Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is LIVE! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
The Friday Knights in Thunderspire Labyrinth (with Pics).
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 5073630" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p>The Friday Knights</p><p></p><p>Session 22- To the Chamber of Eyes</p><p></p><p>And so after a good rest in the Witch Denoa's chamber, the Knights, with Terrlen as their guide, make their way back to the Seven Pillared Hall, without incident.</p><p></p><p>In play this week, initially, we have-</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5</p><p>Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5</p><p>Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5</p><p>Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 4</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Farkill, played by Zoran, will be late- work again.]</p><p></p><p>The Hall is tense, there's something in the air, some change- even the Knights notice it, although they're not asking questions.</p><p></p><p>First stop is Gendar's, with the silver shin bone key the Knights took from Az'Al'Bani the Deathlock Wight in the Labyrinth. Gendar is excited to see the key- although unsure of its actual history, he offers to spend some time examining it, if the Knights would only leave it with him.</p><p></p><p>Not a chance- the Knights still have a problem with Gendar, in summary- “he's a Drow”, succinctly put by Rock, Lucan and Cathal.</p><p></p><p>The Knights' next stop is Dreskin's, the Provisioner, he seems to be a curmudgeon- trail rations are purchased, as is climbing gear, their experiences in the Labyrinth to date have been difficult- climbing gear for everyone to cope with the undulating passageways they will need to traverse.</p><p></p><p>A wrong turn later and the Friday Knights end up in Rothar's Taproom, a low-class Inn, which is where the Bloodreavers hang out when they are off duty- it gets tense very quickly, retreat is the order of the day. The Bloodreavers present attempt to pick a fight with each and every one of the Knights, but the heroes are not taking the bait.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- I'm as surprised as you.]</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/4068611215_b3538ca53d_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Rothar's Taproom, the Bloodreavers get potty-mouthed.</p><p></p><p>The atmosphere is electric when the Knights return to the Halfmoon Inn, Noristo is over-joyed, as are a number of the other bar inhabitants that were present at the meeting with the Knights two evenings ago.</p><p></p><p>This isn't a time for celebration however, rewards are given- backs patted, hands shook, and smiles half-hidden. Whispered plans are made- the Knights next target, they believe, should be Brugg and the Bloodreavers within the Hall, this particularly because of the insults they have just been made to suffer in Rothar's.</p><p></p><p>Noristo and Randall, and the others are not so sure- the whispered conversations get a little heated, which is apposite really as the bar suddenly heats up.</p><p></p><p>The door crashes open and bursting into the Inn are a snake of Hobgoblins, Bloodreavers of course- mostly Grunts, but also a Warcaster; with them a pair of Goblin Blackblades, and in charge of the crew a Bugbear Warrior.</p><p></p><p>“We cum fer Knights- yer prisoners. Cum wid us.” The Bugbear pronounces, with difficulty in broken Common.</p><p></p><p>The bar silences, all eyes are on the Knights, and then back to the Bloodreavers.</p><p></p><p>Cathal steps forward, hissed whispers behind him from Norsito and Randall, cautious words, he pays them no heed.</p><p></p><p>“We are the Friday Knights. We are nobody's prisoners. NOW LEAVE, or die!”</p><p></p><p>The Knight of Kord draws his sword, the other Knights make similar arrangements, the crowd quickly withdraws- leaves a space.</p><p></p><p>“We cum fer Knights- yer prisoners. Cum wid...” The Bugbear Warrior tries again, not used to having his authority questioned.</p><p>“No.” Cathal cuts in.</p><p></p><p>The silence gathers.</p><p></p><p>The two sides continue to eyeball each other, the Bugbear eventually nods, and chaos is set loose.</p><p></p><p>The Blackblades produce bottles of hard liquor from beneath their leather surcoats, already stuffed with cloth tapers- light them from a torch one of the Grunts is holding, and fling them at the bar and into the densest part of the crowd.</p><p></p><p>Fire spreads.</p><p></p><p>People scream, windows are smashed as the common folk either flee or fight the flames.</p><p></p><p>The Knights and the Bloodreavers have not been idle- the two sides charge at each other, Cathal meets the Bugbear Warrior headlong- gives and receives some well aimed blows. Rock and Ignaran (now in Bear form) wade into the Hobgoblin Grunts and decimate them- twenty seconds into the combat and five of the Hobgoblins lie dead, only four still standing.</p><p></p><p>The Warcaster unleashes his powers, a blast of Force from his staff sends Lucan spinning back into the crowd, the Rogue decides to leave the Warcaster well alone, settles for launching himself at a Goblin Blackblade, who's trying to light a second fire bomb, the fight is bloody and short- Lucan emerges victorious, but not before he's bloodied too.</p><p></p><p>Rock and Ignaran eventually cut their way through the Grunts, leaving the Bugbear Warrior to Cathal to finish off, they race towards the Warcaster, and are hit by a pulse of force- Ignaran the Bear is knocked back and down, Rock however is made of sterner stuff, he shrugs off the hurt and smashes his hammer into the Hobgoblin caster.</p><p></p><p>Then the tide turns for good, Cathal swings hard and cuts deep into the Bugbear Warrior, who sinks to his knees, sways for a second, and then crashes face first into the wooden floor of the bar. The Warrior of Kord is at the second Goblin Blackblade in an instant, moments later and the creature is dead.</p><p></p><p>Fire has started to grip the bar, the area behind the bar proper is aflame- with half-a-dozen Halfmoon halflings scurrying hither and thither- fetching water to quench the flame- bottles of dark spirits explode and send out gouts of fire, it's hazardous work.</p><p></p><p>More or less all of the crowd have vanished now, made their exit by smashing the windows and crawling out of the Inn, in their place pockets of flame singe and burn, although the blaze has yet to really take hold.</p><p></p><p>Rock is jabbed hard in the stomach with the Warcaster's metal-shod staff, lightning courses through him and leaves him bloodied and dazed, barely able to maintain his grip on his hammer.</p><p></p><p>The Warcaster grins, and then too late, spots Ignaran the Bear, who charges into him and wrestles the Hobgoblin to the floor, it ends badly for him.</p><p></p><p>The Bloodreavers are defeated.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/4069366716_647f382a2a_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Fire- ba-ba-ba-ba-barrrrr-bar... something-something... here to burn (maybe?)</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #77 [1071 XP = Level 6] Hobgoblin Grunts x9 (Level 4 Minion); Goblin Blackblade x2 (Level 2 Lurkers); Hobgoblin Warcaster (Level 4 Controller) & Bugbear Warrior (Level 6 Brute). Turned into a nasty little encounter with only four PCs in play.]</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Cathal now has enough XP to advance to Level 6, after an extended rest.]</p><p></p><p>The four Knights scatter, and shout, actually three of the Knights scatter- Ignaran, Lucan and Rock- the three go for buckets of water or anything else that can be used to stifle the flame; Cathal meanwhile shouts- like a traffic cop he directs well... traffic, even the Halfmoons, anxious to save their Inn, obey his commands- Cathal calls the shots.</p><p></p><p>And in a little over two minutes the majority, if not all, of the fires are out- the Inn is saved.</p><p></p><p>At the exact moment the door again bursts open and Farkill and Splug half-stumble, half-fall into the Inn.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Farkill, that is Zoran, has just arrived in-game, once again work gets in the way. As to the addition of Splug well that's because Mike, who plays Ignaran, has to leave in a little while- he has to go to work. Frustrating I know but what can you do about it, and there are no better nights to play, we've been through all of the options.]</p><p></p><p>And so now we have in play-</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 6)</p><p>Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 4</p><p>Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5</p><p>Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5</p><p>Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 4</p><p>Splug, Paladin of the Raven Queen Level 2</p><p></p><p>“What've you been up to?” Farkill enquires, out of breath.</p><p>“Just making friends.” Rock states.</p><p>Farkill notices the burnt out bar, “Oh, Aeolace back?”</p><p>“No, Bloodreaver work. Now why have you been running?” Cathal asks.</p><p>“Bloodreavers, they're coming”, Farkill nods back towards the exit, “with Brugg.”</p><p>“Then it would be rude not to greet them properly.” Cathal grins and the Knights file out of the Inn.</p><p></p><p>And sure enough the Bloodreavers are coming, over a dozen of them- Hobgoblin Grunts and Soldiers, alongside the Human Enforcers from the entrance to the Seven Pillared Hall, and following on behind- shooing them into battle- Brugg, who looks to be a formidable foe.</p><p></p><p>“KiiiiiiLLLLLL 'Em!” Brugg screams.</p><p></p><p>The Hobgoblin Grunts charge into the Knights, the Hobgoblin Soldiers form a defensive line and march forward, the Human Enforcers unleash their crossbows and fire, indiscriminate in their attacks- citizens of the Seven Pillared Hall are killed.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- here follows one of those fights when, as a DM, you know you've lost from the first round.]</p><p></p><p>The Hobgoblin Grunts smash into the Knights, and are decimated- and yes I've used the word before, but here I actually mean decimated, they're all killed- not one survives, six out of six down in the opening charge.</p><p></p><p>The artillery wavers, backs up a way, while the Hobgoblin Soldiers hold the line and get into the fray, and are broken almost in an instant.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Rock crits, then Cathal crits.]</p><p></p><p>Ten seconds later and there's only one of the Hobgoblin Soldiers left standing, one of the Human Enforcers is dead, the other two fleeing, and Brugg is close to being surrounded.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- and the Knights have taken two hits, not even good ones. Sometimes, IMHO, a gang of Minions are more trouble than their worth- I think I should just plough in with the nastiest bad guy rather than have the minions get in the way. I'm going to have to re-think my tactics it seems.]</p><p></p><p>Brugg however is not one to just give up, he launches himself into the midst of the Knights, initially charging in to unleash hell on Ignaran the Bear, certainly enough to make the Druid think about getting out of the fight, then the Ogre scampers into the mix, buoyed by this daring manoeuvre he seems to swell in size.</p><p></p><p>“Brugg kill. Kill good!” He declares.</p><p></p><p>And then is almost cut down in less than ten seconds.</p><p></p><p>Ignaran dashes in, swats, swipes and bites and leaves the Ogre clutching at his bloody side, moments later Cathal and Rock smash into Brugg, both deliver stinging blows.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Rock crits again. The bastard.]</p><p></p><p>Lucan finds a place behind the Ogre and slices hard.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- that's another crit then.]</p><p></p><p>Causing Brugg to stumble forward, ideally placed to meet Farkill's charge- another massive hit and the Ogre is bloodied and reeling, trying hard to stay on his feet.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Brugg started the combat on 196 Hit Points, after one round he has 67 left, <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />!]</p><p></p><p>Less than ten seconds later, with the final Hobgoblin Soldier despatched, the Ogre is on his knees and disarmed, and begging forgiveness.</p><p></p><p>“Brugg sooooooo sorrreee. Brugg goodie, not baddie. Bad Bloodreavers make Brugg angree. Brugg soooo sorrry. Brugg know stuff- Brugg help Knights. Brugg goodie now.” Brugg stutters and flounders.</p><p></p><p>“There's been enough blood.” Cathal states, and motions with his sword for Brugg to get up.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4069367074_89654bf53a_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>The Bloodreavers are on the Critical list.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #78 [2014 XP = Level 7] Hobgoblin Grunt x6 (Level 4 Minions); Hobgoblin Soldier x3 (Level 4 Soldiers); Human Enforcers x3 (Level 4 Brute) & Brugg, Ogre Enforcer (Level 8 Elite Brute).]</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Farkill and Rock now have enough XP to advance to Level 5, after an extended rest that is.]</p><p></p><p>In short order the Seven Pillared Hall is taken back, the Knights and a rag-tag gang of the inhabitants of the Hall, buoyed by the Knights successes, take to the streets and search out and slaughter every remaining Bloodreaver- less than an hour later the place is Bloodreaver free.</p><p></p><p>Brugg it seems is the Knights' new best friend, the gaggle retire to the Inn- the beer flows like water, the Halfmoons are overjoyed, as is Phaledra, Halfling Priestess of Erathis, and Noristo Azaer, the Tiefling Merchant, and a multitude of others. </p><p></p><p>Brugg tells the Knights all he knows- about the Chamber of Eyes and how to get there, about Krand the 'Big Chief' of the Bloodreavers, and about Tra'ak's entrance into the Hall several weeks earlier with two dozen slaves.</p><p></p><p>The conversation takes many turns, the Knights enquire as to the whereabouts of the Mages of Saruun, the supposed protectors of the Hall, and are met with shrugs and blank faces- nobody knows.</p><p></p><p>“Then we must head to the Chamber of Eyes, take the fight to the Bloodreavers- and you shall show us the way.” Cathal points his sword at Brugg.</p><p></p><p>The cowed Ogre nods his agreement.</p><p></p><p>But for now sleep.</p><p></p><p>The next morning the Knights breakfast well and then with Brugg leading the way head back into the Labyrinth, the Knights have Terrlen in tow, just in case they have to 'deal' with Brugg at some point.</p><p></p><p>And so now we have in play-</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6</p><p>Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5</p><p>Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5</p><p>Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5</p><p>Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5</p><p>Splug, Paladin of the Raven Queen Level 2</p><p></p><p>Only three hours into the journey the Knights hear odd sounds in the maze of caverns- laughter, cautiously they approach and eventually wander into a pack of Hyenas tearing and ripping at the carcass of a fallen Bloodreaver Hobgoblin. The amused hounds are not keen to share their kill- the fracas is short and to the point.</p><p></p><p>The Knights suffer some fairly minor cuts and bruises but all of the Hyenas are either killed or routed.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/4069367330_0a5f7a3873_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Laughing all the way to the BONK!</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #79 [1050 XP = Level 4] Hyena x7 (Level 3 Skirmishers).]</p><p></p><p>Terrlen explains that packs of Hyenas are quite common in the Labyrinth, it seems somewhere down here there's a Gnoll lair, the Blackfang Gnolls, they employ the creatures as guards to the lair.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- and all change again, Ignaran, that is Mike, has to leave to go to work- we're back down to five PCs again.]</p><p></p><p>And so now we have in play-</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6</p><p>Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5</p><p>Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5</p><p>Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5</p><p>Splug, Paladin of the Raven Queen Level 2</p><p></p><p>The Knights move off, make good time, and only three hours later arrive at the Chamber of Eyes, or rather a broken chamber with a fairly formidable set of iron doors- beyond which, Brugg assures them, is the Chamber of Eyes and the remains of the Bloodreavers.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4068612523_662be09f95_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>The door to the Chamber of Eyes.</p><p></p><p>The Knights are in a large antechamber. Two fearsome-looking statues of winged demons squat on either side of a short stairway leading up to double doors. Inscribed upon the doors is an image of a great eye with multiple eye stalks, as well as a symbol of a circle with a crossbar rising out of it. Heaps of rubble are scattered across the floor, and to the north a balcony overlooks the room.</p><p></p><p>The Knights are straight into action, Lucan makes his way up and onto the balcony, this after thoroughly checking the great doors, and unlocking them of course. There's another locked door up on the balcony- it heads in the same direction, moments later it too is unlocked.</p><p></p><p>There are muffled Goblin voices coming from both doors- guards obviously, a plan is hatched.</p><p></p><p>Lucan starts by taking a quick look at what lies beyond the door on the balcony.</p><p></p><p>A few moments later.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4069367804_8fb91ddef8_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Peek-a-boo, I see you.</p><p></p><p>Lucan gets ready for the call, Cathal is lifted up onto the balcony by Brugg, who then moves into position, the other Knights ready themselves.</p><p></p><p>KNOCK KNOCK!</p><p></p><p>“I's BruuuGGG. Brugg got messijj.” Brugg clears his throat and receives a grin and a thumbs up from Farkill.</p><p></p><p>A few moments later the Knights hear the sound of shuffling, and hushed conversations- Lucan watching sees Goblins file out the guard chamber and head for the great door.</p><p></p><p>“It's working”, he whispers back to Cathal.</p><p></p><p>Who signals, thumbs up, to Farkill.</p><p></p><p>“Brugg got mail!” The Ogre sing-songs.</p><p></p><p>The sound of the Goblin chatter is much closer now.</p><p></p><p>“NOW!” Farkill screams and Brugg slams the doors open- smashing and sending sprawling a pair of the Goblin Skullcrushers standing immediately behind the door.</p><p></p><p>Lucan is unleashed, he dances into the guard chamber and spins a dagger into the Bugbear Warrior, the Guard Leader's, chest- the creature staggers back. The Elven Rogue leaps down into the chamber proper and into the fray, swiftly followed by a screaming Cathal.</p><p></p><p>In the same instant Farkill, Rock, Splug and Brugg begin to make mincemeat of the Goblin Skullcleavers out in the corridor- the pair don't last long, and soon after those in the guardroom are surrounded- and cut down.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2779/4069368062_0a6a734ed1_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Avon calling.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #80 [1125 XP = Level 5] Goblin Skullcleaver x5 (Level 4 Brute) & Bugbear Warrior (Level 6 Brute).]</p><p></p><p>Silence is called for, now that the fighting is over- there's no sound, their entrance has not alerted anyone it seems. The chamber is searched, the Bugbear has a very nice belt- identified by Farkill as being magical in nature.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Belt of Sacrifice, Farkill takes it.]</p><p></p><p>After a short rest Brugg is stationed at the door, to protect the Knights back- the Ogre now seems to be genuinely enjoying his time with the Knights, particularly when Cathal passes over a portion of the gold they have found on the Goblinoids, it seems Ogres are infinitely more trustworthy than Drow, at least as far as the Knights are concerned.</p><p></p><p>Lucan is sent out to do a little scouting.</p><p></p><p>First off, the Elven Rogue discovers two Duergar eating a meal in their chamber, more proof that the Grey Dwarves are mixed up in the plot.</p><p></p><p>Silently he withdraws and continues on with his circuit.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/4069368224_aca223c833_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Passen Der Pepperen Potten! (Apologies to any who may be offended by my crass racial stereotyping.)</p><p></p><p>Next stop a huge chamber, whose door requires a little persuasion- it was locked, within some sort of great hall, a number of Hobgoblin Archers patrol the upper reaches and a Dire Wolf barely stirs in its sleep- Lucan gets out quickly and moves on.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4069368432_c9b0368f81_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Dog-tired.</p><p></p><p>Last stop a noisy chamber, several groups of Bloodreavers- Goblin, Hobgoblin and Human are involved in an engrossing game of chance- Lucan spots coins on the trestle tables- he wants to start the attack here. The inhabitants of the chamber seem ill-prepared, and perhaps have been drinking.</p><p></p><p>Lucan reports back, omitting the stuff about treasure, and playing up the weakness of the last chamber he observed- with only one way in and out.</p><p></p><p>Cathal concurs- the Knights head off, back to war.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/4069368628_0e1fd5c9ae_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>I spy with my little eye something beginning with C, that's right, 'Corpses.'</p><p></p><p>A plan is briefly hatched, it goes a little like this-</p><p></p><p>“Charge!”</p><p></p><p>And they're in the fray, free hits all around as the Bloodreavers within the chamber scatter and attempt to grab their weapons- in the initial charge, one of the Hobgoblin Soldiers is cut down, while a Human Bandit is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>The remaining Hobgoblin Soldiers attempt to form a shield wall- keep the Knights at bay while the Goblins and Human back peddle and get themselves some room to unleash the artillery.</p><p></p><p>Alas, for them, a second Hobgoblin Soldier is cut down and the way is open. Moments later the artillery is being menaced by Lucan, Rock and Cathal- which is a winning combination- they don't last long, although one of the Goblin Sharpshooters is killed clawing at a wall, strange- that is until Lucan points out the secret door.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/4069368864_9b82e948f3_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>The Bloodreavers game of Snap gets bloody.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #79 [1125 XP = Level 5] Goblin Sharpshooter x2 (Level 3 Artillery); Human Bandits x2 (Level 3 Skirmishers) & Hobgoblin Soldier x3 (Level 4 Soldiers).] </p><p></p><p>Lucan makes his way over to the pile of money on one of the trestle tables- the pot, but not quick enough, the other Knights have spotted it too. Of particular interest is the marvellously made Longsword, which Cathal admires, from up close.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- +1 Lifedrinker Longsword- Cathal grabs it.]</p><p></p><p>The Friday Knights secure the area and make ready for the next stage of their invasion.</p><p></p><p>And thus the 22nd session of play draws to a close, the Knights (in their various combinations) have amassed 16,198 experience points this session, the most they've received in a single session to date.</p><p></p><p>Next time... more Knight style brutality.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 5073630, member: 16069"] The Friday Knights Session 22- To the Chamber of Eyes And so after a good rest in the Witch Denoa's chamber, the Knights, with Terrlen as their guide, make their way back to the Seven Pillared Hall, without incident. In play this week, initially, we have- Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5 Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5 Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5 Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 4 [DM Interlude- Farkill, played by Zoran, will be late- work again.] The Hall is tense, there's something in the air, some change- even the Knights notice it, although they're not asking questions. First stop is Gendar's, with the silver shin bone key the Knights took from Az'Al'Bani the Deathlock Wight in the Labyrinth. Gendar is excited to see the key- although unsure of its actual history, he offers to spend some time examining it, if the Knights would only leave it with him. Not a chance- the Knights still have a problem with Gendar, in summary- “he's a Drow”, succinctly put by Rock, Lucan and Cathal. The Knights' next stop is Dreskin's, the Provisioner, he seems to be a curmudgeon- trail rations are purchased, as is climbing gear, their experiences in the Labyrinth to date have been difficult- climbing gear for everyone to cope with the undulating passageways they will need to traverse. A wrong turn later and the Friday Knights end up in Rothar's Taproom, a low-class Inn, which is where the Bloodreavers hang out when they are off duty- it gets tense very quickly, retreat is the order of the day. The Bloodreavers present attempt to pick a fight with each and every one of the Knights, but the heroes are not taking the bait. [DM Interlude- I'm as surprised as you.] [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/4068611215_b3538ca53d_o.jpg[/IMG] Rothar's Taproom, the Bloodreavers get potty-mouthed. The atmosphere is electric when the Knights return to the Halfmoon Inn, Noristo is over-joyed, as are a number of the other bar inhabitants that were present at the meeting with the Knights two evenings ago. This isn't a time for celebration however, rewards are given- backs patted, hands shook, and smiles half-hidden. Whispered plans are made- the Knights next target, they believe, should be Brugg and the Bloodreavers within the Hall, this particularly because of the insults they have just been made to suffer in Rothar's. Noristo and Randall, and the others are not so sure- the whispered conversations get a little heated, which is apposite really as the bar suddenly heats up. The door crashes open and bursting into the Inn are a snake of Hobgoblins, Bloodreavers of course- mostly Grunts, but also a Warcaster; with them a pair of Goblin Blackblades, and in charge of the crew a Bugbear Warrior. “We cum fer Knights- yer prisoners. Cum wid us.” The Bugbear pronounces, with difficulty in broken Common. The bar silences, all eyes are on the Knights, and then back to the Bloodreavers. Cathal steps forward, hissed whispers behind him from Norsito and Randall, cautious words, he pays them no heed. “We are the Friday Knights. We are nobody's prisoners. NOW LEAVE, or die!” The Knight of Kord draws his sword, the other Knights make similar arrangements, the crowd quickly withdraws- leaves a space. “We cum fer Knights- yer prisoners. Cum wid...” The Bugbear Warrior tries again, not used to having his authority questioned. “No.” Cathal cuts in. The silence gathers. The two sides continue to eyeball each other, the Bugbear eventually nods, and chaos is set loose. The Blackblades produce bottles of hard liquor from beneath their leather surcoats, already stuffed with cloth tapers- light them from a torch one of the Grunts is holding, and fling them at the bar and into the densest part of the crowd. Fire spreads. People scream, windows are smashed as the common folk either flee or fight the flames. The Knights and the Bloodreavers have not been idle- the two sides charge at each other, Cathal meets the Bugbear Warrior headlong- gives and receives some well aimed blows. Rock and Ignaran (now in Bear form) wade into the Hobgoblin Grunts and decimate them- twenty seconds into the combat and five of the Hobgoblins lie dead, only four still standing. The Warcaster unleashes his powers, a blast of Force from his staff sends Lucan spinning back into the crowd, the Rogue decides to leave the Warcaster well alone, settles for launching himself at a Goblin Blackblade, who's trying to light a second fire bomb, the fight is bloody and short- Lucan emerges victorious, but not before he's bloodied too. Rock and Ignaran eventually cut their way through the Grunts, leaving the Bugbear Warrior to Cathal to finish off, they race towards the Warcaster, and are hit by a pulse of force- Ignaran the Bear is knocked back and down, Rock however is made of sterner stuff, he shrugs off the hurt and smashes his hammer into the Hobgoblin caster. Then the tide turns for good, Cathal swings hard and cuts deep into the Bugbear Warrior, who sinks to his knees, sways for a second, and then crashes face first into the wooden floor of the bar. The Warrior of Kord is at the second Goblin Blackblade in an instant, moments later and the creature is dead. Fire has started to grip the bar, the area behind the bar proper is aflame- with half-a-dozen Halfmoon halflings scurrying hither and thither- fetching water to quench the flame- bottles of dark spirits explode and send out gouts of fire, it's hazardous work. More or less all of the crowd have vanished now, made their exit by smashing the windows and crawling out of the Inn, in their place pockets of flame singe and burn, although the blaze has yet to really take hold. Rock is jabbed hard in the stomach with the Warcaster's metal-shod staff, lightning courses through him and leaves him bloodied and dazed, barely able to maintain his grip on his hammer. The Warcaster grins, and then too late, spots Ignaran the Bear, who charges into him and wrestles the Hobgoblin to the floor, it ends badly for him. The Bloodreavers are defeated. [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/4069366716_647f382a2a_o.jpg[/IMG] Fire- ba-ba-ba-ba-barrrrr-bar... something-something... here to burn (maybe?) [DM Interlude Encounter #77 [1071 XP = Level 6] Hobgoblin Grunts x9 (Level 4 Minion); Goblin Blackblade x2 (Level 2 Lurkers); Hobgoblin Warcaster (Level 4 Controller) & Bugbear Warrior (Level 6 Brute). Turned into a nasty little encounter with only four PCs in play.] [DM Interlude- Cathal now has enough XP to advance to Level 6, after an extended rest.] The four Knights scatter, and shout, actually three of the Knights scatter- Ignaran, Lucan and Rock- the three go for buckets of water or anything else that can be used to stifle the flame; Cathal meanwhile shouts- like a traffic cop he directs well... traffic, even the Halfmoons, anxious to save their Inn, obey his commands- Cathal calls the shots. And in a little over two minutes the majority, if not all, of the fires are out- the Inn is saved. At the exact moment the door again bursts open and Farkill and Splug half-stumble, half-fall into the Inn. [DM Interlude- Farkill, that is Zoran, has just arrived in-game, once again work gets in the way. As to the addition of Splug well that's because Mike, who plays Ignaran, has to leave in a little while- he has to go to work. Frustrating I know but what can you do about it, and there are no better nights to play, we've been through all of the options.] And so now we have in play- Cathal, Human Fighter Level 5 (needs an Extended Rest for Level 6) Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 4 Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5 Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5 Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 4 Splug, Paladin of the Raven Queen Level 2 “What've you been up to?” Farkill enquires, out of breath. “Just making friends.” Rock states. Farkill notices the burnt out bar, “Oh, Aeolace back?” “No, Bloodreaver work. Now why have you been running?” Cathal asks. “Bloodreavers, they're coming”, Farkill nods back towards the exit, “with Brugg.” “Then it would be rude not to greet them properly.” Cathal grins and the Knights file out of the Inn. And sure enough the Bloodreavers are coming, over a dozen of them- Hobgoblin Grunts and Soldiers, alongside the Human Enforcers from the entrance to the Seven Pillared Hall, and following on behind- shooing them into battle- Brugg, who looks to be a formidable foe. “KiiiiiiLLLLLL 'Em!” Brugg screams. The Hobgoblin Grunts charge into the Knights, the Hobgoblin Soldiers form a defensive line and march forward, the Human Enforcers unleash their crossbows and fire, indiscriminate in their attacks- citizens of the Seven Pillared Hall are killed. [DM Interlude- here follows one of those fights when, as a DM, you know you've lost from the first round.] The Hobgoblin Grunts smash into the Knights, and are decimated- and yes I've used the word before, but here I actually mean decimated, they're all killed- not one survives, six out of six down in the opening charge. The artillery wavers, backs up a way, while the Hobgoblin Soldiers hold the line and get into the fray, and are broken almost in an instant. [DM Interlude- Rock crits, then Cathal crits.] Ten seconds later and there's only one of the Hobgoblin Soldiers left standing, one of the Human Enforcers is dead, the other two fleeing, and Brugg is close to being surrounded. [DM Interlude- and the Knights have taken two hits, not even good ones. Sometimes, IMHO, a gang of Minions are more trouble than their worth- I think I should just plough in with the nastiest bad guy rather than have the minions get in the way. I'm going to have to re-think my tactics it seems.] Brugg however is not one to just give up, he launches himself into the midst of the Knights, initially charging in to unleash hell on Ignaran the Bear, certainly enough to make the Druid think about getting out of the fight, then the Ogre scampers into the mix, buoyed by this daring manoeuvre he seems to swell in size. “Brugg kill. Kill good!” He declares. And then is almost cut down in less than ten seconds. Ignaran dashes in, swats, swipes and bites and leaves the Ogre clutching at his bloody side, moments later Cathal and Rock smash into Brugg, both deliver stinging blows. [DM Interlude- Rock crits again. The bastard.] Lucan finds a place behind the Ogre and slices hard. [DM Interlude- that's another crit then.] Causing Brugg to stumble forward, ideally placed to meet Farkill's charge- another massive hit and the Ogre is bloodied and reeling, trying hard to stay on his feet. [DM Interlude- Brugg started the combat on 196 Hit Points, after one round he has 67 left, :):):):)!] Less than ten seconds later, with the final Hobgoblin Soldier despatched, the Ogre is on his knees and disarmed, and begging forgiveness. “Brugg sooooooo sorrreee. Brugg goodie, not baddie. Bad Bloodreavers make Brugg angree. Brugg soooo sorrry. Brugg know stuff- Brugg help Knights. Brugg goodie now.” Brugg stutters and flounders. “There's been enough blood.” Cathal states, and motions with his sword for Brugg to get up. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4069367074_89654bf53a_o.jpg[/IMG] The Bloodreavers are on the Critical list. [DM Interlude Encounter #78 [2014 XP = Level 7] Hobgoblin Grunt x6 (Level 4 Minions); Hobgoblin Soldier x3 (Level 4 Soldiers); Human Enforcers x3 (Level 4 Brute) & Brugg, Ogre Enforcer (Level 8 Elite Brute).] [DM Interlude- Farkill and Rock now have enough XP to advance to Level 5, after an extended rest that is.] In short order the Seven Pillared Hall is taken back, the Knights and a rag-tag gang of the inhabitants of the Hall, buoyed by the Knights successes, take to the streets and search out and slaughter every remaining Bloodreaver- less than an hour later the place is Bloodreaver free. Brugg it seems is the Knights' new best friend, the gaggle retire to the Inn- the beer flows like water, the Halfmoons are overjoyed, as is Phaledra, Halfling Priestess of Erathis, and Noristo Azaer, the Tiefling Merchant, and a multitude of others. Brugg tells the Knights all he knows- about the Chamber of Eyes and how to get there, about Krand the 'Big Chief' of the Bloodreavers, and about Tra'ak's entrance into the Hall several weeks earlier with two dozen slaves. The conversation takes many turns, the Knights enquire as to the whereabouts of the Mages of Saruun, the supposed protectors of the Hall, and are met with shrugs and blank faces- nobody knows. “Then we must head to the Chamber of Eyes, take the fight to the Bloodreavers- and you shall show us the way.” Cathal points his sword at Brugg. The cowed Ogre nods his agreement. But for now sleep. The next morning the Knights breakfast well and then with Brugg leading the way head back into the Labyrinth, the Knights have Terrlen in tow, just in case they have to 'deal' with Brugg at some point. And so now we have in play- Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6 Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5 Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5 Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5 Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5 Splug, Paladin of the Raven Queen Level 2 Only three hours into the journey the Knights hear odd sounds in the maze of caverns- laughter, cautiously they approach and eventually wander into a pack of Hyenas tearing and ripping at the carcass of a fallen Bloodreaver Hobgoblin. The amused hounds are not keen to share their kill- the fracas is short and to the point. The Knights suffer some fairly minor cuts and bruises but all of the Hyenas are either killed or routed. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/4069367330_0a5f7a3873_o.jpg[/IMG] Laughing all the way to the BONK! [DM Interlude Encounter #79 [1050 XP = Level 4] Hyena x7 (Level 3 Skirmishers).] Terrlen explains that packs of Hyenas are quite common in the Labyrinth, it seems somewhere down here there's a Gnoll lair, the Blackfang Gnolls, they employ the creatures as guards to the lair. [DM Interlude- and all change again, Ignaran, that is Mike, has to leave to go to work- we're back down to five PCs again.] And so now we have in play- Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6 Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5 Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5 Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5 Splug, Paladin of the Raven Queen Level 2 The Knights move off, make good time, and only three hours later arrive at the Chamber of Eyes, or rather a broken chamber with a fairly formidable set of iron doors- beyond which, Brugg assures them, is the Chamber of Eyes and the remains of the Bloodreavers. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4068612523_662be09f95_o.jpg[/IMG] The door to the Chamber of Eyes. The Knights are in a large antechamber. Two fearsome-looking statues of winged demons squat on either side of a short stairway leading up to double doors. Inscribed upon the doors is an image of a great eye with multiple eye stalks, as well as a symbol of a circle with a crossbar rising out of it. Heaps of rubble are scattered across the floor, and to the north a balcony overlooks the room. The Knights are straight into action, Lucan makes his way up and onto the balcony, this after thoroughly checking the great doors, and unlocking them of course. There's another locked door up on the balcony- it heads in the same direction, moments later it too is unlocked. There are muffled Goblin voices coming from both doors- guards obviously, a plan is hatched. Lucan starts by taking a quick look at what lies beyond the door on the balcony. A few moments later. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4069367804_8fb91ddef8_o.jpg[/IMG] Peek-a-boo, I see you. Lucan gets ready for the call, Cathal is lifted up onto the balcony by Brugg, who then moves into position, the other Knights ready themselves. KNOCK KNOCK! “I's BruuuGGG. Brugg got messijj.” Brugg clears his throat and receives a grin and a thumbs up from Farkill. A few moments later the Knights hear the sound of shuffling, and hushed conversations- Lucan watching sees Goblins file out the guard chamber and head for the great door. “It's working”, he whispers back to Cathal. Who signals, thumbs up, to Farkill. “Brugg got mail!” The Ogre sing-songs. The sound of the Goblin chatter is much closer now. “NOW!” Farkill screams and Brugg slams the doors open- smashing and sending sprawling a pair of the Goblin Skullcrushers standing immediately behind the door. Lucan is unleashed, he dances into the guard chamber and spins a dagger into the Bugbear Warrior, the Guard Leader's, chest- the creature staggers back. The Elven Rogue leaps down into the chamber proper and into the fray, swiftly followed by a screaming Cathal. In the same instant Farkill, Rock, Splug and Brugg begin to make mincemeat of the Goblin Skullcleavers out in the corridor- the pair don't last long, and soon after those in the guardroom are surrounded- and cut down. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2779/4069368062_0a6a734ed1_o.jpg[/IMG] Avon calling. [DM Interlude Encounter #80 [1125 XP = Level 5] Goblin Skullcleaver x5 (Level 4 Brute) & Bugbear Warrior (Level 6 Brute).] Silence is called for, now that the fighting is over- there's no sound, their entrance has not alerted anyone it seems. The chamber is searched, the Bugbear has a very nice belt- identified by Farkill as being magical in nature. [DM Interlude- Belt of Sacrifice, Farkill takes it.] After a short rest Brugg is stationed at the door, to protect the Knights back- the Ogre now seems to be genuinely enjoying his time with the Knights, particularly when Cathal passes over a portion of the gold they have found on the Goblinoids, it seems Ogres are infinitely more trustworthy than Drow, at least as far as the Knights are concerned. Lucan is sent out to do a little scouting. First off, the Elven Rogue discovers two Duergar eating a meal in their chamber, more proof that the Grey Dwarves are mixed up in the plot. Silently he withdraws and continues on with his circuit. [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/4069368224_aca223c833_o.jpg[/IMG] Passen Der Pepperen Potten! (Apologies to any who may be offended by my crass racial stereotyping.) Next stop a huge chamber, whose door requires a little persuasion- it was locked, within some sort of great hall, a number of Hobgoblin Archers patrol the upper reaches and a Dire Wolf barely stirs in its sleep- Lucan gets out quickly and moves on. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4069368432_c9b0368f81_o.jpg[/IMG] Dog-tired. Last stop a noisy chamber, several groups of Bloodreavers- Goblin, Hobgoblin and Human are involved in an engrossing game of chance- Lucan spots coins on the trestle tables- he wants to start the attack here. The inhabitants of the chamber seem ill-prepared, and perhaps have been drinking. Lucan reports back, omitting the stuff about treasure, and playing up the weakness of the last chamber he observed- with only one way in and out. Cathal concurs- the Knights head off, back to war. [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/4069368628_0e1fd5c9ae_o.jpg[/IMG] I spy with my little eye something beginning with C, that's right, 'Corpses.' A plan is briefly hatched, it goes a little like this- “Charge!” And they're in the fray, free hits all around as the Bloodreavers within the chamber scatter and attempt to grab their weapons- in the initial charge, one of the Hobgoblin Soldiers is cut down, while a Human Bandit is bloodied. The remaining Hobgoblin Soldiers attempt to form a shield wall- keep the Knights at bay while the Goblins and Human back peddle and get themselves some room to unleash the artillery. Alas, for them, a second Hobgoblin Soldier is cut down and the way is open. Moments later the artillery is being menaced by Lucan, Rock and Cathal- which is a winning combination- they don't last long, although one of the Goblin Sharpshooters is killed clawing at a wall, strange- that is until Lucan points out the secret door. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/4069368864_9b82e948f3_o.jpg[/IMG] The Bloodreavers game of Snap gets bloody. [DM Interlude Encounter #79 [1125 XP = Level 5] Goblin Sharpshooter x2 (Level 3 Artillery); Human Bandits x2 (Level 3 Skirmishers) & Hobgoblin Soldier x3 (Level 4 Soldiers).] Lucan makes his way over to the pile of money on one of the trestle tables- the pot, but not quick enough, the other Knights have spotted it too. Of particular interest is the marvellously made Longsword, which Cathal admires, from up close. [DM Interlude- +1 Lifedrinker Longsword- Cathal grabs it.] The Friday Knights secure the area and make ready for the next stage of their invasion. And thus the 22nd session of play draws to a close, the Knights (in their various combinations) have amassed 16,198 experience points this session, the most they've received in a single session to date. Next time... more Knight style brutality. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
The Friday Knights in Thunderspire Labyrinth (with Pics).
Top