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    Canonfire :: View topic - Dwellers of the Forbidden City, part 2, The exit?
    Canonfire Forum Index -> Campaign Journals & General Online Play
    Dwellers of the Forbidden City, part 2, The exit?
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    Adept Greytalker

    Joined: Apr 21, 2013
    Posts: 378
    From: Minnesota

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    Wed Oct 22, 2014 4:58 pm  

    Dragon Raiders

    The first wave of frog men comes streaking into the ranks of orc, elf and dwarf.

    The first enters the front of the group, airborne and dropping in on Ide Otneaux. She braces her spear into the ground in defense. The creature points its spear at her at it tucks into an attack, spear forward and shield ahead of it. Ide’s spear find a hole and the frogman impales itself upon her spear. It croaks (sorry, couldn’t resist).

    The second, third and fourth frogmen leaps in similar to the first. Their targets are the elves. Cirdan Saralonde touches his thumbs together and spreads his fingers apart while chanting an incantation. Flames shoot forth from his hands in a large arc ahead of him engulfing all three frogmen. All are burned critically, dying as they land. Unfortunately, Ledego is forced to take an evasive step to avoid being hit by one of the burned corpses. Ledego is able to avoid the first corpse but the second one slams him in the chest. Ledego is knocked over into the nearly two foot deep water. He resurfaces unharmed but loses whatever action he intended to take. The swamp grass near Cirdan Saralonde was still very wet from all the recent rain. It hisses and steams but does not catch fire.

    The final hop charging frogman attempts to impale one of the dwarves. It misses and lands among them. Grom swings his battleaxe at it cutting off its left arm at the shoulder. The axe buries itself in its chest. The creature is knocked into the swamp water in a bloody heap. Tanin takes aim at the movement in the swamp grass and fires his crossbow gut shooting one of them. It drops into the swamp water in a painful death spasm.

    A second volley of hop charging frogmen flies in towards the group. These are also armed with spear and shield.


    Warehouse Crew

    Breymeer, a large Suel looking man, looks to Tarstar and Southar, “I think we can recruit these warriors by offering freedom from the city or Horan’s friendship and removal of the yuan-ti if they chose to stay. Horan said they should know about Tarstar’s associates.”

    Breymeer steps from your defensive position. Southar, another human male appearing Oridean, and Tarstar cautiously follow.

    The group is quickly surrounded by over two dozen wild men. They keep their arms but do not displace hostility. They begin walking you west down the avenue away from the three poles and towards the 90 degree curve to the south.

    At the curve, you pass by a human male. He appears to be Oridean with possible some mixed racial traits. Tarstar speaks, “That is Kuba Cyvlorandau. He was in the group I travelled with.”

    Kuba Cyvlorandau watches the group of wild men push you past his location. He too appears to recognize Tarstar. How could he not with Tarstar’s odd tattoos upon his head; two parallel lines moving from the back of his head to his forehead where they turn outward and angle down towards the outside corner of his eyebrows.

    The wild men move you into a section of rubble to the south of the 90 degree curve on the west side of the road. You would have guess the area was just another section of ruined buildings until you entered the area. It is a cleverly disguised compound.

    At the entrance of the compound, you pass by a very strange looking elf. The elf is dressed in splint mail armor and carries a quarter staff in his hand and a long bow on its shoulder. Strangely, it’s pale face is darkened with ash save its eyes which glow like two moons.

    Tarstar points him out, “And that is Tathar Surion. He is some type of elvish mystic. He doesn’t speak much. He also was in our expedition.” Tathar watches Tarstar pass without a word or much of a facial expression at all.

    They move you along the north end of the compound to a large area that can only be described as a poverty ridden tent city. Now, scores of wild men and equally ugly wild woman and children, all genetically mutated from being crossbred and inbred too many times, surround you and begin to chant.

    One of them looks to you and says in your common language, “We call Chief!”

    Rat

    The rat can hear a commotion ahead and the wild man picks up his pace; heading towards the noise.

    Nervous, the rat risks a bit more aggressive chewing. The small hole has grown large enough for the rat to get peaks out of the sack. As the commotion rises to the sound of a large crowd, the rat steals a look.

    Outside, the rat sees the wild man move from the street into a compound of some type.

    Panic sets in as the rat realizes he has been brought back to the wild man’s camp. There are dozens upon dozens of weird twisted wild men and woman moving about. There appears to be some type of focus in the middle of the group among some type of tent city inside the compound. The rat’s capture brings the rat into the middle of the throng. The rat, seeing death closing in, risks all and chews frantically at the hole. No one seems to notice.

    The wild man appears to be very interested in the activity and moves deep into the chaos. It does not seem to notice a hole has been chewed in the sack.
    Adept Greytalker

    Joined: Apr 21, 2013
    Posts: 378
    From: Minnesota

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    Wed Oct 22, 2014 5:05 pm  

    Warehouse Crew & Wild men compound

    The wild men continue to move you to the far west side of the compound. While doing so, you realize that several of them appear to have picked items off of your persons. A dagger here, a pouch there, most of the items have been fleeced without your witness or knowledge. You are unable to take inventory as you are pushed along. You do, however, keep a tighter grip on your belongings.

    The rain has stopped. The clouds are starting to thin and the wind continues to wane. Dawn is well on its way and visibility is normal.
    There is an area built into the western wall (#3 on camp map) where the wild men appear to do their cooking. There are hanging carcasses of snakes, rats, turtles, etc. along with some dried fruits. There are numerous kettles, pots as so forth on a couple different fire pits. Low fires are burning in the pits. The smell from this area is less than desirable although the whole of the camp generally stinks.

    The crowd at the tent city has circled the group completely. They are not threatening harm and have given the trio about five feet of space around them. Breymeer, Southar and Tarstar each take inventory of their missing items. Breymeer is missing a dagger and scabbard and the sap he had found. He is also missing the small pouch that contained a few gems recovered from a previous encounter with the frogmen. Southar is missing the pouch of coins he received as his share of the treasure from the encounter with the bugbears in the jungle on the way to the city. Southar is also missing is small sack of gems. While going through the crowd, Tarstar was sad to note the lack of weight on his belt. The large sack of silver pieces has disappeared.

    You are somewhat unsettled by the appearance of four large poles nearby. They are very similar to the poles you saw the bugbear corpse tied to outside the compound. For now, the wildmen do not seem intent on tying you up.

    The crowd is obviously excited but are not speaking your common language. The human identified as Kuba has moved up and taken a position nearby. He watches quietly. He appears to have been joined by a halfling. For a moment, it appears as if Berry Hairycheeks has returned. Then, upon closer inspection, hope fades and it becomes obvious this is not Hairycheeks.

    Southar points the halfling out to Tarstar who replies, “That is Kuba’s companion. He went by the name Speck.”

    The odd looking elf appears to have blended into the crowd.

    The commotion continues for many long minutes. It is finally broken as a cheer goes up towards the center of camp near where a couple stone buildings are located. There, the crowd is parting and several people are coming towards you.

    The leader is one ugly creature. He stands nearly seven feet tall and is very stout, being built like an ogre. He must be pushing 300 pounds. He is covered in scars and only patches of hair dot his head. He has a very flat nose. His ears are somewhat dog shaped and appear pinned back to his head. A wispy beard and mustache cover some of his hideous face.
    In his hand, the leader has an enormous hammer. Moradin, the dwarven deity, would be impressed with this hammer. The hammer is made of a large stone wedged tightly on the end of a large branch.

    Walking around the leader are four guards. Each is of impressive size, equally ugly and distorted. They also carry weapons. They have a great flail, a two handed sword, a great axe and the last one has a shield and a morning star.

    All five of them wear mismatched armor consisting mainly of scale or splint mail. The armor, although unappealing, appears to offer significant protection.

    As all five approach, the crowd continues to part ahead of them until they stand about ten to fifteen feet from you. The four guards take positions between you and the leader.

    Finally, a small man appears from the five. He was obviously following them but was too small to see. He is smaller than the average wild man. He wears rags and has a wild look in his good eye. He appears mainly human but very old. He has a long wrinkled face and a large forehead.
    One of his eyes appears dead.

    The mystic man stops alongside the leader and says nothing.

    The leader looks the trio of adventurers over.

    Rat

    The rat is bounced and jammed as its captor moves quickly through the crowd. Without warning, the sack containing the rat is tossed roughly on the ground. The rat can smell death. Looking carefully out the hole, the rat can see it has been tossed on the ground close to a fire pit that yet smolders.

    Not waiting to see if it is next on the menu, the rat makes a dash out of the hole in the sack. The sack tears as the rat gains its freedom. Not pausing to look, the rat runs forward and dives behind some rubble.

    The rat finds itself in an area maybe 30 feet by 20 feet (#3). It is obviously an area where food is stored and cooked for the camp. It is on the west side of the camp. There is an area, about 10 feet wide, leading from here towards all of the chaos in the main tent area (#2). Whatever is happening in the tent area has drawn all of the wildmen away from here.
    Adept Greytalker

    Joined: Apr 21, 2013
    Posts: 378
    From: Minnesota

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    Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:49 pm  

    Dragon Raiders

    The second attack wave focuses mainly at the rear of the group. The dwarves take the brunt of the incoming charge.

    The first attacker misses Tanin, landing next to him as Tanin is putting away his crossbow and pulling out his mace. The second attacker is able to pierce Tanin’s armor with its spear, hitting him near the groin (10, 8/24).
    The third attacker misses Grom but the fourth stabs him in the left thigh (6, 20/26).

    Tanin swings his mace wildly at one of the frog beasts. He misses and gets his mace tangled in the swamp grass.

    Grom tries to cover for the other dwarf. Grom swings his axe overhead downward into one’s shoulder, cutting deep into its chest. I collapses under the blow as its life fades away.

    The final attack comes to the front of the line directly at Ide Otneaux. The bipedal frog hop charges towards her but she is able to sidestep it. She swings her axe cutting through the heavy grasses. The axe deflects off the creature’s shield.

    Cirdan Saralonde, seeing an opportunity, attacks to the rear. He buries his first dagger deep into the back of the creature’s neck. The powerful elf’s blow crumples the creature just as Cirdan’s second dagger bounces harmlessly off the creatures shell.

    Ledego maintains his position in the middle of the group and monitors the situation. He appears to have dug out a few spell components.

    Cirdan Saralonde daggers his second victim. He buries the dagger into its leg catching the major artery. The frogman tries to get an attack in but Cirdan skillfully parries the blows. The frog drops from loss of blood and dies.

    Tanin rips his mace free. His swing is swiftly ducked. Fortunately for Tanin, the creatures spear deflects off his armor.

    Grom pulls his axe out of the frog corpse in time to block an incoming spear point. He swings back but misses.

    Up front, Ide Otneaux and her attacker go after each other with no effective blows; churning up mud and grass in the melee.

    A third wave of frog men hop charge into the scene. Two of them are going after the elves but Ledego’s prepared spell catches them in mid-flight. A string of webs shoots forth from his hands entangling them both. They crash down into the swamp, bound tight.

    Ide Otneaux now has a second attacker. She seems to still be holding her own well enough.

    At the rear, the dwarves and Cirdan Saralonde are joined by another attacker. This one is able to strike Tanin in the lower back, piercing his armor and striking flesh (8, 0/24). Tanin gives out a cry and falls limp face down into the water his armor pulling him down.

    At the rear of the group, Cirdan Saralonde sheaths one of his daggers and rushes over to Tanin and hoists his body out of the water. While doing so, one of the creatures takes a poke at Cirdan Saralonde with its spear. The spear seems to deflect away as if it had struck armor instead of clothing.
    The creature stares wide eyed in shock. With a quick hop, it exits the battle into the tall swamp grass still steaming from the previous fire attack.

    Grom raises his axe to the remaining frog creature. It pokes Grom in the head first cutting a gash on his cheek (5, 15/26). The blow causes Grom to flinch badly and his swing comes down off the mark. The creature easily blocks it with its shield.

    At the front of the battle, Ide Otneuax also takes a cut to the face (1, 16/35) and a deeper injury to her left leg (5, 11/35). Her return attack flies wide of the mark and slashes down into the water.

    Ledego begins to dig in his pack for something as the creatures begin to croak with renewed vigor.

    Ledego shouts, “We mustn’t lose now! Fight my friends. Defeat the bullywugs!”

    <Tanin continues to bleed out (1, -1/24)>

    Cirdan Saralonde looks for somewhere to safely rest Tanin somewhere near
    Grom, “Please ask Brightmantle if he will help him.”

    Ledego moves over and supports Tanin for Cirdan Saralonde. Ledego has a vial in his hand. He tries to get some of the potion down Tanin’s throat.
    Cirdan Saralonde covers the action the best he can by daggering the bullywug next to him as he draws out his second dagger and begins slicing with it as well. His first dagger cuts a bullywug deeply across the abdomen spilling its entrails and dumping it dead into the swamp water.

    The remaining bullywug at the rear of the group hops off into the safety of the swamp grass.

    At the front of the column, Ide Otneaux’s woes continues as she tries in vain to get a good swing in with her axe. Her vertical swing is once again adeptly ducked. The bullywug facing her takes advantage of the situation and attempts to spring up and hop into the grass. It misjudges the speed at which she can recover her axe. She allows the momentum of the axe to continue behind her and then changes the swing to an overhead downward chop. It catches the bullywug as it hops up to retreat. The blow from the great axe severs the creature in half down the middle.

    Ledego gets the entire contents of the potion into Tanin. He immediately opens his eyes and the majority of his injuries start to heal, fade or disappear altogether (18, 17/24). Tanin is disoriented but alive.

    Ledego gives the second vial to Ide Otneaux, “Without you, I am afraid we will be at a great disadvantage. Please, I would be greatly relieved if you will take and drink this.”

    Ide Otneaux, obviously in pain and nearing exhaustion, takes the vial, gives a thank you nod to the group and quaffs the contents entirely (17, 28/35). Like Tanin, her injuries fade to minor scratches if not healed completely.
    Ledego looks to Cirdan Saralonde, "What are the odds the escaped bullywugs are going to stay quiet about us being here in the swamp."


    Warehouse Crew

    Speck, seeing items taken from the newcomers, moves into the crowd in order to try and track the offenders or at least see where the items have been taken.

    Breymeer and Southar both address the leader.

    Breymeer speaks first, "We come in peace and wish only to talk. Our group came here to kill Yuan-Ti and seek your council as to where the worthless scum can be found. We had gifts to offer you, meager though they were, that have been taken."

    Southar speaks next, “I look to enlist help in killing slavers. I have a great hatred for all slavers . . . “

    The leaders interrupts Southar as he clears his throat loudly to speak.
    Breymeer says quietly over his shoulder to his companions, “If they're pro Yuan-Ti then we're f**ked and the only positive is we get to take a bunch of them out before we die. I knew I should have gotten some whiskey.”
    The leader addresses you in a relatively fluent form of your common language, “You shall hear the great history of our people before you address me.”

    The mystic looking Wildman approaches and speaks to you. He speaks sing-song in broken common, animal cries and other vocalizations. The crowd becomes very somber (think of a crowded NFL stadium during the Pledge of Allegiance) and quiet. The area becomes still other than the dying wind. The clouds are thinking and it almost appears the light of day is trying to break through to shine upon this mystic.

    His tale is one of ridiculously heroic actions of his people and the development of their compound. It continues on and on and on . . .

    Speck is able to trail one of the thieves through the crowd despite being at a height disadvantage. His low stature gives him quicker movements through the crowd but his visibility is very limited. Speck realizes the thief is making a wide arc towards the stone building that serves as the chief’s shelter.

    Kuba Cyvlorandau slowly shifts his way through the crowd. During the tale, Kuba arrives at the front row of the wildmen where he stops and patiently waits for the tale to end.

    The mystic continues his sing song tale for nearly a half an hour. Sensing the importance of this tale to this people, you all patiently and respectfully wait for the mystic to stop speaking.

    When he finally finishes, you have learned of the history of this people. They were originally slaves of the long forgotten occupants of the city. The slaves banded together and survived as they city decayed and was inhabited by numerous races and monsters. The tale speaks of great battles with these other races and monsters. It speaks of the occupation and defense of the NW corner of the city and the collection of the wildmen under their great leaders. The tale speaks of more recent battles with bugbears, bullywugs and yuan-ti. Those they capture they sacrifice to their “gods” by tying them to the posts outside the city.

    At the end of the tale, the chieftain speaks to the group, “You must be worthy of aid before I give any. One of you will fight me. There are rules. No witchcraft, no aid, no rest, no armor, no weapons. If you win, we talk. If I win, you will be sacrificed to our gods. If you refuse to fight, you will be sacrificed to our gods. Which one will fight?”

    Rat

    Grimlock spies a good observation point. A column appears to have broken off nearly 10 feet from its base. The remains of the column marks the southern edge of the entrance to this cooking area. A low wall rises out of the rubble and butts up to the broken column.

    The rat, using his natural stealth and learned elusiveness, moves quickly into the rubble and invisibly up onto the low wall and out to the column. It is able to sneak to the edge of the column and overlook the scene before it.
    Grimlock eyes the sky keeping a keen look out for birds of prey and other such nastiness. Below him, the events continue to play out.
    Adept Greytalker

    Joined: Apr 21, 2013
    Posts: 378
    From: Minnesota

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    Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:56 pm  

    Dragon Raiders

    Cirdan Saralonde answers Ledego, “I suppose there is no help for it. We are close to the entrance of the lair, and if we survive in there, we will probably face an ambush when we return. We either continue, trusting our gods and maybe a little luck, or we retreat and save our necks.”

    Tanin remains groggy but is quickly regaining his strength. Ledego looks relieved Tanin is recovering.

    Ledego looks very serious as he addresses the group, “My friends, with the exception of Ide Otneaux, and myself to some degree, you are all long lived. You have many years ahead of you. Ide Otneaux and I will have long passed before any of you reach old age. Therefore, I question the wisdom in continuing our saga.”

    Ledego pauses and continues, “Gouthogg stole two chests off the Nir Nen before sinking it. Grimlock and Peylae recovered the third. They contained some valuables. Most importantly, they contained our spellbooks. My abilities have been greatly weakened at their loss. I deeply wish to get them back but they are not irreplaceable. I have an associate that may help me recover my losses. He lives on the Spindrift Isles; sometimes called The Lendore Isles.”

    “According to Horan,” Ledego appears to be thinking outloud now, “if we complete either task, he will transport us to the basecamp and we are free to sail out of the Pelissio Swamp. From there we can quickly get to Restenford on the southern Spindrift Isles.”

    Ledego finishes his thoughts, “So, my friends, I wish not to lead you unto your death for such material things as I have lost when we have other options. Noble Saralonde is correct in saying that even if we survive the lair, we will have likely have an ambush awaiting our exit. What is your vote? Should we continue on to Gouthogg’s lair or try to reaquire the other group and assist in clearing the warehouse?”

    Cirdan Saralonde, who Ledego has grown to trust, speaks first, “I must confess that the vast majority of me wants to enter the lair and come out again with treasure and the tale of the adventure! But the state we are in tells me that discretion is the better part of valor. It is near madness to tempt fate in the face of a Black Dragon with the best of plans, and we are poorly prepared indeed. While I do not fear death and understand that another adventure awaits me when I depart this plane, I am not ready to move on. Ledego, will you return here with me? Ide? Tanin? Grom?” he addresses each in turn, “I wish to enter, but not today. Let us depart, plan, prepare and return.”

    Ide Otneaux answers, “I fear not death but do not wish to give up to it today. I would like to leave this swamp. We can discuss a return over some strong ale in a more confortable place. Let us leave.”

    Tanin is still a big groggy but answers, “Seeing what the dragon did to the Nir Nen, I would rather come back more prepared.”

    Grom, being Grom, just listens and only nods in response.

    Ledego gives the command, “Very well, let us backtrack to the main road. While doing so, keep your eyes out for the rat we know as Grimlock. Once to the main road, double back to where we split from the others. We will have to try and trace their steps to the north.”

    Dawn has arrived and visibility has increased. The sun is yet behind the clouds and it is windy but visibility in the swamp has increased.
    The group sloshes and mucks its way back along the shoreline to the trail. There, they turn south until they stand on dry ground among the massive columns that mark the entrance and exit to the city. The group has not seen any sign of Grimlock, or any rat for that matter.

    The group begins to head back west.

    Warehouse Crew

    Speck moves with a halfling’s stealth among the ruins and positions himself. The thieves are making their way from the tent area (#2) to the opening that leads to the leader’s compound (area #5). When the leader appears, they stop and stand with respect. Speck sees his chance and moves in on the thief he had been tailing. With all attention on the leaders, Speck’s movements are unseen. Speck slips in next to the thief and sees he has a crocodile skinned pouch with small lumps inside. He quietly but quickly slices a small hole in the pouch allowing two gems to fall into his hand. One, an amber (500 gp +/-) and the other a turquiose (10 gp +/-).
    He skillfully palms them and begins his return to the group apparently undetected as the mystic begins his tale.

    During the epic tale, Ewan McDermott, the human male from the Moonshae isles, stops attending to his bugs and other various animals he has been caring for within his small enclosure. Shiobhon, his pretty human female travelling companion, comes out of the hole in the rubble that has served her as home for the last year. She helps Ewan up as he has trouble doing so on his own; being over six feet tall and an obese 400 pounds. Ewan has helped Kuba, Speck, the moon faced elf and the elf witch maintain relations with the wild men. For as much as the wild men fear the elf witch, they cherish Ewan’s healing abilities. Ewan and Shiobhon move counterclockwise around the chief’s compound and stand on the north end of the large circle of wild men that encompass Breymeer, Southar and Tarstar. They say nothing but monitor the activity.

    The location of the moon faced elf is unknown. Barely speaking to anyone, he may have gone back to the small section of rubble just south of where the Moonshae humans, or Ffolk as they call themselves, stay (far SE corner of map J). There, the elf, Kuba and Speck have their respective shelters. The elf witch, Aratheas, needed her solitude and a dry space for her spell-work, demanded and received the enclosed building (area #4).

    Aratheas, the elf witch, also comes out during the ceremony and stands just to the south of the chieftan’s hut. There, while the mystic is speaking, she slowly rises into the air, stopping about 20 feet above the ground. Aratheas wears brown pantaloons and an ivory, tight fitting shirt. Both have multiple pockets and folds upon them. A light brown cloak drapes off her back. She has a leather belt that holds a dagger in a sheath and a two foot rod made of hickory and having a small bulb shaped metal tip. Upon her head is a golden headpiece that holds a ruby centered upon her forehead.

    Towards the end of the epic tale, Speck re-appears next to Kuba. Kuba has been watching the newcomings. He appears to be trying to size them up; maybe hoping they can win this fight.

    Tarstar looks to Southar and Breymeer, “I think either of you are more suited for this little scrum.”

    Southar pulls the cover off of his golden shield with the cobra head design. Southar boldly says to the chieftan, “We are proven slayers of the slave taking yuan-ti. This shield used to adorn their temple. We sacked the temple, slaying all of the vile creatures inside. If fight we must, so be it, but we came here to seek your aid not to fight with you.”

    Breymeer volunteers himself for the battle, “Bring it on if we must!”

    “Maybe you lie about temple. We fight. No lie in fight. You then,” the chieftan points at Breymeer, “You fight me.”

    As the chieftan and Breymeer begin to strip themselves of weapons and armor, the chieftan flexes his great muscles and jeers at Breymeer. The chieftan appears he will easily destroy this smaller bearded human from the north country.

    After the armor and weapons are removed, Southar and Tarstar are pulled back from the ring. An area of about twenty feet is cleared and the combatants face each other. Breymeer, strangely unafraid and confident, faces down the gorilla of a man-creature.

    Tensions rise and the wild men begin making all kinds of nose. The fight is on the cust of breaking out when Aratheas can be seen moving and speaking in arcane ways. She obviously cast another spell. Her height and the sound of the crowd of wildmen prevents most from even noticing. There is no obvious fireworks or similar wizardly works. However, the chieftain’s shoulder suddenly slump, his posturing becomes fluid and his eyes have a flash of panic.

    Breymeer reacts to the sudden fear in the wildman’s eyes. Like a wild animal, Breymeer gives a blood curtling war cry, spit flying from his mouth, as he charges the orge of a man. Without slowing, the bearded berserker swings his fist into the chieftain’s face. Slow to react, the blow draws blood from the chieftain’s nose and lips as the chieftan drops to his knees. Lethargic, the chieftan didn’t even get his fists up.

    As the chieftain’s knees hit the ground, Breymeer is around him like a cat. He pounches upon him and wraps the chieftain up in a choking headlock. Breymeer is barely able to get his arms around its thick neck but he holds on for dear life.

    The chieftan reaches his hands up in a desparate attempt to get air. He leans forward and tries to stand bringing Breymeer to his tiptoes. Not wanting to lose his advantage, Breymeer squeezes for all he is worth; a wild look in his eyes. For several tense moments, the two teeter back and forth each trying to break the other. Finally, the cheiftain’s brain runs out of oxygen and he collapses face down onto the wet, muddy soil.

    The four body guards of the chieftain run out and turn him over, trying to wake him. Breymeer tells Southar and Tarstar, “Ger the tablet for me! And watch that passed out giant in case he wakes up angry and unwilling to honor his agreement.”

    Tarstar quickly relays the tablet to Breymeer who holds it up and says to the mob, “Enough of this fighting amongst us! I’ve come with the help of Horan and wish to help you rid the city of slavers. What say you?”
    Overhead, Aratheas continues her arcane dialog and movements.

    As Breymeer raises the tablet, the four body guards begin to tremble and cower in fear. The front ranks of wild men behind them fall back or drop to their knees quaking.

    Grimlock, the rat quickly surveys the top of the column, finding nothing reflective. The elf witch appears busy anyway. Spellcraft tells Grimlock she has now cast some type of scare or fear spell.

    Hidden away from the others, Tathar begins to meditate seeking knowledge as to how these newcomers will affect future events. Tathar receives a vision. Moonbeams pierce a clouded sky and darkness is pushed back and held at bay. The very next moment, out of Tathar Surion’s sight, the giant leader of the wild men falls face first down into the mud.
    Adept Greytalker

    Joined: Apr 21, 2013
    Posts: 378
    From: Minnesota

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    Wed Oct 22, 2014 10:03 pm  

    Dragon Retreaters

    Ide Otneaux moves the group west along the north side of the road. She keeps to the buildings, moving slow and cautiously. The light of dawn has fallen upon the city though the clouds keep a hold on the sky. The storm has broke and the cloud cover is weakening. The wind yet blows but moderately. A few birds even dare flight now.

    The group is able to make several blocks and arrives back to where the other group travelled north. Ide guides the group up the eastern side of the street in similar fashion.

    Ide Otneaux moves up the first block. There is nothing outstanding of notice on this block. It is obvious the group is moving towards a poorer section of the city.

    The group crosses the intersection and begins to move up the next block. Of note at the end of this block, is a destroyed section of building. The entire SW corner of the intersection, now about 400 feet ahead of you, has collapsed. Approximately 100 square feet of the building is in ruins.

    The group moves up the roadway. As they are passing by the ruins, they perceive movement. The group is not alone. Something appears to be sneaking up to the perimeter of the ruins (now just to your left or west).

    The group is on the eastern side of the roadway, moving alongside the building there.

    Warehouse Crew

    Breymeer extends a hand to the chieftan as he comes to. The fear that had befallen the chief and his crew suddenly disapates. The chieftan, still groggy and confused, shows the north man a sign of respect, accepts his hand and is assisted up. His henchmen attend to him. Breymeer returns to Tarstar and Southar, giving Tarstar the tablet to hold. He begins to rearm as does the chief.

    The crowd of wild men stands silent, stunned at the outcome of the fight. They wait silently for what will happen next.

    Then, several things happen.

    First, as Tarstar stows the tablet and begins a very energetic and enthusiastic gyrating dance, Kuba and Speck, step up to the trio. Kuba speaks to Tarstar, “Tarstar, we desire to leave this dump for more ‘fertile fields’ of action with potential glory and wealth. May we join you in your quest?”

    As Kuba speaks to the dancing Tarstar, a rat, nearly two feet long, comes tumbling, hopping and running into the circle. It stands upright on its hind legs and mimics Tarstar’s dance. It stops dancing and it would appear it is waving and trying to get the group’s attention. Finally, it gives a wave and a wink at the elf witch. It is a peculiar sight indeed!

    Maybe it because the place is in ruins, maybe it is because of the nearby stock of half rotten foot, or maybe it is due to the genetically mutated wild men living here. For whatever reason, the dancing two foot rat is all but ignored. It stops dancing and simple sits upright on its hind legs waiting for something. The wild men nearby appear to have noticed the strange rat and have slowly distanced themselves from such witchcraft.

    The moon-faced elf approaches the group. His gait is incredibly smooth and fluid, even for an elf. He is now dressed in a black-loose fitting pull-over shirt and black pants and boots. He wears a black leather belt with silver moons and moonbows as a pattern all the way around. He carries a long composite bow and sheaf arrows on his shoulder and is walking with a quarter-staff.

    Having overheard Kuba and Speck he says in a quiet, matter-of-fact voice, "I will come too. Sahanine will aid me in delivering you to the next plane if you die, or, if it pleases her, she will allow me to keep you on this plane for a bit longer. Here." He places a suit of splint mail armor at the feet of the group. "May it aid whomever needs it, when death comes calling."

    He then simply stops talking and stands there, his eyes looking at the ground.

    The obese Moonshae man and his female companion wait and watch quietly.

    Breymeer gives a nearly imperceptible nod towards the elf witch. The witch winks in return as she decends back to the ground and walks towards the group; whether the wink was to Breymeer or the rat is unknown but both are convinced it was to them alone.

    Breymeer appears pleased with the addition of Kuba, Speck and Tathar Surion to the group. With confidence, he addresses the chieftan, “We are here to free this city from the slave taking Yuan-Ti. You are a great and powerful warrior and I am confident that, with your help, we can free this city and your people can live free of tyranny. Finally, I ask that the items that were taken be returned to me and my comrades."

    The chieftan appears to have recovered his strength after Breymeer’s attack, “You no get back gifts you gave to talk. I lost fight. Will fight with you to kill snake and bear men. I bring them to help.” The chieftan points towards the group of humans, elves and the halfling that have gathered to the trio of Breymeer, Southar and Tarstar. “When we go? I ready!”
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    Wed Oct 22, 2014 10:06 pm  

    <Sorry I have not included the maps. Having trouble copying them to this site. They are included in the module if you happen to own it.>
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    Sat Oct 25, 2014 2:59 pm  

    that's ok. You can put a link to the images online maybe? That would work. Anyway, it's not a big deal. It's still easy to follow. You're making me want to take my party to the jungle!
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    Sat Nov 01, 2014 2:33 pm  

    Forbidden City Map (off the internet, credit goes to the source)

    http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2010/11/retrospective-dwellers-of-forbidden.html

    http://lostdelights.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/forbidden-city-players-copy.jpg



    Map J (Wild man compound, off internet, credit goes to the source)

    http://lostdelights.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/forbidden-city-map-j-players-copy.jpg
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    Sat Nov 01, 2014 2:34 pm  

    Thanks for the idea Ragnar!
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    Mon Nov 03, 2014 7:39 pm  

    Dragon Crew -

    A large bugbear walks from the rubble on the west side of the road. He appears unafraid. He comes out empty handed but does have a large flail and a throwing axe on his belt. For a bugbear, his armor appears in a bit better condition than others, consisting mainly of scale and splint mail pieces. The armor shows signs of previous combat. He has a necklace of what appears to be severed ears hanging from his neck. He starts across the street towards you. You can see no others in the rubble behind him but your experience with bugbears tells you there is likely others.

    Cirdan whispers to Ledego, “See how the bugbear reacts to the tablets.”

    To the dwarves he says, “Take a few steps back and be ready with your crossbows.”

    Ledego removes the tablets and speaks boldly to the bugbear, “We are travel with the consent of Horan!”

    The bugbear speaks back to you in common, “What brings elves, orcs and dwarves together, I must ask. What urgency brings this lot together?”

    Cirdan Saralonde parlays, “We are here seeking companions who were last seen heading north on this street.”

    The bugbear responds, “I have not heard of your group in this city. What brings you here? What are you doing now? Answer me and I may be able to help you.”

    Ledego remains quiet but places a hand in his pocket.

    Tanin and Grom take a few cautious steps backwards and eye the rubble for trouble.

    Ide Otneaux wrings the handle of her axe with both hands.

    The conversation continues with Cirdan Saralonde speaking, "Very well. We will parlay with you on the honor of your word. If you betray your word, one of us will die. We came to this city to aid the Suel you know as Horan. Our party was divided because of the evil Yuan Ti. Because they are slavers and evil, we intend to rid the city of their presence. Any information you have of other elves and humans in the city would be helpful. More help would be if you join us in our cause and help defeat the Yuan Ti."

    Ledego is stowing the golden tablets when the bugbears begins to laugh a deep and cynical laugh, “You aid Horan to rid the city of yuan-ti? Horan leads the yuan-ti! What trickery do you bring upon me?”

    The dwarves tighten their grip, never being a race that trusts bugbears. Ide Otneaux continues to measure him hands still wringing her axe.


    Warehouse Crew -

    Tarstar sits and waits for the group to organize, “All this dancing has me tired.”

    Breymeer starts collecting up the armor Tathar placed on the ground, “"I believe this armor will protect me and if no one objects, I'll don it and lead our group into this battle.” As he is gathering up the pieces he continues, "What knowledge does anyone have about best time and location to strike against the evil yuan-ti?"

    While kneeling down, Breymeer looks to the rat, “You are sure a strange little fella.”

    As the elf witch, as the wild men call her, arrives at your location, the rat looks to her. The rat points at itself and then towards Breymeer and Southar. It then starts drawing strange symbols and runes into the muddy soil.

    The chieftan answers Breymeer’s question, “Day is best to attack. Most are night movers. I ready.”

    Breymeer looks at the rat, “This rat was once one of our group, no?”

    The rat looks Breymeer in the eye and nods its head up and down as if saying ‘yes’. It pulls its arms up to its chest and crouches forward, moving slowly as if exaggerating being sneaky.

    Breymeer questions the elf witch about the yuan-ti warehouse but she knows very little. Breymeer looks for the mystic but he is no longer within sight.

    Breymeer speaks to the chief, “May I talk to the mystic. I would like to see if he could help on turning out rat friend back to normal.” The concept fails to be understood by the chieftan. He just looks at Breymeer confused. The chieftan points at the rat, “Food.”

    Aratheas, the elf witch, understands Breymeers request and says to him, “His condition is beyond my help without research. From what I can tell of this mystic, you are probably wasting your time. They are a superstitious folk but I do not think the mystic has much magical abilities. As far as the warehouse, these people do not travel into that area of the city. There is too much activity for them from what I can tell.”

    The chieftan points to the sky, “Cloud go. Get bright. We go then.” He and his bodyguards head back to his shelter. The rest of the crowd begins to go back about their business.

    Aratheas begins to walk off towards her area, “The city sleeps during the day. The chieftan is correct about attacking with the sun out. It will give you the best advantage possible. Until you get inside the dark warehouse that it. I will join you only if it means a way out of the city once the warehouse has been cleared.” She doesn’t wait for a response, simply walking off.

    The others head back to their respective shelters to prepare for the mission.
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    Mon Nov 03, 2014 8:13 pm  

    Dragon Crew -

    Cirdan Saralonde replies, "Horan leads the Yuan Ti because they are the most powerful group in the city. However, he loathes them. When we arrived on his shores, having escaped slavers onboard ship, he saw an opportunity. He does not intervene, but does not stop our crusade. Look at this tablet. Who do you think gave it to us to speak of our affiliation?" Cirdan Saralonde looks to Ledago to reproduce the tablet.

    Ledego replies to Cirdan Saralonde in elvish, “Grimlock told me the letter you found in the yuan-ti temple was a correspondence between Horan and the yuan-ti reguarding the use of the Olman people as sacrafices. Horan is at least an accomplice at minimum. I know not his intentions as of yet.”

    The bugbear growls at the use of elvish and then hisses, “You are being used!” The bugbear softens his tone, “Not unlike the rest of us.” It takes a slow breath, “Besides, the yuan-ti are not the most powerful group in the city. Gouthogg is!”

    The bugbear studies each of you carefully, “Would you continue to serve Horan if there were a better way?”

    Cirdan Saralonde questions, “We do not serve Horan, we are only biding our time until we can escape these jungles, and Horan has provided us with aid. We are agreed that Gouthogg is indeed the most powerful, but if there is a better way, we are willing to listen to all who speak honestly and without secrets."

    Cirdan Saralonde continues, "I will start, to show our sincerity. We do not yet trust Horan, and have questioned his motives, but he is powerful and has shown us hospitality. We aid him now out of necessity and because he has, thus far been true to his word."

    “What do you have to offer us on a better way?” Cirdan Saralonde concludes.

    “Careful to trust him M’lad,” Tanin warns, “’tis folley to trust ‘em.”

    Ledego eases Tanin, “Let us hear him out with some patience. But do not fear Tanin, my friend. Dwarves and elves alike mistrust such cunning speakers.”

    “The wisdom of the elves. You are wise to mistrust him. And, dwarf, I do not doubt you mistrust me,” the bugbear smiles as he speaks. “We have been slaying each other’s kin since Moradin loosed you from the mountain forges.” You are gathering this bugbear is of greater intelligence than most you have encountered.

    He continues with a very serious tone, “A battle for control of the city is boiling and my chief has continued to oath our tribe on the side of Horan. I do not believe our tribe is safe in that position. Horan will use us for shock troops and care not of our losses. Although trusting a dragon is a fool’s errand, I feel there is a better outlook for our tribe should the dragon prevail.”

    The bugbear continues, “If you are truly out to stop the slaving of the yuan-ti, you must be against Horan. He has been using us and the yuan-ti for slaving raids against the Olman; taking prisoners and plundering them. Many are sacrificed. I am not sure where the others are taken.”

    “What I say to you is true,” the bugbear appears honest in his tale.
    “What is your name?” Cirdan Saralonde questions.

    “Shruzgrap, they call me,” answers the bugbear.

    “I am Cirdan,” replies Cirdan Saralonde, “Help us to understand. Horan himself has given us his blessing on a raid of the warehouse where the yuan-ti deal their slaves. He has given us provisions and has rather welcomed the attack. I have heard this with my own ears from Horan’s mouth. What has he to gain if what you say is true? I am not doubting you. I am suggesting that his plans may be more cunning.”

    “Horan’s mind is unknown to me. I do not trust him. I do know if he is willing to eliminate the yuan-ti then he is willing to eliminate the bugbear. The power balance of the city is being tested. Without the yuan-ti around, Gouthogg appears to be Horan’s greatest and sole remaining threat.”

    “Is Horan planning to attack Gouthogg?” asks Cirdan Saralonde.

    The bugbear, Shruzgrap, looks at your group carefully for a while. He then answers, “I do not think he would confront the dragon directly. He would likely send others first to prevent a direct confrontation. Horan is very powerful but also very smart.”

    Cirdan Saralonde questions Shruzgrap further, "Our party picked up some members of another party that may still be in the city. Do you know of them, their location or what may have happened to them?"

    “There are a couple of elves and humans living among the freaks,” he points to the west-north-west. “The do not venture out often but it is rumored they are still there. The freaks keep trying to come into our territory. We fight them often,” he points to the necklace of fingers to accentuate his statement.

    “You could weaken Horan’s influence in the city. I will not have the support of my tribe with our current leader, but, maybe you will be the ones to do this. Horan’s weak without his spellcraft. I will assist you in entering his compound and destroying or stealing his spellbooks, he will be at Gouthogg’s mercy. He will be forced to retreat from the city.”

    Ledego looks to Cirdan Saralonde and speaks elvish, “If we do this, Peylae will be in danger when Horan finds out it is us. I am not sure how we could possibly warn them in time. Unless Horan was destroyed or we could get back to camp somehow. If I was able to get his spellbook, I could likely learn his teleporting spell; given enough time. If we do this, we need a backup plan on how to save Peylae. Unless we wait long enough and hope that she sets sail as I told her to do in the event I do not return. What is your input Noble Saralonde?”

    Cirdan Saralonde responds, in elvish, to Ledego, “How long did you tell Peylae to wait before setting sail?” Ledego looks deflated and responds, still speaking elvish, “The next time Luna is full; nearly a month away.”
    “Shruzgrap, in a moment, I will tell you of my Elvish conversation with my companion,” starts Cirdan Saralonde, “First, is there a more secluded place nearby that we may continue our conversation without being so conspicuous?”

    Shruzgrap points to the northeast. There, a narrow alleyway leads off between some buildings. “There is a good area up here.”

    He leads you up the alleyway alongside the triangle shaped building to your north. The end of the building is bisected by a walkway. He enters the walkway between the two triangle shaped buildings and turns to continue the conversation.

    You follow the bugbear to the location and there Cirdan Saralonde says, “You make us an interesting proposal. One we cannot take lightly or pass on easily. Am I right in understanding that Horan has a compound within the city?”

    “Yes, indeed he does. It is nearby, just two blocks to the south,” answers Shruzgrap.

    “Then how do we know his spellbooks are there? And how are they guarded? And, finally, how would we know when Horan is absent from the compound?” continues Cirdan Saralonde.

    “Where else would he keep them? As for the guards, he has several creatures within his gated compound; jungle animals and such. Once past them, it should be easy to enter the building. He has it designed of light materials. As for his absence, my reconnaissance tells me he is up to something. He has been coming and going often. I do not guarantee his location; he is a wizard afterall,” calculates the bugbear.

    Cirdan Saralonde finishes with, “Why should we trust you?”

    Shruzgrap grins a very toothy, and unnervingly evil, grin, “You shouldn’t. You are elvish and I am a selfish bugbear. But you can trust me as far as I will be entering with you and my fate will be shared with you. Now is your time to choose, will you stay sided with the wizard you do not trust and face the wrath of Gouthogg, or shall you defeat the wizard and gain the dragon’s favor?”

    “Shruzgrap, for a bugbear, I like you. I do not trust you, as I am sure you do not trust us, but desperate times make for strange bedfellows. I do not believe that anything can win the favor of a Black Dragon.” Cirdan Saralonde looks over his companions trying to judge their impression of Shruzgrap. “My conversation with my companion discussed others of our party. Are you aware that Horan has another compound outside the city, nearly ten days travel through the jungle? It is quite possible his spellbooks are there, or that he has copies there. Members of our party are currently there, and if we fail or are caught by Horan, their lives are forfeit along with ours. I think it would be folly to believe that his compound is guarded by only jungle creatures. He is a wizard, and I would expect magical protections as well.”

    Cirdan Saralonde looks to his companions, “What say you all?”

    Ledego begins to speak in elvish, “Noble Saralonde, I have a nervous fear now. I have left the crew in Peylae’s care at the basecamp. They would in no way be able to defend themselves from Horan if he is indeed evil and using us. I must pray our deities will protect them and show her the way to safety. I am guessing they are in more danger now than I anticipated. We must find a way to get back as soon as possible. I fear we are being used by all.” Ledego switches to the common language, “If indeed Horan has protected himself by magic, I will test myself in the defeat of the defenses.” Ledego returns to elvish, “It concerns me why Horan would send us to Gouthogg’s lair and certain death unless he was trying to eliminate us or Gouthogg.”

    Ide Otneaux says, “I have met others of your kind Shruzgrap. I know not what you are set to gain but I will slay all those who oppose our safe exit from this city.”

    Grom appears to be praying.

    Tanin chimes in, “It is early in the day yet. Maybe we can find our companions before nightfall and discuss with them.”

    Shruzgrap offers, “Camp here if you wish. If you show no hostilities, I will ensure your safety. If you are deceitful, I will call you my enemy and set loose the hordes upon you. If you wish, send a runner to the freak camp to find you friends. Gain their confidence and bring them back to complete this task. You have until nightfall. I will return at dusk and tell you what I know. And Cirdan, you are right not to trust me for if you cross me, I will surely wear your ear as a trophy. Once this is done, I will hold no hostility towards you and you will be free to leave the city for this will be Gouthogg’s realm. If you do not wish to assist me, I suggest you leave the city immediately, for Gouthogg will know you as his enemies as will I.”

    He turns to leave saying over his shoulder, “I know nor care not of Horan’s other compounds for Gouthogg certainly does. Gouthogg shall reign!”
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    Mon Nov 03, 2014 9:57 pm  

    Dragon crew –
    Cirdan Saralonde says quickly to Ledego in Elvish, “You are tempted by the spellbooks aren’t you?” Ledego nods affirmation as Cirdan Saralonde continues, “I know I am.”

    Cirdan Saralonde switches to common speech and says to the group in a quiet voice so that the bugbear does not hear, “I think the most prudent path is to find the other group, raid the warehouse if they haven’t already, explain to Horan why we did not raid the dragon’s lair and hope he is true to his word. Once transported back to his other compound, let us sail on. It is the safest path for your daughter and the rest of the group.”
    To the departing bugbear, Cirdan Saralonde says, “We will all go to the compound of the freaks. There is safety in numbers. If we are going to raid Horan’s compound with you, we will return by dusk. If not, will not reveal you or your allegiance with Gouthogg to Horan. We will not betray you, even if we choose not to join you. We all must do what we can to survive.”

    “Indeed we must,” is the bugbears reply.

    He re-enters the ruins on the far side of the street as the group moves down the narrow street westward back to the main north/south street you were previously on. The party moves about 200 feet north to the intersection and heads west along the main road towards where the wild man compound is reportedly located.

    The group returns to its careful movements along the north side of the street. It is obvious the father west you go, the poorer the quality of the construction becomes. Much of it is in ruin.

    You continue in this fashion as you approach a turn in the street. Ahead of you, the roadway turns southward at a 90 turn. Prior to the turn, three poles are erected about 150 feet east of where the street turns to the south (marked J8 on the map). The poles dug into the ground. Each one is about ten feet tall and has a large metal ring set into it about seven feet off the ground. Around the area are various bits of bone. None of them appear to belong to a complete skeleton.

    The clouds yet cover the sun; it will be a few hours before the sky clears. The wind continues to weaken and is nothing more than blowing moderately now. The rain has stopped. It is humid and once the sun comes out, it looks to get miserably hot.

    As you approach the three posts, a monkey cry is heard nearby. It startles several birds as they call out in return.


    Warehouse crew –

    The clouds yet cover the sun; it will be a few hours before the sky clears. The wind continues to weaken and is nothing more than blowing moderately now. The rain has stopped. It is humid and once the sun comes out, it looks to get miserably hot.

    After about 15 minutes after returning to your respective shelters, a series of animal cries raise the alarm for the compound. Again there is much commotion as wild men run to and fro.
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    Tue Dec 02, 2014 11:57 am  

    Tathar Surion goes into a deep meditation seeking divine guidance for the upcoming mission.

    Breymeer grabs his bow and sneaks to the opening of the wild man compound. Several wild men are sneaking and moving about taking covering and concealing themselves for possible ambush.

    From his vantage point, Breymeer spies a small group moving along the street near the three sacrificial poles. Two elves, two dwarves and a half-orc. Had Breymeer not recognized them right away, he would have thought them an odd mix.

    “Cirdan Saralonde, it is good to see all of you! But what has become of Grimlock?” Breymeer hails the group.

    As if on cue, a rat scurries down the rubble from atop a nearby wall and comes scurrying up to Breymeer and the others. “I see you have survived Grimlock, assuming that is you!” Ledego smiles. The rat nods happily.
    Breymeer kneels next to the rat, “Grimlock, I believe you could be a most wonderful scout if we can just figure out how to communicate with you. Stay near me and I will protect you as best I can.”

    They move into the compound and gather the in the little corner. Introductions are made between Ledego’s crew and the members of the adventuring party that entered the city with Tarstar and Grom.

    Cirdan Saralonde and Ledego share some gathered information with the combined adventuring parites. They tell the group of a bugbear named Shruzgrap that parlayed with them. Shruzgrap suggested the group join ranks with Gouthogg and raid Horan’s compound to steal his spellbooks. Horan’s whereabouts are unknown and it is uncertain if he would be at the compound during any potential raid. The bugbear would join the raid. If the raid is to be undertaken, the bugbear expects to meet at nightfall tonight and a location to the east. Cirdan or any member of that exploration group could lead the group to the meeting location.

    Ledego spells out the problems with a raid on Horan’s compound, “First off, if we lose Horan as an ally, it is expected that he would repay our treachery by eliminating my daughter and the remaining crew of the Nir Nen. I find that unacceptable. Secondly, if we were to turn on Horan, his offer to transport us back to the lake compound would be no longer viable. Therefore, our ability to get back to the lake compound, find the Nir Nen crew and sail off on Horan’s magical ship would be lost.”

    “Cirdan Saralonde, as well as I and the others in our group, have calculated the costs of a raid on Horan’s compound and vote to pass on the offer.”

    Legedo advises, “We must raid the yuan-ti warehouse, eliminate the slaving threat and hope that Horan will uphold his end of the deal.”

    Breymeer chimes in, as northlanders are not afraid to voice their opinions, “The slave takers must pay for their crimes. I shall be the deliverer of that punishment. We will complete this mission. If at that time, Horan does not uphold his end of the bargain, then we shall indeed explore the option of raiding his compound.”

    Southar enthusiastically agrees with Breymeer, “I know not how Horan fits into this puzzle, but we should keep to our path. If he turns out to be a slaver, he shall also pay.”

    Ledego begins to speak and then pauses. “My friends, I fear Horan is more than just a wizard intent on exploring this city. I do not know the depth of his involvement in this slaving but I do know that he has taken an active role in assisting us in the slaying of the yuan-ti slave masters. I do not think we have the ability to make an ethical investigation here and now. We can only hope Horan is honorable and not a slave taker. The yuan-ti we know were sacrificing the Olman man. It is within our power to slay the yuan-ti slave masters and that is what we shall do. Should Horan be evil and turn on us, I will presume my daughter and crew dead. In that event, we shall raid Horan’s compound and treat him as our enemy!”

    Aratheas looks to Ledego, “Half-elf, you are a confident man but do not let your human blood rush you to your death. Let us indeed raid the warehouse if that gives us an exit out of this dreadful city. If success does not give us the reward we seek, then we shall discuss our options further.”

    Ide Otneaux repeats her previous statement, “I shall cut down all who stand in our way!”

    Tarstar questions, “What is for dinner?”

    Kuba Cyvlorandau agrees, “I seek to leave this city. I will assist in the raid with the agreement I can accompany you from this jungle to wherever it is you go. Myself and Speck too.”

    The ffolk, Ewan McDermott and Siobhon, agree to join the adventure with the same terms as Kuba Cyvlorandau.

    The moon faced elf, Tathar Surion, does not speak but it is assumed to concur.

    The rat, Grimlock, nibbles on some rations Breymeer has offered him.

    Tanin taps his mace into his free hand. “I say we go now. Enough with this waiting. If the warehouse is anything like the temple, it will be dark as a drow’s heart inside. The sun that you elves cherish will not shine upon our battle.

    The next few hours are spent packing gear and preparing to set out in your various camps all the while watching the skies slowly clear. Once clear, the beast that is the wild man leader appears before the adventurers camps, “It is time. No clouds. Wind done.”

    The ogre sized brute is wearing his mixed scale/splint armor and carrying his massive hammer.

    The group collects their belongings, hoping never to return to the compound. All gather outside and immediately are wet with sweat as the heat and humidity grow in the now bright sun.

    Breymeer, tightly packed into Tathar Surion’s splint mail armor, stands beside the wild man leader with his bow in hand. The leader speaks to Breymeer, “My people think you leader now. I win back pride with yuan-ti head. You come back, you must be the leader until death or defeat.”

    The group leaves the compound with fanfare from the wild men. The highest praise appears to be addressed towards Breymeer although there does not appear to be disrespect for the ogre-man.

    Out in the street, one quickly realizes the safety the walls of the compound gave even if only psychologically.

    The group turns south towards the warehouse. The sun is up being about mid-morning. The air is hot and humid. Those wearing armor can feel the weight of it; sucking at their strength. The wind has died down to near nothing.

    Ahead of the group is Breymeer, Southar and the wild man leader. The rat assumed to be Grimlock follows near Breymeer.

    Next in line walks Ide Otneaux and the dwarves, Tanin and Grom.

    Ledego, Cirdan Saralonde are next followed closely by the other two elves; Aratheas and the moon faced Tathar Surion.

    The fflok from the Moonshae Isles, Ewan McDermott and Shiobhan walk next. The obese Ewan McDermott size forces the group to go slowly or he will quickly fall behind.

    Cuba Cyvlorandau and Speck take up the final rank.

    The group moves south towards what will hopefully be their final quest within the city. All are weary of potential dangers nearby.

    The group has not made it more than a couple hundred feet down the road when Tarstar comes running up from behind and re-joins the group. He looks a bit disheveled and sleepy. It is obvious he just woke up from sleeping and realized the group had set off without him. Tarstar falls into ranks walking next to the dancing rat. Maybe the two have something in common.

    Tathar Surion suddenly speaks to the group in a voice that is loud for him but not a shout. It is loud enough to be heard by the group, “Sahanine has spoken!" He pauses for a few seconds as his words register to all listeners, “Our enemy's strength has increased. How, I do not know, but I know that because of it, not all of us will remain on this plane by the end of the day. May Sahanine guide our souls to Arvanaith.” The last blessing is obviously directed at the elves. Tathar returns to his quiet self.

    Cuba Cyvlorandau, seemingly excited, states, “Thanks to the wild men for our safety in their compound but there is more to life than safety. Since death is the safest place to be, let’s go make these slavers as safe as possible.”

    Speck grins and nods, equally excited to be back on the road.

    The group moves south along the broad avenue. The first 300 feet along consists of ruined buildings and rubble. The buildings on the west a little more intact that the east. The avenue crosses the first major intersection and continues south.

    Several intersections are passed as the group continues south. The ogre sized leader of the wild men occasionally makes some type of animal noise ranging from a bird call to other stranger sounds. His ability to mimic the surrounding creatures amazes you. You cannot tell if he is answered because of the continues jungle sounds you hear in the background. Another 300 feet pass along the second block.

    The group arrives at a four way intersection. The main avenue runs east west here. There is a smaller alley running straight south. Even though it looks to be a perfect ambush area, the leader of the wild men walks that way.

    The small alley is still nearly 20 to 25 feet wide. It runs about 300 feet between two low flat buildings. Twice, once on the north and once on the south, small courtyards appear on both the east and west sides of the alley.
    As the group nears the southern courtyards, a large bugbear steps out into the alley from the western courtyard. He wears his battle armor (splint and scale mixed) and has a large flail in his left hand and a throwing axe in his right hand. He has a necklace of what appears to be severed ears hanging from his neck.

    “Shruzgrap.” Ledego informs the group, “That is Shruzgrap, the bugbear we spoke with earlier.”

    “You die now!” The wild man leader threatens as he raises his huge hammer and approaches the bugbear.

    “You would be wise to hear me out Ghrrrrr, great leader!” The bugbear replies seemingly naming the leader. The name sounds like that of a great cat’s low growl with rolling R’s. “For I shall soon lead all bugbears. A truce could be held between our peoples.”

    Cirdan Saralonde says, “Breymeer, keep the chief in check. Don't let him attack. I believe this Bugbear is honorable, and we should hear what he says."

    Breymeer addresses Ghrrrrr, “You are a great warrior and I have no doubt you can kill him with one swing. I ask that you hold your weapon and spare Shruzgrap and his warriors right now." Next, Breymeer stands on his tip toes and grabs Ghrrrrr by the shoulders, putting his head as close to Ghrrrrr’s as he can. He says something to the giant warped man. Ghrrrrr just nods his head in affirmation.

    <Breymeer told Ghrrrrr, “These foes or yours will help us save the lives of your people, I promise you. I’m asking you to let us use them to help koll slavers. When our task is done, you can have at them later if you still wish.”>

    Once Shruzgrap sees Ghrrrrr has been held in check he continues, “You are wise Ghrrrrrr. I thank you for your restraint. I have spoken to my people that currently guard the warehouse exterior. They wait for a sign from me to know you are our ally. Upon my signal, they will allow you to walk unopposed into the complex. Without my signal, they will set the alarm and warn the yuan-ti of your approach. They have already been watching you but have not yet raised the alarm.”

    Shruzgrap looks to Ledego, “If you hand me the golden tablet you carry, the one from Horan, I will show it to my companions and they will allow you to pass without conflict.”

    Ledego, with encouragement from Cirdan Saralonde and Breymeer, gives the tablets to the bugbear. The bugbear turns and holds the tablet high into the air, tilting it in the bright sun. Shruzgrap then returns the tablet to Ledego who stores it safely again.

    “You have chosen wisely. Now you may approach without fear of bugbear attack. They will remain at their posts but you will pass as if invisible to them. The windows of the building have all been blocked by stone. There are two holes on the southern face of the building, one on the east and one on the west, but both of these holes have been repaired with stonework. The main entrance is in the center of the southern exposure. We have carved steps into the pyramid from the 2nd level to the 5th. The interior of the pyramid area has collapsed but the exterior is intact. One can climb to the top once upon the roof of the first level. The stairs are also on the southern exposure. This will not gain you access to the building. There may be a subterranean entrance but this knowledge is beyond me.” The bugbear begins to talk back into the courtyard, “I have business to attend to. If you yet wish to entertain our previous discussion, you know where to find me at dark. Otherwise, may you find your way out of the city with all speed.”

    Shruzgrap turns and walks across the courtyard and into the ruins, disappearing from view.

    The top floors of the pyramid that sits upon the warehouse is visible to you from where you stand. The sharp eyes of the elves confirm there are bugbears upon the roof armed with bows and other various missile weapons. They do not appear alarmed or angered.

    A low building lies between the group and the warehouse. Breymeer lays out a skeletal plan, “There are 16 of us. We should split into three groups and approach from separate directions to avoid being a mass of humanity just waiting to be attacked.”

    Breymeer lays out his idea for the attack, “I am willing to enter the main entrance and would like Ghrrrrr and any other heavy hitters that are willing to go with. First, let’s have the rat run the perimeter and see if he can find additional entrances. I would like to see us send at least one other group, of our more stealth skilled, to enter at a different entrance with the thought the main group would draw most attention and allow the second group a chance at surprise attacks.”

    Ghrrrrr nods and Ide Otneaux volunteers, “I will join you at the main entrance.”

    Tathar Surion stows his quarter staff and arms himself with his bow, saying nothing.

    The rat quickly scurries off down the street while the group continues to discuss the attack plan.

    Breymeer requests, “Let’s give the rat about twenty minutes and then we head out.”

    After only ten minutes or so, the rat returns. The group gathers around. The rat smooths out some dirt and begins to draw. It draws the perimeter of the building. On the south side it makes squiggles and places over a dozen pebbles. On the north end it draws squares on the eastern edge of the north and squares with parallel lines in them on the western edge. On the northeastern corner it draws a line in the wall. Outside the wall next to the line it draws several stick figures. The rat makes a key that shows the squiggly lines are yuan-ti. The pebbles are other unknown creatures. The squares are boxes. The squares with parallel lines are cages, some with prisoners in them. The line in the wall is a narrow crack. The figures outside the crack are elves. Next to elves it writes, “Crack too small to fit armor, elves or smaller fit.”

    With the new found information, the pre attack discussion continues.
    Adept Greytalker

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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 9:41 pm  

    The rat, assumed to be Grimlock, runs a couple circles around Ledego and Cirdan Saralonde and then begins to scratch another note in the dirt. The note says, “Please charm a yuan-ti and get them to change me back so I can help.”

    Speck volunteers to go in with the elves, “I am only slightly less stealthy than the rat. I will enter with the elves.”

    Tathar Surion notches an arrow to his string, saying nothing.

    Cirdan Saralonde tells the rat, “Grimlock, you should come with us. You can fit through the crack, and your claws and bite would do damage, indeed! I will go with the elves through the crack as well.” He draws both of his daggers.

    “I have only just met half of you but should you let me, I will lead the elves into the crack.” Ledego looks to the elf wizard, Aratheas, “Please come with use and give us some backup with your magical powers.” She nods.

    Kuba Cyvlorandau steps up with Ide Otneaux, Breymeer and Ghrrrrrr, “I think I am capable to enter the front with the likes of you.”

    Southar also steps up, “I will not fit through the crack, I will enter the front.”

    Tarstar will also go through the front door, “Nor will I fit in the crack.”

    The dwarves, Tanin and Grom, along with the ffolk, Ewan McDermott and Siobhon, join the front door crew.

    The plan is finalized, those at the front door will enter and engage whatever they meet in combat while the elves sneak in the rear for the surprise attack into the back of the slaver’s ranks.

    Assuming the bugbear has been true to its word, the group moves carefully forward. No one sees any movement on the roof or perimeter. If the bugbears are around, they are not showing themselves. The group is able to safely move up on the building unchallenged.

    The elves take up their position at the crack and await the signal to enter. They line up to enter in this order: Ledego, the rat (Grimlock), Cirdan Saralonde, Tathar Surion, Speck and Aratheas.

    The front door crew moves around to the south end of the building and sets up at the front door. Tarstar stands at the southeast corner to signal the elves as soon as the front door is breached. The entry team is consists of: Ghrrrrrr, who will kick in the door if it is not open, Breymeer and Southar will enter shooting bows, Ide Otneaux and Ghrrrrrr will attempt to engage anyone close in melee, Kuba Cyvlorandau will react to what he sees, the dwarves will shoot their crossbows afterwhich Tanin will enter melee and Grom will continue with his crossbow and react as needed, the Ffolk will react as needed as will Tarstar when he gets into the building.

    Ghrrrrrr takes a few deep breaths, Tarstar raises his hand and the elves and halfling quietly hold their breath.

    Ghrrrrrr puts his full weight into the door and to his surprise, it opens inward. Tarstar drops his arm signaling Ledego who leads the elves into the building as quickly as the small crack allows. Ledego, having entered into the building, whispers back, “All clear so far!”

    The light of day streams into the building through the large open door. Several braizers also burn brightly with flame. There is one on each side of the door.

    In the center of the room are four huge columns, one positioned under each of the four corners of the pyramid shaped upper levels. Each column has a burning brazier on the interior side of the column.

    To the west of the columns is a strange throne or altar that sits upon a raised dais. It is a massive object made of stone. Behind the chair or flat stone altar is a series of snakes. The center snake is the tallest with the side snakes smaller in descending order. The snakes seem to climb into the air behind the altar throne and arc forward over it with their mouths open.

    In front of the throne, there is a snake shaped yuan-ti standing upon the dais. It has a snake head and human arms. Flanking the dais are two more yuan-ti. They are half-snake with human heads. There is a mass of creatures among the columns, possible up to two dozen. They mainly appear to be the snake creatures that had attacked the group while camped in the bugbear guardrooms, coming from the flooded cavern. Among them appears to be two humans.

    Across the room, past the support columns to the north, are rows of crates, some facing east/west and some north/south. The room is unlit among the crates.

    To the west of the crates are cages that hold some type of human or human like prisoners. A brazier burns in the far NW corner illuminating the cage area.

    Ledego, once through the crack, meets no immediate opposition. He steps to the side, down the southern walkway between the wall and the first line of crates. He keeps an elf’s eye out for danger as the others make their way into the room past him. As each enters, the smell of rotting flesh is quickly detected hanging in the air.

    The rat scurries up the first row of boxes and is followed by Tathar Surion. Both ascend to the top of the boxes finding about four to five feet of clearance at the top. Perfect for an elf and a rat.

    Tathar Surion and Grimlock, once upon the crates, you see a long snake atop the third north/south row of crates (about 20 feet to your west). The creature is hard to see as it is shielded from the light of the braziers. It is stretched out from north to south. In the darkness, you can make out that it has black and crimson banded scales and strangely, a human head with stringy hair and deep dark eyes. It looks directly at Tathar Surion saying in elvish, “Do not be alarmed, I am here to help you. Horan has sent me.”

    Cirdan Saralonde makes his way along the northern wall, heading in the direction of the crates. Aratheas follows quietly behind him. They both hear a quiet voice say in elvish, “Do not be alarmed, I am here to help you. Horan has sent me.”

    Once all the elves and Speck are in the building, Ledego moves quietly south.

    Speck hesitates momentarily, wearing watching out the hole to protect the rear of the group and waiting for events to unfold that may require his attention.

    The main charge enters the southern doors and quickly realizes they have the enemy surprised. The yuan-ti on the dais appear to be directing or watching the others before them. The ones in the center of the chamber are engaged in various activities and appear to be caught flat footed.

    Ghrrrrrr moves straight into the room raising him hammer above his head. His jaw clenched and his eyes bulging, he charges ahead towards one of the human looking creatures. The human appears to be female wearing a robe over chain mail. She recoils at the charge and grimaces revealing fanged teeth. Ghrrrrrr drops his great hammer down on the female yuan-ti but her reflex is to step aside and the hammer hits the floor with a tremendous thud.

    Breymeer moves to his left and takes protection behind a column as he fires two arrows at the yuan-ti standing before the altar/throne. This creature has a snake body and snake head, covered in green scales tipped with brown. From its body extends two human arms. In its right hand is a wooden staff carved into the shape of a cobra with the top of the staff being a large flared cobra head. At its hip, it wears a huge scimitar. The creature is nearly 10 feet long, rising to the height of the tallest of men. Breymeer’s first arrow deflects off the scaled abdomen but the second arrow pierces its chest slightly before falling back out revealing a small wound (3, 39/42).

    Tanin moves up along Breymeer’s left on the opposite side of the column and fires his crossbow at the yuan-ti to the left of Breymeer’s target. Tanin’s foe has a snake tail and human upper body. The scales are a dull blue with red blotches. The creature appears to have a more snake like head. A bow is upon its shoulder and a scimitar upon its hip. Tanin’s bolt flies wide, missing its mark and striking the altar/throne behind. The bolt shatters upon impact.

    Southar breaks to the right and pauses to shoot his bow. His first arrow flies high but he steadies himself on the second shot. The snake man behind the SE column is hit in the head and crumbles to the stone floor (6, 0/6).

    Grom shoot from behind the brazier just right of the door taking the snake man just left of Southar’s target in the chest. It also drops stone cold dead upon the floor (7, 0/7).

    Ewan McDermott moves to the side so as not to block the door. He analyzes the situation from there, huffing a puffing a little from the quick movement into the building. The cooler air of the stone interior seems like a relief to the heavily sweating man.

    Siobhon moves crouched to behind the southwestern pillar between Tanin and Breymeer. Tarstar runs up to the doorway and then slows, moving in behind Siobhon.

    Ide Otneaux and Kuba Cyvlorandau move up in tandem and engage two of the snake men. The duo is maneuvering to plow a path through the right flank of the snake men to secure a path to the elves if needed. Kuba Cyvlorandau’s blow is dodged but Ide Otneaux drops her axe onto her target (10, 4/14). With great surprise, it stands its ground.

    The creatures are scrambling to comprehend the sudden attack while the yuan-ti begin to shout orders and take action.

    The yuan-ti are shouting orders and reacting to your sudden attack. The snake men begin to organize themselves and prepare a defense. While doing so, three snake men stand out as leaders. They are shouting orders in attempts to organize the defense.

    Tarstar slips away from the support column and slowly tries to work his way along the southern wall to the alcove on the SW corner. The yuan-ti on the south side of the altar sees Tarstar, draws forth a bow and begins firing arrows. Two arrows take flight and both strike Tarstar in the torso (6, 25/31 and 3, 22/31) as he moves across the southern wall. He makes it to the shelter of the alcove where he is out of sight from his nemesis.

    Siobhon holds her ground as does Ewan McDermott.

    Breymeer fires two more arrows at the yuan-ti with the staff. The first darts through the air and sticks into the yuan-ti’s tail (4, 35/42). The second darts past its left arm and breaks upon the stone idol.

    Tathar begins sending arrows inbound towards the presumed yuan-ti leader from atop the crates. His elven dexterity and bowmanship is impressive. Both arrows find their mark. The first deflects off its left arm without appearing to harm it. The second cuts the scales alongside its chest (4, 31/42).

    Tanin fires a bolt at the dull blue yuan-ti left of the yuan-ti leader. It bends its body to an extreme backwards at the waist as the bolt flies by, missing it.

    Grom fires a bolt that somehow makes it all the way through the crowd of targets and sticks into the crates on the far side of the room.

    Southar dumps two arrows into the snake man to Ide Otneaux’s left flank. It drops dead face first onto the floor (7 and 5, -1/11).

    Ghrrrrrr lifts his hammer off the ground and tries to jab it forward at his opponent to knock it off balance. The fanged yaun-ti side steps it, producing two daggers in the flash of an eye. It moves past Ghrrrrrr with a grin on its face. Ghrrrrrr gets wide eyed and looks down, a strap on his armor was cut revealing his abdomen. The second dagger dove deep into his skin (5, 28/33, missed save vs type E poison = death). Ghrrrrrr grimaces, drops his hammer and grasps at the wound then bellows before falling face down onto the floor unmoving.

    Kuba slashes his bastard sword across the face of the snake man (2, 8/10) causing it to drop its weapon and grab its face.

    Ide Otneaux swings her massive axe lopping the head off her adversary and then driving her axehead through the guts of Kuba’s wounded foe. They both fall dead.

    Seeing Ide Otneaux and Kuba moving into their ranks, the final human among the snake men moves forward to block them; calling for the snake men to assist. It has a tan robe over chain mail and carries a shield and spear. It lowers the spear and charges Ide Otneaux’s left flank, avoiding Kuba, as the two snake men are falling dead. It drives its spear deep into Ide Otneaux’s left leg striking the artery; blood sprays forth and her leg continues to bleed profusely (12, 16/35; major bleed).

    Ledego steps to the very edge of his crates and manipulates a few components then points at the yuan-ti to the right of the leader. A lightning bolt streaks forth, travelling through two snake men before reaching the altar area. The yuan-ti on the left dives to avoid being hit by the bolt. The lightning bolt deflects off of the stone altar blowing bits of stone from it. The deflecting bolt travels through the yuan-ti leader and onto a final snake man just short of the yuan-ti with the dual daggers. <29 damage bolt, kills all 3 snake men, first yuan-ti missed magic resistance but made save for 14 damage (14, 10/24), the yuan-ti leader made magic resistance for no damage>.

    Aratheas follows Ledego’s lead. She moves up to the corner of the crates and sends a bolt towards the altar striking the yuan-ti leader (10, 21/42) and the yuan-ti on its left as it dives to avoid Ledego’s bolt (10, 0/24). The diving yuan-ti, having its light blue scales blackened, takes the bolt full on and remains down, quivering. The bolt ends as it impacts into the altar.

    Cirdan Saralonde makes it to the cages finding them made of bamboo and only tied with hemp rope securing the doors closed.

    Speck remains at the opening being vigilant to possible sneak attacks.

    Grimlock remains on top of the crates, eyeing something to the west.

    The snake men form up and being to take offensive positions preparing to strike.

    The yuan-ti leader charges from the altar. As it does so, the cobra headed staff begins to move and the head of the cobra comes to life. The yuan-ti leader closes in on Tanin and drives the staff towards his face striking him across the nose drawing forth blood (4, 22/26). Tanin recoils and a venom can be seen dripping from the open wound on his face. Tanin gasps and grabs his chest. He takes two steps backwards and drops back supine onto the ground unmoving (dead, failed save vs type E poison).

    Tathar shouts to the snake creature, “Then help!” before shooting his arrows. The snake creature appears to be examining the battle but does nothing obvious so far.
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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 9:49 pm  

    Southar turns his bow towards the dagger wielding assassin, firing two arrows into its chest. The first strikes homes (5, 19/24) but the second deflects off the chainmail armor.

    Grom also takes aim at the dual dagger danger. However, the bolt flies across the room and sticks into the last row of crates near the two snake men moving towards Cirdan Saralonde.

    Ewan McDermitt looks about nervously, examining the movements of the enemy, breathing heavily.

    Tarstar makes sure the arrows are clear his body and bleeds the wounds as best he can to avoid poisoning. He then carefully sneaks up to the edge of the wall and peers out for a possible sneak attack target; trying to avoid again becoming a target for the bow wielding yuan-ti.

    Breymeer stows his bow and shouts, “If you are able, fire at the leader!” He draws his broadsword and dagger and charges the leader by rounding the south side of the support column shouting, “Die slaver scum!”

    Siobhon sees the dagger wielding yuan-ti closing on Breymeer as he stows his bow and begins his charge. She fires as quickly as she can string arrows. Her dexterity is amazing and her accuracy is true. Both arrows strike the fanged foe in the chest, penetrating its chain armor (5, 14/24) (5, 9/24).

    Tathar continues his elven archery on the leader striking it in the back with both arrows. The first sticks (5, 8/42) but the second bounces off the scales.

    The leader fights through the pain of Tathar’s arrows and prepares for Breymeer’s charge. As Breymeer closes on it, the yuan-ti jabs the cobra headed staff at him. The attack bounces harmlessly off the odd fitting splint armor.

    Breymeer, still screaming his great barbarian war cry, feigns with his dagger as he drags his broadsword across the leaders neck opening a wide wound (8, 0/42). Blood rushes forth as the leader drops to its knees, staff clattering to the ground. The staff’s cobra head returns to its inanimate form as the leader drops forward in death.

    The yuan-ti upon the dais sees its companion go down and fires its bow at Breymeer. The first arrow bounces off his armor but the second strikes home (5, 35/40). The snake man standing behind the fallen leader hurls a javelin at Breymeer but it too deflects off his armor harmlessly.

    The yuan-ti dagger assassin charges Siobhon with an angry fanged hiss dipping the dagger it stabbed Ghrrrrrr with into its scabbard. As it pulls the dagger back out a sick looking liquid drips from the blade. Siobhon is forced to defend herself with her bow. She clubs it in the side as it closes in on her for the kill (2, 7/24). The assassin drives on dagger into her leg (6, 20/26), spins and sinks the other into Siobhon’s chest (5, 15/26). Siobhon gasps for air, and struggles to stand. Her eyes roll back and she drops to the stone floor (dead, failed save on both).

    The snake man behind the assassin throws a javelin at Southar cutting him along his cheek (4, 21/41).

    The other humanish looking yuan-ti, wearing the robe over chain, exchanges blows with Ide Otneaux and Kuba. The yuan-ti has much skill with its spear and shield combination. It targets Ide Otneaux’s wounded left leg, again driving the spear into her bleeding wound (3+1 blood loss, 12/35). Ide Otneaux screams in pain while Kuba slashes forward with his sword, cutting into its left leg (6, 10/24) while Ide Otneaux manages to bring her axe around in a deadly arc. It also cuts into the snake-eyed foe’s left leg severing it from its body (19, -9/24). It drops to the floor, dead. Ide Otneaux spits upon it.

    One of the snake men leaders moves in on the duo slashing with its sword ineffectively. A second snake man leader moves in from the north attacking Kuba. Kuba is able to turn and parry the blow with his sword.

    The remaining snake man leader charges towards Ledego with one of his cohorts in tow throwing a javelin as it runs, missing Ledego. Ledego makes some quick gestures and verbalizations using a bird feather he picked up while walking in the city. Prior to the attack reaching him, Ledego lifts into the air and begins flying around the room.

    The snake men look up at him dumbfounded.

    The remaining snake man in the NW corner throw its javelin at Tathar. The javelin strikes him square in the chest. It falls free, failing to penetrate, but Tathar looks as if the blow knocked the wind from him momentarily (4, 12/16) but he recovers quickly.

    Speck, believing the hole to be secure from intrusion, moves into the darkness on the north wall.

    Cirdan Saralodne begins to cut open the cages, starting on the north end, “Fight for your lives!” Aratheas sees the final two snake men moving in behind Cirdan Saralonde throwing javelins. She quickly casts a spell and the brazier next to the snake men begins to belch thick black smoke obscuring the snake men’s vision and causing them to choke. They throw their javelins as they try to close on Cirdan to get out of the smoke. The first javelin flies wildly to the right but the second one strikes Cirdan Saralonde in the lower back as he cuts the binding clear and opens the door (6, 17/23). The prisoners do not try and move out.

    Grimlock sees the snake creature moves down the box and slithers out behind Speck and heads east towards the hole in the wall.

    Speck sees a snake-like creature, nearly fifteen feet long and having a human head with stringy hair, appears from the rows of crates behind him and slithers east towards the hole. It is ten feet from him; moving away.
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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 9:54 pm  

    Tarstar removes the long bow from his shoulder. More of a crossbow fan, he does his best to send arrows downrange at the snake man between the altar and Breymeer. Both shots fail to hit their mark.

    The snake man returns fire with a javelin striking Tarstar in the left leg causing a large gash (6, 16/31).

    Breymeer pulls the arrow from his armor, grimacing at the pain while eyeing up the yuan-ti upon the dais. The yuan-ti removes a handful of arrows from its quiver and throws them to the ground before it. The arrows immediately begin to wiggle and move changing over to normal sized poisonous snakes and immediately begin to head towards Tarstar, Breymeer and Ewan. Breymeer lops the head off the first one in range with his broadsword (8, -4/4) but misses with his dagger.

    Ewan McDermott moves up to Siohbon and prepares to defend himself with his staff.

    Southar secures his bow and draws forth his sword and golden shield. The yuan-ti assassin sees the shield, quickly dips and removes its daggers into their sheaths and charges him immediately. Southar jabs his sword forward as the yuan-ti closes in striking a wounding blow to its head (6, 3/24). The yuan-ti’s first dagger is easily blocked by Southar’s golden shield but the second dagger catches Southar across the neck, luckily only grazing him (2, 19/41) but the poison quickly sets in (20, -1/41, saved taking 20 damage instead of death) and Southar drops to his knees and then forward staying on his knees leaning forward in the fetal position.

    Seeing an opportunity, McDermott begins checking the downed allies for signs of life.

    Grom, seeing Southar go down, draws a careful bead on the yuan-ti’s head and lets fly with his crossbow. The bolt travels straight through the yuan-ti’s mouth severing the spine as it exits the other side (8, -5/24). The yuan-ti drops dead in front of Southar. Grom moves up to Southar to check to see if he is still alive. The snake man to his north throws a javelin at Grom but it flies errant striking the wall behind Grom.

    Nearby, Kuba strikes out with his sword putting a slice into the snake man leader’s face (5, 19/24). Its return attack is parried by Kuba.

    Ide Otneaux’s axe cuts the air back and forth towards the snake man leader that faces her. It deftly avoids the blows. Thinking it has Ide Otneaux beat, it moves in for the kill but Ide Otneaux knocks its weapon from its hand. The weapon clatters across the floor.

    Ledego flies to the SW column and takes some shelter there at floor height. There, Ledego begins a now familiar spell. Pointing, he sends a forked lightning bolt streaking towards the yuan-ti upon the dais. The flash is blinding and the thunderclap deafening inside the stone building. Ears ring from the third such massive audio assault. The bolt cuts through the snake man throwing javelins at Grom and Southar causing him to explode, the next in line is the snake man just north of Breymeer, it too is split into pieces, two of the newly formed snakes simply disappear. Finally, the bolt impacts the altar as the yuan-ti dives to the side, narrowly avoiding the main shock of the bolts (18, 11/29). An entire snake head is blown off the south side of the altar.

    The snake man south of Tathar continues to throw javelins at him without scoring a hit. Tathar’s ability to dodge incoming missiles is simply amazing, even for an elf.

    Tathar elegantly sticks two arrows in the snake man throwing javelins at him, killing him where he stood. Seeing two more snake men below him, he begins to gracefully hop west along the top of the rows of crates.

    Cirdan Saralonde moves into the cage he just opened. He tries in vain to get the people to exit the cage but notices there is something wrong with them. They appear diseased, possibly with leprosy or similar. Their skin is dry and scaling. Seeing the two snake men outside the cage recovering from the smoke inhalation and moving his way, he exits the cage before they can block him in. They are upon him immediately but before they can grab onto him or attack in any fashion, they both fall to his feet, fast asleep. Aratheas just nods to Cirdan Saralonde as she recovers from casting her spell.

    Speck notices a large snake creature with a human head moving down from atop the crates behind him and then along the north wall. It moves east towards the hole. Speck secures his sword and draws back his bowstring firing arrows at it. Both arrows hit but only one penetrates the snake creature’s scales (8, 34/42). The creature looks over its shoulder and says something in halfling to Speck. The rat named Grimlock quietly watches from above.

    Speck, the snake creature looks to you and says soothingly in the halfling language, “I am a friend of Horan’s and therefore a friend of yours. Do not harm me further.” You find horror in your error and sorrow that you have hurt friend. You find the snake creature truthful and suddenly no threat at all. <failed save vs charm>.

    Grimlock, after the snake speaks to Speck in halfling, Speck appears to be sorry and the attacks stop.
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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:00 pm  

    Tarstar, seeing the snakes about to pin him into the alcove, flees along the south wall around them until he comes to the mass of humanity that is Ewan McDermott. Here Tarstar is forced to slow and slip between Ewan and the brazier. Tarstar then scans the battle.

    Breymeer hacks away at the newly formed snakes trying to fight his way to the yuan-ti upon the dais. He is yelling threats towards it as he hacks at the reptiles slashing one in half with his broadsword and sticking his dagger down the mouth of another; killing both.

    Two of the remaining snakes are able to connect with Breymeer’s flesh but he quickly knocks them clear (3, 32/40, makes both saves).

    Ewan McDermott kneels down next to each Siohbon and Tanin then reports, “Alas, they are both dead!” A snake moves in on him while he is attempting to tend to Tanin. A quick swat with his oaken staff smashes its head and ends its assault.

    The final snake slithers up to Ewan McDermott but he is able to deflect its bite with his staff, avoiding harm.

    The yuan-ti upon the altar fires its bow towards Ledego striking him while Ledego was preparing a spell ruining it (8, 14/24 – missed save; paralyzed in 12 minutes). Ledego is able to dodge the incoming second round.

    Grom finds Southar still breathing but nearing death (1, -2/41). Grom quickly removes some garlic from a pouch and crushes it, smothering it into the neck wound, “Brightmantle, if this man has been poisoned, please delay his death until he may be healed.”

    The snake man on Kuba swings its sword bouncing it off Kuba’s armor. With a sudden quickness, it darts its head in and bits Kuba through a joint in the armor above Kuba’s right shoulder (2, 15/27, failed save).

    Ide Otneaux, still bleeding from her leg (1, 7/35) takes a stab from the snake man, having armed himself with a javelin. It again targets her left leg (5, 2/35). She swings wildly in defense, an uncommon fear in her eye. The creature blocks the blow with its shield and bites at Ide Otneaux’s neck tearing at her flesh (2, 0/35, failed save). Ide Otneaux drops under its weight and does nothing to recover or defend herself; she is limp in a pile on the ground under the snake creature.

    Tathar, seeing the danger to Ide Otneaux, takes very careful aim and fires arrows into the back of the snake man leader that is chewing on her neck. One arrow strikes home (3, 27/30) but the other sails harmlessly by. Tathar curses his rare miss.

    The two snake men that were below Tathar run towards Ledego throwing javelins as they move. One misses completely and the other mystically bounces off of him without any apparent harm. It does, however, draw his attention to them.

    Cirdan Saralonde nods in return to Aratheas and then bows low in a most graceful manner. He then crouches down and slits the throats of the two sleeping snake men. Aratheas moves up next to him.

    Speck speaks to the snake creature, "What have I done??? I'm so sorry.... Forgive me... I'm so sorry....Is there is anything he can do to help it or to protect it from further harm.

    Grimlock and Speck hear the snake creature speak to Speck, speaking in the halfling tongue, “Tell anyone who asks about me that I went for help for you.” It then slithers through the crack in the wall and disappears outside.
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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:03 pm  

    Strangely, Cirdan Saralonde finds nothing of value on the bodies of the snake men.

    Grimlock, Grimlock takes advantage of being a rat and moves down the box and into the shadows without sound. He moves east along the north wall to the crack in the exterior wall where the snake creature slithered through. Here, without peeking out, Grimlock hears voices; bugbear voices and another voice. Grimlock can only guess it is the snake creature now speaking bugbear.

    Speck nocks and arrow and sneaks along the crates, moving south. He gets about half way down the row of crates and takes a shooting position. Speck takes a sniper’s aim at one of the snake men fighting with Kuba. Speck lets the arrow fly striking his target in the neck (8, 11/24).

    Cirdan Saralonde stands and faces the yuan-ti on the dais in front of the altar, “Hey! Yuan-ti! Why are you attacking us? Can you not see that I am your friend?” <Casting charm person spell, blocked by magic resistance>

    Aratheas shouts a warning to Cirdan Saralonde. The prisoners in the cell he had opened had become angry and were moving towards the duo with malice in their eyes. Aratheas quickly secures the door shut but before she can get it bound, she is grabbed through the bamboo bars by two of them. She struggles but is pulled up against the bars. Upon closer inspection of these prisoners, you can see their teeth have become sharp and their eyes are snake eyed. Their skin dry and scaly.

    Tathar takes aim at the snake leader chewing on Ide and misses again. Anger now showing on his face for missing a second time, he nocks another arrow and focuses. His arrow flies true and cuts across the side of its chest (8, 19/30).

    Ledego, under the charge of the two snake men, quickly casts a spell and multiple images of Ledego appear. The charging snake men quickly take out two of the duplicates with their charge; six remain.

    The snake man upon Ide Otneaux rises, having re-armed himself with a sword, and moves around Kuba’s eastern side putting the support column between it and Tathar, eliminating it as a target to him. The other leader also moves east keeping Kuba between the two snake men leaders. Kuba takes a vicious onslaught of blows from them as they move. Using shield and sword, he blocks as many blows as able. What he is unable to block fails to penetrate his armor. Finally, his defenses fail as the snake leader flanking his north side lunges forward and bites his cheek (2, 23/27).

    Blood continues to pump out of Ide Otneaux’s wounded left leg (3, -3/35).

    Kuba lets out a yell of pain and anger. Throwing his weight into the creature biting him, he knocks it off its feet onto its back. Kuba drives his sword into his guts, slicing him open (6, 5/24).

    Grom can see Kuba Cyvlorandau has his hands full so he shouts to Ewan, “Help Southar, I have no time!” Not taking time to bandage Southar yet hoping he can return to him in time, Grom leaves his crossbow next to Southar, pulls his battleaxe and charges to assist Kuba with a battle cry, “With dwarven steel, I will destroy you!” His axe blow deflects harmlessly off the scaled hide of the snake man.

    Southar, unconscious with shallow, gasping breaths, keeps twitching and clutching his neck as he continues to fade away (1, -3/41).

    Breymeer yells, “I’m coming for you!” while slashing the head off another snake while moving towards the yuan-ti. The remaining snake bites him on his right leg (2, 30/40, missed save, onset 4 rnds and incapacitated 3 days). Breymeer swipes his dagger at the snake attempting to knock it off his leg. Instead, he cuts the dagger into his own flesh (4, 26/40).

    The yuan-ti draws its bowstring and fires arrows at Breymeer. The first strikes him across the left cheek (6, 20/40) and the second takes him across the other cheek cutting him to the bone (6, 14/40).

    Ewan tempts the snake facing him into striking. Surprisingly, for his size, he is quick. He dodges the strike and flattens the snake’s head with his staff. Killing the snakes appears bring sadness to Ewan, “Glad they are not real snakes.”

    Tarstar takes cover behind the support pillar and continues to examine the battlefield for opportunities.
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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:07 pm  

    Ewan McDermott, after triaging Siohbon and Tanin, moves to Southar to try and save him. Southar goes into seizures (1, -4/41).

    Tarstar fires his bow at the yuan-ti upon the dais. One arrow flies clear and the other deflects off its scales.

    The snake on Breymeer’s leg continues to painfully hang on his leg (2, 12/40) until Breymeer slashes the head off it with his broadsword. He shealths his dagger and begins digging in his pouch, removing a vial given to him by Horan only to watch it shatter as an arrow from the yuan-ti destroys the container. The liquid spills out in his hand. Breymeer looks to the yuan-ti and it sneers evilly as its second arrow punctures Breymeer’s armor just below his left shoulder sticking there (7, 5/40).

    Ledego continues his deception with the two snake men. Hoping he bought himself time, he begins to dig out spell components. Directing his attention to Breymeer’s struggle, Ledego begins casting a spell. The deception works as the snake men only strike down two more mirror images; four remain. Strands of web shoot forth from Ledego’s fingers covering the dais with thick sticky webs. The webs stretch from the southern brazier diagonally to the NW support pillar and then back to the northern edge of the dais by the brazier there. The webs stretch upward into the pyramid shaped ceiling securing to the western wall there completely sealing the altar area in. The webs end just ahead of Breymeer. The yuan-ti has disappeared into the sticky structure.

    Meanwhile, Tathar Surion, unable to fire upon Kuba battle, directs his fire towards the yuan-ti on the dias. The first arrow strikes it in the side, sticking into its ribs (7, 4/29) and the final arrow sticks into its head (5, -1/29). Just before the webs bury the creature, you watch it tumble dead upon the dais.

    Kuba, in a fit of rage, slashes the snake man upon the ground with his bastard sword, “I’ve had enough of you!” The blow opens up the snake man’s chest, killing it (6, -1/24). Kuba turns on the final opponent, “You are next!”

    The snake man has turned its back on Kuba to face the axe wielding dwarf. It jabs its sword across Grom’s face, lighting cutting it and shaving off some of his beard (1, 14/26).

    “My beard! With Brightmantle’s strength, I shall repay you!” Grom swings his axe with all his power cutting deep into the creature’s hip (15, 4/30). It yet stands to fight but is obviously beaten down.

    During the melee between Grom, Kuba and the snake men, an arrow from Speck zips through the mass without finding its target.

    Cirdan Saralonde attempts to pull Aratheas free from the demented prisoner’s grasp. The tug of war ends in a draw. Aratheas remains in their grasp but Cirdan Saralonde has managed to keep the door shut.

    A rat comes running out from the crates, across the multiple battles in the room and gets to Ide Otneaux. The rat begins to tug at material in attempts to staunch her wound while she continues to bleed (2, -5/35).
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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:14 pm  

    Kuba, seeing his opponent turn its back on him, takes a massive swing at the creature cleaving it in two (5, -1/30).

    The remaining two snake men make a break for the door as Speck sends an arrow harmlessly by them. Breymeer kneels, pain shooting through his body. He stows his sword and removes his bow; shooting two arrows at the fleeing snake men. He strikes the smaller of the two, felling it (6, 0/6).

    Ewan begins a chant and lays his hands upon Southar who stops convulsing but does not wake (+1, -4/41).

    The rat continues to try and stop Ide Otneaux’s bleeding (-2, -7/35). Tathar dives forward, hand before himself, off of the crates. He lands on the ground in a somersault. In a flash he is back on his feet, moving to Ide Otneaux’s side to help the rat stop her bleeding.

    Cirdan Saralonde pulls a dagger. Either through the elves’ combined strength, or the threat of the weapon, the prisoner’s hold on Aratheas is broken. The prisoner’s step back as Aratheas secures the gate.

    Tarstar, standing by the door, begins to hear bugbear voices outside the main door just south of him.

    In a flash of light, the webbing that Ledego shot onto the altar catches fire from the braziers on both sides. It burns quickly and with no small heat. Within a short time, the webbing is burned away and the now charred remains of the yuan-ti remain on the dais, confirming they are dead.

    In the flash of light, the final snake man reaches the door and exits outside into the daylight.

    Ewan McDermott moves next to Ide Otneaux and lays hands on her, praying. The bleeding wound on her left (-2, -9/35) leg appears to be slowed (+2, -7/35). She looks to be in dire condition.

    Breymeer, while still standing, is looking a bit pale. His leg near the snake bite is starting to blacken and is significantly swollen. He yanks the arrow out of his lower shoulder with a wince. He removes another vial from his pack and drinks the contents quickly (+17, 22/40). Instantly, his color comes back some and his wounds appear in much better condition. He does, however, appear to be suffering some lasting ill effects. His snake bites do not look fully healed.

    Kuba moves over to Ghrrrrrr to check on him. He finds him stone cold dead.

    Grimlock, seeing Ide Otneaux being care for, runs to Breymeer’s side and begins to look him over.

    Speck moves to the group near Ide Otneaux and announces, “I saw a snake. He says he is a friend if Horan's and he will send help soon."

    Tarstar moves cautiously to the door they snake man just exited, peering around the portal carefully.

    Tathar, seeing the living being cared for, begins to pray over the dead. He reaches Ghrrrrrr first and joins Kuba there.

    Cirdan Saralonde heads for the altar area and begins to inspect the yuan-ti dead there. “We may want to inspect those enclosed crates, but be very cautious when we do.” He pauses near the edge of the dais for things to cool down a bit.

    Aratheas eyes the prisoners in the cage. The prisoners in the northern cage show no intent to escape. They appear to have some traits of the snake men. The prisoners in the southern cage, all of them wildmen, appear normal and scared. They may even be lamenting over Ghrrrrrr.

    Kuba lays the great hammer of Ghrrrrrr next to its fallen owner, “Big, ugly and now dead.” Kuba appeared to be giving respect to the fallen giant. Kuba looks around for a scrap of cloth. He takes a scrap from Ghrrrrrr and cleans himself off and then wipes down his weapon.

    Speck moves among the snake men checking out the bodies. Speck seems a little bothered by all the carnage around him but keeps a brave face, “I really wish I could have a whiff of ‘Old Toby’ right now.”

    Tathar moves to Ide Otneaux’s side and prays over her for healing (3, -4/35). She remains unresponsive but still has signs of life.

    Grimlock runs to Ledego’s side and appears to be trying to communicate something to him.

    Cirdan Saralonde walks to wear the yuan-ti leader was slain and bends over its staff, visually inspecting it. “What do we do about the wildmen and other creatures in the cages? I say we free the wild men but we should let Breymeer do it.”

    Ewan returns to Southar and again prays over him (1, -3/41). He too remains unconscious, flirting with death.

    Breymeer, sweating now with a swelling leg, appeals to Speck, “So you came across a slave taking snake? Same bastards that just almost killed out group? Had a conversation with it and just let it go? Please tell me more.”

    Tarstar steps back into the room and almost interrupts Breymeer, “Hey, Shruzgrap is outside and there are numerous bugbears with him!”

    Breymeer and Tarstar’s statements bring Speck out of some private thoughts, sadness expressed on his face. He replies to Breymeer, “No... No.... Not that at all... I stuck it well with an arrow and was getting ready to chop it to pieces when it spoke to me, in my own tongue, saying that it was a friend of Horan's and thus a friend of mine. It told me to tell you Horan would send help soon." Speck steps back from the bodies and readies himself for possible battle.

    Tarstar seems to agree on battle preparations as he draws his blade and does a little dance, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

    Ewan takes a softer approach. “Screwed, blued and tattooed. We need to appoint someone to speak to them.”

    Tathar goes into a trance (+7, 16/16).

    Kuba also catches ear of Tarstar's warning of bugbears. He turns his attention away from inspecting the crates and makes his way towards Breymeer with Speck tailing him. Kuba tosses the soiled rag, sheathes his sword and checks his armor saying, "I will help in any way I can."

    Grimlock, scribbles on the ground, unable to leave a mark, then mimes at the air frantically in front of Ledego pointing towards the door. As best as can be deciphered, the rat thinks the door should be shut. When Ledego doesn’t respond quick enough, the rat, as fast as a rat can scurry, runs for the door.

    Cirdan Saralonde and Breymeer each begin to move towards the door. Breymeer speaks as he moves, “I believe Shruzgrap and his people will help us and guard us now that we’ve cleared out the snake men. Unless someone disagrees, I will ask Shruzgrap if they can stand guard while we take care of our dead and wounded and get our group in order and then help us carry our dead and injured out of this crap hole. Maybe they can carry out the crates and valuables for us.”

    He looks to the healers, “Is there anyone that could look at my snake bites? I’m feeling a bit woozy.”

    At that moment, Shruzgrap and two other large bugbears enter through the door; not waiting for you to exit. Shruzgrap drops the head of the escaped snake man on the floor. “One got out.” Through the open door, nearly a dozen, or more, bugbears have collected near the door.

    Grimlock does not make it to the door and dives behind the brazier on the right side of the door.

    Breymeer addresses Shruzgrap, “Are you aware of any other threats nearby? Do your people have healers that could help us? We have cleared the area of slavers but have taken great losses. Will you and your people help us get our dead and wounded to a safe place for healing? We also need help carrying out some crates and items we found. Finally, can you send a runner to get the wildmen shaman/elder to come check out the captive’s condition and bring some of his people to retrieve their people?”

    Shruzgrap looks around for a moment while Breymeer speaks. Seeing the wild man leader dead he nudges the bugbear on his right and nods towards the body. They both grin.

    After Breymeer finishes, Shruzgrap answers in the common language. “There are no threats. We have this secured. Horan wants us to hold the building and wait for his next command. Where can we help you get to for rest and healing? We care nothing for the wildmen. Those in the cages have had their fate sealed. There is no help for them now. They are cursed and will become snake people soon.”
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    Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:18 pm  

    Campaign Note: History of Neltaca the Spirit Naga

    Neltaca had inhabited the vast complex of tunnels and holes that occurred naturally, or otherwise, underneath the city for countless years.

    Neltaca was content to avoid the yuan-ti that inhabited the surface area; not being able to confront them directly.

    Then, Neltaca began to hear of disruptions in the yuan-ti structure. First, a white skinned wizard arrived and began to steal power from the yuan-ti.

    Sneaking into the vacant buildings and ruins of the city, Neltaca fed upon the multitude of creatures and animals that wandered nearby. One such creature was a bugbear that came across the naga. Using her charming abilities, Neltaca was able to charm this bugbear. She learned his name was Shruzgrap. Using her magical skills, she conversed with the bugbear and over a short time learned of the political maneuvers between the yuan-ti and the wizard. Neltaca also learned the bullywugs of the swamp worshipped a dragon creature living near the lake. She finally made a sub-lair in the ruined building just east of the warehouse.

    Neltaca, being of high intelligence, felt she had the abilities to make a power grab. All she needed was the proper time. And she had the time to wait. While waiting, she groomed the young bugbear gaining his allegiance and that of several of his clan through use of her charms. The jungle raids that the bugbears went on for Horan and other routines were not interrupted.

    Then, a black scaled dragon arrived and took control of the lake and the bullywugs, killing their dragon leader.

    Neltaca continued to slowly bring the bugbears into her fold, charming them all and killing those she failed to charm. By design, the bugbear were to try to spread dissension among Horan supporters and Gouthogg supporters. In this way, she intended to hide in the chaos and slowly increase her power.

    During the recent tropical storm, Neltaca’s underground areas, being flood prone, forced her to the surface. She hid out in her sub-lair.

    While in the sub-lair, Neltaca learned from Shruzgrap that a Horan has the aid of a group of humans, elves, dwarves and others. Horan was using this group to overthrow the yuan-ti. Neltaca learns the group is about the raid the warehouse used as the base of operations for the slave raids. The yuan-ti had secured the building but failed to close a large crack on the northeast corner.

    Knowing the bugbears that guarded the outside perimeter of the building were on her side, she snuck across the avenue and into the warehouse, hiding among the crates for Horan’s raiders to arrive. Her plan was to wait out the battle and then overtake the survivors.

    Once the warehouse was hers, Shruzgrap would take control of the bugbear clan by challenging and killing its current leader. If they couldn’t turn Horan’s raiders against him, they would attempt to convince Gouthogg to destroy Horan’s compound. Finally, if all else failed, they would dig in and see what happened next.
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    Tue Dec 16, 2014 11:38 am  

    Cool. I like being able to read about the other side for a change!
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    Sat Dec 27, 2014 8:49 pm  

    As the bugbears continue to move their way into the room, the rat flees from the doorway like a cat with its tail aflame. It sprints at full speed to the row of crates along the east wall and scurries up atop them.

    Breymeer responds to Shruzgrap, “That is good news indeed. Did Horan say when he will be arriving? He will be able to help our injured and tell us if the wildmen captives can be saved.” Breymeer seems to be studying the bugbear closely as he speaks to it. His hands are free of items and placed close to his weapons. “I plan to send a runner to the wildmen camp to tell them the good news of our battle.”

    Tarstar has lowered his sword but keeps it in hand. He moves slowly towards the column nearby.

    Tathar kneels next to Southar and appears to be working on his injury to his neck where there is signs of poisioning.

    Ewan, concerned for the welfare of the wounded and the prisoners expresses concerns, “Do you have any stock of anti-venom. It would be useful at this point. Are all of the caged wildmen doomed to become snakemen or only those currently turning? I say we rest here while we wait for Horan. We send a runner to the wildmen camp for healing help and a burial detail.”

    Cirdan moves close to Shruzgrap and speaks in a quiet voice after a slight bow. “Shruzgrap, earlier you asked us to raid a specific compound with you. What has changed? You now say we should wait for Horan. I inform you now that we, or at least I, for I do not claim to speak for the group, will not be able to help you raid the compound if that is still your intent. We are too injured from our battle to be of any use, and I would not anyway. I have no quarrel with the target of your proposed raid. I will not speak of your plans to anyone, your business is your own. You have been an honorable ally and I hope to keep you as such. I also hope that what we have accomplished here helps you and your people in some way.”
    Cirdan Saralonde makes a few final requests, “Can you or your people do anything for our injured, especially Southar? I believe he may have poison in him. That rat over there is one of our group, transformed by yuan-ti magic.”

    Cirdan Saralonde questions the group, “We were supposed to meet Horan at the first temple, or so I thought.”

    Shruzgrap continues to walk forward as he speaks. “I care not for the wildmen. We need them not and do not welcome them. The ones in cages shall be put out of their misery.”

    “You are indeed wounded. Rest here if you wish but you will fight in defense if we are attacked here.”

    The bugbears outside the door appear to be moving towards the door as if they expect to enter.

    Breymeer refuses to give ground and stands steady. Ewan, taking the cue from Breymeer, uses his immense body to block forward movement of the bugbears.

    Cirdan Saralonde, being ignored by the bugbear, moves towards where the dagger wielding yuan-ti fell. He kneels and picks up one of the yuan-ti’s daggers.

    Kuba takes a step back to allow Cirdan to walk past him and takes a defensive stance, hand near his weapon.

    The bugbear pause in their advance.

    Tathar and Speck both retreat ground. Speck gives himself a little distance and Tathar follows after the rat heading towards the crates; making it about half the distance.

    Tarstar remains behind the southwest pillar.

    Ledego also remains by the southeast pillar.

    Aratheas walks to the gate of the normal looking wildman prisoners. She unties and opens the door. Very surprisingly, she speaks to them in their language <She had cast tongues (wildmen, bugbear) the previous round>. They react positively to her and begin to exit the cage.

    Breymeer speaks, “Mighty Shruzgrap, you have proven you are a great leader and I believe you are right. We can work together and accomplish great things. Please come in and assist me in ending the pathetic lives of these caged wildmen. We can then move on to greater conquests. All I ask is that your mighty warriors wait outside the entrance. It would allow us some form of privacy to mourn our dead and also it would do my heart good to know we have the building protected." Breymeer gives those close by a nearly unperceivable wink.

    Shruzgrap eyes the group. He does not seem overly willing to start hostilities. “You are brave and it appears you fought well. Go now, leave here and rest. You may take the prisoners with you. But mark my words, the cursed should quickly be given the knife.”

    Aratheas continues to talk to the wildmen. Two of them arm themselves with the swords from the dead snake men at the cages and the other two arm themselves with javelins. It is obvious, by the look in their eye, that there is a great hatred for the bugbears.

    Tathar climbs the crates to speak to Grimlock only to see him scurrying across the floor towards Ledego. He tugs at Ledego’s leg and is pulling him back towards the crates. Ledego grabs him and flies up into the air.
    Ewan and Kuba stand their ground, ready to defend themselves at a moment’s notice.

    Cirdan Saralonde, using a silver-laced tongue, speaks to Shruzgrap, “Shruzgrap, don’t you see we should be friends and help each other?” <Cirdan charms Shruzgrap>.

    While Cirdan is speaking, Breymeer looks to the group and mouths, “The prisoners and those of us bit by snakes are likely to turn to snakes soon. We need help. Let’s make for the wildmen camp.”

    Shruzgrap answers Cirdan, “What is it you feel we can help you with?”

    Just when Shruzgrap’s tone seems to be changing for the better, a large black and red snake creature, nearly fifteen feet long, with the head of a human slithers out of the dark between the rows of east/west stacked crates and the north/south stacked crates. “Yes, how is it you feel we can help you?”

    Tathar smells decayed meat over by the crates.

    <Speck, Kuba, Breymeer, Tarstar and Grom are charmed by the Naga.>
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    Sat Dec 27, 2014 9:01 pm  

    Speck moves over by Kuba, and in a hushed but excited tone points at the snake and says... "That's him, err, it. The snake I shot with an arrow. It said it was a friend of Horan's and a friend of ours." Kuba looks and mutters, "It doesn’t look very friendly but I have had uglier friends. Your help is welcome, friend."

    Breymeer takes a step back and takes a position slightly behind the pillar as protection. He joins Tarstar there.

    Aratheas continues to speak to the prisoners she just freed. They form a small wedge with the sword wielders on the inside and those with javelins on the outside. She takes up a position behind them.

    Cirdan Saralonde looks to Shruzgrap, “Is it friend or foe? Do we take its help or destroy it?”

    Tathar, reaching the top of the crates, arms himself with his bow and notches an arrow.

    Ewan continues to stand his ground. The bugbear in front of him does not seem too keen on trying to move the large human.

    Ledego puts Grimlock into one of his many pockets and begins chanting a spell <Friends>.

    The snake creature looks the standoff over with calm and patience. It speaks in common, “My friends, are you not all here for the support of Horan? Let us not quarrel. Shruzgrap and his bugbear companions shall secure the building. The rest of you, my brave companions, are free to leave in peace. Go now and rest.”

    Shruzgrab answers Cirdan Saralonde, “He is a friend.”

    Speck seems content, “Rest sounds good . . . and food too.”

    “Yes it does my little friend,” answers Kuba, “But all this fighting and loss of blood should have more reward than a nap.” Kuba asks the snake, “May we look for something in here that will make our rest even more pleasant?”

    “This creature is obviously our ally. Let’s get our dead and wounded out of here. Someone help me with Ide.” Breymeer’s opinion is given as he begins to sweat even though his skin is pale and becoming cool.

    Cirdan Saralonde, standing next to Kuba, shares his request and asks Shruzgrap, “What is in this place that is of value? Why are you and this snakeman so eager to have us out of this building? We will get to the bottom of this building and its contents before we leave and rest.”

    Ewan McDermott does not wish to leave either. “What do you guys think? Everyone seems to want us out of here. I am guessing treasure of some type is the reason. I want a few hours here to rest and search for whatever everyone is so eager to claim once we leave.”

    Ewan McDermott addresses the snake creature, “Are you able to heal our companions?”

    Aratheas begins to move to the front door behind her wall of wildmen.

    Ledego streaks three marks upon his forehead, one white, one black and one red. He flies over to Shruzgrap and as he lowers to the ground he speaks, “Shruzgrap and fellow bugbears. Your offer is kind and your friendship is true. I do wish to leave as you requested. Please part and allow me through.”

    Shruzgrap steps aside and says something in his language causing the other bugbears to part allowing Ledego to land upon the ground and walk out the front door. As he exits the door, he pauses and addresses the group, “Do not let greed lead you to die a rich man today. Many of us have needs that cannot be found here. With elvish blessings, may we meet again at the rally point.”

    Aratheas is heading for the door, “I will accompany you Ledego,” to which Ledego announces, “Shruzgrap, all I wish to claim is these prisoners as my reward.” To this, Shruzgrap only nods in the affirmative and says something again in his language to the other bugbears.

    Grom, who has remained quiet until now, grabs Ide Otneaux under her shoulders and begins to drag her backwards towards the door, “Bugbear are a horrible bedfellow.”

    Seeing the events play out, the snake creature speaks, “Very good, very good. Let those leave that wish to leave. Those that wish to stay and rest may stay. Certainly, such an effort on your part deserves what rest and reward you can find here.”

    The snake creature then says something that appeared to be a few sentences in bugbear and Shruzgrab answers with a short answer.

    As Aratheas gets to the group at the door, she speaks in elvish something about one sentence long.

    Ledego, Grimlock, Tathar and Cirdan Saralonde understand Aratheas and hear, “No time to speak. Leave with us. I fear betrayal if you stay.”

    Shruzgrap tells Cidan Saralonde, “Everything of value gets removed from this building. I want this building for my clan.”

    Kuba asks the snake creature, “Slender friend, are we safe to search for supplies over here?” He is pointing towards the crates.

    Tarstar sits down and stretches his arms, “The last few days have been a whirlwind, I am going to rest.”

    Tathar does a flip off the crates and crosses the room in front of the snake creature wearily. He gets to the group and circles the southwest pillar near Tarstar. Bending, he picks up the cobra shaped staff.

    The wildmen each take an arm or leg of Ghrrrrrr and begin to drag him out as Aratheas eyes the bugbears for trouble.

    Ewan makes his request, “Please do not leave any of the dead or wounded for the bugbears. Elves, please help us.” Ewan picks up Southar’s body gently.

    Seeing everyone else getting ready to leave, Speck looks to Kuba, “It looks like everyone is leaving, maybe we should too.”

    Kuba nods and says, “Yes, you are right. I’m not the brightest man, but I can see when it’s time to cut our losses and go.” Kuba bends and picks up Siobhon’s body.

    Tarstar rises back to his feet and does a little jig, “On the other hand.” He joins the group’s exit.

    Breymeer takes Ide Otneaux from the struggling dwarf. Grom, in turn, moves to Tanin’s body and carries him.

    Shruzgrap tells Aratheas, “Tell the mongrels this is bugbear territory. I thank the elves and their friends for the help. But, you can see, they mongrels are weak and their kind will not survive.” He nods towards Ghrrrrrr and the wildmen moving his body.

    The snake creature bids you farewell, “Tell Horan the yuan-ti are defeated and the bugbear are his friend.”

    As they step out into the sunlight, squinting at the brightness, the group reorganizes and discusses their next options. The sense of loss appears to weigh heavy on the party. To some it is the loss of companions, in addition, to others the lack of the chance to search the warehouse for plunder or artifacts causes sadness.

    Upon your exit, the assembly of bugbears outside the door move inside the building. Another squad, moments later, rounds the eastern side of the building and marches to the front door. They number six. Shruzgrap gives and order and two take position by the yet open door and the other four round the building on the west side and disappear from view.

    On the way out, Tathar says softly to McDermott as he passes, "Let's go big guy, something smells rotten in here."

    Cirdan Saralonde and Tathar each assist with removing the dead and wounded as well. Tathar has a blank look upon his face; which seems normal for him.

    As Cirdan Saralonde passes out the door, he addresses Shruzgrap one last time. “Shruzgrap, do you have any aid or advice for our company that has been poisoned? How can we heal them? Can you help?”

    Shruzgrap replies, in a surprisingly helpful tone, “We have no aid for such. The yuan-ti poison will soon cause long paralysis if it does not kill immediately. Those bitten by the snake creatures are cursed with a dreaded disease and soon shall become one. If no healing is to be found, slay them before they change.”

    “And do not despair the loss of plunder. It is removed from this warehouse quickly. What the yuan-ti do not claim, Horan shipped out of the city. I know not where. Now, it is wise you leave, Neltaca should not be disobeyed or angered.” With than Shruzgrap begins to shut the door behind your group.

    Cirdan Saralonde asks, “Do we head to the wildman camp or to locate Horan at the other temple?”

    While you are contemplating where to go next, the four surviving wildman prisoners are making animal calls into the air and dragging their chief to the west. In the mix of jungle sounds, you are not certain if they were answered. You have come to assume there are wildmen near when they start calling to each other.

    Breymeer is not encouraged by Shurzgrap’s diagnosis. “Anyone have any ideas on how to get this poison out? I am afraid I may not be with you for much longer. At least not in my present form. Although, I was not bitten by the snake creatuers, I was bitten by a conjured snake.”

    Grom answers, “Ide Otneaux, if she survives, and Kuba are both injured from bites from the snake people. Tanin had been previously but has perished. May the dwaven gods have mercy on him.”

    Grom continues, “I may be able to help with the poison, at least delay it until we can think of something else.” With than, Grom removes several garlic buds and his makeshift holy symbol and begins to pray and crush the garlic; pressing it into first Breymeer’s snake bites and arrow wounds and then into Ledego’s arrow wounds.”

    Breymeer has some color return to him. He is still sweating and pale but remains conscious. Ledego, who, out in the sun, you notice is also becoming more pale (harder to tell on an elf). He, too, appears to be suffering ill effects from something. Both appear to be stable enough to move for now.

    Ledego thanks him, “Dwarves, my dear Grom, make solid companions when they warm up to you.”

    “Indeed,” adds Grom. “Trust, once gained, is not soon forgotten.”

    Grom looks tired, “I am afraid Ide Otneaux and Kuba are being my aid at this time. And not for the lack of my wanting to help them.”

    Ledego casts his vote, “Let us go to the stone temple. I do not know what the wildmen will do now that Ghrrrrrr is dead. They appear to honor Breymeer but if he goes down, we may be in trouble surrounded in their compound.”

    Grom also votes for the temple, “Horan may have some medicines at his basecamp that could help us.”

    The rat, still assumed to be Grimlock, leaps down from folds of Ledego’s robes. It dashes off in the direction of the original yuan-ti stone temple near the tasloi cliff home. It pauses and looks over its shoulder as if to say, “Follow me!”

    Breymeer, after doing and internal systems check, appears to believe he is strong enough to make it to the temple.

    “Horan and the temple it is!” Ewan McDermott takes the body of Southar. Ewan obviously cares greatly for the wounded. “Please, someone, carry my friend Siobhon.”

    The quiet dark faced elf, Tathar, solemnly carries Siobhon’s body. He chants or prays softly as he does. He appears to have great respect and honor for the slain and dead.

    Cirdan Saralonde takes care of Ide Otneaux from Breymeer. You can almost imagine Ide commenting on the elf’s amazing strength as Cirdan Saralonde hoists her onto his shoulder. The massive body of the half orc drapes over the elf like an oversized cloak. Ide Otneaux somehow still clings to life.

    Grom continues to take Tanin. The look on his face tells all that he will bear the burden of his fellow dwarf.

    Ledego flies up to about twenty feet off the ground to help the rat with reconnaissance.

    Tarstar and Aratheas take up the rear guard.

    Kuba and Speck take up front watch.

    The door to the warehouse is shut and secured behind the group as it sets out for the warehouse. The group moves slowly down the street towards the temple. The path is known. The distance is only about 1/6 of a mile. The heat and humidity is aweful and those in the heavier armors can feel its weight. Sweat drenches one and all. Water is being consumed heavily. The cooler stone temple will be a welcome sight.

    The jungle and animal sounds around you continue to make one ponder if the wildmen are nearby or if it’s just the natural sounds of the environment.
    The group reaches the temple after nearly fifteen minutes of walking in the miserable heat.

    The east door of the temple remains unsecured, having been previously knocked open by Ide Otneaux. The rat enters the temple through the small hole in the wall and finds it empty. The rat exits the east door and Kuba enters to confirm no threat exits inside. He finds the room safe.

    All enter and the slightly cooler air welcome them. Ide Otneaux and Southar have survived the movement; they are laid gently on the cloaks on the stone floor.

    By the location of the sun, it appears to be not yet noon.
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    Tue Jan 13, 2015 10:45 pm  

    Once safe inside the building, the group takes stock of its condition. Tathar appears to be healthy, Cirdan Saralonde has a slight injury, Breymeer is pale and suffering from several injuries, Ledego is also pale and moderately injured, Southar is unconscious, Grimlock the rat appears to have some minor injuries, Tarstar is moderately injured from multiple hits, Ide Otneaux is unconscious, Grom is moderately injured, Ewan is healthy, Kuba has a slight injury and Speck is healthy. Tanin and Siobhon are dead.
    Grimlock tucks several stones into a small pouch he has created. It hangs loosely around his neck. He climbs up into the rafters and takes an observation post.

    Tarstar asks for help, “Anyone able to assist me with my wounds?”

    Kuba, appearing to have little concern for his immediate wounds, says, "I received a bite from one of the foul snake men. If it is true that it causes a persons to become one like them I hope that one of you could offer a cure. As of now I feel fine and those of our group gravely wounded need your help now. I can take first watch with my little companion here." Motioning to Speck.

    Speck shrugs, “Ok, but I am hungry.”

    Breymeer walks to the front door, “I am going to tell the wildmen we have defeated the slave taking snake people and seek assistance from them. Maybe they have some remedy for the poison.”

    Ewan McDermott approaches the departing Breymeer, “Hold my friend, let me first be assistance to you.” Ewan lays his hands upon Breymeer and lessons his wounds (+11, 33/40).

    Ewan McDermott then heals Tarstar (+7, 23/31), Southar (+1, -2/41) and Ide Otneaux (+5, 1/35). Tarstar remains wounded but less so, Southar remains unconscious but Ide Otneaux comes around to a semi-conscious state.

    Ewan then looks for a place to rest; attempting to meditate and sleep.

    Tathar attempts to help Ledego with his wounds <casts slow poison>, rubbing garlic into his wounds and praying for his recovery. Tathar then roams around the room examining the previous dead and searching the room for anything of value.

    Breymeer approaches Cirdan Saralonde and requests a dose of the elixir than helps to understand foreign languages. Breymeer dips in his finder and smears the liquid on his mouth and ears. There appears to be a couple of doses left of the elixir.

    Breymeer drops out of the misfit armor and replaces it with his original studded leather armor from his pack. He leaves the other armor in the temple as he walks out the door into the daylight. “I go to the wildmen. I shall return soon.”

    Ewan McDermott tends to Southar (+6) and Ide Otneaux (+6). Both of them are now conscious.

    Everyone else gets comfortable. Tathar having searched the room, climbs up into the rafters and removes his bow. The room is dark, lit only by the sun coming through the hole in the wall and the eastern door hanging ajar.

    Breymeer, Breymeer moves out into the street and creeps stealthily up the street. He gets to the intersection for the warehouse. Here he pauses. Two bugbears guard the front door and several appear on the roof watching the compass points. Breymeer stands tall and walks past the warehouse. The bugbears sneer at him but show no other hostilities.

    As Breymeer reaches the NE corner of the building, he hears voices from the east. The conversation is too far away to make out the words but there appears to be a human female is berating Shruzgrap. She wears light weight clothing colored a light shade of red over her pale skin. She is not a pretty woman, bordering on homely with long, pale strawberry blonde hair. Her hair is braided in three braids, one to each side and one down the back. It appears Shruzgrap is taking the verbal abuse and attempting to explain himself.

    The bugbear on the north side of the building grunts to Breymeer. Having used the elixir, he understands it, “Move along human. If you stick around, we might have to have you for supper.”

    The streets around here are more clear of debris. The buildings are in better general condition. Especially if one to move east towards the duo. This appears to have been the wealthier section of town. In fact the house/compound they are out in front of is in a state of good repair. The streets are completely cleaned of debris out front. He can not see very clearly the building on the north side of the duo because it is part of a walled compound.

    Breymeer starts to move east but find very little in the way of cover or concealment. Sneaking down the street will not likely work. The building to his east does have a hole he can enter to try and get closer but he knows the bugbears on the warehouse to his west will see him.

    They are watching him now and still sneering at him. Seeing his apprehension to cross the street the bugbear on the north end of the building says to the bugbear on the eastern section of roof "Look. The man is too scared to cross the street. Horan's bitch has him shaking in his boots. " Because of the potion Breymeer hears it in your own northern language. "Run away little man. Go crawl in a hole."

    Breymeer crosses the street. The human looking female points at him as he crosses and seems to address Shruzgrap who responds to her. She then hails to Breymeer, “Human, I am Horan’s associate. Come hither if you are his friend. The wildmen cannot help what ails you.”

    Breymeer approaches the woman and Shruzgrap. Breymeer has his broadsword out but lowered. He covers the 250 feet from the corner to the compound. The wall around the compound is 15 feet high. The wall is made of large blocks of unmortared stone. The walls are partially covered with vines. The vines are trimmed 3 feet short of the top of the wall. Atop the wall is a small walkway, large enough for a single person to stand and move around on. Occasionally, the call of a large cat is heard on the inside of the wall.

    The female greets Breymeer, “I am Kwairno. I am an associate of Horan’s. I help him here within the city. Shruzgrap tells me you have defeated the yuan-ti of the warehouse.” The bugbear looks to you and nods. Kwairno appears to be fully human. In fact, she appears to be Suel. Her pale skins and red tinted hair gives away her ethnicity.

    “Shruzgrap, you are free to go. I wish you success.” Kwarino watches as Shruzgrap bows slightly to her and walks back towards the warehouse. “I understand several of you have been struck by the yuan-ti’s poison. Fear not, if you are still alive, you shall not perish from these wounds. I will attempt to contact Horan and let him know your mission is complete. Then, I will find you at the temple and bring what I can to help you. Horan shall return as soon as he can. Go now, return to the temple, set defenses and wait for my arrival. There are yet dangers in this city. Unforeseen problems continue to arise. Be quick and be safe.”

    “Finally,” she adds, “do not seek the wild men for your sorrows. They are a superstitious, uncivilized tribe. They have no means to help you. Trust in the bugbears, for now anyway. They are yet under Horan’s thumb. You appear to be of Suel blood. We will not turn our back on you. Go now.”
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    Tue Jan 13, 2015 11:00 pm  

    Kuba removes his armor and begins cleaning and repairing it. He also applies cleaner wraps to his remaining injuries.

    Tathar and Grimlock remain in the ceiling rafters watching and listening.

    Speck finds a comfy spot to rest, inventories his gear and eats some rations. He takes the time to check on the injured and makes sure they are getting enough water and aid. Ewan joins Speck as them move from person to person. Ewan lays hands upon Ide Otneaux and Southar again. Now, both have regained consciousness but are extremely weak and defenseless.

    Aratheas walks the temple interior examining it. Ledego rests near the front door, watching through the opening.

    Tarstar does a little happy dance and settles in for some rest.

    Grom plops down near the hole in the wall. He curses forgetting his crossbow at the warehouse.

    Cirdan Saralonde seems to be in thought.

    After twenty minutes or so, Ledego alerts everyone to Breymeer’s approach. Breymeer appears to be watching over his shoulder and tries to slip into the damaged door of the temple quickly and without notice to prying eyes outside.

    Breymeer gather’s everyone’s attention and tells of his attempt to reach the wildmen compound. He relays the following information:

    1. The bugbears are upon the roof of the warehouse, one at each compass point.
    2. The bugbears did not attack him but sneered at him.
    3. He saw Shruzgrap arguing with a human looking (likely a Suel) female named Kwairno. They were standing in front of a well-kept walled compound about 250-300 feet east of the warehouse.
    4. Kwairno saw Breymeer attempting to move across the street towards the wildman compound.
    5. She hailed Breymeer and he went to her and spoke to her.
    6. She dismissed Shruzgrap and the bugbear returned to the warehouse. She wishes him good luck at his departure.
    7. Kwairno told Breymeer she was an associate of Horan’s.
    8. Kwairno told Breymeer the bugbears were yet allies.
    9. Kwairno told Breymeer to return to the temple and she would arrive shortly with what medication and help she could get. She would let Horan know the mission is complete.
    10. Kwarino advised Breymeer there were yet dangers in the city for allies of Horan.

    Breymeer warns the group, “I fear we will yet be killed by this Kwairno and her bugbear allies. I do not trust her and think we need to seek the wild men’s assistance. As I was coming through the wooded area between here and the warehouse, I detected I was being stalked. I know not by what. We need to prepare to defend ourselves.”

    With that, Breymeer polls the group as to whether we should wait here for Kwairno/Horan or head north to the wild man compound.

    “If it is necessary to attack, I am ready!” Tarstar draws forth his cutlass. “My blade is sharp and so is my outfit!”

    Cirdan Saralonde speaks, “I think that preparing a defense of the building is prudent, but am willing to wait for Horan or his henchmen. He has kept his word thus far, and if we have to fight our way out, we are no longer in very good shape for success.”

    Kuba seems to agree, “You are my allies, and the only ones I trust totally. I will defend myself and you from whatever common enemy we have. I do not know who this Horan is, but, so far, he, nor his messengers, have harmed us. I promise my loyalty to this group, and I expect fair compensation for my efforts. I am not afraid of what 'may' come but I will be prepared to meet it. My vote is to stay here and wait for this Kwaino. I have spent enough time with the wildmen already and do not wish to return there." He then begins to put his armor back on.

    “I must warn you,” Ledego chimes in, “I am running low on my essential components for some of my spells. I may not be able give much in the way of help as I have done in the past.”

    “I too am out of the conducting glass dear Ledego,” reports Aratheas. “I will not be able to summon lightning until we find more glass.”

    From the sound of the little claws in the rafters, you assume the rat is busy running to and fro above you.

    Neither Grom nor Tathar voices an opinion. Grom remains by the hole in the wall and Tathar goes unseen in the rafters above.
    Ewan continues to tend the wounded.

    Breymeer concludes the poll, “I have stated my opinion but will go with the majority decision.” Breymeer appears very restless but manages to sit down to eat some rations. He then begins to check his armor and tend to his remaining injuries.

    With another twenty minutes of rest the party is beginning to realize how tired they are. Most are taking the cat naps of a front line fighter; aware but resting.

    The party actual reaches a state of relaxation for the first time since entering the city, and yet, they remain in dire circumstances. This fact is brought back to consciousness as Grom gives a gruff, albeit quiet, call from the hole in the wall, “A human woman approaches. She has long red hair. Is this Kwairno?”

    Breymeer moves to the broken door and looks out, “Yes, that is the woman I met.”

    Kwairno approaches the temple with confidence, walking straight down the path. She requests and is granted admittance into the temple.

    Kwairno is a human female of what appears to be Suel decent. She has strawberry blonde hair and pale skin that seems strange in such a sun filled environment. She appears to be in her late twenties and is of average build and average height. Her hair flows freely well past her shoulders. She wears a very light weight, short sleeved shirt that is nearly transparent. The material is strangely less transparent across her chest in a teasing fashion. She wears white pantaloons and sandles. She has a belt across her waist with several light pouches.

    She gives the group and inviting smile but her serious nature does not disappear from her face. She speaks in the common language, “Hello friends of Horan. I am Kwairno, his assistant. Time has become essential so I will speak directly to the point. Shruzgrap has told me about a creature that appeared in the warehouse. It called itself a friend of Horan. This creature had a snake body and the head of a human female. Shruzgrap calls herself Neltaca. From the description, she is a naga. Naga are dangerous and powerful creatures. I fear she is trying stake a claim to the warehouse and the bugbear tribe. She is no friend of Horans. She is an enemy and a dangerous one at that. She will attempt to charm her way into ruling over first the bugbear and then the mongrels. She will eventually enslave both tribes. She will feed on them and use them until none remain.”

    Kwairno pauses and evaluates your expressions in the low light that creeps into the dark temple from the broken door and the hole in the wall.

    “Neltaca appears to have charmed Shruzgrap and likely the other bugbears at the temple. Why she did not turn them against us, I do not know. Shruzgrap intends to make a challenge for leadership of the entire city tribe. Horan has not interfered with Shruzgrap’s plan as this is the bugbear way and Shruzgrap appears to remain cooperative with Horan. Shruzgrap has taken his chief lieutenants and others from the warehouse crew and gone off to the bugbear compound to make his challenge. I do not yet know the outcome and he has not yet returned. I do not know if the bugbear will remain in our hand.”

    Kwairno again pauses to allow you to digest the information before continuing, “We sit on the cusp of a choice. Neltaca remains in the warehouse seeking the yuan-ti treasure. I have discovered the yuan-ti do indeed have hidden treasure. They keep it hidden upon the dais before the stone altar. I do not know all of the details of its location.”

    “This is where I offer you a choice. Your group consists of several elves. The elves are naturally resistant to Neltaca’s charms. I propose you accompany me to the warehouse. I wish to drive off the naga without harming her or the bugbears to whatever extent that is possible. The elves will be tasked with assisting me in negotiating with the naga while the non-elves prevent the bugbears from interfering. Your success wins you the yuan-ti treasures.”

    “The second option is to remain here for Horan. He is only a few hours from coming here and evacuating your group. However, there appears to be several more of you than he originally contracted with. You will have to discuss the evacuation details upon his arrival. I dare say, your negotiation would be greatly enhanced with pockets full of gold.”

    “I must warn you,” she finishes, “I encounters a small scout party of bullywugs sneaking back east. They were coming from the area of the warehouse. It appears they had tracked your group to the warehouse. They fled back towards their swamp upon seeing me. The bullywugs are allied to Gouthogg and do not venture forth to this side of the city without cause. I am sure they will report back to the dragon. What actions the dragon will take are unknown. However, this temple should remain a solid defensive position should he attack.”

    Cirdan Saralonde bows and addresses Kwairno, “"Kwairno, I am Cirdan Saralonde. Before we decide how to proceed, can you tell us if you can help our wounded? They have fought bravely thus far, but were bitten by snake-men. Can they be healed? Shruzgrap said they would turn into snake-men. Is this true? What help can you provide? I would gladly help with the naga if my friends could be healed."

    “I can help you somewhat. For those that have been struck by poisoned weapons, I have brought what I believe will be the antidote.” Kwairno removes thin vials of liquid and passes them out to Breymeer, Ledego and give one to Ewan to administer to Southar.

    “As for those that have been bitten by the ophidians, or snake-men as you called them, I have no help for you right now. It will take many days for the curse to overcome you. We shall be to the basecamp before then where our priests should be able to help.”

    Ewan takes the vial and brings it to Southar saying, “We are only liabilities right now. I do not think we should attempt any actions other than waiting for Horan.”

    Breymeer agrees, “I don’t think our group is healthy enough for battle and it makes more sense to wait for Horan and work on getting our injured heathly and cured of poison.” He takes the vial from Kwairno.

    Ledego takes the final vial, “Kwairno,” he bows, “I, in my heart, do not seek to trade death for plunder. This is one of the most interesting places I have left my footprints and would cherish some of the antiquities that undoutably could be found in this city. However, I have promised to get my crew and companions out of this city and Horan, if true to his word, has promised to fulfill this request. I, for one, shall await Horan.” Ledego quaffs the vial of liquid with blind faith.

    “Death does not make the dwarf any the richer. I shall stay!” Grom, although the stout dwarf would not likely admit it, appears tired and weary. “Though, I must say, I certainly will miss my crossbow.”

    A rat comes running down from the rafters. The pouch under his chin tells you it is Grimlock. It dances and jigs in front of the fair skinned Suel woman. Ledego, guessing his request, translates, “This is our companion Grimlock. A yuan-ti has transformed him into this rat. I believe he is asking if you can transform him back.”

    “Indeed . . .” Kwairno begins but hesitates. The elves heard it first followed shortly by Speck. Finally the dwarf and humans all pause and strain to hear to increasing whirlwind. A sound reminiscent of the tropical storm winds is growing outside the temple. The party comes to a realization, remembering the attack on the Nir Nen, just as the creature’s roar is heard upon the wind. Gouthogg has returned!

    A shadow darkens the temple as the creature sails overhead, coming into the city from the west and dropping into the rift over the amphitheatre and temple. A rush of wind blows past as the shadow moves northeasterly over the city.

    A look comes across Kwairno’s face. “Time is now against us. Our window to drive off Neltaca is gone. Fate and the balance of power rests on the point of a pin. I must take care of a few things immediately. Set your defenses and block of that hole in the wall. I will lock the door behind me. Grimlock, we shall eventually help you. I have no time now. It is only a matter of time before the bullywugs give a report to Gouthogg. How he responds, only a dragon knows.”

    With that, Kwairno directs Kuba to place the broken eastern door into place after she exits. Darkness fills the interior of the temple. Only a slight illumination comes from the hole in the wall. Before leaving, she turns and casts some magic upon the door, sealing it shut.

    Grimlock digs into Ide Otneuax pack and comes out unsatisfied. Next, he digs into Southar’s pack. This time he comes out dragging a flint and steel. Still not seeming to be satisfied, he scurries around the group sniffing. He apparently doesn’t find what he is looking for. He climbs back up into the rafters.

    Breymeer, after a few minutes pacing around the room, strips out of his armor and begins to shove it though the hole in the wall. “So, the critters following me earlier are the dragon’s scouts. Which, in my opinion, means we’re now waiting for the scouts to get word to Gouthogg that we’re here, locked up in a 30 by 30 tomb.”

    He forces himself throught the hole and begins getting his armor on again, “I do not like being locked up inside. I will get an idea of what’s going on outside.” Breymeer moves to the shelter of some trees to the north of the temple.

    An hour passes, yet no dragon arrives. Soon after, Kwairno returns to the temple. Seeing the hole in the wall still open, she announces herself and enters through it.

    Breymeer remains outside while she briefs the party. “Horan will be here soon. It appears Gouthogg may be taking counsel in his lair. We do not know for certain. Prepare yourself for evacuation. To expedite the transfer process, please dump unnecessary equipment.”

    “Horan will take you in groups of three to five persons when he arrives. Be prepared to go soon.”

    Tension remains high for another hour. Every sound and movement is watched by Breymeer. Tathar and the Rat watch the door from the rafters and others watch the access points from the floor.

    Breymeer consumes his poison antidote and Ewan feeds Southar the remaining vial. The liquid is successful in eradicating the poison from their bodies.

    Horan finally appears within the temple.

    “It is time. I will remove you back to basecamp. It is my understanding that all of you entered the warehouse and helped clear out the yuan-ti. For that, I will transport you all to the basecamp even if my contract was only with a few of you.”

    He looks the group over, “I understand many of you have been poisoned by the yuan-ti or cursed by the ophideans. You will be quarantined again upon return to basecamp.”

    “Form groups of three humans or dwarves or groups of four elves,” requests Horan. “The half-man may join the elves.

    Breymeer is hailed and re-enters the temple. To save weight, Horan requires he leave the heavier splint/scale armor behind. Breymeer is allowed to keep his studded leather.

    Horan does a quick equipment check, telling you it is for safety. Once done, he begins the process of transporting the group to the basecamp in the swamp. In small groups, the teleporting is slowly completed.
    Each return, Horan repeats the process and teleports the next group until the process is complete.

    Upon arrival at the basecamp, each adventurer rubs their eyes as if coming out of a dream. The sudden change from the dark, damp temple to the airy, sun-filled island basecamp, causes them to cover their eyes.
    The elation felt to escape the city is quickly derailed as the freckled jungle Suel separate you and move you a large white tent. The tent is in the same location as your previous stay. Each of you is given a cot and a privacy screens of wood and white fabric. Horan was last seen heading back into the basecamp interior.

    A fire is made outside the tent and the Suel savages mix up some of the parasite and fluke medication. As before, you are brought a bucket for the nausea it will soon cause. The medication, once complete, is dispensed to the group.

    Hashoven, the priest, is the first Suel representative to arrive. He is pale skinned and wears a light weight blue robe. The robe has light blue barracuda embroidered upon it.

    Hashoven approaches the rat first. “So, little friend, you have been changed by a yuan-ti, have you? Let us see if Osprem is willing to help you.” Hashoven prays for the return of Grimlock’s original form as he waves a dolphin shaped symbol made of coral over the rat. In a moment, the rat grows and changes form back to that of a half-elf. The change to his body obviously shakes Grimlock momentarily but his body survives the drastic metamorphosis. “Osprem blesses you. Do not forget what Osprem has done for you.”

    Hashoven next moves to Ide Otneaux, “This one is in poor shape. Let Osprem do what she wishes. Let the ophidian curse be removed with Osprem’s will.” Hashoven places the coral dolphin upon Ide’s head and orders the ophidian curse out of her body.

    Hashoven repeats the process over Kuba Cyvlorandau.
    “I will be back to check on you in the morning. I ask that you return Opsrem’s kindness and please prepare a donation in the morning. I shall return tomorrow.” With that, Hashoven leaves the tent.

    The remainder of the day is spent in misery as the medication does its job. Ide Otneaux and Southar survive the day. The Suel tribesman come and go changing bandages and providing clean water. Near sundown, a sparse meal is fed. It is mainly juices and jungle fruits and plant bulbs.

    Tanin and Siobhon’s bodies were not transported back the basecamp. They were buries with what ceremony could be supplied outside of the yuan-ti temple. They were buried in the soil among a corpse of trees.
    Adept Greytalker

    Joined: Apr 21, 2013
    Posts: 378
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    Tue Feb 03, 2015 11:08 am  

    Thus ends the Dwellers of the Forbidden City adventure. The characters are heading towards Lendore Island now.

    If you wish to continue to read on, look for A Lendore Isand Campaign.
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