Honestly speaking, I didn't believed we will meet in May, but we managed to catch-up and play. It was fun and good session for me, with few challenges, competitive and moderate combat, brain storming, some role playing and short visit to spa.
We began with little resume of what happened during last session. Guys remembered cooking soup with Storm, heroic child nursing, talk with Elminster, advices they received and of course combat with drow elves. Surprisingly no one mentioned Avelon's channeling that killed Kyril. This is what I call gentleness! Connal raised him from dead that same day and whole company went back to Shadowdale.
Heroes returned to "Sky Mill" and began to ponder, what should the do next. It was obvious, somebody should prepare "plan B" in case their quest fails. After quite long discussion it was decided, that Xandos, Kyril and Rainer will travel to Averwest and begin prepare it's inhabitants to coming disaster. In the meantime Ren, Connal, Jarod and Avelon will search for clues how to stop magical plague and collision between Abeir and Toril. Moreover, a new member of party had to be hired, as only wizard would go with Xandos. something as casting was announced and three participant showed: a maid from Old Skull Inn, "working wizard" travelling upstate and mercenary mage. Of that candidates Gorma Lureshadow was chosen, a s she proved to be capable but lo level wizard and was able to read scroll taken form apes' city, claiming t is able to raise a place out of dead, creating it's shadowy image for one night.
Finishing that task, heroes flown to Baldur's Gate. During journey both Ren and Gorma tried to pilot ship and she became an obvious choice of pilot. After five days of voyage "Sky Mill" landed on river and later anchored at city's harbor. Connal visited Moradin's temple and took part in ceremonial armor smithing. Meanwhile Avelon and Ren went around city, haggling, shopping and eventually drifted to bathhouse, where ordered all the beauty caring oils, bubbles etc. But the best shot belonged to Jarod, who did not know what to do, so cashed his part of treasure and went to gaming house. He returned quite drunk and smiling with large and officially-looking parchment under his belt. Next day it turned out, that he won in a card game a house in Waterdeep, with all household items, land and other items. One lucky night and he acquired wealth, that set a comfortable life for a rest of his life.
Next day heroes said farewell to Xandos, Kyril and Reiner and set sails for Candlekeep. When "Sky Mill" vanished form eyes view, ship climbed hight and headed toward fortress of knowledge. En route heroes saw strange white rocks jutting out of sea. When ship was close a Candlekeep, I read aloud an introduction text from Baldur's Gate and described great library,:gardens and city itself. Before "Sky Mill" landed in harbor, a group of shapes approached. It were five knights, a wizard and cleric, all riding pegasi. The demanded what heroes are doing and what are their business and warned travelers that Candlekeep is under siege. Stubborn heroes decided to land and help guards to defend city. To their surprise the found Candlekeep quiet and peaceful, although some houses were ruined or damaged by strange rock formations.
After paying a fee in form of books, party moved to Flaming Fists headquarters to ask for assignment. The were met captain Hostburn, who explained that for about two months. unusual phenomena took place. At different and odd places rock were jutting from under earth, elementals were roaming the countryside and attacked people and from the east a wave of stones, earth and rocks was approaching, threatening to push city from cliff to sea.
Heroes decided to inspect sea rocks in case a second wave was coming from ocean but their suspicions were false. "Sky Mill" turned around and headed inland, to a quarry, which was nearby. The thought, correctly, that workers were responsible for angering earth spirits. During the travel tehy saw an earth wave slowly moving toward the city and decided that task should be finished as quick as possible. Fortunately, they hoped, the had an experience in dealing with earth spirits.
Upon arrival it was clear, that something was wrong in quarry. Elementals were replacing stones that were quarried and workers were caged in a prison of high, sheer walls. Many of them were dead, apparently. Connal tried to talk with one of elementals but at some moment creature.was possessed and by a powerful earth spirit and attacked him..He escaped and heroes decided to move with force.
Heroes descended and moved through quarry and later softened wall around prisoner. An angry elemental overlord appeared and attacked party. Fight was tough and deadly. During combat Jarod as killed but Connal revived him with Breath of Life spell. Once again Avelon used her negative energy channeling ability, this time with full force, raising once again suspicion toward her power and allegiance. In the end elemental was defeated and crumbled into pile of stones, while rest of his kin returned to home plane of existence.
Behind the screen
- I was totally surprised with an idea of spellcasters casting.
- Final fight went smooth and almost without troubles. But there was one misunderstanding and from that point on, there is no "wait, I should hit, may I still roll the damage" situations. You finished your turn, it is over.
- Jarod was killed for 63 pints of damage and did from massive injuries. It was a critical hit.
- We still look for one or two more players and I invited Ania, a good friend of us. She told me she will consider proposal, so keep the fingers crossed.
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Monday, 24 May 2010
Second anniversary
Exactly two years ago I have submitted first note, concerning this campaign. It's a hell of time, when I look back.
We did not know what to think about D&D 3#E.
We did not know about Pathfinder.
But we were keen to play and I was eager to run high fantasy campaign in "from zero to hero" style.
And s here I'm, two years later, with 30 sessions, four chapters under my belt. It was a nice ride and I'm willing to continue it. I have some ideas and some things to show: Netheril, Underdark, perhaps hort trip to another planes and final confrontation with BIG EVIL. Yes, I still plan to build diorama for it and make that final showdown memorably.
There were some issues, but I think we are keeping fine. We still like to meet, throw some jokes and dice, slay some monsters, eat some snacks, loot some treasures and gain another level of experience. Overall, this campaign is very important to me and has become a considerable pillar of my hobby life. Sławek likes to mock me for it in his rants (yes, he's still bitter and constantly accuses me of thievery, internet hacking, double-crossing etc.), but I take it as good omen. If he is so angry, it means I was good Dungeon Master.
I have a few ideas on my mind, I try to experiment with some new tricks, methods of game running, with overpowering game mechanics and day-to-day problems of dungeon Master. There were times, when I was tired, completely deprived out of ideas, without enthusiasm. But those low points go away and I find myself fascinated with my campaign.
Yes, I know, we play rarely, especially in last months. Family obligations, unpredictable events are major factors. What more, I think there are some other factors: game mechanics issue: rules are wearing us down, perhaps after two years my players got used to playing and to world, so it is not as much appealing to them as it used to. But nevertheless, I think we can finish it and have some good memories.
So... We have spent two years in Forgotten Realms. I think we are in a middle of our journey. At first I planned to let the heroes achieve epic destinies and levels 21-30, but I don't know, if we will be able to manage such power in game terms. We shall see.
I'd like to wish my friends and players good luck, many high adventures, exciting sessions, memorable NPCs, fine treasures and worthy foes to defeat. I'd like to play more often with whole group around the table. I'd like to continue.
See you next time!
P.S.
For some time I'm working on webpage devoted to this campaign and you can found it here.
We did not know what to think about D&D 3#E.
We did not know about Pathfinder.
But we were keen to play and I was eager to run high fantasy campaign in "from zero to hero" style.
And s here I'm, two years later, with 30 sessions, four chapters under my belt. It was a nice ride and I'm willing to continue it. I have some ideas and some things to show: Netheril, Underdark, perhaps hort trip to another planes and final confrontation with BIG EVIL. Yes, I still plan to build diorama for it and make that final showdown memorably.
There were some issues, but I think we are keeping fine. We still like to meet, throw some jokes and dice, slay some monsters, eat some snacks, loot some treasures and gain another level of experience. Overall, this campaign is very important to me and has become a considerable pillar of my hobby life. Sławek likes to mock me for it in his rants (yes, he's still bitter and constantly accuses me of thievery, internet hacking, double-crossing etc.), but I take it as good omen. If he is so angry, it means I was good Dungeon Master.
I have a few ideas on my mind, I try to experiment with some new tricks, methods of game running, with overpowering game mechanics and day-to-day problems of dungeon Master. There were times, when I was tired, completely deprived out of ideas, without enthusiasm. But those low points go away and I find myself fascinated with my campaign.
Yes, I know, we play rarely, especially in last months. Family obligations, unpredictable events are major factors. What more, I think there are some other factors: game mechanics issue: rules are wearing us down, perhaps after two years my players got used to playing and to world, so it is not as much appealing to them as it used to. But nevertheless, I think we can finish it and have some good memories.
So... We have spent two years in Forgotten Realms. I think we are in a middle of our journey. At first I planned to let the heroes achieve epic destinies and levels 21-30, but I don't know, if we will be able to manage such power in game terms. We shall see.
I'd like to wish my friends and players good luck, many high adventures, exciting sessions, memorable NPCs, fine treasures and worthy foes to defeat. I'd like to play more often with whole group around the table. I'd like to continue.
See you next time!
P.S.
For some time I'm working on webpage devoted to this campaign and you can found it here.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Chapter Four: Shadowdale - Session 30 - Against the drow
Last session was held on Saturday, April 3rd and we met at Adrian's place. Unfortunately there were only three of us, as Terentz was unable to show due to his commitment's to Star Wars campaign he's involved in too.
Session began with shopping: selling loot, buying new equipment and wandering around the city of Urmlaspyr. First of all heroes set out to find a forge, where the could make an armour of dragonhide. Of three ones available, the magical one was chosen. Although run by wizard not blacksmith, and propelled with fire elemental instead of traditional oven, it was chosen and for a price of 1000gp after four weeks armour was finished. With help of Avelon heroes sold loot and bought some magical items, re-equipped themselves, made visits to their gods' shrines, ate a delicious meal at best tavern and had fun. Also, Ren was stunned with possibility of making shopping at Aurora's store, which he used with delight.
After week and half, "Sky Mill" raised anchor and set sail to open sea. After vanishing from watchers' eyes, ship climbed into air and flew over lands of Sembia and Cormyr into Dalelands. Crossing over deep woods and glimmering rivers, fields full of crops and orchards, flying ship arrived at Shadowdale and mad landing on Mirrorman's lake near watermill. After short introduction to two guardsmen, heroes moved to village. They were shocked with sight of Lathander's Temple in form of huge, glass pink swan, disappointed with Elminster's tower (squat, curved two-storeys tower surrounded by bushy garden). After leaving a letter to wizard in his postbox and short chat with Lhaeo, his servant and secretary, heroes moved to village, where a weekly market and festival was held. An evening of games, drinking and dancing was much priced reward after a long and perilous adventures.
Next day heroes moved to meet Bard of Shadowdale, a famous Storm Silverhand. Her farm was a short walk from centre of village. Lovely house surrounded by trees, flowers and ringing with birdsong, children laugh welcomed them with hawk face of man, sitting on a bench. He greeted heroes and told he will look after wife, "unless she's in Aglarond now". while waiting heroes noted unusual mask on shelf above fire place. Storm returned from garden and welcomed guest, weaving them to kitchen. While preparing chicken soup they chatted about prophecy and Storm advised to seek some answers in Candlekeep. Menwhile she mentioned that if heroes help Lhaeo with some tasks, he will arrange meeting with Elminster.
It turned to be true. In exchanging of garden arrangement, cleaning base of tower and household, appointment was set. Ren spent night in tree form and had a short but pleasant chat with elderly wizard. Next day all PC's met with Elminster, who advised them to seek opinion of greatest of all wizards, long dead by his own actions Karsus. To seek his aid the were to find a portal, leading back in time. Fortunately one was nearby, although it lead to moment 600 years before Karsus' birth. As heroes opted to search for it, Elminster asked them to deliver a book to his friend, a deep gnome hermit.
Heroes poked around Shadowdale for two weeks, awaiting aurora's delivery, but after receiving items (among the others armour of black dragon hide and Bag of Holding) the set out to descend to Underdark. So the wend below and found gnomish hermit tortured by band of drow. fight erupted and despite advantage in numbers, drow were defeated but Kyrils was slain in course of combat, while Avelon unleashed negative energy on her foes, doubling suspicions where her faith actually falls.
Behind the Screen
- Mask and Storm's husband are legacies of campaign ran by me ten years ago. Mask belonged to Adrian's long time running character Gilliand, who was destroyed by Bane during Second Battle of Shadowdale and merged with a waive. Storm's man, Krzywonos, is former character of cool friend of mine, Darek.
- Jarod finally placed his faith in Tymora.
- Fight with band of drow was designed to check, how Pathfinder rules go along with quite large combat with many participants. Result are quite disappointing, as there is many rules to remember, contradicting effects that slow game down.
Session began with shopping: selling loot, buying new equipment and wandering around the city of Urmlaspyr. First of all heroes set out to find a forge, where the could make an armour of dragonhide. Of three ones available, the magical one was chosen. Although run by wizard not blacksmith, and propelled with fire elemental instead of traditional oven, it was chosen and for a price of 1000gp after four weeks armour was finished. With help of Avelon heroes sold loot and bought some magical items, re-equipped themselves, made visits to their gods' shrines, ate a delicious meal at best tavern and had fun. Also, Ren was stunned with possibility of making shopping at Aurora's store, which he used with delight.
After week and half, "Sky Mill" raised anchor and set sail to open sea. After vanishing from watchers' eyes, ship climbed into air and flew over lands of Sembia and Cormyr into Dalelands. Crossing over deep woods and glimmering rivers, fields full of crops and orchards, flying ship arrived at Shadowdale and mad landing on Mirrorman's lake near watermill. After short introduction to two guardsmen, heroes moved to village. They were shocked with sight of Lathander's Temple in form of huge, glass pink swan, disappointed with Elminster's tower (squat, curved two-storeys tower surrounded by bushy garden). After leaving a letter to wizard in his postbox and short chat with Lhaeo, his servant and secretary, heroes moved to village, where a weekly market and festival was held. An evening of games, drinking and dancing was much priced reward after a long and perilous adventures.
Next day heroes moved to meet Bard of Shadowdale, a famous Storm Silverhand. Her farm was a short walk from centre of village. Lovely house surrounded by trees, flowers and ringing with birdsong, children laugh welcomed them with hawk face of man, sitting on a bench. He greeted heroes and told he will look after wife, "unless she's in Aglarond now". while waiting heroes noted unusual mask on shelf above fire place. Storm returned from garden and welcomed guest, weaving them to kitchen. While preparing chicken soup they chatted about prophecy and Storm advised to seek some answers in Candlekeep. Menwhile she mentioned that if heroes help Lhaeo with some tasks, he will arrange meeting with Elminster.
It turned to be true. In exchanging of garden arrangement, cleaning base of tower and household, appointment was set. Ren spent night in tree form and had a short but pleasant chat with elderly wizard. Next day all PC's met with Elminster, who advised them to seek opinion of greatest of all wizards, long dead by his own actions Karsus. To seek his aid the were to find a portal, leading back in time. Fortunately one was nearby, although it lead to moment 600 years before Karsus' birth. As heroes opted to search for it, Elminster asked them to deliver a book to his friend, a deep gnome hermit.
Heroes poked around Shadowdale for two weeks, awaiting aurora's delivery, but after receiving items (among the others armour of black dragon hide and Bag of Holding) the set out to descend to Underdark. So the wend below and found gnomish hermit tortured by band of drow. fight erupted and despite advantage in numbers, drow were defeated but Kyrils was slain in course of combat, while Avelon unleashed negative energy on her foes, doubling suspicions where her faith actually falls.
Behind the Screen
- Mask and Storm's husband are legacies of campaign ran by me ten years ago. Mask belonged to Adrian's long time running character Gilliand, who was destroyed by Bane during Second Battle of Shadowdale and merged with a waive. Storm's man, Krzywonos, is former character of cool friend of mine, Darek.
- Jarod finally placed his faith in Tymora.
- Fight with band of drow was designed to check, how Pathfinder rules go along with quite large combat with many participants. Result are quite disappointing, as there is many rules to remember, contradicting effects that slow game down.
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