New Horizons

[UR Leader Hobbes]

This is a continuation of the previous pre game thread which can be found here..

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=102160

The session started off with Moe’s character (Sphinx Wizard) leaving the college of magic he was attending. After many long good byes and some quick chats with fellow alumni he learned that a mystical order was attempting to recruit. Knowing very little of the Order of the Openbook, he turned to his instructors. There he learned a bit about the Order, including the fact that some of his mentors/teachers were members. The Order is first and foremost concerned with attaining and expanding it’s knowledge in the mystical arts. Any looking to join the order must first perform a field test. Usually it’s nothing too difficult, a exploratory mission or go and find such and such a component for potion etc. One of his instructors encourages him to join as being in a Mystical Order can lead to opportunities and always to greater power and mystical knowledge. Moe seemed to like the idea of greater mystical power and knowledge, but he wanted a second opinion. Another of his instructors advised him to be wary of the Order,. He felt that the Order of the Openbook took a far too “ends justify the means” approach to attain their results. Deciding he needed a bit of time to think it over Moe opted to take a stroll about the city.

Meanwhile a Jeridu is coming into the city. Keeping his arms under his cloak he takes a walk about and starts assessing the value of things in the area. He stops in a large public square and admires the fountain with the eternal flame atop. After milling about a bit he ends up on the docks area. There he spots someone opening a crate and taking something out, stuffing it into his shirt and walking away. Jameous (The player's name is Jameous as of the beginning of the game he had yet to name his character) yells out “Stop Theif!” and starts to chase after him. The thief begins to make a break for it. Having a far better speed attribute Jameous quickly closes down the distance. Seeing his lead being narrowed the thief begins to knock things over to try to impede Jameous. (Tables, stands, barrels, etc. Jameous has no difficulty evading the obstacles and hurdles most of them with little effort. Eventually the thief grabs a fresh fish from a nearby fishmonger and flings it at Jameous. Jameous catches the fish as it’s thrown with one of his extra hands and ends up tackling the thief.

He manages to subdue the thief and put him in a wrestling hold until the city guards arrive. The guards demand to know what was going on and after a quick explination they take the thief off. The head of the dock crew approaches Jameous and thanks him. Jameous turns back over the stolen package and the dock crew leader tells him that Lord Amberhall will wish to reward him.

More later..

[UR Leader Hobbes]

Not being one to turn down a reward he graciously goes with the dock master aboard a rather expensive looking ship. (Has almost more of a pleasure boat style to it then a ship about to set off for an expedition) To Jameous this ship seems to be in good working order (Not that he can tell being a thief) and seems to have a more of a luxurious feel to it than some of the others in the area. He meets the captain and an older man who seems to be in really good physical condition (Lord Amberhall’s body guard Stark) He then is met by Lord Amberhall who thanks him for his service with a nice sum of gold. (25 gp) Amberhall asks his name to which Jameous, who still hasn’t thought of a proper name for his character, says “Charlie”

After quick pleasantries Amberhall offers the Jeridu a job on his trip. He lets him know that he’s going to an unknown land to search for valuable resources. (Metals, gems, timbers, etc.) Charlie asks how long a trip it will be until arrival is told three moths. At 50 gp a month plus expenses that’s an easy 150 gold to sit on a boat. After agreeing to join the expedition Charlie is told to report back in a couple of days.

Roughly at the same time the third player Dave who is playing a human scholar, is just finishing up a quick meeting with a minor merchant family that he recovered an artifact from a dig. (His scholar is the sort of Indiana Jones type) After collecting a rather modest fee he asks if they have any other leads for him to employment. The only one they know of is the expedition their friend Lord Amberhall is putting together. Not bothering to look about for any other options he decides to seek out Lord Amberhall, his merchant friends were kind enough however to write a letter of recommendation for him. Eventually he finds the ship that is being loaded for the journey and is able to get an audience with Lord Amberhall. He presents himself and offers his services to him, he also presents the letter of recommendation.

Dave: I believe I have skills that will be of use to you in your expedition. *Hands his letter of recommendation*
Amberhall: It says here you recovered you were vital in the expedition to recover a troll fertility idol.. (Good for a laugh at the table.) So what skills do you posses that will be a benefit?

Dave went into several of his linguistic capacities as well as his archeological back ground and ways it can help. He was able to convince Amberhall that he could be useful if they encounter natives. As a test he asked him to look over a contract put forth by some dwarfs who will be conducting surveys for mining operations.

Making a successful skill check in his Dwarven literacy he discovers that the dwarves are claiming rights to 50% of all yielded resources from mining expedition. He than explains quickly to Amberhall that his miners are trying to take far more than their fair share. Amberhall is impressed and asks Dave to fix the contract to the agreed upon 20%. Dave does rewrite the contract but only cuts the dwarves in for a mere 15% Once it’s drafted up the contract is given to a boy to run to the miners for their signatures. At this point Amberhall mentions a party he is having and invites Dave to attend. Dave sticks about for a bit longer and eventually Amberhall asks him about his lodgings. Informing him that he will be renting a room in the city Amberhall lets him know that they will be leaving in a couple of days.

As he’s leaving the ship and wandering about town he sees some really irate looking dwarves moving towards the dock area grumbling about something. He laughs and says “Damn dwarves always trying to screw over humans.” He eventually finds an inn and goes in. Seeing some patrons he notices a couple of elves enjoying a meal and wine. The innkeeper approaches him and welcomes him and asks what he can do for him. Dave replys “Nothing with clients like that.” Gesturing to the two elves. He than marches out of the inn in search of another. Eventually he finds another one with a kobold sweeping the floor. The owner is a human and the scholar asks him if he allows nonhumans to in his establishment. The owner reply is “Just my slave.” Deciding that this is a suitable place he takes a room.

The final player Ace opted to go for a Minotaur Gladiator.. He is starting off being owned by Lord Amberhall. He is informed that he will be fighting that evening and he goes about the process of getting ready, both mentally and physically. Amberhall has had him training at Master Shang's Dojo for the last few weeks. (Player got to start off with Paried Weapons in addition to other skills.) He is brought not to an arena but to a rather wealthy looking manor. There he is walked though the inner court yard where a large cage made of metal and wood is being erected within.

Across town Moe is noticing a lot of people in the warehouse district. Far more than normal. The ones who are there don't appear to be dock workers, they seem to be citizens who have set up a sort of shanty town in the warheouse area. He stops one who is passing by and makes a quick inquiry. Apparently the people are followers of some new religion with a prophet who claims to lead them to a promise land. They are in the process of stocking ships and plan on leaving soon.

Not finding too much interest in the cult Moe opts to leave, and bumps into Jameous. They quickly strike up a conversation and decide to wander about together for a bit. If you've seen the gamers it was almost as bad as the "You seem like a trustworthy individual." moment. Eventually they bump into a classmate of Moes who tells them he's on his way to a party and to see a gladiator fight. Moe and Jameous sorta invite themselves along.

Meanwhile Dave who has freshened up changes into more formal garb and heads off to the party. (He takes a yellow cab!) Hey it's in the book!

People are arriving and Dave goes to the front, announces himself and the guard outside the door checks his list. He is listed as a guest and is permitted entrance. Once inside he is given wine, and helps himself to some of the food that has been prepared for the guests.. Some idle chatter with guest, Dave is a bit disapointed that some are not humans.. But he doesn't make a scene.

Outside however Moe, Jameous and the classmate of Moe's are arriving. The guards look nervous at Moe's approach. Moe says he's here for the fight. One of the guards says something to the effect of "****! It talks and it's out of it's cage!"

Being taken aback a bit Moe cllarifyies that he is here to watch the fight. Moe's schoolmate gives his name and is permitted in. Moe and Jameous however are not on the list. Moe essentally guilt trips his schoolmate into seeing what he can do for him. A few minutes later he returns with a young and attractive noble woman. She permits Jameous and Moe to watch.. But only from the servant's quarters.

Meanwhile bets are being taken on Amberhall's champion. A well to do merchant is pitting his Champion against Rob. Eventually the fighters are introduced. The Minotaur gets some applause and looks fierce. His foe however is brought in a metal cage. Snarling and roarlike sounds can be heard from within. Once the metal cage is secured and the handlers are out of the way the door is opened and in the makeshift arena enters a chimera.

The fight goes back and forth for a little bit, the Miniotaur lands the first decisive blow. Quickly after the chimera strikes twice with it's spiked tail. Fortunately for the minotaur Rob makes the saving throws and only suffers minimal damage. A few solid strikes the Chimera is hurting. Going for broke the Chimera leaps at the gladiator with claws and teeth. Rob opts to take the hit to deliver one of his own. A crippling strike that lodges his axe deep into the chest of the Chimera. Flinging foe to the ground he looks to Lord Amberhall for a signal. Thumbs down and thus the axe of the minotaur lops off the head of the chimera. Rob then also lops off the tail as a trophy.

After a bit of grandstanding and relishing in the praises of the party goers the Minotaur returns to his quarters to have his wounds tended to. The others take time to congratulate Amberhall on his win. Dave also collects on the bet he placed. A little bit later Amberhall notices Dave and takes a moment to thank him for saving him a bit of money with the Dwarven miners. Apparently the dwarves were irate that they were offered what they fealt was such a short ammount. Not being aware of the % differnce Dave made to the contract Amberhall threatened to go to another company with the offer especially since the initial contract the dwarves drafted up granted them far more than what they should have been entitled to. The dwarves relented and accepted the terms of the new deal saving Amberhall a significant amount on any valuable deposits discovered. After this Amberhall excuses himself to go and visit with his champion.

The Minotaur is being bandaged up and Amberhall has opted to reward him by making him the guest of honor at the feast. Rob is grateful but has one request. "Next time, have me face a more skilled foe so when I defeat him I can bring more glory and honor to this house."

The minotaur is a big hit with the party goers. Many scramble closer.. But not too close, just to get a better look. A frothing tankard of ale is brought forth for the champion. Jameous spots Lord Amberhall from his view at the servants quarters. Moe tells him to hop on and he'll fly them over..
Landing on a balcony and giving quite a start to some of the guests, not to mention the Minotaur who was thinking it was time for another fight, Jameous quickly trys to defuse the sitaution. "It's all right, I work for Lord Amberhall."

Amberhall who didn't invite him and has never seen the Sphinx, and not wishing to put a dampener on the evening comes forth and welcomes them and says "Well.. You do know how to make an entrance."

They join the party and Moe finds great amusment in listening to a storyteller, Dave enjoys his eveening and heads back to his room in a yellow cab at teh end of the night. The Minotaur drinks and eats his full before wavering off to sleep. The Jeridu ends up chatting with an elf woman and practices his skills via lifting her jewelery off of her. Amberhall retires for the night to his chambers.

Moe agreed the follwoing morning to sign on with the Order of the Openbook. They are assigning him to follow the cult to where their new promised land will be and to assess it for it's magical potenetial. (IE Go see if you can find any ley lines and send back reports on what is there.) Unfortunately Moe is a rather large beastie. A creature with a lions appetite would require a lot more food be brought on board for the joruney. Since they plan on being at sea for over three months the order has a solution to the problem. They will put an earring in his ear that will transform Moe into a human. When he removes the earring he will revert back to his Sphinx form.

The second session is tomorrow.. I'm off to prepare my notes.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions...

That is where the session ended.

[UR Leader Hobbes]

The day prior to the launch of the expedition everyone in the group met for a meal hosted by the religious cult who's leader is showing Amberhall and company to this new land. Prior to the lunchtime feast Moe and Jameous flew off so Jameous could sell the necklace he stole. (He snagged it on his way out from the party.)

They land near the outskirts of a town a ways away from the city. While walking towards the town they encounter a new player. (Luke who is LJavalle on these boards.) A small tiny fairy fly's before them and asks.. "Do you like dancing?"

He quickly casts "Faerie's Dance" and Jameous fails. Forcing him to dance in a maddening circle to music that seems to be coming from all about.. After a bit Moe manages to drag his friend from the circle.. Luke than offers him some food. They turn it down but do strike up a conversation. The Night elf says the name is Lucy Fern and is out looking for adventure and fun!

Moe and Jameous offer Lucy the opportunity to travel with them and says that they are going on a long trip that will offer lots of adventure and fun. Lucy agrees and they continue towards the town. When they get closer Jameous tells Lucy that it would be safest if the fairy was hidden in his back pack as fairys aren't usually welcome in cities of the Empire. Lucy does take the opportunity though to put some mixed nuts in with the rations.

The three of them enter the town and go looking for a place to pawn the stolen necklace. As they are looking about they pass an alchemist shop. Moe being a mage and always interested in all things mystical decides to go in, and Jameous follows. Moe not having enough money to buy anything is just browsing the wares. Jameous attempts to sell the necklace to the Alchemist. Uninterested in buying the necklace the Alchemist does point at his back pack and says “No, but I might be interested in whats in your pack that is so strong in mystical energy.”

Jameous opens his pack on the counter and Lucy is sitting there. The alchemist reaches for the fairy (Hey them wings are worth something to him!) and Lucy flies about the room. The alchemist casts compulsion as the fairy casts befuddle and neither succeeds. The sphinx realizes they are casting magic and calls out for both of them to stop. The alchemist casts another spell and all of the doors and windows to the shop shut. Panicking the fairy goes for the now closed door, and tries it. It won’t open. (Locked? Magically sealed?) Moe casts blinding flash and manages to blind the Alchemist. Jamous grabs his back pack and heads for the door.

Believing he’s under attack the alchemist calls out for his assistant. Running up some steps behind the counter from a cellar is a troll.

Deciding that now is a good time to exit, and realizing that the door is locked and isn’t opening Moe being a Sphinx uses his weight and rising on his hind legs knocks the door off it’s hinges. The three flee into the street and the troll gives up after a bit. Eventually they are able to pawn the necklace and make it back in time for the feast.

The feast is actually being held at the warehouse section where the religious cult has been working out of. The food, music and company are all good and it seems everyone is eager to begin. Prior to the serving of the food Ashkan makes a quick speech and says a prayer of blessing. Moe, Jameous and Lucy all show up as things are underway.

Deciding that it would be far too much fun to crash the party Lucy casts fairy dance on the party goers. Dave (the scholar and Rob the Minotaur) are both present. Rob opts to begin dancing as he thinks it’s part of the festivities.

The fairy attempts to serve the priest some food and he responds with a quick prayer. “In the name of Mithras and all that is holy and good, be gone from this place.” Failing the save the fairy falls to compulsion and flees the area.

At this point Luke introduced his back up character.. A figure clad in black and yellow, tall and think with a long thin beard from his chin. He joins the party and offers his services.. When asked what he can do he proclaims to be able to summon creatures and beasts and bend them to his will for he is the Monarch. Amberhall isn’t convinced and demands a demonstration. The Monarch offers to summon up a foe for Amberhall’s champion to face. This idea delights Amberhall. Asking Rob the name of a Minotaur the Monarch goes into the warehouse with a decent sized group of spectators. He summons up the named Minotaur.

GM NOTE: Unfortunately at this point Luke forgot that a first level summoner can’t control anything he summons. I rolled the battle of wills before them all and even though the Minotaur lost he still retained his free will.

“WHO DARES SUMMON ME!” roared the angry minotaur. “I did, your master the Monarch! Obey me minion.” The summoned Minotaur looks at the scrawny summoner and is even more outraged that what he perceives as a tiny little twerp dared to try to enslave him. He makes a step towards the circle but doesn’t enter.. “OBEY ME Minotaur and fight him.” Pointing to the other Minotaur played by Rob. “No, and when you step outta that circle I’m gonna beat you to a pulp.”

Luke/Monarch replied with something to the effect of “You must obey me, I am your master. Now fight him I command you!” The summoned Minotaur feeling annoyed grabbed a nearby spectator and flung him at the summoner. This knocked the Monarch back and out of the circle. Quickly the Monarch got to his feet but was grabbed by the irate and summoned Minotaur who lifted him up in the air with one arm.

Seeing this transpire Rob decided he would have to initiate the fight and charged. The Minotaur with the monarch dodged the charging minotaur who ended up crashing into a group of spectators. This done the summoned minotaur proceded to knock out the summoner with one punch. (Actually put the character close to needing to make a save vs coma by a couple of points.)

That done the summoned minotaur marched off. Dave being close at hand administered first aid and then psychic surgery to the Summoner to reconstruct his jaw. Then the priest did healing touch to the unconscious Monarch. The Monarch was then moved to one of the boats to rest. The session ended at that point giving the players (with the exception of the unconcious Monarch) a chance to get any last minute things in the town.

I'll post the next part in a bit after I get something to eat..

OK so I see quite a few people have read this.

[UR Leader Hobbes]

The next session began with the group on board the various ships. Prior to boarding the ship a earring is put into Moe’s ear which turns him into a human. The minotaur and the Monarch ended up on the same group. Dave, Jameous and Moe on another ship. After more than a month at sea, they notice ships approaching. Those ships seem to be flying the Bizantium colors. As they are heading north this makes sense. They are hailed and told that the Bizantium ships are looking for pirates and wish to board to inspect the cargo.

The captains agree and opt to allow the marines from Bizantium to board. The players suspect pirates but aren’t 100% certain. Rob/Minotaur and Luke/Monarch decide to head below decks and keep quite. Luke decides to draw a protection circle down below decks just to be on the safe side.

They search some of the ships and find nothing, and let them go. However as the Bizantium marines are searching below decks they come across the summoner standing next to a minotaur. This looks amazingly bad, especially since the Bizantium empire really doesn’t trust mages all that much. They get brought up on deck and demand an explanation from the captain. The Captain says that he’s not to blame as they are just passengers..

Believing that something is going on, the marines demand they turn over the summoner who will get a fair trial and execution for consorting with known servants of the Old Ones. (Ie the Minotaur) To the Bizantium marines it looks like he conjured him up. A fight breaks out and everything gets a bit confusing. Moe removes the earring and reverts back to his Sphinx form. Flying over the boat he casts cloud of slumber and knocks out quite a few of the guards. Unfortunately he also catches Luke in the process. One of the sailors who was climbing down the riggings also gets caught in the cloud and falls hitting the deck. The minotaur is able to fight his way to a life boat and start rowing away. In the fray the captain of that boat is slain, the boat catches fire and a few of the crew are killed. After a bit the Bizantium ship cuts ties and moves away..

After the fight the ships reorganize and all of the players end up on the same boat. A couple of months go by with out incident. The players pass the time in various ways. Luke begins to try to convince some of the passengers on the boat to accept him as a leader. Moe attempts to convert a magic pigeon scroll, and is turned blue.. A later second attempt proves successful. Rob passes the time attempting to learn how to fish.

One day he gets a really strong tug on his line. Fighting with the pole is really tough. After a bit what has caught his line reveals itself. A large spikey tentacle. The boat has attracted the attention of a kracken. (See Library of Bletherad) Most of them panic and are frozen with fear. The kracken lashes on to the boat. Jameous (Jeridu theif) starts slashing at one of the tentacles with his blades. Moe again takes flight in sphinx form. Luke flees below decks and draws a protection from evil circle.

The kracken grabs Jameous and another sailor and lifts them off the boat. The minotaur no longer frozen with fear begins to hack at a tentacle holding on to the boat and gets a couple of good slices in. Dave runs over and pours poison in the open wound. A bit later the sailor is devoured by the leviathan. Moe flys close to Jameous and casts Armor of Ithan on him, while Jamous slashes at the tentacle holding him.

A bit later and Rob manages to cut through one of the tentacles. Jameous is moved close to the maw of the great sea creature. Dave fires a crossbow at the creature’s eye and hits it. This causes it to let go of Jameous out of a pain reflex. Jameous lands on the great beast with weapons in hand.. Moe then cast cloud of slumber hoping to render the beast unconscious. Unfortunately it has the effect of putting Jameous asleep, who falls over and slips off the creatures body and goes into the sea. The Kracken is unaffected. One of the tentacles finds it’s way into the hold where Luke has drawn his circle and fortunately for him he is safe within his circle.

A couple of more tentacles get severed and another sailor is dragged off the boat, and becomes lunch for the kracken. Moe swoops down and picks Jameous out of the sea and brings him back aboard. Eventually the beast decides that there are easier prey in the ocean and leaves the boat alone.

Another month passes and they come to a great wall of mist. The priest goes to the bow of the ship, falls to his knees and says a prayer to his god. The mists part and land can be seen off in the distance. This is much to the delight of all parties. They sail toward it and find a bay and there is a bit of a race to see who gets to the land first. Dave undermines the efforts of the priests boat to get there first so Lord Amberhall sets foot upon the undiscovered land first and plants his flag with his family crest.

SIDE NOTE: At this point I decided the new land needed an anthem. As we were playing at Rob’s house I asked for some music and he jumped to one of the music channels on cable TV. Unfortunately the channel happened to be playing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Not exactly a fitting song. This began a contest among the players to come up with a good song as a national anthem for the new land. Winner gets 1,000 experience point bonus. I’m hoping for some good results.

All are happy to have finally arrived ashore. The colonists, lead by the priest, begin to set up a settlement by dismantling one of the ships they sailed on. They plan on setting up a sort of large hall Think of the Hall King Theoden had in Rohan from LOTR) and barn immediately and, once all of the necessities are taken care of, they will begin working on building a town. Fortunately they found a nice grassland which is near a river and not too far from a forest. Seems like an ideal spot to settle. The earth seems good for farming and raising live stock so their hopes are high. The priest declares the place “Goodland” and thus it is named.1

Amberhall’s goals however are far different. He wishes to exploit this land for it’s resources. After setting up a camp location he then sends off teams to search and map the area. Some teams are being sent off to cut trees from the nearby wood. Others are set to begin off loading supplies from the boats. Amberhall brought along a few teams of orc slaves and he puts them to work digging latrines and doing the heavy labor. The players were assigned to escort a team of dwarves to the nearby mountains so they can begin prospecting for valuable metals.

They begin to walk and enter a wood. Eventually they come across a large river. They pause and begin to consider ways of crossing. They didn’t bring enough rope with them to make a rope bridge, and the dwarves don’t wish to swim across as they are carrying heavy gear and tools used for mining. They decide that it would be best to build a bridge, figuring that sooner or later if there is any valuable metals in the mountains they will still have to get it back across to the colony. Moe decides to fly up and down the river to find a good spot. He comes across a spot that has a small island and where the shores are closer than from where they initially were. Upon his return he convinces the others to head to the location which is about ten miles up river.

They arrive and the dwarves get to work cutting down trees. Jameous patrols the area and also assists with some of the labor. Dave, Rob and the Monarch also pitch in to assist in the labor. They break for lunch and dinner which the Monarch prepares. (I’ve always said cooking is one of the easiest ways to land some experience points.) By the end of the day they have felled enough trees and have enough to work with.. At night the party decides to set up watches.. The dwarves refuse claiming that they have put in enough work as they hauled the most gear and also spent a good part of the day felling trees.

At night they hear howling of wolves in the distance. It seems to them that they are getting closer and closer. The minotaur and the sphinx go out into the woods to investigate. They hear the sounds of a large creature coming at them from the woods.. Turns out it’s a moose that is fleeing the approaching wolves. It runs towards Moe and Rob. Rob kills the beast and begins hauling it back to the camp site. Moe urinates in the area hoping that the scent of a large cat will ward off the wolves. It seems to work as the rest of the night goes by uneventful.

The next day is spent eating moose (Cooked by the Monarch) after it’s been cut open, drained and cut up. So the mining expedition will have some food the journey ,which is good since Moe’s character literally has a lion’s appetite. Dave, being Amberhall’s cartographer begins to work upon his map. He decides a good name for the bridge will be “Moose Head” as he intends to clean off the skull and have it mounted on the bridge.

At this point the session ended… The next session will be Sunday. They will have to finish the bridge. This will require someone getting to the little island which rests about half way to the opposite shore, and more than likely having to assist the dwarves with some stone masonry as well as physically lifting and setting the logs into place as to make the bridge. I’m tempted to reveal a bit here as to what I plan on for the next session. But as a couple of the players comes to these forums I’ll have to hold back on revealing anything.. Sorry Luke & Moe but your gonna have to wait until Sunday to find out what will be next.

Thoughts, comments, opinions and suggestions are always welcome.

[LJ]

I did not flee from the kraken!! I made my save vs. horror factor. I strolled out of the combat zone so that the other PCs....err...my lackeys could deal with it. I also had to protect my sidekick.

[UR Leader Hobbes]

Prior to the game starting I asked who brought a song to be the anthem for the colony. Most of the players completely forgot about this.. Only two brought songs. Dave took out his cell phone and started playing a song from the original Star Wars movie. (The scene at the end where they are getting their medals) The song was cut short leading me to ask if it was a ring tone. Dave denied it saying he just didn’t want to waste his battery and everyone knew the song anyway. Luke however brought a laptop with a song and played it.. He played the Duke Nuke Em song by Megadeth. I’ll try to find a link to it.

This session started right off where the last one left off. The dwarves are pretty particular about this and they take time to find and shape stones that will serve as a good basis for the supports of the bridge. (The idea being that eventually they will have to move shipments of ore across the river should they discover something in the mountains.) Eventually the dwarves and players finish construction of a bridge to the other side of the river. Dave hangs the skull of the moose upon an arch and proclaims the bridge “Moose Bridge”. The group decides to take the rest of the day off to rest and relax in the campsite they made. The rest of the day passes uneventfully. At night they post a watch.. The dwarves refuse to take a watch arguing they did the most effort in the construction.

During the night on Jameous’s watch he hears a sound coming from the river. Like splashing sounds of something swimming.. He takes a torch and goes out on to the bridge to investigate. The noise is coming from up river and heading his way. He doesn’t wake anyone up as he has yet to identify a threat.

Meanwhile monsters have snuck into the camp. Jameous, still on the bridge with his torch (thus not having night vision) still doesn’t wake anyone. Suddenly the peace of the night is broken by screams of two dwarves and the Minotaur. Alpine Monitors (See the Northern Hinterlands book) have grabbed the sleeping party members and are hauling them off.

The players awake to the horrific sight of several of the monsters and most fail their saving throws. Jameous even sees two coming on to the bridge from the river. As most of them failed to make a saving vs HF most automatically lost initiative. (The monitors also got a sneak attack on the sleeping party members as well since Jameous left the camp area and walked out on to the bridge.)

The attack commences and in the first round the two monitors with dwarfs flee off into the woods with their captives in mouth. (Monitors also get to inflict 2d6 damage every action when they have a victim caught in their jaws.) The monitor with Rob/Minotaur begins to haul him off as well. This one is not getting away as quickly as the Minotaur weighs quite a bit more than your average dwarf. But still he is able to haul him away from the camp and out of reach of any weapons.

The monarch gets hit as well, so does the scholar. A few of the dwarves also take damage as well. Only a couple of players got to make an action and that was to get outta bed and grab a weapon.. The dwarves drew their pic axes and drew in close together to defend themselves.
The monitors second action enabled them to inflict a bit of damage upon the dwarves and two of them closed in on Jameous, one on either side of him as he was on the bridge. Moe decided that he needed to help the others flew to the Monarch and casted Armor of Ithan. Rob who is being dragged off in this monitors mouth begins hitting the beast and trying to gouge its eye, with very little results. (Alpine Monitors have a nice AR)

As the battle went on Jameous was taking quite a bit of damage from his foes on the bridge, while the Monarch and Dave were able to prevent being hit. The Minotaur however continued to take damage and be hauled off by the monitor. The players fought back as best they could. Dave correctly guessed that the blood scent of the slaughtered moose they had hung to dry is what attracted the monitors to the camp. He cut down the remainder of the moose and saw a monitor flee with the carcass. Seeing Jamous in trouble, Moe for the second time came to the aid of a companion and as he was flying by hit him with his paw, providing an Armor of Ithan spell as well.

This unfortunately had the effect of knocking Jameous off the bridge and into the river. (A flying creature that’s big as a lion touching you will put you off balance. Especially when attempting to fend off two foes from different directions. Jameous failed his maintain balance roll.) So he hits the river. Fortunately he’s able to swim to a small rocky patch that one of the foundations for the bridge was sitting upon. The monitors jump into the river and fail to find the scent. So they swam down river looking to catch Jameous. The dwarves in the camp however had quite a bit of luck and slew two of the monsters and drove off another.

For the most part this ended the fighting in the camp. The dwarves and the monarch regrouped while Jameous and Dave ran off into the night to try to catch the monitor that had taken the Minotaur. The Minotaur unfortunately wasn’t having such good luck. He kept trying to hit the monitor and most of his blows did little as they have really tough leathery skins. Again it was Moe who’s sphinx was able to fly fast enough to catch the monitor and was able to fight with it that saw Rob saved. Jameous and Dave arrived shortly after to tend to the wounds. The two dwarves that were hauled off were never heard from again. (Devoured by the Monitors who hauled them away.)

Back at the camp Luke realizes what great beasts the Monitors are and decides to collect plenty of the blood. Once the group gets back together they discuss quitting and heading back to the colony. There seems to be plenty of blame to go around for the folly, which lead to the loss of two of the dwarves, but ultimately most blame Jameous for it. It’s put to a vote and they opt to go forward.

The next day the group reorganizes and crosses the bridge and continues to head towards the mountains. Moe flies above the canopy and helps them to stay on course for the nearest one. Along the way Luke/the Monarch convinces the others to look about for components for his summoning. Over the course of the day they manage to attain the required sacrifice to enable the Monarch to summon a serpent. He does this and summons up an Alpine Monitor. This makes the dwarves nervous, but Luke easily wins his battle of wills and the Monitor obeys his commands. This causes Luke to have the Monitor lead the way ahead of the party. (Thus the 1000+ lb creature can take out small vegetation and making the way far easier to travel for the rest of the group.

Eventually they make their way to the mountain and find a decent clearing to set up a camp. The dwarves waste no time in going right at the mountain. The side they approach from has a bit of a cliff face, so the dwarves begin the process of carving an entrance. The others start to set up lean-tos in the clearing. Moe, being a sphinx has a really difficult time with setting up any sort of shelter and eventually Rob builds a lean-to for him. Feeling adventurous Jameous decides he’s going to be the first to climb the mountain. First he takes a walk along the perimeter looking for a good spot. While doing so he comes across a strangely colored rock. He takes it back to the dwarves who identify it as Iron Ore. Looks like this mountain might have some ore deposits. This reenergizes the dwarves who seem even more eager than before to carve their way into this mountain. Jameous decides he’s gonna go back to what he was originally doing and after a bit finds a spot he believes he can climb up. He makes most all of his climbing skill rolls and as he is approaching the top, he fails his final one.. Fortunately he gets a role to try to catch himself and is able to. He makes it up to a decent spot where he can continue on foot with out fear of falling. Moe sends a magic pigeon back to Lord Amberhall at the colony and informs him of the situation. They also request that they send more reinforcements as the location looks like it’s going to be good for a mine site. Dave also sends the map he has been making as to allow the second group to be able to travel forth and find the mine site with greatest ease. He denotes not only the river, but the bridge and several other landmarks.

After this is done Moe flies up to the top of the mountain and takes a look about. He beats Jameous just by a few minutes. Jameous finds a couple of small trees and sets them up in the shape of an “X” clearly mocking Moe’s inability to make a lean-to. The view from the top shows a good mountain range with a nearby forest. A bit later on they head down. Later Dave heads up the mountain to survey the area in hopes of finding some signs of civilization. He brings his things he needs for map making and as he nears the top he notices the X made by Jameous and gets excited thinking there is some sort of sign of civilization.. Upon closer inspection he realizes that it was made recently and assumes one of his companions did it. After a bit Moe joins him and they chat for a moment. They realize that making a map would be far easier for him were he atop one of the higher mountain peaks. Moe agrees to taxi him over to another mountain top..

As they land they are surprised to see what appears to be a human peasant woman walking towards them. Dave is psyched and “Shhhs” Moe thinking that Moe might cause the woman to flee in fear if he began to speak. Dave approaches with his hands up by his sides showing he’s not armed and smiles as he approaches the woman.. He gives her a warm and friendly greeting, which is kindly returned with a blow that sends Dave flying. (21 pts of damage)
This completely catches Dave off guard who hightails it back on to Moe’s back and they fly off.. Unfortunately they get lost and can’t find their way back. Moe thinks to send a message via Magic Pigeon to one of the dwarves and once cast he follows it back to the camp site.
There Dave discusses the encounter with the woman and the group is left to ponder the meaning of it all as the session ends.

GM Note: I give out experience at the end of every session. This session I gave out a lot of EXPs to Moe who though Armor of Ithan and being able to fly quickly enough to catch the monitor that had taken away Rob to save him, really racked up the points. I also gave a nice bonus to Jameous for his in character mistake of not waking up the party in the middle of the night. I felt that it was the sort of mistake a low 2nd level thief would make, so he got a nice in character bonus.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions as always are welcome.

[LJ]

Actually I was the first one to search around where the dwarves were digging and found the ore. Jameous started looking about the same time.

You also left out me using the giant monitor lizard to work on knocking down trees, and dragging the rocks out of the way where the Dwarves were digging.

[UR Leader Hobbes]

OK this session started off right where the last one ended.

The Monarch's Alpine Monitor wakes up in the middle of the night and begins to move towards the mine location where the dwarves are. The minotaur awakens the Monarch who commands the monitor to stop. (He realizes that feeding the beast will be necessary in order to prevent it from devouring other members of the group.) Using the blood from the moose which was killed in an earlier session the Monarch summons another one and the Monitor has no trouble devouring it. In the mood for a bit of a laugh the Monarch decides to have the Monitor go and lick Charlies face (Jeridu Thief.) The monitor sneaks up to where Jamous's character is sleeping and starts licking his face. This wakes up the Jeridu who sees the teeth and mouth of the monitor but also blood and a few pieces of flesh from the recently devoured moose.

He does what any heroic player would do in that situation.. Fail his saving throw and starts to scream. Meanwhile the Monarch is laughing and yells out "He can taste your fear and wants more!"
(Truthfully Luke had a ton of great lines in this session and I can't recall them all.)

The group spends the next couple of days working about the camp. A few of the players express interest in masonry to the dwarves and in exchange for working in the mine are able to get some stone and are able to build a decent shelter with the help of the dwarves. The monitor is put to work hauling stones on a makeshift sled, the Monarch takes up the cooking detail, Dave looks about for a bit and forages for herbs. Moe goes off exploring and gets lost a couple of times.

One such occasion they are completely lost and end up atop a cliff near the ocean. Moe lands to think about how to find his way back while Dave looks about. After a bit they decide to take back to the skies and try to find the mine site. Dave, not having Horsemanship Exotic takes penalties to his horsemanship skill. I make players with out Exotic Horsmanship roll every time Moe takes off, or does a maeuver in flight.

Moe leaps out off the rocky cliff and Dave fails and begins to fall. Just prior to hitting the ground Moe is able to sweep back and snag him. Grabbing him by the armor in his mouth Moe moves out a bit over the ocean before dropping off Dave. Dave gets back to shore and climbs up the cliff, slipping once near the top, but catching himself. Moe also spotted and out ran a group of harpies. (His flying speed is WAY higher than that of the harpies. He could literally fly circles about them if he wished.)

After a couple days go by at the camp they start to wonder why the group from the colony has yet to arrive with additional supplies and slave labor. Most decide to spend the day helping the dwarves at the mine. The minotaur who opted not to sleep in the stone shelter opts to work on improving his own living area. Moe opts to fly back towards the settlement to see what is keeping the help they sent for. That afternoon it looks like it's going to rain. The people at the mine quickly thrown up a wall so the mine doesn't take in water, after that a few spend the day drinking some booze a few of the dwarves had in a flask.

Jameous decides to pretend to be drunk and manages to lift the summoners silver dagger and one of the water skins. A bit later outside the Monarch hears the Monitor taking off towards the camp site. It goes tearing through and through the woods a good distance. Rob (The Minotaur) and the Monarch follow it. Upon arriving they notice the monitor circling a tree and a couple of crossbow bolts stuck in the ground near it. Up the tree is a colonist.

Luke brings the Monitor under control while the Minotaur escorts the colonist back to their base camp. The mans name is Justin, he's a hunter/trapper and came out to the mine camp to warn the players and dwarves.

Justin's tale
"After you left and we got our shelters set up and things unloaded from the boats. We set about going to the wood to the north to find good lumber, furs, and game. One night we were about a fire. We had seen no sign of any peoples, just animals and the woodland creatures. They came upon us from out of nowhere. They moved faster through the trees than I've ever seen any man or elf move. They took some of us. To where I know not. Those of us that remained looked the next day for signs of a trial but could find nothing. We returned back to the colony. Lord Amberhall sent out a party to search but they found nothing. Upon receiving your message via your magic pidgeon Lord Amberhall decided that it was too risky to send anyone through the woods just yet. I came of my own choice to warn you.."

The group opted to return to the colony the next day. The dwarves opted to stay and continue to work the mine. They pack up and head back. They make it to the bridge fairly easily. The Monarch has the Alpine Monitor pull him along in a makeshift sled which also makes traveling a bit easier for the others.

At the river they cross their bridge that they built. They decide that it would be easier to build a raft and float down river than to march the whole way back. So they stop and construct a raft and lash it together with ropes. They opt to rest that night and the next day they continue. Moe flys ahead of the group while the Monitor swims ahead pulling the raft behind it. The Monarch was careful to instruct the Monitor to pull gently upon the raft and was specific with his instructions about the situation.

Down river Moe spots a group of harpies. He flys at them, after sending a magic pidgeon to the rest of the group on the raft to warn them. The group on the raft opted to head for the shore as they didn't wish to fight on the open river.

The battle was far less intersting than I had hoped. Moe shot a couple of them with his magic net which sent them plummeting into the river. A few got some good shots in but ultimately Moe was able to either knock them outta the sky with claw strikes or cause them to crash with the magic net.

Eventually all made it back to the colony and were brought up to speed. At this point experience points were awarded out as Moe and some of the others wanted to go watch a PPV Wrestling event.

This actually is a good spot to stop as it's building up to an encounter with the elves next week.

As always, comments, thoughts, and suggestions are welcome.

[UR Leader Hobbes]

This weeks session started off with all of the players getting healed up. The feeling in the colony is one of unrest. Many are concerned about the presence of the elves. Most all thought this land was untouched.

Although he doesn’t show it Amberhall is disturbed by Dave’s account of his encounter with a woman atop a mountain. (See a previous post.) But more pressing is this issue with the elves. Dave advises him to simply send out parties to slay them upon discovery. After all they are only savages.

That night one of the guards reports a campfire upon the plains. One of the missing crew members from the team of lumberjacks returns to the colony. He’s not injured and seems to be in decent health. He explains that two more of the team members are at the camp site, along with a lone elf. Jameous decides to go and chat with the elf.

The elf has two lumberjacks tied and gagged, but they appear to be unharmed. He tells the Jeridu that he wishes to speak with the leader of the colony. Jameous agrees to go and fetch the leader, and heads back to the colony. Both Lord Amberhall and the Ashkahn (The priest) believe themselves to be the leaders of the colony. However Amberhall doesn’t go as he is convinced by the players that he is too valuable to go out into the field. He sends Dave instead and instructs him to not incite hostilities with the elves. Rob is instructed to go as Dave’s bodyguard.

The entire group goes out, and joins the elf. Dave goes about introducing everyone. He introduces everyone and when he introduces the priest Ashkahn steps forward and claims to be the leader. Dave quickly iterates that he is ONE of the leaders, and that he represents another leader. He then introduces Rob as his body guard. This strikes the elf funny as he says “So you are like the mother who watches over a helpless child then?” to the minotaur. The minotaur steps up and the elf quickly iterates that he meant no disrespect to the minotaur. Dave uses his telekinesis to try to snag the spear from the elf who ends up struggling with it for a moment. Realizing what is going on Jameous tries to back hand Dave with a “Knock it off.”
This makes Dave upset as he feels the party should be backing him up. Also he’s getting pretty fed up with the pranks and antics of Jameous. (Jameous had swiped a few things from his pack on the ship voyage and put them in places where other people would eventually find them. No real malicious intent, just a prank) Dave storms off and the Minotaur goes with him. Those that remain, attempt to diffuse the situation and avoid hostilities. The elf allows them to take the captured lumberjacks back to the colony. He then informs them that they are all to meet again back at the same spot in three days time. He warns them to not try anything foolish as there are 500 warriors ready to strike.

Everyone returns to the town and they continue on. Jameous speaks with Lord Amberhall and is able to convince him that the numbers are in the favor of the elves. Amberhall again opts to have Dave go forth to represent him. Dave decides that a peace offering might be in order and procures a sword from Amberhalls man that is managing supplies. He turns in his crossbow however at this time.

Three days later from the initial meeting with the elf the group has reassembled at the same spot. Dave presents his gift and it is accepted. The elf informs them that they are to be tested to see if they are worthy of being allowed to remain in their land. This involves all of them traveling for a few days, both by foot and later on by boat. (Outriggers) Eventually they come to a spot on the shore where a yurt has been erected. Past the small encampment is a ruin of what appears to be a small town or a keep. More inspection would be required to tell. Dave is anxious to take a look at the ruins as his scholar is an archeologist.

Prior to being allowed to go forth however the party is brought forth before an elder who looks them over carefully. Dave being paranoid throws up a mind block. He said something to the following effects to each player.

Dave/Scholar – “You are full of fear and doubts..”
Moe/Sphinx – “Ahh you practice the old ways”
Rob/Minotaur – “You are a great warrior but not among your kind.”
Luke/Monarch – “Keep that giant lizard away from me.”
Jameous/Jeridu – “You have been inflicted with a most unusual curse of multiple arms.”
Ashkahn/Priest – “You are wise in many ways.. I invite you speak with me at length.”

The group rests for the day and the following night. The following morning they are escorted into the ruins. They stop at some steps that lead down to a solid door. All are present save for the priest. They are shown a stone with three rings carved into it. They are told that they must go forth into the area and bring back as many stones as they can. The elf whom they met outside of the colony says it’s their test and will determine their worth. He even mentions that this test is often used as a right of passage and most youth are able to bring back at least ten stones.

The group enters and as there is no light a couple of them quickly light torches. The first room seems to have a couple of doors in it and in the center of the room is a statue of an elf sitting Indian style with his arms out to the left and right.. In one hand is a rather heavy metal weight. The other is empty the hand with the weight is lower than the hand which is empty.

The group quickly begins looking about the room. Jameous skills as a thief prove to be very useful as he is able to discover a couple of hidden doorways. Dave begins looking about the room and goes about dusting off some of the walls. He finds the word “Balance” written in elven on one.

The group decides to go through a door and into another chamber. This one is lined on either side with statues of elves. At the far corner is a statue of an elf with his arms out wide. (Almost as if he’s about to clap.) Just in front of the statue on a pedestal is one of the stones they are looking for. The group gets a bit nervous as if they expect a trap or the statues to come to life.

Dave takes the stone and quickly ducks down.. Nothing happens. They do hear a “click” and Moe and Luke being the furthest in the back hear the sound of stone scraping against stone. In the first room a wall has lowered revealing another passageway.

Returning to the main chamber the group opts to go down a set of steps that were not concealed by a secret door. They come to a pit that is ten feet across. Hanging from above is a rope. Moe being a Sphinx is easily able to clear the distance. Jameous opts to attempt to jump and swing from the rope. This is bad as once Jamous grabs the rope his weight causes it to fall. He drops a good 40 feet (4d6) and being pulled down as it was released from the ceiling is an H shaped metal bar with spikes. The rope is actually tied to it and it was barely being held up. Jameous’s weight caused to to fall. Dave quickly uses the rest of his ISP to suspend the falling spikes and moves them into the passage and thus spearing Jameous any further damage. A rope is lowered and Jameous is pulled back up.

Still needing to get across they group devises a plan. The minotaur tosses the monarch to the other side. There he hammers a rope for the others to shimmy across.

The room on the other side is shaped like a trapezoid with two doors on the far ends. Jameous notices some dog like tracks in the dusty floor heading towards one of the doors. The group opts to split up, both doors go into a well lit room. Jameous and company notice a large platform and once they are in the room they notice a winged dog creature upon it. Dave going in the other door notices some feet away a small pile of coins/jewels and atop the pile is one of the stones the group is looking for. He runs over and picks the stone up first. This actually sets off a steel jaw trap and his right arm is hit with the damage. He shrieks in pain and the minotaur assists in both freeing his arm from the trap and applying first aid..

Moe on the other hand hops up on the platform and begins speaking with the winged dog. Noticing the dog has three stones he challenges Moe to a riddling contest and will reward him for each correct guess.

I’ll post the rest later on..

Thoughts, comments, suggestions???

[LJ]

Actually, the Elder didn't say anything to me. He looked at me for a few moments, shook his head, and continued down the line.

[UR Leader Hobbes]

Actually, the Elder didn't say anything to me. He looked at me for a few moments, shook his head, and continued down the line.

Yeah well now ya know what he was thinking..

Any way the winged dog asks Moe this first riddle..

"You break it even if you name it!"
Dave yells out the answer to Moe.. "SILENCE"

Moe repeats the correct answer and the dog tosses Moe a stone. The dog then asks another riddle.

"Has a mouth but does not speak, has a bed but never sleeps"
Again Dave yells out the correct answer for Moe to repeat. "RIVER!"

Again Moe gets another stone from the dog creature. Finally the dog insists on a third go at it, but insists a wager be made. His final stone against Moe killing the human who keeps yelling out the answers. Reluctantly Moe agrees. This delights the dog and he thinks of a good one.. But prior to asking he says there won't be any cheating from Moe's friends. He tosses a spell which hits the rest of the group. (Stench of Hadies)

Quickly the dog asks Moe..

What does man love more than life,
hate more than death or mortal strife;

That which contented men desire,
the poor have, the rich require;

The miser spends, the spendthrift saves,
and all men carry to their graves?

Then the dog says you have thirty seconds and begins to count down from 30.

The players ended up telling Moe the answer, which is "Nothing", before I finished counting to 0.

MOE: My character says nothing.
ME: Really... OK the dog finishes counting down to zero and now demands that you live up to your end of the bet and slay the human..
MOE: No! I said nothing!
ME: Right, now you have to kill Dave.
MOE: But my character said nothing..
ME: Right, you didn't answer and thus Dave's life is forfeit.

GM NOTE: I gotta admit I intentionally set this up in the hopes that Moe would "Say nothing" OK kind of a stupid prank but it was kinda fun.

The winged dog tosses Moe the final stone and insists that the group leaves his chamber. He's annoyed to the fullest with the intruders. They all leave. Jameous goes out a third door which was on the far side of the room. The others back track.

Jameous goes down a hall and finds a round manhole like cover. He opens it and sees a ladder and tosses a torch down to see how far.. It goes down quite a ways. Meanwhile the rest of the group, realizes that Jameous isn't there and they go back into the room and cross over to the third door. They also apologize to the dog with a "Sorry, just passing through real quick."

They decide to lower Jameous via a rope. (They think the wooden ladder might be trapped..)
Meanwhile the wooden ladder at the bottom has caught fire and the shaft Jameous is being lowered down is starting to fill with smoke.

As they are doing this the dog creature closes the door to the room leading into the chamber he has.

Jameous empties his waterskin and is able to snuff out the torch.He gets to the bottom and realizes the shaft is a dead end. He gets back to the top and the group opts to go on. They come to a dead end but find another shaft going down. They quickly realize that the Minotaur and Moe are both too big to fit. But Jameous, and Dave both go down. At the bottom of the shaft is a short tunnel that goes to another ladder which brings them back up to another manhole. This is in a room with a door.

Meanwhile Moe, and Rob think to use Demon and Monster lore to figure out what kind of creature the dog with the wings is. Turns out it's a Za. For some reason they decide that the Za needs an asskicking and head back to the door.

They find the door is locked and opt to break it down. This gives the Za a chance to get ready. It tosses a cinder cloud and circle of fire up. Moe gets a flaming dagger stuck in him. The Za has taken some damage so it downs a potion. Rob gets the next attack and his strike hits squarely. The Za doesn't even attempt to parry or dodge he just takes it. However the attack goes harmlessly through him as his body seems to now be made of mist..

We ended the session at this point.

More to come soon.

As always thoughts, comments, and suggestions are welcome.