3/30/09
Part 6: Deeper into the Keep
We’ve finally managed to kill the Goblin boss, and while we managed to secure a tidy sum of valuables from him, we are no closer to solving this rift problem. I would however not let this weaken my resolve and urged my companions to press on through the keep. As we left that bizarre derelict quarry we found ourselves in a secluded cavern with a standing pool of water. In the centre rested an island which had some impressive treasure within eye’s notice. And while this all seemed too good to be true, Korrok decided that fortune favoured the bold and bravely charged ahead. I want to make it clear here that I admire Korrok’s approach to life as it has served us well in battle before, but the ungodly beast he roused from the lake’s depths was something we really could have done without. The amorphous slime burst forth from the water, dousing all our party in acid. While Korrok and I tried to fight through the burning torture, it proved too much for us and we both eventually succumbed to the scorching pain. The rest of our group must not have performed any more as valiantly since when I managed to come too, the horrible blob was still assailing what few of us was left standing. But, summoning a strength that shouldn’t have been possible, I rose to my feet and managed to deal the killing blow to the foul creature, who continued to showcase this foul nature by exploding in one final torrent of acid, searing me into another agonizing slumber.
When I awoke again, I felt as bad as the rest of my friends looked, so with a heavy heart we had no choice but to return to town to lick our wounds once again. When we arrived at the city gates however, we were greeted with a town in panic. After persuading the guards to left us inside, we discovered that while we had been away, the small community had become beset by the living dead. And as much as my warrior’s heart did not want to leave the innocents in such peril, we were all too weakened by our lashings in the keep to do anything about it now. Luckily it was still daylight, so we had enough time to regain our strength and set out just after nightfall right before the undead would obviously begin their reign of terror anew. As we entered the cemetery, we were greeted by the mysterious elf that Franz had so spectacularly failed to persuade in the bar. In fact, where was Franz that day anyhow? I swore he was right behind me back at Shadowfell keep. I didn’t have long to give the question thought though, since the elf invoked the use of an arcane circle set up amongst the graves and unleashed a torrent of undead flesh from their resting places. As I proceeded to rend the skeletal masses limb from limb, our Warlock showed his proficiency for blowing up tombstones, as the elf managed to duck and weave betwixt them to evade his arcane attacks. Korrok, who was becoming increasingly agitated by the Elvin rouges constant evasion, managed to catch her and lay down the following proposition; “Either you quit hoping around and come with us or I’ll rip your arms off.” Surprisingly the elf complied and surrendered herself to Aegis’ care. Before we left to inform the town of our success, the party deemed it best to disarm the spell circle as to prevent further use of its unholy power. However with our wizard noticeable absent, the less arcanely inclined of our group struggled and failed with the magic array for several minutes. Feeling the last of my patience waning, I walked up to one of the rune stones that formed the circle and kicked it over in frustration. To the awe of my companions, this seemed to dispel the circle’s effects, although I still don’t see why that was supposed to be so hard in the first place.
After turning the elf over to the authorities, we returned to Shadowfell so that we may finally uncover the source of these rifts which threatened the town. We scaled down into a yet unexplored level of the keep and were greeted with darkness. Since Franz had still not shown himself at this point, I had to use one of the sun rods I’d been carrying in case of emergency. I stuck the glowing wand through my belt and continued to lead my companions through the darkness. Throughout this level of the keep there were strange symbols inscribed on the floor, and since one of them caused a squirrel carcass to explode in gore, we decided it best to steer clear of them. Unfortunately, there seemed to be one of this cursed marks blocking our ever path, so I decided to try and jump over the obstruction. I managed to clear it in one leap, but found to my dismay that the blasted markings continued to beset us at every intersection. With no choice but to try and avoid them all, Korrok was the first to follow my lead. I was surprised to find that the dragonborn possessed so little of his relatives grace in the air, when Korrok proceeded to jump and fall immediately onto the trap. There suddenly was a frightening howl which filled the halls and I felt a terrible pain in my chest. When the pain finally subsided I found myself alone, save the still fallen Korrok, with the rest of my friends gone off into the dark. There was little time to worry about them however since a horde of zombies came shambling out of the pitch black that surrounded me. I quickly fled to Korrok’s side in the doorway to block the undead’s path to my fear stricken allies, and began to cleave the rotting horrors two by two. Korrok finally managed to get to his feat, and joined me in battle by unleashing a wave of devastating lighting from his jaws, which felled many of the more decomposed creatures instantly. I had never seen the dragonborn’s ability up close like this before, but it was certainly an impressive sight. And after the paladin’s efforts were added to my own there was nary a zombie left standing. Now I must close this journal entry, since I still hear the screams of my comrades filling the dark halls, and I should really go and find them.
~Gene
When I awoke again, I felt as bad as the rest of my friends looked, so with a heavy heart we had no choice but to return to town to lick our wounds once again. When we arrived at the city gates however, we were greeted with a town in panic. After persuading the guards to left us inside, we discovered that while we had been away, the small community had become beset by the living dead. And as much as my warrior’s heart did not want to leave the innocents in such peril, we were all too weakened by our lashings in the keep to do anything about it now. Luckily it was still daylight, so we had enough time to regain our strength and set out just after nightfall right before the undead would obviously begin their reign of terror anew. As we entered the cemetery, we were greeted by the mysterious elf that Franz had so spectacularly failed to persuade in the bar. In fact, where was Franz that day anyhow? I swore he was right behind me back at Shadowfell keep. I didn’t have long to give the question thought though, since the elf invoked the use of an arcane circle set up amongst the graves and unleashed a torrent of undead flesh from their resting places. As I proceeded to rend the skeletal masses limb from limb, our Warlock showed his proficiency for blowing up tombstones, as the elf managed to duck and weave betwixt them to evade his arcane attacks. Korrok, who was becoming increasingly agitated by the Elvin rouges constant evasion, managed to catch her and lay down the following proposition; “Either you quit hoping around and come with us or I’ll rip your arms off.” Surprisingly the elf complied and surrendered herself to Aegis’ care. Before we left to inform the town of our success, the party deemed it best to disarm the spell circle as to prevent further use of its unholy power. However with our wizard noticeable absent, the less arcanely inclined of our group struggled and failed with the magic array for several minutes. Feeling the last of my patience waning, I walked up to one of the rune stones that formed the circle and kicked it over in frustration. To the awe of my companions, this seemed to dispel the circle’s effects, although I still don’t see why that was supposed to be so hard in the first place.
After turning the elf over to the authorities, we returned to Shadowfell so that we may finally uncover the source of these rifts which threatened the town. We scaled down into a yet unexplored level of the keep and were greeted with darkness. Since Franz had still not shown himself at this point, I had to use one of the sun rods I’d been carrying in case of emergency. I stuck the glowing wand through my belt and continued to lead my companions through the darkness. Throughout this level of the keep there were strange symbols inscribed on the floor, and since one of them caused a squirrel carcass to explode in gore, we decided it best to steer clear of them. Unfortunately, there seemed to be one of this cursed marks blocking our ever path, so I decided to try and jump over the obstruction. I managed to clear it in one leap, but found to my dismay that the blasted markings continued to beset us at every intersection. With no choice but to try and avoid them all, Korrok was the first to follow my lead. I was surprised to find that the dragonborn possessed so little of his relatives grace in the air, when Korrok proceeded to jump and fall immediately onto the trap. There suddenly was a frightening howl which filled the halls and I felt a terrible pain in my chest. When the pain finally subsided I found myself alone, save the still fallen Korrok, with the rest of my friends gone off into the dark. There was little time to worry about them however since a horde of zombies came shambling out of the pitch black that surrounded me. I quickly fled to Korrok’s side in the doorway to block the undead’s path to my fear stricken allies, and began to cleave the rotting horrors two by two. Korrok finally managed to get to his feat, and joined me in battle by unleashing a wave of devastating lighting from his jaws, which felled many of the more decomposed creatures instantly. I had never seen the dragonborn’s ability up close like this before, but it was certainly an impressive sight. And after the paladin’s efforts were added to my own there was nary a zombie left standing. Now I must close this journal entry, since I still hear the screams of my comrades filling the dark halls, and I should really go and find them.
~Gene
3/13/09
Part 4: Through the eyes of Franz the Wizard
We’re to set off from Winterhaven to investigate this entire ‘rifts’ business, doom and gloom seeming to be the general mood of the townsfolk. Without our previous encounter of the kobolds and their ill-smelling goblin friend in the caves beyond the waterfall, I’d doubtful they would have even been aware of their imminent demise. Not that it would have mattered, they have such a pathetic existence that if it wasn’t for the merchant caravans, the disappearance of such a town would go unnoticed for years.
Shadowfell Keep seems to be nothing more than a hole in the ground, the stories we heard back in town seemed rather exaggerative, but if we’re to get any sort of reputation as adventurers being choosy isn’t exactly an option. I decided to illuminate Gene and the Dragonborn so any that may wish unpleasantness upon us may perhaps to decide to go after those they can easily see.
Perhaps the old books I withered away years of my youth studying were wrong; I was under the impression that dragons and their kin were supposed to be majestically wise and knowledgeable beings. At the sight of a goblin (who was making quite a ruckus I might add), he decided his best course of action would be to charge it, completely oblivious to the fact that we’ve just set foot in a dungeon. And of course, dungeons being excellent locations with which one wrong misstep can leave you without said foot (or worse!) due to the numerous traps they’re known to contain. The paladin falls into a pit with some rather unfriendly looking rats, and we use our time bringing him out of it, giving the noisy goblin ample time to go to his friends. Perhaps they even had tea while they waited for us! Do goblins even drink tea?
We all go chasing after them, I fling a few spells; the goblins run away and look to be heading back the way we came. I decide to go back to cut them off; turns out that this was an unwise decision since the last thing I remember in this particular encounter is realizing that going back to meet the goblins meant I was actually going to meet them.
Once the dwarf has patched me up, we continue stumbling about in Shadowfell Keep. We hear some more goblins in an area and find them loitering about in a giant pit, quite convenient for our cleric who has a penchant for burying the dead. We decide to use caution this time and force them to come to us, as they have nowhere else to go. After a few moments of carefree slaughter of those below us, all of a sudden our clear advantage doesn’t seem to matter to some of the others in the group and gallivanting away they go. The ranger falls spectacularly into the pit despite the presence of additional planks from the peculiar ideas the dragonborn had, and the dragonborn himself goes charging wildly and falls over from either the arrow to his face or the lizard creature biting him, not certain which did him in, but both didn’t look too great.
3/1/09
Part 2 from the perspective of Gene
Day 2 – Evening
After the Kobold ambush we suffered on our way to the Dragon tombs, our Cleric Aegis suffered many a wound. And while Korrok’s novice talents at healing and my own quick actions seemed to have saved him from the brink of death, he will still need a lot of rest and a little luck to pull through. So with a heavy heart, I turned from out quest to save our dear old friend and mentor and returned back to town with the group so that we may lick our wounds. Being a Dragonborn, Korrok was easily able to carry the deceptively heavy dwarf the whole way after splitting up some of his heavier items. We ended up staying the night in the very same inn we had just left which filled me with a disappointed sense of under accomplishment. But I’m no fool, and would nary let a comrade fall from battle to pursue my own glory in combat. So I waited through the night for our friend to recover, sleeping only very little when my nerves allowed.
Day 3 – Morning
As the sun rose, so did our dwarven companion. Although groggy I was happy to find him no worse for the wear. I wanted to waste no time getting back to our task, but the wizard Franz wanted to investigate the mysterious Kobold medallion which bore the crest of Orcus. The rest of our party seemed to agree, and so we sought out the town’s healer and some merchant vendors to see what they could tell us. Though I must admit that while the mage went on and on about dark magics and the like, I was more interested in expecting my weapon to make sure it was still in good condition for what lay ahead. In the end, we were handed a generous amount of gold for the trinket, so I suppose at least some good came from it.
Day 3 - Afternoon
Burning most of the morning away re-traversing ground we had already covered, we finally arrived at the Dragon’s Tomb Douven Staul was said to had come investigating. There we met a group of archeologists and their pack mules who apparently also came to research the burial grounds, and while some of our group were wary of them, I moved on the greet them and see if they had seen Douven during their scholarly research. Suddenly the dragon dogs sprung at me with their jaws gape, and in a moment our party and the would-be assains all had leaped into battle with one another. While the dragon-dogs managed to fell me once or twice, I struggled to my feat and landed the finishing blow on one of the foul beasts. However, after falling a thrice time, my vision went blurry and time seemed to stop its flow. Once I had finally been healed by the good cleric Aegis, the battle was won with my companions evidently finishing off the rest of our attackers.
It seemed that the group of thugs had held Douven Stual captive and the rest of the group freed him during my short recovery. Douven thanked us for our help and gave us some manner of amulet before taking his leave. I felt it unwise for him to return home unescorted after such a trying ordeal, but he ensured us that he would be fine and walked off into the forest. However, with our task complete, and half a day’s worth of sunlight still with us, we decided to set out for the lair of the Kobold’s in this region and put an end to their villainous ways once and for all. And the sum of gold promised to us by the lord of that small town didn’t seem to hurt either. On our way to the Kobold stronghold we were once again waylaid by Kobolds who shot at us from range through the trees. Korrok and I stormed through the brush to meet our attackers head on while the others of our group took a more ranged approach themselves. And though we took our fair share of cuts and scrapes, in the end the Kobolds proved no match for us this time. Now we press on to our goal and hope to reach the source of this Kobold infestation soon.
After the Kobold ambush we suffered on our way to the Dragon tombs, our Cleric Aegis suffered many a wound. And while Korrok’s novice talents at healing and my own quick actions seemed to have saved him from the brink of death, he will still need a lot of rest and a little luck to pull through. So with a heavy heart, I turned from out quest to save our dear old friend and mentor and returned back to town with the group so that we may lick our wounds. Being a Dragonborn, Korrok was easily able to carry the deceptively heavy dwarf the whole way after splitting up some of his heavier items. We ended up staying the night in the very same inn we had just left which filled me with a disappointed sense of under accomplishment. But I’m no fool, and would nary let a comrade fall from battle to pursue my own glory in combat. So I waited through the night for our friend to recover, sleeping only very little when my nerves allowed.
Day 3 – Morning
As the sun rose, so did our dwarven companion. Although groggy I was happy to find him no worse for the wear. I wanted to waste no time getting back to our task, but the wizard Franz wanted to investigate the mysterious Kobold medallion which bore the crest of Orcus. The rest of our party seemed to agree, and so we sought out the town’s healer and some merchant vendors to see what they could tell us. Though I must admit that while the mage went on and on about dark magics and the like, I was more interested in expecting my weapon to make sure it was still in good condition for what lay ahead. In the end, we were handed a generous amount of gold for the trinket, so I suppose at least some good came from it.
Day 3 - Afternoon
Burning most of the morning away re-traversing ground we had already covered, we finally arrived at the Dragon’s Tomb Douven Staul was said to had come investigating. There we met a group of archeologists and their pack mules who apparently also came to research the burial grounds, and while some of our group were wary of them, I moved on the greet them and see if they had seen Douven during their scholarly research. Suddenly the dragon dogs sprung at me with their jaws gape, and in a moment our party and the would-be assains all had leaped into battle with one another. While the dragon-dogs managed to fell me once or twice, I struggled to my feat and landed the finishing blow on one of the foul beasts. However, after falling a thrice time, my vision went blurry and time seemed to stop its flow. Once I had finally been healed by the good cleric Aegis, the battle was won with my companions evidently finishing off the rest of our attackers.
It seemed that the group of thugs had held Douven Stual captive and the rest of the group freed him during my short recovery. Douven thanked us for our help and gave us some manner of amulet before taking his leave. I felt it unwise for him to return home unescorted after such a trying ordeal, but he ensured us that he would be fine and walked off into the forest. However, with our task complete, and half a day’s worth of sunlight still with us, we decided to set out for the lair of the Kobold’s in this region and put an end to their villainous ways once and for all. And the sum of gold promised to us by the lord of that small town didn’t seem to hurt either. On our way to the Kobold stronghold we were once again waylaid by Kobolds who shot at us from range through the trees. Korrok and I stormed through the brush to meet our attackers head on while the others of our group took a more ranged approach themselves. And though we took our fair share of cuts and scrapes, in the end the Kobolds proved no match for us this time. Now we press on to our goal and hope to reach the source of this Kobold infestation soon.
The Journal of Aegis Anvilbane (Part 2)
Day 3:
Yesterday’s memories are black at best, the rest are shameful and full of pain. I remember battle cries and filthy, treacherous, lizard-men rushing our virtuous party from their stinking hiding places just off the road. Mighty Moradin knows I tried to fend them off and protect myself, stoic and steadfast in the face of their onslaught, as my great lord himself would have been, but I had neither his strength nor resolve to withstand my foes. Moradin forgive me for failing you and my companions in that time of urgency. Next comes a drifting in and out of consciousness, I vaguely remember Korrok standing next to me shouting a prayer to Kord while trying to fend off the voracious vermin and help my pitiful self, I slip away into darkness again. My fitful sleep finally dispersing, I woke up in a room, everything hurt, most of all my pride. Perhaps I should have paid more attention to Grandma and Grandpa when I was a young lad, I miss the comfort and strength they always lent me through their sturdy presence. This bleak world affords little time for such soft thoughts, merciful Moradin pardon my moment of weakness.
After my requisite morning prayers and (hopefully) gaining absolution from my powerful Lord, I ate a sobering breakfast at the inn with my saviours. They filled me in on what had happened during the battle and with their help the fog over yesterday rolled back a little, though not much. Two things were of particular interest during that conversation: Erdran had deserted our group for the forest, reinforcing my first, if biased, opinions of that pointy-eared, light-footed, prancing, need I go on? Thundering Moradin’s beard! A pox on Elves and their fickleness! More importantly, Lord Padraig of Winterhaven has requested our help with their Kobold problem. Relishing the chance to seek retribution and justice against their vile deeds, I whole-heartedly endorsed the party’s decision to find and root out the source of their strength and succor in the area.
Invigorated by our rest and meal, resolved to find our old mentor, our honest company set out down that dangerous road towards the Dragon’s burial ground. The journey gave me chills and I found myself jumping at shadows in the undergrowth, righteous Moradin, grant me the resolve to see these tasks through. Upon reaching the burial grounds, we happened across another group of ‘adventurers’. I was uneasy and so was everyone else, save perhaps Korrok (the lad’s solid like stone, but about as bright and observant as it as well, though I suppose Kord has his reasons for anointing him) and after a short parley, our suspicions proved true as this group of brigands attempted to ambush and kill us. Beneficent Moradin blessed us with the will and tenacity to overcome their assault, choosing my hammer as his instrument to smite the Halfling, as a smith would smite so much iron in the forge. It was enthralling! I could feel his power and strength guiding and reinforcing my blows! Following the skirmish, Moradin be praised, we found Douven Staul! After releasing him from his bonds he informed us that he had been waylaid by these same brigands and taken prisoner by them. He thanked us generously, rewarded our triumphant efforts with his magic amulet, and left for Fallcrest. After I dedicated the souls of those slain to my mighty Lord, we collected the rest of our ‘treasure’ and headed back to Winterhaven to celebrate our victory and count our coins.
Day 4:
Rich, both in spirit and gold, I had a wonderful evening full of camaraderie and ale. Moradin be praised indeed! Our party, knowing Douven to be safe, turned our attention to Winterhaven’s Kobold issue. After morning prayers and a meal we set out to the Southeast in hopes of finding the Kobold’s stronghold. Not too long into our journey, our intrepid company happened across a scenic valley with a beautiful waterfall; truly the Earth Carver graced this place with his touch. While enjoying our surroundings, we were not so ignorant or absent-minded to detect the ambush set for us, by more nefarious and treacherous Kobolds. Truly we were favoured by Moradin this day as we vanquished them in an almost complete rout! Their forces swept before our cleansing presence! It looks as though my generous Lord has blessed my companions and myself with an abundance of good hunting! Onwards for the glory of Moradin!
Yesterday’s memories are black at best, the rest are shameful and full of pain. I remember battle cries and filthy, treacherous, lizard-men rushing our virtuous party from their stinking hiding places just off the road. Mighty Moradin knows I tried to fend them off and protect myself, stoic and steadfast in the face of their onslaught, as my great lord himself would have been, but I had neither his strength nor resolve to withstand my foes. Moradin forgive me for failing you and my companions in that time of urgency. Next comes a drifting in and out of consciousness, I vaguely remember Korrok standing next to me shouting a prayer to Kord while trying to fend off the voracious vermin and help my pitiful self, I slip away into darkness again. My fitful sleep finally dispersing, I woke up in a room, everything hurt, most of all my pride. Perhaps I should have paid more attention to Grandma and Grandpa when I was a young lad, I miss the comfort and strength they always lent me through their sturdy presence. This bleak world affords little time for such soft thoughts, merciful Moradin pardon my moment of weakness.
After my requisite morning prayers and (hopefully) gaining absolution from my powerful Lord, I ate a sobering breakfast at the inn with my saviours. They filled me in on what had happened during the battle and with their help the fog over yesterday rolled back a little, though not much. Two things were of particular interest during that conversation: Erdran had deserted our group for the forest, reinforcing my first, if biased, opinions of that pointy-eared, light-footed, prancing, need I go on? Thundering Moradin’s beard! A pox on Elves and their fickleness! More importantly, Lord Padraig of Winterhaven has requested our help with their Kobold problem. Relishing the chance to seek retribution and justice against their vile deeds, I whole-heartedly endorsed the party’s decision to find and root out the source of their strength and succor in the area.
Invigorated by our rest and meal, resolved to find our old mentor, our honest company set out down that dangerous road towards the Dragon’s burial ground. The journey gave me chills and I found myself jumping at shadows in the undergrowth, righteous Moradin, grant me the resolve to see these tasks through. Upon reaching the burial grounds, we happened across another group of ‘adventurers’. I was uneasy and so was everyone else, save perhaps Korrok (the lad’s solid like stone, but about as bright and observant as it as well, though I suppose Kord has his reasons for anointing him) and after a short parley, our suspicions proved true as this group of brigands attempted to ambush and kill us. Beneficent Moradin blessed us with the will and tenacity to overcome their assault, choosing my hammer as his instrument to smite the Halfling, as a smith would smite so much iron in the forge. It was enthralling! I could feel his power and strength guiding and reinforcing my blows! Following the skirmish, Moradin be praised, we found Douven Staul! After releasing him from his bonds he informed us that he had been waylaid by these same brigands and taken prisoner by them. He thanked us generously, rewarded our triumphant efforts with his magic amulet, and left for Fallcrest. After I dedicated the souls of those slain to my mighty Lord, we collected the rest of our ‘treasure’ and headed back to Winterhaven to celebrate our victory and count our coins.
Day 4:
Rich, both in spirit and gold, I had a wonderful evening full of camaraderie and ale. Moradin be praised indeed! Our party, knowing Douven to be safe, turned our attention to Winterhaven’s Kobold issue. After morning prayers and a meal we set out to the Southeast in hopes of finding the Kobold’s stronghold. Not too long into our journey, our intrepid company happened across a scenic valley with a beautiful waterfall; truly the Earth Carver graced this place with his touch. While enjoying our surroundings, we were not so ignorant or absent-minded to detect the ambush set for us, by more nefarious and treacherous Kobolds. Truly we were favoured by Moradin this day as we vanquished them in an almost complete rout! Their forces swept before our cleansing presence! It looks as though my generous Lord has blessed my companions and myself with an abundance of good hunting! Onwards for the glory of Moradin!
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