Tunnels & Bugs

 26th of Planting, Low Summer

We rejoin our heroes after a battle and supreme effort of medical skill by Doc, Obaz with Graxxuzazz lending assistance to an old orc woman being transformed by the strange insectoid creatures.

Assisting the woman to the level below, the party discusses strategy to go up to the 3rd level of the tower. Either through the hole created by the insectoids, or removing the barrier of furniture, boxes boards, and any other material the Black Runes could use. Noise can be heard above on next level of at least 2-3 creatures scuttling around. 

After much discussion, the final plan was to go up the centre stairwell. As the party moves to start moving the blockage, Forming a 'bucket brigade' they start to clear the stairwell. Gothi and Kantif decide to take a short rest
and while doing so, Kantif inspects one of the black metal 'pistols' the humanoid - insectoid hybrid was carrying, and nearly blasts Gothi with it as it goes off in the rogues hands. At that moment, both look up to see a number of the swarmer insectoids climbing stealthily along the ceiling and drop amongst them both.

Battling the insectoids more of the humanoid hybrids appear as more swarmers scuttle around the party.

Using well-versed tactics across the team, the party defeat the swarmers, but the hybrid retreats out of sight. It seems the creatures had come from a room the party had neglected to explore. The door slightly ajar. Moving around the curved passage, two more of the hybrid insectoids are encountered, one killed by the blight spell of Obaz and the other wounded retreats again. The creatures seem to have learned some different tactics.. 

Carefully moving forward, the party view an unsettling sight. In the room are four humanoids - all look to be Black Runes. All have a swarmer attached to their spinal column, alive, and in a coma it seems.  Moaning and the wet sounds of pincers being slowly inserted into the forms on he ground. The final hybrid is no where to be seen.. Doc and Obaz try to save one man embedded with a swarmer not quite as far gone, but fortune wanes and the creature on the back  awakens and the mandibles cut through the man's neck. With a bloody gurgle, the man dies. Finishing off the other 3, giving them a quick death with his Executioner's sword.

Gothi encountered two more swarmers both injured and the ranger is able to finish them off easily. A few more creatures are found dead at the bottom of the hole where Gothi and Kantif set a trap.

Further discussion on using the hole or the stairwell, the decision is made to clear the stairwell. Moving stealthily and carefully up, they discover another body, possibly an orc as it had no head. Coming up to the final floor of the tower, they find a circular room with wall on one side. Moving up, Kantif decides to scuttle into the room. Silent and in shadows the 1/2 elf notes with his dark vision a woman on the floor in the room as well as some type of wolfhound standing over the woman. He returns to the party and advises what was seen in the dark. Obaz offers to try and calm the wolfhound using their druidic abilities. Stepping forward with torch up, they seems more of the room as well as what at first looked like a large wolf, but now it seems the wolf is more than what Kantif had seen. Large sharp jagged spikes push up through the fur along its spine and a stinger on a long prehensile tail.

The druid is taken aback, but still reaches out to the still animal spirit of the creature. 

The wolf hound insectoid at first seems to be about to attack, and then quickly become docile and friendly to the druid. While Obaz keeps the creature busy, the rest of the party carefully move into the room. Investigating the woman and the room. The elf, is infected a swarmer fully inserted into her spinal column. Only time now before she.. it.. becomes what the party is an insectoid.

A work table with a variety of documents are found, as well. After some discussion, the wolf-insectoid as well as woman are both given a mercy killing.

A hole in the wall is found melted similarly to the floor which looks to have allowed the creatures access to the tower. A trail of yellow blood trails down the wall to the lake, where a hole in the thick ice is found. The excavation out on the lake and the pyre on the rock column in the centre on the small island, dominate the lake.

The party carefully moves out, with Gothi scouting ahead. Coming up upon the large excavation, a  set of rail tracks reach out to the hole, what appears to be a large steam cannon (?) or stream-thrower on extendable set of arms is cracked and dented, half destroyed. Obaz looks down and perceives a glint and then with a start realizes it is from an eye.. way down in the ice. But this eye is probably 10 feet across. The dragon? ..must be gargantuan in size!

The hole is about 30 feet across, and goes down into darkness pass the edge of view, probably about 100 feet down.

Obaz wildshapes into a large bat while Graxxuzazz sends his familiar a bat and carrying the rodent, the bat flies down to investigate, with party looking on.

Ropes and cables can be seen hanging down on one side, assumedly from gear used by the Black Runes. The two see a tunnel
heading off into darkness at around 100'. It is around 6-8' in height and 10' wide. The druid and sorcerer assume a smaller steam-cannon may have bene lowered to create this smooth sided tunnel.

Dropping off the scrumptious looking rat, Obaz the bat flies further down into the gloom. It seems the tunnel - starting out as ice, turns into a bluish crystalline formed walls, floor and ceiling. Flying another 100' down, Obaz sees massive crystalline scales of the creature, he realizes that the passage above, possibly connected to an arm of the vast creature encased in ice. Continuing to glide down, another 100 feet, the bottom of the shaft is reached. Obaz notes a broken gondola with frayed and torn ropes, other broken wooden beams, more rope and cables, a steam apparatus with dented metal bulbous shape. 2 Black Runes - 1 human and 1 dwarf - bodies charred by the black missile weapons of the insectoids. Assuming the gondola was used by the Black Runes to transport down troops as well as the steam cannon to melt the tunnels in the ice.

Obaz determine he is about chest level on the 'dragon'. Further investigations the druid realizes the creature may not be a dragon.. seemed to be a more humanoid shape, with a dragon-like head.

Meanwhile.. Graxxuzazz's rat explores the icy passage that become crystalline, walls floor and ceiling to the tunnel. There are glowing patches of bulbous carapaces material along the walls, and ceiling. Asif something is growing on the crystalline passages, filled with masses of the bulbous material, as if it is being taken over.  At that point, the Lizard-folk seems to start losing the connection to his familiar, as if it was 'cutting out' or a bad connection'. Graxx realizes he may lose his connection to
his familiar sending the rat forward.

Obaz flies back up and Graxxuzazz summons his familiar to him. Obaz advises the party that he has determined it is not a dragon. More humanoid shaped - a massive 100s of feet tall creature. Plan formed, some use ropes. Gothi activates her boots of spider climbing. Graxxuzazz turns into an air elemental. Kantif slow falls using monkish abilities, while Obaz still a bat floats down and Doc easily with his enhanced giant strength climbs down a rope, feet dangling free. The party all make it successfully to the tunnel and start to move in stealthily. The bulbous carapaces give off a glowing green light so the druid and sorcerer can see a little.

Obaz flits forward as their bat, and hears a commotion ahead of the familiar sounds of the insectoids as well as other more strange sounds. The passage opens up and a battle is in progress ahead.

An automaton - warforged (?) - is being swarmed over by a variety of insectoids. The swarmers scuttle all around and over the large automaton, a hybrid is closer to the druid and a massive scorpion like creature in the rear moves forward to engage as well.

Gothi feels a connection while down here and even a greater connection to this creature. The Fellowship quickly getting ready battle is prepared for and the party engages the creatures.

Calling out to it in her ancient language of the Foreclaimers the ranger tells the autmaton they are here to help.

The battle seems to be going well, the hybrid is killed and many of the swarmers until the scorpion insectoid engages. Shrugging off blows and blasts and shots it hammers on the automaton. Obaz summons a fire elemental to assist in the battle.

Then a buzzing can be heard and large flying insects appear from around the bend.. and another of the scorpion insectoids. 

The battle it seems is just starting.. 

Until next time!

High Outpost - MAPS

 3D Maps of the area [DM: using Dungeon Alchemist]

Bird's eye view of the High Outpost

Dock and buildings

The outpost and tower

The Pyre, and excavation into the ice

The High Outpost of Enstad

 25th Day of LowSummer

The battle starts with Doc pulling his pistol and firing at Vicen the bounty hunter. 

"Click - ffsss" as the gun misfires. Everyone looks on in amazement and surprise. Doc Misty Steps away on to a ridge and quickly starts trying to unjam the pistol. Then Obaz calls down the forces of nature and Blight on the man and the necrotic waves wash over the man as he groans in pain.

Vicen changes before the Fellowship's eyes morphing into a strange humanoid form. The Disguise spell seemingly unable to hold under the affects of the necrotic waves of energy.

Crouching now is a hunched vulture humanoid creature.. wispy dark curls of shadow weaving around the body. A withered claw holds on to a staff as it has a glimmering aura around it.

Vicen starts to cast a spell and Graxusas quickly Counterspells this easily, noting it was some form of dominate directed at Gothi and Obaz. Foiled, the creature snaps its large beak and hisses. Kantif rushes up and takes a dueling poise slashing with his dagger finding a opening in the creature's robes and shoves the dagger deep. As the rogue/monk disengages and runs away a blast of necrotic energy from what seems to be a shadowy shield around Vicen lashes out to do similar damage to a surprised Kantif.  Graxusas then blasts Bounty Hunter with energy and both the humanoid vulture and its tent crash to the ground. Gothi pulls her bow and makes a perfect shot - NAT20 on both stealth and to hit - doing EXTENSIVE [70+] damage to Vicen. The 1st arrow is centre chest and then second arrow in his arm.

Obaz throws another Blight spell which Vicen is able to dodge partially but the continued attacks are wearing the creature down, coughing up black blood. Its eyes glow briefly as it peers at Obaz and the druid seems to enter a daze.. But at this point, Doc pulls his musket out and never happening before it misfires as well! The extreme cold weather flying perhaps affected the gunslinger's weapons as Doc grist his teeth in frustration.. and then seeing  the Fellowship all bearing down on him, Vicen decides living is the best option and Dimension Doors away.. 

The Fellowship realize they have made a very dangerous enemy..

Recovering and resting they find a black metal box as well as the 2 forms under the tarp. A human older man and a younger female dwarf. Both in a coma - Doc, Gothi and Obaz determine that this is a poison - assumedly making it easier for the bounty hunter to transport his captives? Discussion on killing, reviving or keeping them in a coma takes place, until the decision is to awaken.

The grizzled man is a blacksmith and cook named Quiston. The young dwarf - one Bara Closter - a scout and guard. Both are from the Outpost of Enstad at the top of the high mountain pass. The two were part of a scouting party waylaid by Vicen, the rest killed by the efficient and deadly creature. The party is able to spin a tale that the group are a mercenary company called the Rat Catchers [DM Blog update] from Wayberry as well.

Bara and Quiston pass on some good details on the outpost, at least 100 troops dwell there at any one time. An excavation had started before they went on patrol - about a week or more ago the group finally calculate - by Obaz and Gothi's estimation on how the coma poison works. 

Quiston easily and quickly takes on the role of cook and prepares some good stew using various veggies and some meet that Gothi had taken down with her bow. 

Bara advises that in the centre of the frozen lake is a small island. Under the ice locked in its icy grasp

is a gargantuan dragon like creature which Gothi had some connection to. She felt drawn to the area. On the island the party recalls is where the blazing tower is or was, the fiery beacon no longer burns as it did when the Fellowship passed this way previously.. Bara and Quiston are not sure why or what was going on there other than they had heard an excavation down to the creature in the ice had started into the ice using a steam cannon on rails out onto the ice. 

The party makes camp and rests, keeping vigilant for Vicen, but the Bounty hunter - whom was near death - does not make an appearance. Under the destroyed tent a box had bene found which foiled all attempts to open, Obaz taking it as a personal mission to open. After most of the Fellowship had spent some time investigating, Obaz stepped back in frustration. They glanced around at the trees and nature centering themselves, took a deep breath and then glancing back at the box noted a barely visible heraldry on the top(?) of the case. Something rattled around slightly the sound muffled, as the druid slowly picked up the case. Kantif had determined no mechanical traps were on it, and Graxusas had not noted any magical traps but was not sure.

Taking a closer look at the heraldry, a  few members of the Fellowship look troubled as they recognize the sign. They had heard of this group - The Scarlet Brotherhood (DM: Info). A VERY shadowy organization from the South East jungles on the peninsula of Tilvanot (DM: Info). Rumours have said they are allied with the Black Runes, others say they command and control the Black Runes from the shadowy dark behind the Black Lords of the Black Rune Council. 

After some further experimentation, Obaz determines with Doc's help that there are minute traces of

blood along the wavy lines of the heraldry. The druid cuts a finger and they drop the blood into the lines. After a moment, the blood disappears, and they trace the full emblem. "CLICK". As the box opens. A felt-lined case with a bone tube scroll case lies inside. 2 wax seals on the tube, the Black Runes and the Scarlet Brotherhood. What did Vicen the BountyHnter have..? the party discussed further asking both Bara and Quiston, Quiston shrugged not caring, while Bara lamented and cried advising the party that opening this case was a death sentence from the Scarlet Brotherhood. After some persuasion and deception, the two Black Runes seemed to believe the party that there was nothing in there..

Opening the scroll tube in secret, the party unroll a parchment with strange writings on it. Unfortunately none could read it! They were able to determine it was a language of the Underdark: Drow, DarkDwarf, Deep Gnome or some other.. language of the Underworld denizens.

After a restful sleep the party's next stop would be the outpost at the top mountain pass. The party flies over noting the large frozen lake, the shadowy form in the ice - which still has a connection to Gothi. The plume of fire and smoke that was at the tall column of stone on the little island in the middle of the

lake is now out. No light or smoke coming from the once burning pyre that had been lit and never gone out in living memory.. the group circle the column high up, not seeing any movement or activity and then Gothi motions to the group to the Outpost on the lake's edge where a fortified compound and all had originally been the Duchy of Ulek and the Elves of Enstad before being overrun by BlackRunes. Now the area was also deserted, many of the walls destroyed as well as some of the buildings in shambles blackened with soot and rubble.

The Fellowship had devised some hand and call signals for the polymorphed adventurers to communicate with the riders and the group decided to land outside the outpost and investigate first.

Landing all changed back except Obaz, preferring to stay in wyvern form for now with Quiston and Bara both still recovering from the poison coma induced by Vicen. Snow crunching under feet and breath puffing out in the very cold air, the adventurers moved forward cautiously.

The gate was still intact, bit multiple areas of the wall had been blasted out, black with flame or magic..?

Moving to an opening, Doc, Kantif and Gothi slipped through carefully. Then Gothi spied it a crumpled humanoid form near one of the buildings. An orc. Was missing an arm, torso blackened and cauterized, flame or magic again. Another larger form was near the squat tower - an ogre. It was missing a section of one leg thigh to knee. Also black and burned.

Then as she moved forward, Gothi heard sounds from inside the tower. The door and all windows and arrow slits were blocked. The ranger did not understand the language but knew it was goblin. The rest of the party moved up and then after some quiet discussion, Doc knocked on the door, they were friends of the Black Runes, so why not?

There is a shuffling at the door but no response. Then Doc calls out the group is an ally. At this, there are whoops and shout of joy and more and a huge shuffling and banging as it seems many items were moved away from the door. A wounded goblin cracks open the door and grins, saying, "Did you bring a regiment to save us!?"

Doc leans his musket on his shoulder looking down shaking his head, "Nope, there's 7 of us." 

The goblins face falls noticeably and then with a shriek, he motions the group in frantically. "In! Get in here.. before they get you and me!" 

Pulling on their arms, the Fellowship are drawn into the tower.

Inside all the windows and arrow slits are blocked and covered haphazardly with furniture and boxes and more.

A body of an orc lies nearby, one of of her chest blasted, burned and blackened.

The adventurers, hear a tale of strange creatures attacking, ever since the stream crew mining into the ice had reached the gargantuan creature. As well, the burning pyre, which had never gone out in anyone's memory - even an old dwarf recalled back over 300 years - had gone out once they had drilled/melted through the ice to the dragon-like creature. Then the insectoids had come. Taking wounded, bodies and prisoners alive - the Black Rune soldiers screaming as they were dragged away. The insectoid creatures used powerful fire magic that burned and blasted anyone that opposed them. A force of two hundred Black Runes had once guarded the outpost. Now there were less than ten.. Obaz arrives with Bara and Quiston and all are now safe in the tower. 

"No escape we are all going to die!" Moaned the goblin - Greebil - that had let them in. At that moment, a scream is heard from an upper level. All the Black Rune soldiers just cringe and huddle. The Fellowship nod to each other, draw and load weapons and head up the stairs..

It is now quiet and dark.. only the drip-drip-drip of water puddling in the round stairwell.

Gripping weapons, the heroes step cautiously onto the landing. A humanoid is laying in the darkness

ahead, as the light shines from a lantern it is an orc, but there is something wrong.. laying face down something is on the orc's back.. some type of insect which is slowly moving. As Doc moves up slowly, an insectoid body with many legs - some type of centipedal creature over two feet long - is attached to the orc's body, long pincers push in to the orc's neck as the insectoid pulses, with each pulse, the orc's body convulses. Long spindly legs dig into the back of the orc.

Pulling his pistol and cocking the hammer, Doc hesitates noting he may hit the orc too.

Kantif runs passed Doc and stabs the creature on the orcs back with his dagger trying to hit the insectoid to stun it. the blade pierces the insectoid killing it, but also the blade cuts into the spinal column and with a gurgle the orc dies as well. Doc moves forward and peers into each room, pistol at the ready. He notes that the majority of the furniture boxes and other heavier items were taken down to

the ground floor to block windows, arrow slits and the main door. As the gunslinger carefully moves around the circular hall, he sees a goblin on the ground, another of these insectoid creatures on the back, long pincers again around the neck. The body convulses as the insectoid burrows its many spindly legs into the back. Raising his pistol, "CRACK!" a loud gunshot echoes down the circular hallways. A high pitched screech from the creature, and Doc fans the hammer and hits the creature again as it is blasted. The body convulses and the pincers cut through the goblin's neck and starts to bleed out heavily. Doc calls out "There seem to be more of them!"

Gothi goes left and hearing a gasp from a female voice, the ranger moves quickly and quietly down the passage. She sees a horrific sight: an old orc woman tries to hold back a  large creature with a broken
chair. A hybrid centipede-humanoid, with tendrils or antennae coming out of bloody eye sockets, and the wide mouth large mandibles clack and click as it is attacking the old orc woman. In one hand is some sort of what looks to be a hand crossbow - without the bow mechanism. The other clawed hand grasps at the old orc, to try and pull her towards the writing tendrils.

Goth draws an arrow and shoots. the first arrow hits the centipede-humanoid in the shoulder, and then the 2nd shot by the ranger is a again a perfect shot. (DM: NAT20). The 2nd shot takes the creature in its wide open mouth as it was about to sink the long mandibles into the old woman.

The creature shudders gaging on its own blood and is flung back from the force of the shot. Legs and body still moving even though it is dead.

The old orc woman turns to Gothi and thanks the ranger profusely.

As she is about to move towards Gothi, more of the smaller creatures swarm up to her and on top of her. [DM: now called "Swarmers"] Down the other side passage, a number of these swarmers scuttle towards Doc, along the wall, floor and ceiling.

Doc, Gothi and the old orc woman are all being attacked by a number of these creatures. Doc is able to fight off the poison, but one swarmer has climbed up his leg, heading towards the orc's neck. Similarly, Gothi is hit twice and both are climbing the ranger's legs. The orc woman already injured, slumps to the ground under the assault, one oft he swarmers moving along her spine, pincers around her neck. A hybrid-centipede appears around the corner coming towards Doc. Graxxuzzaz moves up, casting

a lightning bolt making it so Doc saves using the lizardfolk's sorcerous power and it blasts all the swarmers and the hybrid-centipede, burned and smoking. One swarmer barely alive is then destroyed and screeching in pain as Graxxuzzaz pulls more of his power to cast a firebolt. 

Obaz, comes around the corner to support Gothi and casts a thornwhip to pull one of the swarmers off the ranger toward the druid. It screeches and chitters as it is tangled in the whip. Kantif moves up, with monkish speed, and then stabs the swarmer tanged in Obaz's thornwhip. The blade easily pierces and kills the wounded insectoid. Darting into the shadows the rogue fades from view.

Doc sees the hybrid ahead, reloading a chamber on his pistol, he moves up. As he does, the hybrid holds up the black metal device, and a blast of dark energy hits Doc. Burning black energy hits the 1/2 orc in the shoulder. Shrugging it off, Doc pulls out his blunderbuss and fires at point blank. A fine yellow mist is what the creature is turned into [DM 168 damage from CRIT and more!]

More swarmers and two of the hybrids attack but are put down by the Fellowship.

The old orc woman is on the ground, in a coma with one of the swarmers on her back, long pincers around the neck, while the many legs are slowly sinking into the back along the spinal column. Fast and very creative medical and nature work by Doc and Obaz with Graxxuzzaz supporting are able to pull off a miracle by killing the swarmer at the moment of removal. The long sharp pincers clack shut but Obaz deftly removes it before it cuts the neck, while Doc surgically removes the many legs burrowing into
the orc's skin. A gasp of pain, surprise and emotion from the old woman as she wakes up momentarily with a smile looks up and then faints.

Gothi notes a hole into the ceiling [DM: red circle] in one of the rooms, seems to be where the creatures are coming through. As the Black Runes had blocked the circular stairwell passage to the next floor. 

Gothi and Kantif make a combined trap on the hole, so any creature coming through is pinned as well as sounds an alarm for the Fellowship and Black Runes to be aware..

Rest or move onwards.. the Fellowship will decide next session.

Encounters in Lortimill Mountains

24th of Planting Low Summer

The RedWater Fellowship continues to fly towards Enstad, avoiding many possible encounters if they had had to walk or ride.

Two are of interest to them amongst the days of flying..

First a manor house high on a cliff is noted, with smoke trailing from multiple chimneys. After scouting, it looks to be off a side path from the main road over the mountains. No folks are noted in the outer

buildings - a stables and what looks like a shed. The manor is dilapidated and in need of repair in many areas - roof tiles missing, some windows broken, the grounds overgrown.

Circling and scouting further no life is noted. Landing the party explores, until Kantif and Graxusas go to the main door and knock. A moment passes and a tired old voice can be heard coming to the door as it opens a hobbit in the clothes of a footman or butler peers out squinting in the sunlight. "Master! you have returned! Praise be." The hobbit says this to Kantif - it seems (?) that he looks like the owner of the house? Making way for two to enter, the butler takes them to a sitting room and provides tea in a tea pot with cups. 

Gothi, Obaz and Doc all are outside exploring..

A voice is heard from the 2nd floor - seems to be the mother of the Lord of the house. Wants to know what is happening. After some further dialogue between Kantif and HIS butler, the rogue heads upstairs to see HIS mother, while Graxusas searches other rooms.

While this is going on, Obaz and Gothi find a grave to the Lord of the manor.. Raising the alarm to Doc, the gunslinger makes into a 2nd for balcony where Kantif meets HIS mother (?) whom does not seem to be too happy - a ghost that ages both the rogue and the gunslinger.

After the battle, the manor disappears and all that is left on the ground is a teapot. Graxusas confirms it is magical and can summon the manor again with the right amount of special herbs and spices.. they know not if it is still Kantif is Lord of the Manor now or is the butler still there or..?

7th day of Highsummer [Reaping]

A few more days pass and a single camp is seen after a long day of flying. A tent, campfire and figure huddled over it for warmth. [DM's note: this high in the mountains, it is cold, but fortunately not at snow level - yet].

The party approaches cautiously and openly to greet the older man. until Kantif realizes he knows this man. [DM: blogpost:

Kantif spent some time looking for a pawnbroker's brother - whom had been very willing to pay for his rescue. Scouring the countryside, even coming close to Wayberry at one point following what seems to be a very lethal bounty hunter whom had captured a BlackRune commander and took the woman to Wayberry - assumedly to the forces of IUZ

Offering stew and drink tot he party, the man seems open to barter. Seems the bounty hunter is still looking for BlackRunes to take to the forces of IUZ - located at Wayberry.

After some negotiation, Doc has had enough and pulls his pistol and fires. 

Combat next session!

Giant's TreeBall Game - final score

 21st of Planting Low Summer

The battle has swung in the Fellowship's favour. After a surprise attack well-coordinated by all of the adventurers. Giants and ettins crash to the burning ground amongst smoldering trees in the glade. A firbolg shaman (?) supports the firegiant leader casting spells from cover to buff and aid, until some of the party focus on the elusive shaman.

Seeing his leader dying the firbolg uses druidic type magic to escape, the firegiant's last words, ".. but it was just a game.." and then slumps over dead with an arrow from Gothi deep in giant's chest.  

Gothi takes care of the griffon - wing-clipped, while others search for treasure. She heals the griffon with her magic, and confirms the wings would need to regrow unless powerful magic is used. Gothi's little scavenger feathered raptor discovers a magical copper coin.

A single older dryad survives the game/battle. Obaz use their skills to heal her/tree and assist with her recovery. After she recovers, she tells them this is a yearly event for the giants and ettins, perhaps.. now no longer.

A number of magic items are recovered, including an armlet, massive 15' long flaming sword, amulet, eyeball from the female ettin leader, 2 giant-sized chests as well hold some wealth, coin and more. One trapped with pins in the lock as well as glyph trap.

Gothi shows the coin to Graxusas whom casts identify on it. This actually does not determine what it is, but opens a communication to a voice. Whom Graxusas starts to have a conversation with. Seems to be a being that wants some work done in the town of of Fax the Wild Coast.

The Lizard-folk sorcerer - for good or bad- announces ALL his titles, and advises the name of the Fellowship to this entity. It seems very interested in all the details but divulges little in return. Making a bargain, the communication ends. Graxusas, confirms that to activate the coin, an identify or similar spell must be cast upon it.

1 - Party location

2 - Town of Fax

Obaz notes as they move to the far end of the glade all the trees have withered and died - this since the battle ended. Obaz discovers three dryad bodies with their throats slit. The druid falls to their knees grief-stricken. Obaz starts then to search for the despicable firbolg, and confirms the footprints all

around the dryad bodies. Calling his friends, they decide Doc, Obaz and Gothi decide to hunt the firbolg down and after some excellent tracking by the ranger. After a long chase, they see the giant in the distance.

A short battle as the firbolg was already wounded and he goes down. Carrying some items of interest as well as a 1/2 body-sized magical tattoo (?) of a sword - where Doc thinks about cutting his leg off or skinning.. then they decide to just bring the body back.

Returning to the group, Further rest is taken - away from the smoldering glade. Items are identified and divided amongst the group.

The remaining dryad is very thankful of the group but declines to join them in their new town, her place is here to recover and restore, Obaz again assists using their druidic powers before the Fellowship once again leave, some transforming for flight. [Graxusas cast polymorph other on the griffon INTO a griffon
so her wings are restored at least for a time!] Flying up into the sunny sky, the party again heads East.. towards Enstad.

Score and Attack

Housekeeping for town the party has control of.

New Name: Dragon's Keep

Rebuilding: 

• Converting town hall into a Fighter's Keep - primary
• Walls of the town - secondary
• Recovering farmlands for food - tertiary
• The mist is cleared from the large crater as Skrit finishes the ceremony. Plans to turn the crater into an arena for use by the town, with stands, seats and more. Also for training the militia by Irakul

The BETA crew:

• Skrit to still be the patron saint of the town while he rebuilds the town.
• Pyra the mayor, but focuses mostly on rebuilding her wagon and supplies of curios, magic and unique items. She decides to head into the mines, she has 3 kobolds attend with her. 2 miners and a foreman. They allow her to search the tunnels
• Vencer works on researching a new spell (3rd level spell portal spell)
• Irakul will be organizing the town militia, while also studying the demonic contract he had made. Reading it seems there are sections where it notes, Irakul and descendants would be servants/slaves of the demon - 2 weeks until the demon returns [DM: BLOG post]. Irakul's arm, which had faded partially now returning to 'normal'. Graxusas assists with finding a lawyer to look at the demonic contract
• Faust seems to be turning translucent or linked to the Shadow plane due to the artifact he still is attuned to - Shadow Lantern. Quite fascinated by this, he allows it to continue. Looking to do some research on how it is happening. The warforged does not know much about the Shadowplane but realizes he is becoming a creature of the ShadowPlane. Not enjoying light of the sun as much but definitely likes shadow. Research is needed - but to do this a library or similar is needed.

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21st of Planting Low Summer

 Circling the large glade under fire as the smoke plumes rise into the night sky, the Fellowship debate on moving onwards or trying to save the glade's inhabitants. Obaz had advised that many of the trees were linked to dryads.

As the party debates, the battle/game continues. Then decision to take the giants and ettins on.

Some stealthy movement to rescue a griffon by Gothi and Kantif. 

Party kills an owlbear and scare off her cubs.

Attack the giants and ettins goes extremely well. Most of the ettins go down as well as the female leader. 

Battle continues with the firegiant leader, Obaz is still a wyvern, Grax is polymorphed into a fire giant. 

Giant's TreeBall Glade

 The large glade the giants seem to be having the game:

1. Ettin camp?
2. Ettin's grove
3. Hillgiant grove
4. Mushroom covered hill
5. Broken bridge
6. Ruins?

Below are some close-ups..