“They were an unlikely band - an elf, a warrior, and a holy man. The elf, known as Selvine of the Amazing Golden Locks had once saved the warrior Lumberjack from a terrible enchantment. The young man’s uncle, Schmidty, high priest of Swordy McSwordyson and old war-buddy of Selvine, also journeyed with them. Hoping for a chance at adventure and riches, the three traveled through the Craghorn Heights, far above the Valley of Elves. Their journey was a long one, and the road had taken its toll. Luckily, they soon spotted a village near a rushing mountain stream.
Upon entry, the party was approached by a gnarled old fart named Morvin. Morvin offered to buy a round, and the party soon found themselves in the Elk’s Head Tavern, listening to the coot rant. Like most villages, Greydirt was beset by black sorcery, and four lads had recently disappeared while camping near a warlocks ruined tower. Recognizing their battle-hardened look, Morvin attempted to recruit the three for a dangerous rescue mission. Morvin offered all of the profits from the past seasons market, and to sweaten the pot, he told them of a magical gem that could be found in the tower ruins. A deal was struck, and Morvin’s young son, Larm joined the party as a guide.
Wisely deciding to set out the following morning, the party explored the town before spending the night carousing with the locals. The only area of interest in the village was a small shrine to Huntmaster, where they met the priest, Sessor. Sessor asked that the party seek possible OTE’s (objects of True Evil) so he could cleanse them and secure the region from maleficent influence. The party agreed to do so in exchange for a sacred object.
During the night’s revel, the party met the canny innkeep Rarl. Rarl was a business man, and offered to relieve the party of elven gems for a considerable sum of money. Skilled negotiators, the party quickly extricated a fee upfront. Fueled by the possibility of profit and glory, three locals signed onto the expedition - Mort the village idiot, Swaine the shady, and Wersus cleric of the Victor’s god Terminax. Awaking hung over but eager, the party departed the village on a winding mountain trail.
Their journey was arduous, but uneventful, and at twilight they reached the ruins. While setting up a camp, they were surprised by Grizzlebain and Elfsnapper, two hideous orcs. The orcs loosed a barbed crossbow bolt and a trained wolf, and battle was joined. The party easily overcame the orcs though Mort was nearly slain. Exploring the tower grounds, the party found a trap door which lead into a darkened chamber.
The dungeon was filled with orcs and lethal traps. Poor Swaine and Mort met their end when they unwisely poured boiling oil on their heads. The party was shocked, but extracted revenge on a pair of assassin gnolls and a cowering orc priestess. Selvine was struck with poison, and for a time he was feared a goner. In the priestess’ chamber, they discovered grizzly evidence of the four villagers. A heathen idol was carefully seized, and stowed for later destruction.
Reaching a deeper level, the party was forced into a furious battle with an oversized Orc and his wicked cohorts. Once again the party’s clever tactics won the day, though Wersus was mortally wounded. Dying with sword in hand, he was immediately spirited to the feast hall of his god. The big orc’s armor was taken as a prize, and all captive orcs were summarily executed for crimes against god and nature.
Cautiously exploring further into the complex, the party avoided deadly traps and pitfalls until at last they reached the chamber of the elven gem. Malebeck had engineered potent defenses and riddles to keep his prize safe, but the party deciphered their meaning and claimed the gem. On their exit, the party was ambushed by Encaset the Unholy and all looked lost until the arrival of a mysterious stranger. The tide turned, and Encaset and his minions were put to the sword. Clearing the last few rooms for stranglers and hidden loot, the party packed up and departed for the village.”
NEXT UP: Against the Beast God’s Cult
No comments:
Post a Comment