D&D4e "F.B.I." Update 59 -- By Bedoni Lake
Posted 4th November 2009 at 11:01 PM by edemaitre
Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session Yb-4b.58 of my D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" fantasy campaign, which I hosted in Needham Heights, Mass., on 2 November 2009:
In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The "Vanished Lands" were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.
After other bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, sailed the pirate-infested Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, the "Faith-Based Initiative" gathered on the Plains of Sathendo to defend the peoples of the barbaric Gusorin Confederation....
"11 to 15 May 1229 B.C.E.:" After many travels, the "Faith-Based Initiative" resumed its quest for the Helm of Gunnar, the last of three Barbari artifacts. The adventuring party left the border village of Crontar and the stronghold of Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord "Saerek" [Greg D.C./Non-Player Character] and rode into the Bamor Mountains.
"Rache" [Paul J.] recommended going to Tekugi to find a map of trade routes into the Underdark, but Dwarf Paladin "Kof" [Alex J.] noted that the city was still occupied by forces of the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri.
"Kimo" [Beruk A.] and "Val" [Brian W.] used their existing maps and a blood-encrusted dagger provided by Saerek to conduct a Magic Map ritual. The Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard) and Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock suspended the blade above the maps with a ribbon and a gem. It first pointed northeast toward Gisokuri, capital of Gokuri, then back to Crontar!
The arcanists determined that since Saerek was the owner of the dagger, it would turn toward him, but they considered casting the ritual again later to help locate the helm. "August" [Greg] said the badges of the "Deathwatch Clan," recently taken from some Wolven, might help the group enter Tekugi.
Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Rogue August tracked down Thunderin' Willy, a Halfling smuggler. Willy thanked the "F.B.I." for the mules and cart he had bought months ago and said his cousin Harfang was no longer able to sneak into Tekugi by barge.
After some discussion, Skaevingol Warlord "Kurick" [Dave S.C.] and company decided to head north rather than risk detection by the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves). The team headed northwest around Bedoni Lake through misty marshes. Red-skinned Val became lightheaded after inhaling some swamp gas.
As Dragonborn Fighter "Tonks" [Sara F./absent] helped pitch camp and hobble the horses at dusk, August noticed three graceful boats covered in leaves approaching. Eleven Quelanthi (High Elves/Eladrin) disembarked, and scruffy Kurick hailed them. The Fey folk also carried three chests, the contents of which they declined to identify.
Three of the Elves spoke Hifalendorin: leader Gilthanis, stern Haldir, and elegant Falisteriel. Gruff Kof offered to share the campfire, and they exchanged Fey wine and Devil's Piss, both extremely potent potables. A raucus round of singing ensued.
Stealthy August circled around to check out the chests. The scout snuck into the back of one tent, disabled two large bladders of poison, and found ingots of gold bearing the stamped seal of Gokuri.
Val noted that something seemed off with the wine, but Kurick drank it and was temporarily incapacitated, as was one of the Elves from Kof's flagon. When he hit the ground, the Elf no longer appeared lithe and fair but was revealed as some sort of Goblin!
Thanks to the flowing liquor, it took a few moments for the "F.B.I." and the so-called Quelanthi to realize what had happened. August left the tent and spotted two Shambling Mounds in the darkling woods. Renshai Dervish (Scandinavian-style Barbarian) Rache swung his sword at a Spriggan.
Kof mounted his boar and charged, as robed Kimo cast Force Orb. One of Shambling Mounds unleashed lightning at the Dwarf, and thorns from the Spriggans injured Kof, Val, and Kurick. The Warlord shook off the effects of the alcohol but missed the three Gnome-like creaturs surrounding him.
Two of the Spriggans were hit by Val's Howl of Doom, and clawed Tonks guarded the steeds. August's sneak attack dazed one Shambling Mound, and he moved closer to the camp. Rache shifted over to Kimo and Kof and killed one enemy, while Kimo's Fireburst damaged the regenerating Shambler.
Kof, a holy warrior of Otih, god of the sun and justice, called upon the Wrath of the Gods, and his boar knocked another Fey foe prone. One vine-covered Shambling Mound and several sharp-toothed Spriggans wounded Rache and Val, who fell back. Szaboch, Val's imp assistant, became visible, while Zibu, Kimo's monkey familiar, hid.
Kurick knocked several Spriggans prone and finished one off but was bloodied. August dropped another with a head shot from his crossbow and shifted back toward Rache, who destroyed the smaller Shambler. Kof invoked Paladin's Judgment and activated Healing Surges through his axe.
Kimo's Maze of Mirrors and Thunderwave missed the Fey goblinoids, but he had more luck with a second spell. The remaining Shambling Mound whipped at Kof, as the nasty Spriggans swarmed Kimo, Val, and Rache. Kof's steed was blown over by a pernicious blast of bad wind. Val teleported toward August and missed with Flames of Phlegethos.
Kurick called upon Warlord's Favor and Steel Monsoon to aid his fellows, and August killed one Spriggan and ordered another to surrender. Rache charged, slaying three more, while Kof healed Kurick and then also charged. Kimo missed and maneuvered, as he, Val, and Rache were again injured.
Val's Thief of Five Fates missed, but he managed to hit with his mace. Kurick moved to kill another Spriggan and issued a Divine Challenge to the enemy spellcaster. August, satisfied that one "Elf" had surrendered, bound his wounds.
The battle raged on, with Rache leaping and hacking with his sword. Kof delivered a Piercing Smite before healing Val and himself with Martyr's Retribution. The Paladin used Benign Transposition to protect the party, which the relentless Spriggans continued to attack.
Val cast Hellish Rebuke, and Kurick's Stand the Fallen and Commander's Strike helped rally their side. Kof finally dropped the second Shambler with a Staggering Smite, as the remaining Spriggans were felled by Rache and Kurick. Kimo searched the corpses for treasure.
August claimed the poison and interrogated the sole prisoner. "Haldir" explained that his band had been given gold and the trapped chests by the Unseelie Court (Nannuattan in Gisokuri) to bring to the Seelie Court (Quelanthi in Alfhileno). The reformed Rogue planned to deliver the Spriggan to the proper authorities in the hamlet of Sonamtil. The "F.B.I." continued to ride north, with the Bedoni Lake to the east and the Wisalef Forest to the west.
Sometime earlier and far to the southwest, the [Pathfinder teleconferencing] team known as "Holy Steel" prepared for the kenbet (trial) for treason of "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.]. The Paladin of Isis also searched for the missing Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H.], while Rogue "Milos" [Beruk] readied an expedition into the eastern desert to thwart sacrilegious smugglers and cultists of Set....
Sara, we missed you at this week's game! Beruk, please let her know what share "Tonks" got of recent booty. Have a good week, -Gene
>>D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" Boston-area party, as of November 2009:
-Paul J.-"Rache Calistonson"-male Renshai Barbarian (Scandinavian-style Dervish) and former member of the "Broken Chains"; LGn, Lvl. 9
-Alex J.-"Kof" (short for "Marikof Lichbeard"), male Hill Dwarf Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and justice, with boar steed; LGc, Age 71 (35 human), Lvl. 9
-Beruk A.-"Kimo Adele Okono," male Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard), with monkey familiar Zibu and Kitsune Tsukai (fox-woman Sorcerer) Kirara Swift-tail; NGl, Age 19, Level 9
-Greg D.C.-"August Rilde," male Hifalendorin/Barbari human scout (Rogue); TN, Age 21, Lvl. 9
-Brian W.-"Val Shriboe," male Gokuri Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock, with Imp assistant Szaboch; LNg, Age ~50, Lvl. 9
-Sara F.-"Tonks Cinderclaw," female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9
-Dave C.-"Kurick Stormborn," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9; with hirelings Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim, and panda steed "Sir Fluffles von Cutenfur" (back in the Gusorin Confederation)
>>Associates and Guests:
-Paul J.-"Dante Nentor," male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Ranger; NGc, Age 19, Lvl. 9
-John C.M.-"Harald Grimson," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; NGl, Age 21, Lvl. 5
-Josh C.-"Guthfrith," male Grugach (Wild Elf) Cleric of Wotan (Odin, the allfather); CNg, Age 31 (16 human), Lvl. 1
-Anna G.-"Jan," male Skaevingol human Cleric of Ismiltar, matron of magic; LGn, Age 20, Lvl. 2
-Dexter V.H. (teleconferencing team)-"Bellanora," female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan (Moradin); LGn, Age 45 (21 human), Lvl. 1
-Byron V.O. (teleconferencing team)-"Isen Dukan," male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard), member of "Gan Fen Dao"; CGn, Age 30 (18 human), Lvl. 1
-Rich D.-"Xit Tuphain"-male Shengtese human Xuitein (eastern wandering Monk); LNg, Age 26, Lvl. 8
>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:
>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game
>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup
>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"
In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The "Vanished Lands" were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.
After other bands of mercenaries and diplomats fought humanoids in the northwestern borderlands, sailed the pirate-infested Sea of Nagendwa, and wandered the hostile Halmed Desert, the "Faith-Based Initiative" gathered on the Plains of Sathendo to defend the peoples of the barbaric Gusorin Confederation....
"11 to 15 May 1229 B.C.E.:" After many travels, the "Faith-Based Initiative" resumed its quest for the Helm of Gunnar, the last of three Barbari artifacts. The adventuring party left the border village of Crontar and the stronghold of Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord "Saerek" [Greg D.C./Non-Player Character] and rode into the Bamor Mountains.
"Rache" [Paul J.] recommended going to Tekugi to find a map of trade routes into the Underdark, but Dwarf Paladin "Kof" [Alex J.] noted that the city was still occupied by forces of the nefarious kingdom of Gokuri.
"Kimo" [Beruk A.] and "Val" [Brian W.] used their existing maps and a blood-encrusted dagger provided by Saerek to conduct a Magic Map ritual. The Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard) and Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock suspended the blade above the maps with a ribbon and a gem. It first pointed northeast toward Gisokuri, capital of Gokuri, then back to Crontar!
The arcanists determined that since Saerek was the owner of the dagger, it would turn toward him, but they considered casting the ritual again later to help locate the helm. "August" [Greg] said the badges of the "Deathwatch Clan," recently taken from some Wolven, might help the group enter Tekugi.
Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Rogue August tracked down Thunderin' Willy, a Halfling smuggler. Willy thanked the "F.B.I." for the mules and cart he had bought months ago and said his cousin Harfang was no longer able to sneak into Tekugi by barge.
After some discussion, Skaevingol Warlord "Kurick" [Dave S.C.] and company decided to head north rather than risk detection by the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves). The team headed northwest around Bedoni Lake through misty marshes. Red-skinned Val became lightheaded after inhaling some swamp gas.
As Dragonborn Fighter "Tonks" [Sara F./absent] helped pitch camp and hobble the horses at dusk, August noticed three graceful boats covered in leaves approaching. Eleven Quelanthi (High Elves/Eladrin) disembarked, and scruffy Kurick hailed them. The Fey folk also carried three chests, the contents of which they declined to identify.
Three of the Elves spoke Hifalendorin: leader Gilthanis, stern Haldir, and elegant Falisteriel. Gruff Kof offered to share the campfire, and they exchanged Fey wine and Devil's Piss, both extremely potent potables. A raucus round of singing ensued.
Stealthy August circled around to check out the chests. The scout snuck into the back of one tent, disabled two large bladders of poison, and found ingots of gold bearing the stamped seal of Gokuri.
Val noted that something seemed off with the wine, but Kurick drank it and was temporarily incapacitated, as was one of the Elves from Kof's flagon. When he hit the ground, the Elf no longer appeared lithe and fair but was revealed as some sort of Goblin!
Thanks to the flowing liquor, it took a few moments for the "F.B.I." and the so-called Quelanthi to realize what had happened. August left the tent and spotted two Shambling Mounds in the darkling woods. Renshai Dervish (Scandinavian-style Barbarian) Rache swung his sword at a Spriggan.
Kof mounted his boar and charged, as robed Kimo cast Force Orb. One of Shambling Mounds unleashed lightning at the Dwarf, and thorns from the Spriggans injured Kof, Val, and Kurick. The Warlord shook off the effects of the alcohol but missed the three Gnome-like creaturs surrounding him.
Two of the Spriggans were hit by Val's Howl of Doom, and clawed Tonks guarded the steeds. August's sneak attack dazed one Shambling Mound, and he moved closer to the camp. Rache shifted over to Kimo and Kof and killed one enemy, while Kimo's Fireburst damaged the regenerating Shambler.
Kof, a holy warrior of Otih, god of the sun and justice, called upon the Wrath of the Gods, and his boar knocked another Fey foe prone. One vine-covered Shambling Mound and several sharp-toothed Spriggans wounded Rache and Val, who fell back. Szaboch, Val's imp assistant, became visible, while Zibu, Kimo's monkey familiar, hid.
Kurick knocked several Spriggans prone and finished one off but was bloodied. August dropped another with a head shot from his crossbow and shifted back toward Rache, who destroyed the smaller Shambler. Kof invoked Paladin's Judgment and activated Healing Surges through his axe.
Kimo's Maze of Mirrors and Thunderwave missed the Fey goblinoids, but he had more luck with a second spell. The remaining Shambling Mound whipped at Kof, as the nasty Spriggans swarmed Kimo, Val, and Rache. Kof's steed was blown over by a pernicious blast of bad wind. Val teleported toward August and missed with Flames of Phlegethos.
Kurick called upon Warlord's Favor and Steel Monsoon to aid his fellows, and August killed one Spriggan and ordered another to surrender. Rache charged, slaying three more, while Kof healed Kurick and then also charged. Kimo missed and maneuvered, as he, Val, and Rache were again injured.
Val's Thief of Five Fates missed, but he managed to hit with his mace. Kurick moved to kill another Spriggan and issued a Divine Challenge to the enemy spellcaster. August, satisfied that one "Elf" had surrendered, bound his wounds.
The battle raged on, with Rache leaping and hacking with his sword. Kof delivered a Piercing Smite before healing Val and himself with Martyr's Retribution. The Paladin used Benign Transposition to protect the party, which the relentless Spriggans continued to attack.
Val cast Hellish Rebuke, and Kurick's Stand the Fallen and Commander's Strike helped rally their side. Kof finally dropped the second Shambler with a Staggering Smite, as the remaining Spriggans were felled by Rache and Kurick. Kimo searched the corpses for treasure.
August claimed the poison and interrogated the sole prisoner. "Haldir" explained that his band had been given gold and the trapped chests by the Unseelie Court (Nannuattan in Gisokuri) to bring to the Seelie Court (Quelanthi in Alfhileno). The reformed Rogue planned to deliver the Spriggan to the proper authorities in the hamlet of Sonamtil. The "F.B.I." continued to ride north, with the Bedoni Lake to the east and the Wisalef Forest to the west.
Sometime earlier and far to the southwest, the [Pathfinder teleconferencing] team known as "Holy Steel" prepared for the kenbet (trial) for treason of "Ibrahim" [Byron V.O.]. The Paladin of Isis also searched for the missing Drow Ranger "Faelonia" [Dexter V.H.], while Rogue "Milos" [Beruk] readied an expedition into the eastern desert to thwart sacrilegious smugglers and cultists of Set....
Sara, we missed you at this week's game! Beruk, please let her know what share "Tonks" got of recent booty. Have a good week, -Gene
>>D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative" Boston-area party, as of November 2009:
-Paul J.-"Rache Calistonson"-male Renshai Barbarian (Scandinavian-style Dervish) and former member of the "Broken Chains"; LGn, Lvl. 9
-Alex J.-"Kof" (short for "Marikof Lichbeard"), male Hill Dwarf Paladin of Otih, god of the sun and justice, with boar steed; LGc, Age 71 (35 human), Lvl. 9
-Beruk A.-"Kimo Adele Okono," male Zarendo Islander human shaman (proto-East African Wizard), with monkey familiar Zibu and Kitsune Tsukai (fox-woman Sorcerer) Kirara Swift-tail; NGl, Age 19, Level 9
-Greg D.C.-"August Rilde," male Hifalendorin/Barbari human scout (Rogue); TN, Age 21, Lvl. 9
-Brian W.-"Val Shriboe," male Gokuri Tiefling (devil-touched) Warlock, with Imp assistant Szaboch; LNg, Age ~50, Lvl. 9
-Sara F.-"Tonks Cinderclaw," female Gokuri Dragonborn Fighter; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9
-Dave C.-"Kurick Stormborn," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; CGn, Age 21, Lvl. 9; with hirelings Roga Far-runner and Ortol the Grim, and panda steed "Sir Fluffles von Cutenfur" (back in the Gusorin Confederation)
>>Associates and Guests:
-Paul J.-"Dante Nentor," male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Ranger; NGc, Age 19, Lvl. 9
-John C.M.-"Harald Grimson," male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human Warlord; NGl, Age 21, Lvl. 5
-Josh C.-"Guthfrith," male Grugach (Wild Elf) Cleric of Wotan (Odin, the allfather); CNg, Age 31 (16 human), Lvl. 1
-Anna G.-"Jan," male Skaevingol human Cleric of Ismiltar, matron of magic; LGn, Age 20, Lvl. 2
-Dexter V.H. (teleconferencing team)-"Bellanora," female Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Vulkan (Moradin); LGn, Age 45 (21 human), Lvl. 1
-Byron V.O. (teleconferencing team)-"Isen Dukan," male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard), member of "Gan Fen Dao"; CGn, Age 30 (18 human), Lvl. 1
-Rich D.-"Xit Tuphain"-male Shengtese human Xuitein (eastern wandering Monk); LNg, Age 26, Lvl. 8
>>See other files for the latest party rosters and updates for the following games:
>>Fantasy campaigns
-Gene D.'s D&D4e "Vanished Lands: the Faith-Based Initiative"
-Gene D.'s Pathfinder: "Holy Steel" teleconferencing team
-Gene D.'s D20 "Gaslight Grimoire" (steampunk/fantasy)
-Paul J.'s Pathfinder ("D&D3.75"): "Crossroads of Eternity"
-Brian W.'s Savage Worlds: "Fierce Frontier" and other games
-Dave S.C.'s Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition "Attos"
-Lord of the Rings Online multiplayer online game
>>Comic book superheroes
-Gene D.'s D20 Mutants & Masterminds 2e: "Drake's Port" scenarios
-Paul J. and Josh C.'s D20"M&M"2e games
-City of Heroes: "Dimensional Corps Online" supergroup
>>Space opera RPG
-Dexter V.H.'s D20 Star Wars: Saga Edition "Revenge of the Sith"
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