Grand Duchy 112

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 112
February 6-19, 2017

The Path Less Observed

Lunadain 11th Klarmont

Fireside Chat

Two members of the Grey Company stayed up far too late the night before…

Remar whispers to Draven more softly, "I'd like to...unburden myself of something I've done and was wondering if you could help me with that. The guilt..."

Draven looks at his fiery friend, "Remar, you know I'm always here for you. But, perhaps not when we're both this fatigued?"

"Yeah. You're probably right.  Sorry for bothering you when you're tired, Draven," Remar concedes.

The young priest pauses and then reconsiders, "No, wait. Let's take the first watch, you and I. We can keep each other awake while you unburden yourself"

Remar stammers, "Are...are you sure?" looking at his pious friend, the light and shadows from the firelight making him look alternatingly both angelic and demonic. 

Draven pontificates, "Patience may be a virtue, but one should also strike while the iron is hot. Come, sit with me brother."

Remar sits and takes the opportunity to poke at the fire with a stick, adjusting it so that the flames burn more efficiently while distributing more heat.  After a short while, he side-glances at Draven nervously and asks, “So, um, I’ve seen this done in the war-camps I’ve been...attached to.  Most of them had priests.  But, I wasn’t ever really given the opportunity to pay it a lot of mind.  How do I start this off?  What are the proper incantations and gesture sequences?”

Pitching his voice in the low but firm whisper he so readily recalls from the senior priests during his upbringing, Draven thinks back to his training. Precious few had felt the need for absolution for wrongdoings in the last few months of travels, but he wasn’t going to mess up this opportunity.

“The first step, which it seems you have reached already, is to recognize that you have erred and need to make a change. Penance is expected, of course, but true contrition is also required. The common sins of violence, theft, lying and adultery come common enough among mercenary camps, I’m sure, but even your arcane studies put your soul in peril…”

He dons his gray woolen cassock and sets up his small portable altar.

“If you think you’re ready, tell me what has so burdened your soul?”

And just like that, Remar can’t escape the images of the past, recently dredged up by the encounter with the mummy, as they all come floating to the surface once again.

Ack!  Rema it be gettin’ cramped in ‘ere!  Why donna ye just tell ‘em, Rema’?  Ey dare ye ta tell ‘em yer a murderin,’ greedy, bastard who hears voices, let alone wit an actual soul o’a deadman mixed in wit yers.

A tear runs slowly down his cheek in the firelit, silence that Draven hears following his question.  Then, finally, Remar speaks. “I...I killed them, Draven.  All of them.  So many, many of them.  It was all my fault.”

View From the Perch

The following morning, Kasiex leads the group to the edge of a rocky escarpment. The tired group of travelers follows the Hutaakan as he crawls up to the top and looks over. He signals the others to move up as well. From here, a good view of the valley can be seen. Kasiex points out the route he wants to take to return to Byxata, the Hutaakan village. He plans to descend down the goat path to the valley floor and cross the open area that leads south to the Singing Pool. Then he plans to skirt the mountain base on the other side, sneak across to the woods and cut along the edge of the large lake before heading north to their final destination. “Traldar in west. See there,” he indicates some movement to the north and west. “They usually not come past those woods there,” pointing to the wooded area directly below where the Company is perched. “What think? Good plan? Press on make back dark time,” he says in heavily broken and accented Thyatian.

“Sounds good, Kasiex. I’d definitely like to get back to shelter today,” Griffin replies.

“Yes, for now we need to stay far afield from the Traldar,” adds Draven.

“A sound plan; let’s do it,” Iris adds.

Kasiex nods agreement to all the others, then crawls backwards from the edge of the escarpment.  Marshalling the allies, their various beasts, and all the rest, he gets everyone moving and begins the trek back to Byxata. 

Remar packs and follows in relative silence, remembering on how he was woken up.

Seeing the Green

The Hutaakan Wildsteward leads the group along the narrow and often steep path that leads back down to the valley floor. As he rounds a blind turn, Kasiex suddenly stops and and signals for other to come forward. He peers around the corner and points with his long, narrow snout. “That strange. Not here before.” The rocky trail ahead is covered with strange plants. The entire narrow way is blocked by vines, stems and leaves. Large, prickly purple flowers appear in several spots. Smaller white puff-balls dot the lower area as well. There is no other vegetation nearby with the exception of the occasional mushroom patch and this was definitely not here on the hike to the Vault of the Elders.

The Wizard, eyes coming into focus, looks and says, “Huh, what’s over there?”

Kasiex stares at the plant, wracking his brain for anything like it in the Valley.

Kasiex has never seen plants like this growing in the valley before and no one else is familiar with them either. Regardless, the path is completely blocked by this strange growth. It probably wouldn’t be too difficult to push through it, especially with the help of a blade, but due to the location and nature of the steep rock walls, climbing could prove to be a problem, especially for those without the Traldar’s riding lizards.

“Wow.  That is some plant.  I can’t help but be wary of anything that just shows up to conveniently to block our path, let alone a giant growth like that.” Remar says.  “It could be magical or predatory, for all we know.  Put here by our enemies?  As such, I recommend we stay mindful of the petals and puff-balls.  Any part of them could contain pollen or oils or some such that could even be lethal.”  Remar wonders how drained it would make him to levitate or apportate  lizards, horses, and unmounted persons to presumed safety the other side.

Kasiex grunts, irritated. “No. Not new here, here. New in Valley. Never see anyhere before.”

“How fascinating!” Iris says. “Maybe the deluge from the night prior was a necessary catalyst for its growth. Or perhaps something we were doing in the Vault spawned it. Some ancient plant spores released when we opened the doors? If our activity was the cause, maybe there's some information we could glean from the Tome.  I'd also love to take a sample with us---carefully, of course. Who knows; it could have medicinal applications!”

Kasiex’ ears lay back; the Company's time among the Hutaaka is enough for them to read his body language as suspicious and wary. “Say burn, but that reveal our presence. Cut through, maybe thorns or blossoms are poison…” he sighs slightly. “When doubt, poke with long stick…?” He nods to Marcel and his spear. “Otherwise, wait long and I trap treerat or longfoot and throw into plants, see what happen.”

“I'll poke at it, I don't mind,” Iris says as she nods toward Kasiex. Drawing her saber as she walks closer, Iris carefully leans forward and prods at the plant with the tip of her blade, feeling simultaneously a little ridiculous and apprehensive. 

Remar, watches and prepares to react with Magic if things go awry. 

As Iris approaches the mysterious, lush growth with her blade in hand, it seems to pull away from her, but then she realizes that a slight breeze is blowing from behind her in the narrow ravine. She reaches out and cuts a small part from it. The severed plant part falls to the rocky ground. The rest of the plant does nothing but sway slightly in the blowing breeze.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the Mage says, “And here I was prepared to burn up a lot of magic and rest levitating everyone and everything over!  Maybe hacking through is best?  What do you all think?

Iris dabs a very small amount of sap from the plant onto the skin near her wrist.

The sap is watery and slightly milk colored. It is thin and slippery. Iris observes it on her arm. After several minutes she sees and feels nothing out of the ordinary.

Iris looks up at the others and says cheerfully, “No reaction so far! I like the idea of hacking through; definitely don't want to burn it.”

Remar’s face betrays him as that of someone who has not even considered a particular course of action, but later realizes they have missed out on a golden opportunity.

Kasiex draws his blade, striding forward to stand before the plant with Iris; he hefts the sword, looking at her and gesturing as if to say “you take that side, I’ll do this side” such that they would create a 1.5-2 person wide channel through the growth. 

“I will help keep watch with Ree if she is so inclined,” Remar says.

Iris nods at Kasiex and begins the arduous task of clearing the unusual growth.

After a short time, Kasiex and Iris have managed to clear a path through the strange, lush foliage. They both drip with sweat from the exertion in the rising heat of the day. It was more strenuous work than they had imagined but now the path is clear. Iris notices, after catching her breath, that the spot on her arm where she had touched the initial piece of plant material seems to itch a little bit and it looks possibly a little red, but that could easily have been from scratching up against something while clearing the path. Kasiex spends several minutes picking little pieces of hacked up plant from his fur. Some of the smaller pieces seem to not want to come off, having attached themselves with tiny burs. 

Having groomed the burrs out of his exposed fur, Kasiex claps Iris on the shoulder companionably and waves the rest of the Company forward.  “I will scout ahead for  a bit.  Have the others follow slowly.” he says to Iris in Hutaak’a. “I watch-forward. You bring rest. Understand?” he follows up in broken Thyatian.

“Happy as I am to be through it, and glad that you all carry blades - my mace would have been far less useful here - I’m still concerned at the sudden growth of wholly new plants in the valley. I’m sure I don’t have to suggest this, Iris, but you do have some of it to take back with us, for further investigation and possibly to jog the memory of some of the older Hutaakan?”

Fanning herself while taking a brief rest, Iris smiles at Draven and says, “Oh! I'm glad you mentioned it; I'd nearly forgotten.” She stands up, groaning a bit as she stretches her back, then moves over to the huge mess of hacked up plant growth. Iris gathers a selection of roots, stems, leaves, and a flower and places them carefully in her pack. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she gently rubs the itchy diseased spot on her face and tries not to think on it too much. “Kasiex is ready to scout ahead; we're to follow quietly after a few minutes.”

Continuing On

Kasiex suits deed to word, nodding to the others and slipping off stealthily farther down the path, check for the best path and any dangers along the way. 

As Kasiex heads off, the rest of the group watches him go and realizes that the usually nimble and spry Hutaakan is moving a bit slower than normal. As they rest, the group discusses this and all their thoughts come back to the Mummy Rot he has been afflicted with. All eyes turn to Iris and they realize that she too is beginning to feel the effects of the evil curse placed upon her by the Mummy Lord. The skin of her face had become an ashen grey and the veins in her neck are darkening. She shakes her head and murmurs, “I’m fine, really. It’s just so hot out here today.” Several folks nod in agreement as sweat trickles down their foreheads. It is a hot one today. After a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence, it is time to follow the scouting Wildsteward down the path. Everyone silently agrees that the sooner they return to Byxata, the better.

Cast of Characters: 

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

Draven Rickart, a Thyatian Acolyte of the Church of Karameikos ministered by +Jason Packer with help from +Patrick Burke 

Remar Umerus, an Alphatian battle mage that escaped forced service in the Thyatian army currently marshalled by +Patrick Kelly 

Iris Varda, a Thyatian explorer and historian searching for answers and adventure, now guided by +Stephanie Kelly 

Kasiex, a Hutaakan Wildsteward used to ranging the mountains and valleys now led down a new path by +Patrick Burke 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM

Sundered Lands 42

The Sundered Lands of Palladium

Session 42
February 15-26, 2017

Boarding the Titan

Monday October 30

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

Silver, Valinya and Gorg stand there as Fortis flies off toward the ship anchored out past the breakers. Arn comes out of a nearby shanty, ale droplets adorning his beard and friendly shouts following him. Moonscar leads a wary Seeker back toward the docks. The sky is cloudy and gray and a light drizzle, almost a mist, falls from the sky.

Seeker gives the half-Ogre a wan smile. “Hey, guys. Let’s get on with this. Gorg is going to help us by giving us a ride, don’t want to take spoil that help.”

“Yes true, and Gorg, it’s really good to see you again.  We briefly had a … um, new friend who was also physically imposing but who is no longer with us.  It will be nice to have someone to gather the glares and allows others of us to be less noticeable.  And another strong back is a welcome addition for those of us who are less capable of lending a hand with the heavy work,” Valinya says. 

Gorg replies, “I do enjoy getting out on the water, but after spending a bit of time with you guys a while back, I realized just how boring it can be out on the ship!  I wouldn't mind tagging along with the bunch of you again, but someone's gonna have to bring me up to speed on what you all are up to.”

Seeker says “Okay, I’ll try to sum up. We’re hunting for a terrible artifact, called a Shadow Pearl. One of them is responsible for the shattering of the lands to the southwest. So yes, really, really terrible. We have an ally here in Essanos, one Lady Vanderboren. Her brother is a villain named Vanthus. We think he might be able to lead us to the Shadow Pearl. He stole all of Lady Vanderboren’s family’s money and gave it to a crew of thieves and smugglers called the Sea Harpies. We just finished rooting them out of their underground lair, and emerged with the spoils, including the Vanderboren fortune, as well as a lead on where to find Vanthus. It’s a place called Kraken Cove, a rendezvous for smugglers and their ilk.” He stretches. “We aim to go to Kraken Cove, find Vanthus, and recover the Shadow Pearl.” He looks at Gorg. “Still sure you want to come along?”

Arn chimes in with Seeker, nodding on the abbreviated version of their journeys.  Arn adds in, “It would be good to have another with yer strength and skill to join us again Lad.   A good warrior is always useful to add on.  Besides, Lefty said he misses ya too.”

While listening to the discussion, Silver tries to shoo everyone into the boat, so that the group can get underway.  Once it gets to the more sensitive topics, She interrupts with “Let’s not discuss all the details until we’re at least underway? I doubt anything you say while standing around on the docks can be considered private.”  She gives Seeker a look that screams “why am I the one that has to say this?”

In the momentary silence, Silver turns to Gorg “The Titan hasn’t picked up any new hands right?  I don’t want to surprise anyone later.”

Gorg absorbs the story and mulls it over for a few seconds, finally replying, "Wow...That all sounds pretty exciting, I'd love to help out.  I don't often get a chance to spar while at sea, so I might be a bit rusty..."  A big grin spreads over his face, "but that will only give my first foe a couple extra seconds to live!"  Turning to Silver he replies, "Of course we have, there's always turnover.  I can explain to the new guys though."

Gorg holds the rowboat steady as everyone else hops aboard. Moonscar takes up his usual position perched up on the bow and everyone else fills in the seats. It is a tight fit, with both Seeker and Gorg, not to mention Arn and all his gear, but they manage. 

As the group begins to board the boat Valinya takes a calming breath or two before singing herself vaporous.  Not to draw too much attention to herself Valinya floats just above ground miming walking motions and once in the boat she “seats” herself though really floating.  Her disconcerting emotions about being over water and her mild fear of drowning remain despite her precautions but it’s enough to help her make the rocking ride out.  Big boats aren’t as scary usually but the higher the potential for the boat capsizing, the more apprehensive she becomes.

The whaling harbor is quite busy this time of day with whalers bringing in their day’s catch and smaller vessels going back and forth across the water. Gorg pilots the rowboat out past a breakwater and toward the Tiny Titan some 100 yards away. The water here is much more tumultuous than in the regular harbor due to its direct access to the open sea. Several Essanos Harbor Watch ships can be seen rounding the point to the outer cliffs of the Noble District to the north. Someone can be seen waving to the approaching rowboat from the deck of the Titan, seeming to urge the small boat to row faster.

Arn picks up on what is going on and offers to lend a hand to help row the boat since he is probably the most experienced of the Guardians in that aspect. He lends his muscles to Gorg’s efforts and the boat picks up the pace quite well. As they row, Arn continues to chat. “Gorg, I think ye will find that between Seeker and myself, ye should have ample opportunity to work on your skill at arms. We will knock that rust off of ye”. Arn lets out a hearty laugh and puts more effort into rowing to get his companions to the Titan.

Setting Sail for Kraken's Cove

The companions finally make it out to the Tiny Titan. Everyone climbs aboard and before the rowboat can even be hauled up onto the deck, the ship’s anchor is pulled and its sails are unfurled. Captain Alixandir Tahir waves from the raised deck near the wheel as he points and shouts commands to the hard working crew. The crew quickly performs their duties, moving easily around the newcomers on the ship.

two maps in one

After a few moments, the Titan is tacking away to the east, with the strong northern wind filling its sails. One of the Essanos Harbor Watch ships starts to pursue for a moment, but then gives up the chase and focuses on securing the ships still in the vicinity of the docks. The Captain climbs down from the navigation deck and greets the gathered companions. “Good to see you again so soon, friends, Gorg tells me you need a ride out west?” 

Seeker says, “Yessir. The land west of Essanos is rough going, mostly swamps and such. We need a ship to get us near a place called Kraken Cove, off of Blood Bay.

“I know of Blood Bay well enough, though have never been there. Frequented by pirates and other dangerous sorts. Usually easier to give it a wide berth, but shouldn’t be a problem finding this Kraken’s Cove with the information you have,” the Captain replies. “If this wind holds, we should be able to be there by daybreak tomorrow morning, does that work for you? I’m not too comfortable taking the Titan into Blood Bay so maybe we can find a place to beach just past the point and you can hike in? And do I understand that you will be taking Gorg ashore with you? Hmm, keep him safe, will ya!” The Captain chuckles and reaches up and slaps his first mate on the shoulder. 

Silver addresses the group. “I could do some scouting, it might be good to know what to expect when we get there.  If we’re expecting pirates, we might want to be careful about how we approach this place.  I think the moon will be out tonight, I can scout a bit then when I’m much less likely to be spotted myself.”  Not hearing any arguments, she looks about for a clear spot on the deck.  Is there a good place to have a nap? If I’m going to be awake all night, I should probably rest a bit sooner.”

Arn nods with Silver’s statement. “Aye there lass, it would be good to get a birds eye (Arn winks) view of the land before we walk in blindly into yet another trap, as we sure seem apt to do. With as busy as we have all been, it would do us all well to sit back, enjoy the trip and get some solid rest. Do us good to secure our equipment for a hike again. I’m glad we got to take a short break anyway before heading out to hunt down more vermin.” 

Cast of Characters: 

+Arne Jamtgaard plays Seeker, a teenage Wolfen Warlord

+Stephen Kolmetz plays Valinya, an Elven Wildsong Mage

+Mike Biancone plays Arn, a surly Dwarven Warrior

+Amergin O'Kai plays Moonscar, the esoteric Kankoran Druid

+Daniel White plays Silver, a young and curious Dragon
+Mike Williams plays Gorgukk Torgnaz, an Ogre sailor and mauler
and +Jason GURPS as the GM

Grand Duchy 111

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 111

Remar

February 1, 2017

The Long Way Home

Soldain 10th Klarmont

After the rains have passed, the Company begins their long trek back to Byxata. Kasiex estimates the journey to be about 3 days since they will have to take the long way around the valley to avoid the Traldar near Ronkan. 

Kasiex

On the way down, Remar experiences some trouble controlling his lizard mount. The beast is continually distracted by creatures it sees as potential food. At one point, Remar is thrown and the lizard scampers off the trail after a squirrel along the nearly vertical side of the mountain. 

Iris

They eventually make it down off the mountain and begin their hike back across the valley, being careful to remain as hidden as possible from potential watching eyes. The Company does some hunting to bolster their food stores as well as to feed the lizards something a little more substantial in hopes of keeping them more docile and ridable. 

Griffin

During the afternoon, Kasiex spots some movement in a nearby temple ruins. He suspects that is a couple of Traldar scouts and warns the group to stop and hide. They wait it out as the Traldar below move about. Kasiex believes they may have been spotted. The Traldar move from hiding spot to hiding spot for a while, approaching the base of the mountain spur the Company is on, but eventually, it grows late and the Traldar retreat to the temple ruins then back toward Ronkan. Eventually, Kasiex gives the ok to move out again.

Draven

The group presses on through dusk and into the night, trying to make up for lost time. The Company pushes themselves until finally, late into the night, they find a nice concealed spot to camp out. It is discovered that Stirges have affixed themselves to the bottoms of the lizard mounts and some time is spent dealing with them.

That evening's conversation revolves around why the undead in the valley are so attracted to the ruined Hutaakan temples, how Pflarr would fit into the current pantheon of deities of the world, and how to deal with this ongoing problem between the inhabitants of the valley.

Lunadain 11th Klarmont

Everyone wakes up tired and groggy. The sun is already up a bit and it feels like its gonna be a hot one today!

Cast of Characters: 

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

Draven Rickart, a Thyatian Acolyte of the Church of Karameikos ministered by +Jason Packer with help from +Patrick Burke 

Remar Umerus, an Alphatian battle mage that escaped forced service in the Thyatian army currently marshalled by +Patrick Kelly 

Iris Varda, a Thyatian explorer and historian searching for answers and adventure, now guided by +Stephanie Kelly 

Kasiex, a Hutaakan Wildsteward used to ranging the mountains and valleys now led down a new path by +Patrick Burke 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM

Sundered Lands 41

The Sundered Lands of Palladium

Session 41
February 5, 2017

Dockside Disagreement

Monday October 30

Good Morning, Essanos

It is about 7am and most of the group is awake. Valinya is still sleeping as is Hrag. The workers can be heard arriving in the other end of the house, preparing for indoor work today.

Seeker comes into the main room of the manor house and brushes a light dusting of snow off his shoulders after his morning run. The snow can be seen coming down lightly but it still isn't sticking to the ground in most places, just melting and causing everything to be slick and slushy. Seeker says, “Morning,” and makes his way to the buffet for breakfast

Fortis replies, “Good Morning. Should we warn the workers about Hrag?”

Seeker says, “ I'll do it.” He takes his coffee and bagel and heads out to the courtyard to look for Red.

Arn eventually wakes up. Begins the day with morning exercise before finding breakfast. And Silver has been up for a while, and wandering around in her Elf form, looking rather bored.

Valinya

As everyone is waking up, Valinya wakes and comes out, sleepily looking for some things to eat. She says, “Good morning friends. Ohh, it's snowing again. I love the snow. It looks so pretty.”

Fortis says, “So, we have a number of things we may wish to discuss…”

Valinya adds, “So our campaign of propaganda seemed to work last night. That's good. So what are going to do about Vanthus and this Kraken's Cove place he ran off to. From what we gathered from Rowyn Kellani before she gave us the slip, it sounds like it might be the same place I saw in one of my recent visions.”

Moonscar replies, “That's what I'm thinking too Sis - best lead we've had at least.”

Fortis asks, “Is anyone interested in using Rowyn's hair from her pillowcase to see if we can trace her whereabouts?”

Silver looks puzzled and says, “Don't we want to go deal with Vanthus?”

Arn Ironfist

Arn agrees with Silver, “I would think that logically, our path should take us in our pursuit of Vanthus”

Seeker returns from the courtyard and explaining the situation to Red and the work crew. They were a bit shocked but understanding to the situation with Hrag. Red says her crew will leave him alone and stay out of that end of the manor.

Valinya continues, “While that Kellani bitch was, well, a bitch, she is not our main concern, right? We're here to deal with the Shadow Pearls, and if Vanthus may be connected to it, he should be our goal.”

Arn looks up, “I agree. We should hunt him down!”

 Moonscar also agrees, “Right - she's a loose end we should remember but won't matter if Essanos Harbor swallows half the coastline!”

Seeker adds, "I think I've got us a ride to Kraken's Cove. Ran into Gorg again last night. And, I'm sorry, but weren't we planning on letting her go anyway? Why pursue her? Seems like a distraction.”

Moonscar

Fortis defends his position, “My thought, though I admit it was more of a hunch, was that once free of our immediate pursuit Rowyn might attempt to make her way to Vanthus. Either way, I agree that the Pearl is the primary concern. Do we know how long it will take to reach the cove?”

Seeker snarls,  “Does it matter?”

Fortis retorts, “It might, When did Gorg say he was departing?”

Seeker smiles, “In all likelihood, it should not take more than a day or two. I think The Blood Bay was about 60 miles to the west.”

Fortis nods, “Well, are there any tasks to be completed before departure?”

Hey Gorg!

Moonscar gives Fortis a thumbs up at that and there is a loud, banging knock on the door and Fortis immediately assumes the form of Frump as  Seeker answers the door. Frump looks disheveled, and almost blurry. Gorg is at the door. He smiles when he sees Seeker again. 

Fortis

Seeker gives him a high-five. "You're just in time, friend. C'mon in!"

Gorg says "Hey friends. Seeker told me you all were possibly in need to get out of town soon. We might need to move now. "

Seeker says, "Sounds good. We have a fugitive to catch."

Arn concurs, “I think we could be ready to move in the hour.”

Gorg explains, “So you all probably have heard about what's been going on recently. Apparently this gang, the Sea Herpes or something like that, tried to make a play on the harbor. They were the cause of those fires and even killed the Harbormaster the other night!”

Moonscar says playfully, “Nope, we've been snuggled up here doing construction and research”

Fortis makes sure to pack the scrolls he purchased, so that he can study them on the trip.

Silver

Silver chuckles, "’Sea Herpes’ I like that, that's funny.”

Moonscar adds, “No canines or dwarves anywhere near those fires!”

Fortis says, “We had heard that, but it is good to know such a dreaded pestilence as sea herpes is being burned out.” Arn snorts at this, smiling.

Gorg continues, “Well, there's all sorts of shit happening out on the water. Lots of groups trying to make power moves. The captain heard that the port is being shut down this morning. He moved the Titan outside the port and has it anchored off the whaling docks outside the city.”

Fortis nods, “That was wise.”

Gorg agrees, “Yea, he doesn't need to get stuck here in the city when there's money to be made and cargo to be delivered! Where is it you need to go again?”

Seeker says, "Smart move. We need to go to Kraken's Cove. About 60 miles up the coast.”

Gorg looks a bit worried, “Kraken's Cove? That's out on the Blood Bay. Hmm. dangerous place, the pirates like to frequent that area, but I'm sure the Cap would help you all out.”

Valinya says, “Well, if the captain and the Titan are waiting, we should go now.”

Fortis moves out of Gorg's line of sight and drops his illusion before returning to the conversation.

Fortis says, “Yes, let us gather what we need and be away.”

Silver looks around at the remains of breakfast, “we have some food for the trip?”

Fortis answers the Dragon, “I have always found the fare on the Tiny Titan quite satisfying, but extra provisions can never hurt, right Valinya?”

Arn asks, “Maybe a quick run to market for provisions”

Moonscar says,  “I'll strike camp and let Little Sister know”

Fortis thinks about the items that the group had recently commissioned and decides that they have to wait or leave them to be picked up later. “Some of us have commissioned items in the city that won’t be ready right away, we’ll have to pick them up later.”

Gorg adds, “You can just pay the Captain for anything you eat while on board if you want. We should have everything you need.”

Silver ponders, “Hmm, if we're going before our stuff is ready, we should probably make arrangements for Lavinia or someone to pick them up for us?”

Seeker heads to his quarters and returns in five minutes with his kit packed. He says "I'll take care of that" and heads off deeper into the manor and fills Lavinia in on the new plan. Lavinia is fine with picking up some parcels if the group does not return in the next few days.

Silver says, “Well, since I don't have my usual bag, can someone carry a couple potions for me?”

Moonscar says, “Sure Silver - I have spare pockets on my web”

Silver nods, “Oh, good idea, I can probably attach some pouches to my harness” Silver fiddles with her gear then remembers the others are ready to leave, “I can do this on the ship too, I'm ready whenever”

It doesn't take too long to gather up gear and start heading for the Whaling Docks over in Azure District. Gorg says “I've got a skiff outside, I can pole us back over to Azure”

Seeker thanks Lavinia for the hospitality, then heads out to the skiff and climbs aboard.

Moonscar adds, “See you soon Miss. Thank you for the campsite”

The group makes it to the Whaling Harbor by 9am. The snow has stopped, and it is slightly warmer, but not by much. The sky is heavy with dark grey clouds that seem to almost rest on top of the roofs of Essanos. 

Distractions

While walking, Arn explains to his companions that he purchased an enchanted throwing axe. Its finely balanced, sharp, and penetrates armor. He pleads withthe group, “Please, if you seen me throw it, and in the heat of battle, please recover Karrzark Cuttrum for me.” Then, a group of sailors call out and hail Arn. "Hey look its Arn the Mighty! Can we buy you a drink? We owe you one after last night!" The Dwarf is easily distracted by the offer of free drink and Arn will indeed join in a drink. Arn veers away from the group toward a knot of rough looking sailors that look familiar from the night before. Arn greets the other group of sailors.

The Titan can be seen anchored out in the water beyond the docks. Gorg continues leading the way to the docks. The Ogre says, “Here is our launch. Let's get loaded. Hey where did Arn get off too?”

Fortis says, “Well, we will soon be after Vanthus... are there any discussions we should complete before we face him?”

Seeker crosses his arms and says, “Well, Fortis, remember that talk we had about Mind Control before we went down into the Sea Harpy's lair? And remember how we agreed that we would discuss any uses of the Oath spell before it was used? And remember how as soon as you got out of the lair you tried to use it on the boatmen Jeg and Ferg? I suggest you not let that happen again.”

Fortis retorts, "I remember agreeing to discuss using it against people's will, but not about consensual use. There isn't an ethical issue with consensual use... or in the offering of it as a means to keep from making a stupid mistake"

Seeker snaps back at the Ellyl, "Liar. You agreed to discuss it with us before you tried to use it."

Silver, in young Elf girl form, sighs and gets in the boat.

Fortis sighs, "Interesting, I'm sorry if we view that differently. OK I am discussing it with you now, for future situations where you are not present "and hence an unnecessary burden. Would you like to continue this or shall we concentrate on tracking Vanthus?"

The Wolfen turns and walks back toward the city proper.

After waiting a moment for Seeker to return and respond and, seeing that this is not happening, Fortis continues on, flying towards the Tiny Titan.

Arn has disappeared into some nearby tavern. Gorg and Valinya watch as Seeker and Fortis head off in opposite directions, Seeker back into the city and Fortis out over the water toward the Titan.

Silver looks around pleadingly, “Wait what is going on here? Why aren't we all going?”

Seeker

Moonscar goes after Seeker and calls out to him in the Wolfen language, “Brother, we have some butt monkeys to hunt. This really does need to wait a little.” Seeker does not look at Moonscar and just keeps walking back to the east.

Silver looks back and forth at the departing Seeker and Fortis. Silver says, “I'll be back - I can catch up with the ship as long as the sailors won't freak out when I get there. Gorg, you have any new guys that don't know me yet?”

Gorg replies, “No, Silver., It's the same crew that came in with you a few days ago.”

Silver makes to move out of the boat, but then remains there when she sees Seeker walking back with Moonscar. Sings to Moon warbles a bark as she hops down into the launch.

Cast of Characters: 

+Arne Jamtgaard plays Seeker, a teenage Wolfen Warlord

+Stephen Kolmetz plays Valinya, an Elven Wildsong Mage

+Mike Biancone plays Arn, a surly Dwarven Warrior

+Amergin O'Kai plays Moonscar, the esoteric Kankoran Druid

+Daniel White plays Silver, a young and curious Dragon
+Mike Williams plays Gorgukk Torgnaz, an Ogre sailor and mauler
and +Jason GURPS as the GM

Grand Duchy 110

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 110
January 13-30, 2017

Clearing the Vault

Loshdain, 9th of Klarmont

The final chambers of the Vault

The heavy door opens into yet another chamber. This one is similar to the others, though dry. There is much debris around the edges of this chamber. A makeshift throne sits on the far wall, opposite the door. It looks like it has been constructed from scavenged debris. Iris and Draven both agree that this may have been a private study of whoever was in charge of the Vault of Elders. From the doorway it is hard to tell, but the debris on the ground around the edges of the room appear to be wood and books and such, possibly bookshelves or tables and the like. The thin layer of dirt, grime and debris on the floor in the middle of the room is disturbed in many places, back and forth around the room, possibly the shamblings of several Mummies recently. No other doors are visible in this next chamber though there is still one door to the west in the room everyone has gathered in currently.

Griffin and Ree stand back, watching the room and the unopened door, Remar hangs back by the archway leading to the Hall of Heroes, still intrigued by the magical fire that burns but does not leave a mark. Kasiex, Iris and Draven crowd around the door leading to the next room, examining it without entering.

“I’m fully ready to go in there myself, but we might be best served if those who can read Hutakaan were to do the bulk of evaluating what we find…”

Kasiex nods. “I go. Scholar follows.  You grab if more unseen fire, pull her back out. Yes?”

While the others determine which way everyone will go, Remar looks longingly back toward the purple, fiery corridor they came from.  If ye tink dat’s interestin’, wait till someone slaps one o’ yer colleagues wit a burnin’ death spell!  What?  Why would I be interested in that?  That’s a necromantic spell, not real fire like this purple, invisibly-burning, conflagration….Right?

Clearly eager, Iris bounces on her toes and says, “Absolutely, Kasiex!  That sounds great. I’m itching to see if we can find any clues as to exactly why mummies were placed here and by whom!”  

Draven rolls his eyes and mutters to himself, “obviously, placed here by a faith that doesn’t understand that a prohibition against necromancy is the only sensible course…”

Kasiex enters the room with Iris following closely. Everyone watches intently as he enters but no flames or other dangerous events seem to happen. After a few more moments, everyone else feels it is safe to enter.

Remar follows the others and takes up a cover position at this new entrance.

Kas leads Iris cautiously, wary and alert for any traps the sentient guardian may have left.  He leverages his tracking skills, looking through the tracks for paths that appear more independent and purposeful than the obvious tracks left by what he can only assume were the lesser mummy-creatures.  Hopefully such a path will give them clues as to why the Mummy lord chose to make its lair in this room, why it wrecked the furnishings, and possibly indicate hidden passages…

As he hunts, the Hutaaka keeps a running commentary of answers to Iris’ barrage of questions.  

The only regular tracks that Kasiex can make out go from the makeshift throne to the door the group just entered through. There are plenty of other disturbances through the debris and filth on the floor, but they seem to meander all about the place and no clear path or pattern can be discerned.

Griffin does his thing, methodically evaluating the other exit from the room as well as whether there are exits or traps that might not be obvious. He apparently likes this, as he whistles as he passes his flaming sword over the walls, or inspects the doorframes.

Griffin spend a good amount of time checking out the room immediately past the dangerous Hall of Heroes for traps and secrets while the others poke around in the next room. After some time, he decides that there are no secret or hidden surprises here and moves into the chamber where the majority of his companions are. With Iris guiding them, they have sifted through and sorted what initially looked like piles of refuse but upon closer examination, appear to be torn out pages from books, scraps of parchments and fragments of scrolls and other texts. Right in the center of the room, though, rests a pile that can only be trash. The unreadable and unrecoverable information that was once housed here in the Vault. Iris, in her best scholarly voice, directs everyone to be very careful and deliberate while handling the delicate scraps of paper and parchment, trying very hard to not lose any more of the ancient information.

Going through all the debris and carefully checking the room for further secrets takes considerable time. At one point, the group stops their sorting of deteriorating paper and checks out the other door leading from the antechamber. The room beyond looks as if it may have once been a bed chamber, no doubt for the master of the Vault, but it, like many of the other chambers in the vault, everything in here has been ruined both by time and at the black clawed hands of the mummies.

Everything is searched again, just in case, and Iris carefully bundles up all the “valuables” she has found. With no further areas of the Vault to explore, the Company makes their way back to the camp room and the others. Iris is eager to share the salvaged information with Kifein and everyone else is starting to feel a little stifled and trapped in this mountain top tomb.

Iris and Kifein, with some help from Kasiex, pour over the very difficult to read old parchment scraps while everyone else rests and packs to depart the following day. It seems that the raging storms that were plaguing the area earlier in the day have subsided to just a steady torrential downpour. By late in the evening, the rain and wind have stopped and the group beds down for one final night in the Vault of Elders.

Their important work finished for the day, Kasiex cannot contain himself anymore - he displays his newly found blade to Kifein, explaining to her that it was found all untouched on a statue depicting one of his ancestors in the Hall of Heroes, and regaling Iris with the story of his illustrious great great (many times) great grandmother.

Working through Iris as a translator during their downtime, Remar first apologizes to both Kasiex and Kifein.  He’s pretty sure his attempts to communicate in Traldar during this journey have failed and actually caused multiple offenses.  Here-out, the Wizard will recommend he speak through Iris to avoid any confusion.  Remar also excitedly describes the purple fire that invisibly burned anyone except for Kasiex to see if Kifein knows anything about it that may give him some clues on maybe if and how he could acquire such a spell sometime in the future.

Cast of Characters: 

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

Draven Rickart, a Thyatian Acolyte of the Church of Karameikos ministered by +Jason Packer with help from +Patrick Burke 

Remar Umerus, an Alphatian battle mage that escaped forced service in the Thyatian army currently marshalled by +Patrick Kelly 

Iris Varda, a Thyatian explorer and historian searching for answers and adventure, now guided by +Stephanie Kelly 

Kasiex, a Hutaakan Wildsteward used to ranging the mountains and valleys now led down a new path by +Patrick Burke 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM