Another new adventure. The eighth adventure for our group. In search of glory, fame, and justice, the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name both feared (by evil) and revered by the (good) citizens of these realms. Training has been completed, and the party has decided on a course of action - They've selected an adventure to embark upon. The party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. The Adventurers departed Whillip on the 1st of Mavis. Setting sail for Westgate, the party is committed to their course. Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Real-world date: 10 Jul 2010
Game-world date: 29 Mav - 03 Jun 1004
Written by: Mutteran

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and Gamorette the renegade Orc and an Orcish warband. Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Jusarian's Demise"

29 Mavis 1004
Endsnear

[Mutteran]  After the battle we loot the Orc band of its equipment and magical items and apply healing to the injured.  Enola and Solmar attempt to find the Orc warband’s camp by Enola investigating their tracks.  We decide to follow the tracks until they cut into the rough marsh area. (They are generally heading West in the same direction we travel.)  Enola and Fang (her snake) find the Orc camp.  Other than tents and miscellaneous items, there is nothing of worth in the camp.  We stop for camp shortly thereafter and have an uninterrupted sleep. [/Mutteran]

30 Mavis 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] No encounters throughout day and night. [/Mutteran]

1 Junta 1004
Newday

[Mutteran] 10:00am on the trail, a Roc dives toward us. I lie prone in the sagebrush; Belt casts Mass Aid on Solmar, Enola and himself; Pyrceval sings his song of courage; Skif announces he’ll cast Haste, and the rest of the party prepares for combat.

• Round-1:  Belt enlarges himself; Skif casts haste on himself, Solmar, Enola, and Belt.  I cast Melf’s Acid Arrow at the Roc, and hit it.  Solmar readies his shield & sword.  Enola shoots three arrows at it (one a critical hit); Jusarian hits it with an arrow.  The Roc strikes Jusarian with its claw, picks him up, and flies past our location.
• Round-2:  Enola hits it with three arrows; I cast my sudden maximized Fireball spell on it (the Roc is large enough to get it and not Jusarian); Belt strides forward and strikes it with his fist (critically), and hits again with an attack of opportunity; Skif hits with an acid arrow and quicken casts a Lantern Archon above himself; Pyrceval stops singing and casts blindness (no effect). Solmar jumps back onto his horse as the Roc is now past us.  The Roc squeezes Jusarian and moves away from our location (50ft out and 100ft up).
• Round-3: Skif hits the Roc with another acid bolt; Enola strikes with all four arrows (three on the Roc and one on Jusarian); I cast another fireball and stand-up from my prone position; Solmar readies his lance in the event the Roc returns.  The Roc continues flying away from the group and squeezes Jusarian.   I can see that Jusarian is limp within the grasp of the Roc’s claw.
• Round-4: Belt casts fly and chases 90ft after the Roc;  I move forward and cast dimension door to get in front of the Roc (relative to direction at least); Skif hits it again with an acid arrow; Enola hits with three arrows.  The Roc continues to travel away from the party (~ +960 ft away now).
• Round-5: Belt continues to fly towards the Roc; Enola gets on her horse and stays with Solmar. The Roc continues + 480ft away.  I cast fiery burst in the air as a signal hoping to get the party to approach me as the Roc has out distanced my spells. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I use my sense eye item to track the Roc into the nearby mountains, but then lose it.  The last location was at least 7 miles away!  We are at a loss regarding how to recover Jusarian’s body (and items).  There is no telling how far the Roc may have flown, nor the travel conditions to its aerie.   The party agrees to continue along the road and decide in the morning (with one of my circle dance spells) whether Jusarian is still alive. I argue that he is likely dead and suggest we prepare ourselves for that eventuality.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (Last night I privately spent additional time trying to evoke the magic from Gamorette’s amulet.  I try skin v. non-skin contact; speaking Orcish, invoking Grummush’s name; saying a prayer to Grummush in orcish, and damaging myself with various instruments to see if the wounds heal (and subsequently healing myself with my belt.  Nothing seems to work!  I fear the item may only work for an orc or true follower.) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (A shiver runs down my spine as I consider the recent Roc battle.  Although our group is mighty, it reminds me that there are many more powerful creatures in this world that can easily harm or kill us if we are unprepared!  I am concerned that if we encounter the dragon on it's terms, more than just one party member could be lost! We must have some advanced reconnaissance on either the dragon’s movements or den itself!) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (I then break out into a cold sweat!  What if the Roc had taken Skif ?#@$%&!  My spellbooks would be lost to me!  (Ok, and a valuable party member lost – but again, let’s focus on what’s really important – the spellbooks. J) On return to Whillip, I must find a spell or item to keep my spellbooks in 'My' possession.  I also must find a way to afford duplicate spellbook copies, although the time to recreate said books is likely prohibitive.  One disadvantage of working with others is accommodating their impatient schedules.  Damn, there is too much to do in Whillip – 1) Advance my training and spell knowledge, 2) Ambush and kill Arach-Nid, that bastard, before he gets me; 3) Find a way to address my perennial lack of monetary resources; 4) etc., etc..  Of course all of this presumes I survive our current trip!) [/Mutteran]

2 Junta 1004
Nexsta'

[Mutteran] Enola casts Lay of the Land, while I cast the Circle Dance spell on Jusarian,  There is no response from Jusarian – he is definitely dead.  Belt and Solmar say prayers to their Gods for Jusarian and we sadly move on.  Along the road, we encounter eight Wemic and ~8 Thudhunters.  Solmar and I approach to exchange information.

• Land shark (aka Bulette) – Nasty animal they are hunting.  They are not intelligent, just aggressive.  They usually stick to hills (attacking in this area as far as the south road).  It is attracted to movement.  Usually solitary creatures.  No weapon is more or less effective against it.  It’s skin is very hard.
• The Wemic’s were never harassed by the Orc warband.  
• “Swift Wind” is the Wemic band leader.  We end up sharing lunch with the group. [/Mutteran]

3 Junta 1004
Onward

[Mutteran] Adjacent to the road, we hear voices.  The party quickly moves through the underbrush and we see four Gnomes fighting a humanoid creature, with one of the Gnomes grappling it.  We can tell it’s some kind of undead creature!  [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost two of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. After losing Gregor and Jusarian in battle, the party maintains it's conviction, strives to continue the journey, and vows to overcome all obstacles placed in their path. After a moment of mourning, the party is back on the road again. Sharpen your steel and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Real-world date: 26 Jun 2010
Game-world date: 29 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and Gamorette the renegade Orc. Barely out of danger from a recent encounter, the party is once again embroiled in heated combat with Orcish fighters. The fight is on, so don't miss our next session.

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Battle de Royal - Part Deux"

29 Mavis 1004
Endsnear

The conclusion of our party's battle with an Orcish war band. Encountered on the road south, we became embroiled in combat when these Orcs made clear their intention to raze Gormvere village. Solmar did his best to dissuade them, but Orcs can be a bit stubborn.

[Mutteran] Round 3

• Mutt – With the webs still in effect I can’t target individuals or even an area effect spell accurately.  I decide to stay in the tree and use my healing belt (two charges) to heal myself of my injuries.
• Belt – Kills an Orc with two strikes of his hand, and then quicken casts silence within the web area (slight random placement due to the lack of visibility).
• Enola – Her assuming archery continues (all while on horseback).  She kills an uninjured Orc with her first two arrows, and her third arrow kills another injured Orc.
• Skif – His raccoons attack and kill one of the worgs; Skif then casts spiritual hammer and strikes out at a nearby Orc.  He is well positioned defensively being wedged between his dire raccoons, one of Solmar’s warhorses, and the edge of the web spell.
• Jusarian – Makes an acrobatic jump out of the wagon, landing on his feet while dropping his bow, and strikes an Orc with his drawn short sword.
• Pyrceval – Remaining in the wagon, he casts mirror image and four additional images appear adjacent to him.
• Solmar – His horse slips in the grease and falls to the ground, but Solmar gracefully jumps off and lands upright adjacent to his horse (but in the burning web area). He drops his lance, draws his sword, and uses his smite evil ability to attack the Orc war band leader.
• Bad Guys (highlights only)
• A sorcerer casts magic missile at Solmar (Two force arrows are created)
• Another sorcerer casts acid arrow at Solmar hitting him as well.
• A third sorcerer casts enlarge on the warband leader.
• One Orc archer hits me again with an arrow.
• Jusarian hit by an Orc great axe.
• An Orc hits a raccoon with his great axe.
• The fire from multiple burning hand spells is slowly expanding the open interior of the web.  Anyone, Orc or party member, in the expanding perimeter area is taking fire damage.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Round 4

• Mutt – I cast the many jaws spell and have them swarm around one of the Orc archers attacking me.  Unfortunately this is the first injury he’s taken.
• Belt – Maintains his position near the Orc war band leader and enlarges himself.
• Enola – Arrow strikes against an Orc which attacked her, killing it.
• Skif – Maintains position and uses his healing belt on himself.
• Jusarian – Moved the clenching fist spell adjacent to the Orc nearest him and the combination of his own attack and the fist’s kills the orc.
• Pyrceval – Attacks with his rapier but misses.  Jumps off the wagon and approaches one of the archers attacking me.  One of his mirror images is disposed of in the process.
• Solmar – His warhorse kills an Orc near it.  Solmar himself strikes again with a smiting attack against the war band leader.  Unfortunately he fumbles his subsequent attack with his shield– injuring himself and tossing his shield ten feet away towards Belt.
• Bad Guys (highlights only)
• A shaman stands behind the war band leader and heals some of his wounds.
• An Orc archer hits me again!
• An Orc hits Solmar with his great axe.
• A sorcerer casts resist energy on the warband leader (Belt uses spellcraft to determine the spell.)
• A sorcerer cast acid arrow against Solmar but it misses harmlessly.
• An Orc strikes and kills one of Skif’s dire raccoons.
• An Orc hits Belt with his great axe.   [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Round 5

• Mutt – I have my force jaws continue to attack the Orc archer.  I then leave the tree (Its protections have been limited, to be adjacent to the party nearest the wagons.  I’m forced to use my immediate teleport ability when I see one of the remaining Orc archers targeting me.
• Belt – Quicken casts an empowered mass aid spell.  (Strategically we note that such temporary health is not halved for Solmar like actual healing spells.  We should utilize such spells more often.)  Uses flurry of blows to land two of his three strikes at the war band leader.
• Enola – Strikes out at the Orc behind me, hitting it with two arrows.
• Skif – No direct action taken, but his dire raccoon kills one of the Orcs while his spiritual weapon continues to strike at another Orc.
• Jusarian – Directs the fist to move towards the main combat area and then runs up near the webs himself.
• Pyrceval – Casts major image of a fireball on the web area hitting most of the Orcs.  One Orc was felled (unconscious), the war band leader seems impacted, but the reminder appear to have seen through the spell.)
• Solmar – Hits the war band leader with his sword; one of his war horses kills a worg.
• Bad Guys (highlights only)
• Orc Archer hits me again and then collapses from the many jaws attack.
• War band leader hits Solmar with his khopesh sword.
• Orc hits Solmar with his great axe.
• Sorcerer casts acid arrow again at Solmar but misses.
• Shaman casts a spell and heals some of the war band leader’s wounds.
• Orc hits Belt with his great axe.
• Sorcerer casts magic missile at Solmar (two more arrows).  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Round 6

• Mutt – I move into the previously webbed area and cast a second fireball spell at four Orcs (including the war leader).  All take injury but only one dies.
• Belt – Steps back and casts cure serious wounds on himself.  An Orc walks near Belt affording him an attack of opportunity strike.
• Enola – Kills one of the sorcerers with an arrow; then hits the last Orc archer with another arrow.
• Skif – Moves into position near Solmar and casts cure serious wounds on him.
• Jusarian – Hits the war band leader with his short sword.
• Pyrceval – Ran towards the main combat area
• Solmar – Solmar parries the war band leader strike but in the process is disarmed!  He lays on hands to heal himself and picks up his sword.  Meanwhile one of his warhorses has killed another Orc.
• Bad Guys (highlights only)
• War band leader hits Solmar but Solmar parries the strike, only to find himself disarmed  in the process of parrying.
• Sorcerer casts magic missile at Solmar – Solmar is beginning to whimper at until he heals himself..
• Shaman steps back and casts another healing spell on the war band leader.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Round 7

• Mutt – Moves forward and casts orb of fire on the war band leader finally killing him.
• Belt – Moves to flank the war band leader (tried tumbling) then hits him (prior to the Orb attack by myself).
• Enola – Kills a sorcerer with two arrows strikes.
• Skif – No action (strikes with raccoon and spiritual weapon).  The raccoon kills the last Orc archer with an attack of opportunity strike.
• Jusarian – Directs the clenched fist to one of the shamans and kills it.   He approaches the other nearest sorcerer and hits it.
• Pyrceval – Casts Deep Slumber but to no effect.  The lingering affects of his ‘Instill Courage’ song have ended.
• Solmar – Charges the retreating Orc sorcerer and kills it.

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, Gamorette the renegade Orc and a Orcish warband. Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Real-world date: 29 May 2010
Game-world date: 27 - 29 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and Gamorette the renegade Orc. More danger surely awaits them, so don't miss our next session.

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Battle de Royal"

27 Mavis 1004
Aprochen

[Mutteran] After the battle we heal up and return to sleep.  We break camp as usual and get a full day’s travel on the trail. [/Mutteran]

28 Mavis 1004
Longday

[Mutteran] Enola casts her 'Lay of the Land' spell and confirms a nearby fishing village off a side trail , approximately one day extra travel each way.  We agree it is worth the extra time on the trail to purchase additional provisions (yes, provisioning first!) or possibly meeting up with a trading company representative to gain our reward for Gamorette’s death).  We find the side trail after a few hours travel and head towards the fishing village.  We arrive at Gormvere village in the evening. The village consists primarily of homesteads with a cluster of six main buildings. After receiving some directions, we head towards Daisy’s Inn.  At the inn we procure rooms, food, drink, and find the Vamos Trading Company has a representative in the village (Constable Mitchell).  It being too late to see the Constable, we enjoy dinner and retire for the evening.  [/Mutteran]

29 Mavis 1004
Endsnear

[Mutteran] In the morning, we approach Constable Mitchell as representative of Vamos Trading Company. We present Gamorette’s body as evidence to be awarded the offered reward.  Constable Mitchell surprisingly casts speak with dead and confirms the body is Gamorette  (I didn’t see which divine God he reveres). Subsequently, he pays out the reward of 10,000gp to the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights bank account.  He also mentions a Bulette has been active in the area.  We buy six barrels of food for our travels (10 days meal per barrel) and immediately start on our trip again. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] At 3pm, we encounter a war band of Orcs and some very large war dogs blocking the trail (and we notice at least two Orcs scouting in the nearby trees).   We approach cautiously, but without hostility, and we see that the leader of this band is the same we had spoken to days ago in the hills.  We tell the leader that we were successful in defeating Gamorette. When he asked for the body, we informed him we’d taken it to Gormvere to collect the Trading Company bounty.  The leader turns to one of his commanders - who cast the Locate Object spell (which I confirmed via spellcraft).  They discuss and then the leader confidently cites in Orcish; “Ok boys I guess we need to raid a village”.  I quickly yell to Solmar what was said, and ask him what we are going to do. (Damn it!  The entire group is perfectly in fireball range if we act now! I can feel the surge of heat within my body just asking to be released.  I especially love the sound of fire when it first bursts into life).   Solmar chooses to avoid an immediate preemptive strike, and tries to negotiate us getting the body or death confirmation for them.  The leader ignores him and the war band begins to move forward.  I yell to Solmar for a decision, and he yells ‘Attack!’  (Ah, free rein to begin the barrage; its unfortunate that the warband has now separated into two main units.) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Round 1 (Ultimately a large party consisting of 19 Orcs, 5 very large dogs/wolves, and multiple spell casters.)

• Mutt – I cast a sudden maximized fireball spell on the leader and majority of the visible Orc riders and their wolf-dogs.  While they all appear injured, only two die from the fires.  (Damn, I expected more to die from that attack!  Tactically I was torn between attacking the smaller unit of four Orcs in the back, that likely contained their spell casters, and the larger unit of approximately ten Orc/wolf-dog fighters.  I thought getting surrounded by mass Orcs/wolf-dogs would be equally threatening.  I need to make sure I disable their spell casters in my next attack; I must have weakened the others sufficiently for the rest of the party.  Ok, I admit that my expectations for a mass of burning disabled flesh overrode my sense of the adventuring golden rule…’target spell casters first if possible!’! )
• Belt – Charges the leader but his attack is blocked by the leader’s tower shield.
• Enola – Sends three arrows at an Orc spell caster, uncertain if mage or cleric (the one who cast the locate object spell)
• Skif – Quicken casts his dire raccoon spell and prepares his crossbow for firing.
• Jusarian – Shoots an arrow at the nearest Orc.
• Pyrceval – Sings his courage song to buff up all our attacks.
• Solmar – Remains on his horse and Charges a nearby Orc with his lance.  He kills the wounded Orc with his strike and gains an attack of opportunity on another Orc.
• Bad Guys (highlights only)
• One of the rear guard, unarmed Orcs casts a Melf's Acid Arrow attack on me. (See, if I had abided by the golden rule the caster may have been dead!)
• Two Orcs hidden in the trees step out and hit me with arrow strikes.  (Have I mentioned combat really sucks!  How do the others constantly take the punishment and threat of death?  I now have to worry about blood loss based on the amount I’ve taken in just this first few seconds.  An exchange of spell attacks is so much more …elegant….  I don’t understand why anyone would want to actually stab, bash, or slice into someone? Magical duels are for me (ok preferably one-sided – my magic against none.))
• Orc pulls his great axe and hits Skif.
• Orc leader: Drinks a potion while stepping back from the combat.
• A hidden Orc hits Enola with his great axe.
• Presumed cleric casts a spell and pulls a vial out from a pouch or belt.
• An Orc hits Solmar with his great axe.
• A second unarmed Orc casts a spell of unknown origin (thus at least 3 spell casters). [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Round 2

• Mutt – I climb into a nearby tree hoping the limbs will provide partial cover from missile attacks and prevent melee attacks from reaching me.  I then cast a sudden widen web spell (80ft spread) and target the mass of Orcs including their spell casters.  I’m fortunate that there were sufficient trees and boulders near the trail to anchor my spell.  The spell envelops almost all the enemy, but also Solmar and Belt. (I know Belt has freedom of movement so he should have the advantage in the web; Solmar is at the edge of the web and I thought better protected now that likely being surrounded since he is SOooo slow to act.   The Orc spell casters are in the middle of the web, so hopefully visibility issues will prevent much of their action.  All the Orcs and wolf-dogs face dealing with the web instead of attacking us.)
• Belt – Quicken casts Divine Favor, then chooses to fight defensively.  He is still able to complete his attack and kill one of the Orcs.
• Enola – Kills an Orc with her arrow attacks.
• Skif – Hits an Orc with an acid bolt.  He also quicken casts another dire raccoon to interpose between himself and the nearest opponent.  Each of his raccoons also attack and hit their Orc opponents.
• Jusarian – Casts Clenched Fist from his sword and starts pounding his Orc opponent.
• Pyrceval – Continues singing his courageous song of battle.
• Solmar – Even while trapped in the web, he strikes the leader with his lance.
• Bad Guys (highlights only)
• An Orc hits me with another arrow (Stop already!  Fortunately my magical fortitude diminishes some of these attacks.  I also notice I don’t take additional damage from the acid arrow attack.  That spell caster at least is an apprentice or someone just starting in his magical career.  A career that will end shortly. ).
• Two Orc spell casters cast burning hands to open a small island of space within web.  (This may not be noticeable to those outside of the web and not near the opened area.)
• An Orc hits Skif with his great axe again.
• Two Orcs hit Pyrceval with arrows and his song of courage is interrupted.
• An Orc hits Solmar with his great axe. [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and Gamorette the renegade Orc. Barely out of danger from a recent encounter, the party is once again embroiled in heated combat with Orcish fighters. The fight is on, so don't miss our next session.

Real-world date: 01 May 2010
Game-world date: 24 - 27 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and now Gamorette the renegade Orc and his gang of bandits. Be sure to tune in next time, for the conclusion of this critical combat session.

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Gamorette Attacks - Part Two"

24 Mavis 1004
Forens

[Mutteran] The conclusion of our battle with Gamorette; the renegade Orc and his band of bandits.

Round 2:

• Bad Guys
• Gamorette: Attacks Enola with a spear; scoring a critical hit, then fumbles with his second attack.
• Orc Bard: Singing stops but still invisible; attacks Mutteran with a javelin.
• Orc warriors: Two Orcs near Solmar aid a companion in his strike; Another strikes at Enola.
• Good Guys
• Jusarian:  Sheathes his sword and strikes out with an arrow at the Orc nearest him.
• Belt: Dives out of the nearest shelter window and uses his tumble skills to land on his feet by the side of the building.  Continues his movement until in striking distance of the enemy.
• Pyrceval: Stood up and cast invisibility on himself.
• Skif:  Quicken casts a summoned Rhek into the room which attacks and kills the Orc inside the room.  He then casts freedom of movement on Pyrceval (allowing Pyrceval to act in this encounter).
• Enola:  Attacks Gamorette with her 2-handed sword twice, easily striking him.
• Mutteran:  I withdraw from combat (although struck by a javelin in the process from the Bard) and climb a nearby 10ft boulder away from the combatants.
• Solmar: Strikes out at the nearest Orc with shield & sword.

Round 3:

• Bad Guys
• Gamorette: Strikes out at Enola with his spear.  Seems to soak up damage with minimum issue.
• Orc Bard: Moves toward me again and throws another javelin hitting me.
• Orc warriors: One goes invisible; another two attack Belt
• Good Guys
• Belt: Walks up to Gamorette and punches him (somehow he avoids a critical hit by Belt).
• Jusarian:  Arrow attacks at the nearest Orc.
• Pyrceval: Heals Enola while invisible, and grabs a magical items from his pocket (gravel?)
• Skif:  Quicken casts spiritual weapon and has it and the Rhek attack Gamorette.  He then casts cure serious wounds on Enola.
• Enola: Attacks Gamorette with her 2-handed sword twice; subsequently knocked unconscious but healed by Pyrceval, Skif, and Belt. 
• Mutteran:  I cast thunderhead on the Orcish bard hoping if it turns invisible again we will still see it.  (The spell maintains a storm cloud over the individual whether they are invisible or not.  It also annoys them with a small lightning strike each round.)
• Solmar: Strikes out at the nearest Orc with shield & sword.  He uses his smite ability against one of the Orcs and kills it. 
• One of his war horses strikes out at the Orc attacking Belt and kills it. 

Round 4+:

• Bad Guys
• Gamorette: Dead before any action can be taken! (see below)
• Orc Bard: Turns invisible (but is followed by the Thunderhead cloud) and begins withdrawing down the road.
• Orc warriors: Beginning to turn invisible and withdrawing from combat.
• Good Guys
• Belt:  Casts a cure moderate with divine Quicken, Empowered, and Reach on it.  He then strikes Gamorette with all three attacks under a flurry of blows. Gamorette parries the last attack.
• Jusarian:  Hits the Orcish bard from afar with his arrow
• Pyrceval: Throws three pieces of gravel, which convert to 5x5 boulders. He critically hits Gamorette and completely squishes him with this boulder attack! (~WOW!)
• Skif:  His spiritual weapon and Rhek kill off an Orc.
• Enola: She gets up (after being healed) and pulls her bow out.
• Mutteran:  I cast Orb of Fire at the Orcish bard, but he survives.  I then cast a Sudden Widen on my Fireball spell to ensure I kill the Orcish bard.
• Solmar:   Charges the last remaining visible Orc and uses his smite ability to kill him. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] After the battle we heal each other and pull the bodies together to collect materials and cast detect magic on them.  Pyrceval also performs a bardic knowledge check.  Gamorette possessed the following magic: hide armor (strong abjuration), spear (faint transmutation), 7 crystals, 2 potions, and amulet (protects him by making his skin thicker – holy symbol of Gruumsh – red unblinking eye – carved from a single scale of a red dragon). The Orc Berserker had 2 potions, 4 crystals, chain shirt, and cloak. The Bard had a necklace, 4 crystals, studded leather.  The Orc warriors had 16 crystals total, and four cloaks. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Pyrceval requests temporary ownership of the spear.  I end up with temporary ownership of the amulet.  Solmar, Belt, and Skif all defer due to religious reasons (abhorrent to their respective Gods); Pyrceval, Jusarian, and Enola due to their elven heritage.  (I understand religious constraints and certainly personal hatred or antagonism, but it doesn’t make sense to me to hate a race unto itself?  It is the actions of the person not their appearance that should drive your opinions…) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I ask the group whether we plan to eliminate the remaining Orc rebels (anticipating a spell to be learned if we chose to pursue them).  Solmar suggests that the head of the renegade band has been cut-off with the deaths of Gamorette, the Bard, and a fighting Lieutenant; most likely the remaining Orcs will return to their normal fold of life again. [/Mutteran]

25 Mavis 1004
Freeday

[Mutteran] No encounters. [/Mutteran]

26 Mavis 1004
Hafn'mor

[Mutteran] We see a giant eagle thousands of feet up in the air during day travels (seems to be circling us). At evening it heads West towards the mountains. Solmar proclaims that an omen of good fortune. [/Mutteran]

27 Mavis 1004
Aprochen

[Mutteran] At 3:46am in the morning, three large air elementals appear by camp.  One tries to hit me while perched on the roof of our shelter, but I immediately teleport into the shelter before it strikes.  Skif summons multiple celestial hippogriffs to protect us, and fires his crossbow.  Pyrceval opens the door to the shelter and invites all to proceed before him.  He does add his songs of courage to the party.  Belt maneuvers out and maximizes his size, attacking and killing the nearest Air Elemental.  Jusarian attacks with arrows as does Enola.  I subsequently cast Many Jaws spell to harass the enemy.  Enola kills one air elemental with her arrows.  Belt attacks and kills the last one (he has taken care of two of the creatures).   [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and Gamorette the renegade Orc. More danger surely awaits them, so don't miss our next session.

Real-world date: 17 Apr 2010
Game-world date: 24 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran and Skifander

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and more. Enjoying the last of Mutteran's stew, Pyrceval's ballads, and keeping an eye out for Gamorette the renegade Orc and crew.

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Gamorette Attacks - Part One"

24 Mavis 1004
Forens

[Mutteran] At 10:00am we encounter five Bezekira (Hell Cats). Only Enola can see the creatures even after they’ve attacked. (Enola, using her ‘see invisible’ ability, says they are glowing with light).  Skif takes a massive charge strike from the hellcat (bite, front claws, and raking rear claws).  Pyrceval and Solmar and I each take significant damage from attacks.  The battle concludes with two dead Bezekira and three running away.

• Belt: Moves toward combat and enlarges to his maximum size.  He strikes with his flurry of blows attack against the creature attacking Enola & Solmar.  He continues his flurry blows attack against the creature that stuck him.
• Mutteran: I cast multiple fiery burst spells at various locations where the creatures have been spotted.  My third fiery burst spell attracts one of the creatures, causing me to teleport 10ft away.  I am struck twice by the creature, once on its attack, and once after I maximized an Acid Breath spell and moved away from it.  A charging creature causes me to teleport 10ft away again, but fortunately its charge caused it to forfeit its attack of opportunity against me.
• Enola:  She shoots arrows from horseback, eventually killing two from our joint attacks.
• Skif: Quicken casts Celestial Raccoons, and begins firing his caustic and regular crossbow bolts at any of the creatures.  He boldly continues his attack even after taking significant damage; fortunately the remaining Bezekira never again targeted him for their attacks.
• Pyrceval: Draws his weapon and begins a song of courage and strength.  He casts mirror image and has six images of him around the cart.  One of the Bezekira starts dispelling (via claw attacks) his mirror images.  He also turns a ring on his hand that apparently heals him some small amount of damage (Hmm… did he buy or steal that item from Zeddishous?).
• Jusarian: Shoots arrows at the nearest creature (I never realized he had a bow which fired force arrows.  (Another Zeddishous bought or stolen item? Did Zeddishous retire from adventuring and sell off his unneeded equipment?)).
• Solmar: Strikes out with his lance, striking a creature.  Eventually he fumbles and throws his lance (shades of Enola’s past bow fumbled throws in combat).  He also declares that the ‘Wizard’ is speaking to him in his head (actually it was the Bezekira themselves). [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] After combat, we cast our various healing spells and continue traveling into a riverbed ravine.  We haul the two dead Bezekira bodies in the wagon and in the evening I skin them.  Their skin retains its translucent qualities even after death, perhaps making it useful once cured in some capacity.  We eventually make camp at a sandbar in the evening. [/Mutteran]

[Skifander] ... “Why can’t we just be together?  Don’t you love me?”  I don’t mean to, but I can feel the frown pulling at the corners of my mouth. The petite strawberry blonde smiles her knowing smile. “Of course I love you.”  She gently brushes my cheek with the back of her hand, so lightly, I’m not sure if she actually touched me.  The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. ... [/Skifander]

[Skifander]  ... “But if I let you just have me, then how will you beat your many rivals?  How will you keep your companions safe and away from danger?  Who will detect the evil that lies in wait?  Nay, you will strive to hone your skills like no other Gnome in memory.  And when you are confident that Skifander Sun is the very best at what he does, THEN, and only then may he relax his guard and thus he may have his way with me.  Until then, you must make every attempt to catch me unaware.” ... [/Skifander]

[Skifander] ... “Just one kiss before you go?” She bends down slowly as her lips begin to pucker. Her perfume smells like horse and sweat. Her form begins to waver. I lean out of the bed with my lips stretching towards her, despite the acrid odor coming from her. I think to myself, for a kiss I’m willing to ignore her body odor for a few seconds. The coarse hair of her backside scratches my face. ... [/Skifander]

[Skifander] I pull back and open my eyes to find… An Orc standing over my bed? [/Skifander]

[Mutteran] At 10:52pm, Skif wakes Belt and I, indicating that a false alert occurred with the alarm spell, due to some raccoon running through camp (the rest of us must have slept through the actual alarm).  I just settle back down to sleep since the alarm spell can’t be reset, when Jusarian yells out “Orc attack”.  Enola wakes up, and between Skif and Enola, they yell that an invisible Orc is standing inside the shelter with us!  Even worse, there is a large Orc shadow stretching across the door frame. Gamorette is standing outside of door blocking our exit.  (Damn it!  What the hell kind of watch are Jusarian and Solmar performing, to let an Orc sneak into the shelter!  I’m seriously thinking we forego watches, all sleep in the shelter and have Solmar stand adjacent to the door to get us up when the attacks occur.) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] The battle is underway, and the renegade Orcs seem to have the jump on us with a coordinated surprise attack.

• Bad Guys
  • Gamorette: A burst/cone of red light encompasses the whole inside of the shelter.  Pyrceval’s singing is abruptly stopped and he seems frozen in place (apparently the paralysis ability is accurate).
• Orc Bard?: Singing a bardic chant about conquest and Orc lands while moving within camp; apparently invisible as he hasn’t attacked anyone yet. (My spellcraft check confirmed the song is bardic in nature and not a traditional spell.)
• Orc Spellcaster: Uncertain if one is present or if the bard is supporting the renegades.  We heard a “Bampf” indicating some ability to teleport.  (My concern: how are all these Orcs invisible without spacing restrictions – the skill to create a mass invisibility spell is significantly higher than my own.)
• Orc warriors: All seem to start out invisible!  One is present in the shelter; two are attacking Jusarian on his boulder perch; three are surrounding Solmar, and at least one attacks me on my exit from the shelter.
• Good Guys
  • Jusarian:  An Orc attacks him from behind on his boulder perch.  He draws and strikes out with his sword.  He then bull rushes the Orc and pushes him off the boulder (a 10ft drop).  A second Orc is at ground level seeking to attack him.
  • Pyrceval:  On waking, he begins singing his battle hymn of courage as he stands up.  He is unable to avoid Gamorette’s paralyzing attack and his song and movements abruptly stop.
  • Skif:  Identifies the invisible Orc inside the shelter and attacks it.
  • Enola: Identifies the invisible Orc in the shelter, then draws her two-handed invisible sword.  Being nearest the door, she strikes at Gamorette.  She draws blood, but not to the degree she expected.  In addition to the rumored spell reflection ability he also can avoid damage to some unknown degree!
  • Mutteran:  A spellcraft check lets me know that the chanting is bardic in nature (encouraging the reclamation of Orc lands).  I yell out a reminder that Gamorette shouldn’t be directly targeted by spells and that I’d look to see how I affect his minions.  I do cast my Great Thunderclap spell hoping that Gamorette would be affected in some way (deafening, stunning, and prone saves in an area effect).  Unfortunately, he remains standing, so it’s unknown whether the other two effects took place.  I teleport out of the shelter towards the horses.  I suddenly feel an axe bite into my side and an invisible Orc appears adjacent to me - Damn! (Tactically, I believe I will be of little help against Gamorette, due to his spell protections and the likelihood that companions will be in melee with him.  I will target his minions.  I also wanted to move out of the shelter in case of a fireball attack (Perhaps it would be better to dismiss the shelter, but it does protect those inside from attacks except from the doorway.  What a quandary! I need to get further away to avoid direct attacks, but start impacting the battle with my larger area spells!)
  • Solmar:  On first being alerted to the attack (on the other side of the camp), he readies his shield and sword.  He is then beset with three invisible Orcs attacking and flanking him.
  • Belt: While prone in the shelter, he attacks with a flurry of blows against the invisible Orc in the shelter.  While both strikes connect, the Orc remains standing. [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and now Gamorette the renegade Orc and his gang of bandits. Be sure to tune in next time, for the conclusion of this critical combat session.

Real-world date: 03 Apr 2010
Game-world date: 22 - 24 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran and Skifander

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras and more. Enjoying the last of Mutteran's stew, and keeping an eye out for Gamorette the renegade Orc and crew.

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Bogged Down by Encounters"

22 Mavis 1004
Nexsta'

[Mutteran] We travel and make camp without issue. [/Mutteran]

23 Mavis 1004
Onward

[Skifander] ... Standing guard and nearing the horses, a wash of lilac on the breeze assails me.  It must be coming from the other side of the hut.  Could it be her?  My pulse quickens, and my face gets hot.  It’s not daylight; it’d look like I’ve been drinking or blushing like a heart struck peasant girl.  I dart out into the trees away from the scent to find cover and to circle around.  I dart from tree to tree, wondering how she could have gotten so close to our camp.  Did she follow us all the way to these mountains?... [/Skifander]

[Skifander] ... I see her form through the tree branches as I make my way back towards camp, her strawberry blonde hair fluttering in the wind.  My loins burn with passion.  She’s between two trees, her attention on something in her lap.  I will finally have her!  Her back is to me as I sneak up on her, ever so quietly.  As I reach up to grab her broad shoulders, I notice she’s sitting in a hammock and that her hands are moving two knitting needles together.  My maleness presses into her rough lower back, as I reach up and grab her metal hard shoulders and attempt to spin her around.  She is mine!  She doesn’t budge.  But she turns around and I scream as the horrid vision of its face quivers and starts to fade. ... [/Skifander]

[Skifander] I sit up in bed panting, my hands shaking with cold and numbness, my stomach burning and gurgling, ready to heave up last night’s meat.  Gods!  Solmar in a wig? [/Skifander]

[Mutteran] While on early morning watch with Solmar and Skif, our encampment is attacked by five Tall Mouthers.  They are creatures with six long arms reaching 15ft or greater, and a body consisting of one large mouth, lots of teeth, and not much else.    These creatures seem to have a hatred for Halflings and raccoons and scream profanities constantly.

* I set off the alarm to wake those in the shelter, and cast a Web in front of the horses in the midst of at least two of the creatures. I then cast magic missile at one of them.  One charges me and strikes when I move away.  I cast Mass Snake Swiftness and catch all the party but Solmar and Jusarian.  The same creature attempts to grapple me, but my cloak prevents it from grabbing me.  I cast Acid Breathe on it, then scurry away after teleporting out of its reach.  I then finish with a barrage of magic missile spells.
* Skif casts summoning spells (summoning a Lantern Archon, and four Celestial Raccoons) and shoot bolts at one of the creatures.  Usually monsters ignore attacking ‘weak’ summon creatures but in this case attacks were made against Skif’s raccoon companions – each were dispatched with a single strike.
* Solmar approaches with sword and shield in hand and strikes out at the creatures.  He kills the largest of the creatures.  He battles another individual creature until he must heal himself to continue the fight.
* Pyrceval begins singing a ballad of Justinian (yes, he is purposely getting Jusarian's name wrong) and Pearl’s love, to inspire courage in all of us (and perhaps disgust in Jusarian as well).   He then casts Deep Slumber on the larger creature but the spell has no effect.  He parries an attack from the creature and casts cure serious wounds on Jusarian’s wounds.
* Belt enlarges himself as he steps out of the shelter, and is attacked by one of the creatures.  He uses his flurry of blows to attack the creatures.  He becomes grappled by a creature, but then breaks the grapple and kills it.  He also steps freely in the web to strike at the remaining creatures stuck in it.
* Enola fires arrows at the various creatures.  For once it is not her attacks that finish off the creatures.
* Jusarian fires arrows at the creatures. He then throws a flaming brand into the web (Why? I was hoping we’d finish off the free ones before approaching the ones stuck in the web.) Of course every dumb act deserves some recognition; in this case he’s in range of the creatures attacks and takes three punches.  No harm came of this act since the creatures in the web had already taken damage from arrows or Belt.  The fired webs did kill off two of the weakened creatures and Jusarian killed the last with an arrow. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] We eventually break camp and continue traveling.  A large boar breaks through the underbrush as we travel past it, so it is put down.  We decide to not butcher it for food since it make have been rabid.  No other encounters occur during the travel, and we camp and await our nightly battles. [/Mutteran]

24 Mavis 1004
Forens

[Mutteran]  Nothing disturbed our rest, so we start traveling in the morning as normal.  [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras, Tall Mouthers, and more. Enjoying the last of Mutteran's stew, Pyrceval's ballads, and keeping an eye out for Gamorette the renegade Orc and crew.

Real-world date: 20 Mar 2010
Game-world date: 17 - 22 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. During combat with a monstrous Guulvorg and its master, the party suffered their first fatality (during this adventure). Standing toe-to-toe against this regenerating beast was a bit more than Gregor could withstand. His valiant efforts were not in vain, as beast and master were forced to retreat into the shadows of the night. Unfortunately, no amount of healing can revive our fallen comrade. Long live Gregor! After this fateful battle, the party traveled back to Teziir, relieved Gregor's hirelings, and added a new adventurer to their roles. Pyrceval the Bard joins the group, and they're back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, enjoying the last of Mutteran's stew, and keeping an eye out for that nasty Guulvorg and his master.

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Past the Next Mile Marker"

17 Mavis 1004
Aprochen

[Mutteran] Enola sought to find tracks after the attack, but found nothing during the night.  In the morning, she found tracks, but they ended abruptly (perhaps our opponent used some form of teleport spell?). Enola casts her 'lay of the land' spell to gain more information.  We see that a farm is nearby and Solmar wants to confirm the farmer’s safety.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Approached the farmer who - after nervous introductions, mentions he loses a cow once a week (a little abnormal).  Mostly east/south pastures are where the attacks occur, which happens to border the ravine.  Enola begins to speak with animals - to his cattle.  Enola discovers that the Goblin shaman, assistants, and Guulvorg have been attacking the farm.   We leave the farm but after discussions, agree we should investigate.  Our horses and cart are left in a barn while we investigate the last attack.  We also leave Belt in the barn, as he continues in his damn fasting and refuses to eat.  He lies down in the cart to ‘mediate’ and receive his ‘divine’ visions. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] At the site of the farm attack three days ago, Enola is unable to find tracks.  We suspect a hideout in the ravine, and I offer to use my ‘sense’ eye to scout in advance. I don’t see anything with my magical sight, so we approach the ravine.  Enola and most of the party head into the ravine, and she does find four day old tracks. We follow for half a day, but then choose to turn back when no later dated tracks are found. We encounter Kobolds on the way back to the farm that inform us that Teziir guards have killed the Guulvorg.  The Goblin Shaman was not killed.  We inform the farmer that the beast is dead and we plan to continue our travels in the morning.  He agrees to allow us to stay on his farm during the night.  [/Mutteran]

18 Mavis 1004
Longday

[Mutteran] During the day, we encounter a caravan of 12 wagons.  Solmar engages with the guardsmen and informs them of the rumor of the Guulvorg’s demise.  The caravan guard indicates they avoided some Orc raiders by going along the west side of the nearby mountains, instead of the normal Giant's Run Road. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] At night, three air elementals set off the shelter’s alarm spell!

* Jusarian – Arrow attacks at an air elemental and kills one.
* Solmar – Attacked by an air elemental and subsequently kills it with his sword strike.
* Pyrceval – Casts a glamour spell of a girl near the fire saying “Attack Me” to distract the air elementals.
* Skif – Summons a dire raccoon near the closest air elemental and begins to battle it.
* Belt – Sleeps through the encounter.
* Enola – Shoots arrows at the nearest air elemental and kills it
* Mutteran – Seeing three air elementals near the door, I stand up and teleport towards the back of shelter. I do run out of the shelter and cast magic missile at the air elemental threatening Solmar. [/Mutteran]

19 Mavis 1004
Endsnear

[Mutteran] This inane starvation contest between Belt and Jusarian has finally ended.  I and others continued to prompt Belt to eat, but his obstinacy remained constant.  Belt asked 'why I direct my angst against him instead of Jusarian?'.  I mention his inattentiveness or inability to participate in the last battle, unlike Jusarian.  Belt indicates he is fine, and looks forward to more divine visions.  I start to turn away, when surprisingly Jusarian ends the ‘bet’ and proclaims Belt the winner.  (Jusarian is obviously in better condition than Belt so I appreciate his magnanimous ending of the bet.  Truth be told, in addition to Belt’s condition I also thought Belt would see reason before Jusarian; obviously not!) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] At mid-day, we hit the Giant’s Run Road marker and begin traveling south into mountains. [/Mutteran]

20 Mavis 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] (I speak to Solmar privately, suggesting that Enola has not been competently performing her spokesperson duties.  He or I have needed to speak for the group too often.  I told him I wasn’t ready to make a formal request for vote of removal, but would like him to speak to her as leader, or begin to take over spokesperson duties (or delegate others).  He agreed to speak with her.) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (Unbeknownst to all, Solmar spoke to Enola; indicating Mutteran felt she was not adequately performing her duties as spokesperson.) [/Mutteran]

21 Mavis 1004
Newday

[Mutteran] In the foothills, an Orc with a spear stands in the path.  Enola notices smoke in the distance – about 20 or more Orcs are encamped in the hills; a hunting or war party more than a local clan.  The Orc asks if we’ve encountered Gamorette. When we say no, he heads over to the other Orcs and starts kicking one of the Orc trackers.  He seems to want to catch Gamorette to prevent another Orc-Human conflict. We depart without issue. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (Unbeknownst to all this evening, Solmar spoke to Enola asking if she is prepared to fulfill her duties as spokesperson.  She indicates she has been but Mutteran could have the job if he things he could do better.) [/Mutteran]

22 Mavis 1004
Nexsta'

[Mutteran] In the morning, we have a party discussion regarding whether Enola is fulfilling her duty.  Most of the party indicates Enola has been performing the duties as expressed in the Concordium for the Spokesperson.  The group agrees that the Spokesperson speaking responsibilities are essentially two-fold :Secondary in command should the leader be unavailable, and party representative when an official request is received.  In any other circumstance there is no requirement for the Spokesperson to speak and any party member may lead the interactions without fault.  With that clarification, I withdraw my concerns. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (This distinction seems silly and dim-witted.  We should call the position Second in Command instead of Spokesperson if they will rarely speak for the party.  With these constraints, I agree Enola has performed her duties, but it certainly is not how Solmar conducted himself as Spokesperson in the past.  I’d much prefer A) less confusion, since now anyone in the party will speak in these informal settings (although usually Solmar or myself), and B) I’d rather Enola have the practice of conversation so that she is prepared for the more critical official interactions in the future. There is a reason she is 'So Damn Good' with her bow!  She likes to be alone in the distance, concentrating her ire on the enemy.  I can’t imagine she’s spent much time mingling with others and conversing.  Why should she when she can strike them dead at 150 paces?) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] While on the trail, five Chimera approach us:

* Enola – Massive arrow strikes knock a total of three chimera down over the course of the battle (including the one chimera seeking to abandon the fight).  (Hmm, perhaps I can hire Pyrceval to create ballads for the updated Enola entry in the famous ranger’s book).
* Mutteran – 2 Fireballs, first one striking one chimera, the second maximized and striking two other chimera.  An orb of fire against a third chimera.  The remaining chimera seems to target me with its line of acid breathe; I use my teleport ability to move 10ft back and see its acid breathe attack my previous location!  My last orb of fire kills the last remaining one.
* Pyrceval – Singing songs of battle & courage; immobile dagger floating in the air, and casts a sleep spell against one of the chimera (making it easy prey to my last spell).
* Skif – Casts a summoning spell (owl) as well as haste, then starts shooting crossbow bolts against a chimera.
* Jusarian – Arrow attacks against the chimera, eventually downing one.
* Belt – Increases in size and awaits attack.  Uses his flurry of blows to hit three times against a chimera.  (It’s nice to see him healthy again.)
* Solmar – Sets his lance for an attack; when none approach him, he charges with his lance.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] As the chimera approached, flying from a distance away, one was killed before reaching us, another abandoned its attack.  The remaining three landed around us.  The Chimera nearest Belt breathed out a line of acid, striking out at Belt, Jusarian (dodged it), Pyrceval, Skif, two horses and the cart.  Otherwise the party’s quick response killed the beasts before any significant damage could be done. [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. The road has proven dangerous and long. The party has fought many foes along the way, lost one of their own, and recruited a new companion to strengthen their numbers. With Gregor departed and Pyrceval enjoined, the party is back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, Chimeras and more. Enjoying the last of Mutteran's stew, and keeping an eye out for Gamorette the renegade Orc and crew.

Real-world date: 06 Mar 2010
Game-world date: 13 - 17 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. During combat with a monstrous Guulvorg and its master, the party suffered their first fatality (for this adventure). Standing toe-to-toe against this regenerating beast was a bit more than Gregor could withstand. His valiant efforts were not in vain, as beast and master retreat into the night. Unfortunately, no amount of healing can revive our fallen comrade. Long live Gregor!

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"A well traveled road"

13 Mavis 1004
Onward

[Mutteran] Skif returns Enola’s sight to her in the morning, while Belt casts speak with dead on Gregor.  Gregor does not want to return to life and is indifferent to his remains or possessions.  Solmar calls for a vote regarding the House Guard status and we decide to escort them back to Teziir and end their services thereafter (our adventuring is too risky for their level of experience).  We build a pyre and burn Gregor’s body (I’m unable to cast my fiery burst abilities since my fire spells have been expended).  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Traveling back to Teziir will cost us about four additional days travel (2 days there, 2 days back).  During the night a mid-category Air Elemental attacks the party; turning into tornado form near Solmar.  Jusarian and Enola attack with arrows to some success, but my magic missiles appear to fully strike it.  Solmar attacks it with his sword, but the creature lifts Solmar spinning in air.  Belt runs into the dust cloud created by the creature to initiate melee combat.  Solmar falls to the ground from 15ft high once the creature is killed. [/Mutteran]

14 Mavis 1004
Forens

[Mutteran] Teziir patrol encountered mid-day.  Nothing to report, although they seem eager to report our information related to the Guulvorg and Goblin Shaman.  At the outskirts of Teziir, we encounter a fortune teller (Madame Elderone) and her assistant camped adjacent to the road.  For 1 gold piece, the assistant offers to have our fortunes told.  Jusarian is first to accept the offer, then myself, Skif, and Belt.  Solmar and Enola decline the offer.  While Jusarian is in the tent, I attempt to scry within using my Third Eye Sense, but something blocks my magic.  Fortunes:

* Jusarian: He informs us that he will become the King of Whillip.  (Of course none of us believe this bravado, but he has a right to keep his fortune to himself.)
* Myself: I was surprised to find an ancient Elf (Madame Elderone) in the tent as I had thought the assistant was the actual fortune teller.   Madame Elderone reviewed my palm and revealed enough of my past and present for me to believe she has some divine or magical powers.  I did sense magical emanations surrounding us.  Regarding my fortune itself, she indicated greater rewards than those currently offered are possible if gratitude is first earned.
* Belt: He indicated his fortune related to not rushing to the dragon encounter, but other opportunities should be explored if they present themselves.  I asked if he had mentioned a ‘dragon’ in his conversations and he said he had not.
* Skif: He indicated his fortune related to greater evil than we know awaiting us and that it must be vanquished. The fortune-teller did not reveal any additional information.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] We arrive in Teziir immediately prior to dinner.  Jusarian appears enchanted with a female elven bard in the Merchant’s Inn, named Perl.  (I guess he’ll seek the attention of any elven female.)  After one of her ballads he practically empties his money pouch to her as a tip.  He is definitely enamored with this one and invites her up to his room.  I went back to the map-maker/sage but he only had legendary rumors regarding a Dwarven monastery ruin – damaged by either stone giants or an ancient dragon. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Jusarian loudly proclaims his love for Perl and recommends she travel with us – Perl subsequently sits at our table and casually removes her outwear disguise – she is actually a male Half Elf named Pyrceval!  Jusarian professed his undying love to another MAN!  (I for one don’t understand the discomfort?  Does gender really matter?)   It’s the first time we’ve seen Jusarian shocked into silence!  Jusarian runs out of the room with a soul-wrenching scream and isn’t seen for the rest of the evening! [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Pyrceval offers a round of drinking on him.  He professes great knowledge of the local area and that he likely has spent to long in Teziir already.  He indicates the road beckoning to him and the more dangerous or adventurous the better. (I suspect he and Belt will be kindred spirits to some extent.)  He asks to join us in our adventures; indicating he can regale and comfort us in our travels as well as provide adequate fighting and even spell casting support.  We decide to defer our decision until the morning, but certainly Enola has a predatory grin on her face! [/Mutteran]

15 Mavis 1004
Freeday

[Mutteran] In the morning, Jusarian slinks into the common room ashamed to face the rest of us.  Eventually, he returns to the party table as we decide to permit Pyrceval to travel with us as a provisional party member with similar rights.  A decision to join the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights will occur post the immediate adventure. I tell Jusarian privately to don’t let this incident shake his confidence.  It does look like he is somewhat back to normal, as he begins to needle Belt regarding their fasting challenge.  Belt continues to express his faith; praising Fharlanghn for his strength. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] We leave Teziir and restart our travels. [/Mutteran]

16 Mavis 1004
Hafn'mor

[Mutteran] No encounters of note. [/Mutteran]

17 Mavis 1004
Aprochen

[Mutteran] A large air elemental appears in the middle our camp early in the morning (could it have been summoned?). I immediately teleport out of the shelter and notice in addition to the air elemental, a source of light from behind the trees in the opposite direction.  Solmar warns the party of the same.

* Belt: takes critical damage from a column of air punch and continues to be closest to the creature.  Belt divine quicken casts Cure Serious Wounds (twice) and then seeks out what is creating the light instead of fighting the air elemental.
* Skif: Casts dire raccoon and has it attack the air elemental. Unfortunately, he fumbles his crossbow attack and causes the weapon minor damage.  Another dire raccoon is summoned and successfully charges the air elemental.  Skif quicken casts dimension door to appear near the air elemental, fires again but misses.  When the air elemental turns into tornado form, the first dire raccoon is sucked into its maelstrom. The air elemental attempted to suck Skif into its maelstrom without success.
* Enola:  Firing arrows with the swift spell ‘guiding light’ into the woods. Appears to hit some humanoid outline, which then causes the light to disappear.  Without seeing the creature, she turns and begins firing arrows at the air elemental. The air elemental attempted to suck her into its maelstrom without success.
* Jusarian: Shoots and hits the air elemental.  The air elemental attempted to suck him into its maelstrom without success.
* Pyrceval: Begins playing his mandolin to inspire courage amongst the party.  Those that hear the song express a sense of greater confidence in their actions.   The air elemental attempted to suck him into its maelstrom without success.
* Solmar:  Approaches the air elemental for battle using his lance.  The elemental in tornado form then sucks him into itself again (he must like being in the air).  He continues to battle it from within the maelstrom.
* Myself: Initially I planned to attack the air elemental but fearful of the disappearing light I head into the trees to see what happened to the light.  Peering through the trees, I initially see nothing.  I cast reflective field spell and continue my movement but see nothing.  Whatever it was must have left, I leave the trees and cast magic missile spells on the air elemental until the party collective efforts kill it. [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. During combat with a monstrous Guulvorg and its master, the party suffered their first fatality. Standing toe-to-toe against this regenerating beast was a bit more than Gregor could withstand. His valiant efforts were not in vain, as beast and master retreat into the night. Unfortunately, no amount of healing can revive our fallen comrade. Long live Gregor! After this fateful battle, the party traveled back to Teziir, relieved Gregor's hirelings, and added a new adventurer to their roles. Pyrceval the Bard joins the group, and they're back on the road again - Fighting Air Elementals, enjoying the last of Mutteran's stew, and keeping an eye out for that nasty Guulvorg and his master.

Real-world date: 20 Feb 2010
Game-world date: 13 Mav 1004
Written by: Mutteran, Belt and Skifander

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights - have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name both feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. With horses and a wagon, the journey is likely to be long and arduous. And what was that rumor about some ultra-powerful gang of Orcs? Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Note from the DM
As of 20 February, 2010, one of the players (Mark) has taken over the duties of DM. Mark and I have been planning this change for some time. It's something I like to do, when possible. Unfortunately, the opportunity doesn't present itself too often. Once the campaign has been established, and the players familiar with "Rob's World", I like to encourage full participation by sharing the duties of DM. Mark has written the adventure that the characters are currently engaged in, and I will relinquish DM duties while Mark makes all the big decisions. With Mark behind the podium, I'll do my best to enjoy the mystery, and keep Solmar alive. So, Mark and I have switched places. He'll be running the show, and I'll be playing Solmar. What fun! I'm certainly looking forward to the change of pace, the opportunity for adventure and the mystery of Deepwood. - Robert

"Beware the Guulvorg - Deadly encounter with beast and Master"

13 Mavis 1004
Onward

[Note from Lee:  Mark has taken over DM responsibilities for the remainder of the adventure while Robert relaxes and plays Solmar.  (I waited to see if Kim would suggest Rob should do all the cooking now…).  I immediately nominated Rob as ‘Mapper’ being the newest to the table and Joe quickly seconded.  Of course Rob reminded all of us that eventually he’d be DMing again so we have to be cautious in the liberties we take… Now we only have to convince Mark to adjust any Rob-DM style pet-peeves we have (within the limits of the house rules), and of course develop our own Mark-DM pet-peeves throughout the course of 2010!  Who could be the next guest DM after Rob takes over again and itches for another playing opportunity?]

[Mutteran] Enola, Belt, and Solmar are on watch when the Guulvorg rushes our encampment.  Enola yells out “Wake Up, Guulvorg attacking!” and begins shooting her arrows.   Belt trips the built-in alarm spell associated with our shelter on his way to protecting the horses.  He also triggers his enlarge ability for extra reach.  Solmar readies his weapons and moves toward the expected encounter.  The rest of us awaken between these two events and ready ourselves for battle with the Guulvorg. [/Mutteran]

[Skifander] ...A faint scent of lilacs and musk are carried on the evening breeze.  I can just separate her perfume from the sharpness of the green pine.  I breathe in slowly, but fully, so that my nose doesn’t whistle… so deep that my eyebrows start to tingle making me a little dizzy; it is definitely her.  My heart is pounding, telling me to run, but I move slowly over the dead pine needles and branches, no crunching or snapping to give me away, hugging each trunk before I chose my path.  The light of her campfire gives her away as I approach with the breeze in my own face.  It carries the smell of burning oak and possibly the fat of fowl.  Her silhouette shows her sitting on a rounded stone, bent towards the flickering of the flames.  I can hear the crackling and bubbling of the bird as well as smell her sweet perfume.  I melt into the shadow of the tree as she begins to turn her head.  I hear the distant sound of a bell ringing, coming from behind me.  She looks in my direction but passes over me and then returns to her cooking.  I rush the remaining 15 feet, knowing that the fire will hide any sound I might make.  I’m caught, frozen with one foot on the rock she’s sitting on, one hand in her hair as I reach to grab her shoulder, as we both look down at my belt that is ringing like an alarm bell.  She stands up quickly, as if frightened, backing out of my reach.  The bell is ringing louder now and her form starts to waver.  She smiles her crooked, knowing smile and raises her hand to say goodbye… I reach out to grab her before she fades… and start to scream... [/Skifander]

[Belt] On seeing the Guulvorg, I strive to place myself between it and the rest of the party.  While doing so, I make sure to activate Mutt’s alarm spell as well as enlarge myself, to take advantage of the additional reach of my arms.  The wrath of Fharlanghn is about to be received by this creature who harms travelers on the road! The creature charges me and I expect to battle fist versus claw & bite when it suddenly stops short and its tail arches out to strike me from out of my range!  The blow is tremendous, but Fharlanghn has made my body strong.  How many more such blows I can withstand is unknown, although certainly the charge must have helped its strike.   I call out to Solmar to quickly attend the battle!  [/Belt]

[Skifander] The word “Noooooo” rumbling in my throat makes me open my eyes.  I can see the fire outside, through the door and hear someone say something like 'gullivore'.  I hop out of the bunk and stare down at my belt (1- Damned unholy belt!  We almost had her!  2- I know… I touched her hair).  Through the window I see Belt run to the horses.  He yells something… (1- Ugh! 2- Lilacs are still in my nose… 3- Get out there and kill something!).  I shake the smell out of my nose and run through the door and around the hovel.  I see the fanged lizard (1- Wow, that’s a big one! 3- Summon our friends quickly! 2- Right!); I begin to insta-summon a raccoon. [/Skifander]

[Mutteran] The initial Guulvorg battle encompassed many rounds of combat, ultimately leading to its retreat along with its secret ally, a Goblin wizard or shaman.  The Goblin wizard strategically attacked from the opposite camp side once most of us were engaged with the Guulvorg.  The Guulvorg was even tougher than advertised, as it was immune to cold, resistant to fire, has 120ft darkvision, can make simultaneous attacks, automatically attempts an improved trip with a successful bite attack, and has 15ft reach with its tail.  Highlights:

* House Guard:  Instead of cowering within the stone shelter (and shutting the magically locked door), they each took positions around the horses prepared to defend them with their lives.  (I’m impressed with Gregor’s ability to pick out courageous and/or foolish guardsmen.)
* Lupe Garou (Gregor's dog): Somehow managed to sleep through the whole encounter!  I think I now understand why Gregor kicks him so often.
* Jusarian:  Behind the remaining party members, he first notices the Goblin wizard when its spell paralyzes him.  Fortunately, in the next round he resists its spell and cries out warning “Goblin attacking”.  Of course I yell back “So what, get your ass over here to this beast” when Enola yells out “Goblin in a headdress casting spells”.  (Ah, I was wondering why Jusarian’s nerve would be lost so quickly.) Jusarian prepares to use some wand he owns, but by this time the Goblin wizard is invisible.  He eventually runs to follow the Guulvorg when it retreats.
* Enola:  Begins firing arrows at the Guulvorg, but quickly has an errant shot that takes her completely off her usual game (fortunately she didn’t toss her bow by accident again).  While preparing additional shots, she notices the Goblin wizard and changes targets.  While more readily able to hit the Goblin, he seems to shimmer in the air and arrows she is confident should hit do not.  Other arrows strike him but seem to inflict minimal damage (suspect Blur and Stoneskin spells).  The Goblin turns invisible but her permanent see invisibility spell thwarts him.  Unfortunately, the same is not true to his blindness spell which affects her.  She begins to blindly shoot at camp locations.  (I see a mischievous grin on Jusarian’s face at Enola’s misfortunate.  I think this will be another opportunity for Jusarian to pursue his interests in Enola.)
* Solmar:  Eventually he charges over to the Guulvorg but misses with his strike.  He engages it in combat while ensuring his fallen comrades are taken care of by others (see below).
* Gregor:  He charges over to the Guulvorg and at least one of his swords strike it.  He then seems to shake all four sword-arms in the air, bellows, and seems to grow in stature.  It’s the first time I’ve seen him enraged and I’m glad I’m not in front of him.  The Guulvorg’s tail strikes out at him and he takes a mighty blow but continues fighting as if unharmed. He parries the creature’s bite with one of his additional arms.
* Belt: Initially receives an enormous charge attack by the Guulvorg with its tail, who surprisingly stops 15ft away and out of Belt’s 10ft reach readied action.  The blow obvious staggers him, and I’m not sure I could have withstood a similar single blow!  Belt quicken casts cure serious wounds and then lands a flurry of fist attacks on the creature.  The additional frost damage is completely ignored.  The Guulvorg then bites Belt and almost tears an arm off; Belt falls seemingly lifeless to the ground!  Fortunately, Skif’s dire raccoons, Solmar, and Gregor separate the combatants, and Skif casts cure light wounds on Belt.  Belt awakens and seeing the Guulvorg still present, casts two Deific Vengeance spells (one quicken cast) but to his disappointment, it remains standing.  Belt stands up and uses the Belt of Healing at maximum power to regain some vitality.  Now aware of the Goblin wizard, he attempt to help Jusarian, Skif, and Enola.   The Goblin wizard has turned invisible; the best Belt can do is cast create water, hoping the downpour identifies the Goblin in that small 15ft area, or that he walks inadvertently into the Goblin wizard.
* Skif: Begins casting multiple dire raccoons to surround and attack the Guulvorg.  On seeing Belt lifeless on the ground, Skif runs over and casts cure light wounds on him.  He then shoots a crossbow bolt at the Goblin wizard but again minimal damage occurs.  He is subsequently stymied by the Goblin wizard’s invisibility spell.
* Myself: On seeing the Guulvorg, I begin casting various fiery attack spells (unfortunately a combination of my aptitude towards the fire element and my lack of a complete spell book may hinder us due to the creatures partial resistance to fire).  I essentially deplete myself of orb of fire lesser, orb of fire, and most of my fireball spells, including a maximized orb of fire spell!  Damn it still stands!  I hear in Goblin, “Retreat” and immediately attempt some subterfuge by shouting in Goblin, “Sit & Stay!”  The Guulvorg is not fooled, and actually speaks back in Goblin, “You are not my master!”  Soon after, the Guulvorg retreats from battle. [/Mutteran]

[Belt] I use my divine calling to cure myself of some of the wounds I’ve taken and step within reach of the Guulvorg to strike two fisted against its body!  I think to myself, ‘by Fharlanghn's righteous wrath’ and my blows swing true.  The beast then bites me, and I seem to be engulfed in teeth, blood, and Goblin stink.  I cannot control my limbs or thoughts and the ground rushes toward me…  [/Belt]

[Belt] (The weights of any cares seem to be lifted off my shoulders.  I’m in a valley with wild flowers and knee high grass which seems to extend in the far distance with some hills and mountains to climb afterwards.  I look forward to this long journey.  As I make my first steps forward, I get a sense that my past travel is somehow incomplete.  I feel a pressure on my shoulder and…) I awaken to find Skif leaning over my body, hand bloodied by touching my wounds, completing a prayer to his Gnomish God.  When he sees my eyes open, he seems to nod then begins pulling out his crossbow and leaves my field of vision.  [/Belt]

[Mutteran]  The Goblin wizard retreats under its protective invisibility spell.  Although the party could hear him step away, we couldn’t locate him.  Meanwhile the Guulvorg begins a straight line retreat.  Jusarian, Gregor, and I immediately follow.  (My biggest concern being its regenerative healing powers and the possibility it could return full strength again.) I cast my last fireball spell at it, but although hurt it remains standing (Damn, my only options now are magic missile for long range or some close range spells like acid breath).  Jusarian & Gregor must have moved up while it was distracted and attacked it. Before I see it run off, it takes another swipe at Gregor.  He collapses adjacent to Jusarian but without any healing, I continue my pursuit (the Belt of Healing has to be consciously used and Gregor refused to be attuned to one anyway).   [/Mutteran]

[Belt] I see that the Guulvorg remains and Solmar, and Gregor battle it. I cast two simultaneous Fharlanghn's vengeance spells at the creature, but at this time I remain to weak to go forth in melee against it.  Hearing of the Goblin wizard, I attempt to help in that battle, but first use a combination of Belt of Healing (created by Mutt) and my own divine prayers to heal myself to withstand some melee.  The Goblin wizard has left the scene but I use a create water spell and my own body to attempt to discover if he lurks hidden nearby. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] The Guulvorg jumps into a ravine and out of my sight line.  I reach the ravine and immediate teleport to the other side (fewer obstacles).  It is significantly down the ravine by now and disappears past a sharp turn.  (Damn not having night vision!)  I dimension door to the sharp corner but the ravine splits into two or three branches, and I can’t see any evidence of the Guulvorg. (This is the first time I wished Zeddishous was here for his wings and tracking ability.)  I must give up pursuit and only hope we’ve injured the Guulvorg sufficiently to perhaps dissuade it from another attack. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran]  On my return, I find out that Gregor succumbed to his wounds and could not receive divine healing.  (He was very courageous but equally foolish – disavowing magic and having limited armor protections?) I suggest possibly deferring the speak with dead spell until we arrive at town, but Solmar decides it would be appropriate to cast immediately.  We will get what rest we can, and Skif or Belt will cast speak with dead to determine Gregor’s wishes, as well as remove blindness on Enola.  Depending on the results, we may head back to Teziir to speak to the patriarch of Helm’s church. [/Mutteran]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. During combat with a monstrous Guulvorg and its master, the party suffered their first fatality. Standing toe-to-toe against this regenerating beast was a bit more than Gregor could withstand. His valiant efforts were not in vain, as beast and master retreat into the night. Unfortunately, no amount of healing can revive our fallen comrade. Long live Gregor!

Real-world date: 06 Feb 2010
Game-world date: 07 - 12 Mav 1004
Written by: Belt, Solmar and Mutteran

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights - have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name both feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. With horses and a wagon, the journey is likely to be long and arduous. And what was that rumor about some ultra-powerful gang of Orcs? Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

"On the open road - Refugees seek protection"

08 Mavis 1004 ~0800
Longday

[Belt] There is a trade caravan that we meet from the West as we head out.  There appear to be injured in their midst.  They let Solmar know that there are Hobgoblins and stirges which litter the area.  Skif’s bleeding heart reaches out to the injured in the travel caravan and he goes to heal each of the four injured people. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] We pass a trade caravan heading West; six wagons with various carpet and furniture items.  A number of the caravan personnel were hurt and Skif chose to heal them before we departed. [/Mutteran]

08 Mavis 1004 ~1600
Longday

[Belt] The party comes across a group of 50 bombardier beetles as they were crossing through the road.  Skif halts the party and then goes back to watching the creatures as they take an hour to cross the road.  The party makes camp only to be held up by the soon approaching encounter. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] Skif stops our travels and returns to indicate a group of 50 giant bombardier beetles crossing the path about 200 yards away.  We do not pursue and decide to camp now instead of continuing to travel the extra hour. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Stopped for camp an hour short to avoid a large group of bombardier beetles crossing road ahead.  Should be gone by morning. [/Solmar]

08 Mavis 1004 ~1800
Longday

[Belt] Three Goblin’s appear on the ridge and Mutt has now gone to talk with them in Goblin.  They are asking for water as they have been without for five days.  In exchange for the gods providing them water (through the casting of a spell), they offer us information.  A creature called the guulvorg has been harassing and causing the local Goblin community harm, and it speaks Goblin.  Rumor has it that this is it’s territory, and will devour all of the Goblins unless it is appeased. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] Three Goblins approach the camp.  I call out in the Goblin language and discover these scouts are part of a tribe following the migrating bombardier beetles.  They request water and Belt casts a create water spell for them.  We continue to converse, in Common now, and discover that a guulvorg has been attacking the goblins.  Guulvorg is a huge magical beast looking like a black furred wolf.  The Goblins have decided to surrender their territory and move elsewhere. Before leaving, I offer a gold piece for the Goblins animal claw necklace (worth only 10 sp). [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Camp approached by several goblins begging for water.  Belt and Skif created water for them.  They warned us of a guulvorg in the area, preying on their tribe. [/Solmar]

08 Mavis 1004 ~2359
Longday

[Belt] The party wakes up to the sound of flapping leathery wings.  Belt tells Solmar, “There are a bunch of wyverns coming this way.”  While the party slumbers in peace, Enola’s arrow passes through the creatures body, critically striking key vital organs.  Solmar runs forward to grab his lance and yells “TO ARMS!!!”[/Belt]

[Belt] Skif runs through the house and summons a pair of mighty celestial owls to attack these wyverns.  One of the owls manages to charge the injured wyvern and claw at it.  Enola then finishes off her wyvern as she manages to unleash three arrows which strike the other major organs of the beast, dropping to the ground in a pile of its own dragon blood.   The celestial owl continues his attack on the mighty wyvern before succumbing to a falling death.  It was Belt who called upon mighty Fharlanghn to bring it’s vengeance upon the wyvern. [/Belt]

[Belt] As the remainder of the party continues to move around, Belt charges the wyvern that fell his celestial friend, who maximized his movement to strike into the wyvern's chest.  Enola also kept on firing arrows into another wyvern, only to be challenged by Jusarian and his taunt “Let me show you how this is really done.”  His arrows strike at the creatures wings and seems to hamper the now injured Wyvern.  He finishes his taunt with “I don’t miss Enola.”  An obvious ploy to flirt with Enola, it would seem. [/Belt]

[Belt] The wyvern killed an emu only to have the party smite the Wyvern as it attempted to flee with the dead emu.  Belt, Solmar and Gregor managed to kill the wyvern.  At the same point, Mutt threw some fire into the remaining wyvern, burning it to a crisp. The remainder of the night passes will little issue. [/Belt]

09 Mavis 1004
Endsnear

[Solmar] Attacked last night by 4 wyvern.  Killed or driven off, but not before an emu died.  Mutteran insisted on butchering the emu and dead wyvern.  Why all the hassle about what he eats?  Food is food, isn't it?  A nuisance I am glad not to be plagued with. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] Last night, three wyvern attacked our horses and remaining emu.  We quickly dispatch them.  I was able to recall a possible way to preserve the wyvern poison for possible apothecary use. I separate the tails and seal the cut ends; hopefully we can benefit from it. I also butcher the remaining meat for wyvern steaks, wyvern stew, etc. [/Mutteran]

[Belt] A blessed easy day of travel with no encounters and no interest. [/Belt]

10 Mavis 1004 ~0530
Godsday

[Mutteran] Enola casts her Lay of the Land spell again and informs us we should reach the town of Teziir prior to night’s end.  Jusarian and Belt for some reason get into a macho ‘who’s tougher’ contest regarding who can go without food and water the longest.  (Men will be boys - I’ve been in depravation situations and would never actively choose to place myself willingly in a similar circumstance.) [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Jusarian proclaimed at breakfast to be initiating a fast to toughen himself up.  Belt questioned the wisdom of his decision, and Jusarian challenged Belt to see who could maintain a fast the longest.  More food logistics unnecessarily complicating our trip. [/Solmar]

[Belt] An encounter strikes just after Jusarian brags about not wanting to eat.  Belt has decided to take on his challenge on who will be healthier by not eating.  The knights who just got underway, come upon the slaughter of goblins.  After healing six survivors of the Guulvorg, they now accompany the knights to the town of Teziir.  [/Belt]

[Mutteran] We encounter the remains of the goblin tribe.  They were slaughtered on the road except for six survivors.  Belt and Skif heal them and they indicate the guulvorg attacked the tribe.  We invite them to travel the remaining way to Teziir. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Encountered goblin tribe from 2 days ago.  Massacred.  Only 4 survivors.  Reported attacked by guulvorg.  Accepted our offer of escort to outskirts of Teziir.  Reported incident to Teziir patrol later. [/Solmar]

10 Mavis 1004 ~1000
Godsday

[Belt] A patrol from Teziir comes to meet the party on the road to inform them that the Goblins will not be accepted in the town. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] A Teziir patrol stops us and asks our business.  Enola indicates that we are traveling through, but wish to spend the night in the town.  The patrol leader permits us passage but indicates the goblins won’t be invited into the town.  (As normal, Enola asks no further questions - …breathe, breathe, roll your eyes, breathe, breathe ...) [/Mutteran]

10 Mavis 1004 ~1200
Godsday

[Belt] We have come upon Teziir where a group of creatures have set up a camp of a variety of creatures: Hobgoblins, Goblins, Giants, Orcs and some Humans who have all been misplaced.   As we come into town, we find lodging at the Merchant’s Inn for 4 silver per day.  I have been ready for a quick time to wipe the dust from my shoes and enjoy a chair.  [/Belt]

[Mutteran] (Walking through Teziir, I browse through the ‘Glittering Prize’, a gem and jewelry merchant shop.  I elect not to purchase anything, but make sure I can recall how to return to this place sometime in the future.) [/Mutteran]

10 Mavis 1004 ~1300
Godsday

[Belt] Skif and Mutt go to the humanoid encampment and Mutt figures out there are Storm Giants there.  Borazon and Barillion (She has enormous breasts, I wonder if she would crush me?).   They live in the Dragonmere Lake/Sea outside of town. [/Belt]

[Solmar] Arrived in Teziir at highsun.  After billeting in a local inn, I sought out local Temple of Helm to report in and establish official relations.  Met with Patriarch Thyxlus Jon.  Exchanged pleasantries, and after conveying state of church in Whillip, he gave me a sealed scroll tube to be delivered to Garivek after current mission is complete.  I spent remainder of afternoon clearing the well at local orphanage. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] We arrive at Teziir to find a large encampment of humanoids outside of Teziir.  Our travel is unhindered and we are allowed into town, with the goblins heading off to the humanoid camp.  We find an Inn for the night and split off before dinner; Enola to find maps; Jusarian to gather intelligence, Solmar to visit the local Helm temple, Belt, Gregor and the House Guard watching our belongings, and Skif and myself back to the humanoid camp.

* Enola:  No maps were available that are better than the ones we already possess or studied.
* Solmar (unknown to any but Solmar): Solmar meets with Thyxlus Jon, the patriarch of the local Helm church.  Upon hearing of Solmar’s mission in Whillip, the patriarch provides Solmar a contribution in a sealed scroll.  Solmar assists the church with some repairs to a well.
* Jusarian: A large and thriving Thieves’ Guild called ‘The Astorians” exist and specializes in ‘protection’.  Typically a letter “A” indicates a protected merchant.  He noted that this guild appears to be larger than the Whillip Guild.
* Skif/Myself: The humanoids are being informally lead by 2 storm giants (couple named Borazon and Barillion). They trade with Teziir every 10 years or so; otherwise they live in the Lake of the Dragons.  They are maintaining the peace amongst the diverse humanoids.  They indicate that three classes of creatures are causing the displacement of the humanoids: the guulvorg, a giant mechanical spider, and a group of outlaw Orcs.

Skif and I speak to some displaced Orcs.  They indicate the outlaw band is lead by an Orc named Gamorette.  He is a favored of Gruumsh with the god’s blood flowing in his veins.  He can paralyze his enemies and spells directed at him are reflected back at the caster.  [/Mutteran]

11 Mavis 1004
Newday

[Belt] The gods have blessed us with great travels and roads with camp…in the middle of the night.  Skif learned how to knit, but amazingly in the midst of knitting, the horse took the knitting needles out of Skif’s hand and they have disappeared…Skif quickly went back to bed following his watch. [/Belt]

[Solmar] Skif asked to learn knitting at camp this evening.  Misplaced needles.  I will need to find something else to occupy me during watches.  I don't have the luxury of turning off my mind for a third of every day as the others do. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] No encounters, although rumor has it that Skif threw away Solmar’s knitting needles?!!!  I’m confused about this contrarian action of Skif towards Solmar. [/Mutteran]

12 Mavis 1004 ~0900
Nexsta'

[Belt] Non-eventful night.  Back on the road.  As we pass the farm at 0900, we continue onward, waving to the local farmer.  We seem to be making great time on the road… However, at 1700, as we are looking for a place to rest and stop for the night we find that we come upon a caravan as they are heading toward Teziir made up of Half-Orcs and humans.  [/Belt]

[Mutteran] Passed a farm – we have a sufficient pantry to not need any fresh goods.  [/Mutteran]

12 Mavis 1004 ~1700
Nexsta'

[Mutteran] A caravan passes us (again heading West).  Nothing of note. [/Mutteran]

12 Mavis 1004 ~2000
Nexsta'

[Belt] As the party all gets ready to turn in for the evening at 2000, we find that there is a noise that appears to come from the bushes around us.  I have a very bad feeling about this or it is pangs of hunger which is causing me anxiety and nausea? [/Belt]

[Belt] Lil’ Skifander seems intent however, insisting that there are some sort of incorporeal creatures out in front of the camp.  He even called out something about a Spectral Panther.  It seems that a celestial monkey was sent into the bush to flush the creature, but it did not rouse the party that there was something a miss in camp. [/Blank]

[Belt] Moments later, Enola’s keen Elven Sight picked out another Spectral Panther which was lurking behind Belt and was able to shoot several arrows at her target. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] Two spectral panthers stalk towards our camp.  Skif spots them early and after some long distance missile and spell acts they choose to divert to other easier prey and leave our party alone. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Spectral panthers prowled camp shortly before the others were to retreat into Mutteran's summoned hut.  Quickly driven off. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Familiar disquiet began to set in last night during watch.  Will quickly lead to inattentiveness if not corrected.  What to occupy myself with during watches?  Perhaps I should renew efforts to sing opera? [/Solmar]

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. With horses and a wagon, the journey is likely to be long and arduous. And what was that rumor about some ultra-powerful gang of Orcs? Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Real-world date: 23 Jan 2010
Game-world date: 05 - 07 Mav 1004
Written by: Skif, Mutteran, Solmar and Belt

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights - have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name both feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. With horses and a wagon, the journey is likely to be long and arduous. And what was that rumor about some ultra-powerful gang of Orcs? Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

"Fharlanghn's Way - On the open road"

06 Mavis 1004
Hafn'mor
(Two days out of Westgate)

[Belt] As we leave the Hamlet of Hampshire, we discover that the gods have blessed us with a warm day (70 degrees) and I am sure that Fharlanghn blessed our road for good travels.   Here is to believing that we will be greeted on the road with friends and adventure. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] Skif’s create food and water spell is wonderful for survival and traveling light, but horrible for anyone with the slightest ounce of taste buds.  We pass an emu ranch and Belt and I branch off to buy some livestock for fresh meat.  We end up with 10 emu and a whistle to guide them.  I take over the cooking duties for as long as the fresh meat continues (Damn I wish I had memorized the prestidigitation spell). [/Mutteran]

[Belt] During the day, Mutt and I stop off at an Emu farm with the intention of purchasing some meat for our travels.  Mutt purchases 10 Emu and I simply had to learn how to corral these large birds, so I purchased the whistle from the farmer, learning to herd the Emu.  After several hours of learning the skills necessary to round up the emu, it took several more hours to catch up to the group which had continued at their simple pace. [/Belt]

[Solmar] Mutteran complaining about blandness of food created by Skif.  He and Belt stopped at a farm and purchased several large birds - emu.  We are beginning to look more like a small merchant caravan than an assault force. [/Solmar]

06 Mavis 1004 ~1800
Hafn'mor

[Belt] Group of Dwarf hunters came past camp.  They turn away after seeing the number of adventures who came to the ridge to see them. [/Belt]

06 Mavis 1004 ~2000
Hafn'mor

[Belt] Emu become skittish as Skif sights a creature across the plains to the South.  There seems to be a beast that approaches the succulent Emu.  Skif, our fearless scout,  yells out “Spider 60 feet away from the EMU.”  The party moves into action; the best course of action that I can come up with is to herd the Emu but I am unable to whistle correctly.  The herding skill is difficult.  Enola tells us from her intimate knowledge of nature that this beast “is a Harpoon Spider, it is the size of a large horse, with 10 legs covered in spines.”   Eerily, the eyes on this creature resemble human eyes more than the normal arachnids.   It is poisonous and can harpoon things 20’ away. [/Belt]

[Belt] Arrows fly toward the beast, from whom I can only imagine was Enola.  Two of the arrows stuck into the beasts hide as a black ichor comes out of the beast.  Seconds later a shadowy figure comes up behind me and fires another arrow into the creatures belly.  Belt has decided to defend the Emu and with two decisive blows, the creature falls to the ground lifeless.  Belt however impaled his hand on one of the creature’s spines needing the healing of Fharlanghn to heal his wound and stave off any remnant of poison which might have entered his blood stream. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] During the evening we are attacked by Harpoon Spiders.  They are of no consequence to our group but are a danger to our horses and livestock.  Harpoon Spiders have sharp spines that can shoot out from their body 20ft and are poisonous.  They can also exude a sticky glue residue. [/Mutteran]

07 Mavis 1004 ~0100
Aprochen
(Three days out of Westgate)

[Skifander] (Mmmmm… I can sense her.  Even before I round the corner of the building, the scent of her musky perfume sends a tingling up and down my spine.  Darting from shadow to shadow of the buildings cast by the night’s moon, I catch a glimpse of her sitting at a park bench.  A beautiful Gnomish maiden waits for me to catch her unaware.  If she is unable to detect me, her flower she will give.  This game we play nightly… slowly, painstakingly silent, I am but inches from surprising her and finally claiming my reward.  Clanging of metal on metal… she starts and turns around to look at me, surprised at first.  The distant sounds of fighting grow louder and her form begins to waver.  She smiles knowingly, smugly as she raises her hand in goodbye…) [/Skifander]

[Belt] During the watch, Solmar strains to see an on-coming group of humanoids.  Dropping his knitting, he squints his eye slits only to fail to make out what the humanoids are.   As the creatures come closer, it is evident that the humanoid is 8 feet tall wielding a shield and Morningstar.  It appears to be a more intelligent version of an Ogre.   Solmar, summoning all his might into his gears and switches yells, “INCOMING!!!”   The creatures continue to pour in as the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights attempt to rouse themselves from sleeps comfortable grasp. [/Belt]

[Belt] Luckily for the heroic Solmar, Gregor, wakes, stands and draws his menacing four longswords some 40 feet away from combat.   However in between Gregor and his enemies stands a 20 foot vertical ridge.   Our fearless leader, Solmar, strapping on his shield fails to bash one of the large beasts, as he waits for the remaining knights to come to his aid. [/Belt]

[Skifander] Screaming noooooo!! In my head, I open my eyes to see Mutt hanging out of bed to open the door.  Only shadows play against the cliff face and I can clearly hear the grunts and snarling of something unGnome-like.  Solmar is fighting alone!  (1- Quickly!  Before he is cut down!  2- I can’t climb that cliff!  3- Then fly silly Gnome!).  I insta-cast my traveling spell and fly through the door, straight to the top of the cliff where I see the captain being surrounded (1- He is alone!  2- I can’t go in there!  3- Then bring your friends!) and I attempt to summon Baervan’s companion.  [/Skifander]

[Belt] Belt runs through the camp and fails to climb up the hill.  It seems that half of the knights are attempting to climb this vertical cliff, while Solmar stares down his foes with his steely gaze.  Finally, Gregor’s four arms assist him in reaching the top of the cliff.  A grin comes over his grizzled face as he realizes his prey is finally within reach.  Skif comes flying (literally) out of the hut and begins summoning a creature.  The rest of the party attempts to climb the cliff.  Belt grows in size to assist his climb. [/Belt]

[Belt] Gregor’s right arms slash widely at the creatures, while his left arms slash into the creature's legs, erupting a trickle of blood to course down it’s leg.  With blood spurting into Gregor’s face, he is pummeled by the creature.  Gregor curses the beast, “IS that ALL YOU HAVE?!?!”  The beast grins at the challenge and blasts his morningstar over Gregor’s head.  Gregor continues to taunt the beast, “You’ll need more than that!!”  [/Belt]

[Belt] The bravest of the Ogre’s steps into the middle of Gregor and Solmar, hitting them with shield and morningstar. We hear the crackling of bones and the denting of Solmar’s plating.  Undoubting, unwavering, Solmar steps back into the breach hitting his flanking Ogre with shield and sword.  [/Belt]

[Skifander] Solmar’s back is to the cliff with three giant hairy monsters swing metal clubs at his head (1- What is with giant and hairy all the time?  2- Shut up!  We have to help him!  3- Bring another!).  I insta-summon another raccoon that takes a chunk of flesh from the beast’s thigh at the exact moment our first friend sharpens his claws against shin bone. [/Skifander]

[Belt] A Dire Raccoon appears to serve Skif on top of the cliff attacking an Ogre, clawing at the Ogre’s ankle.  Skif flies toward to the cliff yelling in his tenor voice “Go Raccoon!”  Skif continues to climb at his flight, summoning another raccoon to his aid which appears next to Solmar, biting at the heel of one of the Ogres.  [/Belt]

[Belt] Belt finishes his climb to the top of the hill and moves within range of Solmar’s Ogre.  By this time it is evident that Solmar’s luster and shine is diminished due the beating he has been taken by these large morningstars.  Striking with his new enlarged fist, Belt cracks the nose of the large Ogre.  At the same time, on the other side of the battlefield, Gregor continues to rage against his Ogre, slashing two more damaging strikes to his Ogre.  Gregor’s intense growl pierces the night as he become giddy at the sight of flowing blood that he has so long waited after his months in civilization.  [/Belt]

[Belt] The mighty raccoons dash in and out of the legs of these Ogres and assist the knights by biting and clawing at the Ogres.  One of Skif’s faithful ends the Ogre’s pitiful existence.  Skif shooting his crossbow, inspired by his two dire companions lodged a bolt into the Ogre’s armor.  [/Belt]

[Skifander] Boom!!  A flaming ball smashes into the earth behind the monsters and the wave of flame chars the back of almost every baddie (1- The captain needs aid!  2- He’ll be fine, look the monsters are running away  3- We evened the odds for him). [/Skifander] 

[Belt] Suddenly a major eruption of fire explodes from the hands of Mutt. It instantly kills two Ogres.  I have not seen this ever come from Mutt and it is interesting to see Mutt’s sudden offensive barrage.  This leaves three other Ogres who end up fleeing for their lives.  Belt flies away to chase down an Ogre.  Archers continue to shoot into the darkness hoping their missiles find Ogre’s flesh.   Of course, Enola is able to hit multiple opponents from 75 yards.  [/Belt]

[Skifander] I’ll go see if anyone needs healing (1- Go and find the knitting tools!  2- Not now, healing's more important  3- Soon…). [/Skifander]

[Belt] As the dust settles with the Ogres, the party licks their wounds and attempts to let the soothing sounds of sleep roll over the party for the remainder of the night. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] We are attacked by a group of 6 ogre-like large creatures, each with spiked armor and morningstars.  Although Solmar and Gregor take sufficient damage, the Ogre’s are readily defeated (including my first opportunity to put some of new training to good use – a maximized fireball spell). (While convenient for our group, I find Gregor to be displaying a highly developed sense of hypocrisy – as any other civilized person.  He refuses magical enhancements directly, but doesn’t defend his ‘beliefs’ if done without his approval.  Oh well, now we just need to create some magical items that he can’t detect.) [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Attacked last night by 4 ogres.  Quickly dispatched - one fled.  Informed a Westgate patrol we passed today. [/Solmar]

07 Mavis 1004 ~0800
Aprochen
(Three days out of Westgate)

[Belt] The Party gets underway on to the road toward the Giant's Run Road.  At roughly 1000 our famous scout, Skif sees a party of 20 Hobgoblins striking their camp.  As we pass by the camp, which includes children in the group, we thankfully pass without incident.  After a mere two hours of further travel (Damn this seems like the busiest road I’ve ever witnessed), the party approaches a group of armed men, flying the standard of Westgate, attempting to obtain information about the road.  [/Belt]

[Mutteran] We ignore a Hobgoblin encampment; it wasn’t a war or hunting party but some full tribe of families. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] A Westgate patrol stops us on its way back to Westgate.  Enola speaks to them for about two minutes before our groups separate.  I ask what information she received, but she elected to ask no questions.  (Ok my momentary hope for her as speaker is dashed.  Her confidence/arrogance will have us at a disadvantage in some circumstance.  Even I as a mage know that relying 100% on magic is not safe.)  [/Mutteran]

07 Mavis 1004 ~1500
Aprochen
(Three days out of Westgate)

[Belt] The wind begins to pick up as the party rounds a bend.  The scattering of puffy, white clouds appear to be good traveling omens from Fharlanghn.  The party comes upon a trail from the south and a group of humanoids, which appear to be goat-people carrying fishing poles.  They fearfully ran back into the woods down the path to the south.  [/Belt]

[Mutteran] In the distance we encounter some goat-men fisherman but continue on our way. [/Mutteran]

[Belt] The party finds a nice place to encamp with a ledge on the north side of the road.   As we all get to the camp, Gregor kicks his dog as he tends to. A very different thing; it seems odd that no one in the party seems perturbed at the on goings of Gregor damaging his own dog.  At 2300 hours, Solmar and Jusarian see flittering of small creatures around the camp.   Jusarian identifies them as Stirges.  [/Belt]

[Belt] These giant mosquitoes all have landed on the horses and Emu, sucking away their blood and life.  The vast number of Stirges are too many to dispatch as several of the giant insects get away having drained away significant blood from both the Emu’s, the horses and warhorses.  I am curious if this will slow our process more as we are already moving at a leisurely pace down Fharlanghn’s open road. [/Belt]

[Mutteran] At night we encounter 20 stirges – once again, no threat to the party but the horses and livestock need to be protected. [/Mutteran]

Note on Skifander's thoughts:  high adrenaline causes one or more thought processes to begin. Each one runs simultaneously with the others, although one will be prominent.  To date the highest number recorded in his journal is four processes running at the same time although more have been known to be occurring.  The party is not yet aware that Skif has this unique ability.  Solmar and Mutt most likely believe Skif has some kind of “attention disorder.”  They have noted that when Skif talks he tends to look at the ground as a new stream of thought starts.

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. With horses and a wagon, the journey is likely to be long and arduous. And what was that rumor about some ultra-powerful gang of Orcs? Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Real-world date: 09 Jan 2010
Game-world date: 02 - 05 Mav 1004
Written by: Solmar, Mutteran and Skif

Where we left off last session
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights - have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name both feared (by evil) and revered by the (good) citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. Setting sail for Westgate, the party is committed to their course. Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

"Supplies and info in Westgate - The journey begins"

02 Mavis 1004
Nexsta'

[Mutteran] Traveling on the skyship Crucible, we ‘land’ adjacent to Westgate.  Jusarian suggests Westgate is a ‘tough’ town and that he isn’t really welcome here (…hmm, interesting…) We decide on multiple courses of action and split our party between Jusarian, Skif, myself, and the rest of the party.  My group will try to collect information regarding Deepwood, the trade routes, Shilmista Forest, and Armon Bistle, our erstwhile benefactor.  Solmar will lead the group looking for suitable wagons, horses, and general supplies for the overland trip.   We agree to meet at a notable tower on a nearby hill towards the end of the day. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Arrived in Westgate.  Purchased wagon for H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights use.  Gregor purchased horses to pull wagon, and for use by his house-guard when wagon not in use. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] Solmar returns with appropriate supplies.  The town had two primary stables, Thorzar Stables and Dazar Stables.  Regarding the information my group collected:

* Orc bands have been raiding the trade routes nearest the Snowflake mountains.  Most trade companies don’t go that far south, but the Vamos Company (Carlos is the leader) has more information.

Vamos Company is offering an award of 10,000gp for the head of the Orc band leader.  This ‘Orc’ is a giant amongst the other Orcs in the band, with the distinguishing feature being his gouged eye and diamond eye patch.  He is rumored to shoot a red energy ray from the missing eye which paralyzes those it strikes.   Unknown whether one or more tribes are involved, but upwards of 60 Orcs are suspected in the band.

* Armon Bistle turns out to be a wealthy, retired trader of potions, drugs, ointments, and other apothecary items.  Carlos, from Vamos Company, indicated he hadn’t heard of Bistle in the past ten years.

* The trade routes have been attacked by a dragon (capable of carrying away a wagon).  The Vamos company has switched to night travel to limit potential exposure to the dragon. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (I pull Skif aside that evening for a private discussion.  I realize his consternation regarding my flip-flop pricing on magical items as I finalized my standard pricing.  I also acknowledge how reliant on him I am both in keeping my true identity secret from the Thieve’s Guild as well as in carrying my spell books within his magical pouch.  I relent as a quid pro quo arrangement – my pricing remains the same for all future transactions but in this case only at  the next opportunity I will make his magical gloves at our original discussion price.  In exchange I ask for his continued secrecy and protection of my spell books) [/Mutteran]

03 Mavis 1004
Onward

[Solmar] Investigated options for shortening trip by ship or boat.  Ultimately too expensive for amount of travel time reduced.  Following originally planned overland course. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] Enola takes such pride in her archery prowess that it is easy to forget her spell casting ability.  She casts a spell this morning called “Lay of the Land” which gives her landmark and general condition information for ~50 miles.  What a great spell!  I immediately start thinking of how to combine her visual imagery with my third eye detection abilities if she would allow me the casting of ‘detect thoughts’ to see her surface thoughts. Of course she acts with aversion at the suggestion, but perhaps with some protections she could be convinced  We could perhaps learn of the dragon’s lair without ever approaching it! Regardless, if given time and materials, I would love to create an arcane spell mimicking this one. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Traveling during the day is uneventful (a carnival wagon passes us by).  That evening I cast my Leomund’s Secure Shelter for the camp.  [/Mutteran]

04 Mavis 1004
Forens

[Mutteran] During the early morning hours a Firbolg and its giant bear companion passes near our camp.  Skif is spooked about protecting the camp and attacks it with his dire raccoon summoning spell.  After the loss of an unsatisfying snack by the bear (since the raccoon departs upon death), Solmar talks to the Firbolg and confirms it only wants to continue traveling down the trade route. [/Mutteran]

[Skifander] Oh, by the gods!  I picked a fight with a giant and his giant bear!  Well, almost.  Thanks to Solmar, we didn’t get beat up.  Well sort of.  My raccoon was sent back pretty quickly… [/Skifander]

[Skifander] I was watching the horse with the white patch on it’s nose, listening to him breathe, watching his breath turn into smoke, when just above the background noise of the wind in the trees I heard the klackety klack of claws running towards me.  The ground was trembling slightly, so whatever it was, it was big.  I immediately signaled the captain, but he didn’t say anything back.  So when I caught sight of the giant and his huge hairy dog, I freaked, thinking that I was on my own to defend the camp.  I summoned a raccoon directly in front of them; when it attacked the dog, I ran towards the shack and sent a message to Mutt, screaming “Giant, uh, things!” [/Skifander]

[Skifander] Amidst the hammering of my heart and the panic in my mind, a paladin emerged from the fog, nonchalantly walking towards the road (sideline thought:  1- road… something about the road).  Slowly, so very slowly he walked out in front of the cottage and said something to the giant.  Not sure what language he was speaking, because nothing registered above the noise of my anxiety except how slowly he was moving.  How could he be so calm with two monsters from the abyss running towards him? (1- they’re on a road; think about it Gnome) [/Skifander]

[Skifander] I heard a hiss of pain from my raccoon as the swipe of a set of claws raked the air signifying his summons was at an end.  Whoa, not a fat dog, a giant red eyed bear (1- wouldn’t that be a cool pet to have?  2-Yeah but not as good as a blue dragon!).  The giant said something about safe passage (1-You idiot!  You almost started a giant war! 2- I did not!  3- He was being assaulted by monstrosities!  We cannot be held to blame.  We are only defending our comrades.  2- Yeah, and no thanks to Solmar; where in the hells was he?  Why didn’t he say something?!  3- The knitting is to be blamed.  2- Knitting?  1- We must destroy the knitting tools!  2- Hmmm… maybe I can borrow them).  The ground rumbled as the bear fairly flew past with the giant at its side (1- You made it mad.  2- Who cares; it’s leaving 1- Destroy them.  2- I will; if I have to). [/Skifander]

[Mutteran] Travel once again is uneventful with only a group of dwarven hunters encountered.  We reach the Hamlet of Hampshire and settle in the Inn for the evening.  (We confirm the Firbolg is in fact in the barricaded barn resting as well). [/Mutteran]

Note on Skifander's sideline thoughts:  high adrenaline causes one or more thought processes to begin. Each one runs simultaneously with the others, although one will be prominent.  To date the highest number recorded in his journal is four processes running at the same time although more have been known to be occurring.  The party is not yet aware that Skif has this unique ability.  Solmar and Mutt most likely believe Skif has some kind of “attention disorder.”  They have noted that when Skif talks he tends to look at the ground as a new stream of thought starts.

DM's note:
Whillip's newest adventuring group - The H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights have struck out from Whillip. In search of glory, fame, and justice, they seek to right the wrongs of this land. To defend the weak, enslaved, and oppressed. Striking out at evil and taint, this group of characters vow to make their mark upon the land. Let H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights be a name feared by evil and revered by the good citizens of these realms. Departing on the 1st of Mavis, the party has decided to help the citizens of Deepwood in their quest to vanquish a Blue Dragon from their backyard. After picking up supplies, horses, and some information in Westgate, the party has taken to the open road. With horses and a wagon, the journey is likely to be long and arduous. And what was that rumor about some ultra-powerful gang of Orcs? Sharpen your blades and hitch up your horses - Adventure calls and danger beckons!

Real-world date: 12 Dec 2009
Game-world date: 22 Apr - 02 Mav 1004
Written by: Solmar

"Departure for Adventure"

22 Apros 1004
Nexsta'

[Solmar] Visited Findar's Stable and Smith to verify horses will be ready for travel.  Also, Findar has uncovered intel that may eventually lead to acquiring fabricated horse.  City of Fasriul in Luiren known for golem production, possibly including horse models. [/Solmar]

25 Apros 1004
Freeday

[Solmar] Group Meeting: Passage has been booked for next regular skyship service to Westgate, departing 01 Mavis. [/Solmar]

30 Apros 1004
Godsday

[Solmar] Group Meeting: Jusarian warned that he may face trouble in Westgate.  Will try to maintain low profile when we pass through. [/Solmar]

31 Apros 1004
Greengrass

[Solmar] Observed Greengrass festivities.  Much the same as other places and previous years.  Mass slaughter of flowering plants to make way for new season about to come. [/Solmar]

01 Mavis 1004
Newday

[Solmar] Departed Whillip on schedule.  New mission finally underway. [/Solmar]

02 Mavis 1004
Nexsta'

[Solmar] Ship attacked by bats larger than a horse.  Small group, quickly repelled. [/Solmar]

Real-world date: 28 Nov 2009
Game-world date: 15 - 21 Apr 1004
Written by: Solmar, Mutteran and Skif

(Note from DM: Skif's entry (other than a few comments during a group meeting, and some conversations with Mutteran) is primarily internal/personal. While the events/thoughts illustrated in his journal entry don't take place over a series of days. They appear here in a serialized form in order to flow more easily into our more traditional journal entries, which are arranged by date.)

(Note from DM: Please keep in mind that some of the info below (Some of Mutteran's entries and others) comes from private conversations. It is considered to be known by Mutteran and/or those parties present during the conversations in question)

"Final Preparations - Filling in the Ranks"

15 Janus 1004
Freeday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Mutteran suggested contacting Zeddishous to inquire whether we could buy/borrow/rent/trade for his helm.  Protects from lightning, which would be useful while opposing a blue dragon.  I'm tasked with contacting him.
* Belt tasked with visiting JFK Enterprises and asking which cities along the Dragonmere skyships stop at.
* Skifander tasked with researching the Shining Plains since most of our possible travel plans go through the area.
* Mutteran volunteered to research value of various parts of a dragon's anatomy (I am disturbed how Mutteran can view the body parts of another sentient being as a commodity to be gathered and sold for profit.  I must reflect on the moral implications).

Meeting interrupted by an Elf male named Jusarian wishing to join the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights.  Responding to an advertisement put out by Enola.  Claimed to know Skifander.  When asked about skills, claimed to be a "man of many trades".  (Unfocused/Undisciplined?)  Combat trained to use both bow and sword.  We told him to return for Godsday meeting so we could discuss.    After he left, Skifander vouched for his trustworthiness.  We decided to give him a copy of the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knight's Concordium to review, and to start a probationary trial after next meeting.  Enola will test his skill with the bow, I will spar with him, and Skifander will arrange a demonstration of his appropriation abilities. [/Solmar]

[Skifander] (Several months ago, as the group began their training, Mutt asked us if we needed any magical items made. I was the first to raise my hand and say that I needed something to make me stronger. He said he could make something that costs between three and five thousand gold. I told him no problem, I had it in the bank. A month later, Mutt said that he was making belts for the group and would charge us two thousand gold each. I responded that as long as I got the strength item as we agreed, I could afford it (as a back up if my spells ever ran out)). [/Skifander]

[Mutteran] At the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights meeting a Moon Elf named Jusarian requests to join the group.  He describes himself as a ‘Jack of All Trades’ and is an acquaintance of Skif (i.e. part of the Thieve’s Guild).  He expresses great self confidence (and despite reservations I like him). After inviting him to return in the Inn for a few days, we discuss his candidacy.  We agree that we shouldn’t start our next effort with a probationary party member, but decide to hold skill trials prior to initiating a party membership vote.  Gregor votes for immediate membership and disputes the group’s right to test Jusarian.  His frustrations over our inactivity certainly color this action.  Solmar takes umbrage over the suggestion of impropriety (is he displaying more emotion now?)   Solmar and Gregor will test Jusarian’s melee skills, Enola his archery skills, and Skif his ‘urban scouting’ skills.  We agree to reconvene in five days to make a decision  (One fringe benefit of Jusarian would be the attention he would receive from the ‘lawful’ types in our group.  Perhaps their unwarranted suspiciousness will not be directed solely at me.  Dynnera’s voice chimes in, ‘Perhaps Jusarian and I can conduct some mutually beneficial business’). [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Other meeting business includes:

* Belt will be approaching JFK Enterprises to determine how best to travel to the Deepwood.  We hope to use the airships to reduce our travel requirements.
* Skif has researched the Shining Plains.  So Named due to the shimmering heat waves that are constantly present in this grassy steppe.  In addition to three human cities (Assam, Lheshayl, and Ormath), tribes of Centaurs, Wemics, and Kzinti live on the steppes. [/Mutteran]

17 Apros 1004
Aprochen

[Mutteran] (After the meeting both Belt and Skif ask for private meetings regarding magical item creation.  The meetings are polar opposite in nature!  Belt wishes for a possible magical item to enhance his vitality, and recognizes the general expensive needs of spell leaning and creation.  He essentially offers to subsidize my efforts through the purchase of his item.  He also offers me his private spell scroll to learn the spell.  I thank him and tell him given sufficient time in Whillip I’m sure I could create the item he is interested in, or perhaps enhance one he already owns.  Belt also offers to purchase the diamond dust spell component for the stoneskin spell for the party (Outside of our past adventuring dispute, Belt has been very supportive. Dynnera’s voice says ‘its only a matter of time')).  [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Bidvar indicated that S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. new residence and offices are just down the street from Meat, Tea, or Inn.  A man named Kraven at their office reported that S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. are away on a mission.  Borrowing Zeddishous's helm won't be possible. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] (Skif’s meeting is problematic. Skif was interested in my creation of gauntlets of strength, however he feels it was ‘promised’ to him at 3,000gp instead of the final price of 10,100 gp.  He has the temerity to say, “I’ll make you a deal.  I won’t tell my contact any information about Dynnera, and you make me the Ogre Power Gloves for a discounted price.” I am livid and refuse to concede to his threat! (My first thought is, should I get him kicked out of the party for threatening a party member?  I can’t imagine Solmar and Belt thinking this is ‘lawful’ or appropriate behavior.  Dynnera’s voice says ‘Get rid of him and his contact – a two for one.’)   I tell him I promised nothing, and that he should find someone else to create his item if he doesn’t like my price.  (Oh, that’s right, he can’t.  I can’t sell created items except to party members so he needs to get over this false expectation of ‘value’ items.  If he doesn’t like my price he can wait until we find a pair and hope the auction price is palatable!) He returns his Healing Belt to me, saying he doesn’t want it anymore.  After calming myself, I tell him at best I would accept three installment payments for the full price; he can pay the first installment immediately and the remaining two post any adventuring treasure.  He declines the offer.  He then informs me that he was bluffing and that he’d never ‘tell’ about Dynnera.  (It's rare that I and Dynnera’s voice have the same reaction, ‘…sure you’d never…’) I suggest he take back the Healing Belt as it has been paid for and he does so.  We depart.  (Skif will have to bear watching now, as it seems obvious to me that his ‘lawfulness’ is only a well-played act.) [/Mutteran]

[Skifander] (So now he says that it is over ten thousand for these gloves of strength. I’ve already purchased the belt, which I don’t need, and I only agreed so we all have matching belts. I have four thousand gold as my entire life savings. How can a Gnome get a hold of that kind of money? I’ve been working for the guild the entire two months and made only one hundred and sixty gold. There’s no way I can afford six thousand more gold, and I’m not about to take a loan out. Skifander Sun will never owe anyone again). [/Skifander]

19 Apros 1004
Endsnear

[Mutteran] I do some research at the Mages Guild and confirm that almost every part of a dragon is valuable: scales, bone, blood, meat, etc. (I also order flower deliveries for Enola for the remainder of the year from Veegots Plants (by continuing the flower delivery even when she’s not here, I think it will dissuade her from suspecting anyone in the party from being the secret admirer).  In fact, perhaps Enola will think Jusarian is the secret admirer, and this was an added means to approach the party).  I also buy a five bandanas (2 tone colors all with flame motifs) and a golden circlet to hold the bandana in place.  I intend to have the combination hide the Third Eye magical item I have in place). [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] I have concluded that selling of dragon parts might not be objectionable.  Motivations are deciding factor.  To accept a mission to kill a dragon for the express purpose of obtaining body parts for profit would certainly be morally unacceptable.  However, we kill opponents in the course of our missions, and gather their belongings to sell.  If we cannot persuade the dragon to leave the area of Deepwood, and must kill it, selling its body parts would not be very different from selling whatever objects might be in its hoard.  Still, it is a precarious moral dilemma.  I should consult Garivek. [/Solmar]

[Skifander] (Something in my head exploded. I threw the belt at him and told him I wanted nothing from him. He’s a liar and a thief. I told him that I would expose his duality to my contact unless he agreed to the original price. He tried to explain the costs to me and why it was more than we had originally bargained for, but I did not hear any good excuse to break our agreement. I did hear that he needed money to pay for his own expenses; that part I understood. He said that I could owe him the rest, maybe pay him after I get my share of the dragon’s hoard, but I can never be in debt to anyone again. Besides I’m not the one that broke our agreement). [/Skifander]

20 Apros 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] (Before Jusarian enters the conference room, I prepare by casting detect magic.  It confirms that his short bow, short sword, mantle (garment) and studded leather are all magical in nature. Belt has the Artarius on reserve in case we decide to charter it (he’s willing to pay for at least one leg of the party’s charter in the hopes sufficient funds are found with the dragon for the return trip)).  [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Belt did not get information concerning regular skyship stops along Dragonmere.  Instead, inquired about cost for private charter skyship.  5,000gp per day, plus extra for crew.  Belt offered to pay for one leg of trip (to Deepwood or back).  Group voted to postpone decision until special meeting tomorrow night, after Belt revisits JFK Enterprises and returns with information concerning regular skyship routes.
* Enola had already assessed Jusarian's skill with his bow.  Deemed acceptable.  Remaining interview process to be accelerated from original plan.  Remaining evaluations to be performed by tomorrow's meeting.

Sparred with Jusarian.  Agile - adept at dodging incoming blows.  Relies too much on misdirection to land his own strikes, but effective when successful.  Skilled enough to be an asset in a skirmish. [/Solmar]

[Skifander] (Why should I take a loan? So he can grow rich? Is it my fault that he didn’t factor in the extra components?) [/Skifander]

[Skifander] (After our talk, I put on the belt and walked back to my room. I lay on the big bed that doesn’t seem as comfy as it did yesterday, staring at the ceiling… feeling drained and hurt and violated. I should explain further how I am unable to pick something up and carry it without it impairing my skills, but I won’t. I should be angry and yelling and breaking things, but I’m not. I simply feel bad Mutt is so blindly obsessed with gold. He worships money. That is all he cares about. When we first met he pretended to worship the gods. Now I understand there is only one god he sees...) [/Skifander]

[Mutteran] Things of note during this period (15 - 20 Apros) but not observed/known to Mutteran unless told:

* Belt: He can charter the flying ship Artarius from JFK Enterprises for 5,000gp a day.  Charter airships will fly in/out of any location.  He begins interviewing potential captains for the charter trip.
* Jusarian (& Enola):  Banter witticism (at least Jusarian does) while at an archery contest.  While Enola easily defeats him, he does show his competency with the bow.
* Jusarian (& Solmar):  He is able to withstand nine rounds of combat with Solmar before succumbing to unconsciousness.  He had a creative manner of initiating a feint in battle to open his opponent to critical strikes.
* Jusarian (& Skif):  Jusarian successfully opens some training locks that Skif keeps handy.
* Jusarian: Pursuing the possible location of an unknown mithral mine.  The mithral mine was abandoned by Dwarves approximately 100 years ago when they started dying of mysterious (unknown) reasons. [/Mutteran]

21 Apros 1004
Newday

[Solmar] Jusarian opened Skifander's practice locks as we watched, with relative ease.  We assume his skill at neutralizing possible traps would be commensurate. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Belt reported that normal passage on regularly scheduled skyship would be 50gp per day per person.  Regular stop at Westgate.  Group voted to reserve Belt's offer of chartered skyship for return trip.  Will take skyship to Westgate, and travel by horse from there to Deepwood.  Planned route is west from Westgate, then south to the east of Giant's Run Mountains through Shining Plains to a trade route linking Hlondeth and Murann, then west through Snowflake Mountains.
* Jusarian accepted terms of H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights Concordium, and was accepted as a member by unanimous vote. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Gregor protested interview process that we required of Jusarian.  Claimed we were violating the Concordium.  When asked what part of the Concordium, unable to support his claim, and switched instead to arguing that he did not have to interview to join group (Has he forgotten that he fought alongside us at the shrine outside Silverymoon, and subsequently traveled with us holding many conversations, all before being invited to participate in the conversations during the forming of the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights?  Or is he just prone to inventing falsehoods to accuse others when they frustrate him?  I choose to believe the former for now, but I think I should watch that this does not become a trend). [/Solmar]

[Skifander] (The question now; Can I travel with someone that I don’t trust? Worse yet, when we ALL must depend on him in a life threatening situation will he betray us for the sake of a measly coin? I am sick to my stomach thinking about it. It’s like I’m in the gang again… always having to watch my back… waiting for the next guy to knife me to get a better place in line, or steal my boots. While I don’t remember clearly why Arach-nid is after Dynnera, it makes me wonder if maybe she didn’t double cross him like Mutt did with me. If I really was in a gang now, following my old ways, I’d have no choice but to remove him. Thank all the gods I am not. I could never betray Mutt to that slimy spiderman. Our only hope now is to show him the true way of Baervan Wildwanderer. Perhaps then he will see the folly of his ways). [/Skifander]

Real-world date: 14 Nov 2009
Game-world date: 20 - 15 Apr 1004
Written by: Solmar and Mutteran/Ortega Blanc

"Final Preparations - Selecting the Adventure"

21 Janus 1004
Newday

[Solmar] Garivek feels I will be ready for Awakening Ceremony once Inaen arrives this week.  Gave him money to procure ceremony materials. [/Solmar]

20 - 24 Janus 1004
Forens

[Mutteran] I visit #302 Goldsmith and Jewelry to see if they can make a matching chess board for the chess pieces I purchased from Gregor.  They indicate #461 specializes in stonework.  After the obligatory visit to Bidvar, I meet Preeny Saloni an ancient, blind Elf.  She is a sculptor of stone but after touching the provided chess piece accurately identifies its makeup.  We negotiate a stone pedestal and chess board to match the chess pieces, with the removable board inset into the pedestal and also a drawer for the chess pieces.  For 200gp and in 2 weeks, I can have a cart deliver the pedestal to my rental home. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I go to the Bank of Whillip and withdrawal 150 adamantine pieces. [Mutteran]

[Ortega Blanc] Opportunities in Whillip abound!  I eagerly set up my personal account with a deposit of 150 adamantine pieces. Now I must find a partner for my exclusive Silverymoon flatware business.   I visit Bidvar, at #52 "Where Now", to discover that there's only one appropriate vendor in all of Whillip!  I head to #302 Goldsmith and Jewelry to present my proposal. (What a businessmen and negotiator Bidvar must be.  It was tremendous feat to convince the authorities to such a unique business plan and to have long term exclusive rights.  Someone I could learn from!) [/Ortega Blanc]

[Ortega Blanc] My proposal is accepted at #302 Goldsmith & Jewelry!  Of course I made the initial efforts at no financial risk to them; only administrative and labor efforts.  We’ve agreed to three test import attempts, of increasing amount value (500, 1,000, 1,500 gp).  I offer the merchant 10% profits.  Thereafter, they can elect to receive 10% indefinitely without investment, or become 50:50 partners in both investments and profits.  We agree to memorialize the agreement via contract from Pistoria L. A lawyer at #233. I retain my Silverymoon sample and unfortunately they have no similar sample to provide me for my future travels. [/Ortega Blanc]

[Solmar] Inaen arrived today.  Examined Holy Symbol, and conducted tests of faith on me.  All seems satisfactory, and we will leave for Awakening Ceremony on Hafn'mor. [/Solmar]

25 Janus 1004
Freeday

[Mutteran] Quinton announces at our morning party meeting that he is resigning from the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights.  In order to prepare for the administration of his church, he must receive some specialized training and discontinue adventuring.  He wishes us good luck and as a parting gift offers Skif his 'Wondrous Pouch'.  (I’m confused.  It’s a magnificent gift but why to Skif personally and not to the party?) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] With Quinton’s departure, officer voting is required. Solmar and Belt are initially nominated and each receive three votes (I vote for Solmar). They each decline to withdraw their eligibility, but encourage all to vote for the other!  On the 2nd round of nominations, Solmar, Belt, and Enola are selected.  Solmar becomes party leader after receiving three votes (I vote for Solmar again).  Solmar must resign his spokesman position, and the nominations are almost all of us – Skif, Enola, Belt, Gregor, and myself.  Enola wins with two votes while the rest of us receive one (I vote for myself).  Belt retains his position as Administrator (no voting required). (This vote was insane! Gregor… G-R-E-G-O-R! Solmar and Belt forced a schism within the S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S., essentially due to dissatisfaction with Grenco’s performance. How long before they did the same with this group, as I do not see Gregor relinquishing the position without a fight.  Enola must have been bored to actually second Gregor’s self-nomination!  Enola as spokesman?  Can she suppress her prickly nature and her derogatory comments?  Time will tell. My preference would have been Belt or myself as spokesman.  An inner voice, sounding like Dynnera, shouts “Nominate yourself”; however I (Mutteran) demur until another nominates me.  I decide I would accept if others voted me in.  Enola has the vote, I hope she is up for the challenge.)   [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] After voting, Solmar confirms he departs Whillip for some sacred rites with his church superiors.  He expects to return approximately one month from now.  We agree to defer any decisions regarding which adventure to pursue until his return.  I mention magical items again and Skif, Enola, Belt and I all desire Healing Belts (2,100gp).  Enola’s will be an armband as she already owns a magical belt of some sort.  All (including the House Guard) but Gregor agree to providing a hair sample so I can attune the magical belts.  Additionally, we all agree the Orb of Mental Renewal (8,500 gp) should be a party item.  Belt agrees to purchase the orb with his funds and will determine later whether he will retain ownership of it or have the party purchase it from him once it has funds. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Quinton resigned as group leader and withdrew membership from H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights.  Retiring from adventuring, and concentrating on operation of his new church.  Gave his magical handbag to Skifander as a parting gift.
* Election for new Group Leader held; I now hold that office.
* Enola elected Group Spokesman in my stead. [/Solmar]

26 Janus 1004
Hafn'mor

[Solmar] Left Whillip with Inaen and Garivek.  At my request,  Ther'anot traveling to next stop on Inaen's itinerary, and Inaen will rendezvous after Awakening Ceremony. [/Solmar]

26 - 30 Janus 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] Skif seeks me out for an introduction at the Mages Guild.  He wants to discover more regarding the pouch Quinton gave him.  I escort him in, but otherwise continue with my training.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] In nondescript appearance, I visit Sagacity to receive its research on famous Rangers.  To it I add a portrait of Enola (drawn by myself), and following language from the S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. Firestorm Peak adventure.  (The S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. have been regaling Whillip with its tale.)  “Preserver of our land from the spread of Taint from an evil outworldly realm, Destroyer of Deep Spawn and evil Alienist mage, Restorer of sacred temples from evil Elder Taint elementals”.   [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] In nondescript appearance, I continue to #520 Whillip Sheet Print & Book. For 54gp I purchase 3 book copies to be printed in hardbound cover and fine parchment paper.  The book is entitled “Renowned Rangers of Whillip” and includes Enola’s portrait, brief description of the Firestorm Peak effort, and leave room for more additions.  Upon completion the books are couriered as follows:

* Book #1 (Courier to Meat-Tea-or-Inn to Enola directly or Raven (in care from Enola)):  Inscription on inside cover: “To one whose beauty and demeanor are as to the cactus flower in bloom; whose legend will blossom and surpass those that time has already passed”

* Book #2 (Courier to #186 Ranger’s Guild) with note: “My pleasure to add to the Guild’s resources” and inscription: “Dedicated to all the Guild, but especially one only now coming into the prime of her adventuring career”

* Book #3 (Courier to City Library) with note: “Please receive this book as a contribution to the overall city collection.  It is donated freely.” And inscription: “Dedicated to all the Guild, but especially one only now coming into the prime of her adventuring career.  One whose beauty and demeanor are as to the cactus flower in bloom; whose legend will blossom and surpass those that time has already passed.” [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I am amused by Enola’s reaction upon receipt of the book.  She smiles and enthusiastically says, “I wonder if I’m in the book…” and flips through it until she finds her entry.  (I think I found the right tone of gift – flowers just didn’t sufficiently recognize her ‘brilliance’ at least in her mind.  Her conceit is only matched by her confidence, and for the most part her competency with her bow.)  I must consider the nature of her next ‘gift’. [/Mutteran]

30 Janus 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] We ask Skif if he’s willing to cast ‘Sending’ to Solmar similar to Quinton in the past.  He agrees, unfortunately we must wait for the next meeting as he hadn’t memorized the spell today.  I also confirm with all that I will begin creating the magical items immediately after training.  Skif and Belt transfer the necessary funds via banknotes, while Enola defers until the 2nd. (Enola impresses me during the meeting – she is direct and no nonsense in acting as leader in Solmar’s absence.  Perhaps her ‘bluster’ is an act – in any evidence it seems based on this initial step that given responsibility she rises to the occasion.) [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Arrived at Borgan's former bunker late highsun.  Spent afternoon building corral for horses. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] (I'm unsure why I kept the key to this place after liberating myself.  I have mixed feelings about this place.  He kept me imprisoned here for an entire season, trying to convert me to worship Torm.  It was a very unpleasant time.  And yet, it was here that I first started to truly feel Helm's presence; that I first started to believe in Helm more than just academically.  If Borgan hadn't imprisoned me here, would I even have the faith that I now do, or would I still be merely going through the motions and paying lip-service as I did before?  Did Borgan actually cause my faith, however inadvertently?  Should I have thanked him, rather than bringing him to the authorities to answer for his actions?) At any rate, I am excited for the Awakening Ceremony tomorrow. [/Solmar]

31 Janus 1004
Midwinter

[Solmar] Inaen performed the Awakening Ceremony on my Holy Symbol.  Largely similar to Palikon's ceremony.  I will begin the rituals to define Holy Symbol properties tomorrow after Inaen and Garivek depart. [/Solmar]

1 - 4 Febulus 1004
Forens

[Mutteran] Enola transfers funds to me, in order to pay for magic items. On the 2nd I complete my training (So does Belt and Enola)!  Additionally, I am a full initiate to the Mages Guild.  I now have full access to the Guild premise, can invite guests at will, and most importantly, I can maneuver within the Guild without a guide. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Within the Guild, I reserve a ‘safe’ room dedicated to those in the process of creating magical items.  During a small portion of the magical investiture process, I enlist Belt to cast the necessary Cure Moderate Wounds spell onto the belt itself.   I am successful! (I am awed at the ability to make permanent magic items.  I thought controlling the magic flux in the world via my spells was amazing, but permanently harnessing it for myself and others provides me even more satisfaction.) [/Mutteran]

5 Febulus 1004
Freeday

[Mutteran] Skif casts his Sending spell and Solmar confirms his safety as well as expected return remaining approximately 20 days out. I present to the group the completion of the first Healing Belt, my own of course, and indicate two others will be completed by the time we meet again.  [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Contacted magically by Skifander in the morning.  Asked for status report.  I indicated all's well.  Good to know Enola is keeping things in order during my absence. [/Solmar]

[/Solmar] Notable change to Holy Symbol.  It will now fuse itself into my body, where it was formerly bolted on. [/Solmar]

9 Febulus 1004
Endsnear

[Solmar] With Holy Symbol attached, I no longer feel the need to wear clothing for protection from temperature variations.  Ridding myself of unnecessary cloth coverings should allow for less restricted movement, and leaving my plating exposed should deflect blows more easily. [/Solmar]

10 Febulus 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] Skif casts his Sending spell and Solmar confirms his safety as well as expected return remaining approximately 20 days out. I complete Skif’s and Belt’s Healing Belts and present them the belts.  Enola’s will be finished prior to the next meeting, and I plan to begin on the Orb of Mental Renewal.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] During a break in completing the last Healing Belt, an elder mage stops me and asks about the items I’m creating.  He confirms that in fact a Mage Guild restriction is in place prohibiting the sale of magic items to any but immediate companions.  I let him know I had heard differently and in fact was attuning the items to specific individuals.  While please to hear of this restriction, he confirms the regulation is absolutely adhered to without exception.  I thank him for his information.   (My vision of selling attuned items at the Adventurer’s Guild has been shattered by this news.  This is one law I cannot ignore.  My companions will hopefully recognize the precious nature of the ’gift’ of magical items.  While exorbitant in my charges (to make up for time spent and the inability to sell elsewhere) I hope they recognize the value of said costs when their lives are saved or made better.  Their willingness to pay exorbitant costs at auction for found items should be no different than on items I create.  Such is the monopoly the Mage Guild requires.) [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Contacted by Skifander again.  Reported all's well. [/Solmar]

13 Febulus 1004
Onward

[Solmar] With Holy Symbol attached, I can now see in the back-most areas of the cave even without any fire, much as when I wore the ring that Ysoac eventually claimed.  I sense that the spirits of the Holy Symbol's former owners will grant no more properties to the Holy Symbol until I have proven myself more worthy.  Sometimes, it seems as if I can almost hear distant whispers when it is attached. [/Solmar]

14 Febulus 1004
Forens

[Solmar] Locked bunker, dismantled corral, and after verifying bunker entrance hidden, left for Whillip. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] I much prefer how my polished mithral plating catches the sun to the look of the cloth coverings I formerly had to wear in cold weather. [/Solmar]

15 Febulus 1004
Freeday

[Mutteran] Skif casts his Sending spell and Solmar indicates his churchly Rites are completed and he should be back in Whillip in time for our next meeting on the 20th.  I complete Enola’s Armband of Healing and give it to her.  I continue to work on the Orb of Mental Renewal.  [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Contacted by Skifander.  Reported all's well and that I am in transit back to Whillip. [/Solmar]

18 Febulus 1004
Longday

[Solmar] Back in Whillip. [/Solmar]

16 - 19 Febulus 1004
Endsnear

[Mutteran] Preeny Saloni completes the pedestal & chess board and I pay her the balance of the funds due.  I have a cart rental for transport of the pedestal and have it delivered to my pool house rental. [/Mutteran]

20 Febulus 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] Solmar has returned, more confident and different.  He seems to no longer strive to mimic humanity at least in its culture norms; such as wearing clothing!  He is naked and processes no longer needing clothing as he is protected from natural elements.  I try to indicate clothing is used for more than protection, but ultimately drop the issue.  Additionally, the replacement holy symbol he received at the Monastery of Hallowed Doctrine seems to have recently been fused with his body!  The churchly Rites must have had something to do with his changes.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Solmar initiates adventuring discussion.  After some discussion, its determined that the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights will accept employment of the town near the Deepwood and protect it from the blue dragon (Solmar and I the only ones voting else wise – he for the 'Book' and I for the 'Black Flame').  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I discuss with party the need to delay further in Whillip to learn spells. I know this is unpopular; in fact I hate spending more time here after training for so long.  I spend some time detailing out how learning spells is as intensive as magical item creation, and minimally I’d like to learn seven new spells which should greatly enhance our chances in future encounters.  I stress seven spells is quite conservative; there are probably 30 spells I’d like to have time to learn!  I ask for an additional 2 months (60 days) within Whillip.  A close party vote occurs, but ultimately there is agreement that we stay the extra days and the rest of the party will be planning our travels and researching the lands near this Deepwood. (I understand the frustrations of waiting in Whillip instead of proceeding immediately against the Dragon.  I am tired of training/studying as well.  I only hope they realize, after receiving some of the benefits of these new spells, that their earlier frustrations were worth it.) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Solmar and Enola introduce a training opportunity for the party to consider; something called ‘Group Trance’.  After ~2 weeks of training, lead by Enola as a full-blooded Elf, successful participants are able to gain necessary rest with only 4 hours sleep instead of 8 hours (similar to Elves). All but Gregor agree to the training at this time.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Skif suggests with Quinton’s absence, that we open the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights to new candidates.  General agreement occurs, and Enola is directed as Spokesman to secure appropriate advertisement for candidates to seek us out at the Meat-Tea-or Inn. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Group voted on which mission to undertake next.  We will expel the young blue dragon from the vicinity of Deepwood.
* We will delay departure another 2 months for Mutteran to learn additional spells.  Will gather intel about blue dragons and Deepwood locale in the meantime.

H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights protested my lack of clothing when I first arrived at this morning's meeting.  Seemed appeased when I pointed out that I do not have genitalia to be ashamed of as other races do. [/Solmar]

21 Febulus – 15 Apros 1004
Freeday

[Mutteran] Two months goes by quickly for me.  I complete the Orb of Mental Renewal and create two additional magic items that I think with greatly assist myself and the party in addition to my spell studies.  Fortunately my spell studies advanced quickly to allow for the magical item creation.

* Spells learned (in training and during this time period): Leomund's Secure Shelter, Arcane Eye, Mass Resist Energy, Stoneskin, Assay Spell Resistance, Mass Snake Swiftness, Lesser Orb of Fire, Thunderhead, Dolorous Blow, Clairaudience/voyance.
* Tomebound Eye of Boccob:  A magical item that attaches to one of my spell books allowing some spells to have greater chance of affecting spell resistance creatures.
* Third Eye – Sense: At will, I can see and hear a distant location (whether familiar or one of an obvious location).  The tactical advantages to our party are endless!

(I could spend months more leaning all the spells I’d like, I need to know, but time and costs prevent me.  Time because I must continue to seek out adventure to advance in skill and knowledge.  Time because I’ve learned it sometimes takes a group of brave individuals to combat evil; forcing me to compromise my own desires.  Finally cost because I am once again poor after all the spells I’ve learned and items I’ve created.  How do non-adventuring mages gain the spells they do?  Since I must learn these spells, and only limited time is available to me I must remove the cost factor in the near future.  An inner voice, sounding like Dynnera, says ‘Do not hold back, you have sufficient magic to take what you want.  If you must have scruples, then pick your targets from those against us…’) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Turns out Bidvar's extensive contacts and knowledge exceeds the local sages regarding where our adventure is to take us.  For 100gp we learn the following:

* Shilmista (Forest of Shadows) – Dominated by a single Elven tribe who maintain small sized camps.  The Elven king has deem anyone forfeits their life if ‘more trees or elves die’.  These elves have a tenuous contact with the rulers of Tethyr.
* Amn/Tethyr/Calimshan – Wide variety of terrain in each country and trade has been established throughout the countries.
* Amn – led by merchants. However, Shadow Thieves are active (and ruled by an anonymous ’Council of Six’).  While divine spellcasters are respected, arcane spellcasters are reviled and feared.  Two Ogre Magi have conquered two cities near the Snowflake Mountains.  Amn has a colony in Maztica and reaps much riches from it.
* Tethyr – A civil war recently ended, it is currently ruled by a Queen and King; the King a former Scribe of Shadowdale.  There is distrust of any outside organizations, including adventuring groups.  The Shilmista elves are known to distrust the new King/Queen; pirates raid from nearby islands and disrupt trade.
* Lake of Steam – The northern side is a collection of independent city-states, previously part of Calimshan.  The cities are sometimes known as the ‘Moon Sea of the South’.  The lake itself is shallow (200ft max) salt water lake of ‘stinky’ yellow color with mist almost constantly rising off it.
* Riatavin – Large city of ~8,500 population. City placement makes it crucial for trade through the Sea of Fallen Star.    Arcane Casters have aided this city in its secession from Amn to Tethyr.
* Mintar – City of ~21,500 population – Recently conquered by the Church of Xvim/Bane.
* Omlarandin Mountains – Known for wyverns, displacer beasts, and gems renowned for magical use. [/Mutteran]

Real-world date: 31 Oct 2009
Game-world date: 2 - 20 Jan 1004
Written by: Solmar and Mutteran

"Adventure possibilities - Ancestral Relic - Treasure Cave"

02 Janus 1004
Nexsta'

[Solmar] Sent letter to Inaen petitioning for Awakening Ceremony.  Garivek began teaching me how to utilize Ancestral Relic once Awakening Ceremony completed. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] Bidvar’s Whillip Sheet proclaims Gregor’s victory in the joust from yesterday and how he bested many more renowned champions.  All are invited to attend Gregor at the Meat-Tea-or-Inn for a meet and greet.  I’m sure Quinton will use it to good advantage. [/Mutteran]

05 Janus 1004
Freeday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Belt may have found another job possibility in court archives. Described below.
* Mutteran offered to create belts for squad members that would allow some limited self-healing.  Good idea in general, but unnecessary in my case.

Approx. 10 years ago, a Francis McMoore was hired by Baron Gentwell to retrieve the Horn of Iggwilv from Greyhawk.  Returned with a forgery.  Companions kept the Baron's 150,000 gp and vacated Whillip, leaving Francis to stand trial alone.  Sentenced to 10 years in prison.  Perhaps the Baron would still proffer a reward for the horn? [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] Eric ‘the pimply faced boy’ seems to be successfully courting Tracy the barmaid. I invite him to dinner sometime but he demurs saying he’s busy.  I ask him about Francis McMoore (prison related to the Horn of Iggwilv), but end up buying seven tickets to a play based on the McMoore trial in which Eric is acting.  [/Mutteran]

06 Janus 1004
Newday

[Mutteran] I am anxious for the completion of training…. in some free time I approach Whillip Sheet Print & Book #520, in my nondescript merchant form, for my next present to Enola. There are no books of renown Rangers but the Ranger’s Guild (#186) does have a number of wall plaques to famous rangers.  I must hire a scribe to record said legends and then the printing shop can create the book. [/Mutteran]

10 Janus 1004
Godsday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Francis McMoore imprisoned below City Guard Barracks.  Set to be released 10 Febulus.  I was instructed to obtain permission for H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights to visit Francis.
* Quinton reported that the foundation for his church's building is complete. [/Solmar]

11 Janus 1004
Newday

[Solmar] Only family and personal attorney may visit Francis McMoore in prison. [/Solmar]

13 Janus 1004
Onward

[Solmar] Received letter from Inaen today.  Confirmed he will perform Awakening Ceremony.  Will return to Whillip next week.  I must determine a site for ceremony.  Must be a location with significant personal importance. [/Solmar]

15 Janus 1004
Freeday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Meeting initially canceled due to unannounced absence by Gregor. Eventually located at docks returning from a personal excursion.

* Gregor discovered stash of gold left by a counterfeiter who was caught and executed.  Donated 500 gp to party fund.  Will return with Skif to retrieve additional chest and check for counterfeiter's coin molds (reward still offered for their discovery/confiscation).

* I informed H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights of inability to interview Francis McMoore.
* Black Flame cult members all bore tattoos of a black flame. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] As Ortega Blanc, I speak to Bidvar about silverware merchants.  It looks like #302 Goldsmith & Jeweler is the only outfit selling fine flatware.  In my nondescript merchant garb, I also hire a professional scribe to discover and record Ranger legends; starting with those noted at the Ranger Guild.  I pay 25gp and await his results on the 25th (1 week).  I intend to meet him again at his place of work to collect his efforts. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Skif and I finally attend the play about the Horn of Iggwilv.  Eric and Tracy do an admirable job with their parts, and we stay after to congratulate each.  It is rumored that the playwright, Riak Trebli, may have been an associate of Francis McMoore.  Whether play embellishments or not, some additional ‘horn’ trivial:

* Horn was to be found in the Lost Caves of Tsojcanth; it was some wondrous lantern known as the ‘Horn’
* ~ 100 yrs ago, an evil archmage had conquered the Marshes of Perrenland and subjugated the citizens.  She lost her empire when in a failed experiment she freed the demon Garz'zt
* As with all said stories, the mage’s magical wealth had never been located before the Whillip Wanderer’s arrival.  Whillip Wanderer’s were a group of Humans and 1 Orc adventurer.
* The Whillip Wanderer’s had been geased by the Baron, and fought vampires and a demon to reach the treasure (the demon was defeated but not destroyed).
* On their return, the Whillip Wanderer’s decided to dupe the Baron by replacing the real item with a duplicate. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Attended a play about Iggwilv's Horn.  Mutteran's friend in the production.  Play presented in 2 acts:

Act 1: Iggwilv was an evil archmage that ruled a large empire approximately 100 years ago.  Much of her power derived from Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, the seat of her rule.  During a magical experiment, accidentally released a demon.  Managed to defeat the demon, but lost access to much of her magic in the process.  Empire quickly disintegrated.  Iggwilv used the last of her power to hide a portion of her treasures, including Dowd's Wondrous Lanthorn (Iggwilv's Horn).

Act 2: Whillip's Wanderers (Francis McMoore's squad of 7) hired to retrieve Iggwilv's Horn / Dowd's Wondrous Lanthorn.  Sailed to Greyhawk, battled vampires and a demon commanding them, and discovered Iggwilv's hidden treasure, including the horn.  Whillip's Wanderers then had a duplicate made, sold the original, and returned to Whillip to collect the Baron's reward using the forgery. [Solmar]

[Mutteran] Gregor is late to the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights meeting so we suspend the meeting and head towards the docks.  As we approach, he steps off a boat with a chest in hand and acknowledges being late to the meeting.  We reconvene at the Inn, and he informs us of his endeavors related to the counterfeiter.  Solmar has a currency test kit available and is able to determine which coins are real, which are not.  It turns out approximately ½ the coinage is legitimate, and Gregor offers a donation to the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights party of a portion of his loot.   He also found a complete chess set (~32 pieces) made of ivory, mother of pearl, and diamond chips.  Each piece appears valued at 20gp each.  Instead of breaking the set, I offer Gregor 640gp in exchange for the set piece.  (A nice addition to my rental home – I’ll have to find a matching chess board.) [/Mutteran]

20 Janus 1004
Godsday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Skif and Gregor successfully located counterfeiter's coin mold.
* I announced that I must leave town for approximately 1 month for Awakening Ceremony and Ancestral Relic creation. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] Skif and Gregor both return to the caves Gregor discovered to see if Skif could locate the counterfeit molds.  They do in fact return to Whillip with the molds.  They were in a secret compartment in a chest embedded to the floor of the caves. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I mention to the group that I will soon be creating magical items at the end of my training sessions.  I suggested that I create Belts of Healing for all interested…. Originally thinking it would cost ~1500gp but ultimately confirming the costs as 2,100gp and ~2 days of effort.  These are charged belts, renewed daily, which depending on the charges spent would heal a range of damage to the wearer.  Solmar seems disinterested due to his innate abilities, but others are interested.  I indicated that any magical item I create is ‘attuned’ to a specific individual, so I would need a few strands of hair to embed into the magical item.  As a compromise, any belts created for the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights should contain a strand of hair from all party members (perhaps even the House Guards); at least this way they would be immediately useable by any in the group.  (I do this for at least three reasons: (1) to avoid Mage’s Guild wrath for some unwritten rule or prohibition regarding magical item creation or distribution; (2) limit resell ability and require additional magical assistance from me if someone wants to be ‘attuned’ to an item; (3) perhaps forestall theft attempts if this limitation was well-known.) [/Mutteran]

2 - 20 Janus 1004
Godsday

[Mutteran] Unknown to Mutteran (unless informed verbally) but of interest:

3rd Janus: Belt discovers within the law library the case of the “Horn of Iggwilv”.  Francis McMoore and his companions were hired by the Baron ~10 years ago to return this legendary item for 150,000 gp.  The group returned with said item, but shortly after being paid by the Baron, the Baron identified the item as a forgery.  Only Francis was captured and the money was never returned.  After a sensational trial, Francis McMoore was found guilty and given 10 years in prison.  He is eligible for release on 10 Febulus 1004 from his prison underneath the guard barrack in #91.

* A parchment associated with the horn reads “The Horn of Iggwilv pierces the heart, look over your shoulder, before you start, how many sorrow foolish men, because they didn’t turn back then.”
* Location where Horn was to be found is in Greyhawk between Ket & Perrenland.
* Solmar request visitation with Francis McMoore but only family has visitation rights.

6th Janus: Belt & Gregor each discovers information related to the Horn adventure.  An evil group of vampires held the Horn prior to the group.  Francis was part of a group known as the "Whillip Wanderers".  Through the Baron’s contacts, the Margrave of the Marches of Bissel gave horses, maps, and other support to the team, even escorting them through Bramblewood Forest and the Yatil Mountains.

~8th Janus: Skif begins investigating dragons at the City Library.

~15th Janus: Belt approaches Yorgel the druid about Fletchins Swamp.  He indicates a Great Circle occurred there about 30 years ago; some druids, including Lizardmen druids, still live there.  He also recommends against extra-dimensional spells within the swamp as its interaction with the swamp’s extra-dimensional spell could cause a collapsed space to occur at the casting point!   Finally, he adds that most of the Black Flame cultists had a tattoo of a black flame on the palm of their hand.

~15th -20th Janus: Gregor has a side adventurer pursuing a counterfeiter lair.  The molds and false coin were never found.  It is rumored that a return of the molds would provide a 1,000gp reward. Gregor hires a flat bottom boat and with his House guard hunts the by-ways of the coast.  During low tide he discovers some hidden caves that in fact contain the treasures of this counterfeiter.  It also had a number of huge poisonous spiders as well that he quickly dispatched. [/Mutteran]

Real-world date: 03 Oct 2009
Game-world date: 16 Nov 1003 - 1 Jan 1004
Written by: Solmar and Mutteran

"Training - Ancestral Relics - Jousting"

16 Novius 1003
Hafn'mor

[Mutteran] I’m surprised that Eric ‘pimply faced kid’ Mage Guild door attendee, while leading me to my training session, asks about my relationship to the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights and our Meat-Tea-or Inn.  Turns out he is smitten by one of the wait staff, Tracy Nasally.  I tell him I’d find out more about her relationship status and perhaps I could treat him to dinner at the Inn one night when she’s working to give him an opportunity to interact with her.  (It would be great to cultivate some friendships within the Mage’s Guild, in addition to Eric being a really useful person to know.) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] After training, I find out from Raven that Tracy is scheduled to work tomorrow’s dinner shift.  She was unaware whether Tracy was in any relationship.  I return to Eric and we agree to have dinner together tomorrow.  I give him some advice since his confidence seems a little shaken.  I also take the opportunity to ask him whether he knows anything about Demetrius the Sage and the ruined castle in the swamp. [/Mutteran]

17 Novius 1003
Aprochen

[Mutteran] Eric shares the following information about Demetrius and his quest (over the course of multiple days):

* Demetrius is a high level mage (higher than myself) who was kicked out of the Mages Guild after blowing up the potions lab with his experiments.  His studies varied from perpetual motion to the study of religion and cults.
* For the last 20 years, he has been trying to perfect “Bottled Mana”, essentially allowing a mage to cast any spell in their repertoire without memorization (like a Sorcerer).
* The “Black Flame” actually consumes life force upon touch similar to negative energy.  It burns cold, and there is no normal way to extinguish the flame.
* The castle was the residence for the “Cult of Black Flame” but it hasn’t been active for over 100 years.  The current Baron’s grandfather was Baron at the time the cult was destroyed.  He had it wiped out when his son Boazor (the current Baron’s uncle) joined the cult and subsequently died without a mark on his body, having been consumed by the Black Flame.  All known cult followers were killed, but the cult leaders, Aramen (a mage), and Ohjos (a high priest) were never located.  The actual temple sanctum for the cult was also never discovered.
* Beltran was not from Whillip and was known as a mage who focused on conjuring/summoning spells.  He gathered up construction supplies including flat bottom boats and headed into the swamps.  Leptor, an 8th level mage focused on conjuring/summoning spells, became Beltran’s apprentice and left with him.  Leptor has not been seen for over a year.
* Beltran paid for his supplies with a chest of emerald (hmm… Demetrius is offering us emeralds as payment; too close for coincidence in my eyes) 
* The green flame (beacon) occurred after a mighty explosion and it has been noted that some Lizardmen worship the flame.  Lizardmen will also not speak of the green flame to others.
* Fletchins Swamp is actually an extra-dimensional space similar to the City Park or Mage Guild building, and is at least four times its actual size.  It used to be a sacred druidic location, and Yorgel the druid who frequents the park likely knows more about the swamp itself. 
* The ‘Black Flame” was somehow used to control followers although the method was unknown.  Rumors of the cult resurgence are circulating. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Eric and I have dinner and wine at Meat-Tea-Or Inn.  While enjoyable, he totally froze up around Tracy while she served dinner, to the point of almost making a fool of himself.  I try to hasten dinner and walk him back to guild.  I tell him I will act as his emissary with Tracy and see if she’d be willing to see him.  (I think for a moment about changing into Tracy’s form and giving him some practice runs with me.  I hesitate to reveal myself since I don’t know if he knows my true nature, or what type of relationship he might have with Arach-Nid.)  [/Mutteran]

18 Novius 1003
Longday

[Solmar] Summoned to Meat, Tea, or Inn after training for H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights meeting.  Quinton, Skif, and Gregor met with Demetrius on Hafn'mor.  He wishes us to retrieve a “Black Flame” from a ruined keep in Fletchins Swamp.  He will use it to make a new kind of potion.  He will pay us with a box of gemstones worth “between 1,000 gp and 100,000 gp”. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Mutteran inquired about Demetrius at Mages Guild yesterday.  Demetrius was a member until expelled for destroying potions laboratory multiple times.  Considered scatter-brained.  Has been attempting to create his potion for approximately 25 years. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Mutteran also obtained additional intel about the black flame.  Does not cause physical burns, but instead consumes a creature’s life-force.  Once a creature begins to burn from touching flame, no known way to extinguish.  Was used by a cult (original builders/inhabitants of now-ruined keep) approximately 100 years ago to control the minds of followers.  Cult eradicated by Whillip militia after killing then-reigning Baron's son.  Keep recently reoccupied by a mage, but was destroyed during one of his experiments approximately a year ago.  Mage's assistant (another former member of Whillip Mages Guild) still occupies keep's ruins.  Destructive explosion created constant green light.  Local Lizardmen now worshiping this light. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] This evening's meeting called to decide if Quinton, Skif, and Gregor to conduct preliminary scouting mission into Fletchins Swamp before we decide whether to take Demetrius's job.  Majority group vote was against. [/Solmar]

25 Novius 1003
Freeday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Mutteran announced that Fletchins Swamp is extradimensional, similar to Whillip's primary public park maintained by druids. Interior is approximately 4x larger than external dimensions would indicate. [/Solmar]

30 Novius 1003
Godsday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Quinton and Skif visited cartographer on Aprochen.  Located Deepwoood (Note from DM: location of Blue Dragon adventure).
* I was instructed to get intel from Garivek concerning expected location of  Ievobrin's Incunabula

Contacted Garivek as instructed.  To recover book, we would be teleported from Seer Ekhhs's manor to a village called Kester, on a continent called Greyhawk on the opposite side of the world.  Garivek unsure if return teleport provided, or if we would have to procure ourselves. [/Solmar]

31 Novius 1003
Moonfest

[Mutteran] Over the past few weeks I’ve attempted to cultivate a friendly patron relationship with Bidvar. When I had inquired about learning all the city buildings he had been put off; he also happened to mention how his newssheet business was less prosperous than his directions business.  I have now become a daily subscriber to the Whillip Sheet and make a point of spending 10-15 minutes (barring bad weather) a day chatting with him – similar perhaps to a patron at a coffee shop. Today’s news mainly revolved around a local burglary ring and three Raptorans rumored to be the culprits.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (I’ve also decided to cultivate a truce, friendship, etc. with Enola.  Although her animosity towards me remains, I as Mutteran have no animosity towards her.  In fact I actually appreciate her acceptance of me, for example relating to me as Half Elf (of course in a negative manner), without reflection on my past. If nothing else it will amuse me to accept the challenge of turning her coldest shoulder to something barely warm (if possible).  In a neutral form I approach a local florist and ask that cut flowers be sent to her at the Meat-Tea-or Inn every five days for the next ~4 months (essentially making sure some fresh flowers are always present) with a note indicating it was from an admirer.  The first delivery should arrive on the 2nd of Detenday.) [/Mutteran]

05 Detenday 1003
Freeday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Informed H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights of location for retrieving Ievobrin's Incunabula
* No other official group business. [/Solmar]

07 Detenday 1003
Aprochen

[Solmar] Inaen arrived in Whillip.  Accompanied by Ther'anot.  Still acts as if I am just an object unworthy of his attention.  Will fraternize with Inaen on Godsday. [/Solmar]

10 Detenday 1003
Godsday

[Solmar] Inaen and Garivek met with Palikon yesterday.  Will be performing an Awakening Ceremony on Truth's Arrow later in the week.  Invited me to accompany and witness.

Exchanged intel with Inaen covering time since I left Waterdeep.

* Jareef has passed away.  I remember his sparring lessons.  I will miss him.  Pleisella promoted to his position.  She will train recruits well in his absence.
* Inaen's wife has birthed two more children.  There is a reason he volunteered for an extended administrative journey.

Much more small talk, but nothing else noteworthy. [/Solmar]

13 Detenday 1003
Onward

[Solmar] Departed Whillip with Inaen, Garivek, and Ther'anot.  Rendezvoused in Jaresk with Palikon, his father Nigelka, their local priest, and a family friend.  Awakening Ceremony will be performed in cave where Truth's Arrow was pulled from dragon's foot - 3 days' journey by horse. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Inaen confirmed that Tekelut will provide return transport, contingent on first recovering Ievobrin's Incunabula  Will inform H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights after returning to Whillip. [/Solmar]

14 Detenday 1003
Forens

[Solmar] Queried Garivek about Truth's Arrow and Awakening Ceremony.  Some objects, by long association with a bloodline, attract an affinity with the spirits of deceased family members.  This has happened with Truth's Arrow.  The Awakening Ceremony will formalize the bond to ancestral spirits, making Truth's Arrow into and Ancestral Relic.  Palikon will then be capable of bestowing magical properties to Truth's Arrow.  Specific effects cannot be planned, but are determined by what ancestral spirits deem useful for Palikon. [/Solmar]

15 Detenday 1003
Freeday

[Solmar] Arrived at cave at dusk.  Obviously vacated for a very long time.  Jaresk squad visibly excited about tomorrow. [/Solmar]

16 Detenday 1003
Hafn'mor

[Solmar] Morning spent clearing an area in cave for ceremony.  Awakening Ceremony performed by Inaen shortly after highsun, assisted by Garivek. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Started with tests of faith of Palikon to prove worthiness for Ancestral Relic (mostly formality, since Palikon had to prove himself before Inaen agreed to perform ceremony).  Next, prayers to Helm asking permission for Palikon's ancestors to be granted access for channeling power through Truth's Arrow.  Longest portion of ceremony spent attuning Truth's Arrow to power bestowed by ancestral spirits.  Late afternoon when ceremony complete.  Palikon obviously eager to return home and perform private ceremony to define specific properties bestowed by ancestral spirits. [/Solmar]

17 Detenday 1003
Aprochen

[Solmar] Inaen and Ther'anot departed for Tulbegh.  Will pass back through Whillip sometime in Janus.  The rest of us began our journey back to Jaresk and Whillip. [/Solmar]

18 Detenday 1003
Longday

[Solmar] Queried Garivek for more information about Ancestral Relics:

* Can they be associated with spirits other than ancestral?

* He confirmed, but indicated that such objects are much more rare even than Ancestral Relics.  However, any group of sufficiently close social bonds that share an object for an extended amount of time can form an affinity with that object after death.

* Could the holy symbol that Talaruk bolted to my chest be such an object?  It has itched ever since being attached, even after having its magical properties removed by the wards at the entrance of the Monastery of the Hallowed Doctrine.

* Garivek extremely skeptical, but agreed to examine after return to Whillip. [/Solmar]

19 Detenday 1003
Endsnear

[Solmar] Arrived back in Whillip. [/Solmar]

20 Detenday 1003
Godsday

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Informed H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights of conditional accessibility for return teleport if we decide to recover Ievobrin's Incunabula
* No other official group business. [/Solmar]

21 Detenday 1003
Newday

[Solmar] Met Garivek at Findar's Stable and Smith after training.  Findar removed holy symbol from my chest.  Garivek leaves town on church business tomorrow, but will study holy symbol as he travels. [/Solmar]

1 - 24 Detenday 1003
Forens

[Mutteran] Training could become boring except for the new abilities I’ve learned, and every 5th day my seeing how Enola reacts to the flowers she is receiving.  I particularly liked the flowering cactus plant as it uniquely matches her prickly nature.  For the most part she ignores the flowers, accepting them and then giving them to Raven for display within the Inn.  I must consider my next ‘display of appreciation’. [/Mutteran]

25 Detenday. 1003
Freeday

[Mutteran] Today’s Whillip Sheet discusses a scheduled book burning in Whillip.  An instigator named Kyle Enexis has written a book/pamphlet professing that only one true god exists.  Bidvar and I suspect that Kyle is a skilled publicist since everyone must first purchase a copy of his book for the burning; perhaps this was self-organized? [/Mutteran]

27 Detenday 1003
Aprochen

[Solmar] Garivek returned holy symbol today.  Confirmed suitability for Awakening Ceremony.  Not new as I had assumed.  Old holy symbol, used by many different priests and paladins.  Talaruk merely adapted it for connection to my chest.  Much more significant gift than I had realized. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Asked Garivek to teach me how to define Ancestral Relic magical powers after Awakening Ceremony.  He agreed, but only after my training with Sir Davirechk completed. [/Solmar]

29 Detenday 1003
Endsnear

[Solmar] Sir Davirechk declared my training complete today.  Will petition Inaen for Awakening Ceremony and begin Ancestral Relic training with Garivek early next week. [/Solmar]

26 - 30 Detenday. 1003
Godsday

[Mutteran] Training, training, and more training.  I find out in the 30th Whillip Sheet that a jousting tournament (lances only) will occur tomorrow at the parade grounds.  Champions from Whillip and other cities will attend, and the winner receives gold and a date with the Baron’s daughter.  I inform the party and both Solmar and Gregor plan to enter the tournament.  Some last minute arrangements are required as neither had jousting lances, but all equipment was finalized by evening’s end. [/Mutteran]

30 Detenday 1003
Godsday

[Solmar] Mutteran brought a flyer announcing joust tournament tomorrow.  Gregor and I will enter.  Visited city fairgrounds and obtained more information concerning eligibility and tournament rules.  Spent remainder of day obtaining tournament jousting lances and ensuring barding etc. in order. [/Solmar]

01 Janus 1004
Newday

[Solmar] Eliminated in 3rd round of tournament.  Opponent and I simultaneously unhorsed each other, but opponent was rendered unconscious while I was not. Gregor took 2nd place. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] On the day of the tournament, Enola attends Solmar while I attend Gregor.  I cast 2 regal procession spells to ensure appropriate heraldry representing the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights is associated with each of them.  As only one attendee per contestant is permitted, Quinton, Belt, and Skif work the crowd with our H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights pamphlets and encourage our two compatriots. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] As with any sporting event, I found someone to provide me directions to the nearest bookie. Bets pay off as 100:1 if your contestant wins and 10:1 if they come in second.  I place an adamantine piece (20gp) on both Solmar and Gregor. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Jousting tournament rules are as follows – Single elimination for combatants defeated by either points or being dropped from their horse.  Up to six individual matches to occur, the seventh and final match representing the championship match.  Each match consisted of up to 6 rounds of joust with a hit scoring you a single point, but dropping your combatant from their horse scoring 10 points and the end of the match. Final champion determined by total points from all matches unless the opponent was unhorsed in the champion match. (It seemed to me that a strategic, confident, and skilled tourney player would purposely aim for points early in a match and the decisive blow later to accumulate more total points.)

* Solmar – Round 1 scored 2 hits and then felled his opponent (12 pts). On Round 2, felled his opponent immediately (10 pts).  He was doing well in Round 3, having scored 3 consecutive hits when on the fourth run in seemed his horse hitched in its gallop and he lost his lance.  He was subsequent disqualified (treated as if he was dropped from the horse).  Final total 25 points.

* Gregor – (His riding was amazing! Even more so was the way he avoided some seemingly true strikes from his opponent!) Round 1 immediately felled his opponent (10 pts). In round 2 he scored 1 pt and felled his opponent (11 pts). In round 3 he immediately felled his opponent (10 pts). In round 4 he scored 1 pt and felled his opponent (11 pts). In round 5 he scored 2 pts and felled his opponent (12 pts). Finally, in round 6 he scored 4 pts for a total of 58 points.  Gregor made it to the champions match!

* In the champions match, his opponent turned out to be a 14th level knight.  They traded blows but neither could knock the other off their horse.  Ultimately each scored 4 pts in their match but the Knight took champion honors as he had accumulated more overall points during the initial rounds of combat.  Gregor had come in second! [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] After the tournament results, I met up with the bookie and was paid second place winnings (200gp for the cost of 40gp).  I’ll have to make sure to treat Gregor to a fine dinner – hmm… I’d suspect he’d enjoy the Eagle’s Nest. Perhaps I’ll take him there for an evening.  I desire a treat, or two! [/Mutteran]

16 Novius 1003 - 01 Janus 1004
Newday

[Mutteran] Unknown to Mutteran (unless informed verbally) but of interest:

16 Novius: Skif’s travels throughout Whillip and its coastal roadways gained him Knowledge Local (1)
16 Novius: Quinton and Gregor accompany Skif to find out more about the Demetrius the Sage sponsored adventure.  They encounter some Lizardmen along the way, but Gregor twirls his four longswords and along with his House guard intimidates the Lizardmen sufficiently to depart without battle.  One stands alone cowering in the path until Gregor departs.  The party meets with Demetrius, in a clearing with some run-down shacks, and learn the following:

* He is looking to create a ‘special potion’ that requires a unique ingredient.
* There is a ruined castle in Fletchins Swamp that is rumored to have the ‘Black Flame’ (ingredient he needs) – he wants a single potion flask of the material.
* The castle was recently inhabited by a mage named Beltran who specialized in summoning elementals.  A spell of his failed to such a degree that it summoned a marsh elemental spirit that destroyed the mage and the castle restorations.  He believes the mage’s apprentice might still inhabit portions of the castle, and a green ‘beacon’ light appears in one of its towers in the evening.
* He offers a small chest of emeralds as payment, valuation anywhere between 1,000 & 100,000 gold pieces.  Gregor indicates a desire to receive ongoing percentage of royalty payments on sold potions should we take on this adventure.

25th Novius: Belt receives his 3rd level Enlarge/Reduce spell and has it permanently cast upon himself.
30th Novius: Party learns that the Dragon adventure is in the Deepwood, near the southern end of Shilmista, near or in the country of Amn.
30th Novius: Solmar speaks with Garivek, who confirms Tekelut Thringus will use a teleport pad at ‘X’ mansion to transfer the party seeking the Book to Greyhawk.  Designation is the Town of Kester, near country of Ull and Dry Steppes.  A return teleport to Whillip is available only if the mission is successful.

(Miscellaneous – Adventure option payment confirmed by DM:  Book actually set at 125,000gp and Dragon at 150,000 gp. ) [/Mutteran]

Real-world date: 19 Sep 2009
Game-world date: 1 Oct - 15 Novius 1003
Written by: Mutteran, Solmar and Skif

"Hey everyone! Dynnera's in Silverymoon!"

10 Octov 1003
Godsday

[Mutteran] I spend the day establishing myself in Silverymoon and laying down Dynnera’s trail.  She now has an account at the Bank of Silverymoon, and sufficient cash from the Bank of Whillip to pay for her Sorcerer's Forge training and purchase a new spell book.  At the Adventurers Guild, I’m told of a mission to obtain the ‘Heart of a T-Rex’; a flying ship leaves on the 5th of Novius for Refuge Bay. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Group meeting:

* Mutteran reported arrival in Silverymoon.  Specialized training completed by 02 Novius.  Expects to arrive back in Whillip 10 Novius.
* Belt requested wills from all party members to be kept on file. [/Solmar]\

[Skifander] Wow… living at the Meat, Tea, or Inn is quite a change from the roach motel. I just hope that my underworld contacts don’t reject me out of hand for living like a lord. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get used to someone giving me a free meal everyday, let alone two; AND we get our choice of wine or ale to go with it. "Beggin' your pardon my lord, which vintage would you prefer with your crumb cake? The year is not to your liking sir rah? Begging your pardon, my lord, I will remove it from your presence at once." [/Skifander]

Note from DM: Lee is laying a false trail for one of his character's alter egos. The Dynnera persona is wanted in Whillip, and it appears as if Arach-Nid is trying to locate Dynnera. Lee had Dynnera travel to Silverymoon in order to throw Arach-Nid off the trail, while simultaneously obtaining some necessary training. He doesn't want Arach-Nid to connect Dynnera with Mutteran, as that could result in a dangerous confrontation.

11 Octov 1003
Newday

[Mutteran] I find an expert dye maker that can permanently dye my magical cloak.  I choose bright red for the exterior and as a reversal option, the interior will be dyed gold.  The cloak will be ready in 48 hours.  Unfortunately, the magical nature of the Robe of Arch-Magi prevents a similar dye job.  (Perhaps having the opportunity to be detected in the next few days isn’t bad for my cover.  Also, Dynnera would never wear such flamboyant clothing…now I only need an outer vest or garment to better disguise my robe in addition to the cloak.)  [/Mutteran]

[Skifander] So… let’s do a tally… not only did these guys rescue me from possible imprisonment or worse in Evereska; not only did I land a job that pays me more in one year than I’ve made in my entire life; not only did I find a like-minded, god fearing group of adventurers, but I get a big warm bed with a fluffy pillow to rest my head on any night I choose, a roof above me that doesn’t leak, a fancy privy just down the hall with a real tub, soap and linen, a fire downstairs that burns wood instead of dung, two square meals a day and meade that isn’t watered down. I keep thinking that someone is trying to play a joke on me, or that it’s all an illusion… that soon it will all go poof! and I’ll wake up on the cold stone floor in the orphanage. [/Skifander]

12 Octov 1003
Nexsta'

[Mutteran] The Adventurers Guild has another mission that fits my plan; a special moss druidic component grown only at the top of Ice Peak in Icewind Dale.  Successful return with the component is worth 15,000gp.  I accept this mission and indicate I’ll leave upon the completion of my training.  I’m told a ticket aboard the ‘North Wind’ is waiting for me.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] As the merchant, Ortega Blanc, I approach an Elven merchant specializing in silver flatware.  We begin negotiations for a possible export business to Whillip. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] My training at the Mages Guild finally begins! [/Mutteran]

13th – 19th Octov 1003

[Solmar] Inquired at Findar's Stable and Smith about acquiring fabricated horse.  They will make inquiries, and inform me if possible, as well as price etc. Submitted H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights advertisement to agency.  Hope it generates leads for jobs. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] 100% focused on training. [/Mutteran]

[Skifander] I spent every evening for 20 days combing the beaches around Whillip, looking for some sort of smuggling operation. I came pretty close to a dirt nap when I happened upon some Lizard men about an hour north. At first I only saw the two of them, so I didn’t flee the scene but instead summoned my raccoon friends. At first I wondered why lizards were trying to push me over the edge of the hill instead of just biting me, but once the raccoons beat them down I saw a group of seven or eight more, waiting below. After that night, I decided not to sleep in the wilds anymore. [/Skifander]

[Skifander] I reported my findings to the Spider Mage and earned 80 gold for my troubles. While I really didn’t care how much gold I took home (one gold is more than I had to start with), I was under the impression he would pay me 10 gold a day for two weeks. My findings must not have been that impressive. He also asked about Dynnera and I told him the truth as best as I could remember. When I got back, Quinton told me I needed to be careful what I told Arach-Nid. Said he was a dangerous guy. So I set up a second meeting with him to let him know that Dynnera had gone to Silverymoon. When he asked how I knew, I told him that Quinton had told me, since I didn’t see her before she left so wouldn’t have known otherwise. [/Skifander]

15 Octov 1003
Freeday

[Solmar] Group meeting:

* Mutteran successfully contacted.  Nothing new to report.
* No other official group business.

Quinton entering partnership with investor to build his new temple.  Will move site outside city limits, to an overlooking ridge.  Could not obtain necessary permits from city to build within township.  Would not identify investor until arrangements finalized. [/Solmar]

20 Octov 1003
Godsday

[Mutteran] As Ortega Blanc, I finalize initial arrangements with Tabbis Marrentic, the Elven silversmith who works flatware.  I purchased a sample set for 100gp and have rights to negotiate a trade arrangement for the next year.  Each consignment shipment must be between 500 – 2,000 gp value (up to weekly shipments) with shipping costs included in the pricing.  I am responsible for any import costs into Whillip and Tabbis and I will split the profits 50:50.  He estimates an ~100gp profit on a 500gp shipment.  [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Continued training... [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Mutteran successfully contacted.  Nothing new to report.
* Garivek present at goup meeting to offer job.  Inaen, on behalf of someone named Tekelut Thringus, still needs someone to recover book called Ievobrin's Incanabula, a legendary book of great power written by Newlonen Ievobrin to aid in a war between good and evil that never occurred.

* Tekelut will pay 125,000 gp for the book.
* Geography of book's location known for inconsistent magic energy densities.

Agents of evil known to also be searching for it. [/Solmar]

21st Octov – 2nd Novius 1003

[Mutteran] I requested a permanent darkvision casting but the price was exorbitant (7,500 gp) so I defer. I also sold some equipment and a magical bow that I no longer need or should utilize. My training is completed at the end of the 2nd, so I purchase the necessary travel supplies to support my trip to the Icewind Dale. [/Mutteran]

25 Octov 1003
Freeday

[Solmar] Group meeting:

* Mutteran successfully contacted.  Nothing new to report.

No other official group business. [/Solmar]

[Skifander] I’ve been making a habit of visiting Whillip's orphanage since I don’t have training like the others do. There’s a young Gnome there that I’ve taken upon myself to look after, sort of like the big brother I never had. Schaignee is his name, but everyone calls him skinny; doubtful any know how to speak Gnomish, let alone Schaign himself. I haven’t asked him what name he prefers, but I imagine Skinny is a lot better than the names the kids made up for me at his age. He seems to be getting along fine with the other children, except there's this Human kid, much bigger than him, seems to enjoy punching him in the arm. Do I teach Schaign to fight dirty, or confront the Human child? No, best not to interfere. I could hint at Gnomish tactics easily enough and let him take the bait if he’s hungry to learn. We’ll see how it turns out. Schaign, or I guess I should start calling him Skinny, thinks my armor’s pretty neat. He keeps hitting me and then laughing. As long as he’s smiling, that’s all I really care about. [/Skifander]

30 Octov 1003
Godsday

[Solmar] Group meeting:

* Mutteran successfully Contacted.  Nothing new to report.
* No other official group business.

3rd – 4th Novius 1003

[Solmar] Received word today that Inaen will be passing through town first week of Detenday.  Traveling on administrative business for the church to several cities in this area.  I look forward to visiting with my former commander. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] Approximately mid-day (As Dynnera) I cast Regal Procession and make a noticeable exit towards the path that will lead me to Icewind Dale.  I travel through the day and set up camp off the trail that night.  I then cast a Summon Monster III spell and have 2 dire wolves attack and kill the horses and shred/disperse my travel equipment.  For good effect, I have one bite me (to spill my blood on the ground) before being dispelled.  I then use my Dimension Door spell at maximum range to ensure no footprints or trail is left as evidence of Dynnera’s survival.  As Ortega Blanc, I return on foot to Silverymoon. Initially, I try to Dimension Door past the gate and walls but its magical protections prevent passage.  I then use my Reflective Field spell to simply walk past the gate. [/Mutteran]

5th – 10th Novius 1003

[Solmar] Group meeting:

* Mutteran successfully contacted.  Specialized training completed.  Still expects to be back in Whillip 10 Novius.

[Mutteran] As Ortega Blanc, I board the flying ship - Phalanx, and have an uneventful trip back to Whillip.  As it is Godsday, I make my way back home after alerting the group of my safe return. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Group meeting:

* Mutteran successfully contacted.  Aboard a skyship, and nearly back in Whillip.  Will arrive later today.
* Belt presented finely crafted clasps bearing group symbol to all memebers.  Will help to appear as a cohesive group.
* Quinton was contacted by Adventurers' Guild with another job offer.  Village of Deepwood in eastern Amn or Tethyr threatened by young blue dragon.  Wishes threat removed.

* Will pay 150,000 gp, plus allow full possession of any spoils found.
* Job also proffered to S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S.

Garivek will be visiting a parishioner on Forens.  Wishes me to accompany.  Suggests that perhaps greater involvement in church proceedings might aid in developing more personal contacts.  Palikon the Bold of Jaresk owns a sword passed down through many generations of his family.  Wishes to have the sword blessed. [/Solmar]

11 Novius 1003
Newday

[Mutteran] I quickly return to the Mages Guild and am able to order my final round of training to start on the 12th. [/Mutteran]

12th – 15th Novius 1003

[Solmar] Traveled to Palikon's home in Jaresk.  Sword appeared finely crafted, but unremarkable.  Palikon claims that his “great, great, great, great grandfather Mekaas” pulled the sword from the foot of a gold dragon as a favor.  Sword had been lodged in the dragon's foot for 1,000 years.  (Story likely exaggerated by many retellings.)  Mekaas allowed to retain sword.  Named “Truth's Arrow”, and has since been passed down to eldest male offspring of each generation of Palikon's family.

Garivek would not perform blessing.  Claims sword is already connected to strong magical energies beyond his caliber to influence.  Wishes to consult with Inaen. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] My training commences… [/Mutteran]

10th Octov – 15th Novius 1003

[Mutteran] Unknown to Mutteran but of interest:

* 10 Oct: Belt asks all members of the HALLOWed Knights to submit their wills to the party.
* 12 Oct: Solmar submits the HALLOWed Knights advertising pamphlet for distribution and announcement throughout Whillip.
* 15 Oct: Quinton announces that he’ll be building his church on the outskirts of Whillip along the ridge line, and someone is interested in investing/contributing in the building of his church.
* 16 Oct: Skif has been investigating the nearby shoreline for signs of smugglers.  During one evening, he is attacked by Owlbears but readily defeats and/or avoids them. 
* 20 Oct: Garivek, Solmar's mentor at the Temple of Helm, has a mission for our group to consider; some Quest for a Legendary Book.  The book is reputed to be in a residual magic area (i.e. unstable magic effects ranging from dead magic to an enhanced spell effect state).  A local sage/wizard desires this artifact and is willing to pay the group 125,000gp for its delivery.  Garivek vouches for the ‘good’ nature of the patron, who indicates a desire to keep the book out of evil hands.  Additionally, the patron believes another party with evil intentions is currently looking for the book.
* 21 Oct: Belt engages the Mages Guild to research a permanent Enlarge/Reduce spell that would allow him to adjust his size on command.
* 25 Oct: Skif meets with Arach-Nid in the Lighthouse and reports on the smuggling investigations.  Arach-Nid arrives via flying broom.
* 30 Oct: Quinton indicates his anonymous investor is a Follower of Lathander and that he’s conducting some background checks before finalizing any relationship regarding the building of his church.
* 10 Nov: Quinton receives a letter posted at the Adventurers Guild.  A village in the Deepwood is apparently troubled by the presence of a young Blue Dragon.  Edvard Kititch beseeches assistance by worthy adventurers and indicates Armon Bistle, a wealthy benefactor, is willing to pay 150,000gp to the group that removes the threat to the village.
* 15 Nov:  Demetrius the Sage has an “adventurers wanted” job proposal with a note indicating applicants should come to his home outside Whillip - a few miles down the coast, for additional details.  Quinton and Gregor may get more information since they await the completion of our training. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Group Meeting:

* Received a job solicitation in response to our ad.

* Must contact Demetrius the Sage 1.5 miles east of Whillip, by marsh.
* Will pay "plenty of gold and treasure for all".
* No other details provided. [/Solmar]

[Skifander] In the mean time, we’ve gotten a few job offers. The one I like the best is the one with the Dragon. I’ve always wanted to meet a Dragon. Tink used to say that Dragons are the second most intelligent creatures on the plane. Maybe the blue just needs someone to converse with him intelligently. Maybe we could make him our group mascot. Or maybe he just wants to share his treasure with us. I hear blue Dragons like to keep treasure hoards. Of course, if he’s evil, Belt will want to kill him. I hear Dragon armor is all the talk now a days. And blue IS my favorite color. I hope Solmar picks the dragon adventure. [/Skifander]

[Skifander] Hmmm… speaking of which. I wonder where he’s at right now? I’d better go and make sure he’s practicing with his new sword. The better he is with his sword, the better I can sneak around. He better not be knitting again. [/Skifander]

Real-world date: 05 Sep 2009
Game-world date: 1 Oct - 9 Oct 1003
Written by: Mutteran and Solmar

"Damn that Arach-Nid! / Solmar's sorrow"

1 Octov 1003
Newday

[Mutteran] Bidvar is being obstinate! I propose (at about triple his normal fees plus meals) a tutorial service where I could learn all of Whillip’s building locations.  He outright refuses, saying I have to ‘know’ the name of the specific business before he’ll provide directions!  I don’t see this as any different than the service he must have provided Korbo’s Transport drivers, but I stop pursuing the request (All I need is to have the news and direction-monger refusing my business!). I buy one of his newspaper editions and pay for some additional rumor information, but nothing of much use. 

* The Baron’s daughter may be pregnant by some adventuring group (maybe Zeddishous or Grenco), nothing of interest.
* The winner of the recent fishing tournament somehow rigged the contest (I wish the best for Grenco so I certainly won’t mention this to Skif.)
* Some traveling pawnbroker (non-Whillip merchant) has sent himself up near a well known sewer entrance [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I return to the Bank of Whillip and deposit a trade bar for my account.  Bank of Whillip charges 1gp as a testing/weighing kit per entire transaction (for tradebars), but I avoid the testing fee, as the bar is stamped with their glyph.  I note both on entry and departure that the ‘old man’ was perched on his bench outside of the Bank.  As he didn’t display any particular interested in me, I presume the search for Dynnera proceeds elsewhere. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I return to the Inn for dinner to only find Gregor and his ‘House’ guard – Bede, Guthred, Ragnar, and Uthred.  Dinner conversation is limited – I feign interest in his training efforts as Gregor acts bored unless he has his swords in hand.  Since passing information to Gregor is like talking to yourself, I just indicate I’d see him and the others tomorrow. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Maximillan Mandelbrot, my mage trainer, happens to live almost directly across from my rented house.  It is fortunate I took my normal precautions on approaching his house, as the bastard is going to turn me in to the Thieves Guild!  I approached his house from one of the main throughways with the appearance and clothing of a servant or messenger.  On answering his door, I indicate I have a message for him, ultimately revealing myself as Dynnera in disguise.  Well certainly my racial profile seems to have been secret from him, although he reveals he ‘consults’ with the Thieves Guild on occasion, and must report my appearance to them.  DAMN HIM!  For all the extra stipend I’ve paid him you’d think he could at least not report me – Coward!  Well, I guess I can give him enough credit that he’s not attempting to capture or stop me.  I leave, wind my way back to my rented house, and have a drink! [/Mutteran]

2 Octov 1003
Nexsta'

[Mutteran] In the morning I cast arcane lock on four of the entrances to my house – I’ll cover the rest of the building tomorrow morning. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I spent most of the day at the Mages Guild thinking what my next move might be.  I speak to the training administrator but ultimately can’t decide what type of training to ask about.  Damn, with my experience with Maximillian, I must assume I can’t trust anyone in the Mages Guild.   (I’ll have to proclaim nerves or other excuses the next time I see him if he remembers me.)  I decide to research training in the Library.  It turns out that this 'Sorceror’s Forge' training is very specialized training only offered through the Guild or certain other associations (e.g. Elementalist Guild).  My choices are narrowed to seeking this training outside of Whillip; at Ordulin the capital of Sembia, or Silverymoon.  I choose Silverymoon as only by air ship travel could someone readily find me.  I also had already booked travel to it as a false trail for Dynnera.  It seems like I will actually take the trip after all. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] That evening I seek out Skif at that flea infested Mariner’s Fellowship House.  I offer him dinner and we end up at the Eagle’s Nest Hotel for discrete dinner discussions and after dinner ‘entertainment’.  Knowing he had interactions with the Thieves Guild, I need to know where his loyalties lie (similar to Maximillian).  We discuss our recent activities, and it looks like Arach-Nid is his guild contact and perhaps Skif had inadvertently provided the clues to me as Dynnera (…breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out – I am no longer Dynnera (do not burn him to a crisp!)….).  Skif professes no allegiance to the guild, and has no knowledge of a general alert to find Dynnera.  Skif is next to see Arach-Nid on the 15th.  I ask only that he be discrete in providing Arach-Nid information regarding me. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] (This raises more questions, Perhaps Arach-Nid is pursuing an unsanctioned personal vendetta against Dynnera?  Unfortunately, I have no other contacts to make inquiries.  I also think that should this continue, if I (Mutteran) am not safe, I must complete my training and then turn from the hunted to the hunter.  While Arach-Nid is certainly more powerful than I, in the right circumstance of surprise I could take him.  Didn’t I do the same to Glan Sarin to save myself from his dungeons?) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Enough of this toil and trouble.  I wish to enjoy life now.  From the Eagle’s Nest entertainment options, Skif selects a Gnome companion and I a Fire Genasi (gender was immaterial to me although she was female).  Skif and I part ways to be with our evening companions, and within twenty minutes or so I am able to forget my worries for the evening.  (I find myself liking Skif as I think he will partake of life’s pleasures when he can. The question now is whether he ultimately betrays me either consciously or through indiscrete discussion). [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Met with Raven to inquire whether S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. awarded any bonuses to inn employees for exceptional profitability during S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S.' absence.  No extra compensation yet awarded.  Will suggest at next H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights meeting. [/Solmar]

4 Octov 1003
Forens

[Solmar] Met by Mutteran as I left City Guard Barracks to attend today's training session at Order of the Lance and Rose.  Mutteran cannot train in Whillip due to complications from Dynnera's falling-out with Thieves' Guild.  Planning to train at Mages' Guild in Silverymoon.  I instructed him to come to tomorrow's group meeting before leaving so arrangements can be made for communication, etc. while he is out of town. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] I spent most of the next three days at the Mages Guild library studying a new spell for my spell book.  I seek out Solmar and inform him of my decision to seek training in Silverymoon.  He agrees that my plan seems prudent, and suggests I seek approval with HALLOWed Knights during our morning meeting on the 5th. [/Mutteran]

3rd – 5th Octov 1003
Onward - Freeday

[Mutteran] On the 5th I receive agreement from the party to miss scheduled meetings during my training in Silverymoon.  Quinton recommends we use a ‘sending’ spell at each meeting date such that I can confirm my status with the rest of the party.  All but Gregor, Skif, and Quinton are involved in training, while Quinton has the three of them focused on promoting our new adventuring group. Additionally Quinton is spending his days investigating Whillip on a door to door basis. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] First semi-weekly H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights meeting early this morning.  Mutteran announced his imminent departure for Silverymoon (left by skyship late afternoon).  Quinton will contact Mutteran with brief magical communication at beginning of each semi-weekly meeting to verify status. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] I proposed awarding a 1-time extra bonus of 1 month's salary to each of the employees of the Meat, Tea, or Inn, effective immediately.  This was both to reward excellent effort during S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. absence, and also to smooth transition to new ownership.  Unanimously accepted by H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights, and I instructed Raven to facilitate after meeting concluded. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Sought out Garivek for additional consultations.  Grief over Thalidimar's death has not faded as other times I have lost companions.  In fact, may actually be amplifying.  Affecting my ability to train.  I had shared a deeper level of camaraderie with him than ever previously, but didn't realize how deeply its loss would affect me.  Need to explore why, and how to move forward. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Discussion led to comparison between warforged development vs. soft-skins.  When created, all faculties of a warforged are fully functional immediately upon first awakening.  We only require guidance on how to utilize our abilities, plus information necessary to understand and interact with the world.  We are quickly instructed as necessary to perform whatever task we were created to perform, and then sent to where task is to be performed. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] By contrast, when first born, soft-skins are not fully developed, especially mentally.  Cognition abilities still take years to become fully functional.  During this time, developing soft-skins are protected and instructed by more experienced units (usually progenitors).  Multiple developing soft-skins often created successively, and reared together.  In this environment, and given much longer time, soft-skin development can encompass much larger range of topics than typical for warforged.  Development of interpersonal relationships (for reasons beyond tactical support) are usually an automatic and integral part of such training.  So is the loss of such comradely bonds. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Garivek believes I am simply experiencing for the first time effects of forming and then losing personal relationship significant to me.  He has given me suggestions for how to perform daily tasks while feeling this grief, but indicates I should simply allow it to run its course.  He assures me that it is temporary. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] I again wonder, as I often have while watching the children at the orphanage: how different does the world seem to soft-skins after learning their place in it so gradually?  And what is it like to  be taught by one's progenitors, while sharing the same experiences with others created by the same progenitors? [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] I board the sky ship Artarius as “Ortega Blanc” a prospecting merchant looking to explore opportunities to exploit in Silverymoon.  No difficulties arise while on board the flying ship and I am distressed over losing time from my studies (the ships library is inadequate).  I spend the days on ship mingling with the other passengers hoping to firm up my merchant identity in their minds. [/Mutteran]

6th – 9th Octov 1003
Hafn'mor - Endsnear

[Mutteran] Upon arrival in Silverymoon, I immediately head to the Mages Guild, as Dynnera. I plan to establish Dynnera as best I can here.  As Dynnera, I join the Silverymoon Mages Guild and schedule the "Sorceror’s Forge’.  The training is available from 12 Octov to 2 Nov.  As I am in the process of training, I am permitted to stay on the Mages Guild property overnight. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] That same evening I book a return trip to Whillip as Ortega Blanc on the sky ship Phalanx.  It leaves on the 5th of Novius and reaches Whillip on the 10th.  Additionally Dynnera is established as an Adventurers Guild member (1gp/lvl/year) and is given the name of a local realtor (Worrley Monplen) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Unknown to Mutteran but of interest:

* Enola purchases her oversized quadrant divided quiver.
* Gregor is politely invited by Raven, the Meat-Tea-or-Inn manager, to train his House Guard at the free Whillip training grounds instead of the Inn’s limited backyard.
* Skif, while exploring the sea shores alone in the evening (some assigned adventure), was attacked by three Lizardmen.  He quickly summoned dire raccoons to his aid and the Lizardmen were easily dispatched. [/Mutteran]

"Administrative Details and taking Precautions"

30 Septev 1003
Godsday (afternoon)

[Mutteran] The negotiations being completed regarding the terms of the HALLOWed Knights Concordium, we elected individuals to leadership positions:

* Party Leader: Quinton (by a 5:2 vote)
* Spokesman: Solmar (by a 5:2 vote)
* Administrator: Belt (by a 5:2 vote)

Gregor and Belt each nominated me for Spokesman or Administrator roles respectively, but I declined each nomination. I prefer to focus on supporting the party as a founding member than take on any leadership positions. Quinton accepts the party leadership role then espouses a very proactive approach to how he will both lead the party as well as spread its renown throughout Whillip and beyond. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Final business for meeting was to elect the following officers: Quinton as Group Leader, myself as Group Spokesman, and Belt as party Administrator.  Group agreed to meet at the Meat, Tea, or Inn for our next semi-weekly meeting.  I hope we will operate more cohesively than the S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] We are uncertain of our status with the SCREWOFFs and the possible transition of the Meat-Tea-or-Inn to this group. Ysoac indicates it remains under discussion but nothing can occur until the HALLOWed Knights is officially chartered and recognized by Whillip. Quinton and Belt plan on finalizing the Whillip paperwork on the 1st - Once the High Harvest Festival is past us. Solmar indicates he will be staying at the City Barracks, with most of the others remain at the Meat-Tea-or-Inn. I indicate I’ve yet to obtain private residence but will do so, and in the meantime I'll return each morning to the Inn. We end the meeting agreeing the next official meeting would be on Freeday (5th) at 7:00AM at the Inn. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] After a long day in the park, I head over to the Sizzling Sizzler (#117) for a steak and wine dinner. I engage the wait staff for suggestions on where to reside for the night but their best suggestion is hailing a cab from Korbo Transports (#93). The cabbie indicates pricing is 1sp per one-way trip or 1gp per day. After requesting an upscale residence for the evening, I am dropped off at the Eagle’s Nest Hotel (#144). [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] After returning to the City Guard Barracks, I was invited to participate in the wedding of one of the Lieutenants tomorrow.  Good chance for more cultural observations. [/Solmar]

Higharvestide 1003
Festival

[Mutteran] I'd forgotten about Higharvestide so most of my activities including finding a residence, establishing Guild membership, and transitioning wealth between myself and the ‘deceased’ Dynnera, must wait. I pay for a second night at the Eagle’s Nest, along with a full body massage (no extras at this time), and spend the day completing my reading of the Tome of Clear Thought. Upon completion I can feel new avenues of thought opening in my mind (the results of a +4 increase to Intelligence)! The tome itself is now blank, although I retain it for possible future use as either a spell book or wondrous magical item. [/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Lieutenant's wedding one of many held at Whillip Parade Grounds shortly after dawn.  Higharvestide traditionally a very common holiday for scheduling weddings.  Parade Grounds converted to festival after final weddings concluded late morning. [/Solmar]

[Solmar] Sought out Garivek to discuss shortcomings from last mission with S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S.  He dismissed my concerns, saying mission accomplished satisfactorily. [/Solmar]

1 Octov 1003
Newday (Morning to Mid-Day)

[Mutteran] Unknown to Mutteran but of interest:

* Gregor’s four men at arms arrive and he tells them they will be known as “House Guard”. His largesse includes an immediate substantial increase in salary to that of 10gp/month/person on non-adventuring time periods, and 1gp/day/person while adventuring. He indicates their general responsibilities and begins training with them in the Inn’s yard to ensure coordinated action.
* Skif enters the annual fishing contest at Henderson’s Pond and comes in 3rd Place, receiving 50gp. To his chagrin, Grenco happens to have won the event and received the 1,000gp 1st place award.
* Quinton begins to explore a contract with a public relations firm in Whillip to announce the existence and prowess of the HALLOWed Knights. Additionally, he meets with various party members describing his expectations for all members of the party.
* Belt finalizes the HALLOWed Knights charter and bank accounts with City Hall and the Bank of Whillip respectively.
* Belt also orders 10 adamantine party symbols to represent the HALLOWed Knights moving forward (usable as torc, belt buckle, or clasp). These symbols will be ready to accept magical enchantment should the party so desire.
* Quinton and Zeddishous meet and arrange the transfer of the Meat-or-Tea-Inn from the SCREWOFFs to the HALLOWed Knights. Zeddishous wishes the new group good luck, and indicates the SCREWOFFs will depart the Inn after today. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I head to the Bank of Whillip (#159) and observe an ‘old man’ sitting on a street bench across from the bank. I enter and exit the Bank without issue and have the appropriate accounts set up in my name. The ‘old man’ remains at the bench. I further observe him seemingly paying inordinate attention to those entering and exiting the Bank. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I consider delaying Dynnera’s entry to the Bank, but I want this persona ended. If not for the jewelry in the safety deposit box, Dynnera wouldn’t need to make an appearance here – Damn! I decide to quickly walk towards the Bank as Dynnera and out of the corner of my eye I do see the ‘old man’ get up and leave his bench. Damn, I have to assume a watch was in place! I close out the Dynnera account, empty out the safety deposit box, and have the majority of my funds transferred to trade bars (no traceability; 1lb platinum equals 50,000gp; 1lb gold equals 2,000gp)). A small portion of funds I have exchanged for Silverymoon coinage. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] On leaving the Bank, I see that the ‘old man’ is still not on the bench. I decide to walk in a hurried, nervous pace, and ‘accidentally’ drop some of the Silverymoon coinage. Perhaps an observer will notice this false lead, otherwise some beggar or urchin I’m sure will collect it shortly. I quickly find a discrete location to change into a nondescript human merchant form. [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] I head to JFK Enterprises (#215), as the merchant, and book a one way ticket to Silverymoon aboard the skyship Artarius (150gp – 50gp/day –expected arrival in 3 days at Silverymoon). The Artarius leaves on the 5th of Octov. (I hope any ‘observers’ are looking for one-way ticket holders and perhaps will target this ship. I plan on checking into the ship on the 5th then exiting unseen thereafter). [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] Once again I return to the Mutteran form. I introduce myself to the Mages Guild (#195) and seek guild membership (separate from Dynnera as any transfer would be traceable). Having been in Whillip for the past month, I reach agreement with the administrator to back date my Guild membership to 01 Septev 1003. (Again hoping any investigators will note my existence while Dynnera was known to be outside of Whillip with the SCREWOFFs.) [/Mutteran]

[Mutteran] After visiting Bidvar, I gain directions to ‘A New Home’ (#381). Wilmity Neareye assists me in locating rental property at a private residence – my choices are #113, owned by Father Cutrow of the Mystra faith, with his 2nd story room for rent (1gp/week), or #387, owned by Captain Hightower, a private pool house with studio/bath/storage areas for 2gp/week which is adjacent to the Captain’s home. I opt for the pool house, paying Wilmity 12gp for the monthly deposit (6gp) and one-month (Octov) rent (6gp). She shows me the property and gives me the key. When she leaves, I begin inspecting the house…[/Mutteran]

[Solmar] Met S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S. and other former squad members at Meat, Tea, or Inn shortly before highsun.  Cash from treasure division still in S.C.R.E.W.O.F.F.S.' portable hole, and we went to Bank of Whillip so everyone could deposit into their accounts.  Before leaving for the bank, Zeddishous and Grenco announced they are donating the Meat, Tea, or Inn to the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights.  Enmity from my departure must be minimal. [/Solmar]

[Mutteran] (Unfortunately, I can not completely put the Dynnera persona ‘to rest’ until I resolve my mage training issue. Partial arrangements have been made as Dynnera and I need to either ensure privacy in training or some other arrangements. This training session is atypical, otherwise I would just start the training request anew. I am not fully aware of what’s involved in the ‘Sorcerer’s Forge’ ritual. All I know is the training is designed to convert my Rogue skills into mage skills of equivalent power.) [/Mutteran]

(* Note from DM: We played on the 8th of August, we just didn't have any journal entry - due to the administrative nature of the meeting/session.)

Real-world date: 11 Jul 2009
Game-world date: 27 - 30 Sep 1003
Written by: Dynnera, Mutteran

"Formation of the H.A.L.L.O.W.ed Knights"

27 Septev 1003
Aprochen (noon - evening)

[Dynnera] Unknown to Dynnera at the time, but worthy of description (Dynnera’s activities between the 26th and 30th having been documented under an earlier sidebar submission):

Party: Continuation of basic activities in & around Whillip.
Skif: In Thermos, he finds a lead on a silk merchant called “Roach” (Roche Setafone). The merchant is camped on the outskirts of town. Approaching the merchant’s wagon, a Lizardman henchman welcomes Skif. Skif suggests interest in silk and permanent companionship by some young nubile elven women. The Lizardman indicates Skif’s references must be checked, but that he’d inquire about possible introductions to his boss, Roach. Skif departs, but then through the night finds a discrete, hidden location to observe the merchant’s camp. About 3:00am in the morning he observes a man and t