Corvis, City of Ghosts (A WitchFire Trilogy Story Hour)
- Thread starter A2Z
- Start date
A2Z
Adventurer
The Longest Night - Act Two
Deeper into the Tomb
Lead by the swamp gobber the party explores further into the tomb. Most of the rooms hold little of interest. In one they find a small number of silver coins dating from the old Orgoth empire but beyond that there is little else. Eventually they come to a somewhat larger room. In the middle of the room are two large rock formations and searching between the rocks Mericus finds the body of what appears to be a gobber. While he examines the body Linc searches the rest of the room and manages to find a secret door at the back of the room.
While Ethradan moves to help Linc try and open the door Mericus takes a closer look at the body. Poking out from underneath the body he notices a leather pouch. Reaching for it he's suddenly enveloped by a number of tendrils that drop from the ceiling!
Vallan, who had been keeping an eye on Bork rushes in with his bow drawn to help the mage. A couple of shots with his bow are enough to force the tendrils to loosen their grip on Mericus. Free of them he turns around and with his crossbow launches a bolt straight up. Hitting the creature dead on it drops to the ground unmoving. Making sure it's dead Mericus reaches for the pouch again.
Inside he finds some dried up meat and a vial full of liquid. Examining it closer he is able to tell that it's magical. When he takes a sip his fingers and toes tingle but beyond that he can’t tell exactly what sort of potion it is.
The commotion over, Ethradan and Linc return to trying to open the door. Suddenly they hear Vallan curse. In all the excitement Bork has run off. They convince Vallan to let him go and the three of them set to work on the door. It proves harder than they though but eventually they get it open. Following it to the end they come to another door that proves just as difficult to open. A short while later they're through the door and standing in a dense patch of swamp.
Finding little else outside they mark the spot for potential use later and make their way back into the tomb. There was a tunnel they haven't explored yet and they want to check it out before leaving.
Following the last tunnel leads them to a large sand filled cavern with small pond at the far end. Pulled up on the beach is a small canoe made of woven reeds. Peering in the boat Ethradan notices four water skins as well as a number of other items. Trying to figure out what’s in the water skins he takes a sip of the liquid, and nearly vomits up his stomach contents. Making a vexed sound the elf throws the skins against the wall of the cave and decides to try using the boat to reach the tunnel opening he had noticed at the far end of the pond.
While testing the boat’s sturdiness Lincon and the other have noticed a number of gold coins as well as a dagger at the bottom of the pool. Lincon decides to swim to the bottom and retrieve them. By this time Ethradan has begun poling his way across the pond and Lincon dives in to the water. The once calm water suddenly erupts into splashes as a large tentacle wraps around the rogue and starts dragging him to the bottom!
Leaping to action Vallan and Mericus ready their bows while Ethradan turns his boat around. With the three lobbing arrows at the beast it quickly releases Lincon who swims to the bank. Peering over the side of the boat Ethradan becomes the next target. The large tentacles burst from the water and wrap themselves around the elf. His struggling proves ineffective as he’s pulled from the small craft into the water. He begins to worry he may drown as he’s pulled farther down. However a couple more arrows from his companions and the squid ceases moving. Freed he takes a stab at the body to make sure it’s dead and then heads for the surface. (After the fact I realized I should have imposed some sort of penalty for shooting into the water. I couldn’t find anything about that though in the PHB. I’m not sure if it would be cover or what. Oh well, it would have been nice to actually put them in a little danger this time. Three fights and not one of them took any damage. They were afraid they were going to drown though.
)
Once again Lincon dives to the bottom to search for the treasure. This time Mericus follows. After a short search Lincon manages to find the dagger while Mericus finds a number of the coins. Returning to the surface they examine their find. The coins are gold with the ancient symbol of the empire. The dagger is made of black steel and is inlaid with runes. After being examined by the mage it is shown to radiate magic. Pocketing it for now Lincon and the other decide to rest here in the secret tunnel they had found. Reasoning that they can close both ends and remain relatively safe they head back towards that cavern. The hour is late and none of them wish to travel all the way back through the swamp at night. A short while later the group sets a watch and drifts off for the night.
(To be continued)
Deeper into the Tomb
Lead by the swamp gobber the party explores further into the tomb. Most of the rooms hold little of interest. In one they find a small number of silver coins dating from the old Orgoth empire but beyond that there is little else. Eventually they come to a somewhat larger room. In the middle of the room are two large rock formations and searching between the rocks Mericus finds the body of what appears to be a gobber. While he examines the body Linc searches the rest of the room and manages to find a secret door at the back of the room.
While Ethradan moves to help Linc try and open the door Mericus takes a closer look at the body. Poking out from underneath the body he notices a leather pouch. Reaching for it he's suddenly enveloped by a number of tendrils that drop from the ceiling!
Vallan, who had been keeping an eye on Bork rushes in with his bow drawn to help the mage. A couple of shots with his bow are enough to force the tendrils to loosen their grip on Mericus. Free of them he turns around and with his crossbow launches a bolt straight up. Hitting the creature dead on it drops to the ground unmoving. Making sure it's dead Mericus reaches for the pouch again.
Inside he finds some dried up meat and a vial full of liquid. Examining it closer he is able to tell that it's magical. When he takes a sip his fingers and toes tingle but beyond that he can’t tell exactly what sort of potion it is.
The commotion over, Ethradan and Linc return to trying to open the door. Suddenly they hear Vallan curse. In all the excitement Bork has run off. They convince Vallan to let him go and the three of them set to work on the door. It proves harder than they though but eventually they get it open. Following it to the end they come to another door that proves just as difficult to open. A short while later they're through the door and standing in a dense patch of swamp.
Finding little else outside they mark the spot for potential use later and make their way back into the tomb. There was a tunnel they haven't explored yet and they want to check it out before leaving.
Following the last tunnel leads them to a large sand filled cavern with small pond at the far end. Pulled up on the beach is a small canoe made of woven reeds. Peering in the boat Ethradan notices four water skins as well as a number of other items. Trying to figure out what’s in the water skins he takes a sip of the liquid, and nearly vomits up his stomach contents. Making a vexed sound the elf throws the skins against the wall of the cave and decides to try using the boat to reach the tunnel opening he had noticed at the far end of the pond.
While testing the boat’s sturdiness Lincon and the other have noticed a number of gold coins as well as a dagger at the bottom of the pool. Lincon decides to swim to the bottom and retrieve them. By this time Ethradan has begun poling his way across the pond and Lincon dives in to the water. The once calm water suddenly erupts into splashes as a large tentacle wraps around the rogue and starts dragging him to the bottom!
Leaping to action Vallan and Mericus ready their bows while Ethradan turns his boat around. With the three lobbing arrows at the beast it quickly releases Lincon who swims to the bank. Peering over the side of the boat Ethradan becomes the next target. The large tentacles burst from the water and wrap themselves around the elf. His struggling proves ineffective as he’s pulled from the small craft into the water. He begins to worry he may drown as he’s pulled farther down. However a couple more arrows from his companions and the squid ceases moving. Freed he takes a stab at the body to make sure it’s dead and then heads for the surface. (After the fact I realized I should have imposed some sort of penalty for shooting into the water. I couldn’t find anything about that though in the PHB. I’m not sure if it would be cover or what. Oh well, it would have been nice to actually put them in a little danger this time. Three fights and not one of them took any damage. They were afraid they were going to drown though.
)Once again Lincon dives to the bottom to search for the treasure. This time Mericus follows. After a short search Lincon manages to find the dagger while Mericus finds a number of the coins. Returning to the surface they examine their find. The coins are gold with the ancient symbol of the empire. The dagger is made of black steel and is inlaid with runes. After being examined by the mage it is shown to radiate magic. Pocketing it for now Lincon and the other decide to rest here in the secret tunnel they had found. Reasoning that they can close both ends and remain relatively safe they head back towards that cavern. The hour is late and none of them wish to travel all the way back through the swamp at night. A short while later the group sets a watch and drifts off for the night.
(To be continued)
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Desdichado
Hero
Actually, the squid, at least, could have been a dangerous fight. I got bitten (but my armor saved my hide!) and both Lincoln and I were really potential drowning victims.
To add insult to injury, Adam later told me that the vials that I had tossed against the wall on the sandy side of the cave were squid repellent. If I had tossed them in the water instead, we wouldn't even have seen that feller.
To add insult to injury, Adam later told me that the vials that I had tossed against the wall on the sandy side of the cave were squid repellent. If I had tossed them in the water instead, we wouldn't even have seen that feller.
A2Z
Adventurer
The Longest Night - Act Two
The next morning the group leaves the tunnel and heads for the entrance. At the exit they are surprised to find the entire gobber tribe in attendance. Addressing the group the leader thanks them for dispatching the ‘dead men’. Stepping to the front Ethradan mentions they also killed a large squid in another cavern. The gobbers seem impressed. In return for these acts the chief offers the group free passage through his territory. From this point on they will be known as friends to this particular tribe.
A short while later the group is on the path back to town. It’s nearing afternoon by the time they reach the church. Once there they go over their findings. They know a young girl was responsible for taking the bodies at the tomb. Apparently this person is also well versed in necromancy. The majority, if not all of the seven bodies stolen were members of the jury for the trial ten years ago. Father Dumas’ wife was leader of the coven and her daughter Alexia is now his charge.
The group has strong suspicions about young Alexia and they form a plan for the coming night. While the rest of the party keeps a watch on Lexaria Ciannor’s tomb (her tomb is on the church grounds and is still sealed), Lincon will attempt to break into Alexia’s room and see what he can find.
Late that night the rogue makes his way up to the second floor of the dormitory and finds himself in front of the young girls door. The padlock is on the door again and he assumes she must not be there. Making quick work of the lock he enters the darkened room. Making sure he’s alone he lights a small lantern and proceeds to looks around. There is nothing in the room that could attach Alexia to the crimes. There is little enough of anything in the room. Preparing to leave Linc thinks to check under the bed. He finds three heavy tomes. They are old history texts written by various city priests. He notices that one of the tomes has a page marked. The marked spot has information about the catacombs under the church. They were once used to store the bodies of plague victims and since then have remained sealed.
Putting the other two books back under the bed he takes the marked one and leaves the room. Replacing the padlock he makes his way back down to the yard and his companions to tell them of what he found.
(To be continued)
The next morning the group leaves the tunnel and heads for the entrance. At the exit they are surprised to find the entire gobber tribe in attendance. Addressing the group the leader thanks them for dispatching the ‘dead men’. Stepping to the front Ethradan mentions they also killed a large squid in another cavern. The gobbers seem impressed. In return for these acts the chief offers the group free passage through his territory. From this point on they will be known as friends to this particular tribe.
A short while later the group is on the path back to town. It’s nearing afternoon by the time they reach the church. Once there they go over their findings. They know a young girl was responsible for taking the bodies at the tomb. Apparently this person is also well versed in necromancy. The majority, if not all of the seven bodies stolen were members of the jury for the trial ten years ago. Father Dumas’ wife was leader of the coven and her daughter Alexia is now his charge.
The group has strong suspicions about young Alexia and they form a plan for the coming night. While the rest of the party keeps a watch on Lexaria Ciannor’s tomb (her tomb is on the church grounds and is still sealed), Lincon will attempt to break into Alexia’s room and see what he can find.
Late that night the rogue makes his way up to the second floor of the dormitory and finds himself in front of the young girls door. The padlock is on the door again and he assumes she must not be there. Making quick work of the lock he enters the darkened room. Making sure he’s alone he lights a small lantern and proceeds to looks around. There is nothing in the room that could attach Alexia to the crimes. There is little enough of anything in the room. Preparing to leave Linc thinks to check under the bed. He finds three heavy tomes. They are old history texts written by various city priests. He notices that one of the tomes has a page marked. The marked spot has information about the catacombs under the church. They were once used to store the bodies of plague victims and since then have remained sealed.
Putting the other two books back under the bed he takes the marked one and leaves the room. Replacing the padlock he makes his way back down to the yard and his companions to tell them of what he found.
(To be continued)
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A2Z
Adventurer
But they come more often.uv23 said:Your updates are too short. Waaaahhh!
Well... usually. We didn't play this week so no update to the story hour. I'm going to try and get the rest of the characters backgrounds up though. Josh has posted Ethradan's and I have a couple of the others at home so over the next few days I may post them. As always, stay tuned! 
A2Z
Adventurer
Lincon Abayam - Male Human Rogue 2:
(Here is Lincon's background, written by his player)
Lincon grew up in the slums of the capital. His father abandoned the family after Linc was born and Linc has no memory of him. His Mother was poor and worked in an inn as a cook to support her son as best she could. She died of Tuberculin when Linc was eight years old forcing him to fend for himself in the roughest section of the big city. He learned to keep out of sight at the slightest hint of danger. He picked pockets and scavenged what he could from his surroundings. He learned to work well with other urchins in the street running petty operations for mutual profit, such as distracting marks while another would lift his purse; but he generally preferred to work by himself…sharing cuts down on the haul.
One day when he was ten Linc was working the market on market day (when else?). He was watching the faces of the people around him, scouting out his next mark. He had already lifted five purses and it wasn’t even Lunchtime. Market day was great. People were worried about getting a stall and the best price for the livestock or crafts. Or they were haggling with the merchants, trying to get the best price for what they needed. He noticed an attractive but hard looking young woman in her mid twenties walking through the crowd. She was scanning the crowd intently, looking from face to face and Linc had found his mark; she was distracted probably looking for someone. He had never seen her before. She wasn’t a local. She was wearing strange leather clothing he wasn’t used to seeing in his part of town or in the market. He followed her through the crown and cased her out. She was graceful and glided through eh crown but Linc had no trouble following her. He stayed behind her and knew she hadn’t seen him. When she stopped for a second and looked around Linc knew his moment was here. When she started walking again Linc closed in when he saw a large man heading towards her. When they bumped in the crown he would lift the purse she was hiding pretty well in the strange leather outfit. When he reached forward to grab his prize he felt an iron grip immediately seize his wrist. He gasped and looked up into the face of the woman. She was smiling and held a dagger in her other hand.
- “You’re good…Very good! I’ve been watching you and saw you lift at least four purses this morning. You move well and pick your targets well. I was afraid I wouldn’t attract your attention. My name is Moyra. Let me buy you lunch. I have a proposal for you. You’re alternative is lunch on the constabulary.”
Linc went with her. He’d already met the constabulary and knew he’d probably get a better deal from this stranger. It turned out Moyra was guarding a caravan that arrived in the city that morning for market day. She noticed him working the crowd while collecting her pay. She was impressed by him and asked about his situation. Moyra had been on her own since she was small too. She was from Corvis and had a similar story to Linc’s. She had been taken in and apprenticed by an old man who worked the docks of the city. He had noticed Moyra breaking into the kitchen of an inn and was impressed by her skill with locks. He offered to teach her the skills she would need to survive as a Rogue on the sole condition that they part ways when he said…and she do the same and take as an apprentice another kindred one day. She told Linc that when she saw him she knew that today was that day. She told Linc that life would not be easy, but that it wasn’t that easy now. They would be together for years and he would have to do as she said without question until she told him that the time had come to part ways. Linc thought about it for about ten seconds and agreed. That day Linc took the mark of his teacher, who had taken the mark of her teacher and entered the exclusive Valis guild. Others who had his mark would have similar histories to him and similarly trained. The Tattoo on his right forearm was a mark of honor among thieves and rogues.
They spent years together and Linc learned many things from Moyra. That you shouldn’t steal from the poor…they are like us, we come from there. Steal from the wealthy or the belligerent. That’s why they’re here. Small kindnesses are the way to redemption for our kind. We may technically break the law…but only out of necessity and not against someone whom it would truly hurt. When you can make a small difference do it. They can add up. But, above all: Look out for Number One because nobody else will. Let enlightened self-interest guide you. It will rarely steer you wrong.
One day Moyra said goodbye to Linc. She was heading somewhere she kept secret for a purpose she wouldn’t divulge. They had been together nine years and had grown very close. She said where she was going she would have to go alone, but he had learned much and would continue to develop his skills. She said that if the gods willed it they would meet again, but not to look for her. She reminded him of his promise to train another one day in the future when he was skilled enough to be a master, hugged him and walked away into the mist.
A Week later, Lincon received an offer to join the guard of a caravan heading to Corvis. He felt intrigued and took the job. He wanted to see where his Mentor had come from.
(Here is Lincon's background, written by his player)
Lincon grew up in the slums of the capital. His father abandoned the family after Linc was born and Linc has no memory of him. His Mother was poor and worked in an inn as a cook to support her son as best she could. She died of Tuberculin when Linc was eight years old forcing him to fend for himself in the roughest section of the big city. He learned to keep out of sight at the slightest hint of danger. He picked pockets and scavenged what he could from his surroundings. He learned to work well with other urchins in the street running petty operations for mutual profit, such as distracting marks while another would lift his purse; but he generally preferred to work by himself…sharing cuts down on the haul.
One day when he was ten Linc was working the market on market day (when else?). He was watching the faces of the people around him, scouting out his next mark. He had already lifted five purses and it wasn’t even Lunchtime. Market day was great. People were worried about getting a stall and the best price for the livestock or crafts. Or they were haggling with the merchants, trying to get the best price for what they needed. He noticed an attractive but hard looking young woman in her mid twenties walking through the crowd. She was scanning the crowd intently, looking from face to face and Linc had found his mark; she was distracted probably looking for someone. He had never seen her before. She wasn’t a local. She was wearing strange leather clothing he wasn’t used to seeing in his part of town or in the market. He followed her through the crown and cased her out. She was graceful and glided through eh crown but Linc had no trouble following her. He stayed behind her and knew she hadn’t seen him. When she stopped for a second and looked around Linc knew his moment was here. When she started walking again Linc closed in when he saw a large man heading towards her. When they bumped in the crown he would lift the purse she was hiding pretty well in the strange leather outfit. When he reached forward to grab his prize he felt an iron grip immediately seize his wrist. He gasped and looked up into the face of the woman. She was smiling and held a dagger in her other hand.
- “You’re good…Very good! I’ve been watching you and saw you lift at least four purses this morning. You move well and pick your targets well. I was afraid I wouldn’t attract your attention. My name is Moyra. Let me buy you lunch. I have a proposal for you. You’re alternative is lunch on the constabulary.”
Linc went with her. He’d already met the constabulary and knew he’d probably get a better deal from this stranger. It turned out Moyra was guarding a caravan that arrived in the city that morning for market day. She noticed him working the crowd while collecting her pay. She was impressed by him and asked about his situation. Moyra had been on her own since she was small too. She was from Corvis and had a similar story to Linc’s. She had been taken in and apprenticed by an old man who worked the docks of the city. He had noticed Moyra breaking into the kitchen of an inn and was impressed by her skill with locks. He offered to teach her the skills she would need to survive as a Rogue on the sole condition that they part ways when he said…and she do the same and take as an apprentice another kindred one day. She told Linc that when she saw him she knew that today was that day. She told Linc that life would not be easy, but that it wasn’t that easy now. They would be together for years and he would have to do as she said without question until she told him that the time had come to part ways. Linc thought about it for about ten seconds and agreed. That day Linc took the mark of his teacher, who had taken the mark of her teacher and entered the exclusive Valis guild. Others who had his mark would have similar histories to him and similarly trained. The Tattoo on his right forearm was a mark of honor among thieves and rogues.
They spent years together and Linc learned many things from Moyra. That you shouldn’t steal from the poor…they are like us, we come from there. Steal from the wealthy or the belligerent. That’s why they’re here. Small kindnesses are the way to redemption for our kind. We may technically break the law…but only out of necessity and not against someone whom it would truly hurt. When you can make a small difference do it. They can add up. But, above all: Look out for Number One because nobody else will. Let enlightened self-interest guide you. It will rarely steer you wrong.
One day Moyra said goodbye to Linc. She was heading somewhere she kept secret for a purpose she wouldn’t divulge. They had been together nine years and had grown very close. She said where she was going she would have to go alone, but he had learned much and would continue to develop his skills. She said that if the gods willed it they would meet again, but not to look for her. She reminded him of his promise to train another one day in the future when he was skilled enough to be a master, hugged him and walked away into the mist.
A Week later, Lincon received an offer to join the guard of a caravan heading to Corvis. He felt intrigued and took the job. He wanted to see where his Mentor had come from.
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A2Z
Adventurer
Vallan Maelstrom - Male Dwarven Paladin 2:
(Here is Vallan's background, written by his player)
Vallan’s family is rich in military history. All men in his family have dutifully served in the Rhullic army, mostly in leadership positions. Ranging from lieutenant to major, one ancestor was even a general in the army that helped drive away the Orgoth empire centuries ago.
Obviously family is well respected. Growing up however, Vallan never acquired an affinity for the military, finding the life stagnant and boring with no major conflicts in centuries. While his family (more so his father) was disappointed in his choice, they supported him in his wishes to work in the church and study more about the Dwarven Fathers.
Deep down, Vallan feels shame for not following in his father’s well-tread footsteps, and seeing his father daily further increased the pain of it. He decided it was in his best interests to go on a journey and trust that the Dwarven Fathers would guide him to his true destiny. He doesn’t like to talk about his family’s military history because of his shame, thus avoiding personal conversations as much as possible.
(Here is Vallan's background, written by his player)
Vallan’s family is rich in military history. All men in his family have dutifully served in the Rhullic army, mostly in leadership positions. Ranging from lieutenant to major, one ancestor was even a general in the army that helped drive away the Orgoth empire centuries ago.
Obviously family is well respected. Growing up however, Vallan never acquired an affinity for the military, finding the life stagnant and boring with no major conflicts in centuries. While his family (more so his father) was disappointed in his choice, they supported him in his wishes to work in the church and study more about the Dwarven Fathers.
Deep down, Vallan feels shame for not following in his father’s well-tread footsteps, and seeing his father daily further increased the pain of it. He decided it was in his best interests to go on a journey and trust that the Dwarven Fathers would guide him to his true destiny. He doesn’t like to talk about his family’s military history because of his shame, thus avoiding personal conversations as much as possible.
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