Highfell Journals Session #4 (14 OCTOBER 2024)

    We pick up where we left off. I know this is verboten to allot of DMs and myself am not found of stopping then picking up for fear of missing players, but we do it allot. The new PC character is introduced as an Elfin Channeler from a doomed adventuring party in the very same location that the party is heading to, How convenient ! So Ravithor Elfin Channeler is introduced to the party and I roll a Loyalty/Morale Check for Hurbert the Man-at-Arms in service to the recently slain Galandar. Hurbert offers to take Galandar's body back to Woodvale and await the PCs. I will make a Loyalty/Morale Check upon their return to see if he actually commits to that promise as he is Neutral and no longer being paid by an employer.

    I need to modify the Hex Crawl Encounter Chart for the Great Salt Reach this week and determine a better overnight camping roll over the flat percentile drop I decided upon this week. They have no encounters during their overnight cold camp as they did not bring fire wood and upon the Great Salt Reach vegetation and firewood is scarce to non-existent. They can see in the distance upon the next morn HighFell drifting over the barren landscape miles away but visible as it is 350'+ in the high. Following Ravithor's directions t hey edge closer to the mountains and come upon the Fallen tower in the salt flat a mile from the edges of the Bone Peaks. In the distance between them and the tower they see a large group of roughly man-sized figures heading towards the same set of ruins. Pointing at both the tower and the party the group of a dozen Orc form two skirmish lines and advance towards the party.

    This required setting up a battle mat with the groups 320' apart on the plain. Bristerhahn begins by running towards the enemy and the others lag behind, Darkass the gnome Throat Cutter edges up to use his light crossbow at range against the approaching enemy. This begins a shot 5 round engagement with the Orcs with the PCs superiority at range demonstrated harshly. Wolf-Crest is able to cleave multiple times with his longbow. This is a strength in Dragonslayer RPG imo giving a needed boost to missile weapons. Eventually the Orcs break Morale and flee with the majority laying slain resulting in a large boost to the morale of the party. They pick through he gear of the Orcs and I describe their equipment as gaudy and loud with their shields being a paint splattered mix in the styling of Jackson Pollack. We coin the term, "POLLORCS". Its tongue in cheek and funny so we stick with it. They continue towards the ruins.

    Having to scale up the side of the chunk of rock that the ruined keep and tower rest upon they observe the variety of damage. Age and the force of the impact have collapsed walls. Large gaps are visible in the 5 story tall tower but upon inspection from a distance that it may have only 3 levels with long winding staircases. They opt to enter into the section where the previous party was slain by giant spiders. I double check and they confirm we want to engage the giant spiders first. 

        Ok guys .... let's roll

    They climb up the dislodge chunk of rock and rotate around to the northern section and form up by a large section for collapsed wall. They begin tossing in flasks of oil and lighting up the cobwebby sections they can see from the outside plainly. I illustrate the point that these a regular sized cobwebs amongst old weapon racks. In the corners of the room large spiders can be seen creeping near the door waiting for the PCs to enter. The Order of Action method for action and declaration results in Darkass moving in to the center of the chamber becoming surrounded by spiders while the rest of the party fires into the chamber at what spiders they can see and the casting of a Sleep Spell by Ravithor puts one to slumber. The rest of the party slowly engages the 5' long giant spiders which are identified as Giant Crab Spiders. I dice to see if the creatures switch target but the small morsel is too tempting and Darkass is slain. Failing his Save v Death after successfully passing several Saves v Poison easily.

    Bristerhahn eventually lands a very solid hit upon the last remaining spider after Wolf-Crest is able to fire into melee slaying several. Alaric engages alongside Bristerhahn against the spiders. A rogue shot hits Bristerhahn inflicting a harsh wound. The battle ends and there is another slain member of the group. A low moan can be heard from the rubble at the far end of the chamber. The other members of Ravithor's party lay partially devoured in the old crumbling Armory. A barbarian is uncovered under rubble, his unconscious form not eaten by the spiders. Gorgg joins the party !

    I know this is pretty loosey-goosey but it is keeping the game flowing. They find a Halberd made for human hands as well as an Elfin Spear untouched by the damaging flames of the fire in the old weapon racks. These are divided up as well as the equipment of the slain adventurers. I simply chose the fast packs as gears on the slain bodies. This is a windfall for the cash strapped group.

    The group adds the gravely wounded barbarian Gorgg to the party. Gorgg cautiously takes up the Halberd admiring its strength and reach. Opening up the double doors to the courtyard the decaying status of the old keep is described. An old campfire to unknown parties is visible near a collapsed well. The walls are very tall and obviously of Elfin design and aesthetic. They approach the tall main double doors tot he tower and Bristerhahn forces it open. The aged wooden crossbar on the other side cracks and the doors swings open with modest physical effort. A large spiraling staircase goes up the center of the tower, this room was obviously of exquisite detail but now ruined by age and physical stresses of time. A Magic-User sigil above the door is noted by the party and I allow the Elf & Monk PCs to roll an INT Check or in the case of the Monk a WIS Check. Wolf-Crest, Ravithor & Alaric all succeed on their rolls. They recognize the half-moon, bow, arrow & Long Sword with stars  as the Symbol of Shandalar, Elfin Princess, Sorceress of olde. Rumored to have had a Keep on the edge of HighFell. A tapestry depicting the family crest of her Elfin House still adorns the southern wall. This is at our hard stop and we end our session.

    We will continue the exploration of Shandalar's Ruined Tower next week

    Game Well, Game Often Y'all

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