The Burial Site. Who's next?

The trio sets off at dawn, hoping to get to the burial site early and perhaps back to town before nightfall. The journey is made mostly in silence, since they aren't sure exactly what they'll find when they get there....

Approaching the site itself, the trio notice that it's situated in a large crater. The second thing they notice is two drakes guarding the path down....the third is a gnome, accompanied by a few humans. He looks up at the sound of the adventurer's approaching and upon seeing them, calls out "Hey, you three. Friends of Douven are you? You should come down here, you can't appreciate what we've found if you're up there! Come down and see what we've discovered!"

After exchanging a few glances, the adventurers mutually decide that they can't tell what his motivation is nor if he's a friend or foe...so they move down closer. As soon as they get past the two drakes, the gnome yells "Get them! NOW!" and a fierce battle begins.

The drakes charge at the closest of the adventurers, Spartacus and Treeface and go straight into attacks, though both miss. The humans nearby move in for the attack as well, whilst the gnome keeps his distance and loads a crossbow, firing at Apate only to miss by mere inches. A previously unnoticed halfling sits at the top of the crater's edge on the far side, but now he moves closer and unleashes a rain of stones from his sling, hitting Spartacus square in the head, but missing with the rest.

Apate sent a mind blast heading towards the gnome, who recoiled from it...but then faded away into nothingness, invisible to our adventurers. The rest of the enemies continued to attack, though the humans are falling quickly to our adventurers. The halfling has traveled around the crater edge but now Treeface moves to meet him head to head, whilst Spartacus takes on the remaining foes, the two Drakes. Apate is mind blasting away, though the gnome is still nowhere to be seen.

Treeface reaches his foe and after a few swings form both parties, he enacts a master plan. Sliding down the slope of the crate, he uses his halberd to reach up and swing at the halfling, scoring a direct hit and pulling the halfling down - straight into a rock, killing him off.

As that is happening, a crossbow bolt flies out of the distance - hitting Spartacus just as he finishes fighting off the last Drake. The gnome reappears across the burial site, taunting the adventurers. With a single charge Spartacus sprints over and cleaves into the gnome with his axe, splitting him nearly in two with the strength of the blow.

With the battle over and none of our adventurers too injured, they loot what they can - including a nice Amulet from the gnome, which has a picture of Douven's wife in it, as well as a strange mirror - which appears to be the artifact the gnome had been sent to find. (DM Note: +1 Amulet of Health. Provides +1 to Fort, Reflex and Will. Provides 5 Poison Resistance; Tarnished Mirror - Not actually magical, after a quick arcana check, but sells for a decent amount [550gp]). They also make a discovery! In the corner of the burial site, hidden under a blanket, tied up and gagged is Douven! After freeing him, he reclaims his wife's picture from the locket, but lets the adventurers keep the amulet as a reward.

"Thanks for saving me, I owe you my life" he begins.

Treeface speaks up, asking "Did you happen to hear anything about why this group was here, or what they were looking for?"

"I'm not too sure. I overheard that someone called Kalarel had sent them here to find some magical artifact for use in some ritual they kept mentioning. No details though...sorry"

The adventurers leave him to travel home to his wife, heading back towards Winterhaven themselves. Upon reaching the town..they notice something amiss. The place is strangely quiet, and the few villagers they see are going about quite swiftly and nervously. Treeface stops a random passerby and asks what's wrong with the townspeople.

"I'm...I'm not sure. I just feel..out of sorts...you know? Like someone walked over my grave..." he replies, before quickly darting away.

What could have happened to cause all this? Will the adventurers find out? Who is Kalarel and what kind of ritual is he doing?......

Of Kobolds and Goblins (well..Goblin)

Sorry this took so long to put up, I've been dealing with things and been busy.


We left our heroes resting outside the cave wherein lies the lair of the Kobolds.....and now we continue the adventure...(now with speech and dialogue!)

"The cave lies behind that waterfall", Treeface points out after the group has finished resting.
"Good job we don't have to climb..." replies Spartacus, "hey - why don't you go check it out, just uh...pretend you're a tree or something."
"Oh, ha ha very funny", Treeface shoots back, before nodding his approval at the plan and moving forward stealthily into the waterfall.
Inside he sees a large amount of kobolds scurrying around, though he can't see too far into the cave - just what could be considered a small chamber. They don't spot him however, so he calls out to the two waiting outside and charges into the cave at the closest creature. Dropping it quickly in one hit, the attack alerts the rest of the cave to his presence - but before they can react, he swings through to the next kobold and kills that one too.
Then they react - shouting mindless insults they surround Treeface and swing at him with an array of weaponry, only a few scoring hits before Spartacus charges through the waterfall with a roar - downing a third kobold. Apate steps nimbly just inside, staying near the entrance, but mindblasting a nearby kobold with enough ferocity to kill it.

The kobolds are falling thick and fast as Treeface swings through another one, though he's taking quite a lot of hits as well. The swirling melee continues before a shout of challenge echoes through the cave entrance as a huge, battle-scarred goblin shows up.
"You dare disturb the lair of Irontooth?!? YOU DIE NOW" he shouts, before joining the melee, bringing with him two shield-bearing kobolds and a wyrmpriest.

Spartacus immediately changes his target, charging through the cave to swing down at Irontooth, though the blow doesn't seem to have much effect. Spitting in his face, Irontooth returns the blow with his own battleaxe, hitting hard and accurate - leaving Spartacus bleeding heavily.
Apate is doing his best to whittle down the remaining kobolds, but a Dragonshield makes a beeline for him and starts attacking with vigor, directing his attention solely on it.
Treeface finishes off the last of his enemies and heads over to help out Spartacus, who is giving as good as he gets. Irontooth is now covered in miscellaneous cuts and wounds, but is still fighting strong as his eyes begin to glow red. Several of his wounds close up by themselves - though a few more attacks from Spartacus open them right back up.
Apate finishes off his enemy with little health left in him to aid the other two - who seem to be doing just as badly. Eventually they whittle Irontooth's strength and energy down and Spartacus pulls back for the final blow.
"KALAREL AND LORD ORCUS, PREPARE MY WAY", the goblin screams as the axe falls down, ending his life.

The group stops to rest before looting the bodies, coming out with a large array of weapons and some gold. Irontooth himself has a pouch containing a small silver key, and a message scroll which reads as follows:

"My spy in Winterhaven suggests we keep an eye out for visitors to the area. It probably doe not matter; in just a few more days, I'll completely open the rift. Then Winterhaven's people will serve as food for all those Lord Orcus sends to do my bidding."


Upon searching the rest of the cave, the group finds little of interest except for a pile of miscellaneous items and scavenged clothing. In this pile however, is a chest - which the silver key unlocks with ease. Inside, the trio discovers a large stash of potions, just over 400 gold pieces, and a piece of magical hide armour - which Spartacus immediately claims.
(DM NOTE: +1 Dwarven Hide Armour. +1 to AC, +1 to Endurance checks, Daily power - as a free action regain HP as if you had spent a healing surge. Extra Notes: Yes, I did just convert the Dwarven Chain Mail to a Hide armour. This group needs it. :P)


"That was one hell of a battle", exclaims Apate, "I think we need to rest more before investigating that burial site..."
Treeface immediately replies, "Agreed, let's set up camp here for tonight, and head out in the morning after our wounds have had time to heal and our energy replenished."

"I'm interested in this note about a spy in the town....I wonder who it could be..." inputs Spartacus, though the discussion is lain aside for another time, as the weary adventures make camp and make mindless small talk until drifting to sleep...wondering what the next day will bring them....

In the next part, our adventures set off in search of Douven and the burial site. What will happen? What will they find out? Who could this spy be?....

Ambush ALL the things!

Our story continues...now with DM notes!

Kobolds! Lots of them! Well....5 of them....but 3 have shields and one looks quite evil, wearing a bone mask carved in the shape of a dragon. Could this be one of their fabled Wyrmpriests? I think it could be...
The adventurers don't have time to notice this however - they're being attacked! The three shield-bearing Kobolds charge straight in, going for the larger two of the group (and the two closest), Spartacus and Treeface. A fourth Kobold, wielding a spear, approaches from the flank, and move sin to take on Apate, who is cowering at the rear of the group. The Wyrmpriest (for he is such) moves to block the road and sends out a terrible globe of energy, smashing Spartacus for some nasty acidic damage.

The group looks to be in trouble, but Treeface kicks into action, having spotted the ambush and being less surprised - he swings back with a nasty attack, damaging one of the shield-bearers nastily. Then the full battle begins, as the Kobolds retaliate - the melee swinging into their targets whilst the priest steps forward to breath acidic flames across the group - and across his own allies. Treeface is shielded by Spartacus, who takes the brunt of the attack, whilst one shield-bearer drops dead and the other appears heavily injured. 'Twould seem this particular magic-using enemy has no love for his fellow allies.

The rest of the trio breaks in, Spartacus swinging his heavy great-axe with precision and power, taking chunks of health from anything stupid enough to be next to him. Treeface continues to use his halberd's reach with great skill, constantly maneuvering to the best positions. Apate steps back, blasting psychic power through the minds of her foes, knocking them senseless. After a rowdy battle, during which none of the adventurers is too seriously injured (though Treeface got close as usual), the last Kobold is dispatched and the group stands amongst the corpses. After a quick moment to gather their breath, they loot what they can find - including a strange necklace on the Wyrmpriest - with a dragon figurine upon which is etched the symbol of the demon lord of the undead - Orcus. Why would a simple Kobold be wearing this? The adventurers don't stop to question it - they just add it to the rest of the loot and continue on their way.


The lair itself, they find, is actually situated near a waterfall, which provides the source for a small stream flowing south-west. The area is shielded by a small glade of trees, but before they can investigate further, Treeface, with keen perception hears and spots a large gathering of Kobolds - just seconds before the other two notice. They slow their pace, to think about what to do - it appears that Kobolds haven't noticed their existence yet.

Not caring about strategical plans, Spartacus decides to take the lead and rushes through the trees to the closest enemy - who happens to be standing in the center of an old magic circle. Nothing appears to happen as Spartacus steps into it, though he somehow feels he can hit things better... (DM Note: Sacred Circle, any creature standing in the circle receives +1 to attack rolls)...he swings down hard and smashes his axe into the Kobold - alerting the others to his presence, though not before his allies can jump into the fray! Treeface rushes in and swings through the trees at the same Kobold, infuriating it, but also injuring it badly. Apate stands behind the glade, using her mind to probe through at a different enemy, killing it outright. Spartacus gets yet another swing in before the Kobolds can act, smashing his foe to the ground, where it is clearly dead.

Then the Kobolds act....and they swarm around the group, closing in and attacking with spears and swords - whilst one stands back and slings heavy iron bullets into the fray. Damage is dealt both ways, the party taking huge hits - Treeface even retreating back behind the trees for a short time, though it's easy to see the Kobolds are taking the brunt of it. Their main force is dropping like flies, and the few stronger Kobolds that are left are being ganged up on and start to drop as well. The slinger is the last to go - fighting strong until his demise.

The area is clear except for the corpses of Kobolds now, some of them floating down the stream - though the fight was loud and long, it doesn't seem to have brought any more enemies from within the lair.....
The group takes a quick rest after assuring themselves safe and take what they can salvage from the bodies (this is beginning to become a habit...loot ALL the things)


Our adventure will continue soon.....what will the trio find within the lair? Why has there been no Kobolds coming out to investigate? WHAT COULD IT ALL MEAN?
Find out next time.......</cartoonending>

It begins....

The adventure begins on the King's Road - where our trio is suddenly ambushed by a group of Kobolds. Although both Treeface and Spartacus notice them hiding before they can launch an attack, the Kobolds still prove to be faster and act first. Within a minute Treeface is heavily injured and the other two aren't far behind - the Kobolds attack relentlessly, crowding in on the group, with one staying back to sling dangerous ammo at our adventurers - the first of which is a pot of sticky glue, which immobilises Treeface for a good couple of minutes, whilst he downs the first of his health potions to recover.
However, once the trio has gathered their wits, they return the attack and Kobolds start dropping left, right and center, Spartacus swinging into them with his great-axe whilst Treeface stands his ground and distance, using the long reach of his halberd to great effect. Apate is stood back from the main brawl, using his powers of the mind to casually but systematically bring pain and distraction to the Kobolds in the fight, some of them dropping dead from the sheer power used.

Another pot, this time filled with burning pitch comes flying through the whirling melee, but misses all targets. A third, the same, follows closely and smashes into Spartacus - setting him on fire and only causing him to be angrier. By this point, only a few Kobolds remain and they are quickly dispatched, though not before Treeface uses up another potion. After recovering, healing up and looting the corpses, the trio continues on to Winterhaven, where their true adventure awaits...

Upon reaching the town, they head straight to the Inn, for a meal, a drink and perhaps a chat with some of the townsfolk. Treeface has a quick discussion with the owner (Salvana), who mentions they should probably talk to the local history buff (Eilian) regarding the whereabouts of Douven - Eilian just so happens to be happily drinking at a table in the Inn, so the group heads over to ask him some questions. Turns out Eilian knew Douven quite well whilst he was staying in the village, apparently asking lots of questions about the Dragon burial site nearby - thinking there might be a treasure hoard hidden away somewhere within that area. Eilian draws up a quick map for the party, showing them the location of the burial site if they wish to check it out.

Upon mentioning the Kobold attack, Eilian tells them they should report it to Lord Padraig immediately, as it is a major issue for the townspeople currently. He points towards a man quietly sipping beer in the corner and tells them that that's the Lord and he won't mind being approached. The trio thanks Eilian for his help and moves over the where Lord Padraig is sitting, opening with mention of the Kobolds.

Padraig (whose first name is Ernest...) thanks them for reporting it, and mentions that the Kobold attacks have been getting more frequent - that something is obviously stirring them up. He asks the group if they would be willing to eradicate the pests - for a reward of course, plus whatever loot they find along the way. Upon accepting this quest, he pens up a map for the group, showing the location of the Kobold Lair (just East of the Dragon burial site) and goes back to his drink.

After a quick discussion amongst themselves, the trio decides that eradicating the Kobolds should be their first goal, before investigating the burial site in search of Douven. They pay for lodgings at the Inn at get a decent nights rest before setting out in the morning.

The group sets out, making their way back along the Kings Road towards the small game trail they have to follow to take them towards the lair. Whilst travelling along the way, Treeface spots some more Kobolds waiting in ambush, but before he can warn the other two, they jump out from their hiding spots and attack!

The rest of this session will be posted later in the week - I'm splitting it into segments to keep you interested ;P

A new start, a new run

So this kinda went downhill with the last adventure.


But now we're starting anew! And I pledge to keep this going! Properly!


All new characters! All new adventures! All new trolling!


So let's begin, with the introduction of our heroes, and the introduction of our story.....


As the sun dawns upon the land, we look down upon the Gardbury Downs. Travelling along the King's Road are as mismatched a group of adventurers as you could hope to find, who have headed out on what they hope is their first big adventure.

Leading the group is a young Wilden name Treeface, wielding a deadly Halberd and looking very much like he wants a fight. (Treeface, a Wilden Avenger played by Jake). Originally hailing from the forests of the Feywild, this particular Wilden has ventured out in the search for his purpose in life, unknown to all but the gods. A devout follower of Corellon and unaligned in the ways of the world, Treeface is the one who has gathered this trio together, finding adventurers who are just as unique as he is in this human-dominated area to group up and travel with.

They definitely are unique too, as shown by the second of the trio - Apate Phrike, a Tiefling trained in the arts of the psychic and the powers of the mind. (Apate Phrike, a Tiefling Psion played by Beth). Apate hails from a small Tiefling community within the town of Hammerfast. Mostly a secretive community, the town is unaware of how many live in the underground, putting up with those Tieflings they know are around as long as no trouble is caused. Apate was trained in the ways of the Psion by Durmindin, an 253 year old psychic Wilden who lives within the community as an honoured elder and trusted wise one, who sent a select group of Tieflings out into the world, on different paths - telling them each about a prophecy that will unfold for them all, differently...yet together. The prophecy spake thus:

"And there will come a time, when a trio of those who may be viewed as Demonspawn will venture forth from the underworld of the Hammer, and these select few will have parts to play in the shaping of the world to be.
One, a warrior strong, will move as the compass and travel far before ever reaching his goal.
Two, a magic user, will head east through mountains and plains, until they reach the field of blue where all will be revealed.
Three, a master of the mind, will be sent west until they meet a forest-brother of the one who foretells these words, joining them to repel forces of evil.
Such is the way and the way is written."


The third member of the group, lumbering along behind the other two is a huge specimen of a Minotaur. "Spartacus of the Skull Drinkers" is his name, though none dare ask how such a name was obtained. (Spartacus of the Skull Drinkers, a Minotaur Barbarian played by Tim). Very little is known of Spartacus, though he readily joined the group in promise of battle and glory. Perhaps more about this strange bull will be revealed in the days to come....


Together these three venture forth in search of avid explorer Douven Staul. Douven is a old friend of the Wilden, and was the chosen mentor for Treeface when the time came for him to venture out of the Feywild and into this realm. He departed for Winterhaven just three months ago, in search of an old dragon's tomb located not far from the town (and the treasure which could be waiting there) - according to a map he had procured. He has yet to return and his wife, fraught with worry, has asked Treeface to set off in search of him. After gathering the other two adventurers together as help, the group set out from Fallcrest and are now approaching Winterhaven.

Their adventure starts now.......