Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Frosty: Episode 4

A million thanks to our illustrious scribe!!!

Well, dammit all to hell. I had this whole thing typed up and ready to go, and it went amiss due to technical difficulties.

For any background information, cross reference the post from August 30, 2009.

Our valiant adventurers had just overtaken a guarded caravan, due to an excellently planned and executed diversion plan. With Pyre the Ranger driving the now-vacated wagon, Ellora the Sorceress and Bavmorda the Rogue following on horseback, and Brunhilda the half-orc inside, the party set off for Mount Dew in the quest to rescue Fern.

As the surrounding terrain grew more wild and rocky, the party noted larger-than-life spider webs adorning the wilderness. It is at this time the Ranger amazes the entire group with this astounding precept: Large spider webs usually means large spiders. The rogue ridicules Pyre for his “four years of elf school”. That observation is especially ironic in several minutes when Pyre is bitten by a rapidly descending arachnid. Brunhilda does maximum cleaving damage and Ellora finishes it with her crossbow. Ellora then uncovers a longbow and studded leather suit among the spider corpse.

Continuing on to Mount Dew, the party is accosted by Air Eagle (whatsherface’s mate), who offers rides directly to the gate. Ellora eagerly takes AE up on his offer, but Pyre decides to study the bridge’s possibilities for several moments. Per Murphy’s Law, the moment Pyre and Brunhilda begin to cross the bridge, they are attacked by trolls. A brief battle ensues, along with eagle swooping, hacking, and arrow puncturing. Shortly afterwards, Pyre and Brunhilda join the others. Air Eagle informs the group he is vehemently against Teaville…a factoid that might be useful later…

The doors of Mount Dew are strong and sturdy, and Brunhilda looks to flex her muscles as she attempts to beat down the door. However, that fails…but alas, the handle works! Brunhilda compensates by totally punching down the now-slightly ajar door. Within the dark space, a noise is heard, and Brunhilda takes off at a dead sprint to…MINOTAUR! The barbarian rages, and soon the hallways carry the smell of singed Minotaur flesh. However, the barbarian’s raging state does not end for several minutes, and so the entire party is witness to a thorough annihilation of a random storeroom boxes and crates by Brunhilda. Searching debris renders some Cure Moderate Wounds potions and a “Lint Ball in a Bag”, found by the Rogue.

The party ascends a ladder at this time, and in the middle of the new room is a table, on which a random map is placed. How fortuitous our adventurers are! This map details an impending takeover route of Kokoa and other neighboring cities. What such an important map is doing in such a conspicuous place is puzzling indeed. The company continues up another ladder and is met by a group of soldiers, all of whom are dispatched quickly. Ellora manages to cast Hold Person on one, and begins tying him up…for questioning purposes.

Pyre soon brings over his sharpened blade point to hover at “Todd’s” throat. Ellora reminds Pyre that the HP spell wears off soon, and so his torture strategies will need to be quickly executed. Todd informs them that yes, there is an invasion planned, and yes, a force of roughly 20-30 soldiers is en route to Mount Dew. This is not new news to the group – remember the map from earlier? Todd informs Pyre that more useful information could be obtained from his boss…but alas, that guy is discovered to be dead from the fray earlier. Bavmorda and Ellora exit the room through another ladder.

Bav and Ellora overhear more men talking the room above. Ellora then casts Disguise Self, and adopts the disguise of Stoned Canadian Warrior. Her plan is to gather any new information about the takeover. Her plan is thwarted, however, by Pyre, who has grown tired of the slow conversation and takes matters into her own hands. He shouts, “Hey Bill, the shipment’s here.” Nine unarmed guards scurry down the ladder only to be met by Pyre, Brunhilda, and Bavmorda and their weapons of death. Ellora is a bit disgruntled and casts Daze on Pyre. She impels him to not interfere with her plans again.

After he snaps out of it, the company enters into a Dire Wolverine (insert X-Men claw-appearing sound). Brunhilda and Pyre battle it, Bavmorda fumbles, and Ellora spectates. Another ladder leads to another occupied room, which leads to another onslaught, which leads to another nine dead bodies. Here, Pyre locates a blue key and gold pieces. The group decision here is to move back to the Wolverine Room and rest. The discussion at this time is the awkwardness of the slew of corpses the party has left in its wake. Brunhilda’s clean up plan involves throwing all cadavers out the nearest window. The party lets her have at it.

And thus ends the night.