Dwarf OSE+ Dark Citadel Session #8 (23 AUG 2023)

 

   We missed our last session so was a bi trusty for this session and we spent the first several minutes going over stuff not covered between session. A gold signet ring sold and quotes for restoring the Chapel, the upper works reclaimed by several Dwarf drawn to the area from Ergol's trips to Dur-Annis. Gor Bronzebolt; former retainer of Gad the Fighter/Thief, retired from adventuring and opened up SKALD where every Dwarf knows your name, they are always glad you came to drink! There was some debate on what to do about the Giant Pike again but they decided to head south on the Dark River.

   Three hours downstream they discover a side passage that glitters from quartz upon the cavern walls, while investigating the glitter one of the group detects the sounds of picks down to the east. The cold air at their back and ahead of them a warm moisture laden breeze cloys at their faces. They lift their lantern high and trudge to the sound discovering a group of half soaked goblins and a hobgoblin overseer. A quick battle ensues and most of the goblin are felled with the hobgoblin offering two goblin slaves to allow passage to the river. The Dwarf party declines and rushes to finish their goblinoid foes their War Dog chasing quickly on the goblins heels. 

[The Enemy has won every Initiative and retreats tot he next chamber]

   The passage ending in a ledge overlooking a clear mineral pond with upraised land holding steaming pools to the East, goblins swimming away with Zeb's War Dog barking loudly at their backs from the ledge. Arrows & Bolts kill fleeing goblins in the water and the sudden eruption of a pincer grabbing a goblin and dragging him under, a Giant Crawfish lurks in the depths of the mineral laden waters ! The Brotherhood of Disposable Strangers debate on what to do and then gather up goblin bodies tossing them in to the water to placate the Crawfish and travel southwards in the shallows where the water is only 1 to 2' foot deep while the Crawfish lurks in 6 to 8 foot sections of the pond. Chomps the War Dog refuses to follow into the water and stays behind 

[I required a Reaction Roll to get the Dog to Follow, rolls were bad and it refused to get wet so stayed behind]

   The party are about 4 in height on average so avoid the deeper water. South they discover another 3 foot high ledge and a bone strewn ledge, fishbones and bits of goblin bone here and there. The river, boats and abundance of water have put the Dwarf on odd footing, they are cautious about natural hazards and not so much about all other possible hazards.

   While climbing up Gad notices a glimmer of silver in the depths of the water and they spy a Silver etched and Garnet "bedazzled" helm of exquisite value. They opt to explore south. A raft is near the southernmost pool but deciding to seek out the cave leading from the ledge they encounter a pair of Orcs clad in a Blood Spatter Skull Tabards.

[They are Surprised as had not been attempting to be stealthy]

   A large gong is sounded and Halberd wielding Orcs hold the Dwarf group at bay and deal a severe blow to Axios, they however are triumphant in the following rounds. Gad recites the great deeds of fallen Dwarf heroes and they are emboldened but pause and listen at the large oaken door hearing the shouts of many orcs beyond. A few rounds pass and the door is opened by a group of Four orcs but the view of the cavern beyond reveals Dwarf Buildings in a high arching cavern, cobblestone streets and orcs shouting to each other about the alarm and pointing at the Dwarf Axios standing at the top of broad steps. A Orc Shaman watches from a window of a building near the steps while a orc runs to another building shouting something in an unknown tongue. A brief battle ensued at the top of the stairs until the Orc Shaman chants and casts a Spell of Holding (Hold Person) and it is at this point that it all falls apart as two Dwarf fail their saves. Axios is slain in the melee phase after being held but his frozen form still blocks the door allowing a Cure Light Wounds to be used to remove Gad's paralysis and they flee. Grabbing the Raft seen earlier they put out on the pond and are taunted by the Orcs as they retreat.

   Solemnly returning to the Dark Citadel Ruins they have settled with Folk from Dur-Annis They now know a Large Orc Tribe is near ... The Bloody Skull Tribe plots as well. The Dwarf have Returned, Drums in the Depths !

  It was a rough session and we will be adding another player for next session bringing it to five players. Additional Retainers were not recruited for this expedition but next session I expect a small army of NPC and Retainers are going to be recruited. I will roll a Loyalty check for the Hirelings that were working for Axios who may seek to reclaim his corpse as he was a kind Laird and was much admired by them.

 

#OSR #OSE #VintageGaming #DarkCitadel