The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

Mid-afternoon found the group finishing the last of their beer and contemplating their next steps. When innkeeper Kablin next appeared, Rahnee told him that they had an “old friend” named Aratae who hailed from the area, and asked if he could point them in the direction of his parents. The innkeeper informed them that Aratae’s family, the Winnfalls, lived just outside of town to the west, also commenting that their boy hadn’t been seen for a while. Rahnee smilingly encouraged him to continue speaking and Kablin mentioned that it had been several months since Aratae had been there. He had returned to town for a day, then left the next, with no word from him since. The innkeeper made a show of trying to remember more; coincidentally, he was able to recall that Aratae had said he was headed for Westgate, after Rahnee placed two coins into Kablin’s outstretched hand.

After Kablin went back to his work, the group decided they should revisit the farm house they had passed outside the village, which evidently was the Winnfall residence. They readied their gear and warily exited the inn, making their way west in the rain to the farm. Rahnee knocked on the house door and a gruff male voice asked who it was. Rahnee said that they were friends of Aratae’s and the door swung open for them.

Inside, the companions shook off the rain and introduced themselves to Garens Winnfall, his wife Therena and daughter Aley. Once introductions were done, Garens came straight to the point and asked after Aratae. Aley’s face was a mixture of fear and excitement as she waited for the answer, her expression turning to horror as Rahnee said that they brought bad news. Garens stoically took the news from Rahnee that Aratae was dead, while his daughter began to scream and cry hysterically. Veran delivered words of comfort and wisdom regarding death and judgment, while Therena looked on with tears in her eyes. (However true the words offered by Brother Veran, no doubt at the moment they seemed hollow comfort. --C)

When Garens asked them how it had happened, Rahnee admitted that they did not know and Brok-Tul also attempted to say comforting words, mentioning that he had Aratae’s last remains. Garens, frowning, asked about the remains. The half-orc priest continued by saying that no matter how Aratae had died, at least they had his remains to present to his family; in their hearts, he would be both hero and friend forever. While Rahnee was telling the family that to honor Aratae they had felt it was their duty to see that his remains came home, Brok-Tul took his helm off of the box containing Aratae’s head and presented the box to Garens, who took it with a dread expression on his face. Before Rahnee could stop him, he opened it, exposing Aratae’s dead face. Aley ran screaming from the room and Therena appeared as if she would be sick, following her daughter upstairs. (The half-orc acting before thinking, with a tragic outcome, is a recurring theme that will be seen again. --R)

Rahnee apologized for the shock as Belle let out a deep sigh. Garens asked how they came by Aratae’s remains. When Rahnee informed him that the head had been left with the gate guards at Turnton, Garens concluded that his son must have aided Pahar in the war with Hallton, having followed his heart on the matter. Rahnee noted that Aratae’s death did not appear to come as a surprise. Garens explained that his son had been missing since the month of Uktar and it was apparent that something had happened to him. Veran respectfully offered to perform funeral rites, should the Winnfalls desire his services.

 

[Carlo-One]

In response to Brok-Tul and Rahnee’s expressions of concern about the Winnfalls possibly being in danger, Garens told them he had not had a reason to be specifically concerned for his family, even if Hallton had been responsible for Aratae’s death. He explained that it would be one thing to waylay a lone traveler such as Aratae had been, another to uproot their entire family from Tallwell. In any event, they were no threat to Hallton and could be taken away by force at any time, if Hallton chose to do so. Rahnee expressed her hope that the companions’ visiting their home would not cause problems for the Winnfalls.

Aley by this point had returned and she asked if her brother had helped saved Pahar’s villagers. When told by Rahnee and Brok-Tul that Aratae had, Aley, still sniffing, said that he had been a hero after all. Brok-Tul mentioned that the Hallton forces he had previously fought had been well-equipped and, they assumed, had magical help. Garens confirmed that Hallton’s men had acquired new arms and armor several months previously, shortly before the war with Pahar started. The farmer commented that no one knew who had provided them; the self-styled Duke was not rich enough to have procured them on his own. Garens, along with Aley, then said their good-byes and went upstairs to comfort Therena, as the companions departed the house.

Once outside in the rain, the companions began discussing the note that had been delivered with Aratae’s head. Brok-Tul, embarrassed, admitted that he had left it inside the box. After some back-and-forth, Rahnee ended up sneaking back inside the house to retrieve it, using her ring of invisibility to ensure that she did not disturb the family. Once she returned to the others, she interrupted a conversation in which Brok-Tul was speculating that the Winnfalls could be informants for “Duke” Hallton. Belle and Veran joined in the speculation, while Aerikoth expressed his skepticism of the idea. (I find it hard to picture under what circumstances this family would become trusted informants for their feudal lord, who had killed the son and raped the daughter. Or indeed that said lord would need them in such a capacity. --R)

After some debate over whether to return to Glees and perhaps face manticores along the way, or return to the town inn and face possible ambush, the group went with Aerikoth’s preference of returning to the inn. The companions remained skittish as they observed a pair of Hallton’s soldiers moving around the town, although they were not challenged before reaching the inn. Once out of the rain, the group ordered food and drink and discussed what Brok-Tul would need to try casting a “prayer” on the note, in an attempt to divine information about its provenance.

Later that evening, while Brok-Tul and Rahnee were in their room, Aerikoth, Veran and Belle went back to the Winnfall house. There, they spoke with Garens again, hoping to obtain more information on Aratae’s last day in Tallwell. Brok-Tul soon joined them, having left Rahnee resting at the inn. Garens informed them that Aratae had become enraged at Hallton, after their feudal lord had enforced his so-called “first night right” with Aley. Aratae departed the town at the end of Marpenoth, returning only for the one day in Uktar following the battle of Glees. When asked who else besides Hallton would wish Aratae harm, Garens could think of no one. He also warned them that the innkeeper Kablin likely reported all he knew to Hallton.

Brok-Tul made an offer to Garens to speak with Aratae - or what remained of him - in order to give him a last chance to find justice. Garens at first reacted poorly to the idea, asking if Brok-Tul was a necromancer, but then favorably noted Veran’s reaction against the idea of being with a necromancer. The farmer said he would think about it, asking them to return in the morning. (I have heard of such spells that allow clerics to speak with the dead. Any form of contact with those souls in Kelemvor's realm would seem to be a dubious proposition, at the very least, for those of the Order. I suppose that if it is simply a matter of communication, performed for a good cause, that it might be permissible. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

The morning of Hammer 26, Rahnee began the day by doing a credible imitation of a zombie, although zombies rarely puke as much as she was doing into her room’s night bucket. A concerned Belle went and fetched Brok-Tul, who assisted Rahnee and assured Belle that the previous night’s stew was the likely culprit for Rahnee’s condition, rather than demon possession.

The group gathered in the inn’s common room for a breakfast of porridge, Rahnee looking rather pale. Aerikoth’s raven familiar Zeluth winged out the open door to escape from the inn’s confines, even though it was raining outside. Despite the weather, Veran declared himself ready to perform Aratae’s burial rites, should the Winnfalls wish it. Belle, hot under the collar after hearing the night before what had happened to Aley, exchanged some heated words with Aerikoth and Brok-Tul, perceiving them to be insensitive to Aley’s plight at the hands of Hallton. She rose from the table and stalked outside to get some “fresh air.” Rahnee queried the others about the previous night’s conversation while Veran followed Belle outside.

After a short time, the group reunited outside the inn, with Belle mostly mollified, and headed for the Winnfall farm. In response to a question from Rahnee, Brok-Tul indicated that he had all the elements needed for the ritual to speak with the dead: incense, a bowl, a prayer to Helm, and silence from the others when the time came. Once at the farm, Garens let them inside the house and heard Brok-Tul’s proposal to enact the rite - which would be done to help find justice for Aratae - to be followed by the burial of Aratae’s remains. Garens told the cleric of Helm that he would do what was necessary and went to fetch Aratae’s head.

While Garens was away at his task, Brok-Tul explained to the others that he would have perhaps five minutes to ask a handful of questions once the spell was cast, and solicited ideas. Rahnee made a number of suggestions for asking when/where Aratae died and Aerikoth observed that Aratae may have been tortured for some time prior to his death.

Garens returned with the box containing Aratae’s head and placed it on the floor, opening it to reveal his son’s dead face. “Cast your spell then, priest” he told Brok-Tul. The half- orc cleric carefully expressed his respect for the family prior to beginning the spell casting, which took close to ten minutes. Rahnee guarded the door to prevent any interruptions while the others remained completely silent, allowing Brok-Tul to concentrate.

Brok-Tul finished his prayers, then asked three questions of Aratae’s remains. In each case, Aratae’s dead lips moved to mouth a short answer:

“Please tell us exactly where you were, when you died, that we may find justice for you.” Answer: “Hallton.”

“And, what happened to you in Hallton, before you died, until you died?” Answer: “Torture.”

Rahnee mouthed the question “why” while Belle did the same in suggesting “who.“ Brok-Tul went with Rahnee’s suggestion and asked “Please tell us, why were you tortured?” Answer: “Traitor.”

(I am not as dismayed as are other members of the Order at the clerical intervention of speaking with the dead, when used judiciously, for example as a last resort in an important investigation. However, frivolous or unhelpful castings only cheapen the deed (and the dead), I believe. Did the party really find out anything truly new or of import from this macabre ceremony? Did it bring any comfort to the Winnfalls to confirm that Aratae was tortured before being killed? --R)

After the third question, the head lost its animation and lay there, inert. Garens grimly stated that they had confirmed that Hallton had Aratae tortured to death, and asked Veran if he were ready to do the burial ceremony. Veran said that he was and asked the farmer where it would be held. Garens said that they would bury him on their property, by a stand of trees, and politely declined Veran’s offer to dig the grave, saying he would do it himself. Garens then picked up a shovel and, taking the box with its grisly contents, headed outside in the rain to begin digging.

The group followed Garens outside and remained to watch him, although the farmer advised them it was unnecessary to stand around in the rain. Rahnee clutched her coin necklace and murmured a prayer to Tymora. After a short time, Garens finished digging and went to fetch Therena and Aley. The two wept when they saw the little scene in front of them, continuing to shed tears while Veran said his ceremonial words. Garens also offered his respects to his son, then quickly shoveled dirt into the hole, covering the head. He thanked Veran once again, then all of them, for what they had done.

 

[Carlo-One]

Confrontations and Consequences

After the rigors of their respective ceremonies, Brok-Tul and Veran decided they needed to meditate and reflect on what had just happened, going a short distance into the nearby woods to do so. (This is a commendable practice, as the toll from dealing with the dead can be difficult to bear, whether it is magical or not in nature. --C.) Upon their return, they found Rahnee, Belle and Aerikoth sitting under the eaves of the farm building. Rahnee informed Brok-Tul that while they were gone, the other three adventurers had gone to visit the Mayor under the pretext of finding a place to put a wizard tower. This prompted a series of inane questions from the half-orc, with Belle contributing wittily to confusing things, before Rahnee starting pulling on Brok-Tul’s war braids. Aerikoth then calmly explained that they had in fact paid a visit to Mayor Haman Amraphel and his wife Grani. The Mayor informed them that they could visit “Duke” Hallton’s estate, located a few hours to the east, if Aerikoth was interested in working for him; the Duke had lost his most recent practitioner of the Art.

Brok-Tul suggested that Aerikoth pretend to be interested and visit Hallton, in order to get as much information as possible from him. This prompted a debate about the group’s next steps, which included the possibilities of further investigating Hallton or simply departing for Westgate, now that their duty to Aratae’s family was done. Aerikoth declared that he would be willing to visit Hallton’s estate, but not be employed by him. The wizard pointed out that they already knew what Hallton had done to Aratae, so he saw no need for feigning alliance with the self-styled Duke. Aerikoth also argued that it was irrelevant to try and find out who Hallton’s secret patron was, something the others disagreed with.

During the resulting back-and-forth discussion, Veran argued for returning to Westgate and attempting to uncover there who had sent the box and note, while Rahnee, Belle and Brok-Tul attempted to talk out various ways of getting information from Hallton, including infiltrating his estate. Aerikoth eventually agreed in principle with the idea of approaching Hallton and attempting to elicit information from him. However, the group nevertheless now seemed more interested in returning to Westgate.

As they headed back toward the inn, it being time for the noon meal, a guard captain in Hallton armor approached them, backed by several squads of soldiers. He introduced himself as Captain Edwyn and inquired after their names and why they were in Tallwell. In response, Rahnee introduced herself and Veran and Brok did likewise. Rahnee inquired why Edwyn was asking about them and the captain replied that Duke Hallton had received reports of mercenaries in his domain, ones who matched the description of those who had fought at Glees. Not batting an eye, Rahnee told him that he was right, while Brok sent a short prayer to Helm skyward. When asked again by Edwyn why the companions were there, Rahnee in a bored tone commented that they were looking to speak to the Duke in the hopes of being hired. Edwyn informed them that they, having been in the service of the Duke’s enemy Baron Pahar, were not wanted on Hallton lands and should depart.

Saying that the Mercenaries Guild would hear of this, Rahnee turned and walked away, the others following; Brok-Tul made a parting comment about the Guild head Palla, to further give the impression that they had been sent by the guild. Once back by the farmhouse, Rahnee slipped into the trees to watch back down the road, while Belle led the others toward the trail to Glees. Rahnee rejoined the others just in time to hear Aerikoth chanting the words of a spell, after which the wizard disappeared.

Confusion reigned once Aerikoth had departed, the others trying to figure out what he had done. Brok-Tul, on Rahnee’s suggestion, prepared to try and detect any magic in the area, to see if perhaps Aerikoth had left some trace. Veran meanwhile went back up the road to see if the soldiers had moved any closer. He soon came running back to inform his companions that soldiers were setting fire to the Winnfall house, estimating their number at twenty. Brok-Tul immediately roared a challenge and a prayer to Helm, charging back up the road, with the others following closely behind.

The resulting battle was hard-fought and long, with approximately half of Hallton’s forces using their bows to target the companions while the others joined in melee. Rahnee received the brunt of the archers’ attention and fell to the ground, bleeding to death. Unfortunately, by the time the others had finished off the remaining soldiers and noticed her plight, Rahnee had expired. Searching desperately, Brok-Tul pulled a scroll off of Rahnee’s corpse and hurriedly read it; it was a spare Raise Dead scroll, which brought Rahnee back to life, albeit gravely injured.

Meanwhile, Veran and Belle had turned their attention to the farmhouse and located Garens behind it; the farmer informed them that everyone had made it out safely. They then frantically fought the flames still licking at the farmhouse, eventually extinguishing them as Therena and Aley cheered them on.

 

[Carlo-One]

Garens thanked the companions for saving the lives of his family, as well as the house, asking them what they would do now. In response to Brok-Tul’s suggestion to talk to the Mayor, Garens stated that it had been Hallton who had ordered the torching of his home, so speaking with the Mayor would do little. As the others discussed the need for Garens and his family to leave Tallwell, Veran moved among the dead soldiers, saying words over them and closing each of their eyes in turn. Eventually it was decided that Therena and Aley would have Belle accompany them for security to a secret place in the forest known to the Winnfalls, while Garens volunteered to guide the rest to Hallton’s estate in order to finish things with the erstwhile Duke.

After confirming that the others indeed wished to take on Hallton in reduced numbers, and stating that they could expect no help from Tallwell’s villagers, Garens made sure to gather everything useful available from the house, coming up with some food and healing herbs. Brok-Tul provided the farmer with one of his spare magical swords and Veran, after confirming that Garens had previous militia training and could use plate armor, gave him a suit salvaged from one of Hallton’s men. Garens struggled into it, thanking Rahnee for her help in buckling it on. As a final gift, Brok-Tul handed Garens a magical ring of protection.

Rahnee indicated that the plan was to scout around and see what they were up against. Garens said that it would not be a problem going through Tallwell, as there was no longer any threat there from Hallton’s soldiers, so the four re-entered the village, stopping for a spell in order to take advantage of fresh water from the well. They then headed east along the road to the Hallton manor grounds.

Once there, Garens pointed out the manor, which sat at the top of a hill and was enclosed by a wooden palisade. A few abandoned outbuildings lay nearby. Rahnee said she would scout ahead, when an uncomfortable-looking Garens said he was not good at such things. Brok-Tul and Veran accompanied her and the monk used his stealthy skills to circle the manor, reporting back that there were two guards outside, with more probably on the inside. After Veran confirmed that the other two wished to proceed, in spite of the monk’s better judgment, they walked up the misty slope to the manor gate.

(This is the sole place in these chronicles where I must criticize Brother Veran's decisions. A monk's obedience to his Order and principles does not imply that he must similarly obey whatever plan is put forward by his comrades of the moment - especially when they are not of the Order. Veran, somewhat surprisingly, showed independent thinking in the matter of Melissa - which I personally do not fully agree with, but nonetheless respect. Here, however, his lack of assertiveness had terrible consequences. I would say that this is one of the principal lessons to be taught us by these chronicles. --R)

Outside the gate, they were challenged by the two guards, who appeared to recognize Brok-Tul, likely from a description they had been given. The half-orc declared that they were Helm’s servants and wished an audience with Duke Hallton. The guards quickly opened the gate and then ducked inside, locking it behind them and leaving the adventurers outside. Showing his determination to advance at all costs, the half-orc cleric unlimbered his maul and declared that he had a key. Several powerful swings later, the gate was broken and the three adventurers advanced to the manor’s entrance. Pausing for a moment to prepare themselves, they then charged in, Brok-Tul yelling “HELM AID US!”

Several guardsmen were waiting in the entrance chamber and more of them quickly emerged from a nearby barracks to engage the three. However, their skills were no match for that of the adventurers in a straight-up melee and were quickly and efficiently cut down. Moving down the hallway to Hallton's audience chamber, they prepared themselves to face more foes, with Veran slipping into the shadows and Brok-Tul quietly chanting the words of a prayer for a glyph of warding.

As Brok-Tul walked into the chamber to cast his spell, several heavily armed and armored guards, Hallton's personal elite, rapidly moved to engage him and spoiled the spell's effect. Rahnee and Veran came to their comrade's defense and intense fighting erupted inside the chamber, moving to the corridor outside as Hallton screamed encouragement to his men and epithets at the adventurers.

Veran went down first, bloody and unconscious, but was able to rally to his feet as the other two fought on. Although a few of Hallton's elite guards by now had fallen, Brok-Tul could no longer hold off the rest and was the first of the adventurers to die, spilling his life's blood on the cold stone floor. Rahnee attempted to execute a fighting retreat, but was rendered unconscious. Her opponents then went back to finish off a helpless Veran. (A terrible end for a legend in the Order. He certainly misjudged his foes, or as my predecessor "R" believes, ignored his own judgment regarding the situation, which may well be worse. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Demonstrating once again her great constitution and luck, Rahnee managed to revive herself and made her way as fast as she could, bloody and battered, out the manor entrance. Soon afterwards, she surprised Garens outside, appearing in front of him and declaring that she would go back inside to die with her husband. She ordered Garens to flee the area and rejoin his family.

As Garens turned away and ran, Rahnee slowly turned back to the manor, death in her eyes as she readied her weapons. Although she used her ring of invisibility, she was unable to sneak past Hallton's remaining guards, who were on the lookout for anything out of place. After a flurry of combat that was carried outside and down the manor hill, Rahnee fell again. The two guards who had pursued her outside, now believing her dead, returned to the manor to check in with Hallton.

Tymora nonetheless was indeed with Rahnee that day, as after a while she was able to slowly drag herself to her feet and, finally admitting defeat, stumble off near-dead towards Tallwell. The village grounds were deserted, a boon for Rahnee as she attempted to move through the town unnoticed. She finally reached the scorched Winnfall farmhouse and collapsed on the floor inside after bandaging her wounds as best she could. (The presence of Kelemvor in the world is evident to all, not just those of our Order, as death is undeniable. Tymora's domain is much less concrete, but on occasion the influence of the Lady in the world can be just as undeniable. --C)

* * *​

It was early evening on Hammer 28 when Rahnee, Belle, and their new dwarven companion Darrow Ironhelm walked in the door of the Gatereach Inn. They were evidently looking for Aerikoth, as the dwarf bellowed his name in the common room after entering. Jandrico Swift appeared and informed them that the mage was not currently in the inn, but smilingly indicated that they could ask Jokull about his whereabouts, since the two had shared breakfast. Upon hearing Jokull’s name, Rahnee exclaimed her surprise and pleasure, heading off for the corner where the innkeeper had pointed him out.

The Cormyrian warrior was just as pleased to see her, but became instantly saddened when she haltingly explained what had happened to Brok-Tul and Veran. Brief introductions were made between Jokull, Belle, and Darrow, before Rahnee led the others to their private guest house meeting room. There, Rahnee told Jokull of the events that had unfolded following the delivery of Aratae’s head to Turnton.

After the battle at Hallton manor, Belle had returned to the Winnfall farmhouse and found Rahnee. The two of them then made their way to the village of Glees, then on to Turnton to request Baron Pahar’s help. There they had met Darrow, who had traveled from the Clan Ironhelm citadel in the Giant’s Run mountains in order to see if he could enlist the aid of Helm’s Shadows in exploring his clan’s lower delves. He had agreed to lend his axe to their cause in the meantime. The three then returned to Westgate in search of Aerikoth, after receiving a promise of assistance from Pahar.

 

[Carlo-One]

The group could hear the rain outside as the door to the guest house opened. On edge, Rahnee, Darrow and Belle readied themselves for a fight as Jokull went to the entrance and greeted Aerikoth, who had just entered. As the phlegmatic wizard brushed water from his robes and joined the others at the table, a murderous glint appeared in Rahnee’s eyes as she expressed concern for his health and questioned why he had so suddenly disappeared back in Tallwell. Her hand gripped her sword hilt as he explained in his usual monotone that he had decided to leave for various reasons, above all because he had an engagement to keep and wished to show them the result of his actions; something that he would prefer Brok-Tul and Veran to witness as well, as he had done it because of them and Rahnee and Belle.

Rahnee’s sword almost unconsciously came into her hand as words lashed out from her towards the mage, informing him of what had occurred with Brok-Tul and Veran’s deaths, in her words all because Aerikoth “had an appointment.” He showed no reaction beyond lifting an eyebrow as Jokull intervened to avoid bloodshed. Rahnee dropped her sword and, screaming imprecations at Aerikoth, cried and raged at him while attempting to overturn the table. Eventually, because of the efforts of Jokull and the others, she calmed down enough to hear Aerikoth speak, although she and Belle remained doubtful of his motives. The wizard stated that he now understood her reaction and, although his gesture of thanks now seemed somewhat pointless, he showed them what he had disappeared in order to obtain: the deed to the Hidden House, which would have fulfilled Brok-Tul’s dream of a shrine to Helm in Westgate. Rahnee broke down in tears again upon seeing it.

(However cathartic this conversation was, I cannot help but wonder if all questions were truly answered. Why did the wizard pick that moment to depart, with no warning? Perhaps it was simply a matter of ego, yet there seems to be something more behind it. The decision by Rahnee and her fallen companions to proceed with their assault on Hallton's manor was, nonetheless, their own. Upon them fell the judgment of events. --R)

The following morning, Hammer 29, saw the group gather in the Gatereach to break their fast, Aerikoth having arrived a short while before the others. After enjoying some of Goruna’s omelets, they decided they needed to re-equip and walked to Shalush’s in the Market District. Jokull, Aerikoth and Darrow returned to the Gatereach guest house, where Darrow changed into his new armor. The three then stood around waiting for the two women, Rahnee and Belle, who eventually showed up. Confirming that everyone was ready to depart the city, they headed for the southern route to Glees.

The trip to the village was uneventful and a Baronial guard captain named Renthor greeted Rahnee as soon as she stepped into the inn. He and a squad of six soldiers had arrived the previous day, under orders from Pahar to await the companions and offer their assistance. Rahnee told the captain they would leave for Tallwell at dawn, even though Jokull and Darrow were eager to press on, so he ordered his men to make camp for the night. Rather than share a room with one of the others, Aerikoth joined the guards, taking possession of one of their tents to sleep in.

In the chill morning air, the companions readied themselves and the soldiers struck camp. The march to Tallwell took three hours, the group deciding not to divert to pick up the Hallton magic armor that Belle and Rahnee had previously buried at some distance away in the woods. Belle carefully scouted ahead while the rest followed, the baronial soldiers forming a rearguard. The village was almost devoid of activity and the group traversed it unmolested, heading east towards Hallton’s manor.

The companions and Pahar’s men paused to rest as they reached the Hallton manor grounds. A sense of uneasiness gripped some of them as they contemplated the way to the manor, the site of Brok-Tul and Veran’s fall, and periodic tremors shook the ground, source unknown. Belle and Jokull moved off on their own, making a wide circle around the grounds in order to find and hopefully prevent any reinforcements from arriving. Meanwhile, Aerikoth prepared Darrow for battle by casting a stoneskin spell on him.

Rahnee took the role of scout, moving across the field and up to the ridge where the manor lay. After a time, she returned, white-faced, to tell the others that their departed comrades’ heads had been placed on poles outside of the manor wall. She had also been unable to disable a trap she had detected on the path leading to the building itself. Aerikoth observed that they would need to secure the gate in order to prevent the defenders from sealing them out. Rahnee concurred and assured an impatient Darrow that they would be moving to the assault, also giving a grisly order to the dwarf: to remove their dead companions’ heads.

 

[Carlo-One]

As the group readied their weapons and began moving forward, a ghostly form appeared in front of them – “Brok!” exclaimed Rahnee, as Pahar’s men made signs of warding and Darrow thought they had been spotted by guards. The ghost, smiling, said that he had been drawn back, which meant that they had not given up on him. A moment later, he had disappeared, but Rahnee still seemed to be carrying on a conversation; even the normally unflappable Aerikoth stood staring, confused. Once she was finished, a determined look on her face, she gave the order to move forward. (The ways and means of the dead are sometimes confusing. A common thread throughout history, however, is that those spirits with an overpowering need to conclude unfinished business may return as haunts. Brok-Tul most certainly falls into this category. --C)

As the adventurers and the baronial soldiers started making their way up the manor hill, the two guards inside the wall shouted an alarm and ran inside, barricading the door behind them. Avoiding the trap on the way up, the companions once again bashed down the gate and reached the door. Although Darrow was eager to bash it, it opened easily to a knock spell from Aerikoth. The companions readied themselves for a charge and swiftly entered the manor.

Inside, a number of Hallton guards engaged them in the entrance hall, but were no match for the group, who then made their way slowly down the corridor to Hallton’s audience chamber. Hallton, hearing them coming, shouted out for his guards to charge the intruders. Several heavily armed and armored men moved to do their lord’s bidding, engaging the companions at the chamber’s opening. A savage melee ensued and the captain of Pahar’s men went down, although his soldiers stood firm and were able to form a shield wall in front of Aerikoth, who hurled spells into the ranks of their foes.

When the fighting was done, Hallton’s guard was dead and he himself had vanished after drinking a potion during the fight. Rahnee, no fool, immediately thought to start tracing his blood trail, bringing her adventuring companions with her while Pahar’s guard stayed in the audience chamber. After several minutes, the adventurers went back to the chamber, where they spotted Hallton’s form retreating into his antechamber. Cornering the erstwhile Duke, Rahnee and Darrow cut him down without mercy, Rahnee stabbing him over and over again as she cursed him to his grave.

The remaining soldiers from Baron Pahar’s guard headed back to the manor entrance to sweep the area, as the companions looted Hallton’s body and searched his chambers. In an underground torture complex, they found a note in a cipher which none of them could read, which Aerikoth kept for future reference. Inside Hallton’s personal chamber, a trapped chest was disarmed by Rahnee, but nothing was found inside. Aerikoth, concentrating, was able to tell that the chest was magical in some manner, but nothing more.

A short while later, as the group was completing their sweep of the manor and nearby grounds, Rahnee and Aerikoth heard a scream from outside. They moved quickly and found a baronial guardsman standing over the charred form of Darrow; the guard explained that he had come as soon as he had heard the scream, having been searching outside for possible graves, under Rahnee’s previous orders. Rahnee was able to quickly administer healing salves to the dwarf, who confirmed that he had tripped a fire trap on the spiked head of Brok-Tul while attempting to retrieve it. After finishing her ministrations to Darrow, Rahnee examined the pole with Veran’s head and disabled a similar trap, taking both of the heads into her possession and placing them in her magical bag of holding.

 

[Carlo-One]

After the group finished looting the Hallton equipment and rigging stretchers for the bodies of the two baronial soldiers who had fallen during combat, they slowly made their way down the manor hill, heading away from that grim place without once looking behind. As the group reached the outskirts of the manor grounds, Belle reappeared, immediately taking in the stretchers and the tired but victorious mien of her comrades. Hugging Rahnee, she was informed of what had happened, Darrow chiding her with a smile about her missing the fun.

Rahnee then told Belle that she wished for Belle to help them search the manor basement again, not understanding why Hallton had run underground, but then came back upstairs into the corridor where they had found him. The adventurers trooped back to the manor, where Aerikoth spent time examining Hallton’s chest further, while the others went underground to go over the torture chamber once again.

Finding nothing, the companions emerged from the manor and discovered Jokull making his way up the hill. He reported that he had seen no other enemies and then was filled in on the results of the battle. It was decided that Aerikoth would teleport to Turnton with Hallton’s chest, while the others made their way overland to the town. Aerikoth said the words to activate the spell and disappeared, while the others made their way along the path from the manor back toward Tallwell.

Around midday of Hammer 30, Rahnee, Belle, Darrow and Jokull arrived in Turnton, having had a chilling encounter with a group of winter wolves along the way. Darrow had got the worst of it, as his beard was still frost-brittle. They met up with Aerikoth in Baron Pahar’s audience chamber, where the Baron offered his thanks for their success and his sympathies for their loss. Rahnee expressed her sorrow at the loss of Pahar’s men and offered to provide compensation for their families.

Turning to business, Pahar told them that he had decided not to occupy Hallton’s lands, at least until the identity of Hallton’s secret backers was uncovered, judging the risk of a confrontation with them would be too great. As soon as High Cleric Carlin returned, Pahar planned to visit Westgate and confer with his Thalavar allies regarding the situation. Rahnee, smiling slightly, informed Pahar she had told the Mayor of Tallwell that she should be considered the seneschal of Hallton’s estates until further notice. The Baron observed that this made Rahnee a target, something which she indicated was intentional. Belle muttered something to the effect that she was not quite as enthusiastic about the prospect of being a target. The companions also discussed the mystery of Hallton’s chest and the lack of treasure found at his manor.

In the end, it was decided that Aerikoth would teleport back to the guest house with Hallton’s chest, which could then be delivered to Castle Thalavar for further investigation. An impatient Jokull departed the audience chamber without any further word, prompting an apology from Rahnee. The others said their goodbyes to the Baron and departed, with Aerikoth teleporting out soon after.

(Jokull's contempt for authority figures has been evident throughout these chronicles. Is his attitude the result of his past treatment in Cormyr and his current status as an exiled Purple Dragon? Or is it the stereotypical Cormyrian hauteur and arrogance towards outsiders? It is hard to say. However, the fact that the warrior has managed to avoid fighting in his company's major battles, both against the lich Ashnakzeroth and the self-styled Duke Hallton, means that he has fewer accomplishments to be arrogant about. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

Prodigals

After Aerikoth had magically vanished, Rahnee, Jokull, Veran and Darrow departed Turnton on foot and arrived in Westgate in the evening, having encountered and defeated a vicious worg pack during their journey. As they entered the Gatereach compound, Aerikoth came out and greeted them. While they were discussing the day’s events, a fashionably-dressed elf emerged from the Gatereach, apparently on his way out. However, he stopped upon hearing Jokull’s voice and then went over to the Cormyrian, shouting a greeting. Jokull stared at the elf a moment before recognizing and welcoming him.

Dinendal Calafalas expressed his happiness at being able to join Jokull and - referring to the others in the company - Jokull’s “band of helpers.” Introductions were made amid some open-mouthed gaping at Dinendal’s characterization of the group. It was explained that Jokull had encountered Dinendal in Marsember. The elf, apparently having great interest in Jokull’s tales of adventure, had decided to venture to Westgate to assist Jokull in his quest. The group, including Dinendal, entered the inn and availed themselves of Jandrico Swift’s drink selection. Jokull offered to put Dinendal up in the guest house while the elf was in Westgate. Jandrico was asked to obtain new keys for both Darrow and Dinendal.

The following morning, the first of Alturiak, the companions gathered in the first floor of the guest house, except for Dinendal and Belle, who had been out during the night. Aerikoth departed to seek out two spells he needed at Aurora’s Emporium. Dinendal then showed up, although he had to exchange bellowing greetings through the door with Darrow in order to gain entrance. Aerikoth returned from his outing and went up to his room, while in the meantime the others had decided to go out in search of a smith, at Darrow’s insistence, and spend time in the Market district.

By that evening, the companions had all returned to the guest house and, tired from the day’s activities, went to sleep. After a dream-filled night, Rahnee, Jokull and Darrow roused themselves and went outside to the Gatereach compound. There, Rahnee sparred with Jokull, besting the Cormyrian warrior after several rounds of fighting. After a short break, Jokull then took on an eager Darrow, who however had to admit once their session was done that Jokull’s skills were better than his that day.

Having heard the battle sounds outside the guest house, Aerikoth and Dinendal joined them, then the group went into the Gatereach for breakfast. Although Goruna’s griddle cakes were memorable, the real highlight of the meal was Darrow’s axe slipping as he sat on his stool, resulting in the weapon's sharp edge taking a chunk out of Aerikoth. The mage was as unflinching as usual and the wound healed itself within a minute, although it should be noted that Jandrico was somewhat shocked at the scene.