Camping is fun! Report

General Summary

After returning from a successful trip to the goblin caves, The party found out that the fighter known as GAR, had a run in with a rust monster had damaged his magic sword named "Fallen Champion", he and the colorful rogue named Roberto de Casanova travelled back to the city of Thunderstrike to find a dwarf blacksmith named Dubram Largemaster , who was some kind of dwarfish holy man, who could repair the weapon. The other party members: The quiet Ranger of some renown named Jack the Orc Killer, Agni from the Monastery Of Regrets , who are group of dwarfish fighting monks. The bizarrely large Invoker officially know as Testie the Big from his the Order of Silverdeath . The party just call him "Biggy" or "Big". After a completely uneventful night, except for those damn drums. The party headed back to The Keep , also uneventful, too cash in bounties and too resupply, hire some help for the wagon and dealing with bounties. While in town they hook up with Bobee Bean "Beano" , who the party had met in MOUND OF THE LIZARD MENa month or so ago. He was out of money and needed a job, party needed a armored fighter type to catch arrows for them. He said he would forfeit all bounties except goblin, that was a good deal for the party, so contract was signed with a hand shake. They traveled that day and headed back to previous location where the wagon was parked. They left the hired hands with wagon and move directly to there hidden camp in the Suss Forest . Which was about 1.5 miles through dense forest to the north. The Ranger found only sign of the parties passage through the area, he also found out that there was about 50% less signs of game. This was due to the large numbers of humanoid presents in the area. Back in base camp they begin to settle down for the night, they would rest tonight and tomorrow would be spent spying on goblins and making a head count, which was their original quest. the Ranger was able to hunt and shoot a large Male Deer that produced about 80 pounds of venison! They sat around the fire cooked the venison steaks, smoked, laughed, meditated and studied for the next day. they divided the watch shifts up evenly.

Shift 1: 7:00 - 9:00 pm - Big:

  About 1.5 hours into the first shift, noises to the south of the camp were heard, the language was goblinoid. The party moved to ambush the creatures, they numbered 10. These burly humanoid standing 61/2' tall. Their hairy hides range from dark reddish-brown to dark gray. Their faces show dark red or red-orange skin. Large males have blue or red noses. Eyes yellowish and their teeth are yellow. Their garments tend to be brightly green colored cloaks, with bold blood red straps and belts. Any leather armor tinted black. They carried short bows and swords polished and repaired. The party figured out that the group was Hobgoblins, and they had a leader who was larger and wore fine pelts of wolf and bear. He had red eyes that glowed and commanding presence among the others. Biggy had climbed a tree for concealment, Beano had moved forward and was waiting for them to come by behind a large oak tree. Agni and Jack also hid behind large trees for cover. Agni says a quick silent prayer for the group boosting moral for all. Suddenly missiles of magic energy dart from Biggy's fingers tips and slam into the leader of the Hobgoblins named Xeets of the thorns. Now Xeets was well known for his prowess as a scout and warrior in the hobgoblin tribes, the real problem was when his masters put him in charge of this bunch of wretches, they were all untrained and useless. But he was a servant to the masters and would follow his instructions to the death. He was telling the slugs too shut up as the Magic darts slammed into his furs and he screamed in pain and anger. He immediately commanded them to take cover, which they didn't. Suddenly a dwarf jumped from behind the tree and charged into the hobs, who stood looking about in fear. His battle axe sliced through the front hobgoblin in a spray of blood and a agonizing squall. An Arrow slammed into another front hobgoblins sticking him in the throat, he looks confused as he falls to the ground. Xeets was still yelling out commands, as the next arrow shot down the hobgoblin standing next to Xeet. Xeet moved forward still giving commands, he had to get these fools into the fight or all was lost. The hobgoblins finally turned their anger toward the dwarf, who was really the only opponent they could see. Two moved up and engaged the little beast of a dwarf with swords both hitting, the two behind them shot arrows at the dwarf, both hitting their mark arrows stuck out of the armor of the dwarf who barely noticed the arrows. Biggy noticed the leader moving and fired his missiles again, they hit their mark with a sparking burning of furs. Xeet screamed again, his anger now taking over. Agni moved up protecting Beano's back and healed him. Two of the hobs moved through the woods to the left they were searching every where for the magic thrower. Beano suddenly feels a stab of a weapon that slips under his left shield arm, the blow struck deep and that was when he noticed that he had removed his armor to sleep and forgot to put it on in his haste to get to battle. Blood gushed out of the wound in his chest, the blade had slipped between the ribs and punched a hole in his lungs, he spits blood and coughs, as he slowly dies as he looses strength Beano screams in anger and cuts down the Hob that had struck him. Biggy jumps down from the Tree, Jack fires two arrows at the Hobs close to Bean and Agni, both fell as if struck by hammer. Agni heals the dwarf who falls to the ground with blood gushing out of the wound in his chest. Biggy throws up a hand making several quick signs with his fingers and shouts "Ardoris Pila" toward the hobgoblins and their leader, only three were now standing. A huge flaming ball rolled among the remaining Hobgoblins. The leader moved away but flames flared on his fur cape that was now in ruins. The two archers, screamed in terror as they started on fire. One moved forward but the other fell and burned to death on the spot. The Leader now charged forward toward the monk, who stood to face him. An arrow pasted through Xeets left arm, and he dropped his fine long bow too the ground, but hardly noticed, he pulled his battle axe from his back and still charging forward toward the monk. The other arrow struck the last remaining hobgoblin dead as he moved toward the Invoker. Agni centered himself as the hobgoblin charged in raising his battle axe for a death blow. Agni punched the hobgoblin leader with lightning speed crushing iron fist form which crunched the ribs under the heavy blow. Xeet looked confused as his last breath was force out of his body and the blood boiled out of his mouth on to his once fine fur cloak and he fell dead to the ground. Agni moved back to the dwarf, whom was still sitting on the ground and coughing up blood. Beano was in bad shape, "I have a healing potion in my pack." blood spits out of his mouth as he speaks. Agni tells him "you should save that...you may need it." Jack and Big cleaned up the bodies and cover the battle as best they can in the dark. The long bow of the leader is picked up by Jack. Jack notices that the armor of the leader is in tack and after close examination it appears to be very fine armor and strangely his size.

Shift 2: 9:00 - 12:00 am -Jack

approximately 2.5 hours in to the shift, sound of marching reaches the camp and the party jumps to their feet and moves to hiding places. Hobgoblins again but they are not even trying to be quiet they are marching in formation on the same path as the hobs before. There are 10 regular troops, who have been drafted into being scouts looking for the group of humans that attacked their goblin slaves only days ago. The hobgoblin in charge name is Cuc, he has just been promoted to corporal. This is his first assignment and his group has not found any sign of the humans. Not that he has ever seen many humans only the mercenary who follow the masters commands. they were unkept, undisciplined and smell foul. He did not trust them. Suddenly someone at the front of the group dropped his weapons and reaches for his throat as an arrow explodes out the back of his neck. BOC, who was standing next to the poor hob who was shot is covered in blood. Puts his hand on the Potion in his pack, this was his chance to shine, he would use this potion to destroy the enemy and would be promoted over that loser Cuc. He pulls the potion with one hand and his sword with the other, the unit moves forward toward the dwarf who had just jumped from behind the tree. Beano was still nursing his wounds and was not a hundred percent but he smiled and charged forward. Agni frowned and followed the reckless fighter. The two hobgoblins in the second rank fire arrows at the dwarf. Two arrows bounce off Beano's well armored shoulders as he rises his Battle Axe and closes for battle, BOC sees the dwarf charging forward and he try's to uncork the potion that he had found only yesterday in an old tunnel, he never reported it to BOC. The new leader Cuc freezes as the battle unfolds, he doesn't know what to do, so he stands and watches, frozen with indecision. The group of hobgoblins move forward shoulder to shoulder, as the dwarf crashes into the group and drops his axe down on BOC...A large explosion of fire engulfs the entire hobgoblin unit and Beano. Everyone looks away at the bright light and fireball that rises up in the air. Big recognizes the explosion as a spell due to the intense heat and flare. Jack shoot two of the hobgoblins that were on fire but only stunned...they fall to the ground dead with arrows in their chest. Agni rushes in and pulls the dwarf Beano back to safety under the tree, propping him up chants a healing over him and pats out the clothing and hair that was still burning. Beano takes a deep live giving breath. His beard is burnt off and most of the exposed skin on his body peals away, his armor charred but still good but his wooden shield is ruined. The bodies of the hobgoblin unit fall and burn where they were standing before the blast. Cuc is jarred awake with the explosion and runs to the east in all haste, he had to get back to the warn the masters of these humans. He never seen the energy bolts as they hit him in the face, his body falls to the ground. Jack gathers the body and weapons. There is no way for him to cover up the chard earth from the explosion, it doesn't matter, everyone for miles had to hear and see the explosion. Agni puts a healing burn onement on the face of the dwarf. Agni smiles at the dwarf, who grimes with each touch. "Maybe you would prefer the rogue Roberto de Casanova to apply this?" The dwarf laughs "All or Nall buck'o" Beano said smiling through charred and blood stained teeth. they all laughed. things settle down and were all quite for 3.5 hours, except for the snoring coming from the dwarf. The party awoke Beano 30 min past his shift time and he stands up and moves to his watch position. Beano awakes with a start, shit he had fallen asleep on duty. How long had he been out, he remembered leaning up against the tree. There was no fire to judge time by. He could not see the moon or stars, he felt the dirt of the ground. That's when he felt a slight vibration. he looked into the darkness and could see nothing his old eyes searched for anything and than he heard the chirping sound of those foul little beasty known as Kobold. He listened closer and heard the rustle of leave and their little scaly clawed feet skittering about. He looked to the camp they were up and moving into position. The Kobold were really close to the group, they had found the scorch marks on the ground and were investigating them. There was ten of them, 6 were standing close to the fireball scorch on the ground the other were moving about looking for signs. Big shouted firing his last spell "Ardoris Pila" and a huge ball of fire rolled toward the group of Kobolds. Beano limped forward, Agni pulled him back. "wait here" The whole party moved forward, Jack fired two arrows as he moved. Both sunk into a Kobold that was rushing the party. The circle of fire killed 4 of the Kobolds. Leaving 5 Kobolds to charge the group. They closed quickly swing their short swords, missing both Jack and Agni. Big moved forward with his short sword swung down but the Kobold jumped to the right and slammed his sword down on Big's extended left hand...and severed it. Big looks in unbelieving at the stub that was once a hand and staggers back but does not faint. The dwarf seen this and rushes forward to the fight. Jack dropped the Kobold in front of him again it took two arrows, Agni hits one and it falls to the ground. Beano charges into action and swings down on the Kobold who easily dodges the slow attack, unfortunately Beano didn't miss completely he chopped his own foot with his battle axe. He howled in pain and fell to the ground. his curses in the dwarfish tongue were heard for miles. Jack try's to fire and arrow misfired and sliced his arm. Jacks timing was off, he looked at his cut arm in anger. The Kobold standing over Beano swings but misses, Beano swings his axe upward and guts the creature, it fall dead. Jack drops the other that was moving toward Agni and Big. Again it took two arrows. He must be getting tired and no sleep to speak of. Agni bandages the would of Big, and looks at the dwarf limping after the running Kobold. Agni looks to Big "Maybe I should throw your hand at him, if I took him out that would be epic!" Big picked up his hand and put it in his pocket. "thanks...". Jack moves quickly to hit the last running Kobold, gets his first shot off suddenly he becomes violently sick and throws up, folded over double and yells as he begins to straighten up "the gods hate me!" and threw up again. the final arrow did hits the Kobold running away in the middle of its back. It fell dead.   They all limp back to camp to as Jack wretches violently and continuously for the rest of the day. They decide to load the wagon and head back that next morning. They also decided that they couldn't take another night like that one.   Late in the evening when everyone is bedded down for the night, the drums begin to beat again. At first it is only a distant thump, but slowly the sound grows louder. Horns and drums, louder and louder. The earth shakes below you. When you look to the area of the goblin camp, you notice the sky is lit with what seems to be a thousand campfires. The hellish glow flickers and moves as if it is alive against the surrounding mountains. You move to look out over the valley below from your hidden spot in the trees. Before you is a great camp filled with a multitude of humanoids. Orc, Goblin, Hobgoblins, Ogres and Trolls. You see a great mobile pyramid carried by hundreds of slaves and beasts of burden, under the watchful whip of the Hobgoblin masters. The Pyramid is made of wood and has large 10' tall wheels to help it move. It stands about 150’ at the peak and is about 50 yards square. Drums beat and voices chant in the night. Just before sunrise the pyramid comes to a stop in the middle of the valley, the chanting, and drums slow. 1 human appears at the top of the pyramid in black robes and skulls hanging from a chain. He glows with an unholy aura.     He speaks words you do not understand in some lost tongue of chaos. The voice carries throughout the valley and reaches you almost a mile away as if he was only feet. You see a group being brought out of the caves to the pyramid, they are naked and in chains. It appears they will be sacrificed to whatever unholy god these humanoids worship. They march them up the stairs to a platform about halfway up. The shiver runs down your spin, a feeling of dread falls over you. You are not afraid of thousands of humanoids, who are trying to awaken some lost forgotten god of chaos. There are 25 prisoners to be sacrificed. The drums and chanting grow strangely quiet. One by one the prisoners are place on alters that surround the platform. Each has two priests standing by the glint of metal flashes in the early morning light. The Priest chants some more words…just as the sun breaks over the mountains to east. The pyramid begins to glow with a reddish purple, black clouds swirl above the pyramid and Thunderclaps. The high priest SHOUTS (chaos tongue) …you see the prisoners all sacrificed at the same time. Blood begins to flow down from the alters and into small pools on the platforms below. The blood red sun that was peaking out only moments ago disappears and a unnatural darkness falls over the area and the sky becomes black. Not even the campfires can be seen any more. Darkness approaches you like a tidal wave, the clouds rolling and moving as if alive. When it gets close enough to, you see skeletal arms and head rolling about the cloud. The party has seen enough and move as fast as possible to the wagon a mile to the south, this was hard to do in the inky black of the cloud. They finally find it, deserted by the Hench men, who probably ran for their life. The group gets the wagon and races back to the Keep to let them know what's happening. Once in the Keep they are given a message to take to Prince Olinstaad Corond in Havenhill . You will carry the seal of the Prince. He thanks the party for all their good works and wishes them the speed of the Gods! Agni meets with his The Most Highly Honored Master for training to level; the Master decides to go with the party to see the Prince. Agni ask The Most Highly Honored Grand Master Pan Yuhan of the Monastery Of Regrets if he could help Biggy with regeneration. Before he starts he exams Testie very closely, the old man, pokes and prods Biggs muscles. He finally looks Testie into the eye and ask? "Who is your father?"

Missions/Quests Completed

take number of humanoids back to the Keep.