The dinner with the Baron of Harkenwold, Jonn Stockmer, and his family - wife Amirah, older son Lennon, younger son Ayaan - with the Defenders of Harkenwold went well. Alesia Gravelstoke was also invited as a guest, but sent her regretful apologies and did not attend. Leth had already left Harken, as a former Iron Circle member he was generally spurned by the Harken villagers and decided to head north to get work as a sailor on the rivers of the Nentir Vale. He said to look him up when the party got there. Esa flew (literally) down from Albridge that day and although was fatigued, she was her usual self.
On the night of the dinner Grimbald was on his best behaviour and RL copied the others with exaggerated care. Vakiel was old enough and experienced enough to cope with the social situation, Esa didn't really care but her chattiness and attempt to hold back on the snark got her through, and Augustin was with family and was used to these occasions. The party noticed that the Stockmer's appeared to have mostly recovered from their ordeal. The Baron walks with the aid of a cane, and the older son Lennon is quiet and withdrawn.
The food was good but plain, nothing like the lavish fare supplied at Gravelstoke Manor. The Baron and his family all express their gratefulness to the party for their role in saving the lives that they could, and they toast those Harkenwolders that were lost during the Iron Circle's occupation.
It was a pleasant night overall, and it drew to a close peaceably.
Grimbald expresses the news that he heard the Iron Circle are active in the Nentir Vale to the north, trying to worm their way into controlling villages, although there appear to have been some setbacks for them. He tells them about the villages of Orlane where there seems to be a cult that has even rebuffed the Iron Circle, and Mistwatch where a disease seems to have appeared after the Iron Circle convinced the village head to join them. The others also remember that Iron Circle members were seen heading to Thunderspire Mountain. While defeated and with less power, it seems the remaining Iron Circle members are still trying to exert influence.
The days and weeks passed quickly, the weather colder and the rains even more frequent. The trails have become muddy, although the roads so far are solid, being purpose built for the rainy weather.
RL continues his potion making, Esa continues her lessons in Infernal with Shepherd the tiefling in Albridge. Augustin helps around wherever he is needed, and trains and takes care of his new companion and mount - a dire wolf! Vakiel is finally able to move around without nerve pain dogging him and Grimbald acquaints himself with the lands around Harken Village.
The time is approaching of the new moon, so the party make ready to do one foray while the tower is dormant, and then again on the moonless night when the tower is lit.
RL will with some uncertainty present his gift to Grimbald, this is something new for RL. He hasnt until recently worried about others but this party is making him reconsider the lack of friends previously. He hands over a largish package wrapped up in sacking. The packge is very light for its size.
'You have shown me so much about how to behave towards peoples in these civilised areas of the world. I am grateful for this and wanted to present you with this token to help keep you safe. I hope that this is something that you will find useful in our adventures. If it doesnt please you then I will be hapy to take it back.'
made from the discarded Carapace of an Ankheg. it is a dark brown and tan color, the armor is insectoid in nature
This armor consists of a fitted metal chest piece worn with supple leather. Although it leaves the legs and arms relatively unprotected, this armor provides good protection for the wearer's vital organs while leaving the wearer relatively unencumbered.
Grimbald sits and stares quietly for a long time. So much so RL would feel the gift was unwanted. Then RL finds himself in a vice like grapple from Grimbald. Grimbald senses RL stiffness "Its a hug RL! a big fat Dwarven hug." Grimbald leans back, holding RL firm by his forearms. Grimbald has tears flowing from his eyes and nose. "you mean you have got this made just for me?, it's shaped like my chest!." Grimbald immediately strips to bare chest, upsetting some resident squirrels, and puts the Ankheg Breatplate. "Hit me RL...Hit me in the chest real hard.. swing something at me!"
Grimbald sits and stares quietly for a long time. So much so RL would feel the gift was unwanted. Then RL finds himself in a vice like grapple from Grimbald. Grimbald senses RL stiffness "Its a hug RL! a big fat Dwarven hug." Grimbald leans back, holding RL firm by his forearms. Grimbald has tears flowing from his eyes and nose. "you mean you have got this made just for me?, it's shaped like my chest!." Grimbald immediately strips to bare chest, upsetting some resident squirrels, and puts the Ankheg Breatplate. "Hit me RL...Hit me in the chest real hard.. swing something at me!"
RL looks relieved and almost enjoys having his ribs squeezed. He takes his club and swings it at Grimbalds chest while praying to the mother than the plate holds. Attack: 18 Damage: 9
Augustin would like to visit the armoury and make some weapon changes if possible.
Pick up a crossbow and maybe some kind of lance if he can find it. He finds himself carrying quiet a lot of unnecessary items.
The town's folk were initially weary as he wrestled with the wolf on occasion, however, he was able to reassure them that it meant him and them no harm. It generally waits outside the village quietly for Augustin when called for and guards are used to seeing the beast emerge from the nearest treeline now. Usually at the same time Augustin heads past them.
As above, Augustin has just been helping everyone out as much as possible, however, as time goes on he can be seen training more and more to get back into shape to see what is in this tower.
Augustin can be found at the main entrance to the town, patiently standing beside his wolf. Occasionally a brave child will walk up to pat the big doggo, which Augustin allows.
There's a lance in the armoury, an old one and Gour Brown, the new Captain of the Guard (the old one having been killed defending the Baron) blows dust off it and hands it to Augustin.
"You're welcome to it, it's only taking up room here. Not even the Iron Circle wanted it."
He hands Augustin a crossbow as well, and a case of 20 bolts. There are a lot of these weapons, left over from the Iron Circle occupation of Harken. "Here you go, have fun! Feel free to use our training range. Although to be fair a crossbow is designed to be used by those with little skill. It's why all the part time militia are given crossbows. Point and shoot. We're going to make use of all these armour and weapons left behind, we're building a militia that can supplement the town guard in case the Iron Circle come back. We'll be ready for them this time. We cannot let this happen again. We got soft and complacent, too caught up in our own troubles during hard times. If nothing else the Iron Circle - and your example, if I may say so - has reminded people we're in this together and we need to work together, and keep an eye on the world beyond our village."
He sighs. "Listen to me, rabbiting on like some old veteran. Anyway, things will be different if another threat comes. A lot different."
Grimbald sits and stares quietly for a long time. So much so RL would feel the gift was unwanted. Then RL finds himself in a vice like grapple from Grimbald. Grimbald senses RL stiffness "Its a hug RL! a big fat Dwarven hug." Grimbald leans back, holding RL firm by his forearms. Grimbald has tears flowing from his eyes and nose. "you mean you have got this made just for me?, it's shaped like my chest!." Grimbald immediately strips to bare chest, upsetting some resident squirrels, and puts the Ankheg Breatplate. "Hit me RL...Hit me in the chest real hard.. swing something at me!"
RL looks relieved and almost enjoys having his ribs squeezed. He takes his club and swings it at Grimbalds chest while praying to the mother than the plate holds. Attack: 25 Damage: 7
(From chat when Chris was having trouble logging in)
Grimbald flies back and lands on his butt. “I’m glad you’re on our side RL’. He gets up, braces. ‘AGAIN! Haha! ‘
Grimbald sits and stares quietly for a long time. So much so RL would feel the gift was unwanted. Then RL finds himself in a vice like grapple from Grimbald. Grimbald senses RL stiffness "Its a hug RL! a big fat Dwarven hug." Grimbald leans back, holding RL firm by his forearms. Grimbald has tears flowing from his eyes and nose. "you mean you have got this made just for me?, it's shaped like my chest!." Grimbald immediately strips to bare chest, upsetting some resident squirrels, and puts the Ankheg Breatplate. "Hit me RL...Hit me in the chest real hard.. swing something at me!"
RL looks relieved and almost enjoys having his ribs squeezed. He takes his club and swings it at Grimbalds chest while praying to the mother than the plate holds. Attack: 25 Damage: 7
(From chat when Chris was having trouble logging in)
Grimbald flies back and lands on his butt. “I’m glad you’re on our side RL’. He gets up, braces. ‘AGAIN! Haha! ‘
RL pulls his club back again, gives Grimbald a bit of a doubtful look and then swings forward again but stops the blow to lightly land on the breastplate. 'I didnt like doing it the first time, im certainly not going to do it again'.
We never did put the magic items from the last fight to use, who wants what? Also everyone gets 2 potions of healing from RL if they havent already added them.
Esa will take the spellbook with glee but she looks doubtfully at the circlet.
"I'll take it if no one wants it," she announces, sighing as if she is doing everyone a favour at some expense to herself. "It's marginally better than using my fire bolt, but I can only use it once."
After everyone takes what items they want, they prepare for their exploration of the tower. The month of Latesummer has given way to Harvestmoon, and the farmers are trying to protect their crops from the incessant rain. Drainage systems are constantly being dug, angled roofs on stilts cover some vegetable gardens, some used raised beds and / or cover crops to help absorb the moisture and prevent erosion.
Towards the end of Harvestmoon all the deciduous trees leaves start to turn to red and gold. The weather becomes even cooler and mist coming off the Mill Pond in the mornings is now a common occurence.
On the first day of the month of Redleaf, the party make ready for their first foray to the wizards tower. It is singularly uneventful and disappointing. The tower is square with four floors.
The 10' entrance with the doors that have been forced open. The entrance room on the ground floor shows abandoned plinths and bare walls that perhaps held statues and fine art. The remains of two statues are scattered on the floor, maybe broken by would be theives or vandals.
The second floor was probably once a kitchen and dining room. One of the shuttered windows is open and an abandoned birds nest is on top of a high cupboard. There is a square table, damaged from the elements, although oddly some of the damage seems to be from a bladed weapon.
The third floor was maybe a workshop for alchemy. Your boots crunch broken glass underfoot, and broken tables and alchemy equipment is scattered on the floor. It looks like there was an explosion, or series of explosions here. The ceiling looks like it has suffered heat from a great fire - blackened stone and bubbled paint - and a chunk of ceiling has fallen from the blast and smashed into a ceramic and metal vat which has leaked out some liquid that has stained and corroded the floor tiles. There is a rusted iron grate that has been badly corroded by something caustic, and swings open at a touch.
The fourth floor is pure white, even the window shutters are white. And pristine. Trying to move the shutters seems futile, as if they are magically glued in place. Otherwise the room is completely bare. Was this a summoning room, a spell casting practice room, a meditation room?
There is no access to the roof so this appears to be it.
Augustin would like to cast detect magic, after the initial explore of the building.
After everyone has got there bearings he will point out different areas of magical influence and direct whoever is closest to have a closer look at what is exuding magical influence. The rest of the time he can be seen pacing the room and counting, as if to make sure that dimensions are all correct and no hidden rooms exist, but also to determine how much room he has to swing a sceptre.
Performance check as requested. 12. Guidance 3
The dinner with the Baron of Harkenwold, Jonn Stockmer, and his family - wife Amirah, older son Lennon, younger son Ayaan - with the Defenders of Harkenwold went well. Alesia Gravelstoke was also invited as a guest, but sent her regretful apologies and did not attend. Leth had already left Harken, as a former Iron Circle member he was generally spurned by the Harken villagers and decided to head north to get work as a sailor on the rivers of the Nentir Vale. He said to look him up when the party got there. Esa flew (literally) down from Albridge that day and although was fatigued, she was her usual self.
On the night of the dinner Grimbald was on his best behaviour and RL copied the others with exaggerated care. Vakiel was old enough and experienced enough to cope with the social situation, Esa didn't really care but her chattiness and attempt to hold back on the snark got her through, and Augustin was with family and was used to these occasions. The party noticed that the Stockmer's appeared to have mostly recovered from their ordeal. The Baron walks with the aid of a cane, and the older son Lennon is quiet and withdrawn.
The food was good but plain, nothing like the lavish fare supplied at Gravelstoke Manor. The Baron and his family all express their gratefulness to the party for their role in saving the lives that they could, and they toast those Harkenwolders that were lost during the Iron Circle's occupation.
It was a pleasant night overall, and it drew to a close peaceably.
Grimbald expresses the news that he heard the Iron Circle are active in the Nentir Vale to the north, trying to worm their way into controlling villages, although there appear to have been some setbacks for them. He tells them about the villages of Orlane where there seems to be a cult that has even rebuffed the Iron Circle, and Mistwatch where a disease seems to have appeared after the Iron Circle convinced the village head to join them. The others also remember that Iron Circle members were seen heading to Thunderspire Mountain. While defeated and with less power, it seems the remaining Iron Circle members are still trying to exert influence.
The days and weeks passed quickly, the weather colder and the rains even more frequent. The trails have become muddy, although the roads so far are solid, being purpose built for the rainy weather.
RL continues his potion making, Esa continues her lessons in Infernal with Shepherd the tiefling in Albridge. Augustin helps around wherever he is needed, and trains and takes care of his new companion and mount - a dire wolf! Vakiel is finally able to move around without nerve pain dogging him and Grimbald acquaints himself with the lands around Harken Village.
The time is approaching of the new moon, so the party make ready to do one foray while the tower is dormant, and then again on the moonless night when the tower is lit.
Anything anyone would like to do beforehand?
RL will with some uncertainty present his gift to Grimbald, this is something new for RL. He hasnt until recently worried about others but this party is making him reconsider the lack of friends previously. He hands over a largish package wrapped up in sacking. The packge is very light for its size.
'You have shown me so much about how to behave towards peoples in these civilised areas of the world. I am grateful for this and wanted to present you with this token to help keep you safe. I hope that this is something that you will find useful in our adventures. If it doesnt please you then I will be hapy to take it back.'
On unwrapping the sacking Grimbald will find.
Ankheg Breastplate
made from the discarded Carapace of an Ankheg. it is a dark brown and tan color, the armor is insectoid in nature
This armor consists of a fitted metal chest piece worn with supple leather. Although it leaves the legs and arms relatively unprotected, this armor provides good protection for the wearer's vital organs while leaving the wearer relatively unencumbered.
Grimbald sits and stares quietly for a long time. So much so RL would feel the gift was unwanted. Then RL finds himself in a vice like grapple from Grimbald. Grimbald senses RL stiffness "Its a hug RL! a big fat Dwarven hug." Grimbald leans back, holding RL firm by his forearms. Grimbald has tears flowing from his eyes and nose. "you mean you have got this made just for me?, it's shaped like my chest!." Grimbald immediately strips to bare chest, upsetting some resident squirrels, and puts the Ankheg Breatplate. "Hit me RL...Hit me in the chest real hard.. swing something at me!"
RL looks relieved and almost enjoys having his ribs squeezed. He takes his club and swings it at Grimbalds chest while praying to the mother than the plate holds. Attack: 18 Damage: 9
Augustin would like to visit the armoury and make some weapon changes if possible.
Pick up a crossbow and maybe some kind of lance if he can find it. He finds himself carrying quiet a lot of unnecessary items.
The town's folk were initially weary as he wrestled with the wolf on occasion, however, he was able to reassure them that it meant him and them no harm. It generally waits outside the village quietly for Augustin when called for and guards are used to seeing the beast emerge from the nearest treeline now. Usually at the same time Augustin heads past them.
As above, Augustin has just been helping everyone out as much as possible, however, as time goes on he can be seen training more and more to get back into shape to see what is in this tower.
Augustin can be found at the main entrance to the town, patiently standing beside his wolf. Occasionally a brave child will walk up to pat the big doggo, which Augustin allows.
There's a lance in the armoury, an old one and Gour Brown, the new Captain of the Guard (the old one having been killed defending the Baron) blows dust off it and hands it to Augustin.
"You're welcome to it, it's only taking up room here. Not even the Iron Circle wanted it."
He hands Augustin a crossbow as well, and a case of 20 bolts. There are a lot of these weapons, left over from the Iron Circle occupation of Harken. "Here you go, have fun! Feel free to use our training range. Although to be fair a crossbow is designed to be used by those with little skill. It's why all the part time militia are given crossbows. Point and shoot. We're going to make use of all these armour and weapons left behind, we're building a militia that can supplement the town guard in case the Iron Circle come back. We'll be ready for them this time. We cannot let this happen again. We got soft and complacent, too caught up in our own troubles during hard times. If nothing else the Iron Circle - and your example, if I may say so - has reminded people we're in this together and we need to work together, and keep an eye on the world beyond our village."
He sighs. "Listen to me, rabbiting on like some old veteran. Anyway, things will be different if another threat comes. A lot different."
(From chat when Chris was having trouble logging in)
Grimbald flies back and lands on his butt. “I’m glad you’re on our side RL’. He gets up, braces. ‘AGAIN! Haha! ‘
RL pulls his club back again, gives Grimbald a bit of a doubtful look and then swings forward again but stops the blow to lightly land on the breastplate. 'I didnt like doing it the first time, im certainly not going to do it again'.
We never did put the magic items from the last fight to use, who wants what? Also everyone gets 2 potions of healing from RL if they havent already added them.
-cloak of protection; Grimbald requested, did anyone else want it?
- bracers of defense; Vakiel requested, did anyone else want?
- studded leather, +1. Grimbald requested, did anyone else want?
- "Widowmaker", a handaxe that is a weapon of certain death;, no one requested?
- circlet of blasting; no one claimed yet but maybe Esa?
potion of healing (greater);
Spellbook, assume Esa?
Esa will take the spellbook with glee but she looks doubtfully at the circlet.
"I'll take it if no one wants it," she announces, sighing as if she is doing everyone a favour at some expense to herself. "It's marginally better than using my fire bolt, but I can only use it once."
After everyone takes what items they want, they prepare for their exploration of the tower. The month of Latesummer has given way to Harvestmoon, and the farmers are trying to protect their crops from the incessant rain. Drainage systems are constantly being dug, angled roofs on stilts cover some vegetable gardens, some used raised beds and / or cover crops to help absorb the moisture and prevent erosion.
Towards the end of Harvestmoon all the deciduous trees leaves start to turn to red and gold. The weather becomes even cooler and mist coming off the Mill Pond in the mornings is now a common occurence.
On the first day of the month of Redleaf, the party make ready for their first foray to the wizards tower. It is singularly uneventful and disappointing. The tower is square with four floors.
The 10' entrance with the doors that have been forced open. The entrance room on the ground floor shows abandoned plinths and bare walls that perhaps held statues and fine art. The remains of two statues are scattered on the floor, maybe broken by would be theives or vandals.
The second floor was probably once a kitchen and dining room. One of the shuttered windows is open and an abandoned birds nest is on top of a high cupboard. There is a square table, damaged from the elements, although oddly some of the damage seems to be from a bladed weapon.
The third floor was maybe a workshop for alchemy. Your boots crunch broken glass underfoot, and broken tables and alchemy equipment is scattered on the floor. It looks like there was an explosion, or series of explosions here. The ceiling looks like it has suffered heat from a great fire - blackened stone and bubbled paint - and a chunk of ceiling has fallen from the blast and smashed into a ceramic and metal vat which has leaked out some liquid that has stained and corroded the floor tiles. There is a rusted iron grate that has been badly corroded by something caustic, and swings open at a touch.
The fourth floor is pure white, even the window shutters are white. And pristine. Trying to move the shutters seems futile, as if they are magically glued in place. Otherwise the room is completely bare. Was this a summoning room, a spell casting practice room, a meditation room?
There is no access to the roof so this appears to be it.
If no one speaks up Grimbald will take the cloak and axe but doesnt need the armour anymore.
Augustin will take the Circlet of Blasting.
Augustin will be second inline for the Cloak of Protection, however, acknowledges his armour is currently 21 without it.
Augustin would like to cast detect magic, after the initial explore of the building.
After everyone has got there bearings he will point out different areas of magical influence and direct whoever is closest to have a closer look at what is exuding magical influence. The rest of the time he can be seen pacing the room and counting, as if to make sure that dimensions are all correct and no hidden rooms exist, but also to determine how much room he has to swing a sceptre.
RL will take the armour then if no one else wants it?
Augustin's detect magic reveals the entire building radiates transmutation magic with it not being centralised in any one place.
"Can Esa do that 'Dispel Magic thing...Maybe we shouldnt stand inside just in case" suggests Grimbald
DM's note:
I've updated the side quests to include the following:
Kralick's Axe
and
A Plague of Bandits