The Restenford Journals #18 ( 19 AUG 2024)

     We picked up this session on a Cliffhanger moment where the Wraith Lord of the Ruins on Bone Hill emerged from the rubble and menacingly threatens the Jonkheers. They still have have a Zombie and several Skeletons but these are Turned by Davon's retainer Draven. I allow the PCs not to strike at the now cringing and fleeing undead so as not to disrupt the Turning. However, the Wraith Lord has a movement of 80' a round and is upon the party attack and miraculously missing Davon's pitiful armour class. Eldrin finds himself unable to attack the Wraith Lord feeling the effects of the Crystal Hypnosis Ball which confuses and enthralls him into inaction, future prey to the Wraith Lord to whom it was attuned. The next round has the entire group of Jonkheers attacking the Wraith Lord and honestly I thought they would be retreating since it's daylight above but they pressed on bravely. Damage is dealt and I describe how their magical weapons slow ever so slightly passing through its ghostly form with magical sparks and the screaming of the foul undead creature. Davon casts Mirror Image and then proceeds to attack with magical dagger until all of his images are depleted. This results in him hiding physically behind Draven whom draws the attack from the Wraith Lord and suddenly feels his life is draining  as Tushuab lands another devastating blow with his magical flail. The Wraith Lord turns upon him and drains him of a level as well before being reduced to a inky black ash.

    I had thought since Davon was the highest level member of hte party his aura or life force would shine most brightly to the Wraith Lord. after the real damage dealer was revealed to be the Ranger however it was too late for the former Guard Captain to prevail. The Crystal Hypnosis Ball had brought foolish explorers to his lair many time before and after rendering them defenseless they joined the undead ranks of the undying garrison on Bone Hill. I only allow PCs to critical hit and even allow critical hits upon undead but boss fights or powerful lieutenants of evil to have a special effect which never happened during this fight. I was going to allow the Wraith Lord to pass through a PC dealing damage and draining a level then attack another. This would have, I believe, resulted in a route of the PCs from the ruins.

    Inspection of the Halls revealed old usable armor and weapons some of elfish make but not real treasure of note. Possibly that lays beyond the collapsed section of tunnel which I rule upon inspection requires 30 minutes of excavation with a small chance of collapse to squeeze through one at a time in the corner. They retire to Telvar's Tower and rest for a few days behind Wizard Locked doors before returning to Restenford. Wandering Monsters that come up are Skeletons and this are easily Turned but a minor melee from Horseback with the remnants of a pack of skeletal wolves is fought. Some general caution as they approach the bottom of Tri-Top as the reality of physical wolf attack is real in this area and then a slow trot upon the road to Restenford as they are being cautious for ambush. The Paranoia is real. Discussion on future plans and the need for more forces are discussed, I go ahead and make some rolls for Restenford. I need to add to the Rumor Charts if they discuss things with NPCs and move the time line  forward for possible regional events.

    Not being able to make it to Restenford during day ight means possibly being turned away at the Guard House so they camp by the Restin River with a view of Guardian Peak and the other Hill country nearby and the Dweomer Forest across the river. Campfires and torchlight are spotted at the bottom of Guardian Peak in the forest there and strange lights across the river in the Dweomer Forest. They go for a cold camp and travel to the forest the next morning and Tushuab is able to easily track human foot prints to a glade where a group of four tents are set up. Fellow adventurers who wish not to spend coin on Inns camp in these woods and game is plentiful so easy camping.

    This is quite a bit of RP. They eventually make the acquaintance of these NPCs and each PC recruits a retainer or a few retainers. Tolvar the Magician, Locinda the Half-Orc Fighter/Thief, Martin the Ranger as well as Volcifer of Kroten a cutpurse he claims is very light of foot. This increases the roster of the Jonkheers of Falcon's Rest quite a bit : Davon (Magic-User 5), Tushuab (Ranger 2), Eldrin (Magic-User 2/Thief 3 ), Yelola the Selkie, Tolvar (Magic-User 3), Draven (Cleric 2), Volcifer (Assassin 3), Martin (Ranger 2), Locinda (Fighter 3/Thief 3), as well as a pair of Trained Falcons. At their Stonghold Falcon's Rest they have 20 mercenaries and there are two inactive PCs. I think I am gonna write them off as not playing at all though. People come and go you know.

            Supplies are needed so they return to Restenford with a full compliment and seek at buying horses for the new retainers, saddle bags to carry feed for the horses while sheltering in place atop Bone Hill. Davon approaches Pelltar and seeks to have his Crown properly identified. Rumors are about of a naked woman who climbed ashore at the dock at Falco's Tavern and shortly after Davon rushes there to be reunited with Yelola the Selkie. Tushuab and his new retainer seek out the local Druid and learn of a sacred grove where they cant worship nature while in Restenford (Hug a Tree I guess) their explanation of fighting undead; an abomination to the natural order, brings praise from Almax the Druid, Amos his Half-Elfin son seems inspired and may soon join the Jonkheers, (Reaction Rolls are Smoking lately !)

    The properties of the Crown of the Briny Depths are learned and it is not surprising the Sea Devils (Sahuagin) want it back so badly. It can Bless & Haste 100 Sahuagin for hour long durations when worn by one of the Sea Devils. Baron-Champion Grellus is advised to take such a powerful artifact from mere adventurers by Pelltar & Lady Fairwind but he rebukes this as improper use of power and infringement upon the liberties of his subjects but does allow an offer of 5000 GP to be made for it. It is refused and Davon promises to not venture out in the Seas if at all possible but if the Crown could be used to defeat these vicious aquatic raiders it will be done. HE wishes to garner more personal magical power before doing so, Tushuab and others of the Jonkheers are in attendance and mutely agree as well. Brother Yalta speaks to Draven before the Jonkheers leave Castle Grellus. He appears gravely concerned as the PCs depart, Pelltar seems irritated and can be seen upon the battlements near his tower at the Castle as the Jonkheers leave. The PCs are set up to return to the Ruins on Bone Hill next session with a full compliment of Retainers. 

    It was another enjoyable session and outside of the terrible level draining incidents things are working out for the Jonkheers as their power and influence increases. Recruiting Retainers lessens the need to recruit an additional player or two and the trip of folks who said they were going to join has grown very quiet so I am writing them off as not interested. A small core group who all utilize their retainers efficiently are as if not more effective than a large party of players in my opinion anyway.

   Game Well Game Often Y'all