Grand Duchy 98

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 98
August 23, 2016

Journey to the Vault

Tserdain 6th Klarmont

An Awkward Conversation

After a long day of research and planning, the Grey Company, with the help from a few Hutaakan's, decide they are going to hit the trail at first light the following morning. Kaisex, the Hutaakan Wildsteward has plotted a course that he thinks will safely get the group to the Vault of Elders.

Kasiex indicates on Griffin's map.

Kasiex says ”Some of our travel will follow goat trails through the edges of the mountains. It will take us about 2 days to get there on foot. You can bring those dirty lizards if you like, they can carry supplies.”

Draven says “Will the lizards be able to walk safely on the goat trails, Kasiex?”

Iris looks at Griffin

Iris says “We still don't know where the silver bowl is though, right?”

Remar says “I know where it shouldn't be… In the vault. Otherwise, we wouldn't need a ritual long forgotten to get into it. Kifein remembers the bowl being in the Temple of Plfarr. So if she doesn't also remember it getting stashed into the Vault…”

Draven says “I hold some hope that the bowl is still in the temple, just not where we can easily get to it.”

Remar says “Like, in that fire-ringed pit or something?”

Remar 's eyes gleam a little

Draven says “Anything is possible, I suppose…”

Kifein says "The bowl should be in the Temple of Plfarr. "

Draven says “It was not where we were told to expect it, but I have hope that with his better understanding of your ways, Kasiex will be able to help guide us to it.”

Kifein says "Only someone blessed by Pflarr could have taken the bowl from the temple. It is said to have been in the temple when we lost control of the temple. I imagine one of the remaining priestesses hid it. Once we retrieve the tome from the Vault of Elders and we are ready to perform the ritual, we should be able to locate it."

Kifein says “Is there anything I can get you before this evening is done? Equipment and supplies will be ready to go in the morning.”

Remar says “MAGIC ITEMS HAVE YOU?”

Draven says “Provisions would be helpful, of course. Kasiex, on this route, will we need rope or climbing gear?”

Kifein looks at Remar, then gets a better translation from Iris, who seems to be mastering the Traldar tongue with ease.

Kifein says “We do not have many items of enchantment. Most have been lost to us in time. Pflarr blesses us to enchant items but of a more mundane nature, nothing that would be helpful to this quest.”

Kasiex says “All the necessary equipment will be made ready. I see you lack a hand. Climbing must be difficult for you. I hope you do not fall and die.”

Iris gasps and smiles nervously

Draven says “You needn't worry about me. I live under the protection of my gods. You'll find I'm full of surprises.”

Kasiex cocks an ear up at Iris's reaction. "I am sorry if I have offended you. I hope none of you fall and die."

Remar tries to follow the fast moving conversation in Traldar

Iris forces a short laugh and says, "Well I'm looking forward to a nice long hike tomorrow!"

Remar says “He hopes we fall and die?”

Iris says “Oh no---no, he hopes we don't…”

Remar says “Guys, can you tell him again that I'm really sorry for mucking up that translation earlier”

Iris apologizes once more to Kasiex on Remar's behalf

Kasiex narrows his eyes and gives Remar a glare.

Remar says ”REMAR COMMANDS HUTAAKAN”

Iris facepalms

Iris says ”Remar, really---what are you trying to say”

Remar says ”That I don't have command of the language yet. Why, isn't that what I said?”

Iris says ”I mean...it was a little close”

Remar says ”You have to give me some credit...I've learned this much from none in what...about a week?”

Iris laughs

Iris says ”You're right, you're doing wonderfully! It's just that...the things you are saying are coming across as very...aggressive”

Remar says ”Though, you obviously are either a faster learner with language or have studied this before Iris. You all are for that matter. I wonder what's wrong with me”

Iris looks at Remar incredulously and says “Really? I'm good with languages, sure! It's a hobby; I'm glad I'm decent at it. But you can immolate things nearly at will”

Remar says ”Oh, no. Not at will. I'm still working up to that”

Remar smiles

Iris says ”Wow---I was using the expression loosely, but you think you can do that?”

Remar says ”Where there's a will…”

Iris snorts

Remar says “Lore has it that there's a spell for instance that could potentially allow it's master to set anything ablaze just by setting their eyes on something”

As the group beds down for the night, Griffin comes to Draven and shows him that his necklace has stopped glowing.

Draven says "Good that you brought this now. I can set you up with a light again before morning prayers."

After some brief chanting, the necklace again glows with the faint light of a candle.

Moldain 7th Klarmont

Have a Nice Trip, See Ya Next Fall

The next morning everyone rises and prepares to head out. Kaisex has already been out on one scouting mission earlier that morning to make sure there were no unwanted watchers around.

Kasiex says “The first 4 miles or so will be across some rugged mountainous paths. Be very careful. I will tie a rope between each of you. Do not tie these to the lizards, they will not fall. Disgusting, stinky beasts, but they are good on the trail.”

The climb is rough and the sun beats down, tiring everyone out, but all is good.... until....

Somehow, during a rest time, while untied from his rope, Firewild, er, I mean Stephen slips over the edge.

Stephen yells "Ahhh!"

Remar reacts quickly, casting a spell even as his friend falls.

Stephan floats back up over the edge. The crotch of his pants is noticeably wet.

Iris looks on wide eyed

Remar says “Is...this...a good time....to talk about...steading shares.....Stephen?”

Iris creeps away from the edge

Remar floats him to safety

Stephan says "Uh, um, thank you, friend. Im not sure what happened there. I just felt a little light headed and stumbled, next thing I knew I was floating in the air."

Draven says “Truly the gods are looking out for you, Stephan.”

Iris says “I think you ought to drink some water”

Kasiex keeps an eye on Stephan. "I am glad you did not fall and die."

Iris says “It may help with the lightheadedness”

Kasiex says “Nice magic you do.” in very accented Traldar.

Iris laughs nervously

Remar nods a thanks to Kasiex

Remar says “SHOULD SEE ME NOT-NICE MAGIC,” in loud and stilted Traldar, thinking that the louder and slower he speaks, the easier for Kasiex to understand him.

Remar laughs

Iris laughs and says, "I think you got that one spot on"

Remar walks over to Stephen and claps him on the back

The Long Hike Across the Valley

The rest of the hike is easier. Several groups of goats flee away from the approaching hikers and their lizard friends. Just before coming down the last sloping trail, Kasiex points out to the west, right through where the mountains come down and a smaller rocky outcropping. "Ronkan. Our true home. Past that, you can see the Temple."

Kasiex says “We will watch from here for a moment to see if there are any long range Traldar scouts. This is about the extent of their range, but some of those dirty savages go farther from time to time. As much as I would like to run into some of them, it would not help our mission.

You can see a few groups of figures moving about in the far distance near two ruined towns closer to Ronkan but nothing up close. We will hike across the valley and then up into the mountains a bit to make our camp for the night.”

Draven says, in Thyatian to those who speak it, “I will count on you all to help me stay his hand if we do run into any Traldar, and to stop them from violence as well.”

Remar says “Definitely Draven” as he pants and wheezes

Iris says, also in Thyatian, “Absolutely, Draven. Diplomacy!”

Draven says “It may be that we are called here to bring peace to a valley that has known little but all consuming war for ages. It is the least we can do.”

The sun keeps getting hotter and hotter, and Remar seems to be struggling with the hike. He is sweating, he keeps getting rocks in his shoes, causing the group to stop.

By the time the group makes it to the mountains on the other side of the valley, Remar is about wiped out. Kasiex leads the group up to a sandy cave about 100 feet up the side of the mountain. It is dry and cool and relatively comfortable, though not quite comfortable for Remar to shake his exhaustion from the day.

That night, Iris's necklace and Marcel's shield both go dark. Marcel tells Draven he does not have to re-light his shield at this time.

After some brief casting by the young priest, Iris's necklace begins to glow with a soft, divine light.

Iris says “Many thanks, Draven”

Draven says “Of course. It is my duty to be a light in dark places.”

Kasiex says “We will reach the Vault tomorrow evening, it should still be light, but not for long. The Vault lies up on the slope, many steps to reach it.”

Remar winces at the words he understands...many steps

Griffin beds down first, to take the final watch of the night but he is restless and has trouble sleeping. When he does fall asleep, he is loud and snoring nearly the whole time.

Iris plugs her ears with her fingers

That night, the waxing half moon shines brightly in the valley below. Those that are awake at different times see numerous groups of figures wandering aimlessly through the valley. The restless dead. Even later that night, several Fire Beetles scurry around the outside of the cave, but are scared away by Griffin's snoring and uneasy sleep.

Nytdain 8th Klarmont

Boot Surprise!

Kasiex says “It might rain some today. See, heavy clouds coming in over the mountains.”

Just as the Company has packed up for the trip, a light steady rain begins to fall.

Iris says "I hope those steps aren't too smooth"

Griffin shrugs. "A cooler hike today, eh, Remar?"

Iris slips and fall face first into mud, jumps up sputtering

Remar says “Oh Gods not more hiking…”

Remar continues to have trouble with the all day hiking portion of the adventure. He finds he has some sort of dead animal in his shoe.

Remar says “No guys really, I have another rock in here. I know, I know I'm sorry. Lemme just empty this thing ouuuutttttOOOOOOHHH MY GOODNESS!!!”

Iris gags

Remar says “I...uh...I guess I didn't check my boots like I usually do in the morning before shoving them on”

Remar chuckles weakly in embarrassment

Draven says “No need to explain. You were just saving it for a snack later…”

Remar wonders if this is some sort of bad omen

Remar says “You can eat these? I had no idea”

Iris says “mutters under her breath, "Oh dear lord don't give Marcel any ideas"

Marcel says “Did someone say Chipmunk? My grandmother told me a great recipe…”

A Tense Meeting and Regret

Just as the group is ready to come down out of the mountains, Kasiex freezes and draws his bow, pointing the weapon down at the ruined village just below.

Kasiex whispers “Quiet! We have company”

Draven lays a hand on Kasiex's shoulder. "Easy, friend, what do you see?"

Just then, several Hutaakan, dressed like Kasiex appear. Two on the rocks above and 3 emerging from the village below. They all have long spears at the ready.

Kifien quickly holds up her hands and calls out to them in Hutaakan

There is some shouting back and forth between the newcomers and Kifien. Kaisex remains strangely quiet during this exchange. He lowers his bow but does not take the arrow off...

Kasiex 's eyes narrow and go from the Hutaakan to the Company and back to the Hutaakan

The arguing goes on for some time, then finally the other 5 Hutaakan leave. They go around the group and head up into the mountains, possibly back toward the campsite the Compnany just left

Draven says “That seemed... tense.”

Griffin says "Iris, any way you can get the gist of that?"

Iris does not understand anything but that the other Hutaakans were mad, possibly about your group

Remar watched for signs of differing standards of any kind that would highlight them as form a different army or tribe

Kasiex says “They did not like that we were with you. They claim that outsiders like you helped kill many Hutaakan 10 days ago.”

Iris whispers in Thyatian, “Well, are we going to talk about this to them, or let it go? Bad news does not age well”

Kifein says “I told them that it was not you but probably that wizard, Golthar, that followed you here.”

Draven says “The sooner we can help you to end the scourge of undead in the valley, the sooner we will earn their trust.”

Kasiex shakes his head at Draven's words. "Let us move on"

Draven adds, in Thyatian, “And we will make amends as best we can…”

Griffin says “Sounds good to me, Draven.”

The rain really slows the travel down. This end of the valley is quite low and the ground becomes a veritable swamp. Draven begins having flashbacks to a particular dream he had once. He keeps looking from side to side, as if watching for something to come rising up out of the muck...

Remar falls in beside Draven and, quietly, in Thyatian, “Brother...how does one unburden something like this from oneself?”

Draven says “I think it will be sufficient if we can help both of these peoples out. Justice is the first casualty in war, and they have known nothing but for so long.”

Remar says “Even if we appeared to have ready, fire, aimed?”

Draven says “In our defense, I think we all thought we were going to be facing the gnolls who had been pursuing us. Our mistakes were honest ones.”

Remar says “Well...they didn't look like Gnolls to me, but I still fired on. Maybe at some point...you all who speak better could help me in what I'd say to apologize”

Reaching the Foot of the Stairs

The group finally makes it across the swampy lowlands and back to the rocky spur of the mountains. Being less than 6 miles from Ronkan, the two Hutaakan urge care and stealth.

Kasiex says “The rain will not stop the Traldar, but it will keep them from going too far from their walls. They do not want to be caught out at night. Come, we have several more hours to climb up and over this mountain, then we will have to climb the stairs to the Vault of Elders.”

Griffin says “Lead on!”

After several more hours of intense hiking and climbing, the Company and their Hutaakan escorts reach the little stretch of land at the far western end of the valley. The rain has stopped somewhat and Kifein points up into the mountains. High up, probably a quarter mile or more, stonework can be seen. A weathered and broken, but wide stone stairway leads up along the side of the mountain.

As the group prepares for a long and gruelling climb, Remar decides to do a little scouting ahead. He speaks a few magical words and performs a simple set of motions with his hands then leaps from the ground, flying up the mountain, roughly following the stairs that lead to the Vault of Elders.

Cast of Characters: 

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

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

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

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

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

and +Jason Woollard as The DM

Grand Duchy 74

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 74
December 3, 2015

A Precarious Path

Moldain 21 Yarthmont

The Grey Company continues along the ancient road through the mountainous Black Peaks. This leg of their journey would present some difficult challenges for the intrepid adventurers. Instead of evil sorcerers, ravaging beasts or bloodthirsty hordes, the companions would face the mountains themselves. 

The first obstacle encountered is a stretch of broken road. The ancient roadway seems to have just crumbled from the side of the mountain, leaving a rugged and rocky gap to cross. Not wanting to take any chances, the Company unloaded each animal and made numerous trips back and forth, using two people to help each horse across. The process took several hours but in the end it paid off as everyone made it across safely.

A little further along the road, another obstacle rears its ugly head. This time, a rock-slide has covered the road. Careful study of the situation leads the Company to believe that this is not as dire as the missing road from earlier in the day. The members of the company dismount and carefully lead their own mounts across the jumbled rocks and make it with no troubles at all except the extra time taken to step carefully.

The final obstacle to cross came in the form of a very narrow path that hugged against the cliff wall to the right and dropped away to the Foamfire River valley to the left. The ledge itself was no more than a foot or two wide at best and became even more narrow in many places. The horses would not even approach the ledge on their own and had to be coaxed by Griffin and Iris and blindfolded before they would even make the attempt.

It was getting late in the day and it was decided in the interest of time that the horses not be unloaded for this crossing as that would no doubt lead to trying to cross at least half the horses in the dark. The first six horses went over easily but something happened on the last crossing and Firewild, Griffin's mount, took a bad step and went stumbling off the ledge. They young Thyatian tried with all his might to hold the lead rope as his mount slipped away but he could not maintain his grip. Griffin watched as his mount, the second one he had lost recently, died on the rocks below.

After an emotional moment, Griffin readied his long climbing rope and went down to try to salvage any gear he could. Draven, using his magical boots of levitation, joined him. Most everything was salvageable, though some of the food supplies were smashed beyond use. 

With night falling soon, the Company moved forward and found a decent place to camp for the night. They could also see, further up along the trail, past several loops and switch-backs, a large high bridge that would need to be crossed sometime in the next day. While camp was being set up, several large and hungry Fire Beetles ambled into camp and made aggressive moves toward some members. They glowing bugs were squashed quickly and efficiently by the companions.

A quartet of Fire Beetles assaults the Company

Nytdain 22 Yarthmont

The rain starts falling a few hours before sunrise making everything just wet enough to ruin a decent night's sleep. Soggy and groggy, the Company rolls out of camp and continues quietly along the ancient Hutaakan road. Though none says it aloud, some in the Company are beginning to doubt the viability of the current mission. Supplies are low, transportation is low, energy is low and no one even knows if they are close to their destination.

By mid-day the Company arrives at the bridge they had seen the night before. It is a long, wide expanse stretching across a deep gorge between two of the Black Peaks. Carefully, the Company begins to cross and right as they are about halfway across, shrill cries come from above and two large, dark shapes come swooping in. Griffons! The horses immediately panic and several bolt as the eagle headed lions lunge for horse flesh. Half of the Company quickly adopts defensive postures while the others try to wrangle the horses. Crossbow bolts fly and Remar sends bolt after magical bolt into the flying beasts. After just a few moments, the Griffons are driven off and the horses are brought back under control and led to the far side of the bridge. Someone makes an attempt to joke about being attacked by a Griffin, but the rain has nearly washed everyone's sense of humor away.

Griffons attack the Grey Company as they cross a desolate bridge in the Black Peaks.

Cast of Characters: 

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

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

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

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

and +Jason Woollard as The DM

Precis - The Grey Company faces challenging terrain along their path through the Black Peaks. One wrong step sends a valued member of the group to death far below. If that wasn't enough, the next day brings dangers from above as well!

Grand Duchy 73

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 73
November 20 - December 2, 2015

The High Road

Moldain 21st Yarthmont

The First Step

The Grey Company stands at the beginning of what looks to be an ancient road that leads up into the rocky and unwelcoming Black Peaks. The sun shines warmly though an occasional cold breeze sneaks past, reminding everyone that they are not just going for a walk through a peaceful meadow. The horses seem well rested and are in cheerful moods, no doubt due to the fact that the food supplies they have been carrying are diminishing rapidly.

After a few minutes of climbing up the old road, the mountains on the left fall away to reveal the Foamfire River down below. The road keeps climbing up through the mountains, in most cases a sheer rock wall stretching up to the right and a steep, rocky slope down to the river on the left. Even at this height, a fall from the road could prove deadly and ahead, the track continues to rise into the peaks.

Remar, Iris and Ree all stand together, looking at the two items picked up from the debris in the bridge tower. “Well, the scroll is definitely magical, but this crystal wand doesn’t look magical at all. It’s finely crafted and feels nice and sturdy, but not magical.” Remar waves it around over his head, pretending to cast a spell, “See, no magic. It does have some etchings in it, though. Here, around this smooth part. They look like little bells or something.”

Meanwhile, Iris carefully examines the scroll tube. She unstoppers it and slides the rolled parchment out slowly. “It looks like a spell scroll, but I’m not familiar with the language, looks old though. I think I’ve seen something like it before, but I can’t read it. Think it might be Taymoran. Some of these symbols on the tube look like something from that civilization.”

“Keep that ‘wand’ safe - it might well be a key rather than a wand, or otherwise situationally useful. Before we go, let me hold it for a moment, to test the sanctity and orientation of the object, if it has any.”

Taking the wand briefly and opening his mind to it, Draven recognizes that it is in fact a holy object of some type. Seeing it in a new light, he tries to make out the symbols, to see if they jog his memory about any divinity in particular, or otherwise indicate an allegiance associated with the wand.

“I think, perhaps, I should hold onto this one, actually. There’s divine provenance to it, though it will take some research and attuning of the object to know for sure.”

Griffin looks at the mages and shrugs. “Iris, why don’t you hang on to the scroll. Draven, keep the wand until we can get back to civilization. Maybe it’ll be worth something there.”

Griffin looks up the ancient road. “Based on the guardians, I think we are the first people to have made it this far in a long time. All new territory. Hopefully those guardians will deter any followers, either gnoll or Golthar. But it’s still uncharted territory. Food’s low, so let’s forage as we go. Standard operating procedures, folks. I’ll take point.” Griffin readies his crossbow and kicks Firewild into a canter.

“I’ll take up the rear this time. We’ll want to make the best time we can, given our limited resources. It’ll be a balancing act either way.”

Iris beams at Griffin. “Oh, golly. I get to hold the scroll! Wait, I hope that didn't sound sarcastic.” She briefly looks to Griffin in concern, but then turns away in embarrassment realizing that nobody else thought to recognize her response as sarcasm. She can’t help but continue to grin, though -- this was what she left her home for.

Draven grins at Iris’s barely suppressed glee. “When we have the time for it, you’ll have to tell me about this scroll. Perhaps between us, with our disparate training and scholarship, can solve the riddle of the thing.”

The Company makes good time up along the mountain trail. Marcel and Ree seem a bit overly tired, but that is the way of the trail sometimes. Forage along the trail is quite sparse and animals and birds are quite infrequent.

The Stream

After about an hour on the trail, a wide stream cuts through the rock ahead of the Company. The water flows down the mountainside to the right and splashes across the narrow trail to become a waterfall, cascading down to the left, eventually splashing to the Foamfire River far below. The crossing looks quite treacherous. The group makes a quick study of the scene and thinks that the horses will be at a risk of falling if care is not given to their crossing. It is estimated that it will take about 5 minutes per horse to cross. Ideally each horse could be ridden across slowly, but moving slower, or leading the horse might make it easier.

A dangerous crossing.

“Griffin, you still have your ropes? I think I, of any of us honestly, can pave the way for the horses, and give us something extra to keep everyone on the straight and narrow,” says Draven.

Griffin looks quizzically at the young priest, but quickly pulls out his climbing gear. “Here you go, brother. What do you have in mind?”

Iris looks over to Draven and Griffin, and then back to the stream. None of her spells seem to be useful here - water is the crux of the matter, not fire, and direction or distance do not seem to be a concern. She ponders the situation, surveying the area around for any ideas.

Griffin eyes the crossing. It seemed that Brother Draven had a handle on this, so he turns his thoughts to other things. He realizes that the crossing would be the perfect time for an ambush, and tried to assess their options to deal with that.

Iris studies the water hazard in front of the Company, trying to get an idea of the lay of the land beneath the rushing water. As Draven makes his way across with one end of the rope, she gets a better idea of what they are dealing with and calls out some advice to the others, pointing out some tricky spots and suggesting that the horses be led in a specific, zig-zag path across when the time comes.

Meanwhile, Griffin surveys the surrounding area, picking out quite a few potential areas that could provide ample ambush spots both above on the cliffs to the right and a few places down below on the left that could possibly be hiding places as well. The young Thyatian realizes that their biggest problem here will be time. The packed horses should be able to be ridden over in about 5 minutes each, but that still will take over a half an hour. Dismounting and leading the horses one by one will add a little bit to this time but unloading the horses and leading them over will at least double the time needed. He tries to calculate the odds of danger from rushing across verses taking their time and being careful but he just cannot decide which is worth it.

Draven makes it to the other side of the water and tries securing his end of the rope to a small, stunted tree growing out of a crack in the cliff wall to the right. He leans against his rope, hoping to give it some additional support and signals to the others that this side is as secure as he can make it.

Iris will aid the crossing of the horses by carefully using some of her magic to soothe the animals, limiting herself so she does not push herself into exhaustion. She desperately hopes that this will make things easier.

As the plans for the horse crossing gets completed, Stephan steps up and says, “I’ll lead Ruby over first. I think I’ll walk her, were not in that much of a hurry are we?” He carefully steps into the flowing water, pulling the lead of his mount close behind him. The two take their time and easily make it to the far side in about 8 minutes. He turns and waves back, signaling for the next to come.

Remar hops up and says, “Well, hell, that didn’t look to hard. I’ll go next.” He urges his mount, Alpha, forward, speaking to her quietly as he attempts to ride her across. He keeps Draven’s safety line tucked under his arm as he directs his horse across the watery stretch of road.

Remar seems to be pushing his horse a little too quickly and he tries forcing her to take steps she does not want to, but in the end, they make it safely to the other side and join Stephan and Draven.

Marcel volunteers to go next. After seeing Remar’s struggle with his mount while riding, he decides to take it on foot and lead Roxanne. He grabs the safety line and leads his horse to the water. She dips her head and takes a long gulp of water before following him across. They pick their way carefully and shortly they are across, waving to the others to follow.

Ree looks around and shrugs as she decides she will go next. “What are we going to do about Draven’s horse? Try to take two at once, let him cross on his own or send someone back for it? I can do that once I get Chai safely over.” Without waiting for a reply, she urges her mount forward, attempting to ride her horse across the dangerous passage. Within five minutes, they are on the far side. Only Griffin and Iris remain on this side with their horses and Mr. Softie, Draven’s mount.

The safety line is also tied around a rock outcropping on this side of the water hazard. It seems to have been working ok, though no one has really had to use it yet and it does require a person leaning and pulling on it from both sides to provide the right angle and tension for it to be helpful. Unless someone else comes back over for the last mount, it will have to be untied and not utilized for the final trip.

Iris is happy to see that the horses have not been upset or worried at all about making the crossing, no doubt because they do not really understand the consequences of falling. To them, it just appears to be any normal stream that they are used to crossing any given day.

Griffin clears his throat to say something to Iris when sound and movement from above catches his attention. He turns and looks, raising his loaded crossbow in time to see a large dark shape plummeting down toward him. The motion and sound of the object suggests something flying at him and he fires his crossbow at it before stepping aside. A loud squawk can be heard and feathers fly as a large, fat bird crashes down upon the trail near where he had been standing. The bird, a turkey by the looks of it, skitters across the trail then tries again to lift off before plummeting over the edge of the trail. Everyone watches as the bird bounces, feathers flying, from rock to rock until it disappears in the distance below.

Griffin continues to be anxious. As soon as the turkey business is over, he looks at Iris and nods his head to the far side. “Let’s send Mr. Softie across, then you follow. I’ll be right on your tail. I don’t like being separated from the others for so long. We’re sitting ducks, or turkeys maybe, here on this ledge of a road!”

Iris nods and decides to use her magic to help out Mr. Softie on his solo trek across the top of the waterfall. She pulls his lead close and speaks some magical words, waving her hands above the horse’s head then pats his mane and urges him forward. She watches anxiously as the horse cautiously picks its path across. After several minutes, he reaches the other side. Draven takes his lead and presses his face into the horse’s neck.

Iris lets out a sigh of relief then leans down and speaks into the ear of her mount, Duke. “Alright, boy, let’s do this. We don’t need any magic, do we? We can make it across, right? Just you and me. Let’s go!” She leans forward and Duke takes a few steps into the water.

Almost immediately, Iris starts to panic. Duke is not following her commands and getting upset. He steps onto a loose rock and it gives under his weight. The horse starts to panic and hops forward. Iris holds on for dear life and tries to calm her mount but it does not work. Duke slides a bit then rears back and tries to take a few steps back.

Not willing to risk her mount, nor herself, Iris drops the reins and quickly begins chanting the words she knows that will calm the scared horse carrying her. Almost even before she finishes the words, she feels Duke relax beneath her. He slows and then stops, bending his head down to take a loud slurp of water. Iris stifles a chuckle as she looks off to her left. Just a few feet further the water rushes over the rocky edge of the ancient Hutaakan road and crashes down a steep, rocky wall to join the Foamfire River far below.

She picks up the reins again but does not direct her mount forward. Instead, she speaks quietly to him, “Whenever you’re ready, Duke. Take your time.” The horse throws its head back and lets out a playful snort then begins to move again. Soon, Duke and Iris are safely on the far side of the wide stream. She wipes the sweat from her brow and kisses Duke on the back of the head. She turns to wave to Griffin and sees that he has already untied the safety rope and is making his way across. Draven and Stephan are slowly taking in the slack as their companion and his horse make their way across.

Griffin and Firewild are nearly to the other side when a slick rock causes a misstep. Griffin’s stomach drops as his horse lunges forward, braying loudly. Fearing for a fall, Griffin leaps off the horse’s saddle and yanks the reins away from the precipice a few yards away. The mountain water is cold, nearly freezing as it rushes past his legs, soaking him all the way to his seat. Fortunately, the horse does not fall over, it just sits there, leaning forward, on one knee in the water. It bleats and looks at Griffin with pain in its eyes. As he approaches, Griffin can see blood in the water. It looks as if Firewild has cut himself on a jagged rock. He helps the horse forward and the beast limps weakly to the far side. The company is finally past this obstacle, though not all made it unscathed.

Cast of Characters: 

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

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

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

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

and +Jason Woollard as The DM

Precis - The Grey Company enters the Black Peaks, following an ancient Hutaakan roadway in search of some long lost treasure. What they find is a difficult hike along a dangerous mountain river valley. 

Grand Duchy 64

Grand Duchy of Adventure

Session 64August 20 - September 9, 2015

Daybreak Over Death's Head Valley

Tserdain 20 Yarthmont

Waking After A Long Night

The Grey Company drags themselves out of bed in the morning after a long night of Manticore trouble. After losing two horses to the beast, the Company had believed they had tracked it to its lair in an abandoned tower nearby but as they approached the tower, a mutilated horse leg was dropped on them from high up in the air. A quick search of the tower showed that the Manticore, Shifirax, may have used it to bed down from time to time, but it definitely wasn’t it’s permanent lair. Frustrated that their newest enemy seems to have escaped, the Company heads back to the campsite to tell the others what they have found.

The news that the Manticore is not in the immediate vicinity is well received by the Company, but just to be safe, they added a third member to the rest of the night’s watches, even though it would mean tired souls the next day. After the night they had already experienced, there was no getting around that anyway.

Old Gren moves through the camp, waking everyone up. The smell of his burnt coffee not quite enticing enough to spur movement. The camp was still dark and only the tallest mountain peaks to the west had the morning’s light on them. “Come on now, ya’ll want to get down into and across that valley today, right? Now’s the best time to be going.” He spits on the ground and behind him, on the edge of the camp, his mount, the sturdy moose Bullwinkle, snorts and spits on the ground as well, as if punctuating Gren’s comment.

“You all expecting company? Maybe some backup? Went backtrackin’ a bit earlier this morning, before the sun was up. Saw what looked to be two or three campfires down at the start of the trail that we climbed yesterday. Not many folk come up here, ‘specially not so many folk as would need three campfires,” the old ranger muses. He looks around at the waking Company then over toward the tied up horses. He turns and looks down into the Death’s Head Valley. 

As the morning sun burns away the night, a misty white fog rolls down off the colder peaks and clings to the lower lying places, making the green and brown valley look mystical and mysterious.

Old Gren turns back to Griffin, Draven, Marcel and Iris while the others break camp, “I’ve been thinking, it’s not looking like a good idea to take this whole group across the valley, not with missing several horses. I can lead ya down to the valley floor, then double back with the three youngins, maybe one more if ye’ think ye’ can spare ‘im. That’ll give ya one mount a piece. I can lead them back up and around, maybe even lead whoever is following us in the wrong direction. The fog down there is a good thing,too, but it’ll no doubt burn off completely in a few hours. Best to take advantage of it while you can.” He crosses his arms and looks to the exhausted Company for their decision.

Yawning and knuckling his eyes, Draven missed once more the quiet comforts of the church back in Verge. Considering old Gren’s words, Draven looks to the others. “I can see the potential benefits in a bit of subterfuge, as well as narrowing the number of riders.” He grimaces once more as he takes another bit of Gren’s coffee, tasting the grounds and something else mixed in, no doubt for ‘rustic flavor’ underneath. 

Old Gren sees Draven choking down his coffee and chuckles. “That’ll put hair on yer chest, boy. Make a real man out of ya!” He thumps his chest a few times and grunts. “Good stuff, ehh?” He spits on the ground, nearly splattering Draven’s foot with an ugly mess of brownish black spit.

Iris likes to think in the morning. What she’s thinking about right now is that morning is her least favorite time of the day. Groaning out loud, she wallows in resignation as she waters her dry mouth with some strange concoction courtesy of Old Gren. Looking to her companions, she decides to remain quiet and let the others make some sort of decision. She’d much rather not think. This is morning and it’s a morning after a run-in with some strange beast. She’d rather be anywhere but here.

Griffin nods as he grunts at Old Gren’s proposal. “Yea, I was thinking something along those lines last night. If you can get the three amigos back safe to civilization, we’ll press on.

He takes a sip of “coffee” and grimaces as he turns to Old Gren. “Unfortunately, no, we’re not expecting backup. There’s another party that’s interested in what we’re up to here - I imagine they’re who you saw. And you should avoid them at all costs. They’re not very nice folk, and I hear they have a fondness for moose steaks.” In the distance, they hear Bullwinkle snort.

“Now if you can slow them up at all without risking yourselves, by all means. But they’re dangerous, and sneaky. Be careful.”

Griffin packs his gear up quickly. He sees Burik grabbing a cup of Old Gren’s morning brew. Might as well get this over with. He grabs his saddlebags and starts walking over to the horses, away from the rest of the party. “Hey, Burik, can I get a hand over here?”

The young swordsman follows, his cup cradled in his hands. “What’s up, Griff?” 

Griffin slings his saddlebags over the back of his new mount and turns to face his old friend. Straight to the point, I guess.

“Here’s the deal. Golthar is at the bottom of the mountain. The time for stealth is over, so we need to make the best time we can. There are seven horses, and eleven of us. Marcel’s kids are obvious choices to head back with Old Gren. That reduces things to eight.”

It is obvious that Burik can see where this is going. “Now wait a minute. I’ve been in this from the beginning.” 

"You keep trying to cut me out of the action, cut me out of the payoff. Do you think I can't do this or something?" Burik's voice raises and Griffin sees his friend's face getting flush and his hands clench into fists. Griffin immediately flashes back to that incident in the Susikyn yard.

Seeing tempers flare, Draven steps forward, interposing himself between the passionate duo. “Burik, stop and think. You know good and well that we don’t want to get rid of you. You’ve been essential to this whole team from the beginning.” Taking his arm and steering him away from the others he lowers his voice. “Consider where we find ourselves? Only enough horses for a fraction of us, and the others hot on our heels. Someone has to stay behind, and those three lads of Marcel’s are the logical choice. But we can’t send them on their own, and we barely know Old Gren, right? Are you going to trust the lives of those boys to him? Who in this company can match you for self-sufficiency?” 

Burik wheels around on Draven, arms raised in front of him, and for a moment the priest thinks he is going to hit him but then Burik’s shoulders slump and a weak grin crosses his face. He looks over his shoulder toward where Rood and Sen are folding up the tent, then looks back to Draven. “Yea, you’re right. It makes sense. I need to keep an eye on the boys, watch the Company’s back.” He looks back at Griffin as he starts to walk away. “This is considered an active role, not a sideline. I still get a full share when you get back. And of course, you all will get a full share of whatever spoils I claim after taking out the yellow wizard!” He chuckles and goes to remove his gear from the horses and tell the boys what the plan is.

Well, color me surprised. Iris watches the ongoings in silence, secretly surprised in her companions’ resourcefulness once again. She didn’t think even a giant spider could get that man out of their hair. She flashes a smirk to Draven when she catches his eye and mouths “Good job.”

Griffin breathes a sigh of relief. Well, that went better than I expected. He turns to Draven, speaking softly. “My thanks, Brother. Burik and I go way back, and sometimes it’s easy to fall into old habits. I probably would have said what you did, but I think he heard it differently coming from someone else.”

He sweeps the camp with his eyes and sees nothing left to do. “Old Gren, we’ll meet you back at your place when we’re done here. Hopefully that won’t be too long.” He looks at his friend chatting with the youngsters. “Burik, give ‘em hell.” His friend nods and grins. Griffin turns his horse and starts moving down the slope into the valley.  “Okay, folks, let’s get going. The time for stealth is over. This is a race!”

Preparations are made quickly as the sun rises higher and higher, though still directly unseen by the Grey Company due to their location and proximity to the nearest mountain peak. Old Gren explains that most of the trip down into the valley will have to be on foot due to the treacherous and narrow trails, so those without mounts won’t be holding the party up at all anyway. 

The plan is to hightail it to the bottom where Old Gren will then lead Burik and the three boys back up an alternate trail that hooks back around toward Brokeneck Gap and give them a view of the trail down into the Death’s Head Valley. Once they see that the pursuing group has descended into the valley, they will head back toward Old Gren’s hut near Northolt and wait for the Company there.

Have a Nice Trip, See Ya Next Fall

As the group begins to descend, most of the view of the valley gets cut off by the surrounding walls, though Old Gren points out the various places along the slope to the left where he plans to watch for the other group. Though the trail is narrow and steep, the descent into the valley does not take that long at all, though it is more difficult for some, Marcel most of all.

When nearly at the bottom of the trail, the warrior Marcel takes a bad step and stumbles. In attempting to steady himself, he steps on loose rocks on the edge of the trail. The rocks crumble out from under his heavy boot and the Traladaran pitches right over the edge of the trail. He falls about 5 feet before hitting an outcropping of rock, bounces, then slides another 15 or so feet down a very steep section of mountain. He stops, lodged behind a small, gnarled bush growing out from behind a precariously balanced boulder. Loose rocks and gravel go showering down the slope, making quite a clatter. 

When the dust settles, Marcel is laying at a very awkward angle, wedged behind the bush and the rock, unmoving. Old Gren freezes and holds his hand up indicating for everyone to stop and be silent. He whispers, “Sound like this could echo through the valley, might alert any Gnolls nearby. We need to proceed with caution here. Your friend is hurt, but looks like he’s still breathing. It’s a bit of a distance from the trail below, so were gonna have to either climb down to him from here or work our way down and try to climb over to him.” He looks at Draven and Remar, “Unless one of you knows some good magic to use.” He looks over to Iris and Ree as well, “Ladies?”

Griffin stands at the edge, eyeing the trail, the steep slope, and Marcel’s precarious position. He pulls rope out of his pack and quickly lashes a bowline onto one end, which he hands to Burik. “You’re on belay. Just don’t move. I’ll go down and secure Marcel, then help guide him  as you all help bring him up.”  Burik nods and slips the loop over his shoulder, steps back from the edge and braces himself.

He turns to the young priest, “Draven, use your boots and meet me down there. You should look him over before we move him, get him as good you can. He’s out cold, so he may not be worth much getting himself back up.”

With that, he spins and begins the descent to his injured friend.

Not trusting to his voice not to betray his concern, Draven nods, and doesn’t wait for Griffin to begin his descent before beginning his own trip down to where Marcel lies, muttered prayers already on his lips as he travels. Once he arrives, without touching anything, he tries to ascertain just how badly Marcel is hurt, and whether he is safe to move.

Iris, concerned for her friend, goes to quickly cast a spell to aid her in climbing down to her friends, putting the smallest amount of herself into the spell. At least she should be of use to get poor Marcel back up now, and, with her other two companions’ talents, should be able to avoid anymore harm. This day gets better and better.

An exhausted Draven arrives at the fallen Marcel first and carefully begins checking him out. Fortunately it looks like he took the brunt of the fall with his body. His limbs and head appear ok. Griffin slides down the hill quickly with the use of his rope and Iris follows nearly as fast, her natural climbing skill aided by her magic.

As Griffin and Iris arrive, Draven sits on a rock next to Marcel breathing heavily. Despite their magical nature, his Boots of Levitation still take something out of him when he uses them.

Griffin and Iris look Marcel and the area over and decide upon the best way to get him tied up without causing any further rock slides. His body is wedged fairly tightly behind the bush and rock and Griffin is worried that by moving him it may cause the boulder to go rolling down the slope, causing untold commotion. 

Looking over at Iris, Draven breathes one more heavy breath before he speaks. “I’m not sure how you do this, fueling your magic with your own essence. I will stick with being a channel for divine justice, than you very much.”

Glancing back to where Marcel lies, he continues, “He’s hurt, and not just a little, but it’s not life threatening, not yet. If we can get him free I can patch him up. But that’s about it. I might not make it down under my own power as it is.”

Griffin loops his rope around Marcel’s torso under his arms and ties it off. “Burik, you guys ready?” he whispers, trying to keep the sound down. Burik waves, and he, Old Gren, and Remar grab the rope. Griffin moves alongside his comrade as they make their way

back up the slope. Marcel’s armor bunches up, actually supporting his head, as he is lifted free from where he is wedged. Griffin flinches as the boulder shifts as Marcel lifts away, rocking back and forth before coming to rest again. Whew!

Hanging Out On The Mountainside

Slowly and carefully, Marcel's limp body is dragged back up the slope. Griffin and Iris climb up with him, supporting him and trying to keep him from getting any more hurt. After a few minutes, he is safely back with the group. Draven floats back up as well and nearly collapses on the trail next to Marcel. 

Old Gren looks over the scene before him on the trail. “We got a little more’n an hour to get to the bottom. Right here we are more than little exposed to the that part of the valley,” he motions to a narrow slice of the valley below.

He then glances upward to the steep trail above them and curses, “Aww shit, lookey there,” he points up into the bright sky above as a winged creature flies past and disappears behind one of the peaks. “I dunno if it spotted us, ‘twas pretty high up, above where we camped last night, but it’s something to keep in mind. Damned Manticore is still out there, and I’m guaranteeing that it ain’t forgot about us yet!” He pauses for a second and looks around the immediate area. “If we can’t move “Big’n’Burly” here too far, we need to think about findin’ ourselves some cover so we can stay hidden from above and below.”

“Well, it sounds like somewhere else is better than here. Gren, can you scout ahead and find us a hidey-hole or maybe just a wider place in the trail? We’ll get Marcel onto a horse and follow. Slowly, but we’ll follow.”

Griffin looks around for anything that could help minimize their exposure. He snaps his fingers and roots through Marcel’s pack, pulling out his Elven cloak. “Maybe this will help.” He puts his on as well.

Remar and Griffin lever Marcel over the back of Rocky, the biggest horse they have. “This may be a little undignified, old friend, but it’s necessary” says Griffin as he lashes Marcel into the saddle. He takes Rocky’s leads, determined to help Marcel make it to the bottom of the mountain.

“Okay, guys, let’s keep moving. We can rest when we’re all rich!” He clears his throat, “Actually, we’ll rest much sooner than that. But you get the point, right?” and he smiles.

Old Gren puzzles over this for a moment and then announces, “Not sure of any good places further on, but I do remember a little bit of a overhang about 15 minutes back up the trail. Not gonna be big enough for all of us to get under, but have the procession at least, that work?” Griffin nods to him and Gren takes off, urging Bullwinkle to a scrambling trot up the rocky trail. The others turn their horses around and make to follow.

When the Company arrives at the spot, they see that Old Gren has started gathering up some brush and branches to use as cover. Marcel is taken off his mount and laid as gently as possible on the ground. Draven dismounts and moves slowly toward him.

Griffin gets Marcel off the horse and propped up under the overhang, then gets to work with Gren and the camouflage. Man, I miss Eran. He always made this stuff look easy.

Draven makes no move to begin healing Marcel up, instead spending a few minutes catching his breath. “I’m not sure I’ll be much good at this, as tired as I am, but the good gods know he needs something.” Mustering up as much stamina as he can, Draven places his hands on Marcel’s chest and abdomen and begins to pray. Yet, try as he might, the magic will not come. Chagrined, he rocks back onto his backside and splays next to Marcel’s prone form. “Rest, give me… half an hour’s rest and I can do this. I know I can…”

I think this is one of those days we ought to have stayed in our bedrolls. Each step was a labor for Iris, and she knew her body would give out on her soon, but she pushed herself mindlessly to keep up with the others. She did not want to be the one to drag them behind.

When the spot Old Gren pointed up was finally in view, she tried to recall the things she needed to do to set up camp, but grasped nothing. She looks to the others blankly and sits down, trying to wait out the white she was seeing everywhere in her vision.

Finishing with the camouflage, Griffin takes a position near the edge of the overhang, with a view as much of the sky as he can.He readies his crossbow, then sighs. “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, folks. Let’s catch our breath, see to Marcel. Soon as we get him upright, we need to be moving again.”

Griffin sits on a rock, crossbow propped on one knee, his other hand rolling a silver corona across his knuckles. Flip, flip, flip, flip, and under. Once we hit the bottom, can we sprint the length of the valley? Will the horses hold up? Will we? He looks back at Marcel, still unconscious. Is he gonna be up for this, or should I swap him out for Burik?

He pulls his cloak around him, trying to look like a part of the rocks, and continues to scan the skies.

Bad Medicine

Remar quickly looks at Marcel’s wounds and applies some healing magic but as he casts the spell, something is clearly wrong. As the young mage finishes his invocation and lays his hands upon Marcel, dark, crackling energy swirls around him and is channeled through his hands and into the unconscious warrior. Marcel’s body spasms and shakes. A mouthful of blood is coughed up all over Remar’s face. The Alphatian mage leaps to his feet and lets out a little cry, holding his hands out in front of him. Faint wisps of smoke come from the ends of his fingers. 

“What the… I don’t…. what just happened!” he spits out, looking around at his companions. “That is not what I tried to do, I swear!” Remar falls to the hard, dirt ground and sits in the corner, his knees pulled up to his chest. “I’m sorry,” he mutters quietly over and over. Marcel, still unconscious, looks even worse off than he did before. Everyone just sort of sits there, staring at each other, scared to even approach the now twice wounded Marcel. 

After about 40 minutes, everyone is about as rested as they are going to be and some are starting to get anxious to go again. Old Gren is quite anxious. “If’n you all ar’ gonna make it ‘cross that valley before nightfall, we best be gittin’ down there and started. It’s gettin’ late.” He looks at Marcel then to Draven, “If yer gods see fit to heal ‘im, then ya best get to layin’ on of hands, brother. Time is short.” The boys start moving around the area, getting the gear ready to go.

Knowing there’s little to be gained from waiting further, Draven kneels next to Marcel’s chest. “Great Lady, this one may be a child of these benighted hinterlands, but he is a valiant warrior in your fight for justice, and one who will bring order to this place. I place him in your hands.”

Preparation, determination, luck? Whatever it was, this time the healing energies coursed forth, knitting Marcel back together and drawing him back from the brink of death.

As Draven’s healing powers wash over him, Marcel sits up groggily. He looks around, “Where the hell are we? What’s going on?” He rubs his head and winces as he turns to look around him. Draven looks him over and realizes that he is still fairly injured. Apparently Remar’s misguided use of healing magic did more damage than he initially thought. 

Old Gren interjects, “Can ya walk? Stay away from the edge of the trail next time, clumsy. We gotta get moving. That fog in the valley is nearly burnt out, it’s gonna ruin your whole advantage! Plus whoever is following us is probably nearing the top of the Gap by now, lessen o’ course they got slowed down by the ghouls like we did…,” his voice trails off as he gazes up the slope to the top of Brokeneck Gap.

Into the Valley

Finally the Grey Company gets on the road again and just before reaching the bottom, Old Gren calls for a stop and scratches some lines into the ground, showing the general outline of the valley. He grabs a few pine needles and lays them down near his drawing. “Pretend that these here needles is about 5 miles long, then you get the big picture.”

“Follow the Foamfire as best you can, the mist and fog will hang heavier there and hopefully keep you hidden as long as possible. You will need to head out into the open here though, cut across this vale and then around til you see the water. A pretty good sized pool is known to form where the Foamfire cuts into the mountains before it comes out down past Verge. That will be your most vulnerable point, I think, so stay low and and move slowly. If you ride too fast, it might scare the birds or animals in the valley, and that could alert the Gnolls.” He draws some markers to show some places of hilly land. “You’re going to want to go around most of these places. The Gnolls like to set their camps up in the hills and they are gonna know them like the backs of their mangy hands. If you have to cut through the hills, watch out for traps, pitfalls and snares and the like. They are a nasty lot, these mutts!” He points toward the nearest set of hills. “These hills here,” he then stands up straight and points into the valley in front of him, indicating some low, rolling hills with minimal vegetation growing on them, “yer gonna want to go around the backside of these hills. It’ll get you nearly halfway toward the Foamfire. From my experience, the Gnolls don’t come down in these hills much. They stay here in the eastern end or up along the water, most near the hill areas. I’m gonna take these boys and head over that’a way so we can start gettin’ a move on back up the slope. Our trail ain’t gonna be a piece of cake like this one was!”

Cast of Characters: 

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

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

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

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

and +Jason Woollard as The DM