User:BadMonkeyBusiness

The “Rangelands” are south of the Dragon Mountains, and home of the grand Capital city of Graygardt. It has stood for 500 years and is currently ruled by Prince Conrad Dandor and his wife Princess Claudia. They are young; after his parents died of old-age. He’s ruled for several years, and by all accounts a fair ruler. 2 years ago however, there was an assassination attempt on his life that was thwarted by his guards.

The lands under Dandor’s rule spread many leagues, with mostly human settlements. Most of the cities and towns are ruled under a local Lord, who pledge feality to the Crown Prince & Princess. Peaceful farming communities, mostly small are located generally along the “Kings Road”. Graygardt as the capital is the largest city, sits on the shores of Lake Everblue and is known for creating some of the best Ale & Wine in the land, and also providing agricultural exports – Wheat, corn, milk, cheeses..etc. Followed by the proud city of Valeburg, Richmarch and Kemperbad are also large towns. The crown does employ a “mercenary” band known as the “Wardens” who patrol the main roads tasked with keeping trade from being victims of bandits or monster attacks.

To the north near the Dwarven Kingdoms of Karak Dur in the Whitebeard Mountains, lay a few settlements that mainly live a harsher life. Many operate small mines, but mostly receive iron & gold ore from trade with the Dwarves. There is even a small rock-gnome town called Heathiron. While there is sometimes conflict, it’s mostly been peaceful in the last 50 years. With the Dwarves and Humans working together to repel Ork raids (And sometimes other Monsters – Giants, Trolls..etc). There is also several caves that are avoided because they lead to a vast labyrinth called the “Black-Pass”, home to Drow & Duergar cities and other dangers. It is widely know the Black-Pass extends far below the world and has many other entrances. Dwarven mothers warn their children of tales that if they misbehave, they’ll be taken down..and the Dwarves know never to mine there.

Along the Western Coast, lay several towns and cities that also trade via road or river with the heart of the Rangelands. To the northwest lays the forests of XXX and the home to the Elves of the Rangelands. They generally keep to themselves but similar to the Dwarves are in an alliance with the Lords of the Range. Chief of these cities is Caledor, a beautiful city deep in the forest. They trade goods and send ambassadors to many towns, but mostly restrict visitors to Caledor. Several hundred years ago the Elven land of Tessis far to the north was destroyed by a red dragon and his Orc allies. Displacing many refugees to Caledor. In the last few decades, Tessis has been restored and but to nowhere the population.

=People of The Rangelands=

Duke Marigold
Duke of Seafold

Orville Longfellow
=Player Characters=

Pannan Tallfellow
=Points of Interest= Interesting locations in the Rangelands

The Western Coast
=Session Notes=

1/17/2023
Eve and Hicks meet at the "Stone Crab" Tavern. There they eventually meet Pannan & Kilwilly & Dalmin. They ask the tavernkeeper Creetch about the town, etc. Creetch mentions he hasn't seen a Halfling in around 4-5 years. Pannan describes his missing Father, and from the brief description - it does sound like his Father. Creetch mentions he should speak with the Harbor Master - Jack Dunlap who is sitting at a table drinking with 5-6 other rough dock-worker fellows.

Hicks mentions his ship was destroyed by some type of sea-monster, and washed to shore.

They also learn of the Wizard in the Tower of Azuth. Pannan has interest in checking that out.

About an hour later, a women at first thought to be sick or drunk stumbles in. The smell however detected by Hicks and Pannan is of early decomposition. She is clearly a zombie, and before anyone can really act she shambles over and bites a random patron. The party runs to his defense and attacks her, killing her. The guards are called, and the patron is taken away to get help for his wounds. Everyone is questioned a bit, and Creech reveals the woman is named "Geraldine", who died about a week ago and was buried in the cemetery. Creech also tells them there is a Grave-Keeper named "Heinrich Shipman". Pannan uses his magic to discover Geraldine has been resurrected via necromancy.

After this event, the tavern is winding down and the patrons leave. The group secures a room, but decides to head over to the Cemetery - despite the weather and time of night. They arrive to the foggy cemetery, and start exploring. Eve checks out one of the mausoleums, and detects a rotting odor, and light scratching/scraping sounds. The mausoleum has a "new" heavy set of chains locking it.

They also find a freshly dug-up grave, with Geraldine's name engraved on the epitaph. And also nearby the grave-keeper's house which is dark. They knock, etc, but there is no answer and it doesn't appear anyone is home.

After this, they decide to head back to the Stone Crab and try to find more clues the next day.

XP: 75

1/25/2023
The party wakes up at the "Stone Crab" and ask Creech about the Gravedigger. He mentions the zombified woman "Geraldine's" Husband was one of those killed on the Majesty - which exploded. During this conversation, a senior Sgt. Drake Sands comes in and says he represents the Duke and law & order. They aren't in trouble, but he wants to know more about them, etc. He agrees to meet them later that evening at the "Keeling Tavern".

They split up with Eve, Pannan & Gligit heading to the Harbormaster - Pannan wants to know about his missing Father, who the Harbormaster Jack Dunlap says left for Tilea on a ship called "St.Crawford". They also learn the "Majesty" is owned by Dante Marwen, here in town. And furthermore he had a Son called Cornelius Marwen, who was on the Majesty and listed as dead.

They also visit the Tower of Azuth, and are answered by a magical voice from the door. Pannan wants to enter and meet the Wizard about the zombies & necromancy - but are denied and told to return later.

Meanwhile Dalmin & KilWilly head to the Temple of Lathander (KilWilly notices a flock of seagulls north of the lighthouse). In the temple, they meet Brother Flynn Ulrecht. He is nice, and they ask about the zombies & necromancy. He admits, he's not much of a fighter. They also ask about the beach..He agrees to take them there as he forages mushrooms. They travel about 1/2 a mile to a secluded beach where they can see the ruins of the "Majesty". On the beach they see body parts - arm, torso & leg. But Brother Flynn recognizes him as "James", because of a tattoo and that Flynn personally gave a eulogy at his funeral about 5 days earlier. They can't tell exactly what killed him, but it wasn't a blade..almost like he was ripped apart. There are small crabs feeding on the corpse. KilWilly can sense they're being watched, and a disturbance in the water near the wreck.

The party reunites and heads to the Keeling Tavern where they meet Guapo, a half-orc Paladin (Replacing Hiks). They also notice Jubal and Ezekial, who quickly leave. They are also approached by Dashiel Strickland who is with his band of "Wardens". He mentions trouble at the farms near the Ebon Wood, and seems a bit arrogant and wants to know they're business since word gets around. Soon Drake Sands arrives and they head out for the cemetery. They manage to silently sneak up on the men they saw at the bar - Jubal & Ezekial, plus 2 zombies who are digging up a grave. They attack, and kill Jubal and the zombies..but manage to put Ezekial Glaw to sleep and bind him. Drake will take him to the Barracks for interrogation.

(Eve searches Ezekial, finding nothing of value except some gold. But also a key).

XP: 100

1/31/2023
Before heading back to town, the group kills 5 zombies that had been chained inside a mausoleum. Drake Sands asks the question - Why? Before taking the prisoner back to the barracks. He says that tomorrow he can allow 2 of them to visit and ask questions.

The next day they discuss that something is at the wreck of the "Majesty", and will go to the beach after speaking to the prisoner. When they arrive at the barracks - Guapo & Eve (Trying to convince Drake Sands of taking 1 more but fail). Sands says that the prisoner is "Ezekial Glaw", from a wealthy family in Gullport. And that it while grave-robbing & necromancy are crimes..unlikely he'll do hard time, etc. especially due to his family. They question an arrogant Ezekial. He confirms something is guarding the wreck of the Majesty, but doesn't exactly know..other than the zombies get shredded. He finally says that 'Cornelius Marwen" his friend, has paid him and Jubal to help with the necromancy. He says Cornelius is alive, and is hiding at his Fathers wealthy home in town - Dante Marwen. Who hides him in shame, and for fear that Cornelius will be blamed, etc. He also tells them they were looking for "Star Metal", which was retrieved on an expedition to Tilea.

They go to a library, but unable to find reference to "Star Metal", and read about the comet 17 years earlier. After they go to the beach, and detect being watched. Pannan sends his familiar down (as an Octopus), to scout the wreck. Something large surges, but stays hidden. Guapo yells into the water, trying to taunt it out…But all that happens is sediment and mud clouds the water.

XP: 100

2/21/2023
After the Monstrous Crab was defeated, and the "Star Metal" secured by Pannan, they go about figuring out how to transport the meat & recover what it was guarding. Pannan sends his familiar (In the form of an octopus) to scout the wreckage of the "Majesty". After 10 minutes of searching - finding the water very dark, rough and cold - discovers a large chest buried in the murk and undamaged. He estimates it to weigh over 150 lbs.

Guapo starts a camp & fire, while Kilwilly senses something dark and unseen up the cliffside. He thinks he sees a flash of metal, but it disappears. Several of the group walk up to investigate, but find no tracks or sign. They have a majestic view of the cove. Drake Sands and some city guards come down later in the morning, having noticed them leaving for the beach. He is shocked and impressed with the Monstrous Crab carcass. He sends a guard back to tell word to local fishermen to come with boats, etc. Eve and Dalmin go to town, where Dalmin stops at the temple to pray. They head to the Stone Crab inn and get paid 300 gold for the sale of the crab. They spot Alistair going about his day at the docks, and seems to be heading to the Marwen estate. Meanwhile on the beach dozens of fisherman and townsfolk in boats. They discuss different ways to reach the chest. Or even the entire wreck - to be a memorial. Dalmin and Eve return, and pay the money out and discuss options. They feel they're being watched, and sense some unseen presence. Half of them go back to town, as the work on the carcass winds down and it's getting dark and stormy.

But Guapo, Kilwilly etc, stay camped on the beach, fearing the Marwens or somebody getting to the chest first. Staying at the Stone Crab, Eve is attacked from something invisible in the alley. She can tell it's poisoned but manages to fight off the worst of it. Then later that night something tries to open her door and she can hear a whisper "Give me the key". Kilwilly and Eve fight it back, it seems invisible except for a glinting piece of metal floating..they think they strike something, and it retreats. The next morning they all re-group and discuss options. Gliglit suggests checking the Marwen house; Pannan wants to visit the Duke himself or the Tower of Azuth. And Eve reveals she has a strange key recovered from Ezekial Glaw. It has a star-shaped head that is similar to the Marwen sigil. They decide to visit the Barracks first and speak again to Ezekial. Upon arriving, they meet Drake Sands - who regretfully informs them Ezekial was transferred to Gullport. As they are leaving Alistair, Dante Marwens houseman walks up and says his Master requests lunch at 1 PM at his home.

XP: 115

2/28/2023
After meeting with Alistair, they spend some time figuring out what they may have to do, and head to meet with Dante at his wealthy home. They are led into a study to a 2 story mansion of sorts. Dante Marwen meets them and his housemaid provides tea. There is some small talk about the "Crab", and how they are well regarded heroes of sorts at Seafold. He has questions about why they were interested in the destroyed ship "The Majesty", and explains he regrets sending that ship to Tilea - but was convinced by his Son that it would make them much wealth. And mentions the discovery of the "Star Metal". He then cuts to the chase that his Son is still alive. He explains the story that after the Majesty exploded, that his Cornelius snuck home wet and dirty. He seemed different, and Dante at first was going to hide him for awhile (To avoid any impact to his reputation) and eventually smuggle Cornelius out or change his identity. But Cornelius brooded, and started to speak strangely and eventually secluded himself locked in the basement. Years went by, but he's getting dangerous and sending out dark agents. Dante offers the group 500 Gold to kill his Son (Currently in the house/basement). The group overall takes some offense to this, as they're not assassins. And leave back to the Barracks to report to Drake Sands. He is surprised, and says he will report this to the Duke and take some soldiers to the Marwen estate himself.

Later in the day there is commotion. They go back to the Marwen estate only to find death. There are guards laying dead all over and Drake Sands is one of them. Having his eyes stabbed out. They notice some of the wounds look like poison might be involved - similar to Eve's attack from the other night. They also find Dante decapitated. They search the house, eventually coming to the kitchen/storage area where they find a door with a lock in the strange shaped key found on Ezekial. They descend into a dark basement (avoiding a pressure plate with a trap). They spread out in a large dark cluttered storage area and hear a voice..They find Cornelius at a work bench. He's very dirty with long straggly hair. He's armed with a dagger and the fight is on. But there is an invisible stalker that also attacks and injures Kilwilly (Who is poisoned). Eventually they kill Cornelius with a bolt round to the head and the invisible creature melts away leaving behind only his dagger and a small chunk of Star Metal that was affixed to it's forehead. Searching Cornelius' bench and chamber they find a dagger, and a potion of "Water Breathing". But they also find pages in his journal that give his account on what happened on the Majesty. Also mentions a name "Blud the Eye"?

XP: 140

3/28/2023
The party on horseback starts to take positions in the dense Ebon Wood trees, after Pannan's owl familiar is shot down. They can hear the shouts of Goblins up ahead. The Goblins begin to fan out and take shots with their short-bows at the group. Eve is struck by an arrow, and falls asleep. They see a Goblin that stands out, and appears to be the leader - He has a green-gem lodged in one of his eye-sockets. The group fans out, with Kilwilly providing covering fire. Gligit and Guapo charge ahead and engage in combat with them, eventually killing them. Pannan puts another group of 3 to sleep, leaving only one that they surround and eventually kill. The gem-eyed goblin has apparently run off.

Guapo and Dalmin restrain the 3 sleeping Goblins, while the rest of the group fan's out and search the bodies & look for tracks from the leader. They find his tracks change to what appears to be something like a mount with many legs, and signs of a silken web sticking to trees and the forest floor. When the goblins awake, they interrogate them (Guapo starts killing them to force their point). Leaving one alive called "Filtch". Filtch explains they've been raiding the nearby farms and taking prisoners back to an old Copper Mine - used as food for their Spider mounts. He says they're lead by a Goblin called "Gore Grub" and his brother "Scraggers", who is an expert shot with a bow. He gives their numbers at around 50 or so Goblins.

They load up the Goblin heads into their wagon and talk about what to do: Delve further into the Ebon Woods in search of the Copper Mine (About a mile). Or head out of the forest towards the farms and see if they can find and stop the raiding party of Gore Grub. They decide to check out the farm-lands first and head out. (Taking the bound Goblin Filtch with them).

They can clearly see smoke rising from the farm, but also see (with help of a spyglass) an intact farm - likely cattle and potatoes. They arrive at a large seemingly abandoned farm. There are clear signs that the Goblins have already hit this one - doors are broken, and arrows sticking in the outer wall. At the barn are a couple of recently dead cows covered with signs of silk-web. They have puncture wounds and appear drained of blood. There are no signs of the farmers.

After about 20 minutes of searching they hear drums. Gligit has climbed the barn with Pannan's spy-glass and sees a large force of Goblins approaching. About a dozen of them are mounted on Spiders the size of small ponies. They spot the Gem-Eyed Goblin (Scraggers) and likely the Chief Gore Grub on account of a colorfully feathered torque around his neck and shoulders. The Goblins appear to be arguing and half the group lead by Scraggers turn around and head back towards the Ebon Woods. While the rest start a slow advance towards the farm….

XP: 75

4/1/2023
The party spends the afternoon building some wood-barricades on a few windows. Some like Eve, KilWilly & Gligit climb the roof. Pannan questions Filtch a bit more about their leader "Gore Grub", and learns they take farmers and prisoners alive - to feed their Spiders. He offers to help and seems to be telling the truth that Gore Grub will likely kill him; Pannan decides to cut his bindings and Filtch begins to help board windows. Gore Grub settles into a copse of trees about 100 feet away - and the party with bows begin to shoot; focusing on the Spider mounts. Killing one. But a smaller group splits off, running to another copse of trees. The group on the thatched roof take shots at them, but they manage to get there mainly intact. Down below Pannan conjures a bucket, and orders Filtch to make a fire (in the fireplace). There is a large bin of water with buckets, and they prepare in case of fire - The Goblins are also making a fire.

Finally a group of Goblins charge forward, but Pannan is able to put most of them to sleep, with the other getting shot to death with arrows. The Goblins who'd flanked also charge towards the rear window. Dalmin is able to blast them with radiance, hurting most of them. But glass is broken and they try to swarm through the window. Meanwhile another band of Goblins charges the house with the remaining Spiders and Gore Grub. By this point some have flaming arrows that they shoot into the farmhouse, starting small fires that will soon get out of control. Filtch and Pannan are able to douse them with water. The Goblins reach the house and begin beating on the walls and doors with the remaining Spiders climbing to the roof to fight those up there who've been picking them off with arrows. Gligit is bitten by a Spider and slashed by the rider and eventually goes down, barely alive.

At the window Dalmin starts to kill the radiantly damaged invaders (Even Filtch is given his scimitar back and kills one of his fellows). More Goblins are put to sleep but eventually some wake up and join the attack. Gore Grub and his remaining warband enter the farm, and Gore Grub's magical feather-torque shoots a cone of colors dazzling and blinding Dalmin, etc. By this point though most of the Goblins are dead or asleep. KilWilly drops in from a hole in the roof and Eve also drops down. They kill Gore Grub, who takes an arrow to the back of his head as KilWilly stabs his heart. They execute the sleeping Goblins and Dalmin is able to stabilize Gligit. They search the bodies and take some loot & gold, including the magic feathered torque plus an Immovable Rod. They also perform the grim task of chopping Goblin heads and storing them in their cart. They enjoy a long rest and are not bothered during the night.

The next morning they want to head to the "Copper Mine", led by Flitch who is given a bit of trust. After travelling most of the morning through the dark Ebon woods and arriving at a dark mine, with signs of thick spider webs. While trying to avoid them, it's nearly impossible, and realize they've somehow alerted the Goblins via disturbance to the webs - now led by Scraggers, Brother of Gore Grub. Filtch had already informed them, even though he's 2nd in command he's more intelligent and cunning.

The tunnel isn't very large, and they mainly have to travel single file. It immediately split's at a "T", and they decide this could cause them to be attacked by both sides as they can hear shouts in "Goblin". Gligit offers to chop down some trees outside and after 10-20 minutes they block one of the tunnels with felled pine-trees, effectively buy any time to cover their rear. They carry on creating some light, and soon find a single track for mine-carts to travel. Kilwilly jumps in the cart, and is pushed ahead until they come to a small chamber giving him some cover in the lead. They come to a chamber, with signs of copper in the walls. Eve goes ahead and sees some Goblins hiding in the chamber, seemingly aware of them and in defensive positions. She doesn't spot anything else, so they push the mine cart with KilWilly who shoots a Goblin. They rush in and attack - however there was a giant Spider on the ceiling which drops down on Eve biting her. After a few rounds though they prevail and kill all the Goblins and Spider.

They continue on to another larger chamber. This one is covered in webs and guarded by three more giant Spiders. There are large eggs sacs and other human sized webbed bodies. The smell is terrible, but again push the KilWilly cart in and attack. As they start cutting down Spiders - several swarms of smaller Spiders rush out of the webs and attack swarming up their legs, biting through their armor. But again prevail, stomping them into mush.

Finally they arrive at a large cave that has a small "waterfall '' trickling down a wall. There are more Goblins here, and finally come face to face with Scragger's - with his twinkling emerald eye. He starts to fire with his bow, but misses. The battle begins, with the group killing all of the Goblins, and severing Scragger's head. Again though Gligit is almost killed and need's medical help from Dalmin. They remove Scraggers eye, but realize to use its powers of accuracy they'd have to permanently remove one of their own eyes. Still it's worth an est. 325 gold. They also recover +1 dagger & shortsword, plus some gold. Finally, they notice 4 of the webbed "sacks" is still moving; They cut them open revealing an adult man and woman, plus two female children - The man introduces himself as Farmer McVenner, who lived at the farm they fought at the day earlier and saved from being destroyed and agree to escort him back. Finally, they allow the Goblin Filtch to live.

They leave the copper mine with the intention of returning to the McVenner farm and then back to Seafold to collect their bounty.

XP: 400?

=Handouts=

=Organizations=

The Wardens
Mercenaries for the King, sell swords that work in the capacity of protection for the Kingdom. Generally handle affairs outside of the cities of the Rangelands, which generally have their own city guard or other peacekeeping system.

=Maps of the Rangelands=