Summary

The following is an unedited and unorganized summary of our adventures, from Solveig's perspective, taken from Zane's notes.

I have not edited it, and it desperately needs some attention and love.

Figure out the ritual to speak to wolves.

Dire Wolf, leader of all the wolf packs.

You must fight the cold ones (a huge murder of dragons, the red dragon, and armies of lizard like people and dragonborn). You must make right

How am I to fight them? You must choose your pack. There is time, but you must do it soon”.

Alfric the Godly

Counsels Solveig to follow her heart.

Options

1. Convince King Aethelstan to call a moot of kings to face this threat to all the kingdoms. The Shrine has been sacked by an army of hostile creatures.
2. Convince King Aethelstan to send his own soldiers to the shrine.
3. Book it back to Bebbanburg.

The Shrine is funded by donations of kings showing off their wealth, as well as its own economy.

King of Bebbanburg Uhtred

King Aethelstan

* Ealdorman Alfric the Godly, whose

Wood Elves

Dark Elves

Hobgoblin Army

Dragon, army?

Session 8 April 21

Alex Serini

Ori Ildan

Ori Ildan  (Half Drow)

Alex  Serini

Shane Orphiel is Dead (drow)

            Thorbrin Dawnanvil

Krista Alura Dead?

Morgana

Tom   Nico Tiefling

Cody  Francis Dwarf cleric

King Aethelred

Ealdorman Alfric the godly

The King invites Alfric to go to the Shrine to defeat the Hobgoblin armies

Alfric refuses, saying he is too afraid

King then says that Thane Remba (who hired Orphiel to kill Alfric) would lead.

Now we must prepare for the fight against the goblins. “Dead to the goblins, hail king Aethelred!”

Osgar stands near us- his face is a mixture of anger, sadness and confusion. He explains that this was the only way for Alfric to get out of this. The King had to shame him.

Bard walks up to Nico. Are you Nico the tiefling bard? I heard that you were there- in Bebbanburgh, when he performed. There were a few of us Bards who were there and we are trying to organize a brotherhood of bards, to learn and talk about the techniques Market used.

Nico says his method was fake- yes, it was obvious, do you know how he did it?

Ildan is brought to Chamberlain Irkenwald, Ildan, what you did with Uhtred’s daughter was well done. I must caution you to think of the long term. Now there is much discontent against him. I wish you had come to me.  He touches Ildan and causes pain- yes, there will be pain for a while, but it will get better. It will get worse before it gets better.

Welcome to the Azhurahai. (Ildan is now beset by constant pain which is always changing- take a point of exhaustion. Stays with him through a long rest)

Solveig goes to the kitchen to get carrots, apples, sugar.

Organa- long brown hair, piercing blue eyes. Human warlock. Tight leather, boots, longsword, resting bitch face.

On the ride, Solveig speaks to Serini and tells her that Serini’s and Ildan’s actions have really screwed her. She can’t go back to Bebbanburg

Osgar wants to be a leader

Osgars:  fave animal is a cat. Awesome- he swam across the Rike river when he was 10. He really hopes that he can find his brothers.

Francis Stonehelm: Cleric of Sune- all things love and beauty. (Solveig laughs) that is one of the most beautiful things i’ve heard. The  Joy of a child’s laughter. Fave animal- a pomeranian- a ferocious beast where he is from. Hopes to see and examine the things that Sune has brought forth on this plane. (throws the stick, not deeming it pretty or beautiful)

Ildan:  Cave tiger, to be with my beloved. Who is your girlfriend (looks worried it might be Solveig) she doesnt live anywhere around here.

Morgana- sitting against a tree, ankles crossed. Wondering why she is talking with a stick.

Fave animal- Raven because they are dark like I am. I used to hang out with the love of my life but he isnt here anymore but I don’t feel comfortable telling you here. What I hope to get out of this? Revenge. She is pretty pissed off.

Nico:  Takes the stick, takes a drink, lights the stick on fire and walks away.

Serini: Other times I might have gone for this, now… after what I’ve seen today…

Solveig: Fave animal: Wolf, something cool: have played with giant kids- what she wants- to go home. Glares at Ildan.

Thorbrin: I want to die, to rejoin my family, fave animal is a red squirrel named Henry.

During camp, Serini talks to Solveig: I know I gave you a shit sandwich. I’m sorry, for what it’s worth, I intend to seek vengeance against that bastard.

During second watch, Solveig speaks to the horses and promises to protect them, and invites Ildan’s and Serini’s horses to throw them during the day.

During the first day, 120ft ahead of the crew, SOlveig sees an elf, dressed in white druidic outfit sitting in the middle of the road. Solveig can’t see anyone else, but she notice little movements in the forest, hiding. Solveig lets out a howl of warning and halts. Readies her weapons.

The

Proposes the questions three: Pettyline custom when two groups of people who aren’t on friendly terms.

Invites Osgar to fight the group. Group decides to talk and sends Nico the tiefling.

“Are you a demon? -partially, -leave it to the humans to consort with such creatures. I see that you come from the kingdom of Lundine. I come from up North where the Whakata are facing off against the Bebbanburg forces. Since I initiated, you get to ask the first question.

-Have you heard of the Hobgoblins? No, what are they?

Is Lundine planning on attacking Bebbanburg? Looks that way.

Are the Elves fighting anyone?

-Given the mood of Lundine, how practical or possible for an alliance with Lundine? -they can’t even trust their Aeldormen, so I wouldnt put trust in that.

-Have you heard any rumors of kobolds or dragons arriving or surfacing? Not about dragons, but we have seen the kobold lairs around our territories- the kobolds seem to have disappeared.

-Final elven question- have you seen any giants? -I have not.

Elf says- you may pass, but you”ll be watched. Walks off into the forest.

(There are some in Pettylin)

We approach the temple, Solveig and Francis sneak (solveig sneaks super well, Francis is ok)

We dont see any army- it is gone, until we get to the crest of the forest, looking down on the Shrine.  A big hill, 30’ statue of Freya. Clasping something that is missing. There is a wall, but we hear a lot of loud thumping, muffled sound of giant.

The gates of the shrine are shattered. The statue has been hacked at by swords, torn to pieces except for the arms and the head. The sounds are coming from inside. Inside the gate there are two story buildings burnt to the ground and rotting bodies. We see one giant (not a Frost Giant)

This giant is very ugly and fat.

Serini and Thorbjorn are fat and like locusts- wherever they go they consume. We can hear it mutter to itself.

Solveig, Francis, Nico sneak forward. They are not stealthy, making a fair bit of noise. We can see the giant better- big belly. We draw his attention, he shouts out- is someone here? Two more come. I yell HIDE- Francis and Solveig hide well, but Nico fails. What is it? Is it food? Is it a demon? Do we eat it? Do we enslave it?

Nico plays music with the necklace and entrances the three giants and Francis. (Ancient Tiefling, purest demonic music- alexisonfire)

Session 9  April 29 2020 Level up to 6 from last time

Priestess of Freya has shown up, berates Solveig for creating a huge mess, doing violence in this holy place. Don`t you know the giants have been offering tribute at the temple for centuries?

Why are you here?

Ildan & Serini explain that sometimes you can’ t be choosy. Says we are here to find out

Priestess saw only one of his sons fall, Edgar, trying to save the children. We tell her Osgar is here, has gone outside the gate.

Then we see Osgar show up, carrying the elf druid we met earlier that day. Injured with an arrow. The elf was screaming for help, that was the noise Osgar heard. Elf is on death’s door. Serini heals him with Cure Wounds.

The priestess walks over and says, your healing has helped, but he still needs healing.

Cwendhild the priestess.  She invites us to the temple.

Solveig and Osgar carry the druid through the shrine grounds. The place is wrecked, burnt, unburied bodies- smells bad. As we walk towards the center of the circle complex, we see more of this giant mound on which stands the statue of Freya, hands open, something missing from them. Cwendhild touches her hand to her holy symbol and a gateway opens in the earth. We see a mix of library, laboratory and living space, 10 children. “This is where we took refuge”. We are the first adults the kids have seen in a week. Osgar, Solveig (warrior woman), grandmotherly Serini, then a Tiefling. When the kids see Nico, the kids scream in terror. Serini and Cwendhild calm them, then the priestess begins to operate on the elf.

Serini casts another cure wounds. The Elf wakes, gasping in shock. “Where am I? Whats going on?” We brought you to the temple. Looks to the priestess- can you gather the paladins? We hvae been attacked by some unknown monsters. Ildan describes hobgoblins and goblins- elf says it sounds like goblins.

The goblins have killed many of the men who were sent to find out why the giants were gathering in such force. They slew many, but they captured their captain Herler Elri. Druid’s name is Mythlar. Father of Heyler Elri is General Eroleth Elri.

Solveig says, Hobgoblins and Goblins are gathering armies, Giants gathering an army, Dragons are gathering armies, we’re all fucked. The priestess expresses interest, asking for more. Serini says mind your own business, Solveig asks, what does she know about Dragons?

Cwenhild is interested, and gets a big ass book. She says, “If Dragons have returned, we must get this book to safety.”  -It is passed down generations. Those of us higher levels are told of the possible return of Dragons, and that our first duty is to return this book to: Ludidrin- she doesnt know who it is. Solveig asks, what’s in it and reaches to open it. The pages have many illustrations of Dragons fighting giants, other lizard creatures. Solveig recognizes some of the images and says- “Ive seen that, the Wolf King showed me”- a wolf the size of the biggest draft horse- Cwenhild says, yea a wolf would pick someone like you.

Ildan tries to read the book, recognizes the text as giantish, but in a different language.

Cwenhild says that the descendants of Ludidrin would know what to do with this.

Ildan remembers something the chamberlain said about the “Prophecy of Ludidrin”- The priestess asks- how do you know if it? It’s not commonly known. Ildan says, someone told me...

Ildan mutters “I should stop smoking so much” -It was either the chamberlain or dragonborn.

Cwenhild- “ Which chamberlain?” Aethelstans…? Chamberlain Irkenwald knows of the prophecy? Dragonborn, Jalofsky?”  Jalofsky’s granddaughter wants to rule under the dragon Randayn.

The crystal of Mordor has been taken by the goblins. This is what the statue was holding- the temples most valuable artifact and sacred treasure. The priestess says she thinks its the reason the goblins came.

It is said that it could make people who were infertile fertile again, or heal. It has also been said to have negative effects, they have prayed to Freya asking why so many have died, but no answer.

How big was this crystal- 4’ tall, 2’ wide. - would weigh a lot. Shaped like an egg. What colour was it? Black, stonelike. A crystal that would glitter.  Was it ever near fire? No…

How long was it held by the statue? For as long as the temple.

Smart characters postulate that the crystal is a dragon egg, or helps the fertility of dragons.

Ildan suggests we search the grounds for clues, who erected it and why. The priesthood of Freya made it, hundreds of years ago…

The Druid Mythlar says- “I don’t know anything of statues, dragons, but our general is missing.”

Serini asks- are there any local legends you know about dragons, prophecies, risings…?

Nothing comes to mind.

We decide to search the grounds: we can easily see which way the army went, Thorbin can see that the army was going the way of his village in the underdark.

Really only the denizens of the underdark truly understand the area. Perhaps we could hire mages/experts?  That would cost money.

The druid interrupts, saying, what about my captain?  Solveig asks, “Not to be rude, but why is your captain more important than the crystal?”  The Druid disparages Solveig’s honour, and Solveig gets mad and attacks him.  Serini casts

I am unused to dealing with s(avages) humans.  If I have offended you, (pats Solveig on the head), I apologize. I have a treat for you.. And starts poking an elf treat at her mouth).

Ildan tells Solveig that violence is not the best solution. Solveig tosses Mythlar down, whirls around, spits at Ildan’s feet (she’s still pissed at him) and stalks out of the room.

Cwendhild tells everyone they can sleep inside, except for Solveig. She can stay outside with the dogs.  Thorburn says he will join her, he is team Solveig on this one.

Serini and others offer food from their own stores, cook for the children.

Try to find out from Mythlar about his captain and the attack.  Morgana speaks to him. Mythlar tells her of the attack, saying he only managed to escaped because the fey creatures of the forest came to his aid. Fairies helped him to the temple.

Mythlar recognizes Serinis name- and she answers him in Elvish.She finds elves less stupid than humans.

Mythlar tells her that his general is obsessed with eliminating humanity from Pettylin, sees them as a scourge. He sees halflings as the servants of humans. He plans on making a statement, to burn to the ground Brookhill. Serini says well we can’t have that, in Elvish.

Thorbrin comes out and offers Solveig a pipe (tobacco)- first time. She takes it all into her lungs at once, sends her in a coughing fit, stomach twists and she throws up. She tries again

Ildan asks, what is the proper term of respect for a priestess- Sister.  I have a few questions for you? Are you planning to stay here with the children? Could we  take you and them to a place of greater safety?  ---She says, please take the children when you are done your mission.

-If a young lady were to find herself in a family way and was unhappy about that, is that something that….   The Priestess rolls her eyes, goes to a cabinet, takes herbs, prepares them. Makes a potion and gives it to Serini, calling it Moon Tea.  Further- Do you have a catalog or index- a list of books here? Priestess says, no, but she knows what books they have, it was her responsibility.  Ildan asks if she could help him find any information on dragons, wars between dragons and giants, as well as perhaps a book of genealogy of royalty (to find reference to descendants of Ludidrin)- Priestess says yes, there are some records which may be spotty, but the priesthood has tried, as a service, to keep track of these things. Gives permission to peruse them (would take multiple days of study)

Ildan sends Quothe to check out the site of the attack on the elves. He finds the place where the ambush took place. Find 10 or so bodies, filled with arrows, and finds tracks. Matches the patch to Thorbrin’s village.

There are no dead bodies of hobgoblins remaining in the area, also no other giants. (the group of three are the only ones who were here)

Rest for the night.

Morning- what are we doing?

1. Serini to send a message to her children “Elven army led by … coming to attack Brookhill, wants to murder all humans and halflings, stay safe”
2. Joint effort to send a message to human army: Gladwine the confident. Greetings King Aethelred. At Shrine, crystal stolen, shrine sacked, most dead. Hobgoblin army went southeast.

Serini says- looks like the hobgoblins are back underground, and so the human army wont be able to fight them. I Don’t want them to give up the hunt, but it might be sending them all to their deaths. I don’t think a fight underground would go very well.

Osgar- “Yeah man, I think we should just lay it out to my dad and say, Hobgoblins bounced, crystals gone, we got this book that would help with the dragons”

Serini says, yes, he is smart and we trust him in many ways, but how would he react?

Osgar had found his brother Edgar’s body earlier to take back home.

1. Message to Ealdormen Alfric:  At shrine, crystal stolen. Son number 1 died saving children, son number two body not found. Hobgoblins went southeast. Crystal may be dragon egg, please research.

What are we going to do?

Solveig says just go and follow- see where the hobgoblins have gone and then decide. The rest of the party agrees.

We leave the horses,cart, donkey /supplies, the druid comes with us. Nico and Francis stay behind to help the children.

Solveig scouts ahead and hears an animal sound that doesnt sound like any animal I’ve ever heard. She sees a goblin riding a spider zoom away. She reports. Quothe reports as well, finding only 10 bodies in the elf attack, which means that many elves have been captured.

We keep going forward, slowly and stealthily. We send Quothe ahead to scout. He reports a bunch of goblins are ready for us at a barricade outside a big, giant cave. Hard to count how many, they are moving around. More than a dozen. They are armed with typical goblin stuff- swords and bows.

Solveig, Osgar, Thorbrin

Ildan, Morgana, Serini, Mythlar

Thorbrin mentions a secret escape route tunnel that leads to the cave. The party agrees on a frontal assault.

Ildan casts Hunger of Hadar and annihilates the goblins, killing most of them. The rest of the party finishes them off.

May 7 Session 10

We start interrogating the last remaining goblin. Mythlor is horrified by what Ildan did, and realizes that Ildan is a warlock of dark elf

The goblin says that the hobgoblin army will be back soon. Goblin warlord is Tizold the Dread  The goblins all serve the goblin king, Ziggy Stardust.  Eventually the goblin falls on his sword and dies.

Options:

Go in, look for Mythlor’s captain, or go back to the Shrine where Francis is. We decide to go in.

Thorbrin refuses to come with us in the cave, but tells us where he thinks they might be held. Mythlor realizes we are going in and joins us.  Ildan makes a snide comment to him, Are you sure you want our help? After all we are despicable to you.”  “Even dirty tools are useful, but I have no problem with you” (this to Nico the Tiefling) Snide hostile comments shared, we go in the cave.

We find the remains of Thorbrin’s village, and piles of corpses.  We find the main hall where the elves are being held captive. We kill the 5 goblin guards

Kynore: The Crystal Thornir- that’s no dragon egg, it’s been sacred to this area long before the saxangles came.

Why do they want it? The Crystal heals, makes them fertile. Sometimes it hurts, but more often it is a force for good in teh world. It is considered sacred to the elf people as well as the goddess Freya. Mostly used for reproductive problems, works on most races.

You come from Lundine? Is the King doing anything?

Ildan:  We have convinced the King to help, the army is gathering at Mordgard.

Kynore: We should help, but my father the King is intent on destroying Bebbanburg. He is already on his way to Brookhill. If I have time I can gather a force of 40 or so to join with King Aethelred, (I am opposed to killing halflings) I was sent to deal with the giants. There were about 20 in the area, they seem to be gathering in greater numbers than we have seen before. Usually they are found in family groups of 3 or 4.

The elves want to leave us, they are still kind of freaked out by the Specter/Tentacle thing. Mythlar had given his briefing to his captain about who we are and what happened. They leave to join us at Mordgard.

Before we split, Kylar tells us he speaks a bit of undercommon, he overheard the goblins saying they were waiting for reinforcements, but they don’t know who.

We travel away from the tunnel for a couple hours and find a place to set up a makeshift camp.

Nico takes first, Ildan, Osgar, Solveig. Uneventful night.

Osgar talks to Solveig in private and asks what she thinks of Ildan and his unholy magic. They agree that it is wrong, but it would not be cool to murder him in his sleep. They agree to keep an eye on him.

We arrive back at the shrine and the priestess asks us to leave as there are more giants coming and she does not want us to kill them.  We are bringing the children and the two books back.

Geneology book  (contains the prophecy of Ledridden)

Sacred Dragon and Giant paintings.

Francis had noticed one of the drawings in the book was of a wolf grasping the neck of a dragon. He casts Comprehend Languages, but is so distracted by the beauty of the book he gets lost in it. He learns that it is an ancient form of common. A human language written in giant lettering. A war between the Giakin and the Dracokin

Ildan spends time on the two day journey back to read the book. He learns something about the line of Uhtred, descended from Uhtred the Wolf. Uhtred the Crafty took Bebbanburg.

Nico plays music for the children. They adopt him, laughing and dancing. Where they were frightened of him before they are now happy and joyful. We notice that Ildan’s condition is deteriorating. Nico asks Ildan what is going on with his health, not sure. Serini is pestering Ildan with questions-one moment trying to take care of him, the next scolding him and telling him what to do.

When we arrive back at Mordgard, we see the King’s army has expanded fourfold, now about 600. Heavily armored members, also militia.

Solveig has a thought, could the giant army be meeting up with the goblin army and working together?

We see various different bands of warriors in their own groups. Solveig’s cousin Torstein is among them. Solveig and Torstein have a reunion.

He explains The frost giants and the goliaths have come down from the north and have told the Kuronians to bend the knee. The Kuronians have fled, and scattered. Torstein has no idea who has survived

King: to Gladwine  you think you’re so great, my greatest warrior, the halfling.

Gladwine- Oh no, you are the best warrior. Debases himself

The King is drunk, waving his sword around, spots us, saying, ah, our scouts. Drunkenly asking for a report.

Francis says\_ You have created an unbalance- you sir, are rotten to the core.

(Ildan steps away, wanting no part of this, goes to stand near Gladwine)

King: What are you saying, you little man?

Francis: I am a dwarf, so you are correct

King: You pick up your sword, I’m going to fight you.

Francis picks up his rapier.

Fighting- Francis actually hurts the king (crit), making him scream “You made me bleed my own blood!”

The battle ensues, resulting in Francis pretend fainting to end the fight.

King: “Ha, do you see that, he’s too much a coward to continue the fight. Guards, take the coward away!”... Why are you guys not clapping? I just killed a great dwarven warrior.- he’s bleeding in places. “You, Orric the bard, sing me a funny song!” Ok, “He’s sexy and he knows it”

Gladwine: It’s been days of this shit- alright, what did you guys find out?

We fill him in. he sighs, and says we will convene a war council. Tosses Ildan and Nico a gold coin each as a tip.

Francis is taken to the stocks. Many of the guards are making jokes at both Francis and the king’s expense.  Nico casts charm person on them.Does not work. So he Disguises himself as the king and orders the guards away. They go, and Nico tries to pick the lock. Nico was caught stealing from the Halfling Alderman Gladwine by the chamberlain Irkenwald

Ildan went to talk to Irkenwald, and the chamberlain found out that he was NOT a member of the secret society the Aes Sedai, kidnapped Ildan and has disappeared.

May 14, 2020 Session 11

Serini and Solveig are sitting around a campfire hanging out with the barbarian mercenaries. A halfling approaches us and says his master wants to speak with us.

-Who is your master?

-Better not say, there are many ears about. We don’t know much about him, he seems a bit uncomfortable and uneasy, but calm, as if he is used to doing these kinds of things. He seems that he’s being straightforward.

We decide to follow. He leads us through the camp towards the area where the king has set up his camp. As we leave the mercenary cmap, we notice that there is a lot more rowdiness from the soldiers than we would expect from a saxangle camp. Here we see two brawls among the soldiers. They seem to be different factions.

We arrive at a small pavilion that has an elegant air. This is the tent of Irkenwald the chamberlain. Two men are seated next to him. David Ironhead, our companion from the beginning of the adventure. He looks a little more weathered, still youthful.The second man is dressed in well-made armor all in white- Artos. Solveig greets David with enthusiasm.

Irkenwald invites us to sit down, looks to us saying:

“I was sent here some time ago on a diplomatic mission for the king Aethelstan. But that was partly a cover. He asked me to investigate rumors of misrule by Aethelred, the King of Lundine.

This was causing problems among the kingdom of Winchester and the Essex league, and they decided to put Athelred back on the throne. In the past 8 years, it seems his rule has not been as advantageous as we hoped. Now, thanks to you two fine folk, we learn there are goblins come up to attack. We look at this army. Some of the aldormen are doing their best to keep everything together but there is dissent. We fear that when the goblin army arrives the army will fall apart. I don’t have an immediate solution except to say that perhaps it is time for a new king.

He points to Artis: Allow me to introduce Artis. He is, in fact, the king’s nephew. It has been long rumored he murdered his brother, to protect his life, Alfric hid him away.

-Did Alfric not tell you of your heritage? I expect this is what we can expect from the Aldorman unfortunately. Irkenwald feels a little uncomfortable, like he is taking a gamble on this whole thing. He turns to David and says:

“This is David Ironhead, who has been sent to us, again, by Alfric. Told that he might be useful, so I have included him here.

If there is a goblin army, why is the force not unified? --- because they are stupid.

Irkenwald- I hope you to be useful to our cause. I want you to convince the aldormen to overthrow the king. I will allow you to pass word to the aldormen that Athelstan no longer supports Aethelred. The kluterwitten . Part of what you are trying to achieve is:

1. Convincing the aldorment to move against the king, united, and willing to go with whoever the kluterwitten supports
2. The more aldormen you rally to this cause the more certain we will avoid a civil war. But if you talk to the Aldormen he might turn you in and have you killed.

Artis: Do the aldormen support him?

Irkenwald No- not even his wife supports him. There is a reason she is covered below the neck.

Artis: Suggestion- if the king were at a public gathering, and I were close enough, I might call upon the favor of the gods in such a way as to prevent the voicing of falsehoods and ask a question. And if the answer that he had my father killed, I would have the right to demand satisfaction against his body and throw down the gauntlet.

Irkenwald- that is an option to get rid of him, but we also need to unite the aldormen. Part of the mission is to convince them that Artis, is a good choice.

Serini: Who is the current heir?  King Athelred has given birth to many children but only one has survived. Prince Elfwin, yet a child. The saxangles are not a people easily ruled by a child. A strong regency is very rare.

Solveig:  Artis, what is there to say about you? People need reasons to follow a king, are there reasons to follow you?

Artis: I am well known in the kingdom of Franca

Aldormen

Alfric the Godly

Gladwine the Competent for king Aethelred

Hael babba, the dwarf who killed Stiorra

Perhaps it would be easier if Artis could demonstrate his strength in protecting the kingdom. Perhaps we could gain allegiance of one of the aldormen Hail Babba. Perhaps you would not object too much to a change of management of Hailburg.

Solveig suggests inviting Hail Babba to go hunting.

Irkenwald says: Getting rid of him in a hunt would satisfy your honor, Solveig, but for this to have a larger effect that I am hoping for, this needs to be publicly seen.

There may be an angle to go after him. There has been a rumor around the camp that Hail’s son is angered by the killingof a noblewoman out of hand. There are also rumors of some dark magic around him, specifically revolving around his lover, Reberica. It is often said of powerful women that they are sorceresses in league with demons. If we can replace Hail with Bail, who is known to deeply dislike the king, perhaps this would be a step in the right direction.

Understand; the reason Hail supports the king so much is because when Hail was young centuries ago, the ancestors of Uhtred drove him from his homeland of Bebbanburg, and he swore to kill all the descendants of Uhtred and take his place. He knows King Aethelred would do everything to hurt Uhtred and the kingdom of Bebbanburg.

Serini: The one thing we should note is that we need to appeal to the army. The army does not like Uhtred. We can choose what to announce and not. As much as we liked Stiorra, we might want to emphasize something else.

At dinner Artis learns that the people of Morgard love their ALdorman and are upset at the king for forcing him to pretend to be a coward.

McCavity found a great big mouse and slew it. It was bigger than the mouse that Growltiger found. I am Mister Mistofeles.

Solveig speaks to the cat, and asks it to let her use his eyes and ears to go into Hail’s camp. The cat gets mad, and commands her to leave Hail alone. Other cats surround me. I leave, and go see Francis at the stocks.

Francis is visited by the Queen who is not happy with him.  We all reconvene at Torstein’s camp. Mistoffelees is there. Solveig shares her experience, we realize Serini is missing. We detect demons and fiends, Mistofilese is one and more are approaching. We de

Francis casts Beacon of Hope on everyone- Peace is the most beautiful thing in the world, so let’s enjoy it a little longer.  Oh and I slept with the Queen.(aside)

Solveig offers to give the stinking cat package to the guard, as Bale sent for it. Solveig convinces the guard to let them in and gives him a few gold to apologize for Artis’ behaviour.

We find Bail, show him the cat is a fiend with holy water. We tell him that we are looking for Serini.  He agrees

Wednesday, May 21. Session 11.

The party had convinced Bael Babba that there was definitely demons about. He made the connection with Reberica who was already suspected of witchcraft. We rushed to her tent, where the half-orc notified us that Hael has forbidden anyone to disturb him.

Solveig

Aritos

Francis

David

Bael Babba (Aldorman’s son and heir)

In the middle of their camp. Solveig is getting impatient and mad.

“Hael Babba!  Hael Babba get out here!

My name is Solveig Eriksdottir!

I come to challenge Hael Babba to a duel of honor! Hael Babba is a child-killing coward and must pay for his base and lowly action!

I swore an oath before Odin that I would protect Stiorra, daughter of King Uhtred. She was under my protection when you murdered her in cold blood.

Come and fight me- I will have satisfaction!  You are a baby killer!

You saw fit to beat down and murder a defenceless young woman and her unborn child.”

Inside the tent

Serini has been conversing with Hael and Reberica.

Reberica says “You better do what he says”

“Oh you have seen Haeleyboo at his most patient and least dangerous”

Serini leaves the tent, following Hael

Late middle-aged elderly dwarf in his full armour, axe to the side, helm on head comes out and looks at Solveig and laughs.

“Is this the pup, then? Bark bark bark- Uhtred’s wee puppy, sworn to a man like Uhtred- I will kill every single last one of them and bathe in their blood.

Solveig: “You broke the peace of another lord’s hospitality, threw all decency, courtesy and honour away.  If you do not fight me here and now, beneath the open sky, under Odin’s eyes, all will know you for a coward!”

Hael- and you my son? Are you with Uhtred’s pup?

Bael- No father, I stand with clab Babba. This is what can be expected from your action

Serini- is this under the control of demons?

Reberica- “dear me, whenever a woman comes to power, there is talk of demons and witchcraft”

Nico was last seen with the chamberlain Erkenwald catching him stealing. Erkenwald will ask Nico to present himself to the queen, Ethelred’s wife, to at least temporarily join her retinue as a bard. Nico agrees and presents himself to the queen’s ladies in waiting.He spends the day with them playing music, sleeps nearby. In the morning he goes looking for his companions. Someone pointed him in the direction of the Hael Babba camp, and arrives just in time to hear Solveig.

Hael says- alright, let’s deal with this. First I will kill the pup, then I will kill this one who says Reberica is a demon.

Everyone forms a circle around us, and Roll Initiative!

Solveig Nat 1 (3)

Rage!   Knocks him down, does 5 damage.

Hale: jumps to his feet, attacks for 13/2 and a Nat 20 for 13 damage

Solveig deals 5 damage

Hale:  got up, misses and misses

Solveig: 8 damage

Hale gets up, rolls a nat 1, slips and falls, swings from the ground with disadvantage

Solveig: 13 damage, + Nat 20 + 14 damage  (27 total)

Hale he tries to get up, his knees crackle. He slips on the ground and he misses.

Solveig is on him, screaming for Stiorra! He screams in pain as the blade goes into a weak point in the plate. He raises the battleaxe, it falls from his hands. The soldiers, seeing this man who has on occasion beaten them for being disrespectful, one of them lets out a barking laugh “Hah!”

Serini, standing right next to Reberica, sees her put her hand to her head and mutter “Not now, it’s too early!”

Hale’s eyes start to turn red, he grows and turns into an 8-foot dwarf. His battle axe catches fire in unholy flames.

There is much confusion. It is forbidden to use magic in these duels.

Solveig:  “Your soul will never go to Valhalla, for you are a cowardly dog!” She runs to attack him.

Hale kicks her with his huge foot and sends her flying.

“Enough of this pretense!  It is time for us to rise, my brothers! It is time to march on Bebbanburg!”

Some 15 other men at arms of clan Babba turn demonic, their axes bursting into unholy fire.

Of the remaining soldiers, there are professional men at arms, and the militiamen, farmers and tradesmen. Most of the militiamen run away.

Bale Babba says: Then it was true! Everything they said about the witch was true. SHIELDWALL!  The remaining men at arms form up and put their shields together. Many of the militiamen who hear the shout come back and join the shieldwall.

Standing 10’ next to Aritos have +3 bonus to saving throws.

Good shield wall charge: 13 damage

Nico casts Faery Fire (they have adv on saves) two in the back fail.

Nico gives Solveig bardinc inspiration

Hale: hesitates to attack his own son, but wants to kill the Uhtred puppy bitch.

First attack, disadvantage- 19. Nico reacts with cutting words for -8, yelling Hey Jackass! Distracting him.

Bale manages to get a good hit in on his father

Solveig scores one hit on Hale for 12 damage on his lower abdomen, he screams.

Francis casts Calm Emotions on the center square (CHA saving throw of 14). He will spend the rest of the time casting Beacon of Hope.

Serini casts Cure wounds on Solveig for 6.

Enemy dwarf attacks Solveig, misses

2 more attack soldiers- doing 16 damage, wiping out 3 militiamen

David uses special action surge, giving him an additional action, allowing for 4 attacks, all on Hale.  1, 12, 10, 14

Aritos raises his sword to the heavens “Brightfather aide me cleanse the taint from these foul lands”

In the initial clash of the two shield walls, Hale takes a bludgeoning. The men at arms who have trained all their lives hold the line strong. But the militiamen get cut to pieces and book it. What courage they had for a moment has fled them.

Everyone attacks again. The archers manage 12 damage.

Nico casts dissonant whispers on Hale at 3rd level (5d6 wisdom save, nat 1) and must use their action to move as far away as possible from Nico. 14 damage. Hale must use his reaction to flee and break the shield wall. David and Solveig get opportunity attacks- 6 and 9 damage.

Hale is now bleeding profusely. He runs away- Solveig yells “Look the coward is running away! Yellow-bellied cur!” Nico makes chicken noises on his ocarina.

The Shield wall is broken

Reberica off to the side says: “Well, one must protect one’s investment” She snaps her finger, she disappears, Thorg the half-orc disappears, as does Hale.”

Bale attacks the dwarf closest to Solveig, with advantage- 11 damage.

Solveig attacks the same dwarf twice for 21 damage.

Francis casts Beacon of Hope on us all. Advantage on WIS saves, Death Saves and gains max healing.

Serini uses Call Lightning hitting 4 dwarves to the left. The one Solveig had attacked falls to the ground, crisped. Bonus action Shilelagh.

Behind the dwarves we see a portal appear and most of them run and jump through unhindered.

David opportunity attacks one for 13 damage.

Aritos op attacks and kills one with his first attack, breaks the shield wall, moves and attacks the next with smite for 8 normal damage plus 20 radiant damage. He says his sacred words, slaying the first with smoke rising from his eyes. He rushes to the second slashing across the middle- the reaction from the smiting is causing him to shrivel in pain.

Soldiers- some break the shield wall to surround 3 remaining dwarves. One hits with a crit for 19 damage.

(The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell- The Last Kingdom)

As the dwarf is screaming in pain from the smiting- one of the soldiers attacks him screaming “Take this Uncle Owen!” and knocks him down, not quite dead.

The soldiers yell at the dwarves, yelling “How could you dishonour us, you must die!”

Nico: casts Tasha’s Hideous laughter on one that doesn’t look too hurt.

Nico yells- stop attacking the laughing one! Roll for persuasion 25- success.

Solveig runs to a dwarf and manages to cut his head off.

Francis- nothing

Serini casts hold person on one dwarf at the edge of the portal

remaining dwarves advance and attack us. David gets a reaction attack. One of them actually runs to the portal and escapes.

There are 2 dwarves- one held and one laughing.

David wants to get to the held dwarf at the gate to put manacles on him, hand to foot.

Aritos- says a prayer and is healed.

The fighters hold and disarm the guy laughing.

May 28

At the end, Solveig and Aritos thought we heard enemies in the woods, so we went to check it out.  THe rest of the group was arrested and brought to the king`s pavilion where the king is hung over. The king`s personal bard is outside the pavilion, Serini wishes to deal with the king`s hangover.

Bard- asking if Serini was there, at Market’s performance, market the Sexy.

Bertrich the Aldorman asked Serini what she’s doing. She answers, well if you want to ask another healer to come and observe… Bertrich goes, “right- where is the king’s cleric” Sends Wiggles the bard after the cleric. Returning, he brings an elderly cleric, (obviously not totally with it). Bertrich- come with us, to heal the hangover. “Bang two pans together very loudly, cures the hangover every time- I read it in a book once” Bertrich says “Just come along with us”

The three enter the pavilion together. Inside they see a group of king’s guards. Nico is stealthing.

Serini perception check 12. She hears the voice she recognizes as the captain of the king’s guard, and the king’s voice- he is very groggy, sniping at the captain. The captain is making angry noise, you can tell from the tone there is anger and disappointment. Eventually the curtain is opened, walks out saying “The King is indisposed, you will have to return later “

Aldorman: “There is an emergency in the Babba camp, we need him right away. This healer says she can cure his hangover.” The Captain is suspicious- “Prove that you mean no harm to the king” “Serini: We brought the king’s own cleric to supervise.”

Captain: Alright, make sure nothing happens to him. They are allowed in.

King, moaning holding his head- oh why do the gods hate me so much? I’ll never drink so much ever again.” Insight check for Serini: 14. She sees that the king’s guardsman is stonefaced, but she can see he is underneath pretty obviously disgusted by the king. She lets the Aldorman lead the conversation. He looks at Serini expecting her to do something.

Serini “My lord, I understand that you are feeling unwell this morning” “Someone tried to poison me” Dex saving throw: 11. The king realizes there is someone he doesn’t recognize in his bedchamber. She sees for a split second that she knows what is going to happen. The king pukes all over her shirt. “Uh, you know, I kinda feel a bit better now.”

Serini:  “My lord, if you are feeling now well enough to see to some urgent matters, there are some outside who would like to see you” “If it’s urgent, take Gladwine, he’ll deal with it. Serini notices a snarl on Bertrich’s face at the mention of Gladwine. The king crawls back into bed.

Serini leaves. The cleric Ceigbald tuts “Yes, yes, the evils of alcohol. This is why I never touch the stuff”.

Bertrich says “You cannot let Gladwine rule your kingdom. There is treason by one of your aldormen”. At the mention of treason, the king lurches up again, pukes in Serini’s hair and falls back again. Serini walks out in disgust. As she walks away, the aldorman grabs her and says “You said you’d heal him, useless old woman” They go back outside. Bertrich says “Well, I am not totally sure what to do, the king is still indisposed.”

Serini- “If one of the aldormen was there, shouldn’t all the aldormen know what is going on?”

Francis will ignore the comment they made about his comrade and offers his assistance. He will bolster the king’s toughness and resolve, casting AID. (In the hopes the king stops being a baby). Does not cure the hangover. Dex save 17. Bertrich, impatiently, says “Do whatever you have to do” Francis sees the puke coming a mile away. He steps aside and the puke misses him completely.  The king is now feeling more able to come out.  Outside the king’s tent is a set up of where a large crowd comes for audiences. Everyone is asking questions, they see the king come out, looking very sick. He says “Ok, someone explain to me, what is happening. You, demon boy” pointing to Nico. “Did you see what happened” “I did, lord” “Come here”

“The good aldorman says there might be treason from Haelburg.”

“I would say my friend is correct” “My friend challenged him to honorable combat, he turned into a fiery dwarf demon, then disappeared in a portal”

“Is this true? Consorting with demons, one of the most foul crimes. The law says there can be only one punishment. Execute them all!”

Switch to Solveig and Aritos on the other side of the war camp.

We had each just killed a demon dwarf, seen them go through the portal. We ran towards it, when we saw/heard something in the nearby forest. We shouted that we would be right back and we went to investigate.

Nature checks  Solveig 5 and Aritos 10.

Solveig starts stomping through the forest shouting “Who’s here, is anyone here?” and gets lost. Aritos follows behind, feeling he needs to protect this fair maiden. Doesn’t know really any more how to find the tracks.  We spend the entire time just wandering the forest.  We each killed one demon dwarf, the rest escaped.

We return finding the dwarves gone except for the militiamen, we go along, and return to find the king yelling that all the dwarves are traitors.

Francis advocates for calm, and casts calm emotions on everyone within 20’ radius. CHA saving throw DC 14. The king turns to Francis saying “Know your place” and smacks him across the face. Francis answers “You are correct” and looks at the king’s guard.

Solveig saves with 21.

Solveig turns to Aritos and growls “What is wrong with him, is he an idiot?” Aritos “I think he’s drunk” “oooh”

**Solveig** storms in front of Bael, growling saying “This is an honorable man! Whoever lays their hands on Bael shows their dishonor before the eyes of Odin” Intimidation check 10. The guards are impressed by her showmanship, but they arrester her anyways. She realizes there are more than 7 opponents, and does not fight back. The guards take her sword and bring her aside.

**Serini** speaks “My lord, these men fought for you. THere are two traitors in this group. The majority of these men stood against. It would be wrong to execute the men for defending you. It would not be looked on favourably if they were executed.”

Persuasion roll of 5.

The king looks at Serini in disgust “Why are you covered in puke? Get out of my face”

**Nico:** looking at all his friends trying to persuade the king, he goes the opposite tack, using the necklace to amplify “Warriors your king is a moron, he sets to execute loyal men who fought against the demons, protecting him and the entire camp.

Performance roll 25!  The warriors don’t seem to be enraptured by his voice (like the giants had been), but there is a muttering. Many of the soldiers know Bael’s reputation and know that he is someone who does not get along with his father, he is a good sort, a noble man, an honorable warrior. The crowd turns against the king, start demanding in muttering voices that the dwarves be at least taken to be interrogated. Bertrich steps away from the king and makes his distance very obvious.

The king shouts at the king’s guard “These men are not the king, I am the king! Kill Bael first!”

The kingsguard hesitates, looks towards his king, captain, the captain doesn’t know what to do and is staring around the crowd. He says “My king, I don’t think this is wise.” “Silence! You are my servant, just as everyone here”

A sword is raised to kill Bael, but as the sword drops, a javelin is thrown from the crowd, killing the guard.

Riot! (discussion on riot mechanics)

Captain of the king’s guard yells “Shield Wall!” the kingsguard clamp down, instantly forming into a wall as an undisciplined wave of soldiers is pushed back for the first instant.

Aritos (holding action)

Surveys what is happening in horror and sadness. No one can see it at first, a single tear runs down his cheek. He removes his helmet, two incorporeal wings sprout from his back, he floats above, light spills from him and is attracted to him. He rises 30 feet above the crowd.

“People of Pettylin! Enough! You are all that stands between your loved ones , war’s desolation and the hobgoblins. The eyes of heaven are on you. You seek to condemn the virtuous and raise up eveil-doers? What matter of men and women are you? What eternal reward or damnation can you expect for your actions? For your time on this earth is in the mere tens of years, your judgement shall be eternal. The heavens see all that you do, and justice shall always shall always be done.” He looks at the older, middle-aged aldormen, and then at the king, because he is very recognizable right now. “Stand and unite, defend your people. This is your duty and your honour. All else is unacceptable.”

Roll persuasion with advantage Nat 20 (+6)

Everyone is shocked and awed. Their weapons come down to their side, they stare up at him.

The crowd says “What about Bael, we can’t let the king kill Bale “The heavens defend their servants and those who hold virtue in their hearts. Offer peace to your brethren and stand united against the threat to defend all you hold dear.”

(Aritos’ appearance is that of the king’s brother, who the king murdered.)

The king sees this angelic creature rise above preaching to his men, an army he just lost control of. He looks up, his hangover giving him pain in his eyes, seeing the man he allegedly murdered. He screams “No! It’s mine! You can’t have it! You can’t take it! Uhtred can’t take it! I want it! I am king!” He says to his king’s guard “Kill them all, kill them all!” The captain says, “you want us to kill your own troops? This is madness!”

Solveig approaches and calls out to Aritos “I did not know I spoke prophetically when I spoke of Odin’s eyes upon us! I didn’t know Valkyries could be men, but the evidence is before my eyes, you are sent by Odin to give us justice! What do you bid me do, holy one?”

The crowd, now having some context for what they see, begins that chant “valkyrie, valkyrie!”

Serini casts lightning bolt, striking the top pole of the pavilion, setting it on fire. There is now a burning pavilion. Dex saving throws for Serini and Francis - save

Francis cast Shield of Faith on Nico, giving him a +2 to AC.

Nico casts heat metal on the King’s Crown, casting at 3rd level. 4d8 fire damage.

As the crowd starts chanting “Valkyrie, valkyrie, valkyrie” The king starts to scream in agony. He reaches for the crown, it burns his hands as he tries to pull it off. The crown was always a bit too tight, a king’s guard reaches to try to help. The crowd parts way, and the king throws the crown to the ground wailing, hair singed.

Nico calls to the crowd “This would be king cannot handle the responsibilities of the crown”\

Bertrich shouts “The cluttewutten, let’s choose a new king!”

People begin to think about this.

Francis grabs for the crown, rolls NAT 20 to pick it up.  Nico ends concentration on Heat Metal.

He walks aside and puts the crown under his cloak.  Everyone is staring at him.

Someone else says “Other people can touch it- its only hot for the king!”  (Francis stifles his yell to call out that he is the true king)

Merek, captain of the king’s guard, turns to the king and says “The crown has rejected you.”

The king, still suffering from his hangover, burns, vision of his apparently dead brother in the form of a valkyrie, starts crying.

Out of the crowd we see Sigbald, the kindly old cleric, bend down, take the king’s arm, lifts him up, looks at the pavilion and says “Oh my! It’s on fire!” and just walks the man who was once king away.

Nico tries to notice where the cleric is taking the king. - looks like he is going to the cleric’s tent. (trying to save his life)

The crowd is chanting hail Odin, hail Odin!  Someone says “Lets get drunk” “Genius” “Odin, Odin, Odin!” The riot has turned into a party, cheering the downfall of a man they despised as king.

Aritos, still flying in the sky, refrains from moralizing on the dangers of imbibing. Aritos holds a respectful ceremony for the fallen king’s guard. He starts touching him, giving him the blessing of Paladine. “He’s taking Selvor’s soul to Asgar, yay Selvor!” “He did his duty to his king”

Solveig hangs around Aritos, in awe.

Three options

1. Aritos declares himself king (is this a good idea?)
2. Immediately go up to the aldormen
3. Let the euphoria play out today, and go to the aldorment tomorrow

We decide to speak to Bale.

After a minute, Aritos’ wings fade. Everyone is in awe of him, no one wants to approach him. The king’s guard return weapons to the dwarfs, everyone is cheering, celebrating. All order for the camp has fallen apart in a celebratory way.

Orric is trying to hum ”He’s a Valkyrie and he knows it”

After Serini takes a quick bath and changes clothes, we all gather together and learn that Bale has gone back to the Haleburg part of the camp.

Francis- while we were broken up, cast continual flame on the crown.

We return to Bale’s camp. In this camp everyone is solemn and quiet, a somber cloud has fallen on them. As we approach we see Bale listening to some of his warriors.

“They got away, in all the confusion, they got away!”

Looks at Aritos and aks “What the bloody Odin are ya?”

“I am a servant of Paladine, the brightfather. I am by blood a nephew of Aethelred”.

“So you are not a Valkyrie?” “No, I am an instrument of the gods”

“Well, foreign gods, makes no difference to me. You saved us. You saved us from the king’s so-called Justice. Did you just say that you are the king’s nephew?”

“I am the oldest son of his oldest brother. I only want what is best for people, to see the land prosper. All that I own I wear”

Bale looks at Aritos and stands.  “That’s not an answer? Do you want to be king?”

“ I want only justice and good for people”

“I will stand for you in the vote for the king”

“ I thank you, just so long as you vote for what you think is right” “are your men ok, do they need healing?” “They are find, thanks to you. We have another wee problem, perhaps you and your friends can help with. We feel it is necessary to go and explore Reberica’s tent. We feel it is a place of our shame, if you would explore it for us we would thank you, my future king.”

Serini: “I was in there briefly when she captured me- I don’t mind going in there”

Bale has given his promise that any of his thanes will vote for us. He asks us to check out the tent.

Francis stands up “As bearer of the flaming crown, protector of the weak, etc.etc. I declare my authority to oversee the crown until such time a king is declared. I will then be head cleric. Thank you goodbye”  He caresses it like Gollum’s precious.

As we are walking around the camp we pick up drinks.

In Reberica’s tent- there is a curtained off section where Serini had been held.

A soft and comfortable bed, a table for two. The entire space is filled with nick-nacks. Statues, figurines of cats, crystal balls, many decorations.

Serini casts ritual detect magic. She sees that most things are not magical. One cat figure is radiating transmutation magic. Arcana check of 11 to determine nature of the figurine. She gets a creepy feeling

Solveig goes looking for jewellery.  Finds a lot, but all of it is subtle and elegant. She stuffs it in a box and takes it to Bale. “What do you think of this?”  Bale stares at it, touching it. “This is more than my father would have given her” “Perhaps this could be used to fund blood price for those you lost, their families, and pay to refit your losses”

Bale is stunned at the wealth, and says yes, this will go far.  Solveig hints at compensation for the group and Bale agrees, saying he will have to have it appraised.

The magic users are looking at the cat statue. Serini tells them that the statue gave off an aura of transmutation magic. Can they determine what it is, what it does?

They figure out that it transforms creatures, and that the things it transforms are demonic or fiendish in nature.

Solveig remembers the cats, that they were demonic- aren’t they still here?

Solveig asks for new bedding from Bale, cuz the cat pissed on it. She gets a few dwarf-sized bedrolls with the intention of sewing them together. Nico suggests she go talk to the boyfriend Osgar, she can sleep in his tent nudge, nudge. She agrees and goes off to talk to him.

Nico wraps the demon transforming cat statue and stuffs it in his bag.  He also looks for spell components. Investigation roll Nat 20.

At Osgar’s tent  He and Torstein are drinking.  She tells them all about the fight, how she is drinking to the future king, Aritos, who was all holy and everything, I thought he was a Valkyrie, , though he said he wasn’t, but I swear I saw him gather the fallen soldier’s soul.

Alfric- Solveig tells Alfric all that happened. He sits back and looks very thoughtful.

“Couldn’t have been a Valkyrie, they are female, that is well established.” He brings out a book with pictures of valkyrie that look like what Alfric looked like. “I have heard of servants of other gods. Perhaps it was a mistake to send him away- he has been raised to believe in the gods of the Franks.” He expresses doubt that it was good. Solveig says “He’s supposed to be the future king. I am disturbed that he worships the god of the people who drove us from his homeland. Perhaps if he forsakes Paladine and switches his allegiance it could be better.

Solveig points out that it can’t be good to have everyone arguing when the hobgoblin army arrives.  Alfric gets all thoughtful and says those are wise words. Osgar and Solveig leave, Osgar shows Solveig his room, fade to black.  Is she taking precautions? Int roll of 2: NO

Percentile roll of 93.

June 4

Osgar and Solveig - later after finding solace in the arms of a gentleman, a servant shows up saying Osgar`s father wants him.

Solveig goes back to the others

She sees an old woman struggling to carry heavy vegetables. She offers to help- as she takes the bag talking to her grandchildren (23 of them) Solveig notices the woman withdraw her hand from her robes, throwing a stinging dust substance into her eyes.

Roll Initiative 17

Two arrows come out of the distance and hit Solveig for 13 points. Con save fail- she is poisoned. Solveig rages perception 19 to locate her attacker- listening and hears a light scuffle of feet

She shield bashes successfully, but flails wildly on her follow as her eyes are stinging.

The person she knocked down stands up and moves away

More arrows hit her for 9 points of damage

Solveig slashes again, dealing 8 damage.

The knocked down person disengages and vanishes. Solveig loses track of it. The other person attacks twice and misses.

Solveig tries to locate an attacker, and finds him, but misses her attacks.  Attackers attack, miss, and hit, dealing 4 points of damage. She hits back for 16 damage total.

As she yells “Stop running away you coward!” The noise she hears her assailant make is a high pitched Nyeoh!  The continue to attack her for 2 damage. She knocks him down again but misses hitting it. She loses track of her assailant again, and she is attacked

Solveig takes the time to wash her eyes, and then sees a humanoid figure with a big hooded robe covering its face. Looks like an assassin, and there is another behind me.  In her rage she charges at the closest one knocking him down. The one behind shoots her for 4. The one I knocked down tries to trip her. Solveig Nat 20, easily stomps on its feet. The assassin still attacks with a claw-like hand that resembles a feline that comes out to strike. It hits for 2 damage. Solveig stabs down for 10 damage. It starts screaming, the hood falls off and she sees a cat’s face.

The one behind shoots, both miss. The one on the ground gets up, disengages and shoots- NAT 20 for 10 damage

Solveig is hurting. She charges at the hurt cat, fails to knock it down. Her next attacks do 15 damage. She jabs deep into the stomach and pull down, intestines spilling out.  The figure’s robes dissolve into mist, and the form reverts to that of a medium cat

The remaining one will scream Nyeaaaaah! Shooting arrows, both hit, doing 6 points of damage.  As the final 2 arrows sink in, Solveig hears the shouts of the guards, “I heard noises over there, it sounds like fighting!” The cat gives her an offended look and starts to run away. Solveig throws 2 javelins at it, one hits. As she throws the javelin skewering it.

Solveig growls and calls out that demon cats attacked her. The guards do not believe her, thinking she is drunk.  They inform her that her actions will be recorded. Solveig goes to find Serini.

Back at the camp, Serini speaks to Bail. Bail has a lot of respect for Gladwine, perhaps if we could swing some of the more independent minded thanes from the other towns it would be helpful.  The group goes out into the camp to try to find him. Before, there was some revelry, but now things in the camp are starting to turn a lot nastier. Groups of people are drinking together, there is tension. Some fights have gone from fists to knife fights. They notice one group of soldiers in the midst of a drunken sword melee actively trying to kill each other. As the party rushes forward they notice that there is another group of soldiers, more organised, moving in to disperse the fight.

Artos will speak to Nico saying “I think the people of this camp need you very badly. I think they need their spirits raised. Nico says he can get other bards to go about town…

Artos: “I think some cheerful music would go a great way to help”

Nico: Starts playing his Countercharm in the hopes that it will raise people’s spirits.

He plays a jaunty tune as the fight is being broken up. The soldiers seem to like it, but otherwise it seems to have no effect. It does catch Gladwine’s notice and he approaches Nico.

G: “Bard, is there anything… the camp is in chaos. We need the bards in camp to calm things down.

N: “I will consult with my fellow bards to see what I can do”

G: I notice you organized a club or organization. Summon them to organize something.

Nico tries to use Message to send a bard a message. He notices a bard through the various tent, he recognizes is a member of the Market society.  “Get the other bards and start to play cheerful music to calm the crowds. Wake up the others” Reply is “Yes, my vicepresident. For his sexyness!”

G: Thank you, that should help a great deal. He notices he is with Artos. G’s face goes flush with anger. “You! You winged motherfucker! What were you thinking? We are about to be attacked by hobgoblins and you overthrow the king? This army is minutes away from completely falling apart! You are the cause of this!”

A: How do you think the army would have reacted if the king had slaughtered a contingent of his soldiers.

G: I can’t say what would have happened. I can’t say he was a good king, but he was a king, and now we have chaos.

N: Someone needs to step up.

A: From what I see, you are the one who organized things. You are the reason this army is not a complete mob.

G: What exactly are you trying to suggest here?

A: I am not suggesting, I am outright stating. Any good that was accomplished here was because of you and Alfric, not because of a drunken wifebeater.

G: Everything I accomplished in this army, i did with the backing of royal authority. Without that I am just another aldorman, and a halfling at that, not exactly a martial race. There is a reason why there has never been a halfling king. I was also born an outsider.

A: You are the only one called “The competent” I’ve seen far worse armies, and I’ve seen them win. There is a lot of good material here

G: points to his men- “These are the only people who will listen to me now, and they are not enough to bring order to this camp.

A: We will help, and Bail said he would support

S: I’m sure Bail would be supportive of bringing order to the camp.

G: I think it is best that the dwarves keep their head low, many people say that it was the dwarves of Hailburg that were behind all of this.

A: I think we can help restore order and discipline.

G: Who are you? What are you? You come among us and sew discord.

A: Takes off his helmet again. My name is Arthos. My father was Aelfgar, Aethelred’s older brother. My nurse and another saved me. Arthos has his father’s ring. He presents it

G: The ring means nothing to him, but he gestures to one of his older men, who examines it and nods. “Aye, this is prince Alfgar’s ring, allright”

G: Ok, where have you been all this time?

A: Aelfric sent me to a monastery in Franca to keep me safe, so I would not be murdered. i  trained as a Paladin. After I took my oath, I took the path of the errant, travelling the land to do what I can for the people.

G: For what God? You know what, I don’t care. If you can help put order to the camp… You are a foreigner to this kingdom, I am a foreigner to this kingdom.

Gladwine tells Artthos to take 10 of his men and move westward through the camp to try to restore order.

As they move through the town they come across Solveig, who tells them what happened.

The group are shocked. They say she needs to be healed and cleaned up, and then to tell her story

A: Take my hand- lay on hands: 21 points of healing with light coming from his hands.

Solveig kneels at his feet in awe. Artos tells her that is not necessary. Asks Serini to go take care of Solveig, clean her up etc.

A: Gentlemen, let’s go put this plan into effect. We need to disperse into the various camps.

They hear a woman being rapedin the distance- then Artos runs off to there to stop this right away. Nico, Serini and Solveig go- Serini says this is more important.

Artos sees three men, two are pinning down a woman.

Nico 10

Solveig 10

Serini 10

Artos 8

1. Nico casts Vicious Mockery yelling “you have a small cock!” Wisdom save. Gives solveig bardic inspiration
2. Solveig rages, knocks the assaulter down, stabbing him in the nethers for 10 damage, killing him.
3. Serini casts Shilelagh and attacks one of the men holding the woman down, but misses.
4. 2 men holding her down charge at Solveig, one misses, the other gets a Nat 20. (5th Nat 20 of the day) for 3 damage.
5. Artos has his horse trample one, and beats them with the flat of his blade as hard as he can, and if there is brain damage, that is the will of God.  The horse deals 12 damage- it rears up and hits the man right in the forehead, snapping his neck. The last assaulter is also killed.

The woman we saved is now giving all her praise and thanks to us. Artos looks at the 10 men and says- “what is going on in this camp is unacceptable, everyone needs to see what happens.

Nico makes a magic announcement:  “Three men have been caught attempting to rape a woman, they have been executed for their crime. Laws still exist and breaking them will bring justice.

Everyone feels the magical force, and while he is not controlling them magically, his voice does have a subtle magical charm. Things do quiet down, while tensions remain.

Afterward, the party starts to patrol for more offenses. They break up a couple fights here and there. Nico goes to taverns performing (20 performance). People are very into his music, often stop what they are doing and cheer. He is helping bring back the cheerfulness and happiness, melting away fear and anxiety. He sees other bards doing similar work. They flash him the handsignal of the Market society.

We talk about holding a tournament we would fund the prize for, with a song composed and performed by bards for the winner.

Baerthric of Rifemill, wealthy aldorman. He is the guy that arrested the dwarves and brought them forward to the king. Hammer clenched in fist symbol.

Nico gets a Nat 20 for history check to know about him.

Artos gets 16

They are going in the direction of Lady Leophard. Her husband was killed in the civil war. She has managed to hold onto power in her town despite her being a woman, in the name of her 12 year old son.

We see Barthric’s soldiers ride into Leophard’s camp and begin to attack unprepared soldiers.

Initiative

Aritos Nat 20

Solveig 18

Serini 10

Nico 4

1. Aritos charges on his horse, riding through them, not attacking them/ “Do not attack other members of this army! We face a common foe, if you have a matter of justice, let us deal with it in an honorable fashion, rather than murdering people.

The opponents ignore him.

1. Solveig tries to grapple the leader, unsuccessfully
2. Serini calls lightning
3. Nico casts Fireball

1. Aritos rides through on his horse
2. Solveig knocks down the leader, then grapples. Roll for intimidation (15 does not succeed)
3. Serini continues call lightning
4. Nico….

1. Aritos attacks
2. Solveig squeezes the boss, and intimidates him into yelling he submits, submits!
3. Serini  holds action
4. Nico casts Dissonant Whispers 4d6 psychic damage, and must use its action to move away from him.  The leader is pleading to submit, begging for mercy, starts foaming at the mouth. He is having  a seizure. And then uses his last level 1 spell to heal himself for

The Shieldgar attackers are backing down. Solveig tries to stop the leader from dying. She thinks to herself, what would Serini do- she finds a random stick on the ground and starts hitting him with it.

Nico uses his attack of opportunity on the fleeing attackers

Serini as well

Out of combat, we see the people of the Swiftreich camp who had been scattered come back.

Out of one tent we see a 25ish woman emerge. She is dressed in an elegant gown. She yells at the soldiers: “Who sent you? What is the meaning of this?”

They answer “Aldormen Beartrich sent us”

She sneers and orders that they be stripped of their weapons and beaten. We do not interfere.

We want to ask why they were sent and what they were sent to do?

--During the civil war the husband of lady Leothed was on the side of Lord Bealtrick and in battle his troops killed the husband. Lord Bealtrick expected to have his man in power in place of the husband, but the lady was able to rebuff the attempt. Lord Beartrick is trying to make a move for the throne.

June 18, 2020

Paul, Ori, Alex, Zane, Tom (Cody will join us later)

Captain of the guard’s tent attacks Solveig as she’s running out of the tent for 13 damage.

The two remaining guardsmen stand up, not clear who they will help. My cousins stand up, intimidate with a Nat 20. They look down and say “That’s enough of that!” They sit back down and decide their colleague who has a reputation for not being a friendly guy with women, it’s not worth their effort to die on his behalf.

Word comes through a messenger looking for the captain of the guard saying that there is a council of the top nobles that need to meet immediately with Erkenwald and the clerics.

Erkenwald, Serini and other nobles discuss the catwere disease. The curing calls for a ritual that is deeper and beyond the calling of a normal holy man. The only way to cure the disease is to sacrifice to Odin. Because it saps the life force the sacrifice it must be someone young.

Solveig suggests that we employ the dogs of the camp to kill the cats. She can speak to the animals and tell them their task.  Serini scouted the camp with her magic sight and found that every cat was demonic.

A pack of war dogs is brought to Solveig, she gives a rousing speech exhorting them to kill the cats and catweres. The dogs bolt and in small packs they spread through the camp and begin their hunt. We hear noises of dogs attacking cats through the camp. We see one cat turn into humanoid form only to be piled on by a bunch of dogs. The dog handlers chase after.

Erkenwald approaches Aritos.

Aritos went to get support.

Bail and the dwarves will support.

Gladwine will support if we control the camp.

Lady Leothed said she would support him if he married her.

Aelfric (uncle) is thinking of supporting because he was pretty clear on the no-human sacrifice policy.

We’ve noticed that the bards are singing a new song: The Ballad of Bail Babba. A stirring song about a dwarf who had to fight his own father who had become a demon, had to strike him down for the good of the kingdom. The unworthy king brought Bail before him, and the gods struck the king down to punish him. This is the sort of man who truly put the kingdom first. The Wiggle wiggle wiggle is part of the song.

Aritos rolls a perception check, as do the others.

Everyone but Solveig have noticed that all the bards have a pin in the shape of a loincloth, the mark of the Market Society.

Nico did not choose the symbol or name, but it is an organization of bards he helped form, that primarily exist to expand and explore the music as portrayed by Market the Sexy.

Aelfric would die for the sake of one. If you were king, would you allow them to die? Aelfric asks that Aritos wield the knife to perform the ceremony. They will see him as a king and a leader.

The 100 sick people have been quarantined.

Can they spread the sickness?

What happens if they drink holy water?

One of the clerics, named Watman, approaches Serini.

“I’m just stunned by his willingness. Acolyte Snefi has agreed to be the sacrifice without being asked. He is 12, earnest, brave.”

Solveig says- you all talk too much again- if the boy is willing, he’s almost a man, let him decide.

Wetman agrees, saying the only question is who will wield the knife.

(The two demon dwarves escaped)

Aritos will do it if the sacrifice is the king with his wife watching.

Wetman says it might work, but the boy is guaranteed.

Nico the Tiefling knows from the history of his people: Graz’zt was one of the main demons to enter the mortal realm and wants to stay. He takes animals and infects them with demonic nature. Jackalweres, catweres.

After discussion, the Trolly ritual is the only way to save the people. To Serini it was very clear that the cats were the only way

Someone says “We know that Bail is the hero that fought off the demon dwarves, surely he should be the one to strike back at Graz’zt.”

Bail says he doesn’t want to, but if no one else will, then he will do the sacrifice.

Aritos: My uncle, it does not profit a man to sell himself for all the world. He wants to explain it to the king that this is a way to redeem himself.

He goes to the elderly senile cleric,

“I’m so concerned about Aelfric… he gave me a flower as a boy, made me sneeze, but it was nice” His hands shake “He’s in there, perhaps you should go in alone”

Aritos nods, “thank you father”

Cleric: “You’re my son, I never knew I had a son!”

Aritos walks in to the tent and sees Aethelred who he’s seen only once before. Scars on his forehead, hair burned off. Looks like he’s been aged 20 years. He’s sitting in a corner- looks up, and for a second there is fear in his eyes. The fear passes, he says “Come to haunt me brother?”

Aritos: “Im not your brother, I’m his son. The only haunting is done by your conscience.

Aethelred: “I had no choice! He was not right to be king. You didn’t know him, you didn’t know who he was, everyone loved him and the bastard Uhtred, they were phonies, all they cared about was their glory!”

Aritos: Do you care about the people, as they did not?

Aethelred: I would have given them my love, if they had given me theirs.

Aritos: There is still time for that.

Aethelred: The gods have spoken.

Aritos: For now you are still king. A demon has spread a plague amongst the soldiers. The army is needed to defend against the hobgoblins, who descend upon us, who sacked the temple you went forth to save and avenge. The priests have determined that the only way to save the people is the ritual of Trolly.

Aethelred: So what do they want, for me to kill some innocent for them?

Aritos: That is not what I had in mind, you are still king, there is a 12 year old boy who will die if no other sacrifice can be found.

Aethelred: What is this boy to me?

Aritos: A chance at redemption, so that you are not remembered as a drunken wifebeater who murdered his brother.

Aethelred: I didn’t murder him, who said it?

Aritos: That is only what people say, I do not know the truth of it. That is for the gods to determine one day far from now. Do you want your people’s love and respect, this is one of the last things you could do to earn their respect. You are still king, your blood is still kingly blood. A king’s willing sacrifice, especially by his own hand, to save his people. The soldiers need it, to save the people. To go in the place of an innocent so that his people may live, there are worse things to be remembered for.

His hands tremble, touch his bearded face. Uhtred once said to me, quite often, that reputation is all that survives us. What reputation do I have now? If I live another 20 years, if I can leave something, something ot remember me by is worth something, then I will do it.

Aritos: If you do, I swear I will make sure that your last act is known, that you do it for your people.

I want it to be your hand, nephew, I think it is fitting, that it would please the gods.

Aritos: I accept. But you should go out looking like a king.

The Ritual

The king is dressed in his best, covered in holy oils. The whole camp comes to the shrine of Odin. The locals who care for the shrine dance around. The 20 or so clerics are in a meditative state.

Aritos is handed a simple everyday knife.  Aethelred is brought to him, laid back on the stone. He looks up, says “I’m sorry brother”, closes his eyes.

Aritos:  “Witnesses, look upon what your king does for you. Of his own will, of his own courage, he gives his life for you, his people, his soldiers who he assembled to protect you. Whatever his flaws and sins were, forgive him now in your hearts. Let him go clean to meet the gods. He goes armed as a warrior so that he may yet be accepted into Valhalla. This is his battle and he dies for all of us. He whispers in the king’s ear: “I forgive you, brother”. He draws the knife slowly but forcefully across his neck, then thrusts the spear into the heart. “Odin, accept the sacrifice of King Aethelred! Forgive his past sins and remember him and his courage. May it be acceptable to you.”

There is, for a moment, a silence. No birds, nothing moving. None of the people shuffle, everyone holds their breath. We all feel this energy around us that quickens the heart, puts the hair on the back of our necks up, we feel a wave of not ecstasy or peace, but togetherness, as if for a moment we have lost the sense of self and are one with the group.The sick, who had been kept apart. The boy, Snufi, who was the one who would have died willingly, running across the yards, yelling “They’re cured! They’re cured! The red spots have gone away!”

Early evening

One thing we noticed and hear other people discuss. One of the Aeldormen has been missing all day: Beorhtric.

Three options:

1. Pursue Beorhtric

2. Talk to the other Aeldormen

3. Go find out what happened to the queen.

Lady Leothed walks by “I too am concerned about the queen, she has led a difficult life, it disturbs me to hear this. If my man here can be of service, he can be very capable, you can be sure he’ll help you. No matter what you decide in terms of my proposal to you (Aritos) I would want what is best for lady Aethelflaed.  I have sensed she was a kindly soul in the claws of a monster.

Shane: Introduces himself:

Verin Kethyr “I serve lady Leofed, she has my complete, undivided loyalty, whatever she commands rest assured I will see it done.”   Half drow assassin. Looks like a human right now.(Disguised). Undisguised he looks very much like a drow. Orphiels’ bastard son.

David is very much into rescuing the queen.

Aritos agrees, but thinks we should speak to some of the Aeldormen.

Serini doesn’t mind Aritos being king, it helps the kingdom, he would be a good ruler. There are other options she would be ok with as well.

David is mostly interested in protecting the weak, which means having a stable kingdom. Aritos is a very fine fellow, but David’s concern is “what are we going to do about the hobgoblins, dragons, giants”

Solveig asks Aritos if he wants to be king.

Aritos: “Yes, I think that those who have expressed interest think I would do the best job, I would help protect it and prosper.”

Solveig things Aritos would be awesome as king, but Bail would be good too.

We decide to go rescue the Queen.

Two older different ladies in waiting and a younger one who was mistress to the king.

Lady Aeldsorth at Lickspittle’s camp.  We go to Lickspittle’s camp. As we enter we see a weaselly looking man in a nice outfit that doesn’t quite fit him. He is trying to look rich, but the clothes are not tailored properly.

“Oh Lord Aritos, it is a great honour for you to come to my camp. You and all your friends, mighty warriors, great bard, healer, what can I do for you, oh future king?

A: “Thank you for your warm welcome and your support”

L: “You can count on my support”

A: We are looking to speak with your sister, the queen”

L: “Yes! Of course, how is the queen?”

A: “Missing!”

L” Oh no, oh my, that is terrible to hear. If my sister can be of aid,

Nico insight check:  The man is full of shit. He seems very nervous, to be talking to someone who might be the king later, and very nervous about the whole situation now that his patron is gone. Is he hiding anything? No, but he is laying his praise on a bit thick.

We come into a tent and see a very pretty young woman. She looks as her brother, but more cute and adorable. She sort of has this innocent air about her, that doesn’t seem quite natural.

“Oh! Aritos! And friends., what can I do for you?”

Are you well?

Oh yes, thank you for asking, he was a complicated man.

S: “Where’s the queen? And Where’s the captain of the guard?”

A: grins- the innocent air disappears and a saucy grin appears. “Oh I wouldn’t know..”

Solveig intimidates her: “Spill the beans (Intimidation 20)

A: Listen, I don’t know where they went. Ah, let us say the king comfort where he willed, and the queen found her comfort where she could.

Aritos: That’s not surprising, and the queen’s lot was a hard one. We have reason to believe she is in danger.

A: She is with the captain? He does not want to be found.

A”: The captain may be a great warrior, but there are people out there that wish them harm.

Solveig berates the woman, asking if she wants to live.

Lady: I do want to live, I am not the first she would confide in. She was surrounded by women who scorned her. But, I remember speaking of a cabin in the woods near here where a kindly man named Garth… I don’t know where the hut is, but that’s the only possibility I could think of.

A: Please send us word if you hear of anything.

L: Of course, it would be nice to have such a king” And looks A over with sexy eyes.

A: I am not king yet

L: You are the king of my heart:

We wander off to Garth in the woods’ Cabin. It is late afternoon, late spring and the sun sets early. It is getting late but it is still light.  We find the cabin in the state it was last left. Everything on the outside looks fine, but where there were no tracks last time, this time we see tracks leading away. Solveig and Serini examine the tracks. 20 and 15.

From the imprint of the feet Solveig can tell they are humanoid, they are the jackalweres. The cabin is empty, Perception 18 and 26. Shane’s character notices that things seem too perfect. It looks like a struggle has been covered up. He runs his hands down to where the campfire was, moves a rock and sees several specks of blood. He is certain there was a struggle here and effort was made to hide that fact.

We follow the tracks, running. Perception 11, 8, 18, 20, 11, 23.

Anyone who rolled above

Zane has inspiration

Session 16

June 25, 2020

In the distance through  the woods and rockpiles that are abundant in this area we hear a high pitched growling. We also hear deep rumbling growls. In the distance we see two forces up against each other. We see a unit of bugebears attacking a tribe of jackalweres. There is a big pot in a fireplace, the Queen is behind that.

Initiative

Serini 17

Solveig 15

Nico 12

Artos 4

1. Serini takes note of the scene before her- Perception Nat 2 -Through the forest and confusion of these two groups she is not sure what is going on. It is obvious the two groups are hostile to each other. She takes a moment to examine the battlefield. Perception 11. Shelelagh as a bonus action.
2. Solveig rushes forward, but jumps into the lake and swims towards the queen.
3. Nico sees the bugbears running towards the jackalweres screaming what seems like warcries.
4. Nico uses the message cantrip to ask the Queen if she is ok. She replies “Nico! No, they are cooking M.. the guard captain. Nico gives Solveig bardic inspiration.
5. The jackalweres don’t notice Solveig swimming towards them. They charge forth.
6. Aritos moves to the east, a bit towards the water. He is not sure if the combatants are aware of his presence.

1. Serini moves forward
2. Solveig swims to the queen, says to her “Come with me if you want to live!” hold on. The jackalweres swing for opportunity attacks and miss. The queen comes with me, but fails her athletics check (2) and is dragged down by her flowing dress and begins to drown.
3. Bugbears advance. The fight appears to be pretty one-sided. The bugbears cut down a sizeable number of the Jackalweres.
4. Nico casts Fireball on the battlefield, targeting the jackalweres closest to Solveig. Many die.
5. The jackalweres. The closest ones to Solveig and the queen scream in pain, and yell at another. They rush up to the lakeside. One will attack the drowning queen with advantage, hitting, but Nico uses Cutting Words to distract the jackalwere attacking her, succeeding.  One jackalwere hits Solveig for 5, the other does 6. They rally and attack the bugbears.
6. Aritos charges forward on his steed into the fray. His horse bites and tramples, and Aritos stabbing with his lance with advantage, right into his skull.

1. Serini casts Call Lightning on a group of 6 fighters, doing 15 points (-half for save). None die this time.
2. Solveig Rages, and throws the queen onto the grass. Then she screams at the jackalweres to “Come and get me you mangy dogs! I dare you- I double dog dare you!” Intimidation of 15.
3. Jackalweres attack Aritos, for 13 points of damage
4. Nico moves towards Solveig and the queen, casting Thunderwave, hitting the three jackalweres harassing the women. Con save dc 15. They take 14 lightning damage if they fail and get pushed back (half damage for save). They are pushed into the water and drown horribly..
5. The Jackalweres have continued to roll really well and are standing their ground, this is their home.
6. Aritos. His horse attacks dealing 12 damage and strikes with his lance for 9, killing the bugbear. He attacks the other bugbear for a light blow, 5 damage.

1. Serini will zap again with her Call Lightning. 22 full damage, wiping out three
2. Solveig jumps out of the water, goes to the queen and says “This skirt almost killed you” and slashes the queen’s dress to give her mobility. The queen says “Get me the fuck out of here!” Solveig tells her to run to Nico, and then rushes into the fray. She is promptly surrounded.
3. Jackalweres- one attacks Aritos, missing. The rest attack Solveig, one hits for 5dmg, another a Nat 20 for 14dmg, another hits for 11, the last hits for 7.
4. Nico- the queen runs up to him saying “What do we do, Demonboy?” He tells her to go to Serini, the halfling hiding behind the rock “Oh, now, this isn’t musical chairs” “No, but if you want to live, do it. He moves and casts Healing Word on Solveig at 2nd level, healing for 8. Then he attacks the bugbear in front of him with his rapier but misses.
5. Jackalwere- the one surrounded one yells “I don’t know who you are, but I love you!” he attacks the bugbears but misses.
6. Aritos continues to attack the bugbear he was attacking before, killing him. He then attacks the jackalwere for 16 damage..

1. Serini continues to zap bugbears, striking the three near Solveig doing 11 damage. She casts Healing word on Solveig for 8.

The queen starts to run to Serini.

1. Solveig rages and screams “You won’t like me now that I’m angry!, knocks one bugbear down and slashes it for 9 points.

Another  bugbear runs up to get close to the fight, throwing a javelin at Aritos on his horse dealing 5 points of damage.

1. The bugbears attack Solveig: for 7 points. Another hits Nico for 12 points of damage. Another throws a javelin at Solveig and misses.
2. Nico casts Dissonant Whispers on the bugbear in front of him, WIS15 passes and takes 3 damage. Nico gives Solveig Bardic Inspiration.
3. Jackalwere attacks the same bugbear Nico did, and kills it! Looks to Nico and says “We can win this, friend!”
4. Aritos’s horse attacks a bugbear for 6 damage, killing it. After being knocked down to his feet by Solveig, he is hit in the head by a horse’s hoof. Aritos attacks for 5 damage on his first attack and 7 on the second, killing it.

1. Serini continues zapping, dealing 16 full lightning damage, killing another. Serini heals Solveig for 7.
2. Solveig knocks down and kills one bugbear, turns and hits another for 12. This one is much larger, better armored than the others.
3. This leader runs, and the remaining bugbear flees ahead of him into the forest.
4. The jackalwere cries “You are truly servants of Graz’zt, you must be a mighty paladin of Graz’zt! Nico casts Crown of Madness on the leader, but it succeeds on its save.
5. The jackalwere just runs over towards the cave, “Guys come with me, I have a brilliant meal, it’s going to taste delicious!” He tends to his own wounded.
6. Aritos pursues the leader running away. Perception/Survival roll, 3. A thick bush he runs into turns him around and he can’t quite make out where he went.

1. Serini- moves up from behind the rock and casts Hold Person on the leader. Wisdom save fails, the bugbear is held.
2. Solveig ties up the bugbear.

Fight is over.

Back at the camp, Francis has been advertising a sermon he will gather. Persuasion roll to see how big a crowd he gathers: 20.  (recap of last time. Aritos sacrificed the old king to Odin to cure a demonic disease in the camp in a very holy and sacred ceremony. Afterwards people are feeling spiritual) A crowd of 200 folk arrive, mostly commoners, but with a few of the more senior full-time warriors.

Francis- with the two hundred folk, reciprocates and acknowledges that sacrifice is beauty, that one's own turmoil can still become beautiful if you work hard at that. He goes through the crowd casting bless on as many people as possible, guidance, mending if he sees clothing is torn or shoes are falling apart, and tells them that the sacrifices and the work we put into becoming beautiful in our own sense is what true beauty is. Performance roll with adv. 20.  This has been a day of spiritual awakening where they felt the touch  of the god, seeing this holy man come among them preaching beauty, they are more open to the idea of beauty all around them. The words make a lot of sense to them. As the clothes and shoes are mended, they think of all the good walking they can do in the shoes and instead of cheering, the people reach out to touch Francis. He now has 200 followers. He sends them out to do good and better their community. Anytime they come back witha heartwarming story of their exploits he gives them more mending or guidance.   Some ask, “what are your goals here, do you want to build a temple or community around this cult? We really like what you have to say.”  He tells them that is his journey to work with, to find how best to distribute true beauty to Pettylin.  They offer to set up a shrine, if he wants, he can let them know.

Cody asks if there is one person in particular that has seriously devoted himself to the cause. (7 perception check). He sees one guy in his late 20s with a very handsome face. He picks him out of the crowd- though his clothes are rugged, Francis touches him and says “I think you are blessed by the goddess, I will give you instructions and you can be the leader of the group” Francis misses the man’s now-sly smile. The man’s name is Tomplin, Tom for short.

Forest

We have a tied up hobgoblin and a jackalwere offering to treat to soup. Nico goes to check out the cave. The Jackalwere says “Hey buddy, what are you doing? I didn’t invite you into the cave. Listen, we got like, why did you come rescue me, why did you rescue us?

Nico- “we came to rescue who you were with”

J: “Oh shit”  and attacks “wait a minute, you’re not here to help me”

Serini casts Hold Person.

Nico casts Thunderwave on the jackalwere, pushing him into the water for 3 damage. He takes 7 points of drowning damage, tries to break hold person and fails.

Aritos rides over and rescues the jackalwere.

Nico goes into the cave. It is dark, but he has darkvision. A long passage goes down. He goes. Dex save fail- a spike comes out of the side of the tunnel doing 9 points of stabbing damage. Reaches a fork in the road, left or right. Casts thaumaturgy down the right tunnel to see a door, and goes down that way. Dex save fail, 2 points stabbing damage. Listens before he opens the door. Perception Nat 20. Hears noises of baby jackals. Meanwhile Solveig tied up the jackalwere. Nico hears some older voices, but it is mostly babies. He leaves them alone and goes down the other hallway. Dex save 13. Comes to another hallway and listens, perception11. He hears nothing. He uses Disguise Self and disguises himself as the jackalwere who attacked last. He opens the door. Noone inside, but he sees a shrine with the symbol of Graz’zt. In the center of the shrine he sees a rotting body, that has been there for at least a week. This is the corpse of Orphiel.  Sees a few statues that might be of some value, some made of silver. Reberica’s statue begins to vibrate as he comes close to the shrine. It whispers “We can restore your people, we are your ancestors. We gave you life, we gave you a world, we can give it back to you”

In the War of the Worlds when the demons invaded the realm the demonic energies changed humans into byproducts/footsoldiers to the demons.  (this is similarly how elves were created- humans that were transformed by the wild fey)

Nico says “We were a byproduct of your rage and you do not control us”

Voices “No, not control, you will be given a homeland, the people driven out, their places burned, a homeland”

Nico: “I carry my home with me

He takes anything of value (100gp worth) and casts Fireball on the room as he leaves. He destroys the shrine.

Serini wants to ask the bugbear where is the army, and ask the jackalwere about its involvement.

The Queen stands by the cooking pot, weeping and wailing. “Get him out of there, get him out of there!”

Solveig kicks the pot over so that it drains on the grass. It empties with vegetables and hunks of meat and bones. The queen aethelfled asks that the remains be brought back so that they can be put to rest properly. We make arrangements.

Aritos asks Nico what else was in the cave when he comes out. Nico drops disguise self before he comes out. He casts Ray of Sickness on the jackalwere (cuz he killed his friend Orphiel). Ranged spell attack of 15 hits, doing 19 points of damage and it is poisoned.

Nico yells “That bastard killed my friend for a demon!’ A ray of green energy strikes him;. It starts to shake, blood pouring out of his nose and eyes, vomits, seizures, boils start popping up on his body, bursting, and it dies.

Nico: “If you want to interrogate one there are a bunch more babies  in the cave” and walks away.

Solveig takes its javelin, morningstar, 10 gold and a shield. She tosses the shield to Aritos and asks him to carry it for her on the horse. Serini and Aritos go down in the cave and finds a few surviving warriors, shaking, 6 women, and 30 jackalwere children. The females are begging for mercy, the pups run around crying trying to hide.

“Do not fear we want nothing from you but information”

“What information?”

“How do you serve Graz’zt”

“He is our patron and lord”

“We worship him- sometimes we capture people, sacrifice them, sometimes we eat them. Sometimes we put them on display, there is a lovely display over there”

“Would you know anything about Graz’zt inflicting illnesses on people” “no,”

“Are there other followers of Graz’zt that you speak with”

“Sometimes”

“Have you ever talked with Reberica, a huma or dwarf” - no, they don’t know anything.

Options-

1. Let them go
2. Butcher them
3. Take them back

We decide to take them back, tied up in a line. Aritos and Serini check out the shrine and find it burning. There is nothing of interest left in the cave.

We get back to the camp. Francis is now back with the group. As we walk in we see that there is a change in mood at the camp. People seem to be sharpening up, becoming more organized, checking on the defenses around the camp. They see the jackalweres- Soldiers say “fantastic! You caught the creatures, you can sell them to the local aldormen for 20 gold each, 10 for the pups”  8 adults, 30 kids, 460 gold total. 92 each. We see Gladwine walking around the camp giving orders. He sees us and runs up. “We’ve received word of the goblin army.

Aritos: We have a prisoner:

G: He sees the bugbear “Is this a goblin?”

No- a bugbear, a kind of goblin.

G: “Well, we shall interrogate the prisoner. In the meantime, perhaps we can go speak to…

Serini: We have rescued the queen, but the captain of the guard

The QUeen “My husband was the monster! I praise the man who killed my husband. He made his guards do terrible things, and Mariwel, rather than making the guards do them, took the things upon himself. He did the things to protect his men.”

Serini: We should give the captain’s remains an honorable pyre, but perhaps not where visible, as it might disturb people.

G: Well, we will be having to pick a new captain of the guard, that will be the duty of the king. The clutiwitan will be held tomorrow. We have heard from the wood elf prince who met some of you, you rescued him. He says he will come join us in the battle, the goblins have come to the surface and will be here in two days.

A: We need to organize camp.

G: TOmorrow we pick a king, you will have my support, but I cannot speak for the other Thanes.

A:

On the way back Nico tells Solveig it was Orphiel in the jackalwere cave. He goes to the tavern and starts drinking.

Francis tries to collect more followers, goes from shop to shop, speaking to people, pointing out the beauty of their work, exhorting the people to find the beauty in their lives. Persuasion is 9.  People are not hostile, but not open to his word.

Solveig brings the Queen and his son (in the cave)  to Erkenwald

The queen asks what is she going, expresses great concern.

Erkenwald greets us, he comes to the queen, seats her, orders the halfling to bring her calming tea.  Asks the prince to sit by his mother, be a brave little prince.

Solveig gets 70, everyone else gets 40. (x 6)  We each get 44 gold.

Solveig suggests that her kin help the queen- Erkenwald says that’s what he had been thinking. “I see no other options

Erkenwald will witness the clutiwitan then leave in the morning with the queen, her son, Torstein and 20 Kuronian warriors.

Solveig meets Nico and drink.

The Bugbear says that he was sent to get the jackalweres, and that a great army is marching this way. The Wood Elf prince reports that there seem to be around 1000. The giants are marching with the goblins.

Aritos

Aethelwin Thane from Lundine, the son of a textile merchant, relatively wealthy for his station. He is not an aldorman, does not directly control votes, but is a man of note who could convince the other 13 thanes of Lundine. Now that Merril and the King are gone there are none other with as much influence.

Aritos finds him in the center of camp drinking with the other thanes.

“Oh it is the mighty warrior, word has spread that you rescued the queen!”

“She has been rescued. The death of good Merriwel has been avenged, unfortunately we confirmed he was killed.”

“The captain of the guard, that bastard, he struck my mother, he insulted my sister!

“He met a grisly end. We also cleared out a jackalwere pack. And we killed a scouting party of bugbears from the hobgoblin army.”

“Word has reached us that they are coming. This is was Aethelwin said, it is chilling to hear confirmation. But perhaps we have other matters to discuss in private.”

“Yes- if you have a few minutes.”

“Come into my pavilion”- it is a modest but well appointed tent. He offers some ale, they sit at the table. The sleeping area is not screened off but visible- a simple military setup. Aritos approves, saying “Good setup”.

“Yes, some of the Aldorment are soft, with soft beds. To hold power and protect your people you need to be a warrior.”

“Couldn’t agree more. That’s what I came to speak with you. Obviously I need support at the clutiwitan tomorrow and I need you to bring as many of the Lundine thanes as you can. But I need your assistance in other ways as well, both prior to that point, and if in the event I am elected by the clutiwitan, I will need your assistance in a number of endeavors. I understand your father is a merchant, you are an educated man in addition to being a warrior.”

“I can read and count past 9”

“Yes- that is what I mean. One of the things we need here is good organization. There are few people that can do that.”

“You have Aldorman Gladwine, he has shown leadership”

“He is immensely competent, and without him it would be a wonder that this camp would still be standing. You cannot have just one competent person running an army, let alone a kingdom”:

“What you say makes a great deal of sense and echoes some of my own thoughts, and it sounds to me that you are about to offer me some sort of position, but let me tell you something that I believe will keep me up tonight and kept me up last night. I am greatly worried for the prince Elfwin and his mother, I believe they will be in constant danger, they will need someone to protect them. Such a man must be a man of position indeed, yes of course someone who would be an advisor to the king, and command his own resources in defense of the queen and her son.”

“Speak plainly”

“I believe I am in good position to marry the queen and adopt her son as my own, but only if I am the aldorman of Themil. (aldorship of the Lickspittle, weakest and smallest, closest to Lundine, most under the thumb of the king, but also close to court/ Aldorships are appointments of the king”

“It would be good to have someone I could rely on. In terms of marrying the queen, assuming that’s what she wants, I have no objection, it would be good she were protected.”

“I believe as her king, you would have much say in what happens to her”

“Given what she has been through, I would not want to compel that poor woman to undergo more of what she does not wish, but if she desires such a union it would be good to keep ties with the kingdom of Wittenchestire, that would be to everyone’s benefit. In terms of an aldorship, I think a man who proves himself loyal, competent and moral and a leader should be a leader in fact and in law, and should be recognized as an aldorman. Whether that is Themil, or perhaps something greater, would obviously depend on the circumstances in which we find ourselves.”

“Greater, how do you mean, greater?”

“I fear one way or another that the battle with the hobgoblins will bring great change as well what I fear are likely further conflicts which may follow. In order to meet these threats we need to be organized and disciplined. We need proper soldiers and proper advisors, more than one, skilled in different areas, overseeing the proper and prosperous administration of the kingdom.”

--offering to make him an aldorman, if he brings his support and at least the support of 5 others

Aethelnod

He is a young brash aldorman, very much a warrior, charge into battle without thinking kind of guy, father recently murdered, sometimes thinks Beortric, lady leothed, and when he is drunk the king, did it.  Wants to make a family tie, and offers his 14 year old sister in marriage.

“Aritos considers that, but he likes what he’s heard of him. The realm needs men of action and leaders such as him, provided they maintain discipline and act under orders, because the men and women fighting with us will take example and inspiration from the leaders, because if they crumble, the men will crumble, but if they stand strong, the men will stand strong”

Shows the aldorman the power of the Zone of Truth spell and promises to do a proper investigation into his father’s murder.

“Yes King Aethelred refused to do a full investigation, one of the reasons I believed he was involved”

-offer- if he becomes king, when things are settled, will do a full investigation.

Lady Leothed

Beortric has disappeared but his soldiers are still there.

Next week the result of the clutiwitan and preparation of the battle next week.

Session 17

July 2

The lords of Lundine are gathered together in the same open area of camp that saw the overthrow of the last king. They come with stools, sit, and proceedings begin by praising Odin as king of gods, saying they hope his wisdom will be passed down to the clutiwitan which shall now open.

Aelfric stands and proclaims he nominates Arithos, grandson of a king, nephew of another, to be next king of Lundine. To which the clutiwitan stomp their feet and give their consent for Arithos to be king, and it is said that proper crowning ceremony will be done in Lundine once the crisis is past. From this moment hence he is King Arithos.

(Ori passes his speechifying opportunity), but Arithos thanks them, and promises to lead them in victory in the coming battle. At this point Aelfric says there is someone else that wishes to address the clutiwitan. Captain Hyler Elory, the woodelf and son of the general of the Watchaka wood elves walks in the clearing and addresses the various lords, mostly towards the king.

“I bear grave news- my warriors have seen the hobgoblin army rise up from the Underdark and marching in this direction. They will be here by the morning of the day after tomorrow. We have seen goblins riding spiders, and the giants of these hills have joined them. I have sent a message to my father, but he recently fought a battle against the King of Babbenburg and was defeated. I do not know if he will be able to come.  (The general wanted to commit genocide against the halflings of Brookhill). Now there is not a wood elf army that can march south to our aid.

How big is the army?  --Hard to tell, to guess a little over 1000.

Are they well equipped? --yes, I would estimate 40 giants were with them.

Organized? ---We observed them as long as we could, but were driven off by the goblins on spiders. The larger hobgoblins were more organized, but the goblins less so.

Leaders?  --could not get close enough to see

Proportion goblins to hobgoblins?  -a little more than half are goblins

Non-warriors?  -yes, they seem to have a number of slaves doing non-combatant work, including drow, humans and other slave goblins.

Women or children amongst the warriors?  -can’t tell, but there are among the slaves.

Thank you for bringing us this information.

Some of the other lords ask questions but no further useful information comes of it.

We lay out the plan and people begin to organize. Whatever we decide to build and how we organize the army will begin at this point.

As the clutiwitan breaks up, a group of soldiers runs up exclaiming “We have captured a hobgoblin! He is such a fierce looking creature!  He was on the south road, we thought they were coming from the north. He was travelling on a cart- he must be some sort of spy”

A: we must go question him, later to meet with Aeldormen and thanes.

Lady Leothed says, “Lord King, we should marry tomorrow at dawn, we can have the wedding feast double as dinner for the troops before the battle”

Solveig is pleased at the prospect of a party

The group go to see the hobgoblin, the guards are excited to be

Jaloski “Hobgoblin, me? I think you are very much mistaken.

Solveig unties him. “What are you doing, Jaloski!??”

“A little birdie told me that the book of Mordor was here and I was hoping the good Aldormen would allow

A: Who are you good sir and what are you trying to discover?

J: I am a scholar and student of the dragon… many questions to ask it, if you really come across a dragon

Nico:  Why don’t you ask your niece?

J: He looks at Nico awkwardly, “It seems Piekoff my niece was a little more involved in things than is appropriate for a scholar, not destroying the world”  “

--if you want to stay out of those chains you should stop talking, what do you know about hobgoblins?

J: It is a subject rather connected to the cult of Randayn, but I could fill in the blanks.

(We still have the book)  J: give me a little time to read that book and I can answer any questions.

A: We would be greatly appreciative

J: The martial customs of your people is not exactly my fave subject, but thank you for giving us the opportunity to study them.

A: You should tell us of hobgoblins tonight, and as a scholar give us some suggestions on martial organization and strategy

J: Scratches his head and speaks of the “Pincer” strategy, I believe you should use pincers as a weapon

A: There is a price for reading the book- I will ask you to breathe fire (or whatever), on the hobgoblins. We can have you stand above the gate, or other place, but we would have you breathe fire.

(Jaloski is old, his strongest days are behind him)

A: How about you breathe fire once and then retreat back in the safe area with the non-combatants

J: Ok, if that is what it takes to read the book. Oh yes, some of my younger kin can do it more frequently,

S: Have you heard anything of Uhtred the younger?

J: Hostage with the drow

A: Head anything of King Uhtred?

J: Got out of the region asap

A: praises the guards for bringing him (they feel awkward for their mistake, but happy cuz the boss is happy)

As we walk away, the elderly cleric approaches Arthos

C: “Young man, you are Arthos, the king? Before the old king died, young Aethelred told me you should have his lands and possessions as he hoped you would follow him as king. This includes this lovely plate armor given to him King Aethelstan a few days ago.

A: That is a very generous gift, to be sure, and is most gratefully received.Good priest, what is the title of respect given to priests?

C: You can call me Sigebald

A: Good Sigebald, I would ask that you to see if we can organize a sacrifice to bring the favor of the gods for the battle

C: Yes, that is rather routine. Would you mean a human sacrifice? That would be taking your bloodlust too far

A: No, that I am most opposed to.

C: Well you know, actions speak more than words”

Nico receives a message that there is another meeting of the Market society gathering. He goes to the Wooden Spoon, the local tavern in Mordgard. As he walks in he is handed a loincloth and asked to change into the garb of the Market Society.

“I really must say, you really do pull this off more than the others, perhaps you’d have a beer with me later”

Nico agrees, dude is happy

Seated next to Vice President Oric, they play a few songs to open the proceedings, a rendition of I’m Sexy and I Know It

Orric:  “Brothers and sisters of sexiness- we have a tough decision ahead of us. Do we stay and help the battle or do we send some of our key members away so that they may preserve the Market Society and spread it throughout the land.

-Debate occurs.  If the bards stay all units get +1 in the battle, but if we lose the battle, it is possible the society will die out.

Nico votes to have the society live and sends the high ranks and their apprentices out to neighbouring countries. The Society must live.

Orric says “You are right, preserving the legacy of Market is far more important than a battle or any particular kingdom. I am truly proud to call you Vice President of Sexiness.”

Nico makes sure the higher-ups bring their apprentices with them.

Solveig checks and confirms that Torstein, the Queen, prince and Erkenwald have indeed left.

Nico checks on Jaloski “Yes, yes! Nico- it is all coming together! Damn those priestesses from keeping this book from me!’

Nico: “Is there anything of use for us?

J: Talk tomorrow! “ Speedreads and waves Nico away.

Serini spends 8 hours on Plant Growth enriching the fields surrounding the city.

Next day

Wedding Ceremony

Arthos and Lady Leothed

In the early morning before the sun rises, the people gather around the lake. Arthos is brought forth in a white robe wearing nothing underneath. The lady is brought to stand in front, they remove their robes and walk waist deep into the lake. She hold

“I the handmaiden of Frig do swear to tend the garden and mend the cloth, to tend the garden,to bear your children as my own

A: I the servant of Frig do swear to sow the fields and fish the river, to protect you, to seed your children and protect you from harm

She wraps the ribbon around their hands, they share a kiss - Perform check. 15, she is satisfied, a bit surprised thinking he would not be one for kissing.

Priestesses of Frig throws holly in the lake.

L:Sweet husband it is traditional that we spend the rest of the day in wedding bed while friends bring us gift, but we’ll do this later.

Serini scouts with a squirrel. Sees the army marching, and hears the sound of Fireballs.

Perception check: 20- she gets the sense that the Fireball sounds are coming a ways away from the army. Thinks it might be possible to circle around to get to where the army is, but it would be dangerous. Thanks the squirrel for its assistance. Hears two voices speaking in goblinoid to each other. Nat 20 perception- the tone sounds like one is giving instructions and admonishment for a job not well done.

The previous night Osgar invited Solveig to go wrestle with him in his room.

After the wedding, Osgar gives her a smile and goes off to the duties laid out for him. Alfric stares at her, not an easy expression to read. Insight 5, thinks he is checking her out.

He gestures to her, to follow. She goes, they walk off away from the group around a rather idyllic lake. It strikes her a rather romantic setting. He turns to her and says “You are a brave warrior, you are strong, I sense you are a woman of honor. Osgar has taken a liking to her.

“Oh, yeah, he’s real nice”  “He is a nice boy, the only one of my boys who still lives.” He looks very sad for a moment. “I love Osgar, he has always been full of joy and kindness. I worry for the time of Aldorman he will be once I am gone. I believe his heart will always be in the right place, but he is a brash man, a man who draws swords before he fully thinks it through and a man who will always defend his honor but may not always do this in the most thoughtful way. I had always hoped my son would find a woman honorable and brave like you who would calm the fiery spirit that burns in his spirit and I fear that the last

Rest assured I have nothing against your spirit, I must forbid you marrying my son.

I wanted to speak to you about it …

Do you mind us associating with him?

Yesterday he asked to see the bands that bonded his mother and I together. I suspect his heart has flown farther than his words have. I think it might be appropriate for you to back away. As I said he is very brash and- he jumps into things brashly, which is sometimes

“Will you do this for me? Do not agree to his proposal before speaking to A

She speaks to a rabbit who encourages her f\*\* as much as she can and have as many babies as possible.  She spends the afternoon in the woods.

Later that evening we get the message that Jaloski has finished reading the book and wishes to speak to us. We meet him.

Eldery Dragonborn hops up and down- “This is it! It has answered all the questions! I am sure some of the fools at the citadel will question the veracity, but it answers all the questions!  Oh, I forgot I sent for you, I am so excited! You see-” he gestures us to sit in library chairs, takes out a pointing stick and starts marching up and down waving the stick

“Many thousands of years ago there was only the dragonkind and the dragons thought that they needed servants so they first created the Dragonborn, the first of the dracokin, and created other servants to fill important roles. As time went on, the gods felt the dragons were getting above themselves, threatening the gods. THe gods created their own race, the first of the giants were born, the existence of the giants angered the dragons and made war. To defend the giants the gods created hobgoblins, and created goblins to serve them. A great war occurred between the giants and dragons, lasted a long time. As time went on tribes of giants changed, became goliaths, others devolved (evolved) into humans. These early humans were very different from the other creatures that existed before them. They created separate societies from the kinfolk. The dragons thought they proposed a greater threat than the giants, and dragons decided to destroy the humans. The hobgoblins stood in the way against the destruction of mankind. They fought the dracokin. The giants, hobgoblins and humans united, drove the dragons away. Some of the hobgoblins felt that humans owed them a debt and set out to enslave humanity. Another portion felt it was their duty to fight on behalf of humans, so they fought against the first. A great war happened amongst the hobgoblins. Some went to the underdark, some wanted humanity to flourish, some found colonies of dracokin in the underdark.

What is clear is that hobgoblins are the saviours and protectors of humanity.

Solveig: But the dragons are coming.

J: Yes, they are rising, and by some not so strange coincidence that the hobgoblins have risen out

Solveig:  But if the dragons are coming, and we defeat the hobgoblins, who will fight the dragons?  What is the citadel?

J: A great place of learning in Draconia.

A: Exercising your judgement as a scholar,.....

BREAK, reconvene at 9pm

Questions for Jaloski:

How are their societies structured

Do they have organized kingdoms

Does he have any knowledge of military tactics? No

Does Jaloski have knowledge of medicine? Yes, enough to bandage people.

One of the halfling scouts arrives to the king and explains the enemy captured him, said in common that he wishes to parlay on neutral ground. Suggests he comes to x distance from the city and he will meet, will be carrying a tree branch (white flag).

Arthos agrees to meet him.  The party goes together. Arriving see hobgoblin as it appears in the book. He is sitting alone on a stool, has scars criscrossing his face, his left eye is missing.

He looks up and says “Ah, it’s the king of Lundine, this week. Come, you and your closest companions will share a piece of bread with me”

A: “I am grateful and excited to share your hospitality.

There are enough stools for us all.

Oddly there is one perfectly sized for a halfling.

He takes a piece from a loaf of bread and passes it to Serini on his right. She eats and passes to Solveig, who eats and  passes it to Arthos, who eats and passes to Nico, who eats.

He smiles at us all and says “This is a troubled land, many difficulties plague it. I heard word that old bastard Graz’zt has been causing you trouble.”

You Serini hear many interesting things, I hear the fierceness of Shieldmaiden Solveig, the voice of Nico and the justness of Arthos, this week’s king of Lundine. You have my sympathies dealing with Graz’zt , we have had our own issues with them.  We sent a unit to deal with the jackalweres.

I see that you are a straightforward fellow, so I shall as well. It seems there are many problems among your people. The visions, war, famine, disease, these are commonplace among your people, is it not?

A: Yes, but we rise to the challenge.

H: Something humanity has always done, and we hobgoblins admire.  Now there may be a new challenge. I know that Serini, Nico and Solveig were there when the dark red one arose. More are coming, and their servants may already be on the march on Pettilyn. It is a force I am sad to say you are not equipped to deal with.

A: So what do you propose?

H: You fight us and die, and weaken us a little, for the real war to come. Second, you become a vassal of the goblin king. You will provide annual tithes to the king in the form of every tenth child born in the kingdom, and perform military service when it is called upon. In return we will protect you from your enemies and provide you resources to lift you out of the poverty you find yourself in.

A: Do you speak with the voice of your king? What is his name, btw?

H: Yes, his name is Ziggy Stardust.

A: Why are you here?

H: To secure your vassalhood, to eventually fight the true enemy.

A: So you are looking for the most practical and efficient way to do this? May I ask, what happened at the shrine, what were you after?

H: We turned for something that was ours, the paladins and priestesses would not give it to us so we were forced to take it.

A: What was yours?

H: If you are to be our vassal, you must understand that this is not a two-way street, you are to do what you are told.

A: We are not your vassals yet, surely a practical man would not make an ill-formed decision.

H: It has been many months since my troops had a fight, perhaps.

Serini: Which one of my people

Solveig: For what? You eat them?

H: No, fair Solveig, we do not sacrifice intelligent creatures, as some do. No, we take them into service.

S: Slaves, then?

H: We prefer the term “unpaid interns”

A: How does one become warlord?

H: Points to his scars “With great difficulty. It is not a position not handed out lightly. It is earned with demonstrations of martial ability. It is not something we are born into, not handed us by a committee of fools.

A: so you are not strong enough to be king?

H: If you were to meet Ziggy Stardust you would understand.  He would like to come and meet you, but he’s afraid he’d blow your mind.  If you prove to be a loyal vassal, you will have the honor of meeting King Stardust.

Serini: Hypothetically if he were a vassal, could he take the position of warlord?

H: Well then, if you wish to be warlord, perhaps we shall find out tomorrow.

I give you until the end of the night to decide.

Warlord’s name is Tiziold the Dread

Solveig hears the remembered whisper “Choose your pack!”

On the way back to Mordor, Arthos says : “They have very good intelligence. They have either been scrying us or have spies in camp, as they know things about us specifically, and recent things. I only arrived here three days ago. He knows each of our names, knows things about us, and about the town.”

Solveig: “You think he knows our fighting strength?”

A: Yes.

The party agree that Vassalhood will not work.

Some of the more senior nobles want to know what was said.

Alfric is not there.  A asks where is Lord Alfric? --he went to his keep with a number of holy men, the last time we saw him.

Osgar is there, looking at Solveig, but she does not look at him.  Osgar: “Whoa dude, you’re king! That’s so cool for you! Oh, my dad sometimes wanders off with the priests.”

A: Lords, lady, we have returned from parlay with Tiziold the Dread. The hobgoblins are here for conquest. They are looking to conquer people…..

He conveys the information, also spinning that vassalhood is worse than slavery.

The lords all oppose vassalhood. Opposed to slavery of our people.

A: I think we need to steel ourselves for a very grueling battle.  We were given until sundown. If we have not agreed to his demand by then a state of war will exist between us and hobgoblin “germany”.  A also speechifies to the people, perform check 18.  (provides a bonus Hugh will think of and communicate later”.

A young messenger boy runs:  “My lord king, Lord Alfric has spoken with the dragonperson and has new information for you”

We go see Jaloski.  We walk in and see that he is in conversation with seven clerics. He turns and says “My lord king, what news do you have?”

A: I parlayed with the leader of the host, Tiziold the Dread. He made us an offer of vassalage and slavery of a tenth of our children, and subservience and obedience to their king, or battle.

Alfric:  What option did you choose?

A: We have not decided yet, but we and the lords oppose selling our children to slavery. We are going to fight.

Alfric: So you have not accepted his offer then?  We only have information on the gods.

Arthos: We will fight

Roll perception

Solveig 20

Nico 15

…

That is good to hear that you are a king who will protect us.

SURPRISE!

Alfric attacks Arthos punching him twice in the chest for 10 damage.

ROLL INITIATIVE!

Serini nat 20

Nico 20

Solveig 16

Arthos 16

1. Serini tries to cast Hold Person on Alfric, who fails.
2. Nico casts Dissonant whispers, dealing 14 damage and he must flee, attack of opportunity. Gives Bardic Inspiration to Solveig
3. Solveig rages , knocks a cleric to the ground, slashing him for 13 points,
4. Arthos smashes Alfric has hard as he can. Nat 20 (waste of an autocrit), dealing 39 damage, killing him. Looks at his uncle, who is ambushing him, “why? Why are you doing this?

At this, Alfric transforms into a monstrous form, saying “All hail Ziggy Stardust!”  Arthos turns to another cleric slashing for a bunch of damage. It is still standing.

1. The opponents turn and attacks Serini, downing her immediately. She fails two saving throws right away. Another punches Arthos for 7 points. Another deals 6 points. Another hits Solveig for 8 damage. Further one attacks Nico who uses cutting words, but is hit for 22 points.

1. Serini is down, rolls a Nat 20 (two successes)
2. Nico casts Healing word on himself at 3rd level healing 10hp. Bonus action vicious mockery, wich is saved against.
3. Solveig knocks over her opponent with great prejudice, he avoids her first attack, but her second attack Nat 20, for 12 damage. As the sword comes down he manages to avoid the worst of it.
4. Arthos restrains himself from attacking right away but lays hands on Serini for 18 hp. He gives Serini his shield. Serini does not take the shield.
5. The opponents attack Serini: 3 hits. She goes down again. More attack Arthos, one hits for 6 points. Against Nico: 27dmg, he is down. Against Solveig: 13 damage

1. Serini rolls Nat 20 for two death saves

2. Nico saves death save

3. Solveig kills her first opponent and attacks her second, but misses.

4. Arthos screams for the king’s guard and his horse, attacking the wounded opponent. He attacks, praying to his God to help.

5. Attacks- the first attacks Solveig for 3 damage. More attack Arthos

1. Serini rolls death save, success, stabilized!
2. Nico rolls death save, Nat 1, two fails.
3. Solveig tries to smash her opponent down, but fails. Tries again, he's down. She slashes him for 12 damage. He dodges away of the first push, is knocked down and stabbed, but then jumps to his feet.
4. Arthos heals himself and moves behind the bed.
5. Solveig is damaged for 16 damage

1. Serini is stable but out
2. Nico fails is death save
3. Solveig kills her opponent.
4. Arthos attacks his previous opponent for 16 dmg, dropping him. Next opponent is hit for 19 damage.
5. Attacks against Solveig miss. Two attack Arthos for 6 damage.

1. Serini stable
2. Solveig kills her opponent, runs up to the next.

1. Solveig attacks the last opponent, she kills him with Nat 20, cutting his head off.

These were all hobgoblin monks.  Strathcona Shadowdwellers

Session 18, July 9, 2020

The EPIC BATTLE OF MORGARD!

Session starts with placement of obstacles and scouting. Paul rolls a nat 20

From the west are 20 giants and 120 goblins.

From the west are similar, but numbers are unclear.

Before the battle Arthos gives a speech so that they can scan the troops to look for anyone in disguise, none are found.

We place troops around strategically.

Scene opens with a funeral for Nico. He was not known by everyone, some thought him strange for his looks, so it is not super well attended. The bards who remained behind show up, The party, Leothed, Osgar, Alfric show their respects. The priests say their final rights to the pyre.

“Who will light the fire?”

Solveig:  says some words, lights the pyre. The tiefling is consumed, for a moment the fire does not touch him, but then he is engulfed.   The pyre collapses in on itself, and by tradition all assembled

Queen Leothed goes up to solveig and says words spoken from heart are true.

“You weren’t there, but he fought well.”

You may not sing, but you are a woman of many other callings as well. You are a woman of strength and power. I hope we can be friends. We will speak at the feast. Not every woman can pull off that look, but you can.”

Solveig: “What look?” and glances down.

L: I see we have many things to talk about.

Serini notices arguing amongst the camp. She walks closer to them nonchalantly (performance check of 5).  Osgar “Look dad, she is the love of my life, i don’t care what you think, how dare you talk to her:  A: Son, you are my son, I am looking after your future” O: I don’t care, I don’t want to be aldorman, I want to go with the flow, be like Solveig, stand with her in the shieldwall.

A: Son, you are forgetting she is a slave to Uhtred” O: I don’t care, I will buy her freedom or help her, I want to be with her”

Serini starts to walk away, Alfric notices her and says “You are a parent too, aren’t you?”

Yes, “Your children give you this much difficulty?”

S: Yes, some days, but I have not faced this particular issue.”

A: Do you have any counsel

S: Do you think he is making the wrong decision for himself or for your title?”

A: He is young, he may think he wants to be on the road fo rthe rest of his life. YOu know that bones get old, knees crack, some day he will want a home and he’ll need to take over.

S: You have a point, it strikes me… I haven’t given this great thought. It might be possible to find some manner of compromise, a way of dealing with it that may meet all our needs.

Sees the issue as: Osgar wants Solveig, Alfric wants Osgar to be aldorman

“I don’t know what a solution might be. I’d give it a bit of thought, probably wait until after the battle. If the gods are kind we will all be here to discuss this point, perhaps they will die. If the worst does happen you want to make sure you are on good terms with him before.

Shane: Queen Leothed, after she talked with Solveig after the funeral, asks him to come to her “You brother of my heart you have done many things for me, and would stay by my side, but if it looks like we would be overrun and I would fall, I want you to live, to survive, and keep my son safe.

Vhaeran (Shane): I will not let it come to that, but if it is your will, I will see it throught, but know this, nothing will happen to you, we will see victory this day.

L: Of course, brother of my heart”:

Solveig is wearing Nico’s necklace.  Arthos says “Given the strategic advantage of being able to project my voice I’d like to borrow it. Solveig agrees.

Leothed hangs out with Solveig and discuss female things, (Hair, clothes)

At DAWN

There is a ripple through the camp

The Monks of the Five Dawn are coming!

A group of halflings (20 or so) dressed in eastern clothes approaches the camp. The leader introduces himself to the group, they came from the south road. They are known enough in the area that they were just let in to see the king.

“Who is in charge around here?” Finian Irongut shouts.

A: “I am”

“We were told a fight was coming! We like to fight, lets fight!”

A: “You are the leader of this group?”

F: Takes a swig “YEP!”

A: Join our war council.

Arthos is with the king’s guard

Serini is with the archers in the top left tower

Solveig is with Osgar (shieldwall)

Finian with his monks

David will be with the men at arms behind the gate, near Wemba, has heard stories that he wants to take over from Alfric, known to be untrustworthy.

Initiative

Finian 18

Arthos 17

David 14

Solveig 14

Vhaeran 10

Serini 9

Francis 3

As word has come that the armies are coming, you look out on the battlefield and see the enemy.

1. Goblins:  advance and western goblins attack Halfling ponies with disadvantage and miss.
2. Finian: Archers attack goblins to the north and east, killing 2 units of goblins.
3. Spider riders: attacking against the fyrd, greatly hurting a yellow unit. The elves get hit for some damage.
4. Arthos:  attacks the spider goblins with javelins and a giant.
5. We are cutting the goblins down well, but seemingly out of nowhere a fireball erupts at the gate doing 12 points of damage at the fyrd archer at the gate, but 25 damage to the gate. The gate is on fire.  A second fire ball hits the King’s Guard for 19 points of damage, but Arthos takes 9 points of damage. The barrels are on fire.
6. David moves that halfling ponies on the east side south, and attacks a spider goblin, wiping it out. Has a unit look for the origin of the fireball. Archer at the top takes a shot at the hobgoblins, miss, elven unit attacks a giant for 11 damage.
7. Giants move forward
8. Solveig has her units focus fire the giants if possible, and misses a bunch of time at the goblins. She rages at the end, forgetting to do so as she gazes on Osgars’s face while telling him to
9. Hobgoblins fire with longbows, missing a bunch of times.
10. Vhaeran has Leothad’s men at arms form a shieldwall. West archer attacks west giant , missing. Top west archer hits the west giant for 2 damage. Another west archer attacks, hitting for 5 damage, another archer does 9 damage.
11. Serini has spearmen attack west giant, 4 dmg, east archer attacks spider goblin, killing it. West archer attacks west giant for 4dmg, spearman attacks for 7dmg, man at arms hit the west giant for 6dmg Serini casts Call Lightning over the western giant, doing 3dmg
12. Francis, believing that is it beautiful to be at the front, and he is with the halfling scouts. He has them attack, one attack hits with Nat 20, another with a 16., doing 6 damage.

BREAK to move downstairs

Roll to put out fires, one is put out, none spread.

1. Finian moves up with his monks., and attacks with fists. Two attacks hit with 7 and 4 damage. They take a big swig from their flasks a bit too greedily, miss the first couple of attacks. Finian himself attacks, Nat 20 doing 2 damage. Spends a ki point to repeat the attack, NAT 20!  3 damage. 2nd attack 18, 2 damage, 2 damage. Then they move back a bit, an archer attacks the giant for 9 damage. Bail activates shield wall. Archer attacks goblins for Nat 20, wiping out a unit.  Athelrod makes a shield wall.
2. Goblins advance, moving past some traps, attack fyrd in the front, missing a lot and killing one of Serini’s units.  More goblins attack the halflings, One hit, doing 12 damage against Finian and his unit. Deflect missile.  More goblins attack The fyrd at the top right, missing thrice. Others are shooting at Francis’ pony halflings, missing.
3. Spider Goblins - Francis asks how strong they look, he feels he could take on two of them. Both Francis and his unit of halfling scouts take 6 damage.More attacks miss, one hits Francis doing 6 points. And another attack on both for 6.
4. Arthos will attack the eastern giant, missing. His southeastern Fyrd attacks a spider goblin for 7 damage.West Fyrd archer attacks the west giant, missing. His kingsguard Shieldwall, He uses a Paladin ability to channel light into his blade, buffing him.
5. Goblin fireball at Francis’s King’s guard that are shieldwalled. Doing 13 points of damage. Another Fireball comes in, wiping out one of Serini’s archers on the northwest tower.
6. David: tries to see where the fireballs are coming from. He sees the source, and attacks, with an 18, shooting at the devastator, 8 attacks doing 34 damage. He is a pincussion. Western elf archer shoots the giant, hitting for 7dmg. South fyrd spearman javelins a spidergoblin, hitting for 4 damage. More javelins attack the same spider goblin, missing. David attacks the giant with two attacks, critting on one for 12.
7. Giants move up. Western giants attack the halfling monks, wiping the unit out. The giants throw a rock at another halfling rider unit. Eastern giants move forward and throw a rock at Solveig’s unit, missing his first throw, hitting the second. For 6 and 13 damage.
8. Solveig’s men at arms hit the giant for 5, Solveig throws one for 10 damage and 12 damage.  The elven archer hits for 5 damage. A fyrd spearman wipes out a goblin unit, a west wall elf shoots the west giant for 11 damage.
9. Hobgoblins charge forward. Glory to the goblin king, charge!
10. Vhaeran has his north western spearmen attack the west giant for 5 damage. Many giants of that group are dead. North East archer shoots the east giant, missing. Next archer hits doing 3 damage. Third archer shoots at a close group of Spider goblins, Nat 20, wiping it out.
11. Serini uses lightning again. Fyrd spearmen vs west giant, missing. Another archer attack destroy the giants! Serini calls lightning down on a western goblin group, wiping them out.

We rez the monk unit.  A bunch of clerics come pull the monks out and heal them.

We try to put out the fire in the north west tower, but do not. The fire spreads.

July 16 Session 19  Battle of Morgard 2

Units have been reassigned, battle redesigned to make it more streamlined.

As the battle intensifies on the flanks, we lose communication with others. At the top of the turn we have the opportunity to put out three fires.

Serini decides to put out the fire under her. Nat 20, fire is put out.

1. Finian dex save for Fire, for the unit. Fails, taking 1 point of damage. The units throws javelins, but one is rocked, and drops their weapons. Two hit. The men at arms throw javelins, hitting three times, destroying one goblin unit. Finian himself is not within range, so he stays put, preparing a Dodge action.
2. Aerthos moves his archer, shoots and kills a goblin unit. Shieldwall one Men at arms south of the gate, attacks another goblin killing it too.  Aerthos attacks.
3. Goblins advance. Fireball on Bail. 18 points of damage, the barrel is on fire. Fireball 2 at Aelfric, save of 12 fails, taking 24 points of damage.  The barrel is on fire. The giant attacks the Fyrd spearman, hitting, killing him. The giants  throw rocks, missing Osgar’s unit but hitting Solveig, doing 11 damage to her. Bugbear takes a potshot at King’s guard. Alfric takes fire damage.
4. Solveig’s fyrd throw javelins Alfric does 6 damage, Solveig attacks doing 8 damage.
5. Serini moves some troops, attacking goblins, missing, puts out a fire. Gladwines troops shoot through the gate.
6. Leoffaed and Dunstan attack goblins, doing 15 points, wiping out a unit.

1. Solveig chooses to try to put out the gate fire, fails. Fire spreads.

Finian rolls Dex saves for units in fire. One saves, one fails taking 2 points of damage. Perception roll to find the magic user, spots him in the forest. Removes the squad’s shieldwall with an action. Other squads attack goblins at the front.  Finian uses ki points in his attacks, hitting with much more success than before.

1. Aerthos attacks hobgoblins, 15 misses. Aethelnod’s unit shoots a goblin unit hitting for 7 damage killing it. Eadwig attacks a gobin for 9, wiping it out. Another attack for 9 wiping out another unit!
2. Goblins Fireball Bail again, saving, the spearmen save with a Nat 20. Bail takes 18 points of damage. The fyrd die. Fireball on the tower wiping out archers. Giants and hobgoblins move up and attack. The giant attacks Osgar’s unit, hitting for 20 points of damage, missing on the second attack. Crits attacking Solveig, doing 13 points. As we charge towards the giants and we see how scary they are, there is a wave in the unit and they fail to carry out the charge. Osgar pushes Solveig aside, just as the giant’s club hits him in the back of the head. A moment their eyes lock, she can see that there was a whole life he had been planning with her, he is desperately hanging onto this, but then falls dead. Solveig stands, screaming, and knocks Solveig down with the club, she goes flying backwards.  Hobgoblins and goblins attack.
3. Solveig rages harder at the death of her boyfriend, she attacks recklessly, 11 points, then 10 damage. She slashes wildly, she kills one giant herself, climbing up him and hacking at him. Aelfric does not see that Osgar is dead, but seeing his son’s unit in trouble advances.  OSgar’s unit hits for 11.  Alfrics’ unit hits for 5. A ranged Fyrd hits 2 damage. A fyrd unit attacks for 4 damage. This unit of giants is looking a bit thinned out.
4. Vhaeran’s archers attack, doing minor damage. Dunstan attacks the hobgoblin to the right, hitting for 7 damage. Other units attempt to hit the hobgoblins but miss.
5. Serini has her units attack hobgoblins for some damage.

1. Finian puts out a fire, successfully. Disengages, dashes towards mages. Other units attack for some damage, Bail’s unit retreats.
2. Aerthos’ units attack hobgoblins for 2 damage, archer attacks but misses, Aethelnod moves up and attacks, missing. Eadwig attacks a hobgoblin, doing 8 damage. Aerthos buffs up, goes angelic
3. Giants try to finish off Osgar’s unit, missing with Nat 1, hits on next attack. 17 damage. Attacks Solveig with advantage. Solveig is hit, looking beaten up. The last surviving goblin near the mage attacks Finian running. 8 goblins hit for 25 damage. He catches one projectile. One mage casts melf’s acid arrow at Finian for 12 damage. Hobgoblins shield up, one fyrd is killed by a bugbear. Bugbears break Eadwig’s shieldwall. Vhaeran’s shieldwall is not broken.
4. Solveig’s man at arms hits giant for 10. Solveig hits the giant for 13 damage, destroying it.  She runs up the tallest, stands on its shoulders, drops her shield,holds her longsword in two hands and stabs in its clavicle, then drops like Errol Flynn cutting it open on the way down. The unit cheers “Solveig the Giantkiller! Aaaaaahhhh.” None of the fyrd succeed in hitting the hobgoblins.
5. Vhaeran’s unit attacks a hobgoblin for 7 points. His fyrd attacks a hobgoblin in front of him for a 21, doing 4 damage.
6. Serini has archers attack the mage. 17d8, kills the mage. He is a pincussion. She uses call lightning and heals Solveig for 8 points.

Vhaeran decides which fire to put out. It goes out.

1. Finian rejoins his group, who fire on the remaining mage, killing it. Clerics heal units.
2. Aerthos attacks hobgoblins doing a bunch of damage.
3. Goblins attack.
4. Solveig’s units attack, killing one hobgoblin, her cleric heals a man at arms.
5. Vhaeran’s units shoot, miss, another archer shoots, He sneak attacks a hobgoblin.
6. Serini lightnings one bugbear and her archers finish it off. Fyrd hit a bugbear, doing 2 damage. Serini heals Solveig for 7.

Fire at the gate is put out. Other fire spreads.

1. Aerthos attacks, doing 7 damage, Kingsguard attacks doing 7.The cleric heals the kingsguard for 7 and moves a bit back.
2. Goblins attack killing 2 fyrd. One hobgoblin moves provoking attacks of opportunity and dies.
3. Solveig attacks, just running into the hobgoblins, chopping through them and they are running away, her cleric heals Bail for 5.
4. Serini has Leothed attack the bugbear beside her for 4 damage. Gladwine move up and attacks the same bugbear for 6 damage. Call lightning on a hobgoblin for 9 damage. Archers will attack a bugbear against the wall, Nat 20 for 8 damage. Bail attacks the same, missing. Leodaeg attacks a hobgoblin doing 4 damage. A cleric heals Bail for 9.

Putting out the fire next to the gate, fails. Fire spreads. Dex save for guy on fire, fails, he takes 1 damage.

1. Aerthos has archers attack a bugbear with Nat 20, doing 9 damage. Another archer attacks the same bugbear, killing it. Archer 3 attacks the last bugbear doing 6. Fyrd attacks same, doing 3 damage. Aerthos attacks  a bugbear for 15 plus smite, killing it.  Kingsguard moves up and attacks a bugbear for 9. Aethelnod attacks a shieldwalled bugbear, missing. Eadwig throws a javelin on the last bugbear but misses.
2. Goblins attack.  A javelin hits doing 2 points of damage. Leodaeg takes 16 points. Aelfric takes a hit for 9 points.
3. Solveig hits a bugbear for 10. Finian’s unit moves up to flank the Hobgoblins.
4. Serini: Gladwine kills the hobgoblin next to him. The archers attack the last bugbear, doing 9 damage, almost killing him. Leodaeg attacks, missing, Bail attacks the bugbear, missing. Serini casts Plant Growth over the enemies.

On the next turn Aerthos uses the necklace to command the enemy to surrender.  They cannot escape, and we capture them.

As the hobgoblins put down their swords and we see the fire on the wall, it looks like there is a lot more smoke than can be explained from the Fireballs. The spider riders and goblins attacked from the back.  We go in and they run away. They have still sacked the town behind us. The wall defenders are defeated. Many townsfolk have been killed.

July 23

The town is on fire, we rush back to try to catch the spider goblins but they easily escape.

4 days are spent putting out the fire, helping with repairs, chasing goblins.

As this is happening, the goblins that escape are roaming the countryside, attacking farmsteads, looting and burning. We also spend time chasing after goblins. Much brutal fighting takes place.

Two things:

1. We have captured the general Tizoid the Dread
2. We notice that ALfric is nowhere to be seen.

Aerthos returns Nico’s necklace to Solveig

No one gave the order, but the people in charge of Tizoid have been treated as a noble saxangle prisoner. He has been brought to the keep, given his own rooms, and guarded by members of the King’s Guard.

We see Tizoid lounging calmly on his bed, foot up, relaxing like a teenager patiently waiting.

He sees us walk in, looks over at us, gives us a frightening looking smile.

Aerthos: “What is the appropriate term of respect for a warlord?”

“A warlord with no army? Sir Loser!”  he chuckles to himself.

A: Is that a term of art in your community?

T: “ I see you are not the clever one, go away and bring me the clever one.”

A: You weren’t clever enough to win

T: I must say I was impressed, I was told you were barbarians who can’t hold a line worth a damn. You really should consider joining us

A: If you had presented it in more diplomatic terms instead of subjugation?

T: I am not a diplomat or clever one.

A: I think we should all have a frank talk now about what is coming with respect to the dragons

T: Oh, you want to know about the dragons. Death. (He is dead serious, no longer lounging)

Death, that’s what the dragons are bringing, I offer you life.

A: And is there an alliance forming against them?

T: Yes, it is time for all the descendents of the giants to come together and fight the dracokin who wish to restore their dominion of the world. Perhaps I could have been more generous in the terms I offer you. Bow down to be vassals to the goblin king, perhaps he will forgive you for destroying one of his armies. You can forget about that one in ten slavery thing. To be honest, I think you make better warriors than slaves.

A: Who are the descendants of the giants? What races?

T: The goblins and hobgoblins are the oldest, we were the first, goliaths, humans, elves, halflings, gnomes and to a lesser extent tieflings and other races born from humanity in the war of the worlds.

A: And who are the other leaders in this alliance?

T: Well, all within the confederacy bow down to the goblin king. He is the one strong enough to unite the goblins and will be the strongest. You ask who else? New Drowla, for one.

Serini just nods.

T: Tricky ones, the drow, they weren’t all so easy to convince. Their silly little senate had to go through some reforms before they joined, but eventually they saw the light. Hopefully such drastic steps will not be required here.

A: You killed the senate?

T: WE did not kill the senate. The jade scepter may have had an accident that may have killed many of the senate. (A powerful political force within New Drowla)

A: Have you sent representatives to the giants?

Solveig interrupts, “What about Kuronia? What did the giants do?” Intimidation 7. It comes out squeaky, and Tizold says “Well I am not there, am I”

T: I have lost armies before and build them again.

S: What makes you think you will live long enough?

T: I haven’t told you all the secrets.  Ziggy Stardust has this idea in his head that we owe it to the rest of you to save you.

A: What is the plan of the dragons?

T: All we know is that they have taken a particular interest in Pettylin, and several dragons have been born here recently.

A: What evidence do you have that they have been born?....(Pissing contest)

What are the names and kinds of dragons?

T: Some are white, green, black, gold, sorry I have not remembered all their names

A: How many other warlords are there?

T:dozens

1. He doesn’t like being called Ziggy
2. We could send a diplomat

Finian leaves, Solveig follows. They discuss what it is to be a monk, when Finian demonstrates his punching skill he cracks the wood wall skillfully, making a big sound. They go

Initiative, the monk gets Nat 20.

1. Finian Radiant Sunbolt 26 hits, doing 10 radiant, then stunning strike fails, bonus action Nat 20 for another 10 radiant, stunning strike again, fails. She is stunned. Second attack hits, 9 damage, offhand attack, Nat 20, 14 radiant damage.

Solveig is stunned.

“Is this what we taught you?” Finian’s master asks.

T: Yeah, it is kinda what you taught me, but she wanted a lesson so I taught

The first thing we taught you is discipline and control, and the second thing we taught you is not to use your strength in pointless duels and battles that are none of our affair. I have failed you.

Solveig dusts herself off, and joins Finian and his master

Master: I will give you one more chance, Finian, come to us, take the disciplines we will apply to your situation. If not, you cannot return until you learn discipline on your own, you cannot return for two years.

Finian:  Sometimes you have to learn things on your own. I followed in your footsteps as long as I could.

Master: Dan Ran The Iron Fist  That is true, I will miss you, little one, and never forget, that this (Fist) is not as strong as this (places his hand on Finian’s heart)  Insight check 17.  Finian can see that he is usually very tranquil and accepting of the world around him, calm.  But Finian can see a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. He doesn’t know exactly why.

Finian bows to his master, who bows back. “Use your gifts well”

Finian “I will try”

Solveig and Finian go to Alfric’s rooms in the keep, knock on the door. No reply. Knock again, hear some grumbling. Knock a third time, hear a shout “Go away”

Alfric opens the door. He used to be a very put together man, standing straight, with elegant features, handsome with straight jaw, looking young for his age. He looks terrible. His hair, usually well kept, is all over the place. Unshaven, clothes are worn out. His eyes in particular age him, the lifeless misery in his eyes.  He looks at Solveig:

“Why couldn’t you protect him?”

“I’m sorry, I tried.”

“No, there’s no point in blaming you, people die in battles. You, who are you?” Looks at Finian.

“I am a friend of Solveig’s”

“All of my sons are in Valhalla, but I am here. Tell me, Solveig, do you honor the gods?”

We lived in the moment

I asked you to take a vow with me, you don’t have to do it now, but I have thought about it for days. I will take a vow, to never stop, never fully rest, until every single hobgoblin is dead. They took my sons from me, I know they will probably kill me, but then I’ll see them. Either they die, or I see my sons again.

“Sir, I will swear this vow with you!”

“You, Finian, friend of Solveig, you will bear witness. He puts his hand over a hammer medallion. I swear an oath to Odin and to Thor and to all the gods, that I will never rest, I will never back down, and I will either die, or see every hobgoblin dead”

Solveig puts her hand on her oath ring and swears the same oath. She holds her hand out to clasp Alfrics arm. As she does this, she feels an aura of strength and oneness with the gods. She hears a knowledge that the gods will hold her to this oath.

“Well Finian, I know what must happen. A hobgoblin must die.”  We return to Tizold’s room to find him gone. “Ah well, I guess I’ll start with the prisoners!”  Solveig turns around and heads towards the hobgoblin prisoners.

Vhaeran follows Solveig as do the rest.

A: Killing prisoners may feel good to you, but it is a deeply evil thing, it will accomplish nothing, not fill the void, not bringing anyone back, and bring further harm to these people for we need their labor to rebuild, especially…..Guards! Protect the prisoners!”

We arrive outside the battlefield where there is a setup of a prisoner campsite, with spikes set up around the hobgoblins.  The guards see Solveig coming, hear Aerthos yell “Guards stop her!”

“Stop, what are you doing?”  Solveig shoulders past them, not drawing her weapon.

Aerthos runs. Solveig Str check. They go to grab her, three jump on her, but she pushes them off, the others back off, intimidated. There is now a hobgoblin standing in front.

“By my oath to Odin, to Thor and all the gods, I condemn you to die!” As she speaks these words she draws her sword to cut off the hobgoblin’s head.

Initiative

Solveig 20

Serini 14

Vhaeran 10

Finian 8

Aerthos 5

SOlveig gets Nat 20- hits, and cuts off teh head. She feels an aura of satisfaction. Another hobgoblin rushes up, yelling “Tasoth, my brother!”

1. Solveig “By my oath to the gods, I condemn you to die!” Hits, but does only 5 damage.

1. Serini- not close enough to hold person.
2. Vhaeran hears Leothed say “What’s she doing? Why is she doing that? Stop this insanity?”  Tries to grapple- Nat 20. With a flying headscissors he comes in- runs in behind her, does a rugby tackle grabbing her around the legs. Solveig, confused, whips her sword around,

“I have sworn an oath, they must die!” “I am your friend, I agree, but this is not the time or place- you’ll have to fight everyone!”

1. Serini casts Plant growth on Solveig and surrounding area, reducing movement.
2. Finian “You will get your revenge, trust me, I will help you do it, but now is not the time, you will have your thirst for Vengeance, I promise you, we will both have it.” Solveig: “Will you swear? To help me?”  “I do not believe in any gods, but I will swear to help you”.  Solveig: “You give me your word? That is enough”.

Solveig relaxes and submits.

Aerthos goes to consult with his wife, and Vhaeran. “What is to be done here? She attacked the king’s soldiers and murdered prisoners in cold blood.

Leothed says : That woman has a wildness in her, I fear and respect, and admire it in her. Someone like that dear husband can be very valuable. She has already been called Solveig the Giant Killer and received much admiration. You must be seen to respect her, while also see justice done to your authority. For the property damage, a wereguild would be appropriate, but in terms of flaunting your authority, that is a more complicated matter. You must show that you have control over her, while maintaining the respect of the troops. I suggest you give her a command that you know she will follow, and give it publicly.

A: She was critical in the battle, she is also called SOlveig the Giantkiller by the troops.

S: A thought: SOlveig was with me, when the dragon awoke. We have not had a chance to go back there to investigate, perhaps a command in that direction might be a worthy use of her talents. It may be a direction away from genocide.

A: Vhaeran, thoughts?

V: It seems a worthy course of action, her rage is valuable to our cause, if we can secure it, it would be good.

A: I think a penitent quest that strengthens the kingdom and helps us prepare for war with the dracokin is the wisest course of action.  What, my dear counsellors, would the best quest of that sort entail? How can be best make use of these adventurers?

Alfric arrives, they see the mess he is in, but looks a bit chagrined.  “Nephew, I saw the tail end of what happened and can surmise the rest. This may be partially my fault. I asked her to join me on a quest to rid the world of the foul creatures who killed my son, and forgot she was a short-term planner and is a woman of action. It is my intention that Solveig and other companions might join me to enter the underdark to find out why they took the crystal of Mordor, and if we can’t retrieve it, as my first step in winning a war against these hobgoblins.

I would first like to go to the king of Wintenchester, and see if I can gain any resources to help me in this mission. It is my intention, and I hope Solveig would join me, perhaps if you order her.

A: Uncle, you make a strong case, let me, with my lady wife’s support, and my other counsellors, please tell me, here, now, in small council what you all think of this. I think it would be an excellent idea to send adventurers down in the underdark to learn: of the hobgoblins, Ziggy Stardust, dracokin, New Drowla. I am concerned that we do not have the strength to stand alone. We need to unify the kingdoms of Pettylin.

Alfric: Yes, that is one thing I wish to talk with King Aethelstan about, we must discover if the hobgoblins have been seen elsewhere in Pettylin.

Serini pulls Solveig aside

“Look, I’ll be blunt, that was Fucked up. You’;ve never been one to delay in a course of action, I know, but randomly murdering prisoners isn’t going to do anything of value. I understand you were talking to Alfric and swore an oat of vengeance on the hobgoblins, but notice how Alfric saw that, and he’s planning a war. You didn’t, you went for whatever was in front of you.

“Give me hobgoblins to kill and I will kill them.   They will pay, their king will pay, I will kill him!”

We are off to the side, Alfric overhears. He comes in and says to Solveig

“Are you a hunter, Solveig? Do you lie in wait, and strike at the right opportunity. I do not condemn what you did, I approve, but we must be careful how we proceed, and we

“We hunt better with a strong leader. Will the king lead us, or will he sit in his keep?”

“For now, let me be your guide, as we gather for the hunt.”

“Does it not cut you, to let these live?”

Alfric quick as a shot cuts Solveig on the cheek.

“Are you so weak, that you cannot take a cut? Yes, I wish them dead, I wish them all dead, but the small game in front of you, going after the rabbit, you may miss the deer.”

“Then I will follow where you lead in this hunt”  (Gilmore Girls theme song pops in Hugh’s head)

The next few days progress, we hunt some goblins, Solveig feels good about that…

The army needs to leave, but the resources of the community to support the army are running thin. Alfric resigns as an Aldorman, setting his life on this quest to defeat and eliminate hobgoblins. The army marches out, the southern road leads to Hailburg first. When we come close, a second day later, scouts come back reporting that the entire town has been burnt down. All they could see of the local residents was a single female dwarf hanging from a tree.

Solveig, Finian and Vhaeran stealth up to the tree. 22, 29, 8 Stealth checks. We approach what was the town of Hailburg. We see that it has been burnt to the ground, a couple days ago. The dwarf has been decomposing for days.  Solveig boosts Finian- he finds the dwarf is wearing rich wealthy clothes, she must be rich.

Vharan suggests scouting the town before burning her.  He puts a blanket over her face. Vharan is looking for signs of traps, or tracks.  He goes through the ruins of the town, darting around, knowing no one can see him. He finds no one. The place is completely abandoned, many of the possessions have been left behind.  We look for tracks. Solveig is still fantasizing of killing hobgoblins and is a bit distracted. Finian looks around the immediate area of the tree, sees that a large crowd had stood around the tree in a circle, as if there had been hundreds of people who witnessed the hanging. THey are dwarf tracks. The tracks change, look like bipedal hooves.

We send a messenger to the main body of the army to bring Bail up.  Solveig looks for cat tracks. Survival 10- she does not find any.  The others consider what other creatures are bipedal with hooves. The tracks are human size, but most demons are bigger, and that these might be cambians- half mortal half demons. Bail shows up while we are looking.

B: “What has happened here? Where is everyone?”  ---Mother!

He runs up to the body and grabs it “Did he do this to you?!!!”

A: “I am sorry for your loss, it seems likely demons were involved, cambians”

B: WHy would my father destroy them? These were his people, where are all the people?”

We spend the day there hunting for anything. Hunters are deployed to look. Sometimes they find dwarf feet that are extra large, or demonic, or human, but no important information.

We do not see entrance tracks to the town, but Solveig remembers the demon dwarves left by a magic gate.  Serini Detects Magic Perception 22. She finds a trace, a hint of the same school of magic.

Bail: We must find my father, and make him pay for what he has done to my people.

A: I think the course of action is made clear. We need to send delegations to neighbouring kingdoms, make peace with Bebbanburgh, warn them of what might be coming, warn him that he is critically important and that we need to stand together. Send a delegation to Wittenchester. This can be done from Lundine.

The druid Mithlar approaches Serini and says “You called lightning, you summoned plants to trap the hobgoblins. This is incredibly powerful druidic magic! How did you come by these abilities? Only our most senior druids who have been studying for decades can do these things? Who taught you?”

Serini: I seem to have a kack, I have picked it up. “

Mithlar: To summon lightning? This is not the power of a herb woman- this power from an amateur?   The druidic elders need to know of this. I do not think the tribe of my own people, who are at war with my people, are the right place to go, but I encourage you go to the Wataka, the tribe on the other side of the river. Maybe they can discover why, the Feywild has gifted you with great power.

Serini: I have much ahead of me, but I will go.

Towards the end of the day, we see Lundine in the distance. It is on the side of a river that had a bridge. The bridge is destroyed. We look at the town and notice something odd. The soldiers on the wall look strange, almost demonic, with wings. Others look like dwarves. We hear a voice yell out “Serini, is that you darling, it is so nice to see you!”  It is Reberica.

Options:

1. Go to Wataka for Serini
2. Go to Bebbanburgh for help
3. Go to Wintenchester with Alfric

End of Session

Last session the group encountered the Drake as they were going to Wintenchester. They were overwhelmed by their snake and wyvern allies. We surrendered, and were drugged and carried away. We find ourselves in an intense dream: We are being swallowed by a snake, we struggle, fight, cast magic, but to no avail. The snake swallows us. We realize we are the snake, swallowing ourself. When we finally get swallowed completely by the snake that is us, we stare at the moon, hissing. We wake up in a large wooden structure, in a large iron cage. It contains each of us, Alfric, one man at arms. This young man is looking very sick. We also see through the bars another cage full of other people of varying ages, mostly men but some women., They also look quite ill. Verhyn (Shane) is also missing. We have no equipment and are wearing brown rags.

Ori (Gnome wizard) Dr. Koppel Schleppen, chair of department of chronology studies. The other men at arms seem to be missing, should we assume they are eaten?

Serini: “ I certainly hope they haven’;t been, but I will focus on helping people here.” She looks around to see who needs help.

Everyone is looking rough.

Solveig eats her porridge and spends some time trying to break open the cage. (Str 22, 14), the bars barely budge.

Serini tries to help Arrys (Medicine checks). Finnian tries to break the lock with burning hands. 22 damage bends it and can be jimmied open. He breaks the lock off and looks around the room for keys. He sees there is a line of 2 or 3 cages, dim light.  Solveig and Finnian scout around stealthily. 16 and 13.

They see two reptilian grotesque monsters in the hall. All the people in the cages look sick and are not paying attention to us or are interested in us. As we approach the monsters, they look right at us and hiss in a very broken but intelligible common:

“Get back into the cage, new ones!”

Initiative 17, Finnian 23.

Solveig roars and lunges to attack. Finnian slides past her, punching a number of times

1. Finian punches for 10, again for 6, 8 and again missing.
2. Solveig rages and punches twice, hitting for 14.

The reptilian creature looks bloodied.

3. The enemy hiss. “No, no, new ones, this is not good, back in your cage, for your own good!”

Attempts to restrain Finnian: it grabs and holds him down, tongue slithering across his face. The damaged one is also enraged, he straight out attacks. Misses because his jaw is broken, hits Solveig for 5.

Serini and Koppel: Arrys says “I don’t feel good!”  A hump grows on his back, feet grow, claws sprout, and he transforms into a reptile creature. “Yess! It feels good! I belong, I belong! It will feel good, I know it!”

Koppel checks out other sick people and ask how they are feeling. Contemplates what to do.

Serini as well.

1. Finian Str check to break out, but is not able to.
2. Solveig grabs the head of the hurt and smashes him dead. She hits the one holding Finian in the head for 7.
3. The lizard thing tries to hurt Finian, Nat 20 for 8 points.

1. Finian tries to break out, 10 fails.
2. Solveig breaks Finian free
3. Lizard attacks Finian, biting him for 7 and clawing for 5.

Koppel and Serini.  Koppel tries to think what Osmir transformed into. He doesn’t recognize it, other than it is lizard-like. The lizard nearby says “It will come for you, I can smell it on you!” Serini medicine checks herself to see if she is infected with something. 26. She can sense the beginning of a stomach ache and fever. It reminds her of the sickness Ildan had.

The creature formerly known as Osmir says “I must go to the master!”, runs down the hall and bumps into Solveig “What do we have here?”  Koppel says “Osmir, be rational, stay in one spot and we can work this out” “No, I feel it calling me! I must go!”

Koppel “What else calls things?”

Alfric suggests an expeditious retreat.

1. Finian moves past the creature, punching it more. Nat 20!  1st attack 14, 7.
2. Solveig hits the same one again but misses, then tries to grapple, misses.
3. Lizard also misses, doing nothing.   The creature formerly known as Osmir yells “Solveig, no, he’s our friend!” and tries to restrain her, unsuccessfully.
4. Koppel casts a spell that restrains him.  “Ugh, I hate practical applications!
5. Serini moves up.

1. Finian looks around. Sees two more doors. Opens the nearest door (Failing a stealth check). He sees a dining area with tables and a firepit. The door creaks, and the four creatures inside see him and start hissing. “He’s escaped!” “He killed BOB!”  They advance. Finian keeps punching lizard #2. Patient defense.

Alfric runs up to Osmir “Osmir, Osmir, I’ts me, you’ve known me your whole life, please, tell me what’s happening to you!” To know effect.

1. Solveig tries to punch, Nat 1. She bangs her arm against the bar, taking 1 point of damage. She grabs it into a headlock (Nat 20) and growls “Submit or die!” It sends it’s tongue to lick her nose. She is disconcerted, it breaks out of the grapple.
2. Lizard Osmir “Leave him alone! “ and attacks Solveig. He is crying, missing.  The lizards in the dining area advance. The closest attacks Finian for 8 points.
3. Koppel casts Sapping Sting on the one closest to Finian at the door.
4. Serini casts Blight, dealing 20. Killing it.

1. Finian attacks doing a bunch of damage
2. Solveig attacks (Osmir) and misses.
3. (Osmir) attacks Solveig and hits her for 7 damage. (Yikes!)
4. Another creature attacks Finian for 8. Alfric casts Spiritual Weapon attacking Osmir
5. Koppel casts Scorching Ray, burning the lizards.
6. Serini casts Healing Word on Finian.

1. Finian stunning strik on one- stunned
2. Solveig- a man has been making his way to the bars - he hands her a rusty longsword. She swings, misses, the balance is off. The next attack is a Nat 20, she does 26 damage, skewering it dead.
3. The lizards hurt her for 10 damage.
4. Serini heals Finian.

1. FInian attacks the one that is prone, 9 dmg,
2. Solveig attacks one for 16, misses on her attack.
3. (Osmir) “Solveig, I worshipped you for the giant killer, but now you will die!” It deals 7 damage to her.  Another moves away, and Finian punches it dead. The prone gets up and runs away.
4. Alfric moves his weapon and attacks (Osmir) for 10 dmg.
5. Dr. Koppel looks around

Finian Perception roll to find weapons,  Serini Medicine to determine what is wrong with Osmir. 20 and 9. There are no weapons but finds a door that leads to a room with our stuff.

Serini questions the diseased people. Asking if they were given food or drink (yes, a sludge), or if they were bespelled).  They were passed out, they had a terrible dream. What dream? The same dream.

We get our stuff, Solveig searches for those responsible for their captivity, as she is angry. Finian follows.

We discover we are in a village on stilts, many pole boats. We see two creatures like we just fought, and a creature with the bottom of a snake and the torso of a woman. Koppel considers the creature but does not recognize it.

The lizard speaks to the snake. She rises: “Ah, yes, I was told you were powerful. I am impressed that you have such magic. I am fascinated to learn what will happen when the change has taken effect.

Dr. Koppel speaks to her: “Would you be more comfortable in this tongue, my lady?”

Snake: “That’s rather rude of you, do your companions speak the language of the great ones? I am impressed that you speak the language of the great ones, but to the others?”

Koppel: I don’t think so, but I thought we might converse as civilized beings.

“You have killed some of my brood. This displeases me, but that is no great matter. Please return into the hut.”

Solveig uses Divine Sense, but the thing is neither Celestial, Fiend or Undead.

Koppel: “I respectfully decline your invitation, but I must return to my business”

Snake: I regret but your business is not important, you are now in the service of Heardenren”

Koppel: Is that any relation to Randayn?

Snake: They are both Great Ones. This is not an invitation, this is absolute Truth, you, what is best for you right now is to go back into the hut. The change will be upon you.

Koppel: I respectfully request that you reverse this change that you have imposed upon us without permission or forewarning.

She smiles and shakes her head a little; “You are a remarkable creature. The magic that you use, the Great One would be fascinated with you, I have sent him a message”

Koppel: “Yes, I would be pleased to discuss it with them at a mutually convenient location, but I would ask that in their enlightenment they would let us go about our business.

Wisdom Saving Throw.

Solveig turns around and goes back inside along with the others, save Alfric, Koppel and Finian.

Snake: “Remarkable, you have resisted my magic, given to me by the Great Ones.”

Koppel: Finian, remember the idea I suggested earlier? I suggest we do that now” and he begins running away.

Finian tries to shake Solveig out of it, doesn’t work.

Koppel casts Fireball doing 14 and 28 damage to creatures.

Finian tries to fight, but misses a lot.

Lots happens, Koppel polymorphs into a Plesiosaur and tries to swim away.

She shrieks

The Drake Snake tells us to go back to our cells.

Sep 17

Solveig and Serini wake in a new cell, our mouths bound.

“The mistress is displeased, you have put yourselves in danger. Lord Alfric, the Mistress wants to see you”.  He is taken away, when he is brought back and chained. We see a look of confusion, thoughtfulness and some torment.  Osmir turns to Serini, saying “It is your turn, little one.”  Serini’s hands are bound and she is taken down the hallway. She is brought into the dining room. The tables have been pushed to the side. A spot on the wall reveals a hook which Serini is suspended from. Her legs wave in the air. The Brood leave her. The other person in the room is the woman with the snake body.  Hzz’ta is her name.  She looks Serini over in a medical way.  Serini takes stock of her own body, and realizes she feels very sick. Stomach ache, fever, fatigue- 1 point of exhaustion. She looks her over:

“It is already well on its way, for you. Perhaps because you are already old that it has taken effect so quickly. It is for the better. THe sooner the change comes, the easier it will be for you. It will be fascinating, to see if these abilities you have will transfer over into your new body. I have questions for you. Where do these powers come from?” She unbinds Serini’s mouth.

Serini:  “I don’t know for sure, but I suspect that not consorting with dark powers is helpful”.

H: Personally, I have never consorted with dark power. I have consorted only with the greatest of powers. Perhaps you will know soon. I don’t want to lose these abilities you have for the service of the great one. Perhaps there is another way, if you are willing?

H: You are on route to becoming a half-brained Brood, and a small one at that. I’m not sure how useful such a tiny Brood would be to the great one and you do not strike me as a person who would enjoy such a life. You could join the order of the Aes Sedai. You could even go back and see your family.The only condition- that you would become one of us. A half blood, one of the drake in our lesser form.

S: What is us?

H: We are the Drake, servants of the dragons.  Do not mistake your situation. You will be a servant of the dragon. It is merely a question of what kind of servant and your quality of life.

S: What kind of service does the dragon want?

H: Obviously that is up to the great ones. They have returned after thousands of years to enlighten us with their benevolence. You do not need to answer immediately, but the longer you wait, the harder it will be to change course in your transformation.

S: What would be involved in changing course?

H: You would be a half blood like those you fought earlier, but as  a more respected member of the society, you would have the opportunity to become more perfect. There are other more perfect forms you could achieve, you could become a dragon, if you serve them to their satisfaction.

S: What were you before?

H: I was born a half-blood.

Serini: insight check 23, she seems genuine  “I’ll need to think on this, but i’d be a fool not to think on it.

H: You certainly would be. Till later, little one.

The brood come in and take

Solveig’s turn.  She is dragg3ed kicking and screaming, it requires a few punches and picking. She tries to tear a tongue out, succeeds. They pull her in, slam her against the door, punch her a few more times and hang her on a hook. Tied, gagged.

H: Stares at Solveig with a gleam in her eyes. “You will be a great brood. Let us see how far along you have come.” Hzz’ta looks over her. She becomes more frantic, sees a shock in her eyes that she is not trying to hid. Grabs a knife, sticks a knife in, wiggles it around. Solveig snarls and growls.

Hzz’ta drops the knife and backs away. Fear shows in her eyes.

“This is not possible! What are you?”

Solveig growls back  “I swear by Geri and Freki, Odin’s wolves, the hungry ones, by Fenrir himself let me out and I will show you!

H: The seed, it is not in you! I put it in you myself!  Your eyes, you are a wolf child!”

Solveig tries to leap off the hook unsuccessfully. She is beaten and returned to her cell.

Dr. Koppel  creates a simple leanto and a fire, in the swamp. Has his owl hunt for him. Con check of 20, wakes up the next morning feeling good, but covered in mosquito bitres. The owl familiar flies around in a 100’ radius. The swamp doesn’t change much, but he does notice several other villages, no one seems to be out looking for him, and now he sees a giant pyramid about a mile away.

Back at the bad guys’

Solveig, Serini, Alfric are unbound.  A human woman comes to the door and she starts pouring a gruel in front of us. Our gags are removed. There are 5 Broods standing and staring at us. The woman, around 18, stays after the bowls are collected.

Solveig:  What’s your name?

“Zare’xt.  Like the most common name. Were you with the one who threw the fireball?

S: Yes

Z: Why would you do such a thing? My niece almost died because of you. What did we ever do to you?

S: You kidnapped us. Sorry for yoru niece, for whatever it’s worth, but we didn’t wish you any harm.

Z: My niece is a baby, and your friend threw a fireball that almost killed her. I had no part in capturing you, neither did my niece.

S: For what it’s worth, the situation sucks, but, I’m sorry. Children shouldn’t be harmed like that.

One of the Brood laughs and kicks her in her abdomen. She falls over. Solveig lunges (Feints) at them, intimidation 24.  They back off.  Solveig picks her up.  “Who are you, why do you serve these, what is going on here?

“Do you have honor, outlander?”:  Solveig growls “I have more honor than any of these here, shall I swear? I may not have my oath ring but my word is my bond”

Z: falls over next to Serini and asks “Is she for real?”

S: Yes, she has never learned what it is like to be small

Z: We can help you escape, but you will owe us a favor, are you the type to pay back favours?”

Dr. Koppel tries to identify which village his friends are in. He sees one village with a large enough hut to match.  He creates a plan to sneak back in using minor illusion.

He creates a floating log- Stealth Check success, he gets to the middle of the village. He hears carryings on from his companions. He casts Message to Serini:  “This is Dr. Koppel, I am below the hut, please answer, after considering please advise how best to get you out.:

S: Thank the Gods. We are bound and gagged, we just ate, serving woman just told us she’d help us escape, she is angry you fireballed her niece…”

K Messages both Serini and Solveig

Solveig and Serini agree to work with Koppel.

K uses Prestidigitation to make it seems like Solveig shat herself- loud noise and horrible smell.

Messages to Serini: “Stay close to Solveig, that wasn;t her, that was magic: Messages Solveig

K uses Mage Hand to wiggle a knife through the floor.  Solveig grabs it, he messages her to free herself but not kill anyone. Solveig frees Serini and Alfric. Alfric says “I think we should stay. I think this may be the way to fulfill our oaths. She told me they would stop the hobgoblins.

Solveig tells him that she swore to kill the hobgoblins herself. The snake bitch has bewitched him.  Alfric agrees that perhaps they would be negotiating from a

Koppel keeps messaging.

Solveig tries to pull up a board. 13. Very loud creaking noise. We hear a shout “What’s going on???” Two Brood enter the cage to investigate.

Roll for Initiative

Serini 12

Solveig 9

1. Koppel casts Sapping Sting on one, it takes 3 damage and it falls prone.
2. It jumps up and runs towards Alfric, spitting poison at him. He fails his saving throw, taking 12 points of damage. Alfric screams in pain as the poison hurts him. The other Brood attacks Serini for 3 points of damage.

1. Serini  casts Hold Person on one Brood. And moves away

1. Solveig rages, attacks the Brood twice with the dagger, striking for 9 and 7 damage.

1. Alfric moves over to Serini and casts Cure Wounds healing her for 6 points.

1. Dr. Koppel casts Sapping Sting again, it falls prone.

1. BRood attacks Solveig misses her twice and scratches her for 3 dmg.

The other brood succeeds on his wisdom saving throw to shake the Hold Person.

1. Serini casts Hold Person at 3rd level on both of the Brood. They both fail.
2. Solveig tries to cut the throat of one, attacks one for 12 and again for 12. It dies. She turns to face the other held Brood.

1. Alfric casts Cure Wounds on himself.

1. Koppel
2. Serini casts Blight dealing 19 damage
3. Solveig stabs the thing twice more, killing it

We have 2 dead Brood and a dagger.  Solveig figures out how to pull up the boards. Koppel is covered in leeches.

Koppel casts Invisibility on Solveig. She sneaks into the storage room. She looks for her things. She finds her sword and shield, and hears the Brood growl as it notices what is happening in the cell. She continues to search for the equipment.

1. Koppel casts Sapping sting.
2. The Brood darts away from the cell, running away. 1

Solveig sees some prisoners asking for help, one calls out that he does not want to end up one of them. She tells them they don’t have a cure, but she has a knife. She gives the knife to him.

Koppel tells the prisoners he believes the magic is localized adn that if they flee far enough they should be fine. He releases them, tells them their stuff is in the room with chests. They get it.

Koppel explains the plan, telling of the hole in the floor. Drop in the swamp, distraction he will cause, then all scatter. Pick a study buddy, stay close to them, everyone moves in different directions.

Alfric asks Koppel to describe the nature of the distraction.

K: Open to suggestions, but FIre is useful when one lives in wood. He can create sound as well. He casts

Old woman from the Feywild: Serini, I forgot to give this to you!

It is a Staff of Inquiry. 5 charges. Each long rest restores 1 charge.

1 charge= Speak with Animals

3 charges=Speak with Plants

5 charges=Awaken

+1 attack and damage

Appears like a rough hewn hiking stick.

Counts as magical damage.

Serini is meant to ask the animals and plants their opinion in her Inquiry.

Session 25

Serini is in the Feywild,

Solveig, Alfric and Koppel are with refugees and the woman from the cells who offered to help us.

She asks for a favor to help our peoples not turn into lizards.

The woman wants us to go back to her place where she will explain what she wants us to do.

Verhyn is missing.

Finian swims up and Koppel explains what has happened. Solveig asks Finian how he survived, he explains that his “Sweetness” saved him. Finian introduces his friends to Sweetness, some kind of fey creature flitting about his head that no one else can see. Solveig can smell candy, like peppermints.

Vhaeran wakes up in a hut, and hears a hissing moaning sound. Stealth of 28.  He sees a 10 foot long snake with arms, grey scales give the impression of age. He looks out a window and sees his companions walking down the grey stone path among the village..  We join him at the hut. The woman tells him he should not be on his feet yet. Vhaeran feels woozy and goes back inside.

The woman begins to make tea. Finian notices that V has been fed the same gruel. Solveig asks if V is injured.  She hands out the tea. “Your friend here is very fortunate to be alive. Not everyone takes to the change the way the rest of you have, he had a bad reaction. I didn’t think i could save his life, but he seems to be getting better, it is almost as if he was praying to a goddess Leothed.

F: The change you are speaking of…

X: My name is Xarzxt. The change that has been forced upon you will change you into one of those creatures you fought, the Brood. I don’t know how much time you have, but if you help us, I can give you the cure.

S: Xarxt, I don’t get what this is all about, why are people turning into lizard things?

X: We are not ruled by petty kings and lords the way you outlanders are, we are a peaceful people who seldom amongst ourselves rely on a brute with a sword to tell us what to do. But if we cannot resolve problems, we go to one of the Perfect Three, like my Grandmother (behind the curtain)  The curtain is moved aside revealing a 10 curled up snake with arms drinking from a bottle. It looks at us with misery and disinterest.  “She can’t speak the common tongue, the change makes her speak only Draconic. Her name is Hilsat, Spiritual Guide to the rest of us, responsible for tending to the Egg. For as long as my people can remember there has been a giant egg in the pyramid that my people have kept safe.

K: Are we in danger of other Brood coming back and attacking us here?

X: Not immediately, my cousin Hissta went back to the great pyramid to tell Him something, she did not tell me what, but she seemed worked up about it. She took some of the Brood with her, I don’t expect her back soon.

K: Why are these peaceful Brood attacking ships and enslaving people?

X: I am getting to that….As I was saying, the Egg. 2 months ago the egg hatched. It was the most amazing thing that has ever happened. We were so excited, the day that was prophesied for centuries came to pass. A little green dragon hatched, and grew over two weeks, filling up the pyramid. It told us his name was Reardonhen, one of the ancient ones. He told us there was a sacred war coming and we must arm ourselves. He created a false waterfall to trap travellers, and commanded some of the more adventurous among us to take anyone they came across, taking them as pirates. He took these people and put the change on them, but they changed differently, monstrously, and turned into the Brood. There simply are not enough travellers to build an army with. The dragon announced that those of us who were deserving of some sort of punishment were to be turned into Brood. The Perfect Three stood up against them, saying No. The oldest of the three told the dragon this, and the dragon ate her. Reardenhen dissolved the council, dismissed the other member Hezu, but left my Grandmother who announced she was a loyal servant of the dragon. But her authority over the swamp village has been stripped of her and she is a shell of her former self.

Solveig reveals she is not tainted, that Hizz’ta put the seed in her but that it has not worked.

Koppel knows it takes centuries for a dragon to become fully grown.

Koppel speaks to Hilsat and asks “Do you like Reardenhen?”

The snake hisses a lot, exclaims “I love Reardenhen” and falls down. Solveig checks the bottle, and Koppel  distilled spirits, very strong and vile smelling.

Initiative

1. Solveig grabs the bottle and dekes out the hut, not wanting to fight the snake grandmother.
2. Vhaeran follows Solveig and gets his weapons from her pack.
3. Finian- stealth
4. Koppel rolls his eyes, casts a spell, backs out the door. The bottle smells so bad, like the worst.
5. Hilsat flies out the door, screaming in Draconian “Give it back you bitch!” Casts a spell ast Solveig, and she has the urge to give it back. The snake snatches it back and goes back inside.

Zerxt comes out “My grandmother’s not well, if she was stronger, she would be someone we can rally around, and spark a revolution with. There is someone but she is in another village- Hezu. We must rescue her. People will rally to her, and help us fight the Malison (snake woman).

Koppel: If we do this, and kill the dragon, your people presumably would wish to avoid being enslaved by dragons?

Zerxt: well, I am not a fighter, but

Zerxt, you are asking us to take sides in the sacred war against dragons? Personally I would be willing, but I cannot speak for my people. I cannot promise you that now, but if you do as I say, and you seem trustworthy,

Koppel says he can make the Pureka unappealing.

Solveig asks why is grandmother drinking, and Zerxt explains she is filled with shame.

Solveig storms back into the hut and confronts Grandmother, inveigling her to die in her bottle or woman up and join in the fight. Calls her a whiny snake bitch.

Persuasion roll 19

Zerxt says “She fears you are not strong enough”.

Solveig explains about the Seed magic not working, and her muscles are strong.

Grandmother uncoils off the floor to come face to face, looking in her eyes. Solveig smells snake puke breath, but feels Solveig’s head with her hands. FInally her eyes brighten up with snakey hope. She nods. Solveig gives her tea, looks back at Zerxt and says “There. We will kill the dragon”

We must rescue the other Perfect person, guarded by a Malison with a snake head.

Koppel suggests evacuating the village as the cousin might return with many people who might smash things here.

Session #27

October 8, 2020

We have come up with a plan to rescue one of the Perfect Three.

There are Brood on the outside, Malison inside.  The Perfect One is sick and lying down.

Zerxt came with us on the Boat, she will be the Getaway boat.  She will hide the boat 2 turns away (12 seconds).

Dr. Koppel will cast Invisibility with his Bird familiar. He will stay out of the fight and hide.

Finian rolls Stealth for his sneak attack. 23.  Vhaeran also gets surprise attack.

Finian’s first attack is 13 miss, Nat 20, doing 12 damage. Unarmed attack hits for 7.

Vhaeran’s sneak attack does 10 points. And another 9 damage.

Initiative

Solveig 17

Koppel 16

Finian 8

1. Solveig rushes to grapple Vharan’s Brood, grabs its tongue and wraps it around his neck.
2. Koppel casts a spell (Con save 16)- pass, nothing happens.
3. Finian attempts to Stunning Strike once, fail, again 23 hits, doing 11 dmg. Flurry of Blows 23 and 14 both hit doing 12 damage, killing it.
4. Vhaeran attacks with advantage, Nat 20, doing 34 damage. It is dead.

We see a flash of light and Serini appears back from the Feywild learning to use her staff. She seems normal, except she is blue.

Solveig hisses at her party members to stash the bodies under the dock.

Solveig, Finian and Vhaeran stealth over to the next guard. Success!

1. Solveig rages again. Her 20 grapples him.
2. Finian attacks for a 19, doing 10dmg, 2nd attack 5dmg, unarmed strike 6 damage.
3. Vhaeran attacks surprise 20dmg- we take him down.

The group tries to stealth again, but the Brood sees us and it screams out a warning.

1. Solveig rushes up to the brood, she attempts to shield bash it, it laughs, she swing up with her sword for 18 damage, it screams in agony.
2. Dr. Koppel casts Minute Meteors at the Brood to the North, doing 13 damage and setting a hut on fire. Casts Firebolt, hitting 7 damage.
3. Serini moves
4. Finian moves to attack the Brood, hitting for 12, then again 9 and 5.
5. Vhaeran attacks, killing the Brood.
6. Brood go: two and the big bulky snake head guy attack the three fighters. The other three run to the platform.  One bites Solveig for 3 plus 17 poison, plus 3.  Another attack at Solveig, hits for 2.

1. Solveig jumps up onto the walkway, shoving the snake headed creature away, then slashing it for 11 damage.
2. Koppel throws 2 more meteors at the group of three Brood on the platform. Doing 13 damage to all.  Koppel Firebolts the more hurt Brood, killing him.
3. Serini
4. Finian jumps up onto the walkway (Dex check 19) and through the legs of one Brood.He punches the snakehead dude in the face with advantage, dealing 8 dmg. Stunning Strike on the Malison, another punch hits for 9, backhands for 5 damage.
5. Vhaeran jumps ups and attacks for 9 damage.
6. Brood rush to attack Koppel and Serini, for 11. Attack on Dr. Koppel for 3 points, Shield triggers for an AC 18. One attacks Solveig for 7 dmg. One attacks Finian, missing.

1. Solveig swings for 11 and 8 damage on the Malison. It just stands there, woozy.
2. Koppel swims away and Meteors a Brood for 10 and Firebolts for 14, it dies.
3. Serini casts Blight on the Brood(Con save fails) 28 damage kills him.
4. Finian attacks a Brood for 6 damage, and Nat 20 kills him. Finian punches him so hard the Snake head dude flies across the water. The last Brood runs, opportunity attack from Solveig for 12. The Brood jumps into the water.

1. Solveig runs after him and kills him.

Finian runs into the burning hut. He sees the Perfect One, very ill, dazed and confused. It has a big iron manacle around her body chaining her to the wall. She looks at him “What is going on?”

Finian attacks the wall where the chain is attached. Solveig comes to help and manages to get the Perfect One out of the hut. We get into the boat. Serini uses Druidcraft to help put out the fire. Koppel Dragon Breaths from Archimedes from its beak.

Solveig Lays on Hands on the Perfect One to cure of disease/poison. The Perfect One moans “This will make it go faster?” There is no effect, except to calm her.

Koppel turns to Serini and asks her to tell them that the Uprising against the tyrant has begun, and that once successful, they will be healed.

Zerxt makes the speech instead. “We have come here to rescue Heyzu. She and my grandmother Hilzat will lead us against the Tyranny of the dragon. The dragon was promised to us for generations, but has been nothing but a curse to our people. The Brood have eaten our food, left us starving, beated us, been cruel to us, and the Dragon has done nothing. Go to the other villages, tell them what is happening here.

Koppel makes a detect magic ritual on Heyzu on our way back. He does detect the transformation magic on her. She is shaking and getting worse. Koppel asks Serini for a second opinion.

We land on a muddy island and take a short rest.

Heyzu whispers “Yes, yes, I feel the power”  Her body changes, she has 4 more heads, body much larger

What do we do?  Dr. Koppel yells “Expeditious withdrawal!”

Heyzu (in Draconic) No, little one, the master cannot hear me, he has given the power to rule, I will be the commander of a principality of his empire!

Koppel: You realize you live in a swamp with mud huts.

H: I will rule over many mud huts!  I am perfection!

Zerxt: What have you done? You are an abomination!

H: No, I am anathema, bow down to me, snakeling!

Zerxt falls down to her knees “I can’t move!”

You have shown great strength, defeating my guards, the ones to defend me during my transformation.  You may join me!

Koppel speechifies, I wish you luck in your endeavors.

Solveig yells: Shut your snakey pie holes you stinking snake bitch! And goes to attack.

1. Koppel casts Sapping Sting, but Heyzu passes. He moves a bit away.
2. Solveig attacks twice, but her sword bounces off her scales.
3. Finian stuns Heyzu, doing a bit of damage.
4. Vhaeran misses his sneak attack.
5. Serini casts call lightning, Heyzu fails
6. Heyzu casts Fear, and some of us fail (Solveig and Finian)

1. Koppel casts scorching ray for 17 points. Sends Archimedes closer, but not too close, near Serini.
2. Solveig, frightened, tries to master her fear still attacks the stunned Heyzu. 12 and 13 damage.
3. Finian pummels Heyzu for 7 and 9, stunning strike does not work.
4. Vhaeren hits for 23 points.
5. Serini did 11 damage.
6. Heyzu tries to wrap its tail around Solveig but misses. The heads begin to attack Finian, doing 12. In her frustration she cries out, calling forth snake swarms.

1. Koppel attacks a snake swarm with Firebolt. Hits for 14 damage.
2. Solveig misses one attack, hits with another for 7.
3. Finian punches, tries to stunning strike and then patient defense.
4. Vhaeren misses.
5. Serini heals Finian for 7hp.
6. Heyzu tries to constrict attack on Solveig and misses. Bites her for 15 and 8 poison. Claw attack against Vhaeran for 23 points. Snakes attack Serini and Koppel

1. Solveig hits for 7.  (Sweetums says “The big girl seems really cowardly) Solveig
2. Finian is no longer feared. But he misses all his attacks
3. Serini uses her Shilelegh to hit the snakes, Nat 20. 14 damage! Casts Healing word on herself, gaining back 6hp.
4. Heyzu attacks Solveig with Constriction, dealing 9 bludgeoning and 5 acid. She bites Solveig for 13 damage and 8 poison damage.

1. Dr. Koppel casts scorching ray on Heyzu for 13.
2. Solveig takes 18 damage, and she is unconscious.
3. Finian hits doing 5 radiant damage
4. Vhaeran attacks doing 9 points of damage.
5. Serini attacks Heyzu for 7 damage, heals Solveig for 8 points.
6. Anathema drops Solveig, attempts to grapple Finian, claw attacks Vhaeran and he is unconscious. Claw attack against Finian, missing. Bites at Finian for 21 piercing and 3 poison. Snakes attack Serini, she is unconscious. Snakes attack Koppel,

1. Koppel squeals in indignation, rage and terror. He has had enough. He looks at the fiasco occurring on the nearby island, then makes gestures and cries “Expecto Napoleon!” Turns into a massive Giant Ape.
2. Solveig takes 8 acid damage again. Death save success!
3. Finian tries to Burning Hands, doing 6 Fire damage.
4. Vhaeran death save, passes.
5. Serini death save passes
6. Heyzu drops Solveig, tries to constrict, misses, Flurry of Bites doing 31 damage, Claw attack does 20 points.

1. Dr. Koppel smashes Heyzu for 23 damage- Ape Koppel, a giant ape with a pointed beard beats his chest, lets loose a primal roar, baring fangs. Rains down blows on this horrible snake dragon thing, subconsciously channeling his rage against the swamp and all its inhabitants till it drops, then shrieks his victory to the sky.

Zerxt and Dr Koppel stabilize everyone.

Oct 15

Serini casts Cure Wounds on the four people who went down.

Sōlveig wakes up feeling just fine (Nat 20 con save), does calisthenics around the island.

Zerxt says “What will we tell people?””

Solveig says “Tellthem that the perfect one succumbed to the Dragon’s poison and died.

We notice a huge green dragon fly towards the first village we were in.

Solveig cries “We must rescue Alfric!” and jumps into the boat.

Koppel figures that if all of us work together we can all get to the village at the same time.

Solveig encourages everyone to go- we will not succeed if we do not try!

Solveig and Finian row the boat. 14 and 17 athletics checks. Solveig regrets her morning cardio, but Finian’s monk focus allows them to go forth steadily and quickly.

Koppel sends Archimedes to scout, and finds everyone going about their regular business. Alfric and Grandmother are not to be seen. Archimedes lets out a huge screech.

We arrive:

Koppel “Why are you still here? The dragon is coming!”

Little old lady says:  “We are greeting the dragon, you are the troublemakers! Reardenhen is coming!”

Solveig tells Zerxt to find her grandmother. Zerxt runs to find them, but they are not there.

Old lady tells us that grandmother took them away, deeper into the swamp.

Finian asks which way?  The lady says “None of your business”

Asks sweetness Does she know the forest well? Yes

Solveig and Finian row the boat away into the woods. We manage to get away.

Wyverns that were travelling with the dragon seem to coming towards us.

Serini finds a hiding spot, most of the boat is hidden, a bit sticks out.

Stealth check., the Wyvern flies right past.

Zerxt whispers “If they’ve gone into the deep swamp, no one goes there, it is very dangerous.

Information:

Guarding the Pyramid

100 Brood

20 Wyvern

5 Malison

There are Brood and Malison travelling between the villages gathering food and people

A port town with a garrison and Brood.

Either gather the people to attack the Pyramid together or do something to draw the soldiers away from the Pyramid.

Koppel collects driftwood to create Magic Mouth messages on trees.

FInian asks Sweetness to help find our people. Yes, she does, and leads us to a collection of boats fishing in the swamp. About 20 look ready to fight. But they are ready to fish. They figure they outnumber us but not ready to run, so will fight.

Finian holds up a stick and approaches. One shouts “What do you want? Who are you? Why do you have children with you?”

Finian:  We don’t want to hurt anyone, we are looking for our friends who got lost in the swamp.

Dude “What village are you from?

Zerxt shouts :Zeyvar, it’s me, Zerxt! These are friends!

Zeyvar: Zerxt, is that really you? Where is your grandmother?

We talk to Zeyvar, who tells us of the Devourer in the swamp. A collection of mouldering leaves, twigs, branches.  We find out that a boat was seen heading towards the area of the Devourer.

Finian feels cold all over and no sounds

In common we hear a shout, “Not today you bastard!” More shouting

We row frantically towards the shouting.

We see the shambling thing grab Alfric and swallow him. Hilzat lies on the ground, feeble.

1. Solveig jumps in the water, swimming fast, then throws a javelin hitting it, but drops her second javelin.
2. Vhaeran moves up 25 feet through the water. Throws a knife for 22 damage. It slices through the mound.
3. Finian tries to move the boat up
4. Dr. Koppel swims to a tree, hides behind it and casts Firebolt.
5. Serini casts lightning, notices that the gashes caused by the dagger start to close up. She communicates this to the party.
6. Shambling mound attacks, missing Solveig. Solveig can see Alfric is being dissolved and dying within the mound. We do not have unlimited time to defeat it.

1. Solveig slashes it twice, dealing 19 damage.
2. Finian moves closer and throws punches from afar. (radiant) 6,
3. Vhaeran misses some attacks and feels a snake wriggle past his boot.
4. Dr. Koppel tries to climb a tree, casts Firebolt, 11 damage, rolls perception Nat 1.
5. Serini casts blight, it succeeds doing 64 damage.   As the mound is drained of life, it starts tearing itself. The part that was devouring Alfric crunches down on him, she thinks it has only 6 seconds left to live. We must kill the beast now or Alfric dies.

1. Solveig throws down her shield, grips her sword in both hands and attacks once for 10 damage, then misses.
2. Finian moves up, casts Burning Hands, using all his Chi 37 fire damage.  As he starts the blast of flames, at first it feels like he’s made a terrible mistake, because the fire doesn’;t seem to be doing enough damage. He intensifies, pouring his Ki in, and the fire is burning, Sweetness says “I’m sure the guy inside deserves it too!”  The thing dies and Alfric is down too.
3. Vhaeran holds his action.
4. Dr. Koppel holds his action.
5. Serini casts a 3rd level healing word to heal Alfric for 11hp. Alfric is healed up just a little.

1. Solveig lays on hands for 5 points. Alfric lives!

Alfric wakes, but he is covered in burn scars that will never heal properly. His once handsome face is ruined. “What was that, what caused that fire?”

Finian says at

Alfric: You have scarred me...but you also saved me, thank you. He passes out from the exertion and shock.

The Perfect One looks like she had been battered by the Devourer. She looks at Finian and says “Power used irresponsibly is a dangerous thing. The thing was near death. You should have known”.

Finian: The lesser of two evils.

Perfect One: I was not expecting to see you here. What happened?

Solveig: She was poisoned by the dragon and died. Lets just leave it at that Deception 4 fails.

Perfect One: What are you not telling me?

Serini: She was tainted by the dragon, turned. She attacked us.

PO: After you freed her, she attacked you?  Then I am the last one, the last of the perfect three. I hope you do not take this as pretentious, but I feel that if I fail my people now they will be doomed to slavery forever. I will help you in any way I can. We can gather the others out here to fight.

Finian suggests we go back to Zeyvar’s village. Hilzat says she will vouch for us.

We head back to where Zeyvar was. The second they all see the Perfect, they hush, saying Hilzat is out here, why are you here?

She says, “I have been driven from my home by the dragon. The dragon has led to the death of the other perfect two. We thought the dragon had come to lead us to a new world of greatness, out of our poverty, instead he means to enslave us and destroy us. It is time to stop running. Help these people who destroyed the Devourer, who are our chance to destroy the Dragon. Go out and gather the other people. I will send a snake to tell you what we are planning on doing.

They agree.

Options:

We have some 80-100 people in the deep swamp who can help us. What else do we want to do to gather support? There is the port town of 200 people (big village) where the pirates are sent out from. The Pyramid and a bunch of other villages we can visit.

Finian votes going to the Port Town.

(Finian (Tom) leaves the campaign)

October 22

Alfric was badly hurt.  In the morning Serini heals herself and Alfric. We are on the island with Zeyvar and his people. Alfric was brought into a small structure. Throughout the night Serini checks on him, healing him as best she can. Every time she goes in there, Finian is sitting vigil over Alfric, meditating in silence. She can tell he is tortured.

“Serini’s magic has helped a great deal. I do not think I will ever be myself again. The pain of the fire was unlike anything I have experienced before. Being swallowed by the creature on top of it”

“But Alfric, we swore an oath together!”

“The pain is nothing like the pain I will bring upon them fire and blood”

“You do not fear the fire?”

“I do, I will use it as a tool”

Solveig:  “I also hate fire.

Fiinian: “The masters of the monastery were right. I have no idea how to use my abilities responsibly. I have misused it and lack self-control. This is the product of my eagerness to show off my powers. You are someone who is fond of oaths- well, I swear an oath now, I swear I will never fight again”

Koppel: Well, that seems just as self-indulgent and selfish as showing off”

Finian clutches his fists, about to make a familiar gesture for flames, and stops himself. “No, I will use the chi inside of me for the betterment of beings, not fighting. I will return to the monastery and make it a place of peace in a time of war.”

Koppel suggests Finian stay and help the snake people.

Finian points at Alfric “This is the result of my helping. And if you don’t understand frankly I don’t care.” and begins to walk away.

Koppel begins to get more heated. Solveig picks him up, growling “Take your anger outside, please” and puts him down gently out of the shelter.

Finian: Maybe someday I can be of use in different ways. For now I wish you luck.

As the morning progresses, the locals go fishing. Food is becoming an increasing problem although we took care of the monster wrecking the ecosphere. Solveig stays with Alfric while Koppel and Serini go help.  They come back with enough fish for the day. In the meantime more people arrive looking for Zeyvar.  The Perfect is also in the shelter.

“We need to talk to him and everyone out here. There is dire news, we need to tell everyone what is goin on. Refugees have been pouring into the deep swamps. Apparently there is some voice in the swamp, people thought it was the spirit of the swamp telling us to rise up against the dragon, but were quickly destroyed. They have been dragging everyone to the temple. The Brood have been out among people taking all the food, so everyone is fleeing to the deep swamps.  There are hundreds on their way.

Solveig suggests the newcomer come speak to the Perfect. The fishing people come back, word has spread and the party all gather to talk with Hilzat, Zerxt and Zeyvar.

Hilzat listens to the news and says: “This is very concerning. I have been thinking and speaking with Alfric. I do not think we can defeat the dragon. Alfric says that his king has been looking for settlers that has recently gone vacant.”

What about the people sick with the curse that turns them into Brood.

Zerxt says she can teach us to brew the substance that keeps the change at bay. To remove the curse entirely the only thing that needs to be added is dragon blood. The ingredients, most of them are commonly found. I can teach you and Serini how to brew the potion.

Koppel says he is wholeheartedly in favour of an expeditious, tactical withdrawal.  Koppel and Serini spend some time learning how to make the potion.  Koppel suggests arranging sufficient food and preparations for vacating the swamp and going to this land.

Throughout the day about 300 Drake arrive. Getting to the river will be difficult (means going through the dragon area)

Koppel: Serini, you are familiar with the ..outdoors… perhaps you could navigate a route?

Forested dryer land is about a day away.     The land to be settled is the dwarf town of Haleburg. It might take about three weeks to a month to travel there.

Koppel suggests organizing a guard. Serini agrees that we need to make efforts to be protected and fed.

As people arrive we notice that Zeyvar and Zerxt are doing much of the work settling the refugees, gathering the resources, acting as leaders.  Towards evening there is a great kerfuffle a few islands over, much shouting in Draconic.  We hop in a boat heading over with Zerxt. As we arrive we see a large group that has come together. Zerxt recognizes some of them. “Some of them are the worst of the collaborators, they must be here to spy on us!”

What is going on?  Zerxt: Oh my god!  We see that the top half of a woman bottom half a snake, rises up. Our old friend Hizsta (who kidnapped us) has joined the refugees.

Solveig draws hers sword, hops out the boat and strides towards Hizsta with bloody murder in her eyes.

In draconic she explains to the crowd that:

“The dragon offspring has been born. Reardenhen has taken to feeding the Drake to Rearfil. Having learned that this is what the dragon was doing she decided to join the refugees.”

Koppel: “Yes, who could have seen that coming”

The crowd seem very skeptical and getting increasingly angry.

Solveig attacks Hizsta - Initiative.

Dr. Koppel 22

Solveig 20

Serini 9

1. Koppel casts a spell putting Solveig in stasis. Solveig fails her save and is frozen.

Koppel: Children, let’s all go to our corners now and settle down before the dragon eats us all. Go over there, don’t hit anything with your long pointy bit of metal. Don’t antagonize her.

Persuasion with disadvantage. 10

They turn and look at Koppel, noting his haughty draconic accent, and seem hostile to him.

Hizsta “I know what I did was wrong. If you the people wish to punish me, I will throw myself at the mercy of the Perfect One. But you must heed my warning- Rearfill is ravenous as he grows.

Serini: Oh, it would be a shame

Zerxt nods “I wonder if dragon is good eating!”

Solveig comes out of stasis. Rage is dispelled. She stumbles on her first attack, does a double take on her second, skipping her turn.

Hizsta looks down at Solveig and casts Hold Person on her.  Solveig is held still.

Serini speaks: “I realize there are people you have wronged. Convince us you mean it. It doesn’t look like these people are happy, we aren’t happy with you.”

Hizsta curls up small: I have wronged many of you, (names many), looks at Solveig, who is still being held “You as well, wolf-kin. I attempted to torture you out of fear for what you are. I am sorry for that. I will throw myself to the judgment of the Perfect One. Serini and Solveig make Insight checks 5 and 15.  Both of them get the sense that she is being genuine. The crowd seems to be mollified.

Solveig remains in the hold.

H: Wolf Kin, if I will release you, will there be peace between us until the Perfect One makes a judgement? Look up for yes, down for no.

Solveig rolls her eyes and looks sideways. H leaves Solveig there, and eventually the magic wears off.  Everyone brings Hizsta to the Perfect One.  We follow.

Hizsta is brought to the Perfect One. Everyone is gathered around, almost restraining her.

The Perfect One sees Hizsta (grandmother and granddaughter face off) bowing down, arms crossed in traditional symbol of subservience to the Perfect Ones. She slithers out, wraps herself around Hizsta in an embrace. “It is good that you have come back to us, granddaughter, and you will always have our love. But you have done many terrible things and I believe there must be consequences. The crimes you have commited are without precedence to our people. So I will call upon any suggestions on what is to be done.”

The people call out “Crucify her!”

Koppel says “If there is an attack by the dragon, she should sacrifice herself for the community”

THe Perfect One agrees with the “Little Arrogant One” : Service to the community is apt.

Hizsta says the baby dragon is large. (2x2) Zerxt points out that it hunts from the sky. Signal- burn things?

The 600 people won’t be able to leave until the next morning.

Hizsta can: Suggest, Hold Person, Evoke Nightmare, cantrips, chill touch, eldritch blast, darkness.  Hunger of Haydar, Arms of Haydar.

Solveig remembers her magic necklace, lends it to Koppel, to use it to loudly insult the dragon.

We have Vhaeran, Hizsta, Koppel, Serini and Solveig.

People volunteer to set up watches, the night passes uneventfully.

Koppel points out that the dragon approaches. Hizszta says we should find a nearby island and set up our defensive position and get it to attack.

Snivelling snot smear,

You’re going to make an excellent belt!

We do so!

Initiative  19 Solveig, 11 Koppel, 7 Serini

1. Solveig hold her turn until a dragon comes within 30 for a javelin attack
2. Wyrmlings and Dragon fly in closer.  Solveig throws a javelin for 6 damage at the dragon. The dragon breathes at Vharen and Hilzat. A poisonous cloud rolls out. A wyrmling breathes at Solveig passes and takes 10 points of poison damage. Another bites at Solveig and misses. Vharen is badly hurt.
3. Dr. Koppel turns into a giant ape and attacks doing 24 damage to the baby dragon. And again for 21.
4. Hizsta casts Hex on the big dragon. “This is for all the people you killed!” attacks but misses.

1. Solveig runs forward provoking an attack of opportunity from a wyrmling. She slashes into the dragon, doing 14 points of damage.
2. Vhaeran attacks for 16 points.
3. Wyrmlings attack the Koppelape, for 11 and 11 points of damage, and Vhaeran takes 10 points. Dragon attacks, focusing on the ape. Bites 20, Claw 6.
4. KongKoppel smashes for 16 and 22 damage.
5. Serini casts Call Lightning

1. Solveig hits for 11. HDYWTDT  As the blood is pouring out of it, she feels within her a sensation she has never felt before. It is almost like the touch of the gods when she made her oath. There is something different about it. She feels the wolf within her howling in delight. She has a sense of destiny and completeness, a feeling that an itch she always had but didnt know has been scratched, she is filled with the thrill of the kill beyond any she has felt before, like a pack of wolves howling.  She throws her head back and howls with them, satisfyingly.  The wyrmlings run, she slashes at one, hitting for 12, disabling it for a moment. Kong Koppel punches one out of the sky.
2. Koppel tries to hit it but misses.
3. Serini lightnings the wyrmling near Dr. Koppel and tries to save Vhaeren, but does not succeed.

1. The wyrmling is crying pitiously. Solveig jumps on it, grappling. “You will have enough blood in this one to cure everyone if you don’t kill it”
2. Hizsta casts Hold on it. The thing is captured.
3. KongKoppel tears his wyrmling asunder, crying his victory to the sky.

Solveig wants the tail and teeth to make into a belt and necklace, and keep the tail spinebones. She also wants the wings from the torn up wyrmling for a helmet decoration.

Koppel requests a chance to dissect these beasts for research. “There will be more meat that way”

Koppel: Serini, if you’d be so kind, you’d likely have more skill in the actual cutting that I would. If you would let me direct you, we can learn more from it.

In the distance we hear a giant roar of rage. We gather that the daddy dragon has sensed the death of his son.

Serini gets enough dragon scales to make one set of armor.

Koppel gets dragon organs

Solveig gets enough underbelly skin to make a shield cover, the wings for a helmet and teeth.

Koppel casts detect magic as a ritual, but does not sense anything on Vhaeran.

Serini checks his gear for useful items: rapier, thieves tools and other equipment.

Group survival check: 7, 15 and 20

We give Vhaeran a viking burial, sending the flaming boat in the opposite direction.

**We gain half a level.**

**October 29**

**Dragon parts are used to make:**

**Dragon Scale armor 14+Dex for Serini. Resistant to poison, Saving Throw advantage against Dragon Breaths**

We are travelling with the refugees through the forest. We spend most of our time hunting and searching for food. Travel goes slowly with many stops. We can question the Wyrmling.

Koppel: I don’t see why we should even make an effort of being nice. I could simply cut off its wings.

Zerxt: yes, that rope would come in handy.

Koppel: We don’t have to tolerate any nonsense from it. Intimidation check 16.

Koppel: Dear sir or madam, to whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?

The wyvern replies: My name is Willarsed.

K: Are you male or female?

W: Get away, I’m not interested, little one.

K: That’s a shame… I am asking for scientific purposes.

W: Male

K: How old?

W: That is not a straightforward question. By some reckoning I am three weeks old, and by other reckonings hundreds of years.

K: Is this in reference to your egg?

W: I once flew these skies when your ancestors crawled in the mud. I will see you all crawl in the mud again.

K: Yes, but that might be “you” as dragonkind and not “you”, particularly.

W: No! I Will not do you any harm!

K: When you say you previously flew, is this in a sense of a resurrection or a sense of being reincarnated?

W: Long ago we saw the war turn against us. So the greatest amongst us took us into a place of darkness where we slept. When I awoke I emerged from an egg.

K: What is the greatest among you?

W: Randayn!

K: Oh yes, the great red one. You must be very excited about her rising. (collects some dragon drool)  Now, Willarsed, how is the speciation of your people- are there cultural differences, or purely physical? Green dragons vs red.

...History check to determine the quality of all the questions Koppel asks in the questioning.

27 gets a lot of info.

K: What are the immediate plans of the dragons about invasion or subjugation of native populations.

W: Pettylin will be the first province among the Dracokin!

K: Who do the dracokin include?

W: I have been gone too long to know.

K: Are there temples, pyramids, elsewhere throughout Pettylin?

W: Yessss

K: Do they guard dragons?

W: Eggs. There are many eggs in Pettylin. We don’t know where they all are.

K: What are your plans for the forests, for example?

W: I don’t know. I am a wyrmling. The Greatones do not tell me everything.

K: For the cities?

W: All giakin will be conquered and subjugated.

K: What are the next targets?

W: We will turn this tribe of yuanti to Brood and march them to war. We were going to take the Sari, when they arise, to  towns and cities to the north (Lundine).

K: The dragons will be the leaders of this army?

W: Yes, the dragons will rule over everything.

K: Do you speak common?

W: No, but I can understand the speech.

K: What do you eat?  You have been cooperative, we should feed you.

W: I can eat any meat, but I especially delight in fish.

K: I enjoy fish as well. I will see what I can do. You understand, attempts to escape… I find conversation with you quite pleasurable, but if you attempt to escape, I will remove your limbs. First your wings.

W: One word of warning, the hobgoblins come to enslave you, where we would set you free of their rule. The hobgoblins are evil, they know nothing but brutality and war. If they take this land, even you little people would be slaves under their whips. Join us and fight the hobgoblins.

K: We shall thoroughly explore and consider our options and make decisions where appropriate.

W: You would be a worthy servant of the great ones. Perhaps they will allow you to write their words like a scribe.

K: I will see what I can do to send you fish and water.

W: My wings itch. This rope is uncomfortable.

K: Yes, in the future, when we trust you more. By which I mean, you will be accorded greater latitude and afforded more comforts as a prisoner (truthful)

[Hugh will do a writeup from Willardsed’s perspective]

Solveig asks: What do the dragons have to do with the wolves?

Willardsed looks scared and hisses. “It was the wolves we fled into the dark place!”

“I wasn;t there, they said the great wolf defeated Randayn, it was after Randayn was defeated, and the betrayal of Brendan Nathaniel, that is when we had to flee.

S: What great wolf?

“I have not met it or fought it or I would not be alive today. Anything that could defeat the great one is to be feared!”

S: Do you know its name?

“Ledridden”

K: Was Ledridden a real wolf or metaphorical?

W: The stories say it was a real wolf.

Solveig and Serini remember that the book had the prophecy of Ledridden.

W: In the before times, the dragons did not have cities but they had great lairs full of their servants. Each dragon had their own lair and servants. The number depended on the dragon’s greatness, from the dozens to the hundreds.

K: For what it’s worth I have met the hobgoblins and they are as bad as you say.

5 weeks of travel, early July. Dr. Koppel makes friendly conversation with the wyrmling. Roll persuasion: 11. Willardsed is not hostile, but still suspicious and scared. Solveig, from time to time, goes to observe the dragonling, making it squirm.

As we travel it is very difficult to discern which way we are going. Occasionally we have to rescue a hunting party being attacked by a monster, people sometimes disappear in the night, everyone needs to be careful. Near the end of the 5 weeks, we spot mountains. Alfric thinks they are the Lornish Mountains, home of the King of Lornburg. A Saxangle kingdom but also a dwarven clan. Dominated by the dwarves, they have taken on many Saxangle society traits. King Lorn rules over a small kingdom that is famous for having the largest deposit of gold. They are small but wealthy. Closely allied (client kingdom) of Wintenchester, part of the league of Wessex. They are situated south of the kingdom of Lundine, along the Rike river. (The big river)

During the travel Serini uses her staff. Every time, she changes colour. Last setting is green.

One evening before then, Solveig gives Serini and Koppel.

Solveig makes matching armbands for the three of us- Serini, Dr.Koppel and myself, out of green dragon leather. They bear a stylized image of each of us- our form in silhouette in front, and behind a symbol indicating our power. A howling wolf head behind Solveig, a hulking giant ape form behind Dr Koppel, and forked lightning striking down behind Serini. I’d like to be working on this in my spare time when not travelling, hunting or on watch during the month it will take to get to Haleburg and settle the Drake safely.  I want to give this to Serini and Koppel when done as a symbol of our accomplishment as a team.

Koppel and Serini both are appreciative. Koppel wants to celebrate, offers an alchemical strong drink. It’s not up to his usual standard, as we are travelling.  He takes out three little shotglasses and passes them out. Con saves 10 Serini, 12 Solveig, 18 for Koppel. At first the drink is disgusting. But from hunger and boredom it feels good to feel good. Serini wakes up the next day covered in puke and despite her herbalism she has a three day hangover. Solveig wakes up with a pounding headache that she takes out on the wyrmling. Koppel wakes with a bounce to her step, no problem at all.

As the band approaches the mountains we reach a guardpost. We are met by guards and get agreement that we can travel to the great hall. (The people must wait behind).  Much Saxangle imagery in the mountain hall. We are not allowed in to see the king. A cleric of Thor approaches and says, “ I understand you are heading to Lundine? I have an associate who wishes to travel with you. Would you come with me?”

He leads us to the temple area where we meet Shane’s new character:

Pretty much at first glance your stereotypical dwarf- long braided beard. Long hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, sides shaved, tattoos on the sides of his head, Viking runes, Thor’s hammer. Hair is auburn. A gold clasp holds his beard. Wearing scale armor. Kneels before a warhammer on the floor, deep in prayer, shield on his back. He does not notice us arrive as he is into his prayers.  Shield bears a picture of Thor’s hammer- traditional viking Mjolnir.

The cleric who brought us becomes impatient. “I’ll leave you to become acquainted.”

Serini: I don’t think we should bother him while he’s praying”

“Oh, well met, who are you guys?”

S: We understand you are looking to travel to Lundine?

“You don’t look like much, but I’m happy to travel with you. My name is Ivor Halverson”

S: Yeah, we fought the demon dwarves more than once, Solveig

I: They are an affront to my kind, an insult to dwarves. I am a priest of Thor.

S: You are from here in Lornburg?

I: Yes, this is my home. I have been gifted with a holy mission to eradicate the demon dwarves.

Solveig: “I’ll help you kill demon dwarves if you help me kill hobgoblins.” She shakes hands with Ivor and gives him 1 point of Lay on Hands and makes her eyes glow.

The conference started in the morning, it is now evening.

Alfric approaches our table. “The deal has been done. King Brozelog will allow us to cross his land. He will provide transport to King Eretos. He is charging the refugees 300 gold.  Serini suggests she can provide fertility to the crops for a year. Koppel offers magic items that proclaim the king’s greatness. The king asks for 3 days’ worth, a dozen devices that say All Hail King…  The king asks a special request, for Koppel to make one that goes off: Whenever his wife approaches his bedroom to let out a loud chirping noise. Asks assurance of Alfric that if the crop buff doesnt work Alfric would pay him 200 gold.

After the three days, it takes a lot to organize the ships. We are sent ahead about half a day. Serini uses animal messenger  to send a message to Aritos:

“Solveig, Serini and companions, several hundred refugees coming to resettle at Haleburg”

She sends a bird but gets a sense that the message was not received.

She tries again at Rikemill, but they fail.

Sends to Leothed at the mill, but it fails.

Serini suggests we stop in at Rikemill to see how things are going.

What to do with the wyrmling?

Koppel:  So Ivor, by the way, we have a dragon. We have to decide what to do with him, his name is Willardsed.

Ivor:  You brought a live dragon to the gates of my city? I want to see it!

When the dragon sees Ivor, it snorts its nose.

Solveig :I wonder what kind of sails dragonwings would make, for a small boat.

W: Dr. Koppel, you said I was your prisoner!

K:  Yes. I think it would be in the best interest of all our societies if he were taken somewhere safe and treated with respect. Still a prisoner, like a foreign noble or captive.

Solveig: How about slave?

K: That is not appropriate

Solveig: How many people did you eat?

W: Giakin are not people!

K: Have you heard of critical intersectionality?.... Well, some other time, it takes a while to explain.

W: I look forward to it.

K: I would think that the sensible thing to do would be to treat Willarded with respect and dignity, or to kill him outright in a clean or painless way. I do not think slavery is appropriate.

W: Every society must have people who keep their words or there will be chaos.

K: Would you sear on the glory of Randayn, and all your future eggs?

W: Yes, I swear on Randayn and all my future eggs not to try to escape unless… conditions: If he’s rescued

Solveig: I’m confused. I thought only hens lay eggs, not roosters.

Koppel explains biology. They actually have very advanced anatomy… The short answer is no, but he fathers eggs.

We all feel like the dragon is honest.

Dr. Koppel: can create a device to warn if it flies.

It takes four days to get to Rikemill. As we travel the dragon flies up to dive into the river to fish. We learn it can breathe underwater for a while. As we approach Rikemill with the dragon we create quite a stir. Folk run to the battlement, close the gates. People are confused.

The harbor is well-defended with wall-works all around it. On top of the gate we see Lord Dunstan. When last we saw him he was in competition with his younger brother to become the Aldorman of Rikemill.  It was determined that neither of the sons had killed the father.

Dunstan is standing at the gate and shouting out:

“Who is there, who is that!”

Solveig waves a branch:  Solveig, Serini and Lord

Dunstan: “Solveig Giantkiller! Well met! We see many boats behind you.  What is this creature flying about you?”

He comes out and clasps arms with Solveig.

We explain what is happening. He listens and says: “It will be up to good king Aritos to make this decision. You will find him in Lundine.”

Serini: Oh, we were victorious!

Dunstan: In a manner of speaking. We discovered the city was abandoned. No trace of where they went, but the demon dwarves are gone. Lundine is in the hands of the king.  We learn eventually that the people who were stuck in the city (about half) either disappeared or are dead. The gates to the city are destroyed.

Dunstan is skeptical of our story. He forces the Drake on the other side of the river. He throws a feast for us where we are invited to tell the tales.  Solveig pays 100 gold for a feast for the Drake, which feeds them well tonight and supplies for several days.

Solveig tells the story, gets people’s attention with giant snake lady, loses their attention by talking of minute details, over explaining things, referring to Serini occasionally. Overall people get the point and cheer at the right times.

A member of the Market society is there taking notes. At one point when we are done with our tales, he sits down, asks for details to write his own version in the style of the Bebbanburg performance.

Dr. Koppel’s Enchanted Herald

Lundine is on the way to Haleburg.  We arrive at Lundine and see a mass grave. This is where the bones of the people of Lundine who were burned are buried. The city is full of disquiet.

Many of their loved ones have passed away under the rulership of a king who is a stranger to them. Serini and Koppel cast Detect Magic and wander the city. Every once in a while there are posters offering rewards for cats. There are piles of dead cats. But, with Detect Magic there are still hints of demon cats that scurry away as only cats can. As they get closer to the site, they detect the remaining whispers of magic of the giant portal.

Koppel:  Archimedes, I will reward you for every cat you find.

Alfric expresses concern that this is not the last they will see of Hale Bebba.

We go see Aritos. He is holding forth on Justice.

Solveig comes in: And so is Vengeance! Hail mighty Aritos, high mighty just king Valkyrie!

Aritos: Well met Solveig Giantkiller!  Who is this dwarf whom I have sensed the strength of the Gods.

Ivor:  Yes, Justice is a good thing! Hail and well met, King Aritos. I am Ivor Halverson, cleric of Thor.

Aritos: It is good to see you again, Serini. I have news for you and Solveig Giantkiller. It seems that by grace of right and the Gods it seems King Uhtred is willing to have just negotiations.

Before we can have negotiations, he wants his slave Solveig and servant Serini return. If you choose not to,

Leothed is there, and Solveig holds forth on Vengeance.

L: What of Vhaeran?

Solveig tells an epic poem of Vhaeran the Dragonbane. Nat 20 performance. The tale of Vhaeran Dragonbane will spread throughout the land.

Next session is Tuesday. (also the day of the election) Ori is more interested in Dungeons and Dragons than Douchebags and Dementia.

Bebbanburg performance was April 15. We left a couple days after that. Arriving back in Bebbanburg on July 12th.

5 weeks travelling

November 2

We were told by King Aritos that for diplomatic relations with Bebbanburg to continue Solveig and Serini need to return to King Uhtred.

Serini and Solveig agree that coming back with a dragon will help our position.

We travel, and getting closer to Bebbanburg there is excitement regarding the dragon. Word spreads. When we arrive the town is on alert, but not completely up in arms.

We will have sent a message in advance to warn them.

Captain Finnen of Uhtred’s Kingsguard comes out to greet us. He is a handsome man, his most noticeable feature is dragon tattoos along the sides of his face and neck. When he sees Willowsed, he stops and stares, in almost religious awe, surprise and fear.

History Solveig and Serini know: Uhtred was sold into slavery when Ethelred was young. When he was going around the North and Sunset Seas he met Finnen. Uhtred spent some time in Kuronian society.

As Finnen approaches, we notice Urdel Stormborn, the court sorceress. She notices Serini and jumps up and down in excitement, runs towards Serini (from the same village originally). Gives Serini a big hug and says “You’re green, you’re green, you’re green, it’s such a pretty colour!” Sparks of electricity dance around her.  “I have something to tell you! I will tell you later! Later later, such beautiful secrets, I’m looking forward to telling you.

Finnen clears his throat: “Men, arrest Serini”. Several soldiers move forward, not looking like they will do violence”

SOlveig steps in front. Serini”: I thank you for your support, but whatever this is, I trust Uhtred generally, I will go forward.

They take Serini, not really guarding her, but half honor guard, half prison guard, not making a lot of effort to restrain her.

There is a crowd around Willarsed, which he is not used to. He is preening, flapping his wings, flying up a bit. Everyone is very curious, edging forward

Solveig tells the dragon to behave

Finnen hears Eivor, and addresses him: A cleric of THor?

Eivor: Yes, I am on a mission to destroy the Demon Dwarves. I hail from Lornburg.

Finnen nods in understanding.

We walk through the town, making quite the stir, even without the dragon.

Serini realizes that she insulted a high fey when she gave her metal when she received her staff. Serini realizes this is a practical joke.

As we get close to the central power we notice 4 or 5 dark elves hanging around, and a few more in the great hall, where Uhtred is on the dais with his 2 sons, and his wife.

New Drella had been conquered by the hobgoblins

Serini notices Stiorra’s handmaiden. Perhaps this is why Serini is under arrest?

We are brought before Uhtred.

Uhtred looks down at Serini, then up at Solveig, looks into her eyes.

Insight checks Serini Nat 20, Solveig 15. To Solveig he seems like he is not angry at all, but other than that it is unclear. To Serini, difficult to read, exactly. No fury, a bit of anger, but the anger is more on display than coming from a core part of fury. She gets the sense that he has something specific in mind for how this is going to play out.

He brings his attention back to Serini:

Uhtred: When last we spoke, you promised to bring my daughter to the sacred shrine of Mordor. Where is my daughter?

Serini: We brought her to the site, found it had been attacked by an army. Were left to make alternate arrangements, and your daughter was killed. We are so sorry.

Grumbling from the crowd, more from the wife.

U: How, exactly, did she die?

S: I was a fool.  That’s the short answer. Hale Babba killed her.

More grumbling.  “How did Hale Babba get his hands on my daughter?”

(We had the feeling Aethelred was going to torture Stiorra, and Hale Babba promised to hold her as a hostage)

Serini: When we arrived in the kingdom of Lundine, we found ourselves in a difficult political situation, where the king wanted to torture her. It became very clear that he did not like you and it

Koppel: A holdout refused to go to war

Solveig: Lord Alfric

Uhtred: Who is this child?

Koppel: Child? I am centuries old!

Serini: Be quiet! This is very delicate!   I am sorry, we found ourselves in a bad position. I made a mistake, and I would

Lady Marian the handmaiden: This  accounting is true, is there any other here?

Urdel steps forth and says “I’ve known, I’ve known, I’ve known her my whole life and she is a good woman!”

Serini’s son: I know my mother, she would not lie.

Aldorman of Rook Hill (halfling) steps forth: “My lord king, if you would recall before the elves attacked Rookhill, we received a message forewarning us of the assault, and that message came from Serini, in that, she serves the kingdom well, even though she failed to protect your daughter.

Uhtred: Yes, that, at least, was well done, Serini of Rook Hill. But, I cannot let the matter pass of my daughter. You said to me that you would make it up to me if you could, then by the laws handed down to me by our ancestors I demand a wereguild of 1000 gold pieces. If you cannot pay it all, then you will owe 10 gold a month interest. Otherwise you may submit to me as a slave for 10 years. You must tell me your decision by sundown. 10 gold is a monthly salary of a man at arms (a fair bit of money).

We are dismissed, but Uhtred signals Eivor to come speak with him. Serini and Solveig leave Uhtred.

Uhtred: Fennin tells me you are on a quest to destroy Hale Babba and his demon dwarves.

Eivor: Indeed, they are a blight!

Uhtred: My son, Uhtred the younger (who has walked away and is speaking with the dark elves), has some information to share with you. If there is anything you need in support of your quest I would help you.

Eivor: I appreciate it.

Solveig gives Serini 520 gold towards her wereguild.  Take this, do not sell yourself into slavery.

Finnen comes out, looks at how much gold, tells Solveig Uhtred wants to see you privately.

Solveig enters the receiving area for private meetings.

Uhtred: Finnen, please leave us. Finnen nods, knowingly, and leaves.

Uhtred looks at Solveig with hurt: “Why did I have to

SOlveig explains

Uhtred: It wasn’t until I asked for the new king to send us

We decided to go to Wintenchestire to get support for an expedition to the underdark.

You thought I was a bad king, who would throw you away?  You were not responsible-

It is possible to do everything right, and still fail.

Solveig: It does not sit well with me. What now, my lord? I must go kill the hobgoblin.

Uhtred: The dark elves told me they would be coming to the surface and doing war. Trust me when I say, there will be more hobgoblin to kill. Stay and help guard this fortress and keep it a beacon of hope.

Solveig. It is not easy, can I not just go hunt them in the hills?

Uhtred: Failure makes us better. Sometimes it is better to fail and try again.

As he dismisses Solveig, he puts his hand on her:

Solveig: Proud?

Uhtred: Proud to have such a strong warrior.

Solveig: Oh. Look!

Uhtred spends a few hours questioning Solveig about her fighting, Aritos, political situation in Lundine.

Solveig fiddles with the magic necklace and it goes off while she is recounting the Epic Poem of Vhaeren the Dragonbane. Performance check of 19. The whole keep resounds with her retelling. When she comes out some guards slap her on the back and call her Solveig the Bard!

Serini thinks about the 1000 gold.

Eivor:  walks up to Uhtred the Younger. “Excuse me lad, can I have a moment of your time?”

Uhtred younger looks at him, gives a loud Sniff.  “Excuse me, gentlemen” The darkelves leave.

Eivor: I hear you have information about the demon dwarves?

Younger: Quiet now, quiet, come with me.” Leads Eivor to a private chamber.

“I have only given a few details to my father, as it involves someone he loves dearly. I will tell you what I told him. When I went to Dunmine, a week past, there were rumors of a man who was struck down by the words of a bard. He had been cast out by the community due to his vagrance. He has apparently fallen in with a deep cult in the woods of Dunmine, that sounds very similar to what the demon dwarves have been described as. My cousin, the aldorman of Dunmine, Bernard the Rude, has been unable to locate them. I suspect that by sending you to me he is wanting you to go and find the potential allies of the demon dwarves. But be warned, that I have heard tales that Finnen, captain of the King’;s guard, is in league with the demon worshippers. I do not have evidence, but this is a man my father loves dearly. Watch you back around him, and if you learn of any proof to bring to the king, bring it to me and we can confront him directly.

Eivor: You are correct, this betrayal could kill your father. Know that no friend of the demon dwarves can be left alive.

Uhtred: Death to the Demon Dwarves!

Eivor: Death to them!  - Drinks the wine. Perception check 21.  As Uhtred brings up his hand to drink the beer, Eivor sees a certain artifact ring- a snake biting its tail. Takes a mental note, but it seems not to mean much. But, lizard things tend to be important and catch his eye, based on what his companions have said.

Uhtred then invites him to leave. On the way out, Eivor bumps into Finnen.

Finnen: “Hail, priest of Thor. you spoke to the king’s son. Are you planning on heading out to Dunmine?

Uhtred: At some point, I’m sure. My companions have business, we will decide.

Finnen: I am sure this is just rumour, but talk of people living in the woods and the demon dwarves, I feel like it deserves more attention. When you do go, please let me know and I will come with you. I have swordsmen that can protect me.

Serini goes to find Urdel the Stormborn, who is dancing in the field.

Serini: You said you had a secret for me?

Urdel: Jumps up in the air, electricity flinging out. “Yes, yes, yes, I have a secret, I am so happy to tell you!”  Grasps  Serini by the hand: You son is a dreamboat (the troublesome son who joined the army as a scout) Gerald and Urdel were an item.  An his boat has docked in my harbor and sprouted a new seed. Can I call you mom? I love that you’re green, green is my favorite colour!

Serini gives her medical advice on pregnancy. “Have you been married yet?”

Urdel” “No, Gerald says he will make a fortune for us, and then we will get married! Rich, rich, rich, rich like the king, that’s what he said”

Serini: “I should tell you that as loveable as my son might be, he is not normally good with money”

Urdel: Oh, he is so smart, he says he has a system!”

Serini: Perhaps you should set a date, before your flower sprouts, hopefully.

Serini is torn that Solveig’s experience with Uhtred has been rather good… but wants to also be free.  She knows that her other son is part of the money side of the administration. She goes to see him.

“Mom, why are you green and what the fuck are you wearing?”

Serini: Well, long story short we killed a dragon, and when you’ve been stabbed enough armor makes a strong proposition. And as for the green, I may have angered a fey lord.

He looks Serini in the eyes and says :”Mom, you can never blame Gerald on Dad again.”

Serini: Gods help us all, you are all my family, all my children. How does it feel like being the sond of the woman who got the king’s daughter killed?

“Let’s just say it did not help my career around here. There was some talk of fleeing, but Finnen convinced us to stay. And uh, I guess it worked out, I’m just the son of a slave woman now.

Serini: Not actually. We’ve had some financial success in the world.

“What, you can pay a part of the wereguild down? What, a 100 gold? Perhaps I can convince him to wave the the interest for a few months”

Serini:  No, ten times that.

“You’re saying you’ve a thousand gold? Like, where?”

Serini: The mule’s saddlebags might be a bit more valuable than usual.

“You can’t just leave that out in the open! You realize that’s half the monthly tax income of this entire town that you’ve just put in here: He waves at one of the king’s guard- go with my mother and retrieve the wereguild, she’s paying it entirely! Good day for me, good day for you, all of us, mother!  There have been several raids, just north of the RIke river, more raids than usual from the Kuronians. They’ve hit the treasury more than usual.

Serini: There will be trying times. There are worse ways of spending wealth than in the defense of my family’s kingdom.

Solveig goes drinking, her drinks paid for. She checks on the dragon first. She finds that he has an even bigger crowd around him now, they are bringing food and offerings of minor jewellery that he is reluctantly taking. He is showing off.

Solveig grabs the dragon by a head frill like you would a recalcitrant german sheppard. Intimidation check 24. “No more. You may accept food, but no more jewels. You do not need it, they do.”  The dragon meekly submits, making a noise asking not to be hurt anymore.

The crowd whispers -she killed dragons and giants!

Are you Gerald? Son of the mighty Serini?

Gerald: I have this system, blah blah blah

Solveig: Sure, here is about 7. Buy me a drink first

Gerald: uh, barmaid, a drink for my friend here

Serving woman: Not until you pay your tab… hey, You’re Solveig the Giant Killer! Your money’s no good here! You drink for free!  More people come into drink with Solveig! Did you hear, she wrestled a dragon just now!

Koppel goes to the library, reads that the most powerful wizard is Urdel Stormborn.

Goes to find her.

Koppel: I hear you can cast magic.

Urdel: Yes! I can cast all kind of magic!

Koppel: So can I- I can also read and write. Can you?

Urdel: OOh! You have the power to make symbols into words! You can teach my little flower to read and write!”

Koppel: Yes,

Urdel becomes very excited, casting lightning and big winds.

Koppel: Do you have pictures of them?>\

Urdel: No, I just think real hard, and Booboom!

Koppel: Oh, your flower might have the power as well.

Urdel: But they say I was born in a special storm.

Koppel: ..

Urdel: Yes, that’s what the special man said. A Frenian man. He said I was born during a special storm that crossed all the planes at once.

Koppel: When did this Frencian man come? - When I was little. He was very tall, a staff and a hood. He was very smart. His name was Hugh.

Koppel; did he have any distinguishing marks or features?

Urdel: Yes, he was old.

The leader of the dark elves was very interested in me:  Til Ann Matho, the mother of Market Matho.  In the settlement. That way.

Koppel: I think it is an excellent idea that you send your children to me for education.

Everyone goes back to the bar, Eivor tells everyone what is going on. Gerald is missing and gone.

We spend a few days in Bebbanburg. Koppel begins to teach Urdel to read and write. Int 22. Beginning success. “You keep practicing- it is good for the baby to read to the baby”

Eivor tells us about what Uhtred the younger said.

Choices:

Head towards Dunmine

Look for Gerald

Serini sells her studded leather for 40, and pays back Koppel will sell enchanted heralds.

Finnen approaches us the next day and says he will come with us.

Koppel approaches Finnen and asks him about his tattoos.

Finnen doesnt answer, only looks back.

Koppel: I was speaking with the dragon, Willarsed, who is very fascinating, especially for such a young creature, adn I was curious as to the cultural impact and significance of dragons in Pettylin. Do the dragons symbolize something to you, in particular?

The tattoo is of a silver dragon, that Willarsed described as degenerate.

Koppel: Can I buy you a drink?

Finnen: I don’t talk about dragons.

November 10

Rumours of some demon worshipping going on in the town of Dunmine and us going to investigate. Serini’s neerdowell son Gerald goes missing, but then shows up pretending like nothing really happened, claimed that he was off on a hunting trip with friends, but does manage to wrangle a job working as Uhtred’s servant. Erdell got the king to give him a job.

Solveig goes to find Gerald, to get her money. He had promised to double her money (9x2=18)

Dr. Koppel goes with her to help her count it. Gerald is sitting in the kitchen- the elderly lady cook has been taken in, feeding him, he keeps praising her and her food. Saying he wishes she were his mother.

Solveig sits down next to him and puts her arm on his shoulder

Dr. Koppel tells him to pay up, the Cook takes umbrage. Gerald says he needs to go take a snack to the king, Solveig tells him within hearing of all the servants that she spent hours with the king, telling him of her adventures killing things.

Gerald tries to get out of it, promising to give even more back in two weeks.

60 gold in two weeks. Solveig shakes on it, and Gerald leaves. Solveig and Koppel go to find Serini to tell her, and find Eivor and her meeting up with Serini’s son Elden.

Dr. Koppel explains to them that Gerald has a gambling problem. He owes Solveig a bunch of money, he had disappeared for several days, and upon return has finagled getting a job with working for the king. Dr. Koppel feels this is a problem, Gerald may do dishonest things, perhaps selling access to the king or something.

18 to Solveig

6 to the bar tab

3 to brother Elden

Elden explains: Erdell Stormborn kept nagging the king. He might be interested in bringing Serini’s family closer to him.

Serini decides to go speak with Gerald, finds him in the kitchen. The cook exclaims “You’re his mother! You’ve raised such a fine son, I think you should take it easy on him, you should be proud of him. Marrying the king’s sorceress!  A young man going places, I’m sure!”

Serini- we want to speak with him privately.

“I understand you owe a friend of mine some money, I know this isn’t the first time, and I don’t like to meddle in your affairs, given it’s a lot of money, I’d like to know how you are going to get that much.”

“Don’t worry, everything is going to work out fine”

“No, it doesn’t, that’s why I’m talking to you. I’m worried there might be… look, Uhtred, for all that he hasn’t always agreed with me, he is a decent man, and I don’t want you to get caught up with his enemies (

“Yeah, mom, I heard that there’s this… No, I could get into a lot of trouble for telling you this- for all the green you are these days, these people are a lot scarier than you”

“Tell me”

Gerald explains that he was recruited to work for Uhtred the Younger to spy on the king and report. Gerald is worried he will be executed or fired. Serini thinks that the king will be more reasonable. Serini suggests she go think about things, tells him not to do anything rash, if any trouble happens, go find her.

Cut to the rest of the party. Finnen says we need to hunt demon dwarves- check out rumours of demon worshipping around the town. He sends someone to fetch Serini.

FInnen: Serini, the king has asked us to get going on the Dunmine issue.

Serini: Ok, I do just have a couple brief things I want to deal with, but we should be heading otu soon.

Finnen: We should be leaving within the hour.

Koppel advises Serini to go speak with the king, trap the culprits and feed them information of our choosing.  We don’t know how deep the rot goes. For example, the son is marrying the sorceress- are they deeply in love or does she have an ulterior motive. Finnen, for example, has an interest in dragons.

Elden arranges a private audience with the king. A runner comes back a half hour later- Elden says the king will see you now!

The castle is located next to the opening of a mine. Well guarded by a cadre of dwarves who live in a fortified part of the mine. That is where Uhtred is now, doing an inspection. He comes out filthy.

Serini: What would you say about someone in your employ being paid 200 gold to spy.

Uhtred: That’s more than the going rate

Serini: The fellow who was offered the money was not bright enough to realize what the result might be- my son Gerald. He seemed very afraid of the consequences of telling me, I think he wants off this wagon, said that the person who offered this was Uhtred the Younger.

Uhtred: Looks at Solveig:

Solveig:  He promised to pay me back a lot of money in two weeks.

Serini: And he was told to pay attention to the goings on in the kitchen.

Uhtred: So something is going to happen in two weeks. Why do you tell me this?

Serini:  I don’t want my son to die. You seem like a good man and I don’t want you to be hurt, and I worry about your son coming to power.

Uhtred: Let me worry about my son. Go to Dunmine, I promise your son will be here when you get back. And, Serini, it seems to be the second time your family appears to be involved in a plot that may or may not result in the death of me or my family. I appreciate you coming to talk to me,. I believe you are someone I can trust.

Serini: I believe my son was not aware of what he was doing. Please be kind.

We are dismissed. We travel to Dunmine. Summer, 5 hours of daylight remain.

We are greeted near the gates by Bernard the Rude of Dunmine. We are travelling with Finnen. Bernard waves to Finnen “Hey Fuckhead, what’s up?”

F: “Lord Bernard, good to see you.

B: “Sure it is, come back to my place will have some beer.

F: We are here to investigate the rumours of Demon worshipping

B: Ah, Fuck. Work before pleasure.

Bernard: Last time when a couple of these shitheads were here, their buddy with the horns said some things to one of my people, Ansen the drunk, and since then he hasn’t been quite right in the head. People say he’s been worshipping demons, but people say all sorts of things.

Koppel interrupts, Bernard  insults him, Solveig threatens him, Finnen says pay him no mind.

Bernard: Thing is that Ansel is not drunk so much anymore, but talking sedition. Saying Uhtred shouldn’t have let the Drow settle in that new town. People are getting pissed off. Not anything I can’t handle, you shithead Finnen, you can tell the King that. But rumours of demons, I frankly don’t believe it. But you can go talk to the tavern owner, he makes the best shitty beer I’ve ever tasted.

Bernard says: According to the tavern owner, a patron has been raving he’ll get the power to avenge his family. He wanders into the woods at night, comes back in the morning saying he’s getting power to avenge them. Frankly I think he’s full of shit.

Archimedes watches the farmhand during the day. When he is done in the field he goes back to the city. We see him in the tavern by himself, without alcohol. He leaves the town and starts heading into the forest.  Solveig befriends a dog, the owl and the dog are able to follow.

He goes some 45 minutes to an hour inside the forest, hand on his axe the whole way looking out for danger. Comes to a cave hidden in a ravine and he jumps down, walks into the cave. The dog remains outside. Archimedes flies in and Koppel instantly feels the pain of its death.

Koppel: I think we need to consider foul sorcery.

We follow along, trying to be stealthy but failing. We stomp through the forest pretty loudly. We get to the cave.

Solveig scouts the entrance, finds one set of footprints. (Survival 11)  Solveig lights a torch, we enter. Group stealth fails.  We see a wide cave with a tunnel about 5 feet high going downwards.  As we enter, a big stone is rolled to block the only exit we are currently aware of.

We enter the tunnel and it takes us to a cavern containing an altar in the middle of the cavern.

Dr Koppel and Eivor look at the altar.  Koppel thinks it is stuff to Grizzt. Eivor sees obvious differences, looks like someone who didn’t really know what they are doing and made it to look like that. But in the middle of the altar is a skull with a pentagon.

Eivor: Craftsmanship is crap!  Any god this was an altar to would be upset!

Dr Koppel refuses to believe that anyone who goes to the trouble of making a boulder trap us in here would do it for nothing.

Solveig looks at the walls, finds nothing, but Serini finds a crack in the wall in the corner that looks like it could be a trap door.   “Oh joy”  Takes out her quarterstaff and starts poking it. Tells the party.  Dex save for three of the party.  Koppel 11, Eivor 1, Finnen 1

Glass breaks and oil splashes down and catches fire. 30 points fire damage to Eivor and Finnen. They fell and rolled around, but Koppel only got singed with 10. We hear a growling noise from back the way we came. It sounds a lot like a little dragon.

Roll Initiative.

Solveig 14

Koppel 13

Serini 13

Eivor 6

FIght against 10 uber kobolds and 1 red dragon wyrmling

1. Solveig runs up to the tunnel, holding an action to throw a javelin if she sees anything.
2. Koppel retreats
3. Serini goes up to Eivor and heals him for 12hp.
4. Eivor moves up near Solveig
5. The dragon breathes fire at us. Solveig throws her javelin in reaction doing 8 damage. We all take 19 points of fire damage. Three kobolds appear, one fires three rays of fire shooting Finnen doing 13 damage.

1. Solveig says This is not good, make them come to us” and ducks around the corner.
2. Koppel moves back. Casts Minute Meteors and hurts the kobolds, then moves all the way away.
3. Serini casts cure wounds on Koppel for 10 hp.
4. Eivor casts healing word for 7 hp for everyone. Bonus action spiritual weapon behind the kobold on the right. Moves out of the way.
5. Finnen moves out of the way of the tunnel.
6. Kobolds move down the hall. “I don;t think they’re coming out!” “Go in after them!” Kobolds move into the hall (6) and we hear the secret door open and more kobolds come out.  One attacks Serini, misses.

1. Solveig sees kobolds attacking Serini, jumps through the fire and tackles the one attacking her. It is prone
2. Koppel moves over to cast Fireball up the tunnel behind the kobolds. 26 damage. Koppel then fires 2 more minute meteors 10 +6, one kobold dies
3. Serini hits the kobold for 12 damage.
4. Eivor hits a kobold up the tunnel with his spiritual weapon for 11, killing it. Casts cure wounds on himself for 10.
5. Finnen moves in front of the tunnel and taunts the kobolds “Come get some mofos!”
6. The Kobolds in the tunnel retreat, having taken a beating and losing two of their number.

They reappear in the room with the party members. The dragon bites Finnen, kobolds attack and all miss.Koppel casts Shield as a reaction to being attacked. Attacks on Eivor miss. One hits Solveig for 3 points. Another for again 3. The tackled kobold stands up and tries to push Solveig into the fire. She takes 12 points of Fire damage.

1. Solveig She smashes the kobold that pushed her down to the ground, then leaps on him for 14 points. Serini will have disadvantage to hit it.
2. Koppel casts Polymorph on the dragon, it passes. Koppel uses his Chronugy to make it reroll- it becomes a dog. Minute meteor on two kobolds. 6 and 6 damage.
3. Serini attacks a kobold
4. Eivor attacks a kobold, missing. Bonus action, summon the spiritual weapon to attack, hitting for 10 damage.
5. Finnen attacks a kobold, missing.
6. The dragon runs into the fire, the dog form drops and it regains its shape. It attacks Koppel, misses.  Three kobolds attack, doing 11 points. Koppel turns invisible, another hits with Nat 20, doing 6 points and 2 points. Another attacks Eivor, missing. One attacks Solveig, doing 4 points. Another hits Koppel, he is down. Solveig’s kobold tries to push her off

1. Solveig attacks the kobold she is on top for for 7 and then 11 damage, killing him. Shield bash on another to push it prone.
2. Koppel death save- 3 fails.
3. Serini casts Blight on the dragon. Con save passes, but the dragon takes 15 points.
4. Eivor casts Prayer of Healing giving 8 points of health to everyone. Koppel is up again. Bonus action smack a kobold with Spiritual Weapon, missing.
5. Finnen hits a kobold lightly and misses his other attacks.
6. Dragon moves next to Solveig and breathes fire on Solveig, Serini and Eivor. Solveig saves and uses her reaction to duck behind her shield, taking no damage. Eivor takes 32 points of fire and Serini saves against the breath weapon. She takes 8 points of fire,

Kobolds attack Dr. Koppel, and he falls again. One kobold attacks Finnen. One kobold stands up to attack

1. Solveig attacks the kobold twice and kills it.
2. Dr. Koppel death save passes.
3. Serini hits a kobold for 7 damage. Bonus action cure wounds on herself
4. Eivor casts Healing word on Dr. Koppel for 10 points of health, bonus action Spiritual Weapon hits for 8 damage, killing it.
5. Finnen attacks, doing 23 damage.
6. The dragon looks around, takes stock of the situation, sees that most of the kobolds are dead, the party is still alive, flees. Kobolds do 10 points of damage to Dr. Kobold. Finnen takes some attacks, two kobolds flee

1. Solveig kills a kobold, and does 14 damage to another.
2. Koppel Death Save 2 fails
3. Serini goes down to the doorway, hitting one with her stick for 7 damage. Bonus action Healing Word for 5 HP on Dr. Koppel.
4. Eivor moves to attack a fleeing kobold, doing 11
5. Finnen Nat 20 “Hey that was my kill!” killing the kobold next to Dr. Koppel.
6. Kobold flees, Serini gets attack of opportunity, 6 damage.

Combat Ends

We follow in pursuit, but we can’t find them. We do find a dragon lair with a little bit of gold. 50 each.

Dr. Koppel investigates the room with detect magic. Solveig uses her necklace to rant and rave at the dragon, growling and swearing at it that she will hunt it down, kill it and wear its hide as pants.

Dr. Koppel finds the way out, but the dragon is gone.

Serini tries to give Solveig the 50 gold to pay her back

November 18

We leave the cave and camp. Solveig sets up traps carefully, and Dr. Koppel mentions he can set alarms magically. The night passes without event, and we find a rabbit in a snare.  Serini and Eivor use their magic to help Dr. Koppel heal up. (con roll 18 for half back, but with magic help he is back at full). He had a rough night, but the rabbit stew gets him back up, ‘hopping’ around.

Finnen says “This is clearly a planned out ambush, which is a little worrisome. I say this for your ears only. I feel I can trust the four of you. If my suspicions are true- the person who brought to the king’s attention a conspiracy in Dunmine, was Uhtred the Younger.

Solveig jumps up and swears “Thor's Balls!”: and starts to run to Dunmine. A little while later she realizes that she can’t likely handle the people alone, and backtracks.

The party is meanwhile considering what happened to Ansel, who we have not seen, and what to do in Dunmine when we get there, or if we should head straight back to Bebbanburgh. Was Bernard the Rude in on it?

We decide to get our horses from Dunmine. When we get back to Dunmine there is some unrest.

Serini asks the stable boy: Seems to be some commotion: what is going on?

Boy: Word came in that several western kingdoms have fallen to the horde of goblins. It is hard to know, the story is confused, but there are tales that some of the kings have joined ranks with the goblins. King Uhtred has warned all the villages to be on alert.

Koppel: We should look to the defenses here.

Bernard the Rude meets the group. Solveig confronts him about sending us into an ambush.

He clearly doesn’t know. Bernard makes jokes about Solveig being with Koppel.

Hobgoblins vs Dragons. Both are scary. Human kingdoms are in the way.

Hobgoblins have goblins, spider cavalry, Giants.  Fire wielding magic users.

Bernard tells a thane to arrest Ansel. Bernard thanks us for the advice.

We grab our horses and hurry to Babbanburgh.  Midday. We are welcomed at the gate. Told the news again. As we move in, one recognizes Finnen and tells us the king wants to see us, he is in the mine.  Solveig wants to confront Uhtred the younger, as she is angry.  We converse with Willarsed, who reveals that Uhtred the younger is nice and is now his master.  We go to the mine to meet with the king. Finnen has informed him of the events.

The king has a task for us. Find the contacts Gerald was dealing with- the people he was gambling with. Two men outsiders to Bebbanburg:  Ludwig and Heron.

King: “When I spoke to Gerald, I spoke to him gently. He said that on the night they appeared, they blindfolded him and brought him to a cabin outside the city in the woods. The king spoke to the guards at the city gates that night, they said they did not detect someone leaving the gate that night. I have sent out a search but have been unable to find them. The only lead we have is that Gerald is to give them a report. I have avoided giving away that something is afoot. Find out what information you can about the two men.:” Gerald is to meet with the two men tonight.

Serini: “That sounds wise. If we are meeting these two men, do we have any ways of finding them except following Gerald?”

We can: Investigate how they entered or left the city in ways unavailable to the city guard.

Serini wants to ask Gerald where he was blindfolded, if he remembers anything about the journey. (chanting? Weird magical sounds?) no.

Gerald remembers feeling like he was inside a cave, going down a bunch of steps, then out of the cave for a while, in a field (grass under foot) then in a forest, at one point had to walk through a stream. Seems like they tried to trick us, it looks like we were crossing the same stream a few times.  Mom, I’m scared! I’m way over my head!

Dr. Koppel: Solveig and Serini, why dont you have your animal friends seek out secret places here. Talk to them, see if they have seen anything.

Gerald said that the walk he got taken on a long walk, more than an hour.

Possibilities to protect Gerald.  Turn Solveig invisible, Serini a mouse in my pocket.  Problem, the invisibility is only an hour.

Solveig asks about Dr. Koppel’s familiar: Warlocks of the Chain of the Pact have a very powerful familiar. But Dr. Koppel’s familiar doesnt change shape, has to be summoned new for each new shape.

We agree: Serini goes with Gerald in wild shape. Solveig will beast sense with a bird, to be tested ahead of time.

Serini turns into a mouse. She hides in Gerald’s pocket where she finds jam. Ew.

Gerald goes to the tavern where he is meant to meet them. He sits at a tavern where he orders three drinks. Solveig watches through the eyes of a pigeon in the rafters. Two men enter, non-descript, average characteristics. Basic forgettable faces. They sit down and we see Gerald go “Ah, bought you drinks”.

First thing’s first. He pulls out his hand with a ring on, snake biting its tail. He twist it, and says “Have you betrayed us?” Gerald says “yes!” and claps his hand to his mouth. “You will come with us Gerald” “I don’t want to!”  The man twists the ring and Gerald gets up.

We are on horses in an alley 240 feet away.

The captors walk for a while. One speaks to another in a language we recognize as draconic. They hide, wait for a bit, holding onto Gerald. They wait for 10 minutes or so. They split. One continues to walk with Gerald, Solveig follows with a bird. The second stops and hides.

The party takes a different path around the houses, avoiding the lone guy, going wide. (It would take 3 turns of combat to reach the group)  Koppel watches guy #2 with Archimedes. He sits for a few minutes, then rendezvous with his partner and Gerald. They take a confusing route around the city, constantly looking around them, until they get to

(The castle is on top of a cliff. There is a hill leading up to a rocky area, then a chasm. On the other side of the chasm is the castle. They have gone a long way around the city to the east side of the hill. They stop where they are and say to Gerald

“You will wear the blindfold now”. They blindfold him. Solveig sees this from the sky. Serini peeks out in mouse form. 8 stealth check. “What’s that in your pocket? Is that a mouse in your pocket?” Serini tries to act like a mouse. 12 deception check. They twist the ring. “Why is there a mouse in your pocket?” Gerald answers “It’s my mother.”

“It seems like a mouse to me.” They are holding Serini by the tail. Maybe we can feed him to Negiri.” They put Serini into a satchel.

There is a rock next to the hill. They twist the rock clockwise, twist it back counterclockwise, then clockwise, then return it to its original location. A bit of the rock cliff near them opens up.

Solveig provides running commentary of what she observes.

(Serini is wondering how she will get out of this bind) The bird flies into the cave, the badguys spot it and kill it with a thrown dagger.

Solveig passes out and falls from her horse from the shock of being in the senses of the bird (Con Nat 1). Dr. Koppel gives her smelling salts and investigates the rock face (Investigation Nat 20)  He has heard some of this kind of door. It is a hidden door of dwarven design-opens quietly) Bebbanburgh was originally a dwarven city)

Dr. Koppel opens the door. We leave the horses. Dr. Koppel goes first, he has darksight. Eivor second, Solveig third.  We are stealthy enough that the enemy does not detect us. We feel like we are going down, seems 100 feet underground. Then we go up, the tunnel narrows so we can only go single file. We get to a door that is closed. It is solid rock, we cannot hear anything through it.  We push a lever, and it opens up into a random assortment of rocks in the forest. We can see the walls of the city.

Serini: She has gone through a similar journey. She can hear the noises of nighttime in the forest. She has gone some distance, but there is none of the trickery that has been described earlier. They seem to be going directly to where the hut is located. She hears a door open and spoken draconic, and the slithering of a snake. She is pulled out. Gerald says “No, please, don’t, honest, it’s very special to me, please don’t kill that mouse!” They say “Shut up, Gerald.”

Serini can see a number of snakes, and one big snake. One smaller snake is leaving the hut. The bigger snake is licking the air.  The snake is poisonous, but not the most deadly of the kind.

Surprise round: Bonus action Blight on the snake. Success! She kills all the snakes.

Initiative:

Serini 19.

Solveig searches for tracks (8) and can’t find them. Eivor (15) finds them- they’re right over here!  We follow stealthily. Solveig moves at normal speed.

1. The enemy stab Serini with a knife for 36HP
2. Serini Death Save Pass
3. Gerald screams and grabs the closest knife he can find, goes after them” That’s my mother! Nat 20 on attack roll. 6 points of damage.

1. The other enemy tries to knock Gerald out with the hilt of his knife. Nat 20 knocks him unconscious.
2. Serini Death Save Fail.
3. Serini Death Save Success
4. Serini Death Save Success - stabilized. She sees Gerald being carried off to the side, tying him up. There are instruments on the table that remind her of the experience of being transform. She groans at the knowledge that this would be done to her son. One notices Serini, then bends down and says “This one lives still, this one must die”

1. Solveig bursts into the hut, Nat 20 initiative, rages, shield smashes, then stabs him for 13 points.
2. One gets up, the other attacks doing 28 damage. One

1. Solveig kills one with a nat 20, skewering him through from clavicle through liver.
2. The remaining assassin misses Solveig.

The rest of the party arrive. Dr. Koppel attempts to Hold Person, but this fails.

1. Solveig destroys the 2nd assassin. She stands over Serini and Gerald.
2. Dr. Koppel unties Gerald.
3. Eivor heals everyone for 8.

Gerald and Serini are now conscious. He runs to his mom “Are you ok?” “Yeah, happens more than I’d like.”

G: “Mom! You shouldn’t be doing this! You’re going to be a grandmother soon!”

We search the cabin and find: a chest, two beds.

Perception check in the cabin. Serini 9, Dr. Koppel 15. Eivor 4. Solveig 13.

The first thing Gerald does is open the chest right away without checking for traps. A little dart flies out, but misses him. “Woah, that’s close!” 300 pieces of gold in the chest. “Pretty fucking good system, if you ask me!” He gathers up 60 pieces of gold and hands it to Solveig.

Solveig gathers up the weapons and tools of the trade. Totalling 1 assassins kit.

We find magic rings. Gerald remarks that he was in the cabin for a few days, but the knowledge had been blocked in his brain.

Dr. Koppel notices that there are tools similar to what was used against us in the swamps. 18 int check- the tools are not exactly the same. It is like they are used for a similar purpose, to turn someone into a different creature.

We found a parchment containing Uhtred the Younger’s seal ordering the death of King Uhtred.

Dr. Koppel reads it and is shocked, saying “We need to go back to the king right now, immediately” We bring it to the king, with a little bit of insisting we manage to wake him. He reads it, his face falls. He had hoped that it is not true, but it is the final nail in the coffin when he realizes his son has betrayed him. He sends guards to his son’s room, take him away, search his room. They discover more evidence- there had been a few guardsmen that he had managed to turn, definitely the making of a coup. He had brought in the drow with the intent to use them as his civil servants to run the kingdom. THough the mother of Market denies any knowledge of what her subordinates were up to, there are several weeks… In this process, Uhtred the younger spills the beans about how he was approached by the dragonborn researcher, and wanted to take power, because he didn’t think he’d remain king long, he wanted more power with the aid of the drow and the dragon. He convinced the drow to ally with the dragons. Nothing is traced back to Market’s mother.

He publicly sets out the case to the people that it is necessary to execute Uhtred the younger. In a ceremony, his brother is renamed Uhtred. As the execution is about to take place, and the axe about to swing before the entire crowd- Eivor gets a little tingle in the back of his neck. As he looks around, trying to figure otu what’s that feeling, the tingle grows, something goes up and down his spine. It leads him to the market square, he finds a little red light, that grows bigger, and bigger, and bigger. A portal opens in the middle of the square. He hears Hale Babba’s voice through the portal:  “I’m baaaack!”.

We level up!