Loudwater

Loudwater

Monday, 17 November 2014

Session 78 30/10/1483 The Priests of Orcus

The party enter the Tomblands and reach the focal point of the Ritual, trailed by ghouls. During the battle a goristro demon eats High Mage Chorin, but the enemy are defeated, the ritual is stopped, and Hierophant Anaxus is terminated with extreme prejudice.
Prince Jelendrath son of High Lord Dursair thanks the heroes of Loudwater for their assistance.

Combat XP
Marilith 12100
Goristro 5600
11 Ghouls 1038x11=11418
10 Death Priests 800x10=8000
Hierophant Anaxus 7000
Total 44,118/4.5=9804 each
Level 21 major quest - Defeat Anaxus, prevent desecration of the Tomblands 3500 each

Total 13304 +193,012=206316

210,000 XP for Level 22

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Session 77 30/10/1483 Lodge of the Tomb Guard

An Eladrin Prince, Jelendrath the Tulani of Summer (third son of High Lord Dursair) and High Mage Chorin (1 of 12) visit Loudwater to recruit the Heroes of Loudwater to battle Anaxus, Hierophant of Orcus, who seeks to raise the dead of the Tomb Lands north of Evereska as an army of undead dread warriors. But arriving by Linked Portal in the Lodge of the Tomb Guard on the edge of the Tomblands, they find the Tomb Guard massacred and the Lodge overrun by abyssal ghouls and hezrou toad demons. A fierce battle ensues, but the forces of Orcus are defeated. Pealias finds and slays the human death priest of Orcus who appears to command them. The Eladrin Arcane Archer Shavaris is killed during the fighting when a horde of ghouls burst through the wall of the portal room.

 http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090611112341/forgottenrealms/images/2/27/Hezrou_Immolith.jpg

XP
2 Hezrou XP 6050x2= 12100
21 Abyssal Ghoul Brutes XP 1038x21=21798
1 Death Priest of Orcus XP 800
Total: 34698/4.75=7304
Roleplay Bonus: 800 each

Total 8104+184,907=193,012


210,000 XP for Level 22

Beginners 5e D&D Game - Phandalin Open Campaign

Image result for dragon of icespire peak 5e

Campaign Notes
PCs are adventurers and explorers recently arrived at the frontier mining village of Phandalin, in the foothills of the Sword Mountains...

PCs
***All New PCs start at 1st level***
PCs may participate in a session of their Tier (1-4, 5-10, 11-16, 17-20). With GM's permission a PC may participate in a higher Tier session. The management takes no responsibility for the outcome. :D


Character Attributes: Use one of:
1. A Pregenerated PC,
2. The Default Array 15 14 13 12 10 8,
3. Standard Point Buy

Feats are not permitted. Multiclassing is not permitted.

Permitted Sources are the Player's Handbook, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, and the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. 3rd party materials & Unearthed Arcana are generally not permitted, but you can ask the GM and provide a copy of requested materials.

The Tier System
(a) All new PCs start at 1st level and sessions are gated by tier, eg a Tier II game session requires level 5-10 PCs.
(b) You can make a new level 1 PC to play in a Tier I game.
(c) With GM's permission a PC may participate in a session of higher Tier.

Tier  PC Level
I         1-4
II        5-10
III       6-16
IV      17-20

Resting:
A long rest takes about 7 days in the wilderness or poor accommodation, or 4 days at a good Inn.
A short rest takes about an hour. Any one Short Rest ability (eg Ki, Action Surge) may be recharged a maximum of 3 times per day.

Downtime:
Game time progresses roughly in line with real time, thus some down time will be available for use by PCs, eg for crafting, training or carousing. A skilled crafter can create 5gp worth of goods, or 25 gp worth of magical goods, per day of crafting. Working to commission, a skilled crafter living modestly can typically make a net profit of around 0.5gp per work-day, 3.5gp per Tenday (assuming 3 days of rest every 10 days), and 10gp per month (assuming 1 holiday per month).
Please bring any rules (DMG or Xanathar's) you'd like to refer to for more complex activities. 

Neverwinter - Phandalin Region
Map of Phandalin

Phandalin
The frontier town of Phandalin (fan-duh-lin) is built on the ruins of a much older settlement. Hundreds of years ago, the old Phandalin was a thriving human town whose people were firmly allied with the dwarves and gnomes of the Phandelver's Pact. However, the same orc horde that sacked the mines at Wave Echo Cave laid waste to the settlement, and Phandalin was abandoned for centuries.

In the last twenty years (ca 1470 DR+), hardy settlers from the cities of Neverwinter and Waterdeep have begun the hard work of reclaiming the ruins of Phandalin. A bustling frontier settlement has grown up on the site of the old town, and is how now to farmers, woodcutters, fur traders, and prospectors drawn by stories of gold and platinum in the foothills of the Sword Mountains. Unfortunately, more than a few bandits and brigands have settled here as well, taking advantage of the fact that the area has no local lord or authority to chase them off. A gang known as the Redbrands has controlled Phandalin for the past few months, extorting and bullying everyone in town. The gang is led by a mysterious figure known to the townsfolk as Glassstaff.

Locations
Elsa the barmaid, Stonehill Inn
Stonehill Inn
A modest inn that run by a short, friendly young human male named Toblen Stonehill. Toblen came from Yartar west along the Triboar, seeking the opportunity in prospecting like many others. He soon found that he knew more about running an inn than mining, and so he established the inn.
Locals commonly found here include old farmer Narth, Elsa the gossipy barmaid, Lanar the miner, Trilena Stonehill Toblen's wife, Pip Stonehill the young (9 yrs) son of Toblen & Trilena, and Freda the weaver. Adventurers currently staying here include Anaveth, a Silverstar Priestess of Selune.

Toblen Stonehill

Trilena Stonehill

Elmar Barthen
Barthen's Provisions
The biggest trading post in Phandalin, staying open from sunup to sundown. Run by a lean and balding, middle-aged man with a kindly manner, Elmar Barthen.

Edermath Orchard
An orchard field with a simple cottage of a silver-haired half-elf named Daran Edermath. Daran was a retired marshal in the lands of the Dragon Coast. When he retired, he returned to the Neverwinter region which was his original home.

Lionshield Coster
Linene Graywind
A weapons and armor supplier owned by the Lionshield Coster. The master of this post is a sharp-minded (and oft sharp-tongued) woman named Linene Graywind. She is unmarried.

Halia Thornton
Phandalin Miner's Exchange
A trading post where miners have their finds weighed and paid out. The townsmaster's records are kept here. The exchange was run by an ambitious and calculating human woman named Halia Thornton, rumoured to have underworld connections.

Alderleaf Farm
A simple farm run by a wise female halfling named Qelline Alderleaf. She was long-time friends with the druid, Reidoth.
Sister Garaele, Priestess of Tymora

Shrine of Luck
A small shrine made of stone from the ruins and is Phandalin's only temple, dedicated to Tymora. It is in the care of a zealous young elf and member of the Harpers, Sister Garaele.

The Sleeping Giant
A rundown, dirty, and dangerous watering hole. It is known for being frequented by the bandit group the Redbrands. It is operated by a surly female dwarf named Grista.

Townmaster's Hall
A small building that works as the town's council building. It also houses a small, but serviceable jail in the cellar. It is run by the townsmaster, Harbin Wester.

Tresendar Manor
More of a castle than a manor, it is an ancient building that was abandoned after the orc raids of 951 DR. The cellars have been turned into the hideout of the Redbrands. The cellars once served as a safe haven when the estate was attacked. It also served as a resting place for the deceased members of the Tresendar Family.

Notable People of Phandalin
Harbin Wester, cowardly human Townmaster of Phandalin
Sister Garaele, resident young elf Tymora priestess in Phandalin. Acolyte, level 1 Cleric spells.
Halia Thornton, human Mistress of the Miner's Exchange
Daran Edermath, Retired half-elf Adventurer
Linene Graywind, human owner of the Lionshield Coster
Mirna Dendrar, local human woman, survivor of the disaster that ruined Thundertree. Missing.
Qelline Alderleaf, a Halfling farmer of the town.
Anaveth of Waterdeep, adventuring half-elf Silverstar priestess of Selune (VGTM Bard, no armour prof, add mage armour & cure wounds), on an unknown mission.
Glasstaff, leader of the Redbrand Ruffians at Tresendar Manor. Believed to be a wizard.

Anaveth, half-elf Silverstar Priestess of Selune

Harbin Wester

Glasstaff, leader of the Redbrands 'adventurers'.
The Sword Coast


Major Factions of the Heartlands
Harpers – A scattered network of spellcasters and spies who advocate equality and covertly oppose the abuse of power. The organization is benevolent, knowledgeable, and secretive.
Order of the Gauntlet – Composed of faithful and vigilant seekers of justice who protect others from the depredations of evildoers. The organization is honorable, vigilant, and zealous.
Emerald Enclave – A widespread group of wilderness survivalists who preserve the natural order while rooting out unnatural threats. The organization is decentralized, hardy, and reclusive.
Lord’s Alliance – A loose coalition of established political powers concerned with mutual security and prosperity. The organization is aggressive, militant, and political.
Zhentarim – An unscrupulous shadow network that seeks to expand its influence and power throughout Faerûn. The organization is ambitious, opportunistic, and meritocratic.

Magic Items available in Neverwinter, ca 1491 DR
Cloak of Billowing - 200gp
Gloves of Swimming and Climbing - 1000gp
Goggles of Night - 1000gp
Wand of Magic Detection - 1000gp
Bag of Holding - 2000gp
+1 Shield - 2000gp
+1 Weapon  - 2000gp 
Ring of Mind Shielding - 2000gp
Ring of Swimming - 2000gp
Ring of Warmth - 2000gp
+1 studded leather armour - 5000gp
+1 half plate armour - 5500gp
+1 full plate armour - 7500gp

Potions & Consumables
Potion of Healing - 50gp 
Perfume of Bewitchment - 50gp/dose 
Potion of Climbing  - 75gp 
Potion of Animal Friendship - 100gp
Potion of Greater Healing - 100gp
Potion of Water Breathing - 100gp
Potion of Growth - 250gp
Potion of Hill Giant Strength - 250gp 
Keoghtom’s Ointment (5 doses) - 500gp
Potion of Superior Healing - 500gp

Spell Scroll
cantrip 25gp
level 1 75gp
level 2 150gp
level 3 300gp
level 4 500gp
level 5 1000gp

House Rules - COMBAT
The following use up half a character's movement: 
1. Standing from prone (as per RAW)
2. Mounting or dismounting a mount (as per RAW)
3. Picking up an object from the floor and standing back up

The following incur opportunity attacks if done adjacent to enemy: 
1. Standing from prone
2. Picking up an object (such as a dropped weapon) from the floor and standing back up
3. Drawing a bow, or loading a crossbow

Grappled Casting: A character who is grappling another may use their Reaction to attempt to disrupt a spell cast by the one grappled. Roll an Athletics check for the grappler. The one who attempts to cast a spell while Grappled must then make a concentration check CON save at DC = the Athletics check result, or else lose the spell. If  Grappled & Prone, the save is with Disadvantage.

Classes
Rogues may Sneak Attack with any light melee weapon, eg a sap or hand axe.

Adventurers at the Cragmaw Caves, Spring 1484 DR
Spring 1484 DR: Glorious Victory Over a Ghoul.


Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Session 76 21/10/1483 DR Tanarukkin' the River


Jareth, Dunstan, Boulder, Crag, and two of Lirael's archer-Rangers (Orrick Arroway & Gylda Lodwicke) are tracking a group of orcs reported by the Halflings of Downshire, on the lower Heartblood River east of Karse. Jareth and the orcs spot each other across the river - not just orcs, but demon-blooded Tanarukk! In a fierce river battle between the rival scout parties a spear-wielding demon orc gives Jareth some difficulty, but eventually six of the Tanarukk are slain, though Crag and Gylda also fall. The seventh Tanarukk, a Flamespeaker shaman, makes himself scarce. Jareth finds platinum coins and gems on the Tanarukk. He & Dunstan take the bodies of their fallen back to the Green Regent, who Resurrects Crag. Gylda is placed in Gentle Repose and also Resurrected once the Regent has recovered his strength.


http://uo-planescape.wdfiles.com/local--files/gallery-tiefling/Tanarukk_by_Wayne_England-D%26D_4ed_(2010-06)_WOTC_-_Monster_Manual_3_(WTC253840000).jpgXP
2 Tanarukk Marauders 1600x2=3200
4 Tanarukk Steel Warriors 2000x4=8000
1 Tanarukk Flamespeaker (escaped) 1600/2=800
Total: 12000/3 = 4000 each.
Level 17 quest: defeat Tanarukk scouting party - 1600 each

Total: 5600 +  179,307=184,907

210,000 XP for Level 22

Thursday, 4 September 2014

1483 DR M1-6 Aftermath of the Fall of Clenderi

M1 1483 DR
The remaining Heroes of Loudwater escape the collapsing Tower of Ice on Arya's Phantom Steeds. Across the Vale, the Lesser Ice Portals collapse.

Along the frozen River Loagrann, an army of thousands of Chillborn Zombies advancing on Llorkh suddenly collapses, as do smaller zombie hordes throughout the eastern Vale.

At Llorkh the army of the Frost Giants is caught between the defenders of Llorkh under their Banite commander Kitana, the Tigerclaw Barbarians under Prince Konn, and the Army of Loudwater led by General Boris, Kitana's father and former King of Llorkh. The giants are defeated with great slaughter, only a few dozen surviving to flee back to the northern heights. General Boris, Prince Konn, and Queen Esmerelda of Llorkh are acclaimed as Saviours of the Vale (with due credit to Warden Lirael and the Heroes of Loudwater - brave amateurs, they also play their part...) >;)
The Tigerclaw Barbarians enjoy the revels of Llorkh a short while, before returning to the Direwood. Lord Boris avoids entering Llorkh, likely fearful of an assassination attempt from Esme, but returns to Loudwater to a heroes' welcome. Lady Moonfire congratulates Boris along with Warden Lirael and her band.

Much of the eastern Gray Vale is left in chaos and heavily depopulated. Those slain by the frost giants cannot be raised, their life force taken by Clenderi, but the priests ensure that at least their souls go on to Kelemvor's halls. Queen Esmerelda of Llorkh graciously reinstalls the Mountain King, Oro Loroth, in the ruins of Ogremouth as her loyal vassal, and directs her forces to incorporate and begin rebuilding the former Mountain King territories. In Orlbar the Light of the Sun  order of Amaunator takes power; Valeris' last comrade Toruvas the Eladrin cedes them Castle Valeris, the former Temple of Bane-Iyachtu, but Mistress Emesha has no desire to relocate there, instead garrisoning it with a small force of Amaunite Paladins.
South of the Grayflow, the villages of Brightwater and Graystone have long fallen under Queen Esmerelda's influence, and now petition to join her expanding kingdom. She graciously accepts. Her glorious rule now stretches across most of the Eastern Vale.
The ruined village & seminary at Erstlin  are incorporated into the Barony of deTrevani under Baroness Amara and her husband Sir Dolf Dragonheart, who sets about the rebuilding.



M2-M4
As the snows of winter melt, a traveller arrives from the east - Crag the Goliath, brother of Boulder, comes to bury his brother and seek service with Jareth in the Northwood Guard.

Word comes from the eastern lands – war rages on between the great empires of Thay and Netheril.  Netheril has been reinforcing Aglarond and the remaining Red Wizards of Wizards’ Reach by sea from Sembia. Lord Myuni is reported to be prominent among the Red Wizards opposing Thay. Rumour has it that the Genasi realm of Akanul is also quietly supporting Aglarond and the Wizards’ Reach with magic and gold. Meanwhile armies of Thayan undead have been advancing west across Thesk and Lethyr, taking Uthmere, and threatening the final destruction of Impiltur. Thay’s ally Vaasa has reconquered Damara, and linked up with Szass Tamm’s undead legions at Uthmere. The Warlock Knights of Vaasa have also seized Hulburg, and threaten all the Moonsea. In response Fzoul Chembryl, High Imperceptor of Bane and Lord of Mulmaster, has allied with the Empire of Netheril against Thay, and Netherese forces in Thar are now moving on Hulburg.

Meanwhile the newly appointed Mashal of Sorrow Quinn Ebontide is currently in charge of purging the last of Orcus' forces from Deadhold, formerly Orcus' main bastion on the Shadowfell, now held by the turncoat Keeper of Deadhold in Shar's name.

M6 1483 - Northwood Barony is thriving. In the west, Boris of Secomber joins with the heroic Paladin Shaedra of Elturgard to defeat the fire dragon that threatens Secomber.
Dungeon of the Fire Dragon














Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Loudwater schedule draft

Games normally Counting House Mondays from 7pm, Bank Holidays Tuesdays Counting House from 7pm. Crosse Keys games are Tuesdays from 6.30pm.

2014
3rd November to 8th December weekly 6 weeks

(Xmas break)

2015
January 5th & on - fortnightly Mondays

Session 75 RL21 EPIC TIER 21/1/1483 - Clenderi Melts.








The PCs go to Timbervale to meet Dunstan, rest and plan. Next morning they fly towards Llorkh, where they meet Nightshade the black dragon as she takes down a couple of Clenderi's frost wyverns. They arrange to rendezvous with Nightshade at nightfall and together fly to Clenderi's tower of ice, which rises from the ruins of Ogremouth. In the portal chamber atop the spire they defeat Clenderi in a titanic battle. As the tower begins to collapse, Arya says farewell and ascends to the status of Primordial in the Elemental Chaos (aka Scotland)... >:)

Combat in the Ice Tower XP
Clenderi, Level 23 Solo - 25,500
3 Frost Giant Ice Masters -  4150x3
3 Frost Giant Warriors - 2800x3
3 Stone Cult Frost Dwarf Elite - 1275x3
Level 23 Major Quest - Defeat Clenderi, close the Ice Portal, save the Vale - 25,500
Total: 75,675/5.5=13,759 each
13,759+  165548 = 179,307
175,000 XP for Level 21 
LEVEL 21 REACHED
WELCOME TO EPIC TIER
210,000 XP for Level 22

Monday, 11 August 2014

Session 74 20/1/1483 Irondawn of the Dead





XP
Evade Frost Wyvern Patrol, Reach Llorkh - 500 each
Irondawn
Kill Remorhaz 6400
Kill 47 chillborn zombies x500 = 23500
29900/5= 5980 each
Level 20 minor quest - close Irondawn Circle - 700 each
Total: 7180 + 158368 = 165548
175,000 XP for Level 21 

Monday, 4 August 2014

Session 73 19-20/1/1483 Battle of Redar

19/1/1483 DR
The heroes bring Paelias' body west to Halvath the Green Regent at the Fiery Spire. On the way they spot giant scouts, but leave them be. Lirael leaves the others at Heartford to lead the Tigerclaw Barbarians to reinforce Orlbar. Halvath now seems rooted in the 'greenhouse' atop the Fiery Spire, channeling Mielikki's power to drive back winter from the Vale. With help from Selune and Shar, Halvath wrests Paelias' soul back from the grip of Orcus. Paelias' amulet has vanished. Then they travel east to Castle DeTrevani, consult with the Baroness Amara, Sir Dolf, and the visiting Lord Boris.

20/1/1483 DR
The heroes fly east on spectral steeds to Redar north of Orlbar, where Arya senses that a fell ritual nears completion. The heroes attack the giants, interrupting three Icemasters engaged in a ritual summonings, and cut it short, causing hordes of Chillborn zombies scattered beneath the snow to be stillborn. In a bloody battle 17 giants perish, one fleeing, while Jareth too is killed, though he slays a female Icemaster shaman as they bring him down. Anaveth runs forward and is able to wrest Jareth's soul back before Clenderi can take it, successfully Raising him.



XP
3 frost giant warriors (1 fled): lvl 20, 2800x3=8400
3 frost giant ice master shamans: lvl 22, 4150x3=12450
8 hill giant minions: min-21, 750x8=6000
4 stone giant minions: min-22, 4150
Total: 31052/5.5= 5645 each

5645+2800 Level 20 Major Quest - Stop the Ritual= 8445

8445+ 149,923=158368
175,000 XP for Level 21 - need 16632


Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Session 72 18-19/1/1483 Meet the Deities, & Jarl Borgrim Attacks - Fall of Paelias




18/1/1483 DR
PCs settle down to sleep in the border tower. Lirael and Dunstan dream they are walking in spring sunshine by the Unicorn Run river; they are joined by Mielikki and Moradin the Soul-Forger. Mielikki tells them that Ashara and the wizards of the Fiery Spire are working to channel the power of the Green Regent through the Spire, protecting the central Gray Vale from Clenderi's unnatural cold. The gods tell them that the Gray Vale needs a leader - a King of Restored Ammarindar, per Moradin - but they need to choose who that leader should be. Moradin favours Dunstan, Mielikki favours Lirael, but neither will impose a choice. The heroes ask if there cannot be joint monarchs - Moradin says only if they get married!

They are wakened by Jorah & Paelias for the changing of the watch. Lirael hears a faint sound on the wind - the giants are coming! A strong force of giants is approaching from upriver, including five frost giant warriors led by their Jarl Borgrim, and a dozen hill and stone giant minions.
A fierce battle rages; Jarl Borgrim falls, but then Paelias falls too, and is dispatched by a brutal greataxe strike. Two stone giants retreat 'to get more rocks'. Eventually the last surviving frost giant warriors flee - one elderly giant succumbs to his arrow wounds from Lirael, one escapes back towards Llorkh. Paelias' body is put in the Bag of Holding.

19/1/1483 DR
PCs travel west through the night to Orlbar on Phantom Steeds, arriving around 3am. The priests of the Light of the Sun cast Gentle Repose on Paelias. Rest to 9am and consult with Mistress Emesha, leader of the Light of the Sun and now the de facto local ruler - on the situation at Orlbar, which is being picketed by Remorhaz and giant scouts. Emesha wants the armies of the Vale to gather and strike at the giants besieging Llorkh, catching them in a pincer movement.





XP
Meet with Mielikki & Moradin - 800 each

Battle with the Giants
8 hill giants 750x8=6000
4 stone giants (2 retreated) 4150
5 frost giant warriors (1 escaped) 2800x5=14000
Jarl Borgrim 5600
29750/6.5=5409 each

Total 6209+143714 XP=149,923
175,000 XP for Level 21 - need 25,077

Jarl Borgrim had some considerable loot on him - a pouch of 610 large platinum pieces v 100gp each, ie worth 61000gp!), an Ammarindar-crafted mithril tiara set with diamonds v 15000gp, and a Spider Potion (Adventurer's Vault). The other dead giants had 800gp on them.

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Session 71 RL20 17-18/1/1483 The Remorhaz & the Tower



At Heartford the group are joined by Sir Jorah and then by Sir Harvarr Quortath and his retainers. Harvarr's sons were among the trainee paladins of Torm who fell at Erstlin. Arya Sends to Conn, leader of the Tigerclaw, who promises to raise his army and rendezvous at Heartford in two days (19/1).

18/1/1483: Learning that Llorkh is under assault by a giant army (Sending Esme > Lirael) and that the city may only have three hours, the group travel south-east towards Orlbar to recruit Clerics of the Light of the Sun, using Phantom Steeds summoned by Arya. On the snowy plain north-west of Orlbar the party are ambushed by a Remorhaz beneath the snow. The beast kills Harvarr's two men; then badly wounded it is possessed by the spirit of Clenderi the Frost Witch; she has it coup-de-gras Boulder as he lies wounded, slaying him before Jareth can finish it.
Harvarr returns north-west to Heartford to rendezvous with the Tigerclaws, while the others reach Orlbar, consulting with Mistress Emesha (leader of the Light of the Sun Amaunite order) and Toruvas the Eladrin, now the last of Valeris' old adventuring company. They head east along the river with two female Amaunite Clerics, human and half-elf.
Nearing the watch tower that guards Valeris' eastern frontier, they see a blue glow and find it transformed into a nexus to the feywild source of the enchanted cold. They defeat two frost giants - a warrior and an ice mistress. Arya investigates the nexus, determines that it is linked to others and to a central source. With great difficulty she manages to close it down, though not before attracting the attention of Clenderi:
"I'll get you and your little azer too!"
The group decide to rest in the now warming tower. That night they get another Sending from Esme - the giant assault has been repulsed, and somehow Kitana has survived yet again.


XP
Sendings, summon Konn etc: 600 each
Remorhaz (Lvl 21 elite): 6400
Frost giant warrior (Lvl 20): 2800
Frost giant ice mistress (Lvl 22): 4150
Total combat xp: 13350/3.5=3814 each
Shut down the ice tower vortex: 1600 each
Total: 6014+137,700=  143714 XP
143,000 XP for Level 20
LEVEL 20 REACHED
175,000 XP for Level 21

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Session 70 16-17/1/1483: The Bridge at Heartford



Photo: It's about to get cold in here.

Photo: Giants!

Photo: Paelias is a wee bit surrounded...

Party bring Valeris' body to Treona at Castle deTrevani, but as Treona tries to Raise her she becomes sheened in icy frost. The group intervene to save her from the enchantment.

Next day the group head east to Heartford, where they hold the bridge against a giant force that has sacked Erstlin, destroyed the Seminary of Torm, and killed many priests and paladins including Orien Black.

XP
Investigations, helping Treona: 1600 XP each

Battle at the Bridge
8 hill giant smasher minions: 600x8=4800
4 stone giant minions: 1038x4=4152
4 frost giants: 1600x4=6400
frost giant ice master (sub-chief): 4150
Total: 19502/6=3250 each

Total: 4850+132850 = 137,700 XP
143,000 XP for Level 20

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Session 69 15-16/1/1483: Winter for Valeris



15/1/1483 DR
Jareth & Arya are drinking in the Green Regent. Rumour has it that frost giants are attacking the eastern Gray Vale. A messenger asks them to attend on Lady Moonfire, who is being visited by Queen Valeris of Orlbar. They are joined by Dunstan. Valeris tells them that frost giants descending from the Graypeaks have conquered the territory of the Mountain King. Stone Cultists opened the gates of Ogremouth to the giants. Valeris is worried that the giants may be moving on Orlbar. Jareth wants a reward to help out.

16/1/1483 DR
Dunstan, Jareth, Arya, Cerdic, and Boulder ride east with Valeris and four of her Royal Guards on the road from Loudwater along the south bank of the Grayflow. It is cold and snowy. South-west of Orlbar the Grayflow freezes. Arya senses powerful Fey magic. Then frost giants and a huge mammoth are spotted through the snow, crossing south across the frozen river, and attack. In the fighting the giants are defeated, but Valeris and her men are killed.

XP
Discussion with Moonfire & Valeris: lvl 16 minor, +350 XP each
5 frost giants lvl 17 brute XP 1600x5=8000
1 Nyfellar mammoth lvl 20 brute XP 2800
Total: 10800/4=2700+350=3050 XP each
3050+129800=  132850 XP
143,000 XP for Level 20

Monday, 9 June 2014

Session 68 17/10/1482-M1 1483 DR: Fall of the Fire Giants















17/10/1482 to M1 1483 DR:
Party & Azers defeat King Snurre and loot his treasury.
Pealias catches Taz'zt, drow emissary of Ched Nasad. He says he was sent by his liege Eclavadra to secure an alliance with the fire giants against the threat of Orcus. Ched Nasad is allied with Netheril. 120411 XP
143,000 XP for Level 20
Azers secure the Halls and capture Queen Frumpy.
Azer rebellion liberates their people and drives the Fire Giants from the Endless Caverns.
Arya reunites with a joyful Rylgoth the Azer, her first priest. He says he worships not what she is, but what she is destined to become.
Heroes bring Taz'zt to Lady Moonfire; she interrogates him and establishes that Ched Nasad is weak, and fears being destroyed as Phaervorul was.
Halvath the Green Regent consults with Mielikki. She tells him that the Shadovar Empire of Netheril is in grave danger, and this may ultimately threaten the Vale.
As the first snows of winter are falling, Jareth and Pealias travel west to Daggerford and take ship south to Baldur's Gate, city of the Twenty Thousand Flaming Fists, where Jareth consults with the High Priest of Tempus, known as the Arch Templar. The Arch Templar tells him that a true follower of Tempus obeys the Rules of War, including the granting of quarter to honourable foes.
By the time they return to the Gray Vale in M1 1483 DR the snow is more than two feet deep, and it is bitterly cold...

XP
Battle with Snurre: 30,000/6= 5,000 XP each
Free the Azers - Level 19 Major Quest - 2,400 XP each
Interrogate Taz'zt, Drow Emissary of Ched Nasad - 400 XP each
Seize King Snurre's Treasure - 1,200 XP each
Jareth gains enlightenment from the High Priest of Tempus at Baldur's gate - 400 XP each
Total: 9400 + 120400 = 129800 XP
143,000 XP for Level 20

Saturday, 31 May 2014

Session 67: 16-17/10/1482 Against the Giants!

Introduction
16/10/1482 DR The day after Maarth's defeat, Priest Rylgoth of the Azers contacts his 'goddess' Arya, Primordial of Lightning - the Azer Revolution has begun! As expected, most of the fire giant army has descended to the mines to quell the rebellion, while King Snurre directs the war effort from his fortress-throne. Now is the time to strike! Rylgoth's brother Valgoth and a squad of Azer rebel warriors are moving to rendezvous with Arya & co between the Lake of Fire and the surface world, and guide them through the maze of volcanic tunnels between the Lake of Fire and the Halls of the Fire Giant King for the final confrontation...

17/10/1482 DR Forces are gathered, the group travels east to the Endless Caverns with ten guardsmen, leaving horses with the Rangers of the Nine, and descend into the depths. They meet the Azers led by Valgoth conversing amicably with Nolav the lich. Nolav tells them that Phaervorul is now under the control of a band of slaves led by a war troll, who have defeated the ghouls and remaining drow, captured Matron-Mother Urlvrain, and now rule the ruined city from the former Temple of Lolth.

Valgoth and the Azers pay homage to Arya, then he leads the expedition down to the Lake of Fire, and east for hours through volcanic tunnels, to the Gate of the Giant King. With difficulty they get the great obsidian doors open, and enter the Hall. A hidden Azer sounds a gong. King Snurre waits upon his throne...



Photo: The expeditionary force

Photo: Hiya, Nolav. How are you?

Photo: It is, indeed, a force. Hopefully to be reckoned with.


Photo: Fire Giants.

Photo: The Hell Hounds have been released

Photo: Ack!!!

Photo: Paelias' epic run to the lever

Photo

Session XP
Encounter with Nolav & the Azers, trek to Snurre's Hall: 600 XP each
Passing the Black Gate: 800 XP each
Tota: 1400+119011= 120411 XP
143,000 XP for Level 20

Dunstan is at -1 on d20 rolls until he has reached a milestone or taken 
an extended rest.

Monday, 19 May 2014

Session 66 RL19 15-16/10/1482 Maarth's Last Kill


Photo: Nasty ghouls gang up on Dunstan.
Photo: Dunstan!
Dunstan falls to the blade of Maarth, drow assassin.
M6-10 1482 DR: Pealias attempts to instruct Tammy in Ranger skills, especially Stealth - she's a somewhat indifferent pupil. At the new Greywood Manor Pealias meets Anaveth, the Silverstar of Selune sent by High Priestess Amathea to aid and advise him. Suspecting that Tammy may be jealous of the beautiful young woman, he introduces her diplomatically. Anaveth expresses interest in Tammy's art and sadness that her own talents do not compare; they seem to get on well. Talking later with Anaveth, Pealias speaks a little of his meeting with Selune, and his feeling that the Gray Vale will be of great importance in a coming conflict. Anaveth seems a little unsure, the Gray Vale seeming a quiet and peaceful backwater, while the great empires of Netheril and Thay clash in the east. Evil fights evil, and the West is at peace - so why are the omens so bad? But Pealias discovers there is a secret Anaveth will not reveal - Amathea instructed her not to unless she felt it absolutely necessary.

15/10/1482: Sir Jorah Blackthorn briefs Lirael, Dunstan & Pealias at Northwood Manor - the Southwood Goblins are encroaching on Rensard Manor and Valeris' southern dominions. Many fear an attack, some families have abandoned the area. A dove arrives from the Stronghold of the Nine with a message from Ranger Captain Quen Harrowleaf - something has been killing the Rangers watching over the Endless Caverns; five have been lost in three days. The first three had their faces eaten away, the killer was driven off before the last two could be mutilated.
Lirael & co ride west, reaching the Stronghold of the Nine a little before dusk to find the Rangers tense and worried. Harrowleaf is grateful for aid. Lirael sets a trap that evening where a drow footprint was spotted by the last killings, but the slayer does not fall into it; everyone rises weary the next day. 

16/10/1482: Lirael picks up the killer's trail by hand/claw markings on the walls, and tracks it into the Caverns to the dragons' graveyard. A figure appears atop the skull of Graxx Rekax - Maarth, Phaervorul Matron-Mother  Urlvrain's assassin, lost in the fighting and now a red-eyed ghoul thing.
As the heroes debate what to do, a dozen more ghouls sneak up on them and attack. Maarth, no longer a silent automaton, cackles about Orcus' power, and proves a deadly foe as he slits the throat of fallen Dunstan. But at last Pealias puts him down; Lirael shoots the last ghoul as it flees and the heroes are victorious. Pealias carries Dunstan's body back to Greywood Manor where they take a boat over the Grayflow and head upstream to Brownstone and the Temple of the Green Regent. Halvath calls back Dunstan's soul from the halls of Moradin; Dunstan feels the All-Father's hand on his shoulder, he is let him go with an admonition to restore Ammarindar.

XP
12 abyssal ghoul hungerers: 500x12=6000
Maarth, drow ghoul assassin: 5600
Total: 11600/3=3866
Level 18 minor quest: End threat to Rangers of the Nine: +500
Total: 4366 + 114,545 = 118911 XP
Need 119,000 for 19th level
Pealias/Anaveth Roleplay Bonus: +100 = 119011
LEVEL 19 Reached
143,000 for Level 20

Dunstan is at -1 on d20 rolls until he has reached three milestones or taken three extended rests.