Dark Paths 34

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 34
August 4, 1023

I Attack the Darkness

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

The Drow press the attack

The battle raged on with the Drow in the magically darkened caverns. The Shadow Demon was wreaking havoc with it's deadly claws that seemed to be able to rip through armor and slash directly at its targets soul. The glowing ring that Aethel had tossed into the room unexpectedly disappeared, plunging the room back into a deep darkness though it sounded like the Dark Elves were hampered by this darkness as well.

Snargash went down due to injuries sustained after being slashed by the Shadow Demon multiple times before Aethel used a stronger magic to fill the room with the glow of daylight. The Drow had fled the chamber and could not be seen though the Shadow Demon remained. Bodi bravely charged in, hoping his enchanted blade would have some effect on the vaporous beast. They traded blows while Aragon, Guy and Paal attempted to drag Snargash to a safer location. The Shadow Beast then fled to the north into the darkened cavern past the magical glow in the room. Strange Elvish voices and yelling could be heard coming from this passageway as well though no one, not even the Elves, could decipher what they were saying.

Aragon rushed off to get his satchel that he had left outside to retrieve several healing potions he had stored up while Paal started searching through his pack for first aid supplies. Drow crossbow bolts began flying out of the darkened tunnel to the north, striking Paal and Bodi and sending them both into a poison induced sleep. Acting quickly to shield his companions, Aethel summoned up a Wall of Wind at the passages mouth, preventing any further shooting through and hampering any who would attempt to cross through.

The 3 unconscious were not safely pulled to safety and Aragon passed out three of his potions, reviving both Bodi and Paal. Snargash's wounds were too serious and he remained unconscious. The three defeated Drow in this chamber were quickly looted and the Crew made a hasty retreat back out onto the darkened ledge. They made the diffucult climb back up to the island and Bodi managed to fall and hurt himself again, knocking him back out. Aragon used the last of his healing potions on him to get him back to walking condition.

Aethel sealed the secret door

Aethel, using the last bit of magical energy he possessed, used his powers of Unbinding to Shape the
Earth around the now closed secret door leading into the caverns. He shifted the stone at the edges of the door, fusing them into one solid piece of rock which would require either magic or serious physical work to remove.

The Crew then made as good of time as they could, dragging the unconscious Snargash back to camp. The guards on duty were surprised to see the newcomers to the camp returning with wounded from the forest since they had assumed they were all in their tents sleeping before their watch duties. Erix rushed up and quickly ushered them into the medical tent and ran to find some stashed healing potions. He returned and revived Snargash, though most were still considerably wounded. He asked what they had discovered and was in complete shock when they revealed that Zincher had been working with the Drow. After getting over this bit of news, Erix revealed that he was also sent here to keep an eye on Zincher and that he was an agent of some group from Korvosa to the south, though he did not elaborate on the matter.

As Erix processed all of this information, he decided he was going to go take care of Zincher right then and there, but was interrupted by a loud commotion outside of birds squawking loudly. Everyone went outside to see the backside of Zincher's tent in flames. Erix rushed inside as the guards ran up. Aragon ran down to the side of the tent and started cutting holes in the fabric, looking in. Guy, meanwhile, floated up high to try to get a good look at the surroundings to see if he could see what was going on.

Up in flames!

Aragon can barely see through the smoke inside as the tent is engulfed in flames. He spies Erix dragging Zincher's large trunk toward the front of the tent. He also spies a body laying on the ground near the back of the front room of the tent. Up above, Guy spies several dark forms fleeing through the forest north of the camp. He calls out that he has spotted some intruders and moves to follow, levitating just above the trees, but low enough to keep an eye on the fleeing arsonists. Guy is ambushed by another hidden assailant and takes a crossbow bolt to the thigh. The Gnome retreats and floats back to his companions instead of pursuing such dangerous opponents by himself.

Back at the camp, Zincher's tent is now completely up in flames. Erix had safely retrieved the trunk and said that Zincher was dead when he got in there, his throat slit. The gathered guards begin to accuse the Crew of killing Zincher, but Erix backs them up while Bodi and Snargash explain the real threat on the island. The guards are shocked and scared at this revelation and quickly fall in line, looking to Erix for direction when he promises to still pay them from the gold that is no doubt locked up inside Zincher's trunk.

Zincher's pets

Finally, with Zincher's tent burnt to the ground, the Crew catches sight of the 'pets' he had been keeping out back. There were several large axe-beaks, 7' tall flightless birds with dangerously sharp beaks. Erix said Zincher was the only one able to approach them and wondered what should be done with them.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

After the initial shock of the evenings events wear off, a general sense of panic and doom overtakes the camp. Zincher’s remaining guards seem conflicted on what to believe, though most of them appear genuinely scared and look to Akron Erix for leadership. He happily takes this role in stride and begins ordering the creation of a much smaller, more central camp near the large bonfire. He has all the supplies brought to one tent near the fire and has the men set up fires in a wide circle around the tents, going so far as to have the men pull down sections of the partially completed palisade wall to use for firewood.

“We should all stick together in the center of the camp, keep the fires burning bright around the perimeter. Do you all have any suggestions? It’s too late to move camp, but first thing in the morning, we should start hauling everything down to the docks to wait for your ship. What do you say?”

Guy nods along as Erix explains his plan. "Makes sense to me," he says as the bigger man stops speaking. "Sounds pretty much like what I would have suggested as a matter of fact, even if it does seem something of a shame to move everything back down there already -- it seems like we only just finished dragging stuff up to here."

Erix shrugs, “Yeah, you’re right, tiny, but if your ship arrives tomorrow, I think it’s best that we get off this island as soon as possible.” Most of the others react to this statement by nodding and murmuring sounds of agreement

"I agree - without my Hocchiku I won’t be able to do more than basic healing with the medical supplies on hand. While I’m not defenseless without my thunderstaff, I’m better off with it when it comes to fighting. I’ll have to craft suitable replacements for them as soon as possible," Snargash says.

Aragon asks, “Can we contrive a very few entrances and exits to this central area?  They do like to hide in shadows and shoot crossbows.  If we could deny them easy line-of-sight, that might help.”

Erix looks around, “Yea, maybe, we’re not working with much here. I think keeping the fires burning bright will be the best bet. That defensive wall was doing doing less than a Taldan noble after Sunday lunch. We can keep the tents close together with fires burning outside as well as in the middle. We will keep watch from as defensible positions as we can. Hopefully you all put enough of a dent in them to prevent a full on attack tonight.”

If the deepening of the furrows on his brow are any indication, the mention of entry and exit points seems to give the monk Snargash some food for thought - for nearly a minute the butterfly in that portion of his facial tattoo appears to be flapping its wings. He nods his head for a moment then, as if in affirmation of some conclusion he’s reached before calling out softly but clearly,

“Mr. Aethel, I think your judgement here would help us understand the capabilities of our new dance-partners a bit better. Once we exited the tunnels you shaped the stone a bit to seal the entrance and cover our retreat - at least briefly. It’s that brevity we need to consider. Having by now only the utmost confidence in both your magical power and your skill in its application, I wonder then, in your professional opinion, what if anything does the speed with which they were able to breach your barrier and launch a counterattack tell us about their capabilities? Is it remarkable? Merely to be expected of them under the circumstances? Or does it indicate rather that they have more than the one point of access to the surface which they revealed to the late Mr. Zincher? Further, can you infer anything from what you’ve seen of their magic - both in the entryway itself and in our combat with them - including their point-woman whom we encountered last week?”

He looks over at the blade dancer then, adding, “Mr. Aragon, your insight into their fighting style and assessment of their skill is likewise valuable. Did you notice any weakness we may exploit, or any points of attack against which we might better defend ourselves?”

After a moment’s pause he concludes with a question to his companions in general, “Were we able to bring away any of their equipment which might tell us more?”

Before either of the elves respond the Northman replies, “Yes, um, Brother (?) - we did manage to gather a few trophies on the way out. I stashed them under the spare blankets and bandages in your aid-station when we got back. According to your Mr. Aethel, everything but the blades are in some way magical.”

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed (270 pts) - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind (275 pts) - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen (265 pts) - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone (264 pts) - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal Ulfsun (259 pts)- Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown (270 pts) - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 32

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 32
July 7, 2013

Following Zincher

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

After settling in at Zincher's camp and having some dinner, the Crew is ready to watch and follow Zincher if he leaves the camp, as Erix hinted at earlier. Erix has re-arranged the watch duties so that the Crew won't be missed if they spend the evening out trailing Zincher. Paal takes up a hidden spot just outside of camp to where he can see the back of Zincher's tent while Aethel took on his usual Body of Air form and floated above the camp, watching out of sight in the dark night sky. Aragon and Guy remained at the campfire while Snargash took care of some of the camp's wounded and Bodi spent some alone time with Samaritha Beldusk, the Cyphermage.

Guy Greystone - Telekinetic Gnome

Soon enough, the watchers saw someone sneak out of the back of camp and they followed him, though the figure was making no attempts to be stealthy at all. He skirted around the camp then came out onto the path about 300 yards away from camp and proceeded to head up toward Witchlight, the ruined settlement at the top of the islands ridge. Paal headed back to tell the others while Aethel continued to follow.

Back at camp, Paal told the others what he saw. They spoke to Erix, who confirmed that Zincher was no longer in his tent and then urged them to go out and find out what he had been up to.

Meanwhile, Aethel followed the man as he walked up the path for about a half a mile before turning off toward the steep cliffside and began climbing down a narrow and treacherous path to a ledge some 20 feet above the quiet, rocky surf below. Aethel watched his quarry disappear between to large outcroppings of rock, but did not approach any closer. After about 20 minutes, the figure reappeared and climbed back up the path to the road. Aethel was sure it was Zincher now and when he turned and headed back toward the camp, the Elvish wizard flew quickly back to camp to tell the others. 

Meanwhile, before Aethel could return, the rest of the group (minus Bodi, who was indisposed) got anxious and finally left to go seek Zincher on their own. Paal led them through the forest and to the road at the same spot where he saw the man get on the path. Aethel soon appeared and told them what he had seen. He also told them that he expected Zincher to be coming along the path toward the camp shortly. Aethel then flew back to camp and continued to watch over the quiet camp through the dark of night. 

Sure enough, about 10 minutes later, Zincher was seen walking quickly toward the camp. Everyone had taken up hiding  places to watch for him, though he spotted Snargash crouching awkwardly behind a

Snargash trying to hide behind a tree...

nearby tree. Snargash pretended to be praying and Zincher seemed agreeable to that charade. Zincher told the Half Orc to be careful and then headed back to camp, following his previous path through the forest. Snargash followed him back to camp while Paal, Aragon and Guy went on down the road, looking for wherever it was that he had gone. 

Realizing that Aethel had not given them good enough directions to sufficiently track where Zincher had gone, Paal, Aragon and Guy give up on their search after a few hours on the trail and return to camp.

The next morning, Erix asks them what they had discovered and is disappointed that they had not done a better job at following Zincher. He gives them their assignments for the day, which is to try to capture another of the strange creatures roaming the island while providing security for a skymetal excavation team near the crater. This was completely in the opposite direction of where they wanted to go, but they carried out their duties as assigned. Snargash remained at the camp and attempted to treat two men who had been ill due to bites received from some of the creatures. They were in bad shape and their wounds had become swollen and black. Taking his time, Snargash attempted to cure the disease on one of the men, but his ritual ended up taking too long and the man died. He quickly changed his tact and was able to heal the 2nd man without further incident. The first man was burned to prevent him from returning as a zombie.

That night, after dinner, Erix tells them that he has pushed their guard times back for several hours so if

Zincher's cliffside path

they wanted to go check out where Zincher had gone, they could, though they would be expected back soon to relieve others for guard duty. With Aethel showing the way, the path was easy to find and the Crew carefully made their way down the steep and narrow path. Bodi slipped and fell but caught himself before falling over the edge to the rocky shoreline below. Once on the beach, the group attempted a stealthy crossing, but that was not to be as several folk shuffled around and even knocked a small avalanche of rocks plummeting over the edge to the water below.

magical glyph - fire trap

They found the small alcove that Zincher had disappeared into the night before, and with some searching, Aragon was able to find what appeared to be a well hidden secret door and an opening latch for it. Asking Guy for assistance in opening the door, Aragon opened it and in doing so, triggered some sort of magical glyph trap which exploded in flames, searing Guy and Aragon, though the Elf was able to roll out of the way, staying out of the main focus of the blast.

The door was now open, and anyone inside potentially alerted by the explosion of magical flames.

Scenic ocean front ledge complete with secret door and FIRE TRAP!

Session Notes

We were plagued with all sorts of problems getting to this session. It was almost a month late due to computer and network issues. One player had MapTool connection issues due to an operating system upgrade (but eventually made it online), another could not connect to MapTool from work and another had to leave an hour early, so we were down one and a half players. I was also using a different setup than usual since my network was having problems, and continued having trouble throughout the session (which I think we got under control when we dropped the video feed from the hangout and just kept it to voice chat) though it did allow me to use dual monitors, which was nice for MapTool and Hangouts and having character sheets and PDFs of various references open at once. 

There will also not be a direct continuing story for this session due to being right on the brink of the campaign arc final encounter. Each player has the option of doing a 'flashback' type of continuing story if they wish.

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed (265 pts) - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind (270 pts) - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone (259 pts) - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal Ulfsun (256 pts) - Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown (265 pts) - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 31

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 31
June 16, 2013

A Quiet Stroll Along a Path

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

Forest trail on Devil's Elbow

With the help of Akron Erix and three of Zincher's men, the crew headed back to their camp to retrieve their supplies, as they would be staying in Zinchers' camp. Erix showed them a different approach to the dock area that did not require hiking all the way up to the highest point of the island. This trail took them close to the crater site and followed near to the northern shore of the island.

When they arrived back at the camp, Samaritha and Harik told them that some of the tentacled beast dogs had come by the camp earlier but were kept at bay by Snargash's magical mist. The group quickly loaded the remaining supplies onto their wheelbarrows (and one Zincher's men brought with them) and began the hour long trek back across the island, hoping to make it back before dark.

When the group was about halfway there, suddenly Arlon, Zincher's man who was out on point, called that an attack was coming! The blue/purple tentacled lion beasts were upon them. The creatures silently  charged in from all sides, slamming and biting their way through the ranks. As the Crew moved to attack, Erix called for everyone to regroup at the center, though only a few heeded his call. Quickly, Arlon and Harik the young Cyphermage were down with the beasts upon them.

Guy, floating just above the forest floor, began mowing through the creatures with handfuls of psionically projected rocks and sticks. Bodi ran around with several of them, drawing them out for Guy to target. Aethel zipped around near the canopy above, dropping lightning down upon the creatures. Aragon danced his dance, weaving his twin blades, Zenith and Nadir about, acrobatically slicing and dicing.

Soon after the melee started, Snargash called out from the rear of the group that he was being surrounded by several of the monsters. The creatures, though seemingly devoid of intelligence, possessed a definite grasp of pack tactics, trying to pick off the last member of the group with large numbers while others distracted by attacking the front of the line. Aragon quickly fell back to help his 'ugly' friend while Guy, Bodi and Aethel repositioned to be of assistance as well.

After several more tense moments, the creatures were finished. One ran off, wounded, one lay unconscious with a shattered rear leg and the rest lay dead or dying in the surrounding forest. The live one was loaded onto a cart to be taken back to camp. Snargash quickly used his healing magics to fix up Arlon, Harik and himself, who had taken several bites from the beasts.

Then Paal ran back toward the group, having been scouting ahead on the trail just a little too far to be of use to the group. After that, they all stayed much closer together and eventually made their way back to Zincher's camp.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The Crew made it back to Zincher's camp with the captured (and wounded) creature. It was placed in one of the many cages that Zincher had made his men craft. Guy was gently interrogated by Akron Erix about his time in southern Varisia before coming to Riddleport. Aragon went to Zincher to get the payment promised for capturing the creature. Zincher conceded to pay 200 of the 500 gold since the beast was severely

Tents in Zincher's camp

wounded and promised to pay the rest in the morning if it still lived. Aragon agreed and went to inform his compaions. Aragon then sought out Erix to question him about some perceived strange behaviors of Zinchers. Speaking aside, Erix agreed that Zincher had been acting weird and he suspects that he has been sneaking out of the camp at night and going somewhere, but who knows where. Erix had wanted to follow him, but due to the lack of able bodied men to guard the camp he had not done so, now with the Crew in the camp, he thinks that they could possibly follow Zincher and see where he has been going. Erix offers to re-arrange the watch schedule to allow the Crew to sneak off after Zincher when he leaves.

Session Notes

This was a make up session because we missed last week due to to me having some storm related internet issues. It was a Happy Father's Day session. It seems like it's been so long since the last session, but our next session will be next week, and then the following week I will have my table top group session!

Cast of Characters

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed (262) - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind (267) - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen (260) - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone (256) - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal Ulfsun (253) - Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown (262) - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 30

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 30
May 26, 2013

Old Friends, Unfamiliar Places

Map Tool Chat Log

Devil's Elbow at night

Session Summary

The crew heads back from the ruined lighthouse on the western tip of the island after finding nothing interesting. The hike back was much more strenuous and difficult because of darkness falling before they got back. Several members of the group were able to see in the dark, but all the Humans were hampered by lack of daylight. Eventually they made it back to camp. The camp was as they had left it, though there were many booted tracks all around the place, as if a group of people had been there and at least examined the outer edge of the campsite. None of the tracks went into the mystic mist that Snargash had used to protect the camp.

The Drow are REAL!

The next morning, the Crew decides it is time to head off to check out the campsite that Aethel had scouted out. Paal had refilled all the water and Snargash had healed Harik up to full health. As they prepared to leave, Bodi decides that it is time to share with their companions the true purpose for the Crew being on the island. He tells them that Drow are real and that they have tracked them to this island and that is what they are looking for. Samaritha and Paal take the news ok, though Harik seems considerably worried about this.

The group sets off to explore the camp, leaving Samaritha and Harik behind to watch over the camp. The hike up to Witchlight is difficult, but everyone makes it ok. They decide to forego lunch and a rest and head off down toward the camp, planning on stopping and resting a mile or so out. 

Akron Erix

Before they can stop for a rest though, Snargash and Aethel both spot folks hiding up ahead, behind a large rock. Paal and Bodi both sneak out through the woods to try to get a better vantage point while Aethel, in body of air form, flies up and over to approach from behind. As everyone is getting into position, Aragon calls out, "Hello! We saw you there behind the rock! Hello!" The men, four of them, come out with bows. They star talking, not being threatening at all, then one of them spots Bodi and calls to him to come out. Bodi tries to get smart, then stands up and the conversation continues. A large shirtless man appears on the path behind Aragon, Snargash and Guy. He introduces himself as Akron Erix and seems fairly friendly, though he carries with him a huge maul tossed easily across his shoulder.

The two groups parlay and eventually come to the agreement that Erix will lead them to his camp and introduce them to his boss under the pretenses that they will purchase supplies from the camp.  Erix indicates that he knows that an Elf and a Northman are somewhere in the nearby forest watching them, but does not seem too concerned. When they arrived at the large camp, Erix then asked them if they would be willing to surrender their weapons. The request was met with an very definite no. He merely shrugged and asked that their weapons be kept sheathed while in the camp.

Good Clegg

The camp was large, though not many men were visible around the the place. Erix led them to a large tent at the far end of the camp and led them inside. There standing in the middle of the room, looking over a map of the island was their old nemesis  Clegg Zincher. Just as surprised to see them as they him, he stands and greets them and then offers them a job hunting the strange creatures that are present on the island.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

After the surprise introduction to none other than Clegg Zincher, the Crew’s former rival, if not enemy, Zincher gets down to business. Since the Crew wants to buy supplies from him, he offers them a job working for him, in exchange. He says he has supplies, but isn’t interested in cash for them. He wants Noqual and some of those strange tentacled beasts captured live to take back and fight in the arena.

He takes a sip of his drink and looks to see if anyone else is drinking, then tips his glass to them. He drops down into one of the four comfortable chairs in the middle of the area.

Finally taking a moment to look around, the Crew sees that Zincher likes to travel in style. His tent is easily 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide and 30 feet long, larger than some buildings in Riddleport! It is a bizarre place of opulence despite its isolation, the inside of this pavilion is divided by a curtain that runs from roof to floor. In the open front half, a massive, iron-banded wooden trunk rests along the north wall while a row of boxes lines the south wall. Four heavily cushioned leather chairs sit in the middle of the open space in pairs. A tall, wrought-iron candelabra stands in the center of the area, its twelve evenly spaced candles burning merrily and giving off a mixture of pleasant aromas.

Zincher goes on to explain to you that he will pay you 500 gold for each one of the live creatures you can catch for him. He will also pay you 60 gold per pound of skymetal, which he says is considerably more than the Gas Forges will pay. He also invites you to come stay in the camp if you like, though he will require you to pitch in with some of the work around the place, including guard duty and what not.

Bodi sits down and joins Zincher for the drink.   He knows that if he doesn’t comply he will be offending their new host and if they were going to come out of this with any sort of deal, they were going to have to play nice.

“Okay Clegg......we are definitely here for a means to make some coin, and I think I speak for most of us by saying that it would benefit both of our groups to work together.  Especially with the oddball creatures abound here, safety in numbers for sure.      Clegg, we don’t expect you to totally trust us, because we won’t totally trust you either, but I know my word is good and we’re going to hold you to your word.     Sounds like a viable deal.    But, as with the others who tried to screw us over before, one way or another, we would find a way to get back at you if you tried to pull one over on us.     Its bad enough you want us to capture one of these creatures for you, so maybe you’re figuring if we fail, you are rid of us, and if we succeed, well then maybe we have more worth and could prove useful to you in future plans.”

Bodi takes a draught from his glass in front of him and continues, “We’ are going to need food, water, supplies, and also a means of trying to store or capture the creature.  If you don’t have a cage or the means to build one, than we need to find a way to either construct one or improvise a means to contain said beast.”

Bodi continues to drink and looks to his companions to see what they have to say.

Zincher nods as Bodi speaks. “Fair enough, fair enough. I may not like the lot of you, I may have sent swords against you in the past, but like I said, I’m a businessman, and anyway, it was NEVER personal toward you. I had a problem with Saul. I suppose it’s not really your fault he hoodwinked you. I’ll give it to him, he could talk his way out of a rabid Ghoul’s nest! Food and water is easy. Cages, well, I’ve got several of them already made up. How many are there in your group? I know there’s more of you than is here now, my scouts have kept tabs on you for a few days, since you knocked that tower down the cliff anyway. Some of them Cyphermages with ya? But anyway, yer all welcome to hike it up here and stay in our camp. I can send some of my boys to help you carry your gear up. Might be able to get it all up here by nightfall. You have any run-ins with them zombie things? What’s your take on them?”

Aragon also takes a drink and sits down.  He listens to the negotiations and discussions.  At the talk of the zombies, he perks up.  “They go down if you hit them hard enough, we know that.  Something weird about their tongues, too, if I recall.

“As for the lion-things, have you noticed their reaction to water?  They attacked us down near the surf, and it seemed to destroy them in short order.”  He turns to Bodi, “We may be able to use that as a way to trap them, since that is becoming a lucrative avenue.”

Bodi looks over to his friend, “Yeah, actually you have a point.....I have a plan for that...with some of our clever work, we could create some of those dead-fall pit traps, and using that flying trick again with water, maybe herd some of them over and drop them into the pits.   Then a matter of some apportation or levitation work to plant them inside the cages.”

Bodi then frowns for a moment.  “Hmm, that’s all well and good, but how the hell are we going to get them back?”

Cleeg nods absently at Bodi’s suggestions, “Yea, just gotta catch the critters. As for getting them off the island, I’ve got that taken care of. My ships will be back soon enough. I’d like to get working on this as soon as possible, say first thing tomorrow morning?” He leans back over and studies the map of the island. “So we have a deal? I can send some of my people to help you all get your gear and the rest of your crew up here to our camp. I think it’s getting dangerous out there. We’ve spotted several handfuls of those zombies in the area, no need to tangle with them if we don’t have to, right?” Zincher then motions to the large shirtless man. “My man, Erix there, will help you transport your stuff.” If there are no further questions, Zincher excuses himself and steps into the partitioned off back half of the tent.

Aragon nods and turns.  “I’ll go and help get our gear.  Snargash, Bodi, you coming?”

Akron Erix and a few of Zinchers other men go to help retrieve the supplies and gear from the base camp near the docks. Erix leads the way and shows the Crew a shorter route that does not require climbing up to the top of the island. “It’s a lot easier if we go this way, though we gotta watch out for those creatures. They seem to shy away from this path though, it leads much closer to the shoreline in many places.” Erix continues to be quite friendly and talkative, trying to chat everyone up in the group, though Zincher’s other men seem a bit more standoffish and quiet, more concerned with getting where they are going and doing what they are told than socializing.

Aragon watches the big fighter.  Muscular, mostly melee, the reach on that maul the same as Zenith and Nadir, he would be a decent opponent.  “So, Erix, I don’t think I saw you around the arena.  Are you new to Zincher’s employ?”

“Ehh, yea, I haven’t done much in the Arena recently. I’m here and there, you know, move around some. When I’m in Riddleport, Zincher and I can usually come to some sort of agreement. I stay out of the arena, though, cause it just don’t really seem fair, you know. Not challenging enough,” he smiles wryly at Aragon. “I remember you though. Made a good showing in your first few rounds. Not bad. Keep it up, you might just yet best that lot of grog blossoms.” He laughs and produces another of his cigars, lights it and begins to take large puffs.

Aragon shrugs.  “I’ve been getting enough of a workout just hanging with these guys.  Anything that takes me further down the Steps.”  He looks at Erix.  “Have you encountered any foes besides the blue lions and tongue zombies?  We had a small scrap with a manticore...”

Inside Zincher's tent.

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed (260 points) - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind (265 points) - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen (258 points) - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone (254 points) - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal - Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 24

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 24
February 2, 2013

Come Sail Away

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

The damage to the wharf district is horrible. Aragon, Bodi and Snargash spend the rest of the afternoon helping folks. Many shops, piers and boats were severely damaged. In a strange turn of events, the normally self centered citizens of Riddleport all come together to help clean up the mess. Dead bodies litter the harbor where many unsuspecting folk were violently washed out to sea and drown. A large contingent of wounded have descended upon the Gold Goblin looking for help as promised from Snargash.

Those giving a helping hand do what they can then retire for the night after the Gold Goblin is secured. In the morning, there is an even larger crowd of wounded citizens in the Goblin's courtyard, having heard that there would be food and healing available there. Hulger, the gruff Halfling cook whips up pot upon pot of Bunyip stew and as much Reefclaw as he can boil. Fortunately there was a bountiful catch from the previous days flooding.

Snargash unofficially heads up the cleanup and emergency services on the docks. Aethel, Aragon and Kwava puzzle over the Dark Elf and her cryptic journal, eventually deciding to go to a local enchanter looking for a Scroll of Gift of Letters. Bodi and Guy work stick around the Goblin, cleaning up and taking turns guarding the prisoner. 

Some of the book seems to be a ledger of sorts kept by someone whos name is Depora that lists all of the money Saul had been funneling to her, along with several notes of what that money was spent on (mostly alchemical supplies, spell components, and exotic food to be shipped to a place called Devil’s Elbow—these shipments were always made at night and by different sailors from whom Depora was careful to hide her true nature). 

Most of the book seems to be a list of all of the strange and exotic weather effects and other unusual phenomena that have occurred in Riddleport over the past several months. All of these, including the Blot itself, are indicated in the journal as “strange and eldritch side effects from the charging of the glyphs on Devil’s Elbow,” and that “It would do to further refine the glyphs to minimize such blatant displays lest the enemy receive further warning of the impending apocalypse than we wish to reveal.” 

The journal goes on to theorize that as soon as the “glyphs are activated and the star is plucked,” the strange side effects such as the shadow in the sky should vanish immediately. The last journal entry indicates that Depora suspects that this event could occur as soon as "tonight"

Bodi and Guy take notice of the Elves translation of the journal and add that they have heard of Devil's Elbow before. Devil's Elbow is an island not far from Riddleport, near the mainland along the shipping lanes but just enough outside of it to not be a problem. There was a failed settlement there years ago called Witchlight and occasionally pirates are known to use it as a temporary base. The group discusses the potential meaning of the new information brought to light. Kwava wants to go back to his camp so he can send a magical message back to his superiors.

Indeed, it was the effects of the relatively small (but still destructive) tsunami that hit Riddleport after the star crashed that have been on the minds of the city’s denizens recently. When the wave surged ashore, dozens of ships were beached, with several washed inland and left stranded as far as Wharf Street. Many of Riddleport’s piers were ruined, and several of the smaller buildings along the waterfront were damaged. Over the days following the event, the crimelords and overlord of Riddleport mobilized in a way rarely seen in the lawless city, working together to put out fires, save citizens who were swept out into the harbor, and kill angry and disoriented reefclaws, sharks, bunyips, and other dangerous sea creatures that suddenly found themselves stranded in the city streets.

In the aftermath, the cost of the damage to buildings and structures rises into the tens of thousands of gold, and the total number slain or swept out to sea by the wave may never be known (thanks to the city’s inefficient census practices), although the more conservative estimates place the total number of victims between 150 to 200. Yet despite the disaster, Riddleport is quick to forget the trauma. Those who weren’t directly harmed by the wave have little compassion for those who do, while those who were affected are universally quick to turn the event from disaster into opportunity. In the days and weeks to follow, the chaos on the waterfront makes for ripe grounds for smugglers, looters, and other violent criminals. Ships that were further out to sea return to find many of their competitors no longer in a position to work against them, and the balance of power among the various pirate captains has shifted dramatically (not that many outside of that violent subculture would notice much difference).

The next day, when Kwava returns, he says he is to head to Devil's Elbow to search for more Drow and see what they were actually up to. He relays that he believes that his superiors may have known it was Drow he was tracking but had not shared that information with him before. The Crew agrees to join him on his trip to the nearby island. Shayla agrees to stay at the Gold Goblin and look after it and try to get it reopened.

It seems that the new day brings a new greed to Riddleport. This new greed continues to grow among Riddleport’s citizens—a greed for skymetal. After the initial shock of the falling star and its impact subsided, the implications of the event sunk in. Skymetal, in any of its seven known varieties, is a valued and much sought-after commodity in any society, but with Riddleport’s Gas Forges being one of Varisia’s only public operations capable of smelting such difficult metals, the convenience of the fallen star has many of Riddleport’s groups eager for a chance at the easy money.

Yet the damage done to Riddleport’s waterfront and to many of the ships owned by prominent locals has retarded the burgeoning Skymetal Rush. As the days drag on, the race to be the first to reach Devil’s Elbow slowly takes the city by storm, with those who don’t have access to ships scrambling to secure deals with those who do.

Several days have passed since the star fell from the sky, as the locals have been referring to it as,a nd no ships have presented themeslves for the Crew to book passage on.

Bodi finds an old contact, Axelrod Gunnarson, who is first mate on a ship called the Flying Cloud. The ship was not in port when the tsunami hit and should be arriving back in Riddlport in about a weeks time. He makes a deal to transport the Crew and their gear out to the island once the ship arrives. Axel tells the Crew the tales he knows of the island, referring to the abandoned settlement of years past and the Siren that was known to live there, now thought dead.

"Yaris, the man who led the settlement there, supposedly fell in love with the Siren. Fallen under her evil spell no doubt. The others on the island eventually found out and killed the Siren. Yaris then jumped from one of the lighthouses, killing himself. Both of their ghosts are still said to haunt the island to this day, which is why no further settlement was made there. There's also supposed to be giant centipedes there as well. Yuck!"

The thought of giant centipedes makes Aragon shudder.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The group spends the next several days preparing supplies for the trip. They plan to purchase enough supplies to camp on the island for at least a weeks time. News quickly spreads through town that Avery Sleyg, one of the more prominent crimelords has just had one of his ships return to port. He had a crew and supplies ready and hidden near the docks so no sooner had the ship tied its mooring lines, they had loaded and set sail again, being the first group to head off to Devil's Elbow. 

Slyeg's departure gets the docks buzzing and work on repairing the other ships kicks into high gear. Clegg Zincher makes a public statement saying that he will pay handsomely for the use of the next available ship and will even beat any previous offers the captain's may have had. It is even rumored that Overlord Cormarcky has thrown his (pirate) hat into the ring and is attempting to make arrangements to send a crew to the island. 

Talk of possible sabotague is passed around the Gold Goblin crew, but quickly dismissed as it becomes clear that the protection on the ships being repaired is quite serious and probably not worth the effort. Overlord Cromarcky decrees that the next available sailing ship is to be surrendered to the City of Riddleport for official City business. 

The following morning there is rumor on the streets that a pirate ship, the Dark Pearl, had arrived during the night. The crew never came ashore though some said they heard the sounds of a struggle on board right after making landfall. Shortly thereafter, some supplies were seen being loaded onto the ship and it quickly set sail under the early morning sky, several hours before sunup. 

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM