Training, Displacer Beasts, and Super Evil Hobgoblins!

Training, Displacer Beasts, and Super Evil Hobgoblins!

The sun rose slowly out of the east to shine the light upon another day at the keep of Count Palfrey. Is this merry band of adventurers over staying their welcome in the graces of Count Palfrey? Will it soon be time to move onto other adventures in other distant, far off lands? Only time can possibly answer this riddle. [hint, hint]

The group convened for breakfast in Count Palfrey’s dining hall for yet another mediocre breakfast consisting of only god knows what. With the way the cash flow has stymied the party as of late, none could really complain about the poor food when it costs nothing. After some discussions regarding what to tackle next, Terth, Rosencrantz and Erlan speak up stating that each is ready to begin training in order to bolster their already burgeoning repertoire of magic, mind power, and healing, respectively. The party decides that it would be in the best interests of everyone involved if Erlan, Terth, and Rosencrantz could expand their knowledge in eachs specific discipline. With the decision being made, the group wraps up breakfast and starts preparing their things for the long ride to Yohne by way of Ordulin.

While mounting their steeds for the ride to Ordulin, Rosencrantz then suggests to the party that we inform Kiper that we have learned about the orcs whereabouts so that he may then pass on the message to Olan. He also would like to stop by Tausters house (since it’s so close) to see if Tauster needed anything from the capital. The party agrees and head toward Kipers farm. After arriving at Kipers and being let inside of the farm house, Rosencrantz notifies Kiper of the orcs staying in some mine to the north. [I forget the mines name]. Kiper agrees that Olan should be notified of this development and agrees to pass the information onto her.

The group arrived in Thurmaster and headed directly to Tausters. Toaster ushers everyone into the house. Rosencrantz asks him if he has any need fo any items from the capital city. Indeed Tauster does need some items. Phosphorous, Sulfer, Bat Guano, and a pearl with a value of at least 100GP. [I may have screwed up the third item… Wait, I know I did…] With that out of the way, Rosencrantz proceeds to ask Tauster if he has any information about “displacer beasts.” However, Tauster is little to no help in that regard. One would probably get better information asking an inanimate object….One last question, are there any invokers located in Yohne? After some digging, Tauster comes up with the name of one, “A-Money.” Rosencrantz thanks Tauster for his time, gets the platinum to cover the price of Tausters needs and with that, the party begins its journey to the capital city of Ordulin.

After stopping through “A-Town,” the party finally arrives in Ordulin, tired and weary from the long days ride. Having spent most of the day riding, nightfall will soon envelope the country side. Electing to not travel further under the drape of darkness, the party stays in Ordulin for the night and finds a place to hole up for the coming night.

Bright and early the following morning, the party heads directly for Yohne, Erlans “semi-home” city where he initially trained in his discipline. Needless to say, he seems uber-excited to be back in the city. With the mid-summer festival only a day or so away, the city seems completely mobbed with people. Searching for an inn to serve as “home base” while Erlan, Terth, and Rosencrantz train, the party stumbles upon the “Burned Flagoon.” Going inside, they find that the cost is some what high and decide to find more meager accomodations for the week. After heading down toward the seedy dock, the group finds an inn called “The Forlorn Lovers Quarrell.” [Again, this name has been changed to protect the innocent] Finding this inn more suitable to their financial situation, the party decides to setup shop.

While everyone gets situated, Rosencrantz suggests that while he, Terth, and Erlan are training, that Nanoc and Rowyn try to sell the bracelets Rosencrantz had in his possession. They readily agree. Drastic financial times call for drastic financial measures! (Dam you tight-assed citizens of Herenshire and your non existant coin purses!) The group meets up before parting ways to tend to each’s business. Terth stays behind and meditates. Rosencrantz heads out to see out “A-Money,” Erlan heads to the temple of Selune, and Nanoc and Rowyn head down to the docks to try and locate someone to purchase their shiny metal objects.

Since Rowyn has decided to speak in thieves cant to attempt to locate somone associated, Nanoc decides it would be prudent to hang behind so that any potential purchasers would not be scared off. Not letting Rowyn out of his sight, Nanoc follows behind her, rather noticeably, down to the docks. After some wandering, Rowyn runs into a gentleman named “D-Rock.” Explaining to him the situation, he agrees to help Rowyn move the bracelets and to meet him the following morning at the “Nekkid Mermaid.” [Rae will like that one…] Satisfied that they have done all they can for the day Rowyn and Nanoc wander around the city for the remainder of the day, exploring.

The next morning, Rowyn and Nanoc head down to the “Nekkid Mermaid” to meet “D-Rock.” Not to be seen directly with Rowyn, Nanoc heads in first and gets a seat at a table, ordering some quite murkey and rather disgusting ale. Rowyn comes in next and secures a table in the back of this fine establishment. After approximately 15 minutes of waiting, in walks “D-Rock.” He saunters over to the table where she is seated against the back wall. After some discussion and some more negotiating, “D-Rock” agrees to buy the bracelets, netting approximately 800GP.

With the rest of the party off training, Rowyn mentioned to Nanoc that the temple of Joquim, in some sort of trouble, was hiring mages for protection. Supposedly, “D-Rock” suggested going to the temple to sell the bracelets first, but mentioned the trouble and she thought against doing business, at the present, at such a tumultuous place. Hearing this, with his incredible nine intelligence, a light bulb goes off in Nanoc’s head. Maybe he can secure some work and earn some cash monies by guarding the temple for the week. Notifying Rowyn of his plans, she relays that she is going to juggle fire during the festival to drum up some cash herself.

Nanoc walks up to the Temple of Joaquim and immedialtely, a man comes out to greet him at the entrance. Inquiring as to what Nanoc’s business is, Nanoc replies that he had heard that the temple was hiring guards and thought he could be of service. The man, eyeing Nanoc’s immense six foot eight inch frame, ponders for a moment. After some silence he replies that Nanocs intimidating presence could be a benefit to the church. With the price of 5 gold a day as payment ironed out, Nanoc heads inside and begins his guarding duties.

Exactly one week later, the entire group is back at the “Forlorn Lovers Quarrell.” With Terth, Rosencrantz, and Erlan having trained, the one piece of business remaining was to seek out Tausters components he requested. Rosy, having passed an Alchemy shop that was suggested to him by “A-Money” decides to visit the establishement to procure the items on his “grocery list.” Entering the store, Rosy notices a musty odor wafting about the room. Looking around curiously, he sees numerous containers holding different types of fungus. A woman comes out from a back room and hails him. Presenting her with his necessary components, she happily heads to her back room and retrieves the necessary items. The only item Rosy can’t procure at this shop is the pearl(s). He decides to give it another shot at the docks where he thinks the pearls would be harvested. No such luck. Deciding to try again when we pass through Ordulin on the way back to Milbourne, the group packs up their things and begin the trek back to Count Palfrey’s. Needless to say, the week away from Count Palfrey’s was somewhat refreshing.

Traveling for part of the day, the party arrives in Ordulin. With mid-summer over, the city is not nearly as jam packed as it had been when the party passed through initially on its way to Yohne. Asking around the city to try and locate some type of jeweler, the group is directed to a so called “famous” merchant who resides in the norhern end of the city. Arriving at the merchants place of business, the party comes upon a palacial mansion. Knocking on the door, they are ushered inside by a gentleman, and brought into some sort of waiting lobby. The lobby is elaborately furnished and the group, in all its days of adventuing, had never encountered a merchant who sells items directly out of his house. Telling the gentleman of what was required, the man heads off to see if he can locate the pearls. After some waiting, the man returns. He tells the party that he does have pearls in stock, however, each one will cost 500GP. Not wanting to be extremely reckless with Tauster’s money, Rosy decides to hold off and not purchase the item. The group leaves the merchants and continue to travel back toward Milbourne.

After a trip through “A-Town,” the group rides hard the entire way back to Milbourne. Arriving at night, its decided that the party will stay in Milbourne and rest for the night. (The horses were also quite travel weary…) After getting a meal in, the group discusses its next options now that the training is complete. After some discussion, the group decides to try and locate this “displacement beast.” Ezeldrin, the evil green dragon, had mentioned previously that she was in need of the eyes of a “displacer beast.” With this in mind, the group heads to sleep, dreaming of what prize is in store if they successfully retrieve the “displace beasts” eyes for the dragon. (Possibly end this shotgun marriage, perhaps?)

The next morning, before heading to look for the “displacer beast” the group decides to head to Tausters to drop off the items aquired for him in Yohne. Arriving in Thurmaster, the group heads directly to Tausters home. He ushers the party in. Rosy explains that we could locate all the items except for the pearls which would cost 500GP each. Since the price was so high he decided against purchasing one. Tauster seems disappointed and said that he would take one next time we were out in that area. We make 40 platinum for our trouble. The party bids Tauster farewell and heads out.

Since the group was heading to fight this unknown creature, they decide to see if Lintern would like to accompany them for the trip. After heading to Palfrey’s keep, Lintern advises that he is unable to attend the days festivities. [Pussy]. The party rides off without him.

Arriving at the mausoleum, the party finds everything the exact way it had been before they left the tomb. They immediately and eagerly head into the tomb. Traveling through the tomb, the group reaches the 200 foot ladder leading up to the clearing. Getting near the top, Rosy casts shield and Terth gets “inertial barrier” ready in his mind. Nanoc cautiously pokes his head out of the opening at the top and looks around. Nothing. Hearing the rope creak under the weight of the group Nanoc tells everyone to come to the top and into the clearing.

On guard and looking for this beast, the group does not see it lurking anywhere. A minute later, something comes crashing out of the woods toward the clearing, snapping sticks as it runs through the brush. The creature, jumping out from a wooded area, gets surprise on the party and proceeds to set its sights on Erlan. [How can one be surprised when you are blatantly looking for that exact thing is still beyond me….] The creature swipes at Erlan with both of it’s tentacles, connecting with only one hit. But, it was enough damage to drain half of his hit points. Pulling out his two-handed sword, Nanoc prepares to splatter this beast all over the clearing. At that point, Rosy proceeds to fire 2 magic missiles at the “displacer beast” which both, obviously, connect. Nanoc attempts to hit the beast with his sword. Having blind fighting and having seen where the magic missiles hit the animal, he connects with his two handed sword. The creature howls in pain and turns immediately toward Nanoc. Erland moves out of the way, and casts fairie fire. Having successfully cast the spell, a blue aura’d outline appears where the creature is really standing. [It’s clobbering time!] Meanwhile, Rowyn is somewhat unsuccessfully trying to climb a tree to get out of the way in order to fire arrows from a higher vantage point. Terth unsuccessfully attempts to control fire from the lantern in order to hit the beast. Nanoc again winds up and with all his might, swings the sword unmercilessly at the beast. He connects again. [3D6+7 bitch!] After a bit more combat, Nanoc, again swinging his immense two-handed sword, hits the beast, crushing it and ending its life.

After the battle, Rowyn climbs up a 50 foot tree to see if she can ascertain exactly where we are. Reaching the top, she sees the main entrance to the mausoleum. Confident the group can head back to Palfrey’s keep from here without having to put any more undue stress on the 200 foot rope, [We fall, we’re dead…] she climbs down successfully without incident.

Searching the area, the group comes across what they think was the grave robbers camp. There is nothing there except for a firepit, a cracked chest and some spoiled meat. Searching the chest, Nanoc finds it contains a set of full plate mail! As giddy as a school girl getting her first boyfriend, Nanoc pulls out the magnificent armor. However, much to his dismay and chargrin, the suit is a bit too small for him and would need to be tailored to fit his hulking frame. [Sad face.] Near the campsite there is a large statue of a warrior with his sword pointing toward the east. Rosy makes note that maybe the sword is pointing toward “something.” But noone takes notice of neither his suggestion nor his 18 intelligence and Rosy makes a mental note for later. Picking up the chest in his burly arms of steel, Nanoc proceeds to start heading in the direction mentioned by Rowyn as to where the entrance to the tomb resides. The rest of the party follows back to Count Palfrey’s keep.

Arriving back at Count Palfrey’s keep, Nanoc asks a servant to store the full plater armor there until the group decides what to do with it. Having not yet fully explored the rest of the tomb, the group decides to head back in to finish clearing it out. While on their way out, the party encounters an eager Lintern who asks if he can accompany the group this trip. Rowyn frowns as if she is completely against this turn of events, but knowing she’d be out voted, she deicides to sulk internally. [Never enough fighters baby! Although Nanoc counts as two to three…] The party gathers its steeds to proceeds to head back to the tomb for further exploration and plundering. [Dollar, Dollar Bill Ya’ll]

Arriving back at the tomb, it is now midday. The party, along with Lintern, head back into the depths. Looking at the map the party has drawn of the tomb thus far, the group locates on the map the one door that has yet to have been explored. Quickly, the group heads directly to the door. Upon arriving at the door, the party sees the 2 familiar onxy statues, carrying halberds, which interlock over the top of the door frame. Rowyn, examing the statues closer, said it appears to be just one piece of onyx that was carved into the 2 statues. With the fear of being decapitated by the statues dwindling, the group feels a bit safer to enter the room. Rowyn tries the door. Locked! Deciding to attempt to pick the lock, Rowyn breaks out her lock pick. After fiddling with the door for a few minutes, she is about to concede defeat, when there is a soft click heard from the lock. Nanoc, stepping in front of Rowyn, proceeds to open the door and cautiously peer inside. Not being able to see Terth comes next to Nanoc to help illuminate the room. The room goes off to both the left and right with corners at the end. Coming into the room, Nanoc heads right. Terth right behind, the group behind him. Coming down the corrider slowly and turning left at the end Nanoc proceeds down the hall. Coming to a ladder, he climbs down, the party following. Coming around the next bend is room with a large pool in the middle. Next to the pool is the statue of a large and quite intimdating dragon which is pouring water into the pool. Looking around, the group sees 4 human skeletons and another skeleton, however, this other skeleton is quite a bit larger. Peering closer, Nanoc sees something putting some sparkly object into the eyes of the broken skeletons. Looking up, the figure speaks words unknown to Nanoc and points at the party. At that instant, the skeletons being to animate and come to life. Lintern comes to stand next to Nanoc with Terth stepping back. With Nanoc and Lintern blocking the entrance to the room, it would also cut down the enemies attacking in larger numbers. For now he and Lintern will have to deal with whatever evil this creature reanimated. Erlan looks at this creature and notices he is a hobgoblin, a dark priest hobgoblin at that! The large skeleton heads right to Nanoc and Lintern, while 2 other skeletons close on Nanocs other side as both fighters are just inside the room. Behind the large skeleton with the large horns, they party can hear the hobgoblin priest starting to speak some incantations of magic. Hearing this, Rosy knew he must disrupt the spell. Summoning his magic missiles, he shoots them directly at the hobgoblin hitting him square in the chest, interrupting his spell casting. Nanoc and Lintern have their weapons drawn and ready to fight. After some fighting between the large horned skeleton, the other 2 human skeletons and Lintern and Nanoc, Rowyn, seeing Nanoc and Lintern consistently miss, decides to take action. Tumbling through the crowd as nimble as a cat, she tumbles and rolls into the room past Rosy, Nanoc, Lintern, and the skeletons. In the meantime, Erlan decides to turn the skeletons. Pulling out his holy symbol and commanding the skeletons, in the name of selune, the jewel encrusted moon tabbard he was wearing begins to glow, obviously assisting with his “turning.” He successfully turns the 4 human skeletons as they proceed to run to the far wall of the room.

Knowing that the rest of his minions are turned and quite pissed off about it, the hobgoblin hopes to get a spell off to even the odds. Seeing Rowyn tumble through the crowd, the hobgoblin priest sees her and begins casting another spell. With even more amazing speed, Rosencrantz again shoots the hobgoblin with another set of magic missles. 2 arrows hit the hobgoblin right in the chest. Hurt, but not downed, the hobgoblin turns toward Rosy while Nanoc and Lintern continue to fight the large horned skeleton. Nanoc and Lintern both score hits against the giant skeleton. Although leaning uneasy toward one side, it continues to press forward, attacking with its fists.

On his last leg [Bravo Jason] and as a last ditch effort, the evil hobgoblin priest attempts to cast another spell. Knowing immediately that he must be interrupted, Rosy just beats the hobgoblins spell by casting web. Pointing a finger at the hobgoblin, a huge mass of web shoots directly out of his finger, entraping the turned skeletons and the hobgoblins within its sticky goo. Meanwhile, Lintern and Nanoc quietly finish off the horned skeleton, crashing it to the floor. Nanoc looks over to see Rowyn notching an arrow into her bow. She releases the arrow as it goes wizzing toward the restrained hobgoblin. With perfect accuracy that Robin Hood would be proud of, the arrow hits the hobgoblin directly in the chest. [Bravo Rae] Notching arrow after arrow, Rowyn continues to shoot at the hobgoblin until it has been disposed of.

Terth then moves forward and proceeds to burn the web down so the party can dismantle the remaining skeletons. One skeleton is killed in the ensuing fire. [ha, ha!] The remaining 3 skeletons are slain by the party without incident. Having had their fill of adventuring for the day, the party wearily heads back to Count Palfrey’s keep in order to keep a date with a green dragon the following morning…………….

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