BK Con Queso

Coming of the Road interactive (December 13, 2003)

Report Of Insurrection at Ethelmere

A battle was fought at an old Johrase fortress south of Rookroost and north of Kinemeet.

Written in a personal journal:

I was personally invited to the town of Ethelmere to attend a celebration meant to celebrate the
old one's victory over the Horned Society at Molag. I was to discover that the invitation was sent
out by the local priest of the old one. I'm not sure how he got my name. On my journey I met other
people going that way including some I already knew to be stalwart companions even if they did not
follow the true path. It was interesting to discover that many of the adventuring sect were invited.
My guess that the celebration wasn't the only event being planned would prove to be true.

The priest gave a speech in the morning extolling the greatness of the victory over the hierarchs.
The local priest was at least partially insane referring to some in the crowd as influential servants
of the old one. I began to gather information as well as form plans with those I knew in case
trouble should arrive. As luck would have it there were at least two others of the true faith in town
although I would not meet one till after his demise.

During talks with individuals and eavesdropping on other conversations many things came to light.
The nearby Stonehill Fortress was constructing something new. There was also a force of the old
one's troops headed towards Ethelmere. The local Johrase guildmaster was none other than
Traynen, a man I knew from my previous experience with the fortress. Also living in the town was
Dmitri, the pub owner of the Broken Sword and former owner of the Broken Tankard in Zelosus. We
had a brief talk and I wished him better luck than he had with his first tavern.

Around noon there was a demonstration of the victory over Molag. The priest had his lackey and
some others beat upon a local vagrant in a parody of the actual combat.

Towards the end of the first day Traynen confronted the Iuzian priest demanding to know what was
planned for the town and was slain despite the attempt by a few other Johrase to stop it. In the
ensuing short fight the cleric was killed. A rallying cry to fight against the old one and take
Stonehill Fortress was begun and planning started. The majority decision was to attack the next day
shortly after dawn.

The servant of the priest had not been dealt with and there was talk of killing him off to prevent
him from reporting on the priests death. In the meantime a few misguided fools moved to defend
him obviously charmed or dominated. With the aid of Serina, loyal follower of the Ruby Sorceress, I
called upon the might of the Lady of Book and Bone to immolate him where he stood. That done I
retired for the night.

During the night while I slept a lycanthrope moved through the town and killed Brona, the town's
smith. The next morning this afflicted person, Aramance, came to me for aid. She had contracted it
but had not known and this was the first full moon since that infection. At the time I was unable to
do so but promised that I would grant succor after the conflict. Also during the night one of our
group who had been unknown to me but was introduced by Khan, a follower of chaos, fled the
town. A spy had been in our midst and the enemy was warned.

Waking early my companions and I and those few who were the least experienced, but brave of
heart, feasted on the bounty of the Stern Lady. Last minute prayers were given and spells cast. The
assault began!

Under cover of a large area of shadow (to prevent accurate missile attack), the force quickly
moved to the gates which I felled by softening the stone supports. Each group moved to its planned
area and the fighting grew fierce. Ramirez, Khan, Serina, Cormac, Sarah, and I moved quickly to
the roof of the inner keep where we were met by fierce resistance. Many of the strongest
defenders of the fortress awaited us there including a dragonlike creature (shifter). Unable to make
headway and near death we decided to fall back and aid other parts of the assault. Three of us
moved to the gatehouse area while three teleported away to regroup. This was to prove a serious
setback as it allowed the upper floor defenders to also spread out and aid their companions as well
as leave the morale of the defenders high (there were drums and horns being played on the roof.)

The combats were heavy in all areas but the gate was the first to nearly fall, even with the aid of
the Stern Lady, the younger adventurers there were little match for the forces arrayed against
them. They bravely held as long as they could and then retreated. They became trapped between
the portcullises for a while but the timely arrival of Ramirez, Cormac, and I soon turned the tide.
With Cormac and Ramirez holding the courtyard I left them to return to the inner keep. I found the
assault there stymied as defenders poured down the stairs. I aided as best as I could with healing,
fire, and death (using the goddess's greatest gift against one who fought on even while his entrails
pooled around his feet) praying that our other companions would soon return.

The dragonlike creature confused by magic during the fight on the roof had crashed down into
another part of the keep and only it's inability to decide its own actions prevented it from slaying
those there. Upon their return Serina, Khan, and Sarah went to the aid of those there. I know that
eventually the shifter was killed but I am not clear on the details.

As the first floor was dealing with the last of the upper floor defenders, a clay golem, Ramirez
arrived to let me know that there was a ghost in another part of the fortress. I left then to deal
with the ghost but it had been temporarily defeated before I arrived. Shortly after that the
remaining defense collapsed and what remained escaped. The final cost for the assault was three
dead. Of those only one wanted to be or could be raised and Khan offered the diamonds needed. I
would raise him the next day. I never asked Khan if he knew it was a follower of Wee Jas that he
paid to get raised.

Having taken the fortress there was much debate about what the next move should be. Searching
the fortress revealed that there was something in the basement that needed killing and those that
were already there in the basement accomplished that deed. There was also a letter stating the
intent to start a new road of skulls and to use those of the town of Ethelmere to be its first
occupants.

In the lull after the assault some Dazark orcs arrived to negotiate aid for weapons. A deal was
struck allowing six orcs to walk away with as many weapons as they could carry while twelve other
orcs joined the defenders. Meanwhile Ramirez went to the town to warn those residents of their
impending fate. In return for leaving the residents had a list of demands which included the
donation of 7200gp plus the who and why of Grona's death. When this was discussed many were for
leaving the fools to their deaths but some argued against. There was also argument for and against
defending the fortress against the arriving forces of the old one. A call was sent out to Hok for aid
but none was forthcoming. I, for one, was not surprised and think too many are eager to trade one
tyrant for another.

In the end it was decided to stay and defend. The money was raised for the town and after a brief
discussion I convinced Aramance that we would not turn her over to the townsfolk but merely
reveal the reason for the death of the smith. Ramirez and I went back to the town (on phantom
steeds donated by someone whose name I never learned). The townsfolk balked on my returning to
the fortress since I had offered to raise their smith but after some discussion and a promise that I
would return they agreed to quit the town.

Ramirez and I returned to the fortress in time to join in the defense. Some of the previous
defenders had decided to leave feeling they could not offer much in the way of help and afraid that
it would be a tomb for us all. We asked them to protect the townspeople as they escaped.

The rest that were left returned to their defenses and made ready. At this time the weather turned
worse with wind and dropping temperature and finally a blizzard. It seemed the attackers were the
cause and meant to hide their approach. Just before the assault a Johrase named Ollie approached
the fortress to give warning of what was coming. His dire warning again started debate on whether
the fortress should be defended. It was apparent that giants, demons, spellcasters, ogres, orcs, and
other foul minions of the old one would be thrown at us. And we were still exhausted from the
earlier fight.

The assault began for us in the upper floor of the inner keep with the appearance of a nalfeshnee.
Ramirez called upon the holy might of Heironeous and the creature was stunned. Before it could
recover it was dead and we were moving downstairs to aid other defenders. The first floor was
being assaulted by ogres and then a giant was in their midst. This too was slain in a matter of
moments and we scattered about some going downstairs to the basement while some went out into
the blinding snow to do what they could. I traveled to the rear of the fortress where some of the
more inexperienced groups were defending. The deep snow made movement slow and difficult.
Eventually I arrived at a tower to find the defenders there were okay (having hid from some orcs)
and moved again to aid other groups. By this time the assault had been defeated and the ragged
remains of Iuz's forces were escaping into the blizzard.

The exhausted but happy defenders then had to make some final decisions. After a brief discussion
and some voting it was agreed to turn the fortress over to the Johrase. Money was again sought and
Traynen was teleported to Greyhawk to be resurrected. I went to the villagers in their exodus and
the next day raised all those that still needed it. Aramance had already had her lycanthropy cured
by Jeremy, a halfling priest of Pelor.

Now it only leaves the question what will the bonehearts do in retaliation? While a great victory for
those who were there it is only a small sore to the power of the old one. If left to fester this could
become something more. However, even as I write this I have received an invitation to investigate
the fabled passage of Slerotin and I leave for the Yeomanry. What news shall I find when I return?

James W Hines

Here is Devin Darktree's account of the "Coming of the Road"

Somehow a messenger found me and delivered a message to invite me to

come to a Festival, so I ended my travels for the day coming to a
small town near a fortress on the hill for the festival of the "blood
moon". I spent a little time walking around the human dominated town,
sigh…, and checked out the local attractions. There was not much to
see, unless you like drunks, beggars, shifty priest, hunchbacks, and
other oddities that rural life provides. After some time I notice a
Jorhase mercenary selling maps to the stone fort on the hill. I
spoke him several times, but the dirty little human scum would not
sell me a map. Oh well, justice was somehow (smile) done, the Priest
found him out and slayed him on the spot. Then a foolish rookie
adventure challenged him, and everyone grew ready for a fight.
Suddenly fire rained down and killed the priest. Latter efforts to
raise this evil priest where not successful (Yeah). So Taylen the
mercenary and the Priest where dead. A collection was latter taken
to raise Taylen from the dead, but I did not contribute. Hey what can
I say; he should have sold me a map.

Latter, all of us were gathered to assault the fortress on the hill.

After much chaos, nothing was resolved with our quickly formed army
and how to proceed, but for some reason I stuck with this effort.
However, I did find several adventures to form a squad with. For
their own safety I have left out their names, we all know old wicked
has eyes and ears everywhere. We were well balanced with skills, A
rouge, fighter/rouge, druid and his wolf, a warrior, a wizard, one
other, and myself (out of game comment, we had 2-2nds, 4-3rds, and me
1-6th level (wizard 5). We decided to take the wall and one of the
towers. Everyone else around us went to the main gate. Glad we did
not join them, boy did they need military training. But the group I
worked with was one of the best groups I ever fought with, if it was
not for our team tactics, we all would have surely died. I give my
thanks and compliment them all! But I get ahead of myself.

So in we went. There were at least 12 orc archers on the walls and 6

or so humans; two at least were priest. There were also 3 orcs and
two humans shooting from the top of the tower. They nearly cut us
all down to shreds as we approached, (they must have all been
officers with the high accuracy of the shots they made, or
professional archers). Then in an act of bravery or selfish
foolishness I ran up in the middle of it all to help save the
enlarged chain fighting rouge that was down, and used my precious
scro…. Magical item that created an obscuring mists. This
temporarily saved us, and bought us a few rounds to heal up. I was
really grateful the druid and the fighter had healing wands, or it
would have been the end. It was about then I heard a dragon roar.

Soon afterwards orcs started pouring out of the tower, we must have
mad them mad, because I think every orc in the fort came after us. I
don't know how many we fought when things ended, but I lost count
after 41 orcs were killed (no I am not kidding or exaggerating).
Once again I get ahead of myself. We threw every trick we had at
them. Finally, after another companion was down I had to step into
the fray and act once again. I was fortunate enough to be able to
use another item at my disposal and throw out a wave or fire, slaying
7 orcs. But one of our companions was now down and dead, we fell
back from the tower floor and back in the mist which were about to
fade away. Our druid commanded his reluctant wolf to guard the
opening, and fight hard it did. The druid stayed behind the wolf
healing it as it fought, I being a ranger took the fighters wand of
healing and also helped cure the wolf, but eventually the orcs got
lucky and killed the noble animal. I could hear many more coming
down the stairs.

So many orcs so little time. I knew I had to act. So once again I

got out another treasured magical device, and to my amazement it
somehow produce webs that filled the tower floor and stairs.
Correllon must have been watching me this day, because every human
and orc were immobilized (yes they all failed their saves). While I
was doing this my new friend the rouge started to scale the wall to
try and come at the orcs from behind, it was the last time I saw him
before he was forced to jumped over the wall and flee. The others
were healing my companions and getting everyone back on their feet.
One person broke in a window in the warehouse to make a stand to
fight in the building.

Just about the time we had everything in hand, another dozen orcs
came into view. So my companions continued to withdraw into the
warehouse. An arrow downed one of my group and I could see a second
arrow speeding in at him, and I stepped in and took the shot that
would have definitely killed him. Boy was that a painful experience
(11 points with and arrow). Then two armor-clad individuals came
into view. Cormac and some other human paladin full of himself. If
I had not meet Cormac in town earlier that day I would have thought
him another foe to fight with that vampire armor of his. I do not
know exactly what happened, as I kept my word and stayed with my
squad. But the day was ours and the battle won.

Latter after a long 9 hours of debate and planning with nothing

accomplished, we took several votes on what to do. Khan tried to
organize this; he did ok for a human. I tried to help him to
convince the people to leave and burn the fortress. Some heroes
already fled, I estimate we lost 30% of our forces to this. The
rest, with a 17-18 vote, decided to stay. I almost left myself but
did stay. Now we had to defend the fortress.

Reports came in of many orcs, a giant, and some goat like demon where
on their way. Someone decided we should defend the gate. Only the
wizard and me remained from our original squad, and I had no faith in
the people we were now teamed up with. I knew we could not hold the
gate, since our army took it so easily earlier the same day. So the
wizard and me went and help a stunning beautiful elven druid and her
company of heroes defend the back walls and the burned out buildings
around it. But then the blizzard hit. All I can say is I could
barely see 5 feet in front of me. But the she-druid and I
established a way to send messages to each other. I started to come
to her aid when she said orcs had breached the walls from above and
below (out of game the apl 2 table hid, and their encounter walked
over to our apl 4 table, so we had two fights). I found myself
suddenly enlarged; I wonder how that happened? I went to the walls.
The snow was so deep and the wind so strong I could hardly move. By
the time I got there, Cormac was there again, he popped in with some
sorcerer babe – too bad she was human, ummmmm. After that it was a
quick fight.

I must admit I did not think we could hold the fort, but we did with
minimal lose of life on our side. I was told General Hawk, and
possible General Khan where going to hold up for the winter there.

It was one hell of a day is all I can say.

Signed
D.D.
(Jim Finn)

Insurrection of Stonekeep and Ethelmere

The day started slowly enough full of fun and

merriment for everyone attending the festival in
Ethelmere. I spent my time gambling, talking with the
various innkeepers, merchant houses and other good
folk of Ethelmere and had a fine time. The local
Temple to Old Wicked was run by a rather mentally
distraught individual as he kept referring to me as
Lord Mortoth; perhaps my disguise was a bit too good.
The day’s festivities included an inspiring bardic
rendition of the defeat of the Heirchs of Molag on
this day some years ago. Shortly after its conclusion
things begin to take a dangerous course as a young
Johrase mercenary; the same saved and freed two years
ago from the fortress that sits nearby; confronted the
cleric of Old Wicked regarding the report of a massive
digging project at the old fortress. The Cleric of Old
Wicked responded to the brash of the young mercenary
by slaying with a foul spell of death. The crowd who
had gathered responded by killing this evil man, and
several seconds later his gnarled aide (rumored to be
an ally working against Old Wicked) was consumed by a
pillar of fire from on high. The remaining Johrase
mercenaries then informed us of the forces in the
castle and there search for something evil, with many
cries of death to Old Wicked and Freedom a desperate
plan was formed to storm the castle.

We started making our plans for the assault, it was

agreed that the more experienced warriors in the
groups would assault both the roof and the basement,
while the others would try to hold the gate house,
courtyard and assorted small buildings. With our plans
made we waited for the time of the assault. It was
only some time after this we learned that there had
been a traitor amongst us our planes had been handed
to the enemy we knew he would be ready for our attack.
While we waited Solace prepared a Hero's Feast to
help fortify us for the coming battle. As the time of
the assault approached Serena cast fly upon our
assault group and headed for the Castle. As we cleared
the main Solace threw spells at it that caused the
stone itself to part from the hinges of the gate
allowing it to collapse and clear a way into the
castle for the other warriors. I then flew up to the
roof and saw large gnarled figure which before my eyes
grew in size and demeanor until its appearance became
that of a Great Dragon. Despite this I moved to engage
was hurt as I approached and its massive claws tore at
me. Khan and Cormac both joined the fray, mighty
spells were released by Solace, Serena and Sara
Goules, but the enemy force held there ground. The
battle waged back and forth for several rounds, but
the enemy held and forced us back from the roof. With
no visible casualties amongst the defenders of the
roof we made the decision to fall back and save what
we could of the other forces to fight for another day.
As we began to move to aide the others Serena released
c spell to cloud the minds and confuse our opponents
on the roof. Much later to our surprise we learned
that this turned the tide of the battle. The spell was
unaturally effective as the Dragon flew away and later
crashed to the ground, the Enlarged orcs jumped off
the roof attacking each other and fell to there
deaths. In the chaos this created the Roof Assault
group took advantage of there aerial mobility and went
to the aide of many different areas of the castle.

I near unconsciousness headed for the gate house, a

group of warriors were in desperate straights, and
they had managed to get caught between two massive
portcullises and were being attacked from above by
burning oil. The courtyard was full of orcs, worgs,
and other defenders that were firing arrow after arrow
into the trapped adventurers. Summoning my faithful
mount I engaged the enemy in the courtyard, it was a
desperate struggle I fought to keep back the defenders
and was nearly overwhelmed and pulled from my mount
but managed to hold my ground slaying all who
approached. Solace at Cormac then arrived and both
aided me and helped with the remainder of the orcs.
This gave those in the gate house the beak they needed
with a massive effort they were able to lift the outer
portcullis and escape from the deadly trap. Solace
then headed into the ground level of the fortress
itself; while Cormac and I headed for the far wall it
appears the Confused Dragon had crashed in amongst the
defenders of the far wall. Khan and Serena were
already lending there support there against the Dragon
and its forces. I arrived in time to see the Dragon
Trample two brave warrior's who tried to hurt it; both
went down before its fury. In amazement I watched a
visage of one of the dead warriors rise from its
corpse as a Ghost and begin attacking those around it.
Before I could engage the foes at the far wall of the
castle another group let out a cry and looking over a
group was surrounded in a bunkhouse and receiving fire
from multiple archers in a tower and courtyard. I flew
to there aid and helped them defeat the orcs
attacking.

I them moved back over to the far wall and saw the
Ghost flick his wrist and Sara Goules was bodily flung
into the raging Dragon for having the impudence to try
and turn it. Khan then engaged the Dragon, while I
flew to the center keep looking for our Priest of Wee
Jas Solace, I found him there supporting a group
facing a Clay Golem. I urged him to the far wall to
help with the Ghost while I would help here against
the Golem. While the fight raged on above and inside
the keep, underneath things that had gone well had
taken a turn for the worse.

The group assaulting the basement had initially done

well destroying all of the forces they encountered
including a Juggernaut and a legendary Bear inside it;
as these forces finished moping up the basement. A
cleric of the Old One entered and spoke blasphemy to
people in the basement paralyzing them all, then
choosing his target he destroyed one of those
defending the basement. Before he could do more damage
though he fled as the remaining forces of the castle
fell to the sword or ran leaving him alone.

Information gathered in the castle warned us that the

creatures within were merely the manual labor for the
contraction of a great new Road of Skulls and that the
village of Ethelmere and all the inhabitants there
celebrating the festival were to be sacrificed and
used to make the new Road of Skulls. Many discussions
and plans were formed during this time, and there was
considerable dissent on what our best course of
action. This is when Khan took charge of the forces
and through group consensus formed a plan. We would
get the village of Ethelmere to evacuate and defend
Stonekeep. While Khan took charge of organizing the
defense of the Castle I gathered a group of skilled
diplomats and talked with the elders of Ethelmere
after extensive discussions we convinced them abandon
the city in return for raising the smith from the
dead, and 7500gp. With this task completed Solace and
I returned to help in the defense of the castle. With
the warriors deployed to various spots in the castle
the weather began to take a turn for the worse an
unnatural blizzard began blowing with howling gale
force winds. Out of the blizzard appeared a Johrase
mercenary named Ollie who warned us of the composition
of the forces coming to retake Stonekeep. A few more
of our limited number of warriors slipped over the
wall to escape rather then face the oncoming hoard the
rest held fast. Suddenly the noise of combat could be
faintly heard between shrieks of the wind. On the
second floor all was quiet, unnaturally quiet. We
suddenly heard a groaning of timbers as if a great
weight and stress had just been placed on the floor
behind us inside the Castle. Turning we saw huge demon
from the abyss, the General of the Army a Nalfshanee
had teleported it's self directly amongst us.
Recognizing my favored enemy I channeled power form
the celestial planes and was able to stun the foul
demon. This gave Khan and Cormac the time they needed
to dispatch the fiend. With that tide of battle once
more turned. Our group scattered to help other areas
of the castle and in the end the fortress remained
under our control and another army of Old Wickeds had
fallen to our swords.

With battlefield clear we turned the castle over to

the Johrase mercenaries and used the remnants of the
blizzard to make good an escape before more forces of
the old one could be assembled to deal with this
insurrection.

Ramirez Gellor

(David)

The view from Hargus, farmer at the old Talmok place, outside of Ethelmere.

"Things ain't been too bad around here fur a while, since as we had some
priest that warn't quite all there in the head, if'n you understand my
meanin. He come with an assistant that was his thinkin. Most folks
figured that assistant had got the evil eye, as things just seem to
break down a bunch when he was around, but he warn't into the killin and
torturin much. Pyna said to just stay low and no one would get hurt,
and she was right until that party.

Well, anyhow the priest, Vandressen, he decided that he was gonna have
this big shindig in town to celebrate the blood moon. They bought most
of my acorn crop to make flour, so that warn't too bad, but then he gone
and invited a bunch of foreigners to town. Some of them were from as
far away as Rookroost! (It's true, I heard one of them say it myself)
Anyhow, once all them foreigners showed up, things just got downright
bad. Old Grona got eaten that night by one of them foreigners. These
foreigners don't recollect that after they leave town, we still gots to
have someone make horseshoes and fix the plows. They done did something
to Traynen that made him forget hisself and go stompin over to
Vandressen and he gets himself killed. Then they go and lynch
Vandressen and that Guidry of his.

Sure is thirsty work doing all this talking. What? Why sure I'll have
another ale! Anyway, like I was saying, after they gots our butts in a
sling by lynching that evil bastard Vandressen, they decided to leave
town and fight the old Johrase fort over by Grantnil's old apple
orchard, you know the one they cut down about 10 years ago? Yea, thats
the one. Well, the next thing we know, they come back all hot and
bothered and beat up and tell everyone to come to the town square where
these gentlemen tell us that now some army is gonna come and kill us
all. Well, I'm thinking, then how come you came here and stirred
everything up, but I don't say nothin cause he had a really big sword
and looked like he knew how to use it, and also he came in riding some
smoke horse that went faster than even Ralli's horse Bessie ever went.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, this guy comes in and tells us we all has
to move. Like I can leave my farm! I just finished the harvest and I
don't have enough wagons to haul my stuff. Then the guy says he'll PAY
us to move! Now that gots my attention, I don't need to tell you
twice. He promised us 10 gold a person to move out of town until this
army had gone past, said we could take all our stuff also. So we talked
it over for a while, and I thought to myself, well this guy is so
powerful rich, how about we see if we can get him to raise our
blacksmith back from the dead like they do in the old stories? Sure
enough, he agreed to do it, even though it took a diamond as big as a
hen's egg to make it happen.

Best part is. The next day, when we aren't farther than the ford at
Milston creek, they come galloping up and tell us that they done
defeated that army and everything is safe. They paid us 10 gold to go
for a walk! These foreigners aren't very smart, but their money's good
and I'll drink another pint to them for sure. Now, Josi, what is that
I hear about old Gurtag's cow having a calf with the mark of the demon
on it....."
Keith Symcox

An excerpt from a speech given by "The Johrase Phoenix" to the

gathered soldiers under his command
"Many now call me the "Johrase Phoenix" for my actions at
Stonehill Fortress. I did naught but fight for my King, for my
Homeland. On that day we fought to reclaim what was once ours, we
fought to reclaim the former symbol of Johrase power, we fought to win
back Johrase's greatest fortress. We did nothing special, only what is
to be expected of any Johrase by his King.
You and I, were not but simple soldiers. We fight the enemies of
our King and obey our orders. For the last ten years we have sold
ourselves out as mercenaries in order to survive under the rule of the
Old One. Our King lives in exile, we fight only to line our leader's
pockets with gold. Many of our Lords walk hand in hand with those who
conquered us those ten long years ago. We have been forbidden to ever
fight against the Old One, and as long as we do so we are guaranteed
survival, for Lord Malachite is bedmates with Cranzer.
Why do we fight when our homeland is overrun? Why do we hide behind
Cranzer's power? Our leaders tell us it is because if were to raise our
arms against the Old One we would destroyed. They say that Johrase is
dead, that the cause of Law and Good is hopeless. They say that as long
as we fight for money we will not have to worry about the wrath of Old
Wicked. Yet to never incur the anger of the Old One is to never fight
for freedom, it is to sit idly while our King rots in exile.
The time is ripe to declare ourselves free, the time is ripe to
throw off the bonds of oppression that have held us down for ten long
years, it is finally time to put our King back on his throne! General
Hok musters armies in the Warfields, the Fellreev and Rift Canyon
bandits grow more vigirous with every passing day. The Old One no
longer has an iron grip on the Combination, even as we speak it slips
through his fingers. Declare ourselves free now and we will once more
see Kinmeet under the banner of the Black Morningstar.
I don't know if any of you have ever seen Kinmeet as it was before
the coming of the armies of the Old One. I saw it once when I was just
a lad, and I still remember it as if it were yesterday. My father had
taken me to Kinmeet to meet knights to whom with I might be squired, and
while my father talked with prospective knights I was left free to
wander the castle grounds. I was soon lost, being a simple country lad,
and found myself outside the gates when they were closed for the day,
and hence was forced to sleep outside. I woke early, fearing my
father's wrath, only to behold the most beautiful sight I have ever seen
in my entire life. The sun was just rising above the walls, and on the
highest tower I saw a sight I will never forget. There was the King's
Standard, flying higher than anything else in the city save one thing,
the flag of the Black Morningstar, the banner of Johrase. Even at that
young age the importance of it struck me, that even the King kneeled
before Johrase, that our nation, our people, and our homeland were the
most important thing any man could fight for.
Some things are worth fighting for, no matter what the cost.
Declare ourselves free and we take great risks, but the rewards are
great; a free Johrase. Our lives are nothing when compared to Johrase,
any man that martyrs himself for our homeland is a hero in the highest
sense of the word. I said the following basically word for word at
Stonehill Fortress, and will repeat it to you now,
Freedom is not to be gotten without sacrifice, nor
Liberty to be gained without a debt of blood to paid in full. Today men
we may very well die, for our King and Country, for the triumph of Good
over Evil, for Johrase. Should the gods deem, for whatever reason, that
the day is not to be ours, then it will be remembered by all the peoples
of the Flaeness, and in all the chronicles of Humanity that you were the
few who had the courage to stand and fight against the debaucheries and
the debasements of the Old One. Men, we may die for Johrase, but we
will have died like men. I have sworn this once at Stonhill and I will
once more swear it to my comrades in arms, I will see the Royal Standard
of the King and the Black Morningstar of Johrase once more fly over the
hallowed walls of Kinmeet, or I shall perish in the attempt. May the
gods be with us, for this day we fight.
I place myself and my cause under the gaurdianship of Heironeous,
that Heironeous may guide our swords to the hearts of our enemies, and
that Heironeous will aid us in our fight to see Johrase once more free.
The time of waiting is over, and the dawn of a new age, an age where
good once more holds sway over the hearts of men, is at hand."

Keith Symcox

Hello everyone. Here's a report based on rough numbers, guesses,

and pure heresy. Fun for all ages!

1. We had somewhere between 85 and 105 players at the convention at

one point or another. This does not include people that DMed all
weekend. (Approximately 85% to 90% of our players were prereged)

2. We had about 60 players in the interactive. Some left at

various points during the event, but the starting number should be
somewhere around 60. Tom has the forms, so I'll let him give the
exact number.

3. Counting the interactive as about 10 or 11 tables for 3 slots,

we ran a grand total of about 110 to 125 tables at the convention.
This does not include slot zeroes. Exluding unreportable rounds
(interactive and intro mods), we had approximately 55 to 65
reportable tables.

4. There were 4 deaths in the interactive, including one from the

slot zero. While all deaths are unfortunate, three of these 4 were
particularly so. One character was Damned by the Reaper, hence, he
rose from the dead as a ghost and started attacking his comrades.
Due to his contract with Nerull, his soul is unrecoverable, but
there have been rumors among the citizens at Ethelmere that his
ghost has been seen wandering Stonehill Fortress. Another character
was the unlucky roller of a '1' on a saving throw versus
Destruction, and was thus also unrecoverable. A third PC was only
110 xp from levelling, so we all felt very badly for his large xp
loss. I believe three of the PCs were 4th or 5th level, and the
destroyed one was 10th, I believe.

5. I don't have the numbers on other deaths, but I know that I ran
two tables of Obsession and killed a total of one cohort. I ran a
table of Johrase Jailbreak and killed one character in that. I ran
one table of You've Got Missive with 0 deaths. I ran the equivalent
of 3 rounds of the interactive and killed 0, though some of you
should be thanking the clock, as it probably would have been two
before HE fled ;) I also ran two tables of Change in the Air
without deaths. Most of my rounds came very close to having a death
or two, but most parties pulled it out in the end.

6. We still have about 15 WWID t-shirts left in XL and XXL (I think

those are the sizes that remain). I know several people in TX
wanted some when we were out. If you want a shirt, email Travis
Wolcott and he can probably hook you up.

7. Casey, I was only able to run one table at the con, as I was not
able to get the mod printed before the con. The one table I ran was
off my laptop on Sunday evening, when I had time to take a few
breaths and read over a mod before running it :) We did run two
tables of it last night at our gameday, however. I liked it quite a
bit and I think the players did as well.

8. We're already planning next year's BKCQ, so if you have any

thoughts, email me and we'll take it into consideration when
planning.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure I'll throw more
details out later as I get them or think of them. If you want to
know anything specific, ask and I shall accomodate if possible. I
figure the players have covered the details of the interactive
fairly well, and I like the IC posts on it more than trying to give
you a short OOC description :)

Britt Frey
BKCQ Contact Person

There was a 4 Fighter that passed and was not raised; A 5 wizard died and was
raised, and a rogue with Damned by the Reaper died and caused major havoc on
his table from what I hear. Thta's all the PC deaths I can remember. Also,
three townspeople, Gidry, servant of Lord Vadressen, Grona the Blacksmith,
and Traylen (SP?) of the Johrase Mercenaries were slain and raised IIRC. This
is in addition to the forementioned deaths.
I would like to thank George Arndt and David Finan and the Lady wizard
(sorry don't remember your name)as the ones that took leadership roles in the
town's defense and set the examples for heroic play. I'm sure there were
others, but y'all three made the most impression on me as the ones that went
in some cases to GREAT expense to ensure the health, safety and welfare of
the townsfolk and the players.
KNMURESTE

Millennium Con 6 in Nov 2003

The Great Hunt

This was well organized. Tom (he ran it) had badges for everyone with strange symbols. We who
were playing figured out some, but others were mysterious. Once we figured out that some ment
the people wearing them belonged to different organizations, we payed sharp attention to them.
There was even heavy recruiting going on, new players I have not seen before had promising 5th
level characters.

We hunted "Elk", at the APL 10 tables they were as big as houses. At the APL 2 tables they were
normal sized. The APL 2 tables felled 13 in the same time that the APL 10 table felled 5 house sized
ones (they had 250 hp each). Only one table had to ask for rescue, one of the APL 10 tables.
They attacked several in the same round and got the counter attacks of 4 house size "Elk".

After retiring to the lodge, some Grand Druid decided to attack the lodge. What a shock, not!
Again, this was run very well. All tables had 10 minutes to complete each round of battle, which
was called out in booming voices. We had a real sense of a huge battle going on, with each table
assigned to a zone. Although the Druid did escape, his minions were senslesly slaughtered. What
the Grand Druid hoped to accomplish by attacking, we may never know.

Winners of the Grand Hunt will be asked to return the next year to defend thier title. Until then,
they get to enjoy free standard life style and +1 to all diplomacy rolls to citizens of the Bandit
Kingdoms. To bad no-one played an APL 12 table, they could have gotten a vest of resistance.

Webmaster

Tall tales from Lightning of Rookroost, or are they?

I did recieve a invitation to attend the Great Hunt from General Hok. I was surprised because I
thought him dead. Upon approaching the lodge, I witnessed what I thought I would never see. An
army not of Iuz's in the Bandit Kingdoms. It is small, only a few hundred, but shocking all the same.

When we did the hunt we fought only the biggest, the ones the size of houses. We did not want to
get bored, why even my sword arm could have killed many of the normal sized ones. It was I who
choose the ones to die, I only had to gain thier attention by firing arrows into the panicked heard as
it stampeded by in the gulley below. I have to admit, I under estimated the first, he nearly
trampled me, but Ijumped to the side. We had 3 solid fighters with us, who closed on the huge "Elk"
and did slay it. One time when I chose another "Elk", its mate came out and we had two to deal
with at once. Both decided to try to trample Kahn of Greenkeep, and I saw Kahn slay both before
they could run him down. Really impresive sword work, words can not say enough. Just imagine a
normal size man standing before two 45 feet tall "Elk" as they charge and try to trample him.
Then THE GRAND DRUID came to speak to General Hok. I saw something I never thougth I would
see, Baron Ulik bowing and leaping to the Generals commands. It was a strange sight, I owe the
Baron my life for he stood over me and did defend me against hell hounds once when I was badly
wounded. Although I question the Baron's wisdom on this matter, I do honor my depts. The general
did not listen to him. To bad, for the next day many deaths occured in a great battle. After those
that were in command finished, I had a chance to recruit many new promising "Free Trade
apprentises" into the family.

I tried to use my free trade skills to attack the spell casting druids from behind, but I have to
admit, I got into trouble and had to be rescued by the same 3 fighters from the day before. We
cleaned our area out and asked permission from General Hok to assist other teams. He said to stay
at our posts, for once he was right, for the Grand Druid did leap from his Roc and have it attack the
lodge in our zone. We did not get to finish it for the Druid and Roc both fled. That roc took a huge
amount of punishment from the fighters, I was amazed when it flew away.

While I did not carry the day, I was there and helped the team win the day. I am sad that the druid
was to angry to remember that the enemy of my enemy is my freind. We have old icky ooz as ours,
we should be the Grand Druids friend. I am off to compose a ballid of the fighters deeds.

Oh, ya. We did win the hunt.

Farwell friends

Lightning of Rookroost

Grand Hunt Winner

Hello all,

Millennium CON 6 is complete (and reported). I declare the CON to be a smashing success! I have a
lot to say, so bare with me.

First, here is the data that we collected about Millennium CON 6.

Reportable tables: 33
Total Tables:47 (4 intro tables, 10 interactive tables)
Deaths: 5 (3 LGR, 1 Pale Lady, 1 Interactive)
Raised: 3

Costume Contest Winners:

David Hansen (and his hands) - 1st place - Dirty Dog Tavern
Liz Gillespie - 2nd place - Wheel of Time Campaign book
Leslie Maynard - 3rd place - Millennium CON 6 T-shirt
Casey Brown (in a bra)- 4th place - Autographed Chez Greek card game

The costume contest was out of this world! We will putting up web site shortly with all the
pictures we took. The highligts of this event include Casey Brown in a skirt; a LARGE, BURSTING
chainmail
bra; and make-up. There were also several impressive reproductions of curses that are floating
around in some modules. Dave Hansen's reproduction of a particular box with some hands won him
the deed to the Dirty dog.

New Players:
I am particularly proud of the 23 NEW players that were signed up at our new player table. Nary a
con-goer could walk by the table with out being accosted by our staff. Good Job! We sucked in...
we added to our ranks significantly this weekend :)

On to the official thanks and recognition portion of our show:

Get your costumes ready for next year!

Thomas Brister
Millennium CON6 RPGA coordinator
Wait till you see my costume for next year!

<A hunched figure sits upon a stone in a dark forest glen. Arrayed around him is dozen or so
humanoids and half more various animals. All seem to be suffering from some kind of wound or
another. A dank feeling hangs in the air. None speak. All watch the woodsman at his task as he
sits upon the rock.

The bent form is slaving feverishly over a journal. His raging emotions are evident in the scrawl of
his feathered pen>

I have was defeated! How could did it come to this?!

To my never-ending dismay I must record the history of my defeat here so that my anger may not
be dulled by roll of time. Pain. Suffering. Death. They are my masters now; they will task me until
I have my revenge!

Many weeks of planning came to fruition two days ago with the opening of the tree slayer's 'hunt'.
My minions were in place and ready when the first of those fool hunters let their arrow fly at my
children. We waited until they were engaged with fully with the elk, and then we attacked. We
stroked them with spells and withdrew to another ambush point hoping for the General to attempt
counter attack. Unfortunately, none came.

Never the less, our successful ambush confirmed my suspicion, perhaps falsely now in retrospect,
that dislodging the general was within my grasp. In my arrogance, I parleyed with the general that
night. I lied to him. I told him his destruction would come with the sunrise. I will not lie to him
again. Next time he will not benefit from an arrogant warning expelled from this foolish elf.

We mustered our powers with rising of father light. The followers that I had gathered for years in
this treacherous land were at my call. All ready to do my bidding. We numbered 196 on foot, paw,
and wing yesterday morning as I called the sisters of the air to do my bidding. I blacked out the
sunrise with a rolling fog that I was sure would avail us during the coming conflict. I, atop my
faithful friend, ordered the advance. Oh, the misery!

We used the cover of woods and fog. We came at the lodge from all sides. I was afforded a superb
view of coming battle due my to position aloft. I was surprised to see that the General had arrayed
the huntsmen as his first line of defense. His men were in secondary and support positions about
the lodge. I scoffed at his wisdom! The fool wanted to sacrifice these drunken peasants to the
tooth and claw of my minions first? I would accommodate his desire. It was I that was the fool that
day!

As the battle opened, we surprised them as our plant brothers rose to our aid. Many were
entangled in their swarthy embrace. Victory was within my grasp. It was then I knew something
was wrong. The huntsmen did not flee! Instead they responded with a withering counter attack
by spell and sword! How could I have missed it? These were not rabble looking for their next cup of
mead. They were warriors. They fought as like devils! My mistake discovered too late, I was
committed.

I moved to help to support my brothers. We communicated via spells endowed by my arcane

advisors. Yar'lesh called for help. I wheeled my mount around to assist. I saw that a group on the
eastern edge of the forest stalled him and his team. Only he remained standing throwing spells in
an attempt to stave off his enemies, and my anger. He was weak and did not deserve my help, but
his enemies had surrounded him to finish the task. I struck with a dazzling array of spells. I hit
the entire group and my failed lackey, with my best water magic in hopes of frightening the
survivors. When I was done with them, not one was left standing. I had wiped out an entire rank of
them with a rapid-fire burst of natural fury that told any learned person of my true power. Again,
to my everlasting surprise, they did not flee. With their slaughtered companions at their feet as
warnings, they turned their bows upon me! ME!
I discharged spell after spell into their ranks, enough to flatten entire forest, but yet they
remained! The battle was becoming desperate. Some of my men had broken through to the lodge,
but many
were bogged down at the edges of the wood. In an attempted to break the deadlock, I flew from
Kul'ashk's saddle and sent her to destroy an especially deadly group of huntsmen that dispatched
some of my most powerful lapdogs. I grinned in my ignorance, secure in my knowledge that none
could withstand her beak and claw.

It was then that the demon Hok gave me my first lesson. The General had withheld his troops back
until this moment. It was only then that I realized it was not fear that had held the General back,
but a cunning mind. He understood what I had failed to see, that the adventurers of his hunt were
of hardier stock than most. Using them in the front lines allowed his forces to move quickly on
horseback to out flank my stalled and ailing men. The huntsmen were the anvil and his troops were
the hammer. I will compliment him for his tactical genius upon our next meeting, as he draws his
last breath.

My minions crushed by this maneuver, began to flee. I, to my horror, saw that my avian companion
was bloodied and retreating also. It was unthinkable, but I must survive. Revenge is a business for
the living. I mumbled the retreat, and cursed Hok. Upon our return to this dank glen we number
sixteen. Sixteen. You will die Hok. You will die!

Entry 19th of Reaping

Gerland the woodsman

Unsuccessful APL 10 table-One Demon's views.

Out on some remote tavern/inn. All is quiet for the night. The big talk is about a nearby battle
and whispered rumors of a General Hok. Currently in the room is the owner, behind the bar and
his young cousin, both gnomes. No one else is about.

Suddenly, the door swings wide open with a crash, a tall figure strides forcefully up to the bar,
much of his features are cloaked, except for two exceptions. A helmet that is horned and glowing
red/yellow eyes. The gnomes shrink back from this individual, who gives them a second to
compose themselves, and then smashes his fist upon the table.

Coming out from the the indivdual, in an unearthly (and some would say, hellish) voice comes a
simple sentence, "Give me your strongest alcohol, gnome..."

The bartending gnome, fairly shaking, fumbles quickly for a bottle, not even bothering with a
glass.

The individual looks over this gnome, his red eyes peering deeply into his soul, then he takes the
bottle. The bar is dark, but the gnome could swear he sees sharpened teeth. The younger gnome,
after a few minutes, ventures forth a small utterance, "I have heard of your kind around, but
never have I seen such." He stops a bit, as if remembering something, "Wait...I heard of a great
struggle. In the woods. Were...you there?"

A long discontented growl comes forth much as a Hell Hound anger over a taken piece of steak.
The bottle is slammed down on the counter. "I was, gnome! A sad case of affairs that was, too! I
have served under a military rule in my past, but NEVER have I seen such stupidity!"

The young gnome, still acting gingerly, persues this line of questioning, "Ah, I am sorry to hear
that you lost. But...umm, you can understand that the druid is very uncaring with folks around
here. Perhaps...If he were to show some kindness. General Hok, now, that's a man that we've
been thinking about." The young gnome grows imboldend. "Perhaps, sir..., if you were to tell your
Druid Master that the Old One is much of a threat to himself as to us and General Hok, maybe you
could join forces and...."

A solid fist bangs on the table from the unusual individual, it seems as if smoke is curling up from
his nostrils "Little man...I have met many little men in my travels over most of Oerth. Some have
outright lied to me others have been foolish, a few have been honorable. But you , little one,
are DEFINITELY FOOLISH for your assumptions! I was not with the Grand Druid! I have fought
against many Grand Druids in other regions and have lost! To the Nine Hells, I still carry the
special Ironwood seeds from Verbobonc of one Druid who put us down! In this case, as well as
that, I was NOT on the Druid's side. I was on Hok's!"

The young gnome, appears flustered and looks to his Uncle for help, whose only response is to set
down another bottle next to the demon, all the while shaking his head for the youngster to not
push the topic forward. After a few uncomfortable minutes, curiousity gets the better of the
younger gnome, he profers a weak smile, "So, you were with Hok's army? I guess, in this land, you
get help where you can get it, eh? I guess, he's not all that shiny and bright as I thought he was.
At least he's our hope. I mean, bandits are bandits. Gods on Oerth, Demi or not, who rule through
iron fists are not as simple."

A gruff sigh, sounding like a jet of steam, leaves the big man/creature's lips. "Hok is a fool. He
can't even out-think a big chicken." The creature drinks again from the bottle, some of the liquid
missing it's mark.

"A...fool? How so? I've heard great things about him," the young man seems hurt, like a dream has
been broken. Again, a moment of silence hangs over the bar, then the demon speaks.

"I have heard of the "Great Hunt" before as I travelled throught the former Bandit Kingdoms. I
thought it would be a good place to test my mettle, and it was. So many folks, and not many
noticing me, but I am good at being in the background, as surprising as that sounds."

Another swig is taken, "A man who comes back from the dead and sits on his fanny all this time?
Feh, there are so many who talk ill about him. He's just a swaggerring lout with no tactical ability.
Oh, I tell yah, he did pull us out when those Giant Elk went bad against us." The demon starts to
curse, "I blame our lack of tactics on that one. Two of our group thought they would kill some of
the "babies", but it just angered 3 more giants. Big enough to trample this abode under their
hooves. I will give our group leader, a gonagin (Damatease) kudoes for looking out after us. But
after that, even the "Tin-plated General Hok" didn't lift a finger to help us!"

The gnome scratches his head, "How so? What happened? I don't understand...."

The demon shakes his head, "Only the first part was a hunt. We did bad and I am as much to blame
for not setting up tactics as anybody else. It was the second half that got interesiting, that's when
the Druid showed up and made his little speech. I could see it upset the "Chicken-Hok" and his
spokeman, a cleric of some wild-eyed god."

A long drink is taken before he continues, "The druid made good on his threat, he did. Two groups
held out the main flanks, which I was a part of one of them. Others surrounded this sad excuse for
a hunting lodge. My group dealt with the Druid's elite forces, some of his personal pets. We didn't
have the big old Roc come to us, but it didn't need to. We were dealing badly and the Druid
noticed this." The fiendish creature thinks this over and again, smashes his fist on the bar,
upseting the quiet bar once again, "Ya know, that other group had done handily while we were
slowly sliding down. They were about to go over to help us, when stupid "Chicken-Hok" told them
to hold their posts. Some of them didn't want to go, as to upset the poor itty-bitty General's
constitution. I don't blame the group to overly much, because shortly after the Druid sent a big
old Lightning bolt to stop any help from arriving." A mad laugh erupts from the creature's lips,
"Not everyone can be tough like I am. I probably woulda still gone through whatever the Druid
dished out, if my own
group were safe, but...still, I don't fault them for being not able to handle it, even if it looked like
they had a big bruiser on their side, who seemed easily double my own ability."

Then, the creature shrugs, "Well, our flank fell down. I was the last to fall, two of our group
(Rannos and Seward) surrendered, and then one of them brought me smelling salts. We got rid of
a good chunk of their force, but it wasn't good enough. Hell, one guy whom I had the honor of
being with when slaying Turrok, had to leave the field of battle. The way his luck went that
particular day, I had to agree with his strategy (Dash). One Gonagin who was with us did pretty
well. Tough little guy, even if they got him knocked down at the end (Sven). The only thing I could
do when I came to, was SHAKE THE HAND of the RANGER who bested us. I didn't bother with the
Halfling Sorcerer and the Dire Lion, who seemed a bit to smart for it's own good, sorta walked
away toward the Lodge without as much as a "Good Day". I tell ya, it was a real honor fighting
those folks, even though we lost our flank. So much for the smarts of the Hok."

The young Gnome again scratched his head, "So, that is it? But I heard they won...."

Again, the creature bursts out in unholy laughter, "Won?! They had luck on their side! Luck is
valuable, but I wouldn't trust the General to inspire my father's moustache or lead a group of
mindless church-mice!"

The young gnome looks down sullenly, "Well, I guess that's it. We are going to die in this god-
forsaken land." A response comes in the form of the creature slapping the gnome on the back, in a
surprisingly good-natured way.

"Ah, don't give up hope, bub!", the creature replies, "I may be a wanderer...even a mercenary,
but I love a good fight. I would suggest for some other group to give you hope, maybe even the
folks at Fort Hendrick's. This region has all the players. Maybe even one day, I may rule this
region. Hok has a lot to answer for. I agree that people have to prove themselves in people's eyes,
I myself have to do that ALL the time, but it is a two-way street. Howky didn't win many points
with a more than a few people, not just me. It just depends on which side offers more for your
value."

A glint of something is briefly seen by the young gnome in this creature's eyes. It looked briefly
calm and compassionate, maybe even, dare he think it, honorable? The look lasts for less than a
second, as the creature slams down his now empty bottle on the counter, along with another
hand. He then picks himself up and goes toward the door. The two gnomes watch him leave. As he
gets to the door, the fiend gutters out, "Don't be crossin' the Old One if you don't be needin' to.
Bad habit to get into. It's good to be "alive", depending on your definition." There is a strange noble
air about this statement as the creature leaves.

The young gnome shivers, "That is the oddest, most scarest thing I've ever been close to. At least
I gleaned some information, even if it is troubling as to Hok's intent." The older gnome shakes his
head, "You are too curious, nephew. It will get you killed if you ain't careful." Just then, the
bartender looks down at the bar, he is surprised to see an amount of gold that is more than equal
to what the creature drank.

"Well, I guess surprises never cease. Even the Devil can be courteous."

(Shin-Dragun Black aka Getter-Black)

Player : David B.

Good afternoon, my name is Karlandrellen Madrigenellenelviel. I do not normally tell tales of such
things, but I found myself at the Great Hunt of General Hok myself. I am a scholar of some small
note. I found it odd to receive an invitation to the hunt, but I suppose that tales of my deeds
travel despite my attempts to keep them quiet. I am no teller of tales, but I will dispense what
knowledge I can, and hope that others can glean useful things from what I say.

There was a gathering of might such as I have not seen in some time. I had heard tales of the
General, but seeing him in person was truly astounding. He has a very commanding presence. He
laid down the rules for the hunt. The herd of "Elk" would be stampeded into a riverbed. It would be
possible to draw them from the riverbed by getting their attention with arrows and other ranged
weapons, and then slay them by whatever means were available. There would be a judge for each
group that could come in to aid if things got too rough, although that would reduce the prestige of
their participation.
A half-orc barbarian named Kor-Lac was our judge. Rough around the edges, but he looked like he
could handle himself in a fight. Looking around at my fellow participants, I was pleased with the
group that I had found. We had some time to prepare as the "Elk" were sent in our direction, and
we made plans. Other than myself, the group consisted of a cavalier with his mount, specializing in
Ride-By Attacks, a doughty Dwarven warrior with a Dwarven Waraxe, a gnomish wizard, a half-orc
servant of Wee Jas, and a servant of Pelor. We prepared by casting spells to protect our fighters,
and I cast Enlarge Person to give the Dwarf another advantage in the combat. Then we started
firing into the riverbed to "pull" the "Elk" towards us.

As the thunder of hooves came closer, we saw creatures from our worst nightmares. Although I
have extensive knowledge of things from both this plane and others, I have never seen their like.
"Elk" indeed. Although they vaguely resembled elk in shape, they had armored plates along their
bodies, which were also distended oddly. In addition, their horns were especially long and sharp.
The first trampled over my fellow wizard and the Cleric of Wee Jas, and the Cleric's dog. After
another attack from the dwarf, I put one of my crossbow bolts through its eye, finally killing it.
Over the next minute or so, we managed to take down five more. Then, a curious thing happened.
A human faded out of the woods and attempted to cast Chill Metal on our dwarven companion.
Thankfully, he resisted this magical attack, as two of the larger and nastier "elk" were upon us at
the time. All told, we killed 9 of the smaller ones, as well as two that were somewhat larger.

The event was marred slightly by the implication that there was some cheating going on during the
competition. Kor-Lac mentioned that he might have seen members of his brother's band claiming a
few "extra" corpses that were trampled in the riverbed. I do not wish to cast aspertions on the
honor of others without definite proof, but I mentioned it to the General, in case someone might
have noticed something more definite. I also encountered the Baron. A great man he was, and later
on he would do a great service for me. . . but I get ahead of myself in this tale. Sad to say, upon
hearing this my own group considered trying to bribe Kor-lac into allowing us to do the same. My
own sense of honor prevented me from doing so, and I informed those that were considering it that
I would not lay claim to any hides of creatures that were outside of the bounds of the competition.

The Grand Druid appeared, and threatened General Hok and his men. He tried to order the General
to leave the area by dawn or risk the death of his army. The General refused to be pushed around.
Apparently the Druid was responsible for some slight to General Hok at some earlier time. The
General and his men immediately began to prepare, asking those participating in the hunt to aid in
the efforts.

We remained in the same groups as before. Most likely because we had already worked together
and this would make group dynamics simpler. The General divided the area around the fort into
various fields of battle, and put each hunting group in charge of a particular piece of it. My group
got the southwest portion. I met up with those that would be at my flanks and my back, and all
seemed capable.

In the morning, not long after dawn, a cleric of Kelanen came by. His arms were covered in the
names of devils in Infernal, and his skin was pallid and seemed dead. He called down the blessings
of his god upon us all. Shortly thereafter, the Grand Druid flew in upon his Roc. Then the battle
began in earnest. All around us, animals, animated trees, fighters, and druids appeared.
Fortunately, we had comrades at our sides and backs, and only a few managed to engage my group
directly.

We quickly dispatched one of their warriors. Both were enlarged, which lead me to believe that
one of the opponents was a sorceror. The third man was without armor, and when he cast Sleep
upon us, I knew that my suspicions were correct. He also commanded his dog easily, and the dog
seemed oddly in tune with him, so I suspect he was a druid who had learned to channel his natural
arcane energies as well. A formidable foe, but we had to go through the others to get to him. While
the fighters in our group concentrated on the other fighters, the clerics, myself, and the gnome
focused on the druid. I personally took care of the dog with my crossbow, then moved on the the
druid. After perhaps twenty seconds, the combat was over. Only it was not. With his dying act, the
druid called on his liege to aid him, and the Grand Druid took notice and cast a formidable spell
upon us. Bluish energy leapt out in an area around us, and the last thing I remember is my legs
giving way beneath me
as I fell to the ground. A few moments later, I met the Baron. He healed us with a spell, and then
moved on to other concerns. While our section was being ignored, an adjacent sector was
overrun. The gnomish wizard and I mounted with the Cavalier and raced to aid, our other
companions not far behind. I was prepared to use my remaining spells to try to aid our besieged
companions. I noticed areas of Briar Web, a particularly nasty druidic spell. We avoided those
areas on the way in. As we came in, the tide started to turn. Our movement caught the eye of
the Grand Druid, who screeched that he thought he had dealt with us. Apparently low on spells at
this point, he used a Briar Web to try to keep us from making it to that part of the battle. Already
weakened, I at first thought our only option would be to wait for the briar web to cease before
we could move. However, after a few second's consideration, and swift speech with my
companions, we decided to press on. Before we
could make good on that decision, however, the battle was over. The Grand Druid ordered the
retreat of his men. With his men leaving, we chose not to risk the Briar Web, and waited for it's
time to run out.

In the end, I earned the favor of General Hock, as well as some interesting bits of loot. And an
interesting tale to add. Along the way I also picked up a few rumors here and there, but those are
tales for another day. I would love to hear how others saw this story, and perhaps learn more of the
background events that lead up to this battle. If anyone knows, please speak up, for I have a thirst
for knowledge that will never be sated.

Karlandrellen Madrigynellenelviel

Adam Waggenspack

Some things heard at Milleniumcon

A few years ago, many adventurers gathered at The Peach, a fine inn on the outskirts of Rookroost.
Many contacts were made that night, and the adventurers uncovered a plot hatched by an assassin
within the ranks of the Rookroost Thieves' Guild. Apparently, a Glabrezu was released that night.

The Great Hunt of 591 CY was rumored to be rife with chicanery and clever ruses hatched by some
enterprising rogues. There was a group that won that contest hands-down, much to their glory.
Some among the group are still living, and it is sure that you will hear tales of their derring-do in
alehouses all the way to Dorakaa itself.

Prince Zeech got married in 591 to a beautiful maiden. The marriage did not go off without a
hitch, however, as rumor has it that his bride was captured and held captive by agents of Nerull.
Fortunately, some brave adventurers were able to foil the plot and the wedding still went off.

During the wedding of Prince Zeech, there was a joust for the title of Baron. Rumor has it that
there were fell deeds of trickery done on all sides, with rumors of cutting saddle straps, poisoning
mounts, using sticky stuff on the saddles, and the use of magic during the event. The winner of the
joust was a young warrior by the name of Ulik.

Early 592, the first raid on one of Cranzer's silver caravans went off. It was at this time that the
forces of Iuz began to realize that the opponents of Old Wicked's rule were becoming organized,
and steps began to be taken to identify the outlaws. It is rumored that some of the silver from this
raided caravan found its way into Rhaedrick Avenfear's Coster, and that he is in hiding now as a
direct result of this.

There was an upheaval in the power structure of the Rookroost Thieve's Guild last year. Rumor has
it that a party of adventurers sided with Rhaedrick Avenfear in this contest, and that his girlfriend
was behind the whole ordeal. She was killed, but it is not yet clear whether the person that felled
her was an elf or a dwarf. Apparently, this upheaval changed the way in which the RTG operates.

It is rumored that the body of Guardian General Hok was recovered by a band of adventurers,
unbeknownst to them. They were told that they were to rescue the body of a loved one, and
indeed they did. The Guardian General was resurrected, and now his forces are gathering in the
Warfields and he is looking to take it to the Old one, once again.

If not for the efforts of some brave adventurers in recovering the body of the Guardian General
Hok, the Old one would still have a firm grasp on the Bandit Kingdoms. As it is now, his grip is
unsure and rumors of rebellion and organized revolt are circulating. It may be that this one act
turns out to be the one that drives the Old One from the Combination of Free Lords.

Early this year, the forces of Iuz got tricky and staged a trap to uncover arcane and clerical
spellcasters. The adventurers were supposed to rescue the body of Gaiyle Markhalla for
resurrection
purposes, but in fact, they were just being watched to see if they could turn undead or cast spells.
Many spellcasters were identified, and soon wanted posters began to be put up in habitated areas.

The city of Rookroost had the opportunity to go into open rebellion against the forces of Iuz, but
the adventurers there during the uprising decided that it was not yet time for open rebellion. Soon
after, Lord Mortoth's troops were augmented by the entirety of Jumper's Bonefist Legion, and now
Mortoth has an iron grip on the city. Apparently, the Old One himself has decreed that there will
be
a new road of skulls built from Rookroost straight to Dorakaa. Rumor has it that troops will begin
construction by the end of the year.

Shortly after the failed uprising in Rookroost, several bands of adventurers gathered in the city of
Balmund, where they were petitioned by a servant of Guardian General Hok, to rescue a shield
lands spy that had been captured and was being held in Shadowstone Keep. As it turns out, during
the meeting, a foolish paladin by the name of Stella attacked a group of Iuz clerics that had
wandered into the bar for a drink. As a direct result of her actions, every hero in the bar was
scried and marked for execution by the forces of Iuz. Many died later that day after successfully
releasing the spy into the custody of the General.

The forces of Iuz have begun scouring the countryside looking for all those that were involved in
the attack upon the clerics in Balmund, and even the local populace has whetted its interest due
to the large sums of money being offered for their heads.

Gaiyle Markhalla hired a group of adventurers once to do a little job for her. A servant of the Old
One named Nadris was captured by the PC's and he provided information about Graf Tadurinal
and his workings. This information proved invaluable, as it provided the resistance with routes
taken by silver caravans through the Midlands.

A band of adventurers discovered a stone in the shape of The Reaper upon the body of a murdered
thief in the city of Hallorn. They linked this to a Cult of Nerull that was operating there right under
the nose of the Earl Audurach and his necromancers.

There is a band of thieves working in Hallorn calling themselves the Hightops, notably because they
live on the rooftops of the old abandoned buildings in the town. Apparently, these rogues gave
some pretty useful information to some heroes that were investigating a cult of Nerull in the city.

A group of heroes stopped a cult of Nerull in the town of Hallorn from making a batch of "super
zombies." Unfortunately, this left the Earl Audurach free to go about his own business. Last anyone
heard, he was busy fortifying his town against a possible future invasion from General Hok.

Heroes, at the behest of Gaiyle Markhalla, went to Stonehill Fortress. It was there that they
murdered Captain Irunio (at that time the steward of the fortress) and stole a very valuable piece
of
jewelry from him.

Gaiyle Markhalla once hired a group of adventurers to recover some papers from a Captain Irunio,
whom they killed. The success of the adventurers stopped what would have been an alliance
between a powerful Johrase clan and Cranzer.

Noble adventurers once rescued a group of Johrase mercenaries from Stonehill Fortress, and one
was named Traynen. He was supposed to wed with Myree of Ethelmere in the Johrase tradition. It
was later discovered that Irunio, the captain of said fortress, intended to wed her and that was
why he was kept in prison.

A great battle once happened in Stonehill fortress. Rumor has it that a group of adventurers broke
in to try and steal some jewels from inside. The battle was so bloody that the adventurers made a
wall out of the bodies of the slain, using arrows to hold them together, to keep the rest at bay
until they could escape.

After capturing an agent of Iuz named Yanviz, who led a group of adventurers to the town of Briar's
End, where they came upon a boy seer called Nolas.

The town was being attacked by undead, apparently brought to the town by the boy seer, Nolas.
Through the efforts of the brave adventurers, the undead were fought off and the town saved.
Many died in the battle, however.

The herald of Cranzer, Yanvis, escaped after being captured by a band of noble heroes. Who
knows what information he brought back to his dread lord?

Adventurers investigated an abandoned temple to Celestian at the Steelbone Meadows while led by
the boy-seer Nolas. There, it turned out that the boy-seer was the key to an ancient prophecy, and
his presence awoke an ancient evil. Fortunately, that evil was defeated by the heroes, and the
evil cat-wights were not let free to roam the lands.

One time a group of adventurers was hired by some cleric of Pelor in Stoink to go to Rookroost and
help him with the overthrow of Lord Mortoth. Unfortunately, when they got there, they found out
that said cleric (named Parsons) was already decorating the leafless tree.

I heard tell that one time Rhaedrick Avenfear helped out a party of hapless adventurers that threw
in with some silly cleric of Pelor. Rhaedrick got them out of town and posted them up in a small
town called Artonsbrueck. He also suggested that they get to the bottom of a rash of recent
attacks on caravans coming into the city from the south. Turns out that it was actually a cleric of
Iuz working for some mystery man called himself Talon.

Once a group of adventurers fought with Runt, a powerful cleric of Iuz rumored to be working for
some guy named Talon. Well, it turns out that this Runt was disrupting trade to the south of
Artonsbrueck. There was a great battle at Peiper's Ferry and the Runt was defeated, but got away.
Thanks to the adventurers, though, trade was restored and the people of Rookroost did not starve
that winter.

It was discovered by a band of adventurers that there is an Elven Vampire that is in charge of a
large population of Undead in the Felreev forest.

Later that week, the call went out for adventurers to help in defending the forest against an
attack by the undead hordes. The gallant adventurers won the day, allowing the elves to continue
their
existence, but at the cost of many adventurers' lives.

Through the efforts of a brave group, there was a peace negotiated between the elves of the
Felreev and the elves of the Vesve. It is yet to be seen whether this peace will hold and if the
elves will work together to thwart the forces of the Old One. The diplomat was kidnapped by
forces sent by Lord Mortoth, but then later rescued by those same adventurers.

There used to be this chap named Blackjack that worked as a spy for Torrock. He would go into
different towns and spy out their weaknesses and then Torrock would attack with his forces. Well,
Torrock didn't know it, but Blackjack was secretly working for the Graf Tadurinal Demmel, who is
Iuz's Governor in Rookroost. Fortunately, a band of adventurers discovered Blackjack when
Torrock's men were about to purchase a load of weapons.

Once, a band of adventurers were working for the forces of Iuz and they stopped a large quantity
of weapons from being shipped to the Ogre Lord Torrock. It was this intervention that allowed
Major Blaine to be victorious in defeating Torrock's army.

I remember a time when a group of heroes helped Major Blaine to save Littlehill fort from being
overrun by a group of Torrock's marauding ogres, giants, and orcs. If it wouldnta been for that,
they would never have gotten positions of honor in Iuz' army! Supposedly, the greatest thief in the
history of the Bandit Kingdoms, Auverin Moonblade, had information that could be key in bringing
down the forces of Old Wicked. Unfortunately, he was killed in the slaughter at Steelbone
meadows. A couple of years ago, a group of adventurers uncovered one of his old hideouts. Some
clues were uncovered, but the mystery of what he might have known has remained hidden.

The town of Zelosus is cursed because of an open portal to the plane of Limbo. Apparantly,
something called the Sword of Kurell is at the bottom of it, but who opened the portal and why
remain a mystery. A band of adventurers cleared out the cavern in which the portal rests,
but it remains open. Rumor has it that some adventurers are working on a way to close the portal.

A couple of years ago, a tower arose outside of Stoink. Adventurers were sent to investigate, and
they found that it was the home of an evil Necromancer. They pilfered his house, destroyed a gate
to Baator, and stole a book which contained the secrets of unlocking interplanar travel.
Apparently, this necromancer is still looking for the adventurers that stole his book and closed his
portal. I
sure would not like to be around when that happens!

A brave band of adventurers freed Sir Ingo of the shield lands, who was being held by the forces
of Old Wicked. Interestingly enough, he was escorted to the Tangles, where he was taken by Terren
Moskol. What Moskol did with Sir Ingo is unknown, but rumor has it that the Knight made it back to
the Shield Lands safely. There are some in the shield lands that still remember the brave heroes in
the Bandit Kingdoms, and it may be that the debt will be repaid in the future…

In the small Thorpe of Ankheg Springs, the lovely Ilyena was rescued from being held captive by
her evil brother Arvad. Ilyena's husband- to-be, Roche, was happy to find the noble adventurers to
help him with this, but saddened when thugs in the service to Arvad cut off his father's head and
took him captive. Fortunately, the adventurers were able to rescue Ilyena and discover some ugly
thruths about her brother Arvad and he was forced to flee to the Shield Lands in disgrace.

A letter arrives by bonded courier at the Temple of Mayaheine in

Grayhawk, addressed to the director of "Missionary Services".

My Lord,

Greetings from your faithful friend, operating in our Glorious Lady's

name from the heart of the occupied lands of the Combination of Free
Lords. I have much news, and a great tale to tell.

As you know, I recently drew less than favorable attention from a

certain General Hok. My work in this land as a beacon of hope and
warrior in the cause of our beloved Mayaheine is dangerous enough
without making an enemy of such a poweful man. I determined that it was
essential to my work to remedy this situation, and approached the
General in hopes of soothing his displeasure with me. The General
offered the opportunity to redeem myself by serving as a scout for an
inexperienced group of adventurers during an annual event he hosts
known as The Great Hunt.

I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed when I saw the group I
was to scout for. Green doesn't even begin to describe these
youngsters. I swear a few of them were barely old enough to be away
from home after dark, much less engaging in what turned out to be a
very dangerous "hunt" and may well have doomed us all on the morning,
but I am getting ahead of myself.

My disappointment soon turned to astonishment, then pride, and yes,

even admiration for these brave young men. As the herd thundered
towards us, I explained how they could draw the beasts from the herd. I
barely had time to finish what I was saying before they had fired into
the herd and were being trampled underfoot by the monstrous beasts.
They wanted to win! The only person who could heal in the group was
downed during the first charge, but it took little to convince me that
I should heal him. The group was already showing promise, and I hate
to see such potential wasted.

As soon as they dispatched the first prey, they re-grouped and quickly
formed a plan. One would pull from the heard while the rest stood
ready to rain arrows into it as soon as the beast came bounding up the
hill. It didn't take a second lesson for them to learn to spread out
before they pulled the beasts. Their tactics were flawless, showing
just how quickly a bright group of young men could adapt to an
unexpected situation. I have to admit that I was most impressed when a
group of obviously inexperienced adventurers managed to collect SEVEN
hides through sheer skill of arms.

I have no doubt they would have won the contest if it had not been for
the lightning that suddenly began raining down upon them. Experience
told me this was no natural occurance as the sky was clear and bright.
I spotted a shadowy form fading into a tree, but the adventurers failed
to notice the treacherous lout. When it appeared the sabateur would not
return, I felt it best not to tell them, and urged them to concentrate
on the hunt.

After the herd had passed, some of the young men spied another group
pilfering a dead beast from the ravine. I noted this also, suggesting
that since others were not being fair to the young men, that I might
turn a blind eye if they chose to even the odds. I know our fair lady
smiled down on them as, to the man, they declared that such behavior
was dishonorable, and they would have none of it. I felt a bit of
shame for even having suggested that they might lower themselves to the
level of their competitors. What these brave lads lacked in
experience, they made up for with integrity. I have little doubt that
if more young men of this calibre resided in the Combination, old
wicked would have never secured a foothold in the area.

That evening's celebration was boisterous as adventurers from all over

the Combination boasted, told stories of their exploits, and revelled
in what promised to be a thoroughly enjoyable escape from the usual
harshness of life in the Combination. The merry atmosphere was not,
unfortunately, destined to last. An elven druid by the name of Gerlad
arrived under a flag of truce and demanded that the General, his army,
and his guests leave the area at once. The general refused, and the
Druid declared our doom was to come at Dawn.

I must go now, all are busy making preparations for the coming battle.
The General is an inspiring speaker, and has enlisted the help of all
present to defend against the attack that will surely come with the
dawn. I will be busy building fortifications all evening, and my young
friends will be tasked with protecting a section to the northwest of
the lodge. I fear greatly for these brave but inexperienced young men.
The front line is often lost in such large conflicts, but I hold out
hope that their valor and cunning will win the day for them.

As for myself, I am not entirely at ease with defending the General but
he is an honorable man, if a bit lacking in compassion or morality. I
know my part will be small in the over-all battle. I only pray that if
I fall, it will be with honor, and protecting my comrades. If I am
able I will report to you the results of tomorrows battle, and you can
rest assured I will be keeping an eye on my newfound young friends.

Tomas "the Just",

faithful and humble servant of the lovely, glorious, and merciful
Mayaheine.

A letter arrives by bonded courier at the Temple of Mayaheine in

Grayhawk, addressed to the director of "Missionary Services". This is
the second in a week, and eagerly awaited, as the previous letter left
the fate of a field missionary unsure.

My Lord,

I find myself looking at the dawn with a sense of appreciation I

haven't fealt since returning from the "Isle of Woe", where as you
know, things did not go well for me. I am well, in fact, I was not
severely injured in yesterday's battle at all. A few minor sword cuts,
but nothing a quick prayer to our mistress couldn't fix.

I turn my thoughts now to the brave young men I spoke of in my previous

missive. I judged these young men to be worthy and honorable after the
first day of the hunt. If anything, the battle with the druid showed
that assessment to be a slight to them.

As the sun came up on the second day at the lodge, pre-battle

excitement filled the air. I had a few moments to talk with my new
friends, and though a bit scared, they showed a grim determination that
theirs would not be the front to fail. I returned to my post with a
vague sense of worry for them. I was fortunate though in that they
would be positioned outside the barricade, and I was stationed on the
section of the barricade that they were protecting.

As the light of day began to show over the horizon, I realized that a
deep fog was rolling in. The druid had brought all his powers to bear,
and fully intended to see us all fertilizing the grass and trees
scattered about the lodge. By the time we should have had daylight,
visibility had been reduced to 200 feet or less. Everyone at the lodge
was growing tense, but we had a job to do, and it was too late to turn
back now. From my post I saw my young friends readying themselves for
an attack, though I could not see who from.

I won't bore you with all of the details, especially since I was busy
with my own duties and missed part of their conflict. I did see them
fell a halfling spellcaster, a human druid who had obviously been
enlarged, and his dog, who was wearing chain barding. I thought surely
they had secured their front when another foe stepped out of the mist.
This was an enlarged wood elf weilding a fearsome looking longsword. I
saw first one and then another of my friends felled as they charged
this giant elf, and they would have surely perished if not for the
healing aid of Baron Ulik. I know little of the Baron, except that he
appears to be one of Hok's lackeys, though he appears to be a cleric of
greater power than I possess. My friends managed to hold their front,
and, when they saw no further enemies, began looking to see if they
could assist any of the groups around them. Their entire portion of
the battle lasted scarcely over half a minute.

I have recounted the most notable part of their combat with one
exception. The entire time they battled, they did so with an eye to
the sky, for Gerlad was soaring over the battlefield on an enourmous
bird, slinging spells down on whatever front his minions were hardest
pressed. My friends, to their credit, stayed focused on the task at
hand. Few would blame them for ducking for cover every time the fell
beast flew overhead. Instead they held their line, and managed to
avoid being blasted by Gerlad.

In all, Gerlad was forced to retreat, his minions decimated. The

General seemed very pleased with the performance of the guests and many
people find themselves in his favor this day, myself included.

I have rambled on long enough, but I must say that I hold a great deal
of respect for my newfound friends. I feel that if the Combination is
producing young men of this calibre, that surely the old one has a
great deal to worry about.

Yours faithfully,
Tomas "the Just",
humble servant of the lovely, glorious, and merciful
Mayaheine.
(played by Derrick Mayfield )

Keth my name, undead half-orc warrior in service of Mayaheine. Just

come from Woe-y Island at invitation of big General Hok. Many people
call to him and not Old One. Keth much impressed.

My hunting party (APL 4)

Leader: Baratus Damodred, much powerful healer of Pelor (Clr7?)
Dargal the Phoenix/Gnome Gnome, shoots fire (Wiz4)
Getthee Gonagin, good shooter (Rog4)
Frundigar Irongullet, dwarf warrior of Gendwar Argram and much healing (Clr4)
Gwaeddan Ap Sulayn, scarred female greatsword-rager (Bbn4)
Verlain, insane elven archer (Rgr4)

Led down to riverbed. Large moose creatures get mad at Gnome Gnome,
Getthee, & Verlain, not fun when they run over whole party. But many
meet death at end of the crossed swords of I and Gwaeddan. We made to
stop when druid came out and make plants grapple whole group. Baratus
drive him away though, and party get big 2nd place in Great Hunt.

At dinner that night, big scary druid come and make threat against
General, and next morning our group made to guard road into Keep.
Enoch invoke his Swordlord, and Keth prayed for Mayaheine's
watchfulness while we set defenses. We fight druid, big ape, and two
rangers, with big scary druid flying over head. While most group
focus on ground-pounders, crazy elf shoots at scary druid, who first
try to destroy her bow, then make plants grow around half of party,
with sharpy spikes too. Druid call two horsie-eagle-flying-things to
kill Keth, while ape buddy and two-sword woodsman almost kill
Gwaeddan before much-colors Baron Ulek come and help heal. Then group
beat down ground forces, while firey columns and big balls of water
rain down on other defenders. But General Hok beat back evil druid's
forces, and they go back into scary woods.

Afterward, Keth help to keep other defenders from dying, and even got
offer to join the Johrase army, but Keth already serve another lord,
and they (unlike some in Bandit Kingdoms) know what oaths mean.

--
Douglas Poynor
Keth, Half-orc 'Fighter'

<A cloaked figure sits at a coner table at the One Eyed Owl Tavern in Rook Roost recounting the
previous weeks exploits to a fellow group of friends. Mead is flowing, food plenty, ah haze of
smoke and anticipation hang in the air of the dimmly lite taveren, the thin raspy female voice of
the cloaked ranger continued her story.>

"I tell you my friends the hunt was glorious. What a service General Hok had provided for the
surrounding wild life in the area. My respect for the General increased because of the hunt. Oh he's
alive I seen him with my own eyes. With winter coming if the Elk heard hadn't been thinned out
they would have certainly starved from lack of available forrage in the area! What was that crazy
druid thinking? Certainly Garland would have know such an event would have occured had the
heard not been thinned? What madness has befallen him to commit such an act? He should have
known better. The hunt was cut short unfortunatly as the druid's minions advance in an attempt to
destroy us and the General's lodge. ** whispering lowly** I have no great love for the General mind
you or his army, however he struggles against the old one in everyway others cannot and of this, I
greatly approve."

<Quickly stuffing a bite of stale bread into her mouth and washing it down with some mead. The
listeners could see the fire in this elf's eyes. The intensity of it, she was no normal high elf content
with any magical studies she was far too reckless and passionate for anything other than the path
she has choosen. The woods her calling, a Ranger her destiny, a certain druid's bane. The bread
washed down the empty mug slammed to the table, her story continued listners hanging on every
word.>

"A fog begain rolling in, the sounds of battle quickly sourounding us as the enemy approached. It
was they who had thrown the gauntlet down and the General was no fool for picking it up I tell you.
That Druid Garland needed a lesson and by golly we handed it to them. My companion's and I Stood
our ground in the are we were assigned, I almost felt sorry for them as they approached. At first it
was another ranger and druid that approched us from out of the fog. I thought, 'what treatchy was
this? How was it that Garland be able to recruit such minions as these?' It was then appearent, my
Paladin friend said there was an air of evil about, it removed all doubt of the course of action I or
my comrads should follow!"
" My friend Gweddan charged along with our paladin, our chain fighter quickly followed. 200 feet
was the length of our vision I tell you just a mear 200 feet! We used every inch of it! I lossed my
volly of arrows at the aggressors hitting them solidly when I heard the screatch of that giant eagle.
AH I sight I tell you. A bird so majestic, magnifisent, it was a shame Garland had choosen it for a
mount. Well if he wouldn't come down and join us in the fight then I would certain attempt to bring
the fight to him. I lossed two arrows at the mighty bird. Thunk, Thunk I heard as they both hit
causeing the beast to scream out in pain. I saddend me greatly the bird was innocent and made me
hate Garland more for bring it into the fight like this. Then what is this? I seen twigs and pieces of
fallen branches around me twist and bend and even a few of my arrows bend malshappened. HA!"

<waving to the barmaid for another mead>

"I knew then I was on the right side of this fight. The druid's magic was impotent. I fired two more
arrows into the birds belly. My Goneagin compainion seeing this joined in trying to bring down the
big bird. It screamed in pain as our arrows sunk deeply into it. Fortunately, Garland rushed off for
reasons I can only imagine maybe he was fleeing from our arrows? What a whimp. At that moment I
seen my companion Gweddan staggered fighting a ranger down the field. Noooo I cried! I grabbed
our guide and screamed at him if you and your General are worth anything boy you had better get a
healer here now and save my friend. If not, *snearing*, I will kill you myself now go! I noted the boy
had left a puddle where he stood as he ran for help. It was then I saw the General on the field, I
screamed, 'General you will not let my friend die! I need a healer here now! Show me your worth
Man!' Much to my surprise he did just that, a healer came immedietly and healed our fighters
and my friend! I was duely immpressed it saved the battle."

<Taking another drink off the freashly refilled mug.>

"It was then much to my dismay I noted the return of that damnable druid. My hatered renewd for
him ten times over, his actions almost causing the falling of my friend! Thunk, Thunk! Take the you
fiend two more arrows soundly implailed the bird, he being sheilded so from the fog and his mount
it was only the mount I could hit! Silly druid responded with a Briar thicket spell. Ha! I scoffed at
him as I moved freely out of his obviously weak and impotent spell once again. Thunk another
arrow and my Goneagain friend shot at him also. He responded again with some other spell
damaging me, this is combat, I thought, my resolve deepend. Shaking the damage off, two more
arrows bedded deeply into the bird it screamed wildly in pain! I know had he shown his face again
or come down to battle with honor we would have certainly, and gladly, planted a sapling on his
grave. The Bastard left, his minion's broken, we had won the day. But I let thee know now my
friends. If I ever meet up
with that crazy druid again I will have an arrow knocked, with Garland the Druid's name writen on
it! Now what says ye to finding some other trouble to get ourselves into my friends? You know I just
love an adventure!"

<As recounted by Verlain Neighwood / Ranger, 11 / 593, at the One Eyed Owl Tavern, Rook Roost,
in the Bandit Kingdoms>

(played by john filipek )

I had a blast during the interactive! My only complaint is that I

could not be there for all of it! I spent a good portion putting on
my costume and then standing in foyer waiting for my queue to start
the confrontation with Hok.

I do have a couple of fond memories:

1) Baron Ulik standing as far from the druid as he could during the
confontation.

2) Two crazy 4th level PCs who insisted on shooting arrows at the
high level druid on the back of an advanced Roc. Crazy!

3) The looks on the faces of that first table that I blasted to

smitherings. I specifically told the judge not to let on that it was
subdual damage, and that I was going to be pretty harsh with them.

To an APL 2 table:
The Druid: "A bead streaks from druids finger. There is a tremendous
burst of blue energy (water ball). THIRTY-FIVE POINTS OF
DAMAGE!!! ... DC 17 save for 17 points

PC #1: <Disbeliving look> "I saved... and I am still dead."

PC #2: "I am dead."

PC #3: "dead."
PC #4: "I can't #@$!$!# believe this #$@%!"

PC #5: <Through a frothing mouth> "Who wrote this?! I am gonna kick

his @##!"

PC #6: <With a grin ear-to-ear> "I am at negative five! I am alive! I

am alive!"

The Druid (me): A second bead streaks from his finger a split second
later (quickened waterball). <In my meanest, most careless tone>
THIRTY-SEVEN POINTS OF DAMAGE!!! ... DC 17 save for 18 points. <I
walk away from the table with out so much as shrug>

PC #6: <Grin dissappears>

Only after I walked away and another PC checked their bodies did they
discover that it was in fact subdual damage.

3) An APL 6 wizard who had cast fly and moved over to an APL 4 table
to beat up on 'my minions'. The judge of the table summoned me over
to help with the new 'threat'. The player was standing behind the
judge and had a big smirk on his face as I approached. I looked over
the tiered responses for each APL and found that he could recieve a
flame strike. I WAS just going to call lightning on him, but the
smirk convinced me to let him have it. So I did, for 16 points (saved
for half). The smirk disappearred and without a word or comment he
walked back over to his table and sat in his chair, and did not move
for the rest of the interactive.

Turns out he had cast an a resist elements: electricity earlier in

the combat when he had spied me calling lightning on other players.
He was secure in the fact I would do the same for him. He did not
know that those were APL 4 tables and that he qualified for a little
EXTRA loving at his APL. :)

4) I pretty busy during the final battle. I was walking between

tables looking scary and coming to the aid of my 'minions'. Between
tracking game mechanic stuff and Role-Playing I was swamped. It took
my wife pulling me aside to notice that there was an APL2 table of
mostly kids. The oldest of whom could not have been more than twelve.
They were all turned in their chairs watching me. I remember her
words: "Hey you need to go over to that table and give those kids
some attention. They are driving their judge nuts. He can't even get
them to play because they are so busy watching you." They got my best
role-playing for the rest of the event. :)

4) The collective groan of players when their judge stood on their

chair an asked for help from the druid.

That sounds priceless (webmaster)

Tom Brister
Gerland the druid
Protocon Rumors in Sept 2003

All I can say about the con is wow, what a blast I had a great time with all the events and all the
tables I played at had a great group of people that worked well together and for the most part
accomplished the task at hand, despite having Tom Brister as a judge for 2 rounds.

My thoughts on the interactive, it was actually a pretty well written interactive. It would have
been better had we found the secret door and meet the little people (mithral Full Plate drool).
Watching Lightning getting flattened and then fleeing the un-trapped door :) was entertaining. I
got to find out why clerics with Harm were nasty only a bad die roll on Tom's part and a save on
mine stopped from dying out right from a Harm (2 hit points left), Inflict serious combo (23 points
saved for 11 your now at -9 thanks for playing) from a hasted cleric. I think next time I will just
shoot them with my arrow of slaying it seems a much safer bet.

The other modules were in my opinion well written and provided for some great pucker factor.
Torrock's bane may have been written a little to tough (just my opinion) for the advertised APL4,
in any case do not go into this mod less then 3rd level and be well equipped when you do. Only
quick thinking saved my party and avoided a TPK, even then we had two dead, 1 captured and the
rest were all severely mauled.

All in all it was fun and I would recommend any of the modules for play, though you will have to be
on your toes and make the correct decision in all of the modules or they can get downright ugly.

David

Grungir rescue prisoners. Too bad not find out what behind door, but it not important. {OOC loud
sigh} Grungir happy big wizard will help him make uber-greatsword. Now just need to get more
money to buy stuff for wizard to use to make it, then Grungir be much happy.

Adam(Grungir Delthag, searching for some adamantine)

Subject: [bandit_kingdoms] ProtoCON - Good Job! (Warning: insensitive judge humor within!)

I just wanted to thank Patrick, Micah, and all the judges at Protocon for making another great
con! You guys rock!

My DM stats for the CON were:

1. Dead or Eaten: 1 ranger, 1 wizard, 1 bear animal companion.

2. Unrecoverable: 1 wizard
3. Ran like little girls: 1 cleric, 1 druid, 1 lightning of
Rookroost, 1 Cleric of Kelennen (they are all ninnies), and 2 other PC who's name escape me at
the moment.

4. I would note that one table laid waste to every encounter I through at them. Further proof that
team work is the keystone to D&D.

Tom Brister

Note to self: Smashing rogues in 20d6 crushing wall traps is amusing, must do more often.

(note the thief in the trap was Lightning of Rookroost also, Lightning was at -5 after that, thanks
to a good party that pulled him out and healed him, he did not die. Duane)

Lightning of Rookroost's brave adventures:

Hail and well met good citizens, I and a band of friends did sneak into Torroc's layer and slay
him. I defeated many trap and held back his army by fireballing all who sought to climb the ramp
to aid their foul leader.

Then we went back into the caves to rescue the poor citizens that had been Torrock's slaves.
Once again, I defeated many traps (cough, I do have nightmares about moving walls) and
summoned creatures to aid my brave fighter friends, who were fighting a creature that moved
through rock as you or I move through water. I smote it many times with magical missiles in an
attempt to aid my fighter friends even further. I did release the slaves with my own hand while
my friends fought the battle, I gave the released slaves hope when I told them Torrock was dead.

Come back tomorrow and I will have composed a ballad of my heroics. Good night, now. In
keeper, have you prepared my special bed? I nice firm mattress for my back, ( ---- moving walls),
no I insist on the finest quality for entertaining your guests......

Subject: [bandit_kingdoms] Protocon Numbers

Okay, well, I got the data entered into an Excel Spreadsheet, so I figured that I would share some
of the numbers that I turned up.

Total Tables 58
Total Deaths 29 *note that 13 of these deaths were at intro tables.
Total Raised 15 *effectively 2 higher level PC's not raised. One was a first level character that died
in the interactive.

Torrock's Bane was responsible for the most deaths, but it also ran two more rounds than did the
intro mod Johrase Jailbreak.

Statistically, Jailbreak was more deadly, especially if you calculate in the fact that only one
person was not raised after dying during Torrock's Bane, and that person did not do so because
this person decided not to play LG anymore.

Artonsamay Falcon
Final Total Dead 3
Final Total Raised 0
Total Tables 6

Johrase Jailbreak
Final Total Dead 10
Final Total Raised 1
Total Tables 6
Trouble at Ankheg Springs
Final Total Dead 0
Final Total Raised 0
Total Tables 2

50 Silver Ingots
Final Total Dead 0
Final Total Raised 0
Total Tables 2

Road To Perdition
Final Total Dead 2
Final Total Raised 1
Total Tables 13

Baco Canyon
Final Total Dead 2
Final Total Raised 2
Total Tables 4

Hi-Ho Silver
Final Total Dead 1
Final Total Raised 0
Total Tables 8

Torrock's Bane
Final Total Dead 12
Final Total Raised 11
Total Tables 8

Burning Cliffs
Final Total Dead 0
Final Total Raised 0
Total Tables 5

Fractures
Final Total Dead 0
Final Total Raised 0
Total Tables 1

In all, coordinating this con was an experience, and I was called upon to make some tough
decisions concerning other peoples' characters. If I offended you, I am sorry you took offense. I am
not sorry for any decisions that I made.

In all, after Friday night (when my other judges showed up on Saturday), muster went smoothly.
The muster for the interactive was impressive. There was only two deaths during the interactives,
but then there was not a single table that played above their APL. Hmmmm. This shows that RPGA
players are indeed fast learners. I hope, though, that those that lived were challenged, and that
they were happy with their rewards for a hard-fought victory.

Patrick Brown
Senior Protocon GM

Frequency Distribution of Deaths (by level)

1st 15
2nd 3
3rd 2
4th 2
5th 3
6th 1
8th 2
9th 1
12th 1

I think that these numbers tell a good story.

1. Johrase Jailbreak is too deadly.

2. The lack of low-level mods resulted in people choosing to play up to APL 4, thus insuring their
doom in another difficult module: Torrock's Bane.

Overall, I think that the death ratio spread in all levels other than first is not too bad, considering
all the tables that were run, though I would prefer that they be spread more evenly among the
modules available. Basically, the interactive and Hi-Ho Silver were too easy and Torrock's Bane
was too hard.

I hope that our region will continue to track our tables in such a fashion as I have so that we can
keep tabs on how we are progressing statistically.

Anyone that would have time to do a more in-depth analysis of the results I have compiled, let me
know off-list. I have to get by nose back in the books for school.

Patrick
stepping back from the campaign for awhile to rest.

AggieCon and Steelcon interactive Rumors

AggieCon

My dearest Samantha,

I recently had an opportunity to join the resistance and free a spy who had been captured. The
information that he knew was vital to all our survival and we risked life and limb to free him.

The raid on the keep had gone well and cold ale soothed our sore muscles as we traveled back to
the gathering point. The road was long and we had been traveling for several hours when night
began to fall and the smell of sulfur assaulted our senses. My comrades and I immediately looked
out into the woods and saw nothing but net! The trap had been sprung and the entire party had
been netted, surely all was lost.

The faint light of the sun could be seen glinting off steel as blades were hastily drawn in an
attempt to remove the nets. The wizard flew into the sky with inhuman speed fleeing for his life,
the horses began to bolt, and the barbarian stopped moving. The minions of IUZ had come to settle
an old score and were going to get payment in blood.

The world began to blur as my mind gave way. I must have lost my senses that night as the
approaching goblins appeared huge and well trained. Only, I cannot be sure that they even
existed. They seemed to shift in and out of reality and shadow. I do not know what kind of foul
magic allowed this. The only thing I remember are my thoughts of my impending doom. I cried
inside that evening, my love, at the thought of never seeing you again. I am still not sure how we
survived.

Some time during my near lapse of consciousness the wizard returned and appeared to slap the
IUZian on the back as an old friend. It was several seconds later when the cleric stopped moving
and a foul stench began to wash over me. I do not know how but the wizard had managed to
incapacitate him. My senses were returning now and I noticed my friends freeing themselves. The
barbarian was still not moving as a goblin hacked at his ankles. I saw the goblin literally fall apart
as 8 bolts flew from the fingers of the wizard. I am not sure but the wizard seemed to be enjoying
the death happening around him.
 A few seconds later he confirmed he had indeed gone mad as he flew into the air, well out or
sight, carrying a goblin. I wondered what kind of interrogation that goblin would endure but
nothing could prepare me for what happened next. As I watched the dark sky the goblin came
streaking down and nearly crushed another goblin!!! The wizard followed only feet behind him and
grabbed yet another of our enemies. I swear I heard him laughing as he disappeared overhead once
more. The memories pain me. The important thing is that we all survived.

I do not think the adventuring life is for me and I should be at your side only days after you get
this.

With all my heart

William Gradden. (aka Peter Edward )

AggieCon

Ahh, the Steelcon Interactive report. Here it is, enjoy.

We seated roughly 55 players for the interactive. We had a large contingent of new players, with
most tables being APL2 or 4. There were a couple of APL8 tables and 1 or 2 APL6 tables. Many of
the players had never attended an interactive before and did not know what to expect. We had
around 12-15 people captured or killed and about 30 people are now actively hunted by the forces
of Iuz. Despite these numbers, the reactions we heard were, I'd say, 90% positive. There were also
about 11 people that curried favor with the forces of Iuz in one way or another. I'm sure we will
see a report from an IUZian representative in the near future praising their deeds.

As for what happened in character, I'm not sure how much I should say. I may leave that to
people's in character descriptions of the event. I will say that four clerics walked into a
bar...eventually there was a half-Orc that extolled the virtues of Gruumsh in front of a cleric of
Iuz, then refused to denounce Gruumsh publicly at the orders of said cleric. The PC was placed
under arrest, at which time the PCs overwhelmed the small contingent of Iuz troops. The next day
there was an assault of some kind on Shadowstone Keep in Balmund. It is rumored that there was
a prisoner rescued from the keep. I'm sure others will fill in the details with their tales.

Britt Frey
defacto Steelcon Interactive organizer

AggieCon

(This may be old-news to many of you; I am just posting this to give

a more clear picture of those that did not attend AggieCon).

0 "Give your report please, Barnivus." 0

The cleric looks around, brushing some dirt away from his garments, "Oh yes. Nasty business that.
I assume the standard procedures were followed after my passing into Unlife?"

0 A nod is given by his superior. 0

"Good. Good. Let them try to escape from the scrying eyes of Iuz. You
know, not ONE of the louts had a hymn book of praise on their person. That was MOST peculiar
and added fire to my suspicions."

"Well, to begin. My group and myself had just left our appointed duty to patrol the area. We had
also been most successful in collecting taxes from a certain gentleman. He had a few interesting
items on his person. We were checking up on curfew afterwards and all seemed serene. Not a "wop"
to be seen. So, being tired and thirsty, we
decided to go to a bar. As it turned out, Paltron's establishment was closed down due to some
"misfortune", so we tried our luck at a new place."

"It was locked, but we could see the lights on inside, hear the voices. All I could think of was, "What
nerve have they to lock their doors to ones such as ourselves". They even had the audacity to tell us
they were closed. So, I knocked harder. I tell you, it was a bit
suspicious. After a bit more of "prodding", the doors opened. I was a
bit amazed as to how many patrons were inside already. My troops and
I filed in and took a look around. As per orders, we were on the look-out for any who may have
been wanted by our lord and savior, Iuz."

"I sensed some resistance in the room, especially at first, but a few patrons gave us some civil
conversation, especially after some "alcohol" was served to us by one of the establishment's serving
wenches. A few rumors were bantered about in our discourse, some of
which were :

- I told of some troubles of a particular clan of Halflings that has become more of a scratch of a
tick than the flea bite it was before. Some clan whose name escapes us at the moment. It could
be "GoneFeariuns" or "GoneBackandThereAgain" or "Go-GoAgains". Some such name as that. Our
efforts will still net results.

- More discourse about a demonic man or a devil-type giving our forces a run for their money. A
most disturbing piece of information that has seemed to spread throughout the continent. An
army of
various creatures from the Ether that seem intent to drive us out. I am sure this will be handled
sometime, if not by Iuz, then by some group of others who are also being affected. On a curious
note, there has also been reports of a demon man making appearances within our border. I
wonder if it could be the same personage. Needless to say,
He seems a rather chaotic type. He seems to hurt our operations as much as help them.

- The rounding up of Rookroost leaders seems to have only helped rather than hurt. I would
suggest action be staged at other places as well.

- I could sense a feeling of ill-will to myself and my group as we talked during our social
pleasantries. Many did not approach us with good tidings. A feeling of rebellion seemed to be in
the air. We were told to keep on the lookout for those wanted by Iuz and we did find a few among
this rabble, but also marked out a few more. However, as you know, this turned out to be a moot
point.

- There was an interesting topic of conversation: Various people seemed to bring out a person by
the name of "Richard "Good-to-His-Mother" Strickland". I did meet this fellow finally and he
seemed like a good supporter for the empire of Iuz. Still, it is best to keep an eye out in the
future for this individual if his name pops up over the course of any events that would happen.
But, again, this is a minor point, given what happened.

"So, as the night gained in length. I decided to raise the room's spirits with a hymn about our Lord
Iuz. To my dismay, not ONE bar patron had their Iuz Hymn Book (certed). A pity, because I was
feeling generous and would have rewarded such a person(s) with some of our spoils from the tax
collecting mission I pointed out earlier. Oh well, better to keep such magics for ourselves, as the
alcohol was slightly affecting me. How would I pass out such objects of power in such a rag-tag
group of misfits is beyond me."

"As my group and I sung. The mood of the gathered turned sour. A few items were thrown. Even
worse, I heard a chant of Pelor or two. I noted these faces in my memory as best I could. I also
noticed one young girl who drew my attention for detection: she showed a "good" aura. She seemed
to scurry around the gathered, whispering in a few ears. Reactions to her questions ranged from
indifference to extreme interest. I memorized the faces that drew such interest. But, as is known,
this was a small thing. As I finished up my ode, this woman, followed by a man of elf-nature with a
nice shade of unhealthy tone to his skin, lunged at me in attack. She missed as I stared at her,
more indignant at her actions against an emissary of the Undead one than of shock. I ordered my
men to seize her. From there, it turned into a bar-room fight..."

0 " And then, you were downed..." 0

The cleric nods at this, "Yes, I was felled. There were too many of them. I assume the whole room
was scryed and our bodies teleported away, as per operating procedures. So actually..." He
chuckles, "They are all Wanted by his Vibrant Majesty. I had heard, after my "re-birth" that agents
were sent to retrieve these people. A few successes, many not so."

The cleric thinks aloud, mostly so his superior can hear him, "So, this rabble is not so tough. We
have many faces and names will follow shortly. I do not think they can elude our bony grasp for
long. Even if they do, we can easily direct their actions to certain areas. All
very simple and good. Now, to plan."

Not a word is said. The superior leaves, leaving a befuddled cleric as to the abruptness of the
meeting. No doubt something else has come up related to this that needs investigation. The cleric
looks around the room a bit, marveling at the moldy frescos that seem to ooze out blood so easily
as a dripping sewer pipe. Surely this cleric will meet these adventurers again. If not him, then
they would have someone else to deal with, like his brother, who was higher up the boneguard
than he was.

AggieCon Lyrics

Well, I may be moderated... (I don't know WHY, since it's been more
than a year since that last joke I posted about and it WAS cleared
up...)

Anyway, enough quibble.

This tune is sung to the tune of "Over the Bounty Main" (I

think "Main" is in the song, it may be "May"). Whose chorus line goes
something like this :

"Sailing, Sailing, over the Bounty Main!"

It could alternatively be sung to "It's a Pirate's Life for Me",

which is almost the same tune.

Ode to Iuz, Hymn #253

(Out of the CY591 Year - Certed Hymn Book)

Chorus :

Iuz, Iuz, from Sea to Shining Sea,

The Life of the Undead is the only Unlife for me!
Iuz, Iuz, his Radiance is so true,
for without his Glorious Leadership, what would we go do?

Stanza :

He gives us all his wisdom,

He gives us all his warmth,
We must all raise Praise to Him,
For all our measly Worth!
The Donkey Carts all run on time,
The Silver is so fine,
If I did not know better,
I'd think those bars were mine!

Chorus :

Iuz, Iuz, from Sea to Shining Sea,

The Life of the Undead is the only Unlife for me!
Iuz, Iuz, his Radiance is so true,
for without his Glorious Leadership, what would we go do?

Stanza 2:

We Murder, Rape, and Pillage,

We Rob, Tax, and Extort.
We gladly follow Iuz's command for all it's simple worth!
We like it when the peasants cry and scream and crawl and die,
You'd think these folks would be grateful for not winding up as
stuffing in a pie!

Chorus :

Iuz, Iuz, from Sea to Shining Sea,

The Life of the Undead is the only Unlife for me! Iuz, Iuz, his Radiance is so true,
for without his Glorious Leadership, what would we go do?

Stanza 3:

The Road to Dorakaa is a Road of Pain.

We Glory in and bathe our face in the Blood-Red Rain! The Road of Skulls is Vibrant White and looks
so gosh Darn Pretty, To gather victims and add to the road makes me so gosh Darn Giddy!

Chorus :

Iuz, Iuz, from Sea to Shining Sea,

The Life of the Undead is the only Unlife for me!
Iuz, Iuz, his Radiance is so true,
for without his Glorious Leadership, what would we go do?

Stanza 4:

Collect the Taxes, Whip the slaves, and stretch the poor on Racks, We like to hear the Crinkley
sounds of Mangled break Backs! If we are to die in his Immortal Grace, We'd just come back as
undead, and punch the killer in the face!

Chorus :

Iuz, Iuz, from Sea to Shining Sea,

The Life of the Undead is the only Unlife for me! Iuz, Iuz, his Radiance is so true,
for without his Glorious Leadership, what would we go do?

"David" <Speilban@yahoo.com>

: Five Clerics of Iuz walk into a bar... (was: Steelcon )

AFAIK the highest APL table for the interactive at Steelcon was 8. I ran an APL 10 Return to the
Isles. Vladimir the Sexy got a BIIIIG hug (from a chuul) he won't forget for a long time. He's just so
lovable!!!!
:)
As far as the interactive goes, there was one cleric that was given up by his party and killed by
Iuzite priests. My table had the very LOUD Red Axe half-orc barbarian brothers and half-elf sister
sorceress (don't ask) that were fun to be with for the sheer enthusiasm and volume with which they
played. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to avert the notice and ire of the Iuzite priest when he
demanded that Bashem denounce Gruumsh and wound up starting the tabletop portion of the
interactive. Oh well, I would have rather waited a while to be noticed by Old Ugly, but I'll live. So
It's one death at the end, an unknown amount of dead during the assault, and probably a few 16
TU and whip scar jail sentences.

I think we have a new slogan for the T-shirt: five clerics of Iuz walk into
a bar........

AggieCon
But, the action of one FOOL paladin caused the DEATH encounter! Without his/her action, the
optional death encounter would not have happened at ANY table. I AM SO glad that you had fun
with it. The stupid action of a single character cause the multiple deaths and also those thrown in
prison.

Later,
Scott Majeske

Robert" <dragonh@poncacity.net>
Subject: Recently started

First off I want to say hello to everyone...some of you I may have meet at SteelCon 2003 but
probably didn't know it as this was all a new experience to me and i was just absorbing it all.
However i do want to say that i did have fun and the Interactive was intersting. My Half-Orc's twin
brother is the one that was arrested leading to the attack on the cleric and guards initiated by his
brothers which was rather amusing and expected by some considering who the group was *grin*. I
look forward to the next con i can make it to and hope that it will be as enjoyable as this one was.

Robert D.
aka Ka'Nes Rath'Cael - 1st Lvl Wood Elf Ranger
aka SmashEm - 1st Lvl Half-Orc Barbarian - twin of BashEm

---------------------------------------------------
"RED AXE...RED AXE...RED AXE"

Owlcon interactive rumors from players

We ended up with 48 players with tables ranging from APL 2 to APL 10.

It ended up that we had enough judges to run 60 players, and I am very thankful for those judges
that showed up and offered their services.

I ran the APL 2 table and I am very proud to report that they successfully completed their missions!
There was a little trouble with a troll and a couple of smaller earth elementals, but they all came
out alive and victorious.

Very good roleplaying all around last night with a great improv skit designed by David Barrera, who
played the victim role so well! Typecast, maybe;)

I had a splendid time MCing and mustering and such and I hope that everyone had fun.

I hear that there were a couple of fatalities, but I will not expound upon other aspects of the
mission, as that is within the Triad purview.

Thanks once again, I had a blast!

Patrick Brown
aka=====
Lord Ulik the Unpredictable
Baron of Morannon
Faithful to the Unlooked For
Alive and well in the Bandit Kingdoms

Subject: OwlCon Interactive, Retirement

Hey all,

I hope everyone had a exciting time down at Owlcon. The interactive turned longer than normal
(over 45 pages). There was much going
on and it sounds like players experienced much of it. Stay tuned for how your actions impacted
the region.

Also, I am handing off responsibilities, so until the new BK Plots guy is announced, please contact
Doug or Mike with any questions
that you have. I'll be shutting down my bk
address.

I hope everyone has enjoyed the mods and

interactives over the last year and a half, and I look forward to seeing the BK continue to
build on its foundation.

Thanks,
Jason

(in Character)

Hmph.....

My dad once told me if I didn't pi$$ somebody

off, I wasn't doing the right thing.

A Bonefist cleric killed my mother in front of my eyes, used my beloved and left her for dead, and
took my sanity....

So, Bring it on Pork Chop

We knew that this would happen. But we also knew that we are in a place(BK) that has to be freed.
If we're on the run, so much the better. Old Ugly will have to use troops to do find us. If His
Ugliness is chasing us, he will have less troops to defend his properties.

When he does find us, I hope he brings lunch, and friends. He might beat us, but His Ugliness is
going to have a lot less troops worrying about health benefits and retirement......

The BK is ripe for rebellion.

Up the Rebellion, Down with Iuz!!!!

"George F. Arndt"

I played Stella (Rogue 3/Paladin 2) in the Interactive. Our party cleric (of Pholtus) cast a couple
of buffing-up spells ("Thanks!") in an alley before we entered the sewers ("Eww!") and somebody
on the street ("Snitch!") jotted down a note and ran off, probably to inform the Legion about the
non-Iuz divine caster.

So be wary of public casting, clerics. The Bonefist Legion is cracking down in Rookroost.

Stella was in disguise as "Estelle" during the Interactive, so I wore an impromptu mask. I suspect
the Rookroost Kwik-E-Mart will have a run on masterwork Disguise kits. We'll all have
to be a bit more cautious.

As to stories, we didn't have any party member deaths, but our NPC guide was a corpsicle after
encountering an Ice Salamander. (1d8 cold damage per round to everybody within 20 feet!)

After we beat Mr. Frosty, we heard voices, so Stella snuck forward and listened in on a very
interesting meeting between two groups opposed to Iuz. Stella greeted them and said that she
had a few friends (47 of whom were nearby) who might be willing to help.

We were all *very* friendly -- Stella rolled a Natural 20 on Diplomacy with Welby, the halfling
Paladin, assisting for a total of 46. That was high enough to charm the socks off those NPCs, but I
don't know if good relations with these groups will affect future BK plot lines.

(Hint, hint.)

-- Ken Jenks

The Bandit Kingdoms plots are really coming into their own, making the region into the truely
unique, terrifying
place that it should be. I look foreword to trying to evade the worshipers of that lesser demi-god,
and to inflicting future modules on unsuspecting would-be heroes of like purpose. Owlcon was all-
around awesome, thanks to everyone who made it happen for the players and the whole region.

Joe Bright
(Nalmir, now extra badly wanted by the forces of
Iuz)

"On another note. Is anyone up to a special

mission to steal the "Big Book of Devil Names" from Mortoth, so he will quit being able to summon
7 or 8 devils every single module?"

Sign me up!!!

just give me a chance to make my pair of +1 Holy Evil Outsider/Undead Bane Short swords.

Uron G-

Suvaaco?! No!!! Alas, I new him well! Oh, if only I had been there!

He asked me to go with him, but in my sort-sightedness, I refused! Curses upon my flesh! I have
failed my friend!

Woaaahasss me!

Pappy Witheredleaf.
(What good is it to play an old man if you can't have an occasional rant?)

There were no deaths in my party, but the last table out had two... Cyrus Dreylock and Suvaaco. I
heard they both got better...

Susan
a.k.a. "Madame" Mysta Gonagin
w/o suvaaco tumbling over to heal me as I lay bleeding, it would have been 1/2 the party, EASILY!

Little redhanded demons killed my friends, but i'll have the last laugh to be sure.

here's to fiendish dirtbags on pikes! half-fiend beurocrats too!

-Farouk

I hope everybody got an eyefull, as that was Suvaaco's first and, as he has no plans for an
alignment shift, last heroic act..

Suvaaco

Vladimir went into the sewers against his better judgement to recover the remains of a certain
person that many of us are familiar with (but which would provide a spoiler, so I won't mention the
name). Not only was it filthy, but he had earlier attempted to read the thoughts of the guide and
had been blocked by the Mind Blank spell. Our entire party apparently forgot that there is only one
group of
people in Rookroost who can possibly cast 8th level spells (and they aren't on our side) and so we
trusted our guide implicitly and walked right into a trap that killed two of our party and nearly
killed the rest of us. But for our cleric Nalmir holding the door until Vladimir could convince
several of the devils to change sides, we might have all died.

Vladimir now has an empathic understanding of how Lt. Chekov felt in Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, as
he also go to experience the wonders of bugs burrowing into bodily organs. We knew we were
going to have a hard time when our valiant cleric, Nalmir (10th level) rolled a natural 20 on his turn
check, rolled in the 20's on the number of dice of undead to turn, and rebuked only 1 of the
creatures.

On another note. Is anyone up to a special mission to steal the "Big Book of Devil Names" from
Mortoth, so he will quit being able to summon 7 or 8 devils every single module?

Keith Symcox
aka Vladimir Ondromatov

Hey all,

Just one more thing....

We had a great table at the Interactive. We are extremely thankful for:

Bill Elmer - Tripper - again was extremely effective

Travis Walcott - Tangler saved our butts with a simple spell, barkskin kept me and David from being
hit several times.

Susan Threadgill - (?) unknown - This lady is extremely effective. Her thief has to gain weight.
Damned 'Harm' spell.

Sincere Thanks,

George Arndt - Khan

Pat Quick - Serena
David Finan - Rameriz

The Bandit Kingdoms plots are really coming into their own, making the region into the truely
unique, terrifying place that it should be. I look foreword to trying to evade the worshipers of that
lesser
demi-god, and to inflicting future modules on unsuspecting would-be heroes of like purpose.
Owlcon was all-around awesome, thanks to everyone who made it happen for the players and the
whole region.

Joe Bright
(Nalmir, now extra badly wanted by the forces of Iuz)

um, i don't know. i think you'd have to be withint 30 ft of them to do that, and i'm not to keen on
being that close to them at all after the "Rookroost Affair".
-U

I like it! Lets get a mini mission together to bluff our way into Lord
Mortoth's palace and get that last staff piece so we can shut that dimensional gate!

Keith Symcox
><keith-symcox@u...> wrote:
> > So how high would I have to get on a bluff check to convince the Iuzites to teach me their tricks
while really wanting to double cross them? The Iuzites always seem to be able to do that to the
good temples (infiltrate and destroy), seems
> > about time we did some of that back.
>>
> > Keith
>
> Mini-mission! Mini-mission!
>
> Stella, Rogue/Paladin, has Bluff +18. Next level, I may boost that up
> to +25. Is that high enough?
>
> -- Ken Jenks

Millennium CON

Yes indeed, the cook was cut down last year by an etherhulk.
Fortunately, he was so popular that the players let out a cry of
mercy for him. The BK coordinators, so moved by this act of caring, capitulated, and had the cook
raised... AS A WIGHT! He made a naughty little appearance in the final combat.

He may yet still roam the woods close the lodge of Borjed. Come to Milcon this year to see if you
can get a glimpse. :)

Tom Brister
RPGA coordinator Millennium CON 6