The Barrowmazers
The Barrow Knights
1. Sir Macready Ramvira (Matt) male Drow (ex-Half Elf) Vengeance Paladin/Fighter, Knight of the Garter 2. Sir Droghall (Bill) male 'Kroxigor' Totem Barbarian, Knight of Carmathan
3. Sir Liam (Kermit) male Halfling Arcane Trickster Rogue, Knight of Carmathan 4. Sir Glendor, male Human Vengeance Paladin, Knight of the Garter
5. Sir Spartigus (Gus) male Human Champion Fighter, Knight of Carmathan
Companions
6. Ted Ramvira (Matt) male Half-Orc Assassin Rogue, brother of Sir Macready
7. Squire Geoffrey aka Kate (Rich) female Human Fighter, Squire to Sir Glendor
Followers
Sir Macready Ramvira - Bloodstone Castle (formerly D'Ashe Manor) rebuilt ca 22/9/62 - 20 light cavalry (9gp/m), ringmail & shield AC 16, longsword, hand axe, 3 javelins, 100 heavy infantry (6gp/m), scale AC 15, halberd, club. All hp 16 ST +2 DE+1 CO+1. Commander 60gp/m - Knight, +1 plate & +1 shield AC 22, +2 longsword or +2 battle-axe, barded heavy warhorse with horseshoes of speed, Lieutenant 40gp/m - Fighter-3, plate & shield AC 20
Sir Glendor - Ironguard Chapter House, Companions of the Noble Heart: 12 guards - Sgt at Arms & Medic Draper, MM Veteran hp 58, mostly hp 16 ST +2 DE+1 CO+1) 6 Paladins (3 Pal-1 3 Pal-2), 2 Acolytes (sc 1 hp 9) & Brother Othar as Senior Chaplain (Priest, sc 5 hp 27).
Sir Liam - spy network based out of Wizardspoons, Helix.
1x Wizardspoons Awkward Squad (10 in 1 squad inc Hard Tom, Gav, Fergus, Nigella, Dave, Gigi the Goblin Strumpet, Liam's friends, etc): AC 15 (typically studded, shield, DEX +1) HP 320
2x Melee ATT +4 (advantage) #Attacks: 2 damage 60x2 (mace, club, axe, bar stool etc)
1x Ranged ATT +3 dam 40 (beer mugs, bottles etc)
Speed 25'
8x Helix Militia (80 in 8 Squads) AC 13 (typically padded & shield) HP 110
Spear ATT +3 damage 40/attack
Javelin ATT +3 damage 40 rng 30/120
Speed 30'
2x Brothers of Ironguard (20 in 2 squads, cavalry) AC 18 (typically chain & shield) HP 200
Lance ATT +4 damage 100
Longsword ATT +4 damage 80
Javelin ATT +4 damage 50 rng 30/120
Speed 60' (mounted) or 30'
2x Rangers of the Golden Thorn (20 in 2 x squads, archers) AC 15 (typically chain shirt, DEX +2) HP 200
Longbow ATT +6 damage 100/attack range 150/600
Longsword ATT +4 damage 100
Speed 30'
1 x Calcified Skeletons (12 in 1 squad) AC 16 HP 384
#Attacks: 2 Claws ATT +5 dam 60x2
Speed 30'
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| Ironguard, Chapter House of the Noble Heart |
Ironguard Keep - Chapter House of the Companions of the Noble Heart
Sir Glendor - Master and Commander
Squire Geoffrey-Squire to Sir G, Fighter-6
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| Squire Geoffrey is a real man's man. |
Knight Brothers (6)
Sir Spartak - Seneschal P2
Sir Victor - Turcopolier P2
Sir Witan - Marshal P2
Sir Bernard - Under Marshal P1
Sir Grayson - Under Marshal P1
Sir Heinrich - Standard Bearer P1
Paladin 2 AC
19 (splint & shield) HP 20 STR +2 DEX
+0 CON +2 INT +0 WIS +2 CHA +2 Saves STR +4 CHA +4 Style: Duelist wpn: Longsword ATT
+4 dam 1d8+4 +2d8 Smite, 4 javelins ATT +4 dam 1d6+2 Lance mounted ATT +4 dam 1d12+4 & smite Spell Slots (2) cure wounds, searing smite Save DC
12. Lay on Hands 10 hp.
Skills: Athletics +4 History +2 Persuasion +4 Religion +2 Ride +2
Paladin 1 AC 18 (chainmail & shield) HP 12 STR +2 DEX
+0 CON +2 INT +0 WIS +2 CHA +2 Saves STR +4 CHA +4. Style: Duelist wpn: Longsword ATT +4 dam 1d8+4, 4 javelins ATT +4 dam 1d6+2, Lance mounted ATT +4 dam 1d12+4, Lay on Hands 5 hp
Skills: Athletics +4 History +2 Persuasion +4 Religion +2 Ride +2
Sgt at Arms Draper - Veteran, AC 19 hp 58
Sergeant Brothers (11)
Anders & Beecham. Medics
Baker. Cook
Callin. Administrator
Dale Flak. Tailor
Hill Reed. Farrier
Pool Tain
Smith. Smith
Sergeant Brother AC 18 (chain & shield) HP 16 (3d8+3) STR +2 DE +1 CO +1 IN +0 WI +0 CH +0 wpn: Longsword ATT +4 dam 1d8+2, 4 javelins ATT +4 dam 1d6+2.
Clergy (3)
Chaplain - Brother Othar of Helix - Priest hp 27
Assistant Chaplain - Brother Cid, Brother Henry - Acolyte hp 11 (2d8+2)
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| Droghall the Mighty |
Retired
Moxy (Claire) female Tiefling Bard 11, College of Swords
Aya (Judith) female Aasimar Untherite Light Cleric 9 of Shamash
Kevan Blackguard (Jack) Half-Elf male Bard-7 (Lore)
Petyr (Jack), male Aasimar Warlock 7 (Celestial) of Avery Keoni (Judith) female Nar human Druid 5
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| Aya of Shamash |
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Mirabelle Cumin (Jelly) Human female Wizard 3
Kaalih (Silvia), Tiefling female Sorcerer 2
Deceased PCs
Chance (Jack) Halfling male Wild Magic Sorcerer
Manu (Matt), Half-Orc male Totem Barbarian 4
Ripper (Kermit), Human Knowledge Cleric 4
Brago of the Oceans (Jack), Dwarf Weaponmaster Fighter 3
Herald Estrange (Jack), Tiefling male Infernal Warlock 3
Ulric Iceshadow (Rich) Human male Fighter-1 XP 165/300 AC 19 HP 12 P-PER 11 P-INV 10 P-INS 11
Chronology
1359 DR
M10 T3 (25/4/21): Manu the Half-Orc, stablehand at the Brazen Strumpet, and the noble lady Mirabelle Cumin meet at the Brazen Strumpet in Helix. From the Mercenary Guild they recruit the Gnome Rogue Estra Zo and later the Cleric Farnad of St Sollars, making several expeditions to the Barrow Mounds and returning with rich treasures, most of which are sold to Mazzahs the Magnificent. They part ways for a while as Manu trains to increase his fighting skills.
M11 T1 (23/5/2021): Manu Mirabelle & co resume delving into the Barrows; Ulric Iceshadow is killed by a Wight & Farned of the Great Church by centipedes.
M11 T2 (20/6/21): Stairs mound discovered. First meeting with Mongrelmen, fighting giant flies.
M11 T3 (4/7/21): Meetings with Mongrelmen, mapping disjunction.
M12 T1 (18/7/21): Enk & Estra Zho killed (by gargoyles & Norse Whisperers), Norse Whisperers defeated but 2 escape; dwarven thrower hammer recovered.
M12 T2 (1/8/21): Krago the Dwarf & Herald Estrange eaten by giant vultures.
Spellgard Shield of Old Impiltur recovered; Necromancers of Myrkul encountered and defeated. Men-at-arms recruits Milly & Mathor survive the expedition. The
Brazen Strumpet has some refurbishment work done.
M12 T3 (22/8/21): Winter Festival approaching. One snowy night,
orcs attack the Brazen Strumpet, but are defeated by the defenders led by Manu, Ripper and a dwarf warrior, Brago of the Oceans. One orc is captured, questioned and released after Brago removes a leg. Ripper gets it on with the night's entertainment, a lusty half-elf Bard named Roxanne Bard.
Next day, Manu, Ripper, Brago and the men-at-arms Milly & Mathor crew Hendon the miller's flat-bottomed boat out onto the marshes, seeking the lair of the giant vultures who slew Krago & Herald.
They do not return. finis (for now) Postscript: Manu's bones & hammer later recovered by Norrin's Band, Manu reincarnated as a fox by the High Druid of Leth.
1360 DR
M6 Flowers T1 (6/1/22 IRL): Sir Glendor and Sir Mac of the Companions of the Noble Heart lead a new expedition into Barrowmaze, encountering gargoyles, Necromancers, weird skeletons and a Runic Golem.
M6 T2 (13/1/22 IRL): Mac Droghall & Liam gather again, explore cairns in the northwestern Barrowmoor, and gather much loot.
(10/11/60: Norrin's Band battle at Mathen Manor, Prince Strohm lost)
13/11/60: Barrowmaze #13 Death of Mohag, slain by skeleton warriors.
(ca 20/11/60: Faerun 7 expedition to Moonglen, battle Leng spiders.)
(ca 4-12/12/60: Norrin's Band expedition to Stormcaller Tor)
10/12/60: Barrowmaze #15 10/7/22 IRL. Liam braves the Tomb of the Pyromancer. Party persuade Necromancers of Myrkul not to kill them, and defeat a horde of 200 undead, then leave.
1361 DR
30/1/61 (31/7/22 IRL)
Barrowmaze #16: after a 7 week break for bad winter weather, the party re-assembles in Helix. With a boat. Return & loot treasure chambers, find Deck of Many Things. Spartigus is lost, while Chance is turned into an idiot and left with the church of St Sollars, then carried off by a horned devil.
1/2-14/2/61 Party sell Deck of Many Things in Heliogabolus to an agent of Khelben Arunsen, the Blackstaff of Waterdeep, use the cash for a Wish to find Spartigus. They visit the Vaasan Gate - Emelyn the Gray is away campaigning, but they have Myrddin Viligoth in Ravensburg use a Wish scroll to locate him at the SE extremity of the Barrowmoor.
15/2/61 Party breach the Barrow of Lord Varghoulis, Commander of the Black Legion of Nergal/Jergal centuries ago, before the founding of modern Damara. In a terrible battle Vargoulis and his warriors are defeated, and Spartigus is freed.
27/2/61 (7/8/22 IRL)
Barrowmaze #17 - Mirror Barrow leads down to the Maze, fight harpies skeletons cockatrices and caryatids, link up with a northern Barrow exit in Necromancer territory.
7-12/3/61 (21/8/22 IRL)
Barrowmaze #18 Kill black dragon in swamp, explore barrows including the unfinished 'Demon Barrow', defeat a summoned horned devil & a strange golem.
20/3/61: Moxy the Bard performs for Duchess Malla in Ravensburg. Gets on very well with Sir Palador deVir.
28/3/61 (18/9/22 IRL)
Barrowmaze #19 - battle Orcus cultists, trolls, and ghost soldiers. 1 week LR.
1/4/61 -
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| 4/8/61 The Water Weird |
Faerun 7 in Barrowmaze.
Taycee the Barmaid is being courted by Tamson, son of Hendon the Miller, but Hendon is sceptical of the match. 1-2/4/61 the famous Faerun 7 adventurers visit Helix. Gorlock the Warlock loses lots of money at the Foul Pheasant gambling with Pernicious Perni & Lord Ironguard, but the F7 did make a successful expedition to the Barrow Moor and even kept their guide young Vili alive, with enough money to buy a cow, put a down payment on a hovel, and marry his betrothed, Margaret the Baker's Daughter.
5/4/61 (2/10/22 IRL)
Barrowmaze #20: Mac Droghall Spartigus Liam & Aya hunt Necromancers of Myrkul, but mostly loot the tombs of Nergal. In a great chamber find the sarcophagus of an ancient dwarven forge priest,
Drambuin Hillsmith, guarded by a dwarven stone golem. Drambuin speculated to be he who first taught the Riddle of Steel to the ancient Nars. Droghall commissions King Fraener to craft a magic maul from the stone golem's big toe.
16/4/61 (16/10/22 IRL)
Barrowmaze #21 Temple of Myrkul attacked, chief Necromancers slain.
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| 4/8/61 Stone Giants of the Desert Isle |
29-30/4/61 (29/10/22)
Barrowmaze #22 Joell joins Barrowmazers, Chief Crabclaw rescued by Mac. Moxy entertains Sir Glendor. He has an AC of 26, you know.
13/5/61 (13/11/22)
Barrowmaze #23 - dancing rat, animated heads. Mac leads the Mongrelmen to Khundrakar.
11/6/61 (11/12/22)
Barrowmaze #24 - mostly empty halls, heucueva & stirges, magic dagger.
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| 4/8/61 Faerun 7 vs Nalfeshnee |
8/7/61 (8/1/23)
Barrowmaze #26 - Mac & co gain the Font of Law; in a divine vision Mac meets St Sollars & Avery, and is judged worthy.
4/8/61 (4/2/23)
Faerun 7 at Barrowmaze - and Beyond, to Nalt's Isle, a mysterious sun-soaked desert island of stone giants, lamiae and demons. Much riches are seized from the Castle of the Eel. Faerun 7 retire for a while.
5/8/61 (5/2/23)
Barrowmaze #28 - Droghall meets the Lizard Mummies of Yig. They attempt to proclaim him the Emissary of Yig, on dubious grounds.
19/8/61 (19/2/23)
Barrowmaze #29: Many barrows looted with Dekeon & Wendle, meet Renata the Robber and her gang and let them take the Barrow of the Charioteer. Mac spends time with the robbers in the Blackened Forest.
26/8/61 (26/2/23)
Barrowmaze #30. Loot two eastern barrows, find books and the Throne of Balance, kill seven trolls on the moor - two more flee.
19/9/61 (19/3/23)
Barrowmaze #31 As the
cold autumn rain pours down on the Barrowmoor, the
Pit of Chaos is closed by Mac! He falls in battle with a terrible Beholder, but Droghall takes his body to the
High Druid of Leth, and he is Reincarnated - as a Drow!
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| 4/8/61 The Boar Demon & the Warlock |
Six months of heavy rains and snow follow the closing of the Pit of Chaos. It is long before Spring comes and adventurers return to the Barrowmoor...
1362 DR
2/4/62 (2/4/23)
Barrowmaze 32 Massacre of the trolls - including their chief, Shagrot.
16/4/62 (16/4/23)
Barrowmaze 33 Mac Liam & Kevan get beaten up by the Dread Knight of Nergal, Variens.
30/4/61 (30/4/23)
Barrowmaze 34 Mac Liam Droghall & Glendor destroy Variens, finish exploring the NW Barrowmaze, then attack the Temple of Orcus, destroying the temple. Droghall takes a Balor's greatsword, and head. Mac & Glendor are made Knights of the Garter by Duchess Malla.
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| 31/4/62 Fall of the Temple of Orcus |
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| 31/4/62 Battle in the Temple of Orcus. None can stand against the Barrowmazers! |
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| Kisreth Soun, the Crimson Priestess |
Barrowmaze 35 (14/5/23). 10/5/62 Sir Veritas recruits Mac to deal with the Karvoli Forest vampire lord Nightreaver. Mac rides over to Helix. 11/5 Mac Spartigus Liam Droghall return to Ravensburg, briefed by Sir Arthur Dahnim. 12/5 With Kisreth Soun of the Crimson Order they ride east, lunch at Halfling Downs. Spartigus tries to buy the pub. Reach the Red Mausoleum at dusk. 13/5 with Kisreth Soun, Posha Mon, Alveh Had & Dugresh, they enter the Karvoli Forest. Droghall communes with nature. Attacked by worgs & wolves. Reach Bloodstone Tower, which turns out to be literally made of Bloodstone. Defeat Blood Zombie guards at the entry; the Crimson Order are told to stay outside. Assault the tower slaying blood elementals & vampires, free six captives 2m 4f from exsanguination chamber. High in the tower face a vampire priestess, more vampires, bone golems, and the Nightreaver himself. Destroy them all and return victorious. 14/5 return to Ravensburg victorious. 15/5 Duchess Malla makes Droghall Liam & Spartigus Knights of Carmathan, and grants Macready the Bloodstone Tower. Droghall will guard the workers & Carmathan men-at-arms while it is disassembled and sold (to ca end M6/62, 40,000gp each to Droghall Liam Spartigus & Macready). Kisreth Soun gets it on with Spartigus.
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| 13/5/62 The Blood Zombies of Bloodstone Tower |
Barrowmaze 36 1/6/62 Defend Helix from the Orcs, save Mathlyn too. 8/6 Begin construction of Bloodstone Castle on the ruins of D'Ashe Manor.
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| The Black Legion |
Barrowmaze 37 2/7/62 (2/7/23 IRL) Accidentally free the
Black Legion of Nergal from their Barrow. Glendor & Ted then visit the Forest of Leth, defeating a Skull Sword Ambush, and promise to aid the High Druid against Rheligaun after the High Druid cures Glendor's level droop.
Barrowmaze 38 9/7/62 (6/8/23 IRL) The Black Legion attack Helix while Sir Glendor is still off garfunkeling Mac's mum.
Barrowmaze Adventurers
Starting PCs
Start/Minimum PC level is normally half the highest PC level. Round up for levels 1-10, down for levels 11-20. Starting gold is 10% of starting XP. The maximum start PC level is 10 (where the highest PC level is 20).
Highest PC Level: Start Level
1-2: 1
3-4: 2
5-6: 3
7-8: 4
9-11: 5
12-13: 6 Currently PCs start at 6th level.
14-15: 7
16-17: 8
18-19: 9
20: 10
New PCs (only) may purchase the following items with starting cash: Any PHB gear. Any Common item from the Common Items list here, price as listed. Potion of Greater Healing (250gp), Oil of Slipperiness (250gp), Philter of Love (250gp), Potion of Animal Friendship (250gp), Potion of Hill Giant Strength (250gp), Potion of Growth (250gp), Potion of Poison (250gp), Potion of Resistance (250gp), Potion of Water Breathing (250gp), Spell Scroll: Level 1 Spell 50gp, Level 2 Spell 500gp, Level 3 Spell 1000gp. Add any component cost to spell cost, eg Scroll of Revivify 1300gp. Weapon +1 (any) 800gp. Arrow or Bolt +1 200gp. Shield +1 800gp. Cloak of Protection 1000gp. Cloak of Elvenkind 1000gp.
Training to Level
This takes 1 work week without a mentor, 2 weeks with a mentor, and can take place during a Long Rest.
Level to be Attained: Cost
2-4: 20gp
5-10: 40gp
11-16: 60gp
17-20: 80gp
Typical Noncombat XP Awards by Achievement
Tier Minor/Major Award (per PC)
1 100/200 eg 800gp-4,000gp hoard
2 200/500 eg 4,000gp-20,000gp hoard
3 500/1000 eg 20,000gp-100,000gp hoard
4 1000/2000 eg 100,000gp-500,000gp hoard
The penniless PCs have slowly migrated, one-by-one, to a backwater village called Helix in the gods-forsaken middle-of-nowhere. You overheard a group of loudmouth adventurers called the Bastards of Bogtown talking about the gold and jewels they recovered from a barrow mound in the swamp. Hey, that sounds like a good idea!
Depending on their backgrounds, PCs may have their own reasons for investigating the Barrowmaze, eg a Wizard PC might be apprentice to the local wizard Mazzahs the Magnificent & seeking to recover lost knowledge of the old Nars. A Cleric or Paladin might be serving the Church of St Sollars (locally headed by Brother Othar) and investigating reports of the dead rising out on the Barrowmoors.
The Barrowmoor
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| The Barrowmoor |
Helix Village
Population: 632 in 1358 DR
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Demographics: Primarily human, with a few dwarves, elves, half-elves, and halflings.
Ruler: Sir Macready Ramvira, vassal to the Baron Grimstead.
Industry and Trade: Dried Peat, Livestock (goats), Agriculture (subsistence)
Maximum Spell Level: 5 Arcane (Mazzahs the Magnificent) 3 Divine (Brother Othar).
The village of Helix is located between the northern edge of the Barrowmoor and south of the Blackened Forest. Humans established the village two centuries ago atop the ruins of a much older settlement. The location affords good access to water, wood from the forest, and fuel supply in the form of harvested peat moss from the bog.
The people of Helix are a mixed group. The remote location of the village, on the western edge of Damara and far removed from civilized society, means the townspeople are either hardy frontiersmen who make the village their home or scoundrels and knaves seeking refuge in the distant corners of the realm. The time of year also influences the village population. Helix appears relatively quiet during the rainy season in the fall and winter months. During this time, only the foolish would attempt to cross the marsh (even highly skilled rangers and druids would think twice). The water level rises during the
rainy season and it makes traversing the ground a perilous undertaking. Instead, most wait until the late spring or early summer to navigate the Barrowmoor.
Many folk tales and legends are told in Helix. Of these stories the undead are the most persistent. Village elders agree that the sightings of strange human-like figures shuffling through the fog are a growing threat to their communities. Some locals in Helix blame adventurers for these disturbances and say the barrow mounds must be left alone and that the dead must not be disturbed.
Each fall, the people of Helix celebrate the harvest by constructing a large effigy of Green Man (Silvanus) or Herne in the village square made of dried peat, reeds, and hay. The villagers, wearing masks symbolizing the animals of the swamp and forest, surround the effigy with sacrifices, conduct prayers, and then light it aflame on the night of the Autumnal Equinox. This is followed by a celebration of drinking, singing, and dancing. The church of St. Sollars discourages this longstanding practice.
Places of Note: Village Map of Helix
1. Village Square (central meeting place and marketplace)
This is the central meeting and marketplace in the village. The village crier makes announcements each day at noon from a dais in the center of the square. These announcements normally gather a large crowd and provide an excellent opportunity to learn news or attempt to find hirelings or henchmen, beyond those available in the Mercenary Guild. There is also a pillory in the square that serves as a deterrent for criminals and thieves.
2. Turgen’s Trade Goods
Billworth Turgen, a merchant, has provided basic equipment and trade goods to the villagers of Helix for decades. He also serves as the local agent for the Silver Standard Caravan Company.
3. The Axe and Anvil
Karg Barrelgut is the lead hammer at The Axe and Anvil smithy. Barrelgut is a fine craftsman and serves the village in the varied roles of blacksmith, armourer, and weaponsmith, as needed. His young cousin, Gern, works as his apprentice. One can purchase a broadsword here (same stats as longsword, but one-handed only) from the Axe and Anvil for only 8gp. The broadsword is the favoured weapon of many warriors in the region. Karg can provide all standard weapons (except bows and arrows), and standard armor types other than plate (breast, half or full). Given enough time he can even craft rune-marked weapons (magic +1 melee weapons) with a preference for axes, hammers and swords.
4. Mercenary Guild
This building serves as the home of the mercenary guild in Helix. Osen, the Guildmaster, created a
business for himself recruiting men-at-arms, classed henchmen, porters, torch-bearers, and guides to serve adventurers and expeditions into the Barrowmoor and the surrounding region.
5. The Silver Standard Merchant Caravan Company
This building serves as the supply depot for the Silver Standard Merchant Caravan Company in Helix. Trade goods are both delivered and loaded at this location. Billworth Turgen oversees each shipment personally and normally has a small crew of men to load and unload the caravans.
6. The Shrine of St. Sollars is a small church in the center of the village. Most villagers in Helix pray to both the ancient gods and the new. The Shrine of St. Sollars, in particular, has been successful in establishing a small religious following. Brother Othar (Priest/level 5 caster) and his under-cleric Gamdar Half-Orc (sc 2) oversee the shrine and tend to the needs of the villagers regardless of their faith. Othar's adopted daughter Cella (sc 3) is now ministering to the Mongrelmen of Khundrakar.
7. The Rosy Quartz Jeweler and Money Lender
This is the shop of Harnold Huwen Reginald (or H.H.R) Huffnpuff, the primary jeweler and money lender in the village. Huffnpuff can provide several services for adventurers. These include the appraisal of gemstones and precious treasures, exchange of these items into gold pieces, and banking services. HHR is very short, rumoured to be part Halfling.
8. The Brazen Strumpet Inn
The Brazen Strumpet is the heart and soul of the village. Bollo the Barkeep owns the tavern and employs the barmaids Urgritte, and Merda (Taycee now retired). The tavern is usually quiet in the mornings and early afternoons. Patrons normally start arriving in the late afternoon and the music and merriment continues until Bollo closes the bar in the wee hours of the morning.
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| The Brazen Strumpet, Roxanne Bard performing on a cold winter's night. The Foul Pheasant lies to the right. |
9. The Foul Pheasant Inn Wizardspoons Inn (from 3/7/1361)
Pernicious “Perni” Ticklebottom previously owned and operated the only gambling house in Helix. Although she attempted to pass her business off as a simple, seedy tavern & inn to the locals, Perni’s primary business was gambling and, to a lesser degree, prostitution. Krothos Ironguard was a frequent customer of her services. 3/7/61 Glendor & Spartigus persuaded Perni to sell at a knock-down price of 6,000 gp, renaming it Wizardspoons.
Staff: Cook is Nigella Loathsome, Half-Orc. Hard Tom the halfling barman. The bouncers are Gav the Nauseous and Fergus the Ferret - human and dwarf respectively. Dave the Immortal Singing Badger is the pub mascot. Glendor has two mastiffs who sit by his “throne” - “Sean” and “Connery”. Two Barrow Trolls.
Ladies of Wizardspoons include Isabel (brunette, ca 30, failed mage student), Emma (redhead, shapely, ca 20), Carol (blonde, ca 19), Suzanne (half elf, slim, short hair).
Staff
Manager - Hard Tom the Halfling Ftr-2/Rog-2 Bouncers (2)
1. Gavin the Nauseous- Human (??)
2. Fergus the Ferret - Dwarf
Assistant Cooks (3) - Bilge Suzanne & Emma
Bar Staff/Waitresses/Strumpets (6) - Carol Helga Isabel Holli Nina & Gigi the Goblin
Dave the Singing Badger
Sean & Connery, War Hounds
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Hard Tom, Halfling Manager
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| Nigella Loathsome |
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| Gavin the Nauseous |
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| Fergus the Ferret |
This decaying spire is the home of Mazzahs the Magnificent. The spire itself is impressive especially the observatory. However, the structure is in disrepair and the sides are covered in green moss. A sign on the door reads “Do not disturb!” Mazzahs is said to be quirky and grouchy. He prefers to be left alone to work on his experiments, read arcane lore, and study the cosmos through his makeshift observatory at the top of the spire. He can sometimes be persuaded to craft magic items, for a sizable markup.
Mazzahs come downstairs and (several minutes later) opens the door, having disarmed the wards. He looks up at Nathia as he hands over a pouch of 50gp for the scroll. "Oh, always interested in magics of all sorts, I am! I have quite a research specialisation in the old Narish stuff out of Barrowmaze. Jergalite Era, prior to the Rise of Tharlgaun Crell. The Old Nars had a rich and fascinating culture, y'know."
Mazzahs eyes Mac. "I know of the ancient Narish legends, yes. They say Jergal, God of the Underworld, received a vision. He knew his three sons, Orcus, Myrkul and Set, desired his throne and wanted to depose him as Lord of the Underworld. Jergal commanded his followers to take his most powerful unholy relic, The Tablet of Chaos, and entomb it in a hidden place, behind many wards and traps. In time, Jergal’s vision came to pass and his sons overthrew him... but they never gained the Tablet, and without that their rule could never be complete. Why do you ask?"
"Of course, this is only a legend. It likely transposes the rise of Tharlgaun Crell, son of Orcus, to the metaphysical realm. Set of course is a version of the serpent god of Mulhorand, while Myrkul features in the similar Netherese legend of the Dread Three, where Jergal willingly gave over his lordship to Myrkul, Bane and Bhaal."
Mazzahs cocks an eye at Mac. "Hmm? Most interesting! Qorgeth... the Serpent is not so far from the Worm - it had occurred to me that 'Set' might be a mistranslation from the Old Narish! You think the third brother is in fact the demon Qorgeth? Yes, that certainly makes sense..." Mazzahs produces a stylus and wax pad, hurriedly scribbling some notes. "Yes, so... once the Serpent - the Worm - devours the Heart - the Tablet of Chaos - that will be the coming of the End Times! Indeed! Yes, it all makes sense now!!" Mazzahs gives an excited little hop.
11. Bowyer/Fletcher
This is the home of Valeron the elf. Valeron is a bowyer and fletcher. One can purchase short/longbows and arrows from him at standard prices; Valeron is said to be the finest bowyer in the region. He can even craft enchanted elven bows, using the finest yew. Valeron also possesses the knowledge and skill to weave giant spider silk from the Blackened Forest into enchanted elven garments, cloaks, robes, or rope.
12. Grain Mill
Hendon the miller, his wife Vina, teenage son Tamson, and boy Yusef, live here. Hendon is a capable man (a retired Ranger) and occasionally walks the moor in defense of the village.
13. The Barrowmoor
Within the marsh, an obscuring fog hangs heavily on the landscape and easily disorients travelers. At dusk the fog is nearly impenetrable and the moon casts an eerie glow across the moor. The air feels thick and hard to breath. The marsh smells of rot and decay. The ground of the Barrowmoor is soft and footprints quickly fill with dark peat-coloured water. The bog is difficult to navigate due to the tangled and near impenetrable mass of decaying trees, weeds that stand seven feet high, knotted vines, and deep pools of black swamp water. The moor is an unnervingly silent place. Occasionally the deep croak of a bullfrog can be heard before it plops into the water, or perhaps the distant caw of a raven, but otherwise the moor is strangely quiet. For much of the year the Barrowmoor is near impenetrable. During late autumn, winter, and early spring the marshland is simply too soggy and water-covered to traverse on foot, and flat bottomed boats or rafts become the only means of ingress.
14. Statue of Herne
Surrounded by a ring of stones, a statue of Herne the Hunter stands in a secluded grove by the river three miles west of Helix. The statue serves as a shrine and those who worship him travel to the grove with offerings and animal sacrifices.
15. Ancient Ruins
An ancient white marble ruin can be found in the Blackened Forest about five miles north of Helix. The ruins have long been reclaimed by the black trees and growth of forest. The ruins are covered in giant spider webs that dominate the wood. Some say they occasionally see torches near the old temple that correspond to the cycle of the moons.
16. Ironguard Motte, the fortified manor house of Krothos Ironguard, lies on the stream a half mile east of Helix. It is surrounded by farmland, and was protected by a squad of well armoured men-at-arms. 25/5/62 abandoned by Krothos Ironguard and promised to Sir Macready Ramvira by Baron Solkar, if Macready can hold Helix against the Orc horde.
The Blackened Forest
The Blackened Forest is a dark swampy woodland beginning 2-3 miles north of Helix. Some say the trees have turned black from the peat of the Barrowmoor and others say that a greater evil has poisoned the forest. The wood is said to harbor all manner of monstrous creatures including goblins, froglings, bugbears, trolls, and giant spiders. During the spring and summer months the villagers of Helix, accompanied by men-at-arms from Ironguard Tor, attempt to harvest the extremely valuable giant spider silk from the forest. Only a couple villagers (including Valeron the Elf, and Vina the miller’s wife) possess the skill to weave giant spider silk. Some say the clothing made from the silk possesses unique properties. The majority of the silk harvest is transported by the Silver Standard Merchant Caravan Company to Ravensburg. In addition, a white marble ruin—perhaps an ancient temple—is said to exist in the forest north of Helix.
The Moonfog Hills
6+ miles to the west. Silver and Mithril are mined here despite the dangers of these enchanted hills, and brought through Helix by the Silver Standard merchant coster.
Personalities of Helix
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| Mazzahs |
1. Mazzahs the Magnificent (m) is a strange Mage who makes his home in Helix. Mazzahs gives a poor first impression. His left eye is slightly larger than the right, giving him a bug-eyed appearance. His wizard cap is bent and his robes are decorated with small charms and knick-knacks that jingle together as he walks. Mazzahs pays well for old Narish relics. Friendly with the Goliath Nathia.
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| Bollo |
2. Bollo (m), Owner and Barkeep of The Brazen Strumpet, was a stout warrior in his youth. The barrel-chested Bollo retired from adventuring to open the Brazen Strumpet after he took an arrow to the knee. Bollo is known as an honest and fair-dealing man. He has a loud and ready laugh. He feeds Alaster the village idiot for free, prays to Herne & Silvanus, and supports the local shrine. He normally wears a worn leather apron, and his old warhammer and shield hang behind the bar. It's said that Bollo has heard every Barrowmaze story, and is a wealth of information on the dungeon.
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| Taycee |
3. Taycee (f) the (now former)
Brazen Strumpet barmaid seems the archetype of the feminine, buxom, red-headed barmaid. She is pretty but sarcastic, with a droll sense of humor. She has worked for Bollo for years (since 1357 DR), and has heard most of the rumors regarding Barrowmaze. Born 1339 DR.
Rumour M4 '61: Taycee is being courted by Tamson, son of Hendon the Miller, but Hendon is sceptical of the match. M10 1361 Taycee married Tamson and retired from bar work. M5 1362 Taycee/Mrs Tamson gave birth to a baby girl, named Urgritte after Taycee's friend. |
| Urgritte |
4. Urgritte (f) the Brazen Strumpet Barmaid is strong and tall, and yet possesses a feminine build. She has long, pleated, golden blonde hair. Urgritte is of Narish stock, and has a strong Soravian accent. Born 1340 DR, she has worked at the Brazen Strumpet since the summer of 1359 DR (M7). Friendly with fellow Nar Greeba.
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| Merda |
5. Merda (f) the Barmaid is beautiful, but shorter and with a more slender build than the other barmaids due to her half-elven heritage. She is short-tempered, and is always late serving tables. She seemingly cares little for most folk. Friendly with Mac.
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| Karg |
6. Karg Barrelgut (m) the Blacksmith hails from Dwarfstead. He serves as the blacksmith, weaponsmith, and armorer for the village of Helix. Karg possesses a dark sense of humor, and is quick to develop humorous nick-names for his patrons. Karg is well known within Helix. Karg speaks broken common and prefers to conduct business in Dwarven, if possible. He has a young dwarf, Gern, a nephew who serves as his apprentice.
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| Father Othar |
7. Father Othar (m) of St. Sollars is well-groomed and makes an excellent first impression. He seems devoted to establishing St. Sollars as the primary deity in Helix and the surrounding area. Friendly with Brother Eamon.
8. Gamdar (m) the Acolyte recently joined the faith of St. Sollars in Helix. His mixed blood gives him a strange appearance. He has two small tusks that jut from either side of his mouth, this makes his speech difficult to understand.
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| Krothos Ironguard |
9. Krothos Ironguard (m) is the epitome of impetuous youth. Unlike his late father Sir Kell, he looks down on the villagers of Helix and treats the people with disinterest. He is brash, a braggart, and has accomplished little in his life. Krothos is always accompanied by two burly bodyguards (Baddock and Kantin). They typically wear chainmail (with the tabard of House Ironguard) and carry longswords. Krothos has delved into Barrowmaze once. He brags often about the experience. Krothos can often be found in the Foul Pheasant gambling and whoring. In his effort to exert more power and influence Krothos hired a new advisor, Ollis Blackfell. Update 25/5/62(23): On hearing of an approaching Orc Horde, Krothos abandoned Ironguard Motte and fled east with Baddock, Kantin, and the Helix treasury.
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| Valeron |
10. Valeron (m) the Elf stays in the village and plies his trade as a bowyer and fletcher. Valeron is a handsome and lithe Wood Elf of the Rawlinwood. He has sharp features, and long jet black hair. He greets most non-elves with an aloof disapproving gaze, but regardless of his first impression no one can question the quality of his work. Valeron is the finest bowyer and fletcher in the region. He is said to prefer the company of men.
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| Osen |
11. Guildmaster Osen (m), a retired former adventurer and mercenary with grey receding hair, Osen's leg was crippled by an arrow at the disastrous Battle of First Goliad, M6 1357 DR. He came to Helix summer 1358 DR when he heard of the discovery of a great field of barrow mounds in the Barrowmoor. Although his warrior days are now behind him, Osen created a mercenary guild to represent and organize local labour. The recent rumours of gold and treasure in Barrowmaze ensure Osen has a steady stream of desperate (and greedy) ne’er-do-wells hoping to make a quick gold piece.
12. Billworth Turgen (m) owns Turgen’s Trade Goods in Helix, and also serves as the local agent for the larger Silver Standard Merchant Coster (Caravan Company). He is very friendly with a bald head and a short round body. His appearance belies his nature as a shrewd businessman.
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Alaster
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13. Alaster (m)
the Village Idiot is a terrible sight to behold. He wears old dirty clothes and smells like ale, vomit, and feces. His hair is a tangled mess matted with mud. He tends to lie about in front of the
Brazen Strumpet.
T3/M12/1359: Alaster killed an Orc raider in the larder of the Brazen Strumpet with only a broken bottle.  |
| HHR Huffnpuff |
14. Harnold Huwen Reginald (or H.H.R) Huffnpuff (m) plies his trade as a jeweler and money lender in the village of Helix. Believed to be part Halfling, he is very short with a head of curly brown hair and a broad smile that seems to extend almost from ear to ear. He always introduces himself to new clients in grand fashion saying, “H.H.R Huffnpuff, jeweler, money lender, and purveyor of ancient antiquities. How may I be of service?” Huffnpuff comes from a long line of jewelers. He has a keen eye for appraisal and a shrewd mind for business. He will happily exchange treasures for gold pieces.
15. Hendon the Miller (m) is emblematic of the tough, hardy villagers that make Helix their home. Prior to raising a family, Hendon served as a Ranger in protection of the village. He is viewed as a local hero of sorts, and villagers still tell stories of his bravery in defending the village against a host of Bullywugs that attacked Helix decades ago. Hendon is a proud and capable man. His sons Tamson and Yusef want to learn to walk the moors like their father. Tamson married Taycee the Barmaid M10 1361 DR. They have a daughter Urgritte M5 1362.
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Former Helix Residents
1. Cella (f) the Devotee; rescued as an orphan and raised by Othar, Cella is a devout follower of St. Sollars. She has short black hair and piercing pale eyes. She is quiet and reserved. In early M5 1362 DR she travelled west to become priestess to the Mongrelfolk of Khundrakar.
2. Pernicious “Perni” Ticklebottom (f) is a halfling who once tried her hand at adventuring, but decided she was better suited to a life of comfort. She appears cherub-faced and is always overdone with makeup. Perni is excellent at reading people and can play shy or aggressive, as the situation or client demands. She established the Foul Pheasant festhall largely due to the post-war influx of mercenaries in Spring 1359 DR. Friendly with Mac and Gorlock. On 3/7/1361 she sold the Foul Pheasant to Spartigus & Sir Glendor for 6,000gp, and retired to Halfling Downs.
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| 1/4/61: Gorlock losing money gambling at the Foul Pheasant Inn with Perni Ticklebottom & Lord Krothos Ironguard. |
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2/4/61: Faerun 7 in Barrow #34 The Mound of Mummies
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| Renata the Robber, M8 1361 DR |
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| Priestess Cella (sc3) of Helix, on her way to Khundrakar M5 1362 DR. |
18/7/21 = T1 M12 1359 DR
ReplyDelete1/10/22 = 1/4/1361 DR
Delete12/4/23=12/4/1362 DR
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