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Storm Season 1625 Session 3

Page history last edited by Michael 2 years, 7 months ago

back to Storm Season 1625 Session 2

 

     Spoiler Alert: This session is based on The Dragon of Thunder Hills scenario

 


Oaths Fulfilled at a Queen's Tomb

 

Storm Season Holy Days

 

Freezeday

Waterday

Clayday

Windsday

Fireday

Wildday

Godday

Disorder Week

 

 

 

Ernalda

 Orlanth

 

Issaries

 

Harmony Week

Uleria

Uleria

Uleria

Ernalda

Uleria  

Orlanth

Uleria

Uleria

Issaries

Uleria

Death Week

 

 

 Ernalda

Humakt

Orlanth

 

Issaries

 

Fertility Week

 

 

Ernalda

Eiritha

Orlanth 

 

C. Arroy

Issaries

 

Stasis Week

   

Ernalda

 Orlanth

Storm Bull

Storm Bull

Issaries

 

Movement Week

 

   

Ernalda

Orlanth

Yinkin

Issaries

 

Illusion Week

 

 

Ernalda

Orlanth

 

7 Mothers

Issaries

 

Truth Week

   

Ernalda

Orlanth

Yelmalio

Aldraya

Issaries

Lhankor Mhy

bold text are high holy days, plain text are regular, italic text are minor; blue tint is the days of this session;

the last three weeks of this season are the Great Hunt

 

     Distances and times (presuming roads shown are "trade roads"):

 

  • Old Grave to Greenstone:  13 kilometers, 9 left to travel. 2 kilometers hills, 7 road, storm over. Less than a day

  • Greenstone to Tarkalor Keep:  10 kilometers = half day (bad weather), to 1.5 days (snow storm)

  • Tarkalor Keep to Swanton:  10 kilometers = half day (bad weather), to 1.5 days (snow storm)

  • Swanton to Apple Lane:  5 kilometers  = half day (bad weather), to 1 day (snow storm)

  • Apple Lane to far side of Birne's Queeze:  17 kilometers =1 day (bad weather), to 3 days (snow storm)

  • far side of Birne's Queeze to Fair Jowl:  14 kilometers = Less than one day (bad weather), to 2 days (snow storm)

  • Fair Jowl to Queen's Tomb:  7 kilometers = half day (bad weather), to 2 days (snow storm)

 

Clay Day, Stasis Week

 

    We sealed King Berevenos back in his tomb, and headed west toward the Orlevings -- the weather was just "bad", rain with clouds, so we had to lead our horses (they could not be ridden in this weather).

 

the Orleving clan center is next to the Greenstone Earth Temple

 

     In the afternoon, Bronwyn and Baugi heard the stealthy approach of less than a dozen armed warriors, hiding among some rocks near the trail. Bronwyn handed the reins of her horse to another member of the party, and strode over to the rocks, saying (in basic Trade Tongue), "I hear you -- I know you're there."

     Three dark trolls stood up  close by -- Bronwyn knew there were some trollkin still hiding behind the rocks. The leader of the trolls said, "Ha! Surrender now!" The Humakti's sword was ripped from its scabbard in reply. At a signal from the trolls, a volley of six sling-stones was hurled at Bronwyn -- a few hit, but none did any damage. The troll chief grimaced, and called out, "A challenge, then!"

     The Humakti nodded in agreement; when all three dark trolls stalked forward, she gestured to Baugi and Robbi to advance as well. Our blades flashed in unison, before the trolls could get their cumbersome clubs and mauls swinging. Bronwyn cut a leg off from one, while Baugi and Robbi disabled their foes nearly as completely.

      Our three duelists stood back a step, weapons ready to complete the slaughter -- the leader of the trolls raised a hand, and called out, "Ransom -- we give." The troll chewed a message on a slab of wood, and gave it to Bronwyn; Our Heroes then departed, as the trollkin hurried forward to tend to their leaders.

 

The gnawed slab is an agreement to pay 200 silver worth of ransom, payable at various locations.

 

     While we began to lead our horses away again, Buttercup slung a stone at the wounded trolls; our warriors frowned at the Wind Child, but Freyar used some sweet words to convince the Child of the Wind to stop bothering the wounded foes.

     As the sun set, we arrived at the famous Greenstone temple; this was at the end of the weekly Ernaldan ceremonies, and Freyar hurried over to the temple to take part. The clan center was spread around the valley below the temple.

      In the biggest (only) inn, we met someone known to Robbi:  Gringblast Groaning-Shield, Storm Khan of Urox and husband of Daressa Lifeloom! He asked why were traveling in Storm season, and Robbi told him, "We are on a mission to destroy a dragon -- we've been sent by Queen Leika herself." At this, the Storm Khan laughed and said, "Do you have one of these?" -- he lifted his kilt and displayed a "showy" codpiece, made from dragon skin. It was, in fact, a divine spell matrix, made for some Storm Bull quest long ago.

 

Dragon Codpiece

     A showy and tasteless magic item, made from dragon skin. It's a divine magic matrix for an unusual Storm Bull divine spell, Face Dragons

     The spell requires 3 Storm Bull rune points to cast; it's a ranged, temporal spell, which persists for 15 minutes. When cast seven other people are affected, with no chance to resist; the spell will not work without seven recipients. The targets must be intelligent beings. The caster takes half damage from any damage done by dragons, and dragons only get half armor against their attacks. The recipients affected by the spell cannot retreat from battle with dragons and draconic creatures. The spell will end if the caster is killed.

 

     Gringblast offered to let Robbi use the codpiece in the mission -- but only if Robbi fought a duel with him "to first blood;" the initiate eagerly agreed.

     Meanwhile, Bronwyn went into the town to speak with an Ernaldan priestess of her acquaintance, and asked about the wisdom of going with the Colymar group to fight a dragon. The priestess said, "You should stay home!". She also spoke with the clan leader who'd sent her off to Clearwine originally. Later in the evening, she found some of her "local" friends -- before we met her, this had been her hometown -- and did a lot of drinking with a couple of female Humakti, a male Humakti, and an Ernaldan from the Greenstone temple.

     Freyar found an Ernaldan priestess who agreed to provide a dose of dragon poison antidote.

     In some covered location, Robbi and Gringblast stood, wearing no armor; no spells were to be used in their duel. Each had their sword, and a shield; a few spare shields were available at hand. A crowd of appreciative and rowdy folk watched as the two Storm Bulls launched into each other. Unsurprisingly, Gringblast was the winner, slicing off one of Robbi's legs. An Ernaldan priestess was on hand, and Robbi's leg was immediately re-attached; Gringblast appreciated Robbi's dedication, and told him, "Use the codpiece, my boy! And if you yourself defeat the dragon, keep the item!" Pale from pain and blood loss, Robbi smiled weakly and thanked the Storm Khan.

      When Freyar learned of the conditions of the "Face Dragons" spell, she told the rest of Our Heroes that she wouldn't allow the spell to be cast on her. Robbi was fine with that -- he fully expected to find some other warrior to join us at the battle with Yerezum Storn. Lagertha, though, tried to convince our Ernaldan to be "part of the spell".

      Thane Baugi had been talking with the local clan leaders, and came back to our inn much later. He gathered us around a table, and said, "We have another mission, after dealing with Storn -- sometime in Sea season. It involves recovering an important Ernaldan item from the Lunar renegades at the Rainbow Mounds." Most of us thought this sounded like fun, but he told Bronwyn, "I have the feeling you're not going to enjoy this one -- the item is very Ernaldan, very Life rune-related." Bronwyn thanked our thane, and went to speak with a local Humakt priest about the issue.

      A friendly local at the inn sold Lagertha a spell matrix for Strength.

     Local Wind Lords were able to predict the weather for the next three days:  ordinary "bad" weather on Windsday and Fireday, "good" weather on Wild Day. Our Orlanthi got a dispensation to travel on Windsday ... "You're adventuring, aren't you?"

 

Winds Day, Stasis Week

 

      A couple of us had hangovers as the sun rose, but we set out just after dawn in any case. We were now able to ride our horses, and we rode over the hills to Oakton, following herder's paths.

     The trip was uneventful, if a bit wet and cool. In Oakton, Baugi spent much of the evening closeted with Varmandi clan leaders, laying out Leika's proposals. As the rest of the party spoke with Varmandi folk, Buttercup purchased a "cheap" spell matrix -- which turned out to be a phony! The disgusted Wind Child threw the trinket into the ash-heap, from which Andrinik retrieved it.

 

The "fake" item still detects as magical, and Andrinik thought it might be useful somehow.

 

     Conversely, Freyar managed to haggle with a local to obtain two doses of dragon antidote (though of course those too might have been false).

     In the late evening, as the rest of Our Heroes were preparing to sleep, Robbi came back from speaking with the Varmandi and said, "They like the deal!"

 

Fire Day, Stasis Week

 

      The trip from Oakton to Apple Lane was fairly well known to most of us, and the weather was merely "bad"; we arrived at Baugi's home mid-afternoon. Brightflower was very glad to see her husband. Robbi and Baugi were privately glad that Queen Leika hadn't shown up.

 

Wild Day, Stasis Week

 

      Both Robbi and Andrinik were busy all this day with cult activities. The Sun shown from the sky, with only scattered clouds scudding about; the Orlanthi claimed this weather showed Orlanth's approval of our mission. 

 

Robbi wished Orlanth would approve while we were on the road ...

 

      Lagertha took Bronwyn and Sorala on some patrols and checking on the local steads, allowing Baugi plenty of relaxing private time with Brightflower.

     Buttercup flitted about, charming the locals. Kareena the God-Talker of Orlanth predicted the weather for the next two days:  Gods Day, good; Freeze Day, "bad". A new Ulerian initiate, Pat, was now in service at the temple.

     Robbi picked up 200 Lunars worth of his stashed savings, in case the funds were needed during our trip to the Queen's Tomb.

 

Gods Day, Stasis Week

 

      Taking advantage of the continued good weather, we saddled up by sunrise and headed east, through Birne's Queeze. Before the road reached Red Bird, we cut southeast to the road along the Arfritha (or Boranini) River, and urged our horses south towards Fair Jowl. We kept riding, even after the sun set, and finally arrived at the town's gates about two hours after midnight. Being admitted to the town wasn't hard, but finding a stable and an inn that would accept us at that ungodly hour took a bit of persuasion.

     An enormous pork jowl loomed over the town -- a remnant of some ancient tusker. Lagertha told us the somewhat curious history of the enormous chunk of bone.

 

Freeze Day, Movement Week

 

      Saddle-sore and tired, we all slept in a bit, as rain returned to the Colymar lands.

     Our Heroes were going to remain in Fair Jowl through Winds Day, the highest holy day of the year for Orlanthi, and make the short trip to the Queen's Tomb the day after that.

    

Water Day and Clay Day, Movement Week

 

     We spent two days in Fair Jowl preparing for the attack on the dragon:

 

  • Robbi sought warriors to make up the "seven people besides himself" for the Face Dragon spell. No man in Fair Jowl would agree to join us; they claimed "It's none of my affair", "I can't take that chance", "It's your mission, you must do it." After two days Robbi had a low opinion of the locals.He also found out that farmers and herders living in the Thunder Hills thought the Queen's Tomb was haunted.

  • Some of us tried to find more useful items -- Lagertha purchased a Glamour matrix, Baugi found a Protection matrix, and Buttercup was once again preyed upon by a Lanbril cultist!

 

Winds Day, Movement Week

 

      The most important holy day of the year for Orlanth -- the Orlanthi and Vingans received some blessings which would last a few days from their worship. Robbi, Sorala, Andrinik, Bronwyn and Freyar spent the day on the final preparations -- sharpening swords, repairing armor, etc.

      At the end of the day's rituals of worship for Orlanth, Stormwarden Birdwatcher, the priest of Orlanth, approached Baugi, and took the thane into a private room to talk. After a half-hour or so, Andrinik was asked to join them. 

      In the evening Baugi and Andrinik came out from the conference with the wind priest, and told us, "There's a strange menace at a remote village called Farfield, something called the 'rattling wind'". As Andrinik wasn't made of dragon-killing stuff, Baugi agreed to let the merchant begin an investigation of that problem.

      In the evening, Robbi and Buttercup overheard Lagertha and Andrinik "getting frisky" ... "Well, if not today, then when?" was Robbi's comment. Andrinik left the next morning on his mission to investigate the "rattling wind".

 

Fire Day, Movement Week

 

      Only a few curious citizens of Fair Jowl turned out to watch Our Heroes leave in the morning. The air was crisply cold, the sky was clear to the horizon, and the sun shone down on snow-drifts and the frost-crusted enormous hunk of bone next to the town. We made a few last prayers to our deities, and rode forth (Andrinik rode off to the east, towards Farfield).

 

  • Thane Baugi Erikson

  • Lagertha the Unexpected

  • Robbi Two-Braid

  • Sorala the Sage

  • Bronwyn Sword-sister

  • Freyar, who would possibly be the only survivor

  • Buttercup the Wind-Child Envoy

  • Runty, the trusty alynx. "How come I have to go dragon-slaying on Yinkin's holy day?"

  • Chirra the tern, eighth of the dragon-slayers

 

     The Queen's Tomb was only about 10 kilometers west of Fair Jowl, in the Thunder Hills; being a known "haunted place", nobody lived nearby. We emerged from the last few trees around the foot of a low hill, and could see a sort of "pillow-shaped" mound, 50 meters long and rising 15 meters above the natural earth. On the west side of the mound was a simple opening three meters wide, framed by two stone slabs; above the opening was a shallow terrace with ten statues of gods or heroes, now defaced (literally).

 

the passage, 3 meters wide at the bottom

 

     We tied our horses to some trees, just out of sight from the entrance, made our last preparations ...

 

"Orlanth will surely bless us."

"Come, brothers and sisters, let's smash this worm!"

"I am very interested in what color the dragon is."

"Wouldn't it be easier if we lured it outside? That tomb looks dark and cramped."

"Come here little birdie, I won't eat you"

 

     ... and followed Baugi Erikson into the tomb. It was quiet, without any litter or dust on the floor. The entrance passage led to a series of burial chambers for the followers of the ancient queen -- Buttercup sensed nearly three dozen spirits flitting about, fortunately not hostile. Niches in the walls held urns filled with ashes, or objects dedicated to the honored dead; dark chambers on the side held more grave-goods, their walls decorated with ancient images -- we recognized Orlanth and Ernalda. We used a torch and some Light spells to see within the hushed tomb.

     Just before the queen's own tomb was a chamber with a central pit seven meters deep (though we couldn't see the actual bottom). The pit held thousands of tiny terracotta snakes, and also some glittering coins or gems -- we gave it a wide berth none-the-less. A wall niche held a small faience statue of a woman with dark hair and a serpent crown, riding a long purple serpent.

     The final chamber, tomb of the Sleeping Lady, was a large, irregular domed space, at least 15 meters wide. Rough, tall stone piers along the walls held up the high ceiling; between the piers were painted scenes of ancient demi-gods and heroes from the time of the Queen's life. In the center of the room was a chest-high stone altar or bed, upon which a greenstone statue of a Queen was laying, depicted reclining on her right side as if sleeping. She was shown wearing a skirt of strips of lapis lazuli, and anklets, bracelets, and a pectoral cape made of copper. Around the altar, and against the walls of the tomb, were laid all manner of grave-goods:  votive images, bronze figurines, a copper mirror, scrolls, bundles of herbs, decorated vases, crowns, furniture, and all other things suitable to a Sartarite queen. To one side was another dark opening.

 

Confrontation With Storn

 

     Coiled around the altar was Yerezum Storn, a reptile 15 meters long, with a body 1.5 meters thick; she had dark purple scales and curiously short limbs. Her head was decorated with a horned frill.

 

given the size of the buildings shown, she'd be more like 100 meters long; this is clearly her own dream ...

 

     We stepped silently into the tomb ... but the dragon was unsurprisingly not surprised. As Robbi called upon Storm Bull with the Face Dragon spell, the dragon suddenly transformed into human form, appearing as a beautiful slender woman with black hair and golden eyes, wearing a dark purple gown, a jeweled necklace, and a crown of five serpents.

     Baugi stepped to one side, as Bronwyn advanced bearing the massive shield of King Berevenos, ablaze with magical powers in the face of a draconic enemy. Lagertha was at the Humakti's side, and Robbi a couple of steps behind. Sorala was not far behind -- the rest of Our Heroes stayed a bit back (Buttercup, Freyar, Runty and Chirra). As we didn't immediately attack, Storn spoke imperiously to us, in archaic Theyalan, "Welcome -- I am Yerezum Storn, your goddess once, and your goddess to be." Glancing at Freyar, she continued, "Earth woman -- you may become my priest." Several of us were able to understand her fairly well. 

     We were having none of that; Robbi screamed "Die vile worm!" and she transformed back into her draconic form. A flurry of spells was cast by Our Heroes, and the Bag of Winds was opened to unleash the small sylph (commanded to drive away the poisonous vapors the dragon emitted). Freyar realized that the dragon would not use fire in the tomb, to avoid destroying the valuables present. As the dragon rose into the air, out of our reach, she gazed at her greatest enemy, Bronwyn -- carrying the enormous shield, and bearing the Obsidian Sword.

      The beast's glittering scales, golden eyes and regal glory Enthralled the Humakti! None of us but Freyar felt any need to retreat -- the effect of Storm Bull's glorious Face Dragon spell!

 

Round 2

 

     Baugi flung his javelin at the dragon, hoping to distract the creature; he taunted her with belittling words. Perceptive Sorala called out, "Storn has bewitched Bronwyn -- she will not harm the dragon!" Lagertha took the whole weight of the shield, and stepped back next to Robbi (who was trying and failing to cast a spell) -- she laughed wildly, and with a crazed look said to the Storm Bull "Hold onto my shoulder -- Vinga will take us onto the dragon." Robbi replied, "Sweet!" and shortened up his grip on his great axe.

 


     Little Buttercup flew quickly about the chamber, and amazingly cast Befuddle upon the dragon!

 

It was "only" POW 18.

 

     The beast writhed and coiled in confusion ...

 

Round 3

 

     As the dragon watched in puzzlement, Baugi called upon Orlanth, and activated a Flight spell ... he flew up to begin stabbing at Storn with Andresor, his magical javelin. Bronwyn whispered something while gazing at her sword, and a Shield spell was activated on her. Buttercup flew high up in the room.

     With a shout of "For honor and victory!" Lagertha Teleported, along with Robbi and the large shield, onto the back of the dragon! The two warriors were straddling the body of the beast, which was as broad as an ox. Its wriggling and twitching made it hard to hold onto.

 


     Lagertha struck the enchanted spear, Chestbreaker, deep into the worm's body; hot black drake-blood spurted forth, as it sank into the creature ("no draconic armor or spell has any effect against this weapon's attacks"). Her brother thrust his javelin deep into the beast's midsection; and Robbi brought his great axe down upon it, dealing a final almost mortal blow to Storn.

 

All of these attacks were within a few strike ranks of each other.

 

      The smell of giant reptile, the immense flapping of wings, and the dragon itself all vanished in a moment -- Yerezum Storn immediately returned to her human form! Baugi flew down to the floor, while Lagertha and Robbi fell a bit less gracefully.

 

Round 4

 

     The dark-haired "dragon lady" stood on the tomb's floor, apparently unharmed. She attempted to Enthrall us again, but that failed, and she dropped to her knees, crying out for mercy. Sorala considered how great the gratitude of Kallyr Starbrow would be if a dragon were brought, bound and subservient to her -- most of us were set on destruction, to fulfull various pledges and commands. Lagertha was tempted to grant mercy, but mindful of her "no compromise" oath (and the Dragon Codpiece), gestured to Robbi and sang, "Finish her!" The Storm Bull grinned, "With pleasure", but found that Storn was more difficult to hit in human form!

     With a sigh, the Vingan stepped forwaard and ran Chestbreaker entirely through Yerezum Storn; once again, the creature instantly transformed into her sinuous reptilian form, and died.

     We stood panting for a second, and Baugi gestured from Bronwyn to the dragon's neck -- our Humakti friend brought the Obsidian Sword up, and down through Storn's neck, striking sparks from the stone floor.

 

Storn Makes An Offer

 

      As Our Heroes slapped each other on the back, hugged, clasped forearms, etc. in relief and triumph, a sibilant whisper chilled us all. The severed head of Yerezum Storn opened its eyes, and spoke in ancient Theyalan: 

 

     "Do not destroy what is left of me, or give my remains to the traitors. Let me serve you in exchange for letting me continue to exist. What power and knowledge that remains with me is at your command."

 

     Sorala was especially tempted by this offer; but most of us ignored the head's pleas. Lagertha picked it up, looked at the rest of us, and said, "No -- you'll have to go through me first", and dropped it back on the floor upside-down.

     As a bound spirit, it had much to offer, but defying various oaths and commands (and Lagertha) to carry around a 40 kilogram head didn't appeal to anyone.

 

I suspect Sorala also took some bits of dragon scale, wing skin, blood etc. Making a hat out of dragon skin would be quite the thing ...

 

A Goddess is Renewed

 

      Meanwhile, another astounding resurrection was taking place:  Queen Orgorvale Summer awoke, and sat up on her dais. Her divine presence was obvious to all of us -- within this place, her temple-tomb, her powers and authority were unstoppable. She was a grand-daughter of Orlanth and Ernalda, and had been ruler of these lands during the Gods Age; her own runes were Man and Earth. She smiled at us benevolently, and thanked us for removing the dragon.

     Some of us were invited to join her renewed cult -- everyone was eligible. Freyar and Buttercup agreed to join, and gave their full names and connections; the goddess gestured them forwards, and placed her hands on their shoulders as she emitted a divine aura. She spoke some impressive words in ancient Theyalan (but we could all understand her).

      Thane Baugi told the goddess, "We received invaluable assistance from a spirit dedicated to destroying dragons:  King Berevenos. Your worshippers and his are all friends -- perhaps the two cults should work together?"

 

Dan, does that sound about right?

 

      The two new members of Orgorvale's cult were given gifts by the goddess:

 

  • Freyar:  a copper bracelet, enchanted with a matrix to ... something about Earth elementals.

  • Buttercup:  a cloth-of-copper "pectoral cape", 2 ENC, which can store 10 magic points.

 

"pectoral" means "on the chest" -- this is some sort of backwards cape

 

     The goddess waved her hand and restored the horsehair crest of the silver helmet.

     A bit of the dragon's tail was taken as a trophy (though it vanished into vapor after a couple of days); the rest was dismembered and dragged outside.

     We were also told as a group to help ourselves to the donations in the pit -- everything in there had been offerings to the dragon, not to Orgorvale, and the goddess would rather have them removed from her temple. We lowered a couple of us into the hole, and brought up many helmet-fulls of broken pottery snakes, nine damaged broadswords, three klanths, and one utuma, along with 753 silver coins from the era of the Empire of the Wyrms Friends, and 25 gold Wheels of an antique design (showing the Sun Dragon instead of Yelm). Later, Andrinik told us that he could probably get 1500 Lunars for the coins, from scholars.

 

Orgorvale, and our other cults, chose not to take tithes from this treasure.

Andrinik will take 150 Lunars as his usual fee, leaving 1350 Lunars to divide.

Baugi proposed that much of it go to Andrinik's "trade fund";

however, it's almost certain that Bronwyn, who needs money and isn't "of Apple Lane",

will want her one-seventh:  192 Lunars worth, plus some coppers (which cover her expenses at inns, etc.).

That will leave 1,158 Lunars to add to the "Andrinik Trading Fund".

 

The Fate of Storn

 

     Flushed with victory, and feeling a bit giddy, we sorted out the coins from the pottery snakes, when a sibilant voice sent our hands to weapon-hilts:  five dragonewts came walking up the central passage of the tomb, led by Slave-To-Lies. They had come for the head of Yerezum Storn, and for the Obsidian Sword. The reptilian translator told Lagertha, "My master, Sarna Ya'qal, is in your debt; if you need his assistance, bring purple nardis flowers to the plinth north of here." He and the other newts bore away the sword and the severed head.

 

Intangible Rewards

 

      Each character at the Queen's Tomb received +1 to Charisma, and added 2d6 to their Reputation. Freyar and Buttercup gained an additional +1 to their Charisma, as founders of a new cult.

      While not known for a few weeks, Bronwyn's recently-incurred debts were forgiven in view of her dragon-slaying fame.

      We were all allowed to immediately resolve our experience checks.

 

on to Storm Season 1625 Session 4

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