Taurba - After Action Report - Supplemental 3

The journey home was thankfully uneventful. The growing sense of dread which had built up as we traveled immediately lessened when we found the kaer whole and unbreeched.

After performing the greeting ritual, we reported in and delivered our detailed reports to the Heresiarch, Melancha and Mir. We told them of our mission and specifically discussed in detail the message from the horror, directed at the Heresiarch. We asked who they thought “the boy” was and provided our suspicions that “the boy” was in fact Anneal FarTraveller. No consensus was reached.

[Redacted]

We did not feel that we received satisfactory answers during our report and collectively grew suspicious. The threat of the horror was serious business and we felt that it was our duty to get to the bottom of things; especially if it might help protect the kaer.

After the meeting, we given some down time which we put it to use investigating mysteries. We started by tracking down Anneal. We found him drinking orkish rotgut. The boy has fortitude but I fear he is not quite right in the head. He truly believes he is an ork and does his best to be the best one that ever lived. He also believes that his late father, William FarTraveller, was a great man and that he was murdered. Other than his belief in foul play and a conspiracy, Anneal was unable to provide any real details.

To continue the investigation, we decided to splint up. I decided to ask around the barracks and talk with my mentor, Tamesna, about the death of William FarTraveller. All I learned was that he had been killed in a training exercise and that any further detailed records would be housed at the library.

Quinn and Cetharel went to talk to P'shel Blirgroth, Anneal’s “mother”. Once we started to question things, it was obvious that the ork woman could not possibly be Anneal’s birth mother. Since we never got a straight answer from Anneal, we figured that the best way to get information was to talk As I understand it, the direct approach did not go well and Cetharel is lucky to still have arms.

Ermin and Oren went to the library to see what else we could learn of Anneal’s parentage. Mir did gave some more insight into the situation surrounding Anneal’s situation. He confirmed that Anneal was adopted after his mother, Bethany FarTraveller died, in child birth and his father remarried P'shel Blirgroth.

Collectively, we finally had a conversation with Melancha. With the promise that we would let the issue alone, she helped to fill in more details regarding the death of William FarTraveller. It appears that Anneal was not completely wrong. There is some sort of cover-up regarding the incident. It was made clear to us that there was some sort of personal drama between William FarTraveller and the Telemses Longspear. It  concerned an accusation that William had an affair with Telemeses’ wife, Mamour. It seems that there was a confrontation between the two which lead to a fall from the defense works and FarTraveller’s death. There may or may not have been some indiscretion but it did not sound like murder. The incident was labeled a training accident to preserve the reputations of all involved.

We will keep our word and remain silent but I think the situation bears monitoring as it seems to play into the machinations of the horror. I suspect that the Heresiarch knows more than he is willing to say and I fear that Anneal may do something foolish that could put the kaer in danger.

[/Redacted]

After being unable to find anything useful at the library, Ermin took the magic daggers found in the graveyard to Cotonou the Weaponsmith. The troll was able to use item history to discern secrets regarding the items and identified them as Dalis’ Daggers: Izzy and Derech. Each is a magic weapon in its own right but apparently together the daggers grant the wielder a synergy of powers. Ermin has decided to bond to these weapons. It is good to see that he is flexible and can embrace other fighting styles other than the “Dragon Tornado Style” that he is constantly extolling.

As before, we gave our report of our last mission to the gather populace. It was not a happy tale but it gave hope in the fact that we had experienced hardship and continued to persevere. After our tale was done, in a solemn ceremony, before the statue of Ouro Preto, the Heresiarch announced the addition of the names of Urmann Bey and Vivake Mandal to the Wall of Honor.

We were given another few days for down time and preparations. After being unable to find any leads regarding possible nearby kaers or other places the hoor might be hiding, iIt was decided that our group would seek out Gvint in the village of Trosk. Our hope was that the Purifier would be able to help us locate and put an end to whatever afflicts the badlands. At the very least, the Obsidiman might be able to help us locate the horror that has recently plagued us and provide a chance to rescue or put to rest our missing companions.

Before setting out, the Heresiarch made another surprising and exciting announcement. Based upon the explorations of the world by groups 1 through 4 so far, it was decided that the kaer would be officially opened. Works would begin immediately to build fortifications and plant crops upon the surface. Soon Uqbar would be ready in mass to meet the world. Our mission expanded to become ambassadors for the kaer in addition to seeking to vanquish dangers in the surrounding area.

Before we said our farewells, the Heresiarch revealed one last, humbling surprise. He presented me with the first Ouro Preto Combat Medal of Valor. I was shocked and honored beyond words. I am not sure that I am deserving of such honors and praise but I will do all in my power to try to live to the standard that this trust represents.

Updates made

I have posted all the current character sheets that I have received. I believe I am only missing the 3rd circle version of Oren.

I am working on multiple Taurba journal updates (likely 3). I expect to get those posted before our next session. If all goes well, I will get caught up to where we are now.

Painful Noise

Added a link for the Graveyard Discussion Audio file uder the Useful Links - https://sites.google.com/site/zombiehomepage/Home/jon-s-earthdawn-game/Graveyard%20discussion.mp3?attredirects=0&d=1

Taurba - After Action Report 3

We traveled from the Kaer to the site of Uqbar City. Following the path laid out by group 2, we arrived at our destination in about a day’s travel.

The remains of Uqbar City were not much to look at. Bones of countless name givers surrounded the bones of the city. The tent, gear and cart left by group were found where they said they would be. No signs of Urmann Bey or Guarani were at first found. We searched the city for signs of the missing members of groups 2 and 3. This search was successful in another way. We located a hidden chamber under one of the ruined buildings in the northwest section of the city.

Within we found a refuge that could be used as a shelter. We also found the long dead remains of a name giver. Cetharel experienced its death. He died in defense of the city gently succumbing to his wounds within the shelter.

We also examined the central well. Oren and Ermin physically traveled the shaft and I scanned it with my vision. Nothing was found.

Cetharel was examining the area with astral sight when she noticed beings standing sentry by the entrance of the former keep. We approached and discovered these beings to be elf-like but something was wrong. We tried to talk but the creatures did not respond. As we drew closer, I could see Urmann Bey kneeling within the building. I cut down the first sentry with my axe. It fell easily. Erin attacked the other with a similar result. I rushed forward to attempt to rescue our companion but found that there were more of the creatures within.

To our horror, it appeared that the creatures were only faking their disablement. The ones that were felled jumped up and attacked with claws. The ones within the keep attacked with foul magics. I was knocked from my feet and suffered great injury. Ermin and Cethreal were pressed at the door and Oren was pinned down upon the roof. Quinn raced forward from the central well at the sounds of battle.

I fought my way back out to my companions. I drank my healing potion and retreated to the group. Not fooled again by their false death tactics, we killed the two at the entry and the two that I engaged within. We took what shelter we could against the keep walls. More of the creatures exited the structure and we cut them down. Ermin fell to injury but we managed to hold off the enemy. Once we had killed 7 of their number, the remaining 3 creatures ran away. We did not give chase.

We went immediately to the aid of Urmann Bey but it was too late. The dwarf unfortunately was possessed by the same horror that had recently attacked the Kaer. The thing spoke to us through our former comrade.

“One hundred plus forty eight.  I counted each one as they died.  I had to count fast.

The old man didn't send the boy.  Maybe he's worried someone's closing in on the truth. 

There are still six left.  Three orks, a human, a troll and a dwarf.  Follow the stone road south to find the dwarf.  I promise to return some of them...alive.  Trust me...have I ever lied to you?  All I say will come true.

I cannot smell my servants.  I hope you caused them pain...

Remind the old man of what I said in the cave.  Follow the road south, no more than a day, I reckon, but hard to tell, the weak move so slow.

When you go back to the kaer, do not stay too long.  I do not want you there when it happens.  You must be alive to see...an artist needs an audience.  But - this would not have happened if the old man had told you the truth.  It is all his fault.  Good-bye, for now."

With the last, the body collapsed and moved no more. We removed its head.

The remains of the elf-like monsters were gathered. We burned them all. For Urmann Bey, Cetharel performed the embalming and we said some words about our fellow name giver.

We rested for the remainder of the day and the next before heading south along the Imperial Highway. Along the road we encountered what Cetharel called a cemetery. It was a large plot of land marked with stones protruding vertically from the earth. Cetharel explained that this was a place of the dead. Apparently the ancestors choose to bury their dead rather than burn them.

Upon approach, we spotted a robed figure standing at the outskirts of this cemetery. Its back was turned to us and it did not respond to our greetings. It gave off no heat to my vision but it moved slightly so I knew it was not a statue. The group approached within close distance but still received no answer.

After that, all I can recall is pain. Never-ending pain. It is not clear how long we were tortured by the thing but it could have been lifetimes. Apparently the creature released Ermin before the rest of the group. They spoke about the T'skrang. The creature also gave him two daggers excavated from the ground, from a grave of one of the ancestors. It then left and released the rest of us from the agony.

Once we had recovered our senses, it was clear that no real physical harm had been inflicted. It had just been pain. The psychic scars would take longer than the body to recover.

We investigated the grave to see if we could learn anything further. The hole contained the skeleton of a human woman. Cetharel used a spell to experience the creature’s death. She learned that the warrior had died fighting near Uqbar City. She wielded one of these daggers. Another, a male human fought nearby and also wielded one of the weapons.

We continued our journey south and eventually came to the Imperial monument, Attar’s Gate. It was with dread that we approached. A grim sight was before us. Stretched between the massive arch was the remains of Vivake Mandal. The dwarf had been skinned alive and suspended upside down by stretched limbs. One eye was dangling from the socket. The body was affixed to the stone by daggers. Papers, pages from a book, were painted with a message written in blood. It said “Pain and Blood will bond our Patterns”.

The inscription upon the arch left by the original builders read “Attar defeated Talwor the Bastard at this place - 114. The Empire hence bestowed peace upon this region.”

I brought down the remains of Vivake Mandal. Cetharel again performed her solemn duty. It is worrisome how frequent it has been needed and how familiar we have all become with this ritual. We burned the body and the bloody papers.

We searched the area for any signs of the horror or our lost companions. The investigation took an entire day. We were unable to locate any clues on where to proceed. We will be heading back to Kaer Uqbar to seek additional information and orders. May the Passions have mercy on the missing. A clean death is the best that we can hope for at this point.

Taurba - After Action Report - Supplemental 2

The return trip to Kaer Uqbar was pleasantly uneventful. Once we arrived at the kaer, the doors opened almost immediately. It appeared that Group 3 had returned from their mission just prior to our arrival. They were in the midst of performing the Greeting Ritual when the doors were opened to allow us to enter.

Only Couyoumjian, Greifif and Aklampa Tendjedj were present from Group 3. Aklampa was apparently having difficulty performing his artisan skill under pressure. Mir Bandahur and Tiska, Cetharel and Melancha all stepped forward to examine Aklampa with astral sight. This unfortunately revealed that there was a horror-tainted being within our midst. What was formerly Aklampa swung its sword at an unsuspecting crossbowman, decapitating him.

I quickly joined Melancha to fend off the threat, stepping in front of Cetharel and Mir Bandahur. Unfortunately it attacked Mir first. The wizard took a savage hit and was knocked to the ground. Cetharel pulled him back a safe distance. Ermin enhanced by Oren and Quinn and Couyoumjian both joined us in the physical assault. I managed a few strong blows with my axe and took an impressive, bone-jarring strike myself in return. It was very well struck and knocked me to the ground. Eventually K’Leen joined the fight attempting to grapple the possessed troll. The combined assault of weapons and spells soon reduced the monster to a bloody corpse.

After the fight, Melancha summoned the Heresiarch. He arrived quickly.

As the Heresiarch approached it, Aklampa’s corpse animated and spoke in a horrific, other-worldly voice. It addressed the Heresiarch. They appeared to be familiar with each other. The Horror threatened the Heresiarch and the kaer and commented upon his sword. Could this be the same Horror that had breached the kaer before? The Heresiarch did not let the foul thing speak for long. He quickly severed the corpse’s head and bisected the skull for good measure.

The body was quickly embalmed and burnt. Everyone present had to undergo the Greeting Ritual and scrutiny through astral sight. The process took days but eventually we were allowed to re-enter the kaer.

We gave our report and heard those of the survivors from Groups 3 and 4. For our part, we told the story of locating the survivors of Group 4, the battle and the information gained from conversation with Gvint the Obsidiman Purifier from the village of Trosk. We had heard the tale of Group 4 previously from Monsanto. The mended Anneal added many clarifying and minute details.

The report from Group 3 was the most disturbing. No signs of Group 2 had been found and both Urmann Bey and Guarani vanished during the night. I fear that Aklampa’s fate may have been the worst, being forced to perpetuate an honor-less attack against heart and home. I hope for a better fate for the missing but suspect that something just a foul may have happened to them.

Later after resting, eating and cleaning up, we again told our exploits to the gathered kaer. Groups 3 and 4 also did the same. I joined in Oren’s dramatic re-enactment of portions of the battle. I also make hemp versions of the honor-less troll for the children. 

The next day, training began. Increasing one’s inner magic requires much discipline and study. Tamesna is a diligent teacher. She drilled me for 5 days straight. Academically, she covered the value and practice of tactics. Physically, she drilled me on keeping my feet, avoiding attacks and a healthy dose of sparing and punishment. Apparently, increased magic is purchased with blood, sweat and aching muscles.

Dice

I will be placing an order with Paizo in January. I get a 15% subscription discount plus a bonus 10% holiday discount. They sell Chessex dice sets of 7 (1 each d4; d6; d8; d10; d10 decimal; d12; d20). You can look at them here - http://paizo.com/store/byCompany/c/chessex/dice/setsOf7

I can get the fancier sets ($9.98) for $8.09; the speckled sets ($5.95) for $4.83; the translucent sets ($5.50) for $4.46; the opaque sets ($3.85) for $3.13.

There is the Bag of 20 option - http://paizo.com/store/byCompany/c/chessex/dice/bagsOf20 which I can get for $21.15. These include one d4; three d6; one d8; six d10; one Tens 10; one d12; seven d20.

There is also the Pound of Dice option - http://paizo.com/store/byCompany/c/chessex/dice/assorted which I can get for $28.34.

If anyone wants me to order them some, or anything else from Paizo, just let me know which ones and how many.