Session 29: Day 16 of Coldeven, in the barrow maze

We found ourselves in a basin surrounded by trees that seemed to lean in and over it, making it darker that the world above the barrow, which was completely silent and gloomy.

We noted that the week of training must have included chicken training because Chiki’s chicken now sits comfortably on his shoulder. Unfortunately, his tunic is also stained down the back with chicken poop. Whiskers stood up and waved goodbye with one foot, then ran back down the path in the direction we came from. We all waved back and called out our thanks and goodbyes as he scampered off.

Looking around us, we found piles of hewn rocks, each cut roughly in the shape of a skull and stacked on top of each other in a cohesive but somehow disquieting manner, as if they should be adjusted. They were each about 40-feet around and 15-20 feet tall. Lhoss examined a couple of the piles and I examined another. Lhoss even touched one of the rocks for a moment but felt uneasy touching it, as if she did not want to.

We also noted six hills around us, all covered in scrubby grass. Lhoss examined one that was surrounded by 13 large chunks of solid granite and basalt, walking around it for at least 150 feet. There was an archway opening into that hill and many footprints along the pathway both in and out of it, along with some drag marks.

I examined another hill that had a few stones protruding from one side. There were no footprints around this one but as I got closer to examine the stones, five skeletons in shabby chainmail suddenly popped up and headed toward me! Chiki jumped in and three attacked him, doing some serious damage. The other two attacked me.

We battled the skeletons and Armaziti used his Turn Undead skill to fear four of the five away while we dispatched the last. We then chased down the other four and destroyed them, but not before two managed to run through the arch and into the large hill! We hesitated to chase them but Chiki barrelled in after them and the rest of us joined him, destroying them just inside.

I passed Armaziti a candle so he could see in the dark room. Looking around, we noted that there was a broken stone door and also a foul smell coming from the interior. A short stone stairway descended into a 60x60-foot area and we went down into it where we found four huge stone columns supporting the structure, and a 6-foot tripod with a block and tackle over a hole in the ground, with a tope descending down into the hole. Chiki commented that this was most likely the main entrance, then dropped a torch into the pit. It fell about 30 feet into a room and we could see it light up frescos on the walls inside.

Lhoss immediately gripped her dagger in her teeth and started lowering herself in. Chicki quickly followed, then Gnorcia and Armaziti.

Inside we found dust, rubble and silence. There was an unlocked door on the east wall and a passageway to the west with two more doors. Chiki stood guard at the hallways and Armaziti at the unlocked door as Lhoss and I looked around. We examined the faded frescoes on the walls and found they appeared to be religious and burial rituals along with writing in a language we could not understand. Some images showed people being disemboweled and having brains put in jars. Others showed demons leering over sacrifices, including the demon Orkus, a man-like creature with twisted horns, the lord of the undead.

Beneath our feet, the floor was worn ancient limestone covered with sand, debris, and bones, as well as footprints leading in both directions. The ceiling had more murals all the way up to the entrance hole, which was clearly not part of the original construction.

Finishing our examination of the room, Lhoss opened the door to the east and revealed a passageway and a pile of bricks that had been broken down and scattered around. Behind the bricks was a dim alcove with a few bones on the floor. 

Lhoss saw some archways farther down the hall and headed toward them but tripped a pit trap, falling in and taking damage. Irritated that she had not checked for traps, she tossed her rope up to Armaziti, who hauled her back up, and we crept around the pit trap and onward to the archways. Between them on the south was another brick wall, mortared in place and unbroken, extending 15 feet up. Lhoss tapped on it with her staff and it seemed very sturdy, even blocking all sound from that direction.

The hallway extended east through the second arch, and to the north was another hallway with an alcove and more broken-down bricks. I ventured quietly and carefully to peer into this alcove and got the impression that something had broken down the wall from the inside. Peering in further I could see bits of torn clothing and torn flesh!

Continuing up this hall we found another brick-walled area but this time could perceive sounds behind it, shuffling and scuffling. We moved quietly past it to find a narrow passageway across on the west side with no bricks walling it off. Lhoss snuck down this hallway and discovered it ended in a small room with ten octagonal alcoves, each blocked up with a skull. Examining more closely, she found the skull was wedged in, blocking whatever might be behind it.

Lhoss pried at the skull with her dagger and dislodged it, revealing a sparkle of coins, but she decided she didn’t want to be a grave robber so she left the coin and replaced the skull. I then decided I don’t have a problem robbing graves for coin so I barged in, took out the skull, and pocketed the 9 electrum pieces.

At that, Lhoss remembered that she owed Chiki some coin and decided maybe grave robbery wasn’t such a bad thing. She pried out the next skull to reveal 7 electrum pieces behind it. We continued along, checking for traps and prying out skulls, revealing 33 electrum in the first seven alcoves.

In the eighth, Lhoss found 9 more electrum but also a handful of rot grubs that immediately burrowed into her hand! Armaziti recognized what they were, ran over, and immediately cauterized her arm, killing the grubs. That was enough grave-robbing for Lhoss, so I broke into the last two alcoves and used an old goblin cap from my pack to retrieve 30 more electrum from them.

We decide to rest for three hours so Armaziti could memorize his healing spells again, but on the second hour, five blood-seeking sturges—small birds with bat wings, six legs, and pointy snouts—came flying down the passageway and into the room. Two hit Chiki, attaching themselves and sucking his blood. Another attacked Lhoss and another attacked me, attaching to us as well.

Hearing our screams, Armaziti stopped praying and grabbed his mace. I stabbed at one of them on Chiki, damaging it, and both Lhoss and Armaziti smashed at it as well, prompting Chiki to yell, “Why didn’t you use a sleep spell!” At that, Lhoss remembered her sleep spell, cast it, and the sturges all fell to the ground. We quickly squished them dead as blood spurted out all over.

We rested again so both Lhoss and Armaziti could re-memorize their spells and divided up the 88 electrum, pocketing 22 each.

Session 28: Day 9-15 of Coldeven

Our party bade farewell to Angos and Miratara. Angos received word that members of his family were in need of his help and attention. Miratara had grown tired of the adventuring life and wished to retire. We do not know if or when we will see them again; they will be missed.

The remainder of the party (Calbach, Chalkboi, Aramaziti, Chiki, Gnorcia, and Lhoss) spent the week preparing for the next adventure by training where available and asking around Orlane to gather as much intelligence as possible to decide what their next steps should be. Calbach trained with Alan Clayborn and became a Strider. Aramaziti trained at the temple of Merikka with priestess Misha to become an Adept. Gnorcia and Lhoss trained with the elf Llewelyn to become Footpads. Will this be enough to prepare our band for the dangers that we will face?

Lhoss investigated at the Golden Grain Inn and Bertram showed her Derrik's room where she found an iron ring, some writings, and clothing. She gathered these things in hopes of tracking Derrik. Calbach spoke to Ramne who offered us Whiskers to track Derrik to the Barrel Maze. Whiskers could get the scent off of Derrik's clothes. Ramne also revealed that Whiskers became a loyal companion through the use of the spell Find Familiar as well as training. Not much is known about the Barrel Maze, other than it is an ancient burial mound where ancestors of current Orlanians are buried. It is sunken in the Dim Forest and most townsfolk regard it as a dangerous place.

Chalkboi traveled to the garrison at Hookhill. He spoke to the captain about the raids that have been carried out at the hands of Nanor. It appears that Nanor is ruthless; reports from raided sites tell of very little left behind -- no bodies and little blood. Is he supplying slaves to the Wild Coast?

Intel on the Wild Coast slave trade is also thin. The area is unstable and the humanoids (orcs, goblins, ogres) lead regular raids. There is a hefty reward for an adventurer who will travel to the coast and return enslaved persons: 50 gp for each returned person as well as 250 gp to each adventurer who helps.

Our group discusses the options of pursuing Derrik to the Barrel Maze or traveling to the Wild Cost to free the enslaved. We decide that we had better follow our lead on Derrik before he slips away. On the morning of day 16, we embark on the trail toward the Dim Forest. The trail is unnaturally quiet and gradually descends into wetlands. Whiskers is a good guide and we are able to find the Barrel Maze. We come upon a monolith and prepare ourselves for what is to come.

Session 27: Day 8 of Coldeven, back in Orlane

Kytto and Jeffra James (the storekeeper and his wife) proclaim that our group are preferred customers and would receive a discount on almost anything in the store. When Kytto shows us his selection of silver daggers, we buy out his stock and order additional weapons; we know that silver is most effective against certain creatures. While others stock up on supplies, I walk over to Myron's shop. The tailor has mended my cloak and relays to me that there is good news at the Golden Grain Inn and we should head that way. As we are leaving the shop together, we run into our elf friends, Dorian and Llewelyn. Llewelyn offers to train the thieves in our party who wish to become more skilled. Dorian mentions that the mayor has some additional information for us. We decide to see the mayor on the way to the inn.

Mayor Zacharias Ormond tells us that the Golden Grain Inn is transformed. What had been the seat of the cult has returned to a friendly spot. Bertram has become his old self again. But, there is one whose demeanor did not change with the slaying of the naga: a man named Derrik Sleigh appeared to be leading the cult of his own volition. When he realized that the enchantment had been broken, he fled into the Dim Forest. In the rush to flee, Derrik left some notes scrawled on scraps of paper in his room at the inn. They mention barrel mounds and a familiar name: Nanor! Our first clue to deciphering the mysterious note left for us.

We make our way to the Golden Grain Inn. Bertram is full of apologies and serves us drinks and bread with butter. I apologize for casting a sleeping spell on him and we make amends. We ask him if he can show us the papers Derrik left behind. Bertram produces the notes and we have a discussion about all he knows over mutton stew, fruit, and more drinks and bread. Apparently Derrik was receiving his instructions from Nanor. Also, Derrik is a hired assassin. It is clear that Nanor is a foe who will need to be confronted. Our work here is not yet done.

We receive a message that Ronan is requested back at the Slumbering Serpent. But first, we need to stop by the temple of Merikka. Priestess Misha greets us warmly at the temple. Armaziti requests further training as a cleric. Misha agrees but presents us with some troubling news: some of the charmed villagers have been taken south to the Wild Coast as slaves. This is deeply upsetting to all in the group and presents a problem. Do we follow Derrik into the Dim Forrest, or make the long journey to the Wild Coast to break up the slave ring? Both seem like pressing concerns!

As we walk through the village, Vilma greets us and entreats us to have dinner with her. I've gotta say, it feels pretty good to receive so much praise for all our hard work! (It's almost as good as the heap of treasure we recovered.) We promise to eat with her tomorrow night as we have pressing business at the Slumbering Serpent. 

Ronan's message is delivered by Sir Bron from the garrison at Hookhill. There are reports of strange creatures coming from the mountains in the Duchy of Jeff. If Ronan is available to help, he is to report to the commandant at Hookhill. Ronan is willing to help, but feels as though he is also needed with our group. As we discuss priorities, the name of Nanor is dropped. Immediately, Sir Bron asserts that stopping Nanor should be the top priority as he most troublesome and leading raids. This is certainly good intel, but we are left to decide as a group what our next objective should be. While Armaziti trains with the monks, the thieves in the group train with Llewelyn to sharpen our skills for whatever lays ahead! 

Session 26: Morning of Day 5 of Coldeven, deep under the swamp

First thing this morning we went back to see about that angry little reptilian monster and as soon as it heard us it started making a horrendous racket again. Lhoss threw it some meat from her rations and it snapped them up, then looked at her hungrily and warily. I tossed it more rations but they didn't help much so Lhoss put a sleep spell on it. Angus snuck over and discovered that one of the keys I had found unlocked the collar! I knew those keys would be useful for something other than setting off traps! He loosened it so that the creature could eventually break free upon awakening.

We quickly headed toward the stairs up to the next cavern level and as we slogged through a particularly muddy room, we could hear the creature howling and moving through the caverns. We raced up the stairs and closed the door to one room behind us, piling up bodies behind the door to block it as best we could, and leaving a few more rations to try and slow it down a bit as well. We closed one last door to that room behind us as well and it gave us just enough time to escape across the underground lake in the boat we had left there.

As we ascended from the cavern we made an ominous discovery: the heads of the two troglodytes that we had killed in the swamp were staked just outside the entrance! With them we found a note that started with "Congratulations!" and named us all by name. It continued, "You have done well. I will see you in the future. Signed, Nanor"

We were more than a little disturbed and baffled by this discovery but in a hurry to get to Orlane. We headed headed back through the marsh that was part of the Rushmores swamp and then into the Dim Forest, which was still eerily-quiet. Ramne had to rest a lot but we were able to find a defensible place for the night and set up a shift of guards every 2 hours: Miratara and Angus, Chiki and Calbach, Lhoss and Ramne, and Gnorcia and Armaziti.

We saw no wild animals as we passed through the forest and were able to get to the main road and turn back toward Orlane without any trouble. We noticed that Ramne was pushing himself harder than usual and stopped again for the night. It was peaceful except for a distant howling in the middle of the night. Our journey continued and by the next night we were almost to the village, but decide to stop and camp again because Ramne was exhausted.

The next day as we got closer to Orlane,we started to see people out in the fields who hailed us as we passed. Arriving in Orlane, we immediately headed for the Slumbering Serpent Inn. The proprietress, Bilba, was overjoyed to see us and told us what had been happening in the village.

Bilba said that a few days ago the spell was broken and people miraculously began recovering. Lhoss shouted out, “That was us!” Bilba told us that she was most grateful for our help in destroying the naga and that we are always welcome to stay at the Slumbering Serpent for free, including meals. Chiki then demanded a bath, and we were all able to bathe and get all the nasty swamp mud off of us. Bilba retrieved all our clothing and belongings to have them cleaned, and dressed us in clean robes, then brought us a hearty lunch meal, including some of the best wines and bread from Orlane.

After eating, we traveled to the mayor’s house and he was also overjoyed to see us. He told us that all of the villagers who had been charmed had woken up as if they had been in a fog. Some have evil memories and some have a lot of guilt and have fallen into a deep depression because of the terrible things they had been forced to do. He said that the priestess at the temple has also recovered and feels enormous shame but has been engaging in cleansing the temple and is anxious to meet with us. The statue of the naga that was in the temple was removed and sold to pay for the temple’s recovery.

The mayor also declared a citywide festival holiday in our honor this coming week, with all the good bounties of Orlane to be shared. He said that the elves have decided to settle in the village and others of their elven kin are expected in the next few days, and have promised to bring some of their agricultural secrets to the village. He also shared that the merchant is expecting us and would like to reward us.

After leaving the mayor's house we hurried over to the temple and found that it now has a holier, cleaner look. The gardens have been worked on and tended. Much work has been done but there is still much left to do. Nisha the priestess apologized repeatedly. She recognized Armani as a cleric and offered him training for 750 gold.

Leaving the temple, we went to the jeweler and he appraised all our gems and jewelry for us, offering to do a one-time money exchange for no charge and a 90% exchange on the gems and jewelry.

We also met the shopkeepers and their sons who had previously been antagonistic to us and found they are now friendly. Even their sons came out and shook our hands, and they offered us a lifetime discount on most items. We all purchased some needed supplies, ordered others, and considered what else we might need to stock up on.

Session 25: Day 4 of Coldeven Afternoon - The Defeat of Explictica (the Naga)

 Raime - NPC w/Whiskers - Weasel

Calbach - Brad

Armatzi - Alex

Lhoss - Leigh

Gnorcia - Lillian

Chiki - NPC

Angos - Ryan

Ronan - Nick

After resting on the shores of the waters of the underground lake (map rm#37) we all climbed into the boat on the shore and proceeded across the water toward what we hoped would be glory.

As we left shore, Ramne, the trickster magic user he seems to be, cast a new spell we had not seen before which surrounded us in a bubble of magic with properties we did not know.

We crossed the underground lake, heading East as best we could tell, and encountered a creature on a farther shore that struck out at us with a spell that struck the magic bubble and exploded harmlessly like fireworks above and around us.

After the creature (Explictica (the Naga)) attacked, she placed a charm on Ronan who was no longer able to fight do to the compulsion of the spell making him want to please Explictica. Calbach launched a volley of arrows against Explictica and did minor damage. The rest of the party, except Ramne, left the boat and proceeded to shore to attack. Battle ensued during which time Calbach and Armatzi, who had joined the party on shore, were charmed. Gnorcia cast a gaze reflection on herself, which gave her a little respite, but she was then bitten by the vile creature and fell into a stupor. When all seemed lost, Ramne case a dispel magic upon all the charmed persons (who were just standing around, as Explictica arrogantly ignored them). Explictica continued to attack using bite, spells and charms but was eventually defeated by two well placed daggers from Angos. 

The creature's treasures were discovered and a Bag of Holding was seized to assist in carrying the large amounts of loot (Coin, gems, jewelry and the like) out of the caverns. There were many other magic items - Armatzi sampled several potions and determined what they are - fortunately none of them were dangerous.  A couple turned out to be healing potions, and one was used on Gnorcia, who was restored to a wobbling form of consciousness. Lhoss grabbed a horn and blew on it, and was covered by blinding bubbles. She dove into the water and washed them all off. A pair of elven boots were found, and a ring of protection. Ramne claimed a potion and another unidentified ring. 

The group re-united with the former prisoners in the burned out troglodyte hatchery (map rm#34) and claimed the rest of the treasure, placing it into the Bag of Holding, nearly filling the bag to capacity.

Our final discussions were:

What is to be done with the little dinosaur?

Do we finish clearing the rest of the dungeon?

Do we head directly back to the village with Raime (he has asked for accompaniment)? 

Session 24: Day 4 of Coldeven, morning

It was early in the morning, we reckoned, as we got our start exploring the caverns again. The freed prisoners were wary of following us further as we explored, yet were persuaded when Lhoss told them the party had encountered troglodytes in the Dim Forest and Gnorcia pointed out that many in Orlane had been turned by the naga so town would also be unsafe. The solution was that Chiki would fall back about 20 feet with the freed prisoners and protect them in the case of danger. They could be under the protection of the group without being near the battle, should danger arise.

These caverns are nothing but smelly muddy walls and the occasional door. The party came across one of those occasional doors. Lhoss, being inquisitive and a bit impetuous, yelled "I wanna open that door!" and did. Behind it was trouble. A cleric and his shadowy assistant were poised to attack, as if they had expected us. The cleric immediately intoned "Welcome to your doom!" and let us know that he would not be easy to defeat. We'll see about that!

The cleric immediately immobilized Armaziti and Ronan; Calbach was hit with ice. Lhoss attempted her sleep spell, but the cleric was too powerful and it was ineffective. Ramne launched magic missile and dispelled the magic that had immobilized Armaziti and Ronan. Angos attempted to double-dagger attack the shadowy figure, but it seemed to have no effect. Ronan tried to burn the creature with his torch, but the creature was able to evade his attack. Calbach, in a near-death experience, met his deity and learned the creature is a negative material plane wraith. We will need to ask Calbach what other divine secrets were revealed to him at another time. He was sent back to us because his work is not yet finished. Good for us! After much hard fighting (and Ramne's powerful spells), our work of killing the evil cleric and wraith were finished. I don't know if I'd say it was easy, but they were defeated. Gnorcia found a ring of keys on the cleric and pocketed them. Lhoss found a decorative hammer with a snake head.

The party wanted to be thorough in exploring the cavern, so we backtracked and attempted to make our way through all parts of the cave system. Ronan, taking the lead was surprised when a giant spider jumped on his back. Armaziti pointed out that two feet isn't a very big creature, but Gnorica chimed in that two feet is quite big for a spider! Thinking quickly, Ronan fell backward and was able to squish the arachnid. A few quick stabs from Angos finished it off.

In another cavern, the party found a chest. With fresh memories of the pair of chests containing vast wealth, Gnorcia examined the chest for traps. Finding none, she attempted to open it. Unfortunately, there was a trap and she activated it. Timbers supporting the room collapsed, trapping Ronan. Gnorcia attempted to see what was contained in the chest; she did not see anything. Calbach rescued Ronan and the entire party was able to escape the collapsing room.

Sensing the group was closing in on the naga, the freed prisoners did not desire to move forward. The adventurers  decided that the townsfolk should hole up in the cavern with the concealed treasure. As they were unarmed, Lhoss gave them the decorative hammer. Wishing to unburden herself from some weight, Gnorcia gave them a hammer she had acquired at some point. Chiki left a dagger. With a sense of apprehension, the band pressed forward.

As we rounded a corner, we saw what looked like a small tyrannosaurus rex chained to the wall. It did not seem able to slip its chain and if the group kept its distance, the monster could not reach us. It growled and howled terribly at us. Lhoss suggested trying to slaughter it while it was chained up ("What if it did get free? What then?") but she was overruled. Just past the scaly creature ("We even have a weapon that works really well agains scaled creatures! No? Ok.") there was a large boat that was big enough for our whole party and a pole to propel it across the lake it was floating in. It was mid-day and sensing that we were nearing our goal, we stopped to rest and prepare our spells. 

Session 23: Coldeven Day 3, late afternoon, through the morning of Day 4

Healed and rested, we set out again. We explored the last chamber to the south and found piles of bones, both humanoid and animals. From there we headed south through some mud and back to where we had already explored. We heard a low whistle which could have been the sound of wind whistling, or something else. As we moved eastward a little farther, the whistling stopped.

Lhoss found a door covered in mud and was able to open it. Behind it was a small closet with a 2-person boat. Loss and Calbach got in the boat and headed southeast until they found two wooden chests on a shelf. Callbach shot arrows at them and Lhoss checked them for traps, but was not able to pick the locks. She finally managed to break open one of them and when she did a poison needle shot out! Fortunately, it missed her! Inside she found a treasure of coins! Calbach smashed the top of the second and the sound echoed through the chamber so he didn’t try again. They decided to haul the chests back to the rest of the party.

It took a lot of work to get the first chest into the boat, and there wasn’t room for Lhoss so she stayed behind while Calbach ferried it across. As soon as Calbach disappeared, Lhoss saw an eye pop out of the wall and heard a mocking giggle! She stabbed at it but it quickly vanished back into the wall as she shouted, “I see you!” Two trips later, we were all reunited. Chiki was delighted to discover the treasure and when I wasn’t able to unlock the second chest, he gleefully smashed it open! Altogether we had discovered 300 platinum, 600 gold, 100 silver, 600 electrum, a bracelet, and 20 small gems! We divvied up the treasure into sacks and we each dragged a sack back to the cave with the bones, where Lhoss covered it in an old cloak and piled bones around it to hide it.

We then headed to the northeast of the boat closet and found a swollen door that Lhoss pried open to reveal a large square-shaped chamber with a pillar in the middle. A nasty, cadaverous figure, humanoid and zombie-like, started moving slowly toward the group.

Calbach shot an arrow at it and missed, Ronan charged it with his longsword and missed, and Aramazi ran in and smashed it with his mace, splashing gore around the room. Chalkboi ran and hit it, knocking it down, apparently dead. It then stood up again! Chalkboi, Calbach, and Aramazi all turned and ran in terror! The creature grabbed Aramazi as he started to run, wrapping his hands tightly around his neck. Ronan attacked it with magic missiles, nearly killing it, and Lhoss, Gnorcia (that's me), Ronan, and Chiki all tried to attack it but our weapons were useless and bounced off it!

Ramne shouted for us all to move to the west wall and we ran as he attacked it with a lightning bolt. The lightning bolt hit it, bounced off the wall, hit it again, and ricocheted out the door and into the mud wall outside. After the others returned from running in terror, we ate, slept, and re-memorized spells.

On the morning of Day 4, when we awoke, Lhoss tried unsuccessfully to open a door to the north. Aramazi came in and smashed it open, revealing a hallway with another door on the left. Lhoss picked the lock on that door and it opened to reveal four people behind bars. They said they were Frud, a merchant who had been headed to Hookhill, Fred and Claire, two children of the carpenter in Orlane, and Wendy, an Orlane farmer. They said the Naga’s charm failed on them and they have been held captive here ever since. They also said to beware the naga’s eyes because that is how it charms people! I was able to pick the locks on two of the doors and Aramazi and Calbach smashed open the other two locks. They were all grateful and excited to be free.