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| In the centre of this period of war an unlikely group finds its way together. These are the stories of this groups adventures. Though if you want to read what else unfolded during the time and what they might have kick started in other places of [[Arath]] then you might want to read the [[Backstory of The Imminent Doom]]. | | In the centre of this period of war an unlikely group finds its way together. These are the stories of this groups adventures. Though if you want to read what else unfolded during the time and what they might have kick started in other places of [[Arath]] then you might want to read the [[Backstory of The Imminent Doom]]. |
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| == Prologue == | | = The Fall of Marymar = |
| The players are drafted into the armies of the [[Dwarven Republic]] and the [[Democracy of Cahemelle]]. | | The party meets aftermath of a contested landing between elves and dwarves. Not having many other options they band together and head out eastwards towards Marymar. There they meet the local Govenor and decide to help him out by collecting taxes in the surrounding villages. Not having the best impressions of the Govenor they stole his treasours and head out further east wards across the wide planis. |
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| === On the Sea ===
| | In those plains they find a cave inhabitated by a hag, that trubbled them in their dreams. After a short scuffle they then found her cursed treasoure and a ship in a magical bottle. During the following night a headless character finds them and explains that this is the Devilsfall and he would be loyal to the one who found it. In a quick pace they head towards the shore to test this new mans words. |
| {{#spoiler:The rain is pouring down. The winds blow colds and all around you are cursing dwarves, gnomes as well as other races.
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| “The elves have us cursed. They know of our intentions and called the rains to stop us.” Next to [[Aluwyn]] curses. They were sent by the [[Gnome Academy]] to support the [[dwarven engineering corps]]. The corps is trying hard to free the ballista and catapults from the mud they are stuck in.
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| ''Hand over to [[Aluwyn]]''
| | While traversing the plains they saw that some sort of earth ball rise up into the air and then drop down causing a large dust cloud. With their new ship the party decided to investigate the event. They find nothing where Marymar was last and decided to head further west to the next fishing village, where they are told that Marymar is no more. |
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| The wind catches strong in the sails and whips the waves high. [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]]'s sits in the crows nest with his trusty weapon and a bottle of grog. He hears the shanties from his sailor comrades down below. They were hired to bring [[Democracy of Cahemelle|Cahemelle]] to the shore. An easy task, no fighting was to be involved. The coastline slowly comes into sight.
| | Wanting to figure out the extension of the damage they head out into the wilds the reach the lumberjack village at the southern forest, which they find almost abandond. After some time and arguing the party decided to head further into the dust cloud only to find a wizard in the deep crator who conjures up a Zombie Beholder. |
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| ''Hand over to [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]]''
| | The fight was tough and resulted in the death of Alloro. |
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| [[Varis_Alloro|Varis]] is glad that he is not stuck in a big trading vessel, most of his men are hanging over the railing, seasick from the high waves. He is sitting still in his place, uncomfortable wearing his polished and shiny plate armour of the protectors. He is wetting his arrows, making sure that the fletching looks nice and clears the nock with a dagger. | | [[The Fall of Marymar|Read all recaps]] |
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| ''Perception role from [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]]''
| | = Rebellion in Goblin Town = |
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| They now start to see each other, preparing the spells and siege crafts and getting ready to land or repel the landing.}}
| | Hearing of some struggles in the east the party heads out. Finding a valley controlled by goblins. A colourful band of rebells is fighting for their liberty against the repressive regiem of the Goblin King. |
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| === The Approach ===
| | The party wants to help and sets out to hunt down some patrols and to pick up supplies. On their way back they decide to take a more dangerous short cut, which lead them into a runied dwarven underground city. The city is inhabited by mutated spiders and a Drider. Fighting their way through the city they then find the Drider in the throne room in which they challange her to battle. Infighting and bickering amongst the party leads to a loss of battle. |
| {{#spoiler:During the approach, [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]] will get pushed into fighting with the elves, as they are attacked. At least that is what the elven commander on his ship is saying.
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| [[Varis_Alloro|Varis]] ship gets hit, he is forced to drop his plate armour and heavy shield, to swim the rest of the way to shore.
| | The surving members are handed over to the goblins, which parade them through the valley as openly as possible. Allowing the rebels and their crew to locate and free them. Wanting revenge the party sets out to target the King himself. |
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| [[Aluwyn]] has to contempt with a continuous barrage of magical spells cast against their position.}}
| | With the king dead his empire curmbles, his generals fight amongst each other allowing a new dwarven kingdom growing out of it's ashes. |
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| === The Landing ===
| | [[Rebellion in Goblin Town|Read all recaps]] |
| {{#spoiler:As [[Varis_Alloro|Varis]] lands on the shores, he has nothing but his quiver and bow and his undergarments. He strips a dead Militiaman from his armour and picks up his rapier.
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| [[Aluwyn]] has to dodge an incoming fireball and rolls down the hill onto the battlefield.
| | = An Excursion to the Hells = |
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| [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]]’s longboat lands ashore uncontested and can disembark all its soldiers under heavy arrow fire.}}
| | Testing the skills of the party the dwarven pirate captain Greybeard asks them to pick up a package from Durnkuldir. Sneaking into the basement of the Genral Axethain they find the young dwarf Ozmock, Greybeards nephew. |
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| === Recap ===
| | Yet soon after Ozmock is kidnapped by Deviles on their way back to Greybeard, prompting them to follow them to the Nine Hells. A place full of fighting and constant struggles for power. |
| After a tough and indecisive skirmish between the [[Democracy of Cahemelle]] and [[Dwarven Republic]], the party emerges still living.
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| [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]] expertly avoided the elves to hide in the crows nest, as he did not want to join the battle. This plan did not work so well as the ship landed he got flung into a bunch of elves, which break his fall. He still tries to stay out of combat, desperate to play injured he thinks he uses his glaive as a crutch, but everyone else would think he walks like a wizard with a staff. During the skirmish, he keeps on praising his weapon and cuts down a few of the [https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/races/dwarf dwarves].
| | At first the party tries to break into the fortified camp of one of the Warlords, yet the resistance is stronger than they thought. If it wasn't for the support of their friend Captaing Teolgrag they would not have been able to return from the hells with the young Ozmock. |
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| The platoon [[Varis_Alloro|Captain Alloro]] takes care of his weapons and ready his platoon to disembark. But a neighbouring ship loses some of its oars and rams his transport. He loses most of his heavy gear and must make sure he makes it to the land. Swimming with all his might and dexterity he makes it to the shore soaking wet, seaweed hanging on him and quite pissed of. He calls back his weapons with his magic. This sight scares some of the younger dwarves and they run away. He tries to organise the troops as good as he can, and even inspires the commanding brigadier to charge into the last dwarves that stand.
| | [[An Excursion to the Hells|Read all recaps]] |
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| [[Aluwyn]] is an enlisted gnome from the [[Gnome_Academy|academy]], meant to bolster the ranks of the dwarven engineering corps. She had a crash course in dwarven siege machinery and is now in charge of a little group of gnomes to man a 10m wide ballista. One of her crew is a little gnome, that is a little craven. Her position got shot at and she tumbles onto the battlefield, where she tries her best to help out the faltering dwarven phalanx. This does not end well for her, as she gets knocked out by a dwarven shield-bearer, who first shoots then asks questions. The only reason she is still alive is that the little gnome pulled her to the side of the battlefield.
| | = The Breaking of the Council = |
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| After the skirmish, the elven captain and the human sailor captured the gnome engineer and make their way inland away from the red coloured beach.
| | Being a member of the Council since their first visit to Might Town the party tried to build up releations with some of the captains, mainly with Captain Teolgrag and Capatain Greybeard. Which is achieved by helping out with some tiresome tasks and other favours. |
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| == New Lands ==
| | On a return trip to Might Town they find the city in turmoil, knowing their captain is in the city hall they charge in and find Ondas' and Hogans men currently trying to take over the city. In the mean time the Council is informed about a new opportunity, which results in the breaking of the Council. |
| {{#spoiler:[[Aluwyn]] und [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]] (Passive Perception), they might notice that [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] has been visited in his mind.
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| As the group travels the near lands they find some Tiefling [https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Thug#toc_4 Thugs] harassing a young noble-looking man, who is trying to defend himself.
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| This man is called [[Reimar]], he is trying to make a name for himself by serving his dwarven lords in the battle. He will tell them where his father's hold is and promises them a good reward for his rescue and escort back there.
| | Fighting to liberate the city the party makes a new friend Captain Tavia. |
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| On their way to [[Marymar]] they might encounter some [https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Bandit#toc_3 Bandits] or [https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Dire%20Wolf#toc_4 Dire Wolfs].}}
| | [[A Broken Council|Read all recaps]] |
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| === First Home === | | = The Curse of Conder Isle = |
| {{#spoiler:As they help or choose not to, [[Reimar]] they will find their way to his [[Governor_of_Dostrait_Mansion|father's mansion]]. He is the [[Governor_of_Dostrait|Governor]] of the local region ([[Dostrait]]) and serves the [[Dwarven Republic]]. He has some smaller issues with trolls, taxes, bandits, dire wolfs and will ask them to help him out.
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| The village ([[Marymar]]), near to the [[Governor_of_Dostrait_Mansion|mansion]], has some trouble with the battle. Bandits extorting them, and monsters pressuring them. Almost all able fighting men have been drafted there.}}
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| === Proving their Steel ===
| | Carrying Sulla, the cursed talking chair who claims to be an old god of fighting, the crew sets course for Conder Isle, Darfin's homeland, where an arena devoted to Sulla is said to be able to break his curse. On the foggy way south Strennun throws himself into a whirlpool, a mutiny is put down and Roftag becomes first mate. Days later Strennun is fished out of the sea by none other than Kylin's estranged sister. |
| {{#spoiler:The [[Governor of Dostrait]] will not listen to them or his son for long, as he is a very busy man and must not be disturbed by his failure of a son, maybe he is more useful in domestic situations.
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| After a while, [[Reimar]] will come back and ask them for help for one more time. He will tell them what they want to, they did save his hide. He is tasked to clear the coast of the [https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Sea%20Hag#toc_3 Sea Hag] and the crawling [http://chisaipete.github.io/bestiary/creatures/sea-spawn Sea Spawn]. As some tinkerer has found a way to extract salt from the sea water. This sounds all a little shady to him, he is not the brightest torch on the porch.}}
| | On the isle the party crosses the faerie-haunted woods to Alse Edhil. In search of a book about the old gods they break into the house of Darfin's nemesis Arune Silvaris, steal the book along with a large crystal, and promptly end up on wanted posters. Darfin's wife Elora offers them a way out: help the elven rangers fight a curse spreading through the forest. |
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| === Recap ===
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| The rest gave the three survivors some time to calm down. Still, [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] does not trust the little Gnome [[Aluwyn]] and casts a mysterious ritual on them. She does not allow that without a fight and draws the attention of a little disoriented [[Kylin_Nelson|Kylin]], she had a tough time during the battle of yesterday and has been washed up on the shore. But she was not the only one listening to a [[Ruven Liafiel|ranger]] noticed them and investigated the scene. Yet only [[Kylin_Nelson|Kylin]] decided to show herself.
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| She quickly recognised [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]], as her old mate she used to sail with. So she joins the group. They soon take off west to find a village [[Kylin_Nelson|Kylin]] knows about. During the first few minutes of their travel, they hear a dwarvish war horn. Only [[Aluwyn]] knows that it means that everyone has to get ready to march. Scared of it they up their pace to be ahead of them, though later they figure out that the horn was not triggered by them.
| | Deep in the cursed woods they find a hag nesting in an ancient burial mound and kill her, losing the bag of holding in the process. Beneath the tomb Strennun meets Anathar, an entity sealed in a monolith, who possesses him and Brovara before the crew flees. In a maze near Sulla's arena they clash with Wormtongue, whom Darfin banishes, and the blood of the fallen sets Sulla free. Square becomes his high priestess, and all but Roftag accept his gifts. |
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| As they rested from the morning of their fast walk they hear fighting close by. They find a tall strong and fierce looking man is standing alone against four opponents. He wields his battleaxe in his full plate armour and knows how to defend himself. Still, the group and [[Ruven_Liafiel|Ruven]] decide to help him. The fighting is fierce and [[Kylin_Nelson|Kylin]] impresses the defender quite a bit. Now that the group meets [[Ruven_Liafiel|Ruven]] and get to know [[Reimar]], the son of the local [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]].
| | Back at the port they learn that Kylin is wanted for desertion and the Devilsfall has been seized. The party breaks into the keep, frees Jack and the surviving crew, and escapes, setting the elven fleet aflame as they leave the isle behind. |
| He leads them to [[Marymar]] the capital of [[Dostrait]]. [[Marymar]] is nothing more than a big poor village on the coast and it is apparent that they have little what could interest any of the big countries. The village itself is getting a palisade build and all the buildings except one are build of wood.
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| At the gates, [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]] meets an old guard that might know his father from old fights down in the [[Darkwoods]]. He tells him to wait for him in the Tavern of the [[Old Lass Inn]], but he never shows up. The [[Governor_of_Dostrait_Mansion|governor's mansion]] is the only stone building in the village and contains quite a collection of old weapons. Unlike like the village or the countryside the [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]] has everything a heart desires. They meet this [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]] and his two advisers a slim man holding a big book and a fat one, which takes little care of his hygiene. The [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]] seems to have some use for this odd group, so he invites them to a feast and offers them a contract for a little problem of his. He also gives them living quarters in his [[Governor_of_Dostrait_Mansion| mansion]] for them to rest. During the wait time, the group sets out to visit the [[Old Lass Inn]], where [[Aluwyn]] gives her best to have the worst performance of her life. All while [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] learns that there are no boats he can rent, buy or steal for a journey home.
| | [[The Curse of Conder Isle|Read all recaps]] |
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| [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] is the first of the group to join the feast and tries to get some information out of the [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]]. Later all but [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]] joins the feast as well. They learn little, except for a Dire Wolf, that troubles the [[Direward Village]]. After the [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]] leaves the feast [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] organises a drinking competition between the fat adviser [[Ralf]] and [[Aluwyn]], which she wins because of her hesitation to drink fast.
| | = The Thanate Gambit = |
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| The next morning [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] tries to gather more information and hears about a missing boy, the help needed on the fields, the troubles of the Sea Hag they are hired to take care off and that a smart man wants to make salt out of water. He is disappointed not to hear more and returns to their room.
| | Fresh off the elven isle, the crew burns an elven flagship and fills its ranks with new recruits, among them Falaria, Nori and Danam. At the hidden fleet Darfin and Kylin finally admit what they have become: pirates. A rakshasa disguised as Falaria strikes on board, and the new bounties arrive. When the captains gather, Teolgrag reports that Hogan, Ondas and Wormtongue have made a deal with the devils in the Deadlands. The alliance decides to strike the orcs and seek allies in the Thanate Empire, and Teolgrag asks Kylin to become his heir. |
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| During that time [[Kylin_Nelson|Kylin]] starts looking for [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]], as he did not return to their quarters. She looks for him in the Old Lass Inn where she finds out that he drunk three guards and two dwarves under the table. After that, he left the inn with a girl called [[Berta]] to swim in the sea. She meets him perfectly fine on his way back to the village.
| | In Quarate, Strennun's homecoming sours when his father Vodan treats him as hired muscle, and the crew chooses each other over family. At Flavia's Frivolous Fantastical Fings they pay strange prices for strange goods: Kylin gets a dagger sworn to Rakdos, Roftag learns his name, and Darfin learns he has been undead for weeks and that a phylactery lies to the west. When the spice merchant Sinan threatens to hand them to Wormtongue, Kylin slits his throat and walks away with his letter of recommendation. Before the council Wormtongue appears as "ambassador" of the master wizards, but the council sides with the crew and expels him. They promise talks, not troops. Strennun avenges his Nana by killing Dunan in a tavern brawl. |
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| == The Sea Hags Lair ==
| | Sailing east, the crew judges a band of captured slavers on deck, demotes Strennun for disobeying orders and leaves a failed assault on an elven warship behind. Falaria returns as a ghost, and Kylin is haunted by visions of the vengeful Dragon Turtle. At a lifeless tower on the coast, the place Flavia pointed them to, Darfin finishes translating the cataclysm book. It tells of a society that wielded limitless magic fuelled by lifeforce, and of six lowborn adventurers who hunted them down and rose to become the new gods. |
| {{#spoiler:[[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Ruven_Liafiel|Ruven]] have to roll a stealth check to see how good their disguise is for this session.
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| After attending a feast in their honour the group has agreed to kill a [https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Sea%20Hag#toc_3 Sea Hag]. This will result in [[Reimar]] telling them of his father's plan to liberate Dostrait and introduces them to the man who plans to make salt out of water, [[Rigalis]]. He is a mad tinkerer that tries many different things in his workshop.}}
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| === The Cave ===
| | [[The Thanate Gambit|Read all recaps]] |
| {{#spoiler:As they travel north they will find a cave at the shore that gets flooded by night.
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| Outside of the cave they find 4 [http://chisaipete.github.io/bestiary/creatures/sea-spawn Sea Spawn] crawling around looking for some food. After they have defeated them they can enter the cave where they find a [https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Sea%20Hag#toc_3 Sea Hag] taking care of two of her spawn.}}
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| ==== The Ship Wreck ==== | | = War of the Diarchy = |
| {{#spoiler:After they have killed the monsters a kid runs up to them and thanks them for rescuing him. He tells them that further in the cave is a shipwreck in which he hid.
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| As they investigate the wreck they find:
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| * 1 Bag of Holding
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| ** 2 Potion of Healing (2d4 + 2)
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| ** 1 Small Barrel of old Whiskey
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| * 100 Gold Pieces
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| * 2 Platinum Pieces (DC 25)}}
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| === Recap ===
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| [[File:Group-Map-Session-3.png|400px|thumb|A map of what the group thinks their surrounding looks like, after session 3.]]
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| After a healthy breakfast the group set out to find the Sea Hag, they are tasked to kill. [[Aluwyn]] stays behind to cure her hangover, as she had way too much to drink.
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| Though first [[Kylin_Nelson|Lin]] had to stop by the [[Old Lass Inn]] to refill her flask, there she learns about a few things that are going on through out the province. A child is missing, a Dire Wolf is plaguing the Village of [[Direward_Village|Direward]] and a mad man is trying to make salt out of water.
| | On the way to the Orcish Diarchy, Turlain, an old friend of Kylin's father, scolds her for dragging the Nelson name through piracy and points the crew to a dwarven mountain fortress on the border. There the gnome Thanin shows them a cannon powered by black powder and hands them the diaries of a Rigalis from 1300 years ago, whose map leads to something hidden near Marymar during the Calamity. The plan is set: back Thur'kan's claim to one half of the Diarchy to buy the dwarves time. A first strike on an orc camp ends in an ambush, losses and a burning forest. |
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| After that quick pit stop she joins the group and they start walking north. On the northern gate a guard is very impressed and shows great respect to [[Porof_Dakun|Porof]], because of his feat last night. Still they carry on further north. While walking up they find a isolated hut, from which a loud explosion comes from. While they try to check it out they only find a frighted alchemist, which tries everything to get rid of them.
| | Turned away from the fortress port, the crew raids another camp at night, only to find the warriors gone and the women, children and elderly left behind. Kylin takes in a nameless slave, and an old orc woman, the crone, arranges a meeting with Thur'kan, warning Kylin of a decision that will break her. |
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| Finally reaching the Sea Hag's lair they try to sneak closer, but on the wide open beach they are easily spotted by the Sea Spawn in front of the cave. The fighting is fiece but quick. Shortly after they enter the cave and find it too dark for the two humans. So they light a torch. Entering the cave they find a old modding boat, which [[Kylin_Nelson|Lin]] tries to ignite but fails, [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] freezes it, to show how casting is done. Frustrated [[Kylin_Nelson|Lin]] casts lighting Bolt on it to prove that she can cast good spells too, this has great effect as they hear a painful bubbly scream from behind the scream, the fighting begins. The Sea Hag poses a little challenge to the group but still they surpass the worst and win the fight.
| | At the great oak, the shaman Ga'alak greets each of them by a strange title, and Thur'kan demands proof before any alliance. Roftag drinks from the shaman's bowl, wakes in his old camp in the Nine Hells and slays a great wolf. The crew then ambushes Tar'nok to weaken him, Thur'kan defeats him in single combat and swears to leave the dwarves in peace. Darfin departs for the Gnomish Academy, while the fortress port is overrun by orcs. |
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| While searching for loot they find an unconscious child in the wrack, which they used as target practice before. They revive it and carry it out, while [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] continuous to search the cave. He finds a Bag of Holding and some gold coins.
| | Back at sea, Kylin burns a rat's soul to cast a black fireball. Her hair turns white, and she promises the troubled crew to stop. In a dream she ferries Tar'nok to her patron and wakes holding his two coins. A well-dressed fisherman on the open sea debates perception with Strennun before leaving through a door that appears from nowhere, and Roftag decides to leave the ship at the next stop and head home. |
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| == Tax Evasion? ==
| | [[War of the Diarchy|Read all recaps]] |
| {{#spoiler:Now that the coast is clear the salt production can start.}}
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| === Meeting Rigalis ===
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| {{#spoiler:After the group victoriously returns and the group gets their pay they get shaken off by the [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]]. As they leave the [[Governor_of_Dostrait_Mansion|mansion]], [[Reimar]] approaches them and asks them to follow him.
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| He leads them to the hut outside of the palisades, north of the village. Where they meet [[Rigalis]]. A mad tinkerer that currently works on making salt out of water. He believes that this would make [[Dostrait]] rich and a nicer place. If he does not blow it up, as in his cellar he has many tones of gunpowder, crafted by the command of the [[Governor of Dostrait|governor]].}}
| | = Current Chapter = |
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| === The Council Meeting === | |
| {{#spoiler:After the [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]] has consulted with his council, including the crocked man. He orders the group back to him. As they come to him he tells them that he needs the taxes to be collected from the other villages. He offers 10% of the collected taxes as payment for the group.}}
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| === Recap ===
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| After the group meets up again [[Reimar]] introduces them to [[Rigalis]]. As they approach he is again experimenting with explosives and gases, that was a smelly welcome, which puts off [[Varis_Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] turn back to rest in the village. As they see the inventor and alchemist they discover that he has a whole room full with black powder. After some time he [[Rigalis]] warms up to [[Aluwyn]] and he gifts her his old tinkering kit. As a little reward she shows him how to make fireworks with salt and black powder.
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| After some time they created five rockets. Very excited they must try them out, so the take a short walk towards the sea shore. After launching the first rocket it becomes clear that the black powder is not ordinary, as it explodes with a might and a deafening sound the group. But [[Rigalis]] is so excited that he had to fire the other ones as well, this caused tumult in the village, as they think they are under attack. The last rocket did launch and explodes right at the beach, leaving a little pond where it once stood.
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| The next day, they meet the [[Governor_of_Dostrait|governor]] and his new metal machines guards. He pays them for their complete task and asks them to go out and collect the taxes from the other two villages. The group agrees and sets off south to [[Direward]]. On their way they discuss how they want to ditch the task and leaving [[Dostrait]] behind. Soon they see the [[Direwoods]], which frightens some of the group and to keep them self save they almost start a forest fire (as some are rather trigger happy with their spells).
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| == A Fightfull Day ==
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| The village of [[Direward]] is rather small. With many residential huts and a central marketplace. Soon the group finds their way to this place and see a temple, a grain storage and two other buildings stand out. The tavern and the mayors hut.
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| After entering the tavern they find some humans and dwarves in a pup brawl. This annoys [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] as the inn keep refuses to give out food and drink until the brawl has finished. So he takes part in it breaking it up and then challenges the oldest of the dwarves. After a hard and honourable fight [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] wins the encounter and earns the respect of the other dwaves.
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| After entering the tavern [[Aluwyn]] recognises the dwarves as part of the Engineering Corp and tells the elves to hide in the forest.
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| The next day the non elves meet with the mayor they learn about the the Direwolf and the situation in [[Dostrait]], the ongoing rebellion and his dislike to the situation. At least one of the two must be finished off.
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| After the meeting the group went shopping and met up at the edge of the woods. From where they went to the pasture, where the last life stock has been slaughtered by a Direwolf. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] finds out that this was not done by a Direwolf but by a Worg and follows the tracks to their camp.
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| Hoping not to fight to many goblins at once they sneaked around the camp taking out the goblins one by one. This works fine the first time. But fails miserably as they trigger a trap and alarm all of the surrounding goblins. The fight goes well in the beginning until two massive Hobgobilns join the frey. But seeing their friends being slaughtered they retreat to fight another day.
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| == At Deaths Door ==
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| [[File:Group-Map-Session-6.png|400px|thumb|The group found a crudely drawn map in the goblin camp.]]
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| With the party just calming down after the encounter with the goblins, they found them self enchanted by wonderful music. All of them except of their hearty sorceress fall victim to the enchanting music. But there was no time, the world turned and the colours of the forest mixed and blurred, ore bright colours are added to the mix. As the world stopped spinning they find them self in the [[Quiet Pond|Realm of Milil]].
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| Only now they realise the death of their companion [[Varis Alloro]]. In front of them stands a ghostly elvish woman, she looks sad and in grief, [[Varis Alloro|Varis]] recognises his sister [[Aurae Alloro]]. She takes a step and a deep breath and in elvish she resides a poem, that moves almost every heart. And there the elven lord now stands realising his own death.
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| Not giving the group time to adjust to the new situation Milil steps forward and offers them the task to save the World from evil from the west. After some hesitation they agree and are gifted with some magical items and a Direwolf Pup for [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]]. After getting these parting gifts they find them self on their last battlefield.
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| Advancing to the goblin camp they hear fighting. As they sneak closer, they find the dwarves taking care of the last of the goblins. They find out that they are planning to go west, to fight the goblin hoards that live in the mountains there. So the two groups agreed to join forces for the march west.
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| Going back to [[Direward]] they seek out the [[Putin|Major]] to tell him about their Goblin hunt and to receive their pay. But he was busy at that late hour and the Guard did not allow them to pass. Until they persuaded him that the matter was urgent. So the group, with the exception of [[Porof Dakun|Porof]], march in on [[Putin]] having fun with two rather young girls. Unimpressed the group tells him about the goblins and asks for pay. Also they told him about their plan not to collect taxes for the [[Governor of Dostrait|Governor]] and head south. On these news [[Putin]] changed his mind and told them what trouble this would put him in. If they left here without finishing their task he will suffer from it. So he asked the group to come back the next day, that is when [[Aluwyn]] decided to play her charm and join the next rumble with [[Putin]] and the girls.
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| The next morning [[Varis Alloro|Varis]] left early to burn his wagon full of charcoal to summon his familiar. While the others enjoy a hearty breakfast at the tavern. All but [[Porof Dakun|Porof]], he seeks out the smith to fix his newly found Hobgoblin Armour to his size. On his way back he finds the Tavern surrounded by a number of armed men and soon finds himself arrested and shoved into the tavern, where he finds most of his friends arguing with [[Putin]]. As the argument gets more heated he shoves back one man and closes the door behind himself.
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| == A new Friend ==
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| Dimly is the room lit and the air is filled with tension, all one can hear is the heavy pant of [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] holding the door shut best he can. The rest of the party, except [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]], stand there ready to fight the mayor of [[Direward]]. He stands just centimetres away from [[Kylin Nelson|Lin]] his weapons ready, just like her. Ale flowing down a beard and dripping on the table and the table manners of hungry dwarves interrupt the silence. Annoyed of the shouting and threats of death the oldest of the dwarves, [[Havarast Stoneaxes]] stands up and tries to calm the emotions. But [[Putin]] and [[Kylin Nelson|Lin]] are determined to fight and only escalate the situation more, by casting spells and throwing insults. Never the less, [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] manages to calm the situation and negotiates a deal, where the group is bound to his and his men by the [[Brother Oath]] and they will take care of the task, the group does not want to honour to finish.
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| Unaware of the trouble inside the village, [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] is casting a ritual to find his familiar again. But he is interrupted by some guards, that ask him to follow them to the village centre. Though on their way they find his companions escorted by a much larger force. As they are escorted out of the village they are then told never to return or face certain death. The group cares little about this threat and wants to continue their travels, but the group will not let them, as they are still to swear the oath. Most of the group do not hesitate, [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] is hesitant to do so as he fears the pain of the burning coal and [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] outright refuses to swear it as he had no say in the matter and he has other oaths to up hold. In the end he is almost forced to take it under protest.
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| Trusting their new brothers little the dwarves decided that [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] will join the group and scout ahead west. While the other dwarves finish the business. They are to meet in two weeks time at the eastern goblin mountains.
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| Without any more delay the party is eager to get some distance between them and [[Direward]], so they set out west. After a days travel they find the ferry dock and book passage over to the other side of the river [[Bland]]. The young fery man called Lubin tells them about the dwarven city in the south. Having some free time and little interest of inland cities [[Kylin Nelson|Lin]] insects her new horn. As she blows the horn the ferry picks up speed and the clouds start to take a shape.
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| The clouds form an elven head with a smug smile on his lips. No one but [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] recognises him as [[Valoriens#Varos|Varos Valorien]], as the clouds completely form his head his voice sunders over the river and he proclaims in elvish: "''Condo Varis Alloro, Orriansonye Aravaeson, Hestonil e Orthalos Cinta Othao Dostrait, here by you are banished of the lands of Cahemelle and your live is forfeit, every elve is ordered to kill you on sight! You are stripped of your ranks and titles and are dismissed of the [[Protectors of the Sea]].''" As the last word is spoken the head vanishes and the clouds turn back to normal. Soon after they reach the other side of the river.
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| They travel fast west as they could and only started to rest once the first sun has set. As they build their camp [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] claims that the head must be connected to the horn and to prove he blows the horn as hard as he can, the up coming fog disorients [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] as he was chasing after his Dire Wolf pup [[Ryo I of Direwoods]]. But the horn blow was answered by another horn far in the distance. Uneasy about the horn blow they settle for the night with guards for every hour.
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| In that night [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] stands watch alone, he takes care of his bow and thinks of the things that happened that day. But movement catches his eye. He investigates and soon two arrows fly past him, he runs to the first tent and wakes everyone in it. Not knowing who their enemy is they grab their weapons to fight. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] thinks he grabs his javelins, only to find his trusty [[Glaive Suffering|glaive]] in his hands. While the others fight [[Aluwyn]] tries to wake up the other two [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] and [[Kylin Nelson|Lin]] but she miserably fails as the two of them are currently in a snoring contest. As she leaves frustrated she sees that the first enemy, a Hobgoblin, already lies slain on the floor. Getting ready to strike down the second one a flash of lightning and a loud thunder breaks through the night and the second enemy is incinerated. Surprised of what just happened they now see [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] in full birthday suite, double axe swinging and mighty beard waving like a banner running towards the now dead enemies. And behind them they only see a foot slipping into the tent and soon after they hear a very proud snore.
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| == Nightmares and Fiends ==
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| [[File:Bearded Devil.jpeg|400px|thumb|One of the creatures [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] bested with ease]]
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| After the nightly ambush, the group wakes up and as [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] goes to check on his trap, he finds a freshwater stream nearby. Everybody fills up their waterskins, the camp is broken down and the group is on their merry way. The slain Hobgoblins are left for the animals, after being searched thoroughly and relieved of some silver coins.
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| After the group has been walking for a while, [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] notices a suspicious raven seemingly following them. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] decides to shoot a fire bolt at it. This causes the bird to dive into the high grass and transform into a rat. This rat proceeds to bite [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] in the foot. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] enlarges [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] roughly to the size of a troll while he tries to shake off the now tiny rat. The creature transforms again, this time into a spider that climbs on [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] shoulder, only to get taken out by a magic missile shot by [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]]. As the creature lays on the ground, dying, it transforms once more to an ugly, red being, before vanishing into thin air.
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| The group walks on, pretty shook from this experience and sets up camp in the evening.
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| At dawn after an event less night, a pitch black mare with burning mane emerges from a suddenly appearing portal in the middle of a camp and attacks [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]]. It is slain with combined effort from the group, but only after injuring [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] and reacting to a hurled insult from [[Aluwyn]], in abysmal. This fact shows that this mare is a fiend, originating from the depths of hell.
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| [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] now remembers a childhood-story about how this woods are cursed and lone travellers often disappeared without a trace. Indeed, both elves feel that the forest all around them are corrupted and deeply disturbed. This becomes clear again when [[Ryo I of Direwoods|Ryo]] suddenly dashes off into the woods, so [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] has to chase after him.
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| Following [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]], [[Aluwyn]] and [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] make the acquaintance with yet another shapeshifter-creature. While catching his dire wolf, [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] discovers the entrance of a cave, from which shines a light.
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| After conferring, it is decided to explore this cave. Once inside, the group is attacked by a creature with a seemingly alive beard that can also attack its opponents. Shortly after engaging this creature, it is joined by a second of his kind. Both were split in half by [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] and his almighty [[Glaive Suffering|glaive]], over which he seems to lose control more and more.
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| Exploring the cave a bit more, they find two furious caged water hags. Their prison ward is a more powerful, evil hag that engages the group in a drawn out battle and also seems to be behind the shapeshifters that plagued the group before. She calls more of her shapeshifting servants, ultimately causing [[Ryo I of Direwoods|Ryo]] to go down. [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]], after exchanging hits with the hag, is being cut down as well, but [[Aluwyn]] heals him quickly afterwards. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] in turn manages to stabilise the condition of his dire wolf.
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| Meanwhile, [[Porof Dakun|Porofs]] mighty weapon developed a mind of its own and tries its best to corrupt [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] to go into a blood rage. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] only narrowly keeps control over his body as his friends fight for their lives against both the hag and her shapeshifting servants.
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| == The Cursed Treasure ==
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| The fight continues and the party is badly injured. But in the end, they managed to defeat the nighthag which is now unconscious. [[Aluwyn]] puts the hag in manacles and [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] is already picturing herself how she is going to wring everything out of the hag. [[Aluwyn]] is extinguishing the five candles on top of the skulls one by one, each flame shortly growing before finally dying. Only two candles are left, but the moment [[Aluwyn]] tries to extinguish the second last one, it disappears; the same happens with the last one. [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] who is currently sitting on top of the hag, suddenly falls to the ground.
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| Just after everyone’s heart skipped a beat, the hag reappears with her bloodcurdling laugh, unscathed and with two goblins. The goblins both equipped with gruesome blades and hiding their faces behind long hoods start attacking [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] and [[Aluwyn]]. Both are not able to withstand the assault and go down. [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] are dealing heavy blows but the goblins don’t seem to care, as they feel fear nor pain. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] strikes with both his blades and pierces one of the goblins skull, dealing a devastating blow. [[Aluwyn]] who is bleeding out musters her last strength and manages to stand up, save [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] from certain death, and throw an insult at the last goblin, so devastating that the worm in its eye turns back in shame and eats the brain.
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| The party can finally rest.
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| [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] are now trying to get the other two Hags inside the cages to talk. One is unable to speak because of her missing tongue, the other one despite being tortured by [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]], is only willing to cooperate if she is guaranteed her freedom. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] promises to release her, but only when the party is going to leave themselves. Further inspecting the cave, [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] finds a button in a small hole inside the wall which opens to another room, filled with mountains of gold and gems.
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| Meanwhile [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] and [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] are outside hunting for food. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] is playing a game of “can [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] spot me”. After shooting a buck [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] asks [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] about the head in the sky. [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] explains that he has been framed by a rival family, banished from his homeland and is kill on sight for all elves.
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| Back in the cave [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] and [[Aluwyn]] have learnt that the treasure is probably cursed, as [[Aluwyn]] had a bad feeling while touching it. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] finds a weird bottle with storm clouds and a ship inside. She recognizes the ship as the legendary “Devil’s Fall” a ship that is knows by every sailor, even though most don’t believe in those fairy tales. [[Aluwyn]] goes to wake up [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] but tries to touch his glaive. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] suddenly sitting up, having blue instead of his normal brown eyes, seems different. [[Aluwyn]] is scared by [[Porof Dakun|Porof's]] weird behaviour and casts charm on him. The person controlling [[Porof Dakun|Porof's]] body introduces itself as Suffering. After regaining control, [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] explains how Suffering is talking to him and wants him to go east to the lake.
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| [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] and [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] finally return from their successful hunt with enough meat for days. The group has set up watch shifts and tries to catch some rest. In the middle of the night a man with his head in his lap, riding a dark horse arrives at the cave. The mysterious man does not show any signs of hostility and says that he is looking for something for his captain. The man is oblivious of the fact that his head is not on top of his neck.
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| < a lot of head puns later >
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| [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] returns into the cave to wake up [[Porof Dakun|Porof]], who is the only one that is still asleep. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] quickly closes the secret door and hides the button. The party finds out that the man is called [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]] and served on the Devil’s fall. [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]] enters the cave and quickly finds the secret button but is confused why he could not find his ship among the treasures.
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| [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] and [[Aluwyn]] argue about what to do with the ship that [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] pocketed. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] wants to keep the legendary ship but [[Aluwyn]] wants to return it. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] butts in and proposes to return the ship so [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]] owes the party a favour. After [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] hands the ship to [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] he goes to [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]] and shows it to him. [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]] announces that the one who finds the Devil’s fall, shall be its captain, making [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] the new captain of the Devil’s fall. The group decides to use the ship to intercept their dwarven brothers in Marymar.
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| The following roles have been assigned to/picked by the party members:
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| * First Mate: [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]]
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| * Navigator: [[Varis Alloro|Marco ]]
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| * Gunner: [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]]
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| * Crow’s nest: [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]]
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| * Captain: [[Porof Dakun|Porof]]
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| * Quartermaster: [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]]
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| == Running in Circles ==
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| After an uneventful night the group, except [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] who is still sleeping, starts to discuss about their plan again, and conclude that they will the lake first. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] wants to test the reaction of one of the hags to the cursed treasure, so she throws a gem at the cage which somehow gives the hag the power to rip the cage open. She laughs and flees from the cave.
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| [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] concludes that the treasure’s curse cannot be that bad, puts on a shiny ring and fills her pockets with gold. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] starts cooking the remaining bunny and gives its skin to [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] while waiting for [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] to stop his meditation. [[Aluwyn]] still wants to experiment with the treasure and puts on a glove to touch the treasure. A warm feeling crawls into her arm, and she wants someone else to give the treasure to the remaining hag. [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]] starts filling up a bag with gold and throws a coin to [[Aluwyn]] who then directly throws it to the hag. The hag seems to not be affected at all and inspects the coin. She starts to turn from blue to pale and back. She also mentions that she does not need money while scarying [[Aluwyn]].
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| [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] wakes up and first asks why they changed the plan again. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] explains it and then lets [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] inspect his glaive. It seems to be some sort of host for a soul of a female.
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| After another discussion about the second sea hag they decide to keep their word and let her free. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] tries to break the cage but fails. [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] wants to have a go at the cage as well and gets pushed back by some force when he tries to break it. [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] inspects the cage and realizes that there are runes all over it. He destroys one of them with his sword, which starts to glow magically while cutting. This allows [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] to finally SMASH the cage.
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| The sea hag holds her word as well and tells the group about the treasure. It does not seem to be cursed, but marked with a location spell. If the group steals the treasure the hag will probably follow them and try to get it back. After harassing some members of the group, the sea hag finally leaves.
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| After a long discussion guided by greed they split up the treasure between the members who have touched it. [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] is asked to inspect the gems to be able to take the most valuable with them. He instinctively grabs the gem presented to him, making him affected as well. [[Aluwyn]] empties out her bag of gold, which [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] tries to avoid by jumping around. They replace all the gold with the most valuable gems.
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| Finally, they start their journey to the lake, passing by a burnt down tree. They walk a day’s worth of distance and then set up their camp. After a failed attempt to train [[Ryo I of Direwoods|Ryo]] and [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] laughing about it they go to sleep. During the second watch something big seems to build up on the horizon. It collapses immediately after the sound of a big explosion.
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| The next morning there still is a visible dust cloud in the east. They continue their travels to the west. [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] were teaching [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] how to navigate on land which after a while turned into [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] arguing about mountains vs hills.
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| In the evening [[Aluwyn]] tries to find out more about the treasure’s curse by identifying [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin's]] ring, and is somehow able to cure her by using a stone she found in the night hag’s lair. She decides to check out everyone in one of the tents in a pretty rapey manner. She does not find anything on [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]], [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] and [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]].
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| She then moves on to check out [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] and his glaive, which turns out to be harder than expected. She tries to touch his glaive which starts to glow, lighting up the whole tent. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] puts his glaive outside of the tent, but somehow is not able to. He thinks he did but he did not and gets pretty pissed about everything. [[Aluwyn]] decides to inspect [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] first, but he struggles to get his shirt off with his glaive in his hand. He gets more and more pissed and accidentally cuts a hole in the tent. [[Aluwyn]] finally gets to inspect him, but his glaive starts glowing again slowly taking over his whole arm. [[Aluwyn]] charms [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] as she thinks it’s the only way to get him to put his glaive outside. The whole process repeats and he still has his glaive in his hand. The people around the tent are visibly confused. [[Aluwyn]] tries to inspect him again, ignoring the glow and the force which pushes her back. An ethereal halfling woman start to grow out of [[Porof Dakun|Porof]]. [[Aluwyn]] tries to touch the ethereal woman but gets pushed back hard. At this point the whole group interferes and [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] tries to hold down the ethereal woman. [[Aluwyn]] shifts into the ethereal plane and asks the woman what’s wrong, to which she replied “get off of me”. [[Aluwyn]] then shifts back and gets hit by the woman’s ethereal glaive. The woman then pushes back [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] and gets back into [[Porof Dakun|Porof]], who is still pissed. The woman’s last words mentioned that the group was going for the wrong lake, and that the correct one is further to the west. “On the other side of the lake, across the tundra, across two rivers and the last hill”.
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| The group expect for [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] discussed the situation and decided to change the plan again and go north to the mountain chain, waiting for their brothers.
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| == A leap into the ocean ==
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| Waking up the next day the party realize that [[Aluwyn]] has gone missing. Deciding to go looking for her and go hunting at the same time the two humans and the two elves split up in different directions. They agreed on meeting up again within an hour. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] tries to make the hunting a competition starts a bet, that the elves do not seem to take to seriously. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] and [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] find in the north a lot of rabbit holes. The two humans split up and cover as many holes as possible. [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] fires a series of magic missile to kill 3 rabbits while [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] almost scores a home run by kicking a rabbit over a large distance.
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| Meanwhile [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]]come across some tracks that later get identified as warg tracks. Upon this discovery the returned back to camp which has been guarded so far by [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]]. After relaying the threat and agreeing to immediately head to the beach the party gets ready to leave. [[Kylin Nelson|Lin]] is still quick to point out that the humans won this round of hunting making the score 1:0 to the humans. Regarding [[Aluwyn]] disappearance the party agrees that she either will meet up at the beach or she will find her own way.
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| [[File:Flying_Dutchman.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The [[Devilsfall]]]]
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| At the beach the party meet up again with the dwarves. Swiftly the three sailors [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]],[[Porof Dakun|Porof]] and [[Kylin Nelson|Lin]] jump into the ocean and swim out for about 500 ft. The dwarves just watch on in amusement of how crazy they are. Once far enough out [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] opens up the bottle. After a brief second the ship slowly pushes itself magically through the opening of the bottle with numerous thunderclouds. Once the boat is fully afloat the sailors board the ship where [[Kylin Nelson|Lin]]and [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] immediately get assaulted by a monkey. After inspecting the ship and anchoring the rest of the party get picked up from the beach. On the ship the group decide on spending a day anchored to teach the inexperienced in the hopes of having an easier journey to the land of the goblins.
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| == The Dust Cloud ==
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| After [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] goes for a swim in the morning (and makes a habit of it as the group stays anchored), the sailors try to teach the dwarves the basics of sailing. While Torball, Numbnumb and Hardel learn rather quickly, [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] and Marduk have a hard time because they are too busy puking over the reeling. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] has a few herbs that would remedy the puking, but he is reluctant to hand them over, which leads to [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] puking in his hammock at night. Due to [[Aluwyn]] missing, [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] gets ‚promoted‘ to engineer.
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| In the evening, everybody goes swimming and it ends in a water fight between the dwarves and the rest of the crew. After [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] casts enlarge on [[Porof Dakun|Porof]], this fight ends rather quickly though.
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| On the way to the village north of [[Marymar]], the group encounters a big dust-cloud, probably coming from what used to be [[Marymar]]. They sail around it and arrive at the village some three days later. As they are sailing under no flag, the group is met with distrust and the [[Leopold Major of Eastwach|major]] of the village, [[Eastwatch]], refuses to trade with them. However, he agrees to trade if they escort a messenger, the 15 year old [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]], to [[Direward]]. [[Leopold major of Eastwach|Leopold]], the major, tells the group that [[Marymar]] one day rose into the sky before plummeting down on the ground again. A few days later, a black ship with undead creatures landed on the beach and raided the village. All messengers sent to [[Direward]] never returned, therefore we should escort [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]].
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| While the group waits on the beach for the travel-preparations to [[Direward]] to finish, [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]] invites [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] to show him part of the path they would be travelling. [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] decides to join them. The boy suddenly attacks [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] with a dagger. [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] swings his battle axe, but the ‚boy‘ seems to be resistant to all his efforts and transforms into a cat-like creature. On the other hand, [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] with his magic sword does not seem to have this problem. The creature charms [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] into attacking [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]], but the spell vanishes after [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] hits [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] once. Due to [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] axe not making any damage, he decides to incapacitate and gag the creature while [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] fights him with his magic sword. The claws of the creature almost kill both of them, making [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] unconscious. [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] just barely manages to kill it with a spell after it turned invisible and tried to run away.
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| After the rest of the group finds their badly wounded companions and they are returning to the village, [[Leopold major of Eastwach|Leopold]] denies knowing anything about these creatures, but he is clearly horrified. Also, [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]] was with him at all times, so the attacking creature could not have been [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]]. After taking everything from the creature, including two vials, two daggers and a handwritten note, it is buried.
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| The group returns to the ship for the night, where [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] regains his consciousness again. [[Jack the headless Pirate|Jack]] can shed light on the ominous note the creature had on him and informs the group that it was most likey a [https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/rakshasa Rakshasa] and the note is a death-note. This note usually has a name on it and the [https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/rakshasa Rakshasa] will not rest until either itself or the creature whos' name is written on the note is dead.
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| During the night, neither [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] nor [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] can get any rest, because they have horrible nightmares. This will continue in the following nights as well, leaving them exhausted and not rested in the morning.
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| The next morning, the group and [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]] start their journey towards [[Direward]]. While they are talking to [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]], he mentions that [[Rigalis]], whom the group met before in [[Marymar]], is now a refugee from there, but [[Eggbert the Messenger|Eggbert]] hasn't seen him for several days now.
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| The closer the group gets to the dust cloud surrounding what used to be [[Marymar]], the deader the nature gets. During the night watches, the group spots humanoid figures walking around in the dust, but they‘re never getting any closer to their camp.
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| Once the group is nearing the dust cloud, [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] notices that the cloud seems to expand, and not for natural reasons.
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| The group gets swallowed by the cloud soon after and all the light sources they have prepared (a fire, several torches and several magic light orbs) die and the visibility is very poor. The only light source seemingly unimpressed by the dust is an elvish light [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] has on him.
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| The humanoid figures spotted earlier, now approach them. Their movement is stiff and slow. The group assumes they are [https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/zombie zombies] and attack them. The battle is won quickly and with little damage taken. Though they are still lost in the dust cloud with no sense of direction and wander around in it, seemingly aimlessly searching for [[Direward]]. The only reason they don‘t lose themselves is because they have tied themselves together with a long rope.
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| == The Source of the Cloud ==
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| The party was still trapped inside the dustcloud, their vision limited to only a few meters, no way to tell north from south and limited food and water. Any fire they try to make gets slowly extinguished by the dust, the only thing keeping the darkness away are [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin's]] dancing lights. After drifting around for countless hours, the party decides to rest. While everyone is sleeping, [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] hears how more of the previous encountered creatures walk into the camp. The creatures seem to ignore [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] whose loudest noise is his heartbeat. [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast]] is less subtle in his approach and uses his greataxe to make quick work of the first creature he sees. As the combat sounds seem to leave the camp, [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] checks the rope that was supposed to connect the party members, just to realize that [[Havarast Stoneaxes|Havarast's]] end has been cut. Now everyone is awake but there is nothing the party can do. They only find a few dismembered creatures with blue skin, long nails and teeth.
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| The rest of the night passes eventless.
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| On the next day, the party finds that the dust is less dense in one direction. Following this direction, the party arrives at a steep cliff. Hesitating but after seeing that the dust is less dense downwards the party descends into the unknown. The theory emerges that this crater, which was not on any map, might be where Marymar used to be. Arriving at the bottom the party sees a familiar crooked man, Wormtongue. He seems to be chanting something, only [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] [or [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]], not sure anymore] recognized the language as black speech. Wormtongue does not make a welcoming impression and talks about his master Blaidd Drwg (bad wolf). [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] and [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] try to play it cool and walk away from this but Wormtongue has other plans. A large spherical creature with a large eye in the middle and four tentacles growing out of it rises from the dust and attacks the party. Wormtongue turns away from the party and walks through a portal that opens in front of him. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] proclaims that the portal must lead to a place in the far west by how the other side looks. [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] and [[Kylin Nelson|Kylin]] unleash a barrage of brutal attacks on the creature but it does not seem to feel pain. Hit by a beam from one of the tentacles [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] runs from the creature, towards Eggbert and throws him on the ground. [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]] is chopping off one tentacle after another but before the last tentacle has been cut a bright beam hits him and reduces him to a pile of ash. After finishing off the creatures the party gathers around the pile of ash that used to be [[Varis Alloro|Alloro]].
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| [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] collects [[Varis Alloro|Alloro's]] ashes inside the bottle of the devils fall. Next to where the portal was the party finds six bodies, 3 elves with green, blue and yellow robes, a human in purple, a dragonborn in gray garment and a gnome wearing something that looks similar to what Alluwyn wore. The dragonborn is the only alive, even though barely. In his dying breaths he wispers: “I’m sorry for it”. The bodies show signs of torture, but the cause of death seems to be exhaustion. With Wormtongue’s disappearing the dustcloud also started to settle. Now finally being able to see, the party can make out that they are indeed inside a crater. After burning the Beholder’s body, the party leaves the crater westwards where they find the sea where they put up camp. [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] playing with [[Ryo I of Direwoods|Ryo]] manages to teach him how to [disengage] from combat.
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| During the first guard shift Eggbert wakes up the group claiming to have spotted a wolf. [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] takes out a javelin and throws his glaive, missing the wolf by a few meters. After further inspection [[Astreus|the wolf]] looks more like a sheep. As the sheep approaches the party it starts turning into a human. The human introduces himself as [[Astreus|Astreus]], a traveller and spellcaster. [[Astreus|Astreus]] carries a rusty greatclub and a sling with stones. [[Astreus|Astreus]] explains to [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] that the stones are magical and after a disbelieving look promptly demonstrates them and convinces him that they really contain magic. [[Astreus|Astreus]] also displays his magic skills showing the party that he can handle himself in combat.
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| Together with [[Astreus|Astreus]] the party follows the path to [[Direward|Direward]]. Except for the ferry station missing, [[Porof Dakun|Porof]] being visible unsettled by Direwoods and [[Ruven Liafiel|Ruven]] spending the evening teaching [[Ryo I of Direwoods|Ryo]], nothing noteworty happens before the party arrives at [[Direward|Direward]].
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| With their banishment in mind the party wants to send [[Astreus|Astreus]] with Eggbert so they don’t have to enter [[Direward|Direward]], but seeing it completely deserted they enter anyway to further investigate what is going on. As the party visits the tavern, they get confronted by a small group of warriors whose leader calls himself Rasputin. Rasputin tells the party that warforged attacked the village and Putin died an honourable death protecting the villagers who fled into the forest. Rasputin wants to talk to Eggbert alone and tells the party to wait in the tavern in the meantime. [[Astreus|Astreus]] turns into a rat after he enters the tavern and tries to eavesdrop on Rasputin, but a guard throws his javelin at him as he leaves the tavern and turns him right back into his human form. [[Astreus|Astreus]] explains that he only wanted to find a barn to make himself comfortable.
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The Imminent Doom is a period in Arath starting in 1521. It is mainly marked by the war between the biggest realms the Democracy of Cahemelle, the Dwarven Republic, the Thanate Empire, the Orcish Diarchy and the Draconian League.
In the centre of this period of war an unlikely group finds its way together. These are the stories of this groups adventures. Though if you want to read what else unfolded during the time and what they might have kick started in other places of Arath then you might want to read the Backstory of The Imminent Doom.
The Fall of Marymar
The party meets aftermath of a contested landing between elves and dwarves. Not having many other options they band together and head out eastwards towards Marymar. There they meet the local Govenor and decide to help him out by collecting taxes in the surrounding villages. Not having the best impressions of the Govenor they stole his treasours and head out further east wards across the wide planis.
In those plains they find a cave inhabitated by a hag, that trubbled them in their dreams. After a short scuffle they then found her cursed treasoure and a ship in a magical bottle. During the following night a headless character finds them and explains that this is the Devilsfall and he would be loyal to the one who found it. In a quick pace they head towards the shore to test this new mans words.
While traversing the plains they saw that some sort of earth ball rise up into the air and then drop down causing a large dust cloud. With their new ship the party decided to investigate the event. They find nothing where Marymar was last and decided to head further west to the next fishing village, where they are told that Marymar is no more.
Wanting to figure out the extension of the damage they head out into the wilds the reach the lumberjack village at the southern forest, which they find almost abandond. After some time and arguing the party decided to head further into the dust cloud only to find a wizard in the deep crator who conjures up a Zombie Beholder.
The fight was tough and resulted in the death of Alloro.
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Rebellion in Goblin Town
Hearing of some struggles in the east the party heads out. Finding a valley controlled by goblins. A colourful band of rebells is fighting for their liberty against the repressive regiem of the Goblin King.
The party wants to help and sets out to hunt down some patrols and to pick up supplies. On their way back they decide to take a more dangerous short cut, which lead them into a runied dwarven underground city. The city is inhabited by mutated spiders and a Drider. Fighting their way through the city they then find the Drider in the throne room in which they challange her to battle. Infighting and bickering amongst the party leads to a loss of battle.
The surving members are handed over to the goblins, which parade them through the valley as openly as possible. Allowing the rebels and their crew to locate and free them. Wanting revenge the party sets out to target the King himself.
With the king dead his empire curmbles, his generals fight amongst each other allowing a new dwarven kingdom growing out of it's ashes.
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An Excursion to the Hells
Testing the skills of the party the dwarven pirate captain Greybeard asks them to pick up a package from Durnkuldir. Sneaking into the basement of the Genral Axethain they find the young dwarf Ozmock, Greybeards nephew.
Yet soon after Ozmock is kidnapped by Deviles on their way back to Greybeard, prompting them to follow them to the Nine Hells. A place full of fighting and constant struggles for power.
At first the party tries to break into the fortified camp of one of the Warlords, yet the resistance is stronger than they thought. If it wasn't for the support of their friend Captaing Teolgrag they would not have been able to return from the hells with the young Ozmock.
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The Breaking of the Council
Being a member of the Council since their first visit to Might Town the party tried to build up releations with some of the captains, mainly with Captain Teolgrag and Capatain Greybeard. Which is achieved by helping out with some tiresome tasks and other favours.
On a return trip to Might Town they find the city in turmoil, knowing their captain is in the city hall they charge in and find Ondas' and Hogans men currently trying to take over the city. In the mean time the Council is informed about a new opportunity, which results in the breaking of the Council.
Fighting to liberate the city the party makes a new friend Captain Tavia.
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The Curse of Conder Isle
Carrying Sulla, the cursed talking chair who claims to be an old god of fighting, the crew sets course for Conder Isle, Darfin's homeland, where an arena devoted to Sulla is said to be able to break his curse. On the foggy way south Strennun throws himself into a whirlpool, a mutiny is put down and Roftag becomes first mate. Days later Strennun is fished out of the sea by none other than Kylin's estranged sister.
On the isle the party crosses the faerie-haunted woods to Alse Edhil. In search of a book about the old gods they break into the house of Darfin's nemesis Arune Silvaris, steal the book along with a large crystal, and promptly end up on wanted posters. Darfin's wife Elora offers them a way out: help the elven rangers fight a curse spreading through the forest.
Deep in the cursed woods they find a hag nesting in an ancient burial mound and kill her, losing the bag of holding in the process. Beneath the tomb Strennun meets Anathar, an entity sealed in a monolith, who possesses him and Brovara before the crew flees. In a maze near Sulla's arena they clash with Wormtongue, whom Darfin banishes, and the blood of the fallen sets Sulla free. Square becomes his high priestess, and all but Roftag accept his gifts.
Back at the port they learn that Kylin is wanted for desertion and the Devilsfall has been seized. The party breaks into the keep, frees Jack and the surviving crew, and escapes, setting the elven fleet aflame as they leave the isle behind.
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The Thanate Gambit
Fresh off the elven isle, the crew burns an elven flagship and fills its ranks with new recruits, among them Falaria, Nori and Danam. At the hidden fleet Darfin and Kylin finally admit what they have become: pirates. A rakshasa disguised as Falaria strikes on board, and the new bounties arrive. When the captains gather, Teolgrag reports that Hogan, Ondas and Wormtongue have made a deal with the devils in the Deadlands. The alliance decides to strike the orcs and seek allies in the Thanate Empire, and Teolgrag asks Kylin to become his heir.
In Quarate, Strennun's homecoming sours when his father Vodan treats him as hired muscle, and the crew chooses each other over family. At Flavia's Frivolous Fantastical Fings they pay strange prices for strange goods: Kylin gets a dagger sworn to Rakdos, Roftag learns his name, and Darfin learns he has been undead for weeks and that a phylactery lies to the west. When the spice merchant Sinan threatens to hand them to Wormtongue, Kylin slits his throat and walks away with his letter of recommendation. Before the council Wormtongue appears as "ambassador" of the master wizards, but the council sides with the crew and expels him. They promise talks, not troops. Strennun avenges his Nana by killing Dunan in a tavern brawl.
Sailing east, the crew judges a band of captured slavers on deck, demotes Strennun for disobeying orders and leaves a failed assault on an elven warship behind. Falaria returns as a ghost, and Kylin is haunted by visions of the vengeful Dragon Turtle. At a lifeless tower on the coast, the place Flavia pointed them to, Darfin finishes translating the cataclysm book. It tells of a society that wielded limitless magic fuelled by lifeforce, and of six lowborn adventurers who hunted them down and rose to become the new gods.
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War of the Diarchy
On the way to the Orcish Diarchy, Turlain, an old friend of Kylin's father, scolds her for dragging the Nelson name through piracy and points the crew to a dwarven mountain fortress on the border. There the gnome Thanin shows them a cannon powered by black powder and hands them the diaries of a Rigalis from 1300 years ago, whose map leads to something hidden near Marymar during the Calamity. The plan is set: back Thur'kan's claim to one half of the Diarchy to buy the dwarves time. A first strike on an orc camp ends in an ambush, losses and a burning forest.
Turned away from the fortress port, the crew raids another camp at night, only to find the warriors gone and the women, children and elderly left behind. Kylin takes in a nameless slave, and an old orc woman, the crone, arranges a meeting with Thur'kan, warning Kylin of a decision that will break her.
At the great oak, the shaman Ga'alak greets each of them by a strange title, and Thur'kan demands proof before any alliance. Roftag drinks from the shaman's bowl, wakes in his old camp in the Nine Hells and slays a great wolf. The crew then ambushes Tar'nok to weaken him, Thur'kan defeats him in single combat and swears to leave the dwarves in peace. Darfin departs for the Gnomish Academy, while the fortress port is overrun by orcs.
Back at sea, Kylin burns a rat's soul to cast a black fireball. Her hair turns white, and she promises the troubled crew to stop. In a dream she ferries Tar'nok to her patron and wakes holding his two coins. A well-dressed fisherman on the open sea debates perception with Strennun before leaving through a door that appears from nowhere, and Roftag decides to leave the ship at the next stop and head home.
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