Venadir Empire

Campaign Summary

The campaign begins under dire circumstances. It's the goblinoids. Always the goblins.

It is the summer, 476 of the Venadir Empire (human). Kerwyn Venadir is the king. The border city of Waterbridge was assaulted by goblins and hobgoblins; the advanced legions of the Warlord Grodik (Hobgoblin).

The goblin invasion was heroically thrown back against all odds due to the aid of the King’s knight, Sir Aarin Ringstone. The victory was narrow. Waterbridge is shattered and scouts to the East have found that another goblin host is no more than a week away.

All of the walls and fortifications are battered to the point of uselessness, and in any case, there are no longer enough healthy soldiers to man them. Fighting got past the city walls and into the streets, more than a few buildings were burned to the ground. Goblin and Empire bodies lay in the streets. Crops have been razed by the invaders and supplies are low, even without another assault things will be dire when winter arrives.

It is only a few days after the attack, and Lord Ebreck Darkstarr is making preparations to abandon the city. Darkstarr will lead his people to the capitol city of Westmarch where they will find refuge behind its tall walls, and mighty army.

Through whatever resources, luck or skill you possess, you managed to survive. The campaign begins with each member of the party being summoned to Sir Ringstone’s encampment as several thousand refugees pack up what they have and prepare for the 100 mile trek to Westmarch.

Our Heroes

Armistead Burwell <Arr-Mah-Sted Burr-well> (Nick)

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Armistead is a human cleric of Sarenrae. He was born in a small village outside of Westmarch to a tavern owner’s daughter named Avania Burwell, who later inherited her father’s business, and a sell sword named Jerramin Rainbolt, whom everyone called Rainbolt. Her pregnancy with Armistead was shameful for the family, but she was a strong willed woman who made her family put up with her unpopular choice of special company. The mercenary had a strong devotion to Cayden Cailin, God of travel which may have been why he often left home to do his “trade” and perhaps why one day he never returned. He last left when Armistead was 5. Armistead heard that, when he was 7, his father had come back but his mother denied it. While in the tavern he overheard two men talking about his father. The only important words he could make out through their slurred speech were “Rainbolt” and “Palderton”. He tried asking where his father was but they denied even knowing him and ignored Armistead. Less than a year later from this last possible appearance, his mother suddenly sold everything and moved them west across the land to a small city east of Waterbridge and west of the mountains. She settled them in a secluded edge of the town. As he grew up, he eventually asked about his father. All she ever told him was that he had kind eyes and did terrible things.

Life was lonely but comfortable until an unexpected day that led Armistead to commit a horrible crime. He knew his only hope was to throw himself at the mercy of a temple. What better deity than Sarenrae, Goddess of redemption? The clerics did not turn Armistead in but were not easy on him. He went through years of trials and brutal work for repentance before he was deemed fit to begin training as a cleric. He made the extra effort to prove his worth by volunteering for the undesirable posting at Waterbridge, located at the edge of danger, the goblin horde. He had only recently arrived a couple months earlier before the attack happened. Armistead was suppose to stay behind the safety of the walls but the battle turned worse than expected and even his untested skills were needed. He frantically healed the injured he came across but suddenly found the battlefront had moved to his location. He thanked Sarenrae that he had prepared an attack spell as goblins burst through their lines. He cast burning hands against them which at least slowed down the goblins enough for the soldiers to close up and deal with them.

Syriah Amelieis <Sah-rye-ah Ah-ma-lee-us> (played by THE Wonderful Christine)

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All she knew was the woods.

When Syriah was just beginning to walk and explore her surroundings, her parents were taken from her. Only her uncle knew what truly happened to them and Syriah's memories were and still are very vague -- The smell of lavender perfume from the nape of her mother's neck, the scruff sandpaper feel of her father's beard, and the touch of both of their hands on her cheek is all the memory she carries with her. She didn't even know their names and she didn't find reason to bring it up. Her uncle was the only person in her life that mattered and he made sure of it by forcing her to forget the past and only look to him for the future. For all she knew, her parents could still be alive somewhere and think Syriah is the one dead. But, it's too late to question her uncle because he is now dead. Dead by Syriah's own hand.

Syriah loved her Uncle Branyt very much. She called him papa for many years, until she learned to called him Branyt in front of strangers. They spent most of thier time alone in the woods --. practicing archery, hunting animals, and fending off intruders. They were in their own little world, and although Syriah loved her uncle very much, she learned to hate him at the tender age of 11. At the time, she began to turn from a young bud into a beautiful rose. Syriah was quite attractive and with puberty, she began to become a true woman. This is when her uncle's desires started taking a keen eye to Syriah. After each encounter, Branyt would tell Syriah how beautiful she was, but she would be forever scared with her father's dagger. He then took the dagger that once belonged to her father and brushed it against her cheek. By the age of 16, Syriah was touched by her uncle one too many times and what once could heal, had turned into a jagged looking scar upon her right cheek.

Only a few months ago, Syriah brought her father's dagger to her uncle, just like she had done for over 5 years. But, this time Syriah had vengeance and pain in her eyes. Hatred for a man she once loved. He stole her innocence and she never wanted to be touched again. She came to her uncle and held back her tears just once more. He laid a hand on her, with loving eyes and embraced her. At that moment, Syriah took the dagger and thrust it into her uncle's heart. She looked into her uncle's eyes and as he fell to ground, she spit on him. She then took her mother's opal necklace, her dagger, her bow, and fled through the woods never looking back. She could never trust a soul, nor did she wish to. She was numb to the world and just wanted to get her pain out. She vowed to never get close to anyone ever again and that she would fight who got in her way... No remorse.

Hiding her scar, she is never seen without her cloak. All she knew was the woods, but she wants to know so much more...

Lankin

Lankin was chief librarian for the Library of Irori subbranch in Waterbridge. It wasn't a particularly prestigious position, but he took pride in his responsibilities. The job also gave him plenty of privacy to further his own studies into the Arcane arts.

When word of the goblinoid horde reached him, he knew he must act quickly to save what works he could. Bending wand and spell towards a martial side of the Arcane that he never thought he'd need, he whispered a prayer the Inevitable, and did what needed to be done to preserve the more precious works under his care.

Yennan

Yennan is the product of a one-night stand between his mother and an elven adventurer. He was raised by his mother who was a bar maid, until she met the wrong end of a blade. When Yennan’s mother was alive he spent a lot of time on the streets of Waterbridge, so after her death four years ago he continued his path toward a life of crime. Yennan spends a lot of time on the roofs of the buildings of Waterbridge, he knows the rooftops better than the streets. That is his chosen route of escape from danger and his chosen place to observe his potential marks.

Elderest Tithe

Elderest Tithe hails from the gypsy halfling camps that wander the highlands outside of Waterbridge. They have been hit particularly hard by the goblin raiding parties as they are less defensible away from the city. One of the halfling scouts heard about the attack on Waterbridge and the impending abandonment of the city and reported back. As the halfling gypsies rely on Waterbridge for trade and, to some degree, protection... they are very concerned about the fate of the humans. To ensure that their needs were considered by Venadir, they sent an emissary of their tribe. Elderest Tithe is their best... their bravest... but not their brightest.

He is a bit of a zealot in his belief that the "little people" of the world need defending and word is spreading of X... The Protector... and Elderest is a holy warrior in X's army. He is brave, strong, and competent in martial warfare. He is also attractive and extremely charming and has gotten by most of his life on these virtues. As such, he never developed much aptitude for learning, preferring to talk or fight his way out of most dilemmas. As a devout worshipper of X, he is also not particularly open to other faiths as he feels that they have left the halflings out of their protection. He is known for his unique (and ridiculous) battle cries and his half-witted musings about justice. As such, most of his halfling peers (especially the sages) don't take him very seriously. He believes he is destined for greatness and was blessed with charm and strength to get him there. He isn't really aware of his intellectual shortcomings and feels the need to add his say into most every conversation.

Kineld Daryum Kineld was born to a couple that most people thought were apothecaries, with her father travelling to many cities to sell and acquire some of the rarer herbs. What she found out when she was 10 was that her father was actually a very skilled and somewhat infamous assassin. He only took jobs outside of his own province so none in his life were likely to find out his true trade. When Kineld found his equipment, he explained the truth to her. He had no remorse over how he had led his life, or those that he had taken - until he saw the horror in his daughter’s eyes as he calmly explained how his knowledge of herbs made mixing poison that much easier. Then he left enough money to support Kineld and her mother, and left in the middle of the night. Kineld still does not know if it was shame from his actions or fear that she would tell her mother that made him leave. She didn’t care. Her heart froze towards him that day.

At 13, she joined the Church of Iomedae seeking guidance to truly understand what was good and what was evil, what was right and what was wrong. She also trained in fighting, enjoying the strength she gained. When her mother caught a winter fever and died when she was 16, Kineld made the decision to devote her life to the church and share its message of good and righteousness. It gave her a home and gave her life purpose. When Waterbridge was attacked, she and several other members of her order were sent to defend and protect the city. The evil of the goblins must not be allowed to spill into the good land of Venadir.
Srdjan Trgo (pronounced Sir-jen Turr-go) The son of poor immigrant farmers Vlod and Illya Trgo, Srdjan was no stranger to hard work. He hated his lot in life... always on the plow, a hoe, with a pitchfork, or picking what little harvest his family could afford, and despite his disdain for the cards fate had dealt him, he had an average and simple life. His father Vlod treated him well and taught him the values of a "good man", and his mother Illya loved him dearly, reminding him to always be fair to everyone no matter where they came from. It's not that Srdjan didn't love his parents in return, he just felt that he was destined for something greater and when he came of age he decided that he needed to make a mark upon the world. His wanderlust and yearning for adventure led him to join a militia, where he was given simple training as a pikeman. To this he took well, for his 17 years of hard farming had made him strong and given him a certain comfort with the pike and similar weapons. He fought with the militia for a few years and eventually began to desire for something different. After 5 years he resigned and began to wander again.

NPC's of Note

Sir Aarin Ringstone - A human who was knighted by the emperor himself, he is not under Darkstarr’s command. The unique thing about his knighthood is that Ringstone is a sorcerer, and judging from the battle of Waterbridge, a pretty bad ass one. Though no one knows the true story of how he came to be knighted, there are countless rumors - many of which are unflattering. Still, for those who have met him, Ringstone seems to be a honorable man.

Lord Ebreck Darkstarr - The Darkstarr family is ambitious, and had built Waterbridge from a hamlet into a powerful city in the last 3 generations. The Darkstarr family has become one of the new elite families in the last two decades, Ebreck’s sister is engaged to the Emperor’s oldest son.

His Grace, Pious Benir III - An elven priest of Abadar, and head of the most popular church in Westmarch. He is losing much of his flock to all of the smaller churches lately. There seems to be a particularly vocal Priestess of Pharasma that is getting a lot of attention by prophesying a great war from which great hero’s emerge.

Ryda Ironbelt - This sly dwarf is the town’s “moneylender”. She owned and operated from The Butchered Calf tavern (now a pile of ashes from the battle). According to legend the previous owner either gave it to her as a thank you for financial help, or signed it over while hanging upside down by his toes. Most people are inclined to believe the latter.

Captain Arwen Amberway - He was the captain of the guard, and now is in charge of Darkstarr’s millitia. His reputation is that of an intolerant and bitter man; definitely not known for his patience with criminals.

Cities of the Venadir Empire

Westmarch - human capitol, a wondrous city. It boasts high walls and spires, as well as a large shipyard. Westmarch is home to the elite, powerful wizards, and the ambitious who want to join those ranks. The game of houses is fast paced, and treacherous in Westmarch.

Venadir Keep - Adjacent to Westmarch, it is the seat of the Venadir Empire.

Sulindal - Elven Capitol, by far the largest elven city, although they control many many towns within thier forrests.

Avgaard - The dwarves own several city states in the mountains, each of which has its own king. Avgaard is the largest kingdom, and nominally the capitol.

Rivermead - a trading city between the human and dwarven lands. Population is roughly split down the middle. Its a tough little town, and many merchants run boats from Rivermead to Westmarch and back.

Falcon Spike - The tallest point in the empire, perhaps taller than the dwarven mountains. Much of the city is built under the mountain. The city is largely dwarven, and controlled by Govenor Del Anvilcaster. Although some call him king in private circles, don’t call him a “king” in earshot of Venadir agents.

Garamond Monestery - The most renown in the empire, and is located in the hills outside of Falcon Spike. Its exact location is known only to the monks.

Palderton - This last holdout of the former human kingdoms is not part of the empire. The Palder family is extremely rich, and hold their fertile lands fiercely. This gives the Palders the resources to have a large standing army. The Venadir have long coveted this land, but there has been a tentative peace here for the last two generations.

Grandolton - This is the largest population of halflings in the known lands, and generally thought to be the most pleasant city in the empire. The locals love to tell tales of the haunted keep on convict lake.

Bailey’s Point - a rough seafaring city. Often associated with the less than legal captains of the Cross Islands.

Convict lake - This huge lake used to be the edge of the Palder kingdom until 205. When the empire took over, they used the keep as a prison - mostly for Palder supporters. After the Long Winter in the year 233 no one has come from the island, and no adventurer has returned from it.

Cross Islands - Not really part of the empire. Too remote and wild to be of an consequence to Westmarch, they are rife with pirate activity.

Sparcious - a large, but mountainous island. Only the shores are populated, mostly by fishermen who eke out a living here. The area between Sparcious and Westmarch is well patrolled by the navy.

Episode 1 - Scouts

Beginnings:

Syriah - Foraging groups from the goblins have been invading your area for a week before the battle. Fed up with the goblins, you went to town to get some answers, only to be trapped within the town when the battle started. In the confusion, you found yourself shooting from the balcony of some sort of library. In no small part, you helped it from being burned to the ground when the western wall was over run.

Yennen - Sir Ringstone has been in the library several times since the assault, among other things he has been looking for a wizard to send with his scouts. You ended up with the short straw.

Lankin - Guardsman Fredericks was supposed to be on the scouting mission but had to “drop out” of the scouting mission due to his “wounds”. Ryda Ironbelt made sure you were his replacement. She wants to know what is going on, and she wants to know what Ringstone has of value in his encampment.

Armistead - You saw Ringstone detonate a fireball on himself to clear out an over run position. It left him staggering, but you jumped in to pull him back to safety. He’s not forgotten your bravery.

Elderest - You arrived after the battle of Waterbridge to look after the best interests of you people. But Darkstarr's lackeys would not allow an audience with the Honorable sir Tithe, instead pawning you off on some knight.

After rough introductions, Sir Ringstone let you in on the plans for Waterbridge. The plan is to pack up many thousands of survivors and leave for Westmarch. Sir Ringstone assembled you as his envoys to the Elven outpost to negotiate supplies and scout Agnor's Pass. Armistead was entrusted with a bag of gems to negotiate supplies for the refugees.

The party traveled half a day before coming across (what would turn out to be) a goblin supply wagon in the road next to a burned out husk of an inn... the very inn that was run by Armistead's mother. The only thing of note in the inn was the unburned corner of a letter. The only thing legible on the letter was the word "Millbury" and the insignia for a minor noble house named Rainbolt.

From there, they followed Syriah into the woods to find that the goblins had also taken the elven outpost. Stealthily (at times) the fort was taken back, and a hostage (Efrem) freed. From the fort it could be seen that on the other side of the pass, the town of Barrownook had also been sacked by the goblins. Curiously there was another spyglass that faced the mountains, and when properly used, the spyglass could spot an invisible fortification in the mountains.

Using the scroll that Sir Ringstone had given them, the part sent back the following message: "Barrownook and Elven outpost sacked by goblins. Investigating further into elven woods to find help. Elves expected at outpost in a few weeks". And as indicated, the party decided to investigate the ruins spotted through the spy glass.

Noteworthy treasure: A longsword, decorated with semi-precious stones. Elven chain mail +1. Spyglass that detects invisibility 2x / day upon command.

Episode 2 - Slavers

Elderest elected to stay behind at the elven fort to protect the sole remaining inhabitant, and to treat with the Elven Emissaries when the arrived.

Shortly along the path the the ruins, the party encountered slavers. After a battle they rescued a human named Derwin and young halfling man by the name of Prixelpants McFig. They were staying at an inn - the one discovered on the road - until it was attacked by goblins. Derwin turned out to be a guardsman in the Rainbolt household, traveled all the way across the country to deliver a message to a "backwater inn" near the end of Agnor's Pass. He cursed the name Rainbolt, and left toward the safety of the elven outpost. The party also learns that Rainbolt is a sell-sword, recently up jumped to Lord and that Rainbolt is Armistead's father. The party also learned of more slavers that had taken a woman (Armistead's mother) and another halfling.

After the battle, the group encountered a couple members of "The Pack", led by their sub chief. The half elf named Praxes (Prax-eaze)convinced the party to leave the bodies and all of their belongings as a tax to the Pack, as this was their land.

After leaving them, the party hunted down the other slavers and discovered Prixel's father and Armistead's mother being snapped at by tied up goblin dogs while an ogre and hobgoblin stood watch. Once defeating the enemy, the group brought everyone back to the elven outpost, along with a hobgoblin captive. Back at the fort, Elderest reported that some half elf came by, and that he tried to recruit him into the holy army of X, that they may strike back at the goblins. Lankin charmed the captive and questioned him extensively before Yennen executed him. The hob talked about some wizard or wizards helping the armies to quickly advance well into the human lands, and that they plan to smash Westmarch. He didn't know exactly, but it didn't seem like the wizards were Goblinoid. Again Elderest remained behind to protect the survivors and turn them into recruits for the army of X.

Back on the road, the group encountered a Mite in the middle of the night. The only things lost in the encounter were an apple and a little bit of sleep.

Using the telescope, the group found their way through the veil that was concealing the city. Immediately within the veil, they were attacked by earth elementals.

Noteworthy treasure: a Ring of Jumping and Potion of Cure moderate wounds.

Episode 3 - Ruins abandoned

The earth elementals dispatched, Syriah attempted to enter the fortress only to be violently thrown back by an invisible being. Deciding on the wisdom of avoiding the guardian (who appeared to have a limited mobility), they scaled the wall. When Yennan touched the ground within the wall a collosal expenditure of magical energy disipated. As the party suspected and would later confirm, the invisibility and charms that had hidden the ruins for so long had been dispelled.

Inside they got a closer look at the statue, it was engraved with a plaque that read: “His Grace, High Lord Korridar, ruler of the reaches, Prince of Elves, master of men, and defier of death itself.”

Which led Lankin to remember this ancient nursery rhyme he'd come across in his studies:
"When wicked children wander far,
They come to the realm of Korridar

Never ever cross the wizard’s door
When you do, he shall slumber no more

When the wicked wizard wakes,
What he wants is what he takes

Mother, father stay in sight,
Or lose your soul this very night!"

Once inside they camped, but were disturbed several times. First they heard someone calling from outside the city walls. A long wait, and an arrow of warning shoo-ed him off for a while. Then the group seized the "wand" from the Statue, discovering that it had some intelligence - Lankin was awash in the staff's wicked desire to be fed.

Soon after, they found Squire Tompkinson on the edge of the woods. It was he who was calling out. He had been tracking you down, but he was all that was left after he was ambushed by The Pack.

The group camped, once on watch, Yennin was visited by a spirit that looked and sounded like his mother - she warned him that this was no place for mortals to tread. That was the end of that camping trip. The party fled the city, post haste! Syriah left last, and for a moment, she thought she saw the sneering visage of her uncle glaring down at her.

After a day's travel, they intercepted the refugee's. Darkstarr saw only hope in the ruins, as Goblins and The Pack had been raiding the refugees. He was confident that a few spooks were nothing compared to the bloody demise they would face from the approaching goblin horde.

The party sought out Sir Ringstone, hoping to find someone more likely to listen to their plight and to have him destroy Lankin's new staff. He liked neither the ruins, nor the alternatives. He charged Lankin with seeking a wizard to destroy the staff in Sulindal and find help with the elves so they might not have to use the ruins.

On the way north, the adventurers ran into The Pack's camp, and they were in the middle of a grisly fight with goblins. Armistead stood back to back with Praxes to hold them at bay, but it was Lankin's spells that saved the day. Armistead convinced Praxes that the gods must have sent them just in time, and a pact was borne - to mark the occassion Praxes decorated Armistead's shield as he had his own shield - with a bloody hand print of his foes.

Noteworthy treasure: Potion of Barkskin (Caster Level 6), The Staff of Korridar!

Episode 4 - Mugged!

The Group ran into captain Malikin, leading the first wave of elven soldiers south. His orders are to stop anyone from entering the ruins. They convinced him to send word ahead to Sulindal (the elven capital) in order to grant the group an audience with Prefect Elendir.

Not five minutes into the city, the group was mugged. They seemed to target the staff, and quite effectively put down Armistead and Lankin. All of the attackers got away with the staff and Lankin's spellbook.

The group had their meeting with a very disappointed Prefect Elendir, which did not go well, but he promised them all the resources of the palace to get the staff back. He also told them that it was his grandfather, Kaldon Snowsong who slew the lich Korridar and had his city sealed off from the world so that his soul could not regenerate a new body.

Yennin got an audience with the thieves guild in order to buy back the lost items, while the rest of the team brought the palace guard on a wild goose chase around town. At some great expense, they recovered the spell book and a lead on the man who hired the thieves guild to swipe it. Now the party hunts the elderly elf who calls himself Master Advin Vo. Prefect Elendir is aiding the party with horses and a new member to the party...

Episode 5 - The Hunt for Advin Vo

Our hero's were introduced to their newest member, Templar Kineld Daryum, and were off. Near dusk zombies were encountered on the road; the zombies had already killed several travelers. The party made quick work of them and decided to camp... but angry villagers found the party burying the bodies and jumped to conclusions. Kineld convinced them that they were in fact, the good guys. With a promise to return to the township with the head of Advin Vo, they were off again.

Some time at the seaport led to clues about Vo's travels, they found his transportation and followed him. The boat dropped them off a few miles south of the island that Vo had made his lair. Yennin got impatient and crossed over to the island in the dark.. his haste left him alone when the ghouls came out. Saved from drowning by Kineld, the party retreated.

In the morning, the party defeated the zombie alarm system and Yennan dropped into the lair. Yennan ambushed the Vo's apprentice, but he escaped while Yennan was conferring with the party. All this led to a fight in the main room of the lair, where Master Vo was slain. We left the adventurers as they waited for their boat to arrive.

Episode 6 - Return of the Staff of Korridar

Armistead, in his unconscious state is charged by his god to build the "Beacon of Sarenrae". He was told “You will know the location as it will be where the rain meets the blood”

A letter was also recovered from Vo's laboratory:

  Raste,

  I know you lost faith in our Master’s teachings a long time ago, but I hope you have had time to follow my lead on the resting place of Korridar’s Death 
  knight. Why? Only because I have learned definitively that Korridar was real!

  Through some very expensive spies, I have recovered Korridar’s staff, can you believe it?! It is as powerful as Master told us. Return and we shall 
  learn all of the other secrets of Paldros and rise as Korridar did. My work on improving my zombies progresses well, which is excellent since we may 
  need the protection in Paldros.

  Your brother in birth and darkness,
          -Advin

Advin Vo's head was separated from its body, and returned to the elven villagers. The head was tossed into a blacksmith's fire and the group praised for bringing justice to their loved ones.

The staff was handed over to the Prefect of Sulindal, where he imprisoned it behind a wall of stone where it would remain until his high wizard would be able to return from Westmarch... whereupon it would be destroyed. While in Sulindal, they found that Captain Malakin and his entire force was killed by goblins... goblins who had wizardly assistance.

Episode 7 - Hunting Fireballs

The group learns the hard way that The Pack has split into two factions. One led by the half orc Zerc, and the other by the half elf Praxes. Praxes' group is now called The Band of the Hand is doing some mercenary work for the human refugees. The humans are paying for dead goblins, and the group smells the foul stench of necromancy. They also learn that Lord Darkstarr now calls himself Castellation Darkstarr, and tried to have Sir Ringstone arrested. Darkstarr proclaimed that the Kingdom of Paltros is not part of the Venadir empire. Captain Malakin's sister Kai is found hanging out with The Band of the Hand.

Kai tells them of the wizards that she wants revenge on the wizards who killed her brother. The arty agrees to help her in exchange for her help in locating Sir Ringstone.

After a few days of following Kai in her hawk form, the party comeas across a convocation of mages and hobgoblins. The mages are stating that now that the forces have come through, they are no longer needed here. The Goblins are arguing that they need the wizards to get past the undead that are protecting the humans in the keep... and the wizards say that - the elves gather their strength for another assault. Your forces are split between Barrownook and this wretched place that continues to bog down your army. The humans are moving a very large force from Westmarch... your usefulness is at an end. The wizards then vanish from the ground they stand on. Shortly after, a loud crack is heard and felt by those sensitive to the ways of magic. Later investigations reveal that they were in a teleportation ring that was destroyed after they left.

Failing to avenge Malakin, our heroes locate Ringstone (injured). The next day, the party leaves for Barrownook with the Empire's most renown night in their midst. Ringstone tells them that others were arrested, including their friend Elderest Tithe.

Episode 8 & 9 - Clockwork Angels

From the hills above Barrownook, it was seen that the goblins have wrecked this city, but small pockets of human resistance exist. Everyone saddles up, and moves to save a nearby tower that is under siege. Ringstone and company make short work of dozens of goblinoids to free the tower. Inside, they discover Princess Anika. It seems that Anika and Ringstone have a fondness for each other that is more than governmental.

Anika was traveling to Waterbridge to meet her Fiance (Lord Darkstarr), when Barrownook was assaulted. Her personal guard was all lost in the battle, and she is now alone and anonymous. She tells them of a wizard who died in the assault... and his lab which contains an iron golem. The party is sent to get the golem to help the war effort.

Arriving at the wizard's lab, they find that one of his clockworks has achieved sentience. This clockwork call himself the new Creator, and attempts to capture the adventurers so he may use their souls to bring life to his "brothers". The party almost loses everything when The Creator brings the golem down upon them.

A second assault upon the tower yields better results, as Armistead painfully distracts the golem while everyone else takes on The Creator. Returning to town with an iron golem, smashing through the goblin lines rallies the troops. Several goblin encampments are smashed, the party are hailed as heroes, and a feast is prepared as this is the first break that Barrownook has had in weeks of siege.

Well into the feast, Kineld gets a "special plate". Inside she finds a note:

  Hello kitten,
  I thought you’d never get to see your old man at work. Life is full of little surprises.
  Dad 

A moment later, Sir Ringstone begins to choke.

After a futile search for the poisoner, a heartbroken princess Anika severs one of Ringstone's toes and entrusts Kineld to bring it to Westmarch to have him resurrected. She also give the party Ringstone's spear to prove their identity and intent.

Episode 10 - Movin on up, and plummeting down

They meet the Lord Commander (Lord Patick) at the Templar chapter house in Westmarch to deliver the bad news and hand over the toe. The next morning, word spreads quickly that not only is Ringstone dead, but his resurrection failed. The body was reformed, but the soul failed to enter it. The clergy is stunned and rumors abound.

Ringstone's position is temporarily filled by a Templar named Andros. Sir Andros' first mission is to bring 10,000 troops south to put a stop to the border skirmishes with Palderton. Andros asks the party to aid him by delivering a letter to Falcon Spike in advance of his army. This is where they meet Srdjan, an ex soldier that had served with Sir Andros.

Lord Anvilcaster,

Prepare the city for an influx of troops. Templar Andros Ordim is being promoted and taking the place of the late Sir Ringstone and leading 1000 troops south to your hold, and will be conscripting as available on his travels south. Falcon Spike is expected to field 200 or more.

High Templar Patick Lord Protector of Westmarch

On the way to Falcon Spike, the heroes tangle with a couple of griffin riding mercenaries that Srdjan identifies as "The Adamentine Talon".

When they get to Falcon Spike, they find that the dwarven town is teeming with soldiers and mercenary groups. Delivering the message is easy, but their welcome is gruff. Lord Anvilcaster responds to Ringstone's death by saying,"He always put his nose where it didn't belong, looks like someone finally took it off for him."

During their stay, Kineld tells the party of her father the poisoning assassin. In town she is able to find an alchemist that is able to exchange notes with her father and arrange a meeting in the halfling city of Grandolton.

Yennin learns of some kidnapped halfling kids that are being kept in "The Nursery". As the army approaches, horns blow across the city and the main doors to the fortress city shut. In this time of confusion, the plan to free the halfling children is enacted. With the children free, the party feather falls down a mining chute (losing Ringstone's spear in the process) and fleeing for the safety of the Westmarch army.

After meeting with Andros, Armistead announces that he must part ways and seek out his father in the south.

Episode 11 - Horror Story

Trekking across the plains with 3 halfling kids is a nice reprieve, until it starts raining. Hard.

Terry (12) and Berry Brambleskin (7) are the sons of the governor. Terry talks their collective ear off makes all sorts of promises about rewards that his father will bestow upon the heroes. The younger brother, Berry, is traumatized and won’t say a word. The other is Svet Silverstrings, son of the merchant Anders Silverstrings. Svet is forlorn and homesick, but at least willing to talk.

The kids start whining about the rain. The while a lot. After a few hours, a light can be seen in the distance, and a town a valley below them. They are considering taking shelter in the town when the hairs on the back of Kineld’s neck stand on end... a malevolence like she’s never encountered before. The wagon is suddenly lost in a globe of darkness and they find Berry missing. Kineld and Yennin go to the town to look for Berry while the others while Srdjan and Lankin look after the kid.

Kineld finds a completely empty village, with only a single light on at the top of the church. In the village center Berry is standing on the branch of a tree. This fell tree has several nooses hanging from it, all full except one. The remaining noose is around Berry's neck. Berry gives a malicious laugh and smile, then jumps. Yennin makes an amazing shot to break the rope and Kineld catches the kid. From the top of the church a crazy old man starts screaming to run before the swamp witch gets them. All the while, the others are chasing illusions of Berry in the woods.

Eventually the group huddles in the church, and the swamp witch hurls illusions at them through a restless night. In the morning, it is still cloudy and raining. In the morning, they make a run for it and are saved only by the light of day - which the swamp witch (really a demon) flees. Kineld is hurt badly as they move as quickly as possible. Berry said his first words again and hugged Kineld as soon as she awoke from her wounds and Terry got his first drink of wine with Srdjan.

Episode 12 - The Rewards of Halflings

Kineld took the one remaining horse ahead to meet her father... though it turned out to be her (supposed to be dead) mother who sent the note. Her parents are apparently a renoun team of assassins. Kineld was warned to stay away from the south, there was a war brewing.

The rest of the party collected a substantial reward (including some unique magic items) and got drunk with the halflings in celebration. They also got their next job.

Along the way both Kineld and the rest ran across The Adamentine Talon, among whom there was a young man who looked like a 15 year old version of their friend Armistead. The Talon is here to make sure Palderton's interest were looked after, and the halflings were not equipped to handle them, especially when the children of the two most influential families were being held hostage.

The next job was to get onto the haunted island on Convict Lake and eliminate the Talon presence in Grandolton before the news of the children's return got out. This they did, by using a Rock to Mud scroll on the keystone of the aging tower; and unceremoniously dropping the Talon five stories to the ground in the middle of the night. Two of the Talon escaped and fled (towards Falcon Spike), and rewards were collected again. During their time on the haunted island, they met a little Homunculus named Onvair - he'd been trapped there for 400 years and had some out dated concepts of the Venadir Empire. Lankin decided to make a blood bond with him and make him a familiar (of sorts).

Episode 13 - The Northern Meet

The team is going North to Westmarch because they want to investigate a Wizards group known as the Black Thorn (whom they have had many hints of). Onvair reveals that "Old Master" was a founding member of the Black Thorn wizards guild. They used to meet near a town called Gilron. He was never allowed to the meeting place, but it was somewhere nearby. Gilron is 300 years gone, but there were farms there. And they were able to find the "Northern Meet" that the Black thorn use as a conclave. Here they found a large map room that shows a divided empire, a greatly expanded Palderton, and a "Southern Meet".

They also found a letter (below), some unfinished magic items, and magical cloak clasps shaped like black roses that they believe are used to identify the Black Thorn.

Lord Rainbolt,

I will not be able to attend the next conclave, as I have received grievous family news which needs my personal attention. Please accept the contents of this chest from my personal cache as an apology. I’m afraid my work is not complete, but your eldest should be capable of finishing several of the items in a few days. Rest assured, I will make it to Palderton in time for the wedding with the remainder of the dowry in hand.

Master Raste Vo

Lastly, but importantly, the Lankin find a series of books that talk about how an ancient Lich once used magic to capture a soul at the time of death in order to make a "Death knight" to serve him. The book further theorized that use the same technology to capture a soul to power a magic item if the soul were of sufficient strength. Summizing that this was used on Sir Ringstone, and that the Black Thorn may be involved in Westmarch, they continued the journey back to the capital city.

Episode 14 - Cultists, Terrorists, Same Thing

The party returned to Westmarch without further incident. A few days later, Princess Anika and her "army" showed up outside of the gates. The heroes went out to greet her and were able to warn the Princess about Duke Marken, and the rest of the Black Thorn. The next day, there was a heroes parade into the city. All went well until an Angel fell, dead, into the middle of the parade. Amidst the chaos and panic that ensued, Kineld and Lankin got to the angel and found it to be a fake. It was some poor woman who had been beaten to death and griffin wings sewn into her back. The heroes brought her to the Templar's chapter house and then proceeded to the castle to speak with Princess Anika. At the palace, they were rebuffed by Duke Marken - who was here to join the security council.

Back in the streets, chaos and riots still ruled the already tense city. Flyers were being posted everywhere that claimed that the angel was slain by Lamashtu (Lord of chaos), sparking more chaos. Kineld gave speeches to the crowds to calm the masses, and Yennan was able to track one of the people posting flyers to the warehouse district. With everyone gathered they assaulted the warehouse to find the Lamashtu priests and a demon they had summoned. This con