Grand Duchy 115

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 115
March 8, 2017

Coming to an Understanding

Tserdain 13th of Klarmont

Someone's Knocking

The loud talking and shouting outside the door gets a little louder and Marcel has to really lean in on the door to keep it from being pushed open.

Draven says, “I suspect we're only making things worse by not letting them in now…”

Griffin intones, “I agree. Marcel, step aside.”

Remar asks, "Should I raise spell protections for us all?"

Griffin says, “No, I think we gotta just take this one, Remar”

Kasiex proclaims"Whatever the outcome, it shall not be decided by the masses on the other side of that door. Let us seek out Kifein and Kforedz. They will know better."

Remar nods and Kasiex motions to another door on the other side of the chamber and says "Quickly. Let us move."

Draven says, “Lead on. We trust you to keep us safe - as safe as you can, that is.”

Iris asks, "Should i lock the door? Magically? Or does that make us look worse?"

Marcel cries out, "I can't hold this forever."

The Wizard says, "I think it makes us safe and more able to reach Kifein and Kforedz to lock the door and move through the other"

Griffin agrees, “Okay, Kasiex, lead on”

Marcel looks confused, as usual.

Iris says, "Ok I'll lock it and we can run out"


The door is magically locked and Marcel carefully steps away. The still cursed Kasiex leads the way through the door on the far side of the room. The slow moving, Mummy Rot afflicted Hutaakan turns several corners and the group runs into Kifein and Kforedz with a handful of acolytes with them.

Kforedz says "There you are. We have heard that some of the good folk of Byxata have come looking for you."

Iris looks at her feet

Kforedz continues, "We shall speak more of this but I will not allow mob justice to rule here."

Griffin says, “Please lead on”

Draven says, “We appreciate your patience with us.”

Kforedz tells Kifein to take you to her private chamber and she will go and deal with the angry Hutaakan mob. Kifein looks over the group with what might be both sadness and disappointment as she leads you to Kforedz's chambers. The group of Hutaakan acolytes accompany you as well, following behind at a distance. The acolytes do not follow into the chamber but take up guard positions outside. Once in the High Priestess’s chamber, Kifein turns on the group with an angry look in her eye and a bit of a snarl in her voice.

Kasiex begins to say something but then sits quietly on a couch against the wall.

The Ugly Truth

Kifein says "Why did you not tell me of this? Did you think it would not be known?"

Iris says, "It was a terrible mistake, we're...beyond sorry..." Iris trails off

Draven says, “As for why we didn't say anything about it before… Put yourself in our spot. When you first encountered a new group of humans, would the first thing you did be to admit to having been duped into killing their brethren? Our shame silenced our tongues, but we hoped to perhaps earn your respect before we had to admit our guilt.”

Kifein says "Sorry is for when you accidentally step on someone's foot or chew on their tail without realizing it is not your own. This feels, different."

Draven says, “If you will, we can tell you what we shared with Kasiex. The fullness of the tale.”

Kasiex lifts his weary head, "The Traldar. They lied to them. Tricked them."

Draven says, “No tricks, no lies, just the bald truth.”

Kifein listens closely as the story is retold for her benefit.

They Hutaakan priestess paces back and forth as she absorbs this information. She seems considerably conflicted. Her gaze then falls upon the large tome, the Knowledge of the Elders, and the other artifacts that were recovered from the Vault.

Just then, Kforedz returns. She says "So, you have entered the valley. Disrupted our way of life. Brought evil into our midsts. And now it is revealed that you have killed Hutaakan without mercy.” The High Priestess continues,  "I assume the Traldar convinced you to help them slaughter our priests that day?"

Draven says, “Indeed. And we were well primed to expect our own enemies, not Hutaaka.”

Remar says, “We were also amidst a battle, where unfortunately the Hutaaka took us for Traldar as well”

Kforedz listens carefully, one eye narrowed and the opposite ear upright.

Draven says, “Would that I could show you the likeness of those who fought us the whole way into your valley. The Traldar descriptions of your people made us all but certain they were talking about our own foes.”

Griffin says, “Hey Ree, can you do that for Draven? Show Kforedz what a Gnoll looks like?”


Ariadne says "NO i am sorry, I cannot do that."


Draven says, “Suffice to say, the descriptions of the primitive Traldar were poor enough, rough enough, to make it seem they were describing our own enemies, not those who would soon be our friends.”

The two Hutaakan priestesses listen carefully, nodding and shaking their heads at different parts.

Remar asks Iris to translate for him and recounts the scene of how everything went down. The Alphatian tells this and then recounts why they entered the valley, how they came to the Traldar camp after the battle. How they sought out the Hutaakan after that, in the hopes that they could liberate the valley and maybe even reunite its people, the Traldar and Hutaakan.

Here for a Purpose

Kforedz says "I can see how you were confused. And yes, I will admit, we have not always treated fairly with the Traldar, especially as of late. I can understand the confusing and difficult situation you were in. Since that time you have proven your honor and truthfulness. My people may take some time to understand this, but as I said before, I truly believe that you are here for a purpose.”

Draven says, “Is there a custom among your people of restitution - help me here, Iris - of weregild, or making the family of those we have harmed, whole?”

She smiles and then turns her gaze on Kasiex. "Now, let us see what we can do for this young pup.”

Iris does her best to help translate where she can

Kifein says "Yes, Priest of Truth. There is a way to honor the families that were wronged."

Kforedz says "Young mage, will you cast the spell to remove the curse?"

Remar says, "I most certainly will. I would have done it sooner had not this...young pup”, he winks at Kassiex, "run off to play in the woods."

Kasiex lowers his head in shame. He says, "I am sorry. I should be chastised and forced to wear the cone of shame."

Remar asks, "Um...hey Iris. Is uh....winking. Does it not mean the same in Hutaakan?"

Kasiex glances at a leather and wood contraption hanging on the wall across the room, it looks like a oddly shaped bellows folded up. Seeing this, Kforedz says "Be well, good Kasiex. You are forgiven for your pride."

Remar casts his spell and Kforedz quickly follows up and uses her divine magic to cure the disease. A strange look crosses her face. "That is strange. My magic did not work to cure the disease on this one." She looks at Draven. "Will your gods grant their magic to heal one of our kind?"

Draven says, “I can only but try,” then lays hands on the center of the diseased tissue. The black tissue starts to recede. It dries up and flakes off, revealing pink healthy flesh beneath it. Kasiex looks quite ridiculous at this point though, as he has lost quite a bit of fur.

Remar whispers to Draven and Iris sighs in relief. Draven responds to Remar in kind

Kifein quickly then administers some healing spells to Kasiex to help with the damage the curse had wrought. Kforedz says "So I am still studying the Knowledge of Elders but am sure I will find the answer I am looking for soon. Whatever that is it will require the water you recovered from the Singing Pool as well as the Silver Bowl of Pflarr. You have said you did not see the bowl when you entered the temple, is that right?

Iris nods and says, "That is correct"

Kforedz muses, “Hmm. That bowl must be recovered before we can move on. What are your thoughts on that? I will send Kifein and Kasiex to the temple to look for this bowl. Will you accompany them again?”

Draven says, “Normally I would ask for even more help - the temple is remarkably corrupted - but I fear few of your people would trust us to travel through Traldar held territory.”

Griffin says, “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue working with you”

Kforedz says, “I do not know of more of my people that WOULD go. I could order some of the acolytes to accompany you, but sadly they would not be very useful. They are still just learning their roles and fear they would be more of a hindrance than help.”

Remar 's brow furrows

Kforedz continues, “I would go but I need to figure out the necessary rituals to cleanse the valley.”

Draven says, “Would that they were further trained - to have the faithful of your people there to begin rituals of cleansing.”

Remar says, "I mentioned it previously when we were brought here, but you must know says, There are powerful beings of unlife in that temple. If they have the bowl, it could be difficult to attain."

Kforedz says, “When I come to the temple for the ritual, I will bring them with me, but I fear that to have us all there before it is time would be dangerous that close to the Traldar”

Remar says, "Additionally, we have Golthar right on your doorstep! We MUST deal with him first He's brought 20 - 25 with him. He will likely try to grow this number in enslaved cohorts."

Kforedz says, “You are free to remain here in my chambers while you continue to rest and recover and plan what your next step shall be. I will leave my acolytes outside to keep you protected. Kifein and Kaisex are free to come and go but, for your safety, I would recommend you remain here.”


Remar continues, explaining more about the Yellow Wizard, "I also fear that if he learns of the friction here between the 2 factions, he may use that against us if we wait. Perhaps convince the Traldar for instance to help him invade here. That's what I would do tactically."

Iris suggests, "How about we drop a messenger's bag in their path? With falsified documents? Like a journal?"

Ready to Hit the Trail Again

Kforedz takes the heavy, ancient tome and excuses herself to continue examining it. Kifein remains to help you plan. Kasiex perks up at the continued mention of Golthar. He says, “One of my fellow Wildstewards reported in this morning that this new group has traveled further to the west. At their current rate of travel, they will likely make the outcropping by nightfall.

Kifein says "I could look into finding some way to speed your travels possibly."

Draven says, “It may not matter in our decision, Kasiex, but if we can find out if he is sticking to the roads or going overland, or if he appears to have a destination in mind…”

Kifein says "There are some scrolls in the archive that may work. I can look if you like."

Draven says, “Yes, please do.”

Kifein says "It will take me some time to find though." She hurries off to go look for some scrolls.

Kasiex tells of a secret path he knows that utilizes some mountain paths. Some of the routes are difficult, but not much more than the path taken to the Vault of Elders. The Company continues to plan their next move while Kifein is still gone looking for something to help with the journey. Remar votes for Kasiex' recommendation to travel through the mountain paths

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

The Grey Company are confronted by the Hutaakans regarding their initial encounter with them in which they helped slaughter them. Summary of the latest play session of The Grand Duchy of Adventure, our GURPS: Mystara campaign.-->

Wandered Roads 47.5

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 47.5
March 27-31, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Ehlyna and the Runelord, Alone at Last

Oathday 11th of Neth

No one runs from Ehlyna!

Ehlyna follows the fleeing Runelord through the magical portal with no idea where it could go. She finds herself in a small alcove in a larger room that she can only see a small portion of. The Runelord is not immediately visible. The  walls  of this  oddly  shaped  room  appear  strangely  molded, their  surfaces  like  sweaty  pink  clay  infused  with  bits  of glittering crystal.  The  floor  looks  like  dry,  cracked  mud  dark  red  in  color, and  the  ceiling  arches  only  eight  feet  overhead. Ehlyna shakes of the disorientation of the teleportation and considers her next move, opting to move further into the room looking for the Runelord.

Ehlyna comes around the corner and sees the Runelord across the room near the far wall. Ehlyna knows that with the Haste magic cast upon her by the Elf, she can reach the Runelord in just a moment. As she move, she takes a little more notice of the room around her. The space is filled with a strange sound of what sounds like loud raspy breathing coming from all around. Several shelves and cases sit against the wall in various places. At it widest the room is about 15 yards across.The Dwarf quickly closes the gap, with help from her magical speed, and makes a heroic charge at the Runelord, swing just one of her axes at her foe.

Ehlyna swings her axe, Duraz Maraz, at the Runelord, coming in at an odd angle to try to get past her excellent defenses. The strike looks to be true and the Runelord, realizing the blow to be quite dangerous, attempts to retreat, but is unable to avoid the attack. The axe bites deeply into Runelord Sorshen’s side and her eyes widen in shock and pain! She floats back a bit, seeming to be staggered by the blow, then reaches out and grasps a red shard of metal from a display rack nearby, the Shard of Lust! As her fingers wrap around the metal, she winks at Ehlyna and then disappears, but this time, there is no swirling portal to follow her through. Disappointed, she turns back towards where the portal was in hopes of returning to her team.

quick layoug

Looking back into the niche she first appeared in, Ehlyna finds that the portal is gone. She does see a familiar snake mosaic on the floor there. She also notices that there are numerous items scattered about on shelves and short tables against the walls here. As she examines the room and alcove, she feels the effects of the Elf’s spell wear off, and as it usually does, it drains her, slowing her step and reaction times.

Ehlyna slowly makes her way across the room to the shelf with the goggles or glasses with dark purple crystal lenses, intending look through them in hopes of it helping out. Worse case, she’ll sell them. Curiosity getting the best of her, she puts the goggles to her eyes and everything has a purplish tint to it, as expected, but she notices nothing else. She shoves them into her belt for later. She then turns to the shelves and tables, collecting as many items as she can into a pile on the floor while also looking for any sort of potions or other useful items.

Ehlyna piles all the items she can find, which includes numerous sacks and pouches, a strange coin and stand, some fancy red boots and a dark platinum ring with a shield on it. She then gathers up the pile of adventuring gear on the other shelf that consists of a suit of Human sized light plate armor, a shield, a broadsword, a single, ornate gauntlet, a small knife, a helmet, a potion belt with 4 potions in it, and a backpack with bedroll, canteen and change of clothes.

Ehlyna stops when she gets to the several, ancient tomes. She knows that many wizards are known to trap their spellbooks, and if these are such books, touching them may be a mistake.

Throwing caution to the wind, Ehlyna picks up the backpack, removes the bedroll and opens it. Then using the 3rd axe she’s carrying around while holding the open backpack at the edge of the shelf where the books are. Ehlyna attempts to use her axe to push the books off the shelf and into the backpack instead of touching them.

As Ehlyna moves the books, the entire area bursts into flame, engulfing everything nearby! The fire licks Ehlyna and immediately, she thinks she detects two more bursts of explosive flame in immediate succession. As the flame subsides, a terrible stench flows to Ehlyna’s nose and she realizes that it is her own flesh, almost completely burnt off of every exposed area of her body. Her hair and beard are completely gone, as is everything not made of metal. The spellbooks remain, now sitting on the floor among the charred remains of the shelf. The backpack, bedroll and clothing are likewise destroyed. She turns and sees that the pile of other gear she had gathered up is nearby and still ok, it must have been out of the blast range. She notes that her armor and even the axe handles of her two prized axes are damaged, though the handle of the magical axe she is holding looks fine. She pauses for a moment, realizing the extent of her wounds and understanding that even this tiny movement of turning around was life threatening. She considers just sitting down and resting or heading for the snake tile in the alcove, hoping it will teleport her back to her friends. As she shifts in place, careful not to move too much, she hears a clink and breaking glass as one of her healing potions falls from the burnt potion belt and smashes into the stone floor below. She remembers that she should have 3 more healing potions in her belt, and carefully removes them so they do not also fall and break.

Ehlyna attempts to drink one of the potions, hoping to help save herself. No more touching magical books for her. She pops the cap off the potion and brings it to her lips and as she tips the vial up, the world goes black.

Session Notes

A quick side trek played by myself and our new player, Malcolm, to resolve the events that happened immediately after our previous game session when Ehlyna, under the influence of Great Haste and Flight (and Lightning Weapon) chased the fleeing Runelord through a summoned portal. I didn't know exactly how it was going to play out, but knew it could potentially be a drawn out affair and didn't want to table it until our next full session then make everyone else wait until we could conclude it.

Needless to say, it did NOT turn out how I expected. A Critical Hit by Ehlyna nearly took the incredibly tough Sorceress of Seduction out, but then she managed to grab the Shard and magically flee again, this time with no way for the Dwarf to follow.

When Ehlyna saw all the other loot in the room, I think she got a bit greedy (which is completely in character, good job, Malcolm) and started gathering it all up to take back (to her companions of course!) I laid out the general GM warning about messing with a wizard's spellbooks without magical assistance, but the stubborn Dwarf (again, good RPing the character here) messed with them, triggering 3 Linked exploding fire traps and sending Ehlyna past the -1xHP threshold.

I explained the "Death Check" and "KO" mechanics to the new player and indicated that a Do Nothing was the best way to stay conscious but that bleeding could be an issue without any help from companions available. He chose to have Ehlyna go for a healing potion, which takes 2 turns, forcing 2 rolls. She failed the 2nd of the rolls, and passed out while drinking the potion! Ehlyna's world faded away and Malcolm was wondering if he would get to introduce his new character sooner than anticipated! Such drama!

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
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben Lipe
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven Warrior - currently played by Malcolm G
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder

and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Wandered Roads 47

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 47
March 24, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Sorshen, Here We Come

Oathday 11th of Neth

A Quick Rest then Upward

After returning to the chamber with the spiral stairs, they quickly check behind the remaining two doors and find nothing but small, empty chambers. Realizing their only course forwarward is actually upward, the group decides rest and recuperate before advancing. 

Wizard eye

After several hours of sleep, study and meditation it is decided that it is time to go and face their final opponent, but first, Vexeron decides to send one of his Wizard Eye’s up the stairs to do some scouting. The Wizard Eye flies up the stairs, about 200 feet up into what ever expects is the actual monument of the Lady’s Light. Finally the stairs stop and it comes out in a large oval room with 8 alcoves, each alcove holding a large, full color statue of one of the seven Runelords. The 8th alcove is empty. 

Embrace the Lady and the Lie

Not seeing anything threatening, the group ascends the stairs and begins to try to figure out where to go next, as there are no visible exits from this chamber. Vexeron tries to translate a ring of Thassalonian runes on the floor and manages to come up with the phrase, “Embrace the Lady and the Lie” or something like that. Having had some familarity with some other teleport magic in the tower, the Heroes begin hugging statues. They find that hugging one statue seems to start the process, but have difficulty sorting it out enough to make the teleporter work. Kallin decides he is going to attempt a divination, but the spell takes some time and the rest of the group keeps trying different ideas. At one point, they accidentally trigger some sort of trap that releases a windstorm and several lightning spewing air elementals. Finally, through sheer luck, they manage to find the right combination of statues to hug, causing the teleporter to activate. They all jump in the flashing alcove and are instantly teleported somewhere else.

Sorshen, Runelord of Lust

Karzoug, Runelord of Greed

The group suddenly finds themselves separate in pairs in different 7-sided chambers with a red metal door in the wall and a serpent mosaic on the floor. After just a brief moment, they are quickly reunited as all three chambers open out into the same area, which appears to be two 7-sided chambers connected together. Each of these areas has a large serpent mosaic on the floor with a post and wheel sticking out of the center of it. Vexeron tests the wheel and post and finds that by turn it, he can rotate the snake tile on the floor. He notes that the two snakes currently face away from each other and begins turning one to make it point toward the middle. As he turns the wheel, a loud, grinding sound can be heard coming from the floors and walls of the chamber and and the entire area seems to vibrate. 

Sad Maiden and Broken Mage

Oriana, Grey Maiden

Others notice that there is an additional red metal door in the area, across from one of the teleporter rooms. Behind this door they find Oriana, the leader of the Grey Maidens and an unconscious person. Oriana immediately postures to attack, accusing the heroes of being Sorshen’s new pawns and playthings. After some is calmed and the situation is diffused. She seems in a very fragile and sad state, having recently been ejected from the Runelord’s presence and realizing that she had been under the effects of strong mind control magic for some time. She has many questions about the rest of her Grey Maidens and though not happy about it, she understands that there had even been some fighting and death between them and the heroes. 

Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Mageknight

She explains that the unconscious form is some sort of warrior mage that Sorshen had been toying with recently. He is wounded and broken but Kallin sets to healing him. Once awakened he introduces himself as Alistar Gavin Lourdis of Mendev far to the east. He says he had been hunting some demons in the Mushfens south of Magnimar when he encountered the Runelord and she placed some powerful mind control over him. He cannot recall all the details of his imprisonment, but knows it was harsh and depraved. Both Oriana and Alistar agree to join the group on an assault against the Runelord, who is said to reside in the chambers above. Oriana explains that by turning the wheels and pointing the snake tiles directly at each other, a magical gate will open, allowing access to Sorshen’s boudoir. Daellin passes out Wax of Defiance for everyone to place in their ears, as it is known to defend against mind control magics and the gate is activated. They also spend some time casting invisibility, defensive, and movement based magics on each other to gain the advantage in the tough battle to come.

The Runelord’s Bedchamber

Stepping through the portal, the group finds themselves in large oval chamber with a seven black pillars supporting a high domed ceiling. The room is opulent and richly adorned. A canopy bed sits against one wall with a half naked woman reclining. She sits up and smiles seductively, welcoming everyone to her chamber. Several Lemures, blob-like devils flank her and two Human women hang from shackles on separate pillars. A lustspawn is also shackled to a third column. Sorshen stands and demands that everyone immediately prostrate themselves in her presence and when they do not, she becomes irritated but in that moment, the heroes attack.

Runelord Sorshen

At first things look grim for the Heroes of Sandpoint as Vexeron identifies himself as a powerful mage, Sorshen calls upon demonic magics and opens a rift directly beneath his feet. The good natured mage is then dragged by clawing and reaching hands into the rift. It closes up before anyone else can attempt to help him. Calina starts peppering the now flying Runelord with arrows as Daellin and Samad step up to deal with the devil Lemures. Ehlyna, enchanted with great speed and the ability to fly, engages the Runelord directly. Kallin, hidden by invisibility, moves to help one of the shackled and wounded Grey Maidens. Oriana, seeing her companions shackled, moves to help them as well. The other newcomer, Alistar, engages his magic in an attempt to dispel some of the magical protections Sorshen seems to have surrounding her. 

The battle rages on for a few moments and it seems that Ehlyna’s axes are slowly but surely whittling the Runelord down. Finally, Sorshen breaks free and flies across the chamber, readying a wand and opening a magical portal in the air and passing through it. Not wasting a moment, Ehlyna speeds through the portal as well. Daellin starts casting flight to follow through the portal sitting up near the ceiling of the domed chamber while the others turn to face the approaching Sinspawn that has released itself from its shackles. 

Here in your bedroom...

Facing the enemy

Flyin' and fightin'

The battle rages on.. overseen by the architect himself!

The final moments

Session Notes

Another session in the books. The Heroes of Sandpoint (ever hear of 'em?) get ever so much closer to defeating their enemy and completing their mission, to recover the Shard of Lust. This session was the untimely death of a PC (to make way for a new PC). We tip our hats and drop our fireballs to the powerful and highly flammable Vexeron. Thank you Don for taking over Vexeron when Greg left the group. It was time to get Don his very own character so Vexeron was unwillingly dragged into the abyss by numerous demons! Ouch!

Looking forward to introducing a new character for Malcolm soon as well!

Our final battle took place in the well designed and made 3d battle arena created by my cousin, Ben. Thanks for work on all that awesome stuff Ben. The pillars, with black marble paint job and gold manacles were tops and that canopy bed was amazing!

The session ended with the big bad fleeing through a portal to who knows where.. and the flying Dwarf following right through as well!

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
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben Lipe
Vexeron, Human wizard - driven into the abyss by Don K
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven Warrior - taken over by Malcolm G
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human mage-knight and demon hunter played by Don K

and +Jason Woollard as the DM