Chronicle

Tue 8 July 1586

A The Party go to see Caspar who offers a pre-job job! It is, of course, unpaid!! - Where do we dredge them up from!!!

A THE JOB

A A pass in the mountains to the west of Van Connel in infested by humanoid creatures and ruled over by a small group of giants. The Party must cause it to become disinhabited so that an invading army could get through unhindered. The Party must leave on 21 July.

Wed 9 July 1586 : 14 July

A Drasmar, Franklin, Pallea, Coffchomi and Temlin stay in Salsorme. The rest of the Party start preparations for our departure.

Mon 21 July 1586

A Farlas reports that Trosahn is in town with King Connel. It is decided to send Lucius to "get" her so he is pumped with spells and magic items.

A The Party go to an outlying village with Drasmar Feld who is disguised as Lucius. This is to provide him with an alibi. The disguise ceases when the genuine article returns.

A When he returns Lucius explains that he got as far as Trosahn's room but despite his "Invisibility" and "Silent movement" she knew he was there and started casting spells. Lucius attacked and inflicted a lot of damage but did not quite kill her then he legged it back to the Party.

Thur 24 July 1586

A The Party crest a hill on our way to the mountain pass and see a large forest extending all over the place. There is a small village and the locals turn out to be friendly. The beer is good so we get pissed.

Fri 25 July 1586

A Sometime around lunchtime the Party come round and leave Foreston for the forest. In the evening a camp is made and a fight with a pack of big wolves narrowly avoided.

Sun 27 July 1586

A The Party hear a voice from the right say "Well, well, what have we here (etc)...." in a strange lagoin accent. It turns out to be a wood elf named Thorandeer, lord of the forest. He speaks dwarfish as well and is Thraygill. The Party is invited to a nosh up.

Mon 28 July 1586

A The Party are obliged to pay a "toll" by gambling some of our magic items against three bags containing mystery magic items. The Party end up with a net loss of three. However the wood elves continue to protect the Party on our journey through the forest.

Fri 1 Aug 1586

A The Party finally come to the edge of the forest and see wilderness extending before us. Farlas thinks he has obtained a bracelet of concealment.

Sun 3 Aug 1586

A After a thirteen day hike the Party reach the mountain pass. It is full of orcs. They don't attack us so Farlas and Lucius go off "Invisibly" to check them out. The Party stage a mock fight to give the impression that we are an undisciplined rabble. Farlas and Lucius return with a map.

Mon 4 Aug 1586

A The Party discuss the map and decide what to do. Farlas and Lucius try to scout the route to the tower, looking out for the pattern and placement of the orc scouts. The best route seems to be close to some svart caves. There is no cover near the tower.

A Uspin returns. Lucius upsets him and he slopes off again. It is late afternoon so the Party decide to have an early night in order to make a pre-dawn start in the morning. Then we change our minds and decide to delay.

Tue 5 Aug 1586

A During the course on Guerin and Algammon's watch Uspin is found lying in a pool of blood. Farlas finds out from Uspin that he was spotted by some hobgoblins in a village and beaten up. There are about 50 of them and Uspin reckons they have help and guidance. Uspin thinks that the Party's plan will not work as the village has a stockade. The Party revise the plan and decide to send Farlas ahead to "Invisibly" "Sleep" the guards whilst a small group holds the gate. Then the plan is changed and Farlas and Lucius decide to watch the gate "Invisibly" for the day so no action will be taken until tomorrow.

Wed 6 Aug 1586

A Lucius and Farlas leave before dawn to watch the gate to the hobgoblin village. DenConnu whiles away the time by playing his flute. Unfortunately his playing is not to the taste of many other members of the Party but DenConnu seems oblivious to this until Nobby walks menacingly towards him. DenConnu casts a spell "Commanding" Nobby to sit. Nobby sits for six seconds during which time DenConnu walks away. Nobby gets up and walks after him, DenConnu retreats and Nobby comes after him getting more and more annoyed. DenConnu unexpectedly lies on the ground and stops moving. Maurice explains that he has cast a spell on both DenConnu and Nobby but it only seems to have affected DenConnu. Nobby walks over and kicks DenConnu hard in the ribs and then walks silently away. When DenConnu gets up he moves to the edge of the camp and casts a "Cure" on himself.

B At dusk Lucius and Farlas creep back invisibly and then reappear. They report that there are 12 to 15 huts in the village. Before midday four hobgoblins went off into the woods. Mid afternoon four more went off on patrol! Neither patrol returned. Farlas and Lucius saw two or three guards inside.

C The plan is for Farlas and Lucius to return "Invisibly" tomorrow and take out both of the patrols. When this has been done they will signal the Party to follow and take out the village. Lucius is still invisible and Algammon makes himself "Invisible". During the night....... nothing happens.

Thur 7 Aug 1586

A Farlas, Lucius and Algammon leave for the hobgoblin village. Then they come back unexpectedly. Apparently the Hobgoblins saw tracks and realised that the three were there. A fight ensued in which four hobgoblins were killed. Presumably as a result, none of the other patrols came out later. Fearing a night time attack the Party decide to go and attack the hobgoblin village tomorrow. However no night time attack is forthcoming.

Fri 8 Aug 1586

A Farlas, Lucius and Algammon leave about thirty minutes ahead of the Party. The Party receive the call to go and run ahead to find the gate to the village...... closed! Algammon appears on top of the stockade, leaps off and sprints towards the Party.

A Farlas, Lucius and Algammon had "Levitated" over the wall and "Slept" several guards near the gates. Algammon garrotted one and Lucius stabbed another in the back. Farlas noticed a giant rising from a building. Farlas, Lucius and Algammon regroup with Lucius once again "Invisible" and try to get back over the stockade. Algammon became visible on the wall because he "Slept" some hobgoblins heading for the Party. Algammon and Lucius rejoin the Party but Farlas has not made it. Algammon produces a scroll, reads it, and "Fireballs" the closed gate. The giant seems rather pleased by this but the hobgoblins don't.

B The giant bends over and Nalin shouts "Run!!". Everyone runs as the giant hurls a flaming hobgoblin at the Party. DenConnu runs towards the gate and "Commands" open, unfortunately this does not seem to have any effect. Nalin and Guerin fire arrows covering Willan as he runs to the gate to hack it down. Herra uses a bullet sling very successfully for a range of 100 yards.

C Willan kicks down the door, hits the giant and gets knocked unconscious. Herra is hitting the giant with bullets. Nobby, Guerin and Bazron are in the vicinity of the giant. Bazron pulls Willan out of the fire as the giant backs off towards a burning building. Nalin moves in to replace Bazron, DenConnu appears and Maurice steps in to the fray. The giant enters the burning building. The Party retreats outside of the gate and regroups. Chem returns towards the village and Lucius and Farlas rejoin the Party. Where is Algammon?

C The burning building collapses and the giant emerges and runs off. Lucius, Guerin and Farlas chase after it. Lucius catches up with the giant and hits it. This causes the giant to turn around and the others follow and get in a few hits until the giant looks unwell. It turns and tries to run off again but Lucius attacks it until the giant gets him down. However an arrow fired by Guerin proves to be the fatal blow on the giant.

A Having killed the giant the Party bind the wounds of Lucius and Chem pumps him with some "Cures". The Party put out the fire on the giant and search it's body. A melted silver thing is removed from around it's neck and then the giant's head is hacked off. The Party then return to the village to dispose of the hobgoblins only to find that there are none there any more. The giant's head is put up on a stake outside the village and the Party head back to the spot where the horses were left.

A The Party decide to move camp away from the current location and suggest that someone stay behind to keep watch on the hobgoblin village. Farlas volunteers to stay put but his cat stays with the rest of the Party. Farlas sees nothing.

Sat 9 Aug 1586

A Watches are set at the camp and in the small hours of the morning during the fourth watch, Bazron and Willan, lots of human sized creatures approach. Bazron and Willan identify orcs and wake the rest of the Party. It is still a couple of hours before dawn and very dark. The orcs are formed into a crescent shape. They stop about 50 yards away and start arrow fire, Bazron and Willan are hit. The Party mount a mounted charge and the rest follow on foot.

A Many orcs are killed in the battle. When less than a dozen remain the orcs finally break and try to run off. The Party chase down some of the fleeing orcs. Some orcs got in to the camp and made off with the contents of the packs of Bazron and DenConnu.

B The Party decide to move camp a further six miles away. Uspin rejoins the Party. The new camp is some 15 to 20 miles from the hobgoblin village. During his watch Farlas notices that Algammon is back. He does not know what has been going on. Chem then notices that Lucius and Nobby are missing. Algammon says that a couple of daggers and some rations have gone from his pack and asks if anyone noticed if Lucius was near his things. Algammon is told about the orcs getting in to the camp, this is the most likely explanation for his missing items. Uspin is also gone so more watches are set.

Sun 10 Aug 1586

A There is much relief in the Party when dawn breaks. At mid morning Uspin turns up with a stranger. The stranger had been followed and done over by red hand orcs (as opposed to the cross boned orcs who attacked the Party). He is a human and says his name is Kreeban and his elven companion was slain by the orcs, luckily Uspin turned up just in time to help him.

A Kreeban says he was scouting for some troops whom he discovered had all been murdered. He returned with the new to his fort but was not believed. A party was assigned to collect the bodies however Kreeban was provoked in a pub but other members of the group who were to collect the bodies. This prevarication resulted in another death and Kreeban's need to flee. He came through the pass with a friend and the met the usual collection of ogres and other humanoids until the encounter with the orcs threatened to be the end for both of them. Kreeban has taken a talisman from the body of his friend as the friend considered it important.

B Kreeban swears allegiance to Farlas on the hilt of Fearno. Guerin and DenConnu have an argument because Guerin is unhappy that DenConnu has revealed Guerin's whereabouts to Kreeban. There is a bit of a fight. The Party try various experiments to work out the function of the talisman but have no luck. Fortunately the night passes uneventfully.

Mon 11 Aug 1586

A Farlas, Kreeban and Algammon become "Invisible" and set off to explore some nearby svart caves. The rest of the Party move towards the svart caves and Kreeban returns alone and reports that Farlas and Algammon are going to keep watch for two hours of darkness and maybe attack the tower tomorrow instead. At some point during the morning Maurice "Cures" Willan's head wound.

A The Party plan to send Algammon, Nalin, Kreeban and Farlas, all "Invisible" to reconnoitre the tower tomorrow.

B During the night whilst Nalin and Kreeban are keeping watch (both "Invisible") two giants and other humanoids approach. Farlas (also "Invisible") sets off ahead. The rest of the Party fall back into an arc behind the camp, put in a position so we are still visible. The giants advance to a position within 100 yards and start firing. DenConnu is waiting behind a hill, he calls out and when he hears no reply he advances a short way, finds nothing, and retreats again! Herra moves forward about 15 yards behind the others.

B Nalin's light appears and the fighters form into a circle. It looks as if one of the giants is directing the troops who are composed of hobgoblins, orcs and bugbears. One giant stands behind the troops whilst the other breaks off to the side with his own troops. The battle starts and Uspin, Nobby and DenConnu appear. The second giant closes in and chucks a rock. There is lots of fighting and really wild things. willan drinks a potion and it seems to protect him from being hit even by the giant. Nobby gets in on a giant, Farlas fires arrows and Willan hits it but Nobby gets in some excellent blows, including one that floors the giant.

B Seeing the giant go down the hobgoblins and orcs flee leaving the other giant and the bugbears. The fighting continues until only the giant and a bugbear remain. Willan kills the giant and at the same time a "Magic missile" goes off killing the bugbear.

C Algammon's will is read. [Why? Is he dead? - Ed] His ring is to go to his next of kin, details are lodged with the Knights of the Golden Falcon. Whoever returns it gets a quarter of his cash, the other three quarters go to the Knights.

D Farlas asks Fearno if Willan may wield it. Both Fearno and Willan agree so Willan becomes the sword wielder. Willan uses Fearno to detect a magic item on Algammon, and on a dagger that Lucius has acquired from nowhere.

B The Party search the bodies of the giants. The larger one has lots of armour and was wielding a huge two handed sword, two hammers and a battle axe. It also had and ornate gold wristband and a pink potion. The second giant had nothing of value but the bugbear had a magic long sword. The Party take the wristband, the pink potion and the magic long sword.

Tue 12 Aug 1586

A Early in the morning Algammon is cremated. [I hope he was dead - Ed] The Party decide to move camp to within ten miles of the pass. Nobby removes some giant teeth to make a necklace.

A Farlas and Uspin go to scout the tower again. Farlas returns later and reports that they saw no signs of life however Uspin will watch the tower overnight.

[There are gaps of indeterminate length in this part of the written record. The gaps seem to be designated by two dots ".." - Ed]

A Steps lead to a door in the wall of the tower about 10 feet up. It is about 10 feet by 12 feet and guarded by nine foot tall human statues. (Magical door and statues). There are also arrow slits in the tower which is about 60 to 80 feet tall and 40 feet in diameter.

Wed 13 Aug 1586

A The Party spread some "Cures" around. Uspin returns and does not provide much new information. He says a few hobgoblins and orcs left the tower and a light went on. The Party decide to beseige the tower. Two people are sent ahead to skirt round the far side of the tower. The Party arrive in the late afternoon and Lucius goes ahead to look out.

A Six watches are set for the evening. Nalin is hit by three out of six arrows fired at him and he raises the alarm. Chem, Nobby and Lucius are all hit by arrow fire but we kill a few of them. Misursh is missing. The Party decide to re-set the watches and continue. The rest of the night passes peaceably.

Thur 14 Aug 1586

A Willan searches for tracks and follows some that seem to indicated that Misursh was dragged away. When Uspin returns he confirms that Misursh was indeed dragged into the tower.

B The Party attack the door to the tower and are no at all surprised when the statues animate. The statues are killed but not until they have severely hacked up the Party. The Party retreat carrying Nobby and set watches to pass the night.

Fri 15 Aug 1586

A The night passes peacefully. The Party "Cure" ourselves a bit and set off for the tower. When we come into view of the tower an old bugbear is pushed out, he holds up a staff and calls out "Stay where you are!". He wants to negotiate. This is not very easy and Farlas starts to cast a "Sleep" spell on him but the bugbear notices, taps his staff and disappears in a puff of smoke. Lucius tries to climb the wall but falls off. Farlas decides to try a "Spider climb".

B Kalsket bursts into the clearing on a horse, leading a second horse and being hotly pursued by some orcs. Herra then appears on foot also being chased by orcs. The Party are able to recover two more horses and decide to track down the orcs.

B The Party catch up with the band of Red Hand orcs and end up in their village formed in a defensive circle with DenConnu playing his flute in the middle. [Enough to drive anyone into an attack frenzy! - Ed] The Party kill about 20 of the orcs before the rest have enough sense to flee.

B The Party get all our horses back and most of our belongings and iron rations that were stolen when the horses were originally disturbed. There is also a small amount of livestock. Altogether it seems that there is sufficient food to keep the Party going for a week.

B Initially the Party decide to take some rest and recuperation in the village but soon decide to make camp just outside and clean it out. The Party notice that Lucius has disappeared again. Nobby is still unconscious. Kreeban approaches from the hills, he looks very sheepish and says that he doesn't know where he is or that he has been missing for four days. The Party bring him up to speed on the events of the last few days. Watches are arranged for the night.

Sat 16 Aug 1586

A A goat has escaped and Willan is unable to track it! There are five days of rations left. The Party spend a day of rest and relaxation. Late in the day Uspin turns up and reports that he did not see that dozens of hobgoblins appear to have gone to the north of the pass and then he leaves again. Then Kreeban returns and says that he had tried to get some food but had had bad luck and had hurt his hand trying to get a goat!

Sun 17 Aug 1586

A Chem realises that he can "Purify food and water". This means that there could be up to three weeks food for the Party. Chem celebrates by "Purifying" some for today.

B Farlas, Willan, Kreeban, Guerin and Irnaggis move back to the distant vicinity of the tower and arrive late in the morning. Guerin and Irnaggis look after the horses whilst Willan and Kreeban go to look for a bolt hole. Farlas plans to make himself small and "Spider climb" via the steps to look through the arrow slits in the tower.

B When Farlas returns he reports that the tower has three rooms, like thirds of a cake, with very thick walls - about 15 feet!. The door is set and there are two dead bugbears on columns inside the door but no guard. It seems to be a store room, farlas saw one live bugbear pass through before he came back.

B Willan and Kreeban meet up. Kreeban reports that he had seen orcs and [fracks] and says that there is a bolt hole that they are coming from. It is very close, only about a quarter of a mile, to the tower.

B Farlas, Willan, Kreeban, Guerin and Irnaggis return to the rest of the Party at the orc village. It is dark by the time they get back. Uspin had strolled in to camp during the day but imparted no useful information. He went off but came back after dark when everyone was in camp. Watches are set as usual.

Mon 18 Aug 1586

A There is no trouble during the night. Kreeban is made "Invisible" and he goes back to follow the orc tracks towards the tower. He looses them in a worn area just outside the main entrance. More scouting takes place during the day but nothing is turned up. Everyone returns to the village and watches are set.

Tue 19 Aug 1586

A The entire Party march to the tower with the horses. Irnaggis and Herra look after the horses about half a mile from the tower whilst Farlas tries a "Knock" spell on the door. The first "Knock" fails so Farlas tries again but with no more success. Nobby wants to try a "Spider climb" to the top of the tower. He will take a rope so that the rest of the Party can climb up. Although a large chunk of wall comes off in his hand Nobby makes it to the top. The roof is covered with rubble and looks as if it used to be a floor in days when the tower was taller. There is a spiral staircase in the middle of the floor which has been barricaded.

A Nobby wedges himself between the barricade and the stairs and Farlas, DenConnu, Willan, Bazron, Kreeban, Maurice, Guerin, Chem, Kalsket, Uspin and Nalin all make it up the rope. The floor is fairly solid as it is made of stone. One third of the roof is cover with a huge old birds nest which fortunately looks as if it is no longer in use.

A Kalsket is keeping an eye on the ground so he sees someone come out of the door. It is a giant with black and red hair. He goes back inside. A "Silence" spell is cast on the barricade across the spiral staircase and attempts are made to smash it. Nobby gets through quite quickly but loud noises are made by the rubble crashing down the stairs.

A The Party move down the stairs but it starts to get very hot so everyone goes back on to the roof. Thick smoke is coming up the stair well, it is very unpleasant. Someone looks over the edge but there is no apparent movement below. The smoke lasts for about a quarter of an hour. When it clears the Party go down the stairs for a second time but have to retreat again.

A After another few minutes a giant leaves the tower accompanied by two bugbears. The bugbears stay on the platform whilst the giant walks around the tower and firks in some brambles. It emerges with a rock and lobs it over the top of the tower. The Party prepare to throw rocks and shoot back. A rock hits Guerin and injures his hip and two other Party members sustain some light injuries. A few arrows hit the giant and Nobby and Willan try to chuck back the rock that the giant hit us with. Amazingly the giant is hit. A rock hits Chem and about a quarter of the roof collapses. Uspin, Chem, DenConnu and Nobby are caught in the area and Chem fall into the hole. Uspin, DenConnu and Nobby manage to hang on to the roof but it proves to be a brief respite for DenConnu who is unable to keep his grip and falls down with Chem.

B Nalin and Farlas gradually lower the Party through the new hole then Nalin goes down the smoky staircase. Nalin burst through a door into the newly rubble strewn room. Chem can be heard calling from under the rubble. Whilst Chem is being located and dug up Maurice tries to "Cure" Guerin who seems a lot better for it. Chem is unconscious by the time he is found. He is "Cured", then his broken leg is set, he passes out again so is "Cured" some more!

B The Party examine our surroundings and find a glittery bit from the nest. It turns out to be a belt buckle attached to a belt. Kreeban draws the long straw and tries on the belt, he notices no difference so tries to lift up Nobby but this is no easier than before. Two of the room on this floor are covered in rubble but look as if they were probably where the bugbears slept. There is a corridor that separates the rooms and goes round the tower. The other room must be the bugbears communal living quarters as there is food and tables. The Party follow the corridor and the next room seems to belong to the chief bugbear. There is a bead curtain made from rat skulls and such like. In a small room in a small room in the centre of the tower is lots of junk.

B The Party go down the stairs in the middle of the tower to find the remains of a bonfire. Clearing away the rubble results in the discovery of an open door which opens on to another spiral staircase. Nobby rushes ahead and the Party follow. This stairway seems to descend below the level of the main door into the tower. A the bottom is a door which Nobby goes straight through. A very large dog like creature is bounding towards him so Nobby wallops it with his mace. Nalin comes in to the room and they both set about the creature and soon polish it off.

B The room is full of supplies - barrels, sacks and a dead dog. Two gaps lead in to other rooms which are empty except for wide curving stairways on the outer walls, one going up and the other going down. The Party decide to explore the stair going up first. At roof level we find a giant lying down in a room apparently dead. Nalin axes it's head in and the Party explore the room finding nothing but two arrow slits. In the next pie slice shaped room on the left is the main door to the tower, the third room is some kind of store room.

B Farlas and Nalin enter the store room and Nalin is ravaged by another of the big black dog like creatures. The dog then turns its attention to Farlas and breathe fire on him. Nalin has recovered and deals it a mighty blow as does Farlas but the dog shake them off. It goes for Farlas again and breathes fire as Farlas hits and kills it. The room is a store room containing more provisions and a bed made by the dog.

B The Party examine the door. Kreeban has just come away from it with a bloody nose having failed to walk through it! The Party are unable to open the door so we turn our attention to the dead giant. The only item of interest found is a big gem set sword which is not magical. The Party return to the big door and have another look but still cannot find a way through.

C The Party decide to go down the down stairway, Willan and Nalin take the lead. The stairs are slippery and Kalsket slips and falls knocking over DenConnu who crashes in to Bazron sending him flying into Uspin who is robust and balanced enough to stay on his feet. However Nalin immediately slips and falls, but he was at the front so there is no domino effect. The Party continue down and after about 100 feet a light can be seen ahead. Forward progress is made very cautiously.

D As the Party descend Fearno starts glowing and two of the black sort of dogs appear. Willan hits one twice but Nalin misses twice and the dog bites him, a giant then looms up from behind the dogs. Nalin and Willan redouble their efforts to kill the dogs, the giant seems to be carrying an awl pike. Blows are being landed with Willan doing slightly better than Nalin although one dog breathes fire on Willan. The giant failed to hit Nalin but came uncomfortably close. Nalin hits his dog yet again whilst the giant seems to have got into such a rage against Farlas that it's aim is impaired. However it gets Farlas eventually and hits him so hard with one blow that Farlas falls to the ground. The giant treads on the dog fighting Willan which seems to be enough to kill it, but the battle goes on. Kreeban hits the remaining dog with crossbow fire and the dog gets Nalin. Nobby skulks at the back.

D Nalin hits the giant but the giant hits Uspin which is not good news. Kreeban hits regularly with his crossbow bolts. Kalsket drags Farlas away and discovers that, in time, he should be okay. Willan hits the giant, the dog hits Nalin, Kreeban hits..... Guerin! The giant misses Guerin who must be annoyed with Kreeban because he bollocks the giant and this is enough to kill it! The giant topples towards Willan, the dog is still going and gets Nalin again, Nalin is well off balance from getting out of the way of the giant and he accidentally hits Nalin. Unfortunately this is enough to oblige Nalin to withdraw from the combat.

D The dog hits Willan but Willan's desperate lunge as he falls unconscious to the ground is enough to finally kill the dog!! Willan is rendered conscious by the immediate application of a "Cure" spell and searches the body of the giant.

D Nobby stomps up the stairs in disgust at being left at the back. The Party hear him yell and a hell hound runs down. The dog knocks down Kreeban then two others including DenConnu who is stuck directly under the dog. However it goes for Kreeban's throat but misses. The fight continues and Uspin gets in a hit. DenConnu seems to be unconscious. Bazron gets in a hit on the dog who is frantically snapping about be fortunately making little contact. Kreeban gets in a blow which kills it.

D The fight is over but Willan senses something nasty behind him so he spins round whilst drawing Fearno to find himself face to face with..... Lucius. Bazron wanders up the stairs to find Nobby lying unconscious and barely alive. Bazron calls for help for Nobby and Kreeban rushes upstairs to bind him up. Kreeban then digs the crossbow bolts out of the giant. Lucius also looks a bit peaky (ie. almost unconscious).

D The Party struggle to carry the three unconscious bodies back up the tower. They are relayed up to the main door area and then on up to where Chem is. All is now quiet so the Party try to get some sleep. Uspin and Kreeban go to watch on the roof so that they can see over the side of the tower. Lucius goes in the dark to watch. Three to Four hours later he sees movement below and a large group of seven fire giants and about a dozen bugbears leave the tower and head in a northerly direction across the pass. The giants seemed to be smaller than the ones already encountered.

D Irnaggis and Herra hide the horses in a hollow and keep watch through the night. They too see the giants pass by.

Wed 20 Aug 1586

A A search party goes down to look for Misursh. On the way down Guerin slips over and this time Uspin is not sufficiently together to avoid falling down. Carrying on down the search party comes to a large room with dungeons off of it. There is a stone floor and dish and a peculiarly shaped pillar. There is a gap in the ring of cells where a stairway leads up to a balcony type arrangement over the cells. Some of the cells show signs of habitation.

A The Party find a collection of weapons and a weapon store, a smithy, a kitchen and some junk in a room. There are also some coins, a chest full of scalps and Misursh's dead body.

B A bit of "Healing" takes place and a quick "Purify food". Uspin goes to find the horses and Irnaggis and Herra. Lucius tries to open the front door but without success. The Party then set off down the stairs and more people slip over. The dish in the middle of the room is now the source of a pillar of fire. The fire is magical as is a statue though neither are evil. Kreeban sneaks off to get the money whilst Farlas investigates the statue. It depicts a reptilian form and seems metallic.

B Nalin sticks his hand in the magic flame. Arguably this was a poorly conceived course of action as the hand vaporises along with the ring of "Fire protection" that was on it and Nalin collapses unconscious on the floor. Fortunately he is still alive. The Party burn the elven scalps in the magic fire then search the cells. Bits and bobs, some rubbish and other junk together with some clothes and bedding are found. Nothing of interest is found until Willan discovers a large leather purse containing a blue fizzing potion of "Water breathing" and 1,180 antique gold coins about the size of a crown. Lucius and Kreeban load up with the money.

C The plinth that the statue is on moves up and down but no traps are found. Farlas and Lucius try to move the plinth. Nobby and Farlas sit in the chairs [The chairs? - Ed] and immediately all their limbs, except one of Farlas' arms which he kept free, are grasped and they shoot very fast upwards and disappear. The chairs disappear into the ceiling whilst six stunned members of the Party mill around trying to decide what to do.

C Lucius and Kreeban are recalled and Willan ends up threatening Lucius to force him to climb up the walls. Lucius runs away and the Party realise that in his absence there is no one who could possibly climb up there. A search for mechanisms begins and nothing has been found when Lucius comes back. Willan lets him join in the search with no further threat.

D The stone chair returns and Nobby is still in it. He screams as he goes past. A shout comes from above saying "Throw a rope!" and Farlas floats down from above. Farlas has "Shrunk", he says that he did the same to Nobby. Farlas says that there were three skeletons who said that he and Nobby were on trial for destroying the orc village. The skeletons said "Guilty" and turned Farlas round then they did the same to Nobby. Before anything else happens the throne comes back. It is empty, Nobby has disappeared.

C The Party do not know what to do. Farlas offers to "Levitate" Lucius into the skeleton room. Lucius is not keen and asks "What about the skeletons?". Farlas replies that they didn't move, "Well not much". This does not encourage Lucius at all.

E Kreeban has disappeared. The Party decide to climb the stairs but Willan falls and knocks himself unconscious. No one drops Nalin. Meanwhile, Kreeban appears in Chem's room and Chem tells him to go back and get the rest of the Party. Chem says that we have to leave because of the power of the undead presence which became obvious to him a couple of hours ago. Chem says the undead is not evil in the normal sense.

E The Party struggle back up on to the roof of the tower. Guerin is lowered down followed by the dead weights of Willan and Nalin then Chem. Chem feels that the undead presence is even closer. DenConnu is lowered. [and ? - Ed] Bazron then Uspin reappears. Kreeban, Maurice, Kalsket, Farlas then Lucius' sack are lowered and Lucius climbs down, or tries to.

E Uspin says that there were tracks of four or five horses leading straight out of the valley. The other horse is Willan's. Uspin says that he also saw giant tracks crossing the path of Irnaggis and Herra but there was no sign of a struggle. Lucius is rude to Uspin who leaves. The Party are paralysed by indecision but eventually retreat to where Irnaggis and Herra were left with the horses. Some time is spent looking for food which Uspin could have told the Party where to find if Lucius had not wound him up.

Thur 21 Aug 1586

D Everyone is starving hungry as next to no food was found last night. A lot of "Cure" spells are sprayed around and Nalin [Bazron? - Ed] and Willan regain consciousness. The Party decide to go back to the orc village but Uspin comes back and leads the Party to three days supply of food.

A Lucius tries to punch Uspin so Uspin tries to hit Lucius. Willan steps in and missed but Uspin knocks him unconscious!

B The Party head off for the orc village but change our minds and decide to go to Zeim Crell instead.

C In the middle of bickering over money Farlas remembers that he has left the body of Misursh behind! Uspin, Farlas, Willan and DenConnu return to the tower to rescue Misursh. As the group approach the tower they see a band of orcs on the far side. They see us and run away. Farlas tells the others to go back to the Party, he will continue invisibly. Kreeban does not return. [Kreeban isn't there!! - Ed] Farlas is able to retrieve the body of Misursh from the tower and returns with it and Kreeban to the Party.

D As night falls the Party reckon we have enough food for two days plus three days iron rations. On this worrying note watches are set and people get the best sleep they can.

Fri 22 Aug 1586

A The Party decide to build a litter so Willan and Kreeban go to find wood. Uspin arrives mid morning and has not been with the Party for more than a few minutes when Lucius attacks him again. Lucius leaps on Uspin and a fight ensues, eventually Uspin throws Lucius off and Guerin grabs him. Lucius makes a wisecrack at Uspin who retaliates by trying to kick him, but misses. Uspin goes off again. Farlas tries to calm the situation but Lucius says that he cannot stand Uspin any longer.

A Kreeban and Willan return with some wood and a good litter is built, unfortunately it is not very comfortable. DenConnu borrows Chem's chain mail and mace and Chem's shield is lent to Lucius and Nalin is given back the shield he lent to Chem. The Party redistribute our goods and the food is shared so that everyone is carrying five days supply. Nalin carries Algammon's money and Farlas brings his spell book.

B The Party set off with individuals scout for half a mile then swapping. Willan completes his stint and hands over to Kreeban. Kreeban does not return so the Party finds a defensible position. Farlas and Willan go off invisibly to scout. They find some scattered coins then some blood on a rock but nothing else, so they return to the Party.

B The Party move back to the area scouted by Farlas and Willan and find a footprint. It's Kreeban's! The Party can find no other trace of Kreeban and are very worried. It is decided to make camp and set watches.

Sat 23 Aug 1586

A Dawn breaks after a mercifully uneventful night. Willan and Chem are "invisible" again and do some more searching in the direction of the footprint but fail to come up with anything. The Party seem to have no other option so we give up the search and set off up the pass again. In the middle of the afternoon the orc tracks thin dramatically although there are more to the left than the right.

B Willan and Farlas go off and find a well guarded orc village. The guards are about 50 yards apart. Willan and Farlas consider trying to take one out unnoticed but give up on the idea. On the way back a group of four orcs is spotted on an intercept trajectory. Farlas "Sleeps" them. The two lucky ones have their throats slit, the other two are taken back to the Party.

B Nalin interrogates the captive orcs but has problems with the language barrier and does not get much good information. The orcs are split up and Lucius pounds one senseless. The talkative one is told that his friend will have to deliver a message. A camp is made and watches set for the night.

Sun 24 Aug 1586

A In the morning both orcs are woken up and one is sent off. The Party waits and Uspin turns up at midday. He has no news of Kreeban. Uspin interrogates the remaining orc who talks a bit more but seems to know nothing of Kreeban. Uspin agrees to check the area where Kreeban's money, footstep and blood were last seen.

A Uspin returns and says that it looks as if Kreeban may have gone off of his own volition. The Party decide to press on and take the orc with us. Uspin scouts ahead and returns in the late afternoon and suggests that the Party stop here as he has found some ogre tracks. Lucius says that he saw Kreeban furking near the food, maybe he took some. Watches are set.

Mon 25 Aug 1586

A The night passes uneventfully. Dawn breaks and concern over food rises again. Stocks are running low and iron rations had to be used yesterday. The Party carry on and Willan spots a large band of ogres moving towards the Party. The ogres are between Willan and the Party so he sets off at a run to warn everyone.

B A fight begins and Guerin is hit by a spear, Willan and Uspin are also hit. Willan responds with the biggest hit he can [GPN - Max. (19) damage] but Uspin misses. Another blow and Willan has killed the ogre he is fighting. Uspin gets a hit on his opponent and Farlas kills one with a single blow. Lucius is hit and drops his weapon whilst Kalsket hits one. A sprinkling of missed strikes are followed by Willan and Uspin both hitting the same ogre who, rather than fall dead on the ground, hits Uspin! Kalsket gets a hit and Guerin kills and ogre. The melee continues and DenConnu goes down then Uspin retreats. Eventually all eight ogres are killed but not before Willan is knocked unconscious.

C "Cures" are spread around and the Party quickly carry on. Uspin leaves. Willan sees no more ogre tracks. There are only one day of iron rations left when night falls.

Tue 26 Aug 1586

A Morning rises and Lucius, Willan and Farlas go ahead to scout while the rest of the Party set off more slowly under Nalin's guidance. The valley opens out quickly and the weather seems nicer here but the countryside is still barren. Lucius, Willan and Farlas reach the end of the pass at and turn towards Zeim Crell, the ground is still poor.

B Lucius has a funny turn. He is given some water and says he had a dream about the tower. There were people in hoods, then there were ogres and the ogres killed the hooded people. Lucius is rambling. The Party eat some food and have a short rest. Farlas mumbles about the Party being cursed. Lucius talks about "it being black at sunset". After about an hour Lucius quietens down and the Party continue our journey. Lucius says he had a dodgy vision.

C After a couple of hours Lucius, Willan and Farlas see a farmstead in the distance. When we approach a dog barks so we call out greetings. A door opens and someone yells out. In the end the Party get invited in and we recount some of our story. The farmer gives the Party some food and we ask if we can stay. He offers us the floor near the fire. Drinks are poured and Willan tells stories.

B Lucius has another funny turn so Willan takes him to the barn to calm down. Farlas tells the farmer that the Party will pay him for his troubles and asks for any food he can offer. Farlas hands over 50 silver pieces and the farmer manages to dig up some more food. Lucius sleeps badly keeping Willan awake.

D Meanwhile the rest of the Party move on slowly and by the end of the day are about a mile from the end of the pass. The Party realise that the place we have chosen to stop used to be part of a building so we decide to move on. However, no better place can be found and camp is eventually made in the hummock / old building. Chem is delirious and is gagged by Nalin however he chokes so is ungagged. He quietens down later but it is still difficult for the rest of the Party to get any sleep.

Thur 27 Aug 1586

A In the morning Kalsket turns whimpish and moans about not having any food. DenConnu commences a fast and the Party move off. DenConnu wants to stop, he trails behind the rest of the Party moaning about stopping and waiting for Farlas to return. Kalsket starts trailing as well. The end of the pass is sighted and the Party decide to move straight on out of the pass. A rest is taken at what would have been lunch time had there been any food. Kalsket sees a rabbit and pursues it with a mace. DenConnu announces that he likes fasting and suggests the Party go to Zeim Crell. No one knows where it is! The Party decide to move further out of the pass.

B Meanwhile, back at the ranch (farm, whatever) morning comes very early. Lucius is lucid, sort of, and he has breakfast with Willan, Farlas and the farmer. There is now enough food for perhaps a day and a bit. The farmer is paid and offered more thanks. Lucius, Willan and Farlas say they may pass by again. The trail back to the pass is easily followed and it is no trouble to pick up the tracks of the Party. Lucius, Willan and Farlas catch up with the Party mid afternoon. Lucius is not at all well.

A DenConnu has foraged some berries and feeds them to Chem. Kalsket dashes to the bush to pig himself at which point the rest of the Party arrive and the food is shared out. The Party move towards the farm with Lucius waffling about visions - new tower, ogres, sunset - bright, black hooded creatures and other things. Night falls, watches are set and Lucius has a terrible fit.

Fri 28 Aug 1586

A In the morning the Party are able to have breakfast but it uses up all the remaining food. DenConnu and Farlas forage but find very few roots and berries. Kalsket has got a stomach ache and is pebble dashing the countryside at regular intervals. Chem is just about lucid today. The estimate is that the Party should reach the farm after dark.

A There is an argument about weather to send out for food then Lucius has a funny turn. More ramblings about ogres and things, some of his speech is foreign. DenConnu casts a "Protection from evil" on Lucius but it has no obvious effect. Lucius lucidifies by himself a bit later.

A Farlas and Nalin go off for food and Willan goes foraging. Farlas and Nalin arrive at the farm but the farmer is not there. Three crowns are deposited on his table and Farlas and Nalin clear out all the food they can find. This amounts to about one meal for the Party. Farlas and Nalin head back and meet the Party about one hours travel from the farm.

B Lucius is still having fits so Maurice casts "Remove fear" which seems to calm Lucius down. The Party reach the farm and bed down. [W/R now says it is the day after a full moon - Ed] There is a loud crash and the door to the farm is kicked open by a figure with a blood stained sword and body. He says his name is Koran and that he is a hunter. His clothing is torn and his face is cut up. Koran puts some food on the table, the Party go back to sleep!

Sat 29 Aug 1586

A In the morning the Party eat a little food. Koran says that his mistress Silka is a practitioner of the magical arts and is in Zeim Crell. The Party set off under the guidance of Koran.

Wed 2 Sept 1586

A The Party finally arrive at Zeim Crell. It is a military installation and quarters and food are provided. Lucius stops ranting and raving. Farlas goes to see the Captain and when he returns he suggests that it would be unwise to mention Kreeban as his previous escapade is the latest hot gossip.

A The local doctor says that the leg set by the Party is okayish but will take a long time to heal and will always give some problems. [Whose leg? - Ed] Lucius' ear is very nasty!

A Koran has gone back to his mistress. The Party deposit Algammon's money and go and do some much needed food shopping!

Thur 3 Sept 1586

A Koran visits the Party with Silka, she is in her mid 20's, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and a bit chunky. Silka asks for the Party's help. She is trying to locate a man called Banner, he was travelling with a bounty hunter named Kreeban. Banner has something that is not rightfully his. Lucius blurts out that we knew Kreeban.

A It appears that Silka is trying to trace a gem that was stolen from her mentor, Illeekor. There is a discussion about what to do.

Fri 4 Sept 1586

A In the evening the Party meet with Silka again. The Party say that we have some interest in tracing Kreeban and Silka says she would be grateful for any assistance. The Party explain that we will depart in about two weeks and ask Silka to keep silent about our presence and what we know in return for our help.

B Silka and Koran are asked to swear on the hilt of Fearno and the sword of Farlas. Silka agrees but Koran is not keen. Silka takes the oath so Koran follows suit. A little voice says "Secrecy - like it". Koran says that it is his guardian companion who will also abide by the oath.

Sat 5 Sept 1586

A A dwarf from the mountains to the north introduces himself to Nalin and Bazron as Sturm. At dinner Sturm is introduced to the rest of the Party. Willan and Sturm agree to challenge each other to a show fight. Willan wins easily by knocking Sturm unconscious in three hits! A few wagers had been made and Lucius seems to have won most. The Party go for a celebratory drink.

Sun 6 Sept 1586 : 11 Sept

A Sturm is required to swear on Fearno and the sword of Farlas. He passes the test.

B Willan speaks to Farlas and then goes off.

Fri 18 Sept 1586

A Somewhat recuperated, the Party leave Zeim Crell and head back towards the pass. Willan has not returned.

Sat 19 Sept 1586

A The Party see a wagon coming towards us. Lucius greets the driver, who is a human who the Party have seen before. He says he has seen lots of nasties coming out of the pass, mainly orcs and svarts. He says his name is Paltis his wife, Grenadine and his son Chem(os) - a teenage cleric of Thrune, are in the wagon. Paltis is very keen to get to Salsorme before the weather closes in. The Party agree to go with him, but by a route that he probably would not have considered.

Sun 20 Sept 1586

A Uspin and Willan turn up. The Party pop into the farm but it is deserted so we continue on and do not encounter anything.

Tue 22 Sept 1586

A The Party approach the pass and Willan rejoins the Party. Watches are arranged. Lucius considers buying a lucky charm from Paltis, who is a tinker. Uspin says that the pass seems very quiet. and a suspiciously peaceful, uneventful night is had by all.

Wed 23 Sept 1586

A The day passes peacefully until dusk when DenConnu cries out and Stumbles with a spear sticking in him! Out of the rain towards Farlas and Nalin five ogres are coming. Out of the rain towards the rest of the Party come another three ogres.

A Maurice, Kalsket and DenConnu are all hit by spears and an ogre falls to the ground as a result of a "Sleep" spell from Farlas. Nalin drops his weapon and a ogre stumbles over him as he bends to pick it up! The ogre falls behind the horse pulling Paltis' wagon, it bolts dragging the wagon behind it which runs over the fallen ogre but misses Nalin.

A The fight continues with Kalsket getting speared in the back and Guerin being hit. Sturm hits an ogre and Nalin is stabbed by the run over ogre. The fighting continues and Paltis is able to bring his horse under control. Eventually all the ogres are killed and Lucius slits the throat of the sleeping one.

A Willan and Uspin return but Uspin soon walks off again. A camp is made and watches are set and the torrential rain becomes harder.

Thur 24 Sept 1586

A Dawn breaks and the rain slackens off a little. Willan and Farlas go off to find the ogre village. Some likely looking caves are located. The howling of wolves disturb the night.

Fri 25 Sept 1586

A The Party go to the ogre caves leaving Grenadine and Chem to guard the wagon. The Party split up and some go in to the caves. They have been abandoned so everyone returns to the wagon and the journey continues.

Mon 28 Sept 1586

A The Party reach the tower. Farlas scouts it out and says that there is nothing and no one there.

Tue 29 Sept 1586

A Lucius had a peculiar fit during the night. Uspin turns up as the Party are passing out of the pass. He says that there are still svarts in the caves and tells Lucius that he has obviously changed since he is not bothered about buried money. [What about Nalin? -Ed]

A The Party decide to skirt the wood to the north but change our minds as Silka thinks that Kreeban may have gone that way so the Party goes to the south.

Tue 6 Oct 1586 : 9 Oct

A The Party reach a river [Nystel Sorm - Ed] and decide to travel down the river rather than tramp across country. Some of the Party travel as passengers, the rest as guards.

Mon 12 Oct 1586

A Willan is on guard duty when he is attacked by a cloaked being with a single talon and spindly limbs. It is evil. In the exchange of blows it hits Willan and he feels drained. After Willan has hit it a few times it runs away. Willan tells Nalin and Lucius what has happened

A Back on board the boat Willan is "Cured" and the Party find that this occurrence is unusual.

Tue 13 Oct 1586

A The Party arrive in Salsorme. Nalin, Farlas, Willan and Maurice go to see Rustbulj. Rustbulj invites the whole Party round for a rave the next day.

Wed 14 Oct 1586

A At the party the Party meet Tomar, a friend of Rustbulj - he is a cleric sent by Marius Tellman. Another new face at the party is Mistlethrush, he seems to be a body guard type. There is a dwarf named Borin who is having trouble holding peoples attention with his idiosyncratic conversational style. There is a flashy looking guy called Horan with Coffchomi. Silka asks a few questions about Rustbulj.

B A little later Caspar arrives he sees Farlas, Lucius, Nalin and Willan and offers his congratulations on a job well done. Casper says that he wants to use the pass before winter. He explains the next phase of the plan. An Amnis led army is to take part in a seige of Salsorme which will return the city to an independent state. To be successful it is essential that Connel's line of support via the sea is cut. The plan is to retake the Fehermes islands. This will mean a large scale military operation to expel Connel's troops and deplete his navy.

B Rustbulj says that Willan does not look himself and can stay. There is a discussion with Farlas. It will need the cooperation of the rulers in the Fehermes but they have no reason to trust us rather than Connel. Over the next two to three weeks members of the Party will meet with other leaders of the invasion to sort out the details of the plan.

B There is a need to establish a link with the princes and other rulers. There is a person who could provide a link but messages to her have gone unanswered. Her name is Nironellia and her brother in the Fehermes is Hertok. A small group is needed to get Nironellia within the next two weeks. She lives in Echharte which is on the coast of Ruistor.

B There is some discontent within the Party about the lack of payment for these jobs. Caspar says this is because of the pressing need for funds to finance the war. Money may be paid retrospectively.

B The Party enquire after King Connel and are told that when we left to do the pass one of his retinue was attacked in her room. The "Lady" left in a hurry and Connel left a few days later.

C Caspar says he will make a contribution that will further the Quest if we are able to help. A group is formed of Drasmar, Sturm, Pallea, Herra, Meskrin, Hortense and Horan. Chemos says he would like to come as well. Silka and Koran cannot see how the current turn of events will assist in finding Illeekor's gem and are not interested in going.

Thur 15 Oct 1586

A There don't seem to be any boats available for the small group in Salsorme. Hortense offends Herra by asking her not to steal one. Herra throws a strop and says she won't go if Hortense feels like that. Sturm looks worried by the threat. The group have a meal and Pallea turns up.

Fri 16 Oct 1586

A There is another day's delay as the small group finally find a ship to charter. It will leave at noon on Sunday. The small group stock up with goodies.

Sun 18 Oct 1586

A At the docks the two cabined ship is located under the command of Captain Crane. The sailors stare at us, especially Pallea. The ship is rowed out of the harbour.

Mon 19 Oct 1586

A During the day an owl appears in the rigging and Hortense is appalled when she fails to "Sleep" it. She asks Drasmar if it is an "Illusion" [W/R ".. and it does" - Ed]

Tue 20 Oct 1586

A Despite the rain the ship is making good time and Captain Crane expects to be at anchor off Echharte by the evening. The small group discuss a further division.

B A council of war is held at Rustbulj's. Farlas, Nalin, Lucius, Willan, Caspar and a clocked Amnis cleric attend. The discussion is about attacking the Fehermes islands in order to re-annex them. Caspar says that Connel have spread garrisons, he believes that the princes will co-operate if a victory can be gained.

B Connel keeps most forces on one island and the governor is Bulgan. The force is split four ways and totals about 2,000 troops. Our army can muster troops in Salsorme and Ruistor. If we can raise 600 troops who include a lot of quality and can muster a further 1,250 in the Fehermes we might win. The army will need to be trained. There is also a need to instill an attitude of doubt in Connel's army, ie that accidents can befall them.

B Lucius says that we should be able to mobilise sufficient force in the Fehermes with the help of Nironellia. We should strike this side of winter however it will be difficult to move without being obvious. The troops will have to be transported on merchant ships. If we don't go before winter we should be able to raise up to 1,000 troops on the mainland but we might have to wait until next summer to mount the campaign.

B When recruiting troops they can be told it is for a strike against Connel but must not be told where. It is important to show that Connel's troops can be beaten in order to convince wavering princes that they can be beaten. There is a need to consider the tactics that Connel used to quell the Fehermes, he probably used cavalry. What is the distribution of Connel's troops around the islands? Connel is backed by the druids.

B The overview plan:

1. Recruit troops
2. Train the army
3. Blast Connel

B Nalin has dwarfen friends he can contact and Farlas has acquaintances with the King. It will be an army of individuals.

B Lunch is taken at Rustbulj's.

Wed 21 Oct 1586

A The small group row in to Echharte harbour very early in the morning. Captain Crane has expressed his desire to leave for Salsorme on the evening of the 22nd or the following morning. Echharte is at the point where the Nystel Cur runs in to the sea. There is an inn at the docks and another in town. There is a Lodrell temple and a Nirieh temple.

A As agreed Pallea, Horan and Herra are masquerading as one group whilst Drasmar, Sturm, Hortense, Meskrin and Chemos form the other [What hope have we got! - Ed]. A bloke called Kraff owns the inn in the town square. He finds rooms for everyone and tells us that the name of the Lodrell cleric is Nilsow. Kraff is not keep on Nirieh and says that there is no fondness for Nirieh.

B The leaders in Salsorme set off in various directions to recruit an army. Farlas and Lucius go to Ruistor. Caspar can get some men in Salsorme but Lucius will have to recruit them.

C Drasmar's group go to the Lodrell temple in Echharte. There have been a lot of changes in the last year, all the new prosperity in the town is due to the influence of Lodrell beliefs. This is due to the influence of Nilsow. There were some unpleasant ruffians about the place. Nilsow sees no danger in visiting the Nirieh temple but warns of their insidious methods.

D Drasmar's group move on to the Nirieh temple. It is a one story circular building. There is nobody in. Eventually an old woman (called Chira) enters goes to fetch a tall dark haired woman who is the Nirieh priestess [wait for it..... - Ed] Nironellia. Drasmar hands over a letter which disturbs Nironellia as she reads it. She takes the group to a private room and asks why we are here and what Caspar told us.

C Nironellia says that she answers Caspar's letters freely. She has no concern about the rival church but that at the moment town folk prefer Lodrell. Nironellia says that she cannot return to Salsorme as she must clear the name of the Nirieh church in Echharte. She says that the benefits of Nilsow are short lived and that he will rule in a different way. Nironellia says that the ruffian's turned up only a few months before Nilsow and that he is misusing his powers. She asks if we can help and points out that the church is not short of funds. Nironellia wonders if the group might have a plan as she has no idea what to do. She says that many of the towns people rely on the sea and some remain loyal. There have been no threats against Nirieh followers. Nironellia believes that Nilsow intends to make the town prosperous for his own gains. Help from Caspar would be inappropriate. Nilsow and his five followers must be exposed but Nironellia is adamant that we should not stir up trouble.

D Pallea, Herra and Horan go to the Nirieh temple and speak to Nironellia. It is agreed that the group will attend the service later in the day.

C Both groups meet up at the inn and decide to go to the service with Horan. A commotion begins and Horan tells the pot collecting boy to keep his hands on the pots where they should be. A guard insists on taking Horan and the pot boy for an interview. Horan returns having cleared up the misunderstanding.

C The service at the Lodrell church is attended by some (but not all) of the guards. Overall it is well attended and the service is convincing. There is a head count and a fee of one copper piece is levied to enter the church!

C Including the members of our group there are eight people at the Nirieh service which, not surprisingly, is about the sea. Afterwards Nironellia reiterates that she feels it is her duty to stay and she does not want to go back to Salsorme. A lot of people think that the Nirieh church is responsible for some of the bad things that have been happening.

C Back at the inn the town guards turn up to collect a residence tax from the group. There is a meeting from which Sturm is absent. Hortense reports on the Lodrell church and suggests a way to get Nironellia. She suggests that Horan and Herra go to the temple invisibly.

Thur 22 Oct 1586

A Hortense makes Horan and Herra "Invisible" and they sneak around and see the pot boy sneaking around but the can't find him again. Horan goes back and wakes Hortense to ask if you become visible again if you push someone downstairs.

B Later the innkeeper knocks and asks if we know of the whereabouts of two of our companions as they are not in their rooms. Towards the end of breakfast two guards come in and go to each of our rooms. Hortense tries to find out why but has no joy. The guards knock on each door and enter, they escort the occupant outside whilst one guard and the innkeepers son remain in the room. Then they leave. When this is all over the guards go away again.

A Herra slips outside and Hortense goes to the market. Horan has gone. The bells ring out and two guards march the potboy up as a lawbreaker thief. The potboy is hung upside down by one foot and Nilsow sermonises then leaves. Several people start stoning the potboy.

A Herra returns to speak to Hortense. Herra absentmindedly swats a fly and becomes visible. A guard has trailed the group from town and Pallea asks him to join us. Herra finds Horan who is also visible. Horan says that he was in the temple, he delivered the message [? - Ed] but the party is "indisposed". Horan says that the Lodrell priest is not suitable for the post. Her duty is to stay and Horan returned to give this interim report.

A Sturm became detached from the group when the guards tried to arrest Horan. Horan explains that he had to break in to the temple.

C Farlas leaves Salsorme for Rimdies, the capital of Ruistor, to meet with King Telanir.

A At five o'clock bells start ringing. The inn shuts and the market closes although there seems to be a large black market. As traders leave they seem to be paying a tax. The group have a discussion about trying to persuade Captain Crane to remain a little longer. Horan has found a desk that he is convinced is very important. The group decide to have another chat with Nironellia.

D Pallea persuades Captain Crane to stay for an extra day or two. Some of the group go to the Lodrell service and others go to the Nirieh service. Those who go to Nirieh arrive to find one dead guard and one live guard standing over the fallen and bloodied body of Nironellia. A few spells are tossed at the living guard but have little effect. The guard kneels over Nironellia's body and Hortense fires a "Magic missile". The guard tells Hortense not to be such a fool and he carefully picks up Nironellia. Pallea rushes forward to "Cure" her and she regains consciousness although she is still very weak.

D The guard is dressed as a Lodrell guard but is obviously a friend of Nironellia. He says his name is Arion. He tells the group that a Lodrell supporter called Nielsan runs a smuggling operation from the sea caves and obviously now feels powerful enough to dispose of Nironellia.

D Pallea and Drasmar go back to town to ask Captain Crane to send a boat round so that Arion and Nironellia can be hidden on the ship if necessary. Drasmar could disguise them. The remaining members of the group tidy up the temple and await the arrival of the boat. It turns up and Pallea goes back with Captain Crane, Arion and Nironellia. Crane tells his crew to be ready for a quick getaway. The boat gets back to the ship just after the end of the Lodrell service.

A The rest of the group return to town and meet the group that attended to Lodrell ceremony in the inn. Hortense goes to the Lodrell temple to report that we found nothing there that we thought odd. Hortense enters the Lodrell temple with a guard. The remainder of the group stay in the inn and report what happened at the Nirieh temple to all those who didn't go to the service.

A After a discussion about ambushing guards Horan, Drasmar, Herra and Sturm leave to do the deed. When Hortense returns to the inn only Chemos is there as Meskrin [W/R says Neskrin but he is dead - Ed] is promenading on the pier. Hortense tells Chemos that she was questioned by a guard. Some guards approach collecting taxes. Hortense and Chemos pay for everyone in the group.

E Horan, Drasmar, Herra and Sturm get to the headland and can see a rowing boat going across the bay. It is obvious that the group are in the wrong place so we rush back inconspicuously with a view to getting on the boat. The group reach the inn, tell the group members in the inn that we are leaving and to cough up the money [for the tax? - Ed]. Pallea returns and reports that Arion says we must attack the caves to get the old woman (Chira) back.

B The group leave for the ship at the same time as four Lodrell guards come to the inn. The guards surround Horan and arrest him. Sturm swings out at a guard and the others try to join in. Drasmar says that more guards are coming so the group leg it. Sturm and Horan try to leave the back way, they run to the stables and get the horses. The rest of the group thunder down to the pier. It looks like the 32 crowns paid for the room will now be largely wasted.

F Captain Crane shout instruction to cast off the boat, most of the group get on board and some of the guards try to climb on as well. There is confusion in the town. In the confusion Sturm climbs off his horse however Horan keeps on going down the pier and tries to ride through the guards at the end. The guards are still holding the gang plank. A "Colour spray" goes off, the horse falls over and Horan can't see. A guard slips past Arion and Herra misses him as well

F Meanwhile back in the town square Sturm is hacking his way through the crowd trying to get to the road to the dock side. A spell is cast at him but has no effect and Sturm breaks for open country. Sturm runs for a bit but then turns on his pursuers and hits one.

F The guard that got on to the boat is dealt with by Drasmar. Things go quiet all of a sudden and Horan gets his sight back and see's the ship leaving the pier. Horan jumps into the water and swims to the ship. [Things must be seriously up the creek because Horan is terrified of water and can't swim!!! - Ed] Pallea kisses Horan better. There is a discussion about what to do next. Arion can see no point in storming the caves tonight as his purpose is to expose the treachery of the Lodrell church. The group decide to go to sleep [What has happened to Sturm - Ed] but first Pallea has a word with Captain Crane. It seems that he is going to return to Salsorme.

Fri 23 Oct 1586

A At dawn Captain Crane asks to speak with the group. Horan is still in shock after his experience with the water and decides to go back to Salsorme with the ship. In reality it looks as if the town guards are after him. The rest of the group decide to stay and help Nironellia and Arion. Captain Crane drops everyone who is staying out of sight of the town. It is decided that the best course of action would be to catch up with lost sleep.

B The group wake up in the late afternoon and Meskrin "Cures" Herra. It is decided to obtain a boat to enter the caves. Drasmar and Nironellia are going into town so Hortense makes Drasmar "Invisible". There is an interminably long conversation about what to do after which Herra is made "Invisible" so that he can investigate the caves.

C Drasmar and Nironellia return to report that they got a boat. The trial of Sturm occurred in town today [So that's where he went - Ed] during which Sturm raised the subject of the huge taxes that were now being levied. There were some public order problems at the trial. Sturm was found guilty of everything, the penalty for which is hanging. He is being held in the temple guard house and will be executed tomorrow.

D Herra returns later to say that he has not found a secret entrance to the caves. The group decide to polish off the caves first and everyone piles in to the boat. The caves are approached from the sea and it is decided to enter the biggest entrance. A lantern is lit. Once inside a further two entrances are seen opposite each other. They are above the water level. Herra sneaks up the passage to the left and finds that it opens into a big chamber after about 20 yards.

D The group decide to go with the lantern and Chemos, Herra, Pallea and Meskrin set off whilst Hortense has an argument with Arion. The passage opens into a chamber which slopes left to the sea. To the right it is dry but does not seem to go anywhere.

D The group go up the right hand corridor. It is yucky and wet and seaweedy up to the ceiling. There is a narrow passage to the left. The main passage comes to an end so the group go up the narrow passage. The passage widens after about 50 yards it ends in an opening filled with water.

D The group return to the boat and go further in to the caves. After another 30 yards the passage divides and the boat goes left. The ceiling lifts and there is an opening on the right and a narrow passage to the left. after about 30 yards the main passage becomes impassable so the boat is moved back and moved up the right fork. The group go through the shortcut [? - Ed] and there is another fork going straight up between the left and right forks.

D The middle is narrow but clear and another watery passage joins from the left. The boat strikes something under the water. We probe down but it is difficult to tell what we hit. It is possible to move round the obstruction and the group move on. However this fork ends in a dead end so we must go back. Herra prods the obstruction again. It may be a kind of underwater rubbish tip.

D The next passage (the right hand one) has an opening on the right after about 20 to 30 yards. After some narrows the passage opens to a small chamber containing two boats tied to rings on the wall to our right. There is a hole in the ceiling about 20 feet higher.

D Herra offers to climb up. He gets into the hole and then falls off into the water and climbs back out. Herra has another go with the aid of "Spider climb" and carries on up about 25 feet of hole which opens in to a wide room come corridor. Herra finds a rope ladder and chucks it down. Herra thinks he may have heard something as he threw down the ladder.

E Chemos climbs up but someone sneaks up behind him and hits him. Chemos falls to the ground so Herra pushes him back down the hole and heads for the north tunnel. Herra follows up ladders and along a corridor, eventually killing the man he followed. Herra hears a commotion and runs away. He returns to the group to find Hortense ministering to Chemos.

E The group set off and try to follow the same route that Herra took. A dagger whirls towards Herra who is quick enough to drop to the floor and let Hortense take the dagger in her shoulder. The group retreat but Meskrin is stabbed. The smugglers come at us from the left side of the tunnel fork and the group back in to the chamber. Meskrin falls down the hole.

F Nironellia lights the lantern and she and Arion go off down the hole. Someone else lights another lantern and the group go back to the boat. Drasmar and Meskrin row. Chemos moans that he's gone off adventuring and would like to go back to "tinkering" with his mum and dad.

Sat 24 Oct 1586

A The group discover that there is a problem with the rising tide. The cave ceiling is now too near the water level to allow the boat to pass. It is decided to partially sink the boat to get through but it is going to be very difficult to judge how much water to let in. Herra and Meskrin want to go back to the caves and in the end the group over rule Hortense and return. Pallea kisses Herra better.

B The group return to the ceiling funnel. As we emerge we see someone on a ladder who quickly climbs back up. Hortense "Magic missile's" him but he hangs on. The group think about going back through the passage. The boat could be "Shrunk" and taken through. Herra says he will go in front and Pallea follows with a light. The group try to get the shrunken boat down the passage but it gets stuck and has to be re-"Shrunk". The boat is got to a wider corridor and the group wait for it to ping back to life. While we wait a light is spotted heading to the sea.

B The boat pings back to size just after dawn. On the way back Drasmar almost falls in the water. The weather is grotty, the rain is pissing down. Drasmar gets sea sick so Chemos takes over the rowing. Once the group have beached the boat we decide to wreck it.

C Herra, Chemos and Drasmar go off to try to get a house, the rest more or less reluctantly follow behind. Chem and Drasmar knock on the door of a secluded residence. An old lady answers the door and says "Oh. it's Pallea, where are the other three? Should I get your friend in from round the back?" To which Chemos and Drasmar reply "........!!!!????!!!!"

C The old lady offers drinks and a seat at her fire. Drasmar asks about Sturm and the old lady says that she thinks he swings at midday. The old lady is called Ma Bressel. She makes a poultice for Chemos' head ... it includes newt's eyes and frogs toes - allegedly! Ma Bressel applies the poultice and says she has to go out. She leaves and hobbles off in a direction that could not be described as "away from town".

D The group worry about weather to trust her. Herra takes first watch and after half and hour wakes up Meskrin. Soon everyone is asleep. Herra is woken up by Chemos grabbing him. There are two men on the other side of the room. Chemos launches himself at them.

D The older man says "Stop it!" and the younger man puts his dagger away. Pallea asks who they are and the older man says "Nestos and Kadir". He goes on to say that Ma Bressel told them to wait until the group were awake.

D The group realise that it is nearly noon. Chemos asks Nestos and Kadir is the have any news of Sturm. Apparently he has escaped! They ask for information from the group so we mention the smuggling. The men seem shocked. They say they have been in the village for 60 years and are interested in all it's occupants. The group don't give any hard information because we don't know any. Chemos asks if Nestos and Kadir will help us prove that the smuggling is going on and get Nironellia back.

D Nestos and Kadir say that the villagers would be distressed to learn that drugs were being smuggled by Nilsow. They say that Sturm sped off to the west (inland) after his escape. The group want to get more sleep but are told that they can't stay any longer. The group have some porridge and a drink, leave some cash and go. The group go down to the beach to meet a boat. Nestos and Kadir are on board. Drasmar slips on invisibly.

E Back in the caves the boat is negotiated the hole but the ladder up is gone. Herra falls in the water again whilst trying to climb up. However on is next attempt he makes it to a hand hold and then gets a long way up before falling off with a splat. The boat is manoeuvred back to the inland and the group turn right into a passage. Chemos returns and asks the old man to go with him. They return with the bodies of the owners of the missing boats.

E Next the boat is rowed to the hole that is thought to be a toilet. Herra climbs into it but it is so grungy and yucky that he chucks up, looses his grip and falls into the water again. It's not very clean around here. Herra reluctantly agrees to give it another go. After a bit he finds the going gets easier and he makes it to a big dark empty space about 50 feet up the hole.

E Eventually Herra finds a passage and he goes along it. After about 15 feet it divides, Herra goes to the right and after about 60 to 80 yards comes to an open space. He finds a hole in the floor and climbs down it. Herra reaches the end and drops a coin which eventually hits water. Herra hears more splashing and a voice calls up. Herra has a conversation with the rest of the group below and decides to jump down to the level below. Herra successfully jumps down and finds a ladder which he lets down. Chemos and Drasmar climb up and Pallea sets off to fetch Hortense and Meskrin.

E Eventually Pallea returns with Hortense and Meskrin and everyone climbs up the ladder. The group follow a passage which runs south west. It veers north and then east, eventually it bulges out and the group stop for a kip. Watches are set but Chemos falls asleep so the whole group slumber on.

Sun 25 Oct 1586

A When the group wakes we carry on in a north easterly direction. After about 25 feet there is ???? turning but the group carry on. Eventually the passageway opens into a small cave with a south easterly exit. The group follow the opening into a room with three southerly passages. Herra recognises it and the ladder into the ceiling.

A The group climb up the ladder and emerge into a chamber similar to the one below. Herra says to follow the corridor to the south and the group move past the place where Herra killed the man. There is some food and the group decide to stop for a bite to eat.

A The group go to the west but it leads to a dead end, the south is the same except the dead end is used as a toilet. Herra goes south again from the room. There is fresh air then the passage opens on to the sea. To the north of the room is a cavern which opens into a second cavern. West from there is a dead end. Herra has a grope around and says that there is something there but he cannot open it. The group turn back and notice a crack in a bend in the pathway. Herra squidges through into another tunnel and goes south. It is a dead end with a hole in the floor. Herra goes down the hole and finds an old lady at the bottom. Herra fetches Meskrin who thinks she might be alive. Whilst Meskrin tries to get the old lady to drink some water Herra climbs back up with the light. Meskrin keeps the old lady warm and tries to "Cure" her. The group leave Meskrin and go to find some food.

A A corridor to the west is discovered which ends in a room with three more corridors. One goes south another left and the third goes straight on. It opens into a cave. The group stop and Herra goes back for Meskrin. A contraption is made from sacks to lift up the old lady. This works with no trouble. [Must be a first - Ed]

A The group meets up in the hour glass room for dinner. Herra goes off to get two torches. To the east a corridor bends and ends. Herra climbs down into a small round room with a narrow corridor. The group pick another dead end, then another which ends in a rock fall. Yet another passage forks and the north fork is another dead end. The south fork has a slippery slope which levels off after 100 feet and later opens on to the sea.

A It seems to be lunch time. A toilet room is found and so are a lot of boxes containing bottles and cloth, dried food, meat and wine. The group discover the top of the other hole and a room to the east containing a lot of rope.

A The group go back for more food and a sleep. The watches are cocked up yet again. This time it is Pallea who falls asleep on watch.

Mon 26 Oct 1586

A The group go back to the rock fall. It looks old so the group go down a ladder and take another corridor. Following a southerly fork brings the group to the ladder room. The group go in and explore all other doobries. The group go up to the next floor again. The old lady seems to be dead.

A The group go back down the hole and alone a wiggly west, south, south west, east passage until sounds can be heard up ahead. Someone's leg is almost badly hurt by a metal tooth trap. The corridor continues east, north east, north and west [a complete circle - Ed] and ends in a little room with a hole in the ceiling. The group climb up the hole and after about 40 feet come to a little room with a chest. There is some scrappy leaf in it.

A The group go back to the hidden door and put a torch down the last hole but have no luck. A decision is made that it is time to go home so everyone goes back down via the rope ladder. At the bottom there is a lot of water but no boat. The group go to the edge of the cliff. Hortense climbs up with the aid of a "Spider climb" and uses a "Tenser's floating disk" to carry up the rope. When she gets to the top Hortense cannot find anywhere to tie the rope.

B Hortense drops the rope and braces herself whilst Herra climbs up. Unfortunately Herra slips and Hortense cannot hold his weight. Hortense is forced to let go and Herra plunges to his death, dashed on the rocks below. Except that the rest of the group, still in the mouth of the cave manage to grab the rope and hold on so that Herra in reality only gets a nasty bash as he slams into the cliff face when his plunge to oblivion is abruptly halted. Herra manages to get a hand hold.

B The group pull Herra back up to the cave entrance and Hortense "Levitates" down. Hortense casts "Levitate" on Meskrin and he ascends the cliff face with the rope. Pallea kisses Herra better again. Hortense's "Levitate" spell has worn off so she gives Herra a "Spider climb". Pallea kisses Herra very much better and when he gets to the top Pallea is the next to be hauled up. Chemos climbs up whilst Drasmar gets pulled up by the rope. Drasmar gets a bit cliff crunched during his ascent. Hortense is pulled up last, the group pretend to drop her a few times just to cause trouble!

Tue 27 Oct 1586

A It is now dark and the group decide to go to Ma Bressel's for some kip. As the group approach a lot of lights can be seen and it looks as if there are a lot of people there. Ma Bressel's seems to be an illicit drinking club! (or just a bog ordinary pub).

A The group think about kipping under the boats on the beach. As Meskrin, Pallea and Herra crawl under a boat a Lodrell guard sees the group. Meskrin disappears whilst Pallea chats him up. Herra follows as Pallea kisses the guard to sleep. An invisible Drasmar turns up to take the group to the pub.

A The group are told that Sturm is dead. Nironellia was killed by Nilsow who was in turn killed by Arion who has been banished. Ma Bressel is packing some food because the group must leave before we are lynched. Unfortunately Chemos is unconscious, Ma Bressel makes his passage better. The group cough up 100 crowns and Ma Bressel mumbles something over Chemos' body and he regains consciousness.

B It is important to leave town with haste and the group decide to head up the Nystel Cur to Tamduos. The group is very tired but can find nowhere to stop even after two hours of travel. Meskrin suggests cuddling up to rest. Meskrin's motives are suspect and there is an argument however the decision is made to stop and Chemos and Herra immediately fall asleep. Meskrin cuddles up to Chemos and Hortense tells him to sleep back to back only. Hortense feels herself dropping off so she wakes up Drasmar who tells her to sod off. Hortense wakes up Chemos and gets much the same response, Chemos then realises that Meskrin's arm is round him and kicks him off. Hortense asks Meskrin to guards, he agrees then falls asleep.

Wed 28 Oct 1586

A By the time Pallea wakes up it is mid morning. Chemos jumps into the river to clean off and the rain stops. Pallea has a cold and Hortense has a cough. Hortense waves her arms about and a horse appears. Pallea gets an extra half hour riding the horse then she swaps with Drasmar. He gets on at the second attempt but the horse then throws him off. Meskrin succeeds in hopping on with a flourish. At the end of Meskrin's turn he bounces off and Hortense gets on, the horse tries to throw her but she calms it. A similar thing happens at Herra's turn but he eventually calms the horse. Chemos pats it on the bum and it bolts with Herra clinging on. The rest of the group rush after it and after about half an hour a pack is found which has obviously fallen from the horse. The horse kicks Herra off but he manages to catch it and Pallea jumps on. The horse seems happy to let her continue.

B The group carry on until Hortense suggests that Pallea should dismount as the horse may disappear. After another hour the horse tries to pull away and then it fades. The group keep going for a while though not very far and find somewhere to sleep. Watches are set with Herra on first watch. Meskrin and Pallea get up to mischief so Herra picks a fight with Meskrin but Meskrin commands him to "Sleep". Then Meskrin and Pallea get up to things.

C Meskrin tries to wake Chemos for the next watch but with no success so he wakes Hortense instead. Hortense tries to wake Herra who tells her the story and goes back to sleep again. Hortense wakes Drasmar for his watch, he does an hour then wake Pallea who asks Meskrin to do her watch. In the end Pallea just goes back to sleep and leaves no one on guard.

Thur 29 Oct 1586

A Chemos wakes up with something unpleasant and hairy on his face. [Hortense? - Ed] Chemos flails about a bit and stops moving. Herra flings a dagger but misses then Hortense "Sleeps" it and Herra slits it's throat with another dagger. Meskrin tries to make Chemos better then Pallea kisses him. It seems that Chemos was attacked by a measly creature.

B Herra agrees to take a watch then asks Hortense whose watch is next. Herra kicks Meskrin awake for his watch, then wakes Hortense to ask who should go next. Hortense says Drasmar but he complains to Hortense who says to go for Pallea. Drasmar tries to wake Herra who tells him to get lost and shows the hilt of his dagger. Meskrin gives Drasmar the same response (except the dagger bit).

B It is finally light when Drasmar wakes Hortense again and gives up. Herra and Drasmar talk about Kneebone. The rest of the group are woken up and some "Cures" are attempted. Herra tries to skin the measel.

A There is no vegetation of hiding places in sight. Hortense "Summons" a mule and uses it to transport Chemos and Pallea. It starts to rain again and Chemos is getting hairy, this worries most of the group but Hortense seems unconcerned.

C As the day progresses the ground improves and it is possible to find some slightly better shelter. In the evening watches are set again. Meskrin watches for his allotted time and wakes Drasmar who watches for his allotted time.

Fri 30 Oct 1586

A Drasmar wakes Herra who watches then wakes Hortense who watches until dawn to complete the first proper set of watches at the seventh attempt. Everyone except Drasmar is feeling ill so Hortense "Summons" another mule.

A By mid afternoon the group are approaching some foothills and find another reasonable place to sleep. Meskrin looks for the top of the hill. Hortense asks for her dagger back but Herra says that he chucked it at a river creature and lost it on the night of the measel attack on Chemos. Watches are set and kept with no difficulty.

Sat 31 Oct 1586

A Dawn breaks and food is low. The group breakfast on roast measel and carry on. After a couple of hours a landing stage is spotted on the river. there are several covered barges. Meskrin yells out and attracts the attention of two men. They ferry the group across the river at a cost of six silver pieces. The group are invited in to what seems to be an inn. The two men are not very helpful and do not seem inclined to engage in conversation. The group pay for a lift in to town on their wagon.

A In town Drasmar reappears and the group purchase some food. A boat to Salsorme for six people is hired and will leave in an hour. The group go to the dock get on to the boat and leave in a state of near collapse. Watches are set.

Sun 1 Nov 1586

A The night passes uneventfully and morning breaks to the panorama of Salsorme. The boat arrives at dusk and the group are met by the constabulary.

B Hortense's group are summoned to a meeting with the Party where Hortense comes clean and recounts just about the whole story truthfully. There is stunned amazement all round. Caspar and Rustbulj are less than impressed. The Party decide to send Silka and Koran up to Echharte to find out the facts whilst Lucius and Willan try to raise support locally. Farlas is not at the meeting as he is still away raising troops.

C Sturm has returned separately but Hortense has reported that he is dead.

Mon 2 Nov 1586 : 6 Nov

A The massing of troops will be in the spring