Session X:The Demon King of Thyatis part II

Euthalia in her more usual attire.

Once again pampered, bathed, perfumed, manicured and appointed in the (not quite) manner she is accustomed too, Euthalia and her escorts are called outside by male (and male-disguised) members of the party. Ki Oman has picked up a few items for his other "slaves", Andros and Thera, including new armour, spears and various other items.

With the brazen noise of another gong-stroke echoing throughout the compound, Vragg hustles the party through the streets towards the palace, terrified at the prospect of being late for the feasting. They hurry through the double doors of the palace just as the sun begins to set, the great, heavy portals booming closed behind them. The dozen, impeccably attired and perfumed females who had earlier scurried away with Merithena, reappear, leading the men to their tables. The females in the party are quietly instructed by these women that they should stand behind and serve their "betters" at dinner.



The feast hall occupies an opulent room in the palace. Three tables in the centre of the hall form a U, with the open end facing the door. The cushions positioned behind the low tables in the centre row remain empty, but at a second gong stroke, a dozen fierce looking warriors attired in their best armour emerge from alcoves and rooms elsewhere in the palace and to take their places upon the eastern cushions. The male party members are led to their own places along the western table. At a third gong, the ancient, wizened form of the Bull Headed King emerges from the inner chambers, sitting himself alone at the centre table. He is soon joined by two skull masked men in dark robes, who recline at either end of the central table. All eyes soon turn to the western window, where the sun cam be seen sinking below the horizon. At the very instant that the last rays of the sun vanish from view, the gong is struck again. Before their eyes, the party watch the wizened little man swell to three times his normal height, weight and girth. Skin reddening, huge, bull-horn grow from his skull until the creature that remains little resembled the frail being it had been just a few moments ago. In a deep, booming basso, the Bull Headed King laughs at his guests consternation, and bids his slaves bring the feast to the diners.

The Bull Headed King revealed.

After a few moments, the Bull Headed King comments that his men arealready teaching his "guests" how women should behave in Thyatis. The King nods to the red-bearded man, who sits among the diners at the eastern table. He congratulates Euthalia on once again looking like a civilised woman and compliments her on her serving skills, "suggesting" that she should display the proper meekness by taking wine to his warriors. Seemingly unconcerned, she complies, and somehow manages to restrain her temper when a particularly fiery young warrior pulls her onto his lap  with wandering fingers and tries to claim a kiss. Instead of slapping the man, as she would at home, she leaps to her feet and stands, head bowed, while Ki Oman roars for the warrior to keep his filthy hands off his property. The warrior bellows back that men takes what he wants from women in Thyatis and demands to know if anyone present dares to stop him. Half a dozen of the party members -including Ki Oman, Boagris, Andros, Thera and Alexis- all roar their acceptance of this challenge, but it is Ki Oman (the "slaves" avowed owner) whom the warrior charges.

Ki Oman meets him blow for blow in the centre of the feast hall, much to the Bull-Headed Kings loud approval and the intent regard of the skull-masked figures. For a few moments, Ki Oman is able to demonstrate his greater speed and agility, making the young warrior's footwork seem almost clumsy and foolish in comparison. Yet this only serves to focus the raiders rage. For a few tense moments it becomes clear that Ki may have over-reached himself by accepting this challenge from a seasoned warrior. Almost evenly matched, it is by luck alone that Ki Oman emerges victorious. The Bull Headed King bellows and claps, but the raiderss present grew silent. Each watches the corpse of the fallen raider intently until, after a few moments, a spectral figure manifests in the centre of the hall. Hooded and robed, armed with a sickle-bladed sword, the apparition stridse forward to claim it's prize. Reaching into the dead corpse with a skeletal hand, it pulls the warriors eldritch, glowing soul from the still meat of its body. Gratefully, the warriors soul reaches out to the spectre, rapture writ upon it's face - until a brief moment before the pair fade from view, when unparralled joy is briefly replaced by sheer terror.

The assembled raiders and clap and mutter in approval. One of the two Skull-Masked guests announces with satisfaction that the warriors soul has been accepted by Thanatos (Thanatos the PC blanches at this, suddenly very keenly aware of why Merithena has advised her to change her name as well as her gender). Leaving the blood where it has pooled in the floor, the Skull Masked priests dragg the frozen corpse from the hall while the Bull Headed King loudly calls for dancing.

The slave-women take up their instruments, beginning a song of frantic pace and energy. The Bull Headed King claps once again and Merithena -wounded Merithena, as pale as the spectre that so recently left these halls- enters.

Merithena dances

Wearing more clothing than the party had ever seen adorn her, she leaps and cavorts, energetically and acrobatically leaping through the air, twisting and turning in time with the music, leaping faster and faster as the pace of the music increases. Sweat whirls from her as she dances, stripping off layers of thin, silken cloth and throwing them to roaring warriors with each increase in tempo. Pale and trembling, she races across the hall, back and forth, each circuit taking her closer to the Bull Headed monster upon his throne. The monsters eyes follow her intently, never leaving her, searching for any hint of weakness, hand never straying from the huge cleaver-bladed weapon sat by his side. Not a man -andfew of the women- is able to tear their eyes away from the girls wondrous performance. At last, just as it seems she can dance no more, the girl casts aside her last veil and dives, prostrate, to the floor before the seat of the Bull Headed King.

[I asked the players for saving throws vs spells at this point. When most failed and I described the effects of their fascination one or two of the older players nodded sagely and muttered "Ah, that's what she is". Once again, they didn't say anything else, to avoid ruining the suspense]

The King's men are on their feet, roaring and cheering this display of stamina, speed and endurance. The Bull Headed king himself nods solemnly, before tossing back his head with deep booming laughter. As his  deep voice booms out across the hall, the warriors fall silent.

"It seems the Blood of Kings flows true in you indeed, child. Know that you have pleased me, and your life is spared. For the moment." He tosses his head, bull-like, to regard the woman. "Leave us, all of you."

Merithena rises unsteadily to her feet, almost losing her balance, but the Bull Headed King seems not to notice. As she passes Euthalia, she whispers urgently into the others woman's ear, "Help me, I'm going to fall...."

Thinking quickly, the Priestess takes Merithena by the arm, raising it high. Catching on, Thera takes the other arm. Together, arms held high above their heads, clutching Merithena's hands as though raising them in triumph, they support the exhausted girls weight and carry her from the hall. Only when out sight of the men, down a side passage, does the girl collapse to the floor. Gathering around like clucking hens, the palace women and the party members work together to carry her from the passage to the safety of the Harem, away from the prying eyes of patrolling Palace Guards.

Back at the Feast Hall, the Bull Headed King dismisses his priests and his guards, clearly unafraid of anything the players might attempt to do to him. He offers his thanks for the rescue of his "true blood" and insists that the party must stay as guests in his city until healed of their wounds. Then, in order to repay his hospitality, they must perform a task for him. The Bull Headed King is magnanimous (he makes a point of telling them so) and offers them the choice of three tasks to carry out as they see fit in return for sanctuary in Thyatis.

• Destroy the Harpy nest on his borders which has become a nuisance.
• Enter the fortress of the foul beastman chieftain to dares to call himself the Bull Headed King and slay this usurper.
• Journey to the lair of a being known as the Lamia and offer her an alliance-or failing that, kill her if she refuses.

He gives the (male) party members freedom of the city for the next three days, explaining that the women will be safe in the palace under his care, and informs the men that he expects to hear which quest they will undertake on the morning of the third day. With that they are dismissed, and yet another female slave appears to show them to their barracks -a dusty, dull affair of rickety wooden bunk beds and at mouldy storage chests.

Meanwhile, within the luxury of the female slave quarters, protected by mute, "cut" Harem Guards, Euthalia, Thera and Andros relax upon silk cushions and tend to the exhausted Merithena. Once alone, she explains to the other women that one day -one day soon- she, like her mother, will be sacrificed to the Great Skull God, Thanatos. That she yet lives is due only to the fact that her uncle wishes her to be as strong as possible before receiving the Skull Gods tender attentions. Had she been found weak, she would be dead long since. Or worse, cast into the breeding pits to be used by the worst of the Bull Headed Kings inhuman servants. She begs the other women to save her from her fate but warns them to be cautious. "No-one", she states simply, "can kill the Bull Headed King. Many have tried. All have died."

At this, Thera angrily demands to know why Merithena insisted on coming back here in the first place? Merithena suggests that the group had to see the Bull Headed King's evil for themselves. To understand that she would make a far better leader for their people. To see the plight of the Thyatian women and, most of all, because it's the only place on the island where weapons, armour and (above all) food are freely to be had. Merithena explains that none of the Thyatian men can be trusted to help her -or the stranded. They enjoy their privileged lifestyles to much to risk the King's ire. Even Bombatta, who claimed to love her, pursued her when she fled the city, intent on bringing her back to the King.

Thera does not seem entirely convinced by this tale -or the girls supposedly pure motives- but stays her voice. For now. However, one thing seems clear to the Paladin. This Bull Headed King has to go.

Session X: The Demon King of Thyatis part I

The Party:

Ailil Shadowdancer. Elf Male Assassin 2/Illusionist 1. Played by Rhidh

Alexis Human Male Fighter 1. Played by Larraitz

Andros: Human Female Fighter 2. Played by Aimee

Boagris: Human Male Fighter 2. Played by Silv.

Bombata: Human Male NPC.

Euthalia: Human Female Cleric 2. Played by Caroline.

Kallias: Human Male Cleric 1. Played by Elle

Ki Oman: Human Male Dual-Classed Assassin 1/Bard 2. Played by Ali

Merithena: Human Female NPC

Thanatos: Human Female Assassin 2. Played by Fiona

Thera: Human Female Paladin 1. Played by Niall

Thot: Half Elf Male Cleric 1/Magic User 1. Spare Character

Xenos: Human Male Fighter 2/Magic-User 1. Played by Leoni

Missing/Unaccounted For:

Anitpater: Human Male Ship's Master NPC

Kallisto: Human Female Fighter 1. Played by Jackie

Minerva: Human Female 0 lvl Priestess/Royalty. NPC

Peliakos: Human Male Fighter 1. Played by Coakley

Sparious: Human Male Fighter 1. Spare Character.

Day 13:

Morning dawns dull and overcast after an eventful night. Still tired and weary from their travails over the last two weeks, the Stranded begin clearing their campsite. It's not long, however, before a not-too distant roar startles the sleepy companions to wakefulness. Quickly, Alexis helps Thoht and Merithena drag themselves into cover while the rest of the group forms a hasty shield wall. The wait for brief moments while the roaring beast, preceded by a frantic crashing burst into view.

It's a bear, blood-streaked and foaming at the mouth. And it's not alone, behind it come two of the Grey Demon's in hot pursuit.

After a tense, but ultimately successful confrontation the bear and Demons are down- but so are half the party, paralysed by the foul, black, dripping ichor of the Grey Demon's claws. They are merely incapacitated however, not dead. Though, once again, the same can be said for the Grey Demons. Though one lies headless, it's mouth keeps snapping in a silent snarl at the companions while it's body attempts to crawl over to it's head. The other keeps thrashing beneath Shadowdancer's spear, going still for one moment, only to thrash again until the elf twists his spear in the beast's heart once more.

Reluctantly, the companions (at least, those that can still speak) agree there is nothing else for it. They'll have to light a fire and burn the foul things, knowing full well that the smoke will be seen from the city.

Merithena scampers forward, only now "remembering" a few things the party should really know about life in the city. Firstly, she explains that women may only speak when first spoken too by a man and that failure to follow this rule will result in being brutally whipped. She also explains that while it is not, strictly speaking, illegal to follow "foreign Gods" in Thyatis, any act of open worship or preaching is punishable by death. That includes openly wearing holy symbols. For obvious reasons, Euthalia the Priestess of Haestia and Thera, Paladin of Meerax, are doubly displeased. Kallios is not overly pleased either, but hides his holy symbol without protest. Thanatos simply mocks the other women and adopts her male guise. Andros, on the other hand, fumes quietly.

Finally, the Thyatian girl turned to Thanatos and insisted -no, demanded- that the red headed women go by another name. She refused to say more on the matter, but relented only when Thantos and the others agreed that she would go by the name Sparious for the time being.

By the time the last of the paralysed Stranded begin to flex blood back into weary, numbed muscles, the party scouts report the approach of a patrol. Once again a shield wall is formed, though with spears held in marching order rather than set to receive a charge. A few moments later, a party of around a dozen armed men, of various ethnicitys, step from the woods. All wear identical armour of studded black leather and carry sword and spear. About half carry bows. All wear the same enclosing helmet of black iron - two small horns protruding like a Bull's from either side.

 Negotiations prove tense, and only grow tenser for a brief moment when Ki Oman gestures for Merithena to step forward from behind the shield wall. Given the girls bedraggled appearance and recent wounds, it's no wonder the sight raises the ire of the guards. Fortunately, Merithena is able to calm things down by explaining that these outsiders rescued her from captivity. The guard leader, a man named Vragg, rudely demands to know the fate of Bombatta. To the relief of all, the girl affirms that he was killed in the ambush along with the rest of her guards.

Once again, despite being a princess, Merithena shows no surprise at the rude way in which she is both treated and spoken too by a lowly guard. As the party forms up, interspersed among the Thyatian's, one whispers to Boagris:

"By the Skull God man, why do you actually allow your women to cover their breasts. It's indecent. And the armour...."

Before Boagris can answer, a nearby Shadowdancer (once again wearing his full face veil) intervenes, demanding to know why the man thinks how the party members treat their "property" is any of his business?

The guards bows his head and apologises for his rudeness. There is no more conversation with the guards for quite some time.

Thyatian Women

Clearing the woods, the Stranded realise that Thyatis is not so much ruined as abandoned. The few buildings that still appear inhabited seem to have been rebuilt from rubble. Coming up from the south, they spy a huge temple shaped like the head of a bull, with two "horn-shaped" towers guarding the main entrance and the long, paved promenade leading to the bronze doors on either side of the Temple. Each tower bristles with ballistae and catapults. 

Nearing the Temple, they begin to catch their first glimpse of the locals. All the men are armed andarmoured much as their escort. Few seem to be involved in any actual work. Most merely supervise small bands of women collecting fruit and berries. Most of these women are older, past child-bearing age, but few are elderly. All work with their breasts exposed, wearing strange, waist-coat like garments that fasten at the naval. Heads look up as the group passes, but any woman who looks set to follow is soon roared at by a male guard. Some of the men think nothing of watching the group as they pass by, with the female members of the party being afforded the hardest, most hostile stares. More than once they hear the word "whore" muttered by Thyatians as they pass

Continuing on, the Stranded pass a small artificial harbour filled with ships -low, sleek raiders built for speed rather than trade. Some whispered conversation ensues regarding hiring boats as a way of the island -until a quiet voice from the back of the party reminds them all of what the Goddess Meerax revealed to them at the Temple: none of them will be allowed off this island until the guilty have been punished. And yet, some of the party muse, it seems that not everyone on this island has been exiled here. At least, not if the presence of those ships is anything to go by.

For almost a quarter mile past the Temple, there are no more inhabited buildings. The few structures they pass are little more than heaps of stone piled upon stone. Finally, at the end of a long, poorly cobbled road, they find themselves outside huge bronze gates leading to a walled compound. The guards at the door inspect the group closely, but Vragg is able to gain the group entrance with a few guttural words and emphatic finger-pointing at Merithena. Eventually the huge gates swing open.The party is admitted into a large, bustling, clearly thriving town -a town within a greater, ruined town. All activity ceases at once. Every eye turns towards the party, some with curiosity, most -especially those directed at the female characters- with hostility. As Vragg and their escort elbow a path through the throng, the party keep a grip on their weapons.

Every building they pass is clearly designed for defence. Stairs lead to the only entrance. Each roof is flat and crenellated. The paths and alleyways are winding and confusing. There are far less obviously residential buildings present than one would expect for so many people. Merithena whispers that most women reside in the public slave quarters until bought as a wife by a successful raider and that most men of fighting age live in barracks. Only a few of the richest and most successful raiders own their own home, their own slaves and servants. The other men and even most children, save for those born to "free" raiders, live in barracks along the walls. No where, do the Stranded see any sign of craftwork or manufacture. The few homes which seem to serve as shops appear to sell goods from many lands, but no-where does anyone appear to be actually making anything.

At the great, golden gates of a small palace, the group halts beneath two huge, bronze statues of Bull-Headed men. Vragg approaches a senior guard standing by the gates who, after a whispered conversation, directs one of his men to sound a bronze gong.

"Now we wait." mutters Merithena, already pale from her wounds and the heat of the cruel sun climbing towards it's Zenith. All around, men and woman of Thyatis lay down whatever tools or task they work at and gather in the square before the palace gates. Soon, perhaps two or three thousand people - at least two women to every man- have gathered. For many hours the throng continues to wait in stifling heat and humidity while the sun climbs. No-one speaks. Sensing the mood, the party remain silent. It's not hard to tell from even a brief, side-ways glance that these people are scared witless. When Merithena wilts, Thera attempts to steady her, only to have her efforts shaken off. Even so, the sudden movement attracts attention. One or two voices can be heard to whisper the words "weak" or "doomed". These whispers seem only to strengthen the girls resolve until she stands tall once again.

Finally, just as it seems the group can take no more, when the sun has already descended almost half way to the horizon, the great gong booms again and all present -including the Stranded- prostrate themselves accordingly. They hear-but do not see- the great gates swing open. At the third sounding of the gong all stand and face the bull-headed King.

A wizened, wrinkled old man of some ninety years, head bowed by the weight of the great, silver horned helm upon his brow.

"Come," he gestures with one crooked finger to the baffled group below. "Vragg, you and your prisoners may approach."

This? This is the gamed bull-headed king everyone is so afraid of? And yet, Merithena  trembles as she leads the group up the granite stairs towards the King and his bodyguard -from fear as much as exhaustion. Wisely, the group elects for caution, allowing the locals to speak first.

Vragg explains how the prisoners had rescued Merithena after her capture and the death of Bombatta. At this, the wizened old king grunts loudly, the somewhat scathing, contemptuous expression he previously wore melting into something altogether more calculating. But only for a moment.

"You. Girl. Look at you! Blood of my blood? Hah! You're pathetic. Weak. Tonight, you'll dance the seven veils for your rescuers. Our guests. And if you fail, you'll die. Take her away!"

From behind the palace doors, a dozen beautiful women of various ages scurry from the cool depths of the palace to usher the stricken Merithena to her rooms. As she is dragged away, she looks pleadingly at Ki Oman and mouths the words, "you promised" before she disappears into the depths of the palace. Even so, no-one fails to note that their status has quickly changed from "prisoners" to "guests".

Merithena

Ki Oman clears his throat and, along with other members of the party, begins to sing the girl's praises, but the wizened old King waves their comments away. The Bull Headed King informs them they will have time to talk at the feast in their honour later this evening. As he turns to leave however, the party's female members catch his eye. Spitting his outrage, he demands to know why the women are so dressed? Shadowdancer steps forward and explains that their group was shipwrecked and forced to dress their property in any rags they could find. He explains that he and Ki Oman are merchants, and that Euthalia is their prize stock and the other, armoured women her guards. Euthalia bristles at this, but plays along, as do they other women. The King seems momentarily intrigued, eyeing Euthalia with something of a lusty eye, but then waves his wizened arm nonchalantly and order that, as outsiders, they shall be given some lee-way.  He orders all present to help instruct the newcomers in the laws and ways of Thyatis and to punish them only for the gravest transgressions. With that, he turns to leave, but not before Shadowdancer begs to know where he might find more appropriate attire for Euthalia. The King orders Vragg to act as a guide. 

As suddenly as he came, the Bull Headed King vanishes back into the Palace. Euthlia glares daggers at Shadowdancer but, on further consideration, decides that the chance to blend in with the local women -and spend some time learning their ways- is worth the trouble of going about half-naked. After all, she remarks, many of  Haestia's most sacred rites -including pre-marriage rituals for the bride- require all present to be naked. This, alas, takes some of the wind from Shadowdancer's sails. He'd been quite relishing the thought of causing Euthalia some discomfort.

Ki Oman turns to Vragg and suggests that the group needs some water. The raider agrees readily and leads the group to the well in the Square of Sublime Enjoyment, nearby. They find the well -and what appears to be the local tavern- easily enough. Trying to wind up Euthalia further, Shadowdancer suggests that Euthalia go and bring him an ale. Ki Oman, playing along, instead insists that she go to the well and bring water for the group. Proudly, she almost refuses until a passing, rather drunken raider, remarks in quite a friendly fashion that if Ki Oman can't control his women, he'll be only to happy to oblige by teaching the girl the price of disobedience in Thyatis. He fingers his wickedly hooked scourge somewhat menacingly while he speaks. Ki Oman thanks the Raider but insists that won't be necessary. Euthalia's high spirits are one reason she commands so high a price. Not in the least put out, the raider grunts and moves on.

By this time, Euthalia is already filling the party's water jugs. One of the younger girls sidles up to her and asks, 'Are you an Amazon? Have you been to the hills?" Seeing her confusion, the girl adds, "You and your friends look like Amazons. If you are, please take me with you when you leave." One of the other women, much older and grey-in-the-hair, drags the young one away before she can say anymore. Thoughtfully, Euthalia returns to the group, but on the way back one of the women from the well (no-one spots who) shouts the word "whore" and throws a wet towel at her, striking her squarely on the back of her head. All the raiders present, including Vragg, laugh uproariously. Seeing their credibility in jeopardy, Shadowdancer angrily stalks forward and demands to know who assaulted his property. At this, the raiders stop laughing and the women, huddled in a group, pale visibly. Some even begin to cry. Now that Shadowdancer has made this a matter of law, the jovial atmosphere around the well suddenly grows chill.

A burly, red-bearded raider steps from the shadows around the tap-house. He bellows a demand that the women responsible step forward. When the only response from the women at the well is to huddle closer and cry louder, he angrily reminds them all that the price of disobeying an order from a man is serious indeed. If one (the players did not fail to note that he not ask for the "guilty one") does not step forward all will be punished.

At this, they Grey-Haired women who pulled the young girl away from Euthalia steps forward. It's clear to all that she could not possibly have been the one to throw the towel. Her eyes are completely blind, stark white with cataracts. Other women step forward, wailing, from the group and try to pull her back into the crowd. Yet though the old woman trembles with fear, she takes another quivering step.. In a voice croaking with fear and age, she states "It was me".

Almost before she even closes her mouth, the red-bearded man strikes. The old woman's tongue roils from a spinning head, her decapitated body drops lightly to the sandy soil. Women wail in unearthly misery while the old woman's the eyes continue to blink for a few moments before growing still. Without so much as a grunt, the bearded raider wipes his sword on the old woman's blood-soaked dress, nods companionably at Shadowdancer, announces he needs a piss and wanders back to the tavern.

Vragg comments, "That's how we deal with insolence in Thyatis." He turns to look at the rest of the party, many of whom are glaring at Shadowdancer with undisguised horror or hostility. Vragg nods at Euthalia meaningfully. "Keep a good eye on that one. The women won't seek revenge from her, but a lot of lusty eyes have noticed her now. They like to break a proud one in these parts. Some will try to buy her, but if they can't?", he shrugs, "They'll try to take her by force. You could make a fortune hiring her out now, but if you want to keep her pure for more money, I wouldn't leave her unguarded. We Thyatians steal our wives as often as we buy them."

[A few players -the ones that read my blog regularly- caught on to who the Thyatian's are at this point, but kept stumm to avoid spoiling the surprise].

The stunned party ask about where they can buy equipment. Euthalia stammers for a moment, but manages to ask where she can go in order to dress properly? Vragg glares at her for a moment, and reminds Ki Oman that women should not speak unless addressed but agrees to lead the group to the Public Slave Quarters.

There, Andros and Thera are left behind to keep an Euthalia while the rest of the party goes shopping.

Euthalia (seated, left) is Pampered in the Public Slave House.

Inside, the three women discover a veritable paradise to rival the greatest palace or richest temple in Mysos. Dozens of breathtakingly attractive women laze or lie about,playing games, bathing, chatting or dressing one another's hair. Meanwhile, down another corridor, they can hear the distant grunting of men taking advantage of the women's presence. Euthalia is soon shown to a stone bench where gossip-starved women in their droves are only too keen to help her out of her barbaric clothing and pamper her every need. Meanwhile, Thera and Andros, much ignored, walk around quietly, keeping their thoughts to themselves.

Session IX: Foul Friends and Night Terrors

The Party:

Ailil Shadowdancer. Elf Male Assassin 2/Illusionist 1. Played by Rhidh

Alexis Human Male Fighter 1. Played by Larraitz

Andros: Human Female Fighter 2. Played by Aimee

Boagris: Human Male Fighter 2. Played by Silv.

Bombata: Human Male NPC.

Euthalia: Human Female Cleric 1

Friendly: Trog NPC

Kallias: Human Male Cleric 1. Played by Elle

Ki Oman: Human Male Dual-Classed Assassin 1/Bard 2. Played by Ali

Merithena: Human Female NPC

Thanatos: Human Female Assassin 2. Played by Fiona

Thera: Human Female Paladin 1. Played by Niall

Thot: Half Elf Male Cleric 1/Magic User 1. Spare Character

Xenos: Human Male Fighter 1/Magic-User 1. Played by Leoni

Missing/Unaccounted For:

Anitpater: Human Male Ship's Master NPC

Kallisto: Human Female Fighter 1. Played by Jackie

Minerva: Human Female 0 lvl Priestess/Royalty. NPC

Peliakos: Human Male Fighter 1. Played by Coakley

Sparious: Human Male Fighter 1. Spare Character.

Player Map. The broken red line tracks the party's movements since session 1

Days 9-12:

Shadowdancer/Friendly:

Leaving his companions behind, a lightly wounded Shadowdancer and a more heavily wounded Friendly move by night and sleep by day. Slowed by the requirement for caution given the dangerous terrain and the suspected presence of enemies, they manage to reach the edge of the broken lands a few miles north of the Temple by daybreak. There, in a sheltered dip in the landscape, they rest as best they can. As they prepare to resume travel with the fall of night, their inhumanly keen ears pick up the sound of a distant, guttural cheer. A cheer followed shortly there after by distant booming. Booming, they determine, which can only be the sound of a wooden ram been driven against the bronze-plated doors of the Temple itself.

Soon after setting off again at nightfall they find themselves in the shady concealment of a thick, humid band of forest. However, they do not relax their guard due to the increased concealment afforded by the terrain. Their sharpened senses alert them to the presence of potential danger only an hour or so after dusk. Waiting carefully for the source of the noise to reveal itself, they watch from well chosen ambush positions while a small herd of goats flee past them to the North. The duo delay for a few moments longer, but detect no sign of any creature pursuing the docile mountain animals. Not long after they resume travel, a loud explosion to the south heralds some cataclysmic event. Smoke and flames become visible on the southern horizon once again thereafter.

Grey Demon as Seen By Shadowdancer

The duo's cautions travel leads them to a dune about a quarter-mile away from the Temple itself shortly before midnight. From their perch, the two observe a field of carnage. The Temple still burns, trailing black smoke high into the night sky. Surveying the scene with his heat-sensing eyes, Shadowdancer observes numerous scattered collections of torn body parts surrounding the table, the vast majority of them seemingly Trog in origin. Around a huge bonfire some distance from the destroyed Temple, a band of thirty-to forty creatures dance and frolic. The elf recognises the heat-pattern of the creatures from the Temple chimney. They are the Grey-Skinned Demons the Trogs warned them about. One such demon in particular catches the elf's attention. A grossly fat creature tottering atop a thick pile of what appears to be cushions and carpets watches the proceedings with interest. The fat-one makes a particularly extravagant gesture towards two of it's colleagues, at which a huge screeching keen goes up from the other demons. Shadowdancer's eyes follow the two as they head towards a make-shift cage on the beech. Within, he can barely make out four humans shaped heat-sources, though at this stage he cannot identify to whom they belong. As he watches, one is drawn is from the cage and spitted alive upon a spear while the surrounding demons howl and caper. Cold-anger rising within him, Shadowdancer makes to move forward when the cold, scaly restraining hand of Friendly settles on his shoulder, squeezing tightly and pushing the elf downwards once again. The elf seethes quietly, but considers that now is not the most opportune moment. He watches sullenly as the screaming human captive roast besides the bonfire. It's not the consumption of human flesh that he finds particularly barbaric. No, after all, he himself considers it something of a delicacy himself. It's the twin considerations that, not only did they fail to at least kill the poor miserable animal first, the scum are feasting upon one of his dumb, miserable animals. An animal he might need to get himself off this island.

He and friendly begin circling the Temple, but as they do so more movement catches the elf's keen eye. Out to sea, he can barely make out the dim, cold outline of a ship. Thus far, it had been warded from his sight by the glow from the bonfire between he and it. A trireme perhaps, but with the unusual addition of an entirely enclosed deck. Though the ships looks to have been present for some time, it is the sudden lowering and subsequent departure of a small, punted boat that has called his attention towards it. Once again, Shadowdancer and Friendly slink to the ground and watch. In time, a single cold, cowled form steps from the boat, escorted by a dozen equally cold skeletal forms. At an appropriate moment, the howling and capering cease. While the humans chars unnoticed on the fire, the Grey Demons prostrate themselves at a careless wave from their master. The fat-demon itself merely bows and inclines his head.

Perhaps sensing the opportune moment, Shadowdancer again makes to crawl forward. This time, Friendly grabs the elf’s shoulder even tighter. The two watch as the fat-one and the newcomer make some exchange. Moments later, the three remaining captives are released from the cages. The cold outline of the cowled creatures head glows briefly as he approaches the terrified captives. Soon after, Shadowdancer watches Cowl return to his punt, three seemingly docile prisoners in tow.

They watch as they punt returns to the trireme. It departs westward soon after, it sails full despite the absence of a breeze. At this, the two watchers separate. Friendly hisses something and then scrabbles eastward, without any attempt at explanation or waiting to see if the Elf follows. Meanwhile Shadowdancer, though sorry to see the creature -possibly the groups last living ally on the island- disappear into the darkness, continues his circuit of the temple while the ghoul demons feast.

As he nears the end of his surveillance, he is gratified to sport a single, long rope, now well-aflame, drooping down from a first floor window. It seems that someone may have escaped the slaughter after all. With more than half the night gone, the Elf makes his way back north into the woods, camping under their eaves a good half-mile from the camp-site of the night before. His daylight rest is undisturbed. After a few hours of elven reverie, he turns to his borrowed book, hoping to still his troubled thoughts with study. He also spends a brief period experimenting with his new sword, before concluding with some disgust that the item has no magical properties what-so-ever. That night, he makes his lonely way back to his companions, arriving just before dawn on the twelfth.

Downtime events back at the camp having already been covered last session, we return to play on the morning of the 12^th *

The group listens in quiet horror while Shadowdancer outlines events on the beach. Contrary to any concerns his companions might have regarding his secretive nature, he holds nothing back. Euthalia erupts into tears when he confirms he is unable to confirm Minerva's fate. After a moments shocked silence while the news sinks in, talk quickly turns to determining the groups next course of action.

Ki Oman is once again quick to voice his opinion that they should travel east to the City of Thyatis. Shadowdancer leads those who disagree, vehemently stating he has no intention of visiting a city where he would be considered a “thing” rather than a person -even going so far as to confirm with Bombata that “thing” was how the bodyguard had described him. Moreover, he insists that any survivors would have headed north. The group should stay put, guard themselves and await their arrival.

It is even suggested that the group should take over occupancy of the Trog caves, since it seems likely that the Trogs shall no longer need them. But it's pointed out that the caves are still not cleared, there are a lot of pod-men down there, and that they have no idea if Friendly has gone to gather up other Trogs and lead them back here.

Ki Oman's faction quickly wins most of the others to their side when Ki Oman pointedly asks if they can expect a reward for Merithena's return. Some of the group interpret the bodyguard's snorting laughter as an indication that they should not expect a reward until he and Merithena assure them that, as the Bull-Headed King's sole remaining mortal descendent, her return would be well-rewarded indeed.

After this, a few poorly chosen words from Kallias and, in particular Xenos, who casually observes that he could obtain as much as 30-40,000 gold pieces on the open market for a beautiful, regal, nubile and presumably virginal member of a royal family such as Merithena). Bombata shoves Merithena away from the camp-fire, spear clutched tightly in his hand. He informs the group that they will be returning to the city now. Alone. In a tone that brooks no argument.

While Ki and a few others watch them go with increasing dismay, an argument erupts among the others, with a great deal of the shouting being directed at an indignant Xenos. The slaver insists he merely meant to suggest that the return of such a valuable specimen would be worth a great reward. However, the damage is done. Yet with the others distracted by their bickering, Ki Oman slips away from camp and scrambles after the two Thyatians.

Bombata hears the approach and takes about ten paces back the way he came, before ordering the Bard to half. When the Bard attempts to heal the breech between the Thyatians and the rest of the party. When Ki Oman is halfway through a diplomatic refusal of Bombata's offer to allow Ki Oman to accompany the two Thyatians without the others, Bombata simply holds up one hand for silence and asks a pointed question.

Ali sent me this picture for Ki Oman.

Bombatta: Do you intend to betray us?

Ki Oman indignantly replies that he does not.

[I stop play at this point and ask Ali if Ki is telling the truth. Ali replies that he is].

Ki watches with interest while one of the Skulls on Bombata's forearm glows briefly (he's only mildly surprised, having already been informed by Xenos that the tattoo's possess divination magic).

Bombata grunts and asks another question: Will you aid us if your companions betray us?

Ki Oman states he will do all he can to prevent bloodshed or any other form of betrayal. He also insists he will do all he can to keep Merithena from harm.

The other tattoo glows.

Bombata: Good Enough. (he steps closer and softly growls into Ki's ear) Do you have any lecherous intentions towards Merithena?

Ki Oman (shocked and holding up the ring that bears his wedding band for inspection) She's old enough to be my daughter. In any case, I'm a married man.

[Very clever wording I thought]

Bombata (both tattoos glowing at once): Good enough. We shall accompany you.

Bombata returns to the Thyatian girls side, grabs her tightly by the arms and whispers to her urgently. After a few moments, the fear in her eyes is replaced by a certain astonished joy. When Bombata releases her arm, she flies past him and (for the second) throws herself into Ki Oman's arms. Placing a dozen swift kisses on his face and lips, she hugs him tightly briefly, taking the opportunity to whisper quickly into Ki's ear even as a furious Bombata approaches.

Merithena: Save me, they're going to sacrifice me.

Bombata pulls her away from Ki, who allows the warrior to berate her for a few moments in their own tongue before adding (in Mycenean) a lecture of his own.

[Ali turns to me across the table at this point and states very coldly, very quietly. “All-right. Now I intend to kill Bombata”

         “Fair enough,” I reply.]

The trio soon return to the group. Shadowdancer alone insists he will not travel to the City.

Ki Oman: Bye Shadowdancer.

That surprises the Elf somewhat. He has always considered Ki Oman something of an ally. A kindred spirit despite their occasional disagreements. Bombata points out that so long as Shadowdancer keeps his eyes covered (pretty much the only part of his flesh that's actually visible) he should have no problems.

The party then, finally, begin asking questions about the journey and the city itself. They determine the following.

• The journey will take two days
• They must watch the skies. Though many dangers travel the skies of this island, they must in particular be watchful for the Harpies that haunt the lands through which they must travel on the second day.
• The city is split into two quarters by a Canal. The Thyatians claim the east bank. The West belongs to the dead.
• The city is not save to travel through at night. It is haunted by the spirits of the dead. While those on the East Bank are rarely hostile, the same cannot be said for those across the canal. Come dusk, the Thyatians return to their homes, temples and palaces on the East Bank and remain in-doors. Though the dead do not often haunt the place in daylight, even in the more dangerous West Bank, it is generally avoided even in daylight.. Beast-men, former slaves of the old Thyatians, reside in a central fortress across the West Bank. They are intensely hostile to humans.
• At night, the West bank is claimed by the Crypt King whom Bombata believes may have been the figure on the beech despite the fact the ship sailed West. It seems this Crypt King rules over much of the Island.

Shadowdancer seizes upon the divided nature of the city and again insists that it is beyond foolish to venture into a besieged place. Bombata laughs in his throaty way and informs the elf he has no need for such cowardice. “The Thrones of Bull and Crypt have an accord” he states, but will be drawn no further on the matter. The eyes of Ki Oman, however, narrow dangerously. His gaze flips from Bombata to the down-cast, pale Merithena sitting quietly by the bodyguard's size. If anyone at the conference takes note of the Bard's suddenly balled fists however, they give no sign.

Mollified, Shadowdancer finally throws his arms in the air and agrees that Thyatis seems the best option for the moment. Once Euthalia is satisfied with the chalked message she leaves behind for any survivors from the Temple, the group make ready to depart. With the three stealthy party members arranged in a triangular scouting pattern around the rest of the group and Thera in her make-shift stretcher carried by Thoht and Alexis in the rear, they set off down-hill.

Bombata leads the group briefly south through the broken lands and sharp obsidian rocks for an hour before turning south-east. He explains that if they continue in this direction they must soon come to a grassy plan containing a stretch of ancient road-way. If they road-way is in poor-condition, he will know they are further west than he believes them to be at present. If the road is well maintained, then the two-day estimate will be accurate. They may even be lucky enough to meet a Thyatian patrol on the road. Though “his” troops rarely come this far west -it is dangerous to cross the bank, let alone come this far into uncontrolled territory- they patrol the roads irregularly to ensure they remain serviceable. He declines to explain why, however.

About half-way through the march, a huge, winged shadow passes over them. Diving for cover amidst the rocks, the party passes a few anxious minutes awaiting it's return. Eventually, they conclude (with no shortage of relief) that the creature did not spot them and will not return. They renew the journey, even more intent on watching the skies than before.

Eventually, they hit the grasslands just before night-fall. Satisfied the group is making good time, Bombata calls the group to a halt for the night, but instructs that there should be no fire. It is during this brief respite from the trail that Ki Oman takes Shadowdancer aside and explains what the girl told him. The two assassins reach an understanding. Bombata must die. Tonight. But, suspicious of the group despite Ki's assurances, Bombata spends the entire night awake and alert and looks little the worse for wear the next morning before setting off into the grasslands. Soon they find the road and turn east upon it.

The two conspirators manage to arrange a brief meeting. They agree that, while Bombata must die, they must also ensure that his death appears to be accidental. To buy time, they decide to report the presence of a Trog camp up ahead -one not of the tribe they are allied with- and insist that the group must take a detour around them.

Bombata grunts, but seems slightly perturbed. He comments that turning south from the road will take them closer to the Harpy Lair than he would like but it seems they have little choice. The big Thyatian begins digging in the earth without explanation, looking for (and gathering) a certain sort of small bulb. Sticking two such bulbs into his ears, he pauses only to pass two more to each companion (and watch to ensure they are properly placed) before resuming the march.

As they turn south, Thanatos, warding the left flank of the party, swings out west to keep an eye on the Trogs. Seeing no sign of them, she wonders just what it is that the other two scouts are up to.

Bombata reluctantly allows the group a brief rest-day stop, muttering that there are worse things in these lands even than Harpies. Euthalia and Kallias meanwhile, fuss over a weakening Thera. The heat and jostling of the journey have exhausted the still badly wounded Paladin and, though immune to such things as fevers and infection, she slips in and out of consciousness due to fatigue. While Bombata checks on Merithena, Thanatos slips over to a huddling Ki Oman and Shadowdancer and demands to know what's going on. The two deny that any-thing’s a foot, but Thanatos is not convinced.

A few hours later, Bombata insists on everyone replacing their ear-buds. Taking Thanatos, Shadowdancer and Ki Oman, he crawls on his belly up to a rise and looks to the North. There they see a ruined villa. Bombata states it's what he believes to be the Harpy lair. When the others, incredulous, ask why he would bring them so close to it, he gives them a hard look. It doesn't take the others long to realise that there must be something worse further south.

Less than an hour later, the party top a final rise and see, only a few miles ahead, a few low rise out of the horizon. Bombata seems pleased, and passes back along the group, leaning close to each party member so they can hear his words even through their blocked ears. It seems they will arrive to late to reach the East Bank this day, but tonight they will camp in the hills above the city. Bombata seems to think this a good thing.

Bombata: Tonight, you will see for yourselves why this island is a place to be feared.

Before he has even resumed his position at the front of the party, multiple voices call out the alarm!

Something dives out of the sun.

The griffon swoops into the main group, wrecking havoc. Xenos is unfortunate enough to attract the things attention, wounding it with a magic missiles as it sweeps down upon him. He goes down, hard. Meanwhile the three scouts make their way (with varying degree's of haste) back to the main group. Thanatos makes good use of her newly crafted sling and keeps her distance. Ki Oman charges in, keen to keep the beasts attention away from Merithena and Thera, who lie beneath the sprawled forms of Bombata and Thoht respectively. Shadowdancer, however, senses an opportunity. Knowing that Griffon's are attracted to horse-flesh, he uses Phantasmal Force to create the illusion that Bombata reeks of horseflesh.

Suddenly convinced that the prostrate human shield is, in fact, concealing some tasty horse-meat on his person, the Griffon goes berserk, badly clawing Bombata's face and arms and tearing out a screaming Merithena's throat when she tries to crawl out from Bombata's protection in blind-panic. With Merithena's arterial spray mingling with the blood on his arms and face, Bombata, too, goes berserk.

While the clerics drag Merithena clear and heal her (having already healed Xenos, who regains consciousness with no modifiers to dice rolls having only been on 0 hp) Bombata and the others hack the griffon to pieces, but it is Xenos to claims the kill. The slavers second magic missile blows straight through the creatures skull, imploding one eye on the way in and bursting the other on the way out.

Though the danger is not over yet. Though Kallias and Euthalia try to hold her down, Merithena's desperate struggles allow her to escape their ministrations (despite being at -7 to all dice rolls) and lurch westwards back towards the villa. Looking at one another in horror, the two clerics realize that the girls ear-bulbs must have been knocked out during her savaging. But that means....

Looking back the way they came, the clerics see two bird-like specks rising out of the ruined villa some two miles behind them and flying their way.

Andros, Boagris and the rest of the main body run off to drag Merithena away and re-fit her ear-plugs(with the exception of Thoht and Alexis, who are concentrating their attentions on the unconscious Thera). In the meantime, Ki Oman strides over to Bombata, still trapped beneath the carcass of the huge griffon.

Ki Oman: Hear, let me help you.

Bombata throws away his broken spear and reaches out a hand to Ki Oman.

Whoplunges his spear deep into the trapped bodyguards chest.

[Backstab - and a good one at that!]

Shadowdancer and a slightly more distant Thanatos look on. Shadowdancer rather clinically. Thanatos looking some what horrified.

Bombata tries to strike the agile Ki. Who nimbly dodges aside and back-stabs again. Alas, for Ki, the kill is not so easy as he would desire. No sooner has he withdrawn his spear from Bombata's chest for the second time (to his credit, the trapped bodyguard makes not a sound, despite his agony) that someone (Boagris I think) manages to fit Merithena;s ear-plugs back into place....

The girl, cradled in the big gladiators arms, looks back over his shoulder towards the Griffon.... and screams.

Ki Oman doesn't flinch, he merely rolls his eyes and mutters something about the worst possible timing. When he withdraws his spear for the third time -while a stunned party looks on, not one character taking any sort of action- Bombata lies still. Yet when Ki howls loudly and leaps upon the falling warrior, tearing out his throat with his teeth, two party members act quickly.

Shadowdancer: “The Harpies have him! Quick, stop him!”

Boagris (who actually sort of liked Bombata): Raaaaaaahhhhh!

In less time than it takes to tell, the mighty gladiator chucks the screaming Merithena into the arms of Andros, Kallias and Euthalia and then shoulder barges the feasting bard to the ground.

[With a natural 20! Since critical generally means something good for the party, I rule that rather than doing extra damage, the blow knocks the ear-plugs out of of Ki's head. Does Boagris notice this? * roll * No! But someone else did]

Shadowdancer: Quick, put his ear-plugs back in.

Boagris does so, but there's no time for any questions. The harpies are upon them. The party take what shelter they can behind the corpse of the Griffon while the two harpies hover above them at maximum bow range. With nothing to hit back with, the party can only grit their teeth and take it as the harpies (only one of whom has a bow) stay out of range and pelt them till they run out of arrows. Thoht is very nearly killed by two arrows that strike him in the throat (healed but now at -8 to all dice rolls due to going down to -8hp) and Xenos goes down for the second time in the fight when another arrow nicks him (taking him down to -1). When the frustrated Harpies finally flee (frustrated because the party is too tough to attack directly, too smart to be affected by their song and because they've run out of arrows) Xenos is quickly healed and brought back to his feet. Many of the others bear minor wounds.

With Alexis and Andros each under one of Thera's shoulders, Euthalia and Kallias carrying Thoht on Thera's (former) stretcher and Boagris carrying a near-catatonic Thyatian girl in his arms, the party hustle towards the tree-line represented by the wooded hills ahead. They are hurried on their way by the sight and noise of a band of armed humanoids marching out of the villa and hurrying towards them. It's a close run thing, but they reach the woods well ahead of the dozen or so armoured figures, which turn back as soon as the party finds shelter beneath the trees.

“Great”, someone observes acidly, “so what's in here that's more terrifying than they are”?

Everyone looks to Ki Oman for an explanation of his actions, but Ki Oman simply plays dumb, pretending he has no recollection of events since sighting the Griffon. Shadowdancer buys him some time by pointing out it's late. The sun is about to go down and they need somewhere to camp.

The three scouts head off to secure a good spot, but upon reaching the summit of the hill their breath catches. Quickly, the rest of the party are summoned just as the sun begins creeping below the horizon.

Below them, the great city of Thyatis stretches out before them.

It's a ruin.

On the East Bank of the canal that divides the city, the glow of torch-light marks the flow of humanity hustling back from the fields in near panic. The larger mass of light dissolves into streams of individual torches at a crossroads, with the larger part of the human citizens rushing northwards to take shelter within a palatial walled compound. Other, smaller streams head southward towards what appears to be a large temple complex and it's two flanking fortifications.

Rather closer to home, ghost-lights appear in various ruined homes and several fortified buildings. Some of which -including the largest ruined fortification and a smaller watch-tower- are uncomfortably close. As the shadow of the hill on which they stand races across the city below, more lights appear. As though the shadow were a swarm of insects in which individual fireflies begin to glow. The lights are all of ghastly, ethereal hue, blues and greens and purples. Even as the adventurers watch, the lights begin to move.

All at once, the party decide it is time to leave.

They make camp at the base of the hill, placing it's bulk between themselves and the haunted city to the East. With watches set, suspicious eyes turn to Ki Oman.

Ki Oman: What? What is it I'm supposed to have done.

The party tell him, pointing to the blood soaking his chest as proof. But Ki Oman denies all knowledge. Shadowdancer backs him up, pointing out that the Harpies must have had Ki Oman under their control. His ear-buds obviously fell out during the fight with the Griffon. Kallias is amongst those hardest to convince. After all, he observes, Merithena did not become berserk when she heard the Harpies call. Thanatos, who has his own reasons to be suspicious, states there was no Trog camp on the road. But both Shadowdancer and Ki insist she is mistaken. Xenos, meanwhile, rather slyly reckons the Ki just wanted Merithena for himself. Not that the slaver sees anything wrong with that in principle mind you, but still....

Not for the first time since meeting Merithena and Bombata, Ki Oman again shows off his wedding band and observes he's old enough to be her father. The slaver snorts and points out that’s just how some of his former clients used to like it...

Before things become more heated, Euthalia hisses for everyone to shut up. She has been trying to coax a response from the utterly terrified and near-catatonic girl, with no success. Merithena won't even let the priestess of Hestia embrace her in a motherly embrace, pushing her away each time. Ki does not help matters by approaching the girl to offer apologies for his “inadvertent” actions. After all, he's pretty damn confused himself.

In the end, the party set's aside the blame game for now and attempts to discuss what they hell their supposed to do now? The girl thinks they murdered her bodyguard? But they NEED to get access to that city. They need rest, food, provisions, a place of safety. What can they do.

It's Xenos that proposes the solution. He'll charm the girl in the morning. The situation seems so grave that no-one, not even Euthalia, objects. Thera might, had she been awake, but the wounded Paladin has been so weakened by the travails of the last two days that she has slept soundly throughout the journey.

So it's agreed then.

As the group settles down to catch what sleep they can so close to the dangers of the haunted East Bank, an earth-shattering boom jolts them to full wakefulness. To the north, the volcano in the centre of the Bay is spewing strange, ghostly smoke. The ground seems to shake, but though the tree's shake violently no-one is forced from their feet. They hear a great rushing sound, like a thousand waterfalls all at once and recall with dread the noise of the great wave that brought them here. Only moments later, a great, glowing body of water crashes through the forest, disturbing nothing living, and vanishes behind them, carrying with a tide of ghostly, screaming spectres, Men, women, children, ships. Even a bewildered, ghostly cow.

In minutes, the ghostly phantasms have passed them by.

They party look at one another, white faced, shocked, but protected from fear by the sleeping presence of the Paladin in their midst.

So that's what Bombata meant when he said there was something they had to see.

Epilogue: We closed the session in the morning. Xenos casts charm person on Merithena in her sleep, and when she awakes her new “best-friend” explains the "real events" of the day before. The Harpies had stolen Ki's mind even as they had stolen Merithena's, though it had affected Ki differently. The slaver explained that it hadn't really been Ki's fault, but that if she told her father -or anyone else- what had happened they wouldn't see it that way. It might get Xenos and the others into serious trouble. Even killed. Tearfully the girl agrees that it would be best to simply claim that Bombata had been killed by the Griffon. Her great-uncle, the Bull-Headed King trusts her. He would believe her story.

Content, Xenos hides his wink by giving the girl a hug.

Later, Andros approaches the slaver and promises menacingly: Take advantage of that girl and I'll kill you!

By the time they depart camp, so has almost everyone else.

Session VIII: The Sinister Shroom

[Well, I wasn't able to run this session as a dual epic cut-scene battle after all. A variety of factors conspired to prevent myself and most of the other players from meeting up to create their back-up characters. Instead, I'll wargame the success -or otherwise- of the defending forces back at the Temple later tonight using 2^nd edition AD&D Battlesystem Skirmishes. Unfortunately, most of my mini's and terrain are still packed-away following the move. I'm afraid I'll have to use paper counters instead. A pity really, as I'd love to do a battle-report on the attack, but there we go. I'll be taking notes though. If enough people are interested in such a thing I can always set up the miniatures and terrain at a later date and take the photographs then]

Anyway, we left the players just as the opened a door to come face to face with the Sinister Shroom:

Character Roster

Exploring the Caves (players present):

Ailil Shadowdancer: Elf Male Assassin/Illusionist 2/1. Played by Rhidh
Andros: Human (Mycenean) Female Fighter 2. Played by Aimee
Boagris: Human (Mycenean) Male Fighter 2. Played by Silv
Friendly: Trog NPC. Played by Caroline.
Kallias: Human (Mycenean) Male Cleric 1. Played by Elle
Ki Oman: Human (Zaman) Male Dual Classed Assassin1/Bard 1. Played by Ali
Surly: Trog NPC. Played by Niall.
Thanatos: Human (Mycenean) Female Assassin 2
Xenos: HUman (Mycenean) Male Fighter/Magic User 1/1. Played by Leoni.

Guarding the Camp (absent players, injured PC's and NPC's):

Alexis: Human (Mycenean) Male Fighter 1. Played by Larraitz
Bombata: Human (unknown) Male NPC
Euthalia. Human (Mycenean) Female Cleric 1. Played by Caroline
Merithena: Human (unknown) Female NPC
Thera: Human (Mycenean) Female Paladin 1. Played by Niall.
Thot: Half Elf Male Magic User/Cleric 1/1. NPC

Garrison at the Temple of Meerax (absent players and NPC's):

Antipater. Human (Mycenean) Male Ship's Master. NPC
Kallisto: Human (Mycenean) Female Fighter 1. Played by Jackie
Minerva: Human (Mycenean) Female High Priestess and Princess of Mesos. NPC
Peliakos: Human (Mycenean) Male Fighter 1. Played by Coakley
Sparious: HUman (Mycenean) Male Fighter 1. Spare Character.

The battle opens up with Shadowdancer (whose player was running late) fading into darkness while Boagris and Andros, each standing at the entrance of one of the two southern doors into the chamber, set to receive a charge. Ki Oman and Kallias keep an eye on the various corridors and doors behind the party. Friendly the Trog begins the actual combat by tossing all three of it's darts at the Sinister shroom, hitting with two. Kalias, out of spells, lingers at the back away from trouble.

Thanatos and Xenos, meanwhile, move into position behind the front rank fighters, ready to fight with their spears. At this point, the Shroom, still reeling from the two darts embedded in it's rubbery trunk, unleashes a nasty surprise on the party. It waves it's arms in the air as though spellcasting. Boagris, succumbing to the Shroom's spell, drops his spear and shield to the ground and blinks rapidly in confusion. Meanwhile the Shroom's unusually large podman bodyguard moves into action, advancing upon Andros who, thrown by Boagris' strange behaviour, merely knicks the creature with her set spear.

Surly advances to join Thanatos and Xenos in the second rank, wondering why the big tasty human in the front suddenly smells so off. He soon has his answer.

“Noooooooo! Don't hurt my Shroom!” Boagris, throwing his arms wide, leaps upon his fellow fighter Andros, wrestling her to the ground. The party's two front-rankers thereafter spend the remainder of the fight rolling around on the floor in a grapple, seemingly taking it turns to roll atop the other.

Friendly, Xenos, Thanatos and Surly take up the slack left by the brawling warriors, engaging the pod-man in vicious hand to hand combat. Thanatos, perhaps regretting her new found atavism, goes down hard on 0hp after taking a pummelling from the creatures fists. Ki, on the other hand, notices a door-way potentially leading into the Shroom-room from the west [I say suddenly, but what I really mean is that I had forgotten to include the damn thing in the room descriptions until Ali noticed it on the map] and hurries towards it, intending to flank the creature. Shadowdancer (whose player arrives around this time) follows. Friendly, meanwhile, is badly hurt by the Shroom's magic missiles but stays in the fight.

While the two fighters continued to play “king of the hill” on the floor, the brace of party-members fighting the pod thing finally begin to make a visible dent in it's considerable pool of hit points. Realising his body guard is about to go down, the Shroom flees -or rather, hops and slithers as fast as his slimy little stump will carry him- towards the rooms eastern exit, helped on his way by one of Surly's darts.

Ki Oman and Shadowdancer appear through the western doorway just as the pod man hops through the eastern exit. Flicking a switch, a portcullis falls behind it. The Shroom hops around to glare balefully at the two assassins following behind, who continue running towards the eastern door, hoping to find the portcullis switch.

[The Shroom chamber in my adaption of the module is considerably longer east-west that in the published version]

Just as Ki (in the lead) reaches the portcullis itself, the pod-man finally goes down and the Shroom unleashes a gobbet of black, mucousy goop. The globule strikes Ki full in the chest, sending him crashing unconscious to the floor on -2hp, the black gloop still smouldering on his chest.

Xenos runs into the room and, with Shadowdancer drags the wounded assassin/bard to one side, out of the Shroom's line of sight. Surly  and Friendly soon follow the others into the room. Seeing the imminent arrival of the two Trogs (and -correctly- suspecting that as former residents of the complex the Trogs know exactly where the portcullis switch is) the Shroom casts a web spell into the chamber, concentrated near the switch. The web catches both Trogs, Shadowdancer, Xenos, and Ki Oman. However, Shadowdancer is caught on the outskirts of the web and easily tears through the foot or so of gunky chord between himself and freedom. Xenos reveals his own, somewhat surprising, strength for the first time and also makes headway in freeing himself. Moreoever, the web provides no obstacle whatsoever to the two Trogs who, with cold reptilian strength, tear a path through the web towards the portcullis and it's switch.

Eyes glowing in alarm, the Shroom turns and hops away down a corridor to the south. It's too slow however, and is quickly caught by Surly, Friendly and Shadowdancer, joined shortly thereafter by Xenos. Even with four against one the melee is not a short one. It is Surly's spear that knocks aside the Shroom's longsword to pierce the rubbery hide, spilling black slime from it's fungal “veins”. Though this foul ichor covers the cavern floor, so too does a small amount splatter onto Surley himself. His arm dissolving in similar fashion to that of the late Glykeria, Surly calls out to Friendly to stay back.

“Tell the old one I died well.” he hisses fiercely, before running down the corridor out of sight and away from the equally susceptible Friendly.

Thanatos soon recovers consciousness and helps the others free Ki Oman from the web. Andros has, meanwhile, finally managed to restrain a weeping Boagris, though the former gladiator continues to struggle. His...ahem.. disposition is not helped when Xenos, his former owner and a slaver by profession, advances upon with some vine-rope, intent on tying him up. Eventually, unable to trust the violently struggling warrior in his present state, they manage to tie him securely. He is later released after having had a chance to calm down.

It's not long after this, while the remaining conscious humans and the single elf attempt to work out what to do next, that Kallias reports noise from the west. Arranging themselves in a rough combat formation, they are surprised to see Bombatta lead Merithena, Thoht (helping along a limping Euthalia) and Alexis (doing the same for a semi-conscious Thera) into the chamber. They have some disturbing news.

Bombatta: There is smoke to the south. A great deal of smoke.

Hearing the news spoken so matter-of-factly results in a great deal of swearing among the conscious members of the party. All to aware that they are a days travel from the Temple, they take the time to thoroughly ransack the Shroom's chambers. The haul of loot includes:

• 2 rings of large copper plates containing the Shroom's spells
• More than twenty vials of (potentially) magic potions.
• Valuable books on Horticulture and Farming
• Silver Goblets, Decanters and other sell-able valuables.
• A presumably magical vest worn by the Shroom.
• The Shroom's longsword.

These last two items are swiftly claimed by Shadowdancer. His decision to keep the longsword seems reasonable enough since he is the only party member familiar with such a long blade. However, he “forgets” to mention to the party that he has collected the vest.

They also learn (from a collection of mouldy tapestries) the sad tale of the Shroom's rise to power and his ultimate fall from grace after offending the Gods.

Returning to the camp, the party members see for themselves that there is, indeed, a great deal of smoke on the southern horizon and, in fact, now that the sun is finally beginning to set -they spent a loooong time searching the Shroom's chambers- they can also see the glow of flames reflected against the clouds.

What to do? What to do?

The possibility of bringing the Trogs and any survivors from the Temple back to the caves is brought up rather quickly, but just as quickly discarded. After all, they have yet to fulfil their bargain with the Trogs by clearing out the caves -they've left a lot of unexplored territory down there-. Moreover, they are getting somewhat ahead of themselves: the party doesn't even know if there are any survivors. Or even if the flames mean what they think it means. They discuss leaving right away for the temple, but quickly realise that, in the state they are in (with so many wounded) they might do more harm than good. It's quickly decided that someone will have to go and look.

Someone sneaky.

Everyone looks at Shadowdancer, who, knowing he is the only “sneaky” one in any position to take a look, agrees to set out in the morning with Friendly. Thanatos observes that, although struck unconscious, she has no lasting injuries and can depart in the morning with the aid of magical healing. In the end however, due to her lack of elf-vision, it is decided that Thanatos should remain behind. Plotting out the best route, the two assassins estimate that, taking into account the precautions Shadowdancer and Friendly will have to undertake in order to avoid meeting the Grey Demons, it may take as long as four days before they can return to camp.

We ended it there for the night. Before everyone left, I informed them that unless I rolled for a wondering monster before Shadowdancer and Thanatos returned, they would have four days of downtime. I didn't roll a monster, [at least, not for the guys still in camp *evil grin*] so I invited everyone to tell me their characters plans for downtime.

DOWNTIME:

Shadowdancer take one of the six looted books with him when he and friendly leave later that night. Though where he expects to find the time to read it is an open question. I'll have to ask him if he intends to light any fires at night (you can't read a book with heat vision, after all). Shadowdancer also intends to experiment with his sword's cutting abilities while he travels (an attempt to discern if it is magical).

Euthalia, Thera, Thanatos, Kallias and Ki Oman all pick a book each and begin reading. I inform them that it takes a week of study and a full set of books to learn the arts of Horticulture or Agriculture. By swapping books amongst themselves they can make four days of head-way towards these goals. They wont be able to learn either skill until reading the book carried by Shadowdancer, however.

Xenos memorises (and casts) read magic on the captured spellbooks multiple times and thereafter learns the spells Jump, Charm Person, Identify and Protection from Good. On day four he memorises Identify twice, but only has to cast it once because the vest is missing. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Shadowdancer “forgot” to leave it behind. This strikes everyone as odd. After all, it's a rather colourful and gaudy object, not the sort of item they imagine Shadowdancer would ever lower himself to wear, however powerfulit might prove to be.

Euthalia, Thera and Ki Oman obtain four days of bed-rest (reading a book still counts as bed-rest). Ki Oman only needs three to fully recover from his wounds. He spends the fourth day figuring out his first Bard spell (he's now a dual classed Assassin 1/Bard 2). He also spends part of the fourth day examining the party haul to see if he knows anything about any of the items looted... er, salvaged legitimately, thus far. Euthalia fully recovers from her wounds at the end of day four.

By then, Thera is still at -3 to all dice rolls. However, if I know Niall (her player, and I do) Thera will probably be insisting that Kallios return her armour and weapons next session (Kallias is currently wearing the female Paladins custom-made breastplate. Yes. I know. But given that Kallias' physical description has been summed up by the player as “pretty boy” he probably even looks good in it.).

Andros ensures all the groups weapons are in working order by cleaning, oiling and sharpening them personally.

I'll assume the others spend the majority of their time fishing in the pool and standing guard -at least until they tell me otherwise.

So ended day 8 of the Isle of the Eartshaker Campaign. We resume play on day 12.

[Personally, I thought the players did damn well this session. They were very deserving of the single largest haul of xp since the campaign began. I was fully expecting to see at least a couple of PC deaths during the Shroom encounter. In the end, all the PC's survived, though two were taken down and a  powerful NPC ally perished. I'd beefed up the Shroom by giving him some additional special abilities to make him more like a typical myconid and removed one of his bodyguards to compensate. Even so, if not for some truly jammy dice rolls on behalf of the players, it could have gone either way. Especially when you consider that not one spellcaster in the party had even a single spell left to their name before the fight had even started!

One thing I really enjoyed about this session was that Xenos finally had the chance to shine in melee. So far he's been rather over-shadowed by the sheer number of front-rank fighter types in the party. Usually, there's not even a need for him to strap on his armour and take his turn with the other "meat-shields". But this session, Xenos was finally able to show just how “bad-ass” he is when he straps on that armour and picks up a spear.

Leoni got some really good rolls when rolling up Xenos. Even though I don't allow multi-class fighters to specialise, it was great to see Leoni's glee when she realized that old Xenos can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Boagris and Andros and hold his own. I think she got a real kick out of it when I told everyone how much damage Xenos had taken after one particularly nasty critical hit. All around the table players were wincing and muttering “ouch, there goes our last fighter.” You could have heard a pin-drop when Leoni just shrugged and told the table she had plenty hit points left. Yup. Even as a first level fighter/magic-user, ol Xenos has more hit points than most of the single-classed fighters had at first level. Like I said, Leoni had some damn good dice rolls]