Gnomenheim Adventure Path Finale

The Road Thus Far....

GM: Myles

Players: "Iaqino", "Geoff", "Gloff", and "Khan".
               "Caleph", "Enolo", "Gordok", "Tyra", "Yew", and the killer Halfling.
Missing or Presumed Dead: "Willow", "Valen", "Caleph", "Glagg", "Crash", "Konato", "Timozar".

The Duegrar Fortress

In the aftermath of the first wave, the remainder of the duergar forces fled to the safety of the main keep. The party had just taken another captive, a duergar captain. Tired, but willing to press on they quickly interrogated him for more information. Khan had intimidated him and the he let them know that the entire place was on lock down, the King and Queen were more than likely held up in the keep preparing an escape with the rest of the king's guard.

Tyra went through the defeated forces of duergar, looting their bodies and giving booty it to Enolo for safe keeping. The rest of the party decided it was best to split up; Iaquino and Enolo would check out the southern building were Crush was last spotted and the rest would explore the northern building. Gloff would stand guard, remaining as a Giant Toad with Khan 's charmed dwarves.

Iaquino quickly blended in the shadows and began exploring the building. It seems that a trap may have been laid as there was a bunch of ball bearings on the floor. As he was checking the doors with the ball bearing he noted that it seemed to be a laboratory. Another room he checked seemed to indicate that it was also a laboratory of some sorts, however he noted a strange glyph within the doorway and did not proceed further. Instead he headed to the second floor. The second floor held a few bunks and also a distillery in which some very potent duergar vodka was made. Enolo loosing track of Iaquino wandered around carefully, noting the balling bearing and made his way into the room by crawling on the floor. When he saw the beakers and bottles, he excited took some to offer the rest of the party. He slipped over and over again when he exited the room on the ball bearings. Finally dusting himself off he decided to go outside, as he past one of the doors he was smart enough to notice it was slightly ajar, and likewise saw the glyph. Not wanting to test his luck he exited the building.

Meanwhile the other were busy ransacking which seemed like the barracks. It was a very simple building which contained a small armory and sleeping quarters. Not much of interest was there.

Someplace far and away....
Timozar and Caleph had vanished in a puff of green smoke. Caleph found himself alone and wandering some green forest in which he encountered a halfling just sitting there. Caleph sat down next to him and explained his worry as he was whisked off to someplace and needed to get back to his mission. Thousands of details to be taken care....when he mentioned the skirmish with duergar, the halfling smiled and said he would be more than happy to assist. With that they both popped back to the cavern that Caleph had just left. Strangely it seemed that more than a couple hours had passed while he was in this other place, but when he got back to the cavern he noted that only a few moments had actually passed.

Caleph was very confused, there was a tied up dwarf, two dwarven guards and a giant toad in the center of the courtyard. He demanded immediately what was going on and who are they? The dwarves were just as confused, but didn't seemed threatened as the Giant Toad just calmly sat there. Enolo heard his employer and greeted him and quickly filled him on on what had happened. As they began talking the others had joined him. They told they found a barracks and were glad to have Caleph back. He introduced to the halfing who would be helping them out.....

The Adventurers Guild of Gnomenheim
Yew and Konato had informed Guildmaster Vern, that they had accomplished Khan's mission. They had information of the duergar and their forces, as well as the location of the duergar King. Additionally Iaquino's party had managed to secure part of the lower mines from the duergar incursion and were currently assaulting the duergar stronghold and needed assistance. the Guildmaster chose to do something for fun and would join them, claiming the keep in the name of the Guild. He called for Erik and Steve to join him, two senior warrior in his employ. Before they left, Yew got some sorely needed supplies for Khan. Konato would join them soon, but needed to prepare a few things himself and would joining him with the next wave of backups.

Back to the Keep
When they arrived outside the Duergar keep, Yew could here Caleph and the others from opposite the wall. Yew began to play his flute to attract their attention. Caleph came over to see what happened and was surprised to see that some back up arrived. Yew requested that the gate be open, but despite having a dwarf with the party...they could not figure out how to operate the mechanism. Instead they had to climb over to join everyone else. The Guildmaster and Yew passed out much needed supplies, and Yew singled out Khan. he walked right up to him throwing at him new clothes, a quarterstaff, and his much needed component. Yew even managed to squarely hit Khan on the headed, reprimanding him for calling him a coward. Khan was glad to have what he needed, and felt a tinge of remorse for what he said.

As everyone was here, they focused on the deurgar captain once again. Caleph used his wit and charm, gaining the confidence of the captain and charmed him.They interrogated him once more, this time finding out that there was at least a squad of royal guards, two spellcaster's one of which was a diviner, gargoyles,and some gricks. They also managed to find out that there was at least a secret entrance.

As Iaquino was exploring the second floor, he had tripped a glyph in one of the rooms that set the place ablaze. A fire was now breaking out in the southern building, before anyone could say anything they saw Iaquino run out. He quickly informed them what he found, and it seems the place just held a distillery and a few laboratories. He had managed to find two vials, and Tyra and Khan figured out these were potions of speed.

The Final Countdown
Khan and Caleph ordered the dwarves to simply walk up to the front of the keep and open the doors. As they entered grease was thrown on the ground followed by flames. Both of Khan's charmed dwarves instantly ignited in flames and died. The Captain managed to escape and rejoin the party. It was decided to explore the secret entrance around the keep.

Yew and the guild members meanwhile would provide a distraction. Using his knowledge of stories and legends (and counting on the duergar's lack of familiarity with bardic magic), Yew came up with a mock ritual. He made summoning circle and began playing his flute ominously...causing odd series of flashes to appear around the circle while he was playing.

Iaquino and Caleph managed to find the secret entrance, Geoff and Iaquino entered. They were met with a squad of dwarves and some gricks that attacked them. Geoff and the other managed to easily deal with squad and found the way to get in. As to be expected, behind the throne within the keep was the escape passage. They could over hear the dwarves discussing as to what was going on...they seemed distracted fixed on something that the diviner seemed focused on. The dwarven captain told the party to have the bard outside attack. It seems that the duergar were focused on the ritual he was performing. If Yew initiated the attacked, thee duergar would be distracted and the party would gain the upper hand. Khan quickly quaffed down a speed potion and ran within range to signal Yew to attack with a message cantrip. Yew did so and shot sparkles at the keep and told Vern to charge. Yew and the guild members rushed through the keep door and into the Throne Room.

The Duergar King and Queen, along with the royal guard were prepared for the frontal assault. However they were quickly taken by surprised when Iaquino threw back the throne and rushed in with the rest of the party. Enolo quaffed down a potion and passed out as he swelled up with rage and feinted. Geoff simply rushed out and took out the Queen, cleaving her in two. Before he could get to the diviner, they succumbed to their woulds. Enraged further, Geoff took that momentum and slammed his way to the abjurer and batted there head off.
Vern and the others at the front were taking care of the gricks and picking off the duergar on the balcony. Yew had place a field of force to use cover for them. The rest of the party made short work of the gricks and the gargoyles that came upon them all. Geoff face to face with the Duergar King slammed down on him, killing him. It took a moment for the other duergar to realize what had just happened before they surrendered.

Aftermath
Yew returned back to Gnomenheim with the Guild Members. He did not say his good buys to the party as he felt they would not miss him. He had earned no coin at all from this adventure. As usual he felt misunderstood and alone. Hopefully the tale would make up for it in the end, when he got back to the inn in the elven quarter this time....he relaxed a bit after his set in a cool bath.

He thought of his allies, after all the people were interesting. The tale of Vespa and Caleph would make a popular tragic song, Tyra and her mysterious book would make great story, as well as the adventures of "Peanut" and Crush. He would leave soon, heading off into the sunrise the next day and disappearing

XP AWARD: Bumped to 6th Level



 

Character Profile: Yew Knottme'ad

Name: Yew Knottme'ad
Race: Genasi, Air
Profession: Bard, Scribe, and Archivist
"It is Yew Knottme'ad, the ad is silent"
-Yew Knottme'ad

Along the coasts by the seas, Yew was born to a small community of those of the druid faith. After some centuries, some of the members were born as water or air genasi. They were considered gifted and blessed among the community. After sometime, those families eventually became head of a council of a circle of druids. Those that showed promised were trained as bards, ovates, and druids.

Other than the order, Yew has no blood kin. His mother died in childbirth, and his father was banished from the community for studying the arcane arts months before his birth. He was raised by the order of druids. Yew showing promise was trained in the bardic arts, learning stories and the basics of druidic magic. His love of animals made it easy to talk to them and learn their secrets and thoughts, and also is an avid reader.

Eventually this was one of the main reasons he wanted to leave his community, to learn more as there was such much knowledge out there. The order could tell that his father's curiosity ran deep in his blood, and thought it best for him to leave and report back his findings. They trusted Yew as they raised, and new from his objective point of view he would make the best decisions possible. He said his goodbye to the community and journeyed to nearest major town of Morning Glory. Along the way making friends with various animals who would eventually help to relay messages back home. Collect lore and sending back various notes of Teleportation Sigils.

Morning Glory is a port town, full of fisherman, peet and sheep farmers. He offered his services to various taverns and ins as an entertainer. His exotic looks and ability to ceaseless play got him stays at the finest establishments. Sociable he meet many an adventurer and heard of their tales, and he soon became someone to ask advice for since he did know a variety of topics and other legends. That is how he attracted Lord Ellis, a minor nobleman who saw him as a trophy. For the next couple of years he would be the paramour of Lord Ellis, studying with him and adventuring with him....only to end in heartache. As it would be expected, Lord Ellis soon found a new interest and love and discarded him. With a broken heart he wandered from town to town for a few months. Some people recall the sorrow-filled blue flutists, playing mournful tunes of longing and love by the sides of the road. It shook him so bad, that he never wants to talk about it anymore. Yew blames the situation on his open and trusting heart, which he has guarded against now.....as best as possible. Sadly... a genuine interest and a descent guy is easy to get him to do anything.

He eventually was invited by the the elves of Tel'ronthdil, which was a nomadic bardic college of magic. They were moved by his sorrow filled playing. For the next couple of years he studied with them and made many close...close...close..ahem..friends. They taught him the finer arts of swordsmanship, at least giving him and alternative to his ability to talk his way out of things.

Recently, after spending a few months among the town of Gnomenheim an odd party of adventurers attracted his attention. He decided to accompany them as they had the mark of fate on them, it would be rather interesting endeavor and a good story to tell.
     

Gnomenhwim Adventure Path 03

The Road Thus Far....

GM: Myles

Players: "Iaqino", "Geoff", "Gloff", "Crash", and "Khan".
               "Caleph", "Enolo", "Gordok", "Konoto", "Tyra", and "Yew".
Missing or Presumed Dead: "Willow", "Valen", "Caleph", "Glagg", "Timozar".

As the battle for the wall was over, the party was made aware of the movement of squads of duergar that
began to form in the courtyard below. Timozar and Caleph disappeared in a flash of green smoke, but in their place Gloff and Tonoto appeared. The party was concerned as to sudden disappearance and reappearance of the fellow adventurers. As some began to ask what had happened, others prepared on a strategy on what to do next as the dwarven footsteps echoed one stone courtyard below. Yew started to play a soft melody on his flute to begin a ritual that would provide some protection.

Enolo trying to prove him self to the higher powers above, decided to repel down the wall and head toward the sounds of the dwarves and parlay. As he approached within range, they attacked him by throwing javelins at the lone human in the darkness. At the cries of the Enolo, the rest of the party quickly re-acted to new ordeal. Geoff frustrated at being in the dark, brusquely asked for the rope that had daylight enchantment on it. Still powered by Khan's fly spell, he took to the air and dropped the rope amidst the dwarves hindering their sight. He then spotted Crush and flew to him to dispatch two dwarves that were directly below him. Geoff managed to swoop down and pick up one. Crush in the meantime decided to jump down and slice into a guard nearly hurting himself in the process. Yachino tried to make his way to the focal point of his field of darkness, hoping to use it as a means of cover. However he was unable to find it and broke off to save Enolo. The others made their way down to help Enolo as best as they could.

Yew upset and the overall recklessness of the situation was uncertain. He looked over the battlefield and felt that the odds were against them. They already expended much of their energy on just taking the wall. There were more than twenty armed soldiers and possible incoming, and did not like the odds. He yelled out among Caleph's remaining party members "Our leader is gone, and there is no one to pay us. I suggest a strategic retreat", and with that he began to climb down the web to the outside of the wall. Tyra, torn as what to do, surveyed the area and cast hypnotic pattern in order to stun some of the dwarves that moved forward and then followed Yew.

Geoff though was thrilled at flying, and hurled the dwarf he held aloft at a squad of dwarves. Then flew down and attacked with great ferocity as their feeble attempts to take him down. Iaquino began to move down unto the battlefield and began pelting the dwarves with his crossbow. Crush continued his battle against the dwarf defending himself, but then the odds changes when another duergar joined his fellow companion. Gloff who had followed Enolo was also surrounded by dwarves, but he called upon the elements and caused the earth to crack, tripping every dwarf around him.  Konoto saw an opportunity and cast lightning bolt, further reducing the numbers and jumped down to the battlefield as well to engage in the fight. However, he had injured himself in the process. Khan continued to shoot bolts of fire at the dwarves, while Gordok looked for some mechanism to open the gate. Not seeing any he decided to move down the wall as well. Tyra had followed Yew and when he safely got to the down on the other side of the wall, he took his flute and played a tune to inspire her. Once she got down he gave her a scroll and asked her to read it, focusing on the Sigil for the Adventurer's Guild of Gnomenheim. Yew, had a contingency plan just in case things went sour. One that he had hope not to use, but now seemed like a certain time.

As the battle went on Geoff slaughtered even more of the dwarves, laughing off there feeble attempts to pierce his skin. The other pressed on fighting, Enolo amazing surviving blows from the dwarves surrounding him. While Gloff wildshaped into a Giant Toad. The dwarves who were not effected by Tyra's spell, surrounded Konoto...but as soon as one of them tried to hit him...they were all paralyzed by his strange void magics. Seeing the odds not in his favor, he decided to Misty Step through the wall and follow Yew. Gordok got their just in time to see Konoto vanish. Khan aware of what was going on below with Yew and Tyra, focused on fighting it out through, casting charm on the dwarves that would soon be engaged with Gordok giving him some advantage. As Yew timed it out, he wrote his Sigil in magic on the wall matching it's natural coloration with prestidigitation. He would hope that the Teleportation Circle's magic would cover up the resonance a simple cantrip, going undetected for the next hour. He then nodded to Tyra and stepped through. Tyra seeing how Konoto was injured pushed him through moments before the Teleportation Circle closed. She bravely climbed up the webs to rejoin the fight.

Despite how things looked Geoff took down many people, while the others soon dispatched everyone else and the giant toad who was hopping mad. Two of the dwarves fled into the main keep, and Iaquino attempted to stop them, but they made it just in time. Sadly Crash was gutted down by the duergar who was bravely defending his keep from these invaders. Geoff saw what happened and tore him apart. However, one of the captains who was fighting Enolo was left. He had put up a valiant fight, and it was amazing that Enolo was not dispatched. Enolo could have sworn he saw his life flash before his eyes, but was still standing. They party quickly surrounded the lone capatin and despite his best efforts, was eventually subdued after a few tries from several people.

Meanwhile Yew had arrived safely back at one of the receiving rooms for individuals who had access to the Adventuring Guild's Teleport Glyph. Before he could explain anything Konoto showed up right behind him. Yew quickly informed her that "He was with the party sent to the Duergar Mines under Caleph and Iaquino from a few days ago, they had rescued Khan from the scouting party, and they had found King Rylosh's fortress". Knowing the guildmaster would want to hear this, she lead them to his office. Yew informed the guildmaster once again of what had occured and this time added that "Yew had left his personal glyph to use as a focus for any teleport spells." The guildmaster intrigued began to head back toward the teleportation room. Yew went on to explain, "If they are in need of reinforcement or were successful, you have the location of the fortress. If you can secure this area, not only does the guild establish a foothold, but you would have access to all its stores, as I am sure their contract only stipulates the fee they will get for their mission, and since you provided back-up and securing the place, the guild gains control of the property and the flow of palladium. If they protest, fees for their 'rescue' could be incurred."         

Gnomenheim Adventure Path 02

The Road Thus Far....

GM: Myles

Players: "Iaqino", "Geoff", "Crash", and "Khan".
               "Caleph", "Enolo", "Gordok", "Timozar", "Tyra", and "Yew".
Missing or Presumed Dead: "Willow", "Valen", "Gloff", "Glagg", "Konato".

Location: Lair of the Purple Worm 

After the group had dispatched the purple worm and secured a resting place, they went through the worms body for loot. After find useful items from it carcass, they rested up while Geoff took watch.

Meanwhile back in Amberlight, Enolo and Valen had been waiting for another of Caleph's companion to show up that was catching up. Timozar, a human bard, had been given a small locator stone by Konato to allow him to track them and catch up. Timozar managed to brave his way through the mine tunnels, the mushroom forest, to the ruins of Amberlight where he met up with Enolo. Valen had waited long enough and decided to explore the ruins further to find the remaining dopplegangers. Enolo and Timozar head toward Konato. They eventually found the group, but no Konato. Geoff recognizing Enolo, was not concerned but told him to take watch so he could sleep. In a few hours everyone would be up.

Once everyone was up they needed to decide what to do next. Iaqino decided to explore further back, where Crash had entered a side tunnel. The side tunnel slopped downward and led to a cliff face with a drop. He could only hear silence, but the drop was well beyond 60ft, and there was no sign of Crash.

Meanwhile Yew decided to skip some stones in the water, waiting for everyone to decide what to do. Caleph was meditating in order to cast a few rituals that would be helpful. Enolo feeling up for a game of chance, challenged Yew. Yew being sly, used  a cantrip to con Enolo out of 10gp. Geoff seeing that this could be profitable decided to join in and throw a large rock, which only made it to the shore of the pond.
Gordok decided to play with Geoff and they had their on rock tossing contest.

Caleph was ready for the first ritual and cast water breathing on everyone. He then again quickly meditated for the second ritual. Khan decided to explore the whirlpool that was draining the water from the cavern. Yew tied a rope around Khan, with Geoff as an anchor and explored the whirlpool. The whirlpool was simply draining the water from the cavern. The whirlpool was big enough even for Geoff to jump in.
As Khan was examining it, both Enolo and Timozar decided to take the plunge and jumped in to everyone's surprise. Caleph was ready to cast his second ritual, when he noted to of his party was missing....he had doubting thought again on why he hired those two. Those that were up top benefited from water walking, courtesy of Caleph.

Location: Kingdom of the Duergar
Crash had been waiting for sometime for his companions. They seemed not to after follow him, so he went on and explore the walls that the Duergar were guarding. After some time he had managed to get a good idea of the entire perimeter, but he decided to see if there was a secret way in. He used his ability to speak with plants to talk to the local mushrooms. They informed him of the areas they knew about, who far the wall spread and how deep, as well as a few areas in which were not as well guarded. Taking the mushroom's advice he heading for one of these weak area in the wall and managed to bypass the guards there and walk into a hallway. As he explored the hall, he came upon a room with a Duergar Alchemist in the midst of mixing some potions.  

Location: The King's Path
Timozar and Enolo had gone down the whirlpool and into a waterslide like tunnel. Enolo was enjoying his way down the tube, but Timozar had tripped and was be bashed against the sides of the water tunnel. Eventually both were jettisoned out onto a lake. Unfortunately for them it was pitch dark, as neither of them had darkvision or a light source. They could feel the pull of a current and decided to drift along.

Meanwhile Caleph was upset that they had to go and trying to find these two guys. Iaquino came back when they jumped and then raced to the cliff's edge. He was hoping he would hear them or see them, but empty silence greeted him once again. Seeing that the whirlpool didn't connect, they all decided to go in after them jumping through the whirlpool. Each one jumped in and was jettisoned out onto the lake like the two other before. Yew being the first one, quickly breached the surface and walked on it, drying himself off with a cantrip and moving out of the way of on coming people. He was about to light a torch when Geoff plopped in and then grabbed his leg. The current pulling them both down. When Iaquino came down he got up and saw there was a shoreline and headed there. As the others came out he guided them there. In the distance though they could here a cry for help.

As expected the current did lead somewhere, the edge of a cliff where the water was tumbling down. Timozar yelled for help as he would be soon swept over. Caleph, Iaquino, and Yew heard the cries. Geoff decided to get out of the water and started running with Iaquino down the river with Yew behind them with a torch in hand. Caleph meanwhile had turned into a shark and swam downriver. There they found Timozar and Enolo moments away from going over a waterfall. Caleph rescued Enolo, while Geoff got Timozar. Iaquino was along the shoreline and detected movement above the ceiling. Caleph cast daylight upon the rope used to rescue Timozar, scaring the creatures above them. It also gave them a view of the waterfall.

Meanwhile Khan, Gordok, and Tyra were examining the shore and found a wall on the side of the cavern with a door. The door had some etched runes on it which simple read in dwarvish "The King's Path". Khan, using his knowledge of spells deduced that the runes may be trapped with a alarm of some sorts. If someone other than the intended individual were to open the door it would set the enchantment off. They were trying to figure a way to bypass it.

Caleph and the other's made it to the shoreline and examined the waterfall. It had purposely been worked, and far below they could make out a stone canopy and bridge. They could possibly jump down and take the bridge. They went to go and consult with Khan to see if he would be able to come up with a plan. When everyone met up again, they had discussed what they had found. There was a door that clearly marked the King's Path and probably lead to the destination they wanted, but was trapped. The other option was going down the waterfall and to the bridge. After a brief discussion it was decided it would be safer to go though the door. They would ambush anyone if they came out....but when Caleph opened the door, it simply lead to a hall that had stairs going down. Geoff somewhat disappointed of no impending battle followed Enolo down with Yew and Khan bringing up the rear.

Location: Chamber of the Alchemist
Crash had managed to fine one lone Duergar preoccupied with his work, he snuck in and decided to ambush the guy with a quick crossbolt to the back. However the Alchemist was not so easily dispatched as he dug in his heels and battled Crash one on one. The half-elf used every trick in his arsenal, including throwing bags of balling bearings hoping to break some of the bottles. However, the alchemist managed to get the upper hand and reversed gravity trapping Crash on the ceiling. He then simply bolted out the door and locked it calling for re-enforcement.   

Location: The Kingdom of the Duergar
The group followed the hallways spiral eery downward until it came to a landing with a wooden bridge, the same bridge they saw from the waterfall. To their right was the waterfall, and they continued down the path until crossbow bolts struck in front of Enolo. These were warning shots and Enolo put out the torch. Yew though ran up to Gordok and asked for him to yell in dwarvish "We are here to see King Rylosh on behalf of Gnomenheim, and want to parlay". Unfortunately they were not in the mood for talking as more bolts were fired and missed.

Ahead of them the gates slammed shut, and they could dimly see a wall 60 feet high manned by at least six duergar with crossbolts pointed directly at them. The group quickly went into offensive options as Khan would cast fly on Geoff, with Gordok riding atop to get to the wall. Yew, Enolo, and the other ran up to the wall, while the rest supported cover as best as possible with bolts of fire and arrows. As Gordok and Geoff got on the wall ready to battle, Yew cast Shatter using his flute to blast a duergar from below. The duergar;s eardrums exploded, and although Gordok took some of the brunt he managed to step though and finish the grey dwarf. Geoff was prepared for his assault but was disappointed when Tyra managed to mesmrize all of them with a hypnotic pattern, and then the last two were engulfed in a sphere of darkness. Geoff yelled for them to stop helping him!!! He took out his rage of the first dwarf who was cut apart, and barely was able to yell out as the purple wyrm poison coursed through his vains. Stepping into the clould of darkness Geoof continued his assault and killed another. Caleph had summoned some giant spiders that were now making their way up the wall providing some webbing for the other to climb up and heading to the other dwarves.
The remaining duergar attempted to stop Gordok, but he was able to block their attacks with ease. Again Yew supported him with a cloud of dagger that began to mince the dwarf with cuts as Gordok sliced it in half. The spider made there way up there and cocooned the last remaining dwarves. Geoff in his rage didn't care and chopped his dwarf in half, kicking it outside the wall. While Gordok finished the other dwarf with ease and looked out pass the wall. As Enolo managed to get atop of the wall, he and Gordok saw a small battalion of dwarves get into formation....ready for battle as their wall had been breached.

Closing
Crash had finally managed to free himself and get outisde the alchemist's chamber and climb up onto a roof to avoid the guards. In the distance he could see Geoff clearing the wall of the last dwarf guard.

Quest Goals to Accomplish Still
-Caleph and company are trying to locate Vespa.
-Iaqino, Geoff, and Crash still have to fulfill their mission. They have an obligation to rescue the missing adventurers sent by the guild and clear out the duergar menace.
-Khan, being the only member rescued from the scouting party is trying to find the other members his group. He still must make his report to the Adventure's Guild.
-Gloff and Konato are missing in action

Total XP 120

Gnomenheim Adventure Path 01

The Road Thus Far....

GM: Myles

Players: "Iaqino", "Geoff", "Crash", "Yew", and "Khan".
               "Caleph", "Gordok", "Konato", and "Tyra".
               "Paladin of Pelor"
Missing or Presumed Dead: "Willow", "Valen", "Enolo", "Gloff".


Location: Ruins of Amberlight, Quartermaster's Chamber
After holding up for the night in the quartermaster's chamber, the newly combined party pondered what to do next. Iaqino, Geoff, and Gloff still had their mission to fulfill on behalf of the adventurer's guild, despite the loss of several of their party members. Caleph was determined to find Vespa, and decided that it would be best to combine forces as if there was a stronghold within the these caves, she may have journeyed there or was captured at worse by what ever cabal of evil doers tricked her!

It had bothered Caleph that an imposter had been walking among the world, and it weighed on his mind what this being had possibly been doing with the other group. Geoff and Gloff seemed to have had a close rapport with the imposter, and they seemed they could be useful. He asked Geoff and the other were this imposter's body was as he wanted to possibly determine what it was up to. They told him it wasn't far, just a level up from where they were in a great hall where they fell through during a cave-in.

Ioqino, the Ranger, Gloff, and Enolo stayed behind while Geoff led them to the great hall.

Location: Hall of Amberlight
It was by sheer luck that Khan and Yew were not crushed under the pile of rubble. The last thing they remembered was setting up camp with the others and then falling into darkness. They had no idea how long they had been trapped. They were both separated, and both attempted to try to dig themselves out.
During their attempts they at least figured out that they had survived and were only a few feet from eachother, Yew knew he could survive a bit longer as he did not need air, but Khan only had a matter of hours.

Meanwhile Geoff had showed Caleph were the imposter was. Caleph was incensed that anyone would presume that this was Caleph as the imposter had no idea of the quality of material of his clothing, the REAL Caleph had much better fashion sense. It was passable, but anyone who really knew Caleph would recognize the inferior quality of those clothes.

Yew heard Caleph's slashing commentary on the imposter's clothes and begin to yell, and Khan followed suit. Realizing there were some survivors, Geoff and Caleph planned a way to get them out. Konato used his ability to alter part of his arm to that of a beetle and began to dig into the rubble. Meanwhile Geoff took a step back and rammed the rubble with his Goliath strength. He began pounding and smash the small boulders until he finally uncovered a dazed and very alarm Khan who was worried of another collapse of rubble.
Meanwhile Caleph called upon his druidic powers and summoned two large spiders who began to spin supports to keep the rubble in place, and using that suspension begin to remove the rocks soon uncovering
Yew. Caleph knowing there was to be questions quickly explained that HE was the REAL Caleph and they had been traveling with an imposter, he made them an offer to help him find Vespa and pursue their goal for the Adventurer's Guild. They soon all headed back down to the ruins of Amberlight.  


Location: Gnomenheim Adventurer's Guild
A few days ago, Willow and the The Paladin of Pelor had journeyed into the mines after hearing about some troubles with deep dwarves. They had decided to take care of the problem for themselves, further testing their might in the service of their respective gods. They had encountered a rescue group sent by the adventurer's guild of Gnomenheim as a rescue party for their missing scouting mission. They helped them take down a duergar fortification. Willow would stay with the group, while the Paladin of Pelor heded back to Gnomenheim to let the Adventurer's Guild know of their progress and collect the bounty on a few heads.
She had gotten to the outskirts of the town when she sensed something had happened to Willow.

Location: Ruins of Amberlight
While Geoff and Caleph's party went to the hall. Iaqino was watching the canals of the ruins. As he was looking around for anything that posed a threat, he noticed that Crash had conveniently floated in.
All this time Crash was swimming and contemplating the meaning of his life, what peanut's ambitions were, and why he was having a midlife crisis during and adventure. Sure as a ranger he could always say he was just scouting, but soon lost track of time just floating down the river and down a side chute that had deposited him in some underground city.

He was glad to see Iaqino and was going to surprise him, but he was spotted. They just gave each other a silent nod of acknowledgement. Crash decided to explore a but around the ruins. He came to an area of the ruins that seemed to have been tunneled through, it even broke the wall of the canal that enough of the water was carving its way down as a stream. He decided to go and explore alone.

Meanwhile the others had returned from the Hall and with both Khan and Yew. They had asked about the fate of Willow, but he was still missing. After a few minutes of discussion they decided to explore the ruins further and head in the direction that Crash went and soon discovered the mysterious tunnel.  

Meanwhile the Valen, Gloff, and Enolo would hold up in the Ruins of Amberlight for bit and perhaps explore the ruins further to what else they could uncover.

Location: A Natural Tunnel
Crash made his way along the tunnel, he noted that this was no ordinary tunnel. It was not natural or man made, so he quickly made his way as far down as he could. He saw that at the end of the tunnel, the stream had pooled into a large pond which seemed to drain somewhere below, a natural whirlpool could be seen disturbing the water. There was also a huge purple worm seeming at rest curled at the end.
He would wait for his companions, but became bored with the idea and decided to explore a side cavern he had pass. He followed the passage way down and found had ended in a sharp drop. He decided to explore the drop and it seemed that there a lake underneath.

Caleph and company made there way down the tunnel and began to notice along the floor of the tunnel that there were mounds of fresh dirt spaced along the way. It was in one of these mound they discovered the remains of a skeletal humanoid dressed in plate mail. They went over and check another mound and came across some dissolved bio-matter. They deduced that it must be some sort of creature. Caleph asked Tyra if she knew of any suck creature that could do this. She soon examined the body and the mounds. After looking at the bite marks through the plate mail, she deduced that the tunnel they were was bored by a Purple Worm and that the individual was eating by it. Caleph tooke precaution and cast pass without trace and Iaqino blended into the shadows. Khan, Konato, and Yew were soon seemingly left on there own.

Caleph and crew quickly went up the tunnel with Iaquino behind them. Yew tied a rope to Khan and Konato, hoping that Konato could guide them out as he was the only one who could see in these dark tunnels. They could hear the rest up ahead and hope they could catch up to the rest of the party.,  

Crash had decided to skillfully maneuver down the wall to the water. While he was waiting he had discovered that the water below contained some bio-luminescent microorganisms that shed a blue light when the water was disturbed. Intrigued he dived down into the lake gracefully and was momentarily surrounded by the soft glow of blue light. After it dissipated he broke the surface of the water and just floated on his back. Eventually he decided to look around and noticed that there was a shoreline a few feet from here, to him it seemed that there was a large island to rest. The landmass was covered with a glade of large mushrooms and other fungi. He would relax here for a while.


Location: Lair of the Purple Worm
Caleph and company finally came to the end of the tunnel and encountered a very large purple worm curled up by a large pond where the water was draining into. They were discussing what to do and seemed to decided to go back and try the side passage they passed back. Yew, Khan, Konato, and Iaqino had caught up with them. Caleph informed them that at the end of the tunnel was a lair of a purple worm. Geoff after all this time wanted something to test his might upon and Konato knew the value of a Purple Worm. While Caleph and Iaqino were discussing the best way to proceed down the new passage, Konato soon convinced the group that they should dispatch the worm. When Caleph learned that his party had decided to fight such a formidable enemy he protested. However Khan used his magic to influence Caleph, making the prospect of dispatching said worm more appealing.

Geoff had came up with a brilliant plan as he had been thinking of a thousand ways to battle the worm. He had heard tales from his tribe about brave warriors taking down such worms single handedly. These non-goliath would share such an honor in witnessing his heroic triumph. Using his flask of oils, having Caleph sustain the pass without trace, and using khan's and yew's magic to set alight the flask of oil they would surprise the worm. There plan went off magnificently as Yew's Cloud of Dagger spells broke the flask and spewed the oil all over the worm and then was sent aflame by Khan. As the worm shrieked in agony the Iaqino and Konato fired arrows, Khan continued to send bolt of flame, and Caleph summoned a pack of wolves. The worm soon burrowed into the ground, putting out the flames and reemerging a few feet from Gordok. Geoff charged and cut into the great worm and Gordok attacked as well. Caleph pack manuvered itself once again and pounced upon the worm. Khan again using his magic, assaulted the worm a clever illusion that bit into it's psyche. Enraged in pain it attacked engulfed Gordok whole and once again burrowed into the earth. Again it reared  this time in front of Khan, but before it could do anything the wolves once again pounced upon it and killed it much to the dismay and horror of Geoff. His loud cry of "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" could be heard through ought the mountain as he was once again denied the final kill.


Location: Kingdom of the Duergar
Despite the impressive battle that was taking place somewhere overhead, Crash did not hear or notice a single thing as he napped.  When he awoke he decided to explore a bit more of the fungal glad. He soon came upon a clearing and noticed a paved path and followed it. He soon discovered a large settlement, armed guard were patrolling along the walls. He already had surmised he had found the seat King Rylosh.
To get a better look at a guard, he threw a rock at it head. The guard had no idea where the rock came from and turned to get a better look, and indeed these were deurgar.

Closing
After rescue Gordok from the bowels of the Purple Worm, Geoff jumped down into the carcass tearing at it stomach to find some treasure for the kill he was denied. The goop that he was throwing out and fling around was being searched through by some of the other party members. Caleph was amazed that Geoff hadn't sustained further damage from the corrosive nature of the creature's stomach acid as he gathered a vial for himself. Konato meanwhile gathered teeth, sinew, and scales in attempt to harvest as mush as he could.
They decided to make camp and rest, both Tyra and Yew providing some calming music for a rest and erecting a shelter for the time.
.
Quest Goals to Accomplish Still
-Caleph and company are trying to locate Vespa still. Yew offered a job, is now working for Caleph.
-Iaqino, Geoff, and Crash still have to fulfill their mission despite heavy party loses. They have an obligation to rescue the missing adventurers sent by the guild and clear out the duergar menace.
-Khan, being the only member rescued from the scouting party is trying to find the other members his group. He still must make his report to the Adventure's Guild.
-Gloff, Enolo, and the Valen are still in the Ruins of Amberlight

Total Party XP Awarded: 950 xp 
 

Terrible Writing Advice Series

This too true for some games, some modules took the time i the past to go in depth! If you look at the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting for 2E and 3E, a wealth of information was published!! I miss those good days. Ecologies are very important!!!

Definitely a good guide to instruct new players........lol.

Yes, as we all know all players are the chosen one. hahahahahahahaha!

Gnomenheim Adventure Path 00: Part 2

Location: Zangar Mire outside Amberlight

Caleph and company made their way carefully through the mire, avoiding the natural hazards by staying close to a well traveled path through the fungal forest. All the while squawks made them nervous as they could here things darting around them but never coming within site. It came to Caleph's attention that some of these mushrooms might be useful. He soon spotted a few edible mushrooms that could be used for fermentation and cooking. The larger mushroom were probably used as lumber, as evidence from the duergar fort. Tyra recalled that some of the mushrooms would be valuable to some spellcasters and identified that many of the glowy mushrooms were, glowcaps! She began to stuff a bag full of them. The other party members had asked what she was doing....she shared this juicy bit of info and they likewise filled a pouch.

Gordok curious as to the taste swallowed one, he felt very relaxed and happy that he came along on the adventure. This was definitely fun.

As they continued them came to a section of the mire that seemed to have swiftly flowing outlet of water. A deep channels could be seen up ahead that the water flowed  over. What caught their interests was a group of cockatrice struggling to stay afloat as they were curried down the waterway, struggling against the undertow. There was a quick discussion on how much they could be worth and if they could be made into pets, but before the party could act upon anything they went under. Only a trail of bubbles was the only clue that they were there a few second earlier.

Curious as to where they came from, they followed the channel to a landing along the cavern wall. There was a large stone slab across the channel along the wall. At either side there were two archways some 15 feet high. They were thinking of swimming under the stone slab to see what was on the other side. Yet Konato took it upon himself to dimension door pass the archways hoping to find himself on the otherside. He soon discovered there was a canal here and a constructed tunnel with a channel. It was dimly illuminated with amber crystals along the walls and there seemed to be doorways and some bridges. He broke off a crystal and figured to use it as a key on the divet along the inner archway. The party was surprised when he opened he door and found themselves in some sort of settlement. The door closed with a thud.

Location: Ruins of Amberlight
Caleph and company were standing on the right side of a canal. A small walkway some 5 feet across were along either side of the canal. In the distance it could be seen that these walkways branched off into side passages and smaller canals  joined the main one was well. To be on the safe side Caleph cast water walk on them all, making sure that none would fall and be carried away by the swift current.

Meanwhile the Valen was consulting his tome on what to do about petrification. Fortunately he remember that his ability did allow him to cast a lesser restoration which would indeed cure Iaqino of his affliction. As soon the spell was cast Iaqino found himself in the 10 x 10 foot room again, experiencing Deja Vu as they were just in here...but he last remembered..... before this question could be solved a loud thud was heard outside in the canals. Geoff and Gloff stepped outward and prepared for the worst.

Geoff immediately found himself glowing green, Caleph and company had noticed him and managed to quickly pull of a defensive spell. Geoff and Gloff immediately recognized Caleph and called out. Valen immediately called out to parlay and talk things through.

Geoff and Gloff were trying to explain that they knew him, they were adventuring buddies. They had traveled with him for quite sometime and had been hired out to rescue some adventurers and clear out some duergar.
Caleph was taken aback as he would never sort with their kind, well at least by choice off hand, perhaps if they were useful, Geoff perhaps...but not a half-orc. Gloff quickly cast faire fire and surrounded Caleph in a purple glow. They also mentioned that their Caleph turned out to be some purple guy too, a doppleganger.

It was at this point it all made sense to him. Vespa would have never have left so discretely, she surely was lured away by this false Caleph and lead astray. She could be down here captured. This false Caleph could be part of a larger plot, after all he was a rather awesome druid. As he was lost in thought and talking out loud to some unknown force he lost concentration to his spell. He noticed everyone was starring at him. Gloff had dropped his spell too. Soon though the High Elven ranger started to exchange not so friendly words with the Wood Elf Druid. Tensions began to rise again, Konato bored had went on to explore some of the other rooms, in the first they had passed he found a library of books. Tanya, Gordok, and Enolo joined him. As they entered the room, both Caleph and the Valen claimed first rights, and soon another exchange of words took place. Tyra soon discovered a very dark secret of the settlement they were in. Apparently this library was the Quartermaster's Office of Amberlight..  

According to Ledgers of the Quartermaster of Amberlight.
-Contact with the surface dwellers was a welcome. A party of our sunlight cousins and dwarves have reached us. They were very impressed with our humble town. An enterprising gnome who was a founding member of an adventurer's guild wanted to conduct some trade with us. The elder is very excited to finally get some apples. We are all very excited by these new prospects!
-Receipt: Copy  for 10 bushels of apples, 12 music boxes, an astronomy chart,astrolabe, 14 cases of elven pear blossom wine. Exchange for 4 boxes of ambe rquartz, 5 boxes of sapphires, 25lbs of salt, 15 lbs of Various Glowcap. Elder is pleased.
-Our sunlit cousins have asked about some of the ores our clan has been mining the area for generations. They seemed disappointed, according to one of the dwarves whom I drank with they were originally on a field expedition looking for rich veins. Personally I am disappointed. It was true what my grandfather said about surface dwellers I guess.
-We have received a lot of plants, some of them are very pretty. They are in demand in our markets. This is definitely and improvement to the taste of mushroom. It seems on the surface they have a things called seasons that cause different plants to grow from time to time. We have been getting a good variety of stuff. People are happy.
-The duergar have attacked us once again. For years they have been curious about the increased activity along the caverns. Surface dwellers really make too much noise. King Rylosh has sent his ambassador to speak with the Elder. Their threats are hallow. We are blessed by the elements, the stones keep us safe.
Nothing will make us give up our apples!!! Especially when we found out they come in all sorts of colors and

flavors!
-The Elder is confused. Trade had gone on for years now. There are no more apples all of a sudden. Our surface cousins want to know where the soft metals are. They have accused us on holding out. Honestly the surface dwellers are temperamental. I miss the apples."
-Elder Jasperblade is dead. The council is selecting a new Elder. As of today, we are giving reverence to him. May he return to the earth, and may the earth return him one day.
-I write this now as a record. Renarl has magically sealed the my office. A few survivors and I will be teleporting away from here soon. The earth elementals are doing their best to defend and ferry us away....deep...deep...deep underground. We thought they came to honor Elder Jasperblade, that sun-scorched leader of the adventurer's guild came. He was the one who wanted that useless ore, he demanded that we give him access to the ores. Do they not understand that the veins of the earth are our lifeblood? Gnomish death squads.... why would the surface dwellers have devices that are powered by the flames of their killer sun?

Closing
After digesting what they had  just learned, they decided to rest in this office. It was safe and secure for the time being.
Quest Goals to Accomplish Still
-Caleph and company will integrate the party with them. Hopefully they kind find some clue to Vespa and encounter uncover what the dopplegangers are up to.
-Valen has decided to tag along, it would give him a chance to hone his skills. He is likewise intrigued  to the plot that has unfolded.
-Iaqino, Geoff, and Gloff still have to fulfill their mission despite heavy party loses. They have an obligation to rescue the missing adventurers sent by the guild and clear out the duergar menace.

Total Party XP Awarded: 1,000 xp