RC No. America (Wed) - Khundrukar

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Following the partial success of his attempt to bypass the traps on the scroll case, Nimbul removed the contents of the scroll case, two scrolls and a map. Knomal tossed him a healing potion which he gladly drank. Iris was able to discern the nature of the scrolls, Fireball and Invisibility Globe, while Nimbul and Knomal tried to find out where the map would lead. It seemed that the map showed a location marked only as Khundrukar located in the eastern end of Turnstone Pass. A large empty space along the bottom of the map seemed suspicious to Nimbul. Iris cast a light spell on a rock so Knomal and Nimbul could study the map in better light, and Nimbul, suspecting something, held the light under the map. Dwarven script appeared along the bottom of the map describing a dwarven foundry called Glitterhame and the Dwarven smith Durgeddin the Black who forged great magical weapons there. Glitterhame and Khundrukar were the same location. Why an agent of the Blue Claw had this particular map was yet to be determined.

As darkness was settling over the hills of Turnstone pass, the party decided that a nights rest would be in order. A watch schedule was set up, and the group settled down for the night. Many noises could be heard throughout the night making the watch time a little nerve wracking, but the night passed with little else. In the morning, the group set off toward the eastern edge of Turnstone pass and this new location, Khundrukar, or Glitterhame as was written in the dwarven script hidden on the bottom of the map.

The trail through the rough hills was difficult to traverse and travel was slow. About mid day, Gaspar noticed some movement to the south of the trail, something was following them. Nimbul hid in the trees while the others continued on. The group arrived at a clearing, the freshly cut stumps of trees gave testimony to the recent activity in this area. Nimbul managed to get a close look at the humanoid following them, it was an Orog. At the clearing, Vall checked the ground for recent tracks, and recognized the distinct markings left by the large cousin to the Orcs, Orogs. Nimbul returned to the party and informed them of his discovery. The Orog following them had taken up a position along the southern end of the clearing, waiting for the group to resume travel.

It was decided that Nimbul would sneak up behind the Orog, and launch a sneak attack. The others would then attack from the front. Nimbul managed to get into position, and the arrow hit the mark, causing the Orog to cry out in surprise and pain. As the Orog turned to face its attacker, four more emerged from the northern end of the clearing. Iris finished off the first Orog with a quick pair of Magic Missiles while Knomal and Xalen fired arrows at the largest of the Orogs. Charging in at a rate unexpected, the large Orog attacked Gaspar with its great sword, causing damage that would have killed most humans. Gaspar turned to meet this large threat, but missed with his great axe. Vall charged in next, slicing into the large Orog with his rapier. Iris cast another pair of Magic Missiles at another Orog, killing it. Nimbul fired an arrow at the large Orog, causing it further pain. Xalen was hit by the attack of one of the other Orogs and Gaspar was again struck by the heavy blow from the large Orog’s great sword. Vall hit next with a pair of attacks from his dual weapon attack, causing considerable damage to the large Orog. Iris finished it off with another pair of Magic Missiles. Knomal scored a savage blow to an Orog’s throat, killing it while Nimbul and Xalen finished off the last one. A quick search of the Orogs yielded three short bows, one a Masterwork Mighty Composite Short Bow +2 picked up by Xalen, three battleaxes, 27 arrows in three quivers, three pouches containing 20 gold each, a great sword, and a backpack that contained a suit of armor, 6 potions (two each Cure light, Moderate, and Critical Wounds), and a few other items. The large Orog was wearing a suit of Half Plate armor while the others wore Banded Armor.

Gaspar used one Cure Light Wounds Potion and one Cure Moderate Wounds Potion to heal himself.

Each party member received 400 experience points.

The map contained in the scroll case can be seen at: http://home.attbi.com/%7Ebaldak/LowResImages/Khundrukar.GIF

The map of Turnstone Pass with the location of the Burned cabin and Shrine of the Blue Claw can be seen at: http://home.attbi.com/%7Ebaldak/LowResImages/Turnstone_Pass.jpg


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited March 28, 2002).]

 

"Quick, leave the corpses here. It's more likely that more will follow us if they don't find their kin than if they see this rampage. Orog may be dumb as an ox, but any of them cares for his own life more 'an for any other. And here we have a grand sight..."

Knomal wiped his blade of black orog blood and slid it in the scabbard. Although smile never left his face, one could tell that he's not particularly content about the orogs.

"Let us go, there may be more soon..."

OOC: Duh, Bel. You saw through my disguise.

[This message has been edited by Skedaddle (edited March 14, 2002).]

 

Nimbul starts to toss the armor away that he found in the back pack, but decides to keep it. He stuffs it into the backpack and moves off to catch up with the others.

OOC: Skedaddle - how can you say that?!?!? You AREan orog...Look at your avatar!


[This message has been edited by Sir Belisarius (edited March 14, 2002).]

 

Gaspar watches as Nimbul places the armor back into the backpack and starts off along the trail. "I wonder how he's able to carry that much...."
Gaspar just shrugs it off and follows along behind.

 

Knomal laughs at Nimbul

"Hah, if you want to carry that piece of junk by yourself, we'll not reach our destination by midwinter. Leave it 'ere, and let us stride to our goal before something big outstrides us while we're dealing with dirty suits of orog armor."

 

Nimbul gives a look at Knomal..."Judge me by my size do you? Always the first mistake...Size matters not, and the weight doesn't seem too bad for me."

Nimbul trots up to the group and sets off for Khundrukar Hill and the Dwarven Mine.

 

Following the battle with the Orogs, the party decided to leave the area quickly incase others arrived. Following the map they had acquired, the group made their way east through Turnstone Pass toward the Hill known only as Stone Tooth. There they hoped to find another piece of the puzzle to the events of the recent past. The Blue Claw had some sort of interest within the fabled Dwarven Stronghold of Durgeddin the Black.

After traveling for several hours, the sun had slipped below the western horizon and the party set up camp. In the morning they were awoken by the sounds of troops marching. The sounds were coming from the direction of the north. Nimbul slipped away to check out what the commotion was while the others laid low. He came upon another trail that showed signs of recent movement. A large force had passed by on this trail heading east. The party decided to simply continue along their chosen path. Worrying about bands of Orcs traveling in the pass would drive them crazy, Turnstone Pass was known to be the home of many Orc Tribes.

As the morning and distance passed, the party began to approach a distinct looking hill. It had an obvious trail leading up its side, and a cave mouth was visible about half way up. On the top of the hill was a rock formation that shot up through the hill like a jagged tooth. Making their way up the hill, the party approached the cave mouth. Knomal spotted what looked like two humanoid figures standing in front of the cave, and the group approached with caution.

The party approached to within 80 feet, they figures were Orogs. Nimbul moved up closer to see if there were any more guards hidden just within the cave mouth. There were none to be seen, but Iris noticed arrow slits up a ways on the cliff face. Leaving nothing to chance, Iris cast a Sleep spell on the location of the center arrow slit, while the others launched their attacks on the unsuspecting Orog guards. The guards never had a chance and they fell dead. A quick assessment of the situation let the party know that others had not been alerted to their presence. From within the cave mouth, Nimbul could hear snoring.

After retrieving a few items from the guards (One Axe and 15 arrows for Knomal & a MW Mighty Composite Short Bow and 15 arrows for Gaspar), the group moved slowly up the passage leading into the hill. After traveling for about 70 feet the passage opened up into a wide hall that ended in a set of stairs topped with double doors. Leaning against the doors, sleeping in a huge chair, was an Ogre covered by a smelly tattered blanket. Nimbul, Gaspar and Knomal approached the chair while Iris, Xalen, and Vall covered them. Upon reaching the top, the three attacked the sleeping Ogre, killing it easily. Knomal pulled a large black opal from a pouch the Ogre had and Nimbul figured it to be worth about 150 gp. Knomal was able to un-bar the large double doors, and the party continued on into the hill.

The chamber beyond was large. A deep pit split the chamber in two, with a ragged rope bridge being the only means across. Knomal noticed two hidden doors, one on each side. The one on the north was opened revealing a hall leading off to the north. Figuring this would lead to the arrow slit location, the party traveled toward the north. As the group turned the corner, they could see three Orogs sitting at a table eating some foul smelling gruel. Nimbul fired off a quick arrow, striking one while Gaspar charged in with his great axe, killing it. The two remaining Orogs leapt for their battle axes. Knomal managed to hit the same one as Nimbul further injuring it. Nimbul moved into position behind the two Orogs, while Gaspar continued his assault, missing the Orog with his attack. Knomal was hit by a blow from one of the Orogs, but finished it off with a quick thrust from his sword. Xalen and Vall entered the room firing arrows, but didn’t manage to hit the remaining Orog. Unfortunately for the Orog, Nimbul was right behind it and applied a fatal sneak attack. A quick search produced 3 battle axes, 3 long bows, 3 quivers (15 arrows each), and 3 pouches (24 gp each)

Each party member receives 400 experience.

The Map of Khundrukar can be seen at: http://home.attbi.com/%7Ebaldak/LowResImages/Glitterhame.GIF


[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited March 27, 2002).]

 

This is so Baldak can post the Summary from Wednesday.

 

A thorough search of the guard room revealed a secret door at the end of the hall leading to the north. Beyond it was a short hall ending in a set of stairs. At the top of the stairs, Nimbul knew that he was looking at the backside of another secret door. He carefully pivoted it opened, but it would only open about 12 inches. Against the door the current occupants had stacked almost a dozen crates. Five Orogs lay in crude bunks, sleeping after a long patrol. Nimbul managed to squeeze into the room and moved the three crates that were stopping the door from opening fully (Several attempts were needed and he almost woke the Orogs).

The party positioned themselves to attack the three sleeping Orogs against the south wall. Gaspar killed the one he attacked with a single blow, but the other two needed additional blows to finish them off. Meanwhile, the other two Orogs awoke. Gaspar attacked the largest one right away doing some damage, but not enough to kill this one. The Orog then went into a rage. Knomal, seeing the raging Orog, decided to lend Gaspar a hand with the huge brute, slicing into it with his long sword. Iris cast Magic Missiles at the other one, causing it much pain. Another blow from Gaspar hit the large Orog, but again it was not slain. The Orog returned the attack with a savage attack of its own, tearing into Gaspar with his Great Sword. The other Orog attacked Nimbul, causing minimal damage (to all save for the halfling as wounds from previous battles have gone unhealed). Knomal finished off the large Orog with another timely landed attack and a combined attack from Nimbul and Iris killed the one remaining Orog.

Knomal checked the door on the east wall for traps while the others searched around the room. Nimbul found a loose stone under one of the beds. He pulled the stone away, and was struck by a poisoned dart in the arm. Hidden underneath the stone was a sack that contained three potions and a key. Iris was able to figure out that the potions were Cure Light Wounds, Cure Moderate Wounds, and Invisibility. She gave Nimbul a potion of Cure Critical Wounds which he consumed, fully healing his wounds). Gaspar consumed a Cure Light Wounds potion. Knomal decided to keep the Great Sword that the large Orog was using.

Through the door, the party discovered a hallway, to the north it ended after 30 feet, to the south it turned east after 10. Looking to the north, they saw a statue of a Dwarf. Nimbul moved in to investigate, and after searching the Statue discovered a trap. The Statue would release a poison gas if anyone stepped on a certain floor tile (one that Nimbul nearly stepped on while approaching the statue). They decided to investigate the hall to the south. They came to a short side alcove that has a few stairs at the end topped with a large iron bound door. The door would not budge to gentle prodding, so Gaspar decided to knock. From beyond the door, they heard a voice yell out a phrase on Orcish that Vall translated to mean “What in the hell do you want now?” At Knomal’s instruction, He replied that they wanted to throw the bones. The reply was an order for them to return to their guard duties at which Vall again responded in a pert way that they were bored. This time the reply was more cautious, informing the group that they would have a surprise. The Door opened revealing two large wolves.

The party had readied themselves for the attack, and easily got the drop on the wolves. In the first volley, the two wolves were easily dispatched which caused the Ogre hiding behind the door to leap out and attack, screaming about his pets. Ulfe, the Ogre attacked Gaspar with a Great Axe, causing minor damage (compared to his potential).The next round began with Nimbul attempting to sneak by the Ogre to take up a position behind the huge creature. Ulfe, seeing this, used his Attack of Opportunity, and Nimbul was unconscious. Xalen and Vall hit the Ogre with arrows while Knomal hit it with his newly acquired Great Sword. Another hit by Gaspar and Magic Missile spell cast by Iris still did not take the Ogre out. In his weakened state however, the Ogre missed Gaspar and was quickly finished off by a combined attack from all remaining party members.

Gaspar grabbed the Ogre’s Great Axe, seeing the runes carved into the axe head. Along the south wall of the room, two large wooded chests await the party’s inspection.

Each party member receives 450 experience points.

 

As Nimbul tried to sneak passed the hulking figure there was a blinding flash!

"Wait....I'm not in a cave at all," he said to himself. "It's my old burrow! There's a warm fire going, and I can smell something cooking, mmmm it would be nice to relax a while..."

Another flash! The searing pain brings Nimbul back from his dazed state for a brief second, he realizes where he is - lying on the dank floor of a cold cavern next to the ogre he tried to sneak up on.

"Help...." he said weakly....

OOC: We need a cleric in this group!

 

Gaspar rushes to Nimbul and forces a healing potion down his throat. "Just stay still Nimbul, you'll be better in a bit."

 

Iris looks desperately at her dear halfling friend. Then she hands the Cure Moderate Wounds potion to Gaspar.

 

As the potion washes down Nimbul's throat, the wound begins to heal. His eyes open once again as the halfling returns to the conscious world.

[Cure Moderate Wounds heals 2d8+3, the result was (7 + 6) +3 for a total of 16 hit points healed.]

 

Gaspar sighs with relief as he sees Nimbul's wounds healing. "He'll be all right now," he thinks to himself as he looks closer at the axe. "Hey, can anyone read these runes here on the axe? They appear to be Dwarven."

[This message has been edited by Avarahtar (edited March 30, 2002).]

 

Suddenly perking up, Nimbul replies: "I do! Let me see the axe...Although, we've already met..."

Nimbul shudders slightly as he examines the axe.

 

The runes on the axe are two dwarven letters, D B.

 

"Just like on me new sword. This place has an assortment of weapons crafted by some crafty dwarven crafter. Not a surprise, knowing the place to be settled with dwarves in the past."

 

ooc: Baldak, apparently I didn't lose internet but I lost high speed access. Tonight I might be slightly late and if I'm not in by 9:30pmEST on all the other session nights, play me as NPC.

ic: "Hm yes... That does seem right. Anyways, let's stop pondering over this axe and see if we can find anything else."

 

OOC: Sorry I missed the game last night...I've been having problems with my phone and cable services lately - it's been sporadic!

IC: Nimbul searches the chests in the room and comes up with the following goodies: 440 gp, 1600 sp, four potion bottles, a rapier, and a helmet.

 

"That's splendid. Now, as we have a pile of coins, maybe we'll see what's further in that cave? Who knows what amusing perils are down the riverside... down the riverside..."
Knomal picks up his sword and starts off further in the dungeon.