North Ayrshire Wargames Club

Stone of Life :|: Act II - A Many-Legged Question

Morgoth — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:08:23 GMT

Stone of Life :|: Act II - A Many-Legged Question

River Falls is located upriver from the mighty waterfalls. You carefully move up toward the Finger, south of River Falls. They call the place the Finger of God. It is a sight to be seen, for sure. In that one place, the two largest rivers in the four kingdoms, the Faeduin and the Esme, pour down into a massive gorge. To the east lay Fallen Guard and Waconda. To the south, the seat of power Three Rivers.

The majesty of the Finger cannot be easily understood. It takes all that you are and makes it feel tiny—insignificant. Water roars down from the Finger in violent white water. But not today. Today, the dry stones of the once mighty Faeduin lay bare for all to see.

Tracing the path Piper used to escape, you descend into the Finger’s basin. Off in the distance, to the south and west, you can just make out Moonglow Spire rising from the dark green of the Blackwood.

Already, the basin is drying up. The water is already a woman’s height under the moss-line. Trees and other flotsam create a surface over what water remains. You step carefully down the rocky slope.

Curiously, you have yet to encountering any of your crustaceous friends. In fact, if the river wasn't dried to your right, and the sun wasn’t cooking you in your armor, and the wind wasn’t hot and smelling of too-green insect goo, and if you didn’t have this weird feeling you were being watched, it might be pleasant. The Finger no longer feels otherworldly. It feels tainted. Feral. Every step becomes more difficult. You don't want to go farther down. The place feels sacred and your intrusion wrong. Fear begins to creep along the edges of your mind. Thoughts of death and sacrilege hunt you. But, on you step. Slowly. Carefully. Down.

Something doesn't feel right. You had heard tales of bad fortune, but nothing like what Piper described. There is something sinister here.

Off to the right, in the direction of the cave, you can hear rustling–the movement of dry underbrush and the clicking of Stalker claws.

Myth - The Stone of Life!

Morgoth — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 11:49:06 GMT

ACT I: The Jewel in the Water

Ill-fated fortune has brought you to River Falls. Heat shimmer bathes the hard-packed dirt. A hot wind blows dust up into your eyes. You begin to think River Falls' name was ill-conceived.

Gaunt faces greet you, drawn and starving. Hopeless eyes trace your path into the center of town. A man rises from the shade of a dying tree and walks over to you. He lowers a makeshift dust mask from his face. He introduces himself as Warren, River Falls' lay-leader.

Dire words follow. He weaves a tale of hardship and woe. It seems a sacred jewel has been stolen from a local holy site. He goes on to explain the founding of River Falls. Though you could not tell now, it is located next to a once-mighty river. Behind the waterfall the town is named after is a shrine that held a stone—an unpolished jewel.

“The jewel protects this place. We have left it unprotected and a thief has taken it from us. Our apathy has offended the Mother. Now the crops wither and the river has dried up. We are lost unless we can recover the Stone of Life.

"None who know what that jewel does would dare enter the cave, let alone steal it. The stone brings life as long as it rests upon the altar. Separated from the shrine, the stone brings death. "It is prophesied that the jewel and prosperity are interwoven. Not just prosperity for River Falls, but for the whole of the four kingdoms. This darkness will spread.

"To steal the jewel would be to bring death down upon all people and yourself. Whoever did this…doom will surely find them.” He tells you they are holding a stranger in the garrison, but she refuses to talk. Her name is Piper. She says she knows nothing of a jewel, but her eyes speak of fear and lies. He suggests you start with her.

Welcome to the world of Myth, where heroes are made, and devoured, by the quests they undertake!

Use these links to help understand the gameplay and adventures behind Myth - Age of Heroes...

>>> Rules: Link

>>> Heroes: Link

>>> The Stone of Life (Story Module): Link

Pathfinder | The Temples of Vulkoor, The Diety of the Drow!

Morgoth — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:41:15 GMT

The Temples of Vulkoor, The Diety of the Drow!

Heading off towards the temple in the furthest reaches of the forest, the party where dishearten by the previous day’s events … the actions of Lauren, the WayFinder adventurer who had been rescued by them some time ago, who stole their tablet artifact and disappeared through one of the arches with the scorpion warforge … people, who can u trust!

These deep jungles north of Stormreach were getting heavier with each mile now, and after a couple of days, the party came across another group of adventurers; lost, tired, disoriented and exhausted by their exploits … another paladin, a spritely witch (who would be a great asset to the group!) and a fighter. They’d lost their way through the jungle like so many, and lost most of their supplies in the process. After a brief introduction, and replenishing their strength on the available supplies, they were welcomed to join forces to investigate the temple.

A day, or so, later, as the party of six approached the temple to the west, they could see that it was in fact three temples, evenly spaced out with a large structure amongst two smaller ones. Glancing across them, the party decided to head towards the largest temple. As they approached, Castus ears pricked up as he heard the heavy roar of a beast unknown to him. He stopped and surveyed the land, whilst everyone else plodded along … “Must be too far off, nothing to worry about; I hope!”, he muttered under his breath.

Quickly darting ahead, he took point and soon made light of the heavy foliage in the jungle to reach the temples entrance. Examining the large doorway, once again, the signs of ancient giants were evident; from the size of the brickwork of the building to ancient writings across the temple walls, although there was strange elven written across the entrance as well? Later, the party would finally see what had become of these temples, and who now claimed them for their own!

As the entrance was clear to all, they all entered the building … there was plenty of signs that the temple was very much in use. Entering into the vast dark enclosure, torches where lit and lanterns shone across the dusty floors, to reveal a large monument in the middle, with two staircases ether side, one being blocked by a cave in. Approaching the structure, the party shone their lights across the large stone walls, looking above to see a gigantic scorpion statue, which had a flaming end to its tail instead of the usual poisonous sting? Various words could be deciphered by some of the party members … ref’s to Vulkoor, one of the Drow gods that few knew much about. To get a closer look at things, Norrin gave the witch a shunt up to examine the statue more closely.

As Norrin worked elsewhere within the chamber, finding a row a small chests that held various robes, which he later discovered gave some level of stealth to its wearer, the other paladin found a sacrificial furnace at the back of the monument, with some bones still “fresh” in the charred remains of the last pyre. Who they belonged to, no-one knew, and whilst distracted, the panicked sound of Boris the barbarian playing with a golden artifact gave everyone a jolt. Seen only to be rubbing his arm, they didn’t pay him much attention, but his bug-bite would come back to haunt him at a later stage.

Having noticed the golden artifact being kicked across the floor, Castus the ranger, with the pouch of holding, wrapped the item in a cloth in case he suffered the same fate … “Something for the WayFinder Foundation to examine when we get back to Stormreach.” As he tied the pouch shut, he noticed the witch acting strangely, as if under a trance. Somehow, the scorpion statue had a magical effect of those that viewed it too closely, and before they knew what was happening, the witch was casting spells at the party!

Being on top of the monument, no one could reach her, so Norrin gave the other paladin a shunt to subdue the witch, who was now under someone or things control. However, as he climbed up, the witch cast another spell that attracted all the spiders from every dark corner of the room, and before long he has being attacked and bitten to death, but he still managed to strike the witch, who fell off the moment. She did land on her feet, but was now surrounded, still trying to cast spells at all those she considered her enemy.

The skirmish was quickly over as Norrin smashed the butt of his mace on the back of the witches head, knocking her unconscious. Bound and gagged, to stop any further spells being uttered from her lips, the witch awoke a few minutes later, totally unaware of the past events she had caused. The trance had simply taken control of her for the time before being brought to her senses!

“There’s little here for us”, Norrin said, “… let’s make our way up the side stairs?” All agreed and began climbing the giant-sized steps. It was an awkward ascent, but they soon came to a room filled with oversized tables and chairs, all very clean and tidy? The tables had various eating cutlery placed about them, for normal sized humanoids, and as the party dispersed about the chamber looking for signs of life and treasures, a large group of Drow strung from the shadows and attacked!

Having surprised the party, they cast spells and hurled weapons at the party, injury a few of them, but as quickly as they had been surprised, many drew weapons and charged the Drow, with Castus firing his flaming bow to great effect. Boris went into his usual rage over nothing and fell over a spoon that was laying on the floor … his usual party trick! He did regain his feet quickly and hacked the nearest Drow to him, carving him almost in half, and with a vicious second slash, killed him outright. The rest of the party where also fighting furiously against the Drow, who, even with their spell casting and skill with blade, could see they were at the end of a good hiding! Many suffered death, whilst inflicting wounds on the party, and at the end, two escaped into the shadows.

Scarred and slightly burnt, the party rested a few minutes whilst Norrin healed those in need as he gave thanks to the Silver Flame once more. As he moved about the party, Castus found a switch mechanise on the main central table, along with special rings on many of the dead. Passing the rings about, they discovered that a magical shield protected them from small amounts of fire damage, ideal for this place! Castus triggered the switch, which split the heavy stone table in two, casting out a large blast of fire to all those within ten feet of it! Luckily, he had one of the rings on, and didn’t suffer any damage. Inside the small alcove below was a large chest, so both Boris and Castus pulled the chest away from the flames so they could examine its contents. Checking for traps and hexes, Castus opened the large chest to reveal the remains of an ancient giant. Finally, they had discovered the real treasure they had sought for many weeks now! All examined the giants remains, with their strange ruins and markings on them? They were obviously an important artefact to the Drow, and the writing’s the party had seen in many of their recent visits all pointed to the Elven language of the Drow. “We need to get away from here as quickly as possible?” Norrin whispered, “… we’re most likely being watched from the shadows and the escaped Drow will surely bring more of their comrades!?”

They all nodded around the large chest, which took Castus and Boris all their strength to drag along the floor and down the steps to the main chamber. As they reached the bottom, the fighter could see some of the Drow from their earlier skirmish, and shouted for everyone to take arms. However, as they drew their weapons, one the Drow cast a spell at the gigantic scorpion statue upon the large plinth, bringing it too life … another scorpion warforge, this time with a flaming tail! As it climbed down, the evil Drow wizard magically sealed the entrance to trap the party … they had to fight their way out!

Jumping down from the steps, with their weapons in hand, Castus noticed that something strange was going on with Boris … his earlier bite had come back to haunt him and he came under the same spell as the living scorpion! Grabbing his last cure all potion, he poured it down the barbarians’ throat as the others attacked the new danger. The witch moved to the side and cast a seeking spell on the monstrous scorpion, hoping to find some weak spot, whilst the others swung their blades at its living-stone exterior. Blade, mace and magic where all flung against the monster, which had a few tricks of its own … one being it’s fireball attack, which engulfed many. Luckily, the rings of fire protection absorbed much of the damage, but some of the party failed to dodge or hide from the full blast … this wasn’t going to be an easy fight!!!

As the witch stood to the side, a vision of flames in the underbelly of the scorpion showed its weak spot, which she shouted to Castus to strike at. Being light of foot, he quickly slid under the massive hulk and could see the opening, and thrusting his magical blade deep into it. The monster shuddered, but quickly shuffled to the side, cutting the elf ranger badly with its sharp legs. Castus wasn’t done yet, and rolling along the floor, he struck even harder at the opening, causing the life-force to instantly drain from the scorpion warforge, causing it to collapse on him. Luckily, and skilfully, he anticipated the beast collapsing on him, and rolled away as it fell, with a couple of scratches to his armour … Castus had slain the warforge with the help of the witches magical prowess!

As the last of the life drained from the scorpion carcass, the magical door to the temple disappeared. The party where free to escape with their prize. Dragging their treasure to the donkeys, they came across a scene of carnage … something large, wild and vicious had killed them all, and the fighters prized horse was also missing, with a blood trail off towards one other smaller temples. Quickly gathering whatever supplies they could salvage, the party made a makeshift cart to carry the heavy chest, which they all took turns to pull through the jungles heavy growth … back to Stormreach!

Wellllll, not so fast … once again, as the party set out into the jungle, did Castus hear the distant roar of something he had never encountered, but this time he knew it was closer. “There’s something nearby that doesn’t sound to friendly”, he spoke to the party, “… let’s move quickly and get home to Stormreach before we chance upon it!” All agreed and made quick-time through the heavy growth, helping to pull their treasure along. Sadly, the party had no luck at all, and within a few hours, a tyrannosaurus rex had picked up their scent and was soon hunting them. This time, knowing they could never defeat such a monstrous creature, they decided to use their magical cloaks to conceal their whereabouts and not engage the enemy. The problem? There wasn’t enough cloaks for everyone and the beast soon discovered the witch, or did she mean to attract its attention to her?

Calling on her otherworldly powers, communing with an unknown source, using her familiar as a conduit, she cast a spell which the dumb rex could not resist and collapsed in a heap. The witch had shown what a great asset she could be to any party. As the rex lay sleeping, Boris drew his large sword and plunged it deep into the beasts eye socket, killing it outright. With a massive sight of relief, the party took “souvenirs” off the dead carcass before finally heading south to Stormreach, finally!!!

Pathfinder | Land of the Giants (... Stormreach Adventure)

Morgoth — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:32:20 GMT

Land of the Giants (... a Stormreach Adventure)

As Norrin sipped on his dwarven ale, something he had been introduced to by Krag the dwarven fighter, he mulled over the week’s events …

Having gained some more news on possible locations of his parents, that they had been kidnapped by pirates from the southern continent of Xen’Drik, he decided to split from the party and headed south to these new and strange lands.

The journey through Khorvaire was easy enough for Norrin, being a Paladin of the Silver Flame, he was welcomed in many places in the Breland state, gaining work wherever he could, helping those in need and fighting off bandits to a caravan trail he offered protection too … everyday was an experience to the young Paladin as he fought orcs and goblins, trolls and ogres … and even a rouge giant who was terrorising a small coastal town. These where strange and difficult times for many in Eberron as political powers clashed for control over the various states.

Having chased off the giant from the town of Shadowlock Moorings, which was a few leagues south of the Shadowlock Keep, Norrin managed to book passage on a fast sailing ship to the city of Stormreach on the Xen’Drik coastline, from there he could continue his search, or so the locals told him. The ship was indeed fast and with prevailing winds to assist the sailors, he made good time to the fabled Stormreach … a haven for many; both good and bad who happily mixed in trade, barter and exchange stories of their exploits!

Norrin was fast becoming more confident in his travels as he used his charm, wit and charismatic looks to extract information from many, especially the barmaids in the various inns and taverns. Sadly, as the days passed, he began to realise that the pirates of olden days preferred gold and jewels to slaves, so the advice given to him about his parents being kidnapped and brought here had proven false.

Sipping on his sweet ale, Norrin heard the cry of a familiar name at the inn and then the reply from a familiar voice … Castus Wolf the Ranger; here in Stormreach! Standing tall, Norrin recognised the hooded ranger, and quickly making his way across the Crab Claw Inn’s cobbled floor, he welcomed the ranger and his new friend … Boris the Barbarian. As Castus picked up his drink and sat with Norrin, he spoke of their adventures, how they travelled the skies, fought off pirates … and watched as Squee & Krag died at the hands of sky pirates. He was both happy and sad to see the paladin as he had just received information of a quest to the north, under the support of the WayFinders Foundation … to seek out members and discover remains of the giants who once roamed here in these ancient lands.

“I’ll gladly go with you, my friend. My sword is swifter than before and my chest twice as strong!” Both where glad to have a trusted sword at their sides. Boris sipped his beer quietly as he listened to their banter, knowing that he had a lot to prove in these coming days to win the trust and admiration of these experienced adventurers.

“So”, Norrin pondered looking at the rough map, “we’ll need to get a lot of gear together for an expedition to the north, I see it’s all heavy woods and forests?” Castus nodded, but explained the WayFinders had given them enough supplies for the journey, they just needed to arrange transport … “To the donkey yard”, Castus joked! All laughed and made cheer with a couple more ales and beers to wet their whistles before leaving.

Arranging transport was easy, but Norrin suggesting visiting the WayFinders to see if they could offer any further help on the task at hand. Their offices where nearby, and making quick work of charming the clerk, the WayFinders had many parties exploring the area, offering rewards for any that could be returned or helped, along with any ancient writings, artefacts of anything that could offer an insight into what happened to the giants who used to roam this continent.

Making their way back to the Crab Claw Inn, the party visited the many stalls and market places for more supplies they could use on the journey … insect repellent’s, cure disease & poison potions and extra essential items before having a few more drinks and food at the inn. All had been arranged and they settled down for the night … the following weeks travel through the overgrown forests would be difficult for Norrin; not so for the Ranger and Barbarian who were used to being in the wilderness!

The journey north on the backs of donkeys was uncomfortable for Norrin, but the ranger and his new sidekick seemed at home in the overgrown vegetation. Days passed and midge’s feasted on the party, but they pushed on to the archways marked on the map. As they drew closer, the ranger darted off into the woods, shouting of a voice he could hear in the distance … a maiden trapped in a heavy spider’s web! As Castus approached, strange looking creatures appeared; half-spider-half-haster-knows-what! He quickly strung his bow and let loose a couple of arrows at the one nearing the maiden, causing it much pain, by which time Boris and Norrin had joined him in the fight as the vile looking spiders attacked! With slashing blade, raging barbarian and skilful thrusts of their blades, the party soon killed and scared off their enemies, and as Castus moved forward to free the maiden, who was ever grateful for the party rescuing her. She explained she was part of the WayFinders Foundation, a rouge guide, and one of a group seeking & searching for the arches.

“Fear not”, Castus spoke, “we too seek the arches and are working for the foundation, with the same goals in mind!” The rouge-maiden spoke of her fellow members, lost deep in this wilderness, having gotten herself separated from them. “We shall soon make ways to the arches and find your friends”, Norrin spoke, although he didn’t have a clue where the party where at that moment! Thank the Silver Flame for Castus, he thought!!

Quickly gathering their donkeys and supplies, they noticed Lauren holding a pendant and muttering strange magical words … “The pendant can help find my friends. To the north-east we must travel.” The party made quick progress to the arches, but settling down near the valley of the arches, Norrin had terrible nightmares as his dreams terrified and confused him; and the sleepless night would plague him for the rest of the day as he was tired from very little sleep. Moving amongst the arches, Lauren once again produced the pendant, and as she chanted, the party wandered off to see what the arches could offer them. Some broken and destroyed, others stood tall, covered in strange Elven and glyphs none could read, especially as the magical writing began to flow and twist when the party tried to read them! Norrin and Castus took out the shading paper and made etchings of one that was still upright, hoping that these could be of use to the WayFinders.

Suddenly, Boris shouted loudly … “Lauren, where are you going … STOP! WAIT!!” For some reason, she had run off to the east, and wouldn’t stop as all gave chase. Then she disappeared. Luckily, the ranger picked up her tracks and quickly uncovered a hidden entrance to an underground lair amongst the arches. Following the footsteps, through the dusty cobblestones, they could see the roofs where extremely high with large stonework … obviously built by giants! As the party followed, they caught her in a large chamber, standing still and muttering to herself. Castus shook her awake and realised that she had gone into a trance whilst seeking her friends.

Looking around the chamber, various remains lay at their feet, which could only be her party. As she realised that the pendant had brought her here to see only skulls and bones, Boris was pulling at a bookcase when he sprung a trap on himself! A massive steel net caught him and one of the bookcases opened to reveal a large skeleton, which fell to the ground and smashed into a thousand pieces! Obviously, the trap was to capture the thief and the living beast would then devour her, but centuries had passed and the beast was now only bones!

Pulling Boris free and examining the cage behind the bookcase, the party could see various cages of others, all now dead and lifeless in this ancient place. The party searched around the chambers and came across various statues of interest, one having an iron sphere in its hands. Castus soon pulled the object down and could see it was sealed, which he quickly unlocked. A strange looking tablet was inside, with the same twisting and turning Elven writing as was on the arches … “Some kind of key information on what the arches can do?” He mused. “Yes”, Norrin nodded, “… the arches could be portals to other parts of the land … the tablet will be the key! The WayFinders will pay a tidy sum for this artefact!” Both smiled.

As the party continued to search the area, another secret doorway opened to reveal a massive warforged warrior … strange; as the warforged where not meant to have been created till much later … these lands where indeed a mystery to all! The titan charged Norrin and Lauren, smashing the paladin heavily with his fist; crushing his chainmail into his body and pushing him back … a deadly and mighty blow. The rest of the party fell upon the massive enemy, which was heavily armoured and wasn’t easy to wound. Norrin called upon his deity to heal his comrades in their hour of need and each strike broke the warforged-titans defences down, until the barbarian went into a furious rage and struck the titan from behind, cleaving a massive gash across it’s back, killing it outright! Taking a breath, the party gathered themselves and healed up wounds with potions and magic … luckily, Norrin’s skills at healing had improved greatly as his prayers and focus on the magic’s within Eberron had become more skilful as he began to understand the mystical world of Eberron.

Scouring the hidden chamber the titan came from produced very little, and other than the tablet, the room had very little of interest. “Let us take the other pathway to see where it might lead?” Castus suggested. Luckily, he had been paying attention to the underground corridors that they had ran through earlier. The party left the chamber and quickly found the other corridor, which lead to a rather large, and heavy, door … which Norrin used all his might to open.

This was an alchemists room … filled with books, scrolls and quills; tables with flasks, staffs, wands, rods, potions and experiments which were covered in dust as the chamber hadn’t been used in decades, centuries even! Moving into the room, they searched the various tables for items of interest … potions and scrolls … and at the back of the chamber a heavy veil, where the sounds of a mechanical clicking could be heard. A large lever on the wall was used to raise the curtain and revealed another warforged creation … this time, a massive scorpion! Luckily for the party, it was caged … perhaps another experiment that hadn’t gone well and was still under construction? The party also noticed a doorway on the floor of the cell. Lauren was quick to advise the party that this creation would be a great find for them and would return a great reward, if captured alive.

“Alive”, Castus grunted, “... it’s more than a match for us!” It was at this point that Norrin remembered the heavy net that had trapped the barbarian in the other chamber … “Let’s use that to trap the scorpion?” Pulling the curtain down again to hide their plans, the party moved all the furniture to create a single walkway, and placing (and hiding) the net there, they needed a fast moving target to attract the scorpion when released … all looked to the barbarian as he glugged down a potion he had found on one of the benches. As he wiped his mouth from the refreshing drink, he began to change violently, morphing into a hell-hound … just what the party needed! With a rope tied to the levers to raise the veil and cage, the trap was sprung!

As the hell-hound barked wildly at the monster, it quickly chased him between the heavy tables that the rest of the party where hiding behind, out of sight. Seeing the scorpion’s claws, they quickly pulled the net over it and entangled it … welllll, after Norrin tripped over himself with Lauren & Castus, along with Boris the hell-hound, pulling and holding the net down! But, unknown to them, the scorpion could spray an acid-venom from it's pincers, causing the net to melt as it tried to escape. At this point, Castus Wolf cast an entanglement spell to trap the beast for an extra few seconds as Lauren sprung on top of the creature, striking it’s forehead with a magical immobilise rod … the scorpion-warforge collapsed to the ground, along with all the party. “What a magnificent creation”, she exclaimed!

As she bound its legs, claws and spray-pincers, the party made their way to the doorway, which revealed a chest of various wealth, artefacts and magical items … which they shared amongst themselves. Lauren discussed how she could use some of the parties donkeys to drag the warforge through the forest, which they argreed too, saying they would take their share of the rewards when returning to Stormreach … Lauren seemed honest enough and grateful for everything the party had done, and dragging the scorpion outside for tomorrows journey, the party rested for the night.

Sadly, come the following morning, Lauren, a couple of donkeys and the scorpion-warforge where gone … their trail leading to one of the standing arches before disappearing? As Castus and Norrin had gathered, the arches where indeed portals, but how did she know how to work them ... the tablet that had been hidden in the pouch of holding was gone! She had stolen the tablet and knew how to decipher it, using it to go … who knows where?

“What shall we do know … push onto the temple ruins to the north-west or return to Stormreach now and see if the charlatan has gone there?” Castus asked. “Let’s push on”, Norrin replied, “ … I’m sure we’ll meet up with her at Stormreach, or at least her employers to see what they have to say about her actions!”

Gathering the last of the donkeys, provisions and goods, they party took a bearing and heading off into the forests again …

Game Notice

LordoftheDie — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 13:35:03 GMT

Dear All,

a quick note that Pathfinder/DnD resumes August 9th!

The party continues onwards following there recent adventures.....................

Following the successful adventures in Rose Quarry, the party discovered the location of Whitehearth, the secret House Cannith forge. After a difficult and adventure, the party recovered the missing part of the schema and returned it to Lady Elaydren d'Cannith in Sharn.

After a long rest, the party decided to explore a treasure map they had previously found which promised 'immortality' to it's finder. As the party made plans to travel to Karnath to start there treasure hunt, they happened to meet another party who were planning a trip to explore the ruins of fabled Xendrik.

Deciding that the treasure hunt could wait and seeing that Xendrik could offer greater riches, the party decided to join the heroes who were going to Xendrik to help them find hidden treasure under a haunted temple built by the long gone giants who once lived there.

After much searching and bargaining, the party managed to arrange a ship transport to Xendrk, agreeing to meet their counterparts within a week. However, events were to prove otherwise.....

At first, the journey was uneventful, however on the 3rd day of the journey, the ship was attacked by pirates! Surprised, Squee the Goblin was badly wounded and took cover under deck immediately. The dwarf Krag and elven ranger Castus drew the weapons and tried to rally the terrified sailors.

As they fought desperately to repel the boarders, a wizard amongst the pirates launched spell after spell, mercilessly killing the sailors and injuring the party.Krag and Castus fought valiantly, vanquishing priate after pirate and were soon joined by Squee who recoverd by drinking a health potion.

With the tide of battle turning through the heroic efforts of the party, the pirates started to jump and tried to leave. However, fuelled by bloodlust or a brave foolhardiness, Squee and Krag decided to take the fight to the battle weary pirates!!!

With no regard for their injuries, the two jumped upon the retreating pirate ship to try and capture it for themselves. Castus could only stare aghast and desperately tried to provide some covering fire for the fast withdrawing pirate ship. As he desperately fired arrow after arrow at the departing pirates, he could only hear one last bone chilling cry that could have only come from the lips of Squee followed by a loud heavy splash and a bubling dwarfish curse......

Rose Quarry - The Piece of the Puzzle!

Morgoth — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:24:45 GMT

Rose Quarry - The Piece of the Puzzle!

Things seem a bit hazy now, as if in a drunken dream, as Norrin recalls his last few days …

The party where enjoying their drinks in the Flying Pegasus, exaggerating their recent exploits even more so than the previous day, when a runner came looking for them to make their way to the storehouse on Elm Street. “Perhaps my sword is ready?”, thought Norrin. “Let’s finish up here quickly and see what the store man has for us!”

As they made their way down the winding streets, the heavy clatter of running feet could be heard, and turning the corner, the party could see the store sign ahead, with its heavy oak door broken and splintered in pieces! Rushing forward, they entered the building, finding the store-gnome busted up and bruised from his encounter with some brutish kobolds!

Helping him to his feet and sorting through the mess, he thanked the party for their help, handing over an inscribed message from the Lady Elandren.

“Once again, my good friends, I seek the help of a few good men, and one rather smelly goblin!” Lady Elandren gracefully requested their presence at the Broken Anvil. “Please make your way there as quickly as possible; I have urgent need of your bravery again!”

Before leaving the store, the gnome did indeed have Zenn-La, Norrin’s magical blade … made of the lightest and toughest metal, its edge was exceptional sharp and true; “A just blade for a just cause!”

After reporting the bust-up at the store to the local law officers, they set off to the said tavern, finding it empty at this early time of the day, where Lady Elandren was sitting in the far corner, strangely dressed in rather raggedy clothes … perhaps in disguise?

As they approached, Norrin could see she was nervous and anxious about something, looking rather tired and worn out compared to their last meeting. “Good friends, come in, have a drink whilst I speak of my plight!” Pulling up chairs and supping on some beers, Lady E began to tell them of a second piece of schema she was searching for, but other wicked lords had gotten wind of her quest for the pieces, seeking her out. As she talked more of her worries, she handed them a bag, a magical bag of holding with various expedition, scrolls and moneys to help them to their next adventure.

As they examined what she had given them, there was a sudden crash as the door to the tavern was smashed off it’s hinges and a handful of kobolds invaded the Broken Anvil, lead by a warforged warrior … another of the Lord of Blades henchmen! “Elandren! Give me the schema or you shall be split wide, fleshling!!!” Before the party could react, Lady E darted off to a side room whilst the kobolds attacked them. In a haze of flying bolts, magical beasts and blades clashing across overturned tables, the adventurers proved their worth again. All but one kobold escaped the brutal encounter, after which Lady Elandren appeared from the side room as Norrin called her name. “Thank you, good sers! Now quickly, take these scrolls of transport to the House Orion and leave the city as quickly as possible. I will seek you out when you return with the new schema piece … go, go now … quickly ... none of us is safe in Sharn!”

Before they could respond, Lady Elandren made an exit through the side door and was gone before then knew what to say! Reading the new scrolls out, Norrin realised that they would give passage to Rukan Drall, by land or air! The thought of taking an airship excited Norrin, but they had to cover their tracks.

Rather than waiting about, they quickly gathered their belongings from the own dwellings, making for the House Orion caravan trail which was soon to leave the great city of Sharn. Handing over the scroll to the trail master, he was happy to take on extra hands, especially ones so heavily armoured! “We have space at the back of the trail, seek room there now as we set to leave within the hour!”

And so it was that the party made off to the wilderness, reading the letters of note that Lady E had left them, telling them to seek out a Failen in the Bloody Market of Rukan Drall, who would be able to guide them further in their quest for the new piece of the schema puzzle.

Traveling by caravan was not without it’s hazards, and as Squee and the ranger had disappeared many hours ago scouting around the woods, they could be seen rushing towards the last caravan that the rest of the party where in, along with a new member, another paladin on a holy pilgrimage! Introductions where made, but as Squee came darting along, bolts wizzed by his head as the whole caravan was attacked by goblins, even meaner looking than Squee!

“ALARM, ALARM … protect the great cart … AMBUSH!” The soldiers and guards all had their hands full, so the party had to fend off their own troubles! Jumping out of the wagon, they split up, attacked deep into the woods; only to be ambushed by bugbears as well … huge hulking monstrosities that urged the goblins on to ransack the wagons!

The battles where fierce, and the other paladin fell under an attack by two goblins, with everyone else suffering heavy wounds from the onslaught. Luckily, they managed to scare of the weak-kneed goblins, and with no support, their masters made good their escape as well. Norrin quickly healed many in the party, as well as soldiers of the Orion House who were badly injured in the attack. The trail master quickly gathered all to him and gave instructions for the caravans to get on their way, quickly as possible. Many rushed about, helping injured to comfortable beds, and urging their magical steeds on … this was no place to hang about!

After another day of restless travel, the party arrived close to Rukan Drall, making the last few miles on foot to the town. As they entered, all manner of beast and man dwelled here; bugbears, goblins, half-orcs and men could be seen everywhere … truly a town on the frontier of the Mournlands! As the party jostled for their place, the managed to tie down a rouge for directions to the Bloody Market … “Follow the smell, there the market be!”

It was true, the rank smell of all types of dead beasts gave the market its name, and vile stench. Asking after the man called Failen, they were directed to the an old inn, and on entering the rank place, many could be seen about the place. Approaching the barman, asking for drinks, they questioned him for the said man, who looked across at a hooded figure in the corner, counting cards on his own. “Two more beers good sir, let us see if some bartering can help!?” The barman grunted and poured the drinks. Approaching the hooded figure, Norrin introduced himself, offering the beer. “Why seek me out stranger!?”, he snapped back, placing his hand on the hilt of a blade! Norrin stepped back, “Easy, good ser, we come seeking guidance on the words of a Lady Elandren!” On hearing the name, Failen took his hand off the blade; “Speak, Paladin of the Silver Flame, what service does the lady want of me now?” Norrin sat and pushed over the drink, but Failen refused, saying pigswill was easier to digest! Handing over the letters from Lady Elandren, Norrin explained they needed help getting to Rose Quarry.

“Rose Quarry is a way to go, expensive and dangerous … I hope you have monies on you?” Norrin nodded. “Good … the costs are for transport, bring your own supplies!” After a few minutes of bartering, Failen gave little way to the price and Norrin conceded. Luckily, Lady E had given them monies to cover this, but all was taken! “Meet me outside the north exit of the town tomorrow mornin’ and we’ll make haste to your destination.” As Failen stood up to leave, a brash voice shouted out, “Failen, you thief, I want my 400gps back you swindler!”

Three bugbears blocked the doorway to the pub and where looking for blood! As Failen looked for options to escape, the party stepped in and distracted the bugbears, which in their stupidity didn’t see Failen sneak by them and after being told so went running into the streets looking for the villain!

Norrin looked at Castus, “I wonder if we will see him tomorrow!?”

Standing in the morning darkness, the adventurers paced up and down, constantly looking for their guide. “Maybe the bugbears got him?”, Krag muttered under his beard. A few minutes later, Failen appeared, and beckoning the players to follow, he soon showed of his transport, an cart driven by an elemental, which helps disguise it as well!

Climbing on board, the cart took-off quickly with no effort and made good time to Rose Quarry. The journey was uneventful, with only the mystical mist of the Mournlands looming every closer and a few days later, the town was soon in sight, although Failen stopped outside the town. “I’ll wait a few days for you to return, after which I’ll expect my final payment for the journey home. Be safe adventurers, I want my money!”

Leaving the party to their own devices, they scan the town from above, noticing a small campsite, very little activity within the deserted town and a strange shimmering from the whole place, as I covered in ice? Both Castus & Squee took off to scout the place out and where gone for some time, when fighting could be heard, so the rest of the party made haste to the ruckus.

Undead and soldiers had attacked the scouting party, so they were happy to see their fellow party members, who quickly killed off the aggressors, except one soldier. Using their skills at bluffing and intimidation, they managed to get information from him, before he was release to return home, being only a lowly merc.

Being told of the numbers to expect, the party laid an assault on the encampment, looking to remove the main threat to their search for the new schema artefact. However, making their way through the town, they where soon discovered when Squee stuck his hand in a ward protected shield without thinking before any magic’s could be used to dispel the magical wall, and surprising the enemy failed miserably! Squee suffered for his goblin ignorance of magic and before the party could regroup, bolts and warriors sprung-out from behind the ward shield, catching them by surprise!

More warriors appear, along with undead and the party had a fight on their hands that they weren’t ready for … flanks where exposed and a split in the party meant they had many numbers to deal with … blades clashed, magic spells were cast from behind the wall … things where looking grim for the party as they took hit after hit!

This wasn’t looking good for the party at all …

Pathfinder RPG | Sharn - The Undercity

Morgoth — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 18:12:10 GMT

Sharn – City of Towers – The Undercity
As Norrin looked about him, from the journal to the surrounding sprawl of bodies and market “stalls” in these lower levels of the city, the slums even, the party had little clue where to go. Squee was off doing his own thing and the journal meant little to these newcomers … where to go next?

As each hour passed, Squee suddenly appear; “Come ‘ere, this gobbo has some mint pieces, let’s get something while we’re looking!?” Not getting anywhere quick, the party followed Squee and as he bartered with the marketer, who’s goods were scattered across a dingy blanket with pieces taken from the slums, Squee picked up a couple of small trinkets. As they got near to leaving, Squee asked about another doorway to the lower levels and specifically the entry valve.

Strangely enough, the marketer did know of its location, having lived all his years in the lower levels … “Information costs, my friends,” he stated, holding out his grimy paw, looking rather sheepish as the party pushed closer … “I’m just a poor merchant making a pittance … say a few silver pieces for directions?” The party pressed the goblin for more information before handing over any monies, to the point where they pressured him to lead them to the said entry valve, only then handing over the few coins. Opening the heavy doorway to the sewers, the party made their way down, approaching the rank smell of the cities sewers below ... “Let’s hope the forge ruins don’t stink as much!” Castus stated, with a scented cloth over his nose and mouth.

As the sewer waters came into sight, once again the inexperienced party where ambushed from behind, followed by others making an assault from the front! It was once again warforged warriors working for the Lord of the Blades! The party stood their ground, working better this time in supporting each other, deflecting crossbow bolts, and clashing sword against the warforged armour … the battle was quickly over!

As Norrin pulled out the journal again, it made a ref to a magically sealed door, and quickly finding it amongst the many alcoves in the sewers, Squee took the ring to unlock it, darting down another set of stairs to the Undercity ruins, and hopefully where the schema was. But, in his haste, Squee disappeared into the pitch blackness and moved to far ahead of the party when he was attacked by a ravenous swarm of insects! With no way to fight them with blade or bolt, Norrin had just lit his lantern whilst still holding his flask of oil, so tossing that towards the massive swarm in a blast of bright light and fire, sacred them away, whilst Squee disappeared up a wall!

As the massive blaze engulfed the bugs, the bright light from the flames lit the ruins, showing various old buildings, a broken statue and crumbling walls. “Best we spread out and see if we can find the room mentioned in the journal?” Krag, the dwarf, pushed on, examine the various walls and underground buildings. Perhaps not the smartest move with the blazing light, but as the party pushed forward, they attracted some of the locals … a couple of vicious rats! Both Squee and Norrin where bitten badly, but with the help of their fellow adventurers, soon dispatched the vermin.

Moving deeper into the ruins, an open doorway to what looked like a temple lead the party to find a sorcerer, bound and gagged! Saying little, he was showing signs of being poisoned, so Norrin gave up the only antidote potion the party had to help him recover from his plight. Groggy from his exploits, he could tell the party nothing, but offered to help if he could. Moving across to a larger building, the dwarf examined the building that was the forge described in the journal, which he confirmed. The stink and stains of a forge never waned, even as decades passed. Two large doors barred their way, and as they tried to force entry, Krag suggested trying the roof for the goblin to shimmy down the chimney to let them in?

Using a rope & grappling hook, Squee was on the roof in no time, where he discovered a large caved in section. Hanging over the side, he could see into forge, but there was no sign of life anywhere. Calling to the adventurers to climb up, he climbed down into the darkened room himself; only getting halfway down when the heavy clanking of two Iron Defenders caught his eye, their red-blazing eyes fixed firmly on the intruder, hurling themselves towards him with no hope of escape! As Squee closed his eyes and prayed to his forsaken god to welcome him, they stopped, for no reason at all!?

Why the guards stopped became apparent as Squee approached them … they bore the same mark on their foreheads as he wore on his finger! The ring had once more proved very valuable indeed. As the others arrived and where let into the building, they lit the place up to see what was left behind … very little of value, it would seem. A couple of plinths and an engraved floor panel sat near the main fireplace where the forge would have done its work. Examining the plinths, two keys where needed to open the floor panel. The party searched all the cabinets, chests and shelves for something that could fit, when Squee piped up, “Hey, look at these iron dogs, my ring fits into their forehead!” As he placed the ring, the first key rose from its template, and doing the same again to the other Iron Defender, they now had their keys!

However, unlocking each plinth didn’t work and a heavy clunk sounded ominous. Just then, Castus (or was it Krag!?) spoke … “Let’s try the keys at the same time!?” Doing so caused a sudden jolt in the floor as heavy cogs underneath could be heard working as the floor panel rose to reveal a hidden chest, heavily padlocked. The sorcerer noticed that it was magically sealed, and with the help of magic & steel, was soon smashed open. But, as Squee picked away, he suffered electrical shocks from the chest, eventually tipping it off the raised plinth, casting treasure across the floor, including the artefact … the party had found their real treasure!

Sharing out the goods, Krag recognised an ingot of steel with the Silver Flame properties. Handing it to Norrin, he advised that it could be forged into a mace or blade! Norrin thanked the dwarf greatly. “I shall have it forged into a blade and call it “Zenn-La” after my old master, the wisest and purest soul in these sinful lands, may he guide my hand!”

Having shared out the treasures, Norrin suggested looking at the broken statue in the far corner, but before they could approach, three shadowy figures appeared before them … “Leave the artefact and walk free flashings, or Sabre shall strike you down!” In the distance, the party could see another group of Warforged warriors, the leader protected in special armour … this wasn’t going to be a quick getaway back to the Broken Anvil!

Bolts and arrows flew back and forth as each side attacked. Sadly, Norrin being clad in heavy armour, joined the battle late as Krag took a heavy blow from Sabre, but as he fell back, Norrin blocked the next blow, suffering an even worse gash! As the battle raged, the henchman where dispatched with quickly and the other party members made good their attack on the leader as well, knocking him to the ground. As he breathed his last breath, a magical wisp flew from his chest and disappeared into the dark, most likely carrying a message back to Sabres’ master, letting him know he was dead. “We care not; let them know we have destroyed the best they can throw at us!” Krag shouted as the wisp flew away.

With the deed done, the party bound their wounds and headed back to the Broken Anvil, producing the artefact across the table to Lady Elandren. Passing the reward across the table, she thanked the party, asking for the journal and ring that had guided them on their journey. Norrin handed over the journal, asking if she could help find a blacksmith to forge Zenn-La? “Gladly, my friend, your deeds shall be remembered. Give me the ingot and I shall have my house do this for you for free as a reward to the success you and your friends had on this perilous journey … and the ring?” Both looked at Squee.

“The ring? Oh, sorry, I dropped it escaping from the dungeon.”

As Lady E and Norrin looked at each other they knew only too well he still held the ring, but getting it from a goblin would be like cutting off his arms. “I shall send some men down into the sewers to see if they can find it. Now we must part. I shall call on your services again, brave adventurers.”

As the party members broke up, each went their own way, some to the market to buy goods with their new wealth, others to pray for their good fortune and others to rest. They had fought well, the luck of gods on their side and survived many harsh encounters and as their experience grew, they knew what lay ahead would be much more dangerous and challenging than what went before them … could they work together to seek more glory and wealth!?

Pathfinder RPG | Sharn - City of Towers

Morgoth — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:01:52 GMT

Deep within the City of Towers, exhausted and tired, Norrin stopped at the Bullfrogs Tavern, looking for a hot meal and a place to sleep. After a quick exchange with the barkeep, who had plenty of food and ale to offer but no rooms left, suggested the Prancing Pegasus along the way.

The Bullfrog was busy with many buccaneers and local merchants, some a bit rougher than usual, but whilst waiting for his meal, Norrin asked about the three-eyed Couatl engraving. Most ushered him away … being a Paladin made many uncomfortable! … but the few who looked, grunted and shook their heads.

Norrin retreated to the window overlooking the vast bay to the south, resigned to sipping his ale quietly; when a finger poked him in the leg … it was a rank smelling Goblin, who introduced himself as Squee the River Goblin! “Good day to you fine sir, I hear you are seeking a three-eyed Coutl?” Norrin nearly chocked when he heard the Goblin speak, but wasn’t sure if it was the smell or what he said!

“How do you know of such a thing, goblin!?” Norrin focused intensely on the rouge, but sensed no evil from him. It wasn't the first time he came across a devious grunt. Squee climbed up on the seat at the other side of the table … “I’ve seen one, or rather, a carving of one in some caves within the Endworld Mountains.” Norrin laughed … a goblin in Q’Barra, not likely he thought! “Tell me goblin, tell me more of your tales; I’m in the mood for some entertainment!”

Squee was not impressed, and took insult from Norrin’s comments, but when offered ale and a meal, he spoke of the carving; of where it was and the treacherous journey he had to and from the place, covering the vast Blade Desert and through the mystical Mournlands.

Norrin listened as Squee ate and drank his fill … a merry tale, but with so much detail, it was almost convincing. “Why tell me your tale, young Squee, do you think me a fool to part with my gold without proof?” Squee wiped his face, “No, no, good sir, I seek fellow adventurers to help carry away the riches in the same caves … shall we make a pact to help one another?”

Norrin nodded, “Perhaps … perhaps we can help each other … I am having no luck seeking the three-eyed Couatl in these realms, maybe your tale has some merit.” As he questioned the goblin more about his journey, an elf and dwarf peered around the cubical … “... room for two more?”

As the new friends left the tavern, a little bit drunk from the ale, Squee spotted a shape on the walkway and quickly darted off. In doing so, Norrin took fright and gave chase, only to fall into a fountain with the slippery path and darkness about him! As the elf helped him out of the fountain, they all made their way to the near naked body, noticing Squee with a now full sack of loot … once a goblin, always a goblin! But, as they approached to scold the thief, a harsh voice sounded behind them, “Give me the journal and you can go in peace!” All three drew their weapons, but Castus Wolf, the elf, was struck with a heavy bolt in the butt before he could turn, giving a shriek like a big girl! It was a warforged mercenary, mostly likely the killer of the body on the ground. All three laid assault too the warforged and quickly disposed of it.

Helping the elf bind his wound, the night’s guards appeared because of the commotion, noticing the dead body at the party’s feet, challenging them to lay down their arms. “Hold sir, I am one of the faithful of the Silver Flame … show yourselves!” As the guards approached in the dim light, both recognized each others emblems and put away their weapons … “we came across this body and where ambushed by the warforged mercenary. After some discussions with the guards, they were released, but told not to leave the city until their investigation was complete. Returning to the tavern, they holed up in their room … “Squee,” Norrin spoke, “hand over the journal.” Almost instinctively, he denied having it, then remembered finding it in the street … “it was just lying there, honest!” … Norrin nodded, no point in arguing with what a goblin finds in the street!

"Nothing? All the pages are empty? I’ll take it to a wizards den tomorrow to see if they can make heads or tails of it."

The following day, the party went their own ways … Norrin to find a wizard to unlock the secret of the journal and the other three party members to browse the market stalls. Norrin had little luck with the journal, but was offered many gold pieces for it … “I will have to confer with my friends to see if they want to sell it. I’m sure I will return.”

As he returned to the Prancing Pegasus, he noticed the other party members with a merchant at the main door and after a quick introduction, they were invited to speak with the dead man’s “friend” who could offer some enlightenment on what happened last night.

Arriving at the Drunken Drum, the party were ushered into a backroom, where a veiled woman spoke of her “friend”, a journal he possessed and a magical artifact lost in the dank under-city ruins. As they discussed things, the women spoke of the blank pages in the journal and how only those with a magical ring which was bound to it could see the words, “… the ring in the goblins possession.” Everyone looked at Squee … “oh, this little thing, sorry, I found this in the street as well!” Handing over the ring, reluctantly, Norrin placed it on his finger and opened the book once more, and with each page, he could see words appear, about directions to the under-belly of Sharn, sewers and ancient ruins.

The veiled women spoke again; "Find the artifact that is listed in the book and bring it back too me, you shall be richly rewarded! Take this money and prepare yourself, we have many enemy’s about us.” Norrin quickly grabbed the pouch and the party said their farewells, seeking the market place for any potions and scrolls which could help. This is where Squee came into his own, having the bartering skills of a merchant! He saved the party much gold as they equipped themselves for the journey ahead … tomorrow!

Pathfinder RPG | Norrin Radd - Paladin of the Silver Flame

Morgoth — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:45:38 GMT

“Be careful for what you wish for Norrin Radd, you might just find it!?”

These where the last words of High Cleric Zenn-La as he embraced Norrin one last time as a father held a son he knows he will never see again, “I know you wish to find you mother and father, but do not expect them to be as good a soul as yourself!”

Norrin nodded … he knew the High Cleric spoke words of wisdom, but having been abandoned at the doors of this small monastery during the Last War on the very far fringes of Thrane, his desire to find out where he came from, why he was left and who his family where drove him to seek the truth. All he had was the shield his father had left him in, which had a three-eyed Couatl engraved on the inside of it. What this symbolised as a family shield or heirloom, many had tried to discover, but none had returned with any answers … now was the time for Norrin to seek the truth himself!

Now a young Paladin of the Silver Flame, Norrin left the only home he knew and for over two years he had travelled the vast lands of Aundair, Thrane, Breland and Zilargo within Khorvaire, displaying the engraving to any and all that would look, with no luck. He searched the many ancient archives of the Silver Flame churches, forever seeking a sign, forever hoping ... preying each night for divine intervention to help him in his plight!

And so he came to Sharn, the great City of Towers! What a sight to see … floating plateaus with walled towers and flying airships driven by elementals; inhabited by the scum of the earth and all crammed within its many high walls. Maybe here he could seek guidance, maybe here was one who could help?

Black Xmas

Che — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 19:14:38 GMT

Black (X)Mass in Gibsonville

A lanosaes story

The streets of Gibsonville were covered in a white carpet. The children gazed at the skies with wonder filled eyes. Would Santa appear? They had tried to be good throughout the year and expected their reward. They had emailed, texted, left voice mail messages, tweeted and friended Santa on Facebook. Some had even written letters and stuck them up the chimney, or blocked the central heating by mistake. Surely the big guy in the red suit wouldn’t fail them.

If you hadn’t guessed Xmas was approaching and everyone was looking forward to the festive day. Almost everyone, that is. Lurking in the dark corners of the city were those who took a contrary view. The humbug brigade, Scrooge’s children, call them what you will but they did exist and they would have their say.

The amusement park was closed for the holidays. The carousel, the roller coaster and the big wheel lay dormant. The bogus fortune teller, the bearded lady and all the other personalities had packed up and gone home. The park was dead except for a few birds who were scouring the ground for remnants of popcorn, hotdog or potato chips. There was a sound of metal scraping on tarmac. A clunk; the birds fled in alarm. A head appeared from a manhole and dark eyes scanned the park. It was safe and a shape emerged from the city’s underground, soon followed by others. A horde of pale skinned, gaunt figures filled the space where, usually, moms, dads and happy, chattering children gathered. They too looked up to the night sky in anticipation. Then they saw the glitter of magic dust thrown up by magic hooves pounding across the night sky. Yes, yes there was Father Christmas speeding through the clouds on his sleigh, heavy with presents for those who had been good. The hordes did not smile, though. They scowled at the sight. As one they began to chant. “Humbug, humbug, humbug.” They raised their fists, they spat out profanities against Christmas.

Then a cheer went up as one of them drew a rifle and shot at the sleigh. Had Rudolf been hit? Yes, yes. The sleigh was falling to earth and as one they moved towards it as it hit the ground. Santa, dazed and confused, slipped from his seat and staggered. Bony hands grabbed him and dragged him to an open space where an inverted Christmas tree stood. He was tied to it and the hordes danced around, taunting him; “Not so merry now, eh, fatso?” “Who’s gonna give the kids their prezzies?” “No sherry and mince pies for you!”

Then, to his horror, he saw Rudolf being led to an altar. A figure dressed in black approached brandishing a large scimitar. Rudolf’s head was laid on the altar, the figure raised the sword and brought it down …..

Mrs Claus shook her husband, “Wake up dear, wake up. Whatever’s wrong?”

“You’ll never believe the dream I’ve just had.”