Brad GM notes - Part II

Reunions (1-25-9)

After returning the Dragon Heart to its rightful place in the Dragon Temple our band of heroes wondered what to do with their latest treasure. Ashelle, Gillian, Evelynn and Mordicai all knew what they wanted and secretly made their wishes known to the dragon spirit. The others kept their pearl to think about what they wanted.

In the meantime, the Dragon-men escorted the heroes across the valley safely. The group returned to town and began to plan their next steps. Evelynn wanted to visit Anganor. Alex and Mordicai were also curious to see if the rumors were true.

They discovered that Anganor had been sealed up and there were unusual runes across the silvery door. Alex realized that the runes on the door matched those on the bracer that Evelynn had. Not being her usual overconfident self, Evelynn let Mordicai try the bracer on and touch the door. The bracer changed into a heavy gauntlet as it touched the door, but lightning bolts also leapt at the dwarf. After being slightly singed the gauntlet had blue energy flowing within it and runes had lit up on it. After much experimentation and calling in Ashelle to help out, Evelynn was able to determine what 3 of the 6 runes did. One changed it from a bracer to a glove. The second created a blue aura of energy that radiated strong transmutation magic. The third created a glowing blue shield-like field.

By this time Alexander had received a message from Sebastian via a small bird with a message. Sebastian had been busy and needed the help of the group. The group talked to the Dragon-men and they called forth some of their true dragon kin to fly the party to the Black Eagle Baronies.

The group Arrives within the Borders of Cymbil, a country to the south of the Baronies. Here they reunite with Sebastian and Sun-Ye. They are led once again to the presence of Master Bellisario. The master explains to them that there is a civil war going on in the Baronies. A self proclaimed ‘Queen’ Hildae has gained control of over half of the baronies thru murder, deceit and conquest. All reports indicate that she has an insatiable hunger for power and won’t stop with the baronies. The queen also cavorts with demons and has vampire allies.

On the way to the Baronies the group encounters some very heavy fog and mists. While within this heavy fog they are attacked by dire wolves. Sebastian’s horse panics and runs eventually throwing him off. The wolves attack the rest of the group initially causing lots of problems by dragging party members to the ground. But the group recovers and fights them off.

The Harpers have decided that she needs to be stopped. They have allied with one of the stronger freedom fighters, the Lord Drakov. Master Bellisario asks the group to travel to the Baronies and offer their assistance. Lord Drakov knows the group was sent by the Harpers to help him, but not much more.

Once at Lord Drakov’s Keep the group is invited inside. It is a medium sized keep on a hill overlooking the town. It is in an obvious state of war. Black and yellow clad soldiers are to be seen everywhere. Cauldrons of oil are kept on the ramparts ready to go at a moment’s notice. Weapons and armor have been stockpiled.

Once inside they get to meet Lord Drakov for the first time. He is young, in his early 20’s. He has long platinum blond hair and a pale complexion. But he is strong and healthy and wears black and yellow clothes. He is accompanied by his Captain, Thrad. Captain Thrad is an old, battle scarred warrior, but still looks strong and fit. He is the leader of the Ebongaurd. His age is hard to determine, but he could easily be in his late 40’s and he is definitely Tyrian. He wears armor and carries a sword that he is obviously comfortable with. He never smiles and rarely looks at the party. Though his eyes did settle briefly on Evelynn for a moment. Whether it was a look of recognition or something else she could not determine. When she tried to approach him he turned his back and walked away.

Lord Drakov invited the group to dinner. There was an empty chair, supposedly for Capt Thrad. The dinner discussion focused around what was going on in the Baronies. Near the end of dinner Lord Drakov asked for the groups assistance in killing one of the Queens strongest allies. He asked them to travel to the Blackwoods and slay Gulthias. Gulthias is an ancient vampire that was once believed to be dead. He was supposedly slain by the druid hero Dydd over 100 years ago but now lives again in a tower near the town of Drylake.

The heroes spent the night at the keep. For the most part they stayed to their rooms as the rest of the castle was quite dank and chilly. However, a couple of the members caught a glimpse of a beautiful red haired woman. When asked, a guard said she was the Lord’s sister, Selena. She usually stays in her room, but occasionally comes out. She was probably curious about the heroes.

In the morning the group left to head out to Drylake, a village near the Blackwoods. In order to get to their destination they had to go thru enemy territory. With their skills they were easily able to slip past or fast talk any red and white clad patrols they came across. The countryside of the Baronies is obviously wartorn. Ruined buildings and destroyed fields are commonplace. Outside of towns the heads of traitors and previous leaders are often staked out on pikes. Villagers stay inside and peek out windows as the group passes by.

Once at Drylake, Sebastian disguises himself. Then he, Sun-Ye and Tulina infiltrate the town. They do not find out much other than the vampire’s lair is to the North.