Session 8 Downtime: The Blasti-bros

The Blasti-bros (Blastikus and Brother Sully)

Blastikus and Brother Sully make a quick detour to the village of Eilifsdalsa to confer with Blastikus' henchmen, Jack Stabby and Johnny Crush. The trip is uneventful (no random encounters) and they reach the village in early evening. The duo wearily make their way to Maison de Blastikus on the outskirts of town and find the half orcs throwing axes in the fields behind his abode. A lamb roasts on the spit, filling the air with the sumptuous aroma of dinner.

"At least you're not both stinking drunk yet", Blastikus says as they unsaddle their horses and ready to put them out to pasture for the evening.

"Eh, well we just woke up a few hours ago," Jack replies as he retrieves an axe from the center of the target. "Heh...you've both seen better days. What happened to yer chums?"

"Philosophical differences," Blastikus replies, fixing the insolent half-orc with a gaze that warns the subject is closed. "We're moving to Old Brightwood in the morning."

"About time," Johnny replies, giving the lamb a turn on the spit. "The locals don't like us much and we're getting bored. Someone might go missing, otherwise. We need some fun."

"Not here, you won't. I need this place to stay quiet and out of the way in case we need it later. Old Brightwood is a little more...fluid, shall we say. I think some loot would go a long ways to treating your boredom, eh?"

"That it would, boss, that it would. What's the plan?", Jack asks.

"Go to the village center tomorrow after Sully and I leave. Get a pair of draft horses and a wagon and load up all my equipment from the cabin. Hire some of the local imbeciles if you need to - they have strong backs, at least. Meet us in Old Brightwood as soon as possible and be ready for some action when you do. That rube Redneck is out for blood because he blames us for Fitzy joining the ancients. Regardless of what happens with him, we all need some coin so we'll find some up north. Is everything clear? I detest repeating myself."

"Clear as crystal, milord," Johnny replies with a wicked grin. "Finally some fun!"

After eating, Sully and Blastikus confer about their course of action. They both agree that the treasure hoard in the Oni maps cannot be ignored, but not at their current strength. They decide to try to recruit some more companions upon arrival in Old Brightwood and explore any local leads they may uncover. The refugees in Fort Rackham mentioned that there were several large ruins throughout the countryside that the hordes took over as bases. Old stories claim there was fantastic treasure to be had, so both agree it's worth investigating further. They turn in for the night, agreeing to leave before dawn to avoid drawing any unwelcome attention from the gossiping villagers.

As planned, the duo rise in the darkness of early morning and uneventfully take the northern road to Old Brightwood, a city of some 50,000 souls. The journey is smooth, with no random encounters. They reach the city in late afternoon and immediately notice the heavy military presence throughout the city. The walls are manned with crossbowmen and artillerists and all entrances are heavily guarded. Frequent patrols keep the streets eerily clear, enforcing an oppressive silence on the once vibrant city. Upon the recommendation of one of the guards, they make their way to the Oak Tree Inn and find a densely populated common room of an otherwise comfortable in. All conversations are in hushed tones and few of the customers even bother to look in their direction. 

"Quite the lively bunch, eh?", Sully remarks.

"It's better this way, you know. Low interest gives us greater freedom to move." Blastikus replies. "I'll get us some rooms and we can start prospecting."

The Blasti-bros Appear

Similar to the procedure for The Mighty Redneck, I roll a d6 for number of allies, d4+4 for level so that they would roughly be around the Bros level, and rolled on the Character Subtable DMG pg 175 for the results below. Sully is conducting the negotiations (+25% Charisma bonus) and we get:

1. Marsh Bersk Human Male, Lvl 7 Magicuser (True Neutral)
   Uncertain but 55% prone toward positive
   
   
2. Krall Diacan Human Male, Lvl 8 Assassin (Chaotic Evil)
   Uncertain but 55% prone toward positive
   
   
3. Luisa Human Female, Lvl 5 Cleric (Chaotic Neutral)
   Enthusiastically friendly, immediate acceptance
   
   
4. Randal Human Male, Lvl 6 Cleric (Lawful Good)
   Uncertain but 55% prone toward positive
   
   
5. Mog Khalid Human Male, Lvl 7 Fighter (Chaotic Good)
   Enthusiastically friendly, immediate acceptance (base roll of 90% + total modifiers of 30%)
   
   
6. Skyrax Human Male, Lvl 7 Fighter (Lawful Neutral)
   Uncertain but 55% prone toward positive

I decide that Randal and Skyrax, both being Lawful, smell the taint of Chaos on Sully and tell him to sod off. Luisa and Mog are both clearly excited enamored of the dashing Sully and the others go along for the payday. After the group confers, they share news and the rumor table is updated with new potential hooks.

The Blasti-bros are ready!

Session 8 Downtime: The Band of Brogallos

 

The Band of Brogallos (Brogallo and Kleptikos)

Having saved the Bro-cenaries from Zenabarithon's wrath (thus preserving his power base), Brogallo and Kleptikos make their way to Valthrun with the warband and quickly decamp with the officers to a discrete tavern named The White Rose. They quietly enter the watering hole, and Brogallo tosses a gold piece to the bartender saying, "Greetings Rakov! We need the feasthall for some privacy. Bring food and drink and see that none of the peasants bother us."

"Aye, milord. The room's yours until you tell me otherwise. I'll have the slaves prepare your rooms, as usual."

"Good man! Bring the drink immediately and the food as soon as it's ready - we're starved and parched from the road."

The group makes its way to the private feast hall in the rear of the inn and quickly bar the door before falling into the plush divans surrounding the hearth, where a cozy fire crackles. Two slave girls quietly enter from a hidden door in the rear of the hall. With downcast gazes the efficiently spread out a half dozen bottles of liquor and several loaves of bread before quickly leaving, all the while avoiding the gazes of the predators that have descended upon their world.

Lt Stoner barks a sharp laugh before saying "I like it when they're terrified of us. It makes it so much easier to deal with them!" The warriors all chuckle before Brogallo says, "Enough. Hand me a glass of that whiskey and let's get business out of the way so we can relax. Let's be honest boys - we were damned lucky to get out of that last scrap with our hides intact."

A chorus of unanimous murmurs shows the others agree. "I don't like that dragon flying around these parts", Brogallo continues, "I think it might be worth our while to head north for some coin and fun. What's your thoughts, lads?"

Stoner is the first to reply, saying "I never much cared for Valthrun, sir. Let's leave this place and join more sympathetic sorts up north. Lots of work to be had, for sure."

Sgt Rock, after taking a long draught from a bottle of absinthe, is the first to respond. "Slaughter's boys and mine are right glad to be alive and obliged to you for getting us out of that scrap, sir. They'll definitely be happy to get into more familiar territory and get some loot off the hobgobbos, as well."

Sgt Slaughter agrees enthusiastically, saying "'Tis true, sir. things are bit too crazy down here. Much more fun turning the gobbos into pin cushions and much less risk than going toe-to-toe with the wyrm."

"And you, Kleptikos? Will you join us?", Brogallo asks.

"Without question. I was getting sick of that bumpkin and those self-righteous priests, so the farther away, the better. Blastikus was alright, but I think he might be starting to get delusions of grandeur and egotistical wizards tend to take risks that are detrimental to the health of sane people. We've still got a few months before the snow sets in, so we might as well get some loot while we can."

"Fair enough, boys. Let's spend a few days here to unwind and then we'll head out to Tallow Watch to see what we see. Let's eat!"

Late that evening, after the others have passed out in drunken stupors, Kleptikos quietly slips out of the inn and makes his way through the now silent darkened streets. He has long cultivated the ability to appear to drink far more than he really consumes and has used it to liberate many valuables from irresponsible owners in the past. This time, however, he wishes to conduct private business instead of the far more enjoyable larceny. 

He makes his way to a derelict building and slips into the adjoining alley. After a few yards, he discretely presses two of the bricks, causing a section of the wall to silently open inwards. He slips in quickly, silently closing the hidden door behind him. Deftly, he silently makes his way to a rear room where he finds a youth barely into his teens quietly making notes in a ledger by candlelight.

"Hey there, boss. Been expecting  you since the kids saw you and the muscle go through the eastern gates earlier today. What news?"

"Redneck is out for blood after I gave him the slip during a scrap with a dragon. The simpleton actually thought I'd face down a monster for no good reason. I'm going to head north to check on my boys up there." He tosses a small pouch of coins to the youth and says "Here. Take some for yourself and share the rest with the kids. If Redneck is still alive and comes back here, tell him I got caught trying to steal some rich dame's jewels and met my end at the hands of her guards. He'll believe it and it will take the heat off while I sort out my northern affairs."

"Is there any news to report, Selark?" Kleptikos wearily asks, rubbing his eyes and reaching for the bottle of wine on the table.

"Mostly the usual comings and goings, boss. There is one thing unusual, however."

"Well, spit it out damn it!", Kleptikos snaps. "It's late and I need some sleep."

Fearful of having overstepped his bounds with undue familiarity, Selark pales  before blurting out "The Oni boss! Some people have said they've seen them prowling around! They catch a glance of one before they disappear in front of their eyes. The kids have overheard adults talking when they went begging. The adults seem really spooked about this."

"Hmm... well that's Blastikus' problem to solve. He's got their damned map, not me. Keep an ear out for anything more. I'll send a messenger to Hamyla's place with news when I get settled up north. He'll be wearing a red bandana like they do on the taiga. Pay him the standard fee and give him any updates."

"Sure thing, boss, sure thing. Are you calling it a night?"

"I am. It's well past my bed time", Kleptikos says as he turns to leave. He pauses before turning to Selark and saying "Don't fuck this up, boy. Keep doing as I say and all will be well. If you start getting any crazy ideas in your head about your true place in life...well, the sewers are always hungry."

"N-n-no problem, boss", Selark stammers, "Everything will be the way you want! I promise! I like things the way they are, just fine!"

Kleptikos stares into the boy's eyes for a long moment before silently turning and disappearing into the darkness.

The group sets out for Tallow Watch after a few days of recreation and reach the city uneventfully. Brogallo decides to start prospecting for some additions to the party with results below.

The Band of Brogallos Appear

Similar to the procedure for The Mighty Redneck, I roll a d6 for number of allies, d4+4 for level so that they would roughly be around the Bros level, and rolled on the Character Subtable DMG pg 175 for the results below. Kleptikos is conducting the negotiations (+30% Charisma bonus) and we get:

1. Ah Soh Human Male, Lvl 8 Monk (Lawful Evil)
   Uncertain but 55% prone toward positive
   
   
2. Man Lee Human Male, Lvl 6 Magic-User (True Neutral)
   Friendly, immediate action
   
   
3. Manderbro Male, Lvl 7 Magic-User (True Neutral)
   Enthusiastically friendly, immediate acceptance
   
   
4. No Tiki Human Male, Lvl 7 Fighter (Chaotic Neutral)
   Enthusiastically friendly, immediate acceptance
   
   
5. Otilola Human Female, Lvl 7 Cleric (Chaotic Good)
   Neutral - uninterested - uncertain
   
   
6. Voon deGoon Human Male, Lvl 7 Fighter (Neutral Evil)
   Uncertain but 55% prone toward positive

I decide that Otilola is creeped out by Kleptikos, slaps him and leaves. The rest are swayed by Kleptikos' sly words and join for the lucrative payday. After the group confers, they share news and the rumor table is updated with new potential hooks.

The Band of Brogallos March Forth!

Session 8 Downtime: Redneck's Mighty Riders

Redneck's Mighty Riders (Mighty Redneck)

Still reeling from the betrayal of the others, Redneck decides to seek the counsel of his trainer, Brog Bersk (L11 CG ranger) whom I randomly decide lives in the mountains (hex 301.302) south of the Shrine of Lethria. He safely arrives (all encounter checks came up blank) at the mountain stronghold of Brog and informs him of the developments. Brog urges caution when dealing with the Chaos beast and marvels that such a small group of unprepared adventurers survived the appetite of Zenabarithon and his mate. He reluctantly suggests that Redneck consult with the Porius Sepret, Druid of the Order of the Starless Wastes since he may have more information and lives close to the lakes that were targeted by the dragons. Brog gives Redneck directions to find Druid Porius in wooded hills (hex 306.298) east of Trith Keep, should he desire to consult the Druid.

In the interest of speed, Redneck decides to stay on the main roads before cutting east to the Starless Wastes Grove. Moving under cover of darkness, Redneck quietly makes his way through the outskirts of the villages near Trith Keep before melting into the woods. Fortunately, all encounter checks come up blank so Redneck takes some time to catch some rabbits for dinner and counts his blessings as he makes camp for the night.

Having started a small fire and put the rabbits on the spit to roast, Redneck spreads his bedroll before returning to cooking and is surprised to see a visitor sitting by the fire staring at the succulent meat on the spit.

His newfound, and somewhat expected, guest is a tall man with gaunt features, naked save for a loincloth with a staff across his knees. His long hair is matted and smeared with white woad that covers his body from crown to sole.

I check reaction and get Uncertain/positive (59% followed by a 13%) so I decide the situation unfolds as follows:

"You'll be joining me for dinner then, Dryw Porius?", Redneck asks his hoary dinner guest.

"Hmph. At least Brog taught ye proper manners, boy. The auguries were clear that we were to expect a visitor and it's always a pleasant surprise when I don't have to kill him outright. How's yer master? It's been an age since he paid me a visit."

"He's well, Dryw, though burdened by responsibilities. The Jotunn have overstepped their bounds again", Redneck tells him as he sits down crosslegged and turns the spits.

"Pfft! A nuisance, at best! Tell him I would see him when he can spare the time. Why did he send you?" Porius says as he pokes the largest rabbit with a bony finger, testing its readiness.

"I battled the wyrm Zenabarithon, Dryw, and fear I may have doomed the lake villages by my failure to slay the abomination", Redneck says, hanging his head in shame and failing to meet the gaze of the druid.

"Hmmm so that was you, eh? The villages are no more. The wyrms destroyed them and ate the hapless peasants. They'll be sated for a quite some time after their feast so we won't hear from them for months, at least. What happened? I'm surprised ye didn't end up in their gullets"

"I was betrayed, Dryw!" Redneck shouts. He shakes with rage as he says "We were attacked by the beasts in a vicious ambush! Our so-called warrior Brogallo fled in fear with his mercenary band and that scum Kleptikos! Fitzy was killed and I was near death from the icy breath of the wyrms when the wizard Blastikus and his treacherous Chaos priest Sully used a potion to mesmerize the beasts! Those black-hearted bastards convinced them we were their allies! They commanded them to attack the villages instead of finishing us." 

Redneck, falls silent, overwhelmed by the grief at the obliteration of the innocents. He sits mute, the only sounds being the crackle of the fire and the sizzle of the cooking rabbits. Porius contemplates the fire, occasionally turning the spits. After a time, he breaks the silence.

"There was nothing ye could do, boy", he says quietly. "The abominations were hungry and took ye unawares. These beasts are an affront, though, and must be dealt with before they spawn and we have a true catastrophe on our hands. Yer wyrd is unclear, but it's clear ye are not fated to die...yet."

Porius pokes the fire with a stick, and pauses, as if he's unsure about what he should say next. After a few moments, he nods once, having come to a conclusion and continues.

"As ye should know, The Order maintains the balance of our world against the abominations and Outer Dark. We use all tools to do, whether they be good or evil or slaves to the Higher Powers. Often, and always when least expected, those tools fails us and we must regroup with our brethren and true allies. Brog has taught ye this, hasn't he?", he asks sharply.

"Aye, Dryw. He has told me the truth of the world and our place in preserving it against the Enemies."

"Hmm. At least Brog righteously keeps the old ways. Well, ye just suffered the first betrayal of what will likely be many. Learn from it! Yer Brotherhood and The Order have been staunch allies for centuries and are the only ones that can be trusted! Outsiders are tools to be used for specific purposes and then discarded lest they fail ye...and they will!"

Porius takes the larger rabbit of the fire and puts it aside to cool, eyeing it hungrily. He turns to Redneck and says "Don't let the other coney cook too long! They turn rubbery if ye let it roast! Pull it off and have yer dinner. We'll get some sleep and visit my place in the morning. The auguries told me what was to be and I called fer some friends to help you track down the beasts and make them pay for their crimes. Those villagers were decent sorts and under my protection. They didn't deserve to be wyrm food. We will avenge them."

"And the betrayers, Dryw?"

"Forget them for now, boy. Their time will come. Plan their deaths and pursue them with cold determination. The wyrms are a greater threat and must be dealt with first. Then, and only then, should ye slay the filthy Chaos priest and the blackhearts. They caused the deaths of innocent and must pay the price for the scales to balance."

Redneck's Riders Appear

In the morning, Redneck and Porius break camp and travel to the Druid's cabin in hex 306.299. Porius introduces Redneck to his new allies (I rolled a d6 for number of allies, d4+4 for level so that they would roughly be around Redneck's level and rolled on the Character Subtable DMG pg 175 for the following results):

Alethras - N L6 druid

Bear Amblecrown - NE L6 fighter

Palk Mei - NG L8 magic-user

After a quick war council, the group agrees to travel to the lakes to see if they discover survivors or clues as to the dragons whereabouts.

Redneck rides for vengeance!