[This entry is a recap of the fifth gaming session, which took place on August 29th 2009. It was a transition phase, having finished the first "delve", Coppernight Hold, which is contained in the official game supplement called Dungeon Delve.]
On our way back to Fallcrest it started raining, so by the time we got back in town we were soaked. Thus, we decided to go back to the Nentir Inn for some well-earned rest.
Upon entering the inn, we were greeted by much cheer, everybody present having heard of our adventures from the rescued dwarves themselves. Erandil Zemoar, the owner, came to us and offered us drinks and lodgings on the house (knowing full well, I suspect, that our presence here would insure a steady flow of curious of Fallcrest citizens).
People rushed to congratulate us, and it took a few minutes before we were able to sit down with our drinks.
A curious tiefling by the name of Serim Selduzar also came to us, telling us that he might have a proposition for us. But then the innkeeper came back to our table, and the tiefling rushed off, saying he would talk to us later.
We supped, and then I tried ― once more ― to sense if the scale mail armor that we found was magical. I was having difficulties focusing, what with all the noise in the common room, so I went up to my room where I resumed my efforts. There, finally, I sensed the magic contained in it, vibrating, a soothing tremor which induced me into some kind of trance.
On our way back to Fallcrest it started raining, so by the time we got back in town we were soaked. Thus, we decided to go back to the Nentir Inn for some well-earned rest.
Upon entering the inn, we were greeted by much cheer, everybody present having heard of our adventures from the rescued dwarves themselves. Erandil Zemoar, the owner, came to us and offered us drinks and lodgings on the house (knowing full well, I suspect, that our presence here would insure a steady flow of curious of Fallcrest citizens).
People rushed to congratulate us, and it took a few minutes before we were able to sit down with our drinks.
A curious tiefling by the name of Serim Selduzar also came to us, telling us that he might have a proposition for us. But then the innkeeper came back to our table, and the tiefling rushed off, saying he would talk to us later.
We supped, and then I tried ― once more ― to sense if the scale mail armor that we found was magical. I was having difficulties focusing, what with all the noise in the common room, so I went up to my room where I resumed my efforts. There, finally, I sensed the magic contained in it, vibrating, a soothing tremor which induced me into some kind of trance.
Eyes closed, I was seeing the [Black Iron Armor, lvl 4], receiving brief but illuminated flashes of the various enchantments laid upon it… first, a lustrous lacquer of protection [+1]… then a thin layer of cold, luminous life-liquid, for minor protective properties against flames & death magic [Resist 5 fire / 5 necrotic].
I then opened my eyes, a surge of joy and sadness overpowering my mind. Joy, for it was the first time that I succeeded so completely in feeling and understanding the magic contained in an object. Sadness, because I remembered all the times I practiced this with my Father, all his encouragement and level-headedness despite my difficulties and impatience. He would have been proud…
I went back downstairs and told Trax and Gilthos about what I had found out, and we all agreed that Trax should be the one to use it. He tried it on at once.
Soon after, we went to bed.
I then opened my eyes, a surge of joy and sadness overpowering my mind. Joy, for it was the first time that I succeeded so completely in feeling and understanding the magic contained in an object. Sadness, because I remembered all the times I practiced this with my Father, all his encouragement and level-headedness despite my difficulties and impatience. He would have been proud…
I went back downstairs and told Trax and Gilthos about what I had found out, and we all agreed that Trax should be the one to use it. He tried it on at once.
Soon after, we went to bed.
* * *
The next morning, after breakfast, we gathered all our stuff and left the Inn. First we crossed over to the other side of the Nentir River using the Five-Arch Bridge, paying the required toll.
Then, we made our way to the Halfmoon Trading House. Upon entering the store, we were greeted by Selarund Halfmoon, a friendly Halfling who talked like a torrent. Eventually, we were able to tell him that we wanted to sell some weapons and armor, but he told us he wasn't into that kind of equipment, so we said our goodbies and left for another nearby shop called House Azaer.
There, we entered a shop owned by a family of tieflings, the Azaers. Although they sell weapons and armors, they were not interested in buying used ones, so we went on our way.
We had to walk to the other side of town this time before we reached a fine shop called Naerumar's Imports. There, we were greeted by Naerumar himself ― a refined and lofty tiefling ― who also informed us that he was not interested in mundane weapons and armors. We thanked him and continued on.
Having gone down to the lower part of Fallcrest, we then reached Teldorthan's Arms. There, we met with Teldorthan Ironhews, the town's weaponsmith and armorer, along with his apprentices (two of whom are his sons). Finally, we were able to sell the kobold weapons and armors, along with the magical bearskin (he was particularly taken with it, mentioning that he might put it on his doorstep so as to make it easier should he have to defend it). Gilthos bought himself a dagger, and Trax a bastard sword (wanting to learn how to wield it).
This being done, we made our way to the highest part of the city, and reached Moonstone Keep, an old castle sitting atop a steep-sided hill overlooking the town. There were lots of guards patrolling, but I didn't feel any tension, any danger.
Having climbed the hill we finally reached the castle, where the captain of the guard greeted us.
"What can I do for you gentlemen?" he asked. Once we had explained that we wanted to see Lord Markelhay, he left for a few minutes, then came back to take us in. He led us to a comfortable study where Lord Markelhay was sitting behind a massive wooden desk, surrounded by an opulent and luxurious library, looking over some papers.
He greeted us warmly, calling us "My friends", bidding us to sit down with him and tell him of our adventures in Coppernight Hold. Having listened to all we had to say, he rewarded us with a purse containing 150 gp (50 each), and then proceeded to invite us to dine with him and his family.
We were then treated to a succulent meal, in the company of Lord Markelhay himself, his wife Allande (a cool and reserved woman, younger than her husband), and three of their children (the fourth and eldest, Ernesto, is currently away in the south, living in the court of another ruler). Over the course of the meal, Lord Markelhay told us about Kobold Hall.
"Kobold Hall was once a lord's prized dwelling, a walled keep overlooking the old King's Road. But that was years ago, and now nobody even remembers the lord's name and the glories he earned. Ever since the malicious pests have invaded it, it has been called Kobold Hall. It has been overrun by the Cloak Wood, with trees growing in abandoned gardens and courtyards. It is said that several kobold tribes live within the ruins, hiding in the many tunnels, ruins and cellars. They mostly stay within the keep, but they have been known to attack caravans traveling along the old King's Road, and even to attack surrounding villages. Recently, they ambushed a merchant caravan that was headed here, and numerous necessary supplies were stolen. Frankly, I have had enough.
So if you will agree to clear out Kobold Hall, I will pay a bounty of 5 gold pieces for every kobold ear you bring me, and an additional 100 gp if you bring back some proof that the ruins have been cleared out.
What say you?"
We looked at each other for an instant, then told him that we were willing to take this task on. He was overjoyed and offered us a final drink. Shortly after that, Lady Allande came to see me, and discreetly told me that she was also a practitioner of the Art. Baffled and slightly nervous, I asked her how she knew, and she told me that there was an unmistakable feeling about me, which she ― having been a magic user for years ― could plainly feel. We discussed this for a few minutes, and then she advised me to go see Nimozaran the Green, a wizard living in Septarch's Tower, here in town. She said that he might be able to provide some rituals. I thanked her profusely.
Not long after, Lord Markelhay told us that it was time for him to retire to his rooms. He saw us outside, finishing by saying that if all went well, he would have further assignments for us, mentioning some trouble in the nearby city of Winterhaven.
We made our way back to the inn, and went to bed.
There, we entered a shop owned by a family of tieflings, the Azaers. Although they sell weapons and armors, they were not interested in buying used ones, so we went on our way.
We had to walk to the other side of town this time before we reached a fine shop called Naerumar's Imports. There, we were greeted by Naerumar himself ― a refined and lofty tiefling ― who also informed us that he was not interested in mundane weapons and armors. We thanked him and continued on.
Having gone down to the lower part of Fallcrest, we then reached Teldorthan's Arms. There, we met with Teldorthan Ironhews, the town's weaponsmith and armorer, along with his apprentices (two of whom are his sons). Finally, we were able to sell the kobold weapons and armors, along with the magical bearskin (he was particularly taken with it, mentioning that he might put it on his doorstep so as to make it easier should he have to defend it). Gilthos bought himself a dagger, and Trax a bastard sword (wanting to learn how to wield it).
This being done, we made our way to the highest part of the city, and reached Moonstone Keep, an old castle sitting atop a steep-sided hill overlooking the town. There were lots of guards patrolling, but I didn't feel any tension, any danger.
Having climbed the hill we finally reached the castle, where the captain of the guard greeted us.
"What can I do for you gentlemen?" he asked. Once we had explained that we wanted to see Lord Markelhay, he left for a few minutes, then came back to take us in. He led us to a comfortable study where Lord Markelhay was sitting behind a massive wooden desk, surrounded by an opulent and luxurious library, looking over some papers.
He greeted us warmly, calling us "My friends", bidding us to sit down with him and tell him of our adventures in Coppernight Hold. Having listened to all we had to say, he rewarded us with a purse containing 150 gp (50 each), and then proceeded to invite us to dine with him and his family.
We were then treated to a succulent meal, in the company of Lord Markelhay himself, his wife Allande (a cool and reserved woman, younger than her husband), and three of their children (the fourth and eldest, Ernesto, is currently away in the south, living in the court of another ruler). Over the course of the meal, Lord Markelhay told us about Kobold Hall.
"Kobold Hall was once a lord's prized dwelling, a walled keep overlooking the old King's Road. But that was years ago, and now nobody even remembers the lord's name and the glories he earned. Ever since the malicious pests have invaded it, it has been called Kobold Hall. It has been overrun by the Cloak Wood, with trees growing in abandoned gardens and courtyards. It is said that several kobold tribes live within the ruins, hiding in the many tunnels, ruins and cellars. They mostly stay within the keep, but they have been known to attack caravans traveling along the old King's Road, and even to attack surrounding villages. Recently, they ambushed a merchant caravan that was headed here, and numerous necessary supplies were stolen. Frankly, I have had enough.
So if you will agree to clear out Kobold Hall, I will pay a bounty of 5 gold pieces for every kobold ear you bring me, and an additional 100 gp if you bring back some proof that the ruins have been cleared out.
What say you?"
We looked at each other for an instant, then told him that we were willing to take this task on. He was overjoyed and offered us a final drink. Shortly after that, Lady Allande came to see me, and discreetly told me that she was also a practitioner of the Art. Baffled and slightly nervous, I asked her how she knew, and she told me that there was an unmistakable feeling about me, which she ― having been a magic user for years ― could plainly feel. We discussed this for a few minutes, and then she advised me to go see Nimozaran the Green, a wizard living in Septarch's Tower, here in town. She said that he might be able to provide some rituals. I thanked her profusely.
Not long after, Lord Markelhay told us that it was time for him to retire to his rooms. He saw us outside, finishing by saying that if all went well, he would have further assignments for us, mentioning some trouble in the nearby city of Winterhaven.
We made our way back to the inn, and went to bed.
* * *
The next morning, I left early, having told Trax and Gilthos to buy some supplies while I paid a visit to Nimozaran.
I made my way to Septarch's tower, where I was immediately admitted by Nimozaran (an elderly wizard) and his apprentice, a Halfling named Tobolar Quickfoot. We talked for a while, and exchanged on our respective magical experiences. I did not talk of my father, as it would have been too complicated (and not a little embarrassing) to explain the time difference between myself, my age, and my Father's days of glory, close to a hundred years ago.
Eventually, he told me that he would be thrilled to name me an honoray member of his guild, of which he is the "High Septarch of Fallcrest". I humoured him, and thereupon received an official document (with seal) declaring me to be "Kaleth Clovox, Honorary Septarch of Fallcrest Adept". He then offered to share a few rituals with me. The first was Comprehend Language [lvl 1], the second was Eye of Alarm [lvl 2], and the third was Enchant Magic Item [lvl 4]. The latter two are too powerful for me, and I already know the first one, so sadly I did not acquire any new ones. Still, I did buy some components [50 gp worth of alchemical reagents and 20 gp worth of rare herbs].
He then told me that there is a permanent teleportation circle at the topmost level of his tower, and that if I ever needed it I could use it as my destination. Of course, I cannot envision myself ever being able to invoke such powerful magicks.
We talked for a while, and eventually I mentioned that we would next be taking on the challenge of Kobold Hall. He looked worried, all of a sudden, and told me that he believes something more terrible and dangerous is behind the kobold attacks.
"They seem too organized and too aggressive, compared to other kobolds I've dealt with in the past. I would be most cautious if I were you."
Soon after, I thanked him and then bid them goodbye, going back to the inn to meet up with Trax and Gilthos before our departure for Kobold Hall.
I made my way to Septarch's tower, where I was immediately admitted by Nimozaran (an elderly wizard) and his apprentice, a Halfling named Tobolar Quickfoot. We talked for a while, and exchanged on our respective magical experiences. I did not talk of my father, as it would have been too complicated (and not a little embarrassing) to explain the time difference between myself, my age, and my Father's days of glory, close to a hundred years ago.
Eventually, he told me that he would be thrilled to name me an honoray member of his guild, of which he is the "High Septarch of Fallcrest". I humoured him, and thereupon received an official document (with seal) declaring me to be "Kaleth Clovox, Honorary Septarch of Fallcrest Adept". He then offered to share a few rituals with me. The first was Comprehend Language [lvl 1], the second was Eye of Alarm [lvl 2], and the third was Enchant Magic Item [lvl 4]. The latter two are too powerful for me, and I already know the first one, so sadly I did not acquire any new ones. Still, I did buy some components [50 gp worth of alchemical reagents and 20 gp worth of rare herbs].
He then told me that there is a permanent teleportation circle at the topmost level of his tower, and that if I ever needed it I could use it as my destination. Of course, I cannot envision myself ever being able to invoke such powerful magicks.
We talked for a while, and eventually I mentioned that we would next be taking on the challenge of Kobold Hall. He looked worried, all of a sudden, and told me that he believes something more terrible and dangerous is behind the kobold attacks.
"They seem too organized and too aggressive, compared to other kobolds I've dealt with in the past. I would be most cautious if I were you."
Soon after, I thanked him and then bid them goodbye, going back to the inn to meet up with Trax and Gilthos before our departure for Kobold Hall.
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