Gerald, you really shouldn't touch that!

Erastus 2, 4711

Following their fateful encounter at the ball last night, the Coopers decide to make themselves scarce in town so that rumors will die down. Gerald meets Karlyle the Butcher and purchases Grunk’s head. They trek to the Emerald Spire. Upon arrival, they notice that many more flags of the Dark Blood tribe flutter above hoisted masts spread out around the Spire. They count over forty of them. None of the outside fortifications have been repaired in the last few weeks, and there are no signs of goblins outside the Spire itself. However, the PCs have the feeling a malevolent presence is watching them. Entering the clearing surrounding the Spire, Gerald waves a white flag.

The party is eventually greeted by two goblin riders. When shown Grunk’s head, they return to the Spire, and Greenhide himself rides out. Having fulfilled their part of the bargain, the Coopers are now allowed to enter the Spire through the front door, head down the hall, and access the lower levels of the Spire. Greenhide provides them with a bone rune token that will allow them to challenge the goblin sentinels and enter the Spire.


They come to the stairs heading down. They prudently close the door behind them and head down. After about forty feet, they hear shuffling sounds. Two zombie goblins are standing guard near the bottom of the steps. A couple of arrows dispatch the zombies, but as they fall they make a racket. Obviously someone now knows they are here.

Exploring the room, they discover that moon spiders are present throughout the level, and that a strange green luminosity dimly illuminate the hallways. Aside from the zombie corpses, they discover a small torch in one of the corners. One of the door is locked, so they head out another door. They discover a hallway with two doors. They slug through layers of wet spider webs, and open the first door. This room contains a table pushed against a wall on top of which lie three bodies, two humanoids and one moon spider. It appears someone has been trying to rebuild the corpses by mixing and matching arms and legs. A large spool of thread, a few needles, and a ball of wax complete the room.

The rest of the party heads out, triggers a trap, and Daryle and Aidan both fall in, impaling themselves. Darelle and Roscoe come to their rescue, after Darelle fetched Gerald who was busy mapping the room. 

As they carefully make their way across the trap to the other set of doors Gerald returns to the room and touches the wax. A cage immediately drops on top of him from the ceiling, and one of the wretched creations animates and begins to fight him. Daryle rushes back inside to help him, but as the first monster is slain another one arises. Finally, the spider itself animates, and attacks. Meanwhile, Darelle is confronted by a large skeleton just inside the cage that dropped from the ceiling. She slays it, and its bones fall all over the floor. The power of the Spire is powerful, however, and the skeleton reconstitutes itself. Darelle watches in horror as sinews and muscles begin to thread themselves back on the skeleton. A more forceful attack finally slays the skeleton a second time. The party then needs to spend some time healing themselves.

Following the hallway, they arrive at another room even more full of spider webs. They discover a dead body in the middle, but are suddenly attacked by a moon spider. The party suffers significant damage, but manages to slay the spider. The room yields no valuable.

They enter another hallway, and detect another trap. The massive door in front of them opens up and reveals a large hall with a throne upon which rests a skeleton wearing a set of priestly robes. A large tapestry hangs along the entire length of the hall. Roscoe attacks the skeleton and smashes it to bits, while Aidan heads for a table full of objects.

As skeletons come out from behind the tapestry, Roscoe and Darelle fight valiantly, while Daryle twice suffers the effects of fear and runs away. As Gerald falls unconscious, the battle turns against the Coopers. Fortunately, amazing sword work by Darelle and Roscoe saves the day, and as the Bone Priest becomes visible, they concentrate their efforts on him and manage to slay him. They revive Gerald, who is now both weak and feeble.

Exhausted and tired, the Coopers decide to spend the night in the room, after securing the access points. 

Never buy a dress at the caravan clothier

Sarenith 21, 4711

Roscoe is on maneuvers with a Hellknight company. Originally dispatched to secure the route to Mosswater, the Hellknights encountered a large pack of dire wolves led by a trio of mean-looking ogres. The company suffered through two months of chasing the pack and the ogres over hostile terrain, and after countless casualties and sleepless nights the Hellknights at last engaged the ogres, and Roscoe was the one who delivered the killing blow to the female ogre.


Sarenith 30, 4711

Roscoe and the remaining Hellknights return to Fort Inevitable at the same time as the new company from Cheliax arrives at the fort, accompanied with the merchant’s caravan that comes by every three months. He reconnects with his siblings, and they are happy to see him.


Erastus 1st, 4711

On the first day of the quarter all residents of Fort Inevitable and surrounding areas are invited to come to the Citadel field and participate in the quarterly celebration of Hellknight rule. A large contingent of Hellknights flanks the field in their dress uniforms, and flags and banners flutter in the wind. The scaffold has been built, and as the crowd gathers for the enforcement of the rule of law and the punishment of crimes. The Coopers are in the crowd and applaud as the Lady Commander Audara Drovust takes the platform.

The Lady Commander reports that this has been one of the most peaceful quarter in recent memory, with only two criminals to be punished. The first is Jeremy Zelnaux, former owner of Zelnaux Winery, for fraud, extortion and willful rejection of the legitimate authority of the Hellknights. The halfling is quickly hung.

The second condemned is a bugbear named Grunk, whom the Coopers encountered in the Emerald Spire. Brought out covered in chains and gagged, Grunk is condemned to death for trespassing and assaulting a representative of the Lady Commander in the course of his legitimate duties, an offense that automatically incurs the penalty of death with extreme prejudice. Grunk is lowered in a pit and then buried until only his head sticks out. The citizens of Fort Inevitable are then invited to throw rocks at his head until death occurs. The Coopers happily participate in the stoning.

The Lady Commander then asks the Cooper triplets to come to the platform. For their services rendered at the Zelnaux Winery in Dimsdale, they are awarded the First Level of the Crow. And they are invited to attend the Lady Commander’s Grand Ball, held tonight outside on the Citadel grounds. Not having appropriate clothing, the Coopers need to go shopping for ball outfits.

Gerald, Roscoe and Darelle go to Mirelenda the clothier in Fort Inevitable. Darelle purchases a pink puffy dress with an equally pink shawl and a pink hat adorned with a bird’s nest and a live pink bird. Gerald gets a plain but stylish grey and black outfit. He also buys a nice lilac scarf for Daryle. Roscoe purchases black fineries which include a puffy shirt and a large gold cod piece, a cape, black shoes adorned with gold buckles. Finally, he gets a large brimmed black hat with three gold feathers.

Daryle decides to go shopping outside of the walls to the merchant’s caravan. One of the clothiers that rides in the quarterly caravant is back, and he offers her two different outfits. One was worn by a noblewoman but she returned it because it did not fit properly. Made of the finest lilac silk, he is willing to part with it for a modest sum. The dress fits perfectly, so Daryle decides to take it. She also goes to Gertrand Yeldun, the moneychanger, and rents a silver necklace with a large amethyst set in the middle for the night.

During the ball each Cooper is approached by the Lady Commander, who thanks them for their hard work on behalf of the Hellknights. Darelle dances with other teens, while Roscoe regales young ladies with stories of his military exploits. Gerald and his turtle eat food at the buffet, while Daryle hangs out near the bar. When the Lady Commander begins speaking with Daryle, the latter’s dress peels off her and attacks the Commander. Both Roscoe and Darelle notice, and begin heading that way. For all intents and purposes, it looks like Daryle is attacking the Lady Commander, and Hellknights react as such, charging towards their Commander. The Coopers are eventually able to convince the Lady Commander, who came out bloodied from her battle with the dress, that they didn’t know anything about it. Daryle tells them where she bought the dress, and Hellknights are immediately dispatched to arrest the merchant.

 

The Silver Demon comes to play

Sarenith 3, 4711.

The Coopers are spending time in Fort Inevitable, awaiting the return of Roscoe from his extended patrol with the Hellknights. Darelle has been working with Doctor Mordrel for the last two weeks, learning about healing and medicine. Mordrel approaches her one day after a long day with a proposition. He admits to her that he is more informed about her brother Thorne than he led her to believe when she first met him. In fact, he was aware that Thorne had some illegitimate dealings with denizens of Fort Inevitable, and that they had done some business together.

Mordel requests a favor. He has a patient who needs to be smuggled out of Fort Inevitable, and he is willing to pay 500 crowns for this dangerous mission. Darelle tells him that she will discuss it with her siblings and get back in touch with him the following day.

Back at the farm, the Coopers discuss the situation. Smuggling out Mordel's patient provides them with some much needed income, and leaves Mordel owing them a favor. On the other hand, if they are caught their lives will be forfeit as smugglers. It's an incredibly risky proposition, but they agree that they must help Mordel.




Sarenith 4, 4711

The Coopers return to Mordel's office. At the Juliver Gate they notice that the guard has been tripled, and everyone is being searched going in or out. They hear the rumor that someone was gruesomely murdered last night, and the killer has not yet been found.

After an hour the Coopers are searched and let inside the fort, and they head to the clinic where they meet Peter Ardra, the son of one of the convicted and executed conspirators of the Lord Commander's assassination three years ago. Since then, Ardra tells them, he's been drumming up support and financing for an overthrow of the Hellknights.

Mordel tells the Coopers that Ardra was attacked by a very agile creature near the forest entrance to the sewers. This creature was humanoid in shape but moved very quickly. He slashed it with his sword, but was immediately sprayed with a silvery liquid. He managed to escape down into the tunnel, but by the time he had reached Mordel's clinic he had a fever and was shaking uncontrollably. Mordel then noticed that Ardra's blood was slowly been transmuted into silver. With a steady dose of medicine and with all the skills he could he managed to save Ardra's life, but he cannot successfully reverse this transmutation. For that, Ardra must go to a specialist in Daggermark. Ardra can walk, but he can't run, let alone fight, so he must be safely escorted away from the town.

Gerald jokes that Ardra could become a werewolf hunter, for if a werewolf were to take a bite, he would immediately encounter pure silver. Daryle tells him that it's not funny, the poor man in his condition. The Coopers agree to help Ardra leave the town. They devise a quick plan. Daryle will talk to Maralictor Wirt at the Mosswater Gate and see if they can get a permit to hunt goblins in the sewers. Then, they will smuggle Ardra through the small branch that runs by Mordrel's house and into the forest, from which he will be able to reach a wagon that will take him down to Daggermark.

Daryle  thus goes to the Mosswater Gate. Maralictor Wirt is busily engaged in the searching at the gate, and tells Daryle that now is not a good time to talk. She confirms that there was a murder, and that patrols are combing the streets and the sewers looking for clues or the killer. She agrees to provide Daryle and her twins with a license to hunt goblins in the sewer. But, she tells Daryle, at sundown the Hellknights will flood the sewers, flushing out anyone hiding there. The challenge passkey is "Who comes?" while the answer passkey is "Well met." Several patrols are already down in the sewers, looking for last night's killer.

The Coopers head down in the sewers, and for the first few hours they scour the tunnels underneath the town. In the distance they see two different patrols pass by, and are challenged once. With no results, they decide to pass by Mordel's house, so they head down one of the older tunnels. Daryle notices that the doctor's basement wall is visible from the tunnel, when Mordel said that it should not be. 

A few hundred feet in the tunnels they encounter another Hellknight patrol, led by Captain Ulrik. After exchanging passcodes, the captain advises the Coopers his patrol has seen nothing down this tunnel. At this very moment, one of the guards disappears in the shadows, wailing and abruptly becoming silent. A humanoid silvery creature stands at the back of the patrol, and begins to slaughter them. The Coopers and the Hellknights begin to fight, but their weapons appear to not affect the Silver Demon. The Demon leaps over the patrol, and makes straight for Gerald. Enough damage is done that the Demon runs away down the sewers, back towards the town. The Coopers and the remaining Hellknights give chase, but lose sight of it before the intersection. 

The party splits up, with Gerald heading towards the surface to bring back reinforcement. Daryle and Darelle head towards the lake with Captain Ulrik. They corner the Silver Demon by the lake, and after a great battle the Coopers are victorious.

The state of siege over Fort Inevitable is lifted, and the Coopers are informed they will be awarded the First Level of the Crow during the quarterly ceremony on Erastus 1st, and they will also be invited to the Lady Commander's annual grand ball.

That night, they smuggle Ardra out of the town. They relay their fight with the Silver Demon to Dr. Mordel and to Abernard Royst. Abernard tells Gerald that the Silver Demon always attack in threes ....

Bargaining with goblins and bugbears

Desnus 17, 4711

With Roscoe gone on patrol with a squad of Hellknights, the Cooper triplets decide this would be a good time to head out to the Emerald Spire to see if they can finally discover the entrance to the lower levels. However, the sudden revival of their brother Thorne changes their plan. They'll take him along with them.

Of course, Thorne, having finally returned to the world of the living from his encounter with the Creepy Crawly was immediately greeted by the Crawly's head, which Gerald had stuffed and placed above his bed. Hearing the cries, Gerald rushed in the room, wearing the hide of a giant bee, further scaring Thorne. After an hour of calm and soothing words from his sisters, and reproachful glances to Gerald, the family finally heads out to the Spire.

The trip there is uneventful, and reveals that there have been no changes since last month when they were here. Entering through one of the secret doors, they notice that the ruins appear to now be abandoned. Room after room shows no sign of current inhabitants, save for the dining hall where up to 17 goblins could eat at once. There, the remains of a few disgusting meals show that some goblins do in fact remain.

The Coopers do come across a locked door leading to a room ravaged by time, save a corner where a four-post Azlant bed remains, still covered in fine sheets and pillows. A force field prevents anyone from entering the corner, and it is as if the bed was patiently waiting for its master's return.

While exploring the eastern section of the Spire, Daryle notices the presence of four goblins riding war dogs outside, carefully making their way towards the main entrance. She can tell that they carry the banner of the Dark Blood tribe, whom Daryle and her other triplets encountered in the woods a few months back.

The Coopers begin bracing doors and preparing themselves for assault, but nothing comes. They decide to continue exploring the Spire, and eventually discover the way down. Before heading down, however, they decide to head up the flight of stairs they discovered during their last trip.

At the top they are greeted by a barricade behind which are two goblins and a giant bugbear. The fearful goblins identify him as Grunk, leader of the splintered branch of the Dark Blood tribe, having wrestled leadership from Greenhide. Tense negotiations ensue, and Grunk talks the Coopers into going outside and bringing him Greenhide's head in exchange for riches. As a token, he awards them with a bauble worth about 150 crowns.

The Coopers head out, and immediately spot Greenhide's soldiers surrounding the Spire. Over 25 goblins stand around, ready to assault the fortress. Brandishing a white flag, goblin riders come over and escort Gerald to Greenhide's command post. There, Gerald attempts to conduct careful negotiation, trying to play the two factions together. The initial plan of killing Greenhide is put aside as it becomes clear that the latter is more likely to triumph over Grunk and his dwindling force. Gerald thus strikes a bargain with Greenhide. In exchange for Grunk's head, the Coopers will be allowed to enter the Spire at anytime, provided that they immediately head down to the lower levels to deal with Klarkosh, the master of the lower levels and the one who supported Grunk's bid for power.

The Coopers return to the Spire and attempt to negotiate with Grunk in order to enter the barricade and kill him. Unfortunately for them, Grunk is clever and he does not fall for their attempts at conning him. With the sounds of goblins entering and searching the ruined ground floor, the Coopers become pressed for time, and they force the barricade. Unfortunately, Grunk has escaped, using magical means, and they spot him running towards the edge of the clearing with two small chests under his arms. A search of the broken upper floor of the Spire reveals a few precious items strewn across the floor, but nothing else.

Believing themselves to be in danger, the Coopers hide themselves in a closet, and emerge three hours later after the Dark Bloods are done ransacking the rooms. They quietly come down the stairs, and make their way to the secret exit. Strangely, no goblins challenge their escape.

The Coopers return home weary but elated to have successfully conquered the first level of the Emerald Spire!

When haflings have a bee problem ... they call the Coopers

Gorzan 20, 4711

On a bright and sunny morning, Darelle is woken up by her aunt. She tells her that she has a visitor who wishes to see her, and it’s rather urgent. When she comes downstairs, she is greeted by a small Halfling wearing a green tunic and brown trousers. He introduces himself as Shim Longbranch, and tells her the tale of his small village of Dimsdale, about a half day away from Fort Inevitable. Giant bees have taken residence in the covered bridge, which is the only road link for miles around. This has stopped commerce and prevents the village’s residents from reaching their fields on the other side of the bridge. Having heard of Darelle’s abilities with animals, he’s been tasked by the village mayor to see if she would come and help them solve this stingy problem.

Dimsdale is known for the quality of its wines and its winery, Zelnaux Wines. These are traded throughout the northeast River Kingdoms and are appreciated even further afield. The lack of an accessible road is blocking the delivery of wine and other merchandises.

Accompanied by Daryle and Gerald, Darelle and Shim head back to the village, where they meet Dunleaf Appletop, the mayor. Another Halfling, the mayor tells them that the small detachment of Hellknights charged the bridge two days ago and got themselves killed in the process, except for one survivor currently being cared for in the town hall. He is worried that if the plight of the village reaches Fort Inevitable, the Hellknights will be happy to intervene, but it will cost the villagers even more money than what is being raised in taxes at the moment. Appletop wishes to avoid this possibility at all costs.

The Coopers interview Alexus Longleaf, the only surviving Hellknight, but are unable to get much information from him. He has been stung repeatedly, however, and even his armor is punctured with two holes the size of a child’s fist.

Gerald and Darelle take a trip to the bridge just outside of town, and see that the entire inside of the bridge is covered in wax, with a small entry guarded by a giant bee about three feet tall. Gerald sketches the bridge and the bee, while Darelle senses that the bee is not hostile but will protect its home.

Daryle, meanwhile, heads down the river and comes up the other side, facing a similar wax wall with a guard. She returns to the village, and the Coopers begin hatching a plan. They will locate the fields in which the bees spend most of their days. There they will ambush them and kill them, thereby reducing the number of bees left at the hive. Once there, they will also build two large piles of wood and they will attempt to smoke out the bees.

Before they are able to put their plan into motion, however, the vineyard is attacked by the bees, which come and feed off the nectar in the large grape vats. Darelle is inspired by what she sees. What if she could somehow poison the bees? 


Gorzan 21, 4711

Darelle heads into the woods, and discovers some longwart she can use. She spends the morning preparing her potion, and in the afternoon mixes it with the vats' contents. Meanwhile, Daryle follows the worker bees to a field a few miles away from the village, and eventually returns to the village by way of the vineyard's vats. That evening, Gerald notices something that chills his very soul. A hill giant comes down the river, and stops at the bridge. He takes off the roof, and collects honey in a large pot before replacing the roof and heading back up river. The Coopers now know who owns the hive.



Gorzan 22, 4711

In the morning the Coopers execute their plan. They follow the bees, who travel to the field with difficulties, and are quickly disabled. Nevertheless, the fighting is fierce and Gerald feels the sting of the giant bees several times before the battle is won and all bees are slaughtered.

They quickly return to the village, and cross the river to find the other bees. Daryle takes this opportunity to search the body of the Hellknight still left at the bottom of the bridge, and she discovers a healing potion which Gerald uses immediately. The Hellknight also has a wet map that shows another location where the bees were originally located.

Searching on the other side they are unable to find the working bees. They however discover the former site of the hive. It looks like it has been moved recently, and, strangely, the hive was smoked before it was moved, and some of the wood remains in good condition. Investigating the wood, the Coopers realize that the wood was originally Zelnaux Winery barrels. What would these barrels do all the way out here?

Darelle discovers the giant's tracks. These lead over the ridge and down a ravine. The Coopers follow the tracks all the way to the giant's underground lair. There they find a large distillery where the giant has been processing his bees' honey into mead. There is also further evidence here that links the giant to Zelnaux.

The Coopers immediately return to Dimsdale and inform mayor Appletop of their discoveries. They confront Zelnaux, who claims not to know how his barrels ended up in the giant's possession. Attacked once again by bees, the Coopers decide to return to Fort Inevitable and notify the Hellknights of their discoveries. Maralictor Wirt tells Daryle that she will send a detachment immediately to surprise the giant as he retrieves honey from his hives. If everything holds up, there should be a financial reward for them since both the winery and the giant are currently avoiding taxes on their operations.


Gorzan 24, 4711

The Coopers return to meet with Maralictor Wirt in the morning. She tells them that due to their dilligent efforts, the hill giant, who is named Byrsag, was "convinced" to work for the Hellknights, and will continue to provide the vineyard with his honey. For their efforts and as a reward for securing this deal, the Coopers are awarded 113 crowns, which have been deposited free of charge at the Chancellery.

A more successful trip to the Spire

Gozran 11, 4711

The Spring Fair ends today, and about 70 Hellknights depart Fort Inevitable to return to their homes or to other locations. Another 40 head out towards Mendev, ready to participate in the crusades. The merchants have already packed their wagons, and they follow their Hellknight escort south towards the western branch of the Sellen River.

Gerald conducts some research on Mosswater and its surrounding area using the books at the bookstore.


Gozran 18th, 4711

Roscoe has explored his opportunities to become a paladin in Fort Inevitable, and after careful consideration he decides to join the Hellknights as an associate member. This allows him to train with them and use their facilities to further his skills. He also gain access to limited healing and divine magic. In exchange, he must provide guard services and participate in expeditions when called upon. When he completes his training, he can petition to join the Hellknights.

His other option was to join the Salamander Company, the mercenary outfit in Fort Inevitable. This company would provide him training as well, but he may have to be gone for months at a time at assignments throughout the River Kingdoms.


Gozran 19, 4711

The Coopers decide that today is a good day to return to the Emerald Spire. Since Thorne remains unconscious from his encounter with the Creepy Crawlie, they head out without him. The going is much easier this second time around, and they arrive on the edge of the clearing at midday.

The first thing they notice is that in the last three weeks a large assault has taken place here. Many of the pile boxes are destroyed, and the fortifications erected by the goblins have been cast aside or sundered. There are no bodies scattered about, however, demonstrating that the defenders had time to bury their dead. Atop the spire, the flag of the Dark Blood Goblins still flies in the wind.

Circling the Spire, the Coopers notice that a steep path leads to a disguised entrance. Coming in the Spire, the party is once again confronted by the darkness that is pervasive throughout the level, and they are only able to see five feet in front of them.

The first room they explore is empty, and leads to two doors. Behind the first door they hear barking, growling and fighting dogs, and they wisely decide to head the other way. In another empty room they find a crude table and chairs, and food that looks semi fresh, for goblins. A close examination reveals that one of the wall is in fact a painted canvas, and that behind one of the doors are goblins, fighting and cursing one another while they wait for orders from above to emerge from their room.

Roscoe decides to knock on the door, and the goblins eventually emerge after the promise of gold. A quick fight ensues, with the party claiming victory. In the goblin barracks Darelle find another stash of silver in a pay chest from Numeria, the second time the party has discovered such a chest in the hands of goblins. Roscoe also comes upon the emerald arm of an automaton, which he takes for its value to a collector.

Continuing their exploration, they come across a staircase heading up, and an alchemy lab. In that lab they are confronted by a goblin shaman and his pride and joy, an emerald automaton. Assisted by two more goblins, the shaman and Clanky manage to hold off the party and incapacitate Gerald before the tide turns and one by one, the goblins fall. Triumphant but injured, the Coopers decide to head back to Fort Inevitable to heal and recuperate, and they bring with them the heads of the six slain goblins to claim the bounty, as well as a wand they captured. It is inscribed, in crude common lettering, heal, but the Coopers wisely decide to determine if it is in fact a healing wand or if it is a trap with a more sinister purpose.

Upon returning to town late that night, Daryle advises Maralictor Kiera Wirt of the discovery of the pay chest, and turns in the cover with the Numerian coats of arm to her.

What Creepy Crawly dwells in the tunnels?

Gozran 3, 4711

Following their first unsuccessful trip to the Emerald Spire, the triplets awake to the noise of a large caravan passing by the farm. They witness the arrival of about 120 Hellknights, accompanied by a convoy of forty wagons. A few of the wagons are marked as belonging to the Hellknights, but most of the others are merchants plying their wares around the River Kingdoms. Wagons of all shapes and sizes, decorated in different and outlandish colors and flying the flags of several of the Inner Sea kingdoms are arriving in Fort Inevitable for the annual Spring Fair.

Gerald decides to head out to the woods, and see if he can locate himself a familiar. Spending the entire day, he eventually manages to call forth a turtle, which he promptly names Kymdy the turtle. He also discovers that his turtle will reach sexual maturity in 12 years, a topic Gerald is apparently very interested in.

Darelle and Daryle accomplish their daily tasks, and they decide to then head to the Fair. Merchants are selling various wares, and as they set up for the next week they still hope to make a sale. There's a seller of cloth bolts made of the finest silks as well as other fabrics. A spice merchant from Galt has several wares, and Darelle purchases some herbs for Mother Holworth. There's a jeweler, a seller of kitchen utensils, a leather worker, a ropes and adventuring gear, several food vendors and food supplies, a weapons merchant, and a carpet merchant as well as several fortune tellers and entertainers. Daryle explores the leather goods, and notices several bracers she's interested in, but the price, at 6 crowns, is too high for her.

That evening, the triplets return to the Fair to partake in the entertainment of the evening, and Darelle returns to purchase more herbs for Mother Holworth. Leaving the herbalist's wagon, she notices she has a jar of cephalophage mushrooms in her bag, which contains three of them. As they walk through the fair, they notice Thorne talking to another man who towers over him. Daryle overhears Thorne saying to the man “Dr. Mordel has what you’re looking for.” The other man replies “What about the Clockmaster?,” to which Thorne answers, “He’s ready for the exchange,” but then Darelle’s fall interrupts the conversation, and Thorne quickly disappears in the crowd. Despite their best effort, Daryle, Darelle and Gerald are unable to track either Thorne or the man he was talking to.


Gozran 7, 4711

Alina mentions to the triplets that their brother Thorne has not been around for four days. Gerald, Darelle and Daryle realize that he’s been missing since they last saw him at the fair that night, but they had been too busy to notice.

Going into Fort Inevitable, the Coopers make discreet inquiries, and receive two pieces of information. At Braddon's General Store, Thom informs them that he hasn’t seen Thorne either for the last few days, and that he’s missed two days of work. Last he heard Thorne was involved in some smuggling operation through the sewer system with an outsider, an offense punishable by death if caught by the Hellknight patrols send periodically through the sewers.

At Dr. Mordel’s house and office, the Coopers are greeted by Erynna, Dr. Mordel’s assistant, who gets the doctor. He advises the party that he knows Thorne, as he’s been here several times making deliveries to the house from the general store, but that he has not seen him in about a week.

Darelle, who is interested in healing, decides to volunteer with Dr. Mordel, and he welcomes her assistance in help Mrs. Palmgrave with her bunions.

Daryle purchases a leather pouch from the leather merchant in the fair. The pouch features a small rose carved on the belt of the pouch, the merchant’s trademark. On the fairgrounds she hears the rumor that a rich man from Thornkeep plans on mounting an expedition to Mosswater to reclaim the town and its once profitable dye business. She also hears the rumor that Numeria may be getting ready to launch an assault on Pitax.

Gerald researches the origins of the sewer system of Fort Inevitable. A new network of main sewer lines were built by the Hellknights about ten years ago, and connect every area of the town to two central collecting tunnels that then pours into the pond. At some point, the water acquires an acidic level that kills most life in the pond. The new tunnels connected some of the smaller tunnels built decades earlier, as well as to a warren of natural caves and tunnels excavated centuries ago by unknown people.

That night, they decide to explore the sewers, since this is where Thorne was last headed. If they are stopped, Gerald will claim that he is compiling a history of the sewer system, to determine future needs and improved construction methods. Unfortunately, however, they are spotted by Ferdin, the Juliver Arms' stableboy, and they buy his silence for 1 crown.



They begin mapping the sewer system, and realize that one of the side lines passes directly next to the Citadel, while another line passes by Dr. Mordel's house. The tunnel is inscribed with coded words. Eventually, after a few hours of mapping, they reach one of the collection pools, and they disturb a mass of rats attacking two hapless goblins. This is located right underneath Karlyle the butcher, and Daryle notices there is way more blood and body parts down here than a regular butcher operation would suggest.

The triplets decide to intervene, and they quickly chase the rats away, only to disturb a Creepy Crawly creature feeding on the discarded feast. After a brutal combat, they are able to slay it, and manage to harvest a few doses of the creature's poison that causes paralysis.

They discover Thorne bloodied and paralyzed in the creature's nest. He had been gnawed on a little, but he was alive, if unconscious. They take him back to Roscoe's room at the inn, and, the following morning, take him back to the farm.

Time to pay the rent ...

Pharast 30, 4711

In an interesting coincidence, every member of the Cooper family receives a quest from various inhabitants of Fort Inevitable on the same day.


In the morning, Thorne overhears a conversation in the store about a secret organization in Fort Inevitable called the Seven Foxes. This organization is dedicated to relieve some of the harshness of the Hellknights' occupation of the town. Later on that same day, he is approached by one of the frequent customers of Braddon's General Store who insinuates that, should Thorne ever hear of information concerning potential enemies of the Hellknights or plans to attack them, he should report them to him by contacting Ferdin the stableboy at the Juliver Arms. Thorne must now decide whether he will form an alliance with either the Hellknights or the Seven Foxes resistance.

That same day, Darelle overhears a complaint from Mother Holworth about high taxes and how she's most likely not going to be able to make. She decides to help her by giving her three gold crowns from the family's coffers. She also decides to contribute to replenishing these same coffers by discovering the path to reach the dungeons underneath the Emerald Spire, which she has heard would fetch a pretty penny with the Hellknights.

Having established a working relationship with Maralictor Kiera Wirt, Daryle is often in contact with the Commander of Mosswater Gate. On this day, she meets the Commander and Wirt reports that some of the dead goblins that have been turned in for bounty have been sporting an uncharacteristic mark. Three goblins in the last month wore leather armor with the symbol of a crude red crowned skull. Wirt wants Daryle to investigate the matter, and discover and destroy the evil force represented by this evil symbol. She will be rewarded by the Hellknights should she succeed.

Roscoe has started to train as a paladin when he's not performing at the Juliver Arms. Over the last week, he's made friends with Iliara Starcloak, leader of the Goldenfire Order of Thornkeep. In the morning, she informs Roscoe that she must head back to Thornkeep today, but she was not able to locate two missing wizards of her order, Jharun and Tiawask. They sent her a note a few weeks back saying that they were ready to explore the Emerald Spire, but since then, they haven't been seen. She entrusts Roscoe with the mission to find the missing wizards and bring them back alive, or at least bring their bodies back, to the Order. On a personal note, she also tasks Roscoe with finding three pieces of research about the Emerald Spire's portals and bring them back to her. She will reward him handsomely for both quests.

Upon hearing that Gerald is thinking of exploring the Emerald Spire, Abernard Royst proposes him a quest. Inviting him over to his house, Abernard tells the sorcerer that he has been studying the Emerald Spire for over a decade now, and he believes there are unbelievable powers retrenched within the structure. He has been looking for someone willing to head into the Spire and collect as much information from the inside as possible. Should Gerald return with a map of the underground level beneath the Spire, the old sage will reward him handsomely. Gerald readily agrees.

Abernard Royst's house

Pharast 31, 4711

On the last day of the quarter, the Hellknights celebrate their rule in Fort Inevitable by mustering their forces on the town square and executing the criminals condemned to death in the last three months. Because it's their first Mustering, the Coopers are strongly encouraged to attend, so they can be seen by the powers that be to be dedicated citizens, or at least not opposing their rule.

On a sunny morning following a rainy night, a third of the Hellknight force musters on the town square in front of the citadel, wearing their ceremonial uniforms. Pennants and flags fly high in the air as the force separates the crowd from the scaffolding where the Hellknight's swift justice will be dispensed.

Lady Commander Audara Drovust steps out of the Citadel and mounts the scaffolding. "Citizens of Fort Inevitable," she declares, "today we celebrate another successful winter where we protected Fort Inevitable from the perils that dwell in the Echo Woods." The assembled population clap politely.

"We are here today to administer justice to those criminals who have violated the laws of Fort Inevitable." Immediately, seven criminals are paraded in front of the crowd, and one by one, as their name, crimes, and sentences are pronounced, their heads are chopped off. A smuggler, a petty thief, a female hoarder, a merchant, and a tax evader.

The last prisoner, however, receives a special treatment. "Our last criminal is a Razmiran priest of the Living God!" shouts Drovust. At that, the crowd, which had been tepid in its support, hoots loudly as the false priest is hoisted on top of a pyre. The Coopers immediately recognize him. It's one of the local constables that tried to escort them away from their family! They cheer when the pyre is light and the constable burns to death.

Gozran 1, 4711

The Coopers come to Fort Inevitable and make their tax payments to the Hellknights, before heading out to the Emerald Spire. On a beautiful spring day, they head out on their first adventure as a group. The Spire is located about ten miles southeast of Fort Inevitable, and the trek is tense but uneventful, with no evidence of goblins or other monsters lurking in the woods.

The trip lasts six hours, and by the time the Coopers first catch sight of the Spire it is later afternoon. Cresting a small hill, they reach the edge of a large clearing about two miles in diameter. In the middle on top of a promontory rests the ruins of the Spire. A large complex built of glass emerald, the Spire still reaches about 120 feet in the air, but the front of the castle shows significant damage from a violent assault eons ago. The dimming sun bounces off the castle's structures, emitting a soft green light.


Strangely, the first mile or so of the clearing is filled with saplings and tall grasses, but then about a mile into the clearing all vegetation stops and the ground becomes barren. Large pile boxes and crude fortifications stretch around the base of the promontory, and are evidently the work of goblins.


Daryle decides to get closer to the Spire, and walks to the edge of the barren lands. She feels like someone is watching her, but she cannot see anyone. Getting closer, she hears the sounds of barking dogs close to the Spire's entrance. She returns to the edge of the clearing and shares her information with the rest of her family.


The Coopers come up with a clever plan. They will attempt to poison the dogs using natural drugs at night, so Darelle returned in the woods and gathered plants that would do the trick. However, before they were able to execute their plan, the dogs left towards the northwest, and soon the family couldn't hear them at all.

Gozran 2, 4711

After waiting another hour, they decide to approach the Spire and begin their exploration. In the first pile box they encounter they discover old ruined blankets and the pervasive stench of goblins, but nothing else. A crude access ramp has been built from the base of the promontory to the entrance of the Spire, where remnants of the ruined gate lay crumbled about. Large enough for a goblin, the Coopers have a hard time ascending it and must go single filed.

They reach the top of the promontory. In the entryway, the party is surprised by a goblin mounted on a goblin dog. Roscoe is bitten by the dog and fights for his life as Darelle and Daryle pour arrow after arrow into the goblin and his dog. Gerald casts a few spells, then attacks with his dagger. Meanwhile, Thorne sneaks around the goblin and enters the Spire. The magical properties of the Spire are such that any light source only provides five feet of illumination, and Thorne discovers that more goblins are hiding in this room when he is suddenly attacked by them.

The party is eventually able to triumph over the four goblins, but, having suffered significant injuries, they decide to head back to Fort Inevitable and cash in the bounty on four more bodies. Daryle reports to Maralictor Kiera Wirt that some of the coin retrieved from the dungeon was Numerian silver, and that some of the goblins sported a similar tattoo as the ones she had discovered earlier, but this one had a crown embedded in the design...

When goblins come out to play

Calistril 15, 4711

 In three weeks, the Coopers have settled in the community of Fort Inevitable. On this particularly overcast morning Gerald returns to work at Nolm Bindery. When Falandra noticed the quality of work Gerald produced, she entrusted him to copying books written in strange languages. He's now transcribed two spellbooks for Falandra, and in the process he acquired a few spells of his own, mastering the beginning steps of sorcery.

Darelle, the youngest of the triplets, has been working at Mother Holworth's farm, and she has developed a real knack for calming animals. In fact, she's so good at communicating with animal and healing them when something ails them that she has been called upon by several farmers.

Daryle heads back into the woods. Using her more than capable hunting skills, she's provided the butcher with several deers, and has managed to feed Alina and the rest of the family with rabbits and partridges. On this particular day, she tracks a deer into the forest northeast of Fort Inevitable, when she crosses the path left behind by two goblin scouts a few hours earlier. She follows the goblins' track, and after an hour's trek through the woods she arrives at the site of an ambush. It appears that at least eleven goblins surprised and attacked the other two.

As rain begins to fall, Daryle follows the large tracks left behind by this horde, but as the rain becomes stronger, she decides to head back to Fort Inevitable and report her discovery.

With the rain comes dark clouds, and by midday it feels like dusk outside. The clouds are dark with a greenish tint. Word reaches the bindery that the Hellknights are closing the gates down, and Falandra instructs Gerald to return home before the gates are closed and locked. She asks him to drop off two scrolls to Maralictor Kiera Wirt, Commander of the Mosswater Gate, on his way out. Heading to the gate in the pouring rain, Gerald notices that all of the Hellknights have been deployed in town and on the walls. With wagons trying to leave the town, and several wagons trying to come in, it is absolute chaos at the Mosswater Gate. Gerald tries to attract the Commander's attention, but due to the chaos he decides to use a spell. She approaches him and takes the scrolls, not before chastising him for casting magic at a Hellknight. Gerald notices that Daryle is outside the gate, and she is not being allowed to get in. Understanding that she has something important to tell them, Gerald convinces Commander Wirt to let her in the Fort.

In her office, Daryle reveals that a large party of goblins ply the Echo Woods, and that there is goblin on goblin violence. Due to the storm, Commander Wirt provides Gerald and Daryle with a writ, valid for the next three days, to leave and enter the Fort as needed, as well as a letter of marque allowing them to bring in any dead goblin for the 5 crown pieces reward with no tax levied by the Hellknights for the next five days.

Back on the farm, Darelle is instructed by her mother's cousin to put as many animals away, and then return to the residence. She's there to welcome Gerald and Daryle back from the Fort.

Alina explains to them that every three months or so, there is a large magical storm that strikes the area. There are reports of unexplained events taking place, and large beasts are rumored to appear and roam through the countryside, devouring man and cattle. These storms generally last two to three days. When she finds out the triplets plan on heading into the woods, she forbids them, telling them that it is too dangerous. Disagreeing with her, they head out into the woods through the raging rain, taking with them their cousin Aidan, a precocious 12 years old fighter.

They quickly locate the goblins' track and begin to follow. Two hours into the trek they discover an ambush laid by two goblins, but they are rather ineffective and are quickly dealt with. The triplets and Aidan continue their progress, and it is completely soaked that they crest a hill overlooking a clearing with a large open mouthed cave in the northward corner, with goblin fortifications ringing it. In the middle of the clearing are two other goblins tied to pillars. They also notice a goblin who's a little taller and a little meaner than the others.

Greenhide, the leader of the Dark Blood Tribe is interrogating the other two goblins, wanting to know why they allied themselves with Grunk, instead of remaining with the tribe. Daryle and Darelle fire arrows at the sentries, followed by one of Gerald's magic missile and more arrows from Aidan. The sentries are all eliminated, but none of the goblins watching the interrogation notice. Daryle unleashes another arrow into the group of goblins, and this time the goblins realize they are under attack.

They take defensive positions, and await the assault. A sentry is sent out and is immediately slain. Greenhide takes stock of the situation and disappears down a corridor with his advisor. The party settles in for the night


 Calistril 16, 4711

The lack of light, and the torrential rain means that when dawn finally rises over the horizon, Darelle notices that the goblins have gone, leaving their two victims behind. Daryle sneaks to the cave, and determines that the goblins are no longer here, having abandoned their camp and few possessions behind.

The lone goblin still alive confides in Daryle that Greenhide is mad he lost the leadership of the Dark Blood Tribe to Grunk, and he will keep on fighting to regain it.

Aidan searches the cave, but finds nothing of interest aside from a pay chest from Numeria. Daryle harvests two tribal tattooes, one showing a blood splatter, and the other one the same blood splatter but with a crescent moon inscribed in it.

Returning to Fort Inevitable, the triplets present the results of their quest to Maralictor Wirt, who awards them 45 crowns for the 9 goblin bodies they returned. Karlyle the butcher purchases the bodies from Daryle for 3 crowns each, netting the party a tidy sum, all tax free thanks to the letter of marque.

Daryle deposits the sum at the Hellknights' Bank for a 10% fee, and they are well on their way to paying Captain Rémi's fee.

Great, now that we're here, what should we do for work?

Abadius 23, 4711

Upon arriving in Fort Inevitable, the first thing the Riverbottom family did was look for their mother's cousin, Alina Merlon. She had married a Numerian and had left Razmiran decades ago.

They approached the Juliver Gate, one of the two gates leading into the Fort. There, they encountered a half-orc Hellknight named Bolgur, who gave them a hard time. The siblings noticed that the guard presence was heavy and that everyone entering or leaving was questioned by the master of the gate, and all cargoes and bags were thoroughly inspected. After a few exchanges, Bolgur revealed that Alina Merlon lives next door to Mother Holworth, one of the most successful farmer in the area. So the siblings made their way back to the farm, and finally met their mother's cousin for the first time. At first, she wasn't convinced, but when she recognized the triplets and read Gertrude's letter, she welcomed them with open arms.

The Merlon farm currently is currently run by Alina, as her husband died in the Mendevian Crusade. She's assisted by two indentured servants, Brand Plentygold and Lister Cartwright, who assigned to her by the Hellknights. The estate is small, but produces wheat and barley, an array of vegetables, as well as apples and cherries. A few dairy cows are kept, along with a coop of chickens and a small herd of goats. Alina informed the siblings that she could provide them room and board, but that they would have to work around the farm and help out whenever they could, taxes being high and money being short.


Abadius 24, 4711

With the dawn of a new day, the siblings decide to change their last name from Riverbottom to Cooper, in case anyone from Razmiran is searching for them. On the advice of Alina, Darelle pays a visit to Mother Holworth, from the farm next door.  A stern, sharp-tongued woman in her mid 70s, she has outlived two husbands and now lives with her children, grandchildren, and even a few very young great-grandchildren. She runs the best dairy farm in the region, and Holworth cheeses are renowned far and wide. Upon seeing Darelle's animal affinity, she hires her for 5 bits a week, a modest sum even in Fort Inevitable.

Daryle is more enterprising. She enters the town, and heads straight to Karlyle the Butcher, where she inquires whether he would be interested in purchasing game from her. He informs her that he would certainly buy deer, but smaller game does not interest him. He also advises her that he also purchases goblin skins, for 3 crowns each, after they are turned to the Hellknights for the 5 crowns bounty. Daryle promptly obtains her work permit from the Hellknights, and begins to explore the countryside, looking for the best place to capture deer.

Gerald, being weak and often sick, inquires with Alina if there were anyone in town that could use his intelligence and his creative talents. She tells him that Falandra Nolm, owner of Nolm Bindery, may, but she's not sure. That's not a service she often uses. Hopeful, he still makes his way there. Falandra informs him that she does not need an employee, but that is Gerald is skilled enough with ink and feather, she will pay him a set piece, generally 25% of the sale price, to transcribe books. He graciously accepts her offer, and she gives him a quick tour of the bindery. A small space is dedicated to the bindery business itself, with about half of the floor housing book shelves covered with books on many different subjects. In the back, behind the counter, is Falandra's office, and Gerald is able to glance what appears to be an alchemist lab before Falandra closes the door, telling him that he is not allowed to go there. She provides him with a basic book, and he begins recopying it. Later on in the afternoon he meets Abernard Royst, a whire-haired sage of about 60. Knowledgeable, he comes to the bindery every day to talk with Falandra, browse books, and generally purchase one or two.

Roscoe decides to earn coins by plying his love of music into a trade. He approaches Doliver Reedbank, the owner of the Juliver Arms, one of two drinking establishments in Fort Inevitable. After hearing and seeing him play a couple of songs, Doliver hires him to play six nights a week in exchange for a small room on the third floor, breakfast, and dinner. Roscoe is on his own for lunch, but he may keep all the tips he earns.

Alina doesn't want Thorne to leave the farm and go to the Fort, but he doesn't listen, and, after careful inquiries, decides to contact Thom Braddon, the owner of Braddon's General Store, the only general store in Fort Inevitable. Perhaps this is a place where he may be able to ply his trade.

On why we had to leave home

Kuthona 31, 4710

The Riverbottom family lives in the hamlet of Novensia, a day's east of Xer in Razmiran. The matriarch of the family, Gertrude Riverbottom, owns a pleasant fifty acres farm on the bank of the West Sellen River. The harvest has been collected, and it is time to celebrate as the Night of the Pale makes way to another year.

The Riverbottom siblings are excited at the prospect of the feast Mother has made for them. At 25, Roscoe is the oldest and is looking forward to inheriting the farm in the spring, as Gertrude retreats from management and begins enjoying the fruits of retirement. Gerald, Daryle, and Darelle are triplets, with the two girls Daryle, and Darelle identical while Gerald, the oldest of the three bears a close resemblance to his sisters. At 17, the triplets are looking forward to beginning their adult lives, but so far their prospects are dim. At 15, Thorne is the youngest of the Riverbottoms, and is named appropriately as the rest of his family are often the victims of his sweet talk and roguish ways.

At noon time, as the roast goes into the pot, five riders came up from the main road and arrived at the farm. The captain's pennant flies the colors of the Living God, and he is accompanied by three constables and, more worrisome, a priest. Roscoe does not recognize any of the soldiers, indicating that none of them are local.

The captain reveals that by an edict of Razmir, the Living God, the triplets are to accompany him forthwith to First Step, the indoctrination monastery of the Living God's faith, and they will be escorted there. At first Roscoe is inclined to let them go, but Gertrude advises him there are rumors that circulate on how triplets are sacrificed to the ravenous craving for power of the Living God.

Meanwhile Thorne sets up a game of chance with the constables and discovers that they are indeed not from here, and that they are to accompany the triplets to Xer, and sail to Thronestep with them. After their arrival there, there are no further travel plans. Thorne reports his findings to Roscoe, who convinces the captain and the priest to stay for dinner instead of departing immediately. In the ensuing conversation, Roscoe comes to the realization that the priest, rather than the captain, is in charge of this group.

As the preparations for the Night of the Pale proceeds, Darrelle prepares a mixture of herbs that she then uses to poison the roast. Daryle and Gerald make preparations to leave the farm, while Gertrude organizes passage on a ship, the Aigle Soleil, so that her children can flee the farm and escape the clutches of the priest.

At the appointed hour the witnessing of the dead takes place, and is immediately followed by the extravagant yearly dinner. The captain and the constables are quickly taken sick along with Gertrude, but the poison appears to have no effect on the priest. Resorting to violence, Thorne stabs him, while Daryle hits him with a frying pan, causing his mask to fall. Surprised, the siblings realize that this is not a priest of the Living God, but a tattooed impostor from southern lands. Gerald pushes him into the fire place. The horrible death screams are enough to send the siblings out with their meager belongings and on board the ship heading upriver towards Fort Inevitable, Gertrude having provided them with a letter of introduction to her first cousin who resides there.

On board the ship, they meet Captain Rémi, who informs the siblings that they will now need to pay 50 crowns each for their safe passage, and that he will come collect in a year's time.

After an uneventful journey, the siblings finally arrive in Fort Inevitable ...

A new campaign begins...

Our gaming group is finally starting Pathfinder's The Emerald Spire Superdungeon. I plan on using this blog as a resource to organize and use information about this campaign.