Entry V

[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.

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

Entry IV

[This entry is a recap of the fourth gaming session, which took place on August 2nd 2009. We had then reached the third encounter of the first "delve", Coppernight Hold, which is contained in the official game supplement called Dungeon Delve.]

We all needed rest after the fight, so we left the Hold and went back to the same spot in the forest where we slept last night. We spent the remaining daylight hours resting, tending to our wounds, hunting, and eating. It felt great not to do anything. We also talked for a while, Trax telling us more about his father, an adventurer who did quite a bit of travelling in his youth, but who eventually just disappeared, like mine. Gilthos also told us about his father, who died with some of his friends, killed in a fight with some kobolds many years ago.

The next morning, we got ready and walked back to the Hold. We climbed down the hole once more, went past the room with the toppled statue, and then made our way to the next room.

There, we saw a chamber decorated with dwarven motifs: carvings, paintings, and tapestries depicting scenes of dwarven triumph and domesticity. Many of these once-fine works were damaged. At the south end of the room there was a set of iron doors.

Then, in the murky light, we saw several kobolds wielding short swords milling about. Noticing everything all at once, we also saw a large chair carved from oak set back into an alcove—not quite a throne, but not far off either. Curled atop the chair on a pile of coins was a young white dragon. She hissed some commands to the kobolds, which me and Gilthos could not understand. Trax, on the other hand, knowing the Draconic language, heard the following: "Show these pathetic humanoids how we welcome intruders in our new home!"

Then, the fight started. An impressive Kobold Skyblade attacked Trax, while a smaller Kobold Cleaver turned his blades to Gilthos. I, being in the back, cast my Ray of Frost at the Skyblade, and it hit him, covering most of his upper body with a layer of frost which hindered his actions. Luckily, we were still in the narrow hallway, so they could only attack us two at a time. Also, the Cleaver kept doing a kind of spinning slash, hitting Gilthos but also his Skyblade companion in the process. The other three Kobold Cleavers made their way to the melee, standing behind them and shouting invectives at us. As for the White Wyrmling, it had also positioned itself behind our enemies, and we heard its massive breath intake just before it breathed frost on us. Luckily, maybe due to the beast's inexperience, most of it went over us and on the walls, and we got off without any damage. Trax and Gilthos were still fighting the two foremost Kobolds, so I concentrated and cast my sleep spell, which by sheer luck made the Wyrmling and another Kobold fall asleep on the ground. I then started casting Magic Missiles at the beast, hoping to finish it off before it could wake up. I got to hit it a few times before it rose and ran to the fray. As soon as Gilthos finished off his Cleaver, the Wyrmling trampled over the body and attacked Gilthos, furiously slashing him with its claws. Luckily, Trax then finished off his Skyblade and helped Gilthos fight off the dragon. Trax used his Brute Strike and nearly chopped its head off. It then pushed us aside and half-ran, half-flew down the hallway and up the shaft, barely making it out alive. We then finished off the other Kobolds.

We made sure the dragon was gone and then we took a few minutes to catch our breath and talk about what had just happened. Then, we looked for the key to the iron doors, which we found on the body of the Kobold Skyblade. Inside, we found two militia members and the missing dwarves, shutting their eyes against the light of our torches. We reassured them, telling them we had just dispatched most the foes to free them, and they thanked us profusely.

After they had gone we searched the room thoroughly, finding 200 silver pieces, a 100 gold pieces, and a suit of scale mail armor.

I then tried to sense any magic around me. It was hard, as I was still a little shaken up from the confrontation, so I didn't feel anything definite, except for the bear rug which radiated a weak aura of enchantment. I couldn't figure out what it did, though, and will have to try again later.

We gathered everything, including the Kobold armors and weapons, and then made our way back to Fallcrest.

Entry III

[This entry is a recap of the third gaming session, which took place on June 21th 2009. We then continued the second encounter of the first "delve", Coppernight Hold, which is contained in the official game supplement called Dungeon Delve.]

Trax was hit one more time, which made it imperative for him to retreat. He ran to the ladder and I covered him while he was going back up the rope. He had just reached the top when Gilthos was also seriously wounded. He called out for help, and so Trax came back down and ― barely able to keep his shield up ― he went to his aid. A few of my spells had done their intended work (it was the first time I saw my Thunderwave really hurt someone or something), and after a few seconds we were all able to escape up the rope.

We ran, as fast as we could, and found our way back to the clearing we had used yesterday. A full night's rest was now in order. After taking care of our wounds, we all got busy. Trax made a fire, Gilthos caught us some hare, while I was preparing my Explorer's Fire ritual (which enchants the fire so that its light cannot be seen from a few feet away).

We then spent a quiet and much-needed night sleeping.

* * *

The next morning we ate, got ready, and headed back to the site. As quietly as possible, we reached the hole. The plan was for me to go down the rope, alone (being the more quiet one, with no armor), and to use my Ghost Sound cantrip to create a minor diversion.

So I went down the rope. I made sure that I wasn't heard, then I cast my cantrip and threw a sunrod at the far end of the room. The remaining kobolds headed for that corner, while Trax and Gilthos made their way back down.

We surprised them, which gave us a definite advantage. I concentrated and started casting my spells at them. Gilthos was firing away. Trax pushed the statue down on the bone-masked priest, which pined him to the ground and allowed him to administer a few fell blows. Gilthos finally brought the priest down with an arrow, while Trax finished off the rest of the kobolds.

We healed our minor wounds, and searched the kobolds, gathering their weapons and armors, and finding 40 gold pieces.

Entry II

[This entry is a recap of the second gaming session, which took place on June 20th 2009. We started on the second encounter of the first "delve", Coppernight Hold, which is contained in the official game supplement called Dungeon Delve.]

Trax went down the rope first, then Gilthos, then me. It was pitch dark down there, so I lit a sunrod. We were standing at the top of a stairwell.

In front of us, some rubble was blocking the way. On closer examination, we could see that some of it was stained with blood. Looking further into the room, we could see a large statue depicting a dwarf warrior in full battle gear, standing in mid-charge. The statue was heavily defaced, and didn't look too stable. I could see tapestries lining the walls, but I couldn't distinguish what they depicted.

Then, we noticed a few figures crouching in the shadows beyond the statue.

Recognizing them as kobolds, Gilthos let loose an arrow, and the fight began.

This time there was five of them: the three closest to us, just behind the statue, were armed with short swords and shields [Kobold Dragonshields x3]; behind them, next to the west wall, was another one with a spear [Kobold Skirmisher]; and in the back of the room was a fearsome one holding a spear and wearing a bone mask [Kobold Wyrmpriest]. He started chanting, which made the other four frenzied, so that marked him as some kind of priest or shaman.

Kobolds [Skirmisher, Dragonshield & Wyrmpriest]

Gilthos used his Fey Step to get closer to this last one, and concentrated his arrows on him. Trax was then in the thick of it. As for me, I was sending one Magic Missile after another, to no avail. I just couldn't see too well, couldn't concentrate.

Then the bone-mask pulled on a rope which made one of the tapestries fall on Gilthos. Luckily, he avoided it, and went on fighting (now with his sword). He also got hurt by some kind of ball of energy which covered him with frost and looked painful as hell.

Trax was still trading blows, but received a couple of hits.

[We then stopped, as it was getting late and they both seemed tired.]

Entry I

[This entry is a recap of the first gaming session, which took place on June 19th 2009. I gave my two sons a brief explanation of where they came from, where they were now, and how the three characters ― Xavier's Dragonborn Fighter, Colin's Eladrin Ranger and my DM-controlled Human Wizard ― met and became friends. I then proceeded to lead them into a small adventure, being the first "delve", Coppernight Hold, which is contained in the official game supplement called Dungeon Delve. It is written in the voice of Kaleth Clovox, whose Journal this is taken from.]

I write this a few weeks after having left my home, deep in the woods of Cormanthor Forest. I am now in Fallcrest, in Archendale, which is established along the Arkhen River, approximately halfway between Highmoon and Archenbridge.

It's a small town, but as I've been living in a forest for most of my life, it's a bustle of activity.

Ever since I got here, I have been laying low, talking to local people and merchant travellers alike, trying to get a feel of this world in which I have been living without ever actually being a part of it.

Most nights, after giving walked all over town since the morning, I end up near the fire in the Nentir Inn, resting & drinking & listening & observing. I met and became acquainted with a couple of fellow travellers, who are as strange to this peaceful town as I am.

The first is Trax, a Dragonborn swordsman who left his native town of Tymanther, traveling over the Sea of Fallen Stars until he reached Selgaunt, and from there he travelled on land until he reached Fallcrest. He had been feeling restless for quite a while, and one day decided to go out into the world, to see if maybe he couldn't try to help his people (who are still used as slaves in many parts of the World).

And then there is Gilthos, an Eladrin (or Moon Elf) ranger, a joyful and dazzling fellow who quite likes his wine. [After I told him his character was drinking a glass of wine, Colin kept pretending he was sipping from an invisible glass; it was all I could do not to laugh.] He was born in the Feywild (incredible!) and went out into our World as a scout of sorts, his self-given mission to find out just how close their World is to being overrun by the Darkness which is ever-present in Ours, Faerûn. He spent a few months in Myth Drannor, taking in the feel of this world, reading and talking and learning. Eventually, feeling ready, he left, and without any clear or definite designs, ended up here.

So for a few evenings now we have been sharing drinks and talking, the three of us, feeling like kindred spirits in spite of our differences, three strangers, three travelers, three adventurers.

* * *

Exciting news: Earlier this evening tonight, I was sitting in the Nentir Inn with Trax and Gilthos, and in came Lord Markelhay, the town's hereditary leader, along with his bodyguards. To our surprise he came to us, introduced himself, and then sat down and offered us a drink. We talked for a while, and then he confessed that he might have need of our services (as we seemed like able and prepared adventurers).

He explained: "A couple of months ago, I received the visit of Kavalar Coppernight, a dwarf prospector, who informed me that he was going to begin an underground mining operation, as well as a surface excavation for a small keep, in a location a few miles from here. I gave him my authorisation. At first we received regular visits from him and his men, when they came to town for supplies or relaxation. But then... nothing. Fearing some kind of trouble, I sent some men of mine a couple of days ago, and I have heard nothing from them since. So I would like you to go there to investigate."

We accepted his assignment. We leave tomorrow at dawn.

* * *

What a day.

Early this morning, we left Fallcrest. We walked for a couple of hours, reaching Coppernight Hold in the afternoon. Nearing the excavation site, we saw that it was surrounded by a high wooden fence, with scattered mounds of rubble all around. We then heard the movement of small creatures beyond the fence. Getting closer, we saw many small reptilian humanoids surrounding a shallow excavation pit, and they started shrieking at us. We all recognized them as kobolds.

Everything then happened very fast.

Trax climbed over the fence to attack them, Gilthos got hit by some kind of fire projectile, I started casting spells at them, Trax got over the fence and engaged the kobolds, taking one down almost immediately. Gilthos shot a few arrows and then used his Fey Step and teleported over the fence, now closer and able to shoot more accurately.

[Me, Xavier and Colin, at about this point in the game]

I wasn't much help, having a very real problem concentrating in the midst of the fight, but Trax and Gilthos did great, getting rid of the six kobolds [3 Kobold Minions + 3 Kobold Slingers].

At the end, though, Trax was hurt and unconscious so Gilthos had to heal him a little. Afterwards we got out of there fast.

We found a little clearing in the woods where we rested and attended to our wounds. A while later, we went back to the site, and got ready to climb down the hole into the mine itself.