Borderlands: Lost City of Gaxmoor & Heroes of Ea
This campaign ran for 3 years from early 2002 to the end of 2004, and took PCs from 6th level to around 17th. One PC Sigurd Ravenskjold, covered the whole spread from start to finish and survived the campaign. Other famous PCs to survive the campaign included the sorcerer Xyzzy, the warlord Xiang, the rogue Cailin White, the monk Tsui Yio Cho, the witch-queen Fjorent, and the wizards Leopold, Elaith and Krysteel.
It is the 28th century YE. Southern Ea is in chaos. Following the Bloodhammer Uprising in Imarr, the Albine Emperor has ordered a total withdrawal from the lands of the Old Empire. Some Albine commanders have disobeyed, becoming mercenaries or warlords. Countless regional rulers have declared their own independent states. The Albine administrative infrastructure has collapsed as city-state governments replace Imperial rule. New leaders have arisen, determined to carve out new Empires by the bloody hand of War�
Greatest of the City-States is Imarr: Imarr the Glorious, the Eternal City. Once Imarr was the heart of the Old Empire; now under Overking Tarkane the Usurper, is she destined to rule once more?
Map of the northeastern portion of the continent of Imarokia, c 2739-2740 YE
The Ultimate South Ea Map! (920kb)
Ea Timeline
The Gaxmoor Story Hour on EN World.
Nations of South Ea
Population figures are estimates, and include subject and slave populations but may not include uncontrolled groups within claimed borders. Most estimates likely err on the low side.
The Overkingdom of Imarr (16.2 million)
(Tarkane): greatest kingdom of southern Ea, the Overkingdom rules many realms, from the conquered (2738-39) land of Imgart Province in the north, through Gordava (conquered 2735), the Coastal Alliance cities (inc 2736) and the recently incorporated (M11 2739) Scornic League territories in the west, to the great port city of Doskan (conquered 2736) in the south. The Overkingdom's capital is ancient Imarr, by far the greatest city of Ea and said to hold over a million people within its high walls. Population includes: ca 5.2 million Scornic League (1.4 million Northwoods, 1.7 million Vantouche, 1.2 million Scorn'el & Deepwater, 0.9 million southern including 0.125 million Borderlands Duchy), 1 million Imgart Province, 3.2 million Archduchy of Colladel, 1.2 million Imarr & suburbs, 3.5 million Heartlands, 1 million Gordavan March, 1 million Doskan March, 0.1 million Sorgani tribesmen in Sorganzorro marsh & Coast Range mts. Allied or client realms include the Kingdom of Trafalgis, Mount Fire & the Sea of Dust, and the Heavenly Mountains. Slaveholding is very common in the Overkingdom, which is culturally a mix of Roman and Medieval, although Thrinians and many Crisans oppose the practice. The Imarran culture is mostly somewhat patriarchal, although female warriors are quite common in some areas such as Doskan. Languages: Imarran Common & many other.
PRECEDENCE IN THE OVERKINGDOM OF IMARR ca 2740 YE
Title: Rules (typical population)
Overking Everyone
Archduke Millions
Duke Hundreds of Thousands
Margrave, Count Tens of Thousands
Graf, Viscount, Baron Thousands
Baronet, Freiherr Hundreds
Foreign potentates (where recognised), and allies are typically allocated precedence according to the population of domain ruled, with some 'bumping' up in marginal cases, eg the Warmaster of Mt Fire and the Ladies of Hawk & Crane are counted as Dukes, the King of Trafalgis and the Caliph of Marrak are counted as Archdukes.
Mongali Empire (3.6 million)
(Kadai Khan): the Mongali are an aggressively expansionist race of horse nomads. In 2741 YE the Mongali lost the Norse realm of Settlers' Country, but still rule the Steppes and Do Chakka. The Albine warlord Kardus, a former Legion commander, controlled the dusty arid plains of western Do Chakka ca 2736-40 YE. Bitter enemy of the Mongali, he had no love for the Overking either. Conquered by Mongali Horde M4 2740 YE. Population includes ca 1.52 million Mongali, 0.5 million Norse & Albine slaves in Arukan, 1.4 million slaves in Do Chakka. Languages: Mongali, Makyan on southern border, Albine and Common in Do Chakka.
Mount Fire (0.2 million)
(Warmaster Xiang): the forces of Mount Fire under Xiang control the wastelands of the Sea of Dust, where once were the realms of Cartheos and Kormir. Population is ca 0.2 million in Sea of Dust. Languages: Veridoran, Common.
Heavenly Mountains (0.1 million)
(Lady Ling-Da of Crane's Palace, Lady Tsui Yio Cho of Hawk's Palace): Since their restoration in 2740 YE the Hawk & Crane monasteries of fierce female warrior-monks, the Guardians, again fiercely defend the high passes over the Heavenly Mountains from Mongali incursion. The Guardians are girls recruited from the peasant villages of the mountains. The Death Monks of Chin Li are a group of Chaotic renegades who believe their leader Chin Li, the bearer of the Ebony Horn, is the rightful ruler of Hawk's Palace, and are fighting a vicious guerilla war to place her upon the throne. The black clad Death Monks accept male and female members. Language: Veridoran.
Beskarn (0.15 million)
(Marena, Fjorent, War Chiefs, etc): an isolationist forested land of fierce tribesmen and powerful witches. Tribal chiefs are male, but Beskarni Forest Witches are female and hold the true power here. In East Beskarn the Witch-Queen Marena holds much influence. The great witch Fjorent also resides here. Language: Beskarni
Makyan Kingdom of Bretania (2.6 million)
(Marowa): the fierce Makyan Barbarians under King Marowa of the Bison Warriors have conquered (2730-32 YE) the once-civilised realm of Bretania, reducing the former inhabitants to serfdom or slavery. To the south Makyan Bretania abuts on the great Ankan Lake, to the south-east meadows become sparsely populated savannahs and fade into the deserts of Marrak, roamed by wild tribesmen and fell beasts. Population includes ca 2 million Bretanian slaves/serfs, 0.6 million Makyan. Languages: Makyan, Common.
The Norse Kingdom (Trafalgis & Settlers' Country) (1.82 million)
(King Sigurd): The proud Norse Kingdom of Trafalgis was conquered by Imgart in 2729 YE and freed recently (2738-39 YE) from Imgart occupation with aid from the Overkingdom of Imarr. Generally regarded as a client state of the Overkingdom, though the young King Sigurd, once a Bloodhammer Knight, is independent-minded and doubtless sees things differently. Settlers' Country had been conquered by the Mongali in 2725 YE, and around 600,000 of its 1.6 million population slain or taken south into slavery. In 2741 YE Sigurd and a Trafalgic army with Overkingdom & Mt Fire support liberated Settlers' Country from the Mongali, and was petitioned by the Jarls to remain as King of a unified Norse realm. In 2743 Sigurd led an expedition west and conquered the Lands of the Priest kings (now Kingdom of the Westerlands), as well as gaining the kingdoms of Adrani, Caerns and Korrath as client states. Population .82 million Trafalgis, 1 million Settlers' country. Language: Trafalgic Norse
The Marrakeen Caliphate (2.8 million: 2.2 million Southlands + 0.6 million Silk Lands)
(Johmuz VI/Astares): the southern desert realm of Marrak is known for its fearsome Zeereshi lizard cavalry. Johmuz, Caliph of Marrak, is of the ancient royal blood but is widely regarded as a virtual puppet, firmly under the control of his great general, Astares, The Victor of Sasan. North of the Dosk river, Marrak controls the Doskani Silk Lands (conquered 2735-36) on its border with the Overkingdom, an important economic resource. To the south Marrak largely dominates Arypt, a virtual client-state. To the east the mighty Mosquito River protects the Caliphate from the fierce Nubians of Julah. Languages: Marrakan, Common
Arypt (0.5 million)
(Pharoah): the small desert realm of ancient Arypt lies south of the Marrakeen Caliphate. Once centre of a great empire, it is said to be a land of mighty magics and dreaming sands, little known to the outside world. Languages: Aryptian, Marrakan, Common
Pan Chakka (0.5 million)
(no ruler): The wild hills and woods of Pan Chakka lie along the Do Chakka-Bretanian border east of the Forest of Angar. This is sparsely settled upland territory inhabited by human tribes, hardy frontiersmen in stockaded villages, bandits, renegades and minor nobles - often in exile from more welcoming climes - as well as bands of generally hostile nonhuman races including gnolls, but also goblins, hobgoblins and others. The soil here is generally poor and the limestone hills hold little mineral wealth, so it remains a largely undeveloped buffer zone between more welcoming climes. Language: Common
Cyklades Isles (0.4 million)
(no ruler): The Cyklades island chain east of Imarr includes the mysterious Isle of the Shapelings, an invisible race known only to legends. Many Albines colonised the Isles during the Pax Albina. It is now a land of scattered feudal smallholdings, small coastal towns, hidden pirate coves, Trafalgic Norse invaders (renegades from the Imgart invasion of 2729) in the north, and more recently renegade Imgart knights fleeing the Overkingdom's invasion of 2738 YE, all of whom seek to carve out their own domains. The isles are mostly windswept and mineral-poor, with some good farmland. The southern Isles are dry and show much Marrakeen influence. Languages: Common, Albine, Narish in north, Marrakan in south.
Rigeria (0.1 million?)
(no ruler): The far northern mountain-realm of Rigeria is roamed by tribes of savage black-haired human barbarians, doughty warriors against the orcs and other fell things that contest the high mountain peaks. Language: Rigerian.
The Wild Lands (0.1 million?)
(no ruler): the hills and mountains of the Wild Lands east of Settlers' Country and west of Trafalgis are roamed by goblins, giants and an occidental human race, the Wainriders, believed related to the Mongali and the Taiga-men of the far west. This barren land has resisted all Trafalgic attempts at colonisation. Languages: Giantish, Gulman
Chaos Realm (0.2 million?)
(The Destroyer): The Destroyer, Dark Lord of Chaos, rules a twisted realm of nightmarish abominations, the Beast Men of Chaos, and wars constantly against the human lands to the south. M4 2740 YE: A terrible plague has recently struck the Chaos Realm. Rumour has it that the Lady of Crane's Palace, Ling-Da, is responsible, a gift to Lord Alidarn in exchange for the White Spear. Language: Abyssal, Common
Kingdom of Julah (1.4 million)
(Julah): the Nubian conqueror Julah now rules the broad savannahs of Van Karti's Land (conquered ca 2734-35), east of the Marrakeen Caliphate. The indigeneous Kartislanders have been enslaved, killed or driven away. Language: Nubian (various), Common
Cirith Ardrad (8,000+?)
(Bori): The Last Dwarven Citadel, the ancient mountain dwarf fortress of Cirith Ardrad in the Yuron Mts NW of the Northwoods wars constantly against the Orcs and other foul things of Chaos. Language: Dwarven
Other lands: Far to the west on Imarokia lie the exotic occidental realms of Tantok, the Westerlands and Matushka, while to the northeast lies the large island-continent of the Albine Empire (west coast) and Thrinia (east). East of Thrinia lies the island realm of Veridor, north-west of Tantok.
Imarran political factions.
The Bloodhammerists
Leaders:
1. Overking Tarkane the Usurper;
2. Gorrin Marl, Vice-Commander of the Imperial Knights Bloodhammer (IKB).
These are the supporters of Tarkane and his power base from which he launched a successful uprising against Albine rule. Initial support was concentrated among disaffected minor Imarran nobility and the urban poor; nowadays most people would claim to be firm supporters of the Overking, in public at least. The IKB are a militarist order of warrior knights who form Tarkane's personal bodyguard, they recruit more on the basis of dedication to the cause and proven fighting ability than on grounds of breeding and station. The IKB accept men only, although retainers may occasionally be female. There are some 3200 Imperial Knights Bloodhammer.
They are allied to the Blue Light Society of Wizards, who include Tarkane's consort Zalindra 'The Devastator', half-sister of Duchess Magda Kullervo of Imgart; to the Church of Ksarul, and to the Church of Odin in Imarr. The Bloodhammer Knights are rivals to Archduke Ulfius' Thrinian Knights.
The Cartheanists
Leader: Adam Dickinson, advocate (imprisoned M3 2739 YE)
This faction, primarily derived from the educated urban middle-classes, such as lawyers and merchants, follow the teachings of the Carthean philosopher Plautonus and advocated the replacement of the monarchy by a democratic republic. They are known to be supported by the Church of Carthea which is headquartered in the Free City of Scorn'el, the centre of the Scornic League which includes Dulleaberg. Most Cartheanists objected to Albine colonial rule, initially supported Tarkane, and learned their mistake only after he had seized power. In M3 2739 YE the Imperial Secret Police launched a clampdown on the Cartheanist dissenters, imprisoning many. Dickinson was released and the Cartheanists guaranteed freedom of religion by Tarkane upon the incorporation of the Scornic League into the Overkingdom in M11 2739 YE, in return for undertaking to respect the 'rule of law' and cease subversion against the Crown.
Active Cartheanists in Imarr number at least several thousand.
The Thrinians
Leader: Archduke Ulfius Bloodhammer of Colladel
Deputy: Sir Per Vartal, 'The Dark'
The Thrinian Knights are a powerful order of warrior knights revering the war-god Thrin, and supposedly strong supporters of Tarkane, their leader Ulfius is officially Tarkane's deputy. But there are frequent rumours that the Thrinians would like to replace Tarkane with Ulfius as Overking. Ulfius personally possesses the Bloodhammer, the holy artifact of the IKB, believed much to Tarkane's annoyance. Ulfius recently led the Overkingdom's conquest of Imgart and liberation of Trafalgis (2738-39 YE). He was supported by his venerable Archmage, Clarendon of the Singing Sword. M10 2739 Ulfius was killed in battle by the frost giant Gungir after slaying Harecules, but subsequently True Resurrected by the Thrinian Archpriest Arkhelt at considerable cost. In 2741 YE he helped lead the defense of Scorn'el against the Mongali Horde, at which time Clarendon died of old age.
The Thrinian Knights accept women, who make up about � of their fighting strength. There are some 800 Thrinian Knights.
Wizard Factions
The Society of Blue Light
Leaders: Zalindra the Devastator, Magist and consort to Overking Tarkane. Umayth.
This secretive religious order of wizards, monks etc revere Lord Ksarul the Doomed Prince, Master of Magic and Grammarie. It is thought to be ancient in origin. They generally support Overking Tarkane, and some provide magical assistance to the Imperial Knights Bloodhammer. Unlike some other Ksarulist factions, they are not thought to seek His Awakening (and the consequent Apocalypse). The Blue Light have much influence in the Universities, from where they recruit promising candidates. The Blue Light accept men and women on equal terms. The size of the Blue Light Society is unknown, but is thought to be similar to the White Way.
The Ndalu Clan
Leaders: Unknown, but include High Mage Sturlis.
The Ndalu are fanatical Ksarulists who serve Gruganu The Knower of Spells, and seek the Ten Keys to free Ksarul from his ancient prison. They have fewer mages than the Blue Light, but include many rogues and assassins.
The Order of the White Way
Leaders: 1.Laera the White
This relatively young Order was founded by Dovistar ca 2490 YE during the Empire of the Red Wizards, for mages who refused to join the Red order, and practiced their magic in secret under pain of death. The Order is generally apolitical and prefers not to get involved in mundane politics, although they are active in the Universities and until recently rivalled the Blue Light for influence. The White Way is a secular Order, many members revere the goddess Avanthe. The White Way accept men and women on equal terms. There are some 350 members of the White Way across Ea, about 70 within Imarr. The White Way suffered a great loss in prestige when the paranoid wizard Leopold persuaded them to temporarly relocate from Imarr to Gaxmoor in 2738 YE, and Laera is still trying to heal the political damage incurred.
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The Borderlands
In the Borderlands campaign the PCs - Xyzzy, Leo & co - were in service to Margrave (then Duke) Kanor Zerler of Dulleaberg, 2737-39 YE.
The Borderlands lie between the lush meadows and woods of Makyan-ruled Bretania to the south, the wild hills of Pan Chakka & the arid Do Chakkan plains to the west, the mighty peaks of the Dosk Heights to the southeast, Netlorani and the civilised Imarran Heartlands to the east. To the north lies the Imarr River and Colladel beyond. The Borderlands have long been settled, but never truly civilised, and retain a frontier ethos.
Borderlands notes
Dulleaberg is the largest of the Borderlands city states, and is a strong member of the Scornic League, a recently formed defense and mercantile alliance centred on the great city of Scorn'el, two hundred miles to the northwest on the eastern shore of Deepwater Lake. Dulleaberg's power has grown with the successful conquest of Gaxmoor (2738 YE), and Margrave Kanor came to increasingly dominate the city's ruling council. In M11 2739 YE the Borderlands incorporated into the Overkingdom along with the rest of the Scornic League, and Overking Tarkane appointed Margrave Kanor Zerler as Duke of the Borderlands.
Name:Dulleaberg
Type: Small city
Gold piece limit: 5,512 gp
Population: 9,804
Total wealth: 329,200 gp
Sherrif: Fighter level 6 - Sheriff Armod
Full-time guards: 70
Conscriptable individuals: 350
Power Centers
1.Duke Kanor Zerler (conventional)
2.lawful neutral Ruling Council (conventional): Lord Amundi Kalios, Viscount Arni Traffin, Margravine Eloise of Arkand, and Lord Andrei Verlorei.
3. Xyzzy, Sorcerer of the White Way (magical)
Botolf, the Sage-Sorceror of Dulleaberg. Many considered him the true
power in the city, but he is now overshadowed by the mighty Xyzzy.
Xyzzy
Name: Gaxmoor
Type: Small city
Gold piece limit: 3,000 gp
Population: 3,504
Total wealth: N/A
Full-time guards: 150
Conscriptable individuals: 250
Power Centers
1.local noble (conventional): Duke Kanor Zerler
2.Cailin White, head of the White Network (conventional)
3.Former Governor Tyberius Mycellus Gelasius (retd) (conventional)
4.Grimhelda the Witch (magical)
Only a few hundred of Gaxmoor's original citizens survived the humanoid occupation that followed the city's return to Ea. The city was reconquered by a Scornic League army under Captain Sigurd in M4 2738 YE, and the process of rebuilding and recolonisation has proceeded somewhat erratically ever since, hindered by lurking monsters and strange magical emanations. Margrave Kanor has effectively made the city his own, paying a nominal sum to Baron Brax in Pan Charak for the territory. The former Governor Tyberius retains the support of many of the original Gaxmoorites, and has been permitted by Kanor to remain in chambers within the Royal Palace. The new colonists attracted by Kanor to the city since its reconquest, however, have little time for the Gaxmoorites, generally seen as decadent and apathetic, and there is frequent friction between the two groups.
Pan Charak
The Barony of Pan Charak lies about four days' journey northwest of Dulleaberg through forested hills, marking the eastern edge of the wild forests and hills of Pan Chakka. Previously ruled by the pious Thrinist Baron Burin Brax, he strove desperately to protect his people in these increasingly dark times before his death at the hands of Cedric Quezada and Chin Li in 2737 YE. Pan Charak is now ruled by Baron Abu Brax, Burin's surviving son, aided by Fyodr, the Steward of Pan Charak and Castellan of Castle Brax. Although Gaxmoor appeared within Pan Charak, the barony was too weak to take the city and Baron Abu Brax has ceded dominion over Gaxmoor to the ambitious Duke Kanor of Dulleaberg. In M11 the creation of the Duchy of the Borderlands technically placed Pan Charak under the vassalage of Duke Kanor.
PAN CHARAK
Type: Small town
Gold piece limit: 633 gp
Population: ca 1,200
Total wealth: 49,928 gp
Captain of the guard: Fighter level 4 - Castellan-Steward Fyodr
Full-time guards: ?
Conscriptable individuals: ?
Power Center: Baron Abu Brax, vassal of Duke Kanor
Baron Burin Brax of Pan-Charak (RIP).
The hobgoblin-run city of Carrisqui Town lies on the Sakbe Highway southwest of Dulleaberg, beyond the small villages of Jarrakig and Coldbrook. The great range of the Dosk Heights mountains lies to the southeast, while the Duchy of Netlorani and Overking Tarkane's Heartlands domains lie to the east. Two hundred miles northwest is Scorn'el, on the shores of Deepwater Lake.
Carrisqui Town
Type: Large town
Gold piece limit: 2,196 gp
Population: 4,871
Total wealth: 134,726 gp
Full-time guards: 48
Conscriptable individuals: 243 + 400 Hobgoblins
Power Centre: Baron Gysshk the Hobgoblin, vassal of Duke Kanor Zerler
The large trading town of Arkand lies on the Sakbe Road northeast of Dulleaberg. Sakbe roads run east from Arkand towards Netlorani and northwest towards the distant city of Scorn'el on Deepwater Lake. In his last years Margrave Varnior of Arkand married a new wife, the young and beautiful Margravine Eloise Brax-Arkand, the aunt of Baron Abu Brax of Pan Charak.
Name: Arkand
Type: Large town
Gold piece limit: 1,732 gp
Population: 4,807
Total wealth: 145,680 gp
Sherrif: Captain Jethis
Full-time guards: 48
Arkand military: 240
Power Center: Margravine Eloise Brax-Arkand, vassal of Duke Kanor Zerler
Margravine Eloise Brax-Arkand, cousin to Lady Alia of Dulleaberg (RIP), aunt of young Baron Abu Brax of Pan-Charak. Famed for her beauty and intelligence, Eloise is very popular with the common citizenry of the Arkand. M11 2737 YE: While travelling from Arkand to Dulleaberg, Eloise was ambushed and kidnapped by General Gysshk's hobgoblins, eventually rescued by Xyzzy & co. M4-M9 2739 YE Eloise was the League Ambassador at Ankheight to Marowa, High King of the Makyan Tribes. She became ruler of Arkand after the death of Varnior in M9 2739 YE, after being rescued yet again by Xiang & co when her stepson Arngrim sentenced her to death for her husband's murder!
Margrave Varnior Arkand (RIP 2739 YE)
Dorroad is a large trading city lying north of the Dorr Cleft, in the Duchy of Netlorani, and owing nominal allegiance to the Overking in Imarr. Recently trade has suffered with several caravans passing through the Cleft being destroyed by unknown agents. The authorities seem powerless to stop the arracks. M8 2737 YE: Lord Harris forced to resign as Mayor after losing no-confidence vote in Council, replaced by Sir Lordith Del Attor, a famous warrior, as Mayor.
Dorroad City, Duchy of Netlorani
Type: Large city Gold piece limit: 25,396 gp
Population: 19,463
Total wealth: 670,708 gp
Captain of the guard: Fighter level 9 - Captain Alrik
Full-time guards: 174 Conscriptable individuals: 873
Power Centers (subject to the Duke of Netlorani)
1. merchant�s guild (nonstandard) - Guildmistress Elva, wife of Lord Harris
- is allied with Lord Harris
- opposes most of the town council
2. mayor (conventional) - Mayor Lordith Del Attor
- is allied with town council
3. town council (conventional)
- extorts merchants' guild
Name: Netloran
Type: Small town & castle Gold piece limit: 436 gp
Population: 1,339 Total wealth: 29,212 gp
Seneschal: Fighter level 4 - Captain Khader
In Castle Netloran: Knights: 13 Fighters. men-at-arms: 66 Warriors
Power Center: local noble (conventional) - Duchess-mother Freydis, Duke Michael of Netlorani.
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Dulleaberg, 2737 YE
Several fortnights ago, merchant caravans and traveling pilgrims began disappearing on the trail between Dulleaberg and its ally the Barony of Pan Charak to the west.
Soon after, reports of monsters and malign folk lurking about came in from outlying farms and border patrols. Next, some scouts returned to tell of the appearance of a strange rock mesa where there had previously been only a river valley. They said that on top of that mesa stood a great, seemingly devastated city. It was reported that this city had an odd, disquieting look. Massive outer walls, with higher inner walls beyond, surround it. Its towers, gates, and buildings were all of an unfamiliar style. They reported that various eerie sounds were heard throughout the night, and dark figures were seen moving along the walls. The unintelligible sounds that echoed throughout the city walls during the night�moans, screams, and an eerie, almost speech-like, howling�frightened even these intrepid scouts. As the early rays of the sun crested the hills, the whole group dared to move closer so as to obtain a better look at this weird city. A handful rode into the place, but those who passed through its gates did not return. Those who remained safely outside heard nothing, and waited for hours; growing fearful with the coming of night, they eventually left.
The scouts returned to Margrave Kanor of Dulleaberg with the tale.
They told that the newly appeared city was along the Charel River, about forty miles west of Dulleaberg itself. Clearly,
there was sorcery afoot. The Margrave asked for the counsel of
sages, scholar-priests and wizards to unravel the mystery. None
of these savants knew what this strange city was, how it came to
be where it was, nor what its sudden appearance could mean.
Priests praying and communing for knowledge from their
deities received only vague and cryptic answers. Wizards cast
spells of lore and legend, and likewise garnered only slight hints,
such as:
"It is the City of Journey�s End."
"What was forgotten has returned, and what was loved is now hated."
"The secrets of the City of Journeys are now in the hands of the malevolent."
Such cryptic answers are all that the wise could learn. As the
divinations and auguries were cast, and as scholars pored over
ancient texts in search of answers, news of terrible events came
to town. Farms and steadings along the western border in the
vicinity of the strange city were found abandoned. Evidence of
a terrible slaughter was discovered. Monstrous things have
been seen roaming the hills. The native hillmen and
others dwelling there have now disappeared�
Drake's Saga
M9 2737 YE
Chin Li & co:
Chin Li, renegade Guardian of Crane's Palace FTR 1/MNK 8
Cedric Quezada, ex-agent of Lady Alia and student of Crane ROG 1/SOR 1/MNK 7
Chin Li - Last Guardian of Crane's Palace?
Chin Li
CharGallery index
Grebulous - elf bowman (RIP).
M4 2737 YE
Vasquez, High Sorceress of Boccob, came to the Borderlands with her followers in search of adventure. Entering the Chaos Shrine of Kollchap in Netlorani she battled the priests of Chaos and recovered the Sword of Amaul, called the Sword of the Sorcerer, but at the cost of several followers. Later she joined with other adventurers including the monk, Tak Lok, a wanderer from the Heavenly Mountains, and fought the hordes of the chaos warrior Lord Vorloth at Dendridi Village and in his mountain lair. They allied with a party led by the Ksarulist mage Gavoil Umyorir, but although Vorloth was slain, tragedy soon struck when Vasquez was killed by an ettin and then Tak Lok by a gelatinous cube, while Gavoil and his followers stood by.
M6 2737 YE
Learning of his sister Vasquez�s fate, the sorcerer Drake travelled from Imgart with his wife Calysta and comrade Grebulous the elven bowman, on a mission of vengeance against those who had allowed Vasquez to perish. On the way they met and allied with Chin Li, sister of Tak Lok, embarked on the same quest.
M7 2737 YE
Reaching Carrisqui Town they tracked down Gavoil Umyorir and his band, and followed them north to Coldbrook, defeating an evil necromancer and his enchanted portrait. From his corpse Chin Li gained the dread Ebony Horn. They then battled and defeated Gavoil and his adherents, but magnanimously spared their lives.
Reaching the village of Jarrakig, Drake, Chin Li and company tracked down the source of the mysterious drought afflicting the land, slaying the Hsung Saio responsible and bringing on the late summer rains in time to save the harvest. Turning down monetary reward, they travelled on to Dulleaberg.
In Dulleaberg they consulted with the sage-sorcerer Botolf, and encountered Gavoil�s band again in a sleazy tavern, but the ensuing melee was brought to an abrupt end by the arrival of the Lady Alia Brax, who hired both parties to clear out her newly acquired mansion on the Firenze Estate of the ghosts and monsters said to inhabit it. With them went her agent, Cedric Quezada, a man like Chin Li trained in the mysterious Arts of Crane. At the Firenze Mansion, battle soon ensued between the rival parties, with Cedric�s intervention ensuring the victory of Drake and Chin Li. This time the lives of the defeated were not spared. Together the survivors cleared the mansion of its inhabitants, and traced the source of the infestation to the dread Soulscape Painting, which they took to Botolf for destruction, freeing the souls of its victims. For this, Lady Alia rewarded them with one hundred pieces of gold.
M8 2737 YE:
Chin Li, Drake, Calysta & Grebulous were hired by Lady Alia of House Brax, a member of the Dulleaberg Ruling Council, to escort her on the dangerous road from Dulleaberg to her cousin Baron Burin Brax's castle at Pan-Charak. With them came Alia's agent, the mysterious Cedric Quezada. On the road they rescued the dwarf Jasper Goldhammer from an ettercap's lair, and after battling the horde of the hobgoblin General Gysshk, they looted the tower of the gnome alchemist Albrect. Reaching Pan Charak, a disagreement with Lady Alia over payment resulted in them attacking Baron Burin's castle, killing six men, kidnapping Alia (and stealing her silver bikini), extorting 2000gp from Baroness Jasmine, and escaping, dumping Alia bound and naked on the Dulleaberg road before making off.
Sadly on the road Drake's wife Calysta was slain, when the group attacked a hungry goblin-bear. Returning to Dulleaberg they met the mage-nun Sister Vash, who asked their help in recovering the flute and eye-patch of the great bard Lyranos, relics sacred to her Order, from the dungeons of the Thunder Witch. Entering the Thizzi marshes, Drake killed a hostile hill giant, while Cedric befriended Blinkie the Blink Dog. In the dungeons of the Thunder Witch beneath the blasted Shriven Oak, the party found their mettle tested as they battled goblinoid hordes, undead revenants, deadly traps and many foul beasts.
M9 2737 YE
After Jasper was slain by an Ettin in the witch's dungeon, the group returned to Dorroad, on the way battling the deadly Quezada-clan bounty hunter Thoto, and barely defeating him. In Dorroad they purchased rations and healing potions, but were attacked by Doskani mercenaries seeking the bounties on their heads posted by Baron Brax. Angered, Chin Li unleashed a horde of Spectres upon the unfortunate city, before they departed.
Returning west to the Witch's Lair, they were attacked by savage trolls on the edge of the Thizzi marshes, and Grebulous was tragically slain. Re-entering the lair, Vash's sorcery located the Eyepatch of Lyranos, but it was guarded by Devil Wolves and an invincible Iron Devil. Vash perished, but Chin Li managed to steal the Eyepatch and the survivors fled, heading to Netloran. There they met the witch Alfhid and the Ndalu Sister Zhana, who received the Eyepatch and tasked them with recovering the Staff of Urnus Gregaria from the Lost City of Gaxmoor. Drake summoned a Familiar, Hudson Owl, and recruited the philtre-enamoured Avanthe priestess Herda, while Cedric bonded with Blinkie and Chin Li recruited Ivy & Bear, as well as dispatching some presumptuous brigands. Heading west towards Gaxmoor, they were attached by blue crested humanoids and, defeating them, found a map on their leader which they decided to follow into the Forest of Illimitable Green.
In the Forest the party met Lith the Weaver, a scantily clad damsel, and following her plaintive entreaties recovered for her the Tapestry of Ariventa from the monster Chun the Unavoidable in the Palace of Whispers, who fled before their wrath. Lith used the Tapestry to leave this world - the party wrapped it up and took it with them. On the road to Malri Cedric slew a messenger of Baron Brax with a missive for Margravine Eloise of Arkand. After terrorising the unfortunate Sheriff of Malri and his Doskani mercenaries, the party headed west, to find that gnoll hordes had conquered Pan Charak and were besieging Castle Brax. Bright blades, lightning bolts, and lightning fists flashed as the party attacked the monstrous hyena-men.
The party soon defeated the gnoll horde, aided by a ranger friend of Drake's, but when they entered Castle Brax to announce their victory the welcome was not warm. Drake was captured, stripped and manacled, along with Herda, and was cast into the castle dungeon.
Drake managed to get out of his manacles with a Knock spell, freeing Herda's as well and went Invisible, but his spellcasting was hindered by lack of material components. When a Thrinist priest came in to 'console' him before his excecution he had apparently vanished, the guard was alerted, Trenton Dirge came in and spotted where Drake was lurking, Drake surrendered but Baron Brax had Trenton execute him anyway. Drake's Ranger friend Kwgwrth denied his affiliation with the sorcerer and was comfortably incarcerated in guest quarters.
Chin Li and Cedric escaped the castle. On the road from Pan Charak to Dulleaberg they met and allied with the hobgoblin General Gysshk and his horde, who brought a war catapult to the scene, along with his naked captive, the Lady Alia. After engaging in banter with Baron Brax, catapulting Alia over the wall, and besieging the castle for several days with the catapult, a breach was formed in the north wall. While Gysshk's horde assaulted the breach that night, taking terrible losses, Chin Li and Cedric scaled the almost undefended southern wall and attacked the defenders from behind, slaying many. In the assault on the castle walls Cedric and Chin hacked down the baron's two teenage sons. Baron Brax saw this, and seized with fury he climbed up the ladder after them. The monks flanked him and made short work of the unfortunate paladin...
M10 2737 YE: Xyzzy & co�s Saga
�The wise and powerful now call upon their allies, vassals, and all brave adventurers to lend a hand. You are among those answering the call for help. Many stalwart, experienced adventurers like you have already entered the mysterious city. But none that entered this city have returned...
Your mission will certainly be long and intense, and much thought must go into the actual search-and-destroy missions if any real success is to be gained. Those who have preceded you, though organized and well armed, have failed to return! Caution may win where bull-headed might has failed, or so those who would recover the place hope. Are you ready for high adventure, lost magic treasures, and devious tricks and traps?�
Xyzzy of the White Way: SOR 8
Sigurd Ravenskjold, FTR 3/BBN 4
Austin 'Aos' of Imarr FTR 6/ROG 1
Hugh Burke, priest of Urnus Gregaria (NPC): CLR 4
'Red' Ivy (NPC): FTR 9
Captain Larius of Gaxmoor FTR 7
Answering the Margrave of Dulleaberg�s call, the magic-user Xyzzy and his companions, the Ranger Phelps and half-orc Fighter Unglar, trekked west through the wilderness towards the Lost City, befriending the cleric Hugh Burke, priest of an obscure travellers� deity, who claimed to have been attracted to the city by strange dreams. Attacking a gnoll baggage train they freed the human captives and looted its contents, then encountered soldiers dressed in archaic armour, speaking a language two thousand years old! Unable to understand them, they pressed on, camping a little beyond. The next morning they reached the outskirts of Gaxmoor and met the native witch Grimhelda, who told them of evil forces beyond, including the dark wizard Evander. Entering the city through a wall breach they attacked a mansion full of goblins, fireballs and blades slaying over a hundred, before an abortive strike against a catapult tower manned by hobgoblins. Retreating through the northwest gate they were assailed by demonic stony-hided gargoyles, and would have perished but for the welcome intervention of the adventurers Ivy and Bear. Bear�s bastard sword broke against a gargoyle�s enchanted hide, but Ivy�s sorcerous blade cut deep and soon dispatched the fiends. Ivy informed the party of rest and refreshment to be had at the Shapely Siren pleasure house to the north, and led them there, while warning that none who had passed beyond Gaxmoor�s walls had returned. At the brothel, Xyzzy and co met Crystal, the saturnine House Physician, and were given luxurious rooms on the upper level where Phelps camped and the party made ready for new struggles on the morrow.
Next day, Phelps departed, while the party were joined by the Norseman Sigurd, a warrior of Trafalgis. They decided to reconnoitre the northern outskirts of the city, encountering orcs, hobgoblins, kobolds, and a large spider up a chimney, which nearly ate Sigurd. Returning to the Shapely Siren, they ambushed and wiped out a small gnoll band attempting to break down the door.
Next day, emboldened by their successes, the party decided to assail the breach near the northwestern gate, but were attacked by massed ranks of hobgoblin archers and the goblins laired within the nearby mansions. Xyzzy wreaked havoc with his fireballs before the party withdrew. That evening however, the angry goblinioids at last came in force against the Shapely Siren. Sigurd challenged their leader, the mighty bugbear warlord Panchmo Sargiles, to single combat, but was defeated and forced to flee, saved by a handy 'invisibility' from Xyzzy. As hundreds of goblins, hobgoblins and bugbears closed in on the pleasure-house the party and the rest of the Siren's inhabitants retreated into the secret passage that led into the heart of the Citadel.
With the newly-arrived adventurers Austin the Rake and the Tyr-priest Sven of Skjaergard, Xyzzy and co fled into the secret tunnel; Sigurd and Captain Larius of the Gaxmoor Royal Guard holding the bugbear hordes at bay while they escaped.
Making their stand in the cellars of the Royal Guard Barracks, they inflicted heavy losses on Panchmo's attacking hordes, until he called off the assault with dozens dead. Piling the slain humanoids over the passage entrance, the party and their Gaxmoorite allies were able to rest in the barracks before deciding to investigate the Governor's Palace, Xyzzy's owl having scouted the area and spotted an ogre mage within library on the upper floors. Their attack met with disorganised though enthusiastic resistance from the occupying gnoll horde, but the heroes prevailed, killing dozens, until the cambion Harecules himself entered the fray. His Ettin Snaggle-Snerk, clad in blue dragonhide armour, proved a dangerous foe, killing Unglar, before being felled. Angered, Harecules raised his terrible sword and attacked, slaughtering Bear, the unfortunate barbarian cleaved into salami-slices. Realising themselves outmatched, the party retreated, a parthian-shot fireball from Xyzzy finishing off the Ettin, all swearing to return another day.
Escaping the city via the north-eastern gate, the party and their new Gaxmoorite allies returned to Dulleaberg, where Ivy departed to take news of Bear's death to his home clan, and Xyzzy attended to private business. Meanwhile Sigurd, Austin and Sven were recruited for a new mission against a dangerous new threat...
EN World (UK) GenCon game 31/08/02:
M11 2737 YE: The Lair of Gysshk.
"Following his failure at the Siege of Castle Brax, General Gysshk departed from the human renegades Cedric Quezada and Chin Li, leading his remaining forces eastwards into the forested hills bordering on Dulleaberg. Occupying an ancient dungeon complex, Gysshk's army soon embarked on a reign of terror against the disheartened peoples of the Borderlands, and as the first snows of winter fell, new horrors flocked to his black banner..." - Gysshk's Saga.
Sven of Skjaergard, Clr 5 (Upper_Krust)
Sigurd Ravenskjold, Ftr 3/BBN 4 (Lars)
Austin 'Aos' of Imarr, Ftr 6/Rog 1 (Andrew)
Yasir of Sasan, Wiz 4 (Poilbrun & Richard)
Ragnar the Mighty, Wiz 4 - RIP (Zander)
Leilah of the Sidhe, Ftr 4 (Miho)
Smiling Jack, gnome Rgr 3/Sorc 1 - RIP (weird guy with beard)
Lathan Bryant the archer, Ftr Lvl 4 - RIP (Tallarn)
& 6 other heroes, Lvl 4.
Sven of Skjaergard, Warpriest of Tyr, was appointed leader of the assembled fourteen, the greatest force of heroes Dulleaberg had ever assembled! They were recruited by the Margrave Kanor of Dulleaberg to attack the lair of the legendary hobgoblin warlord General Gysshk, whose foul minions had blazed a trail of destruction across Dulleaberg's western border. Dulleaberg's scouts had tracked the raiders down to an ancient fortified dungeon complex in the western hills.
In the Dulleaberg Council Halls, Margrave Karnor gave an impassioned speech about the importance of their mission - the Margravine Eloise of Arkand, while travelling to Dulleaberg to consult with the Council, had been attacked and kidnapped by Gysshk's horde! She needed to be rescued, as much as Gysshk's foul head needed to be cleaved from his shoulders.
Led by an insane gnome Ranger, the party rode west from Dulleaberg, reaching Gysshk's lair as dusk fell. Sven's battle-planning was immediately disrupted as Smiling Jack the crazy gnome took it upon himself to attack the enemy ramparts single-handed with his shortbow, immediately alerting the goblinoid defenders. The element of surprise lost, Sven quaffed a potion of flying and led the heroes' charge up the scree slope to the stone walls that protected the dungeon's entrance.
A bloody battle followed, although Sven's prayers calmed many of the defenders and prevented them joining the fray until too late. A brave paladin smashed the gates with his mighty destrier, leading the assault. Sigurd scaled the walls and jumped in amongst the wolves within, battling a terrible dire wolf that badly wounded him before it was dispatched by well-aimed arrow shafts from Lathan Bryant on the parapet. The alerted goblins poured arrows from within the hold. As more heroes reached the walls the tide turned, a reckless half-orc fighter bull-rushed into the goblin archers, scattering many as he plunged into the tunnel. The defenders, although savage, seemed few in number - surprisingly few... then from within the tunnels, Hong struck. The mighty troll barbarian, hugest and foulest of all trolls, fell upon the heroes like a ravening whirlwind! The brave half-orc was rent limb from limb, as was the crazy gnome. A web spell from Yasir slowed it only a moment, and a chance blow crushed Ragnar's spine. As more heroes fell, the attack faltered.
But then a small band, entering the dungeon via an icy stream that flowed from the rock, attacked the troll from behind. Austin's thrown daggers plunged into its neck, while Leilah helped the others into the chamber. The troll was suddenly surrounded, threatened from two sides at once! Lathan Bryant's arrows pierced its leathery hide. Yasir's burning hands scorched its flesh. Sigurd Ravenskjold charged, hewing it with mighty blows, while more arrows flew above him, piercing the monster's upper chest. At last, with a despairing wail, it fell!
The survivors stopped to burn their fell foe. The two surviving goblins begged Leilah piteously for mercy, and were tied up and left as the party pressed onwards, rogues scouting ahead. Deeper into the dungeon, voices were detected outside two doors - including that of a human female!
The paladin burst through one door, surprising two hobgoblin warriors playing dice within, while Sigurd's great axe cleaved the other - beyond, a hobgoblin chief, recently in flagrante with a beautiful red-haired girl, hurriedly readied himself for battle! He charged Sigurd, and axes clashed savagely, as Austin's daggers flew past Sigurd to strike the chieftain. While the others swiftly cut down the two lesser brutes, Sigurd's axe hacked the chief's head from his shoulders, and the redhead fell gratefully into his arms - Leilah recognised her as Margravine Eloise's handmaiden, Eryla. At the same time, however, lupine howls were heard from the north, and a great Dire Wolf charged into the fray, followed by two vicious worgs. Howls and screams rent the air as Lathan Bryant bore the brunt of the attack. He fell, torn apart by terrible jaws, but Leilah's deadly spear, the Gae Bolga, came into play. As deadly as she was beautiful, she struck fast, twin blows slaying both dire wolf and worg with lethal skill. The Necromancer Morrius appeared, blasting the band with spells - one hero was struck asleep, but Leilah resisted both charm and magic dart. Morrius' nerve cracked, and he fled with the surviving worg, screaming for reinforcements! As the sound of many running feet came from deeper within the complex, the battered heroes withdrew. Their mission had not succeeded, for Gysshk still lived, and Margravine Eloise yet languished in his clutches, but a prisoner had been rescued, and Sigurd at least, was happy.
M11 2737 YE: A New Hope?
Sigurd Ravenskjold, Captain of Dulleaberg, Ftr 5/BBN 4 (Lars)
Austin 'Aos' of Imarr, Ftr 7/Rog 1 (Andrew)
Xyzzy of the White Way, Wizard of Dulleaberg, Sorc 9 (Jamz)
Lilliana, Xyzzy's Cohort, CLR 8 (Jamz)
Jen the Mongali RGR 3/ROG 4 (Zippy)
Captain Larius of Gaxmoor, Sigurd's Cohort, FTR 7 (Lars)
Sigurd and Aos agreed to serve Margrave Kanor until the Spring thaw, in exchange for enchantments laid upon their weapons by Botolf the Sage-Sorcerer. Sigurd tried to persuade Kanor to launch a military campaign against Gaxmoor. Eventually Xyzzy and Ivy returned, and a second mission was quickly launched with Sven, Sigurd and Aos. Together they attacked Gysshk's lair, and after a fierce battle with swarms of ratmen, goblins, hobgoblins, wolves, and the terrible minotaur Enoar, they defeated the Necromancer Morius, who fled severely scorched. They captured General Gysshk, and rescued Margravine Eloise and several other prisoners, returning in triumph to Dulleaberg! News of the victory against evil would have a profound effect upon the people of the Borderlands...
The success of the mission, Eloise's safe return and the fount of informartion obtained from the talkative hobgoblin warlord, give a great boost to citizen morale in the free cities of Dulleaberg and Arkand. After much urging from Sigurd Ravenskjold, Margrave Kanor of Dulleaberg convenes a Council of Nobles from the local cities and dominions of the Scornic League, and plans a spring campaign to finally cleanse the Lost City of Gaxmoor of the foulness that lies within. Sigurd is offered a position training the recruits for the war that will follow.
As winter sets in over the lands of the Old Empire, the Noble Council of Dulleaberg, Margravine Eloise of Arkand, Fyodr the Steward of Pan Charak, and the Guildmasters of Carrisqui meet in conclave to plan their next actions.
"To our Most Dignified Host, Margrave Kanor and Good Lords and Knights of
the Borderlands and the League hear ye to what I, Sigurd, Son of Orm, Earl
of Ravenmark, Son of Tyrn Jernneve, will tell you about the Lost City and
the circumstances we, the men of good will and fortune, find ourselves in
these dark times - where the strength of noble men is called upon to save
our lands from destruction. During my travels I have seen many cruel and
hideous things, yet the world has seen such a pestering evil as the unholy
Heraceles the Half-Demon, the wretched evil lord of Gaxmor, and his legions
of Gnolls and other fiendish creatures. To add to our misery, we have
Pashmoo, the foul and brute hogboblin, who through his savagery has been a
great pest to the nearby lands for years, and has been allowed to thrive
because the cities stood divided - and divided we fall weak and defenseless.
No, together we come on this blessed day, to form a union against the evil
forces that besiege us, and I urge you to take this oath with me - and let
the Gods be our witness - that no man shall break our holy covenant until
its purpose has been fufilled - to take sword and fire to the gates of our
enemy and prevail - and let no man, lord or soldier, depart in shame and
dishonor of his own treachery, if so, the Gods shall surely punish it, as
well as they shall reward us with glory and riches if we stay true to our
cause - until death and the brave man's everlasting afterlife in Valhalla!
I, Sigurd, and my companions, among which can be counted Aos the Swift
Swordsman of Imgart, and Xyzzy the Mighty Sorcerer of the White Way, have
braved our way to his inner sanctum and confronted his legions, yes, even
the Half-Demon himself, and I can only say that this enemy must be
approached with caution and good planning - and the favour of the Gods if
they may be with us. By Odin, I swear, we shall plunge Pashmoo and his
bugbears, Heracles and his Gnolls into Hel's eternal darkness before spring
- but we will need the support and utter determintion of each one of you
good sirs - and a good share of wit if we are to return triumphantly with
our enemy's heads on stakes by spring.
I accept my position with humble gratititude and ask of each one of you to
place thy trust into my skill and that of my companions - we have seen many
battles, and recieved many scars, but in the spite of gravest danger we have
stood firm and laughed in the face of Death - and through the strength of
our swords and spells, succeeded in spite of beeing outnumbered and
outmatched - this time around we the strength of your armies behind us - and
by the Great Gods Odin, Thor and Tyr I swear we shall have revenge for our
fallen, the sacked villages and the gruesome heineous acts done upon our
lands and people - and I shall humbly serve this noble cause with strength
and valor - until death!"
-Sigurd Ravenskjold, Captain of Dulleaberg.
M12 2737 YE
As winter set in in earnest across the Borderlands Captain Larius of the Gaxmoor Royal Guard, newly equipped with a Helm of Comprehending Languages, proposed to Margrave Kanor of Dulleaberg a mission to rescue the Governor of Gaxmoor, Tyberius Mycellus Gelasius, from his hiding place beneath the Royal Palace. True, the cambion Harecules meant death to all who faced him, but Gaxmoor's sewer network offered an opportunity to reach the Governor without facing the half-demon. Together with Xyzzy, Ivy, Xyzzy's new cohort Lilliana, Aos, and the Mongali woodsman Jen, they trekked to Zenden Post, then southwest towards Gaxmoor through the snowy forests of east Pan Charak. Reaching the northeastern outskirts of the city, they surprised and defeated a band of tough Red Axe orcs, capturing the orc warlord Grond and rescuing the 'pilgrim' Nirjan, who had come to Gaxmoor seeking the Crown of Quentis and apparently been caught trying to steal Grond's enchanted axe. As dozens more orcs arrived, Jen executed Grond and they withdrew into the woods under cover of a Wall of Ice, Xyzzy quickly routing the Red Axe orcs with deadly fireballs.
After a cold night camped in the wintry forest, they headed for Gaxmoor again, avoiding the orc-occupied northern suburbs to approach the city from the east along a sluggish stream. After battling two vicious feral swamp-gobblers, they reached the eastern sewer exit and made friendly contact with the civilized Sobekki, a race of lizardfolk who maintained Gaxmoor's sewers and storm drains. Their leader Hsithra provided the party with a guide into the sewers.
Navigating the sewers, the party and their Sobekki guide battled vicious ratmen and mutant two-headed rats, Aos and Larius receiving a drenching from the cold waters. They eventually reached the palace, Jen searching out the secret doorways, and located Governor Tyberius and his staff, who were glad to be rescued after months esconced in their secret hiding place. While heading back through the sewers, however, the group was ambushed by ratman hordes from both sides and from the frigid waters, and for a moment things looked grim, although a protective Wall of Ice from Xyzzy and a deadly lightning bolt from the Governor's magist Excellantus Pompius Mageris gave momentary relief. But then the water level fell, and the ratmen mysteriously withdrew - the reason became clear as a rogue Water Elemental, sweeping up the sewer, attacked! The Governor's magist was enveloped by the monster, and in dire straits. Lilliana tried to Dispel the Elemental, but failed. Excellantus was badly battered, but Xyzzy's spells and the enchanted blades of his companions turned the tide - literally - in the nick of time! With the Elemental vanquished and the magist saved, the party were able to leave the sewers and escort the rescuees safely back to Dulleaberg without loss, receiving the Margrave's thanks and rewards.
Get Panchmo!
On a stormy New Year's eve 2737 YE, Captain Sigurd, Ivy, Captain Larius, Lilliana & Xyzzy, Wizard of Dulleaberg,
were summoned away from the new year festivities to Margrave Kanor's mansion, where Margravine Eloise of Arkand and Steward Fyodr of Pan Charak were already in attendance. Kanor informed them of the following: recruitment proceeded well, but Carrisqui town was refusing to provide its promised financial contribution towards the League war effort against Gaxmoor, claiming that a young adult red dragon was demanding tribute from the town and that they needed all their money for this, and/or to hire adventurers to kill the dragon. Meanwhile the Governor of Gaxmoor wanted the Staff of Urnus Gregaria, a powerful artifact, recovered from beneath the Royal Palace in Gaxmoor. And the captive hobgoblin General Gysshk was offering to lead a team to assassinate the bugbear warlord Panchmo Sargiles, in return for his freedom.
Xyzzy opined that the dragon was best avoided for now, while Larius advocated seeking the staff. Sigurd's desire for vengeance against Panchmo, however, carried the day, and the party left a few days later, at the first clear day, heading via Zenden Post towards the Lost City.
2738 YE
M1
Approaching Gaxmoor from the northwest the party was attacked by two gargoyles, whom they swiftly defeated before encountering the Gaxmoorite witch Grimhelda, who greeted Xyzzy. Sigurd & co were shocked to discover that Grimhelda had been supplying Panchmo with potions, and harsh words were exchanged. Pressing on, Xyzzy turned all but Gysshk invisible, and he led them through the northwestern gate to Panchmo's mansion, where the starved, half-frozen form of Colonel Tiberius hung from an iron cage. Gysshk knocked on the door and blagged his way in, the bugbear guard taking him to Panchmo's hall. Panchmo started to knock him about but hadn't got far before Sigurd struck! His Norse broadsword hacked savagely at the arrogant bugbear, while swarms of Xyzzy's magical bolts blasted the warlord. Panchmo barely had time to strike a blow before going down to the victorious Norseman. Sigurd hewed down Panchmo's angry owlbear, and the guards were swiftly defeated. However Sigurd decided to capture rather than slay Panchmo, and the group departed with their wounded captive, Xyzzy's fireballs clearing the street of swarms of alerted bugbears and hobgoblins.
Retreating through the northern suburbs the party were pursued by Panchmo's angry horde - more bugbears, hobgoblins, droves of goblins. Xyzzy blasted them with fireballs, then flew away with his magics exhausted. Sigurd took a lone stand against the horde as the others hurried to safety. Surrounded, he cleaved through piles of attackers, bugbear, hobgoblin and goblin alike, the Norseman swiftly surrounded by heaps of mangled corpses. At last no goblin dared come against him, resorting to bowfire that cut down more of their own side in the crossfire. Seeing his chance, Sigurd withdrew, escaping into the trees. Escaping their demoralised pursuers, the party again encountered Grimhelda, who had decided to return with them to Dulleaberg, and their horses, before a night-ride back, reaching Zenden post and safety just before dawn. Xyzzy set free Gysshk as promised, even providing him with trail rations. The hobgoblin departed promising never to return.
Back at Dulleaberg, the gems taken from Panchmo's hauberk and the fire opals from his owlbear's Sobekki-hide collar proved greatly valuable, and Sigurd was able to have his broadsword further empowered by the application of Botolf's battle-runes. He presented Larius with the bugbear's witchfire shortsword, and accepted Larius as his cohort. However, some Norse-southerner animosity between Sigurd and Ivy boded less well. Xyzzy spent the next several weeks consorting with merchants, and was at last able to acquire a valuable Cloak of Charisma.
M2
Zenden Post
Ori Neasta, battlepriest of Thrin: CLR 7 (Matt)
Orstadt of the Blue Light: Trans 6 (Ori's cohort/Matt)
Captain Sigurd Ravenskjold: FTR 5/BBN 4 (Lars)
Austin 'Aos' of Imarr, Ftr 8/Rog 1 (Andrew)
Captain Larius of Gaxmoor, FTR 7 (Sigurd's cohort/Lars)
The late winter snows lay heavy upon the hills and valleys of the Borderlands as Captain Sigurd and his companions Larius and Aos were sent on a routine mission to inspect the garrison at Zenden Post. Approaching the outpost as dusk fell, they spotted a group of riders on the trail behind them. Sigurd challenged them astride the trail, while the others hid. The riders turned out to be bounty hunters led by the Marrakeen warrior Mussa Kharif, in the employ of Gio Carluchi, Chief Magistrate of Imarr, on the trail of the wanted fugitive Austin Speere! A battle soon broke out - Sigurd was swiftly paralysed by a 'hold' spell from the Heavenly Mountain hunter Kamazaki. Larius jumped onto Sigurd's horse and fled to the outpost with Sigurd's inanimate body. Austin battled valiantly against the hunters, felling a female bounty-hunter, but was clearly overmatched, and soon also paralysed. Larius alerted the guards at the outpost, and by chance two adventurers also there - the Thrin-priest Ori Neasta and his companion the Blue Mage Orstadt. As the hunters put Aos' body onto a horse and prepared to leave, Ori and the guards struck! Spells and swords flashed as a brutal battle raged. Most of the outpost guards fell to the bounty-hunters' sleep spells. Their sergeant felled the cleric Erling from his horse, but was cut down by a deadly blow from Kharif. Ori the Thrin war-priest was surrounded, but wreaked havoc amongst the bounty-hunters, and the snow crimsoned red with the blood of the fallen as he cut down Kamazaki and Erling, wounding the others. Larius and the outpost's archers provided a withering bow-fire in support, while a 'slow' spell from Orstaft sealed the foes' doom. Kharif tried to flee, but Orstadt rode in and blasted him with burning hands, slaying the Marrakeen. The bounty-hunter bard Hedini turned invisible and tried to flee, but Sigurd, returned to the fray, tracked him into the woods and slew him there.
At last the foe were defeated - three dead, two - Erling and the woman - captured and taken to the outpost for interrogation. Sigurd decided to spare their lives, and they begged to remain at the outpost overnight. The battered party settled down to rest, but eerie wolf-like howls in the distance presaged a new danger...
22/2/2738 YE: The Return of Morrius
Xyzzy, Sorcerer of Dulleaberg Sorc 9 (Jamz)
Lilliana, Xyzzy's Cohort Clr 8 (Xyzzy's Cohort)
Lorne, agent of Margrave Kanor Ftr 4/Rog 3 (Alex)
Hurrying through the night from Dulleaberg to warn Aos of the bounty-hunters on his trail, Lorne saw a flash of eerie green light from the direction of Zenden Post. With Xyzzy and Lilliana he hurried onwards, Xyzzy sending Hudson Owl forward to scout ahead.
At the post, the huddled guards and adventurers were woken from sleep by a loud knocking on the rear trading post door, and a hoarse voice beseeched them:
"I'm so cold... let me in..."
The guards blanched - it was the voice of Arf, their Sergeant, slain in battle earlier that day! They wouldn't let him in, and his entreaties continued.
Xyzzy's owl reported that the outpost seemed quiet, but the tower look-out lay dead at his post!
Reaching the outpost, Lorne spotted a slight shimmering in the air ahead - and the gnolls in hiding all around the perimeter! Before they could react, Morrius struck, appearing from Invisible as he blasted Xyzzy with waves of magic missiles, and the gnoll horde surged forward!
Meanwhile at the post, Morrius' Shadow emerged through the wall to strike Aos from behind, severely weakening him, before being dispelled by Ori. Opening the door, Sigurd beheld the animated corpse of Sergeant Arf, a rictus grin on his frozen dead features. The zombie reached for Sigurd, but the Norseman struck and cleaved its head from its shoulders with a single mighty blow.
Battle was joined as the gnoll horde surged forwards. Sigurd stepped out into the fray, hewing about him with his mighty broadsword. Xyzzy tried to spellcast, but failed as the gnolls assailed him. Lilliana tried to hold off the attacking horde. Aos opened the front door of the outpost, giving those within a clear view of Morrius - Larius charged, stabbing him from behind. As the Necromancer turned to deal with Larius, Lorne spurred his horse forward and took a clear shot from his bow, the arrow taking Morris in the back and felling him. Things did not go well for Xyzzy as he fell beneath the gnolls' attacks. Lilliana managed to heal him, though, and a desperate Dimension Door to the outpost tower gave them momentary safety.
As Sigurd hacked through piles of gnolls, the tide began to turn. Lorne was sore assailed, but Ori managed to fly up and carry him from the surrounding paack - promptly fireballed by Xyzzy, leaving devastation in their ranks. Aided by Aos, Larius and the others, Sigurd cut a bloody swathe through the gnolls. As the battle ended, though, a figure from the ancient legends strode out of the wintry night - a frost giant, fully 18' tall, accompanied by a great silver wolf. The weary defenders readied themselves for more battle, but the giant demanded only the corpses of the gnolls, his prey! Warily, Sigurd agreed, and the giant departed with a dozen or so gnolls in his bag.
The next morning, Sigurd ordered the guards to have a statue constructed to poor Arf, then the battered party headed for Pan Charak, reaching the barony after nightfall. There at Castle Brax they consulted with the young Baron Abu Brax, and met a band of five Thrinian Knights come to aid Pan Charak against the hordes of Gaxmoor - and kill the red dragon troubling Carrisqui Town! Aos got on very well with a female member of their company.
Two days later the party departed for Carrisqui Town, along with the Thrinians, reaching Dulleaberg in two days, where Sigurd reported to the Margrave. Then they departed for Carrisqui Town, and the dragon...
At Carrisqui, Sigurd berated the Mayor for his lack of loyalty to the League, and somehow extracted the magical greatsword of Vorloth from him!
30/2/2738: Dragonfight
Lorne, Ori and Orstadt waited hidden beneath the dragon's sacrificial cows in an open field southeast of Carrisqui Town. The others waited in the trees. Lilliana summoned two celestial stewards of Carthea, and beseeched their aid - which was granted with the proviso that Lilliana travel to Imarr and free the city from Overking Tarkane's tyrannical rule!
The red dragon Wormscather was spotted, approaching from the southeast. His fiery breath incinerated most of the cows, but as he landed to feast, the adventurers struck. Ori, struggling with a barbecued cow, got to his feat, only to be flattened by the angry dragon. The Thrinians charged on horseback, but their lances proved ineffective against the dragon's magical Shield. Sigurd flew up to attack from the flank, doing some damage. The party closed in on the dragon - fully thirteen adventurers to face the beast! The celestials dispelled the dragon's protective magics, giving the party the chance to draw blood. It bit, clawed, beat its wings and slapped its tail furiously, injuring many, but Sigurd hacked furiously, while Aos tried to leap on its head, and Xyzzy threw spells. At length the wounded dragon took flight and flapped away. Larius, Lorne and Sigurd followed flying, doing further damage, but at length it outdistanced them, returning badly wounded towards its distant lair. The party had triumphed, and claimed their reward, but the dragon still lived and had best be tracked down before it recovered, or it would go ill for Carrisqui.
Ori had perished in the battle, but Lilliana felt that he could be returned to life, should she but gain a little more power from Carthea's grace. And so, bringing his preserved corpse along, the party headed towards the Dosk Heights...
Into the Dosk Heights
Xyzzy, Sorcerer of Dulleaberg Sorc 10 (Jamz)
Captain Sigurd Ravenskjold: FTR 5/BBN 4 (Lars)
Austin 'Aos' of Imarr, Ftr 8/Rog 1 (Andrew)
Lilliana, Xyzzy's Cohort Clr 8 (Xyzzy's Cohort)
Lorne, agent of Margrave Kanor Ftr 4/Rog 3 (Alex)
Orstadt of the Blue Light: Trans 7 (Matt)
Captain Larius of Gaxmoor, FTR 7 (Sigurd's cohort/Lars)
Lord Arnulf, Thrinian Knight FTR 11 (NPC)
Lady Celia, Thrinian Knight FTR 7 (NPC)
Sir Ragnar, Thrinian Knight FTR 7 (NPC)
Sir Funor, Thrinian Knight FTR 9 (NPC)
Erlin, War Priest of Thrin CLR 6 (NPC) (RIP)
At the ruins of Dendridi Village the party rendezvoused with the Avorrals, who had tracked Wormscather to a volcanic cavern high in the Dosk Heights. From there they headed south-east up a steep glen, camping at the entrance of Vorloth's dungeon. Entering the high mountains Xyzzy, Lilliana, Orstadt and one Avorral flew on towards the dragon's lair, while the other Avorral returned to Dendridi with the horses and Ori's corpse, and the remainder of the party trudged on afoot through the mountains, entering a sinister valley of bones. The flying party spotted great Snow Eagles in the distance, which came close to inspect them, then a pair of wyverns attacked from out of the setting sun. Xyzzy and co fled down into the clouds below. The wyverns followed, but one, was blasted by cold-cone and lightning bolt, swiftly slain, the other disappearing into the murk. Eventually they reached the ice plain before the dragon's lair, and camped there within an igloo. The foot party passed a dark cave, reached the Giant's Head Bluff beyond the valley of bones, then fought and killed two trolls that sought to make a meal of them before rendezvousing with the second Avorral. Looting the cave they took the trolls' treasure. A week's hard travel through the snowy mountains followed, rarely making more than five miles a day. Up perilous cliffs, along narrow paths and across glacial plains they trekked. The Thrinian cleric Erlin was lost crossing an ice crevasse, but eventually the rest of the party reached the glacier beyond which lay the mountain of the dragon. Negotiating their way past a hill giant and his goblin hunters, they approached the igloo of Xyzzy and co, but spotted four strange shaggy-pelted white forms on the ice around it. Aos went forward and attempted to negotiate with them, but the Yetis charged forward and attacked, badly wounding him as he tried to flee. Things might have gone badly for him, but Lorne struck swiftly from behind, killing three of the beasts with deadly blows, while Sigurd ran forward to dispatch the last, and Xyzzy, emerging from the igloo, blasted it with magical bolts.
The party rested overnight in the expanded igloo, and the spellcasters prepared their magic for next day's battle...
*Ribbit*
From the dragon's cave, a hundred feet above the ice plain, a clear stream tumbled down the cliffside into a pool of unfrozen water upon the ice. Xyzzy magically transported some of the group up to the cave, while the others climbed up more laboriously. Lilliana summoned a celestial lion and sent it ahead. Reaching the end of the tunnel it immediately activated the dragon's Shrieker fungi around a pool, beneath a 30' cliff. Xyzzy, heavily warded, proceeded down the cave, and the dragon's fiery breath blasted him from a lava-tunnel atop the cliff. The fire enveloped him but left him unharmed. The party advanced to do battle, the Avorrals dispelling the dragon's protective wards while the warriors attempted to climb the cliff. Wormscather quickly killed one Avorral then took flight, great wings buffeting Orstadt as it swooped past, heading out of the cavern. Orstadt wheeled and swiftly shot off two 'polymorph' spells. Somehow the second spell penetrated the dragon's innate resistance - and suddenly a very annoyed frog plummeted down the cliffside to the ice plain 100' below! The party followed swiftly, Aos executing a flashy dive into the pool, within which the dragon-frog had taken refuge. The group were unwilling to let it go. After much debate, Xyzzy hit upon a brilliant plan - while 'detect magic' revealed the frog's location at the bottom of the pool, a simple 'mage hand' spell levitated it from the depths, and held it helpless while the warriors dispatched the foe. Dying, Wormscather returned to dragon form, crumpled upon the ice. The party had triumphed.
The trek back to Carrisqui was long and hard - a battle with frost giants left Aos dead - but eventually the party returned to civilisation, and Lilliana was able by Carthea's grace to restore both Aos and Ori to life and health. Most of the group then returned north to Dulleaberg, where Sigurd and the army of the Scornic League prepared for war with Gaxmoor...
The Battle of Gaxmoor M4 2738 YE
Following the brilliantly successful assassination of the Ogre Magus Saburo Sato, the evil genius behind the forces occupying Gaxmoor, the League army launched its assault under Captain Sigurd of Ravensmark. With them came an elite strike team under the famed warlord Lu Bu: the cleric Gregory Belmont, rogue Sly Peterson and witch Xun Huo, hired by Margrave Kanor for the sole purpose of destroying the Cambion Heracules.
The humanoid and human mercenary defenders were swept aside as the League army drove towards the Palace. Heracules was badly wounded by a volley of enchanted arrows and retreated under cover of ethereal form towards the Palace, the rogue Sly Peterson and the rest of the Strike Team in hot pursuit.
But when the Royal Palace is occupied by League soldiery, no resistance is encountered. However, in an upper chamber a gruesome sight is discovered. The room is awash with blood, not all of it human, and strewn with body parts - the decapitated, dismembered and stripped corpses of the 'great' Lu Bu, Gregory Belmont, Sly Peterson and Xun Huo.
Of Heracules there is no sign.
Aftermath
Sigurd was found by the margrave observing the ruined city from the window
of the top floor of the palace as the sun dawned. His wounds had nearly
healed thanks to the countless clerics that were travelling with the party,
but the Margrave was well aware that certain wounds never healed completely
and that the battle had its toll on his mind, as his face was white with
strain and exhaustion. He almost barely noticed Larius, who sat soundless in
a corner of his room, watching over the captain while polishing the glinting
blade of his short sword.
"You and your friends did well today." The margraves' red cloak swooshed
along the dirty marble floor as he walked up to Sigurd.
"We did what we pledged, my liege." Sigurd's shoulders tensed. The costly
golden chain mail had been replaced by a simple white shirt and breeches.
The Margrave smiled nervously. The nordic warrior was no doubt very well
favoured in the courts of the Scornic league. But no doubt he had ambitions
of his own. What plans did he ponder in the silent hours of the dark, in his
sleepless nights?
"The very fact that we are standing here, in a palace of a city two thousand
years old, speaks for itself."
"There's still work to do." Sigurd stated.
"Yes, but..."
"I know, I know."
There was a pause in the conversation.
"So what will you do then?" Tharkand finally touched on his intention of
seeing Sigurd this late hour.
"If they don't surrender, I won't rest until they're all dead and buried."
"No Sigurd... I wasn't thinking about the orcs. After all this... is over."
Sigurd turned around and looked Tharkand into his face with his weary and
blood shot eyes.
"It's no longer up to me. Those are matters of the state. You will need to
repopulate this city so that it never ever falls into darkness again. But I
am just... a traveller without a home. What do I know."
"I am willing to prolong the contract - and ensure you a well-paid position
as a captain of Dulleaberg. You will no doubt be knighted and you'll have
what you've always wanted. Land. A home for yourself and your family."
It was a lost cause. The Margrave could see the restless spirit flicker
before him, running away from himself.
"I... am grateful.". Larius raised his attention from the sword. "But I
cannot accept. I suggest Larius here. He is a fine man, allready an
experienced leader. Over two thousand years old"
The Margrave and Sigurd smiled at the joke. Larius seemed to become slightly
agitated in his corner. The Margrave shifted his attention to Larius.
"Would you? I mean, you allready know this city like the back of your hand.
I could make you governor."
"I do graciously decline, my'lord. My place is with Sigurd." Larius said,
with a certain forced strain in his voice.
Sigurd turned to look out the window again. The Margrave shrugged and began
to walk out. He could always find ambitious men who wanted glory and riches.
The problem was finding those who didn't desire the job, like these two.
"So I take it you and your friends are going away after this." The margrave
stopped short just before the door was opened by the guards.
"My friends...I cannot speak for them. We're all trying to find our place in
this world. I just don't belong... here." Sigurd said.
The margrave closed his eyes.
"I know. When you have a home, you are drawn to it. In the end - even though
we are alone, banished, restless travellers on the face of this earth,
seeking adventure and riches we will always go back. Go home, Sigurd, lest
this world of intrigues devour you."
Sigurd turned around to reply to this astonishing answer, but the margrave
was already gone.
Larius stood up from his table.
"Why d'you do that?" he said, sullen.
Sigurd sighed.
"Do what?"
"Ask him 'bout me. You know I'd never take that post."
"You sure? I'm not. Maybe I care too much. You should do like he said,
settle down. Not foolishly walk into danger just because of me."
"Eh, well what 'bout you?"
Sigurd got this feverish look when he got weary and angry but Larius didn't
stop at this - he'd seen Sigurd in a rage and knew this was only light mood
swings compared.
"What about me?"
"Wha' danger? I won't just leave ye to it."
Sigurd clenched his fists. He had just about had enough for one day.
"What do you think, Larius?" He said with raised voice. "What d'you think?
What was my plan ever since I came here? Riches. Glory. Land. None of which
I really ever got. Or really wanted. No, the only thing I ever realised here
in the borderlands is that I am foolishly pursuing all these assets while my
people are divided or in chains, suffering under Imgart's tyrrany. How
deccadent and blind I have been all the time! How could I ever have gone
away from the Ravenmark? The tall white mountains, the mighty rivers... all
running with blood of the innocent because no one was there to lift a shield
for them. That is the sad truth of my homeland. But even at this moment, I
am a coward. I am still unsure. And not a day goes by without the question
rising in my thoughts. Should I go home? That is what bothers me, Larius. It
really bothers me."
Sigurd sank down in a chair. Larius took some time thinking about what
Sigurd had just said. Eventually the old warrior's stern face softened and
turned into a compassionate smile as he placed his strong hand on the
friend's shoulder.
"Then know ye, brother, that wither the outcome, I'll fight at yer side, to
the end of this and everything."
Clearing the City
The next day the party was augmented by the Girru-priest Galak (Clr 9) and the Imarran rogue Maryse (Rog 9). They engaged in clearing the remaining evil forces from the Royal Citadel - a host of dretch demons in the Guest Palace led by two Hezrou, and a pack of Yuan-Ti in the old jail, were both swiftly dispatched. Investigating the residence of the High Priest of Urnus Gregaria, Claudius Varan, the party encountered his apparition, which told them of his seduction by the daemoness Tracassa, now seeking the Staff of Urnus in the labyrinth beneath Gaxmoor. The apparition instructed them to bring him the Staff, and gifted them with powerful magic items to aid them in their quest.
Next day, while Xyzzy studied the records within the Imperial library and Sigurd commanded the League armies clearing Gaxmoor of remaining orc and goblin forces, Captain Larius instructed Galak, Leopold the wizard, and Lorne the scout on remaining points of enemy resistance. The party battled ogres and trolls on the southern side of the city, before dispatching an oddly drama-enamoured half-dragon, half-fire giant fellow who had taken up residence in the Amphitheatre to the south-east. Finally, advised by the witch Grimhelda, they assaulted the residence of the Red Wizard Evander, protected by an earth elemental. Things went ill as he summoned the terrible Iron Devil from its Stygian pit, but the power of Girru dispelled the beast, and Evander was forced to flee, leaving the heroes triumphant.
With the aid of Xyzzy, the party sought the Staff of Urnus Gregaria beneath the Imperial Palace, defeating several air elementals. A Maze trap delayed them several weeks, half the party trapped in extra-dimensional space, and saw them battle a giant demonic echidna likewise trapped therein, which upon its demise left behind a huge blue sapphire soul-gem. A group of Tarkane's Bloodhammer Knights had come in search of Aos, but Margrave Kanor persuaded them that their quarry was forever lost to the Maze.
At last, all the party escaped the Maze, and together entered the staff room, defeated its earth elemental guards (at the cost of losing Maryse), and took the Staff. They promptly returned it to the ghost of the High Priest, Claudius Varan - who promptly revealed himself to be the daemoness Tracassa, and cackling gleefully teleported away with Staff and Soul-Gem.
Sigurd returned from a diplomatic mission to Scorn'el, and was Knighted by Margrave Kanor for his services to the League. Their mission conplete and the Lost City of Gaxmoor secured for the Scornic League, the heroes at last departed the Borderlands, bound for pastures new.
They journeyed to Scorn'el (M6 2738 YE) and the temple of Carthea, where Liliana met with the high-priestess, then north-east to Colladel and the castle of Archduke Ulfius at Torrent (8/7/2738), where they resided for some time, before embarking on a perilous mission to assassinate Overking Tarkane in his palace at Imarr via a secret sewer entrance revealed to them by the dissident advocate Adam Dickinson. Sigurd joined Tarkane's Imperial Knights Bloodhammer and was sent via a magical gateway with the Knights on a surprise attack on his old enemy Imgart (19/8/2738), aiding in the liberation of Trafalgis. (see Borderlands Campaign Story Hour (EN World).
20/9/2738 YE: The others' attempt to kill Tarkane failed as their plans were discovered, and their subsequent attack encountered overwhelming force. The Archpriest of Ksarul dispelled the Girruite planetar Dorakin, and summoned an avatar of Gruganu, the Black Sword of Doom, which slew Galak of Girru, Aos' girlfriend Lady Celia, and Xyzzy's cohort Liliana.
Leo had avoided participating in the assault, while Xyzzy, Aos, and the rogue Darius managed to escape.
The survivors fled west, back to the Borderlands and Dulleaberg, where Xyzzy took up residence (30/9/2738), retiring from active adventuring.
Gaxmoor was now occupied by Scornic League forces headed by Margrave Kanor of Dulleaberg, and in the process of being resettled. At Leo's urging the White Way wizards under Dovistar established a base in a mansion on the eastern side of the city, while Aos went into partnership with the
madam of the Shapely Siren Brothel and began to enjoy a life of leisure far
from the threat of the Overking's soldiery.
M11 2738 YE
30/11/2738: Two months have passed since the adventurers returned to Gaxmoor, and Leo has had plenty of time to work on his researches. Aos' own 'researches' are also going on apace... However, this idyll is interrupted as strange goings on are reported from the old graveyard south of the
city walls. The Margrave's soldiers fear to enter, so he calls upon a band
of veteran heroes to investigate further. Meanwhile a warrior of strange
clothing and exotic appearance approaches from the north, harried by a band
of lethal killers...
Grave Matters
Austin 'Aos' Speere: Fighter-10/Duellist-3
Titiana, Aos' cohort: Bard-10
Leopold of the White Way: Wizard-11
Tarquin, Leopold's Cohort: Cleric-9
Tsui Yio Cho: Monk-10
Xiang-San Chang: Fighter-10
Xiang and Cho fled towards Gaxmoor, outdistancing all but a handful of their fell foe. Within sight of the city walls, 6 Death Dealers caught them - and perished in a bloody battle. 5 fell to the Black Spear, the last tried to flee - but his horse's fleetness could not outdistance Cho. Reaching the city, guards questioned them and escorted them to Margrave Kanor, who requested their assistance along with Aos, Leo & co in investigating the old graveyard south-east of the city.
1/12/2738 YE
The next day the party did so, basing themselves in an inn north of the graveyard inhabited by a small party of Sidhe scouts under the ranger Ahlrand. That night one of the Scouts, Saria, vanished from her sentry post, and Ahlrand's band requested the party's aid in recovering her.
Within the graveyard the party encountered undead raised by the half-orc necromancer Lamesh, along with several tough humanoids. Lamesh summoned demons against them, but the heroes triumphed (at the cost of four Sidhe), rescuing Saria and killing all but a gnoll captive, who revealed that Lamesh and co were working for Heracules, now esconced in a new lair within the Dosk Height mountains southeast of Gaxmoor. Apparently Heracules still plotted against the city.
As winter fell upon the land, Leo spent the next 76 days esconced in magical researches, fruitlessly attempting to construct a headband of intellect that proved to be beyond his capacities. The cost was high. For the others, the midwinter festivities gave a chance to relax and enjoy the absence of danger. However, the occasional sighting of a great crane bird gave Cho and Xiang pause for thought.
30/2/2739 YE
While training in the Citadel, Cho was approached by the Gaxmoorite witch Grimhelda, who brought a strange message:
"Guard the Wielder of the Spear and protect Him until such time as It can be restored to Its rightful place. Grow strong and seek the Queen held prisoner in the Mountain of Fire, for She has the Power to free the Guardians of Crane from Their long sleep."
1/3/2739 YE
New PCs
Saphie Zerlor: Sorcerer-10
Sol: elf Rogue-10
Margrave Kanor asked Aos, Leo and co to escort Margravine Eloise Brax-Arkand into Makyan territory on a diplomatic mission for the Scornic League. The Makyan High King Marowa had indicated that he might be amenable to an alliance with the League. With the League threatened by Tarkane's Overkingdom to the east, Harecules the Cambion in the south, and rumours of a Mongali-Mount Fire alliance in the west, such an alliance could prove desperately important.
Eloise had just arrived at Gaxmoor with her companions, and planned to depart in two days. Kanor suggested that Eloise's magist Saphie - Kanor's sister, and Sol her Sylvan-elf chief of security, assist Leo & co in investigating reports of two undying entities imprisoned within the old graveyard. One, Xerxes Diccus, was the degenerate bastard son of an ancient Imarran Emperor, now a vampiric entity. The other, Lucius Maximus Mageris, was the progenitor of the Mageris line of court wizards, rumoured to be a "proto-Lich". It was possible that Harecules sought to free either or both these fiends.
Investigating the tombs, Xerxes was soon discovered, and swiftly dispatched. The Mageris tomb proved more problematic. Defeating numerous wards, traps and elemental guards, the party at last reached Lucius - only to have all but Leo fall under the power of his enchantment. Lucius talked for hours with Leo, then, his confining wards having been broken, departed to investigate the new world beyond Gaxmoor.
At least the party had gained considerable loot.
4/3/2739 YE
The party travelled south from Gaxmoor towards Carrisqui town. Camping on the trail, they were attacked by a mixed band of 15 humanoid raiders, but killed them all in a fierce fight. Reaching Carrisqui they met the hobgoblin Gysshk, now a merchant, at the Laughing Unicorn Inn, and after some squabbling (Eloise not being happy to see him again) the party joined his caravan, heading south to the Makyan territories.
7/3/2739 YE
Reaching the pass settlement of Kanuu, the last village before the Makyan territories, after dark the group's suspicions were aroused by the oddly lethargic, mechanical behaviour of its inhabitants, and the strange fire they lit, whose bluish fumes had an immediate effect on Sol. Eloise feared for the safety of her cousin Amari, the local lord. After investigation and discussion, the group attacked his manor, meeting fierce resistance from a large number of guards, almost a score of men backed up by three of Gysshk's men and by Sol, all apparently under some form of mind control. Xiang knocked out Sol, and the other defenders were slain, along with some dominated villagers who perished to Leo's Black Tentacles. Aos discovered and stabbed a man who turned out to be Amari. Another cowled figure in the room threw dust on the fire, and blue fumes billowed up, causing a hasty retreat. Saphie summoned a hound archon to attack the stranger, but it reported that its sword had struck nothing, the figure's robes collapsing into an empty pile.
Sol returned, attacking mechanically until slain. Green slime poured from his ear and slithered across the room, but Xiang blasted it with White Foul Flame. Investigating the darkened catacombs beneath the village, the party encountered and battled Elros, a Sidhe Arcane Archer who had come here tracking the foul Spidron that had enslaved his village in Angarin. Misunderstandings cleared up, Elros joined the party. Jarl Sigurd & Captain Larius appeared, sent from Trafalgis with a warning from Ulfius - Adam Dickinson had been imprisoned and the Overking would likely be hunting Leo & co. Battling undead rats, dark bats and giant beggar-lice, the party advanced through the caverns. The Spidron attacked, but was swiftly defeated. The party destroyed its cabinet in a large cavern, looted its lair and returned to the surface, surviving villagers freed from its domination. Journeying south into Makyan territory, they left Gysshk's caravan at a Trade Post.
18/3/2739 YE
Some 200 miles into Bretania, Elros' keen sight spotted a Death Dealer ambush atop the cliffs ahead. The Death Dealers were attacked and wiped out, 11 of Kung's elite assassins crushed like ants.
20/3/2739 YE
Another 100 miles brought the band to the great clifftop city of Ankheight, where King Marowa held court in the Royal Palace Gardens of the former Grand Duke. Margravine Eloise introduced herself and made a very good impression on the Makyan king, who warmly welcomed them. At a feast that night, an ancient Makyan crone presented Cho with a gift - Hawk Talons, magic fist-blades to complement her fighting prowess. A 'great bird' had instructed the wise woman to make them.
Leo returned to Gaxmoor via teleport, reporting events to Dovistar and Margrave Kanor. Rumours of movement in the Dosk Heights boded ill. Leo had the White Wizardess (Witch?) Laera add a shock enhancement to Sigurd's mighty sword. Dovistar had a guest, Astragard, who said he had a mission for Leo and co - Archduke Ulfius had recommended them for an 'archaelogical' expedition into the Wastes of Gizen in the Southland desets, to the lost tomb of Gutheron of Org. Leo, a little reluctantly, accepted the proposal and returned to Ankheight.
4/4/2739 YE
After two weeks, Eloise seemed to be getting along splendidly with Marowa, and Sigurd received back his enhanced sword. The party departed Ankheight with Astragard, Larius remaining behind as bodyguard to Eloise.
After three days' travel through the hills and savanna east of Ankheight, the party entered the deserts east of the Dosk mountains, heading for Arypt.
8/4/2739 YE
That afternoon a terrible sandstorm blew up, the party taking shelter in a magical hut erected by Leo. When the storm blew over after dark, far-flung ruins were revealed around them - strewn with many, many bones. Among them the freshly slaughtered remains of the party's mounts! From the darkness swarmed hideous ghoul-beasts, 12 apelike Ghulaz and 4 huge, terrible Gholles. Ghulaz spit paralysed Saphie, while Aos was paralysed by the gaze of a Gholle, his throat ripped out by hungry Ghulaz. The battle was long and hard, but Leo's fire magics and the weapons of Elros, Cho, Sigurd and Xiang at last defeated the foe. Tarquin raised Aos from the dead, his soul somewhat reluctant to return from Dlamelish's welcoming embrace.
9/4/2739 YE
The next morning, Tarquin received a sending from Petronius - the Hordes of Harecules were attacking the Borderlands! The party was returned to the Borderlands via magic, assembling at the village of Jarrakig as the army of Harecules, well over 3000 strong, approached from the south. To face it the Borderlands had assembled 1600 men - would it be enough...
10/4/2739 YE
Taking control of operations, Sigurd had Jarrakig levelled - over Saphie Zerler's objections - creating a clear field of fire for the League army east of the Thizzi river. Margrave Kanor assembled another Strike Team under Aos to attack Harecules once battle was joined - including 'Red' Ivy, Trenton Dirge and other Borderlands heroes. With the mailed fist of the League's knights waiting in ambush in the Wildland forest to the north, the soldiers awaited the coming of the foe...
The Battle of Jarrakig
The army of Harecules, numbering 3400 Dark Folk and 200 Worgs, attacked at dusk. Sigurd had been incapacitated by stomach ache for much of the day, causing Margrave Kanor to appoint Xiang as emergency general. Sigurd's late recovery caused considerablr friction between the two generals. Xiang had positioned the army along the ford at Jarrakig, himself taking position with the Goldhammer Dwarves. Harecules' worgriders swum the Thizzi river well south of the League army, shrugging off volleys of crossbow bolts, and headed round to the League force's rear. Meanwhile Harecules' main body attacked from the front. Goblins poured arrows into the League defenders, while the League longbowmen and crossbowmen returned the compliment. Orcs attempted to ford the river, trapped by Sigurd with stakes, but were swiftly beaten back. Harecules strode forwards to challenge Sigurd, but was struck by arrows from Elros and quickly vanished. Harecules' trolls, giant, ettin, four Sato clan ogre magi and Red Wizard Evander attacked the heroes, inflicting damage from cones of cold and a fireball, but Leo feebleminded Evander and the attackers were crushed. The League knights charged from illusionary forest to the north, crushing Harecules' gnolls and half his goblin archers. His orcs charged the knights, taking heavy losses but driving them from the field. The worg riders came round behind the League force, but were met by the sight of walls of ice and serried pikes. Never the bravest, their goblin riders threw javelins and withdrew. Harecules' remaining goblin archers made another attempt to cross the river, but took heavy losses, unsupported by the hobgoblins - who had played no part in the fight. They fled back across the stream, many more perishing on the hidden stakes. The badly mangled orcs no longer had the heart for another assault on the ford and withdrew, along with the rest of the humanoid horde. The League was victorious, albeit at considerable cost.
League forces and the heroes pursued the retreating enemy back to the edge of the Dosk Heights, then returned homewards, where the heroes pursued their training and researches.
1/5/2739 YE
After consultation with Leo, Dovistar attempted to scry Harecules preparatory to a teleport-strike, but found the Cambion's will far too strong to allow for a scry-lock. It seemed that revenge against the cambion would have to await another day. Thus the party decided to resume Astragard's quest, into the Southland deserts...
See:
The Necropolis Campaign Page 2739 YE
M5 2739 YE
Returning to the Southlands, the party's activities met with mixed results. They met with the priestess of Isis Amitha Sefen-Re who called on Aos to assist against the evil of Rahotep in the Gorge of Osiris. Journeying north from Aartuat village towards the Gorge, the party encountered and defeated a strong force of Set-cultists. After contretemps at the village of Aartuat, Amitha vanished, apparently kidnapped by more of the Set-cultists. Aos, Elros and Khonsu Kaibet the Champion of Thoth entered the Gorge in search of Amitha, encountering a jackal-headed being who claimed to be Anubis. Xiang stayed at the Pool of Hapy near Aartuat. The rest of the party entered the Wastes of Gizen and successfully recovered Astragard's goal, a statue of Lord Akresh, as well as the Harmonic Armour of Gutheron, later sold to Archduke Ulfius for 225000gp.
Meeting up again, the party reunited at the Gorge of Osiris and entered the Temple of Osiris, where the High Priest persuaded them to enter the underworld Osirium, a watery hell where Hippo-headed crocodile demons attacked the party, killing Cho & Elros - Cho was later raised, but left the group. They managed to destroy a statue of Set and were rescued from the Osirium by the intervention of Isis, and returned to Gaxmoor. It was revealed to Aos that Rahotep was seeking to lure heroes into his Necropolis to feed on their life energy and to return to him the nine sundered parts of his soul, both being necessary to his resurrection. Without these he would be unable ever to return to Ea.
M6-M8 2739 YE
Gaxmoor was at peace, although rumours from the west warned that the Mongali Horde was gathering to attack Kardus, and probably the rich League cities thereafter. Jarl Sigurd engaged in months of heated diplomacy in Trafalgis, gaining the support of the many Jarls, and which culminated in negotiations with Overking Tarkane in Sarukar City. This resulted in him being recognised as King of an independent Trafalgis allied to Tarkane's Overkingdom in a mutual-defense pact. His coronation in Sarukar City was set for New Year's day 2740 YE.
The Frost Giant's Vengeance M9 2739 YE
Word had reached Margrave Kanor of Gaxmoor & Dulleaberg that Harecules had allied with the Frost Giant Jarl Gungir, who had sworn revenge against the human lands for the death of his brother K'zosshk at the hands of human raiders some time previously. Interrogation of goblinoid prisoners indicated that Harecules and Gungir planned a devastating winter offensive against Dulleaberg. However the treacherous hobgoblin Gysshk revealed the location of Gungir's secret lair, and a party of heroes including Leo, Sigurd and Xiang entered the Dosk Heights to slay Harecules and Gungir and forestall the attack. Unfortunately things went poorly - the party druid Rainne was shot down by orcs while in eagle form, and a night attack on the party's Rope Trick camp resulted in the death of both Aos and the bard Titania, the survivors fleeing back to Gaxmoor.
Several days later the party attacked again - minus King Sigurd, who had returned to Trafalgis to return to royal business, but aided by 'Red' Ivy, the newly arrived Aryptian warrior Ramu, and the Griffin-Knight Helm, who had come from Imgart with word of the death of Saphie's fiance. Teleporting to near the Jarl's Hall, the band attacked and initially made good progress, slaying droves of giants, orcs, ogres, winter wolves, trolls, and a hydra. But deep within the Hall they were ambushed by Harecules and his forces. Barak the Dwarf, Saphie Zerler, and Sir Helm swiftly perished, cut down by the Cambion's fell blade. Leo was badly wounded but escaped via Dimension Door, while Tarquin managed to teleport Ivy, Xiang and Ramu with him back to Gaxmoor. Margrave Kanor was badly affected by Saphie's death, and this latest failure portended grim tidings for the Borderlands. A red dragon had destroyed the partly built fort at Dendridi, opening up the old invasion route from the Dosk Heights into the Borderlands.
Arkand Assignment
20/9/2739 YE
About a week after the survivors get back from the Jarl's Hall, Xiang is summoned to Margrave Kanor's chambers in the Gaxmoor Royal Palace. The Margrave is looking rather haggard, having taken the death of his baby sister Saphie about as hard as you'd expect. He stands as Xiang enters.
"Xiang - good, come in. Close the door behind you. Two things.
"Firstly, for your services to myself and the League I'd like to offer you the title of Captain of Gaxmoor. It's mostly honourary, but you do get nicer quarters, better food, and the good wine...
"Secondly... I've just received word that Margrave Varnior Arkand is dead. He's been ill for some time, that's no surprise. What is a surprise is that his wastrel son Arngrim, who inherits the title, has arrested his widow, our ally Margravine Eloise Brax-Arkand, for murdering Varnior!
I expect Arngrim wishes to remove Eloise as a threat to his power. It's particularly foolish since Baron Brax in Pan-Charak won't be able to overlook this insult. However I've decided to preempt matters. I want you to take a team to Arkand and rescue Eloise, if she's still alive. While you're at it, eliminate Arngrim and his Seneschal, Constable Hrethel. If Eloise is alive, you'll defer to her instructions. Otherwise you will need to take control of the city until our forces arrive. Any questions?"
Taking Ramu Khem and three newly arrived adventurers, Captain Xiang headed north towards Arkand. Not far from Gaxmoor's walls a strange creature appeared on the trail ahead - made entirely of living, razor-sharp wire! The Black Spear proved wholly ineffective against this monster, and spells also did nothing, but the holy swords of Ramu and the dwarven paladin Raven managed to slash it to pieces. Reaching Arkand, intrigue and skullduggery followed. Margrave Arngrim held a show-trial and sentenced Eloise to death. Xiang had the Beskarni forest-witch Fjorint assassinate Margrave Arngrim and Constable Hrethel with earth elementals and walls of thorns, and the party managed to prevent Captain Kerik from executing Eloise, who was suitably grateful to be rescued and reinstalled in power.
M10 2739 YE
At the League Council in Scorn'el, the Scornic League voted to join the Overkingdom. Archduke Ulfius & Clarendon assisted Kanor's heroes to attack the frost giants and finally destroy Harecules & Jarl Gungir, though Ulfius was temporarily slain.
M11 2739 YE
Overking Tarkane appointed Kanor Zerler Duke of the Duchy of the Borderlands, incorporating Dulleaberg, Gaxmoor, Arkand, Carrisqui, and Pan Charak, though true control of Pan Charak & Arkand is nominal at best. Duke Kanor worked with Cailin White in expanding his scout force into a true spy network. His enforcers attacked and destroyed the dragon - a white, Charasta - that had allied with Harecules, then assisted the Goldhammer dwarves against a new threat from the Underdark, the Duergar...
After several days underground battling Duergar, the party, minus Raven (killed in battle) returned to Dulleaberg, having recovered an ancient dwarven weapon of power and gifted it to King Dumor. They have added a new recruit met in the Underdark, the elven Wizard Elaith (PC, Wiz-15).
M1-M2 2740 YE
Over winter the Borderlands Heroes cement their allies, making contact with the Overking's consort Zalindra and Zalindra's friend, the upper-class Imarran wizardess Krysteel (PC, Wiz-15).
M3 2740 YE
The Borderlands heroes and the Blue Light Wizardess Krysteel entered Crane's Palace, and were sent to the Astral plane where they met Ling-Da & Ling-Li, who sent them to Kung's throneroom in Mt Fire. They killed Kung, Ling-Wa, the half-ogre-mage-priest Mirabiso Sato, & co, Xiang seizing the rulership of Mt Fire. Cailin recruited Kung's Shadow Hand, Vahan Zang, into the White Network, Cailin Krysteel & Vahan freed Witch-Queen Marena from Kung's dungeons and after she'd been healed in Gaxmoor they returned with her to Beskarn, where she held a Council of Witches.
With the death of Ling-Wa, Crane's Palace and its Guardians are freed from stasis-sleep. Ling-Da & Ling Li decided that Tsui Yio Cho (currently in Beskarn) will be the new Lady of Hawk's Palace, although Ling-Da would have preferred the renegade Chin Li. Ling-Li's spirit departs from Ea. Xiang frees surviving Hawk Guardians from Mt Fire's slave pits.
Xiang spoke to Overking Tarkane & Zalindra and declared Mt Fire Ally (not Subject) to the Overkingdom, which Tarkane accepts - for now. Tarkane's wedding to Zalindra came off without a hitch.
M4 2740 YE
The Mongali Horde attacked into Do Chakka, and easily destroyed Kardus' army of 10,000; losing only 4,000. Elaith tried to persuade Kardus to flee, but the warlord refused, preferring to die fighting. The Mongali paused to occupy Do Chakka.
Elaith suggested an attempt by the Overkingdom to assassinate Kadai Khan, the Mongali Great Khan. Cailin received word that Omazad, High Hakomon of the Mongali, was dying and sought to achieve this conquest before he joined the Ancestral Spirits. As the Mongali Horde now 112,000 strong approaches Scorn'el, the Overking's army of 300,000 musters and plans to assassinate Kadai Khan are set in motion...
M5 2740 YE
The attempt to eliminate Kadai failed, costing the last of Clarendon's life-energy, but the Mongali Horde was driven back in two days of bitter fighting around Scorn'el, with heavy loss on both sides. The Mongali retreated into Do Chakka.
2741 YE
Following news that the Mongali High Hakomon Omazad had at last passed away, a Trafalgic invasion force under King Sigurd and assisted by a small Mt Fire force under Warmaster Kung invaded and libarated Settlers' Country from the Mongali, the Settlers petitioned Sigurd to be their king. Kadai Khan made peace with the Norsemen, preferring to ensure his hold on Do Chakka and the Forest of Angar.
2743 YE
A mysterious stranger visits the court of King Sigurd in Trafalgis - the story is continued with The Chronicles of Sigurd
The Lost City of Barakus
Borderlands Campaign Story Hour (EN World)
Randomling's Borderlands Bulletin Board - for general campaign discussion
The Necropolis Campaign Page 2739 YE
Swords of Imarr PBEM 2736 YE+
Ea: Time of Chaos PBEM 2735 YE
Twilight of the Empire PBEM 2728 YE. My very first PBEM, set in Trafalgis & Imgart before the Albine withdrawal.
Ea Prestige Classes & Fighting Styles
Changes to D&D PHB spells on Ea circa 2738 YE.
Southern Ea, ca 28th century YE
