EAU-2009

2009/09/09 - Tomb of the Blind God - Part 4 - TPK

Session Date: Day 25 @ 8am

Local Date: April 25th 855CY

PC Plot Threads known (in no particular order):

1. Dark Elves and what the PC's have released? (And the damn black spots on our hands.)

2. Who is the " Gray Gnome Acknaught" and what is the status of the city Harkenwold. Dark Army in the south!

3. Headed to Hammerfast to rally support for unified force to face the Gnomes.

4. Bruce has wishes to look up his brother in the occupied city of Harkenwold.

5. Ogres reappearing the bowels of the city. Eeek!

6. Master Jenkins has asked the group to look into an Umber Hulk colony that is expanding into the mine. No rush as the militia is containing them by using the Umber Hulks for training exercises.

XP Calc (to date): 125+125+150+150+125+109+30

+125+125+345+214+450+300+300+300

+825+1375+300+300+565+200+344+675+1019+200+500+680+680+760+980+500+1100+700+1050+

Group XP (applies to all members of group): 15,726

PCs are: 8th level

XP needed for next level: 16,500

Group Treasure List

Gold:

Allocated: 0 gp, 0 sp

Unallocated: 26,910 gp, 0 sp (-20,000 to get 4 players raised)

Group Items:

Some goodwill and faith from the Winterhaven community for saving the patrons of the Inn from being robbed. Salvana offers the group a free private room and free sleeping accommodations if the group ever needs them.

The group helped Ellie Snodgrass she has promised them healing potions and assistance in the future.

The gratitude of the Stern's for rescuing them from the Hobgoblins and returning their wayward nephew.

Some goodwill and faith from the Winterhaven community for saving them from the horrors of The Keep on the Shadowfell.

Unallocated Items:

1 - Plate Armor +1 - Bruce's old armor

1 - Vest of Resistance +2

1 - +2 War Pick

Allocated Items:

1 - Cloak of Resistance +1 - Allen

1 - Drowmesh armor (prof with leather to use) - Adventurers Vault Item - Scott, Cindy, Allen

3 - Adamantine +1 Short swords- Allen, Scott, Bruce

3 - Steel vials of healing potions - PHB item - Greg, Bruce, Matt

1 - Ritual book with three rituals - Silence, Endure Elements, Detect Secret Doors - PHB Item - Group

1 - Long sword magical but with no decipherable powers - Matt

1 - Orb of Inevitable Continuance +1 - PHB pg. 238 - Allen

1 - Fireburst Armor +1 - Plate - PHB pg. 230 - Bruce

1 - Staff of Fiery Might +1 - PHB pg. 241 - Allen

1 - Boots of Adept Charging - AV pg. 126 - Scott

1 - Battle Standard of Honor - AV pg. 179 - Cindy

1 - Restful Bedroll Level 1 - AV pg. 176 - Matt

1 - Amulet of Resolution +1 - AV pg. 149 - Allen

1 - Belt of Resilience - AV pg. 164 - Matt

1 - Holy Healer's Mace +1 - AV pg. 70 - Cindy

1 - Reading Spectacles - AV pg. 144 - Cindy

1 - Shroud of Protection - AV pg. 177 - Cindy

1 - Crown of Doors (Adventurer's Vault, page 140 (Head Slot Items)) - Scott

1 - Barbed Baldric (Adventurer's Vault, page 164 (Waist Slot Items)) - Cindy

1 - Bloodthirst Bracers (Adventurer's Vault, page 114 (Arms Slot Items)) - Bruce

1 - Battle Standard of Healing (Adventurer's Vault, page 180 (Battle Standards)) - Allen

Organization Journal

Journal from Previous Party

XP: 0 (it was a TPK)

Players in Attendance: Scott, Diane, Bruce, Allen

PC Level: 8th

Owe $3 for Dinner: None

Loot: None

Encounter Summary: The PC's circumvented a few traps that were laid to stop a sighted person and were finally able to enter the hall to retrieve the treasure they were sent for. Before they made it very far into the hall the attacks began. Three grells attacked at long range. The PC's vision was hindered by magical miasma of the tomb to a quarter of normal vision. This allowed the grell's to pound on the party for much longer than normal. Repeated attacks that created zones of damage and daze slowed and separated the party. Upon finally reaching the boss grell and his two lieutenants the PC's were able to take one of the lieutenants out. The boss grell had been trying to sacrifice an innocent girl to some dark god when the PC's showed up. He used the girl as soft cover for most of the combat. This kept the PC's from using some of their area effect spells that might have hurt her in the blast. This allowed the remaining to grell's to grind Diane into dust, then Allen, then Scott and finally Bruce. Not the best note to end a campaign on.

After hearing about our ultimate demise my wife offered this piece of epilogue.

The grell finished his horrible sacrifice obtained the artifact and returned to the underdark to begin subjugation of the lessor races. Cindy had been held back from the final battle because of religous holiday services bravely entered the tomb alone and was able to find the fallen bodies of her comrades. She removed the bodies and was able to get them raised. The city was disappointed about the loss of such a artifact, horrified to learn of the sacrifice of the girl (she was unable to be raised due to the ritual that was used), and nearly disheartened over the loss of their greatest hero's. The return of the hero's means there is still hope for all of the free people.

2009/09/02 - Tomb of the Blind God - Part 3

XP: 2100 / 4 = (525 * 2) = 1050 XP Grimlock Barracks

Players in Attendance: Scott, Diane, Bruce, Allen

PC Level: 8th

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: +2 war pick, a strange metallic sheath that fit snugly over a tentacle of the Grell and 1000gp

Encounter Summary: The PC's bravely fought on and with the clever use of a stinking cloud power were able to split the Grimlock group in half. Slamming the door to the water area and putting it to their backs they were able to fight down the gas filled hall. The hero's confronted half of the Grimlock guards and the one Grell. Having nearly defeated them the remainder of the Grimlocks took tons of damage crossing the stinking cloud and were easy prey for the PC's to defeat. A search of the area turned up the treasure listed above. The PC's have taken an extended rest and are ready to continue.

2009/08/26 - Tomb of the Blind God - Part 2

XP: 1400 / 4 = (350 * 2) = 700 XP (Pyramid Room), Water room not finished, Grimlock Barracks not finished.

Players in Attendance: Scott, Diane, Bruce

PC Level: 7th

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: Blackfire Stone (10th level) Allen took item. See page 11 of mod for notes.

Encounter Summary: The PC's pushed up the heavy black basalt doors to the north. Noticing as they did that their low-light and darkvision stopped working completely and normal vision was cut by half (with torch now 10'). Moving into a hexagonal room that had a large pyramid with a glowing black gem floating above it. Moving into the room showed that some squares in the room were glyph trapped and would set off a beam from the gem that did a good bit of damage and would blind people (save ends). Diane was able to climb to the top of it and claim the gem (Blackfire Stone). Allen uses it with some of his spells.

The group decided to go left ("Left to the treasure") out of that room and down a long hallway to a T intersection to the west another smaller door and south is a passageway. The west door is a bit odd with crates and barrels piled up in front of the door. The PC's moved the crates and debris out of the way to enter the room. Finding it to be mostly a water room with a 5' ledge around the edge of the room. They all moved around to the far side when they were attacked by a huge creature from the pool. All ran for the door and safety of the hallway, but Allen (who panicked?) and froze. Allen was grabbed by a long pseudopod. All of even Diane's attempts to sever the limb were in vain. Allen was pulled under and enveloped by the creature. His last act before falling unconscious was to cast a spell (burst 2' from the center of the room) that caused damage and dazed the creature (thereby letting go of Allen). Bruce jumped into the acid water and pulled him out into the hall.

Oh no! A group of Grimlocks and a Grell had heard the group and met them at the T intersection. Bruce was able to do a heal check on Allen and trigger a surge and get him back on his feet. The PC's are now trapped between a rock and a hard place...(as they say).

2009/08/19 - Tomb of the Blind God - Part 1

XP: 1650 / 3 = (550 * 2) = 1100 XP

Players in Attendance: Scott, Diane, Bruce

PC Level: 7th

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: Vest of Resistance +2

Encounter Summary: The PCs have been asked to retrieve a powerful magical object that has also attracted the attention of a power Grick/Grell and his sightless minions (Grimlocks). The Grimlocks have been sighted gathering food and supplies in the forest and were tracked back to mountain a cave. The entrance which is on a steep incline and only a small ledge allows access. The PC's proceeded to the cave and carefully across the ledge. The rough short passageway lead into a large cave with a lite fire in the center. The fire blinding the PC's to the fact that the Grimlocks were hiding behind make-shift walls (cover bonus). Combat ensued with the PC's fighting the blinding attacks of the Grimlocks, but eventually wearing them down and defeating them. While the rank and file had nothing of value the leader wore a Vest of Resistance +2.

2009/08/06 - Shortest game of WarHammer Quest EVER!

NOTE: While not part of our normal game. This was funny so I put it in.

This was the shortest game of WarHammer Quest I have ever played. The first two cards drawn were T-Intersections (which divide the Dungeon Deck in each time) and the third card drawn was the objective card!

The four heros (Barbarian, Elf, Dwarf and Wizard) faced the final encounter with no damage and no other encounters! Combat ensued whereupon the Barbarian failed to rage for six rounds and whacked the party for 1 point for five of those rounds (great dice there Bruce!). The wizard chewed through most of the creature with his magic power. The other three did in a few of their own and the group faced the minatur with some trepidation. It however was having it's dice rolled by Bruce therefore only hit for one of it's three attacks per round and the magic user was able to keep the group healed enough.

Much fun was had and much beer was consumed. It was a good time.

2009/07/22 - Deepwater Rising Part - Enc1

XP: 500 XP

Players in Attendance: Scott, Allen, Bruce

PC Level: 18th

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: None

Encounter Summary: As an experiment I decided to run a canned high level D&D 4e event. Created eight to ten 18th Level PC's mostly from PH2 races and classes and let people pick whichever they wanted. Allen picked a Goliath Barbarian (Primal-Striker), Bruce picked a Half-Orc Hybrid Fighter/Rogue (Martial?-Striker), Scott picked a Eladrin Monk (Psi-Striker).

The PC's were asked to chase Grimlocks that had stolen a sealing stone (No, Scott not ceiling stone!). It is apparently a magical stone that keeps the Kua-Toa from invading the city from the sewers below. It was stolen by the Grimlocks and is making it's way to their Kua-Toa masters to be used in a ritual that will break the seal and allow the Kua-Toa to invade.

First things first. Combat with the Grimlocks was on 2nd story roofs and didn't use the map shown above as I had a more fun map that we used (but I don't have a picture of it). The Grimlocks were clearly no match for the PCs (everyone choose strikers...so big damage). The PC's pretty much wiped the board with them. Allen was down to less than a quarter of his HP by the end.

If people want we'll continue the chase into the sewers after the Grimlocks and their masters.

2009/07/15 - Koptila's final battle

XP: 2450 / 5 = (490 * 2) = 980 XP

Players in Attendance: Diane, Scott, Allen, Cindy's PC (run by Allen), Bruce's PC, Jenn (for a very short bit)

PC Level: 7

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: Crap ton of stuff that I handed out on paper AND 20,000 gp (added into total).

Encounter Summary: The PC's were able to divine that the sun symbol had something to do with the power of the cloud. Some horrible knowledge rolls did not reveal what they were to do with the symbol however. After beating on it for a while it was decided to throw it into the cloud. This destroyed both the cloud and symbol and seriously weakened Koptila and his guards. Even though Allen perished in the remaining rounds of the battle the PC's were able to finish off Koptila.

With the battle over the PC's plundered his gold (20,000 gp!) and his magical stores. Returning to the surface they were given a hero's greeting by the Lord Mayor and sages. Allen was restored to life shortly and all were treated to a well deserved rest at a warm Inn with good food.

2009/07/08 - Ogre Battle in Koptila's Chambers

XP: None yet.

Players in Attendance: Diane, Scott, Allen, Cindy's PC (run by Allen), Bruce's PC (run by Scott),

PC Level: 7

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: None yet.

Encounter Summary: The PC's enter the room with the following description:

"The noise in this chamber is deafening. A 20-foot-tall monolith of dark blue, crackling energy fills the center,

flanked by two enormous rotting corpses apparently standing guard.

In a secondary chamber beyond the thunderous monolith, a sun icon set into the far wall emits the same

blue energy."

Bruce moved up to a corner and began to pound on the Ogre Zombie Hulk's. They in turn moved to flank Bruce and lay the smack to him knocking him down. The rest of the PC's took actions to intervene and a Turn Check from Cindy pushed the Zombies back through the cloud (no effect) to the far side of the room.

The PC's again moved up (well Allen stayed in the back moving his Flaming Sphere around) and began to beat upon the Zombies with radiant powers if possible and normal powers if not. They had beaten the Ogre Zombie Hulks almost to death when Koptila came out from his rear antechamber. Stepping into the doorway he plucked (teleport) Cindy from the far side of the room placing her in the cloud (lose a healing surge and are dazed till the end of Koptila's next turn). Did a close blast (only getting Bruce) for a bit of damage. Spent an action point doing another close blast this time hitting everyone but Bruce and Allen. Everyone hit by any of Koptila's attacks was weakened (half damage on attacks).

The PC's rallied back and were able to destroy the two Ogre Zombie Hulks.Koptila's turn came up and his powers recharged (bummer) he was able to pluck (teleport) Allen from the back end of the room to place him in the cloud (loose a surge and he is Dazed), thus placing him also close enough for the two (action point again) close blast powers. This time catching everyone in the party, again making everyone weakened (half damage on attacks) until the end of Koptila's next turn. This was enough to drop Allen to -4 (I think) leaving him prone in the cloud.

The two Ogre Zombie Hulks reappeared next to the cloud and while looking like they were not nearly as "healthy" as they were originally the group wasn't pleased to see them. Diane was able to smack Koptila with a crit and knock him prone till the end of her next turn (damage already taken for the stand up part). Everyone in the party is bloodied, but fighting on. Allen has already failed one Death Save.

And the battle rages on...

2009/07/01 - Ogre Battle Part 1 and 2

XP: 1900 / 5 = (380 * 2) = 760 XP

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Diane, Scott, Allen, Cindy's PC (run by Scott)

PC Level: 7

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: 550 GP

Encounter Summary: A rough dialog with the Orcs was establish and the PC's discovered that the Orcs were slaves to the Ogres and just wished to be free. They were able to tell the party a bit about the complex. Beyond the door leading deeper there were two other rooms. A worship room and the "dark room". The worship room, only two had ever seen it, was described it as a room where the Ogres worshiped their god. They had only heard of the "dark room" in passing conversations they had overheard, but it was always said with respect and a bit of fear from the Ogres. The PC's asked them to wait in the corner of the first room. The orcs pulled out some food and a began to play dice as they waited for the PC's to return.

The diagonal hallway leading from the room had glowing spaces in the middle of the hallway. And it was determined by the Scott that the spaces that were not glowing were somehow trapped. The PC's were able to use a series of history, arcana and religion checks to understand the meaning of circumvent the traps on the walls and traverse the hallway.

Opening the door to the worship room they found three Ogre's praying. As one might expect they were angry at being disturbed and attacked the party. Cindy's standard was placed and Allen cast Stinking cloud on the group. The ogres have been hammering away at the PC's. All the while PC's have been falling victim to a curse that slows them and gives -2 to Fort and Will until the PC's figure out how to negate it.

The battle rages on....

The PC's finally finish off the Ogres, shake off the curse (short skill challenge) and cautiously creep down the hall.

2009/06/17 - For the City

XP: 1700 / 5 = (340 * 2) = 680 XP

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Diane, Scott, Allen's PC, Cindy PC

PC Level: 6

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot:

Encounter Summary: Lord Warden of Fallcrest Herman Heckavalot requested that the players meet with him about a mission most dire. A sage has found old documents that tell a tale...

Long ago, before the arrival of civilized humanoids, a large colony of ogres thrived in the local area. When a great invasion from another dimension threatened this colony, their king, Koptila, prayed for his people to be spared. The gods heard these pleas, but commanded Koptila to sacrifice himself. The leader did so, and the clan disappeared—whisked away by the gods and lost to time.

Over the years, a city grew up above the former subterranean home of the ogres, and no aspect of Koptila’s ancient bargain was preserved or remembered. Even so, the stars are aligned for the return of Koptila and his people. These powerful repatriates are unlikely to appreciate the changes in their old home.

The Lord Warden wishes you to deal with the Ogres and promises 500 gp each and the gratitude of the city for your help. The PC's figuring that they were already there headed down to deal with the problem. Breaking the seal on the stone door they faced 3 huge furious ogres and 3 orc minions*. The ogres began to beat upon the PC's screaming with rage at the intrusion into their home. However, the orcs seeing a release from their masters made a break for the open door. Returning several rounds later after seeing only moments of a new and disorenting world that they feared.

The PC's vanquished the Ogre's, but have yet to finish talking with the orcs.

* non-game vernacular used here

2009/06/10 - Allen's Past catches up with us (Part 2)

(See Picture from previous session)

XP: 1700 / 5 = (340 * 2) = 680 XP

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen's PC, Cindy, Diane, Scott

PC Level: 6

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: 250 gp

Encounter Summary: The PC's finished up with the Seething Wraith and his henchmen looted the bodies and rested up to get well. While resting up the group meets some travelers that have just come down the road from Winterhaven. They are beaten and bloody. Many are limping and seem to have been through a tornado of sharp shards. Talking with them you learn that they were attacked not once but twice on the road from Winterhaven to Fallcrest by a horrible monstrosity made of bone it was shaped like a dragon but had no flesh. It's companions were almost worse. Human sized green winged creatures with horns and poison breath. They seem to be everywhere at once. Many of the survivors are very frightened and can barely speak or are so mournful about the loss of loved ones this information is all you can get out of the group.

The last plan the PC's had to was return to Winterhaven to check out the mine and Diane's father's status.

2009/06/03 - Allen's Past catches up with us (Part 1)

XP: None yet.

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Cindy, Diane, Scott

PC Level: 6

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: None

Encounter Summary: A golden canary arrived as a magical messenger from Master Jenkins asking for the players help with an Umber Hulk colony that has moved into the mine and is slowly growing and disrupting the mines operation. They have lost a few miners to the encounters with the Umber hulks. The PC's were part way to Hammerfast trying to convince the dwarves there to join in a combined effort to ward off the dark gnomes in the south when the message arrived. After a lengthy debate the PC's decided to forgo the diplomatic effort for the time being and return to Winterhaven to check out the mine and Diane's father's status.

Their path lead them back through Fallcrest and while in one of the markets they were bushwacked by a group of ragged humans a few dwarven hired thugs and a cloaked figure that turned out to be a Seathing Wraith. The group focused it's attacks on Allen's PC (Skamos) and once the cloaked figure was revealed it began to rant and rave. His story claims that Skamos was the cook for the "Bakers Dozen" adventuring group (and taste testers) and that Skamos abandon the dying adventuerers at a key moment locking them in a vault with a horrible monster to save himself and leaving the thirteen adventurers to their doom. In addition Skamos didn't return with another party to defeat the monster and raise them. Instead dividing up the remaining treasures and goods with the other "help" (they were not present at the time of the incident) and then moving on to the next part in his life. The seething wraith wants revenge in the form of making Skamos like him an undead spector of hate and death.

2009/05/28 - Trolls on a Road (like "Snake on a Plane"?)

XP: 1250 / 5 = (250 * 2) = 500 XP

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Cindy, Diane, Scott

PC Level: 6

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: None.

Encounter Summary: Heading east out of Fallcrest the party traveled along a lonely road. Bedding down for the night after setting up watches in the dangerous wild land. Cindy cast Explorers Fire on the campfire allowing the party to see out a bit into the night without being seen. This did not keep the slavering Trolls from smelling the party and attempting to eat them. As most of the party roused from slumber Bruce stopped the three trolls at the edge of the firelight with a ferocious charge. The party woke and joined the battle most with no armor. A terrible 7ft tall Gnoll seemed to be leading the small party.

They found these trolls to be susceptible to fire and acid. Damaging them with fire and acid seemed to retard their normal regenerative powers for a short time. Some trolls that were killed and thought to be out of the battle would lumber to their feet and battle on. One troll was permanently felled by Allen's acid arrow spell. The acid retarding the regenerative powers of the Troll and killing it. Diane put the final blow to the Gnoll taking it out of combat.

Stopping in mid-combat the picture shows the scene. One very wounded troll (it keeps getting back up after taking only a little damage) and one troll that is very nearly full on HP.

DM Note: The amount of HP (and regeneration) is why trolls fill the "Brute" role in the Monster Manual.

2009/05/20 - Searching for a Path

XP: 0

Loot: None

Encounter Summary: After conferring with the Fallcrest Lord Mayor of Fallcrest Herman Heckavalot they learned that the mayor was planning to try an placate the gnomish army with treasure (and women) left in the middle of the road with a note pleading with the aggressors to leave the town of Fallcrest alone. The PC's were able to convince Mayor Heckavalot that they might be able to garner help from surrounding regions and towns to resist the gnomish threat.

Rick Sky and the Fabuous Five (Doo-Wop) formed a plan of action. They sent a message to Lord Padrig of Winterhaven asking for any assistance he can send (troops, supplies, etc). Confident that the hero's of Winterhaven would have enough "cred" to sway Lord Padrig and begin the process of building a resistance force at Fallcrest. Unfortunately Fallcrest's forces are mostly police oriented and would need more help if they were to save the humaniod population of enslavement (or worse) at the hands of the Gnomes. Thus, the PC's have planned a journey to Hammerfast, a Dwarven enclave where the Dwarve's sell their wares to the public. They hope to convince the Dwarven leaders known as The Bearded Council to send troops and aid to defend the region. Other than Hammerfast Dwarves are very closemouthed about their lands and do not willingly let strangers into their mountains. Little is known of their actual population or culture. The Dwarves that do leave the mountain homeland speak little about their it and are sometimes viewed with suspicion by those they left behind.

After that they plan to head south, down what is barely a road towards Harkenwold to see first hand what the situation is.

2009/05/13 - Rick Sky and the Fabulous Five

XP: 200 XP

Loot: 500 GP

Encounter Summary: PC's gave Master Jenkins the blood solvent and were given 500 GP as a reward. They decided to travel to Fallcrest to check out what the sages had learned (nothing). A lengthy discussion ensued about what the PC's should do next. See "PC Plot Threads known" to see the remaining plot threads. If players aren't interested in those plots we can always add a few. There are always new and interesting things out there.

2009/05/06

XP: 4075 / 4 = 1019 XP

Kills: Kalarel, Scion of Orcus, The Thing in the Portal, Deathlock Wight, 4 Skeleton Warriors

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Cindy (Playing Cris's PC), Diane

PC Level: 6

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: +2 Dagger and a bunch of other stuff see treasure list.

Encounter Summary: The final battle is joined. With Rick separated from the others the battle looked grim for him (Bruce). Yea though he did fall a few times, and was almost dragged through the gate to the Shadowfell, his heroic team mates were able to keep him in the fight. Finally the group chopped, hacked and wacked it's way through Kalarel's minions to face him directly in the rune of power. Even though it continued to heal Kalarel they were able to defeat him. His mangled corpse was dragged with a ghostly scream on it's lips into the portal...a rumbling laugh could be heard emanating from the huge statue or Orcus. Failure of Orcus is very serious indeed.

The hero's retrieved Kalarel's dropped dagger and a quick search turned up a few chests of other loot (see list below). The group headed back to town where a feast and festival was given in their honor. Lord Padrig had many wonderful things to say about the players.

Several players received news about friends and family (check your characters background Google doc for updates).

Rick Sky (Bruce) got a message that was smuggled out of Harkenwold from his brother Bill. The letter pleads with Rick to find his sister and run away to a far away land before it was too late. Harkenwold is now an occupied city. Bill has been forced into duty as a weapon smith for the occupying army. The Gnomes make life hard and are demanding masters, but are nothing compared to the "cloaked ones". They could strike fear into even bravest man. Bill has heard a little bit about the leader of the army. They never call him by name only by the title "Master of Light and Dark".

Heather's (Cindy) brother, Ash, has run off the join a militia unit. Ash feels he needs to prove himself in battle to win his loves heart and earn her families respect (militia family). Heather said he left several weeks ago. Heading to Fallcrest first to learn anything he could about the conflict and then to somewhere with battle.

2009/04/29 - Showdown with Kalarel - pt1

XP: None yet...

Kills so far: None

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen(half), Scott (Playing Cris's PC), Diane

PC Level: 6

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: None

Encounter Summary: Mourning the loss of their comrades the PC's decided to press on in the hopes of defeating Kalarel before he can complete the ritual. Each mounted one of the four blood slick chains that led, 50' below, to the final battle with Kalrel. Three of the four landed with out incident, but Allen's hands were not made for such rough work and he fell taking some damage as he hit the pool of blood below. Before the PC's could get their bearing and being their grim work Kalrel pontificated (blathered a bunch) to the group. He said,

"I'll soon destroy you weaklings and before morning finish the ritual opening the rift to the Shadowfell. I'll be the favored of Orcus and will release wave after wave of undead to carve out a nation to serve him. That pig sty of a town Winterhaven will be the first to fall. Their reanimated bodies will only swell my new army as I bring order to my new land. Orcus shall rule through me and anyone else is sheep for the slaughter!" (evil laugh here)

"Winterhaven will serve as my capital against Acknaught and his Gray Gnomeish scum. I'll crush him with my undead army and all will serve Orcus!" (second evil laugh here)."

After which the fight was joined. Bruce immediately charged Kalrel at the altar and began dealing damage. Two (of four) Skeletal warriors stepped up to pin Bruce in with Kalrel. Kalrel delt some damage and teleported away to the rune that is in front of the black portal. The other PC's were stuck in the blood pool and were struggling to free themselves. Diane pull Allen's PC's out and Cris also slipped and went down in a heap (not dead just prone). The wight on the far end of the room blasted Cris, Allen and Diane took several blasts of his foul area attacks.

Bruce followed Kalrel to the magical rune and attacked him twice more, but this time the portal behind Kalrel lashed out striking Bruce twice (these attacks seemed to heal Kalrel). The skeleton warriors closed in on Bruce as well. They and Kalrel seemed to be drawing health from the arcane rune.

The battle continues...

2009/04/22 - Warhammer Quest Rules!

Players in Attendance: Cris, Douglas, Diane

Encounter Summary: We played WQH and had a great time. We would have finished we'd known the combat rules a bit better. I can only hope that next time I stop rolling 1's when it's time for me to go berserk and Diane stops rolling 12 when the encounter card says 2d6 Orcs! :-)

2009/04/15 - Part 3 Malaci and the Cock-Shot Altar of Blood

XP: 1875 * 2 (game accelerator) / 6 = 675 XP

Kills so far: Scott (into the Cock-Shot Altar), Cindy (went down under a cloud of minions and 3 failed death saves),

1 Malaci (Orcus Underpriest), 4 Berserkers of Orcus, 1 Dark Creeper, 20 Vampire Minions, 1 Cock-Shot Altar of Blood

Players in Attendance: Bruce(half), Allen, Scott, Cindy, Cris(half), Diane

PC Level: 5

Owe $3 for Dinner: Cris (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: None

Encounter Summary: The hero's paid dearly for their victory. In a brave effort to save Scott, Cindy tried to cross the room and drop a Healing Word on him, but she slipped in the stream of blood and fell prone. The other PC's squeaked out from behind the wall of Berserkers a few at a time to assist her but couldn't reach her. As the PC's watched, Malaci laughingly laid a single hand on Scott's body, lifting him insubstantially on to the altar where it mechanically sacrificed him to the dark god Orcus. Only his possessions remained in pile on the floor where his body had been. Diane, pushing a veritable horde of evil before, surged forward to rescue Cindy but the enemy was too much for Diane and she too fell under the onslaught. The remaining PCs chopped, hacked and spelled their way to victory, but at a high cost.

As Malaci was finally felled the PC's rushed to the aid of their fallen comrades. But it was too late for Cindy...however, Diane was still hanging onto a thread of life and was retrieved from the brink of death. After a short rest what remains of the party destroyed the altar and freed the remaining 11 captives. Even as they begged and pleaded with the hero's to lead them to freedom the hero's knew they faced a difficult choice. Looking down the hole they could see far below that even now Kalarel was nearing completion of his vile ritual to open the rift into the Shadowfell. The rift would give him power not seen on this plane of existence for almost 1,000 years. He would use it to raise and army of powerful undead and subjugate all in his path. He and Acknaught would fight over the innocent peoples of the land like dogs fight over scraps of meat. He must be stopped at any cost! The party made a decision to stay and fight Kalarel now while there was still time to stop his mad plan.

2009/04/08 - Part 2 - Malaci and the Slap-Chop Altar

XP: TBD

Kills so far: Scott(?), 1 Berserkers of Orcus

Players in Attendance: Bruce(half), Allen, Scott, Cindy, Cris(half), Diane

PC Level: 5

Owe $3 for Dinner: Cris (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot:

Encounter Summary: After defeating the undead and resting to regain their HPs and powers the PC's moved to the west down a set of stairs and through a set of double doors that led to a long passageway that finally opened into the room pictured above.

Crimson streams trail across the floor and terminate at a grate surrounding a hole in the floor of this shadowy cathedral. Bluegreen light emanates from crystal columns. A dais along the eastern wall appears to supply the blood. A human in dark robes stands there, knife raised high, singing the praises of the demon lord Orcus! A tattoo of a ram’s skull covers the man’s face.

In addition the altar behind the priest is some sort of horrible mechanical butchering machine. Before the PC's very eyes a screaming villager sacrifice is brought forth and methodically slaughtered, the blood of the victim magically magnified to a roaring torrent that flows through the room and down the hole feeding the ritual in the room below.

"Crunchy" note (Wow what lack of "taste" for both puns!):The altar is a combat skill challenge that requires 5 successes before 3 failures (more successes means it's harder). The primary skills are Thievery, Arcana, Religion

Current Situation:

Scott led the group into battle with the maniac dash! Bravely charging across the room heading towards the altar with the intent of disabling it whilst his companions dealt with the evil priest and his cronies. But, the fate of battle was not kind to Scott this day and the enemies closed in on Scott's brave group before they could move into a position to support him!

Scott , cut off and trapped, with vile critters nipping at his heals continued on to the altar. The priest finally stopped monologing and took notice of Scott and smote him a mighty blow (was it good Scott?). This did not fell Scott. Even when the evil, but mighty, priest spent an action point to do it AGAIN that didn't fell Scott. Those blows were felt though as other creatures slithered out of the dark places and attacked Scott. Allen tried to give Scott a safe zone in which to take refuge, but it was no use. Scott was dropped by a dagger strike from small gloom enshrouded figure. With Scott unconscious and bleeding out the party battles furiously with human Berserkers of Orcus. They have felled one of the four berserkers, but will they be fast enough to save Scott? There is a malevolent gleam in Malaci's as he views the battle field. Your hearts darken a bit when viewing the look in his eyes as you know there is more horror yet to come... [concluded this week]

2009/04/08 - Part 1 - Ghouls and their Ilk

XP: 1031 * 2 (game accelerator) / 6 = 344 XP

Kills: 2 ghoul (G), 12 zombie rotters (R), 2 zombies (Z)

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Scott, Cindy, Cris, Diane

PC Level: 5

Owe $3 for Dinner: Cris (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: Bad of Holding and 176gp, Spear and Magic Helmet (with sound)!

Encounter Summary: The PC's entered a room that smelled like rotten meat. Shortly after entering the room it became obvious why. The ghouls that inhabited this room fed on raw flesh. Combat with them and their zombie mates ensued. The part made short work of them however largely in part to Allen's well placed area effect spell (I can't remember the name just now) that blew away all of the minion zombies and damaged the rest some. In the remains of the bodies (both chewed and unchewed) the party collected 176gp and a Bad of Holding.

2009/04/01 - Chamber of Statues

XP: 500 * 2 (game accelerator) / 5 = 200 XP

Kills: Titan Statue Level 4 Hazard, 2 Dragon Statues Level 3 Hazard, Whirlpool Trap Level 4 Hazard

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Scott, Cindy, Cris!

PC Level: 5

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: None

Game Summary: After a through searching of the Hobgoblin lair the players decided to investigate the passage to the south looking for the missing prisoners. They discovered a room with a western door (the voice crystal warned them to stay away from it) and a southern door through which they proceeded. Three traps/devices were faced by the party. First a mighy Titan statue that swung it's sword in a broad arch if anyone came too close. The party managed to bash it down while Scott/Rogue tried to disable. The second was the south hallway that Bruce/Fighter was trapped in. As the water filled the wallway to a swirling vortex bashing Bruce around. All tried to disable/destroy the statues that created the force cage Bruce was trapped in. Finally Scott disabled one of the statues and Allen the other. Releasing several hundred gallons of water into the room. The third trap had been hampering Scott and Allens efforts to help Bruce. It was breathing damaging waves of force that did damage at the same time pushing them out of reach of the statues that would help Bruce. Finally Bruce couldn't stand it any more once his cage was released he charged around the corner and smote with mighty blow on one of the statues destroying it in a single blow. The other was blasted into bits by Cris's infernal blasting and Allen's spells.

2009/03/26

XP: 2557 / 4 = 565 XP

Kills: 1 Hobgoblin Warchief, 1 Hobgoblin Archer, 1 Hobgoblin Warcaster, 1 Deathjump Spider, 7 Hobgoblin Soldiers, 14 Hobgoblin Grunts

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Scott, Cindy

PC Level: 5

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Scott is $2 ahead)

Loot: Magical Voice Crystal

Game Summary: HUGE battle ensued where the party kicked ass and took names! Spectacular use of a Stinking Cloud spell by Allen helped by plugging up the hallway and keeping the hallway plugged up and through the use of his orb of fire spell that guarded the rear of the party. Few PC's took heavy damage and the battle was won. During the rest after the battle the Warchief was searched and magical speech crystal was found that detailed the instructions given them by Malaci a priest of the sub-temple of Orcus, who in turn works for Kalarel.

Text of crystal transcribed below:

Message 1 (dated three days past):

"My Hobgoblin allies I need more sacrifices for the subtemple! The blood must flow to complete Kalarel's work! The three dozen that you have provided have been excellent specimens, but I must have more! Stay away from populated areas that will draw too much attention. Other than that I do not care where you get them. Drop them off at the usual place by the south doors. Again do not bother the creature beyond the west doors or suffer your doom! I will pay the normal in gear and food for each prisoner."

Message 2 (dated yesterday):

"The fifteen prisoners that you provided today are adequate for my current needs. I need you to keep searching for new sacrifices. The blood must flow! Very soon our great deed will be done and Kalarel will place you at the front of his army to crush the vile Gray Gnome Acknaught. He has taken over Harkenwold and will be using it to strike out at us from there."

2009/03/09 - Skill challenges, Passwords and

Mad Hobgoblin Shamans

XP: 600 * 2 (game accelerator) = 1200 / 4 PCs = 300 XP

Kills: None, One skill challenge completed

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Scott, Cindy

PC Level: 4

Owe $3 for Dinner: None (Allen and Scott are $2 ahead)

Loot: None

Game Summary: The PC's were involved in a skill challenge trying to interrogate Ninaran. That process led us to learning a bit about her motivations for spying on adventurers that come through town (money) and why she set the trap for us (money). It also gave the PC's the correct password for bypassing the 2nd level guards. The correct password is, "And life fails in the dark." She didn't really have any other motivations for betraying adventurers it was as simple as wanting money. The PC's turned her over to Lord P for trial and judgement and also tasked him with investigating the missing villigers that were sacrified (or bled/leeched but not killed?) for the horrible arcane undead rune that was used in the graveyard. Lord P assured the PC's that he would handle the issues with no problem.

The PC's then headed north to investigate the Keep on the Shadowfell (see picture).

They easily investigated the deserted first level and made their way down to the 2nd level. At the bottom of the stairs they were challenged by Fred and Marv two hobgoblin guards. The challenge was "Shadow seeks shadow!" and the players responded correctly with "And life fails in the dark." They were asked what business they had with Kalarel and the PC's bluffed with a story that they wished not to see Kalarel but that they were to report to the hobgoblin boss with information about adventerers that were headed this way. Fred gave directions to the PC's to the "head boss" warchief's area. Fred also chatted with Scott about their pet jumping spider "Martha" that was caged in a room to the north. In addition Fred warned the group about the pressure plate on the floor of the hallway leading to the "head boss" that triggers a portcullis. It would cut them off from the "head boss" it tripped. Scott worked some mad thievery skillz on the pressure plate so it would trigger the portcullis after all the party was past.

This left the party in a room slightly larger than 30x30 that has some crates in the south-east corner and a large (10x10) table and chairs in the middle of the room. Two doors lead from the room. A set of double doors to the south and a single door in the north-east corner of the room. The PC's investigated the room for a few rounds as they neared the north-eastern door they could now notice an covered eye-hole in the door, but before they could get much farther the southern doors were wrenched open and huge hobgoblins Warchief and a group of hobgobling warriors burst into the room screaming for blood....(combat ensues...next week).

2009/02/25 - Combat in the Graveyard

XP: 600 * 2 (game accelerator) = 1200 / 4 PCs = 300 XP

Kills: 12 Decrepit Skeletons, 2 Gravehound Zombies, 1 Ninaran the Elf

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Scott, Cindy

PC Level: 4

Owe $3 for Dinner: None

Loot: None

Game Summary: Upon returning from a nice trip to visit Ellie Snodgrass (she gave each player two healing potions) the players found Winterhaven's gates closed. From the palisade Lord P informed the players that several villagers were missing and that undead were seen in the town graveyard. The PC's went out and had a look at the situation. Upon reaching the middle of the grave yard two things happened. First they could see a pulsating blue (10x10) arcane rune in the ground. Second they were attacked by undead (no big suprise there), the rune was disabled and all the undead went back to their previous state (just dead). The battle was short and Ninaran the elf was knocked out, captured and restrained. She had note on here that reads as follows.

"I received your report on the adventurers. Next time you see them, put an end to their meddling. Mix the blood of ten people with the elixir my messenger brings. Then trace the following pattern on the ground of a graveyard and pour the liquid into the lines. That should supply you with a force to thwart them.

I’m very close to completion; see that I’m not interrupted. As you already know, if you do come to the second level of the keep, the pass phrase is “From the ground, some magic was found.”

—Kalarel"

2009/02/19

The party spent time resting (leveling up) and purchasing items they needed in Fallcrest.The Stern's were helpful in pointing the PCs to the small group of sages that live in Fallcrest. The PCs questioned them about a acid/substance that would melt adamantine, but no sage knew the answer. However, several were willing to begin research (10gp/day) to look into the problem. The group contracted with two sages (one bestial and one arcana) to research the problem for 10 days. They will finish on session day 22.

2009/02/12

XP: (2 Hobgoblin Minions * 75) + (2 Hobgoblin Soldier * 150) +

(1 Hobgoblin Warcaster * 350) + (1 Owlbear * 350) = 1150

Completion of Major Quest = 1600 XP

2750 * 2 (game accelerator) = 5500 / 4 PCs = 1375 XP

Kills: 2 Hobgoblin Minions, 2 Hobgoblin Soldiers, 1 Hobgoblin Warcaster,

1 Owlbear, 1 Major Quest Completion

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Scott

PC Level: 3 (should have been 4)

Owe $3 for Dinner: Scott (only a $1) - PAID!

Loot: 10,000gp in combined reward from survivors and any loot kept from cave (TBD)

Game Summary: After tracking the hobgoblins back to their cave lair. The PCs attempted a stealth entrance but were foiled when Allen's cried out when he smacked his head tripping over loose rocks in the cave entrance. A pitched battle ensued where the hobgoblins brought out their trained owlbear which tried to maul Bruce repeated. The hobgoblin warcaster sat (literally) in the back pounding the PCs with ranged area effect spells. Meanwhile Bruce proved very durable and was never pulled into the owlbears crushing clutches. The rest of the party was doing battle with the hobgoblins and the caster. Allen's well placed sleep spell slowed the onrush of hobgoblins allowing the PC's time to plan and range the attackers. Cindy (while only there in spirit) was able to keep Allen, Scott and herself in the battle and in the end landed several good hits on the owlbear. Scott ranged a few of the hobgoblins eventually faced the Warcaster in single combat and defeated him. The owlbear when down with a final strike and the party won the day.

Searching the remainder of the cave revealed some 25 prisoners including the Stern's. Collecting a hefty pile of loot they herded the ex-prisoners back to town (which took about 1.5 days). The ex-prisoners believed that they were being held until there were at least 30 of them before being transferred on to somewhere else. No one was quiet sure where but Thunderspire Mountain looms in the distance...

The Sterns were quite glad to be rescued. While not happy that their nephew was in trouble with the law they are glad that he was brought to them for punishment. They have no trouble making arrangements for him and give you their hearty thanks. They assure you that if you ever need a favor from them all you need do is ask.

2009/02/04

XP: (4 Hobgoblins Minions * 75) + (2 River Wights* 300)

+ ( 1 Tracking Skill Challenge * 750) = 1650 * 2 (game accelerator) = 3300 / 4 PCs = 825 XP

Kills: 4 Hobgoblins Minions, 2 River Wights

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Cindy, Scott

Loot: None - but the hobgoblins minions were wearing VERY nice if mundane gear. Far nicer than normal hobgoblins normally have.

Game Summary: On their travels to find the Sterns' the group is ambushed on a bridge by four Hobgoblins and two river wights. After completing combat they engaged in a skill challenge to follow the tracks back to the hobgoblins cave. Tracks indicate that many more hobgoblins and other humanoid races have gone into and out of the cave recently.

2009/01/21

XP: 150 * 2 (game accelerator) = 300

Kills: None

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Cindy, Scott

Loot: None

Game Summary: It was a short session and the player were only able to acertain that the Stern's had traveled far to the west and should have returned home. Reports indicate heavy hobgoblin traffic on that road. The PC's headed out on the west road to find the Stern's with the thought of investigating the Hobgoblins. Traveling for 1.5 days they are eventually set upon by the hobgoblins on a short bridge that crosses a river. Cue the players...

2009/01/14

XP: (3 * 150) + (1 * 175) + (1 * 125) = 750/4 = 150 * 2 (game accelerator) = 300

Kills: 1 gnome arcanist (G) 2 doppleganger sneaks (D) 3 human knife fighters (H)

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Allen, Cindy, Scott, Matt

Loot: 500gp

Game Summary: On the fourth floor the party found and defeated the Goblin Arcanist and his doppelganger henchmen and a few human knife fighters. They retrieved the glasses and returned them to Orist the Merchant. Who was much nicer to the party now that they had proven themselves.

2009/01/07

Encounter: Skill Challenge (and Rats)

XP: (3 * 150) + (1 * 175) + (1 * 125) = 750/5 = 150 * 2 (game accelerator) = 300

Kills: 3 Wererats, 1 Human Mage, 1 Skill Challenge, 1 Clay Scout Homunculus

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Matt, Allen, Cindy, Scott

Loot: For defeating the skill challenge the group received a +1 Cloak of Resistance

Game Summary: The party continued up the spiral stairs and encountered a human mage and her three were-rat thugs. A skill challenge was occurring while the combat took place as well. PC's could either use their standard action to get the homunculus to work for the party or they could attack the wererats and mage. The challenge needed four successful checks before three failures. Many skills could be used the three primary listed were:

Arcana: You use your arcane knowledge to gain control of the circle. You must be within the radius of the circle to do so.

Diplomacy: You try to convince the homunculus, despite its arcane compulsion, that you are

here to expel the invaders into its master's tower. If more than one success comes from this skill you must do your best to see that the homunculus is not killed by your allies.

Thievery: You try to alter the runic circle to obey your commands or the commands of your allies only.

There were different DCs for the different skills. Please note that ANY skill could be used as long as the player could justify it creativly. Example: The DC would be harder for a History check but it wasn't impossible.

Scott was able to do two theivery checks on the runes and Matt did two Arcana checks. Scott had one failed arcana check.

2008/12/17

Encounter: Gaining Entry

XP: 150 * 6 = 900/4 = 225 * 2 (game accelerator) = 450

Kills: 4 Human archer, 2 halberd wielding humans

Players in Attendance: Bruce, Cindy PC, Allen, Scott

Loot: One +1 frost weapon (I think Bruce got it)

Game Summary: Opening the tower door the party entered into a fierce battle with the human thugs that were guarding the lowest level of the tower. After clearing them out they were able to explore the rest of the first level. One of the thugs was carrying a +1 Frost weapon. I think it was claimed by Bruce. The spiral stair case leading to the up beckons to the party...

2008/12/10

Encounter: Off to the Tower