(Zarbyn hasn't seen any of this stuff yet in game: OOC: Please review: Natalie Storms: My Journal: for more info: Here it is for easy reference, may also want to read: traps,riddles)
Natalie Storms Journal Entries
Natalie Storm’s Notes
A backup copy of Natalie Storm's notes lies safely in a box. Although wet, you can recover this information from the various pages, when combined with the wet documents from the leather tomb. Doing so, you see that the MAP was ripped out of the tomb.
(Various entries: here are some that stand out.)
Journal entry (6 years ago)
It is my suspicion that the Cult of the Dragon King had additional artifacts for further summoning. Although those in the desert were acquired by Malbordus and eventually destroyed by Gillibran’s, the Seconds Warhammer, I believe the almost-extinct cult hid a second set of artifacts.
Through time the secret location of the artifacts was lost as the cult was scattered and destroyed after Malbordus’s death. There have been sightings of the Dragon King Cultists. At first, just rumors, then more stories. I have now confirmed they have reassembled. Who is guiding them? Who is their new leader? I’ve decided to investigate further.
Journal entry (5 years ago)
Through careful infiltration, I was able to join the cult, as an imposter. After much time I learned what I feared. The cult is growing. Something or someone is empowering them to act. Drawing them together in secret.
Journal Entry: 1 year ago
I believe these artifacts were placed in hidden caches in the Icefinger mountains. My theory is that each cache holds a different artifact. But….I need to find them before the cultists. The mountain range is huge, and covered in snow. If the cultists re-acquire the artifacts, a dragon of great power could be summoned. This of course could endanger all of Allansia and beyond. The cultists have been searching for their old hiding places. They are getting closer as am I.
When I spoke of this to King Gillibran the Third, he was quite dismissive. Something about “the ramblings of a myth chaser, a treasure hunter trying to create panic.” Rubbish!
(You see various entries of her research, maps, hints, histories, and stories, and even speaking with the dead. This has led Natalie to 15 possible hidden locations.)
Entry: 6 months ago
I've been informed of disputes within the leadership of the Cult regarding their next steps upon obtaining the artifacts. I strongly suspect that the ancient Cult of the Dragon King has split into two distinct factions. These two schools may have different agendas, and…different leaders. One group seems intent on dominating all of Allansia, the other…destroying an entire race of people, exploiting their weakness. Hum…will need to explore this more, or the evidence will help me solve this very concerning development.
Entry: 5 months ago:
I fear that I was wrong. There is another group seeking the artifacts entirely. This is quite unexpected. I believe Shareella, the Snow Witch might be trying to obtain them. She is powerful enough to cast the spell, but would not be creating a dragon. I believe if she had the artifacts and enough time, she could potentially manipulate the spell and summon an Ice Demon from the Pit. Her goal would be to cause an age of ice in the land. If this is true, it's not a positive development.
Entry: 2 months ago
For the past 5 years, I have had local experts, and scouts watching the cultists. Through my network, I have seen a pattern in the cult's movements and have concluded that there are
15118 5 locations.
I’ve been studying maps, routes, and cultures and I think I have it. I can make an educated guess where the cultists of old hid the artifacts in the mountains. Once the weather warms up and the mountain pass clears, I must go.
Entry: 1 month ago (Spring): It is time.I will put out a missive and see if I can get some good people to help me uncover these caches, bringing the artifacts to Stonebridge where they too can be destroyed. We can start in the Port Rentarn area, but I won’t go there, too many scoundrels and spies. We can meet at the bridge. Good camping and the salmon run is starting. Yum.
Entry: (The ink is dry, but it is perhaps three days old)
They are after me, I know it.
Charlie has been irritated lately. He keeps putting back his ears. What does he sense? Some sort of goblin presence perhaps. That farmer mentioned huge footprints in his field and his livestock missing. I thought it was just my paranoid imagination, but is the cult here? I kept my missives discrete. Did they find out? It is better to have an enemy who slaps you in the face than a friend who stabs you in the back. Who was it?
Entry: (Last night, fresh ink)
I didn’t want to scare my new young friend, Vydar. He is kind and looking for honest work. I wonder if he knows his heritage. He has a few distinctive traits. This could make him a target of racism in certain circles. I hope not. I’ll send him to the Port of Rentarn. I hope he finds the work he is looking for. The fishing industry is tough but can be lucrative, especially for boat owners. But the port has those unions. Yuck! I didn’t want to get him mixed up in this mess. So young and with so much life ahead of him.
Well, hopefully, a good group of folks shows up, capable and brave enough to help. The journey will be long and cold as we climb. We will need to hurry before they find us.
I think I’ll go hook my dinner
Mountain Pass: SEE MAPPort Rentarn to Silverton: —---------
Only open in the summer when snow clears
I suspect a Goat Trail or other tracks will lead me in the right direction off the path.
The First Cache. The first treasure cache was hidden by the Cult of the Dragon King in an abandoned cave at the base of the southernmost mountain in the Icefinger range. While it was thought to be the smallest of the caches, it likely has limited protection in the form of traps or magic. Still, caution is why I am still alive. The caves and tunnels of the complex, according to my sources, are not very structurally sound.
The Second Cache. My sources confirmed that one cache was buried beneath a unique structure: A pyramid of stone resting on a flat field of stone in the middle section of the Icefinger range, directly between the two highest mountains of that section of the range. The area was once filled with volcanic activity, making the flat stone field difficult to navigate. My sources could not tell me who or what built the pyramid, but I have my suspicions, likely Rockmen.
The Third Cache. The source I questioned about this cache, the Toa-Suo people, said that it was carefully hidden behind a secret entrance, behind a large frozen waterfall. The falls are usually a solid sheet of ice but due to the warm weather, I might be able to get behind them and access the door. The Toa-Suo can help me find it. I should probably get more information from them first. Tombs and crypts are dangerous. If it's the right place, it will have a large doorway behind it. The cultists like to protect their crypts with magical curses, and clever traps. This one may be the most dangerous, other than the climb up the mountain.
Note, when you run into the Toa-Suo people, they really liked my smoked Salmon. They had never had it and thought it was delicious. I was able to trade them for other materials to aid in climbing.
The Fourth Cache. This cache was secured in an abandoned dwarven outpost used for treating ore that was being prepared for use in weapon and armor smithing. During their mining, veins of gold and silver may have been found here. My sources implied that the place had been overrun by something terrible and immortal, causing the dwarves to leave it centuries ago.
The Fifth Cache. At the top of the tallest summit of the Icefinger mountains, Stormy Peak is over 14,000 feet above the sea! One contact told me that there was an abandoned shrine once revered by giants. It is said you can see all of Allansia from this height, and that Dragons used to perch here. I’m certain a cache is hidden there. This will be quite a climb. I think the crampons, harnesses and rope should help. Will need pitons and my hammer as well so we don’t fall to our death.
After summiting Stormy Peak, I think the quickest and safest way would be to go to Silverton and secure a boat downriver. Then a ship to Port Blacksand and finally the Red Road to Stonebridge.
Amdaeng had not really paid any attention to the journal leaving that up to more studious folks but while they hiked she took the opportunity to familiarise herself with them as best she could....
A cave....closed in spaces and lack of natural light....that sounded more like Fang.....not that she wasn't enjoying the vistas and fresh air but she still wasn't comfortable with all the open spaces....
She offered her assistance with the journal...her studies had covered some of the subjects or at least adjacent ones....when she had paid attention....
Myurr is known to have fought in the First Battle on the side of Death and his allies. Myurr's activities on the Earthly Planehave been numerous throughout history, as he is constantly plotting his rise to power over Titan. The Dark Elves worship him and the King and chief Princess of the Dark Elven race are his acolytes. It was Myurr's rule over Atlantis, under the disguise of King Faramos XXIII, that led to the sinking of that wondrous island, the last bastion of the Humans' Golden Age.
After taking a human aspect and planting false evidence of royal descent to take the throne, Myurr turned the peaceful empire into a warmongering nation and caused so much destruction that when the gods discovered his true identity, they were forced to sink the entire empire undersea. In doing so, they caused the splitting of the original continent of Irritaria into Allansia, the Old World and Khul.
Myurr's most used appearance resembles a huge, four armed, snake-headed demon with bat-like wings.
The dark elf had been about to say, 'Alright, it's my shift,' but Iolinder addresses him first. He'd figured the guy would ask him about that now, and though he was hoping to postpone that a while longer....if not indefinitely, he does think now is the best time to talk on the matter. The less people who listen in on this conversation the better in his opinion. Sighing, he walks to the other side of the fire and plops down with his back to it. He doesn't need the light messing with his darkvision after all.
"I was forced to witness some kind of demonic ritual. At least that's what I'm assuming it was. There was a woman chained to an altar. I think she was some sort of priestess. Then a bunch of people wearing black hoods came in chanting a strange language and another priest gets up on a stage. That priest...stabbed the other priest in the chest with a black dagger...just like the one we found. The dagger...it..." He shivers, remembering the grotesque scene, but clenches his fists refusing to let the memory haunt him at this moment. "It made the woman rot away, it dissolved her heart...it was awful." Despite his resolve, he slumps down a little bit and puts a hand to his face. "After she finally died, there was a deep voice...laughing. Then a giant snake creature...demon...with four arms and clawed hands came and ate the woman's corpse. After eating her it...it looked strait at me. As if I was physically there, witnessing the whole thing."
He falls silent for a long moment, then tilts his head to look back at Iolinder. "I do remember it was missing a claw, and I'm certain that claw is what that dagger was made out of." He turns away, and crosses his arms, "Happy? That's everything I saw. As you remember I do want that thing back. It's what killed Natalie. I don't intend to let any of it's secrets go uncovered. Also, you said you'd tell me what the notes you deciphered said."
He sits there, with his back to Iolinder and the fire expecting the half-elf to complete his part of the deal. The dark elf had intended to make him tell him some things before spilling his whole story, but once he'd started talking, well the words just wouldn't stop coming.
Vydar:
Iólinder listened intensely to what Vydar told him. What he described was definitely a foul ritual. A giant snake creature with four arms coming forth from a blood sacrifice in a demonic ritual: that could mean only one thing. And never before had Iólinder hoped he had been wrong.
'What you saw, was a religious ritual.' He said. He carefully choose his words, opting to speak slowly and deliberately. 'Though they are not gods, some demons, specifically the mighty ones called Princes, are able to sway mortals to their worship.'
He paused for a moment and stared into the fire. Some of the flames flickered, casting dark shapes upon his face. 'The one you described is called Myurr. His dealings in the mortal realm are numerous and disaster inevitably follows whenever he appears.' A crease appeared on Iólinder's forehead. 'Without knowing if what you saw is just a past vision, present, or future, we should do well to assume the worst. Speaking of.'
Iólinder got up for a moment to retrieve Professor Storm's notes. He rummaged a bit until he found the pages he was looking for. 'There is just one mention of Myurr here in Professor Storm's notes. Ah, here it is.' He smoothed out the page and read out loud: 'Malbordus (meaning "Child of Darkness" in Low Elvish; also known as Aëren Tintathel, meaning "Storm Child" in the corrupted Dark Elven tongue) is a Human adopted and trained by Princess Velicoma Endûl Kerithrion, the High Priestess of Darkside and secret acolyte of the Snake Demon Myurr.'
He shifted some other pages. 'Now here is where things get interesting. According to Professor Storm's notes, Malbordus used five Dragon artefacts in a bid to subdue Allansia but he was stopped and the Artefacts were smashed and the spell they were used in was broken.'
Iólinder put down most of the pages and pulled out the final two documents. 'Here,' he pointed out a paper titled "Artifacts", 'Professor Storm outlined these five Dragon artefacts: Bone, Crystal, Silver, Ebony, and Gold. Together, it seems, they hold the power to summon forth fully matured dragons under the summoner's control. Lucky for us those artefacts were destroyed, right?'
He held up the final paper. It was Professor Storm's personal journal written in Old Allasian. 'Professor Storm believed that the Cult of the Dragon has found a second set of artefacts, similar if not the same as the original ones that were destroyed, and infiltrated them to learn more. She marked down the various caches where she believed they would be found. Now the Cult does not have the raw magical power to conduct the ritual with the artefacts but this snow witch Shareella might. If she does, she is also powerful enough to use them to summon something else. Ice demons from what Professor Storm noted.'
A chill went down Iólinder's arms, as if the mere thinking about Ice demons gave him shivers. He moved a bit closer to the fire. 'The Cult, the snow witch, and Professor Storm are- were,' he corrected himself, 'looking for these five artefacts. Either the Cult of the Dragon or followers of Shareella killed Professor Storm and we are left to pick up where she left off. Now it's a threeway race to see who can find the artefacts first and decide the future of Allansia.'
Iólinder stretched his arms and legs. He was getting tired and ready to sleep. There was just one more thing he had to say. 'I am not giving you the dagger.' His voice was solemn and stern, as if he was stating a fact that was not open for debate. 'You saw the ritual and the demon but you also said that the demon could see you. We do not know if the vision is from the past or presently happening, or bound to happen. Demons are mysterious, powerful entities. Handling the dagger could establish a two way link between Myurr and whoever holds the dagger. That is a risk we cannot take. The dagger stays with me until we can find a way to destroy it.'
He finally stood up. He collected all of Professor Storm's papers in a neat stack. 'Thank you for taking over watch.' He said to Vydar before heading off to bed. 'We both have much to think about.' He stopped for a brief second.
'One final question.' He said to the dark elf. 'The woman chained to the altar: you said she was a priestess. What made you think that?'
(OOC: Furujiru has an excellent summary of what is going on. You are in a three way race to recover 5 artifacts. Followers of the Demon Snake Prince Myurr, The Snow Witch Sharella, and your party/ Team Storm).
You are at the saddle at the top of two mountain peaks. One large group of tracks leads to Cache 1 (continuing north down the other side).
A second group of tracks (Both sets made at the same time) leads across the top of the peaks to cache 2.
(Lol yes I agree Furujiru. Lol I wasn't expecting that XD I knew I already had that info, but Vydar didn't. Which is why he asked, I love the rp commitment here!)
Iolinder:
Vydar sits in silence as Iolinder explains what exactly he'd witnessed. Though he scowls, religious ritual or not it was still demonic. So it was the dark elves who were behind that. TCH, and they adopted a human child? There must be more to that. Dark elves are all racist after all, at least according to Nera. So why would they adopt a human?
He glances over again when the half-elf points out where Natalie had specified what artifacts they were all after. Boy was this a huge mess he'd stumbled into. A mess he probably wouldn't have ever known about if he'd never accepted Ms Storm's offer to travel together. Though he'd have to admit, even if he didn't know Natalie, his foolish sense of justice would have landed him in this same position anyway. Not that he'd admit that out loud.
He flinches when Iolinder bluntly says he's not going to return the dagger. His scowl deepens and he nearly spins around to actually face the man. He knew he should have demanded it back before spilling his story, but nooo he had to run his mouth off. This guy, he just won't stop treating him like a child will he? GAH! As Iolinder continues to explain his reasoning, Vydar sits there frozen but quivering with anger. What the man is saying makes sense, he can't argue with it, and that's what angers him. Though with new context to what actually happened, Vydar has begun to wonder...was it actually just the spell that triggered the vision, or was it because of his heritage? Would he be more susceptible to that...thing just because of his bloodline? Whether that's true or not, dark elves are the primary worshipers of Myurr... the thought scares him, and that fear only makes him more angry.
Gritting his teeth, he doesn't object to Iolinder's statement or respond when the half-elf thanks him for taking watch. However, the half-elf's last question jolts him from his smoldering thoughts, and he jerks his head to look at the man. "I don't know. Her clothes maybe? TCH I just knew alright?!" He turns back around crossing his arms.
The dark elf will pick up one of the wolf's collars, and nod to Amdaeng. "Maybe. I'll hold onto it just in case." He pockets the now broken collar, not revealing that he actually has no clue of how to track the owner at the moment. He feels a pang of sadness when Iolinder puts the wolf out of it's misery. Though, he won't deny that he'd hope someone would grant him that same mercy if he'd have been in that wolf's situation. The thought of someone else forcing him to do things against his will like that terrifies him.
Vydar is still clearly annoyed with Iolinder the next morning, though at this point it may be obvious that he's just perpetually irritated with everyone almost all the time. "Yeah, we might as well hit the first one first. Otherwise those bastard goblins will get to it before us for sure. If we are lucky, our small group will travel faster than the larger one, and we will be able to catch up with the one's that went to the second Cache. Otherwise we could just skip the second one after taking care of the enemies at the first one, then lay a trap at the third one for the group that went to the second cache. If we are lucky, they would bring whatever is there right to us."
Lev nods in agreement. Might as well go to the first cache first. It's the closer one and if they can catch up to the bastards that did this to Storm then that's a plus too. However, the large group went to cache one, so maybe going to cache two would be better? As much as he would like to slice up a bunch of goblins, he isn't sure how many they can handle at once.
(OOC: is the second group of tracks smaller? Or are they the same size?)
(Same size. They split into two groups) It occurs to you that at some point, Charlie pulling the wagon may not work in this terrain. However, the tracks and broken down terrain left by the groups and the fact it is only a two wheeled cart instead of four works to your advantage.
You head down the back of the mountain and on through the valley. Natalie Storms notes lead you directly to the entrance of a large cave opening.
(Nature/ survival check)
OOC WE are using the D&D beyond maps software, so testing it now. If you go to the campaign page, click on maps on the top. It is the first Cache.
(OOC: Click on the hand to move the screen around, then can enlarge. Click on the little player icon on the menu (left side), then you can manipulate your icon on the screen. I control fog of war. )
After following Professor Storm's notes and reaching what appears to be the first cache Zarbyn glances around at the others.
"Before we enter we should give this some thought. The original group we were following split up with about 30 or so heading North and then that group split again into two groups going after both caches 1 & 2. Which means there's about 15 goblins at least to deal with, that's about 3 to 1 odds against us."
Zarbyn pauses briefly to let what he just said sink in.
"As you may of noticed the only weapons I carry are some daggers," he then draws one and twirls it once in his hand so that it does a full 360 revolution before coming to rest as he grips it tightly and continues, "but I have magic that allows me to strike at enemies from a distance of just over a hundred feet away. We need a plan even if it's just a simple one, even if it's just an idea or tactic we can exploit to our advantage. Something to even the odds."
Zarbyn brings his gaze to rest upon the mouth of the cave.
"Any Ideas?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Zarbyn sees the tracks of goblins, and giants. Also, bears. They are not that old. It appears they camped here, then entered. Your group gained some time on them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Looks like giant tracks mixed in with the goblins... and some bear tracks to boot."
Zarbyn crouches down on one knee and closely studies the many tracks in the snow.
"They camped here and then entered not long ago. It seems we might of caught up some ground on them."
Looking back to the mouth of the cave.
"Hopefully any bears that were already here managed to get some of the goblins before the giants got them. If we can engage them from a distance we should try for the giants first."
He then goes up to the side of the cave carefully and peeks inside.
Stealth: 21
Perception: 10
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Lev's expression turns grim as the battle ahead becomes clearer to him. Zarbyn is right. Attacking from a distance makes the most sense since they are dealing with such a large group. Goblins are one thing, but giants and bears on top of that? This is starting to feel like one of those raids he never should have gone on.
Sighing he reaches for his longbow and places his glaive on the cart so he can string the ranged weapon. The longbow will always be his preference over the crossbow as its strength and speed are far more efficient. If its distance they want, then this bow is the better choice. His only regret is that it will be inconvenient to stow if he needs to pull out his glaive. Once the bow is strung, he stares at it for a moment before slinging it over his pack and counting his arrows.... exactly twenty. That doesn't leave a lot of room for error.
"We should scout this out first," he says abruptly. "Distance will only do us so much good if our enemy also is armed with ranged weapons. We need a better idea of what we are fighting against." Obviously the enemy has at least a couple archers, based on the mess they found where Natalie died. "If their archers outnumber us, then unless we can find terrain that will allow us to shoot without endangering ourselves, then close combat would be preferred." He pauses, face darkening further when he realizes that depending on how narrow or wide the cave is, he might not even be able to use his glaive effectively.
"Regardless, scouting this out is a must unless we want to run in blind. Not much point in creating a tactic if we don't know it will work," he crosses his arms, glaring at the cave for a moment before huffing and looking to the rest of the group. "I can play frontliner or distance fighter depending on what is required for the circumstance. If no one else is comfortable scouting ahead, I can do that too." Scouting and stealth are not his specialties, but he isn't bad at them either. This wouldn't be a first for him after all. Stealth kind of went along with his previous job.
He does carry two long range weapons, a reach weapon, and a melee weapon, though it's clear that he prefers the glaive over the other three.
(I'm not sure if you can move your pieces in play by post. I will move them to start and let me know if you can? Note, where the arrow is, there is a 20 foot long passage.)
(Paevira and Zarbyn and roll perception. You find no traps and are both pretty stealthy. Other players can tell me where to move your piece if you can't do it. Thanks, still learning our options)
Zarbyn and Paevira sneak into the cave opening, traversing a rough tunnel for 20 feet. (Other players can see both PC's but not much after yet).
It then opens into a large cavern, perhaps 40x60 feet, 15-30 feet high. There are a few lit torches in the room providing dim light. Rubble is piled up three to ten feet high in several places throughout the cavern. Looking north, the room seems to go on. A tunnel 35 feet to the left is chocked with debris. Dust zephyrs circulate through the cavern, leading you to believe the cave-in to the west was recent.
(Zarbyn hasn't seen any of this stuff yet in game: OOC: Please review: Natalie Storms: My Journal: for more info: Here it is for easy reference, may also want to read: traps,riddles)
Natalie Storms Journal Entries
Natalie Storm’s Notes
A backup copy of Natalie Storm's notes lies safely in a box. Although wet, you can recover this information from the various pages, when combined with the wet documents from the leather tomb. Doing so, you see that the MAP was ripped out of the tomb.
(Various entries: here are some that stand out.)
Journal entry (6 years ago)
It is my suspicion that the Cult of the Dragon King had additional artifacts for further summoning. Although those in the desert were acquired by Malbordus and eventually destroyed by Gillibran’s, the Seconds Warhammer, I believe the almost-extinct cult hid a second set of artifacts.
Through time the secret location of the artifacts was lost as the cult was scattered and destroyed after Malbordus’s death. There have been sightings of the Dragon King Cultists. At first, just rumors, then more stories. I have now confirmed they have reassembled. Who is guiding them? Who is their new leader? I’ve decided to investigate further.
Journal entry (5 years ago)
Through careful infiltration, I was able to join the cult, as an imposter. After much time I learned what I feared. The cult is growing. Something or someone is empowering them to act. Drawing them together in secret.
Journal Entry: 1 year ago
I believe these artifacts were placed in hidden caches in the Icefinger mountains. My theory is that each cache holds a different artifact. But….I need to find them before the cultists. The mountain range is huge, and covered in snow. If the cultists re-acquire the artifacts, a dragon of great power could be summoned. This of course could endanger all of Allansia and beyond. The cultists have been searching for their old hiding places. They are getting closer as am I.
When I spoke of this to King Gillibran the Third, he was quite dismissive. Something about “the ramblings of a myth chaser, a treasure hunter trying to create panic.” Rubbish!
(You see various entries of her research, maps, hints, histories, and stories, and even speaking with the dead. This has led Natalie to 15 possible hidden locations.)
Entry: 6 months ago
I've been informed of disputes within the leadership of the Cult regarding their next steps upon obtaining the artifacts. I strongly suspect that the ancient Cult of the Dragon King has split into two distinct factions. These two schools may have different agendas, and…different leaders. One group seems intent on dominating all of Allansia, the other…destroying an entire race of people, exploiting their weakness. Hum…will need to explore this more, or the evidence will help me solve this very concerning development.
Entry: 5 months ago:
I fear that I was wrong. There is another group seeking the artifacts entirely. This is quite unexpected. I believe Shareella, the Snow Witch might be trying to obtain them. She is powerful enough to cast the spell, but would not be creating a dragon. I believe if she had the artifacts and enough time, she could potentially manipulate the spell and summon an Ice Demon from the Pit. Her goal would be to cause an age of ice in the land. If this is true, it's not a positive development.
Entry: 2 months ago
For the past 5 years, I have had local experts, and scouts watching the cultists. Through my network, I have seen a pattern in the cult's movements and have concluded that there are
15118I’ve been studying maps, routes, and cultures and I think I have it. I can make an educated guess where the cultists of old hid the artifacts in the mountains. Once the weather warms up and the mountain pass clears, I must go.
Entry: 1 month ago (Spring): It is time. I will put out a missive and see if I can get some good people to help me uncover these caches, bringing the artifacts to Stonebridge where they too can be destroyed. We can start in the Port Rentarn area, but I won’t go there, too many scoundrels and spies. We can meet at the bridge. Good camping and the salmon run is starting. Yum.
Entry: (The ink is dry, but it is perhaps three days old)
They are after me, I know it.
Charlie has been irritated lately. He keeps putting back his ears. What does he sense? Some sort of goblin presence perhaps. That farmer mentioned huge footprints in his field and his livestock missing. I thought it was just my paranoid imagination, but is the cult here? I kept my missives discrete. Did they find out? It is better to have an enemy who slaps you in the face than a friend who stabs you in the back. Who was it?
Entry: (Last night, fresh ink)
I didn’t want to scare my new young friend, Vydar. He is kind and looking for honest work. I wonder if he knows his heritage. He has a few distinctive traits. This could make him a target of racism in certain circles. I hope not. I’ll send him to the Port of Rentarn. I hope he finds the work he is looking for. The fishing industry is tough but can be lucrative, especially for boat owners. But the port has those unions. Yuck! I didn’t want to get him mixed up in this mess. So young and with so much life ahead of him.
Well, hopefully, a good group of folks shows up, capable and brave enough to help. The journey will be long and cold as we climb. We will need to hurry before they find us.
I think I’ll go hook my dinner
Mountain Pass: SEE MAP Port Rentarn to Silverton: —---------
Only open in the summer when snow clears
I suspect a Goat Trail or other tracks will lead me in the right direction off the path.
**********************************************************************************
The First Cache. The first treasure cache was hidden by the Cult of the Dragon King in an abandoned cave at the base of the southernmost mountain in the Icefinger range. While it was thought to be the smallest of the caches, it likely has limited protection in the form of traps or magic. Still, caution is why I am still alive. The caves and tunnels of the complex, according to my sources, are not very structurally sound.
The Second Cache. My sources confirmed that one cache was buried beneath a unique structure: A pyramid of stone resting on a flat field of stone in the middle section of the Icefinger range, directly between the two highest mountains of that section of the range. The area was once filled with volcanic activity, making the flat stone field difficult to navigate. My sources could not tell me who or what built the pyramid, but I have my suspicions, likely Rockmen.
The Third Cache. The source I questioned about this cache, the Toa-Suo people, said that it was carefully hidden behind a secret entrance, behind a large frozen waterfall. The falls are usually a solid sheet of ice but due to the warm weather, I might be able to get behind them and access the door. The Toa-Suo can help me find it. I should probably get more information from them first. Tombs and crypts are dangerous. If it's the right place, it will have a large doorway behind it. The cultists like to protect their crypts with magical curses, and clever traps. This one may be the most dangerous, other than the climb up the mountain.
Note, when you run into the Toa-Suo people, they really liked my smoked Salmon. They had never had it and thought it was delicious. I was able to trade them for other materials to aid in climbing.
The Fourth Cache. This cache was secured in an abandoned dwarven outpost used for treating ore that was being prepared for use in weapon and armor smithing. During their mining, veins of gold and silver may have been found here. My sources implied that the place had been overrun by something terrible and immortal, causing the dwarves to leave it centuries ago.
The Fifth Cache. At the top of the tallest summit of the Icefinger mountains, Stormy Peak is over 14,000 feet above the sea! One contact told me that there was an abandoned shrine once revered by giants. It is said you can see all of Allansia from this height, and that Dragons used to perch here. I’m certain a cache is hidden there. This will be quite a climb. I think the crampons, harnesses and rope should help. Will need pitons and my hammer as well so we don’t fall to our death.
After summiting Stormy Peak, I think the quickest and safest way would be to go to Silverton and secure a boat downriver. Then a ship to Port Blacksand and finally the Red Road to Stonebridge.
Iólinder: roll a Religion or History check, add 1d4
Religion: 10 total
Will add answer into response to Vydar
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Amdaeng had not really paid any attention to the journal leaving that up to more studious folks but while they hiked she took the opportunity to familiarise herself with them as best she could....
A cave....closed in spaces and lack of natural light....that sounded more like Fang.....not that she wasn't enjoying the vistas and fresh air but she still wasn't comfortable with all the open spaces....
She offered her assistance with the journal...her studies had covered some of the subjects or at least adjacent ones....when she had paid attention....
( HELP Action)
Most of you would know some of this background.
Demons
Iólinder
You may suspect there is some connection between Myurr and Natalie Storms notes about the Tales of Malborus and the Artifacts.
Myurr is a Snake Demon and Demon Prince, ruler of the Plane of Rust in the Pit. Myurr is feared for his great intelligence and his ability to devise diabolical traps.
Myurr is known to have fought in the First Battle on the side of Death and his allies. Myurr's activities on the Earthly Planehave been numerous throughout history, as he is constantly plotting his rise to power over Titan. The Dark Elves worship him and the King and chief Princess of the Dark Elven race are his acolytes. It was Myurr's rule over Atlantis, under the disguise of King Faramos XXIII, that led to the sinking of that wondrous island, the last bastion of the Humans' Golden Age.
After taking a human aspect and planting false evidence of royal descent to take the throne, Myurr turned the peaceful empire into a warmongering nation and caused so much destruction that when the gods discovered his true identity, they were forced to sink the entire empire undersea. In doing so, they caused the splitting of the original continent of Irritaria into Allansia, the Old World and Khul.
Myurr's most used appearance resembles a huge, four armed, snake-headed demon with bat-like wings.
Vydar:
Iólinder listened intensely to what Vydar told him. What he described was definitely a foul ritual. A giant snake creature with four arms coming forth from a blood sacrifice in a demonic ritual: that could mean only one thing. And never before had Iólinder hoped he had been wrong.
'What you saw, was a religious ritual.' He said. He carefully choose his words, opting to speak slowly and deliberately. 'Though they are not gods, some demons, specifically the mighty ones called Princes, are able to sway mortals to their worship.'
He paused for a moment and stared into the fire. Some of the flames flickered, casting dark shapes upon his face. 'The one you described is called Myurr. His dealings in the mortal realm are numerous and disaster inevitably follows whenever he appears.' A crease appeared on Iólinder's forehead. 'Without knowing if what you saw is just a past vision, present, or future, we should do well to assume the worst. Speaking of.'
Iólinder got up for a moment to retrieve Professor Storm's notes. He rummaged a bit until he found the pages he was looking for. 'There is just one mention of Myurr here in Professor Storm's notes. Ah, here it is.' He smoothed out the page and read out loud:
'Malbordus (meaning "Child of Darkness" in Low Elvish; also known as Aëren Tintathel, meaning "Storm Child" in the corrupted Dark Elven tongue) is a Human adopted and trained by Princess Velicoma Endûl Kerithrion, the High Priestess of Darkside and secret acolyte of the Snake Demon Myurr.'
He shifted some other pages. 'Now here is where things get interesting. According to Professor Storm's notes, Malbordus used five Dragon artefacts in a bid to subdue Allansia but he was stopped and the Artefacts were smashed and the spell they were used in was broken.'
Iólinder put down most of the pages and pulled out the final two documents. 'Here,' he pointed out a paper titled "Artifacts", 'Professor Storm outlined these five Dragon artefacts: Bone, Crystal, Silver, Ebony, and Gold. Together, it seems, they hold the power to summon forth fully matured dragons under the summoner's control. Lucky for us those artefacts were destroyed, right?'
He held up the final paper. It was Professor Storm's personal journal written in Old Allasian. 'Professor Storm believed that the Cult of the Dragon has found a second set of artefacts, similar if not the same as the original ones that were destroyed, and infiltrated them to learn more. She marked down the various caches where she believed they would be found. Now the Cult does not have the raw magical power to conduct the ritual with the artefacts but this snow witch Shareella might. If she does, she is also powerful enough to use them to summon something else. Ice demons from what Professor Storm noted.'
A chill went down Iólinder's arms, as if the mere thinking about Ice demons gave him shivers. He moved a bit closer to the fire. 'The Cult, the snow witch, and Professor Storm are- were,' he corrected himself, 'looking for these five artefacts. Either the Cult of the Dragon or followers of Shareella killed Professor Storm and we are left to pick up where she left off. Now it's a threeway race to see who can find the artefacts first and decide the future of Allansia.'
Iólinder stretched his arms and legs. He was getting tired and ready to sleep. There was just one more thing he had to say. 'I am not giving you the dagger.' His voice was solemn and stern, as if he was stating a fact that was not open for debate. 'You saw the ritual and the demon but you also said that the demon could see you. We do not know if the vision is from the past or presently happening, or bound to happen. Demons are mysterious, powerful entities. Handling the dagger could establish a two way link between Myurr and whoever holds the dagger. That is a risk we cannot take. The dagger stays with me until we can find a way to destroy it.'
He finally stood up. He collected all of Professor Storm's papers in a neat stack. 'Thank you for taking over watch.' He said to Vydar before heading off to bed. 'We both have much to think about.' He stopped for a brief second.
'One final question.' He said to the dark elf. 'The woman chained to the altar: you said she was a priestess. What made you think that?'
-------------------------------------
In the morning
'Professor Storm noted that they would be charms each made out of a valuable material: gold, silver, ebony, crystal, and dragon bone.'
With maps in hand Iólinder followed the rest as they embarked on the next leg of their journey.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
(OOC: Furujiru has an excellent summary of what is going on. You are in a three way race to recover 5 artifacts. Followers of the Demon Snake Prince Myurr, The Snow Witch Sharella, and your party/ Team Storm).
You are at the saddle at the top of two mountain peaks. One large group of tracks leads to Cache 1 (continuing north down the other side).
A second group of tracks (Both sets made at the same time) leads across the top of the peaks to cache 2.
(OOC: Which way do you go?)
(Lol yes I agree Furujiru. Lol I wasn't expecting that XD I knew I already had that info, but Vydar didn't. Which is why he asked, I love the rp commitment here!)
Iolinder:
Vydar sits in silence as Iolinder explains what exactly he'd witnessed. Though he scowls, religious ritual or not it was still demonic. So it was the dark elves who were behind that. TCH, and they adopted a human child? There must be more to that. Dark elves are all racist after all, at least according to Nera. So why would they adopt a human?
He glances over again when the half-elf points out where Natalie had specified what artifacts they were all after. Boy was this a huge mess he'd stumbled into. A mess he probably wouldn't have ever known about if he'd never accepted Ms Storm's offer to travel together. Though he'd have to admit, even if he didn't know Natalie, his foolish sense of justice would have landed him in this same position anyway. Not that he'd admit that out loud.
He flinches when Iolinder bluntly says he's not going to return the dagger. His scowl deepens and he nearly spins around to actually face the man. He knew he should have demanded it back before spilling his story, but nooo he had to run his mouth off. This guy, he just won't stop treating him like a child will he? GAH! As Iolinder continues to explain his reasoning, Vydar sits there frozen but quivering with anger. What the man is saying makes sense, he can't argue with it, and that's what angers him. Though with new context to what actually happened, Vydar has begun to wonder...was it actually just the spell that triggered the vision, or was it because of his heritage? Would he be more susceptible to that...thing just because of his bloodline? Whether that's true or not, dark elves are the primary worshipers of Myurr... the thought scares him, and that fear only makes him more angry.
Gritting his teeth, he doesn't object to Iolinder's statement or respond when the half-elf thanks him for taking watch. However, the half-elf's last question jolts him from his smoldering thoughts, and he jerks his head to look at the man. "I don't know. Her clothes maybe? TCH I just knew alright?!" He turns back around crossing his arms.
The dark elf will pick up one of the wolf's collars, and nod to Amdaeng. "Maybe. I'll hold onto it just in case." He pockets the now broken collar, not revealing that he actually has no clue of how to track the owner at the moment. He feels a pang of sadness when Iolinder puts the wolf out of it's misery. Though, he won't deny that he'd hope someone would grant him that same mercy if he'd have been in that wolf's situation. The thought of someone else forcing him to do things against his will like that terrifies him.
Vydar is still clearly annoyed with Iolinder the next morning, though at this point it may be obvious that he's just perpetually irritated with everyone almost all the time. "Yeah, we might as well hit the first one first. Otherwise those bastard goblins will get to it before us for sure. If we are lucky, our small group will travel faster than the larger one, and we will be able to catch up with the one's that went to the second Cache. Otherwise we could just skip the second one after taking care of the enemies at the first one, then lay a trap at the third one for the group that went to the second cache. If we are lucky, they would bring whatever is there right to us."
Lev nods in agreement. Might as well go to the first cache first. It's the closer one and if they can catch up to the bastards that did this to Storm then that's a plus too. However, the large group went to cache one, so maybe going to cache two would be better? As much as he would like to slice up a bunch of goblins, he isn't sure how many they can handle at once.
(OOC: is the second group of tracks smaller? Or are they the same size?)
(Same size. They split into two groups)
It occurs to you that at some point, Charlie pulling the wagon may not work in this terrain. However, the tracks and broken down terrain left by the groups and the fact it is only a two wheeled cart instead of four works to your advantage.
You head down the back of the mountain and on through the valley. Natalie Storms notes lead you directly to the entrance of a large cave opening.
(Nature/ survival check)
OOC WE are using the D&D beyond maps software, so testing it now. If you go to the campaign page, click on maps on the top. It is the first Cache.
campaign link
(OOC: Click on the hand to move the screen around, then can enlarge. Click on the little player icon on the menu (left side), then you can manipulate your icon on the screen. I control fog of war. )
(It should look like this)
Survival: 14
After following Professor Storm's notes and reaching what appears to be the first cache Zarbyn glances around at the others.
"Before we enter we should give this some thought. The original group we were following split up with about 30 or so heading North and then that group split again into two groups going after both caches 1 & 2. Which means there's about 15 goblins at least to deal with, that's about 3 to 1 odds against us."
Zarbyn pauses briefly to let what he just said sink in.
"As you may of noticed the only weapons I carry are some daggers," he then draws one and twirls it once in his hand so that it does a full 360 revolution before coming to rest as he grips it tightly and continues, "but I have magic that allows me to strike at enemies from a distance of just over a hundred feet away. We need a plan even if it's just a simple one, even if it's just an idea or tactic we can exploit to our advantage. Something to even the odds."
Zarbyn brings his gaze to rest upon the mouth of the cave.
"Any Ideas?"
Amdaeng frowned, " I've mostly been fighting one on one for the last few years but I can do both up close and distance..."
Zarbyn sees the tracks of goblins, and giants. Also, bears. They are not that old. It appears they camped here, then entered. Your group gained some time on them.
"Looks like giant tracks mixed in with the goblins... and some bear tracks to boot."
Zarbyn crouches down on one knee and closely studies the many tracks in the snow.
"They camped here and then entered not long ago. It seems we might of caught up some ground on them."
Looking back to the mouth of the cave.
"Hopefully any bears that were already here managed to get some of the goblins before the giants got them. If we can engage them from a distance we should try for the giants first."
He then goes up to the side of the cave carefully and peeks inside.
Stealth: 21
Perception: 10
Lev's expression turns grim as the battle ahead becomes clearer to him. Zarbyn is right. Attacking from a distance makes the most sense since they are dealing with such a large group. Goblins are one thing, but giants and bears on top of that? This is starting to feel like one of those raids he never should have gone on.
Sighing he reaches for his longbow and places his glaive on the cart so he can string the ranged weapon. The longbow will always be his preference over the crossbow as its strength and speed are far more efficient. If its distance they want, then this bow is the better choice. His only regret is that it will be inconvenient to stow if he needs to pull out his glaive. Once the bow is strung, he stares at it for a moment before slinging it over his pack and counting his arrows.... exactly twenty. That doesn't leave a lot of room for error.
"We should scout this out first," he says abruptly. "Distance will only do us so much good if our enemy also is armed with ranged weapons. We need a better idea of what we are fighting against." Obviously the enemy has at least a couple archers, based on the mess they found where Natalie died. "If their archers outnumber us, then unless we can find terrain that will allow us to shoot without endangering ourselves, then close combat would be preferred." He pauses, face darkening further when he realizes that depending on how narrow or wide the cave is, he might not even be able to use his glaive effectively.
"Regardless, scouting this out is a must unless we want to run in blind. Not much point in creating a tactic if we don't know it will work," he crosses his arms, glaring at the cave for a moment before huffing and looking to the rest of the group. "I can play frontliner or distance fighter depending on what is required for the circumstance. If no one else is comfortable scouting ahead, I can do that too." Scouting and stealth are not his specialties, but he isn't bad at them either. This wouldn't be a first for him after all. Stealth kind of went along with his previous job.
He does carry two long range weapons, a reach weapon, and a melee weapon, though it's clear that he prefers the glaive over the other three.
Paevira suggests she can scout a little ahead. More than likely they will have posted guards here an there along the way.
stealth: 27
And she will search for traps along the way. She will go about 20’ in or until something interesting, which ever occurs first
investigation for traps: 14
(I'm not sure if you can move your pieces in play by post. I will move them to start and let me know if you can? Note, where the arrow is, there is a 20 foot long passage.)
(Paevira and Zarbyn and roll perception. You find no traps and are both pretty stealthy. Other players can tell me where to move your piece if you can't do it. Thanks, still learning our options)
Zarbyn and Paevira sneak into the cave opening, traversing a rough tunnel for 20 feet. (Other players can see both PC's but not much after yet).
It then opens into a large cavern, perhaps 40x60 feet, 15-30 feet high. There are a few lit torches in the room providing dim light. Rubble is piled up three to ten feet high in several places throughout the cavern. Looking north, the room seems to go on. A tunnel 35 feet to the left is chocked with debris. Dust zephyrs circulate through the cavern, leading you to believe the cave-in to the west was recent.
Here is a link to the map
map cache 1