DM Darkshard's Swift Kills

[Darkshard]

~Stupid Humans~

("Sshamath is Alive" 2)

Characters Involved:
Avarie Loth'Ihaen
Groglan Glandur
Israe'anna
Joan Danneren
Kald Blake
Kar'Myr Dalharil'mtor
Pharaxes Morieth
Rai Ku Kyntilla

Synopsis:
A group of surfacers was in Sshamath inquiring to the whereabouts of a missing friend. Ignorant of local norms and power, it was not long until one foolishly involved himself in a fight in the Gloura's Wings. The group soon had to flee as the Sshamath city guard descended on the scene. Presumably losing their sense of direction somewhere along the way, the group fled deeper into the city rather than away from it. Fortunately, they managed to find refuge in the sewers. As the city hunted them above, they made a messy escape through the pipes, eventually coming out near the lake. They beat a hasty retreat to the surface, losing their pursuers.

Renowned local commentator Grunty had this to say on the matter: "Stupid humans."

Rewards/Punishments: Decent xp to Israe'anna, a lucky escape for the surfacers.

[Darkshard]

~Spring the Trap~

("The Hive Concordant" Part Nine)

Characters Involved:
Alienor
Celduil Selie
Deimos Bladesong
Ilphryssin Arkentlar
Natalya Vaentsoss
Thergal Stonesmith
Valshar
Unnamed Zhentarim Agent

Synopsis:
Valshar planned a trap for the Cowled Wizard who was certainly on their tail after the Markhold incident. He and his accomplices teleported to the beach south of Candlekeep, and almost immediately felt the scrying eye of the Wizard now that they were beyond the obscuring wards of Sshamath. They took up position around the lighthouse, with two preparing the main trap inside it, and waited for the Wizard to make the next move.

He obliged, sending flaming balls down on the lighthouse from a distance and setting it alight. The two inside were protected by elemental shields, but were still forced out into the open by smoke and falling debris. As they emerged, the Wizard appeared and teleported in Amnian soldiers at his side. The two sides engaged in a bloody and desperate battle. The drow did well to shut down the wizard and prevent him from casting any epic spells, but it was the unchecked soldiers that ultimately did the damage. The Cowled Wizard was killed before the two surviving soldiers could subdue the party. They were bound together with rope and beaten by one soldier, while the other checked for survivors.

The Zhentarim agent was able to quickly use a magical item to disintegrate the ropes and free the party again, but the soldiers set upon them immediately with the intent to kill. Their spears pierced flesh, and only the Zhent agent was able to escape by diving down the nearby well. She lay in wait there as the soldiers followed, intent on finishing her. She dispatched the first with a firebomb to the face, and expertly cut out the throat of the second. With every Amnian now dead, she climbed back up to check her companions.

However, much to her dismay, she discovered that a dwarf druid had stumbled across the scene. She remained hidden behind the well as Thergal inspected the bodies. He took his time, but when he realised some of the dead and incapacitated were drow, he swiftly departed to report to a senior ranger. The Zhent agent seized the opportunity to rouse Valshar and see to some of his wounds. Natalya and Alienor were mostly beyond immediate help, however, and Ilphryssin was dead. Those who were able did their best to scorch the scene before Valshar teleported them to safety.

Thergal soon returned with the ranger Celduil, and the curious Deimos. He was alarmed to find the scene scorched since he had left, and the group deduced there must have been an unseen survivor. They were unable to learn much more of significance from the scene, but they collapsed the well before they left, fearing the caves beneath might be another passage to the Underdark.

For now, the Seventh Circle have removed the threat, but at a similarly weighty price.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp to the investigators, safety for the Seventh Circle from the Cowled Wizards. Grievous injuries, Ilphryssin is dead until further notice.

[Darkshard]

~An Amnian Contract~

("Paying Back Debt" Part Two)

Characters Involved:
Achmetalok Firktag
Ianmom Quilward
Inashy Silverleaf
Ole'grum Silveraxe
Noctura Moaran

Synopsis:
While still getting reorganised, the Adventurer's Guild finally got an Amnian contract, the first in almost six months. A woman named Isabella hired the guild to investigate the scene at the lighthouse. Having got word of the massacre but unable to send soldiers north of Beregost per the Treaty, the Athkatlan woman assigned this task to the neutral guild.

A party of five set out, with Inashy assuming field command and Achmetalok tagging along as quiet supervisor. Reaching their destination, they found that the Fist had already taken over the scene. There was some confrontational discussion over jurisdiction before the Fist officer in charge finally agreed to let the adventurers assist. They inspected the remnants of Amnian armour on two of the corpses, and the melted amulet discovered by the Fist on the third, robed corpse. Achmetalok was able to identify the symbol on the amulet as that of Azuth, and theorised that the wearer might have been a Cowled Wizard.

After discovering that the well nearby appeared to have been deliberately blocked, Achmetalok assumed the form of a golem and was able to shift enough of the rubble for Ole'grum and Ianmom to slip down. There, the two delvers uncovered two more still-burning bodies. They were able to dispel the magical fire with Inashy's ring, but the bodies were charred to skeletons, and the passages beyond completely caved in.

The Fist officer thanked them for finding the additional bodies, and they departed the scene having learned as much as they could. They returned to Nashkel, where Inashy drafted the report for Isabella.

Rewards/Punishments: Decent xp to all, a little extra to Inashy for leadership. Alignment shifts to Ianmom.

[Darkshard]

~Back to Basics~

("The Hive Concordant" Part Ten)

Characters Involved:
Herran Hymm
Natalya Vaentsoss

Synopsis:
Natalya and Herran sought information on the Tethyrian refugee camps they had heard about while asking around in Beregost and Nashkel. They went to the Belching Dragon and soon got talking to a couple of soldiers there. After a lot of light banter and sifting through one soldier's pseudo-political commentary, they learned that most of the camps were in the far south close to the border, but at least one was in the north, on the southern slopes of the Cloudpeaks. The refugees are allegedly trying to flee as far north as possible, perhaps headed to Waterdeep, but the Amnian army has orders to contain them. The soldier told them Hunter Harrow might better know the location of the camp.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp, information.

[Darkshard]

~Early Termination~

("Paying Back Debt" Part Three)

Characters Involved:
Herran Hymm
Jero
Mila Pricklyfingers
Nroc
Thalandon Astralius
Thergal Stonesmith

Synopsis:
Five men were lined up on the side of the street in Nashkel and executed by Amnian soldiers. Their alleged crimes included murder, banditry, impersonation of Amnian soldiers, and actions to incite political strife on foreign soil. Rumour had it these men were responsible for the recent attack on the town of Markhold, and were also involved in the bloody fight that occurred outside the lighthouse south of Candlekeep. Commoners and adventurers gathered to watch the carnage. Jero quietly asked questions of one of the guards, while Herran tried to directly talk to Legionnaire Miraz Castilla who was presiding over the execution. The persistent bard only backed down when threatened with sharing in the fate of the condemned. The bodies were burned in the hills afterward.

Members of the Black Briar Company, a mercenary group based in Athkatla, are credited with capturing the men and are said to have been rewarded with a generous bounty. Representatives of the company including their founder and leader, Maximus Orlovski, watched the execution.

This outcome voids the extension of Isabella's contract with the Adventurer's Guild.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp to those who came and RPed. Herran is now disliked by the Nashkel guard.

[Darkshard]

~The Dark Quota~

("The Hive Concordant" Part Eleven)

Characters Involved:
Alienor
Groglan Glandur
Gruk
Herran Hymm
Kaltyra GreyFang
Kar'Myr Dalharil'mtor
Krodos Krados
Natalya Vaentsoss

Synopsis:
Adorned in various surface disguises and with the help of the tracker Kaltyra, the Seventh Circle agents were able to locate the northernmost refugee camp in Amn. The camp was small, but easily sufficient for their purposes. Before making their move on the camp, the party made to tie up the loose end that was Herran. He was offered a choice between enslavement and death, but Kaltyra interfered, threatening to alert the camps if the party did not let him go. Arguments broke out, and then threats. Fortunately, Herran submitted before the threats were acted on. Natalya however, apparently enraged by the arguments, departed.

As the party approached the camp, they spotted a sentry and moved to silently kill him. But Herran shouted a warning before they could, and a noisy battle followed as reinforcements came. At the same time, Herran attempted to resist his captors and cast spells of protection, but he was promptly dispelled and killed by Kar'Myr. Leaving his corpse, they pressed on to the camp, killing the remaining defenders and then rounding up the refugees within. A few tried to escape by jumping into the lake. One drowned, and another was killed by Alienor as an example. The rest promptly fell in line. Kar'Myr was able to teleport them to the slave pens.

Kaltyra, who had hung back during the battles, was now confronted by the others. She responded by revealing that there was a second camp further up in the hills and, under pressure, she agreed to fight. The party pressed up the trail and defeated the soldiers who were trying to organise a defence. The refugees were fleeing the camp as they arrived, but found they had nowhere to go with the cliffs. They were teleported to the slave pens like the rest.

The Seventh Circle agents soon followed, their dark quota finally fulfilled.

Kaltyra remained, evading the Amnian patrols to retrieve Herran's corpse and escape. He was returned to this plane at a very steep cost in diamonds (and a ruined carpet), with no memory of what transpired.

Rewards/Punishments: Decent xp to all, a Concordant fulfilled. Steep resurrection costs for Kaltyra and Herran, death consequences for Herran.

[Darkshard]

~One Debt Down~

("Paying Back Debt" Part Four)

Characters Involved:
Achmetalok Firktag
Inashy Silverleaf
Tyler Newal

Synopsis:
Opting to pay off his share of company debt as soon as possible, Achmetalok organised a wagon to transport the gold and silver to the Bank of Waukeen in Athkatla. As a cost-saving measure, he opted to pay his own mercenaries to escort the wagon through the mountain pass, to be met by a bank representative and guards at Lake Weng.

A group of five set out with the wagon. The three escorts fought off hill giants as the other two manoeuvred the wagon up the treacherous pass. A wheel got stuck at one point on the narrow road, but Achmetalok was able to easily shift it by taking the form of a frost giant. Fighting their way through the mountains, they decided to make camp in one of the palisaded clearings on the Cloudpeak descent. Tyler took the first watch as the others rested, and Achmetalok lit a fire with a spell. However, the fire was larger than expected and one of mercenaries panicked, throwing snow on it and sending up a large column of steam. He was berated by the others, who decided it might be better not to linger here.

But as soon as they were packed up and ready to leave, bandits attacked the camp. The first wave was easily repelled, but the second made it through. Their leader was fierce and cut Achmetalok down during the fighting, but the others fought on and managed to defeat him. The remaining bandits tried to flee, but Inashy caught them all and killed them. She then tended to Achmetalok's wound, which she managed to patch up with great effort. Weakened but determined, the party pressed on.

After several more skirmishes with giants and bandits, they met the bank representative and his Blackcloak escorts. Papers were exchanged, and the Blackcloaks took over the escort to Athkatla.

Rewards/Punishments: Decent xp to all. Temporary debuff to Achmetalok.

[Darkshard]

~Regulars~

("Paying Back Debt" Part Five)

Characters Involved:
Herran Hymm
Jero
Mila Pricklyfingers
Thergal Stonesmith

Synopsis:
After the execution of the five men in Nashkel, Jero followed the Blackcloaks and found that a couple of them were staying in the town. He managed to bump into them at the tavern a few days later and engage them in conversation about their capture of the bandits. Despite talks of conspiracy provoked by the bandits donning Amnian uniforms, the Blackcloaks dismissed the men as common raiders who care little for politics and borders: "They take what they want, and wear what they take."

A few days later again, Herran ran into the men at the same tavern while trying to piece together the circumstances of his apparent murder. He was accompanied by Mila and Thergal. They all talked at length, mostly making light banter, occasionally talking about more serious issues such as the increase in bandit attacks along the roads, and the appearance of refugee camps. Either the men knew nothing or Herran asked the wrong questions, but he found few of the answers he sought.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp to all, information.

[Darkshard]

~The Hive Concordant~

("The Hive Concordant" Part Twelve)

Characters Involved:
Guilhem
Myr'Arra

Synopsis:
Guilhem and Myr'Arra rendezvoused with the duergar Slavemaster of the Conclave's pens in Varalla's Passage, before proceeding to meet with Xoth'aar the Emissary and his guard. The duergar seemed extremely nervous about the whole operation, particularly how the "merchandise" could be moved out of the city without the Conclave's notice. Guilhem was relaxed and assured the indentured Slavemaster that his wards could be safely teleported.

Upon meeting with Xoth'aar, Guilhem suggested a slight revision to the Concordant in light of the logistical difficulties of delivering the thralls to the Hive. He requested that two of the promised intellect devourers be put under direct command of the Circle for the timebeing. The revision was sufficiently minor for Xoth'aar to agree without argument. He declared the Concordant to be in effect, and departed. Guilhem also went his own way, leaving Myr'Arra to handle the details of transport with the Slavemaster.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp, the Concordant alliance is now official.

[Darkshard]

~Not About Politics~

("The Coast is Alive" 9)

Characters Involved:
Archeron Blacksilver
Elvalilia Amalulsen
Kamau
Kald Blake
Kestral Fyle
Leo
Paws
Solaris Cult
Terry Steel

Synopsis:
The convoy of stacked wagons rolled into Beregost from the south, flanked by columns of lightly armed Amnian troops. They split up, individual wagons being pulled to specific unload points throughout the town. Once there, the soldiers got to work unloading and dividing the reconstruction materials. Their efforts were soon augmented by volunteers from among the local populace, as well as adventurers and passers-by. More wagons arrived, and the town was alive throughout the night with the buzz of activity. In the morning, the carpenters could begin properly assessing each structure.

While a few Weave-proficient adventurers declined to lend their talents for fear of "regulation" by the Cowled Wizards, most who were fit and strong were eager to volunteer muscle. Some put aside their differences with Amn to lend a helping hand; in the words of Legionnaire Miraz Castilla: "This is not about politics, this is about basic humanity and repairing the cost of war."

This turn of events is being met with cautious optimism by the homeless locals, who had felt largely forgotten until now.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp to all who came and RPed, more to those who assisted at length in the unloading of the wagons.

[Darkshard]

~According to Plan~

("The Gate is Alive" 8)

Characters Involved:
Rysdan Syth
Unnamed Rescuer

Synopsis:
Rysdan Syth, a notorious wanted murderer whose bounty remained unclaimed for over a year, was tailed and eventually arrested upon entering Baldur's Gate. Somewhat anticlimactically, he was finally caught while on his way to the local fair. Surrounded in the Palace District, he gave himself up without a fight.

Only a couple of days later, he was escorted quietly from his cell in the early hours of the morning before dawn. A small detachment of Fist took him out of the Gate, through the graveyard and into the swamp beyond. A shadow followed them quietly all the way, and another cast a shadow from afar over the whole affair. With multiple forces conspiring in his favour, Rysdan escaped the swamp with his life, albeit still marked.

Rewards/Punishments: A small of amount of xp to the rescuer. Alignment shift toward Chaotic for the rescuer, a permadeath strike to Rysdan for being caught in the first place.

[Darkshard]

~Poster Boy~

("The Coast is Alive" 10)

Characters Involved:
Kaedis Valar
Mila Pricklyfingers
Thalandon Astralius
Vashani Gallias

Synopsis:
Aspiring highwayman and thief, Kaedis Valar, had the tables turned on him when he idled too long on the Lion's Way and found himself surrounded by bandits. They soon recognised him from the posters, however, and he managed to talk his way out of being robbed. Thinking he might at least prove useful, they took him to their favourite spot on the Trade Way, and waited for prey to approach.

It was not long before a wagon came along with a quartet of armed guards. The bandits sprung their trap, surrounding the wagon, while Kaedis did the talking. The guards were not intimidated though, and a fight followed. A couple of the bandits were killed, but all four guards were subdued, and the group wheeled the wagon out of sight from the road. The wagon was filled with fine clothes which, unknown to the bandits, were very expensive Calimshan silks. Kaedis recognised the value of these garments from his homeland, and managed to swindle most of the bandits out of their shares.

Thalandon came across the scene during this transaction, and the bandits tried to pass themselves off as mere traders. One of them then sneakily set fire to the now empty wagon, and they all escaped with the distraction. The smoke drew more passers-by, and Vashani managed to extinguish the flames with a conjured water elemental.

Kaedis was later able to pawn the silks for a very handsome profit.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp to all, a large amount of gold to Kaedis.

[Darkshard]

~Wizards, Wyverns and Wardings~

("The Coast is Alive" 11)

Characters Involved:
Arery Wrin
Cinthia Oz
Dominic De La Rosa
Guide Wendel Ashby
Herran Hymm
Kaltyra GreyFang
Karl
Kestral Fyle
Maxwell Nefzen
Mookie
Will Dahan

Synopsis:
In preparation for the Mage Fair, the pink wizard Kestral Fyle invited casters of all abilities to assist in warding the fairgrounds outside Gullykin. After the Adventurers' Guild failed to show, he also put a call out to all comers to assist in clearing out the wyverns. The warding of the grounds proceeded without incident, with Guide Wendel explaining each ward in detail to anyone who would listen.

When it came to clearing out the wyverns, a plan was "hatched" to move the eggs and nests to a more distant location, on the advice of the druid Kaltyra. Self-respecting bigot Will Dahan was adament not to accept the orc's plan, but was overruled by the others. The large party managed to get to the nests and retrieve the eggs with little difficulty, but soon found themselves completely surrounded on trying to make their escape. They punched through the wyverns toward the xvart village, and fought a rearguard retreat as they went.

The wyverns pursued them into the village. The party chose a series of hills on which to locate the new nests and left the eggs. With their eggs back, the wyverns abandoned the pursuit, but that did not seem to be enough for a couple of the more excitable party members, who continued to attack and provoke them. In the ensuing chase, Will was poisoned and half-eaten, only saved by Kaltyra going back for him.

The fairgrounds were safe for the timebeing from wyvern attacks, and Will was enraged and confused at being saved by an orc.

Rewards/Punishments: Small amounts of xp to all, decent xp to Kestral for organising the event.

[Darkshard]

~The Mage Fair~

("The Coast is Alive" 12)

Characters Involved:
Arery Wrin
Charraj Cain
Guide Wendel Ashby
Grubnar
Kaltyra GreyFang
Kestral Fyle
Laitae Lafreth
Maxwell Nefzen
Rhys Feivra
Lots of others I cannot remember

Synopsis:
After much preparation, the Mage Fair finally began in Gullykin. Kestral monitored the wards at the entrance to the fairgrounds to ensure only arcane spellcasters and their guests gained entry, though after a while this job was taken over by an obnoxious imp so that the host could properly join in the festivities. Some fair-goers relaxed in the Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion while others perused the magical vendors. There seemed to be a few supply issues as rare scrolls - especially those inscribed with Teleport spells - were greedily snatched up, some later being resold at criminal mark-ups.

The spell contest began at the Fireball Range, with participants being judges for effectiveness, distance and style. This was accompanied by much academic discussion of the nature of certain offensive spells and getting the most out of them. Kaltyra was ultimately judged the winner of the contest, with several runners-up also being mentioned.

After this event, it was on to the mage duels. Numerous pairs volunteered to test and demonstrate their skills. The matches were carefully paced, allowing much commentary and close observation by spectators, as well as post-match dissection afterward. Though several duelists stood out, an overall champion was not named, keeping a spirit of scholarly friendship to the event.

The duels continued well into the night, before the crowd dispersed and the fair packed up again. The first Mage Fair ever seen in these parts had been a success.

Rewards/Punishments: Decent xp to all who stayed until the end, tons of xp to Kestral for organising and hosting the whole thing.

[DM Fugue]

Rewards/Punishments:tons of xp to

*rubs his eyes* What ?! Shard gave someone more than 75 xp ?!