Difference between revisions of "Chapter 10: Homecoming"

Latest revision as of 18:04, 22 September 2016

About the Saga

The adventurers return home to a heroes' welcome. After enjoying a feast with the Griffins Guild, they decide to head back out into the wilderness to track down a party of giants that attacked Obsidian Bay during the blizzard.

Timeframe

• Campaign Date: Coldeven 19, CY 515
• Real World Date: March 22, 2015
• Read other Obsidian Frontier Sagas

Cast of Characters

• Burgell Nackle (Damon), a gnome bard with dubious ethics
• Finn Underbow (Jim), a halfling ranger
• Tänévir Calywyn (Nate), a young elven ranger who has come to apprentice with Súlimëtasar of the Griffins Guild
• Roaryk (Bob), human warlock and (possibly) reformed pirate.

Notable Quotes

• "Common sense can actually lead to profit!" -- Reginald Wynn, cleric of St. Cuthbert.

What Has Come Before

After a danger-wrought journey home from Gryrax, the Scorpion has returned to Obsidian Bay with a hold full of much-needed lumber and foodstuffs, as well as the promise of more help in the form of a dwarven relief force commanded by upstart dwarven lord Mardok Redblade.

Meanwhile the crew of the Scorpion has defeated not one, but two, piratical threats by capturing the diabolical pirate vessel Hell's Wrath and sinking a reaver longship. Now the Scorpion and Hell's Wrath are preparing to enter Obsidian Bay where there's little doubt they will be heralded as heroes.

The Saga

Watersday, Coldeven 19, CY 515

The heroes arrive near evening-time on Watersday to find the entire population of the city has jammed itself into the wharf looking to catch a glimpse of the Scorpion's triumphant return. Thanks to the advisory that Redblade sent to his cousin Mordus Ironfist in Obsidian Bay, the Griffins Guild was ready for their arrival. They had more than 100 members of the guild, plus the diligent priests of St. Cuthbert, at the dock preparing to hold back the crowd.

The senior leadership of the Griffins Guild -- Samuel Longriver, Willow Wind, Johann the Destroyer, and Robertson -- were on the pier as the Scorpion and the Hell's Wrath docked.

Longriver gave a brief speech welcoming the heroes back to the city, and his words were echoed by Johann the Destroyer. Roaryk, never one to be subtle, used the opportunity to pitch selling the slightly damaged Hell's Wrath to the Griffins Guild. Johann balked at the expense, and suggested that Roaryk -- who's soul clearly had some black marks on it -- convince his friends to donate the ship to the city.

The other heroes joined in, pressuring Johann to purchase the ship. At this point Longriver stepped in and said that negotiations could continue the next day; for now it was time to celebrate!

The heroes headed up to the still-under-construction Griffins Guildhall. The skeleton of the structure had been erected, but the walls and roof were a work in progress; only heavy canvas stood between the party goers and the brisk spring cold outside.

First Notes of the Blade Song

During a lull in the party Tanevir was approached by Súlimëtasar (Willow Wind). The senior elf explained that he has been greatly impressed by the young elf's contributions at Bloodstone Tower and his ability to work with others on the Gryrax trip. These things had led Súlimëtasar to conclude that he would be an excellent student, and offered to train him in the arts of the bladesinger, the elven martial style that combines swords and magic.

More than that though, he explained that there are greater threats on the Pomarj than the humanoid menace. Yes, he explained, of course *they* should be destroyed but the real dangers are arcane. Somewhere out on the Pomarj forgotten ley lines are converging, causing magical vortexes that corrupt everything around them. There is an ancient city of the undead -- called "Necros" -- that simply disappeared from the face of Oerth one day a few centuries ago. And the dragon ... let's not forget the dragon known to the elves as Aegnor ("fell fire") and the humans as Inferno. They all need to be dealt with, regardless of whether this human experiment in colonization succeeds or fails. Tanevir accepted Willow Wind's offer.

A Fledgling Invitation

Meanwhile Samuel Longriver, the leader of the Griffins Guild, approached Burgell. He said he was very impressed with the gnome's commitment to Obsidian Bay and his organization of the expedition to Grygax. He lamented the fact that so many wanted him to establish a formal government in Obsidian Bay, and pointed to Burgell's expedition as exactly the sort of spontaneous charity that the Griffins Guild had been founded on. He offered Burgell a junior membership in the guild, which the gnome said he would have to consider.

Dire Warnings

Finn did not escape the notice of the Griffins Guild's senior leadership. Robertson, the archmage, approached him apparently seeking a place to rest away from the throng. "I could not help but notice that you were alone. It was an excellent thing you and your friends did for the city. Quite helpful for the little people, but ultimately, well, we know there are things of greater significance out there" he said, pointing with his pipe. "You know, I care little for the wilderness. It is so ... untamed."

Robertson took a dismissive puff and before Finn could get a word in, continued talking

"Yes, yes, it is no doubt much more important to you -- the balance of civilization and nature and what not, but that's exactly what I'm talking about the balance."

"No, not humanity encroaching on the wild places of the world; it's all so much hogwash and I would appreciate it, my diminutive friend, if you would let me get a word in edgewise. No, the true balance that must be struck is between the real and the unreal; the true world, and the fey, the prime and its echos. There are things out there that would weaken those boundaries and nature, yes nature, is our litmus test."

"Where those walls are thinning, nature is corrupted. Strange beasts hunt the forests, and stranger ones still dwell beneath the earth. I seek out such things, and would ask you to do the same. If you learn of any, come to me. Bring specimens if you can, stories if you can't. I will reward you handsomely for your intelligence."

Finn choked out a short "of course" and then the wizard was gone.

Death of a Wyvern

While the rest of the heroes celebrated their victory at the Griffins Guild Hall, Roaryx went to the Boot n' Rally to celebrate with the barbarian crew that had helped take the Hell's Wrath. There he learned that a week earlier a fighter named Kor -- previously a drunkard with a penchant for get-rich-quick schemes -- had come into the tavern and confronted the leader of the street gang known as the Wyverns. He fought their leader, then demanded the rest follow him on some mad quest ... which shockingly they did.

Roaryx took this all in ... and then ordered another drink.

Earthday, Coldeven 20, CY 515

The Golden Gate

The next day Roaryx went looking for a wizard to provide arcane advice on the three magical items the heroes had taken from the Hell's Wrath: a mirrored shield, a locked golden tome, and a heavy 5'-by-5' slate with a symbol of carved into it. The slate, being far too heavy for Roaryx to handle by himself, was carried by three of his barbarian companions.

Roaryx found Arim, an arrogant Baklunish wizard with a hunger for gold and a thirst for arcane knowledge. Though initially dismissive of Roaryx and his finds, when the wizard actually saw the treasures he invited Roaryx into his sturdy trade tent.

The warlock asked his warriors to deposit the slab in the tent so that Arim could examine it more closely. The Baklunish man was so impressed he forgot to charge a fee for his knowledge, and instead began babbling enthusiastically about the finds.

"This slab ... this symbol ... yes ... yes, this is the unholy symbol of Belial, archdevil and lord of the Phelegethos. These grooves ... they look as though some sort of liquid was poured into them and then burned!"

The tome was a thick book with a gold-plated cover crafted to look like a golden gate. A stylized lock appeared in the center of the faux gate, and a complex halo of flames radiated from it, writhing around the bars like fiery tentacles. The lock had a small depression where the key would go; careful examination revealed a tiny pin inside the depression. A residue of dried blood clinging to the needle and the inside of the lock.

Showing no caution, Arim, pricked his finger on the lock, and as the blood flowed into the gate, the book opened. The wizard quickly leafed through it. "Yes, yes. I've heard of this. The Tome of the Golden Gate. An ancient spell book that explains how to open a portal to Phelegethos, the fiery fourth layer of the Nine Hells. And see here? This section discusses how to summon and bind a lesser devil from that realm."

He continued to page through the book. "Yes, yes ... the portal ritual takes four hours, and the melting (and eventual incineration) of 1,000 gold pieces worth of gold. Clearly a specialized version of the gate spell."

"And this? Yes ... yes! The conjure fiend ritual takes nine minutes and works as per the *conjure celestial* save that the monster serves you for 6 days, 6 hours, and 6 minutes. The material component for the spell is the sacrifice of a sentient creature, who's soul is given to the summoned devil. Unfortunately, only one fiend can be summoned from the tome at a time, but still ... powerful"

"Such insights" he said. "Yes, yes -- this tome would give its reader great advantage in researching the fourth layer of Hell. Fascinating!" He continued leafing through the tome. "See this? Yes, yes -- this is an illustration of the summoning slate. It grants you great advantage when conversing with devils summoned using the stone. A great boon to be sure!"

"And the shield?" Roaryx asked, breaking into the man's obsessive reading of the tome.

Arim looked at it then made a dismissive gesture. "Angelic relic. I've seen it's like before; the Oerdian savages had such things." He paused for a moment's thought. "Yes ... yes, I believe this is the Winged Shield of Micah, gifted by the angel of the same name to the human paladin Lady Jullien, servitor of the Oerdian god Heironous when her people fled our lands like the unlearned scum they were." He glanced up to see if Roaryx was of Oerdian descent, then snickered. "The unlearned scum they are.

Noticing the faint golden glow radiating from the shield, he absently said "oh yes, yes ... it glows in the presence of devils as well. Or, apparently, their devices."

Roaryx, disturbed by what he had learned ... and how much of an interest Arim had taken in the relics, decided he needed to "shop around" the items. The wizard reluctantly let him go, a decision no doubt aided by the return of the three over-sized barbarian warriors who'd carried the slate to his tent in the first place.

And then Kor set of to conquer the Pomarj

Meanwhile, Tanevir, Burgell, and Finn met at the Silver Wave to have breakfast and discuss their future plans. Star Blossom, another of Willow Wind's protegees, had joined them as well, and the innkeeper was ecstatic that so many elves were visiting his establishment.

He also revealed that their adventuring companion, Kor, had left them a letter before leaving the city.

Burgell,

Your quest to acquire supplies for the weak and powerless in Obsidian Bay is disappointing in the extreme. While some might find it noble, I know it for what it truly is: an unneeded, weak-willed distraction. What this city needs is iron in her blood. She needs the strength to not only stand up to her enemies, but to defeat them, slay them, and ensure even their ghosts never threaten her again!*

I found the key to this fortitude: the old guildhall of the Steel Skulls. The guild used to enforce the will of the old Barons, selling their swords to the strongest of the rightful rulers of the Poor March. They fell nearly 200 years ago, but their guildhall's still there and its Vault is unbreached.

No one could get into it ... but I can. He's shown me how. He's shown me that I am the only one who can enter the Vault and claim the Ironbound Warriors within. Once I have them Obsidian Bay will never again have to cower before enemies as pathetic as orcs. We will rule this peninsula and forge a new united Barony!

I look forward to speaking with you upon my return,

Your friend,

Kor

"Well," Burgell said, "I guess we're going to have to go put him down."

Tanevir nodded. "We probably shouldn't have given him that rusty gauntlet. He hasn't been right since he got it. But first ... Finn tells me some hill giants attacked the perimeter during the blizzard. We need to end that threat first."

At this point Roaryx arrived, sat down at the table. "Gentleman. Lady. We have a devil problem."

Back to the Griffins Guild

The heroes headed back up to the Griffins Guild where they were able to arrange a meeting with Johann the Destroyer and Robertson. Roaryx laid out the situation with the Tome of the Golden Gate and the summoning slate. Alarmed, Robertson agreed to take possession of the dangerous magical items and dispatch a few Griffins to find Arim and bring him to the guild hall for safe guarding.

There is some discussion of payment for the relics, which Robertson reluctantly agrees is justified. He asks that he be allowed to examine the magic items for several days to determine their value and consider suitable compensation.

Shortly after this meeting they discussed the sale of the Hell's Wrath with Johann the Destroyer. He agrees that the Griffins Guild will purchase the ship for 12,000 gp.

Starday, Coldeven 21-Moonday Coldeven 24, CY 515

For the next three days the heroes rest and recover in the city. Roaryx bonds with his new "Ralleymen", who've taken to drinking every night at the Boot and Rally.

Godsday, Coldeven 25, CY 515

They acquire a number of magic items from Robertson.

• immovable rod
• potion of fire breath
• dust of dryness
• bag of holding
• potion of hill giant strength

Tanevir purchased a horse (his last having died during the blizzard). The new horse is a grey, energetic beast that's aggressive toward other animals. Roaryk also bought a horse he names "Stripey". The basic color is Piebald - large irregular patches of black and white. On its face is a Stripe - thin vertical stripe of white running from the center of the face, down to the nose. On the positive side, the horse has good movement/locomotion, on the other hand, it is lazy. The barbarians acquire steeds in order to keep up with their mounted companions.

The heroes head out eager to hunt down the hill giants who had dared attack Obsidian Bay during the blizzard. They go to the site of the battle with the giants, find their trails and start heading north toward the hills. After most of a day's travel they arrive at their familiar cave near the ruins of Bloodstone Tower. They bypass it -- and the tower -- and continue on.

Near night fall, they stop and camp near the top of one of the hills. Watches are set: 1) Burgel and Tanevir 2) Finn (with Tanevir in a trance) 3) Roryk and Tanevir. On the first watch, Death's Head gnolls serving the Death's Head Hags attack. Their pack leader lets slip -- quite purposefully -- that the hags want Finn and Burgell brought back to the Hag Cave where they can be tortured and then consumed for having the audacity to escape from a previous gnoll war band.

The gnolls are barely defeated and our heroes loot the following belongings from them.

• 32 Copper
• 42 Silver
• 10 rodochrosite gems (10 gp each, opaque light pink gems)
• Potion of Healing (x2)
• Potion of Greater Healing
• Spell scroll (cantrip x2) - minor illusion, light

The rest of the night of Coldeven 25 passes uneventfully.

Experience

Player Characters

• Burgell Nackle: 321 xp
• Finn Underbow: 321 xp
• Tänévir Calywyn: 321 xp
• Roaryk: 321 xp

Non-player Characters

• Three members of the proto-Ralleymen Guild: 321 xp

Loot

Coins & Gems

• 32 Copper
• 42 Silver
• 10 rodochrosite gems (10 gp each, opaque light pink gems - see: http://www.dakotamatrix.com/images/database/rhodochrosite14173a.jpg)
• 12,000 gp (from the sale of the ship)

Art objects

• None.

Magic items

• Potion of Healing (x2)
• Potion of Greater Healing
• Spell scroll (cantrip x2) - minor illusion, light
• Immovable Rod
• Potion of Fire Breath
• Dust of Dryness
• Bag of Holding
• Potion of Hill Giant Strength

Resources

• Random Horse Traits
• Greyhawk Calendar - PDF, with moon phases
• Greyhawk Calendar - web page, with days of week