Tonight was the night that Asmodean and Tom chose to break into the keep that Janice was being held in. Tonight is the Cogstown six month anniversary of freedom, held in the town square. We found that Janice was being held at the top floor of the ten story keep.
I conversed with many of the townsfolk, making many acquaintances. It was nice to experience a social gathering such as this once again. It reminded me of many of the parties that my family had joined or hosted. I saw Max flirting with a woman, and they eventually disappeared. The woman he chose didn’t seem to be the cleanest of choices; though I am sure alcohol did something to make that less obvious to him.
The party was brought to an abrupt halt as some guards rushed in from the keep, saying there had been a break in. From what I heard later, Asmodean and Tom broke into the keeps 10th floor and fought many guards. Unfortunately, these guards were not called ‘elite guards’ for nothing, and they overpowered and outnumbered the two. Asmodean and Tom had to escape out of another 10th floor window, Asmodean keeping them held back for as long as possible with beds. In effect, the raid was a complete failure.
Not only are the guards more likely to be on guard for another attack, the festival was the only chance to avoid the lesser guards as well. We have no choice but to try again in a few days. We were fortunate though, Vargas finally made his way to our location from Ragnarok this night.
Friday, November 30, 2007
5.1st.1.843 A.T.E: Wrongfully Kidnapped!
Not much had happened yesterday, other than Asmodean finding that to use the gun he had, he needed ‘gunpowder’. This ‘gunpowder’ was only available at the northern mining town of Johara. Conveniently, we were already headed to Johara because that is the location of the vampire apparently.
The day started with Tom meeting us at the tavern we were staying at. When Tom chose to meet us, I expected it was to inform us he was ready to leave, but that was not the case. Instead, Tom told us we were not able to leave because one of his contacts in the city, a woman, was kidnapped by the City’s Bishop. He was very reluctant to relinquish any information on the kidnapped victim, even though he wished for us to rescue her. Her name is apparently Janice. In a private discussion with Tom, I was able to coax out of him that Janice was his lover at one point, but they got separated because of Tom’s transfer to Ul-Chardros. We also found that there would be a celebration of the six months that Cogstown has been free in a week. Tom thinks that would be the best time to sneak in as only the elite guards will be guarding the keep.
Both Asmodean and Numa wished to perform their own investigations between now and the festival. I figure that the party would be a great time to mingle with the townsfolk, since everyone will be there.
The day started with Tom meeting us at the tavern we were staying at. When Tom chose to meet us, I expected it was to inform us he was ready to leave, but that was not the case. Instead, Tom told us we were not able to leave because one of his contacts in the city, a woman, was kidnapped by the City’s Bishop. He was very reluctant to relinquish any information on the kidnapped victim, even though he wished for us to rescue her. Her name is apparently Janice. In a private discussion with Tom, I was able to coax out of him that Janice was his lover at one point, but they got separated because of Tom’s transfer to Ul-Chardros. We also found that there would be a celebration of the six months that Cogstown has been free in a week. Tom thinks that would be the best time to sneak in as only the elite guards will be guarding the keep.
Both Asmodean and Numa wished to perform their own investigations between now and the festival. I figure that the party would be a great time to mingle with the townsfolk, since everyone will be there.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
3.1st.1.843 A.T.E: City of Invention
What a wonderful city we have arrived in today. The city is Cogstown, and it is an inventor’s haven. A few months ago, the city rebelled and managed to drive off the empires forces so that its citizens would be free to focus on their craft without fear of the draft. I feel such a place as this could easily become a home to me, though I’m not much of an inventor. Tom said we would be here for a while, which I have come to expect. At least here is much more comfortable than many of the other places we have stayed.
We wandered around the town taking in the sights. At one point, we saw a man demonstrating something called a ‘rifle’. It seemed to have quite a bit of power, but at the same time be quite volatile. I would think that sticking with my own bow would be much more reliable, and safer. Asmodean seemed quite fascinated with the thing though and discussed some stuff with the man firing the gun. While exploring, I found another interesting device, this one designed to explode. You light it and it creates a small burst of flame after the fuse runs out. I thought they seemed intriguing, so I purchased five of them to see if they were worth it.
We will rest well tonight.
We wandered around the town taking in the sights. At one point, we saw a man demonstrating something called a ‘rifle’. It seemed to have quite a bit of power, but at the same time be quite volatile. I would think that sticking with my own bow would be much more reliable, and safer. Asmodean seemed quite fascinated with the thing though and discussed some stuff with the man firing the gun. While exploring, I found another interesting device, this one designed to explode. You light it and it creates a small burst of flame after the fuse runs out. I thought they seemed intriguing, so I purchased five of them to see if they were worth it.
We will rest well tonight.
1.1st.1.843 A.T.E: New Years Day
It is a new year. I had not really intended to spend this day in the middle of nowhere, but alas, it appears the gods had other plans for me. How typical. It has been quite some time since I have visited my family, or Silaqui. To visit them would bring the wrath of the empire down upon them, and I do not wish for that to happen. I hope they are doing well and enjoying this day more than myself. I must remember to write them when I get to the next town, hopefully they will have a courier.
I doubt my traveling companions even realize today’s significance. Speaking of them, a few days ago, Asmodean became very strange and started attempting to, as far as I could tell, grope Tom. I decided it was better that I not get involved, since it didn’t seem that Asmodean was actually hurting Tom, and I don’t particularly trust Tom anyway.
I wish I understood why the gods forced upon me such a strange group of allies.
I doubt my traveling companions even realize today’s significance. Speaking of them, a few days ago, Asmodean became very strange and started attempting to, as far as I could tell, grope Tom. I decided it was better that I not get involved, since it didn’t seem that Asmodean was actually hurting Tom, and I don’t particularly trust Tom anyway.
I wish I understood why the gods forced upon me such a strange group of allies.
3.2nd.12.842 A.T.E: Skin Monsters
Today, we hunted down the rest of the skin monsters from last night. Numa had tracked them to the town’s fountain, and while we searched it, the townsfolk looked on in interest. Max stayed behind to try and offer crowd control, but I’m not sure it helped. There ended up being a trap door in the fountain that lead to an underground cave, where we spotted one of the skin monsters. Numa commanded it, along with his two others. We made our way up some stairs we found into an abandoned shop. Within the shop, we fought 3 more of these if I remember right. I cannot remember how many there were total actually, seven I believe. One of them kept grabbing for me, but it didn’t stay attached for very long. We took down two, and Numa commanded the last one. After that, we decided it was not worth keeping these, since they might turn as the entomber had done. So, we slew them one at a time. The combat was more monotonous than anything else, it wasn’t even really good practice for more important battles.
We left after we dealt with them, traveling towards the next town above ground. The underground passages do not lead to the town from what I understood. It looks like we have another week of travel ahead of us.
We left after we dealt with them, traveling towards the next town above ground. The underground passages do not lead to the town from what I understood. It looks like we have another week of travel ahead of us.
Friday, November 16, 2007
2.2nd.12.942 A.T.E: Serial Killer
I managed to rest quite well last night, but it appears that there were others in town that were not so privileged. This morning, five dead bodies were found in two separate neighboring houses. The corpses of the families, man, woman, and child, had their bodies completely skinned. I’m not sure what vile fiend would do such a thing, but they should definitely be prevented from doing such an atrocious act again.
Tom suggested we visit the murder scenes and even stay the night at the houses. I asked around town about the families and their enemies, and found they likely had none. The only thing they had in common was that they were next door to one another, and friendly neighbors. I cannot imagine that the murderer would return to the same place, and the houses were very poorly maintained and reeked of many foul smells, so I chose to sleep at the inn instead of with everyone else. If the others do manage to find anything of interest, I am sure they will notify me in the morning.
A side note, today Asmodean’s legs resembled those of a goat.
Amendment: Well, I wasn’t able to rest as well tonight as last night. Tom rushed in to inform me that the houses were under attack again. I took Vadania and quickly made my way to the Eastern housing area and saw a strange sight. There were, from what I could see, human skins crawling around attacking my comrades. I can only assume they were the skins of those who died the previous night. Vadania and I focused on one, and we both fought well. Annoyingly, it managed to hit me and began an attempt to constrict around my body. It wasn't the most pleasant sensation and I hope it never happens again. We managed to get the thing off of me and kill it before it could do any real harm, I don’t particularly want to imagine the sensation of having my skin peeled off. Numa managed to control the two other skin-things that were present. He apparently saw these things come out of the water fountain in the center of town and make their way here. These were also apparently undead, though I'm not sure what else they could have been. It is surprising and irritating how often undead come across our path. I wonder if the fact we are chasing after a vampire has anything to do with that.
Tom thinks it is not worth trying to save the town from the remaining skin monsters, but I do. I don’t immediately think of just the reward for doing so, unlike Tom. Asmodean also brought up his weapon, saying that it was somehow cursed instead of enhanced with magic. I wonder if this means my weapon could have the same problem. Tom said he would fix the issue at the next town, and that we should leave immediately. Much to his displeasure, we decided that we would stay and deal with the problem tomorrow morning.
Tom suggested we visit the murder scenes and even stay the night at the houses. I asked around town about the families and their enemies, and found they likely had none. The only thing they had in common was that they were next door to one another, and friendly neighbors. I cannot imagine that the murderer would return to the same place, and the houses were very poorly maintained and reeked of many foul smells, so I chose to sleep at the inn instead of with everyone else. If the others do manage to find anything of interest, I am sure they will notify me in the morning.
A side note, today Asmodean’s legs resembled those of a goat.
Amendment: Well, I wasn’t able to rest as well tonight as last night. Tom rushed in to inform me that the houses were under attack again. I took Vadania and quickly made my way to the Eastern housing area and saw a strange sight. There were, from what I could see, human skins crawling around attacking my comrades. I can only assume they were the skins of those who died the previous night. Vadania and I focused on one, and we both fought well. Annoyingly, it managed to hit me and began an attempt to constrict around my body. It wasn't the most pleasant sensation and I hope it never happens again. We managed to get the thing off of me and kill it before it could do any real harm, I don’t particularly want to imagine the sensation of having my skin peeled off. Numa managed to control the two other skin-things that were present. He apparently saw these things come out of the water fountain in the center of town and make their way here. These were also apparently undead, though I'm not sure what else they could have been. It is surprising and irritating how often undead come across our path. I wonder if the fact we are chasing after a vampire has anything to do with that.
Tom thinks it is not worth trying to save the town from the remaining skin monsters, but I do. I don’t immediately think of just the reward for doing so, unlike Tom. Asmodean also brought up his weapon, saying that it was somehow cursed instead of enhanced with magic. I wonder if this means my weapon could have the same problem. Tom said he would fix the issue at the next town, and that we should leave immediately. Much to his displeasure, we decided that we would stay and deal with the problem tomorrow morning.
1.2nd.12.842 A.T.E: Valleyhammer
Today, we finally have left the confines of the tunnels and caves that make up the secret underground passage. We arrived in the small village of Valleyhammer. Finally we can see the sun again, how I missed its warm glow. Well, relatively warm glow, it is the middle of winter. Tom said he had to go and do some things prior to us leaving, and that we would leave tomorrow. It bothers me that he doesn’t disclose to us what exactly it is that he goes off to do. All I know is that he apparently has no contacts in this town, and was looking to make some. He did manage to find us an inn, and is staying with us this night, as opposed to the underground outpost where he slept elsewhere. I explored the town briefly to see if there was anything of interest, but found nothing of the sort. Luckily, the Empire apparently saw an equal amount of interest here, and its presence is almost non-existent. It should be a peaceful nights rest in a peaceful village.
Also, Numa’s Entomber is no longer traveling with us. The creature turned on us during our journey and when Numa cast a spell to befriend it again, he sent the Entomber off. Since it turned on Numa once during the fight at the outpost, and once again during our trip, it seemed more of a liability than an asset.
Also, Numa’s Entomber is no longer traveling with us. The creature turned on us during our journey and when Numa cast a spell to befriend it again, he sent the Entomber off. Since it turned on Numa once during the fight at the outpost, and once again during our trip, it seemed more of a liability than an asset.
4.2nd.12.842 A.T.E: Departure from Outpost One
Not much of interest today, though for some reason Asmodean met us under the guise of Tom. I assume this had something to do with the guards and angry looking innkeeper downstairs as we left. What was most interesting to me was that the glasses that I wore, the ones that were able to penetrate magical darkness, allowed me to see though his magical disguise.
Now that I think on it, Asmodean’s constant shift in capabilities is strange. It would be perfectly understandable if his abilities were simply magic, but it seems to be something beyond that. Asmodean somehow seems to change on different days, with minor personality quirks and changes in appearance. It is quite fascinating really, almost like an obscure puzzle or something.
Also something to note, while looking though the glasses, I noticed that Tom didn’t appear human as he normally does, but he appeared to be a dark elf. This means two things; First of all, these glasses appear to be even more powerful than I had first imagined, and the appraisal I had received, a mere 10,000 gold coins, almost seems low now. Secondly, I need to watch Tom more carefully. We were just ambushed by dark elves, and then our guide turns out to possibly be one of them, that is very suspicious. Asmodean had some choice words for Tom as well, but I don’t quite recall what they were over, to be honest, I was lost in my own thoughts at the time and not really paying much attention to the two.
It appears we have nearly another week of travel until we arrive at our next stop.
Now that I think on it, Asmodean’s constant shift in capabilities is strange. It would be perfectly understandable if his abilities were simply magic, but it seems to be something beyond that. Asmodean somehow seems to change on different days, with minor personality quirks and changes in appearance. It is quite fascinating really, almost like an obscure puzzle or something.
Also something to note, while looking though the glasses, I noticed that Tom didn’t appear human as he normally does, but he appeared to be a dark elf. This means two things; First of all, these glasses appear to be even more powerful than I had first imagined, and the appraisal I had received, a mere 10,000 gold coins, almost seems low now. Secondly, I need to watch Tom more carefully. We were just ambushed by dark elves, and then our guide turns out to possibly be one of them, that is very suspicious. Asmodean had some choice words for Tom as well, but I don’t quite recall what they were over, to be honest, I was lost in my own thoughts at the time and not really paying much attention to the two.
It appears we have nearly another week of travel until we arrive at our next stop.
3.1st.12.842 A.T.E: Arrival at Outpost One
The last time I wrote in this journal was a full month ago; there really wasn’t much to write over the course of those two weeks. Numa’s new Entomber ally hasn’t betrayed us, nor has Tom or Vaan. Something that seemed strange to me is that during our entire trip, Numa had not slept once, or if he had it was very briefly. That evil necromantic energy must empower and sustain him in some way I cannot immediately fathom. We arrived in a small underground outpost, which has no name. The outpost is filled with the people not accepted in cities, or those who wish to disappear. A number of those living here are dark elves, the most untrustworthy and vile of elves (even lower than high elves). Luckily we should be here for just one…
As of the point where I stopped writing, I heard a loud crash in our ‘inn’. When I had opened my door, there were two dark elves ready to greet me with their shortswords. I knew this drow infested outpost was not safe. The fight was difficult since I did not have armor. I was unable to land many hits against these foes because I spend most of my time defending myself with my shield. Eventually, others came to my aid, including some spiders that Numa summoned, which was amusingly ironic. I understand that one poisoned Max with sleep venom of some kind and almost had the opportunity to kill him. We discovered Vaan had been viciously murdered in his sleep, which is not what I would have expected, seeing as he was the one to make accommodations for us at this inn free of charge. However, that was not the most horrifying thing this night. To my displeasure, I learned that Asmodean prefers to sleep in the nude.
We later decided to continue sleeping at the inn, though Asmodean went down to discuss the break in with the innkeeper. Knowing Asmodean’s preferred method of discussion, I think I am grateful I wasn’t a part of it.
As of the point where I stopped writing, I heard a loud crash in our ‘inn’. When I had opened my door, there were two dark elves ready to greet me with their shortswords. I knew this drow infested outpost was not safe. The fight was difficult since I did not have armor. I was unable to land many hits against these foes because I spend most of my time defending myself with my shield. Eventually, others came to my aid, including some spiders that Numa summoned, which was amusingly ironic. I understand that one poisoned Max with sleep venom of some kind and almost had the opportunity to kill him. We discovered Vaan had been viciously murdered in his sleep, which is not what I would have expected, seeing as he was the one to make accommodations for us at this inn free of charge. However, that was not the most horrifying thing this night. To my displeasure, I learned that Asmodean prefers to sleep in the nude.
We later decided to continue sleeping at the inn, though Asmodean went down to discuss the break in with the innkeeper. Knowing Asmodean’s preferred method of discussion, I think I am grateful I wasn’t a part of it.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
3.1st.11.842 A.T.E: Travel Day One
We began our travels to the first underground outpost this morning. The journey is estimated two take a full two weeks. Tom has joined us, as he was informed by his superiors that he had to leave Ur-Chardros immediately. He seemed unhappy with this revalation, since he found Ur-Chardros to be comfortable. I do not believe that we should be immediately trusting of Tom or Vaan. Then again, I’m not certain we should put our full trust in Numa either. Necromancy is a practice that corrupts even those of the most pure intentions after all.
A few hours into our travels, we came across a pair of creatures feasting on the corpse of something. They were akin to large apes, though they had no skin. According to Numa these were undead creatures called entombers. We tried to sneak past them, but they noticed us and attacked. The most fascinating thing about these creatures was that they managed to bury Max and Asmodean underground with a single hit. Asmodean managed to claw his way out relatively easily. Numa, not surprisingly, was able to befriend one of the creatures through magic and managed to get it to pull Max back out of the ground, then to attack its ‘friend’. Even as I write this, we have this Entomber with us, and I have tried to keep an eye on it. Numa and his allies now outnumber the rest of us.
A few hours into our travels, we came across a pair of creatures feasting on the corpse of something. They were akin to large apes, though they had no skin. According to Numa these were undead creatures called entombers. We tried to sneak past them, but they noticed us and attacked. The most fascinating thing about these creatures was that they managed to bury Max and Asmodean underground with a single hit. Asmodean managed to claw his way out relatively easily. Numa, not surprisingly, was able to befriend one of the creatures through magic and managed to get it to pull Max back out of the ground, then to attack its ‘friend’. Even as I write this, we have this Entomber with us, and I have tried to keep an eye on it. Numa and his allies now outnumber the rest of us.
1.1st.11.842 A.T.E: Preparations
Today, Tom introduced us to our Vampire Hunter, Vaan. The man seemed rather capable, much better than any of us. In our discussions with him, we found that there were some specific items that would help us with the vampire. We retrieved these required items, garlic, mirrors, holy water, and wood. Numa confirmed that these work well on a vampire. Also, Tom was willing to give us some more expensive equipment to assist, and Asmodean, Numa, and I requested enchantments for our weaponry. If the vampire spawn was any indication, enchanted weaponry might be required to hurt the vampire. We also discovered that the best way to get to our vampire was though a tunnel system that headed north.
The day was pretty dull otherwise, I was unable to practice my combat forms tonight due to a lack of a weapon.
The day was pretty dull otherwise, I was unable to practice my combat forms tonight due to a lack of a weapon.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
10.2nd.10.842 A.T.E: Meeting Tom
With what Numa had told us about his contact, it sounded as though he was a vampire hunter. This Tom guy would be a perfect addition to help us go and slay a vampire. Unfortunately, after we met Tom, we found that Numa did not know who this guy was. He certainly looked the part of a vampire hunter, with a duster and a wide brimmed hat. Alas, he was not a hunter, or even a combatant, but a man who is good at ‘finding’ things. Luckily for us, he knew of a vampire hunter that could join us, though he appeared to be withholding information. It would be a few days before we got to meet this hunter, not something I wished to hear. I would have preferred to leave as soon as possible.
Asmodean spent the day hunting, and I spent a good portion of the day playing the human game of chess with Numa. The first game we played, I won easily, but Numa demanded we play for best two out of three, so I agreed. Somehow, Numa won the second two games, and I am certain he cheated somehow. After those games, I decided to go see about finding my wanted poster, which was at the sheriff’s office as I suspected. I managed to deftly remove the wanted poster from their bulletin board once I found it, but the town sheriff recognized me nonetheless. I prepared myself to either defend myself or retreat, but the sheriff didn’t even bother with me, because a paltry 15 gold pieces wasn’t worth the effort. How annoying, after I returned to my room at the Blue Colt Inn I checked the wanted poster, and the sheriff was correct, my bounty is only 15 gold. I realize I should be greatly relieved that the Empire’s bounty so low as to prevent people from caring about me, but I don’t find it in the least bit flattering that they think so poorly of my considerable talents to not put more effort in getting me back into service. It is their loss, not mine however. Though, I now have another reason to keep knowledge of my bounty from my companions. Another important note, when I went to find my own wanted poster, I saw one for Tom, offering 1,000 gold pieces in reward for him. He is wanted dead, not alive.
Other than all of that, Asmodean returned from hunting with a deer, and a large wolf with snow-white fur. He also had a black mouth and black teeth again. I am not sure why he would once again eat whatever it is that causes that. I suppose he must not realize that it has that effect, as I guess he does not look in the mirror very often, not that I can blame him.
We should be hearing from Tom’s vampire hunter tomorrow.
Asmodean spent the day hunting, and I spent a good portion of the day playing the human game of chess with Numa. The first game we played, I won easily, but Numa demanded we play for best two out of three, so I agreed. Somehow, Numa won the second two games, and I am certain he cheated somehow. After those games, I decided to go see about finding my wanted poster, which was at the sheriff’s office as I suspected. I managed to deftly remove the wanted poster from their bulletin board once I found it, but the town sheriff recognized me nonetheless. I prepared myself to either defend myself or retreat, but the sheriff didn’t even bother with me, because a paltry 15 gold pieces wasn’t worth the effort. How annoying, after I returned to my room at the Blue Colt Inn I checked the wanted poster, and the sheriff was correct, my bounty is only 15 gold. I realize I should be greatly relieved that the Empire’s bounty so low as to prevent people from caring about me, but I don’t find it in the least bit flattering that they think so poorly of my considerable talents to not put more effort in getting me back into service. It is their loss, not mine however. Though, I now have another reason to keep knowledge of my bounty from my companions. Another important note, when I went to find my own wanted poster, I saw one for Tom, offering 1,000 gold pieces in reward for him. He is wanted dead, not alive.
Other than all of that, Asmodean returned from hunting with a deer, and a large wolf with snow-white fur. He also had a black mouth and black teeth again. I am not sure why he would once again eat whatever it is that causes that. I suppose he must not realize that it has that effect, as I guess he does not look in the mirror very often, not that I can blame him.
We should be hearing from Tom’s vampire hunter tomorrow.
9.2nd.10.842 A.T.E: To Ur-Chardros
I seem to have done a poor job keeping this journal current over the past week. I suppose that is because not much worth noting has happened. We have spent most of the week traveling. After we dealt with the ghasts a week ago, we once again discussed what to do about the vampire Gastolf. Yes, apparently the vampire’s name is Gastolf, not Ghasly. After some debate, all of us decided to go to Ur-Chardros, where we arrived today. From here, we plan to talk to a contact of Numa’s, and then decide what we should do afterwards.
Before leaving, Asmodean tried to sell Joseph’s
As I mentioned earlier, we arrived in Ur-Chardros just today and checked into the Blue Colt Inn. We asked around about Numa’s contact, Tom. I’m not sure who this Tom is, or how he is related to Numa, since it sounds like they had never met. Hopefully, this will be a quick stop, since the empire has a presence here. Tomorrow, I will have to see if there is any sort of wanted poster for me and remove it so my traveling companions do not come across it.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Supporting Cast: The other PCs
At least in Xanatos' mind, they are the supporting cast. He's a little narsissistic.
Asmodean: Goliath Binder 4
Max: Human Warmage 5
Vargas: Human Warblade 1 / Wizard 4
Numa: Necropolitan Human Dread Necromancer 4
Asmodean: Goliath Binder 4
Max: Human Warmage 5
Vargas: Human Warblade 1 / Wizard 4
Numa: Necropolitan Human Dread Necromancer 4
9.1st.10.842 A.T.E: Assault on Joseph’s Inn
Well, our indecision has cost us; a number of ghasts attacked the inn. They arrived late at night, all of them appearing to be identical to the butlers from Count Crisco’s house. At first they attempted to infiltrate their way in posing as customers, but when Asmodean refused them entry, and a noise was heard up stairs, they attacked.
Vargas and I had a very easy time with the undead downstairs. Numa’s presence was able to force two of the three to cower, a welcome advantage but also a cause for concern. Max and Asmodean dealt with the ones upstairs, and I understand that Asmodean succumbed to the paralyzation this time. I was able to utilize some of my new tactical insight, getting Vargas to fight more efficiently than before. Numa managed to create a wave of spiders from his person, which swarmed one of the cowering ghasts. After the last ghast fell, we had a brief discussion of what to do next, and none of us were quite willing to change our views. We will have to see if anyone changes their mind by tomorrow. I really do not enjoy being hunted down, I have enough of that in my life.
Vargas and I had a very easy time with the undead downstairs. Numa’s presence was able to force two of the three to cower, a welcome advantage but also a cause for concern. Max and Asmodean dealt with the ones upstairs, and I understand that Asmodean succumbed to the paralyzation this time. I was able to utilize some of my new tactical insight, getting Vargas to fight more efficiently than before. Numa managed to create a wave of spiders from his person, which swarmed one of the cowering ghasts. After the last ghast fell, we had a brief discussion of what to do next, and none of us were quite willing to change our views. We will have to see if anyone changes their mind by tomorrow. I really do not enjoy being hunted down, I have enough of that in my life.
7.1st.10.842 A.T.E: Week of Rest
The week has been pretty calm so far, except for the town riot near the manor when news of the cure was released. The town of Ragnarok has finally started recovering from its ordeal. I figured that a quick recap of the week's events would be plenty, since there was not much to write about. We still are at Joseph’s Inn, since Asmodean chose to reopen it. The cure worked on Max, with no ill side effects except for a discoloration of bodily fluids, which was a bit more information than I wished to know. Asmodean’s voice cleared up as well, I guess that ‘black fruit’ finally ran its course.
I went shopping around town looking to restock on arrows and see if there was any other equipment that could be of some use. I also got the glasses we found appraised, and found that the enchantment is quite valuable. I will be holding onto these for the time being, since they are quite handy, and who knows when we will need them again.
The mayor chose to tell the town that he slew the beast, the one that took our combined group effort, single handedly. I don’t really care for the fame at the moment since drawing the attention of too many people could be problematic, and the town is quite happy with their heroic mayor, so good has come from his declaration. However, the imperial army will likely be returning to the town soon, especially after hearing word of a man who slew one of the beasts. I doubt the mayor thought this all the way though. I am not surprised though, as he didn’t appear to be a very intelligent man in the first place.
I found that the warrior-mage, Vargas, and I have similar intellects and interests. Finally, an ally with whom I can communicate with. He follows a similar combat tradition to my own, though he is much less trained than I. The man's only problem is that he lacks focus, he is trying to split his training between two different paths, paths that serve better when you devote all of your time and effort towards one. Numa, on the other hand, is an enigma. He remains quiet and alone most of the time, and I have yet to see his face, since he keeps himself covered in robes. Also, his choice of magic concerns me; Necromancy is a foul practice, and the man seems to focus on it almost entirely.
We received a threatening letter from Ghasley this week as well, saying that we will pay for ruining his plans. When asking around town, I found he was a traveler though the town 3 months ago, the same time the disease started and Count Crisco’s wife died. He apparently lives somewhere in the mountains to the north. We discussed what to do, with Vargas and I deciding that it would be best to take the fight to him, leaving the town as soon as possible. Max also agreed, though more out of a thirst for destruction than for tactical reasons I am sure. Numa and Asmodean believed that it would be best to leave town as well, but not to face the vampire. Rather, they wished to run as far away as possible. Hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement soon, as it is imperative that we are on our way before the empire’s forces return to Ragnarok.
I went shopping around town looking to restock on arrows and see if there was any other equipment that could be of some use. I also got the glasses we found appraised, and found that the enchantment is quite valuable. I will be holding onto these for the time being, since they are quite handy, and who knows when we will need them again.
The mayor chose to tell the town that he slew the beast, the one that took our combined group effort, single handedly. I don’t really care for the fame at the moment since drawing the attention of too many people could be problematic, and the town is quite happy with their heroic mayor, so good has come from his declaration. However, the imperial army will likely be returning to the town soon, especially after hearing word of a man who slew one of the beasts. I doubt the mayor thought this all the way though. I am not surprised though, as he didn’t appear to be a very intelligent man in the first place.
I found that the warrior-mage, Vargas, and I have similar intellects and interests. Finally, an ally with whom I can communicate with. He follows a similar combat tradition to my own, though he is much less trained than I. The man's only problem is that he lacks focus, he is trying to split his training between two different paths, paths that serve better when you devote all of your time and effort towards one. Numa, on the other hand, is an enigma. He remains quiet and alone most of the time, and I have yet to see his face, since he keeps himself covered in robes. Also, his choice of magic concerns me; Necromancy is a foul practice, and the man seems to focus on it almost entirely.
We received a threatening letter from Ghasley this week as well, saying that we will pay for ruining his plans. When asking around town, I found he was a traveler though the town 3 months ago, the same time the disease started and Count Crisco’s wife died. He apparently lives somewhere in the mountains to the north. We discussed what to do, with Vargas and I deciding that it would be best to take the fight to him, leaving the town as soon as possible. Max also agreed, though more out of a thirst for destruction than for tactical reasons I am sure. Numa and Asmodean believed that it would be best to leave town as well, but not to face the vampire. Rather, they wished to run as far away as possible. Hopefully we can come to some sort of agreement soon, as it is imperative that we are on our way before the empire’s forces return to Ragnarok.
9.2nd.9.842 A.T.E: House of Horror
Yesterday, nothing was worth mentioning, we just traveled back to town. We got back here this morning. It was quite an eventful and tiring day filled with combat. Finally, I had a chance to really show my combat prowess.
To begin with, we made a return visit to the current mayor of Ragnarok. Through some ‘persuasive’ conversation by the goliath, the mayor admitted that Count Crisco retired because his wife had died, and became obsessed with her death and bringing her back.
So, we returned to the Count’s Manor with Asmodean disguised as the captain of the guard, and were greeted with a familiar face, the butler. After brief accusations of who was at fault for killing and attacking whom, we broke our way in and fought the creature again. This time, he had the help of some ghouls, lesser versions of a ghast. On his corpse we found a pair of glasses, which allowed us to penetrate the magical darkness permeating the room. I was the one to wear them, since I was the one leading the pack though this place. Upstairs we found some lanterns, which we first assumed were magical since they penetrated the darkness upstairs, but when we took the lanterns downstairs, they were unable to brighten the room.
Off to a side room, we found a room full of skeletons chained to a wall, and what appeared to be a torture room. Asmodean also broke a hole in a wall that led outside, thinking there might be some sort of secret chamber. In the torture room, we saw a man chained up and gagged. I went to go and cut him loose, but was ambushed by three of the ghasts. I was clawed by one of them and my muscles froze stiff, but the group managed to come to my rescue, including the chained up man. He is apparently some sort of warrior mage, and was also apparently a visitor at Joseph’s Tavern a few days ago. Each of these ghasts also had a pair of magical glasses, allowing each of us to see in this darkness.
While exploring around the mansion, we managed to find a trap door underneath a carpet in the main room, leading down to a room with several zombies on tables. We quickly dispatched the lumbering beasts, and turned our attention to the side rooms. One was the resting chamber of Count Crisco’s dead wife, contained in a glass coffin, the other was a bedroom. During our search of the bedroom, a couple of us made out two forms dashing toward the stairs up, and we caught up with them. Apparently, these were vampire spawn, created when a vampire kills a weak individual or something. One of the spawn Max recognized as the corpse dragged out of the pile of diseased bodies. During our fight, which took place in the doorway, limiting our maneuverability, we spied a man concealed within white robes wielding a scythe coming down the stairs. Asmodean leveled his ‘crossbow’ at the man, who froze, while we finished off the creatures.
Apparently, the robed man’s name is Numa, and he was from our caravan. He wasn’t there as part of the guards or merchants, but simply tagging along for the protection. Well, we decided we should enter the final room, figuring that Count Crisco, who was likely a vampire, would be behind it. I prepared myself to the best of my abilities, and we opened the door to find Count Crisco slaving over an alchemy lab. Much more impressive, however, was the large creature chained to the center of the room. The creature was one of the beasts that attacked our caravan, and somehow it had been captured. The beast was obviously very upset with its condition, and slightly injured with blood seeping into a drain in the floor. Count Crisco saw us and shouted for Ghasley, or something like that, saying he promised to keep him safe. The Count tried to escape, but a pair of skeletal arms rose from the ground to grab his ankles. A cloud of vapor floated near the large beast for a moment, and the chains restraining the beast came undone. With a single bite, the beast ripped Count Crisco in half and then turned to us. With no better option, we made a hasty retreat towards the staircase that lead out of the basement.
Numa cast a spell at the beast, but it was completely ineffective. While he did that, I made a quick assessment of the beast’s combat prowess. I informed my companions that if we all worked together, and managed to get an adequate tactical advantage, it was probable that we could slay the monster. With renewed determination, we made our way to the top of the stairs, occasionally taking shots at the thing with our ranged weapons, and then made our stand. We surrounded the stairs and used the height to our advantage. For much of the fight, the creature focused its attention towards me, until Asmodean connected with a solid blow to the creature’s flank. This serious injury convinced the thing that Asmodean was more of a threat than I, and shifted his focus appropriately. My inspiring words were barely enough to keep the goliath from succumbing to his injuries. Fortunately, both Numa and the warrior-mage hit the thing with rays of dark energy that sapped its strength, while Max hit it with a ray of ice, which while not injuring the beast managed to slow its movements. We even had a skeleton come up the stairs behind us to aid us. After a grueling combat, we managed to kill the monstrosity, my sword striking true and piercing its black heart.
With a quick search though the premises, we discovered a cure to the plague, and returned to the town with both a couple of vials of the cure, and the large beast. The mayor thanked us for what we had done, and purchased the corpse of the monster from us.
To begin with, we made a return visit to the current mayor of Ragnarok. Through some ‘persuasive’ conversation by the goliath, the mayor admitted that Count Crisco retired because his wife had died, and became obsessed with her death and bringing her back.
So, we returned to the Count’s Manor with Asmodean disguised as the captain of the guard, and were greeted with a familiar face, the butler. After brief accusations of who was at fault for killing and attacking whom, we broke our way in and fought the creature again. This time, he had the help of some ghouls, lesser versions of a ghast. On his corpse we found a pair of glasses, which allowed us to penetrate the magical darkness permeating the room. I was the one to wear them, since I was the one leading the pack though this place. Upstairs we found some lanterns, which we first assumed were magical since they penetrated the darkness upstairs, but when we took the lanterns downstairs, they were unable to brighten the room.
Off to a side room, we found a room full of skeletons chained to a wall, and what appeared to be a torture room. Asmodean also broke a hole in a wall that led outside, thinking there might be some sort of secret chamber. In the torture room, we saw a man chained up and gagged. I went to go and cut him loose, but was ambushed by three of the ghasts. I was clawed by one of them and my muscles froze stiff, but the group managed to come to my rescue, including the chained up man. He is apparently some sort of warrior mage, and was also apparently a visitor at Joseph’s Tavern a few days ago. Each of these ghasts also had a pair of magical glasses, allowing each of us to see in this darkness.
While exploring around the mansion, we managed to find a trap door underneath a carpet in the main room, leading down to a room with several zombies on tables. We quickly dispatched the lumbering beasts, and turned our attention to the side rooms. One was the resting chamber of Count Crisco’s dead wife, contained in a glass coffin, the other was a bedroom. During our search of the bedroom, a couple of us made out two forms dashing toward the stairs up, and we caught up with them. Apparently, these were vampire spawn, created when a vampire kills a weak individual or something. One of the spawn Max recognized as the corpse dragged out of the pile of diseased bodies. During our fight, which took place in the doorway, limiting our maneuverability, we spied a man concealed within white robes wielding a scythe coming down the stairs. Asmodean leveled his ‘crossbow’ at the man, who froze, while we finished off the creatures.
Apparently, the robed man’s name is Numa, and he was from our caravan. He wasn’t there as part of the guards or merchants, but simply tagging along for the protection. Well, we decided we should enter the final room, figuring that Count Crisco, who was likely a vampire, would be behind it. I prepared myself to the best of my abilities, and we opened the door to find Count Crisco slaving over an alchemy lab. Much more impressive, however, was the large creature chained to the center of the room. The creature was one of the beasts that attacked our caravan, and somehow it had been captured. The beast was obviously very upset with its condition, and slightly injured with blood seeping into a drain in the floor. Count Crisco saw us and shouted for Ghasley, or something like that, saying he promised to keep him safe. The Count tried to escape, but a pair of skeletal arms rose from the ground to grab his ankles. A cloud of vapor floated near the large beast for a moment, and the chains restraining the beast came undone. With a single bite, the beast ripped Count Crisco in half and then turned to us. With no better option, we made a hasty retreat towards the staircase that lead out of the basement.
Numa cast a spell at the beast, but it was completely ineffective. While he did that, I made a quick assessment of the beast’s combat prowess. I informed my companions that if we all worked together, and managed to get an adequate tactical advantage, it was probable that we could slay the monster. With renewed determination, we made our way to the top of the stairs, occasionally taking shots at the thing with our ranged weapons, and then made our stand. We surrounded the stairs and used the height to our advantage. For much of the fight, the creature focused its attention towards me, until Asmodean connected with a solid blow to the creature’s flank. This serious injury convinced the thing that Asmodean was more of a threat than I, and shifted his focus appropriately. My inspiring words were barely enough to keep the goliath from succumbing to his injuries. Fortunately, both Numa and the warrior-mage hit the thing with rays of dark energy that sapped its strength, while Max hit it with a ray of ice, which while not injuring the beast managed to slow its movements. We even had a skeleton come up the stairs behind us to aid us. After a grueling combat, we managed to kill the monstrosity, my sword striking true and piercing its black heart.
With a quick search though the premises, we discovered a cure to the plague, and returned to the town with both a couple of vials of the cure, and the large beast. The mayor thanked us for what we had done, and purchased the corpse of the monster from us.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
7.2nd.9.842 A.T.E: Flesh Eater
Unfortunately, Asmodean did not choose to turn around of his own volition. Though, now that we have told him of today's events, he will be returning with us. We had to ride out to catch up to Asmodean, which was fortunately pretty easy because he was forced to travel by foot the whole way. His riding animal died from the town's disease before he set out. Unfortunately the same fate befell Max’s horse, so we both had to ride Vadania here.
Well, our encounter with the butler went worse than expected. After the door opened, Max hit the thing in the face with an orb made of fire. Apparently, Max is some type of wizard. I was not aware of this, since he dresses and looks a lot like a cheap warrior of some type. Back to the battle, we fought the butler, who we found was a lot more challenging then we had expected. He jumped us after we entered the dark house and was horribly mutated. He now had long teeth and claws, and smelled pretty bad. This thing is apparently a Ghast, according to Asmodean based on our descriptions. Anyway, the creature somehow paralyzed Max, but I managed to finish it off. This was when we realized we were on to something big and might actually need Asmodean’s help, since he appears to be strong warrior.
I’m sure it will take a day or two to get back to town because we do not all have mounts. Hopefully, Count Crisco will not have run away by then.
Well, our encounter with the butler went worse than expected. After the door opened, Max hit the thing in the face with an orb made of fire. Apparently, Max is some type of wizard. I was not aware of this, since he dresses and looks a lot like a cheap warrior of some type. Back to the battle, we fought the butler, who we found was a lot more challenging then we had expected. He jumped us after we entered the dark house and was horribly mutated. He now had long teeth and claws, and smelled pretty bad. This thing is apparently a Ghast, according to Asmodean based on our descriptions. Anyway, the creature somehow paralyzed Max, but I managed to finish it off. This was when we realized we were on to something big and might actually need Asmodean’s help, since he appears to be strong warrior.
I’m sure it will take a day or two to get back to town because we do not all have mounts. Hopefully, Count Crisco will not have run away by then.
6.2nd.9.842 A.T.E: Corpse Pile
Well, I’m writing this journal entry while watching a pile of corpses. To be more precise, I’m watching the building that the corpses are in; Max is inside watching the actual pile. To explain things, Max had somehow contracted the disease, and it was obvious. His skin became much paler, and he was coughing significantly. Asmodean had decided that skipping town this morning would be the best idea, because getting away from the source of the disease would be best. He tried to get Max to go along, but I convinced Max that it would be best to stick around and see if we could find a cure. I was suspicious that Count Crisco had something to do with this disease, but had no proof.
So, Max and I had gone back to Count Crisco’s house, and we left on bad terms with the butler. Max took it upon himself to accuse and threaten the butler, who ended up slamming the door in our faces. With no other recourse, we chose to examine the pile of diseased corpses just outside of town. For some reason, many of them had vanished, so the town militia had put the corpse pile in an abandoned building and posted some obviously diseased guards just outside. So, Max chose to go inside and wait around with the pile of corpses and I am out here waiting. It has been an uneventful night, since…
Well, something happened at least, Count Crisco came by and offered to take the two guards to get something to drink. While he was gone, his butler snuck up and entered the building, leaving with a corpse. Max informed me that the butler also ate part of another corpse’s leg. I didn’t expect cannibalism in a small town like this. Tomorrow we will confront Count Crisco at his mansion again, and hopefully Asmodean will have decided to come back.
So, Max and I had gone back to Count Crisco’s house, and we left on bad terms with the butler. Max took it upon himself to accuse and threaten the butler, who ended up slamming the door in our faces. With no other recourse, we chose to examine the pile of diseased corpses just outside of town. For some reason, many of them had vanished, so the town militia had put the corpse pile in an abandoned building and posted some obviously diseased guards just outside. So, Max chose to go inside and wait around with the pile of corpses and I am out here waiting. It has been an uneventful night, since…
Well, something happened at least, Count Crisco came by and offered to take the two guards to get something to drink. While he was gone, his butler snuck up and entered the building, leaving with a corpse. Max informed me that the butler also ate part of another corpse’s leg. I didn’t expect cannibalism in a small town like this. Tomorrow we will confront Count Crisco at his mansion again, and hopefully Asmodean will have decided to come back.
5.2nd.9.842 A.T.E: Count Crisco
Today started off rather bland. I started by walking around town with little direction, not knowing what to do or where to go. While wandering, I ran across Max and Asmodean in the street, it is a miracle that they are still alive. Asmodean was carrying around two kegs of alcohol, I can only assume to replace the tainted beer that the previous owner had. Luckily for the goliath, whatever he had eaten apparently ran its course, and his mouth was no longer black. His voice had slightly changed though, and I’m not sure if that is the black fruit wearing off or getting worse and destroying his throat. As we talked, a man in all white, obviously much wealthier and seemingly untouched by the death of the town walked towards us. The nearby shopkeepers were obviously quite unhappy with the man, who had introduced himself as Count Crisco, and shunned him. When Count Crisco inquired about our new tavern, much to my surprise Asmodean informed him it was closed, so the Count asked that they come by his place when it opens so he can visit.
Asmodean and Max continued on to do whatever it was they were doing, and I was once again left to my own devices. So, I chose to investigate this Count Crisco who, judging by the townsfolk’s reaction, was not well liked. Asking around the town and talking to the current mayor, I discovered that Count Crisco use to be the mayor of Ragnarok, but retired around three months ago, the same time as the plague started. The current mayor knew why he retired, but told me it was confidential so I did not press the matter. I did return to Joseph’s Inn to talk with Asmodean and Max. I convinced Max to tag along with me to the Count’s manor, but Asmodean was uninterested. I tried to persuade him that helping the town and removing the disease would mean more customers, but to no avail.
The Count’s butler was a unique person; he didn’t arrive to greet us until we began to walk in the door. We informed him that Joseph’s Tavern was open, and asked about a few things, nothing special stood out. When the Count arrived at the tavern, however, he just stood around and looked, focusing too much on myself for my liking. He also focused on Asmodean quite a lot, until the goliath had enough and kicked him out. Tonight I am staying at Joseph’s Tavern, though I do not know why, since Asmodean overcharged me. Tomorrow I suppose I will go back to talk with the ex-mayor.
Asmodean and Max continued on to do whatever it was they were doing, and I was once again left to my own devices. So, I chose to investigate this Count Crisco who, judging by the townsfolk’s reaction, was not well liked. Asking around the town and talking to the current mayor, I discovered that Count Crisco use to be the mayor of Ragnarok, but retired around three months ago, the same time as the plague started. The current mayor knew why he retired, but told me it was confidential so I did not press the matter. I did return to Joseph’s Inn to talk with Asmodean and Max. I convinced Max to tag along with me to the Count’s manor, but Asmodean was uninterested. I tried to persuade him that helping the town and removing the disease would mean more customers, but to no avail.
The Count’s butler was a unique person; he didn’t arrive to greet us until we began to walk in the door. We informed him that Joseph’s Tavern was open, and asked about a few things, nothing special stood out. When the Count arrived at the tavern, however, he just stood around and looked, focusing too much on myself for my liking. He also focused on Asmodean quite a lot, until the goliath had enough and kicked him out. Tonight I am staying at Joseph’s Tavern, though I do not know why, since Asmodean overcharged me. Tomorrow I suppose I will go back to talk with the ex-mayor.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
4.2nd.9.842 A.T.E. - Arrival at Ragnarok
I am not sure which human came up with this system of organizing time, but it could use a serious restructuring. Today was a peculiar day to say the least.
To start with, as I neared Ragnarok, I met two people I recognized from the caravan. One was a guard and the other a merchant, though at a simple glance it would be difficult to tell which was which. The first was Asmodean, a monster of a man, if he could be called that. This eight-foot-tall, earthy, grey-skinned person calls his kind goliaths. These goliaths must not be particularly common, whatever they are, and if they are as foul tempered and random as this one is, I am relieved. I disagree with him on a few beliefs, but I will get into that later. Also, though he is apparently an outdoorsman, I do not know that I would trust his wilderness survival skills. I’m not certain what he had eaten, but all day his mouth and teeth have been pitch black. I am certainly glad I avoided that particular vegetation. Though he seemed to become quite taken to the other survivor very quickly, he was not so generous with his friendship towards me, and immediately accused me of doing a poor job of protecting the caravan (which, as we have previously determined, was no fault of my own).
Speaking of the other one, he is a human named Max. I do not know much about him either, other than he was a guard. He is tall for a human, at approximately six feet, and also rather large, though not particularly strong or fast. I am not certain how he managed to convince himself he was a decent warrior. He wears a chain shirt and wields a spear. Other than that, there is not much to say other than he seems a little aggressive. He mostly kept to himself the whole day though. I think I will keep my military background and current criminal status from these two as long as possible, I do not think it would be wise to give them incentive to turn me into the authorities, because they might just do so for whatever reward is posted. Though, after receiving that reward, they might get drafted almost immediately afterwards, but I do not trust that they would be bright enough to come to that realization.
The three of us entered the town of Ragnarok later that afternoon, and its name certainly appeared to be most appropriate. The streets have been mostly empty and almost all of the windows are boarded up, this is obviously a dying town. When we arrived, a nice old man saw us and approached Asmodean. Why he chose to talk to that man, I am not certain. The old man, who never gave us his name, welcomed the goliath to the town of Ragnarok, while hacking and coughing all over him. The goliath quickly got impatient with the man and started counting down from five. I am not certain what Asmodean would have done if he had gotten to zero, and I don’t want to know, but fortunately I was able to redirect the old man’s attention towards myself. While I was talking to the old man, I saw a child, who could have been no older than twelve, sneak up behind Max and steal his money bag. Max remained unaware, but Asmodean was not.
Before I could do anything, the old man also ran off, and Asmodean drew the crossbow off of his back. I suppose now would be a good time to describe Asmodean’s weapons. He carries what could best be described as a giant’s hammer. This hammer was so large, that I doubt an ogre would be unable to wield it properly. The Crossbow could probably have been better described as a ballista. The goliath shot at the culprit with his weapon, impaling the poor child against a building. I was appalled, and luckily the old man was around a corner before the monster could reload his siege weapon. Asmodean didn’t bother to question why the child was stealing money from us, and resorted directly to violence. For all we know, the child could have been stealing to feed his family, which looking at the state of this town, is the likely reason. Luckily, as grey elves, my family never had monetary issues. But if placed in a similar situation, I would have taken the same course of action. Though, to be fair, I would not have targeted a group containing a giant man with a SIEGE ENGINE strapped to his back! So, with the child’s obviously low intellect, the results might have been a foregone conclusion regardless of the outcome of this particular encounter.
Now, given that the town was practically deserted, I chose to head towards the best location to find people, the nearest inn. The tavern, called Joseph’s Tavern, was closed, with a sign posted to the door that proclaimed that whoever wished to own the tavern could claim it. For some reason unbeknownst to me, Asmodean was quick to remove the sign and claim the tavern as his own, an odd choice for a trapper and loner. He was quick to offer his favorite companion Max a free room and free drinks. The goliath was just as quick to offer me a room for one night, at the cost of a gold piece. I managed to get the room for a few silver, and got the keys. I decided it wasn’t worth drinking in this establishment at the moment, since I was suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the taverns vacancy. I tied Vadania to the railing near the inn, as far from that goliath’s beast as possible, and left to wander around town.
I discovered in my conversations with the locals that the town was diseased. Many of the town’s citizens have died or left, and there were very few remaining in Ragnarok. This once again proves I was right about the name. If I was mayor of this city, my first order of business would be to choose a new name for the town, one that wasn’t just begging for destruction. This is like naming a tavern “Property Damage” or an alchemy shop “Bomb’s Away”.
Upon returning to Joseph’s Tavern, I discovered that Asmodean had been quite busy. To start with, the town militia was carting away dead bodies from the streets, obviously dropped from open windows of the inn. I initially thought it might be best to quickly gather my belongings and leave, but fortunately I found that the pile of bodies were not caused by our large friend, or at least not from anything more vile than cleaning out the rooms. While in the tavern, I just sat around, not talking with Max a little while Asmodean busied himself upstairs. At some point, a man we discovered was the captain of the militia entered the tavern. He also had with him the old man from before. This man had the audacity to me of murdering his son. This was a blatant lie, since I had absolutely nothing to do with the child’s death, and because the child was most definitely not the man’s son, though possibly his grandson. I quickly pointed this out, naming Asmodean as the killer. Asmodean, when he came down, denied the whole thing, or claimed it to be justice, I do not recall. In doing so, he managed to get the captain to doubt the old man’s story, and to convince the old man to just walk away.
The Capitan, after the old man left the premises, stated that the owner of the inn was found dead, along with every other person who had stayed here. For this reason, he claimed that reopening the inn was a bad idea. I decided it was in my best interest to leave Joseph’s Inn and stay at a different one, not wishing to risk death. I also took Vadania to a proper stable rather than leave her out to die of disease, or to be assaulted by Asmodean’s mount. I ended up at this inn, the Try Again Inn, a horribly named inn might I add. I negotiated the asking price of a room down to three silver. I also ordered some fine wine from the barmaid several times, though she managed to forget my order. The bartender did not appreciate me calling the barmaid slow, since she was apparently his daughter. However, I managed to talk my way into getting my drink for free and having him apologize for his daughter’s stupidity. Unfortunately, the rooms here are not well suited for training, so I will have to do so in the morning after my meditation.
Xanatos Valarian: Character Sheet
Male Grey Elf Warblade 6
Age: 120
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 130 lbs
Hair: Gold
Eyes: Purple
HP: 84 (6d12+12)
AC: 21; ff 19; touch 12
Speed: 20 feet
BAB/Grapple: +6/+8
Attack: +1 longsword +9/+4 melee (1d8+2, 19-20/x2) OR Composite Shortbow +8/+3 ranged (1d6, x3) OR Boomerang +8 ranged (1d4+2 nonlethal, x2).
Special Attacks: Maneuvers, Battle Ardor
Special Qualities: Low-Light Vision, Elf Awareness, Uncanny Dodge, Battle Clarity, Weapon Aptitude.
Skills: balance +10, concentration +11, diplomacy +12, handle animal +6, intimidate +8, jump +2, knowledge (local) +7, listen +2, ride +9, search +6, sense motive +9, spot +2, tumble +10
Feats: Martial Study (Crusader Strike), Martial Stance (Martial Spirit), Ironheart Aura, Adaptive Style
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +2 (+2 vs. Enchantment).
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Maneuvers Known (4 readied):
Moment of Perfect Mind, Steel Wind, Crusader Strike, Emerald Razor, Mountain Hammer, White Raven Tactics, Iron Heart Surge.
Stances Known:
Martial Spirit, Bolstering Voice, Punishing Stance.
Possessions (medium load): +1 longsword, Composite Shortbow, 20 arrows, 5 dragonsbreath arrows, 5 serpentongue arrows, 5 blunt arrows, boomerang, +1 breastplate, +1 heavy darkwood shield, boots of agile leaping, healing belt, chronocharm of the fateweaver, darkvision glasses (60 foot; works in magical darkness, true seeing?), lantern, crowbar, backpack, lamp oil x 3, 150 foot silk rope, grappling hook, chalk x 5, 76 gold.
Vadania: Light Warhorse; 33 hp
Military Saddle
Carrying Saddlebags with 15 dragonsbreath arrows, 15 serpenttongue arrows, 15 blunt arrows, 20 arrows,
Age: 120
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 130 lbs
Hair: Gold
Eyes: Purple
HP: 84 (6d12+12)
AC: 21; ff 19; touch 12
Speed: 20 feet
BAB/Grapple: +6/+8
Attack: +1 longsword +9/+4 melee (1d8+2, 19-20/x2) OR Composite Shortbow +8/+3 ranged (1d6, x3) OR Boomerang +8 ranged (1d4+2 nonlethal, x2).
Special Attacks: Maneuvers, Battle Ardor
Special Qualities: Low-Light Vision, Elf Awareness, Uncanny Dodge, Battle Clarity, Weapon Aptitude.
Skills: balance +10, concentration +11, diplomacy +12, handle animal +6, intimidate +8, jump +2, knowledge (local) +7, listen +2, ride +9, search +6, sense motive +9, spot +2, tumble +10
Feats: Martial Study (Crusader Strike), Martial Stance (Martial Spirit), Ironheart Aura, Adaptive Style
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +2 (+2 vs. Enchantment).
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 18, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Maneuvers Known (4 readied):
Moment of Perfect Mind, Steel Wind, Crusader Strike, Emerald Razor, Mountain Hammer, White Raven Tactics, Iron Heart Surge.
Stances Known:
Martial Spirit, Bolstering Voice, Punishing Stance.
Possessions (medium load): +1 longsword, Composite Shortbow, 20 arrows, 5 dragonsbreath arrows, 5 serpentongue arrows, 5 blunt arrows, boomerang, +1 breastplate, +1 heavy darkwood shield, boots of agile leaping, healing belt, chronocharm of the fateweaver, darkvision glasses (60 foot; works in magical darkness, true seeing?), lantern, crowbar, backpack, lamp oil x 3, 150 foot silk rope, grappling hook, chalk x 5, 76 gold.
Vadania: Light Warhorse; 33 hp
Military Saddle
Carrying Saddlebags with 15 dragonsbreath arrows, 15 serpenttongue arrows, 15 blunt arrows, 20 arrows,
3.2nd.9.842 A.T.E.
Well, a journal huh? I’ve contemplated writing my thoughts and activities down for some time. I am confident that many people in the years following my passing could learn from me, though I am not certain exactly what. I suppose it was just destiny that I happened to come across this nearly empty journal in the caravan. Since the owner had no use for it anymore, as he is now deceased, I decided it was fate that I should take it.
My loyal traveling companion Vadania and I are currently camping somewhere along the road, having escaped from that caravan, and I expect that we are the only survivors. It is a shame I couldn’t get the other guards to actually put up a fight, though I’m not sure it would have mattered against those creatures. I realized that victory was impossible, after loosing several guards, not even one of the beasts had fallen. There was only one viable tactical option available, and that was a full withdraw. Now here I am a few days later, headed towards the town of
I suppose I should introduce myself, since you are reading all about my travels. I am Xanatos Valarian, Grey Elf, Expert Warrior, and Tactical Mastermind. Oh yes, I am also a wanted criminal, though I deem that title to be unwarranted. I will go into the specifics of it at some later date, but I must train and meditate now.
House Rules
This is a 3.5 D&D Campaign, and it uses a couple of modified rules.
-Max HP
-All Skills Class Skills for all classes
-No Initiative; PCs and NPCs just alternate; During your teams turn, you go in whatever order you wish.
Those are the only rules I can think of at the moment.
Introduction
This will be the In Character Journal of Xanatos Valarian. I will note a few important details first.
The journal, and the setting, use a horrible date system. 4.2nd.9.842 A.T.E. means the fourth day of the second week of the ninth month of the year 842 A.T.E. (After Terian Empire).
The setting information is Here.
At the beginning of the journal, Xanatos Valarian is a 4th level Grey Elf Warblade. I will post his character sheet in not too long.
The journal, and the setting, use a horrible date system. 4.2nd.9.842 A.T.E. means the fourth day of the second week of the ninth month of the year 842 A.T.E. (After Terian Empire).
The setting information is Here.
At the beginning of the journal, Xanatos Valarian is a 4th level Grey Elf Warblade. I will post his character sheet in not too long.
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