11/2 Inspect the Foamrunner
12/2 Depart Diancecht, cover 120 miles by dawn next day.
13/2 Reach Isles of Morose that morning meet halflings, Three Sword Isle that afternoon. Hakeem Shieldbiter Vailin Dagda & Dr Piercemuller head inland. Meet Stuhac and the Skeletal Vine Trolls.
Hakeem 2000 + 255,188=257,188/265,000 LEVEL 17
Dagda 94,800/100,000 LEVEL 11
Shieldbiter 150,183/165,000 LEVEL 14
5:59pm 2017-5-13 Smon Has entered the room
chris107: I liked that Shieldbiter is going to settle Ayhf
Smon: Yeah Shieldbiter has big plans for his own Dragon Empire.
chris107:
Smon: At first he just wanted to blockade Ahyf and transfer trade to Trade, but now he thinks he can take over if he gets Hakeem Meda etc onside vs the 'evil slavers'.
chris107: That works for me.
Smon: He probably didn't appreciate being drugged & put in the Pit.
chris107: hehe
chris107: Ahyf has been a roten tooth for too long.
Smon: Bill was wanting Drakonok to take over Selatine too but that'd be more controversial I think.
chris107: Poor Selatine.
Smon: Those Antillians need some Dragonborn leadership to put them on the path of right conduct.
chris107: It has had a rough time but I think Lord Vex has only been complicit in his lack of doing rather than actively encourging.
Smon: I think if Jana Vex is well supported she may be able to fix Selatine, but we'll have to see how it goes.
chris107: Good job we didn't put Rey in charge there!
Smon: Rey in Ahyf, yes that would be ...problematic...
chris107: We are living in interesting times. As always
Smon: Jana has her eyes on Sandor, if he sticks with her that could be a powerful combo for fixing Selatine.
chris107: Now we must make sure Princess Crystal gets home safely so that we can secure these blades of fate.
chris107: That would be a good combination.
Smon: If he gets bored of her like Cpt Lance did I think things will go badly.
chris107: And would work well for us.
Smon: I think one more betrayal would probably be it for Jana.
chris107: Selatine is one of the cards missing from our deck. In the hands of a cautious fellowlike Sandor I think it will be to our advantage.
chris107: Poor old Jana has not had a lot of luck!
chris107: And she was such a nice girl when we first met her.
Smon: It's lucky she's still LG at all after all that... Yeah when you first met her she was this innocent nice but dim type...
Smon: Now she has a bit of a mean streak.
chris107: Dick the Butcher should have saved her honour that night in the showers. Who knows how different the world would have turned out?
Smon: Aye, Selatine might never have fallen to Oriax.
chris107: Sandpoint too may have fallen out differently.
chris107: Consequenses...
chris107: One night of soapy fun for Captain Lance = lots of campaign goodness for the rest of us
Smon: It's a morality tale!
chris107: hehe
chris107: immorality tale maybe?
Smon: GM: OK just reviewed last log - are you sending Shieldbiter & his wyvern to collect the princess while you stay at Diancecht?
Smon: (they generally are immorality tales)
chris107: I think we were going with him in case there was any danger enrounte.
chris107: But happy to languish at the tax payers expense if he is comfortable going alone.
Smon: Shieldbiter is confident he can get her back safely, also the wyvern would be short of space for everyone.
chris107: Then that is fine by Hakeem.
Smon: GM: Over the next few days you rest up in Diancecht, while Shieldbiter nips down south on his wyvern to visit his kinfolk and Freya his betrothed, promising to be back in a week with Princess Crystal.
chris107: He needs to find out what he can about outrunning pirates and sailing to exotic islands. Will he need a jab for horrid southern diseases and sucjh?
Smon: The climate here seems slightly cooler, if anything. (You are going further south of the equator). Dr Piercemuller asks to consult the records of the temple of Athena.
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 6,
chris107: Also the good Doctor has been an inspiration. Perhaps she has more to tell us?
Smon: She comes back looking annoyed. "The high priestess won't let me see her archives! She says they are private. I wanted to check some things about the dreams I've been having."
Smon: (This is about 4 days before the Princess' expected return)
chris107: "Mention that you are a friend of the princess and helped to save
chris107: (desperately looks at notes)
Smon: "Save... oh, the Athena priestess you rescued?! What was her name?"
Smon: "She was from here! Right!"
chris107: She was
Smon: Rosa frowns. "Her name..."
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 18,
Smon: "Octavia! Right?"
chris107: (I was trying to read through the blog at double quick time!
chris107: hmm that wasn't what I remembered but I'll get there
Smon: Rosa smiles. "Octavia Talemus! Yes! I'll tell her..."
Smon: "Thanks Hakeem!" Rosa goes off again.
chris107: (saves my old eyes, thanks)
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 15,
Smon: Rosa is gone until the evening, returning happy and slightly dusty from the archival scrolls.
chris107: Priestess Octavia, found it under Death of Ruggio!
Smon: "She let me in this time - I was reading up about the Psychic Defenders of the Altanian tribes... Did you know the Red Tiger Moot just south of here is the greatest training centre for Defenders in all the Wilderlands?"
Smon: "Hotar said my dreams reminded him of stuff your Defender Laara would say... You know her, right?"
chris107: "I did not. No doubt you would like to visit them?"
Smon: Rosa nods eagerly. "No fear!" She removes her glasses, rubbing the lenses with a cloth.
chris107: "Laara is bound up in this someway."
Smon: "I'm sure I could learn a lot. I seem to have developed... talents... here. Things I don't understand and can't control. Perhaps they could help me."
Smon: "Laara closed the Black Sun Gate, didn't she? With her mind?"
chris107: "Do we have time to visit while we await the return of Shieldbiter?
chris107: "She did. She is a remarkable young woman."
chris107: "Without her all would have been lost there."
Smon: Rosa nods. "She must be very brave... and strong."
chris107: "She will be great among all the tribes one day."
Smon: "The Tiger Moot is 90 miles from here on the maps. We might make it there and back if we can borrow horses - but my understanding is that anything they can teach me will take a good deal of time."
chris107: "You feel you may be developing similar powers?"
chris107: "Perhaps when we return from Three Swords Isle?"
Smon: Rosa nods, uncertain. "Maybe... I don't know. The Psychic Defenders train for years... and it seems strongest in young women, fading as they grow older. Those who live to a ripe age become Wise Women.... sorry I'm prattling. Yes, after Three Swords Isle sounds wise."
chris107: "Can you tell me anything more of the island?"
chris107: "You showed me pictures of the blades and mentioned Trolls?"
chris107: "And a Priest of mighty Bondorr?"
Smon: Rosa: "Yes. That's all I know. There are lots of scrolls at the temple here... I'll see what I can find."
chris107: "I have heard that Trolls fear not the bite of steel but only fire and acid?"
chris107: (That alchemy jug may prove useful)
chris107: Also I think we should stock up on oil for our trip!
Smon: GM: Over the next few days Dr Piercemuller buries herself in the scrolls. The elven serjeant Vaelin informs you that he has been placed in charge of the detachment that will escort you to Three Sword Isle. Vaelin: "Aye, fire can burn them."
Smon: Vaelin - https://68.media.tumblr.com/3f5555a6b8a0b7675610a6e786508d47/tumblr_inline_ndnipcsmBy1qc8995.jpg
chris107: "Can you make sure that each of your men is equiped with plenty of oil?
chris107: Nice twin magical arrows
chris107: "And each must carry tinder and flint. Perhaps drill them so that one man in three will be responsible for the burning?"
Smon: Vaelin nods: "Aye. The arrows? Aye, I know a trick to enchant a shaft at the moment of its flight, to defeat sorcerous wards and such."
chris107: "That is a fine skill indeed. Could you teach it to others? I met a young Dragonborn Archer in the north who would benefit from such."
chris107: "One day I have a score to settle with the foul Oriax and that would be most useful."
Smon: "Tinder and flint, aye..." He looks a bit uncertain. "There will be six archers, including myself and corporal Lurieth. To guard the ship, the King said. But if you need help on the Isle, I'm sure..."
Smon: "It's elf magic. I could try to teach it, if he's a keen student."
chris107: "It was just an idea Sergeant, not to worry. I do not worry about chopping the Trolls down. Just the buggers popping up again afterwards." Hakeem grins at the warrior.
chris107: "I'm sure he is a keen fellow. Though I know his brother Prince Shieldbiter better."
Smon: Vaelin smiles slightly. "That Shieldbiter is a hotheaded one, aye? He is lucky we did not loose arrows at his wyvern in the market! I heard how he slew the leaders of Yusan's horde - plucked them up and threw them screaming to their deaths..."
Smon: brb tea
chris107: "And a fine sight it was!"
chris107: I'll grab a cup too then.
chris107: back
Smon: back
chris107: good timing
Smon: 10/2/47 With a mighty flap of wings Shieldbiter returns on his wyvern just a day late, landing in the castle courtyard. Princess Crystal leaps down lightly and greets her father King Kambdum, then turns to you.
Smon: "Lord Hakeem." She smiles. "We have an expedition to discuss."
chris107: "My lady, I am ready and eager!"
chris107: "The Pirates at Blckarrow will be no problem you think?"
Smon: GM: After feasting that night, next morning 11/2 Crystal takes you down to the docks to inspect the Foamrunner, a high-prowed elven sailing ship. Foamrunner normally has a crew of 12 elves and half-elves: 6 sailors (Captain Crystal, First Mate Aenaro, 4 crew) and 6 elven archer-marines (Serjeant Vaelin, Corporal Lurieth, 4 archers).
Smon: Crystal: "The Pirates are numerous, no doubt, and their ships are fearsome. But we are faster."
Smon: "Isn't that right, First Mate?"
Smon: A laughing-eyed half-elf waves from the deck. "Aye, my Captain! None of those scurvy dogs will catch us!"
Smon: Foamrunner - https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e3/76/98/e3769879b10efe0592d10852704bed56.jpg
chris107: Hakeem's only real time at sea was fighting in the Korm Basin against Tor Lorvos and his death fleet.
Smon: Aenaro - http://img06.deviantart.net/7720/i/2013/021/5/f/sailor_by_angevere-d5s8ncj.jpg
chris107: That is a mighty ship indeed
chris107: (someone has been having fun digging up cool new images for the Blog? )
Smon: Aenaro: "She's small compared to the big Rallu galleys, but she's sturdy and quick."
Smon: (did that a few weeks back now!)
Smon: Aenaro: "I have one concern - the wyvern I saw flew in... if that thing lands on the deck, she'll likely tip."
chris107: "And do you or your crew know aught of our destination?"
chris107: "I shall ask Prince Shieldbiter very nicely not to then."
Smon: Crystal nods. "Aenaro is a skilled navigator. We can get you to Three Sword Isle. The place is little known. It appears peaceful, but..."
Smon: GM: Are you telling Shieldbiter he needs to leave the wyvern?
chris107: I am asking very nicely and explaining why
chris107: "We do not all have wings Prince Shieldbiter. I would sink like a stone. And our hostes have been most gracious. Sinking their ships would seem churlish."
chris107: (Boy am I glad I put that +1 into wisdom :D)
Smon: Aenaro: "I think we should set in at the Isles of Morose before we approach Three Sword Isle. The halflings there live closest... And they grow the finest pipeweed in all Oricha, or Pazidan."
chris107: Hakeem has never seen the fun in smoking but he thinks the Hobbits may know more of their neighbours so is happy to go along with the plan.
Smon: Shieldbiter is annoyed, but eventually agrees he can send his wyvern off hunting while he goes by ship with you.
chris107: "Thank you Prince Shieldbiter."
chris107: Can I cross off gold and arrange for extra amphora of oil to be stowed?
chris107: + tinder, flints and such.
Smon: Rosa & Dagda are also keen to be off after a week lounging around town, studying & training.
Smon: yup
Smon: After a day to get the ship ready and supplies stowed, on 4/2/47 you are ready to depart.
chris107: Then we are all set?
Smon: Princess Crystal utters a short ritual prayer: "Patressa, Goddess of Deep Water Fish, Bless us with your holy might..."
chris107: Hakeem prays to Bondorr. Not sure how much help he'll be when I'm sinking to the bottom of the sea. But it seems like the right thing to do.
Smon: Aenaro grins: "That means we can all breathe water now, Lord Hakeem. Handy fer goin' overboard."
chris107: Then he will gladly throw a helmet full of gold over the side into the sea as thanks!
Smon: /roll d8
Smon rolls 1d8 and gets: 2,
chris107: "And I will make a proper sacrifice Lady Patressa if we return across your seas safely!"
Smon: It's raining quite heavily but at least it's not a storm (not great for boats) as you bid farewell to the town and head out into the deep waters of the Northwatch estuary.
Smon: /roll d8
Smon rolls 1d8 and gets: 8,
Smon: A northwesterly wind is blowing, perfect for your needs, though the wet sails will slow you a little.
Smon: The ship turns east. 20 smiles slip by as you pass the wooded Grove of the Rising Sun on the southern cliffs and enter open water.
chris107: (Gold Plates Wreck sounds like fun )
Smon: Off to port/left Crystal points out a rugged islet rising above the waves. "Grotesque Atoll... those who land there become twisted, hideous things."
chris107: Hakeem shudders at this
Smon: "Some say a statue at the centre of the Isle drinks beauty, becoming ever more fetching..."
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 6,
Smon: LOL
Smon: Never fails
chris107: "The world is an amazing place , my friend. When I left the Middnight Goddess Hills I had no idea."
chris107: hehe
Smon: /roll d10
Smon rolls 1d10 and gets: 1,
Smon: You are 40 miles and about 6 hours' sail out of Diancecht when you see ahead the sea is covered with floating red seaweed.
chris107: "What is that my lady?"
chris107: "Should we avoid it?"
Smon: "Seaweed... harmless. This is about where that merchant ship carrying the gold plates went down... The water is not deep, but in this rain we'll not spot it from on deck."
Smon: The ship enters the seaweed, it trails along the sides, catches on the swan-prow.
chris107: Hakeem thinks of the gold plates greedily.
chris107: But keeps a watchful eye out
Smon: Aenaro: "It'll slow us a little..." He scans the horizon anxiously. "Blast this dreary rain!"
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 8,
chris107: For things from the deep crawling aboard..
chris107: "Aye Aenaro, it's miserable weather indeed."
Smon: Hakeem looks out carefully. Then he spots something small bobbing amongst the red weed - a tapered crystal bottle. It appears filled with a yellow substance.
chris107: He points it out to the sailors.
chris107: "Should we fish that out?"
Smon: Aenaro: "Hmm... Could be from the wreck? This weed stops dispersal... Aye, let's fetch it."
Smon: The ship turns to port, bringing you in range. Aenaro hands Hakeem a long-handled net.
Smon: "Catch it with that."
chris107: Hakeem will try to gently fish it out.
Smon: The net is long enough to reach the water, but you only get one chance as the ship passes...
Smon: roll DEX+Prof
chris107: (That's the first time playing Hakeem that I have typed the word 'gently' )
Smon:
chris107 rolls 1d20+8 and gets: 7, (+8) = 15
Smon: (I'm sure Hakeem types it w Malenn after fading to black)
Smon: Just made it!
chris107: (Hehe )
chris107: Phew.
Smon: Hakeem just manages to catch the crystal bottle and scoop it up, taking it gently to deck.
Smon: The yellow stuff inside seems to be glowing, pulsating gently.
chris107: He looks at it, closely before picking it up.
Smon: Then as you pick it up, it... moves.
Smon: Clustering where the warmth of your hands touches the crystal.
Smon: Crystal coughs. "You appear to have found a Yellow Ooze, milord."
chris107: "Ewwwww, what does a Yellow OOze do?"
chris107: "Is it dangerous?"
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 1,
Smon: Crystal frowns. "I confess I don't know the details..."
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 2,
Smon: Aenaro frowns too, shrugs.
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 13,
chris107: A long shot but has Hakeem heard of it?
Smon: Dr Piercemuller strides over, smiling brightly. "Ah yes! Ochre jelly! A small one. Highly acidic."
Smon: You can make a raw INT check
chris107 rolls 1d20 and gets: 12,
Smon: Sounds plausible.
chris107: "Acidic? It could be used against the Trolls perhaps?"
Smon: Rosa: "May I?"
Smon: She takes the bottle (if allowed), turning it over curiously,
chris107: Can Hakeem wrap it carefuly and stow it in his pouch?
chris107: After Rosa has inspected it.
Smon: "See how it follows my hand! It senses the warmth. Yes, very good against regenerating creatures."
Smon: Crystal looks puzzled. "I don't understand... You have been in our world a few months, yes? How do you ...?"
chris107: "Would you like to keep it?"
chris107: "I'm likely to have my hands full once we land."
Smon: Rosa gives her a slightly condescending smile. "It's my Proficiency."
Smon: Rosa: "Keep it? Certainly. I'd love to study it. Err... You don't mean for me to throw it at a troll?"
chris107: "I'll leave that up to you. You seem like a clever lass."
Smon: Rosa smiles at the flattery. "Thank you... but fighting trolls... *brrr*. I think that's more a Dagda thing."
Smon: Behind Rosa, Dagda nods soberly.
chris107: "When the ones I cut down start popping up behind me, perhaps you could use it to stop them regrowing?"
Smon: "Oh? Oh, I see. Not to throw at live ones... More sort of decanter it onto a fallen one?"
chris107: OOC - that could prove most useful.
chris107: "That's what I had in mind. I'm sure fighting Trolls is fun. But I wouldn't want to do it twice."
Smon: "Not sure how one could get it back in the bottle... but yes, I can certainly do that. I'll check the decanter, make sure I can get it open at the right time."
chris107: "Thank you Doctor."
Smon: GM: The ship sails on through the gloomy day, turning south-east once you clear the weeds.
chris107: Hakeem scans the seaweed for any further flotsum.
chris107: got it.
chris107: (These maps are ace)
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 5,
Smon: /roll d8
Smon rolls 1d8 and gets: 2,
Smon: The weather stays dreary, the rain pouring down, chilling you. Even Rosa wraps herself in a heavy cloak.
chris107: Hakeem pulls his simple cloak tightly around his shoulders.
Smon: Dusk falls. Captain Crystal joins Hakeem at the prow, gazing into the murk.
chris107: "Evening Captain."
chris107: "Are we making good time?"
Smon: "Our elven eyes fare well after nightfall... We're about 85 miles from Diancecht, should see land ahead in a few hours - Blackarrow head. That is our signal to turn east.
Smon: "Yes, this northwest wind is heavensent."
chris107: "I'll go get some sleep then. Wake me if pirates come too close. And thank you Captain."
Smon: "But even our elf-sails get sodden - we'll change the sail now, before we're too close to Blackarrow. That will give us extra speed."
chris107: "Unless you need me for anything?"
Smon: "No, catch some sleep."
chris107: OOC - can we set each of the PC's a watch?
Smon: Hakeem retires, Shieldbiter offers to take first watch, Dagda offers last watch so you get the midnight shift.
chris107: Hakeem goes below to try and sleep.
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 1,
chris107:
Smon: Shieldbiter wakes you after what seems a moment. "It's midnight. They just spotted land and turned east."
chris107: "Thanks my friend."
Smon: GM: Hakeem takes up his shift, Shieldbiter soon snoring.
chris107: Hre stretches, grabs some food and heads up on deck to take his turn.
chris107: Pulling on his breastplate and hanging his mighty blade onto his belt.
Smon: Up on deck it's quiet, 2 elven sailors man the rudder and handle the rigging - a human ship would need 4 or 5 - while the elf archer Lurieth keeps lookout.
Smon: Lurieth nods. "Hail Lord Hakeem." She regards you curiously.
chris107: "All quiet Lurieth?"
Smon: http://pre03.deviantart.net/202e/th/pre/f/2013/170/a/0/a0147d7a44194920c59e6a9777960040-d69q7s0.jpg
Smon: "So far... But we're right close to Blackarrow. Best stay sharp."
Smon: /roll d6
Smon rolls 1d6 and gets: 4,
chris107: "I thank the gods for your keen elven eyes on a night such as this."
chris107: Hakeem stays sharp.
Smon: She smiles. "And I thank them for your swordarm. The Slayer of Yusan, Liberator of the Vale... Princess Crystal speaks most highly of you. At the Citadel of Water they sing your praises."
Smon: /roll d8
Smon rolls 1d8 and gets: 2,
chris107: "I had help." He smiles
Smon: The wind has shifted northerly, but the ship still makes reasonable time.
chris107: Taking note of the stuff sailors do. In case he is needed sometime.
Smon: Lurieth nods. "Yes... But you are the one brought them together. Amazons, Dragonborn, Altanians, Ghinorans... all fighting for freedom. It's like the Arang-Tok War, all over again."
chris107: "Arang-Tok?"
Smon: Lurieth is looking up at Hakeem a little wide-eyed, as if afflicted by hero worship.
Smon: "Aye - the Orcs of Arang-Tok? A vast horde, they still dwell west of the mountains. Your Varek Tigerclaw wrought them much woe, thirteen years back... But I speak of the great war. Five hundred years ago, the Arang-Tok poured down from the mountains in countless thousands."
chris107: Hakeem looks sad at the mention of fllen Varek.
chris107: fallen even
chris107: Hakeem listens to the girl tell her reed.
Smon: "They swept across the Vale, down the River of Visions, defeating all Nerath could send against them... The humans fled, to seek shelter with the Dwarves of Capricia, and the Elves of Diancecht. And we heard them. We joined together."
chris107: (though keeping one eye out for pirates)
chris107: "The good folks will alway be victorious. If we stick together against the wicked."
Smon: She looks down. "This was before my time - only Mior and Filmathiel remember those days, now. Great battles were fought. Heroes arose, from all the races. And we prevailed."
Smon: >>"The good folks will alway be victorious. If we stick together against the wicked."<< Lurieth nods, blushing and clearly emotional. "Aye."
chris107: "I am happy that you remember these heroes. One day your people will tell the tale of this journy. And your part in it."
Smon: GM: The long watch passes, at 3am Hakeem wakes Dagda. It seems your head has just hit the pillow when you are awoken by cries: "Land ahoy!"
chris107: "Your name will be remembered."
chris107: "Grrooaannnnnn."
chris107: He washes himself in cold sea water and dresses for the day.
Smon: Up on deck in dawn's early light, you see ahead a thickly wooded island with scattered patches of what must be pipeweed, here and there the smoke trails of kitchen fires.
chris107: "The Isle of Morose?"
chris107: "Foamrunner is well named. She is swift indeed."
Smon: The ship comes in, sets anchor off a beach. Crystal nods. "Aye. Forty leagues in a day." She smiles. "Our draft is too deep to dock here, but we have a ship's boat.
Smon: A small rowboat, suitable for 4, is brought on deck. Crystal: "Serjeant Vailin, Lord Hakeem, you'll accompany me?"
chris107: "Does Lady Patressa's blessing still hold?" He looks nervously at the tiny boat bobbing on the waves.
chris107: "Thank you, I'd like to see these Hobbits."
Smon: Shieldbiter stretches his wings on deck, yawning, then leaps into the air, heading in flight for the high ground at the centre of the isle.
Smon: Crystal murmurs the prayer again. "Now you can breathe like a fish."
Smon: Crystal: "Master Aenaro, you have the command. Hold her here till we return."
chris107: "Thank you Princess Crystal, you have no idea how reassuring that is." He looks wryly at his heavy breastplate and massive sword.
Smon: The boat is lowered down, you board along with a sailor who swiftly rows you ashore, where a small group of tweed-dressed 4' tall figures are waiting, puffing on pipes.
chris107: (I think these are the first Hobbit's Hakeem has met? He didn't meet the landlord with the wolf)
Smon: As you leave the boat, feet wet in the surf, a very fat halfling, almost as wide as tall, steps forward, doffing his cap in greeting. "Sam Tarly, at your service milords."
Smon: (yup)
Smon: Crystal: "Hello Sam" she smiles, curtseying slightly.
chris107: "Master Tarly, my pleasure. I am Hakeem Greywolf, at your service."
Smon: Sam nods. "Princess Crystal, always a pleasure! Mr Greywolf, honoured I'm sure."
chris107: He holds out his big scarred hand to shake.
Smon: He shakes Hakeem's massive hand then takes a puff. "Errr... was that a dragon just flew overhead?"
chris107: "Honoured myself."
chris107: "That was Prince Shieldbiter. He's of the Dragonborn and a nice sort. He will do you no harm."
chris107: "Just needed to stretch his wings."
Smon: Tarly nods. "Dragonborn, eh? Not so many of them have wings... Well, you're just in time for second breakfast. Shall we?" He points inland.
Smon: Crystal: "Certainly."
chris107: "Thank you." Hakeem rarely tuns down food.
chris107: especially for free.
Smon: GM: The halfling delegation escort you about a half mile inland to a small thorpe of round-doored dwellings almost buried in the hillside.
Smon: One is larger, clearly designed to accommodate human-size visitors.
chris107: (Hakeem is certainly seeing many new and wondrful things )
Smon: You are escorted inside the great round red door and are soon tucking into a very substantial breakfast - porridge, boiled eggs and toast, blood pudding, sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, grilled tomatos...
Smon: A halfling maid serves you a hot bitter black liquid from a pewter jug.
chris107: "My! A wonderful breakfast Master Tarly! Thank you."
Smon: Crystal: "Coffee... a mild stimulant." She sips.
chris107: Hakeem will try the strange concoction.
chris107 rolls 1d20 and gets: 10,
Smon: Tarly smiles at the praise. "No trouble I ashore you. Glad to have visitors."
chris107: he thinks it fair but no replacment for breakfast ale
Smon: Hakeem manages not to burn his tongue. It is bitter.
Smon: Tarly: "Some like sugar in it - even milk..."
chris107: "You have many visitors Master Tarly?"
Smon: He gestures to jug and sugar bowl.
chris107: Hakeem tries it with both
chris107 rolls 1d20 and gets: 2,
chris107: "I think I prefer it neat."
chris107: Not much of a sweet tongue, our Hakeem.
Smon: "Visitors? Yes, of course!" He eyes Hakeem's sugar filled milky broth. "Aye, bitter is best."
chris107: bad for the 6 pack
chris107: "They come for your famous weed no doubt?"
Smon: "We're expecting a ship up from Rallu any day now, in fact... But those damn Blackarrow pirates have been disrupting trade."
Smon: "Of course. Finest weed in Oricha, Pazidan, anywhere!"
Smon: Vailin: "Some say the pipeweed of Bisituni..."
chris107: "Pirates the world over are troublesome my friend." He rubs the old scar left by Sarene
Smon: Tarly reddens. "Bisituni, pah! " He looks to Hakeem. "That's a good scar."
chris107: Hakeem realises he is in for an informative morning.
chris107: "A gift from a pirate."
Smon: Crystal: "We would like to purchase some of your fine weed master Tarly..." She glances to Hakeem, unsure if to say more.
chris107: "You get any visitors from the other islands?"
chris107: Hakeem is happy to go along with Crystal for now.
Smon: "Other islands? No, no - just East Morose, of course. Strange fellows those. They wear their buttons wrong, if you ask me..."
chris107: His streak of xenophobia is narrowing and he likes the Hobbits well enoug, but...
Smon: The plates are cleared, bananas and oranges are served.
chris107: "Any tales to tell of the other islands?"
Smon: Vailin peels a banana.
chris107: "I here Trolls dwell on some of them?"
chris107: Hakeem watches this with some degree of wonder.
chris107: "May I?" He gestures at the strange fruit.
Smon: Tarly nods. "Aye, they say trolls lurk on Three Sword Isle... Funny to mention that place... There were a terrible storm last month, and lightning struck the crown of the isle, a HUGE blast. Could see it ten miles off!"
chris107: "Lightning you say? A blast that big must be unuual?"
Smon: "Oh yes, help yourself! Bananas from Rallu, oranges we grow ourselves..."
chris107: Hakeem makes a mental note of the date of the storm to pass on to Dr. Rosa. It couldbe important.
Smon: He nods. "Very! They say it sheared a chunk off the isle!"
chris107: Hakeem tries first the bannana.
chris107 rolls 1d20 and gets: 15,
chris107: Enjoying it very much.
chris107: Then the oranges
chris107 rolls 1d20 and gets: 4,
chris107: A little too sweet for him.
chris107: Though he doesn't say so and offend his hosts.
Smon: "You like the bananas? The Alamsors brought those - that nice Lady Lucretia, she likes 'em a lot."
Smon: Crystal: "Any other news? Ships?"
chris107: Hakeem nods his approval.
chris107: 2 mins, brb
Smon: Tarly scratches his sideburns. "Well, a few, but none as have stopped by recent. Olaf the Drunk swears he saw a flying ship pass over the island on feathery wings last week... Well, he ain't never been right in the head. "
chris107: back
chris107: Hakeem wonders at the idea of a flying ship.
chris107: "A flying ship would be most useful."
chris107: "Which direction was it heading?" he smiles.
Smon: GM: You finish your meal, Crystal diplomatically engages in negotiations over the price of pipeweed, and the halflings arrange to have 8 bundles oared over to your ship.
Smon: /roll d8
Smon rolls 1d8 and gets: 5,
Smon: "North, he said."
chris107: "Amazing. Your hospitality has been beyond superb Master Tarly. I shall speak of it in every port from here to the Korm Basin."
chris107: Hakeem follows Princess Crystal's lead.
Smon: GM: Tarly smiles affably. "My pleasure - and tell em about our Pipeweed!" It's early afternoon when you finish with the halflings - Second Breakfast having been rapidly succeeded by First Brunch - and return to the ship.
Smon: Crystal consults briefly with Aenaro.
chris107: not wishing to offend such perfect hosts by leaving too soon or staying too long.
Smon: /roll d8
Smon rolls 1d8 and gets: 6,
Smon: The weather is clearing up, just spots of rain and an occasional glimmer of blue through the clouds.
chris107: Once aboard H will tell Dr. R of his news.
Smon: Aenaro: "We can make Three Sword Isle in daylight, get a scouting party ashore?"
chris107: (Incase they are noted portents or such like)
chris107: "That sounds perfect Aenaro. Thank you."
Smon: Dr Piercemuller listens avidly. "Halflings?! Island dwarfism is a well recorded phenomenon. Have I told you of the Flores hobbits on my own world?"
chris107: "You have not."
Smon: Rosa: "Well they're extinct, but the principle is there... As for the portents, lightning could be a sign of Bondorr, yes?"
chris107: "Yes. "
chris107: "It is time to find these fiery blades!"
chris107: "Let's see what Bondorr's lightning has opened up."
Smon: Crystal: "Lord Hakeem, Aenaro suggests we take advantage of this break in the weather, land a party on Three Sword Isle before nightfall. As the Dragonborn flies, yourself, Dagda, Dr Piercemuller and one other in the boat - perhaps I could assist?"
chris107: Hakeem polishes all his equipment, freeing them from the salty coverings.
Smon: The ship makes good time east-north-east, skirting the northern flanks of the two Isles of Morose.
chris107: "That seems like good council my lady. But I could not put you in any danger."
chris107: "There are Trolls and perhaps even worse..."
Smon: Vailin nods. "I agree my lady. Trolls are too dangerous. I should accompany them."
chris107: "That would be a great help Sergeant. Thank you."
Smon: Crystal sighs, nods. "You're right of course - though I do have a few magics. A mage armour for Dr Piercemuller. And I have Remove Curse prepared in case something goes amiss."
Smon: After two hours, it's about 4pm when a rugged isle covered in thickly wooded hills comes in view.
chris107: "You are full of suprises Princes."
Smon: You see silvery streams splashing down the hillsides towards the sea, here and there signs of still water.
Smon: Vailin scans it. "A well watered place."
chris107: any sign of a blasted uphill?
Smon: Shieldbiter scans with eagle eye. "Looks quiet... too quiet."
Smon: He points to a dark smudge at the highest peak. "There. Fallen trees, burnt."
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 3,
chris107: "Then that is where we must head. Can you fly over and scout Prince Shieldbiter?"
Smon: You get closer to shore, Aenaro brings you in towards a small beach on the northwest coast.
chris107: (I assume we have our extra oil supplies that we brought along?)
Smon: Shieldbiter nods, climbs the rigging and takes to wing, heading high over the isle and circling round.
chris107: Along with torches, tinder etc.
chris107: (A flying Dhieldbiter ismost useful)
Smon: GM: You ready the ship's boat, Crystal casts MA on Rosa and the four of you sail ashore.
Smon: As your feet crunch on a pebbled beach, Shieldbiter returns.
Smon: "There's a cave. Looks like the blast opened it up, knocked down trees, caused a land-slide."
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 14,
chris107: "Thank you my friend. It seems Lord Bondorr has sent us a sign."
chris107: "Any sign of Trolls?"
Smon: "And I saw a hut in the treeline, just down from there. No fire. No trolls."
chris107: "Then let's crack on!2
chris107: Back on solid ground and with the chance of a good fight at hand Hakeem is back to his old self
Smon: OOC Will need to finish in 20 mins. I could do a bit tomorrow night if you're free?
Smon: GM: Up from the pebbled beech you scramble over mossy rocks, finding the dell of a fast-flowing stream that can be followed upstream & inland.
chris107: 20 minutes is good. Don't think I'll be free tomorrow though. Got Bochi's Rapan Athuk at 21:00 and can't blag the whole evening off
Smon: There are no tracks, no sign of life.
Smon: (ok)
Smon: Vailin looks around curiously. "Plants... no tracks. No deer, no rabbits... nothing. Hear any birds?"
chris107: Hakeem listens.
Smon: There's nothing, just the stream and the distant roar of the surf.
chris107: "Wouldn't trolls need something to live on?"
chris107: "When they can't get human..." He looks mischeaviously at Dr. Rosa.
Smon: The elf ranger grips his bow more tightly. "Trolls... they can go dormant for long periods if they exhaust their food supply."
Smon: Rosa gulps.
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 11,
chris107: Hakeem draws the Sword of Bondorr and hefts his shield.
Smon: Rosa: "So... you're saying there could be trolls... sleeping?" Vailin shrugs.
Smon: Your five-strong party climbs upwards into the interior.
chris107: "Stay very close behind. Vailin can you guard the rear?"
Smon: Vailin nods, slipping to the back behind Rosa. It's heavy going, very rough terrain, and after an hour or so Rosa is struggling. "Perhaps a short rest..."
Smon: Vailinn eyes the sky. "Less than an hour to nightfall."
chris107: "That seems fair, no point tiring ourselves out too early."
Smon: Shieldbiter: "We should be at that hut soon."
chris107: "Or maybe we push on? Been attacked at night by trolls out here would be worse tha sore legs"
chris107: Aye, lets push on.
Smon: Vailin: "Cover would be superior option, yes."
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 12,
Smon: GM: Rosa copes manfully, and as dusk is falling you leave the stream behind, the trees thinning ahead. Then Shieldbiter points out the mossy form of a wooden hut of silver birchwood standing in a dim clearing.
chris107: "Hello in the hut!"
Smon: Vailin looks to Hakeem. After a moment, the door slowly creaks open...
chris107: Hakeem steps forward
Smon: Then a figure emerges - an ancient white-bearded man in heavy grey-white robes, leaning on a gnarled stick.
chris107: Peering into the gloomy entrance
Smon: He peers into the darkness with rheumy eyes, settles on Hakeem.
Smon: "Ah! You have come! You answered the sign."
chris107: "From my Lord Bondorr?"
Smon: "Indeed. I am Stuhac. I must take you to the Swords."
chris107: "Thank you Stuhac. Do you too serve the Lord of Swords?"
Smon: He does not answer, but turns and points upslope with gnarled hand. "This way."
Smon: Stuhac turns away from you and starts to hobble uphill, leaning heavily on his walking staff.
chris107: (Where's Thuruar when you need him?)
chris107: Alert to danger, H follows.
Smon: Vailin,Shieldbiter, Dagda and Rosa rise and follow you.
chris107: He looks at the prints if any the old man leaves.
Smon: Hakeem can see prints on the mossy ground left by the old man - quite deep, he must be heavier than he looks.
Smon: /roll d20
Smon rolls 1d20 and gets: 5,
chris107: (I once followed a Hobbit, one who left very deep,dragonfoot shaped prints and have never trusted them since )
Smon: You travel for a mile or so uphill until eventually you come to an area of fallen blackened trees, charred brambles and bare rock.
Smon: (:D)
Smon: In the shadow of a massive fallen oak you make out a dim cave opening.
chris107: Hakeem once more draws his mighty blade.
Smon: Stuhac: "There. They wait for you."
chris107: "The three swords?"
Smon: He regards the Sword of Bondorr. His ancient rheumy eyes look oddly waxen.
Smon: His gnarled hands look increasingly clawlike in the darkness.
chris107: ....
Smon: "Aye, the three. Others have sought them...."
chris107:
chris107: "And you have protected them?"
Smon: "Vailin looks around, nervous. "I thought I heard something..."
Smon: Stuhac nods. "Aye."
chris107: "Rosa, behind me."
chris107: "You have killed those who sought them?"
Smon: Slowly Stuhac opens his heavy cloak, revealing a lining of woven layers of yellowed tendon and ligament. "I sowed them."
chris107: (Very nice)
Smon: He chuckles.
Smon: Dagda draws his sword.
Smon: Shieldbiter frowns, raising his massive axe.
chris107: Hakeem howls and pounces!
Smon: As Hakeem leaps towards Stuhac, the creature gives an evil chuckle. And from the ground all around you massive skeletal forms burst forth, covered in forest mold and wrapped in vines - skeletal trolls!
Smon: Rosa screams.
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