Rupert's Tower

Rupert smiles. "Well, Fitcher was, by all accounts, a right bloody donkey, if you get my meaning. For this wand, you do not need to speak, only to hold it up and concentrate to activate its power."

OOC: Magic-Users, Illusionists, and Bards only can use the wand.

Trade Bazaar

Wandering around and talking to the various locals, merchants, and out of town shoppers, Zed and the Butcher find two interesting bits of information.

An old wise woman tells them of the Pool of Prometheus. Somewhere in the dungeon is a fountain with a carved stone eagle. Yeffal stole the fountain from a Promethean shrine in the land of Temria.

A rotund, bombastic, mustachioed man named Throckmorton P. Ruddygore is looking for new beasts to include in his traveling menagerie. He will pay top prices for any strange or unusual creatures that can be captured and brought back to town. [100gp per HD of the creature]

Rupert's Tower

"Thank you, magi, we will return with more treasure for you to identify, hopefully." said Cyrus.

Trade Bazaar

The Butcher had to drag Zed away from Ruddygore's exhibits "But, but, all we need is a wagon with a cage attached to it!  Think of the possibilities, Butch!"

The Butcher stopped in his tracks "You call be Butch ever again and we draw steel over it."

"Geesh!  Touchy much?  If you want into the barrel of inky darkness I'll oblige you, though." grumped Zed.

At dawn of day 2 the group was ready to set out again.

There is a bit of debate over who gets to wear the Gauntlets and who gets the wand.  The argument ends with acknowledgement senior membership and willingness to chop up corpses for the benefit of all being a strong point.  The Butcher, with a rare smile, dons the gauntlets while Cyrus getting the wand, but does so with the caveat that a charged item "belongs" to the group as a whole.


Can you update the ACs for Ferd and Frog?  They now have Plate and Lrg Shields.  PLus, if either wants to upgrade weapons we'll buy them what they want.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Sun 08 Sept 2019.

Double post.

OOC:  To help out, the plan is to re-check the areas we have already been to to make sure they are still empty before returning to the Cultist lair and then checking out the tower to the north east along the outer wall.

With their new elven acquaintances, the party leads the way to Axehaven Manor south of town.

Axehaven Manor

When the servants answer the door, they seem pleased to see the Adventure Whores, and somewhat surprised to see elves from the Blackwood southwest of town.

Maglor smiles imperiously. "Send out this petty knight so that we may have our property returned at once."

The servant bows his bald head and rushes inside to call his master...

To The Adventure Whores: Not sure if you want to get involved in role playing the negotiations or not. If so, jump in. If not, I'll provide a summary in the next post.

No, go ahead.

Axehaven Manor

Sir Constantus appears and demands to know what's going on. Maglor demands the jewel, and describes it in enough detail that Constantus has to admit it is the same one. Lady Marguerite is summoned, and she brings the jewel, reluctantly handing it over to the elves, who take it and depart without a word of thanks.

Sir Constantus and Lady Marguerite control their emotions, but you can see signs that they are not pleased with the situation.

We take our leave of the mayor and his wife, apologizing for the inconvenience. Then we head for the Oak and Eagle.

(Here's hoping they don't blame us!)

The Oak and Eagle

There is a buzz of excitement in the Common Room. An old adventurer's journal has been unearthed. The locals have been reading the notes and discussing what they might mean. Many pages have been ruined by what appears to be blood stains, but several passages stand out.

- The cross-shaped pool of Yggdrasil cures.
- A riddling painting in the Keep guards a magical [unreadable].
- On a deep delve to the third level, white dragon eggs were found, and wisely left alone.
- In the alcove, work the middle lever first. Left and right together can save your life.
- The kings of ancient Galadorn guard the way to Jirto's Star.

After a night at the Oak and Eagle, we head back for the Dungeon.

The Party Posse arrives back at the Oak and Eagle, minus Nelson. The loss has deeply affected the dragonborn group, as this is the first party member they have lost. They eat and drink in silence before Bart finally clears his throat and says, "We need another fighter who can breathe acid. Or lightning in a pinch." Maggie will search around over the next few days and find a suitable candidate. Meanwhile we will stay here and recover.

The Oak and Eagle

Several locals commiserate the Party Posse on their loss.

Sir Yaevellin Moonstar, the King's Knight who acts as courier, says that he knows of a small tribe of Dragonborn a day's journey to the south. He will convey them a message asking if any of them will join the adventuring group. He will send one of his pages with the message on the morrow.

Soon enough, the Party Posse welcomes Jimbo and spends some of their hard-won cash to equip him.

The Oak and Eagle

An old raconteur entertains the crowd the night Jimbo joins with the Party Posse. He tells a tale of a famous treasure hunter of days gone by, named Deana Joan. Joan was a student of history and was famed for her skills in acquiring rare antiquities. She entered many ruins, especially temples and other holy ruins, and brought back many relics. She used a whip both as a weapon and as a way to maneuver around the dungeons and ruins. She was last seen entering the Ruins of Yeffal's Castle, never to return, and The Raider, as her whip was known, is believed to be there still.

The raconteur finishes his tale, "And they say, if you want to acquire The Raider, you must perform acts of derring-do just as Deana was known for doing."

After several days of rest and getting Jimbo equipped, we return to the Dungeon.

The Oak and Eagle

Dead Reckoning is heard inside the Inn well before they actually enter the place.  The dulcet tones of glorious harp-music joyously swirls through the air as the triumphant Adventurers barge into the Inn calling for ale, mead, grog and food by the steaming plateful!

The group hauls an enormous Harp inside and deposits it next to their traditional table.  The harp plays by itself!  As if some ghostly musician beyond the ken of mortals stroked the strings lovingly and skillfully.  The group also drags along bags of loot and 4 stuffed trophy heads: One of a great and fierce bear, the others are all giant reptilian heads of the mythical Hydra!

The group eats and drinks with great merriment over their haul.  Boasts are made and the group promises bonuses to their usual hirelings once everything is tabulated.

Those lucky enough to be in the taproom when Dead Reckoning settles in are bought rounds of drinks aplenty and treated to the newest tale of derring-do by Yor and Cyrus  all while being serenaded by the harp.

During the night Yor and Cyrus let it be known that the group will be hiring on more Men-at-Arms before leaving for the next expedition in the hopes that they will get some job interviewees.

OOC: Can a Hireling be training up to an actual level and become a Henchman?

-----------
The next morning the group goes about its business in Town

Rupert's Tower
Yor, Cyrus and the Twins visit the sage.

Cyrus asks "Hello again, good sir!  Can we trouble you for a few things?  We would like to learn about these things." Cyrus placed a piece of slender polished antler with a small ruby on the tip, about 1' long in front of the Sage and motioned toward the door as the Twins cursed and struggled to carry the magical Harp into the Tower.

The red robed magic-user turned back to the Sage "We found this wand near Yeffal's Throne.  Could it possibly be the Wand of Skelmis?"

OOC: It looks like Magic-users begin the game with Read Magic.  I must have missed that because I was about to buy a scroll for it.  Does Cyrus already have it automatically?

The House of Gold
Postue dragged Zed with him to see the local jeweler.

"Greetings, Master Dwarf!" called Postue as he spilled pearls and gems on the counter "What can you tell me about these?"

Zed stood near the door with a grumpy look on his face.  There was drinking to be done and he was stuck playing bodyguard for the group's shill.

Oak and Eagle
Martel and the Butcher begin talking to the patrons about the ruins.

"Does anyone know who 'the Raven King' is?" asks Brother Martel.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Thu 02 Jan 2020.

The Oak and Eagle

Most of the town regulars are there when the Dead Reckoning arrive and start living it up. Word gets out, and pretty soon, the place is packed. Everyone's there to congratulate the successful adventurers (and get a free drink or two). The harp is a huge success, and Barnaby Rienswald, a local merchant, offers the party 800 gold coins for the magical curiosity.

When the adventurers ask if any men-at-arms are willing to adventure with them, they get several applicants.

OOC: how many would you like to hire? Normally men-at-arms don't gain XP, but you could try to hire retainers who have class levels and do gain XP, but they'll each want shares of treasure and a signing bonus instead of daily pay. We can discuss this in PMs if you want.

__________
The Next Day:

Rupert's Tower

Rupert is happy to see you again. "Ah, you've found magical treasures? Excellent! I'll be happy to look at them. My standard fee, as you know, is 100 gold per item." [Assuming you pay up!]

He calls for one of his apprentices, in a pink robe, to bring his book of lore. Paging through it, he finds the page he was looking for, and examines the wand the party found. "This does indeed match the description of the Wand of Skelmis. It has a curious ability. If you hold it and think of a type of metal, the wand will point it out if there is at least 100 pounds of it within 20' of you." [23 charges, charges are only expended on a positive detection]

After examining the harp, he declares, "This is a fabulous device, but I don't see any purpose to it other than its entertainment value."

OOC: Yes, he should have started with Read Magic. I probably didn't realize you didn't have it since you have Detect Magic as your first listed spell for him.

The House of Gold

Arvan grins when he sees Postue and Zed enter, especially Zed's appropriately grumpy dwarven mood. He happily examines the gems with his magnifying lens and his cunning eye. "Each of these turquoise are worth 10 gold coins, while the pearls are the real valuable ones. Each pearl is worth 500 gold. I can cash them out for you. My fee is 3 silver per turquoise, and 15 gold per pearl that you'd like converted to coin."

The Oak and Eagle

Martel and the Butcher gather rumors and evaluate the candidates for men-at-arms positions. They hear several tales of the Raven King. One says that it's just an old wizard with a raven familiar who disappeared in the ruins around forty years ago. Another says that the Raven King was a raven cursed to become a creature similar to a lycanthrope, and that it haunts the ruins. A third story says that the Raven King is a demon that Yeffal summoned from Hell, and that it controls ravens and crows to do its bidding.

Rupert's Tower
The Magic-users happily pay to have the items identified.

"We would also like to purchase spells for our spell books, Sirrah, if that's possible?" asked Yor.

Can they purchase scrolls of Charm Person and Magic Missile?

OOC: Is the range on that wand correct?  20 feet?

House of Gold

Postue smirks "I like it." He hands over the turquoise and 2 pearls and squrrels the others away for later use.

Zed's frown turns upside down and his usual psychotically happy smile returns "Now you're talking my language, Sonny Jim!"

"We have another errand to run, Zed." says Postue as he drags the Dwarf out

The Grey Friars Monastery

Halfway to the Monastery Postue stopped and slapped his forehead "I forgot to grab a sample of that dang sticky tar!  So far we've used it to great effect."

"Yeah, well boo-hoo, boyo, we are cutting into my drinking time.  Let's get this over with before I get touchy and stuff you in the Barrel of Inky Blackness." grumped Zed, though the happy look never left his face.

Postue eyed his companion, but said nothing.

Once at the monastery Postue asked to see if the bug juice was ready yet (Potion of Bug Resistance)

Oak and Eagle

That morning Brother Martel gathers up the hirelings.  To Larry, Daryl and Darrell he says "Here's a bonus of a month's pay for each of you guys.  You are hard working and brave.  We head out again in a few days."

To Ferdinand he says "You're a strong warrior, Ferdinand, we'd like to ask you to join us full time.  If you are interested." He hands the warrior 100 gp as a bonus.

The Butcher and Brother Martel interview the candidates.

"Any of you swabs a Halberdier?" asked the Butcher

Martel looked at the ex-pirate "Uh, you realize that a Halberdier isn't going to be able to handle his weapon and a 10' pole?"

The Butcher stared at Brother Martel for a few moments as he processed the weak spot in his plan. "By Bel's bouncing buttocks...."

"Wait!  He doesn't have to probe with the damn thing, I can do that.  He just has to poke doors open so I'm not standing there like a jerk if a monster pops out."

Brother Martel nodded, "Now you're thinking it through.  Plus, he's right there in the second row stabbing over your shoulder."

OOC: They try to hire 2 Men-at-Arms.  Preferably Halberdiers.

After that, they will head down to Granite Cup

Granite Cup

The Butcher and Brother Martel enter the tavern.

Brother Martel approached Ivanus and speaks (in Dwarf) "Hello, good Dwarf, could we trouble you for some drinks and sound advice?"

The cleric puts 3 gold coins on the counter "We are looking for a stout Gnome or Dwarf warrior willing to brave the terrors of Yeffal's Keep.  Do you know any likely candidates?"

OOC: While they are there they will also ply the bar with drinks to see if they can drum up rumors about the Keep.  Specifically the Keep itself since they plan on entering it again.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Sun 05 Jan 2020.

In reply to Dead Reckoning (msg # 282):

Rupert's Tower

"Why, I believe we do have those scrolls in stock. First level spell scrolls cost 100 gold each." Rupert sends the pink-robed apprentice to fetch the scrolls.

OOC: Yep, only 20'. Good for checking closed chests, behind doors, etc.

The Grey Friars Monastery

Brother Holger shakes his head. "The potion is nearly ready. Please come back tomorrow and it should be finished."

The Oak and Eagle

Ferdinand thinks for a bit, then nods slowly. "I can do that."

When the Butcher calls out for halbardiers, a pair of finely dressed men with waxed mustaches approach. "I am Geisler, and this is Kessel. We are halbardiers, and have served the Venerable Elder Karl and his companions when they ventured into the ruins a few years ago. We would be willing to hire on, but our prices are higher than normal."

OOC: Two men-at-arms from when I ran the megadungeon for my regular group. They have fancy clothes gifted to them from Elder Karl, plate armor, halberds, and swords. Each asks for 25gp per day as pay, and they will only go together.

The Granite Cup

Ivanus accepts the gold, pours drinks, then sends the barmaid around to ask if anyone would be willing to venture out with the local heroes. He sits and polishes his brass listening horn in the meanwhile.

Some time later, the barmaid approaches with a young dwarf. His hair is golden -- the actual color of gold, not blond like a human -- and his beard is braided into three coils. "I am Igor. I'm no warrior, but I am better than most at stonework. I also speak Dragon and Medusa languages. I am willing to try the Keep with you, if you'll have me."

OOC: Igor is a noncombatant, but he gets 3 in 6 chances to all the normal Dwarf detection abilities, plus speaks two extra languages. 

Rupert's Tower

The magic-user gleefully pay for the scrolls (100 gp each?) before retreating back to the Inn to study and copy their new spells into the their spell books over night.

The Twins watch the distracted Magic-users leave.  Kane turns back to the Sage and says in his broken glass voice "There are other things we would know, Sage.  In the Keep we discovered a room on the first floor where there were corpses that had not decayed.  Once we removed a piece and it began to decay immediately.  Also, when we entered a disembodied voice announced us by our Professions.  These seem to be powerful magics.

"What else can you tell us about the Keep?  So far it seems abandoned, but we do not trust the calm so to speak."

Kano nodded at his brother's points acknowledging the truth of them.

Grey Friar's Monastery

Postue returns the next morning to pick up the Potion.  Though he takes Brother Martel the second time instead of the more worrisome Zed.

Oak and Eagle

The Butcher does a spit take when he hears the price for the Halberdiers "50 gold?  For two lubbers?  You better fight like Saber-tooth Tigers and have more guts than terriers to ask those prices!  We could hire five good men for that." The seadog motions toward the line of other candidates to illustrate the point.

Brother Martel eyed the pair "You must forgive us, friend Geisler and Kessel, but I'm sure you realize that price is very high without some proof of value.  We are generous employers, however, and recognize and reward quality as our people can attest to.  Perhaps you would be willing to join us on our next foray at a reduced rate, say 15 gp each?  If you prove your worth we have no no qualms about meeting your expected salaries later.  We also give bonuses based on the loot we find."

Brother Martel finished with "As a consolation, we are willing to pay the full 25 gold each for weregild to your families if the worst is to happen on this first trip."

The Grantie Cup

Brother Martel answers Igor "I'm sorry, Igor, though your offer intrigues us we are looking for a warrior to act as rear guard for our expedition.  Your skills are useful and we may seek you out later."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Sun 05 Jan 2020.

Rupert's Tower

OOC: 100gp for a 1st level spell scroll, so yes, that's correct. He typically has all 1st level spells available, and most 2nd (200gp). He'll always have one or two 3rd level available (300gp), but not always the ones you want. He never sells higher level scrolls.

Rupert listens to the Twins with interest, and jots down a few notes on the tablecloth before realizing what he's done. "Jasmine, fetch me some parchment and copy these notes onto it. Then have the tablecloth laundered." The apprentice mage hops up to find the parchment.

"The spell has been lost for many generations, but I have heard of a spell used in olden days that could speak as programmed by the caster. How it knew your professions, I have no clue. And the body parts that did not decay may have been under some sort of curse. Did you do anything besides move the pieces? I would have to research both questions more thoroughly to give full answers. For 500 gold, I could spend tomorrow looking through my tomes, and visiting the Grey Friars' library if necessary, to seek out answers. Normally I'd charge that per question, but both of these anomalies intrigue me.

"As for the Keep, I know little. I'm not like you brave sorts, running off into danger in search of treasures. I prefer to spend my days in study and instruction of the young ones."

Grey Friars Monastery

Brother Holger has the potion completed, as promised. "Drink this potion, and for a time, up to two hours, normal and giant insects will avoid you. Quite handy, as giant insects can be deadly. Use it wisely."

The Oak and Eagle

Geisler and Kessel don't get upset at Butcher's outburst. Kessel says, "Oh, we're worth the gold. Have any of these men been in the ruins? We've been in them on five expeditions and made it out alive, and richer too."

Geisler says, "Twenty each for this expedition, weregild as you offered, and bonuses if we do well and you find treasure."

The Granite Cup

Igor nods and slumps off. Another dwarf approaches. He has deep black curly hair, darkly tanned skin, and a barrel chest. He wears a brickmason's belt. "I'm Klaus. Buy me some gear and I'll guard your backs. Don't have no sword or axe, no armor. But I can fight."

Rupert's Tower

The Twins consult with each outer quietly (in Medusan) before Kane responds "We appreciate the offer, but lack the ability to pay for that service.  Perhaps if we are more successful in the future."

Kane frowns trying to remember about the body parts "The Butcher moved them about a bit.  He mentioned that they were dead before being dismembered.  There was an obvious lack of blood on the severed parts or the floor.  They were not decaying, only when Zed brought a piece outside did it decay and become...odoriferous."

Kano tugged at Kane's sleeve to get his attention.  Kano nodded at Kane and then at Rupert.  Kane spoke again "My brother also wishes to mention that we found a tower door, just south west of the Keep, that was sealed with magic.  Postue, our expert on such matters, felt it was too dangerous to breech.  Do you know anything about that particular tower?"


Grey Friar's Monastery

Postue takes the Potion "Thanks, Brother H, you're a fine fella!"

"Oh!  I almost forgot again.  We came across a cauldron filled with the stickiest damn tar you've ever seen.  It's come in pretty handy for us in our adventures.  Is there any way we can harvest some for you to study?  Some sort of solvent to make it easier to handle?  It actually injured one my clumsy companions.  It's that sticky.

“Oh and what do you make of this?  It came out of a chest.  It was rigged to break open when the chest was opened.” Postue hands the green vial to the Monk.

Oak and Eagle

Brother Martel and the Butcher confer for a few moments.  There is much bitching and grousing from the meat-rending pirate, but eventually Brother Martel gets his way.  In this matter, at least.

"We would be glad to have you at that price." the Cleric gives a sidelong look toward the Butcher "Welcome aboard."

"We are currently exploring the Keep proper.  What can you tell us about it?  Any rumors?"

The Granite Cup

"We have armor and a shield for you.  What is your weapon of choice, good Klaus?"

When the group is ready to depart they give Klaus Scale Armor, Small Shield and whatever weapon he prefers.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Wed 08 Jan 2020.

Rupert's Tower

Rupert says, "The body parts are strange. Sunlight leads my mind to thoughts of undead...but I would have to devote some study to the subject, as I said."

"I don't know of this tower, but I can tell you that magically sealed doors are not a particularly difficult spell. And there is an equally simple spell that can be used to bypass such. In addition to sealing doors and portals, magic could also be used to put an alarm or booby trap upon a door, but such magics are much more potent."

Grey Friars Monastery

Brother Holger takes the vial carefully. "I will examine it, and have a report for you upon your next visit to town."

The Oak and Eagle

Geisler and Kessel shake hands with Brother Martel, and offer to shake with The Butcher. "You won't regret hiring us on. You'll see. We've never been in the Keep, but we can tell you a bit." The two halbardiers lean in and whisper.

The Granite Cup

Klaus grins. "Like most Dwarves, I'm good with an axe or hammer. If you've got a hand axe or war hammer, I'm your man."

Postue spends some time buying up some last minute supplies (see end of Magical Mystery Tour thread for itemized list and cost.  Eveything I bought was on the standard lists so if anything is an issue let me know and I'll fix it).

The Butcher buys Klaus a war hammer so that he;s the only one wielding an ax.

They leave at dawn the day after so that the Magic-users can prep their new spells.

Klaus is given his new armor, shield and war hammer when they leave.

Back to the Keep!

Postue insists on stopping and getting 2 good samples of the tar.  One for adventuring use and one to bring to the Greyfriar's later.

Once that is accomplished they return to the Keep.

Marching Order:

Zed and The Butcher
Geisler and Kessel
Postue and Martel
Yor and Cyrus
The Dwarves
Ferdinand and Klaus
The Twins

One rainy day at the Oak and Eagle...

The mob known as the Dead Reckoning lounged around two long tables on one side of the Inn drinking and swapping lies.  A few of the members took note of the other groups in the taproom who also seemed put off by the inclement weather and exchanged some private words amongst themselves before asking Gretta to set up a table in the center of the room.

With her (presumed) agreement there was a flurry of activity which caused some buzz amongst the regulars.  When the table was ready drinks and invitations were given to the Adventure Whores and the Party Posse to join Dead Reckoning for a meeting of the minds!

Three of the fifteen members of Dead Reckoning were chosen to represent their side:

Postue is a young man with an "Elvish look about him".  He dresses in earth tones, carries a bow and long sword on his back, but what makes him stick out is the sweet Bear hide Leather armor he's wearing.

Cyrus von Styker wears thick red robes and a broad brimmed red hat. Upon his chest is pinned a brooch depicting a sword cleaving an anvil: the Sigil of House von Stryker.  Besides a set of daggers he appears unarmed.

Yor (sometimes called "The Snore") is a young Human wearing green robes covered with Moons, Suns and Stars.  He is laden down with belt pouches and, besides a dagger, appears to be only armed with a pointy hat.  He carries a 10' pole.

Though three were chosen a fourth member wanders over and takes a seat without asking for leave.

Zed Beardface is a Dwarf of little brain and much beard.  Bushels of red hair spill out from the neck of his plate armor with beady eyes buried in the hirsute mass.  He wields a Broad Sword and a shield that is decorated with a leering Dwarf-face that looks similar to Zed -the symbol of the much maligned Beardface Clan.

Cyrus, the red robed mage flicked an annoyed glance at the Dwarf, but said nothing to him.  Instead he called out "Care to join us?  I think we all may benefit from a conversation on this dreary day."