The Lone Tree and the Burning of the Weeping Willow Stables

When last we left our Heroes - the Fellowship of RedWater - they were engaged in battle with a force of Black Rune dwarves on a bridge across the dried up river in the burning city of Enstad.

One dwarf was preparing to blow a horn - assuredly to alert further Black Rune soldiers, but key fire and spells were able to take the dwarf down. After the battle the Fellowship decided to head to the lone tree not a raging inferno or burnt husk.   Coming up to the massive tree, they beheld a wondrous sight. A massive tree over 300 feet tall towered into the sky. A shimmering blue and green forcefield (?) seemed to protect it and keep the fire and destruction at bay. A massive natural ramp 10 feet wide made its way up and around the trunk, looking to have houses and shops it seems at intervals. The Fellowship decided to watch for a while and noted a lone figure - looking to be an elf - at a 50 foot interval facing out from the tree - perhaps concentrating on the protective shield. Perceptive members determined it was the same figure all around. A statue, illusion or..?
Other travellers looked to be entering the area from the North so the group decided to follow suit and did the same. Kantif decided to take on the disguise of an elf.
As soon as they passed through the shield, the adventurers took a deep breath. Clean and Spring like air! taking deep breaths, they realized it had been at least 4-5 days since they had not smelt smoke.
Travelling onwards, they started the trek up the tree lane. The Fellowship passed a number of businesses boarded over, and others homes not in use. They did see a shop: The Lucky Mask General Store. None seemed interested, so they climbed onwards and upwards. A second shop Silman Cheeses, and then a third: Dreegle's Poisons and Sundries. The party walked ignored all and finally arrived at Azuul's Rest -  a tavern and inn.
The party saw a large figure all in ragged red leathers outside the main door. A sign above the small ogre's head: All weapons deposited here. The party hesitated at first and then started dropping quite a large number of weapons. The ogre then passed each a chit to get their gear back, and the party saw a massive tall door. They entered a large and busy tavern area. The room seemed strange to them - the layout, but they moved in. A massive aquarium on the left, over 20 feet long and 10 feet tall held a number of exotic fish and sea creatures. Moving into the loud and busy tavern, the Fellowship stopped in their tracks. A Firegiant and two Black Rune dwarves sat at one table. The giant drinking from a massive tankard looked over at the group and then away. It seemed this was a similar team to the one giant and 2 dwarves the party had killed recently. There was a harness nearby with two flame guns attached. Perhaps the 3 were on a break... Kantif realized looking like an elf was not the best idea so with deceptive skill was able to remove the disguise and look like a 1/2 elf. The group realized something then, the tavern was just part of a massive room - part of a giant's ship. A massive ship stuck or in the tree...? The door and some of the furnishing were giant-sized..
The group moved in and discussed options with the bartender -an older human man - for rooms. All got rooms except Baris - the bartender telling the witchdoctor that mangy mutts did not stay in Azuul's Rest (referring to Baris' hyena). Baris asked about a stables. The bartender raised an eyebrow and blew out his cheeks. "Well the only stables around here for that would be about 300 feet South." The Weeping Willow Stables. Baris headed off, Kantif accompanying him for protection.
Doctor Holiday and Cedric decided to get cleaned up, the hot baths being the option. This included

all clothes being mended and cleaned. Robin went to sleep, his recent battles of using his new warlock abilities warring with his previous ranger skills had drained his energy and more. Extrano had moved to the fireplace, while there, a different group of Black Runes commented he would be worth a lot as a slave.. the wizard quickly retreated.

He decided to check on some of the shops. He entered the cheese shop, where he met an old hobbit that sold him some enchanted cheese, he realized he should get some sleep so the wizard returned to the tavern and went to his room to study his magicks and rest.
While the Doctor and Cedric enjoyed personal hot relaxing baths, Baris and Kantif with hyena in tow went off to find the stables. Moving outside the protective shield, the smoke hit them again.. hard to breathe. Walking along they saw 2 dwarves at a ramp. A weeping willow tree partially burnt above. Walking up Baris asked about stabling his hyena. The 2 dwarves looked at each over and then back at the druid and rogue. At once suspicious. One dwarf asked what unit the two adventurers were with. Deceptive as they could be, the 2 dwarves realized something was not right so called their sergeant. A tall muscled orc stepped out and started to question the rogue and druid. Finally one of the dwarves raised a flintlock pistol, the other his ax and the orc a massive sword. "Surrender. Or die."
In the morning, Doctor Holiday woke up the room he had paid to share with Kantif. The Doctor realized the rogue had not slept there. Gathering the party he asked some pointed questions of the bartender and realized that Baris and Kantif had not come back!
Meanwhile... Baris and Kantif had been subjected to some questions where the witchdoctor had told most of the story of the party and more to the Black Runes. Both the rogue and druid were trussed up, and gagged so spells were next to impossible.
The Fellowship decided to look for their comrades and came upon the Weeping Willow Stables. Confronting the 2 dwarves, a battle ensued in the stables. Spells - fireballs from Extrano and blasts of flame from Robin the new warlock of Orcus Prince of the Undead - did heavy damage to the dwarves

and to the wooden structure. Thograa, the 1/2 orc rogue - now part of the Fellowship - saved a few members by binding wounds and administer a heal potion to Extrano, the wizard. The whole place started to burn. 2 cavebear mounts caged to one side growled, roared and crashed against the bars trying to escape. The party were on the ropes and nearly down a few times but excellent tactics by the group, great battle skills and more from all as Baris and

Kantif were dragged out and threatened with death and broke their bonds and fought alongside the rest of the rescuers.
In the end, the party stood over the dead dwarves and dead orc sergeant. The place a raging inferno. Two dwarves had retreated further into the stables and locked a door. The druid tried to persuade both the cavebears to help break down the door, but the animals were passed the point of coherence and crashed out into the day. Baris was adamant about leaving his equipment. Doctor Holiday, Cedric, Robin and Extrano wanted to leave. So the party split up. Baris and Kantif at the door and the rest of the party made it out of the smoke and burning building, waiting outside to see if the witchdoctor and rogue survive the inferno of fire and smoke... The two adventurers have some hard decisions to make as Baris shapechanges to a small rodent and goes underneath the door!

• Boxes piled against the door, a single latch/bolt holding the door locked.
• An unconscious hyena tied to a ring against one wall
• There are 4 doors - 2 partially open to a cell you think that looks familiar, another open doorway where you see 2 dwarves running down a passage into darkness, a 4th door is latched closed.
• Some shelves along one wall, with boxes and bags, as well as a familiar spear leaning against it and a variety of other gear including Baris' and Kantif's armour and shield

So there are a number of choices for next session:

• unlock the door for Kantif and move the boxes blocking the door
• get the spear
• search shelves for rest gear - visible: armour and shield is here
• get the hyena
• chase the dwarves 
• Open the 4th door
• OR..?

There is very little time so what to do? May be able to do 2 safely and escape. 3? Then you are pushing your luck. 4? You are dicing with Death, and he is grinning at you. 5? Welcome to Burning Man.

The Burning City of Enstad

When last we left our Heroes - now called the Fellowship of RedWater - they were on the outskirts of the once Elvish capital of Celene - Enstad. Now a burning ruin. The towering trees - many they see over five hundred feet high, burning pyres in the day and night. It is a dark and tragic sight as they continue to chug along the canals deeper into the city.
Master Senji advises he has had 'dealings' with the Black Runes before, so hopes they can gain passage without too much difficulty - may have to pay some tolls or more.
As the fellowship had traveled over the past weeks: 
Baris had decided to look at the ax. It seemed a strange weapon. The haft the witchdoctor discovered was made from bone. The blade, was a giant tooth. Looking at the weapon or tool closely, Baris - with the help of Extraño's arcane skills - was able to confirm this was from some gigantic beast. Nothing from this area - the Wild Coast - but perhaps from the far southwest near the Sea of Dust. It was well-made, and could be enchanted it seems, according to Extrano.
Doctor Holliday spent a number of evenings on watch with the human girl, Cheeta. At first she was pretty closed-mouthed, but after the Doctor had told her of his childhood and early life in the Duchy, she had warmed up to him.
The Doctor learned that she was the 4th child of six girls and 1 boy. Her father a merchant in the City of GreyHawk. Her mother died in childbirth with her younger brother. The merchant family hit upon hard-times and the children - but the boy - were indentured into workhouses to pay the debts of the family. Cheeta, from age 10 to 20 worked as a near slave to pay off the debts. After the 10 years, the debts were paid, and the 4 girls - 2 died due to goblin fever a few years back - were finally free. Cheeta sighed and looking out at the smoke covered water shrugged. "I had no interest in seeing my father again, my sisters all decided to enter into sisterhood at a temple. Ha!" Her long red ponytail whipping about her face as she recalled the story. "Not for me though. I wanted to travel. I went down the Wild Coast.. met up with the wrong people.. and met Master Senji in Fax. He needed a crew, and I needed out of that town." The girl spat over the side of the boat. Looking over at the young 1/2 orc, she smiled. "You seem to be an old soul, Doctor." She always called him 'Doctor' even though he had told her to

use his 1st name. "Your bird there.. it seems to be smart. I like ravens. Don't like crows.. but I like ravens." With that, she walked away to take the wheel from Master Senji. Looking after her, the Doctor was speechless. His raven landed on his shoulder and nipped at his tusks as she always did. The bird was forming a bond, possibly deeper than a normal animal and master. Sometimes he felt the bird knew his thoughts.


Extraño learned more of the Ring of Five - a group of powerful wizards - realizing he one location they could be based in is the City of Greyhawk. Kantiff practiced his skills as a monk extensively, remembering the old monk whom had showed him the way.
Traveling up the canals, the smoke started to thicken as they passed by more and more trees. Once called 'tree holds' - or in Sylvan - a'Sarasti the massive trees were like a village unto themselves. Master Senji was grim, he spoke little by this point. Everyone was on edge.. some coughing due to the smoke.
At one point they saw a group of six - or seven(?) - figures coming down between two burnt trees. Deciding to avoid them they kept heading up the canal. Then ahead was a strange sight a black and grey wall - right over the canal. After some perceptive investigation by the witch-doctor and more, the Fellowship realized it was a massive tree fallen across the canal and the black and grey was smoke rising. The tree was burning from the inside. The steamboat was nearly hit by falling chunks, but successfully navigated obstacle.

Further on, the party realized with horror - the water in the canal.. was going down. After a little longer the boat ground to a halt. The water level too low now, a bare stream down the middle of the wide canal. What was or had stopped the flow?
"The Black Runes no doubt!" Growled Master Senji.
A single dwarf was then seen walking slowly along the railing of the canal - smoking a pipe. Words were exchanged and it then was apparent that this dwarf was cause or had taken part in the destruction of the city. All the fellowship attacked. He then retreated heavily wounded no doubt.
Leaving the Master, Cheeta, Saris the drow elf and Robin Hood - sick with a fever - on the boat the party set out to explore further and find the cause flowing river to be stopped.

Baris saw a glimpse of a single a'Sarasti - not burning!? He felt the life of nature there still. Perhaps there would be answers to the canal drying up? Or just more questions? Strangely, the elvish spear the witch-doctor used, the haft of the weapon has tree branches engraved in the wood. These seem to be becoming more pronounced and visible. The druid feel the weapon seems to be...  alive similar to

a living tree? Maybe there was some connection to a tree here? As well, Cedric whom had been training with the elvish long blade, it seemed lighter to the paladin, and more easily used to swing in battle. It seemed to nearly be an extension of the warrior's arm. 

The group noted three winged creatures flying down the canal, Extraño, realized these were wyverns and without a thought fired off a ray of blue frosty energy. The range was short and the winged creatures flew onwards.

Investigating ahead, the heroes were surprised by a patrol of Black Runes. This was not random patrol though. A massive firegiant carried two Black Rune dwarves. The 2 dwarves were armed with flame-throwing cannons, strapped to in a harness to the shoulders of the giant. They had been in the process of burning a massive tree. Now they had live targets. The Fellowship of RedWater was surprised, but prevailed against the trio. The giant falling to crush one of the dwarves in the muddy canal bottom.

Doctor Holliday was interested in the flamethrowers, but Baris seeing only the destruction of the nature all around him acted and pierced the canister of the one surviving cannon, detonating the explosive fuel.
After some discussion, they recovered some treasure (and one of the cannons with Baris' help) and decided to check on the grounded steamboat.
The adventurers saw a the steamboat ahead but it was on fire. The boat and crew had been attacked by wyvern riders. The same three the party had spied earlier. Master Senji was gone, Cheeta as well. Saris was dead. Robin Hood was near death but still alive. It looks like the boat was intact but partly burned. Sending his raven to scout, the party learned there was a Black Rune camp fairly close, but it had thirty or more Black Rune warriors.  Master Senji and Cheeta no where to be seen.
Deciding they could not risk a battle with such overwhelming odds, they moved on the Treehold
perhaps the best option..
Coming to a bridge the heroes spied Black Rune patrols and guards. Taking some time to plan an ambush the heroes defeated 1/2 of the Black Runes, with a combined effort of spells (Extraño's fireball was devastating), bolts and bullets.

The dwarves still hold the bridge. Will the Fellowship of RedWater be able to take the bridge and explore the last a'Sarasti - Treehold - in Enstad? 

Until next time.

The Hidden Vale

When last we saw our heroes, they were laying in wait for a Black Rune dwarf slaver wagon. Ready with spells, arrows and weapons, the group had Master Senji take the riverboat upriver with Cedric sick with a fever and Cheeta tending to him.

As the two-wheeled cart approached the bridge over the river, the group struck - the crack of Doctor Holliday's musket starting the ambush. the musket ball and then arrow from Robin Hood, then Kantiff fired and struck the beardless dwarf in glossy black leather armour. Then Extrano's bolts of energy slammed into him as well. The Witch doctor Baris, put up an area of  spiky plants in front of the horse and wagon and the alarmed beast reared up. Combat was joined.
As more missiles magical and not slammed into the dwarf, he fell out of his seat, bleeding out on the ground. One of the 2 outriders, had his warhorse attack Baris and the massive hooves crashed down onto the witch doctor.
One of the prisoners - surprisingly - opened the cage door and jumped up onto the top of the wagon yelling at the group to stop. A second 'prisoner' jumped out, and started to tend to the dwarf. The adventurers faltered. This, was not what one thought slaves would do for a slaver? After some wary negotiation, it came about this was NOT a Black Rune Clan (BRC) dwarf. He - now being tended to
by an older woman who went by the name Leesha - was a gnome. It seemed he - Hiljanus Tesorrn went under cover to help slaves and get them away from the BRC.

With the Doctor Holliday's help and some healing from the Witch doctor - the group were very leery of the wooden-masked man at first - Hiljanus recovered from the various wounds inflicted on the gnome. The 3 slaves were comprised of the older woman, a dark-skinned white haired elf - a drow - by the name of Saris and a young girl whom was unconscious. She had Extrano noted a tattoo of a god the birdman knew well from Verbobonc - Saint Cuthbert. The wizard learns of his final messenger run - the Wizard's tome. It was for a wizard's manse! The Rule of Five. Five arch wizards of the realm, owned the building that once was at the location he was supposed to deliver the book to. The manse disappeared? Possibly magically transported..? 

The gnome and his team appreciated the heroes forthright support and welcomed them to a hidden vale they called home.
Taking the steamboat further upriver, they met up with the disguised Hiljanus and his team once again. Taking leave of Master Senji and Cheeta, the group traveled by a rutted path just wide enough for the wagon until a turn with a large nondescript tree. the two outriders - Lenis and Sarah quickly jump off their horses and move a blind of camouflaged leaves to reveal a path. Letting the wagon by the two riders quickly and efficiently hide the path and catch up to the wagon and party walking along.

Traveling over fairly rough terrain and through wast deep snow they finally come to edge of a cliff and a zig-zag trail going into a valley. Serene and beautiful, a waterfall - frozen in the winter - showers down to a small lake. A group of buildings are near the frozen lake. The party sees a few small figures out on the frozen. huddled over something.

Taking the group down to the vale, Hiljanus tells them of his work to fight the Black Rune Clan and save as many slaves as possible. Nearly all the people here were once slaves. After the party arrives, a young gnome lad runs up and looking curiously at the group, whispers to Hiljamus. The gnome looks concerned.

“There is a.. “ Hiljanus pauses and continues “something I must deal with. Reed, take these guests up to the Manor house. Tell Seweena to prepare rooms and dinner for them. “  Rubbing the boys curly hair, he nods, “Now go. I will deal with the well.”

The young gnome dips his head and start scurrying around the group, trying to hurry them.The manor house is a 2 story building, L-shaped, the one side made for small folk, the long “l” part of the L for man-sized creatures. Entering through the gnome sized area, door, tables chairs and more are all small.

Reed yells out for “ Weena!”

A female human woman, greying long brown hair in a ponytail, weathered skin and blue eyes, hands covered in flour sticks her head into the sitting room from the kitchen.

“Now I told you to git that stables cleaned…” seeing the party she stops mid-sentence and looks to the party and back to Reed. “Hello.. Ahh..”

Reed pipes up “Grandpa says to feed’em and treat’m like honoured guests. These 3 Granpa just saved” pointing to the 3 former salves, the girl still unconscious.  “Grandpa has gone to deal with the well.” He deftly tries to take a muffin from the platter Saweena holds. The cook easily raises the platter out of reach. “Reed! Go git yer brothers, they are ice fishing by the fall. Get the south end rooms open, get the fireplaces lit and beds set. THEN you can have your dinner..now off with you!” She tosses him a muffin.

She takes the 3 former slaves off to be healed and rest yelling out “Fenna” saying “ set yourselves down a while, over by the fireplace and warm up!” Another young gnome, female with blonde hair, looking like a sister to Reed appears and silently helps the 3, When the cook returns,  She takes cloaks, jackets and hang them to dry.

A dwarf woman, missing one eye, brings in steaming mugs of tea and hot chocolate. Platters of roast ribs, vegetables, and cheese and buns will arrive.

Saweena asks the group of current events, about where they come from etc. She tells them she was a slave of the BRDC, saved by Hiljamus, as are all the folks here. She is horrified to hear about the Sorenson Outpost. There has been little traffic for some time now - both by river and road. Saweena tells them scouts from the vale have seen many units of Black Rune Clan troops - ranging from dwarf warrior units to ,mercenary companies, to groups of flying creatures heading west towards Enstad - the Elvish capital city passing by their hidden vale.Doctor Holliday learns of news of Ulek from a hunter whom arrives for dinner - Janks. The southern mountain pass is being fought over by the Duchy and allies against the Black Runes.. no word on the mountain pass near Enstad. The doctor is resolute in travelling there now.

Reed returns with 2 what look to be brothers, all look to be same age, triplets. The other 2, Ruud and Rand. Advise rooms are ready and fireplaces lit. Hiljamus does not return. Saweena orders Reed and Rand to find him, while telling Ruud to help clear up table. Ruud runs off with his brothers leaving the table mess. Saweena sighs and shaking her head cleans up.

5 minutes later Reed comes back “Weena! Grandpa is down the well, they came back!”

Discussing with Saweena and one of the hunters just back - Janks - the party leans that there are goblins down the well. Poisoning there water supply. Coming from the Kron hills. Saweena, picks up a pitch fork from outside the door, at first ready but the heroes volunteer to save the old gnome. There is a spring down below.. Old ruins of a shrine legends say she tells the group..

The rectangular well entrance is large, many of the stone blocks having worn inscriptions on them. Unreadable to the group. The party prepares and climb down the well with the aid of a new rope after the original breaks. At the

bottom - 80' down - they stand in 4' of faintly glowing water - up to Extrano's and Robin's neck. The passages look to be partially man-made. Ancient and worn writings are noticed. Venturing forth they hear echoing whispers.. and then a bolt flies out of the dark. Engaging the creatures, they ride in small 2 goblin-sized boats with a heavy crossbow on front. 

Battling further in they encounter more of the small boat-riding goblins as well as some shamans. Battling through they finally come to a landing area where they see Hiljanus - unconscious and bound by a large gaping crevice. A shaman stands over him, chanting while other goblins prepare to defend and battle is engaged again until a large ogre like creature appears to assist the goblins. The battle goes back and forth - Kantiff falling but being aided by Thograa. All party members battle the crafty goblins, Kantiff ambushing some, Extrano getting off key spells, Doctor Holiday, his musket booming in the confined space and Baris healing the party with his totem and more.
Finally they defeat the enemies and save the gnome. Further exploration reveals a strange temple with three stone statues - a woman in fine robes, a broken statue of an older man in wizard robes and in the centre - a skeletal figure in fine robes. A lich...?
It seems like there is some great religious significance here, but the party had never encountered or heard of the three. Robin touches the lich and after a moment steps back shaking his head.. seemingly alright?
Doctor Holiday has enough of what he looks to see as evil and something against his new found purpose - the Raven Queen. Taking up his sword he strikes the statue of the lich a huge blow.. as it cracks there is a muffled BOOM! and both Robin and Doctor Holiday are thrown back. The amulet of Orcus glows hot on Robin's chest and it seems to protect him, while Doctor Holiday is amazed as a shield of raven feathers cover the 1/2 orc and protect him. They both realize as they stand up after being dazed and eardrums ringing that if they had not each been protected by their specific patron(?) they would be very dead.. fortunately the rest of the party were not in the room!

The rooms start to rumble and shake.. the party quickly retreats and makes it up the shaft of the well. A surge of water rises up behind them and finally settles at about 20' down. The whole tunnel area now submerged. Hiljanus recovers under the care of Doctor Holiday and Saweena. The party are given gifts and offered a bounty in regular supplies. 

They wish they could stay longer in the - now - serene and quiet vale but they know Master Senji, Cheeta and their boat ride awaits. Saying fond farewells and the vale inhabitants waving  - the triplet boys throwing snowballs at the party for sometime - the adventurers once again board their steamboat and travel onwards. 
1 and a 1/2 weeks of travel - uneventful - until Master Senji advises they are about 3 days out from Enstad. They smell something.. after a moment, Extrano advises it is smoke. Looking west they see a slight glow. Even at night, the western sky is lit. Flying up the wizard sees something and falters coming back to the boat.


Enstad.. is.. burning. The famed capital. The jewel of Oerth. Once thought to be the most wonderful and beautiful city for hundreds if not thousands of years, was on fire. 
Master Senji shakes his head grimly. "The trees there.. some are well over 200' tall! That is why we see the glow." He spits overboard. "Damn Black Runes!"
The fiery glow does not stop at night, indeed the smell of smoke and the glow gets brighter as they chug along the river.
What will they find in the once Elvish capital city of Enstad - now looking to be an Apocalypse of fire and ruin..

Shipwreck and the Ambush

   Days pass on the river, traveling up the river in the former elvish kingdom of Celene. Other than animals seen, no contact with others on river or bank was noted for 3 days. The heroes stop for wood fuel for the steamboat and catch some rabbits (good shooting by Doc Holiday).
A more calm travel takes hold as the days pass, and the heroes open up as some mention parts of their life, relatives and more. Binding the group into comrades that care and help each other.
By the 4th day, Kantiff notes a plume of smoke ahead. The adventurers prepare and coming around a bend in the river see a riverboat wreck. Swirling around rocks, spars and broken wood planks stick out of the water. a plume of dark smoke comes from a half-submerged smokestack.

   Master Senji slowed the boat's engine as the party looked intently around. The broken bow of the ship jutted out of the water, parts of its hull sticking out of the water like ribs. As the party got close.. Doctor Holiday jumps and swims to the wreck, climbing on board. As he started to look around for survivors and more he noted something in a dark hole.. perhaps leading to the hold, as he leaned down, a pale fish-headed face appeared long claws reach out and pulled him head first into the ice cold water.
Ambush!
Battle was engaged as rifle shot cracks and arrows flew from the banks. A dwarf, orc and a few goblins attack from the banks.Some of the party kept a sniping battle with the enemies while Holiday fought a battle with the sharp-toothed creature as well as holding his breath. Cedric brought forth the power of his god and commanded the dwarf musketeer to approach him. The dwarf.. chuckled at first and then with a glazed look jumped into the cold river and started to try to dog-paddle to the boat.
Cheeta nimbly ran down the chain to the barge of supplies and took a hold of the ballista and hit one of the goblins. Already injured by Extrano's spell, it flew back under nailed to a tree by the large bolt.
Kantiff dove/jumped over to help Doc Holiday. Reaching to grab his
feet he fought a war of strength to pull the 1/2 orc up. Meanwhile, Robin Hood, Cedric and Extrano dealt with the orc and goblins.
Kantiff was surprised when he saw a 2nd pale creature grab a hold of Doc Holiday.
Pulling him further down, the rogue went in as well. Now both were fighting for their breath and life.
Extrano unfurled his wings and flew over to the wreck and started using his spells on the fish-like humanoids.
A close battle, Holiday and Kantiff fought and successfully killed one and then Kantiff was pulled in again! Spells from Extrano and Robin finish the creature and the party was triumphant. Exhausted and chilled to the bone from the ice cold water.
Some treasure found, at first the party was going to keep all until they realized Master Senji knew the owner of the wreck, and was very thankful to the group for giving some of the treasure and loot for the family of the crew.
Travel continued. 10 days passed since the settlement of RedWater Falls, the next stop would be Sorenson Outpost a trading stop for humans and elves. No other traffic was seen on the river and the snow-covered road that occasionally went along side. On the 11th day, multiple plums of smoke were seen ahead. Again the party prepared.. for who knows..
The destruction was total. The outpost run by the large multi-generational family of Sorenson was destroyed and burning embers. Much covered in snow now. The adventurers spread out looking for
survivors, but none were found. Taking the next step, Doc Holiday performed an orcish ritual for the dead - 8. Five adults and three children.

Exploring the ruins they find little, except Doc Holiday acquires an anvil and tools, installing it near the steam engine - hoping to do some tinkering with his guns.

A confrontation takes place about the amulet of Orcus worn now by Robin Hood - which Cedric wanted to destroy. At this point at an impasse..
Traveling onwards, the party noted a wagon with two outriders riding on the road that sometimes went parallel to the river. Perceptive members noted a cage on the back with 3 prisoners and a dwarf - beardless - in black armour driving the two-wheeled transport. At first ready to attack, Master Senji advised there was a point up the river where the road crossed at a bridge. They could easily get there first as the road had to go around a large hill. Reaching the bridge, Master Senji and Cheeta hid the boat further up river as the party made ready, hiding and preparing for these evil dwarf slavers who potentially were some of those that destroyed the Sorenson Outpost.
Until next time.. ambush!

Maps of GreyHawk

GreyHawk campaign area:
This is a HI-RES map of the area (courtesy of Anna Meyer - https://www.annabmeyer.com)
Hi-Res map of GreyHawk


The adventuring party are just East off this map:








Doctor Holiday from the Duchy of ULEK:

(You came over the pass south through the County of Ulek - through the Druids Defile pass SouthEast of Tringlee and Arch Barony of Gliddinshar.

The Underground Palace

We rejoin our heroes as they continue to explore the Lonely Tower, once it seems an Elvish palace. There was discussion about leaving and continuing on the riverboat journey, consensus was to keep exploring.
Using all the tools at their disposal, the party was able to open the complex locked doors to what looked to be a throne room. It seems 3 of the gnolls had perished here. Drained of life-force as well as all bodily fluids. A coldness pervaded the room all feeling a chill except Robin Hood - his amulet of Orcus keeping him warm and comfortable. The walls seemed strange behind the variety of banners and tapestries - which depicted dwarf and elf allies - a strange occurrence with recent history! The walls looked to be made of glass, and dirt, rocks and roots of trees can be seen..
The party investigates the 3 gnolls, acquiring some loot - a gnarled staff with a skull on the top. After exploration of the thrones a spirit appeared - ready to attack. Smooth talking by Doctor Holiday

and it seemed appeased at the knowledge that they had killed more of the gnolls. It retreated and flew into the floor near the columns carved to look like trees.
This piqued the curiosity of the party whom started to search the area. A trapdoor was found and the rogue Kantiff determined a series of 3 knots one one or two columns would open the trapdoor. Neglecting to search for traps, the 3 knots on one tree-column were pushed and all of the party but Doctor Holiday whom was at the 3 thrones fell down into a trap chute! Turning around, the party was gone except for the recently rescued derro - Skeegin - whom pointed and jabbered in goblin at the 1/2 orc.
 Doctor Holiday does not speak goblin so took some animated gestures and finally he was able to activate the trap a second time and fell down the chute!
time to roll up new characters! 😁
The party arrived in a new area of the dungeon complex. The majority of the party felt a coldness similar to the feelings in the throne room except Robin Hood - his amulet seeming to keep him warm.  After doing some more exploration came across 2 dwarf like guardians.
They did not seem to activate until the party tried to pass. Extrano was able to hit upon the clue that if white cloaks, helmets and halberds were carried (stored behind a red curtain), the guardians made no move. Onwards.

Further exploration found an armoury where more loot was found. Then what looked to be a actual dungeon with cells as well as a spot where a blood trail on the flagstone floor. An apparition of a
female elf shackled to the wall appeared sobbing, mumbling about a baby boy. The party - except

for Kantiff, whom after seeing the figure was an elf had little interest in the dungeon, moved in, and the at that moment the ghost attacked! Some quick thinking by the party determined that the white cloaks, helmets and halberds had triggered her anger. After dropping that gear, she returned to her shackled position on the wall. Doctor Holiday decided to investigate and talk to her more, holding the raven feather. The rest of the party explored the cells. Looting more and coming across a large pile of rotgrubs which attack and were easily destroyed. At one point Robin Hood the arakokra ranger was attacked by the rot grubs - he felt the amulet of Orcus become warm and the rotgrubs fell off dead.
The good Doctor determined that the elf ghost needed her son who's body was in one cell. Taking the small form to her, she smiled and reached out to her son and then with a wispy glance and smile from both mother and son to the 1/2 orc they disappeared. A calm contentment came over Doctor Holiday. He had not filled this full of contentment in some time.

The party searched further finding a cave-in and after some interaction were attacked by carrion crawlers. Paralyzing and biting into the party. Doctor Holiday was able to with a critical hit to impale one on his two-handed sword. Fast work by the other party members working together - the witchdoctor Baris creating a totem that healed everyone extensively - and the giant creatures were destroyed.

Deciding the worked passages were probably the way out, the party started down a long, very long, extremely long passage lit with torches. It seemed the party had come into some type of trapped illusion. Coming to a point 1/2 way between two torches the party searched and found the way 'out'!

The party found themselves in what looked to be a wizard or alchemists study.
After some search they found 2 unseen servants that poured them all tea, a fireplace that never went out and was quite warm and pleasant, some interesting loot, a map and books (one being the wizard's spellbook!) Then a trap was sprung when one bookshelf was searched and fire engulfed it and caught the table as well.
Trying to put out the fire unsuccessfully the party had to retreat and were able to escape back to the throneroom. There was no sign of the derro Skeegin, the party searched for tracks but with the amount of foot traffic in the rooms and passages were unable to locate the small humanoid. Extrano left the derro a note on where they were going next -  Sorenson Trading Post.
The party boarded the steamboat, leaving behind the Lonely tower, having destroyed the gnoll threat and released 2 spirits to the care of the Raven Queen. Tired but content, the heroes continue their journey once again up the river to the Kron Hills.

Return to the not so Lonely Tower

When last we left the heroes of RedWater Falls, they had retreated from a gnoll under a broken down tower. After some discussion and determining that some ration packs had been made from human or elf flesh, the group decided this evil gnoll should not continue to prey upon others, and thinking of the villagers and miners at RedWater Falls village, they returned to confront.

Asking Master Senji to reverse course, they grounded the steamboat to see the gnoll now in the tower rubble, a longbow and arrow ready and
aimed at them. Some battling and the gnoll went down, as he fell with a bullet from Doc Holiday's gun grazing his head the hyena-faced humanoid pulled a hidden string.. an alarm?

The gnoll dead, the adventurers carefully searched and delved down into the complex below, wary of traps. The denizens of the place having some time to prepare - it seems from the alarm pulled by the gnoll and then again by Doc Holiday - ambushed the party at the first door. 2 gnolls, lobbing a flaming flask of oil caught a number of the group on fire. After a short battle the 2 gnolls lay dead. The party found a trapdoor and continued onward after searching and looting. Further exploration found quite a number of boxes, crates, barrels and bags of foodstuffs, equipment, clothing and more. It seems these gnolls were raiding and killing quite often from this as a base. Some fine treasure found as well:

• Elvish Longsword (The blade in perfect condition, the scabbard, leather with inlaid gold and enamel is becoming pitted and worn. Some of the gold patterns have worn, broke off or come apart. Still, the scabbard is in fairly good shape.History checks reveal this is a elvish leader's weapon. A: Cristhâdh  - The Forest hunters or palace elite guard used this type of sword. Normally with a 2nd weapon (using the finesse) a long dagger or short sword possibly of similar style and make.
• Bent / broken wand - fixed with sovereign glue by Doc Holiday! What could it be... 
• A variety of coins and some gems cut (and uncut)
• 4 chunks of GoldTear honeycomb. If eaten, will remove disease & poison.
• A Masterwork dirk (longer than a dagger)

 While searching they encountered a strange dwarf in the 'kitchen' area of the dungeon.

Skeegin - a derro - was in a cage, a soon to be meal for the gnolls. He advised the party (through Extraño the only one to speak goblin) after some healing (multiple wounds and a broken arm) and water that he was from a force from the down below - the UnderDark. After some direct questioning, it came out, his 'Masters' would be unlikely happy to see him with the rest of his patrol dead. With the proper support and more, perhaps the derro will be enticed to join the heroes.....?

The Derro was able to give some minor advice on the gnolls as well as rooms and doors.
Further exploration came upon a room the gnolls used for garbage, refuse and more. The stink from it was gagging and many of the group felt sick to their stomach.
Doc Holiday, moving down a slippery set of stairs tripped on a femur and slid right into a large pile of refuse and garbage in the center of the room. Sitting there for a moment, he started to smile then in horror he gasped as a clawed hand started to rake his chest. the room was NOT empty of enemies. A ghoul tried to bite into his neck, the quick moving gunslinger was able to shove the barrel of his
blunderbuss under its chin and the ghoul's head disappeared into a fine black mist of blood and bone! A 2nd ghoul then attacked! After
defeating the two undead creatures, the group searched for treasure  trying to still not lose their breakfasts and lunches in the process.
Acquiring more loot, they found a long circular passage cut from rough stone, not like the finely fitting stonework of the previous chambers and halls. Deciding to backtrack they came back and with the roguish skills of Kantiff to open some very complex locks were able to gain entry to another section of the complex, where more gnolls awaited them. While fighting this group, the party was flanked by a larger gnoll leader and his hyena. The wizard let loose with a barrage of magic missiles finishing one of the gnolls. Another went down under the blade of Cedric.
Kantiff went down, Doc Holiday nearly went down as well, but his 1/2 orc heritage allowed him to fight through the pain and blood loss to continue the battle until Baris' witchdoctor totem was able to give healing to all the party members - even Skeegin whom had been cutdown by the gnoll. Baris tried to heal Kantiff, but the the gnoll leader swung the pommel of his two-handed sword to stun the
spellcaster - foiling the spell - yipping his battle cry in triumph. Battling heavily with the gnoll leader, and the hyena, the tide turned and the gnoll tried to escape. While this happened the loyal hyena fought on until the druidic skills of Baris brought him to heel - as well as some timely tossed over meat rations.
A timely healing from the paladin Cedric for Doc Holiday had the adventurers chased the retreating crafty gnoll, down the winding passage, it was about to escape until the arrow of Robin took him in the back of the neck! The battle over, the party bound wounds and took stock of loot. The gnoll leader - a Agrik - had a what looked to be a well crafted sword. The blade looks worn and dull. It seems the gnoll was not proficient - or
caring to - keeping the blade in good repair and shape. Under the rust and blood and dirt are faint runes..



A massive chunk of amber enclosed a strange looking creature, sticking out of a passage wall..
Robin sneakily took a strange medallion (which seemed to be the symbol of the demon lord Orcus) from Cedric whom was planning to have it destroyed.

A gong was heard again - it seemed to come from behind the double doors still unexplored..

Session End.
The party gains a level! Still more dungeon under the Lonely Tower to be explored..