So my party have done WA, CoF and most of the surrounding encounters around Fairhill and Crimmor. Time for Morricks Mansion. I was going to run either ToA or RA but unexpectantly we played on a weekday evening. As I expected only a few players I thought MM would be ideal.
But all the players showed up including two new ones. These guys prefer simple hack and slash and most of them don't like wasting time doing things like 'talking' or 'investigating'.
So I thought bugger'em. I was going to make them talk and investigate. And if they didn't want to well let the denizens of the Mansion would hammer them.
The party include:
Godfrey LG 3rd Paladin/2nd Cleric of Cuthbert, Human
Percival LG 5th Paladin? of Muir, Human (currently seeking atonement)
Shiralee CG 4th Ranger, Elf
Gort NG 3rd Fighter, Dwarf
Leogunum CN 2nd Rogue/1st Sorcerer, Elf
Maxor N 4th Fighter, Human
Two other players who were not present remained behind in Fairhill to study in recently gained levels in magic.
They left Fairhill upon horses for the short and uneventful journey to Grollecks Grove. They had found a few rumours about the happenings in the village but nothing concrete.
As the 'Heroes of Fairhill' they were asked by a local Sheriff, Gandor of Weymarch to contact his brother Richard Arien for an important mission which they would be well suited for (based on their current successes).
Some of the less aligned good members of the party questioned why they would want to help. Of course they did not have to, but they wouldn't get to play either. So they decided they would.
Arriving in Grollecks Grove they were stopped by the militia. Godfrey introduced themselves as the Heroes of Fairhill. And wanted to know where Lauren Darkbrow was.
They were told she would be in the village hall.
So they went to Whitebrand's Stables. Paying the costs for a weeks stabling. Martin told them not to be doing anything silly like taking their animals anywhere near the Mansion. They agreed and tried to find out some info on the curse. But were suspicious why the stable lads wouldn't tell them anything (because Martin told them not to be disturbing the customers). But the PC's were still suspicious.
The Ranger Shiralee had noticed that they had been tracked by a raven all the way from Fairhill. More on this later.... She also spotted a stern looking woman in platemail watching them from the village hall.
Figuring it was Lauren they went into the Waving Hand Inn, knowing if the Captain of the Guard wanted to see them, she would know where they were.
Speaking with Markus Brek the party ordered some bottles of wine and rooms for a week. They tried to engage him in conversation about the curse but were suspicious this simple man didn't want to talk about it.
At that point Lauren entered and questioned them. They learnt a little more about the curse or disease that affected the Mansion and alarmingly it seemed to be spreading. Seeing Lauren scars the party were a little unconvinced about talk of monsters and crazy people. In fact some of the PC's wanted to go to the mansion rightnow! Lauren told them to see Richard and Sarah Lyrean.
Off to Richard Ariens (finally) they were told of the reward offered (some PC's secretly unimpressed with the amount). And learnt more about what had befallen the mansion on the wedding day.
The PCs had some suspicions already. No doubt another merchant family or noble rivals were involved. That the wedding guests who turned on one another may really have been monsters in disguise (seems as if some greater force of evil may be behind all the evilness going on in and around Fairhill and surrounding districts hmmm....).
Richard would not directly tell them anymore of who these rival families could be. One needs hard proof before making any wild accusations like that. But PC's being simple creatures figured Richard must be hiding something. They tried to sense motive and Godfrey seemed unimpressed that the aristocratic Richard Arien could somehow remain aloof and unaffected by his high dice roll on sense motive (must be a DM trick).
Still they had a few more name added to the list of those to question.
Leogunum bored with the investigating thought he would stroll about the village seeing what shops were around. When he spotted the Deadly Arrow. Maxor a skilled archer went in and brought some master crafted arrows.
Karlugon's Armoury was next and both Paladins spent most of their gold to purchase some master crafted weapons (though other PC's pointed out how expensive it all was and a 'real' rip-off). But as Percival explained it what else was he going to do with all his money?
A few of the characters are skilled bowyers and weaponmakers so balk at the task of spending money when they can make it themselves. But to do that takes time I tell them. And they don't have to come on the adventure if they would rather be making weapons.
Back to the investigating. They went to the Temple of Kudrak which I made into a temple of Heironomous. They spoke with a priestess and wanted to see Sarah Lyrean.
I questioned them a bit and engaged in general chit chat about certain subjects. But the party really wanted to just see Sarah. The priestess told them they were already speaking with her
More clues and even more people to talk to. Leah and Jasmine added to the list. Because of the parties reputation Sarah gave them a Hallow scroll to help in their efforts.
Those in the party who wanted to do some 'killin' were kept mollified they would head to the mansion tomorrow.
Off to Leah. Meet her animal companion Shiraluc (the rule mongers quickly looked up in the PHB you had to be 16th level to have a dire tiger, I have some real ruleplayers in my group). Leah explained her Druid circle had told her not to directly interfere with Morrick Mansion and anyway she did not want to endanger 'little' Shiraluc. The PC's were unconvinced if they were 16th they would have gone to the mansion and kicked arse or just sent the dire tiger over (I never said that Leah was 16th level though). Still they managed to get some wooden gourds of remove curse to aid them. And promised to return samples of plantlife etc. Our roleplay level dropped a little when it was mentioned that Leah certainly had a big @#%$, giggling followed (average age of the players about 30+).
Next to Jasmine. She was performing at the Prancing Unicorn so the PC's mingled, except Percival of Muir he returned to the Waving Hand to repent and pray to Muir so that she would return his paladinhood. When Jasmine was finished she sat with the party in a private booth, one of the players tried to chat her up but was soundly rebuffed (a roll of 1 and this just wasn't the time or place). The party still wanted to know more about the noble enemies of the Morricks. They had some more clues dished up about certain other merchant families with offices in the village.
Now time for some sleep and off to the Mansion tomorrow.
As I hade made Groolecks Grove the village south of Fairhill the players had to cross the Greywash river by barge to get to the Mansion.
The old boatman demanded they pay the return fee up front. In case they didn't come back... like all the others...
This didn't disturb the party in the least. They had monster to kill and loot to find.
Shiralee enquired if that Raven was still following them? Having played the Wizards Amulet they were all to familiar with raven/familiar/little devils. As the raven was there they were about to open fire on it when Leogunum spoke up. The Raven was his (the PC's raised an eyebrow they thought the Elf was just a rogue turns out he can cast magic as well).
Cross the river and follow the road to the mansion. Soon things began to change ever so little. The party collected some leaves and sticks.
Right said one lets go.
What we just got here.
I know we got some samples, lets go.
I think the eagerness to leave was based on the PC waiting for Kurlugon to craft him a masterwork weapon.
Soon the changes grew more profound. The paladin detected evil but found none. The trees were twisted and gnarled and the cobblestone road was black and cracked. A large thorny tree lay across the road obstructing their path. Looks like a place for an ambush one PC mentioned. Shiralee could spot no enemies.
So Leogunum the brand new 3rd level PC went forward made a average balance DC to get over the tree without being cut by the thorns.
He was promptly torn apart by the Dire Wolverine and taken down to -7 hp. Screams of alarms by the PC's (and relief by those who were not attacked). The party charged forward, but only those in light armour could avoid the thorns. As the heavily armoured PC's all got stuck. Except the brand new 3rd level Dwarf he got over but was also torn apart by the Wolverine (I rolled all hits and crit as well). Both newbies were down and screaming (well unconscious). Much mirth from all present
The more experienced PC's all made comments like:
"I'm not going near it will get attacks of opportunity."
"I move back and use my bow."
"I stand 10ft away and use my glaive."
They poked away at the wolverine who remained in its borrow. None dared stand in front of the entrance. Except until Percival of Muir finally got over the thorny tree and yelled for Muir and killed the beast. They checked their wounds no one seemed to be infected (or wasn't telling the others).
A quick look for loot and gathered some more samples. The PC's eyed Leogunum as he went in the burrow. As normally the party thief is a sneaky gnome who filches about 50% of the loot he finds for himself. Giving the party the remaining 50% and then demanding a share. So far most sense motive checks to catch out the filthy little gnome have been met with looks of shock and innocence (and high bluff rolls).
The party travelled the road and managed to see the bugbears before they could spring an ambush. Killing both misshapen creatures. Coming up to the mansion gates they entered noting once again the weird changes in plants and insects.
Spotting the main water fountain with the mermaids. Shiralee went to get a sample of the water. Luckily the PC made the spot check to avoid the monstrous alligator rush forward its huge jaws clapping shut on thin air. The party fought the beast and killed it.
We stopped at that point. Since then I have re-read the module again and so am better prepared for next session. I must admit I had forgotten a few details of the plot so had to wing a few things. All up all the PC's had a lot of fun and are eagerly awaiting the next game.
Ben.
But all the players showed up including two new ones. These guys prefer simple hack and slash and most of them don't like wasting time doing things like 'talking' or 'investigating'.
So I thought bugger'em. I was going to make them talk and investigate. And if they didn't want to well let the denizens of the Mansion would hammer them.
The party include:
Godfrey LG 3rd Paladin/2nd Cleric of Cuthbert, Human
Percival LG 5th Paladin? of Muir, Human (currently seeking atonement)
Shiralee CG 4th Ranger, Elf
Gort NG 3rd Fighter, Dwarf
Leogunum CN 2nd Rogue/1st Sorcerer, Elf
Maxor N 4th Fighter, Human
Two other players who were not present remained behind in Fairhill to study in recently gained levels in magic.
They left Fairhill upon horses for the short and uneventful journey to Grollecks Grove. They had found a few rumours about the happenings in the village but nothing concrete.
As the 'Heroes of Fairhill' they were asked by a local Sheriff, Gandor of Weymarch to contact his brother Richard Arien for an important mission which they would be well suited for (based on their current successes).
Some of the less aligned good members of the party questioned why they would want to help. Of course they did not have to, but they wouldn't get to play either. So they decided they would.
Arriving in Grollecks Grove they were stopped by the militia. Godfrey introduced themselves as the Heroes of Fairhill. And wanted to know where Lauren Darkbrow was.
They were told she would be in the village hall.
So they went to Whitebrand's Stables. Paying the costs for a weeks stabling. Martin told them not to be doing anything silly like taking their animals anywhere near the Mansion. They agreed and tried to find out some info on the curse. But were suspicious why the stable lads wouldn't tell them anything (because Martin told them not to be disturbing the customers). But the PC's were still suspicious.
The Ranger Shiralee had noticed that they had been tracked by a raven all the way from Fairhill. More on this later.... She also spotted a stern looking woman in platemail watching them from the village hall.
Figuring it was Lauren they went into the Waving Hand Inn, knowing if the Captain of the Guard wanted to see them, she would know where they were.
Speaking with Markus Brek the party ordered some bottles of wine and rooms for a week. They tried to engage him in conversation about the curse but were suspicious this simple man didn't want to talk about it.
At that point Lauren entered and questioned them. They learnt a little more about the curse or disease that affected the Mansion and alarmingly it seemed to be spreading. Seeing Lauren scars the party were a little unconvinced about talk of monsters and crazy people. In fact some of the PC's wanted to go to the mansion rightnow! Lauren told them to see Richard and Sarah Lyrean.
Off to Richard Ariens (finally) they were told of the reward offered (some PC's secretly unimpressed with the amount). And learnt more about what had befallen the mansion on the wedding day.
The PCs had some suspicions already. No doubt another merchant family or noble rivals were involved. That the wedding guests who turned on one another may really have been monsters in disguise (seems as if some greater force of evil may be behind all the evilness going on in and around Fairhill and surrounding districts hmmm....).
Richard would not directly tell them anymore of who these rival families could be. One needs hard proof before making any wild accusations like that. But PC's being simple creatures figured Richard must be hiding something. They tried to sense motive and Godfrey seemed unimpressed that the aristocratic Richard Arien could somehow remain aloof and unaffected by his high dice roll on sense motive (must be a DM trick).
Still they had a few more name added to the list of those to question.
Leogunum bored with the investigating thought he would stroll about the village seeing what shops were around. When he spotted the Deadly Arrow. Maxor a skilled archer went in and brought some master crafted arrows.
Karlugon's Armoury was next and both Paladins spent most of their gold to purchase some master crafted weapons (though other PC's pointed out how expensive it all was and a 'real' rip-off). But as Percival explained it what else was he going to do with all his money?
A few of the characters are skilled bowyers and weaponmakers so balk at the task of spending money when they can make it themselves. But to do that takes time I tell them. And they don't have to come on the adventure if they would rather be making weapons.
Back to the investigating. They went to the Temple of Kudrak which I made into a temple of Heironomous. They spoke with a priestess and wanted to see Sarah Lyrean.
I questioned them a bit and engaged in general chit chat about certain subjects. But the party really wanted to just see Sarah. The priestess told them they were already speaking with her
More clues and even more people to talk to. Leah and Jasmine added to the list. Because of the parties reputation Sarah gave them a Hallow scroll to help in their efforts.
Those in the party who wanted to do some 'killin' were kept mollified they would head to the mansion tomorrow.
Off to Leah. Meet her animal companion Shiraluc (the rule mongers quickly looked up in the PHB you had to be 16th level to have a dire tiger, I have some real ruleplayers in my group). Leah explained her Druid circle had told her not to directly interfere with Morrick Mansion and anyway she did not want to endanger 'little' Shiraluc. The PC's were unconvinced if they were 16th they would have gone to the mansion and kicked arse or just sent the dire tiger over (I never said that Leah was 16th level though). Still they managed to get some wooden gourds of remove curse to aid them. And promised to return samples of plantlife etc. Our roleplay level dropped a little when it was mentioned that Leah certainly had a big @#%$, giggling followed (average age of the players about 30+).
Next to Jasmine. She was performing at the Prancing Unicorn so the PC's mingled, except Percival of Muir he returned to the Waving Hand to repent and pray to Muir so that she would return his paladinhood. When Jasmine was finished she sat with the party in a private booth, one of the players tried to chat her up but was soundly rebuffed (a roll of 1 and this just wasn't the time or place). The party still wanted to know more about the noble enemies of the Morricks. They had some more clues dished up about certain other merchant families with offices in the village.
Now time for some sleep and off to the Mansion tomorrow.
As I hade made Groolecks Grove the village south of Fairhill the players had to cross the Greywash river by barge to get to the Mansion.
The old boatman demanded they pay the return fee up front. In case they didn't come back... like all the others...
This didn't disturb the party in the least. They had monster to kill and loot to find.
Shiralee enquired if that Raven was still following them? Having played the Wizards Amulet they were all to familiar with raven/familiar/little devils. As the raven was there they were about to open fire on it when Leogunum spoke up. The Raven was his (the PC's raised an eyebrow they thought the Elf was just a rogue turns out he can cast magic as well).
Cross the river and follow the road to the mansion. Soon things began to change ever so little. The party collected some leaves and sticks.
Right said one lets go.
What we just got here.
I know we got some samples, lets go.
I think the eagerness to leave was based on the PC waiting for Kurlugon to craft him a masterwork weapon.
Soon the changes grew more profound. The paladin detected evil but found none. The trees were twisted and gnarled and the cobblestone road was black and cracked. A large thorny tree lay across the road obstructing their path. Looks like a place for an ambush one PC mentioned. Shiralee could spot no enemies.
So Leogunum the brand new 3rd level PC went forward made a average balance DC to get over the tree without being cut by the thorns.
He was promptly torn apart by the Dire Wolverine and taken down to -7 hp. Screams of alarms by the PC's (and relief by those who were not attacked). The party charged forward, but only those in light armour could avoid the thorns. As the heavily armoured PC's all got stuck. Except the brand new 3rd level Dwarf he got over but was also torn apart by the Wolverine (I rolled all hits and crit as well). Both newbies were down and screaming (well unconscious). Much mirth from all present
The more experienced PC's all made comments like:
"I'm not going near it will get attacks of opportunity."
"I move back and use my bow."
"I stand 10ft away and use my glaive."
They poked away at the wolverine who remained in its borrow. None dared stand in front of the entrance. Except until Percival of Muir finally got over the thorny tree and yelled for Muir and killed the beast. They checked their wounds no one seemed to be infected (or wasn't telling the others).
A quick look for loot and gathered some more samples. The PC's eyed Leogunum as he went in the burrow. As normally the party thief is a sneaky gnome who filches about 50% of the loot he finds for himself. Giving the party the remaining 50% and then demanding a share. So far most sense motive checks to catch out the filthy little gnome have been met with looks of shock and innocence (and high bluff rolls).
The party travelled the road and managed to see the bugbears before they could spring an ambush. Killing both misshapen creatures. Coming up to the mansion gates they entered noting once again the weird changes in plants and insects.
Spotting the main water fountain with the mermaids. Shiralee went to get a sample of the water. Luckily the PC made the spot check to avoid the monstrous alligator rush forward its huge jaws clapping shut on thin air. The party fought the beast and killed it.
We stopped at that point. Since then I have re-read the module again and so am better prepared for next session. I must admit I had forgotten a few details of the plot so had to wing a few things. All up all the PC's had a lot of fun and are eagerly awaiting the next game.
Ben.
