Dragondeep
a Dungeons & Dragons (4E) adventure for five third level characters
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Our heroes followed the trail of corruption to the fabled Isle of Lost Souls, where an evil dragon was draining the life from everything on the island. After a bloody battle they've slain the dragon, putting an end to his nefarious schemes and bringing peace to another part of the world.
But the story does not end there. A cult calling themselves the Farbringers have entered the ancient city of Viscar, and are plotting to summon forth the Aesur, an extra-planar being of unfathomable power. Having spoken with a representative of the enigmatic Shezzar, the heroes now set off in search of the city to stop the coming invasion and rescue Tess, the inn-keeper's daughter that they swore to protect.
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The Party:Dajian: Danarous, Tiefling Wizard
TheMadjai: Ahilgen, Elf Cleric
TheBog: B'auw, Gnoll Ranger
Themindtaker: Berenden, Dwarf Fighter
Cytorak: Lilliana, Eladrin Warlock/Paladin
The Technicalities:
This is a PbP game. Your DM is me, Denada. Sheets are on
myth-weavers. Dice rolls are on
invisiblecastle. For now, this is a combined OOC/IC thread. Post OOC discussions/comments/questions/etc in spoilers to avoid clutter and confusion. If it ends up being a hassle, I'll go ahead and split this into two threads, but I think this will help keep the game moving (plus its easier for me to only keep track of one thread).
I expect each of you to post at least once a day (except on weekends) when you're able. If you'll be away for an extended period of time, let me know so that I can make arrangements to keep the game moving while you're gone (or postpone it if the majority of the party is unavailable). I'm a reasonable person and I won't kick you out for missing posts here and there. That being said, if you flake consistently you'll be removed from the party.
My primary objective here is for us to have fun. If you're not having fun for some reason, please let me know. Alright, now that that's all out of the way, let's go role some dice!
Posts
If you want to get into your back-story with each other, now is the time to do so. If you're content with just assuming that you've all met and decided to start adventuring together for whatever reason, we'll start with your group arriving in All Hope.
In either case, once you're ready for the adventure to start, post !ready and we'll get the ball rolling.
Kava is a warrior, born and bred. She wears nondescript Scale armor, the deep blue contrasting well with her scales. In her right hand she carries her blade, a finely honed Bastard sword that she swings far to easily considering it's weight. On her left is her shield, a heavy steel shield in a vaguely triangular shape, and a small pack rests on her back.
Kava is !Ready
Danarous was born to a human mother and a tiefling father. As always the case he inherited the tiefling traits from his father, but he never resented his lineage in fact he embraced it. As a child Danarous' fondest memories were his father reading to him of the old kingdom and the deal the tieflings made to hold on to power. He often went to sleep with dreams of the great war with the dragonborn. As Danarous grew he began reading more and more and even showed an aptitude for the arcane arts. Danarous' father was a merchant and using some contacts he had made throughout the years managed to get Danarous an apprenticeship with an old Tiefling wizard.
Years passed with Danarous in deep study with his mentor. He learned how to summon the infernal power his ancestors wielded, but not by giving in to the demonic callings. He instead worked with his mentor to hone his mind to be able to control the demon realm through arcane power. Before passing of old age Danarous' mentor inducted him into the order known as the "Students of the Flame". An order of Tiefling wizards dedicated to the study of the infernal Arcane arts. Focused on unleashing the abysmal fires through study and practice who's magic is invoked using the guttural language of demons.
After the death of his mentor Danarous struck out into the realm for adventure. In constant search of knowledge and power.
Appearance:
Danarous has dark reddish brown skin that seems flame scared in places. He has gold eyes that glint with an almost orange tint and his hair is a dark black that matches the jet black horns that protrude from his forehead and wrap around his head ending just above his ears.
He wears a dark brown duster that swings to his knees and no shirt beneath. From his neck hangs several metal symbols that he has a habit of rubbing when in deep thought. He wears loose light brown linen pants and has a belt with many pouches and pockets that stores various magical components.
His most prized accessory though is a long hand carved ebony wood staff. Three quarters of the staff is smooth, but the top quarter has intricate carvings of what appear to be a swarming mass of demons struggling to reach the top of the staff where a bright red crystal is mounted in the hands of three large demonic figures.
Although Danarous grew up dreaming of the great war between Tieflings and the Dragonborn he knows that it is ancient history and harbors no ill will towards Dragonborn. In fact he has met several along his travels that he has fostered good friendships with.
Danarous is !ready
B'auw was given birth right in the middle of a human raid on the small gnoll clan. The gnolls defended fiercely and managed to fight back the attackers, but the pup was dropped and suffered head trauma. Luckily he recovered quickly and, to the clan's glee, developed into a ferocious fighter, yapping in anger at the mere sight of humans. As the clan enslaved humans, they allowed B'auw to partake in spirit-breaking at a particularly young age. He would bark at them and scratch them, waving his tail side to side happily..
In the next several years B'auw's mind continued developing.. He became aware of things most gnolls weren't.. He saw the parallel between the human raids and the raids his clan did on human settlements.. His "hate" for humans faded. He didn't dare question his clan, of course, and just kept his mouth shut. He loved his clan, but felt like an outsider. His brothers and sisters did not relate with him on all but the most base of instincts. Not to say he ceased to enjoy violence; on the contrary. B'auw became on of his clan's best and most ferocious fighters. Once he got a taste of human blood he would get worked up into a frenzy, morals melting away in the moment.
One dark night he threw a black cloak over his mane and headed off into the night, hoping to meet new gnolls to stimulate his intellect. Or maybe even members of other races. Maybe even humans..
B'auw's been working in a human town for several months now. First met with pure disgust and aversion he was kicked out of every household and pub. Frustrated, B'auw cooled his spirit by slaughtering a couple of beggars in an alleyway. The grim results of the incident were noticed later that night, and B'auw was ironically hired to protect the pub from future slaughters. Ever since then Bauw's been taking lowly shady jobs to make a living and learn new things.
Appearance:
B'auw is ready!
"But is she ready, sir?"
That was a question that Adelphus, Knight Commander of the Sentinels of Corellon, had asked himself frequently about his newest recruit, Lilliana Valern. An Eladrin woman, wandering the countryside and rambling on about creatures out to get her. At least, she did until Adelphus and his men rescued her from a band of brigands. She was troubled (Corellon knows what the pact she made with the creature had done to her mind), but she was bright and eager to learn the ways of the paladin. Adelphus had hope that the code of Corellon had shaped her mind enough to keep her demons at bay, at least for the time being.
Adelphus watched Lilliana sparring in the courtyard, her silver hair fluttering as she dodged and weaved. The girl was beautiful and had a forceful personality, but would it be enough? Adelphus knew that answer could not be found solely in the courtyard where she had trained so vigorously for so long.
"Yes, she's ready," Adelphus said, turning to his lieutenant. "Send her to All Hope. I have just received a missive regarding strange occurrences."
Adelphus sighed. Good luck, and may Corellon watch over you, he thought to himself.
Appearance:
Lilliana is tall for her race, with long silver hair and skin tone that, while normal for humans, is slightly darker than her Eladrin kin. She seems to be keeping a nervous energy in check, but every so often, when her guard is down, one can notice her eyes flitting back in forth, as though she was expecting someone or something to come crashing down on her at any moment. (OOC: Man, I love commas )
She wears simple leather armor that has a small symbol of Corellon carved into the front. She carries an elegant longsword, but it seems to be more of a comfort item, as no one has seen her wield it in combat. Yet.
Lilliana is !ready.
"Ahilgen." was all he said.
!ready
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Your party is formed, you've discussed Mayor Johan's request for aid in All Hope, and you've decided it's a good opportunity for your group. The road there wasn't easy, but you've arrived.
Three things stand out to you as you arrive in All Hope. The cool ocean air, the sound of crashing waves, and the empty roads. There are no children playing here, no carts traveling the dusty streets, almost no one at all. If it weren't for a handful of weary townspeople shuffling from place to place, you might think the town deserted.
From the main road you can see a small marketplace with a few pitiful stalls, a weathered old inn, and a number of small shacks that look like they were built out of pieces of boats and the scraps of other buildings. To the north you can make out a small hill with a few large manors overlooking the town. To the south, a temple dedicated to Melora stands quietly between a larger building - probably the town hall - and a farm, whose health and abundant crops look entirely out of place next to the dreariness of the rest of All Hope.
A flyer is nailed to a tall wooden post next to the main road, confirming the rumors that have brought you here:
"By decree of Tark Johan, Mayor of the Port of All Hope, all able-bodied and noble heroes are called to arms. The mayor seeks an audience with you at your earliest opportunity. Our situation is dire, and our need is great."
The Port of All Hope:
The party is currently located on the main road leading into town, just to the west (left) of the map.
"We are certainly able bodied, though our nobility is yet to be determined. So I take it our first task is to seek out this Mayor Johan?"
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
"No bodies. No carrion. An abandoned town... Unlikely that they were driven out as there is no damage to the buildings and few remain.. Maybe they have a lack of food and are dying. Yes.. Talk with this mayor. Find out what he knows.. "
Danarous' words trail off as he sees the market stalls ahead. He rubs one of his medallions and then recalls that he was addressing his fellow adventurers.
If you don’t mind I am going to look at the town’s market stalls and see if anyone has any books or manuscripts for sell.
With that the tiefling makes his way to the several small stalls to see if they have anything worth reading.
"I'm going too."
Yes, lodging should be our first order of business. I strongly doubt this matter will take us from town before tomorrow. Perhaps we should inquire with the locals to see what information they can provide us before talking to the mayor?
"Seeing as how this town is in such dire need, maybe we should save the shopping and search for lodgings until after meeting the Mayor. It may be that lodgings and other things we may desire will be provided us for our services? At any rate, I will try and find out where this Mayor Johan is to be located. Shop if you will, afterwards we should meet in the center of town, then approach this Mayor Johan as a group."
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
So... On to the Mayor!
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
What few people are on the roads have started to notice you while you discuss your options. No one approaches, though you can clearly see them murmuring to each other and pointing in your direction. Eventually, one of the locals nods to his friends and walks briskly in the direction of the town hall. The other people scatter and return to their business.
As you get further into town you can see that the few stalls in the market are wrapped up, with no vendors or shoppers in sight. The market was probably closed.
It would stand to reason that the mayor would be in the town hall, and your instincts told you that's probably where the local was headed, presumably to tell him about your arrival. The road there takes you past some of the shacks south of the market, which you can now see are small houses. The majority of them have rundown fishing and sailing equipment in their yards and leaning against their walls. Some of the houses were occupied, though no one seemed particularly eager to come out and greet you. Just as you have the thought, a man calls out to you from one of the southern shacks.
"You thur!" the man yells, obviously drunk. "C'over 'ere a minute. I wan' talk to you."
Wonderful, Kava thinks to herself as she looks towards the drunk. She'll approach somewhat reluctantly and ask him plainly.
"You wouldn't know where we could find Mayor Johan, would you?"
From here you can see the town hall clearly, further down the road you're on.
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
"Don't tempt me." she mutters under her breath, and then continues on.
Does your patron encourage wielding divine power against the might of the deadly Town Drunk's Door?
She flips a stray hair into place.
Let's keep moving. This town isn't going to save itself. She glances around at the empty stalls and utter lack of noise. Obviously.
"This is good news, friend! It is right for the weak to be afraid of ones such as us.. With our glistening teeth and our sharp claws and swords! But the drunk man is not worth our time. He is full of alcohol and fat and would cause problems for my stomach."
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
"I hope you're here to help," he says, addressing all of you. "The last thing this town needs is more trouble."
We are indeed here to help. My name is Lilliana, humble servant of Corellon. My associates and I would like to speak to the mayor regarding your town's misfortune and what we can do to assist your fair city.
Ahilgen slides to the back of the group and elbows B'auw gently to get his attention. Ahilgen extends his hand, palm up, and again begins to gather the magick around his palm. He raises an eyebrow at B'auw as if to say, "Dare me?"
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
Kava nods.
"If we're able, yes."
Danarous knows that one always has more opportunities to gain wealth and power after he acquires knowledge first and seeing the Elf get that smirk on his face again moves to try and quiet his impetuousness.
Anxious to get to it are we?
Well I think if you have some patience this town will provide more than enough excitement for the both of us.
With a small flick of his hands an illusion of three small fire demons begin dancing around the light in the palm of Ahilgen’s hand. Then vanish in a wisp of smoke as if being burned out by the radiance of Ahilgen’s magic.
<some people just don't know how to have a good time> He thinks to himself.
CURRENTLY PLAYING:
Android: Netrunner, Warhammer: Conquest, Star Realms
The dragonborn turns to walk up the steps, but is halted by a dwarf bursting out the front doors. "Sweet song of Melora!" he cries. "We're saved!" He raises his hands in victory as he descends the steps, then catches a look at the five of you. "Oh dear." He is visibly less excited.
"Mayor Johan, these people have offered their services in answer to your call," the dragonborn says.
"Ah, hmm. Well," Mayor Johan replies nervously. "Beggars can't be choosers I suppose, eh Dargiss?. I see you're a servant of Corellon, young lady. I guess that's something. Is that a ... gnoll there with you!?" He looks at Dargiss, then back at the group. "Oh dear."
Him? He's a little rough around the edges, but on the whole, he's harmless.
Lilliana stands up straight and smiles reassuringly. Master Adelphus sent me to learn what tragedy has befallen this town. Perhaps you can give us some more information so we can understand the situation.
"Don't worry sir. He is well aware that if he kills anyone who doesn't deserve it I'll rip his arms off."
Kava waits a beat.
"So what is the trouble that has you so distressed?"
B'auw furrows his brow, staring at the mayor..
B'auw looks at Lilliana and scrunches up his nose.. "I'm rough?.. but harmless?"
"My.. arms?" He snarls and rubs his shoulders, no doubt imagining the event. B'auw was confused at first.. but memories of his old clan came flooding back. Playing games with his brothers and sisters as pups. Barking silly insults at each other. Trying to maintain dominance over eachother.
"You won't be able to even touch me. Your throat will be split open and the filthy rats will use it as a home-"
He stopped himself short... understanding he was not being conductive to whatever his party was aiming to accomplish with this mayor character..
As usual he allows the others to lead on the diplomatic side of things, but hopes they are able to secure a bigger pay day than the last job they had.
Danarous goes back to rubbing the worn and tarnished medallion around his neck while listening to the conversation unfold and keeping a keen eye on all the groups interesting members.