Ebon Shar's Pathfinder Campaign

My Next Game

2010-08-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

It may be month (or even years) away, but my next game will be Pathfinder's Adventure Path: Carrion Crown.

I've always loved the horror genre, so this AP is right up my alley and I'm excited for the release of the first adventure module early next year.

First things first, however. My gaming group still has a few sessions of Rise of the Runelords, followed by Nick's game of Serpent's Skull, in which I'll be playing a Mwangan Druid named Zamballah. Can't wait!

Stay tuned....

The game continues....

2010-02-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hey, just because I haven't been posting to this blog doesn't mean we aren't playing. In fact, we've played, what, four times in the last 2 months??? That's a campaign record! Of course, it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm no longer running the game.

Sadly, this blog has been found to be insufficient for our campaign needs, so you can now check out our progress over at Obsidian Portal. I'd post a link, but I'm too lazy and this blog is a little sad and bitter. Still, the game is going great and we are all enjoying Kacy's Pathfinder goodness!

Game Happens!

2009-11-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 20th is our next scheduled game. We will be meeting at Joel's at 6:00pm. I may be a bit late as I have to drop some children off at children activities after work. Make sure that you level up your character to 2nd.

On an unrelated note, did everyone take a look at the two new Pathfinder classes? Cavalier and Oracle. It's a free download at Paizo.com, so get it and check them out. I'm looking forward to seeing them in play some day.

Next Game Scheduled...

2009-09-29T20:39:00.001-07:00

In a shocking display of organization, Kacy has scheduled our second session for October 18th at 12:00pm. I'm assuming it will be at Joel's "Man Cave".

The Dove (as told by Joel)

2009-09-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Translucent blue eyes stare out from beneath dark brows on pale skin, unmindful of the sweat dripping into them. The hot and humid air makes breathing a chore, but this too goes unnoticed. There is only this one moment, this tiny slice of time that stands isolated and alone. The moment where four years of grueling, torturous battle training smashes into bone, muscle, and sinew with lethal force.

He revels in the feeling of mortal confrontation, and the cool sensation of steel in his hand as he strips the sword from the crippled man as he lets him fall away. Much better. This is a tool designed for work such as this, and he drops his improvised club. Still in fluid motion he turns to look for the next attacker, only to find that he is alone with the dead and dying. A few moments later it is just him and the dead.

Rohan Jeggare is the seventh son of Alistair Jeggare, who is everything you would expect of the old ruling class of Chelaxians. Ruthless, cruel, and unforgiving, dominating all those around him. The qualities of a good Hellknight.

His Varisian mother is the polar opposite of his father. She is, among other things, a compassionate, caring, and loving mother. It is from her side that he gets his compassion sense of justice, and his eyes, earning him both his father’s scorn and the derisive nickname The Dove.

Character Backgrounds

2009-09-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

T'vra:

The slave child known as T'vra was born to a minor warlord of the Belkzen. A second failed attempt at getting a half-breed male, T'vra's mother was slain by the orc warlord, and the child thrown to the other human slaves for them to raise so that one day she might be of use to the clan. Growing up, T'vra always felt she was different, and not just because she was half human, half orc. Part was her skin color. The clan she was born into bore a very deep green skin color, yet hers was very pale gray, with tinges of blue. This was a warning of the path fate would lead her down. Soon she began noticing an adeptness for the arcane. Something she and her caretakers kept well hidden from the clan. And yet, this arcane ability was also different from the clan warcasters, or seers. It always seemed connected with the air and the wind, and manifested as such forces. Small gusts to knock down the drunken clansmen who had just beat her, things of that sort.

In her teens, T'vra had made up her mind that it was high time she struk out on her own, to try and learn more about her human side, the aptitude for the arcane arts, and the very strong connection with air. Eventually the right moment arrived for her to escape. T'vra looks back at that moment occasionally, and wonders how it all happened, and how long it will be before the clan catches up with her. She had not meant for the guards to die. But the wind she learned to control had suddenly turned to lighting, striking them down, much to T'vra's shock. But for now, she must keep wandering, staying ahead of the clan, and trying to find distant relatives of her mother: Taeliera Housha.

Grodd:

The mercenaries known as the Roughnecks represented an assembling of warriors from all over the realm. Their diverse makeup allowed for a number of tactics and strategies to be employed as soldiers from all four corners of the world joined together out of one form of necessity or another. Martial skill was the only commodity of any value in this harsh land and discipline was of the utmost importance to create and maintain a cohesive fighting force. The warriors who constantly practiced and prepared for hit-and-run warfare drilled into Grodd’s head the importance of defending yourself at all times. The lessons were long and brutal, as seen in the numerous scars borne on Grodd’s body. Fortunately, Grodd picked up on things a bit faster than the other grunts and possessed a natural resistance to fatigue and pain, allowing him to live long enough to endure the training drills and survive the battlefield. This was the life Grodd seemed destined too after being shunned from his village years ago once the orcish fangs began to show from his mouth. Outcast and on his own at a young age, he was taken in by a passing Roughneck patrol where he earned his keep through hard toil.

The Roughnecks had been hired by the surrounding townships to put an end to the greedy advances made by a neighboring warlord. These attacks made no attempt at preserving civility or honor as all caught in their path were butchered like cattle. Word spread of the heinous acts committed. Pleas for aid from the towns and villages fell upon deaf ears. Far too outmatched to form up any resistive force on their own, they sought out hired swords for help. At first, the offer was refused as the small collection of towns could not meet the price of the Roughnecks. After hearing of the brutality of these assaults however, the Roughneck leadership made the decision to aid the people in an effort to bring some decency back into a cold world.

The Roughnecks had hastily planned out an attack on a recon force that had camped too close to the hideout for the mercenary band’s comfort. A hasty pre-emptive strike had been ordered by the mercenary leadership before anyone could become aware of the secret camp. Grodd was used to the sudden call to action and consequently rarely removed the armor that had protected his life. The motley assortment of warriors assembled and made their way towards the enemy scouts.

As the mercenaries approached the scouting contingent, the trap was sprung upon the mercenary force. The scouts turned out to be the bait as the surrounding forest burst into a wall of shields and swords as black armored cavaliers emerged. The Roughnecks, caught completely by surprise attempted to form up and repel the sudden attack. Unfortunately the damage had been done in the first blows as the mercenaries fell like wheat before the scythe. Lacking the numbers to create a defense, death overtook the motley band with horrific speed. The mercenary leader cried out in vain as he succumbed to the inevitable.

Feeling a surge of rage and anger rise up, Grodd pushed it back down and ran. As his strides took him away from the slaughter, he swore vengeance at a later date knowing now was not his time. On his tail were a number of warriors looking to sew up any loose ends. Grodd quickly clamored up the side of the nearby cliff. The attackers were still in pursuit although the climb was slowing them some. He heard the shouts “Kill the orc! Slaughter the abomination!” as thrown rocks hit on either side of him. This added an extra burst of speed as he crashed through the forest and emerged on the bank of the raging river. He had taken a wrong turn in the excitement of the chase and had a choice of facing the pursuers or chancing the falls. “Why can’t I catch a break?” wondered Grodd as he approached the waterfall, barring his route of escape. One look back at the pursuers breaking through the trees told Grodd that there was no choice as he took the leap from the top of the falls.

Theolaerynn Frostfire:

In that time between false light and true dawn it seems like the world holds it's breath, as if fearing the sun might choose this day to forsake the living. And then, as the first spear of light is caught in the morning dew and refracts in a dazzling show of light, that breath is released in a rush of sound as creatures great and small happily greet the day.

Theolaerynn Frostfire wasn't one of them, and didn't appreciate those that were. He had once again stayed up far too late to get any real sleep at all, and the fact it was his own fault was of no consolation. For a brief moment he considers shutting the blinds and going back to sleep, but the memory of what his father had done to him the last time he had tried that some decades back brought him quickly to his feet.

It wasn't that his father was a mean or unkind person. It was worse than that. He was a scholar and a perfectionist, and seemingly devoid of any emotion at all, other than a strict intollerance for anything but the most sincere devotion to science and the scientific method. In his case, oddly enough, healing. Not so much in performing healing acts, although he did that as required, but rather delving into the inner mysteries of the body. He insisted that the body could heal itself of anything short of outright death, if only one knew how to communicate with it. And since he was often in a position that mentally or physically left him unable to write notes, his only son was called on to make them for him. And they had better be perfect.

Working for his mother wasn't much better, although at least she had a personality. She was so bubbly and fun loving, in fact, that he couldn't imagine what brought his parents together in the first place. He could only imagine how impressed his father hadn't been the first time he fell victim to one of his future wife's practical jokes.

No, it wasn't her personality that made working for her tough. It was the work itself. She translated ancient texts and generally looked for the elusive answer to what made the universe tick. Bonus if it involved discovering new magic or at least new ways to use old magic. Perhaps it was the intensity in research that was the common bond in his parents relationship. It was certainly the common reason Theo got into trouble. He had inherited all of his mothers mischief, all of both parents curiosity, and neither of their dedication to the scholarly arts.

Which meant that he was usually smart enough to get into trouble, but not smart enough to get out of it. Being a pragmatist, though, he couldn't let that discourage him from practicing.

And so as he headed to breakfast he wasn't quite sure if the thrill had been worth the 'complications' and lack of sleep, having spent much of the night softly, patiently tresspassing past locked doors and sleeping forms. And yet, he couldn't quite surpress a giggle as he checked his hands one last time for traces of adhesive, wondering if his father had tried to pick up his shoes yet...

Rohan "The Dove" Jeggare:

Rohan was born the seventh son of Alistair Jeggare in the city of Korvosa . House Jeggare, one of the richest noble houses in all of Varisia and Cheliax, controls much of the trade in Korvosa and so Rohan was born to luxury and power. Rohan’s mother, Isra, was a native Varisian, and so was considered “beneath” her husband’s status. Isra loved her son and attempted, in his early life, to protect him from the harsh cruelties associated with being born Chelaxian. In fact, Isra hated Cheliax and all it represented and resented her marriage to her rich and cruel husband.

As a child, Rohan exhibited a generous and kind spirit, which his mother fostered. His father, however, was incensed that a son of House Jeggare would behave in such a soft and womanly fashion. He came to call his son The Dove, a title of derision and weakness. The name stuck and he was known throughout Korvosa as “The Dove”. As he grew older, Rohan began to see the name as a source of strength and distinction, which only infuriated his father more and made him more of an outcast to his family and his society.

At the age of 14, Rohan befriended a house slave, Qandis, who taught him the word and deed of Iomedae, goddess of valor and justice. Rohan swore to follow the edicts of his new God and turned his back forever on the diabolical worship of his family. Sadly, Alistair became aware of his son’s conversion and had Qandis skinned alive in his son’s presence. He declared that Rohan should be immediately fostered to Lictor Creev of the Chelaxian Hellknights. For four years, Rohan suffered under the Lictor’s cruel and abusive care and would have been inducted into the Hellknights had he not escaped, naked and alone, into the Chelaxian night on the eve of his 18th birthday.

Rohan returned to Varisia and swore to dedicate his life to helping those who are oppressed by the Chelaxian Nobles who rule Varisian society.

A new day is dawning!

2009-09-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

It looks like we are suspending the 4th edition campaign indefinately. Instead, we will be starting a Pathfinder Rise of the Runelords game. The 4th edition game ground to a halt as we lost several key players and time stretched out between sessions. Hopefully, with Kacy as the new DM, he will be able to maintain a more regular schedule.

The first Pathfinder game will be held this Friday, Sep 25th, at Joel's dungeon. Game on!

...Cats and Dogs living together!!!!

2009-04-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

I lied in an earlier post. Our next game session will be this Friday at Joel's, a whole 6 months earlier than I had originally promised! If you can all recover from your shock, please be there at 6:00pm and lets continue our quest deep into the Underdark.

Dramatis Personae

2009-04-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

A list of NPC's

in no particular order

Sir Keegan: an undead Paladin responsible for introducing "EVIL" into Shadowfell Keep. His soul currently resides in Krova's sword, Aecris, and, from time to time, he chats with Krova.

Kalarel: Evil priest of Orcus. The party "killed" him deep within the bowels of Shadowfell Keep. His father, Sir Keegan, believes him to yet live.

Krand: Chief of the Bloodreavers, a group of Hobgoblin slavers. The party killed him in his stronghold, the Chamber of Eyes.

Bairwin Wildarson: A dwarf who resides in Winterhaven. He has taken charge of the ruins of the town after the Hobgoblin slaver raid. Bairwin sent the group to the Seven Pillared Hall to rescue the slaves and deliver a package to his business contact, Gendar the Drow.

Gendar: Drow merchant who runs Gendar's Curios and Relics in the Seven Pillared Hall. Gendar has asked the group to recover some merchandise stolen by Duergar of the Horned Hold.

Rendil Halfmoon: A halfling who works/owns the Halfmoon Inn. He was rescued by the group and now offers them sanctuary and whatever support he can provide.

Erra Halfmoon: Halfling owner of the Halfmoon Inn and Rendil Halfmoon's aunt.

Orontor: Wizard of the Mages of Saruun. Orontor was working at the Customhouse when the party entered the city.

Brugg: Ogre enforcer for the Mages of Saruun and a guy you do not want to cross.

Bennik the Wanderer: Halfling Bard who currently resides at the Halfmoon Inn. Bennik has acted as a guide for the group in exchange for their stories and tales. He has already spread the word quite widely about their victory at Shadowfell.

Surina: A Dragonborn zealot who currently resides in the Seven Pillared Hall. Rendil has informed the party that she is crazy and that they should stay away from her.

Vadriar the Sage: A mage who is on some sort of mission in the underdark around the Seven Pillared Hall. Something bad has happened to Vadriar, but he is physically unable to discuss it.

Murkelmor Grimmerzhul: A Duergar who signed a receipt for slaves purchased from the Bloodreavers. The party knows nothing else about him.

This list will be updated with more NPC's and details as we continue the campaign. Please let me know if I've missed anyone or you require more detail.

The Chamber of Eyes

2009-04-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

We had an excellent session tonight. It took a little trimming, but we managed to complete the entire "Chamber of Eyes" section of Thunderspire Labyrinth. As always, Joel did massive damage, Craig took massive damage, Brian controlled the battlefield, Amanda healed massive damage, and Nick ran away.

Everyone needs to level their characters before the next session, which will be in roughly 6-12 months, if we're lucky!

Once again, thanks to all the players for making tonight such a blast and I'm looking forward to reading your character blogs.

Thunderspire Labyrinth

2009-02-14T09:56:00.001-08:00

Our next session will be held at Joel's house at 6:00pm (tentative) on February 28th. See you all there!

Edit: The game will actually start at 2:00pm to accomodate Nick's insane schedule. We'll miss you, Alex.

Session 8: Kalarel

2008-12-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

Once again, I've managed to procrastinate long enough for someone else to do my job. Once again, they've done a better job as well. Please see Joel's character blog for an excellent recap of our final adventure session for Keep on the Shadowfell. It is, as always, excellent. I'd love to see blogs for everyone. Don't feel you need to do such an in depth recap, but a little something to feed the starving DM would be greatly appreciated. You might also want to put in a few out of character words about how you think the game went and what we can do to improve it. I'm always open for suggestions to make my game better. Please, don't spare my feelings.

I'd like to say a few words about what I've learned about 4th edition. Firstly, it IS a fun game. I'm having a blast with it and I hope that you are as well. It is different and took some time, but I am growing to like it more and more. That being said, it is not a perfect system. While combat offers far more options for the player and the DM, it is still very long. We were often able to get in only one or two good combat sessions per game night. I've been reading ways to decrease the time necessary, and I've gotten a few good ideas. I'm not sure if I'll implement them right away, but we can discuss them next time we meet.

As for the character classes, I feel that they feel, perhaps, a bit more restrictive than in prior sessions. Like I've said before, the magic system drains some of the mystery out of the game. I also feel like the classes essentially play in a very similar fashion. I'm sure this is the result of the daily/encounter/at-will power system, but each attack almost seems to do the same thing, but with a different name. It drains some of the distinctness out of each class. Perhaps that will be corrected as we go up in level and as more options become available in the form of splat books.

To summarize, I like the system, but feel it is a bit incomplete as yet. A few tweaks here and there and we have a winner. I'll be sticking with it and I hope you all will as well, though if you'd feel like you gave it your all and just aren't digging it, I would have no hard feelings if anyone chose to move on.

Please post your thoughts and opinions either here or on your own blog. Thanks.

One more thing...I am dumping Eberron as the setting for out games. It's just not working for me. Instead, we will use WOTC's point of light setting as described in the DMG and PHB. Your thoughts?

Session 7: Hobgoblins!

2008-11-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on session 7 (since the final session of the module is being played in a few hours and I've failed to post anything about the last session).

Session 7 found the group missing their Cleric and Paladin. Without their main healer and tank, the group was a bit more cautious as they proceeded down a flight of steps to the second level of the dungeon. They were immediately attacked by a small group of Hobgoblins. Things were going well as the party had a wonderful strategy, until the hobs succeeded in freeing their pet giant spider. The group had enganged the hobs and partially retreated up the staircase, creating a chokepoint in which only a few hobs could engage Shade and Lodi. From higher up the stairs, Lars was able to use his flaming sphere to harass and destroy any hobs who thought to try using missile weapons. Sadly, once the spider was free it was able to charge up the side of the wall over the flaming sphere and directly engage Shade. The spider's wickedly venomous bite made short work of Shade and he dropped, a mere hit point away from death. Luckily, the incompetent sage Valthrun chose that moment to return from whatever mental vacation he was taking and pull Shade to safety up the stairs. Lodi and Lars fought on, but the spider and the hobs were too much and Lodi dropped (or was it Lars?) Regardless of who it was, the remaining hero fought bravely and managed to finally drop the spider and the remaining hobgoblins. Seriously wounded and near death, the party retreated back up the steps to their safe bolthole to recuperate.

Following a very extended rest, the party proceeded back down the stairs with even more caution. The party expected an ambush, but found the few chambers that had been occupied by the hobgoblins to be deserted. The bodies of the dead hobs had been removed, however. Searching through the chambers, the party found a web-enshrouded figure in the room that had housed the spider. The figure was still moving, so the party cut the webs away. They were gratefully thanked by the biggest female Dragonborn they had ever seen. Her name was Vosh Glimmerscale and she turned out to be a Paladin of the Silver Flame. She agreed to help the party in their time of need in gratitude for her rescue from the spider.

The party, now fronted by Vosh with her enormous war pick, explored deeper into the dungeon. Shade spotted and disabled a portcullis trap and the party entered the chamber of the Hobgoblin Warchief. The battle was fierce, but Vosh held the line against the chief while Shade, Lodi, and Lars peppered the hobs with spells, arrows, and daggers. Things went well for the party as their tactics were once again solid and soon the warchief was a steaming corpse, bleeding out on the flagstones of his own bedchamber. Quite a bit of gold was found, as was a magic shortsword and plans to raid Winterhaven. The party also found an message from a group called the Bloodreavers, who have offered to purchase any prisoners from the Warchief to be sold as slaves.

The final encounter involved a series of traps. The first trap, a revolving statue with a wickedly large sword, nearly proved to be the end for Shade. The party managed to defeat the statue trap, however, and made short work of the remaining traps to win through to the chamber beyond, where we ended the game for the night.

Next up...END GAME!

Session 6: Sir Keegan!

2008-11-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight's session was very short as we only had three players. We were lucky, though, to have Craig's wife sit in with us. Thanks, CB! The session may have been short, but the rewards were great.

The party resumed their adventure at the top of a flight of steep steps. The steps descended into a thick, cold darkness. From the depths came the smell of death and decay. Casting aside their fears, the party descended. Krova'Karthis and Zarza immediately sensed the evil of the place, even moreso than they had previously. Lighting torches against the oppressive darkness, the party pressed on through a short series of narrow passages. Quickly, however, they found an opening which led into a larger room. Though the room was as dark as the passages, Krova was able to discern several figures, standing completely still within. The smell of death and decay was even stronger than before. Sure enough, the party had stumbled upon what appeared to be a nest of undead corpses, all of which immediately began to stumble toward the group, intent on devouring their brains (or other assorted organs). The group made short work of the zombies. Krova used his lightning breath attack to fell a handful, while Zarza was able to destroy the rest using the power of her god. Lodi, the beleaguered halfling ranger, aided his comrades with some well placed, and not so well placed, arrows. The unnamed Warlock, returning from that great closet of guest NPC's, launched eldritch blasts to great effect.

Having made short work of the zombies, the group stumbled on to what appeared to be a crypt of some sort. Sarcophagi lined the walls. At the eastern end of the room, some unknown agent provided illumination in the form of a warm, silvery light. As the party entered, they were not surprised in the least to find skeletons bursting from the sarcophagi. The ensuing battle was fierce and blood was spilled in great amounts (especially from a certain halfling), but the party fought on. Much to their chagrin, the sarcophagi continued to spit forth skeletons in seemingly endless numbers. Fearing for their very lives, the party retreated into the eastern portion of the room, where they found two altars glowing with the power of Dol Dorn. The battle c0ntinued to rage and the party began to lose hope until Krova offered a quick prayer at the altar. The room was suddenly filled with holy light and the skeletons were destroyed. Even Valthrun, the irredeemable sage, got into the battle, vanquishing one of the skeletons with his dexterous and highly skilled attacks. Taking a moment to catch their breath, Lodi searched the altars and found 60 pieces of gold and several amulets adorned with the symbol of Dol Dorn. Each member took an amulet save the cleric, Zarza.

The party proceeded through a large double door into the next chamber. This room appeared to be an unadorned crypt, empty save for a large, stone coffin that sat on a raised dais. As Krova attempted to open it, the double doors slammed shut and a skeletal knight rose from the tomb. This knight turned out to be the one and only Sir Keegan, whose tale was told in the poem that Valthrun found. The party, in conversation with Keegan, was able to find out that Kalaran, the agent of Dorsaine, is, in fact, Keegan's son, the only survivor of the slaughter of the Keep. Keegan was most distressed and, though unable to assist the party himself, gave Krova his magical sword, Aecris, to assist in the struggle. Keegan could have told the party his story which would have resulted in much boxed-text being read, but they appeared disinterested, much to the delight of all.

Pushing on, the party stumbled upon a room with illusionary walls. Behind the walls were more zombies, but the party made very, very short work of them. Beyond the fake walls was an armory, where the party discovered a magical suit of scale mail. They had to solve a riddle to get it, but Krova and Lodi had no trouble with that. Who said halflings and dragonborn are stupid?

Having ascertained that the armory was a safe resting spot, the party settled in to rest and recuperate. They greatly missed their mage and thief and swore not to push on any further until they could be found.

Thus ends Session 6....

Session 5: Into the Depths.

2008-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Session 5 was played on Friday, September 26th. The group finally entered the Keep on the Shadowfell, which is the real meat of the adventure. The players are all third level and were shocked to learn that the module assumes they would still be first level after several encounters in the Keep. Of course, I've added quite a bit of content and felt that allowing them to increase to 3rd level before the Keep portion of the module would greatly enhance their survivability and fun. They agreed and were grateful for the additional levels. Of course, they will remain at third level for the duration of the module now, regardless of how many XP they get. They weren't so happy to hear that.

Anyway, Please refer to Brian's excellent blog entry for a recap of the latest session. He did such a good job that I don't feel it's necessary to repeat it here. I am very much looking forward to reading Joel and Nick's entries. As always, I'd love to encourage Alex to continue her blog, which she hasn't written in since our first session. Life is busy, so I understand. After all, I'm coping out of updating my own blog! :) As for Craig, well...Craig? Craig's not here! Maybe someday he'll blog for us, or not.

Quote of the game:
Joel: Damn, I can't find the nine on this die!
Craig: Uh...that's an eight sider.

Next game is a go!

2008-09-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

We will be meeting on September 19th at 6:00pm at Joel's house. We will be down a few players, so we will need a guest player. Does anyone know someone who they are comfortable inviting as a drop-in player? Remember, we are not looking for another member, five players is perfect, but we will need a fourth for our game. If you have someone in mind, make sure they bring a 3rd level Defender or Leader.

See you all there!

Session 4: Alas, my memory fails me....

2008-08-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

Since I was unable to blog our last game session in a timely manner, I no longer have the game fresh in my mind. So, in order to get something down, I'll post highlights of what I can remember...

1. The group, aided by the mysteriously unnamed Eladrin Warlock, managed to uncover Ninaran for the Dusk Hag that she was. Though she led the group willingly into a trap, they were able to prevail and slay the Hobgoblin slavers and Ninaran, the Dusk Hag. They were also able to save the innocent merchants who were captured during session one.

2. The party was further able to ascertain that the problems in the village were the result of slow poisoning. They were able to track the source to the elf who sells flowers (whose name escapes me now and I'm far too lazy to look it up).

3. The party is set on finally exploring the Keep that is situated to the north.

More later....

OT: The Dark Knight

2008-07-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

I saw The Dark Knight today. To use the wise words of the Comic-Book Guy: Best. Superhero Move. Evar.

Did anyone else catch the not-so-subtle foreshadowing of the next potential villain?

Heath Ledger was brilliant and, if not for some awkward fight scenes and some confusing editing, I would call it perfect. As it is, I'd say it's my favorite movie of the year, in a year full of great movies.

Now I'm looking forward to The Road, based on the book by Cormac McCarthy. If it's anything like the book, it will be great.

OH...How about that Watchmen trailer? Looks perfect.

Oh No....

2008-07-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Gah! Real life sweeps in and undercuts our plans! Looks like next Friday is off. I can reschedule for August 1st. Let me know if that works for you all.

Session Three

2008-07-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

Our third session will be held on July 25th. We'll meet at Joel's place at 6:00pm. See you all there.

Session Two (July 6th)

2008-07-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Advance to the rear

The group, wounded and exhausted from their battle at the waterfall, retreat back to Winterhaven to recover and recruit assistance. The mocking, metallic laughter of Ironteeth reverberated in their minds as they came within sight of the village gates. Strangely, the gate guards barely seemed to remember them, let alone challenge their entry. The group hurried to Wrafton's Inn to report their progress, or lack thereof, to Eilian.

Eilian was discouraged to hear that the group had not yet attempted to locate the Third Sinister Rib. He encouraged them to hurry back to the dig site and complete their mission. Shade promised to complete the mission, but vowed that Ironteeth would fall first. Eilian was able to point the group in the right direction for help. He indicated that Valthrun had a new apprentice, who may be able to help. He also indicated that a small troupe of halflings had recently arrived in the village and were camped just outside the walls. Such a troupe may have some assistance to offer. After a brief discussion, the group agreed to have Zar'za approach Valthrun to ask for the assistance of his apprentice, while Shade would seek to hire someone from the Halfling camp.

Zar'za found Valthrun to be in his usual foul mood, but was able to ascertain that his apprentice was somewhere in the village, probably rewashing his laundry, which was n0t previously done to his satisfaction. Valthrun promised Zar'za that he had, indeed, found some useful information and was eager to share it should they complete Ninaran's quest and prove themselves trustworthy to the village. Zar'za promised to return for the information once the quest was complete. As she was leaving the tower, she spotted an young, skinny mage struggling to carry two pails of laundry. The boy introduced himself as Lars and readily agreed to assist the party. To show his readiness, he tossed the clean laundry into the street and washed his hands of Valthrun's petty tasks. Zar'za and Lars hurried back to the Inn to rejoin the party.

Meanwhile, Shade approached the halfling camp and was met by an affable halfling by the name of Elder Tonberry. Tonberry agreed to allow one of his young warriors to join the party, but insisted that an "insurance" fee be paid. Shade, ever tongue-tied and ill at ease in conversation, promised to think the offer over and return. Upon rejoining the party at Wrafton's, Shade met the newly hired Lars, who agreed to use his silken tongue to persuade Tonberry to let him speak and deal directly with the young warrior. Sadly, Lars underestimated Tonberry's persuasiveness and left, unable to come to terms. The group agreed to return to the halfling camp en masse and attempt one last negotiation. They really needed an additional warrior/scout and the halflings presented the only option available to them. This time, Shade and Krova dealt with Elder Tonberry. They attempted to persuade him to prove the mettle of his young warrior with a contest of skill before they agreed to meet his exorbitant price. Reluctantly, Tonberry agreed and an archery contest between the Elf, Shade, and the halfling Ranger, Lodi commenced. Each was to hit a small target at long range. The best two out of three shots would be the victor. The first shot went to Shade, who sent his shaft true to the target. Lodi hit the target as well, but a few inches outside of Shade's. The first round went to Shade. On his second shot, Shade put his shaft perfectly into the center of the bullseye. Lodi, clearly intimidated by Shade's shot, failed to even hit the target. Shade easily won the contest. Elder Tonberry, promising only opossum for Lodi for a month, reluctantly agreed to meet the party's demands. The final terms were 20 gold up front, with a second payment of 10 gold once Lodi had completed his task. Should he perish, the party would pay the halflings another 20 gold. Satisfied with their arrangement and the two additions to their party, the group returned to Wrafton's to rest the night.

Once more into the breach, dear friends...

The next morning, the group left Winterhaven to return to the kobold lair. As they drew near, Shade and Lodi agreed to scout ahead. As they drew closer to the waterfall, Shade easily discovered and disarmed a crudely constructed spike trap. As they moved closer, Shade and Lodi failed to spot a pit trap on the path. Lodi tumbled within and impaled himself on some feces-smeared spikes. Shade pulled him from the shallow pit and they hastened back to the party, satisfied that they have "discovered" all the traps. Zar'za inspected Lodi's wounds and cleaned them out as well as she can. She was fairly confident that she has prevented Lodi from contracting some foul disease. The group traveled together to the waterfall where they crouched in concealment and observed. They spotted no movement from within, nor did they hear anything. Sensing a trap, Lodi and Shade moved forward into the clearing to get a look inside the cavemouth. Luckily, several party members spotted discolored patches of earth strewn about the clearing and correctly surmised that kobolds are hidden within shallow pits, ready to spring up and attack. Shade moved forward silently, but Zar'za's clumsy bumblings alerted the kobold ambushers. One peeked out from his pit covering, only to have Shade's shortsword shoved into his face, severely wounding him. The kobolds sprang from their pits and the battle was on! The battle was short and easily won, but the party was impressed by the contributions of their two newest members. Lodi's arrows were precise and deadly, while Lars' magic missiles seared and destroyed with abandon.

The party, breathing heavily from the battle, turned their attention to the cavemouth. Now they can hear the sounds of kobolds shrieking to each other in their draconic language, readying for the party's inevitable assault. The party did not disappoint the kobolds and they charged into the cave, using a smaller, hidden side passage. The kobolds, expecting entrance from the cavemouth behind the waterfall, find themselves disorganized and unable to blunt the parties attack. The kobolds swarmed to reorganize and push back the assault, but are felled quickly by Krova's electrified breath attack. The party's tactics were brilliant as they forced the kobold force to attack them from a single direction. Krova and Zar'za held the line while Lodi, Shade, and Lars slaughtered the kobold horde with their deadly ranged attacks.

Finally, Ironteeth himself charged forward to attack. The party was shocked to be confronted by such a monstrosity. Ironteeth appeared to be two goblins, smashed and melted together to form a horrendous, two-mouthed creature, two huge axes gripped in its twisted limbs. Krova instantly recognized the foul beast as a Dolgaunt and called out to his comrades to destroy the abomination immediately. The party was able to hold their line against the furious assault of Ironteeth's double axe attack. Zar'za, caught out of position, dropped, one axe blow from death. Krova valiantly fought to her side and used the power of Dol Dorn to heal her wounds. His healing touch was enough to return her to consciousness, but a second brutal attack from Ironteeth kept her pinned to the ground. Meanwhile, Shade and Lodi concentrated their attacks on the foul beast and severely wounded him, Shade even temporarily blinding him for a time with a furious hail of shurikens. Eventually, Ironteeth succumbed to his wounds and collapsed in death. In his death-throws, he called out to Doresain to prepare his way to the master. Ironteeth dealt with, the party was able to easily mop up the remaining kobolds, whose eagerness for the fight was suddenly drained from them at the sight of their dead leader.

The kobolds finally dealt with, the party turned their attention to the contents of the cave. They mostly found the foul leavings of dozens of kobolds, but in a small cavern to the rear of the complex, they found a pile of gold and a small, locked chest. Easily disabling the trap and springing the lock, Shade opened the chest to reveal a finely crafted suit of dwarven chainmail. Lars identified the mail as magical in nature and the group agreed to give it to Zar'za, as she has proven herself to be most vulnerable in battle. On the person of Ironteeth, whose teeth had been forcibly removed by Zar'za to return to Ninaran, the group found a small scroll tube. Within was a message written in common in a fine, spidery hand. The message read....

My spy in Winterhaven suggests we keep an eye out for visitors to the area. It probably does not matter; in just a few more days, I'll completely open the rift. Then Winterhaven's people will serve as food for all those Lord Orcus sends to do my bidding.
- K

The party is naturally troubled by the message and is eager to discover the identity of this mysterious "K". They gathered up the spoils of their victory and hurried from the caves. With the sun still high in the sky they set out to investigate the dragon burial site.

I've got a bone to pick with you...

From a distance, perched atop a hill overlooking the dig site, the party was able to see movement inside the crater. While still too far away to accurately identify anything, they were able to tell that they were most likely watching humans as they worked in the pit. Again, Shade and Lodi were sent forward the scout the pit as the other, louder and clumsier members stayed well back. The scouts were able to approach close enough to spot two, large dog-sized lizards patrolling the lip of the crater. They were able to hear voices from within the crater. The most dominant voice high pitched and foul mouthed as it shrieked and bullied the humans at work within the pit. As the lizard creatures moved off, the pair decided to try to cross some open ground to a rock outcropping on the lip of the pit, where they could find cover and look within. Unfortunately, Shade misjudged the stability of the rocks and caused them to avalanche down into the pit, alerting the inhabitants. The foul-mouthed pit boss, a gnome, called his minions to action and the humans charged from the pit, armed with clubs. The lizard creatures and the human laborers chased the pair from the pit and, eventually, lost them in the woods. Shade and Lodi made their way back to the group, who had been hurrying to their aid.

With the day getting long, the party watched and waited until the gnome had gotten his crew back to work. They were able to sneak up to the pit and set into motion their plan of attack. Setting their position so that any attacking enemy would have to cross broken and rocky terrain, the party launched their attacks upon the lizard creatures. They hoped to draw the gnome out of the pit into their field of fire. Their plan worked, but they were attacked by a very effective halfling slinger, who had been crouched behind a small rock outcropping. His hail of deadly sling stones pummelled the party, hurting several of them severely. The party's plan, however, was a good one and the gnome found himself pinned with the halfling behind his meager cover. The first lizard beast fell and the party concentrated fire on the gnome, who peppered them with caustic insults and deadly accurate crossbow fire. The battle was going poorly as the halfling continued his ferocious sling assault and the gnome peppered the party with crossbow bolts, until Zar'za used the power of the Silver Flame to cast terror into the heart of the halfling, overcoming his natural resistance to fear. He fled, leaving his gnomish overseer to face the renewed assault of the party, determined to see him fall. Fall he did, finally, pierced through the skull by Lodi's pinpoint arrow shot. The human laborers either fled or surrendered, while the halfling, finally overcoming the spell's affect, returned to the battle. He was finally downed by a barrage of magical darts cast from the fingertips of Lars.

Exhausted and completely spent, the party searched the pit and found what they were looking for. The third sinister rib was found, wrapped in silk, hidden within the gnome's meager tent. On the gnome the party also found what appeared to be a magical locket. Inside the locket was a picture of a middle-aged human woman. The picture had been defaced by the gnome in a most crude and unforgivable way. The magical locket was given to Krova as the party found that it boosted the overall health and protection of the wearer. Sadly, the party found a shallow grave with a dismembered corpse within. Shade identified the body as that of Douven Stahl, the Karnathi spy who Shade had been hired to find. Collecting their loot, the party returned to Winterhaven.

Revelations

The party hurried back to Wrafton's Inn to meet with Eilian. Eilian was sad to hear of the death of Douven Stahl, but was very pleased at the recovery of the rib. Unfortunately, he had no further orders pertaining to the rib, and so decided to return to his contacts for further instruction. The party, he advised, was to remain in Winterhaven and continue their investigation. They were further tasked to keep the rib safe. He recommended that the party consult Valthrun about the rib and about all that they had found. He then left to prepare for his long journey, promising to return with aid.

The party had hoped to meet with Ninaran to give her the news that the kobold threat had been ended, but she was nowhere to be found. Instead, the group headed to Valthrun's tower to consult the sage. On their way, they ran into a beautiful young elf, Delphina Moongem, the flower seller. The party found it suspicious that she is out after midnight, but she assured them that she was merely taking a late night walk to clear her head. As she left, Lodi attempted to follow her, but seemed to be easily detected. He stumbled an apology and rejoined his party.

Valthrun answered the tower door in his nightshirt and, at first was quite annoyed, but the party assured him they were there to share vital information, so he invited them into the tower and served them tea. The party presented the rib and shared with him all the information they had collected. Valthrun was most distressed, as the information shared with him verified his own research. He told the party that he had determined that a group of unknown origin was, perhaps, attempting to open a rift to the Shadowfell, that plane of shadow that was in close proximity to our own plane during this time of Winterhaunt. It was clear from the information that the party recovered that this group was attempting to free Doresain, an exarch of the demon prince Orcus, who had been imprisoned in the Shadowfell by a group of Dol Dorn paladins during the reign of Galifar the First. Doresain had been attempting to bring forth a horde of undead from the Shadowfell to prepare the world for the return of his lord, Orcus. The current attempt to pierce the veil to the Shadowfell most likely is occuring in or under the ruins of an ancient keep several days to the north of Winterhaven. Valthrun knows from his research that the keep was constructed during the reign of Karrn the Conqueror, founder of Karrnath. It was built over a rift to Mabar, also called the Shadowfell, to guard against incursions from that realm. It was there that Doresain attacked and attempted to breach the rift and it was there that the Paladins of Dol Dorn flung him into the rift and sealed him within. If Doresain is released, great evil and destruction will scour the land! Valthrun thinks the third sinister rib may be one of the keys to opening the rift. He vows to keep it safe and continue his research on it. The party leaves the rib in his care and returns to the Inn to ready themselves to investigate the ruins of the keep the next morning. Before they go, Valthrun gives them a copy of an ancient poem which he has discovered in his research. He is not sure, but claims it may have something to do with the ancient battle at the keep. The poem reads as follows:

In shadowed keep of tumbled stone,
A peril hides, for years unknown,
The Kinslayer's spirit guards it yet,
'Gainst the very child he did beget.

The thing of evil sent dark dreams,
Nightmares wrought of tortured screams,
The vowed defender's sword did rend,
Murder to fate's hand forfend.

Awakened to the awful truth,
Shattered bones of men and youth,
His wife and children, pride and joy,
Seen as demons, he destroyed.

The Kinslayer met his death alone,
For wicked deeds he would atone,
So awaits he for the fated time,
Forgiveness grant for hated crime.

Visions echo through the halls,
Ghostly blood runs 'long the walls,
None can face those cursed remains
Fear like water in their veins.

If seek ye treasure, fame or greed,
Kinslayer's words be wise to heed,
Be ye born of purest light,
None can withstand the endless night.

Thus ends session two....

Session Two....

2008-07-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Session Two will be played tomorrow, July 6th at Joel's place. We will meet at noon. Please remember to bring a chair as Joel is a bachelor who loves sitting on the floor. Please contact me tonight if you need a ride.

See previous e-mail from Joel for address and directions (or e-mail him if you no longer have the information)

Sonic Boom - Off-topic

2008-07-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the city of Seattle cashed in 41 years of basketball tradition by accepting a 75 Million dollar buyout of the Seattle Sonics. Seattle is officially without a basketball team. The NBA has agreed to "help" the city get a new franchise, but the word of David Stern is only marginally more trustworthy than Bud Selig, the jerk who is ruining baseball.

The deal was predicated on the NBA declaring Key Arena "fit for basketball" when an overhaul of the facility is complete. The only problem? The state legislature must approve a public bond to finance the remodel. What are the odds of that happening?

Don't hold your breath, Basketball fans. The sport is dead in Seattle. Thanks Mayor Nickels...or should I say Mayor McGreed.

Session One (June 29th) - Part 2

2008-07-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

The party awoke early and were surprised to find Valthrun awaiting them in the Inn's common room. He was impressed by Zar'za's initiative in sending an animal messenger, but advised her to conserve her energy and merely knock on the door to his tower in the future. Valthrun listened attentively to the party's questions, but refused to answer. Though he had information he could share, he did not, at present, know the party well enough to take them into his confidence. He agreed that, should the party complete some act of charity for the village, he would share his vast knowledge. The party agreed to complete Ninaran's quest to eliminate the kobold threat, which seemed to satisfy Valthrun. He agreed to meet with them again upon a successful completion of their quest.

With the sun still low in the eastern sky, the party set out to the southeast to find the kobold lair. The map supplied by Eilian proved accurate and they quickly made their way to the lair. Creeping forward carefully through thick brambles and groves of birches, the party spotted a small pond, fed by a low waterfall. Kobolds of all sizes lounged around the pond. A particularly large Kobold, sporting a shield that seemed to be constructed of dragonscales, stood in a glowing circle upon the shore of the pond. Krova immediately assumed this Kobold was Ironteeth and charged, using his most devastating attack to try to fell his opponent. He succeeded in hurting the Kobold Dragonshield badly, but did not drop him. Zar'za and Shade acted with more caution and moved to attack from a position of stealth. Again, the battle was fierce and the party felled many Kobolds. Unfortunately, a Kobold on the fringe of the battle retreated into the waterfall, which the partly learned concealed a cavemouth. As the last of the Kobolds fell to the flashing blades and scalding magic of the party, a second force emerged from the cave and engaged them. Hard-pressed by the new foes, the party rallied and fought on. Zar'za, cut off from Krova and Shade by the charging Kobolds, was cut down and nearly died. Finally, bloodied and exhausted, the party slew the last of the Kobold attackers . Krova immediately turned his attention to the ailing Zar'za and used his knowledge of anatomy and healing to prevent her death.

Discretion being the better part of valor, Shade and Krova collected Zar'za's unconscious body and retreated back into the woods, followed by the mocking laughter of the Kobolds and Ironteeth, whose teeth sent metallic echoes throught the glade as he mocked the party and disparaged their gods.

Returning to Winterhaven to lick their wounds and gather up reinforcements, the party vowed to return and make Ironteeth regret his world.

From the journal of Shade

2008-07-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

Shade settles down in a hidden place to rest and write of recent experiences in his official journal:

After receiving my instructions I set out to gather basic support. I called upon Zar'Za the Tiefling Cleric of the Silver Flame , and the Dragonborn Paladin of the Sovereign Host. We geared up lightly for the mission and set out at daybreak. My companions know me only by Shade, as do all save those rare few I trust with my life, for surely it is a secret worth my life and more. The name has served me well thus far, as only one incompetent would so boldly name themselves a sneak to all, and I am anything but incompetent. True, I have much to learn still, but let them all think I am so filled with desire to show myself as important that I proclaim it with my very name.

Besides, those few who will believe me will make an effort to protect from me that which they wish me to find the least, and in so doing bring attention to it.

A few days before Winterhaven we came upon the scene of a previous battle marked by a ransacked and overturned wagon, and approached cautiously. My companions stayed on the road as is the wont of 'civilized' races, while I accepted natures embrace and scouted forward. The stink of Kobolds was unmistakable, and the wind brought me the vile sound of their mirth as they thought to ambush us. By 'us' I mean my companions, of course, as they approached the wagon in full view of our would-be assailants. Why must the other races be blind to the ways of the forest? Despite the obviously weak tactics of my companions we easily killed the kobolds, noting among them a skirmisher, a pikeman, and one that flung pots filled with various alchemical concoctions. They were relatively unorganized, with no obvious commander.

The remaining days to Winterhaven were uneventful.

Winterhaven was a tactical nightmare. The guards were slovenly and lax, with neglected equipment and no concern for their posts. At least one carried a flask to help pass his 'watch'. A child with a wooden sword could take that keep! The local lord seems to care even less, and I am told he sleeps late and that I should not bother to seek audience until noon! I will investigate this more thoroughly after the immediate tasks and threats are dealt with. Had the lord and his guards done their duty we may not ever have needed to come here.

I met my contact as expected, and received more detail on my mission. My contact told me that several others had been sent to investigate a Dragon Burial Site to the south, and that an artifact called The Third Sinister Rib has been rumored to be located there. None know the significance of it, but we fear it is worth our lives to retrieve it, as the others have seemingly given theirs in the attempt. This is our primary goal here, but there is another threat that is delaying us.

We chanced upon a Ranger going by the name of Ninaran, who seemed perfectly happy to provide that delay. Because of the laxness of the local lord and his armsmen, a gathering of Kobolds has been allowed to gather nearby to the south east. Ordinarily I would have let this pass in favor of our primary task, but Ninaran told me that the Kobolds are lead by a Hobgoblin by the name of Ironteeth. This is troublesome in that it isn't just a gathering of Kobolds, but an organized raiding party.

We also spoke with the local Sage, by the name of Valthrun, who confirmed some of the information we had already gathered. He indicated that he had more to share, but that we had not shown ourselves trustworthy yet. He told us that clearing the Kobold threat would show that we actually care for the wellbeing of Winterhaven, and that we are capable of selfless acts.

So with events conspiring to force us to deal with the Kobolds prior to attending our mission, we set out in the morning to deal with Ironteeth and his hoard. We first encountered them in a wooded area by a stream fed by a waterfall, which later we found concealed the cave of Ironteeth. When we silently approached the first group we discovered one in apparent command who was standing in an arcane circle of some sort. More I cannot say on the circle, as I was not able to get close enough to see for myself, nor have I been able to question my Paladin companion. I wonder what he determined about it from standing in it during the fight.

This group was much more organized and much better supported than the few we encountered at the wagon. I chose my companions well, and we accounted for ourselves with the bodies and blood of our enemies, but in truth we were only three against a hoard. We killed them as quickly as they issued forth from their cave, but did not have the support we needed to press forward. In the end we made the decision to come back to Winterhaven to enlist the needed help.

I am weary and must rest before scouting the keep tonight to determine if it is worthwhile to investigate the local lord. Perhaps I can find some way to encourage him to provide supplies, if not manpower. Somehow I don't think simply asking will provide anything useful.

~ Shade, so named for contrast between the darkness in the minds of men and the cool respite found beneath the leaves of the pillars of nature

Session One (June 29th)

2008-06-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Kaius, King of Karnath, having heard rumors of trouble stirring in the vicinity of Winterhaven, on the Gardbury Downs, dispatched one or more spies to the area to investigate a possible renewal of Cult activities. When his agent, Douven Staul, failed to report to his contact in Winterhaven, agents of the King dispatched a young, upcoming operative to the area to ascertain Staul's fate and continue his mission. He is to make contact with a Karnathi spy residing in Winterhaven by the name of Eilian. This operative, the Elf known only as Shade, convinced a few colleagues to accompany him. Unbeknownst to him, his friends, a Tiefling Cleric of the Silver Flame by the name of Zar'za, and a Dragonborn Paladin of the Sovereign Host who calls himself Krova'karthis, had already been instructed by the Voice of the Flame to travel to the area and investigate the rising evil. Having made arrangements for a few more operatives to meet them in Winterhaven, the small group set out for the remote village.

The Heroes

Shade: Elven Rogue, employed by agents of Karnath (Joel)

Krova'karthis (Krova): Dragonborn Paladin of Dol Dorn (Craig)

Zar'za: Tiefling Cleric of the Silver Flame (Alexandra)

Lars Solsted: Human Wizard(Brian)

Lodi Fairfield: Halfling Ranger(Nick)

On the Road: Tragedy

The party travels along the King's Road, a worn and ill-kept pathway. The wind howling down from the Cairngorm Mountains bites through their cloaks and numbs their hands. They have been travelling for days and are more than anxious to reach their destination, the promise of warmth and comfort at Wrafton's Inn in Winterhaven. Still a few hours from the village, the party stumbles upon a battlesite. Several carts have been overturned on the road, their contents scattered about. Cautiously, Shade slips into the surrounding woods. Krova and Zar'za close the distance to the carts and call out a challenge. His senses sharp, Shade detects snickering and sibilant whispers from behind the cart. Before he can warn his companions, however, kobolds boil up from behind the cart and charge the party. The battle is on!

Krova charges, laying about with his longsword. Allowing himself to be surrounded, he suddenly pulls back and bathes the attacking swarm of kobolds with his deadly lightning breath attack. More than half of the swarming kobolds drop, twitching and smoking in death.

A few of the dragonmen, obviously more powerful than their comrades, move forward to engage the party. One, a wily, leather armored one wielding two shortswords, engages Shade in the woods. The battle is fierce, but Shade wins the day, leaving the Slyblade to rot in the woods. On the road, Zar'za and Krova engage a pike-wielding kobold and a Kobold slinger, whose stinkpots and gluepots cause much chaos. Again, the battle is fierce, but when the dust settles and the spurting blood slows to a trickle, the party is victorious and relatively unharmed.

The party inspects the battlesite and discovers that larger, booted footprints are about. They find drag marks, seeming to indicate that the former owners of the wagons were dragged away by larger creatures. Sadly, the party is unable to follow the trail through the woods, so they continue their journey to Winterhaven.

Winterhaven

The party arrives in Winterhaven just before dawn. Winterhaven is a walled village atop a prominent hill overlooking the King's Road. They are greeted amiably by a pair of guards at the gate. The guards are slovenly, their equipment ill-kept and worndown. They seem to care little about the kobold attack nor are they concerned with the safety of travellers to Winterhaven. They direct the party to Wrafton's Inn, just inside the gates.

At the Inn, the group meets Salvana Wrafton, the proprietor. She also has little concern for the safety of travellers. She sets the party up with rooms and sees them well fed and comfortable. She informs the party that Eilian is a regular and she expects him to arrive at any time. Some time later, Eilian arrives. He appears to be senile, but when Shade delivers the passphrase supplied to him by his Karnathi contacts, Eilian drops all pretense and becomes quite serious. He informs Shade that his contact, Douven Staul, has been missing for a few days. He had travelled south to an ancient dragon burial site, where he claimed he could find an artifact known as the Third Sinister Rib. Eilian has no idea what this rib is, nor its significance. He only knows that Douven thought it was important enough to risk his life to recover it. The group agrees to travel south in the morning to discover what has become of Douven Staul and to ascertain the importance of the Third Sinister Rib. Eilian also tells the group that they might wish to contact the local sage, Valthrun, for more information about the site. He resides in an ancient tower in the village. The party agrees to meet with Valthrun and Zar'za uses a ritual to send an animal messenger to him, beseeching him to meet with them in the morning.

Some time later in the evening, as the group prepares to head to their rooms, they are approached by an Elven Ranger by the name of Ninaran. Ninaran as much as demands that the party assist her in clearing out a nest of Kobolds to the southeast of the village. She claims that this kobold nest is led by a creature called Ironteeth and is the lair of the kobolds who have be harrassing travellers on the King's Road. The party, already travelling in that general direction, agree to raid the kobold nest and destroy it. Ninaran agrees to pay the party well if they are able to bring back evidence of their victory. She wants Ironteeth's iron teeth.

The party retires for the night....

Greetings

2008-06-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow gamers. This will be my blog for my Keep on the Shadowfell D&D 4th Edition game. Check back for more details and updates.