Diplomatic Impunity
Prelude
Elsewhere:
Lord: It has begun.
Advisor: Yes, thanks to your wisdom.
Lord: You are too modest, you have helped immensely.
Adventure Summary
Bright and early, off upon the trail to Ghoere, they started led by the new ambassador, Lord Ludwig, the group made good time. It was noted that the ever present Iron Guard was nowhere to be found. Stopped for the night in a small village, about halfway to the Captial of Ghoere, the group rests and refreshes in the local inn. A few hours later, a winded, wounded rider staggers into the inn. He introduces himself as Rannulf, a drover who caravan was attacked by brigands. The party, never one to shy away from a potential confrontation, further questions him. Rannulf explains that maybe 20-30 brigands attacked his caravan, quickly overpowered the half dozen guards and made off with the cargo.
The party decides to investigate this matter, Rannulf accompanies the group toward the ambush site--just north of the village of Cordway. Enroute, the group crosses the Swamp River via the "Old Stone Bridge". While crossing the group is attacked by Lizard Men. The reptiles are now match for the fighting prowess of the group and are quickly dispatched. Rannulf explains that lizard men are common in the Great Swamp to the south, but it is very rare for them to be out and attacking humans.
Based on the tracks in the road the group decides to head to the village of Cordway and start the investigation there. The village has been devastated, with many huts razed. There are still a few folks packing to leave and they are gathered at the inn. Pluck a wandering minstrel tells of various brigand attack all through the area. He also sings a the following which quite upsets the locals--most of whom leave the inn in disgust.
Makazie once was the Great King
Said to have power in a ring
O'er swamp and plains lands his dominions they spread
His very name filled all with dread.
To build his great tomb in the midst of a marsh
Many men died in slavery most harsh
His minions took all of our best for his altar
Not for a day did his blood thirst falter
Then there arose the great Count of Ghoere
The greatest of heroes in those days of yore
He slew Makazie in the Battle of Cordway;
The minions carried their slaughtered King home.
And now he awaits in the cold sleep of death
His day of awakening, his first newborn breath
Though deep in the ground his followers closed him.
He come back for vengenance on those who opposed him.Pluck explains this is just a tale to scare old women and children, but the inn keeper takes as a bad omen.
Meanwhile, Heidrek, prefering the open sky to the inn, does some scouting. He finds javelin heads similar to lizard men make at the ambush site. He also notices a large winged dragon shape circling high over head.
Joining the rest of the group at the inn, the group expresses to Pluck that they wish to seek the tomb in the swamp. Pluck claims that perhaps Crazy Ole DeManis may know where it is. The innkeeper warns the party that DeManis is insane and they should not trust him. In the morning, the rest of the village flees and the party seeks out DeManis.
After a strange conversation with DeManis he agrees to lead the group on his raft to the tomb in the swamp. In fact DeManis is a little more than eager to comply. After several hours in the fetid swamp the group comes upon a stone platform complete with columns stairs and decorative seashell wall.
A short investigation takes place before concealed brigands attack the party. Poorly skilled the brigands are quite out matched by the party and are quickly routed. However, DeManis is slain as ran into the line of fire shouting like a lunatic. Behind a screen of sea shells, the group finds an altar, a statue of a huge misshappend Lizard Man, a bas-relief of some Demon Lizard and three algae covered pools. After much investigating and determining that a secret passage is under the statue, Heidrek uses the Rod of Crystalline to force the statue to move. It breaks under the pressure revealing some stairs heading down...
Quotes
Heidrek: With your permission of course, your ambassadorness...
Ludwig: Huuugnh?
Rannulf: We have no guild, they're outlawed
Ludwig: They've cowed the teamsters...
Ludwig: You little scaly bastard! You see this sword? I will make luggage of you.
Heidrek: Erik doesn't stand for the use of intelligent creatures as footwear.
Haddath (claps Joe's shoulder): Its a clue!
Joe: You can't reach that high.
Mike:I'm on a chair!
Heidrek: What sort of brigands and ruffians do you have in this inn? If ever I hear that some ill mannered lout has interrupted a skald here again, I'll burn it to the ground and salt the earth.
Heidrek: Give me an ale! I've got an itchy tinderbox.
Spoils
32 gold from the brigands.Experience
Group Experience
Monsters, Good Cooperation, RolePlaying + 3,500 each Individual
Player Bonuses Total Alexandros Did not play 18,550 Haddath Arrival: +500 38,500 Heidrek Roleplaying: +1,000
Arrival: +50055,575 Ludwig Roleplaying: +1,000 Total: Ftr: 20,225
Mage: 22,525Menzak 42,400 Pierre Did not play 14,500 Rayad Roleplaying: +1,000
Arrival: +50042,025 William Did not play 27,200