Talk:Ur

9/16/6

Brother Sol, Skeen, Kojax and Acadamis escort supplies back to Talathese, encountering a goblin trader along the way. Tolas the trader happens to be Skeens cousin and happens to have a wagon full of exotic and fancy weapons and armor.

Along the journey back, an outrider also sees a roving orc tribe.

Upon return to the city, Kojax informs the general of the status, and of the contents of the goblin merchant wagon and gathers men to attack the orcs to the north at the next sunrise.

At sunrise, Sol and Acadamis tag along with Kojax’s group to see if he’s truly the swordsman champion they need for their quest. In a grizzly display of swordsmanship, Kojax and his men massacre the nomadic orc tribe, who is stunned by an illusionary dragon, courtesy of Acadamis. Some of the injured men are tended to and the camp is broken down, bodies burnt and the group takes anything of use back to Talathese.

Once returned, Acadamis and Sol convince the general and Kojax of the importance of their mission to find the lost army of Aquilonia and bring them back to end the terror of Branok. The general allows Kojax to take what he likes from the goblin wagon, including black leather leggings and sleeves, a dark-steel and golden dragon head shaped great helm, a shirt of mithril mail, and a mithril hilted dagger.

The party gears up and heads out with Brad, one of the city guards on his leather guilded horse with his suit of armor and lance to find the army of Aquilonia. After a few days journey through the early fall rain showers, the party is glad to be enjoying a clear day when they hear distant drumming inland. Upon riding north and up a large hill they find with closer inspection, that there are a couple of farmhouses about to be raized by a orc/ogre raiding party. Kojax, fearing the fate of his family for others, races to the houses and demands they flee at once. With one couple and a small child left behind, Kojax leaves with two small children saddled atop his steed, two young men and a father running by his side, and Brother Sol and a woman riding close behind. Brad watched the approaching chaos for a few more moments as Acadamis finished incanting and summoning another illusionary dragon, which flew from the sea and over the farmhouses. As the dragon roared and sent the raiding party into chaos, Brad and Acadamis fled to follow Kojax. They stopped at the top of the hill with Sol to look back and noticed an ogre and three orcs running from the outbuildings toward the sea and up the hill which they crested…

9/23 The party sent the family fleeing and held back to stop the oncoming orcs and ogre. The party prevailed with Brad successfully lancing the ogre and Kojax’s able blade felling multiple orcs. Unfortunately, Sol was grievously wounded by a spear to the lower abdomen and the party was forced to hide in an erosion cave on the coast, a short distance from the scene of the battle. Late that night, while Brad was keeping watch, he saw an orcish scout and chased it off into the darkness as Kojax and one of the farm boys watched. Sol spent most of the evening praying to the moon in ancient psalms and poems in a forgotten tongue with obscure meanings. The party and farmers traveled through the next day and that night Kojax found and killed the orcish scout that had been trailing them. The following day, Academis illusionarily flagged in a merchant vessel from the sea to take the farming family to safety. The party rode 3 more days along the coast before coming into a mud and straw hut village in the boggy marshes where they met an ancient shaman who claimed through a young translator that he could heal Sol if supplied with the eye of a serpent. The party also met an old fisherman named Kale, who showed them a serpent skull, and who had apparently taken up living with the natives as the shaman had helped him at some point in the past. The party rode east the next day with the shaman and his young translator in search of the sunken kingdom of Aquilonius. The shaman took the party out to sea to find a strange quarantined storm. They slept on the boats that night and in the morning had the shaman grant them the ability to traverse to the sea floor with no need to breath. Beneath the storm the party found a strange bubble housing a strange golden pyramid. Upon further inspection the party gained access into the pyramid through what seemed to be a window or skylight. Once inside, Academis was able to decipher some of the ancient hyroglyphs and tell the party some of the history of Aquilonius and the arrogant king Thaparthal who took his conquering kingdom out to sea to conquer far away lands and was sunken by the gods for his arrogance. After further inspection, Academis summoned the spirit of a corpse found in the temple and was to ask it three questions. The first being why is the door barred from the inside, the second being how do we raise the army of Aquilonius, the third being how do we raise Aquilonius back to the surface.0 He also asked a fourth request from the spirit. He asked the spirit to guide his friends to the priests. Upon asking asking the fourth question Academis fell unconscious. The spirit beckoned to a barred door, which Kojax and Sol opened and upon the spirits signal, Kojax carried the skull of the corpse with him to allow the spirit to travel with them into the darkness below…

10/14/-6 The party followed the spirit down deeper into the undersea temple until they came to an ornate double door. Upon passing through the ornate door, Sol and Kojax entered what they found to be a strange pipe-lined room containing eight sarcophagi, a large jeweled statue, an alter and a strange urn. After some investigating and much praying and chanting, Sol discovered that the urn contained eight shimmering red clouded stones, which when put into the bowled hands of the statue would summon a mind-bending cacophony and eventually stand the sarcophagi upright and release the resting priests of Aquilonia.

Ears still ringing after the awakening, Sol addressed the recovering priests with a bardic tale of the helm of Akhad and Branok the half-blood warlord.

The deformed priests after conferring amongst themselves and regaining control of their physical facilities while Kojax gathered Academis, agreed to assist the party in raising the remaining Baseka soldiers from their tomb far to the east in the Muhtnkhamen desert. The party then journeyed many days with the priests. Some of the days were hastened by some strange enchantment from the ring of priests. While looking for a ferry across the river Ur the party was attacked by strange hawk-headed serpents, which unfortunately took the life of one of the eight priests. The ‘voice’ of the priests however said that even seeing a hawk-headed serpent was a sign of good fortune. A few days further on the brink of running out of supplies and having crossed the River Geb a day past, the priests ring and sit, including both Academis and Sol to move giant sand dunes from above the tomb of the Baseka soldiers with a couple of the priests lost to fatigue. Once unearthed, the party faced off two Anubian jackal-headed soldiers guarding the entrance and then entered the trap-clad tomb to find the eight sarcophagi and hieroglyphs warning not to open the sarcophagi prior to the eve of battle lest the wrath of the warrior be unleashed unfettered. Out of supplies and nearing wits end, Kojax pushing to open a sarcophagi and either face the wrath or bend the ancient warriors to the parties will, Sol prayed and Kojax discussed with the ‘voice’ of the priests on how to get the sarcophagi back to Talathese. Whether by the self-sacrifice of the priests or by Sol’s praying to Luna, the sarcophagi began floating and the party quickly uprooted their camp and followed or rode the coffins southward along the river Geb toward the coast. Nearing Geb, Academis created an illusion to make the coffins appear as a wagon to hopefully trick passers-by. Early one sunny morning as the party is but 500 yards from the Coastal trade city of Geb the coffins set down to rest upon the green grass of the fertile river basin.

10/21

3 enter city, brad goes to inn, Kojax and Sol negotiated a wagon for the following day and went southward to the pier to acquire passage to Talathese via the sea. Jamar in a shipping and freight office said to check back after high sun in order to give him time to look into getting someone to stop off at Talathese which is no longer a thriving market.

Kojax stalled his horse at the Whirling dervish inn, where Brad was seen at the bar. He then went back near the northern gates of Osiris to the stripmall like shops to see if he could fetch some coin for the axe taken from one of the jackal-headed soldiers guarding the tomb of the eight warriors. At Jaban’s weapon shop Kojax doubted the shop owners claim that the weapon was a cheap fake and turned down the meager 5 gold. On his way out, Kojax was caught up to by a stocky bearded man who overheard the conversation in the store and asked about the axe. The man offered 10 gold for the axe and Kojax denied. Thus Kojax met Stephan the mercenary. Kojax then got a shave and returned to the Whirling dervish. During this time Saul discovered the Eastern city is nicer (richer) as he moved toward the towers in the southeast. Along his journey to the towers, he came across beautifully maintained gardens which happened to be, as he later learned at a Temple of Sharif, a god of peace and cleanliness. Saul spent some time bathing in the temples public bath and discussing varying religions with Alacar, a priest of Sharif who seemed to rapidly lose interest in Saul once Saul revealed the only wealth and possessions he had were on his person, robe, belt and staff. Saul and Kojax reconvened that afternoon and returned to the shipping office where they booked travel upon the McKenzie frigate, which leaves tomorrow eve. They visited the vessel and met Tommi, a deckhand on the Dark Dove (McKenzie frigate) Kojax tracked down Jonas, the ship’s captain to get info and offer services as merc, as he heard that Jonas was currently recruiting crewmen and the party is a little low on cash. Sol wandered city and found apt building and fixed sign for curry food Sol meets carpenter (from episode 1) and family who build a boat and set out east eventually being picked up by merchants and now reside in Osiris. Sol tells him and his wife a bardic story of retrieving the corpses who are reportedly warriors. Brad gets in some apparent gambling arguments then Brad challenges a cheater to a duel and there’s a scuffle in the street. About this time Kojax realizes his horse was pilfered and the stable-hand murdered. Kojax and Brad got Brad a new room at a different inn and Kojax did first-aid on brad, then went to hunt for the thieves. Sol went back to the Dervish to find Brad and encountered Kojax around 10pm at the Whirling Dervish. S&K look for Jaban at the stripmall weapon shop to help identify a dart Kojax found in the straw of the stables. Through their searching, S&K meet an apparent underworld boss, Damus the Dark in the Bleeding Gull. Damus likes Kojax and gives him a patch to show to someone in the morning who may have info about the stolen axe. S&K go to Brad. Sol gets help from the moon to cast minor healing on Brad. Met oriental fellow at daybreak, using the patch, and went to alleyway room [stronghouse for ShadeGate Triumvirate] to hear of Darkscale clan and possibility of item on Pier 6 ship with the iron-star standard. Party eats Porridge at inn and met up with Brad. Kojax went to buy new gear. Brad ate porridge and rode out to Academis. Sol visited the great library of Osris and read through Osirian history where he met a red-haired half-orc assassin who offered to not collect on the party if they had a better offer for him. He then disappeared behind a bookshelf, as his type of character are wont to do. Kojax and Sol meet at wagoneer and rode out to Ac and Brad while discussing assass. Party discusses and rides to wagoneer and sells horses and mule then to pier with Hon the wagoneer’s asian assistant.

Game Date = October 5th

Welcome Andrew Stone Saul constructs an elaborate tale describing the boxes as caskets as those of family members of a Talathesian noble. They are retrieving the corpses to be buried in the family’s gravesite. They died of a horrible rotting plague.

They investigate Pier six and then go to load their cargo and meet Andrew. Kojax gave Hon a gold piece and will be remembered by Hon and the wagoneer and blacksmith in Osiris. Andrew explains to Acadamis the Wirleegig cart.

The captain of the Iron Star gives back the anubian axe and the name Riley Blackburn for 10 gold. Kojax goes to the find Damus the Dark. Meets warrior, elf girl and one of Damus’ men, Graul. Kojax does not desire to leave the axe with Graul. Andrew stalls Jonas’ departure by fabricating shipwork that needs to be done while Saul gets drunk and Kojax waited for Damus’ return. Damus returns with warriors and seems a bit panicked. Kojax gives axe and they return to the ship and leave port just past dusk as Saul screams out to luna drunken songs out the aft. 32 hours pass and it’s 2nd day morning. Kojax spars w/ mercs and gets lost in memories then wanders to bow where he helps Andrew and Saul fire the ballista on a test run Three nights pass on (1 andrew and saul gather spuds, 2. they distil, 3 they repair hull damage from coral reef, fourth they finish repair) the fourth night, Kojax has recurring images from the previous nights (as mentioned in notes). Late the fourth night (GD: Oct 9th) Kojax is on watch and Saul is journaling when dark boat approaches. Skeletons and zombies attack with wizard who turned into a crow to flee, yet Kojax stabbed it and sent it careening into the sea. Brad hurt badly, Saul critically healed him they shot the dark ship as they floated away toward Talathese. – that was Oct 10. Oct 11 Saul and Andrew build distiller, Kojax trains mercs and learns seamanship with sailors. Sail for two more days during which time activities are similar to the 11th; Andrew and Saul work with Tory the cook to make some foul potato concoction that seems alcoholic, but would probably need to distil a while longer> Talathese is reached mid morning of Oct 14th

Kojax gets ½ pt in intimidation and Saul ½ pt in diplomacy. Andrew ½ pt in acting for distracting Jonas and delaying departure. Kojax 1 pt in teaching and Saul and Andrew each 1 pt in distilling. Andrew 1 point in engineering- whatever specifications are appropriate Kojax 1 point in Acrobatics and ½ pt in fencing or a used manuver. Saul ½ point in first aid and ½ point in staff. Kojax ½ pt in scrounge Andrew 1 point in either carpentry or shipbuilding and Saul 1 point in carpentry Andrew 3 free points Kojax and Saul 5 free points each

11/4/6 Midmorning October 14th the rubble of Talathese lies in the distance and there is light smoke rising.

Saul and Kojax meet general and eat while Saul tells tale. Brad and Andrew get a wagon and unload caskets from boat and show general crossbow. Saul heals wounded warriors and Kojax gathers troops for a few hours, Saul sleeps beside bakery. Met assassin. Andrew and Brad begin to remove ballista from Jonas’ ship.

15 sailors (1 injured), 12 horses, 23 soldiers (5 injured), 97 civilians, 1 general, 1 doctor, 5 oxen, 13 gargoyles Andrew agrees to build crossbows. General assigns Akir to help Andrew. Kojax raises moral of watchmen after feast with general in the rainy dusk. Brad puts Drunken Andrew to bed as Saul and Kojax swear in sailors to the elite wolves. 2 days pass while Kojax organizes and begins training his sailor squad of 15. Andrew builds crossbows. 1st day Saul asks Academis about ‘Bart’ the assassin then goes to help Kojax. Thadius the crippled old sailor. End of 2nd day Kojax gets two bows from Andrew and Saul agrees to help make bows the next day. (17th)3rd morning warning from the spine brought by gargoyles indicating aid requested from the people of the woods to the north. Next 7 days Saul spends in the carpenter shop and healing in the library, Andrew builds crossbows and bolts. Kojax dubs the brotherhood of the wolves and gets them all inked. Andrew oaths and inks as a wolf. Gargoyle Scout reports a single ogre – multiple orc roaming party on 5th/6th day. Andrew trains Akir to fire ballista. Wagon is loaded with supplies, Brad rides with a new lance and the full suit of black and gold dragon armor. Ride northwest into the foothills w/ two gargoyles. Well-spoken gargoyle goes back to town and the crew follows crude ‘tracker’ gargoyle. (night of the 24th) Past moon down 10:15-ish the scout stops. Kojax and two sneaky wolves go north over the next ridge and see through Kojax’s spyglass a small 3’ fire with an ogre and a few orcs, with two tents in the distance. Nearing midnight Kojax and Saul discuss attack plans and decide to keep an eye on them and attack in the gray of dawn. Andrew 3 pts into crossbow building skills and 4 free. Kojax 1 pt into leadership, 1 pt into teaching, reputation with wolves and 4 free points. 1pt into Strategy – land. Saul 1 point into moral skill, 1 pt into healing 1 pt into first aid and 4 free.

11/11/4

7 ST10 crossbows – 18 bolts 6 wolves have hatchets

Party splits and attacks from four sides just before dawn. Saul – 1 pt in staff. Gray the redhead took a spear and was mortally wounded. Saul heals him for 3 points (17 dmg left) and another warrior for 3 (wounded arm crippled for 1 month) and Nick’s soldier for a few. Kojax piked the head of the ogre and found it’s signia ring which Academis identified as a depiction of the helm of Akhad. Brad rides off after stragglers and wolves burn the corpses and scrounge armor, weapons and tents. Kojax advises fighters on what he saw of their skills. Party discusses gut shot and possibility of taking him back to Talathese, then loads him on the wagon and party leaves toward the north. Saul documents battle and motivates wolves. Late that afternoon Brad rides in from the east and reports catching another orc, but losing at least another in the rocks and foot hills. Brad ties his horse to the wagon and takes Riban(Gregorias) (a wolf with some tracking skill) to where he thinks the orcs last were, as the storm breaks. They travel until dark and Kojax sets up a watch and helps keep watch while teaching stealth. Saul tells Andrew of Luna and how she protects and watches over travelers. (October 25th) The wolf-pack travels north, Saul practicing staff sling, Kojax training PT in mornings and either setting, breaking camp or practices swordplay (Oct 26th – 31st) Andrew tightens his bow, practices PT, gets sword training from Kojax. Andrew tightens all crossbows to 12 ST. Saul also trains with his staff. ( November 1-5th) pass the same with Saul healing as well as other things. Saul and Riban make survival checks to help suppliment supplies on wagon. November 5th the party enters a fog, that night Saul honors Luna (full moon) along with five of the wolves. After your honoring of Luna a couple of the wolves begin to howl at the moon. On the evening, the fog greatly thick, of the 6th the party hits the coast of the lake of steam. Those five soldiers ask to be regrouped together – the Howlers. Academis tells of the Steam Lake which bleeds east into the steam river and rests just to the southeast of Mount Draco the home of a great beast which heats the lake causing the steam/fog in which the party is immersed. Nov 7th party travels east along the Steam river. Brad rides east on the morning of the eighth. Andrew builds a heavy crossbow with a swivel crossbow during the previous few days. Party fights a wyvern and continues down the Steam River to the east. They ride 5 more days before reaching the point where a river from the north merges with the Steam river. At this juncture there is a large stone bridge crossing the three branches. The bridge is moss-covered, ancient white stone and looks as though it hasn’t been traversed for many years.(Nov 12th)

Cold drizzly afternoon at the base of a white moss-covered stone bridge where the Steam river meets a river from the north, Academis recalls that this bridge was built hundreds of years ago along a trade route until a cataclysm 2-300 yrs ago when Mt. Draco popped.

Kojax sends Brad over the bridge to scout w/ horse and lance.

57 degrees still drizzling Academis goes up the bridge to look about while Kojax and Saul bathe with the wolves.\ Academis scrounges and finds the name Charlston and a date of a couple hundred years in the past carved into the stone.

Academis points out going due north would take us through the broken lands - this spurs Magnus to tell Kojax of the bad fortune of those crossing the broken lands and a slayer demon of the broken lands.

Party debates crossing demon infested lands and continues to the north for a few hours until dark when wolves spar and Academis creates a pentagram in the wagon while Kojax and Saul motivate the troops giving them props for battle some days ago and steeling them for a demonic battle. Very light rain, fog drizzle through the night.

Approx 7 the next morning the eastern sky is gray and there is hanging fog in low terrain

Another day passes similarly as the land gets rockier and rockier - Academis makes a second pentagram.

3rd day - near the end of the day see twisted land (badlands crossed w/ craters of the moon) Lt. Cassius is ordered to train the men and rest for a day before forging into the broken lands ahead. Saul and Academis map and journal their quest beneath the wagon in the drizzle

4th day from the bridge the party camps resting and training. 10 days of game supplemented food remain.

5tth day out from bridge - navigating through rough terrain of broken lands - broken lava bubbles large chunks of granite seemingly launched in from the distance Kojax trains stealth, then oversees some wolves joking then there is heard a woman screaming for aid. Academis sensed no danger and Kojax travels with Octavius toward the sound in the north, Brad following at a distance, Academis and Andrew on the wagon, Andrew w/ braced big bow.

Kojax leaves Procion behind as he thinks it sounds like his wife. the others continue on, Kojax leaves other four and continues into large bubble crater alone where he sees an aparently Talathesian woman. He aims at her and sends the other men to look around. Kojax quizzes Babiana who says she sprained her ankle and was left by the army of Branok. Academis senses no hostility with her, Andrew engineers a way to get the broken girl out of the sheer rock pit and the party pitches a tent for the reunited couple.

The next dawn Procion give Kojax intel from his wife on Branok's desire to find the breastplate of Akhad. Saul aids womans ankle and gives a speech to men about using focused anger and hope.and that Branok's army is large and formidable but as a pack we will continue with our momentum and prevail. Kojax and Academis discuss Branok's goal and Akhad. As camp breaks, the streaks of sun disappear behind the high clouds and the drizzle resumes as the party moes north. Two days pass.

Babiana walks occasionally. The night of the 2nd day, camp is settling and the pack is eating. Cassius tells Kojax of Betos telling his squad of a beast on the rocks today. Kojax and Academis quiz Betos and Academis recalls such a beast of legend.

Next day party moves north again. Mid-afternoon left flank shouts "body" a pierced and eaten. ***5 days of food remain.

Day after corpse party continues Andrew and Academis help move wagon over a 2 hour crevasse problem. train and sleep, approx 2am pack awakens to the screams of Betos and run out to his corpse. Beastie attacks and killes Dexias and injures others as Brad, Kojax, and Saul take down the beast. Quintus and Titus (hideous) both have temporary wounds, but are well damaged. first aid and couple hours of sleep.

Injured are loaded into the wagon and journey on for half a day with a late start and an early stop before stopping with the harsh terrain, lowering moral of the party and the continuing rain. Two more days pass similarly with wounded being healed by Saul and recovering on their own. Late the third day a trash and dung heap (signs of orc) are found. Late that afternoon the party is travelling down a narrow crevasse, 4 ft walls raise to about 15 and we breach the north edge of a lava flow and ahead are hills with green vegetation. Up the hill into the evening, looking back to the canyonlands to see the remains of large camp sites. After a few more rocky hills and the party is at the edge of the twisted forest. Forest of arid twisted ancient cedars. The trail we travel follows a ridge along a river running south. Banks range from 45 deg gravel slide to a 50 foot drops into the water of the river. Two more days journey into the forest along the river to Druids grove and the aid of the people of the woods. Next morning sun breaks the clouds, hitting Julius in the face and wakening him. Then the sun goes and the rain begins again. That afternoon cresting a hill with a plains below littered by hundreds of bodies. A bridge backed by 400’ sequoias backed by granite slab of the fangs.

Real Date Dec 9 Game Date November 25th Kojax, Brad and Julius venture closer to look into the seemingly soley orcish corpses. Party moves down into orc corpses and discovers wasp attacks, Kojax finds a ring and gives it t Proceon for his wife. About 50degrees. Gregorious tracks that ogres and force at least the size of the dead moved west 2 or 3 days past. Kojax, Brad and Academis go to the bridge and Academis casts History on the bridge to see horses legs and a spear holding arm. They meet a hooved fellow, Faunus Mclavey, and learn his master, Rasha perished, as he predicted. Faunus seats army near a hotspring and feeds them goat cheese and craisins. Rasha has trapped the army in the spine with a blizzard. Elves and Centaurs held the bridge. Faunus introduces the party to Nightmane and his three mares. Kojax, Saul look to the horses wounds while Academis loots the orcish saddlebags. Faunus plays a phanpipe and then leads the group to some nearby hot springs as Academis plays his pipe. Academis and Saul get a description from Faunus of how to best cross the broken lands. Academis documents it on his map in his journal. Conversation about the dragon the size of a mtn causing the broken lands to become broken leads into Saul singing the story of the wyvern battle to Academis playing Faunus’ pipe.

November 26th Camp is broken, Kojax mounts Nightmane, Academis rides the champagne mare with tips from Brad. Faunus provides food for four days and the party leaves the grove and Faunus, who awaits the next steward. Three days pass as Academis learns to ride from Brad and Andrew learns to drive a wagon from Cassius. Fourth day the groups path diverges from that of Branok’s forces. 5th day (November31) enter hills before broken lands December 1st – through the broken lands and is passable even with the wagon as they travel the route mapped with the aid of Faunus. December 2nd – 5th through the broken lands. Evening of December 5th, the party reaches the aforementioned 50ft boulder. Kojax atop the boulder sees fires in the distance and dresses himself and Julius up as orcs w/ armor from the wagon and sneak off toward the camp three miles off. Kojax and Julius return and the group discusses how to stop or hinder the army. December 6th – the party travels on throughout the day, hopefully paralleling the travel of Branock’s forces. That night setting up camp all is quite and the moon rises orange in the east. Academis scryguards and traces Kojax as he and Julius again move to the west looking for Branok’s army. Octavious takes Titus to Kojax. Titus heard a woman screaming to the west. Kojax wakes the party and Dimitrius’ crew and the party goes toward the sounds. The group finishes a group of previously sleeping orcs and rescues Sabina as Academis bounds an illusionary ‘horned’ demon after a couple of fleeing orcs. Academis finds an orc with a unique signia upon its breast plate (a crude axe). That night the party travels south fleeing the chasing army. December 7th – The party flees the fanning army to the north as Andrew and Saul engineer a bridge out of the wagon as they march. As the bridge is assembled in magical light after dark, Brad and Kojax ride north to face the incoming army. Academis summoned demons to send north into the army, then crossed the bride with all other wolves and Saul and Andrew. Kojax and Brad downed two ogres and Kojax rode the fallen Brad back over the crevasse, which Academis made illusionarily large for the army to cross before the rode south for a half hour to rejoin the rest of the party.

12/30/06 Throughout the day riding is rotated for those capable and conscious. That afternoon, Academis collapses and is draped over a horse. Shortly after Dimitrius collapses being too fatigued. His wife Sabina scolds Kojax for running his men into the ground. Kojax grants an hour rest and begins his sword calisthenics. After an hour of no sign, Kojax wakes and appoints Octavius to watch and then goes to sleep until dusk. Kojax sends Procion and Babyona, his wife on horseback to Talathese ahead of the rest of the wolves. Group is wakened and finished the last of the food, then moves on to the Steam River to determine whether to ford or go east to the bridge. The group decides to forge through the river. Just as the last few wolves are beginning to cross, Octavius yells that a force from the north has gained on them. Kojax rides back across the river as the wolves hurry across the river. Octavius, his horse and 5 wolves watch as 3 ogres and 12 orcs close a 40 yard gap between them. Kojax orders the men across the river. Battle, illusionary wyver, Kojax whacking three ogres, Andrew lighting lanterns, Academis dazing orcs and scaring with wyver, saul takes a hit, Octavius lost a foot, Magnus died, Julius lost a hand, Brutus unconscious w/ head wound, Vulso lost when crossing the river and Acad couldn’t find after combat, Titus unconscious w/ body wound, Miko unconscious w/ femoral artery severed.

11pm after a strenuous battle, killing 3 ogres and half a dozen orcs few move on to the south.

6-7 hours march, at early gray light w/ the moon hovering over whip cream topped fangs, Kojax gives rest and wolves huddle to keep warm. Academis senses for danger and senses nothing. Gregorious and Kojax go out in the dawn and bring back a gazelle in an hour. Hiberius and Gregorious spend a couple hours seeking wood to cook gazelle. Morning of Dec 8th around 8am the wolves waken to a crackling fire cooking gazelle. 80 meal of gazelle. 12 meals are eaten at breakfast. (69 meals) 1 hour later the sun has burned off the low frosty fog.

9:45a Dec 8th party journeys south Academis helping keep Brad upright and coherent by asking for riding tips.

Dec 8 – 12th party rides south depleting gazelle into the plains of Ur. Saul helps heal both wounds and morale. Academis checks for danger frequently, not finding any. Saul and Academis journal and map their journey. Saul navigates via stars. Spirits are raising and hills begin to look familiar.

Late in the afternoon on the 12th the group clears a hilltop and sees a bit of smoke in the distance coming from a covered wagon. At 100 yds, Kojax, Acad, Brad and Hiberius ride to the wagon smelling bacon. As mother Bethany makes bacon and cheese for the crew the party learns that the Cooper family was retrieved by Adrian(chubby son) by Hadrian (father in Talahese) from the ancestral farm. Two weeks past father sent son to get Corina and grand uncle tasadus from the farm where they were sent to hide out when Talathese was attacked. Wagon is filled with cheese. We learn that General Veronus in Talathese as taken control in the absence of the aristocracy. He has been harshly governing a hasty rebuilt as people are returning to the city. As the sun sets over the fangs, Saul tells an engaging tale of the quest thus far. Corina the blond wispy daughter keens up to Octavious. Wolves camp near wagon.

Morning of December 13th. Saul tends to the wounded. Corina glows and Kojax chuckles to octavius. Party treks throughout the day and bacon and cheese is eaten. That night - Conrina dances around under Mother Bethany’s scrutinizing eye. Academis plays a flute or something while Kojax disappears into the background to scheme about what the next move is.

Dec 14th the party travels throughout the day while Cornia tells bad jokes throughout the journey with wounded riding in the wagon. Late that afternoon at a rise, the sea is in the distance and there is a wispy smoking smudge on the coast. Camp is pitched with plans to ride into Talathese the next day.

Dec 15th camp breaks and journeys onward to Talathese. As they approach they notice a 15 ft solid new wall and ballistae at each side of the gate. The wall is patrolled by about 15guards.

Greeted by Flavius – 45 little bald, little fat, little drunk and slurring at bit at lunchtime. Brad murmurs as the lieutenant approaches that Flavius is a good man. There are dozens of craftsmen and laborers rebuilding Talathese. Last attack was 3 weeks prior – 4 orcs were repelled with no casualties on either side. About 1000-2000 people in Talathese now. Flavius babbles and leads party to General Veronus. Gen Veronus is meeting over a large map with Red, the half-orc assassin. There is some tension before Red is asked to leave, then Saul spins a brief yarn of the journey. Kojax asks Brad to keep an eye on the general. Academis went to the former library – still an abandoned half rebuilt infirmary and base of operations after the attack. Kojax and Andrew go to the docks to inspect the sea dragon – a former naval vessel of Talathese. Saul wanders off to the infirmary to check on the injured wolves. Kojax seeks remaining sailors. New sewer system was a pet project of Flavius and now that he’s managing some of the city rebuild, he’s been able to get it going. Talathesians are tired offish and frustrated with lack of progress in the basic civil services such as hospitals and wide-spread guard patrols. However, people support Veronus. Academis visits Saul @ infirmary and quizzes about sewers, explains paranoia about tunnels, then checks the exit tunnel of the sewer. Everyone meets at the Cloven Hoof in Talathese and eats, then Brad leads Kojax and Acad to old burnt down bank and below into the vault were the eight caskets of the Baseka warriors are. Party – Brad slept at an in.

December 16, drinking coffee and eating jerky in the lobby of the makeshift Inn when word gets to us about an injured warrior dragging a young woman has just arrived at the north gate. Kojax and Academis visit northgate then find Vulso with the genral. Vulso had killed three orcs and saved two women, one skull bashed and unable to be rescued. Wolves are charged by General to find army and report by noon tomorrow of the number and position of the army. Brad’s accompaniment will be decided by general and will be revealed the following morning.

1/6/007

7:45a 12/16 Kojax gets 4 addt’l crossbows and throwing axes for all wolves. Academis takes post upon the northern wall and watches north, also conducting his arcane sensing of danger which reports hostility to the north, but nothing immediately alarming. Kojax informs Vulso of his new role as squad leader and distributes gear. 8:00 as Kojax approaches the wall, Academis and other guards see a rider and two steaming ogres. Commotion ensues. Flavius soils himself and notifies Kojax of his ancestral heritage concerning the four chariot masters a sword of legend Fang thane. Saul repairs moral, Kojax goes toward bank vault and Academis goes to Red rooster in where Flavius’ apartment resides above. Academis retrieves sword and jewelry box, then rides to the bank. Kojax and Academis try to coax guards into helping or at least allowing the caskets to be moved. Kojax kills Red by shooting him through the eye. They convince the guards to assist with moving caskets to north gates. A lone rider approaches, Kojax gears to ride out and meet it. Saul notifies Kojax of low moral due to Flavius’ departure. Kojax meets abused rider who is shy right hand, who demands 4 ships, ale, meat, swords, silver and Academis. Academis sends Andrew and ballistae crew to gather oil and lanterns, explaining his plan for molotov cocktails. 1 hour.

40 minutes remain. Hiberius has not yet returned w/ corpse of red, Saul prepares speech, Cassius and Demetrius are dispatched to east and west to rally men and maintain order and morale. Brad took Kojax and Acad into a building and discuss leadership. Saul motivates warriors and then leads into a changing of the guard, the Brad takes over propping Kojax and reveals Veronus’ fate, then recommends Kojax as the new General. 9am Kojax and Academis ride out to meet the rider and notify him that Talathese will not concede. The army descends upon Talathese.

Academis uses poltergeists, Demetrius sacrifices himself, Kojax and Vulso hold north gate until Brad rallies cavalry and helps mulch interior orcs as Academis summons an illusory dragon to break orcish morale. Brad, Kojax, 7 mounted men ride out to see Branok, 3 ogres and a dozen organized orcs on the field. Party retreats into walls as Branoks forces begin riding in. Academis Apports bolts from corpses on the way into the city. Ogres bash door hole larger, orcs ride in, riders take down orcs, ogres come in and get mostly dispatched, large orcs and Branok enter, Academis tried to force helm off using apportation, then kojax shoots bolt off of helm just before brad lances him through the side. Kojax and brad dispatch large orcs and remaining ogre as Academis shatters the strap on the helm and lifts it from the rising Branok, then Kojax and Branok duel with the swordmaster triumphant.

1/13/5 Red’s possessions as retrieved by Hiberius who tracked thieves then fought at front lines then got zonked on head and knocked out

Pouch 55 gp Fine throwing knife [Kojax] Fine short sword Amulet of spell resistance +2 on any spell resistance roll (magical) [Kojax] Stone – shooter marble (magical) 5pt [Academis]

Academis found edge of footprint in Veronus’ blood that seems to match Red’s boots

Branok’s Plate is enchanted to have 50% weight and +3 dr but is damaged [Brad] Branok’s thrusting broadsword is of fine quality and has a +2 skill enhancement [Brad] 500gp worth of emeralds 33gold coins

Helm makes people nautious.

8 baseka rods are enchanted to have +1 damage.

17 days after the siege 1/2/year whatever

party meets Fabian Maximillian IV when discussing loot that Acadimis

Academis asks Fabian about a ship capable of sailing east. Fabian is to do research then meet Academis at the Cloven Hoof. Kojax and Hiberius go to help wolf Gabriel manage peace in the rough part of town.

Fabian starts setting up recruiting stations for refugees and homeless to start working, then looks into what he has as to sailing vessels.

1/3/yw

Academis and Fabian eat breakfast and discuss purchasing a merchant vessel. On route to Kojax’s to discuss ship purchase and travel, a lower priest runs up to Academis with his rabid dog, chants some demonic prophecy then combusts just as the merchant Regarious come from the other direction shouting to Academis that ‘they’ took Saul. Ace Braley from the Barbed Talon was the leader and they rode north. Academis scrounges around Saul’s room to find clues and finds Saul’s tooth, then divines images of the three kidnappers. Kojax notifies Brad and then finds out at the north gate that they rode out to the northwest. All convene at city hall then ready to ride out north with hiberius and Gregorius. 30 miles are ridden to camp Argent which is seen in the distance at sunset. They ride down and the guards at the gate say the described kidnappers are at the inn. Fabian and Academis go to watch rear entrances, Andrew sets up bow and monitors front entrance, wolves go in. Crossbow shootout. Academis dazes running half-elf.

Ace and troupe booty list

Ace – studded leather headband, black leather armor, black steel buckler, fine saber[hiberius], steel flask of brandy, 65 sp, 4gp, ruby ring = 40gp, magic ring[acad], delecate red pouch w/ 200gp, Lacretia – fine large knife, Veno – heavy crossbow, btl axe, chain shirt, pot helm Spider – magic gloves and ring [acad], 3 darts Tareth the half-elf – raw hide colored leather armor, short bow, 12 arrows, fine short sword, pouch of herbs

1/4/wy Academis analyzes gloves and rings while Fabian takes purse and tries to find info about Katerina the tempting red head who bought Saul. Kojax and Hiberius go to docks and inquire. It is found that Katrina left the night before.

Gloves of spider-climbing +4 on climbing checks Ring of Dexterity +1 Ring of Protection +2PD [Kojax]

Kojax and academis decide to use Fabian’s yacht to chase Katrina to the SouthWest. Andrew loads pieces and equipment to build a ballista on the yacht throughout the journey.

The boat leaves mid-afternoon of the 4th. Hiberius accompanies as Kojax’s bodyguard. Academis recognizes the emblem on the small red pouch, but cannot place it other than it’s a demonic connection. The yacht travels about 280miles/day ~12mph south/southwest.

Dawn of 1/5/wy Cooking fires are seen on an island on the horizon. ½ mile of the island w/ multiple small fires the yacht is slowed. Kojax catches seventeen 4” fish that were swarming the boat like mad. Academis remembers the priests speech. Academis casts Seeker and sees a vision of Saul being crucified by hooded figures. They make haste into the docks of the nearby island to seek out a unique rock formation Academis saw in his vision. As the yacht drifts into the harbor the party notices Mogley-ish loin-clothed fishermen spearing fish and throwing them into their canoes w/ outriggers.

1/20/007

Early afternoon 1/5/wy Visited dockmaster who mentions Katrina’s ship being captained by Ovid Batista which then continued to the southwest. Party buys some food from the greekish fellow then follows to the southwest. Sailing throughout the day.

1/6/wy Andrew finishes ballista. Mid morning Kojax spys a craft on the horizon off the starboard bow. Probably a pirate ship. Kojax recognizes the banner of Valenti Monrovia a brigand merchant survivor. The yacht turns toward the pirates. Ship is boarded and ‘inspected’ by four pirates. Kojax reveals his position and recounts the recent history of Talathese with imagery from Academis and asks Valenti to sail to Talathese and aid with shore defense. Batista, 8 men, 4 lizardmen, red haired woman, and 4ft crate of unmentionables. Ships detach and party follows Valenti’s directions in pursuit of Batista to the islands of the Black Ether. Sun sets and wind holds as the yacht sails over 15ft swells making good time to the west.

8 o’clock on 1/7/wy

Large island is approached and around 8:30 the party spots Batista’s ship at bay a bit up from a native inhabited lagoon. Yacht is moored in the white-sandy beached aqua marine lagoon near the grass thatched huts. Party inquires about the crew of Batista’s ship and the islanders have heard/seen noone. Party moves closer to moored ship and finds a sunken rowboat a bit out from the shore. Gregorious fails to find any tracks. Further inland Gregorious finds tracks and they follow for 3 hours before losing the trail in a rocky forest. The party returns to the crashed rowboat and Academis usis the gloves to scale down to the crashed rowboat, then he casts history on it, then sees the feet of lizardmen and the supposed woman leave the boat with a large crate. Later a single green footed thing sunk the boat with a spear. Party returns to the natives to gather info and supplies then find Saul. In village party meets wise old hag, Eminisque. Academis identifies hanging frogs as wards against evil. She turns a large clayish beastie upon the party after she seems to recognize the party. Warded and Marked. Black Ethir are aligned with the Beast who does not travel the world of men. They hold Saul in the ancient with the temple of the Cobra. Red mushrooms are the antidote. Academis documents map of 8 mile journey to Saul in his log. Party hikes along mapped journey throughout the day. 2nd valley is entered at dusk. Party encounters boar. Around 11pm Kojax spies 50 Black Ether chanting around a pentagram. Party checks out pentagram. While checking it out, fiery body come flying in from the sky. It is an assassin demon. It attacks Kojax while its jibbering mothers attack Academis who frantically casts a pentagram about himself. Fabian hides behind a tree next to Academis and watches as the mothers try to tear Academis to shreds, failing due to the pentagram. Academis attempt to banish the assassin as Kojax battles the large flaming beast. Kojax gutted by a single wound, Gregorious gutted and head bit off, Academis missing after demon’s approach. Hiberius fainted at the sight of the demon.

Noon the party follows the cults trail while Academis hypothesizes the demons mission and reveals some of his history.

They find a cave and follow a serpentine tunnel into the chamber with lizardmen, saul pinned to the wall.

1/29/007

4 lizardmen, 4 priests, pit, alter and two podiums, and a rack of implements and bleeding crucified Saul on the wall. Lizardmen have 8 ft spears. Ornice accuses Acad of being a traitor and wears the helm of Akhad. Ornice then demands Academis gives them the ritual that summoned super baddie in the past. Pries pokes Saul, Acad trys to talk them down, Kojax shoots Ornice in the throat, Andrew shoots a lizardman. Other pries heals Ornice. Other priests begin chanting at pedestals and Ornice curses his assassin demon failing and orders others to kill swordmaster. Acad mocks summoning a demon as Kojax fights lizard men. Fabian comes up the rear to stab lm as Andrew draws a bead on Ornice who made his way to the long torture implements and is about to hurt saul. One priest yells Anurtak as he stares at enlarged pit bellowing purple smoke and demon arm. Bug man came out. Fabian fought lizard and fell with a stab to the leg then the belly. Academis tried to help, but got his left arm crippled as Kojax was feared and agonized by one of the priests. Andrew and the injured Hiberius fought down lizardmen as Anutak the bug man took the helm of Akhad from the fallen Ornice, then retreats into the side room followed by the remaining priest carrying a large tome. Ornice is dead girl/bug-man escaped.

Academis crippled left arm for 4 months.

Ring, Dagger, scepter, staff [acad], Academis’ oak staff [Saul], two books, Interogation: Anurtak = Katrina = servant of Thamuz Academis gets 12 names of Black Ether leaders of the army coming as they were defeating.

Academis distributes elven herbs and gets everyone mobile. Party leaves cave with crossbows drawn and dragging last priest. They find 300 acolytes outside the cave and Kojax berates and threatens, then Saul offers redemption and asks for aid. Party marches back through the fishing village to the yacht.

Academis and Kojax board Batista’s ship as they leave the harbor. Upon the gore-slick wooden decking of Batista’s ship. They find twelve men and Barista all gutted many with sheathed swords. The deck has the faint aroma of peaches and vanilla among the bowel and excrement.

They set sail with both ships, that of Batista and Maximillian’s pleasure yacht.

Dusk the party sails to the northeast into the dark horizon. Acad: “We’ve lost the helm.” Kojax: “I don’t care much” Unfortunately, there are others who do. I care not as long as they stay out of Talathese.

Acad searches ship in curiosity, Academis will identify things and look over tomes.

Via email: Ornis carries a +1 staff of Repel Spirits (16), Banish (18), Minor Healing (17), Zombie (18),

Onor carries a dagger that is +1, +5 versus demons/devils/undead

Noryoth wears a ring of Glass Wall (16), Blur (18), Hide (16).

Paymon (torture master) carries a scepter of Fear (18), Agonize (16), Frailty (20).

There are two easels, one on either far side of the dais, each with a huge and ancient book (Necromancia Practica, the collective knowledge of Black Ether over 10 centuries of research) on it. Contains all Necromantic (75lbs) and Knowledge (75lbs) spells.

Wanted to offer an analysis of the past few months events that would likely occur to Academus (and may already have occurred to jess).

Branok acquired the helm, a powerful and evil artifact that acts as a beacon/keyhole from underworld to world of men. Thamuz, unable to harm you directly (marked and *warded*), requires agents to do it for him, and tried to engineer Branok's ambitions to include that goal, with some success.

Upon Branok's defeat, Thamuz looked about for another agent, and found mutually aligned goals in the Black Ether. He made a bargain of some kind with Katrina to aid in the effort, and she hatched the plan to lead

you to the islands. Your anguish over the torture of a friend of yours

(fulfilling "Academus shall suffer") was an added benefit to Thamuz.

So Black Ether wanted your knowledge (which you actually do not possess) and were happy to help the demons in whatever way they needed in order to have access to it. Whether Katrina's seizing of the helm was a part of the plan, who knows.

2/3/007

Johns’ catch-up notes

Frederick the Swift Tern lands on Kojax’s window sill as Kojax awakens. The bird then pecks at a message tied around it’s ankle. Kojax helps remove it, then summons a paige to read it.

Kojax,

 I and Volso are fine but we have an urgent matter to attend to.  I cannot reveal too much in this message lest it falls into unintended hands.  Please meet me as soon as possible at apartment # in Zogby which I’ve detailed on the map below. 

Academis Nostalgia PS – Don’t forget to bring Fredrick back. Map of southern coast showing Talathese, Osiris, Zogby and Ra.

4/7/wy Kojax sends Hiberius to rouse the party, then informs Brad that he will be in charge in Kojax’s absence and what his plans are. Brad asks Kojax to stop in Osiris along the way and meet with Abdula Mazatlan a crooked merchant.

Late afternoon, Hiberius returns from the monastery, but Saul is staying to work on the Monestary. Andrew, Hiberius, Kojax and Fabian load up their horses. Shortly after boarding a bird, Frederick, lands on the deck by Kojax.

Kojax gives Fabian documentation about dealing with Abdula where there is loose language that is allowing him to take adv of Talathese.

Two days out to sea a standard winter gale blows in and is wet and cold, but moves the ship rapidly but roughly for the following day and a half.

Eight days later on April 15th the merchant vessel blows in to Osiris in the river delta. Walled city of sandstone buildings and palm trees and temples.

Kojax orders merchant captian to find goods to take back to Talathese and to obtain passage to Zogby for he, Fabian and Andrew.

Kojax visits Damus. Kojax gets some info about Abdula who buys girls from Damus, then cuts on them and Damus then has to get rid of the girls as they are no longer useful.

Kojax and Fabian visit Jamar in the freight office. Jamar remembers Kojax flawlessly and gives him Abdula’s address. Kojax gives Jamar 2 sp. Jamar recommends that commander Kojax meet with the king of Osiris. Jamar sends Johnny – his 12 yr old servant boy to deliver message to King’s palace. Jamar then closes shop and escorts party to The Desert Rose. Two Red adorned men in lavish red clothes with red turbins and long dark handle-bar moustaches enter and bow to Kojax. Kojax gives them the Talathesian salute. Palace guards lead party out of the Desert Rose and mount their white Arabian steeds and then through the rich part of town toward the palace. They ride down the wide avenue, Palm street past 123 Palm street- Abdula’s place. 1 Palm street has a 10 foot spiked wall and red garbed, mono-browed, handlebar mustached guards. Gates are opened and beyond is a 6 storied wedding-cake palace with falic towers. Green grass and rose bushes within the walls. Semicircular shell shaped staircase going up to grand double door. Party engages in pleasantries within a hall with large marble tables being stockd with foods by young dark skinned green eyed girls. There are 10 people when the party enters but about 70 places set and people flow in for quite some time. Kojax asks Fabian for some advice about a diplomatic speech. Kojax shakes about 50 hands as people enters, the 48th of which is Abdula Mazatlan. Fabian notices hat Abdula is wearing thousands of gp worth of jewelry, if it’s real. Fabian is introduced as the Minster of Trade of Talathese.

After a few minutes of pleasantries and hor’devures, the king enters. Looks 16 with eye-shadow and has two 30-something female servants constantly whispering to him. Supposedly pointing out who is who. He asks for welcome applause for Kojax. Kojax sort of botches the speech, but the people are endeared. The king toasts again to the good relations between he kingdoms. Dancing occurs, then later roast beast is brought out and a feast ensues while Fabian hits on waitresses and Kojax tries to hide his discomfort and politely denies dancing. Fabian notices through conversation that military is seen as a tool in Osiris and informs Kojax that he is likely seen as a 2nd tier individual at best. Fabian dances with multiple partners as Kojax excuses himself out to a balcony overlooking tropical gardens.

As Kojax is retreating from a drunken woman’s advances Abdula approaches. Kojax gathers Fabian and they meet Abdula onto an interior balcony overlooking the ballroom. ½ hour of merchant talk and Fabian feels that they are at a split down the middle with the many issues dealing with the looseness of the language that can be taken advantage of. Fabian proposes a new contract be written up upon their return journey. Kojax and Fabian agree to meet in the morning at the Desert Rose breakfast bar. Andrew is on track to spend the night with some noble woman, Fabian takes a servant woman back to the Rose with him.

April 16th Kojax meets Fabian for breakfast, later Andew comes in after his night oiled in a mirrored room with a rich woman and her plump and drunken husband watching from a large cushioned chair at the foot of the bed.

Captain finds Kojax and notifies him of ship with just enough space to take party on to Zogby. Captain pays for passage from Talathesian wealth and the party sets sail again. They are ‘the’ four passengers on the merchant vessel. Six days are spent sailing.

April 22 – Docked at the piers of Zogby. Ancient huge city….check wiki.

Kojax and crew realize they are vast minority and seek out Acad’s place with a merchant who sells Kojax a trinket of some eastern god.

They find Academis waiting at a sidewalk café. He says Frederick notified him of the party in Osiris and points out that the trinket Kojax wears is not only a god of the night sky, but also of fertility and is typically worn by females. He then take the party to his apartment and informs them that they must go to Sri and seek out the arch-mage Batzarikhan to aid in seeking the helm.

Sail all that day and half of the April 24th. Then the Scorched hills are seen on the northern coast. Late on the 24th the party sees a semi-wrecked ship and the captain tells of beasts in the scorched hills.

April 28th 2pm the party sees dozens of brightly colored bannered ships in a bay on a hot and humid afternoon. Ship approaches brightly colored sails when crows nest yells down “here they come”. Acad asks who and they mention de-cursing the ship. Anchor is dropped and 6 war brigates come and crew boards as Academis finishes making himself a pentagram beneath his bed, then sits upon his mattress over the ward. Rust colored skin with long thick black hair and a blue painted stripe down the middle of the face. Academis watches through Frederick as a shaman is carried aboard.

Shaman pauses momentarily in his curse removing chanting when looking upon Academis with his blind eyes, then continues and the captain welcomes party.

Party seeks out the palace of the emperor. Go to palace where ignored. Acad asks how to get in and someone tells of the Administrative building there is a line out the door. Fabian smugs his way into head end of line and waits 20 minutes. Fabian is put into a waiting room for another 15-20 minutes, then Academis uses Glass Wall from his ring to look in as two guards and an older man question Fabian. Fabian: We’re here from the wealthy kingdom of Talathese to the north west. We are here to meet the Arch Mage. He is expecting us. We must meet him so he can summon a demon to get us information about the helm of Akhad and save the world.

An hour later the old man tells Fabian to return a ½ hour past sunset to meet with the Minister of State.

Kojax, Andrew and Fabian build a trade negotiations while Academis is escorted through many secret doors and labyrinths beneath the palace into some natural or ancient caves and into a room with alchemy equipment and a burning cauldron and an ancient dread-headed Indian man – Batzarikhan. Batz agrees to help by leveraging his demonic allies if Academis can provide him a large ruby from the mountains to the north. Ruby is guarded by Malthusila the ancient dragon.

Kojax quizzes hookah attendant about arch-mage and city rules, while Academis draws a map of his ‘Remembered Path’ to the dungeon.

April 29th Academis intends to research mountains and Malthusius in librarys or mage towers or wherever possible.

2/17/007

Morning of April 29th at the Black Tiger in, in a pseudo-private alcove, party discusses next action.

Kojax gets middle class clothing for all but Academis and Andrew. Andrew dressing as slave and Academis wearing his clothes and robes. Academis sends a message via Frederick back to Mad Elders and then finds the royal library of Sri and researches the dragon and ruby in the Hammu range.

Fabian flexes his diplomacy to learn of the Arch-mage’s imprisonment. Mage was in tight w/ emperor and incarcration came as somewhat of a surprise. Rumor has it that Emp wanted to conquer lands to the east (Vishnu) and arch-mage needed royal infant blood to power this motive. After 3 babies bit it, emperor couldn’t take it and locked up Batzarikan. People believe the arch-mage to be a horrible demon himself and side with the emperor. Academis learns about some mountain dwelling dragon worshippers.

Party reconvenes at Black tiger for lunch and info exchange. Kojax tries to find underworld information and Acad goes back to library to research the mountain dwellers.

Academis discovers a story of a black, green and gold flying serpent. Karuna Sindu priestess announced putting an end of the bloodshed. She was eaten with her ‘Luma Stone’ Fabian and Andrew visit the temple of a fire god and get bathed. Kojax begins fashioning a staff to conceal his sabre.

Party reconvenes for a dinner of curried rice at the Black Tiger. After dinner, Fabian and Andrew take Acad and volso to the temple of the eternal flame. Academis is introduced to the loremaster of the Temple of the eternal flame and confirms the legend then gets a location of the open plain outside of the village. He also learns that Karuna Sindu is of the temple of the monkey and gets directions to that temple. Academis then copies the map into his journal using his cartography skill.

Kojax delves into the underworld and gathers info about the arch-mage.

April 30 At Breakfast plans are made. Academis and volso go to monkey temple and Fabian sets out to research supplies going to the mountain people.

Academis visits woman mage in the temple of the monkey and learns it’s a day of worship and the people are out in the forests. She tells him nothing new of the priest, stone or dragon, other than it being a legend. He then finds a park to sit in and rides within Frederick to discern his location. Meanwhile, Fabian arranges an appointment with the minister of State. Party meets for lunch and exchanges info Fabian meets minister while Academis searches ancient towers for mage-kin giving egorish fellow his name and location and offers to aid in their important research. Fabian gets led to a rich merchants home where he obtains a map to the dragon worshipers and the name of the merchant’s contact in the village near there. Party gather at Black Tiger to eat dinner and trade stories.

Academis rides within Frederick as the swifttern approaches zogby. Kojax and Fabian ride down to the docks to find captain Ashanti. They follow her into a guarded building to a small booth with a curtain for privacy. Hiberius is left to watch while Kojax and Fabian speak with Ashanti. Acad gets message from Mad Elders and visits Vanita at the temple of the monkey, asking Vanita to have Craylock and Majesto find another entrance via caves into the arch-mage’s cave lab. The party debates other options and validity of working with the demon lord, then gathers gear and rides north.

Party travels 40 miles a day for 7 days.

May 7th. Party rides up to a stone moss covered statue of a woman holding an orb, then a village. They seek out Dabasheesh the merchant. He resides 12 miles north. Party rides north. Party deals with bandits by shooting leader and academis summoning an illusionary cobra. They then continue on to another village with a more prominent statue of woman with orb. They find Dabasheesh and Fabian tells of Darmesh. Fabian pays Dabasheesh to guide them to the worshippers of the dragon. They ferry across the river then travel for 5 days toward the worshippers (May 12th). “Over this journey there are close calls with a bull elephant, a mother tigeress, and 12” scorpions.

Evening of May 12 arrive a primitive village where there is a dragon-headed totem pole, topless women, men in feather head-dresses with penis gourds. All adults have large septum rings. Academis and Daba visit with tribe eldar (mage) and then it is arranged they will be guided to a lake where they are to worship Methusela. There is a cliff on the opposite side of the cave with an aperature in the water. Academis inspects by riding into the water then sending a light spell into the cave. Kojax then walks into the water and into the cave. Bones of a giant dragon and cracked eggs. Three baby dragons. Kojax shot one in the eye, Academis wallwalked kojax, hiberius and himself out as two follow the party races away on horses. Dabashseesh was last seen chasing off the guides and the party rode through the village and to the river, then to the ferry and across.

2/19/07

5 days to statue village then 7 days back south along trade route to Sri. May 24th.

Afternoon of 24h emerge from primeval forest into sugarcane fields. Beyond cropland are the walls of the massive city.

Just inside the gates Captain Ashanti awaits and summons the party to a security meeting advised by the emperor and minister of the state.

Deputy Minister of Security is met and asks for ruby. Party waits in room for minister of state and minister of security to be roused. Party bathes and waits. 45 minutes later six guards enter the room and ministers verify story as well as involvment of Vanita. Party escapes through a bit of Kojax’s leadership and fist-I-cuffs and Academis’ magic and fast-talking. They check with Vanita then go to underbelly of the city to find safe harbor. They harbor at the Black lotus while Academis scrys 1000 years of the ancient rubies past and the Arch-mages location. They then relocate to another inn, and see a woman screaming about her baby being carried off by guards. Guards are posted and night passes. Morning of May 25th. Party rides through Sri to the security building and demands they accompany the stone to the arch-mage. Academis accompanies ruby to archmage who gives little information to soothe Acad’s doubts, but assures Acad that he will aid in retrieving the helm and that he will demand that Acad is allowed to escort the helm safely from the arch-mage’s possession. Acad is given a trade agreement as a symbol of good favor upon ruby reception. Fabian eats at the Indigo Rose where Kojax eats briefly then goes to the Black Lotus and confers with Darpack.

Party reconvenes at Black Tiger for lunch then visits the minister of trade to get letter of peace for Vishnu.

Party converses and votes to stay or go, then gets writ of peace and money from minister of state and sets sail to Vishnu.

May 26th at dawn the party is requested to the deck where all 14 crew members are weapon ready and captain asks party to disembark now.

3/3/7

party warns captain, captain says they are to assassinate and the party must disembark. Kojax attacks, Academis gets stabbed, and battle ensues, ending with Andrew decapitated many sailors dismembered and the captain humbled.

Ashani’s ship approaches.

Kojax hides, Academis watches through Frederic from below deck, and Fabian says he bought his life. Academis comes above deck when he sees the Captain Tinerian faultering before Ashani’s interrogation. Fabian quizzes thug while Academis accompanies Ashani to two levels below her deck. Academis speaks to Kraylock and Majesto and learns that the emperor of Sri has the Helm of Akhad. Academis talks to and through illusory proof, sways Ashani to realize the plight of Sri after she explains the growth of the army and confirms the emperor has he helm. Kraylock and Majesto are freed, the execution ship is sent on to warn Vishnu, and the party returns to Sri with Ashani.

Evening of May 26th party rows ashore to a retreat a couple of miles out of Sri, with the sounds of some festival floating out from the grand city. Party meets the minister of state and attempts to associate him with the truth and the peril he and his state are in.

After some discussion and extensive planning, Kraylock and Majesto go to disappear the minister of security and the deputy minister of security. The rest of the party sneaks in to the palace in the façade of guards and the captain Ashani. Academis dazes an ogre, Kojax kills another, Ashanti goes into the emperors bed chamber and relieves a concubine, then begins fighting with another as the two guards watch. Kojax opens the door and Acad dazes a guard, while Kojax speaks to the other until Acad dazes him as well, then Ashanti assassinates the emperor as Fabian shoots him through the chest then Acad grabs the helm, Kojax shot returning concubine, Acad healed her then the minister of state arrived as Kojax ended the other ogre. Ashani led the party out then all, including Krylock and Majesto, reconvened at the private estate out on the shore. Academis makes a pentagram and cloaks himself with Scryguard. They spend a tense night.

Shortly after 10 on May 27th the Prime Minister and Ashani arrive. Minister gives a bardic quality speech and praises us as the friends of Sri. Horses are ridden; Acad seeks the reportedly missing giant ruby. Party, including Andrew appropriately addressed is all loaded onto Ashani’s boat and leaves Sri in the late afternoon heading toward Zogby.

Days are spent at sea with Kojax and wolves sparring with Majesto and Kojax trying to sneak up on Kraylock.

June 3. Party arrived at Zogby and visited the Mad Elders where Kraylock, Majesto and Academis entered the hut, Krylock and Majesto are sent to their quarters and the elders tell Academis…

3/10/07

The mad elders have spoken to you, saying,”You and the Talathesians must return to your home and take the helm. There are two – one of brute and one of grace who will guide the way to ridding the evil from the helm. The helm is evil, and will bring evil upon the hands of the pure who last handled it. You may cast the helm away but it will come back. The Demons are conspiring. The angels can watch, but do not underestimate their ability to help.

The party decides to return to Talathese via Ashani’s ship by way of Osiris. 3pm Kojax is accosted by a said magic shop owner with a spyglass of yesterday.

Kojax voices his concern to Academis about an unending quest carrying an item of desire for demons and trouble. Academis assures him that the Emerald Emir have thus far succeeded in keeping Akhad at bay.

The party sails to Osiris with Kojax training with Vulso and Hiberius and Academis scryguards himself and stays in a pentagram whenever convenient.

June 10 In Osiris Fabian meets his servant girl, then visits Abdula Mazetlan and succeeds at a very successful trade agreement – from 1-10, 1 being Talathese being taken total adv of and 5 being even trade, 10 being Osiris taken adv of, Fabian got an 8.5 including 3 accountant slaves.

June 19 arrive in Talathese. Over this journey Kojax trains with Broadsword, Fabian become math lazy, and Academis seeks the ruby and sees a portal in the Archmage’s workroom, which blinks out of existence and Academis senses the ruby on another plane or reality.

As the party approaches Talathese, there are a multitude of trade ships in the harbor waiting their turns to deliver/receive and a sign of Maximillian boatworks sign is rising as the party arrives at sunset.

As the sun sets and the party is all on deck as Ashani orders her sailors to lie down their arms. Boat docks and dockmaster Quintus (former wolf with peg foot) greets crew. He tells of amazing things, people returning and crops growing immensely.

Party moves along to visit Brad in the City Hall and is intercepted by Treewalker and Darnel asking of Rothgar. Academis recalls something about a raiding brigand named Rothgar who has had run ins with Sorcerer’s isle.

Sun sets as the party goes to the dining hall of the City Hall. Kojax shuts down banquet, then Fabian talks him back in to having a nice fancy meal.

Brad arrives and is introduced to commander Ashani. Kojax assigns Benedict and Gabriel to guard over Academis. Party eats, Brad and Kojax debrief eachother, Academis quizzes Treewalker and Darnel.

Kojax visits Ace Braley about Rothgar, then takes Treewalker and Darnell down to visit Ace and quiz him about the location of Rothgar. Academis attempts to seek Rothgar and fails.

June (month of the monkey) 20 – Saul hears of the return and visits Talathese. Funeral for Andrew and seeking of artisans to build a statue – Saul speaks at Eulogy

June 24th Academis consults Treewalker and then Saul then venture to Luna’s temple to attempt a summoning of Treewalker’s ancestral spirit (Arohond Treewalker) and gain guidance. ? What do you know of Akhad’s armor? The armor of Akhad was not always evil. There-in lies the possibility. It was made with the possibility of good, but was tainted by evil. Evil was always a passing thread in the night and good will win in the morning light. Seek out the purest child born on the eve of the summer solstice. ? Where are you guiding us through your decendant, Treewalker? We are guiding him to aid you so that you can aid him to the west to find the island where the sun never sets on eve of the summer solstice. ? Please tell us any last advice before you are dismissed.

?Treewalker – Ancestor, how will we know this babe. He will be the only babe born in the village on the eve of the summer solstice. The spirit fades as Academis thanks him diplomatically.

Saul tells a gripping speech of how working together as a group towards a common goal is important.

((summer solstace is 4 weeks away during the month of the horse – July 22))

June 25-26 Preparations are made and a ship is readied to sail around the southwestern coast and north toward Icelund, where Academis knows there is a latitude where sun doesn’t set for the solstice. 8 horses, 4 wolves, 12 hairy chested generic sailors, and party The party sails through the southern tip of the Spine, through the archipelago with uncanny winds, and then we hang a right and turn north on June 30th.

Sail north past elven lands (July 3rd) and through the 2nd archipelago of high-rising cliff faced islands with no suitable docking places. Kojax catches a giant fish. Academis heals Darnell’s horse (horse 5) who broke its leg when the boat narrowly navigated a whirlpool.

Waves get more vigorous then the party sleeps

Party wakes on July 6 to a glass-like sea and as the morning wears on the temperature increases to an uncomfortable level.

Kojax spies a mastless ship that Treewalker explains as a Zarephian freight ship rowing north.

Seven days of one-mile-an hour Darnell beats a sailor, Academis heals him and Kojax throws Darnell into the brig accompanied by Treewalker. (July 13th) on July 13th there is seen a topless woman in the water who approaches the boat then sings and stuns the boat then 6 volkswagon sized dog heads on serpentine necks raise a dozen yards out of the water and begin moving toward the ship. Kojax shoots the woman and a dog head in the eye as Acad frees treewalker and Darnell from the brig, then he returns to the deck and studies the creature with his spyglass.

July 14 grueling no wind,

July 15 wind oddly picks back up and ship moves at full speed.

Sailing by Lowenport the party notices the need to stop and resupply. Ship docks at Argyle on July 17th. Party agrees to meet at the Greenbean Inn and an old man floats up and demands a tax for casting. Treewalker notices a Icelundic ship. Academis and Treewalker follow the old man and pays the tax, then casts Trace on a stone and gives it to Treewalker. Academis, Benedict and Gabriel make their way to the library on Wizzledick blvd. Kojax rides Nightmane into the city. \ Treewalker and Darnell kill some Icelunders then Treewalker searches the ships while Darnell bleeds from a massive neck wound and a nearly severed hand.

Treewalker carves ‘Death is coming for Hrothgar’ into the table below deck of the ship. As they leave the ship there is a booming voice “Don’t move, Freeze!” Academis buys a book of monster lore from the bookstore on Wizzledick blvd, then returns back to the Green Bean.

Academis shows Kojax the book about the strange sea beast, then they order food and wonder where TreeWalker and Darnell are. Academis ‘traced’ the stone and saw the two guides unconscious in a room full of wizard-people and three dead icelunders. He then cast Seeker on the stone and found that they are merely a few blocks away from the GreenBean Inn.

Jess missed most of a session

3/24/07

July 27th Academis questions old man, then heals while Darnell freaks out. Grothmiir (mage1) is summoned and mentions the lead druid Huundrwart. Kojax tells citizens to bind Ice-kings men as Kojax mounts his red dragon. Party rides to forest beyond hills in and tree-covered mountains Trees become path like – maybe seen as bent by some architects will Up to a clearing of a 50 yard clearing with a magical man in the middle Academis senses no hostility Darnell asks about getting ready for combat, Kojax tells him to learn some restraint and Darnell dismounts and pisses on an ancient tree – he sees eyes blinking at him, then they disappear from the forest.

The party approaches Huundrwart. Huundrwart summons 50-some druids from the encircling trees and they all lay hands on Treewalker and mend his leg, then heal Vulso. Darnell tries to shake Treewalker awake against Academis’ advise.

They offer to heal Kojax’s severed hand. And they regenerate it without Kojax feeling anything.

Darnell wakes and catches Treewalker up while unbinding him.

Kojax and Academis discuss solstice baby with Huundrwart. He must council with his deities.

(eleven days till solstice)

sun sets and Kojax gives TreeWalker ‘the executioner’ Huundrwart and Grothmiir return and tell Academis that the party is deemed trustworthy by their earth god and can meet the five pregnant women who are kept safe in the forest with the druids The party follows Huundrwart through a corridorish pathway through the trees with 6 ft diameters, some growing at an angle that could be walked up. 20 minutes of walking through the corridors lead the party to a natural amphitheatre bowl with live soft boughs growing downward into the bowl and there are 5 very pregnant loin-cloth clad blond-haired blue eyed girls. Kojax recognizes one who looks like his wife and points her out to Academis. There are 9 druids catering to their whims.

Huundrwart names the recognized girl as Rewanee.

Academis take Treewalker and Huunterwart aside and tells them of the helm with illusory images. The tale of Akhad and then of Branok and a brief glimpse of the assassin demon to bring attention to the gravity of the situation.

Academis discusses with Huundrwart ‘protecting’ the bowl, then begins casting a large pentagram, using shape earth. Pentagram made by 10.

Treewalker tells Huunterwart about elven heritage. Treewalker and Darnell stay about 20-30 feet outside the bowl. Treewalker in a tree.

Academis and treewalker casts some sense danger and tells Treewalker about demons and invisibility.

Treewalker and Darnell run

11 days later on the eve of the solstice, the birthing commences and the baby is born the following morning during the solstice celebration. The baby is 3+ mage.

Academis helms the child carefully using the sack, and the child’s eyes close and the helm glows for a few seconds, then fades. The glowing flowed off of the helm and it remained white, as did the childs now-colorless eyes.

Academis identifies the enchantments of the helm. Treewalker and Academis sense a foreboding doom.

Party rests for 20 hours. August 8th the party leaves the forest by the guidance of Grothmiir. There are about 150 men at the entrance to the forest. 150 yards off.

Treewalker puts on his ring and walks toward Hrothgar to shoot him.

Treewalker shoots Hrothgar in the throat and the Vikings charge. Academis creates a giant cave bear that lopes onto the open and scatters half of the charging line. TreeWalker kills Hrogthar and shoots a guard through the throught, then beheads the corpse as Darnell rides up. They then rode back to the forest which was devouring other Vikings who were also being shot and butchered by the wolves. After the Vikings were routed, Academis then raced out to obtain whatever armor of Akhad Hrothgar had.

3/30

5 points to all for purifying the helm of Ahkhad 1 pt to Kojax for educating Darnell on controlling his rage and being a better fighter 1 pt to Treewalker for cinematic slaying of Hrothgar. (Noon on Augyst 8th) Party is a bit inside in the forest. Party rides back to through small village dropping off Grothmiir , then on to the barrowed Icelundic ship. Silverbeard was left in icelund to find himself some goldenbeard. Kojax verifies crew, and sail is set for St. Vincent that evening.

Darnell bullies sailors Acad studies gauntlet – skill of wielded weapon +1, Bloodlust, +2 flame dmg to any wielded wpn, and str 20 in hand alone, also compels viewer to wear. Acad primarily stays with infant in his pentagram and scryguards himself and the baby Child seems intelligent and calm as long as it can hear something.

Arrive in St Vincent the eve of August 10th The next morning, August 11 Kojax rides to get supplies, Treewalker seeks arrows and bolts. Academis seeks a wet nurse with his two Wolf guards, to fee the babe before sailing again. Afternoon of August 11 leave St. Vincent resupplied and head west/southwest , then south to Argyle.

9am August 17th sail into Argyle. Darnell seeks whore, Kojax seeks supplies, Treewalker meets with dockmaster and asks about the cat-eyed mage (lvl 1 mg). Then seeks the port authority, which doesn’t open until noon, then he goes to the Boiling Cauldron and drinks until noon. Academis casts trace on Treewalker’s shirt, then seeks a wet nurse for the babe. Around noon, TreeWalker returns to port authority, Kojax tests his custom crossbow on boat, and Academis returns to the ship with the babe. Left Argyle evening of august 17th.

mid morning august 19th ship is sailing into Zareph for supplies, low on funds.

Darnell wears a wig. Academis recommends selling fine weapons. Party hears from dockmaster, Blue, about Johnny’s Pawn and Burger. It begins to drizzle in the smoky dirty mining, smelting city. Party goes to Roe Jimmy the Fence’s Academis sells his fine short sword to Jimmy after Treewalker shoots him. Party then goes to visit Luther Finegould (Jewish sounding) the tax collector with large crooked glasses, gold tooth and silver curly mini-fro and a ruffled shirt. Darnell asks for a favor. Kojax, Treewalker and Hiberius ride away from the tax collector’s to deliver a box to an office downtown. Academis glasswalls the box to see tax documents within. While waiting for the courier, Darnell repairs his relationship with ‘Finey’ and Academis checks the ship through Frederick. Treewalker also needs a messenger, banker tells them of a messaging service. Treewalker sends a note via carrier pigeon to Glimmerwood. Kojax purchases 90gp worth of supplies. Darnell gets proposition to lead the Bloody Knuckles. Darnell asks to delay sailing until he can meet with rogue at the Vomit Puddle (VP) Kojax, Academis and wolves head to the Cherry Tomato for one last warm meal before shipping off. Darnell gives info to little man (Clif) and tells him to try to lead the Bloody Knuckles, while Treewalker shadows him just in case, even though Darnell denied needing any help. Everyone reconvenes at the boat and the party sets sail late August 19th.

August 26th The party sailing through the Spine. 9pm after sunset August 26th there roils in an unnatural fog and the sailors notify Kojax and anchor is dropped. Fog approaches, anchor raised and moves away from fog. Fog retreats and disappears, Kojax and Acad notice something blotting the moon out momentarily. Acad confirms it is larger than a crow by looking through Frederick’s eyes. Academis makes a pentagram by 4 on the deck. A demon crashes into the deck attempting to kill Kojax, then Academis banishes a second and the third is shot by Treewalker and hacked by a nearly naked Darnell. The final demon destroys himself by lunging at Kojax who is in the pentagram.

The journey is finished through the Spine and on to Talathese. The bay outside Talatese is bountiful with fishes. Academis commits his monster lore book to memory. Treewalker again rests uneasily.

When back in Talathese, September 2nd, Kojax visits Brad and Academis sends a message to the Mad Elders via Frederick.