Rhu's Sunday night Silver Dragon play test

[Rhuvein]

Great session, thanks to all!

I got a little tired towards the end . . ran out of gas. Hopefully, I didn't bore y'all with some of the narrative details about the mission and such.

The party really kicked ass on the battles! Even if the one with the ogrerats almost went south!

[ssfsx17]

The narrative details are starting to make a lot more sense - now that the party is getting more deeply involved in them.

[Rhuvein]

The narrative details are starting to make a lot more sense - now that the party is getting more deeply involved in them.

Thanks, good to know!

[Rhuvein]

Session VIII XP = 199 per PC.

Other stuff:

Dragon magical charms were handed out by Lord Argenteus.

All feature various depictions of a silver dragon.

Necklace
Ear ring
Broach
Amulet
Finger ring

All confer +2 armor protection except one which will be +1.

I'll let the party choose which magic charm. The necklace, ear ring and broach can be fashioned to a manly style.

Norik, sorry but I'm adjusting your charm down 1, so you can have the +1 charm.

So, the ACs for PCs should now be:

Norik 18
Barduris 18
Elderberry 16
Penny Whistle 16
Gringnr 17
Aristobolus 14
Verthak 17

Session journal forthcoming!

[Rhuvein]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that the party undertook advanced training while staying at the Abbey to strengthen themselves or increase their dexterity.

Some meditated or prayed which helped some other attributes increase.

So,

If Barduris excepts this, his WIS and CHA increase to 9.

Elderberry's WIS also increases to 9. Oh, and he received a real pair of gloves of dexterity (+1).

Penny's DEX increased to 9.

I don't think anyone else had any other attributes under 9.

[Treebore]

Arsitobulous has an STR of 8, but he isn't particularly interested in increasing it if he had an option to increase his magical power in some other way.

[Penny-Whistle]

Dear Winky-dink,

Hope all is well. We're still on the road. I'm feeling a little world-weary and sorry for myself tonight. We're off to save another princess/hostage. Sigh. What IS it with these princesses!

Worse. I've run out of yarn. Grumbly thoughts fill the gnome with empty hands.

Last night we had a confrontation with a troll. The incident reminded me of home. Remember sweet Gr'g'n'rd who used to sleep under the bridge? Remember how we used to sneak crab apples and throw them down to him when we were kids? Sucks to be a troll. Always hungry. Only dimly aware of the outside world. But you and I know that all trolls are grey in the dark. And there can be no harmony among non-humanoid kind so long as we greet our neighbours with suspicion and violence. Yet, isn't that how these stories always play? No wonder the poor dears are filled with rage. I regret to tell you that your son shot the fellow with a crossbow bolt. (wince) I'll have a chat with him when a moment presents itself.

Mostly I am a bit put out because it was such a waste of a perfectly good biscuit. Oh! Didn't I tell you? All this slinging is making me a touch more nimble these days! At my age! Who could have guessed. I took aim and that sucker flew straight into the troll's mouth! I am going to be a mad competitor at this year's frisbee golf tournament. (happy dance) Praise Alyssa whose cook pots never tarnish.

Cheers,
Penny

[Rhuvein]

Arsitobulous has an STR of 8, but he isn't particularly interested in increasing it if he had an option to increase his magical power in some other way.

Well, if you decide to use a sword an increase might help, but yeah - you indicated that you won't use one for now.

Your INT is quite high, so that's pretty good for now.

[Rhuvein]

Another funny post, Penny!!

Aside: I wonder how Penny would handle being a paladin???

[Rhuvein]

Following up on some more things that happened at the Abbey while the party prepared for their next mission.

Armor was given to those who lost it.

New weapons were forged and magically enhanced.

Norik has a +1 magic mace
Barduris +1 magic sword
Elderberry +1 magic broadsword
Penny +1 magic mace
Gringnr +1 magic war hammer

[Rhuvein]

Session VIII ~ Midsummer Night's Dream at Fountains Abbey.

The Players:

ssfsx17 as:

Norik, the faithful dwarf cleric

and

Barduris, the enigmatic but absolutely fearless half-orc fighter


Aergraith's wife as:

Penny-Whistle Scrubroot, the practical and wise gnome cleric

Gringnr as:

Gringnr, the mighty dwarf cleric

Others:

Aristobulous Falthor, the powerful elf mage

Verthak, the mysterious half-orc ranger

Elderberry Scrubroot, the wildly bold and audacious gnome rogue

The action:

After the dinner celebration at the abbey, the party decides to spend a couple of weeks ~ meditating, praying, studying and undergoing advanced training in ranged and melee combat.

For those that lost armor and weapons, new ones were forged and magically enhanced and presented to the party.

Magic protection charms were conferred upon most of the party members.

Sir Regis spent a few days presenting the overall aspects of the plan to rescue Princess Olivia from the clutches of Duke Orsino and his mob mercenaries and barbarians.

For the adventurers, they will don Abbey acolyte robes to be less conspicuous from prying eyes ~ and head out on mules south to Tronheim and then on to Helsingborg. From there they will cross the channel on a longboat ferry and land away from the major port city Jomsborg in Normandia.

Instead they will dock at a small fishing hamlet to the east and closer to the Duchy of Malbrook. The will have to travel through the Black Forest to reach the citadel and watchtower.

Captain Hrothgar shows the party a crude map of the citadel outskirts, but has a more detailed map of the tower. There is a secret staircase that ascends inside the outer tower wall to the main and second level. There are secret entrance doors from that staircase into each level. It is small, so that only halflings and gnomes can traverse upwards through this stairway tunnel.

On the last day of their stay the adventurers join the many celebrations of the Summer Solstice. Numerous merrymakers are wearing flower crowns and enjoying the wine and food being served in tents around the abbey grounds. Even the druids look happy on this day.

Early the next morning the adventurers set out south along the main trail towards Tronheim. They are escorted by a stable boy and an elf ranger who is mostly a decoy as the abbey usually sends an escort with its acolytes when they leave to travel south.

And then, only an hour or so away from the abbey the group is attacked by vicious ogrerats!
A fierce battle follows. The six legged huge toothed fellow are able to bite several party members and rendering them unconscious!

After the initial shock of the surprise attack, Aristobolus casts sleep on one of the ogrerats - allowing the group to surround at battle the other rat. The fight is close for a bit and then the adventurers are able to kill the monster rats!

At this point the party decides to rest up while the elven ranger rides quickly back to the abbey for reinforcements. She returns with 4 dwarf warriors who will lead the party south to the Dancing Goats Inn.

The adventurers spend the evening enjoying a fine dinner and catching up on more news from around Jorde.

They set out early the next day traveling at a good pace. As they approach the bridge over the Ice Mountain River, a large troll comes up from under the bridge.

The party moves into attack positions and a vicious battle occurs. Fortunately the skirmish is over quickly due to the skilled ranged and melee strikes from the adventurers. The Troll is cut up and burned, and then the ashes are buried.

The group continues on the trail south to the Village of Tronheim, seeing only travelers and wildlife along the way.

They spend the night in the village and continue south to the City of Helsingborg, where they make arrangements to cross the sea channel in a longboat. The group continues to wear the plain black novice robes and successfully land on the mainland east of Normandia in a small fishing port city.

The group decides to pass through the town and get into the forest where they shed their robes and get their bearings. They find an animal trail to follow south to the citadel.

End session.

[Penny-Whistle]

Another funny post, Penny!!
Aside: I wonder how Penny would handle being a paladin???

thanks.

I asked her and she said, "A paladin? eep. The horror." I think I saw her little frame shudder in revulsion.

I suppose Penny is a wee bit anti-paladin. I think of her as more 'earthfirst' than 'devout' or 'heaven bent.' She values health, community, kindness and nurturing anyone needing assistance: more healer than warrior. While clerics and paladins share a lot in common she thinks paladins are kind of prissy -- so focused on their deities and meting out violence that they sometimes neglect those who suffer. Let's face the ugly truth: taking care of others can be a messy business; a lot of paladins just don't have the heart for it.

Not that there is anything WRONG with paladins that is. Ahem. The world needs all kinds of peeps -- even the ones stuffed into tin cans.

[Rhuvein]

Another funny post, Penny!!
Aside: I wonder how Penny would handle being a paladin???

thanks.

I asked her and she said, "A paladin? eep. The horror." I think I saw her little frame shudder in revulsion.

I suppose Penny is a wee bit anti-paladin. I think of her as more 'earthfirst' than 'devout' or 'heaven bent.' She values health, community, kindness and nurturing anyone needing assistance: more healer than warrior. While clerics and paladins share a lot in common she thinks paladins are kind of prissy -- so focused on their deities and meting out violence that they sometimes neglect those who suffer. Let's face the ugly truth: taking care of others can be a messy business; a lot of paladins just don't have the heart for it.

Not that there is anything WRONG with paladins that is. Ahem. The world needs all kinds of peeps -- even the ones stuffed into tin cans.

Super funny and well said!!

[Rhuvein]

Oh, another thing I forgot . . after the advanced training at the Abbey, all PCs have max HPs @ 1st level.

Upon advancing to 2nd level, if a 1 is rolled, add 1. All other rolls as is.

So, Elderberry has 2 HPs for leveling.

See everyone tomorrow night!

[Rhuvein]

Game start in 15 minutes.

MT server will be up shortly.

[Rhuvein]

"The Black Forests in the Dark Mountains are not to be traveled lightly" ~ Thus Spoke, Jons the Wise ~ mystic and sage of Daneland!

[Rhuvein]

In a dark cell - locked up in a cold, dank tower ~ Olivija Magnusdottir is having a troubled sleep. Dreaming and recalling the betrayal of her cousin, Amleth – how he was able to trick Cassandra, her loyal maid and arrange for their abduction by Orsino’s men.

Sweating and shivering in her nightmare, she tries to use her sword against the men, but cannot seem to withdraw it from the scabbard. The men grab her and take the sword and smash it to fragments and then lead her away in shackles!

Then the dream falls away in her mind and there before her in her night time dream-state – she envisions a King from long ago. The Princess recognizes him from a tapestry in her father’s castle!

Haakon Magnusson holding an Ulfberht that glows blue and yellow! Her father used to tell her and all the cousins many tales of The Sword of Haakon.

She sees herself kneeling before Haakon and the King taps each shoulder with the sword.

“Arise great-great grandottir . . . you shall be Queen of Dania someday! “ ~ and then, The Princess is suddenly startled out of her sleep.

Cassandra is speaking from the cell next door, “cousin, they are coming up the stairs – ready yourself!”

Olivija withdraws the dirk from her bodice and turns it upright in her left hand and backs away from the door.

[Rhuvein]

Session IX ~

XP = 271 per PC.

Grand total so far on page 1.

Game notes/journal forthcoming.

[Rhuvein]

Session IX ~ Through the land and across the sea . . . to The Aid of King Magnus!.

The Players:

Aergraith as:

Elderberry Scrubroot, the wildly bold and audacious gnome rogue

ssfsx17 as:

Norik, the faithful dwarf cleric
and
Barduris, the enigmatic but absolutely fearless half-orc fighter

Penny as:

Penny-Whistle Scrubroot, the practical and wise gnome cleric who now has the bloodlust up for evil monsters threatening her beautiful planet Jorde!

Gringnr as:

Gringnr, the mighty dwarf cleric

. . . other PCs in the game:

Aristobulous Falthor, the powerful elf mage

Verthak, the mysterious half-orc ranger


The action:

After shedding their novice robes, the party dons their armor and weapons checking and stowing all other gear in their packs and set off south on the nature/animal trail.

They wish to move quickly but cautiously. Verthak leads the party scouting and alert to anything and everthing. The dwarves follow the ranger closely and then Elderberry, Aristobolus and Penney-Whistle.

All are on their guard as they moved into the darker areas of the Black Forest. Yet, it's a pleasant if overcast at times ~ and they see deer, wart hogs and various other woodland creatures going about their business.

The morning passes uneventfully and the adventurers move into the deeper and thicker dark woods. It suddenly seems awfully quiet, as the birds are silent. There is some slight movement in the thick brush just a ways away from the trail.

Suddenly a loud, fearsome canine howl is heard from that brush. Several members of the party are caught in a panic/fear startle.

And out of the bushes leap two huge heavily muscled black beast with giant maws filled with sharp teeth. They growl and snarl as they run towards the party.
Those not paniced stand with their weapons at the ready. They are careful to surround and protect the startled member of their group.

The ranger Verthak attacks the first mastiff and cannot hit him. Aristobolus cast a sleep spell on the brutes and is able to affect one of them. Down he goes to sleep. The other party member begin their attacks on the remaining mastiff. He is able to inflict some vicious bite wounds on some of the heroes.

More snarling and growling are heard from the other side of the trail and two more mastiffs charged into the adventurers!

The beasts are terrifying in their ferociousness ~ leaping, snarling and biting as they continue attacking.

At this time, Norik, Elderberry and Barduris shake off being startled by the fearsome howl before the mastiffs attacked.

They enter the fray and begin counter attacks against the massive canines! Bites, stabs, bone breaking strikes and painful sling stones all occur during the fight.

The party use good tactical flanking to great purpose and ultimately bring down the shadow mastiffs. All are killed, skinned and dragged away from the train into the forest. Penny and the others recall seeing turkey vultures in the area.

Settling down for the night, the adventurers build a small fire to keep the chill away and have a hot meal along with tea and fire amber. Pipes are filled and smoked as they party relaxes after a long and busy day. All but the watch crew fall asleep under the stars.

The middle and last watches of the night are alert and walking the perimeter of the camp, but no intruders present themselves.

The group breaks camp the next morning and continue down the trail. They are well met be a scouting party of elf archers who greet them as being loyal to King Magnus. The adventurers remember the plan for the elves to pose as decoys, just in case the approaches to the citadel are being observed by the enemy.

The elf leader instructs the group to take the right branch a few miles ahead. The will start off first and take the left branch that heads east and north of the citadel. Each group says farewell to the other with various "safe journey" and "may the Gods be with you" wishes coming from all.

The heroes take the right fork in the road and continue to follow the trail that appears to be somewhat wider and perhaps more traveled by humanoids. No particular tracks are seen, but the party is cautious and alert.

As they move south they observed five kobolds standing in the middle of the trail ahead of them. They are armored and three of them are aiming their crossbows at the adventurers. The other two have theirs lowered.

The pack leader tells the party to drop their weapons. This is followed by a stream of profanity and cursing by the gnomes at the kobolds in their kobold tongue. Several kobolds return the profanity and cursing, and the two who have their crossbows lowered raise them.

The kobolds advance and Elberberry hears the leader calling for others hidden in the brush to attack.

The adventures, weapons in hand move forward to engage the filthy ugly humanoids. The party smell their stink and something else . . .

Two worgs leap out of the brush, riden by kobolds. They have spears.

The kobolds fire their crossbows at the party and miss their targets.

The battle begins! It's a crazy scene as the party spreads out a bit to return missile fire. Several adventurers close the distance and begin their melee attacks on the worg and riders.

It's a fight for your life scenario with many ebbs and flows in the action, but as the battle continues - it's clear the kobolds are no match for the adventurers. They finally prevail and the bodies are looted and dragged into the forest away from the group.

Everyone in the group heads to a nearby stream to bath and refresh.

After a quick meal, they depart and continue along the trail and approach the tower from the north.

Verthak scouts around to the east noting an small entrance to the citadel. And then to the main entrance at the south. He observes several well armored orcs coming and going through the entrance. A cart drives up and a few barrels are unloaded and brought inside.

He then goes back to the east entrance to watch. He only sees a hobgoblin come out to relieve himself and an hour later another one.

The sun is going down and the ranger goes back to the party to discuss what they should do now.

End session!

[Rhuvein]

In the Duke’s war room, a flurry of activity amongst his minions sets the mood of the day. Orsino is standing at a large table studying a map with his generals.

In a flourish, Moribundus enters the room – his black robes flying and helm reflecting fiery images dancing on it as projected from the large fireplace nearby.

“The Princess?” questions Orsino.

“Her resistance to my mind probe is considerable, she will not tell me where the King’s longboats will land. It may be some time before I can extract any information from her!” replied the tall warlock.

“Perhaps she would respond to an alternative form of persuasion?”

“What do you mean?” asked Moribundus.

“It’s time we demonstrated the power of our forces, have Calvackos attack Svenborg!"

[Penny-Whistle]

What a fun session. I am a bit horrified by the ferocity of Penny's prejudice. Yipes. BTW: I love these post-game write-ups. I've never had a CK do that before. The summary helps me remember important details; the brief glimpses to behind the scenes action fleshes out the narrative and creates a more epic feel. I get the impression that you really invested some time in world building before you created the story.

[ssfsx17]

In the Duke’s war room, a flurry of activity amongst his minions sets the mood of the day. Orsino is standing at a large table studying a map with his generals.

In a flourish, Moribundus enters the room – his black robes flying and helm reflecting fiery images dancing on it as projected from the large fireplace nearby.

“The Princess?” questions Orsino.

“Her resistance to my mind probe is considerable, she will not tell me where the King’s longboats will land. It may be some time before I can extract any information from her!” replied the tall warlock.

“Perhaps she would respond to an alternative form of persuasion?”

“What do you mean?” asked Moribundus.

“It’s time we demonstrated the power of our forces, have Calvackos attack Svenborg!"

"The ability to destroy a castle is nothing compared to the power of the Force!"

[Rhuvein]

What a fun session. I am a bit horrified by the ferocity of Penny's prejudice. Yipes. BTW: I love these post-game write-ups. I've never had a CK do that before. The summary helps me remember important details; the brief glimpses to behind the scenes action fleshes out the narrative and creates a more epic feel. I get the impression that you really invested some time in world building before you created the story.

Thanks!

Indeed, the world building was fun to do and like any research, one learns so much ~ about loads of other things that have nothing to do with my original inquiries on any given subject.

As mentioned before, much of what I'm writing and posting is more for my benefit - getting it off my chest (mind) as it were! But I do feel that it could be important to have the campaign world/setting/history/lore and such ~ out there, so if a PC wishes to know something about his world - the information can be had. Whether it's from the local Inn, village, library, herald, gossiper, traveler, sage etc. - the PC need only inquire.

[O' course, being a history major and a direct descendant of Thor (Norwegian & Swedish) fuels my mind! My family comes from Trondheim in Norway and Ostersund in Sweden. And, my wife is Lithuanian - so the Baltic area is of particular interest to me.]

[Rhuvein]

In the Duke’s war room, a flurry of activity amongst his minions sets the mood of the day. Orsino is standing at a large table studying a map with his generals.

In a flourish, Moribundus enters the room – his black robes flying and helm reflecting fiery images dancing on it as projected from the large fireplace nearby.

“The Princess?” questions Orsino.

“Her resistance to my mind probe is considerable, she will not tell me where the King’s longboats will land. It may be some time before I can extract any information from her!” replied the tall warlock.

“Perhaps she would respond to an alternative form of persuasion?”

“What do you mean?” asked Moribundus.

“It’s time we demonstrated the power of our forces, have Calvackos attack Svenborg!"

"The ability to destroy a castle is nothing compared to the power of the Force!"

[Penny-Whistle]

Speaking of Thor ...

Here's something kind of fun. Did you ever run into this story: "Swedish archaeologists find Thor's Hammer"? http://www.thelocal.se/20130401/46930 If only it were true. You could claim Mjölnir for yourself.

[Rhuvein]

Speaking of Thor ...

Here's something kind of fun. Did you ever run into this story: "Swedish archaeologists find Thor's Hammer"? http://www.thelocal.se/20130401/46930 If only it were true. You could claim Mjölnir for yourself.

Heh, I hadn't heard of this. Very interesting, though.

Handle = 110 lbs, length 2 ft!

That's a nice hammer!!

Thor's is certainly larger. Prolly most humans could not wield it! Unless of course, one is a direct descendant!

The Mjolnir passed down in my family is a tad larger. 3ft handle 4ft hammer head, weighs about 425 lbs. None of us can lift it, unless we use Thor's secret rune phrase and then it's easy. Easy to throw as well, and it always returns to the thrower.

My daughter has Mjolnir now. I think it's in the trunk of her car buried beneath some old text books, pizza boxes and beer cans.

These darn kids have no respect! Grrrgh!!

[Rhuvein]

Game on . . in 20 minutes!

See you then.

Server will be up in a few moments!

[Rhuvein]

Thanks to everyone for another great gaming session!

Will get journal notes and XP awards up soon!

[Rhuvein]

On the night before the landing of Magnus’ forces upon the mainland and when the adventurers were preparing their camp for the evening ~ two figures were gathered in the east tower of Castle Argyle.

There is a fireplace burning gently and smoking, but the room is dark except for the light of the full moon shining through the north window.

The warlock, Moribundus is gazing into his crystal ball set on an oak table.

Nearby, the druidess Hylde sips a smoking liquid from a crystal goblet as she feeds a raven in a large cage in the corner.

“What’s his name?” she asks.

“Erasmus . . . come here - bellows the warlock as he passes his right hand over the ball.

She walks over and sees mountain peaks, clouds and what seems to be a dragon in the distance.

Suddenly, an ugly, one-eyed half-orc’s face fills the entire crystal ball. The image glares at the warlock.

“What the hel! Knave . . scullery boy! Who are you?”

The half-orc replies, “I have no wish to kill Calvackos! You must release him and surrender now!”

Hylde chokes out a comment, as the blood drains from her face – “it’s him!” She staggers slightly and then catches her balance.

“Who? says Moribundus, as he seems to breath heavily and sweat profusely in his face.

“Lord Argenteus!”

Moribundus recovers somewhat and takes a breath, “Have you lost your mind? That’s a hideous half-ugly creature drudge! Someone is playing with us.”

The warlock furrows his brow and continues, “perhaps that old wizard fool at Fountains Abbey. What is his name?”

Hylde sips her drink and looks thoughtful . . . “Prospero the Wise”

Just then, Blogue the overwatch captain enters the room along with Villa-Lobos and exclaims, “The Duke summons you to the war room!”

The warlock grimaces and says, “The Duke summons me? I come and go as I please. I’m busy right now!” He turns back to the crystal ball.

Hector Villa-Lobos says in a light friendly tone, “Our Duke, Orsino will be King tomorrow! We’ll all do well to realize that!” He twists his mustache and smiles while placing a relaxed hand on the hilt of his cutlass and continues,

“Come Moribundus, our lord has opened his cellars again – a glass of fine wine and a pipeful of the precious Halfling leaf from yours truly, will elevate your spirits!”

Hylde and the warlock exchange glances as she nods favorably.

Moribundus relaxes and says, “Very well my dear Villa-Lobos. I’m a little un-nerved by what I’ve just seen in the crystal ball!”

“The Duke will surely wish to hear about it! – sniggers Blogue.

Hylde throws her glass into the fire and it sizzles and smokes – as they all leave the room.

[Rhuvein]

The next day . .

As the party moves out of the citadel, Cassandra and the Princess Olivia chatter briefly amongst themselves.

“I’m relieved cousin and am glad we found you! But somehow I knew we would and all things would be positive.” says Cassie (only Olivia could call her that).

“Somehow, I have always felt protected by some magical force. I have not been scared at all and knew that my father would send someone to get us out of these dungeons. Could it be this talisman that I have around my neck?” The princess fingers the dragon necklace in a familiar way.

“Of course, silly!” laughs Cassandra. “You heard what these brave heroes have been talking about. They are sent by Lord Argenteus! He doth protect you the most, my cousin. Don’t you know?”

“Well, so my father says!”

The party moves down the stairs and through the dungeon corridors . . . The Princess remarks quietly to Cassandra, “That Barduris is a brave one and is quite handsome, yes?”

Her bodyguard and cousin stops and looks at Olivia with a smirk, “heh, I don’t think your father would approve! Besides, the half-man is so reserved it seems. Too quiet for me!”

“Don’t call him a half-man . . or a half-orc! He is all good! That’s all that matters!

“Well, let’s away to my father with this sword! And then we’ll see how he looks upon me then. He knows I will be Queen one day! The husband will be my choice, Olivia exclaims.”

The party exits the dungeon and moves away into the woods. They are met by elves holding vogel griff mounts. The Princess jumps on the back of the large male pack leader and ascends quickly followed by the rest of the group.