Legend of the Monkey Mage - The End (Final Update, 26 Jun 06)

[PieAndDragon]

This campaign is D&D, set in my homebrew. The characters are starting at 3rd level and a variety of races and classes are available to them.

Background - as given to players

The Forest of the Apes is renowned for the variety of primates who make it their home. Homeland of the unseelie, trickster fey who walk the night.

Legend has it that there was once a sorcerer of great power who brought the monkeys and apes to this forest. Tales say he built towers of arcane power within the depths of the forest and some of them stand to this day, with traps for the unwary and treasure for the bold. Some say this magician was a reaver elf, others a human or salamander, some even a siv or that he was a fey in the form of an ape.

Whatever the truth, rumours have surfaced about a cult now active on the fringes of the forest. Fanatics trying to use the magics of the Monkey Mage for their own gain.

Now a minor noble has gone missing near the forest, and an enterprising merchant is putting together an adventuring party to find him. The merchant, Vincien Coingate, is said to have longer term plans in mind, involving the group known as the Venturers of the Coin.

Starting cast of PCs

Deng of the Sudjai, salamander male from the Kethor Wastes, Scout 2 / Elk Totem Warrior 1
Garrett Underbough, halfling male from another world, Bard 3
Lukkar, goblin male from the Deeps, Scout 2 / Falcon Totem Warrior 1
Lumumba, siv male from the Deepswamp, Monkey Totem Warrior 1 / Transmuter 2
Lysander Casaragis, human male from Kynahar, Fighter 3

Glossary of World Terms

Cycuri: A race of hairless, aquatic humanoids with a mystical third eye blessed by Lord Moon. They suffer from many mutations and many grow up to 10 ft tall in their lifespan. They are an ambitious and adaptable race, with a preference for nighttime and a respect for personal power and personal freedom. It is said they were originally a dying race of aquatic cyclops from another world who undertook a spirit journey, taking over the bodies of other humanoids to respawn themselves.

Forest Fey: The seelie fey, known for their playful tricks. They live in the Forest Realm and can enter the mortal world though mystical places such as dryad trees, mushroom rings and nymph pools. They include dryads, foest sidhe, nymphs, satyrs and thorns.

Immortals: Mortals who have ascended into the planes. They can grant spells to clerics and favours to mortals, but they gain no direct benefit from having followers and cannot influence things such as the winds or sun as the gods once could

Last Banishing: Event 25 years ago when the gods and their followers were banished from the world and the Immortals given some of their powers instead.

Moej: Reptilian humanoids with an affinity for dragons and a draconic ancestry. They were once normal humanoids who have undergone an arcane ritual to transform themselves into one of this race. Adapted from Arcana Unearthed

Naiads: Elemental fey with many traits of the Elemental Plane of Water. Described in more detail here

Night Fey: The unseelie fey, known for their vicious streaks and dark sense of humour. They live in the Night Realm and can enter the mortal world though mystical places such as redcap rings, dark caves and troll bridges. They include harpies, iron trolls, kenku, night sidhe, redcaps and skulks.

the Pack: A group of spirits who guide the northern tribes known as the Beastclans. Many of the Pack have an associated beastclan and any clansmen who do not belong to one of these tribes is looked after by Dog. They are lead by Raven and include Crocodile, Elk, Hawk, Horse, Hydra and Tiger among others.

Pech: Elemental fey with many traits of the Elemental Plane of Earth. Described in more detail here

Redroad Trading Coster: Merchant trading house which is a front for the Black Network, a powerful criminal organistion which operates across the Sohal City-states.

Salamanders: Elemental fey with many traits of the Elemental Plane of Fire. Described in more detail here

Siv: Frog-headed humanoids who are at home in marshes and swamps. Calculating and elitist, many seek to dominate others in the name of the Lord of the Green Claw, reputed to be the creator of their race. Many train as monks, with the elite becoming oathsworn and assassins. Adapted from Monsters of Faerun

Tain: A tall, proud warrior race who once ruled a mighty empire spanning much of the northern lands. Now they are an accursed race, forced to wander for all their days by the night fey.

 

[PieAndDragon]

The Characters

THE CURRENT CHARACTERS
Updated as characters perish or are cast aside for new ideas. Two of my players have signed up to Enworld. They are Deng, who plays Deng, and DeGlove, who plays Lukkar.

Lukkar
A goblin brought up in perpetual darkness, his home has been in the Deeps for the majority of his life. Raised to scout dangerous caverns ahead of his semi-nomadic tribe, Lukkar is skilled in finding foes and keeping himself out of danger. Used to riding when scouting, Lukkar has ridden lizards, dogs and ponies. He is blessed by Falcon, a spirit of the Pack, who guides his bow and lends strength to him in times of war.

Outcast from his tribe when he stole his father's bow, which another goblin has claimed, Lukkar fears pursuit after the goblin's murder and his own flight. Since then he has been taken in by the Black Network, a criminal organisation of Sohal, who he has been working for as an outrider on their caravans on his riding dog.

He was assigned a new task, joining an adventuring party formed by Vincien Coingate, a merchant they were keeping tabs on. Now the only founding member to still actively adventure, Lukkar is a skilled scout, deadly archer and the deputy leader on the charter.

Sakorat
A naiad raised in Bukon, Sakorat was brought up in Lomghel, serving Munaak Arghul, one of the Fellowship of the Nightlord. The naiad was bound to the Lord of the Green Claw and Tunli, Warrior Prime of the Zurl, granted access to their divine magics.

He has no family, and is not interested in one. Sakorat thrived among the Bukonnish, becoming deceptive and manipulative, traits others of his race are not known for.
A year ago, he was exiled from Bukon by the manichations of Munaak, who feared his own position. Since then Sakorat has thrived in south-eastern Sohal, saving a caravan from the attentions of night fey, gaining a group of hangers-on, a loyal bodyguard and contacts among the Redroad Trading Coster as a result.

When he heard that the Company of the Valiant Blade were in need of a skilled spellcaster, he naturally volunteered himself. His group of followers include a quartet of musicians, a cook, a manservant, a couple of guards, a priest of the Lord of the Green Claw and one who has given up their willpower to stengthen that of their master's.

Sakorat has proven himself of great worth to the Company of the Valiant Blade, gaining much fame and glory. So far has he risen that he is now marked down on their charter as their leader.

Sydnius, son of Arthyen / Sydnia
Born of a beastclansmen from the Horse Beastclan, Sydnius grew up on the Steppes on the edge of the Northlands. His father never revealed who his mother was, except to say she was one of the forest fey. He would never find out from his father either, as Arthyen died in a hill giant raid, defending the village of Dog beastclansmen. He grew up a skilled hunter, having a rare understanding of animals. He also learned tactics of mounted warfare so common his beastclan.

For several years he lived among his tribe and the beasts of the wild, gaining the loyalty of a massive hawk from the Khorun Peaks. But in time he decided to head south, into the Sohalese City-states, attempting to learn the identity of his mother. It was at Hollyhollow that he joined the Company of the Valiant Blade, a group known for their dealings with the fey.

In the Deepswamp, Sydnius was seized by some madness. He threw himself into a link to the spirit world, losing his life and severing his connection to the Wheel of Spirits. He returned as a female goblin and still adventurers with the party.

Now Sydnia has gathered a new pack, although avoided by some of the others and known as the Cursed One. She is haunted by visions of former incarnations on the Wheel of Spirits and knows this is her last incarnation. Her soul is severed from Ascorre for good.

Zuridah, daughter of Ismah
The embodiment of a tain warrior, Zuridah is fast, strong and deadly, with a fierce cunning which can take foes by surprise. Fostered from the Panther Beastclan at a young age, she grew up among the humans of the Hydra, learning the intricacies of the twin-headed axe. Like the greatest of her race, she has two life paths, following the Way of the Stars and the Way of the Axe.

After she grew of age, she spent a time among several of the tain tribes, before joining a group of mercenaries in the wars of Sohal. Zuridah fought for several of the City-States, including several bloody battles for the WhiteBlade family against the Tyrant of Eastcastle.

Her last job brought her to Southquarry, where she defended the lands of Southwatch against the BlackWatch family and their siv allies. Leading the defenders were the Company of the Valiant Blade.

Ijiru
Ijiru is quiet, cunning and resourceful. A Mejannish human, adept at stealth and magic. His childhood years were spent fostered among the salamanders of the Makafong Great Family, known for it's spy network. His life changed when he came upon a group of reavers burying a body, during a childhood dare. Ijiru was bundled away with the approval of the Makafong. He became one of the Yutono Tong, feared killers for hire, who struggle to right an ancient wrong.

Most of his life up to now has been spent in a secret Yutono stronghold, on the edge of Buried Traitor Plains, where the spirits of traitors are bound and guarded by the Makafong. Among the reavers he was taught subtle magics to alter form and visage, combined with the art of stealth. Ijiru slew his first target, a fat merchant, at 19, and has risen as far as one of his kind can among the Yutono.

Ijiru is part of a half-caste among the Yutono, those who belong but are not reavers. And now he has the chance to prove himself. He hunts an elusive target in the south-eastern city states of Sohal, himself on the run from a group of pech aware of his quest. For now he has sought the protection and influence of an adventuring party, the Company of the Valiant Blade.

Melof, son of Talek[NPC]
This son of Tiger towers a head among most other humans, with the muscles of a warrior who has spent years running the tundra of the Flintlands and fighting as a mercenary in Sohalese wars.

Having fought in for the Tyrant of Eastcastle, the Blackwatch Family and against goblin tribes at Northwatch, Melof seeks glory as the guard of Sakorat, leader of the Company of the Valiant Blade. A beserker in battle, he is far more cunning than the brutal savage he acts as among the Sohalese.

THE FALLEN - SPOILERS OF REST OF STORY

Garrett Underbough
Brought up in the streets of the City of Greyhawk, Garrett came from a well to do family who are rumoured to have a draconic ancestor in their past. Taught at the bardic college, the halfling wished for nothing more than to experience life and share his music with others.

So he wasn't too put out when he arrived in a distant land after a foolish bet, a land where halflings were virtually unknown, having left decades ago when the Old Gods were banished from the planes. After discussions with a group called the Council of Magisters, he was set free in the nation of Sohal.

He travelled the land, learning what he could and entertaining others on the clarinet, an instrument unknown in this land. It was in Whistlevale that he had an all night drinking session with a goblin called Magga. In the morning he found out that he had agreed to join an adventuring party during their binge. Seeing as his apparent word was important to him, he signed up alongside Magga that day.

He fell in Highkeep Forest, against an owlbear too fierce for him. He was buried under a cairn and is missed by all for his tunes.

Lysander Casaragis
Fourth son from a noble family of Kynahar, famed for their powerful magicians and a thriving trade in magical trinkets. He married a noblewoman from a Sohalese family, Virdisia NorthWatch, although he rarely saw her as she has duties at a sanctuary to Lord Moon in the mountains near her home. His education includes the languages of several races his family trades with.

Lysander was young and ambitious, a warrior who knows his way around upper society. He longs to prove himself in single combat, and one day return to his homeland to win the annual dueling competition which provides the Champion of Harez each year. Through his years he has developed an unhealthy thirst for fine wine and spirits, often being the first to start and the last to finish in an evening.

Lysander wields the rapier that was once his uncle's, and was travelling to see more of the world. It was in the town of Whistlevale that he heard one of his wife's distant cousins had gone missing, so he joined a group of adventurers which would be looking for him, leading them from the start.

He fell in the Forest of the Apes, outside of the Tower of Roniax. An enlarged spriggan's chain left him broken and hanging from a tree. He was buried in the forest earth and will never drink in the mortal realms until his next incarnation.

Sudurak
A salamander from Mejan. He was warrior of the Changon much like Sharanna. But he also trained at Dragonsblood mountain as a student of the red mystics. Trained to use use the magics of the sorcerer and the powers of the monk, they eventually combine the two, calling on the elements for their unique powers. Those who learn to combine the two earn the title of Red Mystic and are feared throughout Mejan.

Like Sharanna, Sudurak was chosen as one of the Changon to search the Sohal City-states for shrines to Mejannish deities of Fire. He travelled to Whiteblade but found no shrines there. He was then chosen to aid Sharanna to the south, as she had found a shrine to the Immortal Chatchom, and where there was one there might be more. So Sudurak travelled through they city-state of Southwatch and bargained with a kenku guide to take him down the Night Road. It was there that he met with Sharanna and the Company of the Valiant Blade.

It was soon after he attained full understanding as a Red Mystic that he fell in battle. A formian armadon clawed him to the ground before burning him away with acid. He then exploded in fire as the magic of his flaming eye tattoo consumed his body.

Sharanna
A salamander warrior of the Changon Great Family of Mejan, Sharanna trained in the use of battle techniques unique to her race, wielding the greatsword passed down her family for three generations.

She was also trained by a salamander who belonged to the Order of the Living Curse. He taught her to use the ancient curse on her foes, complementing a brutal fighting style with knowledge of magic.

Sharanna travelled with a small group of other warriors from the Changon, charged with searching Sohal for any shrines to the deities of Fire revered in Mejan. From the city of Sunpass the warriors split, agreeing to meet up once they had scoured the city-states.
The warrior of the curse travelled to Southwatch, where she was overwhelmed by bandits on the road. She was rescued by the Company of the Valiant Blade, and fought by them in many adventures.

She perished during the Trial of the Monkey God, as they searched for the Amulet of Wethinoc. She was slain by an undead monstrosity known as a bone fiend, commanded by Jowca, a former ally of the Company of the Valient Blade, who turned their enemy on that day.

Lumumba
The only survivor of his brood, this siv was trained as a warrior and a user of the arcane arts since his birth. Brought up in the Deepswamp, which most siv call home,
Lumumba had a rigorous upbringing, schooled by a human hermit from the Empire of Mejan in the magics of transmutation. His second teacher was a siv, touched by the Pack, who bound him to the spirit lord Monkey, and schooled him in the use of the chain. The two teachers often argued over Lumumba's fate, and this culminated in a duel where the siv died.

His teacher and he were banished from the Deepswamp, and a group of monks sworn to the Lord of the Green Claw set on their destruction. Lumumba has since parted ways with his master and fled into Sohal. It was in the town that he and his faithful follower Kwaku were hired by a merchant, mostly because of Lumumba's connection with Monkey.

Lumumba died in the final battle during the Trial of the Monkey God, slain by the bearer of the Amulet of Wethinoc, a powerful barghest who lead a tribe of goblins. The deputy leader of the Company of the Valiant Blade, his memory lives on through his Near-Brother Kwaku.

Aquotl
A naiad from the Bitter Ocean, Aquotl came from a family watched over by an ice dragon named Frostmaw. One of his ancestors was very close to the dragon and it's blood runs in Aquotl and his kin. Trained in the dragon sorcery, Aquotl could take the form of other fey or breathe cold death over foes.

He rode the dolphins many of his tribe treat as friends and was happy in the ocean.
On a visit to the forest fey on the western shores of the Bitter Ocean, Aquotl's life path changed. An old forest gnome told Aquotl of Frostmaw's dark past, bred within the Forest of the Apes.

Aquotl hoped to search for more of his protector's past, managed to join a group of adventurers who seemed intent on entering the Forest.
It was while investigating Frostmaw's heritage, attacking a grove of the forest fey, that Aquotl fell, destroyed by an animated tree guarding the grove.

Irenke
A fully developed cycuri, Irenke stood one and a half times the size of a human, just as her ancestors did. The largest of the younglings brought up among the spawning ponds of the Kynahar coast, It was Irenke's job to guard the other young ones, and she continued that task when she matured, using the speed granted to her as a warrior of Wolf to patrol for threats above and below the shores. On one fateful day she fought off a group of reaver raiders intent on stealing the young ones.

This act brought her to the attention of Samuka, a powerful oracle among the cycuri, who had a young one among those Irenke saved. Recognising the potential in the strong young warrior, he took her along as a guard when he travelled to the Forest of the Apes. Irenke continued her education as a warrior and guard, dealing with night fey and goblins.

While Samuka was visiting an acolyte of the Monkey God called Tabor, she was offered the chance to join a group competing in the Trial of the Monkey God. Samuka had performed a viewing and was happy to let her go. So she joined the Company of the Valiant Blade.
For a short time, she was the strongest warrior of the Company of the Valiant Blade, before falling in the defence of Southquarry, battling swamp giants.

Andruga
This goblin was brought up among the moors of Bukon, among the hill clans who fear the night fey and make deals with many dark powers. He and several others of his tribe were singled out and given as debt payment to Hunlo, a veteran reaver warrior from Mejan. He watched over them for several years before taking them to the egde of the Deepswamp, where they grew to maturity.

Hunlo drove his young acolytes hard and Andruga learnt to master the ways of stealth. Several of his brother goblins did not survive the training, but he was one of the best. He became a full member of the Kuroku Tong a couple of years ago, of high status due to Hunlo's standing among them.

The Kuroku work for many strange employers, and Andruga was recently sent into the Forest of the Apes. He was searching for a goblin alchemist to take to Southwatch in Sohal when he came upon the Company of the Valiant Blade.

Andruga was with the Company of the Valiant Blade during the quest for Night's Return. He fell against Thrassius BlackBlade, the faerie lord who ruled Highkeep Forest and the strongest foe they have faced. His secrets went with him to the afterlife.

THOSE WHO LEFT

Magga [NPC]
A priest of Dainor, the last true god, this goblin grew up in the hills of western Bukon, a land ruled by the night fey and darker creatures. Adept at the goblin skills of stealth, riding, tall tales and petty thievery, she has been sought after by many of her tribe.

She has her own vision in mind however, as like her father, she also serves Danjas. This warrior Immortal has charged her with finding champions of warcraft to aid him. So she travels the lands, looking for warriors who may join her cause. Most of the time she works as an outrider, helping to guide caravans away from the dangers of the wilds.
When she was offered the chance to join an adventuring party in Sohal, she took it, as what better way to find a warrior than among a group who live for danger.

It is through Magga's eyes that the first part of the tale has been told, as she journeyed with the group around Southwatch and Highkeep.

Magga left the group to pursue a position in the Venturers of the Coin and perfect the trade of the tattooist.

Deng
This salamander's homeland is a desolate desert, where the fire fey have learnt to adapt. Deng is from the Sudjai tribe and was part of a group which lead caravans through the safer routes, for the right price.

One of his brethren was a old human from the Elk beastclan, who initiated Deng in the way of the Elk warrior, teaching him the fighting style of the twin antlers.

Deng has left his homeland in search of a legendary shaman of Elk, one who knows a fighting style of dance and blades. His search brought him to Sohal and the town of Whistlevale, where a merchant offered to hire him, as he could speak the language of the unseelie fey.

Deng lead the Company of the Valiant Blade through its greatest victories, from the Battle of Southquarry to the quest for Night's Return. He has a place among the Tower of the Guardian Flame, although he does not follow all of its tenets. For now he has retired to Nightjewel Mansion alongside Kwaku, teaching others who wish to take the path of the dervish, and aiding the Tower of Guardian Flame.

Kwaku[NPC]
A priest of the Pack and Lord Moon, this siv has been Lumumba's faithful companion for over a year. Kwaku has little understanding of how his magics work and often finds it hard to relate to others. Good with a crossbow, his greatest strength is his links to the Realm of Spirits, through which he can heal those in need. At times he is soft-hearted, but rarely showed this to the rest of the group.

Kwaku did not start off as a full member of the group, but gained equality for his healing powers. His favourite spell is Hand of Zombie, through which he can cast touch spells from afar.

After the death of his Near-Brother Lumumba, Kwaku no longer traveled with the Company of the Valiant Blade, staying at Nightjewel Mansion instead, trying to gather a group of creatures together, one from each of the Pack.

Shegall Harrowborn[NPC]
Sakorat's bodyguard and the an author of the Company's journal, Shegall is a skilled warrior, well educated and dedicated to keeping the night fey out of Southwatch and Highkeep, preferably on the southern side of the River Harrow. When called, his shield shows a circle of roses around a medley of other flowers, representing the power of life. He adopted his squire, Borsca, several years ago, and she grew from a girl to a proud young woman confident with animals.

When the group were not willing to help him repel kenku nests from the Harrowwood, he left them to fight his battle alone. He still grieves for his daughter, and remains on good terms with Sakorat.

Kapix Hestir
A practicioner of fell magics, Kapix is a human well into his later years, a member of the feared Death's Crow. He grew up on the edge of swampland in Bukon, in a temple of Moha, once Goddess of the Swamp. There he learnt his trade, alongside siv allies of the priesthood.

It all ended when the temple was burnt down by salamanders from Red Mountain and he fled to the port city of Ku-Nukarr. There he worked for a time among the Black Network with a group of adventurers, supporting a gladiatorial arena called the Hall of Champions. When the Pantheon was forced from the world in the Last Banishing, Kapix chose not to follow his goddess, staying on Ascorre instead.

The last few decades have been spent researching for the Death's Crow in Sohal, on the edge of the Deepswamp. He journeyed with the Company of the Valiant Blade to the ruins of Torith's Beacon, and returned with them to Nightjewel Mansion. Since then he has found another cabal among the ruins of Highkeep to join, abandoning his second and brief stint as an adventurer.

Edit 17/10/05: added Sharanna
Edit 24/10/05: moved Garrett to The Fallen list
Edit 31/10/05: moved Magga to the list of Those Who Left
Edit 31/10/05: added Aquotl
Edit 14/11/05: moved Lysander to the Fallen list
Edit 14/11/05: added Sudurak
Edit 26/11/05: updated Kwaku's description
Edit 29/01/06: moved Sudurak to the Fallen list
Edit 06/02/06: moved Sharanna to the Fallen list
Edit 06/02/06: added Andruga
Edit 13/02/06: added Irenke
Edit 05/03/06: moved Lumumba, Aquotl and Irenke to the Fallen list
Edit 05/03/06: added Sakorat, Shegall and Sydnius
Edit 05/03/06: updated descriptions for Deng and Kwaku
Edit 25/04/06: added Zuridah
Edit 14/05/06: moved Andruga to the Fallen list
Edit 15/05/06: moved Deng, Kwaku and Shegall to the list of Those Who Left
Edit 15/05/06: updated descriptions of Lukkar and Sakorat
Edit 16/05/06: added Ijiru, Melof and Kapix
Edit 21/06/06: moved Kapix to the list of Those Who Left
Edit 21/06/06: updated description of Sydnius / Sydnia

 

[Fiasco]

Sounds interesting so far... What levels did the characters start at?

 

[PieAndDragon]

3rd. We had the first session yesterday. I dislike running for 1st-2nd, especially as we're tied to just the term-time weeks.

 

[PieAndDragon]

As written in the journal of Magga, the female goblin with the party

Fireday, 22nd of Seventhmonth, 1532 ER

Having travelled through Autumn rains, Albak and I have reached Whistlevale. It's not much of a town, but I managed to get a room at a place called the Weary Horse. Higher class than my regular sort of place, but we're trying to make an impression. Albak seemed happy with his kennel, so I left him there while I went to check out our future employer.

Cilam's directions checked out, and I found the tattoo parlour. Quite a high-class joint, looks like he might be able to pay well in the future. One of the apprentices was a bit rude, some fat human lad, but managed to get to speak to the owner of the place, our soon to be employer.

Vincien Halfgate is a merchant, and quite smart for a human. Seems to know how the deal works. Too many tattoos for my liking, probably all magical too. Didn't want to start anything so kept my spells to myself. Once I mentioned the Last God's name, he settled down. Cilam was right, this one's definately interested in the Venturers.

We agreed a side deal and he told me to come along and meet the others tomorrow. Told me to bring along any others I thought were up to scratch.
Spent the rest of the day in the Weary Horse, although I did pick up a spiked collar for Albak. He's due some sort of reward.

Met another stranger early this evening. Garrett is size, although he just looks like a small human. Claimed he was some race called a "halfling" and played a weird thing he called a "clarinet". Seemed fairly clueless about things around here, but may better company than the other locals around here. Seems to radiate magic too, not sure why?? Better go down and finish the night off, got to teach Garrett some goblin drinking games.

Earthday, 23nd of Seventhmonth, 1532 ER

Dainor's Tear's! Not too bad a day so far.
Got Garrett too drunk to stand last night, and thought it would be a laugh to drag him along to the meeting today.
We got to the meeting pretty much on time. Had to drag the halfling out of the dive he was staying at, the Dancing Dryad. Not a good place.

Vincien had hired out a dining room at the Weary horse, and most of the others were already there. Our employer was the last but one to arrive.
This lot didn't seem to be your normal bunch of scum. There was a salamander who kept to his own corner. Saw two sickles at his side. Druid's weapons. Didn't say much.

The two siv were a bit more lively. Lumumba seemed to be the leader of the two. Said the other one's name was Kwaku, though he doesn't seem to speak the human tongue. Tried Goblin and Night Tongue, but didn't respond to those either. He just grinned at me with his frog head. Haven't tried Worg yet, not likely though.

Lumumba claims to be a user of the arcane arts, but carries himself more like a warrior to me. Got some nasty chain weapon but couldn't make out any armour. Kwaku seems to be subservient to him. That one is a servant of the Immortals, like me. Looks fairly useful in a fight. Mace, crossbow, shield and armour. Looked prepared to me. Lumumba told me Kwaku's a healer, and didn't want to be part of the full group. Fine by me, more stuff to go around.
Lukkar looks like he might make a good ally. Goblin like me. Not my type though, too thin. Said he's an archer, with a dog like Albak. Didn't say much about his tribe though. Probably a story there somewhere.

Our last companion was late. Not sure what to think, could be trouble. A human, some noble from Kynahar. Dressed like one. Looks more dangerous than most though. Carried himself like a warrior, and probably knows how to use the rapier he carries. Knew his knife from his spoon too. Said his name was Lysander Casaragis. Heard of the famliy, pretty rich apparently.

The food was good, roast beef and Lomghel Red. Talked a bit to the others before Vincien got down to business.
Our employer gave some speech about how he'd gathered us all here. Turns out he actually contracted Deng and Lumumba. The siv has some sort of affinity with the Monkey spirit, and Deng can speak to the night fey. Looks like I missed out on a deal there!

Turns out we've been hired to track down some noble who's gone missing. Metabus HighKeep hasn't been seen in over five days. Sounds like he sang for his supper most places. His family will pay Vincien, who will pay us for returning him alive. Lysander and Garrett tried to get an advance, but Vincien's too wily for that

We're travelling towards Harrowford this afternoon, as that's where this human was last seen. There's some fey we can talk to by a lake as well.

Vincien's also paid for a Noble's Charter, making us an official adventuring company. We chose Lysander as our leader and I somehow ended up as deputy on it. So long as I'm not leader, I don't really care. The noble came up with the Company of the Valiant Blade, and as no one else could better it, that's what we're called for now.
We've got an hour to sort our stuff out now, then we're travelling with Vincien's coach to the next village. Time to get Albak ready.

Our journey went no problem. Quintus, the coach driver, drove the others while me and Lukkar rode our dogs. Stopped at some dirty little place called Monkeyshill. Our grand employer has paid for everything though, so I'm not complaining. Managed to keep some brandy for our journey too! Lysander seems to like his drink too. The locals had seen Metabus and two guards a week ago, which is a good start.

Waterday, 24th of Seventhmonth, 1532 ER

We left the Grinning Monkey early, on foot (or tail in Deng's case) as Quintus was taking the coach back to Whistlevale. Can't blame him really. Not the best road I've seen. They've let the forest grow right up to it. In Bukon we'd have cut it right back.

We put Garrett on Lukkar's dog to make better time. Lukkar and Deng scouted a little ahead. Both seem to know what they're doing. Don't think Lysander is used to walking. Does him good though.

Couple hours down the road we found a horse with it's saddle, harness and bags intact, grazing by the roadside. Lukkar and Deng had a look around and found some webbing. There was gold in the saddlebags, so we decided to have a look for the rider.
We got Lukkar's dog to follow the trail into the trees. I took rear guard and spotted a spider Albak's size trailing us. The others found some humanoid spider-creatures. Deng called them ettercaps.

They didn't seem to want us here, but the fight was pretty brief. I fought off the spider, although Lysander struck the killing blow. Danjas might have some use for this one. Garrett somehow played a battle-tune on that big pipe-thing, Lukkar took out one from dog-back with his bow, while Lumumba and Deng took out the last. Kwaku wasn't much use with his crossbow, but at least he didn't leg it.

Vincien was right about Lumumba though. The siv took to the trees like a monkey, and I don't want to get near to that chain thing when he's swinging it. Vicious thing.
We left their bodies and found a dead human, probably the horse's rider. Found their loot in an oak tree. Some weapons and armour, two scrolls, a fair haul of money and a bronze - handled tankard with a siv name on it. Some of the gear had the icon of the Children of the Light, a militant group in Sohal. They like burning people if memory serves me correct.

We headed on with our horse, which carried the halfling and the noble. About midday we got to Harrowford. Not a big place, maybe sixty huts and a couple of stone buildings. Couple of SouthWatch guards and the Rowdy Redcap, a tavern where we might be able to get some kip.

Garrett asked around, and with his happy face got some of the locals talking. Not good news. Turns out Master HighKeep hadn't been seen for five days, and three days ago a note had turned up saying he was dead. They remembered he had a good voice though. We weren't so sure about the note, as our employer had insisted Metabus had been detected as alive by magical means.

Also turns out they've got some festival tomorrow, Harvest's Thanks. The others all agreed to be around for it if possible, and I got no objections.
We spent the afternoon drinking in the Redcap. Lysander seemed a bit reluctant to leave when we left an hour before dusk.

We travalled down a tributary into the river Harrow and got to the lake of some fey called a glaistig, Matuta's Lake the locals called it. Quite a pretty place. There was supposed to be a kenku Vincien knew about here. One of the others saw him skulking by the side of the clearing by the shore, but we left him be while we said hello to our hostess.
Lumumba was doing his siv walk on water trick when she came out of the water. Got a pretty human female form, wearing a green dress for some reason. All Matuta wanted was some company, so Garrett played his clarinet while the rest of us danced around. Lysander and the salamander actually can too! Lumumba did some strange jumping around thing on the surface of the water. The others were impressed.

Then the kenku showed 'imself. Erett was his name, but only Deng and me could speak to him. Deals are done differently among the night fey, so we gave him the tankard from the ettercaps and he told us about some bandits who had captured the noble. Probably after he came to sing for the glaistig by the sound of it. They work for some guy called the "seer of the apes". Has some magical powers over monkeys, apes and humans. Not me though.
Erett wouldn't tell us more, though I'm sure he knew. Wanted us to return with another "gift". Tight git.

So we headed back and drank in the Rowdy Redcap with some of the villagers. Decided to set a watch when we bedded down though.

Endday, 25nd of Seventhmonth, 1532 ER

With nothing better to do, we joined in the festivities for the day. Had a big feast in the afternoon and then we performed for their entertainment.

We were pretty good! Worked out an acrobat routine for Deng, Lysander and Lumumba. Lukkar and I rode among and around them, performing tricks in the saddle while the halfling lead us all on that long-pipe. Kwaku just pestered the villagers with a big frog grin.

The yokels were impressed, best entertainment they've had in years! Sounds like they'll remember us for a while. Plied us with drink all evening and showered us with coins. One old lady was so touched she gave us a silver comb with some nymph hair still in it.

We also asked around about the bandit activity. Turns out they're working along the northern edge of the Forest of the Apes, by the river Harrow. Tend to keep to the forest and seem to be working with some of the locals.

Airday, 1st of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

We travelled downriver towards Harrowbridge, which some of the others seemed to think would bring out the bandits. When we stopped for some food by the river, we met the salamander Chai-Son.

He was hunting some creatures called gorrillons, lead by a larger one with red claws. Looked like he was armed for it, with some sort of wyrmscale and a mean-looking polearm. Had two goblins with them mounted on some sort of riding baboon. Spellcasters by the look of them. Not people to be messing round with. We let them go on after the apes.

At Harrowbridge we exchanged some of our loot and split it out. Kwaku only got a half-share, but seemed to be happy. Lysander bought a warhorse and we let go our other one. Don't like the look of it though. Think the noble might have been had. Oh well!

We headed back along the other side of the Harrow and got to Matuta's Lake. She welcomed us again and we performed our routine for her and the kenku. Got nothing from them though.
Exchanged the old woman's silver comb for Erett's knowledge. Looks like the bandits have a base at some old ruined manor. Found out that the note to the villagers had been tampered with by some other night fey. We weren't too worried about that though, as we reckoned the noble would be at this manor.

Returned to Harrowford and made use of the Redcap's hospitality again. Food, drink and lodging for free! Garrett played for them again. Reminded myself to get Lysander drunk one night and and see what we can find out about him. Shouldn't be too hard.

Fireday, 2nd of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

We headed out early towards the ruined manor of Borderwell in the forest, after getting some directions from the locals. Turns out its about 10 miles into the Forest of the Apes, to the south. Deng spotted some sort of plant-folk with lots of spines and we avoided them.

The salamander also heard a creature following us through the forest. After a while, Lumumba climbed a tree to confront it, and it spoke to us in the forest-tongue. Lysander spoke to it (last one I expected to know that tongue!) and it turns out to be a warden of the forest and the monkeys.

We had no dispute with it so travelled on, though it followed us. None of us managed to get a glimpse. We've just passed a damaged milestone on the trail which leads to Borderwell's ruins. Now we're deciding who to send up to scout. Think Deng might have caught something too, as he's not looking so good.

End of session one

Any feedback appreciated, as this is my first story hour or anything similar.

 

[PieAndDragon]

Thanks for the compliment Malek.

Can you just trim down your quote for me, as at the moment it's just repeating everything in the post above it.

Cheers!

 

[PieAndDragon]

As written by Magga, female goblin with the party

Fireday, 2nd of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Rest of our day has been a bit more frantic!
Deng was feeling the effects of some illness, so we left him with Lysander's horse.
Lukkar saw some humans carrying a salamander so we sent him after them as they tried to avoid us. He wasn't gone long. Followed them up the path towards the village, then up the hill. Looked like salamander was a captive, and these were part of the bandit gang we were looking for.

We went onto Borderswell and sent Garrett with Lukkar to scout out the ruins. Think I'm quieter than either of them, but no point in volunteering for dangerous missions. Garrett came back after half an hour to say there was nothing of interest in there and Lukkar had gone off to look at the manor on the hill overlooking the village. Tried to organise a race between Albak and Garrett's dog, but neither seemed keen.

Lukkar had a look at the manor. Mostly in ruins, with a big armoured ape guarding the front door, double Lukkar's height when on all fours. We'll let frog-boy or the noble have that one. Something about a really large tree too.

Also mentioned that two of the bandits were dragging the same salamander as before down to the edge of the village. They were going to sacrifice it to some spirit of the ruins and offer up the fey's armour and sword. Bit of a waste really. We decided to take out these two and question the salamander.

Didn't take too long. Garrett and Lukkar went up the hill to cut off any escape, while the rest of us attacked them at the edge of the village ruins. Lysander took one down with some help from Lumumba. The second human tried to get away, but I shot it down when it got to our two scouts.

We brought round the salamander while Lumumba organised the interrogation of the living bandit. Turns out she's (hard to tell gender with the fire snakes) a warrior ambushed on the road, called Sharanna. Didn't seem to have much of a clue, but as she didn't like the bandits, we got no problem with another warrior. Sadly she found her sword hidden behind a tree. Think Lumumba was planning on selling it and lending her a club.

Lysander showed us another side when he started to threaten the bandit. Lumumba tied him upside-down on a tree branch. Didn't take him long to crack and tell us about the rest of them. Could be tough. One armoured ape and its handler, half a dozen more bandits and two Dog beastclan marauders with a dog each. Still, what use is everyone else if they can't fight.

We knocked him out and left him as a sacrifice to this spirit, with a message to the night fey. Then sent Lukkar and Garrett to investigate the manor more thoroughly. They spotted the sentry up the big tree we'd been told about, and found a part of the manor which had been boarded up and might be another way in. Then we started discussing plans for an attack.

Lukkar noticed a creature in the shadows, looking at the writing on the village paliside. Human in shape, but it camouflaged itself against whatever it was around and had pupiless blue eyes. Turns out to be some sort of night fey, so I ended up speaking to it. Turns out it was watching the bandits and no friend of them. So we did it a deal (goblin speciality!), agreeing to give it four living bandits in exchange for it's aid. Gave it the one we had as a start. Decided to attack them after dusk.

Rest of the afternoon went quickly. There's been one scare when three of them came down the hill to investigate their missing companions. Lukkar spotted them and came back to warn us, but we were too slow to ambush them. As they knew we were here we moved further away and got some more kip. Now we're getting ready to go on the rampage! And see if they've got any stuff to salvage of course.

Evening

We met with the blue-eyed fey at the bottom of the hill, and were told they'd posted a sentry on top of the manor and a dog had taken the place of the ape. Then took a half hour to come up with some plan, mostly organised by Lysander. The good part of the plan was for our new friend the fey to take out the sentry up the tree. The lame part was for our monkey-blessed frog dancer to take out one atop the manor using his chain. Unfortunately he's not the most stealthy siv in the swamp. The final part was for us to all charge the dog and then assault the manor.

Luckily Deng was better again, so we sent off the camouflage fey to slay the tree sentry while we organised around the manor. He came back fairly quickly, and we were minus one bandit up a tree.

Then Lumumba started his approach. I could hear him quite clearly, but the human on top the manor was obviously dreaming of a nice warm fire. Lumumba scampered up the ruined wall of the manor and the assault began. Unfortunately the sentry shouted out a warning before he was finished off and we didn't get as good a jump on them as I'd have liked.
Most of us swamped the dog at the front door, while Garrett played some marching song, Lukkar and his dog looked for another way in and Kwaku stood well back with his stupid grin.

After we took down the dog Sharanna lead Lysander, Lumumba and Deng inside. Our newest greatsword-wielding warrior held off the ape (still armoured, obviously hadn't gone off to bed), keeping it in a corridor it wasn't happy in, while two angry looking dog warriors attacked the other three. Me and Albak had to contend with the last enemy hound. One of the others shouted about a cleric and the rest of the bandits joined in along with the ape's trainer, a human woman with a big axe.

Things started going badly as the two marauders took down Lysander, then Sharanna, though she left her mark on the ape. Lumumba came outside, but ran off into the trees under the influence of some fell spell from their priest. Me and Deng held the rest of them off before Lukkar turned up at last. Found out he got in through the roof. Kwaku did some healing and shot a couple times with his crossbow. Garrett was around somewhere, may have cast a spell, couldn't really say.

The goblin turned the fight by shooting down the ape. It's handler fled off into the house, probably figuring she wasn't needed anymore. Garrett lead a charge back into the manor, waving around his staff. Might need someone to give him some lessons with it though. Me, Albak and Deng followed in and battled the dog marauders, a couple last bandits and their cleric. Lukkar was in their too, shooting from atop his dog. Garrett went down, but we had unexpected aid from our fey friend who threw a net over their cleric. Once the two dog marauders went down and Lumumba came back, the rest surrendered.

We tied up and knocked out the remaining bandits. Brought Lysander back up, but Garrett and Sharanna were still out. Did a quick search and gathered up all the valuables. We also found the guy we were looking for, Metabus HighKeep. He and another human prisoner were in a cage, but they thought they were apes. Could talk to us, but didn't get much sense out of them. Our friend the blue-eyed fey took his last two bandits, including the cleric and left.

We also found the ape-trainer. Elodia claimed she was an ape-trainer and beast handler in general, just employed by the bandits for her armoured friend. Told us about the bandits and we came to an agreement about the ape. We would ransom it for 100 gold, but keep the armour it was in.

Apparently the cleric followed some creature called the Monkey God, who I've never heard of before. Also followed the Lord of the Green Claw, an Immortal the siv claim created them.

The bandits also had some buried treasure we agreed to find in the morning. Found out they work for some guy known as the Seer of the Apes, who used his magic to transmute the two prisoners into monkey-men. Luckily our contract stipulated returning Metabus alive, with nothing about sane.

After cooking up the two dead dogs, we bedded down in the manor for the night, though Elodia slept in a tree away from the manor. Can't blame her really, as I wouldn't trust us either.

Earthday, 3rd of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

We brought Sharanna and Garrett back round first thing, then healed everyone up as much as we could. Sharanna found the buried treasure in the ruined part of the manor. Quite a haul: jewelry, gold, a magical horn and quite a few potions. Happy now!

We took our leave after that, leaving two bandits and the dog marauders tied up in the cage for their boss to find. Sharanna, Elodia, Lysander, Deng, Kwaku and Lumumba took turns carrying the unconscious ape and I led our two monkey-men. Took us all day weighed down with apes and treasure, but we returned to Harrowford and stayed at the Rowdy Redcap. Villagers seemed happy to see us again, especially as we did a quick routine to entertain them.

Waterday, 4th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Elodia ransomed back her ape for 100 gold and took it away after I healed it so it could walk. Rest of us headed back towards Whistlevale and our reward. Quiet on the roads, but slower due to treasure and monkey-men. Went through Monkeyshill.

Airday, 6th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Got back to Whistlevale late afternoon and talked to Vincien. Paid us half our reward and we have to go to Highkeep for the last part. Didn't give Sharanna any, as she wasn't on the contract. Looks like she's tagging along with us now though.

Haggled over the rest of the loot and agreed to sell most of it to Vincien, him being a merchant with contacts and all. Agreed to sort it out in the morning. Lumumba used his magic on the horn we found. Produces fog, and as none of us want it we sold it.
Had a feast in the Weary Horse to celebrate our success! Liberated some brandy again.

Fireday, 7th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Finished our business with Vincien and did a bit of shopping. Got enough for some better armour or a weapon. Get some armour for Albak and maybe another dog. Not sure. Did keep a silver monkey figurine we found on the cleric. Looked nice and could be useful if we go into the Forest of the Apes again.

Group also kept the potions and paid Kwaku in goods. Maybe not as dumb as he seems. Time will tell! Vincien offered to take the other human monkey-man off our hands and keep him safe. The HighKeeps might want him though, to help try to break the curse. Our merchant friend seem disappointed for some reason.

Took our leave of our former employer, agreeing to consider future work with him. Headed off towards Highkeep with the two monkey-men in tow.

Waterday, 9th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Took most of three days, but we reached HighKeep. Spoke with the steward there, Kazrak Rivers. He paid us the reward and thanked us. Nice man!

Offered us some more work in about a week and a place in the meantime. We agreed and took the time to keep up with our skills.

Highkeep is actually a small city, so we took the chance to go and arm up too. Got a proper tattooist here too, so see if I can afford any magical protections from him.

End of Session Two

 

[PieAndDragon]

After this stage, the party are now

Deng of the Sudjai, salamander male from the Kethor Wastes, Scout 3 / Elk Totem Warrior 1
Garrett Underbough, halfling male from another world, Bard 4
Lukkar, goblin male from the Deeps, Scout 3 / Falcon Totem Warrior 1
Lumumba, siv male from the Deepswamp, Monkey Totem Warrior 1 / Transmuter 3
Lysander Casaragis, human male from Kynahar, Fighter 4
Sharanna, salamander female from Mejan, Salamander Paragon 1 / Hexblade 3

with two NPCs:

Magga, goblin female from Bukon, Goblin Paragon 3 / Cleric of Dainor and Danjas 1
Kwaku, siv male from the Deepswamp, Cleric of the Pack and Lord Moon 2

 

[PieAndDragon]

As written in the journal of Magga, the female goblin with the party

Earthday, 13th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Been having a nice rest, focussing on the ways of the goblin and staying in Highkeep. Lysander has a wife who is a distant cousin of the HighKeep family, though he's never talked about her. All the others have been training at weapons, except Lumumba who's been in the library going through books. I've made some deals with merchants in town, and got a magical tattoo done on the forehead. A kite shield, enchanted to keep away magical force bolts. Made it invisible as well, don't want some night fey running off with my scalp.

A travelling minstrel came in couple of nights ago. Accompanied Garrett and I had a quick chat with him about Dainor's activities.

There's a moej in the keep, one of those strange lizard-dragon humanoids, changed in some arcane ritual from the human, goblin or other civilized race they were before. Odakota is it's name, and seemed to be talking to Garrett quite often. Keep my eye on them.

Better go now, got to practice stealth, the third art of the goblin, with Deng and Lukkar.

Airday, 16th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Looks like our rest is at an end. Haven't found any strong enough for the task Danjas has ahead either. Albak's barding is finished though. Should keep him in good stead. Doesn't seem to like it though, keeps giving me dark looks.

Some of us had an audience with Lord HighKeep. The two siv and Lysander appear to have been living too well, and keep running to the privvy. So me and Garrett did the talking. Turns out none of his healers have been able to reverse the curse on his son, and we're going to talk to a man who knows something about a shrine to the Monkey God. Thinks it might lead to someone who knows more about the curse.

As well as some money, they've added Sharanna to the charter for the Company of the Valiant Blade, and given us tabards of the HighKeep family, to wear if we go into Highkeep Forest. We were told they have some sort of power over the night fey there, so worth putting on then. Got ready most of the evening, drinking and gambling down in the city.

Fireday, 17th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

On the road again! Albak a lot happier. Going along northern edge of Highkeep Forest, through Prideford and camping for the night. Such boring names! Left the siv and Lysander at Highkeep, still doing the privvy runs! Took Lysander's horse though. Shouldn't mind.

Lukkar was telling us that Highkeep Forest hasn't been named that for too long. Used to belong to the BlackBlade family, but didn't know all the details. Some ruined keep near the centre of the forest, and full up with night fey too. Sounds bad.

Earthday, 18th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Didn't get full sleep last night. Sharanna and Lukkar were on watch when someone threw in a shrunken ape's head. I woke up to find Lukkar wrestling one of the creatures. They were goblin sized, but had bright red caps and massive scythes. Fight was pretty brief, as there were only three. Deng was the only one injured and Lukkar ran down the one which tried to run away. Think they were night fey who picked the wrong camp.

Strangest thing about them was they left behind a magical tooth each, and shrivelled into red toadstools. Not picking them. Lukkar found a ring of these where on was trying to flee to . Sharanna took all the teeth, as the rest all acted scared. I'm just happy to let another take the risk.

Lukkar's also chosen a new weapon. Was running around with a double-handed sword. Strange behaviour for a goblin. If a shortsword is good enough for Danjas, then it's good enough for me.

Evening

Got to Blackhunt no problem. Dirty little place, about 30 huts and a joke of a tavern. Talked to Rosario Bullcloak and the headwoman of the place. Rosario told us he'd been converted to the Monkey God at a shrine deep in Highkeep Forest. Something about a talking ape priest of the Monkey God and a druid grove. Looks like that's our next stop then. Had a choice of waiting for some kenku guides or following the old Blackblade Road into the forest. We'll take our chances with the road, as that's pretty easy to follow.

Headed back towards Highkeep after that. Nothing worth staying for here.

Waterday, 19th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Got back to Highkeep and did a deal with the moej wizard. Odakota kept one of the teeth. Said they were from redcaps, and told us their vials were redcap poison, taken from the mushrooms they turn into. I took a couple from the party, just in case. The night fey respect the teeth as tokens too, though they gotta be dipped in blood between darks of the moon. Shouldn't be a problem. Sold the gems and split the totals. Kept a silver horn the redcaps had too.

After a quick discussion, we decided to rest the night at Highkeep and head out tomorrow. Think we'll be taking Lysander and the siv, as it could be dangerous in the forest

 

[PieAndDragon]

As written in the journal of Magga, the female goblin with the party

Voidday, 20th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Headed off early down to Whistlesprings and then followed the Old Blackblade Road, camping just outside Highkeep Forest. Lumumba and Kwaku still aren't with it and Lysander can just manage to stay on his horse. Sure hope there's nothing nasty out there.

Airday, 21st of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Put on our tabards and tried to pretend to be Highkeep guards. 2 siv, 2 salamanders, 2 goblins, a human and half a human. Anyone would believe it! Entered Highkeep Forest and had no problems yet. Road is all overgrown but we can still follow it. Just having lunch at mo.

Late Afternoon

Day got more interesting after lunch. We met some strange goblin-kin on the road. Lots of facial hair and even dirtier than most of my kind, with yellowish skin. They were all carrying chains like Lumumba's and seemed quite stealthy. Told us thier lady wished to speak with us, a fey creature. So we followed them for a half-hour. Seemed to be waiting for us. Strange.

Got to a pretty waterfall, where kenku and these goblin-kin waited on a veiled lady. Spoke to us in Night Tongue while we all sat on rocks and ate some weird food. Said she had sworn an oath on some sword connected to the Blackblade family, and now wouldn't bring harm to Highkeep retainers. Warned us not to go to the ruins of Blackblade, as some powerful night fey there would do us harm. Instead we did a deal, offering a gold brooch and getting a kenku guide to the Monkey God shrine. Seemed good for a night fey. Unusual.
Our kenku guide lead us away from the lady, saying nothing all the way.

Fireday, 22nd of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Our guide was waiting for us in the morning when we broke camp. Lumumba and Lysander still ill, so keeping them out of trouble. Kwaku seems well again, but just treats his friend and ignores us. Fine by me.

Not lucky later today. Deng got attacked by a vine, and while he and Sharanna hacked it up, an owlbear (so Garrett said) tried attacking us. Brought it down between dogs, goblins and the halfling. Found some gold and bits and pieces under the vine. Garrett mentioned that owlbears often live in groups and have cubs, which are worth alot on the market. Decided to track them down and find any cubs. So its the halflings own faut, what happened to him next.

Both the siv seemed well enough for a fight, so we got Lukkar's dog to track down the owlbears a short way away. Two came out and we all piled in, though Lumumba took a little time casting a few spells. Garrett was in the thick of the fighting for some reason. He seemed to have some strange technique, jumping all around them. One of the owlbears caught him and ripped his head off, and that'll be the last time he sings for us. We helped slay them both and looked at the halfling's body.

Found three cubs inside the lair, which Lukkar knocked out and we put in sacks. Took Garrett's body with us and headed on with our kenku guide, a bit quieter than normal.

Earthday, 23rd of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Lead a ceremony for Garrett Underbough, and made a cairn for him. Lukkar said that was how halflings used to bury their kin before the Last Banishing. Couldn't say if he way lying or not.

Our kenku guide left us just before we go to the Monkey God shrine. Said it's first words to us. Don't like kenku now, too sneaky for their own good. Saw a couple of apes with greenish arms and backs. Didn't go near them obviously.

The Shrine of the Monkey God had a couple of acolytes, including a siv, a human and a 9 ft tall cycuri. Strange race, the cycuri. blessed by Lord Moon, often live under the water and a bad reputation, for good reason probably. This one had large horns and spoke about monkeys. Seemed to welcome Lumumba for his Monkey connections
.
Couple of us had conversations with the Jamba, the talking ape. Followed the Monkey God and had green arms just like the other apes, 'cept this one talked. Tried to convert me to the Monkey God, but I've got more faith in Danjas and Dainor than that. There was a tense talk between the two siv. Might have involved the talk with Jamba, could have been about some swamp-stuff, no way of knowing.

Also a group of humans, Monkey Beastclansmen from the Northlands. They had a shaman among them, Corentyn, son of Breage, who seemed quite with it. Didn't know much about the Seer of the Apes we'd found out about a while back, but knew about Metabus' curse. A rod crafted by the human who ascended as Monkey [different to the Monkey God apparently], with powers to turn others into apes or turn humans bestial. Would be useful to have. Apparently belongs to the Monkey Beastclan and can be used to reverse the curse. Either that or some expensive healing spell.

Spent the late afternoon and evening with these people. Picked up bits about the Monkey Mage. Something about the Monkey God in the Forest of the Apes, brought the monkeys, baboons and apes to the forest and some towers built by his acolytes to free him. Doesn't sound like my kind of thing.

Waterday, 24th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

The cycuri talked to us as we were leaving, away from all the others. Told us about a contest in the Forest of the Apes, to find the next acolyte of the Monkey God. Said to talk to the night fey if we wanted to find out more. No one seemed that interested, can't blame them.

Lukkar lead us off northwest, heading towards Highkeep again. Had no problems. Seems my fellow goblin knows the wilds quite well.

Endday, 25th of Eighthmonth, 1532 ER

Another bad night so far. Really bad. A night fey, looked like a graceful human or pale reaver, tried to hunt us with big black fey hounds and a bull-man. Really nasty archer and a fight which nearly got us all. Lost the most valued party member anyway. Heard the hounds from way away and all woke up, with Lumumba enchanting himself with battle magics. Lysander was still too unwell to fight, so we hid him with the horse.

We didn't run when we told us to flee before his hunt, and he laughed when we said we were under Highkeep protection. Wounded both the salamanders with arrows so they hid on the floor behind Sharanna's tent. Lukkar snuck off and did some flanking action while four Lumumbas charged head long into the pack of hounds. Their howls were unsettling, but we all fought on. Sharanna, Deng, me and Albak moved in to fight alongside the siv, and it all went wrong.

Sharanna went down, Kwaku was taken down by another hound, Lukkar had his dog shot from under him and fell to a hound chasing him. Lumumba lost his duplicates and poor Albak, my only real friend, was torn apart by the bull-man, who gored him to pieces.

Lumumba was the rock that held us tonight, with me and Deng working as a team. The cowardly archer ran when we took down all but one of his hounds, and the bull-man ran after it's master. One day I'll find them both. And they will pay in blood.

Night

The others are all okay, just deciding who to use some healing scrolls on. Got to wait out the rest of the night now. Long way to dawn...

End of Session Three