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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 5096624" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p>For the best way to read this thread then go to- Thread Tools and 'Show Printable Version', all you have to do is click on the links for the images. Only sometimes ENWorld resizes all the images, seemingly at random.</p><p></p><p>The Friday Knights</p><p></p><p>Session 24- In search of the Grimmerzhul.</p><p></p><p>This week in play we have-</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6</p><p>Eruan, Eladrin Wizard Level 4</p><p>Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5</p><p>Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5</p><p>Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- that's right, check out the shiny new Mage. After many conversations with Paul who plays Aeolace it is decided that we should look for a new player, no matter what night we play on etc. a familiar story. And so, at the drop of a hat, Bob appears- another Serb, and Zoran's (Farkill) friend- he's heard about the game and...]</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Lucan is missing presumed... well, missing.]</p><p></p><p>Last time we visited the Knights, they had themselves a pair of Duergar to play with, Kedhira, who Rock has taken quite a shine to, the Swordmage; and Fred, a Theurge- that's Mage to you.</p><p></p><p>“Ve vill say nuffink.”</p><p>“Go on then.” Farkill states.</p><p>“Vot?”</p><p>“Say it.” Farkill states again.</p><p>“Say vot?”</p><p>“No, not 'vot', say 'nuffink', it's funny with your accent.”</p><p>“You are taking der viss?”</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude for those that are aware of the UK TV series 'Allo! Allo!', that's what I was aiming for in game, for those that are not aware of the phenomena then brother you have lived through dark times- a masterpiece.]</p><p></p><p>The Knights alas cannot keep a straight face, the interrogation isn't going well.</p><p></p><p>“Vot iz zer problem?”</p><p>“Vy are zay laffink at uz?”</p><p></p><p>Eventually the two Duergar are dragged away, to the Custom House this time, and there put under lock and key by a reformed Brugg, who is happier now than he has ever been. No more Bloodreavers, no more Mages of Saruun, he's in hog-heaven, and completely in awe of the Knights.</p><p></p><p>And still the Knights do not know the way to the Grimmerzhul, although now they know the fortress is called the Horned Hold and is ruled by Murkelmore Grimmerzhul, the Duergar Chief.</p><p></p><p>Unsure of which rock to look under next the Knights make for the Inn, they generally have all their good ideas when they've got a drink in hand.</p><p></p><p>There's someone waiting for them-</p><p></p><p>“I am Eruan, I have been sent here to meet with you- it is very important, can we talk?”</p><p></p><p>Cathal bites his beard, looks around the bar and shrugs at a quiet table.</p><p></p><p>“You are the Friday Knights, I have heard much about you- the things you have accomplished, you are to be congratulated.” Eruan bows to each and every one of the Knights.</p><p></p><p>Still suspicious the Knights gawp a little.</p><p></p><p>“What are you selling?” Farkill finally asks.</p><p></p><p>“I'm not, that is... Myself. My name is Eruan, I am beholden to the Crown of Fellscarp, I have been sent here to meet with you, to work with you if you will accept me- I have been charged to ensure that a certain item... a shall-we-say, ruinous rod, does not fall into the hands of our enemies, if possible to see it destroyed.” Eruan states.</p><p></p><p>[Fellscarp, have I mentioned Fellscarp before... I guess not. The Feywild and the Shadowfell are mirrors of the Material Plane, and so a Fey and Shadowfell version of Fallcrest and the Nentir Vale exists in both of these places. Fellscarp is Fallcrest, only in the Feywild, obviously it's a very different city but you get my drift... Eruan's from Fellscarp, more of this later, actually much later.]</p><p></p><p>“Ruinous rod?” Farkill looks puzzled.</p><p>“The Rod of Ruin.” Cathal unravels the conundrum.</p><p>“Ohhhhh.” The penny drops for Farkill.</p><p></p><p>Eruan it seems has papers- from the Crown of Fellscarp, and from the Markelhays in Fallcrest- he looks to be legit, it's not enough for Rock however, who's had a few.</p><p></p><p>“Anuther laydee Elf- wherez the sense in that, I bet he can't even drink.”</p><p></p><p>Suitably insulted Eruan takes up the challenge- a drinking competition, it draws a crowd.</p><p></p><p>Five minutes later and the only loser is Ignaran, he decides at the last moment to enter the competition also- the already inebriated Rock, and Eruan the Eladrin, go head-to-head, drink for drink. The Druid however gets half his second glass of Plumtree's Olde Nubbins down him and yacks all down his robes, and then passes out while trying to do his elephant impression, which is almost impossible to do wearing a robe.</p><p></p><p>Ulthand, of the Deepgem variety, is in the Halfmoon also- he searches out Cathal.</p><p></p><p>“Please sir, please Mr. Holy-Knight sir. Find my Mr. Slash sir- I miss him so. I MISS HIM SIR. I REALLY DO MISS 'IM. OH DO SAY YOU WILL?”</p><p></p><p>By the end of the speech Ulthand is screaming, and sobbing- very emotional the Dwarves, obviously.</p><p></p><p>The whole bar waits on- desperate to hear if Cathal will take the quest.</p><p></p><p>“Alright.” Cathal states and stomps off, clearly unmoved.</p><p></p><p>The final encounter of the evening is with Vadriar the Sage, informed of the Knights' predicament, their not knowing the location of the Horned Hold, he has since their last meeting grown a back bone.</p><p></p><p>“I will take you.” He states, when he finally catches up with the Knights.</p><p>“What? I mean, Vot?” Farkill enquires.</p><p>“I'll take you to where I met the hooded being, the one that stole my memories- you sort him out and get my memories back and then I'll know the way the Horned whatsit...” </p><p>“Hold.” Cathal finishes, and nods, “we leave early.”</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude, for those that need to know- whose number includes me, the date is Loonday, the 2nd day of the month of Marpenoth, also known as Leaf-fall, the 10th month of the year 2008, the Year of the Returned Knight. Sorry but we've got a calendar now- did you know the Knights have been adventuring for 34 days in total, less than five weeks- makes you think doesn't it... No, oh well, I'll move on.]</p><p></p><p>And so the Knights rise early, and with Eruan, and Vadriar the sage in tow- head once again into the Labyrinth, progress is slow- very slow, with intermittent stops.</p><p></p><p>“Was it... It all looks the same.” Vadriar shrugs, closes his eyes, spins around- mumbling something under his breath 'eenie-meanie purple-weenie', or some such- and stops, near enough, pointing at an exit from the cavern, “this way”, he declares and dashes on.</p><p></p><p>This madness continues for some time- about three hours to be exact, when the Knights find what they have been looking for.</p><p></p><p>At least one of the things they have been looking for.</p><p></p><p>“Bow down to me you scurvy Human dogs, and varied elves, for I am Thane Cardanas, Clan Chief of the Cardanas clan and Thane Under-The-Mountain.”</p><p></p><p>And sure enough, perched on a ledge, actually a walk way that runs around the cavern the Knights traverse, is Thane Cardanas- a stout and hiccuping Dwarf with the reddest face the Knights have ever seen. He's not finished.</p><p></p><p>“Mongrels pay homage to your mighty King, bow before me else my rough underlings will make merry about your craven coxcombs.” He sways and staggers.</p><p></p><p>The Dwarf has a battered looking unremarkable iron crown balanced precariously on his head, and a tapped keg under his right arm, a tankard in his left hand.</p><p></p><p>Four inebriated members of cursing humanity stagger into view, they're on the lower level of the cavern, the same elevation as the Knight, they grin and gurn- dumb from booze and lack-of-brains.</p><p></p><p>“Thane Cardanas?” Rock enquires.</p><p>“Yes.”</p><p>“The Thane Cardanas?” Rock tries again.</p><p>“YES!”</p><p>“The Great Thane Cardanas?” Rock goes again.</p><p>“Yes, what is it?” Cardanas preens a little.</p><p>“I've got a letter for you.” Rock holds up a folded piece of paper.</p><p></p><p>Cardanas has nowhere to go with this new information.</p><p></p><p>“You'd better come up then.” He signals.</p><p></p><p>Rock makes his way around and up, still holding the folded piece of paper above his head.</p><p></p><p>Gets up close and then hands over the missive, with a bow.</p><p></p><p>Thane Cardanas examines the paper, it's blank, both sides.</p><p></p><p>“There's nothing on this.” Caradanas growls.</p><p>“Are you sure?” Rock muses.</p><p></p><p>Cardanas carefully examines both sides of the paper again- blank.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, I'm sure.”</p><p>“It had a letter on it- just one.” Rock is insistent.</p><p>“One letter?”</p><p>“Yes.”</p><p>“What was it- I mean which one, which letter?”</p><p>“I can't... That is... Y'know, I'm not sure.” Rock scratches his chin, then swiftly smashes the Thane in the back of his head with his hammer- causing the drunken Thane to tumble off the ledge.</p><p></p><p>“Ohhhhhhhhhhh.” The Thane lands.</p><p>“That was it.” Rock follows after- leaping down hammer first.</p><p></p><p>The Human Berserkers, tanked up on a foul mix of fungal juices, are swatted and battered till they lie still. The good Thane Cardanas is also quickly killed- the crown retrieved.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/4069370982_c5db7915a2_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Thane down.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #84 [1200 XP = Level 5] Human Berserker x4 (Level 5 Brutes) & Thane Cardanas, Dwarf Bolter (Level 5 Elite Artillery (Leader)).]</p><p></p><p>The Thane's temporary camp site is searched- lots more of the foul fungal brew, some rotten meat and nothing of worth.</p><p></p><p>The Knights head on, Vadriar using his patented spin-the-bottle technique to determine the way to go. And just when Cathal finally reaches the end of his patience with the mad Sage.</p><p></p><p>“Do you actually know...”</p><p>“Shush.” Eruan motions for silence, “there's something ahead.”</p><p></p><p>Silence.</p><p></p><p>The Knights creep forward.</p><p></p><p>Or as near to silence as the Knights can manage.</p><p></p><p>Which is a sort of noisy silence.</p><p></p><p>A clanking silence.</p><p></p><p>With heavy footfalls.</p><p></p><p>Creaks.</p><p></p><p>And groans.</p><p></p><p>The odd whispered 'sorry', when someone treads on someone else's foot.</p><p></p><p>That kind of silence.</p><p></p><p>Thank Moradin for the chanting then.</p><p></p><p>“Yewonleegettan...”</p><p>“Oooooooooooo...”</p><p>“Widty...”</p><p>“Phooooooooooo...”</p><p>“Yewonleegettan...”</p><p>“Oooooooooooo...”</p><p>“Widty...”</p><p>“Phooooooooooo...”</p><p></p><p>And on it circles- around the corner the Knights spy a drop off, that is to say a short ledge with a set of carved stone stairs leading down to a lower section. The sounds come from there, they creep forward, suddenly part of the wall opens one huge yellow-ish eye, then detaches itself and unfolds into a tentacled monstrosity- a Grick.</p><p></p><p>Below, in the depression, a clutch of Troglodytes and a robed figure stand within a crudely carved magic circle, the robed figure leads the chanting, the Trogs provide the Ooooo's and Phoooo's.</p><p></p><p>There's also a crude stone altar down there, the robed figure spots the Knights' disturbance, casts off his hood and reveals.</p><p></p><p>Oh, just another Trog.</p><p></p><p>But not just any old Troglodyte, a Curse-Chanter.</p><p></p><p>“That's the fellow.” Vadriar cries.</p><p></p><p>The Knights get to work, first up- the Grick.</p><p></p><p>Ignaran goes Beartastic, starts clawing at the tentacled beast, Rock adds his weight and between them the pair manage to back the Grick away from the rest of the Knights.</p><p></p><p>Down below the two Troglodyte Marauders head on up the stairs, illuminated briefly by Eruan's Scorching Blast.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- same trick, different Wizard- and 'no', not at all boring- I remember the Magic Missile days of D&D.]</p><p></p><p>Cathal rushes down the stairs to meet the pair and is hit by a Poison Ray en route, he coughs and splutters but gets into the action, his blows have no strength behind them however- he's weakened. The Marauders aren't though- they hit hard.</p><p></p><p>Farkill follows the Knight of Kord down and is soon holding his own- the Knights are fighting out a stalemate, with Eruan for the Knights, and the Curse Chanter for the Trogs using their ranged powers in an effort to tip the balance.</p><p></p><p>Finally something breaks, in this instance it's the Grick as it's finally sent tumbling off the ledge, landing below with an echoing-</p><p></p><p>SPLAT!</p><p></p><p>It ceases thrashing, Rock follows after- finding, just, a semi-soft spot in which to fall. Somewhat winded, the Dwarf gets up and moves to menace the Curse Chanter.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly one of the Troglodyte Marauders vanishes and reappears next to the Curse Chanter.</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Farkill, and now Ignaran crush the lonesome Marauder left fending them off, the Knights converge on the Curse Chanter, with Eruan's Magic Missiles peppering the foe.</p><p></p><p>It's soon over.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4069371284_f2196c3f80_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Troglodytes Troglodytes Latin name for the... oh hang on, that's a Robin.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #85 [1350 XP = Level 6] Grick (Level 8 Brute), Troglodyte Mauler x2 (Level 7 Soldiers) & Troglodyte Curse Chanter (Level 9 Controller (Leader)).]</p><p></p><p>The place, and its former inhabitants, are searched- a few gold and some trinkets are found; nothing of great worth; which just leaves the Magic Circle and the altar to deal with.</p><p></p><p>Look away now...</p><p></p><p>Twenty minutes later Vadriar has completed his map showing the route from the Seven Pillared Hall to the Horned Hold, the Grimmerzhul Duergar lair.</p><p></p><p>Of the altar and Magic Circle there is not a trace, save some rubble.</p><p></p><p>The curse is lifted.</p><p></p><p>The Knights head back to the Hall, at a steady pace, but with no further interruptions- a pleasant day out for all.</p><p></p><p>Excursion over, back in the Hall the Knights pay yet another visit to Gendar the Drow, receive payment, argue a little with the Merchant- he's a D-R-O-W remember, and then grudgingly retire to the Inn for the night.</p><p></p><p>Although that doesn't go quite to plan- the Halfmoon Inn is in uproar, try saying that when you're drunk- two confused looking Drow, yep more of 'em, are being shoved about by an angry Dragonborn- Surina, the Knights have seen the Dragonborn around the Halls, she's known to have a short fuse.</p><p></p><p>It gets ugly, and racist.</p><p></p><p>The Knights step in.</p><p></p><p>On the side of the Drow.</p><p></p><p>Surina is quick to draw her weapon but the Knights are in the mood for placating, it takes a while but eventually they spy the light at the end of the tunnel, Surina slopes away- biting off curses.</p><p></p><p>Which just leaves the Drow to contend with.</p><p></p><p>“We ar ear tew see de Ordinatore. Yes, pleez? De Ordinatore- e ow yew say, er... Magnifico.” The Drow doing the talking mimes... I dunno, your guess is as good as mine- explosions perhaps.</p><p></p><p>Cathal looks nonplussed, Farkill giggles a little and joins in, not helping matters.</p><p></p><p>“E iz Magico!” More Drow mime follows.</p><p>“The Wizards. Mages of Saruun.” Cathal cuts to the chase.</p><p>“Si, si, si.” The Drow nods enthusiastically.</p><p>“THE WIZARDS... EL MAGICO THEY-O GONE-O.” Farkill helps out.</p><p></p><p>And suddenly there's one more person in the conversation.</p><p></p><p>The crowd in the bar draw back instinctively, the robed fellow who has just appeared within their midst looks like he means business.- by his dress but most of all his demeanour.</p><p></p><p>“I am the Ordinator Arcanis, I speak for the Mages of Saruun. Halfmoon- drinks for everyone in the bar.”</p><p></p><p>There's a kerfuffle, people trying to get to the bar, Rock saunters over- with a drink already, it pays to be at the front of the queue, and wielding a Craghammer it seems.</p><p></p><p>“I thought you lot had done one?” He asks the Mage.</p><p>“Done one?”</p><p>“Yer, scarpered; cleared-out; high-tailed it...” Rock continues.</p><p>The Mage looks down at himself, examines his robes carefully- checking to see if he's actually standing there.</p><p>“Doesn't look like it does it?”</p><p></p><p>Rock looks a little put out, the temperature rises.</p><p></p><p>“And yet we have noted your actions, both here in the Hall and further afield- within the Labyrinth. We applaud your efforts, we thank you for your bravery and your honour.” The Mage of Saruun quickly continues.</p><p></p><p>The Ordinator Arcanis bows a little to each of the Knights.</p><p></p><p>“We were still formulating our attack plans on the Bloodreavers when you managed to sever their hold on the Hall. We will however attempt to offer you any assistance you need in the future, subject to available resources. Once again I thank you. And now...”</p><p></p><p>The Ordinator motions for the Drow to follow him out of the Inn.</p><p></p><p>“Is that it?” Cathal asks.</p><p>“For now, yes.” The Ordinator Arcanis states, and over his shoulder, “carry on.”</p><p>“Dick.” Rock declares.</p><p></p><p>A short conversation later and the Knights are somewhat reassured, it seems the Mages of Saruun always act this way, although they haven't been seen in the Halls for quite some time of course.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4068616601_47e2d710cb_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>The Knights defend the Drow- ahh context, I get it.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude- Mike, who plays Ignaran has to leave to go to work.]</p><p></p><p>And so in play now we have-</p><p></p><p>Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6</p><p>Eruan, Eladrin Wizard Level 4</p><p>Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5</p><p>Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5</p><p></p><p>The next day Terrlen leads the Knights out of the Halls, the guide is following Vadriar's map, which turns out to be amazingly accurate. It's an easy journey, although they have at least eight hours travel ahead.</p><p></p><p>Only three hours in things go awry.</p><p></p><p>For Farkill.</p><p></p><p>One moment he's there.</p><p></p><p>The next he's not, or else.</p><p></p><p>The Knights hear an odd sound.</p><p></p><p>SQUISH-SLUUUUUUUUUURP!</p><p></p><p>Where's Farkill gone?</p><p></p><p>They peer around a rock column and spot the Dwarf, seemingly floating in the air.</p><p></p><p>“Mmmmm Mmmm MM MMMMmmmm!” He says.</p><p></p><p>The Knights blink- not sure what they are seeing.</p><p></p><p>“Gelatinous Cube!” Eruan screams, and sure enough.</p><p></p><p>Inside the Cube Farkill waves frantically, and burns.</p><p></p><p>There's a scramble for weapons, which gets all the more frantic when three ragged outlines of humanoids waft out of the dark and straight for the Knights- Wraiths.</p><p></p><p>What they need now is a Priest who can turn Undead.</p><p></p><p>Farkill waves some more from inside his gelatine prison.</p><p></p><p>Eruan teleports to safety and starts with the fire, a Flaming Sphere appears behind the Gelatinous Cube and begins to melt the creature.</p><p></p><p>Cathal and Rock pound the Cube in an effort to extract Farkill before the Wraiths arrive on the scene. They manage to bloody and batter the creature, but it's not enough- Farkill still suffers within. The Cube however lashes out at Rock, stings him a little with its pseudopod, and immobilises the Dwarf.</p><p></p><p>The Wraiths leap in, Cathal breaks off to hold two the creatures at bay, he's quickly weakened by their Shadow Touch, he flails and screams for Rock to extricate Farkill.</p><p></p><p>He needn't have bothered, Farkill gets himself out, ripping the fast dissolving Cube open with his bare hands, and with the help of the Flaming Sphere of course- the Cube is battered, and tattered, and broken.</p><p></p><p>It lurches off- trying to escape the Knights, alas it now has a Flaming Sphere for company, and where it goes, the sphere follows- less than twenty seconds later it's reduced to a pool of bubbling mess.</p><p></p><p>“By Moradin's beard!” Farkill screams and presents his Holy Symbol- the effect is dramatic- one of the Wraiths dissolves to nothing and the other two are sent flying backwards- thump into the cavern walls and sag, all the fight gone out of them.</p><p></p><p>“Shall we dance?” Cathal adds, twitches his moustache and lays into the immobilised Wraiths, Rock winks at Farkill and follows on, Farkill bringing up the rear.</p><p></p><p>The Wraiths are destroyed in short order.</p><p></p><p>Terrlen the guide, a little later, climbs out of the hole he's been hiding in and leads the Knights on.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4068616849_59f1813ba0_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p>Gelatinous Cubes- fun for all the family.</p><p></p><p>[DM Interlude Encounter #85 [1250 XP = Level 7] Wraith x3 (Level 6 Lurker) & Gelatinous Cube (Level 6 Elite Brute). Close... but no cigar.]</p><p></p><p>And so the Knights head on, in search of the Horned Hold, and here endeth the 24th session of play with the Knights having clocked up 11,962 XP between them in this short-ish session.</p><p></p><p>Next week... Rock's sister is pregnant.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 5096624, member: 16069"] For the best way to read this thread then go to- Thread Tools and 'Show Printable Version', all you have to do is click on the links for the images. Only sometimes ENWorld resizes all the images, seemingly at random. The Friday Knights Session 24- In search of the Grimmerzhul. This week in play we have- Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6 Eruan, Eladrin Wizard Level 4 Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5 Ignaran, Human Druid Level 5 Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5 [DM Interlude- that's right, check out the shiny new Mage. After many conversations with Paul who plays Aeolace it is decided that we should look for a new player, no matter what night we play on etc. a familiar story. And so, at the drop of a hat, Bob appears- another Serb, and Zoran's (Farkill) friend- he's heard about the game and...] [DM Interlude- Lucan is missing presumed... well, missing.] Last time we visited the Knights, they had themselves a pair of Duergar to play with, Kedhira, who Rock has taken quite a shine to, the Swordmage; and Fred, a Theurge- that's Mage to you. “Ve vill say nuffink.” “Go on then.” Farkill states. “Vot?” “Say it.” Farkill states again. “Say vot?” “No, not 'vot', say 'nuffink', it's funny with your accent.” “You are taking der viss?” [DM Interlude for those that are aware of the UK TV series 'Allo! Allo!', that's what I was aiming for in game, for those that are not aware of the phenomena then brother you have lived through dark times- a masterpiece.] The Knights alas cannot keep a straight face, the interrogation isn't going well. “Vot iz zer problem?” “Vy are zay laffink at uz?” Eventually the two Duergar are dragged away, to the Custom House this time, and there put under lock and key by a reformed Brugg, who is happier now than he has ever been. No more Bloodreavers, no more Mages of Saruun, he's in hog-heaven, and completely in awe of the Knights. And still the Knights do not know the way to the Grimmerzhul, although now they know the fortress is called the Horned Hold and is ruled by Murkelmore Grimmerzhul, the Duergar Chief. Unsure of which rock to look under next the Knights make for the Inn, they generally have all their good ideas when they've got a drink in hand. There's someone waiting for them- “I am Eruan, I have been sent here to meet with you- it is very important, can we talk?” Cathal bites his beard, looks around the bar and shrugs at a quiet table. “You are the Friday Knights, I have heard much about you- the things you have accomplished, you are to be congratulated.” Eruan bows to each and every one of the Knights. Still suspicious the Knights gawp a little. “What are you selling?” Farkill finally asks. “I'm not, that is... Myself. My name is Eruan, I am beholden to the Crown of Fellscarp, I have been sent here to meet with you, to work with you if you will accept me- I have been charged to ensure that a certain item... a shall-we-say, ruinous rod, does not fall into the hands of our enemies, if possible to see it destroyed.” Eruan states. [Fellscarp, have I mentioned Fellscarp before... I guess not. The Feywild and the Shadowfell are mirrors of the Material Plane, and so a Fey and Shadowfell version of Fallcrest and the Nentir Vale exists in both of these places. Fellscarp is Fallcrest, only in the Feywild, obviously it's a very different city but you get my drift... Eruan's from Fellscarp, more of this later, actually much later.] “Ruinous rod?” Farkill looks puzzled. “The Rod of Ruin.” Cathal unravels the conundrum. “Ohhhhh.” The penny drops for Farkill. Eruan it seems has papers- from the Crown of Fellscarp, and from the Markelhays in Fallcrest- he looks to be legit, it's not enough for Rock however, who's had a few. “Anuther laydee Elf- wherez the sense in that, I bet he can't even drink.” Suitably insulted Eruan takes up the challenge- a drinking competition, it draws a crowd. Five minutes later and the only loser is Ignaran, he decides at the last moment to enter the competition also- the already inebriated Rock, and Eruan the Eladrin, go head-to-head, drink for drink. The Druid however gets half his second glass of Plumtree's Olde Nubbins down him and yacks all down his robes, and then passes out while trying to do his elephant impression, which is almost impossible to do wearing a robe. Ulthand, of the Deepgem variety, is in the Halfmoon also- he searches out Cathal. “Please sir, please Mr. Holy-Knight sir. Find my Mr. Slash sir- I miss him so. I MISS HIM SIR. I REALLY DO MISS 'IM. OH DO SAY YOU WILL?” By the end of the speech Ulthand is screaming, and sobbing- very emotional the Dwarves, obviously. The whole bar waits on- desperate to hear if Cathal will take the quest. “Alright.” Cathal states and stomps off, clearly unmoved. The final encounter of the evening is with Vadriar the Sage, informed of the Knights' predicament, their not knowing the location of the Horned Hold, he has since their last meeting grown a back bone. “I will take you.” He states, when he finally catches up with the Knights. “What? I mean, Vot?” Farkill enquires. “I'll take you to where I met the hooded being, the one that stole my memories- you sort him out and get my memories back and then I'll know the way the Horned whatsit...” “Hold.” Cathal finishes, and nods, “we leave early.” [DM Interlude, for those that need to know- whose number includes me, the date is Loonday, the 2nd day of the month of Marpenoth, also known as Leaf-fall, the 10th month of the year 2008, the Year of the Returned Knight. Sorry but we've got a calendar now- did you know the Knights have been adventuring for 34 days in total, less than five weeks- makes you think doesn't it... No, oh well, I'll move on.] And so the Knights rise early, and with Eruan, and Vadriar the sage in tow- head once again into the Labyrinth, progress is slow- very slow, with intermittent stops. “Was it... It all looks the same.” Vadriar shrugs, closes his eyes, spins around- mumbling something under his breath 'eenie-meanie purple-weenie', or some such- and stops, near enough, pointing at an exit from the cavern, “this way”, he declares and dashes on. This madness continues for some time- about three hours to be exact, when the Knights find what they have been looking for. At least one of the things they have been looking for. “Bow down to me you scurvy Human dogs, and varied elves, for I am Thane Cardanas, Clan Chief of the Cardanas clan and Thane Under-The-Mountain.” And sure enough, perched on a ledge, actually a walk way that runs around the cavern the Knights traverse, is Thane Cardanas- a stout and hiccuping Dwarf with the reddest face the Knights have ever seen. He's not finished. “Mongrels pay homage to your mighty King, bow before me else my rough underlings will make merry about your craven coxcombs.” He sways and staggers. The Dwarf has a battered looking unremarkable iron crown balanced precariously on his head, and a tapped keg under his right arm, a tankard in his left hand. Four inebriated members of cursing humanity stagger into view, they're on the lower level of the cavern, the same elevation as the Knight, they grin and gurn- dumb from booze and lack-of-brains. “Thane Cardanas?” Rock enquires. “Yes.” “The Thane Cardanas?” Rock tries again. “YES!” “The Great Thane Cardanas?” Rock goes again. “Yes, what is it?” Cardanas preens a little. “I've got a letter for you.” Rock holds up a folded piece of paper. Cardanas has nowhere to go with this new information. “You'd better come up then.” He signals. Rock makes his way around and up, still holding the folded piece of paper above his head. Gets up close and then hands over the missive, with a bow. Thane Cardanas examines the paper, it's blank, both sides. “There's nothing on this.” Caradanas growls. “Are you sure?” Rock muses. Cardanas carefully examines both sides of the paper again- blank. “Yes, I'm sure.” “It had a letter on it- just one.” Rock is insistent. “One letter?” “Yes.” “What was it- I mean which one, which letter?” “I can't... That is... Y'know, I'm not sure.” Rock scratches his chin, then swiftly smashes the Thane in the back of his head with his hammer- causing the drunken Thane to tumble off the ledge. “Ohhhhhhhhhhh.” The Thane lands. “That was it.” Rock follows after- leaping down hammer first. The Human Berserkers, tanked up on a foul mix of fungal juices, are swatted and battered till they lie still. The good Thane Cardanas is also quickly killed- the crown retrieved. [IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/4069370982_c5db7915a2_o.jpg[/IMG] Thane down. [DM Interlude Encounter #84 [1200 XP = Level 5] Human Berserker x4 (Level 5 Brutes) & Thane Cardanas, Dwarf Bolter (Level 5 Elite Artillery (Leader)).] The Thane's temporary camp site is searched- lots more of the foul fungal brew, some rotten meat and nothing of worth. The Knights head on, Vadriar using his patented spin-the-bottle technique to determine the way to go. And just when Cathal finally reaches the end of his patience with the mad Sage. “Do you actually know...” “Shush.” Eruan motions for silence, “there's something ahead.” Silence. The Knights creep forward. Or as near to silence as the Knights can manage. Which is a sort of noisy silence. A clanking silence. With heavy footfalls. Creaks. And groans. The odd whispered 'sorry', when someone treads on someone else's foot. That kind of silence. Thank Moradin for the chanting then. “Yewonleegettan...” “Oooooooooooo...” “Widty...” “Phooooooooooo...” “Yewonleegettan...” “Oooooooooooo...” “Widty...” “Phooooooooooo...” And on it circles- around the corner the Knights spy a drop off, that is to say a short ledge with a set of carved stone stairs leading down to a lower section. The sounds come from there, they creep forward, suddenly part of the wall opens one huge yellow-ish eye, then detaches itself and unfolds into a tentacled monstrosity- a Grick. Below, in the depression, a clutch of Troglodytes and a robed figure stand within a crudely carved magic circle, the robed figure leads the chanting, the Trogs provide the Ooooo's and Phoooo's. There's also a crude stone altar down there, the robed figure spots the Knights' disturbance, casts off his hood and reveals. Oh, just another Trog. But not just any old Troglodyte, a Curse-Chanter. “That's the fellow.” Vadriar cries. The Knights get to work, first up- the Grick. Ignaran goes Beartastic, starts clawing at the tentacled beast, Rock adds his weight and between them the pair manage to back the Grick away from the rest of the Knights. Down below the two Troglodyte Marauders head on up the stairs, illuminated briefly by Eruan's Scorching Blast. [DM Interlude- same trick, different Wizard- and 'no', not at all boring- I remember the Magic Missile days of D&D.] Cathal rushes down the stairs to meet the pair and is hit by a Poison Ray en route, he coughs and splutters but gets into the action, his blows have no strength behind them however- he's weakened. The Marauders aren't though- they hit hard. Farkill follows the Knight of Kord down and is soon holding his own- the Knights are fighting out a stalemate, with Eruan for the Knights, and the Curse Chanter for the Trogs using their ranged powers in an effort to tip the balance. Finally something breaks, in this instance it's the Grick as it's finally sent tumbling off the ledge, landing below with an echoing- SPLAT! It ceases thrashing, Rock follows after- finding, just, a semi-soft spot in which to fall. Somewhat winded, the Dwarf gets up and moves to menace the Curse Chanter. Suddenly one of the Troglodyte Marauders vanishes and reappears next to the Curse Chanter. Cathal, Farkill, and now Ignaran crush the lonesome Marauder left fending them off, the Knights converge on the Curse Chanter, with Eruan's Magic Missiles peppering the foe. It's soon over. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4069371284_f2196c3f80_o.jpg[/IMG] Troglodytes Troglodytes Latin name for the... oh hang on, that's a Robin. [DM Interlude Encounter #85 [1350 XP = Level 6] Grick (Level 8 Brute), Troglodyte Mauler x2 (Level 7 Soldiers) & Troglodyte Curse Chanter (Level 9 Controller (Leader)).] The place, and its former inhabitants, are searched- a few gold and some trinkets are found; nothing of great worth; which just leaves the Magic Circle and the altar to deal with. Look away now... Twenty minutes later Vadriar has completed his map showing the route from the Seven Pillared Hall to the Horned Hold, the Grimmerzhul Duergar lair. Of the altar and Magic Circle there is not a trace, save some rubble. The curse is lifted. The Knights head back to the Hall, at a steady pace, but with no further interruptions- a pleasant day out for all. Excursion over, back in the Hall the Knights pay yet another visit to Gendar the Drow, receive payment, argue a little with the Merchant- he's a D-R-O-W remember, and then grudgingly retire to the Inn for the night. Although that doesn't go quite to plan- the Halfmoon Inn is in uproar, try saying that when you're drunk- two confused looking Drow, yep more of 'em, are being shoved about by an angry Dragonborn- Surina, the Knights have seen the Dragonborn around the Halls, she's known to have a short fuse. It gets ugly, and racist. The Knights step in. On the side of the Drow. Surina is quick to draw her weapon but the Knights are in the mood for placating, it takes a while but eventually they spy the light at the end of the tunnel, Surina slopes away- biting off curses. Which just leaves the Drow to contend with. “We ar ear tew see de Ordinatore. Yes, pleez? De Ordinatore- e ow yew say, er... Magnifico.” The Drow doing the talking mimes... I dunno, your guess is as good as mine- explosions perhaps. Cathal looks nonplussed, Farkill giggles a little and joins in, not helping matters. “E iz Magico!” More Drow mime follows. “The Wizards. Mages of Saruun.” Cathal cuts to the chase. “Si, si, si.” The Drow nods enthusiastically. “THE WIZARDS... EL MAGICO THEY-O GONE-O.” Farkill helps out. And suddenly there's one more person in the conversation. The crowd in the bar draw back instinctively, the robed fellow who has just appeared within their midst looks like he means business.- by his dress but most of all his demeanour. “I am the Ordinator Arcanis, I speak for the Mages of Saruun. Halfmoon- drinks for everyone in the bar.” There's a kerfuffle, people trying to get to the bar, Rock saunters over- with a drink already, it pays to be at the front of the queue, and wielding a Craghammer it seems. “I thought you lot had done one?” He asks the Mage. “Done one?” “Yer, scarpered; cleared-out; high-tailed it...” Rock continues. The Mage looks down at himself, examines his robes carefully- checking to see if he's actually standing there. “Doesn't look like it does it?” Rock looks a little put out, the temperature rises. “And yet we have noted your actions, both here in the Hall and further afield- within the Labyrinth. We applaud your efforts, we thank you for your bravery and your honour.” The Mage of Saruun quickly continues. The Ordinator Arcanis bows a little to each of the Knights. “We were still formulating our attack plans on the Bloodreavers when you managed to sever their hold on the Hall. We will however attempt to offer you any assistance you need in the future, subject to available resources. Once again I thank you. And now...” The Ordinator motions for the Drow to follow him out of the Inn. “Is that it?” Cathal asks. “For now, yes.” The Ordinator Arcanis states, and over his shoulder, “carry on.” “Dick.” Rock declares. A short conversation later and the Knights are somewhat reassured, it seems the Mages of Saruun always act this way, although they haven't been seen in the Halls for quite some time of course. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4068616601_47e2d710cb_o.jpg[/IMG] The Knights defend the Drow- ahh context, I get it. [DM Interlude- Mike, who plays Ignaran has to leave to go to work.] And so in play now we have- Cathal, Human Fighter Level 6 Eruan, Eladrin Wizard Level 4 Farkill, Dwarven Priest of Moradin Level 5 Rock, Dwarven Fighter Level 5 The next day Terrlen leads the Knights out of the Halls, the guide is following Vadriar's map, which turns out to be amazingly accurate. It's an easy journey, although they have at least eight hours travel ahead. Only three hours in things go awry. For Farkill. One moment he's there. The next he's not, or else. The Knights hear an odd sound. SQUISH-SLUUUUUUUUUURP! Where's Farkill gone? They peer around a rock column and spot the Dwarf, seemingly floating in the air. “Mmmmm Mmmm MM MMMMmmmm!” He says. The Knights blink- not sure what they are seeing. “Gelatinous Cube!” Eruan screams, and sure enough. Inside the Cube Farkill waves frantically, and burns. There's a scramble for weapons, which gets all the more frantic when three ragged outlines of humanoids waft out of the dark and straight for the Knights- Wraiths. What they need now is a Priest who can turn Undead. Farkill waves some more from inside his gelatine prison. Eruan teleports to safety and starts with the fire, a Flaming Sphere appears behind the Gelatinous Cube and begins to melt the creature. Cathal and Rock pound the Cube in an effort to extract Farkill before the Wraiths arrive on the scene. They manage to bloody and batter the creature, but it's not enough- Farkill still suffers within. The Cube however lashes out at Rock, stings him a little with its pseudopod, and immobilises the Dwarf. The Wraiths leap in, Cathal breaks off to hold two the creatures at bay, he's quickly weakened by their Shadow Touch, he flails and screams for Rock to extricate Farkill. He needn't have bothered, Farkill gets himself out, ripping the fast dissolving Cube open with his bare hands, and with the help of the Flaming Sphere of course- the Cube is battered, and tattered, and broken. It lurches off- trying to escape the Knights, alas it now has a Flaming Sphere for company, and where it goes, the sphere follows- less than twenty seconds later it's reduced to a pool of bubbling mess. “By Moradin's beard!” Farkill screams and presents his Holy Symbol- the effect is dramatic- one of the Wraiths dissolves to nothing and the other two are sent flying backwards- thump into the cavern walls and sag, all the fight gone out of them. “Shall we dance?” Cathal adds, twitches his moustache and lays into the immobilised Wraiths, Rock winks at Farkill and follows on, Farkill bringing up the rear. The Wraiths are destroyed in short order. Terrlen the guide, a little later, climbs out of the hole he's been hiding in and leads the Knights on. [IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4068616849_59f1813ba0_o.jpg[/IMG] Gelatinous Cubes- fun for all the family. [DM Interlude Encounter #85 [1250 XP = Level 7] Wraith x3 (Level 6 Lurker) & Gelatinous Cube (Level 6 Elite Brute). Close... but no cigar.] And so the Knights head on, in search of the Horned Hold, and here endeth the 24th session of play with the Knights having clocked up 11,962 XP between them in this short-ish session. Next week... Rock's sister is pregnant. [/QUOTE]
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