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Story Hour
The Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh #135 Sorry For The (Attempted) Genocide.
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 8100349" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Dark Squad in the Forge of Fury</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #017 The thing about genocide is… chatting with Buggles.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Dark Squad (in alphabetical order, no egos here).</strong></p><p><strong>Buggles (played by Stu) Male Wood Elf Fighter Lvl 1/Rogue Lvl 3</strong></p><p><strong>New Tricks (played by Bear) Male Tabaxi Warlock Lvl 4</strong></p><p><strong>Ramshambo (played by Kev) Male Half-Elf Rogue Lvl 4</strong></p><p><strong>Vincenzo (played by Haggis) Male Shifter (Wildhunt) Druid Lvl 4</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>NPCs</strong></p><p><strong>Garumn Male Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Moradin Lvl 4</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>NPC hangers-on, rescued prisoners of the Orcs</strong></p><p><strong>Geradil the 'Inconceivable', aging trapper (Male Human)</strong></p><p><strong>'Screaming' Courana, lady’s maid (Female Human)</strong></p><p><strong>Spandwick the Magic Gnome, ex-stage mesmerist (Male Gnome)</strong></p><p></p><p>This is session 17, and another bloody cracker, although only a short session because the heroic DM had a bit of leg surgery the other week and is struggling. But y’know, bravely battling on, against the odds etc.</p><p></p><p>Last we left the Dark Squad they were back on the grand stair, resting up after a titanic battle against assorted troglodytes, followed by a Harryhausen-esque monster mash between Vincen G. Octopod (and the rest of the gang) and a (huge) giant subterranean lizard.</p><p></p><p>Victory for the Dark Squad but at a price, hence the time out being taken.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and there’s a lot of Buggles in this session, not because he’s MVP (he always is, right Stu?) but just because his habit of saying the wrong thing at the right time (that’s a compliment) just hit the spot most all the time. At least, that’s how it appeared to me.</p><p></p><p>So, back to it, and after a brief chat the adventurers (and their followers- the ex-orc prisoners) head back to the scene of the fight- into the troglodyte caverns, and after the rogues declare the way clear- into the lair of the troglodytes, which it quickly becomes apparent has been abandoned.</p><p></p><p>[Back to the scene of the fight 100 XP]</p><p></p><p>The trog lair is very cautiously investigated and given a thorough going over, the following discoveries are made-</p><p></p><p>a) Various sleeping/eating/childcare quarters.</p><p></p><p>b) The spellcaster-leader’s chamber is a mess but a chest full of silver coins is eventually located- nice.</p><p></p><p>c) Someone- a trog, has been back here, possibly while the guys were resting up on the grand stair.</p><p></p><p>[Search the trogs lair 150 XP]</p><p></p><p>During the search of the trogs lair Buggles, this after rolling a ‘4’ on his nature check, declares that trogs make nests from twigs et al, actually he states- “nests dude, classic trogs”, his comrades in arms laugh heartily, as does the DM. Although this in part is because the wood elf then goes on to declare that trogs later in life, “grow wings and just fly awaaaay!”</p><p></p><p>He may have been thinking of troglodytes troglodytes.</p><p></p><p>He’s not great with his nature checks is Buggles, I honestly don’t remember him rolling anything above a ‘5’ in seventeen sessions.</p><p></p><p>After the laughter the next chamber in the trog lair is investigated and… there are nests shown on the map. Buggles has the last laugh.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]126847[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"Classic trogs, dude. Classic.”</strong></p><p></p><p>[Classic trogs dude 50 XP]</p><p></p><p>After exiting the lair the collective Dark Squad’s decision is to head on- across the cavern pool and into the chambers from which the giant subterranean lizard emerged, and through which the trog caster/leader fled.</p><p></p><p>Note while the following is going on an extended debate is also taking place, the subject of the debate- genocide, natch.</p><p></p><p>The thing is the Dark Squad are not that fond of the trogs, and vice-versa one would imagine, and they have a collective hankering to see the lot of them slaughtered- the debate actually starts up after the Squad discover signs that there were young/juvenile trogs in the lair. So, the question is- do we slaughter the lot, including the kids?</p><p></p><p>Vincenzo is, naturally, agin it- as is Garumn but the dwarf mainly keeps his peace (because the DM is otherwise busy) however Buggles, Ram and Newt are much less black and white in their approach to the trogs (and to genocide).</p><p></p><p>They all have their say on the matter, however Buggles’ reply serves as the benchmark, in summary it’s this- “if the trogs are not looking to get killed then I’ll not kill them, if they’re uppity and violent- well, count me in”. In conclusion the wood elf adds (or at least a version of following) “the elves do not have a word for genocide, however let’s not rule out killing every single one of ‘em.”</p><p></p><p>He’s an enigma is our Buggles.</p><p></p><p>[The genocide debate 100 XP]</p><p></p><p>Back to the action…</p><p></p><p>The watery way ahead however involves getting around the deep cavern pool traversing a narrow ledge (if you don’t want to get your feet wet) which mostly goes well, except of course for Newt. The tabaxi hates water, and so it’s no surprise that he (very briefly) belly-flops into the pool.</p><p></p><p>Newt hated the trog lair- “it smells like Garumn’s boots in here”, and he dislikes water intensely, Bear is really having fun with the roleplay in session. They all are this evening.</p><p></p><p>[The tabaxi blues 50 XP]</p><p></p><p>Eventually the group make their way around the pool but not before Buggles makes a discovery, there’s been a rockfall or collapse on the northern side of the cavern here, the wood elf clambers about a bit and finally finds a location he can spy through and into the chamber beyond the obstruction. He can see a sarcophagi, and there’s enough light- just, to make out the hefty stone construction, which in itself is odd. The area is tagged for future investigations, but not yet…</p><p></p><p>[Buggles spots a sarcophagi 50 XP]</p><p></p><p>Buggles (mostly) and Ram are sent ahead to investigate the watery passage further- which necessitates a bunch more athletics and acrobatics checks, the way is dangerous as the river is running much faster (and much deeper)- and the passage descends steeply for a while. The tunnel, Buggles discovers, leads on and into another large cavern, and there’s the roar of the water somewhere ahead.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]126849[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Don't draw monsters on the map whoever you are Mr Cartographer sir, pretty please.</strong></p><p></p><p>However there’s also a spur off the main passage- into another cavern, which turns out to be the former lair of the giant subterranean lizard. Within- in the creature’s crude nest are a pair of massive sea chests, which are investigated- lots more silver coins, and another pair of potions- one of which is identified by Newt as being water breathing.</p><p></p><p>[Investigate the giant subterranean lizard’s lair, claim its treasure 100 XP]</p><p></p><p>Then forwards again- pressing on, through the difficult to negotiate watery passage, which involves lots of jumping and scrambling. The last section of the river tunnel requires several of the adventurers, and all of ex-orc prisoners, to be tied on- with Buggles holding the rope, just in case things go badly during the leaping and scrambling.</p><p></p><p>[Buggles forges the way through the river passage 100 XP]</p><p></p><p>Things go badly, and in particular for the “Inconceivable” Geradil, the ex-trapper fails a jump and falls into the fast flowing river, and is duly swept away- except of course that Buggles takes the strain and prevents that from happening. The Dark Squad scramble into action- although all the while the PCs (or rather the Players) are questioning the wisdom of saving Geradil.</p><p></p><p>Just to remind you about the three NPC hangers-on, every round (when we are in initiative) and also at other times-</p><p></p><p>Geradil remarks that something or other is “inconceivable”.</p><p></p><p>Courana screams, or else compliments Vincenzo- she has a crush on the druid.</p><p></p><p>Spandwick asks “have you found Bel, yet?”</p><p></p><p>Apparently after three or four sessions of this it can get a little wearing, to be honest I’d not noticed, I was having great fun with it.</p><p></p><p>Eventually Garumn grabs hold of the rope and hauls Geradil out of the fast flowing river, the ex-prisoner has taken a few bangs and bruises but is mostly okay, “that was…” he remarks with a grin- between puffing and panting, “in-huh-huh-con-huuuuh-huh-ceivable!”</p><p></p><p>There, normal service is resumed, to groans.</p><p></p><p>[Rescue Geradil 150 XP]</p><p></p><p>The large river cavern is investigated by the rogues- it’s mostly empty, but dangerous looking- the pair discern that the fast flowing river rushes on and into the abyss- down a sinkhole. Hang on says Ram, haven’t we been warned about this place, here’s part of that ancient dwarven ditty again-</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Seek the stone tooth</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>Climb to the mountain door</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>Descend the grand stair</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>Pass the tombs of the ancients</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>To the glory of the glitterhame</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>Wary of the sinkhole</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>There you find the door</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>Within… the foundry of Durgeddin the Black</strong></p><p></p><p>So, this is the sinkhole- and there are steps leading down alongside the plunge, although the way is made dangerous because the area around the river is very slippery- as discerned by the still frightened Newt.</p><p></p><p>[Find the sinkhole 200 XP]</p><p></p><p>However the tabaxi, while the rogues et al continue their checks, spots another set of stairs heading down, and there’s a light below. The curious cat creature descends into a massive cavern, with a high ceiling dotted here and there with shimmering flowstone, and eerily illuminated from below by a myriad varieties of phosphorescent fungi- the place is a natural/nature wonder.</p><p></p><p>Then the tabaxi plunges on, there are carved steps nearby that lead up onto a raised area- and sarcophagi, dozens of them up here. Newt shouts for Garumn, he’s found the ‘tombs of the ancients’, see the rhyme above.</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad are excited, they descend en masse to take in the new vista- the massive glittering (ahem) fungi cavern, and then soon after filter up the steps to the sarcophagi. Although Vincenzo is actually more concerned with the fungi- apparently he likes to eat the stuff.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]126850[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The glory of the underdark, a massive sepulchral cavern abuzz with the waft and fragrance of fungus spores, illuminated like some great cathedral to... Oh. Oh, hang on- the PCs just ignore the glories of under-nature and sprint off to see if they can lever any of the sarcophagi open... I don't know why I bloody bother...</strong></p><p></p><p>Alas the druid’s investigations are not all plain sailing, he spots a violet fungi inching towards him through the great swathe of tuberous vegetation, and so begins shouting for his comrades in arms- just prior, of course, to bravely fleeing the scene.</p><p></p><p>Newt eldritch blasts the enemy fungus, Garumn rushes in and chops at it with Shatterspike his magical longsword, and then Ram dashes to the dwarf paladin’s side and finishes the plant creature off with Deadend, his equally magical rapier.</p><p></p><p>Victory!</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]126851[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"Fungus Bastard!" Vinnie yells before soiling his pants and scarpering- oh so very brave Mr Druid.</strong></p><p></p><p>At which point however Buggles spots that there are two more of the (potentially) violent violet fungi making their way towards our heroes, he moves to intercept and with his scimitars leaves the nearest fungus fiend critically wounded.</p><p></p><p>Not enough, the violet fungi lashes out with its extending (ten foot long) tendrils and scourges the wood elf and Ramshambow, with its rotting necrotic whip-like appendages, not pleasant.</p><p></p><p>Then the third violet fungi gets into action and lashes Garumn- with a crit, and the paladin is bloodied in an instant.</p><p></p><p>The fight goes up a gear.</p><p></p><p>Newt eldritch blasts another of the fungi-bastards to pieces, while Vincenzo wields his shillelagh and wades in clubbing at the last fungi-brute.</p><p></p><p>“He’s so brave…” Courana says to no-one in particular, but for everyone to hear.</p><p></p><p>Garumn makes a grand speech about finishing the last enemy off, and then rolls a ‘1’, “guys… a little help here, guys?”</p><p></p><p>Ram duly obliges and dashes to skewer the last violet fungi dead.</p><p></p><p>[Violet fungi go dead now 150 XP]</p><p></p><p>Alas the rogue needs a little healing after the fight, ain’t it always the way Ram?</p><p></p><p>After a brief scout around- no more enemies seem to be approaching, the Dark Squad hustle up the stairs and onto an elevated space containing twenty-three sarcophagi, the area is thoroughly investigated. The results are as follows-</p><p></p><p>a) Of the twenty three sarcophagi twenty of them are open, i.e. not sealed- which Garumn states means thta they are uninhabited- empty.</p><p></p><p>b) The rogues check them out anyway- they’re empty, told you.</p><p></p><p>c) There are therefore three sarcophagi that are inhabited, Garum explains that this can discerned because in death the name of the incumbent is engraved on the exterior. The three dead and interred dwarves are- Borgol the Old, Gharin Orc-Doom and Numik the Unlucky.</p><p></p><p>d) Garumn however insists that the occupied tombs should not be opened, unless the Dark Squad are really desperate, or else it becomes apparent that something important to their quest may be hidden within one of them. Note Buggles attempts to find a way around Garumn’s pronouncement… by telling the dwarf that Newt has discovered the possible presence of a magical key (or some such) hidden in one of the sealed tombs… but that doesn’t work. The tabaxi is unwilling to further Buggles’ lie, and none of the other members of the Squad take up the baton.</p><p></p><p>e) There’s nothing magical hidden in the sealed tombs, Vincenzo is certain- he’s checked.</p><p></p><p>f) There’s an exit from this chamber that heads directly back into the grand stair cavern- the way back up to the Mountain Door, the Dark Squad have gone the long way around.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]126853[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"What do you mean they're empty? That can't be right- check again."</strong></p><p></p><p>Last bit, and here’s the oddity- engraved on twenty one of the sarcophagi are the various images of your typical dwarven smith, all ages, both sexes… but all very similar- all with forge tools at their belt, some wielding weapons, but all of them… well, your typical dwarf. Which just leaves two exceptions-</p><p></p><p>a) A hefty looking dwarf wizard, robed and complete with staff in hand, and</p><p></p><p>b) A very small dwarf, half the size of the other carvings- this individual is clearly not a juvenile, just a… well, a very (very) short dwarf, or else… well, who knows?</p><p></p><p>Most odd.</p><p></p><p>Garumn further explains that dwarves, when they think they are going to die in a place- maybe because they think they are never going to want to leave that place, or else when the place is full of danger; then they build their tombs- ready to be interred should their end come.</p><p></p><p>These twenty three individuals were/are the dwarves that followed Durgeddin, Garumn concludes.</p><p></p><p>[Investigate the tombs of the ancients 400 XP]</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad ponder this for a good while, and then while looking from their high perch over the massive glittering fungi cavern they make yet another discover. Perhaps ‘discovery’ isn’t the right word- maybe it would be better to say that they just figure it out.</p><p></p><p>The glitterhame referred to in the ancient dwarven rhyme IS the glittering massive fungi-filled cavern.</p><p></p><p>They’re definitely on the right track.</p><p></p><p>[Find the Glitterhame 200 XP]</p><p></p><p>Soon after Buggles however chivvies the adventurer’s back into action. There was a third cavern passage from the massive chamber in which the grand stair exited- let’s take a look in that direction before venturing further into the glitterhame.</p><p></p><p>Once again the rogues sneak a little way ahead of the group, edging along a rocky passage which leads into yet another large cavern- at which point they spot a pair of troglodytes spying in their direction, the creatures do not seem to have seen the sneaky duo.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]126854[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"What's the plan?" Ram signals in thieves' cant, as Buggles puts an arrow through the throat of the closest trog- "Plan?" Buggles swiftly signals back.</strong></p><p></p><p>Therefore the rogues, instigated by Buggles, open fire on the would-be trog watchers, one of the trogs is dead in an instant while the other is left critically wounded and making panicked whirrs and clicks in its strange language. There’s plenty of movement in the chamber ahead, although Buggles is swiftly in retreat, and so it’s only Ram that hangs around to see the action.</p><p></p><p>Seconds later, after a great echoing roar, a twelve foot tall cave bear comes staggering out of the darkness ahead- Ram starts shouting for his friends and retreats a bit- then more trogs rush in and it gets to fighting proper.</p><p></p><p>Note there are over a dozen trogs in and or about this chamber, all of them hidden (mostly) from sight, including a still badly wounded Kaarghaz, the trog leader/caster. That said I had some really low stealth checks here for the trogs (and all rolled with advantage).</p><p></p><p>So, here we go again- trog fight part two.</p><p></p><p>Genocide? Or just a good ol’ massacre?</p><p></p><p>Garumn rolls his usual ‘19’ on initiative and rumbles to the front of the queue and straight into action, flinging a hand axe into the already wounded chirruping trog- it dies.</p><p></p><p>Two down.</p><p></p><p>A trog rushes around the corner and attempts to bite and claw at the sturdy dwarf, not likely- Ram kills it quickly, while Buggles ends another trog rushing forward with a shot from his longbow.</p><p></p><p>Four down.</p><p></p><p>Vinnie hits another trog with his produce flame, at which point the cave bear finally lurches into action, and is swiftly hexed and eldritch blasted by Newt.</p><p></p><p>The massive roaring ursine swipes at Garumn but the paladin ducks and dodges, and then stabs the beast as close to its heart as he can reach- with Shatterspike, and a hefty helping of divine smite, the cave bear is critically wounded in an instant.</p><p></p><p>Seconds later and Ram is at the bear and… skewers the beast through its brain with Deadend his magical rapier. A trog instantly rushes over the body of the fallen bear to get at the ex-pirate, he stabs it with his off-hand dagger and then ducks as Buggles fires an arrow into the cavern dweller’s face, and that’s another trog dead.</p><p></p><p>Five trogs dead, and my approx.. 40 HP cave bear killed in seconds.</p><p></p><p>But still there are more of the stinky bastards, another half-a-dozen or so trogs rush into the action, Garumn is quickly surrounded, and clawed repeatedly- the paladin is left heavily wounded.</p><p></p><p>A swathe of the trogs are suddenly stopped in their tracks as vines and roots burst from the cavern floor to entangle a clutch at them- courtesy of Vincenzo’s magical wand of the same name.</p><p></p><p>Newt takes pot shots at the restrained creatures with a trio of scorching rays- all hits, the last a crit, although only one more enemy actually succumbs to the fire.</p><p></p><p>Six dead trogs.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly the Dark Squad spy the trog leader/caster Kaarghaz- their demi-semi-(atm)-nemesis. This after the trog’s fire bolt (even with advantage) slams into the cavern ceiling just above Garumn’s head- “get that bastard”, the surly dwarf declares. However the paladin is then clawed some more by the (mostly restrained) trog throng, he’s now critically wounded (on 6 HP). Ram also gets clawed and bitten.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]126858[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Dark Squad are enraged that Kaarghaz has had the temerity to come back for more... this after they had invaded the trog homelands, slaughtered half the tribe, all of their best lizards, and left the shamed leader mortally wounded and fleeing for his life in the last session. The cheek of some of these creatures, they're... monsters!</strong></p><p></p><p>Note three of the PCs have had to make saving throws against the trog’s foul stench- all successes so far.</p><p></p><p>Back to it- Ram slaughters another restrained trog (the seventh), Buggles flails wildly with his scimitars, and Vincenzo screams for Garumn to retreat- the dwarf paladin is happy to disengage and get back to the home team.</p><p></p><p>At which point the druid of the moon, still on his special day- the Feast of the Moon, remember; unleashes his moonbeam- and there is screaming, several trogs (most of ‘em already badly wounded) are incinerated in the radiant glare.</p><p></p><p>Nine trogs dead.</p><p></p><p>With the trog front line cleared out Newt now has a bead on Kaarghaz, the trog leader/caster- he shifts his hex over and then eldritch blasts the bastard- with a crit.</p><p></p><p>The badly wounded Kaarghaz flees to the north gibbering in his strange tongue as he goes, several more trogs attempt to follow suit- there are only four of the trog foot soldiers left standing, only one gets away- this after Vincenzo continues to concentrate on the moonbeam’s radiant burn.</p><p></p><p>Twelve trogs dead- that got nasty very quickly, or else was just remorselessly nasty throughout, you decide.</p><p></p><p>The track stars of the Dark Squad give chase- Ram spots a cavern passage heading north and races down it, quickly catching up with the last to flee badly wounded trog. A second later and the creature’s escape attempt comes to a bloody end, courtesy of Deadend.</p><p></p><p>Buggles chases harder and faster, follows and then overtakes Ram- then lashes his scimitar into the back of the fleeing trog chief, but it’s not enough to stop the gibbering beast’s exodus.</p><p></p><p>“Meow! Make a hole!” Newt screeches, the two racing rogues instinctively crouch as an eldritch blast skims just above their heads and smashes into the back of Kaarghaz’s skull, shattering the offending article in its wake. The headless trog leader falls, as Newt grins and yowls his pleasure.</p><p></p><p>That however was the last action of the session.</p><p></p><p>[Death to Kaarghaz trog leader/sorcerer, over a dozen trogs and a cave bear 1300 XP]</p><p></p><p>Stay safe and well.</p><p></p><p>Cheers the Dark Squad and goonalan.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 8100349, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]Dark Squad in the Forge of Fury[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #017 The thing about genocide is… chatting with Buggles. Dark Squad (in alphabetical order, no egos here). Buggles (played by Stu) Male Wood Elf Fighter Lvl 1/Rogue Lvl 3 New Tricks (played by Bear) Male Tabaxi Warlock Lvl 4 Ramshambo (played by Kev) Male Half-Elf Rogue Lvl 4 Vincenzo (played by Haggis) Male Shifter (Wildhunt) Druid Lvl 4 NPCs Garumn Male Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Moradin Lvl 4 NPC hangers-on, rescued prisoners of the Orcs Geradil the 'Inconceivable', aging trapper (Male Human) 'Screaming' Courana, lady’s maid (Female Human) Spandwick the Magic Gnome, ex-stage mesmerist (Male Gnome)[/B] This is session 17, and another bloody cracker, although only a short session because the heroic DM had a bit of leg surgery the other week and is struggling. But y’know, bravely battling on, against the odds etc. Last we left the Dark Squad they were back on the grand stair, resting up after a titanic battle against assorted troglodytes, followed by a Harryhausen-esque monster mash between Vincen G. Octopod (and the rest of the gang) and a (huge) giant subterranean lizard. Victory for the Dark Squad but at a price, hence the time out being taken. Oh, and there’s a lot of Buggles in this session, not because he’s MVP (he always is, right Stu?) but just because his habit of saying the wrong thing at the right time (that’s a compliment) just hit the spot most all the time. At least, that’s how it appeared to me. So, back to it, and after a brief chat the adventurers (and their followers- the ex-orc prisoners) head back to the scene of the fight- into the troglodyte caverns, and after the rogues declare the way clear- into the lair of the troglodytes, which it quickly becomes apparent has been abandoned. [Back to the scene of the fight 100 XP] The trog lair is very cautiously investigated and given a thorough going over, the following discoveries are made- a) Various sleeping/eating/childcare quarters. b) The spellcaster-leader’s chamber is a mess but a chest full of silver coins is eventually located- nice. c) Someone- a trog, has been back here, possibly while the guys were resting up on the grand stair. [Search the trogs lair 150 XP] During the search of the trogs lair Buggles, this after rolling a ‘4’ on his nature check, declares that trogs make nests from twigs et al, actually he states- “nests dude, classic trogs”, his comrades in arms laugh heartily, as does the DM. Although this in part is because the wood elf then goes on to declare that trogs later in life, “grow wings and just fly awaaaay!” He may have been thinking of troglodytes troglodytes. He’s not great with his nature checks is Buggles, I honestly don’t remember him rolling anything above a ‘5’ in seventeen sessions. After the laughter the next chamber in the trog lair is investigated and… there are nests shown on the map. Buggles has the last laugh. [ATTACH type="full" alt="17.1.jpg"]126847[/ATTACH] [B]"Classic trogs, dude. Classic.”[/B] [Classic trogs dude 50 XP] After exiting the lair the collective Dark Squad’s decision is to head on- across the cavern pool and into the chambers from which the giant subterranean lizard emerged, and through which the trog caster/leader fled. Note while the following is going on an extended debate is also taking place, the subject of the debate- genocide, natch. The thing is the Dark Squad are not that fond of the trogs, and vice-versa one would imagine, and they have a collective hankering to see the lot of them slaughtered- the debate actually starts up after the Squad discover signs that there were young/juvenile trogs in the lair. So, the question is- do we slaughter the lot, including the kids? Vincenzo is, naturally, agin it- as is Garumn but the dwarf mainly keeps his peace (because the DM is otherwise busy) however Buggles, Ram and Newt are much less black and white in their approach to the trogs (and to genocide). They all have their say on the matter, however Buggles’ reply serves as the benchmark, in summary it’s this- “if the trogs are not looking to get killed then I’ll not kill them, if they’re uppity and violent- well, count me in”. In conclusion the wood elf adds (or at least a version of following) “the elves do not have a word for genocide, however let’s not rule out killing every single one of ‘em.” He’s an enigma is our Buggles. [The genocide debate 100 XP] Back to the action… The watery way ahead however involves getting around the deep cavern pool traversing a narrow ledge (if you don’t want to get your feet wet) which mostly goes well, except of course for Newt. The tabaxi hates water, and so it’s no surprise that he (very briefly) belly-flops into the pool. Newt hated the trog lair- “it smells like Garumn’s boots in here”, and he dislikes water intensely, Bear is really having fun with the roleplay in session. They all are this evening. [The tabaxi blues 50 XP] Eventually the group make their way around the pool but not before Buggles makes a discovery, there’s been a rockfall or collapse on the northern side of the cavern here, the wood elf clambers about a bit and finally finds a location he can spy through and into the chamber beyond the obstruction. He can see a sarcophagi, and there’s enough light- just, to make out the hefty stone construction, which in itself is odd. The area is tagged for future investigations, but not yet… [Buggles spots a sarcophagi 50 XP] Buggles (mostly) and Ram are sent ahead to investigate the watery passage further- which necessitates a bunch more athletics and acrobatics checks, the way is dangerous as the river is running much faster (and much deeper)- and the passage descends steeply for a while. The tunnel, Buggles discovers, leads on and into another large cavern, and there’s the roar of the water somewhere ahead. [ATTACH type="full" alt="17.2.jpg"]126849[/ATTACH] [B]Don't draw monsters on the map whoever you are Mr Cartographer sir, pretty please.[/B] However there’s also a spur off the main passage- into another cavern, which turns out to be the former lair of the giant subterranean lizard. Within- in the creature’s crude nest are a pair of massive sea chests, which are investigated- lots more silver coins, and another pair of potions- one of which is identified by Newt as being water breathing. [Investigate the giant subterranean lizard’s lair, claim its treasure 100 XP] Then forwards again- pressing on, through the difficult to negotiate watery passage, which involves lots of jumping and scrambling. The last section of the river tunnel requires several of the adventurers, and all of ex-orc prisoners, to be tied on- with Buggles holding the rope, just in case things go badly during the leaping and scrambling. [Buggles forges the way through the river passage 100 XP] Things go badly, and in particular for the “Inconceivable” Geradil, the ex-trapper fails a jump and falls into the fast flowing river, and is duly swept away- except of course that Buggles takes the strain and prevents that from happening. The Dark Squad scramble into action- although all the while the PCs (or rather the Players) are questioning the wisdom of saving Geradil. Just to remind you about the three NPC hangers-on, every round (when we are in initiative) and also at other times- Geradil remarks that something or other is “inconceivable”. Courana screams, or else compliments Vincenzo- she has a crush on the druid. Spandwick asks “have you found Bel, yet?” Apparently after three or four sessions of this it can get a little wearing, to be honest I’d not noticed, I was having great fun with it. Eventually Garumn grabs hold of the rope and hauls Geradil out of the fast flowing river, the ex-prisoner has taken a few bangs and bruises but is mostly okay, “that was…” he remarks with a grin- between puffing and panting, “in-huh-huh-con-huuuuh-huh-ceivable!” There, normal service is resumed, to groans. [Rescue Geradil 150 XP] The large river cavern is investigated by the rogues- it’s mostly empty, but dangerous looking- the pair discern that the fast flowing river rushes on and into the abyss- down a sinkhole. Hang on says Ram, haven’t we been warned about this place, here’s part of that ancient dwarven ditty again- [CENTER][B]Seek the stone tooth Climb to the mountain door Descend the grand stair Pass the tombs of the ancients To the glory of the glitterhame Wary of the sinkhole There you find the door Within… the foundry of Durgeddin the Black[/B][/CENTER] So, this is the sinkhole- and there are steps leading down alongside the plunge, although the way is made dangerous because the area around the river is very slippery- as discerned by the still frightened Newt. [Find the sinkhole 200 XP] However the tabaxi, while the rogues et al continue their checks, spots another set of stairs heading down, and there’s a light below. The curious cat creature descends into a massive cavern, with a high ceiling dotted here and there with shimmering flowstone, and eerily illuminated from below by a myriad varieties of phosphorescent fungi- the place is a natural/nature wonder. Then the tabaxi plunges on, there are carved steps nearby that lead up onto a raised area- and sarcophagi, dozens of them up here. Newt shouts for Garumn, he’s found the ‘tombs of the ancients’, see the rhyme above. The Dark Squad are excited, they descend en masse to take in the new vista- the massive glittering (ahem) fungi cavern, and then soon after filter up the steps to the sarcophagi. Although Vincenzo is actually more concerned with the fungi- apparently he likes to eat the stuff. [ATTACH type="full" alt="17.3.jpg"]126850[/ATTACH] [B]The glory of the underdark, a massive sepulchral cavern abuzz with the waft and fragrance of fungus spores, illuminated like some great cathedral to... Oh. Oh, hang on- the PCs just ignore the glories of under-nature and sprint off to see if they can lever any of the sarcophagi open... I don't know why I bloody bother...[/B] Alas the druid’s investigations are not all plain sailing, he spots a violet fungi inching towards him through the great swathe of tuberous vegetation, and so begins shouting for his comrades in arms- just prior, of course, to bravely fleeing the scene. Newt eldritch blasts the enemy fungus, Garumn rushes in and chops at it with Shatterspike his magical longsword, and then Ram dashes to the dwarf paladin’s side and finishes the plant creature off with Deadend, his equally magical rapier. Victory! [ATTACH type="full" alt="17.4.jpg"]126851[/ATTACH] [B]"Fungus Bastard!" Vinnie yells before soiling his pants and scarpering- oh so very brave Mr Druid.[/B] At which point however Buggles spots that there are two more of the (potentially) violent violet fungi making their way towards our heroes, he moves to intercept and with his scimitars leaves the nearest fungus fiend critically wounded. Not enough, the violet fungi lashes out with its extending (ten foot long) tendrils and scourges the wood elf and Ramshambow, with its rotting necrotic whip-like appendages, not pleasant. Then the third violet fungi gets into action and lashes Garumn- with a crit, and the paladin is bloodied in an instant. The fight goes up a gear. Newt eldritch blasts another of the fungi-bastards to pieces, while Vincenzo wields his shillelagh and wades in clubbing at the last fungi-brute. “He’s so brave…” Courana says to no-one in particular, but for everyone to hear. Garumn makes a grand speech about finishing the last enemy off, and then rolls a ‘1’, “guys… a little help here, guys?” Ram duly obliges and dashes to skewer the last violet fungi dead. [Violet fungi go dead now 150 XP] Alas the rogue needs a little healing after the fight, ain’t it always the way Ram? After a brief scout around- no more enemies seem to be approaching, the Dark Squad hustle up the stairs and onto an elevated space containing twenty-three sarcophagi, the area is thoroughly investigated. The results are as follows- a) Of the twenty three sarcophagi twenty of them are open, i.e. not sealed- which Garumn states means thta they are uninhabited- empty. b) The rogues check them out anyway- they’re empty, told you. c) There are therefore three sarcophagi that are inhabited, Garum explains that this can discerned because in death the name of the incumbent is engraved on the exterior. The three dead and interred dwarves are- Borgol the Old, Gharin Orc-Doom and Numik the Unlucky. d) Garumn however insists that the occupied tombs should not be opened, unless the Dark Squad are really desperate, or else it becomes apparent that something important to their quest may be hidden within one of them. Note Buggles attempts to find a way around Garumn’s pronouncement… by telling the dwarf that Newt has discovered the possible presence of a magical key (or some such) hidden in one of the sealed tombs… but that doesn’t work. The tabaxi is unwilling to further Buggles’ lie, and none of the other members of the Squad take up the baton. e) There’s nothing magical hidden in the sealed tombs, Vincenzo is certain- he’s checked. f) There’s an exit from this chamber that heads directly back into the grand stair cavern- the way back up to the Mountain Door, the Dark Squad have gone the long way around. [ATTACH type="full" alt="17.5.jpg"]126853[/ATTACH] [B]"What do you mean they're empty? That can't be right- check again."[/B] Last bit, and here’s the oddity- engraved on twenty one of the sarcophagi are the various images of your typical dwarven smith, all ages, both sexes… but all very similar- all with forge tools at their belt, some wielding weapons, but all of them… well, your typical dwarf. Which just leaves two exceptions- a) A hefty looking dwarf wizard, robed and complete with staff in hand, and b) A very small dwarf, half the size of the other carvings- this individual is clearly not a juvenile, just a… well, a very (very) short dwarf, or else… well, who knows? Most odd. Garumn further explains that dwarves, when they think they are going to die in a place- maybe because they think they are never going to want to leave that place, or else when the place is full of danger; then they build their tombs- ready to be interred should their end come. These twenty three individuals were/are the dwarves that followed Durgeddin, Garumn concludes. [Investigate the tombs of the ancients 400 XP] The Dark Squad ponder this for a good while, and then while looking from their high perch over the massive glittering fungi cavern they make yet another discover. Perhaps ‘discovery’ isn’t the right word- maybe it would be better to say that they just figure it out. The glitterhame referred to in the ancient dwarven rhyme IS the glittering massive fungi-filled cavern. They’re definitely on the right track. [Find the Glitterhame 200 XP] Soon after Buggles however chivvies the adventurer’s back into action. There was a third cavern passage from the massive chamber in which the grand stair exited- let’s take a look in that direction before venturing further into the glitterhame. Once again the rogues sneak a little way ahead of the group, edging along a rocky passage which leads into yet another large cavern- at which point they spot a pair of troglodytes spying in their direction, the creatures do not seem to have seen the sneaky duo. [ATTACH type="full" alt="17.6.jpg"]126854[/ATTACH] [B]"What's the plan?" Ram signals in thieves' cant, as Buggles puts an arrow through the throat of the closest trog- "Plan?" Buggles swiftly signals back.[/B] Therefore the rogues, instigated by Buggles, open fire on the would-be trog watchers, one of the trogs is dead in an instant while the other is left critically wounded and making panicked whirrs and clicks in its strange language. There’s plenty of movement in the chamber ahead, although Buggles is swiftly in retreat, and so it’s only Ram that hangs around to see the action. Seconds later, after a great echoing roar, a twelve foot tall cave bear comes staggering out of the darkness ahead- Ram starts shouting for his friends and retreats a bit- then more trogs rush in and it gets to fighting proper. Note there are over a dozen trogs in and or about this chamber, all of them hidden (mostly) from sight, including a still badly wounded Kaarghaz, the trog leader/caster. That said I had some really low stealth checks here for the trogs (and all rolled with advantage). So, here we go again- trog fight part two. Genocide? Or just a good ol’ massacre? Garumn rolls his usual ‘19’ on initiative and rumbles to the front of the queue and straight into action, flinging a hand axe into the already wounded chirruping trog- it dies. Two down. A trog rushes around the corner and attempts to bite and claw at the sturdy dwarf, not likely- Ram kills it quickly, while Buggles ends another trog rushing forward with a shot from his longbow. Four down. Vinnie hits another trog with his produce flame, at which point the cave bear finally lurches into action, and is swiftly hexed and eldritch blasted by Newt. The massive roaring ursine swipes at Garumn but the paladin ducks and dodges, and then stabs the beast as close to its heart as he can reach- with Shatterspike, and a hefty helping of divine smite, the cave bear is critically wounded in an instant. Seconds later and Ram is at the bear and… skewers the beast through its brain with Deadend his magical rapier. A trog instantly rushes over the body of the fallen bear to get at the ex-pirate, he stabs it with his off-hand dagger and then ducks as Buggles fires an arrow into the cavern dweller’s face, and that’s another trog dead. Five trogs dead, and my approx.. 40 HP cave bear killed in seconds. But still there are more of the stinky bastards, another half-a-dozen or so trogs rush into the action, Garumn is quickly surrounded, and clawed repeatedly- the paladin is left heavily wounded. A swathe of the trogs are suddenly stopped in their tracks as vines and roots burst from the cavern floor to entangle a clutch at them- courtesy of Vincenzo’s magical wand of the same name. Newt takes pot shots at the restrained creatures with a trio of scorching rays- all hits, the last a crit, although only one more enemy actually succumbs to the fire. Six dead trogs. Suddenly the Dark Squad spy the trog leader/caster Kaarghaz- their demi-semi-(atm)-nemesis. This after the trog’s fire bolt (even with advantage) slams into the cavern ceiling just above Garumn’s head- “get that bastard”, the surly dwarf declares. However the paladin is then clawed some more by the (mostly restrained) trog throng, he’s now critically wounded (on 6 HP). Ram also gets clawed and bitten. [ATTACH type="full" alt="17.7.jpg"]126858[/ATTACH] [B]The Dark Squad are enraged that Kaarghaz has had the temerity to come back for more... this after they had invaded the trog homelands, slaughtered half the tribe, all of their best lizards, and left the shamed leader mortally wounded and fleeing for his life in the last session. The cheek of some of these creatures, they're... monsters![/B] Note three of the PCs have had to make saving throws against the trog’s foul stench- all successes so far. Back to it- Ram slaughters another restrained trog (the seventh), Buggles flails wildly with his scimitars, and Vincenzo screams for Garumn to retreat- the dwarf paladin is happy to disengage and get back to the home team. At which point the druid of the moon, still on his special day- the Feast of the Moon, remember; unleashes his moonbeam- and there is screaming, several trogs (most of ‘em already badly wounded) are incinerated in the radiant glare. Nine trogs dead. With the trog front line cleared out Newt now has a bead on Kaarghaz, the trog leader/caster- he shifts his hex over and then eldritch blasts the bastard- with a crit. The badly wounded Kaarghaz flees to the north gibbering in his strange tongue as he goes, several more trogs attempt to follow suit- there are only four of the trog foot soldiers left standing, only one gets away- this after Vincenzo continues to concentrate on the moonbeam’s radiant burn. Twelve trogs dead- that got nasty very quickly, or else was just remorselessly nasty throughout, you decide. The track stars of the Dark Squad give chase- Ram spots a cavern passage heading north and races down it, quickly catching up with the last to flee badly wounded trog. A second later and the creature’s escape attempt comes to a bloody end, courtesy of Deadend. Buggles chases harder and faster, follows and then overtakes Ram- then lashes his scimitar into the back of the fleeing trog chief, but it’s not enough to stop the gibbering beast’s exodus. “Meow! Make a hole!” Newt screeches, the two racing rogues instinctively crouch as an eldritch blast skims just above their heads and smashes into the back of Kaarghaz’s skull, shattering the offending article in its wake. The headless trog leader falls, as Newt grins and yowls his pleasure. That however was the last action of the session. [Death to Kaarghaz trog leader/sorcerer, over a dozen trogs and a cave bear 1300 XP] Stay safe and well. Cheers the Dark Squad and goonalan. [/QUOTE]
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The Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh #135 Sorry For The (Attempted) Genocide.
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