pogre's story hour Zandyrium -episode 66- (5/10/2006) A short update.

[spacehulkster]

thanks Hairy.. er ah Death Padre. Great memory, I had forgotten.

Aye, you know I'm a sucker for a drow female in a good outfit. I couldn't let her go without saying goodbye. Those drow are so uncaring of a sailors feelings!
But We've all had our moments in the sun. It seems one of us always steps up to the plate and comes thru. Like a well timed Searing Light into a Glabrezu holding two fighters in its claws! Now look what you've done Father, I'm all misty-eyed. Good times!

i feel at times so inadequet to Thoren's massive swings. It's like the Captain and Lil' Buddy!

 

[pogre]

Zandyrium
Episode 17

“We must go straight to Zandyrium,” Mercutio said.

“I agree,” Heinrich stated. “How many of us can you teleport to the Caravan Gate?”

“Wait a second,” Thoren interjected. “What about the magical armor and arms Justinius was going to make?”

“I can take three at a time,” Mercutio answered Heinrich ignoring Thoren. “I should take the heavies with me in the first round and then come back for the rest.”

“What about the magical armor?” Thoren asked again.

“No time,” Justinius answered Thoren.

“Rothlor said the great harbor chain would hold for a couple more days,” Thoren countered.

“Two days is not enough time,” Justinius said.

“Everyone hold on to me,” Mercutio instructed. Thoren, Wassabe, and Heinrich grabbed hold of the sorcerer’s cloak and a moment later they found themselves at the Caravan Gate. A dozen startled guards on the wall lowered their crossbows at the group.

“You haven’t got the stones to shoot me!” Thoren bellowed at the guards.

“What he means is tell General Kilphus that Heinrich and his minions have arrived!” Heinrich shouted in an attempt to head off a confrontation.

Mercutio waved his arms, casting another spell and teleported away. Mercutio grabbed Justinius and Ginny and rejoined the rest of the group a moment later. The group was left at the gate waiting for five minutes by the confused soldiers before a sergeant arrived and ordered the gate opened for them.

…..

The walls of Zandyrium –


…..

General Kilphus was hunched over a large map. He acknowledged the group as they entered the chamber and showed the situation. It did look bad.

The fleet was massive. Forty large warships and over 180 cogs carrying at least twenty thousand troops were outside the harbor chain. The enemy fleet had dispatched a few of their ships to work on severing the chain. A few humanoids were chiseling and hacking on the chain, oblivious that when the chain gave way they would be tossed into the sea. Numerous Wyverns circled the fleet and General Kilphus had warned that ogre mages had been seen as well.

The party spell casters suggested an attack on the fleet outside the chain to disrupt their efforts. Kilphus agreed and suggested that the other three adventurers check the integrity of the sewer gates below the city. Before the groups split up for their respective missions Heinrich cast status on Thoren, Wassabe, and Ginny. The adventurers bid each other good luck and departed.

To be continued…

 

[pogre]

Zandyrium
Episode 18

“How close do you need to be?” Mercutio asked the clerics.

“Close,” Heinrich answered. “No further than a couple dozen fathoms.”

“Wow! You’re not jesting about close!” Mercutio half-complained.

“It will be worth it,” Justinius reassured the sorcerer.

Mercutio cast fly on all three of the casters, followed by invisibility, and they stepped off the city wall into the air. Working quickly towards the boats they could now make out about 30 crafts. Most of the ships were warships over 60 yards long, but a few smaller cogs were spread amongst them.

The trio spread wider to create more targets for possible enemy spellcasters secreted in the fleet. Mercutio got the party started with a massive fireball that slammed into the waterline of a cog. The force of the flaming missile rocked the boat and charred the wood.

Justinius launched the clerics’ secret weapon. Calling up the prayer Control Water, he created a massive hill of water amongst the ships. The ships on this rise quickly slid down slamming into other ships and the great chain itself. Heinrich followed with another Control Water creating another long, skinny rise that divided the fleet and had ships once again smashing into each other.

All three casters could not help but start giggling as they viewed the carnage they created in mere seconds. Hobgoblins, orcs, ogres, half-beasts of all sorts were tossed in the sea haphazardly like leaves falling from a tree. The impact on the great chain itself had jarred the humanoids working on it off into the water and the rushing ships crushed some.

The casters wasted no time and followed up with another round of spells with similar results. By this time the smaller fleet near the chain was in pandemonium. A couple of Wyverns and their riders rose to meet the casters’ challenge. They were flying at breakneck speed, but a fireball and a flamestrike or two had one of the wyverns burnt to death and the other succumbed to Mercutio’s charm spell.

Mercutio instructed the wyvern to roll and in following orders the wyvern dumped its hapless owner. He then instructed the beast to attack the fleet. The stinger-tailed monster rushed back towards the fleet bent on destruction. The clerics began launching flamestrikes in rapid succession and several of the cogs began to roll in the water. Mercutio complemented the strikes with fireballs and soon it was getting difficult to even see their targets clearly through the gray smoke rising from the wreckage.

“I’m about done,” Mercutio announced.

“Oh no!” Heinrich exclaimed.

“What?” Justinius asked.

“Wassabe and Ginny are injured,” Heinrich answered.

“They must have found something,” Mercutio commented. “All the more reason to call this done for now.”

The trio made their way back to the city wall. A group of men manning ballistae waved their helmets, cheering the casters. Mercutio acknowledged the men with a flourish of his hands.

The small enemy fleet began to crawl in retreat from the harbor to rejoin the larger fleet out at sea. This scene led to deafening cheers up and down the defenders’ walls.

As the casters rushed back to the defensive headquarters they knew their effect had been temporary. They had only delayed the eventual invasion. They had sunk perhaps a half-dozen ships, nearly draining their combined magic in the process. It was a victory, but they would need something more…

Heinrich evaluated the condition of those under his status spell. They were wounded, but not too seriously and it did not seem to be getting worse. He was anxious to hear from his comrades.

To be continued…

 

[Old One]

Shakes head...

"Never split the party!"

!

~ OO

 

[BSF]

Nifty! You have got to appreciate the carnage that can be doled out with judicious spellcasting. I wonder how the others are faring...

 

[pogre]

Zandyrium
Episode 19

Ginny, Thoren, and Wassabe descended into the sewers and headed towards the gate that lay beneath the old wall section of the city.

…..

Into the sewers –


…..

The very first grate was missing.

“The bars were sawed off,” Ginny commented. “It looks like they traveled further down the effluent tunnel.”

“Can you tell when it happened?” Thoren asked.

“Judging by the small filings around here, I would say recently,” Ginny replied. “Perhaps we should return to General Kilphus and report the breech?”

“There are a score of grates down here,” Wassabe stated. “It will not take us long to check the rest.”

A hurried check of some of the grates revealed several had been removed. Heading for the last few grates, the group heard the sounds of metal on metal grinding. The adventurers managed to surprise a few hobgoblins in dark cloaks sawing on grate bars. Missile fire through the grate bars sent the hobgoblins running. The adventurers set off after them and killed them one by one.

The group went up and reported their findings to the general. Kilphus agreed to post several men at each of the sewer exits to stem the tide of further invasions in the tunnels. The three adventurers headed back down in the sewer ahead of the troops to try and root any lingering enemies out.

*****

Ginny heard talking in the sewer tunnels ahead. She signaled to Thoren and Wassabe to remain behind while she investigated. Turning the corner she found the source of the conversation.

…..

Ogre Mage and a surprise –


…..

Ginny let out a small gasp, but the enemies did not seem to notice her. She carefully notched a bolt and pulled her crossbow string back.

To be continued…

 

[pogre]

Zandyrium
Episode 20

Ginny’s bolt flew straight and lodged in the Ogre Mage’s throat. The creature gasped and a stream of blood flew from its mouth when it made a garbled scream. The Umberhulk launched itself at Ginny and managed to land a claw. Ginny stepped back and pegged the creature with another missile.

The ogre mage disappeared from the chamber and Wassabe and Thoren rushed up to aid Ginny. The Umberhulk managed to land a couple more blows on Wassabe but no one fell victim to its bewildering gaze. The group made quick work of the umberhulk and the four hobgoblin rogues, but the ogre mage escaped.

General Kilphus’s troops had arrived at the various junctions in the sewer and the adventurers decided to head back and compare notes with the casters.

*****

Despite the adulation showered upon them Mercutio, Justinius, and Heinrich were aware their magic was not going to be enough. They wanted to meet with General Kilphus, but he was in consultation with the emperor. Thoren, Ginny, and Wassabe came into the meeting room a few moments later and the adventurers exchanged notes.

“We should check in with Silcrass* to see if he has anything that might be helpful,” Mercutio suggested.

“Should I pray for a sending?” Heinrich asked.

“I was considering teleporting out to his lair,” Mercutio replied. “It would be tough to get the essence of a bargain done through a sending.”

“True,” Heinrich admitted. “However, he might give us some indication of whether it is worth our time to go out there.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

Heinrich sending to Silcrass: I am well. I seek magic items to aid in battle versus Boethricus’s fleet. Anything for trade? Particularly interested in wands.

Silcrass’s responds to sending: My lair destroyed. Great fire dragon of the western hills. Hiding in the bison cave of the lower caverns. Mate heavily wounded. Please help!

Heinrich relayed the information to the rest of the group. As hopeful as they had been a few minutes ago, a sense of dread now pervaded the room.

“So do we think this is Bezzalt, Great Drake of the Duskmoons?” Wassabe asked.

“Who is Bezzalt?” General Kilphus asked as he entered the room.

“A red dragon of great repute,” Justinius answered. “A few months ago, when we were working for one of your captains…”

“Who turned out to be a damn ogre mage,” Wassabe interrupted.

“Yes, well, he was replaced by one. We took out one of Boethricus’s advance parties – a couple of wyverns, a number of hobgoblins, and a few goblins. We discovered a large amount of gold and a message. The message was from Boethricus to a Great Drake by the name of Bezzalt and stated that he had agreed to the terms.” Justinius paused to allow the general to ask questions.

“Why wasn’t I informed of this?” General Kilphus was clearly perturbed.

“We turned the document over to Captain Umkal,” Ginny replied.

“Who turned out to be a damn ogre mage,” Wassabe answered.

“Yes, yes, I think that has been established Wassabe,” Heinrich calmly stated.

“It should’ve been a big red flag. I mean the captain’s a damn ogre mage and there’s hardly a peep from the palace!” Wassabe was a bit worked up.

“Let’s not forget Hedrara,” Justinius said.

“Hedrara?” the General was struggling to keep all of the names straight.

“A she-devil called an Erinyes who was to contact the drake with a new task for their master. Boethricus warned the dragon not to trifle with the devil so she must possess some power as well.”

“So you find out one of your captains is a damn ogre mage. I’m kinda’ wonderin’ what the next step is ‘round here?” Wassabe asked.

“What? Oh well, yes, er um,” the general was clearly befuddled by this news. “We swept theough the ranks with magic to make sure we had no further infiltrators, but the emperor requested we keep the investigation quiet to avoid a general panic in the city.”

Wassabe started to speak again, but Ginny put her palm over his mouth gently, “We have more pressing matters right now Wassabe.”

“I hate to ask,” the general began, “but why are you speaking of the Dragon Bezzalt?”

“The drake just burned a friend’s home a day and half northwest of here in the woods,” Justinius answered. “It seems likely the dragon was on the move, possibly preparing to come here to aid Boethricus’s fleet.”

“Does this have anything to do with the weird fog rising outside?” General Kilphus asked.

“Fog?” Heinrich asked.

“It just came up out of nowhere. Quite thick, but as far as we can tell, it’s natural,” the general answered.

“Sounds like magic of the old faith,” Justinius commented.

“An evil druid?” Heinrich asked reluctantly.

“That’s my guess, and with a fog this big, maybe more than one,” Justinius replied.

“What do we do now?” Thoren asked.

“Indeed, that is the question of the moment,” Justinius replied.


*Silcrass is an unusual Aranea magic-user. The adventurers frequently trade magic items with him.

 

[hwoolsey]

“So do we think this is Bezzalt, Great Drake of the Duskmoons?” Wassabe asked.

Oh <insert several expletives here, none of which would meet with the approval of Morrus's grandmother>!

We are so-o-o-o hosed. I have never met a DM who can better play dragons to devastating effect, all while denying the party any way to get a leg up on them. Pogre is a bad man when it comes to dragons. I can't imagine the havoc something his campaign world calls a "Great Drake" can cause.

I guess I'm glad we never bought property in Zandyrium. It's a good thing there are other cities nearby.

Hank

 

[pogre]

I love it when players panic

For those with Lost City of Barakas Bezzalt is based on the Red Dragon found therein.

 

[pogre]

Zandyrium
Episode 21

Mercutio quickly created a couple of shadow mounts for Ginny and Wassabe to ride and waited a few minutes to give them a head start for Silcrass’s new lair in the Bison Cave.

Mercutio discussed what to expect with Thoren, Githraldul, and Heinrich.

“If we run into Bezzalt I’m worthless. This is my final teleport for today.”

Heinrich agreed, “If the great drake is there I think we all understand that Justinius will be a very busy man with all of the last rites.”

“So once we get to the cave can you heal Silcrass’s mate?” Githraldul asked.

“I should think so,” Heinrich stated. “That should be enough of a lead for Ginny and Wassabe. Let’s go.”

Mercutio teleported the foursome to just outside the cave’s entrance.

“Should we wait for the others to show?” Thoren asked.

“Not while there are dragons about,” Mercutio answered.

“This way,” Githraldul instructed and led the group inside the poorly disguised cave entrance.

The cavern stretched out several dozen feet before them and Mercutio and Heinrich quickly unsheathed light sources. They called out softly to Silcrass but received no response. Githraldul led the group over the hard cavern floor slowly.

Suddenly two half-spider creatures appeared directly in front of the adventurers.

A short little raspy scream issued from Heinrich. “Where were you?” he managed to ask.

“I’m sorry my friends,” Silcrass responded. “I had to be sure it was you.”

Heinrich recovered from his start and moved over to examine Silcrass’s mate. “What is your name?”

“She is called Neolepta,” Silcrass responded. “She does not speak common.” Silcrass quickly said something to his mate in a strange tongue.

Neolepta’s breathing was extremely heavy. She was clinging to life.

“What happened?” Githraldul asked.

“We were resting in the lair when I felt a presence. I jumped out of the web to ascertain what had jarred me awake. A huge dark form flew above the treetops and spouted fire over me into the lair. The light of the fire revealed the great firedrake! I dashed into the lair and grabbed Neolepta. I ran along the forest floor carrying her. The great dragon swung around and destroyed my lair and most of the trees around it.”

Heinrich canted a few prayers and Neolepta’s conditions improved some, but she still had nasty burns and her breathing remained labored. The cleric spoke up, “She will live through the night, but she has suffered from a diabolical taint of some ilk. I cannot cure the remaining damage until morning.”

“I am grateful Heinrich,” Silcrass said.

“Why did the dragon come after you? How did he find you?” Githraldul asked.

“I do not know the answer to either of your queries. All I can guess is that he somehow sensed the magic in my lair.” Silcrass moved over next to his mate and explained something to her in a strange tongue.

Mercutio then related to Silcrass the adventurer’s exploits of the last few hours and asked if he had anything that might help them. Silcrass reluctantly informed him that the dragon destroyed everything, including his spellbook.

Ginny and Wassabe stepped inside the cave. “Woohoo,” Ginny called out.

“Over here,” Thoren replied.

“Any problems?” Mercutio asked the pair.

“None,” Wassabe answered. “I love riding those things. Man, are they fast!”

“Any signs of a dragon?” Thoren asked.

“I’m here ain’t I?” Wassabe answered.

*****

Justinius retired to the bed provided to him in the palace. It was important that he continue to impress upon the Imperials the need for vigilance and to convince them the battle was not yet won. General Kilphus had repeatedly suggested doing another foray against the ships using magic again. The group had left Justinius behind to convince the general, and others, that more drastic and direct action was needed.

He was not sure when it happened, but Justinius drifted off in a dream filled sleep. He was awoken by a loud knock on his door. “Yes?” he called out.

“Great news sir!”

Justinius moved over to the door and opened it. An imperial guard stood outside in full uniform. “What is it?” Justinius asked.

“The fog has lifted and the enemy fleet is gone!”

“What? Impossible!” Justinius blurted.

“It is true sir. Come see for yourself.”

Justinius rubbed the sleep out of his eye. “I shall.” The cleric pulled on his robes and followed the soldier out to the wall and the clear morning sky. Everything the soldier had reported was true. Boethricus’s fleet was gone “or” he thought to himself, “Has it just disappeared?

To be continued…