Wandered Roads 48.5

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 48.5
April 8-May 1, 2018

Campaign Timeline

What's This?

Oathday 11th Neth

The Heroes of Sandpoint, exhausted and battered, head up to the strange sanctuary through the teleporter. They are greeted there by the strange sound of breathing or wind. After a few moments, the sound is not even noticed anymore by the tired group. Alistar sets himself up near the three leather bound books and starts to analyze them magically, careful not to touch them while the rest of the group tries to make themselves comfortable.

Everyone notices Kallin eyeing them uncomfortably and on several occasions he seems as if he is going to say something, but the Half Orc manages to hold his tongue. Several times he approaches the unconscious Grey Maiden, who Oriana carried up here so she could watch over her. Oriana lets Kallin know in no uncertain terms that he is to keep his distance from the sleeping woman or else there will be trouble. Kallin starts to argue but is shooed off to the far side of the room where he watches everyone while stroking his newly acquired Sin Shard in a very provocative manner.
Daellin and Ehlyna begin going through the sacks and pouches that were found up here earlier by Ehlyna. In one of the very first pouches, Daellin uncovers a small pink and green stone marble that he immediately recognizes as the Ioun Stone needed to activate the Shard of Lust. Wasting no time, the Elf rushes it over to Kallin, who misinterprets his approach as something more and begins disrobing. Daellin stops him quickly and inserts the Ioun Stone into the round depression at the base of the Shard. Kallin quickly blushes and begins lacing his shirt back up. Daellin snorts and walks back to the treasure sorting, sure he hears a “nice ass” comment from the Half-Orc.

Daellin pauses and looks back over his shoulder. To himself he thinks, “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a good time ... “ looking Kallin up and down as if for the first time he smirks, “Not nearly long enough though, we will be back in Magnamar before I get that desperate.”
Daellin and Ehlyna find quite a haul in the assorted sacks and pouches. One silk pouch holds 12 tourmanlines, 6 black pearls, and 2 sapphires. Daellin thinks they are worth around 3000$ total. They place the goggles, which are definitely magical, and the strange Thassalonian coin, which is also magical, next to the fashionable red boots, which also radiate as magical.


Ehlyna then grabs a small sack that has some weight and appears to be full of some bulky items, but she is surprised to find some unusual items inside. First she pulls out a medium weight steel breastplate that does not even seem to fit inside the small sack. Daellin takes an interest and sees that the armor is enchanted, as is the sack itself. Ehlyna next pulls out what appears to be a hollow glass sphere, about the size of a Halflings head. The glass is clear, but tinted pink, making it hard to see through. This is also magical. Next Ehlyna pulls out a short silver rod, about 10 inches long and less than an inch in diameter, also magical. Next comes a small gold ring with a stylized lightning bolt on it. Daellin nods to indicate that it too is magical. Finally she pulls out 4 small spidersilk drawstring pouches that seem to be filled with dirt or dust. Daellin comments that they too are magical.

With the impressive array of loot spread out before him Daellin arranges his backpack against the wall.  He sits down gracefully on the floor reclining against his pack as a makeshift chair. Idly he examines each of the items individually hoping to spark some memory of what they could be.  He realizes Alistar will be occupied for a significant time identifying the spellbooks. After several minutes trying to get comfortable he jumps up and quickly walks over to the seal on the floor. Confidently he steps on the seal and disappears.

After a few minutes he reappears although it’s hard to recognize him for the large armload of pillows and pelts he’s carrying.  Unceremoniously he dumps the items on the ground. In no time he has arranged the linens into a comfortable mat. Satisfied with his industry he settles in.  Smiling contedly he continues to study the magic items. He ignores the the under breath muttering from the dwarf, something about a “pansy elf,” he’s pretty sure, and enjoys his comfy mat.

Wearily, Calina sat on the floor to rest against her backpack. She took off her cloak, loosened her armour and took off her boots. She stretched and wiggled her toes. She sighed heavily. When was the last time she had walked barefoot through the grass? She couldn't recall. The recent battles had been difficult and she still felt ache from her wounds even though she had been healed. Her bond with Paka gave her a sense of contentment knowing he was safe and wandering through a wooded area somewhere near the swamp. After a while she felt hunger and realized no one had eaten for quite a while.  Calina spent time trying to make a meal for the group out of what meager rations are left. Surprisingly, the results were too bad. She hands everyone a portion and apologizes for the lean servings.

Calina sat against the wall to eat her food but her eyes were staring at the strangely decorated boots. What was the fascination?  She tore her eyes away and tried to finish her meal. Abruptly she stuffed the rest into her mouth and stood up quickly. She moved across the room and grabbed one of the boots. She held it close to her face and examined the markings. The color of the boots hurt her eyes but yet she could not stop staring. She blinked several times, sat down with a grunt, then slipped her feet into the boots.
Calina slides the boots on, finding that they fit her quite comfortably. The bright red boots feel supportive and comfortable. They are definitely a different look from her sturdy and worn Boots of Endurance, though they feel as if they would provide at least a similar amount of protection to her feet if worn. She begins to wonder what the enchantment on them is.

Eventually, Alistar is able to cast Analyze Magic on each of the three spellbooks. He says that it appears that the only enchantment on the books is Resist Magic and that any trap that had been on them has been triggered and rendered useless now. He tests this hypothesis out by touching the book from a distance with an object, then with his hand. Fortunately, nothing happens this time. He sees that the books are very old, but well preserved. Each of them is highly decorated with Thassalonian runes, gemstones and engraved precious metal strips. The books are also locked and held closed by numerous metal straps connected by one lock. Still exhausted by the events from earlier in the day, Alistar sits down heavily on one of the pillows to rest.

Session Notes

A Continuing Story between two sessions.

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
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven Warrior - currently played by Malcolm G

and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Grand Duchy 92

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 92
June 16-28, 2016

Going on a Spider Hunt

Soladain 3 Klarmont

Camping with the Mutts

Camping by the stream

It is dark and still hot when the group arrives in the same location as the previous night. Quickly and efficiently the Grey Company and the Hutaakans begin to set up camp. Seemingly very trusting, the Hutaakans have given everyone back their weapons and give no indication that they are worried about treachery from their new traveling companions. Everyone pitches in and helps set up camp and though still a bit awkward, the Hutaakans are polite and gracious. Hoping to stave off another undead encounter, Remar is just about ready to cast his Mystic Mist spell over the entire area when two Hutaakan soldiers rush up in a panic. They are speaking very fast and in Hutaakan. One of the two minor priests, a female named Kifein, speaks to the warriors and they rush off. She turns to the gathered group. “It is as we feared, the hunter-spiders have come down the slope and attacked us. They are large, bigger than a riding lizard and with many legs. The Rhagodessa, it is called in our tongue. A pair of them assaulted one of our scout groups and carried off a warrior. We must move fast if we are to save him. Please excuse me.” She turns to head off.

Draven frowns, taking an unconscious couple of steps following Kifein before realizing what he’s done and stopping to look after the rest of the group.

“They seem in need; helping would both illuminate our souls and serve to reinforce our alliance, temporary though it may be.  Shall we help?”

Previously resolved to unloading a lot of magical energy, the battlemage is now unsure if he should continue and seems to look a little pent-up.  “Uh, well yeah.  These Hutaakan at least seem good.  I’d probably help them even if not actively trying to get on their good side.  I mean, if Griffin is OK with it.  I could magic-up some flight for those like me that would rather stay at range when dealing with a sizable arachnid when we get closer.”

Rack-nid?  Is tha’ sum sorta magic spell-word?

He then seems to add off to the side, “It means spider, silly.”

Ya know suma them leap, right?  All tha many, grippy legs, and nasty, drippy fangs.  And I hate it when ya walk inta those iky strands of web…”

And then adds again, “Oh good point,” and turns back to the others in the company.  “Some spiders do jump, and if these are of that species and huge they may be able to jump high...flying up a little ways rather than lower for a flaming, straff, bombardment may be safer too.  Anyway, I’d much rather do that sort of magic than a mystic mist.”

Why stop at one or tha otha?

Remar snaps his fingers and looks excited.  “Yeah, right, right!  I could always rest up a little bit when we get back to still do a mist if I get too spent.”  He beams at everyone.

Iris seems about to answer Draven when Remar jumps in.  She watches him and her brows furrow as he begins to mumble (to himself?) when not directly addressing the group.  Good point about that fly spell though.  Guh, I don’t even like your everyday spider.  Iris clears her throat and says, “I believe we should help.  They’ve shown us great trust by returning our weapons and apparently doing nothing to stop those of us with access to magic from using it.” And if this is a test...well...I’m certain that not helping would be considered a solid failure by our Hutaakan hosts. No need to mention that, though.  “Remar, I very much appreciate your offer of flight, though I am able to create that for myself,” she ends with a half-smile.

Gearing Up

Griffin grabs his crossbow and cocks it while he looks around the camp. “Well, okay then. Marcel, Stephan, stay here with the Hutaakan non-coms. We’ll follow Kifein, see what we can do to help.” He thinks for a while. “Remar, Iris, if you’re going to fly, I know it takes a lot out of you. Let’s get closer before you start doing that stuff.”

Draven hefts his shield and murmurs a quiet prayer, then turns to follow Kifein with Griffin, Iris, and Remar.

“Draven.  You seem to be able to communicate with them.”  Remar jerks his thumb in the direction of the jackal-people.  “Could you ask them for more details on these giant spiders?  Do you know if they spin webs, live in trees, cliffs, or crevices, if they have any weaknesses, where the spiders are generally found when not ambushing prey, where the spiders take prey once they have it, etc.  Based on what they say, I might be able to narrow down where they went.”

Draven translates in Traldar for Remar and the young mage realizes that he is beginning to pick up some of the words and basic ideas of the language. Kifein relates that the Rhagodessa are not web spinners, but hunters and jumpers. They prefer to live up in the rocky crags around the lip of the valley and only occasionally come down into the valley. They are believed to normally feed off the hardy mountain goats that  populate the area and are sometimes known to drag off their kills. Other than that, the Hutaakan do not know much else about the large and aggressive creatures.

The gathered members of the Grey Company head off into the darkness after Kifein. The various enchanted items of the Company illuminate the rocky ground in the darkened valley. She leads the way up the slope toward where some torch lights can be seen moving along a ridge.

After a few minutes, two of the Hutaakan warriors approach. One of them gives a slight bow to Kifein then gives her a report. She turns to the Company and translates. “They followed some tracks and blood but have lost the trail in this area. The Rhagodessa are insects, but dangerous and tricky. When they hunt in pairs, they work together. If the warrior was not killed immediately, he may still be alive. They would drag him to a safe place to feed or possibly hide his body somewhere then come back for him later.”

She says a few things to the warrior Hutaakan and the pair of them rush off up the slope into the darkness. “It looks like that end of the ridge full of searchers. We can search along this end if you will help me,” she asks in her heavily accented Traldar.

“I’m no tracker” the young priest says “but should we get close enough, it may be that the divines will show me where your man is - and, at great need, I can petition that they might lend me the gift of prophecy, that I might see where he lies wherever he may be.  If nothing else, I am another set of keen eyes.”

“Let me give it a go first, Brother. Let’s see if Eran’s lessons rubbed off on me.” Griffin begins scanning the ground for any trail sign. “Remar, keep your eyes up. If they’re like spiders, they could try and ambush us from above.” And Draven, let’s go with mundane solutions when we can. Save your miracles for saving our lives!

“Sure thing Griffin!” the Alphatian replies and he begins to really scrutinize his surroundings for any sign or clues that could indicate large spiders were here, where they may have gone...and if they are sneaking up on them right now!

On the Trail

After about a half an hour of searching, through a combination of Remar’s conclusions about giant arachnid behavior, Draven and Iris’s keen observations and Griffin’s tracking skills, the Company believes they have tracked the spiders and their prey to a dark rocky ravine. A painful moan can be heard echoing out of the ravine. Kifein’s ears perk up and her black eyes narrow in the darkness. “That sounds like my warrior, he is still alive. How shall we proceed?” The ground is very broken and rocky around the entrance to the ravine. A dead tree lays across the entrance, forming a sort of bridge from one side of the ravine to the other. The entrance itself is about 4 yards wide at the top, but only 2 yards at best at the bottom. Small bits of vegetation and rocky crags form a partial canopy above the top of the ravine. Access from above by flying individuals will be possible, but not completely easy. Approaching from the sides, over the steep and broken terrain would be possible but slow and dangerous, especially in the dark.

Spider ravine

“Everyone, I’m going to toss some rocks in there in obvious directions, so we can hear what the echoes sound like.  Listen and see if using that, you can tell where the warrior’s moans are coming from.”

Closing his eyes and listening, Remar tries to determine where in the ravine the injured warrior’s moans are coming from.  In order to help with this, he tosses a few stones in different parts of the crevasse to hone in on how their echos are treated from the locations they land and compare it to the Hutaukan’s sounds.

“Has anyone heard of or dealt with creatures like this before? Will flame keep them at bay?  I don’t like normal spiders; the idea of giant varieties is disheartening. Clearly the

Immortals want to ensure our lives are interesting and challenging,” Draven asks nervously.

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 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM

Grand Duchy 90

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 90
May 22 - June 14, 2016

Searching for the Singing Pool

Nytdain 1st Klarmont

Camping Under (and over) the Arch

Hutaakan Archway

The swirling black and green mist disappears into the night. Filix, the Witch of Dymrak is gone as well. Marcel lurches forward, able to move again after being magically held by the witch. Crickets and other bugs can be heard making quiet night sounds nearby. Everyone stares at each other for a moment, not knowing what to say after their uncomfortable encounter with the Witch and the loss of Wyrtung’s magical knife.

Remar takes this golden opportunity to gather some kindling, filling his pack to the brim.  “Quasi Aquila,” he says, steadily rising into the air with his supplies and alighting onto the top of the archway.  Once there, he arranges the kindling, snaps his fingers shouting “Igni,” and brings fire into being.

He starts to crack open one of his grimoires, and then slaps his hand to his forehead.  The Mage calls down, “Oh, if anyone else would rather camp up here with me, just let me know.  I’ll help ferry you up.”

Griffin shudders, still obviously affected by the encounter with Filix.Well that was … horrible. Should I have resisted? Tried to make a better deal? What can we do if we have to deal with her again? Seems like we should figure that out before we acquire anything else of value.

He calls up at the enarched mage. “Hey, Remar, that Witch was really unpleasant. Think you could put something together so we are not quite so ill-prepared in case she returns. I’d hate to find some awesome treasure only to have her show up again and ‘ask’ to take it off our hands. No point in doing her dirty work, if you know what I mean.”

He turns to his loremaster. “Iris, do you know anything about Filix? Legends, alleged weaknesses, that sort of thing? Could she be in league with Golthar or the Iron Ring? Seems like the sort who might be holding Golthar’s leash.”

Without taking his eyes off the current page, Remar calls down, “I dunno Griffin. You had to look at her and that was bad, right?  I could -feel- her as well.  Filix is well beyond my capabilities.  So was that Undead Mage at the temple crypt and I learned my lesson then and there.

Filix and her ilk are on a whole different level.   You remember those frolicky elves at the lake way back with the pixies?  What was that, like nearly a year ago?  They said those Hags are enemies with Argos.  Enemies with Argos!  How do we prepare for that given where we are at the moment?  It may be that the only way to guard against any of them is to stay out of their way and give them whatever they want when they want it.  Just like old times.

He sets the book down, runs his hands over his face, and sighs.

Bring it back down Remar.  You can do this.

“Sorry Griffin.  I’ll work on it.  Unfortunately, I don’t know any shortcuts to increasing my potential so I can do more with less, learn greater magics, or not get as drained from magic use.”  He thumps the book and it produces a hollow resonation.  “Just a lot of this:  Careful study, slow translation, ingestion of theory and concept, understanding prerequisites, using them to develop new patterns, accurate gestures, and proper intonations, and practice.  All these before use.  Knowing any weaknesses is a start though, if Iris knows that.”

The Mage then leans back a bit on the stone and closes his eyes in an attempt to relax a bit all things considering.

Maybe I just have to dig deeper...I mean, there could be a way to do it faster.  Filix offered to basically apprentice me when I mentioned something similar.  Oddly, that seemed sort of genuine.  As horrifying as that probably seemed to everyone else, I bet it'd speed up expanding on my capabilities.  Maybe it’s something I should ex…

Is it gone, yet?

What?  By “It” do you mean Filix?  Yeah.  Coast is clear.  You can come back out and get back to bothering me now.  Remar rolls his now open eyes.

Good.  Tha’ was ‘cary.  We should do somethin’ ‘bout tha’ thing.

Wait...you’re serious.  She scared you, even?  You weren't bothered by the undead carny-show but she scared you?  Hell, maybe I -should- have moved in with her.

NO!  Don even joke 'bout doin tha’ ya crazy Mage.  You’ll get us both killed!

At least I wouldn't have to listen to you anymore.  What good are you to me anyway?

[Silence]

Remar laughs out loud and sits up.  He picks up the tome once again shaking his head and gets back to digging in.

Iris furrows her brow and says to Griffin, “The nine sisters of Dymrak are incredibly powerful, as Remar has so eloquently stated. If seeing is believing, then feeling is doubly so.” she takes a deep breath, continuing, “my research has led me to believe that with beings such as these witches, the essence of their power is deeply connected to their homes.”  Iris looks around a bit, seemingly waiting for something, then sighs almost imperceptibly and continues, “So, clearly, for one of them to travel so far from their entrenched power source, one must assume it was for something worth the risk of operating with diminished power...even if that diluted power was, in reality, adequate to handle us.”    

No one else joins Remar on the top of the arch, preferring to camp out beneath the archway and behind the defensive fortifications that Marcel and Stephan so lovingly built. Griffin points out that the stone arch above should also help protect against falling horses or other missiles dropped from angry Manticores or evil yellow-robed wizards. Remar feels confident in his magic to protect him, and his companions below. Before too long, the young mage prepares two Mystic Mist spells, a large one from the group down below and a smaller one for himself on top of the arch. He smiles when after he casts the second, smaller Mist on the top of the arch when he feels his spell expand and merge with the mist below. The entire archway, the grounds around it and even the top where Remar sits are all magically protected now.

Loshdain 2nd of Klarmont

Heading South… in the Rain

The night passes with no interruptions but about an hour before sunrise, it starts to rain. Remar is woken up by the rain and quickly activates his Ioun stone, setting the magical gem spinning around his head to keep him dry. He then gathers up his grimoires and other gear before they are ruined by the rain. Speaking the magical words, he transports himself back down to the ground. Stephan is on the last watch and stoking the fire and beginning to prepare a pot of coffee. “You're up early,” he calls to the mage. Remar shrugs sleepily and pulls off his wet robe to dry by the fire. Remar tries to go back to sleep but can't and sits quietly nearby while his companions finish sleeping.

After a while, the rest of the Grey Company wakes up and begins breaking camp and preparing for the journey to the Singing Pool somewhere to the south. The rain continues intermittently and is a light, warm rain, so unless it increases it shouldn't hamper travel too much. The entrance to the smaller valley spur can be seen easily. It appears to rise a bit and hook off to the east. It appears mostly rocky with some forestation in places.

Draven wakes to the smell of Stephan’s coffee and the quiet murmur of conversation.  He sits up and nods a hello to his companions.  Looking at his gear, he quietly packs up in preparation for their soggy walk ahead. Looking out from the arch’s shelter, he grins ruefully at the rain, thinking “Who knew that spreading the Word would entail so much walking about in the mud and rain? Still, I’m privileged to do it…”

Packing completed, he takes a few steps away from the party and kneels, quietly praying to welcome the new day while the rest of the Company rises.

Griffin is grateful for an uneventful night. He stretches and shuffles over to where Stephan’s coffee is brewing. He loads his riding lizard up while he sips the scalding cup of hot morning wonderfulness. Ahhh.

After that he helps the rest of the team prepare, while leaving Brother Draven to his morning devotions. Want every bit of edge we can get. He updates his map with what he can see in the morning light, in case he missed something as dusk fell. Then he gauges the weather, sensing the likelihood of a long wet day, or a damp morning.

Already prepared from having nothing else to do while not getting any sleep, Remar watches and waits as everyone starts their morning rituals.  He sits unmoving and stares unblinking right through oblivion, daydreaming about the past.

Rituals.  In the beginning, it was the daily, rigorous mental drills.  Over and over, we were told:  “It’s the only way to prime yourselves to be proper power vessels.  An efficient energy conduit is a happy conduit.  Besides, couldn’t have you’s manipulating forces outright?  Why, you’d likely explode all unprepared and such.  Now, you wouldn’t want us to have to pick up all your messy pieces, now would you there son?”

It was something akin to how a warrior runs through physical drills to hone his muscles so they remember the proper movements without thinking.  The killing movements.  For us, it was on command.  That was me.  Half attack-dog, half living artillery in service to some blah-ditty- blah noble or another in their “army.”  Yeah right.  I was a slave.

He reflects on his choice.  The opportunity that presented itself the day his squad was leveled and only he, somehow remained.

An easy choice.  Though I left that all behind, I seem to have also left some of the basics behind that maybe I shouldn’t have.  Those basics that would have been useful to my friends up until this point.  Those times when we could have better prevailed had I a clearer head.  If I didn’t stop and hesitate.  Those basics that ultimately will help me become stronger…

I need to get back to that.  To keeping my mind flexed...taut.

Good idea!  We cud work at it togetha an’ figua out ‘ow ta get stronga than tha’ Witch.

Sure.  Sparring partners.

In my fracking head.

Why not?

Griffin sees the mage, oblivious, staring into space as the rest of the team mounts up. “Remar?” There is no response. He barks, “REMAR!” The young Alphatian starts, then looks around. The camp is cleaned, Brother Draven has finished his morning prayers, and all are sitting on their horses or lizards. His eyes slowly focus on the warrior. “Huh?”

Griffin tips his head in the direction of the unexplored valley. “You coming?”

“Y...yeah, I’m just waiting on….”  Remar stops and looks around at the empty camp and everyone mounted up.  “Oh.  Sorry Griff.  I didn’t sleep well last night and...”  He pauses to approach his lizard correctly so as not to irritate it and mounts up.  Someone else was kind enough to apply its tack, harness, and saddle.  “Nevermind.  I’m ready.  Let’s go.”

What Was That?

The rain and rocky terrain of the southern valley spur slows the Company down a little bit, but still they press on. It is estimated that they are covering a little more than one mile per hour. By lunch time, the ancient road they had been following disappears.

After the Company has stopped for a quick bite to eat, a loud crashing sound comes from the valley wall up above to the west. A large outcropping a good ways up above the valley floor has crumbled and come tumbling down the valley wall. It is not near enough to cause any harm to the Company or its mounts, but the sound does spook all the animals, causing a further delay in the travels.

Rockslide!

As everyone begins to move on, Stephan sits still on his mount, staring up at where the rocks came crashing down. Griffin pulls up next to him and looks up at the valley wall as well. “Did you see it too?” Griffin asks the older Traladaran.

“Yea,” Stephan replies. “Don’t know what I saw, but I saw something move out from behind that rocky outcropping just after it fell.” Griffin nods to him, having noticed the same thing. He urges his mount forward and quietly tells each of his companions that both he and Stephan saw something moving up on the valley wall about a half mile away. The distance, timing and rain made it impossible to see what it was, but there was no doubt that both men saw “something” moving up there among the rocks and vegetation.

Draven nudges his steed to the two men, unconsciously trying to shade his eyes under his pot helm with his now-missing right hand while fingering his mace with his left. He grimaces, and shades with the left hand instead.  “Shall we detour back and around, or trust in the Twelve to see us safely forward?”

Griffin shakes his head. “No, we press on. Just stay alert. We don’t know what was up there, but better safe than sorry.” He thinks for a moment. “Maybe spread out a bit more - less chance an avalanche will catch several of us.”

The Company explores the far reaches of the valley

The day’s travel is hard and no other dangerous signs have been seen. The end of the valley is finally spotted but it will take another day of hiking to reach it. One positive benefit, though, as the Company was passing the bend in the valley, they were able to do a little foraging and hunting in the small forest nestled in there. The rain keeps falling steadily during the day but a while before sundown the group comes across a rocky hollow near the stream in the center of the valley. It looks big enough to camp in, though the horses and lizards might have to be hobbled in nearby sheltered areas.

Draven takes stock of his companions as they all work together to set up camp.  Seeing their relatively beleaguered state, and listening to the groans as they force sore muscles to work, he offers to handle the evening’s hunting efforts.  “Rest, my friends” the young cleric says; “I will try to gather fresh food this evening.”

The scruffy looking and yawning Alphatian steps forward, “I can hit stuff tired, with my eyes closed, and without much effort.  Call it...ritualistic practice.  I’ll go with and bring down a bird or two.”

Griffin checks out the campsite. “With the horses and lizards, I’m thinking we won’t be that hard to find, if someone is looking. So get comfy, and I think we can cover most approaches if we do our watches from, oh, I dunno, there, or over there.” He indicates some higher ground on either side of the site.

Griffin gathers the team around for a quick chat. “I’d like to rearrange the watches a bit tonight. Stefan and I definitely saw someone or something that triggered that rockfall. I’ve been getting the feeling for a while that we might be being followed. I was thinking that come nightfall, Ree and I might take a short hike up to the ridge over there, see if we can catch a glimpse of our elusive neighbor. Could be nothing. Sound okay?”

Draven nods, agreeing.  “Take care when you do.  Perhaps during my watch, so I am awake if you find yourselves confronted or hurt.”

Draven keeps himself busy, trying to do as much work to set up camp as he can to let the others relax a bit. He is happy that he was able to take down a good sized bird and hopes Marcel can make it nice and tasty.

Late Night Stroll

Later that evening, after a nice meal around a warm fire, Griffin finds Ree and talks to her about heading out to do some scouting. Ree gives him some story about wanting to finish going over something in her spellbook with Remar and Iris, trying to figure out a new spell and apologize for not being available for scouting. Griffin ponders his options.

Remar can’t help but beam as he goes about his evening preparations, even given the roots of this most tiresome day.  After all, his evening plans are to help the two most attractive, magically inclined ladies he’s ever laid eyes on, study-up on some of the finer points of magic cryptography.  I mean, what could be hotter?

Well,  maybe a fully invigorated breathe fire spell. But who does that?

Be sure to check your breath

Oh, good point.  Thanks.

Almost is if in response to Remar’s thoughts, Ree hops up and calls to Griffin, “I changed my mind, I’ll come with you. My pages keep getting dripped on anyway!” She hurries off without a glance back at Remar and Iris.

Griffin is surprised, but grins. “Well, okay then. We’ll head out after sundown.” He’s glad he enjoyed a hearty dinner. Gonna need some energy tonight!

Well, darn.  The Mage thinks to himself.  Was it something I said?  Oh well.  At least Iris is still here.  Remar looks back over to Iris and tries not to blush.  “Hey Iris.  W-w-we can always still go over some of the finer points of the mystic arts if you’d still like to.  I know I’d still like to.  I mean, I’d still like to compare notes with you of course.  Maybe we could go somewhere nearby, but out of the way, out of the drips?  Don’t blush, don’t blush, don’t blush… Remar looks around for a suitable location.

Iris looks surprised, and glances behind herself as though checking to see if Remar is speaking to someone else.  Fumbling for words, she says, “Oh!  Ah, sure...sure!  That sounds like a fine idea,” Idiot, he already said fine.  Way to use your words, Iris. “Some place dry would be nice!” She awkwardly grabs her things and waits for Remar to lead the way.

Draven rests near the fire, taking the time to unroll and change the bandages covering his right hand. While uncovered, he does his best to hide the unsightly feature from his companions for fear of upsetting them while blessed Chardastes’ will is done. He flexes the fingers as best he can, then replaces the old bandages with fresh. He adds a small stone to grasp this time, to begin gently rebuilding his grip strength during their travel.

Draven's creepy baby hand

Draven settles down for the night, waiting for his turn at watch, and keeping a wary ear out for any disturbances from the direction Ree and Griffin. He fishes his worn copy of the Book of Twelve Stars from its tight bundle in his baggage, reading quietly to himself from the Path of the Light. He glances across the camp to Remar and Iris, smiling at their studious endeavor. Their efforts would be pleasing to holy Ixion, he thinks. Such dedication bodes well for their eternal reward.

Barring calls for help from Griffin and Ree, Draven will study his scriptures for an hour or so, then pack it back up into his bags and turn in to rest until his watch actually starts.

After Remar casts the Mystic Mist spell to protect the campsite, Griffin and Ree head off to do a little scouting. The night is very dark, no moon shines in the sky but Griffin’s enchanted necklace sheds just enough light for the two to see by. After a while, they make it up to what appears to be a goat trail about a quarter mile away from camp. They are a good distance up the side of the rocky slope and from this distance cannot tell exactly where the camp is down below. “The Mystic Mist is doing a good job of obscuring the view,” Ree says. “If it were just a little brighter out, and we were at a lower elevation, I might be able to see the smoke rising from the camp, but from up here, without some magic, there is no way to see the camp. That’s good.” She smiles and begins to look around for signs of whatever it might have been that was following them.

Back down in the camp, everyone is winding down, most preparing to try to get some sleep. The rain has stopped, at least for the time being and everyone is thankful for that. As Draven puts his prayer books away, he hears the sound of rocks scraping together nearby. As he angles his head try to hear it better, some of the horses become agitated. He hears the sound of rocks scrapping again and the snap of a twig, as if someone were moving carelessly through the brush nearby. He turns to alert his companions, but Stephan is already crouched and moving toward him, his finger in front of his lips. Draven can see Remar and Iris also crouched nearby and looking out to the darkness surrounding the camp.

It could just be Griffin and Ree returning from their scouting mission.

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 

and +Jason Woollard as The DM