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The Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh #136 Into the Mere of the Dead Men.
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 8130605" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Dark Squad in Meet the Uthgardt</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #024 The Land of the Bad Dead Ancestors</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 2/Rogue Lvl 3</strong></p><p><strong>New Tricks (played by Bear) Male Tabaxi Warlock Lvl 5</strong></p><p><strong>Ramshambo (played by Kev) Male Half-Elf Rogue Lvl 5</strong></p><p><strong>Vincenzo (played by Haggis) Male Shifter (Wildhunt) Druid Lvl 5</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>NPCs</strong></p><p><strong>Daktari Male Human Uthgardt Sky Pony Barbarian Lvl 5</strong></p><p><strong><s>Garumn Male Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Moradin Lvl 5 </s>RIP</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>NOW STARRING- Buggles’ undead servitor</strong></p><p><strong>Gwen Female Duergar Skeleton, in full-face helm and armour </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><strong>Bel, the beautiful and lovely wife of Spandwick (Female Gnome)</strong></p><p></p><p>This is session 24, and for a short while it could have gone either way, but as it turned out in the end- yet another cracker.</p><p></p><p>So, the Dark Squad (sans Garumn- he’s dead) are at present at home in the camp of a bunch of Sky Pony Uthgardt barbarians, about a dozen miles away from the Stone Tooth mountain- the location of the long lost forges of Durgeddin the Black. The Dark Squad, or rather- ‘the eyes in the night’ are the subject of an ancient Uthgardt prophecy- and so here they all are, and Old Mare- the wise woman of the tribe, wants to send our heroes into the land of the bad dead ancestors.</p><p></p><p>The land of the bad dead ancestors being some shadowy place/plane in which ‘bad = maniacal’ ex-Uthgardt chiefs get parked for their stay in the afterlife. It seems the bad dead ancestors have some things to say to the eyes in the night/Dark Squad about ongoing events vis- the Time of Ash and the fact that Ashardalon has been unleashed.</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad, of course, inadvertently let Ashardalon out.</p><p></p><p>Note the session starts with a bit more chatter- just so that the PCs, and particularly Vinnie (who likes a lot of chatter) can get clear in his head what the score is. Old Mare is on hand to answer all of their questions, so-</p><p></p><p>1) Old Mare is going to send the Dark Squad to the land of the bad dead ancestors.</p><p></p><p>2) The bad dead ancestors live in barrows, they’re ex-tribal chiefs and so command respect.</p><p></p><p>3) There are seven bad dead ancestors = seven barrows.</p><p></p><p>4) The bad dead ancestors will (most likely) try to kill the PCs. It’s why they’re where they are- they’re mostly very bad and violent folk, or else they were in life.</p><p></p><p>5) The bad dead ancestors need to be ‘bested’ in order to give over their piece of the prophecy.</p><p></p><p>6) There are only two ways that the PCs can return from the land of the bad dead ancestors- a) success- they talk to all seven bad dead ancestors and collect the information they need, b) failure- they’re all dead. The problem, of course, with option b) is that, well… when they get back to the land of the living… well, they’ll all be dead.</p><p></p><p>Note, number 5 above, is going to become important a little later on, this piece of information was also stated, again in answer to Vinnie’s questions, back in the last session.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128871[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Q&A with Old Mare, note Daktari is having a laugh riot!</strong></p><p></p><p>The key word is ‘bested’, and I think/know a couple of the PCs figured this out- ‘bested’ doesn’t mean they have to be fought and killed.</p><p></p><p>But let’s get on with events.</p><p></p><p>So, more discussion with Old Mare, and eventually the Dark Squad are getting a little uppity- they want their artefact. If you remember Timor chief of the tribe here was scheduled to hand over an ancient artefact to the eyes in the night/Dark Squad, but then refused to do so (last session) when Newt started using magic in his yurt.</p><p></p><p>The Uthgardt don’t like magic.</p><p></p><p>But Vinnie, and others, have started to worry- what if we need the artefact in the land of the bad dead ancestors- if we’re there, and it’s here- then we are right royally screwed. So, the druid, and then Ram- and even Newt, start getting bolshie- “yeah, where’s our artefact?”</p><p></p><p>Eventually Timor is called for- the Uthgardt chief’s not happy, he never is, but after listening to Vinnie ramble on (and make a few good rolls) he’s had enough- he flips the long kept artefact over to the rambling druid.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128870[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Timor, have a nice day now!</strong></p><p></p><p>It’s a coin.</p><p></p><p>Or at least coin shaped- circular, an inch in diameter, and thin. It has a maze (of sorts) delicately etched on one side. The reverse is blank- it’s made of bone, possibly- perhaps it’s ivory, or else something similar.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128872[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"It's a what now?"</strong></p><p></p><p>Newt settles down with the thing and gets an identify ritual going. The tabaxi learns, and repeats to his friends, the following-</p><p></p><p>a) It is ancient.</p><p></p><p>b) It is magical, possibly very powerful- an artefact, like the Uthgardt said.</p><p></p><p>c) It’s powers are benign.</p><p></p><p>That’s your lot- Newt is very much of the opinion that the item is difficult, perhaps impossible, to identify- at least using the spell of the same name- it’s workings, history and purpose are obscured.</p><p></p><p>So, not much help there…</p><p></p><p>[Get the Uthgardt artefact 250 XP]</p><p></p><p>Then, after an hour or more of standing about while Old Mare dances around the PCs, chanting in her strange sing-song voice… the members of the Dark Squad slowly fade to nothing, only to reappear- after a brief journey through the trammelled dark, in… the land of the bad dead ancestors.</p><p></p><p>The land is small, or rather contained- seven barrows, dark earth and vegetation that is wizened and past its prime. From the ground- every now and then, wisps of smoke swirl and rise- they seem to briefly assume strange almost identifiable shapes, only to quickly curve and fade. Above and around the area, encompassing the space- a dome of dense cloud-like shadow, and above the cloud flashes of light to illuminate briefly, like a storm happening a long way away.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128873[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"Well, this is nice." The Land of the Bad Dead Ancestors- smoking or, well... actually, there's not an option.</strong></p><p></p><p>The place smells of smoke, as if there’s a fire nearby- Buggles feels rain on his face, while Vinnie is convinced that it is ash that’s falling. There is hardly any sound here, and even when the PCs talk their words seem somehow faded and quiet.</p><p></p><p>[The land of the bad dead ancestors 200 XP]</p><p></p><p>Then after a brief chat- the Dark Squad approach and peer into the first barrow, Ram- as usual, is the first into the opening- a five foot wide, eight foot high passage with alcoves, skeletal remains dot the place, and at the far end a stone altar or similar, with a human skull atop. The rogue heads all the way in, while his colleagues huddle and watch from the outside of the barrow.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128874[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Ram sighs- "ME! AGAIN!" But yes, the swashbuckler holds the short straw in his hand, "Huh!" The Rogue heads in...</strong></p><p></p><p>At which point, of course, the skeletal remains come alive- but there are only four of the undead creatures. The PCs take a moment to belittle the DMs (monster) efforts and then get into the paltry bad guys- Ram gets sliced, but Buggles’ scimitars slash and cut and leave one of the skeletons critically wounded.</p><p></p><p>Ram cuts his attacker down with Deadend, his undead bane rapier, Gwen (Buggles’ skeleton friend) stabs another of the skeletons (ironic ain’t it), Daktari finishes it off- and that’s two down.</p><p></p><p>And now the Players (not just the PCs) are mocking me (your beneficent DM) for my feeble enemies.</p><p></p><p>Second to last laugh coming up.</p><p></p><p>Buggles critically wounds another of the undead, jumping on top of the altar at the far end of the barrow, and kicking the skull formerly atop the stone off in the process.</p><p></p><p>At which point the aforementioned skull rises from the dirt and swathes itself in flame- it’s a flameskull, identified by a now screaming Vinnie- “Zut alor! Run!”</p><p></p><p>Then comes the fireball.</p><p></p><p>All of the PCs spend an inspiration point (only Vinnie has more than one of these- so everyone else is out) to get advantage on the following saving throw- the fireball fills the interior of the barrow, destroying the two remaining skeletons and leaving all of the PCs singed and wounded, Vinnie (failed save, even with advantage) critically so (on just 7 HP).</p><p></p><p>Panic sets in.</p><p></p><p>Ram, the least wounded of the Dark Squad (oddly)- thanks to his uncanny dodge, almost bloodies the flameskull with Deadend, Gwen stabs it, Daktari hits it repeatedly with his longsword- but the pair’s weapons are not magical, and so the fiery undead resists much of the hurt.</p><p></p><p>Vinnie stumbles out of the barrow and gets the cure (wounds), meantime Buggles gets into action and with a Crit manages to at last cut the flameskull down- it’s destroyed, and to cheers.</p><p></p><p>[Skeletons and flameskull 1300 XP]</p><p></p><p>Here's the last laugh.</p><p></p><p>Although a second later and an undead hulk bursts from the ground, the bad ancestor it seems was buried in the entrance to the barrow…</p><p></p><p>“I am Kratchik- it is time for you to die…”</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128875[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Kratchik, bad dead ancestor- now do you get it?</strong></p><p></p><p>Note, the bad dead ancestors only speak Uthgardt, and so Daktari translates- although Vinnie has also, over the last few days with the tribe, used his anthropological skills to pick up a little of the language.</p><p></p><p>Ancestor Kratchik stabs its sword through Newt, briefly impaling the tabaxi- and leaving the warlock critically wounded (and on just 4 HP).</p><p></p><p>For an easy fight, this is going very badly.</p><p></p><p>Ram stabs Kratchik in the back, it seems not to care.</p><p></p><p>And so… Vinnie starts talking, actually shouting- explaining to the ancestor that they are the eyes in the night, and here as part of the Uthgardt prophecy, and more remarkably Kratchik stops fighting too, and then reminds the druid that he must be bested in order for him to reveal his part of the story.</p><p></p><p>The druid and the warlock, who is now also in the conversation- after first swigging down an emergency healing potion, are trying to figure out how best to ‘best’ the ancestor when, Buggles shoots Kratchik in the back of the head.</p><p></p><p>Kratchik reacts in fury and skewers Vinnie with his sword, the druid slips to the cold dirt unconscious and dying.</p><p></p><p>And so we’re back to fighting- Ram stabs the terror with Deadend, and then Newt paralyses the ancestor with a hold person spell. The living members of the Dark Squad (and Gwen) give it all they’ve got- attack, attack, attack!</p><p></p><p>While Vinnie makes death saves- note Vinnie is outside of the barrow, the rest of the PCs are within- with Kratchik standing statue in the doorway (although he’s not moving so they could have got past him if they tried).</p><p></p><p>It takes two turns of attacks to cut the paralysed Kratchik down, at which point Newt dashes to Vinnie with a potion of healing.</p><p></p><p>Moments later however Kratchik gets back up again- he’s been bested, and so he has his say-</p><p></p><p>“I am Kratchik, and I am the lore/law.*</p><p>The Time of Ash approaches,</p><p>It begins when the day turns to night.</p><p>When the dead become the dying,</p><p>And souls know no rest.</p><p>Know then that Ashardalon is abroad.</p><p>The abomination- the terror dead dread dragon,</p><p>The Lord of Ash, the Lord of Destruction,</p><p>The Deceiver- the swallower of the Light.”</p><p></p><p>*Note the above is spoken, so some of the words here have to be guessed at; is Kratchik the law, or the lore- who knows.</p><p></p><p>And with that Kratchik fades to nothing, and the fighting really begins.</p><p></p><p>[The first ancestor and the first part of the prophecy 1100 XP]</p><p></p><p>So, now the fall-out chatter- and I’ll not go into too much detail but… Vinnie isn’t happy, and he’s not alone- the upshot is, they were talking to Kratchik- trying to figure a way to best the undead creature that didn’t involve further fighting. Then however, without warning, Buggles shot the ancestor in the head- and while he was thirty feet away and fairly safe from harm, but the ancestor was standing next to two of the wood elf’s still critically wounded colleagues (Vinnie and Newt).</p><p></p><p>Note when the fight was halted for the chatter Vinnie was on perhaps 11 hit points, and Newt was on 10- and with the rest of the Dark Squad also wounded.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and there are six more barrows that need investigating.</p><p></p><p>These are, briefly, the points that get made- sometimes with vehemence.</p><p></p><p>Buggles obviously defends his actions, he shot the ancestor because the conversation was going nowhere. The DM however is also a little peeved, and is at this point happy to let folk know. The point being we didn’t get to find out whether Vinnie and Newt were going to succeed with their endeavour.</p><p></p><p>It’s a game- everyone gets to have their go, if they want to chat then that’s their choice, the polite response would be- to let them try.</p><p></p><p>Or just to say something…</p><p></p><p>And that’s the thing, all of this could perhaps have been solved in an instant, if the PCs just took a moment or two just to have a chat- amongst themselves. I get that we’re on the VTT, and when you talk you are often talking over someone else, or else waiting for your moment to dive in to say whatever it is you need to say.</p><p></p><p>But in this instance, the conversation had already started…</p><p></p><p>Also, we’ve been six months doing this, you could probably talk to each other between sessions- if you have concerns, or else want to figure out how better to play together.</p><p></p><p>Your call.</p><p></p><p>But y’know- just talk a bit more chatter, amongst yourselves- just a thought.</p><p></p><p>I’ll not go on, I’ll just leave by sharing with all of you readers some ancient wisdom-</p><p></p><p>“Last bit, and in conclusion- at the end of the Sunless Citadel retrospective stroll the following idea is mooted (by Buggles) perhaps in future we should talk about what we are going to do before we actually do it. The discussion here, again, is about the opening of Ashardalon’s sarcophagi, at one point in the action Newt was trying to open the thing while Vinnie was the opposite side trying to close it… there may have been another/better way.”</p><p></p><p>Taken from session 11, as I say- ancient wisdom.</p><p></p><p>But don’t worry dear reader, it’s all very friendly and not Player on Player, only Vinnie just doesn’t trust Buggles anymore… the elf is a hot-head, or something similar, according to the shifter druid.</p><p></p><p>[Recriminations 250 XP]</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad thereafter huddle up in the barrow, they need a short rest- and to spend some of the healing HD, obviously Newt and Vinnie the most- the pair were both critically wounded. It’s the end of the first fight and the pair are now both out of healing HD.</p><p></p><p>Then on… and into the next barrow, the Dark Squad are much more cautious this time, and the trick is- if (they think) it’s an ancestor before them, they’re going to try to find some other way to best the fiend rather than attempt to slaughter each and every one of them.</p><p></p><p>This conclusion reached because they still have six more barrows to get through, and if they’re all like the first one… someone is going to get very badly hurt, or else killed here.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128876[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"Easy now... Easy now... HSST! Stay quiet- Buggles, stop fingering your scimitars, put them away!"</strong></p><p></p><p>The second barrow is much smaller, Ram as usual is sent in first, and soon enough the ancestor is on his feet and we’re about to start the action- “I am Larkoz, and I will destroy you…” Vinnie however immediately starts chattering but alas he’s not being very persuasive, and so as the Dark Squad retreat, Larkoz comes on, until… but what’s that heavenly music?</p><p></p><p>It’s Buggles on the flute (and with a Crit check- ‘29’ in total for his performance), and then seconds later the wood elf is being accompanied by Newt on his axe (lute), and the tabaxi even has the tune lined up on his PC. Apologies guys but I didn’t recognise the song- it sounded to me like a cross between Big County and the music from River Dance.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128878[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>"I vill destroy yew all... But vhat iz zat zound- it iz enchanting. I cannot help myzelf. My feet are aflame- I muzt DANCE!" Larkoz succumbs to Buggles' flute solo (Check '29').</strong></p><p></p><p>Whatever it is the bad dead ancestor is entranced- “I cannot help myself, I must DANCE!” Larkoz cries, and is transported.</p><p></p><p>Note Vinnie helps ancestor Larkoz unwind and get loose by convincing the dead Uthgardt maniac chief to chew on the last of his brewbark (a poisonous/hallucinogenic healing fungi). Keep in mind Larkoz is a big feller, and not really built for grooving, but… he’s river-dancing, and bits are falling off of him.</p><p></p><p>Ten to fifteen minutes later and the ancestor is exhausted, but… willing to share-</p><p></p><p>“I am Larkoz, the warden.</p><p>Check the ancient alchemist’s well.”</p><p></p><p>And then he’s gone.</p><p></p><p>[Ancestor and prophecy number two, done 450 XP]</p><p></p><p>There is good cheer to spare, the Dark Squad are back to laughing again.</p><p></p><p>Then on to the third barrow, which proves easier still- the Dark Squad employ the same approach, with Vinnie now calling out to the ancestors even ahead of their appearance.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128879[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Kolven- he's already bested himself.</strong></p><p></p><p>Kolven is the name of the third bad ancestor, and after telling the PCs about his regret- all the bad things that he did in life, he’s happy to regale them with the third part of the prophecy.</p><p></p><p>He’s no threat at all- he’s already bested himself.</p><p></p><p>It goes a little like this-</p><p></p><p>“I am Kolven, and I am forever.</p><p>Seek the witch’s tor,</p><p>In the lair of the drowned ones,</p><p>But beware the demon’s spore.</p><p>Find the time.</p><p>Return again with the star fall,</p><p>To reclaim the power.”</p><p></p><p>It’s easy this, Kolven fades to nothing.</p><p></p><p>[The third ancestor, and the third part of the prophecy, easy- 250 XP]</p><p></p><p>Vinnie takes the time to say a few words over the skeletal remains of the dead ancestor, an attempt to absolve Kolven of his sins.</p><p></p><p>[Vinnie offers absolution 100 XP]</p><p></p><p>The Dark Squad are making great progress, and soon after we’re into the fourth barrow, and within are the remains of two horses and a chariot, which gives Vinnie an idea.</p><p></p><p>A very good idea, he’s full of ‘em.</p><p></p><p>But first up the skeletal equines are soon back on their feet, and (very briefly) into action.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128880[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The Sky Pony barbarian is not keen on his new ride.</strong></p><p></p><p>Daktari hits the first undead beast as it rises and shoves the barbarian out of the way, moments later Newt destroys the foe with a Belphegor’s fiery blast, and then wrecks the second equiceph as it too attempts to stand.</p><p></p><p>Buggles’ flash of scimitars finishes it off.</p><p></p><p>That was very quick.</p><p></p><p>[Two dead equicephs 200 XP]</p><p></p><p>At which point the fourth dead ancestor steps out of his ancient stone coffin.</p><p></p><p>“I am Spetznaz, and I am the mercenary- prepare to die…”</p><p></p><p>But Vinnie is into it in an instant, “Monsieur Spetznaz, you shall ride again.”</p><p></p><p>And with that Vincezo swiftly wildshapes into Vincen D(raft) Horse.</p><p></p><p>Spetznaz blinks back his surprise, and then climbs aboard- twenty minutes later, as the now slightly bored Dark Squad yawn and watch on, Spetznaz finishes riding the wildshaped druid into the ground. Vinnie has however made all of his strength and constitution saves, and the ancestor is a big hefty feller.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]128881[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Spetznaz mounts Vincen D Horse- "Giddy up, my beauty!" Note the ancestor's shadow hound materialises- "Begone- foul Rover, daddy got a new toy!" And with that Rover, the shadow hound, fades to nothing.</strong></p><p></p><p>Spetznaz is overjoyed, and happy to tell the Dark Squad what he knows, which is-</p><p></p><p>“I am Spetznaz, and I am the mercenary.</p><p>When three-and-a-half bells sound,</p><p>Put one hundred crowns,</p><p>On the one with the big nose.”</p><p></p><p>Still grinning the dead Ancestor fades from view.</p><p></p><p>[The fourth ancestor, and part of the prophecy 450 XP]</p><p></p><p>But things are different when the gang exit the barrow… the smell of ash is palpable- to all, and suddenly a skeleton steps out of the perimeter wall of shadow, and rushes sword in hand at the adventurers.</p><p></p><p>And then another skeleton, only this one strides forward a short way and then starts up with its bow.</p><p></p><p>Buggles cuts the first undead down while Newt blasts the artillery.</p><p></p><p>Both enemies are destroyed.</p><p></p><p>Vinnie conjures and casts a daylight spell which cuts through the shadow and reveals that there are more enemies approaching.</p><p></p><p><strong>I wish there was a picture to show you- but there isn't. Guys?</strong></p><p></p><p>A third skeleton is revealed, it rushes to attack.</p><p></p><p>Buggles spots a giant rat scurrying towards him- although the beast has already been cut and mangled, a zombie giant rat- perhaps?</p><p></p><p>Vinnie smashes the skeleton down with his shillelagh.</p><p></p><p>Then out of the shadow rush a pair of goblins, both armed with scimitars- moments later and Vinnie is cut but the wound is cold and numbing- the damage necrotic than rather from the weapon. Most odd, and up close- the goblins- like the giant rat- are already dead, i.e. undead.</p><p></p><p>Another dead giant rat scurries out of the black and shadow and sinks its teeth into Daktari’s boot (and foot).</p><p></p><p>And a few of the PCs are getting it- “Giant Rats! Skeletons! Goblins! We killed these!” I think it was Ram who first called it, but Vinnie and perhaps Newt had also already figured it out.</p><p></p><p>Ram cuts a dead goblin down, and stabs another with his off-hand.</p><p></p><p>Yet another dead giant rat emerges from the shadow, this one sinks its teeth into Newt’s leg.</p><p></p><p>Then more dead goblins, all rushing to swarm the PCs- and Gwen takes a hit.</p><p></p><p>Daktari cuts the dead giant rat biting him in two.</p><p></p><p>At which point the secret is definitely out, as diving down from the darkness overhead comes a very dead Cornflakes, the white dragon wyrmling the Dark Squad slaughtered way back in the Sunless Citadel.</p><p></p><p>“You killed me, now you bastards will pay!” dead Cornflakes’ croaks, the winged beast is a mess- the Dark Squad, if you remember, claimed a variety of mementoes from the wyrm- including a foot, as many teeth as they could carry, they also (Garumn) put the boot in to the corpse- hacked it up good and proper.</p><p></p><p>So, Cornflakes is a mess, and obviously not happy about it.</p><p></p><p>Daktari and Newt are engulfed in a swathe of necrotic fury, Cornflakes’ new breath weapon, although the pair both make their saves, and the damage is somewhat underwhelming.</p><p></p><p>Buggles cuts another dead giant rat down, while Newt gets the heck out of dodge and then fires a pair of Belphegor’s fiery blasts into Cornflakes, and now the wyrmling is critically wounded.</p><p></p><p>Vinnie gets stabbed by a dead goblin, Gwen helps out by cutting the thing down.</p><p></p><p>Ram ends another, and then Vinnie gets stabbed again- the druid is really soaking up the hits in this session.</p><p></p><p>Daktari growls and launches a spear at dead Cornflakes, the wyrm is manoeuvring in the air and coming around for another attack- the missile skewers the dead dragon- dead. It flops out of the air and lands hard at Buggles’ feet.</p><p></p><p>The wood elf ignores it and gets into action, slaughtering the last two goblins in the fight, dead- dead- deaditty- dead.</p><p></p><p>All done.</p><p></p><p>[Attack of the dead things, and Cornflakes 315 XP]</p><p></p><p>But there’s no rest for the Dark Squad just yet, as moments later the lightning bolts hit.</p><p></p><p>So, what happens is- suddenly a glowing white circle of light blazes up above, the spectral white light punching a hole in the shadow dome surrounding the land of the bad dead ancestors. In the same instance comes the roar of thunder. Then five PC seeking lightning bolts flash down at… well, obviously the five members of the Dark Squad, if you include Daktari, and I do- for now.</p><p></p><p>Alas Vinnie, and Ram are too slow (yep, Ram- with the best Dex save bonus in the pack) the pair are hit by the ear-shattering bolts, but… are left miraculously unharmed, or else…</p><p></p><p>A tether, a loopy spectral glowing white cord now runs from the centre of Vinnie and Ram’s chests- curling and swaying up into the new fiery hole burnt in the shadow dome above.</p><p></p><p>The pair feel glorious, and that thunder rumble before the strike- that wasn’t the sound of a storm, it was the sound of a hammer’s echo and reverb as it pounds forged metal on the anvil.</p><p></p><p>Both PCs gain an inspiration point.</p><p></p><p>They’re going to need them… but that’s for next time, we’ll leave the last word for this session to Vinnie.</p><p></p><p>“Mes amis, the zound of ze anvil- can you not ear it? It is Garumn up zer- he iz protecting uz!”</p><p></p><p>[Lightning strikes twice 250 XP]</p><p></p><p>Next session- more of the land of the bad dead ancestors, only three more barrows to explore, and three more ancestors to best in order to gain their secrets.</p><p></p><p>Stay safe and well you lovely people.</p><p></p><p>Cheers the Dark Squad and goonalan.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 8130605, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]Dark Squad in Meet the Uthgardt[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #024 The Land of the Bad Dead Ancestors Dark Squad (in alphabetical order, no egos here). Buggles (played by Stu) Male Wood Elf Fighter Lvl 2/Rogue Lvl 3 New Tricks (played by Bear) Male Tabaxi Warlock Lvl 5 Ramshambo (played by Kev) Male Half-Elf Rogue Lvl 5 Vincenzo (played by Haggis) Male Shifter (Wildhunt) Druid Lvl 5 NPCs Daktari Male Human Uthgardt Sky Pony Barbarian Lvl 5 [S]Garumn Male Mountain Dwarf Paladin of Moradin Lvl 5 [/S]RIP NOW STARRING- Buggles’ undead servitor Gwen Female Duergar Skeleton, in full-face helm and armour 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) Bel, the beautiful and lovely wife of Spandwick (Female Gnome)[/B] This is session 24, and for a short while it could have gone either way, but as it turned out in the end- yet another cracker. So, the Dark Squad (sans Garumn- he’s dead) are at present at home in the camp of a bunch of Sky Pony Uthgardt barbarians, about a dozen miles away from the Stone Tooth mountain- the location of the long lost forges of Durgeddin the Black. The Dark Squad, or rather- ‘the eyes in the night’ are the subject of an ancient Uthgardt prophecy- and so here they all are, and Old Mare- the wise woman of the tribe, wants to send our heroes into the land of the bad dead ancestors. The land of the bad dead ancestors being some shadowy place/plane in which ‘bad = maniacal’ ex-Uthgardt chiefs get parked for their stay in the afterlife. It seems the bad dead ancestors have some things to say to the eyes in the night/Dark Squad about ongoing events vis- the Time of Ash and the fact that Ashardalon has been unleashed. The Dark Squad, of course, inadvertently let Ashardalon out. Note the session starts with a bit more chatter- just so that the PCs, and particularly Vinnie (who likes a lot of chatter) can get clear in his head what the score is. Old Mare is on hand to answer all of their questions, so- 1) Old Mare is going to send the Dark Squad to the land of the bad dead ancestors. 2) The bad dead ancestors live in barrows, they’re ex-tribal chiefs and so command respect. 3) There are seven bad dead ancestors = seven barrows. 4) The bad dead ancestors will (most likely) try to kill the PCs. It’s why they’re where they are- they’re mostly very bad and violent folk, or else they were in life. 5) The bad dead ancestors need to be ‘bested’ in order to give over their piece of the prophecy. 6) There are only two ways that the PCs can return from the land of the bad dead ancestors- a) success- they talk to all seven bad dead ancestors and collect the information they need, b) failure- they’re all dead. The problem, of course, with option b) is that, well… when they get back to the land of the living… well, they’ll all be dead. Note, number 5 above, is going to become important a little later on, this piece of information was also stated, again in answer to Vinnie’s questions, back in the last session. [ATTACH type="full"]128871[/ATTACH] [B]Q&A with Old Mare, note Daktari is having a laugh riot![/B] The key word is ‘bested’, and I think/know a couple of the PCs figured this out- ‘bested’ doesn’t mean they have to be fought and killed. But let’s get on with events. So, more discussion with Old Mare, and eventually the Dark Squad are getting a little uppity- they want their artefact. If you remember Timor chief of the tribe here was scheduled to hand over an ancient artefact to the eyes in the night/Dark Squad, but then refused to do so (last session) when Newt started using magic in his yurt. The Uthgardt don’t like magic. But Vinnie, and others, have started to worry- what if we need the artefact in the land of the bad dead ancestors- if we’re there, and it’s here- then we are right royally screwed. So, the druid, and then Ram- and even Newt, start getting bolshie- “yeah, where’s our artefact?” Eventually Timor is called for- the Uthgardt chief’s not happy, he never is, but after listening to Vinnie ramble on (and make a few good rolls) he’s had enough- he flips the long kept artefact over to the rambling druid. [ATTACH type="full"]128870[/ATTACH] [B]Timor, have a nice day now![/B] It’s a coin. Or at least coin shaped- circular, an inch in diameter, and thin. It has a maze (of sorts) delicately etched on one side. The reverse is blank- it’s made of bone, possibly- perhaps it’s ivory, or else something similar. [ATTACH type="full"]128872[/ATTACH] [B]"It's a what now?"[/B] Newt settles down with the thing and gets an identify ritual going. The tabaxi learns, and repeats to his friends, the following- a) It is ancient. b) It is magical, possibly very powerful- an artefact, like the Uthgardt said. c) It’s powers are benign. That’s your lot- Newt is very much of the opinion that the item is difficult, perhaps impossible, to identify- at least using the spell of the same name- it’s workings, history and purpose are obscured. So, not much help there… [Get the Uthgardt artefact 250 XP] Then, after an hour or more of standing about while Old Mare dances around the PCs, chanting in her strange sing-song voice… the members of the Dark Squad slowly fade to nothing, only to reappear- after a brief journey through the trammelled dark, in… the land of the bad dead ancestors. The land is small, or rather contained- seven barrows, dark earth and vegetation that is wizened and past its prime. From the ground- every now and then, wisps of smoke swirl and rise- they seem to briefly assume strange almost identifiable shapes, only to quickly curve and fade. Above and around the area, encompassing the space- a dome of dense cloud-like shadow, and above the cloud flashes of light to illuminate briefly, like a storm happening a long way away. [ATTACH type="full"]128873[/ATTACH] [B]"Well, this is nice." The Land of the Bad Dead Ancestors- smoking or, well... actually, there's not an option.[/B] The place smells of smoke, as if there’s a fire nearby- Buggles feels rain on his face, while Vinnie is convinced that it is ash that’s falling. There is hardly any sound here, and even when the PCs talk their words seem somehow faded and quiet. [The land of the bad dead ancestors 200 XP] Then after a brief chat- the Dark Squad approach and peer into the first barrow, Ram- as usual, is the first into the opening- a five foot wide, eight foot high passage with alcoves, skeletal remains dot the place, and at the far end a stone altar or similar, with a human skull atop. The rogue heads all the way in, while his colleagues huddle and watch from the outside of the barrow. [ATTACH type="full"]128874[/ATTACH] [B]Ram sighs- "ME! AGAIN!" But yes, the swashbuckler holds the short straw in his hand, "Huh!" The Rogue heads in...[/B] At which point, of course, the skeletal remains come alive- but there are only four of the undead creatures. The PCs take a moment to belittle the DMs (monster) efforts and then get into the paltry bad guys- Ram gets sliced, but Buggles’ scimitars slash and cut and leave one of the skeletons critically wounded. Ram cuts his attacker down with Deadend, his undead bane rapier, Gwen (Buggles’ skeleton friend) stabs another of the skeletons (ironic ain’t it), Daktari finishes it off- and that’s two down. And now the Players (not just the PCs) are mocking me (your beneficent DM) for my feeble enemies. Second to last laugh coming up. Buggles critically wounds another of the undead, jumping on top of the altar at the far end of the barrow, and kicking the skull formerly atop the stone off in the process. At which point the aforementioned skull rises from the dirt and swathes itself in flame- it’s a flameskull, identified by a now screaming Vinnie- “Zut alor! Run!” Then comes the fireball. All of the PCs spend an inspiration point (only Vinnie has more than one of these- so everyone else is out) to get advantage on the following saving throw- the fireball fills the interior of the barrow, destroying the two remaining skeletons and leaving all of the PCs singed and wounded, Vinnie (failed save, even with advantage) critically so (on just 7 HP). Panic sets in. Ram, the least wounded of the Dark Squad (oddly)- thanks to his uncanny dodge, almost bloodies the flameskull with Deadend, Gwen stabs it, Daktari hits it repeatedly with his longsword- but the pair’s weapons are not magical, and so the fiery undead resists much of the hurt. Vinnie stumbles out of the barrow and gets the cure (wounds), meantime Buggles gets into action and with a Crit manages to at last cut the flameskull down- it’s destroyed, and to cheers. [Skeletons and flameskull 1300 XP] Here's the last laugh. Although a second later and an undead hulk bursts from the ground, the bad ancestor it seems was buried in the entrance to the barrow… “I am Kratchik- it is time for you to die…” [ATTACH type="full"]128875[/ATTACH] [B]Kratchik, bad dead ancestor- now do you get it?[/B] Note, the bad dead ancestors only speak Uthgardt, and so Daktari translates- although Vinnie has also, over the last few days with the tribe, used his anthropological skills to pick up a little of the language. Ancestor Kratchik stabs its sword through Newt, briefly impaling the tabaxi- and leaving the warlock critically wounded (and on just 4 HP). For an easy fight, this is going very badly. Ram stabs Kratchik in the back, it seems not to care. And so… Vinnie starts talking, actually shouting- explaining to the ancestor that they are the eyes in the night, and here as part of the Uthgardt prophecy, and more remarkably Kratchik stops fighting too, and then reminds the druid that he must be bested in order for him to reveal his part of the story. The druid and the warlock, who is now also in the conversation- after first swigging down an emergency healing potion, are trying to figure out how best to ‘best’ the ancestor when, Buggles shoots Kratchik in the back of the head. Kratchik reacts in fury and skewers Vinnie with his sword, the druid slips to the cold dirt unconscious and dying. And so we’re back to fighting- Ram stabs the terror with Deadend, and then Newt paralyses the ancestor with a hold person spell. The living members of the Dark Squad (and Gwen) give it all they’ve got- attack, attack, attack! While Vinnie makes death saves- note Vinnie is outside of the barrow, the rest of the PCs are within- with Kratchik standing statue in the doorway (although he’s not moving so they could have got past him if they tried). It takes two turns of attacks to cut the paralysed Kratchik down, at which point Newt dashes to Vinnie with a potion of healing. Moments later however Kratchik gets back up again- he’s been bested, and so he has his say- “I am Kratchik, and I am the lore/law.* The Time of Ash approaches, It begins when the day turns to night. When the dead become the dying, And souls know no rest. Know then that Ashardalon is abroad. The abomination- the terror dead dread dragon, The Lord of Ash, the Lord of Destruction, The Deceiver- the swallower of the Light.” *Note the above is spoken, so some of the words here have to be guessed at; is Kratchik the law, or the lore- who knows. And with that Kratchik fades to nothing, and the fighting really begins. [The first ancestor and the first part of the prophecy 1100 XP] So, now the fall-out chatter- and I’ll not go into too much detail but… Vinnie isn’t happy, and he’s not alone- the upshot is, they were talking to Kratchik- trying to figure a way to best the undead creature that didn’t involve further fighting. Then however, without warning, Buggles shot the ancestor in the head- and while he was thirty feet away and fairly safe from harm, but the ancestor was standing next to two of the wood elf’s still critically wounded colleagues (Vinnie and Newt). Note when the fight was halted for the chatter Vinnie was on perhaps 11 hit points, and Newt was on 10- and with the rest of the Dark Squad also wounded. Oh, and there are six more barrows that need investigating. These are, briefly, the points that get made- sometimes with vehemence. Buggles obviously defends his actions, he shot the ancestor because the conversation was going nowhere. The DM however is also a little peeved, and is at this point happy to let folk know. The point being we didn’t get to find out whether Vinnie and Newt were going to succeed with their endeavour. It’s a game- everyone gets to have their go, if they want to chat then that’s their choice, the polite response would be- to let them try. Or just to say something… And that’s the thing, all of this could perhaps have been solved in an instant, if the PCs just took a moment or two just to have a chat- amongst themselves. I get that we’re on the VTT, and when you talk you are often talking over someone else, or else waiting for your moment to dive in to say whatever it is you need to say. But in this instance, the conversation had already started… Also, we’ve been six months doing this, you could probably talk to each other between sessions- if you have concerns, or else want to figure out how better to play together. Your call. But y’know- just talk a bit more chatter, amongst yourselves- just a thought. I’ll not go on, I’ll just leave by sharing with all of you readers some ancient wisdom- “Last bit, and in conclusion- at the end of the Sunless Citadel retrospective stroll the following idea is mooted (by Buggles) perhaps in future we should talk about what we are going to do before we actually do it. The discussion here, again, is about the opening of Ashardalon’s sarcophagi, at one point in the action Newt was trying to open the thing while Vinnie was the opposite side trying to close it… there may have been another/better way.” Taken from session 11, as I say- ancient wisdom. But don’t worry dear reader, it’s all very friendly and not Player on Player, only Vinnie just doesn’t trust Buggles anymore… the elf is a hot-head, or something similar, according to the shifter druid. [Recriminations 250 XP] The Dark Squad thereafter huddle up in the barrow, they need a short rest- and to spend some of the healing HD, obviously Newt and Vinnie the most- the pair were both critically wounded. It’s the end of the first fight and the pair are now both out of healing HD. Then on… and into the next barrow, the Dark Squad are much more cautious this time, and the trick is- if (they think) it’s an ancestor before them, they’re going to try to find some other way to best the fiend rather than attempt to slaughter each and every one of them. This conclusion reached because they still have six more barrows to get through, and if they’re all like the first one… someone is going to get very badly hurt, or else killed here. [ATTACH type="full"]128876[/ATTACH] [B]"Easy now... Easy now... HSST! Stay quiet- Buggles, stop fingering your scimitars, put them away!"[/B] The second barrow is much smaller, Ram as usual is sent in first, and soon enough the ancestor is on his feet and we’re about to start the action- “I am Larkoz, and I will destroy you…” Vinnie however immediately starts chattering but alas he’s not being very persuasive, and so as the Dark Squad retreat, Larkoz comes on, until… but what’s that heavenly music? It’s Buggles on the flute (and with a Crit check- ‘29’ in total for his performance), and then seconds later the wood elf is being accompanied by Newt on his axe (lute), and the tabaxi even has the tune lined up on his PC. Apologies guys but I didn’t recognise the song- it sounded to me like a cross between Big County and the music from River Dance. [ATTACH type="full"]128878[/ATTACH] [B]"I vill destroy yew all... But vhat iz zat zound- it iz enchanting. I cannot help myzelf. My feet are aflame- I muzt DANCE!" Larkoz succumbs to Buggles' flute solo (Check '29').[/B] Whatever it is the bad dead ancestor is entranced- “I cannot help myself, I must DANCE!” Larkoz cries, and is transported. Note Vinnie helps ancestor Larkoz unwind and get loose by convincing the dead Uthgardt maniac chief to chew on the last of his brewbark (a poisonous/hallucinogenic healing fungi). Keep in mind Larkoz is a big feller, and not really built for grooving, but… he’s river-dancing, and bits are falling off of him. Ten to fifteen minutes later and the ancestor is exhausted, but… willing to share- “I am Larkoz, the warden. Check the ancient alchemist’s well.” And then he’s gone. [Ancestor and prophecy number two, done 450 XP] There is good cheer to spare, the Dark Squad are back to laughing again. Then on to the third barrow, which proves easier still- the Dark Squad employ the same approach, with Vinnie now calling out to the ancestors even ahead of their appearance. [ATTACH type="full"]128879[/ATTACH] [B]Kolven- he's already bested himself.[/B] Kolven is the name of the third bad ancestor, and after telling the PCs about his regret- all the bad things that he did in life, he’s happy to regale them with the third part of the prophecy. He’s no threat at all- he’s already bested himself. It goes a little like this- “I am Kolven, and I am forever. Seek the witch’s tor, In the lair of the drowned ones, But beware the demon’s spore. Find the time. Return again with the star fall, To reclaim the power.” It’s easy this, Kolven fades to nothing. [The third ancestor, and the third part of the prophecy, easy- 250 XP] Vinnie takes the time to say a few words over the skeletal remains of the dead ancestor, an attempt to absolve Kolven of his sins. [Vinnie offers absolution 100 XP] The Dark Squad are making great progress, and soon after we’re into the fourth barrow, and within are the remains of two horses and a chariot, which gives Vinnie an idea. A very good idea, he’s full of ‘em. But first up the skeletal equines are soon back on their feet, and (very briefly) into action. [ATTACH type="full"]128880[/ATTACH] [B]The Sky Pony barbarian is not keen on his new ride.[/B] Daktari hits the first undead beast as it rises and shoves the barbarian out of the way, moments later Newt destroys the foe with a Belphegor’s fiery blast, and then wrecks the second equiceph as it too attempts to stand. Buggles’ flash of scimitars finishes it off. That was very quick. [Two dead equicephs 200 XP] At which point the fourth dead ancestor steps out of his ancient stone coffin. “I am Spetznaz, and I am the mercenary- prepare to die…” But Vinnie is into it in an instant, “Monsieur Spetznaz, you shall ride again.” And with that Vincezo swiftly wildshapes into Vincen D(raft) Horse. Spetznaz blinks back his surprise, and then climbs aboard- twenty minutes later, as the now slightly bored Dark Squad yawn and watch on, Spetznaz finishes riding the wildshaped druid into the ground. Vinnie has however made all of his strength and constitution saves, and the ancestor is a big hefty feller. [ATTACH type="full"]128881[/ATTACH] [B]Spetznaz mounts Vincen D Horse- "Giddy up, my beauty!" Note the ancestor's shadow hound materialises- "Begone- foul Rover, daddy got a new toy!" And with that Rover, the shadow hound, fades to nothing.[/B] Spetznaz is overjoyed, and happy to tell the Dark Squad what he knows, which is- “I am Spetznaz, and I am the mercenary. When three-and-a-half bells sound, Put one hundred crowns, On the one with the big nose.” Still grinning the dead Ancestor fades from view. [The fourth ancestor, and part of the prophecy 450 XP] But things are different when the gang exit the barrow… the smell of ash is palpable- to all, and suddenly a skeleton steps out of the perimeter wall of shadow, and rushes sword in hand at the adventurers. And then another skeleton, only this one strides forward a short way and then starts up with its bow. Buggles cuts the first undead down while Newt blasts the artillery. Both enemies are destroyed. Vinnie conjures and casts a daylight spell which cuts through the shadow and reveals that there are more enemies approaching. [B]I wish there was a picture to show you- but there isn't. Guys?[/B] A third skeleton is revealed, it rushes to attack. Buggles spots a giant rat scurrying towards him- although the beast has already been cut and mangled, a zombie giant rat- perhaps? Vinnie smashes the skeleton down with his shillelagh. Then out of the shadow rush a pair of goblins, both armed with scimitars- moments later and Vinnie is cut but the wound is cold and numbing- the damage necrotic than rather from the weapon. Most odd, and up close- the goblins- like the giant rat- are already dead, i.e. undead. Another dead giant rat scurries out of the black and shadow and sinks its teeth into Daktari’s boot (and foot). And a few of the PCs are getting it- “Giant Rats! Skeletons! Goblins! We killed these!” I think it was Ram who first called it, but Vinnie and perhaps Newt had also already figured it out. Ram cuts a dead goblin down, and stabs another with his off-hand. Yet another dead giant rat emerges from the shadow, this one sinks its teeth into Newt’s leg. Then more dead goblins, all rushing to swarm the PCs- and Gwen takes a hit. Daktari cuts the dead giant rat biting him in two. At which point the secret is definitely out, as diving down from the darkness overhead comes a very dead Cornflakes, the white dragon wyrmling the Dark Squad slaughtered way back in the Sunless Citadel. “You killed me, now you bastards will pay!” dead Cornflakes’ croaks, the winged beast is a mess- the Dark Squad, if you remember, claimed a variety of mementoes from the wyrm- including a foot, as many teeth as they could carry, they also (Garumn) put the boot in to the corpse- hacked it up good and proper. So, Cornflakes is a mess, and obviously not happy about it. Daktari and Newt are engulfed in a swathe of necrotic fury, Cornflakes’ new breath weapon, although the pair both make their saves, and the damage is somewhat underwhelming. Buggles cuts another dead giant rat down, while Newt gets the heck out of dodge and then fires a pair of Belphegor’s fiery blasts into Cornflakes, and now the wyrmling is critically wounded. Vinnie gets stabbed by a dead goblin, Gwen helps out by cutting the thing down. Ram ends another, and then Vinnie gets stabbed again- the druid is really soaking up the hits in this session. Daktari growls and launches a spear at dead Cornflakes, the wyrm is manoeuvring in the air and coming around for another attack- the missile skewers the dead dragon- dead. It flops out of the air and lands hard at Buggles’ feet. The wood elf ignores it and gets into action, slaughtering the last two goblins in the fight, dead- dead- deaditty- dead. All done. [Attack of the dead things, and Cornflakes 315 XP] But there’s no rest for the Dark Squad just yet, as moments later the lightning bolts hit. So, what happens is- suddenly a glowing white circle of light blazes up above, the spectral white light punching a hole in the shadow dome surrounding the land of the bad dead ancestors. In the same instance comes the roar of thunder. Then five PC seeking lightning bolts flash down at… well, obviously the five members of the Dark Squad, if you include Daktari, and I do- for now. Alas Vinnie, and Ram are too slow (yep, Ram- with the best Dex save bonus in the pack) the pair are hit by the ear-shattering bolts, but… are left miraculously unharmed, or else… A tether, a loopy spectral glowing white cord now runs from the centre of Vinnie and Ram’s chests- curling and swaying up into the new fiery hole burnt in the shadow dome above. The pair feel glorious, and that thunder rumble before the strike- that wasn’t the sound of a storm, it was the sound of a hammer’s echo and reverb as it pounds forged metal on the anvil. Both PCs gain an inspiration point. They’re going to need them… but that’s for next time, we’ll leave the last word for this session to Vinnie. “Mes amis, the zound of ze anvil- can you not ear it? It is Garumn up zer- he iz protecting uz!” [Lightning strikes twice 250 XP] Next session- more of the land of the bad dead ancestors, only three more barrows to explore, and three more ancestors to best in order to gain their secrets. Stay safe and well you lovely people. Cheers the Dark Squad and goonalan. [/QUOTE]
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The Dark Squad in the Secrets of Saltmarsh #136 Into the Mere of the Dead Men.
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