Grand Duchy 62

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 62
July 30, 2015

Climbing Brokeneck Gap

Gromdain 19 Yarthmont 1001

Meeting Old Gren

The Grey Company leaves Verge early in the morning to head to Northolt a few hours north along the Threshold road to find Old Gren, the ranger and guide that Griffin had procured. It was another good day for traveling, though it was considerably hotter than it had been recently.

Heading to Northolt to find Old Gren

They arrived, tired and sweaty, at Old Gren's place and he quickly got the expedition underway, explaining a few things about their path across Brokeneck Gap, Gnolls, the valley and his best thoughts to get through as quickly as possible. He also shared his "Gnoll Hunting Ponchos," which turned out to be large canvas blankets with head holes cut into them. They were dirty and smelled like rotting, dead animals. "It's Gnoll stink," the old ranger shared.

Ghoul Ambush

a Ghoul ambusher

The climb up into the mountains from Gren's place was difficult and steep in some places though the Company made good time by following Old Gren's expert trailmanship. Late in the afternoon while the party was navigating a particularly difficult switchback on the trail, several Ghouls leaped from concealed locations and attacked. Esir was taken from his horse while everyone else reacted. Several horses were spooked and some even ran. Griffin, Marcel and Iris quickly engaged the Ghouls while the others moved into position to do so or tried calming the horses. Griffin's horse took off at a run when a Ghoul approached. The bolting horse nearly knocked Griffin from the path and tried to run over Marcel as well, but it reared, lost its footing and fell hard, injuring itself seriously in the process. The ghouls were taken care of while several more horses took off. Old Gren, who had been a little further up the trail, was able to catch the fleeing horses while first aid was given to a paralyzed Esir. He had several scratches on his chest and arms and his neck and chin had been gnawed upon. 

Aftermath of the Ghoul ambush on a narrow switchback trail

Difficult Decision

Draven used his divine magic to fix the youngster up while Remar called upon his healing magic to tend to Wildfire, Griffin's wounded horse. Despite the fact that the horses wounds were healed, it was evident that the beast had suffered a crippling injury (lasting crippling injury) and would have to be put down. Old Gren was adamant that the horse could not continue or go back down the mountain without serious ramifications on the progress of the mission but suggested leaving the horse alive on the trail as bait for any possible other predators on the mountain. This suggestion caused much turmoil in the party as folks began arguing the ethics and logic of the suggestion. In the end, Griffin made the decision to leave Wildfire alive on the trail and everyone accepted his decision. 

Wildfire is wounded

Heavy-hearted, the Company, now a second mount short, continued as quickly as they could up the trail.

Session Notes

Tonight we were short one Cleric PC as Jason was unable to make it, but we did see the return of Alex playing Iris. It is good to have him returned to the game! Welcome back, Alex!

Cast of Characters: 

Garrett "Griffin" Constantine, a Thyatian rogue of a gambler from Penhaligon rolled by +Arne Jamtgaard 

Marcel Maas, a homely but sincere wielder of spears aspiring to cooking greatness commanded by +Christian Blouin 

Draven Rickart, a Thyatian Acolyte of the Church of Karameikos ministered by +Jason Packer 

Iris Varda, a Thyatian explorer and historian searching for answers and adventure guided by +Alex Safatli 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM