Session 1: Adventures in Greyhawk - Day 22 of Readying

These posts will be for another group that is adventuring in the area of Gran March.

You are currently located in a town named Hochoch in the Gran March. The capital of Gran March is a town named Hookhill, of reasonable size. Gran March is ruled by the leader of an order of knights named Commandant Petros. Petros maintains a standing army of knights and auxiliaries to defend the land.

Some of you may have labored recently in the development of a caravan track between Hochoch and Hookhill (through the before impassable Dim Forest) - if you want to add this to your character profile, come up with a story and detail it below. This will accrue no immediate benefits, but will assist in developing your story and make things more interesting.

You are encouraged to detail your story for the rest of us to understand - you can keep some or all private at your own discretion. You can also provide information directly to me when I create your private thread.

Hochoch has sufficient equipment and stores to provide for your needs now, but availability and prices may change if you don't take advantage of this now. You are all currently housed in one of three inns:

The Green Dragon
The Hogs Head
Bragg's post

You have paid up for a weeks stay and basic fodder as you are preparing for your upcoming adventures.

Some other things that you are aware of: The Dim Forest is located in the western area of Gran march. Hochoch lies at the southern end of the forest, and Hookhill lies to the north east, near a mountain range called the Lortmil Mountains. There is a swamp area called the Rushmoors south and east of Hochoch, and a river named the Javan River flows to the east in a NE-SW direction past Hochoch. A realm named the Grand Duchy of Geoff is to the west, and another realm called Bissel is north of Hookhill.

Moonbean 28 - Luck-Berry 2

Upon resting for a few more days at the keep, the group prepared to go back out to the caves. Gwyrn followed up on an order that he had placed for a suit of armor - still several days before it will be completed.

The group made the travel back to the caves, and this time chose to go to the cave on the right of the canyon, at the base of the hill, surrounded by foliage and scraggly trees. The group proceeded in, having the hobgoblins, orc, and gnoll lead the way. The hobgoblins turned left at the fork in the cave, but Oin and Ruff fell into a pit trap at the fork. The loud clanging of the pit shutting alerted a host of kobolds on the left and a horde of giant rats on the right.

A fierce battle ensued, with some clever tactics from the party. Missile fire was used to some effect, and Oin and Ruff were freed from the pit. Gwyrn was doubly unlucky, however. First, he attempted to toss a flask of oil, but he fumbled it, and it broke behind him. He then tossed another flask that burst in the group of rats, but then fumbled the torch that he was going to throw, immolating himself in the spilled oil. He screamed in pain and passed out - fortunately, he was bandaged in his unconscious state. Another torch throw was successful, and the remaining rats burned in the conflagration.

The party was somewhat demoralized, having had party members knocked out every time they visited the caves. The regrouped as usual at the keep and rested up for further adventure.

Moonbeam - days 26 - 28

The group needed a few days to recover, particularly Chester. After resting and enjoying the facilities of the keep, the group went back to the caves. Bob and Rob were questioned, and they suggested that the party attack a couple of torturer's, as they had some prisoners that may be of some value.

Using the directions of their hobgoblin pals, they made their way into the caves further then they had before, proceeding both south and east. The groups battle plans were better implemented this time, and the two brutish torturers were dealt with rapidly, but not without a few more of the party were knocked unconscious.

They turned their attention on the prisoners. There was a nearly unconscious man, his wife, and two body guards who were overjoyed at being rescued. There was also a fierce gnoll, that made threatening noises, and an orc, who asked to be released, to exact revenge on the hobgoblins.

The party trusted the humans, but not the orc and they were afraid of the gnoll. The man turned out to be a merchant named Greg, with his wife Meg. They promised rewards upon being returned to the keep. Tug and Doug, their former guards, pledged loyalty to the group for a year as a reward for being rescued. After some consultation, the group decided to charm the orc and gnoll. This proved successful, and the orc was relased. He calls himself Oin. The gnoll's personality changed with the charm, and became friendly, although difficult to understand and speaking in a crazed, broken tongue, even for a gnoll. He calls himself Ruff.

Using their greatly expanded roster, they looted the bodies, giving out weapons and armor to their new allies. They then returned to the somewhat jaded response at the keep, and again were healed.

Days 23 - 26 of Moonbeam

The group managed to make it back to the keep with the two unconscious characters. They were cautiously greeted at the gate, and after telling the tale of the traitorous Born, they were directed to the local curate Riley. Riley was very happy to hear the news of the defeat of Born and his followers, as he had suspected them for some time. As a favor for their service, he gave a reduced rate at identifying their magical items discovered. Chester received a mace +1, Bran received a suite of platemail +1, and Dwerom received a shield +1. The rest of the group divided some money and other items that were obtained.

Chester and Gwyrn required additional rest, even though Riley fully healed them. The group stayed in style at the inn for a few days, and then embarked again on the 26th day back to the caves. The trip was uneventful (about an hour trip). The returned to the same cave area and discovered that the door had been boarded up again. They used some spikes to force the door open, in a bit quieter method, but they still made some noise, and they also tripped a dart trap, taking some flesh wounds.

Again, the hobgoblins were alerted to their presence, and another battle occurred. They had forgotten to retain the previously charmed hobgoblins, but they were able to charm two more, which turned the focus of the battle. Unfortunately, Chester took another unlucky hit (despite his fine armor) and was knocked out again. The group returned with their hobgoblin fellows, who's names are Bob and Rob. There was some suspicion by the guards, but after they assured that Bob and Rob were under their control, they were allowed to enter and reported back to Riley, for additional healing.

Arrival at the Keep on the Borderlands

On the 23rd day of Moonbeam, a month in the early fall, a group of adventurers arrived at the keep on the borderlands, which guards civilized lands to the south from the chaos to the north and east. They had heard rumors that there are some caves of chaos, located a short distance from the keep.

The group includes these adventurers: Chester a cleric, Dwerom a Dwarf, Gwyrn "the goldfish" another dwarf, and Pumpkin an Elf.
They were able to establish a rapport somewhat with the innkeeper, and they went knocking on doors, and met a visiting priest named Born, with some followers named Dorn, Orn, and Glorn. They were also able to have a fighter named Bran and a Magic-User named Fein join them. They then were led to the caves by Born - they didn't pursue why he knew the way, but they did start to distrust him a little, as he insisted on being in the rear, and openly expressed displeasure with others joining the group (Bran and Fein).


They arrived at the chasm and after observing a bit, they chose a cave about 25 feet up on the cliff on the left of the canyon. After trying to bash down the door (ignoring the ominous warning), they examined the door a bit more and discovered that there was a bar that allowed interest. However, because they had attempted to bash in, they had alerted some hobgoblin guards, who were approaching in a menacing manner.


They quickly escalated the situation, and Fein and Pumpkin cast charm person successfully, which greatly aided in the battle. However, Born chose this moment to betray the group, but failed with a cause light wounds touch - this quickly alerted the group to his nefarious schemes (or their chant of "for chaos" did).


Chester was quickly knocked out with a crossbow bolt, but his fellows were able to quickly bandage him up. The group was able to stabilize with a few timely hits. Born and his men would not surrender, but they attempted an orderly retreat. However, they were at a disadvantage going down the hill. Also, the group was able to surround the heavily armored Born, which proved decisive. However, one of the dwarves (Gwyrn) was knocked out as well.


After cataloging their wealth, the group headed back to the keep.

The group travels to Hommlet

The group had an uneventful sleep for the rest of the night, after the attack by the bats. In the morning, just as the group was getting up, a large group of people approached from the south. They were eight fellow travelers. After some initial suspicion, the groups planned to talk together. Just at that moment, a strange squeaking noise approached rapidly from the east. The group was attacked by 15 giant crickets. The crickets quickly overwhelmed three of the newcomers, and several of them feasted on the dying. The two groups banded together, except for a few cowards, that fled to the south. Most of the crickets were dispatched by timely punches or small weapons, although a couple of the newcomers swung clubs in close quarters, incidentally damaging their fellows. The remaining crickets fled after they had glutted themselves.

The group washed off and dealt with their dead; some were ceremoniously buried in the nearby creek, others were casually dumped on the side of the road. The group decided to travel together, but there was a disagreement about splitting up the loot of the dead. Timmy desperately wanted the net, and fought for it, throwing several punches, but he was overcome by numbers. One of the spiteful members dumped a bag of night soil on Timmy's head, and he fled into the woods.

The group proceeded on their travels north, and traveled three more days, mostly uneventfully. Timmy reconciled with the group, and one of the newcomers, and herbalist named JC, found some juicy tubers that served as a meal for the group. Nevertheless, the group was running low on rations and water and were very grateful to be able to finally arrive in Hommlet.

New skills were learned by the group, and several of the members went off to the inn. The remaining six were these: Dusty, a dwarven miner with exceptional strength and skill, particularly with a war hammer. Relentless, an elven navigator, with a chosen patron of the King of Elfland. He recalled a special magical ceremony where he would be able to transmute a chose weapon and suit of armor to mithril based on a keyword. Golden, a female weaver chose the warrior profession. Dimble, a humble turnip farmer, chose to also serve the King of Elfland as a travelling wizard. So, an Ostler, chose the wizarding profession as well, although he is still considering his patron. Finally, Cowrin, a squire, chose to take up the cause of his order as an acolyte cleric.

The group approached the first farmhouse, with two large dogs. Despite their fears, they knocked on the door and were greeted by a welcoming farm woman and her curious children. She gave the weary group directions to the Welcome Wench inn down the road. The group went to the inn and were dismayed by the price of room and board, but were grateful to get common room assignments of one silver apiece, which also included warm water, towels, morning tea and bread! The wonderful scents of the evening meal tempted the group, but they all ate simple bread and water, with a little beer.

Sleep was uneventful, and they awoke to a beautiful spring day. The groom had taken care of their animals at 2 coppers a piece. They asked directions to the merchant, and were directed north and west. They went out and explored a bit before opening time. The owners of livestock decided to sell them for some much needed equipment. After an initial discussion with a local farmer, they went back and retrieved their animals, which had been well kept for. They then went back to the local traders, who were only too glad to trade for the animals. The cow, a goat, and a fine set of clothes were traded for what seemed a princely sum (8 gold for the cow, 10 silver for the goat, and 7 gold for the clothes). Dusty was able to purchase a fine war hammer and a wooden shield for exactly 8 gold. Relentless traded his prized spyglass directly for a broad sword and 10 silver, and invoked his birthright on it, transforming it to precious mithril. Golden bought a fine battle ax for 6 gold.

The group is now feeling more confident and is looking forward to further adventure.

A Simple Group

A group of straggled, poor, but enterprising adventurers converged on a lonely tavern, nestled on a traveled road. Sixteen in number, they also possess some random livestock: a female cow, two male goats, and a male sheep.

After negotiating for use of the common room, they purchased a meager meal of bread and water. They observed some other dirty travelers before going to bed for the night.

Waking up in the morning, the group was tempted by the smell of bacon and eggs cooking. A few succumbed to the rich price of 1 silver for the meal, but most settled for bread and water again.

Golden (a female human weaver) and Slob (a male herbalist) clumsily attempted to stir up conversation with the fellow travelers, but were horribly unsuccessful. After being warned by one of the maids that the mood was turning ugly, the group left the tavern and considered their options. The animals had eaten provender over the evening, and they considered the position of the tavern, which was situated on the east side of a muddy road, that roughly ran north to south. There was a sign near the tavern, pointing north, that said "Hommlet".

Bacon, a woodcutter of some renown, had an idea of making a cart from available lumber. Searching around, he found an dead aspen tree. With his handy hand axe, and some assistance, he was able to fell the tree. However, he then considered the problem at hand, and realized that he didn't have the skill to make a cart or really anything from the chopped tree.

After some discussion, the group decided to proceed north on the muddy road. About an hour in, the group realized that they only had one water-skin with about two liters of precious liquid between them all. Swiss, a hunter, was sent ahead of the group to scout out a water source. He searched for about a half hour to no success. He came back and informed the group, where on they decided that the best choice was to go back to the tavern.

They went back to the tavern, and talked to the owner. He indicated that he did indeed have water-skins for sale, and also some rye bread. They bought eight water skins at 6 silver a piece, and ten loaves of rye bread (all that was currently in stock) for a copper a piece. The cook was preparing a savory meal of roast chicken, and Dusty, a lusty dwarven miner, could not quench his desire for a tasty meal. The rest of the group tightened their belts and tersely waited for the hungry dwarf to finish his expensive meal (3 silver).

By this time, it was past noon. The group retraced their steps on the road and passed the point that they had traveled earlier in the day. As they traveled on the crooked road, the livestock became more animated, and moved quicker on the road. The group was indecisive, and the the animals made it around a corner before they responded. The group rounded the corner to find a bubbling creek with a footbridge before them, and the livestock greedily drinking.

As the group approached the creek, a buzzing sound came to their ears, and seven basketball sized insects rapidly approached them. These were hungry mosquitoes, and one of them drained sufficient  blood from Caleb, a potato farmer that he succumbed. Call (a scribe), threw a dart and downed an insect. Many of the group realized that their weapons were dangerous in such close combat (a few of the group had the insects attached and sucking blood). Many used their bare hands to slap and smash the insects. Several were downed in this manner. Unfortunately, Relentless (an elven navigator), used an iron spike in a haphazard manner, and damaged Timmy (a rutabaga farmer). Fortunately, the group dispatched the remaining insects. The livestock were all left alone, and sated their thirst. The group, realizing that they were both thirsty and filthy, sated their thirst and cleaned themselves off of blood and muck.

Evening approached and the group decided that this was an ideal spot to spend the evening, especially as there was a meadow that had been used by travelers in the past. They were able to make a fire, using a portion of a bundle of wood and some parchment to get it started. A guard was established, and sleeping positions around the fire were setup.

A few hours after the group had gotten to sleep, the guards had let the fire go low. A squeaking sound was heard to the south. The group moved to alert the sleepers, and Swiss, using a lantern, moved towards the creek. The livestock had been tethered to impromptu posts. Unfortunately, seven rapidly flying bats attacked the livestock. The sheep was taken down, and the cow and one of the goats took wounds. The group fought in the dark, and were able to take down five of the bats. The remaining two, sated by sheep and cow blood, flew off into the night. Matt, (a radish farmer), somewhat skillfully cut up the dead sheep and prepared some portions. The rest of the group treated to the wounds and prepared to sleep again.