525_DM
DM Journal - Session 15
525_DM
Session 15 DM journal
How to get a wedding invitation.
Who we met:
The party killed everyone new they met.
Samis had notes on a few people and places:
Huldramose. Samis says that this is a town of Sif worshippers (druids no less) on the Caratan Peninsula. People in Cherbourg will know where to find it.
Collected loot:
-1,000 GP paid to get Verxatitus raised.
2089 GP
a vellum scroll containing the written saga of the Northern hero Hjalmar and his battle with the great ice serpent of Grokeheim held in a tooled, black leather case chased in gold (worth 50 gp
12 pounds of silver trade bars (worth 60 gp
gold ring (worth 50 gp)
a bloodstone circlet (worth 250 gp a mahogany harp with brass strings (worth 100 gp and
two potions of healing.
Two potions of Superior Healing
One potion of Exceptional Healing
Some bones which have been decorated with scrimshaw, providing eerily beautiful decoration. One shinbone has been worked into a scroll case with elaborate scrollwork carved into its exterior, worth 50 gp to someone uncaring of the macabre material from which it is crafted.
1 Heward’s Handy Haversack
1 Shield +1, Wooden
1 boat. (Karve) Capable of carrying 9 people and their gear and trade goods. 5,000 GP.
Wrapped in a bear skin and shoved between the chest and the wall are a +1 longsword and a +1 shield. There are distinctive runic patterns on the shield’s border and the sword’s scabbard that mark them as a matching set. A message is carved crudely into the wood on the inside of the shield as if the writer carved it hurriedly with whatever sharp tool was at-hand: “If you find this, I beseech you to return my shield and blade to my shield sisters in Huldramose. Tell them Randgrid Ironeyes died well.”
A scroll of tanned humanoid skin sits atop the iron-bound chest. The three wax seals that once held it closed have been broken. The first seal is a skull pressed into red wax. The second is a mouth of fangs pressed into white wax. The final seal is a bear’s paw, stamped into black wax. A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Religion) check identifies them as the symbols of Marena, Vardesain, and Chernobog, respectively. A message is penned in blood on the scroll:
"You have been judged worthy to attend and stand witness to the Blood Wedding. By this ritual, we bind the Devouring Worm and the Red Goddess in dark matrimony, under the auspice of the Lord of Night. Thus we multiply their glory in the realms beyond and increase the power of their followers here on Midgard. Make your way to the Midnight Temple. The ceremony takes place the night of the next new moon. When the pact is complete, we shall celebrate with a glorious and bloody feast worthy of sating all the faithful who attend."
XP. 10,226 + 2260 = 12,486
14,000 needed for 6th
Date: 5 days have passed. It is morning on May 21st. Verxatitus lives again. You stand of the steps of the Temple of Jupiter in Rennes. The sun is shining.
Rule Updates:
Swimming! Use an action to swim (unless you have a swim speed). Can tread water and attack. Swimming is an Athletics check. DC 10 in a pool, 12 in open sea. At advantage if no armor. Disadvantage for anything over light armor. If you fail, you do not move and fail to breathe. Our boat, without an active sailor, will move 5’ per round. Attacking while swimming is done at Disadvantage (except spear like weapons).
Updating rules for knocking people out. When attempting to knock people out, you attack with a melee weapon at disadvantage. If they go to 0 hit points, they get a con save with the DC = to damage done. If they fail, they were killed.
DM Journal - Session 14
525_DM
Session 14 DM journal
Blowback from killing civilians.
Who we met:
Cossus Lucan – Turns out this ‘commoner’ was a noble’s son.
Lord Quintus Caetronius Lucan. Father of the dead boy.
Gallus Munius Vendemic – Spouse of Melancha Vendemic. Diplomatic Consul from Anjou. The pair of them provided more details on things the party had learned so far.
(place) Chausey Isles. Said to have cannibalistic dwarves. Hopefully a lead on a ‘Blood Marriage’.
(place) Blood Kingdom. A (Ravenloft/Curse of Strahd) vampire and undead ruled kingdom located close to Rome.
(place) The Empire of Ghouls AKA Ghoul Imperium. An underground realm ruled by undead.
Gods (see below). I am obviously stealing from other material but that is why they publish it.
- Side note: Masks for Gods. This is the notion that the gods are mysterious. Gods hide some of their true nature and are often worshiped be different names in different lands.
Darakhul – Monster. A kind of intelligent ghoul. Seems they have a whole underground kingdom. Can pass for human.
Collected loot:
-1,500 GP paid to the Lucan family to have Cossus raised.
XP. 9226 + 1000 = 10,226
14,000 needed for 6th
Date: 7 days have passed. It is morning on May 16th.
Marena
Red Goddess of Winter, Lust, Sickness, and Death, the Blood Maiden, the Winter Maiden, Patron of the Greater Duchy of Morgau
Divine Domains: Death, Justice, Lust
Domains: Charm, Darkness, Death, Law, Lust, Magic, Water
Subdomains: Ice, Loss, Murder, Undead
Alignment: Evil
Favored Weapon: Spear, whip
Marena is the dark face of human fears: all flesh fails, and unbridled lust and rampant plague can destroy any happy life. She is known and feared throughout the Southern Europe (and in the North as Mara), and her cults flourish in secret, especially in small villages when times are hard. In the great cities, her followers meet in cellars and sanctuaries within the poorer districts.
Her face is both beautiful and chilling, and those who see her and survive are invariably marked with white hair, wine-colored birthmarks, or haunted silver eyes. Her followers believe that her strict worship grants them power, and her orders in the Greater Duchy of Morgau include anchorites, flagellants, and orgiasts.
Worshippers
Marena is popular in the Blood Kingdom, and she serves as the patron goddess of whores, vampires, ghouls, and the Order of Ghost Knights. Indeed, she is worshipped openly, and the vampires are building new temples to her glory. She is followed with somewhat less fervor in Eastern Europe in her aspect as the Winter Maiden, and hidden sects of her adherents exist throughout the continent
Some kobolds worship her out of fear or awe, although most prefer the simple faiths of Volund or Baal.
Symbols and Books
Marena’s symbols include all red garments and skulls stained with ochre or rust. Her books are banned in most places as treatises of corruption and illness. The most infamous volumes include the Book of Holy Lust, the Song of Blood & Winter, and the Scarlet Commandments.
Shrines and Priests
The greatest public shrine to Marena is the great Aprostala temple, a site of pilgrimage and daily sacrifices. Worship of Marena is frequent and public; offerings are loud and messy. Every village of any size displays at least a small blood-stained altar stone, and her name is invoked at every birth, funeral, and battle. The religion is one of the few ways for living men and women to rise in status in the Blood Kingdom. Everywhere else, her worship is in secret.
Marena’s priesthood is the Red Sisterhood, responsible for justice, law, and punishment. The strict Red Sisters dole out punishments both harsh and public: floggings, quarterings, and brandings are all common, as are executions by beheading. The high priestess Lileshka of the Chalice rarely executes followers and visitors, but attempts to seduce pilgrims when the goddess demands it. Those who permit this are granted an audience to petition for whatever they wish. Those who refuse are given to the harsher priests for chastisement.
Despite (or because of) her proclivities, the high priestess retains the respect and good opinion of many of the elders of the realm. Her offerings are generous and yet she always demands favors in return. Most who underestimate her soon learn that her public congress with men and women does not mean she is weak or easily led; to the contrary, she chooses her conquests carefully.
Masks
Marena might be a mask of Hecate, Sarastra, or the Goat of the Woods; these are sometimes referred to as her “dark sisters.” In many ways, though, Vardesain is closer to the goddess than Hecate or Sarastra.
Other Faiths
Marena is on excellent terms with the priests of her husband Mavros, and with Boreas, who is widely regarded as their son (at least in the Northlands). Marena is on poor terms with most other gods. Boreas and the Goat of the Woods are her allies, and some believe she has a secret pact with Vardesain as well. Her enemies include Rava, Aten, Khors, Lada, Sif, Ninkash, and Wotan.
What Marena Demands
The stern goddess of lust and death demands her followers kill her foes (especially followers of Lada) and she requires rites of seduction, blood sacrifice, and flagellation. Although her worship is harsh and bitter, she is not unrelentingly cruel: she grants strength and magical power far more often than other gods, even to those who are not priestesses. Marena’s followers must make a pilgrimage to Morgau if they attain the age of 50.
Vardesain
Ghoul-God of the Bottomless Maw, Lord of Unending Thirst, the Hunger God, the Unsated God, Devourer of Souls, Patron of the Darakhul
Divine Domains: Darkness, Death, Hunger, Life, Void
Domains: Animal, Destruction, Healing, Hunger, Protection, Strength
Subdomains: Ferocity, Fur, Purity, Rage, Resurrection
Alignment: Neutral
Favored Weapon: Hand axe
All creatures hunger, and without food, life ends. Vardesain took this primal need and built a faith ranging from simple gluttony to cannibal feasting. Indeed, food is seen as a sacrament that builds life, health, and righteous strength in the faithful, and the followers of the hunger god can be both great gourmands and the world’s least picky eaters. Sacrifices to the god are invariably edible— and sometimes still living.
The god’s best-known forms are those of scavengers and predators: white wolves, ghouls, and darakhul, but also undead of abnormal size. In any form, visions, depictions, and avatars of Vardesain are always feeding on something.
Worshippers
Vardesain’s followers are the hungry and the ambitious: power-hungry humans, monsters, and ghouls, vampires, darakhul, and the undead. They have no morals or standards, only instinct.
Symbols and Books
Vardesain’s holy beast is the purple worm, a creature that devours sacrifices to the god in his temples. When embroidered or painted on vestments, it is shown as a purple snake consuming its own tail or a pair of open jaws. The priests of Vardesain keep bats, serpents, and oozes as living incarnations of hunger.
Their holiest text is actually a series of cave paintings called “the Feast” rendered in the Shrine of Vardesain in Darakhan, the White City of the Ghoul Imperium.
The empire depends on the Feeding Laws, edicts written on scrolls of skin and carried by Vardesain's priests. To disobey the Feeding Laws is to invite divine punishment, though in practice they are frequently broken.
Shrines and Priests
The red and white Shrine of Vardesain is the best-known temple below ground. Many ancient monuments to his face as the Lord of Unending Thirst stand at oases in the Southlands.
The current high priest is Cimbrai (NE male darakhul cleric 12 [Vardesain]), one of the rare few whose hunger has been consumed by Vardesain as a blessing. He currently works to topple Anu-Akma’s church in the Ghoul Empire.
Masks
The Goat of the Woods, the Hunter, Hel, Fenris-Hati, and Mavros have all been suggested as possible masks of Vardesain. None are especially likely candidates; Chernobog and Charun are more associated with Vardesain’s underworld and control over the undead. A few think that the Hunger God is a mask of Veles, and the priests of Vardesain claim that their god devoured an older god named Mordiggian, whose name sometimes still appears in their liturgy.
Other Faiths
Chernobog, the Goat of the Woods, and the Hunter are allied with Vardesain, though loosely. Lada, Khors, and Perun all despise Vardesain as worthless and vile, and they seek to destroy his temples at every opportunity. The priesthoods of Vardesain and Anu-Akma are great rivals, but the two gods seem indifferent to this rivalry, leading some to suspect that Vardesain is indeed a mask of Anu- Akma’s darker side.
What Vardesain Demands
Flesh is weak, but your will is strong: show your strength. Hunt and kill what you eat when you can; scavenging is not dishonorable. Fast when you must find focus and purity, for your hunger will give you strength to see the way. Devour the hearts of your enemies.
DM Journal - Session 13
525_DM
Session 13 DM journal
Saving the Blacksmith’s daughter, part two.
Who we met:
Rozalyn Turner – Kidnapped. Now Rescued! Seems at least a bit impressed by the powerful, fireball slininging, sorcerer.
Melancha Vendemic – Wife of the diplomatic consul from a neighboring duchy (Anjou, located SE of Amorica). Was under the effects of Suggestion (and possibly drugged) when found. Melancha wants to go home and have this whole thing be forgotten.
Felixia – a ‘Red Sister’. Cult leader. Escaped.
Linus Forelden and Luna Forelden. Siblings. Cult leaders under Felizia. Luna had the bow. Both escaped.
Borys Kreul – Identified by Melancha. (Party killed him, along with a couple other ghouls, in the upper crypts. Felixia ran from that fight. Worth noting that Borys had the stench of a ghoul in your fight (but not before). Verxatitus can determine that he feels like a (dead) ghoul but looks like a human.
Collected loot:
o 200 GP Reward from Koto (on getting back to him)
o Cash on bodies = 42 GP in misc. coins total.
o ceremonial silvered spear that the cult uses during their illicit rites is nonmagical but is exceptionally crafted and worth 150 gp.
o ruby holy symbol (of their evil cult) worth 50 gp.
o finely-crafted leather whip with a bloodstone handle worth 100 gp
o candle of visions (see below).
o The red glass sculpture in this room is carved in the likeness of the Blood Goddess Marena and is worth 100 gp.
o several shelves lined with books, oddities, and jars of various dried flowers. An open letter from a Blood Kingdom Baron sits on top of one of the books. Most of the books are tawdry novels and erotic fiction.
o A book bound in blood-stained leather, titled Prophets of the Red Goddess, stands out from the rest. The tome covers a wide range of information on Marena, her influence, and her priestesses, the Red Sisters. One particular passage of the tome contains information about the implementation of red glass golems, like the ones found throughout the temple, and lists an array of command phrases for such creations, including those assigned to the golems in this temple. The book is worth 200 gp to a collector of obscure religious writings and rare eldritch antiquities. A character that examines the book discovers a note folded within its pages from someone named Shroudson.
o an assortment of gothic carnival masks and half masks worth 15 gp
o Misc. ceremonial clothes and misc mundane weapons. Let me know if you want to collect these.
o The pentagram is also a magic item (though hard to take with you).
o 2,000 gp in cash and gems in Felixia's rooms.
Note from the bookshelf:
1 January, 525
In the name of Baron Urslav,
Crawling Lord of Vallanoria, Keeper of the Red Sisters,
and by the unholy hand of King Lucan,
Lord of the Shroud-Eaters,
Let it be known to all agents of the Blood Kingdom: change is coming to Rennes, by the hand of our fair Sisters and the Brothers of Nicoforus the Pale, first of his name. The honorable Felixia Bael-Sheth has been appointed Red Sister of the First Order and ordained to serve the Red Mother’s mercy from our bastion within Rennes itself.
All agents of the Blood Kingdom are hereby summoned to identify any personages of significant import for conversion within Sister Bael-Sheth’s enclave. These covenants will form the bedrock of our new outpost in the region.
By the glory of Morgau and the unhallowed legions of Doresh,
In Marena’s name we conquer.
Note from the book Prophets of the Red Goddess,
Ms. Bael-Sheth,
Congratulations on your new post. Your predecessor was quite reluctant to communicate, and I trust you are a better correspondent.
The bearer of this letter is my agent, Borys Kreul, whom I have tasked with assisting you in whatever way you desire. He is particularly adept at acquiring prey and might serve well in procuring lambs for your goddess’ altar. He brings with him one of our latest acquisitions. An oafish lout, indeed, but this acquisition should prove effective in defending your new position. Though do be sure to keep him well fed.
-Shroudson
What we learn from the book ‘Prophets of the Red Goddess’:
Red Sisters of Marena
Marena is a destructive and vengeful goddess whose sphere of influence includes sickness, death, and decay. She promotes life in twisted forms, from the second existence as vampires that she bestows upon her favored children to her deft use of lust as a tool of manipulation and ruin.
The worshipers of Marena are a powerful force in the Blood Kingdom, where their goddess reigns supreme. In their base of power, Marena’s followers are called Red Sisters. Elsewhere, they are a greatly feared but fugitive cult called the Blood Sisters, luring victims and new adherents into the fold with lustful rites. Wherever they live, Marena’s devotees carry out the strict edicts of their goddess, spilling blood at her command, both their own and that of their sacrificial victims.
Some references in the book (Knowledge Religion) make it look like she may be the goddess Hecate.
XP. 7871 + 1355 = 9226
14,000 needed for 6th
Date: 1 day has passed. It is mid-morning on May 9th.
CANDLE OF VISIONS
Wondrous item, common
This black candle burns with an eerie, blue flame. The candle’s magic is activated when the candle is lit, which requires an action. When lit, the candle sheds bright light in a 5-foot radius and dim light for an additional 5 feet. Each creature in the candle’s light has advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration on divination spells. After burning for 1 hour, or if the flame is magically or nonmagically snuffed out, it is destroyed.
Alternatively, when you light the candle for the first time, you can cast the augury spell with it, which reveals its otherworldly omen in the candle’s smoke. Doing so destroys the candle.
-
I really should spend more time on descriptions like this one:
The Giant ghoul nests east of the door upon a pile of carrion and bone, which includes the castoff equipment of its previous meals: a longsword, a scimitar, a shield, a war pick, a suit of ring mail, a ruined suit of leather armor, and one breastplate. The ogre ghoul’s carrion pile reeks of death. A creature that searches the ogre ghoul’s carrion pile must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour.
---
Cast:
• Bruic (Level 8) – (Level indicates size of city based on roughly the highest level of characters one might find there)
o Baron Caleti
Colors: Blue and White
o Titus Caleti – Age 13
Markus - Knight
o Princess Nadia Caleti – Age 22
• Gersey, Isle of
o Odzedoz Orcs
Mega the Brash – had “The Book”, Currently in chains in Bruic.
• Malo: (level 5)
o Ruler, Sir Lucius Turullius Adjutor. He is ancient and blind and has his burgomeister run the town.
o Galerius Rhukhim Mastid, burgomeister. LN Veteran
Militia is just enough Guards to man the gates and a small unit of archers at the Keep.
o Andolatius. He is a merchant out of Malo. Rescued by party in goblin caves.
Cordia, his daughter. Age 18
o The White Shirt
Herius Sallustius Aywin Luphine - LG male high elf noble), who most see as a bit of a snoot,
Faleria Bezka - bartender who keeps everyone coming back night after night. Bezka drinks almost as much of the ale as she sells and loves to dance on the bar. Rumor around town is that she's in a relationship with the burgomeister, but neither will confirm or deny the allegations.
BARD: Jacques Pescin of the College of Lore, slight mentor to Barton.
o The Sparkling Lookout
Valcryn Vorpos – Gnome sage
DEAD: Vibius Ruhmeid Nammod – NE Oracle/Sage/Mage = Attempted to kill the other sages to cover up his stealing a book.
• Hulay ?
o Docks:
Rahl is the current master of the docks.
DRUID: Andecarus maintains the temple but spends most of his day lending a hand to the sailors down at the docks. Runs an Open Air worship of the Celtic god of the Sea (Manannan Mac Lir).
Samis – local sailor – Delivered and picked up from Gersey
o Temple of Jupiter:
Publius Dossenius Damasippus - Head Cleric at the Roman Temple.
o Veniena Graki (female thug). – Runs a black market outside the Sisaboat gate.
• Méloir-des-Ondes – Voidwater Mine (Level 3)
o Terris Westmoore – Mine Operator
o Aleith is a cult fanatic., Follower of Hades (And Apollo!)
o Gendra Jade: The owner of the Falling Rod, a tavern
• Paris (Level 13?)
o Luis Invictus. Son of Charles. Has just taken power.
Colors: Blue and Gold.
o Charles Invictus. Emperor of Greater Francia. He calls Paris his New Rome. He came to power 30 years ago, promising a new Roman Republic. He does have a Senate but they are nothing more than an advisory council. We probably need a way to show how strong he and his government are. Charles is currently on campaign in the German Marches. Togas are in fashion. Chariot races are the great sport.
• Quimper (Level 8?)
o Baron Venetti
Colors = Blue and Green
• Rennes (Level 10?)
o Grand Duke Bedegar. Considered a good ruler. Is said to be going to put together an army to subjugate the elves near Quimper.
Colors: Blue and Red
o the captain of the watch (Decius Statilius Nelius)
o 13 Coins.
Proculus is the owner/proprietor
o GodKing Goblins
Brix was captured by the party.
o The woman in white. Human. Older. Has a shield with a rose on it. She and her party overflew the goblin hill camp on griphons. Brix said that she was the bigger boss and she once exploded a hobgoblin chief in single combat.
o Heston Turner – Blacksmith. Hates Kobolds for kidnapping his daughter.
o Rozalyn Turner – Kidnapped and Saved. Friend of Cordia.
o Skik – Kobold patron of the Rampant Rat. (Try the stew!)
o Koto Crag-Claw – Local Kobold leader.
o Kwarrel – Kobold scout. Works for Koto.
o Melancha Vendemic – Wife of the diplomatic consul from a neighboring duchy (Anjou, located SE of Amorica). Was under the effects of Suggestion (and possibly drugged) when found. Melancha wants to go home and have this whole thing be forgotten.
o Felixia – a ‘Red Sister’. Cult leader. Escaped.
o Linus Forelden and Luna Forelden. Siblings. Cult leaders under Felizia. Luna had the bow. Both escaped.
o Borys Kreul – Identified by Melancha. (Party killed him, along with a couple other ghouls, in the upper crypts. Felixia ran from that fight. Worth noting that Borys had the stench of a ghoul in your fight (but not before). Verxatitus can determine that he feels like a (dead) ghoul but looks like a human.
• Vannes (level 8?)
o Baron Saxton. Well known boyhood friend of Grand Duke Bedegar.
Colors: Black and Red
• White Tusk Hobgoblins – Met on Gersey, Again outside Rennes. Have actual uniforms, White bone on lapels.
o Dorokor – Hobgoblin Female War Leader – Red Half Plate armor, Fancy Axe.
DM Journal - Session 12
525_DM
Session 12 DM journal
Saving the Blacksmith’s daughter
House Rule Updates.
1. Edited the Web spell to have immediate saving throws.
2. Edited bennies so that they do not carry over. At the start of each session, players will have 1 for showing up and possibly a second for making a journal entry.
Who we met:
Heston Turner – Blacksmith. Hates Kobolds for kidnapping his daughter. And they are nasty.
Rozalyn Turner – Kidnapped. Or worse!
Skik – Kobold patron of the Rampant Rat. (Try the stew!)
Koto Crag-Claw – Local Kobold leader.
Kwarrel – Kobold scout. Works for Koto.
Collected loot:
o 200 GP Reward for trade goods.
o 200 GP reward for monster ears (based on reports)
o Monocle of Dark Vision (60 feet) – reward or loan from Koto Crag-Claw for clearing the names of the Kobolds.
o Silvered short sword – 100 GP value.
o Arcane Focus – Glass Rod. 50 GP value.
o Cash on bodies = 86 total.
XP. 6971 + 900 = 7871
14,000 needed for 6th
Date: 1 day has passed. It is mid-day on May 8th.
DM Journal - Session 11
525_DM
Session 11 DM journal
Epic battle of the Goblin Fortress.
Who we met:
No one new.
Collected loot:
o Suit Full Plate, Black Enamel, Lightning bolt emblem, Roman styling. Very old but in great condition.
o Breastplate +1; on the Hobgoblin.
o +1 Spear; on Hobgoblin (Blue metal head and runes down the shaft)
o Eyes of the eagle on Hobgoblin (Advantage on perception checks)
o Potions!
Climbing
Healing x2
Healing, Superior
Healing Greater x2
o 3 x 100 GP Diamonds
o 1500 GP in mixed coinage.
o Augury Gems on Goblin Shaman (25 GP)
o Art! (250 GP each)
Ring, Gold with Bloodstones
Gold Bracelet
Bronze crown (Pre-Roman Celtic?)
Tapestry (Roman)
Gold bird cage with Electrum filigree.
o Cash on bodies. Total 200 GP
XP. 5731 + 1240 = 6971
Everyone levels to 5th!
Date: 2 days have passed. It is morning on May 7th.
DM Journal - Session 10
525_DM
Ran away from the Goblin Hill Fort, killed a goblin force in the forest.
Who we met:
Brix. Goblin. Captured by party.
Collected loot:
84 GP in misc. coinage from the bodies.
XP. 5231+ 500 = 5731
Level 5 requires 6500
Date: 1 days have passed. It is morning on May 5th.
DM Journal - Session 9
525_DM
Hung out in Malo for a couple days, Attempted the Voidwater Enchantment Ritual (No Joy), Escorted merchants to Rennes, Goblins, Manticores, Hobgoblins.
Who we met:
Trader Andolatius daughter Cordia who has a thing for the party hero (meaning Barton). Have you heard him play? And he defeated two manticores!
Rennes captain of the watch Decius Statilius Nelius
Proculus is the owner/proprietor of the 13 Coins. Happy to act as party agent in Rennes.
Collected loot:
Nothing to speak of. Promised 200 GP for Caravan escort duty by Galerius.
XP. 4731 + 500 = 5231
Level 5 requires 6500
Date: 3 days have passed. It is 2:30 PM on May 4th. The party has found a goblin camp.
DM Journal - Session 8
525_DM
Session 8 Recap.
Cleaned up on Gersey.
Who we met:
No one new.
Collected loot:
See Treasurer’s report.
XP. 3651 + 1080 = 4731
Level 5 requires 6500
Date: 2 days have passed. It is Noon on May 1st when the party returns to Malo.
We should do downtime.
DM Journal - Session 7
525_DM
DM Recap – Session 7
Fought Orcs! Saved the princess!
Who we met:
Samis, Local sailor and fisherman who delivered the party to the isle of Gersey.
Collected loot:
800 GP. Reward for saving princess Nadia.
I think the party held onto 10 potions of healing that they did not use.
I think the party did not use 1 scroll of Fireball.
XP. 2701 + 950 = 3651
Date: 2 days have passed. It is Noon on April 29th when the party returns to Malo.
DM Journal– Session 6
525_DM
Any intra-party fight was a dream sequence. It turns out that such hallucinations are not uncommon for Voidwater miners. Party returns to Malo, Has downtime, meets the new Sage, and gets a new quest.
Who we met:
Valcryn Vorpos, Gnome and new Sage of Malo. He has taken to the party and worked a Voidwater ritual that creates magic weapons.
Princess Nadia Caletti. 22 Year old sister of Titus Caleti of Bruic. Kidnapped by the Odzedoz Orcs of the Isle of Gersey. Lord Titus wants her back and has volunteered the party to go collect her.
Collected loot:
800 GP. This is the up front payment for assaulting the Isle of Gersey to recover Princess Nadia.
Three characters created magic weapons using a Viodwater ritual and help from Valcryn Vorpos.
XP. All characters go to 2701 XP. All characters level to 4th.
Date: 9 days have passed. It is 7 AM on April 27th. The party is expected to hit the beach at Gersey at midnight tomorrow.
DM Journal - Session 5
525_DM
Captured Aleith the Cleric. Cleared the Voidwater Mine. Had PARTY STRIFE! Returned to Malo.
We may have some character turnover in the party.
No new NPC contacts. No new loot.
XP 1675 + 710 = 2585
2,700 needed to hit level 4. Seems likely this will happen after next session.
Other:
Rule Clarification: Scrolls: There are some non-spell scrolls (like Protection). These can be used by anyone who can read the language. Spell scrolls can be used by any caster who has the spell in the list of spells available to your class. If the spell is a higher level than the character can cast, there is an ability check ad DC 10+spell level. The scroll is destroyed succeed or fail. (Note: this most clearly applies to the Revivify scroll the party collected last session. Given possible party turnover, please clarify who has this.) (Revivify is on the Cleric, Paladin, and Druid spell lists...)
Wand of Web requires Attunement (can be done in a short rest). Barton has done this. One may only be attuned to three items at a time. This one also has a maximum of 4 charges and collects d3 +1 charges at dawn.
We need to put a cap on Bennies. From here out, if you have 4 or more bennies, you may not collect more. As a side note, I really have liked them in play. Seeing the extra effort at crunch time in a fight has been great.
DM Journal - Session 4
525_DM
Galerious (Malo burgomeister) asked the party to run up to Méloir-des-Ondes to see about getting the Voidwater flowing again.
Who we met:
Aleith – Cleric of Apollo who railed about the evil that comes from the Voidwater mine. Turned out to (Also?) worship Hades in a temple found under the temple of Apollo.
Cultists and locals. The cultists have black veins in their eyes.
Terris – Mine overseer. Reports to Galerious.
Guards – Rotate into this town out of Malo.
Gendra – Barkeep of the Falling Rod tavern.
Collected loot:
- 1 dagger, has a 50 GP opel in the pommel.
- Scroll of Revivify.
- Notebook of uses for Voidwater.
• how to use it to turn commoners into cultists.
• that prolonged exposure can lead to death and coming back as a Ghoul or Ghast.
• how to use it as a spell component to turn Charm Person into Dominate Person.
• Has a ritual for creating Flesh Golems. This ritual requires 400 pounds of living humans. It suggests using small humans to get the amount right but notes that ‘trimming’ them can also work. It has a margin note to do the work in an isolated area as there tends to be a lot of screaming. The ritual requires a DC 15 Arcana check. It also causes Exhaustion and creates a Wild Magic Storm.
- 4 vials of voidwater.
- 7 50 GP diamonds
- Wand of Web
- Spear +1
- Shield, Wood, +1
- 1000 SP
- 91 GP
XP: 1115 + 560 = 1675
Level 4 requires 2700.
New date: April 25th, 525 CE
DM Journal - Session 3
525_DM
Session 3 DM Journal
Who we met:
o Herius Sallustius Aywin Luphine – Owner of The White Shirt. Party Agent in town. Will take care of all buying and selling for the party. All gear sells at 50% list value. Herius pays up front. Art objects sell for listed value.
o Faleria Cimber Bezka Wells – Very attractive bartender who keeps everyone coming back night after night. Faleria drinks almost as much of the ale as she sells and loves to dance on the bar. Rumor around town is that she's in a relationship with the burgomeister, but neither will confirm or deny the allegations.
o Vibius Ruhmeid Nammod – The dead sage who sure seemed to be up to no good.
o Odzedoz Orcs. Pirate orcs based on the isle of Gersey. Use longships.
o Mega The Brash – Mohawked leader - Has a Giant Vulture as pet. Seems to have run off with a book.
o Hulay – Someone who might get mad for not getting a book? Did not actually meet.
o Local Ruler, Sir Lucius Turullius Adjutor. He is ancient and blind and has his burgomeister run the town. (Had Verxatitus over for tea. Asked about his family. Determined that he once knew his grandfather.)
o Galerius Rhukhim Mastid, burgomeister. Effective Town Administrator.
o Veniena Graki – Has a stall in Rirrearded Market. Willing to buy things others are not.
o Andecarus – Local Druid. Spends most of his day lending a hand to the sailors down at the docks. Runs an Open Air worship of the Celtic god of the Sea (Manannan Mac Lir).
o Publius Dossenius Damasippus - Head Cleric at the Roman Temple.
Collected:
o 50 GP for delivering Andolatius (Andy) to Malo.
o I think you all got paid out on the Voidwater.
o Galerius covered your expenses in town for a week.
Other:
In addition to the sages at the Sparkling Lookout two fishermen were killed at the hands of the Odzedoz. The locals spend the next couple of days cleaning up and making repairs. A funeral at sea is held for the departed, their bodies set upon flaming rafts with Andecarus offering them to Celtic god of the Sea, Manannan Mac Lir.
Someone came and claimed the bodies of the dead sages. All of them. This happened quickly and you only heard about it after the fact. Asking around on this you hear that “The Sages Guild” claimed them.
Burgomeister Galerius has suggested that the party visit the tiny town of Méloir-des-Ondes and see if they can get the Voidwater mine back into production. They should look up Terris Westmoore at The Falling Rod bar as their contact. He is a good friend of Galerius’.
Notes on Malo: People in charge are Roman. People who want to be taken seriously use Roman names (3 if they can pull it off but only 1 for those of Celtic descent). The Celtic people speak Celtic amongst themselves. French is spoken by everyone.
XP: 815 + 300 = 1115
If any player wants to chat about what their character is up to during the downtime week, text me and we will do that.
New date: April 24th, 525 CE
DM Journal - Session 2
525_DM
The captive from the Goblin Hideout: Andolatius. He is a merchant out of Malo. Captured yesterday. Will pay 50 GP for his return to his city. Speaks Celtic and French.
Yeemik was the captain Hobgoblin. He has a chest here w/
3 gold teeth (1 gp each)
600 cp
110 sp
two potions of healing
Small frog statue with jade eyes. Value 40 GP
Note, in German: "Orders Update: Continue disrupting trade. Start taking captives. " For a signature, there is a wax seal with the symbol of a rose.
Collected from bodies:
9 goblins gear (shield, small leather, spear, shortbow of low quality)
5 Hobgoblin gear (Bows, Chain Mail, Shield, Longswords)
2 Bugbear gear: (Morning stars, Javelins, shield, Hide armor
On Bodies:
51 CP, 56 SP, 70 GP, 6 PP
XP: 360 for session (plus 455 for previous experience) = 815. Level 3 requires 900.
--
The party searches the immediate area and does find Andolatias’ cart in a ravine. It takes a bit of work but you pull it back up. You can make it to Malo before nightfall if you load up and head out. You even have time for a short rest if you like. Or you can spend the night here (with a pile of goblinoid corpses at the cave system entrance) and travel all refreshed.
--
I would like to hear which characters are taking advantage of the Lifestyle spending rules. How much is you character spending per day?
As DM, I am presuming all party loot is in the possession of official party leader Verxatitus. By default, he has all the valuables but does not take defeated opponent’s standard gear unless mentioned in play or in a journal entry. Verxatitus can distribute the loot or delegate that task to another party member at will.
DM Update Session 1
525_DM
Who We Met: Titus Caleti of Bruic, Age 13, youngest son of Lord Caleti of Bruic. His knight and bodyguard Markus. Three household guards.
Location Names: Erie (Ireland). Caladonia (Scottland). Armorica (Brittany), Francia (France)
Local Towns so far: Bruic; Dinan
Who rules what? France: Charles Invictus. Dukedom of Armorica: Senator / Grand Duke Bedegar of Rennes. The local barony: Baron Caleti of Bruic
Things to do:
1. Track Goblins to see if there are more and if they have more captives.
2. Go on to the town of Dinan to see why trade there has fallen off.
3. Eventually return to the city of Bruic and report to Titus.
Collected things:
Letter of Marquis - This states that Verxatitus runs a light infantry unit that reports to Lord Bruic of Caleti. It names Barton, Dagos, Griswold, and Oisin as members of Verxatitus' Company. Their area of operations includes the Barony of Caleti and all of Greater Francia given they check in with the local rules for permission to operate.
Up to 13 short bows.
60 arrows
13 small shields with a red smear across them.
13 spears
13 sets of undersized leather armor.
6 PP
25 GP
37 CP
XP: 155 (plus 300 for previous life experience) = 455. Level 3 requires 900.
House Rule change: The Firing Into Combat is too harsh. We should do either the Cover rules or the Disadvantage / Reckless rule. Please feel free to comment.
Do you know the bit in Wallace and Gromit where Gromit is laying train track in front of the train his is riding? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76xYy2KNzGM) That is how this campaign gets built. Please let me know in your journal entries what your characters would like to do. At the moment I am going to build out what happens when you follow the goblin trail. If you are going to look for Druids, please let me know so I can figure out where they are. There are items in your back stories. If you are going to look into them, please let me know so I can prep in that direction. In fact, please post your back stories as journal entries. If you want to work them out, please do that with me. I can do this by phone or email (or even text).
Please bug me for other details you need or even what you like or do not like.
Testing, 1, 2, 3
525_DM
Mic Check.
