Chapter 3: Shield of the North
(10/11-08) 10 Mirtul 1373- Stocking up and plea for help and scared potter
stocking up
The Lawbringers find themselves back in their chosen city of Silverymoon where they cash in their loot and Runegar is a member of the Lady´s college ( sponsered by Taern Hornblade) and can craft items without the proper feats with a 40 % discount on market price. With their combined loot they roughly have 40000 gp. each and spend them all on items. They buy a lot of different stuff and Runegar spends 4 months crafting the items at the Lady´s college. Needless to say they are well equipped and feel that they can take on anything, well that is my task to test that boast hehe.
plea for help
The date is 14 Mirtul and a shallow-eyed pale Runegar emerges from the darkness of the college with the last items. They off course are grateful for the dwarf wizards help and all of them are eager to find adventure.
The door to the inn opens and a half-elf steps forward searching the inn. He spots the party and advances. He introduces himself as Kimmurrial, member of the Fists of Silverymoon, knights as themselves and begs a favor from them. He has received word from a contact that there have been talk about one of the leaders of the north will fall in the near future. Kimurrial is afraid that it is The high Lady Alustriel or Taern Hornblade. His own group is off to the north to investigate rumors of an orc chieftain gathering troops and asks the group to investigate the rumors, just to be safe. They accept and the half-elf departs...
Scared potter
The party are told that his contact is a potter named Klau Petters who lives on Windsong-street no. 9. They come to Windsong street number 9, a tallhouse with 6 apartments but no name signs so they start at the beginning and knock on the door.
A half-naked dwarf opens the door wearing nothing but a loincloth. Appearently he was expecting female company and looks somewhat startled. He knows of the potter and knows that he is living upstairs but he is uncertain in which apartment. They thank the horny dwarf and gives him a gold coin.
Upstairs they knock on the first of two doors. Nothing happens but they hear screaming from within and batter down the door. Inside they see a severely drunken man beating a female on the floor, he screams to leave them alone or he will kill them and waves a tankard at them. The female looks bruised and is crying and Elbryns steps forward demanding him to stop. He refuses and initiative is rolled. The drunk wins and swings wildly at Elbryn but misses horribly. Elbryns does not and the drunk flies 10 ft. through the room and crashes into some broken furniture by the force of the impact. The woman screams that they have killed his husband and shouts for the guard. He runs past them slapping Tealgar on the cheek and screams for the guard.
They knock on the second door but again nothing happens. Wythmord hears something crawling on the back of the house and takes forth his coin of evil burning light. The others look amazed and surprised until he lets them know that he has heard something hehe. Elbryn jumps out of stairs landing hard on the ground, the others run to the top floor.
On the back of the house Elbryn sees a dark-clad figure climbing to the roof and determined to stop him he takes -10 on climb and promptly fails his climb check( well he did not actually but we misunderstood each other). The other also see a dark figure on the ceiling running towards the edge of the roof. Wythmord casts updraft and is catapulted by a small vortex through the air and lands on the ceiling screaming "Halt who goes there" Talon easily clims to the roof shouting "stand and be recognized". Runegar and Tealgar, being heavily armored, has no such success hehe. They huff and puff but to no avail.
The figure stand still visibly shaking. they see it is a young man partly hidden by a robe, he has soiled himself and looks terrified. " I am Klau Petters" he says and "who are you" he continues...
That ended this session...
The session took 3 hours (2,5 was buying loot hehe) and the party is still level 12
Talon is 11 cloistered cleric/ 1 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 6 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 6 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 6 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 12 warblade and wood Elf
(17/11-08) 10 Mirtul 1373- I-Teddy, Answers, lord-pimp and ambush
i-teddy
You might wonder why there is a picture of a Teddy bear on this very "serious" website and i would have too but it happens to have a reason for appearing. The reason is that we , while playing , allways have mood music playing but Claus laptop broke last week and being the "genius" he is he downloaded mood music to his sons i-teddy and it played for us all night. I have to admit it was a fun idea, actually a stroke of genius, well done Claus
answers
The potter looks frightened and the party introduces themselves as knights of Silverymoon and demands that he informs them of the rumors he has heard. They also say that Kimmurrial, his contact, has sent them. He looks releaved and tells them that last night at the Blue ox Inn he overheard a large bearded one-eyed man talking about the fall of one of the leaders of the north. The potter was scared that he meant Taern or lady Alustriel and contacted Kimmurrial. He also asks them whether he can contact them as well and they agree, promising him 2 gp. each time ( Kimmurrial only pays 1 gp. hehe).
As they leave the building they are confronted by guards of Siverymoon led by the wife of the man Elbryn Knocked unconsious as they were looking for the potter Klau Petters. They show the seargeant their badge of honor, revealing themselves as knights. The sergeants face turns pale and he offers apologies to the party. They tell him the truth and the wife is led away in irons, having wrongly accused honorable knights.....
They come to the Blue Ox. Inside it is a rowdy place filled with gruff caravan guards. The barkeep is a half-orc and they buy beer and starts chatting with him. He cannot remember anyone in particular until Runegar starts flipping him coins!!! He remembers the bearded one-eyed man, Khelvas of Ireabor is his name and he, as most of his regulars, is a caravan guard. They flip him more coins and he says that Khelvas has paid for another nights and he have not seen him leave. For more coins he actually gives them the key to Khelvas room.
The enter the room but find it empty. As they are about to leave the inn the barkeep tells them that Khlevas was with a whore last night. A whore in the employ of Taheedy the greedy, Lord-pimp of chime street...
Lord-pimp
In chime street they find a pink building with a sign: Taheedy´s and they bribe the bouncers and enter the building.
Inside they see a red fluffy wall to wall carpet, red couches and paintings of obese females of various races. On the couches lie naked females of different races ( including 2 obese halfling females ).
They are confroted by a bald man waving maces at them. He demands they thet leave and threatens them, Elbryn steps forward eager to accept an opportunity to fight. A stern voice demands the man, Tulvan, to sheath his weapons. He does and they see who was giving the order. It is an Aasimar with golden skin and silver eyes. He wears nothing but a loincloth and his upper body is tatood with holy insignia belonging to the goddess Sharess ( goddess of lust and desire)
He introduces himself as Taheedy, lord of the house and asks whether it is business or pleasure they are looking for??? He then winks at the naked females who advance and starts rubbing their naked bodies against the party (Runegar gets the 2 fat Halflings hehe). They tell him that it is business and are escorted to his office.
There they tell him the truth about the rumors and asks if he could arrange a meeting with the whore Lucirna. He asks Tulvan to fetch Lucirna and informs them that Lucirna is a whore for costumers with a special taste. When Lucrina enters they see that her dwarven body is bruised and battered, appearently her costumers like it rough( and dwarves are well suited for it +2 con. hehe).
They ask her whether she can remember Khelvas and she can. He was very rough with her and broke the remaining 2 teeth in her upper jaw. She tells them that he was hired a day early and has left Silverymoon bound for Everlund. They thank her and Runegar flips her 5 gp. she looks at Runegar and witha toothless smile informs him that for the right dwarf she is willing to quit her job and settle down ( his second romantic proposal see misc. )
They leave Taheedy´s and Elbryn angrily glares at Tulvan as they leave......
They turn in for the night and at dawn the leave the city. Talon casts a spell enabling them to travel with 60 mph. and they set off in the direction towards Everlund.
20 minutes and 20 miles later they see a small caravan, 4 wagons, and shifts to flesh form again. They near the caravan and are spotted by a guard who yells to the captain of the caravan. He advances demanding to know their business. They tell him that thay are knight and are looking for Khelvas, the captain says that Khelvas is at the front of the caravan and escorts them there.
They find the one-eyed man Khelvas and demands he tells them what they want to hear but he is severely unpleasent and curses at them and provokes them (especially the 2 dwarfs). That results in Tealgar lying on top of the man twisting his arm when suddenly Elbryn sees something moving on the cliffs overlooking the caravan...
Ambush
Warchief Hashuk looks around. His apprentices are ready, hidden on the cliffs with a score of warriors. The smell of the trolls is bad but he has to put up with it if his plan is going to succeed. Ohh how he hates the marches and their promises of hope, for too long have the Ear-Tearers lingered in the dark and today he will crush one of their petty caravans. He looks at the newcomers; a pointy-ear, a frail human, 2 fat long-beards and a kobold. He chuckles to himself, realizing that more of his hated foes will fall today, this time pesky knights.....
An ambush is sprung and Elbryn is the only of the group who spotted it in time. Scores of hobgoblin warriors appear high on cliffs throwing javelins at guards and the party, several caravan guards fall on the ground. Elbryn climbs the cliffs and see robed sorcerers hiding with the warriors, he moves closer to a sorcerer, ready to strike in the next round. They hear and recognize a fire shield mass being cast from behind some cliffs, and a moment later 4 lumbering trolls covered in flames move closer desirering their flesh. A hobgoblin sorcerer appears from behind cover and a volley of magic missiles hit the group damaging them lightly but the missiles also drain a level !!!! (fell drain feat.) The second sorcerer concentrates on Elbryn hit him with 3 missiles.
The group react!!! Elbryn cuts down a sorcerer and continues towards a hobgoblin, he screams "ambush" as he sees the gathered force!!! Talon casts a spell and 2 motes of fire circles his head, Runegar casts wall of force between the group and the trolls cutting off their direct path to the party, well thought. Suddenly they see a hobgoblin warmage taking to the air, he is also covered in flames and a shimmering shield protects his body. He unleashes death from above as he sudden empowers and sudden maximizes a fireball cathing Talon, Runegar, Tealgar and Wythmord in searing flames. He also kills the captain of the caravan as well as Khelvas, the man who they wanted info from and 2 oxen and sets a wagon on fire. Runegars ring of spellbattle fails to counter the spell and they are hit hard (85 in damage). Talon is even dying ending on -4 hp as he failed his reflex save. Wythmord heals his friend using his belt of mystic healing and Talon downs a potion to stay alive. Tealgar moves away trying to get to the dying caravan guards, a noble character indeed.
Elbryn cuts at a hobgoblin killing him easily and dimension doors to the other side of the cliffs wanting to kill the other sorcerer. Runegar dimension doors himself, Talon and Wythmord to relatively safety on the high cliffs wanting to get out of reach of the destructive warmage. The warmage concentrates on Tealgar and hurts him severely via a fiery spell. Talon casts heal on himself bringing him to full hp. and Wythmord readies a standard action to counter the warmage next spell. Tealgar lays his healing hands on a guard bringing him back to life, the guard opens his eyes and flees the scene of destruction. The trolls, being stupid creatures, crashes into the wall of force and then struggles to fing a way over the invisible wall conjured by the crafty dwarf wizard Runegar. The other sorcerer, being threatened by the elven death monger Elbryn, casts invisibility increasing his chances to stay alive. The hobgoblins press on throwing their javelins at the party but scoring only minor injuries.
Next round the warmage spell is countered by wythmords dispel magic counterspell and Elbryn cuts down the remaining sorcerer screaming at his friends to get the warmage to the ground. Tealgar heals the last dying guard and he as well flees for his life. Runegar casts a sickly green ray at the warmage, disentegrate , but rolls a natural 1 on his die !!!!!! bad luck. Wythmord casts healing spell again keeping his allies alive and Talon invokes his motes of fire and kills two hobgoblin warriors and boosts his allies defenses via another spell. The warmage throws angrily another fireball at the party and again they are hit hard. The trolls climb over the wall of force searching for enemies to attack, they spot Tealgar and close to striking distance. The hobgoblins attack again this time concentrating on key members of the group but misses them entirely. Then the hiding caravan guards are spurred on by the efforts of the noble Lawbringers and attack hobgoblin warriors killing 2 of them with crossbows.
The trolls enter combat tearing and slashing at Tealgar but each time they miss the heavily protected dwarf battle-preacher. Tealgar responds in kind and smites away killing a troll in a single round. Elbryn moves closer awaiting the warmage fall to the ground. Wythmord targets the warmage with a dispel magic, he only removes one spell but it is the best to dispel, fly!!!! and the warmage floats to the ground. Elbryn seizez the opportunity and moves within striking distance. Talon blasts away at the hobgoblins again dropping 2 of them. He also casts confusion at the troll and 2 miss their saves. The confused trolls end up targeting each other and in the next round they both lay dead on the ground.
Next round the Elbryn reaches the Warmage and dipatches the foul spellcaster and Tealgar kills another troll, effectively ending the battle ( the reamaining hobgobling are also killed off course)
The session took 4 hours and the party is still level 12
Talon is 11 cloistered cleric/ 1 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 6 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 6 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 6 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 12 warblade and wood Elf
(24/11-08) 11 Mirtul 1373- more answers, road to Nesmé and Lady Deier
more answers
The Lawbringers have defeated the hobgoblin ambush and being the good party they have become ( see the end of chapter2 ) they decide to raise the captain of the caravan, he seemed like a good man. When he comes back to life he thanks them and says they will allways have friends among the Thousend eye Trading coster. They travel with the caravan for a day to ensure that they are well on the way. Also because they have not memorized Speak with dead and off course they drag the body of the mercenary Khelvas along, cause he is the one who has the answers concerning the rumors about the fall of one of the leaders of the North.
A day later they question the corpse and receives cryptic answers, but they in the end learn the following: It is not Lady Alustriel or Taern Hornblade that will fall, it is the Shield of The North ( with knowledge ckecks they reveal that it is Lurna Deier, the leader of Nesmé ). They know that Nesme´is tethering on the brink of destruction as the city have been reduced by 60 % by troll and giant attacks and Lurna Deier are the stalwart leader of the city. Killing would probaly mean that the citizen would loose heart and the city will fall and the de-stabilization of the area would take affect as lawlessness will rule it. that cannot happen beacuse the area in which Nesmé exists is an important trade point and if it were to fall it would be decades until peace would be fully restored. They also learn that the assasin have never failed and was hired on in Luskan and that he must strike before the army of the Silver Marches comes to Nesmé´s rescue.
They bury Khelvas and hold a small ceremony so that the guards of the caravan can see that the life of a guard is valued, even in death. They make their hasty excuses and return to wind form traveling with 60 miles per hour and leave...
road to Nesmé
The travel like the wind ( well actually they do hehe) and soon pass mighty Silverymoon. The pass the village of High End and see an army gathering outside the city. It is the arny who will travel to free Nesmé but it is still assembling and they pass it. They pass the river village of Rivenmoot and travel along the dark plateau that is the Evermoors.
An hour later they se ugly brutish humanoids sitting on the road, they are spotted and and decide to engage the hill giants!!! seeking to destroy the evil brutes so that their killing days are over.
Elbryn reacts first and charges a hill giant critting it for 80 in damage (good start), the brute screams in pain as it is allmost killed in one fell stroke. Runegar and Wythmord lobs fireballs at the giants searing their brutish bodies with flame. Talon chants for a moment and conjures moonbolts at 2 giants, the miss their saves and loose 10 str. auch, the two giants flee for their lives, they are hurt badly and are at -10 str. Tealgar double moves and advances at the giants. The giants attack Elbryn and Tealgar one of them, fearing Elbryn, even attacks his weapon damaging it for 11 hp. the others miss horribly.
Next round Elbryn wrecks havoc among the giants killing 2 of them in a furious assult. Runegar hurts one with magic and Wythmord boosts their defenses and Talon does the same seeing that the fighters have it under control. The giants attack but the fighters are well-protected and only a single attack hit Elbryn, one giant flees but to no avail the following round the Lawbringers finish off the stragglers and the combat is finished.
They continue and soon see the broken city of Nesmé. Once a mighty city of 5000 or so souls now only the inner wall remain. The other parts of the city have been raized and burnt down. The walls are heavily manned and thousends of heads on stakes are planted in the ground before the gate to scare off enemies .
They come to the wall and after shoving their badge of honour they are invited through the gate. Inside they see that the city holds apx. 2000 citizens and most of them are armed with a hand weapon and a missile weapon, appearently they have suffered heavy casualities and are expected to fight again at a moments notice. The guards wave hordes of beggers away as a captain approahes. He introduces himself as Captain Hawthorne and after pleasenties they are shown through the streets to a mighty dwarven-built citadel where Lorna Deier, the Lady of Nesmé they are looking for, should be....
Lady Deier
They are led through the heavily fortified citadel and come to a audience now converted to a war room. Guards are eating at long-tables and 2 captains stand around a round table looking at maps. A stern grey haired woman are talking to them. She asks the first whether his men have been given silver tipped weapons to combat the "rats"!!! He responds "aye Lady Deier". She turns to the other captain and asks if there is any news of the caravan. He says that there is. His scout, Pailan, was a day late, he had to hide for the better part of a day to ensure his safe return to Nesmé but he had news. The caravan was sacked only 10 miles from the city but the wagons with food was left mostly untouched." Then it is a trap" Lady Deier concludes and the captain agrees, then she turns to face the party.
The discussion between the party and Lady Deier was a difficult one. Appearently she semi-blamed the party for the silver marches waiting a year and a half to come to their aid. Especially Elbryn and Lady Deier had some verbal jousts and when the party memtioned that she was the important factor in this and she must be protected to secure the further survival of the city!!! She did not agree, it was the citizens that everyday put their lives on the line, they were the true heroes and they were the ones who needed protection, assasins have tried 3 times before and each time they had failed and she were not going to "hide" behind knights of Silverymoon!!! Her people needed to see her proud and strong. The discussion was hefty but in the end she agreed to 2 things: 1. She would consider what they had to say if they come back with the much needed food from the missing caravan and 2. Wythmord was to stay with her, as protection....
They meet up with a very insistant scout, Pailan, who is giddy with exitement when given an opportunity to travel with the party who are real knights of Silverymoon. They try to talk him out of it but he insists and he is the only one who knows the exact location so they let him tag along...
The session took 3,25 hours and the party is still level 12
Talon is 11 cloistered cleric/ 1 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 6 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 6 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 6 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 12 warblade and wood Elf
(01/12-08) 11 Mirtul 1373- one spell one dragon, Lady Deier and the revealing
one spell one dragon
The Lawbringers leave Nesme with their scout Pailan well knowing they probaly are blundering into an ambush, but if it will make The lady of the city more sympathetic to their pleas it is well worth it.
9 miles out Pailan explains that the site of the wagons with food they are looking are up ahead. the area is filled with sharp cliffs and broken boulders but they treck on and in a ravine they spot 3 wagons standing in a shallow water-crossing. They prepare by casting several spells and knowing that Wythmord will be able to cast spell from where he is guarding Lady Deier (greater status spell).
Elbryn walks down to the ravine closely followed by the rest of the party when they hear the scraping of claws on the walls around them followed by foul screams. Elbryn investigates and moves closer. before him stands foul undead, the formor guards of the caravan now shambling zombies as well as armored trolls and a frost giant. Elbryns cuts down a troll and as it dies, it explodes dealing 10 in damage to him.
Meanwhile back in the war room in Nesmé a guard approaches Lady Deier, a master Rockcrusher seeks an audience???. He is granted it and a grey dwarf enters the room. Wythmord detects evil and he is indeed evil. He says that in 2 days the statue of Lady deier will be completed and revealed in the town square. Lady Deier says that it never was expected from them but she promises to be there for the revealing.
Runegar casts haste on his friends and moves into position. The trolls are different than the ones they have fought before: they are not armored in the traditional sense but insted plates of metal have been hammered into flesh and bone by long metal spikes and they scream in pain as every bit of movememt causes them intense pain. They attack Elbryn and hits him for 15 in damage and from another cavern comes rushing more trolls attacking Runegar and Tealgar, they miss though. Talon invokes a spell and 2 motes of fire circle his head, they sear a troll with flame. 2 frost giants bellows orders and one moves closer to Elbryn missing him with his greataxe.
Next round Runegar moves into position and fires a fireball down a hallway catching 2 trolls and a frost giant by it ,searing the fire hating creatures severely, espeically as they missed their saves. Elbryn crits a troll and 5 ft. steps and attacks a frost giant hitting it 3 times with power attacks killing it violently. Tealgar kills 3 zombies, with brutal axe-swipes, which had Runegar surrounded. Talon attacks a troll with his fire motes scorching the troll badly. A fog cloud resting on the top of the cliffs has concealed a mighty beast!!! a large white dragon swoops down breathing a cone of frost at Tealgar, Talon and Runegar dealing 37 in damage, the beast roars in anger as it hovers above the battlefield.... the trolls attack Tealgar but he is heavily armored and they miss him completely. The remaining frost giant lobs a rock at Runegar hoping to kill the fire-bringer, but misses. The zombies attack but their feeble attacks are no match for the Lawbringers armor.
Elbryn kills off the remaining troll with severel fell strokes while Tealgar attacks and kills the closest troll with brutal axe chops, it again explodes dealing enough damage to kill the surrounding zombies and hurts Tealgar mildly. Talon decides to move away from the dragon and sprout wings flying straight up. Then Runegar" the armored mage" Darkrift moves into position and traces a rune on his armor (runesmith press. class), the rune glows with a greenish glow and it springs to life as a green ray fired from his hand (disentegrate). It hits the dragon, breaks through its spell resistance and starts eating away at its thick hide. It misses its saves and takes 89 in damage. Then it must save versus massive damage and has +15 fort. and rolls a natural 1. The dragon is killed by the powerful spell and its body gone, only leaving a faint trace of white dust.
The combat ends soon after, the rest of the feeble creatures destroyed utterly.....
They see Pailan moving closer he is smiling and laughing, he is happy the party survived. He fetches the horses and soon they are on the way back to Nesmé with 3 wagons of food to the starving citizens.
Lady Deier
As they reach the outskirts of the city the cityguards spot them coming back and a horn is sounded, there are cheers of praise and the city wakes swiftly, saluting the heroes returned... Horns and friendly shouts follow them as they enter the city. Past the gate they are greeted by Lady Deier who proclaims them true heroes and friends of the city of Nesmé. The food is distribuated and they are invited to the citadel to discuss certain things.
Once there Lady Deier apologizes for her behavior when they first met but they have proven themselves in her eyes and she will listen to their pleas. They tell her that a legendary assasin have been hired on in Luskan and he has never failed and he is supposed to strike before the army of Silverymoon will come to Nesmés aid. Lady deier explains that she has heard from Taern Hornblade who has informed her that the army is moving and will be there in 10 days or so.
That means that the assasin will strike within the next 10 days. Lady Deier then says that it is time they knew the truth ( one of the captains shakes her head but she ignores him) and removes her wig. They see a much younger blond woman standing before them. The real Lady Deier was killed 4 months ago, assasins have been sent before and 3 times have they succeeded she explains. She is the last of three paladin sisters of Tyr who, with the aid of the captains, have successfully fooled the citizens into believing that their beloved leader is alive. the reason was that they needed the high morale of the citizens to ensure Nesmés survival. The citizens are more important than anything, she says, they must endure and survive. The party is surprised but approves of the deception.
Wythmord casts skull watch in her chamber and instructs her in its use and the Lawbringers are lodged in a storage room close to Lady Deier. Elbryn will be her bodyguard and he follows her around the next couple of days, right in her heels (much to her annoyance). Wythmord and Tealgar tends to the sick while Talon summons food for the masses to aliviate the hunger problem in the city. Runegar studies in his room ( he is not good and therefore more uncaring hehe)
The revealing
The old grey dwarf Dorn Rockcrusher stands in the square, almost every citizens have come. He smiles, he and his sons have labored for 2 months working 16 hours each day and now he hopes his plans will come to fruition, soon all of Nesmé will know of the Rockcrushers...
At day 2 the citizens of Nesmé are gathered at the town square where Lady Deier and Elbryn also are. The rest of the group have not been nofied but when they are they teleport straight to the square, much to the amasement of the citizens.
On the square stands a statue covered with a grey Cloth. Lady Deier steps forward and the cloth is removed!!! A grand statue of Lady Deier in white marble is uncovered, it is lifelike, almost too lifelike the party thinks( wythmord detects magic and plans to dispel magic on the statue as he is certain it is a foul assasin hehe). It is a masterpiece, perfectly smooth and chiseled to perfection....
Lady Deier speaks to the citizens: "master Rockcrusher! the city thank you for this testament to the endurence of its people, you have created a token of inspiration for all to follow. Your piece will be admired for eternity and will make people come together and rejocne in their own stoisicme that is personified in their chosen leader. We thank you and we will be honored to throw a banquet in your honor tonight" the grey dwarf smiles and accepts the invitation.
Later in the war room Lady Dier says to the party that the important people of Nesme will be attending the banquet and the Lawbringers should dress appropiately. Meanwhile workers are transforming the war room to the throne room it once was, making ready for the banquet.
The party make their preparations, Tealgar and Runegar wash ( something new for the dwarves hehe) Elbryn buy a gold trimmed purple tunic, Wythmord polishes his armor and weapons to perfection and Talon grooms himself, they all don their Knights of Silverymoon taberd as they make rady for the banquet...
The session took 3 hours and the party gained a level as the roleplaying went well ( i dish good xp out if the roleplaying was good, so that they feel they can gain good xp for good roleplay and not just combat) and they are now level 13
Talon is 11 cloistered cleric/ 2 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 7 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 7 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 7 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 13 warblade and wood Elf
(08/12-08) 14 Mirtul 1373- banquet and 3 deaths
Banquet
The banquet was attended by the whos who of Nesmé, they spotted 3 priests and some healer they have met in the city. The grey dwarves, the Rockcrusher for whom the banquet was for, were off course also present. The food was brought in and was just commen rations, appearently Lady Deier did not differ between the commen man and the guests at her banquet. Lady Deier stand up and thanks the Rockcrushers for the statue which will be an inspiration and will be a veacon of hope in these harsh times. After the meal Dorn Rockcrusher, the head of the family also talks about unity and hope in hard times.
As they finish eating Wythmord spots Lady Deier looking at him, and when he looks at her she looks away (remember Lady Deier is really a good looking paladin of Tyr instead of the grey haired she pretends to be) and that she does throughout the dinner.
2 Half-elf bards start performing and the guests starts dancing Dorn Rockcrusher advances towards Lady Deier ( remember the Pc´s are paranoid and suspects him as the assasin ) and invites her to dance, she accepts and they dance away in the far corner as far away from the Pc´s as possible. The Lawbringers decide to get closer, Elbryn moves along the walls, Wythmord is "forced" to dance with a young noblewoman (he has cha 17 and is therefore a popular figure), Runegar also steps closer and Tealgar dances closer by himself ( doing the funky chicken, the robot and several "Travolta"-moves hehe ) Talon sits back in his chair certain his friends has it under control.
Suddenly Elbryn and surprisingly Talon spots the grey dwarf palming a jewel encrusted dagger and moving his head closer to Lady Deiers, Elbryn readies and action to interrupt the attack if it comes. But it does not, the grey dwarf says: "Lady Deier, this dagger was crafted 311 years ago as i finished my apprenticeship, I present it to you as a gift and hope you will consider me as chief-engineer when Nesme´is saved" , Lady Deier thanks the stout dwarf and promises to consider him for that job. Then she dances away with Wythmord and continues to do for 3 hours hehe, then she withdraws to her room and the Lawbringers, being severely paranoid, check the dagger given to Lady Deier. Then they are interrupted....
3 deaths
The assasin licked his dried up lips, long has it been since life was present in his body, he is undead, a boon granted by his master years before. A master who has taught him well he thought. He had traveled with the giants for some time before spotting the scout, a youth. They caught him and tortured him, learned everything he could about the city of Nesmé and in the end he let the giants devour the screaming human. He disguised himself as the scout and returned unnoticed to Nesmé just as adventures entered the city. He overheard them talking to the captain and they were led to his target, the Lady Deier. If he is correct the adventurers have been sent, from feeble Silverymoon, to protect his target!!!
Soon after he found himself traveling with them to the site of the caravans they destroyed several days before, he savored the experience, wanting to see if they were powerful or just pawns in this game. They were powerful, even aided at a distance from the cleric who healed their wounds, the cleric would have to die first or else he would be pressed to fullfill his contract.
Back in the city it was easy to kill "his" girlfriend, a servant wench working in the castle. He had gained access to the castle, now he had to be patient, waiting for the right opportunity. At the banquet he learned a lot, learning that the Lady Deier was fond of the priest Wythmord, a fondness he would have to exploit!!!!
The opportunity came easily enough, the wererats in the sewers attacked several guards the same night and he overheard a captain talking about enlisting the help of the adventurers to deal with the rats. Foolishly they agreed and 3 of them left to combat the rats, such fools.
Is was easy to approach the chambers, an invisibility and a gaseous form-spell did the trick. He had also cast a greater Heroism, not wanting to miss any of his targets. He heard noise from the guardrooms, they were playing cards hehe and were oblivious to his plans more fools, but he silently locked the doors to the guard rooms just to be sure. He had also cast a sphere of silence from a magical item and crept closer to the 2 guards standing in front of Lady Deiers room. A twinned spell was unleased and they went down, he dragged their smoldering corpses into the empty storage room. Now to deal with the adventurers!!!
He silently cast shield and greater invisibility via an arcane fusion spell and ended the silence spell he had invoked ealier. Then he slit a note under the door, now they will suffer his wrath, from which few men have survived!!!!!
The Lawbringers are interrupted by Captain Hawthorne who wants to enlist their help, the scout Pailan have been killed and Wererats have attacked several guardposts in the quarentined area. Elbryn, Talon and Runegar decides to help their friends in the city and follows Captain Hawthorne to a walled-off section of the city where the sewers have been laid bare by huge boulders probaly thrown by giants. They start by investigating Pailans house and find, in the basement, a hole leading to the sewers. They treck onwards and soon hear the chittering of something larger than a rat.
Elbryn reacts and moves closer seeing foul ratmen approahing in the darkness, he moves closer ready to slay!!! Talon boosts their defenses with a hastly cast spell. The wererats cring closer and a sorcerer spring forward mumbling aracane words and a fireball erupts among the heroes, burning them slightly (exept for Runegar who misses his save which will prove important later hehe) Runegar steps away wanting to remove himself from the evil wererat sorcerer.
Meanwhile back in the citadel in Nesmé a note is slipped under the door. It reads: "To Wythmord Lainhand, I have disbanded the guards, I have something important to discuss with you, come to my room", and it is signed Lady Deier. Tealgar almost cahrges through the door but is stopped by Wythmord ( hehe bad choice ) who instead believes the note and enters the corridor leading to Lady Deiers room thinking she has finally succumbed to his devilish charme. He hears nothing but sees 2 rays of lightning coming towards him, he is hit and hit hard. His body convulses, bones shatter, eyes pop out of the sockets and his flesh boils as the electricity races through his body. He dies, 141 in damage. Auch!!!! Back in the sewer Elbryn attacks and kills a wererat cutting him in half and instantly teleports to the wererat sorcerer. The sorcerer is caught, Elbryns mageslayer feat hinders him, he cannot cast spells while close to the elf warblade . He instead moves away from the elf and prepares to flee.
Tealgar, back in Nesmé, hears a searing sound and something hitting the floor (Wythmord hehe). He moves from the room and is surprised by 2 rays of electricity, he is struck hard but manages to stay afoot. Initiative is rolled but the dwarf battlepreaher (paladin) rolls poorly and when 2 rays of fire hit him, a smoldering dwarven corpse hits the floor.....
Back in the sewers Runegar "the armored mage" Darkrift senses something is wrong. He was hit for 33 in damage and has a steelwart pact-spell on himself, and he and Wythmord has an agreement that he will heal Runegar if he is close to 50% hp and thereby avoiding another casting of the spell (1000 gp. pr. casting) but Wythmord has not responded. He gathers his friends and teleports to Lady Deier bedroom, leaving the wererats stunned and happily surprised at their departure..
They arrive in the bedroom to find a startled Lady Deier on the bed, Wythmord skullwatch spell screaming and the door off its hinges. Elbryn can sense something standing near the bed and Runegars contingency spell takes effect (it triggers a true seeing when he is confronted by somehing invisible) combat is on.
Elbryn and the assasin reacts first, but the assasin has slightly higher dex and kills Lorna Deier with a fiery ray and almost kills Runegar as well (remember he had taken 33 in damage in the sewers) only his stellwart pact saves his hide. Elbryn charges theassasin and hits him easily (even with 50% miss due to invisibility) and fells his blade slicing through a body. Runegar attacks the foul assasin and sets off the assasins own contingency spell teleporting him far away....
The assasin looks around him, again back in his hideout, "those warmblooded fools" he mutters. They proved more difficult and more resourcefull than anticipated, but still he succeeded in his mission, the woman is dead and his master will be pleased with the huge fee he will be collecting. Time to slink back to master and report and perhaps to hide behind his spell-shields for some time, those adventurers were crafty and perhaps they would seek revenge for the death of their leader.... The assasin invokes a small prayer to his long-dead god, and takes off, silently muttering to himself " By Bhaals bloodied dagger, another kill for k...... .........."
The session took 3 hours and the party is level 13
Talon is 12 cloistered cleric/ 1 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 7 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 7 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 7 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 13 warblade and wood Elf
(17/12-08) 14 Mirtul 1373- Lady Deier, frost giant parley and attack 1
Lady Deier
Peter/Runegar was not present in this session as he had a lot of work
The Lawbringers stand before the dead lady of the city. Talon casts revenancer on her allowing her to live for 1 min. pr. level ( and combined with revivify spell that have a costless raise dead) they also revenace wuthmord who they found dead with Tealgar. But when the Lady Deier comes too and they have explained the situation they are shocked!!!!!
The Lady stand up, a grey look on her face. "I feel that my life is fleeting (revenancer spell which brings back the subject for 1 min. pr. level and then the subject dies again) I have not long to live and please, stay your spells, for too long have I seen the sorrow and the pain of this world, for too lang have we deceived the citizens of Nesme even though the cause in just. I have been waiting for the right leaders to emerge and releave me of my painful duties and they have, You!!!! My sisters are long dead and I long to be at their sides. ground, (remember that the real Lady Deier died 4 months ago and a trio of paladin sisters have been acting as her to inspire the people of Nesmé in these dark times)
The Lawbringers try to convince her that the time is not right for this, but her mind is set. She feels that this is the right time to convey the leadership of Nesmé to true leaders. She makes them promise not to disclose her secret to the populace and gathers the captains. She explains to them that she will relinques the leadership to the lawbringers and thereby cementing the ties to Silverymoon, whom the Lawbringers serve, the captains agree. Lady Deier kisses Wythmord softly and whispers into his ear that she will see him again, then she prays to her god Tyr and slumps dead on the floor, a peaceful look on her face...
Next morning they are met by the gathered populace of Nesmé, faces saddened by the news of their leaders death. Tealgar ,being the most diplomatic of the group, adresses the crowd!!! The gives a gripping speech of loss bot from loss will come hope. They have survived impossoble odds and they will triumph in the coming struggle and he speaks a sentence that will come to be the slogan of the people for years to come: For Victory!!!!!! ( he rolls 34 on diplomacy modified by +6 circumstance bonus as the speech hit the mark) The people are filled with joy and hope the leaders of the city have inspired them for the future...
Frost giant parley and attack 1
In the early morning the next day a messenger sends for them. At the gate they see a large arrow protuding from the gate. A scroll case have been fastened to the arrow. They collect the arrow and the message which reads in giant: Parley!!! Then a large figure is spotted on the wall, it is waiting just beyond the lights of the wall.
Talon scout the perimeter and see a lone frost giant scout and his mammoth mount waiting patiently nearby. He report it to Tealgar and he exit Nesmé and come closer to the waiting creature.
When he comes closer he sees the an old scarred Frost giant, a mighty bone bow resting on his shoulders, standing in front of the mammoth. His eyes are of the deepest blue and his voice thunders as he speaks " My leader sends her greetings, she have heard of the death of your leader and has an offer for your petty city, leave it and she will grant you safe passage through the evermoors, no creature will harry or slay any human, elf or dwarf. You have until the sun falls to begin your evacuation, and be warned my mistress does not so easily allow lives to wander from her realm.
Tealgar gives his thanks for the proposal but then screams so that the denders of the city hears him: "We will not give up this city we will defend with our very lives!!!!!"
Then they depart company and Tealgar is greeted by enthusiastically guards and they start preparing for war.
Elbryn plays the part of the gruff drill seargent gathering the leaders of the city and barking orders to prepare for war. He has several ideas, a fire wall, bataljons placed in key areas and a withdraw to the citadel if the walls fall.
Tealgar walks among the men of the city boosting their morale by his mere presence and instilling hope in the ranks of warriors, who a mere 18 months ago was potters, masons, farmers and tradesmen....
Talon and Wythmord starts going through spells suitable for a battlescene all in all they all spent 1,5 hours preparing the city for war when suddenly something hits the wall a couple of minutes past midnight. A huge rock!!! the giant have come. A veteran warrior warns that the forefront of the giant army usually are veteran warriors who will take care of the response from the city. But this time the response is the Lawbringers!!!!!!
The exit the gate walking patiently towards the retreating giants. A powerful light spell illuminates the area and the giants are clever enough to seek a battleground on a nearby hill, thereby concealing them from arrows and spells from the city...
As they climb the hill they see a huge furred creature, a large powerful giant mounting it. With him are 3 front giants and 6 trolls hiding in some debris, a battle is coming....
THIS WILL BE THE LAST SESSION BEFORE CHRISTMAS, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!!
The session took 3 hours and the party is level 13
Talon is 12 cloistered cleric/ 1 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 7 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 7 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 7 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 13 warblade and wood Elf
(5/1-09) 14 Mirtul 1373- frost giant parley and attack 2 and the rescue
Frost giant attack and parley 2
Henrik/Tealgar was sick and was not present
The Lawbringers stand before an assembled group of frost giant led by a hulking battle-scarred leader wielding a rime covered greatsword. Creeping in the shadows they spot several trolls.
Initiative is rolled and Runegar acts first as allways ( skittish nerves and imp.ini works well together). He transforms into a troglodyte and via belt of battle casts a greater invisibility (which proves to be a wise choice ) . Elbryn full defenses and awaits the coming charge. The frost giant Leader bellows something in giant and spurs his 6 legged Tlalusk mount onwards hitting Elbryn with a chop of his frost-covered greataxe dealing 52 in damage and his mount hits him as well dealing 19 in damage. Wythmord ,back in the city, senses Elbryns damage via his greater status spell and fears for his friend. The giants move closer itching to sink their axes into our heroes. The trolls move closer screaming their thirst for slaughter at the group. Then, from being hidden, advances frost covered female clerics waving Aurils unholy symbol, one spurs on his friends by casting righteous wrath of the faithful and the other causes the air around Elbryn to freeze damaging him. Talon, being ever sneaky, moves closer to Elbryn and casts two spells: brilliant energy weapon and greater Ironguard. Then Elbryn will ignore armor bonus ( +10 for the frost giant leader) and he will be unharmed by metal weapons (especially useful against the leader hehe)
Runegar start the next round by blasting the assembled trolls and giant with Electricity and sneaks off covered by the invisibility spell. Elbryn attacks with his ancient mountain hammer-maneauver and hits the giant with a crit for 104 in damage cutting open the the giants leg, exposing bone. The giant leader roars out his pain and looks surprised at the frail elf, who smiles wickedly. Wythmord heals Elbryn from down in the city via the greater status spell. Then it is the giant leaders turn. He power attacks Elbryn, not having recognized Talons spell, and is again caught by surprised as his mighty weapon passes through Elbryns body, leaving the elf only slightly frost-damaged. He looks at Talon who, in his mind, must be the reason that his enemy is evading his attacks but he cannot reach the small kobold and attacks Elbryn again and again but with same results. He then orders his minions to attack Talon hoping his death will end the spell helping Elbryn. His mount, spurred on by his master, bellows and a vortex of stunning energy leaves its frothing mouth and stuns Talon for 6 rounds. The massed trolls and giants hears the leaders orders and attack Talon en´ masse, but the wily kobold emerges, still drawing breath but heavily wounded ( and lucky rolled three 1´s on my favorite D20). The two frost enshrouded Aurilite clerics attack Elbryn with an ice spell and the other tries to dispel whatever magic is protecting Elbryn. She succeeds in dispelling the brilliant blade-spell but fails to dispel the others.
Next round Runegar gambles and, while invisible, blasts a troll with searing flame and moves closer to the almost helpless Talon wanting in the next round to whisk him to safety with his spells. Elbryn continues his furious assult on the frost giant leader, hacking away chunks of bloody flesh. Wythmord who can channel spells via his greater status spell tries to remove Talons paralysis with 2 spells, each giving him a new save but alas both rolls were poor and the kobold cleric is still paralyzed. The frost giant leader belows orders to his minions and attacks Elbryn again and again but to no avail, his weapon does little to stop the elf warblade as he still is protected by Talons spell. The frost giant press their attacks and finish off Talon. But they are shocked as Talons contingency spell heals him and cures the paralyzes. One of the giants press the attack and crits Talon for 88 in damage, again the cleric is sorely pressed. The trolls attack the party but miss entirely. The 2 clerics lob frost spells at the group but the lawbringers have the advantage and Talon slinks away from the melee at the end of the round.
Next round the death blow is dealt at the giant warband. Runegar conjures a cloud of toxic gas killing the heavily damaged leader and 2 trolls and damaging the rest. Elbryns kills a cleric with the help of Talon and 2 rounds later the enemy has fled or has been killed off, the party is victorious and await the comming giant army.
But they see nothing, no army no enemy, appearently this was the only enemy, probaly sent to kill the heroes and demorilize the city and its defenders. They had no such luck and as they return to the city they are saluted by the defenders of the city as true heroes.
They decide to rest and orders the city to be ready if an army descends on them. It however, does not...
The rescue
3 days later they hear shouts from the walls. They climb to the walls and see riders approaching, approaching fast. Sleek horses carrying elven riders ride towards the gate. Their lances are held high and the sun reflecting from their tall silver helmets. Their leader, a charasmatic gold elf dismounts and stand before the gate." I am Daliron Leafrider, marshal of the Silver Wood, I seek the ruler Lorna Deier" Even though the lawbringers have informed their patron, Taern Hornblade, of Lorna Deiers death he appearently has not shared the information with everyone. The Lawbringers, being the rulers of Nesmé, order the gate opened. They stride out and greet the elf and the elf exclaims the, in the years to come, fabled words: Nesmé have been liberated.
The news travel like a fire through the streets, in the 1,5 years the city have been under siege thare have no time to mourn the dead, no time to grief and those pent up emotions are let free in cheers of huraaa and sobbing. People break down in tears. on one hand happy and on the other filled with grief for the death of all those people who have died defending this proud city.
They follow the haughty gold elf to the citadel and talk for a while. Like all my gold elf he is haughty and arrogant, and not to the players liking, especially Elbryn Runegar and Talon dislike the gold elf marshal. He informs them that they should prepare for the arrival of senechals belonging to the Silver Marches where the city will be formally inducted into the Silver Marches Alliance.
The session took 3 hours and the party is still level 13
Talon is 12 cloistered cleric/ 1 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 7 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 7 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 8 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 13 warblade and wood Elf
(19/1-09) 17 Mirtul 1373- Diplomacy and farewell to the heroes
Diplomacy and farewell to the heroes
Peter/Runegar was away and Claus/Wythmord was sick and they were not present
The heroes and their captains, Trask Hawthorne and Relthorz, spend the next three days attanding duties and making sure that the city functions. Talon summons food for the masses, Tealgar inspires hope and strides through the streets confident and proud of their accomplishments. Elbryn takes care of the guards making sure that they know their responsibilities and drills the troops and actually seeing some measure of prowess in 2 guards that in the future could become warblades as himself. As the pc´s observe in the city they learn that Tealgars closing sentence: FOR VICTORY, in his speech to the public as they took to office, have been adopted by the citizens and they use it as a means to overcome the everyday problems they face, appearently those words have echoed through the city and are fast becoming a catchphrase.
As they dine on the 4th day Talon receives a sending from their patron Taern Hornblade. He asks of Talon to lower his defences and then Talon feels a mental intrusion, he voluntarily fails his save and 3 figures materilize. The huge general of the army, Warmaster Pheldon, Taern and a feminin figure draped in a robe. Taern steps forward and says " Masters of Nesmé (the pc´s) may I present Lady Alustriel, chosen of Mystra, One of the seven sisters and Lord of Silverymoon ". The figure steps forward and throws back the hood. They see a tall regal woman with flowing silver white hair, her presence is daunting and filled with power and comfort. To the guards dining in the room she is as close to divinity as they ever will see and all, including the haughty gold elf Marshal Daliron, falls to their knees. The Pc´s does the same with the exeption of Elbryn who kneels to no man, he instead bows politely.
The Lady Alustriel addresses the pc´s and tells of how proud she is of their choices and how sorry she is that the marches have not responded sooner. She also tells them that the actions they have done here will echo in the future and that she have high hopes for the future. She then addreses them as rulers of Nesmé and welcomes them into the Silver marches Allience. She then says that she felt that she had to tell them this in person then she says good buy and says that destiny have high hopes for them in the future, and so does she...
Then Taern steps forward lighting his pibe. " City Lord of Nesmé????, that must be a grand tale please tell me that story" Tealgar takes it upon himself and proudly tells the story to Tearn and warmaster Pheldon and the gathered guards. After the tale Taern explains that diplomats from the Marches are on their way and will be arriving in 8 days. He then says that, if they prefer, they could resign and entrust the lordship to persons worthy of it thereby avoiding boring diplomacy. Then they talked for some time discussing the defenses of the city and the needs of the city and how to relinques the power. It was very cool as it really was heavy roleplaying and the characters personality really shone through. Elbryn favored that they should stay in power for some time as he thought that the transition would be easier, Talon favored that they shold relinques the power before the diplomats arrived, as the citizens had the right to find the way themselves. Tealgar advocated that the captains, as they better knew the city and citizens, were better choices and could do the job better than they and supported Taerns idea. It took more than an hour of discussing and it was great fun to see the different personalities and the pc´s played their characters perfectly, well done guys!!!
After the discussion they agreed ( prompted by Taern who told them that that Silverymoon had agreed not to interfere with Nesmé until all the cities of the Marches had agreed, and the fact that Knights of Silverymoon currently are Lords of Nesmé and thus could be perceived as interfering). They would work closely with the captains in the next 8 days spreading the news of the captains and working to incorporate the captains into their new roles as masters of the city. The captains were summoned and after a debate (they were humble ) they accepted the role as lords. Then they talked how the city should be ruled and the pc´s and the captains agreed that a council should be founded. The captains allready had some citizens in mind that could be trusted and over the course of the next days the party achieved what they set out to do: The people respected the captains and the transsition would be smooth. The bells of the city sounded to gathering and as the people gathered Tealgar adresses the public and gave a thundering speech of hope and promises. He then told the public that the Lawbringers have given the reings of power to the three captains as they are the right men to lead the city in these new times. Then the captains took over and like true knights of Silverymoon they slinked back to the streets returning with Taern to fair Silverymoon.
There they cashed in their loot and set out to improve their equipment....
The night was as you have read above totally without conbat and it was something that appearently suited the players as the xp´s for roleplaying were very high.
This also concluded chapter 3: The Shield of the North
The session took 3 hours and the party gained a level and are now level 14
Talon is 13 cloistered cleric/ 1 contemplative and dragonwrought kobold
Wythmord is 3 cloistered cleric/ 3 church inquisitor/ 8 Radient servant of Pelor(Lathander), and human
Tealgar is 6 paladin/ 8 Fist of Raziel, and gold dwarf
Runegar is 8 wizard/ 1fighter/5 runesmith, and shield dwarf
Elbryn is 14 warblade and wood Elf