Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Thorm	Dwarf level 4	Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.
Ambros	Cleric level 6	Follower of Aniu, Lord of Time.
Ignaeus	Elf level 5	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 6	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.
Dalkanarion	Fighter level 4	A youthful specimen in full strength, full of purpose, bluster, and eagerness to prove himself.

Dewsnap 15th to 20th

Dalkanarion had his hands full. Ambitious Dragonslayer rapidly built his reputation in the region. That he was member of the same adventuring company Ambros Ap Mortain, the Justice Supreme of Hara, certainly did him no harm.

Intent on positioning himself as Hero of the people, Dalkanarion decided to marry the daughter of a local innkeeper. His future godfather stuck a good deal, offering the hand of his youngest daughter in exchange for his Dragon's Lair inn.

The ceremony was to be on Dewsnap 20th, Spiritday. Last day of Winter. All adventurers were invited. Further, Dalkanarion employed a dozen of bards and agitators to drum up his wedding as the event to attend. Wine, bread, and cake would be freely given out to all those who show up.

He sent his trumpet boy to the Namelin villa, asking for a meeting. His first letter was ignored. Then he sent a follow-up letter. Apparently him mentioning “mutual satisfaction” and “wealth” was sufficient the get him a visit by Abek Namelin, the youngest son of Aseti Namelin. His family was the second most influential in the region. “Soldiers” assigned to Dalkanarion were Namelin's hired thugs.

Abek met with Dalkanarion at the Dragon's Lair inn. They had conversation in private; details known only to them. Later adventurers learned that their friend promised Namelins to train their thugs, invited them to set up “entertainment” close to Cedarwade keep so soldiers have a place to spend their hard earned money on, and assured them their estates and caravans will have “preferential” treatment by the border patrols. Finally, he agreed to ask Ambros to dispense two of his squads to guard the Namelin villa.

With that out of the way, Dalkanarion visited Zenon Coke and paid off his assassination contract. He was thoroughly unhappy with such arrangement. Unfair! Uncivilised! He would fight for a better future.

The plaza in front of the Dragon's Lair inn was bustling with people. Ambros's crusaders lined the north side of the small square, while Namelin's thugs were on the opposite side. Adventurers had seats of importance, so they were visible to the crowd.

“You have to be careful,” Abek arrived earlier “Imrael will try to cause a commotion during the wedding.” Namelin's accepted Dalkanarion's invitation to the wedding. Abek was their representative. Audience was divided on that.

“Dalkanarion! Here I am!” Tsamar, Hara's current Castellan, formerly a Pirate Queen, arrived just in time “You are so special I even washed for you!” She was dressed the same as the last time he met her. Which was two weeks ago now. He seated her close to him. After all, she is now his superior. He is to bow to her every command. And whim.

Once all persons of renown had arrived, Dalkanarion stood up and gave a speech. Dalkanarion is one of those individuals who always stands out. Not merely due to his height and muscular frame, but due to his demeanor and how he fills the space. Today he was even more impressive. Dressed in ceremonial plate mail, recovered from the tomb of Traitor King, with massive Oathkeeper by his side, he looked like a War-Prince of an ancient empire.

His speech was long and impassionate. He often paused, so crowd can cheer and clap, or boo and whistle, as appropriate. His agitators worked the crowd, ensuring exact reactions he wished to incite. Crowd was well fed and well watered too, with Kyle's finest wine. Dalkanarion spoke of a different future; a brighter future. More just. More generous. More prosperous. He made promises. And the crowd cheered. How could they not? Who amongst them would dare say anything against a huge man with a huge sword?

“May his line be long, and his enemies buried deep.” Thorm drunk to words of his comrade. The atmosphere was jovial and celebration lasted well into the night. Other adventurers congratulated Dalkanarion on his bold speech.

On the morning of next day Dalkanarion found his newly acquired inn defaced. Eastern wall was covered in a graffiti depicting a buff stick figure copulating with a dragon.

“I guess it could have been worse.” Dalkanarion exhaled.

“It sure could have.” Ambros confirmed.

Would it get worse or better?

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Tarkus the Promising	Cleric level 4	Follower of Bachontoi, God of Red Wisdom.
Beorg the Gravedigger	Fighter level 3	Inspired to adventure after burying several adventurers.
Thorm	Dwarf level 3	Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.
Ambros	Cleric level 6	Follower of Aniu, Lord of Time.
Ignaeus	Elf level 4	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 5	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.
Dalkanarion	Fighter level 4	A youthful specimen in full strength, full of purpose, bluster, and eagerness to prove himself.

Dewsnap 11th, Airday

“Tu-tu-ruuu-tuuuuu” the trumpet blared as mounted adventurers triumphantly returned to Hara. Ambros and Dalkanarion led the victorious march, followed by other adventurers, Arlon, and four lances of mounted warriors.

Their arrival and presence was so awesome the guards even forgot to ask them to dismount and disarm. Who, in their sane mind, would dare to oppose the Justice Supreme himself?

The company of thirty trotted through Hara, to cheers and gasps of the crowds. They made their way to the citadel, where they were finally stopped by a stupendously brave guard. He soon melted away under duress, and let the company enter the courtyard.

Tsamar, Hara's current castellan and, allegedly, formerly a pirate queen, soon arrived and greeted the ambitious band.

Their plan was simple. Two weeks ago they liberated Cedarwade Keep, a key point for preventing Altanian incursions into the fertile valley of Hara. They did so on behalf of Lord Kyle, a young man who inherited a large estate from his father. Despite his best efforts, all went to ruin, since the young man was squeezed and abused on all fronts. Ambros ordered his men to remain at the keep, for now, to safeguard it. But in order to station it properly, it needs to be repaired. Thorm, an experienced dwarf, assessed there is at least 100 000 gold pieces worth of repairs to restore the keep to its former glory. Kyle family has been brought to financial ruin—their vineyards raided, their wine trade disrupted, their iron mines dysfunctional, and their reputation tarnished. Hence Ambros and company forged a simple plan—convince the Red Queen to invest into the keep due to its strategic importance. After all, Lord Kyle is her subject, and his lands are Hers.

“We are here to report to the Queen.” Ambros announced to Tsamar.

“Are you now?” Tsamar asked sardonically, sizing up everyone. She was dressed in tight leather jerkin and loose bright yellow linen pants, tightened with a simple leather belt. Numerous chunky rings adorned her hands. Heavy gold necklace with eye-sized emeralds clanged around her neck, accentuating her bronze tan. She moved like a panther, with strength and vitality much greater than her five foot frame would suggest. “Why don't you enter and share the news with me?”

“We would prefer to share it directly with the Queen.”

“Fine then, Ambros, if you insist on being so dramatic.” Tsamar waved to one of her mariners. The man prepared the rowboat, for the palace sits on a small isle just across Hara. It is a fortified isle which also houses the prison, royal vault, garrison of its own, and several servants' houses.

“No, I mean all of us.”

“What, all thirty of you?!”

“No, myself, Dalkanarion, Ignaeus, Thorm, and Tarkus.” Beorg and Tarkus had been brought back to life by Ambros. Beorg opted to head straight for the adventurers' townhouse so he can rest and recover, while Tarkus decide to join Ambros and others instead. He was in great pain, but spreading the word of Bachontoi was more important.

“Are you joking?! I though you were wiser than this.” Tsamar erupted, lambasting Chief Justice of Hara. She point at every individual Ambros called out and demanded they answer if they had met the Red Queen.

“None of you met the Queen, and yet you know demand to meet her? The audacity? She choose who she meets, not you. Ambros, you and I can go, others can stay here. Or you can all report to me. Or you can get out and go on your way.”

“Ambros, go without us. We'll wait.” other adventurers beckoned the cleric. He agreed and joined Tsamar. It was noon. It was bright and warm. Winter was nearly over. Days were getting longer.

⁂

“So, what do we do now?” Thorm decided to go drinking. Others decided to stay in the citadel until Ambros returns. They waiting well until the evening, until the spotted the rowboat carrying their friend. He was alone.

Ambros waved warily, and reported no significant progress. “The Queen has her mind on something else. But she did name Dalkanarion castellan of Cedarwade Keep. She also said he must report to Tsamar and obey her orders.” She also gave a cryptic warning that “the Altanians will come, but not as you expect.” Further, her position is that Merchant families need to agree amongst themselves who funds the repair of Cedarwade Keep.

Later same day Dalkanarion returned to the citadel once more. He was granted audience with Tsamar and reported on the status of Cedarwade Keep. Then he asked for soldiers to man the keep.

“How many do you need?” she asked. She was not happy with the non-answer she received in return. “Tell me, how many do you need, and then let me figure out where I get the men. Don't you worry your pretty big head with it. Let me do the thinking.” Tsamar's tongue struck worse than manticore's tail. “I will gather fifty soldiers for you. Best of the best. Come here in three days and they will be ready.”

“Castellan, would you do me the honour, and attend my wedding as an esteemed guest?” Dalkanarion inquired. At the end of the month he will take the hand of young, fertile lady, daughter of the Dragon's Lair inn proprietor.

“Of course! I would love to!”

⁂

“That bitch!” Dalkanarion fumed. “I'll give her the worst seat! At the end of the bench!”

Thorm tried to calm his friend. Ambros was too tired for political bullshittery. Others weren't too enthused about it.

“Listen. They might be rubble, the worst of the worst. But we bring them with us and drill some discipline into them. They get to follow you! We can make it work!”

Dalkanarion's “soldiers” were nothing but a bunch of run down thugs. They were not even equipped properly—soiled rags, clubs, and poor hygiene was all they had. These were in fact several gangs hired by Namelin.

“What is this?!” Dalkanarion demanded.

“Your men!” Tsamar replied “Best of the best! Now take them to the keep and make sure you don't lose it! Go on strong boy. See you at the wedding!”

Ambros's clerics informed him that Akasi and Anhemu Namelin are making a great commotion at Forsetti's Temple. “Injustice! We are being robbed by the castellan herself! Our men are taken and sent to the other side of the valley! What for! Whom for! Nonsense! We demand justice!” Their case was summarily dismissed by Ambros. “You are having your justice. Leave me alone.”

Since Dalkanarion was having such a great time, he also received a letter. It read as follows:

Dear Dalkanarion the Dragonslayer,

I heartily congratulate your most recent accomplishment and promotion! It is my strong belief that you will take good care of our southern border, restore peace, and break any Altanian horde that might come your way.

With that being said, I have to inform you with great regret and sadness that we have received a contract to assassinate you. Rest assured that we will kill you in accordance to your status. We take great pride in our professionalism so I promise we will not interrupt your happy day, nor injure your future bride.

As mandated by the Queen, everyone is given an opportunity to purchase their right to live. Therefore, I am delighted to invite you to bid for your life no later than ten days after delivery of this letter. Should you fail to appear, we will consider that as refusal of our offer.

With love, Zenon Coke Headmaster of the Assassins' Guild

“Welcome to the club.” Ambros sighed.

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Wilderlands Hall of Fame represents the most legendary gaming situation of the year, as voted by the players in our Conquering the Barbarian Altanis campaign.

Trial by The Pit

Illustrated by FSF-INK. Read more about the creation process here.

Adventurers most troublesome, from right to left:

• Naked Brother Kallahan, wailing and pleading as he is consumed by ravenous titanic black pudding.
• Stalwart Neremyn, in his last moments of defiance.
• Young Rad, whose quick wit saved the few remaining survivors.
• Wise Kuqhir, whom led Rad to the ghost who knew the way out.
• Knave Pipluk, an unlucky retainer who regretted his employment.
• Glum Amanka, whom said many a prayer for fallen adventurer.
• Courageous Rhovar, whose final gift of sacrifice allowed others to escape certain doom.
• And one more, hidden and done in by a poorly concealed prick.

Trial by The Pit adventure is covered in session reports 44, 45, and 46.

#Wilderlands #WHOF

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Tarkus the Promising	Cleric level 4	Follower of Bachontoi, God of Red Wisdom.
Beorg the Gravedigger	Fighter level 3	Inspired to adventure after burying several adventurers.
Thorm	Dwarf level 2	Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.
Ambros	Cleric level 6	Follower of Aniu, Lord of Time.
Ignaeus	Elf level 4	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 5	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.
Dalkanarion	Fighter level 4	A youthful specimen in full strength, full of purpose, bluster, and eagerness to prove himself.

Dewsnap 3rd, Earthday

Ignaeus gripped his magical scimitar. He could hear yells and heavy thuds behind him. Reinforcements would come any moment now. But would they come fast enough?

Having driven mighty Dalkanarion back, the hobgoblins rallied and launched a counter-assault. By now they have slain the whole vanguard and surrounded Foxglove and Beorg.

The elf charged into the fray, closing the gap behind Beorg. Surrounded, adventurers fought desperately, dodging and parrying. Foxglove managed to retreat, badly injured, a final gift from Beorg. The gravedigger was soon slain. “I hope to be raised as an angry undead.” he uttered. Ignaeus killed with surgical precision.

“For Athena!” Dalkanarion bellowed, running down the stairs. Tarkus was right behind him. Marlon and Ambros followed. Behind them were five knights, and then forty heavy footmen. But the narrow staircase meant they could join one by one—while hobgoblins fought in numbers, holding a superior tactical position.

A particularly ugly specimen adorned with Chaos star duelled with Ignaeus. They traded several blows. Suddenly the beastman pulled a dirty vial and poured some vile chunky liquid down its throat. Its muscles bulged, breaking the chain shirt. The elf panicked for a moment, but composed himself in time. He launched a desperate jab, smashing through the monster's defences, driving the scimitar right through the bottle and throat.

Hobgoblin leader went toe to toe with unstoppable Dalkanarion. The two traded blows, but without victor. Adventurers, now in numbers and backed up, slowly regained control. The battle was desperate, fought inch by inch. Both sides stumbled over the corpses littering the hallway. Rivers of blood flowed between flagstone grooves, while gore caked the walls.

Tarkus the Promising joined the many corpses. His warm corpse was soon trampled in the heat of combat. Round by round, exchange by exchange, Ambros's holy army inched forward, slaying hobgoblins. Beastmen fought with iron discipline and unforgiving malice. Their chieftain was badly wounded but still fought on the front line, determined to kill Dalkanarion. Alas, that was not to be, for he was dragged out of combat by his own adjutants.

Ignaeus and Dalkanarion pursued the fleeing chieftain and his retinue but were too slow to catch up before they slammed the doors shut right in their face. Pumped Dalkanarion tore right through them, roared “Ares!” and cleaved the chieftain in half. A deformed, cloaked goblinoid escaped by jumping down the well. Another hobgoblin cut off the rope and destroyed the wheel, preventing timely pursuit. Adventurers poured into the chamber and killed the last remaining defenders, sans the one whom had escaped.

“Carry Tarkus, Beorg, and all the fallen soldiers.” Ambros commanded. Marlon nodded and the task was done. Ignaeus found Thorm, whom had been thrown into a small cave. A true miracle he survived the ordeal! Large force of heavy footmen, led by adventurers, cleared the dungeon in a little under two hours, finding no further opposition.

“High Priest Ambros, the keep has been secured!”

Twenty nine beastmen, five giant weasels, four kobolds, and one gelatinous cube. The price were the lives of Tarkus the Promising, Beorg the Gravedigger, and eight heavy footmen whom came from afar to serve Ambros.

The High Priest ordered the courtyard to be cleared and prepared for sacred ritual. He will bring back Tarkus and Beorg. Or at least he will try.

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Tarkus the Promising	Cleric level 4	Follower of Bachontoi, God of Red Wisdom.
Beorg the Gravedigger	Fighter level 3	Inspired to adventure after burying several adventurers.
Thorm	Dwarf level 2	Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.
Ambros	Cleric level 6	Follower of Aniu, Lord of Time.
Ignaeus	Elf level 4	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 5	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.
Dalkanarion	Fighter level 4	A youthful specimen in full strength, full of purpose, bluster, and eagerness to prove himself.

Dewsnap 3rd, Earthday

“Aha!” Thorm found a secret chamber hiden behind a bookshelf in the commander's quarters. The chamber itself was barren. Worried that monstrous keep defenders might have retreated only to return through some secret pathways, Thorm and adventurers scoured the room.

Investigation paid off, for they found two more secret doors. One-way doors to the east led straight out of the keep. Smaller, rectangular doors to the north led into ten feet long crawlspace. That, in turn, opened up in a teen feet wide chamber, completely bereft of anything.

Perplexed, adventurers crawled over every inch, finding nothing. But keen-eyed Thorm spotted that torch-light smoke was flowing weirdly. There was something invisible floating high in the air!

Too high to reach, the adventurers assembled a mighty human-elven-dwarven pyramid. Buff Dalkanarion stood on a short stool. Thorm held the stool by the legs—to provide much needed stability—while Ignaeus climbed on the fighter's shoulders. Tarkus stood to the side, praying vigorously to Bachontoi.

These shenanigans lasted for quite some time. Payoff? There was something rectangular and metal levitating close to the ceiling. It was immovable and felt like a chest to Ignaeus, but was otherwise a mystery.

“Perhaps we should return to this later, after we have secured the keep.”

Proposal most genius indeed.

“High Priest!” Marlon greeted Ambros as he had marched into the keep courtyard. “Beastmen have fled, most likely into the dungeon below. I wanted to take men down, but your friends asked us to wait.”

Adventurers updated Ambros on what they had found in the keep.

“It is time to strike!”

Dalkanarion, Tarkus, Beorg, Ignaeus, Thorm, Foxglove, and a squad of nine heavy footmen were first to descend. The stairs were narrow, allowing for a single file marching order only. They turned right four times until they opened up in a ten feet wide corridor.

Dalkanarion and Thorm were rewarded by a hail of bolts. They charged forth into the darkness, supported by Tarkus and Ignaeus. Sounds of crossbows hitting the ground echoed, as a group of hobgoblins counter-charged.

Ignaeus and Beorg were behind, just at the stairs landing. They were flanked by doors, one to the left and one to the right. Both swung open, and a mass of hobgoblins tried to swarm the corridor, aiming to attack adventurers from both sides.

Ensuing skirmish was brutal. Dalkanarion roared and swung mighty Oathkeeper, slaying beastmen left and right.

“Freeze! Freeze!” Ignaeus yelled at various groups. Few were able to resist his magical sword, and were indeed frozen in place. Soldiers poured down the stairs, fighting ferociously.

Beastmen corpses littered the corridor—but survivors were relentless. They fought for their life bitterly. Ambushing groups retreated and shut the doors behind them. Group to the left hammered some spikes to make the doors more difficult to open, while the group to the right left the doors unsecured. Beorg and Foxglove, supported by four heavy footmen, pursued the right group.

An impressive specimen approached Dalkanarion. Grecian fighter bellowed his challenge. Hobgoblin leader accepted it gleefully. “Cheater!” young fighter yelled as painful convulsions shook his whole being. Thorm could hear sinister chanting up ahead in the darkness. Dalkanarion suffered once again.

Pursuing soldiers met their doom, not at the hands of wounded hobgoblins, but in the jaws of feral giant weasels. Foxglove was half-chewn himself, and would have probably died had it not been for Beorg. Pursuers now fought on the defensive, falling backwards under brutal onslaught of furry beasts. They felled two, but one was still gnawing at them. Wounded hobgoblins rallied and charged.

“Where are you?!” Dalkanarion roared as impenetrable darkness befell his eyes. He could not see anymore!

“Oh, I thought you would heal me...” Thorm whispered sadly as Tarkus laid his hands on the warrior instead. Then he froze in place. Two hobgoblins grabbed Thorm and dragged him into darkness.

“Sirs, we should go!” one of the few surviving soldiers yelled.

Tarkus grabbed Dalkanarion by hand and dragged him to stairs. Ignaeus stood there, shooting, waiting for last of the adventurers to fall back. Roars and cries echoed as hobgoblins rallied and charged the survivors from all sides.

Foxglove, Beorg, and two heavy footmen, were completely surrounded. How long will the last, wounded and outnumbered? Ignaeus watched, his magical sword completely expired. Tarkus dragged Dalkanarion up the stairs, the latter full of fighting spirit but denied by magical darkness, yelling for Ambros to come down.

Purging evil and chaos comes at a price. Often a high one.

Is the high priest ready to pay it?

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Tarkus the Promising	Cleric level 4	Follower of Bachontoi, God of Red Wisdom.
Beorg the Gravedigger	Fighter level 3	Inspired to adventure after burying several adventurers.
Thorm	Dwarf level 2	Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.
Dalkanarion	Fighter level 4	A youthful specimen in full strength, full of purpose, bluster, and eagerness to prove himself.
Ambros	Cleric level 6	Follower of Aniu, Lord of Time.
Ignaeus	Elf level 4	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 5	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.

Dewsnap 3rd, Earthday

High Priest of Forseti watched as his army marched towards Cedarwade keep. Knight Marlon val Brookwood led the charge with his five most trusted warrior. Tarkus accompanied them, providing blessings. Marlon led the charge on foot, after being convinced to do so by Ambros. “He must be testing my faith and devotion.” Marlon thought to himself.

Behind Marlon marched four squads of heavy footmen, led by Dalkanarion, Ignaeus, Beorg, and Thorm respectively. Jace, stone-cold leader of mounted crossbowmen, led six lances. Three were with her, while other three approached the keep from south. She rejected Ambros's advice to dismount.

“You do realise you are a bigger target when on horse?” Ambros implored in frustration.

“Am I now? Observe.” Jace replied.

Vicar Arlon led two squads of heavy footmen, while four squads followed Ambros himself. Three squads and a lance of heavy horsemen were left behind to guard the camp. Four lances of heavy horsemen were ordered to wait to the east and west of the keep—-in order to clean up any stragglers or fleeing monsters.

Beastmen holding the keep were prepared. So much was confirmed by Thorm whom had drunk the potion of gaseous form in order to scout the fortification. Two hobgoblins were stationed at each of the four towers, armed with heavy crossbows. Carts filled with oil-soaked rags blocked the gatehouse, while half dozen of hobgoblins laid in ambush, prepared to set the attackers on fire.

In the very first missile exchange Jace's units eliminated half of the defenders on towers. Hobgoblins missed again, and again. Ambros prayed and then fell into deep concentration. A great swarm of insects gathered on the castle wall, forcing those caught in it to flee for their life.

Mounted crossbowmen rained hell upon the keep, killing all beastmen stupid enough to poke their ugly faces over the crenelations.

“Charge! Onwards!” Marlon roared. Protected by constant barrage from the crossbowmen, as well as High Priest's insect swarm, heavy footmen reached the gatehouse without any casualties whatsoever. They rolled the carts out of the way and spilled into the courtyard, ready for some violence.

“Where are they? Show yourself!” Marlon roared in frustration.

Squads split and begun going through the keep. Dalkanarion broke into the stables, where he dispatched large gelatinous cube. Beorg led a squad up the gatehouse and then cleaned each of the towers. Ignaeus and his squad swept the barracks—-now devoid of life, but full of filth left behind by its foul inhabitants. Thorm led a squad straight into the chamber where he had seen a leader of these monsters. There they ransacked the room—-and dwarf found out a possible secret door.

“Die in the name of LAW!”

Tarkus heard Marlon yelling. They had just entered the largest building in the keep—-mess hall by all accounts. Cleric rushed west, after Marlon, only to find him wipe his bloodied sword after slaying four pathetic creatures.

“These are no hobgoblins. Some slave servants. Goblins maybe?”

Dalkanarion and his squad entered the mess hall. Mighty warrior stared at the staircase leading down, into the dungeon. Adventurers readied themselves for the descent.

Have the defenders truly fled? Or is the real battle about to begin?

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Balarus	Fighter level 4	An ex-woodsman, quite a crackshot with his bow.
Bragi Twinefinger	Halfling level 2	A stout strong halfling. As a devotee of the Great Tailor he is always smartly dressed (under his armour) and overly fond of multiple breakfasts.
Ambros	Cleric level 6	Follower of Aniu, Lord of Time.
Ignaeus	Elf level 4	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 5	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.
Dalkanarion	Fighter level 4	A youthful specimen in full strength, full of purpose, bluster, and eagerness to prove himself.
Thorm	Dwarf level 2	Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.

Dewsnap 1st, Airday

“What is the meaning of this?!” young Lord Kyle yelled at Ambros and his retinue.

Ambros was flanked by two heroes—Dalkanarion and Balarus respectively—as well as master dwarf Thorm. Behind them an army of holy warriors on a crusade.

By end of Gloomfrost some two hundred seasoned soldiers accompanied by another hundred non-combatants—families of the most dedicated—arrived at Hara. They carried banners sporting head of a bearded man—holy symbol of Forseti—and have arrived to serve the new High Priest, Ambros Ap Mortain. Their travel was long and difficult. They left their homes forever, a sacrifice for the great god of peace.

Knight Marlon val Brookwood, a minor noble, leads a squadron of heavy horsemen. Jace, a tall woman with long blonde hair tied in a braided pony-tail, leads a squadron of mounted crossbowmen. Men tremble in her presence. Vicar Arlon, leads a throng of heavy footmen. These soldiers are incredibly brave and dedicated to their cause. All pledged their allegiance to Ambros, the Justice Supreme of Hara. And they are very, very enthusiastic about peace and justice.

Expensive too.

Eager to find a reliable source of income for his new personal army, Ambros remembered young Lord Kyle and his plea to help him retake Cedarwade keep. He also carried a bloodied note recovered from Graylock's lair, which had Kyle's signature on it.

Justice Supreme was about to find out if Kyle had been smuggling goods past Hara. That would be most unfortunate for the young lord.

“We are here to reclaim the Cedarwade keep!”

“Is that so?! Then I invite you to my humble home!”

Soldiers erected a sizable tent-camp just north of Midway, while Ambros, Ignaeus, Balarus, Dalkanarion, Thorm, Marlon, and Arlon went to lord's manor.

Prior to setting out, Ambros spent weeks rummaging through temple records. Many were in poor shape, making it difficult to make out the details. There are at least seven different organisation systems, hence it is a huge pain to reference and cross reference reports. Three most recent records Ambros was able to find about Lord Kyle—-and most readable because they are the only intact ones—-had shown that Kyle family has accrued great debt with Imrael family. In fact, the latest document concludes that Kyle has refused to hand over his estate and fief to Imrael, as well as refused to show up in Hara at the Temple for the hearing. Therefore, Imrael is allowed to take what he is owed by force.

Foxglove did an investigation of his own as well, hanging out at all the usual places. He learned that Midway Red is the most valuable wine in the region. Historically, its shipments have often been raided and then smuggled for great profit. Kyle family owns the vineyards close to Midway and oversees the production. Kyle Senior died in one of the raiding ambushes, opting to sink the barges with wine instead of handing them over. His young son, whom had inherited the manor and fief, has been nothing but trouble for thieves and smugglers. Luckily, he is too weak and commands virtually no force, so the business flows better than ever.

The dinner began cordial and pleasant. Lord Kyle was curious as ever. Dalkanarion regaled him with his adventuring tales. Balarus are in silence, bemused. Nervous in the presence of such awesome warriors, young lord had a drink too much, and was taken completely unaware when Ambros raised his concerns.

“Don't speak of justice to me! I have suffered nothing but injustice and indignity at your temple!” Kyle Junior spoke with liquid courage. Dalkanarion's snarl and Ambros's cold gaze calmed him in a moment. Everything took a much darker turn as Ambros pressed on with his interrogation.

“I can't do what you are asking of me! You are handing me the rope to hang myself with!” young lord pleaded as adventurers goaded him to stop paying protection money to Hara and pay them instead. They wanted to know how much does he have, how much can he pay them, they wanted to know it all.

But when Ambros took out the bloodied note all fell silent. Lord Kyle went pale as a ghost. When High Priest passed him the note, young man cupped his face and broke into tears. “Come now young lord, this is very unlordy of you. What will your men think?” Dalkanarion attempted to console him.

Painfully aware of his pathetic position, Lord Kyle did the best he could. He answered all the questions, allowed adventurers entry into the manor library, and finally, reached an agreement that they were happy with.

“Secure my lands. Reclaim my keep. Clear my name. In return, I will grant land your holy soldiers. Ambros, I will erect a temple to Forseti. Dalkanarion, I will name you castellan of Cedarwade keep. Balarus, I will grant you 600 acres to raise a manor of your own. Thorm, I will appoint you as Overseer of a mine.”

The land in question is east of Hara, across the river, and south-east of Castle of the Wode. It is rich, fertile soil. It is also dangerous land, infested with beasts, wildlife, and all kinds of scum. Nothing that worries this brave band—they were already dreaming a kingdom of their own.

Dewsnap 2nd, Waterday

Ambros and his army reached Cedarwade an hour or so before the nightfall. It was the last month of winter and days were still short. Ignaeus volunteered to scout the keep as night falls. Thorm and Dalkanarion joined him. The trio rode as far as the trees provided cover.

There she stood, a rectangular little fort with a tower on each corner and broken gatehouse. No signs of life were visible. Ignaeus dismounted and crawled over the clearance. Dalkanarion and Thorm remained mounted at the edge of woods, watching the walls closely. Elf disappeared from their sight, much die to lack of sunlight and his crawling skills.

Ignaeus proceeded on his belly, inching towards the south-east fort tower. Then he felt the land under him give in, and he tumbled into a ten feet deep ditch. Looking left and right revealed a long ditch, covered with tarps and soil. Strong enough to withstand some weight, but would immediately give in under a mass of armed soldiers.

“Look!” Thorm pointed alarmingly at a group of figures exiting the fort. There was six of them, humanoid, and with long shafted weapons. They approached the hole created by Ignaeus. The elf, oblivious to what is happening above, continued exploring the ditch.

Dalkanarion and Thorm fired at the figures, missing. Then they rode towards where they believed Ignaeus should be, yelling. Dalkanarion led Ignaeus's horse by the reins. The figures retreated into the keep.

Upon hearing the commotion above, the elf attempted to climb up the ditch. Alas! He lost footing and fell down! A volley of arrows whooshed past two brave warriors above. Their horses were wounded. Success! Ignaeus climbed up! Tragedy! Dalkanarion flying through the air, his horse slain!

“Go! Run for the trees!”

The trio fled, surviving several volleys.

“The keep was not abandoned. It was occupied, and its defenders were ready for war...” Thorm informed Ambros and others.

A long night was ahead of them.

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Centuria	Elf level 2	An academic elf fond of teasing those of lower status.
Tu'Fles	Elf level 1	Massive dork for dragons.
Balarus	Fighter level 4	An ex-woodsman, quite a crackshot with his bow.
Bragi Twinefinger	Halfling level 2	A stout strong halfling. As a devotee of the Great Tailor he is always smartly dressed (under his armour) and overly fond of multiple breakfasts.
Ignaeus	Elf level 4	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 4	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.

Gloomfrost 15th, Spiritday

Seven adventurers rode back to the bandit lair of Flaming Eye. Crosonus, Balarus's retainer remained outside to guard the horses, while the chosen six triggered shriekers and descended down the vertical shaft.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

Orc corpses were missing. Stench of death lingered. Unsure what to make of this, the party moved left, through the doors. Then they turned right at the junction and investigated the doors. While elf and thief listened, Balarus felt something was off. He turned around, only to see four pig-faced corpses approaching them from behind. Adventurers rapidly fell in fighting order. Orcs were not walking—they were slowly floating through air!

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

Transparent liquid spurted left and right as adventures' weapons cut through the bestial remains. All four corpses dropped to the ground, even though they hacked only one of them. Unsure what to make of it, they resumed their exploration. Chamber they broke into was empty, sans nice stacks of silver coins. Foxglove took a look at them, found no traps, and thus, promptly put them in his backpack.

Exiting south led them to a weirdly shaped junction. East corridor was at an angle and led to locked doors, something Foxglove dealt with. He failed to pick the lock, so he hammered it into submission. Bragi explored east corridor, but fled back after seeing a swarm of giant centipedes crawling about. While the thief hammered the lock, Balarus forced the south doors open. A three feet beet charged him in return.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

It was brief but nasty battle. The beetle tried to bite several adventurers, but they all luckily dodged. Then it squirted some foul liquid and Braggi, but little fella' rolled out of the way in time.

Pressing on south led to yet another junction. Further south were doors underneath which light could be seen. Listening confirmed there was someone beyond—a number of voices speaking in unfamiliar tongue. Party burst through. Neither side was surprised.

Large man dressed in plate mail stepped forth to block the adventurers from spilling into the chamber, while two thugs backed up and prepared oil flasks. The warrior was armed with a long sword and shield—which sported the flaming eye symbol similar to those that orcs by the entrance had. Adventurers got a taste of their own medicine as burning oil flasks broke on their front rank.

“This is just the beginning, you pathetic worms!” the plated warrior laughed. He spat at Balarus and mocked him viciously. Thugs fled backwards, into the darkness, while plated warrior fought on the defensive. Adventurers hit him well, but he refused to go down.

One of the characters threw a coin with continual light down the corridor, illuminating a T-shaped junction, and two thugs holding doors open. The warrior turned around and fled, as they slammed the doors shut.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

Everyone but Foxglove pursued—the thief was focused on inspecting large chest left behind by the warrior—charging into an empty room! Few empty bedrolls and a fountain with rank, stagnant water. Dolphin head was a nice touch, but other than that the fountain was completely unremarkable.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

“There must be some sort of secret passageway here!”

“Agreed!”

“Here! A flagstone that stands out!”

Ignaeus pushed the flagstone, and Balarus pushed to wall forward. A long dark corridor prostrated in front of them. Blood drops were visible. They charged forth, unaware of secret doors slamming shut behind them.

Foxglove was too busy counting thousands of coins to notice two cloaked figures sneaking up on him. In a wild turn of events, they both failed to backstab him! The thief parried and blocked. Sneaky duo backed off and fled north, through the doors the part had came through.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

Foxglove rushed south, only to find he was alone! Meanwhile five pursuing adventurers had to give up. Their prey escaped. Imagine their surprise when they couldn't open one way secret doors! Luckily the thief on the other side was able to find the hidden flagstone, and the party was reunited once more.

Investigating the chamber where they found bandits hadn't revealed what they were looking for—bolts of silk from merchant that Braggi agreed to help.

“This dead end is a bit suspicious...”

Ignaeus had found yet another flagstone! With a little bit of trickery, the party managed to open these doors too! Success! Before them was a chamber filled to the brim with barrels and crates containing various supplies, spices, and yes, bolts of silk.

Foxglove the Trouble Magnet spotted a very nice looking fountain in the corner of the room. It was made of salmon-coloured marble and resembled a lotus flower with two basins beneath it. Water was crystal clears. Where it might be coming from was not clear. There were few coins in each basin. Foxglove flipped a gold coin in the right basin. Then most wondrous thing happened.

The basins folded over the lotus flower, fountain spun in place, and then vanished into ether. “Make a wish and it will come true.” “I wish for old age, wealth, and experience.” Indeed, Foxglove had found himself more experienced.

Satisfied with their discovery, the party had completely abandoned prospects of chasing the bandits. They focused on getting the barrels out and then returning for the rest. Ignaeus had cast Wizard Lock on the secret doors, and party got to rolling. But how do you take a heavy barrel thirty feet up the iron rungs?

“Wasn't there some sort of pulley rig above? Let's use that!”

A brilliant plan.

Balarus climbed. The trapdoor were heavier than usual. It took him significant effort to force them open. As soon as he did so burning pieces of wood and debris fell down the chute. The hut above them was burning! Without many options left, the party focused on consolidating the treasure and preparing it for extraction.

On the following day they attempted to break out once again. It took them three hours to get out proper. Hut had completely burned down. Mushrooms were sliced to pieces. Crosonus hung upside down from a tree, his eyes gouged out and his belly cut wide open. Horses were nowhere to be found.

Judging they don't have sufficient daylight left to haul the treasure back to Hara, adventurers decided to spend another night in the dungeon. Prior to that they lifted all the barrels and prepared them for the long haul. They arrived to Hara on the evening of Gloomfrost 17th, Waterday.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

There they informed all their colleagues about great wealth left behind. Counting twenty one man strong, they returned and extracted every last coin, returning back to Hara just in time to celebrate the New Year.

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Thorm	Dwarf level 2	Ashen hair, beard, and eyes. Left his own clan due to financial trouble.
Thorin Whiteheart	Cleric level 1	Wide-eyed and innocent goodie-two-shoes.
Centuria	Elf level 1	An academic elf fond of teasing those of lower status.
Tu'Fles	Elf level 1	Massive dork for dragons.

Gloomfrost 14th, Fireday

“And where excatly is this bandit lair full of treasure?” Centuria inquired Balarus. “Shrieking purple mushrooms, orcs with flaming eyes on their shield, white apes, bandits, yes, anything else?”

A humble party of four led by Thorm the dwarf rode to the the bandit lair that Balarus, Bragi, Ignaeus, and Foxglove had just returned from. They wanted to maintain the momentum and prevent bandits from regrouping.

Thorm was joined by Thorin, follower of Umannah, and two bookish elves, namely Centuria and Tu'Fles. They passed the shrooms and descended down the trapdoor into the bandit lair. Eight pig-faced beastmen corpses greeted them, just as Balarus had described.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

They turned south, then west, forced doors open, then forced south doors, followed the corridor to the junction, turned east, and marched into the chamber.

Thorin failed to see, smell, or hear two large hairy brutes hiding just around the corner. He barely survived the initial onslaught. Beastmen had weird bestial faces—as if someone had flattened a tiger's face by repeatedly hitting it with a shovel. Standing just over seven feet tall, and armed with battle axes, they were no laughing matter. Both focused on Thorm and hacked him to death in less than ten seconds.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

Centuria and Tu'Fles fell back into the corridor so Thorin could withdraw. Acolyte of Radiant Death poured oil on the ground. Beasts pursued, despite one of them already being on fire! That caused exact result adventurers were hpoing for—both monsters caught fire.

Stench of burnt hair and flesh permeatted tha hallway. Beasts swung wildly as they burned to death. Thorin did not escape their mighty blows, and his light extinguished forever.

Once the flames subsumed the elves recovered one hundred fifty four platinum pieces from the beastmen. Then they decided to haul Thorm's corpse back to Hara. There Centuria kindly requested Ambros ap Mortain to perform a miracle.

Illustration by IdleDoodler.

“Would you please raise Thorm from his sliced up death? We were prepared for the orcs, white apes and bandits, but the adventurer's scouting party had made no mention of there being bugbears!”

Ambros performed another miracle—Balarus being his first one—and brought Thorm back to life.

“Clean out that den of thieves in the name of justice.”

Thorm uttered “Ambros be praised!” with great difficulty, experience of death still fresh in his mind and body.

“Don't forget that you both have to clean the place out...”

Discuss at Dragonsfoot forum.

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments

Adventurers

Character	Class	Description
Balarus	Fighter level 4	An ex-woodsman, quite a crackshot with his bow.
Bragi Twinefinger	Halfling level 1	A stout strong halfling. As a devotee of the Great Tailor he is always smartly dressed (under his armour) and overly fond of multiple breakfasts.
Ignaeus	Elf level 4	A slightly weathered looking elf with dull blonde hair and chiseled features. Seeks wealth and knowledge.
Foxglove	Thief level 4	A willowy human, long hair ties in a pony tail, looks a bit dangerous and dainty at the same time.

Gloomfrost 13th, Earthday

“Look—there, among the trees.” Balarus said to his fellow adventurers whilst motioning at a poorly concealed hut. It was a primitive wooden construction with foliage on top surrounded by a copse of trees. Among the bushes three purplish, hobbit sized mushrooms could be spotted.

Balarus followed the trail from the waylaid barge. A hobbit merchant approached Braggi three days ago. His goods—six barrels of fine silk—were stolen by a bunch of bandits. “All I know is that bastards have a flaming eye painted on their shields!” Some people were killed too, but that wasn't his primary concern. He had little to pay with, but did say that “Listen, there was a chest full of coin there. Proceeds from other merchants... I won't tell anyone if you happen to find it...”

Party of six—Balarus, Bragi, Crosonus, Foxglove, and Ignaeus—rode along the mighty river Farhills. Once they found the shored barge, Balarus was able to follow the tracks all the way to the bandits' hideout.

Foxglove snuck up to the hut. Mushrooms began shrieking violently. Everyone promptly hid in the bushes, missile weapons at the ready. After few minutes the lean-to plank that served as hut's doors fell straight to the ground. Groggy looking pig-faced orc stepped out, shielding his eyes from the sun with his right hand, and holding a saggy wineskin in his right.

He looked around for few seconds. Then he proceed to the closest screaming mushroom and poured some liquid on it. Shroom went quiet. He repeated the process with remaining two. Once they were all quiet, he went back into the hut, lifting the plank back in its place.

Adventurers quietly approached the hut. Shrooms remained quiet. Beefy Balarus grabbed the plank with his mighty thews, and then stepped backwards quietly. Foxglove and Ignaeus moved in, surprising the orc sitting on the ground. Elf skewered the beast straight through its throat. Then he jerked the blade sideways, ripping of half of its neck and face.

Heavy wooden trapdoor with a large iron ring sat at the bottom square-shaped depression. Right next to it were three wooden pillars with one beam jutting above the trapdoor. This was obviously a very primitive pulley system to lift and lower heavy objects through the pit below.

Balarus the Mighty forced the trapdoor open. Iron rungs descended down the thirty feet deep pit. Adventurers dropped down a single gold coin that had continual light cast on it. That hadn't revealed much except that the floor was stone.

Foxglove quietly descended, minding the rungs. You never know where a trap could be. As soon as he jumped down he was jumped by eight bloodthirsty pig-faced monsters armed with hand-axes and shields with flaming eye painted on them. Ignaeus rushed down to help his friend. Balarus and Bragi followed. Brutal skirmish was over in less than a minute. Orcs fought to the bitter end, but were no match for the more experienced and better armed adventurers. Searching their corpses produced four hundred fifty two gold pieces.

There were two exits from the anteroom—-doors to the north and open corridor to the south. Party went north, until they reached a four-way junction. A square chamber with a large marble statue of two lovers kissing was straight ahead. It was a rare crimson marble, and would surely be worth something to an arts collector. Two dozen logs rested against the east wall. The statue rested on hay and straw. The chamber was otherwise empty.

East corridor stretched into darkness, as did the west one. Adventurers opted for the latter one. They soon reached another junction, splintering south and east.

Following east route led them to two dead ends. The first was a rectangular chamber with a number of large ceramic pots with lids. One of them had “DO NOT BREAK” inscribed on top. Foxglove lifted the lid, saw a giant rattle snake slithering amongst thousands of coins, slammed the lid shut, and left the chamber. The second was an unfinished tunnel. Abandoned shovels and pickaxes were strewn about. Adventurers helped themselves to some of the mining equipment.

Then they backtracked and went down the east corridor. Forcing the doors open unleashed horrible stench upon the party. Two large white apes with thick iron collars around their necks charged the adventurers. Balarus slammed the doors shuts, but was driven back by sheer strength of the ape duo.

Ignaeus put his magical sword to use and froze one of the apes. Balarus killed the other one with a single blow. He swung his battle axe straight down the giant ape's right shoulder until he hit the hip. Then he kicked the simian, jerking his two-handed axe loose. Nothing but vile stench was to be found in this chamber.

Forcing the south doors led the party to another junction. Pressing further south resulted with an interesting encounter.

“W-who goes there?” a meek voice inquired from darkness.

“Justice!” Ignaeus retorted and marched on.

Four scrawny guys huddled in a center of square chamber. They were armed with spears. Shields with the familiar motif of flaming eye leaned against the south wall. The party hesitated for seven seconds before running them down. One dared to attempt escape. Balarus and Bragi shot him down. Although scrawny, the four bandits had a total of six hundred forty six gold pieces.

“Let's head back to Hara, heal, and return here.”

Everyone agreed. Riding back, they reached the fortified city of merchants several hours after dusk.

Will their follow-up delve be as successful as the first one?

#Wilderlands #SessionReport

Subscribe to get the latest post in your inbox. No spam.

---

Comments