Category: Playing D&D

Custom Backgrounds, classes, advice and more about Dungeons & Dragons

  • Session Report: Restoring the Everflow

    Session Report: Restoring the Everflow

    With Telse rapidly devolving economically the group decides to discover if they can restore the Everflow. The issues further west can wait. Aamar is Telsean. Maurice is from Fort Ooshar, another community that depends on the waters of the Everflow. Doceo needs trade, as trade is his life.

    Session Notes:
    Mo, Doceo, Aamar were present as active PCs.
    Mansaray, Samul, Behn, Saffron and Ixnyx stay at the airxip.
    The remaining characters are in Sheljar. Ajhenas and Kuda are on the Tower Island creating a military, while Telley is on the settled island with the Temple of Wisdom (where the goblins hid) helping the people make a life there.  Braaz, and Els are working on restoring the two homes on the south end of the Island Inn.
    Shonie is retired and remains in Telse.

    Planning Stages

    Mayor Kellamon, Captain Piyu and Corporal Allison are meeting at the Mayor’s office. There they tell the Lorebook Hunters that they had gathered an earlier group in order to head into the opening where the Falls of the Everflow erupt from the cliff between Telse and Upper Telse. Aamar, Doceo and Mo take a couple hours to shop and then return to the offices.

    They meet a group of clearly overwhelmed halflings. All are in leather or hide armor. Three have clubs, including Thad Trailhide, who Aamar has met in years past. Nerv Oxstorm has a dagger, but he’s easily frightened. Honora and Niras round out the Telse natives. Ursula Dustrain has a baton and studded leather. She admits that she’s an outsider, but has volunteered to help. Maurice recognizes her from Ooshar. She hangs out in the Drop, with Willan’s family. For now, he trusts her.

    They climb up the stairs to the swing arm where Quar’s faithful take the pure Everflow from the falls to eventually convert it to Telse’s greatest export – bottled Everflow, a healing potion. After our heroes, Nerv and Ursula use the swing arm to get across the 20 foot gap between the stairs and the opening the arm breaks. Thad wishes them well, grateful that it did not break while he was suspended.

    Pudding and gelatin

    Trudging through the shallow trickle that winds through an unfinished cave the group is slowly rising in elevation.The path winds, at times there are small pools. Eventually one of those pools has carved stairs in the back. This is unnatural.

    They slowly emerge into a 40 by 60 foot chamber with a central trough that is 10 feet wide. It looks that normally the waters of the Everflow surges through that trough. There are four columns in the chamber, two to each side, evenly spaced from the walls.

    Nerv screams. He is covered in a black goopy acid that eats away at his flesh. Mo hides and Ursula disappears. Several of our heroes take damage from the Black Pudding and Nerv is no more.

    Unable to find Ursula, who likely left through an exit during the fight, Mo sees an 18-inch blue orb with a slight glow. It is suspended a few feet in the air. The three heroes learn that it is inside a Gelatinous Cube. They fight this other ooze, eventually tricking the sorry thing into the trough. Aamar carries the orb in his pack, since the other two are tiny halflings.

    Willan’s influence

    At the far end of the of the dungeon room is a single exit. It leads to a 10 by 10 by 10 tunnel that slowly rises. The floor is kind of slick, and there are fine tiles on every exposed surface. The only light they have is from a spell. The journey through this darkness is long, slow and continues to rise. They are almost certainly nearing the mountain behind Upper Telse.

    Suddenly Ursula rushes into them. She is screaming of of a goliath surrounded in wind and lightning attacking her. As they discuss this with her Mo challenges her about her past. She admits she’s part of Willan’s gang. Her trip to Telse was to get more intelligence about the Lorebook Hunters. She tried to escape, then she tried to smack them with a baton to free herself. There was a fight. She died.

    The shadow of Willan continues to appear in Telse and Ooshar.

    Nils and the Lightning Goats

    This battle was much tougher than it should have been. I’d already weakened the group, especially Aamar, in the first three encounters. Nils was a custom designed Beserker/Barb-Storm of Sea (though fluffed as Mountains). His two animal companions are Giant Goats that have electricity climbing through their horns. They can use those as a breath weapon lightning bolt type effect that recharges on a five or six. It was nearly a TPK.

    As the group emerges into a large glade they feel howling winds around them. This glade has a huge muddy pit in the middle with steep cliffs and dense forest backing into more steep cliffs. There is a forty-foot tall pedestal within the muddy pit.Across the muddy area are two giant goats with lightning crossing between their horns.

    Aamar, with the orb, climbs the pedestal. There appears to be a spot for the orb to rest there. It takes him a bit of time to get to the top. Mo slips into the forest to provide long range cover while Doceo watches at the base of the pedestal.

    Just as the Quarite cleric places the orb at the top Nils, surrounded in lightning and wind, leaps from the far cliff and the two goats charge. The encounter is at distance to begin. The pedestal starts sinking and water surges out from the orb. Two of the heroes are now standing in water as they face off three electric opponents.

    After taking a bit of lightning Doceo casts fireball and nearly destroys both goats. Maurice’s bow and Doceo’s fire bolts finish them off. Nils is raging on Aamar. The large goliath is attempting to chop through Aamar. The little halflings try to aid Aamar, but to no avail. Their cleric falls.

    Things get very hairy. The animal companions are trying their best to save the people, but Nils is too powerful. Doceo finally thinks to cast First Aid on the fallen cleric. Aamar is back at one hit point. He casts Hold Person on Nils, who had been knocked prone when Doceo’s warhound bit him (it took a roll of 3 or less on a d20 to fail, Nils failed). The Hold Person works as well. A prone and paralyzed Nils is rapidly destroyed.

    The group of combatants is standing in several inch deep waters of the Everflow. Their only known route away is starting to fill with water.

    Never take a 200-foot dive

    With Nils defeated the three heroes notice the rising waters about to flow to their escape. Aamar knows Nils and respects his family. While Doceo and Maurice run the hours through the tunnel Aamar is attempting to return the body of Nils to his home. Dragging a goliath through the tunnel and cavern slows the cleric down.

    Using rope and Mo’s great leaping ability the animal companions and halflings get across the 20-foot gap easily. The water is starting to flow again. Aamar stuck with the huge body feels the water rushing past him. It may be impossible to return the body to its ancestral home. Instead he retreats to the chamber, puts Nils up in the room to the side of the trough and squeezes through the remainder of the tunnel nearly surrounded by water.

    When he pops out of the Falls of the Everflow he tries to leap to the platform but falls short. A large human he tries to grab his companions. Mo gets one hand on him, but Doceo fails. Hanging on for his life, 200 feet above the lake Aamar is in serious danger. He is slipping. Mo quickly ties off a rope as Aamar falls.

    Thinking quickly the Cleric of Quar casts Thorn Whip catching it on the platform and pulling himself up just enough, slowing the fall. Mo ties the other end of the rope off. The two halflings pull their deeply injured friend up as Usrula’s dead body pops out of the Everyflow plummeting into the lake below.

    Become a Patron to see fiction set in the World of the Everflow. These stories are set in the time of the Awakening.

  • Session Report: An airxip journey

    Session Report: An airxip journey

    With various desires to return to Telse, as well as a discovery that the people of Qin may have a couple Scholars hiding in their midst, the group flies the working airxip from the Temple of Wisdom over the Western Wildes. The crew is a mix of goblins, rescued pirates and player characters. Together, they will head towards the mountains just to the east of Telse.

    Session Notes:
    Mansaray, Samul, Doceo, Aamar were present as active PCs.
    Mo, Behn, Saffron and Ixnyx travel via the airxip, but are crew, not PCs.
    The remaining characters are in Sheljar. Ajhenas and Kuda are on the Tower Island creating a military, while Telley is on the settled island with the Temple of Wisdom (where the goblins hid) helping the people make a life there.  Braaz, and Els are working on restoring the two homes on the south end of the Island Inn.
    Shonie is retired and remains in Telse. She features in this story as an NPC, barely.

    The session began with a sharing of information.There is great concern for Telse. Firbas, the ale drake, let’s them all know that the Proctors declared war on the Scholars that remain, as well as any caster that has escaped the normal bonds placed on Kin. Aamar and Saffron are targets due to their Lorebooks. Behn is a target as well. Combating the Proctors with their fleet of dragons is not yet practical.

    But the present PCs learn that the Scholars are a mixed group of potential allies, definite enemies and aloof erudite knowledge seekers. Those that cannot be convinced to side against the Proctors have Lorebooks or similar devices. Those can help in a battle of mighty magic backed by dragons against the scrappy Kin, who are defined by their beloved companions.

    Qin seems to have one or two of those Scholars. Parun, or his boss, is probably one as well. There is also Chorl, who they will need to finish off at some point. But for now, south to Telse and eventually Qin is their direction.

    The group gets a few volunteers from their rescued allies and borrows the working airxip, a small two-master with one heat room, and two huge props to help it travel. They head out.

    Just a day into their journey they notice a camp with a central holding facility, four tents and a few dozen dogs. This is in the territory where they know that Parun’s Azsel forces roam.

    c1wid9puaaa9oz

    They will attempt to rescue the captives, and if Parun is present end his service to Azsel.

    It is a harsh battle. There is a warlord, mage, two archers and two scouts in opposition. Plus, as Azsel-ites most have dogs that come in a latter wave. That wave is almost entirely wiped out by a single fireball from Doceo.

    Mansaray versus the warlord is almost like a kaiju battle. The two trade blow and blow and blow as the fight rages around them. Samul focuses on the archers. Doceo tries to end the threat from the scouts. Aamar and the mage trade spells and blows.

    The victory leaves them bloodied, wounded, drawn down and exhausted. Unfortunately, Parun is not at this camp. His raiders are working the West unhindered. The group attempts to convince those rescued to head to Sheljar for safety.

    After another couple days of travel they arrive above Upper Telse. The xip settles into a mountain valley. Doceo visits Shonie to collect the rest of his cash from the merchant-seeker. There they find out that the Everflow isn’t flowing.

    Aamar attempts to visit Sealm, the wizened leaders of the Faithful. Sealm has passed away. His grand-nephew Nils is not around Upper Telse. Sealm’s passing happened on the same day that the Everflow stopped.

    Bishop Ollium and the rest of Quar’s church have some Everflow bottled and saved, but they will run out. The two rivers will stop flowing shortly after the locks on the pool let out their remaining water. The economy of Telse, Ooshar, Mira, Qin and others count on that river traffic and/or the magical, healing waters of the Everflow.

    And there are dragons seeking to destroy the city.

    Become a Patron to see fiction set in the World of the Everflow. These stories are set in the time of the Awakening.

  • Session Report: Trade routes return to Sheljar Bay

    Session Report: Trade routes return to Sheljar Bay

    Over these two sessions the goal was to gain a few clues to the larger arcs around the Scholars and Proctors, while also exploring the place that the group now calls home. Those in the second session also got to used “downtime” of a couple weeks with some player agency.

    Session Notes:
    This took place over two sessions.
    Doceo, Saffron, Samul, and Behn were in the first session.
    Aamar joins them for the second one.
    The remaining characters are in Sheljar with Ajhenas on the Tower Island, while Telley is on the settled island with the Temple of Wisdom (where the goblins hid) helping the people make a life there.  Maurice, Mansaray, Els and Kuda are working on restoring the two homes on the south end of the Island Inn. Ixnyx cannot shed Brazz as she established a taut-line message system between the three occupied islands.
    Shonie is retired and remains in Telse.

    Halfing Slums of Sheljar

    Behn, Doceo, and Saffron took one of the mulgoblins that committed to their aspirations and the rowboat down to the isle south of the broken bridge. Here they encounter two occupied buildings. One is a small alehouse with a covered dock area, but there are huge reptilian creatures on those docks. The group ignores them and circles the full isle. There’s a field, and a platform, and abandoned hovels.

    Except for one home, with its low roof, unwelcoming for the humans, and the poor mulgob NPC, the hearth has a fire and creepy laughter. It turns out to be from a goblin, who has made this place her home. She never stops laughing, and in fact, cripples their NPC with Hideous Laughter. Her continuing attempt to charm others results in a small conflict.

    When the group manages to defeat the little one, which takes a bit as she heals herself rather than taking some damage, a small pastel mote flies into the mulgob. That mul then behaves exactly as the little gobkon, but with big fists too. They dispel the magic infecting the mul and then cast Gust of Wind to blow the mote into the sky. There is a nilbog somewhere else in Sheljar now. A problem that could turn up later.

    Downtime

    With drop in sessions that rarely require the same PCs two times in a row players can collect downtime between sessions. I opened up our final session of 2016 by asking those present how they used the days or weeks that passed. This will now be an off-table discussion, but will be carried forward.

    Aamar – The Cleric of Quar has a month of time. This is split between two activities. The first is the granting the blessings of Quar to the lands that will now be farms. These actions mean that when winter comes to the bog-city the few dozen living there will not have to trade for food. He also took an overland trip to the Glass Tower (we will play this as a 1on1 session or through chat).

    Behn – He chose to explore a few of the unexplored islands and “kill another one of those creepy ground beasts.” Asked who joins him in slaying the tunneling nightmare he answers. A few players get 1,000 xp for off-camera action.

    Doceo – Unloads his cart, and starts making plans for future trade routes. He also works the various crowds and factions to learn what exactly he’s now involved with and how this can help him in the future.

    Saffron – The Bard sends a message to her childhood mentor Teegan. There she discovers that Teegan’s brother Rohan is almost certainly The Necromancer, a scholar that Saffron helped kill. Saffron is also worried about how she’s become a killer.

    Samul – He needs a boat in order to some day rescue or purchase the freedom of his beloved – Fairuza. So, despite not educated in shipbuilding or piloting he collects a few hulls, about a dozen sails and other supplies. From all of that he gets one barely-able-to-sail seafaring sloop (crew 3, holds 7 others, 1 small covered area, no cabin, moves 20′ under normal conditions).

    Pirates and Traders

    IMG_20151202_183816186
    Inn by Stephen Joy https://twitter.com/mstephenjoy

    Gathered and recapping their various activities the group is at the Sheljar Inn (Samul’s palace, just ask him). There, as they chat the clang of Ixnyx taut-line system interrupts. It is the line from the Tower Island where Ajhenas is working with a few muls, a hob, sometimes Kuda, towards building a working defense. The highest tower has noticed ships in Sheljar Bay between the Statue and the shore. In the past the trade ships stay well on the outside of the Statue, with Sheljar still being presumed haunted by the rest of the Western Wildes.

    There are two galleons and three ketches. Two of the ketches are firing Firebolts on another ketch. Samul mobilizes his navy. It’s a single sloop. He asks a couple mulgobs to man the sails and Aamar, Behn, Doceo and Saffron join the excursion.

    The sloop rushes out past the two galleons, getting close enough that Doceo welcomes them to the protected waters of New Sheljar using Message. The galleons ask for help, their escort is under fire. Their flags declare that they are from the trading family of Qin. The Qin to Mira route was once prosperous, but is now risky. The galleons call the opposition pirates.

    Taking one of the pirate ships by surprise, appearing from behind the galleons the sloop has the wind at its back. Saffron casts Walk On Water for the crew of the sloop. Aamar is at the rudder with Saffron besides him. Samul rides the bow while Doceo and Behn are in the center ready to fire on the enemy.

    It is a complex fight. Samul, nominally the captain, he thinks, leaps from the ship and sprints across the low waves. Behn and Doceo throw Fireballs at it. Aamar prevents the other two vessels from sinking, though they still burn, by casting Plant Growth on the kelp and seaweed. Later, Doceo leaps from the stern, walking on water as his own vessel provides cover from the attacker.

    But the vessel which our Lorebook Hunters are fighting is well armed, and protected by casters. One of those spellmen keeps throws a Fireball at them. Later it casts an Ice Storm. She is not dedicated to an element, just the death of those on the sloop. (Spoiler: it doesn’t work).

    That ketch also bombards the sloop with its catapult. And there is a dazzling display of lights that charms half the crew (Hypnotic Pattern). It’s two Archers (Volo’s Guide) also provide additional, deadly, long range support.

    Behn goes unconscious shortly after throwing a Fireball back at the damaging caster. A sorcerer should not take two arrows, a fireball and an ice storm. Saffron eventually heals him.

    Remember when Samul ran across the waves? Enraged and Frenzied he enters the opposing boats with his chain whipping through the pathetic crew quickly and easily. Even the Archers and mages have little defense, especially when they are bothered from afar by Saffron and Aamar.

    Eventually our heroes, though they be a bit grey, take the ship with two of the pirates promising loyalty rather than dying. Doceo searched the captain’s quarters and discovers that they are part of Willan’s group of bandits, thieves and pirates.

    Six of the two entrapped and burning vessels are saved as well. The group captures a larger ship, armaments and maybe can take the two ketches trapped in kelp and get something savable from their burning hulks.

    The two galleons have sailed off to safety over the horizon. Maybe they’ve made it clear that the inner passage is no longer haunted, certainly protected and now safer than the open seas.

    Maybe they’ve also let Willan know that two of his pirate ships are gone.

  • Session Report: Forge of Lies unites Lorebook Hunters

    Session Report: Forge of Lies unites Lorebook Hunters

    In this session our heroes discover that Chorl did not die in Cortez’ volcano blast. Instead he’s captured other Lorebook Hunters and is also turning people into monstrous combinations of human and animal. Prior to Chorl’s dark arts centaurs, minotaurs, satyrs,  aarakocra, and various werebeasts did not exist. Now they do, and they will plague the Western Wildes. They are accompanied by owlbears, cockatrices, perytons, and who knows what else wanders the world now.

    Session Notes:
    This took place over two sessions.
    Doceo, Mansaray, Saffron, and Samul are the participants.
    Most of the remaining characters remain at the Island Inn, or as Samul calls it “His Palace.”
    Shonie is still retired and in Telse.
    Brazz, Els and Kuda are rescued from the evils of Chorl.

    While guarding the west bridge after a couple days of peace with the gobkon Samul notices a huge goliath walking calmly towards the island. He recognizes Mansaray from their time in and around the Glass Tower. Mansaray was presumed lost when Cortez set off a volcano to destroy Chorl‘s attack from his camp of Nak.

    After a few words the escapee from Azsel asks to see his falcon, who has shadowed Aamar. Mansaray explains that he’s been to the Cliffs of Gallinor and back to the Glass Tower. In both locations dragons fly, ridden by fey creatures of myth. Saffron gasps in fear. When he headed north to avoid the fiery breath and piercing eyes he discovered that Chorl still lives. The wizard controls fierce army, and holds three Lorebook Hunters captive, under torture. They are likely the group that Mayor Kellamon sent north when he hired The Five.

    Doceo, Samul and Saffron volunteer to join him in rescuing these souls from Chorl’s grasp.

    If the group is successful all PCs but Shonie will be united at Sheljar. If they fail, there will be new characters created.

    Bridge to Chorl’s Camp

    Leaving Sheljar’s formerly rich neighborhood the group heads out over a narrow stone bridge from the height of the far northwest island to the mainland. Crossing this bridge they are set upon by several cockatrices and an odd minotaur-like creature with horns coming from its knees. Saffron casts stink cloud and Doceo blasts a fireball. Combined those do quick work of the petrifying bird-lizard creatures. Mansaray and Samul finish off the deyong quickly.

    After a few more miles they are in the forest edge near Chorl’s camp. A mix of giant eagles and aarocrocka attack. It takes a bit for the missile weapons and spells to prevent those allies of Chorl from warning the camp, but they are finished quickly. A magic user that rode one of the eagles causes a bit of trouble, but not much.

    The group is slightly weakened, and their goal is nearby.

    Raiding Camp

    The heroes see an access point to the camp along the ridge to the north. Mansaray knows that it rapidly descends to the sea, and there may be an escape route along the shore of Gilkey Bay back into the bog-city of Sheljar. There is one tent between them and a forge-cottage.

    Saffron, the normally non-violent bard, sneaks into a tent along the northern ridge. Inside is a a sleeping bear-man. She stabs it through the heart. Thankfully the group fits in the tent. They see they can into the forge and hide, looking for a better opportunity to attack or to sneak into camp, rescue the prisoners and flee.

    Forge of Lies

    4341324269_f27e81fc7f_o
    Forge by Steven Lilley at https://flic.kr/p/7BCqsr

     

    Again the bard has to lead the way. She’s small enough to crawl through a window. Daylight is still an hour or two away.

    Mansaray and Samul come in the door while the rat-man is dealing with Doceo and Saffron. The giant rat and wererat are dead, quietly and quickly.

    But, Chorl, in his shimmering green-gold robe, heads to the camp’s main fire. He asks a minotaur named Dustin to check on Yacoob at the forge. A new supply of arms is necessary for the war.

    Doceo sends his dogs out to distract the minotaur. The rest come up with a plan. Mansaray and Doceo will create a distraction by burning down the main building. Saffron, Samul and Boo will rescue the captives. Then they will all run.

    Saffron keeps watch on the fire-pit where Chorl is speechifying to most of the followers he has present.

    Chorl’s speech

    Saffron overhears Chorl tell his gathered fiends the following.

    Rohan’s Book of the Dead has disappeared. Cortez’ Tome of Enlightenment is still within Sheljar. We must capture both in order to take the Glass Tower from the Proctors of Grace. Our forces in Crinth will return. The River Tribes fell to Azsel and Briarwall will likely be next. Azsel control the entire north. We of Ritual and Blood must Awaken the Everflow or Kin will fall to slavery and ignorance.

    He mentions a few other Scholars that have ignored his appeal, instead trusting in Cortez and the Scholars’ Oath of Kinship- the Comedienne, the Composer. He awaits word from the Aegis Guard, Cannon of Qin and Eldritch Knight. The Trickster refuse to join him as he focuses on profit.

    Menagerie Barn

    Just outside the barn is a man and horse. The man is wearing the tunic of a Shield of Kirtin. Both man and horse have suffered. Samul and Boo free them from their bonds, telling them to hide behind the barn. Saffron hides behind the corner. Inside the barn they see a centaur, a panther with human, a minotaur, an aarocrocka, another aarocrocka, a goliath with a chicken and a werebear. They are guarded by an aarocrocka and a centaur.

    Saffron, Samul and Boo take out the guards.

    At the same time Doceo and Mansaray set fire to the main house. At one point Mansaray tackles Chorl and throws him in the fire. Doceo pelts him with sling bullets. Eventually Saffron casts dissonant whispers, which forces Chorl to flee north and east, towards the large statue in Sheljar Bay.

    Samul, Mansaray, Doceo finish off Dustin, the blond minotaur, when he returns as the rest of Chorl’s creatures flee. A werebear that Boo released is angry, but is also scared away as Boo hides in the safety of the forge-cottage. The other occupants of the barn are left tied up after the werebear shows that not all are friendly.

    Boo and Saffron also released Brazz, his chicken and Els and her panther. They hid with Kuda and only rejoined the rest when it was clearly safe. They have horror stories to tell

    Searching the Forge

    After the various centaur-like creatures fled south and the bird-like peoples flew out northwest the group is alone in the camp, with maybe an hour before a metals delivery is to come. That delivery is from a mine to the north and west.

    They search the forge finding a letter in Crinthian, the chest for a suit of plate armor, a few blades, javelins and arrows. There’s a smattering of gold and silver about the area as well.

    All seven and their companions return to Sheljar. They have news of the extent of the Scholars influence and control throughout the Kin and the Land of the Everflow.

  • Session Report: Making friends with Goblins

    Session Report: Making friends with Goblins

    With a dozen or so PCs at the island inn and more than a dozen rescued civilians the island is crowded. They need to find arable land within the city, as well as ruins that can be quickly rebuilt by the caravansary families. These two session start as a tale of exploration, include some violence, and then ends with a meeting between the rebels from the Expeditionary Fleet and our heroes.

    IMG_20151202_183816186
    Inn by Stephen Joy https://twitter.com/mstephenjoy

    Session Notes:
    This took place over two sessions.
    In the first one Behn, Ixynx, Saffron, and Samul investigated the Tower Island and a Temple of Torq.
    In the second one Ajhenas, Behn, and Doceo traveled to meet the goblin rebels.
    Most of the remaining characters remain at the Island Inn, or as Samul calls it “His Palace.”
    Shonie is still retired and in Telse.
    Brazz, Els and Kuda remain MIA, though in the next sessions they reappear.

    Tower Island

    Moving through the islands in the bog city the group of Behn, Ixynx, Saffron, and Samul travel via their row boat. Their original plan is to head towards a flame they see at night. Seeing two giant crocodiles trailing them they pull ashore on an island with three towers, it looks to be the urban military headquarters of the Empire of Sheljar.

    Among the towers they saw that various gobkon had been there recently, likely hob and mul – the muscle. They also learned that a Kon were likely based one more island over a long bridge with a high arc. They clear the rest of the towers, three of them. There is a barn, an arena, and an armory-forge.

    Then they decide to cross the bridge. It is daylight, a mix of hobgoblins and mulgoblins (bugbears) crest the arc. Five faces trudging towards their outpost in one of the towers.

    Behn whips out a fireball. Five Kon are blasted overboard, mere bones and ash. There’s a large hole in the bridge now too.

    The party then makes its way to the island.

    Torq’s Temple

    Telling this tale nearly six weeks later isn’t fair to the group. This was entirely roleplayed, no combat at all. I think there were only a couple d20s rolled, one of them was a nat 20, which was played as a critical success. The group will probably fact check me, but this is how I remember it.

    Entering Torq’s Temple the group see one of the largest airxips from the expedition. There is smaller ship as well. The bay that holds the airxips is a natural cave that provides protection for ships and is finished in the back. Just one guard is at the stairs that descend from the island down to the shore.

    Quick thinking the group, probably Samul, intimidates the hobgoblin. The pit-fighter is a massive human, prone to threats. This hobgob is scared, knowing that several of his friends in rebellion have disappeared to tunneling nightmares, the undead and magic. Magic scares him.

    Samul and the rest convince this hob to lead them to a leader. Several other hobs and a mul or two join in escort, but are unwilling to have their companion killed just to battle these four.

    Ixnyx recognizes the first mate of the larger ship. This must be the leader of this rebellion. Together Behn, Ixynx, Saffron, and Samul convince that they come hoping to restore Sheljar as vibrant city, but now as one that recognizes that all genders, races are free to be what they desire. They also mention that they killed the Necromancer.

    Ooooohs and aaaaaahs echo through the dungeon halls.

    Ixnyx asks about the Captain. The first mate mentions that the captain is safe, but not longer in charge. Ixnyx, knows of this captain and asks to meet her.

    The group is taken to an office, probably where the old vicar of Torq ran his temple from. There they meet the captain, who though under guard, is well off. The captain acts as if she still rules this ship’s crew. The first mate acts as if he is in charge.

    Each agrees that they will meet with more of those that control Sheljar, that’s how Samul’s group presents it, in the next day during mid morning. The group of Lorebook Hunters return to their sanctuary.

    A Tunneling Nightmare among Towers

    Ajhenas, Behn, and Doceo travel to the tower island to prevent an ambush. While setting camp in the northern tower they are ambushed by a tunneling nightmare. Ajhenas and Behn are on top of the tower. Doceo is on level ground with Vondal and Delg, his loyal mastiffs.

    When the noxious cloud of the tunneling nightmare issues warning the group is immediately weakened. Ajhenas throws a rope over the backside of the tower so that Doceo can escape, but the two dogs are left on the ground level. The smaller burrowing tentacles bursts through the ground, slaps Vondal to the turf and a few seconds later flips him towards the gaping maw. A more massive tentacle bludgeons Vondal, smashing the poor mastiff’s face. Delg, immediately leaps forth and drags Vondal back to the safety of Aamar at the inn. With mere seconds to spare Aamar casts revivify saving poor Vondal. Vondal will always show the wound from that massive tentacle.

    While the dogs attempt to stay away from the various tentacles Behn and Ajehenas are fighting from the top of the tower. Behn is blasting it with fireball while Ajehenas uses his bow. Behn is a bit less mobile than the Kirtin-born human. He takes a few blasts from the bone vomit (the tunneling nightmare exhales shards of bone as a breath weapon).

    When all three men are blasting the nightmare it is slamming the walls of the tower, trying to knock it to the ground. Its last blow weakens the tower, but that is the final effort from the tunneling nightmare.

    The men survive, but Vondal, Delg and Doceo are scarred. Doceo does manage to discover how Behn throws balls of fire.

    Peace in Sheljar

    Most of the rest of the PCs come to the tower island for the meeting (they are present in story, but not played) and the final negotiations for peace are made. Impressed by the carcass of the tunneling nightmare, and knowing that this group has magic the goblins decide to join forces in Sheljar.

    Ajhenas, Behn and Doceo ride on the smaller airxip back to the inn. Behn and Doceo tell the Kon to not slow down as they pick up Ajhenas from the top of the tower. His leap to from the tower to the airxip barely succeeds. A few of the Kon are impressed. Others get a chuckle at the near failure.

    Two mulgobs decided to stay on the island with the inn, as two of the caravansary families traveled to the island with the Temple to settle that land. The remaining family is working the orchard and field south of the inn. The captain and first mate both return to the temple, both still thinking that they rule that island. Both are wrong.

    A few islands are safe. At least two tunneling nightmares are destroyed. Up to a dozen may still exist.

  • The power of exploration

    The power of exploration

    This is technically a recap of two sessions, but it’s also a lesson in play-style as well as how to react to your players’ desires. The Five have become a bit more than I intended. There is this overarching plot around Lorebooks and Scholars and Proctors. But one of the things that they’ve really enjoyed is exploration. Sure, a few d20s and damage dice once in a while are fun, but tonight’s session was much more about discovering the World of the Everflow.

    That’s what they wanted and needed. They boldly went where no player has gone before. They discovered parts of Sheljar long abandoned.

    Back on Summer 16 a few of them (Mo, Saffron, Behn and Samul) freed some captives from Parun’s strike on the caravansary. It took a lot of effort and Parun and his two primary henchman escaped.

    More importantly a few NPCs which treated The Five well escaped slavery and decided to settle into the no-longer haunted Sheljar. But the tiny island where The Five took over an inn is not large enough for a dozen commoners and nearly a dozen heroes.

    Tonight’s session focused on exploring the bog-city. Aamar, Behn and Samul (with Boo) needed to find another relatively safe island in Sheljar for their loyalists. So they explored.

    There was only one combat. It was swift. A mulgob fired a huge crossbow at Samul’s head and Behn tossed a fireball their way. The bridge was nearly destroyed, but the gobs (five of them) were all tossed aside like bowling pins.

    But that isn’t what the session fun. What made it fun was island hopping and creating a space together. The PCs and DMs worked to build the city. It wasn’t procedural like a video game, or preplanned as store-bought settings are, it was built together.

    Together they found an island that looks like it could be a secondary base – defensible and spacious. There is access to the sea, without large ships being able to pull along side.

    Sure, there is the small problem of a gobkin encampment nearby, but no DM isn’t going to toss a problem or two (there are also tunneling nightmares on nearby isles) towards their players.

    But it was the discovery and fellowship that made the session enjoyable. Not combat, just the pleasure of finding something new.

  • Adventuring as Pirates: Bards

    Adventuring as Pirates: Bards

    “Ho there! Sit, sit.”
    [She flings a cup of something at you. You look at the dark liquid with little flecks in it, raise an eyebrow.]
    “Yes, drink, drink! It’s rum… rum with something, don’t worry. It’s our old drink on the Charlatan. I hear you are interested in our societies. I’m out now, retired here, so maybe I tell you a bit. Nothing that will let those Royals know about them, but sure, I understand the appeal. We don’t have colleges, so how do bards study?”

    Pirate Ship by Carlo Mirante
    Pirate Ship by Carlo Mirante from https://flic.kr/p/oYzCQc

    The tale-tellers, minstrels and jack-of-all trades at sea ignore land-lubber colleges. There is little structure in an island port. These women and men do maintain connections with each other, sometimes even when their ships are at war. They will talk to Bards in Colleges, because maybe they’ll learn something useful. Those that sail under the black will never talk to those that sail under the crown.

    Under a crown a sea-going Bard is a member of a Royal Society, often Valor as one of the officers. These societies adventure to learn, to discover and to stop the plunder.

    Under the black the bards also have a society. They meet in pubs and brothels, dark corners where they swap tales and songs, wary of those with writs and honest eyes.

    This is the second of my “pirate all classes” project. The first was Rogues and explains the concept and rules of the exercise.

    Society of Lore

    Silver always knew the next step. Whether it was a tale he picked up at a brothel, on another ship, or a story from his pre-piracy days, his knowledge helped us. No one really liked Silver, but we listened. Maybe a dozen of us are alive because of him. He’d never win a vote for captaincy, but no one wants him off the ship either.

    You are the teller of tales, the knower of legends. No matter what officer or crew asks a question you know the answer. Sometimes your answer is true. Often it isn’t, but they believe you, this crew. You keep their spirits high during the storm, banging that drum, blasting the horn, or whistling the recorder. Your voice is a rallying cry. As a mere swabbie you rarely get the awful details, because others will serve for you. They’ve seen you bandage a wound, or fling a dagger. No matter what is needed, you are there. Maybe someday you’ll be an officer, but that would make port a lot less fun.

    Take six skills, it doesn’t matter. Expertise should be in history or performance for the telling of tall tales. Athletics or Vehicles (Water) should be your other Expertise. You are a sailor.

    Charisma is your key stat with Intelligence and either Dexterity or Strength in that order.

    Society of Valor

    There are better fighters than Flint. Not many, have you, but a few. He swings sword or first with the best of them. Plus, when Flint asks for help, you do it. His words, or sometimes even his look, is inspiring. He has no time for instruments, but his voice, those times he uses it, it gets you right in the heart.

    The Royals (pure blooded fools) expose themselves through valor. You’re more about winning, always. Because you can fight you’ve earned your way from mere swabbie to a lower officer – boatswain or first mate. Without a doubt you will be a captain someday. You lead the boarding party at sea and defend the ship in port. You aren’t in charge, formally. Things just go better when you are around the crew. The last fight you lost was because you felt bad for the captain. He’s a good guy and you don’t want to run the ship.

    Athletics is important as you leap from ship to ship. Acrobatics can be useful as well. Take the Soldier or City Watch backgrounds. You were once honest, but life at sea changes a man or woman.

    Strength is vital. You are a warrior with extra talents as well. Charisma is a good second stat. If you expect to swim long distances boost your Constitution.

    Society of Swords

    [This is from Unearthed Arcana:Kits of Old]

    Flynn is interesting soul. He’ll never do anything simply. When he spins his blades it isn’t just defeat the enemy, or to inspire us, it is for art. One time he did this thing where he did this thing where he spun his dagger on top of his rapier and then with just a flick of his wrist it went flying off pinning the enemy captain to his cabin door.

    You do not need an instrument. Your daggers and blades sing tunes. They can inspire fear, warm the heart or heal the soul. With a good blade in your hand, and your other hand, and on your belt, and on your boot, and in that hidden scabbard at the small of your back you can win any fight – mostly. When it is time to board another vessel you are one of the first. The regular crew follows you easily. They know that the opposing guards will head to you first. In port you work a stage or street corner juggling some blades or scarves.

    Acrobatics is a must have skill. Prior to life at sea you were likely a Noble or Courtier or Inheritor. You enjoy the thrill of discovery, and showing off your blades.

    Dexterity and Charisma are the most important attributes. You use finesse weapons, so Strength isn’t important.

    Society of Satire

    [This is from Unearthed Arcana:Kits of Old]

    I knew Sparrow before he had his own ship. I don’t think he was ever drunk, it was more an act to fool the rest of us. Fool, ha! That’s what he was and is. All jokes and cutting words, that Sparrow. Somehow he found a ship willing to put up with his constant humor.

    When you work the rigging you make monkey noises. When you swap the deck you make certain it’s wet enough to trip that crew member you do not like. If you are on lookout you might tell the ship you see something that doesn’t exist. You aren’t the best crew member, but when a sail rips, or someone is trapped in the rigging you can fix that faster than anyone else. Your “drunkeness” gets you into and out of trouble in a dash. Some crews love you, others hate you. That often times has no relation to the ship you are currently working.

    Performance, Intimidation and Insight are highly useful for the Satirist. Any background can inspire the woman or man that finds that the only way to deal with life is through jokes.

    Charisma, and then some more Charisma. You likely have a high Wisdom, as you understand what makes people tick.

  • Adventuring as Pirates: Rogues

    Adventuring as Pirates: Rogues

    Character creation is one of my favorite things, which might be why I prefer to DM. By managing the game I get to create hundreds of characters – some fully fleshed out re-occurring NPCs and others are simple one shot monsters. For a friend’s campaign I needed to create a PC, something which I haven’t done often in the past two years (this is my second playable PC). While I do make a lot of NPCs with the rules for standard players, as it helps me think about how the more complex enemies and allies behave.

    For my character I wanted to do a few things a bit different. As most of the players are new to 5th edition and some to D&D at all I wanted to be a support caster. I decided on a Cleric. I always like Krynn’s Minotaurs so went with that. Wanting to justify my greater player knowledge I thought about going with the Knowledge Domain. But where does a ocean going minotaur fit into the Forgotten Realms as a Cleric of Knowledge. My answer was as a pirate ship’s quartermaster. As a follower of Deneir Golrian Hershmakil the Quartermaster of Estadia keeps precise records, logs and maps of the Estadia’s forays at sea and land.

    Pirate Ship by Carlo Mirante
    Pirate Ship by Carlo Mirante from https://flic.kr/p/oYzCQc

    And then I thought, “what role would every archetype have on a pirate vessel?” This launched a ton of thoughts about a piracy campaign, which I have no time to run, but it lets me use creative processes that the current Everflow campaign does not.

    Rules of the ‘Pirate All Classes’ game

    • Use third level
    • At least 50% of the concepts must have Vehicles (Water), Athletics (for swimming, climbing jumping) or Acrobatics (for working in the rigging)
    • Some may be Privateers rather than pirates, but the goal is to mostly represent those that were unsanctioned
    • Assume no gunpowder
    • Recognize that no ship will have every concept created so more than 1 can be a captain
    • Recognize that pirate life is as much about life in port as at sea
    • Don’t use stat groups, instead show the interaction between class, background and ship role.

    Starting with Rogues as they are the most pirate-like by nature. The Player’s Handbook and Sword Coast Adventurers’ Guide includes the following archetypes – Thief, Assassin, Arcane Trickster, Mastermind and Swashbuckler.

    Thief of the High Seas

    On the ship you are a mild rigger working the sails, scrambling up and down the ropes faster than anyone else. Sure, when your boat needs to board another you are ready, swinging across either sneaking into quarters or taking out lookouts, but it’s in port where you make the real difference. Stealthily listening in on merchant captains, stealing keys or maps, or breaking into that jail to let your people free, you are the eyes, ears and rogue of the crew.

    Take expertise in two of Stealth, Thieves Tools and Acrobatics. Also have Sleight of Hand, Deception or Athletics (for swimming) as well. Pick a background like Urchin or Sailor to try and get another way to get one of the key skills so you can make certain to have Perception. It’s great when you are 50+ feet above the ship and can see everything that happens, probably with Advantage.

    High attributes should be in Dex and either Wisdom or Charisma depending on how much fencing (the selling kind) you do.

    Assassin

    Most of the crew considers you the cook, and you do that. But it seems when the ship is at battle you disappear. What you are really doing is seeking out the highest value target on the opposing ship as you swim over to it and get the drop from an unexpected angle. In port you slip into parties to pick up information from the authorities, maybe slipping a little poison into a glass or two.

    Take expertise in Athletics and Stealth. It’s also handy to have Insight, Persuasion, Deception and Sleight of Hand. Any background is suitable, try not to be a sailor or pirate. You don’t have sea legs. Noble and Guild Artisan (Cook) can create great cover stories for yourself. Get Gourmand as soon as you can.

    Charisma is an important stat with your role on land. A high Dex and Strength can both be useful too, especially if you choose to swim a lot.

    Arcane Trickster

    Being at sea for days and days and days can be boring. You know what brightens a day? Illusions and parlor tricks. That’s why most of the crew has you around, but the captain and quartermaster know better. They have you around because it’s a lot easier to get a good deal selling the ship’s “merchandise” through Enchantment or Illusion. Swabbie by day isn’t a fun gig, but your Mage Hand helps make the work go quickly, just not too quickly, then they would give you more work to do.

    Expertise in Deception, Insight or Persuasion are key. Sleight of Hand can be useful as well. Take the Sailor (Pirate) background so that you know Vehicles (Water).

    Charisma will be your key stat, but as for all Rogues one of your top two should be Dexterity.

    Mastermind

    The crew handed over control of the ship to you a few ports ago. They understand that you understand and know command. The galleon practically leaps at your command. You can find wind where others are helpless. In port you can infiltrate parties, or go as yourself. You have a reputation. When your black flies, people tremble. Other sailors respect you for you have put in the work. They also know that when you are around you Help them.

    Expertise in Intimidation, Insight or Deception are key. You are a ship’s Urchin, use the Urchin background, but modify it a bit. Rather than the Disguise Kit take Vehicles (Water) and replace Sleight of Hand with Performance. You grew up on this ship and now it is yours.

    Charisma and Wisdom should be your two highest attributes. You do not get in fights, you prevent them or win them so quickly your opponent does not get to attack.

    Swashbuckler

    As the Master-At-Arms you lead the boarding party. With a blade in each hand you dart in and out of the battle. When not overwhelming those foolish enough to stand up to you are “training” the crew in the art of swordplay. Most of this involves you embarrassing them just enough to try harder. Most of the crew do not like you, but they respect you. You’ll never be a captain, but you will be feared and respected.

    Expertise in Acrobatics and Athletics are vital for the fancy moves you do as you tumble from ship-to-ship or swing through the nets and ropes. Intimidation can be handy, and the little flourish with your blades show that you are tricky with your hands too (Sleight of Hand). Once a fancy Courtier (background from SCAG) you are now on a pirate vessel, raising funds so that someday you will have courtiers.

    Dexterity and Charisma should be your highest attributes.

    Above you have the start of a crew. A captain, a cook, a swabbie, a rigger and the master-at-arms may even be enough for a small sloop.

  • Group 1, Session 21: Death of a Necromancer

    Group 1, Session 21: Death of a Necromancer

    Searching for a second Lorebook has consumed much of The Five’s resources. During this search, with a goal of more power and the elimination of the Stench of Sheljar, they have acquired property in the abandoned bog city. They have earned the enmity of the Necromancer, a group calling itself the Proctors of Grace and maybe more of the GobKon. In session 21 one of those enemies dies. Spoiler alert: you already saw the headline.

    Session Notes:
    Aamar starts at the Inn. His player is present. Mo and Ajhenas start at the Temple. Their players are not present.
    Shonie is still in Telse, they think.
    Mansaray’s whereabouts are unknown. His falcon is remains at the inn, but seems aggravated lately.

    Ghost Dog on the Bridge

    As night falls Aamar is worried. His group is caught away from their inn, their safehaven, where no tunneling nightmares have appeared and no undead have come. He decides to leave the inn at night, with the blessing of Quar bringing daylight down from above.

    He walks surrounded in the bright light of noon, something foreign in Sheljar with its fog and stench. On the long bridge to the central city island he sees a spectral dog. That dog sees him and runs. The guard at the temple, Ajhenas, also notices the dog as it runs through the wall of the Library of Glight.

    Aamar, with the wisdom of Quar behind him, suggests that he join the group as they attempt to corner the Necromancer and take another Lorebook. This will also mean that The Five can use magic effectively, rather than sporadically. Ajhenas and Maurice, with their companions, head back to the inn to assure that none approach across the bridge.

    Canceled Repairs

    Samul is on the last guard. Up in the bell tower he watches. In the faint light of dawn, through the fogs he sees a couple goliath-sized skeletons approaching with wood, axes and a huge hammer on shoulder. They are accompanied by two human sized skeletons, one with a bow. They are walking towards the collapsed vestibule. They may be merely repairing the trap he’d sprung a few days prior, but they are also armed.

    “Waken,” he shouts in his Mehmd accent. “More skeletons come to the entry.”

    As the rest of the group rises, not bothering with armor, but grabbing their arms he leaps off the tower to the roof of the nave. He then leaps again attempting to chain-whip the largest skeleton. That attack hits, but throws off his balance and he falls prone, twisting an ankle.

    Prior to his allies coming he takes out one of the large walking dead. As they come the little repair crew is ravaged. They cannot stand against the combined group of mystical powers, melee and teknology. Even without their armor they are hardly wounded. Only Samul’s fall is the significant injury.

    Death of the Necromancer

    It is dawn. A few moments to eat and prepare their armor. Then the group heads back to the Library of Glight. From the ghost dog to the sealing off of other exits they know that the Necromancer is there, though he’d somehow hidden from their previous search. Now they are healed. The power of the Lorebook of Cortez is with them. Aamar’s prayers to Quar continue to gain strength.

    This portion of their quest will end for either Sheljar’s master of death, or for our heroes.

    They take a frontal assault, but upon entering the Library split up. Behn leaps upon the tops of the bookshelves. Ixnyx, Aamar and Bernie take the hall along the wall closest to Temple. Samul and Boo (in skeletal ripper form) take the center aisle. Saffron turns herself invisible, with a devious plot in mind.

    Spotted the Necromancer starts casting spells. Aamar responds. Bernie rushes the man in rather normal robes (the group already has his nicer robes and dagger from when they raided his temple-home). Ixnyx and Behn start shooting with their missile weapons.

    Samul and Boo face the spectral dog. That ghost dog charges Samul and disappears into his body. Our Mehmdian Pit Fighter is possessed. Boo runs out of range.

    Many blows are traded, some fighting the possessed body of their friend, others fighting the spell-caster, who is still weakened. Eventually Bernie, the bear, Boo, the skeletal ripper lizard, and Samul are down and out. Saffron slipped her Crown of Forgetfulness on the Necromancer as he took more blows from the rest. She also stole his folio sized Lorebook of Rohan.

    Aamar, Behn and goblin Ixnyx finish off the Necromancer in a mix of sorcery, prayer and teknology. Much healing is needed. Betwixt vials of the Everflow, Quar’s gift, and Aamar’s prayers the group heals. They flee back to their inn – as conquerors. Four zombies try to stop them and fail.

    It is over. They’ve acquired a second Lorebook and one set of robes they have yet to identify. Victory is theirs, just maybe they can control all of Sheljar soon.

  • Session Report: Shipping to the haunted north

    Session Report: Shipping to the haunted north

    Smaller merchants are willing to move goods. Those unfamiliar with local histories and legends are also more willing to move those goods to an area where normal humans would be afraid. This is the tale of a small-time merchant, rare smuggler who took a job that may beyond his abilities.

    Session Notes:
    This is a first time player who is also testing my Uncommoner concept. They started at 4th level because they will be joining The Five, eventually.
    It is also a solo session.

    Hiring

    Wandering past the Fine Market in Telse, Doceo is approached by another halfling. This one is from the west, probably Telse. She is strong, lithe. Doceo just sold a few goods that he’d picked up on the way, and has yet to approach the House of Quar.

    This new one sees the empty cart, points and offers more work. Bargaining takes place with warnings to not be followed, as there is a slaver trying to track the group down. Doceo gets a higher rate via the negotiations.

    His cart is loaded. In the next ten days he must head into Sheljar, a supposedly haunted city, to deliver some basic staples. Two messenger pigeons are sent with him and full payment will be given upon delivery.

    Attack of the Worgs

    Three nights out Doceo and his two mastiffs are attacked. As the previous nights they head well off the main road. On this eve they find some sanctuary. If not for his loyal companions Doceo’s little smuggling operation would be over quickly. But the three of them take down the two worgs. It is a rough fight and takes some time to recover. These are not normal wolves. The Western Wildes surrounding Telse are stocked with the unfamiliar.

    Feral orchards

    Another day north towards Sheljar, now half way on his journey, Doceo notices an encampment out to the east. This camp with four tents and several fires is at the edge of sight. There are a variety of races present.

    He leaves the road and heads into a feral apple orchard. Continuing on lane in the orchard that parallels the road the halfling feels undiscovered, until he notices a raven that stays about four trees in front of the small cart.

    Doceo attempts to scare it off, but all that does is get the raven to stay another few trees away. But it still shadows the cart.

    At the edge of the apple orchard there is a small rock wall that demarcation about eight inches tall. The next orchard is pears. Doceo notices the old homestead. He sets a false trail to the barn there, starting a small fire as the storm errupts overhead. The heavy rains, clouds and thunders should provide him cover.

    Then he hurries off on the real path. At the next demarcation he doesn’t have time to take down the rocks, instead he finds an old cart and uses it as a ramp. The player suggested this in a moment of player agency.

    The spaces between the vines runs east-west rather than north-south. Doceo hurries to the west and the gully at the edge of the property heads up a few lanes and then hides inside the vines. Looking back he notices two humans, a scent dog and a raven. They look confused. They’ve lost the trail and Doceo has escaped these hunters.