Sessions 1 and 2 Recap

Old School Campaign Journal

Session 1: November 4, 2017

The Village of Hommlett—or merely "Hommlett," as it is commonly called—is situated in the central part of the Flanaess, that portion of western Oerik Continent which is known and 'civilized.' The hamlet-sized village (local parlance having distinguished it with the greater term) is located some 30 leagues southeast of the town of Verbobonc, or thereabouts, on the fringe of the territory controlled by the noble Lord the Viscount of Verbobonc. It is at a crossroads. To the north is the mighty Velverdyva River, along whose south bank runs the Lowroad. Many days' travel to the east, on the shores of the Lake of Unknown Depths (Nyr Dyv), is the great walled city of Dyvers. The village of Sobanwych lies about halfway along the route. Below that to the southeast and east are miles and miles of forest (the Gnarley), beyond which is the Wild Coast, Woolly Bay, and the Sea of Gearnat. The road south forks a league or so beyond the little community, one branch meandering off towards the Wild Coast, the other rolling through the lower Kron Hills to the village of Ostverk and then eventually turning southwards again into the elven kingdom of Celene. The western route leads into the very heart of the gnomish highlands, passing through Greenway Valley about a day's travel distant and going onwards to the Lortmil Mountains far beyond.

Hommlet grew from a farm or two, a rest house, and a smithy. The roads brought a sufficient number of travelers and merchant wagons to attract tradesmen and artisans to serve those passing through. The resthouse became a thriving inn, and a wheel and wainwright settled in the thorp. More farmers and herdsmen followed, for grain was needed for the passing animals, and meat was in demand for the innfolk. Prosperity was great, for the lord of the district was mild and taxed but little. Trade was good, and the land was untroubled by war, outlaws, or ravaging beasts. The area was free, beautiful, and bountiful — too much so, in the eyes of some. Whether the evil came west from Dyvers (as is claimed by one faction) or crept up out of the forestlands bordering the Wild Coast (as others assert), come it did. At first it was only a few thieves and an odd group of bandits molesting the merchant caravans. Then came small bands of humanoids—kobolds or goblins—raiding the flocks and herds. Local militia and foresters of the Waldgraf of Ostverk apparently checked, but did not stop, the spread of outlawry and evil. A collection of hovels and their slovenly inhabitants formed the nucleus for the troubles which were to increase. A wicked cleric established a small chapel at this point. The folk of Hommlet tended to ignore this place, Nulb, even though it was but 6 miles distant. But its out-of-the-way position was ideal for the fell purposes planned for this settlement, as was its position on a small river flowing into the Velverdyva. The thickets and marshes around Nulb became the lair and hiding place for bandits, brigands, and all sorts of evil men and monsters alike. The chapel grew into a stone temple as its faithful brought in their ill-gotten tithes. Good folk were robbed, pillaged, enslaved, and worse. In but three years, a grim and forbidding fortress surrounded the evil place, and swarms of creatures worshipped and worked their wickedness therein. The servants of the Temple of Elemental Evil made Hommlet and the lands for leagues around a mockery of freedom and beauty. Commerce ceased, crops withered; pestilence was abroad. But the leaders of this cancer were full of hubris and, in their overweening pride, sought to overthrow the good realms to the north, who were coming to the rescue of the land being crushed under the tyranny wrought by the evil temple. A great battle was fought. When the good people of Hommlet saw streams of ochre-robed men and humanoids fleeing south and west through their community, there was great rejoicing, for they knew that the murderous oppressors had been defeated and driven from the field in panic and rout. So great was the slaughter, so complete the victory of good, that the walled stronghold of the Temple of Elemental Evil fell within a fortnight, despite the aid of a terrible demon. The place was ruined and sealed against a further return of such abominations by powerful blessings and magic. Life in Hommlet quickly returned to a semblance of its former self, before the rise of the temple. For five years afterward, the village and the surrounding countryside have become richer and more prosperous than ever before. A monstrous troll which plagued the place for a time was hunted down by a party of passing adventurers. Carrying the ashes and a goodly fortune as well, the adventurers returned to the village. Before going elsewhere to seek their fortunes, the adventurers also returned a portion of the villagers' losses. Other adventurers, knowing of the evil that had once resided in the area, came to seek out similar caches, and several did find remote lairs and wealth—just as some never returned at all. After a time, adventurers stopped coming to the area. It seemed that no monsters were left to slay, and no evil existed here to be stamped out. The villagers heaved a collective sigh—some pained at the loss of income, but others relieved by the return to the quiet, normal life—and Hommlet continued its quiet existence for four years more. But then, a year ago, the bandits began to ride the roads again—not frequently, but to some effect. To the good folk of Hommlet, this seemed all too familiar, so they sent word to the Viscount that wicked forces might still lurk thereabouts. This information has been spread throughout the countryside, and the news has attracted outsiders to the village once again. Who and what these men are, no one can be quite sure. All claim to be bent on slaying monsters and bringing peace and security to Hommlet; but deeds speak more loudly than words, and lies cloak the true purposes of the malevolent.

The news reached a young paladin, Bort Lackman, who had recently taken his vow to rid the world of all Evil. Through his various connections on the Wild coast. The party gathered in Verbobonc. It was an Odd crew of adventurers to say the least. Beside the Human Paladin, there was the Half-orc Cleric, Malcer Basha, a young acolyte. Liadon, a Wood elf Ranger and his mysterious, half-elf, apprentice Wizard friend, Moonwhisper came from the elf realm of Celene. Rounding out the party were the unlikely pairing of a half elf rogue and a dwarf fighter, named Nightbreeze and Audhild. Together they made their way southeast to the village of Hommlet.

Entering the village of Hommlet, the party met and interrogated several local farmers, learning a little about the local town history. They heard of the Old Faith and the Church of St. Cuthbert from the local residents.

The head of the Old Faith, the Druid Jaroo Ashstaff, who resided in an area of worship known as The Grove, spoke of maintaining the balance that was currently being disturbed by unknown actors nearby.

Visiting the Church of St. Cuthbert, they encountered a priest named Calmert, who extracted a donation from the party to facilitate a meeting with the Canon Terjon. Terjon told them of the battle to stop the forces of the Temple of Elemental Evil. The Temple was overthrown and had been quiet for years but there were increasing reports of an increase of incidents locally.

The party heard of a wizard who was building a tower on the outskirts of the village and visited him. The wizard, Burne, spoke of concerns about renewed bandit activity at the Moathouse, a couple hours journey east. The Moathouse had once been an outpost for the infamous Temple of Elemental Evil. The party hearing of Burne’s concerns and seeking adventure decided to investigate.

The party made their way east toward the Moathouse. As they approached through the swamps surrounding the structure, they were attacked by four giant frogs, which were quickly dispatched in the first combat for these novice adventurers.

Entering through the gates and into a front guard tower, the party was attacked by a giant wolf spider. The melee was over quickly and after a quick search, an ivory box and a handful of coins were collected.

Upon entering the main structure, the found themselves confronted by the front line of protection. Nine armed brigands gave strong resistance but the young adventurers were beginning to gain confidence in their martial skills. After dispatching of these foes, they swept through the remainder of the upper floor, encountering and killing two giant snakes, many rats, and a pesky giant lizard.

They moved their way to the dark dungeon level below. Almost immediately, they were attacked from above by a stealthy grey ooze. The party had learned a valuable lesson about the diligence needed to ward off surprise attacks.

The dungeon was strewn with evil creatures, including bugbears, gnolls, zombies, and ghouls, which they dispatched with vigor. Finally, the source of the renewed Moathouse activity was reached. The well-guarded “Master”, which was how his minions referred to the evil cleric, Lareth, was found and a fierce battle ensued. The party overpowered the priest, who begged and attempted to bribe them to spare his life, but to no avail. The former outpost of the Temple of Elemental Evil had been defeated.

The adventure was quick and relatively painless. Much experience and booty were gained. They returned to Hommlet with the good news, triumphant in their victory against evil. 

Adventure Summary

Kills:

Ø  4 Giant Frogs

Ø  Giant Wolf Spider

Ø  9 Brigands

Ø  2 Giant Poisonous Snakes

Ø  7 Giant Rats

Ø  Giant Lizard

Ø  Gray Ooze

Ø  8 Zombies

Ø  Half-Ogre

Ø  3 Bugbears

Ø  5 Gnolls

Ø  2 Ghouls

Ø  15 Guardsman (including 2 Sergeants and a Lieutenant)

Ø  Lareth “the Beautiful”

Treasure:

Ø  10 Gold Ingots (50 gp each)

Ø  Ivory Box (50 gp)

Ø  3 Light Crossbows

Ø  Wooden Box with Ivory Handles (45 gp)

Ø  Jeweled Dagger (850 gp)

Ø  Potion (unknown)

Ø  Scroll of Protection from Undead

Ø  Silver Flagon and Goblet (80 gp)

Ø  Platinum Chain (1000 gp)

Ø  Gold Chain (200 gp)

Ø  Silver Necklace (50 gp)

Ø  Lareth’s Opal Chain (15000 gp)

Ø  Black Opal (1000 gp)

Ø  Lareth’s Staff (unknown)

Ø  Magic Phylactery (unknown)

Ø  Lieutenant’s Chain (1000 gp)

Ø  Bugbear Bracelet (450 gp)

Ø  Cloak (unknown)

Ø  3 Scrolls in bone case (unknown)

Ø  29 Gems (100 gp each)

Ø  Silver Service Set (4000 gp)

Ø  Platinum Pin with Ruby (2000 gp)

Ø  71 pp, 130 gp, 84 ep, 944 sp, 3110 cp

Jewels sold total (20000 gp)

Cost of training to be determined

Session 2: February 10, 2018

The pleasant and seemingly peaceful village of Hommlet turned out to be filled

with intrigue, with agents of Chaotic Evil hiding within the hamlet. The supposedly deserted and ruined moathouse nearby held a new champion of the nearby Temple of Elemental Evil. All of this brought danger and difficulty to the members of your group, but it also offered adventure, experience, and wealth. You have either slain or driven off the evil men and creatures, and the able guardians of Hommlet— Jaroo, Terjon, Elmo, and the rest of the turdy

militiamen — can surely see to it that their area remains clean of the taint of Evil hereafter. Having accomplished most of your goals, you must now look elsewhere for yet greater challenges (and commensurate rewards). If agents Of the Temple were still active in Hommlet, then there must certainly be Work for you at that fountainhead of wickedness. Just a half-day's journey afoot (only about two hours' ride), east along the High Road, lies the disreputable community of Nulb, and the Temple hidden in the hills nearby. This vile place spawned much suffering, ruin and death before the hosts of Good brought it low and bound its power. It is evident that the place was wounded but not slain, for dark things crept into Hommlet under direction of someone or something still lurking in the shunned edifice of Evil. The upper works of the Temple were thrown down and destroyed in the final siege of the war against its Hordes. Because of its great power and evil, however, the conquerors did not actually raze the Temple proper, instead sealing its great doors and placing mighty wards of all sorts upon the place and the black labyrinth beneath. Even as great a force as overthrew the Temple could not cleanly deal with what lurked below. Since that great battle, the Temple area has been shunned, its ruins deserted. The nearby village of Nulb has returned to a semblance of normal activity — questionable at best, for the place has always been rumored to house thieves, brigands, smugglers and pirates. But as Nulb stinks of garbage and filth, the Temple area reeks of the foul corruption and pervading Evil from whence it was have again been left to their own devices.

When the Temple of Elemental Evil flourished, earthquakes, storms of all

sorts, great fires, and flash floods struck areas nearby with seeming Capriciousness. All that ceased when the Temple was assaulted and sealed. You have been advised of all this, and urged to go elsewhere to seek your fame and fortunes. The unease which prevails upon those merely passing near the ruins shows that some wickedness still haunts the place. There are many bad folk in Nulb, and still greater perils amidst the fallen Temple. Yet the lure of such adventure beckons to you, drawing your party as surely as a lodestone draws iron. Warnings against loss of life — or even worse fates — cannot

counter the irresistible pull of treasures secreted deep underground, of monsters still unbeaten, of mysteries to be unraveled. There are whispers of occult places beneath the interdicted Temple, where mighty Evil is yet wrought and noble folk are imprisoned. With care and cunning,

luck and great deeds, caution mixed with boldness and daring, you and your associates can win through to achieve exploits of the stuff of legend!

The journey of a hundred leagues begins with the first pace, and the time for your sojourn has come. How you and your fellow adventurers plan to overcome the perils of the Temple is a matter that you must decide for yourselves. Is it best to reconnoiter from Hommlet? Base your activities from the village of Nulb? Try to make a secure wilderness camp somewhere near the ruin? Or perhaps lodge somewhere within the foreboding Temple itself? The decision is now. It is certain that both vast treasure and horrible death await, so you must gain the one while cheating the other. Fortune and the gods must smile upon such an undertaking.

For many years, a cult of Chaotic Evil flourished somewhere on the shores of the Nyr Dyv. Although the location of their Temple is lost, these facts regarding it and its followers are known. The cult was based on the premise that the elemental forces of the universe are Chaotic and opposed to mankind, and are thus (from a humanocentric viewpoint) Evil. The Temple of the cult sought to destroy all works of Good and to disrupt order. Its members were thieves, assassins, brigands, and the like. Fire was regarded as the first elemental evil, and its penchant for Chaos fitted the premise of the cult. Water was likewise worshipped as an even more powerful force of Chaotic Evil, in the form of floods, storms, and raging seas beating upon the land and ocean vessels. The epitome of Chaotic Evil, however, was regarded as a combination of air and earth, represented by blackness and corresponding with the demonic Abyss. This combination was regarded as a complete negation of matter. The cult grew powerful and rich, attracting followers of the worst sort and offering them safety within the walls of the Temple stronghold. From this fortress would the followers ride to rob, pillage, and lay waste the lands about, tithing the cult from the spoils of the carnage. Captives from those raids were brought back to the Temple to serve as human sacrifices (children to the fire, men to the water, and women to the blackest Evil) or to slave their lives away in bondage. Besides the extensive upper works of the Temple, a deep labyrinth beneath the place was constructed, but virtually nothing is known about these dungeons except that they were inhabited by a plethora of creatures serving Chaos and Evil. It is rumored that a demon took up abode in the deepest level, to better receive the sacrifices to it. Eventually the neighbors of the Temple grew tired of these depredations. All Good, both Lawful and Chaotic, banded together to form a mighty host. Their army marched to the Temple, fighting two battles along the way. The first was conclusive, thought the forces of Good who held the field afterward, so they gained the reputation of victory, and their ranks swelled with local men. The second battle saw a great slaughter of kobolds, goblins, ores, hobgoblins, evil men, and the like. The Temple was thereafter besieged, fell, and its inhabitants put to the sword. It is reported by some sources that the Temple and its precincts resisted complete destruction, but the majority state that the whole was razed so that the cult could never emerge again nor could any find where it once flourished

The party rested and recovered at the Inn of the Welcome Wench. Over a month, they met with local mentors to train and raise their level of expertise in their class. Moonwhisper lodged in Burne’s tower and studied at his side learning several new spell and abilities. Liadon was trained further in the ways of nature and natural combat in the Grove with Jaroo. Bort and Audrey, increased their melee combat abilities with Burne’s partner, Rufus. Riardon improved his skills as a rogue through interaction with a regular guest at the Welcome Wench, Furnok, who was known for his uncanny ability to win at various games of chance. Malcer quietly spent the weeks in his room studying his religious texts, fasting and in prayer.

The jewelry was either sold or deposited with Nira Melubb, the jeweler and moneychanger. Costs for training and room & board are still to be determined.

Upon their return to Hommlet, Malcer sent a message out to his fellow Half-Orc friend, Xlar, to come join the upcoming expedition to the Temple of Elemental Evil. Xlar recruited, Aelar, an outcast Drow who were bonded from their time as soldiers. Through other connections, they brought along a Goliath barbarian, named Thot and a Half-Elf warlock named Soveliss.

Leaving the welcoming Village of Hommlet the party moved northeast to Nulb. There they were met with indifference and some signs of hostility. Otis the blacksmith was the only one to show any desire to aid the young crew. He stated he was the brother of Elmo of Hommlet and was aware of their previous exploits.

Making their way south from Nulb they searched and found the remains of the Temple. Working their way inside they descended to first dungeon level below the main temple floor. Immediately they found themselves inside the Temple of Earth Elementals and were confronted by the elemental guards. The fight was desperate as times with several members receiving grievous wounds. They did prevail, however and were richly rewarded upon the discovery of the temple’s buried treasure.

The party resumed their inspection of the dungeon. Eventually they stumbled upon a pair of bugbears who put up a strong fight but succumbed to being outnumbered.

It is here we leave the story for now….

Kills:

Ø  3 Earth Elementals

Ø  2 Bugbears

Treasure:

Ø  12 Green Robes

Ø  Potion (unknown)

Ø  Ring Mail

Ø  28 Brown spinel gems (100 gp each)

Ø  Morning Star

Ø  Iron Ring

Ø  Rope

Ø  3 Vials of Ointment

Ø  Wand (unknown) in leather case

Ø  Scroll of Protection from Earth Elementals

Ø  200 pp, 824 gp, 6 ep, 22 sp