Real Date: 11-Sep-10
Game Date: 13/01
Tryn investigates the pit and finds nothing... except pain when he falls 30 feet straight down. Ash decides that it is a good move to deconsecrate the evil temple and paints the holy symbol of Pelor on the walls. For reasons best known to himself, Arranis decides to send a Magic Missile whizzing into the rift and then plays with a blue glowing circle that is inscribed on the ground in front of the rift. he soon regrets this as excruciating pain rips through his wizardly body.
The party head back up to the previous level to go and face the ochre jellies again, much to the protestations of Ash who thinks they should just be left alone and would be a waste of time. They spy a message on a door that states "Stay Out! Really!". Ash thinks that would be a good idea but Baeshra kicks the door in. Beyond the shattered remains of the door there are a set of stairs heading downwards covered in fungus. At the bottom of the stairs is a pool in a large chamber with an island in the middle of it.
On the island can be seen coins and other valuable stuff. There are ripples on the surface of the water so Tryn
decides he should shoot a slingbullet at it. Balasar jumps across the pool to the island. Ash thinks to himself, "How hard can this be?" and then promptly throws himself in the water as he fails to make it across to the island.
Ash is attacked by a blue slime and is quickly killed, with his last words being, "I didn't even want to go in there!"
On the island there is a shield, a potion and a message scroll. There is a map of the area showing the location of the Shadowfell and a couple of message parchments. The first message reads,
“Remember, don’t wet the nodule—unless Kalarel is not receptive to the offer. Then, wet it only from a distance, and then, turn and run. Water will bring the creature out of its dormancy, and it will consume anything it can reach.”
The second message is much more intriguing and reads,
“Greetings, Kalarel. I have recently learned of your activity in the area and have an offer for you. During your time in this region, if you should capture any humanoids, we are eager to buy them. We have duergar allies in Thunderspire in need of slave stock. If you are interested, send an envoy back to me. My messengers will show the way."
This message is signed... “Chief Krand of the Bloodreavers.”
[750xp/4]
Treasure
Potion of ?
Shield of ?
Game Date: 15/01
Back to Winterhaven, where Ash's body is deposited with Sister Linora along with a large amount of gold (500GP).
The party head off to see Lord Pardraig whilst Ash is being seen raised by Sister Linora. Pardraig hands over the reward for completing the Keep quest and, once told of the Thunderspire message, asks the team to investigate further.
The party make some enquiries at the inn and Valthrun talks of the history of Thunderspire Mountain, claiming that a city was built there by the minotaurs. He goes on to explain that this valley was once ruled by the minotaur lords of Saruun Khel around 300 years ago. He also mentions that he has heard tell of the Seven Pillared Hall and the Labyrinth as well as the secretive mages of Saruun
Game Date: 17/01
Before leaving town the party sell off a bunch of items that they had accumulated in recent adventures. After much careful negotiation they decide to allocate each party member 100GP and to leave 1913 GP in the party "fund".
They then set off for the village of Fallcrest, which is on the way to the Thunderspire Mountain and home to many of the party. They split up to visit various friends and relatives.
Game Date: 18/01
They set off to investigate the Bloodreavers of Thunderspire. They reach the entrance called "The Minotaur Gate", which is the entrance to Saruun Khel which leads to the Road of Lanterns, a twisty-turny road which you should never keave for fear of getting lost for ever. The road ends in a massive chamber known as The Seven Pillared Hall which has a number of buildings and alcoves dottend around. The first building encountered is the Custom House wth an ogre named "Brug" on guard. There is a human with him who has the superior air of soemone in charge, more likely the power behind the scenes.
The party make their way to the Halfmoon Inn which is run Eva Halfmoon - a relative of Tryn's, no less! After some happy reunions, Eva says that her nephew Rendell has gone missing and hasn't been seen for some time. She offers free lodgings if the party can find him.. When asked about the Bloodreavers she says that they are a band of hobgoblins that lurk in the area. Whilst listening to the general chatter in the room, there is mention fo "Bloodreavers" and the "Chamber of Eyes".
Tryn spies a few hobgoblins heading down a corridor and quickly rounds up the rest of the party to follow them. After exploring the maze of corridors they find a room and Tryn hears voices beyond the door and learns that Rendell is being held captive by some hobgoblins. The party take on the hobgoblins and are victorious, with Baeshra showing particular skill in this battle against the boss.
Treasure
Shock Staff from boss hobgoblin (Lightning weapon, +8 vs AC)
5x flails from other hobgoblins
Rendell explains that he was following the hobgoblins and also mentions the Chamber of Eyes. He leads the party back to the hall and is happily reunited with his mother, Eva Halfmoon.
Real Date: 24-Sep-2011
