Game Session: 2/12/2012

Pictures from 2-12-12 Session

Ramsgate, Tournament Grounds
Snowing

Invited to the tournament, the adventurers crossed to the southeast part of town where the grounds were located. They found it to be full of commoners, merchants, entertainers and knights. Also showing a strong presence were the city guards spread across all along the field armed with their pikes and swords.

The adventurers were escorted to Sir Godfrey Wrenne’s pavilion, it was a large structure about twenty feet off the ground, a large sloped canopy covered the occupants from the softly falling snow. On both sides of the pavilion were two wooden towers granting access to the pavilion, as well as providing a higher, but uncovered vantage point of the tournament games. Once inside the well guarded pavilion, the party were greeted by Sir Godfrey and the Wrenne House as well as other nobleman and wealthy merchants. There was a table full of roasted ducks, rabbit, vegetables and wine. The party was invited to join them in the feast. Beldet asked what games were being held and was told. Both Beldet and Moresight showed interest in the melee, but was informed that only the finalists of the joust could enter. The winner of the tournament, they were told, would receive 5000 gold pieces, a worthy sum.

The games began with the trumpeting of horns and banners flapping in the wintry wind as squires paraded across the tournament field to the applause and cheers of the crowd. Inside the Lord’s Pavilion, Kyrs lifted some gold from a heavy coinpurse of a drunken noble and managed to slip a ring from a finger. Kyrs was still wide awake despite not sleeping the night before, the amulet seemed to be working as Evan suggested.

Up first was the archery competition, which Sasha participated in. The competitors were tough and the winter conditions didn’t help – Sasha ended up losing in the first round. Next Kyrs joined in the knife throwing games in which he finished in the second round.

Beldet and Madmorsight entered into the joust, by then the snow began to fall lightly and the fields were mostly cleared, making the game far more ideal than earlier. The men armored up, saddled their steeds and the trumpets blew signaling the men to lower their lances. With loud cheers and the wave of a maiden’s flag the knights kicked the sides of their horses and galloped towards each other, separated only by posts connected with rope. Several men were unhorsed and many lances were broke, sending wooden shards flying into the air and towards the rooting crowds giving one onlooker a scar for a souvenir.

As Beldet mounted the horse and eyed his opponent, he concentrated on his ring and the horse of the knight who pointed his lance at him. They both charged each other, throwing mud from the hooves of their horses. Beldet made the mental connection to the other horse and just before contact, veered it to the side. His lance struck the knight and unhorsed him, sending a raucous cheer from the spectators. As Madmorsight charged his opponent, Beldet again used his ring to control the other horse – Moresight also, won the round. This continued on, till the two of them both advanced to the finals of the joust, enabling them to battle in the melee. In a jousting finale, Beldet and Moresight faced up against each other. They raced towards each other, the entire crowd on their feet rooting as loud as they could and with the sound of wood smashing across shield one rider was still seated, and the other knocked to the ground.

Beldet was victorious.

The melee was a dangerous game – skilled armed men swinging their blades at each other in the slippery mud field to the roars of the commoners. In the third round, Moresight faced up against a large man armed with a massive axe. The battle began and with a swift move Madmorsight cleaved his opponent critically, spilling his guts onto the grounds. It was the Sword of Anitawa in his hands and it was the first time that he had used it against anything but beasts and monsters. When the man fell, surges of small purple and blue electrical fingers crawled across the blade and across the victim – the crowd, shocked and stunned held their breath in silence for what seemed minutes. As the man fell, for Madmorsight only, time slowed down to a crawl – from the man formed a dark crimson cloud that drifted up towards the sky, within the cloud Moresight could see the face of Anitawa. Time returned to normal and the crowd erupted in voracious applause and cheering so loud that the ships docked at the ports could hear. Moresight lifted his arms to the air prodding the crowd to cheer even louder, gaining the love of the bloodthirsty masses.

Madmorsight had taken his first soul for Anitawa, to the applause of the masses.

Beldet and Moresight once again fought their way to the final round of the melee where once again they met. The two squared off against each other, swinging their swords and dodging each others attacks. Moresight got the better of Beldet, but instead of delivering a deadly blow, hit him with the flat of his blade. Beldet wisely called yield, and Moresight was declared victorious and the winner of the tournament.

Lord Sir Godfrey Wrenne stepped down from the pavilion and stood before Moresight and Beldet. He commanded them to kneel and to kiss his ring. They did so and Sir Godfrey drew his sword. Godfrey placed the blade on Moresight’s right shoulder, then his left and announced loudly to the crowd that he was now a Knight of the House Wrenne. He did the same for Beldet.

As the crowd applauded, Godfrey leaned down and said quietly to Moresight, “We will talk about that sword later.”

This could mean trouble – magic and witchcraft are outlawed by both church and the crown.

Game Session: 2/12/2012

Pictures from 2-12-12 Session

Castle Ramsgate
Snowing

After touring the grounds and watching the knights, squires and pages practicing in the Ramsgate fields, the party was ushered inside the castle and was seated in the dining hall.

The adventurers sat and were introduced to the members of House Wrenne, at the head of the table sat Sir Godfrey Lord of Ramsgate, beside him was his wife Lady Winnifred Wrenne. Also at the table sat Godfrey and Winnifred’s children, Lewis and Constance along with Godfrey’s brother, Harold Wrenne. Lastly, Charles Howell dined with the family. Just outside the archways were more guards.

Sir Godfrey welcomed the brave party and thanked them for defending the town, he offered them the finest wine from France, which they accepted. Harold welcomed them as well as he laughed and consumed much wine and food. The fare was the best any of the party had ever had before, oysters, lamb roasted with garlic and rosemary, bacon wrapped steaks and a wide assortment of vegetables.

Charles asked them if they were participating in the tournament tomorrow, Kyr’s asked which events were being held. Archery, knife throwing, hatchet throwing, jousting and a melee. Upon the mention of knife throwing, Kyr’s arched a brow and stroked his goatee. Charles, House Adviser to the Wrennes asked Beldet if he had participated in tourneys before, in which Beldet responded, yes. Charles stated that he had thought Beldet looked familiar and that his skills in the arena were known to him. Elora asked what the occasion for the tournament was, Godfrey stated that it was for the coronation of Reynard Ailemer, newly entrusted Earl of Hampshire.

Sir Godfrey then went on to declare that Lord Eric abandoned his people, title and was a known failure in the realm unfit to rule. Due to that, the Constable, Reynard took over the title as nobleman loyal to the Crown.

Upon draining another goblet of French wine, Harold suggested to Lord Sir Godfrey that the brave adventurers be allowed to enter the tournament. Kyrs, Moresight and Beldet showed eagerness to participate, Sir Godfrey stated that he agreed and would allow it – how could he deny that from those who so valiantly protected the city.

After the dinner, the party went about their separate ways:

Kyrs explored the town.
Beldet went back to the Shark and Anchor and rested.
Elora searched for spell components, then went back to the inn to study her books.
Sasha went looking for taverns.
Moresight went back to the Shark and Anchor and spoke with Keldon.

The party then retired for the evening in their room at the Shark and Anchor, except for Kyrs who put on the amulet and felt fully awake and energized for the first time in nearly a month, he did not fall asleep and did not have any nightmares.

Game Session: 2/12/2012

Pictures from 2-12-12 Session

Castle Ramsgate
Snowing

Charles Howell, House Adviser with three town guardsman led the party along with Arnald Latham to Castle Ramsgate at the northeast section within the city walls. It is a towering structure set atop a large hill. The party passed the first gate guarded by more men and into the castle grounds, then finally into the castle itself until they found themselves in the throne room. It was a magnificent chamber, around fifty feet long and thirty feet wide, huge round marble pillars supported a stunning arched ceiling. The floor was tiled with white marble and the walls white stone decorated with banners and thick tapestries. The end of the room sat above the rest atop stairs, a large dark wooden throne in the middle before a gigantic stained glassed window decorated proudly with the House Wrenne coat of arms.

On the carved wooden throne sat Sir Godfrey Wrenne Lord of Ramsgate, beside him an old man wearing white robes trimmed with golden embroidery, and the priest who struck from Arnald’s snowball. Standing in front of the pillars and the open arched doorways were about a dozen heavily armored guards armed with pikes.

Charles announced the party to Sir Godfrey, introducing them. Sir Godfrey asked the party where they were from, in which they told him Southampton. He asked what happened in the city square in which they told him of the attacking snowmen, gingerbread men and nutcracker dolls. Sir Godfrey seemed to not believe them, and said the attack from whatever it was should not be spoken of again. He thanked the party for defending the town and said their efforts were noble and honorable. He then addressed Arnald and his crimes of assaulting a member of the church. In the end, he told Arnald to behave more appropriately and any further acts would be dealt with severly – Arnald assured him he would act accordingly.

Sir Godfrey then invited the party to join him for dinner at the castle in a few hours, they agreed. Charles suggested they take a tour of the castle training grounds, which they did. They met several knights of Ramsgate and their squires, but all of them seemed too busy training.

Game Session: 2/12/2012

Pictures from 2-12-12 Session

Ramsgate
Snowing

Arnald led them through the twisted streets of Ramsgate in the cold snowy weather, trudging through the slush and wind making the journey seem longer than it was. It took about 20 minutes before Arnald pointed out The Hammers in the distance. There was a small stone and wooden home sitting atop a hill, a stone shed connected to the side of it, in front of it was a huge bellows, an anvil and a coal pit that threw orange sparks into the air. They walked into the blacksmith’s shoppe and found Arnald’s father John Latham sitting at the table, with him sat another man wearing noble clothes of black, trimmed with yellow and silver embroidering. Standing also in the room were two armored and armed men that wore banners likely indicating them as town guardsman.

As they walked in they heard John say, “ah and there he is now, this is my son, Arnald. Arnald, who are these people you have brought?” Arnald politely told his father the story of how the party had defended him as well as the city and stopped the snowmen, dolls and gingerbread men saving his life. The guards chuckled as the nobleman smiled, “Excellent, you are the ones we are looking for. Sir Godfrey Wrenne Lord of Ramsgate asks to see you at Castle Ramsgate as soon as possible, along with the boy, Arnald. Please go about your business here and then we shall escort you to the castle.”

The man introduced himself as Charles Howell, of York, House Adviser to Sir Godfrey. Charles sent one of the guards back to Castle Ramsgate to inform the lord that they shall be there soon, then asked the other guard to stand outside and wait for them. John the blacksmith thanked the party for helping and agrees with his son to give them excellent prices. Charles commented that The Hammers is known across the county as the being the best and that Sir Godfrey’s sword itself was crafted by John.

Beldetintroduced himself first and asked if it was within his skill to make an armored breastplate for his dog, Chelsea. John looked over the dog and said that he would be able to fashion something. Beldet also asks about shields and swords. One of the guards asked if they were here for the tournament, the party said they did not know of it. The guard told them there were knights here from as far away as France, Spain and Germany.

Moresight asks for John to fashion a helm for him, and if he would be able to craft the sign of the shoppe on it. John seems a bit reluctant to do so, but states he will see what can be done. Kyrs asks for John to craft him some throwing knives, Kyrs leaves one of his knives so that John may be able to duplicate it into five more. Kyrs also requests a well crafted dagger. Sasha and Elora had no requests for the blacksmith. The party paid for their wares, John told them it would take at least two weeks to complete the job and that he would be working exclusively on their metal.

The party then left for Castle Ramsgate with Charles leading the way.

Game Session: 2/12/2012

Pictures from 2-12-12 Session

Ramsgate
Snowing

The party continued with their business inside Obscura, looking over their odd assortment of merchandise. Evan spoke to Elora and asked her that if anyone should ask her where she obtained the black book that she not reveal it came from Obscura, she suggested to say instead that she found it in an old ruin. Elora agreed to this without question.

Ryan, another staff member of Obscura walked into the room and began to rave over the specimens that the party had just sold – the armored monster and the tentacles from the worm-like creature, as well as the chimera’s claws. He was amazed at how well preserved they were and began to ask where they were found. Moresight admitted that they were found in a cave, except the claws. He asked if they were found in the same cavern system, they confirmed this. Ryan said that that would make sense – he explained that the armored creature was a rust monster, and the tentacles were from a carrion crawler, these creatures were commonly found together as the rust monster would dissolve all the metals while the carrion crawlers eat the organic materials.

Ryan asked them where the caves were that they had found these creatures in, explaining that Obscura likes to tell their customer’s the history of their wares when asked. The party sidestepped the question and was vague. Evan asked where they were from and where they were staying at in Ramsgate. Kyrs told her that they had traveled from Southampton and were staying at The Shark and Anchor Inn. Evan formed a large smile on her face and asked if they had seen the ghost of Captain N’Bod and if they were searching for his legendary treasure or magical blade, known as the Leviathan Dagger. Kyrs ooh’d over the mention of a magical dagger and asked what it was. Evan told them that the Leviathan Dagger was a glowing-green wavy blade, the pommel a shape of a whale with a pearl set in it’s mouth. It is rumored to control sea gods and goddesses, but that is just what they have heard.

Beldet quietly consulted with his party if he should show them the journal, the party agreed that they probably no longer needed it and may be able to sell it. Beldet asked Michael if they would like to see N’bod’s journal, of course he exclaimed, “of course!” Michael marveled over the moldy book and inquired where they found it. After a quick whisper to his fellow companions, the party revealed to Obscura about the green glowing portals in N’bod’s room at the Shark and Anchor and how they somehow transported them to another part of the world, a tropical island and a jungle forest with strange people and creatures. They said that they never found the Leviathan Dagger, nor revealed that they had found his treasure horde.

Michael, owner of Obscura then told the party that they would love to work with them closer, he was pleased with the materials they sold them and their purchases. He then asked if there were any items in particular that they were looking for, Beldet said that they were looking for any armor that was stronger and lighter than ordinary. Kyrs mentioned that they were looking for anything that may have magical properties, he then told them that he needed something to help him with his nightmares and sleeping problems, then said it was because he was cursed. Elora asked if they had ever heard of the Witch of Windcrag. Michael laughed and said that that was just an old tale used to scare children and that she did not actually exist, Kyrs retorted, “we killed her.”

Evan stated that often times curses could be turned by items from the one who cast the curse, she asked if they had found anything in the lair. Kyrs produced the elven bracers, the dragon head pendant and the amulet that he had found in the witch’s nest. Beldet did not reveal his ring that let him control animals. Evan inspected the amulet, she asked Kyrs if he had ever worn it before. He said that he had and when he did he stayed up all night. Evan told Kyrs that the markings on the amulet were Jewish and had to do with sleep, from what Kyrs had told her she deducted that the amulet would keep him awake for as long as he wore it. Kyrs thanked her for the info and put the amulet back in his pouch. He sold the dragon head pendant for sixty gold coins and left the elven bracers with her for further appraising. Elora sold some of her coca leaves given to her by the villagers of Macuro.

Evan asked the party how long they would be in Ramsgate and they said they were not certain. Evan then brought out a silver ring with a blue stone set in it. She said that this ring could be used to communicate with the wearing of the other ring it was paired with, all that needed to be done was to think of the wearer, then project your thoughts.

Kyrs put on the ring, thought of Evan and asked her inside of his mind if she could hear him. He then heard her voice inside of his head with a positive response. Kyrs was disappointed that her voice was nasally and not sexy. Beldet asked if there was another ring they could do that with, or another pair. Evan said the other ring was not for sale, but Michael interrupted her and proclaimed that for the right price, being very expensive that it would be for sale. Beldet asked if they could purchase another pair of their own, Michael said they would see what they could do and would use the ring to communicate with them. Kyrs left the ring on.

Evan also states that she will see what she can find out about the curse placed on Kyrs and communicate with them through the ring when she is able to determine anything.

Elora asked about the history of the mysterious old and valuable book she just purchased. Evan wrinkled her nose and looked up in thought then responded, “Obscura cannot disclose who sold us the book as the seller wishes to remain anonymous. All that we were told is that the book is very old and very valuable. Which by our account and knowledge is accurate.” Evan then confessed, “Well, have you heard of the White Council?" Elora admitted that she had not.
“No – well, they are a group of wizards who govern, or moreso control those who use magic. They have a set of self imposed rules that they believe everyone should follow – whether they know them or not. This book may break some of those laws – but this is just what I have heard.”

Elora asked Evan what kind of laws the book may break, Evan told her “dark magic.”

The large door of Obscura opened, ringing the bells hung above announcing the entrance of another patron. The party looked over to see a young boy whom they recognized from the city square, the one who threw the snowball and hit the priest in the face.

He introduced himself as Arnald Latham, son of John Latham of The Hammers. He thanked the party for standing up for him and for saving his life from the terrible monsters that had suddenly appeared. He offered to take them to The Hammers, the finest blacksmith shoppe in Ramsgate where his father would surely give them excellent prices for their honorably deeds.

The party thanked Obscura and left the warmth of the store with Arnald leading the way.

Game Session: 12/17/2011

Pictures from Special Holiday Session

Ramsgate
Snowing

After the unusual attack by angry snowmen, pesky gingerbread men and rattling nutcracker dolls the group marched to the tailor’s shop. After buying some clean, warm clothes and changing there at the shop, the party continued on.

They found the shop Kyrs learned about weeks earlier known as Obscura where Keldon had instructed them to go. The shop was small and cramped and full of strange objects. Obscura Antiques and Oddities was a shop that specialized in selling, buying and trading of bizarre and unusual objects as well as very old furniture and artifacts from the ancient Greek, Roman, English and Irish lore. It was jam packed with curios, unusual taxidermy, exotic furs and many many other strange objects. In the center of the store stood an ominous guillotine.

They were soon greeted by the shop’s owner, Michael Beauson who told them the story behind the fascinating execution device. They ended up selling several of their own strange objects, including the rust monster they slew in the Cave of Rebirth. Elora purchased an unusual necklace, believing it to have something to do with the Orcish god, Gruumsh. She also bought a book that appeared to be on the subject of magic and spells.

Game Session: 12/17/2011

Pictures from Special Holiday Session

Ramsgate
Snowing

In the middle of the night, Madmorsight thought he heard a scream – he listened for a moment, but heard nothing else, assuming it was Beldet with another of his strumpets, he went back to sleep. Meanwhile, Kyrs awoke from another terrible nightmare and was unable to get a good night’s rest, again. (Kyrs will be unable to level up until he can get three consecutive nights good rest)

The party awoke at around noon, and met downstairs in the taproom for some breakfast and discuss their plans. Beldet asked the barkeep, Javius if he knew of any good blacksmiths. He told him the best was The Hammers, near the town square. Beldet thanked Javius and returned to the party for some breakfast and dark ale. Beldet then told the party about the news he received from his female companion the night before, Bessie. Bessie had told Beldet that Reynard was sieging Wroxham. Bessie was from Southampton, and she was transported to Ramsgate by ship with many others. She also told him that a town known as Thetford was continually under attack by strange monsters. The name Thetford stirred a memory in Elora, this town was mentioned to her before several weeks prior, in the inn where she had met Catherine of Barlo.

They spoke of going to Wroxham to help Lord Eric, but realized that five brave adventurers were no match for an army. They then thought of traveling to Thetford to see what was happening there. They also thought of returning to Southampton to take Keldon to Reynard as was asked. They decided that they needed to stay in Ramsgate for about three days to get some well needed rest and supplies, then decide where to go afterwards.

The fellowship left the warmth of the Shark and Anchor Inn for the cold snowy streets of Ramsgate. It was a bustling and busy city surrounded by several great walls that rose up higher and higher like steps, the tallest outer wall being around 80’. The cold quickly squirmed its icy fingers into their bones, causing them to shiver in its hold. Noone else noticed, but Elora seem unaffected by the freezing cold, despite that their clothes were for the warm South English springs, not for the wintry weather that had invaded the land. The snow was already around a half foot deep and the many chimneys spewed their smoke choking the air that mingled with the church bells ringing distantly. The tall spires of several churches were towering above the buildings as though they commanded respect and awe.

They constantly heard the cries of cats and the mewing of kittens as they walked down the littered cobblestone streets, full of rot, refuse and filth. The buildings in this section of town were tall and the streets narrow. The city was full of children playing, merchants peddling their wares in carts, and people riding on horseback. A sheppard crossed the streets leading four sheep behind him; another man had several goats tethered on his stand that he appeared to be selling. In the center of the square was a large hemlock tree; beside it were children of various ages hanging decorations usually reserved for Yule. At the base of the tree were several wrapped presents – an ancient practice of giving offering to the trees and nature. Yule was a very old tradition not celebrated anymore due to the strict doctrine of the Church of England. This celebration was the ways of the Druids, the religion of barbarians and nomads; the uncivilized heathens who still wander the woods today, perhaps still even in the villages and towns. Apparently, the memories of aged traditions still lingered in Ramsgate.

There were also several snowmen some of the children were playfully building, impressive actually – around 6’ tall; fat, jolly and whimsical with their dirty scarves and mismatched buttons. But the mirth didn’t last long – the Yule celebration was noticed by a priest from the church. He stood there frowning, looking down with arms crossed at the situation.

He walked towards the children and belted, “Young blasphemers! Do you not know what anger will be brought down from the our Almighty Exhaulted One? Lightning and fire? Famine and sickness!” The children stopped what they were doing to look at the man. One of the older scamps, probably around ten years of age tugged at Beldet’s pant leg and said, “Watch this one here…” When the priest looked another direction the lad rolled up a snowball and reached far back to throw. He hurled the ball and it arced high into the air – just as the priest turned back their direction the snowball struck him square in the face, exploding white powder all over him. All the children in the square burst in laughter as the priest angrily brushed the snow off of himself.

He pointed to them and snarled, “You dare defy a man of the cloth!?!” He started to stamp their way. Sasha, being protective of the children stepped forward to meet the priest. As she was talking heatedly with the man, Kyrs noticed that the brightly wrapped boxes beneath the tree were unwatched – he slinked over to them, and opened the first one right then and there. The box exploded in his face covering him with a black soot! They felt a chilling brisk breeze dash across their faces. It was so cold, they could nearly feel ice particles forming on their exposed skin. Suddenly, the once playful snowmen the children were building became encompassed by a flash of bright blue light and in an instant the jolly look morphed into an angry and evil twisted expression. Their crystalline mouths opened to reveal an unnatural maw filled with icicle teeth, steam pouring out from within. Their branched arms began to move and twist, fingers long and sharp. Children began to scream, vendors ducked behind their carts, some people ran leaving their animals. The snow goons began to attack, grabbing at anyone nearby. The town quickly was consumed by chaos.

The brave party met the hideous snowmen with blades. The snowmen attacked back, each scratch from their branched fingers causing the adventurers to slow with cold. One attack on Kyrs froze him in his place for a few moments. The wind whipped up again with another blast of freezing air followed by screams that came from the direction of a bakery cart. Off of the cart they saw the freshly baked gingerbread men the baker was selling moments ago spring to life and jump down one by one. No longer were their hands soft brown stubs, but were now wicked claws – their mouths now each filled with sharp little fangs. Elora soon found herself covered with the little brown men, biting and tearing at her. The snowmen and the gingerbread men viciously attacked the children, women and men in the city as well. Another cart burst with a flash of blue light – the toymaker’s cart. Suddenly, the wooden nutcracker dolls snapped to life and leapt down to the snow. Each were armed with sharp little swords that looked more like nasty needles. Their jaws opened and closed making a click-clack sound as they begin to terrorize the townspeople.

After brave and heroic battle, finally the last monster went down. Several bodies of innocent bystanders, some of which were children lay in the snow. Their blood formed a morbid red frame around them, the warmth of their body still steaming in the frigid air.

From the tree, they heard a loud rustling as though something was shaking it. The party all looked over, and saw needles falling from it as the tree shambled as though it were coming to life. Then, there were dozens of tiny twinkling blue and white lights within the branches. They flittered about within the tree as though it were a dance of lights. Just as quickly as they appeared, the lights darted off and away from the tree in random directions vanishing into the winter sky.

Game Session: 12/17/2011

Pictures from Special Holiday Session

Ramsgate
Snowing

The party eventually made it all downstairs, all except Keldon – who asked Kyrs to bring him fresh cloths, and not to mention that he is back in England. Kyrs makes it downstairs afterwards. They have some ales, given to them by an impressed Javius Noll. Kyrs noticed two men at a table playing some cards, he walked towards their direction and saw that they are dirty. He asked them what they were playing, they tell him “Slap Jack”. Kyrs, without being obvious, tried to access his chances of picking their pockets. They were drunk, but are too close to each other and looking at Kyrs. He decided not to try anything with them. Kyrs asked, “are we playing for money?” They told him no, but mentioned that, “you sure look like you have lots of trinkets.”

Kyrs told them he is a collector, and asked if they could tell him where Obscura is at. They tried to barter with him for some gold for directions. Kyrs did not pay, and did not get directions.

He returned to the rest of the party and asked for them to accompany him to a private table in the Inn. They all agreed, and sat in the back. Kyrs asked Sasha for his chimera horns and claws from the magical cloth. She opened it up, and let him take what is his. Except Elora, the party put in the cloth their herbs and mushrooms so that they may stay preserved. Beldet wondered aloud what he will do with his chimera’s claws. He talked about making a large necklace of the claws, or perhaps making them into some type of helm. Elora spoke up, and mentioned that something as rare as a chimera’s claw or horns, when made with rare and master crafted items could be enchanted to inherit magical properties.

Elora and Madmorsight went upstairs to speak with Keldon, as Elora wanted information about the amulet and Queen Mab. They found him in N’bod’s room. Elora asked him what he knew about Queen Mab. Keldon told her that she is the goddess of Magic and Air of the Winter Court. She rules from the realm known as Tirnanog. It is an otherworld where sickness and death do not exist. It is a place of eternal youth and beauty. Here, music, strength, life, and all pleasurable pursuits came together in a single place. Here happiness lasts forever; no one wants for food or drink. This is where the faeries reside, along with other sylvan creatures such as pixies, nymphs, centaurs and satyrs. The high court of the faeries rule here, Queen Mab goddess of Magic and Air of the Winter Court; as well as Queen Titania goddess of Earth and Light of the Summer Court. Tirnanog is in another plane of existance, and cannot be traveled to in ordinary ways. It is said that time there passes unnaturally.

Elora asked Keldon what he thought of time travel. Keldon burst into laughter at the mention of it and told her its impossible. Elora handed him the note that she had received earlier. Keldon read it and laughs again, he told her that it doesn’t prove anything. Elora asked Madmorsight to get Kyrs, and that he can tell him. Madmoresight went downstairs to the taproom to retrieve Kyrs. Kyrs went upstairs with the rest of the party with him. Once they arrived, Kyrs confirmed that the note was given to her the moment they arrived. Beldet wanted to know what note they were talking about. Elora showed him, and the rest of the party read it as well.

Keldon told her again that time travel is impossible, the myths and legends that tell of it are untrue. Elora does not believe him, knowing the note was in her exact handwriting and the timing too perfect. Beldet asked Keldon if he knew of any great blacksmiths, and he told them there is one he knows of in London. Keldon then admitted to the party that he has been gone from England for some time now, and that he wants to use that to his advantage. He wants noone to know of his return and asked them not to speak of him. He thanked the party for finding him and breaking the curse that was laid upon him, as well as bringing him back to England with them. He told them that for this, he owes them his life and he will travel with them for as long as he can. The party decided that henceforth Keldon will be known as Nathanial. Kyrs asked Nathanial if he knew where Obscura was, he said he did. He told Kyrs it was just north of the Ramsgate Town Square.

Kyrs, anxious for bed retires for the evening. Afterwards, the party begins to take inventory of everything in the magical cloth. Most importantly, the contents of N’bod’s treasure chest.
They find within the treasure chest:

*160 silver coins
*200 gold coins
*11 gems (which they do not look over carefully)
*A short sword that is fine quality, light and well balanced
*A gold letter opener
*A silver ring with an owl on it
*A copper cloak pin with the symbol of a half moon
*A silver vase with the symbol of The Union of the Divine
*A bronze handbell with the inscription, “Wind’s Focus”
*A silver scroll tube
*A gold pitcher etched with birds and a ram and encrusted with five white crystals

Of that, Madmoresight takes the short sword, and Elora takes the silver ring.

They return the rest of the treasure back into the chest, and put it back into the magical cloth. The party agrees that it is time for rest, and each head to their rooms leaving Keldon alone in N’bod’s room.

Game Session: 12/17/2011

Pictures from Special Holiday Session

They rowed cautiously out of the mouth of the sea cave into the choppy waters. Once again, they heard the sweet sweet songs of the harpies, but this time the balls of wax Elora had suggested kept the group from falling under the harpy’s alluring tunes. They rowed away and towards Keldon’s hut.

Once there, they told him of their findings. Soon, the party was on the southeast beach of Moon Isle Atol shouting the words, “Conundrum!” and “Maybeleine!” over and over. After about an hour of shouting and combing the sands, a rope ladder fell from the skies. Looking up was a green glow.

The group cautiously climbed up the rope ladder, but soon realized that it was no illusion or trick. This was the portal back home to N’bod’s room at the Shark and Anchor. They were relived to find themselves in the comforting English air, the strong walls protecting them from the elements.

Once they were all back in N’bod’s room, they decided to take a bath as they were all muddy and unclean, Beldet went first. The party decided that they all shouldn’t go downstairs all at once to not attract too much attention, they agreed that Madmorsight and Sasha would go first. Madmorsight and Sasha opened the ornate door and went out to the hallway, to their surprise there was a young man standing outside as though he was waiting for something, or someone. He approached the two of them and asked if he could speak to Elora. Shocked, Moresight asked the boy what he wanted. The boy told him that he had a message for her. Moresight reached out his hand and demanded, “give it to me.”. The boy declined, but Moresight threatened him. The boy handed it to him, and quickly walked away from the towering and muscular Madmoresight. Moresight hesitated for a moment, then opened the unsealed message. He read it about three times, letting several minutes pass before he folded it back and opened the ornate door to N’bod’s room. He looked to Elora and said, “here”, and handed her the letter.

Elora asked, “who gave this to you?”

“Some boy, he was waiting in the hallway for you. Said to give it to you.”

Elora whisked out of the room to the hallway looking for the messenger, however, too much time had passed and the boy was already gone. Elora walked back into the room and read the letter in silence, then put the note in her pocket without a word to anyone. Meanwhile, Moresight and Sasha walked downstairs as planned. On the wall to their right, towards the end of the stairs was window. Beyond the window, they could not help but notice – that it was snowing outside.

The barkeep, Javius Noll was there. Once he noticed them, he stared in disbelief. He began to ask questions. The party told him that indeed the room was haunted, not to rent the room out and to get rid of the furniture in there. Javius thanked them and offered them all rooms for the week, as well as food and drink. Once Beldet was done with his bath, he came downstairs and bought himself some female companionship. The rest of the party eventually made their way downstairs. They each took their rooms and bathed.

Beldet checked out with the barkeep, it was roughly two weeks later since they first entered the room. It was snowing, in southern England – in May.

Our adventurers took two canoes and rowed across the seas towards the Singing Cliffs as shown on the map of Moon Isle Atoll. Not long, they could see the cliffs towering in the distance. As they approached in the choppy waters they heard a sweet song drifting down from the cliffs. The song was captivating and so alluring. Elora quickly noticed that the rest of the party began rowing madly towards the sounds (everyone failed saving throw, except Elora).

Elora tried to talk sense into the group, but it did no good. She then heard the flapping of wings, she looked up and seen two fiendish monsters. The top half of the monstrosities were an old ugly woman, bare chested with shriveled breasts hanging low, speckled with blood and dung. The lower half was comprised of the legs of a bird-like creature. They looked exactly like the Witch of Windcrag. They flew down, and as they got close Elora stood, put her hands together and shouted out a magical word which caused a great fan of flames to blast out from her fingers. The fire caught the creatures and the flames licked their skin causing smoke and blisters to form. The screeched loudly and flew away, as soon as they did the party came to their senses. Elora remembered the balls of wax they had found and told her friends to put them in their ears, that may help against the luring song of the deadly harpies. They took her advice and continued on. It was not long before they found the sea cave Cayman told them of.

It was a gaping fissure in the cliffs, they proceeded closer then discovered there appeared to be a small cave entrance, partially submerged and choked with dark reddish seaweed. It looked large enough for them to row through. The seaweed caught at their oars as they went into the dark cave. Someone lit a torch as they rowed deeper within, they could see swirls and wakes in the seaweed as a myriad of tiny creatures fled their approach. After a tight squeeze and a slight turn, the cave opened out into a large vaulted cavern chamber.

Part of the cave floor was above water, a sandy place where two large boulders sat. Between the boulders there was a large iron bound chest. The lid was open and the chest’s contents glittered in the torchlight. Atop the heap of treasure sat a badly decayed human skeleton, it’s skull still growing a long wispy beard and flowing gray hair.

The party cautiously rowed deeper into the salty sea cave towards the glittering chest’s contents. Just as they reached the shore, and several of the adventurer’s feet touched the sand, a large man with a long flowing beard burst out of the water. He greeted himself as Captain N’Bod and thanked them for coming to help him. Madmoresight quickly questioned that the captain just popped out of the water.

Before anyone was able to react, the captain changed from instantaneously into the most hideous and ghastly atrocity they had ever witnessed. The creature was a haggard old woman with warts, bony protrusions and patches of slimy green scales that dotted her sickly yellow putrid skin. Her eyes were red with deep black pupils. Long seaweed-like hair hung limply from her head that covered her withered and disgusting body. The mere sight of the hag created intense fear and awe causing Kyrs and Beldet to feel weakened. Madmorsight, who seemed frightened for a moment looked directly at the creature’s eye’s. Her red eye’s met his and her’s suddenly glowed an intense unnatural red… (Madmorsight made saving throw) The gaze seemed to have no effect.

There was a battle in the sea cave and our brave adventurers once again triumphed. Afterward, they began to inspect the skeleton. Beldet found a shiny clear earring in the rotted ear of the skeletal remains, as well as a a journal in the pocket of the bones. Elora mentioned something about burying the remains properly, but the rest of the party was too busy lifting the entire chest and it’s contents into the black cloth. While in the cave, Beldet began reading over the journal, looking particularly for any names of N’bod’s vessels. After about an hour of looking it over, he determined two ship’s names – Maybelleine and Conundrum.

They began shouting out the words in the sea cave, hoping a portal would open… but none did. Not getting any results, the group returned to the canoes and rowed towards Cayman’s hut.