Dark Paths 30

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 30
May 26, 2013

Old Friends, Unfamiliar Places

Map Tool Chat Log

Devil's Elbow at night

Session Summary

The crew heads back from the ruined lighthouse on the western tip of the island after finding nothing interesting. The hike back was much more strenuous and difficult because of darkness falling before they got back. Several members of the group were able to see in the dark, but all the Humans were hampered by lack of daylight. Eventually they made it back to camp. The camp was as they had left it, though there were many booted tracks all around the place, as if a group of people had been there and at least examined the outer edge of the campsite. None of the tracks went into the mystic mist that Snargash had used to protect the camp.

The Drow are REAL!

The next morning, the Crew decides it is time to head off to check out the campsite that Aethel had scouted out. Paal had refilled all the water and Snargash had healed Harik up to full health. As they prepared to leave, Bodi decides that it is time to share with their companions the true purpose for the Crew being on the island. He tells them that Drow are real and that they have tracked them to this island and that is what they are looking for. Samaritha and Paal take the news ok, though Harik seems considerably worried about this.

The group sets off to explore the camp, leaving Samaritha and Harik behind to watch over the camp. The hike up to Witchlight is difficult, but everyone makes it ok. They decide to forego lunch and a rest and head off down toward the camp, planning on stopping and resting a mile or so out. 

Akron Erix

Before they can stop for a rest though, Snargash and Aethel both spot folks hiding up ahead, behind a large rock. Paal and Bodi both sneak out through the woods to try to get a better vantage point while Aethel, in body of air form, flies up and over to approach from behind. As everyone is getting into position, Aragon calls out, "Hello! We saw you there behind the rock! Hello!" The men, four of them, come out with bows. They star talking, not being threatening at all, then one of them spots Bodi and calls to him to come out. Bodi tries to get smart, then stands up and the conversation continues. A large shirtless man appears on the path behind Aragon, Snargash and Guy. He introduces himself as Akron Erix and seems fairly friendly, though he carries with him a huge maul tossed easily across his shoulder.

The two groups parlay and eventually come to the agreement that Erix will lead them to his camp and introduce them to his boss under the pretenses that they will purchase supplies from the camp.  Erix indicates that he knows that an Elf and a Northman are somewhere in the nearby forest watching them, but does not seem too concerned. When they arrived at the large camp, Erix then asked them if they would be willing to surrender their weapons. The request was met with an very definite no. He merely shrugged and asked that their weapons be kept sheathed while in the camp.

Good Clegg

The camp was large, though not many men were visible around the the place. Erix led them to a large tent at the far end of the camp and led them inside. There standing in the middle of the room, looking over a map of the island was their old nemesis  Clegg Zincher. Just as surprised to see them as they him, he stands and greets them and then offers them a job hunting the strange creatures that are present on the island.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

After the surprise introduction to none other than Clegg Zincher, the Crew’s former rival, if not enemy, Zincher gets down to business. Since the Crew wants to buy supplies from him, he offers them a job working for him, in exchange. He says he has supplies, but isn’t interested in cash for them. He wants Noqual and some of those strange tentacled beasts captured live to take back and fight in the arena.

He takes a sip of his drink and looks to see if anyone else is drinking, then tips his glass to them. He drops down into one of the four comfortable chairs in the middle of the area.

Finally taking a moment to look around, the Crew sees that Zincher likes to travel in style. His tent is easily 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide and 30 feet long, larger than some buildings in Riddleport! It is a bizarre place of opulence despite its isolation, the inside of this pavilion is divided by a curtain that runs from roof to floor. In the open front half, a massive, iron-banded wooden trunk rests along the north wall while a row of boxes lines the south wall. Four heavily cushioned leather chairs sit in the middle of the open space in pairs. A tall, wrought-iron candelabra stands in the center of the area, its twelve evenly spaced candles burning merrily and giving off a mixture of pleasant aromas.

Zincher goes on to explain to you that he will pay you 500 gold for each one of the live creatures you can catch for him. He will also pay you 60 gold per pound of skymetal, which he says is considerably more than the Gas Forges will pay. He also invites you to come stay in the camp if you like, though he will require you to pitch in with some of the work around the place, including guard duty and what not.

Bodi sits down and joins Zincher for the drink.   He knows that if he doesn’t comply he will be offending their new host and if they were going to come out of this with any sort of deal, they were going to have to play nice.

“Okay Clegg......we are definitely here for a means to make some coin, and I think I speak for most of us by saying that it would benefit both of our groups to work together.  Especially with the oddball creatures abound here, safety in numbers for sure.      Clegg, we don’t expect you to totally trust us, because we won’t totally trust you either, but I know my word is good and we’re going to hold you to your word.     Sounds like a viable deal.    But, as with the others who tried to screw us over before, one way or another, we would find a way to get back at you if you tried to pull one over on us.     Its bad enough you want us to capture one of these creatures for you, so maybe you’re figuring if we fail, you are rid of us, and if we succeed, well then maybe we have more worth and could prove useful to you in future plans.”

Bodi takes a draught from his glass in front of him and continues, “We’ are going to need food, water, supplies, and also a means of trying to store or capture the creature.  If you don’t have a cage or the means to build one, than we need to find a way to either construct one or improvise a means to contain said beast.”

Bodi continues to drink and looks to his companions to see what they have to say.

Zincher nods as Bodi speaks. “Fair enough, fair enough. I may not like the lot of you, I may have sent swords against you in the past, but like I said, I’m a businessman, and anyway, it was NEVER personal toward you. I had a problem with Saul. I suppose it’s not really your fault he hoodwinked you. I’ll give it to him, he could talk his way out of a rabid Ghoul’s nest! Food and water is easy. Cages, well, I’ve got several of them already made up. How many are there in your group? I know there’s more of you than is here now, my scouts have kept tabs on you for a few days, since you knocked that tower down the cliff anyway. Some of them Cyphermages with ya? But anyway, yer all welcome to hike it up here and stay in our camp. I can send some of my boys to help you carry your gear up. Might be able to get it all up here by nightfall. You have any run-ins with them zombie things? What’s your take on them?”

Aragon also takes a drink and sits down.  He listens to the negotiations and discussions.  At the talk of the zombies, he perks up.  “They go down if you hit them hard enough, we know that.  Something weird about their tongues, too, if I recall.

“As for the lion-things, have you noticed their reaction to water?  They attacked us down near the surf, and it seemed to destroy them in short order.”  He turns to Bodi, “We may be able to use that as a way to trap them, since that is becoming a lucrative avenue.”

Bodi looks over to his friend, “Yeah, actually you have a point.....I have a plan for that...with some of our clever work, we could create some of those dead-fall pit traps, and using that flying trick again with water, maybe herd some of them over and drop them into the pits.   Then a matter of some apportation or levitation work to plant them inside the cages.”

Bodi then frowns for a moment.  “Hmm, that’s all well and good, but how the hell are we going to get them back?”

Cleeg nods absently at Bodi’s suggestions, “Yea, just gotta catch the critters. As for getting them off the island, I’ve got that taken care of. My ships will be back soon enough. I’d like to get working on this as soon as possible, say first thing tomorrow morning?” He leans back over and studies the map of the island. “So we have a deal? I can send some of my people to help you all get your gear and the rest of your crew up here to our camp. I think it’s getting dangerous out there. We’ve spotted several handfuls of those zombies in the area, no need to tangle with them if we don’t have to, right?” Zincher then motions to the large shirtless man. “My man, Erix there, will help you transport your stuff.” If there are no further questions, Zincher excuses himself and steps into the partitioned off back half of the tent.

Aragon nods and turns.  “I’ll go and help get our gear.  Snargash, Bodi, you coming?”

Akron Erix and a few of Zinchers other men go to help retrieve the supplies and gear from the base camp near the docks. Erix leads the way and shows the Crew a shorter route that does not require climbing up to the top of the island. “It’s a lot easier if we go this way, though we gotta watch out for those creatures. They seem to shy away from this path though, it leads much closer to the shoreline in many places.” Erix continues to be quite friendly and talkative, trying to chat everyone up in the group, though Zincher’s other men seem a bit more standoffish and quiet, more concerned with getting where they are going and doing what they are told than socializing.

Aragon watches the big fighter.  Muscular, mostly melee, the reach on that maul the same as Zenith and Nadir, he would be a decent opponent.  “So, Erix, I don’t think I saw you around the arena.  Are you new to Zincher’s employ?”

“Ehh, yea, I haven’t done much in the Arena recently. I’m here and there, you know, move around some. When I’m in Riddleport, Zincher and I can usually come to some sort of agreement. I stay out of the arena, though, cause it just don’t really seem fair, you know. Not challenging enough,” he smiles wryly at Aragon. “I remember you though. Made a good showing in your first few rounds. Not bad. Keep it up, you might just yet best that lot of grog blossoms.” He laughs and produces another of his cigars, lights it and begins to take large puffs.

Aragon shrugs.  “I’ve been getting enough of a workout just hanging with these guys.  Anything that takes me further down the Steps.”  He looks at Erix.  “Have you encountered any foes besides the blue lions and tongue zombies?  We had a small scrap with a manticore...”

Inside Zincher's tent.

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed (260 points) - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind (265 points) - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen (258 points) - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone (254 points) - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal - Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Wandered Roads 22

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 22
April 27, 2013

Campaign Timeline

Lucky Number Seven

Oathday, 20th of Lamashan

After the City Watch had been successfully turned away by the illusion of Aldern Foxglove, the group continued its search of the townhouse but first Vexeron wanted to retrieve the bound prisoner that was being hidden in the backyard. When they got out back, they saw the formerly locked gate hanging open, its lock having been unlocked and the prisoner was gone. Disheartened, the group returned to searching the house.  It had clearly been ransacked. The search of the first and second floors turned up nothing of any value, just ruined pictures and broken furniture.

Finally, on the third floor, in what appeared to be some sort of study behind the master bedroom, they found some carved lions on the mantle place. One of the keys they had recovered after defeating the ghastly Aldern Foxglove was a long tanged, bronze key with a gaping lions head on the ring. It matched the roaring lion sculptures perfectly. A tiny keyhole was discovered in one of the lions mouths and when the key was inserted and turned, the other lion snapped open on hidden hinges, revealing a carved out space holding a pouch with some 200 platinum coins and a ledger and other loose documents.

The documents were mostly legal papers pertaining to the townhouse, taxes and other mundane things. The deed to the Foxglove Manor near Sandpoint was also discovered. Upon reading that document, Vexeron discovered a few interesting points about the deed. First, the Foxglove only funded two- thirds of the manors construction. The other third was paid for by a group called the Brothers of the Seven and second, there was a clause stating that after 100 years, the house and all lands within a mile around and below reverts to the ownership of the Brothers.

The ledger appeared to be just a finely detailed account of Aldern’s expenses for the last several years but some fairly recent entries were curious. There were numerous entries, nearly a dozen or so over the last three months, labeled “Iesha’s trip to Absalom.” Each entry was for 200 gold a week paid to an account labeled B.7 and the time and location for the payments was always Oathday at midnight at a place called the Seven’s Sawmill.

Samad decided to take another look out back and managed to find several sets of unaccounted for footprints in the dirt of the yard as well as a few drops of blood leading out into the alleyway. Calina and Daellin followed the trail down the alley and out into the main street, but there lost the trail. They returned to the house and Vexeron used a magical seeking spell to pinpoint the location of their fleeing attacker, using his weapon and strange mask as a connection. His spell showed him that he was currently at the bottom of the road connecting the Summit to the Shore.

Daellin, hoping to cut him off, used his Farstrider magic to fly at the speed of a racing hawk, making it to the area in no time at all. Unfortunately when he got there, he found it impossible to pick anyone out of the huge crowd on the Dockway streets. Instead, he rested and waited for his companions to arrive. Once they arrived, they started asking around about where the Sawmills would be and they were directed to Kyver’s Islet, located in the middle of the Yondabaraki River between the districts of Keystone and Ordellia.

Just then, their spritely tour guide, Phineas Fizzletop, showed up and agreed, for a small fee, to lead them to the Seven’s Sawmill on Kyver’s Islet. Along the way, he imparted much about the city, its inhabitants, customs, legends and history. He also got sidetracked numerous times and attempted to get everyone to stop and see every single attraction along the way.

Eventually the group made it to Kyver’s Islet and he pointed out the mill across the short stone bridge. He bid his farewell but did not join the group on the island. It looked like the mill he had pointed out was in fact a grain mill, not a saw mill, so the group started asking around. They got the yelled at by another mill owner before going into the grain mill that Phineas had pointed out. He was kind enough, after being slipped a sliver, to point them in the right direction.

The Seven’s Sawmill appeared to be a normal, functioning mill. Calina and Daellin searched around for tracks or clues outside, but found none while Vexeron used his Magic Eye spell to

scout out some of the interior. He found a few ravens caged in a high tower-like room at the top of the mill and then was able to explore several of the lower levels, observing a handful of men operating a timber cutting operation inside. He was not able to explore the entire building due to some closed doors.

Outside, the group decided to head back toward their place and Foxgloves townhouse to wait for nightfall to return closer to midnight. On the way back, they ran into 3 hooded men who immediately ran when they saw the group. Quickly, the group pursued. Daellin again used his Hawk Flight spell to quickly catch up with and knock down one of the running men as he attempted to flee across the bridge to Ordellia. Daellin was then able to grapple and pin the stunned man until his friends could arrive.

Vexeron used his magic to create some metal rings, binding the man's wrists together while Samad attempted to turn away a crowd that had gathered at the far end of the bridge. There new prisoner was taken to a deserted alley and they tried to question him, threatening and even performing torture on him. He would not give anything away.

After a very short time, his two friends returned and tried to attack the party. They were dispatched handily and drug into the alley as well. Leela used Aldern’s war razor to continue cutting the first prisoner up, going so far as to carve her name into his flesh. The interrogation was going nowhere, so a plan was hatched involving an illusory Aldern Foxglove ‘saving’ the prisoners and trying to get some information out of them. The ruse worked well, though unfortunately, the men did not seem to have any good information. Aldern vanished and the party again revealed itself to the men, subduing them once more and preparing to turn them into the authorities. 

Magnimar, City of Monuments

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The Heroes discussed tactics and watched the Seven's Sawmill. Daellin, against his best Elvish upbringing, used his newly acquired magic to send a telepathic message to Ehlyna the Dwarf who was all the way across down back at the Kaijitsu Estate. He told her that they were soon to be entering a battle of epic proportions and she and Ellie should make haste to Kyver's Islet to meet up with them.

Ehlyna, unused to the mental intrusions was suddenly overcome by feelings of Elvishness, grabbed Ellie, hopped on a horse, and took off across town at break-neck speeds. Shortly thereafter, Ehlyna came to her senses, much to Ellie's relief, and managed to dismount the horse before killing herself or the Halfling in the process. While Ehlyna cursed the Elf for magically poisoning her mind, Ellie got directions to the sawmill.

Back at the Sawmill, Vexeron nearly gave away their location as he made a big commotion knocking over some boards and other loud and obvious stumblings during his turn to watch the sawmill. Fortunately only some other passing workers from some other venue were on the street at the time, and they merely shrugged and carried on.

Samad, by JeCorey

Samad waited impatiently for the assault, twirling his blades while Kallin fawned over his 'crows', though everyone only ever saw ONE crow, he insisted there were two. Calina and Leela do their best to keep watch on the sawmill.

After some time, Ehlyna and Ellie arrive on the scene and immediately she begins to berate Daellin for what he had done. Instead of sparring back with her, Daellin surprised all when he turned the act around and offered his arm in friendship, stating that he was prepared to set aside their differences and from this point forward, consider her his friend. Even more surprising was Ehlyna's acceptance of this offer as she clasped his arm and slipped him a small chunk of rock from her homeland. Stunned and surprised everyone watched, silent and jaws agape. Several tears flowed down Calina's cheek at this heartwarming display of friendship.

Back to business, Vexeron recapped what he had seen during his magical scouting mission and everyone filled the two latecomers in on the plan.

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
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder

and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Wandered Roads 21

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 21
February 23, 2013

Campaign Timeline

Searching for Clues

Oathday, 20th of Lamashan

Voon's Wagon

Bright and early, the party rises and prepares for the day. Ehlyna and Ellie volunteer to take the wagon down to the shore to find Voon’s people and deliver it while everyone else agrees to go scout out Foxglove’s townhouse and hopefully find some more clues to the great evil behind Aldern Foxglove’s string of ritual murders. They referred back to the note that had been found in his lair under his family's estate outside of Sandpoint:

Aldern—

You have served us quite well. The delivery you harvested from the caverns far exceeds what I had hoped for. You may consider your debt to the Brothers paid in full. Yet I still have need of you, and when you awaken from your death, you should find your mind clear and able to understand this task more than in the state you lie in as I write this.

You shall remember the workings of the Sihedron ritual, I trust. You seemed quite lucid at the time, but if you find after your rebirth that you have forgotten, return to your townhouse in Magnimar. My agents shall contact you there soon—no need for you to bother the Brothers further. I will provide the list of proper victims for the Sihedron ritual in two days’ time. Commit that list to memory and then destroy it before you begin your work. The ones I have selected must be marked before they die, otherwise they do my master no good and the greed in their souls will go to waste.

If others get in your way, though, you may do with them as you please. Eat them, savage them, or turn them into pawns—it matters not to me.

—Your Mistress, Wanton of Nature’s Pagan Forms

Samad attempted to find direction to the townhouse, but had no luck with some shifty looking characters hanging out in an alleyway, Daellin had better luck using more diplomatic means. They quickly traveled through the city toward the townhouse, which was also located in the Naos district, not too far from the gate they first entered the city through. After a short search, they found the right street and the townhouse. It was a nicely appointed 3 story

Foxglove Townhouse

building with a small fenced plaza in the front which contained a fancy stone fountain and pool carved in the likeness of a 4 headed hydra spouting water out of its mouths. The windows were boarded up, but so were many other houses that were seen on other houses in the area. Apparently Magnimar had a large portion of its population that would spent only parts of the year in the city and the rest of their time in other places. The streets were not empty, but only a few servents and delivery people were out at this time.

The group approached the house and tentatively knocked on the door. After waiting for several moments with no answer, Daellin used the key they had taken from Aldern’s lair and unlocked the door. He entered into a foyer/ stairwell and was immediately greeted by a woman in an apron rushing around the corner from the rest of the house. She greeted him and everyone was taken aback as she looked just like Aldern’s wife, Ieasha Foxglove, supposedly murdered at her hands, at least as far as they knew from the clues and ghostly visions they received at Foxglove Manor. She indeed admitted to being Iesha Foxglove and that she and her husband, Aldern, had just returned to Magnimar from a trip to Absalom in the south. They were distraught to have found their residence had been broken into and ransacked. She leads the group into the dining room and then goes to get Aldern. Everyone is even more shocked when he appears, and it truly seems to be him. He admits to knowing everyone and when Daellin tells the story of the events surrounding his ‘demise’ back in Sandpoint, he is greatly surprised. Quickly his mood changes and he demands that they turn over the key they have to his house and insists they leave, insinuating that they were the ones that broke into his house and tore the place up. As he was pushing the group back out, the Foxgloves produced longswords and attacked Samad and Kallin in the back. Angered, Samad attempted to punch Mrs. Foxglove in the face, going for the knockout blow, but instead she skillfully parried his unarmed blow, nearly severing his right arm!

Faceless Stalker

In an instant the battle was on between the Foxgloves and the Heroes of Sandpoint! As soon as the battle begun, though, both Foxgloves revealed startling secrets, they were actually shapechangers and their appearances quickly shifted into that of faceless, rubbery brutes with skin covered in writhing, shifting texture. They proved to be very tough and skilled opponents and it was only after some time that the party was able to get the upper hand. Toward the end of the battle, two new foes entered, strangely robed and masked men entered, armed with war razors. Calina warned them, then opened fire, peppering them with arrows. Vexeron finished the job by dropping an exploding fireball between them, completely engulfing one of the and the front end of the room, in flames. One of the faceless beasts went down and then the other one attempted to flee, but the group pursued. Daellin made a desperate lunge and tried to tackle the fleeing creature. He finally managed to drag him to the ground and it was then killed. Some neighbors saw the struggle in the street and ran off, presumably to get the Watch. They dragged the body back toward the house then quickly ran back inside to find buckets to put the fire out before it consumed the whole building. Vexeron, after tying up the unconscious masked man, created a magical servant to help put the fire out and in no time the flames were quenched.

Masked Assailant

Mask worn by attackers

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

Quickly, the watch arrived and Daellin and Leela talked to them while the others inside continued to search for clues. Calina and Vexeron took the bound, unconscious prisoner out back to keep him out of sight of the City Watch.

Daellin and Leela talked to the watch for a moment and convinced them to take the dead bodies when they left, then the conversation was joined by none other than Aldern Foxglove emerging from the inside of the townhouse, accompanied by Vexeron. He told the Watch that everything was ok and dismissed them. Then it was revealed that Vexeron had summoned the image of Aldern to smooth things over with the authorities. 

With the watch gone, the party returned to searching the townhouse.

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
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder

and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Wandered Roads 20

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 20
February 23, 2013

Campaign Timeline

Out With the Old, In With the New

Starday, 15th of Lamashan.

Loot is sold and divided, supplies are bought and several members make a trip back to Thistletop to allow Leela a chance to get a map of the complex. After some excitement both in and out of town, the group has reunited and is headed for the Rusty Dragon Inn to make their final arrangements. As the group enters the Inn, nearly the entire town jumps out and yells “Surprise!” It turns out that Ameiko and some other townsfolk got together and planned a going away party for the heroes. Ameiko unveils the newly mounted axe she bought from Ehlyna, showing an image of her face with the inscription “The Hero of Sandpoint.”

Surprise!

The night was filled with eating and drinking and games and stories and fun. Many of the prominent

Daellin

townsfolk stood up and gave speeches of thanks. Daellin even took the stage to deliver a severely long winded story regaling the towns recent exploits and why the ‘Heroes’ did what they did and this and that and....

The next morning, the group heads out of town, following the Lost Coast Road to the south and east. According to the locals, the trip should take about 3 days, but supplies for a slightly longer trip were procured just in case.

On the first day, while making a stop to rest and forage, a hunting party of Elves was encountered on the fringes of the Whisperwood. They were friendly enough, as friendly as Elves can be, at least, and shared the information that they were tracking a group of bandits thought to be operating in the area. Later that night, just before midnight, the ‘Heroes’ found the bandits, or more appropriately, the bandits found the ‘Heroes.” Fortunately Daellin’s Forest Warning magic warned the party of the bandits approach and they were driven off fairly easily. The first wave of bandits were defeated and killed by the warriors of the group while Vexeron managed to drive off a 2nd set of bandits using the illusion of a Troll and lighting a huge section of the forest floor on fire! The fire was put out, also with magic and the bodies of the bandits were disposed of. Some wanted to pursue the remaining bandits, but the consensus was to stay put.

The next day brought the cold, autumn rain, soaking everyone to the bone. The road became a treacherous, muddy affair and slowed them down considerably. Fortunately a roadside Inn was discovered toward the end of the day and the group was happy to get out of the rain, though Calina and Kallin both chose to camp outside in the rain instead. The innkeeper said they were just about a days travel out from Magnimar still.

The next day was uneventful (though the rain had stopped) and very slow going in the rain soaked road, but the party pushed on. The next morning, the group was in sight of Magnimar. After topping a short rise, the land before them ran down to Magnimar, still an hour or so away. They could see the impressive ruins of the Irespan stretching out from the city into the waters of the Varisian Gulf. Beyond the city can be seen the swampy stretch known as the Mushfens, known to be the largest swamp in all the lands. The Mushfens reach from Magnimar all along the southern coast of Varisia, nearly all the way to Korvosa, some 600 miles away.

What a skyline - Welcome to Magnimar!

As the group approached the city, they spotted many more travelers on the road and in the surrounding areas. The woods that had been consistent on their left was now nearly gone, mostly cleared for lumber and farmland. Numerous boats and ships could be seen plying the waters of the Gulf and of the Yondabakari River.

Calina, by JeCorey

They met a Varisian family traveling away from the city who stopped and chatted for a while. They warned Calina of the dangers of being Varisian in Magnimar, saying that most of Cheliaxian lineage (and even many mixed blood Chelish/ Varisians) looked down upon the Varisians, seeing them as nothing more than dirty gypsies and thieves. The family bid the group farewell and continued on their route north while the party drove their wagon toward the city gates.


There was a line of travelers and wagons at the gate, but the gate guards seemed to be moving everyone in fairly quickly. They asked the group some simple questions when it was their turn and then welcomed them to Magnimar, the City of Monuments.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The group finally arrives in Magnimar, and with the help of a Fey guide, Phineas Fizzletop, make their way to the Kaijitsu Estate, where they will be spending their days. The group gets settled and plans the next course of action.

Players Present:

+Daniel Ernst as Kallin Hawkril - Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma
+Carol Coburn as Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout
+Lisa Smith as Leela Cardnool - Gnome scout, cartographer and Illusionist
+Ben Lipe as Daellin Silvanthalas - Elven Farstrider Ranger
+Greg Grady as Vexeron - Human wizard
+JeCorey Holder as Samad Aldhul - Human ex-mercenary

+Jason Woollard as the DM

Wandered Roads 19

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 19
January 26, 2013

Campaign Timeline

I'd Like to 'Axe' You a Question

Oathday, 13th of Lamashan

The party headed back to Thistletop in search of Ehlyna’s missing axe and hoping to end the existence of the evil demon creature residing in the lower levels. The trip there and the delve to the lowest level of the ruins was uneventful, though Leela was excited for the opportunity to see and map a new ruins. Outside the immense metal door with the 7-pointed star engraved on it, the group took a moment to magically prepare itself and establish some tactics.

With all their magical effects in place, the group charged through the door and engaged the

Demon defeated!

beast. Their greater numbers, magical enhancements and greater skill proved to be more than what the beast expected. It immediately went on the defensive, and even though the battle drug on for a while, eventually the heroes won out and the demon was reduced to a bubbling pile of black ooze. Ehlyna was the only one to take serious injury and thanks to Kallin’s magic and a healing potion, she was back to fighting strength quickly. Ehlyna recovered her axe, some magical burning candles were found and a silver box filled with white sand contained some sort of magical ring.

How Ehlyna Got her Axe Back

After that, the group decided to explore the one last remaining area of the ruins they had not gotten to before. The secret hallway and steps led to a collapsed treasury of some sort with ocean water coming in. The wall depicted a great city of spires in the mountains overlooked by a high  peak carved with the visage of a stern man.

A huge golden helmet, at least 5 feet across, lie submerged in the water, surrounded by silver and gold coins. When the party went to gather up the treasure, the helmet lurched forward, revealing a giant hermit crab living inside. The creature tried to catch Daellin in its grasp, but stumbled backward down a slippery stone block and missed. Everyone jumped back and Daellin was able to use his Elf magic to calm and speak to the creature, who agreed to let the party gather the treasure in return for food. Those members carrying rations quickly threw them into the water and the crustacean gathered up a few bites and scuttled into deep water. Several thousand silver and gold coins, along with a pouch of jade and a magical jade amulet were recovered over the course of the next half hour.

The  party then retreated to the upper levels, planning on sending some folks back to town for the mounts and food so they could camp the night and allow Leela to map the ruins. Once back to the surface, the group surprised a Kobold in the main hallway, who squealed and immediately fled. With quick thinking fueled by hatred, Leela brought her loaded crossbow to bear and shot the fleeing Kobold in the back, though he was able to continue running.

What's goin on here?

Several members of the party gave chase to the Kobold to find that he ran to an adjacent hallway that had been turned into a camp for a handful of the the tiny draconic beings. They immediately cowered in the corner, throwing down their weapons when Leela, Ehlyna and Daellin burst into their camp. Ehlyna demanded their surrender, which they noisily agreed to. Suddenly the whole room shook as a heavy weight crashed down upon the wooden roof. The shoddy construction held, but visibly sagged. A large hole was then ripped through the roof and a large Troll stuck large fanged head in demanding to know what was going on?

A brief parley between the Troll and Ehlyna ended with the group retreating and leaving Thistletop without encounter with the Troll and his Kobold minions, much so several peoples surprise. The group, weighed down by their newly recovered treasure, made their way back to Sandpoint by mid-afternoon.  After a meal and a rest, Vexeron got right to work on analyzing the magic items and everyone else discussed what else to do with the other loot. Seeing as none in the group had the skill to appraise the jewels or silver box, they had to decide what to do with them.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

Oathday, 13th of Lamashan

Leela and Daellin plot to return the next morning to Thistletop. Daellin is concerned that the Troll and Kobolds could spell future trouble for Sandpoint while Leela still wants to map the ruins. They convince Vexeron and Calina to go with them. Vexeron is interested in recovering as many of the Thassilonian artifacts and books that were discovered in the ruins and Calina just enjoys any opportunity to get out of town.

Ehlyna gets herself healed up at the cathedral, Leela does some baking, Daellin speaks to the Sheriff, Vexeron spends most of the evening identifying magical items. Some loot is sold and the proceeds go to funding some camping equipment as the group plans to stay at Thistletop at least overnight one night.

Fireday, 14th of Lamashan

Daellin, Leela, Vexeron and Calina, accompanied by Paka, as usual, head out early the morning of the 14th. Eventually, they arrive back at the Goblin fort of Thistletop. A quick search of the area reveals that the Troll and his Kobold minions have since moved on their way though a disturbing scene is found in what looked to be a privy near the rear of the complex. The back wall had been opened to reveal a small secret area hidden behind. A ripped womans evening gown and a handful of copper and silver coins lay in a drying puddle of blood. Some bloody Kobold tracks were present, but not enough to follow. A perplexing scene, though no further clues to what had happened could be found.  

As everyone gets down to business, Daellin attempts to secure the bridge in order to bring

Bridge over Troubled Waters?

the horse and wagon across, but manages to accidentally release the bridge, causing it to fall, swinging and crashing into the far side of the cliff face. Undaunted, Daellin flies across the chasm and magically transports the cart over to the fort side, then drags it slowly inside. Vexeron fills his time sorting through the artifacts, trying to determine which ones are worth saving. Meanwhile, Leela and Calina spend some time bonding and telling personal stories while Leela gets working on her maps. The ground floor and first underground level are mapped out fairly quickly

Starday, 15th of Lamashan

The next day, Leela gets the next lower level done while Vexeron finishes up loading the books and artifacts for the trip home. Everyone then ponders how to get back across with the bridge out. With some clever thinking, magic and knot tying, the bridge is secured again, and they are able to get the heavy cart back out and get on their way back to Sandpoint.

Meanwhile, earlier that day, Ehlyna busies herself doing some shopping for for the long trip to Magnimar. She also picks up a few things for Ameiko as well, trying to pay off some of the debt she feels she owes to the tavern owner for putting them all up for as long as she has.

Kallin manages to have himself some different kind of adventures, as he somehow gets tangled up in the world of Sandpoints underground fighting competitions. He is roped in by Sandi, one of the Iron Carnival Mercenaries who wants him to cheat and secretly heal her as she fights. Unfortunately, Sandi's plan fails and they are beaten and locked up by those in charge of the fights. Eventually, Kaliln is let out of the closet he has been locke in by none other than Ellie, who just so happens to be snooping around the place. She lets Kallin out and as he makes his escape, he sees Samad and several other Iron Carnival mercenaries dealing with those that had held him captive. Kallin quickly high-tails it back to the Rusty Dragon, looking for his friends.

The Thistletop group finally makes it back to town and they are approached by Vorvashali Voon, the local enchanter. Hearing they were preparing to leave for Magnimar, he asks them

Vorvashali Voon

if they would take his wagon and deliver it to some of his associates who were to bring back some items for his shop. Seeing as how this would work out for everyone, they load their gear in the wagon and are ready to head of of town in the morning. Before parting, Voon takes Calina aside and gives her a magical pair of boots as a gift. The group heads to the Rusty Dragon for one last night amongst their Sandpoint friends.

Session Notes

This continuing story went for 34 pages and we accomplished a lot. It is worth the time to go through and read.

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