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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 5081513" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p>The Friday Knights</p><p></p><p>Note to view this Story Hour you may need to view the Print version, sorry but every time I upload the images it does something strange with them...</p><p></p><p>Session 23 The Bloody Trail.</p><p></p><p>And so the Knights are (short) rested and ready for action, ensconced within the Chamber of Eyes, more Bloodreavers to hunt down and slay no doubt, and the Duergar to deal with.</p><p></p><p>This week in play we have-</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6</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>[DM Interlude- Farkill, that is Zoran, will be with us in a little while- he's at work. Alas, once again, Mike who plays Ignaran will have to leave us later on- more work.]</p><p></p><p>First up this week a little more exploration, in a lonely room in the Chamber of Eyes an ancient statue to Baphomet stands, has stood for centuries, the Knights investigate; and then Rock reduces it to rubble.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4069369018_c9b148d2e5_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Rock is having a smashing time- bring on the antiquities.</p><p></p><p>The Knights scheme a while and then ready themselves for their attack, the plan proves to be ambitious- have the Knights bitten of more than they can chew?</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Farkill turns up half-way through the following fracas.]</p><p></p><p>And so Lucan and Cathal aim for a pincer movement in an attempt to take the Duergar quickly out of the fight, this is their first encounter with the Grey Dwarves, and time to learn that they are made of sterner stuff.</p><p></p><p>Particularly as during their conflict a Hobgoblin Warcaster appears from a side room and adds his weight to their cause.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile the other Knights- Rock, Ignaran, Splug and some time after Farkill, broach the main chamber and do their damnedest to bring the Dire Wolf there low, and swiftly so.</p><p></p><p>Nothing goes to plan, all is awry.</p><p></p><p>Cathal makes his mark on the Duergar, as does Lucan, but mainly from a distance; the Grey Dwarves hold their station and trade blows with our heroes. Furthermore the Duergar are so angered with this intervention that they pull their beards from their chins, or else the poison darts concealed within, and cast them at our goodly Knights .</p><p></p><p>Poisoned!</p><p></p><p>Then the Warcaster arrives and soon after both Lucan and Cathal are bloodied and set to lose the fight.</p><p></p><p>In the central shrine the Dire Wolf is all but beaten, but now there are four treacherous fellows- a Goblin Sharpshooter and three Hobgoblin Archers, that are using the Knights present for pincushions.</p><p></p><p>The Dire Wolf dies.</p><p></p><p>The Goblin Sharpshooter is chased down and also slain.</p><p></p><p>The Bloodreavers are however swiftly reinforced- Chief Krand, Lord of the Bloodreavers takes his place- looks down on the Knights assembled and rages.</p><p></p><p>“Kill the intruders, let slip the dogs of war, harry them to their graves!” Krand cries and lurches forward- spear in hand..</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- sorry for the language but I've just been to see a Shakespeare play.]</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile Cathal and Lucan are still making hard work of the grey brothers, that is until one tumbles and lies upon the floor- gurgling and gasping his last.</p><p></p><p>“Ich bin Kaputt!” He whispers.</p><p></p><p>The Knightly pair redouble their efforts, while the Hobgoblin Warcaster beats a hasty retreat, or at least stumbles back a way to best effect his at distance powers.</p><p></p><p>The Knights continue to suffer for their ambitious attack, Cathal's challenge is all that, at times, prevents Lucan's too early ending.</p><p></p><p>Then the second Duergar Guard falls and the Knights' joy is unconfined- the ragged pair chase down the Warcaster, but are alas caught in his forceful invocation- both are blasted, Lucan almost finally- fatally, so.</p><p></p><p>Cathal is less affected, he tarries within the Hobgoblin Warcaster's reach and plants his sword in the midst of the beasts beating breast.</p><p></p><p>“Die foul sorcerer, the dark veil calls for you!” Cathal cries.</p><p></p><p>Back again to the shrine, reinforcements have arrived once more, this time the Knights are refuelled, nay refreshed- Brugg, the mighty Ogre, joins the game. </p><p></p><p>Soon the Hobgoblin Archers are fleeing, scampering for cover, for a corner from which to fire their bows- alas it is not to be, at least for two of the trio, they fall- by Farkill's hammer, by Brugg's club and by Ingnaran's ursine paw.</p><p></p><p>The Knights press on- match hit with hit, and thus at Krand they do arrive, and begin to mix it with the Bloodreavers' master.</p><p></p><p>Too soon the end, Cathal and Lucan lay low the Warcaster, at last, he's past.</p><p></p><p>Lucan opens a door and is met by Krand's retreat- he sticks his dagger in the foul Hobgoblin chieftain's seat.</p><p></p><p>“My arse. My arse. He's stabbed me in my arse!”</p><p></p><p>Krand despairs.</p><p></p><p>The Knights cheer.</p><p></p><p>And the last of the Bloodreavers saves his life and gives up the ghost.</p><p></p><p>“Fie, less I die. The fight is out of me, you have chivvied me enough- I end it!”</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- I think the Shakespeare thing has passed, read on...]</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4068614111_fcd7afe53f_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>A Tale of Two Fights.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #82 [1900 XP = Level 7] Goblin Sharpshooter (Level 3 Artillery); Hobgoblin Archers x3 (Level 4 Artillery); Dire Wolf (Level 6 Skirmisher); Hobgoblin Warcaster (Level 4 Controller); Duergar Guard x2 (Level 5 Soldiers) & Krand, Bloodreaver Barbarian Chief (Level 5 Elite Soldier(Leader)). For a moment I thought I'd got them- Farkill and Lucan were just not connecting, or else doing little damage, and were getting beaten soundly for their endeavours.]</p><p></p><p>The Bloodreavers are destroyed.</p><p></p><p>The shrine, dedicated to Torog- Farkill and Cathal confirm, is examined. Torog is some ancient Underdark deity, the King that Crawls, the creeping doom that haunts the nightmares of mortal men. The Knights are somewhat stumped by this revelation, they thought that Orcus, as in the Keep on the Shadowfell, would be the object of their ire.</p><p></p><p>Then Ignaran's eyes flutter, he stutters and fumbles, crumples and swoons to the cold stone floor- the Rod of Ruin, once again, grasped in his hands.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/4068614439_a687c16ae1_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>The Shrine to Torog, gift shop not shown.</p><p></p><p>Ignaran looks again at the shrine, only he's not Ignaran any more, he's more powerful, stronger, and more arrogant- the Rod of Ruin however is still firmly grasped in his hand. Waves of dark power cascade down upon him, whispers of victories to come, he feels- unfettered by the fear of failure, his dark heart soars.</p><p></p><p>And he remembers...</p><p></p><p>Glimpses...</p><p></p><p>The shores of some roiling black sea, in a huge black cavern, the place where it all started- when the Creeping King found him in the dark.</p><p></p><p>3-2-1</p><p></p><p>Ignaran is back in the room, Cathal before him- the Rod of Ruin in the Warrior of Kord's hands.</p><p></p><p>The Druid tries to explain what he has seen, although the words do not come easy.</p><p></p><p>The feelings are harder still to express.</p><p></p><p>The Knights take their time, next step is the interrogation of Krand, this after the newly discovered chambers are ransacked- a healing draught and some exceptionally well made chainmail are found.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Potion of Healing & +2 Delver's Chain, the armour goes to Farkill.]</p><p></p><p>Krand turns out to be easy, although the methods of interrogation used at the outset do much to loose his tongue, figuratively and...</p><p></p><p>It seems the Duergar are to blame, and there's evidence to support the Bloodreaver Chief's assertions. Krand- he states - is just a villain, before all of this he was content to ply his trade on the highways and byways of the Nentir Vale- a robber, perhaps a little worse, but the lure of gold- Duergar gold - made him the tyrant the Knights see before them.</p><p></p><p>His job simply to get slaves, to supply the Murkelmoor Grimmerzhul, Duergar Lord.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4069369782_4a5823041c_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Proof enough- next stop, the Duergar.</p><p></p><p>Krand also tells the Knights that Tra'ak, the Hobgoblin Chief the Knights first encountered and fought in the Keep on the Shadowfell, has gone in search of a place called the Forgotten, or Forbidden, Forge. He knows little of this venture as the orders were sent by the Duergar directly to Tra'ak, a slight he brooded over for quite some time.</p><p></p><p>The Knights are polite enough to thank Krand for his candour.</p><p></p><p>Then Rock kills him- hammer to the back of the head, most efficacious.</p><p></p><p>The Knights close the doors to the Chamber of Eyes, set guards and rest up for the evening and beyond. Brugg is given a number of rousing cheers and retires for the evening a little worse for wear and with more than one tear in his eyes.</p><p></p><p>An ancient Minotaur tome, found in the earlier search is thoroughly examined- the book slowly gives up its secret, </p><p></p><p>Tells of the Minotaur Priest who discovered the shrine to Torog in the depths of the Labyrinth, his conversion, the building of the Chamber of Eyes. Also mentions the Throne of Bones? The Palace of Zaamdul? The Bronze Singers and the Song of Breaking? Odd.</p><p></p><p>Fully rested the Knights, with Terrlen and Brugg, make their way back to the Seven Pillared Hall, this time there are no untoward encounters en route, they all arrive home safely.</p><p></p><p>Gendar, the D-word (Drow) is sought out, it seems several of the Knights wish to place orders- this time for some of the magic items he is said to be able to get his hands on.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- in our game Magic Items are available for sale, however everything has to be cleared via me, and the players may only attempt to purchase items up to their present level in power. It works well, particularly as there are a limited number of outlets that can supply magic items- the PCs have to find them.]</p><p></p><p>Needless to say our heroes are a lot more polite on this visit, almost business-like, funny that.</p><p></p><p>From there it's straight back to the Halfmoon Inn, the jubilating goes on to the wee small hours, at which time in dark whispers the next target of the Knights is named.</p><p></p><p>“Them damned Grey Dwarves are for it!” Cathal declares.</p><p>Farkill and Rock hold their own counsel.</p><p></p><p>Mid next morning, after a lie-in, the Knights are pretty much alone in the Inn, working out what exactly they need to do next- Vadriar the Sage, who's been invited to the meeting, halts proceedings- he has some sort of fit.</p><p></p><p>Vadriard had earlier promised the Knights directions to the fortress of the Duergar, the Grimmerzhul, alas when he is put on the spot... well, that's when he has his petit mal. </p><p></p><p>The Knights are quickly on the scene, the Sage is made comfortable-</p><p></p><p>“Strange, I can't seem to remember where the fortress is... I mean I know where the fortress is but... It's not there, my mind keeps going blank- it's as if...” Vadriar flusters.</p><p></p><p>Phaeledra, Halfling Priestess of Erathis is called for, Farkill is also called on to consult, together the pair discover that Vadriar's mind has been tampered with- the Sage is cursed, of a sort.</p><p></p><p>Which rings a bell with Vadriar, he begins to remember a different encounter, with a hooded creature that stank, in the Labyrinth less than a week ago- he describes the incident, seemingly innocent, and does his best to describe where it took place- another scrap of information for the Knights to connect at a later date.</p><p></p><p>The target, then, is closer to home- the Grimmerzhul Trading Post within the Seven Pillared Hall, the Knights figure they can fill in the gaps with the help of a Duergar hostage, all they need to do now is to take the Trading Post.</p><p></p><p>“Lucan.” Cathal calls, five minutes later the Elven Rogue is on his way, apparently there's a back way in to the Trading Post, Cathal meanwhile heads for the front door.</p><p></p><p>Five more minutes and Cathal is at and in the Trading Post, Lucan likewise- and unseen by its inhabitants.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4069369950_1b6033f8d7_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>“Have you got Kord in your life?” Cathal rattles his collection tin.</p><p></p><p>The inhabitants of the Duergar Trading Post are a stern and unfriendly bunch, they try their best but...</p><p></p><p>“Vot ist du vanting?”</p><p>“I'm here to spread the news- Kord's in town and he's recruiting.” Cathal states with a wholesome grin.</p><p>“Vot?”</p><p>“Vord?” The other Duergar pronounces.</p><p>“No, Kord.” Cathal corrects.</p><p>“Vord, zat is vot ich sprecken.”</p><p>“Du bist ein dummkopf.”</p><p></p><p>And on it goes, see below for a picture of the cheery fellows manning the store.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/4069370432_d68ca330e3_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>“Vor za last time, vee do not sell Veels, Vorter or Vinscreen Vipers!”</p><p></p><p>It gets testy, and by testy I mean wiolent.</p><p></p><p>Charging in after Lucan at the back door is Rock, and Rock don't care much for bad Dwarves, be they Grey or otherwise- it's clobberin' time.</p><p></p><p>To coincide with the screams now coming from the back rooms of the Trading Post, Cathal leaps over the counter and gets into the mix, rushing in after him are Ignaran and Farkill, oh and Splug- who's giving it large and waving his rusty shortsword about, “Benat'ass”, but staying away from the fight.</p><p></p><p>Initially Cathal, Farkill and Ignaran have two Duergar Guards to contend with- which quickly becomes one, then the Duergar Theurge turns up- fires a Vile Fumes into their midst, blinding Splug and Farkill. He follows it up with a Wave of Despair which leaves Cathal spinning. Ignaran, now in Bear form, is taking out his aggression on the Duergar Guard left standing.</p><p></p><p>In the back rooms Rock and Lucan quickly combine to see off one of the Duergar Guards, there's another still standing- actually stumbling out of his quarters where he was sleeping. Then Kedhira appears, a Duergar Swordmage- she calls out Rock, who arches his eyebrows, then pouts- a lady Dwarf, and steps up to meet her.</p><p></p><p>“I vill kill du.” Kedhira mouths.</p><p>“Slowly I 'ope.” Rock mouths back and blows Kedhira a kiss.</p><p></p><p>The two only have eyes for each other, and large pointed weapons- they dance a while.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile Lucan settles the beef of the second Duergar Guard, Ignaran does the same for the Guard he's facing- which just leaves the two Duergar officer classes.</p><p></p><p>And lots of Knights- all no longer blind.</p><p></p><p>The dancing goes on for a little while longer, Cathal gets bloodied, as does Rock- however the Duergar Theurge is finally knocked to the floor and quickly surrenders, Kedhira does the same a little after.</p><p></p><p>“Ve are surrenderink.”</p><p>“Tayk me too zer leader.” Rock tries to shape the words.</p><p></p><p>The Duergar Trading Post is taken.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4068615115_81b3fd49bd_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Bad Dwarf! Bad Dwarf!</p><p></p><p>The Knights complete a thorough search of the Trading Post, find a little treasure and a note, see below, yet more evidence.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #83 [1300 XP = Level 6] Duergar Guard x4 (Level 5 Soldiers); Duergar Theurge (Level 6 Controller) & Kedhira, Duergar Swordmage (Level 6 Soldier).]</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/4069370676_5bcdc1d537_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>That's a critical fail on the not attracting anyone's attention then.</p><p></p><p>And there endeth the 23rd session of play, the Knights have clocked up a respectable 15,540 XP between them in this session.</p><p></p><p>Next week... I think some people may get hurt, just a guess.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 5081513, member: 16069"] The Friday Knights Note to view this Story Hour you may need to view the Print version, sorry but every time I upload the images it does something strange with them... Session 23 The Bloody Trail. And so the Knights are (short) rested and ready for action, ensconced within the Chamber of Eyes, more Bloodreavers to hunt down and slay no doubt, and the Duergar to deal with. This week in play we have- Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6 Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5 Lucan, Elven Rogue Level 5 Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5 Splug, Paladin of the Raven Queen Level 2 [DM Interlude- Farkill, that is Zoran, will be with us in a little while- he's at work. Alas, once again, Mike who plays Ignaran will have to leave us later on- more work.] First up this week a little more exploration, in a lonely room in the Chamber of Eyes an ancient statue to Baphomet stands, has stood for centuries, the Knights investigate; and then Rock reduces it to rubble. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4069369018_c9b148d2e5_o.jpg[/IMG] Rock is having a smashing time- bring on the antiquities. The Knights scheme a while and then ready themselves for their attack, the plan proves to be ambitious- have the Knights bitten of more than they can chew? [DM Interlude- Farkill turns up half-way through the following fracas.] And so Lucan and Cathal aim for a pincer movement in an attempt to take the Duergar quickly out of the fight, this is their first encounter with the Grey Dwarves, and time to learn that they are made of sterner stuff. Particularly as during their conflict a Hobgoblin Warcaster appears from a side room and adds his weight to their cause. Meanwhile the other Knights- Rock, Ignaran, Splug and some time after Farkill, broach the main chamber and do their damnedest to bring the Dire Wolf there low, and swiftly so. Nothing goes to plan, all is awry. Cathal makes his mark on the Duergar, as does Lucan, but mainly from a distance; the Grey Dwarves hold their station and trade blows with our heroes. Furthermore the Duergar are so angered with this intervention that they pull their beards from their chins, or else the poison darts concealed within, and cast them at our goodly Knights . Poisoned! Then the Warcaster arrives and soon after both Lucan and Cathal are bloodied and set to lose the fight. In the central shrine the Dire Wolf is all but beaten, but now there are four treacherous fellows- a Goblin Sharpshooter and three Hobgoblin Archers, that are using the Knights present for pincushions. The Dire Wolf dies. The Goblin Sharpshooter is chased down and also slain. The Bloodreavers are however swiftly reinforced- Chief Krand, Lord of the Bloodreavers takes his place- looks down on the Knights assembled and rages. “Kill the intruders, let slip the dogs of war, harry them to their graves!” Krand cries and lurches forward- spear in hand.. [DM Interlude- sorry for the language but I've just been to see a Shakespeare play.] Meanwhile Cathal and Lucan are still making hard work of the grey brothers, that is until one tumbles and lies upon the floor- gurgling and gasping his last. “Ich bin Kaputt!” He whispers. The Knightly pair redouble their efforts, while the Hobgoblin Warcaster beats a hasty retreat, or at least stumbles back a way to best effect his at distance powers. The Knights continue to suffer for their ambitious attack, Cathal's challenge is all that, at times, prevents Lucan's too early ending. Then the second Duergar Guard falls and the Knights' joy is unconfined- the ragged pair chase down the Warcaster, but are alas caught in his forceful invocation- both are blasted, Lucan almost finally- fatally, so. Cathal is less affected, he tarries within the Hobgoblin Warcaster's reach and plants his sword in the midst of the beasts beating breast. “Die foul sorcerer, the dark veil calls for you!” Cathal cries. Back again to the shrine, reinforcements have arrived once more, this time the Knights are refuelled, nay refreshed- Brugg, the mighty Ogre, joins the game. Soon the Hobgoblin Archers are fleeing, scampering for cover, for a corner from which to fire their bows- alas it is not to be, at least for two of the trio, they fall- by Farkill's hammer, by Brugg's club and by Ingnaran's ursine paw. The Knights press on- match hit with hit, and thus at Krand they do arrive, and begin to mix it with the Bloodreavers' master. Too soon the end, Cathal and Lucan lay low the Warcaster, at last, he's past. Lucan opens a door and is met by Krand's retreat- he sticks his dagger in the foul Hobgoblin chieftain's seat. “My arse. My arse. He's stabbed me in my arse!” Krand despairs. The Knights cheer. And the last of the Bloodreavers saves his life and gives up the ghost. “Fie, less I die. The fight is out of me, you have chivvied me enough- I end it!” [DM Interlude- I think the Shakespeare thing has passed, read on...] [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4068614111_fcd7afe53f_o.jpg[/IMG] A Tale of Two Fights. [DM Interlude Encounter #82 [1900 XP = Level 7] Goblin Sharpshooter (Level 3 Artillery); Hobgoblin Archers x3 (Level 4 Artillery); Dire Wolf (Level 6 Skirmisher); Hobgoblin Warcaster (Level 4 Controller); Duergar Guard x2 (Level 5 Soldiers) & Krand, Bloodreaver Barbarian Chief (Level 5 Elite Soldier(Leader)). For a moment I thought I'd got them- Farkill and Lucan were just not connecting, or else doing little damage, and were getting beaten soundly for their endeavours.] The Bloodreavers are destroyed. The shrine, dedicated to Torog- Farkill and Cathal confirm, is examined. Torog is some ancient Underdark deity, the King that Crawls, the creeping doom that haunts the nightmares of mortal men. The Knights are somewhat stumped by this revelation, they thought that Orcus, as in the Keep on the Shadowfell, would be the object of their ire. Then Ignaran's eyes flutter, he stutters and fumbles, crumples and swoons to the cold stone floor- the Rod of Ruin, once again, grasped in his hands. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/4068614439_a687c16ae1_o.jpg[/IMG] The Shrine to Torog, gift shop not shown. Ignaran looks again at the shrine, only he's not Ignaran any more, he's more powerful, stronger, and more arrogant- the Rod of Ruin however is still firmly grasped in his hand. Waves of dark power cascade down upon him, whispers of victories to come, he feels- unfettered by the fear of failure, his dark heart soars. And he remembers... Glimpses... The shores of some roiling black sea, in a huge black cavern, the place where it all started- when the Creeping King found him in the dark. 3-2-1 Ignaran is back in the room, Cathal before him- the Rod of Ruin in the Warrior of Kord's hands. The Druid tries to explain what he has seen, although the words do not come easy. The feelings are harder still to express. The Knights take their time, next step is the interrogation of Krand, this after the newly discovered chambers are ransacked- a healing draught and some exceptionally well made chainmail are found. [DM Interlude- Potion of Healing & +2 Delver's Chain, the armour goes to Farkill.] Krand turns out to be easy, although the methods of interrogation used at the outset do much to loose his tongue, figuratively and... It seems the Duergar are to blame, and there's evidence to support the Bloodreaver Chief's assertions. Krand- he states - is just a villain, before all of this he was content to ply his trade on the highways and byways of the Nentir Vale- a robber, perhaps a little worse, but the lure of gold- Duergar gold - made him the tyrant the Knights see before them. His job simply to get slaves, to supply the Murkelmoor Grimmerzhul, Duergar Lord. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4069369782_4a5823041c_o.jpg[/IMG] Proof enough- next stop, the Duergar. Krand also tells the Knights that Tra'ak, the Hobgoblin Chief the Knights first encountered and fought in the Keep on the Shadowfell, has gone in search of a place called the Forgotten, or Forbidden, Forge. He knows little of this venture as the orders were sent by the Duergar directly to Tra'ak, a slight he brooded over for quite some time. The Knights are polite enough to thank Krand for his candour. Then Rock kills him- hammer to the back of the head, most efficacious. The Knights close the doors to the Chamber of Eyes, set guards and rest up for the evening and beyond. Brugg is given a number of rousing cheers and retires for the evening a little worse for wear and with more than one tear in his eyes. An ancient Minotaur tome, found in the earlier search is thoroughly examined- the book slowly gives up its secret, Tells of the Minotaur Priest who discovered the shrine to Torog in the depths of the Labyrinth, his conversion, the building of the Chamber of Eyes. Also mentions the Throne of Bones? The Palace of Zaamdul? The Bronze Singers and the Song of Breaking? Odd. Fully rested the Knights, with Terrlen and Brugg, make their way back to the Seven Pillared Hall, this time there are no untoward encounters en route, they all arrive home safely. Gendar, the D-word (Drow) is sought out, it seems several of the Knights wish to place orders- this time for some of the magic items he is said to be able to get his hands on. [DM Interlude- in our game Magic Items are available for sale, however everything has to be cleared via me, and the players may only attempt to purchase items up to their present level in power. It works well, particularly as there are a limited number of outlets that can supply magic items- the PCs have to find them.] Needless to say our heroes are a lot more polite on this visit, almost business-like, funny that. From there it's straight back to the Halfmoon Inn, the jubilating goes on to the wee small hours, at which time in dark whispers the next target of the Knights is named. “Them damned Grey Dwarves are for it!” Cathal declares. Farkill and Rock hold their own counsel. Mid next morning, after a lie-in, the Knights are pretty much alone in the Inn, working out what exactly they need to do next- Vadriar the Sage, who's been invited to the meeting, halts proceedings- he has some sort of fit. Vadriard had earlier promised the Knights directions to the fortress of the Duergar, the Grimmerzhul, alas when he is put on the spot... well, that's when he has his petit mal. The Knights are quickly on the scene, the Sage is made comfortable- “Strange, I can't seem to remember where the fortress is... I mean I know where the fortress is but... It's not there, my mind keeps going blank- it's as if...” Vadriar flusters. Phaeledra, Halfling Priestess of Erathis is called for, Farkill is also called on to consult, together the pair discover that Vadriar's mind has been tampered with- the Sage is cursed, of a sort. Which rings a bell with Vadriar, he begins to remember a different encounter, with a hooded creature that stank, in the Labyrinth less than a week ago- he describes the incident, seemingly innocent, and does his best to describe where it took place- another scrap of information for the Knights to connect at a later date. The target, then, is closer to home- the Grimmerzhul Trading Post within the Seven Pillared Hall, the Knights figure they can fill in the gaps with the help of a Duergar hostage, all they need to do now is to take the Trading Post. “Lucan.” Cathal calls, five minutes later the Elven Rogue is on his way, apparently there's a back way in to the Trading Post, Cathal meanwhile heads for the front door. Five more minutes and Cathal is at and in the Trading Post, Lucan likewise- and unseen by its inhabitants. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/4069369950_1b6033f8d7_o.jpg[/IMG] “Have you got Kord in your life?” Cathal rattles his collection tin. The inhabitants of the Duergar Trading Post are a stern and unfriendly bunch, they try their best but... “Vot ist du vanting?” “I'm here to spread the news- Kord's in town and he's recruiting.” Cathal states with a wholesome grin. “Vot?” “Vord?” The other Duergar pronounces. “No, Kord.” Cathal corrects. “Vord, zat is vot ich sprecken.” “Du bist ein dummkopf.” And on it goes, see below for a picture of the cheery fellows manning the store. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/4069370432_d68ca330e3_o.jpg[/IMG] “Vor za last time, vee do not sell Veels, Vorter or Vinscreen Vipers!” It gets testy, and by testy I mean wiolent. Charging in after Lucan at the back door is Rock, and Rock don't care much for bad Dwarves, be they Grey or otherwise- it's clobberin' time. To coincide with the screams now coming from the back rooms of the Trading Post, Cathal leaps over the counter and gets into the mix, rushing in after him are Ignaran and Farkill, oh and Splug- who's giving it large and waving his rusty shortsword about, “Benat'ass”, but staying away from the fight. Initially Cathal, Farkill and Ignaran have two Duergar Guards to contend with- which quickly becomes one, then the Duergar Theurge turns up- fires a Vile Fumes into their midst, blinding Splug and Farkill. He follows it up with a Wave of Despair which leaves Cathal spinning. Ignaran, now in Bear form, is taking out his aggression on the Duergar Guard left standing. In the back rooms Rock and Lucan quickly combine to see off one of the Duergar Guards, there's another still standing- actually stumbling out of his quarters where he was sleeping. Then Kedhira appears, a Duergar Swordmage- she calls out Rock, who arches his eyebrows, then pouts- a lady Dwarf, and steps up to meet her. “I vill kill du.” Kedhira mouths. “Slowly I 'ope.” Rock mouths back and blows Kedhira a kiss. The two only have eyes for each other, and large pointed weapons- they dance a while. Meanwhile Lucan settles the beef of the second Duergar Guard, Ignaran does the same for the Guard he's facing- which just leaves the two Duergar officer classes. And lots of Knights- all no longer blind. The dancing goes on for a little while longer, Cathal gets bloodied, as does Rock- however the Duergar Theurge is finally knocked to the floor and quickly surrenders, Kedhira does the same a little after. “Ve are surrenderink.” “Tayk me too zer leader.” Rock tries to shape the words. The Duergar Trading Post is taken. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4068615115_81b3fd49bd_o.jpg[/IMG] Bad Dwarf! Bad Dwarf! The Knights complete a thorough search of the Trading Post, find a little treasure and a note, see below, yet more evidence. [DM Interlude Encounter #83 [1300 XP = Level 6] Duergar Guard x4 (Level 5 Soldiers); Duergar Theurge (Level 6 Controller) & Kedhira, Duergar Swordmage (Level 6 Soldier).] [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/4069370676_5bcdc1d537_o.jpg[/IMG] That's a critical fail on the not attracting anyone's attention then. And there endeth the 23rd session of play, the Knights have clocked up a respectable 15,540 XP between them in this session. Next week... I think some people may get hurt, just a guess. [/QUOTE]
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