The forest was literally crawling with spiders. We gradually made our way to a cavern that was filled with spider webs, with two landings below that we could lower ourselves to. Since this appeared to be similar to what I have on my treasure map, I was only too willing to decend into the abyss. To make the long story short, we found a new (to me) kind of spider called a Grey Spider that is part human, part spider. Their base had been attacked by wasp-like creatures that lay their eggs in the spiders which are eventually consumed by the parasitic creatures. We fought our way down to the main chamber where the queen was and through our timely interference we managed to save the queen and take down the insects. She then told of her colony's children who were being held elsewhere in the complex and needed rescue. Other than a webbed hydra held as a guard dog over the place where her children were held, she said we shouldn't have much difficulty. The universe loves to spin irony almost as much as spiders love to spin web.
The party was not as quiet as it should be and managed to wake the sedated hydra and face its attacks. My magic talents were employed to their maximum to get the party safely past the beast without facing its full fury. However, all the constant battling left me low on effective spells, so I needed to rest after we made it to the chamber where to children and their guardian were. They wanted to go immediately, but I prevailed upon them to let us stay and rest so we could face whatever other adversities we might encounter better prepared. I believe there will yet be other nasties to deal with in this underground cavern.
Statistics: Posted by Just Rob — Sat Dec 06, 2008 5:32 pm
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We followed the scout back to the town and were amazed at the scene. Even the scout's mouth fell open in awe. The entire town was covered in webs. Spiders of all sizes were crawling everywhere. There was a ship at the center of the town/web.
After scouting around, we found what must be an entrance and proceeded to get attacked by large black spiders. They were no match for us, and we quickly entered the town.
Going around town turned out to be not so easy as if you didn't watch out, a spider would descend from the top of the web and carry you off as an appetizer for the rest of the eight legged beasts. This happened on more than one occasion so we decided to use our dire badger's tunneling ability to make our way around town. Even a town doctor who seemed mor intent on studying the spiders was taken this way. He was suspiciously happy to see the spiders anyway. He treated it more like a boy's antfarm and only thought they were benign.
As we gathered information about the spiders, we came under suspicion ourselves and the local law wanted us arrested. We managed to get out of custody and made ready to pursue a lead we found to the south of the town. The information is shaky, but it implies that some of the leaders in the town are to blame. We have to confirm this information. The house we found towards the south had more info, and we found a cavernous tunnel that would hopefully lead us to more answers. It had already provided more proof that the councilmen were acting in concert with the spiders somehow. It still didn't make sense though and we would have to follow the trail to the spider lair.
We traveled along the best path we could make out when something in the distance began to approach us.
It sounded BIG. And it was BIG.
A gigantic black spider tore through the woods towards us. A few failed attacks by our party and the dwarf sprung into action. He was going toe to toe with the ferocious beast and winning despite the thing sinking it's fangs into him time after time. If not for his heritage, he would have been dead many times over.
The rest of us hurried into a hole to survive and heal. I was at the top covering the opening with my shield. I had a good view of the dwarf and could possibly get to him if he fell or needed an extra bit of healing to finish off the spider.
He was victorious and I expect our bard will be writing a tale and song about this mighty victory. When the rest of us were defeated, Azaar really showed his resolve. much needed healing later, we found a spot to rest the night. I hope there aren't any more of those giant beasts around...we are short of dwarven heroes to battle them.
Statistics: Posted by Ghostwheel — Sat Dec 06, 2008 12:15 pm
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Following the trail we came to an opening in the forrest. Carefully, we approached the center of the clearing and found a funnel web going straight down. Pilin told us that the web was not meant for capture, but for climbing. Hmmm, me climbing in this plate would be interesting. I convinced the group to tie off as the webs we could see further down in the hole had a more ominous appearance to them. We made it to the ledge without incident. Discovering the retractable bridge that might come in handy later, we moved into the North cavern. A flash of my torch revealed to those of us without the gift of night vision a stone chimera which Pilin said was once a living creature. Please don't wake up and find us here. It seems he had done so before as the ground in front of the statue was littered with the remains of townsfolk.
The walls, ceilings and floors were covered in webs. We have found our target. We must hurry before more of the townsfolk end up as victims to these vicious spiders. One thought did cross my mind...why not turn the place into a blast furnace and burn the spiders out. As I was working out the mechanics, battle broke out fromthe room ahead. Pilin yelled to watch out for the stingers. This should end well. As I made my way to the battleground, another statue was very familiar. As I brought my faith to bear on him, our friend became able to move again. The dead Arenea in the corner shed new light on the situation with the spiderkillers. This would seem to be an assult on the normally freindly shapeshifters. I could do nothing for this one, he was too far gone for my ability.
Moving further into the chambers, another Arenea was still alive and had several eggs laid within his body. I was able to remove them and revive him from the horrible fate that may have been his. He was grateful and asked us to help save the colony. A bit of questioning helped us to understand the spiderkiller wasps don't normally attack this way and the guards were overrun before they could sound any alarm other than to get their children to safety.
We had to hurry to save his queen. She was holed up in the main chamber and a couple of the wasps were making egg runs on her. We managed to defeat them and after a couple attempts I removed their foul spawn and revived her like I did to her servant. She was grateful as well and then asked us to help escort her children back to the town. This seemed a bit outrageous and we explained what was going on at the town and it may not be a good idea to escort more spiders into that situation even though we knew they wouldn't harm more villagers. It didn't sound like a great plan, but then again our plans never do seem to get less complicated.
Following the directions from the queen spider, we found what could only be the food source she had described to us. The restrained Hydra. It appeared to be asleep even thought none of the spider clan could tell us when the last time was when it was sedated. And to add to the enjoyment, we had to traverse webs to get past it. Here's where I will wake up the Hydra and the party will die, I thought to myself. Sure enough as I started to test the webs, down I went. Thank the Lord for our sturdy Dwarven friend. He was saving me from what I now saw as a swarm of rats in the water below. And just as I had feared, the Hydra woke up.
I had a wonderful view of the battle from my dangling perspective. The diversion from our new found friend was enough to get the party past the Hydra. I was helped back to solid ground by my friends. Sorry for the trouble, but you do know how good I am at balance.
The children were found. Their guardian was untrusting of us, can't blame her, but did finally relent when we spoke the name of the queen and explained our roles. But rest was needed and despite her surprise that the Hydra was active and her urgency to leave, we rested. Depleted we would only get all of them and us killed. I am not looking forward to the journey out if we have to pass by that Hydra again...
Statistics: Posted by Ghostwheel — Sat Dec 06, 2008 12:00 pm
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I want to reiterate for those not there to please put together your journal entry for the last encounter and this one, if you were there.
For a journal entry from the time before, I will give you 8 RP's (2800 XP for those level 7) and for any journal entry from this round, you'll double the normal amount, 2.
I will also start being more generous for in-character playing. This last round, I was pretty consumed with the technology. Next round I should have it down.
So, get to it and let's get this done before the next game night. (see November part Duex)
Statistics: Posted by Greylen — Mon Nov 03, 2008 2:50 pm
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It's taken several olgulmaun {healing potions}, but I've finally healed up from the fight with the arkfrusvir garr {werebear} and his frus {animal}. Me wounds have closed, but I still feel...odd. The Beast seems ever closer to the surface, but at the same time under more control. Me skin feels like it's buzzin', too. Much more sensitive. Ah, well. More'n likely it's nothin' more than a strange somethin' or other in the olmaun {potions}.
After restin' a while from the battle, we started on our return trip. The forest path was straight and well-marked; we may as well have been in a levasst {underground passageway} for all that we could turn to the right or left. In fact, the gurnvos {trees} were so thick at times that we were completely enclosed by them.
We hadn't traveled far, however, when a strange fog appeared. Within moments 'twas thick enough that we could not see an arm's length in any direction. Pilin seemed tense and Aon's hackles were raised and his nose goin' crazy. Even me own arm hair was standin' on end and I felt edgy. It took most of the day, travelin' like this, before the fog began to clear. When we could see once again, 'twas clear that we were far from where we had started the day. The surroundin' gurnvosen {forest} even felt different.
Pilin held up a hand, stoppin' us. He drew us all close by, and told us that Aon had sensed someone watchin' the group from the forest edge. No-one else seemed to see him, but Pilin called out a warning. In response a hurm {human} emerged from the forest in front of us and approached us. He looked us over pretty carefully, then extended a hand of greetin' to Pilin. His name was Jesse; he said he was from a town named Haven-Fara.
Statistics: Posted by Boric Glanduum — Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:52 pm
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1. About 50 people disappeared last night. The Machy brothers reported finding spider 'footprints' outside the village leading toward the spider lair.
2. Galen technically jailed Councilman Westin for 'looting' which you know was a pretext.
3. Entire Families are either untouched or totally missing.
4. About half the town is away on 'business'. They are expected back in about 1 week.
That's it for now. I'll post anything else I determine you may have picked up in our last session for a reminder.
Statistics: Posted by Greylen — Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:07 pm
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With the lifting, you found yourself far from your intended course and the sharp nose of Aon finding someone nearly invisible watching the group from the forest edge. His name was Jesse and he was the Ranger of a town named Haven-Fara.
He informed you that these areas were dangerous and you should come with him to talk to the town council. You agreed and followed him to the rim of a large valley, where the town of Haven-fara was encased in cobwebs, with large black spiders roaming over the top. You estimated about 40 spiders. Jess Furrier was as shocked as you in seeing the town and quickly scouted out the perimeter.
Finding a way in, you were attacked by 5 spiders. After defeating them, Jesse led you to a house where a pretty young lass, Patience, and her father, Dr. Gryll, are frantically examining the spiders as they scurry over the web above the house. You gather that Dr. Gryll is fascinated with spiders and is in seventh heaven being able to examine them so closely.
During one of his excursions out, he is snared by a spider, as is another party member. You get them back, killing another 5 spiders. Jess then is very adement in taking you to the 'Council' at the center of town, which is an old beached ship named the 'Good Fortune'. A knowledge check by the bard revealed this name to be the ship used by a Notorious Pirate named Captain Grist Haven, about 200 years ago.
You determine that going outside is not the best course of action, so you tunnel underground to the ship, coming up under it. You surprise the folk there, but before you start a fight, Jess explains why you are there.
The 'council' consisted of four men. Captian Arden 'Cap' Galen, Harc Longarm, Seth 'Keel' Friston and Westin Mimetae, but you find that Westin has been 'detained' by Captian Galen for insubordination when he tried to get the remaining folk to find out what happened to about 50 people who had mysteriously disappeared in the night.
Harc and Seth are excited to see you and offer you a reward for finding the townfolk, though for some reason Captain Galen does not seen to agree.
You decide to think it over and retreat back down the tunnel for a brief conference. Deciding you want more information, you tunnel over to where Jess says the jail is that holds Westin.
At first suspicious of you, Jess conviences Westin to allow you to help. He tells you of a tunnel that leads out of town. While you tunnel over there, Westin with you, you hear shouting behind you and realize that Galen and his cronies are trying to find you and have discovered that you let out Westin.
You surface and Westin quickly leads you over to the General Store and a secret passage. Descending, you are assaulted by four large spiders, but before anyone can react, Westin casts a spell that flashes and drives the spiders back to the forest. No one knows the spell he cast.
He asks you again to find out what happened to the missing townfolk and describes where the spider lair is located. Then follows you to the end of the tunnel before heading back into town.
In the forest, you are about half-way to your target, when out of the trees comes the largest spider any of you have ever seen. A Gargantuan spider who's legs were over 20' tall moved too quickly for any of you to escape. During the battle you cut off a number of legs, and the dwarf is alive only by his amazing fortitude saves.
Since I do not have the files from that time, I am granting you all the time to camp, rest-up and get back any spells you've lost. We will start at the entrance to the spiders lair, as described by Westin.
Please take the time to write a journal, so we can get back the 'personality' of your various characters. Especially since it has been so long since we played them.
This will be especially true when we get back to the main campaign, DM'd by Troy.
Statistics: Posted by Greylen — Tue Oct 28, 2008 12:52 pm
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At Edynn's yell, I jumped to me feet to stand at Treebrother's side. Behind us some thirty or forty feet away stood six eljut tangviren {hobgoblin archers}, all of them drawing arrows from their quivers. They were not the cause of Edynn's cry, however. It was difficult to see past Treebrother's bulk, but it looked like Nyrvald and Edynn faced six more eljuten warriors. These looked smarter and better equipped than their brethren we'd already faced. By the way they carried themselves and held their positions, you could see their skill.
One of them--much larger than the others--was, by his bearing and size, obviously in command. He was shouting something at Edynn; I had to concentrate for a moment to realize it was very poor eljram {Goblin-speak}--but not poor enough that I could not understand. The eljuten that roamed the forests around me home village and Ewskral {Hall of the Hammer} spoke a similar dialect. I glanced around; I couldnae tell whether any of me companions understood his words. As I looked back at the large eljut: I knew this creature; rather, I knew of him. I was stunned at this realization. This was surely the eljut I remembered--the one who had proclaimed himself "Ahlgwar"; this is what the eljut call their warrior cheiftains.
He barked out orders to his five minions and they closed in around Nyrvald and Edynn, surrounding them on three sides. The Ahlgwar drew an immense sword and grinned evilly as he stepped toward Edynn. Nyrvald took the opportunity as the Ahlgwar passed by him to swing his axe, trying to at least slow his attack on the olv. Unfortunately, the axe glanced off the eljut's armor. The Ahlgwar spared not a glance at the horm {cleric}, but yelled in eljram: "*I am Ahlgwar Pwo--FEAR ME!*" One quick swing of his sword and Edynn was down. "Pwo"--that's right; that was his name..."Pwo." Meaning "buttock" in eljram. Gotta love a parent that would name their child "buttock." ‘Course, maybe it's a compliment in his particular eljram dialect.
I climbed onto Treebrother's back and took a mighty leap straight at the eljut, me axe high over me head. "*Pwo*," I bellowed in eljram, "*you beardless, gnat-ridden barf-chunk! TASTE ME STEEL!*" The Ahlgwar reflexively brought his sword up as I flew toward him; I can only imagine his thoughts, seeing a dwar fly from the back of an angry bear. It was a forceful blow, but must have glanced off me armor, as it left only a small flesh wound that I shrugged off. I struck his chest and knocked him down to the ground; standing over him I spat in his face. "*Go ahead an' stand up, you hairy snot-rope! I dare ya'!*"
I sensed Nyrvald moving behind me to heal Edynn. Four balls of light fly passed me shoulder, striking Pwo and three of the other eljuten nearest to him. At nearly the same time, Amrus flew out of the stairway and incinerated one o' the eljuten at me side. With me attention gone, Pwo suddenly slid from between me legs--slid! About thirty feet or so, and wound up just in front of Amrus. I've really got to work on this distraction problem; it's interferin' with me bloodlettin' twicet now.
Distraction--the other three of Pwo's elite group thought they'd take advantage of what they thought was me distraction, watchin' Pwo slide along the floor. They surrounded me...they made a mistake, thinkin' I wasnae aware of ‘em. A mistake. Their last mistake.
I turned me grimthord {head} slowly back around to look at these three. The muscles in me neck cracked as I turned. I ran me thumb down the edge of me axe, grinned a toothy grin, and then shook the blood from me thumb. Red droplets spattered across their faces; their eyes grew wide and they began to shiver and whimper. I gripped me axe in both hands and turned almost half-way ‘round, then swung. Me axe cut straight through the first eljut on me right. Entrails and offal fell to the floor. Me swing carried me axe through the second eljut as well, though not as cleanly. Dark organs and more blood fell, coating the floor. One more burst of strength, and I buried me blade into the third and final eljut in front of me. As he fell, me axe was wrenched from me hands; must be stuck in a rib or somethin'. Killing these three had opened a clear path for Treebrother, who leaped over the three corpses and shattered the Ahlgwar's body with two quick swipes of his massive claws.
I had to climb on top of the last eljut's body to work me axe from his corpse. Edynn, from behind me, yelled, "Amrus, swing to your right!" Amrus did as he was told and his sword waved wildly through the air on his right side. Edynn sighed loudly. "Too far, Amrus!" A quick backswing and blood spurted from apparently empty air. Then Amrus jerked and grunted; a large wound appeared on his arm and there before him stood an eljut shaman. It was he that had robbed me of me kill, pulling Pwo away from me.
I ran towards him, brandishing me axe; it was as if I was watching from outside me own head. The Beast was in full reign. I was beyond insults, beyond the ability to speak eljram, screaming mindlessly. It did not appear to shake his confidence too much--he was still able to swing his weapon and hit me . . . doing no apparent damage. His blade must have been turned by me armor, or maybe by me blade. Whatever it was, he did no further harm and I ran through him, knocking him to the ground. Treebrother roared, took three steps, and rent the shaman into pieces.
Nyrvald healed Edynn, who then immediately ran down the stairway; seeing this, Amrus vaulted over the railing and into the stairway. I felt the Beast weakening; a push or two and the Beast was once again contained. As always, it left me drained of strength, but with a clear head; I staggered forward a step as the fatigue took hold. Our friendly horm grabbed me arm and asked if I needed gulmding {healing}. I told him to spend his olgulm {healing magic} on the others and downed two of me last olgulmaun {healing potions}. He nodded, then slipped another [u]olaun[/i] {potion} from his supplies, handed it to me, then walked over to examine our companions. The [u]olaun[/i] would not have too great an effect; I had lost much blood from me many injuries. They would, however, staunch the flow of blood from the puncture wounds from the merkkel {dog-thing} attack and the other various nicks and scrapes I'd received since entering the temple. They would also give me back a little strength to keep me on me feet a while longer. It was only then that I noticed that behind us was a swirling, raging storm; up until then, I'd been a bit too preoccupied to notice. Treebrother explained that he had summoned a sleet storm at the start of the battle to take the six tangviren out of the picture until we could deal with ‘em effectively.
Amrus walked back up the stairs to report that we needed to return to town to talk to Ramney as soon as possible. He had gone through the portal and caught up with Edynn on the other side. She told him that she had seen Vryxnr go through the portal; she also told him that she had a quest, the goal of which Amrus would not reveal to us. She promised to return when she had accomplished her task. He had also found the slaughtered remains of the merkkel.
Nyrvald and Treebrother spent a moment in discussion, then warned us all to retreat down the stairway a few steps. Both began weaving a [spell] of some sort. Two of the flying creatures they call "hippogriffs" appeared near the edge of the storm, just as Treebrother waved his arm and the storm dissipated. The two frus {animals} blinked and looked around for a second or two until they spied the six eljuten. There were those in me dwarkar {clan} that would have called it an arglary {a "proper" butchering}; maybe it was just the fatigue in me bones, or maybe it was pity, but it seemed to me to border on an arglarymos {dishonorable butchering}. At any rate, the eljut tangviren didnae stand a chance.
I sat on the top step, staring down into the blackness of the portal. I remained there while me companions continued their search of the surrounding rooms. They returned a short time later, and reported that they had found a throne room, filled with more of the symbols of zander {supreme evil} that filled the temple. As we discussed what they had found there, as well as the supplies and items we had collected from the many bodies in the temple, we journeyed back out into the woods to camp. We were all far too exhausted to set up much of a camp; the olvir {spellcasters} simply dropped to ghe ground to meditate while Nyrvald and I chose opposite sides of the fire and hunkered down on watch.
I may have dozed briefly--I will admit that I was that tired from the day's activities--but was brought to me senses by an ear-splitting shriek. I leaped to me feet, whirling towards Nyrvald to see four strange, twisted creatures. They appeared to be flying heads that were humanoid in form, but colored a deep blood red. They had dangling tentacles, withered and apparently useless. Large bat-like wings sprouted from the sides of the head. Unusually large mouths. It was these molkosen {abominations} that had made the shrieking noise. The horm was able to bring one of the flying heads down with his axe; the gundlin {bard} began singing and put one to sleep, which promptly fell out of the sky with a satisfying "thump." Amrus had risen to his feet at the initial shriek, but had not moved since; he remained motionless even when one of the sargh {disgusting} heads flew up and kissed him. Kissed him! Bloody tel; just seein' that is enough to make me spew!
They've stolen the olv's will, somehow. I ran over, holding me axe at the very end of the haft to get as much reach as I could. I still misjudged their height as me blow simply whickered below him. The molkos darted down and kissed the olv once again, quickly regaining his previous level above the ground. Amrus just ain't movin' and I've gotta change me tactics; I slipped one o' me kagalfnyren {throwing axes} outta me belt and sent it upward with a flick o' me wrist. It hit the sargh creature dead center. ‘Twasnae one of me best throws, but good enough to kill the molkos.
Me companions quickly finished off the remaining two molkos and ;Amrus was revived. He was shaken up a bit at the ease with which the creature had taken him outta the fight. Fortunately, the rest o' the night passed without event and I was able to get me enough sleep to bring me back to where I felt like meself, and let some o' me wounds scab over a bit more.
Statistics: Posted by Boric Glanduum — Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:31 pm
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It was getting colder and colder as we descended. Streams of water from the chambers overhead trickled and fell from the top of the black, evil rock. It was becoming apparent that this rock was an enormous pillar; it was also increasingly apparent to me that we could be in serious danger at the bottom of this caurak {cavern} if any foes were laying in wait. Where we were, the air was cold enough that the falling water had turned to a chill, snowy mist. It made it difficult to hold to the ropes, but the thought of falling through the dark was enough motivation to hang tight.
A voice rose from the darkness...followed by four more o' the tentacled creatures. Altiru--the kuldar olv {warrior elf}--called to me: "Dwarf! Faster! Lower us with as much speed as you deem safe." The rope fairly flew through me hands; I was lucky to have me gauntlets, else me skin woulda torn from me hands and wrists. The yauthtil {mechanical elevator} sped past the beasts and me fellows dispatched them quickly, as they were much smaller than the first that had grabbed the she-olv.
The platform jolted, reaching the bottom of the chamber with a harsh sound. Even before the echos had faded, Altiru had leaped over the ropes onto the stone floor. He staggered just a bit as his feet sought purchase on the icy black rock floor. Tari let out a yell; a figure was rising into the darkness, unaided by physical means. The gundlin sang a quick song and sent four orbs of light upwards. I struggled to unsheathe and load me tiltang {crossbow} while all around me arrows and spells flew upward. Strangely, there was no sound; I couldnae even hear me munen {curses}.
‘Twasn't long ‘til the horm {cleric}, as we found him to be, came crashing to the ground. Nyrvald muttered about the horm's soundless death. After searching the corpse and the surrounding area, we decided to strip the body, using the clothes to plug the drain in the bottom of the caurak to flood the chamber. Nyrvald hefted the body over his shoulder and we returned to the yauthtil.
I took a moment to crack me knuckles and stretch me fingers. I looked up into the darkness and couldnae even see the roof of the chamber. Me fellows gathered on the platform; I took a handful o' rope, twisted a length around me arm, and began to pull us upward on a return trip. Nyrvald waited until we were at least two score of feet in the air and he dropped the cleric's corpse into the darkness; as he said, "Just to hear him make some noise."
I chuckled all the way back to town, where we were to meet up with Ramney. All o' Ramney's talkin' made me thirsty. The group decided to split up to get some various personal issues taken care of; Barr and I are goin' to go find some ale.
Statistics: Posted by Boric Glanduum — Sat May 19, 2007 2:11 pm
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We had the chance to rest up for a short time as Nyrvald tended to Treebrother's wounds. Amrus took the opportunity to dust the soot from his clothes and face; according to his story, he was standin' a bit too close to a group of eljuten {hobgoblins} when they were incinerated by one o' Edynn's fireballs. He did the targetin' and got's bits o' charred eljut all over him in return.
The fog thickened as we started towards the temple. After losing our way several times, we had to form a straight line and moved our way forward as if we were torstding aunalfnee-kalg {playing "leap-frog"} until we reached the temple. After mounting the stairs, we found some large yal {brass} doors, over 20 feet tall. The lin {workmanship} on these doors appears to be of good quality, and with the apparent thickness of the doors, it would certainly take a large battering ram to break through. Fortunately for us, one o' the doors is standin' open. ‘Course, that raises some troublin' questions as well.... Sometimes an open door is only an invitation to destruction. After a quick look around the outside of the temple, however, it became apparent that the yal doors were the only logical entrance.
The inside of the temple was utterly
ing. There was a heaviness in the air and a silence in the building that was almost physically painful. Me skin felt oily, almost as if the der {evil} had taken the form of an invisible, greasy mist. I noticed that our footsteps did not echo as they would in a caurak {cavern} or another large empty space. All of our sounds and movements were strangely dampened. The decorations--if you can call them that--consisted of every imaginable vile practice and some that were unidentifiable. And the stonework in the building! --stone columns that appeared on close examination to be made of flesh: some had a pallid, deathly look, while some had an all-too disturbingly living and vibrant look. I didnae dare even touch the columns to examine them further for fear of the worm-like formations within the surface of the stone.We had not gone too far into the temple when we were attacked from one side by two large mobs of eljuten. We immediately moved to engage; Treebrother was a killing machine, tearing through the first group of eljuten in his bear form as if the beasts were parchment. I quickly moved towards two that were attempting to flank Treebrother. It was a simple feat to cut both of them down; they barely had time to realize what was happening to them. They fell in a tangle at me feet, which slowed me up a bit.
Barr sang a quick tune and several of the eljuten dropped to the ground, as if asleep. The rest of the group made quick work of the others. By this time, the second mob--or those that weren't already slumberin'--had moved forward; Amrus and Treebrother were met by a hail of alfrosh {javelins}. Several hit Treebrother and wounded him deeply; if it had been me, the Beast, as subdued as it has been the past day or so, would surely have been loosed. I moved past him, trying to overrun one of the hobgoblins that had gravely wounded Treebrother. The eljuten kept his feet, however, so I simply cut him in two with me axe, then cut down the one next to him. Blood spattered on me back as Treebrother finished off the last of his attackers.
In our search, we found a door to a squalid little room in which was hiding eight young hobgoblin children. It may prove to be an unwise act, but we had seen enough senseless slaughter and simply closed the door and left the wee ones alone
In our search, we found a shaman's room and a sacrificial altar and pit. We gave this latter a wide berth. We also found a dark stairway which led to the lower levels of the temple. As Barr passed the top of the stairway, he was attacked by a merkkel rak frus {large dog-like creature} and badly wounded by the one attack. He was able to withdraw and scampered to the wall of the room to tend to his wounds; he was visibly shaken. No one else was near enough, and so I raced around the railing to engage the merkkel. As I ran, I released the Beast; I would need every advantage I could get. The merkkel stood twice me height at his shoulder and its teeth were nearly the length of me forearm.
Power filled me arms and I was almost deafened by the roaring of blood in me ears. I was immediately struck by a blast of tel--the frus has itself a algros {breathweapon}! Most of the tel simply washed around me, but I still blanched and cowered away from the tel out of reflex. That moment of inattention nearly cost me greatly--the merkkel seized me in its powerful jaws and held me fast.
Amrus raced to me aid, casting an olnarn {spell}. I felt a shudder pass through the frus' body, but there was no other apparent effect. Well, there was one; the frus chewed once and clamped down even harder around me body. Its teeth punched through me flesh in several places; I felt me blood began to ooze forth and I felt the Beast begin to stir. Looking back, though, I do not believe the merkkel did its worst; I wasnae as hurt as I could have been.
Barr began to sing . . . and my courage grew. The frus shuddered again. I mustered me strength and tried several times to break the merkkel's grip around me body. I had one hand free and tried to lever up its upper jaw enough to wriggle free. I was stuck fast and getting hurt worse every attempt I made just caused the frus to chew and clamp down harder I was hurting meself by tryin' to escape, but I wasnae about to go gentle like some dainty toe-biting snot-fondler.
For all me resolve, though, it did not seem that I could break the frus' grip on me. I took a moment to gauge whether I could reach the creature's eye with me fist; the spike on me gauntlet should give it somethin' to think about. I had just started to draw me arm back to make a strike when Treebrother suddenly grabbed me other arm. What the Tel is that warty tree-climbing hurm tryin' tae do?!? His pullin' meant that the merkkel's teeth were tearin' through me skin, rippin' me to even more pieces!
His pullin', however, gave me just enough leverage; I was able to lever the jaws apart and suddenly found meself out of the merkkel's grasp and in Treebrother's instead. The frus was then illumed by a faint glow--likely another olnarn--and the frus let out a loud yelp. The merkkel then turned and sprinted down the stairs into the darkness. Amrus ran after him, only to return a few moments later to describe the narnborn der {evil portal} that was at the base of the stairs.
Treebrother dropped me to the floor at the top of the stairs. We had a brief discussion between us--Treebrother, Amrus, and I--standing on the stairway. We had just decided that the narnborn was likely far beyond our power, when Edynn let out a yell.
Statistics: Posted by Boric Glanduum — Sat May 19, 2007 12:31 pm
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In the meantime, we had decided to pursue a trip downriver at Ramney's request. The boat ride was uneventful, but then I didn't venture near the railing. The encounter with the croc and the elevator has lead me to avoid edges when I can. I spent the trip well centered in the boat.
Just as we were gaining spirit at the end of the voyage, the last members of the party to depart the boat stalled as Aon wouldn't step paw next to the half sunken barge at the dock. I returned to the opening to investigate as others continued to the structure beyond the docks. The druid led Aon and had to almost carry her out of the boat. I began to sense the familiar presense again and despite the lack of backup, decided to investigate. After all, I was feeling the spirit of Tempus even greater than before, nothing undead could harm me.
I ventured onto the tilted deck and carfully explored. I cast a Santuary spell on myself thinking if anything would be able to attakc me, at least I would get some warning if their faith wasn't as strong as mine. Opening the door to the main cabin, I ventured inside and felt the presence of the foul creatures lurking in the dark. I called upon Tempus easily again and the ghouls fled in agony. Feeling very proud, I didn't see the jelly waiting in ambush for me in the river water. All I could do was hope my companions would come to my rescue. I had not the physical strength to break this creatures grasp.
As I began to pass out from the constriction, I felt heat surround my body and the ochre jelly's grasp release. The elf had come back from the structure just in time.
Still not aware of my surroundings fully, I followed the party to the structure and inside where a singl figure was sitting at the bar. Our bard had taken a differnt tactic and was scouting the outside of the structure. He emerged on the other side of the room and just as we saw a ghostly figure appear next to him, he dropped from the point of a thin blade thrust through his chest. I felt the power of Tempus, but it told me I was not strong enough to vanquish this foe. I charged along with the dwarf, but we stopped short as the figure at the bar warned us of the unseen ghost. He called off the ghost and was going to help us revive the bard. Something was not right. this Vrixner was not who he claimed to be and the evil aura was hidden just out of sight.
We should not trust this one...
Statistics: Posted by Ghostwheel — Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:23 pm
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