Barduk & Fort Critwall

[hedgeknight]

Fort Critwall...and Beyond

We were there
In the middle of an old hoary wood (boom boom)
We looked round
Found a small camp, buildings of wood (boom boom)
Our minds raced
We heard the sounds of some orcs therewhithin (boom boom)
Finding a cave
We went underground - let the battle begin! (boom boom)
SOUND OF THE DRUMS
Orcs hitting the ground
The sling bullets flew!
Now what do you do?
You've been
BULLET STRUCK...

Since the heroes of the Border Watch returned from the Cragson Mines, having thwarted Iuz's fledgling plans to establish a base on this side of the border, they have been treated as such...heroes. At every turn there are soldiers buying them food and drink, women eager for a roll in the hay, and young recruits calling for tales of the mines...even they've heard them a half dozen times already. During these days, reinforcements arrive at Critwall, and word is other forts along the Border Watch are receiving similar aid.

Kranston gains instant fame and acclaim with his new song, Bullet Struck. Every night in the tavern, Kranston is coaxed up to the front to sing it (although the coaxing takes less and less time as the days wear on). Pretty soon, the song can be heard day and night among the soldiers of the fort, finding some courage in it whilst hurling insults at the lands of Iuz across the river. Dorin finds himself singing it at the forge nearly every day, glad to be back doing hard, honest work.

Cassius spends several days at the bar of the Bloody Axe, drinking himself senseless, having a good rumination over the scars on his body. The cook, a stout woman sporting long braids and meaty hands, slaps the Elf on the shoulder one day and says, "Time to suck it up, buttercup, and put yer big-boy panties back on. This war ain't over and the Old One is likely to be pissed off when he finds out you and yer buddies stole all his maps and kilt off his men. What's a few scars anyway for a fightin' man? Or a fightin' Elf, for that matter, huh? I heard you used to be a mighty fine dishwasher in another life. Mind helping me in the kitchen for a day or so? Just until you and your friends head out again." She reminds Cassius of his old boss, Trilena...and a part of him longs to see her and his friend Lorynn again.

Muldgarr, able to walk around finally, sequesters himself to the woods and reconnects with the forest; Adelphocleas joins him in meditation and also stands guard. When Muldgarr goes looking for Montego, he finds the ranger with Captain Rillian, going over details of the maps recovered from the mines. Captain Rillian is eager to get these back to Greatwall and Count Jakartai and Captain Gillmore. Knowing the merchants are going to return from Willip as soon as they can, Captain Rillian spends as much time as he can with Montego and Muldgarr talking strategy and tactics for his men.

After a long, pleasurable night with Emerall, Sai spends the next few days identifying the items recovered from the mines and making sure the treasure has been divvied up evenly; counting and re-counting it methodically.
Here is what the multi-talented young mage discovered:

1 Potion of Extra-Healing
Dagger +1
Dagger +2 (Sai?)
Tattered red Cloak of Protection +1 (Sai?)
Ringmail armor +1
Horn of Fog (Kranston?)
Ring of the Ram
Figurine of Wondrous Power: Ebony Fly
Big Orc's Sword > Longsword +1, +4 vs. undead (w/in 10 feet of undead, cold black flames covers the blade); also offers fire resistance to the wielder (just like a ring of fire resistance); must be holding the sword to gain the benefit.

Total of 700 gold and 300 silver taken from the mines and the Orcs.
(Let me know how you want to claim items and divide the coin. Don't forget Dorin, Farkus, Clint & Rusty.)

While these days are passing, Malin and Emerall complete their trip to Willip and back, bringing news that the merchants of Willip are not yet ready to travel the road; maybe in the spring when things settle down a bit. They have a layover at Critwall and then are back on the trail with the heroes in tow to take winter supplies back to Greatwall along with the maps and information for Count Jarkatai.

The trip is surprisingly uneventful, and even though the weather is not very accommodating, the going is easy. Having received word by raven of their coming, they are met a few miles outside Greatwall by an armed force of men, many of the same who escorted them at the beginning of the adventure. Upon arrival at Greatwall, they are hailed as true heroes of Furyondy. Count Jakartai and Commander Gillmore offer them positions in the Furyondian secret services and promise to double their reward if they accept.
"But while you think on these offers, let us eat, drink and celebrate your return," Count Jakartai says. "You've dealt a great blow to Iuz, one he will no doubt wish to correct, and for that, let us be merry...for now."

This officially ends the adventure, Border Watch.

[Darklin2]

What was the balance of the Cash we get on return? Was it 1000 gp each?


If no one shows interest in the Undead Long Sword, Sai wil return the Dagger +2 and Cloak of Protection +1 in trade for it.

[hedgeknight]

What was the ballance of the Cash we get on return? Was it 1000 gp each?

Yes, 1000 gp each. You guys are some rich mofo's!

[OGRE MAGE]

This post is assuming that the game is essentially over.

Montego takes whatever the division allows him, the huge ranger never being overly greedy when it came to treasure distribution. (especially in a one-shot adventure. )

He stays at the camp until fully healed, when he starts taking trips back to the former mine often to spy on any possible future activity there. He takes whoever is willing to do the work along with him when he goes.

He reports any activity he finds there, hoping to find other ties to the dark one they can use against their enemy.

If this works in any way, and his spying produces valuable information, he thinks about staying behind to help these poor war-torn people even further.


Great game Gary!!! Thanks for running it for us!!!

[ChubbyPixie]

Kranston, taking the horn as his share of the magical spoils, puts the item to good use as a concert effect in performances of increasing sophistication and complexity. He begins work on a new epic, a song recounting the exploits of a warrior with magical armor, Crazy Chain. It's a big hit.

Thanks for DMing!

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Eventually washing dishes does the trick and Cassius manages to get sober. He does go back to visit his old boss and friends but now that he's tasted a proper adventure, he finds the town a bit constraining. Cassius makes his way to Greatwall and takes the Count up on his offer of employment, finding time to seek out his old friends and reminisce about the adventure they shared together.

Cassius is interested in the sword or fly mainly. The ringmail would be a downgrade for him.

As we got paid from Greatwall, the loot from the caves is extra as I understand. I think we should split it evenly with Dorin, Farkus, Clint, Rusty, and Adel. With Sai, Kranston, Montego, Muldgarr, and Cassius, that makes ten. Easy enough.
70G and 30S.

If Muldgarr can use the ringmail, maybe this works:
Sai: cloak and daggers
Muldgarr: ringmail and healing potion (I think you had the high score of downs )
Kranston: horn and ring
Montego: Fly
Cassius: sword

I had a great time with this. Thank you, everyone, and a special thanks to those of you who composed songs during the adventure. Something I always enjoy but come up short when I try.
And a final thanks to Hedge, who put up with the broken archer I always wanted to make.

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr is humbled by the reception he and his companions received. Once the festivities have completed he will take some time to heal mind, body and soul, before beginning the next chapter in the story!

Hedge, thank you for running the game, had a great time!