[CONCLUDED] Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

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Kilaana
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[CONCLUDED] Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

Postby Kilaana » Wed Feb 03, 2016 1:53 am

Image

Background:

See this topic for Part 1.

Hroin's party has returned from the depths. But this was no ordinary dwarven foray, though led by a single Dwarf. With him came Humans and Elves alike - handpicked by the master arcanist himself. Now the time has come to find what has been sought for many moons, a fortress deep in the bowels of the earth according to dwarven legend. But how deep? And what dangers await? And more importantly, who shall lay claim to this stronghold, if it even exists...?

Event Notes:
This is a player-driven event organized by Holy_Rage and is expected to initiate on 21st February 2016 with the possibility of extension to a few days. Players are free to come and go as they see fit, although some persistency is expected i.e. if you decide to play Character X for the duration of the expedition, try to stay with this character instead of suddenly switching out as far as it makes IC sense. Time-bubbles are allowed at your own discretion if the need arises for your PC to be taken elsewhere when the event is not actively running. DM availibility is not guaranteed throughout this event although it may happen where time permits.

A heavy emphasis on surviving the dark is the theme of this event.

As this is a heavy-RP event mixed with some dungeoneering, players should arrive with the expectation that storyline takes precedence over monster-bashing here.

Player Level and Group Size:
Holy_Rage has specified that a maximum party of 7-8 will be taken for this event. Recruitment has already begun beforehand and those who are to accompany the Dwarf would know of this ICly. Because of the nature of the plot, it is impossible to involve every character on the server during this event, as much of it relies upon the Dwarf's relationships with specific characters; whom he trusts and whom he cares to bring with him on this journey.

As the mountains hold no mercy for the weak and faint of heart, low-level players should ensure that they are stocked for the journey with medical supplies, food, a tentkit and anything else necessary for survival.

Location:
The expedition shall gather at the trader's campsite along the Royal Road (i.e. The Royal Road: Hillside).

See you there!
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


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Kilaana
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Re: Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

Postby Kilaana » Sun Feb 21, 2016 5:28 pm

This has been postponed to Friday, 26th February.
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


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Kilaana
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Re: Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

Postby Kilaana » Sat Feb 27, 2016 7:48 pm

Due to server technical difficulties, this event will be postponed until further notice, once DM capability for the server has been restored.
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


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Kilaana
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Re: Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

Postby Kilaana » Wed Mar 16, 2016 4:09 pm

This event is slated to continue on 1st April, Friday (and no, that's actually not a joke).
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


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Kilaana
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Re: Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

Postby Kilaana » Mon Apr 04, 2016 11:07 pm

Due to some unforeseen illness, our resident Dwarf could not make it to the above date. However, the expedition will be expected to resume this Friday, 8th April.
“Violence is the mark of the amateur.” ― Garrett, Thief: The Dark Project

Kallian | Delorwyn Lle'quellas | Wilhemina Alencar | Zalika Maszim Zartusht
Cedric Lesàre


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Copper Dragon
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The Lost Stronghold - Event Summary I

Postby Copper Dragon » Sat Apr 09, 2016 1:33 pm

No Stone Unturned

OOC: The following is a summary of what happens during the player-initiated event. Note that PCs who couldn't make it do not know all these details, because the participants have not yet returned to tell the tale. This is for your OOC enjoyment, to sate your curiosity and bring a sense for what transpired; but, it is also to acknowledge the PCs and players during Holy_Rage's quest, and to be able to look back to this fondly one day. Note that the descriptions are still kept vague so as not to spoil the fun of discovering locations, monsters, etc.

8th Tarsakh, 1363 DR - Day 1
Cold-Eyes, the Old Grey, the Seeker, Hróin son of Bróin is more brittle than ever - and yet more determined than ever. He gathers a roll of names for the journey that is to come, a sojourn from which there is possibly no return. The old dwarf sought places that had not seen the light of day for aeons, if ever. Places where creatures dark and horrible roamed. Perhaps not all who have come have fully accepted this as truth; some may be in denial, some may have confidence. Those that the old dwarf carefully picked all offered to go with him in the end. But at the end of the day, when the curtain of rocks falls, their thoughts may have changed...

The roll of the names was such: Aryen Caladras, the master tracker; Barnabis Bullroy the wall-in-stride and his maul Lothar; Celith Galiner, the master of wings and wilds; Dhovainithil, the silver elf maiden; Elis Cairnestone, the Forestarm and warden of the wild places; Kallian, the watchful shadow; Maera Thlantyr, the bringer of moonlight to the darkest places; Perry Quietfoot, brave and quick as hin go; Miss Pine, as of today no more Apprentice of Hróin's for good or ill; Unger mac Rotu, veteran skirmisher.
Spoiler:
Their expedition started along a traveller's waystop on the Royal Road. With all gathered they set out guided by the Dwarf-friend tracker Aryen, and soon they veered off the road to meet the wilds head-on. They skirted woods where large goblinkin held sway, and while they hoped to avoid battle so as to keep their supplies optimal for the true dire situations next, they did have to fight a contingent of bugbears. Some were felled - more were alerted; and the Delvers Deep rushed towards the means of their escape, to tunnels, led by their wildrunner companions. The hollers and howls of the bugbears followed them dangerously close to their heels, but then the howl of a wolf broke their concerto - and the goblinkin's stride. From the sidelines an attack upon the bugbears ensued: and while the Delvers Deep could journey on, they had to leave an ally behind, Aryen, who together with lupine allies drew the bugbears away. He bought them time to continue, to disappear, and they took their chance.

What came next took hours to complete, but may only take a few breaths to explain; for they trudged and climbed through tunnels and crevices, advancing steadily, cautiously, into the stone underbelly of Impiltur, with little event to speak of for a time. They stirred a ferocious troll and defeated it; and then they came upon the strangest and likely most imposing challenge yet: a hulk, a menace, a giant that spoke to itself... for reasons the Delvers Deep, should they survive to tell of all this, would surely share. The group conferred at length how to bypass the creature, and while their halfling companion's bravery, Perry's, gave them the chance to a peaceful passage, the dwarves still wanted giant's blood to flow, and giant's blood flowed indeed.

Not without dangerous results, however - the giant's fall shook the floor and ceiling so deeply that the unstable cave started to collapse right around and above the Delvers Deep. It was a race for their lives, a race against the grumbling stone crashing down around them.

They escaped with all companions accounted for; if with injuries cruel and terrible. Celith Galiner, Perry Quietfoot and Dhovainithil had the most skill - or in the case of the one, halfling luck and speed! - to avoid the boulderous blows, and their maneauvers helped see their companions through, pushing or shoving an ally out of harm's way. Once within safety again, Maera's holy moonlit blessings helped ease the wounds of the dwarves and Barnabis that gravely got injured; and the care of Our Lady of the Forest was channeled through Elis' murmurs, bringing relief.

They made it past the monstrosity and even the collapse, but they wouldn't be able to continue any farther without respite and without spending precious supplies. And their delving had only just begun...
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)

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Kerstman
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Re: Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

Postby Kerstman » Mon Apr 11, 2016 5:24 pm

OOC: I took the liberty to provide follow-up on Copper's post since she logged out earlier than most yesterday. For the rest I echo the OOC statements that were made in the previous post. All these events happen in the deep earth.
Spoiler:
Quite unaware of the passing of time the party was in dire need of a rest. They made the best of it in the dark cavern after it was established as safe and stable enough. However, the knowledge of the collapsed way behind them, the wounds they suffered, the dark cold cave and the worries of what still had to come were all playing their part in not making it a comfortable rest. The combined knowledge of the druidess Elis and the hin Perry, who puts mushrooms in many a meal, made the party deem it safe to harvest a full sack of mushroom caps. These would keep the company on their feet for a day or two more, if rations would be handed out sparsely. The younger dwarf Unger was appointed to be a quartermaster and he seemed to take this task very seriously. Those of elven blood would have to find other food sources since the funghi were poisonous for them, but thankfully the pale singer Dhovainithil had some extra supplies for them.

The scouts then explored the only tunnel they could travel, the rest of the party following closely behind. Celith, elven mountain scout discovered treacherous vines in the deep caves. The subterranean flora tried to grab the moving legs. At first it did not seem to be a great threat, but the company was cautious, perhaps too cautious as they took their time. Then the plants suddenly grew and they became more vicious. Hróin his gruff voice rang loudly through the caverns as he commanded everyone to move through a tunnel, but the vines' grip had grown stronger and far more treacherous. Dhovainithil and Celith were dragged down fiercely and it took the others much effort to cut them loose. Kallian was quickly at Celith's side and was the first to pull him out. Barnabis' his enormous maul made short work of the vines that entangled the pale elf and she could be rescued.

After a brief regrouping they smelled a pleasant aroma after passing through a tunnel, but the dwarves quickly concluded that it was not be trusted. Funghi-folk known also as Myconids were discovered and Hróin was firm in suggesting to debate with them. To some it was surprising that the Selunite Maera understood the language of these creatures. She and the old dwarf were invited to an audience with the myconid king. Only to Maera the exact words of the king are known, but a diplomatic solution was reached. The creatures would offer passing if a toll of gems and magic items would be paid. Several gems, stones that serve a purpose as trap components and wands were offered. The myconids accepted all the gifts and held up their end of the bargain. Before parting the group was warned of other creatures which they called 'green dwarves'.

Further down into the depths they went until the company laid eyes upon an old ancient structure. This is what Hróin declared as their destination and he spoke inspiring words to his tired and grim allies. It did not last long before there was another battle. Several goblins of the fiercest kind together with a single troll were slain successfully. But this was still a small part of their force. Overwhelmed by the sight of the old stones and the dwarven craftmanship, even if in ruin, the party made a mistake by moving into the open. Several of the goblins that overheard the earlier fight laid in waiting and ambushed the party by launching acid-tipped arrows in a most fierce manner. It was Unger that took several arrows in his back and legs and he fell. The party took formation in a more defensive position and dispatched of these archers too, but not without being even more wounded. Many healing supplies were spent.

This was the moment to use the materials and spells that were prepared before they descended into the dark depths. Many traps of various types were crafted and deployed in the open area to where the enemies would be lured. The spellcasters miss Pine and Hróin prepared their blessings, providing summons of various types. The druidess took the form of a wild animal that seemed fit for the fight. A most vicious battle was fought and many of the deep goblins ran into the ambush. Leaving them burnt, electrocuted, stunned and tangled. The vicious creatures were surprised and overwhelmed by this, leaving plenty of opportunity for the company of the tunnels to launch killer shots and strike final blows. An overload of supplies was used, but at least this ensured that minimal harm was brought to the company. After no more enemies could be located within close proximity it was decided to call a second halt here, for the ruins had to be inspected and all of them were in dire need of rest and recovery... but a way back was not readily available since there was still only one way to go to the first camp and even if they would again pass unharmed through the Myconid terrain that way would lead to a dead end.
Mains
Fenneken : Obscure arcanist
Leopold Thunersdai : Damaran Tempurian
Aleks : Rashemi barbie


Alts
Unger mac Rotu : Earthfast tunnel recon dwarf
Badger: Mute hin archer

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Copper Dragon
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The Lost Stronghold - Event Summary III

Postby Copper Dragon » Thu Apr 14, 2016 4:38 pm

OOC: The following is a summary of what happens during the player-initiated event. Note that PCs who couldn't make it do not know all these details, because the participants have not yet returned to tell the tale.

11-12th Tarsakh, 1363DR - Day 4 and 5
Dwarf, human, hin and elf were not to be seen resurfacing. The places they haunt in the Lands Above must feel their absence stretch on a little longer; but perhaps that is not a concern when Adventurers are involved, is it? They come and go so quickly, unannounced. For them though, day and night melted together seamlessly, and while they could sense time's passage, they had little means of telling just how much.
Spoiler:
But aye, indeed: so it was that they found the first true signs of what they sought. Strong walls of dwarven work, ornamented by the chaotic array of countless bones, blanketed by the dust of so many slumbering years. It was an important find, but the Delvers Deep had not reached their destination - only a glimpse of the right direction.

They would have to work away the rubble and rocks that stood in the way of the deeper dwarven complex. And work they did. While the canny trapmakers among them - Celith, Unger, and Miss Pine too - prepared snares and tripwires around the perimeter for their safety, some began to peel away at the obstacles to their passage. Pickaxes were taken to hand and exhausting labour began - it seems wherever dwarves are involved, or the Old Grey One, there is blood and sweat to be shed in equal measure. The Delvers Deep toiled, with an impressive contribution delivered by Maera the Moon-bathed (peculiarly, perhaps!) cracking stones in half relentlessly with the pickaxe. Hróin and his once-was (or still-is?) apprentice, miss Pine, took shelter a ways back to discuss the workings of metal and fire and the forge, as they've been known to do.

Soon, hopefully, the passage would be cleared. As much rest as possible would be seized before they ventured forth - for the greatest danger yet might await them just around the corner. Will they all make it back to Impiltur? Will any?
Plays:
Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnmaster
Udhana, the Kinless
Dhovainithil, Silver Elf
Jhasira of the Bai Kabor, Dawnbringer (deceased)

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Holy_Rage
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Re: Player Event: The Lost Stronghold

Postby Holy_Rage » Fri Apr 15, 2016 7:40 am

And with yesterday's events yet another chapter of this tale comes to its end. I would like to thank all those involved in the third expedition, starting with Hagra who really brought the areas to a meticulous, detail-inspiring life, a joy to behold; Obsidian Sea for his tireless and inspired DMing on a party that sometime had ten members at some point and who took several brilliant twists on the company's established beliefs; and last, but not least, the expedition's players who RPed in a way that took a glorified Underdark venture and made it into a tale that has become one of the most memorable fantasy stories I remember up to this date. All of you, Builders, DMs and Players, should be very proud: our adventure at moments had a certain Tolkien-esque feeling and yes, that's darn difficult to accomplish and sustain. And to be able to witness such, I consider myself lucky.

I thought this was to going to be the last expedition, in one way or another.
Boy, how wrong was I...

To Be Continued...
Current PCs:
Hróin | Ygrak Ironflame

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Obsidian Sea
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Re: Player Event: The Lost Stronghold [Concluded]

Postby Obsidian Sea » Fri Apr 15, 2016 10:06 am

Nearly one tenday has passed since an unlikely company was sighted upon The Royal Road, gathering at the behest of a Dwarf who, by all accounts, appears as old as the nation of Impiltur itself. What would any simple Impilturan have thought of them all? Two Dwarves; Hróin, the leader of the expedition; and Unger mac Rotu, another, though of a different clan and obligation. They are joined by the Halfling, Perry Quietfoot, who continues to set the legendary standard of random talent for his race, being a shopkeeper and purveyor of magical goods in Sarshel, and a fearless doer of deeds fit for the memorial in the finest Bardic colleges. With them travel Miss Pine and Barnabis Bullroy, esteemed advocates of two very different talents. Miss Pine's resourcefulness and her aptitude for things Arcana, if they were not previously proven, is soon to be made evident to her adventurous colleagues. Barnabis Bullroy, proud wielder of Lothar, surpasses the skill of any swordsman with his weapon of choice. Into the depths of the earth at the side of Hróin go the two Wood Elves once again, Celith Galiner, and Kallian. They say that Elves live for centuries: is this by some mandate of the Gods that spares this pair from the dangers of the deep? They have seen much peril at the side of the Shield Dwarf, and shall do so again. This time, they are accompanied by the esteemed Elf of The Crowning Glory Inn and The Heltharn Theatre, if either proud establishment can truly lay claim to her alien presence and mind. She is Dhovainithil; 'Dove'. To add to their number, the recently-received Aglarondan, Maera Thlantyr, brings the light of the night with the party: the mercy of The Moonmaiden. Little-known to even the party in its fledgling state, the Forestarm is among them, a wing from the sky and the unshakable roots of the great oak also. She is Elis Cairnestone. Guided to an alleged entryway into the depths by the Ranger of the west, Aryen Caladras, an onlooker might rightly believe that none of their number would be seen again as they cross an icy river, and disappear into The Wood of Tusks.

And so, unaware of this gathering, it is with great surprise that the gatekeeper of Songhall witnesses the arrival of this party at the walls of the fortress, at the heart of which lies a great library. Each one looks worse for wear wearied by travel; starved by hunger; and dried by drought. With all of their unlikeliness and strange circumstance, the party are ushered towards the inn, where warmth and domesticity receives them the first time in what appears to be an age?

What occurred below? They each survive, though experiences new are written in their faces. The Ranger, Aryen Caladras, is not with them. Dead? Fortuitously, a Bard is among them - the only being fit to tell the truth of their terrible tale. But will it be told? Negotiation with a deep and alien kingdom; Giants of such size that they host two heads; a Halfling's bravery, leaping a wall of fire to slay a Goblin Mage; and a Dwarven ritual fit to anger the very heart of the mountain itself.

This and more did they experience below, if ever you hear their tale. If you do not, perhaps that is for the better. And reader, I urge you do not go looking for what they sought, for there is a world below this one which entertains the sky, and in that dark place, death is as catching as the scent of the conifers, bouyed on the cold winds that blows through the Impilturan forests.
Heomar Bloodstone

Previous Characters
Aryen Caladras
Tristan Thalavar
Nathaniel Askovar
Elizabeth van der Lowe


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