It's a Trap!
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/4525506.jpg)
Having rested up overnight, the party renewed its search from evidence of the major’s daughter. They found a small doorway behind the magic fountain which leads to a narrow hallway. Hazlo proceed down the corridor until he reached an open section in the wall that was blocked by a transparent blue magical field. Hazlo paused at the space before this field and took a moment to search his surroundings. He noticed a keyhole on the wall opposite the fielded and reasoned that he would be able to deactivate the barrier from there. As soon as he stepped out in front of the barrier he has caught off guard by a blast of force energy from the blue field. Hazlo was thrown up against the wall and fell prone from the force. Ballimor doubled over in laughter at the scene and Adrick accosted the rouge for his rash behavior. Hazlo shrugged off the pain, both physical and mental, got up and walked towards the key hole only to be thrown against the wall again as he stepped on the next square in line. At this Ballimor completely lost it, and Adrick pointed out with annoyance that the floor plates in front of the field were probably the triggers for the trap. Shaken and bruised, Hazlo crawled the final few feet over to the key hole and stood up to study it closer. He worked on it for some time but was unable to determine how he would be able to open it with his tools. After a time Ballimor got inpatient and declared that he was going to just smash the damn thing if someone didn't come up with something soon. This sparked a lively debate amongst the group until Adrick finally realized that he was in possession of the crystal key that the group found in the previous room. He pulled it out and tossed it over to Hazlo to try it on the hole. With a click the key turned into place and the barrier disappeared.
Hazlo lead the way through the door way and quickly found another hallway leading off to the west. He proved down this new path, ignoring the cautionary warnings from Lucan and Adrick. Luckily for the rouge his instincts saved him from the dozen darts that sprang from the walls as soon as he entered the room. Frozen in place he now took a moment to survey the room and there he spotted the key hole on the far wall opposite the entrance. With reckless abandon Hazlo darted for the whole shrugging off several darts to the body as he went. He reached the hole and was reassured by another click that he had successfully deactivated the device.
The party then moved through the hallway weary of more surprises to come. Yet another doorway stood at the far end of the hallway. Hazlo paused again to check for traps and after a few moments proceeded to open the door to look within. The next room was much larger than the last two, nearly twice as long in fact. At either end of the hallway stood a giant metal intrusion from which emanated a large bolt of lightning every few seconds. The bolt would freely travel down the passage until it terminated into the metal rod opposite its origin. Once again Hazlo noticed a key hole at the far end of the room opposite another closed door. The group paused yet again to discuss their options and ultimately concluded that one of them would need to risk injury from the lightning to deactivate the mechanism. Ballimor bravely volunteered and with crystal key in had headed out into the lightning room. Thought the magic was strong, Ballimor shrugged it off as nothing as he sprinted to the end of the room. Within a few moments he had deactivated the trap with the key and the rest of the group gathered at the far door preparing to face the next challenge.
Hazlo lead the way through the door way and quickly found another hallway leading off to the west. He proved down this new path, ignoring the cautionary warnings from Lucan and Adrick. Luckily for the rouge his instincts saved him from the dozen darts that sprang from the walls as soon as he entered the room. Frozen in place he now took a moment to survey the room and there he spotted the key hole on the far wall opposite the entrance. With reckless abandon Hazlo darted for the whole shrugging off several darts to the body as he went. He reached the hole and was reassured by another click that he had successfully deactivated the device.
The party then moved through the hallway weary of more surprises to come. Yet another doorway stood at the far end of the hallway. Hazlo paused again to check for traps and after a few moments proceeded to open the door to look within. The next room was much larger than the last two, nearly twice as long in fact. At either end of the hallway stood a giant metal intrusion from which emanated a large bolt of lightning every few seconds. The bolt would freely travel down the passage until it terminated into the metal rod opposite its origin. Once again Hazlo noticed a key hole at the far end of the room opposite another closed door. The group paused yet again to discuss their options and ultimately concluded that one of them would need to risk injury from the lightning to deactivate the mechanism. Ballimor bravely volunteered and with crystal key in had headed out into the lightning room. Thought the magic was strong, Ballimor shrugged it off as nothing as he sprinted to the end of the room. Within a few moments he had deactivated the trap with the key and the rest of the group gathered at the far door preparing to face the next challenge.
The Training Room
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The door behind the lightning hallway leads to a stairwell that descended down into perfectly square room, light up by a giant brazier in the center. The room also had four inscribed circles in each corner that glowed faintly with magical light in the shadows. The group paused at the entrance to survey the scene. Ruhdon recognized the brazier as a sort of summoning device and he reasoned that it would be triggered by something. It thought it likely that the summoned creatures would appear in the room corners on the inscribed circles. He also reasoned that destroying the brazier you probably disrupt the summons.
Hazlo took a tentative step into the room and to no one’s great surprise the brazier erupted into a bright yellow fire and four demonic looking creatures appeared in the summoning circles. Ruhdon made a beeline for the brazier hacking at it with his most powerful swing, but the item proved more resilient than he first supposed as his blows only managed to nick the object.
"This might take more work then I originally thought", admitted Ruhdon.
"You three focus on the brazier then while Ballimor and I will take the creatures", ordered Adrick. And so the battle raged one with the two dwarfs dueling the summoned creatures while the other three through all the attacked the magical cauldron. Ruhdon was focused at his task, driving blow after blow into the object in a desperate bid to end its spell. He wasn't even fazed when one if the summoned creatures managed to slip past the dwarfs and started attacking his side. As time went on, more and more creatures were summoned on the circles until the group was nearly outnumbered two to one. Yet Ruhdon trigger on confident that defeating the cauldron was the only solution to this mess. Finally, just when things seemed hopeless, Ruhdon struck at the heart of the brazier with his sword and heard a massive CRACK as the brazier split in two. All at once the fire disappeared, as if it were snuffed out by some unseen hand and all of the demons vanished into thin air. Collectively the group gave up a cheer and congratulated Ruhdon on a job well done. They searched the room for anything of value but found nothing. Satisfied the group pressed on still in search of any sign of the major’s niece.
Hazlo took a tentative step into the room and to no one’s great surprise the brazier erupted into a bright yellow fire and four demonic looking creatures appeared in the summoning circles. Ruhdon made a beeline for the brazier hacking at it with his most powerful swing, but the item proved more resilient than he first supposed as his blows only managed to nick the object.
"This might take more work then I originally thought", admitted Ruhdon.
"You three focus on the brazier then while Ballimor and I will take the creatures", ordered Adrick. And so the battle raged one with the two dwarfs dueling the summoned creatures while the other three through all the attacked the magical cauldron. Ruhdon was focused at his task, driving blow after blow into the object in a desperate bid to end its spell. He wasn't even fazed when one if the summoned creatures managed to slip past the dwarfs and started attacking his side. As time went on, more and more creatures were summoned on the circles until the group was nearly outnumbered two to one. Yet Ruhdon trigger on confident that defeating the cauldron was the only solution to this mess. Finally, just when things seemed hopeless, Ruhdon struck at the heart of the brazier with his sword and heard a massive CRACK as the brazier split in two. All at once the fire disappeared, as if it were snuffed out by some unseen hand and all of the demons vanished into thin air. Collectively the group gave up a cheer and congratulated Ruhdon on a job well done. They searched the room for anything of value but found nothing. Satisfied the group pressed on still in search of any sign of the major’s niece.
Fun With Words and Animatrons
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/6738410.jpg?369)
The group headed down yet another corridor that opened up into a long room bathed in an eerie purple light. As they moved inward, they noticed that the light was emanating from a small purple floating disk on the far wall. Directly in front of that was a 4x4 tiled area with different letters inscribed into each tile as follows:
In front of this letter grid stood quartet of jet black stone bird statues arranged in a square. Surrounding the room were several imposing constructs of various shapes and sizes. Despite their ominous air, these objects made no movement even as the group approached. Relieved by the momentarily lull in action the group took the time to examine the room.
"The word CROW is spelled on in this grid if you look from bottom left upper right", declared Adrick after a few moments.
"You're right!” exclaimed Hazlo, "I'll bet we need to spell that word out somehow."
"The how is easy, we will use those stone bird statues over there to do it. I'm more concerned about what will happen once we do", responded Adrick.
"It will probably open up this portal", chimed on Ruhdon who had been intently studying the floating disk ever since the group had approached it.
"Portals can be dangerous things, we best be prepared for anything when it’s opened", commented Lucan.
"Hum, I'd be more worried about these constructs. I doubt they'll like us messing around with this leter board", warned Ballimor. The group bided in agreement to Ballimor's concerns. They took a few more minutes to discuss the details of their plan before the all took positions to execute it.
Ballimor and Adrick each grabbed a statue and moved them towards the grid, while the others too positions up around the room in order to provide cover. Adrick walked his statue over to the furthest letter 'W' and dropped it upon the tile. To no one’s great surprise, the constructs sprang to life as he did this. Lucan, Hazlo and Ruhdon began peppering the arrows and spells trying to draw their attention away from the dwarfs. It worked reasonably well but the constructs showed a propensity to target anyone within the grid. Ballimor dropped his statue on the 'O' and then headed back for the others with Adrick. Meanwhile Lucan and Hazlo coordinated attacks to try and emanate their foes as quickly as possible. Ruhdon got himself into a bit of trouble dueling a construct shaped like a snake, but managed to finish it off with a bit of luck. Before long Ballimor and Adrick had returned to the grid with the other statues. Ballimor dropped his onto the 'R' tile before moving to assist Adrick with fighting a construct who was giving him trouble. The enemy quick fell to their combined might and Adrick found the opportunity to complete the word by dropping the final statue upon the 'C' tile.
The portal instantly sprung to life and the entire room was filed with light. Ruhdon made a move towards the portal, but Adrick stopped him before he could get suggesting that they deal with the remaining constructs before heading into the portal itself. Ruhdon agreed, but kept a vigilant eye upon the portal as they mopped up the remaining enemies. Once the last of their foes were dead the group gathered around the portal to discuss their options. After several minutes of debate it had become clear that someone was going to have to go in and check it out. Hazlo volunteered to go, but first he took his grappling hook and tossed in to test the other side. He then tried to pull the hook back out but encountered some resistance and try as he, and several other group members, might but the rope would not budge. Puzzled, Hazlo suggested that he might have grabbed onto something large inside the other room, but Ruhdon feared otherwise. He theorized that this may only be a one way portal and that once you pass into it you may not be able to come back. Disturbed by this new possibility, the group debated their options longer. Finally it was decided that they all risk the worst and go through the portal together primarily on the reasoning that there really wasn't any alternative option.
In front of this letter grid stood quartet of jet black stone bird statues arranged in a square. Surrounding the room were several imposing constructs of various shapes and sizes. Despite their ominous air, these objects made no movement even as the group approached. Relieved by the momentarily lull in action the group took the time to examine the room.
"The word CROW is spelled on in this grid if you look from bottom left upper right", declared Adrick after a few moments.
"You're right!” exclaimed Hazlo, "I'll bet we need to spell that word out somehow."
"The how is easy, we will use those stone bird statues over there to do it. I'm more concerned about what will happen once we do", responded Adrick.
"It will probably open up this portal", chimed on Ruhdon who had been intently studying the floating disk ever since the group had approached it.
"Portals can be dangerous things, we best be prepared for anything when it’s opened", commented Lucan.
"Hum, I'd be more worried about these constructs. I doubt they'll like us messing around with this leter board", warned Ballimor. The group bided in agreement to Ballimor's concerns. They took a few more minutes to discuss the details of their plan before the all took positions to execute it.
Ballimor and Adrick each grabbed a statue and moved them towards the grid, while the others too positions up around the room in order to provide cover. Adrick walked his statue over to the furthest letter 'W' and dropped it upon the tile. To no one’s great surprise, the constructs sprang to life as he did this. Lucan, Hazlo and Ruhdon began peppering the arrows and spells trying to draw their attention away from the dwarfs. It worked reasonably well but the constructs showed a propensity to target anyone within the grid. Ballimor dropped his statue on the 'O' and then headed back for the others with Adrick. Meanwhile Lucan and Hazlo coordinated attacks to try and emanate their foes as quickly as possible. Ruhdon got himself into a bit of trouble dueling a construct shaped like a snake, but managed to finish it off with a bit of luck. Before long Ballimor and Adrick had returned to the grid with the other statues. Ballimor dropped his onto the 'R' tile before moving to assist Adrick with fighting a construct who was giving him trouble. The enemy quick fell to their combined might and Adrick found the opportunity to complete the word by dropping the final statue upon the 'C' tile.
The portal instantly sprung to life and the entire room was filed with light. Ruhdon made a move towards the portal, but Adrick stopped him before he could get suggesting that they deal with the remaining constructs before heading into the portal itself. Ruhdon agreed, but kept a vigilant eye upon the portal as they mopped up the remaining enemies. Once the last of their foes were dead the group gathered around the portal to discuss their options. After several minutes of debate it had become clear that someone was going to have to go in and check it out. Hazlo volunteered to go, but first he took his grappling hook and tossed in to test the other side. He then tried to pull the hook back out but encountered some resistance and try as he, and several other group members, might but the rope would not budge. Puzzled, Hazlo suggested that he might have grabbed onto something large inside the other room, but Ruhdon feared otherwise. He theorized that this may only be a one way portal and that once you pass into it you may not be able to come back. Disturbed by this new possibility, the group debated their options longer. Finally it was decided that they all risk the worst and go through the portal together primarily on the reasoning that there really wasn't any alternative option.
Enter the Madness
![Picture](/uploads/1/8/6/5/18651430/1400289109.jpg)
The group stepped through the purple portal together and found themselves in a large room with several smashed and looted vault doors in the corners. In the center of the room stood a large stone sarcophagus on a raised dais. The floor around it had an inscribed symbol upon it, but no one in the group was able to recognize its meaning or origin. The far right corner if the room held a desk and work bench and Ruhdon recognized that this area was particularly strong in magical energy. Adrick suspected something was lying in wait in the sarcophagus and urged caution in approaching it. Ruhdon wanted to search the desk area for information on the major’s daughter. Ballimor suggested he tips over the sarcophagus just as he had done previously in the dungeon. Adrick agreed this may be a good option so the two approached the dais looking for the best place to gain leverage on the structure.
However, as soon as Adrick set foot inside the inscribed circle, the tome cover exploded and up raised a human female holding a wicked looking wizards staff and wearing a giant red ruby necklace that pulsed with light as if it were a beating heart.
"No one can have the Wraith stone but me! Perhaps it will be your souls that finally pay my way into Asmodeus's court", shouted the emancipated women whose body had long since given way to death and decay. She tapped her staff against the inscribed circle below her sarcophagus and six animated constructs sprang to life from the various destroyed vaults. Next it was the warlocks turn to the two doors and blessed them with the spell of necrotic damage dazing both of them and damaging them moderately. Has looked at this opportunity to sneak around the warlocks back, scoring a critical area with a well-placed arrow. This drew the enemy's attention away from the dwarves long enough for the two regain their senses.
Meanwhile Lucan’s went to work picking off the Warlocks minions one by one as they approached the rest of his party. Ruhdon carefully analyzed the situation as the rest this party was busying themselves fighting. He was greatly intrigued by the aura of the magical energy coming from the workbench area and suggested perhaps that this may be the key to defeating their foe. The party unanimously agreed that Ruhdon's plan was as good as any a set about driving there any back towards this area. Using a series of skillfully placed strikes and counter strikes Adrick and Ballimor managed to force their foe back into that magical workbench area.
Once there however, it became quickly evident this was not going have any particular effect upon their enemy. Tension began to rise in the room as the party came to the realization that this was certainly no ordinary opponent. Hazlo pointed out that the warlock had already taken more damage from the party than any of their previous foes and showed little sign of slowing down. Adrick even went as far as to suggest that this foe may be beyond any of their capacities and that they should perhaps think about options for escaping. Ruhdon ignored his friend’s suggestions, believing still that there must be some solution to defeating this enemy. He observed that the stone that the warlock wore around her neck seemed to pulse with light as if it were a beating heart. He suggested perhaps that they try and remove the necklace from the warlock hoping that perhaps this was what was giving her unnatural strength.
Ballimor quickly struck out at the opponent with a tripping attack successfully taking out her legs and forcing her prone. Adrick took the opportunity to reach for the necklace but the warlock proved resilient and fended off his advances. The two wrestled on the ground for a few moments before Adrick was able to gain the upper hand. With A decisive swipe he seized the stone and tore the necklace from the warlock’s cold grey neck.
"Strike down these mortal shells. Take their souls as he did my former compatriots as my sacrifice to you!" Cried the warlock to her infernal god. For a moment the room was dead silent everybody watching waiting with baited breath. Then suddenly, the light within her eyes vanished and her body went limp and thus passed on Agera the Warlock last of the Stormcrows.
Adrick studied the Wraith stone intently for a few moments but beyond sensing its connection with some evil deity he was unable to determine more about its history or power. He stowed the artifact in his pack hoping to learn more in town. Meanwhile Hazlo was at work searching the vaults in the workbench for anything of value. He discovered a fair amount of gold and some useful magical items in the vaults. In the workbench he discovered both a Crystal key, similar to the one they discovered earlier, as well as a strange card with and image of the void printed upon it. Ruhdon detected that this object had great magical power yet neither he nor anyone else could identify its purpose or ability. Adrick stowed the object in his pack for further investigation along with the necklace and the party set out for Whitefield to bring news of Agera to the major.
However, as soon as Adrick set foot inside the inscribed circle, the tome cover exploded and up raised a human female holding a wicked looking wizards staff and wearing a giant red ruby necklace that pulsed with light as if it were a beating heart.
"No one can have the Wraith stone but me! Perhaps it will be your souls that finally pay my way into Asmodeus's court", shouted the emancipated women whose body had long since given way to death and decay. She tapped her staff against the inscribed circle below her sarcophagus and six animated constructs sprang to life from the various destroyed vaults. Next it was the warlocks turn to the two doors and blessed them with the spell of necrotic damage dazing both of them and damaging them moderately. Has looked at this opportunity to sneak around the warlocks back, scoring a critical area with a well-placed arrow. This drew the enemy's attention away from the dwarves long enough for the two regain their senses.
Meanwhile Lucan’s went to work picking off the Warlocks minions one by one as they approached the rest of his party. Ruhdon carefully analyzed the situation as the rest this party was busying themselves fighting. He was greatly intrigued by the aura of the magical energy coming from the workbench area and suggested perhaps that this may be the key to defeating their foe. The party unanimously agreed that Ruhdon's plan was as good as any a set about driving there any back towards this area. Using a series of skillfully placed strikes and counter strikes Adrick and Ballimor managed to force their foe back into that magical workbench area.
Once there however, it became quickly evident this was not going have any particular effect upon their enemy. Tension began to rise in the room as the party came to the realization that this was certainly no ordinary opponent. Hazlo pointed out that the warlock had already taken more damage from the party than any of their previous foes and showed little sign of slowing down. Adrick even went as far as to suggest that this foe may be beyond any of their capacities and that they should perhaps think about options for escaping. Ruhdon ignored his friend’s suggestions, believing still that there must be some solution to defeating this enemy. He observed that the stone that the warlock wore around her neck seemed to pulse with light as if it were a beating heart. He suggested perhaps that they try and remove the necklace from the warlock hoping that perhaps this was what was giving her unnatural strength.
Ballimor quickly struck out at the opponent with a tripping attack successfully taking out her legs and forcing her prone. Adrick took the opportunity to reach for the necklace but the warlock proved resilient and fended off his advances. The two wrestled on the ground for a few moments before Adrick was able to gain the upper hand. With A decisive swipe he seized the stone and tore the necklace from the warlock’s cold grey neck.
"Strike down these mortal shells. Take their souls as he did my former compatriots as my sacrifice to you!" Cried the warlock to her infernal god. For a moment the room was dead silent everybody watching waiting with baited breath. Then suddenly, the light within her eyes vanished and her body went limp and thus passed on Agera the Warlock last of the Stormcrows.
Adrick studied the Wraith stone intently for a few moments but beyond sensing its connection with some evil deity he was unable to determine more about its history or power. He stowed the artifact in his pack hoping to learn more in town. Meanwhile Hazlo was at work searching the vaults in the workbench for anything of value. He discovered a fair amount of gold and some useful magical items in the vaults. In the workbench he discovered both a Crystal key, similar to the one they discovered earlier, as well as a strange card with and image of the void printed upon it. Ruhdon detected that this object had great magical power yet neither he nor anyone else could identify its purpose or ability. Adrick stowed the object in his pack for further investigation along with the necklace and the party set out for Whitefield to bring news of Agera to the major.
Return to Whitefield
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A day later the members of the last shop sauntered into Whitefield in high spirits having just completed yet another important task. Adrick, Ruhdon and Lucan headed off to the mayor's office to deliver the bad news while Hazlo and Ballimor settled into the nearest tavern to celebrate their newfound fortune. The trio presented the mayor with a copy of Akira's diary which clearly outlined her dissents into madness. They also explain what they discovered within the Tor including the graves of her two compatriots and the necklace that seemed to give her unholy power. The mayor was disturbed by this news yet also relieved to have closure on the matter at last. He honored their agreement and presented the group with their payments including the five horses from the cities storied stables.
After concluding their business with the mayor the trio headed off in search of the town resident cleric seeking information about the artifacts they have in their possession. The high priest of the town was a young man of about 30 years of age who had been classically trained in the college in mainstay. As such he had a wide variety of knowledge and was able to determine without the necklace was an artifact of Asmodeus, the demon god of great power. As for the specific purpose or power cute he was unable to determine and suggested a follow up with the priests at the temple Pelor in Mainstay or the wizard’s college in Ithulios. As for the void card? He knew nothing of this object and suggested they follow up with the town's resident wizard for any leads.
The wizard in Whitefield was a grizzled man of 50 who ran a small magical shop on the far northern side of the river. He studied both the stone necklace as well as the void card for some time before returning them to the trio and giving his findings. He indicated, just as the cleric, that the stone necklace was an object of great power and evil and should be carefully guarded least it fall into the wrong hands. The card he found quite interesting determining that its magic was neither evil nor good but rather something altogether different. That he too could not determine what in particular it was or what it could do. However he insisted that the party take the card to the headmaster of the White Lotus Academy in Ithulios as soon as possible. The wizard was a former graduate of the institution and the personal friend of the headmaster and he offered to send word of their arrival ahead to the school so they knew to look for the group. The trio created this seemed the most prudent course of action given recent events and thanks the wizard for all his help.
They headed back to the tavern that night explain what happened to the other members of their party. Together they collectively agreed to spend a few more days in Whitefield before heading out to Ithulios in search of information.
After concluding their business with the mayor the trio headed off in search of the town resident cleric seeking information about the artifacts they have in their possession. The high priest of the town was a young man of about 30 years of age who had been classically trained in the college in mainstay. As such he had a wide variety of knowledge and was able to determine without the necklace was an artifact of Asmodeus, the demon god of great power. As for the specific purpose or power cute he was unable to determine and suggested a follow up with the priests at the temple Pelor in Mainstay or the wizard’s college in Ithulios. As for the void card? He knew nothing of this object and suggested they follow up with the town's resident wizard for any leads.
The wizard in Whitefield was a grizzled man of 50 who ran a small magical shop on the far northern side of the river. He studied both the stone necklace as well as the void card for some time before returning them to the trio and giving his findings. He indicated, just as the cleric, that the stone necklace was an object of great power and evil and should be carefully guarded least it fall into the wrong hands. The card he found quite interesting determining that its magic was neither evil nor good but rather something altogether different. That he too could not determine what in particular it was or what it could do. However he insisted that the party take the card to the headmaster of the White Lotus Academy in Ithulios as soon as possible. The wizard was a former graduate of the institution and the personal friend of the headmaster and he offered to send word of their arrival ahead to the school so they knew to look for the group. The trio created this seemed the most prudent course of action given recent events and thanks the wizard for all his help.
They headed back to the tavern that night explain what happened to the other members of their party. Together they collectively agreed to spend a few more days in Whitefield before heading out to Ithulios in search of information.
Meeting the Rivals
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The group departed Whitefield in high sports having just successfully uncovered the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the Stormcrows. Furthermore, they had secured the aid of the mayor of Whitefield, a powerful political force in the north and an important key in gaining the influence of the dwarves in Golden Talon Spyre. All in the entire group was confident that Sir Marcus would be proud of their efforts.
They took the road southwest through the Janor plains. The road they took was well-traveled and their journey through the grassy fields proved uneventful, if not a little bit dull. That was until dusk on their fifth day out from Whitefield. Lucan spotted it first, the telltale signs of a cooking fire smoldering in the distance. The wisps of smoke from the fire swirled above the tops of a small tree grove a couple of miles further south along the road. The group was glad to see the sight of other travelers as they had not encountered anyone on the road in more than two days’ time and they were what for news of any developments in the south.
They road up on the tree grove just as the lack wisps of sunlight passed bellow the tree tops, leaving the grove in shadowy dim light. As they approached the camp, they all knew something was amiss, the telltale signs of a struggle were every ware, downed tents, items strewed all over the place and large patches of blood soaked into the earth. In the middle of camp near the fire lay a dead human with what appeared to be bite marks on his shoulder. The party fanned out, searching for clues about what had happened to the campsite. Lucan noticed marks in the grass that indicated that several bodies had bragged into the tree grove.
"It appears whatever attacked the camp dragged the victims deeper into the woods," he announced, gesturing towards the drag marks.
"I'd bet they'll be on us soon too", remarked Ballimor.
Suddenly the group heard a howling scream from the darkening woods to their west. The turned in time to see a fiendish looking humanoid monster leap out of the forest intro of Ruhdon who was caught off guard by the sudden assault. The creature managed to grab onto him with both arms as he bit down hard into the sword mages' back. Ruhdon quickly dissolved into a puke of sand and slipped out of his captors grasp just as the creature made to drag him back towards the tree line. Three more creatures emerged from the woods shortly after, but by now the party was ready for their assaults and they fared much better.
They took the road southwest through the Janor plains. The road they took was well-traveled and their journey through the grassy fields proved uneventful, if not a little bit dull. That was until dusk on their fifth day out from Whitefield. Lucan spotted it first, the telltale signs of a cooking fire smoldering in the distance. The wisps of smoke from the fire swirled above the tops of a small tree grove a couple of miles further south along the road. The group was glad to see the sight of other travelers as they had not encountered anyone on the road in more than two days’ time and they were what for news of any developments in the south.
They road up on the tree grove just as the lack wisps of sunlight passed bellow the tree tops, leaving the grove in shadowy dim light. As they approached the camp, they all knew something was amiss, the telltale signs of a struggle were every ware, downed tents, items strewed all over the place and large patches of blood soaked into the earth. In the middle of camp near the fire lay a dead human with what appeared to be bite marks on his shoulder. The party fanned out, searching for clues about what had happened to the campsite. Lucan noticed marks in the grass that indicated that several bodies had bragged into the tree grove.
"It appears whatever attacked the camp dragged the victims deeper into the woods," he announced, gesturing towards the drag marks.
"I'd bet they'll be on us soon too", remarked Ballimor.
Suddenly the group heard a howling scream from the darkening woods to their west. The turned in time to see a fiendish looking humanoid monster leap out of the forest intro of Ruhdon who was caught off guard by the sudden assault. The creature managed to grab onto him with both arms as he bit down hard into the sword mages' back. Ruhdon quickly dissolved into a puke of sand and slipped out of his captors grasp just as the creature made to drag him back towards the tree line. Three more creatures emerged from the woods shortly after, but by now the party was ready for their assaults and they fared much better.
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Battle raged for a few minutes as the members of the Last Drop fought off the brutal assaults by these creatures. Adrick quickly identified them as Ghouls, an undead creature similar to zombies only much more agile and deadly. Before long Adrick heard a stirring coming from behind him and turned in time to see the cursor of the dead man rising up, now formally transformed into a ghoul himself. Quickly, Adrick called upon his god Mordin for aid in slitting these unholy creatures. The ensuing flash of light and blast of righteous energy was enough to banish the ghoul that Adrick had been fighting and sent the new one running into the woods in fear.
Moments later Adrick heard a might roar and the severed remains of the ghoul's corpse came flying out of the woods and landed near Adrick's feet. Out from the Shadows of the trees emerged a massive brown minatour wielding a massive great ax dripping with the acrid black blood of the ghoul. The Minotaur paused A moment to survey the scene before charging towards the nearest ghoul and cleaving that creature in half with one swing as well. As Adrick watched in amazement of the sheer power the Minotaur wielded two arrows flew by his head and struck down another ghoul attempting to sneak back into the woods.
Adrick turned to follow the path of the arrows and saw a very exotic looking humanoid in a brown hooded cloak stepped out if the woods, followed by a large black bear. The humanoid was tall like the Minotaur, but much more slender with a very peculiar walk. He carried a massive great bow and two ornate daggers on either hip. The bear followed him around and the two worked well in concert with one another to fight as a single unit. Before long the last if the ghouls were slain, thanks in large part to the help of these two strangers, and the party gathered round to discuss the recent turn in events.
"Thanks much for your help, one can never have enough hands on board when dealing with such foul creatures", said Adrick. "From where do you come, if you don't mind me asking?" It was at this moment, as the two strangers neared the dwindling light if the fire, that Adrick noticed two important facts that the dim light of dusk had kept hidden. First, he got a clear look at the bow wielding humanoid and was surprised to find a pair mandibles were its mouth should have been. He also spouted large complex eyes and even two small antennas. None of them had ever encountered a race like this before, but whoever they were they clearly were some distant relation to ants or termites or some other insect. Secondly, both the Minotaur and the insectiod wore brown tabards with a golden mug on the front, the symbol of the Charitable Marauders!
"We come from Ithulios several days ago on a mission to investigate the sudden lack of travelers from the town if Hampstead", said the Minotaur. "I am Jak and my compatriot here is Hakka. We have discovered the town outskirts to be infected with ghouls and have been searching for an entry point into town for several hours when we came upon your camp and the sounds of battle."
"It's not our camp", replied Lucan, "we are heading south to Ithulios along the road and encountered the scene much as you see it now before you."
"Then perhaps you would be willing to help us in our mission. It seems that something terrible has happened in Hamstead that it would be overrun by ghouls, I would ask for your help if for no other reason than to stop the spread of this blight upon these lands", implored the Minotaur. His companion, the insectiod named Hakka, responded with a series of clicks and whistles and arm gestures to the group. When he finished Jak the Minotaur nodded and said, "My companion points out that Hamstead lies directly on the road to Ithulios and that you would have to travel through the city on your journey anyway."
Adrick looked at each of his party members for a dissenting option and, finding mild approval or indifference, agreed to put aside any notions of rivalry with the Charitable Marauders and aid the in there quest. The group kept watch in the camp site at night, but despite the occasional ghoul cries from some far off field the encountered no dither sign of the creatures that night. At first light they mounted up and set out for Hamstead, weary of the task that now lay before them.
Moments later Adrick heard a might roar and the severed remains of the ghoul's corpse came flying out of the woods and landed near Adrick's feet. Out from the Shadows of the trees emerged a massive brown minatour wielding a massive great ax dripping with the acrid black blood of the ghoul. The Minotaur paused A moment to survey the scene before charging towards the nearest ghoul and cleaving that creature in half with one swing as well. As Adrick watched in amazement of the sheer power the Minotaur wielded two arrows flew by his head and struck down another ghoul attempting to sneak back into the woods.
Adrick turned to follow the path of the arrows and saw a very exotic looking humanoid in a brown hooded cloak stepped out if the woods, followed by a large black bear. The humanoid was tall like the Minotaur, but much more slender with a very peculiar walk. He carried a massive great bow and two ornate daggers on either hip. The bear followed him around and the two worked well in concert with one another to fight as a single unit. Before long the last if the ghouls were slain, thanks in large part to the help of these two strangers, and the party gathered round to discuss the recent turn in events.
"Thanks much for your help, one can never have enough hands on board when dealing with such foul creatures", said Adrick. "From where do you come, if you don't mind me asking?" It was at this moment, as the two strangers neared the dwindling light if the fire, that Adrick noticed two important facts that the dim light of dusk had kept hidden. First, he got a clear look at the bow wielding humanoid and was surprised to find a pair mandibles were its mouth should have been. He also spouted large complex eyes and even two small antennas. None of them had ever encountered a race like this before, but whoever they were they clearly were some distant relation to ants or termites or some other insect. Secondly, both the Minotaur and the insectiod wore brown tabards with a golden mug on the front, the symbol of the Charitable Marauders!
"We come from Ithulios several days ago on a mission to investigate the sudden lack of travelers from the town if Hampstead", said the Minotaur. "I am Jak and my compatriot here is Hakka. We have discovered the town outskirts to be infected with ghouls and have been searching for an entry point into town for several hours when we came upon your camp and the sounds of battle."
"It's not our camp", replied Lucan, "we are heading south to Ithulios along the road and encountered the scene much as you see it now before you."
"Then perhaps you would be willing to help us in our mission. It seems that something terrible has happened in Hamstead that it would be overrun by ghouls, I would ask for your help if for no other reason than to stop the spread of this blight upon these lands", implored the Minotaur. His companion, the insectiod named Hakka, responded with a series of clicks and whistles and arm gestures to the group. When he finished Jak the Minotaur nodded and said, "My companion points out that Hamstead lies directly on the road to Ithulios and that you would have to travel through the city on your journey anyway."
Adrick looked at each of his party members for a dissenting option and, finding mild approval or indifference, agreed to put aside any notions of rivalry with the Charitable Marauders and aid the in there quest. The group kept watch in the camp site at night, but despite the occasional ghoul cries from some far off field the encountered no dither sign of the creatures that night. At first light they mounted up and set out for Hamstead, weary of the task that now lay before them.
A House on a Hill
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The party matched on for half a day encountering no signs of ghouls or other foul creatures. Lucan did observe that they also saw no sign of any other life either. By mid-day they knew they were nearing the city as the road widened and the pavement changed from assorted worn stones to pristinely laid bricks. A couple of bends later they spotted a farmhouse about a half a mile off the road to the west on top of a low rising hill. Jak led them through the waist high wheat towards the house looking for any signs of survivors.
As they approached the home they noticed that the Windows are all boarded up no sign of light emitted from within. Adrick approach the door and gave it several large loud knocks announcing, "Hello my friends and I are looking for survivors is there anyone alive in there?" They waited for several moments but heard no response from within the house, yet when Adrick tried to open the door he found it sealed from within. He knocked again and shouted louder in case anyone on the second floor may not have heard in the first time.
Suddenly from behind the door they heard a whispered voice ask, "Are you ghouls?"
"No", replied Ruhdon. "We are adventurers seeking answers about what happened to Hempstead.” They heard other muffled voices from within plead for the door keep to let them in.
Finally with a sudden clang the front door was thrown open and then and a man in his late 30s stepped out of the darkness and ushered them all within. Once inside he slammed the door closed and sealed it with a large oak beam. Then turning to the adventures he whispered in a harsh tone, “Are you crazy shot like that you're going to bring the whole lot of them down upon us and minutes."
"I assure you we meant no harm to you sir. I want me to introduce myself, my name is Adrick and these gentlemen are my fellow members of the Last Drop adventuring company searching for answers about what happened to the nearby city of Hampstead."
"I'll tell you what happened; the whole damn place became infected with ghouls not more than two weeks ago. My family and I have been held up here ever since looking for some chance to escape, but I fear there is none from these hellish creatures", replied the older man sitting in the corner. Just then a trio of piercing howls came from outside the house.
"Damn they found us", said the younger man who had leaf them in the door. "This is your entire fault Adventures you will lead them to this place you've doomed us all!"
"Fear not citizen, the Charitable Marauders are here to protect you", assured Jak. "We will drive off the creatures for you, just stay to the inside and away from the windows." He then turned to the rest of the group and organized the defense, placing the strongest fighter near the door and the ranged fighters on the second floor.
Before long the sounds of ghouls could be heard from outside the walls. They did not waste time assaulting the house, scratching and clawing at the boards on the windows and door to gain entry. For a few moments they all waited in breathless silence for the inevitable breach in the hastily made defenses. Finally, just as it seemed it the wait unbearable, one of the ghouls broke through a window on the west side of the house. Lucan was ready, positioned near the stairwell, he loosed an arrow the struck the monster in the throat and dropping it before it could enter the house.
As if the damn burst, the once quite house erupted in the sounds of battle. Two ghouls managed to rip the door off and Ballimor and Adrick fought on bravely to hold them off. Meanwhile other windows were torn off on the first floor and Lucan and Hakka tried in vain to stem the tide of ghouls spilling in from the growing number of holes. Ruhdon stepped up and engaged one of the ghouls to keep them from grabbing on of the families young girls hiding in the corner. He managed to distract the monster long enough for Jak to finish it off with a mighty charge.
Suddenly they all heard shouts from the second floor. Hazlo had been at the top of the stairs watching for any creatures that might try to sneak in from the second floor. Indeed several of the ghouls started by climbing the house sides, but were unable to breach the windows for some time. Suddenly three of the windows were breached at once and he now found himself overrun. Lucan raced up the stairs to provide aid. He and Hazlo's excellent archery skill and sheer determination helped keep the new intruders at bay, but more kept pouring in from all sides.
Jak recognized that the situation was quickly becoming untenable and decided to take the fight to the creatures, rather than sit in the home waiting for them to over run them all. Leapt from the nearest window out into the sunlight, searching for targets for his ax. He found many. With a ferocity that only a barbarian can muster, he charged out into the mass of monsters, cutting throngs of them down in a blink of an eye. His heroic efforts stemmed the tide of battle. With the influx of ghouls into the house stopped, the other party members had time to take out the many monsters already inside the house. Once those creatures were put down they all began pouring out of the house themselves looking to bring aid to Jak. They found the Minotaur blissfully slaying scores of undead with his great ax seemingly unaware of anything except his task at hand.
The battle raged on for a while longer, but the immediate threat to the home had been eliminated. Ballimor and Adrick were spent most of the fight tangling with a pair of large and particularly nasty ghouls at the front door. When Ballimor finally put one of them down the other, perhaps coming to the realization that there would be no good meal amongst this house today, turned to flee. This signaled a massive exodus of all of the other ghouls who perhaps were all coming to the same conclusions. Hakka quickly stepped out front and skillfully put down larger ghoul that had just fled. The rest of the group worked on picking off as many if the fleeing creatures as possible. Before long the ghoul’s cries died off and silence once again fell upon the house on a hill. They all looked to each other with relief. The immediate threat to the family was gone and they could all take a moment to take stock, but they all knew that this respite was only temporary. The ghouls would return in force, this home was no longer secure and worse it was past midday already and darkness would soon be upon them. The realization of this fact was enough give each if the pause about the horror that lie ahead.
As they approached the home they noticed that the Windows are all boarded up no sign of light emitted from within. Adrick approach the door and gave it several large loud knocks announcing, "Hello my friends and I are looking for survivors is there anyone alive in there?" They waited for several moments but heard no response from within the house, yet when Adrick tried to open the door he found it sealed from within. He knocked again and shouted louder in case anyone on the second floor may not have heard in the first time.
Suddenly from behind the door they heard a whispered voice ask, "Are you ghouls?"
"No", replied Ruhdon. "We are adventurers seeking answers about what happened to Hempstead.” They heard other muffled voices from within plead for the door keep to let them in.
Finally with a sudden clang the front door was thrown open and then and a man in his late 30s stepped out of the darkness and ushered them all within. Once inside he slammed the door closed and sealed it with a large oak beam. Then turning to the adventures he whispered in a harsh tone, “Are you crazy shot like that you're going to bring the whole lot of them down upon us and minutes."
"I assure you we meant no harm to you sir. I want me to introduce myself, my name is Adrick and these gentlemen are my fellow members of the Last Drop adventuring company searching for answers about what happened to the nearby city of Hampstead."
"I'll tell you what happened; the whole damn place became infected with ghouls not more than two weeks ago. My family and I have been held up here ever since looking for some chance to escape, but I fear there is none from these hellish creatures", replied the older man sitting in the corner. Just then a trio of piercing howls came from outside the house.
"Damn they found us", said the younger man who had leaf them in the door. "This is your entire fault Adventures you will lead them to this place you've doomed us all!"
"Fear not citizen, the Charitable Marauders are here to protect you", assured Jak. "We will drive off the creatures for you, just stay to the inside and away from the windows." He then turned to the rest of the group and organized the defense, placing the strongest fighter near the door and the ranged fighters on the second floor.
Before long the sounds of ghouls could be heard from outside the walls. They did not waste time assaulting the house, scratching and clawing at the boards on the windows and door to gain entry. For a few moments they all waited in breathless silence for the inevitable breach in the hastily made defenses. Finally, just as it seemed it the wait unbearable, one of the ghouls broke through a window on the west side of the house. Lucan was ready, positioned near the stairwell, he loosed an arrow the struck the monster in the throat and dropping it before it could enter the house.
As if the damn burst, the once quite house erupted in the sounds of battle. Two ghouls managed to rip the door off and Ballimor and Adrick fought on bravely to hold them off. Meanwhile other windows were torn off on the first floor and Lucan and Hakka tried in vain to stem the tide of ghouls spilling in from the growing number of holes. Ruhdon stepped up and engaged one of the ghouls to keep them from grabbing on of the families young girls hiding in the corner. He managed to distract the monster long enough for Jak to finish it off with a mighty charge.
Suddenly they all heard shouts from the second floor. Hazlo had been at the top of the stairs watching for any creatures that might try to sneak in from the second floor. Indeed several of the ghouls started by climbing the house sides, but were unable to breach the windows for some time. Suddenly three of the windows were breached at once and he now found himself overrun. Lucan raced up the stairs to provide aid. He and Hazlo's excellent archery skill and sheer determination helped keep the new intruders at bay, but more kept pouring in from all sides.
Jak recognized that the situation was quickly becoming untenable and decided to take the fight to the creatures, rather than sit in the home waiting for them to over run them all. Leapt from the nearest window out into the sunlight, searching for targets for his ax. He found many. With a ferocity that only a barbarian can muster, he charged out into the mass of monsters, cutting throngs of them down in a blink of an eye. His heroic efforts stemmed the tide of battle. With the influx of ghouls into the house stopped, the other party members had time to take out the many monsters already inside the house. Once those creatures were put down they all began pouring out of the house themselves looking to bring aid to Jak. They found the Minotaur blissfully slaying scores of undead with his great ax seemingly unaware of anything except his task at hand.
The battle raged on for a while longer, but the immediate threat to the home had been eliminated. Ballimor and Adrick were spent most of the fight tangling with a pair of large and particularly nasty ghouls at the front door. When Ballimor finally put one of them down the other, perhaps coming to the realization that there would be no good meal amongst this house today, turned to flee. This signaled a massive exodus of all of the other ghouls who perhaps were all coming to the same conclusions. Hakka quickly stepped out front and skillfully put down larger ghoul that had just fled. The rest of the group worked on picking off as many if the fleeing creatures as possible. Before long the ghoul’s cries died off and silence once again fell upon the house on a hill. They all looked to each other with relief. The immediate threat to the family was gone and they could all take a moment to take stock, but they all knew that this respite was only temporary. The ghouls would return in force, this home was no longer secure and worse it was past midday already and darkness would soon be upon them. The realization of this fact was enough give each if the pause about the horror that lie ahead.