Much of this was already elaborated upon in the recap of the session, but I'd like to include Zeb's notes as they were written during the actual session (corrections made for spelling and post-session clarifications). I may eventually record some clue that our DM fails to include in his narrative.
Audric: Crusader of Mystra; seeks out rumors of magic or
misuse of magic, investigates as part of his responsibilities to a loose order
of like-minded individuals
Erathmar: Caravan leader, weathered and
battle-hardened. Not particularly
wealthy. We have a mutually beneficial
arrangement to guard his wagons during his travels, in return he watches our
backs. Currently heading towards Mirabar
from points west. Our relationship is
very much “don’t ask, don’t tell” about our pasts.
Shadfeld: Small village along the river, mostly farmers
and such. Has a small
multi-denominational temple, run by Tyoness.
Insignia of a gauntlet on her blouse.
Rould:
Hunter, could be related to Tyoness.
Damyca: Druid that had a
premonition of evil coming to Shadfeld; disappeared several days ago to seek
out information at Moonglow Cave ~2 days to the north of Shadfeld.
Tussugar: Village leader,
dwarf. Founder of Shadfeld. Unimpressive until he puts on his armor; he’s
obviously a warrior of some significance.
In the past, made much of his career fighting goblin-kin in the Spine of
the World. Purchased a magical ring from
the last traveling merchant that has unknown powers.
Barish: Friendly hunter,
grizzled. Gave us info about Moonglow
Cave, and some confidence that Rould is an effective woodsman.
Korvich: Priest of Malar that was my introduction to the
faith. Spent several years together
before leaving the beast cult. Closest
to Zeb, so also the most enraged and upset by his departure.
Typical camp procedure: Alarm spell affects a 20’ cube, I
use that with the password “Fang” for my companions. At four points each 20’ from the camp, I
affix tiny bells to string on trees and brush (especially on any obvious
approaches). When there is a fire,
always leave enough burning brands so that each person can grab one in case of
an emergency.
Traveled with Rould and Tussugar to Moonglow Cave. Along the way, was attacked by an enraged
cave bear which nearly slaughtered Tussugar, until the dwarf changed into a
bear himself. Tussugar, in bear form,
killed the enemy bear before reverting to his normal form, though fell into
unconsciousness and would not awaken until the following morning.
Upon questioning him, he revealed that he purchased a
mysterious ring from the last traveler in Shadfeld, who claimed it was looted
from a fallen dwarf. It’s worth questioning
Tussugar more on the matter—who was this traveler? Who was the dwarf from whom it was looted,
and where exactly was it found? What
were the apparent circumstances of the dwarf’s death?
With no answers for now, at least, Audric took the ring
and we continued to travel to Moonglow Cave.
Upon arrival, we discovered the withered corpse of Damyca, apparently
drained of blood and life though no serious wounds were apparent. There were scratch marks, as of those of a
great cave bear, on the walls, as well as mysterious runes deeper into the
cave. Rould claims that it could
possibly be stirges that drained her, but I have my doubts. It’s conceivable, however, and will remain
the most likely scenario until some other evidence is discovered. I intend to search Damyca for anything
useful—grim, but necessary—as well as for any other signs of what may have
happened. The scratch marks on the cave
wall are also worth investigating—why? Perhaps
this was formerly the cave bear’s roost, and it used the wall to sharpen its
claws? If possible, I’d like to memorize
or write down the runes (assuming there aren’t too many). We’re going to rest on a nearby hill and
attempt to read magic on the runes in the morning, and if no other clues are
discovered, we intend to return to Shadfeld with the bitter news.
Only one thing to add: Zeb's vocation in magery allows him to realize that the runes are actually a spell incantation (a quite brief one), similar to what would be found on a scroll. He can etch their aesthetics into his journal, in order to roughly transcribe the symbols and penmanship, but it's not the same as copying the spell, as one would into a spellbook (it also doesn't take nearly as much time).
ReplyDeleteZeb believes that read magic would enable him to understand the spell, and potentially cast it.
Good, because that was the plan anyway! Assuming, of course, that we're not murdered in our sleep while resting upon a nearby hill.
ReplyDeleteIf there's nothing else to find in the cave, we're going to escape, rest up, and revisit in the morning with the appropriate spells memorized before deciding what to do next.
Yes, knowing that was your intent made it easy to reveal that information. The night passes without incident. Feel free to consider spell selection and we can pick up in the morning, with everyone rested.
ReplyDelete