Relative safety... (DM post) Monday February 9th, 2009 1:30:05 PM
The dragon goes away.
After several hours of bombardment, the stones and masonry which had been falling begins to slow and then cease.
Evening begins to come as the sun lowers itself towards the hills and mountains.
The cellar slowly empties of villagers and it is soon apparent how many were actually in the hole. The village is not leveled, but has sustained heavy damage. Also, good news, there were only a half dozen slain in the attack. Looking to the perimeter of the village you see mounds that could only be giant corpses. Dozens. Clean up begins nearly right away.
Then, suddenly, a large shadow, beating wings and a mass of glinting scales lands in the middle of the town square. A reptilian voice says, "I found this wandering around one cave up north. Be kind to him, he knows not what he's done." The dragon takes to the air and is gone, leaving behind a huddled mass of Burgomeister shaking on the ground. There is a shreek and then the drow female is hugging and kissing him. He looks very confused.
Word soons arrives, Humble's Ford and Hovel were attacked by giants and have sustained damage. The docks at the Ford were destroyed. The ferry fleet was also destroyed... one ferry.
Lian Monday February 9th, 2009 1:32:22 PM
"You have got to be kidding!" He looks on as the dragon takes off.
Gunther,AC 30, HP147/152, Charm Animal, Good Hope, Bear's Endurance, Stone Skin Monday February 9th, 2009 11:57:12 PM
Mouth opening and closing in disbelief at the identity of the dragon, Gunther sighs when he takes in all the damage. It had been like that since they became Dragons. He wondered whether it was Waard's displeasure with his friends, or did this kind of calamity always follow high level adventurers. The warrior offers his services to any villagers who might need help repairing the town. He completely ignores the Burgomeister...which is the only way that he can keep from feeding her to his.... Delilah!! While he is working of the repairs, Gunther sets about searching for where his dire lion might have gone off to in the attack.
K'Nara Tuesday February 10th, 2009 12:25:52 AM
K'Nara harrumphs as the guardian dragon takes to the air once more, then turns a level eye towards the newly-returned Burgomeister.
"Well, sir," she says simply, "What do you have to say for yourself..?"
Burgomeister.... innocent? (DM Jay B) Tuesday February 10th, 2009 6:21:49 PM
The Burgo seems genuinely confused and beside himself. "He made me, I resisted but I couldn't. My mind was muddled. No mettle! My head foggy. I couldn't tell ANYONE, if I started to, I was set to pain and would fail. He told me to pull out the defenses from the tower perimeter. Use the money to increase the towns profits. He said I would become the most famous of all Burgomeisters and be honored. I didn't expect this. I just wanted fame that being a moneylender didn't bring. So I had to frame a former friend... he's not guilty. He didn't take the money from the orphans." The female drow pulls away, dropping him to the ground.
"Your the crook? I believed you. Felt for you." She looks at the pathetic little halfling on the ground. She begins to cry. "I can't be with someone who loves fame over the innocents you were supposed to protect." She leaves with her surviving attendant with all haste.
The female commander, Commander Pipewood, comes out of the woodwork with a couple of guards. "Well men, looks like Calfast needs to be replaced by this man. He's just confessed in conspiring with the giants and using the orphan money. Arrest him."
"You Dragons! I tell you! You folks are good at what you do and trust this, you are always welcome here. I will tell Calfast... the TRUE Burgomeister... of your actions here. If you like, you can stick around and enjoy your new popularity here?" She smiles.
Lian Tuesday February 10th, 2009 6:41:38 PM
"Thank you, but we really have other things to attend to. But I'll leave the choice to the boss." He looks at Knara.
K'Nara Wednesday February 11th, 2009 12:50:13 AM
"By 'he' are you talking about that egotistical giant back at the cave..?" K'Nara asks the penitent ex-Burgomeister. After hearing the details, the leader of the Emerald Dragons turns to Lian and Commander Pipewood.
"We'll be happy to stay as long as you need us to help the survivors of the attack, Commander," she says, "We've no need to remain to bask in glory...the party before all this happened was fine enough, and I'm not sure how much celebrating folks may be in a mood for now."
Lian Wednesday February 11th, 2009 12:27:15 PM
"I'm good with whatever you choose boss." He smiles at Knara. "Yeah, clean up is more important."
Q&A (DM Jay B) Wednesday February 11th, 2009 12:29:32 PM
The ex-Burgomeister looks at Knara, almost afraid to answer. He nods. "Glandmarroc the Great, yes."
Ingrge: AC 28, HP: 102/102, SR 18, Arcane Sight, See Invisibility Wednesday February 11th, 2009 3:52:11 PM
Listening in Ingrge glraes at the halfling and then growls. "Ahh you mean Glanmarroc the dead and splattered, don't you." So you were trying to get the Emeralds killed by sending us after him. I guess that means you should also suffer the same fate as you benefactor."
Ingrge stares at the halfling and awaits an answer.
K'Nara Wednesday February 11th, 2009 8:39:23 PM
"I don't know about that, Ingrge..." K'Nara counters the elder elf's logic, "The guardian dragon did confirm that ol' B.B. here was befuddled in some way--most likely some kind of spell. However, none of us here will be the ones to decide his fate--that will be up to the town's system of justice." She shrugs.
"We should probably poke around that cave headquarters of Glanmorroc's, too...you never know what he'll have lying around there unprotected...anything from traps to loot to evidence that can support--or refute--what our good ex-Burgomeister here is telling us."
Gunther,AC 30, HP147/152, Charm Animal, Good Hope, Bear's Endurance, Stone Skin Thursday February 12th, 2009 12:14:14 AM
After finding Delilah, Gunther links up with K'nara. He continues to actively ignore the halfling leader as he'd really like to just feed him to his kitty. Feeling tired and grumpy, Gunther nods at K'nara's suggestion. "Let's go back dere and see vhat ve can find."
K'Nara Thursday February 12th, 2009 3:20:48 AM
"Then it's agreed?" K'Nara looks to the others. "We'll help out the people here and, as soon as it looks like our aid isn't required, we can go to the cave and make sure there isn't anything there that can possibly pose a danger to the people in the area."
Argam Grimwold Thursday February 12th, 2009 2:39:12 PM
A stout looking dwarf with an oversized holy symbol of Alemi, done in High Woldian, approaches. Serious of face, he looks at K'nara and says, "Milady, I have come to help. My name is Argam Grimwold and I am a Fixer. I have plenty of Woldsblood and am ready to work on whatever structures need repairing. Command me, for a prayer to Alemi has sent me here."
He stands tall, charcoal of skin,looking as if the fires of the forge have burned soot into his pores. He looks wider than he is tall, with muscles that seem to be made of the stone he professes to work with. Then as if he thinks it will help, he flashes a smile of ultra white teeth, amidst the ashen complexion of his face.
Then as quickly as it appeared, the smile vanishes and the stern look of wanting to be about his tasks replaces it. He waits patiently, as if the whole Wold could weather away and he'd still be waiting to begin his holy work.
Lian Thursday February 12th, 2009 4:44:42 PM
"Seems we can't help but to attract dwarven clergy." He laughs. "Well, if you were sent, thank the sender for us."
Return to the cavern, if only briefly (DM Jay) Thursday February 12th, 2009 5:04:20 PM
So, as night falls, you arrive at the cavern in whatever manner you choose (likely teleportation rings) with your new tag-along, Argam the dwarf from parts unknown.
You search and discover several things. Gold. Pilfered goods from caravans. And among Glandmarroc's corpse, which has already seen predation, you find thing of great interest. You discover a partial scroll of Geas, its not viable now due to a large scorch across the bottom. Also, there is a letter from Twigrumpler the Burgomeister, to Glandmarroc, stating that he has ousted Calfast. Another saying he doesn't like doing this. And still another pleading with the giant to let him go.
Evidence? Forgeries? Possibly innocent after all?
K'Nara Thursday February 12th, 2009 8:30:53 PM
K'Nara's chestnut head bows in deference to the newly-arrived cleric.
"We need all the help we can get, priest of Alemi," the blade singer tells Argam, "Thank you for being here." She outlines that the Emerald Dragons will make sure that Glanmorroc's cave and/or body is trap-free as well as lending their aid to any in the stricken area who need it.
Gold is good, and the EDs will probably attempt to trace the proper owner of the pilfered goods. If none can be found, the loot will be utilized by the party to make sure they're properly outfitted to continue to battle for truth, justice and the Woldian Way. The documents that may or may not prove the ex-Burgomeister's innocence in the giant attack are taken from the cave in order for them to be turned over to those who will try Twigrumpler.
K'Nara does what she can for those in need, expecting the others in the party to put forth their best efforts as well.
"I can't wait until things get down to a dull roar," she comments to Gunther with a bit of a smile, "I'd love to see what Ingrge's daughter looks like." Her words remind the others in the group that the baby was born at the castle while the party was away, and that none of them save Ingrge has seen the infant yet.
Argam Grimwold Friday February 13th, 2009 10:34:58 AM
Argam nods to K'nara and gives her a stiff bow. Then he neatly pivots and begins working on repairing the closest damaged building.
Curiousity, though, causes him, almost unconsciously, to follow the Emerald Dragons a bit as they head to the cave. He remains a distance behind the famous adventurers, and fixes things as he goes.
A drop of Woldsblood there to shore up that damaged wall so it doesn't collapse, a drop there to fix the roof, healing a broken arm quickly so he can keep moving to keep up.
'Why am I so curious about these great ones? They HAVE to have a healer! He just probably isn't here right now doing important things. That must be it! I gotta stop talking to myself.'
Then aloud, "There maam, does that arm feel right now? Good."
Lian Friday February 13th, 2009 11:06:56 AM
"Master Argam, how is it you came to be in this region of the Wold?"
Gunther,AC 30, HP147/152, Charm Animal, Good Hope, Bear's Endurance, Stone Skin Friday February 13th, 2009 3:59:47 PM
The warrior nods at K'nara, a goofy grin plastered on his face. "De baby...I almost forgot!! Oooo...I gotta get back to de castle and start vorking vith Thearai. She's going to be so excited!!" Bubbling over with excitement, Gunther turns to Ingrge. "Do you tink your vife vill let me introduce de baby to her kitty right avay? It's really best to get de bonding started as soon as possible...." He taps his chin thoughtfully "...course everyvonce in a vile de kitty gets a little too frisky, don't know dere strength...and..." Gunther does his best to be thoughtful, though it is a daunting task for the cat trainer. "Naw...Thaerai's not like dat...she as gently as a daisy... I'm sure she's going to take right to de little tot. Do you tink she can sleep in de babies room? Dat vould definately speed up de bonding time..." Gunther prattles on and on about the baby and her soon to be new pet...the black panther Thearai.
Gunther watches with mild interest as the dwarf tags along behind the group. "Huh...vhat's dat funny red stuff?" Gunther scratches his snow white hair as he thinks back trying to figure out what the dwarf is working with. "Hey, is dat Voldsblood?!! Oooo nasty stuff dat! How in de Vold do you touch dat stuff?" There is a small tinge of loneliness as he remembers how his blood Brother. He wonders where the cleric of Domi has gotten off to and how he's fairing in his adventures.
OOC: Jay, where is Delilah now...is she back in the halfling village (munch, munch, much) or did she rejoin us?
K'Nara Friday February 13th, 2009 11:29:12 PM
K'Nara looks at Argam with interest when Gunther's question about the Woldsblood comes up. She, too, is curious about what it takes to actually be able to handle such a dangerous substance.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP: 102/102, SR 18, Arcane Sight, See Invisibility Sunday February 15th, 2009 7:22:47 AM
Ingrge takes his time looking over the Cave using his special vision to make sure nothing is over looked that should be checked out.
Semingly to no one he asks a question out loud asking something he has been wondering since they found out about Glandaroc.
" How do you suppose he acquired a heart seed anyway?
Argam Grimwold Monday February 16th, 2009 5:25:54 PM
Heartseed? Now those are nasty!
And yes it is Woldsblood. That is what a fixer works with. I can summon Woldsblood several times a day. I keep 20 drops here in my holy symbol. It is magicked to keep it safe. I also carry 100 drops in my pack in a larger magical container, when I'm full.
I can use the blood to repair many things. Structures, art, construction, even magic at times. I can recharge wands with it, for instance.
I used a common Cleric spell to divine where i was needed next. It said to go the place of emeralds and dragons. So I came here. This is my first trip alone. Before this I've always traveled with other fixers or an adventuring group.
Wrapping it up... Monday February 16th, 2009 6:19:59 PM
Delilah is with the halflings in the village.
While in the cavern, you find nothing else beyond what has already been mentioned. Exhausted all avenues here in the cavern.
Gunther,AC 30, HP147/152, Charm Animal, Good Hope, Bear's Endurance, Stone Skin Tuesday February 17th, 2009 9:22:24 AM
Heheh...good one Kent...
Now, will you please answer Gunthers very important questions. ;P
Argam Grimwold Tuesday February 17th, 2009 1:52:07 PM
Guessing that everyone is befuddled by his explanations, he shrugs with a bright smile and leaves the cave, pausing to check on the structural integrity of the entrance.
"Can't fix everything everytime, can I?"
Then sitting himself on a rock, he pulls out a long curved pipe and lights it letting out a long sigh of forced relaxation. The smell takes him back to times long ago sitting at his grandsire's side and listening to his neverending yarns.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP: 102/102, SR 18, Arcane Sight, See Invisibility Tuesday February 17th, 2009 7:21:32 PM
(ooc sorry guys that last was posted on the wrong board.)
Ingrge looks at Gunther for a moment. I will certainly allow the introductions however you are going to have to convince Caeryn about the sleepovers........
Turning to Argam Grimwold,
"So, you were guided, so to speak, to join us here. It is very nice to meet you Argam. my name is Ingrge Nightseer. I am a weapon mage of some ability. Though I do admit that I tend to try some unorthodox things that have a way of working out. I hope we are headed home for at least a short while as I have a new daughter I would love to get to know a bit."
Glancing quickly over at K'nara the elder elf continues.
"I do hope you will join us on that trip. We can offer you a place to lay your head and some very good food. at the very least and perhaps we could discuss a more lasting relationship with the emeralds if it is you desire."
Lian Tuesday February 17th, 2009 7:27:20 PM
"Yes, well met Argam, fixer of some things some of the time." The elf smiles broadly.
Ingrge: AC 28, HP: 102/102, SR 18, Arcane Sight, See Invisibility Tuesday February 17th, 2009 7:44:10 PM
(OOC: Hey Jay you want to get us back to the castle and I will take things over starting Monday??????)
Tight lil bow... (DM Jay B) Tuesday February 17th, 2009 7:54:12 PM
So, it is more or less determined that Calfast is innocent of the theft of the orphanage funds. Twigrumpler was in cahoots with Glandmarroc but unaware of the full scope of the betrayal. A Geas was likely used on the halfling.
However, the mystery of the Heartseed will have to, for the time being, remain a mystery. Who was Glandmarroc and why wasn't he ever mentioned by Parnoth? Will Mop know about him? How did Glandmarroc unite warring giant factions so easily?
Who is Argam Grimwold? ----------------------------------------------------
After a couple of days, or perhaps weeks, of helping the halflings, the Emeralds return home. It is as it was left. Peaceful.
Brusse reports to both Knara and Lian about the goings on in the castle. Boring and droll. ---------------------------
Thus concludes the module Fall of Angels.
K'Nara Tuesday February 17th, 2009 9:56:08 PM
The guardian dragon will also remain a mystery, too, K'Nara concludes as her group of adventurers assists the stricken area as best they can before going home to Madyrn and their Emerald Castle.
Once there, the imperatives of life take precedence: welcoming the daughter of Caeryn and Ingrge to their fold ("Hey, Ingrge--she looks like her mother!"), suffering the overly-detailed reports of Brusse ("No, no--I'm quite up-to-speed about the exact number of toothpicks left in the castle stores, thank you!"), enjoying some private time with Gunther (...nothing to say here--it's private for a reason!) and, last but certainly not least, additional training in the techniques of the blade singer. The training, in particular, is satisfying as K'Nara feels she is getting better at her craft.
The down-time at the castle allows the chestnut-maned leader of the Emerald Dragons to get to know the fixer that has entered their midst a little better, finding Argam to be quite dedicated to his deity and his calling.
Argam Wednesday February 18th, 2009 6:09:16 PM
Argam flashes his grin at Lian. "Nice turn of a phrase. I like your humor."
Then Ingrge one of the most famous of the Emerald Dragons asks him to tag along to discuss a "lasting relationship" with them?
His mouth drops in open shock.
He quickly recovers, but his face turns dark purple with embarrassment.
All he can manage is a nod.
------------------
Once at the castle, he is in awe yet again. This owned by adventurers? Amazing! He quickly notices that magic was used in the erecting of the structure. Powerful allies.
He vows to himself to get to know this place perfectly as soon as he can. He pulls out a pad of paper and begins taking furious notes in dwarvish runes about every little thing.
Lian Wednesday February 18th, 2009 11:36:57 PM
Lian grins. "I like dwarven humor. Know any jokes? Our last dwarven friend was rather dry."
"Oh, Brusse, find our friend Argam a suitable tower room of his liking, would you? See Argam, Brusse is our tower ghost and our sentry. He keeps this place ship shape. Not to mention a great talker. He can converse about anything forever." He smirks. "Trust me."
(OOC: rolled in the Booty for HPS... got a 4.)
Lian Thursday February 19th, 2009 6:41:24 PM
OOC: Checking in
Ingrge: AC 28, HP: 102/102, SR 18, Arcane Sight, See Invisibility Thursday February 19th, 2009 7:48:39 PM
Well Agram, I take it you have noticed the dwarven work throughout our humble abode. Let me get you a map of the place and the grounds, it will aid in your learning the place a bit more easily. (map on way via email if you don't already have it)
After making sure their new guest is settled Ingrge heads to his family's private quarters to spend some time with his wife and new daughter.
At some point Ingrge and Caeryn introduce their daughter to the rest of the Emeralds.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Vanime Elemmiire. Her name is a combination of Drow and Sylvan and means Beautiful Star."
The next few days go by faster that the elder elf could even imagine, and you all see a side of Ingrge that has never been seen before when he is with his daughter. Infact over the span of three days a bemused happy smile has not left his face for an instant. He has however taken some time to do a bit of scroll writing to replenish those he used on their recent trip.
(ok Guys and Gals 10 days game time is passing from the time we got back to the castle until we start again on Monday. Post what you need and what you are doing particualrly if shopping, scroll writing or item making. Please make sure to check the amount of time needed and do any exp adjusting as well.)
Argam Thursday February 19th, 2009 9:09:15 PM
"Thanks for the map."
He looks at it.
"Yep, very humble abode.
"What? a joke? Hmm....then you'll know that the best dwarven jokes are not jokes as humans tell them. No punch line and they don't make sense. That's why they are funny.
"Ok here goes...
"I dropped my hammer the other day, bent over to pick it up, and Dougan pushed me over onto it."
Funny.
Lian Friday February 20th, 2009 10:37:49 AM
"Hey little one. Welcome to the Wold."
K'Nara Friday February 20th, 2009 10:51:05 AM
K'Nara sufficiently "ooo's" and "ahh's" over the little bundle of joy called Vanime.
"Ingrge," the leader of the Emerald Talons says with a bit of a sly smile, "You aren't going to switch your weapon specialty to a bow, are you..? All the better to keep your daughter's suitors at bay when the time comes..?"
Ingrge: AC 32, HP: 116/116, SR 18, Arcane Sight, See Invisibility Friday February 20th, 2009 2:01:06 PM
Oh as you know I am very very proficient with a bow, I just figured I didn't want to show you fighter types up.
Argam Friday February 20th, 2009 2:50:29 PM
"i can recharge wands, if you need it folks. That's a handy thing to know I'd think. It is usually my main calling card when joining an adventuring group for a time.
"As long as I'm with ya, you never need to buy new wands. Grab them all and bring them to me. Might even consider buying some as they are no longer a consumable since you have a FIXER in your midst. I'll get them filled for ya."
He puffs out his chest a bit in pretend arrogance and then hunts down Brusse to check into castle and tower defenses.
Lian Saturday February 21st, 2009 5:34:26 AM
Lian produces a Stuffed gnome with small emerald eyes: 100g, for Ingrge's daughter, "For her."
As for Argam, "Well, I think we found someone to hold all these wands... though, I think I'll keep one on hand." He hands Argam One pouch contain a block of Incense of Meditation, Restorative Ointment (5/5 applications), Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds (50 charges)(2d8+3)... "You should hold these. We haven't had a true healer since Bert left."
K'Nara Saturday February 21st, 2009 3:32:20 PM
"Say, Argam," K'Nara says contemplatively, "Do you charge staves, too? I happen to have a Staff of Life and a Staff of Healing--as well as another Cure Moderate Wounds wand. Part of the group's treasure, you know."
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