Entry XIII

[This entry is a recap of the 13th gaming session, which took place on February 13th, 2011. The characters had just defeated the last villain from Into the Shadowhaunt, a 4th Edition Game Day module from 2008 that I adapted so that I could make it part of the town of Fallcrest.]

We took a few minutes to recuperate, and then we searched the necromancer's body. Aside from his amber-tipped staff, we found a foul-looking ritual book

and an evil-looking sacrificial dagger.

When the two boys saw the dagger, they told us he had shown it to them a few times, saying it would be the last thing that they saw before they died.

They were pretty eager to get out of this place, so we all headed for the surface.

Reaching the outside world, we were greeted by the two guards who seemed amazed by the fact that we were coming back out, alive, with the two lost boys! They asked us a few questions, mentioned that part of Tombwood (the small wooded area situated in the middle of town) had collapsed a few hours ago, which corresponded to the time when we had (unintentionally) activated the magical trap which had triggered an underground collapse.

We talk with the guards all the way to Lord Farkelhay's manor.

Upon reaching it, we were greeted by Lord Farkelhay himself, along with Farmer Quinn, who was overjoyed to see his two sons alive. He thanked us profusely, giving us the 300 gold pieces he had promised us, telling us that although poor we would be forever welcome in his home. This being said, he and his two boys hurried off to get back home.

As for us, we were once more greeted by Lord Farkelhay and his staff. For the next few days, we rested and we trained.

(We also destroyed both the ritual book and the dagger.  How?  We went outside, put the two objects on some rocks, and then Trax blew his acid breath on them, reducing both things to a shapeless blob of melted matter.)

[The characters had by now gained enough XP to go up to level 3. We chose our new level 3 encounter power, then resumed the session.]

Eventually, Lord Farkhelhay mentioned that if we wanted to, a dwarf by the name of Traevus would have a job for us. We agreed, and met him the next morning in Farkhelhay's study.

The dwarf explained to us that he needed to bring a box to Sunderpeak Temple, located in the Thunder Peaks (or the Cairngorn Peaks, as he called it). He said that he would make it our while. We accepted his task, and agreed that we would be leaving the next morning.

Traevus left, but not us, as Farkelhay told us to stay some more. "I have a surprise for you, Gilthos," he said with a smile.

"Come in, Immarel," he then said.

A tall, regal looking Eladrin came in, and he and Gilthos immediately embraced. It turns out it was Gilthos' brother.

I then learned how their father had deemed it a good time to send Immarel out in the world, giving him the task of finding Gilthos to make sure he was okay. After having used magic to figure out Gilthos' general location, he had then arranged a teleportation ritual which took him directly to the wizard's tower here in Fallcrest.

It was heart-warming to see them together, and I retired early so that they would have some time alone to catch up.

The next morning, we met with Traevus and left Fallcrest on the old King's Road. We were sitting in the back of the wagon, and the going was slow.

The wagon rattled and creaked as it rolls along the old trade road. Traevus was guiding his team of mules with a steady hand, more interested in the road ahead than in our attempts at conversation, but I guess that's part of dwarven nature.

The sun was low in the sky, and we were expecting nightfall soon.

To our left, the Moon Hills stretched off southward and reached up toward the darkening sky. The fall air was growing cooler with night's approach.

Suddenly, a noise shook us out of our reverie—the twang of a bowstring, coming from the shadows beside the road. Traevus cried out as an arrow sank into his shoulder. With a shrill cry, a pack of goblins ― short, ugly creatures with green skin and fang-filled mouths -- ran toward the wagon, brandishing weapons.

I could see another goblin pulling an arrow from a quiver on its back. It was clear these creatures meant to steal the wagon—and that probably meant eliminating both us and the merchant first!

We got out of the goblin and sprang to action. Gilthos was shooting arrows, Trax and Immarel fighting with their swords, and I was shooting bolts of magic at them.

Soon, they scattered, and we were left with the bodies of dead or dying goblins.

The whinny of a horse caught our ear, and as we looked around for the source of the sound, we saw a rider at the crest of a low hill, a few hundred yards away. The rider seemed to be human, but as the goblins fled he shook his fist in frustration. His jet-black horse reared and whinnied again, and the rider's red cloak billowed behind him in the wind. Then the horse galloped off toward the southwest, into the Moon Hills.

Traevus was not seriously injured, but as the goblins ran away he glances into the back of the wagon and swore vigorously. "They stole it!" he shouted. Then he turned to us. "You… you were incredible in that fight. You probably saved my life. But I need your help again. The goblins stole the box from the back of my wagon ― something precious. I need to get it back."

Traevus promised us a reward of 30 gold pieces, on top of what he was already going to give us, if we returned the stolen item. He asked you not to look in the box if we foundd it, though, blushing slightly as he explained that the contents were personal.

Making a wide circle around the site of the goblin attack, we looked for tracks that might indicate where they came from, and where they ran off to. Though they scattered after our display of strength, they had likely regrouped somewhere nearby and made their way back to their lair together.

Trax decided to question one of the goblins, being gentle but firm with the dying creature. He managed to convince the goblin, with its last breath, to tell us where the goblins' lair was.

It was getting darker and darker, but we decided to pursue them right away.

Trampled grass here, footprints in the dust there ― Gilthos was pretty sure he had identified the goblins' path away from the scene of the attack. Following the tracks led us through some rough terrain. Either the goblins were trying to throw off any pursuit, or they clambered up cliffs and through ravines without much thought. We thought we could follow, but it was going to take some work.

It turned out the goblins' treacherous path barely slowed us down as we scrambled along after them. We soon find ourselves looking at three cave entrances that were almost certainly the goblins' lair, and so far we didn't think we'd alerted the goblins to our presence.

As quiet as possible, we neared the cave. Trax examined the body of a dead kobold nearby, and then we headed for the middle entrance.

Inside, we could see two goblins sitting by their fires. Slowly, one of them noticed our presence. Trax tried to bluff his way in but they saw past the ruse, got up, and a fight ensued.

Two more goblins joined the fray, but we had little trouble in disposing of them.

The area secured, we inspected the cave, found a tunnel going deeper in, but decided to camp for the night before going further.

Entry XII

[This entry is a recap of the twelfth gaming session, which took place on January 30th, 2011. The characters were just about to enter the third room of Into the Shadowhaunt, a 4th Edition Game Day module from 2008 that I adapted so that I could make it part of the town of Fallcrest.]

We were taking a short rest, talking about the fight and watching the oil-fires burn down, when we felt (rather than saw) something appear in front of us. It was, once more, the spirit we had seen above. It gestured with its inky claw towards the spilled bones scattered on the floor, and it in its cold voice it said: "Honor them."

We looked at each other, and it dawned on us that it wanted us to gather the bones and put them back in the sarcophagi. One had burned almost completely, and another one was half cinders, but still, we did the best we could and put all the bones we could find where they belonged, more or less. No sooner were we done than the spirit floated to the stairs we had come from, and pointed down to the first step. Upon inspection, we noticed that a stone slab was covering a small indentation in the rock, in which a little vial was hidden. We picked it up, and Trax put it away for later inspection. By then, though, the spirit had vanished.

This being done, we got ready to move on down the hallway. Soon, the hallway became more of a tunnel, the stone turning rough and twisting, finally leading into a large natural cavern.

Water dripped like a light rain down the stalactites. Glowing fungi illuminated the warm and humid chamber. The eerie light reflected off many small pools of water dotting the slick and irregular floor.

Across from us, we saw a large alcove cut into the side of the living cavern. Ancient, crumbling masonry adorned the alcove, bearing vile pictographs and strange, spidery writing. (Clearly, the architectural style and the script dating it to the later days of the empire of Bael Turath) A sinister iron-bound portal stood at the back of the alcove. An immense devil's head was carved upon the door, and its eyes were glowing with a faint green light. The effect was startling, but it soon became obvious that the light was coming from the other side of the door, from which also came the faint sound of crying.

We got closer to the door, and saw that the devil's eye-sockets served as windows into the room beyond. Trax peered in, and told us he could see two young boys in chains.

Immediately, he proceeded to try to break the door down, to no avail. No sooner had his body struck the door, though, we heard the boys crying out to us. "Who's there? Please, can you help us?"

Gilthos told them not to worry, that we would get them out of here.

Joining Trax in his efforts, they both ran and bashed the door hard enough to break it open.

The chamber beyond appeared to be a long-abandoned tomb or temple. On each side, a line of stone statues stood watch.

In the middle of the chamber, a circle of glowing magic adorned with geometric runes was glowing with an emerald radiance. The magic of the circle was palpable, drifting upwards like an eldritch vapour, slowly dissipating into the stale air of the ancient room. And cowering in the center of the circle were the two boys. As soon as he saw us, the oldest one told us to stop: "The elf who captured us told us this place was trapped. I we leave the circle the ceiling will come crashing down on us!"

I made my way past Trax and Gilthos, and kneeled next to the circle, seeing as magic is (supposedly) my area of expertise. I closed my eyes, my right hand hovering just over the edge of the circle. I could feel the magic, old and destructive. Then, in my mind's eye, I saw that it had been tuned so that anyone leaving or entering the circle would trigger its effects. I then tried to settle my psyche so as to be able to disable the magic, but it seems I was not powerful enough, as I felt it come to life. Opening my eyes, I told my companions of my failure, and at this moment we started to feel the cave shaking and grumbling. It was collapsing, and fast! Already we could see rocks falling down in front of the door to the alcove. Quickly, we grabbed the kids (the smaller one on Tigrallin's back, the other one riding piggyback on Trax's back) and ran out of there. All of us made it through relatively unscathed. Halfway between the alcove and the exit to the sarcophagi room, we noticed two things.

First, the Shadow Spirit was back, pointing towards the exit and urging us to run, quickly, and make our way out. Secondly, while looking back to wait for Trax, we noticed that two of the statues we had seen in the alcove had come alive, and were marching towards us. It was then that I used my Expeditious Retreat, rapidly making my way to the head of the group so as to be able to better help anyone in trouble.

Just as we were getting back to the man-made hallway, we heard a scream: "Don't let them get away, after them!"

We didn't stick around to find out who that was. We ran, from the collapse and from the statues, making our way through the sarcophagi room once more…

And back to the first room through the secret door.

But we were not alone. Four skeletons had come out of a sarcophagus (evidently another secret door). Being in such close quarters, the fight was unavoidable. We told the two boys to go hide in the corner, and the fight started.

The skeletons were tougher than expected, and did not fall (or even seem phased) by a couple of my magic missiles. Things still looked hopeful until finally we saw an elf come out and immediately start to use his dark magic (most probably necromantic) against us. Both sides were taking a beating, and then the two statues came out, still after us. Or after me, should I say, because I was the one to trigger the trap, and so their only focus was me. One of them got to me and punched me bad, and I tried to use my magic against it but it didn't seem to do much. Gilthos came to my aid but he was also wounded.

A few of the skeletons went down and Trax and Gilthos made their way to the necromancer. Eventually, the Shadow Spirit materialized once more, and after having said the word "Revenge!" he swopped down on the necromancer.

With his helped, we defeated him, after which the remaining skeletons collapsed and the animated statues stopped moving.

We had won!

Entry XI

[This entry is a recap of the eleventh gaming session, which took place on November 7th, 2010, almost a year after the previous one. The characters were just about to enter the second room of Into the Shadowhaunt, a 4th Edition Game Day module from 2008 that I adapted so that I could make it part of the town of Fallcrest.]

After the spirit disappeared, we opened the door and saw stairs going down. Trax went in first, followed by Gilthos, his bear, and me in the back. A minute later, we reached the bottom of the stairs.

The walls in this large stone chamber were adorned with carvings of various scenes of people worshipping Pelor and Bahamut. Along the walls were chunks of rubble that looked like they once formed more sarcophagi. Bones littered the floor. Two intact sarcophagi had been moved to form a barricade in front of the two corridors that led out from the room. A sputtering lantern sat atop each of these barricades, casting an eerie orange light over the crypt. The rancid lantern oil smells smelled strongly of dead fish.

We looked around a bit, then Trax sniffed and said: "The smell of oil is too strong here; can't be just two lanterns."

Just then, one shape stood up from behind each of the sarcophagi, and we instantly recognized them as hobgoblins.

Instantly we tensed up and prepared for a fight. Already they were cocking up an arrow on their bow. They let loose, one arrow glancing off Trax's chestplate, the other giving Gilthos a flesh wound on the leg.

Gilthos aimed an arrow of his own at the closest one, but missed. His bear also ran forward, headed for the one on our right. Trax ran towards the first one, and blew his acid breath on them, wounding one of them. As for me, I concentrated briefly and felt power garnering up at the tips of my fingers. Then, as if it had a will of its own, the magic missile flew from my hand and hit the closest hobgoblin.

Meanwhile the hobs shot arrows at us once more, but maybe were getting nervous as they both missed. Gilthos shot again, the arrow hit, and the hobgoblin let out a pain-filled cry. Trax then reached the sarcophagus and he jumped on it easily. As he landed on top of it, the lid broke. He regained his balance, lightning fast, and jumped on the other side, landing right next to the hobgoblin, while behind him the sarcophagus erupted into flames (seems it was filled with oil, and when the lantern fell it triggered the combustion). Trax swung his bastard sword at the hobgoblin, and the blow connected. As for me, I once more shot a magic missile which flew right through the fire and connected with the side of the hobgoblin's head.

The first one was now engaged in a close fight with Trax. As for the second one, he screamed in his guttural tongue and tipped the sarcophagus forward. It fell and broke, spilling a good quantity of oil which the lantern ignited, just in front of Tigrallin the bear.

Gilthos had by now put two arrows in his bow, and using a twin strike technique he managed to hit one of the two hobs. Trax was still fighting with his sword, and I maintained my magic missile attack.

The second one then left his post behind the now-fallen sarcophagus, and went to his partner's aid. Gilthos then fey-stepped from my side, reappearing next to Trax, and joining the fight with his longsword. The bear had meanwhile stopped in front of the fire, and seemed scared to try anything further. I shot another magic missile.

The hobgoblins fought back a little bit more, but it didn't last long.

We went through their possessions, took the gold [10 gold pieces], piled up their weapons (from which Trax took a longbow), and then ― by the glow of the dying oil-fires ― we took a few minutes to catch our breath and discuss what had just happened.

Entry VI

[This entry is a recap of the sixth gaming session, which took place on September 6th 2009. We were then starting on Kobold Hall, the adventure included in the Dungeon Master's Guide.]

We got all our things ready, then started for Kobold Hall. It was a bright but somewhat chilly day, and we chatted almost all the way.

We travelled around 15 miles in this way, from Fallcrest to the wilderness of Cloak Wood, to find what was once a sprawling manor, now known as the ruins of Kobold Hall.

The ruins were overgrown with weeds; a once beautiful garden was now completely wild and overrun. Outdoor statues were almost hidden under the moss and brambles. As for the manor itself, the interior was irrevocably ruined through years of exposure to the elements, as well as various defacements inflicted by sentient life-forms (the Kobolds, if one were to have a guess). Urine & feces could be found in almost every room, and in some places had also been smeared on the walls. A glorious library, filled to the brim with priceless volumes, lay in ashes. Such a shame.

We wanted to explore the second floor, but the stairs were destroyed. We then abandoned the manor and headed for a guard tower which we had seen earlier.

At the base of it, we found a trapdoor. We looked at each other. Gilthos had a slight, devious smile. We were here. Kobold Hall.

It was late, but we decided to have a peek anyway, all of us feeling restless for some sense of accomplishment in what had been ― so far ― a very uneventful day.

We opened the trapdoor and went down the stairs, soon reaching the bottom.

Our eyes adjusted to the torchlight, and we looked around.

Dominating the room ahead was a long trench filled with a glowing green substance. Beyond the trench, a small, reptilian humanoid which we recognized as a kobold was standing in a shadowy chamber, gaping at us. It carried a sling, and quickly reached into a pouch at its belt for a stone. It hissed and shouted: “Intrudersss! Intrudersss!”

It then proceeded to shoot its stone at Trax, hitting him squarely on the left shoulder. Which is all it took for Trax to head for the kobold, first breathing his acid-breath on him, then starting at a run so he could jump over the trench. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it, and stumbled down into the green goo.

Meanwhile, Gilthos got a little closer, noticing a second kobold in a hallway to our right. He turned and attacked it. As for me, I cast some magic missiles at the first one.

Trax was having some trouble getting back out of the trench, and Gilthos got hit a few times. About then, a third kobold came out of a passage in the back. It proceeded to go around the trench to gang up on Gilthos. He backed up, and I cast Thunderwave at them, twice in a row, pushing them back both times, and killing one of them in the process. We then combined our efforts to get rid of the other one, who was quite hurt by then.

Trax had by now succeeded in getting out of the deep trench, and had made his way (running) to the kobold slinger. A couple of hits and the pest was down.

A little out of breath, we then climbed back up, and set up camp on top of the trap door, so that nothing could come out and surprise us during the night. Soon after, we were sleeping (although for my part it was a light sleep, as I was half-expecting some more of those nasty little things to attack us in our sleep).

[Thanks to stuamn from the Cartographer's Guild, who created the great custom maps for Kobold Hall that I am using.]

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 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.