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2013-10-26

Wandered Roads 27

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 27
October 19, 2013

Campaign Timeline



Where, rat?

Monday 24th of Lamashan

Acting on information gained from the newly recovered Shard of Pride, Shelia Heidmarch and Natayla Vancaskerkin, the heroes plan to visit the Irespan piling known as the Crow to engage with the Tower Girls, a Sczarni gang of deadly cat-burglars and second story girls and search for the next Thassilonian shard known to be hidden somewhere within.

A day is spent planning and procuring needed supplies before the assault is begun. Samad, using his streetwise contacts, becomes reacquainted with Fenster the Blight, the wretch of man that was not so instrumental in leading the group to Natalya’s hide-out a few days previous. Fenster, it appears, can arrange to get the heroes out to the piling by boat and suggests to go by cover of evening fog. Begrudgingly, Samad accepts the terms of Fensters deal, 2 fists of silver.

As the Moonday sun begins to set, the heroes gather at the dirty waterfront of the shadow, not far from the recently fallen Shadow Clock and their most recent triumph. Fenster shows them 2 piles of lumber and driftwood that more resemble upside down beaver dams than boats of any kind. He assures them they will not get wet, well, not very wet. He pilots one while Leela relives her days as a riverboat crewman and pilots the other.

He gives them a brief tour of the other pilings as they approach the Crow, one of the farthest out pilings, nearly a half mile from the shore. By the time they arrive, the sun has set and it is nearly dark. Fenster pilots the ramshackle raft toward the stone tower jutting out of the Varisian Gulf and through an archway in the side of the piling that leads to a sheltered landing area where several small rowboats are tied up. Once inside the piling, it is nearly pitch black so previously hidden enchanted items are brought forth to shed light on the area. 


The landing rests in a shaft that appears to run nearly to the top of the piling. A side passage can be seen far above leading off the main shaft. The nearby landing, resting at the top of a submerged set of stairs, appears to have been recently used as a camping area, though the back wall has been knocked down, revealing access to the interior of the Crow.

Ambushed by the Tower Girls!
Quickly, the heroes disembark and move inside, making arrangements for Fenster to return to within 24 hours with the rafts. Several rooms are explored but nothing of great interest is discovered until the heroes move up and into a long hallway lined with carved columns of an interesting blue stone. Upon entering, they are fired upon by two Tower Girls who had been hiding in wait for them.


Fighting between the columns.


Tower Girls defeated!
Quickly the heroes moved to engage with the two ambushers and in the middle of things, a Wererat leaped out and attacked Ehlyna. The Wererat did not remain, though, she turned and sprinted up the stairs quickly shouting an alarm while the other two Tower Girls were finished off. Two donkey rats soon appeared, charging down the stairs, but they too were dealt with easily.
Wererat... where? Rat?
Without delay, the heroes pushed up the stairs, which ended up probably leading all the way up to the top of the piling, as the many flights turned back on themselves multiple times. At the top, they were soon ambushed again by more Tower Girls. This time, several Girls had taken up positions behind an overturned table and fired hand crossbows. The Wererat, who had been hiding behind a corner, leaped out and attacked as the group entered the room. Another Wererat appeared from a side passage with some more donkey rats in tow. Calina started peppering the new Wererat with silver arrows while Ehlyna engaged the other one, though she found her usually effective axes not quite cutting it in this case.
Another Tower Girl ambush!

One Wererat down!
Daellin surveys the scene.

Ehlyna's axes aren't the best weapon vs. wererats.


Vexeron used his magical powers to stick the some of the Tower Girls to the ground and then put his fire magic to work, lighting fires on and around various foes. The battle raged on for several moments until, finally, the last foe had fallen. Ehlyna was the only one to have suffered any serious injury, and Kallin quickly moved in to heal her up.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

This continuing story is a flashback to the previous day when the heroes spent some time selling loot, shopping and preparing for the assault on the Crow.
This story is ongoing.


Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by +Daniel Ernst
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by +Carol Coburn
Leela Cardnool, Gnome scout, cartographer and Illusionist - played by +Lisa Smith
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben Lipe
Vexeron, Human wizard - played by +Greg Grady
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven Warrior - played by +Jodi H
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder
Ellie - Halfling Finder of Things - played by +Megan McCarron
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

2013-10-17

Dark Paths 38

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 38
October 13, 2013


Heading off to War

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary


After a grueling 24 hours of marching, the Crew and the Elven host finally reached the staging area just outside the ruined city of Cewlynvian. There were more Elves here, known as the Celwynvian Watch, a group of Farstriders led by a beautiful Elven woman named Shalelu Andosana.

Paal speaks with some Elves while helping them fletch some arrows. He earns the respect of Nalvalas Silvanthalas or his skill at making arrows and they reveal to him some of the general feelings of the Farstriders about the upcoming battle, the drow and the inclusion of 'outsiders' in their war.

Snargash spends some time speaking with one of the camps healers, a Desnan priest named Beren Felagund. They discuss tactics on how to best support the warriors.

Aragon spends some time searching the camp for other Bladedancers, but does not find any. He assumes that most Bladedancers would not be found in such a back-woods predicament. 

Bodi spends some time eating, sleeping and scoping out the female Elves of the camp while Guy and Aethel focus on resting. 


An Elven War Council

Eventually the Crew is summoned to a dinner and strategy planning council. They are served and eat a wonderful meal of roasted vegetables and bread then after, Eviana introduces Shalelu and some other important Elves. Shalelu gives a basic rundown of the situation and points out important areas on a map of Cewlynvian. She describes the Drow, their tactics and possible places of defense as well as their demon allies and the possible inclusion of an angry green dragon that she has personal issue with.

Eviana then asks the Crew to be involved in the battle set to begin the following morning. She asks them if they can be a strike force sent to secure the old Library, an important point along the main route the army is to take into the city. 

The Crew will take the Library during the Battle for Cewlynvian

Kaerishiel, of course, tries to throw a fit and attempts to have the Crew left back to guard the camp, but Eviana will not allow it, if the mission is accepted. The Crew, always up for a challenge, accepts the quest. The planning session is shortly concluded and everyone heads back to their resting places to prepare for battle.

On the way back to their camping area, the Crew is approached by pair of Elves, Sairalindë and Findecáno, who ask to join their mission. They offer magical and ranged capabilities to help in the coming engagement with the Drow. After some conversation, their offer is accepted.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The Crew makes it back to their camping area. They are tired from a long day of marching and strategizing, but the excitement of the impending battle has everyone on edge. The plan calls for the assault on the Library to begin just as the morning sun hits the tallest spires of the fallen city. Everyone knows they need to catch some sleep, nevertheless, most are still awake.

Though it has settled down a bit, the camp in the surrounding forest still buzzes with a quiet energy. Sentries are posted and everyone is on high alert in case of a Drow assault in the night.

As the council disperses the monk seeks out Beren. He recalled a couple of questions which he had meant to resolve while in Crying Leaf. While serenading the town however the matter had slipped his mind but in the questions regarding the Drow’s capabilities he recalled the vial of Drow poison which he had been carrying since their first encounter with one beneath the city. Walking up to the cleric he pulled the vial from his harness and held it out time asking, “Brother, there’s something I’ve been wanting to find out since our capture of the first Drow agent at the base of the Riddleport arch. I took this vial of their poison from her possessions in order to investigate it’s nature and hopefully determine what it’s antidote might be or better yet some sort of prophylactic to render it impotent it before hand. At the very least I need to learn enough about it to identify it from it’s effects in order for Raag Nontoxicum to  neutralize it magically. What can you tell me about it?”

Beren takes the vial from Snargash and holds it up, swirling it a little, examining it. “The Drow are notorious with their poison. If I had to guess, I would say that it is sleep poison, designed to quickly incapacitate anyone afflicted by it. As far as an antidote, I know of none. The alchemy of the Drow is based deep in the Darklands. It focuses on minerals, fungi and animal material not found on the surface. As for an antidote, we know none, though staying out of the way of their crossbow bolts is useful,” he smiles. “Through the will of Desna, I can bless others with a resistance to poison, though that is not guaranteed, and I can also rouse some from their drug induced slumber if Desna wishes it to be. The poison is not permanent and I have only seen it last for an hour at most, though that is far too long to be unconscious on the field of battle, especially with the Drow.

The half-orc’s face brightens at the knowledge. “Well, something I can actually use then! While the Three Friends of the Windblown aren’t suited to deliver such for martial use, it can be very helpful in treating someone who is badly injured - perhaps even necessary to simply be able to treat them. Can you suggest approximate dosage for that? We usually use acupuncture to try to block a patient’s pain but it’s efficacy is limited - perhaps coating the needles with this would increase it. Ah, but I’m sorry - this a conversation to save for another evening should the Ladys bless and guard us through the morrow. Desna’s night brother; may she grant you safe and restful sleeee, um, refreshing and enlightening meditations.”

A strange look crosses Beren’s face as he begins to understand that Snargash was talking about using the Drow poison as some sort of medical aid. He shakes his head to take himself away from the horrible places his mind was racing to then smiles weakly at Snargash. “Yes, brother, may your rest be fulfilling this night.” He turns and leaves.



Before finding his blanket, Paal takes a quick climb up the most appropriate tree he can find for a view of the actual approach they must take tomorrow. Even though his night vision is not a sharp as the elves, he still wants to put his own eyes on their planned trail before they move in a few hours. He takes a moment to note a few places that could provide shelter against greater numbers or an alternate route to their objective. Then he climbs back down and replays the image in his mind as he goes to sleep, dreaming the approach to the library he is about to undertake.


Bodi is excited and concerned at the same time.   The last battle with the Drow didn’t go very well.   After he chased off the Shadow Demon he was swarmed with poisoned crossbow bolts.    He made it a point to work more on his movement and acrobatics to aid himself in dodging such attacks, but wondered if it would be enough.

Bodi then retired to his tent, securing all of his equipment.  Making sure the rapier was sharp, the scabbard secure, his cloak clean and ready, string on the crossbow was taught.   Satisfied that his equipment was as ready as it would be, he tried to close his eyes.    Something was missing.   The stars were bright, he wandered out of his tent looking up at the sky.   He licked his lips, a slight sense of thirst hit him.   Yes, a glass of wine would be a nice way to cap off the night.   He wondered if he had any left from before, but still was it truly wine that he craved?

Just then a familiar voice called out to him, “Having trouble sleeping?”

Eärwen called out to him and Bodi smiled.   That was what was missing, the company of a good woman the night before battle.    Bodi turned, half surprised she showed up, and partially expecting her to be there.   He flashed her a wry grin.   

“We will be taking on quite a challenge here my dear.   Your friend, Kaerisheil would just as well see us all dead if not at the enemy’s hands, then at his own.”

She started to shake her head and put her hand up, but Bodi took a step closer to her and grabbed her hand and gently curled it in and kissed it.    “Not to worry there sweetheart.   One way or another we will prove him wrong.   Either I will win the day for you or I will die valiantly, but just to have this moment with you makes it all worth it.  Sure some fight for money, and some fight for power, but I fight for love, and without it, life just ain’t worth livin’.”

Eärwen was caught off guard by Bodi’s words, and before she could react he pulled her in closer by her hand, wrapping his left arm around her waist and pulled her in close to him under the scintillating lights of the evening stars.   “Give me some sugar baby…”, and they kissed a passionate kiss…..

After several hours, Eärwen gathers her belongings and quietly makes her way out of Bodi’s tent. “We have a busy day tomorrow, get your rest, you will need it. I will see you on the field of battle, friend.”

Bodi takes Eärwen’s hand and gives it one more kiss as she leaves for the evening.   He lays down in  his tent, again making sure that his armor and weapons are at the ready.   Yes, love or lust, he will fight for passion and the moment.    

He drifted off to sleep, satisfied mentally and now physically.   Sleep came quick to him, as he tends to live for the moment, and for the moment, he was still blissful and relaxed.    He would drift off to sleep with thoughts of the lovely Eärwen on his mind and not a care about the battle or if he would live or die the next day….for now….this moment…..he was living like a king.   (Hail to the King baby.)


Oblivious to the passion occurring just across camp, Aragon sat, sharpening and oiling his blades.  Zenith and Nadir had been with him since he had left the Temple of Air and Steel.  They bore many nicks and scratches from their many battles, yet still they endured.  As would he.

Wiping them with a rag, he slid his swords into their scabbards and paced into a clearing, where he sought to clear his mind, preparing once again to challenge the Ninety-seven Steps.  He did not pause as he usually did, but launched directly into Dragon Rises Over The Mountain.  His blades whispered out of their sheaths in unison, and soon were slicing through the air.  Wild Horse Tosses Mane.  Grasping Bird’s Tail.  Scorpion Claws Strike.  He flowed through the darkness like quicksilver.

It was effortless, he was ready, he would definitely kill more of the foul Drow than Bodi or Kaerishiel!  Their skills were no match for a Bladedancer!

And with that thought, he stepped wide.  Just an inch, but then the next step was off, too, by a greater amount.  He had to flex to bring Nadir up from the grass to make Cloud Hands, but then Zenith crossed too late, the blades met.  A sharp tang! broke the night’s stillness.  Aragon stumbled and stopped.  His head hung low, hiding his eyes.  He swore.

“The 90 Dancesteps of Doom?” a voice calls out in the darkness. “My brother was a Bladedancer. I can never remember the silly names he came up with for his moves.” Aragon turns to see a tall, slender Elf leaning near a tree nearby. She is dressed different from the majority of the Elves here, she is in plate and chain covered by a flowing blue cloak. “I am Tári, Tári Melwasúl, of Kyonin.” She steps forward into the pale light of the clearing. He can see a tattooed line curving across her face. Not Elvish style, more Varisian style, if he reads it correctly.

Aragon scowled.  “It is called the 97 Steps, not the ‘90 Dancesteps of Doom’.  He was still breathing heavily.  He returned Zenith and Nadir to their places on his shoulder.  “Your brother was of the Temple of Air and Steel?  Did you taunt him with your memory failures for your own amusement, or are you really incapable of remembering something simple that was in all likelihood very important to him?”

Tári smiles playfully at Aragon, “Well, that was so long ago, you know. But yes, I am sure that I taunted him then as I do you now, for my own benefit. Does it bother you that much that I don’t know that much about something that is unimportant to me?” She carries herself as someone of very few years, but Aragon briefly locks eyes with the woman and sees that her eyes are hard and gray, telling of many years. “It did always so bother Maeglin when I did it.” She begins giggling lightly. “Probably why he spent so much time away from home back then. He always was a little childish and petty. The little things got to him so much sometimes.”

He looks her up and down, then says, “So you show me the same disrespect that you showed your brother.  How charming.  No wonder he chose to keep other company.  

“Tari Melwasúl, I find ignorance annoying, willful ignorance more so.  That you value yourself so little that you would cast yourself as stupid to make a first impression would sadden me if I gave a damn.  As it is, I will just wish you luck in the struggles tomorrow.  Slay many Drow.  Good night.”

She starts to say something, then stops, nods her head and Aragon, turns and walks quietly into the forest, disappearing from sight.

After his conversation with Beren the monk returned to his tent to check his gear and ready it for sleep once he completed his meditation on The Mysteries of the  Nocturne Stellarum. As he was drawing his hocchiku from his webbing he heard from nearby a familiar metallic note and understood its significance. He left his tent and began walking toward its source thinking, “While he would never admit it, he’s too tense with the anticipation of tomorrow’s challenge to allow his chi to flow, although he’s certainly progressed well in that element of his practice these last weeks. Should either of us die tomorrow it would be good to have practiced together on the eve of the battle as when we first met and a good last memory should one of us survive.” As he approached the clearing he heard the voices of his friend and an Elven woman he did not recognise. The icy tone was likewise familiar even if unexpected to hear with an elf other than Kaerishiel, though he knew that some here agreed with their Captain regarding the crew’s presence. Respecting their privacy he waited in the shadows until the bladedancer coldly dismissed whoever had invoked his ire. Ignoring the look of irritation as he approached, he simply bowed in greeting saying to him, “Good evening, my friend. As I still need to perform my day as well as evening devotions, if you wish to repeat yours then I would be delighted to join in our practices together once more.”  

Aragon looks around the empty clearing and nods.  “Thank you, Brother.  I do think I need to make another go of it, and your presence does lend a useful nature to the Dance.”  He proceeds to the center of the grass, centers himself.  “You may proceed at your leisure.”  After a time, the music starts, and the Dance begins again.

Eventually everyone finishes up their evening activities and heads to bed to get some sleep before the battle begins in the morning. As it is, most will already be missing some sleep heading into the following day.

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal Ulfsun - Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

2013-10-07

Dark Paths 37

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 37
October 6, 2013


Elves Go Marching 


Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

The Crew arrives at the Elvish settlement of Crying Leaf to mixed welcomes, some friendly, some not so friendly. The leader of the hunting party, Kaerishiel, seems to lead the group that is not interested in any help from 'outsiders' and strongly encourages Eviana, the leader of Crying Leaf, to send them on their way. However, Eviana is happy the Crew came and is forthcoming in her request to them for aid. She rewards them with 2400 gold (12000$) for bringing the Drow's journal to her from Riddleport. She also promises other rewards for their continued help. 

Bodi and Kaerishiel face off in a battle of egos which ends with a wager of who will bring down more foes in the upcoming encounters with the Drow. Bodi also manages to make a new friend in Earwen, Kaerishiel's 2nd in command. Kwava is healed up and rejoins the group briefly. Guy is quite interested in the food and drink of Crying Leaf, and samples as often as he can. Aragon and Aethel spend much of their time translating back to their non-Elvish speaking companions, though Aragon does manage to find some time outside to get back to his practicing the 97 Steps, the exercise katas of the Elvish Bladedancers. Aethel uses his magic to confirm that Kaerishiel and Earwen are both who they say they are and does much talking and diplomacy.

Paal busies himself preparing the salvaged horsemeat for jerkey and Snargash wanders around camp to let everyone there know that a Windblown Monk is in their settlement. 

The next morning, the Crew is called back to the central meeting room, this time filled with many more Elves. Eviana tells them that after reviewing the intelligence they supplied, the time to strike the Drow is now. She recruits them to the cause and informes everyone that the host of nearly 400 Elves will be moving out for the 25 hour march to Cewlynvian, the ancient and abandoned city of the Elves of ages past. After final preparations, the massed Farstriders are ready and move out into the forest as Kaerishiel blows his horn, signaling the thorny plant barrier to lower around the village. The Gold Goblin Crew once again finds itself hiking off through an unfamiliar forest toward unknown dangers.

The Crew and their new Elf friends head off through the woods.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The swift march through the thick forest is hard on the Crew, especially the four land-bound folk. Aethel and Guy spend most of their time in the air during the journey. It is very easy to see after only a short time that the Crew is going to have a very hard time keeping up with the Elves as they move through the forest. Kwava, acting as the leader of the small group, tries to give pointers and tips, but it is of no use. The Elves of Mierani are able to move through the forest as if it were flat, open ground and very shortly begin to outdistance the ‘outsiders.’

Even though, Kaerishiel lead the vanguard group out of Crying Leaf, he occasionally approaches the group from behind or from one of the flanks. He does not say anything to any of them, though he does shoot disdainful looks at Kwava for helping the ‘outsiders’ navigate through the forest.

A few times, Eärwen appears in the forest nearby and joins the group. She generally stays near Kwava and helps guide the Crew through the difficult terrain, though occasionally she slides back and ends up hiking near Bodi. She is quiet and does not say much, and much of Bodi’s manly charm is lost to the fact that he is nearly dead exhausted trying to keep up with the Elf army running through the forest ahead of him.

Aragon also sticks with Kwava, trying to remain near the front of the group.  His physical training will help keep him from getting too tired, but the Farstriders set a grueling pace.  Best to set his focus on moving swiftly, and trust to Guy and Aethel to remain alert for dangers.  He recognized the opportunity for battle was imminent, and he hoped that here in Mierani, that he would fare better than he had on that accursed island.

Bodi struggles with the pace set by the elves, but is determined to not let Kerishiel have the last laugh.   Bodi has issues when it comes to “bullies” and knows that while the proud elf warrior is trying to do his job, that his prejudice is getting in the way of the greater good of his people.    Confronted with situations like that, Bodi first tries to lighten the mood with humor, and in failing that, will expose the bully for what he is.    In this case, it was all too easy to play upon the pride of the proud Elf captain.  

Bodi was very intrigued with Eärwen.   Sure she is an attractive elf maiden, but she possessed a noble quality within her and a silent strength.  He admired that...and for the moment, his lustful feelings made her  the target of his desire and affections.     He would do what he could to impress her and knew that this type of woman would respond well to him extending himself and his efforts.  Sure in a way it was  noble cause, but in Bodi’s mind, the kind of reward that a lovely female could afford him was sometimes better than gold.    Sometimes.    He would try his best to perform admirably, though the strain of trying to keep pace  with the elves through the woods was difficult.    He worried internally that he would be too fatigued to fight if they were attacked.    Best to just try to keep up as well as he could.   He didn’t want to give Kerishiel any more reason for contempt than he already had.    Bodi was confident that his skill in combat would allow him to match the haughty elf warrior in combat.

Bodi figured it best to play upon the Elf’s pride and lead him by the nose into a positive direction, channeling his anger into the enemy and prove how superior he is rather than how inferior he thinks Bodi and his companions are.   And either way, Bodi comes out like a hero and hopeful wins the heart (at least temporarily) of Eärwen.

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal Ulfsun - Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

2013-10-04

Wandered Roads 26

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 26
September 28, 2013

Campaign Timeline



For Whom the Bell Tolls

Starday, 22nd of Lamashan

After a brief brush with the law, the band of heroes reconvenes and Vexeron reveals that he has determined that the ravens have flown to a place called the Shadow Clock, a decrepit, abandoned clock tower in the Shadow District, directly under the Irespan.


Enter Scarecrow - The opening fight!
The group traveled there and entered the building on the ground floor to find an animated scarecrow guardian. The creature put up a good fight but was eventually taken down. It’s magical shadow cloak was taken and donned by Daellin while his magical scythe was left in the wagon parked there. Calina eyed the wagon greedily. The inside of the tower was open, revealing a rickety wooden staircase that wound up the interior of the building. Magical light courtesy of Vexeron illuminated the way up the ‘Terrible Stairs’, as it was called locally.


Going Up - The long climb to the top!
It was a dangerous climb, only one person could be on any given span of stairs at a time, and there were many gaps and broken stairs that had to be jumped across. At one point, near the top, one of the four massive bells came crashing down from above, nearly taking Ehlyna and Daellin out as it fell, though it did manage to rip two 10’ sections out of the stairs. Ehlyna and Samad, who ended up  past the break, rushed up and followed the rickety stairs as they moved outside and continued around the tower to an opening into the belfry area while the others down lower used ropes and magic to traverse the 2 wide gaps not in front of them.


Ehlyna and Samad engaged with several Faceless Stalkers who appeared to be the ones
Hells Bells - Fighting in the belfry!
responsible for dropping the heavy bell. Kallin, enchanted to fly by Daellin, joined them up above, as did Vexeron shortly after. Eventually, the Stalkers were dispatched and the rest of the group managed to ascend to that level. Some more rooms were found further up, and eventually, they rounded the last edge of the tower and entered the uppermost chamber.



Waiting for them was their foe, a flying, 15 foot long heavily armed and armored snakewoman bearing an oversized polearm like it was a spear. Without introductions, Ehlyna led the charge into the room and directly into the waiting snake woman’s weapon, nearly sending the stout Dwarven warrior to the ground. A mournful wail filled the room as Ehlyna was struck, causing everyone a moment of fear and sadness. But shaking the feeling off, everyone else rushed in to join the fray and her invisible companion revealed himself, nearly slitting Calina’s throat with his war razor. It was the cult leader who had escaped the sawmill just 2 nights before and now Daellin noticed the tell tale signs of pointy Elvish ears protruding from behind his mask - Justice Ironbriar!


Hotfoot! - Lighting a fire underneath the snake woman
After a protracted battle of steel and magic and arrows and fire, the enemies were slain, though several areas of the room were on fire and the group stood in the uppermost chamber of a 200 foot tower that looked as if it shouldn’t be standing anyway. Calina quickly searched through the snake woman’s lavish bedding before it was burnt to ash while the others drug the bodies to the doorway and pitched them over the edge, letting them fall to the streets below.

Daellin used his magic to avoid the ‘Terrible Stairs’ on the way down to keep an eye on the descending group and to make sure that none of the gathered citizens tried to make off with the bodies or their treasures.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The fire in the top chamber of the Shadow Clock was spreading quicker than anticipated, and after unceremoniously dumping the two bodies to the street several hundred feet below, everyone began hurrying down as fast as they safely could manage. Daellin took the magical flying route, both to monitor the groups descent and to keep the gathering crowd below from making off with any valuable loot from their fallen foes.
The path back down from the top of the tower was almost as difficult as the climb up, made more precarious by the fact that the other bells have fallen and destroyed more of the stairs, flaming floorboard falling from the room above and occasional bricks and blocks of stone falling after being dislodged by the other destruction. Eventually, though, everyone makes it back down, tired and covered in soot and blood. The gathered crowd steps back as they emerge from the crumbling and burning tower, eyes wide at seeing such a battle weathered group of folk.
Immediately, the bodies are checked for anything valuable and several magical items are found. The broken mask is taken from off of the snake womans face, revealing a beautiful Human-like face. She is wearing a shimmering tunic of exotic looking scales, and of course wielded the deadly and magical polearm, sized for a larger than normal combatant. She also wears, around her neck, a 7-pointed star medallion, identical to the one Ehlyna bears.
The unmasked cult leader is revealed as Justice Ironbriar himself, little surprise to Daellin, who had already disliked the man enough already. He bore an enchanted war razor, another of the enchanted cultists masks and some magical armor, chain on the torso and arms and layered cloth.
The scythe and wagon that had been left below were both destroyed by falling bells but the magical shadowy cloak was salvaged from the scarecrow monster.
Ehlyna emerges from the tower hot, tired and wounded.  Looking around, she and her companions find that the area is littered with citizens and a few Watchmen.  The tower continues to burn precariously near them.  Pointing at a watchman, Ehlyna says “You! Get these people back!  This tower is coming down around us!”
Scanning the area for a relatively safe spot to rest for a moment, Ehlyna sees a place across the street.  “Follow me, friends.”  She makes a path through the throng as the few watchmen attempt to push the populace into a safer area.  Pushing through the crowd, the group wearily sits and waits for the questions and aftermath.
Calina sits down on the ground near her companions, forlornly thinking about the destruction of the wagon. She rests her chin on her knees thinking to herself, “It was a very good wagon. With the increased number of responsibilities at the estate, we could have put it to use quite nicely.”
She looks up quickly as a whoosh of fire and air explode from the building, “Not to worry, I suppose. We always make do in the end.” With that thought, Calina stands quickly ready to move away from the fiery building if needed.
As they are sitting there, tending to wound and watching the tower be consumed by fire and neglect, one of the Watchman, appearing to be a Sergeant walks toward them.  “Are you responsible for this?!?” he exclaims.
Ehlyna looks at him and says, “I will explain all, but to Justicar Kannas.  He is familiar with a companion and me.  We talked this afternoon.  For now, I would worry about keeping the crowd away from that tower and the bodies of those criminals.”
“Well, we’ll see who the criminals are in this!” Pointing to the other watchmen, the Sergeant orders him to keep an eye on the party.
“Fear not, good peacekeeper, my friends and I will not stray from here unless bidden.  All will be revealed in good time,”  Daellin sighs wearily.
Eventually, the crowd has to be moved back even farther from the Shadow Clock as larger and larger chunks of its upper reaches begin to fall. Eventually, the entire structure falls, crumbling to the ground in a fairly neat pile, with only a few abandoned buildings being destroyed along side it. No one is hurt, though before the dust even settles, the rubble pile is covered with folk looking for a souvenir or other valuable morsel of loot.
Eventually Justice Kannas shows up, having been summoned by the Watchmen after his name had been mentioned. After the confusion is cleared up and the crowd dispersed, Justice Kannas thanks the assembled group for their diligence in pursuing the leaders of the cult. He directs the gathered watchmen to secure the area
… a little later...
Daellin and his companions wearily drag themselves back to Kaijitsu Manor.
As the group of friends gather in the main room around the lit fireplace, Calina remembers something and quickly moves into the kitchen area. The house girl Nesme steps from the larder room and stares at Calina’s ash covered clothing and very smudged face.  
“Nesme, where did you store the cinnamon buns I brought home earlier today? I think we need something sweet in our stomachs after this evening’s extremely sooty and high adventure,” Calina says brightly.
“I shall bring them out, Mistress. Pray go seat yourself and rest with the others. Perhaps some hot tea or coffee as well?” Calina smiles at the young girl, nods then heads back to rejoin the group in the common room.
As everyone settles in their favorite seating place, Calina sits cross-legged on the floor near a large overstuffed arm chair. She leans wearily against the chair and feels a stabbing sensation in her ribs. She pulls at her clothing then remembers the scroll she found at the clock tower. Calina slowly pulls the rolled parchment out of her belt where she had hastily stored it on the frantic trip down the stairs.
Nesme steps quietly into the common room, setting down the buns, tea and coffee on a small table in the middle of the room.
She also carries another parcel tucked under her arm. She sets the tray of cinnamon buns down on the low table and then hands the other package to Calina. “A gentleman dropped this off around suppertime. He said he hopes it works for you and if you have need of anything else of this variety to call on him.”
She curtsies, “If there is nothing else, I will retire for the evening.”
As Nesme leaves the room, Calina asks, “Anyone notice if this thing is magical … or trapped?” She turns the scroll over in her hands and continues, “Should I open it?”
Neither Daellin nor Vexeron notes any enchantments on it. “Though it is not enchanted, that does not necessarily mean that it is not trapped. Let me see it, please.” The mage takes the scroll, lays it on the table and shouts “Tĕtē Jītī” His eyes get big for a moment, then he looks back at Calina. I detect no magic here, though that does not mean there are no mundane traps or dangers within.” He hands the scroll back to her.
“I will open it.”  Ehlyna takes the scroll from Calina, takes a deep breath in, and opens the scroll.
The Dwarf grasps the scroll and begins unrolling it from both ends. As she unrolls it, she sees that it is some sort of list, spattered with blood and written in Varisian. She has a decent grasp of Varisian writing and begins scanning over the names, many of them at the top appear to be crossed off, and then at the bottom, past the list appears to be more substantial writing.
The list is titled “Sihedron Sacrifices,” named after the 7-pointed star everyone has become familiar with. She freezes suddenly when she sees a familiar name, that of her companion, Samad Aldhul, at the bottom of the list, un-crossed off.
Quickly she scans up the list and finds some other familiar names, some of those who had been ritually slain back in Sandpoint. Then a shudder moves through her body as she reads her own name printed on the list!
She quickly sets the scroll down without reading any further.
An ominous list of names...
Calina grabs the list and looks at it. She too sees the names of her two friends on the list, as well as other familiar names from her days in Sandpoint. Daellin peeks over her shoulder at the list and then points to one name in particular.
“There, that one. Haldmeer Grobaras. That is the Lord-Mayor of Magnimar, right below the name of Sandpoints Halfling grocer who was murdered just before we left Sandpoint. Interesting. We need to get this list back to Justicar Kannas as soon as we can! This evil cult we disrupted was planning something diabolical indeed!”
Reading further down the scroll, the text after the list appears to be quite extensive notes on the details of the Lord-Mayor’s life and schedule - when he takes his meals, who he visits, his favorite taverns, and even the hours he sleeps. Apparently this Wanton of Nature’s Pagan Forms had a very deep desire to keep tabs on, and no doubt, assassinate the Lord-Mayor.


Samad, somehow smelling of oranges and rose oil, had a cinnamon roll in his hand before they even reached the table. “Diabolical? You make diabolical sound BAD”, he jibed as he approached the scroll.


Taking a sumptuous bite of the cinnamon roll, he peered half-heartedly at the scroll. He almost rolled his eyes and turned away, simply figuring there were people to be stabbed before the unfortunate names on the list were stabbed. More sweaty lambs for the slaughter. He froze mid-chew when he saw his name on the list. Someone was after him.


When a few of his companions side-eyed him as his eyes widened, awaiting a reaction, he closed his eyes and raised a finger as if requesting a few moments. He chewed his bite carefully and swallowed it down. Samad was NOT raised in a barn, you know.


He then casually cleared his throat, and bawked out a loud “WHAT!? … Someone puts MY name on a hit-list … and LEAVES OUT ‘The Foxtooth’!?”


He pounded the table his his free hand and hissed “This is an outrage and blood will be SPILLED for this”... before he took another small bite of his cinnamon roll. It was hard to remain angry when eating such a delicious treat.


“... and I suppose we SHOULD get this list to-... I don’t know, someone important I guess… and THEN we cut this problem at the root. Quickly, and gracefully.”


Calina giggles, "Samad, I am quite sure that, had that list been fulfilled, we would have made sure your name was correct on your tombstone." She hesitates for a second then looks around the room, "Not that I feel slighted in the least, but why are the rest of our names not on this list?"


Not really expecting an answer, her eyes scan the names once more, "Hmm, I wonder if the name Sabriyya is the same person I met in the market. She appeared to be rather important around the Bazaar. If it is her name on the document, I think she would like to know." Calina muses further, “On the other hand, it was apparent that she used several methods of protection in any case.”


It was at that point, Calina remembered the package that Nesme brought her. The list of names temporarily forgotten, Calina eagerly tears open the paper wrapping. Her eyes widen as she looks at the revealed contents of the package laying on her lap.


Inside the wrapping, Calina sees a small cloth quiver holding 5 finely crafted arrows. The narrow shafts are black with swirling lines of silver. She pulls one from the quiver and its wide silver point seems to gather up all the light in the room and flash it back into her face. The metal from the head appears to have been poured into spiraling grooves on the shaft itself, allowing the metal to run the entire length of the arrow, all the way to the black fletching at the end.

Ehlyna only vaguely hears or sees her companions as they pass around the scroll and discuss the contents.  Will I ever be rid of this constant threat from one source or another?  Is there a time in the future when I will no longer need to look over my shoulder at every corner? Wondering if there is a knife with my name on it?  A rope tied just for me?  Putting her hand into her pocket, Ehlyna feels the wanted poster she has yet to dispose of...her thoughts are distracted by Calina and her new arrows.  “Hounds of Hells! What was that?!?!” she exclaims as she examines the new weapons.


Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by +Daniel Ernst
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by +Carol Coburn
Leela Cardnool, Gnome scout, cartographer and Illusionist - played by +Lisa Smith
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben Lipe
Vexeron, Human wizard - played by +Greg Grady
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven Warrior - played by +Jodi H
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder
Ellie - Halfling Finder of Things - played by +Megan McCarron
and +Jason Woollard as the DM