Hollows Last Hope

[Aaronmoze]

The creature is tied up about 10ft from the tree trunk.

[BigPo73]

Okay question the beast to see why he attacked us.

[Aaronmoze]

You can’t speak it’s language.

[BigPo73]

Examine the elder tree for the moss

[Aaronmoze]

You find a patch of eldermoss and easily remove and store it. Gemria says, “That creature came from the tree. I wonder if anything else is up there?”

[BigPo73]

Ask the paladin if these creatures have anything to do with the plague. If not, I don’t think we should waste another moment and begin looking for the other ingredients

[Aaronmoze]

” I don’t know anything about this creature.” She checks on the fox and then mounts her horse.
The two of you head off toward the old woman’s hut. It’s 1 pm on day two.


The sounds of the forest become suddenly distant as the trees part, opening into a small, almost perfectly circular glade. The nearest stands of pine, eyln, and darkwood—all typically sturdy woods—twist away from the clearing, as if bent by some impossibly strong wind or seemingly in an attempt to ee despite their paralyzed roots. At the glade’s center squats an ugly cottage, little more than a pile of twigs, shoots, and ivy stacked upon mud walls. From the thatched roof dangle bundles of gnarled roots, old dried beast carcasses, and knucklebone bangles, all clattering together like gruesome wind chimes. A dozen small thatched fetishes—each shaped like a tiny man, imp, or rearing serpent—stand propped in the yard, keeping guard before a rickety plank door. This clearing is roughly 120 feet in diameter, with a dilapidated, circular, 15-foot cottage at its center. Fourteen unnerving but harmless 3-foot-tall scarecrow-like effigies are propped-up throughout the glade.

[BigPo73]

Ask the paladin what or who could behind the plague as there seems to be forces working against us...slowly approach the cottage being mindful for traps

[Aaronmoze]

”I have not felt an evil intent focused on us specifically other than the normal pitfalls of adventuring. “

You slowly approach the house. You don’t see any traps or objects that seem overtly threatening. You stand before the rickety plank door.

Roll 1d20 to try to break open the door.

[BigPo73]

Rolled a 12

[Aaronmoze]

You easily push the door aside. Gemria steps through first. Inside, the cottage is dank, reeking, and filled with shadows. Haphazardly hung shelves line the walls, covered in all manner of clay jugs, clouded bottles, strangely cut rocks, rotted bunches of herbs, and a museum of other crude curios and rem nants of a bone grinder’s artifice. A rusted iron cauldron, with a mouth nearly 5 feet wide and a depth of at least 3 feet, domi- nates the hut’s single room, its ash-covered surface shaped with a relief of capering ends and leering devils. Across from the door, against the far walls, stands a highbacked chair made of wicker, the gigantic curved tusks of some monstrous beast, and thousands of human teeth. In the chair sits what looks like a corpse wrapped in lthy burial linens, its form padded with pungent herbs and sprouting patches of thick white mold.

[BigPo73]

Perception check 6+7

[Aaronmoze]

This ominous shape is actually only a bundle of branches, mud, and linen.

You jump a little as you hear a commotion behind you. As you wheel around you see a blur of steel and iron. It takes you a second to realize that Gemria is being attacked by the CAULDRON!

Initiative order:
Cauldron
John
Gemria

Cauldron misses Gemria

[BigPo73]

Cast true strike

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria swings, but her sword glances off the side. The cauldron is finding it hard to hit through her armor.

You feel your nails grow and become sharper and stronger, becoming claws. A guttural growl issues from your chest as you strike at the cauldron. Your attacks seem guided and hit true. -7hp.

Gemria and the cauldron both miss.

[BigPo73]

Attack with claws rolled a 3

[Aaronmoze]

The battle continues with each of you flailing at each other :)

[BigPo73]

Cast true strike

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria puts a huge dent in the side of the cauldron. -4hp

The cauldron misses Gemria.

You have 2 level one spells left.

-5 hp on cauldron

Through the battle you know the AC to hit is 14

[Aaronmoze]

The cauldron misses but Gemria hits for -7 hp

You miss and almost poke your own eye out. 3/6 rounds of claws left.

Gemria and cauldron both miss.

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria smashes the cauldron and it shatters to pieces at her feet.

[BigPo73]

Begin searching the hut for the ingredient needed for the cure (deleted the google doc app so forget what the exact name is)

[Aaronmoze]

After searching for 10 minutes you find the rat tail in a jar. After dealing with the cauldron, you feel there is probably more magic items here, so you cast detect magic. You see faint auras around the room, probably from past powerful spells or items. Following one of the faint auras you find a small shrunken head that looks like an amulet. You find nothing else of value.

You still need ironbloom mushrooms, a dwarven delicacy. It’s 8pm on the second day.

[BigPo73]

Work with the paladin to resecure the door as we’ll eat dinner and sleep on the cabin before making our way for the third ingredient at daylight

[Aaronmoze]

You are able to secure the door relatively well. Your sleep is not disturbed as nothing wants to approach the hut. However, you have strange dreams of a large wolf.

The next morning you wake. The Paladin prays and you enter your meditation trance to renew your spells.

It is 8am on the third day.

[BigPo73]

Mount up and begin our journey toward the dwarven monastery to acquire the third ingredient.

[Aaronmoze]

You travel through the darker parts of the forest heading toward the mountains. Sitting squat at the foot of an imposing moun- tain, a ruined monastery comes into view between ancient gnarled trees. Made of simple stone blocks, worn smooth with the passage of time, the stout building is falling apart. Sec- tions of the slanted shale roof have collapsed and portions of the outer wall have crumbled. Weeds and wild thorn plants run rampant across the eld leading up to the place, leaving only the slightest indication of a path that ends at the ruined front doors. Beyond, an overgrown yard sits in shadow.

[BigPo73]

We dismount and proceed to the front door where we knock

[Aaronmoze]

The old path that leads up to the ruins ends about 50 feet from the monastery. Before entering the yard, the path passes between a pair of old stone statues. While one of them is little more than rubble, the other is relatively intact. The 5-foot- tall statue is incredibly worn but it can still be made out as a dwarf holding aloft a great stone hammer. Moss and creeper vines cover most of its surface. Removing the vines around the base uncovers an old dwarven inscription that reads “All praise, [this part is defaced].” Unfortunately, the missing name was scratched off a long time ago and is no longer legible.

Tall grasses and chunks of stone debris have all but overtaken this small yard. Off to one side, a wooden stable has collapsed into a mound of rotting timbers and moldy straw. The outer wall on the east side has also collapsed, leaving a ragged hole. Three doors exit into this yard— a pair of double doors to the east, a single door to the north, and a lone door leading into the squat tower in the southeast corner.

[BigPo73]

Head towards and Closely examine the double doors (perception roll 2)

[Aaronmoze]

Beyond the double doors is a small dark hall. Littered with mounds of debris and a year’s worth of dead leaves, it is clear that a narrow path winds inside.

[BigPo73]

Anticipating trouble I advise the paladin to ready her sword and I cast shield

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria offers to walk in first, her buckler held before her. A faint shimmer appears around you as you cast shieldon yourself.

[BigPo73]

Proceed down the winding path.

[Aaronmoze]

The entryway has 2 doors. One south and 1 north. It continues on to a T intersection that branches off north and south.

[BigPo73]

Retreat to the courtyard and head toward the single door. Examine the door. Perception roll 8

[Aaronmoze]

This long hallway ends with a ruined dwarven statue. Smashed long ago, the statue is barely recognizable as a dwarven monk. His stone hammer sits on the ground next to the shattered remains of his head. To the west there are 2 doors to the north and 1 to your west and north.

[BigPo73]

Examine the door to the immediate north (rolled 13) before proceeding through it.

[Aaronmoze]

This chamber is entirely shattered, with much of the outer wall and ceiling completely crumbled.

[BigPo73]

Retreat back to the hallway examine the pathway and the remaining door to the north (rolled 18)...

[Aaronmoze]

Old cobweb-covered racks and armor stands dominate much of this small chamber. What must have once been a well-tended armory is now devoid of arms and armor. This chamber was pillaged long ago by a group of explorers. A secret door is located in the northeast corner of the room.

You discover 4 crossbow bolts that were left from the explorers ransacking.

[BigPo73]

Examine the secret door (rolled 4) and proceed through.

[Aaronmoze]

The secret door swings open to reveal a short corridor with a wall of bars running down one side. Four rusted doors open in this wall into four cramped cells.

[BigPo73]

Examine each of the cells (rolled 15)

[Aaronmoze]

Before you step far into the room Gemria stiffens and whispers,”There is evil in this room”

[BigPo73]

Acknowledge the paladin and cast light to illuminate the room. Take a defensive position behind the paladin as we enter.

[Aaronmoze]

The cell doors are all rusted and brittle. Gemria pulls on the first one and it opens easily. As soon as she steps into the cell, you hear a ruckus of sounds, similar to sticks and stones hitting together. From out of the corner of this cell rises a dwarven skeleton. It immediately moves forward to attack Gemria. It swipes at her with its claw which scratches against her buckler.

[BigPo73]

Position myself along side the paladin and attack the best using my claws. Attack rol 15 Damage (3,2)

[BigPo73]

Advise the paladin to retreat to just outside the secret door

[Aaronmoze]

”As you command”,she says through gritted teeth as she fends off the attacks of the skeleton while retreating.

Gemria -1hp from claw

Gemria yells out that two more skeletons have come out of the other cells.

[BigPo73]

Attack the skeleton with claws (attack roll 9, damage 4,1)

[Aaronmoze]

You miss the skeleton with your claws attack. It’s claws again bounce off of Gemria’s armor. Gemria’s sword passes right between the skeleton’s ribs.

[BigPo73]

Regular melee attack (rolled 17) damage roll 1

[Aaronmoze]

Your strike chips off some bone from the skeleton. Both the skeleton and Gemria swing at each other but miss. The other skeletons are just mindlessly milling around but definitely drawn toward your living flesh!

[BigPo73]

Sword melee rolled 11 damage 3

[Aaronmoze]

S1 swipes at Gemria but she deflects the attack with her sword. On the follow through of her movement she cuts one of the skeletons arms off. -3 hp to S1

[BigPo73]

Attack S1 attack roll 6

[Aaronmoze]

S1 misses again and loses its balance. Gemria takes the opportunity to smash it back to its bony pile.

S2 steps in to take S1 spot.

[BigPo73]

Sword melee attacking s2. Rolled an 8

[Aaronmoze]

As the S2 steps into place, Gemria, bolstered by the fall of the first skeleton, strikes down S2 on the spot.

The final skeleton S3 moves up.

[BigPo73]

Attack s3. Rolled 22 with a damage of 4

[Aaronmoze]

The last skeleton falls. It’s bones making a larger pile of bones. At your feet.

405xp

[BigPo73]

Proceed back into the secret passage and examine the cells (rolled 9, please remind me the modifier if any for perception

[Aaronmoze]

The first three cells are now empty except for rotting bedding. The last cell contains a dwarf skeleton. It appears to lie peacefully. Gemria mentions that she can feel positive energy coming from the skeleton and guesses that whoever it was had favor with its god.

Growing in the center of the rib cage is a pair of ironbloom mushrooms. Not enough yet for the cure. In addition you find a golden ring with a red gem in the middle. The gem seems to sparkle with an inner fire.

[BigPo73]

Exit the secret room and make our way back to the main hallway and assess our options for further exploring

[Aaronmoze]

You are back in the hallway you entered from the yard. There is another door to the north. Around a corner the hallway continues to the south.

[BigPo73]

Cautiously Proceed to the north door ( perception roll 13 including modifier)

[Aaronmoze]

You hear nothing through the door.

[BigPo73]

Ask the paladin to assume a defensive posture as she opens the door.

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria slowly opens the door, covering herself with sword and buckler. This small study looks like it has been lived in recently. Gnawed bones litter the oor and tufts of gray fur can be seen here and there. An old stone desk sits in the center of the chamber, scratched and cracked in many places. The stench of wet fur hangs heavy in the air.

[BigPo73]

Search the room (12)

[Aaronmoze]

As you are searching the room, two wolves charge from behind the desk directly at you.

Luckily you are able to avoid their snapping jaws.

Battle order:
You
Wolfx2
Gemria

[BigPo73]

Have the paladin move around to engage wolf 2. Attack wolf 1 using claws (roll 12)

[Aaronmoze]

You miss the wolf with your claws. Wolf 1 misses you but wolf 2 bites you for -2hp. Gemria moves next to wolf 2

[BigPo73]

Attack with claws wolf 1 (20, 12) (damage 4, 2)

[Aaronmoze]

You claw the wolf across its flank (-6). Both wolves miss their attacks. Gemria just misses Wolf 2.

[BigPo73]

Attack wolf 1 with claws (20, 11) (4,1)

[Aaronmoze]

You rake the wolf with your claws.(-5) It immediately runs away through the doorway to the west. Wolf 2 and Gemria exchange misses.

[BigPo73]

Attack wolf 2 (12) (3,2)

[Aaronmoze]

Everyone misses this round. Gemria, after moving a little, gestures for you to move 5ft to your right.

[BigPo73]

Follow the paladins instructions and move

[BigPo73]

Melee sword attack 15, 3

[Aaronmoze]

Now that you have a flanking position on the wolf you find it easier to hit it. (-3)

The wolf misses its attack on Gemria who hits it with her sword. (-2)

[BigPo73]

Sword attack 9, 1

[Aaronmoze]

You miss the wolf who is now a little disoriented trying to defend and attack against two people. Gemria hits it again with her sword (-2)

[BigPo73]

Sword attack (22,17) (4)

[Aaronmoze]

As the wolf turns to flee the same direction her partner did, you slice a giant gaping wound in its side ending its hopes of escaping.

[BigPo73]

Examine the room (21)

[Aaronmoze]

You don’t find anything in the old desk until Gemria discovers a hidden drawer. You find a hand axe, a small pouch with 100pp, and a book that Gemria identifies as a prayer book although she cannot read the language.

[BigPo73]

Split the pp with the paladin and give her the prayer book. Keep the axe for myself. (If I’m reading the map right there is another door in the room) proceed through the door with the paladin leading

[Aaronmoze]

Gaping holes in the roof allow faint light to enter this ruined chamber. One of the stone columns that once supported the ceiling is toppled, its broken pieces littering the fl oor. A thick patch of black mushrooms hides in a nearby corner, giving the room an earthy scent that is barely noticeable above the stench of wet fur.

As you move a little further in the room a very large wolf that stands 3ft tall at it’s shoulders jumps onto the ruined column and baring his teeth. The wounded wolf is at the bottom of the column.

[BigPo73]

Quickly ask the paladin if there is a chance to appease/comfort the wounded wolf without taking its life.

[Aaronmoze]

You turn to ask the Paladin your question, but are startled when you here the large wolf speak. ”Why have you disturbed my rest?”

[BigPo73]

Explain to the wolf that we’re on a mission seeking a cure to the plaque impacting the lands. We mean him and his kind any harm.

[Aaronmoze]

”That is a great deed you are doing. I am willing to help you if you can do me a favor first. You see I live here but these other creatures have moved in recently. If you would be so kind as to remove them, I will help you.

[BigPo73]

Tell the wolf to consider that a deal and ask what details he can provide about the beasts

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria whispers to you,”this creature is evil, I can sense it. I don’t think we can trust it”

“The first task is to clear the things that hide in the worship room.”

[BigPo73]

Acknowledge the paladin and whisper “I agree. Let’s play along for now, once alone we’ll devise our plan of attack.” Ask the beast if he has a map of the area that he can share.

[Aaronmoze]

”No. But I can tell you that they are on the other side of that wall.”He gestures at the wall to the south.

[BigPo73]

Given the paladin’s assessment of the beast, catch the Paladin’s eye to convey your intentions of now wanting the slay the evil beast. Cast true strike

[Aaronmoze]

As you cast, Gemria moves forward and strikes the large wolf solidly in the shoulder. -8

Battle order: Gemria, you, large wolf, wolf

[BigPo73]

Assuming I can’t attack since I cast. I’ll move up alongside where I can attack the large wolf and out of the range of the little wolf. If I can attack I use claws and rolled (4, 4)

[Aaronmoze]

the large wolf attacks you with its claw but misses because of the awkward angle. In a flurry of teeth and steel, Gemria and the small wolf exchange missing blows.

Your claws are able to gouge slashes in the large wolf’s fur. -8

The large wolf is able to bite you in the arm. -4

The small wolf nips at Gemria but misses. Using both hands on her sword Gemria cuts the small wolf’s head clean off.

”You’ll pay for that!, growls the large wolf.

[BigPo73]

cast true strike and move to flank the large wolf.

[Aaronmoze]

You cast true strike. As you do the wolf bites at you and misses. Once you reach your destination (opposite of Gemria) the wolf bites your side. -6

Gemria swings at the wolf but misses.

[BigPo73]

I reach back and swing my sword with all my might (attack roll 20, 5) damage 4

[Aaronmoze]

The wolf growls from your hit -4 and bites hard at you. It takes a nice chunk out of your leg. -6

Gemria sees you are hurting and slides next to you. She whispers a quick prayer and touches your arm. You feel a warmth course through your body from where she touched you and the wound in you leg closes.

[BigPo73]

Swing my sword (14) ( damage 1)

[Aaronmoze]

Your sword swings wide of the beast. It lunges forward and bites you on the arm again. -2.

Gemria’s sword also misses.

[BigPo73]

Swing my sword (19,2) damage 2

[Aaronmoze]

The wolf misses you with its bite.

Gemria slashes her sword hard on the wolf’s side -7








29

[BigPo73]

Sword attack 13, damage 3

[Aaronmoze]

You stagger slightly as you overreach with your sword. The wolf takes a bite from your side. -4

Gemria swings and misses.

[BigPo73]

Sword attack (21, 11) 3

[Aaronmoze]

With one final swing of your sword, you cut the beast down. After several low growls it lays still.

[BigPo73]

Examine the corpses (25) and consult with the paladin about a safe place to make camp and rest up.

[Aaronmoze]

You find nothing on the corpses. Gemria suggests checking the rest of the room.

[BigPo73]

Examine the room 27

[Aaronmoze]

You find a patch of six ironbloom mushrooms, a light crossbow, a small bag with 354 gp, a wand and a bottle of a caramel colored liquid.

In addition, in a dark corner hidden behind a low wall is a set of stairs that lead down, although it is too dark for you to see down very far.

[BigPo73]

Consult with the paladin about finding a safe place to recuperate

[Aaronmoze]

”I think you have had enough of this place . Let’s just get on our horses and get to town with these ingredients. “

[BigPo73]

“Such a Brilliant idea. Let’s head back to town and find lodging”

[Aaronmoze]

The two of you leave the ruined monastery, Mount your horses and head back to town. The Fox was asleep on your horse. You don’t encounter any obstacles on your way back.

Once back in town, Laurel starts brewing the remedy. By nightfall many of the sick are already showing signs of improvement. Laurel thanks you heartily and offers a discount on any future services you may need.

You have leveled. You may learn one more level 1 spell and summon a familiar.

[BigPo73]

I begin to train Magic Missile and mediate to learn to summon an owl.

[Aaronmoze]

Ok here is all the loot you found on your journey.

Golden ring with red gem*
Hand axe +1
100pp(=1000gp)
A prayer book
4 crossbow bolts +1 flaming bolts
Shrunken head amulet #
Masterwork Light crossbow
374gp
A wand of light 28 charges left
Bottle of caramel colored liquid (potion of bulls strength)

* ring info
This simple golden ring has a large red
gemstone set into it that sparkles with an inner re. The wearer of the ring gains re resistance 10 against the first fire attack that hits him that day. This protection renews itself every morning at dawn. In addition, the wearer receives a +1 resistance bonus on saves made against fire spells and effects. The ring must be worn for 24 hours to have any effect.

#amulet info
This grotesque, amulet-like shrunken head
is said to contain the enslaved soul of its former owner. Forced to obey whomever carries it, once per day a soulspeaker can repeat a message as if the spell magic mouth were cast upon it. The owner must merely hold the 6-inch-in-diameter head and speak his message and the conditions under which the soulspeaker should repeat it. While it carries a message, the eyes of the stitched head stretch open, closing as soon as its message has been delivered.

[BigPo73]

Examine the items by casting detect magic (rolled 19 just in case it was necessary)

[Aaronmoze]

You go to various stores and come away with 20 bolts and a short sword. The local church bought the soul speaker for 1,500gp.

For the first few days after the plague was cured the town’s spirits were bright. Slowly the The mood started to darken again and you here rumors of some missing children.

[BigPo73]

Seek out Gemria and share with her the rumors of the missing children. See if she’s heard anything about it. Ask her help again to determine what is going on.

[Aaronmoze]

You find Gemria at the chapel practicing her sword in the courtyard. She mentions that she has heard some rumors of five missing children, but not much more than that. She agrees to help you again.

[BigPo73]

Gemria and I pack up and begin searching for the parents of the missing children to begin to learn more about potentially who or what could be behind their disappearance

[Aaronmoze]

You learn that the parent of one of the five children is the town butcher, Colbrin Jabbs. You head to the butcher shop and ask Colbrin about the children. ”My poor Mikra loves to play with the other children. He is a little slow in the head you understand. But his smile lights up anyone’s heart. I don’t know where they got off to but I would be eternally grateful if you find him. Maybe some of the other kids in town know where they went.” Although he looks like a big tough guy, you can see he is very worried about his son.

[BigPo73]

Walk around town looking for some children to see if they know anything about the missing kids.

[Aaronmoze]

It’s easy to find some grime covered children playing in the streets while their parents are off at the lumber camps, working at the brothel, scheming with the local thieves den or more rarely, earning an honest living.

Most of the children avoid you or refuse to talk but you do find a small group that recognizes Gemria from the church and offers you what they know.

Apparently the five kids were arguing with other young ones about whether Elara’s Halfway House was really haunted. Finally the five missing children accepted a dare to stay the night in the house.

[BigPo73]

Ask directions to the halfway house and urgently make our way there.

[Aaronmoze]

You are able to attain a map from Laurel and set out toward the halfway house. After two hours you reach the site of the halfway house.

The blackened husk of the orphanage lies atop the hill. Charred timbers are strewn among piles of caked ash and the only edifice left standing is a soot-stained stone arch. A small stuffed doll lies below the arch, her face seared off and her patchwork dress spilling dirty stuffing. Beside her, a troop of half-melted tin soldiers stand in formation, their bodies twisted and deformed by the blaze that claimed their owner’s life.

[BigPo73]

Examine the ashes to see if there are any clear signs of the origin of the fire (man made or started by a beast of some sort) perception roll 27

[Aaronmoze]

Your search reveals a charred trapdoor beneath an inch of ash in the center of the ruins.

[BigPo73]

Examine the doo for traps (16) before having Gemria open it.

[Aaronmoze]

After several swings of her shield, Gemria is able to break open the trap door. The stench of rot belches forth from this rank cellar. A chipped, blood-stained oaken table rests against one wall, with all manner of blades and barbed instruments laid out on it. A single pair of rusted shackles is bolted into the opposite wall, whose bricks are stained in a bloody account of pain and cruelty. The robed corpse of a woman on the floor is the source of the reeking stench of decay.

[BigPo73]

Mention to Gemria this appears to be some type of torture chamber. Examine the room (21) for any additional passages

[Aaronmoze]

When you move to inspect the corpse an awful, scuttling mass of legs and mandibles scrambles forward out of the darkness. A spider swarm has attacked you.

Initiative order:
Swarm
You
Gemria

The spiders crawl over your body and bite you in many places. -5

[BigPo73]

Use my martial arts kungfu action to swat the spiders (13, 2)

[Aaronmoze]

Your uncoordinated flailing does nothing to subdue the swarm. Gemria grabs the sheet that was covering the body and uses it as a squeegee and is able to knock half of the spiders off of you. She then proceeds to stomp on them. -3

[BigPo73]

I continue to flail around like a chicken with his head cut off (6)

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria is able to scrape the rest of the spiders off of you despite your gyrations. The swarm dispersed.

Once you begin to settle down, you notice a spider the size of a man crawl silently from the depths of its funnel-shaped web.

[BigPo73]

Retreat to take a defensive position behind Gemria

[BigPo73]

Fire Magic Missile at the spider with each doing 2 damage.

[Aaronmoze]

You spread your fingers wide and say mystical words. Two missiles race toward and impale in the spider. -4. Gemria swings at the spider but her sword gets caught up in the webbing. Taking advantage the spider tries to chomp down on Gemria but is turned back by her armor.

[BigPo73]

Now having better sense for the range to target, fire two additional magic missiles at the spider doing 3 and 4 points of damage.

[Aaronmoze]

Your two missiles pierce the spider through two of its many eyes. It crumbles to the floor, it’s legs curling up toward its body.

[BigPo73]

Inspect the corpse (27)

[Aaronmoze]

Your inspection of the corpse reveals that she died by having her throat torn open. You also notice a paler band of skin on one of her fingers.

From your search of the room earlier you found 2 silver daggers and a rotten bundle of herbs.

[BigPo73]

Mention to Gemria the paler band of skin could signify there could be a ring of some sorts missing. Proceed through the trapdoor.

[Aaronmoze]

The sun is shining as you emerge from the cellar. You search the area around the charred ruins where you find a campsite. A large, makeshift tent lies shredded on the ground beside a crude fireplace of flat stones. Signs of a struggle are everywhere, with broken twigs, crushed foliage, scraps of clothing, and patches of blood on the ground.

[BigPo73]

“Looks as if someone or something ambushed whoever was camping her.”

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria sifts through the ruined tent and you check the surrounding area. You discover children’s footprints, other clawed prints slightly larger then the children’s and some reptilian scales.

[BigPo73]

Proceed to follow the tracks

[Aaronmoze]

The tracks lead north toward the Darkmoon woods. After about two hours in the woods you start having trouble following the tracks. Another 15 minutes and you lose them altogether.

[Aaronmoze]

The Owl (whom you haven’t named yet) is able to pick up the trail again for you.

This part of the woods is a little more damp so following the tracks are easier.

[BigPo73]

Thank Mushu the Owl and proceed with following the tracks. Pause to ensure we aren’t being followed or spied on (13)

[Aaronmoze]

You are able to follow the tracks much easier now. After another hour you hear a slight rustling from some bushes about 100ft in front of you and slightly off the path to the left.

[BigPo73]

Have the owl fly ahead to scout (27) while Gemria and I stand ready in the event we’re ambushed.

[Aaronmoze]

As Mushu flies near the bushes, the hair on your neck starts to rise.

[BigPo73]

Gemria and I look for a place off to the right of the path to hide to possibly ambush whatever is ahead of us

[Aaronmoze]

You move to hide in the underbrush. After about 15 minutes you feel the hairs on your neck settle back down and Mushu returns to you.

[BigPo73]

Tell Gemria it seems the threat has moved away. Let’s lroceed with caution.

[Aaronmoze]

You continue on your path. Gemria in front. The forest begins to thin out as the trail moves northward. Eventually you emerge from the the northern edge of the forest. You recognize the dwarven monastery you battled the wolves in. Laying on the ground in front of the monastery is a child’s shoe.

[BigPo73]

Tell Gemria here we go again. Make our way to the monastery

[Aaronmoze]

While you are deciding where to go in the monastery, you feel Mushu’s head swivel to look behind you and an immediate alertness about him. Turning around you see a small disheveled female child looking at you.

[BigPo73]

Unsure if the child is friend or foe cautiously ask the child what brings her to the monastery

[Aaronmoze]

The little girl looks at you with red-rimmed, sad eyes. ”I wanted to go with the other kids, so I followed them. I was just about to tell them I was there when these little lizardy things grabbed them and brought them here. I followed them inside, but got scared....” She trails off as tears start to stream down her face.

[BigPo73]

Thank her so much for her bravery. Tell her we’ll go after her friends and she is to head back to town and let them know what happened.

[Aaronmoze]

”Please don’t leave me!,” she wails. “I’ll show you where they went you have to go under the ruins.” She wipes her tears away causing dirt streaks across her cheeks.

[BigPo73]

Tell her ok but she’s to flee to town immediately if we run into any trouble.

[Aaronmoze]

The little girl explains that her name is Jeva. She thanks you for helping keep her safe and leads you into the ruins, back to the room in which you killed the large wolf, which you have since learned was a worg, and to the steps that were hidden in the back of the room.

[BigPo73]

Cast shield and have Gemria lead the way.

[Aaronmoze]

The stairway opens into a large rectangular chamber. The stone walls of this area are covered with intricate carvings of dwarves toiling in mines or smithies. In the center of the chamber stands the bottom half of a broken obsidian obelisk. Crude picks, hammers, and other tools lie scattered around the chamber.

There are six kobolds in this room near the west doorway. The two smaller ones are struggling to move some obelisk blocks. As soon as the larger ones see you they hiss and attack.

Roll Initiative

[Aaronmoze]

Kobold description.

This short, reptilian humanoid has scaled skin, a snout filled with tiny teeth, and a long tail.

[BigPo73]

Attack with crossbow 12,1

[Aaronmoze]

Your bolt misses high over these short reptilian creatures. Gemria steps forward and swings at the closest one and just misses.

The closest Kobold misses Gemria. The other two larger ones move toward you. One next to Gemria and one next to you. The smaller ones ready slings.

[BigPo73]

Attack nearest with short sword (22,12) (5 damage)

[Aaronmoze]

You cut down the Kobold as soon as it reaches you. Gemria does the same with the first Kobold. The small ones with the slings drop everything and run through the west doorway. Now there is still one between you and Gemria.

[BigPo73]

Short sword attack (16, 4)

[Aaronmoze]

Your strike severely wounds the Kobold. Gemria misses and the Kobold swings at you in desperation but misses.

[BigPo73]

Short sword (13, 2)

[Aaronmoze]

The Kobold is barely able to defend himself against your sword attack and succumbs to his injuries.

[BigPo73]

Whip the blood off my blade and Examine the corpses (19)

[Aaronmoze]

You examine the corpses and find:
3 sets of leather armor
3 spears
6 silver pieces

[BigPo73]

Examine the chamber (25) and for anything hidden as well as to determine where we head next

[Aaronmoze]

You find markings on the ruined Obilisk but can’t read them. On the walls are pictures of dwarves bowing to what looks like a furnace. There are exits north, east, west (where the smaller kobolds ran) and the stairs to the south which take you back to the surface.

[BigPo73]

Proceed cautiously to the north

[Aaronmoze]

You come to another 4 way intersection. To the north you can hear a faint hissing type sound.

[BigPo73]

Push forward to the north.

[Aaronmoze]

A large fountain dominates this small chamber. Steam rolls off the superheated water pouring from a stone obelisk at the fountain’s center, filling the entire chamber with its haze.

[BigPo73]

Examine the fountain (10)

[Aaronmoze]

When you approach the fountain you hear a ZAP and a stinging sensation up your arm. You also smell the slight odor of ozone.

[BigPo73]

Further examine the room (23) to determine our course and whether or not we need to backup

[Aaronmoze]

There is a set of double doors to the north. The steam is making it hard to see, but every time you get near the fountain you get a stronger shock.

[BigPo73]

Look for the source powering the fountain (25)

[Aaronmoze]

You do your best to search the room despite the steam. Eventually you make your way to the fountain. As you near it this time you notice two dog sized lizards with horns on the side of their heads watching you. Immediately you see small sparks of lightning travel across their scales. The hair on your arms starts to stand up just before they release a more powerful electric burst that knocks you down. -4hp

[BigPo73]

Cast magic missile targeting one shot at each lizard (2,3) damage.

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria hears your cry and moves to your side. She strikes the left hand lizard. -3

You are shocked again for non-lethal damage. -2

[BigPo73]

Attack nearest with short sword (19, 20) (4)

[Aaronmoze]

Your strike lands true. Gemria finishes off the lizard leaving one left. You are shocked again. -2 non lethal.

Suddenly Gemria is attacked from behind by a furry figure. It’s hard to make out what it is in the steam. Gemria -3

[BigPo73]

Attack remaining lizard with my short sword (15,3)

[Aaronmoze]

You strike the remaining lizard. Gemria turns around to face the new foe. She misses her swing but is able to push the thing back.

Now that you can see it more clearly, it looks like a small wolf that stands on its hind legs.

[BigPo73]

Swing at the remaining lizard with my short sword (11, 1)

[Aaronmoze]

The lizard shocks you again. J -1 non lethal.

It deftly avoids your swing.

Gemria and the wolf thing exchange misses.

[BigPo73]

Swing again at the lizard with my short sword (14, 6)

[Aaronmoze]

You just miss the lizard. Gemria slashes at the wolf. -7
Angered, the wolf full attacks Gemria. G-9

[BigPo73]

Magic missile one shot to lizard (4) and one to the wolf (3)

[Aaronmoze]

The lizard falls dead next to its mate and the wolf thing snarls as the missile hits it.

Gemria slashes the wolf again. -2

The wolf switches her attention to you and attacks with her two claws and bite. Luckily the shield protects you.

[BigPo73]

Attack the wolf using short sword. (8,6)

[Aaronmoze]

Your attack slices some fur off of the creature which you now see has remnants of a yellow dress on.

Gemria slashes again but misses. The wolf attacks you once more but can’t seem to hit you.

[BigPo73]

I find my balance and take a nice swing with my short sword (20) and hit my mark (6)

[Aaronmoze]

With amazing skill you are able to put a decent size gash across the creature’s thigh. It yelps in pain and flees out of the south doorway.

[BigPo73]

Ask Gemria about her health before pushing forward.

[Aaronmoze]

”I have a few wounds but I can continue”

You have 17/25 hp and 2 hp of non lethal damage. Your shield spell has expired.

[BigPo73]

Proceed north through the double doors.

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria listens at the doors before opening them. She doesn’t hear anything. With some effort she is able to pull the slightly stuck doors open. This arched chamber contains two rows of statues, one on the east wall and one on the west. The statues to the east depict fearsome dwarven warriors clad in simple plate armor and he ing their warhammers high. Opposite these are statues of dwarves depicted in grotesque caricatures as overly obese, pig-nosed brutes with huge grinning mouths and beady eyes. The western statues stand in two lines, the front kneeling, and both holding sharp, jutting spears leveled at the smiths opposite them. The corpse of a kobold is impaled on the west wall. His limp body sags on the haft of a stone spear,
eye to eye with his statuesque killer.

[BigPo73]

Examine the area where the two groups of statues are facing off. (15)

[BigPo73]

Have Gemria move 2 north

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria cautiously moves north. When she takes her final step you both hear a faint thud. Suddenly, you feel a bit of vertigo and now hear a grinding noise. The room starts to slant toward the spear soldiers! You desperately try to grab for anything to hold onto but as the room reaches 90 degrees you and Gemria fall toward the spears.

You are pierced for -3 hp. Gemria manages to twist at the last minute and avoid the spears.

As you are catching your breath, there is another sound and the hammer wielding statues tumble straight for you! You contort your body just enough that the hammer misses you, but Gemria is smashed hard in the back. G -10

[BigPo73]

Look for safe passage back out of the room (25)

[Aaronmoze]

You can’t seem to work your way out from between the statues. About a minute goes by and yet one more thud is heard. The hammer statues start to retreat to their side of the room and you feel gravity shift again to where it belongs. This of course causes you to fall to the floor.

[BigPo73]

Examine the tile immediately to my north (25)

[Aaronmoze]

For your visualization purposes, you are on the bottom far left square. Gemria is 2 squares north of you.

All of the tiles to the north seem safe though it’s hard to be 100% sure.

[BigPo73]

Have Gemria move one north and I move to where she was

[Aaronmoze]

You move carefully this way until you reach the north wall.

[BigPo73]

Tell Gemria let’s make a break for the door.

[Aaronmoze]

You and Gemria stumble through the north doors. This simple room has polished walls of obsidian that bear long lists of Dwarven names.

[BigPo73]

Examine the room to determine where we go next (15)

[Aaronmoze]

At the bottom of the east wall you find a trigger that opens a secret door to the north.

[BigPo73]

make our way through the secret door with Gemria leading the way

[Aaronmoze]

Gemria leads you through the secret door. Her shield at the ready. Simple stone benches line the walls of this octagonal room. These benches are positioned near small openings along the west, northwest, and northeast walls. An unusual device that resembles a stone trumpet is attached to the northeast wall near the opening. A faint whispering sound permeates this chamber.