest of massive buildings packed tightly inside its walls. Towers thrust up from the fortress like structures, marble and brick building fronted by impressive statues of dwarf warriors, artisans, and historical figures, while the walls themselves bear intricate carvings and bas-reliefs capturing key moments from the city’s history. The Ministry of War is more compound than single structure, consisting of six buildings arranged inside a walled-in courtyard. Three buildings are barracks for the garrison that protects and patrols the city. The fourth serves as an armory and smithy, producing weapons, ammunition, and armor for recruits. The fifth building houses the officers quarters, while the sixth contains the officers of the War Minister.

Upon speaking with an attendant about this new development they are told that a defense meeting is being held between the War minister and officers, an officer will speak with them as soon as possible Daeniroth lets him know they are staying at the Dark Hammer. With that task done they decided the next pressing item is the locked chest from the Elsir Consortium they speak with a townsperson who directs them to Elf Town where the main branch of this region is, they east head in that direction. They head into the warehouse behind the main store and are met by a human clerk after explaining the situation the clerk tells the group hoe relieved that this package was retrieved he doesn’t seem so sure about the green dragon part though. He then tells the group that a manager should probably hear their tale and walks upstairs as other men take the chest into the storage area. A few minutes pass and a ?? wearing ?? comes down introduces himself as ?? and ushers the group into his office. “How good of you to return this chest back to us, we had resigned to the fact that it would be lost forever. What is the name of your group and where do you hail from?” Daeniroth responds “??, we organized in Brindol to help stop a band of goblins playing at reviving the Red Hand of Doom.” As a reward he offers the group a ten percent discount on any item that they sell in the main store and to keep them top of mind for further needs of the consortium.

The trip continues on uneventfully for a few more days until they see the tall towers of Overlook Gor’s face lights up at the sight; as they continue on Dwarf Road they see a group of Orcs surrounding two central figures they seem to be arguing each yelling at the other. As the group looks on the one with a small bag in his hand yells at the other and he in turn backs down taking a step back, the leader orc seems pleased and turns looking and yelling at the circle of orcs around him. As he makes his turn east he spots the adventurers standing on the path and quickly shouts again and begins running at them.

The adventures in turn charge ahead weapons ready to meet the Orcs, Quevven launches fire at the charging group, Gor is able to slash a group that tried to surround him, and Daeniroth attacks the leader orc exposing him to an attack from Yuriel, if he wasn’t falling over clutching his new wound. Yuriel instead cuts down the last orc who cowered down before, as the group stand victoriously over their foes one question quickly comes to mind, how did orcs get on this side of overlook? No answer can be found on them just a bag containing a few gems, a bracelet and necklace and their meager belongings.

---

3 garnets (25gp), bracelet (50sp), necklace (20g)

On their way to Overlook the group comes upon a turned over wagon, Gor moves ahead to investigate while the rest keep their eyes open for whatever caused the trouble. Inside the wagon Gor find an Orc whose body has been ripped apart. His body has a green tinge to it.

Beyond that a cave entrance leads into the ground below, he returns quickly explains the situation as this is happening from behind a set of trees a green dragon appears. He rears his head back and then breathes out a cloud of green gas. Daeniroth and Quevven can’t hold their breath fast enough and inhale the smoke. Understanding that a green dragon is a significant challenge the new adventurers let loose with all their strongest abilities, Gor’s attack on the dragons feet misses the right leg but hits the left hobbling the dragon, Daeniroth finds a weak spot in the dragons defense and yells to his friends to hit that spot, upon being clawed Yuriel’s warding turns to ice and deeply cuts the dragons hide hoping to quickly put down the enraged foe.

The dragon wouldn’t go down without a fight though; shaking off many attacks, resisting Quevven’s sleep spell and continually trying to poison through its bite attack. Daeniroth got the brunt of these bites and succumbed to the poison’s effect, but Gor was close by and able to get a healing potion down his throat, reviving him. Surrounded by the melee fighters the dragon begins taking hit after hit, after one particularly strong one from Yuriel the dragon let out a yelp of pain and breathes it’s poisonous breath on the Daeniroth and Gor in front of him. Finally after trading many more blows, Daeniroth manages to get his blade between the scales and fell the mighty foe.

Amazed at their misfortune in happening across a young dragon the group collects some trophies to commemorate their victory and search inside the nearby cave entrance. Inside they find a large locked box with the letters “EC”. Drained from their encounter they decide to rest in the cave for the evening.

---

175 gold coins scattered about, and a healing potion.

After returning to town and seeing Riven reunited with his uncle the adventurers are resting together at The Antler and Thistle when Alys comes in looking for them, she quickly meets with Daeniroth and relays the message that Troyas would like to speak to them as soon as possible. She then leaves and he rounds up the others.

They meet with Troyas and he explains “War approaches. A week ago, a call to arms sounded throughout the Elsir Valley, summoning warriors to help defend Overlook in the Stonehome Mountains far to the west. Word of an army of orcs on the march had spread through the Vale for months, but now, it appeared the rumors were true. Overlook has always been able to repel attacks from the orc territories to the northwest but as feared this is a force much too large for them to repel by themselves.” Upon hearing these words the group prepares themselves for what they all know will come next. “We can’t send much of our guard to aid Overlook, and after your exemplary handling of Sinruth’s bandits the council has decided to ask you to go as our representatives. “Of course you will be compensated for your efforts,” he quickly places a bag on his desk, “We can offer 200 gold pieces for your services.” The group looks towards Gor who looks pleased to be paid to help his dwarven brethren, and then agree to Troyas’ proposal.

As they begin to leave “One more thing, this longsword you brought back to us was not stolen from the Hall of Great Valor. As you found it we feel it is appropriate for you to have it.” He places the sword on his desk, Quevven recognizes the magical presence of the blade, Yuriel quickly moves to examine it more closely and recognizes the engravings as those associated with Bahamut the Platinum Dragon and god of justice. Sensing the precision, and importance of the carvings he quickly tells the group “I’d like to have this”, the group agrees he may.

They then make preparations and restock for their week long journey to Overlook, as they speak with the citizens and storeowners the feeling is that this could be the start of a real war one the like of which hasn’t been seen in a long time. Their last stop to Alchemy by Adronsius is fortuitous as he is doubly excited seeing his rescuers again and the heroes brave enough to help his dwarven brethren face this ominous menace. He discounts his prices to help with the cause, their equipment needs finished they begin to head out towards the Stonehome Mountains.

Session 3
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
1:00 – 6:30

Adventures and last captives return, some debate over what we get paid and what we keep is had. Eoffram Troyas is made to look awesome to his peers.

(Temporary)

Adventures look for rest of captives go to cold room. No one has a torch, Sinruths’s head used as impromtu light source. Freaky people start attacking adventures can’t see squat. Skeletons rise from the floor and promptly get smashed, A forgotten aunrod gets lit freaky dudes get beaten down. Captives are released from the chains.

All captives located

(Temporary)

Sinruth and his buddies come in get put to sleep resist it. Cronies get picked off one by one, Riven gets knocked down a bunch. Sinruth gets surrounded and killed.

(Temporary)

Up stairs into a large room killed some peoples. Magical guy tries to attack between Yuriel and Daeniroth and is killed before he can say “Hocus”.
Someone kicks a door out.

(Temporary)

Headed into room with 4 sarcophagi, killed some folks.
Rats busted in, killed them too.

(Temporary)

As they entered into the main entrance again there was only one way left to go and they proceeded to move through the unlocked door to the left it left into another corridor turning north about 20 feet ahead Gor signaled the group that he would go ahead and scout it out. As he moved ahead somewhat stealthily he peeked around the corner and saw a group of 5 hobgoblins and goblins most looked weak in little armor bows and one definitely looked like their boss.

He sneaked back letting the group know that the group was tightly clustered together Quevven immediately volunteered to hopefully launch a sneak attack against the enemy group. They group wasn’t sure of this strategy but went along with the plan. So Gor and Quevven snuck back to the corner and Quevven gathered his courage to make his attack unfortunately they spotted him and shouted battle cries Quevven was surprised at the goblins actions was not prepared to attack. The group hearing the yell realized the plan had failed sprung into action. As they moved around the corner Quevven finally was able to attack flames pulsed from his orb and exploded amid the charging hobgoblins, the flames roasted three of the weak ones.

The adventures worked their way through the last weak goblin and began tangling with the hobgoblin leader he stood very little chance as the group overwhelmed him with their weapons. Riven sensing the imminent victory moved to the far end guarding one set of double doors ready to strike at any foes that came through the door. Unfortunately they didn’t attack with melee weapons the door swung open and went right past his shield into his flesh. “There’s more in here!” he shouted to the group who had just put down the hobgoblin.

Riven moved into the door as saw two hobgoblins carrying bows one was forty-five feet away on the other side of a ten hole in the floor, the other had opened the door; he quickly scrambled back to avoid getting cleaved by one unhappy dwarf. Unfortunately for him when he tried to grab the robe used to swing across the hole his grip slipped and he fell right through the hole. Yuriel was the closest to Riven quickly followed behind his new compagnion, he looked at Riven who gave him the go ahead to try the rope “why didn’t you go?” he cried as he built speed to make the swing across which managed to do. Unfortunately that made him the easiest target for the archer to hit and hit he did.

Daeniroth followed behind quickly easily swinging across the hole, then came Gor who called Riven a not so nice dwarven expression for chicken, and ran for the rope. As he grabbed hold his grip slipped and he fell straight down the twenty foot pit directly onto the body of the unconscious hobgoblin and a ruptured pile of slumberspores. Riven couldn’t help but chuckle at his dwarven kin and direct Quevven to look for a rope among the beds and bags in the room. The last hobgoblin was proving exceedingly mobile as he managed to avoid attacks from Yuriel and Daeniroth but as he was backed to the edge of the second pit Yuriel was able to shove him back and just overpower him enough to go over the edge screaming to his death.

Daeniroth knelt at the edge and called down to Gor who had just taken his blade out of his fleshy cushion, Gor relayed his safety and position and told the group to hold on as he ran quickly back up the stairs to their floor again. Riven and Quevven cheered on by their more acrobatic comrades made it safely across both pits with Gor following shortly behind them.

---

1. zander: Dwarven for adventurer, rogue, foolish youth, happy-go-lucky or reckless being.

As the sun began to rise the next day the group was awoken by the sound of someone coming through the forest quickly grabbing their weapons they were greeted by a dwarf who introduced himself as Riven, Adronsius’ nephew he was away from Brindol at the time of the raid and headed here as soon as he found out his uncle was a captive.

Luckily he met his uncle on the road as he made his way back to Brindol his uncle told him about the adventurers and asked him to continue on and help them find the other captives.

No one had any problem with having more help and they quickly caught him up on the situation inside the catacombs and then headed back inside.

Session 02
Saturday August 8th, 2009
1:00pm – 6:00pm

As they came to the end they entered into a room filled with debris piles and mushrooms Gor easily identified them as cloudspores, shriekers, slumberspores and the poisonous doomspores telling the group which ones to avoid. As they entered into the room they heard the sounds of shifting rubble they cautiously advance forward Gors eyes searching for danger he spotted a large lizard creature with a fanged mouth, clawed digits and a serpentine tail moving on two legs.

Gor immediately sprung into action jumping on a pile of debris in front of the drake balancing he began striking with both weapons. The group began moving to fight the creature amid the sounds of battle the group couldn’t hear another lizard creature sneak around and flank them. The lizard attacked Quevven in an act of bravado he told the group to finished the first creature before moving to attack the second. They were able to cut them down in short order.

In the next room they found Zerriksa, the old witch who informed them that blank was the skull they saw on the way in. The group made their way back out the catacombs escorting her outside and resting for the evening.

Apparently the goblins weren’t missed because no one came looking for their killers and the adventurers rested undetected. Making their way back down they headed through the east door, they followed a dimly lit corridor roughly 40 feet and made their way down a set of stairs as they neared the end they could see a bright light coming up from the ground. As they came close the light was a series of runes 20ft by 20 ft Quevven quickly deciphered them letting the group they spelled “Von Jallach” in a phonetic alphabet sometimes used by Wizards, and it would best to stay off them.

To the east was another door, fearing the unknown they carefully walked into the chamber suddenly two swarms of creatures appeared; the group split up two fight the creatures Gor and Yuriel went east weapons drawn they quickly found getting a clean shot on a swarm is not easy. Daeniroth went west shouting to Quevven “Use burst attacks!” he quickly obliged causing fire to rise up from the ground scorching the swarm Daeniroth was moving towards. Gor and Yuriel were finding the swarm problematic as anytime they got close the swarm would bite at their feet and legs and adding to their trouble from behind a unseen enemy began attacking. Daeniroth had his own trouble as the swarm was able to overwhelm and force him to the ground. Quevven tried to get close to draw the swarm off his fallen friend which worked as the swarm move to the new target. The swarms scattered as the adventures cut them down with the swarms gone they quickly dispatched the gnome and revived the fallen warlord.

In the next room they found the captured alchemist, Adronsius; everyone a bit worse for wear began heading back south to the main chamber, returning there they sent the alchemist south out the entrance chamber stairs. They decided to try the door leading north, through it they found another steep set of stairs leading donward.

As the adventurers made their way down the corridor they came in to a small chamber and were greeted by a pair of sharp eyed Goblins carrying longbows and two well armored hobgoblins carrying shields and flails.

This was a true battle both sides taking casualties it began with the hobgoblins forming a defensive wall the Gor and Daeniroth unable to make crack their formation. Yuriel was able to get behind them again by liquefying himself but was unable to hit them. Quevvens magic missiles weren’t any help either as with all attacks you must hit them to be effective. After trading blows the goblin forces managed to take down Gor and Yuriel but were down to one archer Daeniroth stayed on him forcing him to switch to his dagger and after many traded blows the archer finally went down. After some bandaging and slaps in the face the group managed to hobble back up and make their way out into the forest hoping to rest and regroup.

It’s a brisk walk of 8 hours between Brindol and Rivenroar, and after making their way through the forest the group sees an unfortunate sight, set upon a pike a skull rested impaled looming over the group as an unwelcome sign. The skull was human and looked to be not very old at all. “Must be the right place” cracks Gor, the group spreads out looking for the entrance and quickly they find the set of double doors Morrik had marked on their map. A quick check revealed it to be unopenable their only option is to bust it down. First Gor put his mighty frame into the door it didn’t budge at all but makes a fantastatically loud noise, then Deneroth and then Yuriel finally manged to break through “Weaken it for yeh” quipped Gor. Inside they find a cavern lit by torches leading downward into Rivenroar.

As the adventurers made their way to the town green there’s a lone hobgoblin in stocks and shackles. His wounds from last night’s battle have been bandaged, but a number of tomatoes on the ground near him and on the surface of the stocks indicate that his treatment hasn’t been completely kind. Deneroth shows the letter from Troyas to one of the guardsmen “Troyas has sent you to interrogate this prisoner? We’ll leave you to that task he goes by Morrik.” With that the guards went about twenty feet away and began talking with themselves.

The hobgoblin takes one weary look at them and says, “I ain’t saying nothin’ unless you people let me go.”

What followed was an interesting contest of wills as the group used their bargaining skills, knowledge and a bit of intimidation to persuade the captive to divulge any and all information about this new threat to the region. They walked away with the knowledge that a new group was trying to bring back the glory of the Red Hand continuing their terrorizing, pillaging and destruction of the area. But most importantly a crude map hopefully leading to location where they might find the captives, The Rivenroar Catacombs.

The next morning found the new friends sharing their tales of heroism with the townspeople. A well dressed woman makes her way to the front of the crowd she politely asks the heroes for a moment of their time “My name is Alys I am messenger for councilmember Troyas; Word of your heroism last night has reached the council and he would like to speak with you about these events and further service to our town.”

The group looks at each other and seeing no reason to turn down an invitation Daeniroth politely accepts. They bid the townsfolk farewell and follow the woman to see what the future had in store for them.

As they enter the chambers they are met by Eoffram Troyas a somber half-elf, he begins speaking methodically,“I understand each of you performed exceptionally well in service of Brindol. I would like to explain our situation to you and ask for your service again. Last night along with all the damage to the town, the raiders took seven people; Kartenix the guard captain, his 8-year-old son Thurann, Jalissa an acolyte of Ioun, Sertanian, the castellan of the Hall of Great Valor, a cook Mirtala, Adronsius an alchemist, and a crazy old witch Zerriksa. They have little connection to each other and they seem to have been taken at random. They also stole several artifacts from the Hall of Great Valor most have little or no intrinsic value. They’re museum pieces from the Red Hand invasion many years ago. But the sentimental value to our town is immense. We cannot send guardsmen so soon after the events of last night for a rescue attempt, the towns survival is most important but we would like you, proven heroes to go and find these people. We can offer you 200 gold pieces for the return of the captives and hopefully more for the any of the artifacts you can return.”

“May we have a moment to consider?” asks Deneroth. The group huddled together in the corner and after a short round of discussion they agreed that helping retrieve the missing townsfolk and possibly strike a blow against a new foe to the Elsir Vale would be a worthy task of their individual and now collected skills.

“Fantastic! (The adventures notice a visible shift as he seems relieved they’ve accepted his proposal) The town guards were able to capture one of the raiders last night, go to the town green with this letter and the guards will let you question him for information.”

With Daeniroth’s words taken to heart the adventurers all ran off for cover behind the nearest corner, each still an unknown quantity they try to coordinate their attacks on the ogre with limited success. As they made their way in front of the ogre a 3-man defense blocked any forward movement by the raiders. Quevven stayed near the back launching powerful arcane attacks often too powerful as they flew wildly, missing badly.

Yuriel, trying to cut off the source of ignition, used his swiftcurrent ability to fluidly make his way past the ogre and into the wagon. Daeniroth using his years of experience helped Gor find the weak spots in their shared foe. On the wagon the archers now facing a direct attack were forced to abandon their bows and take up short swords to attack their liquid foe. The ogres body begins showing deep gashes as the rain of precise blows from the pair took its toll. Gor lumbered his way on to the wagon hoping to find and advantageous position to attack all the bandits at once.

The goblins sensing their ride of destruction was over began trying to escape off the back one never has the chance and was cut down; the other disappeared into the night darkness illuminated only by the burning destruction he and his fellow bandits had brought upon the town.

As the night sky was lit by fire the citizens of Brindol fought hard against their attackers and the destruction they caused and finally deep into the night hours the last fire was put out. The tired adventurers were met with a heroes welcome as they returned to the Antler & Thistle, the owner offering them free lodging for the night.

A typical evening at the local tavern The Antler and Thistle, people go about their evening rituals, in the corner some questionable characters are gambling, a few figures keep to themselves reading or watching the crowd, a dwarf is staring at the roasting boar waiting for his meal for the evening. As this simple scene continues on into the night it suddenly shifts.The gentle hubbub of the tavern is shattered by the crack of the front door flying off its hinges to land amid the nearest tables. Four hobgoblins rush into the bar, swords outstretched to skewer the nearest bar patrons.

Unfortunately for them that patron is Yuriel | Yuriel]], a Genasi Swordmage, and so a battle begins. As they begin to clash, the patrons run about searching for safety. Quevven, a Human Wizard, reaches for his orb, the Dwarven Ranger, Gor, annoyed at this interruption of his meal grabs his axe and sword, and Daeniroth, a human Warlord, grabs his weapon. As the first hobgoblins attack Yuriel, a goblin rushes past the skirmish and makes his way to the bar, many more follow behind him rushing in all directions.

As the hobgoblins rush in threatening the patrons, the quiet watchers can watch no more, each begin exercising their skills, bolts of force fly everywhere, axes are thrown with alarmingly poor precision and an commanding voice is heard inspiring these unknown allies into battle. As the battle rages on the first goblin skips over the bar grabbing for the hanging gauntlets and plaques commemorating Brindols heroes of the past.

As the battle between Yuriel and the hobgoblins continues, the cloaked figure stretches out his blade and arcane power swirls around it and outward towards three goblins that are engulfed in the inferno and burned to a crisp. With this action the tide quickly turns and the hobgoblins drop like flies.

The goblin thief clutching at his stolen prizes nimbly runs out the bar avoiding many of the attacks aimed at him. Daeniroth quickly follows behind him as the heroes inside quickly dispatch the remaining goblins forces. Outside the goblin’s luck did not hold and he is quickly cut down and the stolen items retrieved. As Daeniroth surveys the body he notices a strange symbol the likes of which he has not seen before. . . a half-moon etched into the blade of the goblin. He returns quickly to see how the others have fared.

As the heroes look over the mess that is now the Antler and Thistle they begin helping the injured and trying to put the place back in some kind of order. Quevven checks the remains of the three gamblers who cut each other down when the attack began, no one questions him as he slides the gold and jewels off their table and into his pouch. The cleanup effort continues until a villager runs inside yelling “They’re destroying our town!” The new allies rush outside to see a disturbing sight coming up the road, an ogre pulling a wagon carrying two hobgoblins behind him. They are armed for destruction, the ogre carrying a club and each hobgoblin has lit arrows aimed directly at the buildings in front of them.

As the heroes look on, the ogre grabs a cask from the wagon and hurls it at a building fortunately for the citizens of Brindol his aim is not true and he only manages to hit the corner, the contents ooze out on the roof and the hobgoblins quickly launch arrows at the building it ignites instantly. The heroes look at each other and the Daeniroth inspires them to act quickly. “Here we go again…”

Session 01
Saturday July 25th, 2009
2:00pm – 8:00pm

(I apologize for any and all errors they fall on my lack of note taking)

RESERVED