Where you are from you are drawn by outcry of aid, as the town is suffering from several issues of note. The Lord Padraig urges for aid in uncover a looming threat, and offers 50 gold for any clues to the presence of warband and any aid in removing or stopping these. But as you learn, there is more than meets the eye here...
Your first day, which we are on, you learn the following...

- Random attacks of red and brown humanoids has caused a halt to imports of food into town, cause a civil uproar and unrest in town. Wild rumors of storing of food among the rule and elite forces has caused great mistrust towards the authorities here.
You later learn that Lord Padraig declares martial law and places the village under rationing in an effort to conserve supplies. The inn serves breakfasts of boiled oats; lunches of thin barley soup and a quarter crust of a small loaf of bread; and suppers of boiled potatoes with a small amount of fatty bacon.

- You notice at arrival that the townsfolk are very wary of foreigners and will barely speak to you, avoiding your eyes. The small fields around the walled heart of Winterhaven seem strangely empty. Inside the walls, the few villagers you see walking around appear nervous, pausing to give furtive glances before darting away.

- Depending who you ask, that means anyone but the leadership and townguard, will warn of a cult of Shar roaming in town, but anyone in power will deny this flatout.

Notes on the settlement - Winterhaven
Village, Population 977
The rutted King’s Road leads to the foot of a broad hill that holds the walled village of Winterhaven. The village is nestled in the southern foothills of the Cairngorm Peaks. The walls are weathered stone topped by defensive palisades. Small thatched homes stand around Winterhaven, each fronting a small piece of farmland or pasture. Beyond the farms to the west and south lie dark woods, and to the north, tall mountain peaks.

There is a legend of the town in a separate thread.

What you have done so far is agree with the Regulars officer(Rond Kelfem) and Lord Padraig to dive into two matters.
- There is currently missing no less than TWENTY villagers and both of them see this as a concern, contributing this to the presence of Kobolds.
- A former prominent member or rather well know shopkeeper, named Sara is lost, her show now overtaken by a new proprietor.
- They suggest a band of adventures has set out to aid with the kobold threat, and for now, no new attacks has been detailed. Yet the air is thick and people seem down on their hope, starving for food.
- You are urged to stay at Warfryn's inn, who is also a great place to collect insight, being the sole "watering hole" in town.
- The rumors of a cult loom, but for now, rumors are all you gather and no proof of it has been found yet...

There is a strange sensation in air this late afternoon and people are somewhat beside themselves this day. The skies are thickening, and rain will likely come soon, which would aid the dry fields but with no one to work them, that seems like a futile effort.
Asking around one speak calmly:
“I don’t know . . . I just feel out of sorts, is all. Like someone walked over my grave, you know?”

Many seek towards the inn, as the first drips of rain hit the ground, and with all the ideas and notions in your head, perhaps this is where you should also consider going, baring other ideas in mind.

Stahl and Wynthear, go ahead!

Vynthear had been restless ever since he heard the rumour about a cult of the Mistress of Darkness operating in the region, or even in this small town. These people did not look like evil folk to him.
Ever being sensitive to the hunches of the commoners he was rather alarmed by the depressing mood shown by so many so shortly after he had arrived. This was ominous indeed.

As the first drops spattered on the dirty streets he made haste to the only inn in town.
It was not his nature to ask so many people but he listened intensly to their talking trying to assess who exactly those missing persons were and whether they may have something in common.

Stahl makes his way into Winterhaven, Prinz trotting along at his feet. The bulldog is alert and clearly excitedly about the new buildings and people and their smells, but he stays silent.

The ranger is not particularly communicative or friendly, but he has little trouble gaining entrance or prompt service. His passport hangs from his pack: a kobold shield, split almost in half and spattered with blood that's the wrong shade to be that of Stahl or Prinz.

He allows, if anyone inquires, as to how he and Prinz plan to be in the area for at least a few days, exploring local caves. He prefers to have a roof over his head, be it rough stone or carpentry, rather than sleep outside, so he'd like to use the town as a base. He suggests that he'll be able to pay for his room and board with either the results of his delving, or by putting a dent in the local kobold population.

"Two heads are better than one, as even Prinz here knows," says the dwarf. "And more are even better, to a point. So, if anyone else wants to see the local underground, or take down a few bandits, I'd join up with them. Send them my way. Name's Stahl.

The hooded figure noticed the dwarf entering the establishment and state his intent.
Ahh, the subtlety of dwarfs, he thought but actually had to smile.
Well, not really. The wizard rarely displayed such an obvious mimic.
One thing was just as obvious though: Stahl and Prinz were most likely the only ones in town who may be of real help to him.
As he realized just that, he nodded to the sturdy figure, inviting him to his table with a gesture.
"Vynthear Klayde of Myth Drannor. Pleased to meet you. I am sure you and your companion will prove most helpful in finding the abducted townsmen."

In reply to Vynthear Klayde (msg # 5):

Stahl looks up at the figure, then down at Prinz. The dog, who had been at ease beside the chair, patiently waiting for his share of food, is on his feet wagging his tail and sniffing the stranger. This seems to put the dwarf at ease, and introduces himself and joins the fellow.

"I take it you're a spellcaster. No one else as apparently underprepared would be interested in setting outside these walls, unless they were a damn fool. And that's why I don't reckon we'll find anything but keepsakes of their lost people. But if that means going through more kobolds, Prinz and I are up for it. Eh, boy?" Prinz voices his agreement.

You notice a man with a crooked back, a wisp of white hair, and cheeks made rosy with age.
He sits down and belts out, upon hearing and sensing the mood.
“I tell ye all - Something’s changed in the air. Somewhere, a door has opened . . . and it’s dark behind that door! At least, that’s the dream I had , and I still feel unsettled by it. I don’t know why everyone else is acting so strangely.”
A voice challenges the notion.
"You mean the lord himself and the regulars are hiding food from us, that is what it is! We are starving here, no intake of food and what we have is kept from us!"

In the far end of the inn, sits an elf - Gaunt-faced with chocolate-brown hair tied back in a long pony-tail down to her waist. He appears stern, bitter and distant, and drinks a glass of wine alone, eyeing the room and the window shiftingly.

The proprietor eyes you and smiles.
Salvana, the owner is wellknown; she has a round face, rosy cheeks, and a maternal smile. She keeps her hair tied back in a scarf, but wisps of black poke out here and there.
“Would you care for a cup of soup? Or a loaf of bread? Or perhaps a slice of mutton? There’s not nearly enough skin on those bones of yours. You’ll be looking like Eilian if you’re not careful.”, she states towards Vynthear with a sincere smile. Eilian, the man with the crooked back laughs back at her comment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:08, Thu 15 June 2017.

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 7):

"Some meat, yes, thanks. And some scraps for my animal, or a bone, if you have one. It pains me to say I can't pay at the moment, but I can give you this shield to hang as a trophy and warning, and I'll help clear the road for food shipments, if that's what you need. Or I can hunt, though I'm more of a spelunker, and the kind of game you can bag in caves isn't... to everyone's taste.

"Don't you have hunting parties? Or have the kobolds discouraged those, too? You, elf, surely you can string a bow and bring down some meat for your folk here."

The elf barely eyes Stahl, but Eilian voices in.
"Aye, used to. Rabbits, dear, even a rare bear - healthy fishing even. Now a day, after loosing a few hunters to many, due to the roaming threat, not so much come in, and the trade wagons are assaulted, looted and burned. And what do they do here? Cower - nothing at all. Someone needs to figure out where the villagers went, and more so, why the sudden uproar in brigands have arrived. Didn't use to be like this...I remember back in '72.."

He is stopped in his track by the proprietor whom drags a finger to her mouth and points to a plate of food. He smiles and grabs it with glee.
An elderly man enter, head deep in a thick leatherbound tome. He sits down, without looking, as if he has had the same table for years, and can recall the steps to his chair in his sleep.
He is poised and refined, but of age, having passed the 40 year mark.

"I've heard enough. If it's due to the kobolds, then in Waukeen's name, I'll clear this area, or protect your wagons, until this place is back on its feet, and self-sufficient.

"But scaring the wits out of kobolds can't solve every problem, much as I wish it could. If this town can't - or won't - protect itself, then it's just asking to be picked on. Serve your leaders faithfully, and do your part, and they'll do theirs, is how I see it."

Vynthear took it all in, trying to react to all that the tumultous humans - quite unlike the far less excited members of his own race - said or did.

To the friendly, even cheerful, propietor Salvana Wrafton he said.
"Thank you, a glass of wine and just some bread will do nicely."

To the elderly man Eilian he answered.
"If you do feel unsettled yourself, surely others must feel the same. And that in turn would most likely be the reason why they act so strange."
"Still, what exactly do you men by 'strange'."

To the accusations in general about withholding food from the populace, he commented.
"Surely the situation is not as drastic as that yet ? Or do you mean to say that those kobolds and those bandits prevent any merchant from coming here ? What about Lord Padraig's men ? Why don't they try to secure the roads ? Surely those adventurers you have mentioned have had some successes ? In which case it is a matter of informing the merchants of Fallcrest^1."
Of course, that's assuming that those adventurers actually have been successful, he thought.
"When has that adventuring group last been to Winterhaven ? Have they even returned ? Or does anyone know where they were headed ?"
Vynthear turned to the sullen elf.
"You look like a woman with expertise on the road to me. Would it not be possible for you to make the journey to Fallcrest and spread the news that the roads are getting safer again ?"
He looked at Stahl who had just vowed solemnly to do just that.
"Maybe we could accompany such a venture to Fallcrest to be on the safe side ? "

To all assembled he said.
"Does anyone know what happened to Sara ? When did she disappear ? And who is that new shop owner who took over ? I would like to talk to him or her ?"
"Those other citizens who have disappeared ? Were these men and women living inside these walls or in the hamlets and small homes outside ?"

Then he noticed the elderly man with the book, surely a learned men, maybe even a scholar or a wizard.
"Sir, you look like a learned man to me. Surely you have some knowledge of the past and the region. Has there been problems with kobolds and bandits before ? If so, surely someone in charge would have built a better stronghold than the one here ?"

1. I assume that's the nearest larger settlement ? Can we get a bit better location of Winterhaven, Fallcrest and Wintermist and Cairngorm Peaks and Gardbury Downs ? One the map preferably ? Just 'near the Thunderpeaks' is a bit vague... or does it not matter ?

The old man cheered at Stahls proclamation, while the dour elf eye him.
Handing him a glass of wine, she smiled and shrugged of the elf.
Eilian voiced concern.
"If they do, they hide it better than me, I feel...my mind being heavy. My body weak and lost of strength. Like someone is watching..constantly in the dark. By strange? Like dark rain clouds forming on a clear day out of nowhere with no sign of it. That to me, is strange!"

Salvana added.
"No one has heard from them yet - and it is not the first attempt. The regulars keep focus here, and keep out the few assaults we have. They do scout, but granted the amount rumored and seen has been too many for the towns meager defense. We hope the best...we do."

The elf shrugged.
"With everything going on, it would be unwise, even for me to do so. The roads are not safe, and I have no desire to risk my limps for meager returns."

At the mention of Sara, Eilian lighted up and Salvana sighed.
"Here we go..."
He sprung to life.
"I miss her so dearly. Allow me..."
He continued on with a saddened look in his eyes.
"Old Sara and her husband used to own the store were Bairwin now resides. It used to be an old pottery but Sara sold the store to Bairwin when her husband died several years ago. Old Sara always passed by the store on her morning and evening walks to the market. Otherwise she never left her home, saddened by the loss..it makes it all much more strange. Rumors has it that she entered the store the day she went missing, and never returned to the market, but they were spread by Thair whom has a grudge towards Bairwin’s shop, claiming that the shovels and so forth Bairwin bought from him, were sold exponentially to pricey and he could not believe how he turned the business around..he is suspicious of the man and his methods of making coin. No one here however have seen anything."

The man looked at him and nodded.
"Many keeps around here, but either abandoned or miss used.
One keep was built during the height of the old empire. Some sort of watchtower. I can’t recall what for. Some think it was to guard against gnoll marauders, but I don’t think that’s right. Whatever, the keep outlived its usefulness. It’s been a ruin since before I was born. Probably a goblin lair by this time. But you’ve whetted my curiosity. When I return to my tower, I’ll look through my library. The next time you see me here, I will know more.
However, good to see you met our kobolds, I see. No, no, not ours, really. But they have made it a habit to harass travelers on the old King’s Road. And, yes, what was once a minor annoyance has become a very real threat to the commerce of the village. Fewer and fewer travelers come our way these days, and even I have a harder and harder time keeping my shop stocked with the finest goods. I remember a trip I made to distant Clovermarsh, many years ago. The place was literally crawling with kobolds because the people of the area refused to drive them away. I wonder how long before the kobolds grow brave enough to strike
the village itself?”

OOC: The town of Winterhaven was located on the East Way, between the nations of Sembia and Cormyr. It was situated on the road between Arabel and Highmoon. Due to its location in the middle of the Thunder Peaks, it was not uncommon for the inhabitants to be attacked by monstrous races such as kobolds and goblins.

Vynthear frowned.
Well, again not really. A smooth brow like that of someone of the ancient race would not be mar but a deep furrowing of it so often seen on men, or even more on dwarfs, who were frowning most of the times anyway.
But it was a frown of sort, clearly seen by a darkening of the violet shade of Vnythear's almond shaped, pupil-less eyes.

What Eilean said about his feelings was clearly a lot more than general misgivings about a kobold plague.

Salvana obviously still had hope, but it was starting to dwindle away.

"Where is Bairwin's shop^1. ? And who is Thair^2. ?", he asked, quite intrigued by the strange disappearance of Sara, which was obviously of a completely different sort than the abduction of the other villagers. Then again, this was just an assumption of his. His questions in that regard had been missed^3..
"Those missing villagers. We are talking about abductions, right ? Their farms and homes have been attacked and there has been no trace of where they went ?"
He turned to Stahl.
"Maybe Prinz or yourself can find some tracks we could follow ?"
He turned back to the villagers.
"Which farm has been the latest victim of attack and abduction ?

The scholar's^4. reply held hope, but it would take some time for him to research matters.
"I am also a scholar of sorts, perhaps I could aid you in your investigations ?"

Vynthear was most displeased with the elf's attitude.
"Meagre returns ? You do not think it worthwhile to have food in the village ?"
He shook his head in disapproval.
"This does not become you. You look like a hunter to me, roaming the region. Surely it has crossed your mind to follow any tracks ? if only not to come across any warband. Maybe you even know where these kobolds have their lair ?"

Later he turned to Stahl again.
"I would talk to this Bairwin now. You are welcome to join me."

1. Simply to know it IC, too, I can see the map, of course
   
2. Same as above, i.e. the Smith
   
3. Whether these have all been villagers from outside the walled area, i.e. the outlying farms
   
4. This is surely Valthrun, right ?

"Their shops are north of the Market, opposed each other. Can't miss it!", Eilian added.

On the question of the missing Villagers, Salvana added.
"Both - families and lone villagers on the outskirts mostly but at least a handful from within the walls also. There is a farm just south of the main road here, which was raided and no one was left behind. A family of four."

The Scholar nodded.(He is indeed Valthrun)
"I am intrigued. What do you have in mind?"

The elf shrugged of Vynt, no willing to continue his chat with him. Eyeing out the window he ignored him onwards.

Vynthear was a bit unsettled that even citizens had been disappearing form the inside of the town.
So not abducted by the kobolds. It must the cult then, the cult to the Dark Mistress I have heard rumours about., he tought.

To Valthrun he said.
"Clearly what the villagers tell is a lot more ominous than mere Kobold attacks, no matter how severe their impact on local trade and so on. If you say that this watchtower has been erected for an unknown reason then I believe this reason to be very important. I have heard rumours. Rumours about a cult of Shar operating in the region. If they suddenly have an interest in the region there must be something valuable for them to be gained here. Thus I think your intrigue about old fortifications must be satisfied and four eyes can research quicker than two. If we find out what is a stake here, we stand a better chance of thwarting any evil plans. Together we may find the answer quicker. Knowledge prevails, always."

  "Sure. There'll be some casualties for a while, but that's just the sort of thing those enterprising city folk like to throw money at. Get enough swords and bows on that road and the kobolds will head for easier hunting grounds quickly enough.

Stahl scoffs. "That's the kind of attitude that's going to kill this town. You do the 'meager' jobs first, to show you have what it takes to do the richer jobs."

He looks the elf up and down. "I know you elves like to take things slow and not risk your overly-long lives. But if this lad here," he indicates Vynthear, "is willing, then you should be too."

"Nothing easier. The trick is not following those tracks into a kobold ambush."

"Alright. No point in heading out yet anyway, until we've found out if anyone else in this town has the spirit to defend it." Stahl finishes his meal and Prinz brings along his bone to gnaw as the humanoids do their thing.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:38, Mon 19 June 2017.

The elf remained, ignoring him with intent, a grimace on his face.
Salvana shrugged.

The sage nodded.
"You speak of...oh...I had a thought. Listen. Come to my tower east of here. Past midday, for I have something to investigate. Then, we can share information - I just...I have to check something first." - he spoke frantically as a man who had an epiphany suddenly and was overpowered by it.
It did allow for Vynth to partake in other matters.

Vynthear strongly disapproved the elf's attitude, but there really was nothing to do about it.

Bairwin's store was just across the market square and easy to find.
The rain had chased away any peddlers and sellers, so unfortunately they could not question anybody who might know soemthing more about Sara. If she used to come daily to the market, surely someone would know her and maybe of her, too.

As they entered, Vynthear checked on the wares on display to get a better notion of the man. It seemed to be well stocked despite the lack of trade recently. Either his customers were few indeed or the man had some other methods to fill up.
Villagers disappearing, one of them Sara. And the smith claims she was last seen here, he thought.
He smiled at Bairwin.
"Good day to you. My, but your shop is well stocked. You must have an extensive basement.", he commented.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:57, Tue 20 June 2017.

The man, Bairwin eyed him and chuckled.
"Actually I have good turnaround - I sell quite a bit to travellers and such, business is good, but aye, my storage is also quite sufficient for the task. Anywhom, good sir, can I aid you in something? Something that tickles your fancy here?"

"Just how do you manage ? The whole village moans about the loss on trade because of the increased banditry. You are a lucky man indeed."
Vynthear watched the man closely, hoping to catch him on a slip of words, maybe betraying uncanny knowledge about the whole situation.
"As it were, I hope you can help me indeed. Sara, you may know her by 'Old Sara' though indeed by the reckoning of my kin she is but a child. Sara has mentioned in a letter to me that you may actually have some interesting goods that might catch my interest as a scholar and wizard. That's why I travelled here, only to learn that Sara has disappeared. Funny enough, she seems to have last been seen here in your shop."

"I think outside the box, unlike most here. Thair is envious, but he could have done so himself with a little ingenuity and skill; I export and import beyond the borders and do what I have to do to get a deal through. Luck is as they say, a fine mix between preparation and opportunity. As for Sara? Yes, I bought her shop when she hit hard times following the death of her husband, a kind man, but sick and ill on his last days. Shame really."


As he spoke of her last days here, he shrugged.
"Not to my knowledge, who said so? Seems like petty rumor mongering if you ask me. She visited, yes, and saw her old shop was in good hand and we shared a few words and some tea. Nothing fancy. She left some time after."

Vynthear Klayde rolled 3 using 1d100.  potions of healing available (less than 50%).
Vynthear Klayde rolled 3 using 1d100.  level 1 magic item (less than 25%).

Aha, interesting rolls.
What does he have on offer then :D ?

---

"Ah yes, the challenges of keeping an enterprise profitable."
"Actually I don't know who mentioned it, someone at the inn just a couple of minutes ago. That why I am here, see ?"
"But since we talk of a disappeared person anyway... I suppose you are aware that a full score of people have disappeared lately ? Since you mentioned your extensive contacts beyond the immediate area perhaps you know something more ?"

He nodded with a smile.
"I see..in these times people talk and run their mouth and suspect too much. The strain of lacking food and tensions around town will do that - spur panic. As for beyond? I know some, mostly about what those delivering my goods have seen yes. Most travels by horse or similarly remain of the beaten path and tend to different routes. Seems the brigands head for the main road, no wonder, above all else, which has proven to be a viable tactic for them and one we predicted well. They speak of great numbers and a looming threat, but last I heard, someone was sent off to take care of it, no?"

^{He can offer any general item, along with various trinkets used in mining and farming, and some selective magical items upto level three.}

After nearly two days journey, the band of warriors had nearly returned to Winterhaven.  The keep loomed in the distance.  It was a welcome sight after their numerous battles and near death experiences, especially for Ignatz and Kbenjar.

"Saskan, I think you should present the bounty and findings to Lord Padraig.  Meanwhile, Warfyn, you'll be the one to monitor Bairwin since the elf knows you by sight.  Ignatz, you and I will track down the elf.  She's clearly the most dangerous, if she is indeed the spy.  Are we agreed?"

"Aye, Uncle. I'll deliver the bounty." Saskan moves off toward the Manor House where he presumes Lord Padraig will be at this hour.

Ignatz grins toothily, and claps Malphurious rather forcibly on the shoulder. "Dot soundz like a goot plan! VE HUNT!"

While the group might have expected great cheers of their arrival, few reacted, many appearing nervous, pausing to give furtive glances before darting away.
A familiar face however appears shortly after - Rond, the guard captain.
"Hails! Hopefully you come bearing good news...we could surely need something to uplift the spirit of the town. Please - share, and the Lord will be advised as well.."

Rond's voice is piercing and anyone nearby(Stahl and Vynth) can also notice the commotion regardless of present location.
Bairwin let's out a dry comment.
"Ah, the heroes of Winterhaven have returned..."
People turn, at his words, and eye the group, hoping that he is right.
Suddenly and from the inn, the Lord himself appeared, curious to hear more..

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 27):

Prinz barks and Stahl looks up from the jar he was inspecting. "Looks like the other adventurers have returned. I'll see what the situation is."

Stahl and Prinz leave Bairwin's and head over to where the group is entering. When one of them (other than the monstrous barbarian) appears to have a moment, he steps up.

"Hello, I'm Stahl Tropfstein, this is Prinz. We and another are interested in helping this town with its current troubles. I don't suppose you've left any kobolds that need seeing to?"

His talks being interrupted by some commotion outside, Vynthear followed Bairwin and Stahl outside to note the return of the adventurer group which ahd set out to supposedly dispatch the Kobold threat.

Stahl immediately makes off to talk to the Newcomers, but Vynthear held back noting the arrival of the local lord. He edged closer to make sure he heard every word exchanged.

The Lord eyes Stahl and makes a note of his eagerness, while keeping a stern eye on the group who returned.
"So, Shed some light - are we free of the damnation of those pesky kobolds? Can we ask for trades to arrive? Did you find the missing villagers?"
He was eager to know more, and hoped they came with good tidings.

Saskan had been about to leave for the Manor House when he heard the Lord's question, so he turned around and dropped his load at the Lord's feet. "We took out a few of the kobold holds, but I think there are fouler things afoot, perhaps we should reconvene somewhere a little less public to finish this debrief."

Fearing that they might not learn of the latest developments if the Party withdrew to the lord's residence, Vynthear took a step forward and adressed the leader of Winterhaven.
"My Lord. It would be most essential if Stahl and myself were allowed to listen in on these latest developments. Coordination is the key here, I'm sure you agree."

Lord Padraig rose high and eyed Rond.
"So be it. Come, we will use the quarters at the Watch to conduct this, and I urge you all follow then."
Rond acknowledged the notion with some concern.
"So be it."

The city watched with disappointment as you departed, and some eyed your curiously, including the elf from within the inn.
Passing the Warrior Guild you notice a few young men swing with swords of wood and using simple shields, emulating militia training, and Rond eyes it with some pride.
You arrive some time after to the Winterhaven Barracks - which is a military-style barracks and home to Winterhaven’s ten professional guards, the Regulars. Two men stand guard and nod towards their leader and open the door inside. The Barracks are empty as the remaining eight are on patrol.

You are led inside, only to find that Valthrun has followed along, nodding towards Vynt, with a book in hand. Seemingly he has found something faster than he anticipated.

Ignatz leaned in close to Malphurious. "Dot elf iz here, de vun dot drew Varfryn our map. Hy'z gonna try to schneak op and grab him, hyu vant to vatch from here and follow if he runz?" Without waiting for an answer, Ignatz slips into an alley to try and circle around behind the elf. If he manages to sneak up on his prey, he'll grab him by the arm and tell him, "Ve'z gonna have a leedle talk. Come vit us."

Malphurious also watched the elf and the shopkeeper with great interest as they arrived and word spread.  He followed the barbarian, but cautioned him to wait until they either fled or the Lord commanded their capture.

Saskan threw down the bag of kobold ears and paused a moment, considering all of the great speeches he'd read of true warlords before and after great battles and then began to tell the tale of the past few days.

"We found and killed a large number of kobolds, you can count the ears. We also found their lair, a former temple of Bahamut's and the resting place of the Verdant Lord. It had been occupied by Irontooth and a Wyrmpriest and all his minions. We killed them all and explored the area. It should be secured for future restoration immediately."

"Irontooth had a spy here in Winterhaven, a fact that was later corroborated by the journal entry of a new set of kobolds that we found as we returned to Winterhaven. These were digging up the remains of a dragon with some dark allies."

"We heard word of a Karalel, who is enacting dark rituals and tainting the land to the North. We should seek him out immediately."

"But first there's a spy in your midst and I have a feeling Bairwin knows something of this infiltration."

He looked to his comrades, his uncle and asked, "Does that about sum it up?"

OOC:
13:42, Today: Saskan rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  Diplomacy - Oration.
13:42, Today: Saskan rolled 17 using 1d20+11.  Knowledge History - Oration.

Vynthear was surprised to hear Bairwin accused.
"Can you bolster your assumptions concernign Bairwin with actual facts ? What exactly has caught your suspisicion ?"

The Lord eyes the curiously and Rond does as so at the claim of Bairwin.
"How dare you? He is a trusted man who has done well for the town. I am sorry, but he brings business to the city and has done nothing to show any malice. If we are to do anything here, you need proof of his involvement in whatever he is being accused of. Please - go, find solid proof or ask the man himself. We will not do further on this until then. Especially considering the threat looming - The spy you mention. Find the one, and find the twenty missing villagers, please. We have sparse coin but will add if needs be."
He did rub his chin and eyed Rond.
"You have done very well and this should aid us if not a little in these times. You are indeed heroes and what we needed, and for such I bow to you in honor. But I also beg you aid us further if you can. All of you."
His gaze include all gathered, also Vynt and Stahl.
Behind Vynt stands Valthrun, patiently outside, beckoning at him when he has a moment.

"Actually, we did just talk to Bairwin and we have not found any proof to indicate his involvement."
Then again, Vynthear was not very good at seeing people's motives.

He finally turned to the sage and nodded amiably.
"Hello again, Valthrun. I did not expect to see you again so soon. Have you found anything yet ?"

"I have matters revolving around the keep, come see me at my tower when possible!"

Vynthear nodded and turned around.
"I take it there's nothing else right now ? That spy, however, is most serious. Do you have any clue who it might be ?"

He looked at Stein.
"Meet you in the inn. I have a feeling Valthrun's knowledge is important."


He followed the sage to his residence to hear the news.

"False accusations? Really, after what we've been through, you think I'd bring in false accusations." If Saskan's scales could flush they would be fully red right now. For the Lord to question their motives after all they had done was just too much for the young dragonborn to understand.

"And who are you, exactly?" He said as he turned on the Eladrin. "You want me to substantiate my claims? Fine. Here, read this."

He slammed down the journal open to the page that reads:

Vynthear looked at the enraged Draconian, quite not knowing whatever had set him off. Or was it a her, he had not met many of specimen of this race.
"Did I say anything to that effect? I never said that your accusations are false. I was merely asking if you have proof and provided the results of my own assessment. Which obviously", he glanced at the book slapped on the table,"were wrong."

Only then did he realize that the Draconian's anger was not aimed at him but at the Lord.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:13, Tue 04 July 2017.

[The barracks]
The Lord and Rond eyed eachother.
"Concerning. We need to investugate further on this - but the spy? Who is it? We still do not know."
^{Note: You found some papers in the kobold dungeon, which you have yet to investigate on..just a hint ;)}
He eyes Rond.
"Deal with this. Can you spare the regulars for this?"
He shrugs and eyes the adventures.
"Please. Follow me or better yet, drag him with you, I promise you no objections from anyone nor any opposition. We will deal with it then, but we are horrible short staffed with the current crisis and the ongoing attacks which still looms."

[The tower]
This five-story structure is the highest building in Winterhaven.
The tower is rumored to be over 300 years old, and Valthrun the Prescient is its most recent resident.
Just inside a large oaken door, you find a narrow, winding staircase up. On the second floor, amidst piles of books, scrolls and trinkets of foreign origin and even vials of glowing liquid, you find the sage, whom is deep in reading. He opens his gaze to you and smiles.
"Excellent. You are here. You asked and I found something of note!"
He opens a large dusty tome and presents two pages to you.
“Shadowfell Keep, as folks call it now, was not always known by that name. It seems that this name arose only in the past century from people’s fear of the plane through
which the dead travel. Not so long ago, yet beyond the memory of most, the keep was known as Keegan’s Keep.
“Stories tell of how the lord of Keegan’s Keep, Sir Jerold Keegan, became a crazed lunatic and slew his family and friends, forever cursing the place. However, the truth of
the story is much more tragic.
“Sir Keegan was a renowned hunter of dragons. Thus, when the great wyrm, Shadraxil, a shadow dragon of particularly ill temperament, began to plague Cormyr, it fell to Keegan to come up with a way to defeat the beast.
“The knight lured the beast to the keep, and there, he managed with sword and sorcery to occupy the creature long enough to perform a ritual to trap it away in a place
of shadow. That would have been the end of the story were it not for the power of Shadraxil.
“Incensed by his defeat, the wyrm poured all of his malice into revenge against the knight who trapped him. Such was the dragon’s power that even from beyond the Shadow Rift, he was able to deceive Keegan into believing his friends and family were conspiring against him.
Eventually, the knight’s mind snapped. “The author of the historical treatises speculates that he suffered paranoid delusions, for Keegan went on a rampage through the keep, killing his wife and comrades before eventually a grievous wound drove him to flee into the keep’s crypts.
It’s not known what happened to him after that. “Cormyr’s leaders, fearing that Shadraxil might continue to wreak havoc upon those stationed at the keep, ordered the place destroyed and its secrets hidden. They slew a juvenile shadow dragon and created a false burial
site, all in an effort to conceal the truth—that Shadraxil still lives, waiting just beyond the rift for an opportunity to have vengeance upon those who did him wrong so very long ago.
“Whatever activity is occurring at the keep, it can surely mean ill for Winterhaven and those of nearby lands. Please, will you do what you can to help?”

[Valthrun's Tower]

"Shadraxil", he murmered in awe.
"Valthrun, I have to tell you that I came upon ancient scripts about a year ago, scrolls found by a scouting band deep in the forest of Cormanthor, in a ruined Tower infested by ethereal undead."
"These scrolls tell of a shadow dragon harrowing the western regions of the Far Hills. But, Valthrun, that scroll was written by Srinshee, and other passages mentioned the death of Coronal Eltargrim and the passage of rulership to Aravae Irithyl. So that scroll refers to events at", Vynthear paused, calculating to different human time reckoning, " 661DR, give or take a year^1.. So the scrolls must have referred to Shhuusshuru, or maybe even Aurgloroasa herself^2.. Shadraxil was Shhuusshuru sire."
“So if you refer to Shadraxil harassing Cormyr then something is clearly off in relation to the passage of time. The keep you are talking about must have been built much longer ago. And this knight Keegan’s tragic end must also have occurred a long time ago. Not just a century, but at least eight centuries.”
Vynthear shrugged off the matter.
”Regardless, the matter remains that this powerful dragon is still alive, though somehow imprisoned beyond this plane. Indeed Srinshee wrote something hinting at this in her scroll, namely that those ‘wings of darkness’ would place the region again under its shadows. That they would 'burst forth through the shrouded gate'. Surely an ominous passage presaging the dragon’s return or break-out from its sorcerous prison.”
Vynthear looked up from his loud ponderings, not quite sure if the sage had been able to follow him. He was only human after all, and the considered timescale was surely hard to grasp for the short-lived race.
”It stands to reason that the rumours about a Cult of Shar operating in the region must be linked to this prophesy.”
“Valthrun, where exactly is this keep ?”, he asked urgently.

1. What is the current time line ? FR 4E assumes around 1480DR, right ?
   Does it even matter :D ?
   
2. Well, admittedly that is stretching my character's history knowledge quite some :D
   If too disruptive to the game I will edit ;)

[Valthrun's Tower]
Valthrun listened intently and nodded in agreement.
He eyed a map curiously and stated.
"Two miles north, on the main road out of Winterhaven it says, slightly off the path, right hand side. It is quite a sight, and hard to miss.
It is curious - The people of Winterhaven avoid Shadowfell Keep.
Some  leave it alone because all ancient ruins have a disturbing feeling about them, a feeling composed of lingering memories and unknown mysteries. Some say the place is haunted. Others fear the rumors of goblinoids using the place as a lair. Whatever the reason behind its solitude, one fact is clear. Within two short decades after the collapse of the Nareth Empire, Shadowfell Keep was abandoned and left to fall apart and decay.
Rumors persist of great treasures buried beneath the keep, yet few have dared explore the passages over the year."
He took a quick look.
"I agree with what you have laid before me and there is a tie between the two. But how big or how significant - is hard to say without diving into the bowels of madness if you would."

Vynthear nodded in thanks for the sage's research and left Valthrun's Tower.
he went to the local inn to meet with the others and tell them all he had learned.
"If this ancient dragon is to be released from its prison and enter this plane again then we must do our best to prevent this. I strongly suspect that our opponents in this endeavour are the cultists of Shar. Indeed I have a feeling that their base might be in the Keep. We should investigate."

The elf turns to look at Ignatz, dismayed, and Ignatz quickly mirrors the expression: he's grabbed the wrong elf entirely. The ranger Warfryn pointed out is standing a few feet away, well within earshot. Vell, Ignatz thinks, at least if he runs ve know he's guilty.

07:48, Today: Ignatz rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Grab vs Elf Reflex.

Malphurious had followed the barbarian, but was equally as surprised when he went to grab at the elven hunter.  He hoped that Saskan's words with the Lord and his retinue were going well since it appeared that they were going to apprehend the suspects now.

OOC: Trying to get caught up.  Will wait on GM's reaction before post.  Not sure if both Baldwen and the elf are in eye sight of one another or not.

The man, an envoy huffs and shoves you away.
"How dare you!"
You notice eyeing around away from the elven man, that the hunter slowly backs away and takes into a run, running inside the inn at a brisk pace. Or rather his movement is fluid and akin to what you would expect from the race, often mistaken from sprinting.
Bairwin is no where to be found and by suggestion of Rond, you are to apprehend him either with his help, which he prefers not to given the crisis, but with his permission - or you do it yourself and he will reward the efforts given a conviction of the man.

"Ho!" Ignatz immediately chases the hunter, like a golden retriever chasing a tennis ball. What he lacks in grace he makes up for in pure explosive vigor, and he reaches the inn and throws the door open only moments after they'd closed behind the elf.

"Beg our pardon," Malphurious says to the envoy before bolting towards the inn in pursuit.  He was dismayed at how the ranger had given them the slip, despite their intense and focused observation of her movements.  The pair was not innocuous and she had definitely noticed them.  But it wouldn't have been until they had her well in sight and in range.  She must be powerful indeed to vanish from thin air and replace herself with a doppelganger.

Stahl looks for an opportunity to - politely, but firmly - insist on a discussion with Lord Pagraig, ideally in the presense of some of the other adventurers. When he has that opportunity he says:

"My lord, my name is Stahl Tropfstein, a humble dwarf and explorer of the underground, and I couldn't help but mark how your town is suffering a number of problems lately. I've spoken with some townsfolk and they're feeling put upon and scared by the lack of trade and their missing kin. I'd like to offer to help clear out the local kobold menace, so that you and your forces can get a foothold. I hope that anyone you currently have on this job will accept my - our," he pets Prinz, "help."

"In the meantime, it seems like the people could use some help helping themselves, if you catch my meaning. Any emergency stores you might have would not go amiss, if I might be so bold."

[Outside]
The lord nodded.
"Greetings Stahl - we would gladly welcome your aid. Especially if you could continue to chase away or even find the source of these pesky kobolds, and hopefully find trace of the twenty missing! I urge, perhaps that you..", he points at Saskan and Vynt, "...gather forces and end this once and for all. As for food, we are in some luck as a Dwarf, which the Half-orc who just vanished brought along, has offered supplies - we will work towards a better situation here, but alas, it is a short term thing, and we do have a sparse storage left, which will serve us for a bit. Please, aid us, and I will reward you."

The scene unfolds and Rond and the Lord eyes it curiously.
"Ninaran? What the heck?"
Rond's remark is one of surprise.

[Inside the Inn]
As the door is opened, Ninaran springs up with a longbow in hand, in one fluid motion and curses at you.
"NOT TODAY! SHAR! Dark mistress! Protect me”, she shouts while putting an arrow to the string. Suddenly the room grows darker and wisps of shadow dance around Ninaran. From nowhere five shadowy black dogs appear, growling menacingly at you.

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

Ignatz enters the inn like a cannonball. As the shadow hounds appear, Ignatz is already vaulting over them, his weapon held up like a baseball bat, if baseball existed in Faerun. He lands with a roar that turns into a joyful guffaw (almost certainly loud enough to be audible from the street), and slams the flat of the blade into the elf's head with a blow so sickeningly brutal that Malphurious can almost feel it, and without hesitation he comes back with a second swing from the opposite direction, fast enough to catch her still reeling from the first blow.

OOC:
Standard: Charge->F9, Howling Strike HIT Ninaren AC 28 for 28 nonlethal damage
Spend AP: Desperate Fury HIT Ninaren AC 27 for <Red>25 nonlethal damage

14:22, Today: Ignatz rolled 25 using 4d6+8 ((6,6,4,1)) +2 Carnage
14:22, Today: Ignatz rolled 27 using 1d20+9.  Desperate Fury vs Ninaren AC 17.
08:02, Today: Ignatz rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.
07:52, Today: Ignatz rolled 6 using 1d6+2, rerolling ones.  Howling Strike+Carnage extra damage.
07:51, Today: Ignatz rolled 22 using 4d6+7, rerolling ones.  Howling Strike damage w/Furious Assault nonlethal.
07:50, Today: Ignatz rolled 28 using 1d20+10.  Howling Strike vs Ninaren AC.

Resources: HP 35/35, HS 10/10, 0/1 AP
Expended Powers: Furious Assault, Desperate Fury
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Mon 17 July 2017.

Malphurious follows the savage barbarian into room, "By Bahamut, she is the spy!" the aged dragonborn exclaimed.  Even he was surprised that his instincts had been true.  Shar could truly corrupt anyone, even a fair maiden elf.

He surged forward, his instincts, honed over years of warfare and survival in the Wilds of Vilhon.  He moved forward into the fray, exhaling to fire off his dragonbreath.  But it was not the cold breath he was expecting.  Instead, a horrific screech was emitted, and he hoped that it struck fear into his foes.

He whirled into combat with his flail, ricocheting forward, deeper into the melee while proning his initial target.

OOC: Lots of stuff.  Hope these hounds are minions....

Move: 5 squares to F8.
Minor: Dragonfear, likely 3-4 wolves suffer -2 to hit and grant CA until EoNT
Std: Footwork lure, 8 damage and is prone and marked.  I shift to G7.
Free: Defender of Wild, mark all adjacent (G6 now marked as well).

09:18, Today: Malphurious rolled 6 using 1d8+5.  damage.
09:17, Today: Malphurious rolled 28 using 1d20+9.  footwork lure vs F7.
09:04, Today: Malphurious rolled 16,20,9,15,21,14 using 1d20+6,1d20+6,1d20+6,1d20+6,1d20+6,1d20+6.  dragonfear: 5 wolves then the ranger vs will.
08:47, Today: Malphurious rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  initiative!

HP: 36/36 | AP: 1/1 | Surges: 11/11
Combat Challenge: Shifts or makes an attack that does not include you, you can make a melee basic attack against that enemy as an immediate interrupt
Expended Powers: Defender of Wild AOE mark
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Wed 12 July 2017.

Ninaran cursed, but laughed also.
"You come so few - you will become one with the dark of night! Irontooth failed...I won't!"

Those visiting inside roared outside screaming, and those outside became aware that something was underway and it was not good! Those running looked terrified.
OOC: Running to the combat from where you are will take a full round starting now!
As usual, once you are inside, roll initiative.


With a heavy strike, the first wolf falls down and snarls, having to spend a moment to recover from the blow.
The horrific scream affects all the wolves, but Ninaran, blessed by Shar shrugs it off laughing.
The roar of Ignatz causes Ninarens quick shot to miss him just and she curses, as he digs into her skull with a heavy blow and she stutters back.
The wolfs raise their heads and howl in unison, causing those outside to hear the loud howl of five wolves inside the inn, just underlining the urgency.
The wolves bite, but are still phased by the roar og Malph.

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Ninaran	16/44	17	14	18	15	Mobility, step, reroll(used), Subdual damaged
Shadow wolves	36/44, 44/44 x4	16	17	15	14	Baying, DV, +1d6 on CA - Debuff, -2 to hit, grant CA.

Effects/damage:
Baying: Target takes a -2 penalty to all defenses until the end of the shadow hound’s next turn. One hits, with this burst vs Will 18, and thus you take -2 to all defenses!
Due to CA(outnumbering) and debuff, all but one attack hit. Malphs debuff aids here.
Malph: 20 Damage
Ignatz: 10 Damage


MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

They had just passed the inner gate (11) on their way from the barracks after the meeting with the lord and captain of Winterhaven when Vynthear turned to the others expressing his idea to visit Valthrun next, when they all heard the howls, clearly coming from the inn (2).
Immediately forgetting his visit to the sage for now, Vynthear began to run in the direction of Wafton's...

---

rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Malphurious's flail snaps into the hound that he'd already harried, creating an opening for Ignatz, should the raging barbarian choose to tactically retreat.  He stalked forward, out of the huddling masses of hounds, positioning a table to his left, hoping to use that to prevent the hounds from flanking him that way.

OOC: Marked Hound takes 12 damage and is marked. Ninarian suffers -2 to hit until end of my next turn.

Std: Footwork Lure - Hits, I shift to F8, the hound shifts to my square G7, and then once more (magic flail) to H6.  Takes 12 damage, target is marked.
Move: Pass Forward - move F8>E8>D7 (no OA granted)
Minor: Shift D6
Free: Screaming Armor item power - Ninarian takes another -2 to hit this turn.
AP: Second wind, heals 11

HP: 27/36 | AP: 0/1 | Surges: 10/11 |
Combat Challenge: Shifts or makes an attack that does not include you, you can make a melee basic attack against that enemy as an immediate interrupt
Expended Powers: Defender of Wild AOE mark, screaming armor item power, dragonfear.

09:40, Today: Malphurious rolled 12 using 1d8+5.  damage.
09:40, Today: Malphurious rolled 23 using 1d20+12.  footwork lure on F7 +9 base, +1 DBF, +2 CA

This message was last edited by the player at 15:30, Fri 14 July 2017.

"Wha...?"

Warfryn is busy considering all that has happened recently and almost misses the baying of the wolves.  In fact it is only when Vynthear darted past him heading for the inn that he realised something was going on.

"...t?  Who?"

It took several seconds for it to sink in but eventually light dawned and the diminutive gnome started to head for the inn.


19:18, Today: Warfryn rolled 9 using 1d20.  Initiative.

Retconned!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Mon 17 July 2017.

Sensing the danger of the situation, and the hulking barbarian, Ninaran beckons her wolves to focus on him!
She drops her bow, grabs a sword swiftly from her side and slices upwards across the torso of Ignatz, but in the same momentum, driven by sheer bloodthirst, the blow from him drops down and pummels her to the ground. Her face is swolen, blue and she will not be as gracious to look at when she wakes..beyond having a throbbing headache.
The wolves emerge on him to prevent his likely advance, and pound on him, hoping to stall his momentum. As Malph works the battlefield to his advantage, pummeling the wolves as he sees fit.

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Ninaran	Unc.	17	14	18	15	Mobility, step, reroll(used), Subdual damaged
Shadow wolves	36/44, 24/44 x4	16	17	15	14	Baying, DV, +1d6 on CA - Debuff, -2 to hit, grant CA.

Effects/damage:
Shifts, hits, and causes 10 damage to Ignatz
Wolves surround and two get CA vs Ignatz, again due to higher initiative.
Those who moved here last round can act after my post!
<b>Strikes Ignatz and causes 23 damage in total +10 from Ninaren = 33
- As these are like marked, Malph, go ahead!
Wolves miss Malph.


NEXT ROUND! Warfryn and Vynt can also go ahead!

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:00, Tue 18 July 2017.

Not quite able to determine the status of the half-orc warrior who seemed to have been overwhelmed by the wolves, Vynthear conjured forth a cold blast, but the wolves seemed hardly affected by the spell. One wolves did retreat from the half-orc though

---

Standard: Freezing Burst F9
rolled 10,14 using 1d20+7,1d20+7.  Freezing Burst F9, ->E8, F8.
Oups, CA: hit E8 for 8 damage, slide to D10 (Orb Expertise->2 squares)
rolled 8 using 1d6+5.  Damage on E8.
Move: H16->I15
Minor: Perception
rolled 13 using 1d20+8.  Perception

This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Tue 18 July 2017.

Warfryn ducked in through the door behind Vynt and took in the scene at a glance.  Stepping through the shadows he reappeared crouched behind one of the bar tables and took a sighting on the dark wolf-like creatures bringing down a Fey curse upon it.

Quickly he fired off a blast of Eldritch fire but cursed as it soared past his target.

“Too quick” he panted to himself. “Steady now.  Take it nice and easy.”

He tried to steady his breath for his next attack.


Move: Ethereal Stride - teleport to position gain +2 to all defences.
(Move of 3 so gain concealment - hence -2 to all attacks against me.)
Therefore an attack against me is against AC22; Fort 18; Ref 21; Will 21
Minor:  Curse wolf G6
Standard:  Witchfire on cursed target

13:04, Today: Warfryn rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Witchfire vs nearest wolf.
Stupid dice roller!

This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Tue 18 July 2017.

Malphurious was relieved that Warfyn had joined the fray, and a newcomer, slinging arcane ice at the hounds.  Malphurious bared a razor toothed grin at Ignatz as he dropped the traitor elf and looked ferociously at the rabid, dark wolves with the look of a hunter confronting his prey.

OOC: Third hound takes 7 damage and is marked (little tag on it).

Std: Footwork lure hits, shift to E7/8, slides hound 2 to E6>D6>C5.
Move: Shift to F9.

09:27, Today: Malphurious rolled 7 using 1d8+5.  damage!
09:27, Today: Malphurious rolled 23 using 1d20+11.  footwork lure on E6 +9 base,  +2 CA.

The wolves snarled and bit at their foes, but with a sudden roar, began to fade from view.
Their leader felled, and their presence on the prime plane fading, as they were likely to return to the shadowfell from which the came.

In a final attempt they bit out but missed Malph taking their superficial wounds to their home, where they would likely rest up quickly.
Coughing on the ground, the woman behind their presence, Ninaren, lay unconscious and worn, but would come around soon enough.

Elsewhere, Stahls request was answered by the Lord himself.
"We do, and I hope that with the aid of the recent dwarven merchant who arrived, we might be in better shape - that said. Your help along with the others is direly needed.
We lack still, twenty or so villagers, there is a looming threat and with a visible assault from a cult panic will erupt. Please, you look crafty - align and aid us if you can. I am sure the rest will also follow along and we need and will offer what we can to those that aid us.
I will arrange for food to be distributed, but we are still worn and with limited resources."

OOC:
Due to not being "linked" to this world, Ninaren going out of combat causes them to "fade" from this world and return to theirs, akin to summons. Hence, combat is over, but they count as defeated.

Malphurious recoiled as the fading hound took a swipe at him.  He could only surmise that Ignatz's valiant/foolish charge up the center of the enemy formation to cut down their leader played some part in the banishment of the shadow hounds from this realm.  From what had been explained to him of Shar by Kbenjar, these hounds must be her creatures.

He looked at the slumped over body of Ignatz and instead of walking toward him, turned around, grabbed a cup and began to fill it with ale out of the tab.  Once the frothy beverage was poured, he walked over to the barbarian, who was in the habit now of resting on the ground after each battle, and nudged him as if to awaken a sleeping comrade.  "You've earned this you crazy bastard."

"Well, these hounds definitely were not of this world.", hje looked at the unconscious elf female, "And somehow they belonged to her. Why did the elf attack, though ? We, that is Stahl and myself, have talked with this elf earlier on and while her attitude was ertainly found wanting I did not expect her to attack you."
Vynthear walked closer to the draconian, so as not to have everybody overhear his words.
"So you think this is the spy, then ?"

"Spy or not, she is clearly of an evil vintage" said Warfryn, an anxious look in his eye. "Those shadow hounds are not likely to be seen with people of good character."

He looked down at the unconscious elf.  "Whoever she is, she needs to answer a few questions."

Ignatz slowly opens his eyes and sees Malphurious standing over him with a frosty mug of ale, and grins. He stands up, wincing slightly, and drains the mug before wrapping up the bleeding gash across his chest. "Ha, hy knew hyu'd be able to handle dose shadow pupz."

"We're lucky, your valiant strike against the elf released her hold upon their shadow-born forms and they dissolved back from wince they came, once you felled her," he said, patting the crazy but effective barbarian warrior in congratulations.

"Grab her legs, I'll grab upper body.  Let's bring her to the Lord and Captain of the guard.  They should be the ones to decide the next course of action," he said as he knelt, grabbing the upper back of the elf.

He saw Warfyn in the room as well.  As they worked to pick up the unconscious elf he ask, the gnome.  "You were to keep eyes on Barwain.  Has he been secured as well?"

Rond and Lord Padraig looked confused by it all.
Following, they led the group to the barracks intent on uncovering what had occurred.
Vynt shared again what he knew and feared, from his meeting with the sage.
About an evil presence likely located and focused on the keep, with a harrowing history behind it.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Found here:
- link to a message in this game
Check post 44-47

---

Discussing among themselves, they pass a young dwarf, familiar to Ignatz, the very merchant aiding the town. Stahl and Vynt and more or less dragged along, insisted by Lord Padraig who states clearly that their use is great now and they should not deter from the task at hand.
As Malph turns towards the Gnome, it shrugs.
"Have not seen the watcher who was sent their. Let me go check quickly. I will be right outside his shop!"

[At the Regulars Barracks]
Ninaren is placed heavily into a large wooden chair and bound to it, her head slumped forward. Rond rummages through her belongings and her pockets and find a small pouch, and some silver candles, worth a pretty penny. The Lord hands both to you as a reward(50 gold per candle, 120 gold in the pouch). He also produces a vellum and asks Vynt to read it.
It states:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

I received your report on the adventurers. Next time you see them, put an end to their meddling. Mix the blood of ten people with the elixir my messenger brings. Then trace the following pattern on the ground of a graveyard and pour the liquid into the lines. That should supply you with a force to thwart them. I’m very close to completing my work and cannot be interrupted. As you already know, if you do come to the second level of the keep,
the pass phrase is “From the ground, some magic was found.”

---

Using common field medic trickery, Rond does his best to wake her, ending in a bucket of water and a heavy slap that almost tears her neck.
"WAKE UP! - AND SPEAK!"
Rond's voice is almost gravely and dark, and he is quite imposing if he wants to.
She awakes and snarls.
"The dark mistress shall avenge med and devour you! Ask!"
^{Insight might detail further, any social skills can be used against her.}
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:58, Wed 09 Aug 2017.

Vynthear was too intrigued by the strange ritual which surely was the reason for the appearance of the dire shadow hounds, to notice the awakening of the elf.
"Too bad there's nothing left of that elixir, it would have been most interesting to analyze it. Still, the blood of ten people ? That'll be 10 of your townmen, my Lord", he said sadly to Lord Padraig, the fate of them being obvious. "I would nevertheless want to investigate the local graveyard, perhaps I can still find some traces of Magic."
"Now, however, to this nefarious elf."


"So you admit to venerate the dark Mistress Shar. With the nefarious creatures conjured forth by you ally's sinister magic so much was already clear. And you have obviously also killed ten villagers."
"What happened to the other missing people ?"
"The rumours about a Cult of Shar operating in the region are now brought to the revealing light of Selûne. And Bairwin is the local leader, right ?"

rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Insight.

Ninaren laughed.
"Imbicil. I am a spy, not a killer. If you are so sure, why am I alive? and where are the body. You really are clueless....feykin"
The last was a direct stab at Vynts heritage, more closely linked to the feywild than normal elves.
"Why don't you ask him?...Seems like you have all the answers already.."

Malphurious produced some amulets of Shar that they had found during their raid on the kobold lair to show to Vynthear to confirm his suspicions.

But now, it was Malphurious's turn to be held back while Ninaren taunts the group about the death of the town's populace to summon those wolves. "Why you little..." he trudges forth ready to strangle the defenseless woman.

OOC:  Yep, those rolls, priceless.

17:30, Today: Malphurious rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  insight.
17:30, Today: Malphurious rolled 10 using 1d20+9.  intimidate

Is Warfryn there?

Vynthear looked at the amulets in Malphurious' scaled hand and nodded.
He turned back to the offending elf.
"We fought those shadow spawn in the inn, many witnesses to that fight."
"This", he waved the parchment, "is a clear instruction as to how to summon the hounds. And it requires the blood of ten men among other things."
"Facts. What kind of spy are you if you cannot properly evaluate the worth of facts ?"
"It also is a straight forward instruction to attack, with the purpose to kill, them.", he indicated the adventurers who obviously posed a veritable threat to the cult's plans.
"As for keeping you alive. It is called justice. No penalty of death without litigation."
He paused, then smiled as he indicated the scene with a broad gesture.
"Consider this then your trial. The outcome of which leaves no space for Imagination given the proof we have at hand."
"As for vengeance by your mistress. Do you think she even cares ? Shar is not a forgiving Mistress, and would you not agree", he indicated the bounds of the elf, "that you have failed her ?", he paused to let that sink in. Surely the elf did realize that Vynthear spoke the truth.
"It is you to decide the manner of your punishment, though. A quick and clean death including the protective blessing of Bahamut on your soul", a nod in the direction of the draconians, "to spare you an eternity of justness by your dark sovereign... or something quite different.", the elf certainly was imaginative enough to consider the implications of failing a dark goddess like Shar.
"What is the great task that Karalel refers to and which he is close to complete ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:48, Thu 10 Aug 2017.

Yes - Everyone is present, even Stahl!

As the Dragon advanced she flinched but composed herself, and Malph saw a wasted opportunity.
Still, Rond had shook her and when Vynt presented the facts her facade broke.
"Sever my head. It would be the best for me. Although I do know more, telling you will end me regardless, so make it swift on me. Agree to such, and I will comply."
She nodded at the vellum.
"I had my orders from a dark lord, Karalel, who remains at the keep as we speak. I do not know further of his plans, as he hired me to spy, report and aid in kidnapping - this was done by subordinates and not me - but yes, I oversaw and aligned with the true head of the operations here - Bairwin. He will not go with ease. He will likely rather die than fail Karalel. Myself? Not so much - although right now, death might be the best alternative for me. But yes - those you seek are at the keep, having been taken by his reavers - his special force of hobgoblins, aligned with Irontooth."

Vynthear looked at Lord Padraig and Captain Kelfem. It was for them to decide the fate of the spying elf. Still, he indicated with a slight nod that he would agree with Ninaran's terms as for the details of her punishment.
"How many of these reavers are there at the Keep ?"

"Many - Twenty, more - Would rip you apart, but that is your funeral. Consider yourself warned."

Ignatz shrugs. "Hy killed Irontooth, and hyu didn' last ten seconds vit just me. Hy tink ge ken handle dese reavers," he says, eyes gleaming with antici...

pation. "Ve just gotta sneak so ve dont gotta fight all o' dem at vonce."

Saskan had been quiet long enough and though his uncle Malph had only earned contempt, he took a different tactic with the spy, "You'll be crying muffled screams for death as we drag you bound and gagged with us into the heart of your allies, showing you off as the traitor that you are."

He looked around, knowing that what he said might make some of his friends stomach turn and then added, "Or you can tell my friends and I what we want to know and we can make another arrangement."

OOC: Sorry all, I was looking for the right way in and this seemed to be a good one :)
20:36, Today: Saskan rolled 25 using 1d20+10.  Intimidate.

Saskans words got to her.
Unlike before he saw fear in her eyes, and perhaps the realization that he meant it, convincingly.
Her facade dropped and she eyed down, and spoke like a broken soul.
"I....I...."
She nodded at Saskan. She would comply.

Lord Padraig and Rond nodded at eachother.

Saskan was happy she was finally ready to talk, "Ok, let's start easy, are there any hidden entrances to the keep? And are your allies holed up anywhere else that we haven't already destroyed?"

Malphurious watched on, proud of his nephew.

She shrugged.
"Sealed off. The sergeant of his armies claimed it was needed to ensure something remained withint...Don't ask me what. There are voices within the walls...It's not a place I wish to return to.."
She shrugged at his followup question.
"Brigands roam but return to the keep and it's outskirts, where the heads remain.
In town, Bairwin led the abductions and any further rituals with the dark mistress herself, and he adorned me with some powers in her sight. We took ten so far and they remain with the elite guards - the bloodreavers at the keep. The rest I do not know...perhaps on their way.
Bairwin is irrate. He spoke of a mirror missing, from a burial ground south of here. Said it was key for the dark lord to have..."

The mention of a mirror in a burial ground felt familiar, but he pressed on and said, "And what of Karl, where is he?"

The elf eyed him curiously.
"You mean Karalel? At the keep, in his throne room, overseeing matters with the dark blessings of Shar...he will not leave, the place is a bloody fortress and twisted in dark magic and hidden voices of those passed and haunting. Brave yourself if you wish to face him, for you stand little chance!"

Malphurious pulled Rond aside.  He whispered, "What keep could she be talking about?  Is there another keep besides the one at Winterhaven nearby?  Maybe one long since abandoned?"

Ignatz drains his flagon and stands up suddenly. It took a few moments for Ninaren's words to process apparently, because he exclaims, "If dey gotz hostagez at dis Keep, dot'z vhere ve gotta go!"

OOC: We should definitely go to this second burial site first, if only to try and hit L3 before we tackle the Keep, but Ignatz will have to be convinced IC not to just immediately rush to confront the BBEG

Warfryn whispered in Malphurious's ear.

"D'you reckon that's the mirror we gots from the dragon's grave?

Rond answered sharply.
"Only Keegan's keep, also known as the Keep on the shadowfell..No other keep no."

OOC:
There is a graveyard nearby, being the only unvisited place to check, if you so desire.

"Allright then."
"I would like to visit the graveyard, to learn if the vile ritual has been conducted there."
"Other than that we really need to check on Bairwin now."

Malphurious nodded to Warfyn, "Likely.  We must keep it safe for now."

Malphurious regarded the wizard, but agreed with the newcomer, "Securing Bairwin before he makes an escape should take priority, but it is likely he has fled Winterhaven.  But if is some sort of conjurer, perhaps he is at the graveyard.  Let's check his shop, around town, and then the graveyard.  Once we've eliminated the possibility he's within the town, we can plan our approach on Keegan's Keep."

[Bairwin’s Grand Shoppe]

Since they had an agreement, even though they all had doubts that they would still find Bairwin, the group left the barracks again, leaving Ninaran's fate i nthe hands of the captain... for now at least.
Passing the inner gate they went straight for Bairwin's shop.
"Master Bairwin, are you there ?"

[Bairwin’s Grand Shoppe]

You enter an empty shop. Not a word. On the ground there are heavy marks in the wooden floor, blood leading to a backroom, and two legs from a small gnome partially hidden by a draped carpet. There is silence below, but your hear flickering fire, perhaps of a small candle or torch below, echoing through what seems to be a staircase heading down.

[Bairwin’s Grand Shoppe]

"That looks ominous," Malphurious whispered to the others as they approached the stairwell leading down.  "Let's not underestimate our foe, for he seems to be a wizard of some skill.  But by Bahamut, he must account for his crimes against the people of Winterhaven," he said leading the way towards the descending stairs.

Warfryn waited until Malphurious had started to descend the ladder and then motioned Ignatz to go next.  He himself slotted in behind the big half orc and almost seemed to disappear into the shadows as he proceeded.

Ignatz says nothing as he follows- he's making a concerted effort not to rush in ahead of Malph, and so far has managed to restrain himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Thu 17 Aug 2017.

[Bairwin’s Grand Shoppe - below.]
As you walk down the stairs, the air gets colder.
A pall of dim purple light consumes the room. Candles line the walls, burning with f lickering, purple flames. Three rows of pews lead up to an altar. A long carpet
with a repeated symbol—a black disk surrounded by a thin purple circle—leads up to the front. Several darkclad figures stand around the room, poised for action.
You see three figures clad in robes of midnight black, these sallowskinned humans have sunken eyes of pure darkness except for a thin outline of deep purple.
Behind them, wraith-like figures cloaked in dark, voluminous robes.
At the alter, with a sinister grin, Bairwin - a middle-aged man wears lavish garments of purple and black.

Two of the armor clad figures shift and block the road ahead, forcing any path forward through them or over the pews.

---

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Servants	38/38	16	14	15	12	Shadow shift, CA +1d6, Wrath R:5/6
Reapers	47/47	19	13	15	13	Reaper, Stalking shadow
Bairwin	47/47	16	14	14	17	Veil, darkness

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

^{OOC:
[*] A character who makes a Religion check can identify certain features of this encounter’s creatures/surroundings.
[*] Perception 13(active check!) - to spot something further...}

rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Int, pews.
rolled 19 using 1d20+12.  Arcana, carpets.
rolled 25 using 1d20+10.  Religion.
rolled 12 using 1d20+8.  Perception.
rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

---

Vynthear tried to get a better understanding of what they saw below, after he had followed and taken his orb in hand...
This message was last edited by the player at 08:46, Sat 19 Aug 2017.

Malphurious readies his flail and shield, hoping that Bairwin was alone but was not surprised when he had rallied some allies in the short time that he had. "Someone get some light ready," he exclaimed as he knew the disciples of Shar were likely trained to see in the dark, given her power of the domain of Darkness.

OOC: I think I used up my good rolls for skill checks.
09:35, Today: Malphurious rolled 16 using 1d20.  religion.
09:31, Today: Malphurious rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  perception .
09:31, Today: Malphurious rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  intiative.

Warfryn darted forward, the praises of Corellon on his lips.  Quickly he drew a sunrod from his pack and lobbed it into the room.

"Let there be light" he called before preparing to unleash his powers on the nearest reaper.


18:31, Today: Warfryn rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Perception.
18:31, Today: Warfryn rolled 20 using 1d20.  Initiative.

Move: as per map: gain concealment (-2 to enemy's attack rolls)
Minor: Draw sunrod
Standard: Throw sunrod, aiming at about G6

This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Mon 21 Aug 2017.

Stahl moves with the group, bow out, Prinz at his heels eagerly but quietly awaiting his master's commands.

---

I didn't see it asked for, but it seems to be what people are doing.
11:07, Today: Stahl Tropfstein rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Initiative.

Ignatz's eyes widen in surprise, and then his grin widens.

OOC:
06:02, Today: Ignatz rolled 9 using 1d20.  Religion.
06:01, Today: Ignatz rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Perception.
06:01, Today: Ignatz rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.

Skill checks:
Arcane: VYnt notice that enemies on the carpet are benefiting from this object, as he notices a faint glow from the holy symbol placed on it. Removing it or parting it would limit their foes abilities.

Perception:
The southeastern corner of the room consists of brick and mortar, like the rest of the shrine. However, as you check you notice a seam along the wall. A room, hidden from view!

Religion:
Vynt uncovers alot about the foes he faces.
[*] Worship of Shar is predominantly located in Netheril and Sembia, yet small pockets of devotees exist throughout Faerûn. These cells are usually independent and act according to what they believe fulfills Shar’s will.
[*] Servants of Shar begin to physically transform as their faith allows the goddess’s malign influence to bleed into their souls. Over time, humanoid devotees gain vision that lets them penetrate darkness, and they also acquire the powers to unleash necrotic energy upon their adversaries.
[*] The most devoted followers of Shar often undergo a transformation that warps their body, leaving them emaciated echoes of their former self. These people become creatures of shadow, less powerful than shades but nonetheless formidable.

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Servants	38/38,38/38,38	16	14	15	12	Wrath, shift, CA +1d6	Sunrod
Reaper	47/47,47/47,47/47	19	13	15	13	Reaper blade, scythe, stalking shadow	Sunrod
Bairwin	47/47	16	14	14	17	Darkness unleashed, veil	Sunrod

Please place yourself on map!
MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

OOC: Saskan, anyone heard from him?
I rolled just in case, so players can go now, given no surprise round!

Vynthear followed Warfryn, then held his orb high to unleash its magical energies.

Move (N7)
Phantom Chasm on F6 with Enlarge Spell feat to make this Burst 2 instead at-2 each roll.
Int vs Will
Vynthear Klayde rolled 9,18,25,16,25 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5.  Int vs Will.
H6 (miss), H8 (hit), F8 (critical), F5 (hit), D6 (critical)
H6, prone, 3 psychic damage
H8, prone, immobilized, 7 damage
F8, prone, immobilized, 17 damage
F5, prone, Immobilized, 8 damage
D6, prone, immobilized, 17 damage
All immobilized until end of their next turn

14:42, Today: Vynthear Klayde rolled 6 using 2d6+1.  Servant,  half.
Today: Vynthear Klayde rolled 7,8 using 2d6+1,2d6+1.  H8, F5.
18:56, Today: Vynthear Klayde rolled 17 using 1d6+13.  Crit vs D6.
18:56, Today: Vynthear Klayde rolled 17 using 1d6+13.  Crit vs F8

burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the encounter. Any enemy that enters the zone falls prone

This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Mon 28 Aug 2017.

Ignatz walks down the stairs steeling himself, reminding himself over and over not to rush out of formation like Malph had been telling him, but when he sees the elf's spell pin most of Bairwin's defenders to the ground Ignatz sees his chance, and he can't resist taking it. He rushes past the dwarf's formidable lackeys, vaulting over the pews like he's running hurdles, and he slams his huge glaive into Bairwin.

OOC:
Move    : K7
Standard: Charge->C7 (Jump to I9, then G9, then E9), Howling Strike HIT Bairwin AC 23 for 19 damage

10:44, Today: Ignatz rolled 5 using 1d6.  Howling Strike extra damage.
10:43, Today: Ignatz rolled 14 using 2d6+7, rerolling ones.  Howling Strike damage.
10:42, Today: Ignatz rolled 23 using 1d20+10.  Howling Strike vs Bairwin AC 16.

Resources: HP 35/35, HS 6/10, 0/1 AP
Expended Powers:
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Tue 22 Aug 2017.

Stahl tromps into the room, bow at the ready. Prinz is nearby, growling. The dwarf raises a stout bow and squints down it at the nearest wraith. "Let's see what you're made of."

---

Move: Walk to M7. Prinz walks to L6 (might need an icon for a dog).
Minor: Hunter's quarry on the monster at I7.
Standard: 21:41, Today: Stahl Tropfstein rolled 23 using 1d20+9.  Careful attack with magic longbow vs. AC of monster at I7. Hit.
21:42, Today: Stahl Tropfstein rolled 19 using 1d10+4+1d6.  Careful attack damage. 19 before resistances are figured in.

Malphurious charged into the battle line set by the two armor clad figures.  Unfortunately, in the tightly confined quarters, he couldn't get the impetus he wanted to push his target back into the illusionary chasm that had stricken their other enemies.

OOC: half damage of 19, not sure if that rounds up or down.  Marked I6 and I7.

Move: L7-J7
Standard: Driving attack, missed half damage on 19.
Minor: N/A
Free: Defender of the Wild

17:34, Today: Malphurious rolled 19 using 2d8+5.  half damage.
17:34, Today: Malphurious rolled 12 using 1d20+9.  driving attack on reaper I7 (AC19).

HP: 36/36 | AP: 1/1 | Surges: 11/11
Combat Challenge: Shifts or makes an attack that does not include you, you can make a melee basic attack against that enemy as an immediate interrupt
Expended Powers: Defender of Wild AOE mark

Saskan charged in right behind Malph and unleashed a gout of flaming breath on the enemies that they faced.

He calls out to his uncle saying, "Punish him!"


OOC:
Minor - Dragon Breath - 8 Damage to Ser 2 and 3
Standard - Commander's Strike for Malph +3 to damage if you hit.

21:18, Today: Saskan rolled 8 using 1d6+4.  Damage Dragonbreath.
21:17, Today: Saskan rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Dragon Breath - Reaper 1.
21:17, Today: Saskan rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Dragon Breath - Ser 3.
21:17, Today: Saskan rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Dragon Breath - Ser 2.
21:17, Today: Saskan rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Dragon Breath - Ser 1.

Bairwin is stunned by the introusion being depe in thought. As a candle flickers he knows something is up, bot no sooner than Vynt places the horrid images in front of them and forces them to their knees.
Desperate he calls upon Shar, but nothing manages to rattle Ignatz nor improve his stance, as he is dropped to the ground and cleaved heavily by the hulking barbarian, using a shift in momentum to get the upper hand.
As he comrades fall around him, due to the magic, they are again, unable to answer his plead for aid, and they delay can prove his demise!

The two that remain standing, strike back at Malph. One misses barely, setting the other one up for a blow, the bites dark energy into his arm.
The rest try and fail to raise and aid, and their anger for revenge is great!

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Servants	35/38,31/38,38/38	16	14	15	12	Wrath, shift, CA +1d6	Sunrod, immobilized
Reaper	39/47,28/47,11/47	19	13	15	13	Reaper blade, scythe, stalking shadow	Sunrod, immobilized(1), Quarry(1)
Bairwin	11/47	16	14	14	17	Darkness unleashed, veil	Sunrod, immobilized

Effects:
Immbolized:  You can’t move from your space - You can otherwise attack and take actions normally.
Malph gets commanders strike which is added to his next post as a free action!
Maplh gets hit for 5 ongoing necrotic damage and 4 ordinary damage

New round!
MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit

The Eladrin moved behind Saskan and conjured forth shadowy tentacles grabbing for the reapers.


Mode to j3.
Cast on e4 Grasping Shadows burst1
Int vs Will
Servant (f3) vs 12, missed
Reaper (f5) vs 13, 10 damage, slowed ENT
Reaper (d5) vs 13, 12 damage, slowed ENT

rolled 10,12 using 1d8+5,1d8+5.  F5, D5; psychic damage.
rolled 9,19,26 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7.  F3, f5, d5.
The burst creates a zone of writhing shadows that lasts until the end of your next turn. Each creature that enters the zone takes psychic damage equal to your Intelligence modifier (4) and is slowed until the end of its next turn. A creature can take this damage only once per turn.


This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Mon 28 Aug 2017.

Now that the fight had started and the sunrod was illuminating much of the room, Warfryn went for his next move.  Shifting through the shadows, he disappeared and reappeared instantly in the corner of the room.  Concealed in the shadows and half hiden behind the pew he raised himself up enough to bring down a curse on the nearest enemy.

Then, with barely a second’s hesitation, he cast a witchfire spell on one of the further creatures.


Move:  Ethereal Stride - Teleport 3 squares and gain +2 bonus to all defences TeoMNT.  = AC 20; Fort 16; Ref 19; Will 19.  Also gain concealment so enemy is on -2 to hit me on their turn.

Minor: Warlock’s Curse on H3

Standard: Witchfire on F3
16:59, Today: Warfryn rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Witchfire on F3.
17:01, Today: Warfryn rolled 12 using 2d6+4.  Fire damage on F3; and target is on -5 to its next attack

Where Malphurious's initial impetus failed, his nephew's urgings pushing him to a continued onslaught, dropping his original target with a crushing blow from his flail.  He stepped forward, letting out a draconic roar aimed at shaking the resolve of his enemies.  While those already cowered in fear of the chasm, the remaining figuring in his way must have been bend on revenge for rending his partner down.

OOC: H4 (should be the 11 HP on dies), All but H3 suffer -2 to hit and grant CA.  Passed the saving throw.

Cmdr Strike - Hits H4 for 16 (should kill it)
Move: Shift to H4
Minor: Dragon Fear (hits D2, D5, F3, F5), all suffer -2 to hit and the Grant CA for the turn
Std: Footwork lure failed.
Saving Throw: Rolled 11, I think that stopped the ongoing dam effect.

20:18, Today: Malphurious rolled 11 using 1d20.  saving throw.
20:18, Today: Malphurious rolled 12 using 1d20+9.  footwork lure H3 vs AC19.
20:14, Today: Malphurious rolled 18,23,16,20,9 using 1d20+6,1d20+6,1d20+6,1d20+6,1d20+6.  Dragonfear D2, D5, F3, F5, H3.
20:05, Today: Malphurious rolled 14 using 1d8+8.  damage +5 base +3 bonues.
20:04, Today: Malphurious rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  commander's strike (H4) vs AC19.

Ignatz delivers a brutal downward chop, but Bairwin just barely manages to roll out of the way as he climbs to his feet.

OOC:
Standard: Howling Strike MISS Bairwin AC 15

00:00, Today: Ignatz rolled 15 using 1d20+9.  Howling Strike vs Bairwin AC 16.

Resources: HP 35/35, HS 6/10, 0/1 AP
Expended Powers:

Conditional: Will use Shrug It Off to roll a saving throw and shift 1 as a Reaction the first time I am afflicted with a (save ends) effect.

Stahl follows his previous arrow up with another one, the bow traversing a tiny, crucial arc, before he lets fly. Prinz barks approvingly, and Stahl gives him a pat before reaching for another arrow.

---

Standard: 11:55, Today: Stahl Tropfstein rolled 21 using 1d20+9. Careful attack (longbow) vs. AC of the same monster as before. Hit.
11:57, Today: Stahl Tropfstein rolled 13 using 1d10+4+1d6. Careful attack (longbow) damage. 13 damage before any resistances.
Move: None.
Minor: None.

As the foes get their bearings, they shifted to protect their master whom bleed heavily and only due to Ignatz missing closely, he managed to slip out and regain some composure.
Still two reapers fall, and the bastion falls before you allowing for the numbers to add in the favor of you all.
Needless, the last stood strong, and struck back at Malph.
The dark energy bit at the skin of the dragonborn. The servants advanced on Ignatz but the dark haunting inspiration of Malph caused them to become shaken and one missed just.
Bairwin eyed around, seemingly less confident but still devoted to his wicked cause; being to far involved to face anything but his or the groups demise...

---

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Servants	35/38,21/38,38/38	16	14	15	12	Wrath, shift, CA +1d6	Sunrod, slowed
Reaper	26/47,Dead,Dead	19	13	15	13	Reaper blade, scythe, stalking shadow	Sunrod, Slowed(1), Quarry(1)
Bairwin	11/47	16	14	14	17	Darkness unleashed, veil	Sunrod

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit


Effects:
F3 killed by Warfryn.
Malph saves, but still take 5 damage this round.
Stahls target is dead, so shifting to other reaper, next to saskan.
I assume this: Saskan: Standard - Commander's Strike for Malph +3 to damage if you hit. So @Malph, free action again.

Enemy actions:
Move 2 shift 1 for Servants.
Bairwin shift 1. Nightveils standard, missing vs fort 13.
Flanks Ignatz, causing CA to both. One does 6 damage to Ignatz(due to debuff). Ongoing damage applied(necrotic) of 5, which needs to be saved. Even on a save, damage is taken.
Reaper is not debuffed, hitting Malph for 12 damage(+5 from the ongoing  damage he saved against!)

Note: Slowed - the creature's speed becomes 2 if it was higher than that.

Seeing as Ignatz was beset by many foes, Vynthear's form blurred somehow to reappear beneath a torch. Then he gathered the mystical energies and flung them against the foes who were moved away from him to amass in the corner of the basement.
Then a cold burst struck them.
Unfortunately, Ignatz was not free of his foes though.


Move: Eladrin Step to F1
Standard:
Beguiling Strands, Close Blast 5
Area Covered A2:E6
Int vs Will
B2 (17) - 4 psychic damage, pushed b2->a3->a4->a5
B3 (12) - 4 psychic damage, pushed b3->a4->a5->a6
B5 (12) - missed
D5 (12) - 4 psychic damage, pushed d5->c6->b6

Vynthear Klayde rolled 22,13,8,22 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7.  B2 (17), B3 (12), B5 (12), D5 (12)

Action Point
Cast Freezing Burst @ B6, Burst1
Int vs Reflex
A5 (Bairwin) (14) - 9 cold
B5 (15) - 8 cold
A6 (15) - 9 cold
B6 (15) - miss

Vynthear Klayde rolled 17,21,22,13 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7.  A5 (Bairwin) (14), B5 (15), A6 (15), B6 (15).
Vynthear Klayde rolled 9,8,9 using 1d6+5,1d6+5,1d6+5.  A5 (Bairwin), B5, A6.

Bairwin @A5 13 total damage
Servant @B5 8 total damage
Servant @A6 13 total damage
Servant @B6 4 total damage

This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

Ignatz sees Bairwin fall to the newcomer's magic, but he doesn't hesitate as he steps carefully back to leap once more into the scrum. Bairwin's corpse gives way under his heavy boots as Ignatz barrels into the survivors, cutting one down with a vicious strike. Ignatz roars laughter, grinning toothily at the two remaining assailants.

OOC:
Immediate Reacion: Shrug It Off FAILS

Move    : Shift->B3
Standard: Howling Strike (Charge->A5) with Furious Assault HIT B6 or A6 AC 20 for 28 damage, killing it and Ignatz gains 2 temp hp
*If the Servant at A6 is the one that had 21 hp at the start of the round, my attack targets the servant at B6 instead

Saving Throw Passed

07:26, Today: Ignatz rolled 20 using 1d20.  Save vs ongoing damage.
07:26, Today: Ignatz rolled 3 using 1d6.  Howling Strike extra damage.
07:26, Today: Ignatz rolled 23 using 4d6+7, rerolling ones.  Howling Strike damage w/Furious Assault.
07:22, Today: Ignatz rolled 20 using 1d20+10.  Howling Strike (Charge) vs Servant (A6) AC 16.
06:57, Today: Ignatz rolled 4 using 1d20.  Shrug It Off - saving throw.

Resources: HP 26/35, HS 6/10, 0/1 AP
Expended Powers: Shrug It Off
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:16, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

Stahl's next arrow pierces the reaper right through its chest. It's a beautiful shot. The undead creature gives its new appurtenance a quizzical look, and glances over at Stahl, but appears otherwise unfazed.

---

Minor: Hunter's quarry on remaining reaper.
Standard: 06:37, Today: Stahl Tropfstein rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Careful attack (longbow) vs. AC of reaper. Miss.

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Servants	35/38,21/38,38/38	16	14	15	12	Wrath, shift, CA +1d6	Sunrod, slowed
Reaper	26/47,Dead,Dead	19	13	15	13	Reaper blade, scythe, stalking shadow	Sunrod, Slowed(1), Quarry(1)
Bairwin	11/47	16	14	14	17	Darkness unleashed, veil	Sunrod
Stahl	31/31	18	16	16	13	Hunter's quarry, bow, axes	Low-light vision
Prinz	22/22	15	13	13	14	Hunter's quarry, bite	Low-light vision

MAP: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit
(I'm not able to edit it just now, but all that I changed was my quarry.)

Malphurious is able to blast the reaper with the opening created by Saskan, but fails on his follow up attack after encircling his foe.

OOC: Commander's strike hits H3 for 13. H3 is marked.  Added the appropriate damage from the previous term

CS: Hits H3 for 13
Move: Pass Through to G3
Std: Footwork Lure on H3 misses
Minor: N/A

HP: 27/36 | AP: 0/1 | Surges: 11/11
Combat Challenge: Shifts or makes an attack that does not include you, you can make a melee basic attack against that enemy as an immediate interrupt
Expended Powers: Defender of Wild, Dragonfear, Driving Attack

16:04, Today: Malphurious rolled 12 using 1d10+11.  footwork lure (H3) vs AC19.
15:55, Today: Malphurious rolled 13 using 1d8+8.  CS damage!
15:54, Today: Malphurious rolled 23 using 1d20+11.  commander's strike (H3) vs AC19 .

"Humph!  Still up?  Tough bugger, eh?"

Warfryn glared at the surviving reaper as if just his gaze could kill the fellow.  But since he knew that wouldn't work, he drew upon the power of his Fey mentor and fired off a blast of Eldritch energy.  And that, combined with his previous curse, should help



23:29, Today: Warfryn rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast on H3.
23:29, Today: Warfryn rolled 5 using 1d10+4.  Damage on H3.

00:48, Today: Warfryn rolled 4 using 1d6.  Curse damage on H3.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

In a harrowing display of prowess, Vynt turns the tables on the remaining, and with Ignatz in deep, the two servants suddenly find themselves alone, as Bairwin falls and coughs heavily, and Stahl sends a heavy shot into the chest of his foe, killing it as it stands, the bones falling to the ground in pieces. It is a well timed and accurate shot and it did the trick here and now.
The last push is inevitable. The two remaining are worn, and would likely not put up much of a fight, but they remain, and are aligned to their cause.

---

Enemy	HP	AC	F	R	W	Current conditions:	Effects/ongoing:
Servants	Dead,8/38,25/38	16	14	15	12	Wrath, shift, CA +1d6	Sunrod, slowed
Reaper	Dead,Dead,Dead	19	13	15	13	Reaper blade, scythe, stalking shadow	Sunrod, Slowed(1), Quarry(1)
Bairwin	Dead	16	14	14	17	Darkness unleashed, veil	Sunrod

<sup>Effects:
Stahl does 15 damage vs Reaper.

Enemy actions:
Updated with death toll. Bairwin is dying, but not fully dead.
Both Servants miss.</sup>

Updated Map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...Y6wdaYoFbJU6VCQ/edit


OOC: This round is academic and honestly with your prowess, they should fall within this round, so consider your post to reflect this! Perhaps add a roll if you want to but also what you AFTERwards, as it will end this round.

Saskan charged across the room and leveled his spear at exactly the wrong time. He badly missed the Servant opposite Ignatz.

OOC:
5:12, Today: Saskan rolled 10 using 1d20+8.  Charge Melee Basic Attack to hit.

Whether he missed or not, Saskan's charge completely changed Ignatz' position. Now there was an anvil to his hammer, and Ignatz levies a heavy sweeping blow that ends one life and seriously threatens the other. His boot still planted firmly on Bairwin's torn chest, Ignatz hears a labored wheeze. "Hoy, dot dvarf iz still breathin ofer here, if hanybody vants to talk vit him!"

Warfryn was about to move closer to continue the fight but soon realised he was not needed.



"Take him prisoner if you can then; he may be able to tell us more."

Warfryn turned his attention to the toom, looking around for anything of interest or anything which might tell more about the cult.

A quick glance inside the small room produces a curious sight.
This room contains a set of shelves along the west wall and a small chest that sits along the south side of the room.
The shelves contain a dozen identical volumes of devotions to Shar.
Many of the books are more mundane, including treatises on history that detail the Night Mistress’s exploits.
Several of the tomes, although not actual ritual books, describe rituals of unbinding.
A few books describe the history of the Thunder Peaks, and even on on how the keep of the shadowfell, and the supposed rift it guards...
(Perception check to notice anything further curiously)

On a desk lay a note within a book:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Your latest shipment of supplies should meet the keep’s needs until the ritual is finished, which should be any day now. I will send word if we require anything else. Rest assured that you will be rewarded for your actions on behalf of Orcus once the rift to Shadowfell and his dark kingdom is opened.
—Kalarel

---

The chest is not locked, containing 200 sp and 100 gp in various coins, of various origin.
Noticing the pews, it is also obvious that the space fits more than you see here, and perhaps there are more out there?
Bairwin coughs, unable to do much about the situation unfolding. He doesn't have much strength left...

23:59, Today: Warfryn rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  perception.

OOC: Almost seems like a waste - 20:05, Today: Saskan rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Perception.

Malphurious swung his head around for traps or another summoning of shadow-beasts and scoffed at the insolence of the Shar cultists.  They had easily fallen before the might of Bahamut's blessed warriors.

"The Servants of Darkness don't deserve mercy, but we'll keep them under guard.  Perhaps they will divulge some of Bairwin's plans.  It doesn't look like he'll make it," he said, knelt over the dying Bairwin.

OOC: Failed to stabilize Bairwin.  20 on the perception.

20:36, Today: Malphurious rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  perception.
20:35, Today: Malphurious rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  heal.

[Bairwin’s Grand Shoppe - below.]

Vynthear Klayde rolled 13 using 1d20+8.  Perception.

"Those books will be a fine addition to Valthrun's library, I am sure."
"That note, however, means we need to act fast. We probably ought to head for the Keep as soon as possible."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Wed 06 Sept 2017.

One of the books, appear out of place.
The glyph and runes hint of a magical nature, if latent.
Those capable of it would estimate it to be ritualistic in nature, allowing for those with the right abilities to learn from it.

^{OOC:
Free casting of Comprehend language assuming the reader has the feat 'Ritual Casting'.
See here: http://dnd4.wikia.com/wiki/Comprehend_Language
Ignore casting cost/component cost but same for all else.}

The origin and need for it leaves some doubt, but a handy tool non the less.

[Bairwin’s Grand Shoppe - below.]

"Hmm, hmm, very interesting. I do know that ritual, but it this will make the ritual a lot easier. If no one objects, I would like to keep this tome."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Wed 06 Sept 2017.

"Seconded," says Stahl. "After you've learned what you can from it, you can hand it over to the town."

"In the meantime, I'm going to find the keep mentioned in the note and have words with this 'Kalarel.'" Stahl's tone of voice and the way he hefts his bow indicates that by 'have words with' he means something more like 'shoot arrows into the throat of.' "If they're an Orcus-lover, this ritual of theirs isn't going to do anyone around here any good. And we've got days before it's complete, if that."

[Bairwin’s Grand Shoppe - below.]

Vynthear nodded with a grave expression.
"Yes, let's go to the Keep and set things right."
"What do we need ?"
He looked at the draconians, the half-orc and the gnome.
"You have obviously messed up this Kalarel's plans already, and you have also been out in the wilderness before returning here. I take it you have already purchased all the Equipment we may find helpful ? If not, I don't think anybody would object to us taking what we need from the store above."
"Of course, we need to tell Lord Padraig about the true nature of Bairwin and this secret cult first before we set out. Indeed, the sapce here is larger than the number we have fought, so there still might be cultists inside the town. But I think we can leave it to Captain Kelfem to take care of those. I don't expect any further serious resistance from them."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Wed 06 Sept 2017.

"Alright. Let's be quick about that then. I don't want to be sitting at a council meeting when we could be stopping this ritual."

If the Lord is dubious about what we are saying, he just needs to come down here and all will be perfectly clear" said Warfryn.  "And, yes, I think we should head for this keep with all dispatch

He thought for a moment.  "Perhaps some rations and maybe even a healing potion or two could be useful but otherwise I am ready to go as soon as we decide."

If the Lord is dubious about what we are saying, he just needs to come down here and all will be perfectly clear" said Warfryn.  "And, yes, I think we should head for this keep with all dispatch

He thought for a moment.  "Perhaps some rations and maybe even a healing potion or two could be useful but otherwise I am ready to go as soon as we decide."

Saskan nodded in agreement, "Well if there's nothing else of value here, let's get going."

He keeps his spear out and leads the way out of the area headed straight for the keep.

Malphurious spent most of his time inspecting the normal goods on the main floor of shoppe. "I wonder if he was peddling Shar-cursed goods to the townsfolk?"

OOC: anything we can appropriate up here?

The town is in unrest as you arrive upstairs, the sounds of battle echoing up.
Rond runs up with the lord shortly behind.
They both fail to utter a word in the confusion; trying to keep the curious and fearful citizen in check. Like scavengers around a carcass, but yet, still at a distance.
Malph eyed around, but found that his shop contained mostly mining equipment, tools for traders and as luck would have it, a single potion flask with a dark mixture in it.
The lord stepped forward, hoping you had something to share.

Vynthear looked puzzled.
Sounds of Battle ?
"What is going are ? Is the town under attack ?"

Lord Padraig was, however, more interested in hearing news from them rather than the other way round.
"The rumours were true after all. There has been a secret cult of Shar operating in your town, under the leadership of Bairwin. Below his store there is a secret temple where the cultists met and paid homage to the Lady of Darkness. We killed most, but obviously the shrine held more space, meaning: there are or at least were more than those we found. Some cultists might still be around, but I am fairly sure that the imminent threat is removed with Bairwin. Bairwin is still alive, barely so, and we hand him over into your custody. You may be able to retrieve more knowledge, especially as regards members."
"We, however, must make haste to leave the town. It has become clear that some major ritual is to be conducted to awaken an ancient menace to the realm. And all leads indicate the Keep. We must go there and try our best to prevent this ritual. There is no time to lose.", he summed up urgently.

Rond nods and heads downstairs, with a few regulars by his side.
The lord nods.
"Praise Selune for your presence. We had a falling out between the regulars and a few citizen but nothing you should be of concern with. You have a great task and our support in it. Please, make haste and If I can aid, do speak now!"

Vynthear hesitated. Food was out of question, they had heard quite a few rumours about the shortage of provisions in the town. They had a capable ranger among themselves, surely Stein could procure enough food for them.
Warfryn had mentioned healing draughts.
"You do not happen to have any healing potions at your disposal ? We would, of course, pay for them."

Rond nodded.
"I have a few lying around, if you head out, you head right by the supply storage, take a few if you need. Armor and weapons also. A bit of food. Not much, but we have a few things still."
^{OOC: 3 potions in total, all general military and simple weapons/armors can be found here.}

"I'd like to claim one of those potions. I'll put it in a pouch around Prinz's neck, and he can run it over to anyone who might it. They'll have to take it out and use it, though. He's not yet that talented." Prinz barks, though it's unclear if he share's his master's assessment of his abilities.

"Let me take one as well," the aging Dragonborn interjected.  "I'm often on the front lines, and drawing the ire of our foes.  Plus, I need one handy for Ignatz since he is even more prone to taking hits than I am," he said in jest and with a smile.

As they proceeded, Malphuriuos asked their new wizard if he wanted to see the cemetery still.  "You mentioned it before.  Should we evaluate if any dark rituals have been placed on some sort of delayed timer?"

Saskan was glad the others had another means of healing themselves. He deferred to his uncle's sense of direction but was eager to go to the keep and wary of this new magic user that was with them.

Vynthear nodded in agreement.
"Yes, we better should do exactly that."

[Graveyard]

After they had strolled over to the graveyard, Vynthear tried to assess whether the elf Ninaran had truly worked any sort of ritual as decribed in the notice they had found on the elf. Specifically a ritual that clearly involved the murder of several townsmen.

rolled 16 using 1d20+12.  Arcana (Graveyard).
This message was last edited by the player at 08:03, Tue 12 Sept 2017.

Vynthear finds a smaller circle painted in dark animal blood on several gravestones, as a mark rather than a ritual, and it appears this sickening dye could have been part of a ritual, however easily washable and removing it, leaving nothing behind. Ten or so are found, alone on your trip, but it appears they were made in preparation and never used.

Vynthear made sure to completely erase any traces of a potential ritual, fearing that this might well hold some nasty surprises in the future.

Warfryn also had a good look around the graveyard.  It was all very well for Vynthear to check for ritual activity but what did a wizard - especially an Eladrin - know of the Dark Arts!  It was best if he looked as well.

Fortunately, the little warlock was equally convinced that nothing much remained now here of any upcoming ritual.

"So!  Off to the Keep then?"


18:28, Today: Warfryn rolled 14 using 1d20+11.  Arcana.