Date 01-24-120
The second expedition to the new pass was dispatched. This group consisted of the following members:
DAVE W.: Rahndohm McShane - Dwarven Warrior
JAMES W.: Skrog the Scald - Dwarven Warrior Poet
JOE P.: Icirus - the Owlman Magician
Zach M.: Hobbs - a Catman Apprentice (deceased) / Axel - Veteran Squire
SCOTT D.: Z - a small weird-person Planar Warrior
The party set out for the mountains with copies of maps from the previous group, as well as a pack mule. About the halfway point to the trading post the group encountered a hooded figure, bearing a blackwood staff. The man stopped and awaited as the party approached him. He bore a large Raven perched on his shoulder. Icirus exchanged greetings with the man and he mentioned he was coming back from the mountain after hearing about the new pass. He told them if they found any magical items and needed help figuring them out to look him up, his abode is north of Hemlock Hamlet and his name is Radcliffe.
Upon arrival at Guladin's Trading Post, the party were greeted warmly and treated to a round of Stonecutter Ale! Both Dwarves agreed it was very good (though it was NO Yellow Snow, stated McShane) and Icirus who at first was hesitant to have any ended up imbibing the most! Also Hobbs & Skrog participated in a round of Axe-throwing on the range out back, with Skrog winning by just a hair!
Late that night the group was aroused when the post shook as small tremors vibrated through the ground. Going outside ready for battle they were surprised to meet a Stone-giant who was out hunting mountain coney. Z offered the creature a couple of gold coins in exchange for a bit Giant-spittle which he collected in a glass vial. Hobbs was unable to restrain his cat-nature and took to batting at a clump of lichen dangling near the giant's crotch. McShane offered the leftover rabbit stew they had from dinner which the giant readily accepted. After downing the contents of the pot the creature settled on the grass outside the post and everyone went back to sleep.
 |
| Sleeping Giant? |
The party picked up a few last minute items before heading out for the mountain pass.
Following the trail blazed by the first expedition they quickly reached the newly opened pass. Signs of dwarven construction were evident. McShane & Skrog were able to determine this was an actual "Dwarf Road".
The party follower this until they reached the fork in the road, the head of which was adorned with a roadside shrine to Tardone. Offerings were made and after scrutinizing the maps of the Mourning Vault the group decided to take the ascending path higher into the mountains.
While travelling along the road a dark shadow fell over the group, blocking the sun momentarily. Both dwarves were sure they spotted a Gold Dragon flying high above.
After an hour's walk or so the road became a cliff side trail that wound higher into the peaks, but just ahead the party spied a Dwarf Entry carved into the side of the cliff face.
Upon entering the long abandoned ruin the party battled many wretched goblins. These seemed to match the description of those who had attacked the Trading post. Unfortunately Hobbs was slain by the vile creatures.
The party collected some coin from a spider lair by distracting the creatures with goblin corpses, they were also able to determine this was the Hall of Silverbeard one of the chief dwarves that left long ago to establish a new hold whose purpose was to create a Magical Dwarf Brewery.
The party soon discovered an unkempt whelp of a lad pilfering supplies from their mule. The lad related he had recently escaped captivity by the goblins and could show the group a secret back door.
A quick foray into the goblins quarters gained the party a small share of loot including a magical bottle of Marqest wine as well as a potion!
Deciding the loss of one member at the hands of the goblins was enough for now and wanting to get out before dark they group descended the high path back to the fork. Upon arrival they were greeted by a large falcon that guided them safely back to the Trading post by dark.
The goblin captive was soon learned to be a young human Squire by the name of Axel. He related he had been taken captive from a caravan that was coming from the lands east of the mountains.
A map of the area explored by the second expedition has been drawn up. This will be added to the already existing maps from the first expedition.
Further expeditions are deemed a priority as the threat of the Goblins must be assessed further.
