Entry IX

[This entry is a recap of the ninth gaming session, which took place on September 24th 2009. We were about to enter the fourth room of Kobold Hall, the adventure included in the Dungeon Master's Guide. Also, after the last session we had earned enough experience points to go up to level 2, so I levelled up all three characters between the two sessions.]

The battle over, we listened closely but could not here anything, so ― feeling safe ― we decided to go back on top of the trap door and rest.

Having a few leisure hours before sundown, I tried once more to use my Art to shape random magical energy into a sentient manifestation which could act as my familiar. [Upon gaining level 2, I chose the "Arcane Familiar" feat for my wizard, hesitating between the raven and the owl, and finally deciding on the latter.] Everything around me was silent… Trax had gone off to gather some firewood… Gilthos was meditating… I could hear nothing save a few birds. My thoughts grew and flew about me, a seemingly solid mass of mind-matter into which I rose. Then, the hooting of an owl rang from a nearby tree. Instantly this insubstantial mass coalesced, first in my mind, but then ― I could feel it and almost touch it ― beyond the borders of my psychic & physical self. I opened my eyes and saw it, a perfectly believable owl, from its big lustrous eyes to its gorgeous grey-brown feathers. It hooted, once, and from this I understood that it was mine forever, completely devoted and faithful, until such a time as I would either die or choose to banish it to the otherworldly energies from which it came. I thanked it, the words coming out of my mouth being strange and familiar at the same time, a new-found language with which to talk to my new friend. (What shall I call him? I'll have to ask Gilthos for a proper Eladrin name, something that will reflect its magical naturalness.)

Then night came, and we slept.

The next morning, we ate and then once more entered Kobold Hall, walked through the now-empty rooms, and then reached the fourth one.

We arrived at a chamber with a 20-foot-tall ceiling. Before us was a 10-foot tall wall that left passages open to both the right and left. Suddenly, the sound of cracking timbers echoed through the hall. The floor started shaking, dust was cascading down from the ceiling, and something big and heavy hurtled toward us. Somewhat paralyzed by our surprise, we saw a very big boulder fall from a platform, roll on the ground is some kind of groove in the floor, and then roll out of sight. We could still hear it, though, and judging from the groove directly in front of us, it would be coming close to us very soon.

On another platform, in the back of the room, we could see two kobolds, one of them heavily armed [Kobold Dragonshield], the other one decked out in an elaborate attire, complete with bone mask, which seemed to mark him as the chieftain [Kobold Wyrmpriest]. A flurry of movement attracted our attention on the left side of the room. A drake was running at full speed towards Trax.

The battle started. Trax headed for the drake, Gilthos started shooting at the Chieftain, wounding him a few times. I also aimed for the Chieftain, my owl on my shoulder, but I missed, time after time.

Trax then had to avoid the incoming boulder. We all repositioned ourselves out of harm's way. In the meantime, another kobold [Kobold Slinger] had appeared on top of the center wall, and it started shooting glue shots at Trax, missing him again and again. As for Gilthos, he got hit by the Chieftain's energy orbs a few times, but he held strong.

The drake was still launching his savage assault at Trax, but he was defending himself expertly. Then, the rock rolled his way again, and slammed into the drake, wounding him.

Enraged, it launched itself at Trax again, this time biting him on the legs a few times.

A few minutes later, though, we were done, the Chieftain, his guard and the slinger having been felled by Gilthos' arrows, and the drake finished off by Trax.

I used my Thunderwave spell to push the rock out of its groove. It worked on the second time. The now unanimated boulder just rolled into a corner and stopped.

This being done, we went through their possessions, finding a small silver key in the Chieftain's pouch, along with a piece of parchment describing what seemed to be the location of a secret door in the alcove to the north. Also, I picked up his staff, a beautiful piece of work ― obviously not of Kobold craftsmanship [Staff of the War Mage +1]. A smoothened (and probably rare) piece of wood topped with a red crystal. I help it, closed my eyes and concentrated, almost certain that I would perceive the slight tremor of Magic. And indeed it was. I will try to discern its specific powers later.

Cautious as to what is waiting for us in further in the Hall, we decided to head back to the surface. There, Trax and Gilthos tended to their wounds, while I sat outside and examined the staff, getting the feel of its nature and function. Eventually I managed to sense and understand its enhancing powers, and I felt tremendously happy to have stumbled onto such an object. For what is probably the first time in my life, I truly feel that being a Mage is my destiny, and not just my father's legacy.

I then cavorted with my beautiful owlish friend, eventually coming up with his name: Bubo.

Later on we slept. The next morning, Trax told us that on his watch he saw something fly over the tower where we slept. Something that looked like a dragon (although he couldn't see what color, since it was dark).

Level 2

[This entry is a summary of the changes our three characters went through by going up to level 2.]

Reaching level 2, all three characters gain a utility power, a feat, and the usual hit point and skill improvements.

Here are the choices that were made:

- Gilthos [Colin's character]: He chose the ranger utility power called "Hunter's Privilege", and the "Lethal Hunter" feat. I also asked him if he would like to become a Beast Master ranger, which would mean that he would gain an animal companion. He liked the idea, so I changed his character a little bit, learning how it works at the same time. He decided that he wanted a bear. Asked for a name, he said: "Tiger."

"Tiger for a bear? How 'bout we find some kind of Eladrin name, like your character? How 'bout Tigralinn?"

He liked it, so it was settled.


- Trax [Xavier's character]: He chose the fighter utility power called "Boundless Endurance", and for his new feat he chose to become proficient with the Bastard Sword.


- Kaleth [Simon's character]: He chose the wizard utility powers called "Expeditious Retreat" & "Featherfall" (getting two since he is a wizard), and the "Arcane Familiar" feat.

Entry VIII

[This entry is a recap of the eight gaming session, which took place on September 10th 2009. We were about to enter the third room of Kobold Hall, the adventure included in the Dungeon Master's Guide.]

Since we were still in good shape, we only rested for a couple of minutes before continuing on the next room. As we were making our way down the dark corridor, we started hearing kobolds laughing and swearing, jeering and cheering.

Upon entering the room, we saw a chamber that looked like it had once been a tomb, but which the kobolds had transformed into what you might almost call a playground.

Four stone coffins were lying there, with a sludge-filled pit between them. On the opposite end of the room was a pair of wooden double doors. Flanking the double doors were two raised platforms, both about ten feet above the floor. A kobold was standing on each platform [kobold minion + kobold slinger].

Arrayed on the coffins were several animal skulls, all of them arranged in small piles. One of the kobolds was holding a stone covered with goo, tied to a long rope secured to the ceiling.

Being his usual fiery self, Trax immediately headed towards them. Seeing us, one of the kobolds (the one holding the stone) said: "Come closer, and you'll see what we'll do with you…"

Then, it hurled the stone, which went into a wide arc before striking Trax on the shoulder. Gilthos followed, aiming for the one on the left, and I did the same. Gilthos also got it by the hanging stone, but that was the last of it as one the two kobolds was killed by Gilthos. Trax had by then reached the doors. He opened them and found himself facing a dog-sized reptilian creature [guard drake]. A battle ensued between the two of them, while I and Gilthos finished off the kobold on the platform, then another one [kobold minion] who followed after, on the same platform.

This being done, we helped Trax to get rid of the ferocious lizard, which was then fairly quick.

The battle over, I helped Trax to bandage his leg, as he had been badly bitten by the creature. We then went through the room, piling up the kobold gear for later retrieval, and finding a 100 gold pieces, a nice looking ruby [worth 50 gp] and two necklaces [worth 25 gp each].

[After I compiled the experience that we had just gained I saw that our three characters had by now earned enough of it to go up to level two, so we stopped and I busied myself to level up Xavier's fighter, Colin's ranger, and my wizard.]

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

Entry VII

[This entry is a recap of the seventh gaming session, which took place on September 8th 2009. We were about to enter the second room of Kobold Hall, the adventure included in the Dungeon Master's Guide.]

Morning came, and we went back down. Firstly, we made sure that the first room was clear, so as not to get any surprises later on. This being done, we walked down the narrow hallway (Trax first, then Gilthos, then me) and soon came to another room.

The room ahead had four stone coffins, all of which showed signs of vandalism and abuse. To our left was a series of six niches, set apart into two groups of three. Two more niches along the walls held a suit of armor. On the opposite end of the room was a raised section of floor with a makeshift altar to Tiamat set atop it. Two kobolds carrying spears were standing in front of the altar, seemingly in the middle of prayer, not noticing our arrival.

Trax walked towards them, as silently as he could, and breathed his acid on them. Unfortunately it didn't hurt the first one, and never reached the second one. By now, they knew of our presence, and rushed to Trax. As usual, Gilthos was shooting arrow after arrow, while I was throwing magic missiles at them.

During the battle, Trax stepped on a trapped tile, and a dart shot out of the right armor's helmet, barely missing his head. He then stayed put until the end of the battle, which came shortly, Trax only suffering a glancing blow to the leg from one of the kobolds.

Both pests having been disposed of, we destroyed both suits of armor, and then ― while exploring the room ― we found a small bag on the altar, probably an offering to Tiamat. It contained 60 gold pieces, which we took.

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

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.