Minor update

Just to keep this alive, I am still working at this.  First level of Dragon’s Eye was great – hordes of lizardmen to rampage through, but wow, Rolf came through.  Rolf was chopping them down with the huge axe, just over and over. 

Second level – beetles were annoying, killed by troll/spider combos a few times, but made it around to clear things out.  Rolf got the awesome Defender battle axe, lowering his AC while ALSO improving his damage.  But no matter what I do, I can’t make it through the final battle with 4 or 5 trolls and 3 or 4 priests in the bottom left.  I tried fireballing them, I try web and other spells, i summon skeletons, I buff and do bard songs, I give my paladin the flaming sword – no dice.  Even with 2 rings of Free Action, my guys end up held and killed – a few times I had all the trolls down, but was too cheap to throw the fire potion and off them.  Sooo stupid.

So I will buff, summon, sneak, and try it again, this time with Necklace of Missles, Wand of Armor, and so much more a-blazin.  This is one battle that I am going full-out for. 

Then, on to spec’ing so I can prepare for the dual-classing of Kaylen to a Druid.  Time for 3 spellcasters…

———————————————–

So Weapon Spec’ing:

Rolf – Dwarf Fighter.  Can specialize up to 5 slots (!!) so I am going to be FOCUSED on maxing him there.  Axes allow him to use all types – battle axe, two-handed axe, throwing axe…an axe for any occasion!

At start:

• 2 in Axes
• 2 in Crossbow

Aiming for:

• All in Axes
• 2 in Crossbow

Venecia Ashfell – Human Paladin.  Started her off with Bows/Large Swords, both specialized.  But Paladins max out at 2 proficiency slots (specialization). 

At start:

• 2 in Large Swords
• 2 in Bows
• have since added 1 in Great Swords

Aiming for:

• 2 in Large Swords
• 2 in Bows
• 2 in Great Swords
• any further in another offensive type – halberds?  short swords?

I would love for either Venecia or Rolf to use a shield, but with the bows in their weapon slots, it’s nigh impossible.  Thank goodness you can pause and re-equip in IWD.

Kaylen Orgonney – Fighter (to Druid).  Originally spec’d as a fighter, Kaylen will turn druid soon.  Until then, she can take advantage of the extra mastery slots.

At start:

• 2 in Large Swords (thinking Scimitars)
• 2 in Spears
• have since added 1 in Missle Weapons

Aiming for:

• 2 in Large Swords (Scimitars)
• 2 in Spears
• Missle Weapons (sling, darts)
• Staff (so she can use Arundel’s)
• Club?  Is there any point?

Jaylen Orgonney – Human Cleric (to specialist Mage).  Not many weapon slots to go with here.

At start:

• Maces
• Missle Weapons (slings)

Aiming for:

• Maces
• Missle Weapons (slings)
• Hammers (added)
• Staff
• Club?  Is there any point?
• Daggers (great daggers add +1 spell, etc)

Callien Cane – Human Bard. 

At start:

• Great Swords
• Bows

Aiming for:

• Great Swords
• Bows
• Halberds
• Long Swords

Vale of Shadows, Part II

The group arrived in Kuldahar, with villagers anxiously asking them for details.  Many were surprised to see them alive, but then disappointed when told that the expedition was not yet done.  Mirek’s family heirloom was returned, and in turn he gave Kaylen a magic sling to replace her normal one.  The party dispersed after that, with Venecia selling all the high-quality weapons to Conlan, Callien heading off to Orrick’s tower to buy some spells, and Rolf heading to the tavern.  Spivey headed to Gerth’s equipment shop to sell the jewels he had collected.  After a night’s rest, the party was ready to head out to the mountain crypts again. 

The fourth tomb beckoned, although this time with one less enchanted skeleton lord.  The party was soon hacking through skeletons, relying more on missle attacks.  The crypt had a second level downstairs, where a circle of coffins were placed.  The wight and zombie presence was large, but with Venecia and Rolf at the front of the party, soon all enemies fell.  They searched the catacombs and found another sanctum key, and Callien found several more scrolls stuffed in various areas – Color Spray, Invisibility were both added to his arsenal. 

Soon only the last crypt stood, a massive door towering above the party.  It lurched open, and the inside was quiet – the first time they had not been assaulted on sight since setting foot in the Vale.  Statues, flags and carpetting all seemed to swear homage to a black wolf paw symbol.  The main chamber had more skeletal guards and undead, and huge vats of green liquid with human remains in them.  They dispatched the skeletons, and Callien leafed through the book on the altar, which was made from human skin.  The writing was in blood. 

They went down passages to the east and west, Spivey ahead detecting traps.  He missed one, a trap on a coffin that stunned him with a Color Spray while the rest of the party was behind.  Skeletal guards popped out of several closets and secret rooms, and the party destroyed them all while Spivey lay unconscious.  Eventually he awoke and Callien helped him to his feet, ribbnig him about his trap detection abilities – the two rogues were forming an odd bond. 

Soon they were opening the main doors, where a skeletal mage named Mythos began questioning them, huge barbaric skeletons all around him.  Venecia took up the conversation, dismissing necromancy as an affront at its core; the two spoke for some time, a tense moment for the rest of the battle-weary group.  Finally Venecia implored him to allow them to continue without a battle, but Mytos was not up for it.  The group closed ranks and attacked Mytos with missle weapons, dropping him without much effort.  Behind him was a huge shadow, Myrkul’s Sending, which they destroyed.  Jaylen found a dagger specifically for mages in a nearby chest, and kept it for future use.

(Side note: this was a momentously bad battle on my first attempt.  Jaylen was killed, but we had made it through unscathed otherwise.  Rather than reload, I dual-classed Kaylen to a Druid, just so she could read the priest scroll and resurrect her brother.  However, I have decided it better to dual-class Kaylen during Dragon’s Eye, at level 6 or 7, to rack up those fighter HPs and bonuses.  So for now, I reloaded.  :D) 

They proceeded down a long, steep path, leading lower into the crypt depths.  Spivey noticed a secret room, where a mummy attacked; Kaylen and Jaylen fought it, cornering it together with their +1 magic weapons.  The mummy’s crypt had a few spells, again going to Callien, and Rolf picked up the Finest Light Crossbow, which shoots much faster than his regular heavy crossbow.  Jaylen healed everyone while they prepared to open the second level doors.

The long hallway that lead into the second level was trapped, which Spivey found mid-step.  Skeletal knights and huge skeletons attacked from all angles, and the party retreated to the entrance room, forcing the enemy to fight two at a time.  Eventually the flood was over, and it was on to the main chamber, where Imbued Wights and a Skeletal Mage awaited.  This battle was huge – the Magic Missles coming from the wights hurt, and the army of undead, especially the archers, were troublesome.  Eventually the heroes persevered, destroying nearly a legion of undead.  they moved on to the four passagewayd, fighting more wights, and picking up several wands – one of Magic Missle, one of Armor.  Most importantly, they picked up a Black Wolf Charm, which granted the wearer +10 hit points and +1 AC.  Rolf wore it for now, and with his 19 Constitution, he became quite the formidable warrior.

They rested in one of the lockable chambers, with Jaylen healing them all overnight.  Soon they were going through the massive gear-doors into the 3rd level, again filled with more undead.  The spectral knights attacked invisibly, but were destroyed.  Mummys were hacked by Rolf’s magical axe.  Another army of undead were smashed to bones by the group, either through protracted missle attacks or straight-up hack and slash.  Soon, the last door was open, and a giant barbarian spectre greeted us. 

Kresselack, a spirit doomed to this tomb, told us of a priestess of Auril that is threatening his Vale, and the city of Kuldahar.  We tried to avoid promising to kill her, instead focusing on the plight that ails Kuldahar, but Kresselack would not assist until we performed this service.  His stories of creatures being brought here did mesh with that Ogre issue from Kuldahar pass, however.

They went back outside of the crypt and to the Yeti cave they ransacked earlier – and as expected, there was a priest of Auril.  Venecia talked at length, gathering details of the priestess’es faith and tenets.  It became clear that she was bent on destroying Kuldahar, which they could not allow.  When her hood dropped – it was Lysan, the barmaid from the tavern!  Callien’s jaw dropped at his potential life partner being a covert priestess.  There was a quick, bloody fight, during which Auril charmed Venecia (that’ll teach her to ask about faith), and then silenced the rest of the group.  Luckily, weapons do plenty of talking, as arrows interrupted the remainder of her spells, and she and the Yeti were soon handled.  They plundered her magical morningstar and took the Yeti pelts for Conlan.  A shadow appeared, gave thanks for setting him free, but did not give more detail. 

Kresselack was pleased with the group, but admitted he was lying about knowing the source of the distrubance.  This greatly angered Venecia.  Instead, Kresselack offered the goods in his coffin – his sword, a huge Two-Handed weapon, and the Cradle of Mielikki, a scimitar which Kaylen grabbed.  They also grabbed his armor and helm, and then headed back to Kuldahar to report to Arundel. 

Arundel was not happy, but said the group should next try a cultish temple in the mountains, to obtain the Heartstone Gem, for potentially scrying the identity of the unknown aggressor.  Before heading out, they stopped at the tavern, where the bartender was good enough to hand over Lysan’s things – a cloak that protects against the cold, and several priest scrolls.  Jaylen kept them all.

The Temple of the Forgotten God was a day’s journey, and as the party arrived a Verbeeg was fleeing.  It sounded like the temple had just been attacked by another group – and upon investigating, it did appear they were ransacked.  Acolytes and Verbeegs attacked us without letting us explain.  Luckily the acolytes could always be hit by arrows, disippating their spells and rendering them harmless.  the verbeeg were nastier, but still not deadly.   Then, a ways into the temple, some traps hit, knocking people unconscious.  Jaylen had no choice but to use his new spell, Animate Dead, knowing full well that Venecia wouldn’t like it. 

Skeletons appeared, fighting off the Verbeeg for them, and the tide turned.  Afterwards Venecia exploded with rage, going on about necromancy and all the inherent evils within it.  Jaylen simply said he was saving their lives, and doing the right thing, given the circumstances and their mission.  Kaylen seperated the two, but Venecia did not take the newfound abilities of her childhood friend lightly. 

Spivey scouted out the second level, coming upon some Verbeeg and Acolytes in groups.  the single acolytes he and Rolf took out, with Bow and Crossbow respectively.  They followed a long hallway down to the third level, disarming traps in side room and gathering treasure along the way.  Callien picked up a beautiful Bastard Sword, with blue glowing jewels, which lights a flame upon a successful hit.  Spivey got a suit of Shadowed Studded Leather, improvnig his stealth abilities.  Eventually they came to the mantle where the Heartstone was – which was now empty.  An acolyte and verbeeg had been killed by poison.

On the way out, Callien went down an unexplored hallway, visiting a library to pickup some books and a scroll.  He was cornered by a Verbeeg, which he did not see until it was too late; in an impressive show of cowardice, Callien raced around the large table in the room, firing arrows at the giant while he dopily chased him around the long way.  After about 20 arrows, he dropped, and Callien escaped. 

Arundel took this news even worse – but, with the vial of poison, he was able to direct the group to the Dragons Eye volcano, marking it on their map.  Callien headed to Orrick’s tower to buy a Melf’s Acid Arrow scroll for the journey, after hearing of the trolls in those caves.  The rest of the group relaxed at the inn, none too eager for another trip into the mountains to start the newest chapter of Arundel’s search.  Kaylen decided to spend her time with Arundel, learning of the druids of Kuldahar, their precepts, and how to go about joining their ranks. 

Next: character spec’ing, Dragon’s Eye, and Too Many Trolls to Handle

Now I Remember…

While playing IWD last night (after taking a break to play a baseball sim), I remembered why IWD interest always tails off for me pretty quickly.  I do appreciate that they tried to throw in some basic interactions with townsfolk, and those other RPG pieces – monsters you don’t have to kill, attempting to work out of some situations without resorting to violence, etc.  I also appreciate that it’s a fast-paced game, supposed to throw you into high levels quickly. 

Where the problem comes in, is the speed at which you get ‘stuff’.  When you are in Easthaven, you are literally scrounging for anything – doing side quests for coin or a jem, wringing every penny you can out of selling Goblin axes, and stealing from Pomab’s upstairs living area to scrounge for any spells of level 1!  (Poor bards start with no spells!  Him being my only mage means I have to survive from scrolls ONLY!)  No one has any magical items, or any idea that they exist.  Indeed, a ‘high quality’ is all you can hope to find.  Then your companions and party leader are squished, you are run through the Goblin Gauntlet, and deposited in a new tree-city.

Kuldahar suddenly offers everything – potions, goods, scrolls, and a magical item inventory like none you’ve ever seen.  Conlan’s shop, post-HoW, has about 20 magical swords.  A daring pickpocket, like my lovely Bard, can hoard 6 treasures from 3 shopkeepers – several of them duplicates.  There is an influx of equipment available like Plate Mail for the first time.  As soon as you enter a crypt in the Vale of Shadows, High Quality items start falling off skeletons (why do undead have high quality items??).  But you can’t even keep up with them, because by the time you get to go through inventory and equip them, you already have found a +1 version – two longswords, a mace, etc. 

I seriously haven’t even cast a mage spell yet, and I’ve nearly filled up 1st level for my bard, and most of 2nd level.  I’m tossing a few scrolls for safekeeping for my 2nd spellcaster, for when I finally dual him.  I’ve cast no Priest spells besides Cures, but I have about 8 of those scrolls too.  High Quality weapons are the main issue, though – lugging around 3, 4 of several weapon types.  But by now, they’re almost passe – and I’m not even into the tomb of Kresselak yet.  Good thing is, despite all these weapons, there’s always SOMETHING I’m mis-managing, to continue to make things difficult. 

Two main errors: 1) though I specialized Venecia in Large Swords, I equipped her with a Bastard Sword, not realizing this counted as ‘Great Sword’ and not ‘Large Sword’.  So for about a whole chapter, I was always wondering why she hit things so rarely.  2) Nearly the same with Kaylen – at her Fighter creation, I specialized her in Large Swords (for scimitar) and Spears.  However, nearly the whole game I’ve had her with a sling, not realizing she’s not even proficient.  My plan was to spend Druid prof. points on missle weapons and quarterstaves…and meanwhile, she’s been equipped as a Druid – wearing studded leather, using a buckler and scimitar, but usually tossing stones badly.

So, to prevent further confusion, my next post I will spend on spec’ing out my PCs, and what my hopes are for them – from ultimate gear, to proficiences, and when to dual-class.  That way, hopefully I will goof up less, and own this game like I should be.  😀

Vale of Shadows, Part I

Before they left Kuldahar, Jaylen chatted with a few locals, gathering details on the crypts.  After probing inquisitively about what the townsfolk referred to as ‘bone dancers’, he determined that the crypt was under the control of the god Myrkul, and as such would most likely contain undead.  Upon hearing this news, the townspersons handed him a garnet, telling him to use that to buy supplies for the trip. 

Callien stared in awe at the generous gift.  “Sure, the guys with all the magic and weapons don’t give us anything, or offer to come with us – but a peasant can spare a huge pink gem!  What kind of crazy tree-town is this?”

At Rolf’s urging, they headed to the Tavern for a final drink before departing.  The barmaid, Lysan, was quite a conversationalist – very well spoken, intelligent, and a great resource for information about the area and happenings.  She was certainly less gruff than the other barmaid, who Rolf was ordering from.  “I have a feeling about her,” Callien was saying.  “She doesn’t belong here.  A woman like that…she might come along with us, once we finish this quest.  She might enjoy a rich life with a man such as myself.” 

Jaylen rolled his eyes.  “Can you just finish your drink, so we can get on with it already?”

They set off into the snow, travelling for nearly 8 hours, before the mountain crypts came into view.  There looked like multiple entrances, and Spivey noticed some Yetis patrolling the pathways.  They decided to move tomb by tomb, exploring and uncovering all they could.  The first tomb was a distraught place, and skeletons and zombies immediately attacked them.  Jaylen was unable to Turn any of them, but the party fought them all off and continued to explore.  Spivey served as scout, going ahead and drawing witless skeletons back to the party.  He also scouted for traps, disarming a few.  Towards the back of the tomb, Venecia was attacked by the mammoth carrion crawler, being stunned and falling helpless while it bit through her armor; Kaylen and Rolf rushed to her aid, destroying the beast. 

The second tomb was quite similar, with an immediate rush of foul undead attacking.  The party fended them off, and Spivey again acted as forward scout, disarming traps and picking up random items.  Just when he declared the area safe, he stepped on a trigger next to a pool of water, which summoned 5 Lesser Shadows to attack him.  The party dispatched them with slight effort, and Callien pleaded with Spivey to be more careful next time.  Callien scooped up all the scrolls, writing a few into his spellbook.  Jaylen began to get suspicious of this, as Callien had yet to successfully cast a single spell.  “Well, of course,” Callien replied when he was questioned.  “I’m wearing chain mail and swinging a huge sword, when have I had the chance to cast spells?”

After that, the center of the mountain region led to a number of huge Yeti patrolling.  After cutting them down (and finding Mirek’s family amulet), they chased the last Yeti into a cave, where the vicious creatures were congregating.  A difficult battle ensued, but the Yeti were destroyed.  After the battle, Spivey noticed a human encampment, including several locked chests – he picked them, plundering the potions, magical Mace, and armor within.  They began to have some thoughts about this danger plaguing Kuldahar being of the human variety.

The third tomb was more of the same, bloody torture tables, skulls and human bones – an area full of dark sacrifices.  The undead came in droves, and the damage to the party was beginning to exceed Jaylen’s capabilities to contain.  They plundered everything remaining, obtaining several Priestly scrolls, and a magical suit of chainmail.  By this time, Rolf and Spivey were leading the group, Callien behind them; Venecia, Kaylen and Jaylen were all too hurt to be in the front lines.

They bravely ventured into the fourth tomb, after vanquishing more Lesser Shadows.  Upon entering they were immediately accosted by a huge skeleton, named Therik.  He questioned their reason for being there and demanded that they leave; when they decided to acquiesce, due to their qounds, he stopped them again.  “That Key,” he said.  “Give it to me.  Then you can leave.”  He became menacing fast, so the party had no choice but to take him and his two zombies down.  Therik came after Rolf directly, slashing him twice with a great axe.  Rolf, bleeding and bruised, became only more deadly, returning blow for blow, and finally knocking the skeleton into several small pieces.  When the great beast fell, Rolf simply grunted from exhaustion.  “We should get out of here,” he said.

The skeleton that had been Therik had two fine axes, both of which Rolf took.  They agreed on voyaging back to Kuldahar, to sell off their Yeti pelts (Venecia was holding 10, the rest of the party 6 more), sell their gems and extra goods, and to rest and heal from their wounds before undertaking the final crypts.  They could also speak to Arundel about the human influence in the Yeti cave – see if he knew of anyone that would control the Yetis for their own purposes.  On the way back, Callien continued to translate spells into his book.  Jaylen looked on, picking up more and more.

Kuldahar Pass, on to Kuldahar

Venecia tore into the snow, her prayer becoming a monotone hum.  She tried to start where she last saw Rolf, then a few feet forward as she took into account the avalanche’s force.  Kaylen soon ran to help, digging in with the blunt edge of her spear, and then Jaylen dug with his morningstar handle as well.  Callien, who was still catching his breath, shook his head. 

Minutes ticked by, and Spivey began to think he should try to calm the humans, urge them to keep going.   One look at Venecia’s face, and her angry determination, made him abandon that idea.  She continued to dig, her hands freezing blue, her mouth quietly chanting.  Jaylen had already stopped from exhaustion, but Kaylen was still digging her spear end – and suddenly shouted.  “Metal!” she said.  “I found him!”

Venecia scrambled over and dug her arms into the snow, heaving with all her might.  Soon she had dragged the dwarf out from under the snow – he was blue in the face and unconscious.  Venecia took off his armor and wrapped him in her travel blankets while Jaylen kneeled above him channeling spiritual energy.  Soon Jaylen had cast his spell, and Rolf was sitting up, coughing.  Venecia, overjoyed, threw her big arms around him and squeezed, throwing him into another coughing fit. 

Spivey looked at Callien, who was shocked.  “Dwarves,” he said.  “You don’t live in caves for millenia without being able to withstand a cave-in now and then.”  

While looking out and over Calliens shoulder, Spivey spied movement behind him – a human, dressed raggedly, approached.    He identified himself as a hermit, and said he saw the avalanche and would give everyone a proper burial when the snows melted a bit.  Callien and Spivey got information from him on the pass, and the path to Kuldahar, while the other three lifted Rolf to his feet and packed up their belongings.  As the hermit walked back to his cottage, Spivey scanned the horizon, and noted many goblin-size creatures patrolling.

“More goblin archers,” he warned, drawing his bow.  They soon had engaged several bands of goblins spread throughout the pass, then a cadre of Orcs led by Uligar that had taken over a mill and killed its owners.  After dispatching them, Venecia found a boy, Jermsy, hiding in a closet, and convinced him to head to Kuldahar for safety.  Next they found a confused Ogre, staying in a tower because of some headache, and left him there for now.  Finally they went around to a Goblin base camp, where giant Beetles were eating several goblins.  All creatures were slain, and the party continued to Kuldahar, bruised and tired.

————-

In Kuldahar, they were met by some eager villagers, excited at their presence.  They were directed to Arundel, who explained the history of Kuldahar, its druids, and the evil forces that now plagued it.  He made it clear that the Vale of Shadows should be the first stop for the party, but agreed that they should take a day or two to rest and prepare.  Kaylen began asking him about the Druidic path, and Arundel gave her a recipe to cure the ailing Ogre, explaining that curing him may atone for all the slaying the party had done. 

Kaylen, along with Jaylen and Venecia, set out back to the pass to cure the Ogre.  Rolf headed straight for the tavern, and Spivey and Callien were left to their own devices.  Spivey explored the town, meeting the only other halfling at the Inn, but exploring the top rooms the halfling acted suspicious about his ownership of the inn.  Sure enough, soon he found a legacy ring from the previous owner, proving that the Inn belonged to the people, and not the halfling. 

Callien visited the shops, and the mage tower, asking everyone for supplies for his heroic party here to save Kuldahar. Suprisingly, the shop owners were not interested in giving him their wares – they were demanding money!  Callien fought with them incredulously – “We’re here to save YOUR town!  You could certainly spare several of those magical swords,” he shouted at Conlan, the smithy.  The townsfolk were unimpressed and unmoved. 

Eventually, and somewhat out of boredom, Callien began to entertain the thought of stealing a few supplies off of the townsfolk – if only temporarily, to aid the party’s chances.  After all, they were about to enter a dangerous crypt crawling with undead – the magic ring Arundel kept in his pocket would certainly serve Callien while on this perilous quest better than staying in Arundel’s pocket!  He was able to similarly convince Orrick, the mage in the north tower, to find a few low-level spells on his shelves while Callien helped himself to a magic amulet on the desk nearby.  While paying for the scrolls, Callien swiped yet another ring, similar to Arundel’s.  The gnome was the easiest mark – a distracted and confused fellow, he didn’t notice Callien swiping three potions or a magical necklace. 

By the time Venecia, Kaylen, and Jaylen arrived back in town, Callien had too much for himself, and shared the extra amulet and ring, to the astonishment of his comrades.  As they put on their new equipment, they head a commotion on the west side of town – Yeti had chased the townsperson, Mirek, back through the tundra.  The party handily defeated them, saving Mirek, and heard Mirek’s plea for assistance in obtaining his family symbol.  After selling the Yeti pelts to Conlan, and picking up some final supplies, the party prepared to head out to the Vale of Shadows.

Caravan search, wrapping up Prologue

“What kind of blade do you use?” Venecia Ashfell asked.  “Kaylen uses the scimitar, and I am very comfortable with any longsword – bastard, broad, no matter.  What’s you specialty?”

Callien Cane grimaced.  “Rapier, actually.  But I fenced a lot with foil, too.” 

Venecia looked at him, shaking her head.  Rapiers weren’t common on this side of Faerun.  Foils were tiny fencing blades, more for show than damage.  You could run someone through with a piercing jab, but it was hardly a killing blow in most cases.  With Rolf swinging his axe, and her with sword and shield, the bard would need something bigger.  “How about two-handed sword?” she asked brightly.

Callien blanched.  “The barbarian weapon?  I’ve used epees and sabres, but…that’s just a rather blunt instrument, isn’t it?”

“No, it’s quite sharp,” Venecia corrected.  Callien sighed at the missed metaphor.  “If you’re not going to be front line, you need to reach with a longer weapon.  And if you’re not going to use a shield, you might as well get all the force you can into your stroke.  The two-handed blade will be best for you.”  And with that, they entered Pomab’s shop to equip him. 

———–

Spivey was the first to see the overturned caravan, with empty crates spilling out into the snow.  He advanced to it, quickly and quietly, spotting the blood on the carriage seat and some large humanoid tracks to and from the area.  “Bigger than goblins,” he said.  He scanned the horizon where the footprints led as Kaylen appeared beside him.  “Is that a cave?” he asked.  Kaylen squinted through the light snow. 

“You have some eyes, halfling.  That may be a cave.”  Kaylen rose and drew her scimitar, signaling to the others.  Rolf reached back and pulled out his large axe.  Spivey and Callien knocked their bows, and Jaylen unravelled his sling with his right arm.  Venecia pulled down the faceplate on her helmet, and led the way into the dark. 

The orcs were organized and ready – at first, just a few rushing Rolf and Venecia.  But soon, there was more of them eight, ten at a time, firing arrows, with the orc shamans channeled spells, cursing.  Jaylen was injured right away, and Spivey was hit hard when an orc spotted him moving in for a backstab.  Kaylen was struck in the side by an arrow, and Callien took a few cuts while swinging his sword in close combat.  But the party continued through the caves, slaying another shaman, and finding some minor treasures.

Soon Spivey had snuck ahead and spotted the main chamber, where a huge Ogre stood with his orcish troops.  “Ogre,” he whispered as he returned to the group.  “Big, mean…and not alone.”

Rolf looked unimpressed.  “I’m not leaving this cave with any of them alive,” he said.  Kaylen looked pained, but said nothing.  Jaylen and Callien looked slightly scared, holding their wounds. 

Venecia looked at Spivey.  “You lead them back, and Rolf and I will take the Ogre.”  She turned to the rest of the group.  “Hang back,” she whispered.  “Use slings and arrows – Rolf and I will barricade them as best we can.”  She nodded to Spivey to go ahead and grab their attention.  “Probably want to knock that crossbow,” she told Rolf.  “Might get off a few shots before the Ogre closes in.”

It was a tight battle, but they survived, slaying the Ogre and his Orcish minions.  They gathered the spoils – a few gems into Spivey’s collection, a few scrolls they tossed to Callien – and a very important letter from the caravan driver.  They agreed to take that back to Horthgar, and give him a detailed account of their findings.

On the way back, Jaylen insisted on examining the scrolls with Callien.  Callien copied one of them into his spellbook – Blur – but was having trouble with the other, some Horror spell.  Jaylen was able to assit him in transcribing it.  “You’re a bright lad,” Callien remarked.  “Why did you head to the priesthood, instead of mage school?  You could have done better than I did.”

Jaylen smiled, proud of his mind’s ability to work with magic.  “I still plan on working with sorcery,” he said.  “But preparing my body and mind, through prayer – mastering those divine energies before working with the arcane, seemed a prudent move.”  He eyed Callien’s spellbook.  “Please, Bard – keep any extra scrolls you may obtain for my benefit.  I plan on beginning to work with sorcery once I am released from Everard’s tutelage.  Perhaps you can show me a few things on the way to Kuldahar from your book?”

Callien Cane smiled wide.  “Young man, most likely you will be teaching me before long.  All the same, if you can keep that private from Hrothgar, I would appreciate it.” 

————-

With news of the caravan, Hrothgar instructed them to pack up and be ready to move.  After a last round of supplies at Pomab’s, and a few hours’ rest at the Inn, they met Hrothgar at the tavern and prepared to set out.  Spivey fell back in with his Elven companion, and Callien hung as close to Hrothgar as possible, speaking of his battle in the orc cave.  The three human friends stayed close, but spoke little, deep in thought.  Rolf stayed at the front, waddling through the snow, and occasionally sipping from his flask.  There were others in the group too – the three rogues from Waterdeep, the dwarf from the Tavern, and two more haggard mercenaries.  Fourteen in all.

On the second day of travel, Hrothgar grew quiet and distant, and was always scanning the mountains.  A few times he went to a spyglass, trying to see through the swirling white, and he grew more grim with each passing hour.  He hesitated at one point, before entering a narrow pass, but just urged everyone on, as quickly and quietly as possible.  “We’re almost to Kuldahar Pass,” he said.  “There are a few houses, and a mill, just around this bend -”

Without warning, the earth began to shake, and a loud rumbling filled the air.  Above them, on the mountain ridge, huge blue-white humanoids were smashing the earth.  Others hefted huge boulders and chunks of ice, throwing them into the pass, onto the facing ledge.  Snow began to rush downhill.

“Run!” Hrothgar shouted.  He began to move, but was weight down by his heavy plate.  “Head for the pass, make it to Kuldahar if you can!”

Soon rushing snow was bearing down on them, knocking the dwarf off her feet.  Spivey ran with all his might, passing the elf he was travelling with.  Soon he felt the rush of wind behind him, and turned to see a huge boulder that had been flung from atop the ridge.  The elf was nowhere.  Spivey turned back to the pass and ran faster. 

Callien saw a chunk of ice fall onto one of the mercenaries, and heard the snap of his bones as he screamed beneath it.  He had outpaced Hrothgar easily, sprinting in his light chain mail, but looked up with horror as a flood of snow approached them.  The three rogues from Waterdeep had turned and run back, hoping to outpace the snowdrift, but they were consumed within seconds, disappearing within the white onslaught. 

Venecia and the siblings were close to the left side of the canyon, and had been able to avoid most of the giants throwing boulders from above them.  They now hurried forward towards the pass.  “Rolf!” Venecia cried, spotting the dwarf trying to run in his splint mail.  She prayed as hard as she could that her stocky friend would make it – but she saw the white tide was coming too fast. 

“Get to Arundel!” a voice boomed behind them.  Hrothgar turned just as the snow reached him, and it hit him full force, knocking him flat, then running over him in sheets.  He disappeared from sight in seconds.  The last mercenary struggled to catch up to Venecia and her companions, but several hurled icepicks from above blocked his movements.  He turned to face the rising avalanche, holding his breath as it struck him.

Around the bend, Kaylen and Jaylen had made it to relative safety, arriving into the pass beyond the mountains.  Soon Callien Cane was with them, stopping to catch his breath.  The halfling, Spivey, came along next, deftly avoiding falling ice with amazing grace.  Venecia stood at the crest of the hill, shouting to Rolf, who was slowly being overcome by the avalanche.  Soon it was to his knees, then thighs, and finally it hit him in the back and knocked him over.  Venecia shrieked as he fell under the weight of the snow. 

From above, a deep laugh echoed, as the Frost Giants departed, pleased at the destruction they had wrought.  The four humans and one halfling watch the snow shift and settle, Venecia tearing up.  She dropped her pack and shield where she stood and went back into the canyon, stifling back tears. 

———-

Prologue, cont’d

Spivey cocked an arrow and hit the last goblin in the back as he was running away.  The priest, Jaylen, had some bad wounds on his chest and right arm.  He was not to worried about them, however, and soon was praying and summoning a yellowish magical energy to heal him.  The cuts healed, and soon he was picking over the goblin bodies, finding a very high quality Morningstar to replace his mace. 

“Thanks for your help,” the tall armored girl was saying.  Spivey looked up at her – she had looked timid in the inn, but in battle she was as fierce as anyone Spivey had ever seen.  Definitely the type of warrior that he could use – someone to fight blade to blade while he crept around or shot arrows from afar.  He met the siblings – Jaylen and Kaylen – and the four shared a few quiet moments before heading back toward the inn.

With the fish returned to Damien, Jaylen suggested they report to Hrothgar what they had just encountered, and let him know a small band of goblins was invading his town.  When they got to Hrothgar’s abode, he was arguing with a tall, shaggy haired man in bright red clothing.  The man had a lute and bow slung on his back, and many pouches and scrolls – even a satchel like a mage would carry his spellbook in. 

“Jhonyn’s account proves it!” the bard was saying.  “I have significant powers, Hrothgar.  And you don’t have any mages for this expedition, so you need me.  I can speak to sea elves, and command some magical energies – certainly that will comein handy!”

Venecia interrupted, telling Hrothgar of the band of goblins on the southeast edge of town.  Hrothgar became concerned, and relayed that the latest caravan – of goods going to Pomab – had not yet arrived.  Since the caravan was coming from the southeast, he reasoned that it may have been captured or pillages by a similar maurading horde.  “Can you venture out East and scout around a bit, while we finalize our preparations?” he asked.  “We should set out tomorrow, but if you can track down the caravan, we’ll know if we have reason to wait.”

Venecia nodded quickly.  “We can all go,” she said.  “Spivey, the halfling here, has proven quite useful with the bow.  We can pick up Rolf at the Tavern and head out right away, five strong.”

Hrothgar looked at the bard.  “Six is a better number,” he said.  “Meet Callien Cane.  He is apparently a man of…several talents.  Blade, magic, music, and lots of talking.  Please, take him with you.  Seek out the caravans and let us know what their status is.”

Callien Cane looked suddenly nervous.  Being one in a party of some twelve or twenty, with heroes like Hrothgar, saving the land, was a grand tale.  Being in a rag-tag group of six, hunting goblins in the frozen wasteland, was decidedly less appealing.  “But, Hrothgar…I have to study magic, to make sur eI can assist you with -”

“Go!  Now!”  Hrothgar looked as if he was about to boot him.  “If you’re any of the ten things you’ve said you are, you can certainly handle a jaunt in the countryside.  Hurry up, all of you – with each passing hour, the fate of Kuldahar grows darker.”

——-

The Four Arrive

Hrothgar had barely finished his speech, and Rolf Durdin was already turning away to the barkeep for an ale.  He had heard all he needed to – Hrothgar was a fine warrior, and had made it a point to collect a band of swords together to aid Kuldahar, some druidic haven to the north.  That seemed well and good enough, so now it was just waiting for the party to set out.  And waiting without a drink would be painful.

Kaylen, the elder of the siblings, stood stoic while Hrothgar left the tavern.  Venecia Ashfell, her beautiful friend, appeared anxious – most likely eager to begin her journey and obtain full Paladin status.  The girls were very close, and the whole last leg of the trip had bothered Rolf slightly.  All these young kids, humans, so anxious to run off in search of glory or meaning, altogether too likely to get themselves killed.  He’d had to stay with them and most likely cover their arses while they horsed around and found out what the real world was like.  And for that, he’d need some ale.

But the barkeep had none.  Or at least, she wasn’t supplying any.  When Rolf stared her down, she admitted that there was ale downstairs, but a pack of large bugs had scared her off.  Grabbing his axe, Rolf motioned for the group to follow him, and went on a short bug squishing expedition downstairs.  Once he was finished, he hauled a barrel up over his head, and ascended the steps.  “I’ll be here for a while,” he told the others.  “Go off to the temple, get your friend.  Start prepping for more travel.”

Kaylen and Venecia, after cleaning their own weapons, left the tavern and headed to the Temple of Tempus.  Everard greeted them, and after some conversation about the upcoming expedition, he took them to Jaylen’s quarters, where the young priest was meditating.  Soon his eyes felw open, and he recognized his sister, running to her and embracing her.  He asked for a short time to himself, to confer with Everard about the upcoming journey, and to finish his preparations.  He told the girls he would meet them at the Inn. 

On their way to the Inn, Venecia and Kaylen ran into Apsel, a poor fisher that was locked out of his house.  When he complained about the wolf inside, Venecia wanted to go in and destroy it, while Kaylen fought with her, saying it could be led away peacefully.  When the worl attacked and Venecia subdued it, Kaylen was furious, and went in the other direction.  That’s when she met the fisherman, who begged her to purchase wine for him.  In an effort to undo Venecia’s ‘good deed’, she gave the wino his drink, hoping that perhaps soon there would be one less fisherman pillaging the seas.

———-

Spivey was at the Inn, haggling over the room price, and was pretty set on sleeping in the carriage, when he met Erevain, an elf warrior that had recently been through Kuldahar.  He pulled himself up onto a chair and spoke with Erevain at length, gathering details – and thankful for the convesation.  He watched as several more people entered the inn – first a burly, armored girl with dark red hair, then a beautiful warrior with sling and scimitar, and finally what appeared to be her brother, a taller skinnier young man with remarkably similar facial characteristics.  The two women were arguing, something about morals or a balance, when a young child ran in claiming he had been attacked at the outskirts of the town.  He claimed some animals had stolen his fish – goblins, from the sound of his description.

The three humans quickly ran out to confront the gobin attackers.  Erevain seemed disinterested, so Spivey excused himself and ran out after them.  That sling looked like no match for goblin archers, and he had no desire to see potentially interesting crewmates meet an early demise by goblin arrows.

Prologue

Spivey stared our across the barren wasteland as the carriage rumbled forward.  The ride was very bumpy, with all the snow and ice, and Spivey was cold.  He was already thinking that this was a bad idea, these last few days seeing the countryside grow more sparsely populated, more white and open, and colder.  None of these were good signs for him – no crowds to hide in, no natural cover or camouflage, and no heat. 

To add to that, the silent Elf on his coming-of-age quest was no great conversationalist – he spent much of his time meditating or in prayer.  Spivey originally thought he was a warrior, by the weaponry he carried, but he was now pretty sure he was just a priest.  From a decent family, by the cushy carriage and the amount of gold he carried – a few pieces of which Spivey had snuck away coyly. 

Eventually Easthaven was in sight, and Spivey urged the horses on to a gallop.  He was anxious to be indoors, in a warm bed.  And to see who else would be in this adventuring party – hopefully, someone tougher than a coming-of-age elven priest.

———–

Callien Cane was in a pickle.  When he first joined up with his group – a trio of mercenary rogues from Waterdeep – he was able to convince them to take him along because of his swordsman skills.  He could certainly out-parry them with a rapier or foil, and juggling and balancing the blades impressed them enough as well.  But now Hrothgar had seen through his act, pointing out the dullness of his blades and his lack of skill with an actual attack, and judged him as a liability to the expedition.

Callien had tried to convince him that a scribe would be necessary, to capture the glory of the travels – but Hrothgar was not interested in glory.  Then, he had tried to convince Hrothgar that a travelling Bard could weave stories around the campfire, and play songs during the day to keep the adventurers light on their feet – and Hrothgar had mentioned drawing attention to the party, and the danger of Giants or other creatures taking notice.  Hrothgar had said that the only thing they needed – after the much-anticipated Paladin girl from the low country – was magic users.  And Callien Cane hated magic. 

He had snuck into the private loft above Pomab’s Emporium, while the sniveling shopkeeper was busy with the Waterdeep trio, and found two scrolls with mage spells on them.  He had managed to copy one into his old spellbook from mage school – something about a flying Orb – but he doubted very much that he could actually cast it, if called upon.  And Hrothgar would certainly demand a demonstration.  After trying in vain to memorize his old cantrips, which he hadn’t used in about two years – since his early Carnival escapades, he gave up and decided there must be a better way to join the ranks of the adventuring party.

That’s when Callien bumped into Jhonyn, and heard his story of the sea-witch in his dreams.  After spending about an hour with him, Callien could play the tune on his lute, and was trying to decipher where it could have originated from.  While sitting on the west docks and contemplating, the blue elf arose from the water, and began to sing with him.  Stunned, Callien learned what he could, and soon he was communicating via song.  By nightfall, Jhonyn’s sword was returned, and Callien had a new song, some local fame spreading, and a hefty jewel in his pocket. 

Hrothgar had to take him along now.  But just to be sure, he took Jhonyn with him, and stressed that he should explain that Callien’s magic powers wooed the sea elf.