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[CAMPAIGN] Out of the Abyss [SPOILERS]
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<blockquote data-quote="Celtavian" data-source="post: 6783586" data-attributes="member: 5834"><p><strong>Session 7: Gracklstugh Arrival</strong></p><p></p><p>After a long and harrowing journey, the escaped prisoners arrived at the gates to Gracklstugh. They decided the best way to enter was to have Cinshariel use her noble daughter status to gain entry since Menzoberranzan and Gracklstugh conduct trade often and it would not be uncommon for a noble drow female to arrive at their gates with guards and slaves. Tytus and Jharzzle acted as her guards. Eraxis, Destrian, and Dar were listed as her slaves and property. Tytus announced Cinshariel easily convincing the guards of their sincerity. They gained entrance with little hassle.</p><p></p><p>Karzak refused to be a slave in the deception. Buppido led Karzak to an area connecting the Darklake and Gracklstugh. Karzak and Buppido snuck into the city by way of the Darklake Docks.</p><p></p><p>Jimjar entered due to the trade agreement between Blingdenstone and Gracklstugh. He offered to take Eraxis, Destrian, Dar, and Stool in with him. They refused and decided to stay with the drow and orc. Jimjar passed the word to the other deep gnomes in Gracklstugh to be wary of dealing with the half-orc Karzak. He reported the murder of Eldeth Feldrun to the deep gnomes in Gracklstugh to be passed back to Blingdenstone and the Shield Dwarves of Gauntlgrym. He is branded a murderer and the deep gnomes will not do business with him. He passed on that Jharzzle the Drow may be trustworthy because he protected Jimjar from Karzak the Murderer during travel, but be wary of his merciless, uncaring brother Tytus.</p><p></p><p>The party bought room and meals at The Ghorlborn and spent time conducting commerce. They bought and sold the goods they found on the road amassing around five hundred gold each to spend on equipment. Tytus was able to purchase <em>+1 splint mail</em> by borrowing gold from his brother and selling the <em>philter of love</em> for a healthy price to the duergar smith who happened to have a lady in mind to use it on.</p><p></p><p>Karzak purchased a strong, young human slave boy at the market to act as his porter and squire. The boy begged Karzak to take him home, but Karzak told the boy he would have to earn his freedom. Jharzzle plans to take the boy to the surface and free him. We'll see how that goes between Karzak and Jharzzle.</p><p></p><p>Jharzzle stocked up on arrows and bought a male steeder as a pack animal. </p><p></p><p>Dar bought some splint mail.</p><p></p><p>Around the third day after their arrival, a two-headed stone giant attacked them while they were wandering The Blade Bazaar. The giant was driven to kill them because he was the brother of Thibar, the two-headed giant they slew on the road to Gracklstugh. They slew the two-headed giant with ease showing the extent of their power and drawing a great deal of attention to themselves. After the giant was felled, the stone guard tried to arrest them. Dorhun the Stone Giant from the Cairngorm Caverns spoke on their behalf informing the stone guard that Rihuud was afflicted with madness and the PCs had no choice but to defend themselves. Jharzzle inquired as to this evil, offering to assist the stone giants if they required it. Dorhun listened and said he would bring word of Jharzzle's offer to his people. The stone guard did not arrest the PCs due to the intervention of Dorhun.</p><p></p><p><strong>Their Arrest...</strong></p><p></p><p>The PCs were arrested by the duergar while they rested much later. They chose not to fight. They were taken to Overlake Hold to stand trial before Errde Blackskull, Gartokkar Xundorn, and Xalith the Drow Emissary. Xalith put in a claim on them as property on behalf of Ilvara. Errde told the PCs he was inclined to honor the drow property rights given their trade agreements with Menzoberranzan. The party denied Xalith's claim with the argument they had invalidated any property claims because they escaped. The duergar did not listen. The duergar claimed Destrian as a slave since he was not on the list with the legal argument that he had violated the law by associating with escaped slaves and prisoners. Once the legal reasons for their imprisonment were discussed, the duergar moved to business dismissing Xalith from the room much to her chagrin.</p><p></p><p>Errde offered to dissolve the property claim in Gracklstugh if the PCs would help the duergar discover the cause of the city's disorder and strange behavior. The party had seen much odd behavior in The Blade Bazaar from merchants that insulted them without cause, changed prices from moment to moment claiming that it was not so, talking to imaginary friends, and of course the two-headed giant. Errde had reports of such events himself. They appear tied to the presence of a derro named Droki wandering the markets. Ever since the strange derro appeared, the city's problems had increased. Errde believes Droki is part of a plan by The Council of Savants to cause problems in Gracklstugh. He says, "The derro are mad. They want the whole city to share their madness. That I will not allow to happen." He tells the party if they can determine what Droki is up to and who he is serving, he will make them free in Gracklstugh. The PCs agreed to the terms.</p><p></p><p>Gartokkar added that The Gray Ghost thieves are likely involved. They want vengeance against Gracklstugh's rulers because they ordered all of them executed for their criminal activities after they stole a red dragon egg from The Keepers of the Flame. Gartokkar offered to pay handsomely for return of the dragon egg and any information on the remaining Gray Ghosts. If they do this for The Keepers of the Flame, he will second Errde's dissolution of the claim on them as property. </p><p></p><p>The PCs agreed.</p><p></p><p><strong>Finding Droki...</strong></p><p></p><p>Jharzzle and Karzak followed Droki from the market to the West Cleft. They found the entrance to the Whorlstone Tunnels. They ran into a <strong>flumph</strong> that reported the tunnels were infested with demon worshippers. It wanted the PCs to clear them out, so its home was safe because it is not welcome in the city. Jharzzle listened, but Karzak paid little heed to the creature. Karzak witnessed Droki eating a mushroom and shrinking. He harvested a few of the <em>pygmyworts</em>. They returned to the party and planned an ambush. They ambushed Droki the next day when he was making deliveries, capturing the derro using the special paralysis ability of Karzak's axe. They searched Droki finding the lump of black metal and the stone giant list of names and toenail clippings. They returned Droki to Overlake Hold for interrogation. Errde interrogated Droki learning that he makes deliveries to folk in The Whorlstone Tunnels. Droki knew very little about the folk in the tunnel save that they pay well for deliveries.</p><p></p><p>As part of the deal, Errde wants the Whorlestone Tunnels cleared of the derro and cultist filth. Once the tunnels are cleared and any rebellion or savants engaged in rebellion are destroyed, he wants to be informed. Errde plans to take control of the tunnels and seal them from derro use. He's unhappy that a secret place such as these tunnels has been hidden for so long by the derro. He won't tolerate the derro using the tunnels as a means to sow rebellion in the city.</p><p></p><p>The PCs agreed to enter the tunnels. That is where the sessions ended.</p><p></p><p><strong>Dark Dreams plagued the sleep of some...</strong></p><p></p><p>Tytus dreams of being murdered by Karzak, his brother, Jimjar, Cinshariel, and everyone else. They are all out to kill him. He has no friends. He has no one he can trust. He is surrounded by enemies and those that hate him. Only his blade is his friend.</p><p> </p><p>Karzak dreams of going on a murderous rampage in the inn killing everyone in sight until he is bathing in their blood. Once he had killed to his hearts content, he feeds on their flesh until he grows a second, blood-soaked head.</p><p> </p><p>Eraxis dreams of growing an extra head and eating Stool slowly and torturously. </p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>DM Notes</strong>:</p><p><strong>1</strong>: I tried to keep the narrative focused while in Gracklstugh. The entire section is written in a very disconnected manner. The encounters and xp values are plentiful. There are lots of hooks to use. This is definitely a time for the DM to take the narrative elements offered and form them into something enjoyable for your group. </p><p></p><p><strong>2.</strong>: I allowed the purchase of magical weapons and armor for a price on the low end of the item availability prices. Gracklstugh seemed like a place where obtaining magic weapons and armor would be fairly easy. They have dragonfire forges. They spend most of their time forging weapons and armor. Given the high magic nature of The Realms, I felt it appropriate to allow the PCs to spend money on quality magic armor and weapons. </p><p></p><p><strong>3.</strong>: I wanted to reduce the number of characters to six. I was running the NPC bard as a healer because no one wanted to play a healer. The new cleric player enjoys playing a healing and buffing character. The bard was an additional headache for me to keep track of, so I had her depart. Should be easier to focus on running monsters and encounters rather than a fairly complex NPC like a lore bard.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Celtavian, post: 6783586, member: 5834"] [b]Session 7: Gracklstugh Arrival[/b] After a long and harrowing journey, the escaped prisoners arrived at the gates to Gracklstugh. They decided the best way to enter was to have Cinshariel use her noble daughter status to gain entry since Menzoberranzan and Gracklstugh conduct trade often and it would not be uncommon for a noble drow female to arrive at their gates with guards and slaves. Tytus and Jharzzle acted as her guards. Eraxis, Destrian, and Dar were listed as her slaves and property. Tytus announced Cinshariel easily convincing the guards of their sincerity. They gained entrance with little hassle. Karzak refused to be a slave in the deception. Buppido led Karzak to an area connecting the Darklake and Gracklstugh. Karzak and Buppido snuck into the city by way of the Darklake Docks. Jimjar entered due to the trade agreement between Blingdenstone and Gracklstugh. He offered to take Eraxis, Destrian, Dar, and Stool in with him. They refused and decided to stay with the drow and orc. Jimjar passed the word to the other deep gnomes in Gracklstugh to be wary of dealing with the half-orc Karzak. He reported the murder of Eldeth Feldrun to the deep gnomes in Gracklstugh to be passed back to Blingdenstone and the Shield Dwarves of Gauntlgrym. He is branded a murderer and the deep gnomes will not do business with him. He passed on that Jharzzle the Drow may be trustworthy because he protected Jimjar from Karzak the Murderer during travel, but be wary of his merciless, uncaring brother Tytus. The party bought room and meals at The Ghorlborn and spent time conducting commerce. They bought and sold the goods they found on the road amassing around five hundred gold each to spend on equipment. Tytus was able to purchase [i]+1 splint mail[/i] by borrowing gold from his brother and selling the [i]philter of love[/i] for a healthy price to the duergar smith who happened to have a lady in mind to use it on. Karzak purchased a strong, young human slave boy at the market to act as his porter and squire. The boy begged Karzak to take him home, but Karzak told the boy he would have to earn his freedom. Jharzzle plans to take the boy to the surface and free him. We'll see how that goes between Karzak and Jharzzle. Jharzzle stocked up on arrows and bought a male steeder as a pack animal. Dar bought some splint mail. Around the third day after their arrival, a two-headed stone giant attacked them while they were wandering The Blade Bazaar. The giant was driven to kill them because he was the brother of Thibar, the two-headed giant they slew on the road to Gracklstugh. They slew the two-headed giant with ease showing the extent of their power and drawing a great deal of attention to themselves. After the giant was felled, the stone guard tried to arrest them. Dorhun the Stone Giant from the Cairngorm Caverns spoke on their behalf informing the stone guard that Rihuud was afflicted with madness and the PCs had no choice but to defend themselves. Jharzzle inquired as to this evil, offering to assist the stone giants if they required it. Dorhun listened and said he would bring word of Jharzzle's offer to his people. The stone guard did not arrest the PCs due to the intervention of Dorhun. [b]Their Arrest...[/b] The PCs were arrested by the duergar while they rested much later. They chose not to fight. They were taken to Overlake Hold to stand trial before Errde Blackskull, Gartokkar Xundorn, and Xalith the Drow Emissary. Xalith put in a claim on them as property on behalf of Ilvara. Errde told the PCs he was inclined to honor the drow property rights given their trade agreements with Menzoberranzan. The party denied Xalith's claim with the argument they had invalidated any property claims because they escaped. The duergar did not listen. The duergar claimed Destrian as a slave since he was not on the list with the legal argument that he had violated the law by associating with escaped slaves and prisoners. Once the legal reasons for their imprisonment were discussed, the duergar moved to business dismissing Xalith from the room much to her chagrin. Errde offered to dissolve the property claim in Gracklstugh if the PCs would help the duergar discover the cause of the city's disorder and strange behavior. The party had seen much odd behavior in The Blade Bazaar from merchants that insulted them without cause, changed prices from moment to moment claiming that it was not so, talking to imaginary friends, and of course the two-headed giant. Errde had reports of such events himself. They appear tied to the presence of a derro named Droki wandering the markets. Ever since the strange derro appeared, the city's problems had increased. Errde believes Droki is part of a plan by The Council of Savants to cause problems in Gracklstugh. He says, "The derro are mad. They want the whole city to share their madness. That I will not allow to happen." He tells the party if they can determine what Droki is up to and who he is serving, he will make them free in Gracklstugh. The PCs agreed to the terms. Gartokkar added that The Gray Ghost thieves are likely involved. They want vengeance against Gracklstugh's rulers because they ordered all of them executed for their criminal activities after they stole a red dragon egg from The Keepers of the Flame. Gartokkar offered to pay handsomely for return of the dragon egg and any information on the remaining Gray Ghosts. If they do this for The Keepers of the Flame, he will second Errde's dissolution of the claim on them as property. The PCs agreed. [b]Finding Droki...[/b] Jharzzle and Karzak followed Droki from the market to the West Cleft. They found the entrance to the Whorlstone Tunnels. They ran into a [b]flumph[/b] that reported the tunnels were infested with demon worshippers. It wanted the PCs to clear them out, so its home was safe because it is not welcome in the city. Jharzzle listened, but Karzak paid little heed to the creature. Karzak witnessed Droki eating a mushroom and shrinking. He harvested a few of the [i]pygmyworts[/i]. They returned to the party and planned an ambush. They ambushed Droki the next day when he was making deliveries, capturing the derro using the special paralysis ability of Karzak's axe. They searched Droki finding the lump of black metal and the stone giant list of names and toenail clippings. They returned Droki to Overlake Hold for interrogation. Errde interrogated Droki learning that he makes deliveries to folk in The Whorlstone Tunnels. Droki knew very little about the folk in the tunnel save that they pay well for deliveries. As part of the deal, Errde wants the Whorlestone Tunnels cleared of the derro and cultist filth. Once the tunnels are cleared and any rebellion or savants engaged in rebellion are destroyed, he wants to be informed. Errde plans to take control of the tunnels and seal them from derro use. He's unhappy that a secret place such as these tunnels has been hidden for so long by the derro. He won't tolerate the derro using the tunnels as a means to sow rebellion in the city. The PCs agreed to enter the tunnels. That is where the sessions ended. [b]Dark Dreams plagued the sleep of some...[/b] Tytus dreams of being murdered by Karzak, his brother, Jimjar, Cinshariel, and everyone else. They are all out to kill him. He has no friends. He has no one he can trust. He is surrounded by enemies and those that hate him. Only his blade is his friend. Karzak dreams of going on a murderous rampage in the inn killing everyone in sight until he is bathing in their blood. Once he had killed to his hearts content, he feeds on their flesh until he grows a second, blood-soaked head. Eraxis dreams of growing an extra head and eating Stool slowly and torturously. [b]DM Notes[/b]: [b]1[/b]: I tried to keep the narrative focused while in Gracklstugh. The entire section is written in a very disconnected manner. The encounters and xp values are plentiful. There are lots of hooks to use. This is definitely a time for the DM to take the narrative elements offered and form them into something enjoyable for your group. [b]2.[/b]: I allowed the purchase of magical weapons and armor for a price on the low end of the item availability prices. Gracklstugh seemed like a place where obtaining magic weapons and armor would be fairly easy. They have dragonfire forges. They spend most of their time forging weapons and armor. Given the high magic nature of The Realms, I felt it appropriate to allow the PCs to spend money on quality magic armor and weapons. [b]3.[/b]: I wanted to reduce the number of characters to six. I was running the NPC bard as a healer because no one wanted to play a healer. The new cleric player enjoys playing a healing and buffing character. The bard was an additional headache for me to keep track of, so I had her depart. Should be easier to focus on running monsters and encounters rather than a fairly complex NPC like a lore bard. [/QUOTE]
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