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Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon.

Posted by GM BardFor group 0
GM Bard
GM, 808 posts
The Readiness is All
Stay alert
Mon 9 Apr 2018
at 15:52
  • msg #1

Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon



The heroes of Stormhaven gather their belongings, and arrange for horses, and meet up on the way of Northgate, travelling casually with the throngs of people heading out through the Foundry, on their way to local towns or farms.  Some are beaming with near empty carts and fat coffers, but most have had a disappointing day at the markets.  A mass demon invasion of the city isn't good for business.  Some will clearly not even head home this evening.

Once clear of the city and as people drift further apart, Inas leads the party along the Northern road that mirrors the main river that runs down past Stormhaven, its beginnings far to the North.   After about an hour though, he veers off the main road onto a much smaller and less travelled path that leads more North-east.  For several hours, travel is slow but easy, through mostly flat lands of fields, light rolling hills, but in the distance, you can see a treeline.  It is there that Inas means to camp the first night.   You arrive at its edges just as the sun begins to sink below the horizon.  It is a good place to camp and the night looks like it will be clear and cool beneath the stars.
Marissa Ehridol
player, 252 posts
The Sea Dragon
Mon 9 Apr 2018
at 16:36
  • msg #2

Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Marissa looks around, studying the forest and its surrounds. Almost wistfully, she looks back, muttering to herself all the while. At last, she asks, "Shall we set our watches, gentlemen?"
Aldo Rathmus
player, 454 posts
Mon 9 Apr 2018
at 23:40
  • msg #3

Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Rath had said his goodbyes to Rose quietly and privately, without letting on that he'd be leaving for awhile. She'd be worried, but better worried than at risk because she knew too much. "Look, if there's trouble and I'm not around ... you head straight for Godswalk Park, Rose. If that little fellow comes around again, or if there are demons ... go to the park. Find a guy called Eagle. I told you about him, I think. You tell him I sent you, and he'll keep you safe." If anyone in Stormhaven can.

---

Rath was edgy, leaving the city, but once out of the crowds and off the main road, he seemed to relax. It was an odd pleasure to be out of doors, without rains and winds to make him miserable, though he was suspicious of every bird in every bush. Rath kept his weapons near.

At camp, Rath went away for a few moments to relieve himself, then came back to unfurl his bedding and call up a feast fit for heroes and their horses. [OOC: cast create food and water.]

"So, Eoinsson. Tell us about this place we're going. You've been there, right?"

Inas Eoinsson
player, 419 posts
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 03:18
  • msg #4

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Aldo Rathmus:
"So, Eoinsson. Tell us about this place we're going. You've been there, right?"


Inas nods.  "Many times.  Sevan Falls Canyon.  Remote; isolated; not well traveled.  Which is a good thing; preserves the beauty.  The falls are formed by one of the rivers that flows south from the Northern Hinterlands.  Seven Falls Canyon is actually located in the Northern Hinterlands, so we have a ways to go."
Saliq Musfara
player, 467 posts
Illusionist
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 14:07
  • msg #5

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Saliq had relayed modest farewell at the Guild before setting out. The illusionist had spent much of his time since buried nose deep in his books and scrolls, researching his magics. Sitting down by the fire he begins carefully unrolling his bedroll.

"I detest waking up in the middle of the night so I'll take first watch." The illusionist glances around thoughtfully, a faint smile at his lips. "I must say on balance I prefer my forests out of doors rather than subterranean."
Folke Vanirhalvt
player, 155 posts
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 22:11
  • msg #6

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Folke left the inn shortly after Marissa had reappeared, to make sure he gave a proper farewell to his patron, the Madame Averi Martuch.  He also collected the more practical pieces of his adventuring gear and stowed them in his weathered pack, along with as many fresh foodstuffs as he could add.  Snacks on the road were always a welcome treat, especially in poor weather.  Thinking he was ready to depart, he turned and found Averi waiting for him with a particular look in her eye.  And as it turned out, he was a little late departing...

The road made Folke happy despite the temporary loss of his cushy lodgings.  They were headed north to the Hinterlands, his homeland.  And anytime he headed back that way the feeling of pleasant nostalgia overcame him.  He was looking forward to seeing the familiar stark hillsides and rocky outcroppings that he called home.

At the campsite the skald pitched in like normal, and was overjoyed at the spread Rath conjured.  "Well done!  You are getting quite good at this.  Wait, is that roast chicken?"  As they ate he listened to Inas describe the place they were headed, and nodded along to the description.

"I haven't been there myself, but it is mentioned in a number of poems and sagas from the North.  I especially like Anders and the Fell Bear, although it isn't really suitable for young children.  The ending is rather...detailed."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Tue 10 Apr 2018.
Aldo Rathmus
player, 455 posts
Wed 11 Apr 2018
at 00:20
  • msg #7

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

"Whereas I love a broken night's sleep. I'll take the midnight watch."

To Folke, Rath said, "I don't see no kids here." That might have been an invitation to sing.
GM Bard
GM, 809 posts
The Readiness is All
Stay alert
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 00:12
  • msg #8

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Watch is set and the party settles in to an excellent meal provided by Rath.  It is still early Spring so the night gets quite cold but it feels good since its the first night and the sky is clear of clouds, stars light the night.  Far from the city light and noise, the sky is bright and cheerful.

As everyone settles in and most drift off to sleep, Saliq takes up first watch.  He has such a quiet and lovely evening, he almost lets Rath sleep late, but just as he decides to wake the next watch, he sees something fly by overhead, far overhead, he cannot see it but can tell by the black shadow that blots out a patch of stars.  For a moment, he wonders if he imagined it.  Then, he hears the snap of a branch not far away.  Together, they bode poorly.
Saliq Musfara
player, 468 posts
Illusionist
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 13:49
  • msg #9

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

"AWAKE!" Saliq cries out. "We are not alone!"
GM Bard
GM, 810 posts
The Readiness is All
Stay alert
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 00:26
  • msg #10

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

At Saliq's warning, the enemy moves in for the kill.  Sadly, it takes the party only the few seconds for them to awake and ready themselves, that a hundred little clues flow to them from their vast experiences.

The enemy is whooping and hollering, bits of orcish, gnolls, perhaps even bugbear can be heard.  They have started their charge far too far away, having obviously not been stealthy enough to get close before making a mistake.  It will be rounds before they arrive at the campsite.  And, they are all coming from one direction, in a big clump. It is pitifully thought out attack.

When they come within sight, its a hodge-podge of scruffy humanoids, poorly armored, poorly weaponed, but there are 20 or 30 of them so they think they have the numbers.

ooc: you can have two rounds of attacks, hits vs. ac 7 hit.
Aldo Rathmus
player, 456 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 12:35
  • msg #11

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Rath roused himself grimly, and when he saw what they faced, his expression soured. Hefting his trident, he asked the others, "Parley? Or slaughter?"
Inas Eoinsson
player, 420 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 13:26
  • msg #12

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Inas reaches for his bow and begins to reach for an arrow.  But, he stops, arches an eyebrow, and casts a spell.
GM Bard
GM, 811 posts
The Readiness is All
Stay alert
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 16:04
  • msg #13

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Inas' spell quickly and effectively stops the charging mass of robbers.  Vines, tree roots, grasses, snake up across a wide swath of forest floor and entangle those charging towards the campsite, to the sounds of surprise, growling, cursing, and more than a few whimpers.
Inas Eoinsson
player, 421 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 16:20
  • msg #14

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Inas chuckles.  A disturbing, if uncommon sound.  He then pulls out his owl figurine and sends it skyward.

"We'd best see if there's someone comin' behind this lot; someone in charge of the rabble."
GM Bard
GM, 812 posts
The Readiness is All
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Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 19:25
  • msg #15

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

The owl speeds off, flying fast and quiet through the forest, using its excellent night vision to survey the area around the struggling mass of bandits.

Sure enough, about 300 yards into the forest, it finds a rough, ugly, run down campsite.  Large and dirty, and makeshift.  There is one fat ogre lounging in the center inside a white tent (the nicest of the makeshift quarters).  Inas sees several of the tents that are made of old flags, at least a few of which bear the symbol of the Claw and Fang.  This must remnants of the defeated army.
Marissa Ehridol
player, 254 posts
The Sea Dragon
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 19:37
  • msg #16

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Marissa wakes and grabs her spear, though, like the others, she waits for the full scouting report before attacking. She is impressed with Inas' spell.

"I wonder if that's something I can learn," she says.
Folke Vanirhalvt
player, 156 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 21:21
  • msg #17

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Having leapt up with the others and quickly strung his bow, Folke now paused and stared in admiration at the ensnared humanoids.  While talk turned to others, Folke tilted his head to the side slightly and asked, "Uh, Inas.  How long does you spell last?  They don't look like much, but there is a lot of them."
Inas Eoinsson
player, 422 posts
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 21:44
  • msg #18

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Folke Vanirhalvt:
Having leapt up with the others and quickly strung his bow, Folke now paused and stared in admiration at the ensnared humanoids.  While talk turned to others, Folke tilted his head to the side slightly and asked, "Uh, Inas.  How long does you spell last?  They don't look like much, but there is a lot of them."

"It'll last five or six days, mebbe a week," Inas says very loudly, as he walks closer to the entangled throng.  When he passes Folke he whispers:

"Ten minutes."

The ranger walks a little closer to the sorry lot of cretins.

"Who's gonna earn their freedom by tellin' me who that ogre in your camp is, an' why you're here?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:45, Fri 13 Apr 2018.
GM Bard
GM, 813 posts
The Readiness is All
Stay alert
Fri 13 Apr 2018
at 23:24
  • msg #19

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

One of the orcs in the middle says, "I will".  The larger orc next to him, though he can't move far, smashes him with a club, splitting his skull.  Most are quiet after that except for a smallish orc who is caught near the edge of the spell, out of reach from any others, who waves frantically to get your attention without saying anything.
Inas Eoinsson
player, 423 posts
Sat 14 Apr 2018
at 02:29
  • msg #20

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

"Alright then," Inas announces as he walks to the orc off to one side.  "This one's near the edge; let's start with him."  He grabs the orc, yanks him from the entanglement, and half carries, half drags him closer to the camp.  As he re-passes his companions, he whispers (in elvish): "We best not burn them; the smell would be terrible."
Marissa Ehridol
player, 255 posts
The Sea Dragon
Sat 14 Apr 2018
at 02:29
  • msg #21

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Marissa points off to the side, indicating the lone loose orc should circle around and stay out of the reach of the leader. She also takes a close look at the entrapped combatants to ensure none of them have bows, crossbows, spears or other missile weapons. To the orc brute who smashed his fellow, she offers a small smirk.

"You're dead," she shouts to him.
Aldo Rathmus
player, 457 posts
Sat 14 Apr 2018
at 03:17
  • msg #22

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

Rath casually finished strapping on his armor and looked over the assemblage. He pulled on his gauntlets, grabbed his trident, and, unhurried, stepped in front of his companions. "Get what you need from that one," Rath barked to Inas. "You can kill the big one," he said to Marissa. "I know you like that sort of thing." Then he raised his voice, addressing the motley gang. "These #*&#$ blokes don't know who I am." Rath snarled. "Yet."

He raised Devilsbane to the sky and roared. "I am your $%#$% general! I am Rath!" (He used an orcish curse he'd picked up from a half-orc a few years back. It was indeed vile.) "I skewered Tethi and left him dead. You worthless dregs are mine, if I decide I want you." He snorted derisively. "Claw and Fang, indeed. You have one chance, to regain glory. To be feared. To rise to the slaughter. Bend knee to me! Or die as the wretched mob you've become!"

He glared, with a challenging stare.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 03:19, Sat 14 Apr 2018.
GM Bard
GM, 814 posts
The Readiness is All
Stay alert
Sat 14 Apr 2018
at 03:28
  • msg #23

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

The vines recede as Inas moves over and grabs the smallish orc and drags it away. As he does, it turns and flips off the rest of mob caught in the spell.

The larger orc threatened by Marissa just struggles a moment, is still stuck, but sticks out its tongue at her.

After Rath speaks, a few of the mass glace around, then get very still, they can't kneel due to the spell, but all of them have their eyes on Rath now.
Marissa Ehridol
player, 256 posts
The Sea Dragon
Sat 14 Apr 2018
at 12:35
  • msg #24

Re: Chapter 6: The Quest for Seven Falls Canyon

"Oh, I like that," Marissa said, impressed by Rath's play. "I think I'll cut the big one's tongue out and wear it on a necklace."
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