DM Vindicator / Rokranon Events

[DM Vindicator]

"A Little Too Late"

Serpent Uprising Plot / Aerin's Knight Quest
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Aerin Inzilbeth Wavesilver was summoned to the church of Torm to be given a mission by the church and Radiant Heart. There, she was met by Guide of Candlekeep Wendel Ashby. Candlekeep was being brought in to find out what they could about the increased naga activity to the north. Aerin's job would be to protect them, and also help escort an approaching caravan safely through the area. Wendel teleported Aerin and himself to Candlekeep in order to find some allies to bring along. After some preparations, Lance Renslin, Zullo, Valqis Sanejmeh, and Vanira Talamora joined the two and Wendel teleported the lot of them up north to rendezvous with the caravan.

Unfortunately, they arrived too late. The caravan had been slaughtered, even the animals, and the goods almost entirely taken. The group realized it was an excellent spot for an ambush a little too late: as they were themselves ambushed. Surviving this, Aerin led them all north in the direction they'd heard a warhorn. Before long the same inn Aerin and Lance had visited before on Thiago's quest was come upon, but by now it was boarded up and derelict. A powerful naga mage was encountered near the inn, and on his corpse they found the horn. Zullo studied it and ascertained it has conjuration magic about it. With no more sign of naga, the group left the roads and journeyed toward the home of the nagas - the Serpent Hills.

In the lands of the lizardfolk south of the Serpent Hills, the party found that no more lizardfolk were about, and instead discovered the naga's sphere of influence now included this area. They tried to discuss strategy but attacks continued to come and they pressed on, choosing to target a supply camp while ethereal.

Due to Vanira's previous scouting mission, she knew what to do and where. Unfortunately, as she moved to set fire to the flammable liquor near the food stockpiles, her companions attacked and raised the alarm a bit early. Vanira managed to set the fire while the others fought bravely. The blaze spread quickly through the dry terrain, and only then did the party hear screams. The paladins blindly ran in and dove through the flames to get to some tied up prisoners as the mages calmly warded themselves and walked through the fire. Wendel at this point noticed with his True Seeing that one of the prisoners was in fact a shape-changed naga, and alerted the others discreetly. Zullo realized it at about the same time but was slightly less discreet. Aerin more or less challenged the magicked naga after the prisoners were clear and led off by Vanira. The resulting battle went poorly as this massive reptilian beast was bred for war, and only by running through the flames with the naga chasing him could Zullo dispatch the beast while many of the others in the party lay wounded on the ground. The fires continued to engulf the entire camp while horns sounded in the distance from other naga camps. It was time to leave.

Valqis wasted no more time at this point and whisked the entire group and prisoners away back to Candlekeep using her unique device. Wendel and Aerin tended to the freed family, and then Aerin and Lance returned to the church of Torm to make their report.

Rewards: 2500 XP for all members or 2500 gold if lvl 30. The church of Torm and Radiant Heart gave magical items as follows:
Wendel Ashby: Spell Weavers Cloak, Greater
Aerin Inzilbeth Wavesilver: Cavalier Boots, Greater
Zullo: Belt of Raumather
Vanira Talamora: 15,000 gp
Lance Renslin: Clasps of the Devoted
Valqis Sanejmeh: Enhanced Boots of Striding +3

[DM Vindicator]

"Scaly Retaliation"

Serpent Uprising Plot / Aranath's Squire Quest
Friday, July 15, 2011

While traveling north toward the city, Aranath Turambar was approached by a fellow paladin of the triad with word that he was needed at the temple of Torm. As he was already in the company of Aerin Inzilbeth Wavesilver, Jero, and Scarlett Willow, they tagged along. Merado Burren passed them and then turned around to offer his services. The five went to the temple where they were informed by ranking Radiant Heart members that the Greenbough estate was being attacked by naga again. This time the forces looked to be even worse. The five were to be teleported immediately to the estate by a Flaming Fist battlemage. Unfortunately, the battlemage overshot them, or was just having a really bad day, and the adventurers ended up north of the Trielta hills at the River Reaching.

Merado got them going in the right direction, but the nagas had spread this far and assailed the group on their entire journey back south toward the estate. In the woods they met a unicorn, but it met its doom quickly as it warned them of an impending attack it could hear coming. Aerin tried to resurrect the noble creature, but to no avail. She then wanted to carry it to the estate, but the others balked at carrying it such a long way. In the end, Jero covered the corpse with some brush and they moved on.

At the estate they met heavy naga resistance and teamed up with some Greenbough guards at the main gate. Aranath went in to announce the group's presence, then returned to the fighting. Scarlett tried to constantly hum a tune in her head during the entire ordeal, which ended up being quite gruesome. A naga mage rained spells down upon the stronghold from afar, and Jero bravely ran out alone to cut it down. The others were amazed (especially since he never gave his name once and they had no clue who he was for the most part), but pleased.

Before long nagas were attacking the group from inside the walls and it was realized that they nagas, which seemed to be larger and stronger than typical, were working together to climb over the walls. The party retreated to the next tier of the stronghold and made a final stand. Their stand looked to be in danger by another mage, but once again Jero rushed out to meet the threat head on. He returned victorious, but severely shaken. Aerin and Aranath healed him as best they could. Finally, an enormous naga commando strove up the path and attacked. This fight was difficult, with was barely won. Lord Greenbough thanked the group for aiding him once again, and gave out some items from his treasury. Unfortunately, the reason behind the attack was not found out, though logically it was probably in response to the raid and destruction of their supply camp.

Rewards: 2500 XP for all five or 2500 gold if lvl 30. Greenbough's rewards were as follows:
Aranath Turambar: Signet Ring +3
Jero: Warrior's Full Plate +3
Merado Burren: Rogue's Spotter Ring
Scarlett Willow: Caustic Long Sword +3
Aerin Inzilbeth Wavesilver: Old Knight's Shield, Greater

[DM Vindicator]

"Power Hungry"

Wandering Necromancer Plot
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Marros, Cidius, Sjinn Draeth, and Taisus Resye were spelunking in the goblin ruins north of Beregost but grew sick of it. They decided to leave, but after heading out of the mines they were set upon by a large, mixed force of goblins and bugbears. The four had relatively little trouble surviving this attack, but were confused as to why some of the more intelligent bugbears were exclaiming for the group to stop the necromancy when none had.

A foul chill permeated the air as darkness fell, and they soon had their answer. A host of undead set upon them. The four fought valiantly and defeated many, but then grew overconfident and taunted their foes, especially Taisus. A death knight at last appeared before them and spoke of his master, but was provoked by...Taisus. It attacked the group and laid out three of them. The last remained standing, had some words with the death knight, and it departed after informing that its master was in search of a new lair but adventurers kept swarming into the areas he would look into. After the three companions came to, the four continued on their way.

Rewards: 1000 XP for all four participants.

[DM Vindicator]

"The Shadow Prevails"

Event By Request / Shadow Druids
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Mauglir, also known as Faerynn, or the Shadow Master, was due to be hanged. Duke Eltan had finally decreed it, and decreed it should not be public so as to not stir sympathies or make Mauglir a martyr. The elf was escorted out to the scaffolding, passing his brother on the way. The Fist watched the brother warily for signs of helping the shadow druid escape. He would not need the help of his brother though...

Something went wrong. Perhaps someone merely forgot part of their job. Perhaps they were paid to. Perhaps it was simply fate. Either way, at the foot of the scaffolding the druid was given a small window of opportunity and he seized it. Before long, twisted, corrupted creatures of nature were swarming into the area from the sea and air. With the Fist distracted, Mauglir cast the sinister Vampiric Feast that took out at least eight Fist guardsmen in on blow, including the battlemage on duty. As he was being wounded by an elite Fist Champion, Mauglir shapeshifted into a raven and flew off south.

Safely in the Cloakwood, Mauglir called upon more creatures twisted by darkness and sent them against a gathering near the Friendly Arm Inn in retaliation for his imprisonment. Spiders of all kinds, shambling mounds, treants, and worgs assailed a force that grew larger as word spread. Finally, an awakened Corrupted Treant, large as a dragon, was squared off against the group to keep them busy so that Mauglir could slip into the Cloakwood. There was no trace of where the druid ventured.

Rewards: Escaping death and commanding an army of plant and animal is more than enough reward.

[DM Vindicator]

"Darkness Falls"

Two-Part Mini Event / Shadow Druids
Saturday, July 16, 2011 & Sunday, July 17, 2011

Aranath Turambar was traveling up the road from Beregost when a strange darkness descended on the wood the road cut through. Before he knew what was happening, large spiders and worgs attacked. He fought bravely, but was losing ground until Triadic Paladin Perius Gemmaine came upon him and the two paladins fought side-by-side. With the last of the worgs slain, Perius informed Aranath of the escape of the Shadow Master and the likelihood of this attack being connected. Perius continued south to warn others, and Aranath ventured north to survey the scene of the fight near the Cloakwood.

The next day, the gathering spot near the Friendly Arm was attacked once again as corrupted creatures caught Entresi Le'mol, Wendel Ashby, Mealir Ostinel, and Endora unawares. The attack was short but bloody, and the four ventured deeper into the Cloakwood when they realized this attack was probably at the command of the Shadow Master. In the heart of the Cloakwood they met with a Corrupted Treant and managed to survive, but it was difficult. Finding no more trace, they were forced to withdraw.

Rewards: 400 XP was given to each participant in these mini events.

[DM Vindicator]

"Denied"

Serpent Uprising Plot
Sunday, July 17, 2011

Members of the Ironfaar clan had apparently not heard about the dangers of the Serpent Hills as of late, and were cutting their way through when a number of warhorns sounded in the distance. Before they knew it, Elmund, Kusin, CorDell, and <Need Name> were being ambushed by a variety of naga and having spells lobbed upon them from long range. They ran to the nearest cave entrance, and cut their way through a number of foes. Unfortunately their bravery turned to folly when they decided to desecrate an altar dedicated to Sseth. One of them found this altar odd in naga lands, as Sseth is worshiped by yuan-ti, but too late. Assassins were dispatched and cut down the party.

The four dwarves awoke later in safer lands, having been rescued by an elven ranger team from Doron Amar led by Malandriel. The ranger leader informed them of the naga uprising, and the locations of some of the surrounding supply camps.

Rewards: 850 XP for the three Ironfaars, the other fellow whose name I missed ran off.

[DM Vindicator]

"Courage"

Wandering Necromancer Plot
Sunday, July 17, 2011

Alexander Marshall, Vincent Storm, and Langston Trons were fighting together in the hilltop ruins that the kobolds claim when a large bunch of rats ran at them. They deduced the rats seemed to be running from something rather than truly attacking, so they began to investigate. Before long the air grew chill and undead abominations began to attack. Though it was difficult, the three managed to barricade a door with some nearby crates so that they would not be caught in the middle of an ambush. Continuing to look around, they encountered Hano Mendt, who joined them. Together the four continued to search out the source of the undead, but ended up inadvertently tripping a pressure plate which caused the floor section beneath them to give way, and they found themselves in a dark tunnel system. Moving on they accidentally set off a glyph of some kind.

The battles in the tunnels were more difficult, but the group pressed on. Eventually even undead giants came their way, and eventually an enormous undead giant. After it fell, the four found an injured kobold who informed them about the necromancer who had wanted to make this place his home but teleported away. They healed the kobold, albeit very reluctantly, and it led them back out to the surface in return.

Rewards: 1500 XP for each character, as well as 1800 gold each which was found in a large pouch on the largest undead giant.

[DM Vindicator]

"The Plague Spreads"

Two-Part Mini Event / Shadow Druids
Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tarvitz Santar, Nelalad Send, Drasania, and Ze were unfortunate enough to come across the Shadow Master and his diseased minions when a number of sickly looking creatures, among them worgs and spidesr, set upon the group. Aavice Darkreign arrived around the time Mauglir did to taunt the group. He sent some plague zombies after them before departing quickly. A sprite appeared before the group and suggested the group speak with an ancient unicorn living in the Cloakwood if they wanted more information on the Shadow Master. A bard would be needed to entice the unicorn out of hiding.

Tarvitz and Nelalad went promptly to the campfire near the Friendly Arm and boldly exclaimed about the Shadow Master, bringing a huge group into the Cloakwood to search for him. Mouser, Sjinn Draeth, Scarlett Willow, Bjorn Frostbeard, Rhys Feivra, Vallarie Re'vas, Aranath Turambar, Amaendir Dedralles, and Vicho Drain joined Aavice, Tarvitz, and Nelalad in the search. Several enormous diseased treants were fought, in addition to a large pack of worgs and more spiders. When darkness fell again, a variety of undead appeared. Finding no trace of Mauglir except his minions, the group broke up and went their separate ways.

Rewards: 250 to 1550 XP or gold depending on length of time in the party and character level.

[DM Vindicator]

"The Halls of Death"

Event By Request / Wandering Necromancer Plot
Saturday, July 16 & Saturday, July 23, 2011

The Slayers wished to investigate why the undead in the Vault of the Dead seem never-ending, and sought the aid of some scholarly types to find out. A large group entered the Vault but soon realized something out of the ordinary was going on, as the crystals that always reside in the complex were pulsing with energy and light, and undead seemed to be appearing out of the very shadows themselves. In addition, an unnatural chill created a sense of unease among many of the Slayers, forcing a retreat.

Dainn Chunkstout was able to ask Candlekeep for some aid, which arrived via Wendel Ashby and a ward stone to protect against the strange mental effects. The Slayers representatives were Starkad, Toinus, and Dalin Thunderaxe. Paus Nefzen rounded out the group by providing divine support. The five entered the vault, and the crystals still pulsed oddly. Wendel used dispelling magic on the crystals, but not before he ascertained undead seemed to be appearing around them as if from a Dimension Door effect.

Moving deeper into the complex found more powerful undead, and more crystals to be dispelled. One set of crystals, those in the central chambers, resisted dispelling and the sprightly old Wendel barely avoided getting zapped by a discharge of energy. They continued to move on. Dalin discovered some runes on the wall, but they were in a hurry and under near constant resistance, including zombies rising from festering pools of water. Moving down, some larger revenants attacked them from out of blood pools, as did vampires. Starkad proved a good leader here, issuing sound tactical orders. The revenants carried shields marked with the symbol of Velsharoon.

Dekon Demonfist was exploring the complex himself and bumped into the group at this point, joining them. Before long, they began noticing symbols of Myrkul all over the place, but no more crystals. The group returned upstairs and heard a scream from the depths of the place, but chose to investigate that central chamber again. It was only then that it was noticed that some polymorphed objects were attacked to the crystals, somehow harnessing the power. Wendel managed to disrupt these objects and the constant resistance attacks eased.

Heading back down, the group searched for the source of the scream they heard. Finally, Toinus heard a scratching and thumping sound and discovered a partially turned vampire in a casket. The man was still coherent, but begged them to end his suffering. The dwarves were eager to oblige, as was Paus, but Wendel sought information. They learned that a powerful necromancer had been trying to harness the power of this place and use it as a lair, but fled when the party had disrupted his energy leeching system. The near-vampire also told them about his missing wife, who had been taken when he himself was left for dead. He offered a necklace of hers in his pocket, but he finally lost the battle to the darkness and the vampiric transformation was complete. The group of six was forced to slay the abomination, but Wendel had the necklace, and intended to find her. The group then continued down and fought the dracolich, but without knowing where its phylactery is, they left with nearly as many questions as they had entered with.

Rewards: 2500 XP for everyone but Dekon, who received 2000 gold.

[DM Vindicator]

"Open Wounds"

Legacy of the Shadow Master Plot
Saturday, July 23, 2011

Kriana Benthur and her snow leopard companion Quinn were trying to explore the area near the bandit caves, but were attacked by a number of feral rats and even a diseased worg. She decided to seek help from a friend on the matter, but nearer to the road was beset by undead in the form of ghasts and zombies. Yazznitra Aghaledt helped her with another worg, but headed south afterward. More undead came out of the woods against Kriana and Quinn, and this time Cresentia Yushis, Marlevi, and Nefrian Allenthur gave her aid. Cresentia stayed while the others returned to town to aid a friend at the temple, but returned before long with their previously fallen companion Katriana Tatarov. The five moved deeper and deeper into the woods battling creatures that appeared plague-ridden as well as undead.

Day broke, so the undead no longer attacked, but there were still corrupted beasts and plants to deal with. A deeper dread took hold of the group's hearts when they came across a gray render, but Marlevi wisely advised they merely leave the creature alone. His urging worked, as the large beast lumbered off without a fight. Unfortunately a will-o-wisp near a boggy stream did not, and Cresentia was discouraged that her magical attacks did no harm. Nevertheless, it was defeated. A pack of worgs attacked the group on a hill, which caused some problems, amplified by a shambling mound bursting forth from the boggy river from behind. The battle was fierce.

The forest floor began to shake with what seemed like enormous footsteps, and sure enough, a huge treant, completely corrupted with disease, lumbered upon the group. They tried to run but were not fast enough and turned to fight. Luckily for them, a huge unicorn came to their aid and was crucial in taking down the treant. Afterwards, it discussed with the group about the lingering results of the destruction the shadow druid Mauglir caused, and was made worse by his turning toward Talona near the end of his life. He was pleased with their aid, and urged them to continue to help nature and urge others to do the same. Before leaving, the unicorn promised the group trinkets for their aid.

Rewards: 1650 XP for all members, and items as follows:
Kriana Benthur: Ring of the Wise, Lesser
Cresentia Yushis: Singnet Ring +1
Marlevi: Holy Gloves, Lesser
Katriana Tatarov: Ring of the Wise, Lesser
Nefrian Allenthur: Defender's Blade, Lesser

[DM Vindicator]

"...ouch"

Mini Event / DM Protector's 'A Dreadful Night' Plot
Saturday, July 23, 2011

Aranath Turambar and Valqis Sanejmeh left the campfire to head south, with Lilith Azarael in tow. It was not to be a pleasant evening in Candlekeep, however, as a solitary assassin dropped all three of them on the Lion's Way. When they came to with the help of Teo, Aranath realized his holy symbol was missing. Lilith needed aid, so they all took her up to the infirmary at the Keep where Abigail saw to her. Vallarie Re'vas arrived, and all five left together. As they left Candlekeep, Vallarie spotted Aranath's holy symbol hanging nearby. It contained a note, seemingly from the assassin, that stated it had been too easy, they would meet again.

[DM Vindicator]

"Twilight Waltz"

Event By Request / Legacy of the Shadow Master Plot
Saturday, July 23, 2011

A few nights before, a large group of people needing information had wanted a bard to entice a unicorn out of hiding that was rumored to be in the Cloakwood. Scarlett Willow did not try overly hard at the time, for she didn't want the noble beast to be hurt. However, she did decide to find out on her own if it was alright. Lilith Azarael went with her so as to ask about another matter. The two delved deeply into the Cloakwood, and came to a small, peaceful spot by the river. Scarlett hummed the whole way, and when she noticed she was attracting the attention of the denizens of the forest, she pulled out her violin and began to play. The waltz attracted more creatures, from a dryad and sprite to deer and treant. Finally, he arrived, an enormous, ancient unicorn. Both women conversed with the ancient one, speaking of the corruption to nature that Mauglir reaped. Lilith also learned a bit more about Jurlfalud.

Rewards: 500 XP for Azarael, 500 gold for Scarlett (lvl 30)

[DM Vindicator]

"Welcome Back, Kaltyra"

Mini Event
Monday, July 25, 2011

During a discussion at the campfire, the young bronze dragon Pelisaruselni showed herself before Azorel, Scarlett Willow, Lance Renslin, Aranath Turambar, Lilith Azarael, Aerin Inzilbeth Silverwave, Mystyka, Ninpo, Lilah Acadie, and Kaltyra GreyFang. Some were impressed, some were not. Some insulted her, some wished to help. In the end, Kaltyra spoke quietly to the little dragon, offering some advice, and the bronze flew off south.

Rewards: 200-450 XP for each, same amounts gold for lvl 30s

[DM Vindicator]

"Jurlfalud Falls"

Event By Request / Young Black Dragon Plot
Monday, July 25, 2011

Lilith Azrael had met Pelisaruselni. She had talked with the ancient unicorn. It was time. She gathered what allies she could - Teo, Lance Renslin, Aranath Turambar, Aerin Inzilbeth Wavesilver, and Scarlett Willow - and set off into the Cloakwood. At night. Some might debate the wisdom of this. In fact, nearly everyone did. But Lilith pressed on, and invited Jia-Li Ying and Bjorn Frostbeard along as well when they were passed in the forest. The lands are still not healed, and so diseased worgs and even some festering undead were in their way. But deeper and deeper into the Cloakwood she led the amassed group until...she got lost. Scarlett was at a loss as well, even though they had met the ancient unicorn somewhere around here.

Will-o-wisps and more worgs, zombies...the woods were fraught with danger. Even an enormous worm attacked them. But the real trouble came from Jurlfalud's servants: kobolds. These were no ordinary kobolds, but battle-hardened and well-trained. They harassed the group and even cast some powerful spells upon them. The wind changed, and the stench upon the air told them the had to be close to the boggy swamp in which the black dragon makes her home. Soon enough, they were nearly knee deep in muck.

Some corpses lined the path, and the group passed them by, confident they were in the right place. Oh, right place alright. But they forgot about the taint upon the land, and that a necromancer has carried on in Mauglir's place. The corpses rose as plague-ridden zombies and attacked. Not long after, Jurlfalud herself appeared. The dragon's ill-temper was made even more so by the taunts from the paladins, and she attempted to turn everyone against Lilith but to no avail. A fight ensued, but Jurlfalud is still small for her kind and was slain without too much effort. As she fell, however, a might roar echoed across the swamp and an enormous winged shape took to the air some miles distant. The group was victorious, but had angered something else that was far larger. Teo stumbled upon the remains of a dragon hoard, but most of it had been taken away already. Some coin were all the party managed to salvage. They all made their way back out of the Cloakwood reeking of rotting vegetation and festering meat, probably alerting everyone to their presence from a mile away.

Rewards: 2200 XP for all present except Scarlett got 2200 gold (lvl 30). The dragon's meager remaining hoard contained enough for everyone to receive 3500 gold.

[DM Vindicator]

"All In A Day's Work"

Event By Request
Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Mealir Ostinel brought his companions Druuna Darkmoon, Vallarie Re'vas, Tamina Lightstep, and Sil'vimand Gweth'l'yrdrell to the Blushing Mermaid for a few drinks when he ran into a former ship captain of his, Captain Bellamy. Bellamy was irritated the he could not unload some crates of Amnian Brandy due to an embargo. Smelling a business opportunity, Mealir offered aid and the group set sail south with Palias Avlanti joining the crew as well. Umberlee was not kind, as she has not been lately, and storms made part of the journey difficult.

When the storm let up, a ship was spotted approaching. It seemed to be flying pirate colors, so the group prepared for battle. Sure enough, it pulled alongside and the crew of the other ship attacked. Tamina thought they appeared to be the same people who the party had seen back at the Blushing Mermaid. Though the crew was dispatched, a search of the ship revealed something even worse: explosive barrels. Vallarie threw open a barrel, which caused an explosion, and the pirate vessel caught fire. It began to sink as the party got off and back on board Bellamy's vessel.

South of Candlekeep, the crates of brandy were uploaded and carefully carried north. Each person took some bottles and went by different routes, sneaking their way into the city. In the end they all made it back to the Blushing Mermaid, completing a transaction with the proprietor.

Rewards: 450 XP for Sil'vimand (left early), 1600 gold for Vallarie (lvl 30, left early) and 1850 XP for the rest of the group