Session 37 Notes - Round 2 Complete

28th Uktar 1371 DR
Late Afternoon
Waterdeep, Fields of Triumph, Coenoby
Cold and damp

Injury Report:
None...All healed up thanks to the generosity of Kelemvor guided Divine healing by Egwaine and some wands which are running out of charges.

Spells Remaining:
Alobron 4-0, 4-1st, 2-2nd, 2-3rd, 1-4th
Egwaine 6-0, 4-1st, 2-2nd, 3-3rd, 2-4th, 1+1-5th, 1+1-6th
Kamist 2-0, 8+1mm-1st, 4-2nd, 3-3rd, 6-4th, 2-5th
Menelvagor 4-0, 4-1st, 3-2nd, 2-3rd, 4-4th, 4-5th

At dawn on the 28th the Heroes were awken to an Arena Warden delivering a letter from Jasper:

25 Uktar 1371 DR

Dear Young Masters,

It has been many days since you left Diamond Lake on Alustan’s mission. Since you have been gone you may have heard that Diamond Lake has suffered some serious setbacks. The Worm Zombie infestation is still plaguing us, but Eldron and I are holding our own. A few days ago Dolgun showed up missing part of his throat and his fire breathing habits. Eldron and I have put him to work helping Mojdeh with the daily chores. My friend Otto has moved on but promised he would be back soon. He apparently has set out to try and find the source of the infestation. I urged him to stay and told him that this is what you all have been working on but he insisted. Oh… also there is this very large Dragon that has been reported attacking fleeing refugees up and down the Dessarin River. He has even been seen flying over Diamond Lake late in the evening; Because of this, Eldron has been perfecting his targeting with the Ballista…I think I finally have the kinks worked out of the pulley mechanism…It can now be operated by either two or three strong men or by hooking up ‘Jack’ and ‘Blue’ to the device and slapping their rears or throwing some vegetables in the case of ‘Blue’. Not to ramble…I sure hope things are going well in Waterdeep…I trust your accommodations are comfortable…Dolgun was given specific instructions in this matter.

As for Company administration…I would like to put Mojdeh on the payroll. I have become quite fond of her over the past few tendays. Also, I will draw a distribution from the vault…We are running low on gold (almost out) since you took all the treasure with you short of some items and trinkets…I will sell them off to stay in business…You see, the rent is do and Gansworth is very impatient these days now that business in town has dwindled. I hope this note finds you in good health.

Also, Alustan stopped by and hopes you return soon as he wants to depart on some, what he calls, expedition and is asking that you accompany him.

With honor and service,

Jasper.

After Egwaine conjured up some food the Heroes ate and waited for for their match with Pitch Blade. During this time some minor encounters occurred. The Heroes also discovered another Worm Vat and destroyed it and talked briefly with Auric and Khellick. They also found a slain Arena Warden in the Coeneoby halls. It was a bit quieter this morning now that most of the Teams have been eliminated.

During the first match, The Heroes received a letter from Loris Raknian:

27th Uktar 1371

Kamist and the Gladiators of Three Hills,

It has come to my attention that we should meet. If you survive the battle with Pitch Blade I shall meet you in the Titan's Hall at Midnight and I will tell you everything. I know you must think terrible things of me, but I assure you, you are mistaken. It is not me that you seek...I hope you will keep my trust in confidence because none of us are safe. Be watchful and on guard and meet me at Midnight.

Loris Raknian

After the morning meal the Heroes watched in horror as The Teeth of Malar ripped the Unhumans to shreds and feasted on their hearts all before a subdued crowd that remained awkwardly quite at the end of the fight due to the carnal massacre. One of the Teeth of Malar was slain and two were injured by the silver weapons provided by the Heroes.

At highsun on the 28th the battle with Pitch Blade was most glorious and deadly and was detailed by Kamist here. During the Battle the Heroes noticed that Loris Raknian was notably missing and Ekyam seemed very disturbed as if something was wrong. After the match Kamist used a message spell to talk to Ekyam and learned that Eligos and his servant, Pollard, had been slain. Ekyam said that he would be down later to visit with them and would bring with him the following items:

-Scroll of Alter Self
-Scroll of Lesser Restoration x 5
-Scribing ink 100gp worth
-Confirmation that he delivered the note to Oliver Westar detailing the events to date in the Fields of Triumph.

During the third Match for Round 2, Auric and Khellick made quick work of the Iron Hill Monkeys and won in an unfair fight. One of the constructs was destroyed by a 'secret monk trick' and all the Iron Hill Monkeys were removed with injuries. They are now recovering in the Coenoby infirmary.

Tomorrow is the 29th of Uktar and Round 3 of the Champions' Games Tournament.

Will the Heroes discover the real culprit behind this nefarious plan? Will Tyree remember to meet with Ilona from the Snow Leopards? Will Storn be able to repair his armor before the next Round after it was damaged by the Dire Tiger?...and Will the Teeth of Malar turn out to be that tough after all. For the answers to these and more, tune in to the next Session of the Age of Worms Campaign.

Session 36 ReCap - Darkest Evil

28th Uktar 1371 DR
Dawn
Waterdeep, Fields of Triumph, Coenoby
Cold, damp, below ground



After exploring the secret chambers between the Coenoby and the Service levels, the Heroes return to the Coenoby without incident. It wa slearned that indeed, Loris Raknian is most likely in cahoots with the Darkest Evil Ebon Triad and is complicate in the Dark Ritual dealing with the Apostolic Scroll. At a minimum Raknian intended to use the worm vats to infect the people of Waterdeep. Of course it could also be that he had no knowledge of these activities at all. The Heroes recall how Balabar Smenk was duped by the Ebon Triad as well.


It was also learned that Raknian was attempting to keep the Wood Chuckers and Snow Leopards for some foul purpose yet undisclosed. A tough decision as what to do. So for now the Heroes have decided to play along and discover more of the plot before acting. With Bozol the vile teifling Preist of Kyuss slain, the Heroes know at least he will not be completing his diabolic plan, whatever that may have been.


After a good night's sleep, only interrupted by a Snow Leopard yearning for Tyree's embrace (blocked by Storn, who was on watch), the Heroes find it dawn and the next round upon them.


Match 1: (morning) Teeth of Malar vs The Unhumans
Match 2: (highsun) Pitch Blade vs Three Hills
Match 3: (late afternoon) Iron Hill Monkeys vs Auric's Warband


Is Loris Raknian all that he is thought to be? Will the Heroes be victorious in the arena? Who is this mysterious Captain Okorol anyways? Will the Heroes make their move and arrest Raknian with the evidence they have already assembled...For the answers to these and more, tune in next session to the Age of Worm Campaign.

Session 36 - Intro

27th Uktar 1371 DR
Highsun
Waterdeep, Fields of Triumph, Shrine of Kyuss
Cold and damp

As you stand over the body of Bozal (one of the Tieflings called him that), one gets the impression that defeating him was a very good thing for the City of Waterdeep and the people of the Sword Coast. Though you don't think you can get at the scroll, the decision becomes what to do next. There are unexplored stone doors to the west bathed in a green glow emanating from the Apostolic Scroll. To the north is a single unexplored reinforced wooden door. As it is just highsun the guards most likely are still distracted with the exhibition games. You all figure you have at least until late afternoon before someone starts missing you.

For a bonus XP reward...see below and email a list of the three dead gods that make up the Ebon Triad (no later than Friday 2/13 at 3:00PM PST). So rewards for those that read these posts and figure it out prior to the Session.

Session 35 - Re-Cap Notes

27th Uktar 1371 DR
Highsun
Waterdeep, Fields of Triumph, below the arena
Cold and damp

The heroes battled undead and found their leader, a rather disturbing fat evil Priest of Kyuss armed with an unholy magical club and lots of spells. In the running melee, the Heroes battled Kyuss Spawn, Kyuss Swarms, Wights, a Mohrg, Evil Tiefling Cultists, a Summoned Fiendish Dire Tiger, and their leader. The Heroes also found an artifact known as an Apostolic Scroll laid open upon a wicked looking altar protected by a temporal stasis. A green glow emanating from the scroll oozes onto large stone doors in the west wall of the room.

With the burned bodies of the Tieflings strewn about the Heroes stand shocked at the discovery of this evil artifact. Whatever these cultist were up to it looks like, at a minimum, the most dastardly and foul plans for the City of Waterdeep. Two Kyuss worm filled vats with wax coverings are evidence enough. The question remains as what to do.

Injury Report:
Alobron: Lightly injured 116 of 119 HPs
Tyree: Drained and lightly injured 96 of 106 HPs (-2 negative levels)
Egwaine: Lightly injured 87 of 90 HPs

Spells Remaining:
Kamist: 3x0, 8x1, 5x2, 4x3, 4x4
Alobron: 4x0, 3x1, 3x2, 1x3
Egwaine: 5x0, 5x1, 4x2, 3x3, 3x4, 3x5
Menelvagor: (Used) 4x0, 1x2, 2x3, 1x4, 1x5

Be careful Heroes...this place still seethes with evil and now that the silence spell is gone all can hear various bumps, rattles, and clattering in the distance.

Session 35

Please bring a paper copy of your character sheet with you please. Please do not be that guy that shows up only with a laptop FUMBLING to look up some stat when asked while we all wait for the laptop to boot up, World of Warcraft to be closed, the little hourglass, etc.

Also, when rolling please call out the RESULTS; For instance when rolling an attack roll please call the AC you hit or if making a save call out the number. Rolls in which the palyer says "I hit or I make it (refering to saves)," will be considered auto fails from now on."

Session 35 Intro - Amongst the Dead...Again

27th Uktar 1371 DR
Mid-Morning
Waterdeep, Fields of Triumph, below the arena
Cold and damp

Having just destroyed a number of undead Kyuss Spawn, the Heroes find themselves in a dank and damp stone passage. To the west is a circular room that slopes downward to a center open pit leading to pure foulness from the smell. To the east a passage that ends in a doorway. A crimson banner hangs on the south wall along this passage complete with strange markings displaying a symbol of three dead gods (Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul) encircled in a silver circle.

The bodies of the creatures still squirm with movement as worms writhe within. They are hopelessly hacked and burned, so it seems like they pose no danger, but they still are very creepy. At least two of them bear the markings of merchants and still have full sets of hair as if they were recently created(infested). The whole situation is both morbidly foul and sad at the same time. These were probably good men at one time...recently. Egwaine is particularly vexed by the situation and has to take a moment to collect herself and quietly utters a prayer to Kelemvor that she may stop this madness and return a natural balance to the abdominal situation these worms pose.

Menelvagor takes particular notice to the worms moving under the flesh of the now still (mostly) bodies of the Kyuss Spawn. Within one of the bodies that was not burned, the worms seem to writhe as if preparing to leave the body.

Rumple notices movement to the east beyond the doorway. He points to the shadows that can be seen under the doorway silhouetted by the light of the room beyond.

Tread carefully Heroes; You are in an apparently EEEEEVIL place.

Session 34 Notes - More Undead

27th Uktar 1371 DR
Mid-Morning
Waterdeep, Fields of Triumph ($77)
Clear cool winter sea breeze

The Heroes of the Three Hills Adventuring Company having been victorious in the First round of the Champions’ Games are rewarded to a very well made dinner and the comfort of a much less crowded Coenoby. After some telling encounters, the Heroes were visited by Ekyam who brought some supplies (1200gp worth handed out during the session).

Turns out Ekyam had ulterior motives for entering the Heroes in the Games. He spent some time confessing that he really is after his missing sister who he fears became lovers with Loris Raknian (the owner and chief promoter of the Fields of Triumph and the Champions’ Games). Ekyam offered to hand over his share of the winnings to the Heroes in exchange for their help finding his missing sister. He suspects Loris has perpetuated some form of foul play and wants the Heroes to find out what happened to his sister. He sadly opined that she is dead and reports that his investigation to date has revealed that she disappeared a year ago at the conclusion of last year’s Games (where Auric and Kellek were victorious).

Though the Heroes were tempted by the exceptional prizes (gold and magical items) of the exhibition games (on the 27th) they wisely made a solid, safe, and conservative decision to forgo them. Instead they used the distraction of the exhibition games to explore one of the Secret locations discovered by the Master Searcher, Rumple. During the open challenge contest verses the grizzled Bear Warrior, Gozul the Brown, the Heroes slipped past the arena warden patrols to explore the secret area behind the wine seller. One of the Heroes lifted a couple bottles of fine wine and filled 6 empty bottles of vinegar for some clever purpose. The Heroes were delayed by Tyree and Menelvagor who chose to split from the others to watch the first exhibition match. Tyree yelled in vain at Gozul and only became frustrated when the cheering crowd drowned out his shouts no matter how loud he yelled (funny).

Finally the Heroes were rejoined and as they proceeded into the unknown, of course, they found undead; Kyuss Spawn specifically.

Something is foul smelling down here; real bad.

Session 34 Intro - Back to the Coenoby

26th Uktar 1371 DR

Late Afternoon

Coenoby, Fields of Triumph, Waterdeep

Cold, foggy, damp below

By late afternoon the heroes have returned to the Coenoby. It is quieter as many of the teams have been eliminated and no longer occupy their quarters. Interesting enough, some of the teams who have been eliminated are still present. It seems that some may be participating in the exhibition games or are being treated in the infirmary. The remaining winning teams include:

Three Hills (Rank 7) Quick victory; strategic

Iron Hill Monkeys (Rank 5) Long match; 2 killed, 3 injured - infirmary

Teeth of Malar (Rank 9) Quick victory; killed all of the Crazy 8 except Kazgiron - infirmary

Auric's War Band (Rank 9) Strategic victory; one construct destroyed

The Unhumans (Rank 6) Ruthless victory; 2 killed, 1 injured, 1 drained

Pitch Blade (Rank 8) Ruthless victory; killed all of Drunken Devilry and all Draconic Brood

The losing teams still housed in the Coenoby include:

Snow Leopards (Tyree there still may be hope) 2 injured; surrendered

One of Us (disqualified but still present) failed to take the field

Chuko's Ravens (disqualified but still present) left the arena and put spectators in danger

The WoodChuckers (5 killed, 3 injured; infirmary) paid a heavy toll to the Skull of Velsharoon

Whatever is to come the heroes know that they should be returning soon to Diamond Lake and can only speculate as to what may be happening back there.