Descent into Rommack
Descent Into Rommack 1
| Descent Into Rommack 1 | |
|---|---|
| Date | March 13th 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee |
| Player Characters | Aroth, Bomrek, Cozin, Snicket, Tesa, Hiromi |
| Rewards | 200 XP for lv1's, 160 XP for lv2's 18 Gp, 2 Ridable Lizards |
| Result | Sucess |
| Author | Narumi |
The party traveled back to Rommack. Seeing as how only a single smithy in the town survived, and the rest is full of numerous tents. The party quickly entered the cave where the previous expeditions encountered Gnolls. The party pressed forward and immediately triggered a trap. The trap itself was magical in nature. The resulting battle was quite difficult, as the numerous gnolls attacked the party and were VERY accurate. The party successfully defeated them, clearing the first room. The party then tended their wounds, while Hiromi, Snicket, and Tesa dragged the corpses outside of the cave. After some time, the party regrouped and explored the cave system some more. They encountered the sleeping area for the gnolls. Then proceeded down another path and found a pack of gnolls mining. Luckily the mining sound, distracted most of the gnolls. As the party engaged what looked to be a spellcasting gnoll and another guard. The two gnolls were defeated, unfortunately Tesa did not survive the encounter. The party retrieved what they could, bringing the corpses outside, and Hiromi cremated the gnoll corpses. However upon doing so discovered their fiendish corruption, which would explain their strange behavior.
Descent Into Rommack 2
| Descent Into Rommack 2 | |
|---|---|
| Date | March 17th 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee |
| Player Characters | Bodrukk, Cyrus, Cozin, Snicket, Elasha Vennala, Hiromi |
| Rewards | 17. 95 gold for 4 people, 1 cloak of feline rest, 1 fanged formula, 1 Artians Smiths tools. 325 XP. |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Keyorden |
The party enters the dungeon once more. Cryus noted that there is some magical shifting of the walls and structure. The same alarm trap was present, but Elasha disabled it cleanly.
The 1st room, was a cultist, a hunter, and a warrior that went down quickly. No other gnolls were present up until the ledge/mining area, of which they posted a guard that spotted the party.
Due to the difficulties of the ledge, Snicket and Elasha tried to circle around a hidden passage to get up, but it didnt connect. Thus, Cozin and Bodrukk got surrounded and went down, but the party managed to pull through.
Taking care of wounds, Elasha and Tesa sneak forward and find that the next area has only 3 gnolls, 2 archers and 1 smiths. Cozin argues to have the party advance and take out the smithy, Hiromi cautions that the smith is probably very strong but the party agrees.
The party rushes in, and manages to take out the smith and the archers, then trashes the smithy. With that done, future parties will start from the trashed smithy.
Zezgavivzeb, the Beast of the Dark is the Demon Lord which the gnolls worship, Hiromi has discovered this while taking care of the bodies, which means that they won't surrender in or out of combat, and are extremely dangerous.
Decent Into Rommack 3
| Decent Into Rommack 3 | |
|---|---|
| Date | March 21nd 2023 |
| Storyteller | Username |
| Tier | Trainee |
| Player Characters | Bodrukk Ninelives, Hiromi, Vreal Lethal, Snicket, Zokun, Sade Myrsky |
| Rewards | 23 Gold, Mistform Elixir (Lesser), Emerald Grasshopper (Sold For 30 Gold), EXP 310 |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Markis |
The group descended into the caves of Rommack once again. Starting at the forge, the group went North and stumbled upon a mushroom garden guarded by a Gnoll Cultist and two Gnoll Workers. After the party quickly vanquished them, they moved onward to the east, encountering a couple traps on the way. The party then continued North where we came upon a guard post of Gnolls. Further North again, Snicket discovered a trap by falling 50ft down it, but somehow managed to survive. Even further North, the party discovered a 100ft deep chasm and a cave continuation 50ft up the wall. The party decided to turn around and we encountered a noose trap which lead the party to leave for the day.
The following day, the party continued on the same path, and discovered more Gnolls had taken up post. After dispatching them, the group discovered heavily armored Gnolls to the south, once taken care of the group went down a side passage and found a deceased giant bat riddled with disease which a few of the party member attempted to identify what had happened, and Bodrukk managed to contract Scarlet Fever, but quickly recovered. The party then left, leaving more of the cave to be discovered.
Descent into Rommack 3.5
| Descent into Rommack 3.5 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 3/25/23 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee |
| Player Characters | Zokun, Vreal, Hiromi, Sade, Timid Thistle |
| Rewards | 350 xp, Alchemist Lab (Expanded), 3 Cold Iron Blanches, 3 Blood Boosters, 50gp worth of treasure from looting and pillaging, and 10 gp from the town. |
| Result | More time to Descend Back in after we killed many Gnolls |
| Author | Tinker |
Killing and Massacring the Gnoll Population near Rommack for the Sins and Treacheries they have committed on people of Rommack
"I Vreal Leethal went into a nasty area full of enemy Gnolls, along with my fellow Dwarves, Sade and Zokun, they did excellent as per usual. We brought Hiromi along to help keep people alive and she did that well, Timid Thistle was knocked down several times as enemies attacked them. We Valiantly fought and for the first time ever I ran out of bombs in the middle of combat." They fought Gnolls, Some More Gnolls, A Gnoll Cultist, Some Weird Gnolls, and then a Mob of Gnolls. They found an area full of farming gnoll things, we found an Alchemist's Laboratory, an area for Gnolls to be equipped, and a storage area for gnolls to keep their stuffs.
Decent into Rommack 4
| Decent into Rommack 4 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 3/24/23 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee, Difficult |
| Player Characters | Timid Thistle, Sade, Zokun, Hiromi, Vreal |
| Rewards | Rewards: 350 xp, 50 gp, Alchemist Lab (Expanded), 3 Cold Iron Blanch (Lesser), 2 Blood Boost (Lesser), +10 gp each. |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Narumi |
The party ventured back into Rommack. The party fought what looked to be an alchemist, and after dispatching them, discovered what looked to be an alchemical lab. Vreal identified some items finding that the 2 Blood Boost (Lesser) were made from a strange and unknown substance. The party explored some more, and came across a large room with what appeared to be an elevator system leading deeper into Rommack. They were then ambushed by a horde of Gnolls who looked to be mining. During the fight Sade had a duel of sorts with a Gnoll, defeating it with a single shot. The party was successful in their fight against the Gnolls. The party, quite spent at this point ventured deeper and discovered a large steel door that was locked from the outside. To the east was a barracks of sorts and filled with Gnolls. The party fought shooting through the door, however as the fighting continued. The metal door would be impacted heavily, as it was containing something on the other side. Wary of the door braking, the party then bravely retreated. But the Gnolls didn't follow, deciding that was a close enough call. The party ventured out of Rommack, and Hiromi disposed of the Gnoll bodies, giving them their proper rest.
Decent into Rommack 5
| Decent into Rommack 5 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 3/26/2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee, Difficult |
| Player Characters | Bodrukk, Vreal, Timid Thistle, Hiromi, Zokun, Coitessezin |
| Rewards | Rewards: 200xp, 72 gp, 5 sp, Composite Short-bow, Scimitar with Potency Rune, Lifting Belt, Dancing Scarf, Golden Legion Epaulet. |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Narumi |
The party ventured south in the caves. Where the group had fought a large number of gnoll diggers.The party then entered a room with a stone throne. Sitting upon it, was a leader of the Gnolls and Timid Thistle and the leader exchanged words. Apparently the gnolls spoke of their demon worship as survival. Seemingly harsh words were exchanged and battle ensued.
The Leader carried a Scimitar with a potency rune applied. He was flanked by two Gnoll clerics. The party was successful and defeated the three.
The party searched the leaders room, finding some whiskey, jewels, and also found a Lifting Belt and a Dancing Scarf.
The party then ventured west, and encountered some more Gnolls. Afterwords they find a Golden Legion Epaulet.
After defeating those Gnolls, the group opened a large set of doors and discovered a Massive Wolf. The creature had multiple eyes, and nearly took down Timid Thistle in a blast of Acid that was in a 60 ft. Line. The party quickly put the lock back into the door and retreated away. Hauling the bodies outside of the cave. Hiromi would cremate the Gnolls and give them proper rites.
Decent into Rommack 6
| Decent into Rommack 6 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 3/28/2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee, Difficult |
| Player Characters | Absinthe, Cutter Black, Zokun, Coitessezin |
| Rewards | Rewards: 250 EXP, 11.98 Gold, 3 Shiver, 4 Spider Repellent, +1 Scimitar, +1 Battle Axe, Brooch of Shielding (27 charges left), Cave Fisher blood worth 8 gold, some amount of mundane equipment worth 11 gold |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Keyorden |
The party decides to take one of the more southern unexplored areas. Cutter advances ahead and finds two cultists guarding an entrance to the south. The one up north has a wideish hallway, and gnolls behind a corner.
The party decides to engage the cultists, who are taken down somewhat quickly. Cozin notes that the gnolls are somewhat listless without their leader.
They have a key on them and some mysterious potions, of which Zokun is able to identify leaper exile (lesser), among other ones. They key leads what is probably a spider farm, and the party leaves it alone.
Going to the North side, cutter scouts a gnoll on guard. Absinthe summons an elemental to extinguish a torch, drawing the gnolls closer. She takes a bad hit, but they are defeated. There is a campsite, and to the right and north is a barred door. Inside of it are cave fishers. The party burns gnoll bodies, notes 4 cave fishers. kills 1. then leaves.
Checking the area below the Blood Beast, a trash room has an Otriuk in it. The party slays the trash monster, inspects the refuse and then leaves.
As a note, Cultists have Harm, Magic weapon, Spirtual Weapon, Darkness, Command, Fear. The gnolls with shields have attacks of opportunity. Mostly wear hide armor.
Descent into Rommack 7
| Descent into Rommack 7 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 4/1/2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee, Deadly |
| Player Characters | Zokun Datan-Zon, Cozin, Bodrukk Ninelives, Absinthe, Hiromi, Serene Leyvald, Grist Vanafeld (for the first hour) |
| Rewards | Rewards: 250 xp, 10gp each for completing the task as well as 180gp and 175sp split between the party. Armory Bracelet (Minor) (Compatible with firearms). |
| Result | Cave systems sufficiently cleared out. |
| Author | Greenthing |
Once more we entered this cave system, this time with the plan to defeat the Blood Beast. It be a large, terrible creature with split jaws and an ability to swallow people whole and breathe acid. We been anticipating this fight fer way long ago, but ain't been strong enough to deal with it 'til now. After that, we went to clear the rest of the cave an' see if there're any more stragglers of the gnolls.
Though we positioned ourselves well, the blasted thing was quicker and made short work of it. The elgi in armor went down first. Rest of us had to say blast it and move in, 'cept for the big hat and white hair. It looked to be a difficult battle, and, aye, it was... least 'til the urk went and hit it really damned hard. If there's one thing I can say well about the urki, it's that they be the most aggressive and hard-hitting of those who are not the dawi. After that the thing went an' ate 'im! He was sure to be swimmin' around in them guts and acid, but luckily we managed to kill the beast soon after. Had a big, red crystal on it too. Worth a fair bit of coin!
Thought that was it, 'til I saw the urk cut his way out from the inside... with a bloody clan dagger - Voml's, to be precise! The contemptible greenskin pilfered a dawi's clan dagger! No greater shame than losing it, whether in life or death. Many a grudges written in the name of obtaining just one clan dagger or pistol from a thief! And to see that he would disrespect who he used to call brother is a damned worse shame. So I confronted him, as any proud dawi would! And he had the gall, the disrespect! The disrespect to even say Voml weren't ever a dwarf! Aye, the lad been tinkered on. Ain't the same he used to be. But that man was a dwarf, through and through. The moment I went to have him deliver it back to Voml, he said he'd kill me. The others, with no clue of what was going on, immediately went to his aide. No dural I say! Wazzocks the lot of them! That they'd help a grave robber murder-! Bah, but there will be words. But this report isn't merely about Bodrukk's murderous and grave-robbing tendencies.
After that, not much to talk about. Found a bunch of creatures roaming about and dealt with 'em. Bore worms, cave scorpions, and a few more cave fishers. Before we headed back though, we went to grab a few gems off the walls and got attacked by rock monsters. We defeated 'em and took the gems, as well as some other baubles and gold. After that, we reported back, got paid, and said they can start movin' inside again.
Descent into Rommack 8
| Descent into Rommack 8 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 4/7/2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Trainee, Hard |
| Player Characters | Cutter Black, Bodrukk, Bliss-Retold-Till-Eternity, Hiromi, Little Leaf, Vreal Leethal |
| Rewards | Rewards: 250 xp, 30gp per person |
| Result | We found another entrance to the Dark Lands |
| Author | Zoro |
The associates first explored a flooded area with an island in the middle. We discovered that the flooded area was being defended by a weakened tidal master, a strong elemental that outclassed the party who didn't have good ways to deal with it. Tidal Masters are powerful elementals that take less damage from fire, acid, and probably physical weapons as well. They can control the waters around them, making swimming near them difficult. We are unsure if there are other creatures in the lake.
We moved to a different area of the caves, and encountered five silk-tailed beetles, who ambushed us in a valley. The beetles were able to fling their barbs in 15 foot cones, and could poison us with their barbs. Bodrukk murdered one with a terrific blow from his great pick. Bodrukk and Cutter were poisoned, while we learned that Vreal was immune to poison completely. The poison caused Bodrekk to become confused and swing at Vreal, who took it badly.
We continued forward down a rock scree that led to a narrow passage. We pitoned down the scree, after a couple fell, and squeezed through the passage. On the other side an abandoned elite wooden golem was guarding a staircase down. We spent three hours going down and found ourselves in a dimly lit cavern filled with mushroom trees. The cave was lit from above by milky white crystals that baffled even Little Leaf. There was a large lift nearby that we could use in the future to get in and out. We gathered some samples from the nearby plants, and left up the stairs.
The cavern was huge, too far to see across, we have found our way into the Darklands.
Descent Into Rommack 9
| Descent Into Rommack 9 | |
|---|---|
| Date | April 29th 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Expert |
| Player Characters | Bodrukk, Sade, Cozin, Vreal, Bright Eyes, Hiromi |
| Rewards | 350 xp. 575 gold, Sun dazzler, wounding, slippering of spider climbing, silver crescent (lesser), shrinking portion greater, smokestick greater, Staff of Fire. |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Keyorden |
The party decides to go through the staircase, which is 10-12 hours, as opposed to the elevator (8-10 hours), and want to clear a path to the elevator, Just to be safe, as we don't know what precautions the gnolls have set up.
The area is very densely packed with mushroom trees, so the party sets forward with Sade and Bodrukk leading the way. Vreal manages to find some berries that can be used for alchemical ingredients, but Bodrukk spots that the vines are moving, and calls a warning.
Vreal is ambushed by assasin vines, and takes quite the beating during, but overall the fight isn't terribly difficult. Vreal manages to find 75 gold worth of fresh berries that fell off the vines in the fight, as opposed to ones on them, as they were destroyed.
Moving along, a simple gravestone is found. Bodrukk feels some kind of pull to it, but is able to resist. No words were written, along with no haunt showing up, so the party paid respects and moved along (Suggests previous adventurer's or other non natives to the area)
In the next hour, the party manages to hear some guttural language going on. Vreal determines it is Youtun, and sneaks ahead to take a look. He manages to see some kind of troll talking to itself, with two heads. He goes to try and talk with it. While initially flabbergasted by Vreal's boldness, thetroll decides it wants human flesh and attacks. Vreal is smashed pretty hard, and Cozin takes a bad hit as well, but the troll goes down in the end. Searching on it's person, 100 gold.A wounding rune, a lesser silver cresent, and a sun dazzler are found (likely tropies from civilizations or other adventurers')
As we continue forward, there is a pound that is found. Sade, bright eyes immediately walk forward, but Cozin preaches caution. The group throws some stones in the pound, and a tounge goes and snatches them up. From there, Cozin wants to leave, but Bright eyes stays around the pound, causing the creature to attack.
It is some kind of Huge Frog monster, and it is vicious. It grabs Bright Eyes and drags him in the water, making everyone chase after. The fight is much too close, and for a moment we lost Bodrukk in the creatures stomach, Bright Eyes and Sade drowning, but we pulled through in the end and retreated. We did not make it to the elevator base, and retreated immediately after to tend to wounds and replenish supplies.
Personal Note: Recommend re-institution safety procedures and mandatory caution lessons for associates. Personal Note 2: Need determination on how much the gnolls worship has spread to the area. Several abominations and sentiant being eaters have been spotted, but there is still the possibility of over civilizations. Exercise extreme caution.
Descent Into Rommack 10
| Descent Into Rommack 10 | |
|---|---|
| Date | May 7th 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Expert |
| Player Characters | Hiromi, Tyrion, Serene, Cyrus, Vreal |
| Rewards | 250 exp, 150 gp, Wounding Rune, 3 Firefoot Popcorn, 2 Poison Fizz |
| Result | Success |
| Author | None |
Descent Into Rommack 11
| Descent Into Rommack 11 | |
|---|---|
| Date | May 13th 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Expert |
| Player Characters | Hiromi, Tyrion, Cozin, Cutter Black, Vreal, Sade |
| Rewards | 300, 235 gp, Staff of Water, Hat of Disguise, Warpwobble Poison 2, Giant Scorpion Venom 3, Dust of Appearance. |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Narumi |
The party ventured back to Rommack. Leaving their rented mounts inside the town on the surface, then spending the hours to travel down to the Underdark. Upon arriving the party ventured to the Shack and Hotsprings, previously created by Tyrion and Hiromi. Entering the building they find a strange man, with a symbol of overwatch cut into his chest hair. Apparently his name is Doug and he claims this shack here is his home. Introductions made, Doug then offered the party food, and asked them to relax. Most of the party accepting, minus Cozin who refused. Doug flirted the entire time with the male members of the party. The party then left Doug's Love Shack, venturing further into the underground forest. Surprisingly the party encountered little trouble and after three or so hours the party ventured closer to the Gnolls base camp. Arriving at the camp, it is heavily guarded by Gnolls. Luckily the group had the element of suprise. The party slew the gnolls and secured the area, allowing the elevator to descend. Securing another location for future expeditions. The group found a number of tracks, and followed them further into the wilds finding:
- Eyebright Flowers: Useful for curing an eye disease. Location noted for potential use for the citizens of Rommack
- Cloaker Ambush: The party was set upon by four cloakers, but they lost interest due to Tyrion's shedding of bright light.
As the party sets up for the night, Hiromi set up a hotsprings so they may bathe. While bathing a goblin in a purple suit surprised the party, forcing them to answer riddles. Cutter Black, being the most successful. Earned a small fortune (25gp), Hiromi with her sight, realized that this was a Nilbog. Lastly, the group then arrived at a large building in the woods and defeated the gnolls there. Clearing another encampment.
Descent Into Rommack 12
| Descent Into Rommack 12 | |
|---|---|
| Date | July 25th 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Expert |
| Player Characters | Absinthe, Cyrus, Fen, Illiam, Miles, Serene, Zeal |
| Rewards | 250xp, 665g, 10 bars of steel (worth 10g each), Vine Whip, Aeon Stone (Pearly White Spindle) |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Fen (Foster) |
I haven't had the pleasure to visit Rommack yet, but Bodrukk was insistent that I take a break from the little ones at Grandmother's House and so I decided to accompany the latest expedition. We were told to gather resources where we could and to clear out the presence of some rather nasty gnolls if they decide to cause trouble.
We began moving through the woods. Things were rather quiet as we moved through the area. Miles found a bag filled with 10 gold and I tripped on a chest filled with steel bars. Eventually, a number of strange plant creatures attempted an ambush on us which really was quite rude. We quickly took care of them and continued on our way, though Absinthe was quite excited to be able to collect components from the remains and a section of the vines was able to be salvaged as a whip. How exciting.
We were unfortunate enough to become lost in a rather thick fog bank while searching for a place to camp. We ran across a group of gnolls in the fog and were forced to fight them. They had quite a lot on them. We eventually found our way out and settled down to rest.
We continue through the forest the next day. We had the misfortune of stumbling across a field of explosive mushrooms, but we were able to navigate our way out of the danger with the clever use of some magic. We also found some cows which we decided to follow before one suddenly dropped dead. We had come across an area that was actively siphoning the positive energy away from any living creature that came near. I suggested putting up a warning sign and Absinthe was kind enough to indulge. We'll have to return later to dispel the magic once we are able to find a sufficiently powerful ritual.
We pass the fort and begin to finish our loop back towards our base camp. We eventually come across a slow river that is stained red, likely with blood. We trace the river to its source- a rip in reality that is letting out the stained water. It was a bit unsettling, but I was glad to see that nothing seemed to be bleeding into the river. Illiam did take quite a tumble when the rip mended itself, but we were able to heal them up quickly after.
We took a game trail to try and return to the road and came across several trolls who seemed to be having quite a nice time bathing in a spring. Cyrus did a wonderful job in speaking with them, though they did not seem very trusting and were a bit demanding that they be allowed to try eating our arms. It was rather unfortunate, especially since we did overhear the one who was introduced as Ted mention a wife and little one at home, but we were forced to defend ourselves and ultimately had to slay all three. As a note, the trolls were quite unhappy when Cyrus used acid on them and did their best to kill him after.
Descent Into Rommack 13
| Descent Into Rommack 13 | |
|---|---|
| Date | July 29th 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Expert |
| Player Characters | Ko, Dar, Grist, Kali, Maki, Zeal |
| Rewards | 300xp, 550g, Vengeful Arm Tattoo, Dragon's Eye Charm, Armbands of Athleticism |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Kali (Foster) |
2 days downtime.
The Underdark. I've never had the opportunity to visit and wasn't really planning to until Ko talked me into it. Apparently we're here to explore and to hunt gnolls. Just outside of our base camp we came across a field of flowers that could be used to treat sightrot. We spent most of the day wandering southwest portion of the forest. We came across a few assorted traps and eventually come across a two-headed troll that seemed to be arguing with itself. We made the decision to clear out the creature as we were planning to camp in the area for the night. The decision almost turned on us since Ko was quickly downed by it, but we were able to pull it's attention away from her and kill it before it could try to finish her. We set up camp soon after to rest up after the harrowing encounter.
We struck camp the next morning and were ambushed by a chimaera that seemed to be fused of a white dragon. It quickly realized that it was over-matched and attempted to flee but we were able to down it before it could get away. Probably more of a mercy for the creature than anything. The rest of the day was quiet and we eventually settle down to camp. The next morning, a merchant had found their way into our camp. I was able to trade for three books that I had never seen before! The first offered some rather interesting insight into the Shadow Plane. The second was magically sealed. I'm looking forward to the challenge of opening it. The third didn't really have much to offer in educational worth, but was a rather enjoyable read. The merchant also shared the location of several other landmarks in the forest. The location has been noted and left at base camp for any future expeditions.
Following one of the merchant's lead, we prepared and traveled to the nearby cavern giant camp. We came across a run down cabin, but it seemed that the cabin was abandoned to time rather than from any sort of attack. We eventually reached the mouth of the giant's cave and watched as the one on guard seemed to be summoned back into the cavern. We set up our ambush at the mouth of the cave and strike, killing one of the giants before the rest retreat into their home. We were forced to push our way in and after a rather rough fight, we were able to clear them out. The cave was covered in blood by the end. I'm going home.
Descent Into Rommack 14
| Descent Into Rommack 14 | |
|---|---|
| Date | Augustt 1st 2023 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Expert |
| Player Characters | Dar, Hiromi, Vreal, Miles Ender |
| Rewards | 275xp, 500g, Flaming Rune, Retaliation Rune |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Zoro |
3 days downtime
The party went to the gnoll fort first, avoiding any encounters along the way. We struck from the north, getting the attention of some of them, and preparing the fight.
The fort contained stronger gnolls mixed into the regular forces, notably a demonologist capable of summoning a demon, and an antipaladin. They also now have more powerful halberd weilding gnolls that take a lot of punishment.
We then went to the Leshy camp and they had for sale Leafweave armor, wooden breastplates, and darkwood branches. Dar bought 110gp worht of Darkwood, and traded Vreal the darkwood shield formula. We then agreed to lead a small contingee of mushroom leshy to Rommack. On the way we encountered a pond surrounded by a field of dangerous flowers that sapped vitality. We then encountered a monolith that we were unable to decipher, we think that it's not in any known language. We obtained a rubbing of it for further research.
Near the lift on the way back we were assaulted by four cloakers who thankfully struck at us, and not our leshy companions. We learned a valuable lesson about lighting in this area, as bright light disables their concealed condition. We then made our way back to the lift and introduced the leshys to Rommack.
Descent into Rommack 15
| Descent into Rommack 15 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 8/4/23 |
| Storyteller | User |
| Tier | Expert - Deadly |
| Player Characters | Satori the Insatiable Armorer, Zeal, Grist Vanafeld, Illiam Elro, Tuli Mrysky, Gwenevere |
| Rewards | 300 exp, 820 gold, pickled demon tongue (greater), demon mask (greater) |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Zeal |
| Downtime | 2 |
As we headed back down the elevator to the depths of Rommack, we passed by both the usual timbershrooms and crystals, but it also seems the people are finally starting up their farms. I wish them the best of luck in that endeavor.
The goal was to head to the gnoll stronghold and clear it out. A simple job, barring the usual complications of navigating Rommack. Along the way Satori tripped over a small bag of gold, 20 in total, and aside from that and a brief fight with another chimera, this one sporting a green dragon head, it was an unremarkable trip. We also fought a couple of larger gnolls, but they were of little note aside for their hatred of Satori specifically.
The real meat of our trip was arriving at the stronghold. Its walls stood tall and sturdy, the people of the nearby area would very much find use for a defensible position like this. Thankfully the gnolls, for all their building expertise, lacked the insight to actually put sentries up on those walls. As we prepared to breach, Satori climbed the walls to scout it out. They were conducting a ritual inside, a potent abyssal pact of some sort to summon a demon. They spotted him, and he alerted us to the situation. Hurrying through the front door, we found a large gnoll standing over four executed gnolls, drained of their blood for use in the ritual. There was also a gnoll demonologist and an Antipaladin, alongside four cultists who died to summon a Hezrou, a powerful toad-like demon. The large gnoll runs at the sight of me, and as the Hezrou attempts to unleash chaotic energy on our group, only Gwen is hurt by this display. It simply wasn't powerful enough to wound me, though it does concern me about some of the others. Except Illiam, that part doesn't surprise me.
The disgusting air of the Hezrou was another issue for the others that wasn't for me, as I met the demon head-on with intent to gut it for its offensive existence. Satori flanked the spellcaster while Grist moved to assist with both the demonologist and antipaladin. Tuli maneuvered around for a good angle and got some very good shots off, but eventually got trapped in a sphere of some kind for almost the rest of the fight by the demonologist. Gwen stayed back, letting her Eilodon and undead summons, including a giant corpse dog of some sort, help kill the spellcaster then surround the Antipaladin.
In the meantime, I wore down the demon as much as I could, but as soon as it saw Illiam heal me it teleported to them and brought them down with a single powerful bite. Satori rushed to draw its attention, giving me the opportunity to move past and both heal Illiam and reclaim its attention. Illiam teleported away and decapitates the demonologist, then helped Tuli break out. Once the demon's life comes close to an end it attempts to kill Gwen before death. I'm able to stop it just short of bringing the necromancer down, impaling it through the chest and killing it. Thanks to demon summoning rituals summoning the entire demon and not just a manifestation, that Hezrou is permanently dead. Good riddance.
While I deal with the large gnoll, which apparently has the ability to throw acid from its axe and enchant it with such magic at the same time, the others gang up on the Antipaladin. Satori disarms it knocks it down, where Illiam then decapitates that one too. Their obsession with decapitating gnolls is becoming worrisome.
That aside, the stronghold has been cleared of enemies. I wish the people there the best of luck in securing the location, as it is well fortified and will serve well, provided they actually make use of sentries.