Session 103: Day 4-11 of Goodmonth - Jack's Yarning Spin

The group gathered in the common room of the Foaming Mug on the morning of Day 4 of Goodmonth. As they all enjoyed their breakfast, several noticed that the bread was not as fresh as it usually is. Florin indicated that they had not received any fresh bread and had supplemented the offerings with especially fine jams and preserves. Hopefully the day-old bread could be overlooked? Lhoss remarked kindly that day-old bread in Orlane was finer than fresh bread anywhere else. Kyro started to equivocate that the group had eaten very good bread in Hochoch, but Lhoss shushed him. Jack requested a saucer of milk. Kyro raised an eyebrow and remarked "most cats are lactose intolerant!" With his usual quick wit, Feno retorted "most cats can't talk and levitate!" Jack took immense satisfaction in this exchange and gave Feno a high five.

Lhoss informed the group that after her near-death experience, she would need several days of recuperation and rest before she was well enough to go adventuring again. The rest of the party found themselves with time on their hands in the village. Feno walked to the shop to purchase a leather strap with Jack riding on his shoulders. Getting in the cat's good graces will apparently earn you some feline companionship time. Feno also found a place to gamble and had some fun without losing his shirt. Kyro took the opportunity to train in farming with Alan Clayborn. Gnorcia sought out and purchased a luxury cat bed (in the hopes that she could reclaim her own rented bed). She commissioned a perfectly-sized couch in Jack's favorite colors: navy, purple, and gold. He took to it immediately and curled up in a tight little ball. Success! Lhoss spent most of her time taking meals and retreating to her room with a few visits to her good friend, Velma. The rest spent their time and money enjoying the simple pleasures Orlane has to offer.

Day 11 rolled around and Lhoss finally felt well enough to venture out with the party. It was a hot, high-summer day. The sun was blazing, such that the cool of the Dim Forest was at first a welcome relief. But the spookiness of the place soon sent a different chill down their spines. The group pushed on until they reached the barrowmaze which then greeted them with a hot, fetid smell and orange hazy light. That's not all that greeted them, a horde of six skeletons, five zombies, and two ghouls crawled out of the muck and lurched forward to attack!

As Armatzi prepared his turn undead ability, he was viciously attacked by a ghoul. It unfortunately paralyzed him, neutralizing one of our greatest weapons against these undead. Fortunately the party was large with a variety of strengths. Gnorcia's dexterous skill quickly dispatched one ghoul and Lhoss targeted another with her magic missiles. Feno attacked and felled zombies with his deadly blade Icing Death, knowing it was less effective on skeletons. Jack did something unexpected: he levitated one of the ghouls and spun it in midair, neutralizing it as an opponent throughout the battle. Clever kitty! As the battle ensued, skeletons were the last of the enemies for the heroes to defeat. Lhoss remarked to Chalkboi that if he didn't have a blunt weapon to strike the skeletons with, even at half damage, Caliburn may still prove the best option. Indeed a powerful magical sword is capable of slicing a skeleton to shrapnel! Feno took note and instead of switching to his inferior morningstar, pressed his attacks with Icing Death and found it does just fine! He even finished off the ghoul caught in Jack's Yarning Spin. In the aftermath of the battle, Jack walked gently over and touched Armatzi's nose, immediately releasing him from the paralysis. Very, very clever kitty!

Session 102: A Fur-ious Battle and an Amazing Discovery on Day 3 of Goodmonth

It was a bad situation for sure. Lhoss and I were battling undead Neb’Enakhet cats and rapidly losing to a furry of paw swipes and bites. Blood was spattering and fur flying everywhere but the rest of the party had been feared by the cats' awful attack screeches, dropping their weapons and running down the passageway, terrified. Suddenly, Chalkboi & Calbach appeared and immediately engaged in battle! We cheered as the cats found themselves outclawed with twice the number of opponents as they had been a moment before.

One of the cats attacking me turned to Calbach, giving me an opportunity to scratch it from behind with my dagger. I took it down and it gave a mournful howl as it fell. Two more turned and attacked Chalkboi, and one hit him with a claw attack. Alas, another two cats stayed in battle with Lhoss and her injuries were so bad that she quickly lay unconscious and bleeding on the ground. Another two cats attacked and hurt Calbach as well, but he swung and killed one of them, then turned and killed another that was attacking me. They both fell with mournful howls. I managed to turn and hit a feeble feline that was harassing me but somehow not doing any damage, destroying it.

As the battle continued, the cats hit all of us with many small swipes and bites, doing damage to everyone a little at a time. It was an awful fight and Chalkboi had to use Lay on Hands on himself at one point to keep from collapsing.

Then Niki came running back! It appeared that the fear from the meowlers' cries had worn off our compatriots. She tried to jump over a cat to get to Lhoss, but could neither kick it nor get past it. Jack was clinging to her back, fur bristling, and growling at everything. Kyro came running back and also couldn’t get past the cats, but bared Big Stabby and destroyed the creature instead. Emboldened by their return, I stood tall like a cat's tail and cried, “With great vengeance!” finishing off the cat next to me.

Niki then scrambled to heal Lhoss before she bled out and Calbach stepped up to destroy the last undead cat. As it fell, Jack jumped off of Niki’s shoulder and ran to the door of the room where the Neb’Enakhet had come from, sniffing around excitedly. Kyro and Calbach both followed and peeked in, and Kyro bravely went in to look at the fresco on the south wall, which turned out to be a disturbing mural of mummy cats worshipping Narul. They wanted none of that and came right back out, but Jack wandered in alone and began sniffing and pawing at a spot on the flagstone.

Curious, Niki followed him and discovered the stone was loose. She motioned to Calbach, who pried it open, revealing a bottle of golden-yellow liquid with flecks and a beautiful electrum ring. Gasping in excitement, Niki took out the ring and discovered it had two ghostly-green eyes staring back at her. She immediately cast Detect Magic on it, saying, “Draíocht a bhrath!” and found it was definitely magical.

Jack had been pacing back and forth in front of Niki, his tail twitching with excitement, but he suddenly stopped in front of her, made an excited howling meow, and put his paw out tentatively toward the ring. Niki slid the ring onto his paw and it fit as if it had been made for him! Jack turned and ran from the room, vanished down the hallway, then came running back, leaping from wall to wall in a sort of cat parkour move before skidding to a halt at Niki's feet.

Her eyes wide with excitement, Niki breathlessly inquired, "Hey there, little one! What have you been up to?"

"Meow, meow!" he said. "I've been exploring my new magical abilities!"

Everyone gasped and shouted in amazement. Jack could talk! That ring had to be the Lesser Ring of Jack that Niki had been searching for since she joined our adventuring party!

"Magical abilities?" Niki raised her eyebrows, looking both excited and terrified. "What do you mean?"

"Meow, meow, meow! I can do all sorts of amazing things now! I can teleport from one place to another in the blink of an eye, I can make objects float in the air with a flick of my paw, and I can even read your mind!" Jack lifted one paw, made a small gesture, and Calbach started floating a few inches off the ground!

"Wow, that's incredible!" Niki said. "How did you get these magical powers?"

"Meow, meow! I put on the Lesser Ring of Jack. Now, I go on the hunt!" Jack went to a small hole at the base of the wall, swiped, and caught a mouse, which he presented to Niki.

"That's amazing, little one! You must be the most talented cat in the world now." Niki gently stuffed the mouse into her pocket. It was still wriggling.

"Meow, meow! I certainly feel like it. But don't worry, I'll still cuddle up with you on the couch like always. Being magical hasn't changed my love for you." Jack then teleported out into the hallway and back again with another mouse in his mouth, then reappeared in the backpack, looking very pleased.

After a minute, Calbach slowly lowered back to the ground. We all stood still, gaping, until Kyro decided to speak to Jack, asking him, “Do you like me?” It was the question we had all often wondered and Jack immediately responded with a loud request for some food. Kyro pulled some lamb jerky out of his pack and handed it to the cat, who blinked twice to reveal a pouch around his neck, inserted the jerky, and began purring.

Jack then disappeared from the backpack and reappeared on Armatzi’s shoulder, saying, “How are you, priest of Saint Cuthbert?”

Wary of the new and strange antics of this cat, Armatzi paused before answering, then cautiously said, "Hello there, Jack. I hear you've been using your magical abilities to help people in need. That's very commendable."

"Meow, meow! Yes, I've been doing my best to make the world a better place. It's what any responsible cat would do with magical powers."

"I agree, Jack. It's important to use our abilities for good and to help those who can't help themselves," Armatzi continued. "That's one of the core principles of St. Cuthbert's teachings."

Jack walked back and forth across Armatzi's shoulders. "Meow, meow! I've heard of St. Cuthbert before. A powerful and wise god, so they say. Have you ever met him?"

Armatzi chuckled. "Well, not exactly. St. Cuthbert is a deity, so I can't meet him in the same way I would meet a mortal being. But I have felt his presence and guidance in my life, and I strive to follow his teachings every day."

"Meow, meow. That sounds very inspiring, Armatzi. I too strive to be a good cat and help those in need. Maybe we can work together on a project sometime?"

"Absolutely, Jack. It would be an honor to work alongside a cat with such a strong sense of duty and responsibility. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world."

Jack then stopped and squinted a moment before sticking the mouse in Armatzi’s ear, and said, “I smell tasty beef! Give it to me!”

Armatzi sighed, took the mouse out of his ear, and handed Jack some beef jerky, which he immediately stowed away in his pouch. Jack then reprimanded Armatzi for not wanting the mouse, saying it was a gift.

Anxious to join in the new conversation with the suddenly-talkative feline, Lhoss turned to Jack and said, "Hello Jack, how are you today?"

"Meow, meow! I'm doing great, Lhoss. I've been practicing my magic and exploring the world around me.”

"That's wonderful to hear, Jack," she answered. "I must say, I've been impressed by your magical abilities. You're a very clever cat!"

"Meow, meow! Thank you, Lhoss. I try my best to use my intelligence and quick thinking to solve problems and help others."

"It shows, Jack. Your ability to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions is truly remarkable. I've seen you use your magic to help people in ways that I wouldn't have even thought of." Lhoss reached out and flicked Armatzi's ear and he winced away from her.

"Meow, meow! I'm glad I can be of service. And I must say, I've learned a lot from you as well. Your knowledge and wisdom are an inspiration to me."

Lhoss bowed and continued, "That's very kind of you to say, Jack. I believe we make a great team - your cleverness and my experience complement each other well. Together, we can accomplish great things."

"Meow, meow! I couldn't agree more, Lhoss. Let's continue to use our skills and abilities to make the world a better place."

Quick to catch on, Calbach then approached Jack and said, "Hey there, Jack. I've been watching you use your magic and help people. You're quite impressive." Clearly the cat loved praise.

"Meow, meow! Thank you, Calbach. It's always good to hear positive feedback."

"I have to admit, at first I was skeptical of a cat having magical powers. But you've proven yourself to be quite capable."

"Meow, meow! I'm glad I could change your mind. I've always believed that animals can be just as capable as humans, if given the chance."

"I have to agree with you there, Jack. And I appreciate how you've used your abilities for good. It's not always easy to resist the temptation to use magic for personal gain."

Jack arched his back and stretched. "Meow, meow! I understand what you mean. But I believe that with great power comes great responsibility. It's important to use our abilities to help others, not just ourselves."

"I couldn't have said it better myself, Jack. You're a wise and responsible cat. I'm glad to have you as a friend."

"Meow, meow! And I'm glad to have you as a friend too, Calbach. You're a skilled ranger and a true ally. Together, we can accomplish great things."

All this talk of doing good and accomplishing great things made me wonder if Jack had any mischief left in him after putting on that ring. I slowly approached him and began to communicate telepathically , staring deep into his eyes.

Just then we began to hear unnatural sounds coming from the south and it spooked us all terribly. I broke off the telepathic conversation with Jack as Niki and Armatzi scrambled to heal everyone and we ran from the tomb into the marsh. We exited the marsh into a warm summer rain, jogging back through the muck to the trail to the Dim Forest. Everything felt better after the rain washed off the grime and dirt from our day’s adventures. We finally left the Dim Forest and returned to Orlane.

We arrived at the inn hungry but refreshed. Florin approached and greeted us warmly, offering Mutton Stew as the day’s house specialty. It looked and smelled amazing. We all ordered the stew and Jack ordered two bowls, shocking the innkeeper.

“Is that a talking cat?” he gasped.

“Why yes, I am a talking cat. My name is Jack Cat.”

Jack sat up straight and requested the inn's best room, which happened to be my room. I told Jack that he was welcome to share the room with me and he replied that he would be taking the bed and I could sleep on the floor!

Just then our meal arrived and Lhoss noticed that the elves were also there for dinner. They invited Lhoss, Niki, and me to join them. Jack strolled over and immediately curled up between the elves, purring himself to sleep.

Everyone was laughing and talking about the talking cat when suddenly Zraith appeared and began to speak to Armatzi, apologizing deeply for not being with him to go to the Barrowmaze. She appeared to have a large fish in her beak.

“I am greatly ashamed at my behavior,” she said, looking up at him with big, pleading eyes.

“It’s ok,” Armatzi said, “Just try to do better.”

Zraith bowed deeply, took the fish from her beak, and solemnly handed it to Armatzi. “I’ve brought you a large Bass,” she said.

Armatzi nodded his head at her and accepted it, then called to Florin, sending the fish off to the kitchen to be cooked.

Session 101: A return to the Barrowmaze. Morning and early afternoon of Day 3 Goodmonth

The group (Feno, Armatzi, Gnorcia, Lhoss, Niki, and Kyro) all got up and had a nice breakfast at the Foaming Mug Inn. Each person negotiate a new month room rate with Florin, the inn keeper. 

The group was itching to get back to the Barrowmaze. It was a warm summer day with a light drizzling rain coming down. The group marched back to the marsh, and entered the new entrance that was discoverd, and were dismayed to find an array of undead guarding the room. The group defeated several skeletons, zombies, and ghouls, and then moved forward into a new area of the maze that they have not as yet explored. 

The group was not being careful, and Feno and Lhoss fell into a 10' pit, suffering minor injuries. The group then headed down a south passage, finding a broken door and empty room. One of the strange goblins was leading on a sign that said "work in progress". The has become used to this, and moved on to the next room south. 

There were 8 strange mummy cats that were in the room, and after looking at the party for a moment, they raised an awful, hair raising howling. This terrified Feno, Armatzi, Niki, and Kyro, who dropped their items they were holding, and ran back the way they had come. The horrible undead felines then fell upon Lhoss and Gnorcia, badly wounding them. 

Session 100: Feeling Outcast in the Big Town (Day 22 Reaping - Day 2 of Good Month)

Day 22 Reaping:

Following the warm meal at the Dapper Crab, the group decided to separate for the afternoon. Kyro heard that there was a secret temple to Merikka just outside of town and decided to investigate. Feno and the newly arrived Calbach, decided to go what was described as the fighter's guild, but was in fact, the area that the Knights of Hookhill trained. Instead of a collection of fighters and mercenaries, they were met with an organized collection of presumably paladins. When asked if they knew anything about the dim forest, they refused to answer, because they sent Ronan on a mission to the Barrow Maze and they were awaiting his return. They refused to elaborate on his mission, and instead, were quite dismissive towards the two group members. Niki decided to explore the forest and wild parts outside of the town. In his discovery of the secret temple, Kyro discovered that Merikka was outcast from the town due the deities' chaotic alignment. It would seem that those that are chaotic leaning are not welcome inside the town. Armatzi looked for his penguin friend but was unable to find him inside the town. Following the day's adventure, the group spends the evening at the Dapper Crab (since rooms were already purchased). Feno learned a rumor about Nanor, the villian that the group is after in the barrowmaze: apparently, he may have been part of the group that killed his family so many years ago. Now motivated, Feno and the group are ready to head back to Orlane.  

Following breakfast, the group looks to find a caravan that is heading towards Orlane. They find the caravan driver that they used coming to town, but after discussion they find he won't be leaving for a few more days. This was not soon enough (since the group felt very unwelcome in town, especially Feno and Kyro) they decided to head to Orlane on foot. Kyro purchased a pot to have warm meals on the road, all the while trying to scour for ingredients and spices to help cooking. Once they left town, Zraith appeared again to join Armatzi on his quest. Kyro found nothing of note along this well-traveled route. Feno was also unable to see any wildlife along the way. The group took turns on evening watch, ensuring their camp was safe, similar to what they did on the way to Hookhill. The days come and go during the march back, with Zraith giving Armatzi fresh fish, and generally ignoring the rest of the party. The group noticed that it was quite peaceful as they traveled, as well as on their evening watch assignment. 

They arrive at the Dim Forest on last day of the month, day 28 of Reaping. Following a brief rainstorm, the group encounters a wild pig in the Dim Forest. After slaying the pig (it had an unusual amount of health) the group harvested (at Kyro's assistance) and divided the pork meat. Each member was given a portion that they could supplement their rations with. After a more enjoyable evening ration, the group once again continue to take watches at night and continue on. 

2nd Day of Good Month (or Sunflower in Elvish):

The group arrives in Orlane and enjoy a warm delicious dinner at the Foaming Mug. The recount to the familiar barkeep with the tales of hostility and mistreatment at hands of the denizens of Hookhill. 

Session 99: Finding answers in the Temple of Boccob

Armatzi, Niki, Gnorcia, Kyro, Lhoss, and Feno found themselves pondering the plans for the day after eating their breakfast at the Dapper Crab Inn. With no other specific business to be done in Hookhill, the group made it their primary objective to go to the Cathedral of St. Cuthbert. There, hopefully they could finally find a cleric with the knowledge of how to bring back Tatania. Lhoss asked the inn keeper Tiadora for directions and they set off.

Several in the party noted that the feeling of suspicion and paranoia that was observed in Hochoch was absent in Hookhill. Not all cities of the realm are equally affected by the terrors of the giants. The group made their way down wide, well-paved streets to the mercantile district. It was well exposed to the light of the warm summer day, which added to the pleasant journey. They passed by nicely-constructed homes and came upon the edge of the basilica, which was surrounded by walls. There was a field, which appeared to be the grounds for fairs and festivals. The area was busy with people coming and going. This appeared to be the religious district with a temple dedicated to Boccob and the Cathedral of Pholtus. The Cathedral of St. Cuthbert stood out in shining blue and white stone. It was an imposing structure, invoking the deity's cherished principles of order and lawfulness.

Armatzi stepped forward to introduce himself and was quickly recognized as a curate of the faith. The rest of the party were asked if they too were followers of St. Cuthbert. When they each indicated that they were not, they were informed that only Armatzi would be allowed to enter the while armed. Feno grew suspicious of this restriction and declared that he would wait outside. Lhoss, Gnorcia, Kyro, and Niki left their weapons with Feno and entered the cathedral. 

The entry gave way to large chambers, beautiful stained-glass windows, and paintings depicting the heroic deeds of St. Cuthbert's followers. As the group waited for Raymond Bachelet (the emissary of the cathedral), they heard the chanting of monks. At last Raymond appeared and addressed Armatzi (and only Armatzi). Raymond informed Armatzi that resurrection is a benefit that is only offered to the followers of St. Cuthbert. As Tatania had not declared fealty to any deity and was a chaotic personality, she would surely not be eligible. Kyro interjected to ask which other edifices the group might try to petition their cause and was sharply cut down. In the cathedral, communications could only go through Armatzi. Raymond had no knowledge (or interest) of what could be provided by other temples. But, he made it clear that there was no shrine to Merikka in the city and the closest place of worship was far off in Buxton's Crossing. The parting offerings of each member were received as thus: Lhoss (1 silver piece), a sniff; Gnorcia (1 gold piece), a slight nod; Armatzi (3 gold pieces), a deep nod.

Glancing around, the conical, several-story tower of Boccob came into view. It dazzled with blue, red, an yellow stones and was adorned with astronomical symbols. Boccob is the god of magic, arcane, and knowledge; this information pierced Kyro's heart. True, Tatania had never chosen a religion to follow, but this set of priorities seemed to align with hers very keenly. The group approached to inquire inside.

The party were met by two hooded guards wearing black robes embroidered with white stars. Kyro approached and explained our quest to have Tatania resurrected. When asked if any of us were followers of Boccob, we admitted that none are, but Kyro insisted that Tatania would have been if she had known of Boccob's existence. The guards thought to themselves and asked who wished to enter. Kyro, Gnorcia, and Lhoss indicated yes and were ushered in. Each gave an offering of 1 gold piece and were seated in a dark room lit by candles and infused with incense smelling of mint and cinnamon. Nearly intoxicated by the smell alone, the group was greeted by another man in a black robe with white stars. He asked if the group would be willing to submit to a test of truthfulness. After three yesses, they were presented to Metheven Pickney. Metheven asked probing questions about Tatania, including her motivations and temperament. Each adventurer seemed to pass the test and was rewarded with a large flagon of good wine. The effect of the drink caused the mystical signs emblazoned on the walls to shimmer and shine. The high priestess came to address the three and indicated that, yes, they had been truthful. She indicated that Baccob was an uncaring god, but would allow Tatania to be brought back, under two conditions. First, she would receive a quest to complete upon resurrection and second, the financial cost would be 10,000 gold pieces. This was bittersweet news. At last there was a path to see Tatania again, but it would not be easy. This would be an open-ended offer and Kyro could return with the treasure should he ever be able to collect it. Feeling a mix of emotions, the adventurers returned to the Dapper Crab to eat lunch and eavesdrop on the locals talking about the happenings of the surrounding areas. 

Session 98: Days 6-22 of Reaping

 From Gnorcia's notes:

The next morning dawned, day 6 of Reaping, and most of us awoke a little fuzzy about the previous night's adventures. Everyone except Armatzi, who had tossed out his herbal drink and had only water during the adventures in the grove. We had a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and fruits, then decided to go tell Da’ana that we will not be needing her services, and then to head out for Hookhill.

We got directions to merchants and information about traveling to Hookhill, then headed to the merchant center on Banker Street. We soon came across “The Darling Stone” with a diamond-shaped sign, and determined this must be a jeweler, which Niki and I were looking for. Two mail-clad guards looked at us suspiciously and there was a man with a very pointy beard. I handed him my white jade and sold it, Niki sold some smaller gems, and Lhoss sold him a gold ring. The return on our items was about a 10% loss over the prices in Orlane.

We then went to Hearts & Flowers, the bakery. Kyro, Lhoss, Armatzi and I went in. I purchased a meat pie to share with the group, along with a barley loaf for the trip and a cinnamon roll for an afternoon snack. Lhoss spent all of her copper on cinnamon rolls for the group, and Kyro bought a tart. Armatzi merely nodded at the proprietress and she gave him a scone.

From there we went to Da’ana’s tower and found that she could not see us for another 5 hours. We decided to leave a note for her, letting her know that we found ourselves unable to meet her price at this time, but that we were grateful for her services. I folded this carefully into a little origami shape, which I passed along with a gold piece to the servant for delivery to Da’ana, and he promised to pass it on to her.

We then went back to Banker Street and found ourselves at the amphitheater, where there were people selling goods as well as a group preparing a caravan. After some negotiation, we agreed to join the caravan of Moussa Zidane as protectors for two and a half gold plus two meals a day, for a total of 37 gold and 5 silver at the end of the trip. Moussa proved himself a clever bargainer.

We all pitched in and helped the caravan load up, and after a few hours of heavy labor we were on our way out of the city. As we moved past the river, Zraith appeared next to Armatzi, asked where we were going, then said she would be coming along. When evening came, the caravan stopped and set up for dinner, which was a nondescript stew with hardtack. We took two people per shift guarding the group, midnight to 3 and then 3 to 6, and found it to be a quiet night.

At breakfast I was most displeased to find it was gruel for us all. To make it worse, as we were eating, heavy drops of rain started to splash down. The group quickly mobilized and set up tarps over the tents, but the rain didn’t clear up for hours and left the path muddy and impassable. Fortunately it had dried by the next day and we traveled easily along the road toward Orlane.

We quickly fell into the habit of guard duty for two shifts each night. The next day was a hot one, and we determined there was one more day of travel before we would reach Orlane. The meals were monotonous but I supplemented with my bread to keep it a little bit tastier. We arrived in Orlane at about 8pm that evening and were given coin to find a common room. We immediately went to the Slumbering Serpent Inn. It was then the 10th day of reaping and I needed to renew my contract for my room at Thorin’s inn, to keep my chest there.

We enjoyed the company of the elves and the mayor that evening and the elves in our group stayed up late talking with the Orlane elves, who were especially concerned about the changes in Hochoch as well as the tales of giant raids in the Grand Duchy of Geoff. Llewellyn was also very impressed with Lhoss’s boots. (I snuck down from my room and listened to all of this from behind the door.) The next morning we had a lovely pancake breakfast and were all happy to enjoy the food in Orlane again. We then returned to the caravan and were headed out of town by 7 a.m.

We passed the turnoff toward the barrowmarsh and moved along the main road toward the Dim Forest, then camped that night within sight of the forest. We awoke to another tasteless meal with the caravan, along with fine rain that made our travel through the forest a plodding affair. Everyone was bothered by the weather, in a foul mood, and snapping at each other. That evening we found a location in the forest and set up a camp, lit a smoky fire, and ate a meager meal that I supplemented with the last of my bread. At least there were no problems with any creatures in the forest that night.

The next day, despite the rain, the thick forest canopy made it possible to still travel and that evening we camped again in the forest. On day 14 the rain stopped but a mist arose, making travel challenging, but by midmorning we exited the forest and found ourselves on the plains nearer to Hookhill, though still about five days away. Of course the next day the rain started again and we weren’t able to travel. Our clothes were by then pretty wet from all the past days’ rain and the whole thing was becoming quite miserable. Day 16 came with sun that quickly burned off the water and mud, and we had to fight to get through the drying mud and dirt with the wagons. Guard duty was again boring and the next day we found ourselves even more irritated by the dirt all over everything. The entire group was bothered and overwhelmed by the traveling conditions, resulting in a full day that we were unable to move forward. Finally on the next day we managed to break camp and get moving again.

Each day we would also find ourselves periodically passing other traveling caravans, which required moving off the road and back on, and by the end of each day we were exhausted and even more tired of the disgusting food. Day 19 was the worst. It started with thunderstorms and at midday we were hit with lumps of hail and had to run to protect the animals, tents, and belongings. It was cold and everything was uncomfortable and difficult thanks to the weather. Fortunately the next day the weather cleared up and we found ourselves about a day’s journey from Hookhill. This boosted our spirits some and we were able to put up with the drizzly rain the next day a little better than before. At the end of Day 21 we found ourselves close to Hookhill but it was too late for the customs check-in so we stayed a couple of miles outside the city that night.

The next morning we arrived at the gates of Hookhill. Being a martial city, Hookhill is surrounded by walls and we were interested to see that there is a traveler’s town on the outskirts, around a pond, and yet another town like it closer to the city gates. Moussa paid the fee at the city gates and we moved into the city down Ivory Lane to the merchant area. He then paid our group 30 gold and 75 silver (which we quickly split between us) and seemed more friendly than he had on the rainy travel days, even inviting us to travel with him again another time.

It was then about 10am and we asked Moussa about the locations of a few places, such as a shrine to Merikka (he knew of one but didn’t know where it is), and a fighter or mercenary’s guild for Feno (he suggested going to the northwest quadrant and inquiring there). The group then determined to find an inn. We had passed two on the way down Ivory Lane: The Exotic Ox Inn and The Dapper Crab Tavern. Lhoss and Feno were both especially interested in the Dapper Crab so we went there.

A thin, aging woman with a tight bun of grey hair greeted us and introduced herself as Tiadora, the proprietress. I immediately took one of her best 5gp rooms with a hot bath, a real bed, and breakfast served in the room, and sent my clothing away to be laundered while I cleaned up my armor. Feno also took one of those rooms, and the others took smaller rooms at 2gp with a 1sp bath, or stayed in the common room with a 1sp bath. Feno and Armatzi also apparently each paid for a servant to fetch a new set of clothes, a traveler’s cloak, and low boots. Who knew a fighter and cleric were so particular about spare clothing? Everyone was especially grateful for a relaxing bath to end 15 days of exhausting travel.

Session 97 Day 5 of Reaping - Adventuring in Hochoch

 Armatzi and Niki left the group to head to the Cathedral of St. Cuthbert, leaving Gnorcia, Lhoss, and Kyro to travel to the Tower of Mystery. 

Armatzi did most of the talking at the Temple. He was escorted in based upon his rank that he wears on his clothing, and he met with Rosalinde, the 2nd in command at the Cathedral. She inquired about his circumstances, and indicated that Armatzi will now need to do all further training with her until he gets to the rank of a High Priest. Armatzi discovered more about the strange creature Zraith, and possibly why she is so intent on helping him. A penguin clan far to the south was converted to St. Cuthbert, and due to their mystic nature, from time to time the journey on a holy voyage to serve St. Cuthbert - often these visions are very specific in nature, which is what it sounds like for Armatzi and Zraith. She also informed Armatzi that penguins in general dislike large cities, and that Zraith was probably fishing on the river outside of the limits. Armatzi then inquired about powerful clerical magic to raise the dead. The less powerful Raise Dead spell can be cast within a short amount of time (several days) provided that there is still a body. However, a much more powerful spell of Resurrection is needed if the body is not available. Fortunately, it has a much longer length of time from death as well. There is not a cleric of St. Cuthbert powerful enough to cast this in Hochoch, but the high priest of St. Cuthbert in Hookhill is. Armatzi also found out that Azcuursh was a very evil magic user that had transformed into a vile, powerful undead called a lich. 

Gnorcia, Lhoss, and Kyro met with Da-ana - who they initially thought was a man, but when they reconsidered later, they were confused to consider that she was clearly a woman. This caused quite a bit of cognitive dissonance amongst them all. Da-ana was very wise, but also aloof and snobbish. She said that the 200 gp fee was sufficient for a 2 day consultation, but that her fee would be 500 gp a day for approximately 12 days to obtain a solution. She also requires 3000 gp of that up front to start. This troubled the group, and they said they would get back with her. 

The group met back at the Swift Coin Inn for dinner, eating a filling and good meal of mutton stew that was nevertheless below the standards that have come to expect from eating well at Orlane. 

The group then headed back to the Tower of Mystery only to find it locked up for the night. The group then split up again, this time Gnorica and Lhoss going off together, with Armazti, Kyro, and Niki going to The Grove. 

Gnorica and Lhoss first stopped at the shrine of Zuoken, of which they are both worshippers. An acolyte there showed them the various mats, exercise tools, and equipment they could use to engage in worship (Zuoken being the deity of physical and mental mastery). They then went to a non-disclosed location, Lhoss going back to The Grove and meeting up with the other three, and Gnorica showing up later in the evening at the Swift Coin. 

Niki, Kyro, and Armatzi - and later Lhoss, went to The Grove to participate in the worship of Obah-Hai. Eiluned, the Pristess of Obah-Hai led the group in a hallucinnogenic experience, which was triggered from an herbal drink - it was revealed later that Armatzi didn't partake of the drink, but swapped it out for water. The experience was quite surreal and the group returned to the Inn quite tipsy.