Session 240: Zombies and The Band of the Black Hand (equally despised)

The group has returned to the barrow maze in an attempt to find the place where they had defeated the beholder. Hopefully they will find some interesting loot as they failed to search the area right after the fight. Though locating the room is proving quite difficult...

Our heroes find themselves somewhat reduced in number. Only Lhoss, Kyro, Arnd, Feno, and Niki have appeared for this day's adventure. Sergius has been persuaded to adventure with another party and Armatzi has been called away on urgent business. There is a persistent rumor that Armatzi has joined a dance troupe, but that has not been confirmed. No matter! This is a seasoned party who can face whatever dangers there are to be found in the barrow maze, right?

The first doorway the adventurers encountered looked like the door had been blasted clean off. The interior was a mess of tattered amber robes and burial alcoves that appeared to have been hastily looted. Feno observed some footprints in the dust and ash on the floor. They were humanoid, possibly elf. Kyro despaired at the state of the room left by (apparently) other adventurers. Lhoss spotted a single gold piece that was overlooked by the sloppy marauders.

At the next door, Lhoss checked for any traps, but found none. The door was flung open and behind it was a horde of zombies, some armed with crossbows. Feno reached into his bag and produced a vial of holy water, which he threw at the zombies. It must've slipped from his grasp before release, because the glass arced somewhat awkwardly before it glanced off of one of the zombie's tattered rags and clinked harmlessly to the ground without breaking. This was but a small bump in the road on the path to slaying all of the evil creatures, though Feno took a fair amount of damage from some funeral pyre zombies that exploded in a stinking conflagration. The party collected the few crossbows and with nothing else of value, moved on to the next room.

Not far away was another door that stood ajar. Feno peeked in and observed a runic tablet in the middle of the floor and burial alcoves lining the walls. Arnd probed the floor with the 10-foot pole to check for floor traps. Then Niki, Kyro, Lhoss, and Arnd proceeded to search the alcoves while Feno kept guard. The group had done little searching when Feno's sharp ears picked up some scraping sounds. Oh no, more zombies! Just then, Niki claimed to hear Fernadette calling out to her and disappeared in a flash. Only four heroes? More than enough! Feno had an improbable miss, followed by more missed swings from Arnd and Lhoss. Kyro turned the tides of the battle with a clutch bullseye struck with his arrow. This seemed to bolster Feno and Arnd who killed off the remaining undead creatures. 

Everyone returned to their tasks, Feno keeping guard, while the rest looted the burial alcoves. Feno saw some approaching fire beetles and called out to Lhoss in Elvish. Lhoss called back (also in Elvish) if he needed any help. He responded "not yet" so Lhoss shrugged and got back to searching. Arnd and Kyro, not understanding Elvish, rolled their eyes at the pair and also continued to work. Feno dispatched the bugs easily and collected their glowing antennae to be used as torches. Then he heard something that gave him pause: human voices. He closed the door that he had been guarding and retreated to the alcove room and barred that door from entry. The voices and footsteps outside drew closer. Lhoss suggested they might be just another adventuring party with no ill intentions. She flung open the door and the group outside immediately began to flee. Lhoss called after them that they were merely adventurers and meant no harm, when she recognized the insignia of The Band of the Black Hand. Correction, now they did mean them harm.

A dozen men scurried away down the hall while our heroes gave chase. Lhoss cast a sleep spell that caused nine men to fall to the ground unconscious. Feno, Kyro, and Arnd were able to shoot and kill the three who evaded the spell and fled. The largest of the sleeping men was tied up and held for questioning, while the other eight men were quickly dispatched with slit throats. Will they bring that vile brute back to Orlane? If they do, your old storyteller Vilma will have nothing whatsoever to do with it.

Session 239: On the trail of the beholder's den

Before the adventurers made their way back to us in Orlane enjoy the warm comradery of our inns, they attended to their own various needs in Hochoch:

Tatania chose to train train for a week with the mage Merlin. He has a reputation as being somewhat of a character and a strange nickname (The Pink Panther), based on his penchant for dressing in robes of pink, rose, and white. Under his tutelage, Tatania learned the spell fireball. This is a powerful and dangerous spell that I believe Tatania will use to great effect in battle. She also took some time to identify the properties of Armatzi's cursed armor.

Armatzi, in turn, paid 1,000 gold pieces in atonement to the Temple of St. Cuthbert to cleanse said cursed armor. He also paid off some debt he owed to the party. This sales trip has really lined some pockets and allowed many party members to pay back loans and deposit large sums in their vaults. Gnorcia used some of her treasure to, yes pay off debts, but also order a custom nickel-plated staff. Sergius noted that there were several stylish dwarves in town and not wanting to look like a hayseed, styled his beard (which grew back bushier after dwarven magic oil) with braided silk ribbons. Such a winsome look!

The trek back to Orlane was quite chilly over two short winter days. The party was surprised and glad to be met with Veyda and Jack, returned from their two-week healing stay with the fire maple druids. While Jack's paw had been fully restored, he did not regain the ability to speak Common. A strong bond seems to have formed between Veyda and Jack. When the party decided to head out for the barrow maze, Veyda opted to stay behind with Jack curled on by the fire.

The adventurers have the stated mission to retrace their steps to the battle against the beholder in order to search the area more completely. They entered the barrow maze with this goal in mind. After traversing the obsidian-walled 'psychedelic hallway of doom', Gnorcia inspected a mysterious door and found a gas valve trap. She was able to disarm the trap and unlock the door. What a helpful little theif! Inside, a large, dormant, insect-like creature with a beak, two fern-like antennae, and a blade-like tail sprung to life. As Sergius rushed forward, Gnorcia tackled his legs to prevent him from entering party missile fire. Arnd threw his warhammer while Kyro and Feno unleashed arrows at point-blank range. The creature squealed and collapsed. Arnd crushed its head to ensure death. Gnorcia harvested its 24-inch antennae (stored in an iron box) and bottled its dull red blood/ooze in a glass vial.

While searching the trapezoidal burial alcoves, Sergius fell asleep on guard duty, allowing two ravenous dead to ambush Armatzi and Sergius. Sergius sustained a nasty slice from filthy claws before waking. Armatzi channeled his holy symbol, successfully turning the undead and caused them to flee. In the ensuing melee, Armatzi struck with his mace, Sergius crushed a zombie with his specialized axe, Feno slashed out with Icing Death, Arnd loosed an arrow, Kyro slew one with Dynasty, and Gnorcia executed a devastating backstab to finish off the last.

Further down the corridor, the party pushed open a door that was ajar into another alcove chamber and discovered a runic tablet lying on the floor. Sergius bravely inspected and read the tablet. It was revealed to be a magic spell scroll containing the 3rd-level cleric spell Continual Darkness, which was transferred to the party cleric for future use.

While searching the chamber, a chilling, diabolical voice cackled echoing through the stone walls: “Foolish Saviors of Orlane. You should never have come back.” Despite the ominous threat, the party systematically cleared the burial alcoves before concluding the expedition for the day. A nearly flawless adventuring expedition that does old Vilma's heart proud!

Session 238: Perception is everything

The adventurers continued their tasks in Hochoch on Day 4 of Fireseek. First off, they sought out the mysterious Da'ana. The enigmatic sage seems to have a certain affinity for the group and readily bought several items from them. This appears to be a valuable connection for both parties as the adventurers have a buyer for their oddities that don't seem to appeal to other merchants (as well as a resource for obscure questions) and Da'ana can profit by acquiring some genuinely unique finds.

Next, Feno was pretty set on converting to be a follower of Heironeous. He finds the aims of this sect align more thoroughly with his own than his current deity, Obad-Hai. On the way to the temple of Heironeous, Lalie was approached by Charlayne Laurens who identified Lalie's high status and asked her to contribute 5,000 gold pieces to fund a women's refugee charity. Lalie felt torn and considered aloud if she could find a way to be helpful, but ultimately had to decline outright due to her vow of poverty. She will simply have to be content with all the good she does in this world by destroying evil creatures with her holy weapon and the charity she enables with her donations to St. Cuthbert.

Feno arrived at the temple of Heironeous and boldly declared his intention to forsake Obad-Hai and embrace Heironeous. The priest that met with Feno counseled him that forsaking a deity could potentially produce ill-effects and incur the wrath of said deity. There was no need to make such a bold move as the followers of Heironeous did not find fault or quarrel with Obad-Hai; indeed, a person could easily make room in their life to simply add worship of Heironeous. No formal ceremony took place, only a quiet acceptance of belief that was beautiful to behold.

After that, Feno and Arnd undertook to sell the armor that Arnd had spent many days crafting. It was a fine jousting armor, which seemed to be a much higher quality and purpose than what local merchants were looking for. Not only would they not fetch a good price for the armor, the merchants were not even interesting in purchasing at all because they did not seem optimistic about being able to resell such an item. Instead, Feno and Arnd were pointed toward the garrison at Hookhill where such armor might be more valued. 

As the party moved through town, Lhoss felt like she was being watched particularly closely by the city watchmen. She couldn't shake the feeling of suspicion that was being directed her way. Used to being appraised as distrustful, particularly by humans, Lhoss stepped up her manners to appear more open in an attempt to diffuse any sort of engagement. She was not approached or interrogated, but was left feeling unsettled all the same. On the other hand, Colette was approached and given a gift of a hand-made bridle. Clearly she made a better impression. On the other other hand, Sergius was challenged in the street by some passerby calling him "little guy". To his credit, Sergius did not rise to the bait and simply walked away. Lhoss made her way to the temple of Zuoken and made a donation there to benefit the refugees.

The interesting interactions kept happening. In a large city like Hochoch, there are all sorts and they all seemed interested in this adventuring party. Feno was asked by a senior soldier about his opinions on some weapons. Feno gave a thoughtful and considered response, for which he was thanked. Lalie was identified as a paladin by one Metello Comela and the two dined together over their shared interests and worship of St. Cuthbert. Arnd was approached by a smith who sought his insight on a weapon that had failed under heavy stress. Arnd agreed to follow Kokhta the smith to his shop to inspect the broadsword. With a careful eye, Arnd saw the balance was just off and pointed out the flaw. Kokhta indicated his appreciation and invited the dwarf to visit his smithy anytime. Gnorcia was speaking to the innkeeper who was passing on a strange rumor of horses having seizures when she was interrupted by a trader named Raphael Hellmuth who cryptically said that he knows she brings wealth from the barrow marsh. Gnorcia could not parse if he meant that as a compliment or a threat, so she gave an evasive answer and ended the encounter quickly. I hope our heroes come back to Orlane quickly where I, Vilma, tell their tales and treat them with nothing but honor and respect!

Session 237: The Bitterwood Inn

The party stopped roughly halfway on their journey to Hochoch at the Bitterwood Inn for the night. Innkeeper Bruno Mara welcomed the travelers and sought to exchange realm news. On his end, Bruno noted multiple fast messengers bypassing the inn and shared rumors of a coughing/pox sickness spreading from Hookhill. In turn, the party reported rescuing Orlane's kidnapped

mayor and rumors of giant raids. Bruno also passed along word that adventurers were unearthing ancient treasure from the Rushmoors/Barrow Marsh. It is always interesting to hear what news spreads outside of one's own town.

Although the Bitterwood is a small outpost, increased travel has driven up the price of rooms. For a private room, the cost is three gold pieces and the common room is five silver pieces. The meals are expensive as well, costing 15 silver pieces. Feno and Lalie opted for two of the limited private rooms and Feno even offered to pay for Titus's lodging since the cleric was low on funds. Niki, however took a different tack, and challenged a very strong looking traveler to an arm-wrestling contest for his room. Her confidence was high, but her strength was no match, and alas, she lost. Punishment was a night in the common room.

Gnorcia was pleased to find another gnome at the inn. She befriended the fellow (named Gory), a teamster coordinating horses and transport for refugees. A gnome may not appear a friendly face to us humans, but I assure you, Gnorcia was happy to see him and chat in her native tongue for the night.

Meanwhile, Sergius and Arnd met Barl and his sons (Parl and Quarl), dwarven warriors clad in supple granite stone armor. They were heading west to the Duchy of Geoff to fight hill, frost, and fire giants. The father and sons advised the party to seek out the Duke of Geoff for employment. That does sound like a challenging and worthy endeavor, but our heroes have another task to complete first!

Outside the walls of Hochoch, the party encountered a massive refugee camp filled with displaced civilians, nobles, and wounded veterans. Titus, Lalie, Isla, and Niki cast their Cure Light Wounds spells to heal the injured, while Gnorcia handed copper coins to local children and Sergius

assisted injured travelers. Those Saviors of Orlane really are do-gooders at heart! At the city gates, guards inspected their active charter and assessed a city defense tax of two gold pieces per person. Lalie graciously covered poor impoverished Titus's fee.

Guided by Gnorcia and Titus, the group visited Ginton Bellum, a premier jeweler operating at The Darling Stone. Prior to negotiations, Tatana and Gnorcia performed appraisals of the loot they planned to sell. Leveraging her high charisma Lalie led negotiations and locked in premium payout rates, guaranteed for two months. The party sold a few pieces at a handsome price.

Following the gem sales, Tatana consulted Ginton regarding professional jeweler equipment.

She ended up purchasing the high-end jeweler kit that would allow gem processing. This means that Tatania could, with some careful work, elevate the value of gems she examined. But, a clumsy hand could destroy the stone instead. Will the party risk their future treasure for a greater reward? I, Vilma, cannot wait to find out!

Session 236: Needfest

My tale begins as the revelries of Needfest continue. Whimsical masks are made of various materials (cloth, feathers, painted wood) and for one night, townsfolk act in ways that are contrary to the normal social order. Children boss around their parents, farmhands mock their employers, and some high-status villagers behave in wild and uncharacteristic ways that they are sure to deny in the morning. A "Lord of Orlane" was selected to preside over the festival, not by popular vote, but by chance. This year, a single black bean was placed in a bowl filled with white beans and one by one, each villager drew a bean until the black one was pulled. The chosen one was dressed in a garish and oversized cloak and was sat in a "throne" and forced to settle silly disputes and grievances from any who wished to speak up. I, myself have been appointed as Lady of Orlane no fewer than three times over the years. This year the unlucky fellow was none other than Finn Thistlebrook, a jovial lad who has recently taken over the family apple orchard that has been the backbone of many a festival as it supplies the fruit for fine casks of cider and delicious apple tarts. He presided with good humor as he ruled over some matters of dubious import. Celia Wren brought a case against her neighbor Doran Kestral to see if the Lord would stipulate that Doran's noisy rooster was disturbing the peace. Finn thought a moment as he glanced at his cousin Doran and declared that "it is at the owner's discretion". Then, Torvald Whitmore wondered aloud whether the ale that had been sold to him from one of the local vendors could still be called ale when it was clearly watered down. Lord Thistlebrook called upon an expert with discerning taste, Sergius the Dwarf, to make the judgement. Sergius took a large gulp from the flagon and declared the drink nothing more than "flavored water!" A mighty cheer arose and some sidelong glares were cast toward the beverage cart where most of the patrons immediately stepped out of line. Next, Cedric Landry spoke up and complained that Briony Frost had not paid him for his work clearing gophers from her field. Briony stated indignantly that Cedric had spent the afternoon asleep beneath an oak tree and had only killed two gophers. Finn nodded sagely and declared that Cedric was owed his pay because although he had napped, the man had indeed shown up and done the job asked of him. Briony dug into her purse and produced a few coins with a sour expression. Cedric ran off with glee to patronize one of the ale stalls. Lastly, a cry came from somewhere deep in the crowd that adventurers should be taxed for bringing trouble into the town with them. Low murmurs turned into boisterous chatter that then solidified into a chant of "tax! tax! tax!" With a wide grin on his face, Finn declared that all adventurers should indeed pay a tax of five gold pieces each for the burdens and hardships they seem to track back in to town, not unlike dirt on their boots. Gnorcia took great displeasure in this ruling, wondering why she should be punished for her repeated rescue of the town and good work in the barrow maze. Doran Kestral hollered out drunkenly that the adventurers were the reason his roosters were so noisy. Bram Halloway voiced his concern that the adventurers would eventually infect the village with a plague carried in from who knows where. Mayor Zacharias spoke up with a hollow voice that much has been both gained and lost from the exploits of the Saviors of Orlane. That dampened the tone somewhat, but seemed to settle the matter. 

Each of the adventurers paid up and returned to their chosen diversions. Most of the party removed their masks and go to sleep, but Lhoss and Sergius slept with theirs on. Lhoss was raised with the tradition of Elwynn, the elven fairy of Needfest who rewards those who show their enthusiasm in participating in the frivolities of the festival. Sergius, I think, was too drunk to remove his mask at the end of the night. Regardless, both Lhoss and Sergius were rewarded with a strange piece of silver under their pillow that when held calls to mind a bird for Sergius and a loom for Lhoss. The festival continued with singing and drinking and exchanging of gifts, particularly to those who suffered losses during the year. Lalie received carved wooden spoons, Tatania received patches of dyed cloth, Lhoss received some pickled onions, Gnorcia received some peach preserves, and Sergius received some sharpened tools. On the last day, candles were lit, bells were rung, while villagers of Orlane remembered the events of the year and the festival came to a close. Several party members stayed up late to see the sun rise on the new day, then retired for some rest.

Lhoss and Tatania used their skill to identify some magic items. Lhoss examined the cursed spell book that growled at her. To her delight, the growling was simply an affectation and the book posed no ill-will. Indeed, it was an incredibly valuable spell book that was inscribed with every second-level spell known to magic users. It also contained Baltrun's Effusive Blood Boil, Drixom's Purple Haze, Galaxina's Scintillating Spark Shower, and Vitheria's Vengeful Visage. Tatania then examined the lizard scale spell book. It did have a curse which was that it will attract reptiles and reptile-like monsters as long as it is in this physical plane. It was constructed with leather lizardman's scales and had silver fittings. Tatania was delighted to discover that it contained every level-one magic user spell.

Feno claimed the gloves of dexterity. The rest of the group considered their finances and decided to travel to Hochoch in order to sell some items to raise funds for the group. In the meantime, Armatzi, Lalie, Lhoss, and Titus sought out the mayor of Orlane, Zacharias. The mayor's behavior was still somewhat off since his return to town and the group was seeking out a way to help. The mayor received the party in a somewhat detached manner. Armatzi addressed the mayor in an attempt to connect, but Zacharias just stared into the flames of the fire. Lalie cast detect evil, but none was found. After about ten minutes, the mayor turned to Armatzi and shed a tear. Lalie introduced herself and asked Zacharias to share what he experienced during his departure from Orlane. The mayor absentmindedly got up and stirred a pot of porridge. Titus asked the mayor if he has permission to cast a spell. The mayor began to protest the need for such a thing but then trailed off. Titus, taking control of the situation, cast remove fear. Slowly, some life seemed to come back to Zacharias' eyes. He seemed to remember his manners and invited the party to sit and eat with him. Slowly, he began to regain some spark of personality and chatted about the festival. Lalie once again asked about his experiences away from Orlane but he declined to elaborate. Zacharias gave Titus a heartfelt thank you and invited the holy rollers (plus Lhoss) to visit again. He seemed much improved, even if he's not completely recovered.

The next morning, the entire group set off for Hochoch. They traveled through a cold early Fireseek day and encountered a group of trappers on the road. Lalie approached them to inquire about their wares, but they were standoffish and brisk. They seemed unwilling to sell their pelts which made Lalie suspicious so she cast detect evil on them. She didn't sense that they were evil, but based on their demeanor, she gave up and left them alone. They quickly moved on. Then the party heard some hoof sounds headed toward them. They made way for three mounted messengers headed swiftly to Orlane. Lalie hailed them and while they took notice of her, they pressed on. The party continued in their own direction toward a hostel where they will spend the night.

Now, I am still worn out from the frivolities of Needfest, so your old storyteller is off for a nap! I remain your humble servant,

Vilma