Journal Entry 13

Journal - Session 13

Having annihilated the inhabitants of a temple of Orcus hidden along the banks of a jungle-enshrouded river – Barrack, a plain-spoken dwarven Fighter, powerful wielder of the hammers favored by that strong and dour race; Marik, a reptilian dragonborn Warlock, heir to an ancient and proud lineage, but inescapably bound to a pact granting him supernatural powers; Jaeran, an elven Cleric upon whom the gods have granted a measure of divine power as a reward for his faith; Luke, a cloaked half-elf Wizard of mysterious origins and arcane might; Syxia, a tiefling Rogue, dark daughter of a cursed bloodline, her ancestors given to the infernal worship of fiends; and Ur-Kadar, dragonborn Paladin of Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon, a holy warrior dedicated to upholding the tenets of his faith and protecting the weak with his battle axe – the heroes set off to assist the brave dwarves who were besieged at Draig Durrok.

Their first action was to send a message, via an arcane ritual performed by Luke, to Lord Braccus of Inequity, informing him that they had found and destroyed the Temple of Shar-Ngrond. They also told him to keep an eye on the cleric Isenicus of the Temple of Sehanine. Braccus’ reply was typical: “Great, that’s one more thing to worry about.” The party then left the Temple of Shar-Ngrond, hacking their way north through leagues of impenetrable jungle. Jaeran’s knowledge of healing, along with Luke’s expertise in the natural world prevented any serious disease or affliction from hampering the progress of the heroes. After trekking through the jungle for three days, the hellish wilderness thinned out, and the party reached a small grouping of semi-permanent structures, including a dock. This looked to be the place that the cultists used to float supplies down to the Temple. There was also a well-worn path that led east, no doubt to the Path of Shadows. The party burned everything to the ground and set off toward the Path.

After several days the grasslands turned to gentle rolling hills before finally a steep, rough range rose before the adventurers. Using the information they had obtained from Gimmar Fellhammer, the group turned north in search of the dwarven settlement of Draig Drammen. Luke’s outdoor skills, combined with Barrack’s knowledge of dwarven engineering and Jaeran’s keen eyes, enabled them to find the dwarven enclave: they were greeted by several guards who were standing watch at the entrance to the underground settlement. Barrack explained that he was sent by Gimmar Fellhammer and that the party was stopping in before setting off for Draig Durrok. The party remained outside while one guard disappeared inside to discuss the matter with his superior. After several minutes, the guard returned and told the heroes that they had been granted entrance, but warned them that they would be closely watched.

While the party was escorted through the settlement, they noticed that the dwarven inhabitants of the place appeared to be gathering supplies. They were led to a large chamber and introduced to Ballen Baldknuckles, who served as the leader of these dwarves. Ballen introduced himself and the group noticed that he appeared cautious but calm. Barrack retold the story related to him by Gimmar, and about the smith’s suggestion that the party stop here before heading to Draig Durrok. At that mention of Draig Durrok, Ballen stated that they were too late, as Draig Durrok had fallen. The party was shocked and asked if he was certain – he was. Ballen added that a swarm of 5,000 orcs will soon be upon them, and that he and his followers were preparing to flee to avoid suffering the same fate as Draig Durrok. Ballen said that the roughly 200 dwarves that had long called this place home will flee as soon as they can. Continuing the conversation, he responded to the party’s questioning by adding that Draig Durrok fell almost two weeks ago. Ballen says that he learned this information from a group of travelers who were forced to turn around when they came upon the carnage at the dwarven fortress. He continued to insist with such conviction that it had fallen that Jaeran began to suspect that something wasn’t quite right with Ballen. One of Ballen’s counselors, a stout dwarf by the name of Torin Hammerhand, offered to go with the party as he had family in Draig Durrok and wanted to confirm the tragedy. Barrack wisely changed the subject of the conversation and asked if they could spend the night here before heading off to Draig Durrok. Ballen decided that they would not be allowed to spend the night in Draig Drammen itself, but they were welcome to stay outside near the main entrance; provisions would be provided for them. Syxia was outraged that they would have to again make their beds on rocky terrain under the stars, despite being mere yards from more comfortable accommodations. Given the precariousness of the situation with the dwarves, however, she bit her lip and said nothing.

As Torin escorted the party outside the gates, he expressed his doubts that Draig Durrok had actually fallen. He said that if it had fallen 2 weeks ago, the orcs would have already swept through and destroyed them. He also added that Ballen has been acting very strangely since receiving the news that the stronghold had fallen. The dwarf lord was adamant that it is true and refused to consider any other option. The party began to question Torin concerning the travelers who came by and confirmed the destruction of the dwarven fortress. He said there were only a few of them, but they looked to be monks as they were dressed in robes and were not warriors. The party said that these individuals were likely cultists who were helping the orcs by summoning a large demon to wrest the very gates off of Draig Durrok. Torin said that he would meet with some of his brethren and that the party should should talk to Ballen again in the morning before setting off. Torin indicated that he knew of a back way into Draig Durrok that may be helpful, if he could find it. He explained that he has never used it, but has been told by his kin where it is. He also said that it is rumored to be guarded by four locks of differing type. With that, Torin returned inside. Luke, Marik and Jaeran discussed the issue and concluded that Ballen must be under some sort of charm. Lucan decided to prepare a counterattack to dispel any magical effects affecting Ballen.

The party was allowed to re-enter Draig Drammen in the morning and they were quickly found by Torin and escorted to see Ballen. Barrack began a line of mundane questioning so as to allow Luke to attempt to combat any magics that may be controlling the dwarf lord. Luke struggled with the powerful charm afflicting Ballen, but he was only able to weaken it and not destroy it completely. However, this was enough to create a bit of doubt in Ballen’s clouded mind. Torin stepped forward and asked for permission to take a group of 20 dwarven veterans to Draig Durrok, and Ballen reluctantly agreed. Barrack suggests that he also allow a runner to accompany them, so that the party may provide information on the status of Draig Durrok. Ballen nodded his consent, and they all set off for Draig Durrok.

The Path of Shadows was rugged but after three hard days, they came to a spot where it continued between two peaks. Torin indicated that the mountain to the left was home to Draig Durrok and that they must now break left in order to maneuver to the back side. Off in the distance, the party could occasionally hear the clamor of the orc war drums, although they were unsure as to whether these are drums of siege or celebration. The party considered sending Syxia and Marik ahead to scout the area and take out an orc sentry, but they decided against it. Ur-Kadar also discussed the merits of foregoing the current plan in favor of a direct assault on the evil forces. However, after much discussion, they decided to continue with the current plan.
They awoke the next day and set out to look for the hidden entrance. After several hours, Torin found what he thought was the entryway, but it had been covered with rubble. Barrack and the dwarves began to clear the rocks in order to determine if they would be able to gain access. After two hours, Barrack examined the area and believed that with another hour they should be able to break through. He was correct, and the party eventually gained entrance into the tunnel yawning blackly before them. They collectively decided to spend a few moments replacing the outside wall, so as to make it appear undisturbed. Whether this entrance was concealed by the dwarves, or filled in by the orcs to prevent escape, was unknown.

The party set off and made slow, steady progress. Syxia was watchful for traps, but found none. After a few more minutes, they found that the passageway ended in a large stone wall. There was a dwarven inscription inset on the wall and a large wheel containing dwarven letters. The inscription read:

Constant rain wears away _ _ _ _ _

The group began thinking through the possible answers and quickly determines that Jaeran’s suggestion of STONE was probably the best answer. Barrack stepped forth and turned the wheels to the appropriate letters: upon reaching E there was a small pop followed by a grinding sound. The party saw the inset inscription begin to turn as if it were mounted on a giant wheel behind the stone door. Rather than seeing a secret door open, they watched as a new riddle appears.

This one read:
Where the warg howls the _ _ _ _ _ prowls

This one proved a little more difficult. Syxia ran though several things including goblin, which sounds like the most likely answer – her father employed many goblin servants, and so she leaned the language if the goblins, as well as their habits and ways. She was sure GOBLIN was the answer; however, goblin contains six letters in Common and Goblin and was therefore discarded. The party was hung up for quite some time until Barrack examined the wheel, looked slightly confused, and then conversed with Torin. Like a bolt of lightning, they recognized that the wheel has an additional character on it – an ancient rune from the elder days of Soltara – that is not included in the current dwarven alphabet. The symbol ψ was used by the dwarves of the dim ages long ago; this character was a combination of the Common letters BL. Therefore, they could therefore use GOBLIN as the solution. It worked, and hearty dwarven chuckles rang through the tunnel.

As before, there was the grinding of stone on stone, and a new inscription appeared. It read:
When all else fails, look to the left side of your _ _ _ _ _

This riddle created a significant problem for the party. Several ideas surfaced, but nothing seemed to fit just right. Looking to the left side could mean considering an alternative use for something, but what? After many minutes, Torin re-read the inscription and then patted Barrack on the back, laughed, and told him to think more like a dwarf. Barrack confessed that he was not raised in a dwarven clan, but among humans. “Well, that explains it,” said Torin. “If you look to dwarven weapons like the hammer, pick, awl, axe or mallet, they share something in common,” he said. With that Barrack thought a bit more and then the answer hit him: TOOLS. With that the word was entered, the wheel turned and a new riddle was revealed.

This one read:
Not every stone holds a gem, not every rock has value, but even the smallest stone can contain a _ _ _ _ _

Like the riddle before it, this one also provided a significant challenge. Ur-Kadar offered HEART as an answer. Other possible solutions like value, prize, cache and store just didn’t seem to fit. Even Torin was unable to come up with an answer. The group discussion then turned to the fact that the riddle mentions that not every stone contains monetary value but perhaps it could contain aesthetic value. Running with that theme, they thought about crystals. Finally, the discussion led to where crystals might be found in the smallest of stones and then the answer presented itself – a GEODE.

Barrack entered the letters and the wheel sprang to life revealing one last riddle. It read:
What do these four share in common

The party started trying to piece the four answers to get it when Luke realized that they all shared the letter “O”. Barrack turned the dial, and a large stone door began to slide to the left allowing the party and the dwarf warriors to continue on.

Syxia quietly slipped into the stygian darkness of the passageway that had been revealed, her senses alert for traps. She was quickly followed by the rest of the band. The group travelled about 50’ feet before they ran into another stone door. Upon its surface, there was a hexagon formation made up of smaller hexagons which were made up of three different types of stone. The center hexagram was red granite, while the others were either marble or sandstone (see illustration). The party began by pressing on the different stones. They found that pressing on the stone pieces allowed for additional stones to be placed. Through trial and error, they discover that they must start from the granite center and end with all the marble and sandstone pieces depressed. The remaining red granite piece could then be pushed into place to open the lock. The marble pieces allowed for straight or slightly bent movement, while the sandstone hexes allowed only straight movement or a significant change in direction. After approximately half an hour, the lock puzzle was finally solved by Luke. The stone door opened and the band progressed another 50’ before encountering another door.

The puzzle on this door centered on a series of scales and used 7 different stone blocks each weighing 1 - 7 pounds. The objective was to arrange the weights appropriately, so that the whole system was balanced. Barrack and Marik worked on the project with some help from Luke. Marik’s well-rounded skill set and knack for picking up things comes to bear and he quickly solved the riddle. Upon setting the weights in the right places of the wall, the door slid to the left and they passed through. As with the previous door, they found yet another slab of stone blocking their path.

This door had a 5” x 5” square pattern containing 1” squares of alternating black and white colors. There were also 8 pieces of intricately carved stone in a small stone trough on the door. The small stone figures were 6 towers and 2 horse heads, representing pieces in a traditional game of strategy. The pieces had magnetic rings on the bottom that allow them to attach to the square board on the door. Also on the door was an inscription that instructed those attempting to decipher the puzzle to place the pieces such that each horse attacks three towers and that each tower attacks only one horse. The wizard was familiar with such games, as were Syxia and Ur-Kadar, and Luke quickly arranged the pieces in the appropriate places. The stone door then slid to the left with a heavy grinding sound, and allowed the party to at last enter Draig Durrok.
The armed band marched into the place and made enough noise to ensure that they were heard by any guards that might be posted. After a short distance, the adventurers were greeted by a group of exceptionally surprised dwarven guards. With that, it was clear that Draig Durrok was still in the hands of the dwarves. Torin dispatched the runner to send that message back to Draig Drammen. The party was well-received, and they explained how they came to be here. They explained that they were there to help and that they would like to speak to the dwarven thane, as they had information that would be useful. Within a few minutes, they were ushered into the halls of Thurr Gargengrimm, Thane of Draig Durrok.

The appropriate introductions were made and Thurr thanked them for coming and bringing additional defenders. He explained that the situation was grim. He produced a map and explains that Thargirn’s Watch, the small citadel just off the Path of Shadows that guards the land bridge to Draig Durrok, fell yesterday and the orcs advanced. The dwarves tried to make a stand where the land bridge widens but four or five orcs who rode on hippogriffs appeared and began a furious assault on their flanks. That forced a retreat and the orcs then made an assault on the main gates. The defenders were able to repel the attack thanks to their ballista, bolters and flaming pitch, although the main gates sustained significant damage. Should the orcs break through the main gates, a second set of smaller (much weaker) gates stand right behind them. He explained that if the main gates fell, the second set won’t last long. If the invaders gained access into the city, there’s no way that it could be held. Thurr said that the siege has been on and off again over the course of the last two years, but this is by far the greatest threat the dwarves have yet faced. Thurr indicated that the orc Gorshak arrived with massive reinforcements about two weeks ago. He said that they’ve killed 10 orcs for every fallen dwarf, and yet they rue the exchange. Responding to a question from Barrack, Thurr says that there are probably 1,200 -1,500 orcs plus a number of goblins outside these gates; the dwarves have approximately 100 healthy warriors left, joined by approximately 80 wounded soldiers who are incapable of fighting. Barrack informed Thurr that things were about to get worse, and informed him that Gorshak has made an alliance with a powerful group of cultists and that they have agreed to conjure up a powerful demon from the abyss to destroy the main gates.

Thurr provided a history lesson as he explained that Draig Durrok was the last major dwarven settlement left in the mountainous borderlands. The dwarves and orcs had fought for centuries, but the last fifty years has seen a turn in their fortunes. While past conflicts seemed to be brief and only between the two races, the orcs have recently been able to get additional help. He explained that the Mines of Draig Morthik were lost to an assault by orcs and trolls. The next to fall was the capital city of Draig Kharzak and with it their King, Duergan Blackpick. He said that the orcs would not have been able to take it without the help of the cursed duergar, the evil and twisted grey dwarves of the deep earth. The duergar secretly created a subterranean entrance to Kharzak and then launched an assault in coordination with the orcs. Thurr explained that the orc leader, Gorshak, must have unified the warring orc clans, as he seems to have the entire orc population at his command. Furthermore, he was smart enough to figure out how to get other races to join him. As the party knew, he was able to gain the support of ogres and the hippogriffs caught the dwarves completely by surprise. Thurr believes that if Gorshak were slain, the orcs would fall back to their traditional clan leaders, the vicious in-fighting common among the orcs will ensue and the existential threat to the dwarves would end. That said, Gorshak has rarely been seen at the front.

The party again reassured Thurr that they will do all they can for the dwarves. Barrack went to the front gates to see if he could help in fortifying them; Jaeran and Ur-Kadar tended to the injured warriors; Syxia slipped out under cover of darkness to gather information. She was able to confirm that the orcs are planning a major offensive in the morning and that the “visitor” had arrived and that the invaders expected to take the dwarven hold by the end of the next day. While Syxia was spotted on the way back, she was easily able to make it back to the gates. With that, the party decided to rest and prepare for what would be a long, bloody day.

The party met with Thurr and his advisors early the next morning before the sun rose. Thurr asked them to defend the main gates as the dwarves continued to repair and fortify them. He says that he now has approximately 150 soldiers thanks to the efforts of the party. He had the original 100, plus the 20 that came with them from Draig Drammen and an additional 30 that recovered due to the party’s healing efforts. He offered the party up to 50 soldiers to stand with them. The party chose 20 veterans, 20 soldiers and 10 bolters. The fortress’s murder holes were also protected by ballista and crossbowmen. With the sound of drums and war cries from the orcs, the party readied themselves, filed outside the gates and formed a defensive wall with Barrack and Ur-Kadar positioning the warriors to the front and Luke, Marik, Jaeran and the troop of bolters in the rear. Syxia hid off to the side, setting the stage for an ambush and assault on any orc leader types. It didn’t take long until a host of opponents swarmed out of the Watch, rushed over the bridge and threw themselves upon the defenders. In all, there were approximately 60 goblins and 100 orc drudges.

From inside the fortress streamed a rush of small bolts that cut down the majority of the goblins before they even reached the gate defenders. The fallen goblins performed their role well while the drudges advanced and engaged their enemy. The wall withstood the initial charge. Barrack endured and used his combat skills to not only inflict damage, but also shield his dwarven brethren. Ur-Kadar rallied the forces and looked for opportunities to counterattack. Marik breathed acid and unleashed blasts of arcane energy to both destroy and demoralize the enemy. While Jaeran’s divine attacks seemed to miss their mark, his healing powers and inspirational words were of great benefit. Luke’s arcane prowess proved deadly as he dropped fiery bursts and force daggers throughout the orcs ranks. Syxia dashed out from her hiding place, identified an orc leader as her target and then summarily executed him. She picked her opponents carefully and dealt with them mercilessly. Both Syxia and Luke proved devastating in this combat and the orcs’ ranks were winnowed. A second wave of five ogre came rushing forth, but they were laid low by two incredible shots from the fortress’s ballista. As the orcs’ charge was broken and the outcome secure, the party made out a hulking, ape-like demon rushing forward that Jaeran recognizes as a Bar-lgura - this was Naarash, one of the most powerful of his kind in the abyss. Jaeran’s keen eyes spotted a hippogriff and rider take off from inside the Watch.

The group recognized that they needed to advance to meet the demon and allow the dwarves to finish off the remaining orcs, and then retreat inside. The group was well prepared for the fighting and they were intent on exhausting their arsenal to bring down the massive demon as quickly as they could. They also had a bit of help from the bolters and ballista from within the keep. However, these would not have slowed the demon down, much less stopped him from bashing down the great gates. Barrack and Ur-Kadar prepared to meet the demon’s charge and prevented him from advancing. Luke unleashed a prismatic spray of magic color that dazed the demon and halted his advance. This allowed the party to optimize its assault. Barrack did his best to hold his ground, absorbed and deflected attacks and hammered away. Ur-Kadar landed a thunderous smite that knocked the fiend to the ground. Syxia used the distraction to approach the demon’s flank and inflict significant damage. Luke shot an acid arrow at the beast but it could not penetrate the demon’s resistance. It also narrowly missed hitting Barrack, Ur-Kadar and Syxia. That was a little too close for their comfort, particularly given the wizard’s history of hitting party members.

Marik used his fey powers to confuse the beast and make the party invisible. While Jaeran’s attack powers were muted against the orcs, he unleashed the full fury of Pelor on Naarash and blinded the brute with searing light. Ur-Kadar took the opportunity to take a mighty swing with his axe, and it landed with a tremendous thud as it sank into demonic flesh. Now lacking sight, the great demon charged in the direction of the front gates intent on bringing them down. He was intercepted before reaching them, and Syxia re-directed the demon with a wicked strike compelling it to reverse course for a moment, and then Barrack and Ur-Kadar once again brought their weapons to bear. The demon was by then possessed by fury and hatred and pounded away at anyone or anything near to it. Luke then hit the foul demon with a blast of cold that dazed the monstrosity. The party could hear the sound of horns coming from the Watch and they assumed that the enemy was preparing a third wave to attack after the gates had fallen. The party had other plans and they concentrated their attacks on the Bar-lgura. Jaeran scored another divine attack, and he commanded Naarash down with holy power. The great beast then rose slowly, but before he could recover to throw yet another assault, the final blow landed and the great hulking demon crashes to the ground. The thundering rumble from two hundred charging orc drudges ceased as the orcs halted, paused and then made a full retreat. The gates were secured for the time being.

Barrack took the opportunity to survey the field. In all, the defenders killed approximately 60 goblins, 100 orcs, 5 ogres and one huge demon while losing 10 dwarven soldiers. While these represented good odds, they were still terribly outnumbered. The party then took the opportunity to start dragging the enemy bodies to the edge of the bridge, and stacked them up to make an intimidating wall. Upon seeing this, the dwarves sallied forth and begin assisting with this effort. The dwarven dead were taken back into the keep for proper burial.

As it turned from morning to afternoon, it was clear that the orcs were in complete disarray. It is at this point that the party began to discuss a plan to counterattack. The heroes talked to Thurr and convinced him that now was the time to strike. They had an opportunity to hit Thargirn’s Watch and possibly retake it. They would take a small force and pretend to continue the business of stacking the fallen bodies of the enemy and then start to advance across the bridge. If the orcs rushed out, the dwarves and the party members could always fall back to the wall. Sxyia’s scouting report convinced them that Gorshak was not inside the keep and whatever chain of command was there before was now broken. While there were approximately 200 orc drudges in the Watch, the gates on both sides were wide open. Thurr approved the plan and the strike force assembled.

The attacking force filed out of the gates and began to drag a few more bodies to the now waist-high wall. Spotting no movement from within the Watch, and with the gates down, they slowly advanced while maintaining their ruse. Once they were halfway across the bridge, they realized that the orcs had yet to react and there was hope that the plan might work. As they reached the other side of the bridge, the alarm was sounded and the orcs rushed to raise the gates. It was too late, as the small army charged, intent on keeping the gates from closing. The dwarves were able to break the much weaker chains on the rear gate on one side and the door halted. With a few more blows from dwarven axes in conjunction with the weight of the dwarven soldiers now standing upon it, the left chain broke and the door crashed to the ground. The dwarves quickly reformed their phalanx and began to cleave through their disorganized, demoralized opponents. With Barrack pushing the enemy back with his shield, Ur-Kadar leading the soldiers, Luke raining down scorching bursts, Marik breathing acid and roaring to create confusion and devastation, Syxia assassinating any enemy that looked to be in command and Jaeran healing and providing words of inspiration, the orcs were quickly routed and either killed or forced to flee from the Watch. Barrack quickly led some of the soldiers to the gate and succeeded in raising, barring and securing the main gates. They had recaptured the Watch and spoiled the day for their orcish enemies. Throughout the keep lie the dead bodies of at least 200 orcs and 10 valiant dwarves. As night fell, Syxia led a small raid on the right flank of the orc encampment and was successful in killing approximately 50 more orcs before returning to the keep.

Thurr sends notice to Barrack that he is considering reinforcing the Watch. While almost all of the Watch’s defenses have been destroyed, the walls stand, and he believes it would give them an advantage. Barrack and the party agreed and Thurr sent out an additional 40 dwarven veterans.

Meanwhile, Gorshak believed that this day would see the end of the dwarves and secure his reign. Instead, it has seen his troops repelled from the main gates, his disorganized forces crushed and the Watch retaken, and approximately one quarter of his entire army slaughtered with nothing to show for it. His army still numbers almost 1,000 strong and he has his ogre allies and boar riders to use. Tomorrow he will regroup and prepare a plan for taking the Watch and then marching on the Gates. He has sworn to find those responsible for aiding the dwarves and deal with them himself . . .