Session 9, the beginning.
The ruins...at last.

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Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin sleeps with both eyes open, it is unnerving.

We are on 2/5 Tokush the 5th, the red gerin comes up first, taking away the blackness and replacing it with a red glow. The day of the Hawaak is Bowak, and this is also the Meresau of St. Oberg of Mammon, The day that the Devilkin worshippers plant flower bulbs in the medium climes. Dark clouds are coming in from the South.

Hamish_Haldane wakes, grabs the staff, and inspects it
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin leafs through his copy of the Social Anarchist Directives by Marl Karx after waking
Hamish notes the silvery material and strange, light feeling. He tries bringing it down on the ground, in a similar gesture to what the beast did.
“A most auspicious day.”, says Max.
it is 5th hour, and the Sue has just ended, though it is cold and dark
“Wake my friends, taste the redolent flavour of victory that drifts on the winds.”,says Max.
Wurnik sniffs the air. “Smells like burnt omwo~
*yawn* Hamish expels some are. “I would rather not taste anything we've had victory against.”
Kellik says, “ tastes like a cold morning with little comforts to wake to to me”
Hamish_Haldane grabs a piece of jerky and a bagel
Kellik stretches and stands up slowly, his joints creaking a bit from the awkward position he slept in
“Now this bagel”, says Hamish, L is something flavourfull.”
“ oof”, says Kellik, as he begins putting on his leather armor. “ well, best get ready... I don't want to stay on this bridge longer than necessary.”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin leafs through his copy of the Social Anarchist Directives.
Kellik grabs a bagel and some jerky himself
Simon says "This bridge is defensable,,,but it is not where we are going"
Hamish_Haldane checks over the faithful donkey, and says, “deed Simon, though the fates only know what else is between us and the infamous Ruins.”
the donkey seems bored, but hungry
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, “ Onward then, I itch to avenge myself on the scum who so gleefully murdered my cousin.”
Kellik looks through the bags for some oats
Hamish_Haldane stops. “ One question... can anyone here track? Mior was our navigation.”
simon finishes getting his armor on, then shakes his head.
Kellik says “not worth a damn”, as he looks for oats.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin shakes his head sorrowfully. “The ways of the wilde are not mine, alas.”
Hamish_Haldane looks pained. “ Max, please tell me you grabbed the map off your cousins corpse.”
“ I can't track,” says Kelik, “... unless you want to track down some good food.”
Rampan hands over the map.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks at the Hobyt suspiciously.
Hamish_Haldane takes the map. “ Thanks.”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin scratches his head
Rampan shrugs. “I was studying it carefully"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks at Rampan suspiciously
Kellik is still searching through the bags
Hamish_Haldane looks at the red Hobyt mage. “So Rampan, you know where to head out?”
“ There's got to be something in here for our beast, “ says Kellik as he searches. “AHA!”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin> asks Wurnik, “ Can you possibly help us track?”
wurnik shrugs. "nay'
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks down the road south. “Surely if we follow this road our way will present itself.”
Simon nods...."And this is the best we are going to get..."
Hamish_Haldane nods “I agree, let's just follow the road until we see the Ruins, from what Chorbit was saying they're huge”
Kellik pulls out an oat pouch and puts some oats into it before struggling to pull the straps over the donkeys ears. “ugh chorbit skimped on supplies for the donkey.”
Hamish_Haldane grimaces. “ yes... Chorbit”
“ there you are, “ says Kellik.
Hamish_Haldane says, “ He and the Sceding Tree will have some explaining to do I believe.”
Kellik scratches the beast behind the ears
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, “ Let us be off then.”


SImon and Kellik start off in the front, as they are the best suited for pure combat,
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin falls into line near Hamish. “This Chorbit sounds like a miserly fellow, interested only in profit. I shall have to have a long word with him.”
Kellik chuckles. “he'd probably cower in fear”
Hamish_Haldane grabs the donkey and starts to lead it, in the middle of the group.
Kellik takes off in the lead with simon
the group takes off at a brisk walk, ignoring the chill
Hamish_Haldane says, “I'll lead the donkey beside Max.”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin nods sagely
The explorers leave the bridge far behind them, and the trail is still dotted with flagstones and road. It twists and moves west a bit, but mainly goes south. They go through another wet, moorish area, but the old road is pretty easy to follow. Tribin and Gerin start getting closer as they track towards the middle of the sky, still hours away.





Kellik stretches his arms... hard rocks to sleep on
“ugh,” says Kellik. “ honestly I can't imagine how you feel after a night of sleeping in that armor of yours, Hamish.”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, “ One wonders who would come out this way. It is not the most forgiving country.”
the group notes after that, around 2 hours to the midday, the ground gets wetter though the trees get bigger and thicker set.
Hamish_Haldane NOTES, “ Well its not nearly as comfortable as my silk, but I'd rather a bit of minor stiffness, than getting skewered in my sleep. besides, I'm not an old man, haha.”
Kellik is still obviously groggy and thus more benign than usual
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin sniffs the air leisurely

the exploreres go up a rocky slope, above the marShy ground. Hamish_Haldane sips water from a silver cup.
Kellik looks back at Hamish. “got any more water?”
The crew come down the other side, and come to an area where the road is almost sunken, visible, but barely above the marches
Hamish_Haldane checks our water stores, and Tribin has burnt off much of the cloud-cover, but it is still in the low 40's kellik says, “if not toss me a wineskin.”
Hamish_Haldane throws Kellik a wineskin
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin shakes his head. “This Chorbit is a madman, dredging statuary out of this mess? A fool's errand motivated by sheer greed.”
Kellik takes a deep drought from the wineskin, then wipes his chin
Hamish_Haldane shrugs. “ nothing wrong with a little bit of greed now and again.”
Kellik says., “ oh thats good stuff when you're thirsty enough.” He ties it back up and tosses it back to Hamish. Hamish_Haldane stows the wineskin on the donkey, and puts his silver cup away

the group plows forward, trying to avoid the wettest parts of the Moors. It gets harder, as the track becomes more obviously worked, and the group finds themselves in areas where only the stonework is keeping them inches above the wetter parts.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks around. “I would not be so judgemental if our erstwhile 'master' were here beside us.”
Hamish_Haldane is also looking al around. “So, snakemen in the marsh/”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, “The beasts would be wise to leave us be. I am in a dark mood.”

As Max finishes, Simon steps onto a flagstone, and it gives way totally
Kellik reaches for simon, as he starts to go down.
Hamish_Haldane vies for the UNderstatment of the Goesi award, and says, “be on the lookout for something suspicious, Chorbit warned us the place was infested.”
Simon barely rolls out of the way to is right, grabbing onto kellik’s hand
Kellik holds tight. “ woah hold up”
Kellik peers down the hole
Hamish_Haldane SAYS, “ What was that? A trap?”
Kellik and Simon now note a stone marker just off the path, on the left, at the some horizontal plane as the trapped flagstone. It is placed in the marshy water, where it is not that easy to spot.
Kellik walks over cautiously and examines it. “some bastard trying to do passerbys in…”
Hamish_Haldane says, “ or snakemen.”
Kellik says, “ double bastard then.”
Rampan murmers, "Something beyond security, something hidden and special, the more difficult the finding, the more remunerative the task"
Kellik snorts. “ if I meet him remind me to skewer him with my sword”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin eyes Rampan askance. “Speak clearly, man.”
Simon nods at Max, very seriously
~Kellik is looking the stone over
the group continues south, more cautiously, looking for stones and snares.
Hamish_Haldane says, “ Hidden for sure, special is another matter”
the ruined, old road moves westward slightly, though still mainly south
Hamish_Haldane looks over to the group’s new Omwo~ addition. “Don't mind Rampan, Max He likes a cryptic turn of phrase/”
Wurnik taes out a bagel
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin nods slowly, still eyeing the humming Rampan. ? I shall keep that in mind. An ability to turn words to one's desire is an oft overlooked skill in this day and age.”
~Kellik has picked up a branch he found along the road and is using it as a walking stick/trap checker
“haha, “ laughs Hamish. “ I never said anyone could make sense of what the Hobyt says though”

The group comes to a clearing, and the main road continues south into a deeper, foresty swamp,. There is a small trail to the right (West), as well. There is a lot of green, despite the season removing itself from the recent Winter. It is easily in the 40’s.
Hamish_Haldane looks down the trails. “If I remember correctly, we want to find a forest”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin frowns. “ Our patron seems to have prepared us poorly for this ill-fated venture.”
Rampan looks down at the scroll in his hands. His red hair is almost in his eyes. "According to this map, the place of statuary and interest is close by, more to the South"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, “ Further into the swamp, then? Or to the west?”
Hamish_Haldane shrugs.” Alright, West or South ?”
Wurnik points to the old road " The Road should lead to ruins."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says “This swamp gives me an evil chill, but we must continue.”
Hamish_Haldane points off to the west. “No one up for a little side excursion again? I doubt there are weres lurking about here”
Kellik frowns at the memory. “ lets get going”
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, “ I would rather see our task to completion.”
“Although, I would love to find those witches...”, says Hamish. “South it is then...For today”
Kellik says, “ we can beat sense into the weres later”

the group goes another 200 yards, deeper into the swampy road, through some trees and mire...then Rampan hisses loudly
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin stops abruptly. Hamish_Haldane draws his silvered rapier
The red Hobyt ducks down...motioning everyone with him.
~Kellik gets down. Hamish_Haldane ducks, and Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin, Wurnick, and Simon slowly sinks to the ground
Kellik draws his sword, rolling his eyes wondering what it is this time
Rampan points off to the right a bit, and south
Kellik looks off that way, andMaximillian_VHV_Carchedin peers into the mire
Hamish_Haldane whispers, “ what in the name of Belials backside is it now.”

Down the road about 30 yards, and off to the east side of the road slightly (the left), There is an omwo~ standing on something about 25' up in the air, partially obscured by trees. It appears to be some kind of a building. He wears some kind of light metal armor, and arrows stick out of a quiver on his back.
Hamish_Haldane hisses, “ can anyone make out if its male or female?”
“male”, says Wurnick softly.
Hamish_Haldane says, “ probably not a witch....Rampan, did you detect some sort of wizardry?” Rampan shakes his head.
Kellik whispers* I vote we continue on slowly till we're out of range.”
Now that everyone can see it, it is obvious he is standing on some ruined building. The surface has been ground with decades or centuries of weather and vegetation.
Hamish_Haldane tries to detect any sorcery…
“oh lovely, says Kellik quietly, “... 100 gold Horn says that’s where we need to go. Well why not be polite and introduce ourselves. Kellik smirks.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin hefts his shamsheer carefully
It is barely off the course, probably on the side of the path 30'
Hamish_Haldane says, “ alright, its ruins, probably bears checking out.”
Kellik nods at his friend. “Well, nothing else to do.”

The End of Session 9
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Tokush the fifth, Bowak. 3rd hour afternoon. A clear day, with the temperature in the mid forties, with some greenery already showing in the swampy-moorish regions of the South-eastern Steel Isle.
The explorers are kneeling down on a ruined, ancient road, now devolved into a trail.
Down the road about 30 yards, and off to the east side of the road slightly (the left), There is an omwo~ standing on something about 25' up in the air, partially obscured by trees. It appears to be some kind of a building. He wears some kind of light metal armor, and arrows stick out of a quiver on his back.

Hamish_Haldane hisses, " lets go, stealthy or quickly?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin asks, " Shall we attempt a stealthy approach?"
Rampan wonders aloud, "Anyone good at the sneakY"
Hamish_Haldane shakes his head. " not particularly no..."
" sneaky?, Says Kellik, " no. stabby? yes."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin shakes his head, " The arts of the thief are not in my arsenal."
Hamish_Haldane purses his lips. "Alright, lets run, its only 30'... worse comes to worse they'll be as startled as us."

"hmm, " says Kellik thoughtfully, "I could draw his attention."
"not a bad idea," says Wurnik
Kellik gets up opn his haunches, smiales, and says, " ok then."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin prepares to crash through the swamp like a raging bearmoth.. .but restrains himself
Hamish_Haldane seems worried. "bad idea, if he's a mage, although I didn't detect any wizardry, he could splat you."
Wurnik takes out a wicked arrow." I could try to draw his attention with an arrow through his head. He might be distracted by that."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin agrees. " A sound idea."
" we'll do a bit of both", says Kellik
Kellik draws his rapier again
Hamish_Haldane points to the gnome and the Omwo archer. " Wurnik and Kellik, go and distract him."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " Leave just after his arrow, friend Kellik! With any luck he will think it was you that fired it"
Hamish_Haldane continues with his plan. " myself, Rampan, Max and Simon will try and sneak closer."
Kellik nods. "that was my plan."
"One last thing, no one wants to try and parlry with this bloke?" asks Hamish." Not that it has done us much good so far."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks at the Omwo quizically.
Rampan shakes his head "were this a road or neutral place, mayhap..."
Hamish_Haldane says, " Fair enough"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " ..I leave such judgements to others, an ill haze leaves me thirsting for violence."
" Ishma's blessing, Wurnik and Kellik." Intones Hamish.

The group gets into position quickly, with Rampan, Hamish, Max, and Simon moving slightly further south down the trail, trying to stay to cover.
Rampan again hisses
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks at him
Rampan..."Hamish...You wnat to coldsnap or anything?"
"I'll coldsnap my rapier, "says Hamish
weapon flares and lights cold and white, an early omen for Hamish Haldane. "Excellent".
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin signals Wurnik to release the arrow
it is a long distane, but the arrow flies true, and the shaft lands with a meaty thud,The arrow lodges in the omwo's trapezius.
he screams. Kelliki darts forward.



Hamish_Haldane smiles..." Ishma must truly have blessed Wurnik"
Hamish_Haldane unslings his Argive and moves slowly, stealthily forward.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin moves forward doggedly through the muck as silent as he can manage, with Simon following and Rampan giggling in the back.

Kellik runs along looking out for any danger
the group sees a human in chain mail join the wounded omwo~, and he yell something downward.
the owo~ tries a shot at Kellik, missing badly and hurts some swamp.

Hamish and Max, with thre others trailing, are coming towards the side of the building and they see a door burst open and 3 armored figures rush north after kellik, who turns and attempts to lead them around so the others can ambush them
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin possesses a hellish desire to let loose a bellowing war cry and impale a cultist.
Wurnik hits the side of the building with an arrow, and the human on top suddenly blazes
"Rampan, did you light em up?" says Hamish pointing towards the wounded Omwo~ and the chainmail clad human. Rampan shakes his head.
A scream erupts from the rooftop, followed by "Dark ones cock~!!!!!!"

Simon, Hamish and Max are in a positon to charge the guys on the bottom in a flanking attack,as Kellik is running at full bore in a long arc attempting to draw the enemies around where the others can get blindsided
Kellik yells , "come on you fat morons, catch me if you can."
Above, a ball of fire envelopes the already burning human on the rooftop, upsetting the OMwo~ archer somewhat.
Simon, Hamish, and Max are on the flank of the three chain-leather clad warriors before they know it. Simon hits an orcash male, Hamish stabs a female human, and Max nails a ugly human male.
Kellik turns drawing his rapier. " my turn, " he announces to the tangle of weapons and bodies behind him, and dives into the fray
The wurniks's bow sings, and the Omwo~ guard on top of the building now has an arrow sticking out of his stomach.

Back on the ground, Hamish swings again, and delivers again.
Hamish puts the rapier through her chain-leather armor , right through her lower chest
she falls gurgling to the ground.
Then an arrow flies from above, taking Hamish through the breastplate, but the armors stops a lot of it...but he still takes 10 hits.


hamish falls unconscious to the ground, bleeding heavily...seemingly lifeless
From above, the group hears another scream,
and rampan's maniacal laughter from behind you

Max overbears his opponent, then steps out quickly and plunges the full shamsheer forward, and it slices through the guy's right leg, blood spurts everywhere, including all over Hamish. The Femoral artery must've been cut.
the last one is not looking thrilled about being alone on the ground .
kellik jumps over Hamish, bransishing his rapier
[21:45] ooc: dying anyway
Kellik slams into the guys chest with a look of silly rage on his face, forcing him back a few steps and pinking his left forarm. Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin turns on the remaining man, breathing heavily
~Kellik bounces off the guys chest, "time to mess you up moron..."

The door slams open again and a blackened man in chain mail comes out, with a bright falchion. He is breathing hard.[/FONT][/SIZE]

Session 10.
Finishing a combat and settling down.
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Up on the roof, the hissing ball of flame rolls over the omwo~ archer again, who cries out in agony, and then the cry is cut short...
Simon tries to impale the hobyt in front of him, spearing the hobyt through the right side of his stomach, going through and removing blue, white, and red intestine on the way.


He falls down, and shudders heavily in his death throws. Now only the burnt omwo~ remains
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin bellows a mighty roar while twirling his shamsheer over his head dramatically and uselessly before landing his blow. the shamsheer goes over the breastplate, and cuts off the omwo~'s chin in a gout of blood.

Silence and hard breathing is all that remains, that and the victors.


Wurnick comes running, stooping at Hamish. Blood is all over the young Human, and his chest is especially damaged.
kellik throws down his rapier. "bah no fun for me." kellik notices wurnik and turns to see hamish on the ground. He goes dead silent.
Wurnick puts his hands on Hamish's gory chest. He closes his eyes again, and mutters a few words, variations on the "Blessing of the Miracle".
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin kicks the corpse of of the burnt human distractedly.. and then notices his chain mail armour. A familiar Carchedin glint lights in his eye.
Hamish_Haldane's hand moves suddenly..." Wurnik... *gasp* That.. better not have been..."
kellik rushes over to Hamish and the Omwo~ archer.
" ...one of your arrows..", finishes Hamish.
kellik thumps hamish on the head with an open palm. "what are you thinking going off and trying to die without my permission?"
Hamish_Haldane coughs. "seems to be a bad habit I picked up. The ambush worked though."
wurnik grunts, and gets out his kit, as kellik retrieves his rapier
Wurnick removes the deep arrow. "Ugh...", grunts Hamish. Kellik frowns.
Simon nods to Hamish " Yes, they followed Kellik, allowing us to fall on their flank"
Kellik says, " oh yea... tons of fun for you and mister sentient fire pit. me... all I get is one measily lick in."
Hamish_Haldane looks up and groans, as Wurnick finishes. " More of those damn cultists, I want a skull trinket this time."
kellik pouts a bit

" So, how many did we get?, " asks Hamish, as Rampan strolls up, sniffing the air
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin is busily relieving the burnt corpse of its possessions
Hamish_Haldane looks to his friend. " here Kellik, give me a hand to stand up>
" oh so now I'm a crutch eh?", kellik grins and helps hamish up. Hamish_Haldane grins weakly

"Hamish," says Wurnick, " I'm going to try to heal you again."
Hamish_Haldane nods. " Alright"
" I have to use a different spell, "says the healer.
Hamish_Haldane shrugs. " Do your worst, Wurnik."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin seesm put out as he rifles pockets. " These curs. How dare the mongrel dogs contest our passage? The very notion is disgusting."
Kellik says, " well they won't be contesting much any more." Wurnick murmurs a different variation on a curative spell, and there is a light green glow on Hamish's chest.
Hamish_Haldane says, " Hmmm, I miss Toden more than ever. We could definetly use another person with healing ability."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin comes over. " I have some small skill with the care of wounds.. of the mundane variety of course. perhaps I could take a look and see."


wurnick nods at max. "any help we can get!"
kellik says" I say we take a look at the ruins."
[Hamish_Haldane nods. " Ok, lets also check out what these folk contributed to our cause."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin examines Hamish's closing wounds with a careful eye while reaching for the healing kit. Hamish is still injured.
wurnick hands it over. Max uses the bone needs and gut thread to sew up hamish's wound.

Now that hamish can stand kellik goes over and starts searching the defeated, rifling through their equipment and possessions. He notes that Rampan and Max already did some of that difficult labor.
" Many thanks friend max", says Hamish
Hamish_Haldane walks over to the female cultist he killed, and grabs the small silver skull pendant. "Cultists again!"
kellik holds up a couple of the pendants in his hands...

Note : loot
5 silver skull pendants
> 360 silver Children
90 Goodwives
26 gold horn
10 elongated gold pieces with a strange face (label 30)
3 suits chain leath, 3 suits silk
I suit burnt human chain mail, I omwo scale mail
1 falchion, made of a blackish metal, label 11
a vial with a grey liquid (label 12)
and the black armor dude had a book with strange scrawlings (label 13) and a thich crystal vial with a clear liquid (label 14, we 25

Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin idly wipes down his shamsheer on a piece of torn cloth.
Simon scouts on the east side of the building
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin sits on the folded set of chain mail, as if laying claim to it. Can anyone of us read these strange scrawlings?", he says as he hefts the book in his hand.
"Rampan, think its a spellbook?", Says Hamish, as he peer over Rampan's shoulder.
"rampan giggles and laughes..."Yes, this is spellbook"
Hamish_Haldane attemps to decifer the spells in this book. He does not make much sense of it.
wurnik looks at the vials
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " I can read magetongue, I shall attempt!"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin peers at the magish runes.. His eys become focuses and intense. " This spell book has spells in it.."

kellik shucks his old armor and pulls on the snug fitting chain leather
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin scratches his head dumbly
"ARG", says Hamish_Haldane. "this book tells me nothing."
Rampan turns the book upside down, and a tear rolls down his face
Hamish_Haldane shrugs. " Well, we've got two unknown spellbooks" we're bound to get some good cash for them."
rampan..." I cannot wait to get back to town. 2 friggin books...!"
simon comes back around
Hamish_Haldane asks " Find any statuary friend Simon?"
simon shakes his head. " no, but there are some sleeping areas and a small satchel I found"
Hamish_Haldane says, "hmmm, interesting."
kellik smiles..." ah good a place to get out of the weather for a change?"
Simon nods, " well ,inside the ruin"
kellik puts out a hand. "do we hide the stiffs. or leave them out as a message?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, "I wager friend Hamish needs rest. Perhaps we should waylay ourselves for a spell."
kellik grins wryly
Hamish_Haldane seems pretty energetic after Wurnick and MAx' ministrations. " We should just stack em a ways away."
Rampan's eyes light up. " we could burn them?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin nods. "Capital idea, Rampan. Burn the dogs."
Hamish_Haldane agrees, "the last thing I want is some demonic rat looking for a snack"
Simon looks askance at Rampan, " Aye, a signal Pyre, wise idiot."
Hamish_Haldane and Wurnick both laugh at that.
Hamish_Haldane says, " lets just stack them for now."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " The smoke would hardly be visible in this enveloping fog."
Hamish_Haldane pats Max on the shoulder. "we can burn them when we leave."
rampan the red Hobyt pouts.
"fair enough," says Kellik, "come on simon"
Hamish_Haldane says, " So, we have death cultists crawling all over this part of Steel Isle." as Kellik and Simon start to go to work on the bodies. Hamish comes over to help.
kellik says, " lets get these deadweights out of sight. " He drags the hobyt over behind a tree
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin watches glumly as the corpses are removed

the first floor is mainly still enclosed, and out of the weather. It is L shaped, the larger section maybe 70' by 30', the smaller 30' bt 30'. There is a courtyard to the south, creating a square with the l of the building. There is a smashed statue on the south-west corner, and another pile of rubble. to the west of the building, the ruined road continues south. The late-afternoon light fights to get through the trees.
Hamish_Haldane says, "Rubble.. a good place for hidden statuary>"
He searches the pile of rubble, slowly to make sure he find everything
Wurnick looks at the human critically. " I like the idea of resting for Hamish. Can we set watches?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin idly polishes his sword.
kellik nods. " sure...I'll take the first one."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks up frolm his sword. "Friend Hamish, best not strain your wounds so soon. Take a rest. I will the second."
Hamish_Haldane looks like he is going to protest, then thinks the better of it. "Anyone mind if I skip taking a watch this night?"
simon brings over the leather sack. "No, my friend. Rest."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin shakes his head." I do not. Sleep."
kellik stares hard at his friend. " hamish not only don't we mind but if you try to take a watch all beat up like that...I'll knock you out."
Simon nods " The third watch shall be mine."
Hamish_Haldane says, " I can agree with that Kellik"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin lowers himself into a light slumber
Hamish_Haldane> Let me take a look at this satchel, Simon
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin mumbles in his sleep. You think you can make out the words.
kellik walks into the ruins and takes a look around
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin mumbles in his sleep. " Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow? No, says the man in Hagenos, it belongs to the college! No, says the man in Argus, it belongs to the emperor!.... No, says the man in Steel Isle Town, it belongs to the Sceding Tree!"
kellik figures that up top where the archer was will make a good lookout point and heads up
Simon hands the satchel to Hamish, frowning
Hamish_Haldane looks up at the Bone Knight. "Hmmm, anything wrong Simon?"
Simnon. " Nay, friend hamish. Or better put, much worries me out here amidst the fen and ruin around us, and I wonder at the armed defenders of these ruins. But I find the company well suited to such an investigation."
kellik whispers loudly down the stairs, in Sotto Voice. "I'll be up top if you need me." kellik draws his cloak about him and walks up into the elements
Hamish_Haldane rifles through the satchel, finding some items of interest.

Note : itemsGM_Vreeg> finds some dried herbs (label 190
a lg lantern made of grey hammered steel, made for oil. (label 110), we 35
109 oblong electrum coins, the electrum has a face on the front and a gryphon on the back
2 oil flasks (we 15@)oil

Hamish_Haldane puts the satchel by the donkey. "Good night everyone"
simon motions for the wineskin, as Hamish_Haldane removes his soft leather armor. Hamish tosses Simon the wineskin
rampan is snoring, his armor next to him, andsinmon gratefully drinks
Hamish_Haldane wads up a spare silk armor as a pillow
* Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin rolls over in his sleep, clinking in his new mail.
wurnick's armor is off, he is asleep
Hamish_Haldane says, " hopefully we can find some statuary tomorrow". Then he falls asleep, the night noises of bird and beast around the group, and the Wind all around Kellik above.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Some more session 10, and most of session 11.

Wherein the group picks their way through the Venolvian Ruins in the Moorsih swamp, and discovers more questions...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
kellik's watch goes without incident up above the others, on the second floor of the ruined mansion.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin wakes with vigor in his eyes and a spring in his step, slightly before his watch is due, as kellik walks back downstairs
kellik sees max
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin asks, " How does the watch?"
"your turn", says kellik, " not much cept a few lizardmen. they didn't notice us."
the night is chill, but not frigid, as kellik slips max a wineskin
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " Lizards, hmph."
kellik passes the wineskin. "... for the cold." Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin takes it gladly
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin perches atop the post in a lotus position, and max goes upstairs and watches for a good 2 hrs without incident.
the chill arounds him increases, and the fog grows. Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin shifts uncomfortably. Both moons are chased by clouds. It is 6 hours since the group finished fighting for this building, close to the midnight Hour.
Max suddenly is confronted by a transparent human, male, with a sorrowful gaze and a huge gaping chest wound. He moans at Max.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin eyes widen. He whispers in astonished fashion, "What trickery is this?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin rushes back down the stairs to wake his companions, making a horrible racket
the wind rises, and the fire below is dimmed. Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, "There is a spectre above!" and all awake, jumping up.
Hamish_Haldane runs over. " Max, is this really the best thing for a wounded ally?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks wide eyed at his friends. " I swear to you!"
Hamish_Haldane asks, " A spectre?"
" Nuts of Madrak!", exclaims Rampan, as he gathers himself.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin cautiously begins ascending the stairs again. "Just once, I would like a night uninterrupted by super-natural forces...", mutters Hamish from behind him.
" yes that would be most excellent, "agrees Kellik sourly.


Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin peers over the lip of the stairwell...the groups goes upstairs following...naught is there for Max to see...The wind is still chill, the clouds still fly by, but the image of the dead man is gone.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin scratches his head dumbfoundedly.
Kellik syas, " ugh if this is some kind of prank."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks all around. " I swear it.. it was right here."
Hamish_Haldane barks aout a little laugh. "Well done Max, spectre of the mists!"
kellik glares at max. Rampan. Turns around, grousing" 'SWEATY balls of Madrak, omwo~ freak..."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin opens and closes his mouth without saying anything
" Perhaps you fell asleep and dreamt it.", says Hamish consolingly.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin resumes his watch grumpily and the rest of the night passes without incident

vindak, Tokush the sixth, and red Tribin starts the dialy race, bathing the Moorish swamp in a red-tinger light. Many light wounds have healed, gashes have scabbed over, sore muscles replacing the wreched and pulled feeling from the day before.




Hamish_Haldane stretches, "I feel surprisingly healthy this morning, Wurnik, you truly are a miracle worker."
Wurnick thumbs over to the Omwo~ coming down the stairs." Thanks Max's sewing skills"
" See anymore mist spirits Max?, says Hamish_Haldane grinning widely.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin feels as healthy as an ox on a crisp autumn day. "It was there. I know what I saw."
the building is very, very old in the morning light. There is a courtyard to the south and ruins right beyond, and to the east is more swamp
kellik stretches before tugging on his armor. He looks over to Max. "you been drinking too much wine."
Rampan smiles at the book in his hands. " Spell books weigh less than statuary. May we keep finding them"
Hamish_Haldane says, " May we find one we can read."
Hamish_Haldane puts the extra loot onto the donkey, keeping a couple spare silk suits in his pack

the ancient road the group had been moving down continues south, hardly more than an occasional flagstone or curb.


Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks over to Rampan and Hamish. "Are these THE ruins?"
Hamish_Haldane and Rampan both nod.
"Praise be to the InBetweener, " says Wurnick as his eyes go upward. "I'd begun to think Chorbit got his jollies sending innocents on hare-chases."
Hamish_Haldane snacks on a bagel and some dried meat, and Wurnick snags a bagel as well.
Hamish_Haldane says, " Lets get this damn statuary hunt over with."
Wurnick says " But Hamish, you still have some skin left unscarred."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin munches on slices of dried apple he had concealed on his person
Hamish_Haldane laughs. "haha, true enough Wurnik. maybe I'll find a nice spike pit to fall into,
or some scalding acid."
"I'll be sure to be ready.", says Wurnick.
Kellik and Max lead the way, followed by Hamish leading the donkey, with Rampan next to him, and Wurnick and Simon in the rear. The morning birds are loud, and in the far distance is the roaring of competing draggonne. The undergrowth is choking, and the group can barely see a few feet in front of them, as the ambient light starts to turn more yellow. The start slowly and carefully south.

Hamish_Haldane says, " Kellik and Max can you lead the way please."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " As you please."
" Asses following asses, " intones Rampan. Hamish_Haldane snorts
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin turns backward and lays an icy glare on Rampan, and kellik scoops up a pebble and chucks it back at rampan out of annoyance

" So, we've run into quite the number of magical foe, " says Hamish to no one in particular., as Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin whittles a sauroid with his cousin's dagger as he walks. It's fairly mediocre.
Hamish_Haldane continues, "Death Cultists but no undead, thank the fates. That is something I can be thankful for. I could go the rest of my life without seeing another undead"

After only 50' south, the group sees the road continuing south through ferns and fen. On the left rises a large building made of grey marple, large, with 30' tall walls left in some eareas, some 50' across. It is another 40' ahead south.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " That looks significant."

As the group continues carefull, they see on the opposite side of the road, a wooden pallisade, burnt to the ground, across from the large building. The Palisade is set back another 60' from the road. Further to the south, there are a few ruined spires masquerading as trees.

Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin takes in the grand ruin
Rampan says," great. all roads lead to ruin"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, "So.. now that we're here... what do we do? Shall we investigate?"
" Aye", says Rampan.
Hamish_Haldane says, " We were commissioned to find some statuary, so that's the best thing to look for."
the explorers continues another 60' south, into an area where the trees completely canopy over the remnants of the road. There are foot prints all over the place here, which even the least skilled can detect. To the left is a grey marple building, with tall walls remaining, broken wooden doors in front of it. To the right, back 40' from the road, is a wooden pallisadde, mainly ruined. The front of it is littered with bodies. To the south of the marple building a is a totally ruined round building, barely a foundation,

Hamish_Haldane surveys the scene, and says. "Hmmm, we should check out those bodies. See if we can figure out what killed them."
the explorers turn west, towards the ruined palisade. In front of it are decaying naked gnolls, lizardmen, and a strange dog-man. Eleven Gnolls, and six Lizardman.
Hamish_Haldane says, " ach, beastmen..."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks perplexed. "What could have happened here?" he starts looking over the decaying, ripe bodies. The flies and bugs are disgustingly apparent. Many of the clothes and items have been stripped already.
Hamish_Haldane sniffs and almost gags. " Naked beastmen, lovely" Rampan turns and goes back to the road, his face greening.
Hamish_Haldane continues his search. "Any sign of who was inside the palisade?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin cautiously steps through the destroyed gate. Burnt logs and former defenses are blackened and asunder.
" Looks like these things attacked the palisade and got killed off.", observes Hamish.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin agrees. " It seems so."
Inside there are many, many more bodies, stripped hobyts, humans, omwo~ and a few more gnolls, as well as a single ograk, almost eight feet tall, spitted with arrows and missing a foot. The body has 2 huge, while centipedes, over a foot long, feasting on the carcass.

Hamish_Haldane turns toward the road. " Rampan, you ever hear of anything like that dog-man? It reminds me of gnoll, but not."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " Shall we follow the trail, so to speak?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin grins wryly
Rampan, still nearly sick, rasps, "...No, strange..."


Hamish_Haldane sighs. The walls have been burnt and ruined at the pallisade... a grand battle was fought here within the last few goesi.
Hamish_Haldane counts all the dead bodies. All told, some sixty or more. "Ok, hopefully whatever two groups were fighting it out are long gone."
Wurnick is helping Hmaish "What in the name of the balance has been going on here?"
Any buildings inside were all burnt down. Some stone foundations are beneath the wooden wreckage.
" Ok, we know of one group that loiters around these ruins, and Chorbit said they were newly discovered, "says Hamish speaking to all. "So, the group inside the palisade we're probably more Death Cultists."
Rampan giggles sickly " New to him..."
Hamish_Haldane continues, "the attacking group seems to be mostly made up of these weird animal-men."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks at Rampan suspiciously. "Anything about these cultists you'd like to tell us?"
Simon finds a rusting broadsword " A grand battle, and one that is perplexing, so far from civilization. Whose world are we intruding on?"
"Snakemen, Gnolls, this dog-man thing, and seems they had an Ogre.", remarks Hamish. "so uncivilized Ogrillites... The band of attackers are probably just the usual things that live far from civilization."
Rampan says, " Shall we try the other building, across the way?"
Hamish_Haldane looks out to Rampan. "Lets check out the broken down building to the south first, see if there's any clues."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin does not disagree. The group leaves the Palisade, and moves south slightly, to the ruined foundation just south of the Palisade. The odors of decay lessen slightly. The twin suns are moving towards the noon hour. The group finds 2 gnoll bodies there, with bows, with steel bolts through their chests
Hamish_Haldane checks the quality of the bows, and rips out the bolts. The explorers note the foundation walls are low, and the rubble is very large, as if this building has had more than one level collapse.
Hamish sees the bows are horrible. However, there one of the bodies has 20 more of those elongated electrums, with the gryphn and man's head.


Hamish_Haldane smiles waste not want not, I guess the victors never checked these gnolls.
and a silver sax dagger with a spider on the hilt.

Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin examines the dagger before slipping it into his pack. "Strange, I have never seen the like."
Hamish_Haldane admonishes, " Max, that's two silver weapons you have. The Gladius and the Sax"
Rampan muses "It is old. These ruins have provided some picking already, and some items are clearly Venolvian."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin asks, " Would you like one?"
Hamish_Haldane says, " my rapier is silver, but someone else could possibly use one."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin holds up a hand. " I merely carry the burden, as I have a strong back."
Hamish_Haldane turns. " Anyone here proficient with daggers or a gladius?"
Rampan says " I could use the sax. Heavy, but I'll manage"
Hamish_Haldane says, " Alright.. spider symbol..."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin tosses the dagger to Rampan. Rampan actually catches it, and tucks it in the sash of his red robe.
Hamish_Haldane nods. " Better safe than sorry, we've ran into our fair share of weres. And we're likely to meet more."
Both of the gnolls wear old scale leather, very old and in poor condition.[/FONT][/SIZE]

More session 11

The explorers find better ruins, and try to parley by imitating the deadly enemy of the people they are talking to.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

4:20 PM, red Gerin has whipped around Tribin and is now chasing the larger sun. The temperature in the swampy ruins is dropping back into the thirties. The shadows lengthen, as the group finishes pillaging the dead gnollic archers.

Kellik stretches a bit " I'll be glad to not have to deal with these oafs...damned cultists."
Hamish_Haldane holds up one of the skull pendants they have taken off of the cultists. " hmm Kellik, I think we should display our trophies a bit, in case we run into more of these oafs"

To the left and behind the group is the ruins of the larger buildings, and still wafting from directly North is the smell of roasting flesh
Kellik says, " I was thinking of perhaps decorating my armor with them... the whole skulls of my enemy thing would make a great motif."
Hamish_Haldane says, " at best we can avoid a fight or surprise them, I mean you, Simon and Wurnik are all wearing cultist armor."
Kellik grins a wolfish grin and chuckles " it would also piss them off."
Hamish_Haldane puts on one of the talismans
rampan "Kellik is not wrong, nor is Hamish"
Kellik pulls his out of his pocket and places it on his neck. "... finally making sense, rampan."

Hamish_Haldane says " So, all those gnolls and junk outside, the dog thing and what not>"
Rampan nods to Hamish. "Probabilities diverge, but there is agreement in a few vectors."
Kellik looks over at the hobyt "Ok. You just lost me again."
"Don't worry about it." says Hamish, "So, spider symbols on the daggers and skulls for the cultists. Nice folk in these parts."
Kellik says, "yes... but enough talk... personally I want to see about those statues."
Rampan ssems to be in his own world, "The FratreCanis is a figure of some worry, and his obvious leadership position recommends caution."
Hamish_Haldane looks back and down at the red haired and red-robed magician. " FraterCanis? That's the dog-man, then?"
Rampan noda absently. "Aye, a creature of the Venolvian mad archevault"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin has a far-away look in his eyes, and doesn't seem as if he'll be very loquacious in the near future
"Mad archevault eh?, " Hamish purses his lips in thought. "We can talk while we explore, into the ruins! Statuary awaits."
" exciting", yawns Kellik.
Rampan goes on, seemingly oblivious to Kellik. "in the height of their wealth and power, an artificer school of some note gained great power in Venolvia."
Kellik looks unexcited. Simon also seems antsy. "come on I'm with Hamish", says Kellik.
Hamish_Haldane says, "hmmm Artificer School... I like the sound of that..."
Kellik says, " lets get moving."

The flagstoned road continues south, into more ruins. Shadows leer through the trees above, and birds complain loudly about the chilling air.
Simon says , "this place is full of strange Mystery."
Hamish_Haldane says, "The usual formation, Kellik and Simon out front, I'll take the donkey with Rampan and Max and Wurnik as rearguard?"
Wurnick says, " Spread it out a few feet today...."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin slides into formation dumbly, it almost appears as if he is not moving his legs. simon unlimbers his demilune
Vreeg_GM> Simon and Kellik face the group south, and get back onto the road
Behind the exploreres to the left is a huge shell of a library, picked cleaned and a sad testimony to what was once a literate, educated populace.
Behind them to the right, a broken, wooden stockade build on the foundation of some old stone building. This still smoulders, the wreckage of a battle, litterered with bodies of tribal humanoids and armored humans, stunatu, and omwo~. The smell of burnt bodies comes from that place.

In front of the group is a road, leading past other ruined buildings, and down the road, the explorers can see steps leading up to another ruined building, less covered in vine and leaf than the others.




Kellik idly chats with simon as they walk, and Simon welcomes the chatter. He sees a large set of steps some 70 feet south, at the end of the road.

Hamish_Haldane frowns. "Steps... this is going to be a complete pain for moving statuary."
Rampan says, " Hmm. I detest moving towards an elevated position."
Hamish_Haldane nods. " Something we can agree on my friend."
Simon is looking side to side as the group moves south
Kellik halts the group, and Simon stops.
Kellik points over at a structure to the South and motions to be quiet "looks like guards, or something", he whispers.
Rampan says, "cultists, or their enemy, one wonders?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin is being killed by the suspense
Hamish_Haldane looks at Kellik. " Think we should try and bluff them? with the talismans?" If its their enemies were in for a fight ether way."
Kellik draws his rapier. "Best be on our guards either way."
Rampan whispers, "perhaps a bowman and a fighter to the side, here?"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin 's talisman is displayed prominently upon his chest.
Hamish_Haldane nods to Kellik. "Ok, I'll try and bluff them."

the building is some 80' wide, the stairs are centered and are 20' wide
Rubble abounds, fallen statues, former walls, and it looks like there once was an enclosed structure at the top of the structure, whereas now, only a few stone supports remain.
Kellik says, " I'm going with you though."
Hamish_Haldane says, " Sounds good."
" as danger prone as you are, "Finishes Kellik.
Hamish_Haldane says, " I'll save my magic for later, these are just some guards. The rest of you guys hang back a bit, we'll signal.'
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin thinks we should all go together, it would look less suspicious, he refrains from mentioning this, however.
Hamish_Haldane begins to walk towards the figures, with Kellik. The rest hang back. Wurnick has his bow out.
Kellik walks at hamish's right
" Hail and well met!", calls Hamish.
Kellik has his rapier out but is holding it in an unthreatening manner
Kellik and Hamish get about 20' from the stpes (40' ahead of the rest), when a hissing voices squeals a warning. In the fading light, they see movement from above.
Hamish_Haldane stops dead, and Kellik stops, sheathing his rapier.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin stops looking dead, but only for a moment.

Max , simon and the rest see scaly figures throwing 3 sides daggers down at Hamish and Kellik...

Notes on the older, wealthy neighborhood of Steel Isle Town.

The page for this is here, as well

The Upper Hill of Steel isle is a large, tiered area, dominated on the top levels by ancient mansions, and an ancient, castellated monastary with a spiked tower on the top of it, overlooking the town below.   It is considered a neighborhood of Steel Isle Town, and is the north-western part of that city.

 

It is actually 2 seperate hills, one lower and one higher, the Tramaturine and the Vasnuratine, but to the townsfolk it is all known as the 'Upper Hill'.

This section of the Steel isle town is the most sparsely populated, but one of the oldest.  Most of the main roads (Breshlaund, Trevling, Benevolunti) follow the curves of the road horizontally, while connecting roads act like switchbacks.  Ancient mansions with bricked, high walls castellate the old roads, many still bearing the beam and brick of the original venovian root, with marcher period add-ons.

 

The Monastery atop everything now bears the name of "Most Holy Refuge of the Knights of the Bone".  It is ancient, and the Bone Knights are the latest to hold sway here.  It overlooks the whole town,a s well as the hill.  behind it lies a log Boneyard, and craggy cliffs steeped in romantic, haunted mystery.

 

The street that girdles the next level down from the mount is Benevolunti, an ancient Venolvian road with a name that means 'good actions'.   There are only three huge compounds on this road, as well as 3 burnt-out ruins where collegium students go on dares.  The road is about 3 miles long.

 

The Second largest compound on Benevoluniti has a pair of Huge, wire flies (5' tall) adorning  the bricked entrance to the coach-drive. This entrance can be seen as one leaves the switchback and gets on the road.  The House is set back 400 feet fro the entrance, on a winding drive.  Imported trees from Gorntar pepper the reddish-green lawn, and a 9' steel and Greystone statue on a marple fountain dominate the yard of the Halstoms.

 

About half way up the hill, to the east of the Coldspire forge, lies a tall residence, a miniature castle.  External dark beams and white plastered outside walls, both earmarks of the Marcher style of the 6th and 7th century.  This ostentatious residence even has 3 turretts, and was orginally made by the PalMushta family out of Argus, and has been the home of the Gregorian rug merchants for the last 90 years.  They are very socially active, with 2 branches living in the place and 3 generations.

 

On the north edge of the base, really on the Vasnuratine, there is a huge open park with a few waterways.  Called the Tristonian Park[1], it was originally part of an estate, but the first Grey March Provost Marshall turned it into a public park when the manor was destroyed in the battle.  The Tristonian Park covers almost 19 acres, some of which is on the Tripple pond.

5:15pm on the 6th of Tokush.

The battle on the steps...

Kellik grabs hamish by the arm and pulls him back towards the group.
A stone dagger with three edged sides shatters on the ground near hamish, another one hits Kellik in the right shoulder. It ricochet's off his ringed leather armor, not even scoring the armor. The Scaly liazardmen on the top of the ruined, stepped temple are certainly hostile.
Max and Simon charge forward from the back.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin charges in an oddly mechanical fashion that seems uncharacteristically slow
Kellik grabs hamish and runs for the group..."lead the morons to the slaughter"
Hamish_Haldane follows kellik
Hamish_Haldane screams back, " We're from the witches! Halt of face their wrath!"
Simon is already moving forward with max
Kellik remembering the witches halts in place and turns..."the witches, you say?"
Kellik draws his rapier, as a dagger skips about 9 feet from him.
Kellik, remembering Toden charges at full speed towards them. He is confusing Hamish's comment.

Hamish_Haldane says, "it was just a guess, who else have we met on our way south?." No one seems to hear him as he slows. Kellik has turned around and rushed the steps, so he turns as well.

Note : there are scaly (lizardmen?) figures, Hamish is foolishly trying to solve the problem with words


Another stone dagger ricochets off of Hamish's thigh armor, then kellik and Hamish reach the steps, with Simon and Max not far behind.
Kellik charges up the 60' steps towards the closest foe. a doglike howl and a snapping, popping sound come from the top of the building


kellik crosses the threshold, facing a lizardman unlimbering a trident. There is another lizard man and a gnoll behind him, amid ruined columns that once supported a roof.
the other lizard man has a trident, they both have small shields. The gnoll, thick ofr one of his race, has a Bhuj.
Kellik dives into the closest one, whipping his rapier at a Lizardman, but the rapier blow bounces off his shield.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin is waving his shamsheer in front of him like a clockwork golem while moving towards the lizardmen


the other lizardman stabs at Hamish with his trident as the human crest the rise behind Kellik, but misses as Hamish ducks. Hamish rejoins with his rapier, but the blader skips off the rude leather and small shield.
From the shadows below, wurnick's bow sings...and the ancient building suffers
Kellik recovers and swings, as simon and max are getting near the top of the steps. Kellik misses the strike.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin ponderously climbs the steps, still waving his shamsheer ineffectually
Simon goes up and swings at the gnoll as it tries to close on kellik., but trying to mount the stairs and stab with his spear at the same time is too difficult. Everyonre on the top moves and slides, changing places and trying to gain an advantage. Hamish tries to break the impass, as Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin edges closer to his foe, his slowness would be comical if not for the violent gravity of the situation
he stabs hard and cuts the scaled lizardmans leg. And cries "First Blood!"
Kellik yells, " that'll teach these ugly buggers."
hamishe's lizardmans stabs at him, answering back.
and who misses by about a foot, distracted by the bleeding
max crests the rise, moving inexorably towards the large, 6' 5" armored gnoll facing Simon.
His large shamsheer whistles and clangs off the gnolls' scale mail, not ripping through the side but causing a pained yelp from the creature due to the impact.
Kellik's lizardman opponent stabs at him, and his dodge is a fraction slow, a small wound is opened in his left side. "AAAH, " he yells.
wurnick's bow again sings from the shadows below...
and an arrow protrudes from the gnolls right shoulder, blood spurting.
Hamish slices at his opponent, but missing. The explorers seem to be wearing the humanoid defenders down. [/SIZE][/FONT]

Just as a State of the Game comment...

I'm about 3 sessions behind on the updates.  Hard to keep up transcribing them.  An absolute riot so far.

Players are taking advantage of the Wiki, and have created their own wiki page on the Celtricia site.  PC Steel ISle page

5:17pm on the 6th of Tokush.

The battle on the steps...


One lizardman is bleeding from 2 places , one is fine, and the gnoll is bleeding as well.
the gnoll is sliced and has a arrow sticking in his shoulder
the uninjured Lizardman takes a hack at Simon with his axe, swinging from over his shoulder with great force.

Simon takes an axe blow to the chest, and blood flies all over all of you. The lizardman howls in triumph.
Hamish swings at the other lizardman, but misses his thrust.
kellik swings at the other Scalik (Lizardman), the one that bloodied Simon, who is bravely standing his ground. Kellik's rapier scrapes off the creatures deft shieldwork.
Max runs up to the Gnoll, who is trying to move laterally. Max can see a hole in the floor about 30' away.
Max slices him again as the gnoll tries to move, and the gnoll bleeds from many wounds heavily.

Hamish slips forward as wurnick's bow sings, and an arrow hits a ruined column next to the Scalik warrior fighting Simon and Kellik. Perhaps it distracts Hamish, as his slice misses it's mark as well.
The gnoll swings at max, who sidesteps as the downward slash. Everone's breath is becoming more harsh, as maneuvering replaces the swordstrokes.
kellik brings his rapier around. "ok ugly time to die!!" Then he slashes at air as the Lizardmane dodges hurridly back.
a Lizardman swings at Hamish, who deftly spins around it and keeps his rapier at the ready.

Then suddenly, blinding in the failing light, a ball of fire, 3' tall, lights behind the gnoll, and rolls into him from behind...The gnoll screams as the fire surrounds his legs...
the gnoll keels over, fried and burnt and wounded and dead...
the lizardmen hiss and fight with desperation, and kellik tries to take advantage...but he nearly drops his weapon, and barely catches it.
simon swings his demilune from l;eft to right, abandoning the thrust for the moment...hamish's lizardman 's arm, is cut off, spinning a bloody cartwheel across the floor...that Scalik crumples, dead...

as the group converges on the last lizardman, and he realizes his only escape is through a ball of burning fire...
he throws down his weap and lifts his hands up, hissing gently...
you all see Rampan off to the right, where he apparently climbed up the side, his hands ablaze , controlling the sphere.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin breathes deeply, looks around.. and then shrugs. "A lizardling eh, does it speak?"
Hamish_Haldane runs to the donkey, gets some rope (if we have some?) and brings it back to tie up the lizardman
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin walks up to the lizardman threateningly and glares at it, running his finger over the edge of his shamsheer.
Simon pushes the creatures crude large axe a dozen feet away.
Hamish_Haldane also leads the donkey up the temple, and recovers the thrown three-sided daggers
Kellik picks up the axe
The ball of fire roars behind you all, on a large platform, with walls crumbling (it was once a building). Damaged columns are all around the explorers, rubble is everywhere. Ruined carvings cover each column.
the top of this platform is around 50' x 50'
Kellik slams the crude axe down into the ground next to the lizardmans feet
Hamish_Haldane rumages in the donkeys packs
Rampan finds gnoll sized ring mail, average craftsmanship.
Kellik glares at the cowed Scalik warrior darkly



~Kellik holds his rapier up to the lizardmans neck, "tell me you witch loving slime why I shouldn't gut you like a fish?"
Hamish_Haldane says, " Hopefully he can give us some answers friend Kellik"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin nods. "Stay friend Kellik. We do not know for certain if this creature is a servant of these witches."
The Scalik croaks... he speaks orcash, a derivative of westic.
Hamish_Haldane says, " there are many things I'm looking forward to asking him"
it's a little rough,. but the group can understand his words, though Orcash is a pretty removed sub-dialect of Westic.
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedinasks simply and clearly, " So, lizard, why are you here? What is this structure?"
The Lizardman is somewhat stoic, as Hamish_Haldane rumages through the leather pouch.
He finds the pouch has cut herbs.
Hamish_Haldane calls over to his gnomic friend. " Kellik, show him your pendant, see if he knows what it means!"
The Scalik warrior hisses angrily as he sees it. "it means you are scum of the death lord...as we knew"
Hamish_Haldane purses his lips..." You mean Thanatos?...or Orcus?"
Kellik grins wolfishly..." no it means we had our way with the scum of the death lord."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin shakes his head." My dear wayward reptillian.. amphibious.. whatever. My dear friend, you must be mistaken."
Hamish_Haldane reveals what he took from the donkey earlier, the werewolf head. "Does this look familiar to you?" He seems TOTALLY nonplussed at the werewolf head.

The lizarman shakes his head. "no, friend...you bear the mark of the deathwalkers"
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin looks hard at the Lizadrman. " Perhaps we killed these deathwalkers and took them from them, hmmm?"
Kellik nods, "a mark we took from the last ones that crossed us."
Hamish_Haldane asks, " are you Familiar with any of the witches in the woods around here?."
Kellik looks mean. "I take trophies from what I defeat... perhaps I will take your head as my next."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin says, " And.. indeed, if we were deathwalkers, would we have spared your life?" in a reasonable tone.
He hisses, and says, " "Foolish cityfolk, we feast on the blood of the deathwalkers. You must be them, you bear their mark"
Hamish_Haldane rolls his eyes, " Darkling's droppings, this is getting old. Rampan, can you bring your fireball closer, please? I'm going to need a torch."
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin picks up his pendant and throws it to the ground, stomping on it with his boot and grinding it in with the heel, as Hamish_Haldane grabs the oil from the donkey
Maximillian_VHV_Carchedin asks, " Would a deathwalker treat his mark so?"
Rampan smiles, and drops the fireball onto some wood. WHHHOOSSSHHH!!!!
Kellik growls [/SIZE][/FONT]

I WILL NEVER CATCH UP!!

Synopsis time.  Sessions 14-22 below, encapsulated.

The quick and dirty, for those that don't know, is after the last haevily detailed transcription, the group's captured scalik was cut down by a 'pilum of bone' spell on top of the strepped temple. The Group ran down the grey steps down, chasing after the caster, and found themselves in an ancient Venolvian chaber of worship, with Bats on the ceiling and guano everywhere,
Kellik, Max and Hamish lit after the footsteps of the caster, while the rest of the group followed slowly, as they had just been in a fight on the top of the stepped temple. The group ended up fighting gnolls from one direction and a few scalik from another, taking major damage, including Wurnick, Kellik and Simon being hurt and Hamish going negative.   It was a stupid mistake on the part of the explorers, an amateurish error that luckliy cost no lives, barely.
The Group found some small statuary, and along with the other odds and ends and armor, fled back to Steel Isle town, making a stop to see Shuruum on the way at his farm.  The way back was harrowing, since the group did not feel up to fending off another attack for a few days, at least.

The explorers spent a few hawaak in town, building relationships, trading with Chorbit from the Sceding Tree. All the explorers were pleasantly surprised that Trader Secundus Chorbit treated them a little better, now that they had come back with some Venolvian Artifacts.  

They lived at the Blue Turtles Shell, in an old stone barracks. They all worked on some skills, and then started on their way back.  Each party member learned a new skill from their school, except Rampan, who spent more than all of his money buying new spells.  he owes trhe Collegium Arcana, now.

They again stopped for the night at Shurruums, having a huge dinner and checking in on Toden.

Finishing the synopsis, the group finished dinner, slept in SHuruum's Barn. The next morning the group continued south, through the moors and over the old venolvian bridges, past the signs of old conflict and the recent battles of the explorers.
1/2 a day later...the group was halted by a warrior in heavy armor in the middle of the road, which leads to a summit with the Witches. The explorers make an uneasy truce with them after finding them to be enemies of the Beast men. The ancient crones know things...

After another day and a half, the group comes to a fork. They are in the northern eaves of the deeper Velonici swamp, where the moors give way to overhanging branches and desnze growth. The Group goes west, through the sparse woods that border the swamp, and after 3 hours they come upon a wooden stockade, much like the one they discovered burnt to the ground in the Vexchian ruins. This one is between 2 hillocks, about 50'x60', with a human and a gnome in front of it, both armored in wiedly ornamented chain mail, silvery and burnished, with wiry filigree and earwig pauldrons. The group ends up in a huge donnybrook, with a necromancer casting spells from the top of the stockade and 5 other armed cultists. The groups better armor serves them well as they are able to wear down the cultists and dispatch them.

The group takes many of the strange chain mails, as well as dicovering a flail, "Nacdilis', a prototypical charged magic light flail. *Magic*!!!
They also discover, in a putrid small shed, 3 bodies chained to walls, one which bears the signs of torment, and one that is still clinging to life. This is Gordin, a huge Grey March human from the Church of Solid Earth. They revive him, and spend the evening in the comforts of the guardhouse.
The next day, Tokush 30th, the group gets going and heads back into the ruins, finding signs of more conflict in the ancient, overgrown Vexchain streets. A staked out robed gnome corpse with his entrails wrapped around his neck does not infer polite conversation.

The Explorers continue back to the large stepped temple, and lights their lanterns, as the descend back into the long staircase down...

session 23 tonight.

Last session went well...thought I'd keep all and sundry up to date. Our intrepid band went down the stairs around 3 PM, and found themselves back in ths squared entry room with the frescoes on the walls. The floor is still covered with Guano, though this gives away the signs were bodies have been dragged away to the east and north. The group moves around the darkness, with Simon and Hamish with Lanterns, and there is a guttering torch lit in the west wall.

The group decided to go east, where the gnolls had come from last time. a five foot corridor meant they needed to go single file. The group went east, North, and then turned west, when Kellik noted there was some light coming up ahead from beyond a bend north in the next corridor. AS he notates this, Cameleye notices that the plaster on the east wall of the north-south corridor he is at is slightly different color than that of the walls around it.

AS this news passes to the fron, kellik hears gnollic voices coming closer from the front of the group.
Max and Kellik and up in the front of the group, in a '5 passage engaging 5 gnolls. Screeching, screaming, clanging, yelling combat.

Gordin and Rampan started pulling away the plaster in the area where it looked different...and while the Hamish joined the fray (where 3 guys darted in and out with rapiers and a shamsheer), Gordin pulled all the plastre and some brick down on himself and Rampan. Gordin's armor protected him, but Rampan was knocked out.


Max moved back to help Rampan which allowed Gordin more room. Wurnick also moved to help Rampan, who was moved towards the rear (good thing he's a hobyt) while Simon moved up to support the fighters.

This took about 20 seconds to complete. The narrowness of the corridor made it difficult. Once the gnolls were winnowed down to a pair of tough veteran fighters, Kellik dove by them to force a flanking, and the grip finished them off, with Gordin, Hamish, and Kellik covered in gore, and a pile of gnoll bodies laying all over the corridor in mute testimony of the violence.

After removing all the plaster, the group can see an old fresco of various earthly activities with a skeletal robed figure overlooking all of these, and a door central. There is also a large amount of Ancient Venolvian writing, but the group cannot make heads or tails of it. Cameleye picked the very ancient and rusted lock on the door that the group found under the plaster. A 5' corridor yawned forward, fetid, stale air wafting outward. An ancient brick floor and grey plater walls and rounded ceiling in front of the group, but the dark of the passge swallows the group's lantern light after only 5'...darkness behind a door sealed for probably hundreds of years....

The group inches down the wierd corridor, VERY SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY...
After about 20', the front characters are suddenly greeted by a weird site, a square chapel with ancient fabric curtaons on the north and south walls...a few patches of an ancient rug remain on the bricked floor, and 8 black fidikmarple benches in 2 lines face the east wall, where a fresco of a dark robed skeletal creature presides silently over mortals of all stripes and religions. the four corners of the room have small, black lit braziers, putting off a soft greenish light and a sweet smell...5 black robed beings, human, omwo~, or maybe orcash sized, face away from the group towards the cracked fresco on the east...[/SIZE][/FONT]

It's interesting game. i would like this game.

Quote from: shilpaworld4;358779It's interesting game. i would like this game.

Well, this particular game is player on IRC server otherworlders, #celtricia, on wednesday nights, 8:30 eastern, if you want to observe.
AS is often my problem, I already have 6 players and one on deck, which seems to be about the limit for an IRC game.  But you can come on and if you want to get on deck, we can work something out.

What is it you like?  I think I am more interested in feedback now than in any time in the last 33 years of gaming, though I don't know why.  

Somehow, I find the online game easier to create better complete stories; in that the online game seems to be more suited to more of a chapter feeling.

We had session 29 online last night.

I'll try to get back to posting some of the logs, as I am finally coming out of this part of the year.  But I have to say that I'm more happy than I though possible with this group.

Players page is where the PC's keep the current data.  We have 5 main PCS that show up 95% of the time, and a few guest stars who play the pregens (NPCS).  The group has a long way to go, but they have broken a few levels in spells and HP lately (though they need to break some in Lore, scholar, or detection...)

The group finished exploring a plastered over chapel of St. Arbor (A thanatosian Death cult), though they missed a few hidden areas.  They beat up on a wight and some fungus covered skeletons, and role played the hell of the the area and ancient splendors.

PLayers page, with all the group info
Session 30 last night, the group was fooled by gas jets of fire and a huge horned statue rising through the flames into thinking they were being attacked.  The Cult of St. Arbor of the Old Venolvians created it and the spectacle in the large chapel area to cow and impress the faithful...
Instead of doing more exploration on this level on the other side of the huge chapel, the group went downstairs...

!

Ok, breaking rule one of dungeon crawls.

They found themselvces in a large cavern, with a few dim light sources in view.  They were searching the cavern when Hsui (the sage from the Steel Libram) heard smoe gnollic voices from the east,  the direction where the group can see some stairs up 5' and some torchiers...the group plans to reverse the gnollic ambuscade.