CR 571 October 1st to 9th
GM Notes: October is nearly twice the size of September. Given its size, I broke October up into 4 threads. With the modern games starting up the days are starting to get really filled up. What I do find interesting is just how well all of this stuff does fit together. I mean we have games that are sometimes decades apart all playing out at the same time. Not something I ever planned upon, it just happened that way.
October 1st –
(The Frontier) After regaining spells, Padraig dispels the transformation on Stephanie and she is human once more. Stephanie and Finrod make up. Silvarn returns, announcing that the baby has been born. She suggests that the red dragon and his forces be finally dealt with now that the Seekers are back to full strength. Silvarn flies overhead, transformed into her normal silver dragon state. The yaun-ti flee in fear and are further chased by Silvarn's breath weapon. The Seekers reach the former ruling palace of the city that the red dragon uses as his lair. Much of it is in ruins. A group of yaun-ti are encountered and easily defeated. Reaching the lair itself, the Seekers move to attack! The dragon tries to breathe, but Padraig erects a Wall of Force to absorb the fire. Yuan-ti rush in from the rear. Carnery is transformed into a snake and slithers off. Pad damages one of the dragon's wings with a Lightning Bolt, grounding the monster. Blod cuts off part of its tail and Stephanie drives Lighting into its flank. The wounded dragon tries to flee on foot, dragging Stephanie along by her sword. Padraig settles the issue casting Magic Missile to slay the dragon. With the dragon slain, its followers flee. The Seekers are victorious. (TF#115-117)
Roster of the Seekers: Claudius, Stephanie, (PL), Bernice, Blod, Dani, Fiben, Finrod, Mercy, Omni Tuens, Padraig, Tania and Zynara.
(Sword of Doom) Several of the Company research the Savages, believing this inhospitable area to be the location of the next trip through the pillars will take them. Argent casts several spells on herself in an attempt to penetrate the sealed upper levels of the mage tower. Later that afternoon, the Company notes that Argent is missing. They track her to the steps leading up to the blocked off mage tower. Perrel and Selarin attempt to climb the outside of the tower to find another way in. They reach the windows on the lower of the two levels, but find them almost metallic instead of glass. While pounding on them, a window on the top level opens up and Argent is spotted standing there. She steps out the window and falls to the ground as soft as a feather. Crandor and Lord Flamehilt rush up to Argent and find her acting oddly. She says that the Company will depart for the next part of the quest of the Sword of Doom in the morning and that she needs to rest and regain spells. The rest of the Company is concerned and plan to investigate come the morning when the priests have learned new spells. Perrel and Crandor make a hole in the roof of the tower and rappel down into the room below. (SoD#56-59)
(New Frontiers) Sherwood and company reach Twin Forks and scouts are sent into town to get the layout. The group splits up after nightfall and set up a plan in hopes of channeling Lothar towards his riverboat where they hope to capture him. Sherwood casts a Pyrotechnics spell on a large fire to signal the attack. Guards are removed using that distraction while riders storm into town. The warrior and the wizard that the charmed bandit leaders mentioned emerge and to everyone's astonishment, the warrior's sword bursts into black flames! Sherwood recognizes it as the calling card of the Cult of the Blackflame and orders everyone to avoid its touch. Artur and Arkane put up a tremendous fight, but Artur's black flaming swords shatters unexpectedly. When they do fall, both men burst into black flames. But this black fire only burns their flesh, leaving behind their gear and bones. The plan works for the most part as Lothar does flee to the riverboat and is captured. During the chaos of the fight, Saladin tried to flee but Grondar captured him. Lothar is returned to his home and charmed by Sherwood for information. Lothar reveals that he didn't do anything to the wine intended to Baron Relon Vanarkus, but rather he had been hired to ensure its delivery by Lord Taron Cavius! It seems now that the adventurers must travel north to Rennydale to discover Lord Cavius' role in this attack. Artur and Arkane came into town and told Lothar that he had been set up for an attack on Baron Vanarkus. In turn he had his forces attacking adventurers traveling to Twin Forks and had his riverboat ready for travel. Between this and the sudden reappearance of the Cult of the Blackflame, Sherwood realizes that this mission has taken a very unexpected turn. In spite of this, all those assembled agree to continue on with this mission. The group takes the name of the Guardians of Light at the suggestion of Grondar of Berronar. Sherwood also plans to travel to his private tower to do research with notes left behind by his ancestor James the Red concerning the Cult of the Blackflame. The tower is close to Twin Forks and then Sherwood will lead the Guardians to Elcadan to visit his cousin Lady Jallarzi Sallavarian. Sherwood teleports himself, Lord Vanarkus and Lothar back to Pyris to report in. (NF#9-14)
Roster of the Guardians of Light: Lord Vanarkus (PL), Chareos, Grondar, Ivy, Kylie, Laucian, Lilia, Lord Rowan, and Sherra.
CR 571 October 1st to 9th
CR 571 October 1st to 9th
Try it and find out!
Re: CR 571 October 1st to 9th
October 2nd –
(The Frontier) Rooster is buried in a small ceremony. A banner for the missing Carnery is planted as well. The dragon's treasure is searched and counted while the Seekers relax and recover from their wounds. They save the magic items to be identified for when they get back to Gateway. Silvarn escorts the Seekers to the mother couatl that they had been protecting. The beautiful feathered serpents speaks directly into their minds and thanks them. The couatl says that this city is the ruins of Tulom. In the back of the small temple is what she calls the Fountain of the Gods. The couatl directs the Seekers to take one sip from the fountain to receive a gift, but a second drink will be fatal. All of the Seekers drink from the fountain and receive a variety of gifts. Padraig is aged ten years and now appears 22 years old. (TF#117)
(Sword of Doom) Schar casts Detect Magic, Detect Evil and Detect Charm on Argent. She now detects as mildly evil and have several new magic items that she did not have before. Lord Flamehilt approaches Argent and once close enough grabs her and covers her mouth. Eliza comes in and quickly binds the helpless mage. Argent struggles to get free and glares at them for a few minutes and then just collapses. She awakes a few minutes later and seems very confused. Argent explains that she used magic to penetrate the sealed area. She remembers exploring for a time and then everything went black. The next thing she knew she was tied up in her bed. The Company decides to get to the bottom of this. Perrel uses a Stone Shape to make a passage in the stone blocking the stairs. Passing through the stone the Company finds a private library. The stairs continue up and lead to another sealed hatch. A knock is used on the hatch and beyond is a great mage laboratory. A huge diamond is found along with a platinum crown with diamonds. The crown is later found to be called the Crown of the Stars. Perrel feels a strange pressure in his head, but it goes away. The huge diamond detects as magical and Lord Flamehilt and Crandor shatter it. An unearthly wail fills the room and then fades away. The Company explores the laboratory and finds several magic items. That evening, while eating dinner, a enemy mage appears in the entrance to the dining hall. He casts Magic Missile and kills Ashes, Mastiff's familiar. The mage then casts Wall of Force and separates Argent from the rest of the group. Argent reacts quickly and throws a Lightning Bolt towards the man. The mage retaliates by casting another Magic Missile at Argent, hurting her badly. Seeing the others rushing to get around his Wall of Force, the mage runs off and disappears. Shocked by this sudden and unexpected attack on the Company's mages, the group decides that their spell casters must be protected. The spell casters are taken to Schar's quarters so that she can use her healing herbs to heal them. However, the door to Schar's quarters are Fire Trapped and she is lightly singed. It is discovered that several rooms were searched and Gathis' spell books are missing, but the other books are found. The group ends up spending the night in Crandor's quarters on guard. Argent scries for the enemy mage and finds him in an unknown town making plans with a Priest of Hextor. (SoD#58-63)
GM Notes: The Crown of the Stars turns up early in the Elfquest game. Argent had been possessed by the female mage who used to live in this tower. She had been Magic Jarred into the gem sometime in the past. Most likely when the Keep fell to the Cynalon forces back in the war against Keln, some 50 years ago. When Argent was captured, the mage left her body and returned to the gem. She later tried to possess Perrel, but failed. She was then destroyed when the gem was shattered.
(New Frontiers) Back in Pyris, Lord Vanarkus turns Lothar over to the guards and reports to his father. Likewise, Sherwood and Jallarzi discuss what has been learned and plan accordingly. Lord Vanarkus speaks with Lady Ardel once more over lunch. They learn that another adventurer arrived after the Guardians had already departed the Green Forest Inn. It is Lord Acerion Kalindor, a Paladin of Heironeous. He joins the Guardian's of Light and teleports back to Twin Forks with Sherwood and Lord Vanarkus once the business in Pyris is completed.
In Twin Forks, the mages of the Guardians of Light study new spells from Arkane's spellbooks. Sherra examines the contents of Lothar's barge and finds eleven sealed crates. Ten of the crates hold ten gold bars a piece, but the last holds a smaller container that has strange writing on it. Even stranger, the container cannot be opened. No one else can understand the writing and the container itself seems to be made of some unknown metal. Grondar of Berronar tries to contact Artur's spirit with a Speak with Dead spell but gets no answer. Sherwood suspects that the Blackflame burned Artur's soul as well, permanently destroying it. Kylie casts comprehend languages on the strange container and finds that the words are “A gift to Nylsara”. No one has ever heard of a Nylsara. The Guardians spend the day relaxing and practicing in Twin Forks. (NF#14-15)
Roster of the Guardians of Light: Lord Vanarkus (PL), Chareos, Grondar, Ivy, Lord Kalindor, Kylie, Laucian, Lilia, Lord Rowan, and Sherra.
GM Notes: The mystery of the chest is resolved later on in Elfquest. Nylsara was one of the mortal Daughters of Mystra. She was an admiral in the Alphatian Navy who led the rebellion against Emperor Alphaks who had become a lich because of the Crown of Eternal Night. This conflict eventually led to the destruction of the Alphatian home world two thousand years ago. The chest itself was from another world, that's why the metal is unknown here. Back in those days, Alphatia had multiple colonies across different worlds. When the civil war came, many of them picked independence over choosing a side. The chest came from one such world, but obviously they secretly favored the rebels.
(The Frontier) Rooster is buried in a small ceremony. A banner for the missing Carnery is planted as well. The dragon's treasure is searched and counted while the Seekers relax and recover from their wounds. They save the magic items to be identified for when they get back to Gateway. Silvarn escorts the Seekers to the mother couatl that they had been protecting. The beautiful feathered serpents speaks directly into their minds and thanks them. The couatl says that this city is the ruins of Tulom. In the back of the small temple is what she calls the Fountain of the Gods. The couatl directs the Seekers to take one sip from the fountain to receive a gift, but a second drink will be fatal. All of the Seekers drink from the fountain and receive a variety of gifts. Padraig is aged ten years and now appears 22 years old. (TF#117)
(Sword of Doom) Schar casts Detect Magic, Detect Evil and Detect Charm on Argent. She now detects as mildly evil and have several new magic items that she did not have before. Lord Flamehilt approaches Argent and once close enough grabs her and covers her mouth. Eliza comes in and quickly binds the helpless mage. Argent struggles to get free and glares at them for a few minutes and then just collapses. She awakes a few minutes later and seems very confused. Argent explains that she used magic to penetrate the sealed area. She remembers exploring for a time and then everything went black. The next thing she knew she was tied up in her bed. The Company decides to get to the bottom of this. Perrel uses a Stone Shape to make a passage in the stone blocking the stairs. Passing through the stone the Company finds a private library. The stairs continue up and lead to another sealed hatch. A knock is used on the hatch and beyond is a great mage laboratory. A huge diamond is found along with a platinum crown with diamonds. The crown is later found to be called the Crown of the Stars. Perrel feels a strange pressure in his head, but it goes away. The huge diamond detects as magical and Lord Flamehilt and Crandor shatter it. An unearthly wail fills the room and then fades away. The Company explores the laboratory and finds several magic items. That evening, while eating dinner, a enemy mage appears in the entrance to the dining hall. He casts Magic Missile and kills Ashes, Mastiff's familiar. The mage then casts Wall of Force and separates Argent from the rest of the group. Argent reacts quickly and throws a Lightning Bolt towards the man. The mage retaliates by casting another Magic Missile at Argent, hurting her badly. Seeing the others rushing to get around his Wall of Force, the mage runs off and disappears. Shocked by this sudden and unexpected attack on the Company's mages, the group decides that their spell casters must be protected. The spell casters are taken to Schar's quarters so that she can use her healing herbs to heal them. However, the door to Schar's quarters are Fire Trapped and she is lightly singed. It is discovered that several rooms were searched and Gathis' spell books are missing, but the other books are found. The group ends up spending the night in Crandor's quarters on guard. Argent scries for the enemy mage and finds him in an unknown town making plans with a Priest of Hextor. (SoD#58-63)
GM Notes: The Crown of the Stars turns up early in the Elfquest game. Argent had been possessed by the female mage who used to live in this tower. She had been Magic Jarred into the gem sometime in the past. Most likely when the Keep fell to the Cynalon forces back in the war against Keln, some 50 years ago. When Argent was captured, the mage left her body and returned to the gem. She later tried to possess Perrel, but failed. She was then destroyed when the gem was shattered.
(New Frontiers) Back in Pyris, Lord Vanarkus turns Lothar over to the guards and reports to his father. Likewise, Sherwood and Jallarzi discuss what has been learned and plan accordingly. Lord Vanarkus speaks with Lady Ardel once more over lunch. They learn that another adventurer arrived after the Guardians had already departed the Green Forest Inn. It is Lord Acerion Kalindor, a Paladin of Heironeous. He joins the Guardian's of Light and teleports back to Twin Forks with Sherwood and Lord Vanarkus once the business in Pyris is completed.
In Twin Forks, the mages of the Guardians of Light study new spells from Arkane's spellbooks. Sherra examines the contents of Lothar's barge and finds eleven sealed crates. Ten of the crates hold ten gold bars a piece, but the last holds a smaller container that has strange writing on it. Even stranger, the container cannot be opened. No one else can understand the writing and the container itself seems to be made of some unknown metal. Grondar of Berronar tries to contact Artur's spirit with a Speak with Dead spell but gets no answer. Sherwood suspects that the Blackflame burned Artur's soul as well, permanently destroying it. Kylie casts comprehend languages on the strange container and finds that the words are “A gift to Nylsara”. No one has ever heard of a Nylsara. The Guardians spend the day relaxing and practicing in Twin Forks. (NF#14-15)
Roster of the Guardians of Light: Lord Vanarkus (PL), Chareos, Grondar, Ivy, Lord Kalindor, Kylie, Laucian, Lilia, Lord Rowan, and Sherra.
GM Notes: The mystery of the chest is resolved later on in Elfquest. Nylsara was one of the mortal Daughters of Mystra. She was an admiral in the Alphatian Navy who led the rebellion against Emperor Alphaks who had become a lich because of the Crown of Eternal Night. This conflict eventually led to the destruction of the Alphatian home world two thousand years ago. The chest itself was from another world, that's why the metal is unknown here. Back in those days, Alphatia had multiple colonies across different worlds. When the civil war came, many of them picked independence over choosing a side. The chest came from one such world, but obviously they secretly favored the rebels.
Try it and find out!
Re: CR 571 October 1st to 9th
October 3rd –
(Sword of Doom) The Company continues to scry the enemy mage during the day. Mastiff slips away, leaving Crandor a note that he will get vengeance for Ashes. As night begins to fall, Argent notes that the enemy force is riding up the road to the fortress. Scrying Mastiff, Argent sees him avoid the approaching riders by hiding behind a boulder in the darkness. The Company lays a few traps and awaits the enemies arrival. Near dawn the enemy group arrives, lead by a 17' tall ogre. They challenge the Company to come out and fight. While Lord Flamehilt and Crandor talk to the enemy, a mage hits them with a Fireball. Schar counters by covering the mage with Silence. Argent has a Detect Invisibility active and notes two more men hovering in the air behind the Company! She hits one with a Magic Missile, forcing him to become visible. Argent is hit with a Hold Spell, but Schar dispels it immediately. Spells and ranged attacks are traded back and forth until the Company manages to Hold most of the enemy forces. Those attackers who are able flee and others are slain. A lone Priest of Hextor is captured. Mastiff returns, saying that he has avenged Ashes. The Company gathers around their captive and start to question him when thirteen adventurers suddenly enter the courtyard from the inside of the Keep! (SoD#64-69)
GM Notes: The Sword of Doom ends here, but continues on in The Frontier.
(The Frontier) As Silvarn and the couatl's watch, the Seekers power up the pillar artifact and use it to return to Gateway. However something goes wrong and the Seekers find themselves arriving at a different pillar artifact. The castle that they are in is giant sized and they hear the sounds of battle as they near the outside. Once outside they see a group of adventurers surrounding a bound Hextorite! Both groups note that there are good aligned priests among each group and relax a bit. The two groups eye each other warily and introductions are made. Argent and Padraig talk about the pillar artifact, while Lord Flamehilt, Claudius and Stephanie compare leadership notes with the idea of joining forces. The groups go inside the keep to get warm. However, when Schar goes into the kitchen area she trips a trap that the Company did not set and is slightly wounded. The scouts quickly explore the area finding more traps and the dead body of Gathis. The adventurers remain in pairs while searching or resting. The search goes on all day, but no intruders are found. (TF#118-120)
Roster of the Seekers of the Sword: Claudius, Lord Armon Flamehilt (PL), Argent, Blod, Crandor, Dani, Fiben, Finrod, Eliza, Mastiff, Mercy, Omni Tuens, Padraig, Perrel, Schar, Stephanie, Tania, and Zynara.
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride from Twin Forks to Sherwood's Tower to the southwest. After a rainy day of riding the group has a hearty dinner and gets some rest. (NF#15)
GM Notes: Another day of padding.
(Sword of Doom) The Company continues to scry the enemy mage during the day. Mastiff slips away, leaving Crandor a note that he will get vengeance for Ashes. As night begins to fall, Argent notes that the enemy force is riding up the road to the fortress. Scrying Mastiff, Argent sees him avoid the approaching riders by hiding behind a boulder in the darkness. The Company lays a few traps and awaits the enemies arrival. Near dawn the enemy group arrives, lead by a 17' tall ogre. They challenge the Company to come out and fight. While Lord Flamehilt and Crandor talk to the enemy, a mage hits them with a Fireball. Schar counters by covering the mage with Silence. Argent has a Detect Invisibility active and notes two more men hovering in the air behind the Company! She hits one with a Magic Missile, forcing him to become visible. Argent is hit with a Hold Spell, but Schar dispels it immediately. Spells and ranged attacks are traded back and forth until the Company manages to Hold most of the enemy forces. Those attackers who are able flee and others are slain. A lone Priest of Hextor is captured. Mastiff returns, saying that he has avenged Ashes. The Company gathers around their captive and start to question him when thirteen adventurers suddenly enter the courtyard from the inside of the Keep! (SoD#64-69)
GM Notes: The Sword of Doom ends here, but continues on in The Frontier.
(The Frontier) As Silvarn and the couatl's watch, the Seekers power up the pillar artifact and use it to return to Gateway. However something goes wrong and the Seekers find themselves arriving at a different pillar artifact. The castle that they are in is giant sized and they hear the sounds of battle as they near the outside. Once outside they see a group of adventurers surrounding a bound Hextorite! Both groups note that there are good aligned priests among each group and relax a bit. The two groups eye each other warily and introductions are made. Argent and Padraig talk about the pillar artifact, while Lord Flamehilt, Claudius and Stephanie compare leadership notes with the idea of joining forces. The groups go inside the keep to get warm. However, when Schar goes into the kitchen area she trips a trap that the Company did not set and is slightly wounded. The scouts quickly explore the area finding more traps and the dead body of Gathis. The adventurers remain in pairs while searching or resting. The search goes on all day, but no intruders are found. (TF#118-120)
Roster of the Seekers of the Sword: Claudius, Lord Armon Flamehilt (PL), Argent, Blod, Crandor, Dani, Fiben, Finrod, Eliza, Mastiff, Mercy, Omni Tuens, Padraig, Perrel, Schar, Stephanie, Tania, and Zynara.
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride from Twin Forks to Sherwood's Tower to the southwest. After a rainy day of riding the group has a hearty dinner and gets some rest. (NF#15)
GM Notes: Another day of padding.
Try it and find out!
Re: CR 571 October 1st to 9th
October 4th –
(The Frontier) Omni studies the pillar artifact and theorizes that the formation here in Karn's Keep should connect to the one in the ruins of Mesilva, which in turn would connect back to Gateway. Padraig sends a Dream Spell to Lord Sharadin explaining the situation at Karn's Keep. Meanwhile, Sean, Padraig's invisible homonculus locates the intruders who set the trap and killed Gathis. Its a kobold and a goblin who are hiding in a storage area. Finrod and Perrel capture them. The two humanoids claim that they were hired by the Hextorites and sneaked into the Keep while invisible to lay traps. They were cut off from escaping when the Seekers arrived and hid.
The magic items that the Seekers found in the dragon lair on Tulom are identified and then the ones the Company looted from the mage laboratory. Pad tries to Identify the staff found in the red dragon lair and finds it to be immensely powerful! It is a Staff of the Necromancer and Pad claims it. The staff also speaks to him telepathically and says that its name is Mervin. Pad can feel the staff testing his resolve, but so far he remains in control.
Late that afternoon Padraig feels himself being scryed and soon after that Lord Sharadin and Captain Shea arrive by way of teleportation. The group leaders explain the situation and the new arrivals are pleased by the Company capturing Karn's Keep. Captain Shea will report the updated situation to General Logan Rowan. He suspects that the General will have ships provided for the group to use so that they can reach the Jungle of Lost Ships and locate the Sword of Doom. In the meantime, Lord Sharadin will move into Karn's Keep. Crown troops will be provided to secure the place. (TF#121)
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light relax at Sherwood's Tower. The magic items are identified and handed out, but not without controversy. Sherwood produces a magic item he calls a “Slate of Identification”. Sherwood uses the slate on the strange container and it is identified as a “Box of Security”. Inside the box is something called a “Star Crown”. Being able to open the Box seems beyond Sherwood's ability. The Guardian's note several paintings in the common area of the tower. One of these paintings is of Darya, of whom Sherwood says, that “she was my wife”. While at the tower, Sherwood shares the Signature spells that his ancestor Renee Sculley created with the group. Sherwood does research into his grandfather's notes. The members of the Swords of Cynalon are identified and one of them is an elf maiden called Nightmist. A map is included in the papers noting a location in the Blackpeak Mountains with the name Nightmist on it. Sherwood theorizes that this location may be where Nightmist was some fifty years ago, but being an elf she could easily still be alive today. This Nightmist might have important knowledge of the Cult of the Blackflame. (NF#15)
GM Notes: The chest was secured with a Superior Wizard Lock that is harder to get around then the normal Wizard Lock. In the case of the this chest the designated key would open it too. The key turns up in Elfquest.
(The Frontier) Omni studies the pillar artifact and theorizes that the formation here in Karn's Keep should connect to the one in the ruins of Mesilva, which in turn would connect back to Gateway. Padraig sends a Dream Spell to Lord Sharadin explaining the situation at Karn's Keep. Meanwhile, Sean, Padraig's invisible homonculus locates the intruders who set the trap and killed Gathis. Its a kobold and a goblin who are hiding in a storage area. Finrod and Perrel capture them. The two humanoids claim that they were hired by the Hextorites and sneaked into the Keep while invisible to lay traps. They were cut off from escaping when the Seekers arrived and hid.
The magic items that the Seekers found in the dragon lair on Tulom are identified and then the ones the Company looted from the mage laboratory. Pad tries to Identify the staff found in the red dragon lair and finds it to be immensely powerful! It is a Staff of the Necromancer and Pad claims it. The staff also speaks to him telepathically and says that its name is Mervin. Pad can feel the staff testing his resolve, but so far he remains in control.
Late that afternoon Padraig feels himself being scryed and soon after that Lord Sharadin and Captain Shea arrive by way of teleportation. The group leaders explain the situation and the new arrivals are pleased by the Company capturing Karn's Keep. Captain Shea will report the updated situation to General Logan Rowan. He suspects that the General will have ships provided for the group to use so that they can reach the Jungle of Lost Ships and locate the Sword of Doom. In the meantime, Lord Sharadin will move into Karn's Keep. Crown troops will be provided to secure the place. (TF#121)
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light relax at Sherwood's Tower. The magic items are identified and handed out, but not without controversy. Sherwood produces a magic item he calls a “Slate of Identification”. Sherwood uses the slate on the strange container and it is identified as a “Box of Security”. Inside the box is something called a “Star Crown”. Being able to open the Box seems beyond Sherwood's ability. The Guardian's note several paintings in the common area of the tower. One of these paintings is of Darya, of whom Sherwood says, that “she was my wife”. While at the tower, Sherwood shares the Signature spells that his ancestor Renee Sculley created with the group. Sherwood does research into his grandfather's notes. The members of the Swords of Cynalon are identified and one of them is an elf maiden called Nightmist. A map is included in the papers noting a location in the Blackpeak Mountains with the name Nightmist on it. Sherwood theorizes that this location may be where Nightmist was some fifty years ago, but being an elf she could easily still be alive today. This Nightmist might have important knowledge of the Cult of the Blackflame. (NF#15)
GM Notes: The chest was secured with a Superior Wizard Lock that is harder to get around then the normal Wizard Lock. In the case of the this chest the designated key would open it too. The key turns up in Elfquest.
Try it and find out!
Re: CR 571 October 1st to 9th
October 5th –
(The Frontier) Lord Sharadin experiments with the pillar artifact and discovers that it does work as Omni theorized. A way to easily reach Gateway is now available. The remaining quarters of the male mage is breached and they adventurers find notes concerning the magical crown down below. The mage says that the Crown was used to 'control' the Sword of Doom. (TF#122)
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride from Sherwood's Tower to the village of Hendry. Just past Hendry, the Guardians camp for the night in Leomund's Hidden Shelter that Sherwood conjures. (NF#16)
October 6th –
(The Frontier) Captain Shea returns to Karn's Keep as men and supplies start to arrive via the Pillar Artifact. Shea reports that the Crown is interested in having the adventurers set sail to find the Sword of Doom. They'll have ships prepared in Kingsport for the ocean voyage. Most of the group agrees to the new mission, while some decide to stay behind. Zynara decides to remain at Karn's Keep to study the mage library and raise her son. Bernice, Mastiff and Selarin leave as well. That evening, Argent and Crandor depart via the Pillar Artifact. Omni Tuens and Eliza follow them to Gateway.
Lord Sharadin will control Karn's Keep. He and his daughters start to move in. Lord Sharadin forms the Cynalon Mage Guild using the vast mage resources at the Keep as a starting point. All eligible spell casters from the Seekers and the Company are given membership. Rules and guidelines are drawn up. (TF#122)
Roster of the Seekers of the Sword: Claudius, Lord Armon Flamehilt (PL), Blod, Dani, Fiben, Finrod, Mercy, Padraig, Perrel, Schar, Stephanie and Tania.
GM Notes: With the merger of the two games, it was time to cut loose the inactive players. Eliza actually didn't actually leave in the posts, but being an NPC I quickly forgot about her, so it made sense just to write her out at this point.
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride from Hendry to Lady Jallarzi Sallavarian's estate to the north of Elcadan. At the estate, the Guardians meet Kharyna and her companions Swanny, Lara Spellsword and Talia. Also present is Arocken from the Seekers. Lady Sallavarian explains that the ranger arrived at Castle Pyris with Lady Gabriella Allonica just as Jallarzi was returning home this evening and decided to bring the elfin ranger along. Sherwood and Jallarzi compare notes and wonder if this Nightmist is a guise of Little Grandmother, their nickname for Silvarn. After dinner the group retires for the evening at the estate. (NF#16)
Roster of the Guardians of Light: Lord Vanarkus (PL), Arocken, Chareos, Grondar, Ivy, Lord Kalindor, Kylie, Laucian, Lilia, Lord Rowan, and Sherra.
GM Notes: This was the modern introduction to Kharyna and her companions. A great deal of things were done with this group live, and the Argent Stories will touch on their time as apprentices to Jallarzi. Like all the pre-forum games that I ran, save for Borderlands, these characters did start out at 1st level.
October 7th –
(The Frontier) The Seekers and the Company formalize their merger. The new group is led by Lord Armon Flamehilt and Claudius. The combined group takes the name the Seekers of the Sword. Captain Shea hired a scout for the combined group named Kit to take them to Kingsport. (TF#123)
Roster of the Seekers of the Sword: Claudius, Lord Armon Flamehilt (PL), Blod, Dani, Fiben, Finrod, Kit, Mercy, Padraig, Perrel, Schar, Stephanie and Tania.
(New Frontiers) Cereld of Heironeous reaches Gateway and finds that the Seekers have gone off on a mission into the Keln Lands. At the local temple, Cereld prays for guidance. He feels that he needs to travel west to the city of Elcadan. (NF#104)
GM Notes: The solo stuff with Cereld was timed out so that he could appear where he needed to appear and that he would miss those in The Frontier game since he never appeared there again.
(New Frontiers) Many of the Guardians ride into Elcadan on business. Lord Vanarkus speaks to Mother Boelle the head of the Temple of Azrella in Elcadan. Lord Kalindor spends time at the Temple of Heironeous. Talia and Sherra spend time together. Kharyna gives Farthon a work out. Sherwood learns that Duke Coran of Corunglain hired Drakkimor and his band to clear out Fort Runnels. (NF#16-17)
GM Notes: I had used Elcadan back in the Borderlands game. While technically it occurred in the past, in the game world it hasn't happened yet! At any rate, I am very familiar with this city having used it before in Borderlands and Borderlands 2. Unfortunately, I had also used Drakkimor and his band there too. Given what happened in New Frontiers, they'll have to be replaced.
(The Frontier) Lord Sharadin experiments with the pillar artifact and discovers that it does work as Omni theorized. A way to easily reach Gateway is now available. The remaining quarters of the male mage is breached and they adventurers find notes concerning the magical crown down below. The mage says that the Crown was used to 'control' the Sword of Doom. (TF#122)
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride from Sherwood's Tower to the village of Hendry. Just past Hendry, the Guardians camp for the night in Leomund's Hidden Shelter that Sherwood conjures. (NF#16)
October 6th –
(The Frontier) Captain Shea returns to Karn's Keep as men and supplies start to arrive via the Pillar Artifact. Shea reports that the Crown is interested in having the adventurers set sail to find the Sword of Doom. They'll have ships prepared in Kingsport for the ocean voyage. Most of the group agrees to the new mission, while some decide to stay behind. Zynara decides to remain at Karn's Keep to study the mage library and raise her son. Bernice, Mastiff and Selarin leave as well. That evening, Argent and Crandor depart via the Pillar Artifact. Omni Tuens and Eliza follow them to Gateway.
Lord Sharadin will control Karn's Keep. He and his daughters start to move in. Lord Sharadin forms the Cynalon Mage Guild using the vast mage resources at the Keep as a starting point. All eligible spell casters from the Seekers and the Company are given membership. Rules and guidelines are drawn up. (TF#122)
Roster of the Seekers of the Sword: Claudius, Lord Armon Flamehilt (PL), Blod, Dani, Fiben, Finrod, Mercy, Padraig, Perrel, Schar, Stephanie and Tania.
GM Notes: With the merger of the two games, it was time to cut loose the inactive players. Eliza actually didn't actually leave in the posts, but being an NPC I quickly forgot about her, so it made sense just to write her out at this point.
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride from Hendry to Lady Jallarzi Sallavarian's estate to the north of Elcadan. At the estate, the Guardians meet Kharyna and her companions Swanny, Lara Spellsword and Talia. Also present is Arocken from the Seekers. Lady Sallavarian explains that the ranger arrived at Castle Pyris with Lady Gabriella Allonica just as Jallarzi was returning home this evening and decided to bring the elfin ranger along. Sherwood and Jallarzi compare notes and wonder if this Nightmist is a guise of Little Grandmother, their nickname for Silvarn. After dinner the group retires for the evening at the estate. (NF#16)
Roster of the Guardians of Light: Lord Vanarkus (PL), Arocken, Chareos, Grondar, Ivy, Lord Kalindor, Kylie, Laucian, Lilia, Lord Rowan, and Sherra.
GM Notes: This was the modern introduction to Kharyna and her companions. A great deal of things were done with this group live, and the Argent Stories will touch on their time as apprentices to Jallarzi. Like all the pre-forum games that I ran, save for Borderlands, these characters did start out at 1st level.
October 7th –
(The Frontier) The Seekers and the Company formalize their merger. The new group is led by Lord Armon Flamehilt and Claudius. The combined group takes the name the Seekers of the Sword. Captain Shea hired a scout for the combined group named Kit to take them to Kingsport. (TF#123)
Roster of the Seekers of the Sword: Claudius, Lord Armon Flamehilt (PL), Blod, Dani, Fiben, Finrod, Kit, Mercy, Padraig, Perrel, Schar, Stephanie and Tania.
(New Frontiers) Cereld of Heironeous reaches Gateway and finds that the Seekers have gone off on a mission into the Keln Lands. At the local temple, Cereld prays for guidance. He feels that he needs to travel west to the city of Elcadan. (NF#104)
GM Notes: The solo stuff with Cereld was timed out so that he could appear where he needed to appear and that he would miss those in The Frontier game since he never appeared there again.
(New Frontiers) Many of the Guardians ride into Elcadan on business. Lord Vanarkus speaks to Mother Boelle the head of the Temple of Azrella in Elcadan. Lord Kalindor spends time at the Temple of Heironeous. Talia and Sherra spend time together. Kharyna gives Farthon a work out. Sherwood learns that Duke Coran of Corunglain hired Drakkimor and his band to clear out Fort Runnels. (NF#16-17)
GM Notes: I had used Elcadan back in the Borderlands game. While technically it occurred in the past, in the game world it hasn't happened yet! At any rate, I am very familiar with this city having used it before in Borderlands and Borderlands 2. Unfortunately, I had also used Drakkimor and his band there too. Given what happened in New Frontiers, they'll have to be replaced.
Try it and find out!
Re: CR 571 October 1st to 9th
October 8th -
(The Frontier) Several members of the Seekers of the Sword feel that they are being scryed. Padraig prepares to learn Detect Scrying spells tomorrow. (TF#124)
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light along with Kharyna and her companions depart the Sallavarian Estate after breakfast heading north towards Rennydale. The weather has turned colder and Swanny complains that Kharyna spoke the name Auril yesterday and the Goddess of Cold is out for revenge. It starts to snow as the group rides along and turns into a full fledged blizzard after a time. Sherwood calls for the procession to halt in fear of getting lost in the storm. Swanny thinks that this is Auril's doing and an attack is imminent. Three frost salamanders approach from directly ahead, while translucent ice warriors move in from the sides. Kharyna summons a Wall of Fire that eliminates the attackers on one side. The other ice warriors fall easily enough. The frost salamanders are made of sterner stuff and take most of the group to kill. When they do die, they collapse into ice and snow. The group continues to ride along in search of shelter. The foul weather continues unabated. About half an hour after the battle with Auril's forces, the Guardians of Light encounter another group of adventurers being assaulted by other ice monsters summoned by Auril. The ice warriors and frost salamanders are easily dealt with. But then a giant icy dragon-like lizard appears saying that it has the scent of the traitor. The Guardians rush to attack the icy dragon. The construct breaths a blast of cold and icy, slaying Lord Rowan's mount in the process. Between spells and steel the icy dragon is reduced to slush quickly. With the ice dragon gone, the foul weather breaks and any remaining ice warriors fall apart. The Guardians meet Lyonessa, a Songstress of Mystra, the sole survivor of the group. Camp is set up for the night. (NF#17-20)
Roster of the Guardians of Light: Lord Vanarkus (PL), Arocken, Chareos, Grondar, Ivy, Lord Kalindor, Kylie, Laucian, Lilia, Lyonessa, Lord Rowan, and Sherra.
GM Notes: You can't blame this one on me, Kharyna really did say Auril's name out loud! A priest should know better as the gods do listen. While there hasn't been the sheer amount of players coming or going in the forum games, this event was also the introduction to Lyonessa.
(The Frontier) Several members of the Seekers of the Sword feel that they are being scryed. Padraig prepares to learn Detect Scrying spells tomorrow. (TF#124)
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light along with Kharyna and her companions depart the Sallavarian Estate after breakfast heading north towards Rennydale. The weather has turned colder and Swanny complains that Kharyna spoke the name Auril yesterday and the Goddess of Cold is out for revenge. It starts to snow as the group rides along and turns into a full fledged blizzard after a time. Sherwood calls for the procession to halt in fear of getting lost in the storm. Swanny thinks that this is Auril's doing and an attack is imminent. Three frost salamanders approach from directly ahead, while translucent ice warriors move in from the sides. Kharyna summons a Wall of Fire that eliminates the attackers on one side. The other ice warriors fall easily enough. The frost salamanders are made of sterner stuff and take most of the group to kill. When they do die, they collapse into ice and snow. The group continues to ride along in search of shelter. The foul weather continues unabated. About half an hour after the battle with Auril's forces, the Guardians of Light encounter another group of adventurers being assaulted by other ice monsters summoned by Auril. The ice warriors and frost salamanders are easily dealt with. But then a giant icy dragon-like lizard appears saying that it has the scent of the traitor. The Guardians rush to attack the icy dragon. The construct breaths a blast of cold and icy, slaying Lord Rowan's mount in the process. Between spells and steel the icy dragon is reduced to slush quickly. With the ice dragon gone, the foul weather breaks and any remaining ice warriors fall apart. The Guardians meet Lyonessa, a Songstress of Mystra, the sole survivor of the group. Camp is set up for the night. (NF#17-20)
Roster of the Guardians of Light: Lord Vanarkus (PL), Arocken, Chareos, Grondar, Ivy, Lord Kalindor, Kylie, Laucian, Lilia, Lyonessa, Lord Rowan, and Sherra.
GM Notes: You can't blame this one on me, Kharyna really did say Auril's name out loud! A priest should know better as the gods do listen. While there hasn't been the sheer amount of players coming or going in the forum games, this event was also the introduction to Lyonessa.
Try it and find out!
Re: CR 571 October 1st to 9th
October 9th -
(The Frontier) Padraig's Detect Scrying spell indicates that he is being watched by the Zombie Master from his lair to the south. The Seekers of the Sword decide to deal with this menace before sailing to find the Sword of Doom. Powering up the Pillar Artifact, the Seekers of the Sword travel to Mesilva. The shaft is opened up once more and shadows start to come out. Schar destroys several of them while the other priests turn them. Finrod webs the shaft and then ignites it with a Burning Hands spell. While the group fights, 'Wendy' appears behind the rear guards. She casts a Fireball that is centered on Tania, but covers several more of the adventurers. Tania is down, while Dani and Fiben are hurt. Perrel reaches Tania and saves her life. A wraith appears in the middle of the group and moves to attacks. Schar turns it, but it then advances on the other half of the group. Stephanie and Padraig destroy the wraith easily. Dani and Tania are sent back to Karn's Keep, while the rest of the group goes down the shaft. Returning to the cavern below, a horde of zombies advances on the group once more. The priests turn some of the zombies while Schar destroys them. Padraig casts a Wall of Fire around the group, forcing the zombies to pass through it to reach their target. Pad flies over the Wall of Fire and starts to drop damaging spells on the zombies. While the Seekers inside the Wall of Fire wait for the enemy to arrive, they find that stalactites are falling down on them! These stalactites have eyes! Pad is attacked by Magic Missiles, but they are absorbed by Mervin. More attacks follow and Pad flies off to deal with the attackers. A barrage of Magic Missiles from Pad takes out one of the enemy spellcasters. The Wall of Fire is dispelled and a Ice Storm is dropped on the group. Wendy appears with several wights. Finrod hits her with a Fireball and takes out most of her guards. Pad's staff Feebleminds Wendy. The Zombie Master is found and he has more Monster Golems with him. The Zombie Master planeshifts to avoid capture. The group realizes that the Zombie Master IS Wendy's father. It is decided to take Wendy back to Gateway to finally face justice. The Seekers use the pillars to return to Gateway and return home to their mansion. Wendy is turned over to the authorities. (TF#124-133)
GM Notes: Finally we have Wendy and the Zombie Master together. He raised his daughter after finding her body, so she was back again. The third enemy spell caster was never identified, but he was the lesser mage of the trio. With the group moving on from this area on their quest to find the Sword of Doom, it made sense to tie up loose ends such as the Zombie Master.
(Argent's Adventures) Lord Sharadin locates Argent and brings her back to Karn's Keep after the Seekers of the Sword depart to deal with the Zombie Master. He finds Argent in a Inn in Gateway, but Crandor is mysteriously gone. Argent is upset at the ranger's absence, but agrees to conduct research on the Pillar Artifacts for the Archmage. (AA)
GM Notes: The above stuff bridges Argent leaving in The Frontier and her eventual return in New Frontiers/Borderlands. I never did decide what happened to Crandor and why he left. I sort of assumed that he, somehow, returned to the world that he had come from initially. After all, that's basically how he arrived!
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride towards Ansimont with the remains of Lyonessa's former adventuring group. At Ansimont, the group takes lodging at the Amber Waves Inn. Lord Vanarkus purchases a new warhorse for Lord Rowan, who he names Destrier. Sherwood departs to check up on other matters. Lyonessa's companions are laid to rest at the local Temple of Azrella, while the lone dwarf is taken to the local Temple of Moradin. There they meet Kax's wife, Tukinia Stonesplinter, and son, Kaxon. That evening Lyonessa performs at the Inn and many dance. During the dancing Ivy and Lord Kalindor become closer. (NF#21)
GM Notes: Tukinia later turned up in the Hammerfall game at the end of the Mountain lake adventure.
(The Frontier) Padraig's Detect Scrying spell indicates that he is being watched by the Zombie Master from his lair to the south. The Seekers of the Sword decide to deal with this menace before sailing to find the Sword of Doom. Powering up the Pillar Artifact, the Seekers of the Sword travel to Mesilva. The shaft is opened up once more and shadows start to come out. Schar destroys several of them while the other priests turn them. Finrod webs the shaft and then ignites it with a Burning Hands spell. While the group fights, 'Wendy' appears behind the rear guards. She casts a Fireball that is centered on Tania, but covers several more of the adventurers. Tania is down, while Dani and Fiben are hurt. Perrel reaches Tania and saves her life. A wraith appears in the middle of the group and moves to attacks. Schar turns it, but it then advances on the other half of the group. Stephanie and Padraig destroy the wraith easily. Dani and Tania are sent back to Karn's Keep, while the rest of the group goes down the shaft. Returning to the cavern below, a horde of zombies advances on the group once more. The priests turn some of the zombies while Schar destroys them. Padraig casts a Wall of Fire around the group, forcing the zombies to pass through it to reach their target. Pad flies over the Wall of Fire and starts to drop damaging spells on the zombies. While the Seekers inside the Wall of Fire wait for the enemy to arrive, they find that stalactites are falling down on them! These stalactites have eyes! Pad is attacked by Magic Missiles, but they are absorbed by Mervin. More attacks follow and Pad flies off to deal with the attackers. A barrage of Magic Missiles from Pad takes out one of the enemy spellcasters. The Wall of Fire is dispelled and a Ice Storm is dropped on the group. Wendy appears with several wights. Finrod hits her with a Fireball and takes out most of her guards. Pad's staff Feebleminds Wendy. The Zombie Master is found and he has more Monster Golems with him. The Zombie Master planeshifts to avoid capture. The group realizes that the Zombie Master IS Wendy's father. It is decided to take Wendy back to Gateway to finally face justice. The Seekers use the pillars to return to Gateway and return home to their mansion. Wendy is turned over to the authorities. (TF#124-133)
GM Notes: Finally we have Wendy and the Zombie Master together. He raised his daughter after finding her body, so she was back again. The third enemy spell caster was never identified, but he was the lesser mage of the trio. With the group moving on from this area on their quest to find the Sword of Doom, it made sense to tie up loose ends such as the Zombie Master.
(Argent's Adventures) Lord Sharadin locates Argent and brings her back to Karn's Keep after the Seekers of the Sword depart to deal with the Zombie Master. He finds Argent in a Inn in Gateway, but Crandor is mysteriously gone. Argent is upset at the ranger's absence, but agrees to conduct research on the Pillar Artifacts for the Archmage. (AA)
GM Notes: The above stuff bridges Argent leaving in The Frontier and her eventual return in New Frontiers/Borderlands. I never did decide what happened to Crandor and why he left. I sort of assumed that he, somehow, returned to the world that he had come from initially. After all, that's basically how he arrived!
(New Frontiers) The Guardians of Light ride towards Ansimont with the remains of Lyonessa's former adventuring group. At Ansimont, the group takes lodging at the Amber Waves Inn. Lord Vanarkus purchases a new warhorse for Lord Rowan, who he names Destrier. Sherwood departs to check up on other matters. Lyonessa's companions are laid to rest at the local Temple of Azrella, while the lone dwarf is taken to the local Temple of Moradin. There they meet Kax's wife, Tukinia Stonesplinter, and son, Kaxon. That evening Lyonessa performs at the Inn and many dance. During the dancing Ivy and Lord Kalindor become closer. (NF#21)
GM Notes: Tukinia later turned up in the Hammerfall game at the end of the Mountain lake adventure.
Try it and find out!