Character Perspective: Arshea, Aasimar Bard.
I sat a ways out from the camp itself, huddled against a tree trunk. Garek's heavy snore was a comfort of sorts. What a day it had turned out to be.
I cast my gaze on my companions, huddled in their bedrolls. They all seemed to have warmed to Jaken, and I'm sure I knew why Garek and Ahvra had... After all, they'd found me in a similar state. It went a long way with making me feel comfortable with him too. That and the fact that he was fighting at our sides now, wanting to help the people who had given help to him. Maybe Ahvrania was right to show him kindness with no expectations, but I expected our kindnesses to be rewarded with an effort to change on his part.
Jaken was the other side of the coin, the aggressor in the kinds of acts I suffered. I could see it in his face, could hear it in the tremble of his voice. He'd killed people, forced people into slavery, separated children from their parents, tortured. He'd done all the things a 'good' priest of Iuz should.
I sighed and leaned my head back against the tree trunk, eyes searching for what glimpses I could find of stars between the dark canopy above my head. It was the darkness that he came from that made me want to see him turn so badly. If that kind of evil could be redeemed, perhaps what I had suffered would not always taint me.
There was a rustle in the trees, but no further warning for me when a large beast broke through the canopy, paws thrashing through the air. My heart leapt at the sudden noise and movement and I barely managed to choke back my cry of alarm when I realized what I was looking at.
In the dim light of our low-burning fire a gold sheen glistened on the white coat of the animal. She settled with some surprise, and turned her head so she had me clearly in the sight of her large blue eye. "Y-you're a... a u-unicorn," I said. How stupid I felt. Of course she was a unicorn with the spiraled horn protruding from her proud forehead and the long wisps of golden-white hair that fell to the side of her graceful neck.
She swished her tail at that. "Indeed."
More noise came from the trees and as I watched two more unicorns emerged. One was more powerfully built than the first I'd seen, and one was much younger. "And what do we have here?" A masculine voice came from the large one.
"What are you doing in this part of the Vesve Forest?" she asked me.
I stood slowly, dusting myself off as I did. Unicorns were creatures of purity, said to only accept virgins as their riders, and standing in the presence of these three magnificent beasts made me feel more sullied by my past than I ever had. I frowned, "I-I'm an a-adventurer. M-my c-compan-ions and I a-are exploring D-delvenb-brass."
She sniffed the air and cast her attention behind me as I spoke. I was fairly certain her eye caught on Jaken. Unicorns could sense how pure a person was after all. I wasn't left guessing for long as the larger one moved closer in a vaguely aggressive manner, "And why does he travel with you?"
I swallowed, feeling rather small, "Th-that's J-jaken. He's s-suffered greatly, a-and Ahvrania w-wanted to show him kind-ness." The large unicorn didn't seem to like my answer very much, but I didn't dwell on that long. "M-may I ask you something?"
The unicorn I saw first nodded. "Of course."
"We don't have time for this," the male said, "we have to find our daughter."
"Y-Your d-daughter is missing? That's terrible!" I said.
"She was taken by some goblins. It's why we're out here," the female responded.
"W-we saw g-goblins by a creek a little to the north."
She nodded again, "My mate's handiwork."
"Hmph. She insists we take turns attacking them. I don't see why," the male said with a toss of his mane.
The female shook her head at her mate and said, "Because, Dear, we need to conserve our strength." She turned her attention back on me then, "What was your question?"
I drew in a breath, wondering if I should even ask. It would seem silly to them, I was certain, regardless of their answer, but... A part of me had to know. "Th-they s-say a unicorn w-will only take a v-virgin for a rider. Is th-that tr-ue?"
I felt like the female was smiling at me even though her muzzle wouldn't make such an expression. She nodded, "Normally, yes, Arshea. However, would you like a ride?"
I blinked in surprise. I'd not been expecting that for an answer. "I-I... Y-you wouldn't mi-nd?"
She shook her head at me now and moved forward. "If I would mind I wouldn't offer. Climb upon my back." As she spoke she bent her front knees so she was lower to the ground for me.
"We don't have time for this," the male said again.
"Yes," his mate answered him, "we do."
I climbed on her back a bit shakily, filled with awe and wonderment that she would make such an offer to me considering my circumstances. And as she carried me from our campsite at a gentle pace I felt for the first time since being freed that someday I might truly be whole again.
When we were away from her mate and their son she said softly, "You've suffered too, haven't you, Arshea? At the hands of Iuz?"
I blinked, startled by the sudden question and the fact that she used his name. "Y-you... Y-you know?" My fingers were twined into the silky strands of her mane.
The unicorn nodded her head at that, "I can sense it." She drew a slow breath as she continued her leisurely gait through the forest, and at length spoke again. "Tell me, Arshea, would you... Like to be able to bear children again?"
"Y-you.. C-could do that?" My voice shook, for I hadn't thought it possible.
"Iuz has put a mark upon you. It is why he visits you in your dreams and why you can hear him. I can repair the damage they've done to you, Arshea, and make it so that his mark does no harm to any child you bear." She stopped to explain this, turning her neck so she could look at me.
I felt my eyes mist up and soon was wiping tears from my eyes. "I-if y-you could, and it's n-no t-trouble." I sniffled as I spoke, feeling overwhelmed with emotions I wasn't even sure I could really discern from one another. There was some fear as memories bubbled to the surface of my mind, but also peace at the thought that she could undo some of what they'd done, that she could protect any children I might choose to have for love... There was comfort in that she would carry me too. It meant I wasn't as soiled by him as I'd always feared.
"It's no trouble at all, Arshea," she said as she pressed her soft muzzle to my knee.
She twisted her neck a bit further and gently brought her horn into my leg, and when it touched I felt a wave of serenity pass through me and a cool sensation wash over my lower abdomen. The sensation passed on from my abdomen to areas where my skin had been marred by that time, where scars made for a certain testament of my pains, and these too were soothed.
In the blink of an eye all of the physical evidence of my suffering was gone. Tears started flowing down my cheeks and I leaned forward, laying over the majestic creature's neck. I cried softly into her mane as she walked, whispering words of thanks into the night.
She set a leisurely pace despite the urgency of her own errand, giving me ample time to recover from my tears. When we returned to the camp I slid from her back feeling as though the entire event were plucked from some dream. "Well, thank you Arshea, for what efforts you and your friends make in the ruins of Delvenbrass. Take care in your venture."
I swallowed and nodded, and just before they disappeared into the treeline I stammered, "D-do you pray t-to Ehlonna?"
The female turned back and with that gentle expression that felt so much like a smile. "We do indeed."
"M-maybe I w-will too."
I felt as though the smile I could not see had deepened as she said, "Then Ehlonna will welcome you into her fold with open arms, Arshea. May she keep you safe beneath the bows of this forest, and guide you in your journeys from this place."
I smiled and wiped another tear from my cheek, "Th-thank you. I pray she w-watches over y-you as well, and returns y-your daughter safely to your k-keeping."
With that the female turned and the family disappeared into the darkness of night. I couldn't sleep another wink for the joy that filled my being, and spent the rest of the night watching over my friends while they enjoyed their slumber.
(For reference, Arshea was agnostic prior to this event. She believed in the gods, but she felt she was not worthy of any god after being hurt the way she was by Iuz. This event made her a faithful worshiper of Ehlonna, who would not have been my guess as to whose fold she'd fall into.)
~*~*~
More will be added later on today. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
Last edited by crystaltears on Tue Sep 06, 2011 7:22 am; edited 1 time in total
That was a great post. It reads like you actually felt the experience yourself.
I look forward to the next installment of the Campaign Journal. Glad to have you and Iressi on board.
As promised here is the next CJ today will take them through the first level of Delvenbrass, and then they will be forced to retreat back into the depths of the Vesve Forest.
Planting - 591 CY: Delvenbrass
After exploring all of the four towers around Delvenbrass the PC's make their way cautiously into the first area (area 11) where they face the first of the orcs loyal to Iuz. There are three 'tribes' that are organized within Delvenbrass at the moment at least that worship the Old One. The orcs are part of Kazgund Tribe and thus are a small bit more intelligent than a typical Sornkar Orc. They enter into the pillar room were they face what starts out as four orcs led by a fifth powerfully build Orog.
However this battle quickly grows more desperate as forces from the next room join they fray though in the end the Knights were able to overcome the orc forces. They explore the eastern chambers first, finding little of interest here since they managed to draw most of the orcs into that first chamber. They notice that there are sounds coming from the northern room (area 20) as well, though for now ignore it. Instead they travel to west and find a sealed room to the south (area 13), and decide to investigate it. Forcing they door open they face one of the stranger enemies they have faced thus far.
A undead swarm made out of the left hands chopped off of many of the bodies here (if the PC's had traveled here sooner they would have faced a number of undead that were missing hands) which try to swarm, scratch, and trip the PC's. This proves to be a more difficult battle than I intended thanks to the fact that the PC's were running out of AoE spells that day, and they had very little they could do to destroy it. They manage to do just that though, and press on to the last encounter on this level of Delvenbrass. They enter into room 20 though not from area 11, but from the side in area 21 a old dining hall.
Garek's perspective
He could feel the old aches now, worming their way up his body. It always started in his joints, and spread like Brown Mold exposed to fire. Garek was tired, and while these old aches were usually a sign of a good days work he was not enjoying the feeling. He knew that beyond that door was another battle, likely far worse than any they had faced. In the face of this a lesser dwarf might have balked, or suggested they rest for a time.
Garek however when the door was pushed open via Open/Close yelled at the top of his lungs causing them to burn, "Gar khaz Morndinsamman! Gar khaz Kaelsag a khaz Farode Helm!" [For the Morndinsamman! For the Knights of the Silver Dawn!"] He charged into the room along with Ahvrania to face their next threat, which in this case was a room filled with not just Sornkar orcs, but a powerfully built Black Orog (Half-Nilkar Half Ogre) that had a half naked drow sitting in the throne next to him.
The very sight of the ebony skinned drow made Ahvrania's blood boil, Garek could see it in her eyes. Even though this Drow seemed to be a slave her hatred of that race ran very deep just like the hatred his race had for the Orc's. Battle fury took over him urging him to use his warhammer to smash as many of the bloody monsters as possible. He controlled that fury, and used his connection to the Morndinsamman to heal those around him. The serenity that this gave him was like a summer day spent next to his love.
As the gift of his gods flowed through him was one of the few times that Garek would sometimes feel at peace with the world. It didn't matter that he loved a elf, and was the laughing stock of the dwarves of Highguard, it didn't matter that they were always in a fight for their lives, none of that mattered. He could feel the love of the gods, and angels flow into him as white energy flowed out of his body like a beacon. The Black Orog was killed off first, to make sure that its powerful greatsword would not destroy Ahvrania. With that the 'Orc King' was dead, and the rest of his forces started to splinter.
The drow who up to this point had been remaining still shocked the orcs around her by trying to cast some sort of spell. It didn't work, and she was struck as a result of this. As the orcs surrounded Ahvrania the little drow made a run for the southern door. Arshae who had always been a little to soft yelled, "We jammed that door!" Garek growled lowly, but didn't let himself grow distracted. He focused on that summer day ignoring the cacophony around him. The drow managed to escape the room tumbling under the legs of both orcs, and Knights. Jaken even added to this fight as much as Garek didn't want to admit. He couldn't help but think, 'The boy can use a sword at least.'
Garek knew however that she wouldn't get very far, and that in the end Ahvrania would see justice done. The rest of the orcs were easy to scatter in comparison to the Black Orog, however they were spent with very few spells left. Ahvrania not even stopping to rest chased after the Drow. Sighing Garek said, "Bloody woman..." He panted before adding, "Doesn't even let me rest my legs a bit." He started running following the rest of the Knights where they found the cornered drow.
She muttered under her breath, "Thyr jhondrys..." [Foul Lightborn] she looked from one to the other before saying in common, "Please just let me go, I won't harm any of you." Ahvrania growled lowly at the drow, "You are going to answer a few questions first, what were you..." The drow interrupted her grabbing Arshae yelling, "Just let me go! If you do not I will kill her." Angry boiled in Garek's veins at that, "You have just sealed your fate dum elgi!"
Garek along with the rest of the Knights of the Silver Dawn used what was left of their magical might upon this single drow, destroying her utterly. With that Garek along with Ahvrania ran over to Arshae hugging her. While Jaken didn't come forward there was a look of concern on his face. With that the Knights of the Silver Dawn left Delvenbrass again to recover in the Vesve Forest.
Planting - 591 CY: Vesve Forest
The party manage to make it to a save haven near Delenbrass, and for once make it through the night without any random encounters. The next day however they encounter a strange group of 'people' at first the PC's think that they might be goblins or some other sort of monster. Arshae managed to trip one before they discovered that they were Green Wardens, plant creatures made by the elves.
Through some diplomacy they manage to salvage the situation, and discover that these Green Wardens were sent to spy on the goblin tribes which seem to be gathering for war. The PC's realize at this point that they have a bit of a time limit now, it seems that the goblins of the Vesve have noticed all the activity going on in Delvenbrass. Now a goblin army seems to be on the move to the old fortress.
After that they discover that there are orcs manning the towers outside of Delvenbrass again, and the PC's have to face them in battle. This time though they notice that the orcs have very poor equipment as compared to last time. The battles here are easier than before, and before long they can penetrate into Delvenbrass again. This time they enter into fortress using invisibility sphere, and at first the hobgloblins are just confused at what is going on.
They call forward the 'hobgoblin king' though before that happens the PC's manage to kill the orc slaves, and hobgoblins as well. The hobgoblin king, who is named Erethkar looks upon the PC's and says to them in somewhat poor common, "You face me. In duel. One on One." Ahvrania obliges him after the terms are set if he wins he keeps Ahvrania, if she wins he will give her information. The battle is over very quickly, and they learn that in punishment the orcs were enslaved by the hobgoblins. They also learn the Tobais, the man that is in charge of the priests of Iuz here has a fatal weakness.
He has a old injury on the right side of his head, keep hitting there are they will be able to kill him easily. In the end they kill Erethkar, and explore the rest of the first level of Delvenbrass again.
Conclusion: The PC's are now going to face the human priests of Iuz along with what remains of the hobgoblin guards in the next session. From there they will move on to the dungeon levels of Delvenbrass, though not before another random encounter that turns out not to be hostile.
Thanks, Argon. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a very defining moment for Arshea.
~*~*~
crystaltears wrote:
More will be added later on today.
Ha! I am such a liar. That's okay. I'll add it today for you to enjoy.
~*~*~
The Cloak of Feathers
(Excerpt from the 09/02/11 CJ)
Character Perspective: Arshea, Aasimar Bard.
We came up the stairs of the tower and into the room that connected to the top of the walls. The grueling battle of the Earth Lord's reclaimed chamber lay behind us and I listened at the doors before us quietly. One was to the west, one to the south, and both had noises coming from them.
I turned to the others and said in a whisper, "B-both d-doors have n-noise behind them. S-sounds like p-people."
Ahvrania nodded and looked between the two with a contemplative gaze. After a few moments she gestured at the western door, "Try and jam that one without letting them hear you. We'll go to the southern door first."
I gave her a nod and set out to do just what she asked. Garek and Celeste went to the southern door with Ahvra and Jaken hovered near the small hall leading to the western door with his eyes on me. Our other 'ally' lined up behind Celeste, though I could feel his eyes on me. The man hadn't taken it well when I'd threatened to trip him with my whip for his bullying of Jaken. I was glad though, he needed to know I didn't plan to broke any insults or cruelty toward the timid in my presence.
I managed to jam the door relatively quietly, but I think they may have heard something. They didn't have time to react though, before Ahvra threw open the southern door. I quickly retraced my steps up the hall and joined my allies as they poured onto the wall, save Celeste. She remained in the room behind us, with clear sight on both doors. A clever place for a wizard to be.
Ahvrania and Garek lined up at the front of the thin walkway on the wall. It widened just a bit farther past them, but they intended to hold the line. Hobgoblin forces came to meet them. I stood behind Ahvra, and Jaken behind Garek.
Ahvra's axe was quite efficient, but she didn't manage to fell the foe that met her on the wall. Garek's hammer slid harmlessly from his opponent's armor. I tried to trip the one with Ahvrania's focus, but couldn't quite do the job. Celeste, however, placed a pit rather keenly so that all of our foes were on the slanted ground around the edge or caught within the pit itself. Some of them kept their balance, but not many.
I felt the flat of his sword in my side then, and I was being pushed toward the edge of the wall. I lashed out in a panic, but missed the traitorous bastard as he forced me off the ledge. "Arshea!" I heard Jaken cry as I descended.
A thrill of adrenaline pumped through me, and wild fear made my entire body stiffen before I remembered that I'd laid claim to the Quall's Cloak we'd found so long ago. The panic abated as I slowly drifted through the air along the slanted wall, and then down the sheer side of it. "Ahvrania, Garek, w-watch out! H-he b-betrayed us!"
I heard the combat continue as my feet gently touched the ground, but I couldn't see any longer. I did manage to pick out the words of Garek though. "Why you! Let's see how yeh like a taste of yehr own treachery!" Garek bellowed at the top of his lungs. I stepped away from the wall, and just in time, for soon after the platemail-clad body of my betrayer collided into the dirt I'd been standing on with a sickening snap.
He'd survived, for I heard him groan in pain and saw some movement from his broken body. I wouldn't let him be a risk to any of us again, but I couldn't leave him to die slowly. After a few moments of hesitation I ended the traitor's life with a precisely aimed lash from my Scorpion Whip.
(I had literally forgotten she had the cloak. I was panicked when Iressi told me she got an AoO cause I had a good feeling I knew what was coming. Then he pushed her off and I scanned her sheet to see if she had any tricks up her sleeve that might save her, and there on the back was a list of what the tokens did.. So I started to ask about the floating feather one when I remembered that the cloak itself did an automatic Feather Fall effect if its wearer fell more than ten feet and exclaimed with excitement, "The cloak!"
To which Iressi said, "Cloak? Oh! Is she wearing that?"
And I nodded as I pointed to it on her list of equipment and we both had a good laugh at how lucky I'd gotten cause Garek had changed the cloak's appearance to be in the 'theme' of the Silver Dawn. Each of the fifty feathers appeared as a sun that could be plucked off the silver cloak to cause a token effect. There was no way the traitor could have known what it was Arshea was wearing or how inefficient his bull rush attempt would turn out to be because of it.)
~*~*~
My Muse seems to be feeling fickle so for now you just get the late one. More might be added later. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
I bet Arshea gave that cloak one big kiss after that encounter.
Hehe. She was originally going to give it to the inhabitants of Quallsten since that was likely where it was made, but after that little incident she decided to keep it for herself. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
They enter into the pillar room were they face what starts out as four orcs led by a fifth powerfully build Orog.
However this battle quickly grows more desperate as forces from the next room join they fray though in the end the Knights were able to overcome the orc forces.
I'm sad that I can't remember the details of this encounter well enough to do it justice in story form. What I do remember that's worth mentioning though is that we discovered a minor intelligent item here. The item was 'Ventanis', a +1 Scorpion Whip with quite a personality attached to it. The whip's name translated to 'Lover's Tongue' and Arshea has refrained from asking it where the name came from. She has been wielding him since we found him though, and more than once his healing (he can do a Cure Moderate Wounds effect 3 times per day and can move himself within ten feet of Arshea to do so courtesy of being in a whip form) has proven useful.
The contrast in their personalities is comical as the whip is loud and boisterous (much like Ahvra and Garek) and being wielded by someone who is very cautious and quiet. She also uses him primarily for tripping foes rather than dealing damage to them.
Iressi wrote:
The party manage to make it to a save haven near Delenbrass, and for once make it through the night without any random encounters.
Iressi and I forgot a random encounter that occurred here when he was writing the CJ entry (He usually asks me to be sure he's covering most of the events of a given day). I've rolled all of these encounters, by the way, with him asking me for my results and not telling me what I roll until the encounter occurs. My rolls have definitely been interesting so far to say the least...
Let me detail the random encounter we left out for you:
~*~*~
Secrets
(Excerpt from the 09/06/11 CJ)
Character Perspective: Arshea, Aasimar Bard.
We sat around the small campfire we had started. Even the early afternoon sun hardly pierced the dense canopy of the Vesve above us. The forest really deserved a song, and I was sure it had many to its name though I myself didn't know of them.
Because the battles of the day had been intense and close together we ultimately had a lot of free time to wait through before resting to regain spells. Ahvrania and Garek sat close by, murmuring softly to one another about Delvenbrass and previous exploits, Celeste was sitting on her bedroll and staring into the small, enchanted toy we'd recovered from the Elven Manse, Jaken was near me. It seemed he had taken my instruction to stay close to me to heart, for he never remained far from my side. In all honesty it had become a comfort since I'd seen him wield the bastard sword we'd lent him.
I lay back on my bedroll and let my eyes drift to the canopy above where deep, rich greens mixed with younger yellow-tinged leaves to make a quilt that shaded the forest occupants from the sunlight. The brown lines of branches and twigs intermingled here and there in the mix of greens, like seams intentionally sewn to be visible in the patchwork masterpiece of nature. Funny how suddenly the natural world that I had walked through on so many of my journeys seemed to hold such plentiful causes for feelings of calm and peace.
With these thoughts I let my eyes fall closed and my worries began to drift to the back of my mind. Some five or ten minutes passed as I listened to the harmony of the forest around me. The wind rustling through the leaves, the insects, the small fauna that inhabited the area. In some ways the entirety was musical and I found myself wishing I could write a song to capture the beauty I was hearing.
The musical nature I found in the Vesve was quite possibly the reason that the presence of discord amidst the melody caught my attention so quickly. "D-did you h-hear that?" I asked the others, looking up at Ahvrania as I did.
The Gray Elf paused to listen before shaking her head at me. "I hear nothing but the usual noises of a forest, Arshea. What did you hear?"
"I-it sounds like s-someone walk-ing." I turned my gaze to the trees themselves, but whoever was the cause of the noises I was hearing had not yet stepped into sight.
"Hail, travelers," a female voice sounded, apparently having heard us talking about her. "I am no reason for alarm, I assure you."
We all got to our feet save Celeste who simply turned her deep blue eyes in the direction of the stranger's voice. "Reveal yourself to us then," Ahvrania said, hand on the haft of her axe.
"Of course," the female voice responded. The rustling of her steps continued as she approached, and soon enough we could see her between the trees. A tall, lithe Sylvan Elf with a gentle beauty to her features slowly entered the clearing we'd chosen as our camp for the evening. "May I join you at your fire, Travelers?" She had a very friendly quality to her voice.
Something about the woman before us seemed 'off' though I couldn't put my finger on what. I didn't feel threatened though, so I made no objection when Ahvrania responded with a nod and said, "By all means, Stranger."
Ahvra's hand left her axe and she, Garek, Jaken, and I all took our seats again as the stranger did the same. "Tell me," said the Sylvan Elf, "what are you doing so deep in Goblin Territory?"
I'd almost forgotten the goblins as the peace of the forest's song. Their war horns hadn't sounded since we'd settled, though we'd heard them once or twice on our way from Delvenbrass. "We are adventurers. The Knights of the Silver Dawn to be precise. I'm Ahvrania Iiremen'surre'esta and these are my companions, Garek Highhammer, Arshea, and Lady Celeste Kalinstren. Our companion here is Jaken Tallenstar. We're in the midst of exploring Delvenbrass and trying to clear the ruins of the dangers lurking there."
"The Goblins are on the war path to Delvenbrass," the Sylvan Elf said. "They've heard of all the recent happenings there what with the two cults and the Earth creatures who dwell there all a-stir."
"We are aware of it, and only hope we can finish our work there before they arrive. Confronting an entire army of Goblins is not high on our list of things we'd like to do," Ahvrania responded softly. "What, may I ask, is your purpose here, Stranger?"
"Ah," the Sylvan Elf laughed, "My manners! I am Teldecia and I call the Vesve my home. If you truly are ridding the ruins of the evils within it, I may be able to help you."
I wasn't prepared to accept that while secrets still hung in the air between us, and so I interjected before Ahvrania could respond, "And h-how, may I ask-k, w-would you d-do that?" I allowed an edge of slight suspicion to be audible in my voice, enough so that Garek and Ahvrania cast their eyes upon me, wondering just what I'd made of our new 'friend' and why I'd said nothing about it yet.
She turned her beautiful green eyes on me, a soft smile on her lips. "I'm curious why the aggression in your tone. Have I done something to offend you?" She asked in her honeyed voice.
"Y-you're hid-ing something. I d-don't like sec-rets," I said simply, keeping my eyes on her closely lest she try something. I still didn't feel threatened, but secrets had ever been the cause of discomfort with me. Guessing games were little pleasure to me, and knowing where our allies stood had proven to be something worth a little trouble and ruffled feathers in the recent past.
"Hmm." She nodded softly. "Fair enough, Arshea. If you must know, I'm a powerful sorceress-"
"Th-that's a lie," I said, interrupting her. The Sylvan Elf looked a bit troubled by that and I felt very uncomfortable now. Anyone with cause to lie to us was surely not someone I wanted as an ally.
She considered me for a few moments, Ahvra, Garek, Celeste, and Jaken all watching the exchange rather keenly at this point. Finally she did cast a spell, and unfortunately she cast it quickly enough I didn't have a chance to interrupt her. Worse still, I couldn't identify the purpose of the magic, though snoring sounded from Garek and I blinked as I realized all of them had fallen asleep in their places, including Ahvrania who should have been immune to such an effect.
I was leaping to my feet as she spoke to me, "I can see that you would prove difficult to deceive, and I wish no trouble here, so let me come clean with you, Arshea."
I hesitated, eyes on her, and swallowed nervously, "A-alright."
"Very good," she said softly, and as I watched her form changed into a dragon's with wide, white wings and scales of white as well. Ridged horns curled back from her proud, majestic face. Her body was about the size of one of our Kalinstren Draft horse's. Panic ran through me for a few fleeting moments, but then I realized there were other colors in those scales, pale and only faintly present, of blue and gold.
I blinked as I realized what stood before me, "A S-song Dragon. Oh, I, I-I'm sorry. I d-didn't mean to be t-trouble." I'd never thought I would see such a creature, particularly not in the depths of the Goblin controlled bounds of the Vesve forest.
The dragon chuckled melodiously at my apology, "It is fine, of course, you only meant to protect your friends. Now, do you understand what secret it is I wish to keep?" There was some mischeif in her voice and I couldn't help a small smile at that.
I nodded. "I d-do, and I thank y-you for sh-showing yourself to me. I will n-not mention it ag-gain."
It was her turn to nod. "Good," she said, and her form returned to that of an elf, "Quite correct you are, Arshea, I am not strictly speaking a sorceress, but the powers that I will call upon are most closely associated with those a sorceress commands. Will you accept this explanation?"
I realized as she spoke that the others were awake again, and seemed to be without any recollection of having been put to sleep to begin with. I nodded with a soft smile, "I s-suppose I will. Y-you seem to mean no harm."
"Excellent. Then I shall try to delay the Goblin armies for you, travelers, so you may finish your work in Delvenbrass." She stood and took a step back from the fire we sat around before saying, "May all the gods of good smile upon your efforts there. Especially Pelor, whose radiance lights the sky above these aged trees."
As she spoke the blessing I heard a much quieter voice whisper in my ear, "And may Bahamat watch you and keep you, curious little Arshea."
With that she left us, and I smiled to myself as I fell back against my bedroll, staring again into the mixed greens of the canopy above us. Ehlonna surely smiled upon us in this forest of hers, for so much good had found us in such hostile territory that there could be no other explanation. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
Most of this CJ will use the second story map of Delvenbrass. They do not rest in between the encounter of the Hobgoblin 'king' and the human priests up above.
Planting - 591 CY: Delvenbrass
Armed with that bit of useful information the intrepid Knights make their way up stairs. The heat of the day making Delvenbrass into a sauna in places as they creep slowly up to the second level. There they find a long hallway filled with doors, all of them locked. Arshae carefully makes her way forward searching each door to find that they have all been trapped! It seems that the Priests were expecting them, and have prepared accordingly.
Arshae returns to report that there is movement coming from the southern door nearest the stairs as the Knights prepare to enter. After a tense moment Celeste prepares to cast Open/Close only for the door to open before hand! The Knights are pitted against a group of howling barbarians armed with powerful greatswords their bodies covered in scars, and symbols to the Old One. Their leader who they would find out later to be Waldur de Grey greets them, "Ah you have finally come! Good to see you."
The man has a chipper voice that sounds like he might very well be a citizen of Furyondy, maybe even from Kalinstren itself by the sound of it! The owner of the voice is not a barbarian however he was a tall well built knight wearing black full plate with a bastard sword in one hand, and a tower shield in the other. The Barbarians moved up to the door, and faced up against Ahvrania's armor and axe. They were a human tide against a elven rock, and quickly this mans barbarians were being slaughtered.
However Arshae heard a sound coming from down the hallway, and the Knights day became more complicated. Two underpriests, a handful of human men-at-arms, and Tobais himself entered onto the field to help the Waldur with his barbarians. While the Knights wern't sure before they knew now who this Tobais is, he is Tobais von Redoubt who was once a knight bound under her father who disappeared sometime after she was born. Tobais couldn't help but laugh, "Ah its good to see you Lady Celeste." The sarcasm with the word lady was thick enough to cut with a knife. He went on, "My how you have grown, I remember being on the detail to 'protect' you."
He turned to his soldiers, "Men keep Celeste alive, but kill the rest." With that the battle was joined, and the Knights were flanked by the Waldur's forces on one side and those of Tobais on the other. This forced the Knights to use every bit of their reserves to try, and kill Tobais who was after all the leader of these men. Blow after blow from magic and sword was cast upon him, though he would not die. Instead he would back off long enough to cast a healing spell upon himself. Finally as his forces crumbled around him he retreated leaving his 'knight' to face the music alone.
Soon after this the forces in the upper floor were dealt with, and the 'knight' surrendered to the Knights. He introduced himself as Waldur de Grey, who Celeste recognized or at least recognized the family name. Waldur had been a squire to Sir Tobais back when he was a loyal knight in Redoubt, and Waldur filled in the blanks in the story of the disloyal knight. Tobais had fallen in love with the beautiful Lady Galaine though her life was taken from him early in their marriage. Seeing his despair a spy for the Old One offered to bring her back from the dead if Tobais would help him.
Eventually this deal corrupted Tobais, and he became a faithful worshiper of the Old One. When Galaine was brought back from the dead she was not herself, in fact she wasn't brought back at all instead she was animated her soul shunted back into her body twisted into a ghoul. This is what finally made Tobais snap, and he left Redoubt forcing his squire to go as well. Waldur has fought for Tobais ever since then, though he has only payed lip service to Iuz. However after the Knights last encounter of a soldier of the Old One they were very cautious with those that surrendered.
Waldur suspects he has joined 'Lady Redoubt' in the first dungeon layer of Delvenbrass along with what was left of the Hobgoblins, and priests down there. With Tobais there were five priests in total which would make in battle that happened be a very long, and drawn out affair if they were to fight together. Spent after that battle the Knights searched the rest of the second level before they decided to rest to regain spells, however how to rest was a good question. They didn't want to leave Delvenbrass at this point, and so they jammed the door that leads from the dungeon level to the first floor.
During the night however Celeste heard something during her watch, and the door opened to reveal strange if beautiful creatures. There were seven in total all of them wearing clothes of Baklunish features, it took her a moment to realize that these were not humans at all.
These were Janni!
She talked with them for a time, and found out that they were servants of the Sha'ir, and Genie-Binder Shaqul bin Aseem from the nation of Ket. He sent these Janni to explore Delvenbrass, and if possible destroy the connection that this place had with the Elemental Earth Node, and Ogremoch. The Janni wish to gain passage to the dungeon, and thus Celeste is forced to wake Arshea to open the door.
They try to convince the Janni to wait for them to help, but the Janni who are ever arrogant went on ahead as the Knights went back to sleep. When they awoke the next day they readied their steel, and magic to enter into the Dungeons of Delvenbrass.
Conclusion
It's funny to me that I gave the PC's a weakness for Tobais and they forgot to exploit it. Oh well it doesn't really matter they were able to stop him, but not kill him (they do that next time). Now the PC's move into the actual dungeons under Delvenbrass which take up quite a bit of time to clear out. So till next time!
Last edited by Iressi on Thu Sep 08, 2011 1:40 pm; edited 1 time in total
The ever continuing adventures of the Knights of the Silver Dawn. They now move down into the depths of Delvenbrass.
Planting - 591 CY: Delvenbrass
After a good nights sleep we find our hero's replenished, and ready to face the threats that can be found in the lowest depths. However they are bothered by the fact that the Janni have already gone inside, there is no telling what all they have already killed which that in itself isn't bad. However what if the Janni find the Well of Many Worlds? How will the Knights gain the help of the Grey Elves then?
With those questions in mind the Knights made their way down into the dark depths beneath Delvenbrass which in truth is the heart of the complex. Waldur declines to travel with the Knights for the time being, so he is left in the first level. They travel down a beautifully carved hallway, and set of stairs that are covered in geometric designs along with runes carved in the elemental languages. They come to area with three doors, the one to the east has a number of heavy boxes along with wooden beams making it a very difficult area to explore for the time being. So the Knights decide to travel to the west, and enter into a dark chamber filled with chanting in the foul Abyssal tongue.
They heard spoken again and again the following phrase, "Krte andha Iuz madiya rati api zazvata" Which loosely translated as 'for the dark one Iuz, my love is eternal.' as they crept forward the Knights entered into a massive hall of worship that once was dedicated to a elemental god however it has been desecrated into the worship of the Old One. Foul tapestries and other signs of his worship were all over the room. Foul men-at-arms all of them Flan with black plate armor covered in spikes, armed with powerful greatswords.
Near the middle of the room had four undead monsters that looked to have been recently animated. It took the Knights a moment to realize that these were the Janni they had seen the night before, at least some of them. The remaining Janni could be found in the back chamber, along with a horrid looking woman that looked more like a hag than anything else. When the Knights rushed head long into the chamber she yelled in a cruel, undying voice, "You dare disturb this ritual?! You dare tread upon unholy ground! You will all serve Iuz in this life or the next!"
Garek being his usual self gave a witty retort to this that served to make 'Lady Redoubt' even angrier. The undead Janni had been corrupted into Banedead, specialized undead created by the priests of Iuz. The Knights had their hands full, but thankfully even with Lady Redoubts shrill voice no reinforcements came. In the end she was dust as were the rest of the undead created in this foul place. The Knights went over to the Janni who had been on top of the altar. She was covered in horrid burns all over her body from the spell Boiling Blood.
They learned from Basira the Janni that they were overrun by the forces of the Old One though not before killing most of the men-at-arms, and causing the hobgoblins to flee deeper into the dungeon abandoning the humans. Tobais is looking for a way out, but is prepared to die for his god if need be. The Knights help Basira and the other surviving Janni out of Delvenbrass to report back to the Sha'ir in Ket. After that they travel once again into the breach.
They travel back into the defiled chamber, and deface the horrid shrine to Iuz before they discover a 'hidden' hallway behind one of the tapestries that they had put up. The hallway was dark, and the air was very cold as they made their way into the next room. They found nothing in the main chamber, but as they opened the door into east they found themselves in one of the most dangerous battles of their careers. Tobais along with his underpriests, and a large contingent of Baneguard's another type of undead created by the priests of Iuz.
These foul skeletons use their innate powers to blink in and out of existence to flank the Knights! To make matters worse reinforcements from the west quickly cause the Knights to be outnumbered two to one in this life or death struggle. The last men-at-arms also join in this battle meaning that the Knights are facing all of the remaining cultists of Iuz here. Finally after almost two minutes of fighting the Knights kill the last of the Baneguard, and at last Tobais is slain.
After this battle they spend a few moments to recover before moving on to face the next major threat in Delvenbrass. The goblin tribes that live in the dungeon. They travel north (into area 21) where they come across a strange sight a pair of foul smelling grey furred creatures. They were protecting a huge looking creature of the same type that looked to be pregnant. These creatures were Barghest's! They didn't waste any time to attack though the mother used its innate power to Dimension Door away as her 'children' fought the Knights.
The battle as a quick one with one of the Barghest's escaping while the other was slain. Before progressing further to the north they travel down a side passage where they face a horrible Corpsefeeder Otyugh which turns out to be a bit of a non-battle. Celeste simply moved forward and casually cast a Acid Pit which after a minute reduced the creature into a sobbing mess. It in fact surrendered to the Knights rather than be killed by them.
[Aside: The roleplaying with the Otyugh was a very fun encounter that I did not expect. Otyughs can in fact speak common (though they are not smart) and in Pathfinder part of their communication with their own kind is in fact through scents. This is something that Celeste knew from Knowledge Dungeonering, and when they 'befriended' the Otyugh their 'friend' left a scent on Celeste to denote that she was a friend to Otyughs. Current the Otyugh family is working the sewers of Castle Redoubt, and aid in the defense of the castle.]
The Knights manage to befriend the Otyugh and discover that it travels through a series of small tunnels that connect various chambers through this place (You can't see them on the map provided), and that there are two other Otyughs in this dungeon. They dislike the goblins, and in fact use them as a food source so they agree to help the Knights in the coming battles with the Goblins.
They travel north (area's 13, 16, 22, 6) at this point discovering a series of ancient shrines dedicated to Baklunish gods that have managed to survive. Arshea even finds a strange trap in a pit below with a shrine that acts as a division between the fire 'section' of the dungeon, and the water 'section' of the dungeon. Arshea has to escape a Mephit that at first was a Fire Mephit, but after passing through this barrier he changes into a Water Mephit. In the end she escapes up the tunnel, and the trap wears off. Later the Knights travel down this tunnel again, and Arshea finds and disables the trap.
The knights explore more rooms discovering a bound Earth Wierd which offers to answer a question if the Knights free it, the other Otyugh's, along with a few more traps. Through dedication they overcome every obstacle in their way They then enter into the domain of the Thotha Tribe one of the two tribes* that fight to control the Dungeons of Delvenbrass.
Conclusion
The PC's are about halfway through the first level of Delvenbrass, and have now defeated the priests of Iuz here. However they still have a long way to go before they can obtain the Well of Many Worlds. Next time will involve them clearing out the goblin warrens that have infested the place before the Knights travel into the lowest dungeon in Delvenbrass.
At this point I think this dungeon has been one of the longest I have ever run, by the end I was getting somewhat sick of it to be honest. I don't typically like long dungeon crawls however thankfully Crystaltears rolled a number of 'friendly' random encounters to add spice to it. Along with a few other interesting encounters I added in as well. All in all it was fun ride, though I was glad to get off of it when I did.
*Area's 44 through 50 are controlled by Thotha Tribe while the Moshhka Tribe which rules the northern western half of Delvenbrass (area's 23 - 37.) More on the two tribes in the next CJ post.
I know the feeling when I first started playing it seemed like everyone dungeon crawled. So when I took over DMing duties I kept things on the surface and they loved it. I pitted the local Thieves guild against the Assassin's guild, and the party got in the mix. Well the party sided with the assassin's unknowingly and when all was said and done had both remaining members of the guild as life long enemies.
Keep the posts coming.
Later
Argon
Last edited by Argon on Sun Sep 11, 2011 1:25 pm; edited 1 time in total
...the Otyugh their 'friend' left a scent on Celeste to denote that she was a friend to Otyughs...]
They actually left the scent on Ahvrania. This was a really fun encounter and a very unexpected twist. I never thought a a creature that looked so much like a monster and ate corpses would end up being our friends. >.>
Also, I haven't been able to get my Muse in gear for story excerpts.. I think it's cause I started working on the actual story for this campaign. I'm not sure when I'll post my next excerpt, but I hope those of you who follow our endeavors will enjoy Iressi's contributions to the CJ in the meantime. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
Going to try to finish up Delvenbrass today, though we will see how far I get.'
Planting - 591 CY: Delvenbrass
The Knights of the Silver Dawn after defeating a series of ancient arrow traps find themselves in the territory of a goblin tribe. Garek notices the tribal banners, and other objects that litter the rooms as a sign to keep away. Though the Knights are not going to follow goblin advice.
Not today or ever.
They make their way into a large chamber filled with pillars (area 44) where they face a group of hobgoblins wearing armor that was once adorned with symbols of Iuz, and a few female goblins that were feeding the hobgoblins grapes. It seems that the chief of this tribe was trying to bribe the hobgoblins that were once loyal to Iuz. Battle is soon joined and the Knights discover to their chagrin that the goblin women are in fact magic-users adding to the complex battle.
To make matters worse more goblins, and hobgoblins pour out from the nearby chambers adding to the din. The battle is a fierce one, but in the end the Knights are victorious. They manage to destroy the Thotha Tribe in one fell swoop. They discover that this area holds the entrance into the second level of the dungeon, but for now decide it is best that they clear out what remains of the goblins.
From there they travel down the hallway that was once inhabited by the Barghests, and go down the long stairs till they start hearing chanting. As they slowly move closer they hear prayers in goblin to the foul deity Maglubiyet, the chief god of the pantheon. The Knights move forward, and charge into the 'congregation' to give a sermon of their own. They face (in room 23) a large force of goblin warriors that were in prayer at that moment along with a large fat goblin with a huge silver holy symbol of Maglubiyet scratched over the symbol of some other god.
This battle proves to be harder than the Knights could have imagined, for while the goblin priest looked like he would be a push over he had been blessed with many powerful spells from his foul deity. Including the spell slay living which he happily used against Arshae. She had been very lucky up to this point, more than once had death been narrowly avoided. Not this time however, as the foul black energies caressed her she fell to the ground the life having fled from her body.
Arshae was dead.
Then again so was more than half of the goblin 'worshipers' as well. The goblin priest put up a fight, but well before he cast slay living the battle was over. He just wanted to cause as much suffering as possible before hand. Afterwords the Knights were reduced to tears over their lost companion, and had a choice. Should they press on? The goblin armies are getting closer they knew, and the strange 'sorcerer' (see the Secrets except) could not hold off the goblins forever.
So the Knights took the body of Arshae, and placed her inside of Gareks Bag of Holding after removing some of the treasure. They pressed going deeper into the dungeons of Delvenbrass with one less Knight to help in battle. They faced more goblins in the next chamber along with a trap that Arshae would have needed to be alive to disable, so they just rush past it as fast as possible. Slaying the goblins just as fast. As they travel north east they come to a strange room that is filled with a large pit and a very narrow walk way. The Knights use their Rope of Climbing to help them get across the gap to get to the other side.
From there they explore the various rooms, and even encounter the Otyugh family briefly before moving on to the last stretch of this part of the dungeon. They find another shrine (area 31) to another goblin deity, Khurgorbaeyag the goblin god of slavery among other things. However it is unguarded. As they enter into the next chamber (area 32) the door is opened suddenly and they face a large band of bugbears! To make matters worse the bugbear leader is quickly revealed to be a Nightstalker the favored 'children' of the bugbear god Skiggaret.
The battle is fierce, and in a series of unfortunate attacks Jaken who had been a stalwart ally for most of their progression through Delvenbrass falls after a protracted battle with these bugbears. With Jaken dead that leaves Celeste, Ahvrania, and Garek to finish what they started here. They press on in till they meet at last the goblin leader of the Moshhka Tribe along with hobgoblins, a Nightstalker archer, and a massive brood of goblins. There were times that it looked like the Knights were going to be overwhelmed, but they were able to overcome these massive odds thanks to a number of well placed create pit spells that negated most of their numbers.
After this the Knights are utterly spent, and take the dead along with what treasure they could carry to a safe place to rest that night. Thankfully Celeste has finally mastered (or at least she hopes she has mastered) the spell teleport. Thanks to her Ring of Sustenance she is able to sleep far less, and prepare spells while the rest of the Knights are resting. However she hears to her horror the sound of battle going on above them.
Is it the goblins? If it is who are they fighting? Could it be reinforcements from Iuz? Find out this and more next time!
Conclusion: Well I didn't quite finish Delvenbrass, though save for a few more combats it is in effect finished. Next time I will recount the Knights traveling back to Chendl via Teleport to bring back the dead members of the Knights. Anyway's hope you enjoyed it!
Last edited by Iressi on Tue Sep 13, 2011 6:36 am; edited 1 time in total
Impressive as ever CT must have been heart broken losing Arshae, one of her favorite characters. If you want to be a hero you have to be willing to die. Hence the hero tag you only get to wear it if you take the plunge.
Those are some goblin fighting Knights I know if she rolls up a Ranger the hated enemy will be goblins.
Impressive as ever CT must have been heart broken losing Arshae, one of her favorite characters. If you want to be a hero you have to be willing to die. Hence the hero tag you only get to wear it if you take the plunge.
Those are some goblin fighting Knights I know if she rolls up a Ranger the hated enemy will be goblins.
He didn't go into enough detail. I should title this excerpt 'Bitter Irony', but I'm not going to.
Judgment Calls
Character Perspective: Ahvrania, Gray Elf Paladin.
It all happened in a blur. Celeste opened the door with Open/Close and I waited to enter the room with the knowledge that she would likely have something up her sleeves. The wizard placed a fireball (I think it was a fireball) in the room near the front, near enough I felt the heat of its force in the air around my bare face (Ahvra doesn't wear a helm. She's a bit arrogant in that in my opinion, but she just sees it as a worthwhile trade for 'a better field of vision'.), and then the fire was gone. I ran in. There was just the priest at the back of the room, but Celeste's fireball had missed four goblins at the front of the rooms and so I veered to a side to bring my axe into the nearest.
Jaken and Garek moved in behind me, close on my heels. We set ourselves as a line against the four goblins at the front and managed to fell one.
That was when I heard the Goblin priest's words. I couldn't quite identify the spell he cast, but Arshea was struck with a black beam of what was likely negative energy. She cried out. Sweat beaded at my temples and brow, sliding down my face and stinging in my eyes as I swung the axe again. Another Goblin fell and I carried the force of the blow into the next, dropping him as well. Two left.
Garek's warhammer came down hard on the skull of the Goblin to my left, smashing it in. Jaken, Tel Seldarine bless him, wielded the bastard sword we'd given him with as much force as he could with a whimper and a battle cry. What a strange sound he made as he brought the blade into the last of the four Goblins.
I readied myself to move forward. The priest would be next to fall before my axe, but before I could reach him he began casting another spell. One I did recognize. Flame Strike. Just as he was about to finish a bolt of acid shot past my shoulder and caught the cleric in his, but despite Celeste's best efforts the foul creature completed his spell and a pillar of fire engulfed Celeste and Arshea in the hall behind us.
'Tel Seldarine grant me the strength to protect my allies.' With that unspoken prayer I cast a spell of my own, one my allies had not yet seen me use. The spell was aptly named Paladin's Sacrifice and with the casting of it the fire's damage did not touch Arshea at all, instead searing into my flesh. The wound was grievous, for it hurt me as it would have hurt her, but I did not hesitate even through it in my charge and soon was upon the cleric.
The battle would end quickly, or so I prayed. Garek joined me as I lay my axe into the Goblin's little body with an angry growl. He uttered words of prayer and touched my side, casting a curing spell upon me. Celeste seemed to be delaying again, likely intent on attempting to interrupt the cleric's casting again. Jaken joined us and swung at the little beast, but his sword barely cut the creature. The crack of the whip came from my left, but Arshea missed his leg. She'd come so close to him and we were not a wall of defenders in our current formation.
As I lifted my axe to attack him again I could see in the Goblin's eyes that he knew death was upon him. He moved forward while I made ready and touched Arshea. I felt a cold horror pass through my body as a magic missile wound into the goblin's side. He didn't err in the slightest with his words and Arshea screamed aloud as she was flooded with the energy from the spell he'd cast... Slay Living.
The Goblin cackled in triumph as Arshea crumpled to the ground and the stinging sweat in my eyes was joined with tears as my lips contorted in a snarl, "No! You foul little imp. Your life ends here!" I bellowed as I brought the axe down, and true to my word, claimed his life.
Garek was at Arshea's side as a wave of positive energy passed through us all, healing wounds and offering us some refreshment from the combat... But Arshea didn't move. Her wounds didn't close. "No-" Garek said, his eyes misting, "No, Ahvra, she's dead."
I fell to my knees, the axe clattering to the ground beside me, forgotten. "By all the heavens, Garek. I should have saved the spell." My eyes stung with tears as I looked upon my love and the fallen comrade he cradled in his arms.
"You can't blame yourself," Celeste said, as ever the voice of logic. "There was no way you could have known he even had that spell prepared, Ahvrania." There was a sniffle in her voice though, and I knew she likely thought of things we might have done to find a better outcome.
"We should leave this place," Garek said after a time.
I moved closer then, my platemail scraping against the stone floors. With gauntleted fingers I carefully pushed Arshea's honey-colored hair from her eyes. Then I took the gauntlet off for her face was twisted in a look of horror. She must have known what he was casting. Gently I closed her hazel eyes and pet the olive skin of her cheek. At length I said, "We cannot, Garek."
"What?" He looked at me. "What do you propose? We press on without her?" He sounded dismayed, and he had every right to be.
"If the Well of Many Worlds is here then we cannot let it fall into the Goblins hands. Especially if it is true that some of the Hobgoblin forces of the Old One have joined with them." I met his eyes and lifted the face plate of his helm so I could touch his cheek.
Garek didn't look pleased with me, but I could see he would not argue. "Fine," he said.
Celeste's voice was almost lost to me, for she still stood a short ways apart from us. "Just stay close to me, Jaken."
"A-alright," Jaken said. There was anguish and fear in his voice too.
I sighed heavily. "Tel Seldarine keep her until we can have her returned to us."
"Are you sure we should?" Garek asked.
I looked at him in surprise. The dwarf was wearing a contemplative expression. "What? Of course I am."
"What if she's happy, Ahvrania? What if she's at peace?" Garek looked down on Arshea's still body, which now appeared to be sleeping.
My heart broke for the Aasimar at the thought. She'd had such a long life of pain before we'd found her, and even since then she lived with so much fear. "Then she will choose to stay if she wishes to." I pressed a kiss to Garek's cheek and rose to my feet. "Come, Love. We must make our way through this place. It will not be safe to rest anywhere on the Goblins' levels without Arshea to jam the doors."
Garek grunted unhappily and took off his Bag of Holding. I watched as he emptied out a few suits of armor and gently slid Arshea's body into the bag. Celeste had a hand on Jaken's shoulder when I turned toward them. I offered Jaken a faint smile and put my hand on his shoulder as well. "She will return to us, Jaken. Do not fear."
Jaken nodded shakily, but he could not turn away from Garek and the bag, and only after Garek and I had left the room did he and Celeste turn to follow us.
~*~*~
Paladin's Sacrifice, for those unfamiliar with Pathfinder spells, does the following as an immediate action:
d20pfsrd.com wrote:
You open up a brief but powerful divine conduit between you and another creature, taking on the damage and any other effects that creature suffers. When a creature in range is hit by an attack or fails a saving throw, you can cast this spell and the wounds and/or effects are magically transmitted to you instead of the target. You are affected as if you were hit by the attack or failed the saving throw, taking all the damage and suffering all of the adverse effects. Any resistances or immunities you have are applied normally, but you cannot otherwise reduce or negate the damage or effects in any way.
If you use this spell against an effect that also targets you or includes you in its area, you suffer the effects for both yourself and the target you spared, potentially taking damage or suffering other consequences twice.
So if I had saved it one more round I could have saved Arshea because the way Slay Living works in Pathfinder it isn't just instant death... It's a whole lot of hit point damage. Ahvrania would have survived the damage, but alas, the spell was already spent. You better believe Ahvrania has been very hesitant to use her Paladin's Sacrifice since then, as she's always afraid something worse will be waiting for her allies if she does. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
You better believe Ahvrania has been very hesitant to use her Paladin's Sacrifice since then, as she's always afraid something worse will be waiting for her allies if she does.
I do. And, I understand. I was the same way in my youth with potions and scrolls. My characters would end up hording them because I was always afraid that if I used them up, I'd have greater need of them in the future. Thus, I almost never used them.
Problem is if you hesitate to use it harm will definitely come to those you love. Better to utilize what you have when it is needed instead of worrying about what happens next. However careful planning can better prepare you for the unexpected. However you can't plan for every thing.
Sometimes the inevitable will come. No matter how hard it is we are forced to deal with the outcome either way. Celeste is right you can't blame yourself, you can honor the memory of those that have passed.
CT, once again you impress me with your story telling skills. I love your narrative, you can feel the emotions behind your story. Keep them coming.
Problem is if you hesitate to use it harm will definitely come to those you love. Better to utilize what you have when it is needed instead of worrying about what happens next. However careful planning can better prepare you for the unexpected. However you can't plan for every thing.
Sometimes the inevitable will come. No matter how hard it is we are forced to deal with the outcome either way. Celeste is right you can't blame yourself, you can honor the memory of those that have passed.
*Nods* Trouble is that's a lesson I want Ahvrania to learn in character. This was the first time anyone ever truly died on her watch since she became an adventurer. She feels like she could have done something about it if she'd been wise enough to save her spell. In truth it's not her fault. I know that, but I think the passionate Gray Elf needs some experience to push her along to come to that conclusion on her own terms.
The good news, though, is that she has two 2nd level spells so she has two of them prepared. She's a lot more ready to spend the first one than the second. The lesson may never be required if I'm lucky. But then, it would make for such a wonderful story.
Argon wrote:
CT, once again you impress me with your story telling skills. I love your narrative, you can feel the emotions behind your story. Keep them coming.
Aww, thank you. I always said emotions were my strength in writing. If writing is not emotionally driven I find it much harder. That makes the third person perspective a bit more challenging for me. Mystic-Scholar has the first part of the story of the Knights of the Silver Dawn that I'm writing now. I put a lot of effort into trying to actually physically describe my character in that (Celeste is the only one present in the first part) since I know I've only given you bits and pieces in these excerpts. Hopefully when you read the 'polished' telling you'll get a complete picture.
SirXaris wrote:
I do. And, I understand. I was the same way in my youth with potions and scrolls. My characters would end up hording them because I was always afraid that if I used them up, I'd have greater need of them in the future. Thus, I almost never used them.
I'm better about that now.
SirXaris
It's not so much that I'm hesitant to use them. Iressi can tell you I'm a rash player. It makes controlling a wizard and actually trying to be logical, calm, and planning very difficult for me because my gut instinct is to charge in and deal with the problem before it has time to grow. Not always the best plan, and thankfully we've been doing a lot less of it in this campaign than in the last one (In our last campaign my party literally fought 70% of the dungeon in one big battle two or three times because of their tendency to rush into things unprepared. Their warrior was a barbarian though, and no in the party had an extensive education, so it was rather fitting.).
Anyway, I am very much a flexible player, and one who uses resources cleverly. In this particular instance I am putting a hold on Ahvrania's willingness to spend that resource because of her past experience.
That said, I do tend to hold onto potions for some reason. I tear through scrolls (especially in this campaign with my little Scrollmaster (Celeste)), but I believe Celeste is still carrying a single Cure Light Wounds potion she has had since our first adventure with these guys. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
Last edited by crystaltears on Wed Sep 21, 2011 6:21 am; edited 1 time in total
This will be the last post for Delvenbrass! I guarantee it.
Planting - 591 CY: Delvenbrass
The Knights are awoken during the night to the sounds of battle above them, and Celeste using her magic sneaks up to take a look at what is going on. As she slowly step by step makes her way up she can hear her heart beating, she knew that there was a very good chance that she might very well die right here and now like Jaken, and Arshae had. Invisible she made her way to the ground level of Delvenbrass, and to outside.
It was a humid summer night outside, the sun was hidden under a thin layer of grey clouds though you could still see its radiance shining through in places. In the distance through a light fog she could see the battle that was underway. A massive goblin horde had surrounded a much smaller army. Celeste took out her spyglass, and saw a large group of Janni along with a few Shaitan in the back with a massive Efreeti.
She felt the breath leave her, and she travels back inside as quickly (and quietly) as possible. She finds the rest of the knights and tells them what she saw. Celeste said, "This is likely the work of the Genie-Binder that the Janni had mentioned." The rest of the knights agreed with this, and decided that they needed to teleport back now to bring back their lost friends now lest they be caught unprepared.
They gathered together, and prepared to crash test her first use of the teleport spell, she set her focus to the beautiful fountain she had seen as a girl outside of the Grand Cathedral of Heironeous in Chendl. In a poof of smoke and a slight shutter in the world around them the Knights teleported to the far away city of Chendl. They appeared more or less where she wanted, though the first thing they heard was the splash as Garek landed into the fountain. Much cursing, and grumbling could be heard as he forced himself out. Garek started to say, "Arshae could..." He trained off at that point sighing softly.
Arshae 'armed' with her prestidigitation spell often took the time to keep all of them clean, and dry. Ahvrania put her hand on Garek's shoulder before they made their way inside of the Cathedral where they found a yawning acolyte trying to clean the floors of the massive room. The Grand Cathedral had no pews like you might expect, everyone that attended these services were expected to stand (unless they were too old or young in which case they were given a honored position on a few select pews near the High Priest.) The marble floor of this massive room depicted as much as the walls and ceiling the birth, and story of Heironeous.
Talking with the acolyte they were lucky to find that one of the priests could be awoken, and had a resurrection spell still prepared that day. However he needed the Knights to get the material components something that Celeste could only do because she was a high noble. Even then it took a few hours before they had gathered together the precious diamond dust needed for the ritual. After that had been done Arshae was returned to life into the loving arms of the Knights of the Silver Dawn.
[Aside: Jaken was returned as well though since he died from injury rather than a death effect Garek was able to cast Raise Dead on him]
After the proper spells had been cast the Knights along with Jaken returned to the horrible halls of Delvenbrass though by now the morning sun had risen. The battle was over when the Knights arrived, the goblins had been slaughtered or fled the battlefield. The Knights reunited start to make their way down the long passage to the dungeon when they hear noise upstairs. They wait for a moment before going to investigate, when they do the Knights took long enough that whoever was up there was gone.
[Aside: The genie-binder sent these genies here to destroy this places connection to the Elemental Earth Node, and to Ogremoch. The Janni would have had the PC's help them in this if they had not teleported away, but since they did the PC's never did find out who did so much damage to the forces of the earth elementals in the second dungeon level. They lost some loot, and experience from this though it made finding the Well of Many Worlds easier as you will soon see.]
The Knights after that decide to travel down into the dungeons of Delvenbrass, and eventually pass into the lowest level which had been claimed according to the stories they had heard by the Shaitan, who now were corrupted by worship of Ogremoch the Elemental Prince of Evil. They traveled down into the main entrance hall and discovered a pitched battle had taken place here. Moving on the Knights discover that one room after another had been cleared of the monsters that were in it, the traps sprung by whatever force had been in here.
They discover the main 'cathedral' of Ogremoch (in area 14) along with a moat made out of liquid salt, but before exploring that cathedral they make their way through the area's that it looked like the genies had not explored. There the Knights came across a fierce foe (in area 6) a pair of Rock Trolls armed with enchanted Macuahuitl (Aztec weapon, look it up if you are curious) though the Knights were able to overcome them. Exploring this area more they come across earth mephits, xorn, a few traps, and the left overs of what the Genies had left behind. They discover a annoying teleportation trap as well that launches them into the air only for them to fall down hard to the ground to spring the trap again (area 13.)
Finally they enter into the cathedral itself exploring the ruin that the genies had left behind them in till they entered into the central hall (area 21) which was dominated by a mighty throne along with many dead gargoyles, and two Shaitan. There they discovered the only remains of the high priest of Ogremoch in the form of a ghost that haunted this throne room. Garek tries to figure out what is keeping the Shaitan here, but fails to figure it out forcing them into battle.
After a long, and painful battle that almost killed Jaken again the Knights discover hidden under his throne a set of stairs that lead down into a treasure room that the Genies had managed to miss. There they find many beautiful carvings, and gemstones along with the Well of Many Worlds. The Knights explored the rest of Delvenbrass finding little of important left here.
With their mission finished in this place the Knights decide to leave Delvenbrass for the last time, and make their way to the Timeless Tree to meet with the Grey Elves and return the magic item. They had learned much in the dungeons here, and experienced what might very well be their fate, death at the hands of their enemies.
Conclusion: And its done! Delvenbrass if finished after like two pages of CJ posts. Hope you guys enjoyed the ride. They gained I think four levels inside of Delvenbrass, which so far is the most they gained from a single place. Next CJ will be the Knights traveling south to the Timeless Tree, and then to Ironstead to join the army that is marshaling to destroy the Serpents Mound near the Defiled Glade.
They discover a annoying teleportation trap as well that launches them into the air only for them to fall down hard to the ground to spring the trap again (area 13.)
Funny!
I'll have to remember that one the next time I DM a party of an appropriate level.
The Knights left Delvenbrass, and traveled through the lands controlled by the Goblins with caution. The goblins for the time being seem to have abandoned the idea of traveling into Delvenbrass not that there is much left their to steal. The Knight had managed to make off with most of what could be found in there, including the Well of Many Worlds which was their first stop. The Knights made their way south to the Timeless Tree in truth the last stop on their path back to Ironstead.
However along the way that night they have a strange encounter, the Knights enter into a glade only to come across one of the protectors of the forests. A Nymph named Tellsondra that lived in a small glade with a beautiful pond. The Knights decide to make camp for the night which results in a terrible nightmare for Jaken. He is given a choice in his dream to either die his soul moving on to a unknown afterlife, or to live with a curse. He chooses to live not knowing if this is simply a dream or not. That night he becomes a Oracle his eyes clouding, and a eternal wound left on his leg that looks like a clawed hand trying to hold on cursing him with a limp.
Jaken says it is the hand of Iuz, though who can say about such things. All they can say is that Jaken has been accepted into the loving arms of the gods of nature, and he believes that Ehlonna in this sacred place has saved his soul. The Knights after thanking Tellsondra leave reluctantly from the Nymphs glade though not before she gives to Arshae a lock of her hair so impressed was she by the young girl.
[Aside: In Pathfinder a nymph can act like a muse of sorts for a Bard, giving her bonuses so long as the nymph continues the bond.]
Setting out it takes them a few days to finally make their way to the Timeless Tree, when they do the Knights are glad to finally be out of the territory of the goblins of the Vesve.
Flocktime - 591 CY: The Timeless Tree
The PC's enter into the territory of the Grey Elves of the Vesve, and while there are no border markers or any real sign of the passage into one border from another they can feel it. There is a change to the air, a peace here that the parts of the forest north of here could never know. They were about 30 minutes into the forest when a Grey Elven Patrol found them lead by Lord Vaethorion, one of the most skilled Grey Elven warrior in the lands of the Timeless Tree.
He demands to know what the Knights are doing in his forest, and threatens to kick them out in till the Knights show him the beautiful cloak known only as the Well of Many Worlds. Vaethorion is taken aback by this staring with some wonder at the item, the first of it's kind made by the High Priests daughter hundreds of years ago. Nodding Vaethorion gives them passage, and escort into the lands of the Timeless Tree. He gives them permission to speak with High Priestess Calandryen of Labelas Enoreth, the leader of the shrine and enclave here.
She proves to be a hard woman to talk with, it is nearly impossible to tell if she is truly finished speaking as long as it takes her to contemplate one thought to the next, but the Knights do well enough that after a long conversation, and the returning of the Well of Many Worlds she does something that has not been done for many years. She allows a small band of Grey Elven warriors to aid the Knights. With many thanks the Knights leave the Timeless Tree, and make their way to Ironstead.
Flocktime - 591 CY - Ironstead
When the Knights arrived at Ironstead the small town is abuzz with activity of all sorts. There are mercenaries from Perrenland, Keoland, and elsewhere gathered alongside the Knights of the Hart, and the Knights of the High Forest. There are dwarven soldiers from Highguard, and even a small detachment of Grey Elven archers from Celene. The Knights meet the leader of this expedition, General Bemedior of Chendl.
He is happy to see them, and puts them to work right away helping to prepare for the battle to come. He also gives them a job well suited to their talents, it seems that the Serpent Mound is built around a ancient High Elf city similar to Flameflower in some respects. The forces of Iuz there (mostly orcs) have set up fortification on the outskirts of the Serpent Mound. There are four of them in fact, and he wants the Knights to travel to one of them.
As far as his scouts have been able to report along with what divination magic he has access too they are trying to set up some sort of shield like the one that protected Chendl during the worst days of the siege during the Greyhawk Wars.
[Aside: The shield around Chendl was me misreading something from the Furyondy Gazetteer, and not bothering to check it. So in my version of Greyhawk the Chamber of Four (wizard council of Thrommel) made a shield to protect the city though it was not a permanent effect.]
They are protecting the Serpents Mound, and if the four sites are disrupted it will be up before the army is mobilized. Thus there are three adventuring bands that were brought along for the ride, he was going to send a detachment of the army there instead but with the Knights here he is going to send them instead. Giving them a scroll of Deadeye Arrow (which lets you light a signal as one of its effects) when they have finished assaulting the complex.
They also get to meet the other adventuring parties that night, the first is called the Band of the Hand (a mercenary adventuring band), the Circle of Green (worshipers of Obad-Hai that feel very unwelcome in this forest), and the Windlords (worshipers and priests of Velaeri from Verbobonc) who all talk with the Knights. The Hand acts as rivals toward the Knights, and are antagonistic though not enough to cause too much trouble.
That next day the four adventuring parties set out for the outlying complex's to face whatever threat has been placed there as the army moves out in preparation to assault the Serpents Mound.
Conclusion: Mostly role-playing was done during this session, all of the random encounters rolled up were non-hostile something of a tradition it seems with this game. The next adventure is a fairly short dungeon, with a long stretch of down time for the Knights before heading off on their next adventure.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Last edited by Iressi on Fri Sep 23, 2011 8:56 am; edited 1 time in total
The Nymph's name was Tellsondra. I actually wrote that one down so you're not fooling me, Iressi. *Winks*
~*~*~
Ehlonna's Blessings
Character Perspective: Arshae, Aasimar Bard.
Three days since I’d met the unicorns. One day since I’d died. The morning was plain enough. We struck out to the south from Delvenbras, winding our way through the trees with our two remaining Kalistren Drafts. How was it possible that it had only been a few days since our encounter with the Behir and the loss of Ahvrania and Garek’s steeds?
Jaken walked near me and I smiled at him. From what Celeste and the others had said he cried with them when I fell and his own death came a short time after mine. The latter, of course, is disheartening. I hate to think of him dying. He’s made so much progress in the past few days… From the ways of the Old One to a reliable ally for us. I wonder though how it’s so easy for me to trust him when I trust so few… Perhaps because of how we encountered him.
I count my lucky stars that Ahvra, Garek, and Celeste made it through the rest of the Goblinoids without us.
Morning slowly slips to midday, the heat and moisture in the air made worse by the fairly hard rain falling from the skies. Somewhere in our travels we must have gotten turned around because we saw the same tree with its lightning-scar three times. Progress was slow.
Lunch was comprised of rations eaten under the shelter of our hoods. The rain soaked through them of course, leaving our skin feeling like it was coated in warm sweat. I felt worst for Ahvrania, Garek, and Jaken as the rain found the cracks in their full plate. At least we had a spare cloak to offer Jaken when Ahvra took the Cloak of the Manta Ray for herself.
Noontime crept by, and in the afternoon we stumbled quite suddenly into reprieve… A glade as beautiful as any ever dreamed, and the sky above as clear as the driest of summer days. It caught me by surprise and I cast a look around just in time to hear her giggle, like music on the wind.
My eyes lighted on an elf more stunning and beautiful than any I had ever seen. She sat on the edge of a pond, legs splashing in the water. Her dress was wet and clung to her form as I heard Celeste murmur, “She’s a nymph.”
“Quite correct you are,” the nymph responded, a smile on her lips.
We were all silent for a time, shocked at this respite after the trials we’d known in Delvenbras. The world felt safe to me in a way completely different than I’d ever known. It was Celeste who eventually spoke again.
“May we shelter in this glade?” our noble companion asked in a soft voice.
“Of course you may,” the nymph responded, rising and approaching gracefully. “My name is Tellsondra,” she said.
“A pleasure to meet you, Tellsondra. I am Celeste Kalinstren,” Celeste only paused a moment in her introduction, for she’d taken to introducing us as she did herself, but the nymph interjected.
“And you are Arshea,” Tellsondra said.
She was looking straight at me with those dazzling eyes and I found my mind racing. Was Ehlonna’s hand in this? Of course. “I-I am. How d-did you know?” My words were broken as they often were, my nerves shaken a little by her attention.
“The family of unicorns spoke to me of you when they passed through here,” Tellsondra said.
I swallowed awkwardly. “Th-they did? D-did they f-find their d-daughter?” I’d worried for them so after meeting them.
“They did,” Tellsondra said.
“S-so she’s a-alright?”
The nymph nodded before reaching a hand out and touching my cheek, “You have done so much for Ehlonna in so short a time, Arshea.”
“I-I have?” My brows were knit in confusion as I regarded her, for all I’d done was stand beside my comrades as we sought the Well of Many Worlds in the depths of Delvenbras.
Tellsondra giggled, letting her hand fall to her side again. She addressed us all then saying, “Please, all of you, take what rest you would in my care. I will keep you safe.” _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
Details are fuzzy at this point. (Shame in us for our lapse in posting these.) I promise to pry as much detail as I can from my fuzzy mind, but for the most part I'll just be avoiding detail for now. I hope you still enjoy the read. This was.. an interesting adventure for the party.
~*~*~
Into The Serpent's Temple
Character Perspective: Celeste, Seuloise Wizard.
We approached the outlying temple cautiously. Arshea led, Ahvrania and Garek were close behind, and I lagged at the back. This was relatively normal for us by this point. Jaken was moving beside Arshea. Protective. Cute. It made me chuckle mentally, though I didn't laugh aloud.
The temple looked abandoned on the surface, but Arshea took a closer look. She found a secret entry, of course, and we found ourselves facing a rope ladder leading down into an underground complex. Ahvrania led. We shuffled down the ladder and Arshea cut it free, trapping us and anything inside that didn't know some other way out in the complex. I wasn't entirely sure I agreed with that course of actions, but with a vast array of scrolls, a rope of climbing, and our various prepared spells I suppose it wasn't too rash.
Arshea found another secret door in the entry chamber, but we left it for now. You never knew what lurked behind hidden doorways. Instead we opted to go west through a hallway. Our Aasimar scouted nervously, but she didn't find anything in the hall itself. She did warn us that there was talking coming from behind the door at the end to the west and the sound of eating from the chamber directly beside it to the north.
Ahvra nodded, taking lead, and burst open the western door. Meanwhile Jaken set himself at the door to the north. We were faced with one of the most horrible things we've yet encountered in the western chamber. Women, nine women... All of them pregnant. They called out to someone for protection and then fired magic missiles, all of them, at Ahvrania. The elf hissed in pain as she moved into the chamber. "Do not kill them," she called to us as she attempted to strike one with the flat of her blade as far from the stomach as she could get. Her caution made her miss.
I shifted into the chamber then, my stomach turning. I didn't want to harm the women either, or at least their unborn children. What a thing to find in a shrine we knew was working with Iuz... And why? After some hesitance I cast a Fireball into the room, modified to be Merciful. Blue swirling arcane energy burst from the central point of the spell outward, striking all but two of the women in the chamber and knocking them unconscious. 'By the Gods of Good I hope their children are unharmed.' My stomach was thoroughly unsettled, for even a bad fall can steal an unborn child's life away. It was quite possible my Merciful Fireball had done the same.
Garek moved forward and bludgeoned another carefully. His attack did land and only one of the women was left standing.
The door to the northern chamber off the hall opened then and Jaken let out an alarmed cry. "What's this?" A chilling voice spoke. "You are taking my food? That's alright, you will make fine meals.. And fine mothers."
The voice belonged to a demon. I couldn't hear Arshea when she said it's name, but I did catch her words as she stammered, "Th-they gain power as th-they... th-they e-eat innocents. Th-that's what the b-babies are f-for."
"Quite right," the creature responded as it attacked Jaken. I heard him cry in pain.
"My staff," Jaken said, "It won't hurt him."
Ahvrania turned from the chamber of the pregnant women and entered the hall again. "Move," she said to Jaken, who readily obliged. Ahvrania swung her axe at the fiend with a furious cry, "Tel Seldarine grant me the power to overcome you, Demon!" ((And here she used Smite Evil. Iressi and I often joked that the Tel Seldarine wouldn't get their strange little worshiper who traveled the land upholding LAW and good. The good they understood, but order? What madness was this? It amused me.))
The demon let out a hiss of pain and I turned toward the hall as well. I saw Arshea try to trip the foul creature, but her whip didn't make contact because of the strange angle the door forced her to attack from. Garek was going after the last pregnant woman. I knew why. We couldn't let her go for help. I shuddered to think Arshea was right about their babies as my eyes fell on the hideous fiend. What sort of person could offer their own child up to feed a demon? I could have put a pit in the small room before us, but it didn't seem wise. The demon had wings, so it would only really be good for the first few seconds of falling and the crushing property... And then it would become a hindrance to Ahvrania and Jaken if they wished to enter the chamber. Instead I pelted the creature with an Acid Arrow. Let him feel that sting for a while.
The demon fell back in the chamber and cackled at us as it attempted to summon aid, "Let's even the odds, shall we?" It asked in its twisted voice.
Another demon of the same type appeared. The battle was becoming more complicated. I heard Garek cry out in the room to the west after a small bout of fire. He didn't sound seriously injured... Comparatively speaking. I was turning toward the chamber Garek was in when I heard Arshea say, "You're a demon, you should have no trouble betraying your kind... Kill him!"
There was not even the tiniest stutter in her voice. It radiated anger, aggression. Nothing like the Arshea I'd come to know. "Ha! You think-" the demon started, but then gave a started cry, "What are you doing? Don't listen to her!"
My brows knit together as I stopped and looked back. Arshea was controlling the extra demon as if she herself had been the summoner. That was a trick I'd never seen her use before. Ahvrania grinned and entered the chamber with the two demons, Jaken close on her heels. I looked through the western door and could just make out the last woman's arm. I cast a Merciful Magic Missile at her even as my stomach sank a little more. It struck true and she let out a brief cry before falling unconscious.
Garek rounded the corner into the hall looking a bit singed. "Ruddy human cast Burning Hands on me."
I couldn't help laughing, though the sound was hollow, "And I guess you weren't quick enough to dodge her?"
"Do I look quick to yeh, Celeste?" Garek asked.
"Of course not. Arshea's got control of a demon in there. That's where Ahvrania is too," I said.
Garek nodded as he walked to the door. The sounds of combat filtered into the hallway, but I couldn't really see the battle. That was fine. My spells were mostly useless against a fiend like the one in the chamber. As I stood there in the hall I prepared to cast a pit spell if we attracted unwanted attention. It wasn't long before the battle was ended and Arshea instructed the fiend she still held sway over to heal someone. More combat, though this was not resisted. No blades clashed, rather they sank into the outsider's flesh with wet sounds.
~*~*~
The muse is not with me terribly much today, and no wonder when it's been three weeks since we really played any D&D. I thought I'd go ahead and at least write up the first encounter though. Perhaps Iressi will share more with you. _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
Eep. We've just been busy. We're picking the campaign back up again this Friday, so with any luck Iressi will be up for writing some more journal entries on it. :) I know I'll be planning to.
Glad we've been missed, and on the same token sorry for disappearing. Life just gets that way sometimes, ya know? _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
No maps for the next few updates sad to say. Lost most of them recently when we moved the room all around. This is likely going to be a short one I afraid, just trying to get back into the habit of writing them.
Flocktime - 591 CY
The Knights make their way toward the ancient elven temple where part of the ritual to create a shield was being prepared. It was a ancient building dedicated to one of the stranger of the elven gods Darahl Firecloak. Darahl was corrupted for a time by a powerful artifact created by Lolth and the Queen of Air and Darkness (goddess of the Unseelie fey) the temple itself was a rather small affair when they realized that there was a hidden underground entrance. This lead to the 'true' temple of Darahl Firecloak. The Knights prepared themselves Celeste casting light and made their way down.
They encountered no resistance at first, though as they traveled north through the temple complex they came across a terrible site. They discover a horrific Nabasu that has been feasting upon slaves that he has kept in the remains of the temple. The Nabasu who is named Barbel is defeated after a long combat at the hands of the Knights. They travel north through the complex and discover a room filled with beautiful young woman all of them having been gifted with the power of sorcery from the Nabasu.
[Aside: That combat was fun. They were all level one to two sorcerers which in general wouldn't be a big thread to the PC's. However you get enough Burning Hands and the damage starts to stack up pretty quickly]
They travel through the complex fighting horrific demons that have been called here by someone known as the 'Bog Lord' who is preparing a magical device known as the Throne of Iuz in the Serpents Mound. This device would be able to spread the defilement of the glade throughout the Vesve forest, and soon enough even beyond that. They also discover the remains of a magical forge though decide that it is not worth the time to mess with at the moment.
They eventually face the demonic worshipers and cultists inside of the temple itself which has been rededicated to none other than Iuz himself. They face hordes of Dretchs, Quasits, and the head of the 'guard' a powerful toad-faced Hezrou named Malfraxis. Though even the Hezrou is not the true master of this cult, it is a Alu-Demon named Trironda who is the wizard that was preparing the ritual.
They face her along with more demons in combat before finally slaying the terrible creature. In the end they spent less than four hours in the ancient temple, but it was almost as deadly as their time in Delvenbrass. They travel back out of the temple to cast Deadeye Arrow, and move back to the retreat point that the General had told them about.
They wait and eventually join the army to strike on the Serpents Mound which has built as what defenses they could build in the short time after the failure of the shield. Eventually they make their way down the strange serpent shaped temple to the 'belly' of the beast. They meet Lord Bog, a terrible awakened frog of gigantic proportions. It tries to stall for time as it uses its corrupted druidic magic to finish the throne, but it's orc guards fail to stop the host that had been gathered there.
Lord Bog was slain by the Knight-Commander of the Knights of the High Forest, and with that the threat of the Defiled Glade was over at least for now. The victorious heroes return back to Ironstead, and eventually back to Chendl itself for some well earned rest.
Conclusion: Sorry it has been so long life got really crazy there for a time. Should be posting these more often now once the game gets back up and running. The Knights rest for a time before moving on to their next adventure which was a modified version of the Lord of the Scarlet Tide in Dragon 85.
Glad to have you two back. Yes life happens was looking for some campaign information to read. Canon Hazen needs to get busy and get rid of all those demons.
Sorry we vanished again. We never got to pick up that campaign again, and I'm afraid it's so far gone now I don't think we ever will. A real pity, that, since the characters were so strong.
I still end up skipping by here from time to time to take a read and see what's going on, but not as often as I should, and this is the first time I've signed on in months. I guess I just wanted to say, thanks again for all the support on the campaign journal while it was ongoing. I hope we were able to bring some real enjoyment to those folks who read it.
We also wish you all the best, and hope Canonfire keeps going strong. Maybe someday when our lives settle down we'll come back around for a while. In the meantime take care and best wishes to you all. :) _________________ Shadows and Dust; Just Another Soul.
Sorry to hear that "Life" is interfering is such a major way. I speak for all here when I say that we all wish you the best and hope that things return to normal for you soon.
Your contributions were much appreciated and enjoyed by all and we look forward to the time when you can get back to it.
Indeed, while we won't be continuing this campaign I am sure we will get back to Greyhawk sooner rather than later.
We are planning on running a underwater campaign using the Cerulean Seas book Aeolius put out (at least I think Aeolius put that book out) not the setting mind you but the rules inside of it.
It's a great book either way, well worth the price.
Anyway's it was a fun ride and we will be back sometime I am sure. :)
Indeed, while we won't be continuing this campaign I am sure we will get back to Greyhawk sooner rather than later.
We are planning on running a underwater campaign using the Cerulean Seas book Aeolius put out (at least I think Aeolius put that book out) not the setting mind you but the rules inside of it.
It's a great book either way, well worth the price.
Anyway's it was a fun ride and we will be back sometime I am sure. :)
I've got the perfect deadly adventure for you, then, just as soon as the Canonfire Chronicle gets published.
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Canonfire! is a production of the Thursday Group in assocation with GREYtalk and Canonfire! Enterprises
That's okay. I'll add it today for you to enjoy. 
Thus, I almost never used them. 
