[OOC suggested soundtrack: Night on Bald Mountain, by Modest Mussorgsky]

You decide that Elbereth’s body is worth being undertaken in the small cemetery just behind the Tower of Hellwinter, together with various other unselfish heroes.

The morning after you have to decide how to take on your new quest.
This message was last updated by the GM at 01:54, Fri 29 June 2018.

Garl tooks a look around, as old cemeteries had always fascinated him.  Does he find any interesting stones?

After filling in the hole and saying a small prayer Robustous adds "Should we all go inside and discuss what the elf said before passing ?"

-
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Tue 03 July 2018.

The small graveyard is graced by ancient gnarled oaks. There are seven tombstones marking the spots where the dead Knights of Hellwinter rest. This dreamy place is caressed by the icy winds and perfumed by the Knightwort and white lavender shrubs that spontaneously grow in here.

Most of the engravings on the tombstones have been erased by the ceaseless work of time; two of them, however, are still legible.

Garl nods in response to Robustous’s suggestion, then follows him.  He knows he could easily stand here and freeze to death if he continues to indulge his curiousity, which is boundless when it comes to these old markers.

Galendra spots her comrades as they approach the tower, and comes down to meet them. "How fared thee at the festival?" she asks. Her brow furrows as she sees the dead body and her comrades' labor to bury it. She helps dig the hole.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:15, Mon 09 July 2018.

In reply to Galendra (msg # 6):

"It was good, but we ran into some trouble on the way back. Lets get inside and we can full you in on the details." Once Robustous is next to the fire he will relay the story of the elf.

-

Garl keeps a wary eye on their surroundings.  He suddenly feels a little nervous.

In reply to Garl Ligoosh (msg # 8):

From the shadows, a young man in a suit of worn chainmail and a weapon at side side steps out.
Hesitatingly, he mutters," I followed you when you were buying supplies. I saw your bravery in saving the elves and I would like you to bring me along with you. I want to seek treasure and wealth."

Saying that, he looks at the party eagerly.

"Hello! How are you doing!" Says Galendra, a young lady from Gallows End like you. "Looks like more youngsters from Gallows End are willing to join the Hellwinter's Knights..."

In reply to Galendra (msg # 10):

"Yes, I remember seeing you and then one day you disappeared. I am so glad to see you again. Can you bring me on your adventures?" Storm pleads eagerly.

In reply to Stormrider Sureheart (msg # 11):

"I am not sure what adventures you mean, we have been charged with the defense of this tower, that is all. Even with the words of the Elf I am loath to leave our post to run off on some fools errand"

-

In reply to Robustous Clovetrue (msg # 12):

"That's adventure too! I can help you in defending the tower! Father has trained me in the use of swords and fighting in armour. I am sure I am of use to yiu," Storm says with confidence building.

"Well... more than defending this Tower, we are here on sentry as from here we have a great view on some strategic mountain route that can be used for a surprise attack on the Barony of Tyntern. I can stay on duty as you go on patrol according the indications of the dying Elf."
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:03, Sun 29 July 2018.

"I would love to be of help assisting you in patrolling,"'storm says.

"Well... we are now discussing about some of us going away from the Tower on a mission for a while and... maybe you can join..."

"I will be happy to!" Storm says eagerly.

In reply to Galendra (msg # 16):

"Well if that is your wish, I expect we could undertake that."

-
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Mon 30 July 2018.

"Let's do it! When do we start?" Storm says.

In reply to Stormrider Sureheart (msg # 19):

"Hold your horses, we need to work out who is going, what supplies we can spare and finally who we should tell. Garl are you up for this ?"

-

"I would love to venture out. How about the rest?" Storm says。

"I took watch last time comrades left, to go to the village for the festival," Galendra says. "I could use a change of scenery, to be honest. I'd like to throw in on the venture rather than stay behind again."

In reply to Galendra (msg # 22):

"Well that's three and will hopefully be enough. Should we depart in the morning ?" Robustous tends to his pipe while he waits for an answer.

-

In reply to Robustous Clovetrue (msg # 23):

Yes in the morning is good. lets eat and rest

Now that you decided to investigate the Temple, which course of action will you take to find it?
[OOC: please make sure you update very well you character sheet, mentioning what you will take with you in the cold winter, including clothing, food, etc.]

Garl smirked as he lay down to rest.  You never knew what would turn up on a mission.  He hoped their new companion would survive their next journey, but you could never tell.

Then again, that went for all of them.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Fri 03 Aug 2018.

How are you panning to find the Temple of Hamaskar?

Is there a library in the tower or one close by. What about a famous magician or high level priest in the village or further afield ? I think we will have to travel to find someone who might know.

-

"The first time I came to this tower, together with Garl and other warriors, we found a book. Its title is The Seven Poor Knights and contains local ancient lore. She sfitly goes and picks it up.
I haven't read it and I know only one page of it. I can read it for you:"
She rreads with a slightly uncertain voice:
"Maybe, if somebody could read it all, a lead to the Temple of Hamaskar could be found..."

"Could someone please share the tale?" Storm asks.

Galendra seems usure: "Hem... I'm not very good with written lore... I prefer reading the forests and the rivers..."

"Yes I am not one for the page either, perhaps we should take the book and find someone who is. Maybe the village ?"

-

"Garl is a book person... Perhaps..."

Garl offers to examine the book, and apply his capacious mental prowess.  Is he able to discover anything?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Wed 15 Aug 2018.

It takes quite a while to study the book, but eventually you find the right kind of references.
The Crystal Mountains range, north of Hellwinter, was once home to the legendary High White Elves of Kiryel Than, secluded noble Elves who chose not to have any deal with the kingdoms of men. The Temple of Hamaskar was the White Elves’ most sacred place, so it’s likely to be found on the most impervious mountain reaches.

"Well it would seem we have a location and a direction. Perhaps once we are in the general vicinity we can find some additional information for the temple itself ? Are we still good to leave in the morning ?"

-

"Let's go. There is no sign of movement from any potential enemy, while this risk sounds very real."

In reply to Galendra (msg # 37):

'Ok, Let's take action my friends," Storm says.

[OOC: please make sure you take good note of the meals you carry with you and the clothes you wear.]

Anyway, after a three-days trek in the desolate and ominous mountain landscape always going north [remember to deduct two square meals a day from your character sheet], your mountain path splits: you need to decide if you want to carry on straight north or more north east and right now you don't have proper indications to make up your mind about this decision.

"Anyone see any smoke or the like to indicate a town ? Lets keep north and see where it goes, we can always come back knowing there is a choice ?"

-

Nobody notices any sign of life during this treck.

"Shall we continue walking?" Storm asks his friends.

"I will go back to the Tower, so you can carry on with this quest. I can leave you four meals."
Galendra turns around and goes back. She will reach the Tower quite hungry, but for sure she will make it.

In reply to Galendra (msg # 44):

"Good luck" is all Robustous utters as he takes the meals provided. Once they are safety packed away He says "North, we keep North for now and see what finds us."

-

You keep marching for half day, until the path splits again. This time you have three options: the central path seems to go down some kind of valley, while on right and left the paths seem to stay high.

"Shall we explore the valley?" Storm asks.

In reply to Stormrider Sureheart (msg # 47):

"Yes lets start with that at least it might be more sheltered if we have to make camp. I get the feeling the temple will be in a high place though if these truly are mountain elves."

-

"Let's go," Storm urges his companions.

[OOC: Galendra offered you four meals. Did you accept them? Who is carrying them right now? As, after she went back, you walked half day, you should have one more meal or lose STAMINA as usual.]

As you progress straight north, from a distance you can notice a camp with one beautiful tent surrounded by four other tents of a similar size, but not as nice looking. You are still quite and you can't see if there is somebody in the camp, however, you notice no smoke raising from it.

'Shall we investigate the camp?" Storm asks his companions,

In reply to The Director (msg # 50):

"Yes lets take a look, they may know more about this place. The Dwarf approaches the tents.

Robbustous took the meals.

-

As you walk down the path to the tents, you hear a very loud whinny.

Garl’s ears perk up.  Was that a horse?  He turns 360 degrees, looking in every direction.

Robustous also tries to spot the animal as they continue forward.

-

Storm scans the surroundings, turning his head towards the sound.

As you look around, you notice a fierce humanoid creature with deer hindquarters, brawny bodies and head of stags, entirely ermined in horsetail-like black fur, armed with a two-handed stone club, jogging towards you in a threatening way. Every now and then it is looking around, but you realize it spot you already.

Robustous stops in his tracks and raises his hand in greeting "Sorry to intrude, we mean you no harm. My name is Robustous."

-

"Nice meeting you here. My name is Storm. We are on our way to investigate something. What are you doing alone on such dangerous paths?" Storm asks.

The creature looks up and emits another kind of whinny. Very soon three more similar creatures appear, as if answering to its call, surrounding you.
Behind them, on the path, apears also a demonic creature, somehow resembling a stag, but with its features terribly twisted and mutated. On his arm is a Demoncrow and he releases it. The Demoncrow immediately flies north, as the Black Stags attack you.

Storm draws his weapons and strikes at the nearest stag.

"Let it be then" Robustous lifts his axe and attacks the nearest of the stags.

Robustous Clovetrue rolled 12 using 2d6+10.  Attack.

-

[OOC: please Stormrider roll your 2d6]

Storm rolls 17 and 18 for attacks

Garl shouts a warning to his companions, and then casts Flash.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:19, Fri 24 Aug 2018.

[OOC: Garl forgot that his companions recently changed and they are not trained at closing promptly the eyes at his signal.
If you want to close your eyes as promptly as you can, please make a test of LUCK to see if you make it on time. You can also decide you don't want to do it and save your point of LUCK.]

[OOC: I took the liberty of rolling for you and updating LUCK in your character sheets: you both close your eyes on time to avoid the effects of Garl's spell... however for this round you won't attack with closed eyes. I will move your action to next round.
20:15, Today: Secret Roll: The Director, on behalf of Stormrider Sureheart, rolled 7 using 2d6.  test of LUCK.
20:15, Today: Secret Roll: The Director, on behalf of Robustous Clovetrue, rolled 5 using 2d6.  test of LUCK.]

[Private to GM: 20:14, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 7 using 2d6.  Torc.
20:14, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 7 using 2d6.  Black Stag 4.
20:14, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 9 using 2d6.  Black Stag 3.
20:13, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 9 using 2d6.  Black Stag 2.
20:13, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 8 using 2d6.  Black Stag 1.

TORC
SKILL 9
STAMINA 16 (11)

Torc has a natural Medium Armor and regenerates 1 STAMINA point per combat round.

BLACK STAG 1
SKILL 7
STAMINA 7 (0)


BLACK STAG 2 (blind)
SKILL 7
STAMINA 7 (0)

BLACK STAG 3 (blind)
SKILL 7
STAMINA 7 (0)

BLACK STAG 4
SKILL 7
STAMINA 7 (0)

Dice                  1 2 3 4 5 6 7+
Two-handed stone club 2 2 2 3 3 3 4
Fists and horns       2 2 2 2 3 3 4
]
Garl's magic creates an incredibly bright flash of light. You all manage to close your eyes on time, but the Demoncrow that just flew off the hand of the most demonic-looking creature crashes back to the ground, frantically moving its wings. Two humanoid creatures fall on their knees as well, covering their sore eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:12, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

Robustous attacks poorly and is hit[Private to Robustous Clovetrue: please deduct 5 points of STAMINA, minus your armor roll], while Storm hits so effectively, that one of the creatures that survived the magic attack falls after just one assault.[Private to Stormrider Sureheart: So lucky!!!]
For next round, the demonic creature joins the melee.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:33, Sun 26 Aug 2018.

Storm continues to attack the nearest creature.

OOC: haha I try to max luck in my FF games.
Attack main:18, 3 dmg
Attack off: 18, 2 dmg
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Sun 26 Aug 2018.

Moving if necessary to get a clean shot, Garl next casts Lightning Blast at the demonic creature.

18:31, Today: Secret Roll: Garl Ligoosh rolled 6 using 2d6+2.  Lightning blast damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Sun 26 Aug 2018.

Robustous gives out a yell as he is hit and instantly counters with an attack of his own. He grinds his front leg into the dirt and puts all his might behind the attack.

Robustous Clovetrue rolled 16 using 2d6+10.  Attack.
obustous Clovetrue rolled 5 using 1d6. = 4 STA  Dam.


-

[Private to GM: 20:24, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 5 using 2d6.  Torc.
20:24, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 7 using 2d6.  Black Stag 4.
20:23, Today: Secret Roll: The Director rolled 7 using 2d6.  Black Stag 1.]
Storm easily cuts down the two blinded creatures, while Robustous easily hit the only other standing stag-like humanoid opponent, causing grievous wounds.
Garl faces the demonic creature that charges, swinging a stone club. Garl, despite the pressure from the horrible, trampling creature and the short distance, manages to hit with his Lightning Blast before being hurt, although lightly. [Private to Garl Ligoosh: Deduct 2 points of STAMINA, minus your Armor roll.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:33, Mon 27 Aug 2018.

Neither retreating or stopping in his attacks Robustous draws his axe back to his ear and again chops into his foe.

Robustous Clovetrue rolled 14 using 2d6+10.  Attack.
Robustous Clovetrue rolled 4 using 1d6. = 3 sta Dam.

-

Before he gets hit again, Garl casts Mirror Selves.


23:52, Today: Secret Roll: Garl Ligoosh rolled 7 using 2d6.  Cast mirror selves.

Storm continues to attack his enemies.

OOC:
12:00, Today: Secret Roll: Stormrider Sureheart rolled 6 using 1d6.  damage 2.
11:59, Today: Secret Roll: Stormrider Sureheart rolled 3 using 1d6.  damage 1.
11:59, Today: Secret Roll: Stormrider Sureheart rolled 19 using 2d6+10.  Attack 2.
11:59, Today: Secret Roll: Stormrider Sureheart rolled 17 using 2d6+10.  Attack 1.

Robustous attack is off-balance and his enemy easily finds a way to hit him[Private to Robustous Clovetrue:  (deduct three points of STAMINA, minus your armor roll as usual)], but Storm hits the same enemy from behind and cuts it down!
The demonic creature, now alone, attacks Garl with great rage, but Garl casts a spell and two more Garls appear besides him! The horned beast hits two of them, but his hit pass through them, leaving behind just thin air, and Garl is still safe and sound!
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:25, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

Garl again casts Lightning Blast at his demonic adversary.


21:25, Today: Secret Roll: Garl Ligoosh rolled 5 using 2d6.  Cast Lightning Blast.
21:27, Today: Secret Roll: Garl Ligoosh rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Lightning damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

Robustous retrieves his axe from the dead horseman and moves to attack the demon.

Robustous Clovetrue rolled 19 using 2d6+10.  Attack.
Robustous Clovetrue rolled 4 using 1d6. = 3 Dam.

Attacked from every side, also the demonic creature falls.

"It is foul deeds for such a creature to walk the earth. I  would suspect it corrupted these horse men as well."

Robustous will begin a search of the fallen and then move to their camp for further investigations.

-

In reply to The Director (msg # 81):

Being greedy, Storm searches too for loot

Garl looks around to make sure there are no remaining threats.

If he sees none, he’ll recommend a rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Tue 28 Aug 2018.

Garl notices the Demoncrow that tried escaping at the beginning of the fight. It is still blind and flapping its wings aimlessly on the ground.
He can't perceive any other threat.

You enemies were using two-handed stone clubs and, if you want, you canpick them up.
In the camp (five tents, made of fabric and wood), you can find the following:
*one sack of rotting flesh in each of the four smaller tents - each is more than you can carry in an empty backpack;
*a small wooden flute in the bigger tent;
*a pair of big, bone dices in the bigger tent;
*18 Gold Crowns and 10 Silver Shillings.

Out of the camp, apart from the path you used for reaching it, there is only another path, going up northwards.

Garl will beat the crow to death with his staff.  Afterwards, he recommends burying all of the rotten flesh and then resting in the tents, until he feels fully magical again.

Inside the tents the temperature is warmer than outside and, while the smaller tents smell a bit like stables and the bigger tent smells sulphur, you could force yourselves to sleep in them.
Do you want to pass the night there?
You would still need two square meals a day to avoid fatigue and consequent loss of STAMINA.

I was thinking maybe we could rest for a few hours?  I need to regain just over half of my spell points.

Unless the others would prefer to make a night of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Fri 31 Aug 2018.

"No I am happy to stay if that is what you want. We should come up with a watch schedule though."

-

"Let's rest. I volunteer to take the first watch," Storm says.

In a few hours it will be dark again.

Should we make it an all-nighter, then?  Garl offers to take the final watch.

In reply to Garl Ligoosh (msg # 93):

"Yes, I will take the middle watch then." Robustous looks to start to make camp preparations.

-

[OOC: I assume you keep eating the two square meals a day, please let me know if or when you miss a meal, as it will impact your STAMINA.]
The night, although cold, passes without any inconvenience and you all recover your strengths [OOC: up to 4 STAMINA each] and your magic energies (if you had them before, of course!).

Robustous took awhile to rouse from his bedroll, he ate his breakfast and then gathered his gear together ready to depart.

-

Garl takes the time to explain to his fellow adventurers that if he screams “SHUT!” it means that he is about to cast Flash!  When this happens, it is important to close your eyes, or risk being blinded.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Sat 01 Sept 2018.

Storm wakes up refreshed. He tidies his bedrolls and eats his rations. Being a village boy, he is used to such rustic living. Hearing what the sorcerer says, Storm commits the warnings to memory. He was fortunate not to be blinded the last time.

The weather is still as freezing as you expected it, although in this small valley it bites a bit less.
As it is Winter, it takes long time to see the dawn, but overall nothing seems out of place.

“Remind me to learn that weather spell,” Garl says as his teeth chatter.  “We could use it right about now.”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Sun 02 Sept 2018.

You have two practical options now: going back (south) or moving forward (north).
What do you do?

Storm suggests moving forward

"Lets head North, this place was supposed to be high up."

-

After half day of march in the cold wastes, three paths join. You come from south-south-east, another path goes west-south-west and the third goes north-north-east.
In which direction do you want to proceed?
[OOC: time to have lunch! ;) ]

Storm votes NNE!

OOC: lunch soon too! Where r u from

At sunset [OOC: dinner?] you reach a steep mountain with a wide stone portal on its side. The last 600 meters before reaching the portal, entirely carved into the mountains’ stone, are littered with dozens of crushed and mutilated corpses, parched and dried up to the extreme.
[OOC: please make an Awareness roll]
The portal is masterfully carved with elven runes and it is open, although just partially.
[OOC: can anybody read Elvish?]

[OOOOOOOC: where I am from and where I'm currently living are places on two different continents...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:01, Thu 06 Sept 2018.

OOC:'I don have awareness skill. Can i still make a roll?

As they approach the doorway Robustous looks to the bodies on the side pf the path that may hold something useful. He will check any discarded equipment or weapons should he see any.

Robustous Clovetrue rolled 8 using 2d6.  Awarness+ skill = 9.

-

02:19, Today: Secret Roll: Garl Ligoosh rolled 3 using 2d6.  Awareness roll.

OOC: Since Garl is a scholarly elf, I presume he can read elvish.

Of course.

You guess that the parched corpses were actually undeads that have been somehow destroyed by a powerful warding magic while attempting to break open the doors to the temple.
The portal - however - is now open, meaning that the master of these undeads must have already entered the temple, despite all protection. However, breaching in took several dozens undeads.

Garl recites aloud: «Welcome, trespasser. The blessing of the Elves is with you. Thou shalt travel light and swift, and be not harbinger of woe to the House of Kiryel.»
As he finishes reading these words, you feel an ancient, curative blessing descending on you and your STAMINA is completely restored to its initial value.

[OOC: the adventure continues here: link to a message in this game ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:55, Fri 07 Sept 2018.