Wine Cellars: A Wizardly Contest

 Wine Cellars prelude: A Wizardly Contest!

Somewhere deep in a secret lair of mighty magic & sorcery, three powerful wielders of mystic energies are deep into a philosophical debate and many empty bottles of VERY special vintage!!

L to R: Thwarx, Vulgari, & Hazbrooga

Thwarx the True: "Forsooth good Hazbrooga, the Rod was fairly won by Vulgari." said the wiry haired wizard, as he conjured up the last bottle of Marqrest Red. 

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "The Rod was my first choice!" gasped the portly mage, "my die roll was altered by this shoddy table!"

Vulgari the Learned: "First choice indeed!" The tall sorceror tightened his grip in the glowing rod, "You diced for the ring and you know it, now release your hold."

Thwarx the True: "I tire of this game anyway, we need something more exciting. Something to rouse our senses and get the heart pumping!"

Vulgari the Learned: "Ha, mental joust if you will! We shall match our intellects agaisnt one another and create a new spell!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "We did that last month Vulgari. Thwarx is correct, something else..." lifting his glass ans sipping the deep red wine. "Is this the last bottle?"

Vulgari the Learned: Looking about the chamber at all the empty bottles. "Hmm, it would seem it is. I thought we had more."

Thwarx the True: "I've got it! A competition!! A test of our magic, our mentorship, and our apprentices!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "What are you on about, Thwarx?"

Vulgari the Learned: "Go on good fellow, my interest is peaked."

Thwarx the True: "Each of us picks an apprentice, equips he or she both magically and mundanly. And we set them off to gather us more wine. Whoever returns with the best vintage wins!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "Equipped mundanly with no more than a single apprentice can carry, and each of us can supply them with one special spell for the trip!"

Vulgari the Learned: " Also, we may bestow upon them two items of magical power. No more and no less. But these items are to determined randomly from our collections!"

Thwarx the True: " Yes, and we shall watch thier progress remotely by crystal ball!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "OOh, I like this game. When do we start?"

Thwarx the True: "We shall also give our contenders a guide, a neutral party to keep them on track. Someone from that quaint village near the castle. What say you both??"

Vulgari the Learned: "I like that, my apprentice can sometimes get sidetracked. I agree!"

Hazbrooga the Stellar: "As long as the guide is not a user of the mystic arts, I agree."

Thwarx the True: "Alright, it is settled. We shall each choose an apprentice, outfit them and set them upon thier quest!"

In a laboratory a few doors down, another wielder of mighty magiks decides to join in on the contest.

Pristinio the Unwilling: "So my fellows think to win this game eh! I Pristionio shall equip an apprentice and add a fourth member to this contest! The wines shall be mine to claim!!

Watch out for a fantastic tale of frenzied wine gathering and freaky encounters deep in the cellars coming soon!  

 

Wine Cellars: Isle of the Spider Bride Part II

 Isle of the Spider Bride part II                                                                                                                        12/16/2023

ruins of the Aranea

The Players:

Joe P.: Ch-Nuk Narris, Runner / Sleek the chameleon,  Apprentice

Josh: Sliish, Scholar/Mage

Steven: Rook the Cutpurse

Deborah: Fallyswaggle Pinkledunk, Faerie (halfling)

Selina: Damora Vut, Dwarf Axe-Maiden

Leaving the safety of the Aranea territory, the party hikes over the mountainous terrain into the next valley. Spirits are high and the hope they will find some treasures are the talk amongst the group.

Sliish: The chances of us dishcovering more ruins should increase as we venture deeper into the heart of the island!

Rook: As long gold fever doesn't overcome our common sense, remember our original goal was only to return Jade to her people. Anything we find now is a bonus.

Sliish: Yesh, of course. But these few crude gold coins we found already, and that shtone wall back at the native village hint at shecrets beyond mere physical wealth, there's a poshible hidden trove of knowledge here.... shomewhere, jusht waiting to be found.

The first day in the jungle valley brings a close call with a large retile-like creature with a huge bony-club like tail. Fallyswaggle attempted to communicate with it but failed, as the creature seemed to be under a strange influence.

Later that day the party come upon a ravaged grove of native fruit trees. It is determined the creature had eaten a bunch of these and suffered a period of intoxication from them. A half dozen are harvested and brought along.

The second day finds the group encounter a group of native snake-men and thier zombie thralls! The party is able to parley and are soon disarmed and find themselves being escorted towards the central plateau of the island. 

It is quickly surmised that the reptiles intend to turn the party into sacrifices to their diety "SHAMM-SHUKK" a Red Dragon that lives in the volcano at the top of the plateau. As the group prepares to fight for their lives a violent tremor shakes the island!! In the ensuing chaos Sleek is killed by falling into a volcanic vent that opened in the ground. The snake-men are slain and the party decide to head back to the coast and withdraw from the island for now. 

Trying to make good time and push on after dark, the party runs afoul of a mated pair of sabre-tooth tigers on the hunt!! Largo, one of the crewman is killed and Sliish is badly mauled before the creatures are slain.

The group spend two days with the Aranea before meeting Captain Laine. 

Sailing back to the mainland the party decide to mount a new expedition Yonn-Varg.

The end.....

Wine Cellars: Isle of the Spider Bride or A Honeymoon in the Tropics Part I

 Isle of the Spider Bride or A Honeymoon in the Tropics!! Part 1

This adventure took place on May 25th 2023, Wine Cellar time: 3/25/123

The Players:

Joe P.: Ch-Nuk Narris, Runner / Sleek the chameleon,  Apprentice

Josh: Sliish, Scholar/Mage

Steven: Rook the Cutpurse

Deborah: Fallyswaggle Pinkledunk, Faerie (halfling)

Selina: Damora Vut, Dwarf Axe-Maiden

 Shortly after the incident known as the "Night of Z", our group left the Dukedom of Marqest and headed to Reino do mar, by way of the Viking Voyages ship for hire. Upon arrival in the port city of El Zapallar they hired a seagoing vessel to transport them and their cargo to a very particular island.

After meeting three different Ship captains, the group decided to go with Robert Laine a Lawful Captain and his ship the Georgette (a fast schooner). The party held nothing back and showed the Captain what their cargo was, an Aranea princess they were escorting back to her home island.

Highlights of the sea voyage were Rook fishing, and the party having sightings of a lone hippocampus, a pod of whales, the Cordoba captained by Marcos Almelda was spotted following them for a day. On the tenth day Rook caught 8 red snapper and saw a Sea Serpent!! That night they all ate well. On the twelfth day they arrived at the Isle of Dread! Captain Laine took the group to a local village that he often trades with and Sliish was overjoyed to see the large stone wall constructed by the villagers ancestors!

Wall of the ancestors

Some information was gleaned from the village elders and a course was set for the far side of the island. Along the way they spied a towering cliff side nest of gargoyles! Sliish wanted to check it out because he is fluent in gargoyle, but no one wanted to brave climbing the treacherous heights. Soon a small beach was spotted and a longboat prepared. After some recruiting, the party went ashore with five volunteers from the ships crew. 

Another full day of travel into the thick jungle saw the group find the remains of an ancient civilization and the last of the Aranea!! With the return of their Princess the Aranea supplied even more information about a city of the ancients lying deeper in the islands heart at the top of a great plateau. Knowing they had about two weeks before having to rendezvous with the Georgette, a vote was taken and the group decided to seek out the city.

  Part 2 to follow. . . .

Wine Cellars: Where art thou Kinsman? or Have you seen my Dwarf? Teasers

 The first Wine Cellars adventure for 2023 drops this weekend Saturday 1/28/23. Here's a little teaser info for players to ponder.

a Hunter from Brandonsford

"A missing dwarf you say? I've not seen one around here, at least one that was lost that is. However, the bunch that runs the tower at Brimbalt pass aren't very pleasant company. If you ask me Brol and his crew charge toll fees as if they were Trolls!"

a friendly Dwarf

"We set out to find our lost ancestor Tobuscus Barrackbomb, so be sure to have your packs ready and your traveling cloaks well oiled. Ma says we got to have him back before his forging day, it's his 400th and he can't miss it!"

Heckridge home of the Double Chin Clan

Ole' Tobi, ole' Tobi where have ya gone?

Yer clans gone a searchin' across the land.

Our hope to find ya, lies with yer spawn.

Your Forging day is close at hand, 

 and Ma says no beer until your found.

Ole' Tobi, ole' Tobi where have ya gone?

More to come soon.....

Wine Cellars: The night of Z

THE NIGHT OF Z, the EVERLIVING! 

This Wine Cellars session took place on 10/15/2022

the players were:

Deborah - Valmaris the Elf

Scott D. - Chen Chan Dwarf Chef

Steven F. - Rook the Thief

Joe P. - Icirus the Owlman M-U

Julie - Mr. White the Cleric

Josh - Sliish the M-U

Zachary - Dren Hammerhand, Dwarf

Selina - Damorra Vut, Dwarf

This tale as related to those who would listen after a few beers were purchased....by a patron referred to as "The Agent".

The Agent

The evening began as many do, in the smoke filled common room of the Dog-N-Bone. A lone Elf known only as Valmaris sat in a booth sipping wine and scanning the room his intentions unknown. A pair of Double-Chin clan dwarves Dren and Chen-Chan claimed a pair of stools at the main bar and were scheming to get as much free beer as they could. In the rafters above the Owl-man Icirus sat watching all that transpired. A large booth in the back of the room held a party celebrating the safe return of their friend and cohort. 

Sliish raised his cup and looked around the table, "I raish this toasht in honor of all of thosh preshent and abshent who rishked both life and limb to shave me from the horrors of Blackmasrsh!"

Rook, Mr. White, and Damorra all nodded in agreement with Sliish raising their cups, "Here, here!" they cried out! "To friends rescued and deaths cheated!"

Suddenly the entire room was bathed in an eerie green light and everyone was overcome with a numbing paralysis. Which has since been put down to someone having slipped Carrion crawler juice into the batch of house ale that was brewed earlier that day. Probably one of those dwarves.

Now there are many varied accounts about what happened that night in the Dog-n-Bone, and most folks will tell you that a bunch of those adventurous types got to carousing so hard they damn near demolished every bit of furniture in the establishment, as well as a bit of damage done in the town square as well.

However, if you to listen to the rumors. Or if you are able to fill quite a few pitchers of ale amongst any of those named above, well then a whole other tale might be told. 

Yes sir, little half-formed big headed goonies from the sky, Demons shooting out of wine bottles, a giant Cat headed tentacle beast with feet made of stone and whole lot of other complete nonsense! 

What I can tell you for certain is nobody has seen hide nor beard of those Double-Chin boys and a lot of beer went missing too! The Owl-man is gone as well, though he has a penchant for going missing for long stretches and then just popping up again out of nowhere. The Elf was a new comer around here and he seems to have disappeared. So who can say if he had a hand in anything or not, but knowing elves he probably did.  As for Rook and his crew, well they spent the last few days purchasing all sorts of supplies and hired the Viking Voyages boys to fly them down south someplace. That right there tells you all you need to know I think.  They say when you need to lay low you head south... well I'm just saying. That whole gang took off south quick as they could after the shenanigans of that night. 

Oh yeah, and one more thing lot's of us in there that night, myself included. Well we can't quite remember what happened exactly. But we all ended up with an odd little puncture wound on an arm or leg or well, the bum! 

So uh, you need any hirelings for an expedition? I may know some guys looking for coin? I could use a refill too....

More adventures coming soon!

Adventures coming in 2023

 Looking forward to 2023, and new adventures to share with you all!

For now, hear is a little helpful info for something coming up in the new year!!

"What's that you say, Ole Tobi's gone missing? Can't say I recognize the name..."

"You wouldn't be speaking of Tobuscus Barrackbomb now would ya?"

"Oh, last I heard he was crackin' skulls with those Highborn Ironground boys. Heh, they were quite the thorn in the side of those Brimbalt pass goblins. Heard they scored quite the hoard from old Glu-snelk himself. But that was some time ago. Any way we've not seen him, but if we do we'll be sure to point him back home."

"Watch yer selves, this part o' the Hingstone's been rife with wargs and bears of late. So find a defensible campsite before dark ya hear." 

Wine Cellars: The Search for Sliish - part 1 & 2

 A Wine Cellars adventure: The Search for Sliish - part 1   5/20/2022

This adventure is the direct result of Carousing. Sliish was abducted by a Hag in disguise and now his concerned friends are mounting a rescue mission to locate him before terrible things happen!

The Players:

James W.: SKROG the Skald - Dwarf Axe master

Selina K.: Daamora Vut - Dwarf Axe master

Deborah K.: Fallyswaggle - Halfling Beast Tamer

Steven P.: Rook the 

Joe P.: Ch-nuk Naris - Swamp Ranger & Sleek the Chameleon - Thief

Rook has recruited both SKROG and Fallyswaggle to accompany him to a nearby area known as the Blackmarsh. This vast marshy bog lies about a day's journey west of Marqest village at the mouth of the ____ river. A Dwarf warrior has asked to join them as well, she is a stern member of the Skullshead clan and seeks adventure. Some information is gathered by Rook from a scruffy man by the name of UGH! He tells the party to be wary of Howling Frogs, and to be sure and hire a guide as getting lost in the swamp is quite easy. The young man also supplies directions to the village of Stink, where they should begin their search.

Rook also seeks a tarot reading on the upcoming quest and is told the following:

"Be wary when the sky turns putrid yellow, and avoid the fungus below the ruined church."

With this in mind the party board the Viking Voyages boat and are flown to the border of Blackmarsh. Rook asks them to return at dusk every third day for a pickup, and to continue to do so until the party returns or is confirmed dead/lost.

After a short hike into the marsh the party locate what can only be the small village of Stink, as described by UGH! There are a few inhabitants roaming about doing their business and it is a scruffy bearded fellow that takes note of the group's arrival.

the village Stink

"Greetin's, you lot look like ya'll could use some help." said the bearded man as he sauntered up to the party. "Don't git much in the way of visitors 'round here. What're ya in need of?"

Rook stepped forward, "Ah, yes. Well we have come to search for a friend of ours. He was recently abducted by the swamp Hag and we heard someone here might help us find her lair."

The bearded man's eyes widened, "Abducted you say? Well there's a a few hag's about these parts, and they like their privacy. For a bit a coin, my partner n me can take you into the marsh to search if'n that's what ya want."

After some coin was passed about, Rook hired a pair of locals and their skiff boat to help them search for Sliish. Rook also bought a fishing rod & tackle box from a grizzled local who refers to himself only as "man".

The bearded man calls himself Ch-nuk, and his partner is a halfling sized chameleon named Sleek. Their boat is the Delta and they bid the party stow their gear aboard, so they can get started. The guides note a few locations that are worth checking out for habitation by the Hag and a plan is formed.

Day 1: The marsh has many secrets

The first location the party is taken is the remains of a failed settlement. Comprised of a few still standing stilt homes and many ruined ones that encircle a tall spire of what seemed to be black rock sticking up out of the water. A light mist lay over the area and the appearance of a handful of "Stilt-walkers" gave the group pause and they continued on into the marsh. SKROG took note that his compass seemed to go awry near this place.

Rook decided to give his new rod a test and cast out into the water to see what he might get. Ch-nuk said if he caught something good they could have it for lunch. Soon the Thief had a pull on his line and he began to reel in his catch! It seemed to be of decent size and Damorra prepared a sack for him to put it in. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a giant leech!!! The thing bit the dwarf warrior on the leg and she was none too happy about that! SKROG cleaved the thing with his axe and kicked the chunk of stinking flesh back into the dark waters! Both the dwarves suggested that Rook put off the fishing for now.

The second location they reached about noon time. It was the partially sunken rotting hulk of a large paddle boat. Ch-nuk told how decades ago the boat was a sort of fancy transport up and down the river, but that all ended when the Duke sent the Hags into Blackmarsh. Rook was eager to check out the wreck and he went aboard with Fallyswaggle and Sleek to look about for old treasures or trinkets. Both SKROG and Damorra stayed aboard the Delta with Ch-nuk and told Rook to "Give a Holler!" if he encountered anything worth fighting.

A fall through some rotted decking put Rook in the sights of a lone bog-zombie! A slash from Fang separated it from it's legs! Then Fally put an arrow through the head and killed it for good. Or so the pair hoped. A couple of trinkets were found and Rook was able to salvage a small stained glass window depicting goblins on bats battling gnomes on hedgehogs. No clues to the location of their missing friend were uncovered here.

The third location was an old monastery, but Rook quickly turned down this location because of the warning he had from the Fortune teller back in Marqest. Also the unsettling appearance of a handful of stilt-walkers nearby made everyone uneasy.  

At this point it was late in the day, and Ch-nuk determined they were better off staying overnight at a location he knew nearby than to attempt to make it back to Stink after dark. "Bein' on the water at night is real dangerous. Not only do ya' got ta worry 'bout the candle thieves and scumboggles, but Ole' hunger could be about too."

The group ended up sleeping in rigged up hammocks strung in the trees on a small muddy isle Ch-nuk brought them to. As the sun set the swamp guide laid a thick circle of salt out around the campsite. "Just ta be safe ya know." he muttered to no one in particular.

Day 2: tea & death

The group broke camp as the sun rose. The night had passed uneventfully besides the bothersome swarms of gnats that seemed to want to fly up your nose or into your mouth. As the party loaded their gear back on the Delta, Fallyswaggle spotted what appeared to be the tracks of bare footed children in the mud all outside the salt circle. "mmm-hhmm," muttered Ch-nuk, "candle-thieves." He winked at the halfling and began poling the boat back out onto the water.

The fourth location was called the broken tower, and it really was a broken tower. The top half had broken off and fallen into the swamp, while the bottom third stuck out of the mud grass like a snapped bone. There was a trail of smoke spotted wafting from the ruin as well. 

"Could be ya'll gettin' lucky. Looks like somebody is home." said the swamp guide.

A half dozen stilt-walkers were scattered about the area, some few hundred yards in the distance. "I'll put ya's ashore with Sleek by the tower. Look fer yer friend and be quick. Them stilties won't let us linger her too long."

The party jumped from the skiff and were accompanied by Sleek, who immediately took to the trees. The cautiously entered the dilapidated ruin and soon encountered a fungus encrusted old man. The man was excited to have visitors and invited the party to have tea with him. In the meantime Sleek had climbed the exterior of the tower and was watching the proceedings from a hole in the roof.

As the kettle is warming on a fire, the group discover the old man is a sage and the sole survivor of an expedition that came here many years ago. They discover that he has many notes and information on the Hag of the swamp, very intimate information!  "How closely to you watch the Hag!?" Exclaims Rook.  

"Well my spyglass is top notch young man, and the nights are long here in Blackmarsh. Besides the hag has a Sister and they are bitter enemies at that!" the old man replies. The kettle begins to whistle and he turns to get it. Sleek watches as the man spikes the tea with some spores from his fungal growths.

Tea is served and the group partake as the old man gleefully begins to chitter about how long it's been since he had guests for dinner, literally! Saves vs. poison are made, chaos breaks loose! Sleek uses his blowgun and paralyzes the old man with a coated dart! The party are suffering the lingering effects of the spore tea and quickly scour the tower for anything useful after dispatching the Sage. It's not long  before they rejoin Ch-nuk at the skiff.

With the sun setting they decide to return to Stink rather than tempt fate spending the night in the Swamp again.

Part 2 : The rescue!  7/8/2022

Day 3: a friend arrives

The group awaken and over breakfast look at the notebook they retrieved from the old mad sage. Amongst his insane scribblings they are able to piece together a crude map and possible locations where the Hag may be, as she seems to migrate around the swamp depending on the season.

Mr. White

Just then a rush of excitement runs through the settlement as a guest approaches leading a familiar mule! Mr. White has arrived along with Mable to join the search for his friend Sliish. The arrival of Mr. White allows Fallyswaggle to beg off going out to search today as the fungal tea is still affecting him. He states he will stay here at base camp and await their return this evening.

The notes of the Sage set the group to go check a place called Shack Isle. Ch-nuk sets course and the skiff heads out into the swamp. During the ride Rook gives his fishing rod another go to see what he can catch, as the Dwarves both bemoan the fact that he seems only good at catching giant leeches!

 Fishing doesn't quite go as well as Rook hoped as his catch of the day turns out to be a sodden pillowcase full of hippogriff feathers!?  Both Skrog and Daamora find this greatly amusing!!

Arriving at shack isle the party soon discover the islands namesake. A large stilted shack sitting well above water level and a large pen filled with a single fat pig. "Could this be your friend?" asks Skrog.

"I smell sweet flesh!" comes a cry from the shack. Soon the party is greeted by Meg Iron-nails. A hideous Black-Hag that finds Rook most attractive!!! She is slightly repelled by Mr. White and turns her nose up at the Dwarves. "Tough and gamey." Meg states about the pair.

Rook leads the parley and inquires about getting Meg's prize pig and having it returned to human form. After a bit of back and forth it is determined that if the party can cook a fine meal that impresses the Hag she will indeed return the hog to human form. If they fail she gets to add them all to her larder! Meg tells them a large crayfish lairs nearby and that is her desire!!

the crayfish!

The group lay out a plan and use rations, rope and a grapple hook to catch the crayfish. However, the thing is much larger than anticipated and quick use of a magic acorn by Daamora swings the battle back in the party's favor at the last minute!

 

Battered and bruised, the party return to Meg and with the aid of the Dwarves are able to cook a meal that impresses her greatly!

Meg fulfills her end of the bargain and transforms the pig back into a man. The only problem is that it isn't Sliish!!! It turns out to be a balding cleric named Sweet Lou!!!

Rook asks Meg about Sliish, a weedy scholarly type with a penchant for endless conversation. The Hag explodes in laughter stating that she traded him away some time ago to the Spider-woman because he driving her insane. With this info the group takes leave of Meg and head back to Stink as the sun is setting. Little do the party know they are being watched from the shadows of the marsh. 

"My sister is too easy on these ones. Tasty treats they all will be for Jenny."

the watcher

The trip back takes a bit longer and darkness settles over the swamp. The party fear lighting their lanterns for the sounds of the candle thieves echo in the night. They do their best to help Ch-nuk pole and paddle to make better time, as they all sense something foul draws near.

It was a good two hours after dark and Fallyswaggle was worried. They should have returned already. Scared but knowing he had to try something, the halfling headed out into the swamp following the edge of the canal that lead out into the deeper marsh. 

Something large bumped the bottom of the skiff and alarmed Ch-nuk greatly! It was Daamora that spied something clinging to the front of the boat, causing them to slow. 

"dislodge that 'fore we get mired down." asked Ch-nuk. 

As Daamora reached forward she realized it wasn't a bit root or debris which clung to the skiff but a pair of pale white hands!! Jenny Greenteeth sprung from the water and lunged at the dwarf almost knocking her into the dark water! Rook, Skrog, and Mr.white moved to cover their friend as she recovered and a tense battle began on the deck of the skiff! Slashing, hacking, tearing claws, and terrible screams pierced the night as the battle raged!

The sounds of battle caught the attention of the Halfling. Fallyswaggle climbed into a large tree that overhung the waterway and drew his bow. He was sure this was his friends beset by some terror of the marsh as they made their way to the safety of the village. Then he saw them come round a bend in the canal. A single lantern had been lit to give the party a chance to see what they were battling. Fallyswaggle was terrified! It was a pale skinned nude woman with stringy long green hair and algae encrusted talons and teeth that tore viciously at his friends!

Jenny Towered over the party, bloody and strewn about the deck of the skiff. They knew she was toying with them, playing with her meal. "I'll stick you dwarves under the mangrove roots to soften up for later, and the holy man will be sweet, sweet treat!" the hag screeched and stepped foward to grab Mr. white when suddenly...

THWACK, THWACK!!! in quick succession a pair of arrows sank deeply into Jenny's eyes!!!! Her scream of agonizing pain shattered the night! And at that moment Rook, Skrog and Daamora all charged forward weapons swinging in unison dismembering and disemboweling the blinded hag! Her torn body twisted and fell overboard into the black waters!

The skiff passed under the tree where Fallyswaggle had perched and he used his wings to flutter down and join his friends. Mr. White thanked him for his sure aim, and complimented him on his wings.

Days 4 & 5: recovery

The next two days were spent in Stink recovering from the battle with Jenny Greenteeth. The party also used this time to find out where the lair of the Spider-woman may be in Blackmarsh.

Day 6: new friends and new adventures

The locals tell the party of an area of the marsh where giant spiders are known to dwell, and the best part is they can get there on foot. The dwarves are very happy about this as they have had enough of water travel lately.

Around mid-morning the party run into what at first they thought might be a large boar, but tirns out to be a young swamp troll on his way to woo his girlfriend. They talk with him and discover he is from the Stank-toe clan and they proceed to trade with him getting some strange items and making him very happy in the process. The troll gives the party better directions and warns them to be wary of the spiders for they are quite vengeful but can be talked to if you are careful and polite.

By midday the group find themselves in the territory of the spiders and they follow the advice given them by the swamp troll. They are escorted to great lair made of webs and moss hanging in the trees, where Rook once again takes the lead and calls out to the Spider-woman begging for any knowledge of their missing friend.

From the webbed abode a familiar voice calls back!

"Rook? Ish that you??" From a sort of window in the hanging lair the party see Sliish poke his head out and wave heartily at them. The thin man disappears for a moment then reappears sliding down a vine and joining them on the ground. "Oh my goshsh. You guyshs came looking for me!" Sliish wipes a tear from his face and gives Rook a hug. "Mable, Mishter White, you too!" he hugs them as well. Then turning to the dwarves Sliish places his hands on his hips and looks them over. "Schkrog my bearded fellow you're here too, and you brought another dwarf. Thank you both." He then turned and saw Fallyswaggle, "Oh my, you're the largesht faerie I've ever sheen! And your wingsh are magnifishent!!"

"Why thank you!" replied Fally with a bow.

Sliish then cried out to the web-home above them, "Honey, come down and meet my friendsh. They came all thish way to shave me from Old Meg!"

Soon the party was set up with a feast prepared by Sliish and his new wife. Yes that's right, Sliish and the queen of the Blackmarsh spiders were married and Sliish had a very important favor to ask of his friends.

But that is a tale for another time.

THE END

Wine Cellars: The Never Ending Winter part 3

 The Never Ending Winter part 3: Cloud Castle Showdown!

Our party for the third and final leg of the adventure were as follows:

Selina K. - Tobuscus "Ole' Tobi" Barrackbomb the Linguist, Axe-master

James W. - SKROG the Skald, Axe-master

John L. - Vicar Fredrick the IV

Joe P. - Icirus, Owl man Magician

Bryan W. - Brulan the Elf Conjuror-Swordmaster

Character updates:

At the end of Part 1, Skrog had a broken leg and was unable to participate in the second mission. Fredrick the IV has healed the dwarf of this issue and he can now join the party for the third and final chapter.

Ole' Toby lost his beard to a Pixie curse in part 1. At the end of part 2 the dwarf came into possession of multiple kegs of Dwarf Beer. A few turned out to be magical and the elder drank one. He regained his beard through the magical properties and it was now long and thin and colored a bright mauve! It was also able to cook upon command!!!!

The intro:

The party has assembled in Marqest village square where the flying longboat has been loaded with supplies, a ballista, and a couple of kegs of beer to be gifted to the giant who resides in the cloud castle. This is to be a diplomatic mission first and a combat mission last. The group hopes to sway the giants to their side as opposed to the secret machinations of Lord Never-be-borrowed.

 It is a clear but cold morning as they lift into the sky using the magical compass to guide them towards their destination hidden somewhere in the clouds above.

Heraldry of Fredrick IV

Fredrick blesses the party and the mission in the name of Tardome. Skrog is intrigued and strikes up a conversation with the Cleric on his beliefs. It is quickly discovered that the pair share an interest in birds of prey and the realm of Air.

To pass the time Icirus recounts the time he met a wild Wood-Gnome who was desperately looking for something he called the "White Canoe" and was launching himself into the sky in hopes of finding it. The Magician wonders if there may be a connection or perhaps the inhabitants of Cloud Castle may have knowledge of what the crazed gnome was seeking.

As the sun reached its zenith, Fredrick spotted something approaching the flying boat. Brulan changed course to see if it was something after them or just some creatures flying by. Sure enough the course change was followed and soon the group could see they were being homed in on by a group of large winged creatures. At this Skrog and Tobi prepped the ballista, Icirus readied spells, Fredrick dropped to the deck from the crow's nest not wanting to chance being knocked from that perch while hundreds of feet above the ground. Once Skrog was ready Tobi swapped places with Brulan at the rudder and the elf quickly readied a large cast-net he brought along.

Battle was engaged with a grouping of terrible monsters, later discovered to be called Peryton!! These awful conglomerations of Stag and Hawk with a penchant for blood were fierce foes. It was also determined that the beasts were under some sort of command spell as the attempted to abduct Icirus during the battle. 

Peryton

Through smart use of spells, melee, and ballista bolts the party were able to defeat the creatures. However the ballista was damaged beyond repair when one of the beasts caught its antlers in the weapon in a failed attempt to gore Skrog. The beast was hit with flaming whiskey and summarily dispatched.

After the battle the group bandaged their wounds while Tobi aquired a new bearing on their destination. Both Brulan & Icirus took this tome to harvest many interesting spell components from the Peryton corpses before tossing the remains overboard.

A few hours later an amazing sight greeted the party. The Castle in the sky was unlike anything any of them had seen. They were awestruck by its sheer size and the seemingly impossible way it sat atop a puffy white cloud! Ole' Tobi remarked that this place made the tower of the Frost Giants seem small by comparison. The giants that dwelt here must be very large indeed!!

The Cloud Castle

The party was able to approach the castle unhindered and soon tied up at the docks near the large stable house. A high pitched screech was heard emanating from within the giant wooden structure and the group took a moment to peek inside. Much to the amazement of Fredrick the party saw a flock of griffins inside the stable. All were beautiful beyond comment and seemed well cared for too. It was then a sound like rumbling thunder caught the groups attention and they spun about hands on weapons.

Before them stood a small Gnome with bowed legs, a shock of wiry salt-&-pepper hair topped with a pointed red felt hat. He was dressed in the fashion of a valet.

"Alright then, identify yourselves or suffer the wrath of his Stormship Nimbus! Master of Cloud Castle!!" The wild-eyed gnome pointed a crooked finger at the group while his hips gyrated and the thunder-like sound rumbled again from his stomach.

The group attempted no espionage, and came clean with the gnome. They admitted they were here to stop an evil Fey Lord from locking the land in a Never-Ending-Winter and hoped that they could get Lord Nimbus to aid them in this. Also, Icirus asked the gnome if his name was Meboyoh and had they met before some months ago in the Moldenwood?

At this the Gnome tumbled in glee, for indeed he was Meboyoh and he now recognized the Owl Man for one those who had helped him achieve his goal. The Gnome ushered the party to a secret room within the Guest area of the castle and related the terrible circumstances to them.

Lord Never-be-Borrowed was here along with a bodyguard. He had some how enchanted Nimbus and was using the castle as his base of operations. Meboyoh had been told to expect a group of Frost & Hill giants that were supposed to be coming to meeting. However it seems the Adventurers had replaced the giants and arrived instead. 

With Meboyoh's help the party made use of secret passages to get into the chamber of Nibus the Storm Giant Lord and with the combined use of Arcane & Divine magic they broke the Fairy spell that held Nimbus in the sway of the Fey Lord.

Knowing they had only moments at best to take their enemy by surprise, Nimbus bade the party to follow him to the great hall where they would take the Fey Lord unaware. This they did and and a battle of Blades, Spells, and Titanic might was waged!

Lord Never-be-Borrowed

  Never-be-Borrowed and his single body guard were quite powerful in their own right, and there was a moment when the group feared they may not be able to defeat the Fey Lord!

 In the end Nimbus called upon his storm magic and opened a portal back to Frigia, the land where Never-be-Borrowed hailed from and he was banished back to his home with his plan in ruin.

Grateful for their aid in freeing him from the enchantment placed upon him by the Fey, Lord Nimbus invited the group to a celebration feast in his hall and he rewarded each member of the party individually with something special. Ole' Tobi also presented the kegs of beer he brought along to Nimbus and the Storm Giant was very pleased with his gift!

By the time the group returned to the village early the following morning you could tell that the signs of the enchanted winter were fading quickly and that Spring was rushing in!  

The group quickly related the tale of their adventure to any who would listen and MUCH carousing was had!! 

Everyone was impressed greatly with the fabulous creature Fredrick had been granted as his reward. Her name was "Stormfeather" a Griffon and now mount for the Cleric!

Stormfeather

Both Icirus & Skrog were gifted silver rings, each with a secret magical power that of which they would not tell. But they assured everyone they were quite awesome indeed!

As for for Ole' Tobi, well he never did say just what the Storm Giant had gifted him, but many surmised it must have been a new lease on life. You see the old Dwarf surprised everyone in town with the announcement of his intent to wed Master Blaster's Widow, the dwarf Maid Ava. It seems that in these past weeks of carousing between adventures the pair had fallen deeply in love and decided to start a new life together now that Tobi had returned from the Cloud Castle!!!

Things seemed to be looking up for the people of Marqest, perhaps the power of the Duke was not as deeply rooted as once thought. Smiles and songs of merriment and hope sounded throughout the day and night.

THE END

for now....

Wine Cellars: The Never Ending Winter part 2

 The Never Ending Winter part 2: Secret of the Frost Hold

Our party for the second leg of the adventure are:

Selina K.: Tobuscus "Ole' Tobi" Barrackbomb

Joe P.: Leonard the Wise & Hagar the Barbarian

Steven: Leonards' Retainers - Kolloc & Brywood, a Man-at-arms and a Cook

Steve F.: Rook - Thief

Joshua V.: Sliish - Magic-User/archaeologist & Mable the mule

Sal C.: Jack Quick the Slacker

Kelsey: Madame Estelle the Herbalist

The group are gathered at the Dog-n-Bone tavern, while eating a hearty meal they prepare themselves for the journey to the Frost-Hold! This place is supposed to be the lair of at least one Frost giant who is league with the Fae Lord responsible for the Never Ending Winter.

Rook leans in wiping beer foam from his lip. "So Ole' Tobi, Sliish and I will be leading this expedition. Icirus is preparing a fast travel spell for us from the information we gained from the Druids." 

Sliish then continues as Rook takes a spoonful of stew, "Schkrog shuffered a broken leg at the hands of the Hill giants and can't join us. We need shome more fighting shtrength and shpell ability as well." 

Leonard and Hagar look at each other then back to Rook and the others. "I will add my magical skill to this endeavor, and Hagar his blades and skill in battle. Also my retainers Kolloc and Brywood will come as well." The bearded mage sips a mug of ale and continues, "But know this, Frost giants are larger and more terrifying than those hill types you messed with."

"Indeed, our people have had direct dealings with their kind over the years." said Kolloc, a northman by his look and dress. "They do not take kindly to visitors or thieves to their homes. We might want to think about approaching them openly."

Just then a young man, who had gone previously unnoticed spoke up. "Though I've not had prior encounters with giant's, I am skilled in array of diplomatic etiquette and dabble in the arena of blades. I will throw my lot in with you and offer the abilities of my companion as well." He motioned to a cloaked woman beside him.

"Who the heck are you two?" asked Ole' Tobi looking up from his now empty beer mug. Motioning for a re-fill the old dwarf winked at the pair of new-comers and made room for them to sit at the table. "Tell us more about yer'selves."

The young man smiled broadly and places his hands on his hips, "Why I'm Jack, Jack Quick! I've adventured with the one you know as Icirus and he can vouch for my ability. We defeated the dreaded Axe-Man, a minion of the Duke himself!"

This was impressive as Icirus had indeed relayed the tale of this adventure, and now they had a face to put with the name of the wily Jack Quick.

The young man continued, "As for my companion, I'll allow her to speak for herself."

The woman removed a thick woolen hat to reveal dark hair plaited in a pair of long braids. She had a broom with her that seemed to move of its own accord. "Good evening to all gentle beings." Her speech was soft in tone and had the accent of the southern kingdoms. "You may call me Madame Estelle, an herbalist and purveyor of charms, elixirs, & enchantments." She sat and picked a few choice grapes from a bowl on the table. "I am newly arrived here in the Duchy, but feel that it would be rude to not offer my skills in your quest to stop this dreadful winter from imperiling us all."

Tobi finished his newly filled mug off in one swallow, smacked it on the table and said, "I like your gumption there Madame." The old dwarf winked at the young woman. "If Jack's a friend of the Owl, then he's good by me. What do the rest of ya's say?"

A round of quick discussion decided that the party was now formed and this group would take on the task of finding out the secrets of the Frost Hold.

Equipment and cold weather gear was handed out amongst the group. They then took up position within a magical circle prepared by Icirus. The Owl-man then spoke to the assembled team.

"This is very new magic to me, and also my first attempt. I will create a doorway that should open quite near if not next to the Frost Hold. Know that you have limited time to accomplish your task! I would say twelve hours at the most before my energies dwindle and the portal closes! Are you ready?"

With an affirmative nod, Icirus begins the spell to open a doorway to the snow covered peaks of the Blackcrag mountains.

The portal

The party stepped through the magical portal and onto the snow covered mountainside. The chill wind biting through their garments. Ole' Tobi and Sliish along with Mable took the lead and guided the group along a path worked into the cliff side. After about fifteen minutes they topped a rise and in the distance could see what could only be the destination they sought. The lair of the giants called Frost Hold!

Frost Hold

They pushed on and made good time heading towards their target. Soon the group came into a secluded grotto and discovered the remains of a campsite, and the remnants of a battle. A shredded tent, smashed gear and a broken flail that could only be used by one of gigantic proportions. A fine silver dagger is discovered by Jack, and a pouch full of red berries is picked up by the retainer Brywood.  Not wanting to linger long the group heads off towards the lair of the Frost giants. 

Arriving finally at the Hold the party is overcome by the sheer enormity of the structure! The bridge spanning the chasm from the cliff to the tower base is itself estimated to be twenty strides wide and at least eighty feet in length. The Hold easily topping ninety to a hundred feet!! After a short discussion, the group send Rook first using his snow-cat cloak to hide his approach from any watchers. Then just behind the Thief, Sliish, Mable and Jack approach with a plan to gain entry by claiming to be here for the census.

an Ogre!

Rook scampers across the length of the bridge and upon reaching the base of the tower. He decides to climb the exterior and make an attempt to gain entry through a large arrow slit / window. Nimble as a mountain goat the thief is able to climb up and pull himself through the two foot wide, five foot high window. The sound of gruff laughter and a grunting speech assails Rooks ears. Peering in the man can make out three large creatures sat about a crude table. They are drinking and playing what might be a game. The monsters are smaller than the Hill giants he has encountered before, but aren't large enough to be Frost Giants for sure! He also spies a set of stairs that descend to the first level and also go up higher into the tower. Deciding to share this info, he climbs back down in time to stop Sliish and Jack before they knock on the door.

As the rest of the party gather outside the large entry door to the Hold, Rook describes what he saw through the window. 

Leonard is sure he knows what the creatures are. "Hmm, Ogres I'd wager from your description Rook. And we're not sure how many Frost Giants are inside. It would seem stealth may be our greatest assest here."

"I don't think all of us combined could take those three upstairs without surprise on our side." Says Hagar.

Just then one of the doors to the hold swings silently inwards! The party are stunned to see Sliish standing at the doorway his hands extended. Looking over his shoulder to the group he whispers. "I jusht thought I'd give it a push to shee if it wash locked!!"

Taking advantage of their good luck the party scoots inside as the door swings closed behind them. Standing in a large hall they see an open doorway that leads down, a set of large steps going up and the sounds of the ogres from there as well. However, to their dismay is the rythmic sound of breathing coming from the very large white wolf sleeping in this very chamber not twenty feet away from them!!!

The really big wolf!

The striking blue eyes flick open, and the beast raises its head taking in the party with a long look.

It is Madame Estelle who quickly steps to the forefront and calmly approaches the beast. She murmurs a rhyme so softly that only the keen senses of the wolf pick it up. The woman stops a mere few feet from the muzzle of the beast and bows.

"We apologize for disturbing your slumber, most grand wolf, and I beg of thee to know the whereabouts of your master."  

The large wolf replied to the Herbalist, "My Master is out with my kin, while his kin and the stinky ones lair above." His nostrils widened at the scent of the mule. "I don't think you belong here, and I'm hungry!"

"Now there's no need to get mean, besides I have something for you." Estelle motioned to Brywood, and the man revealed the bag of red berries. She winked at Icirus and the Owl cast a spell upon the treats and slipped a handful into her palm. "See sweet treats for the good boy."

The wolf stood up and his full height threw a wave of fear over the group. "No, meat is better!" His lips peeled back revealing dagger sized fangs! He lunged to snap up the woman, but her broom was quicker! With a flick she tossed the berries into the mouth of the wolf and rode her broom to safety. The wolf gulped down the berries, looked at the party and barked once before collapsing in a magical slumber!

The noise had roused the Ogres attention and soon one of them came down the stairs to admonish the canine. The party had moved into the descending stairwell and hid from view. Well, almost all of the party. Sliish and Mable had attempted to hunker down behind the sleeping wolf to escape being seen. The Ogre being quite the dim-wit didn't see the pair, but he did smell Mable who at that moment let out an enormous fart!! The scent made the Ogre gag and almost vomit into the half empty keg of dwarf-beer he carried. The Ogre bellowed and retreated back upstairs. With the room clear, Siish and Mable joined the others and they went down stairs to search below while they had the chance.

The lower chamber was searched and found to be dungeon. The body of a man was discovered and presumed to have been a member of the encampment the group had found outside. Suddenly the sound of doors swinging open, a rush of cold wind, and a bellowing call of "Ho Ho, what's this? Why does my wolf slumber so!"

After a bit of commotion upstairs, they hear a giant command the Ogre's to check the tower for intruders from bottom to top! With no time to spare the group scatters about the room, but there is really no good place to hide!! Rook scampers up a wall and sticks himself between the ceiling beams. As the sounds of heavy footsteps echo down the stairs it is Madame Estelle who weaves a rhyme.

"We've not much time and no place to hide, still your knees for time I'll bide. Hush your mouth make no sighs, I'll keep us safe from prying eyes! "

The group all held their collective breath, as they were all (except for Jack, who hid behind the corpse and Rook in the rafter.) visible spread out around the room. A white haired giant, and an ogre stopped at the bottom of the steps just inside the room. They looked around and seemed to peer directly at the party yet somehow didn't notice they were there! 

"See, I told ja. Nobody got past us, we was watchin' real expert like." said the ogre with an overbite.

The giant looked around the room a second time and then smacked the ogre who had spoken, "Hmmm, well I think something happened Horsetooth. And when I figure out what, you'll be the first one I beat!"

The pair ascended the steps back to the tower entry where an argument began between the Giant's and Ogre's about what had befell the wolf, whom could not be roused from its slumber. The group then heard the lead Giant command the ogre guards to clean the dungeon and there was much lamenting by the ogres!

With moments to spare, Ole' Tobi took the lead. "Sliish, I need ten feet o' strong rope!" The mage quickly grabbed this from the rack on Mable the Mule. "Hagar, gimmie two o' yur iron spikes." The Barbarian complied with the elderly dwarf. "Aaaannd that guys rib cage!" Tobi pointed to the corpse of the dead adventurer in the corner of the room. Rook ran over and pulled the asked for torso from the skeleton inadvertently revealing the hiding Jack!

 The Dwarf just finished the hastily constructed trap and dove under some old hay in the corner of the room as the trio of ogre's entered the chamber. The first stepped right over the rope trip wire without even noticing it and sauntered to the center of the chamber, the second ogre at the last second hopped into the room from the second to last step and spun to face the last ogre. Now this fellow was not as lucky as the first two, nor was he very agile! He  tripped over the rope and fell right into the second ogre that had turned to face him and the pair went down in a tangle of limbs and curses!

The first Ogre turned to yell at his companions when he spotted the trip-trap and then realized there were other's here with them! He was about to yell for help when Tobi sprang up and fired a red-berry right into his mouth from his slingshot! The Ogre gulped and fell right to sleep. The other two stopped fighting as they realized they were being ambushed, "Hey what the heck!" was all that was said before the party overwhelmed the pair with spell and berries!

From above a giant inquired as to the progress of cleaning the dungeon, and Leonard responded with a magic spell to answer in the voice of an Ogre! 

The party looted the slumbering fools, and to their surprise they found a halfling bound and beaten inside the belt pouch of the one called Horsetooth! 

Revealed as the lone survivor of the mountain encampment the halfling joined Estelle as a loyal henchman and asked to be called Cherry!

The party ascended back up the stairs to the entry room where they spied a single giant petting the large wolf they had put to sleep. There were now a pair of slightly smaller, but still large white wolves lounging in a bed across the room from the door. They waited until the giant left and went upstairs before the group cast magic on the two new canines.  The group debated how to handle the giants as they knew there were three and that would be a tough fight! 

A plan was hatched, a potion of Clairvoyance was used along with Ventriloquism and soon in the chaos the three giants were tricked into running down into the dungeon, where they were trapped by use of Hold Portal magic!!!

The party had discovered the secret hideaway containing not only a Magic compass, but a goodly portion of treasure too, and a great quantity of Dwarf Beer! (This was seen by Estelle, when she used her potion to look through the eyes of the giant Chief!) After interrogating their captives the group bid the angry giants a fond farewell and then stole their flying longboat that was kept on the roof of the tower!!

The Flying Longboat!

The victorious adventurers returned home just before sunset of the same day they had set out. Having learned that Lord Never-be-borrowed was at a location called the Cloud Castle. This place could only be located with the compass they had retrieved from the Frost Giants treasure hoard. With the Compass and the Flying longboat the final leg of the battle to stop the Never Ending Winter should be a breeze!!

Stay tuned for part 3!!

 

Wine Cellars: The Never Ending Winter part 1

 The Never Ending Winter part 1: Eye of the Forest Oracle

Our tale begins in the Dog-N-Bone tavern, where a collection of adventurers have gathered with the locals to discover why winter, which should have receded some two to three weeks prior has only worsened! Rumors of the Cold Prince have been rampant, and if the conditions remain as they are past the spring equinox things could become quite grim for the town and those who dwell here.

a frozen town in trouble

Our Party for the first leg of our tale consists of the following players:

Selina - Tobuscus "Ole' Tobi" Barrackbomb - Dwarf Fighter/Linguist

James W. - Skrog the Skald - Dwarf Fighter/Poet

Steve F. - Rook - Thief

Joshua V. - Sliish - Magic-User/archaeologist & Mable the mule

Joe P. - Icirus - Owl-man Magic-User 

Bryan W. - Brulan Cobyr - Elf Conjuror/Swordmaster

On the 8th day of Symswald the group heads south to the Druids-wood. They intend to locate any surviving remnants of the druidic order that was hunted and exterminated by the Duke's minions years ago. All anyone knows for sure, is that if there are any of them left they should be found at the Moon Tower. The trick however, is that without express permission from the druids the wood itself will resist attempts to traverse it. The group knows they have their work cut out for them.

It takes a full days travel on foot heading south following the Black Crag river to reach the Druids-wood. The weather was clear and cold but did not hinder them. A camp is made and they warmed the chill from their bones, the night was uneventful.

The group awakes to a freezing rain and breaks camp. The march is slow and everyone is miserable, the cold seems to bite right through their winter cloaks. After a few hours wandering aimlessly not sure which way they are headed they begin to wonder if the Druids even exist any more. 

Just as the party is about to break for lunch, they come to the edge of a clearing and see a cave mouth in the side of a hill. There is a terrible stench of body odor and rotting meat. Mable seems uncomfortable so Sliish stays at the edge of the tree line while the others scout out the cave and ridge.

The cave

Brulan and Ole' Tobi spy what they believe to be the top of a tower further uphill beyond the cave. While Rook, Skrog and Icirus note the well trod path from the cave that heads off to the left along the ridgeline. Icirus marks the stone with chalk and turns to the group. "I'm going to try something. Stay wary." mutters the Owl man as he weaves a spell and slowly rises from the ground into the air. Floating upwards until he can get a better view of what the elf and dwarf spotted. Sure enough, there is a slim stone tower a few miles further up the hillside. Icirus also spies a stone bridge spanning a fast flowing creek a few miles to the west of the tower. Once back on the ground the party elects to head for what they hope is Moon tower as quickly as possible. 

The sound of tinkling laughter is the only warning before the group is stung with small icicle darts! A swarm of frost pixies zoom down from the treetops and begin to harass the group. Their sodden and frosted garments already barely keeping the icy cold at bay is now useless against the piercing attacks of the tiny creatures! Skrog starts cursing and waving his axe around threateningly, as Rook, Brulan and Sliish try to use the trees as cover from the icy assault. Icirus prepares to cast a spell, when Ole' Tobi throws back his hood and in a high pitched tone he speaks to the pixies!!  

"Hey now you little varmits, why you stitchin' our hides with your icicles?"

Frost Pixies

Amazed and a bit dumbfounded that they are actually being spoken too, and in their own language no less, the swarm ceases attacking. "What's this, what's this!? It speaks to us in our tongue!" 

Ole Tobi brushes the frost from his short curly beard and motions to the pixies that he wishes to parley. "If''n you'd be so kind. My compatriots do not reckon your fancy tongue. Might I be so bold as to request we speak in the mortal slang so we all might converse together?"

The swarm tinkles in a peal of laughter, swirls around the party and drifts in closer to parley. "Because you're so polite, we shall do as you ask." the pixies respond in unison and in common. "Why are you trespassing in our woods?"

"We are lost and seek a safe path out of the woods, do you know one?" asks Icirus.

"Ashk them if they know about the Cold Prinsh." suggests Sliish as he shakes a layer of frozen rain off his cloak. 

"How close are we to the Moon Tower?" inquires Brulan.

"Moon tower, Cold Prince, lots of things lost travelers know." the pixies spike up in hoar frost.

"Hold your britches there, this don't need to go sour now." Ole Tobi says as he slowly reaches for his trusty slingshot.

At that moment cries of "Liars!", "Trespassers!" are screeched out by the pixies and a battle begins! Brulan uses an empty sack to great effect to catch a few pixies, as Skrog spits a cloud of dwarf whiskey and ignites with his flint to instantly vaporize a pair of the tiny terrors! A group of pixies curse Ole' Tobi and much to his surprise every hair from head to toe removes itself from his body! A second curse is placed on the Elf of "Liar, liar pants on fire!" and the slim warrior finds himself shoveling snow onto himself to douse the faerie flames!  After a few minutes of utter chaos a handful of pixies retreat into the woods and the party find a single survivor in Brulan's sack. They take this lone pixie hostage and imprison it within a lantern that Icirus keeps a watchful eye on.

 With only a few hours till sunset the party finally arrive at the Moon Tower. The place has been ransacked and looks as though a fight took place as well. The group figures it has been a few weeks

Moon Tower

since whatever took place happened. Ole' Tobi is lamenting the loss of his beard to the pixies as they search the tower for survivors. A root cellar full of supplies is discovered, and Slish is able to bring Mable in to the ground floor stables and get her out of the freezing rain. From the tower roof Skrog spies a large item stuck in the snow that seems to have been thrown into the woods close by.

The group go to retrieve the item in the trees, while Sliish stays behind with Mable in the tower. The Magic-user decides to weave a beard from straw in the hope it will lift the spirits of his dwarf companion. Meanwhile the rest of the group find the item in the trees. It is a coffin sized wooden armoire with intricate knot-work carvings on it. They pry it from the frozen ground and use a Floating disc spell to get it back to the tower.

The armoire is brought to the second floor of the tower where a fire is started so everyone can get warm. Sliish presents the woven beard to Tobuscus and the old dwarf thanks him whilst quickly donning it and claiming it worthy of a dwarf.

Inside the armoire the group discover the corpse of a frozen maiden. By her garb and jewelry they determine she was a druid. Rook touches her to see if she is truly dead or perchance in a magic slumber. As skin brushes skin the Thief is overcome with a vision!

"What was that!" exclaims Icirus.

"I saw her death." says Rook, "A huge ugly woman cast a blast of freezing death upon her, and said something about the giant's rising again."

Rook reached out a second time to grasp the dead girls hand. This time he communed with her spirit and learned that she was murdered by her supposed friend, a Hill giant woman called Vistra. He also discovered that there were 3 more druids, a young girl, a middle aged man and an old man. "I think the giant either killed them, or hopefully has taken them prisoner."

"That cave we found earlier would be my guess." chimed Brulan, "It stank of giant."

"Let us bed down for the night and search for survivors in the morning." suggested Skrog.

 As the party set to sleep, a discovery of a partial map was discovered. Of note was the fact that whoever had written the titles on it was certainly not a giant. The script reminded Brulan of elvish.

The map

"We should crossh that bridge and check the Nine Shtones. If shurvivors were hiding anywhere I bet it might be there." pointed out Sliish.

The group agreed they would start the search at the Nine Stones in the morning. The night passed uneventfully, only cries of far off wolves were heard in the forest. They never came close enough to cause undue concern.

Come dawn the group was frustrated to see that the freezing rain was still coming down. Donning their heavy cloaks the party headed west along the path towards the bridge. Much grumbling about the state of the weather was heard.

At the mid point of the bridge crossing the group spied a body half covered in snow below. It lie just at the edge of the fast flowing creek. It was decided that Rook should scout it out and he was sent over the side of the bridge with the use of a Levitation spell. He discovered a dead fur-trapper who had been stuck in a very large bear trap. After relieving the corpse of any useful gear, Rook freed the body from the trap and the party then spent the time to lay it to rest as best they could.

Eventually the path led them to a clearing where the group found the ring of stones just as the map showed. Intrigued with the aura of the area the party moved in to get a closer look, and perhaps find a clue or two.

The ring of Nine Stones

The pair of Magic-Users were very taken with the runes carved into the stones. Icirus took a charcoal rubbing of three of them whilst Sliish determined that the markings were indeed Druidish and most likely related to their in seasonal rituals etc. Skrog and Ole' Tobi stood guard and Brulan cast about the circle looking for signs of survivors. Rook felt a strange urge to enter the circle proper and started to do so when Icirus circled around a stone and was overcome with a fear so great that it made him run a few feet away from the stones.

The Owl-man pointed to the ring and said, "A strong and powerful presence resides inside the ring."

"Intriguing!" exclaimed Sliish, "There'sh tales of Druid connecshins with Shpirits of the Foreshts."

Skrog sensed the party was being watched from the treeline opposite from where they had arrived. The dwarf drew an arrow from his quiver and called out. "Haloo, in the woods! We are friends and seek the Druids."

In answer there was a loud crack of tree limbs snapping and then a large rock slammed into the earth right beside him!!!

An exchange of missile fire broke out causing Sliish and Mable to start a retreat towards the forest path, while Icirus took cover behind a stone. Brulan made a beeline for where he determined the rocks were being thrown from. In this confusion Rook found himself drawn into the circle of stones and was overcome with waves of anger that drove him to his knees.

At this point Skrog was smashed to the ground by a large stone and sorely hurt, Ole' Tobi fired back with sling stones to no avail. The old dwarf drug his cousin into cover while cursing giant's aloud! Icirus spread his wings and flew up into the air to get a better vantage on their attacker, as Sliish and Mable circled back towards the Nine stones when they saw a large shape heading to cut off their escape. Brulan was now amongst the trees and quickly caught the white-cloaked giant by surprise!!

Rook in the meantime was able to show the spirits of the circle that he and his friends meant no harm and he told them of his vision for the deceased woman. At this point Brulan was hard pressed to fight the giant single-handed and was knocked from his feet by a glancing blow from a large fist. 

The spirits of the stones let out a terrible howl and flew from the circle towards the trees where giant and elf battled! Icirus stayed aloft and watched from above as the spirit host charged the giant. Realizing he was outmatched the giant turned and ran into the woods with the angry spirits hot on his tail.

The party regrouped at the stones and awaited the return of Icirus who they watched fly off in the direction the giant fled. When the owl-man returned he had a large white furred coat he had snatched off the giant. This turned out to be a Snow-cat cloak and made the one who wore it practically invisible in the snow. Icirus relayed that he could lead the group after the giant and that by his trail had guessed he was headed back to the cave the group had seen the day before.

Arriving at the cave, the group decides to attempt to lure the giant out and take him down before he can recover from the beating the spirits gave him. Brulan scouts the cave to see if he can learn anything and triggers a rock-fall trap. Unharmed the elf returns to the group letting them know that at least two giants are in pursuit! The group realizes they are dealing with a family and not just a pair of giants. 

Hill Giants!

Moments later a pair of hill giants emerge, Brulan engages one and Rook drops from above to deliver a mortal wound on it. The second giant is taken out with a Sleep spell and left alive as it posed no threat in this slumbering state. The party moved with haste to get the jump on any other giants within the cavern but are soon caught in a trap! Brulan is ensnared within a magical net, and Skrog suffers a broken leg from a hill giant's club! Surrounded and running low on magic the group fears this may be the end, when Rook (in his viper form) attacks the Vistra the leader and his venom slays her outright!

Once back outside the cave the group is confronted with a problem. The Giant they encountered at the stone circle informs them they have a pair of hostages whom they will kill unless a deal can be worked out. At this time Sliish pulls a bluff and convinces the giants they have no bargining power, as the Party may be smaller and weaker physically, but magically they could kill them all in a single stroke!

The captives are turned over to the party and turn out to be the Older man and young girl from the Moon Tower. The remaining giants swear to stop all hostilities or suffer the wrath of extermination.

After spending the night at the Moon Tower with the Druids, the group is taken to the Eye of the Forest and a ritual is cast allowing them to ask three questions.

The Eye of the Forest

With the information they needed gathered, and a small reward from the Druids the party sets out for home. 

Arriving back at the village of Marqest on the 12th of Symswald.  A meeting is called to discuss the next step in tracking down the villain responsible for the Never Ending Winter!!  A Fey Lord called Lord Never-be-borrowed. Where can he found? Well only the inhabitants the Frost-Hold know. 

What happens next? Who will face the secrets of the Frost-Hold??

Find out in The Never Ending Winter part 2.