Wandered Roads 49.5C Calina Goes for a Ride

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 49.5
May 28-July 9, 2018

Campaign Timeline

Sunday 21st of Neth

What's That Sound?

Roaming listlessly around the manor, Calina finds herself feeling increasingly restless. She walks through several rooms aimlessly.  She notes Daelin sitting on the old, worn couch, his eyes seemingly looking into nothing. She waves at him anyway, not really expecting a response. Calina wanders through the kitchen, momentarily tempted by the smells of baking. She stares at the cooling sweet rolls. She shakes her head. No, eating wasn't exactly what she thought was missing. It's something else, but what? She walked outside the house and looked around. Her eyes brighten suddenly. She was sure what she wanted now. She runs inside and up the stairs to her room, grabs a few items including healing potions, a blanket, and rope. She slings her bow and quiver over her shoulder then hurries down the stairs and out the door.  She stops, then slips back inside to the kitchen. She collects a couple of the sweet rolls, wraps them in parchment and adds them to her pack. Intending to let Daelin know she was leaving, she steps to the main room and saw only an empty couch. It seems even more threadbare without the dapper elf sitting there. Once outside, she heads to stables. Shadowmist welcomes her with a low whinny and paws the ground. Calina quickly saddles the war horse, climbs on his back and canters down the manor path to the front gate. Once on the main road she heads for the nearest city gate the into the countryside. This is what she was missing. The fresh air, woods, the smell of wild flowers growing along the dusty path. She heads off the main road onto a small path into the woods. Cooler weather has come to Magnimar and the woods were beginning a show of their fall colors. A rustling noise from the nearby bushes startles the horse, showing the whites of his eyes. Paka pops from the shrubbery in a playful pounce then rolls on the ground belly up. Shadowmist nudges the belly fur of the large cat as if to say, "I accept your apology," The three friends continue together for a short while, enjoying the morning.
A shrill almost inhuman scream ring out from ahead. Calina reins in the horse and she slides to the ground. She drops the reins, signaling the horse to stay. Calina and Paka creep towards the area where the sound came from.

Calina is east of the city, having gone out the Alabaster Gate leading to the Lost Coast Road this time to stay away from the nasty Mushfens, but apparently they did not stay away from danger.

Creeping through the forest Calina and Paka make virtually no sound as they make their way toward the sound. After a few minutes of skulking quietly through the forest, they hear the sound again, much louder this time. Calina sees Paka’s mane hairs stiffen up at the shriek. A low rumbling growl can be heard from deep in Paka’s throat as the cat leaps away and melts into the underbrush. ‘Good, spread out, come at it from multiple angles,’ Calina thinks as she her companion moves away. The Varisian woman begins moving forward again, but comes to a stop when she hears the sound of several voices talking up ahead. She estimates she is still 50 yards away from the sound when she suddenly gets a sense of impending danger!

She hears the twang of a bowstring somewhere above her. Without thinking, Calina rolls to the side and slams into the side of a tree, hoping it gives her some cover from the unseen attacker. “She’s behind that tree,” Calina hears a voice call out from nearby and somewhere up in a tree.

“I saw her, I’ve got her covered, don’t worry,” another voice replies, also from up above somewhere. “Send a signal back to camp. Let them know we’ve got company!”

Calina breathes heavily, pulling herself to a crouch behind the tree. What has she stumbled onto? Where is Paka? What is she going to do? These thoughts race through her mind but are quickly erased as she hears what sounds like someone climbing down from a tree.

Calina mentally assesses her situation and runs through several options.  One, she could shoot several arrows in the general vicinity of the sound in the trees, run as fast as possible back to Shadowmist then ride back to town. Or, two make a stand and fight her way into a position where she might learn what is happening in this section of the forest. Or three ... Decision made, Calina stands up with hands held high and her bow slung behind her.

"Hello peoples!" she yells in a childish voice. "Are you guys playing hide & seek?" Calina giggles loudly, "Ally, ally oxen free." She dances in a small circle using this as an opportunity to scan the trees. She cocks her head trying to hear any movement however slight. She knows Paka is fairly close and assumes he is laying low, using his feline instincts to keep himself safe.

"Come on, guys. I wanna play too. Mama says I'm very good at games. She likes when I meet new people. " Calina stands in the opening between two trees. "Oh, I get it! I'm it. Where aaare yoou?" she says loudly in a sing song voice.

As she moves away from the cover of her tree, Calina immediately sees a male Human of Chelish descent at the base of a tree about 7 yards away from her. He has drawn a long, slightly curved blade and has a crossbow slung across his back. “On the ground, moth. Hands away from you,” he ordered her. She quickly realizes that her attempt at deception were unsuccessful, likely due to her lack of experience in such matters, not to mention her innate shyness and truthfulness. “Who are you and what are you doing here,” he asks as he slowly steps in her direction, motioning her down with the tip of his sword. As he speaks, Calina catches some movement in a tree to the left about 10 yards away and 4 yards up. Probably the other sentry. Sadly she sees no sign of Paka but knows he is nearby.

Moth or Butterfly?

Giving no indication of getting on the ground, Calina looks closely at the man. "If your intent was to belittle or judge me, I should tell you that you aren't the first to call me a moth." She glances quickly at the tree where she saw movement only a few moments before and sees nothing. Looking back at the man once more, Calina continues, "In fact, if you study moths as completely as I have you would respect the moth!" Her voice rises slightly, "For instance, did you know that many moths can hear the hunting calls of bats and thus can avoid being eaten?"

"Did you also know that about the moths that are born in the winter, and still able to fly while their wings avoid the freezing air. And don't forget about the amazing hummingbird moth so named for the ability to beat its wings quickly enough to hover just like its namesake bird!"

"If asked, I'd bet you would consider yourself a butterfly compared to a moth. But moths outnumber butterflies 9 to 1."

Calina barely takes a breath as she continues, “It is simply wrong to think that moths are just, boring, brown, trouser-munching pests.” She emphasizes each of the last five words. 

And I saved the best for last!  The lowly common grey moth has a very special skill as it flies from tree to tree landing on the bark." She slips one foot behind ever so slightly, shifting her weight carefully. 

"Camouflage!"

In a split second, Calina leaps behind the nearby tree, then slides below the adjoining underbrush filled with ferns, fallen leaves and other assorted forest vegetation. Keeping her now dusty, muddy and otherwise soiled cape draped around her body, she hopes her own brand of camouflage will buy her a few moments to plan an escape.

As she slides behind the tree, she hears the telltale twang of a bow string, definitely a crossbow string, vibrating followed by a bolt hissing through the underbrush right next to her. “Vel, you Nethys touched butterchurn. What are you doing down there? You let her get away! You better get after her, right now!” Calls the sniper in the tree. 

“I'm on it,” Calina hears the other man call back in Chelish. She can hear the rustling of leaves and his voice getting closer. “Well, get down here and help me, Baynen. You're as worthless up there as a slip window washer!” 

Calina lets herself sink into the dead, fallen undergrowth of winter's start, hoping it's enough to hide her, though she knows it won't be enough. 

The man, Vel she assumes, comes round the tree and looks into the dying undergrowth. At first he does not seem to see Calina, but stepping forward and pushing some of the brown foliage with his blade, he finds her. “There you are, moth. Knew you couldn’t have made…” His words trail off in a short cry as an orange and yellow shape rockets through the air and slams into him, knocking him to the ground in a tumble. 

“Hellfire and blood! Vel, what in Asmodeus’ name was that? Vel?” Calina sees that Paka has managed to knock Vel down and likely out. Her loyal firepelt crouches over the unmoving form of Vel in a narrow gulley a few yards from her hiding spot. She can hear the other man, Baynen, approaching slowly, though she cannot see him at all. She estimates he is several yards away still. She hears him pause then hears the telltale click of a crossbow being cocked. Paka, seeming to understand the danger they are in, looks up at her with his large, soft eyes. He almost seems to smile at her then his eyes narrow down to slits and he springs away, running and leaping out past the other side of the trees Calina is hiding behind. 

She hears Baynen curse some more then the twang of his crossbow being fired followed by another curse. Calina smiles, instinctively feeling that Paka was not hit by the bolt and knowing that it will take him several seconds before he can cock and reload his weapon. Calina weighs her options, just enough time…

Just enough time to step up and shoot. She was tired of this game. All she had wanted was a quiet ride in the forest. 

She looks towards the area that Paka ran and wishes it was that easy to run away, but she couldn't shrug off the sound of that shriek. And obviously something was going on or there wouldn't be unfriendly people here trying to capture or shoot her.

Calina takes a slow deep breath and lets it out again. She readies her bow, steps up and fires hoping for a headshot.

Calina pops out from behind the tree, spots her target, and lets the arrow fly before quickly dropping back behind the tree. She hears the arrow sink into the man’s face and his sharp cry as he falls to the ground. Hearing nothing else for a moment, Calina peeks out and sees the man lying motionless on the ground, a crossbow on the ground next to him. She quickly checks both men and finds them to be unconscious and not dead, though the fellow with the arrow sticking in his face is bleeding fairly well. 

Know Your Foe

Calina watches the man laying on the ground, struck by the arrow. He doesn't move yet his chest rises and falls slightly.

Calina feels around on her potion belt, hoping that she still has a couple. "Mental note: Buy a couple more to replenish the belt."  She drags the other unconscious man over to the bleeding man.

Calina releases her backpack, allowing it to fall to the ground. She pulls rope out of the backpack and using her boot knife she cuts enough lengths to tie both men's hands and feet. 

Sitting back on her heels, she releases the pent up anxiety and frustration of losing a perfectly good day in the forest. She blows out a deep breath. 

She reaches over to the severely wounded man and slowly pours a healing major potion into his mouth while massaging the man's throat in the hope that he will swallow enough to help. 

Once done, she turns to the other man and assesses his condition. His eyelids flutter and his mouth twitches once. Pulling out her wineskin, she dribbles the cooled yerba tea on his face. Getting no response, she holds the man's nose and pours a large amount into his mouth.

Satisfied that the fellow with the arrow in his face isn't going to die, at least not anytime soon from this particular wound. The other man comes to his senses as Calina nearly drowns him with her yerba mate. He coughs and spits the herbal concoction out. Immediately he tenses up and then his eyes go wide as he realizes he is bound and Calina is kneeling over him. He looks as if he is about to yell out, but Calina’ steely gaze and the sight of his companion laying nearby with an arrow sticking out of his face stops him. “Asmodeus' eyebrows! Who in the Nine Hells are you? Baynen? Is he dead?” The man pales considerably as his eyes lock on his downed companion.

"Sir, you must still feel woozy because from where I stand," she gestures around dramatically, "I am the one who gets to ask questions. So shut your foul mouth unless I say you can talk." Calina leans in close and speaks calmly and quietly, " And you best be polite about it because I'm still angry enough to finish you." 

She leans a knee onto his chest, not hard but firmly enough to be uncomfortable.  "Now state your name and why you are here."

The man tries to squirm but says nothing.

"Ah well," Calina continues, "It appears you need a little help. Your name is Vel. Now, please, continue. You and your friend, Baynan were in this part of the forest for what reason?"

Calina adds slightly more pressure to the man's chest and smiles, "Go on Vel, it's your turn."

The man stutters for a moment then Calina leans in a bit closer and he swallows hard. “Yea, yea, I'm Vel. Velden. Me and Baynen, well, we're watching for anybody getting to close. We're sentries. Guards. We saw you sneaking through the woods an’ din’ know ya. So we did what the boss told us to do. We shoot at 'cha. But you, we, you were fast an’ got outta the way. Then that damned firepelt jumped on me an’ you shoot him in the face! Oh, Abadar’s ball sack! Are you gonna kill me? Don't kill me! Please don't kill me! I'm sorry for shooting at you! I'm sorry!” Vel cries out and begins sobbing uncontrollably.

Calina sighs loudly, "Look Vel, I know that you can panic, cry and whine, but the only I want from you is answers. And I get to ask the questions because, well because I'm not tied up and you are.  So be nice and answer. Ok?"

She continues, "You said you were guards. What were you guarding? And who is the boss'?"

Velden continues to look wide-eyed and shakes his head, "I can't, I can't! Please don't make me. Me and Baynen, we's just doing a job. Justa job. Me and him needs money. It was an easy job!"

Velden starts weeping again, "Easy job till today and you show'd up."

Calina takes a deep breath and shakes her head. She stands up, looking around at her surroundings.  This was getting nowhere. She drags the unconscious man and Velden to the nearby tree, the same one she had recently hidden behind. She uses the remainder of her rope to tie them to the tree. She uses a knot that would be easily released once Vel struggled enough. She makes a mental note to check back here later just in case he was too scared to move.

She gathers her backpack and replaces her Herbs flask, then picks up her bow and empty potion bottle.

She nods to Velden, "If you get out of this alive, you and your friend need a different line of work." She starts to walk away then turns around, "And Vel, maybe in some other country."  

She heads back to the clearing where the commotion started.  Remembering the remark about a camp, Calina carefully searches for tracks or other signs of the recent activities, hoping to find which direction the camp lies. She was actually looking forward to meeting the "boss."

The Rest of the Band

Vel quietly whimpers as Calina backtracks. She recalls, in the confusion of the ambush, one of the two men telling the other to send a signal back to camp. She sees some tracks near the base of the trees that Vel and Baynen had been hiding in. They head off to the north, further away from the road. She keeps this information in her head as she moves through the forest. She senses Paka somewhere off to her right, stalking even more silently than she was. Suddenly she hears the sound of quite a few people moving through the forest. At least five people, she would guess, coming right for her. “Yea I saw a signal from Vel and Baynen. Then heard some shouts. Something’s wrong. I tried to signal them back but nothing. They were right up here,” she hears a man’s voice whispering loudly. Spread out, boss don’t want nobody knowin’ about any of this. Too important. We need to get this thing underwraps and outta here. I don’t like it any more’n you all do. That, um, thing, creeps me out. And SHE creeps me out even more. They should be done by the time we get back. Let’s just gather these two and get outta here, ok?” Calina slinks down into a small hollow below a dead tree, silently sinking into the underbrush. She catches a glimpse of the backs of at least two other men heading in the direction of where she left Vel and Baynen. At their current speed, they should arrive there in less than 10 seconds. 

“Damn," Calina sighs to herself. She really didn't want to hurt anyone else but it sounded very much like these men were up to no good. If they find her she is quite sure that it wouldn't be friendly. And then there was the thing mentioned by one of the men. 

At her feet she notices a fist sized rock. Decision made, Calina picks up the rock and hurls it in the opposite direction from herself and the tied up men.

"Over here," yelled one one of the men as they both turned their backs to Calina.

She stands, her arrow nocked, her bow ready and says casually, "Afternoon, gentlemen.  Anything I can help you with, like maybe 'staying alive'? Or perhaps a drink, you know after I shoot both of you? A healing potion would be welcomed then, I bet. Got a whole belt full. Well not quite full. Had to use some for your friends over there."

Calina motions in the general direction of the tied up men. "So, what's your decision guys? Death, pain, or join the Tied Up Brigade? 

Calina’s danger sense alerts her to danger just as the words are coming from her mouth and she realizes that there were far more than just two men standing in front of her. She sees at least 6 people nearby, two close, the ones she heard, but there are 4 others within about 5 yards that quickly take cover behind trees and bushes. One of the two men standing  in front of her sneers, “Oh, miss, you must be a stupid one, you best drop that bow and run before you find yourself in a world of pain.” He holds his crossbow leveled at her, as does his companion. Both of their fingers are on the triggers. Calina hears another of the shrill, inhuman screeches from further on in the woods, where these men came from, followed by the sounds of something large or unconcerned with being quiet, crashing through the undergrowth. 

Calina shakes her head emphatically, "What we've got here is a failure to communicate. I asked first, and nicely. Surrender, please."

Her face remains calm, but inside, her head is screaming. She breathes quiet deep breaths trying to keep her bow arm steady. 

Having heard Daellin say it a hundred times, she states, "I  am one of the Heroes of Sandpoint.. I'm sure you've heard of us. No? Then let me explain. None of us take kindly to being pushed around. We've seen, outwitted, beaten and killed things that would curl your toes. We always win, because each of us always wins. My advice is that YOU surrender. End this now." Seconds tick by and no one says a word.

“Take her,” the second man shouts as he pulls the trigger on his crossbow and dives to the ground.  The first man also squeezes his trigger, almost immediately after Calina hears the first string twang. She hears movement from the other men but does not see them as she is focusing on the two more immediate threats. 

A Tangled Web of Conclusions

Realizing that she cannot possibly avoid multiple attacks at once, Calina dives backward and somehow manages to avoid being hit by two incoming crossbow bolts as she slides down a narrow ravine and into a gully. She hears shouts and cries above and behind her as she sprints down the ravine. She hears the sound of someone running through the forest above her, at the top of the ravine, but it seems that the high ground slopes up while her ravine slopes downward. The ravine empties out into narrow rushing stream. She knows that downstream leads toward the Mushfens and is sure she does not want to go that way. As she decides what she wants to do, she suddenly feels something crawling on her. She brushes away a spider crawling across her arm. She feels something crawling on her other hand then and looks down to see hundreds of small spiders surging up her legs and covering her arms. As she begins to frantically brush them off, she hears the now familiar inhuman shriek from behind her and turns to see a strange and terrifying creature, like a two legged, person-sized spider running awkwardly down the ravine behind her. In front of this strange, multi-eyed creature, surges a dark wave, undulating across the ground. Almost immediately Calina realizes that this dark wave moving along the ground is in fact made up of spiders. At that moment, she begins feeling tiny, burning, pinches as the spiders that are already on her begin making their way through her layers of clothes and armor and start biting her. As the strange beast gets closer, the word ettercap seems to come to the front of her mind as the name for this terrifying, spider-controlling creature. Not wanting to know what it can do, nor able to fight against the tens of thousands of spiders now approaching her, Calina frantically looks for an avenue of escape. She begins to feel hot and a bit dizzy and realizes that she is still being bit by uncountable tiny spiders. Without another though, she leans forward and pitches herself into the river, keeping her hands above her head to protect it from being smashed into rocks. As she surfaces for air, she hears more Human shouting and hears a crossbow bolt zing through the air and strike the water near her, so she submerges once more and lets the swift current of the stream carry her away, hopefully to safety. 

The ride downstream is fast and furious and Calina takes quite a beating before she finally pulls herself to shore, several miles from where she dove in. She finds herself covered with nasty bruises from the river ride and and even more tiny, swollen little spider bites. The ranger quickly begins looking for the herbs and plants she will need to make some kind of antidote for the spider venom coursing through her veins.  

The next thing she knows, it is dark and she is waking up from an uncomfortable sleep behind a rotting log and tucked under a moss covered embankment. She sees that she must have covered her spider bites with some sort of herbal concoction as she has dried green paste all over her exposed skin. She takes a deep drink from her waterskin and goes back to sleep, catching sight of Paka prowling quietly on the other side of the log. She smiles.

When Calina wakes again, it is daylight and she decides to carefully start making her way back toward the road and where she left Shadowmist. Paka was no where around when she woke, but she easily spotted and followed the cat’s tracks, believing that he was trying to lead her back safely. After many hours, Calina finds the road and begins making her way back to the city. She finds a small family of Varisians headed that way and they are happy to have her travel with them. They do not make it back to Magnimar that night, but they do finally see the towering monuments and walls of the city by mid-morning the next day. The family quickly makes for the small Varisain camp just outside the gates and Calina joins them, having frequently dealt with these camp folk outside the city. Calina is happy to see that Shadowmist had made his way back to the camp on his own and the friendly Varisians were holding it for her until she returned, knowing exactly who the fine warhorse belonged to. One of the members of the camp, a young man she had seen around before, approaches Calina and asks her if she knows anyone that happens to be traveling to Wartle up the Yondabakari River. He says he needs a package of medicine delivered to some relatives and hopes she can help him. Of course, she takes the package and agrees.  Next she gets herself cleaned up and heads back into town, rejoining her friends at the mansion and saying no more to them than she had spent a few days camping in the woods and traveling with some of her own folk. Finally, a few days pass and it is time for the group to meet up with the Pathfinders and riverboat captain in preparation for the next leg of their quest.

Characters Present:

Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C

and +Jason GURPS as the DM

Wandered Roads 49.5 A Week in Magnimar

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 49.5
May 22-30, 2018

Campaign Timeline

A Week in Magnimar

Sunday 21st of Neth

Daellin lounges around the manor, makes himself a list and then heads out to speak to a woman about a sword. Meanwhile, back at the Manor house, the group busies themselves with various tasks. Roaming listlessly around the manor,  Calina finds herself feeling pent up and decides to go for a ride outside of town. Oriana and the Grey Maidens have taken up residence in one of the two large family rooms on the main floor. They all seem to have had a significant shift in personality since leaving the Lady’s Light and having the entire situation explained to them. Orianna says she plans to reform the Grey Maidens into a force for good and return to Korvosa, not in an attempt to retake the city in honor of their deposed Queen, but in service to the city itself. She knows that it will take time and preparation for a campaign such as this and agrees that she and her girls need some time to rest and recuperate. She plans, with permission from the group, to remain in Magnimar until the spring and then return to her home city to the east. One of the younger Maidens, Josobbi, or Jo as you know her, has expressed some interest in retiring from her order and possibly traveling to Kaer Maga the following week. Oriana has given her blessing if this is something the Heroes of Sandpoint are interested in. Likewise, Ehlyna has stated that she plans to leave the group soon, though will travel most of the way to Kaer Maga with them before breaking off to return to her ancestral home of Janderhoff for some rest and thoughtful work in the mines. Saddened by the upcoming departure of Elhana, Daellin is a bit melancholic about adding anyone to the party.  The Gray Maidens have been a great friend to the group and he reluctantly agrees. Samad spends the morning working with his new rapier then, realizing that he could learn more from an actual teacher, goes out in search of one. The morning after returning back from the adventure, Kallin was restless.  He felt like a caged animal ready to pounce on anything.  Every thought kept returning those images he saw on the wall of the Temple.  He wanted to paint those experiences. No. He wanted to feel those experiences. The question wasn’t how but when.  He had errands and duties to take care of before he could dispatch his needs.  As he tries to focus on what he should accomplish, he noticed that he was pacing in his room just like Paka when he waits for Calina. Maybe he needs to meditate and prayer to his goddess for solace until the night comes.  He bolts down the stair past Calina and Daellin straight out the door. Daellin eventually heads out of town to visit old Sandpoint for a few days.

Session Notes

Just a launching point for several characters separate little side treks between live sessions. These will be posted and linked this week.

• 49.5C Calina Goes for a Ride
• 49.5D Daellin Wastes Some Time
• 49.5K Kallin Steps Out, Steps In It, Steps Up, and Gets Stepped On
• 49.5S Samad Goes Back to School

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by Dan E
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben L
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by JeCorey H
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K

and +Jason GURPS as the DM

Wandered Roads 49.5 Thim's Tale

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 49.5
month, day, year

Campaign Timeline

Thim's Tale

Fireday 19th of Neth

Finally, A Meeting and a Task

Thim had been in the big city of Magnimar for almost a month now. It had been about a year since, well, since the incident. But he didn’t want to think about that now. He had to keep moving forward. Had to find another crew. This solo thing just wasn’t working for him. Especially in the big city. It worked in the hinterlands, small towns and such, but really, those jobs were not enough. He wanted something bigger, needed something bigger. But to do bigger, he needed help. Thim needed a crew, and what better place to hook up with some other pros than the Pathfinder Lodge.

Thim had visited the Lodge a few days prior hoping to speak with one of the two Venture Captains, Shelia or Canayven Heidmarch but had been instead met by another Pathfinder currently staying at the lodge named Joadric Heimurl. The hulking northman was jovial enough but didn’t seem all that impressed with Thim upon first meeting him and seemed to indicate that the Pathfinders weren’t looking for any help at the moment. As Thim turned to go, Joadric called him back and asked him if he was really interested in joining the Pathfinders and if so, he had an errand for him to run. Of course, Thim jumped on the opportunity and Joadric explained that he needed a parcel delivered down to the Gilded Cage, a gambling den and nightclub built into the base of the Seacleft in the Lowcleft District. When Thim agrees, Joadric smiles and produces a small, cloth wrapped parcel, not much bigger than a fist and tied with silver thread.

“Go now, it will be open, but not busy yet. Go to the bar and order and pay for a Double Jelly, neat. Drink it at the bar then leave this in the mug. Then meet me at the Mapstone Monument. You know where that is right? No? Well, you wanna be a Pathfinder, I guess you better find out, ehh?” The huge Kellid slaps Thim on the back and laughs loudly before sending him on his way.

Thim steps outside of the Lodge, looking up at the sky with a smile on his face. Finally! He thought to himself. It felt like things were going to start turning around. Maybe he’d make new friends within the Pathfinder Society. He hid the package in one of his pouches, as to help avoid drawing attention to the parcel and eagerly headed towards the Seacleft. He’d be in the area before but never quite recalled seeing the Gilded Cage, though Thim was sure he’d passed it before. Either way, he’d make the deliver and meet up with Joadric at the Mapstone Monument. He had to.

Thim leaves the Pathfinder Lodge, which is really nothing more than the Heidmarch’s mansion in the Alabaster District of Magnimar’s Summit. Thim knows that the fastest way from his current location to Lowcleft is across the Summit along the Avenue of Lords which runs along the border between the Capital and Naos Districts, to the Arvensoar, the towering structure that starts at the base of Seacleft, climbs its 300 feet, then another 100 feet into the skies of Naos. The Arvensoar is the home of the military and law enforcement body of Magnimar and uses the tower to quickly move from upper to lower city when needed, but also provides a route for citizens to easily traverse the change in elevation without having to trudge up and down the long, sloping road at the northern end of Naos that leads down to the Bazaar of Sails and Underbridge. Once at the bottom of the Arvensoar, he will have to make his way through the “The Rubble,” a tangle of narrow roads lined by pubs, playhouses, brothels, shops, hookah bars, dance halls and any number of other entertainment type businesses. Since coming to Magnimar, he has enjoyed his time in the Lowcleft District, but has found himself lost and turned around nearly every time. He hopes he can find this Gilded Cage and then the Mapstone, though Thim believes he will have no problem finding the Mapstone, as it is one of the city’s famous monuments.

Thim quickly make his break out of the Alabaster District and into Capital District towards the Avenue of Lords. It was going to take some time to make his way to the Seacleft so he decided to take in the view along his route. He quite enjoyed looking over the city on his ventures. Always looking for new faces and new places, watching the districts change as people and businesses come and go. As a plus, the weather didn’t seem so terrible.

As he crosses the plaza at the confluence of the two major avenues, Thim glances down. Starsilver Plaza, a beautiful work of art resting below the busy traffic of Magnimar,  where abalone shell inlays create a scene of thousands of stars. The plaza sparkles despite the overcast sky. Most of the inhabitants of this wondrous city don’t even pay any attention to it anymore. Sad.

As he turns west, toward the Arvensoar, he is momentarily surprised when a waving hand slaps a piece of parchment to his chest. “Kind sir, come, experience the best that Magnimar has to offer! Master Versade presents, The Inconstant Nymph. A tale of love and loss, magic and music. Held over for just one more week! Have you yet experienced the Triodea and its wonderful stage? You truly must!” A tall, well dressed Chelish male bows deeply to Thim. He is holding a stack of advertisements for some play that is being put on at the Trioeda, the famous and towering opera and playhouse just across the plaza.

Thim grabs the paper from his chest, only momentarily surprised as when you travel a lot, you get used to things hitting you in the chest. His other hand automatically clasped to his side over the package to make sure no one had made a quick aim to his pouches. After making a mental note of the condition of the package, he looked at the paper. It did sound quite interesting, but he didn’t have the time. “I appreciate the notice, but I have business to attend to.” Thim continues to walk on his way, turning and waving to the man, “Thank you for the paper!” he shouts before turning back and continuing on.

The young Half-Elf makes his way down the wide avenue, crowded with people. Off to his left, he can see the towering statues of twin heroes of Magnimar standing watch over the aptly named Twin’s Gate. The statues are over 200 feet tall and from here, stand even higher than the top of the  mighty Arvensoar, though that structure officially starts 300 feet below at the base of the Seacleft, making it the tallest structure in Magnimar. He turns a corner and finds himself walking directly toward the the Twin’s Gate and the wide park that precedes it.

In a few more minutes, Thim comes to yet another turn in the road, this time past the fortress like church of Iomedae. Warrior-priests can be seen standing at attention at the doors to this soaring stone structure. Just past the temple stronghold, Thim takes in a curious sight. He sees what he knows must be the Founder’s Flame, a tall stone pedestal holding a bronze bowl, out of which danced a large gout of flame, blue in color, but after just a moment, the flame flickered and became bright yellow, then orange, then purple. As he watched, the flame cycled through these colors. More interesting was the crowd of people gathered around this monument. Thim counted no less than 15 people sitting, standing or kneeling quietly around the flame. Most of them looked like arcane magic users of some kind, mostly Human, but of a variety of ethnicities. He does see two of the devil-blooded Tieflings, an Elf, a Half-Orc and two dark robed and hooded figures that he cannot even make a guess at as there is no exposed skin at all. The all seem to be meditating, praying or in a trance, quiet and still, eyes closed, facing the Flame.

Thim finds himself in constant amazement at these tall and wondrous structures built so large and in detail. The time and effort it must have take to erect all of these, one can only imagine. As he passes the church of lomedae and the Founder’s Flame, his pace slows as he take in a brief moment to admire the colour changing flame and then the crowd around it. After a minute or so, he takes a deep breath and continues on his journey towards the Lowcleft.

The Next Step

Thim completes the task that Joadric had given him and meets the tall Northman at the appointed location. Pleased, the Pathfinder asks him to perform a few more tasks over the next few days, testing the young Half-Elf’s abilities and willingness to follow directions.

“You’ll make a good Pathfinder someday!” the Northman tells Thim, “But you have to know that the training to become an actual Pathfinder is long and arduous and must be completed in far Absalom. Typically the training takes between 3 and 5 years and just to be accepted into the program, one must have references from several active Pathfinders. As it is, you are young and inexperienced. You need some more field experience. There is a group of Pathfinder associates, not actual Pathfinders, mind you, but associates of the Heidmarches, they are leaving in a couple of days for Kaer Maga.” He goes on to tell Thim that he hopes to have Thim go along with the group to act as an agent for the Pathfinder. Sheila has one stop for them to make in Wartle to deliver supplies to another group of Pathfinders stationed there.

Joadric goes on to ask Thim to deliver a private message to one of the Pathfinders in Wartle, a Gnome named Dijjit Blebulmith. Joadric wants Dijjit to meet him in Korvosa at the beginning of the new year. He wants Thim to deliver this message to the Gnome without the others to know, since they are not actually Pathfinders and he does not know them well. He also expresses that the message should not be delivered in front of the Pathfinder in charge of the research station, another Gnome named Ignizi Dinnelletter, may be upset at the attempt to pull Dijjit away from her research.

Joadric says if Thim does this, and keeps good notes on the journey and on everything he sees in Kaer Maga, this will go a long way to getting him an audience at the Grand Lodge in Absalom. “Good luck, lad,” the Northman says, “and remember, one of the biggest assets to a Pathfinder is his discretion.”

Session Notes

This was a short introduction for a new character being added to the party. Malcom had been playing the character of Ehlyna for a while to get caught up on the campaign but wanted to create his own character. Here is Thim, a rogue of a Half-Elf.

Characters Present:

introducing Thim Westerdale a Half-Elf rogue played by Malcolm G

and +Jason GURPS as the DM

Sundered Lands 51

The Sundered Lands of Palladium

Session 51
May 7, 2017

Hurting Heads and Hot Dogs

October 31st

After their battle with the large lizard beasts, the wounded party spends a moment patching each other up and making sure no one is infected by the strange chaos disease. When the group decides to explore further, they encounter an area that seems to want to crush their brains from the inside out. The quickly retreat and attempt to figure out what sort of mental attack they have been subjected to. Valinya determines that it is not a magical effect and everyone deduces that whatever is behind the door they were moving toward must be important.
Hoping to find a way around, the group scopes out another passage but the sensitive canine noses in the group indicate that the next chamber may be filled with some sort of diseased animal guards. A moment later, some growls confirm that. Valinya check it out and sees two diseased demon dogs chained up and several more dead on the floor. Silver decides to use her fire magic to fill the entire chamber and roast the creatures.

At the same time, Arn decides he is going to charge through the area of mental pain and try to break through the door. A rope is tied around his waist and he charges across the sand. The mental attack begins immediately but he pushes on and smashes through the door. Arn finds himself in a sort of botany lab that seems to have been ransacked. Two small Gnomish feet protrude from under a nearby workbench. Assuming the feet are attached to another of the deceased, Arn ignores them.


Gorg decides to follow Arn and charges into the darkened area. Not having Arn's magical abilty to see in the dark, he crashes into a nearby wall but manages to find the doorway that Arn went through. Arn and Gorg search around in the brain-pain area. Gorg ends up heading back out while Arn continues down another passageway. The Dwarf eventually finds another chamber and is no longer experiencing the mental assault.


He does find the source of much of the other noise, a room filled with large cages. Some are filled with dead and mutilated bodies while other are filled with raving, mutated people screaming and yelling and trying to break free. In one cage is a teenage boy, seemingly unaffected by the Savage Fever. Numerous dead bodies lay around him in the cage. Arn threatens the savage prisoners and quickly releases the boy, who is weak and starving and does not speak much of the Eastern tongue.

In the other area of the cavern, the rest of the group sifts through the burnt up kennel room and pass it to a chamber on the other side. This sandy floored cavern seems to be some sort of trophy hall. The centerpiece of the displays is an enormous reptilian skull, nearly 8 feet long, mounted on a wooden display. Other trophies line the walls, nameplates from ships, battered sea chests, mounted heads of sea monsters, and weathered figure heads, each doubtless carrying a sordid history of theft and betrayal.

Seeker’s eye is drawn to a barnacle encrusted mast of wood with letters badly eroded by a great deal of time spent below the waves. The only legible letters read “T...M...AUT” and make him think of clouded, deep-sea memories from long ago.

A passage leading to the west seems to connect up to where Arn has rescued the boy and the group reforms. Another passageway leads the opposite direction out of the trophy room. The party pauses for a moment before continuing on.

Cast of Characters: 

Arne J plays Seeker, a teenage Wolfen Warlord

Stephen K plays Valinya, an Elven Wildsong Mage

Mike B plays Arn, a surly Dwarven Warrior

Amergin O'K plays Moonscar, the esoteric Kankoran Druid

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

Grand Duchy 118

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 118
March 22-April 5, 2017

The Western Wood

Moldain 14 Klarmont

Waking in the Woods

The members of the Grey Company slowly awake to the sound of birds and small animals chirping in the surrounding trees. The morning sun streams in between branches and leaves. The air is warm and fragrant. Griffin already has a small pot of water warming over a pile of hot rocks. The smell of coffee begins to rouse even the sleepiest of travelers. “Gonna be a hot one today, I think,” Griffin comments as everyone gathers around the coffee pot.

Remar grabs a tin cup and some coffee to go in it.  The cups are way too clean for his tastes.

Takes away from da flava, dinnat?

“On rare occasion, we do seem to concur, don’t we?”  Seeing Griffin grinning at him, he goes to explain, but then stops, shuts his mouth, and just shrugs.  Well, I guess if this is just all the “me” I can be… “Thank you, Griffin,” he adds smiling back.

Remar takes a sip from his cup and immediately recoils.  “Oooowww.”  Damn!  Maybe I’m getting too used to having that up...naaaa.  Muttering some quick words of power, he wards himself further against the heat of the day, and the heat of Griffin’s scalding coffee!  “Hot in more ways than one, it seems.”  The wizard reflects on that with his tongue pressed into his lower lip for a moment before meeting everyone’s eyes and continuing.  “To that end, I advise allowing me to place protections against heat and fire on you all so that we can stay fresh for our inevitable encounter.  I can maintain them without additional energy expenditure, though doing so does slightly impede further spells while they are ‘up’.  Should we have a warning of impending danger, I can always allow them to expire without undue cost.  Or, “he adds with a smile,” I can simply be more free with dropping fireballs like their hot and such and not worry about scorching you all.

“Between Gothar and the other things in that temple, we are sure to encounter magic and spells.  But, I too have spells that should aid us in that; I want you to be aware of them.  The first allows me to temporarily ward you all in a brief instant against spells I know, should any be sent upon you.  The second allows me to reflect magic back to the initiating spell caster.  Similar to the second, the third allows me to reflect effects channeled through one’s gaze away with a chance to send it back to the originator.  Finally, I’m also wrapping up the ability to magically sense when we are being observed.  I plan to let that one off here shortly and check that there’s no one spying on us.”

Iris wanders over to the early risers and pours herself a cup of coffee. She takes a sip, closing her eyes and murmuring gratefully, "Mmm, Griffin; you're a saint." She opens her eyes and smiles at the handsome leader of their merry band. She can't help but feel more than a twinge of guilt as she makes eye contact, though she shoves the feeling aside and concentrates on simply enjoying her coffee. No time for self indulgence right now, she thinks to herself. 

Yawning sleepily, Iris watches Remar while he's explaining the (even more) new spells he's learned.  He seems more collected this morning as compared to the evening prior; a night of rest must have been good for him. Iris resolves to watch the mage to see if his erratic behavior corresponds with his level of fatigue in the future.

"If your protections can truly nullify magical fire---that sounds like an amazing tactic," Iris pauses for a moment, thinking. "Speaking of magical preparations, I can begin placing the Hutaakan spell on us again while we have breakfast. That should give me enough time to rest in between castings, unless we are heading out right now." 

Remar expounds, “For right now, the same magical fire protections will guard you all against the heat of the day that is increasing as we speak.  I’ll set the spell on you all, now.”  He moves around camp muttering words of power and protection.

Remar spends a few moments moving around the group, casting the spells of resistance on his companions. 

Aint ye such a nice fella? Bet non ah tem be tanking ya for da favor, doh.

Kasiex, having spent the morning uncharacteristically pensive, looks up and awkwardly mimes the human nod of thanks he has seen the others use as Remar finishes the spellcasting.  “These creatures from the temple - is there anything we can do to allow my arrows to harm them? I must confess I’m a little cautious of the idea of going blade to….bone...with the filthy things.” He rubs a hand over the side of his face where the healing has restored his fur. 

“Thank you, Remar,” says Draven. “No need to worry about a flaming weapon for me, my gods provide in that department. I fear I have no such gift with arrows, Kasiex but if you are forced to go toe to toe with them, I will do my best to protect you before you wade into battle.”

“My thanks, Draven.” answers Kasiex.  He gives himself a shake from nose to tail-tip, secures his gear, and stands.  “Well then. Are you all ready to travel? We’ve much ground to cover, if we’re to head off your foe and reach the temple safely.” 

Iris stands and dusts her pants off, glancing at both the Wildsteward and the mage.  Pleased that Remar and Kasiex’s spat from the evening before hasn’t resumed, but anxious at the silence between them, Iris chews on the inside of her mouth as she gathers her belongings.  “I’m for moving now, Kasiex.  Let’s break camp and get on it.”

The group breaks camp and moves out, heading east along the edge of the woods very near to where the mountain comes down to meet the valley. Just before reaching the edge of the woods, everyone begins to notice that their footsteps are not as quiet as they intended. The forest floor itself seems to be crunching and crackling with every step. Finally, when the Grey Company stops to investigate, it appears that the forest floor is covered with the moulted shells of thousands or even millions of strange little bugs. The lizard pack animals seem quite happy to stop and they begin devouring the crunchy little former insect bodies. 

Kas frowns, kneeling and examining the piled shells, sifting through them to see if these are native. 

The rest of the Grey Company watches as the lean Hutaakan kneels and examines the strange accumulation of bug shells. He pokes around in the undergrowth for a moment then picks one of the shells up. He slowly turns it over on his fingers, looking at it then sniffing it. Finally the Wildsteward pops the dried bug skin into his mouth and chews it loudly before shrugging and looking back at his companions.

Remar watches Kasiex pop the bug into his mouth and produce a satisfying crunch. “You know, Kasiex, the Traldar also enjoy these bugs when they're out and about.”  Remar carefully looks about and examines the area for other bugs he’s noticed in the valley, including the scarabs the mummy Lord invoked that he kindly returned.  He also maps out if it appears to take up a particular area of effect, if there is something to be gleaned at the edges, or if something more arcane may be involved.

An’ da Traldaran.  Dat addled spear-chef o’yers seems to enjoy the buchay and aroma bugs like dis add to 'is dishes.

“I find it hard to argue with you this morning,” Remar adds, appearing to potentially still be addressing Kasiex.

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

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 50

The Sundered Lands of Palladium

Session 50
April 24-May 6, 2017

Exploring the Caves

Tuesday, October 31

Battle Aftermath

The degenerate pirates are dispatched quickly and as they fall, the caverns become eerily quiet. A stiff breeze blows through one of the passages and makes an low moaning sound. Distant sounds of water sloshing around can be heard echoing from all around. The sounds of screaming and fighting seem to have subsided again, at least for now.

In turn, each of the fallen opponents makes their final last twitch then seems to pop and dissolve into a gooey dark puddle on the sand. Everyone now quite familiar with this process, gives the downed foes space, with a little extra room given to the large muscular lizards. Flickering light from several hanging lanterns cast the room in an orange glow.

While checking himself out after being chewed on by the giant lizard, Moonscar realizes that in addition to his robe being torn up quite a bit, his Chaperone’s Charm has disintegrated as well, no doubt after warding off whatever pestilent disease these creatures give off. He gives Arn a quick look over and sees that his too has disappeared.

Sings to Moon makes a sad, mournful while as she tries to turn around and lick the long, jagged wound on her back caused by the pirates cutlass. Her pain distracts Moonscar from his own predicament. As he goes to check on his companion, he immediately feels a terrible headache coming on. He gets hot and begins to pant uncontrollably. Nearby, Arn has plopped down onto the sand and taken his helmet off. His hair and beard are plastered to his face and he is covered in sweat. “What did I drink?” he says weakly. Valinya feels her stomach sink when as she sees her friends displaying the same symptoms that Seeker had recently shown. She starts to panic when she thinks about the magical energy that will be required to treat these two and then remembers that she has two Paut potions stashed in her bag. She will only need to become solid again in order to access them.

With a breathy sigh Valinya solidifies herself and says, “I’m going to drink myself to re-energize then set about curing that vile disease from the two of you.  And I’ll even avoid my lecture on the dangers of enormous reptiles. I think that lesson has been learned.” Removing a paut potion she quaffs it, waiting to feel the effect before deciding on whether or not to take the second.

Seeker looks quizzically at Val. “Dangers of reptiles? But Val, you were the one who told us to go that way. Unless the lesson you want us to learn is not to listen to you...” He shrugs and shakes his head.

The party regroups near where they initially entered this chamber while Valinya drinks her rejuvenating potion. She smiles and looks refreshed almost immediately after drinking it. While she drinks, the others scan the area. It appears that there are several ways out of this chamber and Arn points out that he can see a closed wooden door some distance away down one of the tunnels leading off the chamber. Just then the sounds of fighting return. They are coming from either the passageway leading out to the north or from out past the doorway in the north west corner of the room. A strong, clear female voice shouts out, “Jebadiah, is that you lad? Yer not looking so good. Here let me send you on your way back to HELL!” Steel can be heard clashing against steel and then what sounds like frenzied banging on a wooden door.

In a quieter voice Valinya says, “That doesn’t sound good.  So we have a choice of ether pausing so I can cure this disease on Arn and Brother or we press on and take our chances on their ability to function.  One option for healing would be to arrange ourselves wisely and retreat back to the narrow passage. I would be between the sick kids so I can heal and rest.  That leaves one person to guard each entrance. Or we roll the dice and move on.”

Splitting Up

Seeker shakes his head. “Val, you stay here with Brother and Arn. Do what you need to do. I think Gorg, Silver and I can check out what’s ahead.” He looks at the half-Ogre and the Dragon. “Right, guys?” He sets off to investigate Jebediah’s frenemy.

Valinya quirks a dubious eyebrow at Seeker’s confidence but wisely says nothing.  Focusing on her task, she looks over the two sick puppies. Since Arn was injured first she goes to him to sing her song of healing, hoping to remove the blight from his body.  

Silver looks at Seeker and blinks a couple of times, then looks at Arn, then looks back.  “You sure you want to go contract more of that disease without Valinya close by? I suppose we could look around but I don’t think we should go far.  Especially if more of these crazies come out of a side passage behind us.”

As Valinya starts her magic, Seeker leads Gorg and Silver across the wide cavern toward one of the exits to the north. As the Elf maid begins her healing song, screaming, moaning and clanging metal sounds can be heard loudly from the passage to the northwest. Seeker and his glowing head gets farther away but the several flickering oil lanterns hanging around the room give enough light to see by.

As Valinya starts her magic, Seeker leads Gorg and Silver across the wide cavern toward one of the exits to the north. As the Elf maid begins her healing song, screaming, moaning and clanging metal sounds can be heard loudly from the passage to the northwest.

As the group moves across the chamber, Seeker starts picking up some interesting smells, though the strange cavern breezes swirl them around quite a bit. As the group approaches the passageway leading to the north, he can smell some sort of animal den and what he has begun to equate as the “savage disease” smell, though that smell seems to permeate everything around here. A faint breeze from the north-west brings the strong and unmistakable smell of people excrement and filth.

Looking over at Seeker as the presumed leader of the trio, Gorg asks “Do we just wanna take a quick peek down each of these corridors before deciding which way to go?”

Seeker shrugs. “Gonna go with my ears and nose. Sounds like someone not crazy is down that way to the north. Let’s see if we can help them out.” He turns to the others. “Val, we can hear the person we’re going to find. Stands to reason we’ll be able to hear you. If there’s any trouble, give a yell. Or better yet, Arn give a yell.” He smiles. He readies a throwing axe and starts towards the tunnel to the north. “Shall we?”

Silver nods.  “We should peek down the side passages, but otherwise I think the door is going to lead to the most interesting place.  If we have enough time before a fight breaks out I’ll try and put some flame resistance on you guys, should make it easier for me to blast everything then.”

As the three companions approach the cavern opening, the light on Seeker’s head reveals what appears to be a short tunnel leading to a small cavern beyond. The light from Seeker’s glowing head reveals the bodies of three strange creatures in a mangled heap in the center of this cave, their bodies torn apart and gnawed down to the bone. It’s difficult to tell what manner of wolf or hyena-like creatures they once were. Spiked collars lie empty beside their decapitated bodies, chains running from each out of sight to other places not visible from here. Seeker smells and hears something breathing heavily inside the cavern, more than likely trying to be quiet. The stench of the recently dead carcasses fills his sensitive nostrils as does the smell of the “savage pestilence” that seems to be everywhere now.

Silver pokes Seeker well? What’s in there?  If you’re not going in, can I?

Gorg frowns a bit, still turning his head towards the door a bit with each new moan and scream, “Silver, if whatever is down there isn’t actually looking for a fight, then let’s move on.  If it was diseased, it would have come out after us already, they aren’t sneaky or smart.”

Silver shakes her head. “Not so sure.  Looks like there’s been a bit of a fight in there. If something is moaning and groaning, it’s probably because it’s suffering from that disease and changing into something uglier.  Might be better to put it out of its misery before it becomes dangerous later.”

As the three ponder their decision, a loud crashing and cracking sound can be heard from back behind them echoing through the chamber and seeming to emanate from the southern passages leading into the caverns. This bedlam is followed by a rising swooshing sound that goes from a low roar to a high pitched whistle, possibly just air passing through the caverns but possibly something else entirely. An inhuman scream that turns into insane cackling immediately follows, seeming to come from all directions at once.

Looking back, they see Arn, Moonscar and Sings to Moon all tense and ready while Valinya continues to sing her long song of healing, completely oblivious to the chaotic sounds around her. Almost as one, Seeker, Silver and Gorg decide to return to their companions and wait for Valinya to finish her magic before pressing forward, splitting the group and potentially leaving half of the party exposed to dangers.

Silver turns about as she hears the cackling.  “Yeah, it seems like a bad idea to leave the others when these sorts of things are going on.”  She heads back to Valinya and the others, expecting the big guys to follow.

Feeling Better

As the three explorers return to the others, Valinya finishes her first castings, a Body Reading on both Arn and Moonscar. She explains that while they are both infected with this Savage Fever, the chaotic disease seems to manifest each time differently in each individual. She is glad she performed the Body Reading spells first, as it gives her a much needed insight as to how to focus her songs intended to purge the fever from her friends bodies. Knowing how to combat the dangerous disease, she begins her song of healing on Arn with the comfort that all of her friends are here close by and out of danger.

Arn just sits there blinking in disbelief. Between the beating he took at the hands, or mouth rather, of the Giant Lizard as well as the diseased after effects, he hasn’t felt this bad since he took on a Tusker years ago when the group first formed.    “Belimar’s Beard! I haven’t felt like this since that Tusker ran me over….” His voice drops off as he twitches at times and others just stares off. “Good on ya lass, I fouled that one up and should have waited to see if we could have just crossed the passage first before trying to fight that thing.   It’s been awhile since I’ve lost a fight.” Arn sits back and closes his eyes, as Valinya’s magics start to take effect.

Valinya smiles warmly … “I remember that Tusker battle. T’was fine and well done indeed.”  Then she moves over to repeat her songs for Bother.

As Valinya finished up on Arn, Moonscar doubles over and holds his head with his hands. The dark spots in his fur begin to ooze and small bony protrusions begin to sprout under his fur. The Kankoran Druid’s mind races and he struggles with concentrating on any single thought. Sings to Moon begins to whimper and pace around, watching her companion but not approaching him. She snorts and bares her teeth a few times as well. Valinya quickly launches into another round of magical healing.

After another 5 minutes of singing, Valinya is confident that the disease has been removed from both of her friends. The loud and random sounds coming from the caverns all around the group have stopped and it is once again eerily quiet. The little bony protrusions that had appeared on Moonscar become flaky and brittle and begin falling off at the slightest touch or movement, though there are still some areas of dark, sticky fur from the oozing earlier.

Arn thanks Valinya for her powerful healing abilities. “My lady, once again, you not only prove your worth in any venture, but I again am indebted to you with my life.” Arn takes the time to stretch out his arms, look over his armor to see what will need repair. He’s not happy about the bite marks and some crushing damage on  his armor, but this is why he wears it. Arn recovers his throwing axe and awaits for his companions to reassemble for further exploration and battle.

“Whew!  OK, from this point forward no one is allowed to be bitten by these creatures … zombies … whatever.  So ranged attacks as much as possible. I don’t think weapons will be an issue … I hope … but creatures most definitely we should avoid engaging closely.  And now I’ll try to rest … until the next unwanted visitor comes.”

The group decides to rest for another short period to allow Valinya to recover her fatigue in case any further spell casting is necessary. During the rest period, no other diseased attackers appear, though the occasional scream and cry can be heard echoing through the chamber. Occasionally the sound of metal clanging against metal rings out or the sound of something wooden being smashed, but nothing close and nothing sustained, just random sounds here and there. Finally, after everyone has rested enough to be back at full endurance, a quiet seems to have taken over the caverns. Only the occasional whistling wind or crashing surf can be heard.

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