NarlethDrider
First Post
*like, bump*
Hope to have ya the concept art for the fang gal this weekend---maybe even yoda-goblin
Hope to have ya the concept art for the fang gal this weekend---maybe even yoda-goblin
Sniktch's Story Hour - City of the Spider Queen (Updated 04/25)
- Thread starter Sniktch
- Start date
Stumpwater Jack
First Post
The next installment?
So when we going to get the next installment to the story hour?
So when we going to get the next installment to the story hour?
New Session?
Did you guys had a new session recently? And do we get an Rogue Gallery update for the new chars?
Keep up the good work. It's all very interesting for me cause in a few sessions (1-2months) i'll be sending my party into the City of the Spider Queen! Hope we dont have to have a party-makeover. Any chance for an aasimar monk9, a wood elf 3rog/4bar/2ftr, a sun elf wiz9/sor1 and a halfling rog1/clr9 of Brandobaris?
Did you guys had a new session recently? And do we get an Rogue Gallery update for the new chars?
Keep up the good work. It's all very interesting for me cause in a few sessions (1-2months) i'll be sending my party into the City of the Spider Queen! Hope we dont have to have a party-makeover
. Any chance for an aasimar monk9, a wood elf 3rog/4bar/2ftr, a sun elf wiz9/sor1 and a halfling rog1/clr9 of Brandobaris?
Sniktch
First Post
Thanks, Donalbain. We're actually playing this Saturday, so look for new updates next week! I believe H.P. is over in the Rogue's Gallery, as well as Bruskin, but my other players have yet to post their sheets or get them to me to post. (nudge, nudge)
I also asked Welby and Arty's characters to post their sheets after their recent level-up so they can update them in the future. Plus I have Tierak and Larala posted in a new thread - I'm going to post the Mask there too but Arty's player borrowed his sheet and hasn't returned it yet (Bad Balderdash!
)
I think your party will do just fine as long as the players bring plenty of spells, etc to cancel out the drows' huge advantage underground, i.e. plenty of daylight spells. I know thats what my players are bringing back with them this time
I also asked Welby and Arty's characters to post their sheets after their recent level-up so they can update them in the future. Plus I have Tierak and Larala posted in a new thread - I'm going to post the Mask there too but Arty's player borrowed his sheet and hasn't returned it yet (Bad Balderdash!
)I think your party will do just fine as long as the players bring plenty of spells, etc to cancel out the drows' huge advantage underground, i.e. plenty of daylight spells. I know thats what my players are bringing back with them this time
Sniktch
First Post
The Assault on Szith Morcane, pt.1
A new friend?
When Welby woke up he found that all of the others had risen before him and were squatting around a rough map of Szith Morcane’s giant web scratched in the dirt. Tierak used a stick to add symbols to the diagram, explaining the layout to her new companions. The disdainful sneer never left her face.
“Ah, Welby, awake at last I see,” Artimas rose and dusted off his robes absently while striding over to stand before the halfling. “We are almost ready to begin our little war, but I need a favor from you first. Do you think you could sneak back to the crevice in the canyon and inform Larala that the time has come to strike? The two of you could probably slip right past the dark elf guards like wraiths.”
Welby yawned and rubbed his chin, “Sure, Arty. Eat first?”
The necromancer laughed, “Of course! I wouldn’t dream of sending you off without a meal. Your belly would rumble and give us away! It’s already cooked – go look by the fire.”
A half-hour later the stealthy warrior was padding softly through the Dorien Crypts toward the dark elf settlement. He was more silent than a falling leaf on a still day and no dweller of the underdark could see him without magical aid, so he was a bit startled when the attack came. As he approached the room containing the first downward chute a pair of black spiders the size of ponies leaped out of the darkness and landed in front of him, flailing at the air with their foremost legs and trying to bite with their powerful mandibles.
Welby drew his sword and hacked into the first spider, cleaving off several of its legs and nearly immobilizing it. He finished it with a stab and turned to face the other when the situation took a turn for the worse. Suddenly three torch-like flames appeared above his head, illuminating the fight. A second later the halfling found himself wreathed in glowing purple flames.
*****
Something other than drow watched the combat unfold. In the tunnel behind Welby stood a small clump of three-foot tall mushrooms, a common sight in subterranean areas. Both the halfling and the dark elves would have been very interested to know that one of the puffballs was much more than it seemed and watched the unfolding drama intently. The oddly shaped fungus was in reality a cleverly disguised svirfneblin named Gnish who had been waiting for something like this to happen.
Gnish was growing more frustrated by the day. About a week ago he’d returned from a prospecting trip to find his village destroyed and the occupants slaughtered. Just like that all of his friends and relatives were gone and he was left alone. It was not too difficult to figure out who was responsible – the dark elves had not even bothered to remove their own dead from the wreckage. Gripped by murderous rage and a burning desire for vengeance, the deep gnome followed the trail of the killers back to Szith Morcane. Unfortunately, he found the dark elves on edge and in a state of heightened readiness, and he’d had very little opportunity to slake his blood thirst.
Now this strange halfling had stumbled upon the guard post and a battle raged. The deep gnome wondered momentarily where the small warrior came from – he’d heard or seen nothing pass him, but he did not wonder long. The enemy of my enemy of my friend, Gnish thought and went into action. With a thought his disguise dropped and instead of a tall, oddly shaped puffball a sturdy mithral clad warrior stood in the hallway, a finely crafted hand crossbow in each hand. The gnome reloaded and fired faster than the eye could follow and soon a small hail of lethal barbs filled the tunnel.
*****
Welby dodged a sweeping, hairy leg and cut at his opponent again. The spider showed no signs of slowing from its wounds and pressed forward, attempting to seize the annoying pest it faced in its powerful jaws. Suddenly a series of clicks sounded from behind the halfling and several small black bolts flew over his head and struck the beast in the abdomen. Welby risked a glance over his shoulder and saw a short mithral clad man wearing a curious bulbous hat had appeared from somewhere and now fired a crossbow into the melee with each hand.
The glowing barbarian understood that he needed to escape this situation before drow reinforcements arrived and cartwheeled backwards away from the spider. As he did so a hail of drow arrows arced out of the gloom and clattered on the stones where he’d just been standing. Several of the arrows fell short and impaled the spider, which collapsed to the floor twitching. Welby saw his chance and ran, gasping, “Follow me!” to his unexpected ally. The gnome considered for a moment until an arrow flew past his head, then he shrugged and raced after the halfling.
Welby did not slow until he reached the entrance to the crypts and rushed out into the sunlight, yelling, “They know! They wait and see Welby, now Welby glowing!”
Gnish had quite a different reaction. He followed the halfling to the surface and entered directly into a nightmare. Arrayed before the door was a host of dead warriors, sixteen or seventeen macabre monsters armored with shiny new breastplates and suits of chainmail and gripping scythes in their rotted fingers. Behind them stood a gray haired, bespectacled gentleman in flowing black robes, a twisted, floating, half-naked goblin with a grossly deformed and abnormally large skull, a strange, dark-haired elf with glowing red eyes and large bat wings extending from his shoulders, and another figure so muffled and cloaked in dark robes that he couldn’t make out exactly what it was.
The gnome let out a muffled squeal of fright and tried to pull himself to a stop, but his legs went out from under him and he slid to a stop in front of a grinning skeleton. He clawed and kicked at the ground and sent rocks and dust flying as he tried to furiously backpedal and make it back to the relative safety of the crypts. He let out another cry as a firm hand fell upon his shoulder and looked up to see the halfling standing over him wearing a concerned expression. “It’s OK, won’t hurt you. They with Arty.”
*****
More soon to follow - I'm cutting this post short so Inez can get some sleep
A new friend?
When Welby woke up he found that all of the others had risen before him and were squatting around a rough map of Szith Morcane’s giant web scratched in the dirt. Tierak used a stick to add symbols to the diagram, explaining the layout to her new companions. The disdainful sneer never left her face.
“Ah, Welby, awake at last I see,” Artimas rose and dusted off his robes absently while striding over to stand before the halfling. “We are almost ready to begin our little war, but I need a favor from you first. Do you think you could sneak back to the crevice in the canyon and inform Larala that the time has come to strike? The two of you could probably slip right past the dark elf guards like wraiths.”
Welby yawned and rubbed his chin, “Sure, Arty. Eat first?”
The necromancer laughed, “Of course! I wouldn’t dream of sending you off without a meal. Your belly would rumble and give us away! It’s already cooked – go look by the fire.”
A half-hour later the stealthy warrior was padding softly through the Dorien Crypts toward the dark elf settlement. He was more silent than a falling leaf on a still day and no dweller of the underdark could see him without magical aid, so he was a bit startled when the attack came. As he approached the room containing the first downward chute a pair of black spiders the size of ponies leaped out of the darkness and landed in front of him, flailing at the air with their foremost legs and trying to bite with their powerful mandibles.
Welby drew his sword and hacked into the first spider, cleaving off several of its legs and nearly immobilizing it. He finished it with a stab and turned to face the other when the situation took a turn for the worse. Suddenly three torch-like flames appeared above his head, illuminating the fight. A second later the halfling found himself wreathed in glowing purple flames.
*****
Something other than drow watched the combat unfold. In the tunnel behind Welby stood a small clump of three-foot tall mushrooms, a common sight in subterranean areas. Both the halfling and the dark elves would have been very interested to know that one of the puffballs was much more than it seemed and watched the unfolding drama intently. The oddly shaped fungus was in reality a cleverly disguised svirfneblin named Gnish who had been waiting for something like this to happen.
Gnish was growing more frustrated by the day. About a week ago he’d returned from a prospecting trip to find his village destroyed and the occupants slaughtered. Just like that all of his friends and relatives were gone and he was left alone. It was not too difficult to figure out who was responsible – the dark elves had not even bothered to remove their own dead from the wreckage. Gripped by murderous rage and a burning desire for vengeance, the deep gnome followed the trail of the killers back to Szith Morcane. Unfortunately, he found the dark elves on edge and in a state of heightened readiness, and he’d had very little opportunity to slake his blood thirst.
Now this strange halfling had stumbled upon the guard post and a battle raged. The deep gnome wondered momentarily where the small warrior came from – he’d heard or seen nothing pass him, but he did not wonder long. The enemy of my enemy of my friend, Gnish thought and went into action. With a thought his disguise dropped and instead of a tall, oddly shaped puffball a sturdy mithral clad warrior stood in the hallway, a finely crafted hand crossbow in each hand. The gnome reloaded and fired faster than the eye could follow and soon a small hail of lethal barbs filled the tunnel.
*****
Welby dodged a sweeping, hairy leg and cut at his opponent again. The spider showed no signs of slowing from its wounds and pressed forward, attempting to seize the annoying pest it faced in its powerful jaws. Suddenly a series of clicks sounded from behind the halfling and several small black bolts flew over his head and struck the beast in the abdomen. Welby risked a glance over his shoulder and saw a short mithral clad man wearing a curious bulbous hat had appeared from somewhere and now fired a crossbow into the melee with each hand.
The glowing barbarian understood that he needed to escape this situation before drow reinforcements arrived and cartwheeled backwards away from the spider. As he did so a hail of drow arrows arced out of the gloom and clattered on the stones where he’d just been standing. Several of the arrows fell short and impaled the spider, which collapsed to the floor twitching. Welby saw his chance and ran, gasping, “Follow me!” to his unexpected ally. The gnome considered for a moment until an arrow flew past his head, then he shrugged and raced after the halfling.
Welby did not slow until he reached the entrance to the crypts and rushed out into the sunlight, yelling, “They know! They wait and see Welby, now Welby glowing!”
Gnish had quite a different reaction. He followed the halfling to the surface and entered directly into a nightmare. Arrayed before the door was a host of dead warriors, sixteen or seventeen macabre monsters armored with shiny new breastplates and suits of chainmail and gripping scythes in their rotted fingers. Behind them stood a gray haired, bespectacled gentleman in flowing black robes, a twisted, floating, half-naked goblin with a grossly deformed and abnormally large skull, a strange, dark-haired elf with glowing red eyes and large bat wings extending from his shoulders, and another figure so muffled and cloaked in dark robes that he couldn’t make out exactly what it was.
The gnome let out a muffled squeal of fright and tried to pull himself to a stop, but his legs went out from under him and he slid to a stop in front of a grinning skeleton. He clawed and kicked at the ground and sent rocks and dust flying as he tried to furiously backpedal and make it back to the relative safety of the crypts. He let out another cry as a firm hand fell upon his shoulder and looked up to see the halfling standing over him wearing a concerned expression. “It’s OK, won’t hurt you. They with Arty.”
*****
More soon to follow - I'm cutting this post short so Inez can get some sleep
Broccli_Head
Explorer
Yay! Another post.
I actually got CotSQ--received it as a gift for Christmas, actually--as a result of reading your story. I have also created a campaign that will lead to CotSQ. It should be very fun.
Can't wait to see how Arty's squad of undead fares.
I actually got CotSQ--received it as a gift for Christmas, actually--as a result of reading your story. I have also created a campaign that will lead to CotSQ. It should be very fun.
Can't wait to see how Arty's squad of undead fares.
Sniktch
First Post
The assault on Szith Morcane, pt 2
Gnish stared dubiously at the halfling, examined the collection of freaks again, and went back to looking worriedly at the halfling. The scholarly looking gentleman walked closer and said, “Welby, you’re glowing! How did they see you coming? And who and what is your friend here?” He smiled down at Gnish as he finished speaking and despite himself, the gnome relaxed. It didn’t appear he was going to be eaten or torn apart right away; he might as well stay and find out what was going on here.
“Stupid spiders, Arty. He help me,” the halfling pointed at Gnish, “so I tell him follow.”
“A deep gnome, if I’m not mistaken. Natural enemies of the drow,” spoke the winged elf as he hovered near.
“Another of the wretched slave races,” came a muffled feminine voice from the cloaked figure.
“Well, if he is an enemy of the drow we have much in common already,” Artimas replied, then spoke directly to the svirfneblin. “We may seem strange, but we mean you no harm. We have come to level this foul city of dark elves and slay the foul followers of Kiaransalee. Would you care to join us? An extra warrior would help our cause greatly.
“I am Artimas Sendant, a humble scholar and priest, and my companions are Bruskin, Welby, Higreld Pel, and Tierak. What do you say, friend, will you join us?”
The gnome hesitated then extended a hand gingerly, “Gnish. The dark elves killed my people – I am here for revenge. I will come if many dark elves’ blood will be spilled.”
“How deep is your hatred of the drow?” the cloaked figure asked again.
Something in her voice troubled Gnish. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, because she is drow,” replied Artimas dismissively. “Do not worry, her people were also slain by the drow currently living in Szith Morcane – she seeks their blood just as much as you, good Gnish.”
Gnish thought about it. He really didn’t like the thought of working along side a dark elf, but he wasn’t sure he had much of a choice. He couldn’t possibly defeat the powerful force deployed here, and he doubted they would let him leave now that he’d stumbled upon them. He answered with a curt nod, “Strange times make for stranger bedfellows. I will join you.”
The drow answered haughtily, “Oh, good. Just remember to pay proper respect to your betters and I’m sure we’ll get along fine.”
The gnome stared venomously at the priestess and for a moment Artimas thought he might launch himself forward to attack. Then the gnome’s eyes dropped and he retreated to the entrance of the crypts, taking up a silent guard and occasionally glancing over his shoulder at the rest of the party, his expression unreadable.
Higreld floated over as the conversation ended. “Been scried we have. Know our numbers and presence they do.”
The necromancer uttered a foul oath. “Why do I bother to make plans. Let’s get on with it – the sooner we get down there the sooner I can crush my enemies.”
Tierak gasped, “Surely you do not mean to walk into the teeth of their defenses?” She waved a hand at the sky, “We have a little time – I assure you my people are not coming after us in this?”
“Bah, I weary of this game. As soon as Welby stops glowing we head underground, and we’ll see how ready for us they really are.”
Bruskin nodded, “I have to agree with Artimas – they have no reason to come after us when they can stay safely nestled in their own den. And I don’t see that we really have a way past the guards without alerting them. I say we wait an hour or two to increase their tension and then attack.”
Higreld cocked his head as if listening and loosed a wheezing laugh. “A good enough plan I say. Favor us do the Old Ones; triumph we will.”
Not long after, Artimas and Tierak uttered commands and the column of undead warriors marched into the caves. Welby sent his shadowy companion in the lead, staying mostly in the wall but keeping an eye out for any ambushes. Next came the train of skeletons and zombies, followed by the halfling and the deep gnome, with the spellcasters bringing up the rear. They advanced to the point where Welby had been attacked earlier before the first arrows whistled out of the darkness, striking the lead skeletons with little effect.
Welby listened to a silent voice in his head and yelled, “They flee! They fire and run!”
“Charge, my soldiers. Slay anything you meet!” At Artimas’ command the skeletons broke into a run and clanked down the tunnel in pursuit of the fleeing drow sentries. Another pair of arrows struck the leading undead and one of them collapsed, but the column ignored the falling skeleton and trampled it into the stony floor.
Tierak informed the party, “I see them – a pair of archers, retreating and firing.” She followed with a wave of her hand and a trio of glowing orbs appeared in the tunnel and zoomed down its length, illuminating the enemy. The dark elves responded with another volley and continued their retreat, reaching the shaft that lead to the entrance of Szith Morcane.
“Get away you will not!” cried Higreld and he began to chant a bizarre string of arcane syllables. As he finished the spell the two drow heard a tearing sound and an ogre stepped into view and bludgeoned one in the shoulder with its club. Tierak added her own magical might to the attack and launched a glowing beam of dark energy that tore into one of the archers and left it stunned.
The other archer grasped its wounded shoulder and jumped down the chute to the city proper, but the other was unable to move and was swarmed by the undead minions of Tierak and Artimas and quickly hacked to pieces. The ogre bellowed in rage as its prey escaped and followed the dark elf into the hole. The sounds of furious combat soon issued from the aperture.
“Follow and slay all who oppose you!” commanded Artimas and the undead horde quickly poured down the hole after the ogre. The sounds of combat intensified as the group gathered around the opening and prepared for combat. Artimas examined the drow his undead had cut down and discovered it still breathed, although barely. A maniacal grin stretched his pasty white cheeks as he grasped the dying elf and absorbed its soul, strengthening his power for the fight to come.
At this point there was nothing left but for them to follow. One by one the companions dropped through the hole and the battle for Szith Morcane was joined.
Next: Chaos ensues...
Gnish stared dubiously at the halfling, examined the collection of freaks again, and went back to looking worriedly at the halfling. The scholarly looking gentleman walked closer and said, “Welby, you’re glowing! How did they see you coming? And who and what is your friend here?” He smiled down at Gnish as he finished speaking and despite himself, the gnome relaxed. It didn’t appear he was going to be eaten or torn apart right away; he might as well stay and find out what was going on here.
“Stupid spiders, Arty. He help me,” the halfling pointed at Gnish, “so I tell him follow.”
“A deep gnome, if I’m not mistaken. Natural enemies of the drow,” spoke the winged elf as he hovered near.
“Another of the wretched slave races,” came a muffled feminine voice from the cloaked figure.
“Well, if he is an enemy of the drow we have much in common already,” Artimas replied, then spoke directly to the svirfneblin. “We may seem strange, but we mean you no harm. We have come to level this foul city of dark elves and slay the foul followers of Kiaransalee. Would you care to join us? An extra warrior would help our cause greatly.
“I am Artimas Sendant, a humble scholar and priest, and my companions are Bruskin, Welby, Higreld Pel, and Tierak. What do you say, friend, will you join us?”
The gnome hesitated then extended a hand gingerly, “Gnish. The dark elves killed my people – I am here for revenge. I will come if many dark elves’ blood will be spilled.”
“How deep is your hatred of the drow?” the cloaked figure asked again.
Something in her voice troubled Gnish. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, because she is drow,” replied Artimas dismissively. “Do not worry, her people were also slain by the drow currently living in Szith Morcane – she seeks their blood just as much as you, good Gnish.”
Gnish thought about it. He really didn’t like the thought of working along side a dark elf, but he wasn’t sure he had much of a choice. He couldn’t possibly defeat the powerful force deployed here, and he doubted they would let him leave now that he’d stumbled upon them. He answered with a curt nod, “Strange times make for stranger bedfellows. I will join you.”
The drow answered haughtily, “Oh, good. Just remember to pay proper respect to your betters and I’m sure we’ll get along fine.”
The gnome stared venomously at the priestess and for a moment Artimas thought he might launch himself forward to attack. Then the gnome’s eyes dropped and he retreated to the entrance of the crypts, taking up a silent guard and occasionally glancing over his shoulder at the rest of the party, his expression unreadable.
Higreld floated over as the conversation ended. “Been scried we have. Know our numbers and presence they do.”
The necromancer uttered a foul oath. “Why do I bother to make plans. Let’s get on with it – the sooner we get down there the sooner I can crush my enemies.”
Tierak gasped, “Surely you do not mean to walk into the teeth of their defenses?” She waved a hand at the sky, “We have a little time – I assure you my people are not coming after us in this?”
“Bah, I weary of this game. As soon as Welby stops glowing we head underground, and we’ll see how ready for us they really are.”
Bruskin nodded, “I have to agree with Artimas – they have no reason to come after us when they can stay safely nestled in their own den. And I don’t see that we really have a way past the guards without alerting them. I say we wait an hour or two to increase their tension and then attack.”
Higreld cocked his head as if listening and loosed a wheezing laugh. “A good enough plan I say. Favor us do the Old Ones; triumph we will.”
Not long after, Artimas and Tierak uttered commands and the column of undead warriors marched into the caves. Welby sent his shadowy companion in the lead, staying mostly in the wall but keeping an eye out for any ambushes. Next came the train of skeletons and zombies, followed by the halfling and the deep gnome, with the spellcasters bringing up the rear. They advanced to the point where Welby had been attacked earlier before the first arrows whistled out of the darkness, striking the lead skeletons with little effect.
Welby listened to a silent voice in his head and yelled, “They flee! They fire and run!”
“Charge, my soldiers. Slay anything you meet!” At Artimas’ command the skeletons broke into a run and clanked down the tunnel in pursuit of the fleeing drow sentries. Another pair of arrows struck the leading undead and one of them collapsed, but the column ignored the falling skeleton and trampled it into the stony floor.
Tierak informed the party, “I see them – a pair of archers, retreating and firing.” She followed with a wave of her hand and a trio of glowing orbs appeared in the tunnel and zoomed down its length, illuminating the enemy. The dark elves responded with another volley and continued their retreat, reaching the shaft that lead to the entrance of Szith Morcane.
“Get away you will not!” cried Higreld and he began to chant a bizarre string of arcane syllables. As he finished the spell the two drow heard a tearing sound and an ogre stepped into view and bludgeoned one in the shoulder with its club. Tierak added her own magical might to the attack and launched a glowing beam of dark energy that tore into one of the archers and left it stunned.
The other archer grasped its wounded shoulder and jumped down the chute to the city proper, but the other was unable to move and was swarmed by the undead minions of Tierak and Artimas and quickly hacked to pieces. The ogre bellowed in rage as its prey escaped and followed the dark elf into the hole. The sounds of furious combat soon issued from the aperture.
“Follow and slay all who oppose you!” commanded Artimas and the undead horde quickly poured down the hole after the ogre. The sounds of combat intensified as the group gathered around the opening and prepared for combat. Artimas examined the drow his undead had cut down and discovered it still breathed, although barely. A maniacal grin stretched his pasty white cheeks as he grasped the dying elf and absorbed its soul, strengthening his power for the fight to come.
At this point there was nothing left but for them to follow. One by one the companions dropped through the hole and the battle for Szith Morcane was joined.
Next: Chaos ensues...
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