DM Couyon

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 07:06 on Oct 03, 2000
Date: 24th of Quark, 728

Location: Beneath the streets of Coops

Present: Party of BA members

Summary: Group is chastised for failed missions... ordered to scout a future location for the guild hall... out into the pipes... encountered bandits... quick ambush... later found entrance to caves.... explored... set off traps... party got seperated... two members almost ate alive by rats... back to the guild hall...

****************************************

Another journal entry from BA member:

The text is not much more then a scrawl, and seems to more resemble chicken scratches... the writer has obviously been drinking heavily. It reads as follows:

It started out innocently enough. It never is in the BA though... We were to explore the sewers with a map we found... The the orc was with us. We headed down, the stench of the sewers now familiar to me... we went on for a ways, nothing unusual... the chatter, some new member idolizing me... another threatning to kill me.. all the normal stuff. We continued, and after a small debate, we chose to take the 4th tunnel to the left(or was it right..? Gotta lay off the ale a little..) as the map was old and hard to make out.

After a while, we came upon a group of men, at least a dozen. Our members were quite skilled taking down quite a few, without injury in return, until one of our members (the orc I believe) threw a dart into the spine of one of our group that rushed... The men turned and fled, while the injured member pushed me away when I tried to help him. A minute later, we heard screams from up the tunnels ahead.. it was the remaining men. Some of our members went to investigate, while ****** (Was that is name? Yeah... too much ale), three others, and myself stayed behind. In a bit, we were running back, and this time took the 3rd tunnel, as the members that went up ahead descricbed some horrible giant spider creature... twice as large as the ones we fought before.

We kept going and happened upon the elven mage, who was rolling around in the muck. She said something about a trap, and we saw what looked like the outline of a door in the wall. After some trial and error, we managed to get the door open. We went on a little ways, and discovered it split into three paths...... we went back up, and found a switch that closed the door. We went thrught the straight path, and came upon a large room.

Some wise ass told ...another member... to put out his lantern so they could use infra... while us humans were effectively blinded. I stumbled around in the dark fr a while, and ***** and me got into an argument about the lantern being on or off. It was silenced by a large crashing noise and the same man screaming. The lantern was turned on, and it turned out that he and an elf were buried under rocks from the roof... a portion of which had collapsed. Nearby were some packs that had copper coin spilling out... it was strange copper, with a face etched into it and ancient writing none of us had seen before. But copper was copper, and we took large amounts of it. When the two were out of the rubble, we went on.

***** had been annoying me for awhile now, so I made an attempt at his pouch... strangely, that same damn thing that happaned las t night happened again I got the whole pouch... which was stuck to my hand. I tryed to yank it off, only serving to alert the others. *****, recognizing his pouch, screamed in outrage and came up to me and ripped the pouch from my hand. Taking a little skin with it. At the next intersection, I tried to climb regularly, and I stuck to the wall again. It was quite strange, but when I tryed to get off the wall, I had to rip my hands from the wall, making my wrists hurt like hell... this is getting quite vexing.

We eventually came upon a room made of some strange crystal, that refracted light.. it was thouroghly worhtless, but some of the members took some. We decided to head back and report to the guild master. We got to the door, and Shadow pushed the stone again, but nothing happened. After some searching, hart found another, identical stone, and pushed it. The door opened, and we went out, only to notice that one member was gone.... soon after another dissapeared as well. We waited for quite awhile, then we went back. We came upon one, battling a strange giant rodent, with 3 dead at his feet. The rodent scampered away, as he vainly tried to hit it. There were 8 more, but Shadow sliced 2 apart and the rest ran. When they ran, what they had been eating became clear. It was the other man... He was quite bad looking, half eaten. However, by some miracle, he was still alive. One of the priests made a prayer to some god while another bound his wounds, and they sttabilized him. We carried him back with us to the guild hall. He should be okay, but he will never look the same...

I'm gonna go to bed now....

Casualties: Half a dozen big rats, Six bandits in the sewers

Treasure: Two sacks of copper coin

Experience: 75xp/hr/lvl, four hours

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 22:30 on Oct 07, 2000
Date: 19th&20th of Provos, 729

Location: South Aldred Border

Present: Thragnar, Adrianna, Tarov, Gatheian, Achmed, Eiji

Summary: Caravan stops.. bad storm.. one of the elves spies strange lightning and hundred of creatures.. other two elves get heroic and go investigate... riderless horse returns... rescue mission organized... ambushed... betrayed... tied up, gagged, and stripped naked in the back of the same wagons they were being paid to guard...

****************************************

Longer Version in the words of Adrianna de Montarc:

Thoughts from a rogue.


Thragnar has been acting his usual gruff self. But I think he may be acting it up a bit around these people. I’m enjoying the company of this elf Tarov. Not bad to look at. This caravan has been reaking havok on my beauty sleep. These gnomes and the blasted weather have been keeping me awake. I slept better down in the caves with my old compatriots!

Anyway, we all stopped for the night to rest the horses and ourselves. Tarov had seen some beasts roaming about with these balls of light or some such nonsense. Drak and Achmed decided to play scout and go look about at the commotion. Damned elves aint got no sense. Already we know there are hundreds of weird creatures out lurking about and they want to go explore! Well they had been away quite some time and the Paladin was getting his armor in a bunch over it. Just as me and the good looking Tarov were gonna curl up under the wagons for a little..cough…companionship and warmth Thragnar kicks me in my legs. He says he wants to go looking about. Mumbling about missing out I follow him. Thrag had that look in his eyes and I wasn’t about to disobey. So we all decided to go and look for the missing scouts.

Bad mistake. After about a mile or so tromping through the dark in the mud from the recent storms I begin mumbling again about not being warm and satisfied back at the camp. When…BAM! Arrows shooting overhead. AS we all fall down into the muddy ground creatures..UUUUugggllllyy creatures begin comin over a hill. Archers shootin at us. SO we all had to protect ourselves. I was getting some good shots with my bow til the damned string broke. I just don’t have no luck with them things. Thrag was pumping away with his hammers. Boy is he good! Tarov and Gatheian were doing their best to look out for me. Sheesh I can take care of myself! Next thing I know These dog like men were upon us. Poor Thrag was surrounded while I had to deal with a snarling furry face myself. They were stupid creatures but put up a fight. I had a neat lil trick of playing dead. But Thrag kinda got in my way. Sorry for pushin ya bud. Well, Tarov went down, the Paladin went down, I got shot in the rear. WE wasn’t looking to good as we became overwhelmed by the arrows shooting from all around us. Last sight I had as I went down was Thrag getting stabbed in the back from that murderous traitor goblin. Well I had thought that was the end of us but no…

A worse fate is upon us. I wake slightly from unconsciousness very pained and tired. Now its from the fryin pan into the fire! We are all alive..if barely. I saw everyone from the party gathered. We are all gagged and tied up in the back of the wagons. Snort Ahh did I tell ya..we are all NAKED!!! Normal circumstances I wouldn’t mind. But this was no way to be. I became very upset as I heard that traitorous goblin talking with someone about us and I begain tryin to think of a way to get out of this while the guys opened their eyes and were eyein me. Come on fellas your all thinking with the wrong head now. We gotta get outta this.! I pray silently to my Goddess Ajeotis for a plan to come to her follower. I am NOT liking this one bit.

Adri….

Causualties: Half dozen of the gnomes guarding the caravan, a couple Bugbears, four Gnolls, three Kobolds

Treasure: None

Experience: 100xp/lvl/hr. four hours

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 05:40 on Oct 09, 2000
Date: 11th of Provos, 729

Location: Beneath Coops

Present: Small group of BA Members

Summary: The party gathers in the guild hall, decides to investigate the caves further for a possbile fall back position... make it down to the caverns, strange noises, dripping water... two of the members feeling really really sick.... one of them going blind, the other with a bad case of the bubbles and squirts... the sick ones are left on the stairwell with a guard, the rest go on.... find room with a dark pool... curious elf... splash... water churns... half hearted rescue effort... elf screams as he is being eaten alive and sinks below the surface... bickering within the group... more exploration... secret door... trapped stairs... dead end... back to the guild hall to take care of the sick.

****************************************

Long Version from some quick notes by a member of the Burning Arm:

The trip to the Caves:

All the members particiating were called forth and gathered in one room.
Everyone arrived and were waiting for the orc to show up. The twins were keeping away from one of the members who was nearly eaten by giant rodents last week, who was looking very sick and had puss coming out of his eyes.

Eventually the one we were waiting on showed up with another orc with him. After telling the group they were returning to the caves to find a new location for the guild hall and after a discussion of what to do, the group set off for the caves. Taking the only route they new the group went into the caves.

Coming into a familar room one of the elves suddenly became very sick. The large human also could not see.
The halfling healer approached and discovered the elf had some type of disease which gave him severe gas and caused him to vomit (which he did on short priest who inturn wiped
it on his back). After a long discussion the group decided to leave the blind and sick with the other Orc.

Continuing down the passage the group mapped it out and went down more
passages which led them into a room with a pool in it. Another elf, Yxarrk, saw a flashy thing and jumped for it and slipped on the rocks falling into the pool. Not knowing how to swim he panicked. One of the group rushed out and thrusted his staff out for Yxarrk who grabbed it but the fish in the pool were biting Yxarrk. His rescuer cried for help but none of the others took a step forward to help him. Eventually Yxarrk lost consciousness to the bites and fell off the staff drowning.
After having a moment of silence (rather short) the group tredded on.

The man who attempted to save him took Yxarrk's sword with him. All the time they spent mapping from then on
there were constant jokes about Yxarrk's death. Coming into a big room one of the twins thinks he sees something about a wall. After getting some of the rest to see it and beginning
to pry around, the taller orc sees it and prys around also leaving some of them clueless. Finally he tripped a switch which led into a long passage way. Going into the passage way
they maybe went 100ft when the orc was hit with 2 arrows, cursing he pulled them out of his hide and the halfling twins took the lead scanning for traps and keeping low. Finally they came to a wall, not finding anymore traps, they looked around for a switch to open it but couldnt find one after about 10 minutes of looking. Deciding to go back and forth once to see if they missed anything they looked around. Nothing, after a quick vote they decided they did enough mapping and went back to the guildhall.

They found the stinky elf and the blind human, with the orc and went back to the guild hall. And that was it in a nut shell.

Highlights of the session:
1. The sickly elf and his deady gas bombs
2. Yxarrk's death which led to many many funny jokes which inturn
angered the would be rescuer.

Casualties: Yxarrk the elf

Treasure: None

Experience: 100xp/level/hour four hour session

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 19:29 on Oct 11, 2000
Date: 17th - 21st of Provos, 729

Location: Southern Aldred border

Present: Alriel

Summary: After fleeing the carnage in Edilar the elf finds himself lost on the plains... low on food and water... has a bad experience trying to befriend a wolverine... attacked by well camouflaged humanoids... finally finds the remains of a village... meets invisible companion... agrees to join in on the quest to retake a captured caravan and find those responsible for the recent slaughter of the village.

****************************************

Detailed version in the words of Alriel:


"After months of wandering deep inside the earth's Underdark, I finnally
emerged to my second homeland, the surface, in what seemed to be in the
middle of Quark .After an unlucky brush with the illithids and my "brothers
and sisters", my only hope laid in fleeing the dark caverns. So I emerged in the south of Alderd, hoping to find more about my past, and hoping to find my sister, Zilura, who I had last seen battling alongside me the Mind Flayers."

"For days walked, getting low on food and supplies.As I walked , I saw a
shimmer out of the corner of my eye. Shielding myself from sunlight I
climbed the small hill where I had seen movement. All that I could find was a patch of dirt that I decided to investigate. As I probed it with the tip of my golden staff, I heard a growl as a creature came out of the hole.The
beast was the size of a large dog, with dark fur and a low growling. Clawing
at the dirt the creature came out straight at me. Reaching in my pack I
threw food at the creature, not wanting to kill an innocent beast. As I thought that the creature would leave, I ended up sprayed by a foul liquid that blinded me.I fought the beast with my staff, hoping to put it uncounscious, but my blindness gave the beast an advantage over me.After a while I realized I had no choice but to flee. Dropping my pack (and the remaining of my supplies), I fled hoping the reature would not catch me."

"And so for 3 days I walked, finding the occasional spring, eating roots and
leaves...until I came upon a hill. Suddenly, 3 "shapes" appeared.2 of the
shimmering forms were holding bows while the other brandished a blade.As I
used my "gifts" to fend off the enemy , they tried to flee.I chased one behind a rock where it had disappeared.Looking futher I found a shape lying motionless in the grass.It was so well camouflaged that it could have passed for invisible.. I tried to attack the creature as it fled away.Throwing a
dagger at his back I ran after it till I reached a second large rock.
Searching furthermore the new rock, I saw the shape again..the same, for I
could see the dagger wound."

"Sneaking up on the creature, I slipped a dagger over his throat, and telling him not to move.I noticed the half man/half cameleon wasnt bearing the burns I had inflicted my first opponents. Apologizing for the mistake,
the creature presented itself as Quirl of the skulk.After meeting with him I
went back my way, I made my way to a small village Quirl had indicated me.There I found the village pillaged and burnt to the ground.After spending
a while there I was greeted by an invisible gnome. He presented himself as
Packrat and told me of his story. Wanting to avenge the people of this
village, I offered him my service and after a quick demonstration of my
abilities, we went to rest after planning to catch up the missing caravans and their "crew" as soon as possible..."

Casualties: One PC's pride at almost meeting his demise at the claws of a lone wolverine.

Treasure: None, in fact lost pack and contents : )

Experience: 100xp/level/hour four hour session, excellent role play

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 07:08 on Oct 14, 2000
Date: 23rd of Quark, 728

Location: OOS HQ, Coopersville

People present: Aerious, as himself; Ranathar, as Lieutenant Lesar; Seigfried, as the Prudish Constable; DM Couyon, as the filthy orc Taugl; and the insane human himself, as Kotir….

Setting: Far below the Order of the Swords main guild hall, in the dungeons…

Short Details: The Order’s men interrogated two men, both of which were not very cooperative, (on their own accord…). In the end the insane human tried to knock himself out on Seig’s amour, and had to be ‘calmed’… He then was a little more complacent. The orc for the most part just sat there, but he was able to carry a decent conversation as well, at times…
***************************************

Long Details:

Constables of the Order brought two men into the dungeon a few weeks back, under arrest, one possibly being a rouge mage, the other an accomplice. An interrogation was in order, and it was executed in a timely manner. With 2 guards posted at each cell, the 3 Order men, Lesar, Aerious, and Prudish Constable (for his constant snickering at Aerious trying to talk...) proceeded to interrogate the two captives.

Taugl, the orc, was the first on their list… He was un-cooperative, and before the conversation got to a point of being fruitful, Kotir started trying to kill himself, bloodying up his head and the table in which he was banging it on… Aerious went to see what was going on, and called for a priest to come help the manic human… The disruptions got so bad, that Lesar decided to cease the interrogation of Taugl, and had Prude, and Aerious bring the human into the cell with Taugl. After saying a few soothing words, Kotir, the manic human, calmed himself down, in order to have a coherent conversation with Lesar. The human often times broke back into his manic state though, because of Prude’s loud armor. This human obviously wanted to be alone with Lesar… Aerious watched from the shadows, and Lesar proceeded in interrogating Kotir in a friendly manner. Taugl just sat there and listened… The Orc didn’t even move a muscle… The order’s men extracted all of the information they thought they could get from Kotir, and sent him back to his cell after healing some of the human’s wounds…

The conversation then once again centered on the orc… who, after hearing Lesar’s once again soothing words, was much more cooperative this time around… Aerious was furiously scribbling notes, as well as Prude, as Lesar heard about the Orc’s clan, and some other details the Orc shared with them…

The interrogation ended, and the Order’s men conferred upon each other. They decided what of the information was important, and notified their ranking officers…

Highlight: The manic human’s constant distaste of anyone but Lesar being around, and Seig’s slightest movements causing a full body tantrum… It was hilarious.

Low-Point: Cryptic answers that has left the OOS with much to think about in the coming days…

Casualties: None.

Exp Awarded: 50xp/lvl/hr, four hours

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 10:27 on Oct 15, 2000
Date: unknown

Location: Coopersville

Present: Five members of the BA and one initiate.

Summary: The prospective member met the group at the set location... discussed the mission... set out into the cold rainy night for some good old fashioned ambush and theft... the mark was a piece of cake but the bodyguard felled two members, one permanently... city guards approach as they are trying to clean up.... dash into the sewers carrying one of the injured and half of a fallen comrade... a nice encounter with huge smelly toads leaving another member down... limp back to the guild hall.

****************************************

Details: The initiate made it to the set bar, on time and gave the password. He was escorted to a back room where he met a group of men he assumed belonged to the Burning Arm. Many questions asked, and the mission given: simple ambush and robbery. As they were leaving the tavern a few more members joined in for fun.... as they headed off into the night for the better more prosperous side of town.

Within the hour they are set up in a side alley, the overcast sky and rain making the evening miserable but giving excellent cover. They hide and wait as a city patrol passes... within the hour they see a nice mark, an obese man in fine clothes walking quickly with what looked like a hired guard. The group pounces out, terrifying fat boy as he turns and runs, while the large armored man draws blades... two member slice into the fleeing one as another faces the warrior. With a few quick strokes the hired guard drops his attacker and tactfully backs into a narrow alley, two more members facing him. The battle was fierce, and in the end the corpses of the tall warrior and one of the elven members of the guild lay in the street, rain washing their life blood down the sewer grates.

The group quickly loots the bodies and drags the injured into an open grate as guards from the city watch are alerted. They make a hasty retreat into the smelly pipes, dragging their comrade and the upper half of the fallen elf. They quicly realize this is a section of the tunnels they are not familiar with, and after searching a couple hours looking for a way back to the guild find some playful critters.

Passing by an intersection they spy three huge shapes... hopping in their directon. The gaint filthy toads attack the party, one of them almost successful in swalling his elven foe as the man is left unconscious and bleeding severely... the group now beaten and battered finally find familiar pipes and make their way back to the safety of the Hall...

Casualties: One fat merchant, his hired guard, two giant toads, and guild member Xeydos who was pretty much hacked in two.

Treasure: two pouches filled with coin.

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hour three hour session

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 19:35 on Oct 15, 2000
Date: Unknown

Location: Below Coopersville

Present: Open session to all BA members in the area

Summary: Started off with tempers flaring within the guild hall... insults, challenges, blades drawn... two BA members now rest with the Lady. Back to the caves... strange "super zombie" caused havoc... couldn't kill it as it kept choking one of the mages, rising again and again... until suddenly after one of the barrages of attacks it fell, leaving the unconscious elf on the cavern floor... more exploration... very small tunnels found... small "gremlins" stealing items from party as the caves were searched... another inter-guild conflict... as yet another BA member falls victim to vicious politics and revenge... final room explored led to large pointy rocks falling on the group... (to be continued)

****************************************

Longer version as seen by one of the members:

The night started off fairly well then turned out to be quite an amuzing night, for the first part that is. All the members participating on the mission were gathered in one of the halls.

Now the good part starts. The one
named Shadow waisted no time attacking the halflings twins. He swung visciously as the very lucky halfling ducked. The short priest then cast a light spell, blinding them both a little bit. The other twin then interfered attacking Shadow and missing. Shadow then called upon a fellow elf for assistance. He slashed right through the stupid halfling.

*He puts his head down and gives a twisted laugh*

The body lay still on the groud, blood spuring on the walls. The other
halfling tried to run and run he did, right into a sleep spell casted by the
now bookless and bootless elven mage. The halfling was an easy target for
Shadow, who did not hesitate to give a finishing blow. As a large orc, who
talked very well for his stupid race, took one of the bodies along with a helper and brought them to a room. As they came back, the orc proposed we sit at the table for a little bit, have a few drinks and discuss our mission for
the night. We gave a toast to the stupid dead halflings, and then talked
about our mission. We were to map the new possible guild location. After
that was said we went off to see the gnome, the supplie gnome. He provided
us with torches and some oil. I took a fair share of oil i might add....We
then walked out into the pipes. It was quite cold that night, but i dint
mind it. As we walked a little deeper, we came upon a zombie. I was the
first to attack as my sword, somehow, flew from my waist into my hand and
"made" me attack. I had no control over it, but i loved it none the less. I
slashed the living dead as did Shadow and a few others. The creature fell to
the floor and stood still. The invoker aproched it to get a better look as it raised it's head and smiled. The next thing i new myself and others involved in the attack found ourselves running as fast as possible. My guess was the
creature cast a fear spell, or something similar. The one named Ashin, wich i will further refer to as spider man, climbed the wall and hung from the
ceiling as if he were a spider. As we got back, a little later, the invoker was in a death grip held by the zombie. He was near death, that much i could tell. It was also apperant that the others had tried to help him by stabing the thing in it's arm and eyes. Shadow then slashed at it's arm as the creature released it's death grip. I proceded to sever it's head with my two weapons.

It seemed as if spider man was stuck to the wall so i helped him unstick. Came close to braking his wrists as well.

*an evil smile apears on his face*

The unconscious mage was carried the rest of the way by one of the members, can't seem to remember his or her's name. Anyways we kept walking and finally came to a large room with a small tunnel about 1 1/2 feet tall. I could see spider man sticking one of his hands to the wall again and finding himself stuck. Before i could go and help him off again, one the elves was already attacking him. I decided to watch instead. The elf swung many times as the agile spider man dodged and began to crawl on the floor. But finally, the elf got the best of him and killed him. Maybe it was for the best, i wouldent want to be a spider freak for the rest of my life either.

After all this was done, the one of the elven mages could see something approaching completely silent. As they
ran by us, another members seemed to have lost her two daggers. We waisted no time on venturing threw the rather small tunnels to find the stolen property. All i really wanted was to kill those creatures. As we went deeper in, a poor mage had lost her spell book and her boots, another had lost his pouch, and i had lost my "special" sword.

After crawling for a rather long period of time, we reached a small tunnel as some rock shellfish type creatures let themselves drop from the ceiling trying to crush us. The bootless mage was the first to get hit, but to much damaged was made. A few more fell as one of the members gutted a few. As i
raised my hand, there it was...my sword. I waisted no time on killing the
creatures as the others arrived.

Too be continued....

Casualties: three members of the Burning Arm, one "super zombie", and a dozed "living stalagtites.

Treasure: one of the members found a nice gem and amulet

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hour, five hour session

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 19:55 on Oct 15, 2000
Date: Unknown

Location: Somewhere south of Aldred

Present: Adrianna, Gatheian, Thragnar, Tarov, Achmed, Eiji, Alriel

Summary: the party finds itself in hopeless situation, still naked, gagged, and tied up.... day rolls on while they watch their barbaric captors eat the corpses of the poor caravan drivers and guards... Adri and Gath are both "assaulted".... a rather unlikely bunch come to their rescue.... escape... pursuit... more help from a new ally... finally rest, food, safety, clothes....

****************************************Thoughts from a Rogue
Entry 2


Ok well its nice to be warm again. If you consider a burlap bag rags warm. Oh yes..My last entry I said we were all tied and naked. Well once the boys finished their ogling I guess it was the goblins turn. Not sure where we were heading cuz I couldn’t keep my eyes open very long feeling so weak and tired. We had stopped for the night and I could hear the hyena men and bugbears and…other nasty creatures begin their feasting of the remaining horses and some of the gnomes. Granted I don’t like gnomes but they didn’t deserve that fate. I wondered if the same was meant for us when I was lifted out of the caravan wagon and dumped into the traitor’s tent. He and two of his fowl smelling buddies sat there grinning. They ungagged me but didn’t untie me. I think they were sneering too much. I believe one had drool dangling from their chin. Shudders

The traitor wanted to proposition me. If I came along nice and quiet they would hand me to their Master. A fate better than what the rest of the group was to have. Of course I wanted to live so I accented. Nothing against the other members But Hey..Adrianna has to look out for herself. SO after a couple hours of shutting my mind out and then remembering nothing I wake in the wagon once more, but with a full belly and some clothing. Which is better that the poor guys had. Once awake I can hear grunts and moans from the bushes and notice one of the party members is missing from the wagon. Looking at Tarov briefly I squeeze my eyes shut. The horrors that we have paid for…on this wagon trip. The money was not worth all this suffering.

Later Gatheian is dumped back into the wagon his form limp and his eyes open, lost in a far off world. Granted..IM not a big fan of Paladins..But He and I share a scarred soul from that frightful night. Not saying I wanna be his buddy or anything, but. I can relate.

Once the trouble died down and we were trying to sleep a couple of robed figures come to wake up saying they can get us free if for a “favor”. Crap….I’m not thinking too straight I just wanted the heck outta there so I accented. Once free thanks to a later discovered Kobold mage and his friends we ran. I don’t think I trust anyone at this point. I don’t want to be touched I just want to go home. Find a nice bed and sleep. The one called Rex noticed us being followed. SO finally we are spotted and ran after the horses were weary from the wagons. He and the woman kobold turned to fight them off telling us to run up this huge hill. I wasn’t feelin all that great so I ran. No way am I about to fight after what Ive been through. Tarov and Drak stay to help with their short bows. Doing a good job of pickin off some gnolls.
While running up the hill I was passed by a strange being that looked like an elf screamin at the top of his lungs waving a weapon around charging into the battle. Hey..More power to them. I kept running. Finally winded myself, Thrag, Achmed all sat down resting as the others fought and killed the remaining search party. And as Tarov came back with scraps of leather armor and crude spears we were greeted by the infamous Packrat. That gnome..I don’t know…The elf man named Alriel came back standing by the gnome and we all agreed to head to this safe nest of the kobolds.

Now we are underground, cramped and I’m trying to heal my wounds down into my soul whist the others heal their flesh. I pray Ajeotis will heal me so I may wreak havoc for revenge.

Casualties: most of the members' pride, a dozen gnolls, and six kobolds

Treasure: worn scraps of leather armor, small wooden shields, spears, and a couple short bows with quivers full

Experience: 100xp/lvl/hour four hours session

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 15:29 on Oct 21, 2000
Dates: 23rd-25th of Provos, 729

Location: Kobold "Safe Nest"

Present: Adrianna, Tarov, Gatheian, Achmed, Alried, Eiji, Zander

Summary: Group spent a couple days healing within the safe nest... the favor owed the kobolds was agreed upon as well as a future joint adventure based on an ancient stone tablet... a few supplies are gathered... clothing, a few weapons, herbs, etc... a young boy is found in a trap outside of the nest and is questioned.... the group prepares to set out on a mission of justice mixed with vengence...

****************************************

Longer version in the words of Tarov:

Well we have all accepted the favor we promised the kobolds... I for one could care less if we helped them at all, however we might reclaim our equipment and the possiblity for gold at this camp is high. And of course I owe these bastards for the beating I took, it still hurts to walk sometimes. This raid we are planning may be too dangerous and I still may flee if the plan is not sound. I have to be very careful with this group... we all nearly died allready by being careless...I will not let that happen again.

Anyway, we were also shown a tablet with some strange writing on it and a map...Well at least I think it is writing...It did not seem magical, however I could get several thousand gp for it so I need to keep my eyes open for it if things go badly. Achmed spent a long time reading it (who knows why) and came up with the god bollog on it...also something about eternal life. But, Iam getting ahead of myself.. first that night. The kobolds showed us to some rooms along our way I sensed adrianna would not be up to what I had in mind so I took my own room. They were not great, but I have been in far worse and so I settled down to sleep. Not long after a scream came for adrianna's bedroom so I went to investigate. She was yelling out in her sleep and weeping. Something about a man named Alexander I think. The fool paladin came in to check on her as well. Ah that man can get on ones nerves.. with his sense of honor and fool hardy vision to do what he thinks is good. Anyway he walks over and wakes her up. She snaps out of it and hugs the fool. Not that I am jealous or anything....well maybe a little. Adrianna is quite the looker, for a human, and I would not mind spending some more time with her. In the end however I did get best the paladin. She did not want to be alone and looked at me. Obviously making a wise choice over the dense human. I told her I would spend the night with her and she told me a little about ther brother and here search. We snuggled up together and I enjoyed the feeling of her soft warm skin. For all of her rough mean exterier I think beneath there is a tender woman. She gave me a kiss before going to bed. It was a little less then I wanted but enough to get my blood turning. Anyways I was not up to much more being badly bruised from our battle, capture and escape and sleep came quickly.

In the morining I awoke to a gift of studded leather aromr. Adrianna recieved some theif tools and I discovered later the others got gifts as well. Alriel came out dressed much differently and talked about being a prince. I did not reconize him as a prince of my former land, but it has been many years since I have been there. I care not for roality, however he was kind in given us the gifts. I asked him for a more personal gift and he gave me something very powerful.

Before setting off to work with his powerful gift the kolbalds brought in a captured boy. He told us a story about his caravan being raided and he being captured. The paladin sensed no evil form him and Alriel was convinced the boy was telling the truth. He casts some simple speel that would tell if the boy was lieing. Adrianna and I were not convinced and both wanted the boy dead or left behind. We agreed to drop the boy off at the next town and alriel agreed to be responsible for him. Adrianna and I agreed to watch each others back around this boy. Well now I set writing this, examining my gift form alriel and prepareing for our travel.


Casualties: None

Treasure: Clothing, a few weapons, and some basic equipment

Experience: 100xp/lvl/hour, four hour session with excellent role play

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 15:38 on Oct 21, 2000
Thardferr Date: 2/1/729

Location: Sewers of Coops

Present: Four BA members and one initiated to the guild

Summary: The members met and interviewed the initiate at a local inn... traveled down into the pipes on a scouting mission into a rather dangerous unmapped part of the sewers... came upon a dozen huge toads... after a quick battle the passageways were littered with toad corpses and the mangled and sliced remains of the initiate.

Note: this was a short two hour session so there is no long version : )

Casualties: Kinnett the elf and initiate to the guild, as well as dozen giant toads

Treasure: one of the guild members finds that his blade has some magical properties which cause him to mercilessly slaughter his enemies and seem to give him an advantage in combat... so far

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hr, two hour session

 
Couyon
Player
 05:38 on Oct 26, 2000
Date: Tramic 13, 729

Location: Below Coops

Present: BA Members

Summary: The group heads back down to explore the caves... encounter huge hairy creatures fleeing something... go investigate and find out the cause of their fear... engage a group of hideous flying statues... managed to defeat one as the other two fled only to be a constant bother to the group... a couple of the members have an experience with a swarm of giant rats... one of the members comes close to being rat food and is not feeling to well...

Longer version:

The group gathers in the guild hall and decides to head back down into the caves to finish mapping and exploring. Upon reaching the secret door in the sewers they find it open, obviously someone has already found the passageway... they head down the steps and into the caverns with caution. After tracking some large humanoid prints they soon hear some comotion ahead as a group of huge hairy goblinoids come running their way...

The group prepares for battle as the creatures close in only to try to rush past the party, fear showing in their eyes. A couple of the members tried engaging or stopping the beasts with little luck and they flee back down the passageways. Wondering what could have struck fear into such monsters the group moves ahead slowly, coming into a huge cavern with a narrow passage exiting as one of the elves moves ahead to investigate.

Withing a few minutes the elf can be heard screaming as the group moves forward to see him fighting off two nightmarish creatures, looking like hideous statues with wings, horns, and claws. The battle was fierce with the beast dropping one of the members and injuring many others, and it seemed that only the mages spells and the blade of the crazed human affected the things. In the end it was the human, screaming in an ancient tongue, with the symbol on his forehead and long blade both glowing a dull red that turned the battle as he felled one of the beasts as the other two fly back up into the darkness.... their to remain as they continue to pelt the party with boulders from above.

The injured elf and crazed human investigate beyond the ambushed tunnel to find a couple huge caverns infested with giant rodents. As the rest of the group remained behind bandaging their wounds these two fought off a swarm of the beast, the crazed human once again attacking without fear and mercy as he chased rats throughout the large cavern. At one point the creatures actually swarmed and covered the man, inflicting dozens of bites as he screamed once again in the foreign tongue and lashed out... leaving rodent corpses in a pile around him.

The injured group limps back to the guild hall to lick their wounds and report their finds to the guild master and the rest of the Burning Arm. Before leaving the caverns they come across the creatures that fled and strike a deal with the beasts, promising to return to finish negotiations.

Casualties: one Gargoyle, two dozen giant rats

Treasure: a couple thousand silver and a mace

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hour, four hour session
 
Couyon
DM
 05:49 on Oct 26, 2000
Date: Tramic 14, 729

Location: Below Coops

Present: BA members

Summary: those rested from the night before gather together in the guild hall and prepare to return to the caves to finish negotiations with the Bugbears and investigate a hidden staircase found in an earlier adventure... find the Bugbears as the captain of the guard and his men strike a bargain... the others find the hidden stairs after much searching... an arrow trap.... one of the elves finding a way to open a hidden door only to looses a hand in the process... a hidden study found belonging to a long dead mage whose corpse was found in the room... more traps found... journals... books... a cloak.... finally one of the curious elves opened a large tome on a pedastal and began reading the book.... large explosion... elf's crispy corpse tossed against the wall as the rest of the study is set aflame... the group salvages what they can as they carry the wounded and dead back to the guild hall.

This was a short session, no long version : )

Casualties: the curious elf Ajax as well as the large book he was attempting to read

Treasure: various books, journals, and a very nice cloak

Experience: 100xp/lvl/hr, two and a half hours

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 05:58 on Oct 26, 2000
Date: 20th of Tramic, 729

Location: Local basement tavern in Coops

Present: A mix of Thardferrians

Summary: In a basement bar located in the slums of Coops gather a large group... some of them there to inquire about a select guild they have heard rumors of, others to just enjoy the atmosphere and company... the ones searching out the secretive organizaion were escorted to a back room for a long meeting and interrogation, the others in the bar enjoyed the barkeep's charismatic charm and quality drinks... after a few hours the back room is cleared.... results being a few more members being accepted into the Black Daggers.

Casualties: None

Treasure: Five black daggers for the initiates

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hr, four hours

Note: This was an excellent role playing session with many older Thardferrians making an appearance along with some of the newer talent.

Enjoyed it : )

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 20:36 on Nov 01, 2000
Dates: 9th - 13th of Tramic, 729

Location: South of Aldred

Present: Alriel, Tarov, Gatheian, Zander, Adrianna, Achmed, Eiji... npc's: Packrat, Rex, Lady, Spike, Sparky

Short version: Group leaves the 'safe nest'... sets off towards enemy territory... encounters what sounds like huge bears in the woods... find a giant beaver pond... bonding and sharing of secrets... strategy session preparing for the upcoming battles.

***************************************

Longer version (journal of Alriel):

DATE: 9th of Tramic
“Tonight we set on our quest to return the freedom to the kobold’s tribe.I’m not so sure about why i’m doing it and why I accepted...but something inside of me told me it was the right thing to do...besides...i could use a little excitement lately...I’ve been having way too much on my mind.Well we eventually came out of the nest and started walking. While walking I tried to figure out where we were...couldnt find us on the map I had,....and apparently our kobold guide Rex couldnt either...so I’m stuck here for a little while....it’s ruining my plans...Anyway the night was pretty uneventefull and we finnally settled down for the day inside a hole as Spot and Sparky layed traps outside...These two are some sneaky critters...i found out some of the traps that could have hurt me...i evaded most of their traps due to my handy family heritage.It does come in handy..if only I knew more about it than what is said in an old dusty book....Gatheian complained about headaches..nothing major...said he would probably be okay tomorrow.

DATE: 13th of Tramic
“Been three days now since my last entry...nothing much happened.Our food is growing low and the dogmen hunt small critters for food...Zander won’t eat the small rodents...he seems a little spoiled...he’ll have to learn fast...life in the wild’s dangerous...you grow up quickly...The paladin’s headaches are getting worst..and Tarov seems to be taking up leadership...who made him leader?Well he’s as good as anyone tough..and he doesn’t question my arcane skills...Anyways tonight we found a huge pond...swimming across it’ssurface I noticed half a dozen shape...human sized...Calling out to them, the creatures sunk below the surface..Inspecting it closely, Drak concluded these were some kind of giant beavers...a really rare critter indeed!We’re staring at them as i’m writing this, Gatheian is sitting next to me...he’s starting to make me worry..his headaches are getting worst and he seems incredibly jumpy tonight...Adrianna and Tarov seems awfully close lately...i think they’re something up...i never trsted these two alot....Well...time to move on again..”

“It’s been only a few hours since my last entry, but a lot of things have changed...we gathered up in the inside of a tree to huddle up for the night...Rex told us we’d soon be in enemy erritory..and that it was time to cast aside our differences.I think he was right..Until now ive had my suspicions against everyone....Adrianna seemed just so...manipulative and sneaky...always hanging around that elf..Tarov...i didnt like his attitude..and even those that seemed friendly..Gatheian and Drak..a paladin and an OOS...why would I join force with THEM?...not to mention Achmed and Zander..still a mystery to me..not to be trusted...but for the good of the mission, I must lay aside my suspicions.I told them my story and they accepted it..from my mother Krakna to my powers, to my upbringing...they know...and I’ll be ready to give my life for them now...just hope the trust comes both ways...”

Casualties: None

Treasure: None

Experience: 100xp/lvl/hour, four hour session, excellent role play

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 20:44 on Nov 01, 2000
Date: 2nd of Vitrool, 729

Location: Below Coops

Present: BA members and npcs

Summary: Group heads back down to hopefully finish mapping caverns... met newly aquired troops by the fish pond... set out into uncharted cave... triggered trap, wall slides to block exit... more exploring and heavy signs of rodent infestation... finally find the nest and a battle ensues with finally leads to the end of the rat population (hopefully)... secret room found along with some loot buried in the rat poop... another member wanders off to form an unholy alliance with former enemies, as one explores a chute leading further down and does not return.

Casualties: a few dozen giant rats

Treasure: A large ball of crystal and a well crafted figurine of a horse, along with a buch of copper coins

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hour, four hour session

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 20:50 on Nov 01, 2000
Date: 9th of Vitrool, 729

Location: Coopersville

Present: Members of the Black Daggers and NPC played by Dalan

Summary: Group meets again to plan a trip north... get an unexpected employer, the IMI, with the help of a new ally... do a great job gaining the confidence of their new employer and make plans to leave town before daybreak... a few promotions handed out as they split up to gather supplies for the long journey.

Casualties: None

Treasure: Promotions for a few of the Daggers

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hour, two hour session
 
Couyon
DM
 20:58 on Nov 01, 2000
Date: 2nd of Vitrool, 729

Location: Far far below Coops

Present: One lone terrified BA member

Summary: The inquisitive elven rogue makes his way down a new discovered chute... ends up way way below the caverns... encounters some type of deadly puddings that melt his weapons as he flees for his life... luckily found a room with a door that could be closed... unluckily it was an elavator room that brought him even further down... explored his new surroundings and is captured by an out of place exotic elven female in the darkness... made an alliance and was able to work his way back up to the surface with the help of his new found friend...

Casualties: None

Treasure: Actually lost some : )

Experience: 75xp/lvl/hour, three hour session
 
Couyon
DM
 10:56 on Nov 05, 2000
Date: 3rd of Vitrool, 729

Location: Coopersville

Present: Members of the Burning Arm

Summary: The group gathers within the guild hall.... decides to go above and gather the "sacrifices" needed... split up into two groups... one of the groups is successful after some bumbling.. the other pair of warriors is not so lucky, coming to a rather gruesome end at the hands of local authorities...

****************************************

Longer Version: After further exploration of the caves below the remaining members gather in one of the halls to discuss plans. It is agreed that the fate of the elf lost below is out of their hands, and that the priority should be to finish sealing the agreement with the creatures below. The members make their way above ground and split up.

The trio sets out to look for a house of ill repute, or anywhere that available women could be found this time of night. As the couple of warriors decide on another path, a little thievery with the hopes of gaining some better armor.

The three looking for the women eventually find their prey in a local tavern that seems to cater to "professional" women, as one victim is lured upstairs and three others are led out of the bar with gold and the promise of future employment. The trip upstairs turns into quite a fiasco, end results being a hastily dressed member jumping out of a second floor window and fleeing for his life... as a second member bolts down the stairs and out to the streets as fast as her little legs could carry her. Luckily the mage leading the three other victims away was successful and they had what they needed to finish the unholy alliance with the gargoyles down below.

The two warriors spend the night breaking into armor shops... not finding what they are looking for in the first they try a second... and end up going back to the scene once more in hopes of greater treasure. This is where things went wrong as a group of guards from the Order catch the thieves red handed. Their explanations and alibis are ignored as they are ordered to surrender. Suddenly the crazed fighter Raze draws his blade which begins to glow a dull red along with his strange tatoo on his forehead. The elven warrior Tomas has no choice but to defend himself and within a few rounds is felled while trying to break past two of the soldiers and escape. Raze shows no fear whatsoever as he dispatches the leader of the patrol and two others before himself falling victim to the well skilled blades of the Order.

In the meanwhile the other members make their way back down to the guild hall to find their lost comrade from below has made it back. They head down into the caves and trade their captured women for the return of one of their mages... also sealing a deal to return monthly with more play things for the creatures in return for their service in guarding this portion of the caverns.

Casualties: Three members of the Order, the crazed warrior Raze, and the elven fighter Tomas

Treasure: three female victims for the gargoyles

Experience: 100xp/lvl/hour, four hour session

[Scionist]

Couyon
DM
 18:52 on Nov 05, 2000
Date: 15th of Tramic, 729

Location: South of Aldred

Present: Gatheian, Adrianna, Alriel, Tarov, Zander, Eiji, Achmed and several npc's

Summary: Group set out for the first of many ambushes... found a watering hole and lay in wait... before dawn the prey fell into their trap... within minutes the patrol of gnolls and kobolds was decimated... during the battle the group worked like a finely tuned machine... the kobolds showed to be able to hold their own in combat as well as Packrat the gnomish trader... the highlight of the blood shed was the Paladin "snapping" and tearing into a pair of gnolls like a man possessed... the group makes sure nobody escaped and heads back for a day's rest and to plan another slaughter.

****************************************

Longer version in the words of a Paladin:

Sir Gatheian Bluestream’s Journal


Date: I don’t know what the date is. Nor do I really care.

Many things have occurred to me since I last wrote in my journal. My memory is foggy of what transpired during the past few days due to the spell put on by the little rat known as Rex. I assume he did it to stop me from hurting myself or someone else. Bah! What does it matter! He had no right to do so. I was in a state of shock after a dramatic event when he placed the spell on me. What event you say? The most horrible thing ever done to me that’s what. It started when two brilliant gentlemen decided to go on a scouting mission. Never mind that Tarov had already scouted and found that there were hundreds of beast around. They did not return to camp so we were forced to go and look for them. I knew it was foolhardy but I don’t leave people on the field of battle. We were ambushed and defeated just as they had been. I need to have a little ‘talk’ with the two of them. Well, we awoke tied and gagged in a caged wagon. Our captors were lead by the goblin that came along on the mission. The foul beasts took Adrianna to have their way with her! Then some began playing with my hair. They took me out of the cage and into the bushes. They….raped me. I don’t remember how many there were just that they were gnolls, bugbears, and other humanoids. When they were through with me, they slung me back into the cage. I couldn’t believe it happened to me. I was broken. Everything I believed in was destroyed that day, my manhood gone also. I was oblivious to the world around me. Images of my life shot before me: the day I was dubbed a paladin, the many battles fought in the name of the Creator, my father, Valise…

I remember some of the things that happened while I was in the trance. I remember playing with Adrianna’s hair. I was thinking of Valise while I did so. Her hair was so red and beautiful! WAS is right. She was my betrothed, taking from me too soon. Do I have anything left?!!! Adrianna is not Valise yet she and I do share an unfortunate bond. Rex and his companions saved us from our captors. I guess he saw the rage building inside of me and put a charm spell on me to hold it. From here my memory gets hazy. Some of it is coming back to me. I did something to Adrianna to make her angry. Can’t remember quite what yet. All I know is that we are to help Rex and his friends free his tribe from slavery. This is in return for saving us. Their captors are the same who defiled me. I am not helping him but myself. As far as I am concerned I should have died back in their camp. I do not thank him for saving me. I am already dead. Rex lifted the spell off me as we ambushed a patrol of gnolls and kobolds. The world exploded in my head. The memories came in a shower. The complete feeling of loss hitting me in a breathe. This turned into rage. I could no longer contain it! I saw some gnolls and I snapped. My emotions ruled me as I charged head long into their midst. My muscles were so tight they felt like they would break. My head pounded. The gnolls took their shots at me. I didn’t even notice the hits. The pain actually felt good. Now it was my turn. I cut the first gnoll in two at the waist laughing gaily the whole time. The other spineless gnoll ran for his worthless life. This was feeling good. I chased him down and he begged for his pathetic life. He wanted mercy! I gave him the mercy his kind showed me! I chopped of his head to end his suffering. I soon realized what I had done and cried out to my god! The Creator has left me and I don’t blame him. Did I fail him or did he fail me? I think of this often and really don’t know. There is one thing I do know: I will not stop until I have my VENGEANCE! I cut my hand and promised this on my blood. I hope He heard me!!! The life I once knew is no more….


Casualties: 12 gnolls, 7 kobolds

Treasure: weapons and a few mundane items from the victims

Experience: 100xp/lvl/hr, four hours of excellent role play