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Chapter 2: A Blighted Land

Turn 42: Welcome To Woodstock

The first night out of Oakhurst, the party camped in a small copse of trees not far from the road. Although the heat remained sweltering even after the sun set, Nanoc nevertheless built a small fire so that the group could have a cooked dinner. While the others ate their meal of salted meat and vegetables, Luger mused on what the party had learned in Oakhurst and at the Sunless Citadel.

“This is the most disturbing news possible,” pronounced the cleric. “Mauser has been trapped down a hole with some despicable characters and has not returned. We know that some of their party did return to the surface and we missed them in Hommlet. Either Mauser is still in this hole - dead or alive, or he has escaped to the surface and parted company with this Jil du Gal. Unless we can someday track down this person and get an accounting of Mauser's adventures below the surface, he will remain lost to us forever. I thank you, my friends, for humoring me at the Sunless Citadel. I can only hope now that Mauser will receive one of the various messages I've left for him. Until he is seen above ground again, I have no hope of seeing my brother again.”

When the others remained silent, Luger shook his head and looked at Karzak across the fire pit. “So Karzak, tell me of the dwarf Gods. I know little of them and would like to learn. In return, I will happily tell you of Heironeus.”

“Well, now, there laddie, I'll be glad ta tell ya 'bout the All-Father, Moradin,” said the dwarf, draining his aleskin.

”The Creator scooped up chunks of metal and great handfuls of gems from under the mountain. He held the precious treasure of the earth up to his bearded mouth and breathed his sacred breath upon it. Soulforger then dun took his giant warhammer an' pounded an' shaped an' fashioned the material into his perfect creation . . . dwarves.”

Aseneth, sitting next to Nanoc on a log, leaned into the barbarian while Karzak spoke, her eyes glazing over with fatigue after a long day on the road. Nanoc absently ran his fingers through her long hair as he listened to the dwarf’s story.

”Now, laddie, I dinna know exactly how all a' ya misshapened races came ta be. Particularly yer big friend o'er there,” he added, motioning towards Nanoc. “I suppose 'tis possible that the Dwarffather wanted ta give us som' servants. Perhaps he jus' went an' stretched ya out a wee bit much. Either way, ya sure are ugly creatures. I'm not saying yer bad in yer souls, only that yer not much fer lookin' at.” Karzak laughed before continuing. “Of course, after me little tassle with the red dragon, I'm not lookin' quite as good lookin’ as I din used ta. But, as my parents din taught me, the ugliest dwarf is much better lookin' than the prettiest human. I kin see that that much is true. Beggin' yer pardon, but I'm a wonderin' why you want yer face to be smooth like a yer womanfolk. Me dear mother has much more hair than that baby face a yers,” he said, nodding towards Danton.

”Anyway, who was that ya mentioned 'fore?” Karzak asked, looking at Luger. “Ya made it sound like ya have a different god than Moradin. Of course, Moradin is the All-Father of all the races, even the deformed uns. Me good father done told me of many strange things a here in the bright light. I suppose claims 'bout other gods is one of 'em.”

”By the way, I dun chased off an 'dult red dragon single-handedly after da rest a me strike team was killed dead. He managed ta burn me a wee bit but I dun got in a few strokes of my own 'fore he flew off. I dun saved more treasure than one a yer cities makes in a year. I would say that da name me clanleader gave me was well-earned. I dinna choose it myself. But ya kin jus' call me Karzak if ya dinna believe me story.”

Karzak’s voice had a pleasant drawl to it, and as he spoke, all of the others found themselves drawn into his stories.

“Skinny feller, Danton is it?” he asked. “Smooth face, too. Tsk, tsk. Tell me more 'bout these gnomes yer dun worryin' 'bout. They're not bad wee fellers and me folk dun' get along with 'em in a grand fashion. Maybe I kin have a good talkin' to 'em 'bout passin' through. Ya git anythin' ta barter with ta grease their palm and speed us on our way?”

Lulled by Karzak’s voice and his own fatigue, it took Danton several moments to realize the dwarf was waiting for him to respond, but he finally shook himself out of his reverie. When he did, it was Luger he addressed first.

“I am indeed sorry to hear such news about Mauser. I admit that I'd held a bit of hope that we might turn up a brighter clue. But once Garon hath told us that Mauser braved the citadel in the company of this Jil du Gal and her ill-favored associates, I knew any information would be grave. Mauser, I am afraid to say, took up with literal criminals and marauders, and I don't doubt his new ‘comrades’ were as perilous for him as were the remaining threats inside the citadel ... which are, I hasten to add, not inconsequential in and of themselves. Our path has now crossed with Jil du Gal twice, which remindeth me of a saying in Veluna City: ‘The first time is happenstance, the second is coincidence, but the third is enemy action.’ I pledge you this, Luger: if our paths cross yet a third time, we shalt seize that devious wench and twist some words out of her. And if she hath done evil to Mauser, we shalt repay her threefold.”

”Revenge wilt have to wait, though, for other things beckon,” added the Velunese. “First of all, there is the matter of Woodstock. Ah, Nanoc, we come again to that fair town, and mine heart is heavy, knowing that your days with the halfling lasses are done and past. 'Twould appear that I shalt have to do double duty -- alas for Danton.”

Nanoc had thought Aseneth had fallen asleep at his side, but the way he felt her body tense at Danton’s words told him otherwise.

”Beyond such anticipated revelry,” continued Danton, “we plainly need to plumb the town for information about the Kron Hills and the gnomes. More than this, unless we receive information indicating that crossing the hills wilt prove a nigh impossible task, and thus cause us to change our direction, we ought also recruit a guide, whether gnome, halfling or whate'er. We might well have a greater chance to find someone both knowledgeable and willing to traverse the hills in Woodstock than we might have had in Hommlet or even Oakhurst. We shall see.”

Finally, Danton looked at the party’s newest member.

”Karzak, worthy dwarf, I address you now. For mine part, I say that you are most welcome to remain in our company, though I must warn you that our way is perilous. First of all, as you may know, the gnomes of the Kron Hills are not, of late, known for their hospitability. It may actually be that you'd be more favored among them than the rest of us, though it could also be that they'd just as soon make a pincushion of you, too. Beyond this, you should realize that we would not lightly take such a road unless need was pressing, and such need is itself highly perilous.

You are new to our company, so methinks that we ought pause, out of sheer prudence, before telling you our whole tale. But let me say this. We are seeking information on a foul cult whose activities are a potential threat both to this immediate region and, potentially, to a far greater scope of people. It may even be that your own people might be threatened if this cult's diseased, doomsday vision comes to pass. We are traversing the Kron Hills to follow-up on our remaining clue regarding this dastardly group.

Again, the cult has proven itself both ruthless and resourceful. Thus, I hath every reason to believe that your life wilt be in jeopardy so long as you remain in our company. I cannot say more at the present time, but, be assured, I am neither exaggerating nor minimizing the nature of the threat or what appears to be at stake. Naturally, I leave it to your own judgment as to accompany us or not.
If you do choose to accompany us, methinks it fair that we accord you a portion of any booty we find, though I am not at liberty to make a precise offer -- not without discussing such matters in private with mine associates. I am sure you understand.”

“Thank ye, laddie, for all a' yer kind warnings,” replied the dwarf. “I think I kin a' take care a' meself. Ya needn't be worrin' so much 'bout me. Me dwarven axe be sharp, an' I be a wee bit of a doughty warrior if I do be sayin' so meself. I be lookin' fer a spell a' adventure up here in the wide world with such bald-faced laddies liken yerself who dun travel with dragon-slayin’ womenfolk and monsters. I may even have ta write down the tale for me laddies in the mountain who would probably never believe me story. Cultists and gnomes and gnolls dinna be worryin' meself too much. I'd be glad a' joinin' yer party and sharin' a cold un after a hardy battle. Nothin' better than smashin' up some goblins an' orcses, meanin' no offense a' course. Anyways, if ya be welcomin' me ta yer party and so kindly sharin' yer dangers with me an' all, ya can cut me in fer a fair share a' treasure. I will be glad ta prove ta ya that I'll be pullin' me fair share of the work an' then some. Dwarves dinna takin' too kindly ta being cheated outta any treasure. I reckon we be havin' a deal now, laddie?”

“I doubt not, Karzak, that you are a fine warrior. Nor do I doubt that, if you remain with us as is your evident plan, you shall be cut in for a share of the booty,” replied Danton. “There shall be no cheating you. However, as to the precise proportion of your share, that I am not at liberty to offer. The precise calculation can only be made after we longstanding traveling companions speak in private and then decide on what, if anything, to offer you. Of course, if you like not our offer, you are free to go as you will. But once the offer is made and accepted, we wilt not cheat you of a farthing, nor accept such cheating in return. If you would, please give me and mine companions a moment to discuss what offer can properly be made.”

“Sure,” said Karzak. “After drinkin’ all this ale, I be needin’ ta take a little walk an’ relieve meself anyway.”

The dwarf laughed, stood up, and walked out of the circle of firelight, leaving the others alone. As he walked off, he muttered under his breath:

"Doomsday an' cults an' dire threats an' all sort a' crazy talk. Either these humans and orcses be crazy or I be fer joinin' in with 'em! Canna be worse than fightin' no red dragon, so mebbe I'll a' be a stayin' with 'em.”

“For my part, I have no problem cutting Karzak in for a full and fair share,” said Danton when the dwarf was out of earshot. “Generally, unless I am hiring a mere cook or stevedore, 'tis mine personal preference and policy to give equal shares to those who would shoulder burdens and dangers equally. Thus, methinks we should cut Karzak in for an even share of booty, though if special desires remain outstanding, we should present them to Karzak now so that, going forward, there are no misunderstandings.”

”Beyond mere treasure-splitting,” added the Velunese before any of the others could speak, “there is the matter of trust and full disclosure. For mine part, I suggest that we leave things as I have stated them for the time being: that is, Karzak need not know any more about our mission and devices than he has already been told. He hath been told the truth -- shorn of detail, but the truth nonetheless -- so I hath no misgivings in letting things stand as they currently are. Once Karzak hath adequately proven his own trustworthiness, we can revisit the issue and provide details in their fullness.”

”I'm not really concerned with fame or fortune and only wish to augment my own ability to fight evil in the land,” said Luger simply. “I still consider myself a new addition to this merry band and you have afforded me a fair share of our spoils so I think it right that Karzak receive the same so long as he shares in our risk. I fear Telemachos' sword will be greatly missed, so if Karzak lives up to his boasts, his company will be welcome for some time to come. I do not care to match drinks with the dwarf nor do I relish sleeping in the same room with him. Dwarves are notorious for snoring and even our horses are offended by his odor.”

Nanoc felt Aseneth laugh lightly at his side. Then she sat up straight, stretched and stifled a yawn.

”As I said,” continued Luger, “I only seek to defeat evil and to that end Geistblatt and this fine chainmail have improved my ability greatly. I would be interested in items of a goodly nature or which will improve my abilities. Money I earn will have a percentage tithed and the rest will cover expenses or purchase items to aid our cause.”

“Dwarf joining is being fine for me,” said Aseneth. “As all are knowing, I am wanting artifacts of great power for freeing Rinloru. As long as this Karzak is taking only weapons or armor that I think dwarf is wanting, we are having no problem. Fair is fair, so should having same amount of money and good things if fighting same as others.”

“Aseneth, I will be happy to assist you and the people of Rinloru once we have thwarted this most dire of threats,” said Luger. “At some day in the future, I will be forced to avenge my family and right the wrongs brought upon them, but that day is getting farther away.”

“Thank you, Luger,” replied the woman, looking first at him and then at Nanoc. “That is meaning very much to me. If I am having your help and help of others, chance of winning is much better.”

“Karzak should have his fair share,” agreed Nanoc. “An’ beyond magic greataxes—if there are any better than this’n I got in the temple—an’ Swords O’ Corusk, I ain’t too picky—long as Asya gets the stuff her town needs. But, boy o’ boy, Danton I gotta tell ya, what I’m really thinkin’ ‘bout now is Woodstock. We sure done spent a good amount o’ time there. It was right fun…til we got thrown in the slammer. Hope they still ain’t mad at us…but that was a while ago.”

Nanoc did not notice the dangerous way Aseneth’s eyes narrowed at these comments, and he plunged on:

“Anywho, they gots this really good wine there called Delkin wine...that’s good stuff…why they was saying they ship that stuff as far away as Greyhawk—maybe even beyond. There was gnomes there when we was there so I am sure we can find a guide just like Danton says.”

Danton, who could not help but notice the foul looks Aseneth, now wide awake, was sending his way, tried to shush the barbarian as quickly as possible.

“Now, now, Nanoc, these tales of our previous stay in Woodstock are not for general consumption, and truly, our exploits hath been much exaggerated, if I may say so. Besides, as I hath made plain, if there be any debauchery to be had this time, it shall be Danton Verbrugge alone who doth partake.”

Before anyone else could add anything, Karzak appeared out of the darkness behind Danton and slapped him hard on the back.

“Good, now that that be settled, let's be gettin' some sleep so we kin set out bright an’ early tomorrow, laddie! I only be wanting gold an' gems for me ta craft inta fine lookin' jewelry. Mebee ya have a special lassie I kin be makin' it fer? Never seen fine dwarven jewelry, have ya laddie? Else ya winna be alone. Mebee ya should be growin' a nice thick beard! Ha! Ha! Ha!” Karzak slapped the Velunese hard on the back once again, nearly knocking him off the rock on which he sat. However, given the way Aseneth was looking at him, Danton felt nothing but relief at Karzak’s sudden reappearance.

***

The next day and a half passed quickly, as the party rode south and west. Early on the morning of the 9^th, after the group broke camp and set out, Nanoc turned in the saddle and looked at Karzak.

“Ya know, I’m a half-orc—not an orc. My ma was human like Aseneth there. That’s a long story…jus’ perfect for the ride to Woodstock. You ain’t the first dwarf I ever met…nope I done knew a dwarf the day I was born. He was part o’ the rescue party that rescued my mom from them orcs that took her. His name was Wigam Grey beard…you know ‘im I’m sure, he is really famous after all. O’ course there was my dad, Justin, a cleric o’ Kord…oh and Grundar, he came from the barbarian lands way to the east...I got lots a stories to tell you ‘bout him.” The barbarian paused for a moment and looked at Aseneth riding alongside him. “Oh, there was a magic guy named Twillian too…I weren’t usually too interested in that magic stuff so I ain’t got many stories ‘bout him, but I gots a new outlook on that magic stuff now. Anyways it was a rainy night…”

From this beginning, Nanoc spoke virtually without pause for the next day and a half, interrupted only by periodic questions or comments from Karzak, who interjected his own tales into the mix. However, while Nanoc’s stories were all personal in nature, Karzak preferred to discuss dwarves—and their inherent superiority over all other beings, mining, gems and the like in more general terms, rather than relate more of his background than he had already revealed.

Because of the long summer days, the party was able to travel late into the evening each day on the road, making better time than would have been possible at other times of year. The result was that the group reached Woodstock a half-day earlier than Danton had initially calculated, coming into sight of the town in the early afternoon of the 10^th.

The town of Woodstock occupied a low hill beside the Iron River, the same river that, east of the town, turned north and ran through the Iron Wood before emptying into the mighty Velverdyva. It was the crenellated stone walls of the town that came into view first, interrupted by tall watchtowers. These walls and towers surrounded the buildings of the town, but on this day, the life of the town spilled well beyond its walls. Colorful carts and wagons, flags and ribbons, and people of all sorts lined the road for 100 yards beyond the gate. Dozens of halflings in bright-colored costumes were directing most activities. A busy, lively hum of noise rose from the fair, and the smells of roasting meats, exotic spices, and cut flowers filled the air.

“Ah,” said Danton, “though Richfeast hath passed, the summer festival doth continue in Woodstock. Truly fortune is with us and we must pause and partake of all that fair civilization hath to offer us ere we trudge off into the wilderness once again.”

Aseneth’s eyes narrowed at these words, but it was Nanoc who spoke:

“Aw, c’mon, Danton, I love Woodstock an’ all, but adventure is waitin’ for us! We kin stay a day or—at most—two ta find a guide an’ get supplies, but after that, we gotta keep movin!”

“I agree,” said Luger, “Rastor awaits and we cannot afford to lose any more time than absolutely necessary.”

Danton sighed loudly.

“It ain’t that bad, Danton!” said Nanoc encouragingly. “We can at least stay at the Stony Gaze again. That was a nice place that ya seemed ta like. Now it ain’t nearly as nice as that Wench place in Hommlet, but it’s still pretty good. I sure did like the spicy taters they have there.”

As Nanoc spoke, Danton’s gaze was drawn to the river, which ran just north of the town. Off to the west of the main gate leading into town there was a massive collection of small boats and barges of all shapes and colors anchored more or less permanently. This was the ‘encampment’ where most of the formerly nomadic halflings of Woodstock lived and worked. And somewhere amidst all those watercraft was the large barge where Danton had spent many an evening, and a great deal of money, in halfling company, the last time he and Nanoc passed through.

“Hey, Luger,” said Nanoc, “mebee while Danton’s findin’ us a guide, you and I can go down to the wrestlin’ pits on the west end and see if I can’t get a match or two goin. I went undefeated last time an’ Danton an’ I gots a lot of money from the bets on my bouts!”

“We’ll see,” said Luger, “but above all else, I must speak with the local clergy and ply them for information on the cult and the Kron Hills. If there happens to be a temple of Heironeous in town, I may actually stay there, seeking the wisdom of the senior priests and praying for guidance on our future actions.”

By this time, the party drew near the edge of the festival that had spread beyond the town’s gates and began to make its way through the throng of people. Though Woodstock had a nominal population somewhere between three and four thousand, the seasonal halfling-organized festivals that lasted for weeks at a time were known far and wide in Verbobonc and Veluna, and drew hundreds, sometimes thousands of people from the surrounding countryside seeking to sell their wares and enjoy the diversions the town offered. At such times, the town’s inns filled to capacity and many people ended up camping outside the walls.

Near the gates, the movement of the throng of people making their way inside the walls slowed to a crawl. Four town guards, wearing bright red tabards, gave each visitor a careful look, though they seemed relaxed and friendly. The guards could be seen peace-bonding weapons.

“Aw, I done forgot all ‘bout that crap,” groused Nanoc when he saw the guards binding weapons into their scabbards with thick leather straps. “I can break those bits o’ leather like they ain’t nothing,” he added, “but it’s an awful hassle.”

Danton nodded. “Baron Euphemes and his men know that with the quantity of alcohol flowing in the veins of their many visitors, fights doth break out all too easily and ‘twould would not serve the town’s reputation well to have the festival-goers killing one another en masse in their drunken stupor.”

“They better not be thinkin’ o’ tryin’ ta take my axe,” said Karzak. “"That blade be a special gift from me clan. It ain't fer sale and if they be lookin' ta try ta take it, I'll be glad ta be givin' it to ‘em . . . stuck in their bellies right 'fore I be kicking their stinkin' carcasses off a' it." 

Danton rolled his eyes. “It won’t come to that. Just allow me do the talking. It’s mostly symbolic anyway—the bindings can be removed quickly enough if necessary. Most of all the baron seeks to remind us that Woodstock is not a dungeon or a battlefield and that we must needs behave ourselves.”

When the party finally reached the gate, the group dismounted and each was closely examined by the guards. The soldiers bound Danton’s rapier and Luger’s sword in their scabbards and placed large bags over Nanoc and Karzak’s axes before tying the bags shut with leather straps. The guards similarly ‘bagged’ all of the party’s quivers and bolt cases to prevent any of their ranged weapons from being used on short notice. They looked closely at Luger’s holy symbol, but apparently recognizing it as that of Heironeous, did not compel the cleric to secure or render it unusable in any manner.

The guards were clearly uncertain what to make of Aseneth. Unarmored and unarmed, save for her long staff, amidst a group of warriors armed to the teeth, she clearly stood out. Eventually, after a conversation amongst themselves, the guards concluded she must be a spellcaster of some sort. They insisted on binding shut all of her bags and pouches and on wrapping a leather strap around the middle and ring fingers of each of her hands, apparently in the belief that this would interfere with any spellcasting. Nanoc was ready to hit the first man who made a move towards the woman, but she dissuaded him and allowed the guards to do their job.

Thus collectively “peace-bonded”, the party was finally able to enter Woodstock proper via the main gate. As Danton and Nanoc remembered, the main road through the center of town was called ‘Old Ford Road’. This road ran to the bell tower that marked the town’s center, before dividing into Southspur Street and Eastgate Way, which led to the two other gates, of the same names, leading out of town.

Old Ford Road bustled with activity, all but engulfed by the fair as it was. The road—none too wide in the first place—was narrowed further by the carts and booths lining its sides. Fortunately, wagons were barred, but pedestrians clogged the road effectively enough. Artisans, entertainers, and merchants staffed the fair booths, calling to potential customers and trumpeting their wares.

Above it all, two notable features defined the town’s landscape. A walled keep crowned the hill at the western end of the town, and in the center of town the huge bell tower stood like a sentry.

Danton and Nanoc knew from their previous visit that Woodstock was divided into six districts. To the south of Old Ford Road was Chatterstreet Market, the town’s trade district, clogged with narrow streets and the homes and business places of artisans and traders. To the north of Old Ford Road were Silver Hill and the baron’s keep, the wealthiest district of Woodstock, with wider streets and large estates. Some businesses were located in Silver Hill, but the prices were sky high, so Danton and Nanoc had generally avoided the area during their previous visit.

West of Old Ford Road and Silver Hill was the neighborhood known as West Hill. This was an eccentric, bohemian area home to booksellers, intellectuals, scholars, and unemployed philosophers who filled the many roadside cafes at all hours of day and night. At the far western end of town, beyond West Hill, was Southspur, the poorest, roughest part of Woodstock. Crowded with overpopulated row houses, Southspur was also home to dingy taverns and a few rough inns, as well as the wrestling pits where Nanoc had competed. Peace-bonding or no, a visitor who did not watch his back in Southspur might easily find a dagger in it or his coin purse missing from his pocket.

The southernmost district of Woodstock, seemingly misnamed as Eastgate, was also somewhat rough and tumble, although less so than Southspur. It was an area that catered largely to the many visitors passing through the town, and was filled with inns, taverns, merchant warehouses, provisioners, and houses of various sorts of entertainment. It was here that was located the Stony Gaze inn, where Nanoc and Danton had stayed previously.

The last district of Woodstock, known as Ford North, was a small area just inside the Old Ford Gate that extended to both sides of Old Ford Road before that road led to Silver Hill on its north side and Chatterstreet Market on its south side. Ford North was also known as the ‘Holy Quarter’ and it was here that most of the town’s temples, shrines, and other places of worship were located. There was a particularly large temple of Pelor just inside the gates. When Luger asked about a temple of Heironeous, Danton vaguely remembered that there might be such a place somewhere off in the western part of town, outside of the Holy Quarter in either Silver Hill or West Hill.

With the fair underway, it was clear that most activity in Woodstock was centered on Old Ford Road and the party, with horses and gear in tow, struggled to make its way through the throng of people towards the center of town, from where it could head for Eastgate or Southspur in search of lodgings. It took nearly twenty minutes for the group to make it much more than a hundred yards along the road. The going was so slow that Danton was about to suggest trying to break off from the main road and find a route to the other end of town via side streets that might be less crowded when suddenly a shout went up from the middle of the clogged road ahead.

Within moments, the shout was followed by an expanding ripple of cries and screams, accompanied by loud crashes that sounded like carts and booths being overturned. These ripples of sound immediately transformed into a wave of people, as bystanders tried to escape whatever was wreaking havoc in the road ahead.

As the crowd of panicked, running fairgoers surged towards the party, Nanoc stood in their path and the wave of people broke and split around the huge barbarian. His great height allowed him to see over the crowd and he caught sight of several dark forms wielding blades, striking down people who did not get out of their way quickly enough, overturning carts, and smashing everything in reach.

“We gots trouble!” shouted barbarian. “Those people needs help!” Without turning to see if the others would follow, the massive half-orc literally waded through the crowd (strength check: 9+5=14), his speed slowed dramatically by the press of people around him. As he went, Nanoc hefted his axe over his head and tore the bag and leather straps from it.

“Woo hoo!” called out Karzak, tearing the bag from his own axe and doing his best to follow in Nanoc’s wake (strength check: 12+4=16). “Are we ginna do some hackin’ an’ slashin? Mebee ya be lettin’ me axe do some a’ the talking?”

“Here we go again,” muttered Danton as he cut the straps that bound his rapier in place. “Off to fight we-know-not-whom for we-know-not-why and with any recompense most unlikely.”

The Velunese, Luger and Aseneth all removed their ‘peace-bonds’ and followed Nanoc and Karzak towards the source of the disturbance, bumped and jostled the whole way by the panicked crowd of fleeing people all around them.

When Nanoc finally pushed to within twenty feet of the source of the trouble, he found a scene of chaos: pushcarts on their sides, booths smashed, goods strewn over the cobblestones. A handful of merchants, determined to defend their goods, swatted ineffectually at several huge rats with brooms and other implements, while four larger rat-like creatures that were human-sized, walking on their hind legs, wearing leather armor and wielding swords, hacked at everything and everyone in sight.

When Nanoc’s great bulk drew near, the rat-men recognized a challenge and turned to face him. As they did so, Karzak stepped around Nanoc and took up a position at his side. The big rats ceased attacking the merchants and surged towards the barbarian and the dwarf, obviously coming at the call of the rat-men.

[Initiative: Nanoc: 7, Danton:14, Karzak: 20, Luger: 20, Aseneth: 16, Rat-men: 21, Rats: 18]

“Bring it, ya ugly brutes!” challenged Karzak. “It’s clobberin’ time!”

Both the rat-men and the rodents with them moved with great speed, surging forward to surround Nanoc and Karzak from the front and sides. The rats sought unsuccessfully to bite both warriors, while the rat-men attacked with rapiers and teeth, but both Nanoc and Karzak stood their ground, took the charge and then struck back.

Having blocked the attacks of one of the rat-men with his shield, Karzak countered with his massive dwarven waraxe, slashing the heavy weapon right into the rat-man’s face (attack: 17+8=25; hit; 14 damage—but no effect). The weapon cut a terrible gash in the creature’s head—a strike that unquestionably should have been fatal—but as Karzak watched in shock, the grievous wound healed and closed in a matter of seconds.

“What foul sorcery is this?” spluttered the dwarf.

At Karzak’s side, Nanoc had his first opportunity to use the silver greataxe he had taken from the hobgoblin ‘king’ in the Temple of Elemental Evil. He smashed the weapon into the chest of one of the rat-men (attack: 6+12=18; hit; 20 damage). There was a flash of sharp white light as the blade hit the rat-man and he squeaked in agony. The terrible wound the axe carved into his chest did not heal and he crumpled in a welter of blood.

A second later, Danton and Luger were at Nanoc and Karzak’s sides. Each ignored the rats and struck at the remaining rat-men. While Luger missed (attack: 4+6=10; miss) one of the creatures, Danton’s rapier ran through one of the others (attack: 19+5=24; hit; 3 damage—but no effect). Unfortunately, what should have been a crippling wound had no effect. Danton’s strike briefly stunned the rat-man, but the wound healed itself almost instantly.

A cluster of magic missiles flashed through the melee and slammed into the third rat-man who was still standing, blasting him off his feet and causing him to crash to the cobblestones unmoving. The combination of this magical assault and Nanoc’s devastating attack on the other rat-man caused the two survivors to reconsider their odds. Both rat-men spun on their heels and turned to flee. Each of the party members had one opportunity (attack of opportunity) to strike at the creatures as they turned and fled, but Karzak and Danton, whose weapons were obviously ineffective against these foes, could do nothing.

Luger smashed Geistblatt into the back of one of the rat-men (attack: 20+6=26; potential critical hit; second roll: 19+6=25; critical hit: 17 damage). As Nanoc’s axe had done, Geistblatt flashed pure white light when it hit the rat-man, striking him down even as several of Aseneth’s magic missiles slammed into his already lifeless body.

Nanoc also struck the last rat-man as he fled (attack: 15+12=27; hit; 14 damage), but although the wound was a serious one and it did not simply heal up, this rat-man was apparently stronger than the others as he managed to take the hard hit and keep running. The creature ran flat out down Old Ford Road with preternatural speed.

The five huge rats, which did not turn and flee like their masters, now bit at each of the party members, clearly acting as a diversion while the surviving rat-man fled. The armor that most of the party wore was sufficient to protect them from these attacks, but Aseneth, lacking such a defense, was bitten and screamed out in pain.

________________________________________________________________

Notes for turn 43:

Please send postings for Turn 43 by the end of Wednesday, January 31^st.

Because the party is still in melee, I will not add XP for the three defeated rat-men this turn. Instead, I’ll tally XP for the whole encounter when it is (presumably) finished next turn.

In case anyone is considering pursuit, the single surviving, fleeing rat-man is moving off at a speed of 40’. Anyone who cannot match or exceed that speed in one way or another has no hope of catching him.

Current date/time/location: 10 Srpanj; approximately 1430; on Old Ford Road in Woodstock.

Items gained this turn: none

Undivided Loot previously gained: none

Items used/lost/destroyed/sold this turn: Some supplies used during trip to Woodstock

FOES DEFEATED:

Active party members listed in bold.

This Chapter:

Entire Campaign:

Current Status of the Party:

Note: known magic items listed in bold.

Nanoc

AC: 17

Hit points: 59/59

New XP: 0

XP total: 12706

XP needed: 15,000

Equipment: masterwork great axe, great axe +1, silver-plated short sword, masterwork studded leather armor, 69 arrows, 2 quivers, backpack, waterskin, 24 days trail rations, bedroll, 2 sacks, 2 flint & steel, bearskin, tent, 50’ rope, 1 sap, masterwork mighty composite shortbow, masterwork shortsword, 6 iron triangles with inverted ‘Y’, three black cones made of some unknown substance, a black scepter decorated with a half dozen violet gems, a bead of force, metal scroll tube, a black cloak, two inverted ziggurat pendants; 2 potions of bull’s strength, potion of cure light wounds(X4), potion of cure moderate wounds, potion of water breathing, potion of spider climbing, Aseneth’s House Torquann dragon ring, heavy riding horse and riding equipment, spare light riding horse and equipment, pack mule (mule carries: 3 tents, most of party’s rations and water, ‘peace offerings’ for gnomes).

Gold: 1960

Silver: 220

Danton

AC: 15 (16 vs. one opponent)

Hit points: 22/22

New XP: 0

XP total: 12706

XP needed: 15,000

Equipment: rapier, 6 daggers, light crossbow, studded leather armor, quiver with 33 bolts, bedroll, backpack, flint & steel, thieves picks, waterskin, 24 days trail rations, hooded lantern, gold ring engraved with the name Karakas, 1 sap, 1 metal key from Yusdrayl, Everburning Torch, scrolls with pyrotechnics and melf’s acid arrow, old journal, 8 iron triangles with upside down ‘Y’ inside, 1 protection from fire scroll, 5 scrolls of cure light wounds, 2 scrolls of cure moderate wounds, new journal, notebook, pen, ink, parchment in sealed waterproof box, pipe, tobacco, metal box, whetstone, six packets of tinder for lighting fires, gold inlaid dagger, Journal of Geynor Ton, a folded piece of parchment with a note addressed to someone named Festrath, spider pendant, a wand, tattered black cloak with burning eye emblazoned on it, disguise kit, letter to Master Dunrat, ochre-colored robe, bead of force, potion of cure light wounds (X2), cure moderate wounds (X2), scrolls of animal messenger and stone shape, wand of magic missiles (5 charges), unknown potion from tavern in Nulb, light riding horse and equipment, potion of spider climb, a dozen vials of lantern oil.

Gold: 1717

Silver: 0

Luger

AC: 20

Hit Points: 34/34

New XP: 0

XP total: 8156

XP needed: 10000

Equipment: longsword, heavy mace, light x-bow, dagger, 20 bolts, chainmail +1, large steel shield, 3 belt pouches, large bag, 50’ rope, 5 torches, hooded lantern, 3 oil flasks, flint & steel, 24 days rations, silver holy symbol of Heironeus, 3 flasks holy water, 2 healer’s kits, backpack, cleric’s vestment, traveler’s clothing, waterskin, bedroll, iron triangle with upside down ‘Y’ inside, eight cockatrice feathers, scrolls of cure light wounds (2), cure disease, neutralize poison, potions of cure light wounds, bull’s strength, cure moderate wounds, and haste; Geistblatt (ghost touch longsword +1), light riding horse and equipment.

Spell Selection:

Level 0(5): Detect Magic X3, Light X2
Level 1(4+1): Summon Monster, Obscuring Mist, Detect Evil, Comprehend Languages, Domain: Protection from Evil

Level 2 (3+1): Bull’s Strength, Hold Person, Sound Burst, Domain: Spiritual Weapon

Turn Undead attempts left on current day: 7 of 7

Gold: 717

Karzak

AC: 19

Hit Points: 38/38

New XP: 0

XP total: 3,000

XP needed: 6,000

Equipment: backpack, water skin, 4 days rations, aleskin, flint & steel, heavy crossbow, 4 cases with 40 bolts, 2 daggers, dwarven waraxe, large steel shield, banded mail, short sword, bedroll, sack

Gold: 79