Conquering the Barbarian Altanis: Session 190
Adventurers
| Character | Race | Class | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurella | Elf | Fighter level 1 / magic-user level 1 | Exiled and chased out of her tree commune, she now wanders the Wilderlands. |
| Balarus | Human | Fighter level 4 | An ex-woodsman, quite a crack shot with his bow. |
| Ignaeus | Elf | Fighter level 4 / magic-user level 5 | An arrogant and self-assured sellsword wandering Wilderlands to prove he can best anyone. |
| Jacob Vin | Human | Assassin level 4 | Slick black hair, inconspicuous dress, youthful for his age, and of keen instincts. |
| Kenso San | Human | Fighter level 2 | An arrogant and self-assured sellsword wandering Wilderlands to prove he can best anyone. |
| Leticia | Human | Cleric level 1 | Extremely righteous, borderline zealot, devout follower of Rasthri, Goddess of Strength in Revenge. |
Dewsnap 7, Waterday
Six chosen ones set out for tumulus once more. Alaric, the paladin of Tyr, has vowed to serve and protect Ironburg. Baron Sig asked him a couple of weeks ago to investigate freshly broken in mound. They exterminated goblins and undead on their first expedition, but had to return after Ignaeus went berserk and nearly killed everyone. This now, was the second party, set on finishing what the first one had begun.
To their delight, or disappointment, depending on whom you ask, they found the tumulus bereft of life. The chamber with rotten foodstuffs had been ransacked by a black bear, which then died from poisoning.
In one chamber they found a skeleton sitting on a large oaken throne. It was entwined with numerous vines and branches, and it reeked of decaying vegetation. A crown of thorns sat upon its head. The skeleton crumbled to dust, and all nature withered and decayed, after Balarus had poked it with his spear.
“You killed Jesus!” Kenso wept.
A room adjoining the large chamber stuffed with goblin corpses was picked clean. Few spent candles, discarded piece of parchment with a list of mining equipment, and greasy ration wrappings were all that was left. Secret chamber to the south-east contained two chests; both open, both empty.
Adventurers picked up discarded sledgehammers and pickaxes, and went to work on stone portal adorned with muscular men. Their very noisy endeavour attracted no attention. Beyond the portal was a domed semicircular chamber. At the far end was a statue of a muscular giant, sitting cross-legged. Before him was a grand stone bowl, held by dozens of muscular men. Clear spring-water filled its volume.
Of six chosen ones, only one was brave enough to take a gulp.
That was Ignaeus, the Elf of Elves. He took a sip, and then a sucked in a big gulp. The water tasted better than any of the Seven Virgin Springs known only to elves. His muscles swole and tensed, as he became muscular as well. Adventurers left the chamber and closed the portal behind them.
The final stop were secret corridors beyond the carved skeletal figure. Exploring the earthen tunnels led them to a cave-in connecting to the tree above. Nothing of value, nothing of interest.
Five chosen ones were apathetic to Aurella's desire to skin the dead bear. They helped her drag it out of the tumulus, but then made a cold camp several hundred yards away while she worked on it. Aurella was of strong spirit, and even stronger conviction.
Dewsnap 8th, Earthday
Aurella worked until the Sun set, and then until the Sun rose. Caked with gore and viscera, she stood triumphant with a “bearskin rug.” Nobody in Ironburg was interested in buying it—fur was greasy and bloody, chunks of flesh were still attached, and skin was shredded at places.
“Fine, then it will be a rug in our home!”
Adventurers spent the day resting before setting out for the abandoned brigand hideout.
Dewsnap 9th, Fireday
With Leticia opting to stay in Ironburg, the Chosen Six became Chosen Five. Minako acted as their guide, since she was the only one available that knew where the hideout is. They set out in the morning and reached the caves by noon. Out of four entrances they choose the north-east one.
Traversing the long tunnels and caves, they found the source of barking and yelping described by Minako—a pack of jackals. Kenso, Ignaeus, and Balarus slaughtered the adults, while Jacob took care of the puppies. Pushing deeper, the adventurers encountered what seemed like a dead end.
But Ignaeus and Aurella spotted a crevice on the west side. The former took off his backpack, and then shimmied sideways along it. Nearly half an hour later and he was in another cave, with sightly acrid smell. Others soon joined him. Balarus was forced to doff his armour in order to fit through, but nothing ill happened to him.
Once on the other side the party soon found themselves in the cavernous space filled with thousands of centipedes, spiders, and other vermin, crawling all about. Minako had told them all about the grisly fate Gerda had suffered, for no fault of her own besides wanting to help, and thus they give the swarm a wide berth.
Out of four tunnels leading into this cave, they chose south-west one. They moved slowly and carefully, avoiding a sporadic jagged stalagmite.
“Look!”
A cave, some thirty by forty feet, filled with stalagmites and stalactites, prostrated itself before them. But more interestingly, There were four skeletons along the south side. Three of them had yellowed bones; each wearing a chain shirt and iron helmet. The one furthest to the west held an iron coffin with both of his hands. Another skeleton, dressed in commoners' clothing and with some hair still attached to it, lied next to it. Its hand was outstretched towards the coffer.
Ignaeus walked up to them. He immediately roused a number of giant centipedes who assaulted him with ravenous rage. Jacob kebabed one, Ignaeus slashed and stomped four; then five more had fallen from above with one biting Balarus the Beefy. He returned in kind by dispatching four more, and Kenso took care of the last one.
Is one of the dead Agathon's friend?
And, more importantly, what does the coffer hold?
Meme by Lord Jubalon Flux.
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