Several of the men go to butcher a sheep while a few of the women set up a spit over one of the cooking fires. Others that are in worse shape benefit from the attentions of Chadwick and Kragen. All are in need of water: These activities take up much of the afternoon.
A search of the last room reveals a kitchen area with many tools and cooking vessels. The gore is spread throughout this room as well. All of the longhouse reeks of death and rot.
”Whilst I admire the charitable spirit of Chadwick’s words, I worry that such generosity will result in our being unable to equip ourselves with mightier arms, more protective armor, and the potions and items And battlw rams and leas skittish horses we will need as we go and find greater foes to vanquish. Someone wiser than I, perhaps our good cleric, could perhaps balance charity and prudence for us?”
“Starker, your words ring true, but one religious zealot is not likely to speak sense to another when it comes to money.
Chadwick, your wisdom is known far and wide. But if we are to make this world a better place, we will need means to better equip ourselves. We have saved these people from certain death and will see them returned to their homes. If we find something that is of a personal nature, we can return it to the rightful owner. Otherwise, the world will be better off if we increase our capacity to defend it. Neither mundane nor magic items grow in the field. We have not found much in the way of either in the field. We need money to hire the services of others to make improved equipment.”
Several of the men go to butcher a sheep while a few of the women set up a spit over one of the cooking fires. Others that are in worse shape benefit from the attentions of Chadwick and Kragen. All are in need of water: These activities take up much of the afternoon.
A search of the last room reveals a kitchen area with many tools and cooking vessels. The gore is spread throughout this room as well. All of the longhouse reeks of death and rot.
Gneuman will ask for assistance from anyone willing to help cleaning out the buildings. We will need a lot of water (create water spell or buckets from the lake). We need to show as much respect as possible cleaning up after the dead.
Hoid will join the bucket brigade. When near the water, he will look for giant tracks into or out of the water to see if, perhaps, the giant was hiding treasure in the water.
Clean up operations begin. Water from the stream is fetched by Jievs and others. Several of the captives join in. No one left had family or friends eaten by the giant, though they heard others talk of family groups and friends being here.
The mutton is roasted over the fire. Cleansing of the kitchen is done first. A simple meal of roasted mutton with foraged wild onions and herbs is managed. It is a quiet meal. The captives eat well for the first time since being brought here. Night approaches as everyone finishes and cleans their plates in the stream,
“I do concur with the notion of sending the scout back, perhaps with the addition of one of the stoutest, most able prisoners armed in case they encounter some trouble on the road, as unlikely as that seems. Them coming back with wagons and supplies for the reverse migration woild be a boon.”
“I propose a few of us, at least, go to the gate by the mouth of the this box canyon, get up into the guard towers, and take watch turn by turn. I will go now, taking with me the orcs’ warning horn if we took it away, and retrieving it if we had not. Cyrus is, all appearances and evidence aside, a good monkey and will also help keep watch should I doze.”
Cyrus tosses a small onion at Starker’s hat in remonstrance of the uncalled for aside. Starker apologizes, places CM on his shoulder, mounts Raspy the horse animal and heads to the palisade unless someone objects.
The next few days pass without much incident. Much work is put into cleaning out the longhouse. While removing the pile of foetid (yes, -oe foetid, so you know it's serious) furs you discover a small leather sack and a canvas backpack. The backpack appears to have recently spilled blood covering it. Jieves is a workhorse toting buckets of water for the man without reward or complaints. The captives spend a day resting. Many spend time helping you as well throughout the day. A pig is slaughtered the next day to feed your group. A more organized foraging party spends the day gathering mushrooms, shoots, herbs and edible flowers. The meals become much more appetizing.
The scout departs with two of the stronger men with promise to return soon with more help. On the fourth day you see a group of dwarves approaching on war rams. Six fully armed warriors of the Granitethew clan ride up to the gate and request entrance. They report that a wagon train follows them, but on a longer route. They should arrive in another 2-3 days. The dwarven warriors are impressed with your deeds. They add their efforts to yours in clearing the longhouse and chopping wood to build pyres to burn the orcs and the giant. These are constructed in the NW corner of the canyon. During this time a game trail is discovered wending its way down the mountain side to the canyon. (See - Hidden Path on the map)
Most of the stench is cleared from the longhouse after another 3 days of work. Clearing out the orcs huts you find a small wooden chest full of coins as well. The pyres are lit and all evidence of the orcs and giant are reduced to ashes.
Treasure Found:
Small leather sack – 10pp, 84gp, 198sp, 487cp
Leather Backpack – There is recently spilled blood covering this backpack
4 days rations, mess kit, Tinder box, blanket, waterskin
Pouch – 38gp, 26sp, Gold Ring w/emerald 100g
Book: Locating the Tomb (Can be found in Inventory)
Starker reads through “Locating the Tomb” and mutters that “I guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover” and summarizes its contents for the party:
This thin gray book measures 8" x 5" x 1" and is bound in a plain gray leather with pages of paper. Gold leaf embossed letters on the front say Locating The Tomb.
The book is written in common in excellent penmanship for the first 2/3 of the book. This portion details the author's search for a long lost or hidden tomb of the necromancer, Illiandil. This necromancer was believed to have attempted to become a lich. Nothing has been see of him for 60 years now. The author believes that he constructed a tomb in the Spine of the World as his base of operation on Faerûn. This also served as a gatway to his main lair on one of the outer planes. There is a section discussing the map fragment in the author's possession kept with his notes. Finding the remainder of the map fragments is a priority. The author believes the complete map to be the best way to find the tomb. Illiandil was a powerful necromancer and was known to have a Staff of Power in his possession as well as a powerful enchanted ring.
The last third of the book seems to be written in another hand, also in common. It describes locations of search without success in the mountains. It also describes the belief that Illiandil's main tomb is located in a pocket, demi-plane of the Abyss. There are strong wards surrounding this demi-plane that prevent direct travel to it without the "key" to attune to the plane. Illiandil is described as an old human man who came from Waterdeep. He was thoroughly evil and devoid of empathy. His experiments included draining the life of captives, exposing victims to negative energy and vivisections in this process.
As Kragen assist with efforts to tend to those that need care, remove traces of atrocities, improve conditions for the captives.
to Starker and Hoid “Tyrs blessings has protected us from certain death, without that “zealotry”, some of us would certainly have been worm food!” Frowns disapprovingly at them both.
”Sir Chadwick’s generosity has merit, however I would never ask my comrades to sacrifice what has been earned by risking their lives for those they know not of. I will provide necessary funds, from my own earnings, to assist the captives in restoring some semblance of livelihood.”
Kragen provides 4sp and 5cp to each captive. Those that are children, their share will be provide to thei closest living relative. If their are children without family members, Kragen will hold and provide upon returning them to their home or relative.
Kragen spends his nights discussing the virtues of “the Justice Bringer” with those who would listen. Espousing the virtues of service, charity, and protecting those in need.
Several of the men go to butcher a sheep while a few of the women set up a spit over one of the cooking fires. Others that are in worse shape benefit from the attentions of Chadwick and Kragen. All are in need of water: These activities take up much of the afternoon.
A search of the last room reveals a kitchen area with many tools and cooking vessels. The gore is spread throughout this room as well. All of the longhouse reeks of death and rot.
”Whilst I admire the charitable spirit of Chadwick’s words, I worry that such generosity will result in our being unable to equip ourselves with mightier arms, more protective armor, and the potions and items And battlw rams and leas skittish horses we will need as we go and find greater foes to vanquish. Someone wiser than I, perhaps our good cleric, could perhaps balance charity and prudence for us?”
“Starker, your words ring true, but one religious zealot is not likely to speak sense to another when it comes to money.
Chadwick, your wisdom is known far and wide. But if we are to make this world a better place, we will need means to better equip ourselves. We have saved these people from certain death and will see them returned to their homes. If we find something that is of a personal nature, we can return it to the rightful owner. Otherwise, the world will be better off if we increase our capacity to defend it. Neither mundane nor magic items grow in the field. We have not found much in the way of either in the field. We need money to hire the services of others to make improved equipment.”
Gneuman will ask for assistance from anyone willing to help cleaning out the buildings. We will need a lot of water (create water spell or buckets from the lake). We need to show as much respect as possible cleaning up after the dead.
Starker calls up Jievs and sets him to the task of helping in sweeping/mopping up in the longhouse.
Jievs will lug buckets of clean water from the stream/lake or the nearest source of clean water.
Hoid will join the bucket brigade. When near the water, he will look for giant tracks into or out of the water to see if, perhaps, the giant was hiding treasure in the water.
Clean up operations begin. Water from the stream is fetched by Jievs and others. Several of the captives join in. No one left had family or friends eaten by the giant, though they heard others talk of family groups and friends being here.
The mutton is roasted over the fire. Cleansing of the kitchen is done first. A simple meal of roasted mutton with foraged wild onions and herbs is managed. It is a quiet meal. The captives eat well for the first time since being brought here. Night approaches as everyone finishes and cleans their plates in the stream,
“I do concur with the notion of sending the scout back, perhaps with the addition of one of the stoutest, most able prisoners armed in case they encounter some trouble on the road, as unlikely as that seems. Them coming back with wagons and supplies for the reverse migration woild be a boon.”
“I propose a few of us, at least, go to the gate by the mouth of the this box canyon, get up into the guard towers, and take watch turn by turn. I will go now, taking with me the orcs’ warning horn if we took it away, and retrieving it if we had not. Cyrus is, all appearances and evidence aside, a good monkey and will also help keep watch should I doze.”
Cyrus tosses a small onion at Starker’s hat in remonstrance of the uncalled for aside. Starker apologizes, places CM on his shoulder, mounts Raspy the horse animal and heads to the palisade unless someone objects.
The next few days pass without much incident. Much work is put into cleaning out the longhouse. While removing the pile of foetid (yes, -oe foetid, so you know it's serious) furs you discover a small leather sack and a canvas backpack. The backpack appears to have recently spilled blood covering it. Jieves is a workhorse toting buckets of water for the man without reward or complaints. The captives spend a day resting. Many spend time helping you as well throughout the day. A pig is slaughtered the next day to feed your group. A more organized foraging party spends the day gathering mushrooms, shoots, herbs and edible flowers. The meals become much more appetizing.
The scout departs with two of the stronger men with promise to return soon with more help. On the fourth day you see a group of dwarves approaching on war rams. Six fully armed warriors of the Granitethew clan ride up to the gate and request entrance. They report that a wagon train follows them, but on a longer route. They should arrive in another 2-3 days. The dwarven warriors are impressed with your deeds. They add their efforts to yours in clearing the longhouse and chopping wood to build pyres to burn the orcs and the giant. These are constructed in the NW corner of the canyon. During this time a game trail is discovered wending its way down the mountain side to the canyon. (See - Hidden Path on the map)
Most of the stench is cleared from the longhouse after another 3 days of work. Clearing out the orcs huts you find a small wooden chest full of coins as well. The pyres are lit and all evidence of the orcs and giant are reduced to ashes.
Treasure Found:
Small leather sack – 10pp, 84gp, 198sp, 487cp
Leather Backpack – There is recently spilled blood covering this backpack
4 days rations, mess kit, Tinder box, blanket, waterskin
Pouch – 38gp, 26sp, Gold Ring w/emerald 100g
Book: Locating the Tomb (Can be found in Inventory)
89 gp, 196 sp, 210 cp
Total of treasure found this adventure:
1,166 cp
1,320 sp
327 gp
10 pp
2 x Silver Chalice 25g
Gold ring w/emerald 100g
Book: Locating the Tomb
10 +1 Arrows (Divided between Hoid and Chadwick)
Potion: Fire Breath (Consumed)
Is there anything in the bloody backpack?
4 days rations, mess kit, Tinder box, blanket, waterskin
Pouch – 38gp, 26sp, Gold Ring w/emerald 100g
Book: Locating the Tomb (Can be found in Inventory)
(( Sorry. That was not very clear after pasting. ))
Starker reads through “Locating the Tomb” and mutters that “I guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover” and summarizes its contents for the party:
This thin gray book measures 8" x 5" x 1" and is bound in a plain gray leather with pages of paper. Gold leaf embossed letters on the front say Locating The Tomb.
The book is written in common in excellent penmanship for the first 2/3 of the book. This portion details the author's search for a long lost or hidden tomb of the necromancer, Illiandil. This necromancer was believed to have attempted to become a lich. Nothing has been see of him for 60 years now. The author believes that he constructed a tomb in the Spine of the World as his base of operation on Faerûn. This also served as a gatway to his main lair on one of the outer planes. There is a section discussing the map fragment in the author's possession kept with his notes. Finding the remainder of the map fragments is a priority. The author believes the complete map to be the best way to find the tomb. Illiandil was a powerful necromancer and was known to have a Staff of Power in his possession as well as a powerful enchanted ring.
The last third of the book seems to be written in another hand, also in common. It describes locations of search without success in the mountains. It also describes the belief that Illiandil's main tomb is located in a pocket, demi-plane of the Abyss. There are strong wards surrounding this demi-plane that prevent direct travel to it without the "key" to attune to the plane. Illiandil is described as an old human man who came from Waterdeep. He was thoroughly evil and devoid of empathy. His experiments included draining the life of captives, exposing victims to negative energy and vivisections in this process.
As Kragen assist with efforts to tend to those that need care, remove traces of atrocities, improve conditions for the captives.
to Starker and Hoid “Tyrs blessings has protected us from certain death, without that “zealotry”, some of us would certainly have been worm food!” Frowns disapprovingly at them both.
”Sir Chadwick’s generosity has merit, however I would never ask my comrades to sacrifice what has been earned by risking their lives for those they know not of. I will provide necessary funds, from my own earnings, to assist the captives in restoring some semblance of livelihood.”
Kragen provides 4sp and 5cp to each captive. Those that are children, their share will be provide to thei closest living relative. If their are children without family members, Kragen will hold and provide upon returning them to their home or relative.
Do either of the handwritings seem familiar? Do they match either the encoded diary or Iarno Albrek’s diary?
Kragen spends his nights discussing the virtues of “the Justice Bringer” with those who would listen. Espousing the virtues of service, charity, and protecting those in need.
Both are unfamiliar. Neither match the other books.
Starker holds up the backpack and asks the crowd “Does anyone knows what became of the owner of this backpack?”