The Coffin, the Brazier and the Sanctuary

8th of Reaping High Summer - Lortenford, in contested lands West of Wayberry

The Fellowship rest for the night without incident. Still affected by the curse of being unable to heal naturally or magically very well, the party continue to use what healing powers they can muster.

After the party had recovered some health, Gothi was still interested in what or who was in the small coffin. Using her X-ray vision inherited from FERA the colossus before her demise [DM: Blogpost], she focused on the metal coffin. Scanning in as she feels the pain coursing through her eyes as the powerful sight activates, she sees into the coffin a small form, what appears to be a young human male skeleton boy - slight movements - alive..? or Undead?

Doc recalls that in his early life a close friend - the elf girl, Gilwin Duress - telling him of a wood elf sanctuary Rel'sillar up river a few hours from the village on the opposite bank. A marked hidden trail allowed access. May be a safe place to rest. This reclusive group - an offshoot of wood elves - Copper elves -  were known to Family Duress, they had an trade agreement with House Duress wine for a variety of unique goods created by the Rel'sillar. Doc had not met them personally but had seen one or two when he was a boy in Wayberry.

The group leave the destroyed village taking wagon and all the supplies they could find from the destroyed village crossing over the river and head North up the path, staying on alert for giants and demons.. as well other other potential threats. 

It turns out to be a warm sunny day, heating up even more by afternoon. Then Gothi sees it - due to the ranger's excellent survival skills and perception. At a side tributary to the large river, a hidden sign weaved in living branches notes the start of the Rel'sillar family lands. 

Tibaltuous not wanting to take the cursed[?] Brazier or box [from Iuz and BlackRunes - BM Blogpost] with Gothi, head further up the path along the river about a few hundred yards and then off 

into the bush, the brazier dripping blood all the way. The bard hides the two items and they return to the party after covering the tracks.

The group then ask Doc more about the Wood elves of Copper Elves. Doc thinks back, supposedly Copper elves a further unique group of wood elves go by "family", not "clan or house". Very reclusive, excellent with crafts and creating with wood and more.

The Fellowship take the path into the forest, cleverly hidden but now with Gothi showing the way, easy to follow. The path goes under a large tree with many massive and small roots hanging down blocking the path-like grotto. The party talk about burning or destroying them and finally decide this is not a good plan if they want to ask the elves for sanctuary! The party try speaking out to the tree, Gothi tries a few command words.. and it works! The roots part creaking and writing out of the way, making enough room for even the large wagon - with CUBE - to pass under. The path to the sanctuary is open.

Ahead, they arrive in a valley with high cliffs and mountains on all sides. a mist or fog covers most of the upper reaches of the valley sides. Perhaps in aiding the copper elves to be here undetected. A water fall pours down into a lake which feeds off into a stream that disappears into the forest. A small skiff is in the river, with a single humanoid -copper elf perhaps - appearing to be fishing. Birds fly around, the peaceful sounds of nature, animals and more all around them. The heroes smile at each other feeling safe.

As the wagon and party move along the well kept path, they are all surprised when a massive skeletal dragon or monster screeches from the overhanging thick branches with a clattering takes a chomp towards the two riding on the wagon - Doc and Thogra. 

Thinking quickly, Doc shouts at the horses and slaps them with the reins. But the draft hordes, normally slow moving are already spooked, rear up and moving forward quickly! 

Gothi shouts out in elvish, and the massive skeletal head stops moving. It appears to be a large skull of a giant alligator. A young copper elf girl appears, looking at the party in wonder through one of  the eye sockets of the skull. The contraption, controlled by vines and ropes raises up as the young elf jumps down to greet the group.

She introduces herself as does the Fellowship, asking for sanctuary. The girl, Veela Rilfaa'silna Spring of the Willow, is a very young copper elf, wild red and green hair with light blue eyes, she is tall and lithe wearing leathers of forest green and brown. She has taken on responsibility to guard the family, telling the party of the ill that has befallen the family.

This family of copper elves have been decimated by demons and giants. After the Great Deliverance took 3/4 of the young strong folk, the battles with BlackRunes and then Iuz's demons and giants has diminished the family down to a mere three. Veela tells the adventurers, the power of the Grotto Mill'uo a elemental spring beneath the giant oak tree - she points to the massive tree dominating the valley - sacred to the elves - has protected the area from demons flying over to see and giants exploring the forest and river area. Along the way, she calls out to the fisherman. She advises this is Jacc'nin Tr'loos - "Old one" with no sight. This elderly elf, even old by elvish standards spends most of his time in the river fishing. His other senses easily make up for the lost sight. Veela whispers his eyes taken while captured by gnolls in hills to the West,\. The elf is old, whispers Veela way before the party's Mothers, mothers, mothers, great great great mother were born (except maybe Gothi) They think he may be over 800 years old, the young elf shrugs.

His scarred face old and wrinkled, the bald friendly old elf walks confidently without sight along with the group asking about news from Wayberry and the war.

The Sanctuary, formerly a family of 300+ folks living in tree houses as well as grottos along the river is now empty, a ghost town. Fallen into disrepair most have been boarded up. The massive tree has only one house in use by the three. The old and young elves take the party up to meet Veela's mother and leader of the sanctuary. Seral'asa, a tall copper elf, with long green and blonde hair tied in a long pony tail. Her Timeless beauty still makes her youthful, but the wisdom shines from violet eyes. She wears a dress made of living leaves weaved with leather armour. A vine covered bow in hand she looks sternly at the old and young elf allowing the sanctuary to be breached by unknown and potentially dangerous folk.

After some conversations, in the end she lowers her guard and relents looking happy to have visitors. She is especially interested to meet Gothi the Foreclaimer whom is a very distant relative of elf-kind.

The party rest and recover, taking a well appointed and furnished house near the river. Seral, is able to make poultices that heal the cursed wounds from the trapped box. All the party take meals and drinks, except Kantif at first and then he reluctantly accepts, his previous dealing with elves troubling him. Veela asks him innocently why but he curtly says, 'That is a long story'.

She replies, "I love long stories!" 

The rogue/monk changes the subject and Veela quickly loses interest.

It has been quite some time since the party were able to truly rest and recover. The healing salve, the delicious food and drink, the calm gurgling from the small river and far off sounds of the waterfalls, the sounds of animals, birds and more all bring a calm soothing rest to the party.

The party spend two days here, able to contact Skrit and get news of Dragonkeep. No sightings of
demons of Iuz, building continues in all areas, but very troubling news.. no word from Lukann at the flying tower. Skrit - and now Thogra as well - send multiple Sendings to the wizard, but no reply. 

The party decide to continue on with their hunt for relics to assist them in battling Iuz and the BlackRunes, The party is allowed to take some Spring water from the Grotto Mill'uo, which Seral' advises is similar to potent Holy water. Taking their leave from the Sanctuary and the three elves after agreeing to look up some friends in Wayberry - if they return there or even if the folk are in the destroyed city any longer. 

Tibaltuous and Gothi head up to find the two items stashed, it appears no one disturbed them. The bard then tries putting some of the Holy water into the blood filled brazier. It foams and bubbles out a black foam. covering the ground in all directions out to 20 feet or so. [DM: Think of a Coke bottle and Mentos] The party try again with more holy water - larger amount, and even more ground is blackened, all the plants killed and destroyed around, a black and red sludge all that remains. Tibaltuous had hoped the potent holy water may counter the blood but it seems the Brazier of blood is more powerful. The box is covered in this black and red sludge now as well. The bard, hunts a rabbit down and kills it with a single shot [DM: poor rabbit!], the bard using the dead rabbit to wipe down the box. It cleans most of the sludge off the box. 

The brazier once again strapped to his back again - trailing blood, they return to the path and rejoin the party. The bard places it on the wagon and then the trail of blood comes off that. The party then turn to the small metal coffin.

The party prepare.. as they have heard legends of vampires and the various ways to fight or defend against them. Most are ready with their holy water. After some interaction with this deep voiced 'creature' in the coffin locked from the inside, the party threaten to kill and destroy, and the creature relents to open the coffin as long as they don't kill him right away. As it creaks open, the party seen a white skinned, white haired boy looking up at them. 

The party confronts the creature and he - going by the name "Lars" is indeed undead and appears to be some type of vampire. It does not seem to be affected by the sunlight.  Holy water is thrown on him and he gags and coughs "Arggahh!" as it burns his skin. Gothi having tactically climbed a tree shoots an arrow - dipped in holy water - goes into Lars' shoulder! "Aaaah!" The arrow appears to do little or no damage but fire and holy damage do. Doc does Divine sense and confirms he is undead. Lars appeals to the group to let him go or maybe they can strike a deal.

Thogra says, "Hey maybe we can work with this guy." Tibaltuous looks incredulous at this, but it is pointed out the bard is carrying evil items.. Graxxuzazz casts detect evil on the creature but does not get any sense back of evil..  Kantif  using his eyeball of detect thoughts does not get any evil intent from the boy. Doc, Paladin of the Raven Queen, contemplates what would she want? Intelligent undead are normally a bane she destroys, but this boy.. does not appear to be evil.. or have evil intent?

After some tense negotiation, the party agree to take him along as a potential ally! Lars - he says - died as a boy probably a hundred years ago. Was last out of his coffin 50 years ago in a giant's stronghold where evil and dark magics were used to create undead by a necromancer giant. Lars had been taken there, but was a mistake or different from the other abominations created by the evil wizard. "I'm a thirteen year old boy!" Was the sarcastic lad's common sarcastic reply. He advises he has mage, rogue and some fighter skills. Doc asks for proof, "destroy that tree."  The boy weaves some power and a bead of energy shoots out, BOOM! The fireball engulfs the tree. The party agree - Tibaltuous still reluctant - to work with the vampire.. for now. The dry-witted young looking man joins the group. Doc recalls meeting an undead creature a dark and dreadful ghostly form in The Green which drained energy a similar way that killed Lars. [DM Blogpost]. Kantif uses detect thoughts again on Lars and it appears he is telling the truth on when he was privately tutored and learned his skills. The party do not ask about his full name, home or heritage. 

The tree continues to burn catching more trees and grass on fire... Gothi tries to put the flames out. Tibaltuous agrees to help Lars with a FULL resurrection spell, if he can be killed NOW. But then the party vetoes this to allow the thirteen year old boy to come long with them for now.. they have an Accord. "I will not betray you." Lars says. 

A healing spell is tried on Lars, and it does extensive damage. Grimacing the undead replies, "Don't do that again, thanks!"

They travel onwards. Getting closer to where Lady Cowl had advised where the temple to Hextor was located. A smoke trail is seen far off, South of the main road the Fellowship travel on. Gothi and Kantif sneak towards the smoke trail and fade into the shadows and foliage. The granite block stone road is no now old and disrepair, weeds and bushes growing up amongst the cracks and broken blocks. The two head along the old ruined road in the bushes and shadows along the left side, and then hear sounds ahead.

Yips and barks and a guttural language is head, neither understand. Gothi climbs a tree while Kantif moves forward to see tall 7 foot tall humanoids with jackal like heads. ahead. Appear to be guards? A larger group on one side call out in yips and barks to others on the other side.

Kantif and Gothi retreat to the party and Gothi signals to stop the wagon! The party discuss and start to come up with some plans to engage with these dog-like creatures...

Until next time..

The Giants & Special Delivery for the Fellowship

 7th of Reaping High Summer

The party had been stopped by a messenger. A box had appeared at the Overlord Romack's HQ depot. Addressed to the Fellowship - listing all their names. [except Tibaltuous] Appears to be from the Black Runes and IUZ. 

A package [black wood - ebony -  no visible lid, lock or opening] had arrived with all the heroes' names on it, with a symbol imprinted on both sides, [top

and bottom]and a tassel hanging from a blood red wax seal. The symbol they know well.. Black Runes. The wax imprinted seal as well.. IUZ. The messenger a gnome riding a sweat covered pony, advises it arrived at the HQ depot.. Know one sure how or who dropped it off.

What to do with this...? The party starts to think about trying to open then hear the activity in the village.

Located currently at Lotenford, a small village by the river. The party are carefully watching as it appears 3 giants and Firegiant a even larger deformed hill giant..? and what may be a younger hill giant that is fully covered in skins and rags. They are throwing boulders, rocks, chunks of masonry at various buildings in the town. The party do not understand the language - perhaps some type of undercommon - but the three giants appear to be having some type of game or competition in smashing the houses with the missiles.

The party make plans and then start to move off. Kantif, goes invisible, silent and stealthy as a shadow moves up amongst the buildings. Tibaltuous and Graxxuzazz skirt the buildings to the right hoping to perhaps put them giants in a crossfire with spells and more. Doc, Gothi and Thogra prepare. Gothi using her ranger skills, marks the firegiant preparing to take a deadly shot with her bow. Doc primes his musket and lines up on the firegiant just as the massive humanoid throws another chunk of masonry at what appears to have once been a stables. The missile pulverizes a wall with a large BOOM! CRASH! Timbers and walls cave in as the building slowly starts to collapse. It appears that one way to win this competition is to take out a building with one missile as the firegiant looks quite pleased with himself, making signs at the larger female giant. 

As Kantif is scuttling from cover to shadow, he hears a child's cry from a building ahead, appears to have once been a tavern. He stealthily moves up to investigate.

Meanwhile, the bard and sorcerer are making their way around the village, trying to be quiet and covert, even with the bard in platemail. The noise from the giants appears to make it easier for the two.

Thogra cracks a joke with Doc and Gothi now using Keen Eye - as they keep gun and bow trained on the giants waiting for the signal - Graxxuzazz's signature powered-up lightning bolt to crash into one or more of the giants.

Kantif moves into the former tavern and sees an older woman covered in dust and blood and child hiding in the back behind the bar. The rogue/monk shadowsteps up nearby and then quietly speaks to the two - invisible. Unfortunately this has the wrong effect on the two as the little girl shrieks in surprise and fear to the voice nearby - even though he was trying to talk in a comforting tone.

The firegiant appears to notice this and looks over at the tavern. 

Seeing this, Doc doesn't hesitate and the echoing shot of his musket booms out through the town. The shot goes true, and hits the giant in the back close to neck muscles. Gothi then looses her arrow as well
at the gunshot and Thogra grins and moves up fading into the shadows, muttering words to a his strange god SET.[DM: info]

Tibaltuous and Graxxuzazz hear the gunshot but were not in position yet so scramble to move forward. 

Battle ensues.

It appears the three giants are drunk as their aim and capabilities are off or sluggish. Doc does extensive damage [DM: dual NAT 20s] with his musket.

Graxxuzazz's lightning bolt double powered and wide cracks out to hit two of the giants doing

extensive damage to the two now smoking and burned. Tibaltuous charges up to the smoking and burnt giants. He lets off a faerie fire that envelops two of the giants. [DM: this single spell was key for the heroes attacks allowing advantage]

The giant's eyes turn black and energy wave washes over the bard but he is able to fight off the effects. The giant swings a massive club smashes the bard [DM golf shot] into a crumbling building. 

The smoking giant tries to affect Graxxuzazz with its evil gaze, but it does not affect the athletic and portly lizardfolk. 

Gothi's arrow goes deep into the firegiant's flesh between armour plates down to the feathers, doing massive damage. Her new cave bear friend - named Morsel - lunges forward to attack the giants as well.  Kantif uses his sneak attack and monkish abilities to glide in and deal bloody wounds and then

retreat out of range. Tibaltuous uses his bard skills, and finally flaming sword to cut and thrust into the smaller fomorian giant. Doc continues to shoot with his musket and pistol and hack away with his blade, blood flying in all directions  Graxxuzazz taps on his final power to let off more spells and blasts three giants with another lightning bolt. At one point the sorcerer floats in the river and pops up everyone round to cast a firebolt spell.

The party had not had time to rest since the battle for the CUBE and flight from Wayberry so all were low on spells abilities and more. [DM blogpost]

Thogra pulls out FLUFFY - a 3 headed skeletal hydra - and it starts attacking the firegiant as well as the rogue/priest backstabs one of the giants.

The giants continue to try to retaliate, doing extensive damage to the heroes but the party's skills at keeping them occupied from multiple directions and wearing them down with missile weapons, spells and attacks finally take all the giants down! 

All heroes of the Fellowship are covered in blood, sweat and more [blood hard to tell if their own or giants'] 

Breathing heavily, and bandaging wounds all take a moment at the silence.. then the sound of a bird in a tree nearby. The party rest and search the giants gathering some unique treasures.

The small metal long box that appears to be a coffin is in one bag of the firegiant. It appears to be

locked from the INSIDE. Trying to open, a guttural voice from inside tells them to go away. The party thinking this may be a vampire decide to NOT open as it was now dusk.

The party turn to the box from IUZ and the BlackRunes. Discussion back and forth on opening or NOT or just getting rid of..

In the end, the party decides - maybe not all - to OPEN the box. Tibaltuous cracks the wax seal and an

edge appears black light seeping out. Then it opens further and a black obsidian like skull is seen in a felt covered interior. 

WHUMP. Black energy ripples through everyone within thirty feet. Which hits the whole party. All the party fail a saving throw and look to be paralyzed - except Tibaltuous. Then a wave of destruction crashes over all. [DM rolls dice 100 hp. damage] The bard stumbling and bleary from the damage [1/2] throws the box as far as he can. 4 more waves of necromantic energy blast out from the box and skull. 

This 'gift' from IUZ and the BlackRunes could have killed the party.. the bard saved the party.

[DM: all party members appear to need to heal naturally1 HP per day or spell cast or 1 HP per Hit dice rested]. 

A large copper bowl continually seeping blood that appears to disintegrate living flesh it touches is found. All the party share a nightmare - appearing to be related to the blood bowl. All seem to drown in
blood. The party try to figure out how to keep it - but the nightmares.. 

Tibaltuous ties it to his back and the the bard now has a blood trail following him as he walks about.

The party rest.. again. 

What next for the Fellowship?

Old Friends, Negotiations and Leaving Wayberry

7th of Reaping, High Summer

The RedWater Fellowship walk up the gangplank onto the galleon, the StarSong. Graxxuzazz and Thograa stay with the cart [and CUBE], while the heroes prepare to meet the Lady Cowl and then for the conversation with Lord Royce who is on campaign Southwest of Wayberry. They are met by a

young lieutenant, a female half-elf who after advising Gothi's cave bear is not going to be able to come on board, Gothi takes the bear over to some ruins100 feet or more away and finds a partially destroyed warehouse where the bear can sit for a while. The half-elf escorts Gothi, Tibaltuous, Kantif and Doc to the rear of the large ship, bustling crew all around making the ship ready for departure.

The officer a half-elf female, advises the Admiral is unavailable. The Starsong is making preparations to head South. A vast contingent of giants invaded the Kingdom of Keoland. They now move North in support of IUZ forces being battled by Overlord Romack's army as well as remnants of the Keoland legions.

The Lady Parnella Cowl has arranged a crystal ball session (CBS) with Lord Royce within 3 hours based on the Lord's schedule. The Fellowship are handed off to a sailor who leads the adventurers to a

cabin on the 2nd deck. It appears to be a study, workshop and bedroom with book-shelves line one wall, a table covered with various alchemy  and mechanical gear sits against the far wall, small puffs of steam and whiffs of strange aromas spiral up from what one would assume is one or more experiments. A small cot hangs from chains above the table - quite long. This looks to be Lady Parnella's quarters and workshop.

A wide circular window -open- lets in a slight breeze as well as the calls and shouts of crew on board the galleon. A stone seven foot tall statue in 1 corner of room holds umbrella and walking canes hooked on its hands. After a religion check appears to be an obscure god - Tormn [secrets and knowledge].

Small stools are put out for each of the Fellowship. The deckhand - a short wood elf with long silver hair and one arm in a sling - a bandaged bicep - motions the group in and says in a low soft voice, "The Lady Cowl will be right with you.. She is in a conference with the Overlord and Admiral. Lady and Sirs, can I bring you anything from the galley? Drink or food?"

A few drinks - whiskey for Doc, tea for Kantif - are requested and brought, then the elf moves to retire, saying "The lady will be here soon Sirs and Lady."

Gothi hears a bird's squawk or chirp from up on the bed which is ten feet up which seems strange, most rooms on ships are cramped with low ceilings, this room has about 15' high ceilings The ranger easily jumps up

to take a look and see a pelican-like bird in a nest filled with eggs, looking curiously down at Gothi. The bird in common tongue asks Gothi what she is doing. This surprises the ranger and the party. Gothi asks the bird what it is doing. Appears to be type of pelican. The ranger asks how can the bird talk. "Lady Cowl allowed me to be able to talk. I can speak four languages. How many can you speak?" Gothi advises four as well. The bird looks miffed - as well as a bird can.

"I be watching the eggs while my mate is out. Do you have any fish?" Gothi climbs back down with a smirk. It doesn't appear to know much else or how it can talk, seems the Lady Cowl is full of surprises. Then the Lady arrives opening the door to her cabin and motioning for the adventurers to sit - some do. 

After some pleasantries and confirming the party were able to acquire their treasure, the Lady asks a pointed question of the group.

"Are you the Rat Catchers or the RedWater Fellowship?" 

Doc confirms currently they are the RedWater Fellowship. 

A case with the healing potions is passed to Tibaltuous, Gothi's armour for his bear and his griffon are on the dock. A bag is passed to Doc with ingredients and ammunition - standard kit for Black Runes musketeer. The party look appreciative for the supplies.

"Now," The lady sits in a high chair, "with that done I would like to ask you some questions. What are your goals? What allegiance, if any, do you have to the BlackRunes? You have worked with them, no?"

Doc advises it was for the Greyskull mercenary company - not directly for the BlackRunes. 

She nods. "Alright. If the Overlord helps you re-acquire your tower, are you willing to battle Iuz, BlackRunes and other enemies of Overlord Romack? Willing to sign on or as mercenaries?" Her piercing eyes look at each party member.

The party advise they want to get a new power source - NOT use souls as currently the demon and elf created tower does - for the flying tower. Hunt a dragon and gain the heart perhaps, and how to change it.

Lady Cowl advises Royce would not be able to help unless it is to have him give Overlord forces commands to assist. She says with a slightly raised eyebrow. "I may be able to give you a summary of what you would need. 1st, "and holding a finger up for each point":

• A Master Alchemist
• A Master demonologist -or high level priest or warlock
• A Master artificer
• and finally an Arch mage
• These master experts need a combined workshop to do this work. Greyhawk city has this as well as Overlord Romack's flying fortress."

Question from party, how fresh does the heart have to be? The lady advises the incantation and work have to happen within a month. The party fall to discussing how to do this, possibly casting gentle repose spell, having to transport all or part of a dragon body? As well as who, where how to make this change for the tower. Gothi thinks about Fera as an optional power source for the tower. [DM blog entry]

The Lady Cowl prepares and out of the floor morphs a large sphere pinkish in colour - crystal ball communication. Advising of the protocol when speaking back and forth with Lord Royce. She waves a hand over and speaks some unknow words and a virtual image of a battlefield, apparently a former town now a smoking ruin. A beardless dwarf looks back and greets Lady Cowl enthusiastically. Lady Cowl sighs. The sounds of battle echo into the cabin, as the dwarf looks back and sees the group. "Oh, we have new attendees. Who are these folks?"

Doc introduces the group and advises the dwarf of where they had met Lord Royce previously. At the flying fortress in the battle against the demons and Royce was stranded in the Abyss. [DM: Blog post]

"Ahh yes, you were there at the fortress on that fateful day." Shakes his head ruefully. "I am Administrator Finar very pleased to meet you. Ahh here is Lord Royce." He is introduced. An older human male man probably in his forties, long black hair silver-streaked. blood trickles down from the sweat and grime covered face. Wearing red plate armour and carrying a two handed sword resting on one shoulder. A tight smile and Royce nods to the group. "Good to see you again. We are near Crystalmist mountains. Battle goes well here.. at least.

Doc replies as well as Kantif.

"Where is your portly friend, the lizard-folk friend?" Behind looks to be a ruined town, streaks of fire and large boulders arc through the air crashing and pounding into the ground shuddering the image at times. 

Doc advises Graxxuzazz is elsewhere guarding a treasure.

After some catch up and question on how Royce made it back from the Abyss, "That my friends is a story for a tavern night with drinks all around. Some of my old friends came down to assist me." 

The warlord turns and for a moment see a few others battling giants in amongst the ruins. The elf, Rory Dragonbane letting loose a massive bolt of lightning, an older human male you don't recognize in burgundy leathers just removing a sword from the neck of a firegiant with a spray of blood and lithely

jumping away as the 20' corpse topples to the ground, as well as a dwarf in plate armour swinging and throwing a glowing axe, it whirls out decapitating a hill giant bearing down on the human and the blade returns to the dwarf as he grins and shouts a war-cry. Overlord Romack forces then move in to assist the heroes. "Now what can I do for you? I don't have much time, in the middle of a.. battle here." Looking back of his shoulder at his comrades and then back at the group.

Doc then quickly advises Lord Royce on the status at Enstad - where the BlackRunes were mining pure gold from, by the bucket - literally. As well, it appeared the BlackRunes were preparing to leave - a large flotilla - Iuz's forces steadily coming closer through the mountains as well as Kron hills to the North. The city was also surrounded by undead - a former party member now leading the undead hordes surrounding Enstad. Before the Fellowship left Enstad there had been discussion to try and meet with Robin, but that plan was abandoned once the party teleported to Wayberry. [DM blogpost]

The pure gold cube is worth about 60,000 GP. and can it be exchanged or converted by Overlord Romack forces, trade or sell. Royce nods and advises of a truce or ceasefire with the BlackRunes in the area. Royce recommends pass on those details to the Lady Cowl. Doc asks about finding the flying tower. Royce turns to Lady Cowl asking if she can take care of finding the tower, she nods quickly, saying yes and then the topic of the demonic power of the flying tower is raised. Hastily the party advises they want to change the power supply as Royce at first had a grim expression at this. The party advise they wish to convert the power to a dragon heart, similar to Overlord Romack's flying fortress. 

 "Good luck on finding and fighting a dragon." He smiles at this, "but I know your Fellowship are experienced warriors."

The party had heard rumours of a black dragon in the hills Southeast of Tringlee. Doc asks if Royce knows where the dragon is. Lord Royce advises he personally does not, but Lady Cowl is the best resource for all the needs and questions, but on the tower as well as dragon lair. "She has many agents across the lands and can assist." He turns to the Lady. "Please provide what knowledge you can of the tower and this black dragon and her clutch of eggs or offspring." The Lady bows and confirms her help to the party.

While this is going on, Gothi has been quiet, communing with Fera. She realized that the being formerly the intelligence controlling a massive colossus - bigger than a titan - would not be adverse to transferring to and taking on control of the tower. It would be more difficult to convert as Fera is based on something called 'technology' not magic. But, it could be done. There are a one pro and another unknown with Fera controlling the tower as well. One being if Fera is controlling Gothi would have a connection to an "intelligent flying tower." The other would be it may have some type of antimagic field.. this could be good OR bad..

Doc asks about any enemies on route to the flying tower. Lord Royce ponders then nods. There is a group of demonic giants that have cut the supply route up the river South below Wayberry. a days ride or two South, at Axegard. Formerly a fort at this river is now heavily protected, Royce recommends a covert mission to nullify but they can try an all out assault on the giants.

The party ask about any locations of relics or power magic that could be helpful. At first, Royce shakes his head then raising a blood and sweat covered eyebrow recalls, there is a temple once to a god or goddess 4 days ride to the West of Wayberry. They have converted this to their own demonic needs. There was legend of a relic - platemail being there worn by a Saint to the goddess or god. May still be there. He confirms the god is Hextor. 

Kantif and Doc advise if refugees need a place to go they can trek to Dragonkeep for safety. the warlord appreciates this and asks Lady Cowl to spread the word on this.

At that moment Rory sends out a massive fireball, three times the size of a normal one to impact on a group of hill giants advancing on the group. The whole image shudders as the land in the area shakes.

Royce advises he must go, wishing good luck to the crew and looking forward to raising a tankard with the Fellowship. Lord Royce just walks away and lets the Administrator and Lady to complete their discussions. Talking of supplies, tallies of dead and battle lines as the party make their way out on to the deck.

Lady Cowl comes up on deck and the discussion continues. Key items, locating the flying tower, she can confirm this within an hour. She looks in a hurry so prods the party to ask their questions. Further discussion of current situation in Enstad. She provides the exact location on the tower East of the Axewood forest. The masters to assist with the change to the tower, would most likely be Greyhawk city, or flying fortress of Overlord Romack. The elves now all in the Bright desert mayhap be able to as well, but they have become quite secretive since transporting there. Getting all these Masters of of their craft would be night impossible on the flying fortress, difficult in Greyhawk city and similar possibly in the elvish realm.

Location of the black dragon lair is confirmed Southeast of Tringlee in the hills is the dragonlair. A trail of destruction will be prevalent. Then the situation in Enstad is further discussed as well as the temple to Hextor, four days ride to the East. Confirming if there is a teleportation circle in Tringlee. As well, Tibaltuous asks about any relics or other legendary items or locales known. Lady Cowl advises she will provided this information and pass it on once it comes. She provides a map of the area, noting the various locales in discussion.

The party disembarks the galleon and heads into the ruins where the bear and wagon are located. One out of 4 buildings are still standing in the area. It is quite hot, those in armour are suffering somewhat in the humid heat. At this point, The party has a short rest and the Lady Cowl appears out of nowhere.. very stealthy.

The Lady advises she found the tower. It appears to have landed, at an angle near a small village called Sengiir. East of the Sheldamar river. A day or two ride through the forest. She advises this is still in Iuz controlled area, so still very dangerous. She raises the subject of the cube and the wagon and draft horses that should be returned. Tibaltuous asks if she has a portable hole. The Lady's eyes narrow, "Why?" she asks.

"To carry the cube." the bard replies. Doc asks if it can be traded for treasure, gems or platinum. Talk of hiring the Masters, would or could be covered by the cube, possibly. She mentions Greyhawk is best option. Or the flying fortress is an option as it has multiple teleportation portals. She seems to be thinking aloud and offering a variety of options. 

At this point, Tibaltuous' suspicions of the secretive Lady reach an apex to his beloved gold cube, [DM: rolls NAT 1 on insight check] decides to signal the party to hold off on exchange. This affects the rest of the party as they recall a former head of intelligence and secrets had betrayed Overlord Romack - being a mindflayer. [DM: Blogpost] 

They ask for time to confer and she agrees, advising she will be at the Starsong. She fades out of view in the bright sunlight. The gold cube fever seems to be back. Tibaltuous doesn't want to really give up the cube, and Thograa wants to keep the wagon and horses. Wants to upgrade it. Gothi works with her cavebear, putting on the converted griffon armour [DM: +2 AC and 2 points of damage reduction].

Gothi, Kantif and Tibaltuous head back to the war galleon to try and buy the wagon and horses. All three see the Lady Cowl talking with 3 beardless dwarves in nondescript clothing whom then climb down into a small skiff with a sail and head off into the river. The party's suspicion levels get higher. The wagon and horses is purchased after minimal negotiation. 400 gold. Discussion on best and safest route South. She shakes her head. "Unlikely, as this is unknown terrain. Taking the wagon would require a road. Which is problematical. Heading East and then South may be best. There is a road along the river South but of course, there will no doubt be giants and demons in these areas. Sometimes the fastest route is the most dangerous, but will leave that to you."

"Do you still wish to have the information on the Masters? Anything else?" The party affirms this and she will provide the information. 

Kantif says "You will have to show me that disappearing act."   

Lady Cowl smiles, says, "Yes, but you would have to become one of my agents."

The party take their leave. Gothi with eagle eye perception [DM: NAT 20], notes a short figure following the group moving from pile of rubble to another burned out building. Appears to be one of the dwarves the Lady Cowl was talking to earlier. 

After some cat and mouse chasing, they confront the dwarf that Tibaltuous casts hypnotic pattern and then multiple hold person spell. The dwarf and young hill dwarf, wears nondescript clothing, a short sword and crossbow. Dagger in each boot. Gothi, Kantif and Tibaltuous then disarm the young dwarf and carry him to the ruined warehouse where the party are located.

Doc aims his pistol at the dwarf. The dwarf has his hands up. "What are you doing?!" 

Another hold person spell from Tibaltuous. Once again the dwarf is held and then tied to the wheel by Tibaltuous. Spread eagled to one of the large wheels of the wagon. The party start to interrogate the dwarf. and then Doc moves the horses to roll it around. He is crying out in pain as he bangs into the ground and he tells the party he was told to follow the party by the Lady Cowl in the town.

Discussion on killing him or letting him go, as well asked about history on the Lady Cowl. She has

been there for at least 3 years, much longer he had heard. Asked about work not done for Romack or Royce, he provides information on a time a few years back he broke into a BlackRune fortress on the WildCoast. This was at a time when the BlackRunes were allied to the Overlord. 

By this point, the dwarf doesn't provide any more information and asks to be let free. The party agrees to Tibaltuous' chagrin. Kantif apologizes to the dwarf. He narrows his eyes. 

The dwarf replies "Sorry I was just told to follow you while you were in Wayberry." The bard warn the Lady and not follow the Fellowship. The dwarf says in a moment of comradeship, there may be others following if not him and leaves quickly scuttling away into the ruins.

Kantif and Gothi scout the area, but there appears to be no one scoping or following the Fellowship. A single bird high up and then seagulls over on the dock area, some beggars or refugees picking through the ruins. 

The party decide to leave and start on their journey out of Wayberry. Discussion on South to giants/demons and then to the tower - which had been under attack according to a message from Lukann to Skrit or West to the temple to Hextor. The decision is made to head out the West gate, they exit out into the wilderness towards the temple. There are many signs of destruction all around and the ravages of war and the demons. Thograa and the party do some basic upgrades to at least covered area, with wooded boards and hastily built benches. The cave bear in armour lopes along nearby. 

The area is known to Doc, and he points out various landmarks, some destroyed now. Coming up a rise of a large hill the road meanders over through a small forest to a village at the river, Teesar Crossing. Shouts and large rocks can be seen arcing by siege engines.. or giants. Then the party see the centre of the village a raised area where there are three giants throwing boulders at a building in the area.

What will the Fellowship do next? See you in 2024. 

Wayberry: Rest, Negotiations & the CUBE

 

4th of Reaping, High Summer

The Fellowship are relaxing in the war galleon of Overlord Romack's fleet in the harbour at Wayberry.

Options:

• Provision of Supplies
• Teleportation to Greyhawk - possibly an audience with younger brother of Royce and son of Romack
• Crystal ball 'meeting' with Lord Royce - who is on campaign to the Southwest of Wayberry

It is 9 bells, After some deliberation and debate amongst the party, they decide to request some supplies, an audience with Lord Royce - as they know him quite well, as well as borrow a strong 4-wheeled wagon with 4 draft horses pulling to go gather their GOLD cube. The audience would be the following afternoon.

Healing potions, set of griffon armour (for Gothi's griffon [enroute to Dragonkeep with Jawbone], griffon armour to be converted for a large cavebear [Gothi's new pet]

The adventurers decide to rest until the morn and then go gather their gold CUBE.

The party hears news from Skrit in DragonKeep:

• All seems to be going well, no word or sightings of demons or IUZ's forces. 
• Irakul and the lawyer have disappeared - most likely something to do with the contract he signed with a demon, and the date for reckoning have come. No longer in Dragonkeep as well, the Shadowlantern is gone
• The stone giant brothers have returned and continue to help build and repair the town defenses and buildings
• Work on the fighter's guild is nearly complete
• The monks of the 3 Crescent Moon with Valoran continue to scout the area
• Pyra continues to delve into the mines, coming across a number of interesting items as well as a new vein of silver

Thogra casts sending to Jawbone and the wing-clipped griffon, they are enroute to Dragonkeep still.

They heard legend and rumours of a black dragon mother and hatchlings in the Old Hills, South of Tringlee. Perhaps an option for a power source for the flying tower..

Gothi knows of creatures and plants that may be in the sewers that could be helpful to create acid resistance potions.

The party then rests until the 5th of Reaping, a bright sunny day greets the heroes, when they rise. The wagon and horses are ready at the dock, the Lady Cowl good to her word. A large 6-wheeled metal wagon is there. Was used for 'larger' prisoners. Thogra really likes it, wants to keep it and upgrade.

The party moves up to where they hid the cube. As they pass through the devastated city, they hear an explosion and a cloud of dust appears ahead.. Approximately where they buried the cube!

Gothi sneaks ahead and Graxxuzazz sends up his owl. It seems there are two separate forces that have taken INTEREST into the gold cube. A force of skaven seem to be attacking a small group of humanoids.

[DM: Video from Graxxuzazz's owl view.]

The party deliberate quickly as battles continues. In the end, gold fever revivals and the Fellowship attack - both groups!

Graxxuzazz empowers a lightning bolt that cracks forth to hit both the defenders around the cube and blasting into the rats and skaven. It appears some of the skaven are different from the previous
encounters. The twin bolts kill most of the humanoids as well as plows through the ranks of skaven hordes rushing up. A tall white-skinned woman appears to be leading the skaven. It appears the skaven have a new leader after the Fellowship killed their god.

The battle rages back and forth, Tibaltuous casts spells to buff and save, Kantif uses his monkish and rogue skills to kill the rampaging skaven, Doc fires blasts from his shotgun and pistol while cutting down more rat creatures with his sword [Lucky 7], while Gothi marks and scopes the female 'witch' leading the skaven. As the battle rages, Gothi sights the witch in a tower and fires an empowered shot that explodes the tower crumbling it and her falling, crushing more skaven under the rubble.

All are wounded, spells used and ammo fired.

All the humanoids dead, the majority of the skaven dead and a few retreat. The party try and hunt her down until she scurries into a sewer grate. The party decide NOT to follow.. possibly too dangerous and the party quite injured.

But.. the cube is once again.. under the Fellowship's control.

Using spells, brawn and sweat they are finally able to load the cube on to the wagon. Graxxuzazz polymorphs 2 of the party into giant apes to allow them to help pull.

Gothi uses her animal handling to keep the horses calm... with a large cave bear as well as 2 giant apes near.

The party is able to get the wagon down to the harbour. Word has come that the fleet - as small as it is [5 ships] will be heading out the morn of the next day. Appear to be in support of Lord Royce.

There is a few hours until the CBM [Crystal Ball Meeting] and the Fellowship have a little time to relax.

There is a large army of Overlord Romack's forces and more come in by the hour through a portal from Greyhawk city. So it appears Romack is not leaving the city but trying to expand the invasion and take back the lands from the forces of IUZ.

Word comes from Skrit in a sending spell. Lukann has been in contact! It appears the flying tower has been attacked. No longer under a non-detection spell. So now the party can find it..

Next, the meeting with Lord Royce. Then..?

GOLD Fever

 

3rd of Reaping, High Summer

The Fellowship look into a large cavern with a flowing river of gold. This is still being mined by the BlackRunes. The temperature is searing hot, even standing at the doorway and the adventurers are getting burned, armour heating up and more. The Fellowship recall some type of magic was at play previously to affect room temperature. No longer it seems. [DM BlogPost]. The entranceway the party looks through appears to be partially blocked with blocks of stone and two cracked and broken large doors lying on the ground. 

Scanning the room, the complex has changed since the party previously were here. New mining carts with tracks are still in use to transport the liquid gold. It is still being bucketed out of the river. Now though, into mining carts along a track and then over a bridge. The area has been excavated and cleared out further by the BlackRunes. On the far bank a camp area near where the mining cart track exits the cavern. There is a shimmering blue glow around the camp, a number of tents have been erected with bustling activity all around. The majority of figures in camp and around the cavern are dwarf-sized, all  wear what appears to be blue and silver full metal plate armour. A giant sized figure similarly suited up stands on a tower overlooking the molten river. Two smaller figures - man-sized confer with the giant. 

The one difference noted is figures in the camp area under the blue shimmering dome wear standard clothing. Some in short sleeves walking around the camp working or resting and eating.

There appears to be some type of excavation into a ruin, steps lead down amongst some pillars. A sarcophagus sits nearby with a skeleton on top of it as well as what appear to be relics being looked at by a female tiefling with black skin wearing a white shirt, red leather vest and tanned leggings.

The party decide to do a covert mission to fill a Box of Holding with liquid gold. Gothi steps up for this mission making herself invisible. Moving out towards the river the heat is nearly unbearable even for the Foreclaimer whom is resistant to heat. Striving forward she notes one of the nearly full mining carts with liquid gold. Better plan, she takes the box and dips it into the cart. The extra dimensional space fills while the cart slowly empties!

One of the workers comes by and notes the level of gold has gone down.. and then is going down! Raising an alarm, Gothi with burning - gold covered fingers retreats into the passage, very thankful for the still hot but much cooler air. The rest of the party had retreated down the passage. Six bolts of energy slam into Gothi as she retreats. A floating wizard has come out from the camp area and appears to be able to see invisible creatures.

Fighting a slow retreat as more and more BlackRunes start to come down the passage the party destroy many and then block the passage with magic Spike Growth from Gothi and Wall of Stone from Graxxuzazz. These amongst the deadly attacks from the Fellowship stop and delay the BlackRunes.

Injured and tired the party comes to the crossroads. One route back to the inn - the way they had come - or the other down into the old dwarven city. Both options had pros and cons but in the end the decision
was to go back to the inn. As they moved the reptoids again attacked the Fellowship. Coming out of multiple holes in the walls and ceiling. The
creatures were not tough, but in a swarm could be deadly. Wearing down the party, the continued attacks were bothersome. Area effect spells and ranged attacks from the party decimate the reptoids until they once again retreat into the holes in walls and ceiling. Just glinting eyes peeking out at times.

Arriving at the large chasm, Graxxuzazz draws on his sorcerous magic again to create a wall of stone. Chittering and clicking echoes through the chamber. The creatures are frustrated and hungry. One wonders how big their hive has become in the old dwarven city even though the matriarch had was killed by the Fellowship. Perhaps a new leader was once again in charge, spreading further and further from the ancient underground fortress city ruins..

This time though making a bridge across the chasm to avoid the multitude of holes around the cavern - eyes of many reptoids glinting in the torchlight. The stone bridge forms and the party, one by one cross over successfully. 

Then the rotund but athletic lizardfolk snaps his clawed fingers and the stone bridge vanishes again. 

The Fellowship move on, leaving the reptoids and the BlackRunes behind. Both no doubt frustrated - once again at being out-maneuvered by the heroes!

The Fellowship had other plans and decisions now..:

• Go to Greyhawk? 
• Go to Fax? Multiple tasks/quests
• Where is their flying tower..?
• Go to Wayberry? Recently re-captured by Overlord Romack's forces

In the end, the party decide on travelling to Wayberry. Hoping.. praying.. that the teleportation circle in the Guild of Arcane Lore was still operational.

Graxxuzazz invokes the spell and a portal forms in front of him. It appears to be operational!

Stepping through, each adventurer disappear from Enstad.. and appear in a circular room with no exit. A single. The Guild of Arcane Lore. Appears to still be intact. Graxxuzazz is able to teleport out of the chamber as a member of the guild. Unfortunately the rest of the Fellowship are not - do not have the amulet given to all members upon joining. Stepping into a circle glyph covered stones, the sorcerer vanishes and starts to search for a way to release his friends as well. It appears now though the guild is in ruin, no members walk the long hallowed halls or research in the stacks. The demons it seems have utterly destroyed much of the circular college. inside and out. Graxxuzazz searches up in the what looks like an office section and finds a large chest - locked and possibly trapped AND bolted to the stone floor. Then finds a box of amulets - yes! These may allow his comrades to leave the teleportation room. Reappearing in the teleportation room again, the party had started to become apprehensive of being stuck in the exit-less room! All donned an amulet and were able to successfully leave, appearing in the foyer of the once magnificent arcane guild. Heading out, a figure coughs behind. One of the regulators.

Using his charm and persuasive abilities Graxxuzazz advises the Guildmaster of the situation and after handing back the guild amulets, the party were allowed to move on heading out into the city of Wayberry.

Wayberry was now.. a desolation.. one building in twenty still stood. Total destruction had been wrought upon the once fair city by the demonic horde.

The party headed out. At this point Gothi realized Jawbone and her Griffon were both still outside Enstad! With Thograa's help - casting sending to Jawbone - Gothi instructed the monstrous friend and wing-clipped griffon to head to Dragonkeep. The ranger would meet them there.

Thograa, totally understanding the value of a friend as he summons his skeletal hydra - FLUFFY -          

advises Gothi he could check in on Jawbone over the next few days using his god's magicks. Traveling along, the party look about. There are no people in the ruins, only some rats and other carrion eaters. A patrol of winged griffons could be seen to the South - near the docks, so the Fellowship head South to meet up with the forces of Overlord Romack and Royce. As the party moves along a cobble-stoned road, the box of holding that Gothi used to scoop out some liquid gold was getting heavier and heavier until the point she had to drop it. The magic of the box it appears had been slowly destroyed by the EXTREME high heat.  Now it was a box.. with a SOLID gold cube inside. As it fell to the ground, the box broke apart and what was sitting in the cobble-stoned road was a solid.. gold.. cube.. about 1'x1'x1'.

All stared down in wonder.. trying to calculate the wealth sitting in front of them. This was PURE gold.. and EXTREMLELY heavy. none could budge it.

All types of plans and ideas came up on what to do with it how to move it.. how to melt it down and more.

GOLD fever hit the Fellowship. 

In the end, the party buried it right in the middle of the street. Hoping to figure out a way to come back and retrieve it.

Gothi headed out into the wilds around Wayberry to find a new companion monster. She found a rust monster and then a massive cave bear, the bear now comes along to assist her.

Heading South once again, the group is ambushed from the sky. Griffon riders! They had seen the undead skeletal hydra and of course assume the group were allies of the demon horde led by IUZ.

After some shouts and yells back and forth, Thograa invoked the magic to turn Fluffy back into a stone cube figurine. The 1/2 orc rogue/priest then faded into the shadows letting the Fellowship know he would come find them. 

This appeased the very wary griffon riders - who upon hearing who the group were and saviours of the Overlord and allies to Lord Royce [DM: BlogPost] agreed to take the Fellowship down to the army's HQ - upon a warship in the harbor of Wayberry. 

News was passed on both ways and then the group arrived at a large 4 deck war galleon anchored at the half destroyed docks. The group were brought before the leader under Lord Royce - an admiral who met them with a tall gaunt frail looking woman. After negotiations and introductions were made, the admiral was quite willing to assist the Fellowship in many ways depending on what they planned to do next. Supplies? Yes, within reason as they were at war. Teleportation to Greyhawk? Yes, if they wish, Romack's younger son was in charge. Overlord Romack was on campaign yo the North and West of the Nry Dyv lake against the forces of IUZ.

Lord Royce was also on campaign but nearby last heard, Southwest of Wayberry fighting against giants allied to IUZ.

Gothi - with bear friend along - tracking down Thograa and then the two rejoined the party in the audience with the Admiral.

What did the party wish to do? Options once again..