Monday, November 28, 2005
Regent of Choice
Furyondian Power Structure
Furyondy is a feudal monarchy. There are eight distinct provinces in the kingdom. Farwain province is the home of the capital city of Chendl. There are four regions in the south – The Reach, Gold County, Littleberg and Willip. There are three regions in the north – Crystalreach, Crockport and the March. The Seven Families rule over these regions and the king rules over Farwain province. The king represents the country in all foreign affairs, and he is the titular head of the army. The noble council is made up of the Seven Families, church officials and ranking members of the Order of the Hart. The provincial governors are the only ones with voting rights, and the power to sign treaties. The king does not normally vote, but he will when the need arises. He normally relies on the weight of his office to accomplish his goals.
Frequently a coalition is formed, and this group will have enough support to push their agenda through the council. For nearly the entire reign of Belvor IV, the ruling coalition consisted of the northern margraves with the strong support of church prelates and the Order of the Hart. Baron Jemain of Littleberg, one of the southern lords, was occasionally a swing vote on the council. This proved to be enough for the king to ensure his agenda was kept on track, but it also alienated the southern lords to a degree.
Whillom Stronbillet, Duke of the Reach
Stronbillet was appointed duke by the noblemen of the Reach in CY 576. He has worked hard to solidify the support of the southern lords and create the most powerful faction in Furyondy. Like many of the southern lords, he is less interested in religious crusades. He has long courted the support of the nonsectarian noblemen of Veluna. He is quite open about his goals to make Furyondy the dominant economic presence in the north central Flanaess. He opposes Iuz like all the people of Furyondy, but he also believes that Iuz’s power was broken in CY 586 during the Flight of the Fiends. He supported the Great Northern Crusade to reclaim the lost lands, but was outspoken in his criticism of the proclamation of eternal war that followed.
The other southern lords are as follows:
Countess Kyaren Rhavelle of Gold County
Baron Jemain of Littleberg
Baron Xanthan Butrain of Willip
Lord Benval Throstin II, Grand Knight of the Hart
The family of Throstin is primarily responsible for the reorganizing of the Order of the Hart. Until about seventy years ago, it was a small religious order. Lord Jovar Throstin reorganized the order making it into a political force in Chendl. His alliance with Prince Belvor III greatly strengthened the position of the future king, and once Belvor ascended the throne, Throstin was a key advisor. He assumed the regency upon the death of the king, and he served in that capacity for six years. The new king, Belvor IV, came of age and formed a strong alliance with the Church of Heironeous. This marked a new age in Furyondian politics. Throstin was slow to give over his power to the young king, and his position as Grand Knight of the Hart and friend to the northern margraves ensured his political power would not diminish. His son Benval Throstin assumed leadership of the order upon the death of his father. He was clearly cut from the same cloth as his father, and he maintained the strong ties to the northern margraves. The dual purpose of the Order of the Hart as a political and military force has given him great power on the council. He is an active proponent of the war on Iuz, but his strengths lie on the battlefield more than political councils. He may not be the politician that his father was, but he does surround himself with good advisors.
The northern margraves are as follows:
Count Artur Jakartai of Crystalreach
Baroness Jelleneth Kalinstren of Crockport
Viscount Luther Derwent of the March
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Matters of State
From the Furyondy Beacon
13th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
Canon Heldenster, Prelate of Heironeous, announced today that the body of the king will lie in state in Belvor Hall for twelve days. The royal funeral will take place on Godsday, the 25th of Fireseek. Details of the grand procession and services will be released within the next few days.
Security will be a high priority over the next few weeks, because of the number of heads of state attending the services. Belvor Hall will be under the supervision of the Order of the Hart, and regular army forces will provide security around the capital.
Lord Marten, chief royal advisor, issued a statement indicating that the Noble Council will not convene until after the king has been interred. It is expected that a regent will be named at this meeting. Considering the influence of the southern lords, it is likely that Whillom Stronbillet, Duke of the Reach, will sit as regent until a king has been crowned. The northern margraves will probably put forward Lord Throstin II, Grand Knight of the Hart, as the new regent.
13th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
Canon Heldenster, Prelate of Heironeous, announced today that the body of the king will lie in state in Belvor Hall for twelve days. The royal funeral will take place on Godsday, the 25th of Fireseek. Details of the grand procession and services will be released within the next few days.
Security will be a high priority over the next few weeks, because of the number of heads of state attending the services. Belvor Hall will be under the supervision of the Order of the Hart, and regular army forces will provide security around the capital.
Lord Marten, chief royal advisor, issued a statement indicating that the Noble Council will not convene until after the king has been interred. It is expected that a regent will be named at this meeting. Considering the influence of the southern lords, it is likely that Whillom Stronbillet, Duke of the Reach, will sit as regent until a king has been crowned. The northern margraves will probably put forward Lord Throstin II, Grand Knight of the Hart, as the new regent.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Death of a King
From the Furyondy Beacon
12th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
King Belvor IV, passed in the night. According to sources in the royal house, he died peacefully in his sleep. Months of rumor and speculation regarding his failing health have now ended. He was in his 65th year.
King Belvor ascended to the Furyondian throne in CY 537, and he ruled over the good and noble kingdom for nearly fifty-five years. He was in his tenth year, when his father, Belvor III, passed away.
The king inherited many problems stemming for the original rise of Iuz in CY 479. Rumors had spread to Furyondy of a road paved with skulls stretching from the Howling Hills to the capital in Dorakaa. Fear gripped the northern lands of Furyondy.
The power structure in Furyondy gave much independence to the nobles of the Seven Families, and this proved to be a problem when the external threats grew. The southern lords, whose lands were in no danger from Iuz, used his threats to wring land concessions from King Avras III. This deprived the king of much needed taxes and control. The northern lords felt betrayed by the king and the southern lords, so they took this opportunity to build an army loyal to them. They bolstered the ranks and eventually took over leadership of the Order of the Hart.
By CY 505, a three-way split occurred in Furyondy. The Great Lords of the South ruled the largest faction. The Order of the Hart was second in power, and they were controlled by the margraves of the north. King Avras found himself nearly crushed between the two factions. He could not appease both, and his power base was dwindling fast.
At this point a great stroke of luck befell the lands. Iuz was captured and imprisoned beneath Castle Greyhawk by Zagyg the Mad. The coalition of Iuz’s forces, dissolved along the borders.
Prince Belvor III actively courted the Order of the Hart, and he brought it into the royal fold. Upon the death of his father, the king used his power to bring the southern lords back into submission. His reign was cut short by his untimely demise in CY 537. The tenuous faction he formed held up during the years of his son’s regency.
When Belvor IV came of age in CY 543, he assumed full control of the kingdom. The Regent Lord Throstin was slow to surrender his power that he held for the last six years. As the head of the Order of the Hart, Throstin was able to slow the rise of the new king. Belvor IV strove tirelessly to strengthen the lands of his kingdom, and his goal of conquest over the lands of Iuz focused the might of the kingdom.
The construction of the Temple of Elemental Evil in CY 568 gave rise to a new threat south of the kingdom. In joint coalition with Veluna and Verbobonc, an army under the leadership of Prince Thrommel IV defeated the evil hordes at Emridy Meadows in CY 569.
The opportunity for a lasting alliance with Veluna was at hand. Prince Thrommel was engaged to Jolene D’Amphere of Veluna. The grand celebration never took place. On a campaign in the Kron Hills in CY 573, Prince Thrommel disappeared. Years of searching for evidence of his whereabouts yielded no results. Until recently, nearly everyone assumed he was dead.
War broke out across the Flanaess in CY 582. The next year saw the invasion of Iuz, who had escaped his prison some thirteen years earlier, into Furyondy. King Belvor IV had spent some time in preparation for this, but by the month of Reaping, Chendl was besieged. The coffers of the kingdom were nearly empty, and the noblemen chafed against the king’s rule. The king personally led an elite unit that struck at the leadership of the besieging force of goblinkin. It worked and the siege was broken.
The winter was harsh and difficult for both sides. The king used the temporary respite from warfare to build a stronger alliance with neighboring kingdoms. By the coming of spring, new armies were on the march. A stalemate was drawn along the northern border of Furyondy. Other nations continued to make war until a peace treaty was drawn up in the City of Greyhawk in CY 584.
In CY 586, Canon Hazen of Veluna used an artifact to cause the Flight of Fiends. This stripped Iuz of much of his leadership, and opened the way for Furyondy to act. King Belvor declared the Great Northern Crusade to wipe out Iuz and his remaining forces. Many of the southern nobles protested this declaration, so tensions within the kingdom began to rise again. Within two years, all of the Furyondian lands lost to Iuz were reclaimed.
The planned funeral for Prince Thrommel was delayed when news that he may still live reached the king. A group of crusaders working to bring down some remaining forces from the original Temple of Elemental Evil brought the ancestral sword Fragarach to the king during Needfest a few weeks ago. Details about their news were sketchy, but Belvor and his advisors were apparently convinced.
With the death of King Belvor, a lot of questions need to be answered. If the crown prince is not alive, who will rule the kingdom? Will the faction of the southern lords under Whillom Stronbillet take control? Is the Order of the Hart still strong enough to oppose the southern lords? If the prince is alive, who will serve as regent until he returns? What reaction will Iuz have to this news?
Canon Heldenster announced this morning that funeral services will take place on the 18th. He also called for representatives from the Seven Families to meet in Chendl to sort out all matters of succession.
12th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
King Belvor IV, passed in the night. According to sources in the royal house, he died peacefully in his sleep. Months of rumor and speculation regarding his failing health have now ended. He was in his 65th year.
King Belvor ascended to the Furyondian throne in CY 537, and he ruled over the good and noble kingdom for nearly fifty-five years. He was in his tenth year, when his father, Belvor III, passed away.
The king inherited many problems stemming for the original rise of Iuz in CY 479. Rumors had spread to Furyondy of a road paved with skulls stretching from the Howling Hills to the capital in Dorakaa. Fear gripped the northern lands of Furyondy.
The power structure in Furyondy gave much independence to the nobles of the Seven Families, and this proved to be a problem when the external threats grew. The southern lords, whose lands were in no danger from Iuz, used his threats to wring land concessions from King Avras III. This deprived the king of much needed taxes and control. The northern lords felt betrayed by the king and the southern lords, so they took this opportunity to build an army loyal to them. They bolstered the ranks and eventually took over leadership of the Order of the Hart.
By CY 505, a three-way split occurred in Furyondy. The Great Lords of the South ruled the largest faction. The Order of the Hart was second in power, and they were controlled by the margraves of the north. King Avras found himself nearly crushed between the two factions. He could not appease both, and his power base was dwindling fast.
At this point a great stroke of luck befell the lands. Iuz was captured and imprisoned beneath Castle Greyhawk by Zagyg the Mad. The coalition of Iuz’s forces, dissolved along the borders.
Prince Belvor III actively courted the Order of the Hart, and he brought it into the royal fold. Upon the death of his father, the king used his power to bring the southern lords back into submission. His reign was cut short by his untimely demise in CY 537. The tenuous faction he formed held up during the years of his son’s regency.
When Belvor IV came of age in CY 543, he assumed full control of the kingdom. The Regent Lord Throstin was slow to surrender his power that he held for the last six years. As the head of the Order of the Hart, Throstin was able to slow the rise of the new king. Belvor IV strove tirelessly to strengthen the lands of his kingdom, and his goal of conquest over the lands of Iuz focused the might of the kingdom.
The construction of the Temple of Elemental Evil in CY 568 gave rise to a new threat south of the kingdom. In joint coalition with Veluna and Verbobonc, an army under the leadership of Prince Thrommel IV defeated the evil hordes at Emridy Meadows in CY 569.
The opportunity for a lasting alliance with Veluna was at hand. Prince Thrommel was engaged to Jolene D’Amphere of Veluna. The grand celebration never took place. On a campaign in the Kron Hills in CY 573, Prince Thrommel disappeared. Years of searching for evidence of his whereabouts yielded no results. Until recently, nearly everyone assumed he was dead.
War broke out across the Flanaess in CY 582. The next year saw the invasion of Iuz, who had escaped his prison some thirteen years earlier, into Furyondy. King Belvor IV had spent some time in preparation for this, but by the month of Reaping, Chendl was besieged. The coffers of the kingdom were nearly empty, and the noblemen chafed against the king’s rule. The king personally led an elite unit that struck at the leadership of the besieging force of goblinkin. It worked and the siege was broken.
The winter was harsh and difficult for both sides. The king used the temporary respite from warfare to build a stronger alliance with neighboring kingdoms. By the coming of spring, new armies were on the march. A stalemate was drawn along the northern border of Furyondy. Other nations continued to make war until a peace treaty was drawn up in the City of Greyhawk in CY 584.
In CY 586, Canon Hazen of Veluna used an artifact to cause the Flight of Fiends. This stripped Iuz of much of his leadership, and opened the way for Furyondy to act. King Belvor declared the Great Northern Crusade to wipe out Iuz and his remaining forces. Many of the southern nobles protested this declaration, so tensions within the kingdom began to rise again. Within two years, all of the Furyondian lands lost to Iuz were reclaimed.
The planned funeral for Prince Thrommel was delayed when news that he may still live reached the king. A group of crusaders working to bring down some remaining forces from the original Temple of Elemental Evil brought the ancestral sword Fragarach to the king during Needfest a few weeks ago. Details about their news were sketchy, but Belvor and his advisors were apparently convinced.
With the death of King Belvor, a lot of questions need to be answered. If the crown prince is not alive, who will rule the kingdom? Will the faction of the southern lords under Whillom Stronbillet take control? Is the Order of the Hart still strong enough to oppose the southern lords? If the prince is alive, who will serve as regent until he returns? What reaction will Iuz have to this news?
Canon Heldenster announced this morning that funeral services will take place on the 18th. He also called for representatives from the Seven Families to meet in Chendl to sort out all matters of succession.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Funeral and Farewell
5th - 8th day of Fireseek, CY 592
Skullcrusher’s Demise
The battle against the skullcrusher ogres took a decided turn for the better. Lucas was able to blind two of them with a glitterdust. Vannay’s acid orb made a direct hit on one of them melting his head. Delvanos took one of them down with three rapid arrow strikes. Victor stunned one and proceeded to pummel him. The only one that was not under the slow was kept from moving into a flanking position by Vannay’s summoned air and earth elementals. The slowed and blinded ogre’s were not able to do anything useful. Another round of attacks brought the remaining ones down.
Victor moved towards Erwin and verified that he was indeed dead. Vannay placed his elementals as sentries on the two exits from the chamber. We did some healing and then decided to check out the trap door before we left the fane.
Chymon’s Hoard
Lucas and Thurilkosij (Vannay’s pseudodragon) went down the shaft. They found a large room with similar dimensions to the pit in the upper chamber. There were four alcoves on each side. We decided that it would be better if everyone was in the chamber before examining the objects in the alcoves. Vannay noticed that two of the alcoves had magical auras. Lucas moved towards the alcove with the open chest, but as soon as he crossed the entrance to the alcove a noxious poison gas sprayed out filling the chamber. Lucas took a full blast from it, and he fell to the ground severely weakened and nearly helpless. Victor’s strength was also severely diminished by the poison. At this point, we decided that it would be best to leave the chamber. Victor cast a bull’s strength and lesser restoration on himself. Lucas who had lost all strength was carried by Uthgar up the ladder.
We spent a day resting in Moradin’s temple. Victor received a sending from Canoness Y’dey. She said that there were two people in Hommlet interested in meeting our group. We arranged a meeting in the abandoned town of Rastor.
We returned to the trap room the next day. Lucas was able to disable two of the three remaining traps, but the last one dropped him into the floor leaving him encased in stone. Vannay used a dimension door to free him from the trap. We then collected the remainder of Chymon’s hoard.
The Funeral Pyre
We teleported to Rastor to meet the two fellows Y’dey was sending our way. Vannay had some mishap with the conjuration, which scrambled us a bit, but otherwise it wasn’t too terrible.
Victor had some knowledge of how to conduct a service for Erwin. We gathered wood and set his body on top. A blazing pyre was set, and we looked on as the smoke rose up into the night sky. We noticed some small woodland beings observing the service from the protection of the tree line, but they did not come forward. Delvanos thought they were probably fey creatures, but only Erwin could have told us what kind.
Delvanos and Lucas had been arguing privately for the better part of the day as brothers are known to do. Finally, Delvanos approached Victor about speaking with Lucas. Delvanos was very concerned about Lucas’ safety, and he knew that his brother would not listen to him. Victor took Lucas off to the side and spoke with him privately.
The next morning Lucas was gone without any goodbyes.
New Blood
Later in the morning, a cleric of Saint Cuthbert and a mage approached our encampment in Rerrid’s old church. They identified themselves as Credin Vigorian of Veluna and Safadin Gammel of Greyhawk. These were part of the group that journeyed out into the Sea of Dust to find the Air Binder. Apparently, their respective orders thought it was important to have representation in our group assaulting the fanes. They seemed like nice enough fellows, and we did need some people to fill in for our losses. After some consultation, we agreed that they could accompany us on our quest.
Skullcrusher’s Demise
The battle against the skullcrusher ogres took a decided turn for the better. Lucas was able to blind two of them with a glitterdust. Vannay’s acid orb made a direct hit on one of them melting his head. Delvanos took one of them down with three rapid arrow strikes. Victor stunned one and proceeded to pummel him. The only one that was not under the slow was kept from moving into a flanking position by Vannay’s summoned air and earth elementals. The slowed and blinded ogre’s were not able to do anything useful. Another round of attacks brought the remaining ones down.
Victor moved towards Erwin and verified that he was indeed dead. Vannay placed his elementals as sentries on the two exits from the chamber. We did some healing and then decided to check out the trap door before we left the fane.
Chymon’s Hoard
Lucas and Thurilkosij (Vannay’s pseudodragon) went down the shaft. They found a large room with similar dimensions to the pit in the upper chamber. There were four alcoves on each side. We decided that it would be better if everyone was in the chamber before examining the objects in the alcoves. Vannay noticed that two of the alcoves had magical auras. Lucas moved towards the alcove with the open chest, but as soon as he crossed the entrance to the alcove a noxious poison gas sprayed out filling the chamber. Lucas took a full blast from it, and he fell to the ground severely weakened and nearly helpless. Victor’s strength was also severely diminished by the poison. At this point, we decided that it would be best to leave the chamber. Victor cast a bull’s strength and lesser restoration on himself. Lucas who had lost all strength was carried by Uthgar up the ladder.
We spent a day resting in Moradin’s temple. Victor received a sending from Canoness Y’dey. She said that there were two people in Hommlet interested in meeting our group. We arranged a meeting in the abandoned town of Rastor.
We returned to the trap room the next day. Lucas was able to disable two of the three remaining traps, but the last one dropped him into the floor leaving him encased in stone. Vannay used a dimension door to free him from the trap. We then collected the remainder of Chymon’s hoard.
The Funeral Pyre
We teleported to Rastor to meet the two fellows Y’dey was sending our way. Vannay had some mishap with the conjuration, which scrambled us a bit, but otherwise it wasn’t too terrible.
Victor had some knowledge of how to conduct a service for Erwin. We gathered wood and set his body on top. A blazing pyre was set, and we looked on as the smoke rose up into the night sky. We noticed some small woodland beings observing the service from the protection of the tree line, but they did not come forward. Delvanos thought they were probably fey creatures, but only Erwin could have told us what kind.
Delvanos and Lucas had been arguing privately for the better part of the day as brothers are known to do. Finally, Delvanos approached Victor about speaking with Lucas. Delvanos was very concerned about Lucas’ safety, and he knew that his brother would not listen to him. Victor took Lucas off to the side and spoke with him privately.
The next morning Lucas was gone without any goodbyes.
New Blood
Later in the morning, a cleric of Saint Cuthbert and a mage approached our encampment in Rerrid’s old church. They identified themselves as Credin Vigorian of Veluna and Safadin Gammel of Greyhawk. These were part of the group that journeyed out into the Sea of Dust to find the Air Binder. Apparently, their respective orders thought it was important to have representation in our group assaulting the fanes. They seemed like nice enough fellows, and we did need some people to fill in for our losses. After some consultation, we agreed that they could accompany us on our quest.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Chymon's Chamber
5th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
The Guardian
The battle had begun against the guardian of the fire door. The dragon had Uthgar in her mighty jaws, and before she flew back into the massive chamber, she swallowed him whole. Our mages cast fly on Victor and Erwin, and Delvanos cast haste on the party. Two rounds of preparatory spells would hopefully be enough against this huge wyrm.
The dragon, Chymon, breathed fire down on us as we moved into the chamber. Thankfully, our protective wards absorbed most of the damage. Victor and Erwin closed with the dragon remaining close to the ground, while Delvanos reminded us of our past glories. His tales always bolstered our morale, which was crucial in this pitched battle. Vannay targeted the dragon with a dispel magic, and it brought down a few abjuration wards. Erwin’s ice storm could not penetrate her scales.
After Delvanos fired off a volley of arrows at the dragon, she swooped down and picked him up in her jaws. Soon he would join Uthgar in her fiery belly. Victor moved quickly up to Delavanos, and cast freedom of movement on him. He fell safely to the ground. Vannay attempted to shock the dragon with a powerful lightning bolt, but once again it had no effect. Lucas was successful with an orb spell.
The dragon thought she could grapple our monk priest, and it was her undoing. He was cut by her razor teeth, but she could not keep hold of him. Delvanos aimed his arrows into her underbelly and pierced her several times. Victor moved into grapple the huge dragon. He grabbed her horns and established a firm grip, and then he followed through by locking on to her neck. A loud crack echoed through the chamber as Victor snapped her cervical vertebrae. The dragon’s lifeless body fell to the floor.
After some healing, we began searching through her nest of coins in the pit. Lucas found a hatch underneath the hoard. The hatch opened up to a large ladder leading down into the darkness. We decided that resting for the night was the best idea before seeing what lay below.
The Skullcrushers
Vannay created his magical hut for us to rest in for the night. Staying in the dragon’s chamber seemed the most sensible option. About an hour into our first watch, Erwin heard some loud clanking noises coming down the hallway. Apparently, the earlier battle had attracted attention. Vannay made himself invisible, while Erwin woke the rest of the party. He was still in his ape form, so it was mostly with grunts.
Six ogre-like creatures entered the chamber. They were all clad in black full-plate armor with sharp spikes, and they carried spiked steel shields and bastard swords. Erwin identified them as skullcrusher ogres. Lucas laid down some black tentacles, but they had no difficulty avoiding entanglement. Vannay fired a chain lightning at them, and it seemed to be quite effective. The rest of the party closed with the ogres, while Delvanos began inspiring courage.
The martial prowess of the ogres was soon evident. Erwin was severely wounded by their spiked shields. Victor cast righteous might and moved into melee. The dragon’s pit and the tentacles caused some movement problems, and this prevented Uthgar from getting to join the melee. Lucas cast slow on the ogres, which limited their combat options.
Erwin healed himself, while Victor began grappling. Delvanos’ precision archery once again dealt severe damage to the ogre closest to Erwin. It was not enough though. The ogre’s shield caught Erwin in the jaw and dropped him to the ground dead. He shifted back into human form.
A few of the ogres had dropped, and one of them was circling around the party to get to the casters. Vannay summoned a large air elemental to guard that flank. Uthgar had moved through the pit to get better access to the ogres, but he was knocked over by a charging ogre, just after he climbed out of the pit.
To be continued . . .
The Guardian
The battle had begun against the guardian of the fire door. The dragon had Uthgar in her mighty jaws, and before she flew back into the massive chamber, she swallowed him whole. Our mages cast fly on Victor and Erwin, and Delvanos cast haste on the party. Two rounds of preparatory spells would hopefully be enough against this huge wyrm.
The dragon, Chymon, breathed fire down on us as we moved into the chamber. Thankfully, our protective wards absorbed most of the damage. Victor and Erwin closed with the dragon remaining close to the ground, while Delvanos reminded us of our past glories. His tales always bolstered our morale, which was crucial in this pitched battle. Vannay targeted the dragon with a dispel magic, and it brought down a few abjuration wards. Erwin’s ice storm could not penetrate her scales.
After Delvanos fired off a volley of arrows at the dragon, she swooped down and picked him up in her jaws. Soon he would join Uthgar in her fiery belly. Victor moved quickly up to Delavanos, and cast freedom of movement on him. He fell safely to the ground. Vannay attempted to shock the dragon with a powerful lightning bolt, but once again it had no effect. Lucas was successful with an orb spell.
The dragon thought she could grapple our monk priest, and it was her undoing. He was cut by her razor teeth, but she could not keep hold of him. Delvanos aimed his arrows into her underbelly and pierced her several times. Victor moved into grapple the huge dragon. He grabbed her horns and established a firm grip, and then he followed through by locking on to her neck. A loud crack echoed through the chamber as Victor snapped her cervical vertebrae. The dragon’s lifeless body fell to the floor.
After some healing, we began searching through her nest of coins in the pit. Lucas found a hatch underneath the hoard. The hatch opened up to a large ladder leading down into the darkness. We decided that resting for the night was the best idea before seeing what lay below.
The Skullcrushers
Vannay created his magical hut for us to rest in for the night. Staying in the dragon’s chamber seemed the most sensible option. About an hour into our first watch, Erwin heard some loud clanking noises coming down the hallway. Apparently, the earlier battle had attracted attention. Vannay made himself invisible, while Erwin woke the rest of the party. He was still in his ape form, so it was mostly with grunts.
Six ogre-like creatures entered the chamber. They were all clad in black full-plate armor with sharp spikes, and they carried spiked steel shields and bastard swords. Erwin identified them as skullcrusher ogres. Lucas laid down some black tentacles, but they had no difficulty avoiding entanglement. Vannay fired a chain lightning at them, and it seemed to be quite effective. The rest of the party closed with the ogres, while Delvanos began inspiring courage.
The martial prowess of the ogres was soon evident. Erwin was severely wounded by their spiked shields. Victor cast righteous might and moved into melee. The dragon’s pit and the tentacles caused some movement problems, and this prevented Uthgar from getting to join the melee. Lucas cast slow on the ogres, which limited their combat options.
Erwin healed himself, while Victor began grappling. Delvanos’ precision archery once again dealt severe damage to the ogre closest to Erwin. It was not enough though. The ogre’s shield caught Erwin in the jaw and dropped him to the ground dead. He shifted back into human form.
A few of the ogres had dropped, and one of them was circling around the party to get to the casters. Vannay summoned a large air elemental to guard that flank. Uthgar had moved through the pit to get better access to the ogres, but he was knocked over by a charging ogre, just after he climbed out of the pit.
To be continued . . .
Monday, November 07, 2005
Old Journal
The following is scribed by the hand of Jorelu of Mitrik on the 24th day of Planting in the common year five hundred and ninety-one.
My travels took me to the town of Hommlet, where I met an interesting group of adventurers. There are two elven brothers, Eladarion the fighter and Elennias the scout. There is a wizard, Vannay, in the group, who postures himself a noble of sorts. His clothing is from the House of Vannay, but I do wonder about his claims of nobility. The leader of the group is a priest of Kord named Victor. He is a good man and capable leader.
We met on the road into Hommlet, and they were returning from moathouse. They were quite injured after suffering several attacks. Apparently they had gone out to investigate the moathouse and found a young blue dragon a few days previous. They did find the remains of a priest (slain by the dragon), who had a holy symbol of the Elder Elemental Eye.
After dispatching the dragon, they came back the next day to the moathouse. This time a well equipped group of gnolls assaulted them. After that they had a battle with a cleric of the Elder Elemental Eye and a group of skeletons. Victor was terribly wounded, so they began the journey back to town. They had kept the priestess, Gren, alive for later questioning. They were ambushed by an assassin named Chatrilon, and he critically wounded Eladarion before they killed him. This was their first indication that the priests at the moathouse had friends in Hommlet.
It was shortly after this that they met me, and they related the preceding events to me over the course of the next few days. I witnessed the remaining events first hand.
That same night Eladarion was attacked by a large viper in his room at the Inn of the Welcome Wench. The subsequent investigation turned up no information regarding who was behind the attacks. Elmo, the militia captain, began helping by looking around town for any suspicious people.
Gren was not forthcoming at all with information, and the party turned her over to Canoness Y’dey of the Church of St. Cuthbert. That evening we met with Master Dunrat and his group. Dunrat demanded the return of some items the party recovered at the moathouse, and the return of Gren. Obviously we refused to comply, so Dunrat suggested that we all meet in a clearing west of town to “sort things out”. The next morning we found evidence leading us to the local mill, where we found evidence that Dunrat and his minions had been in town for several weeks. We then travelled out to the clearing where we fought and defeated Dunrat.
The remaining forces at the temple were waiting on us. We had a tough battle with a troglodyte cleric named Ysslansh, who had animated several gnolls as zombies. We suspect that he killed the gnolls for the purpose of animating them.
In some old catacombs we found an altar, large statue and some implements that were apparently part of some dark ritual. We decided to leave that area after the altar became a translucent purple and black color.
The next area nearly stumped us. We knew from a journal we found that an obelisk was underneath the well. The problem was the well was filled with water and the bottom was solid stone. We looked through the items we found earlier and discovered a spell to reshape the stone bottom allowing access to the large cavern beneath. Eladarion lowered the rest of us down on a wooden platform. We were ambushed by an abhorrent tentacled creature, who gave us quite a scare.
The cavern was enormous. It turned out that the place where the wooden platform came to rest was actually the top of the purple and black obelisk. We found another platform, and I proceeded to lower the party down to the bottom of the cavern. Again we were ambushed by an insane priest, who forced me to drop the rope holding the party on the platform. Luckily they survived the long fall to the bottom. The priest then began assaulting them as I made my way to the bottom. Easily the toughest battle so far, but we were able to overcome him. We found two symbols carved into the floor of the cavern. This priest, Festerath, had a strange note on him saying that “the forces of the Water Temple will soon make their move against the Fire Temple”. What does this mean?
One of the symbols was a flaming black sun, which Victor identified as one of the symbols of the Elder Elemental Eye. The other was a black obex, which we were not able to identify. There was also some sort of summoning portal, which brought through another one of the tentacled beasts, but it was much easier this time around.
The most interesting portion of this enounter with the obelisk was when Elennias used the strange torch and incense to reveal a purple gem at the tip of the pillar which held the obelisk. Elennias was transported into a dark room, where a strange hollow voice spoke to him. It said, “Seek the heart of the four moons. Together, they can sunder the walls of my prison. For now, eat of my fruit and be blessed.” Who was this speaking? What was he talking about?
This marked the end of our adventures in the moathouse. What were these cultists doing here so long after the original temple fell? We never encountered Geynor Ton, so I presume that he left with the wagon that arrived from Rastor. Did they take something with them when they left? The wagon was sent by a man named Tal Chammish.
I feel we only found more questions at the moathouse. Master Dunrat spoke of business in Nulb, a small town near the old temple site. Rumor has it that the town is haunted and should be avoided. Who are the Masters of All Consumption mentioned in Dunrat’s letter?
We met a paladin named Xaod while visiting the battlefield of Emridy Meadows. He is interested in finding out what happened to Prince Thrommel, who lead the forces to victory on that field twenty-five years ago. I believe that I will travel with him and see what we can discover. The party spoke of visiting the old temple site, which hopefully can provide some more clues about the rising of the cult after so long a span of time. Hopefully, we will get a chance to sit around the campfire some time down the road, smoke our pipes and tell tall tales of our glorious deeds.
My travels took me to the town of Hommlet, where I met an interesting group of adventurers. There are two elven brothers, Eladarion the fighter and Elennias the scout. There is a wizard, Vannay, in the group, who postures himself a noble of sorts. His clothing is from the House of Vannay, but I do wonder about his claims of nobility. The leader of the group is a priest of Kord named Victor. He is a good man and capable leader.
We met on the road into Hommlet, and they were returning from moathouse. They were quite injured after suffering several attacks. Apparently they had gone out to investigate the moathouse and found a young blue dragon a few days previous. They did find the remains of a priest (slain by the dragon), who had a holy symbol of the Elder Elemental Eye.
After dispatching the dragon, they came back the next day to the moathouse. This time a well equipped group of gnolls assaulted them. After that they had a battle with a cleric of the Elder Elemental Eye and a group of skeletons. Victor was terribly wounded, so they began the journey back to town. They had kept the priestess, Gren, alive for later questioning. They were ambushed by an assassin named Chatrilon, and he critically wounded Eladarion before they killed him. This was their first indication that the priests at the moathouse had friends in Hommlet.
It was shortly after this that they met me, and they related the preceding events to me over the course of the next few days. I witnessed the remaining events first hand.
That same night Eladarion was attacked by a large viper in his room at the Inn of the Welcome Wench. The subsequent investigation turned up no information regarding who was behind the attacks. Elmo, the militia captain, began helping by looking around town for any suspicious people.
Gren was not forthcoming at all with information, and the party turned her over to Canoness Y’dey of the Church of St. Cuthbert. That evening we met with Master Dunrat and his group. Dunrat demanded the return of some items the party recovered at the moathouse, and the return of Gren. Obviously we refused to comply, so Dunrat suggested that we all meet in a clearing west of town to “sort things out”. The next morning we found evidence leading us to the local mill, where we found evidence that Dunrat and his minions had been in town for several weeks. We then travelled out to the clearing where we fought and defeated Dunrat.
The remaining forces at the temple were waiting on us. We had a tough battle with a troglodyte cleric named Ysslansh, who had animated several gnolls as zombies. We suspect that he killed the gnolls for the purpose of animating them.
In some old catacombs we found an altar, large statue and some implements that were apparently part of some dark ritual. We decided to leave that area after the altar became a translucent purple and black color.
The next area nearly stumped us. We knew from a journal we found that an obelisk was underneath the well. The problem was the well was filled with water and the bottom was solid stone. We looked through the items we found earlier and discovered a spell to reshape the stone bottom allowing access to the large cavern beneath. Eladarion lowered the rest of us down on a wooden platform. We were ambushed by an abhorrent tentacled creature, who gave us quite a scare.
The cavern was enormous. It turned out that the place where the wooden platform came to rest was actually the top of the purple and black obelisk. We found another platform, and I proceeded to lower the party down to the bottom of the cavern. Again we were ambushed by an insane priest, who forced me to drop the rope holding the party on the platform. Luckily they survived the long fall to the bottom. The priest then began assaulting them as I made my way to the bottom. Easily the toughest battle so far, but we were able to overcome him. We found two symbols carved into the floor of the cavern. This priest, Festerath, had a strange note on him saying that “the forces of the Water Temple will soon make their move against the Fire Temple”. What does this mean?
One of the symbols was a flaming black sun, which Victor identified as one of the symbols of the Elder Elemental Eye. The other was a black obex, which we were not able to identify. There was also some sort of summoning portal, which brought through another one of the tentacled beasts, but it was much easier this time around.
The most interesting portion of this enounter with the obelisk was when Elennias used the strange torch and incense to reveal a purple gem at the tip of the pillar which held the obelisk. Elennias was transported into a dark room, where a strange hollow voice spoke to him. It said, “Seek the heart of the four moons. Together, they can sunder the walls of my prison. For now, eat of my fruit and be blessed.” Who was this speaking? What was he talking about?
This marked the end of our adventures in the moathouse. What were these cultists doing here so long after the original temple fell? We never encountered Geynor Ton, so I presume that he left with the wagon that arrived from Rastor. Did they take something with them when they left? The wagon was sent by a man named Tal Chammish.
I feel we only found more questions at the moathouse. Master Dunrat spoke of business in Nulb, a small town near the old temple site. Rumor has it that the town is haunted and should be avoided. Who are the Masters of All Consumption mentioned in Dunrat’s letter?
We met a paladin named Xaod while visiting the battlefield of Emridy Meadows. He is interested in finding out what happened to Prince Thrommel, who lead the forces to victory on that field twenty-five years ago. I believe that I will travel with him and see what we can discover. The party spoke of visiting the old temple site, which hopefully can provide some more clues about the rising of the cult after so long a span of time. Hopefully, we will get a chance to sit around the campfire some time down the road, smoke our pipes and tell tall tales of our glorious deeds.
Friday, November 04, 2005
At the Fire Door
1st - 5th Day of Fireseek, CY 592
The festival in Chendl was over. It was time to turn our attention once again to mounting an assault on the Fanes. A couple months had passed since we updated Canoness Y’dey on our progress, so a short trip to Hommlet was in order.
Hommlet looked the same as ever, but there were some guards posted outside the Church of Saint Cuthbert. They questioned us about our business, but apparently had been given notice of who we were. We were ushered into the Canoness’ office after a short period. We had expected (based on previous visits) to receive a stern rebuke about our tardiness in reporting. She seemed unusually kind. Apparently, the destruction of Rastor and word of our exploits had changed her views towards us.
We gave her a full report regarding the fate of Prince Thrommel, Fragarach and other news. She responded by giving a report on the quest to retrieve the air binder. She gave us a curved ceremonial dagger, a black obex holy symbol and some magical purple robes. These were the same robes that Vannay saw when he scried on Varachan, Tessimon and who we assume was Hedrack.
The reason for the extra security soon became apparent. She was in possession of the binder. She said (and we agreed) that the binder was not safe in Hommlet. She only saw two options for where to send it. The first was to give it to Fistan Nolro, because he could keep it safe. The second was to give it to us. The archmage has been very helpful, but we also know he has his own agenda. We felt it might not be safe with him. Taking it with us seemed dangerous, but we would know where it was at all times, and it had the advantage of being a crazy plan. Y’dey suspected that the cultists’ search for the binder would eventually lead them to her. She did not want to be able to tell them what happened to the binder after it left her possession, so she gave Delvanos a scroll of Modify Memory. He changed her memories, so that she could not tell them. We left Hommlet with Victor carrying the binder.
The next day we teleported to Verbobonc to purchase a Legend Lore. We needed to find out how the keys that we found on all the temple leaders worked. Vannay purchased the scroll and spent that day scribing it into his book. The next day, he prepared the incense and began the incantations. He was performing the divination on one of the fire keys. After a short time, the following appeared in his mind:
Fire burns away my enemies
From the Lesser comes the Greater
From the Greater comes the Master
The festival in Chendl was over. It was time to turn our attention once again to mounting an assault on the Fanes. A couple months had passed since we updated Canoness Y’dey on our progress, so a short trip to Hommlet was in order.
Hommlet looked the same as ever, but there were some guards posted outside the Church of Saint Cuthbert. They questioned us about our business, but apparently had been given notice of who we were. We were ushered into the Canoness’ office after a short period. We had expected (based on previous visits) to receive a stern rebuke about our tardiness in reporting. She seemed unusually kind. Apparently, the destruction of Rastor and word of our exploits had changed her views towards us.
We gave her a full report regarding the fate of Prince Thrommel, Fragarach and other news. She responded by giving a report on the quest to retrieve the air binder. She gave us a curved ceremonial dagger, a black obex holy symbol and some magical purple robes. These were the same robes that Vannay saw when he scried on Varachan, Tessimon and who we assume was Hedrack.
The reason for the extra security soon became apparent. She was in possession of the binder. She said (and we agreed) that the binder was not safe in Hommlet. She only saw two options for where to send it. The first was to give it to Fistan Nolro, because he could keep it safe. The second was to give it to us. The archmage has been very helpful, but we also know he has his own agenda. We felt it might not be safe with him. Taking it with us seemed dangerous, but we would know where it was at all times, and it had the advantage of being a crazy plan. Y’dey suspected that the cultists’ search for the binder would eventually lead them to her. She did not want to be able to tell them what happened to the binder after it left her possession, so she gave Delvanos a scroll of Modify Memory. He changed her memories, so that she could not tell them. We left Hommlet with Victor carrying the binder.
The next day we teleported to Verbobonc to purchase a Legend Lore. We needed to find out how the keys that we found on all the temple leaders worked. Vannay purchased the scroll and spent that day scribing it into his book. The next day, he prepared the incense and began the incantations. He was performing the divination on one of the fire keys. After a short time, the following appeared in his mind:
Fire burns away my enemies
From the Lesser comes the Greater
From the Greater comes the Master
We tried to do saying these words without success. Vannay realized that the words needed to be spoken in ignan. The key turned bright red, gave off a little heat and the taste of sulfer appeared briefly in his mouth, but it turned quickly back. We decided that it would only work near the door.
We then teleported to the Temple of Moradin in the ridge mines. We rested up and made our way to the western bridge complex. We found evidence of some creatures lair there, but no evidence of creatures. We also found a corpse of a priest. Erwin searched for tracks, but did not find anything useful. In his belongings, we found an old book called, “The Many Facets of Torture During Worship”. It was written by Unariq Vol’talsimol. There was an inscription on the inside cover and several margin notes in Varachan’s hand writing. There was also a particulalry large poem or lyric written in Varachan’s script.
From realms of madness come,
In time all things undone,
Read the signs and all shall know,
Every beast and man brought low,
Darkness swiftly down,
Over city, village, town,
Order is now past,
Reap the future’s caste.
Destroy the foundations,
Raze the nations,
Absolute end of all.
Go forth and spread word,
Of what we have heard,
Nothing escapes the call.
Lucas came to the conclusion that there was a code written into the lyrics. Vannay realized that the first letters of every line formed the words, Fire Door Dragon. We decided to head back to the dwarven temple and prepare for the dragon.
The next morning we began crossing the fire bridge. We saw a strange mounted creature flying near one of the blue metal towers surrounding the outer fane. Apparently we were spotted, because a light went up over each of the blue towers as we approached.
We tried several times to get the key to open the door without success. Lucas came up with the idea to try and combine the two fire keys. It worked and the door began opening. Over the noise of the door opening, some of us heard the sounds of a large creature diving down to meet us. Just as the door opened, Vannay was able to see an invisible huge red dragon. Its powerful bite ripped into Uthgar. The bite seemed to completely ignore his armor. The dragon became visible to everyone else, and it did not let go of Uthgar.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Chendl Festival
From the Furyondy Beacon
Week of Needfest, CY 592
By Livernia Brognan
At the dawn of every new year, spectators, nobles and champions gather in our fair city of Chendl. King Belvor decreed that even in the midst of war, we should still celebrate what the gods have given us. This year proved to be more exciting than usual, and that is saying something considering the “cockatrice” incident two years previous.
Rumors had circulated for months regarding an announcement from the royal house. Lord Marten had assured this reporter that there was no substance to the rumors. The sudden appearance of Fragarach, ancestral sword of the royal house, made Marten’s claims seem at best unfounded. It was during the arena fight on Sunday that a real fight broke out. A quick, bloody and magical exchange involving the participants and some spectators cleared the Chendl Coliseum. One of the offending parties was quickly escorted by security to the palace grounds, and the other group escaped authorities. No official announcements were made regarding the skirmish.
Lord Heldenster announced that the missing crown prince was officially declared dead early in the week. Funeral services were to take place on Midwinter’s Night. The royal decree was rescinded two days later, but no further information was given. Many experts say that it was the reappearance of Fragarach that changed the king’s ruling.
In place of the planned funeral services, a large feast was given on the night of the shortest day of the year. It was one of the strangest nights in recent memory. A full eclipse occurred when no astronomers had announced one. Signs of fire in the sky and spontaneous combustion at various places in the Grand Pavilion went unexplained. An anonymous source in the Stargazers said that it involved the shifting of planes. They went on to say that events such as this are rare, but not unknown. The appearance of the legendary Mordenkainen on this night seemed an odd coincidence, but no official announcement connected the two events.
Another event that will be talked about for years to come was the misguided effort to increase fan excitement at the King’s Archery Tournament. Massive creatures brought to the city in secret were unveiled for the event. One spectator described them as “land sharks”. These horrific beasts made quick work of the champions, and it was only with timely intervention by the attending priests that a wholesale slaughter did not ensue. Several concerned nobles have called for new legislation regarding the transport and care of “dangerous animals”.
As always, the Chendl Players gave incredible performances in the various arts of the guild. Winterdance led by Master Kimbar Po was a true display of theatrical dance. Master Po’s near death by drowning a few days later was not able to overshadow his performance. The recounting of the Battle of Emridy Meadows was tremendous as always. The final arcane display called, “Fire in the Sky” was a bit of a letdown after the real fireworks three days previous. The most talked about performance came from a member of the Riverwalk Society of Verbobonc, Master Caelith. It was a stirring recount of some exciting battles in a dormant volcano near the Kron Hills.
The tournament results were as follows –
Congratulations to all the winners. May next year bring the same level of competition, and may it be in more peaceful times.
Week of Needfest, CY 592
By Livernia Brognan
At the dawn of every new year, spectators, nobles and champions gather in our fair city of Chendl. King Belvor decreed that even in the midst of war, we should still celebrate what the gods have given us. This year proved to be more exciting than usual, and that is saying something considering the “cockatrice” incident two years previous.
Rumors had circulated for months regarding an announcement from the royal house. Lord Marten had assured this reporter that there was no substance to the rumors. The sudden appearance of Fragarach, ancestral sword of the royal house, made Marten’s claims seem at best unfounded. It was during the arena fight on Sunday that a real fight broke out. A quick, bloody and magical exchange involving the participants and some spectators cleared the Chendl Coliseum. One of the offending parties was quickly escorted by security to the palace grounds, and the other group escaped authorities. No official announcements were made regarding the skirmish.
Lord Heldenster announced that the missing crown prince was officially declared dead early in the week. Funeral services were to take place on Midwinter’s Night. The royal decree was rescinded two days later, but no further information was given. Many experts say that it was the reappearance of Fragarach that changed the king’s ruling.
In place of the planned funeral services, a large feast was given on the night of the shortest day of the year. It was one of the strangest nights in recent memory. A full eclipse occurred when no astronomers had announced one. Signs of fire in the sky and spontaneous combustion at various places in the Grand Pavilion went unexplained. An anonymous source in the Stargazers said that it involved the shifting of planes. They went on to say that events such as this are rare, but not unknown. The appearance of the legendary Mordenkainen on this night seemed an odd coincidence, but no official announcement connected the two events.
Another event that will be talked about for years to come was the misguided effort to increase fan excitement at the King’s Archery Tournament. Massive creatures brought to the city in secret were unveiled for the event. One spectator described them as “land sharks”. These horrific beasts made quick work of the champions, and it was only with timely intervention by the attending priests that a wholesale slaughter did not ensue. Several concerned nobles have called for new legislation regarding the transport and care of “dangerous animals”.
As always, the Chendl Players gave incredible performances in the various arts of the guild. Winterdance led by Master Kimbar Po was a true display of theatrical dance. Master Po’s near death by drowning a few days later was not able to overshadow his performance. The recounting of the Battle of Emridy Meadows was tremendous as always. The final arcane display called, “Fire in the Sky” was a bit of a letdown after the real fireworks three days previous. The most talked about performance came from a member of the Riverwalk Society of Verbobonc, Master Caelith. It was a stirring recount of some exciting battles in a dormant volcano near the Kron Hills.
The tournament results were as follows –
- King’s Joust – Lord Anton Hargamac, Order of the Hart, Chendl
- Trithereon’s Gambit – Lord Stephen Vannay IV, Veluna
- Crescent Cup – Lucas Caelith, Verbobonc
- Duel Arcane – Jeron Gammel, Grey College, Greyhawk
- Arena Fight – Victor Nikeas, Church of Kord, Verbobonc
- Spire Chase – Erwin Muir, Old Faith, Kron Hills
- King’s Archery – Delvanos Caelith, Riverwalk Society, Verbobonc
Congratulations to all the winners. May next year bring the same level of competition, and may it be in more peaceful times.
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