Active members of the "Skills dat Killz" adventuring party:
Beena - Elf Ranger
Gigantor - Goliath Rogue (*taking care of "personal business" in Brindol*)
Lucas - Goliath Barbarian
Zah'rie - Human Warlock
Zephel - Shadar-kai Swordmage
----------------------------
Active Quests:
Main Quest: Siege! Do your part to prepare for the impending siege by completing assignments. Upon assignment completion or changed situations, report back for new assignments.
Minor Quest: Evacuation! Travel to the Monestary of the Sundered Chain; warn of the impending siege and evacuate the monks and paladins.
----------------------------
After an extended extended rest in Brindol, the party underwent some changes. Rock decided to settle down in Brindol and perhaps open a brothel. Bullroarer decided to go do whatever it is that wardens do. Blake decided to take the position of head physician at the local clinic, but not before introducing an acquaintance, Zephel the Shadar-kai Swordmage, to the party.After days at the tavern, the party was also introduced to a Warlock named Zah'rie. The conversation went something like this:
"Hey you look like adventurers."
"Yeah, we could use another for our party; you down?"
"Absolutely I am."
Warlocks don't take much convincing and are pretty easy going, I guess.
The heroes also had an opportunity to meet another band of adventurers, the Freeriders. They were mostly laid back and made for pleasant company. On the third day of the week, the dull mellow of Brindol was interrupted when a messenger arrived at the tavern looking for the Freeriders. The message he delivered was a call to arms; the orc hordes of the far west were assembling once again; reputable able-bodies were being summoned from all over the vale.Almost immediately after recieving the message, the Freeriders quickly gathered their things and made for the town gates. Eager for the prospect of adventure, and likely anxious to do their part in contributing to the security of the Elsir Vale, Skillz dat Killz also made preparations to leave. Being a little new to this whole "adventuring" thing, it took our party a few more hours to be ready to go.
The trek west was uneventful until the 7th day, just over a day out from Overlook, the party stumbled upon a caravan that was in the process of being looted by an orc scout party. Successful with their caravan raid and confident that they could take the party, the orcs rushed towards our players. Contrary to the orcs' belief, the party had no difficulty beating them into the ground.It was noted that all the weapons employed by the orc warband bore an unusual black arrow insignia. Even stranger still was that so many orcs were found so close to Overlook. While the caravan masters were unfortunately already slain before the party stumbled across them, the orcs had not yet managed to break open the strongbox that the caravan was transporting. After inspecting the strongbox it was determined that it belonged to the Elsir Consortium, in Overlook. The cart animal had been scared off as its body was nowhere nearby; the cart was pulled by hand the rest of the way west into Overlook.
The city was busy, but now even more so; the call to arms had not only attracted men of war, but those able to profit from times of war. The city gates were manned with an additional watch and travelers in and out of the city were all being inspected. The party was held up just long enough to recount their encounter with the orcs to the head gate-captain, Captain Aerun. Orcs in the surrounding countryside was one thing, but well-armed orcs striking well traveled paths midday was ill news. Worse still is that this was not the only report of orcs in close proximity to Overlook.With some directions, the party was able to find the offices of the Elsir Consortium. Receiving the party personally on behlaf of the consortium was a dwarf named Bram Ironfell, a senior partner. The party was thanked and questioned about how fate had placed them in a position to recover such important property; the party replied by explaining how they had come to answer the call to arms. To assist the adventurers, Bram gave them his recommendation that way they would be allowed into High Hall to meet with those responsible for defending Bordrin's Watch, Overlook, and the whole of the Elsir Vale.
High Hall was also easy enough to find; adventurers were already assembling inside its main building. Moving to enter, the party was intercepted by another adventuring band that was blocking the entrance. It was the Farstriders. Having completed many difficult and amazing adventures, their reputation preceded them. Unfortunately, it seemed to have begun to go to their head. Some clever words, a little luck, and one recommendation from Bram later saw the Farstriders backing down and allowing our adventurers admission into High Hall.Moments after entering the lobby area of High Hall, the many in attendance were permitted to enter further into a large meeting chamber. All manner of able-bodies were represented: mercenaries, adventurers, tacticians, each in groups of all sizes. Skillz dat Killz was beckoned over by their friends from Brindol, the Freeriders. Also in attendance were other famous adventuring and mercenary parties including the Farstriders, the Green Hand, the Slayers, and the Company of Wolves. Of additional mention was a solo mercenary named Gilgathorn aka Thorn. This elf was more obviously armed than some of the larger parties in the room. His features were striking and distinct; he had a patch over one eye and more than a few intimidating scars.
The meeting was quickly called to order, and the youngest of the five dwarf elders spoke up to address the group. It was said that Durkik Forgeheart (High Priest of Moradin) would lead the majority of those present to Bordrin's Watch to prepare for the siege. The Farstriders would secure the tunnels below the mountain which were believed to have possibly been compromised already. The only task remaining was that of evacuating the monks and paladins from the Monastery of the Sundered Chain before they were set upon by orcs; volunteers were petitioned for; Skillz dat Killz were the first to put their hands up. Shortly after that the meeting was concluded and all present set out to make preparations to leave.
Decided to leave for the monastery immediately, the adventurers made their way for the city's west gate. On the way, the party stumbled upon five men circled around another man, the five speaking in obviously harsh tones. Interested in finding out more, the party approached them; it was almost immediately clear that the man was being extorted by the men. Aware that the party was approaching them, the thugs' leader, a mage, suggested the party "mind your own business and move along". One of the adventurers spoke in response, to which the thugs responded with violence.What started as a routine shakedown ended as a defeat for the thugs. The mage was slain as were all but one of the others. Despite having seen four of his allies killed, the fifth thug remained defiant. After a short interrogation, this member of the Lost Ones (a local thieving
guild) was cut loose and warned there would be consequences if he was ever seen thieving again. The party continued their way out towards the west gate.Having left Overlook, the party made efforts to navigate to the Monastery of the Sundered Chain. Traveling up the mountain and off the beaten path was difficult at night. Exhausted and a little demoralized, the party did finally arrive about the moment the sun began to rise.
----------------------------
Other adventuring bands of note:
Freeriders:
- Megan Swiftblade - human fighter, Ragnum Dourstone - dwarf cleric, Sylen Leafrunner - elf ranger, Ghena Tenson - human wizard, Madrick - gnome rogue.
- Formed about 6 months ago in Elsir's Crossing.
- Have one decisive victory versus a cabal of cultists in the town of Beacon.
Farstriders:
- Edgar Sommerfield - human warlord, Uulath and Reiner - twin elf rangers, Jen - half-elf warlock, Corben - human fighter.
- Most renowned adventuring party in the Elsir Vale. Have overcome many significant challenges including having wiped out tribes of savage humanoids, recovered fabled relics, and even slain a black dragon.
- Are proud of their successes and see themselves as the best adventuring party.
----------------------------
Coming next week: information about various religions and deities you've heard mention of, more information on Overlook, some history about the region, and maybe some other useful stuff.
No comments:
Post a Comment