Turn 1 : The first Camp

Breathlessly, you decide to stop. The party collapses, Garflin and Rollo agreeing to trade 2 hr watches while the others rest. Shortly after nightfall, you all awake, somewhat rested.

You are in a small clearing, boarded on one side by rocky sided hill, and a thick forest on the other. Nearby is a small stream with fresh, cold water. There is sign of the enemy or of the Atani.

After some quiet discussion, you all come to agree that your hard travelling has shaved a few days off of your expected trip and securly put distance between you and the enemy. You estimate only 8 or 9 days more of normal travel should bring you near where you understand Grimbroar and/or its ring of outposts lies, or so your archaic maps say [GM Note: still looking for the old graphic I had of your campaign map - sorry still no luck. Let us just say you have a primitive overland map that shows some geographical landmarks that you feel will guide you, if not to Grimbroar itself, at least to one of its cunningly hidden outposts that encircle it like a necklace].

Already, the mountains of your home have faded, and the forest is deeper and totally unfamiliar. The ponies have been seen to by Jarred and Snorri, and are brushed and fed. Travelling at night has been dangerous and has led to several back-tracks -- but in your desperate-ness to put distance between you and Brundishere, it was necessary.

Your camp is in a small clearing, bordered one side by rocky outcropping, and the other by a thick grove of white pine on a hilly slope going up from you. There is a small stream just out of sight that can be pleasently heard. You have already retreaved and refilled your canteens and watersupply with its cold, fresh water.

Nevertheless, you feel the woods are quite spooky, and limestone wall of the hillside foreign.

What the party does now is entirely up to you.

It is early evening, about 2 hours after nightfall in the early fall season. Everyone is awake, but still very tired. For the first time since leaving Brundishere, you find yourselves with a few moments of breathing space. You look around, and realize you barely know each other.

It had been a long ride for them all, little had been said in the dark nights as their ponies plodded along. When they did rest everyone was so tired all they could do was chew some hard tack and wash it down with water before falling fast asleep on the hard ground. Now they had made a camp where they would have a moment to breath, eat and chat.

Old Rollo- "Ah, what a ride! and what strange woods these are. Does anyone have any wood lore? I'm your man if we need some shelter build, or a harness mended. But I am as someone blind when it comes to marching about in these accursed woods. How dark they are."

Jarred turned his blue-gray eyes upon the woods and shook his head "Nay! Tis not dark enough if ye ask me." his deep voice rumbled through the clearing. "Tis the way the moon shines through them...makes it spooky if ye ask me." he turned his eyes away and back to the fire "By Mordain's blessing we were born under the rocks and that is where we should be living."

Brothore wrinkled his brows, nodding in agreement, but his eyes looked about speculatively, "Well, since we are fairly unfamiliar with each other, I would like to know what to expect from each of you."

Jarred looked up as the other dwarf started talking and let the man finish "Straight and to the point ye are." he nodded his approval "Talk to a dwarf and ye know what the meat of the matter is in a day. Talk to a gnome and ye will never know what the converstaion is about." he smiled and poked the fire with a long stick causing sparks to flare up into the night air. "What ye can expect from me is friendship, loyalty and a strong arm to wield me hammer in the name of Mordain." he then turned his eyes to take the others in "Ye can also expect me ta be there to protect yer spirits and guide yer way in the dark. I will heal yer wounds and bless our battles with Mordains thanks." replied the dwarf.

Oneeda smiled at Jarred and looked around at the other faces of her companions. "The same goes for me - friendship and loyalty to Clan and Khazad. Stealth and shadows are my friends as well and I will be there to protect your backs...like I said before." She smiled at Brothore again before she said, "Get me to a watch tower...and I'll lead us from there."

Seeing the dwarven women enter the circle of firelight Jarred's eyes perked up and he smiled behind his full beard. It was nice to know that at least a few women of his clan had survived the long twilight, and a smart one ta boot! He watched her drink the tea and shook his head, guess two out of three was not bad he mused. "Bah! How can ye sit and drink that stuff? Elf water if ye ask me." he pushed himself to his feet "All this rushing has made me fer get me manners." he bowed the lady "Jarred Feldspar servent of Mordain at yer service, tis nice to get a chance to speak with all of you now that we have had a moment to calm down."

Oneeda then adds, "But before we go, don't you all agree that we need a leader?"

Jarred looked up and calmly commented, "Now that there is a right fine suggestion, we can't go running around with our heads chopped off can we? Now I will tell you a secret here, the pool the battlemaster spoke of? I know of it belongs to me temple it dose and use it I can if we find it but we have to make that far frist and only a good strong leader can do that. Wouldn't hurt any if their faith in the All Father was good and strong either." from the way he held himself and spoke it was obvious he was hope someone else would take the postion of leader, but somone who knew to offer respect to the gods.

Brothore looks around at the assembled party members. "I dont think picking a leader right now is all that great of an idea... Simply because none of us know each other. I trust all of you in our cause, but i dont know which of us would be a good leader... If i picked one of you today, I may change my mind tomorow.

Tabruk nodded, "I agree. I'm sure we are all trustworthy. But being trusted and being a good leader can be two very different things.

Oneeda bowed her head in respect for Brothore's wisdom and then her eyes lit up at the mention of dividing the "goods." "Let's break 'em out," she said, eager to see what ol' Gwyvern has packed for them. Upon seeing the items, Oneeda immediately picked up the raven figurine, examining its craftwork with awe. She put it back among the other items and picked up the potion. She looked around the camp, trying to gauge her companions, and said, "If no one objects, I will keep this healing draught. Might come in useful if we get separated from our healers, eh?"

Tabruk looked to Oneeda and smiled as he responded, "Keep it. But unless I miss my guess we may all need to sip the healin' brew before we're done."

Tabruk then resumed his reclining position. His posture indicating that he was bored with the conversation, but his eyes never stopped moving or measuring his companions.

Oneeda gave a slight bow of the head to the bold dwarf. "Good greetings to you, Jarred Feldspar. And I assure you, I only drink tea when on a "job" - find me a good tavern hole and a full tankard and we'll drink and dance the night away!"

A thick smile split his beard and he let out a gusty sigh "Tis a nice thought to keep ye warm by. Been far to long since last I danced to a good tune." he patted a buldging wine skin on his side "Same I was able to bring only a single skin of the Soulforgers holy water, but be sure'n that when we find our place we will take a drink of blessing in his name and we will drink the last on the edges of the pool we seek."

"Aye lets break it out and see what we have." replied Jarred as he waited for the stuff to be unloaded. He looked over it all with eyes touching nothing yet, he prefered not to appear greedy to his new friends. He however could not keep his hands from touching the finely crafted chain mail which was unloaded. "Appears there is enough of this for anyone who cares to wear it." he replied hosting up a suit to admire "Think I may take some a touch better then me own." he set aside the glittering armor.

Oneeda quickly adds, "Which of you command the divine magic?" she whispered, her face like that of a child who wants to know a secret.

Jarred proudly speaks first, proclaiming, "I serve The All Father as one of his priests as several in my line has, I don't know how much I command the magic though...more of a I request it and if Mordain sees fit to bless me with it then I have it." his fingers touched the intricate scroll case which had been placed with the other items, he markings along the sides were all runes with relgious overtones "I think this one is one of those religious items ye mentioned."

Garflin listens respectfully to Jarred, but adds quietly, "I also serve in the ways of divine magic, but my deity is Torad. I too will be willing to heal and care for our wounded. I also seek to learn as much possible on this journey and during our time spent at Grimbroar. I try to gather any useful information I can to figure out better ways to combat our foulspawn enemies, either now or in the battles to come."

Hulgar has been crouched by his pony up until this point, his hood drawn fully over his head.

He finally speaks up as the others are busily dividing the spoils provided by Gwyvern, "Gods! How can you just sit and drink tea and sort through trinkets like that? Five days! Five days and no cavern, shaft or tunnel to be seen! It's so... unnatural and open out here."

He stands up abruptly, "And all this leafy greenery! Give me granite grays and sparkling veins of quartz any day! Gods, I think I'll go mad if we don't get back undergrounds shortly!"

"Aye!" replied the Jarred, "Born of the rocks and gems then placed into the heart of the world by the foragers hand. Tis the place we belong not out here among the wide open lands....but somethings are important enough that we must go where we must despite our fears. Mordain will see us through this if our spirits are strong and wills made of foraged steel." he dug into his pack and pulled forth a elgently carved pipe. The bowl had been shaped into reclining dragon, its mouth open to hold the tabacco, its long tail made up the stem. Pulling forth a small bag he added a bit of brown weed to the bowl and lit it up from the fire taking a few deep breaths sending puffs of sweet smelling smoke into the air. "How far do you reckon we are from the frist outpost and what is yer plan for getting us inside mi'lady?"

Oneeda admired the intricately carved pipe for several seconds before speaking. "Don't know how far we have to go, Jarred. I'm a bit turned around. Haven't been in these parts for...many...well, let's just say it's been a long while. Probably for all of us, eh?" Oneeda grew quiet and asked Rollo for another cup of tea with honey. While he fetched it, Oneeda pulled a scrollcase from her pack. She opened it and carefully removed a rolled up parchment bound in twine. Then she looked up at her new companions. "I'm trusting all of you that should you fall into the hands of the Atani or the Foulspawn, that you won't reveal what I'm about to show you. Even if they start lopping...er...stuff off!" She blushed slightly and grinned mischieviously and continued.

"This is a map map made by...well...by one of my ancestors." She cleared her throat and took a sip of tea, blinking her eyes fiercely as she muttered about smoke from the campfire. She thanked Rollo with a squeeze to his arm and then lifted her eyes once again to her companions.

"Should we gain entrance and control of one of the outlining watch towers, which I'm sure Hulgar can lead us to, with the aid of the map I may be able to safely guide us to the first level of lost Grimbroar."

[GM: Oneeda produces a map for the view of the party.]

Seeing the map, Jareed leaned in causing a small stream of the sweet smelling smoke from his pipe to linger over the area. He squinted he eyes to try and make out details in the poor light "Sounds like it could work, just need to find us a watch tower frist off. What say ye Hulgar? Think ye can manage to dig one up fer us?"

Hulgar glanced over the map and grimaced, "I could try, but above ground I am no more a navigator than any of the lot of you. Get a few feet of stone above me and a maze of twisting tunnels and I'd get us there faster..."

Tabruk leaned in with everyone else to study the map. After several minutes he resumed his reclining. “This will be quite helpful, I do not doubt. My main concern for now is getting there. Do we stay on the roads or cut through more of these ‘accursed woods’? And when we meet up with some of the Atani as we’re sure to do, what do we tell them? ‘Well met. We’re the last eight of our clan and we’re on our way to find a secret stronghold undoubtedly full of incredible Dwarven artifacts. Would you like to join us?’”

While the words could have been scathing Tabruk spoke them in a quiet, almost joking manner. They were understood to only be a gentle reminder not to drink the ale before it’s brewed.

Jarred grimly nods in agreement to Tabruk, adding, "T'would think the woods would be our best bet to avoid not only the Atani but any other prying eyes around here. And should we meet a few of them" he rolled his shoulders "let them be the frist to speak and ask questions, should they ask what we are doing so far away we can state we are simply travelers heading out to explore the wide world."

"I feel the well marked trails are the way to go. Speed is of the essence. We surely do not wish to see our brethren fall because we took a longer, more safe route to avoid trouble. I say stick to the trails and make good time. We are less than half the distance there after all."

He took a long draw on his pipe.

"If we should come up against foulspawn or worse, we fight. If we should come upon Atani, we try to talk to them. If not we fight. What we are doing is of utmost importance to our clan and our people as a whole. We must take the most direct route possible, for time may not be on our side. With a little luck from Torad we shall come out on top of this situation. Have faith my brothers...and sister." Jarred listens carefully, but adds shaking his head, "Fighting will cost us time and could cost us some lives, nay best we avoid any unesscary battles and get there saftly. Besides our pace we set early on has shaved off a day or two so we are ahead of the game rigth now." when word was mentioned of Torad giving luck he snorted and mumbled into his thick beard.

At this time there is scrap of brush being moved aside, and Snorri advanced into the firelightt. His clothes are a bit disheveled, and he says, "I looked out over the hillside to see if I could see anything. I couldn't see much but stars in the dark. I have a spyglass in case we need to look far down the road. "

He takes a look at the magical goods and continues,

"What are these wands for? Did Gwyvern tell us? Well, wizards use these things and I'm not much of a wizard. It certainly might help us out somewhere along the way." around the campfire:

"I have a fix-it business in Brundishere. I call it Snorri's Fix-It service. Need a lock picked? Just give me a call."

"I am not entirely new to the world outside the dwarven cities. I got captured and put into slavery for a short time by the Atani. I was a young dwarf back then. I escaped, miraculously, and came back home and started learning my trade." "I'm sure excited about helping our Khazad people by going to Grimbroar like this."

Oneeda was fascinated by Snorri's tale and asked, "Which tribe of Atani were your captors? And how did you escape?"

Brothore pulls out of the satchels collected near the ponies a small plain, brown felt bag. Unknotting the top, he lets the sole item within slide out into his outstretched palm.

A heavy, gold ring glitters in the firelight. It's outside survace is rough, covered with a line of large, raised Khazad runes. He holds the ring up in the light, examining it closely. It throws back long, bright reflective rays from the firelight, but does nothing else.

Brothore looks at the ring with a wary interest, and then notices that everyone is looking at him. He drops his hand, coughing a few times and says,

"well, I'm not sure how much farther we've got to go, but looking at that map I would guess we are little less than half way. We made pretty good time so far i would imagine, at least as good as we can expect in traveling above ground... *ahem* If no one minds, i'd like to hang on to this *Brothore holds up the ring*." "As for the Atani, I should think we can simply tell them we are merchants, just looking for a lost trade route. Or maybe that we are heading for the falshea mountains to scout out the Foulspawn, keep tabs on there movements? My worry is not the atani, my worry is in finding Grimbroar, i think if we get close maybe we can use that wand to detect the metal and the stone work of the towers?"

Jarred stroked his beard in thought and nodded towards the other dwarf, seemingly already discarding the ring as a topic of conversation. "Tis a good idea there. We know roughly from the map where we need to be so once we gets there we can wave that wand around and see whats we learn." he touched the other few items "dose anyone here know much about the arcane magics to tell us what some of these do?"

As the glitter of the golden ring catches is eye, Garflin quickly joins the rest of the group and bends down with one knee upon the ground. He wears a look of amazement. "By Torad! That can only be the fabled Ring of Azardihieral. I have heard tales of its magical powers but did not think that I, a humble servant of Torad, should ever have the opportunity to be in the presence of such a revered item of arcane lore."

He removes the hood from his head for the first time in front of the entire group, showing his bizarre countenance to all. His wiry white hair and beard, ghastly pale skin, and pink eyes may seem odd, but his face shows that he actually seems in great awe of the item.

"I have heard that the wearer of this ring may be able to wield some of the magical powers of Azardihieral. It is also said that one who has understanding of arcane lore may derive further powers from the ring, powers which would not be available to one who does not understand the flow of magical forces."

"I am not a greedy person, but ask the group that I be the one to wield the ring. The teachings of Torad have shown me much in the ways of clerical magic and also a great understanding of the operation of other magical items. I may be able to tap into the greater power that I believe this ring holds, for the good of the group of course. I would be more than willing to let another cleric in the group take any or all of the other clerical items, in exchange for the opportunity to study and wield this ring of arcane power."

He looks to Brothore, and then the others. "May I?"

Tabruk still couldn't get over Garflin's appearance, but did not visibly show any discomfort other than some intense staring. He softly mumbled an answer to the two clerics, "If Garflin can unlock more of the ring's power then he should bear it. If you both can wield it capably then you should roll bones for it. It doesn't matter to me as long as it's used to help us in this quest."

Oneeda nods in agreement, and adds support to Tabruck saying, "For some men it's ale, for others women, for others the glory of battle that brings them out of their shell. And then there's gold and gems! Glad to see you are 'alive' Garflin!" Oneeda laughed at her humor and winked at her pale cousin.

"Perhaps you mistake my interest in this object, Miss. It is not the monetary value that I hold dear. It is the knowledge that I could gain from some insight into this arcane wonder before us. After all, knowledge is power."

Oneeda turns to Brothore. "Can YOU use the ring or are you just holding it for safe keeping? Why not let Garflin take a look at it?"

However Jarred speaks with some caution, questioning Garflin, "Can ye wield arcane magic?" asked the priest he was not keen on allowing a follower of the prankster god to wield such a powerful item. No telling what harm could come of it.

Jarred seemed unfazed by the strange dwarfs appreance or just didn't show it outwardly. He drew on his pipe letting the smoke fill his lungs before pushing it out into the crisp night air.

Seeing Garflin turn towards him, Jarred clarifys his question, adding firmly but politely,"Twould think a arcane wielder would be better ta use the ring, from the sounds of it only they can unlock the true strenght of it. Otherwise it is as good on your finger as is on mine or any others here."

"I agree - we stick to the trails. And we kill anyone who tries to stop us!" Oneeda's eyes shone with fire and it was not from the campfire. She looked over at Morvin and pulled her punching dagger; its keen edge glinted in the fire light. "Up close and personal, right Morvin?"

Oneeda looked around at the rest of her companions. "Now, let's get this stuff divided up and move out. Garflin hasn't said two words since we been on the trail and now he's rattling on like a tavern sot! If we don't leave now..." She winked again at Garflin and squeezed his arm affectionately. "We can make good time and may reach the ford before morning's first light."

Hulgar retreats back to a quiet corner of the camp and draws his hood fully over his head, "Aye, the sooner the better. I have no interest in any of the items in the stash, although with those arrows I regret leaving my bow behind."

Garflin takes out a simple stone pipe and packs it with his own blend of tobacco, a slightly spicy smelling aroma. He lights it with a twig from the fire but declines the tea, instead drinking water.

As he does so, Oneeda leans in closer and says quietly but clearly, "I would learn more of Torad's teachings, Garflin, if he can help us defeat the foulspawn and the Atani."

"Defeat?! HAH! more like teach you how to get into just enough trouble that others have to run ta yer aid." replied Jarred as he tamped out his pipe and slipped back into his pouch. He grabbed up the scroll case and slipped that in as well "Gods good for nothing but playing pranks and getting into trouble so Mordain can come bail him out." mumbled the dwarf. He began to repack his few things also keen on moving out once more.

Garflin turns to face Oneeda, answering, "Torad has many aspects. Most know him as somewhat of a trickster or mischief maker. That is not the aspect of Torad that I hold dear. I admire Torad in his constant search for new knowledge. The more we know about the world around us, our friends, our enemies, crafts, wisdom of the gods, arcane knowledge... Well, you get the point? In seeking out new knowledge, I better myself and hope to contribute more to those around me. Another aspect of Torad is the luck he brings to those he counts among his followers. Without some divine intervention on my part, I doubt that I would even be alive today. I cannot number on all my fingers the times that Torad has saved me from death or worse. Perhaps we would be doing better in this 'War against the Foulspawn' if more chose to worship Torad. A little good luck never hurt anyone.

However, Tabruk interrupts, his gaze focused but with a line of worry on his brow. "Yes, yes. I'm all for killing orcs, goblins, and even the occasional uppity Atani. But we should be smart about it. Would you like to disappoint our ancestors by allowing all the Dwarves to be wiped out because we wound up picking one too many fights? We could force these skirmishes to be on a battlefield of our choosing if we could see them coming. How about it, Oneeda? We could go outriding and scouting before the main group?"

"I'm ready when you are, Tabruk." she said with a twinkle in her eye. "And don't worry none - I don't plan to get into a fight when I can avoid it. But if you can't avoid it..." she finished, holding the punching dagger up beside her face.

Oneeda quickly put her hand over her mouth so that Jarred would not see her smiling. Watching the servant of Moradin stomp around and put away this things was more than she could take. "But, tell us how you REALLY feel, Jarred!" she said, bursting into laughter. She thanked Rollo again for the tea and began to pack up, still chuckling. "Men!" she muttered as she got ready to move out.

Jarred looked up a scowl etched on his face "There ain't enough time in the world." he grumped, under his beard his cheeks were flushed with his embrasement. "Women" he grumbled to himself as she flung his packs onto his ponies back. "keep them in the hearth, the forges or battlefields but keep them out of the temples I say."

Oneeda notices Hulgar looking with grave concern at her catacomb map. "Don't worry, Hulgar." she whispered fiercely. "When we get here," she pointed at the right edge of the felt map that showed possibly an outline of a watch tower, "you and I will lead our people to Grimbroar!"

Hulgar nods his agreement. "I look forward to returning our people to Grimbroar."

He gives Oneeda a hearty slap on the back. "Get me there, and I will take the lead in the tunnels."

Jarred grins in agreement, "we will get you there Hulgar, we will get you there." replied the stout cleric as he flipped open his back and pulled forth a loaf of dark sourdough bread and wheel of mushroom cheese. "But we can't be going anywhere on a empty stomach now can we." he said with a wide smile as he began to slice the items up for the others to eat.

From beneath his hood, Hulgar's eyes brighted. He hungrily held out his hands mumbling, "Don't mind if I do, don't mind if I do!"

Oneeda new - Seeing that the MEN were humped up stuffing their faces, she sighed and reached for some cheese and bread. "Tea ain't gonna wash this down - we might need something a little stronger!"

"If'n ye have something then be sharing by the grace of Mordain lass!" replied Jarred with a large smile the hope for some cool ale or sweet mead was written cleary in his eyes.

Oneeda put her hands on her hip and did her best imitation of a woman with attitude. "And IF'n I had any, don't you think I'd be sharing? Moradin's beard! After a couple of draughts, we'd be dancing all the way to Grimbroar!" Oneeda then whirled around and pointed a stubby finger at the group of men. "Okay? Who's holding out? Hulgar? Brothore? Tabruk?"

Hulgar shook his head, "No... Dulls the senses too much. When we are back home, I'll take you up on the offer though!"

Tabruk rolled his eyes. “I try not to carry a flagon of ale whilst I’m working. I’d hate to be sneakin’ up on an enemy and them hear me sloshin’.”

Brothore smiles, but his attention is still on the thick and heavy looking ring. "Well Garflin, If you think you will be able to use the ring more effectively *Brothore hands the ring over to Garflin* i simply had hoped that i would be able to figure out some of its secrets, maybe in time we will." Brothore chuckles as he leans back watching Oneeda have her fun. "You know, having a few of us run point would be a good idea... Someone with keen eyes, and ears, could stay a bit ahead. I would be willing to take a turn at it."

Garflin smiles amicably and responds, "Torad and I both thank you immeasureably. I am confident that I will be able to put the ring to good use and unlock its secret knowledge with some time to study it, and some luck from Torad."

He sets down the pipe and embraces Brothore as a true clansman.

Brothore then turns and answers Oneeda, shaking his head "no, nono. I dont have anything to drink right now... Although some good ale does sound like a good way to refresh after this long ride. "

Meanwhile, Hulgar continued to wolf down the bread and cheese that Oneeda offered at an alarming rate. He paused a moment, crumbs of bread and cheese layering un-noticed on his long beard like so a carpet, and the well muscled Khazad glanced over the at the trove of items. "What? Can it be that no one has claimed the wand yet? I had assumed that it would be the first to go! It finds metal and minerals, or so it's said. Are you not all Khazad? This is a fine treasure in and of itself!"

Garflin calmly replies to Jarred’s earlier question about his own magical abilities, explaining, "Since Torad is a god concerned with the seeking of new knowledge, he does allow some clerics that serve him to access arcane magics. I am one that has been blessed with this special divine gift from Torad."