Session 3 (The Word of _____)

Since the conclusion of the Lady Elaydren’s task eleven days ago, the intrepid delvers had been resting and recuperating at the student accommodations near Morgrave University.

As they had been made aware, there was an expedition leaving for Xen’drik on the morning tide, an expedition sponsored and led by the University’s own Praxxas Magister.

…

When they arrived at the Cliffside docks they found their ship by the bustle of academics nearby and the presence Morgan Baker. Praxxas was in an incandescent fury, fuming from his spot on the quarterdeck. It was swiftly revealed that the eminent banker - and younger son of the House – Thangon d’Kundarak had left for Stormreach on an airship! Having heard of the expedition, he had put his case before the House elders in Sharn and achieved the backing to mount a rival expedition.

Needless to say, this was the source of the Provost’s rage.

…

With fair weather and strong winds, the best time that The Xen’drik Voyager could hope to make was a ten day crossing from Khorvaire. The crew bent to the task and the trio stayed out of the way, letting the sailors do their jobs.

…

A rough, but fairly quick, crossing and twelve days later, they docked in Stormreach harbour. The students and mercenaries leapt into action, preparing the equipment and collecting the purchased mounts so that they could make haste into the untamed jungles of the northern reaches of Xen’drik.

…

Oppressive heat soaked the adventurers in sweat and the moisture of the air. Joining that was the ever-present itching brought about by the multitudinous insect population, each tiny mosquito-like bug eager for a taste of fresh Khorvairean blood! Hours of travel yet lay ahead and the rough trail out of Stormreach was enough to set the riders jarring with every yard travelled.

…

Dry dust and wet air do not a happy man make. It was no different on that long day either. Finally they reached a wooden way-station with a rough palisade around it. The mercenaries set up watch and broke out the supplies so that the junior academics could prepare a quick supper. After eating the Provost stood up on his chair and reminded everyone that the reputation of Morgrave University rode upon their shoulders and that the next days would be rougher yet as they had hit the end of the track and would have to cut their own from now on.

The students were nervously excited, the mercenaries resigned and early to sleep.

…

It would turn out that the mercenaries had the right idea – rising before dawn to hack a path through thick undergrowth is no-one’s idea of fun, not once the reality of the situation sinks in. Now everyone who could swing a blade got to take a position to the front of the line once in a while, helping to carve their way towards the ancient ruins that they strived for.

…

Hot, sweaty, bug-bitten, and covered in dirt and the sap of assorted jungle plants, the expedition clawed their way into an enormous clearing, a natural valley into the jungle floor. There below them rose a massive structure, low and square and built of huge sandstone blocks. The proportions seemed slightly wrong to those with architectural expertise, Andrew particularly commented on the fact to Praxxas who merely nodded with a weary grin and told him to wait until they got down to it.

…

After an hour or two of careful walking down the steep incline, the expedition made camp in front of the stairs leading up to the ruin. Each stair had a rise of eight or nine feet before the next! Clearly this was one of the ruins of the ancient empire of the giants!

The mercenary guards set to making a crude wooden palisade around the camp site, arranging low hides in which to stand guard.

Pitons were hammered into the steps and rope ladders hung so that the Provost’s tent could be set up on the third of the five steps. Andrew and the Provost shared some fortified wine and discussed archaeological matters as the heat of the day transitioned into the warmth of the night.

…

The next day the eleven students started making sketches and rubbings of the structure and its inscriptions. Praxxas, Morgan. The trio hauled themselves up the rest of the steps and into the structure proper while the four mercenaries took turns resting and guarding. They found twenty foot long tracks in the walls that had been filled with a kind of bitumen. Dutifully collecting a sample, they continued into the building and encountered a huge atrium with sunlight streaming into it. The passages slowly angled downwards as they kept going inwards until suddenly the ground gave way under Praxxas and a huge trap door swung open and sent him falling into darkness! The four of them anchored a rope and slung it down the pit quickly, intending to follow and recover the Provost. It was at that moment that Dha’ron noticed a rumbling and then a huge round boulder dropped from a space in the ceiling and bounded down the tunnel, hurling ragged shards of stone ahead of it, clipping him in the head and disorienting him enough to fall into the pit! Serpent-quick, he snapped out his hand and snagged the rope briefly, only to be jarred loose and fall several more yards before entangling his arm and halting his fall. The others watched him fall past them in stunned silence and hastened their climb to see if he was alright. Bruised, bleeding, with strained muscles from the catch, Dha’ron was as alright as he was likely to get for the moment and the four people present took stock of their situation.

…

Standing at the bottom of a deep pit below the structure, they could see recent signs of foot-traffic in the carved earthen tunnels around them. Choosing a path they explored for hours deep beneath the surface of the jungle above. They found clear signs of inhabitation and were ambushed by a black-skinned, white haired, hissing drow male, poisoning Andrew before being cut down by Dha’ron’s axe. The other three dragged Andrew out a tunnel they found and disguised the exit once more, laying caltrops in front of the tunnel mouth to slow down any followers.

…

By this time night had fallen over the clearing and the unfamiliar stars shone above, on either side of the Ring of Siberys. They found themselves not far from the campsite and limped on in, preparing to sleep… a sleep broken by the gurgling scream of a dying man!

Dha’ron reacted quickly hurling himself to his feet and seeing the bright white hair and flashing violet eyes of a dark elven assassin spin away from the body of the guard whose throat he had just slit from ear to ear. He moved into the attack with his axe glinting in the pale starlight, grunting as he powered its blade through the air at the nimble drow. An arrow tore out of the darkness of the camp perimeter, then another. Putting down the slender dark elf, the party of explorers quickly found and eliminated the archer in the tree-line also. Panting with exertion they turned to observe their situation.

…

Faces wrinkled and scowling from the stench of blood and death, they piled up the evidence of the drow’s grim work. He had murdered all four mercenaries and eight of the eleven researchers in the camp. After dropping the bodies into the exit tunnel and rigging a crude trap over the entrance, they climbed up the stairs once more, leaving the students who remained in the command post and pulling up the rope ladders afterwards.

The night had not been a total waste, though the deaths of their companions far overshadowed the measly six hundred gold and twenty heavy silver coins that they had pulled from the dark elves. They had also recovered the fine quality bow that the troublesome archer had been utilizing to good effect.

…

Andrew, Dha’ron, Artificer Corporal: 9th Brelish Company, 3rd Warforged Regiment, and Morgan all resolved to return to the structure’s tunnels and search fully for the Provost one last time. They gathered a small collection of items on their way through the tunnels: Another three hundred small gold coins, four vials of anti-toxin, some exotic spices, and a strange dark elven hanging ornament. Ultimately, however, their biggest find was the drow spell-caster in his rooms! A very short battle ensued, with the unsupported sorcerer falling quickly and yielding his small stash of potions and scrolls to the explorers’ hands out of his own dead grasp.

It was short work after that to recover the Provost from his cell deeper in the tunnel system.

…

Completing the exploration was now a priority. It would have been a tragedy to have so many die and still return empty-handed. Thus, after a few hours of careful searching, the trio, Morgan, and Praxxas all found their way into an enormous room with a massive altar rising up out of the centre. A wide stone causeway led out into this room with a long drop down into darkness on either side. Once they had clambered up onto the top of the altar, Praxxas Magister brought out some old notes and prepared a ritual. This ritual caused many beams of light to burst from the pillars around the room and into an indentation in the surface of the altar. Shavings of mithral, adamantine, iron, copper, silver, and gold were obtained, as were a whole emerald and a sapphire. Added to the minerals were several drops of blood, and from it all was fashioned a reddish translucent enamel tablet, measuring one by two feet in size, and scarcely more than an inch thick. The tablet, was, however, totally impervious to harm. Not even an adamantine stylus could scratch the surface!

The one thing that was discerned almost immediately was that it contained a spell… …and not just any spell; it was an unknown Power Word, heretofore unheard of.

…

After a hard ride back to Stormreach they embarked on a vessel, and, after exchanging cheerful farewells to their rival, Thangon d’Kundarak, sailed back to Sharn.

There they received membership to Morgrave University’s Archaeology Department (bringing with it a ten per cent discount on university services) and ten platinum coins each.

…

The Tablet was placed on display in Morgrave University.

(Next time I write up a session I’ll be sure to include dates and keep to the facts and let your memories bring out the details!)

Your friends (The Word of _____)

Just a quick update while I consider whether to make the next session verbose or factual.

Hello good evening and welcome to the Top Five Lists' special presentation of "People with whom the adventurers are 'friends'! Let us kick things off at number five:

5. A tribe of northern Xen'drik drow.
4. The Lord of Blades' servants.
3. Cultists of the Blood of Vol.
2. A half-dragon (black) spitting out a warning about the Draconic Prophecy.

1. Timar Mesis.

Session 1 (The Word of _____)

Sharn. Zol the 3rd of Nymm, 998 YK.

The scorching sun of the mid-afternoon kept the temperature hovering at the upper reaches of tolerable.
There was the distinct acrid smell of ozone and an audible crackling in the air. The cause was evident; tamed lightning blazing in a hemi-spherical ring around the front of a shining carriage, itself streaked with grime from long travel.
Shouts and crashes rang out up and down the platform as the throng of people tried to embark or disembark or sell things or steal things all around.
Standing around in abject confusion was a minor oddity, even to this cosmopolitan crowd. Warforged. By the dozen. A new race, they were less common even than the bestial shifters in these parts. Warforged, to the eyes of the population here, seemed to come in two varieties: large and very large.

Standing apart a little from the crowd of living wood and metal was a larger than usual specimen of the warforged race. He, like the others, bore the Brelish sigil on his brow. Unlike most of the others, this one was clad in massive plates of dark metal. Furthermore, he also carried an unusual assortment of toolkits and books. Seperated by profession and rank from most others, he was alone even so close to his comrades.

In the crowd below, waiting their turns to reach the front of the line and have their papers checked for entry into Sharn by road were two other people, alone also amidst the host.
One was as human as the next, it seemed, and wore travel worn clothing. He also bore with him a bulging pack and many pouches about his person. Sweating heavily, he frowned as he dabbed at his face with a cloth.
The other was one of the afore-mentioned bestial shifters; thickly muscled and also scowling in the afternoon heat.
---
Words were exchanged as the human tried to suborn a 'forged into serving him as a porter, then introductions were made and the three ended up in line nearby heading into Sharn's lower levels. After deciding to head up to the Morgrave University to seek gainful employment they made their way upwards through a maze of stairs, passages, and elevators. With hours of climbing behind them, the trio found themselves caught in a rainstorm and dashing from cover to cover and light to light in the evening darkness.
---
A shadowed and rainswept bridge between towers lay in limpid pools of pale light. A figure quickly threw itself over the edge and lay in wait unseen.
Andrew, Dha'ron, and Artificer Corporal: 9th Brelish Company, 3rd Warforged Regiment move across to the bridge and encounter a prone figure, pale and seeming smaller than life... Bonal Geldem, a Provost of the very institution they seek. Dead. They search through his papers, thus discovering his identity and uncovering a journal marked with a strange emblem. As they started to move out of the rain, the figure from under the bridge leapt into action, attacking with hisses of spite and hatred directed at the "flesh-loving scum" of the other 'forged. Upon her death, Cutter's Final Messenger flitted off into the night, carrying with it a message to persons only guessed at.
---
Before long the Watch arrived and, assured that the odd trio had not instigated the murder, allowed them to be on their way. Later, however, they received a message from a cloaked man - "go to the Broken Anvil and present this token if you wish to know more about the death of Provost Geldem."
Curiosity waged and won its secret war against prudence and they once more set off through the towers and bridges of Sharn.
---
Having entered the Broken Anvil, the trio were led into a private room in the back. Inside was a cloaked female figure who drew back her hood when they arrived. She was a young woman, dark haired and fair of feature. She introduced herself as Lady Elaydren d'Vown of House Cannith and asked them if they had recovered the journal of Bonal Geldem. The journal was produced and Elaydren confirmed that the sigil was an ancient version of House Cannith's own crest. Lady d'Vown asked them if they would be willing to undertake a retrieval of something on her behalf. Assured that they would be well recompensed for their efforts, they were told that the item in question was a seven-pointed star of hard metal etched with symbols.
---
Finally they reached the towers of Morgrave University, an enormous building separated from one of the higher levels of Sharn by a huge floating bridge. Moving through the University District of Upper Menthis they find themselves eventually in the archaeology department; one of the few places bustling even at the late hour of their arrival. Inside they find a large number of hustling, nervous students being ordered around by an aristocratic voice. The source of the voice is a three foot tall halfling in fine clothes with a proud stance. He declares himself to be the Provost of Archaeology "Praxxas Magister". Charmed by the knowledgeable yet deferential attitude of Andrew, Praxxas informs them that there would be an expedition to Xen'drik in two weeks and they would be welcome aboard. Also that if they "make it back alive, by the gods you'll be members!" - alluding to gaining research and lecture privileges at Morgrave.
---
Praxxas was told of their current errand, and with a whip-like crack of his voice he summoned over an anxious looking student who was then swiftly press-ganged into tagging along with the trio to offer assistance. Morgan Baker, a somewhat timid young human, promised to do all that he could to help while he was with them.
---
Having already been given a crude map to assist their search, the four explorers set off into the depths of Sharn this time. Winding down through the levels of the great city, they knew that they needed to find the E-213 valve cluster in the sewers; the last place that Bonal Geldem had been investigating.
Before they could find it though, they reached an arrangement with a goblin marketeer called Shakan. He would give them directions in exchange for some money and lamp oil for trade.
---
The stairs down to the valve cluster were steep and damp and led directly into peril. They were assaulted on the stairs by a hidden warforged and then almost immediately by two shifter thugs. They dispatched them and made their way through the treacherous waters and gushing valves before descending again into the depths. This time they came out in an ancient set of underground structures and were assaulted by a swarm of hungry beasts and then a pair of mutated rats. They found respite in the form of a consecrated shrine that allowed them safety and a small font of curative waters. Unknown to the group of urban spelunkers, they were being watched!
---
After a few hours of rest, they stalked into the darkness. The finding of an old workshop was a clear sign that they were on the right track; a sign further confirmed by the short battle with the last guardians of the forge. Dha'ron took the worst of the battle and had to be revived to consciousness by a trickle of the curative water in their waterskin. They did make off with some old coins and find the schema they had been sent to retrieve though! An event which forced the hand of the waiting warforged - Saber!
The battle was intense, once again leading to Dha'ron's savage rage leaving him drained and unconscious!
---
Returning to the surface was a pleasure for all concerned, and Elaydren rewarded them all as promised. Another reward came in the form of the value of the antiquated coins they had gathered from the forge. They were worth ten times their weight due to their age! They also dealt with Thangon d'Kundarak and exchanged some ingots for cash at the House.
---
All in all, it was a successful first foray into the world of House intrigue and adventure! Andrew, Dha'ron, and Artificer Corporal: 9th Brelish Company, 3rd Warforged Regiment would be in the company of Praxxas Magister and Morgan Baker: Intern again soon enough as they made preparations to sail for Xen'drik!

Important names and places (The Word of _______)

Here's a rundown of NPCs and places of note:

People
Alavei Haryas (deceased) - Gnome magewright of Hightower House.
Baristi - Shifter female wizard.
Bonal Geldem (deceased) - Provost of the university.
Creilath Movanek - Half-elf inquisitive.
Elaydren d'Vown of House Cannith, Lady - Sponsor and employer.
Emylara, Lady Hightower - Lady of House Hightower.
Gregor Arkan - Human magewright of House Cannith.
Harrin d'Kundarak - Dwarven warder of the House and a silver-grade member of the Aurum.
Jeshan, Lord Hightower (deceased) - Lord and master of Hightower House.
Jethya Marana, Captain - Hag mistress of the Shadowswift. Presumed alive.
Jonathan Carver, Captain - Human pirate. "The Scourge of the Coast"
Kaeya d'Ghallanda - Halfling hostess of the "Riverside Haven".
Kelmar Mesis (deceased?)- Werewolf. Baseline human with golden eyes. Member of the Sharn Watch.
Kima - Half-elf noble daughter.
Morgan Baker - Human archaelogy student and intern.
Praxxas Magister - Halfing Provost of Archaelogy at Morgrave University in Sharn.
Saren Domant (deceased) - Human bard and madman.
Sever Brave - Reforged 'finder of things which sometimes belong to others'.
Simon the Orange - Half-orc pirate. The somewhat dense aide to Captain Carver.
Thangon d'Kundarak - Dwarven banker and rival explorer.
Timar Mesis - Human Brelish Sentinel. Brother to Kelmar. Murderer of Kelmar Mesis and Lord Hightower.
Turi Vanyon - Gnomish coin collector and evaluator.
Tyrion Martell - Blademaster of Hightower House. Human.
Viari - Human noble daughter.
Xakan Mira Tannil - Drow guest at the Hightower Ball.
Zarraft d'Alayne of House Lyrandar - Sky pilot; recently out of the Lyrandar Academy.

Places
Blackstone Keep - Partially ruined keep on the Shadow Marches coast. Carver's southern base.
"The Broken Anvil" - A small tavern in Mason's Tower. House Ghallanda run.
"The Kingfisher" - An inn of decent quality in Zarash'ak. Acid and flame scarred on one wall.
"King of Fire" - A popular tavern where the tables are constantly alight in Cold Fire.
"Riverside Haven" - A particularly high-class, members-only restaurant/club built into cliffside above the docks.
Sharn - Largest city in Khorvaire. The 'Gateway to Xen'drik'. Hot and wet at best.
Taralanth - Town in the Mournlands. On the Lightning Rail junction.
Zarash'ak - Capital of the Shadow Marches. A city on stilts and the home of House Tharask.

Ships
"Blade of Khorvaire" - Captain Carver's interceptor (corvette).
"Queen of Khorvaire" - Captain Carver's flagship (merchantman).
"River Fox" - Coastal vessel used for passage between Zarash'ak and Sharn. (pinnace).
"Shadowswift"- Lord Hightower's primary coastal trader (barque)
"Vengeance of Falnar" - Vessel that Saren Domant took to the Mournlands. Named for the home-town of its owner.
"Xen'drik Voyager" - sailing vessel on which the PCs made their first journy to Stormreach.

Welcome to the blog! (General)

Hello, good afternoon, and welcome to the blog.

I'm putting this up here so that we have somewhere to place GM and campaign data.
Please restrict yourselves to comments and we'll leave the actual posting on the site to GM data (so feel free to make a post on the blog itself when you are running or planning to run a game).

I'm thinking that the nomenclature of posts should be similar to the title of this one.

"The title of the actual post goes here (followed by the name of the campaign)"

That way we can avoid confusion and keep things tidy and searchable. Here's to the future of the Sunday gamefests!

More to follow.