D&D Campaign Session for December 17th, 2000

Played with 3rd Edition Rules

Player Characters:

Azaki Ushento, Half-Orc Male Fighter, 3rd Level (Josh)
Glothe Longstride, Dwarf Male Fighter, 2nd Level (Caleb)
Ithil, Elf Female Rogue/Fighter, 1st Level/1st Level (Dennis)
Kari Morningdew, Human Female Ranger/Cleric of Fharlanghn, 1st Level/2nd Level(Andy)
Kessem Chexz, Female Elf Wizard, 2nd Level (Neil)
Kobort, Half-Orc Male Cleric of Heironeous, 3rd Level (Bart)
Mike Steel, Human Male Fighter, 3rd Level (Patty)
Odlits Burdfriend, Male Half-Orc Wizard, 2nd Level (Bill)
Reddof Nonnac, Half-Elf Male Ranger, 3rd Level (Greg)
Zeismer Schellenhorn, Human Male Rogue, 2nd Level (Andrew)

Non-Player Characters:

Sileas Chend, Half-Elf Male Fighter/Sorcerer, 1st Level/1st Level
Cedasar, Half-Elf Male Paladin of Pholtus, 3rd Level
Deina, Human Female Cleric of Pholtus, 2nd Level
Targ, Dwarf Male Cleric of Clangeddin/Fighter, 4th Level/1st Level
Einin, Dwarf Male Fighter, 2nd in Command, 4th Level
Belfendd, Nalum, Okum, Mountain Dwarves under Targ's Command, 2nd Level

A Feast Fit For a...

Flocktime 5th, In the Swamps

Reddof Nonnac has died in battle. I sit on solitary watch this morning, better and yet far worse than I felt yesterday.

We regrouped at the orc cave, searched, looted and burned the dead and recovered the armor and shield of the Glorioles. Glothe has not yet awoken, but I think he will be pleased; I found the rune of Durgeddin upon it, a renowned master smith. There is enough gold to pay for our supplies as well, and hopefully enough to repair both sets of dwarven armor we have now found. It was a slow trip this far from the caves carrying our wounded, and it was our hurry, perhaps, which attracted the ghouls.

We had not disguised our trail through the swamps, wishing to outdistance any halfhearted pursuit which might follow. We did not count on attracting new enemies with the blood of our comrades, but soon enough Kari returned from her scouting behind us to say that we were being followed by six hungry-looking creatures. We had not enough time to even send word to Reddof, ahead of us, before they caught up. After a few arrow shots had removed one of the ghouls, Kari invoked the power of her god and they fled from the sign of Fharlanghn. Knowing that their undead hunger would soon overcome their reluctance to approach her, we prepared an ambush. Rags, bandages soaked in the blood they sought (we certainly have enough of those after this last day) were piled in the center of a clearing while the party camoflaged our wounded and hid ourselves in wait.

So stealthy were they that we had no warning of their arrival, and they scented us too soon for our ambush to spring. Although arrows and my javelin hit home, there were too many ghouls in all the wrong places. Sileas and Reddof were paralyzed by their evil touch despite valiant fighting; I could not distract their attackers in time, and for that I feel that I have failed. I could not make my sword strike true when it most mattered. Across the clearing, Azaki, Odlits, Kessem and Kari had their hands full with more of these abominations. The small half-orc acquitted himself bravely, while our elf wizardess called forth magical creatures to assist us. The abominations we fought must have chilled our very souls, for they were much harder to fight than they appeared. Had we destroyed them more quickly, Reddof and Sileas both might still be with us. To all of our misfortunes, I was the only one who was near to them when they fell, and I have never had a healing touch; our only healer was defending our other wounded companions.

We had little time to mourn after finding a campsite last night. Odlits woke us in the night to warn us of approaching gnolls. Quickly we readied ourselves, not having forgotten about the last gnolls we encountered. With the help of Kessem's lighted sling bullet, we sighted our targets at a distance and between arrow and sword, slew them quickly. They should have been no easier to handle than the ghouls had been, and I take only small comfort in knowing that my skill has not, after all, failed me completely.

Flocktime 6th, Macsen's Keep

Because of Kari's skills, all of the living of our band are upright and walking again. This morning she tended to all of us, reviving Glothe and Zeismer both although she could, of course, do nothing for Reddof or for Sileas, who had been badly torn up by the ghouls. Kari has told us that those killed by ghouls often wake as undead themselves, and the sorcerer seemed to have begun this ungodly transformation. We travelled as quickly as we could back to Macsen's Keep, hoping to find the proper rites to prevent it. We arrived late, but I thank the gods and Saint Cuthbert that they raised the gates for us anyway. Curate Bradas knew immediately what to do and as we watched, performed the ceremony over both bodies. I found it heartening, and was bold enough to ask the Curate's advice on whether anything could be done for Reddof. I recalled the stories of his original companions having returned to life with Saint Cuthbert's blessing in the relic robe he had helped recover, but have learned that the robe itself is in the temple in Pitchfield for study. He had suggested that with his recommendation and, if we can manage it, a word from Count Hazendel himself, the High Priests of Cuthbert's temple might allow Reddof to be placed in the robe. He may be kept in state and, with the god's help, his form will be well enough preserved that he may yet reenter it, if given the chance. It is a slim hope, but a hope nonetheless.

Kobort and Ithil have returned with Cedasar, Deina and Riis. We are saddened to hear of the death of their dwarven companion, Keog, as well as Tuof, their wizard. They died very bravely. We will toast them with good ale. Keog especially would appreciate the gesture, being a good solid drinker himself.

Their work on the trip to the island temple was of great importance both to the Keep and more specifically to Saint Cuthbert and the church's work in the area. The original expeditions only uncovered the beginnings of the evil which had cursed the place; the new party has now defeated the curse that was most deeply hidden. I have read some of the scrolls they have brought back and have heard some details of their trip.

The island itself seemed no longer cursed when they arrived, so they headed straight for the temple itself where they had previously defeated ghouls and a ghast -- a creature of the same evil, but much moreso. Nothing had returned since the Paladin and his party had left a few days before, so they commenced their search of secret passageways and rat tunnels. A large tunnel -- large enough for Ithil to squeeze through, though I get the feeling she would not care to do so again -- led to a storeroom which would ordinarily only be openable by a secret, locked door. With Saint Cuthbert's symbols retrieved from inside, they were able to open the doors and explore more thoroughly. They brought several books back, falling apart with age and damp, as well as a few items which belonged to the temple. Nothing led them to believe there was any threat remaining in that area.

However, the wizard Tuof was able to read the inscription on what appeared to be an ornamented sarcophagus: "For those who truly believe..." Although it seemed undisturbed, it was also important to search as much of the temple as they could and they tried several ways of opening it with no success. Finally, Deina called upon her own god for assistance and, as it seems, Pholtus and Saint Cuthbert bore each other no grudges that hour, for the tomb lid grew transparent and faded away, revealing a staircase. Exploration below revealed stagnant water and a brooding evil presence which, at their first foray, began drawing itself up into a construction of the desecrated bones of Cuthbert's dead amid a mass of maleficient red-grey sinew. Kobort tells of their charge down the stairs to meet and destroy it; in the close quarters of the catacombs it had the advantage and simply sprouted more horrific limbs with which to slash at the fighters. It was here that Keog met his death, in the grasp of chill evil. Tuof, I am told, thought to use fire against it, which had the double effect of searing it and illuminating the tunnels some small amount. When it fled, it was the wizard who picked up Kobort's dropped longsword and charged, knowing that if it was allowed to escape, it would again have the advantage. The others followed, with Ithil finding an alternate way through the waterlogged passages to cut off its retreat. Unfortunately for the valiant Tuof, the creature escaped his fire and sent all its constructed limbs and bones against him. He could not dodge them all, and thankfully died quickly. It was his quick thinking that saved the remainder of the party, for the were then gradually able to attack from different sides and wear it down. Kobort himself nearly died, as well as Cedasar, and the others were hard pressed even with the gods' help.

The report that the area still bears the stains of its curse, but that all foes save perhaps a giant rat or two are dead. They explored the tunnels with Ithil's expertise, discovering the diary of the were-rat who the first party defeated. He named himself, Tybalt Muldigone, a priest of the temple-- Cedasar tells me he has heard of the family, a small noble house from the South Province of the Great Kingdom, an area largely ruled by Hextor's evil guidance. He seemed unsurprised that such a family would breed a traitor. The man, or beast, left a record of his curse and of the curses which befell the temple itself. They were placed by a cult of Beltar from the Caves of Chaos, which is an even greater reason to cleanse those caves thoroughly before the Dark Night lends them strength. The journal mentions a secondary curse, meant to befall any who lifted the original curse on the Temple. In speaking with Curate Bradas, we have become concerned that this curse may indeed have fallen on Reddof. But what of Kari and Azaki, who were also present?

The items which the were-rat hoarded from the temple were also found, and his letters instruct any who find them to return them to the church of Saint Cuthbert. He seems to have regretted his sins against his brethren, and now that he is in the god's keeping, he will surely atone for them. With his death, the ghouls and ghasts, and the thing at the bottom of the crypt now defeated, the island Temple of Saint Cuthbert has been cleansed of its evil, and remains only to be sanctified once more to the god's service.

Flocktime 7th, Macsen's Keep

We ready ourselves to return to the Caves for the Cleansing of the Mountains. Despite our party's difficulties, I am looking forward to the holy days. The armor we have recovered will be ready by Cuthbert's Day, so we may be better prepared in our work against the evil forces of the area coming up to the Dark Night. I am sure that the armorer here will do his best; I hope it is up to the quality the armor deserves.

The hill dwarves that we have met before have arrived at the Keep just in time to ally with us for the Cleansing. The elf Riis, the Paladin and cleric of Pholtus will also fight with us, although it will not be the same without Keog.

Selena has still not returned from her wanderings. We heard from Kobort and Ithil that she had gone into the wilderness, perhaps to meditate, but we have not heard of her since we returned.

Curate Bradas was able to speak with Reddof beyond the grave, as the clerics of Heironeous did with Kort in Seblingham. He informed me that Reddof does not wish to put the party in any danger by our attempts to seek a miracle on his behalf. However, I can only believe that our adventuring band will be better off with him than without him, and with all he has done for Saint Cuthbert's temples and for Sunndi, I feel we must try. The Curate has also asked for and received Reddof's true name. We never knew that it was only an alias he used, for in all else he was ever dependable and self-sacrificing. I am told that we may need his true name for a miracle. It seems an act of great conceit to believe that it might be granted, but nonetheless I hold out hope.

Odlits is a strange half-orc. In small ways, he is typical -- I helped him sort out his ear collection, for he did not seem to realize that turning in the ears of the elves, humans and dwarves that had been slain by the orcs might be taken poorly by those offering the bounty. However, he also seems a competent wizard, if I were to guess, and the best cook in several counties. Even the Castellan and several of those from the Inner Keep emerged to enjoy the feast the half-orc put together with the help of the mercenaries and a merchant or two (who ended up making a profit, as they always do). Odlits received several job offers, but has turned them down, for now. We will continue to eat well on our journeys, and he is, to the limit of his abilities, helpful in battle. Maybe I should encourage him to train with me.

With the weapons and items we have found, Azaki's collected ears and those added by Odlits, we have done well enough by our adventures. Today has been full of training, and we have provisioned and resupplied and we will depart tomorrow.

Flocktime 8th, The Cleansing of the Mountains

We left early, marching to the ancient songs of dwarven forefathers. Even Kobort learned some of them, and though his accent is unintelligible, he was happy to be in the spirit of the day. The hill dwarves led the way, trying to draw out the humanoids with a lot of good cheer and not much success until midafternoon.

The trolls heard us coming. They would have had to have been deaf not to, and of course we were as eager to meet them as they us. We were only halfway through one of the longer sagas when we found their tracks, so we paused to ready ourselves for the battle and had not long to wait. Glothe charged in with the hill dwarves close on his heels, not waiting for the rest of us to catch up. As soon as I could close, I did, but dwarves, especially with the help of the gods and of good archers, make short work of trolls.

We were all disturbed by our small half-orc wizard. He is gaining skill, and Kessem is training him carefully, but he summoned an evil bird as an ally for us against the trolls. Cedasar, the Paladin of Pholtus, has taken him aside and lectured him. I hope it is enough.

With seventeen adventurers ready to fight as well as Kessem's silver eagle and Odlits' infernal hawk, the trolls were effectively surrounded and despite their regeneration, they eventually fell. Glothe and the dwarves suffered the worst of their claws, though I am grateful to the dwarven leader for Moradin's healing as well. After two long scrapes, I am not sure I could have withstood a third. Still, I think I did not not let my companions down by weakness in the fight. We seared the trolls' wounds until they stopped regrowing.

Here endeth the session, as excerpted and translated from the journal of Mike.