Carrion Crown Session 27

Session 27

DUNGEON MASTER: [GAME STARTS HERE]

DUNGEON MASTER: The heroes are currently standing in Father Grimburrow's study--Solar by the torn message pinned to the desk with a dagger; Mesodias and Johan by the entryway.

SOLAR CE’NEA: I suggest when we get to Lepidstadt we check out who this Vrood.  I suspect he is not a good sort

SOLAR CE’NEA: Was there anything else with the map?  Is the dagger that had it pinned yours?

DUNGEON MASTER: "What map are you talking about?"

SOLAR CE’NEA: I meant the note, I am going through all the knowledge in my head thinking of the best of the best and safeest route to Lepidstadt   My apologies

DUNGEON MASTER: "The dagger belonged to Torsten here," he says, glowring down at the remains of his alcolyte.

SOLAR CE’NEA: are you able to talk to the dead?  could we ask him what happened to him before he died?

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan leans against the wall inside of Father Grimburrow's study as he listens to what his companions have to say about the matter of Vrood. "A trip to Lepidstadt will take us close to the orcs territory, either close to the moutains or through the forest, each of which will present their own challenges. Hmm, talking to the dead, that depends if there isn't some trickery preventing us from doing so."

SOLAR CE’NEA: If there is, we at least know we are dealing with something powerful enough to block it

DUNGEON MASTER: "To speak with dead, I'd need more than old Torsten's skin--I'd need the whole throat and mouth intact," he replies, even mor irratabily than usual.

SOLAR CE’NEA: My apologies, how thoughtless of me, I am very sorry for your loss here.  What we have seen in the last few days has made us used to death and the undead, I should have been more thoughtful about what I was asking.  He was polite when we met him before and seemed a good man.  A sad day for us all.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan shivers at the mention of poor Torsten, "Sorry I'm just not accustomed to such foul magic. I though the prision was bad enough but at least it was an upfront fight... this is entirely something else."

DUNGEON MASTER: "Yes," replies Grimburrow.  "I don't know what was meant by this note, and if you don't know anything more of it then I suppose that's all I need of you.  Keep your eyes open in Lepidstadt."

SOLAR CE’NEA: Is there something we can do for you Father?  to help with what has happened here.  I can't really think of anything else we can do her, except to help perhaps with being present at Torstens final rites

DUNGEON MASTER: "We can handle our own dead here," he replies.  He calls in another alcolyte, and orders them to escort the heroes back out of the temple.

SOLAR CE’NEA: Again Father, my humble respect for your loss.  With that Solar signals to Johan to see if there was anything else he wanted to do before they leave

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "If we find those who are responsibile for this I am not afraid to mention the law will not be involved. It will be swift justice from my own blade to stop this evil. If they are in Lepidstadt we will find them where ever they hide."

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan indicates to Solar that he is ready to leave with this final threat to those involved.

SOLAR CE’NEA: SOlar gives a solemn bow of respect and turns around toe leave and return to Kendra's

SOLAR CE’NEA: house

DUNGEON MASTER: "You're a good apple," replies Grimburrow approvingly, and the heroes are shown out.

The heroes emerge from the temple to find a small crowd of constables and onlookers milling about.  At that very moment, Sheriff Benjan turns with both hands on his hips and almost jumps in surprise.

"A gnome!" he nearly shouts.  "How, ahem, can I help ye?"

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan pauses for a moment as he peers at the crowd and looks for the cause of the public disturbance.

GRUNDIG: iI was just asking who has been murdered

DUNGEON MASTER: "Murdered?  What would ye be knowin' about that?"

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar is surprised that the crowd would react so to the presence of a gnome but remembers he is used to large cities and the excitement within them

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan walks over and enquires, "What seems to be the trouble here?"

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar follows behind Johan

DUNGEON MASTER: "No trouble, yet," replies Benjan, motining down to a hazel-haried tan gnome that stands up to his waist.  "This feller just comes out of nowhere and now he's telling me what he knows about murders in our fair burg."

GRUNDIG: I have just arrived and heard you talking to the crowed about a murder I im trying to find Kendra Lorrimor to pay my respects for her father

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar looks around the crowd and at the gnome, looking for anything that was out of the ordinary and is also attpmpting to sense motive on the gnome with out being obvious [Percpetion 1d20+4=18; sense motive 1d20+0=9]

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "Is that so?" Johan peers down at the gnome with a curious expression, "Well then what is it you know about the happenings of this fair town?"

DUNGEON MASTER: Gnomes are out of the ordinary in Ravengro--beyond this, nothing extraordinary seems to be happening.  Benjan's eyes regard the gnome, and those nearby are also turning their attention to the unusual visitor.

GRUNDIG: just what i heard when i got here and news of Professor Lorrimor passing

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar leans in to talk quitely to the Sheriff. "Perhaps dear sheriff we should take this conversation inside, it looks like it might be "disturbing" to sone of the town members"

DUNGEON MASTER: At the mention of Lorrimor, Benjan turns to Solar and Johan.  "You two know this, ahem, little man?"

DUNGEON MASTER: "We'll see about things shortly, here," the sheriff bristles at Solar's suggestion.

SOLAR CE’NEA: "I don't believe we have met," Solar extends his arm in greating to the Gnome. "My name is Solar Ce'nea, perhaps you could joins us inside and tell us what you know"

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan regards the gnome, "Stranges are at best afforded a certain suspicion in most towns, especially ones that speak of troubling things. You best explain what business you have in regards to the Professor."

GRUNDIG:  I came across the professor on the road he was being attacked by 15 goblins 10 where laid down by his hand and only five remained but he was in bad shape I helped him fight off the last few and healed him we became travel companions for the reminder of his journey and became friends  I heard about his death and tried to get here in time for the funeral.

SOLAR CE’NEA: That sounds like the professor, fighting the good fight to the last!

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "It seems your motives for visiting the village were just to pay your respects to the late Professor. My name is Johan, and this is Shadow," Johan glances down to his wolf companion before offering his hand. "Sorry if I missed your name earlier."

GRUNDIG: he defenatly had a knack for finding troble

DUNGEON MASTER: Benjan watches the introductions without interrupting.

GRUNDIG: my name is grundig ia friend of the professers is welcom site he says as he extends his hand to shake the hand offerde to him

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "A friend of the Professor is a friend of mine. We can show you to the Professor's resting place to pay your respects as well. I'm sure Kendra, the Professor's daughter would like to hear about your adventures with the Professor." Johan gestures with his hand towards Kendra's house, "Shall we?"

SOLAR CE’NEA: "Unless you have any other questions Sheriff?" Solar then turns to Grundig as they move off with the Sheriff's permission. "Do you know Kendra?"

GRUNDIG: remainder if the consterbul is satisfied with my explanation I would like to pay my respects to Kendra  of his journey and became friends  I heard about his death and tried to get here in time for the funeral.

DUNGEON MASTER: Benjan scowls slightly but offers his assent via a quick nod.

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar walks alongside Grundig asking about his travels, what his profession is, and his usual 100 questions for his continous thirst for knowledge.  spread out within all his questions is the occasional questions about grundig he knows Kendra and what she is to him.

GRUNDIG: well as fare as proffesions go im a butcher i have traveled arround plying my traid i havent met kendra but have heard a lot about her from the professer

SOLAR CE’NEA: Ahhh, perhaps you would like to visit the Professors grave on the way to Kendras, so you can pay your respects?

GRUNDIG: of corse i would if it is on the way apon arriving he stands in silant remorse for several moments before moveing on he askes the others how they came to know the professer

DUNGEON MASTER: The party heads to the Restlands where Grundig pays his respects to the professor.  Not long after, the heroes return to the Lorrimor residence, where Kendra is working busily packing clothes into a largish wooden crate.

DUNGEON MASTER: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X-AkUNovsQI/TqgGzqSfa2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/h9OIu4wmQkc/s800/KendraLarrimore.jpg

GRUNDIG: dose anybody know how the professer passed? grundig asks with a quisickel look on his face

SOLAR CE’NEA: SOlar explains to Grundig that he new the Professor becasue of his travels to major cities It was in these traveling endeavors that Solar had meet Professor Lorrimor. Both soon saw a kindred spirit in the other (men interested in learning), and a close friendship formed. Whilst traveling Solar would send reports back to both his family and Professor Lorrimor and Solar would often run errands for Professor Lorrimor to deliver information or packages to other places of learning.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan replies to Grundig's query, "I was hired by the Professor some time ago to act as guide and tracker on several of his expeditions. I am a ranger more familiar with the woodlands and forests then these civilised lands. We are in fact preparing to leave tomorow for Lepidstadt which will be evident when you see the state of Kendra's house, it is quite a mess with boxes and crates everywhere."

SOLAR CE’NEA: "My lady we return, more grizily business unfortunately and another death to report unfortuately."  Solar relays what has happened.  "However we have picked up a friend of your father's who came to pay his respects.  Solar then introduces Grundig.

GRUNDIG: my deapest simpithys my lady your father was a good man if there is anything i can do to help it would be an honer

DUNGEON MASTER: "Oh!  A pleasure to meet you," she says, gathering her skirts in one hand and bending down to shake Grundig's hand.

She listens gravely as Solar tells of the day's events, but does not have any ideas of what they might mean.

DUNGEON MASTER: The next two days pass by in a rush.  [Any last minute actions people want to take?]

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan heads into town to purchase four more days worth of provisions, mainly dried meat and trail rations.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Mesodias will also purchase a few more days worth of trail rations.

GRUNDIG: grundig dose the same 4 days

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar is surprised that Johan is buying food, but reckons that he should buy as much food as him.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "It best to prepare for the trip more then what is needed. TO be honest I could track food during the journey but it would involve spending time away from travelling for me to hunt for game. The path that leads us along the edge of the mountain range is enfested with orc so the less time spent the better."

SOLAR CE’NEA: Fair enough my friend!

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "It's not only orc I'm concerned about, they are simple minded beasts that are predicable. There is more challenging sport availalbe within the roaming hills that follow the forests edge."

DUNGEON MASTER: On the thirtieth day after the Professor's funeral, a mule-driven cart stands outside the former Lorrimor residence, loaded to the brim with crates and boxes full of Kendra's things.  An hour after dawn, the cart creaks foward on the road leading west out of town.

It will be a five day journey from Ravengro to Lepidstadt. 

The distance from Ravengro to Lepidstadt isabout 100 miles. No journey in Ustalav is without risk, but the old Mountain Road is generally regarded as the best route. This road follows the southeastern foothills of the Tusk Mountains, passing through the towns of Tamrivena and Courtaud before following the Lesser Moutray River up to Lepidstadt.

DUNGEON MASTER: The road is somewhat muddy from recent rains, though not so much as to inhibit the cart's progress.

GRUNDIG: grundig jump on the back of the cart watching the road behind

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Mesodias walks along the right hand side of the cart with his mw heavy crossbow loaded. The fresh breeze leaves him in a foul mood, he longs for combat and that rich iron smell of blood.

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar is sitting with Kendra guiding the oxen with his crossbow out scanning the area (between glances at Kendra)

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan and Shadow walk alongside the left of the cart with his composite longbow prepared for any threat that apprears on the horizon. Unlike Mesodias, Johan softly whistles as they make there way around the lake and into the open country side.

DUNGEON MASTER: Kendra, for her part, glances once over her shoulder as the town of Ravengro dissappears in the distance; after that, she keeps her eyes on the road ahead and--occasionally--on Solar

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar talks gently to Kendra, telling her about the wonders of the city and of interesting things he knows that may interest her, he is trying to lessen the blow of her leaving hr home town and make her excited or at least interested in what lay ahead for her.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "Just in case we don't reach the neighbouring town before night, I wanted to discuss what we wanted to do if we end up camping in open ground. The thing is if we set a fire to provide light and heat during the night it will attract the attention of orc or other hungry beasts."

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar says we could have a dummy one and sleep somewhere away from it.

GRUNDIG: im happy to take a watch it would be best for me to take the dawn or dusk watch as it sutes my site

SOLAR CE’NEA: but I am happy to go with what you dicide

GRUNDIG: its not that cold yet so happy to go without the fire

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "We should work out a watch system so at least one person is always awake to provide alarm if anything nasty approaches."

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar asks if he could have the other time (dawn or dusk) so he can learn his spells.  He also has has caltrops that he puts out with the traps Johan uses.  Solar also mentions the Stone of alarm which he thinks would do well to be attached to the cart.

DUNGEON MASTER: A single vast moor surrounds Lake Lias, stretching to the boggy Eshirwood to the east. It is around this lake that the road leads, and thence northward into the rugged hills.  Here, wariness and ruggedness breed a sturdy lot, a county of quietly determined folk. The land of Canterwall—once known as Tamrivena—has no love for its people.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: As the sun begins to set across the horizon, Johan begins to look for a suitable place to camp for the night before it gets too dark and dangerous to travel without need of lights.

Survival check: 1d20+10 = 23

DUNGEON MASTER: The first day of the journey to Lepidstadt passes without event; the heroes see fewer and fewer people and more and more ruins, trees, and marshes as they go.  Slowly the sun sinks into the west...

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "I suggest we find a place with some cover to setup a camp for the night before it becomes dangerous and risk breaking a wagon wheel."

GRUNDIG: grundig streaches as he jumps off the back of the cart and walks along side the last few miels

DUNGEON MASTER: Without too much difficulty, Johan discovers a small, pleasant dell where the ground is firm and the characters may take shelter from the wind.

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar sets to task taking care of Kendra and making sure she is comfortable and then goes about his nightly activites

GRUNDIG: grundig builds a small fire to cook by and spends an hr after praying then is ready to take watch

DUNGEON MASTER: [Watch order is: Grundig, Johan, Mesodias, Solar.]

SOLAR CE’NEA: Perception 1d20+4=20

GRUNDIG: perception 1d20+11=16

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan Perception: 1d20+9 = 28

Shadow Percpetion: 1d20+5 = 8

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Mesodias Perception check: 1d20+6 = 21

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: During Johan's watch he takes his sunrod out of his backpack and secures it to his belt.

DUNGEON MASTER: The night passes without incident, and the next morning dawns gray and windy.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Mesodias rolls out of bed, perprofming hsi usual stretches and light work out before praying for his daily spells and quickly finishing something for breakfast.

DUNGEON MASTER: On the second day the party passes out of the moorland and into dark, dismal foothills.  Away in the distance the black-peaked Tusk Mountains can be seen--they remain on the party's left as the road bends northward to travel over the rugged gullies and ridges.

SOLAR CE’NEA: SOalr passes the time telling stories of great historical events, although he isn't a bard he knows the stories well and hope his telling interests those around him.

DUNGEON MASTER: Kendra listens happily as Solar tells his tales, occasionally pitching in with her own bits of knowledge undoubtedly gleaned from her father's library.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan makes several referances against the position of the sun to ensure they were on the right track and also to avoid natural hazards.

Survival check: 1d20+10 = 17

GRUNDIG: grundig grabs a few rocks off hte side of the road and takes pot shots at trees on the sideof the road

DUNGEON MASTER: Dusk of the second day finds the party about 10 miles south of Tamrivena.  The terrain is still rough, and the occasional patrols along the road look the party over with calloused, unfriendly eyes.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "A friend of mine knew a gnome that killed a hydra with a sling and stone."

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar tips his head in acknoldgement to the patrols but otherwise doesn't engage them

GRUNDIG: that freind must have done a bit of dammage to it first

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan will search for a suitable place to camp as the sun sets.

Survival check: 1d20+10 = 25

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "My mate said they had cut two of the hydras head off first before the gnome hit it with the sling and dropped the beast. That tale taught me to respect the sling ever since."

DUNGEON MASTER: With Johan's help, the party finds another sheltered valley in which to spend the night.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan Perception check: 1d20+9 = 25

Shadow Perception check: 1d20+5 = 11

Mesodias Perception check: 1d20+6 = 20

DUNGEON MASTER: This night too passes without incident.

On the third day, the party passes through the town of Tamrivena.  Ominous black-curtained buildings line the streets, and folk avoid meeting the heroes' eyes--except for the guards, that is.  These scowl openly at the party's cart, and one half-orc fellow leers quite indecently at Kendra near the northern gate.

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar thinks about what he knows of the area and tries to identify if this is usual behaviour (the unfriendly nature) of people in this area

SOLAR CE’NEA: Knowledge locla 1d20+13=28

DUNGEON MASTER: [Tamrivena was mentioned in the professor's journal.]  Solar remembers that Tamrivena is near to the border with Belkzen, and is often subject to orc raids.  Local folk have a reputation for being suspicious and downright xenophobic at times.

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar Quitley lets his companions know why he thinks the locals are so unfriendly

GRUNDIG: grundig stays low in the back of the cart on the way through town

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan will approach one of the townsfolk and quietly enquire about local events. "Pardon me. We are strangers passing through this area heading north. Do you mind if I ask if there has been any news of trouble from that direction we should be careful about?"

Diplomacy check: 1d20+4 = 12

GRUNDIG: stealth 1d20+10=18

DUNGEON MASTER: "Trouble!" he spits.  "We ain't due for another orc raid till next month, I spose.  I hear there's been robbery and rapings done by some foul beast up close to Lepidstadt, but I don't know nothing about that.  Like as not some overgrown foriegner, I say.  Not unlike yourselves, judging by your accent.  Just be on your way, then, and don't be sticking your nose around here," he says spitting again.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "I understand your dislike of orc. If we be coming across them we shall let their blood flow freely. That much you can believe from the words of a stranger."

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar tries to remember what he can about a the "foul beast" mentioned by the guard knowledge local 1d20+13=28

DUNGEON MASTER: The dreaded Beast of Lepidstadt is a terrifying abomination that has terrorized the people of Vieland for years.  By varying accounts it is an ogrekin, a half-dragon, a giant, a fairy and (of course) an orc.  It is supposed to be responsible for every sort of murder and atrocity.

SOLAR CE’NEA: Solar passes on what he remmembers

DUNGEON MASTER: The cart makes it through the northern gate without incident, and presently the party crosses into the duchy of Vieland.  Here, hills and dales pitch from the western mountains, breaking in stony waves that gradually mire down in dense swamps and woodlands.

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan pushes Shadow to follow at his side. Handle Animal check: heel 1d20+6 = 25

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: Johan has successfully pushed Shadow to follow him at his side.

DUNGEON MASTER: The sun once again moves behind the Tusk Mountains, setting red behind the black stilhoutted peaks.  Dusk is settling as the party rounds a bend to discover a number of brightly painted wagons circled near the side of the road.

"Hallo?" hails a male voice calls through the semi-darkness.  "Aleece?"

JOHAN D’ALMENTA: "Is there a bounty if we encounter and vanquest the foul beast?"