Game On Session 02 - The Whispering Cairn

Looks like we have a game for Friday. Bring chow or order before game. We will be starting at 6:30 PM and finsihing up by 11:00 PM due to logistical reasons. New updates on the Campaign Setting Page and Kamist's Notes page. Look back here tomorrow for a Session Introduction.

Session 00A and 01, Post Session Report

2nd of Marpenoth, 1371DR
Afternoon
Three Hills Adventuring Company
Cloudy but clearing, crisp and cold, light winds from Southwest

The Rescue
The young heroes pushed deeper into the subterranean cavern and discovered another group of Lizardmen. This time a fight was avoided and due to extraordinary restraint from Storn, there actually was a "parley", rare in these parts these days. Essentially, one of the Lizardmen who actually spoke some broken common communicated that they intended to take the children back to their tribe and eat them. They viewed the children as their property and demanded trade in exchange for the Children. Storn was about to attack, but when the leader of the Lizardmen, named Skarl grabbed little Reza and put a knife to his throat, Storn wisely allowed Kamist to negotiate. Kamist initially traded his prized and signature hat for the child named Gholam and then agreed to trade two sheep for the child Reza.

The whole process worked and the Children were rescued at the cost of 2 sheep and 1 expensive hat. Highlights of Skarl's Conversation were as follows:

“You man things…you stop-it what you doing…HSSSSS…We make no trouble you…YOU go and leave us be…HSSSSS”
“These be only young man things worth no much…HSSSS…We capture them fair and we now take them to tribe far away to eat in great feast…HSSS”
“We not want fight…HSSSS” “We make deal…HSSSS”
“We of Twisted Branch Tribe…We make no war with man things…HSSS”
“We honor truce…but man build Stone towers and break deal of past…HSSS…Kill our people starve our children…HSSS”

“You kill my brothers…HSSS…no reason…HSSS…Young man things not for you unless you pay us something…something good…HSSSS”


“HSSSS…now you make deal with Skarl or I cut this little man thing’s head off”

“Now I want deal we go and leave here…after we get sheep we let little man thing go…HSSSS…You take deal or little man child die here right now….HSSSSS”


“HSSSS…you man things are like wild animals…maybe it is better if one day we rid out territory of your kind…we grow strong then we fight you till you leave us alone…we strong warriors…we live here first before you kind come here…you go and take your dirty people away or we attack you and kill all your people and women and children we eat after big fire and roast away bad stink of man on meat….HSSSS…we have new black friend he come help us and be our strong big brother…we beat you next time we meet…HSSS then Skarl eat you piece by piece…HSSSS yessssss ”

Good thing the Heroes negotiated because there ended up actually being a total of 13 Lizardmen. And though it would probably have gone in the Heroes favor, more than one of the young Heroes could have fallen.

Trek Back to Diamond Lake
The trek is uneventful, but the Heroes did see a camp fire near the Western Edge of the Lake. Whoever it was did not want to share their fire, because when Storn let out a loud yell silencing the wailing Calashite women, the camp fire went dark. The Heroes chose not to investigate. The rest of the trip was uneventful except for an encounter with the Cult of Final Passage, "Bless you brothers and may we not see you again soon."

Calashite Compounds
The Calashite community comes out to greet the Heroes and celebrate their triumphant return. Parvin, Het's Mother, gives the Heroes a reward of two matching masterworked Calashite shortswords. All realize that this is the family's prized possessions. They then take the Heores to the Hungry Gar and have a feast in their honor. There is good cheer and merriment. Kamist and Carenthal find new friends (Roya and Golnaz) and share some special time with them. Golnaz seems pretty sweet on Carenthal and she wants to see him again...and maybe again. Nora dissapeared for a while with a Calashite tough named Morteza and is seen by Dolgun sneaking back into the party. Hector, Nora's father, has private words with Dolgun. Eldron visits with his mother, who works at the Hungry Gar, and gives her 100gp to help pay off the Crownshield family debt.

Back at the Adventuring Company (2nd Marpenoth, 1371DR)
The Heroes awake to another morning meal prepared by Jasper. Tarin and Sarin were arguing over a map of the Stirgenest Cairn. The argument centers on Sarin taking the position that there must be something of value in the Stigenest Cairn if three seasoned adventurers from Waterdeep where in Daimond Lake to explore the Cairn. After heated words they actually begin wrestling and Jasper has to break them up. Carenthal learns that one of the Adventures from Waterdeep is an expert dart thrower and has been taking on challenges at the Ferel Dog.

After Jasper lets the Heroes know that Morgan, Elgan, Suzanna, Bogar and Jerrin departed earlier for destination unknown, the Heroes tell Jasper about the Lizardmen. Jasper insists that the Heroes make their way to the garrison and repot the matter to one of the Lieutenants there. He also asks the Heroes to deliver a soft leather case to Dietrik the Cartographer also at the Garrison.

Diamond Lake
The Heores head of into town and head straight for the Emporium. Dolgun sees Chezabet the fortune teller and sells her the 5 dragon scales for 1,250gp. She identifies them as "Shed Scales" from a Large Black Dragon. She explains that "Shed Scales" are a rare find because they can usually only be found in the lair of the Dragon itself.

She then tells Kamist his fortune:

"You will meet a man with a dog. He is a fisherman. He will want to take you with him by boat to a land of fire. If you go with him you will die"

She then tells Nora her fortune:

"For Nora a fortune fraught with danger. You will travel to a swamp filled with green worms of death. Danger awaits. Old friends become foes and once foes become friends."

The Heroes then go to leave and Carenthal is recognized by a group of striking miners. They point and accuse him of being part of Smenk's gang of thugs led by Kullen the Albino half-orc. The miners begin chasing them and throwing rocks and fruit. The Heroes retreated into the Emporium, but then sneak out the back. Nora had an opportunity to demonstrate her inexperience; having escaped the miners, she decided to re-engage them for no good reason.

The Garrison
The Heroes saw a Garrison foot patrol leaving the Garrison led by the noteworthy Sgt. Voss. The Heroes then made their report to a Lieutenant Trovost Skunt, who is rumored to be the worst and most corrupt of the normally very professional staff of the Garrison. He pays them 150gp for the 6 lizardmen necklaces; apparently some bounty. The Heroes then talk to Dietrik who was speaking with a Ranger or Scout that one of the Heroes recognizes as Merris Sandovar. He is talking to Dietrik about some flying large creature when the Heroes interrupt them. Dietrik talks to the Heroes briefly about this Whispering Cairn and asks them to find it and offers them 25gp for information as to its location.

Supplies and Logistics
The Heroes then visit Taggin's General Store. Here Nora's father Hector works. Hector and Nora have a family fight. Nora is totally disrespectful and nearly gets her father fired. Nora has serious issues and is an embarrassment to the Behzadi Family; at least in her father's eyes. More than one of the Hereos have known of Calashite men killing their own daughters in what is known as "Honor Killings" for even less disrespect and bad behavior in their eyes. Kamist orders a hat and few other supplies are purchased. The hat will be there for pickup on the 8th. After this, the Heroes return to the Adventuring Company compound in the afternoon, where they find Storn having completed a new masterwoked weapon and Tarin and Sarin having set off north towards the Boneyard without telling Jasper where they were going.

Kamist's Notes


Kamist seems intent on recording the events of the past by use of the written word. He maintains these notes in a jornal which he keeps by his side. Careful what you say or do as most likely Kamist will document your actions.

Session 00A - Introduction to Diamond Lake (continued)

1st of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
Late Afternoon
Muddy Lizardmen cave, south of Diamond Lake
Rain, chilly, moderate winds form southwest

Introduction
Drip…drip…drip…After the battle…all is quite. No more thrashing about in the shallow water; no more reptilian roars; and no more grunts or battle cries from the Heroes. And then…the fire from Dolgun’s fire breath goes out…and all the humans are blind in the pitch black. Of course, the dwarves can see just fine in the darkness and seem somewhat comfortable in the subterranean environment. Still, the group needs a light source. Luckily Trogdor popped a sunrod and now all can see. Yet it is at this very melancholy moment that all except the truly Rugged dwarves, accustomed to harsh conditions since birth, realize just how cold they have become. More than one of the Heroes realize that they did not properly equip themselves for the rain and cold. And after the plunge into the very cold water, it comes at no surprise that spending the entire afternoon out in the cold and rain has begun to take its toll on the ill prepared novice Heroes (Fort Save DC 12 to avoid the effects of the cold; -2 DEX until warmed by a fire or other heat source … “Dolgun, Don’t you do it”). Also, to the surprise of all, Dolgun and Trogdor seem to have sobered up.

The cave itself is about 20’ wide and 30’ long. There is another submerged exit to the west filled with muddy water and a Lizardfolk carcass. From time to time a bubble breaks the silence with an audible “bloop” sound. A search of the 5 Lizard carcasses in the cave and the one in the water produces the following items:

Loot (see props)
6 stone axes
5 Scale shields (2 smashed to oblivion)
6 fang/bone/bead necklaces like the one Saleem’s mom gave Nora.
15 sp
7 gp
7 black shiny stones (may have some value)
Net Bag (glass jar, 2 live 14” crawfish, bent silver comb, and another bent shinny bucket)

Motivation
All the Heroes know they are close and must push on if they want to save the boys. Logic says that the boys just might be found deeper into the cave. This single act of saving these innocents just might put the novice band on the map as adventurers. Who is going first?

Session 00 Post Session Report

1st of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
Late Afternoon
Raining, cold, and windy
Muddy Lizardfolk cave, south along the western edge of Diamond Lake

Introduction
The young Heroes were awakened by Jasper and summoned to a meeting with the more experienced members of The Three Hills Adventuring Company, including Morgan Hizari the Leader. After a short performance by Suzanna, the young Heroes were welcomed by Morgan. Who explained the Rules of the Adventuring Company, and gave each new member a chance to introduce themselves to the others and to the senior members. Moragn then took each of the members around the Three Hills compound. Dolgun managed to take advantage of the free drinks policy and imbibed a legendary amount of Dwarven Ale, Wine, and regular Human Ale until he passed out. After the tour, Moragan answered as many questions as he could before retiring to his quarters with Suzanna.

Disturbing Event
A short while later as the sky opened up with a heavy rain, Calashite women could be heard screaming heading right for the compound. To the surprise of Het and Nora, it was their mothers and they were screaming that distinct Calashite women scream. Het's two brother's Gholam and Reza were playing by the lake with their friend Saleem. It was not clear at first but from what the Heroes could tell, they were abducted by monsters. Het and Nora headed over to the Calashite compounds and after Nora forgot here place as a Calashite women and was forced to retreat, Het was able to conduct an interview of Saleem. Saleem then agreed to lead Het to where the boys were taken by "walking crocodiles".

Crime Scene
The Heroes then moved out toward the place where the boys were taken accompanied by Saleem and the three noisy and screaming women, Parvin (Het's Mom), Suzanne (Nora's Mom, no relations to Suzanna), and Maryam (little Saleem's Mom). On the way the troop was attacked by a rogue large crocodile looking for an easy meal. The crocodile darted up out of the lake and attacked Carenthal biting him solidly by the torso and thrashing him about. It was a very dire situation as Carenthal went limp after a blood gurgling noise that sounded like a mixture of bubbling blood and crunching bone and flesh. Luckily the Heroes swarmed the beast, slayed it, and pried Carenthal out of its powerful jaws. Trogdor and was able to heal Carenthal enough to bring him from the edge of death's door.

At the location, the Heroes found evidence that confirmed that the children where taken by Lizardmen. They then set out to follow the tracks made by many Lizardmen along the banks of the Lake south. After a short while they found a mud cave dug into the side of the lake embankment.

Battle Was On
The Heroes jumped into the mud cave, waded in, and then held their breath and pushed below the water line to find a cave filled with Lizardmen who attacked immediately. After Defeating 6 Lizardmen, the Heroes have held up for a breather ready to push on to rescue the two boys. The three women should be OK standing there exposed in the rain next to the crocodile invested Lake...Or will they?

Session 00 - An Introduction to Diamond Lake

1st of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
Diamond Lake, Sword Coast
Cloudy, rain threatening, chilly, moderate winds form southwest

It comes as no surprise that the day after the annual HighHarvestide Festival that more than one of the new members of the Three Hills Adventuring Company is a bit under the weather. In fact Elron and Trogdor (-4 to everything) are completely smashed and drooling despite it already being Highsun. As the Heroes crawl out of their beds in the dusty Barracks they are greeted by Jasper who offers them a shot of spirits and hot cup of tea.

Good morning young Hero …Good that you have finally awakened. Please join the others in the Meeting Room for Morgan wishes to address you all”.

The Barracks are sparse, dusty, and drafty, but at least it is home…for now. Each new member of The Three Hills Adventuring Company has been issued one of 24 beds, a wardrobe, a weapons stand, and a medium chest with an iron lock of some sophistication. Aside form the 10 of you, there are 14 empty beds. Having just joined the Adventuring Company there has yet to be time to decorate or customize your personal space, but you think there is plenty of time for that in the future.

Game On

I think this Friday we have just got enough to get this campaign started and send off one of our own to his new life across the Realms. Check back for updates and all. There have been a number of suggestions as to what to do for this farewell, some good some bad. So lets talk via email and telephone to get this farewell and send off right. As far the entertainment goes, I do recommend we keep it above board as evil is often found in dark places.

New PCs

Well it was a little clunky but we made it through generating PCs for the new Campaign. We made nine (9) new PCs last night and we still have one to go. This looks like one of those campaigns where we will need people to be absent each session, less it will be a shouting match just to play. But we should all rejoice in the inconvience as we can all remember the days (not to long ago) when we were hard pressed to find other Gamers like ourselves.

So I think the policy will be that if we have five (5) players we have a game and those that miss will just get either NPC'd of will be off doing something else.

Again thanks for the Players patience and understanding, I hope you all liked the background generation that two of us created over the Summer. Oh...and how we ended up with so many stubborn, alcoholic dwarves, one of which is deathly afraid of worms is anybody's guess.

Looks like we are in for a raucous and rowdy time..gods save the Three Hills Adventuring Company...meet your new members.

Lets Get Started

Welcome Gamers. Step up to bar and share a drink with an old friend. The prices here at Lazar's House may be a little high but at least you know what you are drinking. Stay awhile, perhaps a game of dragonchess is your fancy.

Lets get started by Making Characters for the upcoming Age of Worms Campaign. Follow the link to the left or just click here.
Welcome traveler, who is many and yet one. By chance or by fate, you have come to another world, beyond any you might have known. Here there be dragons, gods, legends and magic. A world of epic fantasy limited only by your imagination. Here is a place of dreams, dark and light, where names have power and the truth comes in fiction. Here, there be cheer and laughter, wit and jest and all things wonderful. And though you may wear many faces and names (and wear them you will, with the power and magic of each), ever may you find yourself delving within, becoming yourself by escaping. For what can be mightier than you, yourself? Here, there be friends and welcome. So come share a drink and pass the time –Choose a face and name to mime. Become a dream and you will find, the power uncanny within your mind. Welcome to the Forgotten Realms.

-DM GetDark, He of Many Faces