Session 48 (5/24/13)

Aric, Martenin 19th, 838 ID

Before setting forth to Sothos Karr, the PCs debate whether or not it's the best course of action, some desiring to head out to the Crowslode and attempt to trace the head of the legendary axe of dwarven lords.
They also debate taking time out to have Baro learn a spell or two from Mudgol, but realize the time crunch could result in the Score making some further, nefarious moves. Rumpridge leaves some money with Odd Jon in case he is unable to come back for it, and the group also decides to grab a bunch of the unidentified potions from the party treasure at Royal Leathers, so that Mudgol can discern their functions en route. At long last, the PCs head off through the Tooth Marsh to the pass where the orc-occupied Mimresh fortress stands, and then argue over how to breach it. Should they use the 'contact' Skremek Slaughtertrees and pay a handsome fund? Or should Mudgol just use his teleport spells to blink them safely to the opposite side. After first using clairvoyance above the Mimresh to scope out safe destinations, they decide to go with the latter plan, and safely arrive in a sheltered nook of the Vernal Wall where the soldiers on the Mimresh minnerets and battlements won't spy them.

They travel a bit further south into the Fyreklaw Barrens, where the night brings cooler air, and eventually come across the path of a large, stone-wheeled wagon being driven by rock-hided, burning-eyed trolls. Ballyhoo turns invisible to scout out the potential danger, and finds that the cart is occupied by a massive, three-armed giant and a pile of stinking furs of great beasts. He returns to the rest of the PCs, and they decide to avoid a confrontation with the giant-kind, much to the dismay of several of the party's more militant individuals. They press on through the early hours until arriving at the River Thaar, on the banks of which they make camp and set watches after avoiding another confrontation with some wheeling hippogriffs they spot in the sky above.

Tault, Martenin 20th, 838 ID 

Ginkwrench and Gruulsh devise a small rope bridge to ford the River Thaar, and the party makes it safely across after the gnome swims it. Mudgol chooses instead to teleport with the rest of the group, not taking any chances. After hours more travel, the edge of the Barrens is in sight, where it meets the vast desert known as the Sunkindle. The rough lands become cracked, and they spy an orc settlement that has been established over a series of gorges in the earth (the 'Mothergorge')...Badash. After a near encounter with a flight of giant wasps who decide it in their best interest to just 'buzz off', they make a plan to infiltrate the orc slave town. It is deemed safest for Mudgol and Ballyhoo to make the attempt, the latter using a magical disguise, and to tow along Gruulsh as a slave. So they snap on an extra pair of her manacles, and drag her up to the stone bridge granting access to the town. The two guards there, heavily armed, seem not to trust the 'silver tongue' of Ballyhoo, far too well spoken for an orc, but admire the gruff parlay of Mudgol, and so they allow the half-orc to bring Gruulsh in to the slave market.

Annoyed, Ballyhoo uses a charm spell on the other guard to follow them. When the pair arrives at the large slave stockade, they come across a group of silent, gray-clad orcs speaking with another that wears a large birdskull mask: a local slave master called Tel'tesh. He confronts Mudgol about trading Gruulsh for a pair of human children, but the half-orc instead chooses to pay to have Gruulsh caged up for the night. Soon, the bugbear is harassed by a dwarf prisoner in a neighboring cage which has lost his marbles, but she does her best to ignore the racial hatred. Mudgol and Ballyhoo head over to the Scorpion's Clutch, a local tavern and inn to see if they can dig up more information. Meanwhile, at camp, Rumpridge disappears into the night, deciding to scout out the Mothergorge channels and see if he can't locate the hidden Score prison that is purported to lie beneath the slave town. He manages to climb down into the shit, piss and corpse-strewn chasms, where he encounters a sniveling, begging elderly gnome who is both emaciated and amputated, not to mention blind in one eye...

Baro and Ymurf notice that Rumpridge has taken off, and after waiting, Baro decides to scope out where the rogue might have gotten to. He uses a spyglass to examine the Grays' Enclave, home to the sorcerous orcs wearing the strange robes, and note that they employ everburning alchemical fires to keep their district lit. But no sign of Rumpridge. Over at the crowded Scorpion's Clutch, Mudgol and Ballyhoo encounter an orcish prostitute who takes a liking to the 'far-too-handsome-for-an-orc' disguised bard, and she agrees to bring both to her chamber at the Dustrunner Enclave. They follow, but before 'sealing the deal', Ballyhoo casts a lesser geas on her to put her to sleep, and they then teleport back to camp, where they learn of the Private's disappearance somewhere in Badash. It is now nearly morning, so the PCs decide to rest up while they await Rumpridge's return, and then head back in to reclaim Gruulsh and make a further plan.

Varony, Martenin 21st, 838 ID

All the while, Rumpridge is sneaking through the chasms of the Mothergorge. He's first jumped by a gnoll thug, who he quickly dispatches, and then he finds a cavern the blind gnome from earlier had noted, being guarded by one antagonistic orc soldier who hurls rocks and spit at him in passing. Later, he comes across a strange, foreign looking man smoking offal through a bone pipe. 'Lhuno the Mystic' introduces himself and exchanges some conversation with the young man, begging him for help to escape the pits and to reclaim his camel 'Shirli', being held at the stables above. Mudgol and Ballyhoo re-enter Badash during daylight hours to get Gruulsh back, but find to their dismay that they've waited to long, and that another of the stockade masters (Surtuk) has purchased the bugbear for a small fee and plans to perform some horrible experiments. Gruulsh is just about to break free and fight her new oppressors when Mudgol discharges the situation by purchasing back Gruulsh for 1000 gold coins! The three hastily beat feat back out of Badash, and then Lt. Ginkwrench orders that they all wait for Rumpridge's return.

But Rumpridge can't climb out of the Mothergorge...after a lengthy wait, when the evening arrives, the PCs all sneak down into the 'gorge, with Ymurf, and start exploring the place. They pass numerous thugs who are sneaking about to escape the waste cast into the chasms by the orcs, but none are willing to confront such a large and serious band. Eventually, after also encountering Neddyn the half-blind gnome, they follow his lead and discover Rumpridge and Lhuno the Mystic hanging out. With the group combined at last, they decide to scope out these mysterious caves beneath Slaughtertree Hold which Rumpridge had been tipped off to. As they arrive, the guard who was previously there is nowhere to be seen. They enter the caves...

PCs: Ballyhoo, Baro, Ginkwrench, Gruulsh, Mudgol, Rumpridge

NPCs

Lhuno the Mystic (human male): A strange, plump, squat middle-aged human with flecks of black/white beard on his ashen-tinted skin. Lhuno claims to come from far across the Sunkindle, and wandered into the orc community of Badash only due to becoming blinded by a sandstorm. His faithful camel, 'Shirli' guided him to the Fyreklaw Barrens, where he was captured and eventually thrown into the Mothergorge refuse pits due to his unfitness. Lhuno, a 'mystic', claims to be able to project himself out of his body, and he also gains insight and tranquility by smoking whatever he can find. Takes to Pvt. Rumpridge quite handily.

Neddyn (gnome male): Amputated below the left knee, pitifully wan and pale due to emaciation, and with a cloudy, blinded left eye, this pathetic gnome has reached the brink of insanity after being cast into the Mothergorge and trying to eke out survival among the piss, shit and bones tossed into it.

Surtuk (orc male): One of the 'day masters' at the Badash slave stockade/market, like his fellows he wears an ugly giant bird skull/beak as a mask to conceal his features. Quickly purchases Gruulsh after Mudgol fails to pick her up on time in the morning from her temporary cage, and seems to have some knowledge of magical trickery after Ballyhoo (disguised) fails to charm him. Reputed to be one of the crueler slave masters in Badash; woe to he or she that winds up in his clutches.

Tel'Tesh (orc male): A 'night master' of the Badash slave stockade, he wears the traditional greatbird skull mask to hide his face when dealing in the buying and selling of unfortunates.

Vessa (orc female): A prostitute working out of The Scorpion Clutch, the crowded tavern and inn located at the heart of Badash. She takes quickly to Lord Ballyhoo thanks to his too-perfect disguise, and then takes he and Mudgol to her flat at the Dustrunner Enclave to turn her tricks. Later, Ballyhoo casts a lesser geas to put her to sleep so he and Mudgol can teleport back to the rest of the PCs waiting outside the village.

Online Session 47 (5/21/13)

The Death of Doorjamb Grizzlebeard?!!?

Here is the link to the transcript of AIM online session 47.

Off-camera: Cannon Mack Roy was slain in a shoot out with a third Score assailant hiding on a roof top in Tarndim. This information was not relayed through the AIM session but is revealed by Blake Bauerkroft.

After the session, the tabletop players voted to use their raise dead scroll and revive the poor dwarf. Thus, he has pulled a Superman...for now. 

PC: Doorjamb

Session 47 (4/26/13)

Essel, Martenin 16th, 838 ID

Gruulsh quickly grapples the teamster Kozke and rolls him off his wagon, which rambles down the road before the horses realize to stop. Menacingly, the bugbear presses the fat man for information on his latest 'cargo', after damn near knocking him unconscious. Gruulsh showers the man with a few coin to loosen his lips, and fearfully, Kozke reveals all. He claims he was looking for fares outside the Seven Flood In, when  the elf named 'Scorpio or something' paid handsomely for a lift to Halehusk. Kozke denies any involvement, and when the elf said he wanted to hide himself in back of the wagon, who was he to complain? Gruulsh decides to bring Kozke back to Commander Hoary for questioning, even at this late hour, so they gather up the wagon again and head off, arriving soon at Armory Square where they stir up some commotion. Baro takes note and joins Gruulsh in dragging Kozke over to the officers' quarters. When Hoary hears whats up, he orders the team to case and infiltrate the Blind Vixen in Halehusk. The two head off to sleep, after Gruulsh drops Kozke at the foot of the Cathedral of Blades.

Ivric, Martenin 17th, 838 ID

Ballyhoo and Mudgol prepare for their final restoration spells, while Rumpridge heads to the Fiery Rat to speak with Flake Falloway about a business proposition. The rogue is interested in purchasing a partnership with Flake and Odd Jon in the tavern, and generously donates a hunk of platinum for further repairs. Flake says he'll have to speak with Stuckle, but that it shouldn't be a problem. After this the PCs purchase a few more potions from the Cathedral of Blades, while Rumpridge, Ballyhoo and Mudgol speak with Lieutenant Banghorn to see how he's holding up. Mudgol manages to insult the invalid (no surprise) and then gets sent off. The heroes acquire a wagon to roll over to Halehusk later in the morning, and when they arrive they set up a plan to flank the shady tavern where 'Scroundel' was presumably spending his evening. Gruulsh and Rumpridge sneak around back to watch for potential escapees or secret entrances. Mudgol and Baro take watch out front of the place, and Ballyhoo (disguised as the Yellow Hen) and Ymurf Gnarlbottom head inside to speak with the owner. As for Ginkwrench...he parks his wagon over at the seasonal dog tracks and then attempts to set up an arm wrestling exhibition with the locals...what a soldier!

Ballyhoo and Ymurf parlay with Frestha, the incredibly canny blind woman who runs the joint, and who it seems impossibly to sneak anything past, including a disguise. In fact, she recognizes Ballyhoo by his voice alone, and he swears he hasn't met her! All the while, Ymurf is 'scanning' the tavern for signs of evil, and when Ballyhoo suddenly decides to plays some music as a distraction, he gives him a warning look, since he notices numerous sources of ill-will coming from Frestha and just about everyone in the kitchen behind her. Frestha informs the 'Lord' that they usually only have entertainers at night, but that he's welcome to come back that evening for a proper performance. The farmers seem a bit rowdy. Meanwhile, a young teenage girl with a bear crafted from hay and straw bothers Mudgol, and seems to know his name...the hijinx continue inside the Blind Vixen, when Baro decides to follow up his friends in case they're having any trouble. A few moments later, Ginkwrench, not finding any takers for his challenge, encounters the same little girl with the straw bear...

She ACCEPTS his arm wrestling challenge, but unfortunately for the gnome, it turns out that she is not who she seems, but an assassin who sneak attacks and paralyzes Ginkwrench! She continues to slowly torture and stab the gnome, who mentally communicates (thanks to Mudgol's pneumonic enhancement spell) his agony to the others. Gruulsh and Baro rush off to help him, the latter interrupted right as he is entering the tavern, and Mudgol decides to take flight. Rumpridge waits behind the tavern just in case. The assassin notices Mudgol out of the corner of 'her' eye, and decides to break for it, using some combination of magic and stealth to escape the PCs, and leaving the gnome alive and in great pain as a warning not to meddle in the affairs of the Score! Gruulsh, Mudgol and Baro eventually catch up to the scene but can't find the assailant anywhere, so Mudgol decides to fly about and scout, using true seeing. Meanwhile, Ballyhoo and Ymurf are about to leave the Blind Vixen, when out back, Rumpridge notices some drugged out, wealthy local adolescents coming out of the straw latticed trap door about 15' behind the tavern. He decides to follow them for a short while...

The rest of the PCs meet up, towing the paralyzed Ginkwrench along with them, and then Baro stuffs him in a rain barrel while they speak. They eventually call out for Rumpridge, who abandons his pursuit of the addicts, who seem to be collecting their horses to return to the Keep. They change up their strategy, with Ymurf, Gruulsh, Mudgol and Baro going inside the tavern to muscle in on the proprietress, while Lord Ballyhoo and Rumpridge creep into the underground passage out back. Frestha decides to bargain with the PCs for an enormous amount of cash, which they begrudgingly pay; but not after threatening them that she'll blow the whole place sky high if they try anything. She notes that two Score agents, Scroundel and Derelech (aka Adder) did indeed meet the previous night, and that she has hosted their ranks before for payment, but that she does not belong to their organization. She jokes with Baro (since both are from Toul Tabor) that 'her organization' is from her homeland, but the evoker is dumbfounded. She informs the PCs that she overheard Scroundel saying that he was heading for the villains' hideout beneath the quarry town of Badash in Sothos Karr, but doesn't know where Adder was off to (which turned out to be nowhere, since he was likely the assassin that jumped Ginkwrench). After a few more questions, Frestha tells them they've worn out the fabulous chunk of cash they handed her...but not before acquiring the drinking mugs used by the Score members the previous night.

Meanwhile, Ballyhoo and Rumpridge discover the drug den in the large back area of the tavern, where questionable folks gather to smoke 'Haze', a dangerous narcotic inhaled through pipes. There are a few patrons, including a Floivin Keep merchant named Nestor Manteau, heavy into his smoking. Ballyhoo disguises himself as Monch Gnarlbottom, and Rumpridge dons his red dragon outfit (from the astral plane) and they give the wealthy bastard a shock within an inch of his life, before Ballyhoo enchants him to turn himself in for rapes he admits to committing during the sack of Floivin Keep. The hear the latch from the kitchen area turning, and a swarthy chef ('Baffles') armed with a nasty meat cleaver enters the drug den, to collect pay from the clientelle. He seems surprised to see 'Monch' there (Rumpridge is meanwhile hidden), and the bard notices a strange tattoo off a smiling man giving a 'thumbs up' on the cook's wrist. After he does his rounds, Ballyhoo and Rumpridge leave, to meet up with their friends. Ginkwrench has meanwhile thawed out, and the party gathers their wagon and returns to the Keep to plot. Upon arriving, Rumpridge heads back to find out if Flake and Odd Jon accepted his offer. They did, and he is now 1/3rd owner of the Fiery Rat tavern.

Evelais (Saint's Day), Martenin 18th, 838 ID

The PCs decide to allow Mudgol to scry while they finish getting Ballyhoo restored. The half-orc makes several attempts, to locate either Scroundel or Adder, but fails miserably. The party decides it in their best interests to wait one more day, and attempt again to spy in on their quarry...

Aric, Martenin 19th, 838 ID

Today, Mudgol is more successful in scrying Adder's, but it turns out that in the two days since their encounter with the assassin in Halehusk, he has made his way to the Haunted Horrn to meet with the red wizard and other members of the Score, surrounded by Warlord Ultroon and his Blooded Lash host! The half-orc then attempts to locate Luorn Stride, Pedegar Pell and Shalabar Klasp, others the PCs are hunting, but has no success (the spell immediately fizzled when trying to pin down Klasp). Since they don't feel like teleporting right in the middle of the Haunted Horrn at the moment, they decide it might be time to take a road trek to the Score's hideout in Sothos Karr, and begin to make their preparations to travers the Mimresh and Fyreklaw Barrens.

PCs: Ballyhoo, Baro, Ginkwrench, Gruulsh, Mudgol, Rumpridge


NPCs

Nestor Manteau (human male): A wealthy Floivin Keep merchant; short, paunchy, bug-eyed and with greasy locks of gray-white hair. He was encountered by Lord Ballyhoo and Rumpridge as they were scouting out the drug den beneath the Blind Vixen in Halehusk, and the pair quickly took advantage of his paranoid, drugged out state. He guiltily confesses to having raped several women during the recent siege of Floivin Prorince, so Ballyhoo lays a lesser geas on the him to turn himself in, which he does.

Session 46 (3/29/13)

Verne, Martenin 15th, 838 ID (evening)
 
Mudgol is confronted by Bishop Connif and the acolytes of the Cathedral of Blades, whom he beseeches in his usual 'indirect' manner to fix up Lt. Banghorn. Though he appreciates his service, Connif asks Mudgol to maybe stop disrespecting everyone by unceremoniously dropping in, though he's sure it won't be the 'last' time... Mudgol leaves back to the barracks, forgetting that most of the PCs are waiting for him. Baro is busy at the barracks dealing with his privates when he hears Mudgol arrive, and then after the half-orc feats upon a turky leg, the two wizards head over to Royal Leathers. Gruulsh, after doing her nightly street walking for trouble, and being pick pocketed, is soon to also arrive at the HQ. Mudgol fills in the PCs that he has successfully grabbed Banghorn from his cell, but he is not yet in any condition to talk. The PCs sleep.

Essel, Martenin 16th, 838 ID

A loud rapping on the front door of Royal Leathers reveals a fat teamster named Kozke, who has brought the furnishings donated to the PCs by the noble Attican Vlad. Ginwkrench and Gruulsh assist in moving the furniture as they attempt to one up another, and Kozke takes no guff from Rumpridge, whom he gets into a brawl with inside the shop (one that Rumpridge quickly wins). Baro and Ballyhoo show up in the midst of this encounter, and after being tipped handsomely and not given the breakfast Mudgol offered him, the fat man gets on his horses and departs. Mudgol, Ballyhoo and Rumpridge decide to visit the Cathedral of Blades and speak to their friend (and uncle) Banghorn, while the others head off on other errands, like visiting the Fiery Rat.

After getting their daily dose of lesser restoration from the Cathedral acolytes, the PCs are brought in to the hospice where Banghorn is happy (and grateful) to see them. He seems surprised that his nephew has joined the Last Eidolorn, and thrilled to see his old, YOUNGER friend Ballyhoo, who he calls by his real initials. Banghorn tells the PCs that he was actually being held in Sothos Karr, in the village of Badash, a mining and slaving town built on a series of small plateaus over the Mothergorge. There, the Score have bribed several of the local slavers to provide secrecy and protection, and they keep captives and enemies there. Banghorn reveals that he was a member of the Stride, a double agent for both the rogues and the Last Eidolorn, and that some of the other missing survivors (guild master Aslak and an elf named Ivellio Roodeye) are still being held still. He also confirm the death of the half-orc Gardi, who was related to the late Luz.

Banghorn goes on to reveal other details he could make out during his time imprisoned. He knows that Kohl Harthas, Shalabar Klasp and a new recruit known as Syriux (a powerful ex-slave) tend the Sothos Karr hideout, while the Score's leader Gremek and the red wizard Merevos Tha operate out of the Haunted Horrn with the Blooded Lash and their Warlord Ultroon. He is also aware that they have two 'floating' groups of mercenaries ranging through Floivin Province: two assassins that operate primarily out of Floivin Keep, and might be responsible for the PCs' recent troubles, as well as steering them wrongly over the past few months; and a trio involving Luorn Stride, Parodee the magician and the poisoner Pedegar Pell, who roam the Province causing trouble where they may. As it turns out, though, it was Kohl Harthas who arranged for Banghorn's abduction. Before they leave, Mudgol, Rumpridge and Ballyhoo learn that they will need a much more powerful cleric to regenerate Banghorn's...losses.

Meanwhile, the other PCs are hanging around at the Fiery Rat, Ginkwrench consoling Flake with some platinum coins. The barkeep is now serving indoors, but tells the heroes that after the poisoning, business has largely disappeared, and even some of the serving girls quit, terrified. He says Odd Jon has taken to a bout with depression, and he's unsure of the Fiery Rat's future. The PCs reconvene and hear out Banghorn's testimonial of captivity, and then decide to follow up on 'Adder' and 'Scroundel', the two Score rogues who may be residing still in Floivin Keep. Ballyhoo and Rumpridge will attend Monch Gnarlbottom, while the rest of the PCs will head to Floivin Penitentiary and speak with prisoner Zinsk. Unfortunately, Monch has no information for Ballyhoo, but they manage to pick up his son Ymurf, who reports for duty in his full regalia and his new Magmahammer maul from the Sunken Forge. After collecting the mugs from the Fiery Rat that were poisoned, Mudgol unsuccessfully tries to use them as a focus to scry whoever marked them. Gruulsh spars with an unfortunate private who Baro helps goad into the challenge.

At the Penitentiary, Lt. Ginwkrench pushes his weight around, pissing off most of the private rank soldiers on duty, especially one of the gaolers who is concerned at having Mudgol on the premises (since the half-orc offered to help free Chef Gusta recently). They don't notice Zinsk in his cell, but then a swarm of rats rushes all over Gruulsh, and the she-bugbear finds herself being groped by a naked old pervert. Since he was brought a 'woman', the old man tells Mudgol that he thinks this 'Scroundel' they sink was known to hang about the eastern gate market, when it still existed before the invasion. The diviner has a faint recollection of a paper thin, unusual elf hawking weaponry. Then Zinsk mocks Ginkwrench, his old cell mate, who tries to sucker punch the druid and misses...then quickly transforms into a rat and moves back into his cell.

The gnome is pissed, storming out of the jail, and the guards he pissed off chuckle at his expense, only to be ordered by the Lieutenant to latrine duty! However, since they can't leave the front gate unattended, they beseech Gruulsh to take over for them. Baro also helps her, and Ginkwrench's plan sorta backfires. He and Mudgol head over to the Fiery Rat, where the gnome plans to drink more. There, Rumpridge and Lord Ballyhoo have already begun to query a local Hosspotch named Joble the Noble, who says he will see about seeking an audience with Grandmother, but doesn't know of the two rogues they seek. He does reveal that one of the Hosspotch, an exile named Frynne, is herself a member of the Score after interment in Sothos Karr. Rumpridge gives a hundred platinum to Flake so that he can offer a free drink promotion, and Lord Ballyhoo begins to perform, instantly drawing a crowd who might otherwise have dreaded the Rat after the recent poisoning...

Eventually, Commander Hoary arrives and gives the PCs a scolding, especially Lt. Ginwkrench who he has received numerous complaints over. Cleverly, Rumpridge and Ballyhoo deflect the crowd's attention to Hoary, who realizes this. The gnome leaves to relieve Gruulsh and Baro from the prison duty, while Odd Jon arrives, depressed, to the Fiery Rat, where he's astonished to find a crowd. Rumpridge speaks with the dwarf a few times to lighten his mood. Ballyhoo

After leaving the prison, Gruulsh decides to scope out the old East market area, for any signs of the Score. She finds only remnants of carts and vendors, and then hides out in a building. Later, an elf does appear at the gates, garishly dressed and armed with a rapier and other fancy weapons, which the gate guards admire before letting him inside the Keep. Doesn't match the proper description, but before retiring for the night, Gruulsh notes Kozke driving his wagon out of the Keep well beyond business hours. She pursues by foot, able to keep up with the wagon due to her monk's training. When he arrives at Halehusk, Kozke unloads his 'charge', an unnaturally thin, strangely moving individual who tips him a small purse of coins before entering the Blind Vixen in the village. Kozke turns back towards the Keep, and Gruulsh sneaks up to confront him!

PCs: Ballyhoo, Baro, Ginkwrench, Gruulsh, Mudgol, Rumpridge

NPCs

Dreezel (human male): A young halberdier, presumably in his late teens, hired on with his cousin to guard the Gnarlbottom manor in Floivin Keep. Suffers from some sort of severe mental handicap, impeding his speech and reasoning abilities. Refers to his pay as 'moneys' and can't seem to note the difference between denominations. Drools a bit, has crossed eyes and seems to view most people and places with wonder.

Joble the Noble (halfling male): A robust halfling male of middle age with a pronounced sense of self importance carried through his speaking tones. A Hosspotch if there ever were one, Joble wears elegant but simple brown robes, and keeps his hair in a tidy, curly brown mop. A font of information, he seems to know a lot about the PCs without being told, and claims to have erotic preferences for both genres and several races. Ballyhoo and Rumpridge approach Joble to seek audience with Grandmother.

Kozke (human male): A porker of a man, with a girdle and leather 'lift straps' tucking in his massive gut. He also adorns a leather cap and a kukri knife, and smokes stinking cigars obsessively. Kozke is a teamster for hire, driving his wagon for various residents of Floivin Keep. He is also known to engage in more 'illicit' dealings and transports in the evening hours, as Gruulsh discovers. Drives a pair of horses which he over feeds with fiber, causing them to defecate on the streets more than normal.

Online Session 46 (3/12/13)

Here is the link to the transcript of AIM online session 46.

PC: Doorjamb

NPCs

Fargum (dwarf male): A stunning looking dwarf, with a balding head, but anvil-shaped, finely braided and groomed beard. Several other braids hang down from his sideburns, and he's got a thick coat of ringmail beneath a leather tunic. At his side hangs one of the meanest looking hammers you've ever seen, and just looking upon it causes the room to nearly crackle. The strange dwarf has eagle-like eyes and several silver rings piercing his brows. He has many faded scars, and a face so serious that you could turn to ice. Seems to have some enmity towards Major Grizzlebeard...

Flicker (halfling female): A very attractive but young looking halfling female arrives. She's got streaks of white in her curly brown hair and is adorned in a simple peasant's cloak, with a crow-shaped clasp on her neck. The companion of Fargum, who seems to have some enmity towards Major Grizzlebeard...

Gredgeon (human male): A middle aged, exhausted looking man with sad-ringed eyes and unkempt facial hair, he works out of the Steady Oar in Tarndim and constantly sports an apron smeared in fish grease. His left eye tends to wander out of its normal position from time to time, which can make conversation awkward.

Session 45 (3/1/13)

Varony, Martenin 14th, 838 ID (evening)

After returning to Floivin Keep, and a few brief stopovers to sell or exchange some of the excess goods they found on their journey eastward, Ginkwrench and Lord Ballyhoo decide to spend some quality time in the most expensive joint they can find. They arrive at the Seven Flood Inn, and after some bribery, the smelly and filthy gnome is permitted access. Ballyhoo seems to have a natural rapport with the staff here, and not only purchases their most expensive in-house import (a 500gp bottle of Mitruul firewine that comes wrapped in jungle leaves and a hay-packed crate), but decides to spot a round for everyone in the Inn. A lutist and dancing girl are fetched to perform for them, and a lavish meal prepared. Ginkwrench is pretty sure he can get used to this new friend...

Meanwhile, Mudgol and Rumpridge have finally gotten the Arkana Arkiva instructors settled back into their quarters at the Flabbergast Manor. Most of the rescued wizards petition Schnoo immediately for the half-orc to be reinstated to the guild, and Mistlethroe is also forced to agree. Schnoo begrudgingly exempts all the PCs from their debt of the magic items they purchased from the school stores, and cursing, tells Mudgol he will 'consider' his reintegration to the Arkana Arkiva. Which is more or less an 'affirmative' coming from that guy. Mistlethroe offers condolences on the loss of Private Longjohns, citing him a brave hero who deserves public recognition. He also agrees to write up a scroll of protection from normal missiles for Mudgol the following night. Rumpridge, still mourning his fellow soldier Lunus, decides to break off from Mudgol and head to an expensive drinking hole, the Seven Flood Inn. Mudgol goes for a drink at the Fiery Rat, where Commander Hoary and Odd Jon are quite happy to see him (the latter having recently returned from Tretcher). So happy, in fact, that the wizard is ordered to go round up his friends for a late night feast on Odd Jon and Flake.

Gruulsh is getting 'accustomed' to his...er, her magical gender change, but Baro remains curious, and dispatches the warmage Roost (also recently back from Tretcher) to Toul Tabor with the next trade caravan in order to inquire with the Wizards Elite about possible causes and solutions. For a few nights, Gruulsh has wandered the city streets, seeing if her newfound femininity places her at any great risk. Perhaps it is due to the low rate of crime recently, or just her size, but the cowled bugbear comes out unscathed. Word arrives that Connif has also cured the blindness of Hagel Ossted's daughter, which Gruulsh is relieve to heard. The two set out to the Fiery Rat tavern, where they wish to take a meal with Odd Jon, when en route they encounter the most strange of persons...some fop wearing a red dragon outfit! I.e, Mudgol. Baro decides to play a prank on the diviner, by hurling a thunderstone. Unfortunately, it doesn't work, and Mudgol dodges off into an alley...they 'reconcile' and Mudgol informs them they were just the two he sought. Knowing that Rumpridge was earlier bound for the Seven Flood Inn, the three head off there...

...and arrive to a scene of drunken euphoria. Ginkwrench, the dancing girl Levone, and the lutist Ninch (an effeminate boy in the 'guise of a woman) are all making merry on the balcony table, while Lord Ballyhoo performs to the applause of a myriad of nobles that are also dining on the second floor. Even Rumpridge, after some words with the bartender, is up there drinking, though he's still quite solemn over the loss of his comrade. The staff is so smitten that Gruulsh, Baro and Mudgol are able to walk right in without trouble, and thus the six PCs are reunited. After some further foolery, with Ninch's gender being revealed to Ginkwrench (after a quick ball grab), and Gruulsh's identity shocking just about everyone besides Baro, they all head out to the Fiery Rat for the improvised feast in their honor. Odd Jon, Hoary, and Flake embrace their friends and set them up at their tables (though Cannon is nowhere to be seen). A trio of serving girls bring out goblets of ale for the exhausted heroes, and all but Gruulsh partake...

...unfortunately, someone has decided to poison a half dozen of the goblets! Rumpridge, Ballyhoo and Mudgol all begin convulsing from the ale, feeling their strength and vitality slip away in great swaths! Seeing that he's been poison, Ballyhoo quickly dispenses antitoxin vials which he claimed from his adventure haul, to the the other two PCs and several of the random soldiers that also seem to have been poisoned. One of the soldiers dies instantly, while Rumpridge and Mudgol go unconscious (and nearly perish) from the secondary damage! Gruulsh dashes into the Fiery Rat's unfinished kitchen to question the serving girls, ordering them to empty all the ale casks onto the ground immediately. They comply, frightened at what's happening! Outside, Baro orders a baffled soldier to make haste to the Cathedral of Blades and bring back clerics of Eleste. The PCs are healed back to consciousness, and then Mudgol uses true seeing to scan the crowd for anything unusual...turning up nothing of interest! Ginkwrench watches over the crowd, but soon it is dispensed by Commander Hoary. Odd Jon is in tears...not understanding how this could have happened. Other soldiers are sent to the gates of the Keep, to inform the watch of what happened and to stop anyone trying to leave the place in haste.

Baro discovers the Score's signature scratch marks etched onto the goblets of all who were poisoned, and realizes that they were probably intended for not only Mudgol and Rumpridge, but himself, Ginkwrench, Gruulsh and likely Odd Jon. Meanwhile, the bugbear learns that one serving girl, a 'Besse', has left the tavern earlier to her family's home. She takes directions and then scurries off, followed by Rumpridge and Baro. Meanwhile, Lt. Ginkwrench, Hoary and Odd Jon help control the remaining chaos. The commander, quite frustrated, mentions to Mudgol that he was going to tell them all that the new Regent had requested an audience with them the following evening at 4pm, Floivin Castle. The half-orc says he will check up on and inform his companions the following morning. He, Ginkwrench and Ballyhoo all head back to their various quarters in the city. The others find Besse's house, where her grandmother is still awake. It turns out that the girl is there...in the house...dead in her bed, having returned earlier in her work clothes, feeling ill. The PCs swear revenge for Besse, and head back to the barracks.

Gruulsh stays out late, helping the soldiers at the gates to look for anyone suspicious...they still seem suspicious of the bugbear, but cowled up under Hoary's orders, they don't start trouble with her. She inevitably returns to the barracks for a few hours of shuteye, and finds that most soldiers have cleared up the bunks surrounding hers. One disgruntled private mouths off to her, but then goes to take Longjohns' bunk, only to trigger a half dozen leathered whoopie bladders that caused all the soldiers in surrounding barracks to laugh into the night...

Verne, Martenin 15th, 838 ID

Mudgol, Rumpridge and Ballyhoo all awaken to Cathedral acolytes that have been sent out to the Seven Flood Inn and the guard barracks to use what magic they have to restore the effects of the potentially deadly poison the night before. Though they do their best, it might still take days for their full recovery. Mudgol then informs his party members of their evening appointment at Castle Floivin, and a few of the PCs decide to go do some shopping for the morning. Baro picks up some pearls of power from Teven's Tomes, while a few others purchase potions at the Cathedral of Blades. After hours of getting their bearings and accounts in order, the PCs (and Odd Jon) converge upon the gates of Floivin Castle in the Armory district. They are met at the door by some dour looking guards, who express some concern over the poisoning the previous evening.

Led inside, the PCs find that there are well over a hundred local officers, nobles, and dignitaries awaiting them at the first floor banquet hall, including Regent Velvedine herself! All look deathly serious, as if they just heard rumors of a war approaching...but then, at a nod, the entire chamber breaks out into applause and cheers for our heroes! Many old friends, like Attican Vlad, Monch & Ymurf Gnarlbottom, Blake Bauerkroft and others are in attendance, and many approach the heroes to congratulate them personally (except for the bugbear Gruulsh, who has a shorter 'line' of admirers limited to just a handful of soldiers that have gotten over their fear and hatred of her). The Regent instructs them to stand at their seats, near the head of the front table, surrounding her, and then servants come forth with some slim boxes. From each, she withdraws an amethyst longsword brooch, the violet espadon, a symbol of Imperial valor which can be commanded to radiate a purplish continual flame spell, and pins it the PCs. Ballyhoo tries to turn it down, but Hoary insists he take Luz' brooch, since he was instrumental in helping free up the Westermarch from the bandit raids. A seventh brooch is put aside for Major Grizzlebeard, who is not present.

A five course meal of fish plates, honeyed duck, spiced and stuff boar and other hearty dishes is brought before the PCs and other guests, and Ginkwrench pigs the fuck out! Several of the recently poisoned PCs eat a bit less than normal, since they are still well under the weather. While getting to know the heroes, the Regent's conversation turns next to what their future plans might include. Will they chase after the surviving criminals in the Score? Head back to Wintersbreath to find the missing Regent-General and archmage of the Arkana Arkiva? Put together an expedition into the depths of the massive and deadly Crowslode, where the head of the Axe of Dwarven Lords is purported to lie? Or perhaps attempt to cut off agents of the realm's nemesis who are reclaiming the other missing components of the petrified death titan Ulan Vhor (the right arm is suspected to dwell in Stavewulf, an independent city of the North run by the Coldcrumb dwarves; the head was sent south centuries past to the safekeeping of the God-bards of Alkinarre)? Monch and Connif join in the chat.

Conversation turns a bit rowdy, Commander Hoary quite unimpressed with the behavior of Mudgol and Lt. Ginkwrench at this fabulous celebration prepared for them. A number of foreign minstrels perform, a few quite skilled, including the renowned singer 'The Yellow Hen', who croons like a sweet bird. His sexual tastes are called into question by some of the PCs, but he seems quite proud of them, and sets his sights charmingly on one Lord Ballyhoo. 'I like older men.' Sadly, the Hen becomes too confident, placing his boot astride the dining table, only to have it nearly hacked off by a Last Eidolorn halberdier. He is removed from the dining hall, but the feast doesn't really hit its nadir until Mudgol produces the pickled phallus of the long missing Lt. Banghorn, to the dismay of both Ballyhoo (a former friend of Banghorn) and Rumpridge (the lieutenant's nephew). Not to mention the disgusted Regent, and Commander Hoary, who becomes so red and angered by the half-orc that he nearly belches fire onto him. Needless to say, after hours of revelry and congratulations, the feast has come to its end...

Before turning in, Mudgol decides to return the severed organ to its owner with a quick 'port and grab' attempt. He manages to successfully scry an unconscious Banghorn, still in a cramped rocky cell, and now missing a left leg below the kneecap, in addition to his teeth and manhood. Though he's still not aware of the cell's exact location, he is successful in teleporting alone to the spot (since the smell is tiny and cannot fit his other companions), which sets off an alarm spell immediately! He is quick to react, grabs a hold of the catatonic lieutenant and then 'ports back to the Cathedral of Blades, narrowly avoiding an incendiary blast that would not only have harmed him in his drugged state, but also likely finished off Banghorn! The two arrive at the Cathedral seconds later, Mudgol howling for assistance...

PCs: Ballyhoo, Baro, Ginkwrench, Gruulsh, Mudgol, Rumpridge

NPCs

Besse (human female): A plump, homely woman who was working at the Fiery Rat until assassinated by an unknown member of The Score, who, obviously in disguise, assumed her duties in order to poison the PCs during their homecoming party. Gruulsh, Rumpridge and Baro get the directions to her home, where they find her dead in bed, her senile grandmother unaware of her fate.

Levone (human female): A wiry dancing girl with a firm abdomen, she has grayish-dyed hair which she hangs down her back in curls. She dresses in purple and pink sashes and linens, which whirl around as she 'takes the stage'. She is quite flirtatious, but also taken heavily to drinking, which has brought her much trouble in the past with her employers. Nonetheless, after being heavily tipped by Lord Ballyhoo, she gets sloshed while table grinding with Ginkwrench, and passes out soon after.

Ninch (human male): A cross dressing lutist who performs with the dancer Levone at the Seven Flood Inn. Hard to discern his normal appearance, since he's smeared in powdered makeups and wearing a fancy, dirty blond wig. Ninch was quite apparent from the start to Lord Ballyhoo and Baro (who didn't care), but for poor Ginkwrench, who thought he might be 'getting lucky', it came as quite a surprise when he grabbed the lutist's equipment to confirm his masculinity. 

Regent Velvedine (human female): A slim woman in her 30s, she wears ornamental garments and hairpins of some distant land, though she has the long lashed eyes and fragile cheekbones of her native Carbadian upbringing. Dark auburn hair is tied neatly back into a pair of buns, and her glittering green eyes possess the depth of someone twice her age. She carries a sash into which are slung numerous pricey looking map and scroll tubes and quill pens. In addition, a jewel hilted rapier of outrageous quality hangs by her side. Velvedine was an Imperial Architect who won favor with Emperor Borth, who designated her the new Regent of Floivin Province in hopes that she could put her ambitions into motion. On the other hand, no one knows what the rapier is for... 

The 'Yellow Hen' (human male): A bright, golden haired, well traveled minstrel in his early 20s, with a beautiful voice. Seems smitten with Lord Ballyhoo. He is one of the performers at Floivin Castle during the celebration of the PCs' accomplishments, but soon gets into a verbal battle with several of the PCs, who anger him into gloating about his sexual preferences (which granted him his effeminate stage name) and proudly placing a boot on the feast table near Regent Velvedine. A scowling halberdier removes the Hen from the premises.

Online Session 45 (2/12/13)

Here is the link to the transcript of AIM online session 45.

PC: Doorjamb