Session 204: Treasure and debts

 

Day 12 of Ready'reat CY 576

Hmph. Another day dawns in Orlane, or tries to, anyway. A dense fog crept in this morning, thick as thieves and twice as chilly. Makes an old woman's bones ache, it does. But the snow is finally melting, and the last of the leaves are letting go of the trees. Change is in the air, you can smell it.

I’m sitting here in my usual corner of the Foaming Mug, nursing my tea and watching the heroes. They call themselves the Saviors of Orlane, you know. A fine, grand title. But this morning, they looked less like saviors and more like any other gaggle of folk trying to sort out their breakfast. Oatmeal, poached eggs... the grand business of heroism starts with a full belly, I suppose.

And what a morning it's been for them. First, the dwarf Sergius turns up again, like a bad penny you’d forgotten you’d lost. Been off walking the deserts, he says, finding bugs. A closed-mouth sort of dwarf, that one. The party takes him back, of course. They’re a loyal bunch, even if they bicker. They even decided to give him a share of their latest haul, just to get him leveled up and useful. Smart thinking. A level-one character is a liability in a place like the barrow maze.

Ah, the barrow. That’s where their minds are set, you see. But not today. Today was a day for what I call the housekeeping of heroism. You don’t hear about this part in the songs. First, there was the healing. A few of them were banged up, and there were hushed talks of who would spend their divine spells on whom. It’s not just a simple matter of waving your hands, you know. The clerics, Aratzi and Nikki, they have to consider if you’re worthy, if you’ve been respecting their gods, if you’ve killed unjustly. I heard Aratzi asking young Los if she’d killed anyone unjustly. She insisted all her killings were justified. That one… she’s an elf of a hundred and twenty-four years, but her soul feels as old as mine. Can’t carry a tune to save her life, though. Kicked out of the elven choir, I hear.

Then came the money. Oh, the money! They scurried off to a private room to divvy it all up. They’d brought back coffers heavy with thousands of silver pieces. And that was just the coin! Later, they went to see the traveling merchant, Tame, who’s set up shop where the old common shop used to be. And the things they pulled out to sell! Death masks, gem-encrusted chalices, ivory bracelets, a silver necklace worth a king's ransom, runic tablets, and more gems than I’ve seen in my long life.

That elf, Nikki, she has a silver tongue. A charisma of sixteen, they say, and she used it to get them a fine price. The merchant appraised it all, for a small fee of course, and when the sums were done... eighteen thousand, eight hundred and sixty-two gold pieces. Can you imagine? Enough to make a dragon blush. Of course, it’s not all pure profit. Young Arnd is in debt up to his eyeballs—thousands of gold—from a curse he picked up. Needed a restoration spell that cost a fortune. See? The songs never tell you about the debts.

They spent a good chunk of that coin right away. The newcomer Sergius needed a thousand gold pieces to train to the next level, plus fifty-four gold for a fancy room for the month. Others bought healing potions at seventy-five gold a pop. Feno, he picked up the lockbox he’d ordered from the blacksmith and went to the dwarven tinkerer to get an excellent, hard-to-pick lock for it. He bought four more good locks for the coffers they’d emptied, turning them into personal treasure chests.

So now they’re flush with cash, patched up, and better equipped. They’re planning to head to Hokk to train, as no one in Orlane is skilled enough for most of them. And after that? Back to the barrow maze. Back to the danger and the dying. That’s the rhythm of their lives. From near-death to unimaginable wealth, and then right back to risking it all again. It’s a strange way to live. But then, it makes for a wonderful story, doesn't it?

Session 203: Of Loot and Legends: The Mimic's Feast

 

Day 11 of Ready'reat CY 576

Hullo, my dears! Come, pull up a chair. The wind howls a frightful tune through the Barrel Marsh tonight, but in here, the fire’s warm and the ale is… well, it’s ale! Vilma’s here, and I’ve got a story for you, fresh as the trout they pulled from the icy creek today. A story of our Saviors, who just blew in with the snow, laden with burdens both seen and unseen.

They’ve been away, you know. Deep in that miserable Barrel Maze, a place of stale air and blood-stained stones. They tunneled their way into a gargoyle’s throne room, bold as you please, and walked away with its hoard! And they weren’t alone. They brought back a friend, a most peculiar fellow named Myr. He’s a mimic, they say, and he’d heard tales of Orlane’s feasts and came bouncing along, eager for a taste. A discerning fellow, that Myr!

But oh, to have been a fly on the wall for what came next! Before they could take a single step toward home, our heroes held a great and ponderous council. You think battles are all swords and spells? Ha! The truest battles are fought against numbers on a page, against the sheer, stubborn weight of the world!

For hours they debated, these mighty adventurers, not of dragons, but of the heft of their gear. "Does my armor count against me?" asked one. "These two daggers and a staff can't possibly weigh seventy pounds!" cried another, wrestling with her magical ledger. It was a sight to see! They measured the weight of a single torch down to a fraction of a pound, argued the proper burden of a gnome-sized shovel versus a man-sized one, and recalculated the load of a week's rations. Every coin, every waterskin, every silken rope was accounted for. Such is the unglamorous truth of heroism, my dears. It is a thing of careful mathematics and strong backs. They know a simple truth I’ve always held dear: you can only carry so much, so you’d best choose your burdens wisely.

And what burdens they chose! Coffers filled with treasure, yes, but also mystery. I saw it all in the flames of the hearth. They opened one box to find not gold, but books! One bound in reptile scales, and another beneath it that snarled like a cornered beast when they tried to lift it! Even Myr the mimic, a knowledgeable sort, claimed those books were from before his time.

They made a wise choice then, a choice many fail to make. They found a king’s ransom in copper—a pile weighing more than 700 pounds—and they left it. They knew its worth wasn’t equal to the effort of hauling it home. A lesson for all of you: not all treasure glitters, and not all that glitters is worth the strain on your soul, or your shoulders.

They returned to us as the sky turned to bruised indigo, just in time for a hot meal. And what a scene it was here at the inn! I was just telling the tale of their encounter with the Fearsome Five—a fine story, if I do say so myself—when in they walked! I gave them a wave, of course. It’s always good to see the subjects of your stories in the flesh.

Their new friend, Myr, proved to be the most cultured mimic I’ve ever seen. He transformed his appendages into a knife and fork and ate his trout with the most polite manners before negotiating his own employment as the inn’s new guard! The villagers were aghast at first, but a polite monster who appreciates good wine is a hard creature to hate.

Now, the threads of fate are pulling at them again. Young Eloin and the fierce Sirius are clamoring to return to that dusty barrow tomb they found. Our heroes, meanwhile, speak of needing training in Hook and appraising the giant black pearl they found, hoping it's worthy enough for a powerful spell. And all the while, a hooded stranger sat in the corner, carving the very story I was telling into the top of Floren’s table. A strange way to keep a history, but who am I to judge?

So, watch them, my dears. Watch our saviors. They think they are just counting coins and feeding horses, but they are writing the next chapter of our story with every step they take. And old Vilma will be right here by the fire, watching and waiting to tell the tale.

Session 202: Negotiating with Dwarves, Mimics, and Treasure

 Day 11 of Ready'reat

Well now, pull up a stool and warm your bones by the hearth. Old Vilma’s got a new tale for you, fresh from the whispers on the wind and the mouths of our own brave adventurers. It’s a strange one, full of echoes and arguments, treasures and teeth, and a friendship forged in the most peculiar of circumstances!

Our heroes—they call themselves the Saviors of Orlane, you know — were deep, deep underground in that cold and dreary Barrowmaze. Not a place for the faint of heart, I tell you. They had just finished a tussle with some nasty gargoyles and were headed back to a room where they suspected a bit of treasure was waiting for them.

But what do they find when they peek around the corner? Not treasure, not yet. They find another group of adventurers staring right back at them! And wouldn't you know it, this other group, led by a haughty elf named Findaloo, calls themselves the Fearsome Five!. This is the first time they have encountered another adventuring party in the Barrowmaze! The world is only so big, I suppose.

A proper standoff it was! Our heroes said they’d slain the gargoyles to earn the treasure. Findaloo’s lot claimed the gargoyles were already vanquished by the power of their deities when they arrived. To prove their valor, our lot pulled out the very heads of the gargoyles they’d slain, including the great leader, Zigbrawl! A fine bit of proof, that. But this Findaloo, slippery as an eel, just scoffs and has one of his friends pull out a tiny vial of acid, claiming they’d defeated a black dragon that had moved in after the gargoyles. A vial of acid! Can you imagine the cheek?

And in the middle of all this was our dwarf, Arn, having a bit of an identity crisis. The other group’s dwarves looked at him, jaw-to-the-floor, claiming Arn Cobblestone had been missing for decades. Forty-five years, they said!. Our Arn insisted it couldn't have been that long — he’d have starved!. But they told him time can get a bit funny in the Barrowmaze. A mystery for another day, that one.

Things got heated. Accusations of being part of the dreaded Band of the Black Hand were thrown about. It all came down to a bit of magic. The noble cleric Armanzi was to cast a spell on Findaloo to see if he was evil. The elf agreed: if he was found to be not evil, our heroes had to let them pass. Armanzi cast his spell, and what did he find? The elf leader was True Neutral, his dwarven friends were Lawful Neutral, their cleric was Chaotic Neutral… but they had a thief with them, a woman named Dazdra, who was Chaotic Evil! Our Norsha gave her a little wink, can you believe it?

The other group left, claiming there was no treasure in the room to begin with. But our heroes are cleverer than that. They searched, and Feno found a small latch, high up on a wall. Behind it? A secret chamber with two massive chests spilling over with thousands of silver and copper coins! So heavy it would take an ox to move it all.

But wait, the story doesn't end there! As they were counting the coins, Feno spotted another latch, in the exact same spot on the opposite wall. This one opened into a larger room, filled with even more promising treasures. But the floor was hollow, dangerously so. As Los, our nimble elven thief, began to spider-climb along the walls to investigate, the entire floor collapsed into a bottomless pit, leaving only a narrow ledge where the treasure sat! Arn was nearly on it himself! A close call!

Los, brave as ever, reached the ledge and began to gather the valuables. But as she did, one of the chests sprang to life! It was a vile mimic, a monster of legend, with a ferocious mouth full of teeth!. It struck poor Los down in a single blow, and she lay there bleeding on the edge of the abyss.

Things looked grim. But then, the strangest thing happened. The mimic spoke!. It wasn't just a monster; it was hungry! It had been forced to guard the treasure by the gargoyles and hadn't been fed in weeks. A deal was struck. Our heroes offered a bottle of fine Orlanian wine in exchange for their friend's life. Nikki, with her plant Fernadette wrapped strangely around her neck, bravely crossed the chasm on a rope to deliver the wine and heal Los.

The mimic, who introduced himself as Myrr, the mimic, was so grateful. Armanzi then used his divine power to create a grand feast for the starving creature. Myrr was so moved by the cleric’s kindness that a holy light enveloped him. He turned to Armanzi, gently touched his hand, and in a flash of divine power, all of the cleric’s spent spells were restored! A blessed mimic! Who has ever heard of such a thing? Myrr has now pledged to leave the dungeon and come back to Orlane with them!

And the treasure? Among the coffers, Armanzi felt a pull to a large brass one. Inside was no gold, but something far greater: the Rebrace of St. Cuthbert, a long-lost holy artifact that attaches to the gauntlet he already bears!.

So you see, a day that began with a bitter argument ended with a blessed meal, a peculiar new friend, and a piece of a holy suit of armor. You never know what you’ll find in the dark, do you? Sometimes it’s a monster, and sometimes… that monster just needs a decent meal and a bit of kindness.

Session 201: Barrowmaze revisited

 

Greetings, dear hearts! Vilma here, warming these old bones by the hearth in Orlane, and oh, what a day it's been for our brave adventurers! The air outside is thick with the creeping cold, down to -4 degrees Celsius! Even the stoutest soul needs a good cloak, though our dear Feno, with his magical sword, is immune to the chill. That sword, by the way, glows when the temperature drops below zero Celsius, bright enough to be a makeshift torch. A handy thing to have, especially when the fog rolls in from the marshes, thick as dragon's breath, and the ground crunches underfoot with frost crystals!

Our heroes — Feno, Arand, Dwarum, Norsha, Nikki, Los, and Cairo — were off on day 11 of their grand adventure, aiming to revisit the Barrel Maze. They'd defeated a bunch of gargoyles there before, but only truly claimed a great axe, bones, and horns. Treasure, you see, is a fickle friend!

Now, before they left, one might have noticed Elo, fussily writing in his journal, lecturing folks on Flandish burial customs, and lamenting the brutish way of delving into tombs without proper scrolls. He's a peculiar one, not keen on the Barrel Maze, but he keeps pestering them about that tomb they found. Then there's Sirius, who just vanishes for hours without a peep, with no desire to join the party underground either. Some folks just aren't cut out for the dark, eh?

As for the cold, not everyone was prepared! Cairo had winter clothing, and Norsha a wool cloak, but poor Arand, thinking himself tough, had only a tunic, boots, and plate mail. Los had two cloaks, but they were just normal cloth, and Nikki's adventurer's cloak was no better. Even the elf, Dwerom, was scantily clad, though they retroactively gave him some basic gear so he wasn't adventuring naked in the freezing cold!

Their journey began at dawn, passing the quiet village of Orlane, where smoke curled from chimneys. Those in lighter clothing, like our tough Arand, started to shiver, though they warmed a bit with movement. Through packed snow and rime, they trudged, seeing farm hands and oxen steaming in the cold. The Dim Forest offered a slight respite from the chill, but it was the Barrel Marsh that truly brought relief, its boggy air mitigating the temperature a few degrees. Mist curled from shallow pools, and distant croaks echoed.

Once they reached the marsh, a decision had to be made: lunch or the maze? Eating in the Barrel Marsh is a dangerous business, you see, as the smells and noise tend to attract marsh denizens. So, the call was made to head straight for the maze entrance, hoping for warmth within.

They took the path to the second entrance. Our old Barrel Maze is a miserable place on the outside, full of rhyming cold and trepidation. Once inside, they faced a choice: the altar room or deeper? Deeper, of course! They even considered the "stinky room" for lunch, but memories of losing past meals there quickly dissuaded them. Inside the maze, the temperature regulated, rising above 0 degrees Celsius, so Feno's sword stopped its glowing.

With Feno, Los, Norsha, and Cairo lighting torches and candles, they moved through the labyrinth. It wasn't long before they encountered something truly bizarre: a passageway glowing with an eerie, purple-green light, oozing like jelly from the walls! This "Psychedelic Alley," as it's now known, caused dizziness and disorientation, making them stumble as if in a drunken haze! Thankfully, they made it through, though their stomachs were still churning.

Further on, a pit trap was wisely avoided, lessons learned from past mishaps, I imagine! Then, they came upon a brick wall, from which they heard a faint, muffled tapping, followed by a creaky voice! It called out, and suddenly, Arand's lost memories began to flood back! He'd come to the maze with his brothers and cousins to find lost relics, but they'd been separated when a hidden chamber collapsed! The voice, it was Dornar Grudgeborn, his cousin, whose family bore a vow to remember or avenge wrongs! A tragic tale, indeed!

Despite the urgency of Arand's discovery, they decided to eat first, choosing a room with a closable door. While eating, Arand shared more of his hazy past: a fall into a pit, silence, and a symbol etched into bone, eerily similar to a sigil from the dwarf Tinker! The Tinker even knew Arand as "Your Highness," and it seems their past wasn't entirely pleasant! And then, Nikki's "demon fern" started swaying, though there was no breeze in the chamber! Strange things indeed!

Just as they finished their meal, Dornar's voice called out again, distorted and twisted: "You left us! You forgot the stone! You must remember!" The Barrel Maze then fell into a deathly silence, deepening the mystery.

The adventurers, ever determined, decided to investigate. Norsha, our stealthy ranger, moved ahead. She discovered recent humanoid footprints, not their own, leading further into the maze. Then she heard voices, arguing about treasure! The group decided to confront these potential rivals, although Feno was quick to declare his intention to attack for treasure!

But before they could reach the other group, they accidentally opened a door, revealing three gargoyles tormenting giant rats! Arand, with his deep-seated hatred for gargoyles, immediately threw his hammer, initiating combat! The rats, seizing their chance, scurried away!

What a battle ensued! Arand's hammer found its mark, while the gargoyles viciously slashed and bit, dealing nasty blows. Dwarum launched two magic missiles, injuring one gargoyle. Norsha, with her stealth and tactical positioning, delivered a flanking blow, and Nikki, with a well-placed backstab, slew another! Finally, Feno, with a powerful strike, brought down the last gargoyle in a pile of hard rock! And Norsha, not one to be outdone, finished off the remaining gargoyle with a triple damage evisceration, earning her a little happy dance! They earned 140 experience points each for their victory!

Now, with the gargoyles nothing but shattered stone, the room revealed stairs going down, and the mystery of Dornar and the other adventurers still loomed. But alas, dear readers, time runs short for our heroes this week! They've regrouped in the hallway, ready for whatever twisted path the Barrel Maze throws at them next.

And speaking of gatherings, prepare yourselves for a grand time on the 20th of the month, for a live game with pizza, treats, and drinks! Lee, our storyteller, is preparing a grand tale, and many might join, including grumpy dwarves and perhaps even a few new faces! So, keep your minds sharp and your bellies ready!

Until next time, when the mystery of the whispering voices and the treasure stealers will surely be revealed! Vilma bids you adieu!

Session 200: Rest and Rekindling in Orlane

Vilma's Whispers from the Foaming Mug: Day 10's Dawning Deeds

Ah, dear readers, gather 'round! Old Vilma has stirred from her slumber, and oh, what a day it has been in our beloved Orlane! The sun, though veiled by a gray, biting chill, did rise upon the tenth day of Ready, and with it, the Saviors of Orlane began to stir at the Foaming Mug Inn. A delightful rest they had, much needed after their arduous encounters of late, particularly that dire tangle with the gargoyles. They sent those stony fiends back to whatever dark corner they clawed out of, arriving back safe, though certainly not sound, for a good dinner and a well-earned sleep.

This morning, the air still hums with the memory of battle, even as the aroma of fried oat cakes and spiced apples fills the inn. Our heroes, the brave souls who champion Orlane, found themselves quite worn and battered, their very spirits tested. Poor Armatzi, in a sight that nearly caused Vilma to drop her morning tea, simply appeared on the common room floor, bleeding and unconscious! A shocking start to the day, indeed! But fear not, for the compassionate Nikki was swift to bandage him and, with the aid of the new wisdom that allows for full healing in safe havens, helped him back to his feet, a true testament to their devotion. It seems Feno, ever the dramatic one, even managed to frighten a local gossip into a fit of retching with a gargoyle head! Ah, the tales these walls could tell.

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A Merchant's Wares and a Shrewd Bargain

Word had spread, carried on excited whispers through the morning air, that a traveling merchant, Jalus the 10-Ringed, was in town. He specializes in jewelry and gems, they say, but also carries common necessities and, most importantly, healing items. Our heroes, being low on such vital aid, decided to brave the cold and seek him out, setting their sights on the canopy pitched between the Slumbering Serpent and the Golden Grain.

Jalus, a tall man in velvet robes, reeked faintly of cardamom and pipe tobacco – a curious blend! He displayed his wares: a beautiful amethyst brooch, a jewel dagger more for show than fight, vials of oil, rations, torches, and yes, healing potions and cheaper healing pulyses. And our Norsha, bless her diligent heart, even acquired a set of finely made gnomish lockpicks for a hefty price.

But the true spectacle came with Feno's cunning negotiation! He offered a signet ring, a valuable piece indeed, for sale. Jalus, the wily merchant, tried to drive a hard bargain, but Feno, with his unique persuasion (or perhaps just sheer audacity!), managed to secure all three of Jalus's healing potions and 40 gold pieces in exchange for the ring. A deal well struck for the party's desperate need!

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Strange Symbols and Grateful Hearts

As some of the party conducted their business, a curious sight unfolded near the Slumbering Serpent Inn. Some common villagers were seen drawing a strange shield emblem with the words "Saviors of Orlane" on the door, then kneeling in prayer. This peculiar ritual drew the attention of Nora, Feno, and Nikki, who went to investigate.

Lo and behold, these were the Low family – Billy, Tiona, and young Ewan – followers of Ma, expressing their profound gratitude for our heroes' valiant work against the Naga and the undead horde. They see the Saviors of Orlane as instruments of Ma's grace, celebrating their aid with these heartfelt symbols and prayers. A touching display of the community's nascent faith and appreciation!

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Temple Tidings and Unnatural Ferns

With Norsha still afflicted by magical darkness from the gargoyle that had rendered her blind, the group made their way to the Temple of Ma. There, they met the priestess, Misha Devi, who, despite the usual tensions between her followers and those of St. Cuthbert, graciously offered her aid for a donation.

Indeed, the noble Armatzi (a follower of St. Cuthbert himself!) was willing to cast a dispel magic spell, and with a good roll (and perhaps Ma's quiet blessing in her own temple!), Norsha's sight was restored! It seems Ma does not disdain all outside her flock, at least not entirely. Though, Misha Devi did not shy from lecturing Armatzi on the rigid ways of St. Cuthbert, preferring the wild, natural growth of grain over ordered rows. She also suggested seeking a sage in Hokk, Dana or Diana, who might be interested in gargoyle parts – a most intriguing rumor, wouldn't you say?

And speaking of nature, it seems Nikki's curious fern, Bernardet, briefly thrived in the temple's holy atmosphere, even managing to "steal" a silver piece! However, Misha Devi, ever discerning, deemed Bernardet an "unnatural corruption" and cautioned Nikki against dealing with such things. A plant with a will of its own, indeed!

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Whispers of Rangers and a Summons

Later in the day, as our heroes began to tend to their wounds back at the inn, a new intrigue unfolded. Los and Dwarum noticed two cloaked figures hurrying from the inn and, ever vigilant, decided to follow. They discovered a small gathering of Rangers of the Thorn, patrolling the Dim Forest on behalf of Iron Guard Mott. It seems these rangers, led by a fellow named Todd, were looking for signs of trouble, including a mute companion named Marcus, whose spear was broken under mysterious circumstances.

Most importantly, the Rangers delivered a message: the Saviors of Orlane are requested at Iron Guard Mott, the county seat, for a commendation and further direction. It appears our heroes' reputation precedes them, and grander duties await beyond Orlane's borders!

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A Day of Decisions and Preparations

With spirits and health restored (thanks to the new wisdom of full healing in safe places, what a blessing that is!), the group convened to plan the morrow. Despite the allure of distant Hokk for leveling up and securing funds, the immediate concern of stolen treasure in the Barrow Maze swayed their decision. Tomorrow, they will return to the labyrinthine swamp, ready to reclaim what is theirs!

And what of other preparations? Our resourceful Feno has commissioned a medium-sized, metal lock box from the local blacksmith, a sturdy safe capable of holding many valuables (and perhaps even more tarps!). It seems the lessons of lost copper and vanished tarps are well-learned.

The day drew to a close with plans for the future and the clinking of copper pieces for supper and breakfast. And a new question hangs in the air: will a new hero rise among them, perhaps a cleric, a druid, or even a curious blend of both? Only time, and the strange whims of fate, will tell.

So, my dear friends, Orlane sleeps tonight under a watchful, if slightly mad, eye. The Saviors are strong, their purpose clear, and the Barrow Maze awaits. What new tales will dawn with the morning light? Vilma will be watching, and you, my dears, will be the first to know! Stay warm, and keep your wits about you!

Session 199: Gargoyle Gauntlet and Undead Onslaught

Evening falls over Orlane, a chill wind whispers tales through the cobbled streets, and old Vilma finds herself once more settling by the hearth, a steaming mug of spiced cider warming her hands. Tonight, the whispers are of true heroes, of the recent harrowing escapade on Day Nine of Ready, a day that truly tested the mettle of our valiant adventurers.

Oh, what a day it was, my dears! Our brave group found themselves knee-deep in combat against a terrifying host of gargoyles. Not just any gargoyles, mind you, but a formidable force led by Ziggstrol, the Margoyle, flanked by his four-armed bodyguards. And as if that weren't enough, the treacherous Zach revealed his true, vile colors, launching an ambush from the shadows.

The battlefield was chaotic, heroes scattered but resolute. Cairo and Nikki held the western front against Zaxic’s gargoyles, while Norsha and Los faced a hasted gargoyle to the east. And down in that accursed main chamber, Feno and Armed grappled with two magic-wielding gargoyles, Magog and Visix V. With Armatzi nowhere to be seen, having been whisked away to another dimension, and Hyde and Dwaram long absent, the burden fell heavily on those who remained.

A moment of quiet wisdom came when one of them, a true leader, stepped forward to guide the day's desperate choices. Their first targets? The magic-users, Visix V and Magog, a sensible strategy against such formidable foes.

The fight was brutal, round after round of relentless attacks. Poor Norsha, already struggling with the gloom cast by a continual darkness spell, found herself in the thick of it, struck down by a hasted gargoyle. Eight points of damage, they say, brought her down to negative one. A grim start indeed. Armed, too, faced the wrath of Magog, taking ten points of damage.

But even in darkness, light shines!

• Feno, ever the fierce warrior, with his mighty sword, delivered a slaughtering blow to Visix V, the very creature that had cast the haste spell, ending its menace in one swift strike.

• And Los, with a touch of pure genius, tried a new spell, 'Push', successfully knocking that hasted gargoyle prone, negating its attack for a round! Later, Los would land a critical backstab on the fearsome Zaxic, a blow that shifted the tide.

• Cairo, though targeted relentlessly by multiple gargoyles, seemed protected by a divine grace, dodging many attacks. Yet, the relentless assault eventually took its toll, leaving him bleeding out.

• Nikki, with her trusty Mr. Paws, delivered strong blows and later, with her precious healing spells, began to mend the broken bodies of her comrades.

Our heroes, though bruised and bleeding, showed true grit. One by one, the gargoyles fell. The treacherous Zaxic himself was eventually slain by Feno's relentless attacks, a truly satisfying end for such a villain. When the dust settled, Ziggstrol, Zaxic, the four-armed bodyguards, Magog, and Visix V —all lay defeated. But the victory came at a cost: Norsha, Armed, and Cairo were all knocked out.

Once the immediate danger passed, the urgent work of healing began. Nikki, a beacon of hope, poured her magical energies into stabilizing the fallen. But alas, the wounds were deep, leaving lingering effects:

• Norsha suffered debilitating trauma, facing a penalty to hit for weeks.

• Armed was plagued by nightmares, impacting his initiative for weeks.

• And Cairo endured haunting pain, causing random penalties to his attack rolls. These, my dears, are wounds that even the finest healing spells cannot erase without time and proper rest.

Despite their exhaustion, our crafty heroes planned their spoils. They would take Ziggstrol’s head, the heads of the hated Magog and Zach (the betrayer), and the remaining 14 gargoyle horns. And let us not forget the enchanted battleaxe that Ziggstrol never got to wield! A fine collection, though it presented quite a challenge to carry, with heads weighing 30 pounds each and wings (thankfully mostly left behind) at 45 pounds. Even cutting them from the stony hides required magical weapons and time.

With their trophies collected, weighing them down considerably, especially poor Norsha who found herself carrying more than double her body weight in gold and gear, the decision was made: retreat was the only sensible option. No more treasure hunting for now; the party was simply too injured to risk further encounters. Thankfully, Armed took on the burden of carrying Norsha, while Cairo managed her friend's excess gear.

Unfortunately for the party as they fled, they were ambushed by another gargoyle party in the main entrance room (with the gargoyle statues). Fortunately, they were able to defeat these gargoyles without much problem. Unfortunately, there wasn't any free yogurt after the battle. Fortunately, there were more gargoyle bodies. Unfortunately, the group decided not to accumulate more trophies. 

But the journey out of the dungeon was far from over. Moving quickly, they were met by yet another surprise: shambling undead led by a malevolent shade. Another battle erupted, forcing our weary heroes to fight on! Once more, their teamwork shone through. Los ignited zombies with vials of oil, Armed hurled his mighty hammer, and Feno, though weakened by the shade’s chilling attack that drained his strength, ultimately struck down the spectral foe. The zombies, too, fell swiftly.

Finally, bruised, exhausted, and carrying their hard-won trophies, our heroes emerged from the dungeon and slogged through the cold, stinking marsh. They arrived back in Orlane at 19:40, just in time for a well-deserved dinner and a long rest.

What a haul it was for experience, my dears! Slaying eight gargoyles, Zigstrol, Zaxic, four armed gargoyles, Magog, Visix V, a greater shade, and six zombies earned them a staggering 1,081 experience points each. A high mark indeed!

So, as you see, the barrel marsh holds many dangers, but it also tests the spirit and courage of those brave enough to venture within. Our heroes, though changed by their ordeal, are home. They'll need rest, good food, and perhaps a bit of Vilma's cider to fully recover. And who knows what tales they’ll weave once their strength is fully restored? This old storyteller, for one, is eager to find out!

Session 198: Ambush of the Stone Guardians

Hear ye, hear ye, good folk, for old Vilma of Orlane has a tale to spin for you from the latest trials of our brave adventurers! It was day nine for our heroes in the dreaded barrel maze, and troubles a-brewing!

The Perilous Path and a Pitfall's Ponderance

The air was thick with tension, for the vile gargoyle Zax had been taunting our heroes without end. And wouldn't you know it, two of their number, Nikki and Dwaram, had mysteriously vanished from the group. Despite these ill omens, a plan was needed, and brave Los stepped forward, ready to be in charge.

Their strategy was bold, yet simple: Los would venture into the gargoyle's lair to draw them out, leading them back into the hallway where the others lay in ambush. Nor, with her unique talents, aimed to summon a "Fantasmal Force" – an illusion, mind you, but one they hoped the gargoyles would believe was a true friend.

But alas, even the best laid plans often go awry, especially in a place as treacherous as the barrel maze! As our stout Armatzi positioned himself, the very floor opened up from beneath him, plunging him into a 10-foot pit! A stark reminder that one must always search carefully before stepping. Poor Armatzi took six points of damage from the fall, though he was quickly aided by a healing potion from a compassionate comrade.

A true sage knows that every challenge presents an opportunity. The heroes even pondered how to use this new pit to their advantage, perhaps making it appear as if it hadn't been triggered to trap a flying gargoyle. However, the cunning Zaxic, their "gargoyle friend," had only ever been observed flying, never walking the ground. This led to a brief, yet amusing, interlude about whether one would walk if one could fly. It seems our adventurers have a knack for getting into these situations!

Zaxic's Treachery and Battle Plans

Now, a word of caution about Zaxic – for he is incapable of telling the truth. Our heroes, who had the misfortune of dealing with him previously, confirmed that he had lied to them "tons of questions" worth. Some even suspected he had tricked them into selling their souls! Though Los bravely declared that Zaxic, being a low-level demon, likely didn't hold the true power over their souls, having perhaps "sold it off" himself.

Before the main clash, the group wisely decided to position themselves on each side of the narrow hallway for a proper ambush point. Even Zaxic, after some convincing, begrudgingly moved from the center of the hall.

The plan solidified:

• Los: To engage the gargoyles, draw them back, and retreat to the ambush hallway.

• Feno: Attack from the back, relying on his sword "Stabby stab and hope for the best".

• Armatzi: To prepare and cast the "Prayer" spell as Los headed down, releasing it once Los was in position to boost the allies and weaken the enemies. Afterward, he would use lower-level spells as support.

• Cairo: Planned to throw a lit vial of oil at the gargoyles to weaken them by heating and cooling the stone, making them brittle.

• Norsha: To use her "Fantasmal Force" at the opportune moment, dependent on the gargoyles' actions.

The Ambush and a Surprise Attack!

Los bravely walked into the gargoyle room, finding many of the stone creatures perched on a ledge. Two of them, drawn by the scent of "fresh meat," flew towards her. After a brief, fruitless attempt at conversation, where it was revealed that the gargoyles' leader was "Zigstrol" and Zaxic was his cast-out enemy, Los decided to sprint back for the ambush.

Despite taking a few hits from the gargoyles' claws, Los made a "hasty retreat," yelling "Four gargoyles! Four gargoyles!" as she ran. And what a splendid ambush it was! The heroes surprised the gargoyles as they rounded the corner, granting Armatzi time to cast his Prayer spell and allowing Arn, Feno, and Cairo "free attacks".

The battle commenced:

• Feno: With his "icing death sword," swiftly slew the first gargoyle.

• Arn: Unfortunately, missed with his "Witherbrand" during the surprise round.

• Cairo: Threw his lit oil vial, hitting and dealing nine points of damage to a gargoyle, while "trash talking" Zaxic to provoke them further. He managed to slay three gargoyles with his oil in this combat area.

• Norsha: Successfully summoned an Earth Elemental with her Fantasmal Force. Though a moment of hubris, when she tried to make her earth elemental float to be stealthier, risked its believability. However, the elemental proved its worth by effectively slaying one of the gargoyles in a single hit.

The gargoyles were formidable, but the heroes fought with increasing fervor. Arn and Feno, in particular, proved to be formidable against the stone creatures, consistently dealing significant damage. In total, the group had slain four gargoyles in the ambush area, and four more in the area beyond that.

The Lightning of Magog and Zigstrol's Demise

As the party cautiously advanced, they faced another deadly challenge. A bolt of "powerful lightning" shot down the pathway, forcing Arn and Feno to make saving throws. The bolt, to their dismay, bounced back, hitting them twice for a staggering 21 points of damage each, nearly killing them outright! This "spell casting gargoyle" was indeed a formidable foe. They learned that this particular gargoyle was named Magog.

Their pursuit of the fleeing gargoyle led them to a double door, where they encountered Zigstrol, the leader, who boldly welcomed them to their doom. But Arn, tired of games, immediately threw his hammer, dealing eight points of damage. As more gargoyles emerged, the stage was set for a truly epic confrontation.

And then, a moment for the ages! Our mighty Arn, with his hammer, faced Zigstrol, the large and imposing leader with a battle axe. Knowing his strength, Arn delivered a single, devastating blow, dealing 36 points of damage and slaying Zigstrol outright! The other gargoyles were seen to shake and tremble at the fall of their leader! Truly, his "smash" attack is amazingly effective against big enemies.

Betrayal, Blindness, and an Ongoing Struggle

Just as victory seemed within grasp, the conniving Zaxic, the one who had taunted them from the start, revealed his true colors! He yelled out, "Slay the infidels! I am now your leader!" The gargoyles, with their alien reasoning, seemed to believe him.

The battle raged on, with Zaxic himself attacking Cairo. Another magic-wielding gargoyle (not Magog, but one who cast the "speed" spell) targeted Norsha, blinding her with a "blackness" spell. Even under this affliction, Norsha managed to maintain her concentration on her elemental. But the elemental, taking repeated blows, eventually fell.

And in a moment that sent shivers down my spine, a gargoyle came from behind, dealing a crippling 11 points of damage to Armatzi, who went down to minus two health! Our only healer was gravely wounded!

The session ended with our heroes in a precarious position, facing Zaxic and three other gargoyles, with Magog, the lightning-wielding gargoyle, still alive and ready to strike. The fight is far from over, good folk, but with heroes as brave as these, who knows what wonders – or horrors – the next chapter will bring!

Session 197: Abyss or Victory

 

Gather 'round, my dears, pull your chairs closer to the hearth here at The Foaming Mug. It's old Vilma, and tonight, I've got a tale brewing warmer than the ale in your tankards, a tale of our brave (and perhaps a bit bewildered) adventurers deep within the barrel maze.

It's been quite the week for them, you see. Day nine of their "ready rate" – whatever that means in the grand scheme of things. Around half past noon, they found themselves camped for lunch right in the middle of that winding barrel maze. But peace, alas, is a rare commodity in these parts. They heard it, even through their closed door: a faint, but persistent, scratching at a brick wall, echoing through the corridor. A truly unsettling sound, I'd wager, like something making its way through solid stone.

Now, the party themselves, well, they're a sight to behold. Aratzi, bless his heart, has simply vanished, a mystery unto himself. And our dear Nikki and Dwaram, they appear as hazy forms, not quite solid. Ever since she lost Jack, Nikki's been like that, half her soul gone, they say. Though, if Jack reappears, shouldn't she solidify? Perhaps it’s a missing ring, or perhaps it’s Fernidette, a reflection of Nikki's very psychosis.

Before plunging headfirst into danger, a wise adventurer takes stock, and that's precisely what they were doing. Let me tell you, it’s quite the collection of odds and ends they carry:

• One brave soul (who shall remain unnamed for now, but you can guess by their magic dagger) carries a magic dagger that does triple damage on a backstab, a staff for blunt force, and spells like magic missile, sleep, burning hands, continual light, and levitate. They even have a peculiar push spell for small things, a tablet with a strength spell they've never used, a potion of clairvoyance, a vial of acid, and a magical spear point. Though, I hear their aim with ranged attacks isn't the best, so the oil and acid are often a last resort.

• Then there's Ar, with naught but his trusty hammer, which he can even throw, along with manual labor tools like iron spikes, shovels, and pickaxes. No potions for him, just good old blunt force.

• Nora carries "Well Vengeance," a magical stout blade, another non-magical dagger, a gold ring of protection, a black cloak of protection, and the intriguing Crown of Comprehending Languages. She’s got darts, flasks of oil, a vial of acid, and plenty of cantrips for distraction. Her fancier spells include fantasmal force, color spray, darkness, gaze reflection (useful if you ever meet a Medusa, she quipped), dancing lights, hypnotic pattern, and mirror image. And don't forget her elven boots for silent movement.

• Our friend Cairo has his magic broadsword, Dynasty, a bow with both magic and regular arrows (though less effective in a maze), and a vial of holy water. He’s not a magic user himself.

• Nikki, the druid-ranger, sports a ring of protection +2, five bottles of oil, and, amusingly, ten things of cooking oil because "cooking is my passion"! Her arsenal includes a sickle, a scimitar +1 (Twister Paws), a short bow, and a warhammer. She’s a formidable level four druid and level three ranger.

• And finally, the quiet one, Dwaram, a fighter and magic user, often forgotten in the spell-casting department. He wields a broadsword, a short bow with eighteen arrows, a +1 hand axe, and a magic +1 heavy crossbow. His spells are mostly for utility: charm person, mount, identify, and detect magic, with magic missile being his only true offensive spell. He also, after some GM intervention, was granted one vial of holy water.

A little bird told me about a squabble over a particular spell, the identify spell. Apparently, it used to be a beast! Costing a 100 gold piece pearl, an owl feather, and a live carp, all destroyed in the casting, and you’d even lose constitution points and risk learning a false property!. Madness, I tell you! But our clever GM, he's seen the light! Now, you just need a 100 gold piece pearl, not consumed, and you learn one property per cast. Much more sensible for an adventurer on the go!

Now, about their current predicament. They’re in this maze because they made a pact with a gargoyle named A Margo, which required them to defeat another gargoyle leader, Ziggstrol, within seven days. Fail, and their souls are sent to the abyss. A cleric Aratzi spoke with confirmed these were dark entities.

They presume they're fighting stone gargoyles, which means daggers and arrows aren't much good. They're pondering using blunt weapons like hammers and maces. There was even talk of using acid vials to weaken the stone, or perhaps rapid temperature changes like wetting the stone then heating it, or cooling it then heating it, to cause it to crack. Norsha, with her fantasmal force, even considered creating illusions of earth elementals, lava monsters, or making the "floor is lava". Imagine that!

They attempted to ignore the scratching from the brick wall, but that proved futile. After a brief misdirection heading north, they wisely turned south, only for the scratching to intensify, sounding like brick peeling off the wall. Just as they reached their destination, something slammed into the door behind them, and then it shattered completely! Now, they face danger from both front and back.

Stepping into the gargoyle corridor, they felt a strange change in the air, as if walking through a waterfall. There, they once again encountered Zaxic, who reminded them of their bargain. He confirmed their task was simply to defeat Ziggstrol, and that would release them from the contract. Zaxic, ever the arrogant one, offered vague advice: "go in hard and fast," expect spell-casting gargoyles and bodyguards. He even confessed that he uses a "sigil of detect truth" and knew Nora was lying about her name! The most chilling detail? There's a timer! If they don't complete the task by the end of the day, they start losing health!.

They sent Loss, with her silent elven boots, to scout ahead. She reported back, having seen at least three gargoyle "sentinels" perched on a ledge in a large room, unmoving for now.

The adventurers then fell into a debate: fight or parlay?. Some, like Nora, thought it better to talk first, perhaps lure the gargoyles out of the open room into the hallway, using an illusion of a magma elemental as a scare tactic. Others argued they would inevitably have to fight, so why delay?. Nikki, with her charisma of 16, even suggested trying to convince the sentinels that Ziggstrol was coming to fight them, thus turning them against their own leader before double-crossing them. Zaxic, ever listening, chimed in, revealing that gargoyles "like human blood" and were not picky about the source.

When asked how to kill a gargoyle, Zaxic gave a most chilling reply, one that sent shivers through the inn tonight: "Do I need to tell them how to kill him? No, I don't. I don't need to kill you... it doesn't matter. Either way, Zaxic wins.". He claims their pact with him has even superseded their deities.

So, there they are, facing stone creatures, a shattered door behind them, a ticking clock, and a deceptive "ally" who cares not for their survival, only his own twisted victory. What a pickle! Will they outwit the gargoyles, or will their souls be claimed? Only time, and perhaps the next session, will tell.

Keep your mugs full, and your wits about you, my friends. Old Vilma will be here to share the next chapter. Good night, Orlane!

Session 196: Burial Mound Expeditions and Orlane Respite

Greetings from Orlane, dearies! It’s Vilma here, all bundled up by the hearth, watching the snow fall and thinking about the latest comings and goings of our brave (and sometimes bewildered) adventurers. It's been a busy few days for them, and goodness gracious, do they know how to find trouble!

Just yesterday, they stumbled back into Orlane from the Barrel Marsh, looking as if they'd wrestled a badger, or perhaps a whole den of them! They'd been in a "nasty fight with a bunch of undead" right at the entrance of one of those old barrows they discovered with Elwood. Can you imagine? A horde of undead inside, trying to get out! But, resourceful as they are, they used some "stone-shaped spell" to seal that opening back up. A wise move, I say, to keep those "foul creatures" from wandering into our peaceful lands.

They were in quite a state, poor things. Armatzi was at "zero health" and even Feno was down to "minus three". And poor Norsha was "paralyzed"! They collectively decided that, rather than press their luck, it was high time to head back to Orlane and heal up, especially with those troublesome gargoyles looming in their future plans. You see, even the boldest adventurers know when to beat a strategic retreat!

Once they were back in town, their first stop was, as often, the temple. Priestess Misha, bless her kind heart, was ready with her healing spells. It turns out Armatzi had suffered some "torn ligaments" in his fighting arm, meaning he was hitting things with a "minus three" penalty. He needed a "cure serious wounds" spell, which costs a princely sum of 350 gold pieces! Young Cairo and Los were good enough to lend him the money he needed, seeing as his own coin was tucked away safely elsewhere. Feno, fortunately, was also able to scrape together enough to fix his lingering "slow healing" ailment at the temple, due to a few loans.

But our brave Nikki, the Druid, stepped up, using her own "cure light wounds" spells to patch up her companions as best she could. She worked her magic, getting Armatzi back up to eight hit points, Feno to fifteen, and Norsha to twelve. By the time she was done, she had "zero spells for all" her levels! That's true dedication, that is.

After their visit to the temple, they all headed to the Foaming Mug Inn, where their rooms were already paid for. And wouldn't you know, there were traveling merchants, Garmin and Nella, holding court there. Now, Los, she's quite the storyteller, and she regaled Nella with a vivid account of their "near-death experience". Nella, being quite "enthralled by your stories," gave them a 15% discount on all her goods! So, they stocked up on torches, oil, and rations, which will surely come in handy. It just goes to show, a good story can be worth its weight in gold, or at least a few silver pieces!

And that peculiar plant, Fernadette, that Nikki carries around in a little "baby carrier"? Well, the poor thing was "greatly stressed" from the adventure. Trust Nikki to "subtly" pour some leftover liquor into Fernadette to revive her! Those two are quite a pair, indeed.

After a good meal and a restful night – where everyone healed one hit point just from the comfort and food – they were off again this morning, bright and early! Their goal? To finally confront those gargoyles! They headed back to the Barrel Marsh, entering through the "second entrance", hoping to cut short their journey through the maze.

I hear they've got quite the "marching order" now. Arn and Feno are bravely leading the way, with Feno holding a torch and his hand on his sword, and Arn with his shield on his arm and hammer ready. Behind them are Armatzi, whose gauntlet provides light, and Dwaram with his crossbow. In the third rank, Norsha is diligently "examining the walls", while Nikki continues to stroke Fernadette, all while looking for traps. Bringing up the rear are Los and Cairo, constantly looking "over her shoulder" and listening to ensure they aren't followed. They are quite a sight, walking through the "completely normal" passage, but I'm sure their ears are perked for anything out of the ordinary, like that "faint scratching" from behind the brick wall that some noticed.

They stopped for a quick bite in an empty room, making sure to close the door behind them for safety. Always thinking, these young ones! I just hope they remember to stay vigilant, for the maze is full of strange things. They are quite the adventurers, always seeking out danger and new experiences. I just hope they come back in one piece and with more exciting tales to tell!

That’s all for now, dearies. Until next time, stay warm, stay safe, and try not to poke too many sleeping dragons!

Vilma.

Session 195: Battle for the Barrell Tomb

Well now, if it isn't old Vilma here, perched by the fire, listening to the tales of your latest scrape! Goodness me, you young 'uns do get yourselves into a pickle, don't you? It warms an old elder's heart, though, knowing you’re out there, testing your mettle, even if it does sound like you nearly bought the farm this time!

I heard all about your little archaeological expedition into the Barrel Marsh, cold and snowy as it is this time of year. That scholar, Eloin from Voluna, bless his academic heart, dragging you all to a half-buried barrel tomb in search of ancient pre-land people's burial sites. And the map and notes he had – well, they certainly led you to quite the spot!

That Nora, now, with her Crown of Interpreting Languages! A handy little trinket, that. She could read those ancient glyphs, even though they were broken by decay. Magical sigils of protection, she said, but disrupted and no longer beneficial. Good thing, too, or you might have been zapped before you even started! Those markings, they spoke of an ancient people who used it as a royal burial chamber, with riches and archaeological treasures, even mentioning two kings buried with their "red news". "Red news," eh? Always something peculiar with these old texts! And that Eloin, staring at Nora's crown with such mournful, desirous, almost feverish eyes – tried to buy it for a pittance, he did. Some scholars are all brains and no sense of value!

Getting into that tomb sounded like a proper challenge! A half-buried doorway, boggy ground, standing water, and a whopping 5600 gallons of water to deal with. Destroy Water spells are handy, Armatzi, but nine gallons at a time won't drain a marsh, now will it? Eloin suggested trenches or siphons, but it was your clever Niki, the druid, who thought of Stone Shape. A mighty useful spell, that! Even if it only makes a 4-cubic-foot hole – just enough for most of you to shimmy through, provided you take off your packs and armor, or do a bit of an army crawl. Though it seemed Feno and our dear Armatzi had a bit more trouble with their bulk and plate mail.

Once the door was open, and no water came pouring in because Niki made it "not flush with the ground", you found yourselves facing shadowy figures inside. And that's where the fun began, eh?

Now, I heard talk of being sneaky, and throwing oil to illuminate, but sometimes, the best laid plans of gnomes and men... well, they go sideways! Nora, bless her brave little heart, went in first. And what happened? The creatures snarled and moved! "Bobcat, bobcat, bobcat!" What a code word!

Then came the melee! Feno, you had your strength back, 19 strength now! That's excellent news, especially after that nasty business in Orlain, when the city was raided. But even with your He-Man strength, those ghouls and ghasts were a handful! Poor Nora, she took quite a beating and ended up paralyzed. And Armatzi, trying to cast his prayer spell to aid everyone, only to be hit and paralyzed himself! Oh, it sounded dire, indeed!

But then, the quick thinking! Feno, you turning your back to the monsters to shove a healing potion down Armatzi's throat – that's the stuff of legends, even if it did leave you vulnerable and eventually paralyzed yourself! A true hero's sacrifice, that. And Lois, with her foresight, bringing those jars of green slime! Now that's what I call preparation!

I remember when you first stumbled upon that vile stuff in the Barrow Maze. It ate through staffs and warped daggers! A truly potent and dangerous thing, but oh so effective! When Lois tossed that green slime into the fray, and it splashed those creatures, turning them into puddles of goo – that was a moment! A real pocket nuke, as I like to call it. Saved your skins, it did! And then Sirius and Nikki, pulling Feno and Armatzi out of harm's way, while Lois levitated Nora to safety. A proper rescue!

But let this old woman give you some advice, for wisdom comes from experience, and sometimes, from watching others nearly get eaten:

• Preparation is Key: As you yourselves noted, "You guys had plenty of prep time" before going into that tomb, and you "did not do any prep spells". A cleric's prayer, a druid's barkskin, or even just some simple buffs can make all the difference when things go sideways.

• Don't Be Complacent: You admitted that you've "gotten a little bit complacent," thinking "we can fight anything. We're pretty strong. We're pretty capable". Every encounter is a test, even for seasoned adventurers. Never assume.

• Observe Before Acting: Instead of rushing in, you could have "played target practice with these things" from a distance to see if they were alive. Sometimes, a cautious approach saves more than just hit points.

• Know Your Tools: You had that green slime, a true terror for living creatures, but it was almost an afterthought. Knowing what each member of the party carries and how it can be used strategicaly can turn the tide of battle.

Think about our poor Eldriel, too. The discussion about his fate, whether to bring him back as an NPC or a playable character, reminds us that every adventurer's story is precious. And Feno, coming so close to dying – that's a stark reminder of the perils you face.

So, next time you're heading into a dark, snowy marsh to uncover royal burial sites, remember these lessons. Take a moment, think, prepare, and don't rely only on brute force. Because sometimes, a little green goo goes a long way!

Stay safe out there, my dears, and try not to get yourselves turned into ghoul-food!

Warmly (and a little wildly), Vilma Village Elder of Orlane  

(P.S. If you happen to come across any more of that green slime, keep it safe! You never know when it might be your only friend in a tight spot!)

Session 194: A mummy, a cat, and a scholar

Welcome, dear readers, to another installment from Vilma's cozy corner of Orlane! It's been quite the whirlwind, hasn't it? Day Seven of "Ready" and our dear adventurers have certainly stirred things up in the Barrel Marsh.

Mummy Mischief in the Marsh! They finally decided to leave that damp marsh, though not before a rather… active encounter with a mummy. I hear it was quite the dance – grinning, pointing, and even a disappearing act! Young Armatzi, bless his dwarven heart, found himself momentarily whisked away, only to reappear without his mace, while the mummy vanished altogether!. They had to perform a quick "is this really you?" quiz, with questions about who stinks (Nikki, apparently, though not proprietary knowledge!) and evil penguins. It seems even the gravest situations can't escape a bit of banter. And then, just when you thought it was safe, the mummy decided to make a dramatic re-entrance! Honestly, these out-of-towners find more trouble in a day than most of us see in a lifetime.

Back at the Foaming Mug: Gambling, Glimmers, and Grumpy Felines. They finally dragged themselves back to Orlane around 8:40 PM, looking quite the sight after slogging through that marsh. The Foaming Mug, as always, provided a warm, comforting embrace. Our dear Floren, the innkeeper, seemed a bit distracted, though. I wonder what's on his mind?

Dinner was ordered, and oh, the choices! The menu has gotten quite detailed now, offering everything from root vegetable pie to braised hair or goat. A nice touch from our DM, trying to make things more "interesting."

Then there was the little gambling ring in the corner. Nikki (or was it Los?), our observant ranger, couldn't resist a peek at the dice game, "craps," and quickly spotted a cheat!. She even joined in, bravely losing a few silver, though I suspect the 'lucky dice' had more to do with it than actual luck. George, the merchant, certainly had a smug look on his face. Some folk just can't resist a bit of mischief.

And speaking of mischief, Jack, Nikki's cat, made a dramatic appearance, sans one paw, looking mournfully at Nikki. Turns out, the poor feline can no longer speak without his magic ring, but Nikki, with a little help from her spells, got an earful from him about his unhealed paw and lack of fish! And wouldn't you know it, he hissed at poor Los when she suggested he was "just a cat". Later, the little rascal refused to sleep in his own bed (some people buy the best for their pets, only for them to prefer your bed!), opting instead for Nikki's, forcing her to sleep on the floor!. As if that wasn't enough, he then started snacking on Ferno's leaves, causing the poor fern to "psychically howl" and bleed!. Oh, the drama! It's enough to make a simple village woman raise an eyebrow.

A Chilly Morning and Unseen Evils This morning, Day Eight, we awoke to a fresh blanket of snow! A beautiful sight, though it certainly makes travel slower. The party, however, had bigger worries. A "supernatural chill" kept washing over them as they traveled through the farmlands. Armatzi, using his "Detect Evil" spell (which apparently doesn't detect natural evil, only the unnatural, which is a curious distinction!), sensed a "mild presence of evil" that kept drifting in and out. Nikki even tried her "Fairy Fire" spell, but the evil entity, or whatever it was, simply dispersed the blue specks of light. Eloin, our resident scholar, had a clever theory: if there's no physical object, the fairy fire has nothing to cling to. Quite insightful, that one! And then, when Armatzi stopped concentrating, a stronger wave of cold hit them, dealing actual damage!. Perhaps some things are best left undetected, eh?

Into the Dense Marsh: The Mystery of the Pre-Flannish Barrow. Despite the chills and the ominous signs, they pressed on towards the Barrel Marsh, specifically to a barrow Eloin has been keen to find. He's after some "pre-Flannish" lore, and got quite agitated when the others didn't immediately grasp the concept of "who was here before the Flan, who were here before the Aridians and the Soul!". Bless his scholarly heart, he just wants to find ancient history, not a detailed creature roster.

They found the barrow – a low mound with four spiral pillars and a faint, eroded binding glyph on limestone. Los, our magic user, noted that the binding was largely negated due to its age and disrupted integrity. Good thing too, as these binding symbols are usually there for a reason – to keep something in, or out! Just as she was explaining this, the ground gave way, revealing a sinkhole right where she was standing!. Good thing she's got quick reflexes, unlike some who fall into pit traps (no names mentioned, Armatzi!). It seems even ancient barrows have their geological surprises.

So, there they are, staring into the unknown, contemplating how to approach this ancient, unstable barrow. Will they dig? Will they find answers to Eloin's "pre-Flannish" mysteries? Or will they just stumble upon another grumpy mummy or a hungry cat? I, for one, can't wait to hear.

That's all for now, my dear readers! Stay warm, and keep an eye on your pets – you never know what trouble they might get into!

~ Vilma of Orlane (Always watching, always writing. And no, I don't have my own podcast, but this blog will do just fine, thank you very much!)

Session 193: Day 7 of Ready'reat - Mummies, Ghouls, and Goblin Puddings

 Vilma's Chronicles: A Day of Paralysis, Puddings, and Peculiar Grins

Oh, the sights I've witnessed today, friends! Game day indeed, Ready'reat day 7, and quite an eventful mid-afternoon it was. The air, thick with the scent of the marsh, carried the echoes of a recent skirmish. Our brave band, fresh from defeating a foul group of barrel harpies (some of whom, I hear, shed in a rather peculiar manner), found themselves in a sticky situation.

Four souls lay struck down by paralysis – Cairo, Los, Sirius, and even dear Elean. There they lay, looking about with pleading eyes, though alas, paralysis renders one unable to speak. The remaining trio – Arn the stout fighter, Nikki the druid-ranger, and Norsha the clever illusionist-thief – were left scratching their heads. A cleric was sorely needed, for only they possess the spell to remove such a malady, but alas, the cleric was conveniently nowhere to be found.

Discussions arose, as they often do when faced with the indeterminate. Should they wait, risking the approach of nightfall while vulnerable? Should they perhaps fashion stretchers from marsh reeds and hair (yes, human hair was suggested, a rather novel approach, wouldn't you say?)? Los, it was noted, is quite the carpenter, though her skills were of little use in her current state. They even entertained the wild notion of simply abandoning the area and pursuing other ventures.

Ever the resourceful ones, they tried more direct methods. Slapping was proposed. Massaging arms and legs to perhaps loosen the affliction. And then there was Nikki's rather mischievous idea for Cairo – she simply tied his shoes together! One might even call it 'taunt magic,' a hope that mind games might break the spell.

When brute force and footwear failed, magic was consulted. Nikki, a druid with access to spells through prayer, consulted her repertoire. Could Charm Person help, perhaps snapping them out of fear? It seemed not, as it controls thoughts, not bodies, and would only affect one person. Nonetheless, Nikki attempted it on Cairo, the strongest among the paralyzed. Alas, his mental strength overruled her druidic efforts.

But Norsha, the illusionist, had another idea: Hypnotic Pattern. A spell to mesmerize and perhaps shake them from their fear-based paralysis. She wove her illusion, a beautiful pattern of light and colour, visible to all. And lo! It worked, in a manner of speaking. Cairo, Los, Sirius, and Elean all failed their saving throws and fell under the spell, their bodies loosening, becoming relaxed and pliable. They weren't moving, mind you, merely staring in awe at the shimmering pattern. Norsha even tried to lure them with it, speaking words to call them back to reality. Finally, she decided to simply stop the spell. And just like that, they snapped out of it, blinking and asking what had happened. Cairo, of course, immediately discovered his tied shoes, shaking a fist at Nikki.

With the party (mostly) back on their feet, and about half an hour having passed since the initial paralysis, they found themselves once more in the burial chamber with its searched alcoves and two unopened doors. Should they press on, or retreat to town for rest? Time was pressing, the sun dipping closer to the horizon. They decided to search the doors for traps, just in case. Searching, however, is a noisy business, requiring rapping and thumping, and the sounds drew attention.

Six hungry ghouls came creeping down the stairway, drawn by the disturbance. Arn, ever watchful (he noted he was keeping a lookout!), wasn't surprised, but the attack was upon them nonetheless. Battle ensued. Arn threw his hammer. Los unleashed magic missiles. Nikki prepared her sword, Mr. Paws. Feno, now present, joined the fray. Norsha attempted another illusion, a great chasm on the stairs, but ghouls, being undead, are often immune to such mental tricks. Yet, the illusion did cause hesitation, and in a rather dramatic turn, one ghoul seemingly yanked another into the spectral pit.

The ghouls attacked with nasty claws and bites that could cause paralysis. Arn, despite resisting initially, later succumbed to the ghoul's touch. Nikki, being a half-elf, showed remarkable resilience, succeeding on her saving throws against paralysis multiple times. Los, demonstrating her cunning (and the utility of Gary!), used her spider climb ability to scale the wall and backstab a ghoul. Feno, a force to be reckoned with, made short work of the undead attackers. Finally, the last ghoul fell, slain by Los with her magic dagger, Gary.

With the immediate threat neutralized, the party turned their attention to Arn, who remained paralyzed from the ghoul's attack. They tried massaging him, waiting, even taking a snack break (a wise move after such excitement, perhaps?). Nikki, asked for her opinion on Arn, simply remarked that he seems like someone who tags along and drinks. Eventually, after quite some time, Arn gasped and recovered.

Refreshed by snacks and recovery, the group decided to open one of the unexplored doors. They chose the west door. Los had previously searched it for traps, finding it well-constructed with greased hinges. It opened into a large room filled with burial alcoves. Eager to search for treasures, most of the party set to work, tapping and searching loudly. Eloin, the scholar, seemed particularly interested in the alcoves. Nikki and Sirius stood guard.

Their noisy searching, however, drew more attention. From the staircase, they heard a guttural moaning. Nikki bravely peeked around the corner, hearing growling but seeing nothing in the gathering dusk. It seems Nikki has developed a rather peculiar relationship with her fern, Fernadette, who apparently speaks to her in a trucker's voice – a recent development tied to her druidical fanaticism, I'm told. After a brief look into the mist-shrouded marsh (talking to Fernadette all the while), Nikki ran back to the safety of the chamber.

Their search of the alcoves yielded some interesting items: an amphora (a lovely two-handled jar), an electrum goblet (sadly not magical, much to Norsha's disappointment), some scrolls, and a dagger. Nikki used her detect magic spell and found that the dagger radiated strong magic, while the others were quite mundane.

Things took another strange turn when Eloin became fixated on the magical dagger, clutching it tightly and grinning. Los, concerned about unknown magic, tried to persuade him to part with it, even resorting to trying to force it from his grasp. But Eloin, with surprising dexterity, evaded her attempts. Then, with a wide grin at Feno, he suddenly tossed the dagger into Feno's bag of holding. Immediately after, his strange fixation vanished, replaced by a blank look. Was this a trick of the knife? A newfound thief's ability? The dagger's influence seems, shall we say, indeterminate. Poor Eloin then seemed confused, asking where his barrerow was and wanting to return to town.

Despite the hour, they decided to check the second door, the east one Arn had previously searched. It opened into a room dominated by a sarcophagus standing upright in the center. Inside stood a mummy, its blackened skin and gleaming teeth visible even from a distance. As Arn bravely (or perhaps foolishly) ventured forward, tapping with his pole, something unexpected dropped from the ceiling.

It was a gray ooze, striking down at Arn. Arn, though surprised, entered combat. Sirius fired an arrow, which the ooze simply absorbed with a disgusting sound. Los, using her spider climb again, attacked from the side with Gary. Arn, with his powerful magic hammer, struck the creature. Magic weapons, thankfully, were unaffected by the ooze's corrosive touch. Arn defeated the slithering mass, and Los, ever practical, managed to collect a vial of the ooze.

With the ooze vanquished and the room swept by Arn, their attention returned to the mummy standing in the sarcophagus. It wore a silver ring and a chain with a blood stone gem. Norsha, the daring thief, couldn't resist. She deftly slipped the ring from its finger. The mummy simply stared and grinned. Then, boosted by Los, Norsha reached up and removed the chain and gem. Again, the mummy merely twisted its neck and grinned unsettlingly. Startled, Norsha backflipped away. The mummy? It just stood there, grinning. An echoing voice from the tomb seemed to mock their surprise, "You think it's odd, eh?".

And on that note of peculiar quiet, with a grinning mummy left in its sarcophagus and dusk descending outside, our adventurers decided it was time to return to town. What mysteries remain in those silent chambers? What was the meaning of the mummy's grin? And what precisely was on those scrolls Cairo found? The marsh keeps its secrets, for now.

Until our next adventure, dear readers, stay wise, be clever, and embrace the indeterminate!  

 - Vilma.

Session 192: Into the Barrel Marsh

Ah, my dears, pull up a stool and lend an ear. Old Vilma has tales to spin from this past week here in Orlane. It was Day Seven of our little 'ready rate' period, you see, and the adventurers were stirring early at the inn, the morning chill clinging to the air even indoors. Breakfast was the order of the day, and over steaming bowls and crusty bread, they spoke of their plans.

A grand old debate they had, too! The talk was of inviting two new faces to join their company – Elwin, the quiet scholar, and Cyrus, who walks with the stillness of the wild, perhaps a ranger. They saw them down in the common room with the other familiar faces from the night before – merchants, sell-swords, the stout dwarf and his lad, even one of the minstrels. Though, mind you, the hooded folk they’d noticed before, they were nowhere to be seen. Cyrus, the ranger, was already packed and looked ready to travel, her eyes watchful of the party. Elwin, the scholar, was lost in his journal over a half-eaten breakfast. A vote was called, and the party agreed; these two would join, at least for a time....

But before they could even step foot out the door, a different sort of discussion arose4 It seems one of our brave adventurers, young _______, has a fondness for walking in many boots at once, playing more than one character. Our wise storyteller, bless their patience, noted the confusion it can cause.... How can the party truly know what to expect? And then there are the practical matters – loans owed between characters, stretching out the time it takes for coin to change hands fairly.... Armatzi, one of the characters _______ plays, is quite central to the challenges the party faces right now, while others, like Callback and Cheeky, are not. After much talk and sorting out who owed what (it seems poor Cheeky had quite the debt to Nikki and Los, though thankfully Armatzi had the coin to cover it...), it was agreed. Focus is needed. Armatzi would be the primary face we’d see, at least for now.... It seems all the 'internal' loans were settled before they even left the inn.

Having settled their internal matters and paid for their breakfasts (five silver pieces, though some remembered it being three), they stepped out into the damp morning. The fog lay thick, clinging to everything, muting the world. As they walked westward and north, the sun was a pale disc in a silver sky. The earth was soft underfoot, still holding the memory of recent rains. They passed through farms and a dim forest before the air grew warmer, yet fouler, hinting at the nearby marsh.\

Before they left though, both Elwin and Cyrus confirmed their invitation. Cyrus accepted readily but Elwin, however, made it clear he wasn't a fighter. His skills lie in study and knowledge, not in dodging claws or blades. He promised to stay in the middle of the group, out of the way of danger, his purpose being to provide scholarly aid. A wise scholar, though perhaps not one you'd want guarding your back in a scrap! Cyrus, on the other hand, showed her nature quickly – quiet, watchful, and as Elwin later discovered, remarkably stealthy.

Their purpose for venturing out was to explore the northwest section of the marsh, following markings Elwin had on his map. They first came upon a burial mound they’d seen before, marked on their own map as already explored. But another nearby drew Elwin's eye with its "interesting markings". It was sealed with a great, thick stone, much like the tales of digging for the lost Ark. No easy task to move! Nora, ever cautious, checked for traps, but found none. With pry bars lacking, it was decided brute force was needed - sledgehammers and iron spikes, a noisy business, that. For twenty minutes they hammered, the sound ringing through the marsh, while others, like Norsha and Cairo, kept watch.

Finally, the stone gave way, revealing not steps, but a black hole dropping fifteen feet below. A rope was needed, and a party was chosen to descend first: Los, Arn, Armatzi, and Nora. Elwin, wisely perhaps, chose to wait until the chamber was secured. Los went down first, a skillful descent despite it being one-handed. Below was a small room, ten feet by ten, with a single sarcophagus. Los had her hooded lantern lit, pushing back the gloom.

The sarcophagus looked solid, no obvious traps or runes. But when they finally searched and opened it, they found the reason for its seal – a foul zombie lurked within! It sprang forth, attacking Armatzi. A brief, sharp fight ensued. Los, quick to act, managed a backstab. Armatzi and Arn landed blows, with Arn dealing the final, crushing strike that left the creature as naught but mouldered scraps. A dangerous welcome, indeed!

Their victory wasn't without reward. The zombie wore a gold necklace with a jade scarab, though Arn's blow unfortunately shattered the gem. More intriguing was a gleaming gold ring on its finger. Before touching it, they called down the scholar. Elwin finally descended, identifying the tomb as a standard burial chamber of the Flan, the old native folk of this land. He seemed less interested in the treasures than his rumbling stomach, climbing back up for his lunch while the party decided what to do with the ring. Armatzi carefully took the ring, a piece of group treasure. Having explored what they needed, they climbed back up to the surface.

Lunch was had, a brief respite. Then, guided again by Elwin’s map, they moved northwest through the marshy ground. They found another side tomb entrance, this one also sealed, though they spotted older humanoid tracks nearby. Again, Nora checked for traps at the entrance, finding the stone slab had been smashed down the stairs inside.

Another party descended: Feno, Arn, Norsha, and Los. Cairo, Armatzi, Sirius, and Elwin remained above. The tomb below was larger, a thirty-foot hexagonal chamber with a broken sarcophagus containing a disturbed skeleton, a statue, burial alcoves, and doors to the east and west. They examined the statue first, an ancient iron figure, before searching the alcoves. Feno stood guard while the others searched. They found a pouch (jangling with platinum!), a silver dagger, and a wooden sword.

Nora checked the doors, finding them plain stone with handles, free of traps. Deciding on the west door, Feno pushed it open easily, revealing yet another large room filled with alcoves. Four of them began the long hour-long search, finding an amphora and a goblet of electrum.

It was then, mid-search, that a truly horrid sound split the air from the marsh outside. Running out, Nora and Los beheld them – barrel harpies! Vulture-like hags, multiple of them, flying towards the entrance and surrounding it. Their shriek was not just loud, but magical, freezing many of the party in sheer, paralyzing fear. Feno, Los, Nora, even Sirius and Elwin felt its chilling grip. Only Armatzi, Nikki, and Arn remained free to act.

Nikki, ever the healer, called out, offering to use her magic to break the paralysis. Arn bravely stepped forward to provide cover. With a quick spell, Nikki gave Feno, Los, Nora, and Sirius a chance to fight the fear. (or was it Armatzi ? Eh, who cares, they both love sharing credit). Feno and Nora shook off the effect, though Los, Sirius, and poor Elwin remained frozen.

As three harpies descended the stairs to attack the few free adventurers, the fight was joined in the narrow confines. Arn threw his hammer, Nikki fired her bow, striking one. The harpies clawed and stabbed. In the next heartbeats, Nikki cast a blessing on herself (or maybe Armatzi? eh, my mind wanders), Feno charged into the fray with his hammer, and Nora, with daring speed, vaulted over her companions to strike from behind (or was that Los?). Feno’s mighty blows dropped one harpy (that might have been Arn), and Nikki’s scimitar felled another (isn't it Cairo that has the scimitar though?). Bother, maybe the barrow harpies are affecting poor Vilma! 

Seeing their kin fall, the remaining harpies faltered, fear entering their horrid cries. And then, as more harpies closed in from behind, Nora, with a swift casting of her illusionist magic, struck three of them senseless with a blast of color. (Maybe Cheeky cast that, as he was secretly with the group?) They tumbled from the air, unconscious. The remaining conscious harpies, seeing their comrades defeated and others fleeing, turned tail and flew off into the northern sky. Two remained, helpless on the ground, swiftly dealt with by Nora’s blade.

So ended the day's foray into the marsh. One shambling horror and six fell harpies were sent back to the darkness. A successful, though costly, day. The adventurers are back in Orlane now? Or are they still in the dank, cold marsh, with tales of platinum and peril? Though, word is, some of the party are still touched by the harpies' paralyzing fear, a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk just beyond our fields.

More explorations await, my dears, and more tales to tell. Vilma will be here, listening, watching, and spinning the yarn for those who wish to hear. Until next time, stay safe, and mind the gloom!