4 November, 595
Part Two
The party retreats to the chamber with the masks to discuss what is to be done next. While they are talking they are surprised when a figure slips out from the shadow of the stairway and offers to attempt to open the locked door. He introduces himself as Jimmy, and explains that an anonymous benefactor sent him to help the group recover the missing children.
After introductions are exchanged, Jimmy gets to work on the lock. To everyone's disappointment, he finds the lock too complicated for his limited lock picking experience. From there the group decides to explore the open passage to the west.
A long hallway with several long doors is explored, and at one end Jimmy falls into a spiked pit. The pit shakes him around a bit, and the others manage to fish him out in one piece. At the other end of the hallway a secret door is discovered, leading to a laboratory left in shambles. Approaching the center of the room, a strange pile of rags jumps to life and attempts to wrap itself around Bruinor. The party attacks with sword and torch, but it is Plenty's blade which manages to free Bruinor likely in the nick of time.
After this the party decides to return to the surface for rest. Some party members opt to remain to guard the shop while the others return to the comfort of the inn. Later in the day Keygan arrives at the shop and inquires about the progress of the expedition. He offers a warm breakfast and then proceeds to open his shop back up for business. The rest of the group meets back up at the shop and another expedition is planned.
A rough passageway is explored, which leads to an odd-shaped room with a husk of what appears to be some large mechanical device. Exploring this room, the party is ambushed by another rag creature, this one apparently wrapped around and in control of a skulk. Both the skulk and the rags are disposed of, an the party procedes into a large room containing an object hidden under a sheet. The sheet is removed and reveals a mechanical beast embossed with gnomish runes. Brisk attempts to climb the device and it whirrs to life, attacking the party. After a gruelling battle, the automaton is defeated. Brisk speculates that the device must be powered by a valuable gem. Sure enough, Jimmy finds a hidden compartment in the remains and produces a beautiful spinel gem.
The party continues exploration of a passageway and finds alcoves with strange machines lining the walls. At the end of the hallway is a makeshift barracade, constructed of wooden beams.
Jimmy scouts out one of the smaller passages and encounters a room completely filled with an eerie mist. He enters the room and manages to stir up a group of large carniverous centipedes. Beating a fighting retreat, the party regroups in the large room and defeats the insects, but not before Jimmy collapses after having being bitten several times. His body is sweating profusely and some members of the party suspect that poisonous toxins are coarsing through his body.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Ambush on the staircase
4 November, 595
Part One
At midnight the group heads back to Keygan's and finds a window slightly ajar on the second floor around the back of the building. Lyra climbs up with ease and opens the window, being careful to oil the joints to minimize any sound. She then proceeds to sneak in the window... and land flat on her face with a loud thud. Finding herself alone in what appears to be a bedroom, she listens for noises outside the room and thinks she hears the scuffling of footsteps outside. She then lowers a rope out the window and the rest of the group climbs up. Bruinor is the last up and makes a din of noise as he clambors up into the room. So much for the element of surprise.
Bruinor opens the door to the bedroom and peeks out onto a balcony. Not seeing anything unusual, he sneaks out and begins walking down the stairs, the rest of the group following. Lyra is the last on the stairs and is suddenly attacked from behind by a pair of "Tall Ones." Lyra takes multiple stab wounds before a light spell is cast, blinding the creatures momentarily. Joseph pins one of the creatures against the wall while Lyra and Plenty finish off the other one. Soon the skulks are disposed of.
The group searches the room for secret doors and eventually one is found set into the side of the staircase. It is opened and the group descends the stairs into a chamber filled with mysterious giggling and chirping noises. The noises appear to be coming from the very walls, or copper masks set about the walls. There are two gear-like doors set with gnomish runes, one of which is open. Brisk enters the open doors, and is immediately attacked by something. He moves back out of the room and whatever attacked him disappears into a rough tunnel carved into one of the walls of the room. The group enters the room and finds a glowing iron rod lying on the floor.
Part One
At midnight the group heads back to Keygan's and finds a window slightly ajar on the second floor around the back of the building. Lyra climbs up with ease and opens the window, being careful to oil the joints to minimize any sound. She then proceeds to sneak in the window... and land flat on her face with a loud thud. Finding herself alone in what appears to be a bedroom, she listens for noises outside the room and thinks she hears the scuffling of footsteps outside. She then lowers a rope out the window and the rest of the group climbs up. Bruinor is the last up and makes a din of noise as he clambors up into the room. So much for the element of surprise.
Bruinor opens the door to the bedroom and peeks out onto a balcony. Not seeing anything unusual, he sneaks out and begins walking down the stairs, the rest of the group following. Lyra is the last on the stairs and is suddenly attacked from behind by a pair of "Tall Ones." Lyra takes multiple stab wounds before a light spell is cast, blinding the creatures momentarily. Joseph pins one of the creatures against the wall while Lyra and Plenty finish off the other one. Soon the skulks are disposed of.
The group searches the room for secret doors and eventually one is found set into the side of the staircase. It is opened and the group descends the stairs into a chamber filled with mysterious giggling and chirping noises. The noises appear to be coming from the very walls, or copper masks set about the walls. There are two gear-like doors set with gnomish runes, one of which is open. Brisk enters the open doors, and is immediately attacked by something. He moves back out of the room and whatever attacked him disappears into a rough tunnel carved into one of the walls of the room. The group enters the room and finds a glowing iron rod lying on the floor.
A hidden key
3 November, 595
The next morning the group heads to the orphange, where they are greeted with warm welcomes from the halfling headmistress, an elderly lady named Gretchyn Tashyyk. The heroes are allowed to examine the lock and question some of the children. One child relates a dream he had of a nasty gnome "snatching his breath." At this point the group decides to investigate the local locksmith, Keygan Ghelve.
Entering Ghelve's Locks, the group meets the gnome shop keeper, walking on stilts. They ask him some tough questions about his locks and the ones he sold to the orphanage. As each question is asked, he seems more and more nervous, eventually storming back into his shop in anger. A while later he sends a note flying back to the heroes, asking them to meet him at the Drunken Morkoth Inn at noon.
When noon rolls around Keygan shows up (sans stilts) and agrees to give them information about the abductions in return for them helping him to find his familiar, a rat named Starbrow. He says that strange creatures appeared in his shop 3 months ago and kidnapped Starbrow, and forced him to construct skeleton keys for all the locks in the city. He thinks that the creatures may have been using the keys to abduct the citizens of Cauldron. The creatures are described as "tall ones" with gray skin and changing color, and "short ones", wearing dark cloaks and hooved feet. Plenty believes these descriptions match up with what she has heard called Skulks and Dark Creepers, both originating from the depths of the Underdark. The creatures come and go by a secret door in Keygan's shop, which leads to underground gnomish ruins. Keygan agrees to leave one of his shop windows open that night and the group decides to investigate. He also leaves them a map of the ruins, which he says his father gave to him long ago.
After some discussion the group decides to enter the shop at after midnight.
The next morning the group heads to the orphange, where they are greeted with warm welcomes from the halfling headmistress, an elderly lady named Gretchyn Tashyyk. The heroes are allowed to examine the lock and question some of the children. One child relates a dream he had of a nasty gnome "snatching his breath." At this point the group decides to investigate the local locksmith, Keygan Ghelve.
Entering Ghelve's Locks, the group meets the gnome shop keeper, walking on stilts. They ask him some tough questions about his locks and the ones he sold to the orphanage. As each question is asked, he seems more and more nervous, eventually storming back into his shop in anger. A while later he sends a note flying back to the heroes, asking them to meet him at the Drunken Morkoth Inn at noon.
When noon rolls around Keygan shows up (sans stilts) and agrees to give them information about the abductions in return for them helping him to find his familiar, a rat named Starbrow. He says that strange creatures appeared in his shop 3 months ago and kidnapped Starbrow, and forced him to construct skeleton keys for all the locks in the city. He thinks that the creatures may have been using the keys to abduct the citizens of Cauldron. The creatures are described as "tall ones" with gray skin and changing color, and "short ones", wearing dark cloaks and hooved feet. Plenty believes these descriptions match up with what she has heard called Skulks and Dark Creepers, both originating from the depths of the Underdark. The creatures come and go by a secret door in Keygan's shop, which leads to underground gnomish ruins. Keygan agrees to leave one of his shop windows open that night and the group decides to investigate. He also leaves them a map of the ruins, which he says his father gave to him long ago.
After some discussion the group decides to enter the shop at after midnight.
A dark and stormy night
2 November, 595
Joseph Brandt, a cleric of St. Cuthbert enlists the aid of local adventurers to aid in the recovery of several children that have been abducted from the Lantern Street Orphange. The Church of St. Cuthbert is leading the effort and is being funded by other churches and members of the nobility.
One gloomy and rainy night, the fledgling group agrees to join Joseph on the promise of adventure and possible wealth. On their way over to the church they hear a call for help coming from a nearby allet. As they investigate, they see a gang thugs roughing up a defenseless man. One is heard to have said "Stay away from the orphanage!" The heroes immediately come to the aid of the victim. 3 of the thugs attempt to escape out the back of the alley but Brisk (a gnosmish wizard) casts a sleep spell which stops them in their tracks. The other 2 attempt to stand their ground. Of those, one is massacred by the spiteful axe of Bruinor. The other, heeding the warning of Joseph and seeing his chances as slim, throws down his sword and surrenders. It is learned that the men were hired by a thieving guild called the Last Laugh to dissude any investigators from looking into the disappearance of the children. The prisoner doesn't seem to know much more than that and hands over the 10gp he was given to do the job. The other 3 men wake up from their sleep and are allowed to escape. All of the thugs were wearing face paint, each face painted half black, half white. The accosted man introduces himself as Rufus Laro and asks the heroes to escort him to the church to talk with Jenya Urikas, the acting high priestess.
At the church of St. Cuthbert, the group is invited to hear a proposal from the high priestess. The church is willing to offer 1200gp for the safe return of all four children. Details are given about the children and the orphanage from where they were taken from. Jenya also explains that she consulted the Star of Justice, a holy relic from the church, in order to divine the location of the children. She was given an answer in the form of a riddle, which she shares with the group. They are also given some healing potions embossed with the symbol of the church.
The group retires for the night and decides to meet back up the next morning.
Joseph Brandt, a cleric of St. Cuthbert enlists the aid of local adventurers to aid in the recovery of several children that have been abducted from the Lantern Street Orphange. The Church of St. Cuthbert is leading the effort and is being funded by other churches and members of the nobility.
One gloomy and rainy night, the fledgling group agrees to join Joseph on the promise of adventure and possible wealth. On their way over to the church they hear a call for help coming from a nearby allet. As they investigate, they see a gang thugs roughing up a defenseless man. One is heard to have said "Stay away from the orphanage!" The heroes immediately come to the aid of the victim. 3 of the thugs attempt to escape out the back of the alley but Brisk (a gnosmish wizard) casts a sleep spell which stops them in their tracks. The other 2 attempt to stand their ground. Of those, one is massacred by the spiteful axe of Bruinor. The other, heeding the warning of Joseph and seeing his chances as slim, throws down his sword and surrenders. It is learned that the men were hired by a thieving guild called the Last Laugh to dissude any investigators from looking into the disappearance of the children. The prisoner doesn't seem to know much more than that and hands over the 10gp he was given to do the job. The other 3 men wake up from their sleep and are allowed to escape. All of the thugs were wearing face paint, each face painted half black, half white. The accosted man introduces himself as Rufus Laro and asks the heroes to escort him to the church to talk with Jenya Urikas, the acting high priestess.
At the church of St. Cuthbert, the group is invited to hear a proposal from the high priestess. The church is willing to offer 1200gp for the safe return of all four children. Details are given about the children and the orphanage from where they were taken from. Jenya also explains that she consulted the Star of Justice, a holy relic from the church, in order to divine the location of the children. She was given an answer in the form of a riddle, which she shares with the group. They are also given some healing potions embossed with the symbol of the church.
The group retires for the night and decides to meet back up the next morning.
The NPCs
Fario Ellegoth (deceased) - Half-elf warrior sent by the mayor's office to help the party find the missing children.
Felian Shard (deceased) - Half-elf cleric of Fharlanghn sent by the mayor's office to help the party find the missing children.
Gretchyn Tashyyk - Female halfling, headmistress of the Lantern Street Orphanage.
Jenya Urikas - Female human, acting head cleric at the Church of St. Cuthbert in Cauldron. Jenya is fronting the investigation of the kidnapped orphans.
Keygan Ghelve - Male gnome, owner and operator of Ghelve's Locks. Ghelve's familiar, Starbrow, has been kidnapped by creatures originating from the gnomish rooms hidden below his shop.
Orak Stonehaven - Male dwarf who runs Orak's Bathhouse. He has thinning red hair and sports an eyepatch set with a small ruby gemstone.
Rufus Laro - Male human cleric of St. Cuthbert, rescued from a mugging on the streets of Cauldron.
Skie Aldersun - Female gnome, former adventurer and proprietor of Skie's Treasury, a shop of magic items.
Skylar Krewis - Sergeat in the town guard, left responsible for arresting Keygan and guarding his shop.
Terseon Skellerang - Captain of the town guard.
Vhalantru - One of the more prominent nobles in Cauldron. Is one of the sponsors for the search for the missing children; helped Nodonn and Bruinor get released from prison.
Felian Shard (deceased) - Half-elf cleric of Fharlanghn sent by the mayor's office to help the party find the missing children.
Gretchyn Tashyyk - Female halfling, headmistress of the Lantern Street Orphanage.
Jenya Urikas - Female human, acting head cleric at the Church of St. Cuthbert in Cauldron. Jenya is fronting the investigation of the kidnapped orphans.
Keygan Ghelve - Male gnome, owner and operator of Ghelve's Locks. Ghelve's familiar, Starbrow, has been kidnapped by creatures originating from the gnomish rooms hidden below his shop.
Orak Stonehaven - Male dwarf who runs Orak's Bathhouse. He has thinning red hair and sports an eyepatch set with a small ruby gemstone.
Rufus Laro - Male human cleric of St. Cuthbert, rescued from a mugging on the streets of Cauldron.
Skie Aldersun - Female gnome, former adventurer and proprietor of Skie's Treasury, a shop of magic items.
Skylar Krewis - Sergeat in the town guard, left responsible for arresting Keygan and guarding his shop.
Terseon Skellerang - Captain of the town guard.
Vhalantru - One of the more prominent nobles in Cauldron. Is one of the sponsors for the search for the missing children; helped Nodonn and Bruinor get released from prison.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Party is Formed!
Ash
A human ranger in pursuit of adventure
Role: Expert tracker
Trait: None
Bruinor
A stout dwarf warrior; impulsive, and deadly with an axe.
Role: Provides the muscle for the group.
Trait: Touched in the Head
Selivia
Human cleric of Wee Jas
Role: Focuses the power of the divine to provide magical assistance to the group
Trait: None
Throckmorton
Half-elf trained as a warrior monk.
Role: Is the tank of the group and back-up medic.
Trait: None
Lyra Edrin
Deadly assassin with a pretty face.
Role: The expert killer.
Trait: None
Plenty O'Toole
A female half-elf tale-spinner with unusual animal magnetism.
Role: Expert in legend lore and equally skilled with a blade.
Trait: Mark of the Beast
Sulaman (inactive)
A crotchety old mage with delusions of grandeur
Role: Spell-caster
Trait: None
Brisk von Hesel (inactive)
A gnome trained in the arts of wizardry.
Role: Master of the arcane.
Trait: None
Joseph Brandt (inactive)
Disciple in the service of St. Cuthbert
Role: The primary healer of the group
Trait: None
Jimmy the Hand (deceased)
Cutpurse from the streets of Cauldron
Role: Trap finder and lock opener
Trait: None
Nodonn (deceased)
Elven Exemplar of Wee Jas with noble blood
Role: Skilled in combat and blessed with holy abilities
Triat: Noble
A human ranger in pursuit of adventure
Role: Expert tracker
Trait: None
Bruinor
A stout dwarf warrior; impulsive, and deadly with an axe.
Role: Provides the muscle for the group.
Trait: Touched in the Head
Selivia
Human cleric of Wee Jas
Role: Focuses the power of the divine to provide magical assistance to the group
Trait: None
Throckmorton
Half-elf trained as a warrior monk.
Role: Is the tank of the group and back-up medic.
Trait: None
Lyra Edrin
Deadly assassin with a pretty face.
Role: The expert killer.
Trait: None
Plenty O'Toole
A female half-elf tale-spinner with unusual animal magnetism.
Role: Expert in legend lore and equally skilled with a blade.
Trait: Mark of the Beast
Sulaman (inactive)
A crotchety old mage with delusions of grandeur
Role: Spell-caster
Trait: None
Brisk von Hesel (inactive)
A gnome trained in the arts of wizardry.
Role: Master of the arcane.
Trait: None
Joseph Brandt (inactive)
Disciple in the service of St. Cuthbert
Role: The primary healer of the group
Trait: None
Jimmy the Hand (deceased)
Cutpurse from the streets of Cauldron
Role: Trap finder and lock opener
Trait: None
Nodonn (deceased)
Elven Exemplar of Wee Jas with noble blood
Role: Skilled in combat and blessed with holy abilities
Triat: Noble
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