Tunnels and Dark Avenues

Our Heroes with their rescued slaves in tow, were deciding on options, back through a smoke filled hallway to the sewers, or stand and fight a squad - or more - of Black Rune dwarves or go through the main doors to the former inn - barred, chained and boarded over, and a two doors, behind webbing and cobwebs.
Hearing the Black Runes working through the barred doors into the cavern of the GoldRiver, They decided quickly to go out the main doors - Benta did not know the area but the goblin advised it used to lead up to the avenues of Enstad.
Robin in discussion with Doc Holiday decided to go back and create a diversion. Taking a knee in the balcony overlooking the GoldRiver, and the rope bridge which still held the procession of undead, he took aim at the green glowing lanterns the Black Rune dwarves held to control and guide the undead. With an expert shot, his arrow took out one then another of the glowing lanterns. By this time the undead were no longer controlled and were attacking the Black Runes. Musket shots and bolts hit the wood around the ranger/warlock so he retreated as the massive doors closing off the Black Rune reinforcements were nearly breached.
During this time, Cedric, Kantiff and Extrano had successfully taken the chains and padlocks (Kantiff kept these), planks and more holding the doors shut.
Meanwhile, Doc Holiday with assistance from Cheeta were caring and bandaging for the former slaves.

• Synik (Human male teenager)
• Chenti (Human female older woman)
• Dagin (Human male - one foot encased in gold) - unconscious
• Zenin (Human female child - Dagin's granddaughter) 
• Binak (Human male teen - Dagin's grandson)
• Niccola (Human Female woman)
• Declan (Hobbit male teen?)
• Bertanna (Human Female older woman)
• Nalin (Human male teenager)
• Rihorn (Human male older man)

Most of the rescued, were tired, wounded, malnourished and not too talkative.
Declan, the hobbit was fairly open and willing to talk, a former merchant guard, he had worked in the Kron Hills and down into the territory of the Elves for a number of years. It seemed he had some minor skills with weapons.
Niccola a young woman in her twenties, was a former sailor. Long red hair, she was willing to use one of the crossbows and looked to be proficient with it - after cleaning and repairing the firing mechanism
Zenin and Binak - both children advised their grandpa was a merchant in spices and other unique curios. They looked with dread and a terrified interest at their grandpa's gold encased foot..
Nalin is a well-built young man, it comes out he is a apprentice smith. Having some skill minor skills in weapon making.

Upon Robin Hood's return, the Fellowship get the doors open and see out into a dark passage. It seemed the GoldRiver Inn was one building in a small underground town or city. It seems the area was popular with dwarves, gnomes and hobbits whom lived in Enstad, but did NOT want to live in the massive tree cities.
Taking their queue from the shouts, bangs and smashing of wood and clangs of iron in the cavern, the party rushed out down into the dark avenue.
Closing the doors behind them they raced off into the dark, hoping the Black Runes would not give chase.. As they moved on, they heard the door open slightly and then loud gutturla laughs from a number of - assume to be - dwarves. A voice called out.. advising there was a reason the door had been barred, chained and boarded over! They would find out soon! 
With that, the heroes heard the door again being slammed shut, barred, boarded and chained again.

The Fellowship of RedWater were alone in the dark in an unknown underground city. Exploring onwards, they came upon many ransacked and destroyed buildings of many businesses. It seemed the Black Runes had cleared this area..
Strangely, massive amounts of dirt were pouring down into some buildings, coming out of doorways, windows and piled up everywhere. The silent and dark buildings held no answer. Going down the avenue, they came to an intersection with a stagnant water filled fountain with what was probably a statue of an elf, now just broken off legs, the rest smashed rubble.
One large building - the largest they had seen so far - was the "Alchemy College of.." the rest of the sign was destroyed. The building rose three floors into the ceiling. two of the cobble-stone alleys were blocked off with dirt cave-ins. One to the party's right went off into the dark. Exploring they
started to hear some strange clicking/chittering sounds..
Then out of the darkness reptilian insect-like creatures attacked! Out of 2' tunnels the creatures poured out to attack.

The Fellowship of RedWater destroyed them and more came to try and pull the weak and wounded. One of the former slaves - Bertanna - was killed and taken by the creatures..
Fighting off the ferocious reptiles, the party took refuge in a partially destroyed stables. Resting and bandaging wounds, Cedric stood guard. Some found safe area in the loft under the advice of Doc Holiday.
Deciding that the way to get out of this hellish place was to go up, they decided to head back to the plaza.. glittering eyes of the insectoid-reptiles watching from a multitude of dirt holes along the way. As party members raised bows, crossbows or prepared magical energies, the creatures ducked back.. seeming to be work together.
Reaching the plaza, the party entered the former alchemy college building. The building - like all the others was mostly ransacked and pillaged.

Extrano cast detect magic as well as Robin - using his new warlock powers from his patron Orcus - they both detected footprints that went from a large hole in the ground up a set of stairs. A velvet bag holding some interesting items was found - one being a book -which seemed to be a contract with a creature from the 2nd plane of Hell - Dis. It seemed to be a merchant contract. The various pages in the book being the previous owners transactions with the merchant from Hell.
While the rest of the party searched and explored, Extrano, signed the contract on the front page. All the previous transaction pages. disappeared in cinders and smoke.. it seemed the Merchant from Dis would arrive within the month...
Meanwhile, a large hole was looked into but left unexplored.. The goal for the Fellowship with former slaves in tow was escape. So up the stairs they went.
The strange sounds of the reptoids - not sure whom came up with the name - could be heard. As the party ascended, Kantiff looked for traps noting none.
As they explored further into the college, large piles and mounds of dirt were found, and then the reptoids attacked again. This time the party was split into two rooms and the creatures seemed to be attacking en-masse using pack tactics.
Battling back and forth the small but ferocious creatures were cut down, larger reptoids also attacked trying to drag an unconscious Nalin down one of their dirt tunnels. Doc Holiday heroically waded through the enemy and dived down into the tunnels and was able to rescue the unconscious boy!
The creatures defeated for now, the Fellowship of RedWater take stock of their gear, bind wounds and prepare to move onwards...

The famous Gold-River Inn

The Fellowship are on a rescue mission to find an ally from the steamboat, Cheeta, Master Senji's step-daughter. She had been captured by the BlackRunes and was being held in a former gnomish inn - The Golden River Inn. Once a tourist spot, this reclusive inn - underground which was fairly unique in Enstad a city in the trees - was made for shorter stature folk only. The draw to this locale was the literal 'Gold River'. A phenomenon where a molten river of gold metal flowed slowly by.

Gripping their weapons and steeling their hearts, the heroes venture forth into the now prison of the

BlackRunes. The party come into a storeroom - back end of a secret door. Inside are a variety of rotting food, old barrels, smashed crates. A layer of dust and cobwebs cover most of the room. A skeleton of a gnome 1/2 burned with tattered remains of a chainshirt lies in middle of room.
A broken ladder leans up against one wall to a trap door 15’ up. Locked from other side. Further work by the rogues Kantiff and Thograa and it is open.
A narrow - not even 5' - wood-paneled passage was ahead. The passages and doors all made for shorter stature humanoids. Every once in a while, the group heard a thumping of drums. Slowly getting louder as they explored into the prison.
Doorways on both sides held what looked to be former rooms of the inn, now used - by the putrid smell and hay used for bedding - as cells it seems. One had a skeletal figure of a gnome. Another room had a variety of standard weapons. The group stocked up and left the rest. Then Robin Hood decided to set them afire. An argument between the ranger/warlock and Kantiff the rogue/monk to stop the fire, but with the help of some fine oil, the fire was lit!
Another cell had some strange fungus and spores that exploded in a cloud, which held some interesting items.
The Fellowship of RedWater moved onwards, down stairs and to the main foyer. Little was visible behind webs and cobwebs except another set of stairs and the main door it seems to the inn which was locked barred and a variety of planks boarded over it.
The thumping drums could be heard again. It seemed to be a regular occurrence. Every 15 minutes. Moving up the sweeping curved staircase, the heroes came upon a landing and what looked to once have been a sitting and view area for the inn residents.
Behind the party from the stairs below, small wisps of smoke were trailing up.
Creeping forward, the party looked out through broken windows across a balcony 1/2 destroyed rickety looking over a large cavern, lit but a golden light. The thump thump thump of the drums is very loud now.
Below the heroes is a large irregular shaped room. Waves of heat hit them as they look out. The walls look to be the stone, different colours forming layers.
A long catwalk of rope and wooden planks goes across the far near the opposite wall,  lanterns with green eerily glow light up the procession of shambling figures walk along it.
Under the long rope bridge, a group of slaves huddle, mainly small figures.. Gnomes possibly.. Or children?
Below, is the wondrous sight which gave the inn its name.
A golden vein of metal, shaped like a stream cuts through the chamber and seems to flow opposite

wall to right near the balcony. A variety of workers - slaves no doubt from the chains and manacles on feet - dripping sweat under the heat from the river of oozing gold - work under the BlackRune guards. A dwarf flicks a barbed whip and cuts the back of a boy probably just a young teenager as he spills some of the oozing gold. The boy crying out falls to the ground, but manages to not spill the bucket.

The thump thump thump comes from 2 sets of massive drums. At each, a sweaty goblin wields dual
On the close side of the river of gold, it looks like there used to be more scaffolding, but these are smashed, barrels and boxes broken and splattered with gold. An ore cart lies on its side, gold having oozed out all around.
It looks like there is a disagreement between the BlackRune dwarves running the mine and another group managing the shambling undead.
A cloaked figure is arguing with the guards guiding the procession of undead. The perceptive group then note Cheeta can be seen among the slaves working the gold river.
sticks and bangs away at a signal from one of the BlackRune overseers. There are 3 scaffolds with large buckets that dip into the river of oozing gold. The slaves swing over the bucket to the ore carts. If any is dropped or spilled, the Black Rune overseers are quick to whip the clumsy slave. When the ore carts are filled, more slaves push the carts out a tunnel under close supervision by the BlackRunes.

Discussing tactics and plans, the Fellowship take action. First, Robin glides down - trying to be stealthy - to hide near some of the broken boxes and gear on the near side of the river. Unfortunately, he was not that stealthy, his wings wide allowing him to float down allow multiple Black Rune guards to notice him - they already looking in the general direction to keep an eye on the slaves!
Surprise now a thing of the past, the battle was started, the rescue of Cheeta underway.
Other party members started to climb down - Doc Holiday having secured a rope for the 30' drop down. One of the BlackRunes a dwarf sergeant, spun a hammer and tossed it at Robin, it hit the aracocra with
devastating force and then the magical weapon returned to the grinning dwarf on the other side of the river. Other BR dwarves engaged with crossbow and flintlock.
The Fellowship were on the defense nearly as the river of molten gold was quite the obstacle. Until Cedric - Paladin of Istus of Fate - strung his new bow and fired the shadow arrow into a shadowy corner of the room and instantly transported there using the shadows on the other side of the river. A bold tactical move which would improve the chances of winning.
One human slaver ran out of sight yelling for support from more Black Rune troops. After a few rounds, the Fellowship were fully engaged in battle. Great blows and key spells by all were allowing the tide to turn. Extrano's fireball spell did devastating damage to a group of BlackRunes and a witchdoctor, breaking the concentration the foul creature had to intone a spell.
Robin, calling upon the power of Orcus, commanded the dwarf sergeant to approach him. The dwarf looked to at first be able to resist the command spell, but in the end the evil undeath power of Orcus washed over him and the dwarf trudged forward - right into the molten gold, carrying his magical hammer, to the dismay of Doc Holiday.
The battles continued, an elf or female cloaked figure jumping the river quite easily and engaged the group. This turned out to be a familiar face to one of the group Kantiff. the Rogue recognized his former teacher and friend - Kethra -whom had warned the 1/2 elf of the BlackRune treachery in the
city of Fax.
A well-timed hold person spell by Extrano put Kethra immobile and Kantiff was able to talk with her.
Doctor Holiday was able to engage the BlackRune leader of the zombie procession, in full plate amour, he was a hard target to hit, but between the Doctor's well timed blows and a variety of spells bolts and arrows from the rest of the party they held the dwarf commander at the river. The commander did not make it across, also falling into the river of gold death.
The rest of the BlackRunes seeing the tide had turned, fled. Until the sounds of hammering feet and the shouts of angry BlackRunes came from the tunnel. Reinforcements!
Quick thinking by the group, including Thograa whom unshackled many of the slaves, Cheeta able to do some as well - and Cedric closed the large doors to the tunnel, barred and a fire set at them.
The remaining slaves were freed and other than one elderly man's foot dipping into molten gold, the slaves were rescued. Kethra returned to the other side, with some kind words and a way for Kantiff to
contact his old mentor.

Retreating up back in the GoldRiver Inn, the party and slaves regrouped in the foyer. Sounds of axes and hammers smashing into the large doors can be heard, smoke wisps up from below where Robin had set fire to the weapons, a door barred, chained and boarded over, and a two doors, behind webbing and cobwebs.
What will the Fellowship do..? Until next time.

Secrets and the Heart of Enstad

Our heroes last time were just engaging in battle with an orc Battleguard sergeant and his watch crew at a checkpoint in the sewers under the once beautiful city of Enstad - now a smoking ruin.

Doctor Holiday called out to the orc, issuing an ancient orcish challenge. The Battleguard was not one to take an insult from a 1/2 breed, so accepted and they fought on the wooden bridge over the misty sewer waters 90' below.
Back and forth the battle went until with a signal the Battleguard ordered his cohorts to attack! A massive ballista fired while archers fired from arrow slits and a large black and gold spider attacked from below. Well-placed spells from Extrano, as well as healing spells by Baris the witch-doctor are timely for the group.
The Fellowship fought on some knocked down but were able to defeat the Black Rune forces. Thograa had the killing blow, a thrown dagger right into the eye of the cowardly Battleguard, about to cut down the Doctor! Some interesting treasure was gained as well. Extrano found Benta - the goblin guide - covered in a mass of spiders tiny to the size of a man's fist. Strangely, in the end they all disappeared INTO his cloak. Not much more was said on this..

Moving onwards through the sewers, the party sees green lanterns lighting the way, and then a massive procession of figures shambling along. After some scouting, they determine that it is a long file of undead and burnt skeletons filing along and the figures don't react to the heroes. Talking to their 'guide' - Benta the goblin - they realize they must travel the same direction as the shambling dead to get to the prison where Cheeta is held. Going back to their ruse of a few guards and prisoners - Cedric, Robin Hood, Kantif and Extrano - they delve deeper.

They come across a a small underground town and more guards. Using their skill of persuasion and deception, they are able to cross a bridge guarded by more Black Runes. There was also discussion of all prisoners having to see the Seer. No one really knew whom/what this Seer was or looked like.One offering a substantial amount of gold for the 'prisoner' Robin Hood. Doctor Holiday carefully declines

and the heroes move onward now walking with the undead procession.
Along the way the green lanterns continue lighting the way. The glazed and dead eyes of the walking dead glow with an internal green light. The Fellowship see a pulsing yellow light ahead, near sunlight in brightness.
Moving forward, the adventurers come into a vast room. Bowl-shaped, massive and many roots - some 15' in diameter - hang from the roof of the chamber. A pulsating sun like force is entwined amongst the most massive roots at the centre of the room. It seems the Black Runes have excavated all around this last tree of Enstad. The Esserial is the source of Enstad's power of nature and the weather, and the Black Runes want it.
High above, the Fellowship look over the edge of a narrow walkway. The dead walk and tumble into the bottom of the bowl-shaped room. Filling it up in a mass of dead and undead writhing limbs and death. Slowly the chamber filled, the clawing hands reaching up for the roots of the final tree of Enstad.
Staying on course they decide to come back here after freeing Cheeta. Moving along the narrow ledge they see a patrol ahead. Deciding to use the 'prisoner' ruse once more. This time though one of the Black Rune dwarves recognize one of the prisoners. Kantif. It seems that the 1/2 elf was not fully open with the Fellowship as the dwarf - a Commander Taeryn Ic Zuln - calls out to the

rogue/monk, seeming to know him well.
The ruse was still working until the Commander ordered the group to hand the wanted 1/2 elf over to him. It seemed Kantif has a bounty on his head.
Battle once again ensued. This Commander Taeryn engaged the group with some well placed spells, lighting bolt, slow and more. Multiple party members down, but in the end the Fellowship were victorious, Commander Taeryn using a misty step spell and escaping them to a possibly worse fate of falling slowly-  feather fall - into the mass of undead writhing below.
The heroes move onward and then came to where Benta told them the once gnomsih inn - now converted into a prison - held all the Black Rune prisoners.
In the passage outside, they encountered an ancient elf woman, just sitting in the passage. seemingly playing a board game. It seemed the elderly elf was actually trying to finish a puzzle but some
invisible force or being kept taking other puzzle pieces off the board as she put them on. A few tidbits of information were gathered from the woman and the group moved onwards up to a double-locked iron door.
The skilled work of Kantif and Thograa in action and the 2 locks were opened. Next time is rescue of Cheeta!

Dragons and a plan for rescue

2 of our heroes were in dire straits, the Weeping Willows Stables was a burning inferno, and the Druid - Baris - and Rogue/Monk - Kantif were still underground. The two were able to scavenge most of their gear, but the main access to the stables now had falling burning timbers, and little chance of escape. Deciding to follow the Black Rune dwarves that had earlier run down one passage, they passed by locked doors. Further and further down they went, following passages and taking turns at T-intersections. A group of Black Runes tried to give chase, but they were able to escape, coming out into the smokey ruins of Enstad in a charred and blackened cellar.

The majority of the party, waited in hiding to see if their 2 companions would escape the conflagration. But this was put to a stop by a massive flying creature. Probably over 30 feet from snout to tail-tip.. a WHITE dragon. Breathing a hailstorm of
cold and frost, the fire was put out at the Weeping Willow stables, but the area was now a snow and ice covered landscape.

Deciding to return towards their steamboat - stuck in the canal, with the once mighty river now a meager trickle. The plan was to try and rescue Cheeta. Surprisingly, both groups had similar thoughts.

By the time they made it to the canal, Doc Holiday, Robin, Cedric, Extrano, and Thograa were tired but stealthily across the canal. A crew of creatures looked to be scrambling over the riverboat. They were able to find a spot to rest

- wine and spirits cellar. While down there, a secret door was found as well as the explosive trap that destroyed most of the bottles and kegs as well.
Battle was heard outside and the group surprised to see Baris and Kantiff engaged in battle with some goblins, and then a flying grey-skinned humanoid man whom rained down magic upon them. Defeating the goblins - one surrendering - the grey-skinned flyer retreated. The group retreated back to the cellar, and rested. They realized the secret door they had found was an entrance to the sewers under Enstad.
After some persuading, the heroes gathered information from the goblin prisoner, willing to guide them underground to the area where Cheeta most likely would be imprisoned.

Traveling the somewhat surprisingly not too smelly sewers, they learned that there was a great deal of work going on underground by the BlackRunes, something to do with the power source that had allowed the Elves of Enstad to control the weather for many miles around the city. The Black Rune leaders were seemingly desperate to take control of this.
The RedWater Fellowship came upon a check point - a rope bridge, multiple guards on the other side and an orc on the near side.
Some clever negotiations looked to be working until the orc saw the very prominent sword that Doc Holiday was carrying. Once owned by a

hero of the BlackRunes. the orc guard did not fall for the fast talking Doc, and battle was engaged!

Until next time..

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..