play session 18

7/30/2019 Play Session 18

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Play Day 17 - 26/04/2013In the lands of Taggriell

Date: Oathday 9th Desnus.The party begin this session, still in the morning of Oathday, having just defeated severalarmed human fighters, large zombies and one Ogre; capturing the Red Raven in theprocess.

*********The party stand around the still flaming body of the large Ogre that they just killed. The

Red Raven, pulls hard against the thick rope that binds his hands. The other end of therope is still attached the belt of the Ogre but the fire is quickly severing that bond.Krondor sheaves his Acreis long sword and grabs hold of the end of the rope before it canburn through.Isabella, looks hard and long at the Vernal Key; a smile lighting up her face. She carefullyputs the glowing orb away into her backpack.The Red Raven speaks, urgency visible in his voice, "You must release me. I have to rescuemy beloved!"Isabella walks over to the Red Raven, "You are in no position to be giving orders! I want toknow what is going on here. Tell me everything you know!"The Red Raven looks at the Cleric and pleads, "I do not have time for this! You are riskingmy love with this time delay!"Isabella responds slowly, "I have all the time in the world. Talk!"The Red Raven replies:"Very well! Two weeks ago my beloved and a band of twelve companions travelled north toexplore. Only two of the group returned and told me that she and two others hadwandered into a strange cave and never returned. Two by two the rest of the group enteredthe cave and none returned. Strange glowing runes on a wall could be seen near the entryand these were recorded onto paper. When only two remained of the group they took thewritten copy of the runes and returned to find myself and told me what had befell the rest.

darkelfshadow.tumblr.com


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I travelled to a hidden monastery, that I have had previous dealings with and sort the helpof one of the old wise men. After telling him what had happened and looking at therecorded runes, he told me the tale of an ambitious djinni, The Jarl, who had committed a

grave crime against his lord. His punishment was to be banished for all eternity in a magicalprison on the Material Plane that could never be exited except if one held the Vernal Key.The Vernal Key was then placed into its resting place, the Vernal Cup, which theypositioned 50 miles to the south. The Vernal Cup was in fact the power source that heldand maintained the Magical Prison which is why it had to be relatively close.I spent two days with the old man, who instructed me in how I should operate the VernalKey to open a pathway out of the prison.With no other choice, I stole the Vernal Key from the good and trusting people ofWinewold. That I shall never forgive myself but to save Geppa I would do anything!I used the power of the Cape to escape Winewold with the Vernal Key and quickly reachthe Nordein Glacier but a steep price did I pay. I overused the Cape, which one shouldnever do, and in doing so I have forever diminished my health. But I would give my lastbreath to save her!I suspected others may try to follow me so I instructed my men to delay any followers and Iset up some traps of my own too. Eventually I found the cave, though it was a near thing, asa white frost dragon lurked in the area.Having entered the cave I realised quickly that the corridors were changing in some placesat random times and some corridors stayed constant. I was also aware that the Jarl couldsense the presence of the Vernal Key and he would be searching for it. I kept moving,avoiding everyone and everything and kept looking for Geppa.

Just as I had found her tracks and was nearing her location, in one of the more dangerousareas of the prison, in my haste I allowed myself to be captured by an Ogre and his bandof misfits that also roamed the corridors.I was trying to free myself when you arrived. You must help me!"Isabella responds, "Your problems are not mine. I have no interest in saving your beloved. I

just want to get out of here before the Jarl gets his hands on this Vernal Key."darkelfshadow.tumblr.com


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The Red Raven replies with steel cold confidence, "You need me to operate the key. No oneelse in your party will know who to use it. Help me save Geppa and I swear to be in yourservice. I will not try to flee you and will aid you in any manner you ask."Isabella looks hard into the unblinking eyes of the Red Raven. She can feel his colddetermination and more, she knows without any doubt that what he says is the truth. "Fine,if we have to save your precious woman to get out of here then so be it."The Cleric cuts the rope bonds securing the Red Raven.Extending a hand towards Isabella, the Red Raven speaks, "Thank you my lady."Isabella does not extend her hand to shake, "You'll excuse me but with your reputation I'ldrather not give you the opportunity to steal my stuff.""Given the circumstances, my lady, I don't blame you," he replies and bows.

*********Now with the Red Raven leading the party, he walks ahead at a brisk pace. Stopping ateach intersection he examines the ground before continuing. This continues for nearlyforty five minutes. A large amount of ground is covered, with numerous passageways andchambers passed; most of which is unfamiliar to the party.Eventually, an area of the ice corridors, much more irregular and colder than anywhere iselse, is reached. As the Red Raven is examining for tracks he looks up quickly, "Noise overthere!"He starts to move rapidly through the corridor until up ahead light can be seen and thesound of roars and flaming gusts of fire."GEPPA!!!!!!" shouts the Red Raven and sprints forward with abandoned."Great! There goes any chance of a surprise attack!" shouts Isabella jogging to keep up.



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In the light ahead an attractive female can be seen. She wears cold weather gear andstands next to a prone body of man in armour, blood pooling around the body.

She is shielding the body against a

hulking, hairy beast, roughlyhumanoid in form but twice as large,with long white fur, large jaws andrazor shape claws.

A Yeti!In one hand she swings a largewooden club that has iron nailssticking out of it. Her other hand israised up towards the Yeti andoccasionally flames shoot forthfrom her hand towards thecreature.The flames appear to be keepingthe creature at bay.The Red Raven is sprinting towardsher.

The Monk is the only one capable of keeping up, as the rest of the party struggle to matchhis pace.The Red Raven comes to a stop standing next to Geppa. His only weapon, a small dagger,that he waves desperately at the Yeti.Seng charges at the huge beast and swings his forearm into the knee of the creature. Ithowls in pain. The Monk steps back and enters a low defensive stance, breathing deeplyand channelling his inner chi to flow around his body; bolstering his defence.Krondor begins to run towards the beast too but as he gets within 30 feet the Dwarf looksinto the eyes of the beast and he falters. Fear envelopes the Dwarf fighter and he skids toa halt, his battle-axe held before him like a shield. He kneels down and turns his gaze awayfrom the terrible creature before him.



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Isabella sees the effect the creature is having on Krondor. She rushes towards the Dwarfand places a hand upon his back and whispers, "Let Cayden's strength protect you fromEvil."Krondor immediately stands and looks at the Yeti. The Dwarf shouts out a battle cry andthen starts to sprint towards the fearsome beast.Isabella runs up, behind Krondor, her morning star ready.

Arforth raises one hand and makes a quick gesture, "Pra Nat!"A warmth envelopes the Wizard and he can feel a protective aura surrounding him. Havingfinished his Protective spell, he then moves toward the Yeti.

A loud roar bellows forth from the Yeti. The creature swings one hand at Geppa and itsclaws rip open a large wound on her side.Seng tries to move around to the rear of the beast but trips on the uneven ground and fallsonto his front. The beast turns towards the fallen Monk but the creatures' gaze is thendrawn towards the sound of approaching Krondor. The Dwarf Fighter is running forwardand shouting a loud battle cry. He swings his battle axe and cuts the beast across one leg.The Dwarf then raises his shield and wills the protective energy forth from it. Yellowprotective light envelops the Dwarf.Elamros, standing about 60 feet away, aims his bow and lets loose an arrow - just asKrondor takes a side step. The arrow hits the rear of the Dwarf but is deflected away bythe yellow protective light that surrounds him.Isabella steps forward and strikes the Yeti with her morning star and opens a large woundon the beast. The creature howls with rage and Seng uses the opportunity to get back up.The creature continues to swipe its massive claws at the party. Seng, Krondor, Isabella, theRed Raven and Geppa continue to slash at the beast. Elamros lets loose numerous arrowsat the creature. Arforth, with his blazing eyes, sets some of creature on fire.The Red Raven tumbles forward and rolls to the rear of the creature. As he comes up fromthe roll, he jumps up high and swings his dagger at the neck of the Yeti, which is bent overtrying to hit the low Dwarf. The Red Ravens' dagger cuts along the throat of the creature



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and a large, wide cut opens up. Red blood flows from its neck and covers the front chest ofthe beast. The creature spins around, its hands coming up to its neck, then it falls overonto its side - unmoving.The Red Raven rushes over to Geppa, "My love! At last."Geppa holds him back tightly, "I knew you would save me," she then turns and looks at thebody of fallen fighter behind her.Both Geppa and the Red Raven move over to the body. Geppa places a hand on theshoulder of the body and starts to cry. The Red Raven envelops her shoulders with onearm. He looks back at the party and speaks in a soft, sad voice, "This man was Teko. Hewas a trusted friend to both Geppa and myself."Isabella moves to the fallen body and checks him, "I am sorry. He is too far gone for me toheal. You have my condolences."Krondor moves over and slaps a hand on the back of the Red Raven, "Yes, the death of afriend is never easy. You have my condolences too."

*********With the battle over, Geppa is introduced to the party and she explains how she and twoothers from her party entered the cave. They wandered around and got lost within the icycorridors and could not find an exit out. They were soon attacked by two large snowwolves which killed one of her companions. She and Teko then continued to wander. Theysaw the camp of the "accidental prisoners" but being only two in number and not knowingtheir intentions they chose to avoid the camp. Geppa, who is an accomplished sorcerersoon realised that this was not a normal cavern but some type of planar envelope thattwisted the physical laws of reality. They had just accidentally wandered into the Yeti andGeppa was about to be struck down when Teko throw himself at the beast to protect her;taking a mortal blow in return. She had used her fire sorcery to keep the Yeti at bay fornearly five minutes when the party and the Red Raven had arrived.The party, very weary after a long time wandering and fighting, decide to return to thecamp to rest before continuing. With the Red Raven guiding them, who walks hand in handwith his beloved Geppa, they arrive back at the large cavern filled with "ice trees" and maketheir way back to camp.



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Once again they speak to Sarond, the unofficial leader of the camp. The Red Raven tellsthe accidental prisoners about finding the vernal key and the whole camp is a buzz with talkabout freedom.Exhausted, the party of heroes, along with the Red Raven and Geppa, gratefully fall ontothe makeshift beds and sleep deeply.

*********Later, after a long and well needed rest, the party wake. For the first time in days they feelconfident about their situation. They have the Vernal Key and soon will be returning homewith a large horde of treasure.Isabella approaches the Red Raven and speaks, "We need to talk. Alone. Come with me."The Red Raven and Isabella walk out of the camp.Krondor watches them leave, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.Once a distance away from the camp, Isabella turns to the Red Raven, "Let me make thisplain - I don't care about you, Geppa, these 'prisoners' here or the town of Winewold. I onlycare about getting enough coin to fund and complete my quest."The Red Raven crosses his arms and leans back on one of the "ice trees", "And what questwould that be Cleric?""That is MY business," Isabella replies. "Those greedy bastards back at Winewold havebeen making a fortune from this Vernal Key for centuries and all they can offer us in returnfor risking our lives to retrieve it for them is some bottles of wine. I don't think so. They canafford a lot more and I will keep this key until they pay me due amount."The Red Raven lifts one eyebrow in surprise, "Really? Extortion is it? You plan on holdingto ransom a group of peaceful people, who's very lives are now in danger, for some coin?"Isabella smiles, "Not just coin thief but magical weapons, armour, rings, potions! They haveit all. I've seen those shops selling all those goods. I need it for a greater good - you wouldnot understand. That village has wealth galore to spare."



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"Actually they don't," replies the Red Raven. "Many of those shops are only set up duringthe annual harvest festival. Most are external traders from Pachham, Winterhaven,Hewbrook, Anwich and Lington. The shops that are there as locals are all independentlyowned. There is no governing body and no taxes are levelled. Most of the locals are

farmers, miners or simple craftsman. Do you intend to negotiate with each local for yourransom?""That is the problem of the person that hired us, the major Antero. He can bloody well getthe payment we ask for from the rest. How he does it - I don't care. YOU can help me hidethe key, your special abilities would be useful." Isabella says to the reclining thief.The Red Raven stands up and looks directly at the Cleric, "I have already done the peopleof Winewold enough harm, though what I did I did for love not greed. I will not help you."Isabella narrows her eyes and her voice takes on a dangerous edge, "Then are you againstme? Will you try to stop me?" Her hand moves closer to the hilt of the morning star."No, you have the advantage over me lady. You have helped me save my love and I owe youa service. I will not interfere. Once I return with my Geppa I intend to give up my ways. Thepeople will be against me now and without their approval I will no longer be able to continueas I once did. The Red Raven will be no more and I will give up the cape."Isabella relaxes and walks towards the camp, coming close to the Red Raven on the way,"Good, if you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of it."

*********After a simple meal the party discuss what they will do now. It is decided to get theoccupants of the camp to come with the party to the Jarl's lair and with their help grab allthe loot there. Once that is complete they will make their way back to the magic runes and

get the Red Raven to use the Vernal Key to exit the icy prison.The group leaves the large cavern and make their way back to Jarl's lair. It is as the partyleft it. The treasure horde remains in the centre of the room.

After twenty minutes, the vast amount of coins and other goods are secured within sixlarge chests. Each chest can be carried by two of the heroes or by four of the accidentalprisoners. Everyone present is used to carry a chest, except Elamros, who remains on



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watch with his bow ready. Slowly, with their heavy burden, the group makes their way backto the magic runes.Once more, Isabella prays to detect magic. She sees the circular vortex of eldritch energies

that congregate in front of the runes. She explains what she can see to the Red Raven andmoves to hand over the Vernal Key to him, pausing slightly with some hesitation to releasethe key.The Red Raven takes the glowing orb and moves it delicately in the air in front of him at thepoint described by Isabella until with an audible ping the orb locks in place in the empty airand begins to glow brightly. For the next two minutes, the deft hands of the Red Ravenmove and manipulate the Vernal Key in strange motions - the colours of the orb changingslowly as he does so.Suddenly with a loud bang and a whoosh of rushing air, the Vernal Key becomes free againand starts to pulse with yellow light.The Red Raven, sweat visible on his brow, speaks, "We have to hurry. We need to make ourway over the other arcane runes. That is the actual door. If we carry the Vernal Key therewhilst it is still pulsing we can leave here. If we take too long we can't use the key foranother year."Isabella grabs the key off the Red Raven, "I'll take that. Let's move!"

As the party begin moving forward, large heavy steps can be heard coming from thedirection they need to go."Everyone ready your weapons!" roars Krondor."I think we just got the attention of the Jarl," the Red Raven says as he readies his handcrossbow.

At the other end of the corridor a large humanoid figure appears.The real prisoner of this icy hell.The Jarl of the North Wind.



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Behind him two more of the flying creatures are circling.As the party are looking at the Jarl, he suddenly vanishes!Isabella shouts, "He's invisible! He's looking for the Vernal Key. Everyone around me!"One of the flying creatures flies at speed towards the party and then starts to shift backand forth in air, making it hard to focus.Elamros shouts, "That dam Blur spell again!"

Arforth raises a hand and speaks, "It won't dodge this!"Two blue bolts appear at the Wizards hand and fly fast and true to the shifting flyingcreature. The bolts hit and the creature spins in the air, one wing lower than the other.Elamros shoots two arrows at the shifting creature but only one hits.Krondor charges down the corridor.



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Isabella shouts, "Get back here Dwarf! Stick together!"The Dwarven fighter ignores her shout and runs head fast at the flying creature, swinginghis battle-axe up at the it. The blade slices the beast in two and two bloody halves drop to

the cold ground.Suddenly the air above Krondor swirls and the Jarl appears in the space there. His massivehammer is above his head in both hands. The Jarl drops down and smashes the hammerinto the Dwarf, knocking him back with the blow."Great Calistria! That thing can fly and turn invisible!" Elamros yells. The Half-elf Roguesends two arrows toward the Jarl but only one hits its target.The Jarl looks down upon Krondor and in a loud, deep voice, "You are not the carrier!"

As soon as the Jarl had appeared, Seng had started sprinting towards it. His speed sogreat that as soon as the mighty hammer of the Jarl had hit Krondor the Monk was alreadyupon them."Does anyone listen to me?" says Isabella with anger, "Stick together!"Seng jumps up into a flying kick and strikes the Jarl in the chest.Isabella bows her head and prays. A yellow glow surrounds her giving her protection fromevil.The remaining flying creature flies fast down the passageway and approaches the group.Its mouth opens and from it bursts forth rushing air, filled with small particles that rip andtear at skin, clothing and armour. The rushing air hits three of party, opening smallbleeding cuts on them.Moving with speed and agility the Red Raven rolls under the flying creature and stands upon the rear side of it. Before the creature can turn or react the dagger of the Red Ravenplunges into the back of its neck, dropping the creature immediately to the ground. Blackblood pools around the lifeless creature.

Arforth with eyes ablaze looks at the Jarl and suddenly the left leg of Jarl bursts on fire.

Isabella points one hand at the Jarl and speaks, "By Cayden - BE SILENT!"darkelfshadow.tumblr.com


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The air hazes between the Cleric and Jarl but no other effect happens. The sounds ofbattle can still be heard."The spell failed!" cries Isabella.Seng moves rapidly and jumps up - the monks hand snapping up wards towards the Jarl'shead. The blow connects and the Jarl steps back, visibly stunned, and unsteady on hisfeet."That's it lad! Now's our chance!" shouts Krondor as he swings his battle-axe at thestunned Jarl, the blade opening a nasty wound.The Red Raven runs over to the Jarl and moves to the rear of the unsteady foe. With aaimed precise strike, the Red Raven plunges his dagger into the back of Jarl, cutting opena vital organ.Seng breaths in deeply, focusing his chi, then his body snaps into motion. Hands, feet,knees and elbows strike forth against the Jarl. Bones snap and organs rupture. The Jarlslowly topples over and hits the ground hard.The Jarl of the North Wind lays motionless, blood coming from numerous wounds."Quickly we must move to the exit before it's too late," the Red Raven speaks with urgencyas he looks at the slowly flashing vernal key, that protrudes from the backpack of Isabella.Isabella bows her head and prays, opening her eyes and sees that a bag on the belt of theJarl is glowing. She speaks quickly, "Grab that bag and the gold rings on his fingers. Let's

go!"Seng grabs the items quickly and then the group move off with the six chests. They quicklymake their way to the other arcane runes and as they approach near it a massive, overpowering white flash knocks all the group onto their backs - unconscious.

*********Krondor blinks his eyes. The white slowly fades from his sight. His head is hurting and hismouth dry. Sitting up he looks around. All the others in the group are around him butlaying on the floor unmoving but breathing. All six chests are also there. Blinking his eyes



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and focusing he sees that they are no longer in the icy prison but back in the Inclusion Hallof Winewold. Above him is the reliquary that holds the vernal cup.Standing next to the vernal cup is the Red Raven and he holds the vernal key in his hand.The Red Raven looks down at the Dwarf, "I took this from here and I shall return it."He places the orb into the cup and a loud hum, almost painful, sounds and then fadesaway. Krondor slowly gets to his feet whilst the Red Raven comes back down to join him.The Red Raven begins:"My friend Dwarf, I see that you are true of heart and mind but I warn you now, one that

you travel with is not.One of your party has a dark heart. Ambition and pride her downfall.Your Cleric wished to keep the Vernal Key to herself and use it to force the people ofWinewold to give her vast treasure. She would risk the lives of many others for her ownselfish desires.I too have a less than stellar past but I only stole from those of well enough livings as to beable to not be effected. I only kept a small portion and gave most to the poor and needy.I did not steal for my own benefit .... at least not until I stole the vernal key and that was tosave the life of another.I had planned to give my red cape to your group and let you decide whom was to receive itbut I can not let the cape fall into that Cleric's hands. I bestow the cape to you Dwarf. Thecape can only be used by one that it is freely given too and freely accepted.Do you accept the cape?"Krondor looks at the others, still unmoving, and at the face of Isabella, "Yes, I accept."

After handing Krondor the cape, the Red Raven moves over to the unmoving Geppa andkneels down, "You have another choice to make now Dwarf. Do you let me leave with mylove or detain me here for the authorities? I will not fight you and will accept your decision."Krondor moves to the Red Raven and bends down, "Go. Take your love. I will deal with theothers and with her." He turns to look at Isabella as he says the last.



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The Red Raven grabs and picks up the small body of Geppa, "Thank you Master Dwarf."He moves to one of the rear doors and quickly leaves. Krondor places the red cape around

his shoulders and fixes the clasp, holding it in place.A minute later the others, one by one start to stir.Isabella gets to her feet and seeing where she is looks up at the Vernal Key sitting in theVernal Cup. She looks around angrily at the group searching. She screams, "Where is thatcursed, filthy, lying Red Raven!"Krondor moves over to stand in front of Isabella, "Lier? That means a lot coming from you!"The others start to move closer. Seng speaks, "What do you mean?"Krondor points a hand at Isabella, "She had planned to steal the Vernal Key and force thepeople of this village to pay for it back!"Isabella seeing the faces of those around her, turns from being angry to unsure, "Hang onthat's not right. I wasn't stealing it. We risked OUR lives to find it. Why shouldn't we becompensated for our effort. This village is rich! I was thinking of you guys. We would allbenefit!"Elamros leans in, "And when were you going to tell us?"Isabella replies quickly, "I wasn't. None of you have the stomach to do what is needed. So Imade up the stuff about the holder of the vernal key losing their mind to keep ...""You did what?!?" roars Krondor."That doesn't matter," interrupts Isabella, "We deserve more. With that wealth we could buybetter gear and equipment and mounts! That stuff could get me to the sword of Dremelsooner. Why shouldn't we be rewarded?""Because," starts Krondor who then raises his voice to a bellow, "we gave our word to do it!

And we agreed upon a price! We do not go back on our word and WE DO NOT TAKEADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE IN DESPERATE NEED!"



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play session 18

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