Session 156: From Hommlet to the Moathouse (Patchwall Day 25)

From Emberia's notes:

Decided on our plan to visit the Moathouse in search of adventure and treasure, and accompanied by our new pal Charles, we prepared to leave town. The trader sold us a few more items, including some machetes to cut through the apparently-overgrown trail we were headed for.

We followed his directions out of town until the trail diverged, then asked Charles which way to go. He seemed to think we should know the way, so we assumed the more-overgrown of the two trails was our correct path and took it. Some of the others assisted as I hacked away at the weedy, thorny growth and cleared a path along the trail. It was hot work and slow going. Contristo kept offering to take over for someone—for a price—but no one wanted to pay for a break. After an hour the flies and mosquitos betrayed some boggier land ahead, and soon we could see the jagged silhouette of a building of some kind. We weren't too far from our goal when Eris finally decided she was worn out and paid 2 silver to hand over her machete to Contristo.

As fits the name, the moathouse was surrounded by water with one strip of land that led to a rotting drawbridge. The whole thing appeared to have seen better times. The roof was damaged and there was a lot of rubble where walls were broken or falling down. As we looked around at it all, some creatures appeared from the weeds and quickly hopped toward us: giant frogs!

Two frogs attacked Francis and his mule, Jequavious. One of them managed to wrap his tongue around the bard and begin dragging him off the mule and into the water. The others attacked Maeve, who was also taken by the huge tongue of an enormous frog. I leapt in and cut off the tongue of the frog that had Francis in its grip, and the wily bard managed to play a sleep spell on his flute long enough to put them all to sleep. He really seems to be as skilled with that flute as some of us are with a sword. As soon as the frogs passed out we finished them off.

Charles took too much credit for killing one of the frogs, then refused to help by crossing the drawbridge first, so I used my 10-foot pole to test its sturdiness and crossed to the entrance. One of the two doors fell as soon as I pushed on it, and we stepped inside. It was dim but I could make out a courtyard area, and one door immediately to our left.

Francis was oddly determined to take the skull of one of the frogs, so he slung the creature's dead body across his lap and rode toward the entrance. Jequavious easily crossed the rotting bridge, but as soon as Francis steered him through the door and into the courtyard the mule began braying loudly, so the bard walked him back out and tied him up on a tree outside. Jequavious stopped braying and warily chewed on some grass.

There was rubble and stone littered across the floor and we split into two groups to trace our way around the edges of the room. Past the closed door to the left, part of the wall was broken down in a large pile of rubble. To the north there were three windows that looked into three rooms. To the northeast there were stone stairs up to another door, opening up into another larger room. We could see a few sets of footprints of some kind in the dust on the stairs and into the next room, but they appeared to be headed out, not going in. The large room was a huge hall, seemingly richly-decorated before it was destroyed.

As we glanced around the hall (and the distracted bard continued to saw away at the frog’s head), Eris and Maeve took Charles and headed back toward the entrance to see what was behind door #1. They opened it and saw gold! There were coins on the floor, along with some bones and husks… a suspicious scene that made Maeve immediately lift her torch toward the ceiling, where she discovered a giant wolf spider descending toward them! They all attacked, creating a ruckus that alerted Rufio to their plight.

Rufio began barking loudly and the rest of us immediately turned and ran back toward the entrance. Contristo got there first and tried to join in the melee, narrowly missing Maeve with a thrown dagger, just as she managed to kill the spider. After Maeve finished her victory dance, we examined the floor and found an ivory box, along with some gold and copper coins. We decided to use the empty ivory box to keep our group treasure.

Despite having no skill, Contristo tried to harvest the poison sac from the spider. We all held our breath, fully expecting him to turn green, but the dolt somehow managed to do it! It was slimy and gross, but he lifted it out and deposited it in his bag. That guy is a bit too obsessed with poison, and not the smartest. If he suggests cooking for the party, I think I'll stick to my hard tack for meals.

Session 155: We need to find a new adventure

It was the morning of Day 26 of Patchwall and we were all set to head out with the two adventurers that Deeb had met. One problem: neither Deeb nor the adventurers were anywhere to be found. What had happened? Had Deeb departed with them in the middle of the night? Had there been some foul play? Was it all a dream? With zero answers and no leads to get any, we decided to head back into the inn for some drinks and contemplation of what to do next.

There was one character who immediately caught Francis' eye. He was an older fellow, slightly drunk and singing. Of course the bard was drawn to music -- no matter the quality. Francis sat down and began to play his lute. The gentleman sang along (can you call it singing along if you sing the wrong words?) and introduced himself as Elmo. Then Elmo had the cheek to ask Francis to buy him an ale. Francis obliged and used it as an opening to prod for some information. Elmo shared some of his life of being a chicken farmer and the pursuits of his brother, Otis, who had gone off on a quest with a priestess of the temple of St. Cuthbert. Elmo then requested the bard share the story of the fall of the temple. Francis shared what he knew of the story and Elmo embellished it with details.

Contristo was working on a concoction. What is he hoping to accomplish? Who knows! But I'm sure its nothing to worry or even think too hard about! He found himself needing a mortar and pestle and a brazier. We went to the traders where he obtained the brazier, but the mortar and pestle needed to be ordered. I eyed some darts which, while serviceable, were clearly subpar. I talked the chatty trader, so called Greemag, down to a cost I was willing to pay. He tried to sell me a new set of motley, but I was highly offended. What sort of jester would I be if I put on the colors of who-knows-what troupe that I had bought off of some random trader? No, my Five Tents garb will will be the only colors I wear until I find another company. Greemag chatted to us about our travels protecting the caravan and the different creatures we had fought. He dropped some knowledge about gnolls, bugbears, hobgoblins, orcs and ogres. Meanwhile the trader Charles watched us silently from a corner. It was brought up that we had intended to venture out to the Moat House, but were unsure of the way. Greemag offered up Charles as an escort for the low, low price of two gold pieces a day (and 40 gold pieces to purchase some chain mail). We agreed to this arrangement -- hopefully if pays off!

Session 154: A Jaunt Around Town

 Day 24 of Patchwall

Well, howdy y'all. I reckon you would like to hear about what the odd assortment of characters this side of the forest is up to, doncha? Well, once the party, including the merchants and myself, arrived in Hommlet, we were fixin' to get our sleeping arrangements figured out, as well as some decent food in our bellies. Once we did that, Maeve, the energetic and eager chaos causer, was fixing to find out when and where our mission reward was. I was content to enjoy a warm meal, warm fire, and pleasant conversation. I reckon we've had our fair share of scrapes with brigands and ruffians as of late. After Maeve talked to the merchants, she was directed to Bern, an important mage in town, I guess. I was plumb tired from the journey and only half listening to what they were jawing at. He may have been at the table, or in a tower, I don't remember. What I do remember, is Maeve returning and giving us our shares of the 500-gold piece reward. Well, actually Deeb, who is living on high cotton, dispersed in his room. Maeve goes downstairs to try her luck gambling, while I, and the rest of the party are tired and go to our respective beds. 

Day 25 of Patchwall

The morning of God's Day started well enough: we enjoyed a pleasant breakfast served at the inn. While I ate this delicious breakfast, I happened to notice Deeb talking to some questionable people, who knows about what, no doubts untold treasures n' trouble. I was fixin' to head to the market to pick an item or three. Francis, the bard, as well as Tilendale and Contristo opted to join me on this marketplace adventure, needin' a few items themselves. The rest of the party went with Deeb to meet with the shady characters for untold riches (or a knife to the back). I sold some old armor and replaced the rations I used, and Contristo bought some fancy potion making gear (he fancies himself a potion maker now I reckon) and some daggers. Francis buys some javelins and a cloak. Having purchased what they need, Tilendale and I headed towards the local church to find what deity these locals' worship, while Francis headed to the blacksmith to pitch him an idea and Contristo headed back to the group at the inn. 

Tilendale and I are met by an acolyte from St. Cuthbert who asked how we could be helped. After I mentioned if I could've seen someone to purchase prayer beads, the acolyte brought me to see a cleric by the name of Calmert who would sell me some. After making a donation to the local poor box, Calmert sold me prayer beads. I dropped another silver piece in the box, then joined them in worship after accepting invitation from Calmert. Tilendale joins as well. After the service, Tilendale stays back to talk to cleric about a personal matter, and I say a silent prayer to Pelor before heading back. 

Session 153 Dear Diary

💖Dear Diary💖

Day 19

So there’s this guy, Aaron, who stalks innocent and super brave vigilantes who are just trying to get some merchants to a town or whatever.  He tells the merchants that it’s good that he decided to follow the group because I think he just wanted to steal the spotlight.  Why even bother following us if we were doing such a good job? Everyone was perfectly safe, and we totally had everything under control.  The merchants had basically gone behind our backs and notified the gnarly rangers. These rangers dispatched Aaron to ensure safety for the merchants.  Apparently, the merchants don't even trust us to protect them, but it’s whatever I guess.  As long as we get paid, I’m fine.  Then the off-brand Robin Hood gives Maeve a vial and just goes into the trees like nothing even happened.

We keep getting stopped by random groups of brigands, which is so rude and inconvenient.  Anyways, I punched the brigand.  I wasn’t able to find berries earlier, so I think I was just hangry.  Deeb tries to knee the brigand in the face, but Lucious tries to stop him.  Deep tries to enchant Lucious, but it doesn’t work.  Francis tackles Deeb to the ground. Maeve calms everyone down, and Deeb becomes disinterested.

Our unwilling guest is put on a wagon, and we go along our merrily little way.  Some of the group feeds the brigand at one point because what if he goes crazy with hunger and eats our faces while we sleep? we are just really good people and so nice to everyone.

Day 20

We stop at a fork in the path, and we ask the brigand what his deal is.  He was really hesitant to say anything at first, but then he shared lore about the leader of the watchtower, the temple of ailment of evil, and a wedding.  I think he said the village we are going to is in danger or something, but I’m not sure why that’s relevant to us.  I tend to avoid politics, so this village issue is not my problem.

Day 21

The merchants were like “We need to get to Hommlet asap.”  I was planning on telling them that I charge a rush fee for quests that are expedited, but then we ran into some gnomes that were on their way to go mine. I’m just glad they didn’t attack us like the groups we’ve run into before.  Looking back at it now, I should’ve stolen something from them.

Day 22

We pass by some isolated farms, and I couldn’t even find any berries.  What farm doesn’t have berries?  Not a good farm, so I guess that’s why they’re isolated.  Francis plays a prank on Deeb, Deeb tries to chase Francis, but Francis puts him to sleep.

Day 23

We ran into another group of people.  This group is from the north, and they were not happy campers.  It was just too early in the day for that kind of attitude to be honest.  This guy, Renauld Horgeston, is leading the group, and he’s just honestly not very chill.  Everyone was so sassy today.  If I didn’t want to get to the inn asap, I would've totally returned the sass with some blue flames.  I think sleeping on the ground has made me a little grumpy lately. I think I slept on a rock.

Day 24

We finally reached the inn, and I can’t wait to get paid!

Xoxo 😘

💖Eris💖

Session 152: Some Battles on the Road to Hommlet

From Emberia's notes:

We traveled on the rest of day 14 of Patchwall and camped that evening in a clearing in the forest, without incident overnight. About midday the next day, Rufio started barking madly, seeming to have smelled something he didn’t like.

Maeve suggested we scout around, when from the rear we discovered an ogre that lumbered up and attacked Eris! It immediately hit her, knocking her out. Maeve moved behind one of the wagons and threw her axe, but missed. Contristo threw a dagger, hitting the ogre. Lucius attempted to command the ogre to “flee!” but apparently the ogre didn’t understand common and it just looked at him stupidly. Francis ran up, playing a lullaby on his flute, and the dumb ogre immediately fell asleep, then fell to Contristo’s dagger.

Maeve bandaged Eris, and Lucius healed her. She was slow to respond and we determined she would have to ride in a cart in order to recover completely. Lucius’ dog, Rufio, jumped up into the cart and curled up next to her. We then traveled the rest of the day and enjoyed the fall beauty of the Gnarly Forest.

The next day about midmorning we crossed a path going north, which had signs of recent use. Eris asked the merchants about the path, which they said was a shortcut to Hommlet, but less safe. We decided we did not want a less-safe path. The day ended uneventfully.

On day 17 of Patchwall, we continued our journey and Eris finally decided to go back to riding her horse instead of lounging in the wagon. We came to a crossroads and the remnants of some sort of attack, seemingly by bandits. There were three bodies and two burned carts, plus a brigand body wearing the same symbol of the bandits we fought. It seemed they had probably been there for a day or two. The merchants agreed it would be best to bury the corpses, so we looked through our packs and wagons for some shovels but couldn’t find one. Maeve suggested we pile the bodies up on the side of the road and overturn the carts to keep wild animals from getting to them, so we did that and moved on.

On day 18 we awoke and proceeded southwest along the path again, moving out from the forest and traveling more up and down hills. Around midday, we found another fork in the trail. The caravan took the right fork, heading southwest.

That evening as we were preparing camp, Rufio began barking again, revealing creatures beginning to surround us: goblins! Two were carrying slings and the rest had spears. Maeve threw a dart into the eye of one goblin, killing it instantly. Contristo threw a dagger that missed, Francis tried to play his flute but tripped, and one of the goblins hit Tylendel with stones and a sling, hurting him badly. Eris cast flaming blue fire across the four goblins to the north of us and they began screaming in pain, killing two and damaging the others. Rufio then ran at a goblin to the south and bit down, killing it and shaking it angrily.

Lucius moved up and healed Tylendel. Tylendel and I both attempted to hit another goblin that managed to duck and weave away from both of our attacks, but also couldn’t hit us, either. One of the goblins to the north soon perished in the illusionary flames as Maeve and Contristo stepped up and threw their weapons again. Contristo hit, killing the last goblin to the north, and Tylendel hit the last goblin to kill it.

The dog Rufio began eating one of the goblins so Eris cast spice on the deceased creature, causing Rufio to gorge himself on it, vomit, then eat the vomit. Tylendel cast a cleaning cantrip on the dog, which then leapt onto Lucius and began licking him.

The next morning we continued our journey and the path turned to the southwest. We became aware of figures coming from the woods on both sides. It was a brigand party including 3 gnolls and a bugbear, along with a leader named Garoff. Eris was hit almost immediately, failing to get a spell off, and went down. Lucius healed her but she was too weak to fight any more. She did manage to slink around, attempting to help by bandaging and even tried to distract the bugbear. Contristo and Maeve both engaged in combat with the bugbear, which took out Maeve as Contristo covered it in knives and daggers.

Francis began playing his flute, first a bless song, then switching to a sleep song, putting most of the enemies to sleep. I slit Garoff’s throat. Just then, a figure in green swung down from the trees and ran into the battle, attacking a gnoll that had knocked out Tylendel. He called out, “Aaron Foxear has arrived!” and flourished his green cape.

One of the brigands, seeing the course of battle turning, soiled himself and ran away into the woods. Eris slunk around, slitting the throats of all the sleeping enemies, and I bandaged both Tylendel and the poor dog (who had also been hit by the bugbear) and ran up to finally slay the nasty bugbear.

As everyone breathed a sigh of relief, Francis startled us all with the announcement that he wanted a Bugbear skull and a gnoll skull as trophies. Eris simply nodded, cut off their heads, and quickly used a cantrip to wipe the skulls clean, then handed them over to the bard, grinning oddly.

Session 151: Brigands are a Menace! (Hommlet campaign)

The newly-formed group of Emberia, Lucius, Francis, Tylendel, Contristo, and Maeve were joined by even newer comers Eris, Obi Maximus, and Deebgorogbeed. Together, they would accompany a train of merchant wagons and protect them along the journey from Narwell to Hommlet.

On Day 10 of Patchwall, the party readied themselves with supplies and provisions (some that were purchased by the merchants) and settled in to a merchant hostel common room for a good night's sleep before departing the next morning. The group mounted their riding horses and split into pairs then spread themselves between the four wagons to guard as they rode. Day 11 passed without incident, as did Day 12. Eris attempted to make small talk with Maeve, but Maeve was somewhat closed off and offered just a glimpse of her tragic past. At the end of Day 12, the party camped in a field at the edge of the small village of Redpatch, which had no inn. On Day 13, they passed Dunmarch as the rain drizzled down and entered the Gnarly Forest, which caused the pace of travel to slow significantly.

The group trudged through the forest and camped for the night. Mid-day on Day 14 of Patchwall, Emberia and Lucius, who were leading the wagon train, saw two figures in the road ahead. One called out for the train to stop and surrender. There was some chatter among the group to see if perhaps one of their more charismatic members could charm them into leaving us alone, but the party took to long. The leader, a brute named Heavy Snej called out: "Not surrendering? Alright men, attack!" The group then saw several brigands emerge from the surrounding forest with bows drawn.

Heavy Snej appeared to be summoning a spell, but Eris cast phantasmal force first. Blue flames burst up around Snej and three brigands, disrupting his incantation and knocking out the henchmen. Lucius was downed by arrows and Emberia rushed in to bandage him. Others took to the forest to take out brigands. Deeb felled Snej. With their leader down, the brigands turned to flee. All but one were slayed. In the aftermath, there were a few magical items including a dagger and a shield. Contristo claimed the dagger and the shield and some chain mail was given to Emberia. Lucius was able to heal himself and Maeve. Maeve happened to notice a set of footprints running north, indicating the pathway the ruffians had taken to attack.

Session 150! 2nd campaign Hommlet CY 591 Patchwall Day 10

 It is session 150! We are celebrating by creating a 2nd campaign in the same world and time but a different location and with new characters. 

The adventurers are beginning in the town of Narwell, the largest northern city of the Wild Coast. They are joining a merchant train as guards. It has been explained to them that this small train (4 carts) is travelling to Hommlet about 14 days to the west and north through the Gnarley Forest and Kron Hills. Brigand activity along this road has been quite high of late, and the merchants are glad to have the party joining them for defense. The merchants that hired them are not on this train, but there are two going along that are happy to have them. Their names are Evard Luthwin and Ewin Rasgor and there are 4 drivers: Bertie, Dain, Jeremiah, and Tybaut. 

The party is composed of these characters: 

• Francis, a half elf (high) bard who worships Norebo
• Emberia, a wood elf fighter who worships Corellon Larethian
• Contristo, a human montebank who worships Zilchus
• Lucius Hopewind, a human cleric who worships Pelor
• Maeve, a human jester who worships Zuoken
• Tylendel, a hunan savant who worships Boccob

The only direct connection to the Orlane party is Tylendel, who is the twin brother of the fallen Tatania. 

The group is buying equipment and getting ready to leave with the caravan in a day or two.