Session 33 RL14 21/1//4709 Into The Sunken Queen

20/1/4709
Check contacts for available magic items.
Vemi checks on political situation - the Peerage Review looks likely to agree with Neolandus Kalepopolis, and appoint Marshall Croft the new Monarch.

21/1/4709 - morning
Greater Teleport to the Sunken Queen...
Draw from Harrow Deck of Many Things, causing an Earthquake, sundry disasters (aargh!), and much hairiness: 8,530
6 Boggard Champions CR 8 xp 4800x6=28,800
Beirawash the Gargantuan Devilfish CR 14 xp 38,400
Exploration & Negotiation with Erinyes 19,200
Total: 94930/3= 31,643 each

31,643+414,741=446384
445,000 for Level 14
LEVEL 14 REACHED
635,000 for Level 15

Session 32 19-20/1/4709 Dungeon Delving

Akaruzug Construct CR 13 XP 25,600
Thassilonian Dessication Pulse trap CR 10 XP 9600
Salt Zombie Bodaks CR 7x4 XP 3200x4=12800
Uncover Ileosa's Secrets CR 13 XP 25,600
Total: 73600/4= 18400 each

18,400+396,341=414,741
445,000 for Level 14

Session 31 18-19/1/4709 Simula-Queen

Octopoid 'Battle' in Throneroom

10 Gray Maidens - 1 killed 9 surrender: CR7x10=32000
3 Nessian Warhounds - 2 killed 1 rolls over: CR9x3=19200
Mavrokeras the Malebranche Devil, killed by Naglatha: CR 16 =76800
Queen Ileosa Simulcrum destroyed: CR 7 =3200
Total: 131200

Red Mantis Assassins leave
8 Red Mantis CR 7x8=25600
Mistress Kayltanya CR 14 38400
Total: 64000

Combat XP 195200/4= 48800 each
Korvosa liberated bonus +6400 each
Total: 55200+341,141=396,341
445,000 for Level 14

Session 30 RL13 18/1/4709 Devil Fortress Inferno

Barely has the initial battle ended and Vemi had a quick scan of Togomor's chamber, than Naglatha & Megrim arrive, followed by the angry Malebranche devil and his summoned barbed devils. At the same time a guardroom door opens and out come four newly-clad Gray Maidens. Kaz tosses Nagltha Serithtiel while Tsadok holds off the Maidens. The battle rages, the Horned Devil is sore wounded by Serithtiel and forced to withdraw. Kaz blocks the stairs down with a Wall of Ice, but soon six Erinyes teleport in all over the fortress level. Vemi's devotion to Zon-Kuthon protects him from their Unholy Blight. Naglatha fights like a fury, cutting down numerous mighty devils.
Eventually but one Gray Maiden still stands, yelling "For Ileosa & Korvosa" she strikes a mighty blow that fells Naglatha before she herself dies. Naglatha is saved by Vemi & Tsadok. The group are left standing amidst mounds of Gray Maiden and Devil corpses scattered through the first floor of the fortress.
The group search Togomor's room for his hidden stash then head upstairs to the Throne Chamber, where Queen Ileosa awaits accompanied by Gray Maidens, three Nessian Warhounds, and freshly healed Horned Devil. She commands the heroes to leave Korvosa...

XP
3 Barbed Devils CR 11 XP 12800x3=38400
Horned Devil driven off CR 16/2 XP 76800/2=38400
6 Erinyes CR 9 XP 6400x6=38400
4 Gray Maidens CR 7 XP 3200x4=12800
Total: 128000/3.5=36571 each

36,571+304,570=341,141
315,000 for Level 13
LEVEL 13 REACHED
445,000 for Level 14

Serithtial

Source Artifacts and Legends pg. 61 (Amazon), Pathfinder #11: Skeletons of Scarwell pg. 56 (Amazon)
Aura strong abjuration CL 17th
Slot none; Price —; Weight 5 lbs.

Statistics

Alignment LG; Ego 14
Senses 60 ft.
Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 13
Communication empathy
Dedicated Powers wielder gains death ward and freedom of movement against attacks and effects from followers of Zon-Kuthon
Special Purpose defeat followers of Zon-Kuthon
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 17th; concentration +18)
3/day - cure moderate wounds, zone of truth (DC 13)

Description

Serithtial is a +4 holy Zon-Kuthon bane bastard sword used in several crusades from Cheliax against Nidal, and finally used by the hero Mandraivus in his assault on Scarwall. Although made of steel, Serithtial is treated as being made of both cold iron and silver for the purposes of overcoming damage reduction. Serithtial glows with the equivalent of continual flame, but her wielder can extinguish or ignite this glow as a move action. In addition, the weapon gains a further +2 enhancement bonus and deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against foes who serve or worship Zon-Kuthon.

Destruction

Serithtial can only be destroyed if Kazavon—restored to life—or a great wyrm shadow dragon worshiper of Zon- Kuthon uses its breath weapon on the blade while it is unattended.

Session 29 18/1/4709 Assault on Castle Korvosa

06:15: In town, PCs Tsadok Vemi & Kaz are joined by two more rebel heroes, Bowfinger & Captain Hogan while Naglatha & Megrim go off to distract the local guard forces from the area. Encounter Sabina Merrin riding black dragon, she distracts her own mount, which is killed, and surrenders to the PCs, who take her back to the rebel base for questioning. She joins the rebellion.

Afternoon: Sabina, Vencarlo Orisini & co go to free the Gray Maiden prisoners from under Longacre Building and raise a ruckus while the PCs assault Castle Korvosa by air, evade a horned devil and enter the building, battling numerous devils and some sleepy Gray Maidens. The hideous abomination commanding the defenders phases in and tries to steal Serithtiel, but is slain, freeing the Bloatmage Togomor. Togomor weeps with gratitude and thanks Vemi - who kills him anyway.

Black dragon Zarmangarof: CR 11 12800
Evade Horned Devil: CR 12 xp 19200
4 Gray Maidens: CR 7 xp 3200x4=12800
3 Barbed Devils,  2 killed, 1 fled: CR 11 xp 12800x3= 38400
4 summoned bearded devils: CR 5 XP 1600x4=6400
Togomor: CR 13 XP 25600
Belier Devil (Bdellavitra): CR 15 XP 51200

Total: 166400/5=33280 each.

33280+271,290=304,570
315,000 for Level 13

Session 28: 2/1-18/1/4709 AR Return to Korvosa

2/1/4709: Leave Scarwall, head for Kaer Maga.
3-15/1: Resting and commissioning in Kaer Maga. Rumours from Korvosa - the Church of Asmodeus is taking vials of blood from the citizenry.
15/1: Vemi receives a dream message from Vencarlo Orisini in his sleep.
16/1: Final preparations. Vemi refuses a Caulborn's offer to take his painful memories.
17/1: Travel to Korvosa by teleport, accidentally arrive in the mountains to the east. Teleport again, arrive at dusk south of the city. D-door into Gray District. Meet with Cressida Croft, Vencarlo Orisini & co beneath Temple of Pharasma (to 8pm).
Vemi & Tsadok rest while Naglatha & Kaz explore the docks district with Marie and reduced-size Megrim. Encounter a bar brawl with Sczarni, then Trifaccia the 'champion' who turns out to be an efreet, defeat him, he has lots of nice gear. After half an hour drinking in the bar, exit & realise a dragon rider is approaching. Black dragon lands, ridden by the Commander of the Gray Maidens - Kaz & co D-Door to Gaedren Lamm's old fishery (10.20pm). Sneak back to Gray District around midnight.
18/1: Group leaves Gray District ca 5am, hear a Gray Maiden dawn raid led by newly-raised Oriana. Attack as they try to haul off a girl from near the tavern - Oriana & 2 maidens killed, 2 captured, 2 escape. 2 Red Mantis attack Kaz, 1 is killed the other flees, chased by Tsadok.
6am - With the enemy alerted, the group waits for the dragon to show...

XP
Rendezvous with Cressida & co CR 10 - 9600
Defeat Trifaccia CR 14 - 38400
Evade black dragon CR 9 - 6400
Defeat 7 Gray Maidens CR 7, 2 Red Mantis CR 7 - 3200x9= 28800
Total 83200/4=20800 each

20800+250,490=271,290
315,000 for Level 13

Session 27 RL12 31/12/4708-2/1/4709 End of the Curse of Scarwall

XP
Kleestad the Traitor, gargantuan worm-thing, & recovering Serithtiel CR 15 XP 51,200
Bishop Zev Ravenka, Demilich CR 14 XP 38400
Mithrodar, chained spirit CR 13 XP 25600
5 Spectres CR 6 XP 2400x6=14400
Lifting the Curse of Scarwall CR 14 XP 38400
Total: 168,000/4=42,000

XP: 42,000+208,490=250,490

220,000 for Level 12
LEVEL 12 REACHED
315,000 for Level 13

Session 26 30-31/12/4708 Gugs Defeated! Serithtial, Sword of Mandraivus, in View!

XP
30/12/4708
5 Spectres CR7 XP 3200x5=16000
Prelate Aruth CR 10 XP 9600
Locating Secret Door to Star Tower 5000
(Rest overnight undisturbed in the Star Tower.)

31/12/4708
4 Gugs CR 10 XP 9600x4=38400
Total: 69,000/4.5=15,333

15,333+193,157=208,490

220,000 for Level 12

Session 25 29-30/12/4708 Castothrane & Danse Macabe

After destroying its Devil guardians, the group loot Kazavon's Throne Tower of much loot and retire to the Orc-Held Outer Bastion to rest. Laori Vaus discovers that by wearing a golden circlet looted from the hoard she can see through the eyes of Castothrane, a Skeleton Warrior and Soul Anchor who guards the Gatehouse's battlements accompanied by two more skeleton fighters.

30/12/4708.
The group make an air assault on Castothrane and his 'men', facing only moderate resistance as Kaz's ankylosauri crush the undead champion into the wall, and Megrim finishes him. With Castothrane's demise his soul is released to whatever hell awaits him. The Dimensional Anchor over Scarwall fades for a moment, and hundreds of souls escape into the morning sky (including a powerful Dread Wraith), though thousands more doubtless remain trapped within the walls as the Anchor swiftly returns.

Next they proceed to Kazavon's ballroom at the west end of the castle, save Laori Vaus from an unfortunate incident with a cursed statue of Kazavon, subdue the Danse Macabre in the dance hall, and loot the corpse of a tortured knight buried beneath the ballroom floor. They locate the secret door by which Mandraivus' band entered Scarwall, and collect the platinum coin he dropped there for luck more than 600 years ago - it could be worth 200gp to the right collector!

Finally the group decide to assault the Donjon, where resides the Temple of Zon-Kuthon, Unholy of Unholies. Getting in and out proves problematic, twin powerful Forbbidance rituals shield the place, but the half-orc Shaman manages to Dispel the ward against entry by the non-evil. Laori is blasted by the Forbiddance that bars exit to the non-good. After ritually cutting and cleansing herself in the anteroom, she curls up by the pool for a nice sleep.

XP.
Castothrane CR 11 - 12800
2 Skeletal Serjeants CR 9x2 - 12800
Breaking the Third Anchor 6400
Free Laori Vaus from the curse CR 6 - 2400
Subdue Danse Macabre CR 13/2 (remainder if destroyed) - 12800
Enter the Donjon: CR 11 - 12800
Total: 60000/6=10000 each

10000+183,157=193,157
220,000 for Level 12

Session 24 21-29/12/4708 Crawling Scarwall

Laori Vaus on a good hair day

21/12/4708
Kaz has dinner with the Freemen, who talk with him about goings-on in Korvosa. Ileosa's grip tightens as she allies firmly with the devil-summoning Acadamae. She has increased grain tributes from the outlands, causing shortages in Kaer Maga. The Freemen speculate that she may be preparing for war against someone.

Naglatha is anointed as a Champion of Pharasma in the Godsmouth Ossuary. Boon: Naglatha may add Deathwatch to her list of 1st level Ranger spells. She may eventually add Death Ward to her list of 4th level Ranger spells (so useable at 13th or 14th level).

Jareth has met a friendly half-orc priest in Kaer Maga, Tsadok by name, who is willing to join the party.

28/12/4708 AR
After a week of rest and shopping, Vemi is nearly recovered from his death, when he receives a Sending from Laori Vaus beseeching his aid. Apparently the rest of her party have been eaten by Gugs in the Underdark beneath Scarwall, unless Shadowcount Sial was able to Word of Recall back to his Sanctuary in Nidal - Laori didn't see.

That evening Vemi Shadow Walks the party back towards Scarwall.

29/12/4708 AR
The group arrive at the Scarwall Bastion 3 hours before dawn, to find it held by Deadwatcher Orcs, who menace them with bows, but are successfully cowed by Tsadok.  The party spot a bedraggled Laori Vaus hiding behind a nearby rock. Vemi brings up a Tiny Hut to rest and plan.
Laori tells them that the undead Castellan Mithrodar, current lord of Scarwall, was persuaded by Shadowcount Sial to open the Warding on the Star Tower. The Brotherhood of Bones spent much of the week clearing out most of the gargoyles, before the Brotherhood Airwalked up to the Star Tower's entrance, Sial opened the final Seal, and they descended deep into the depths. She says she saw the glimmer of Serithtiel on an Underdark lake island - right before the Gugs struck.

Towards dawn a patrol of 5 orcs return to the Bastion, bringing their strength to 12.

Late morning and the party are rested and ready to set out. Laori wants to strike immediately at the Star Tower, where the rest of her group perished. Vemi rejects her suggestion - there is more pain and suffering to be had through first clearing Mithrodar's spirit anchors from Scarwall. By the end of Vemi's oration Laori Vaus is persuaded that he has special insight into the mind of the Midnight Lord, falling at his feet in awe.

The group pass through an honour guard of Deadwatcher Orcs at the Bastion and decide to start with whatever abomination bars the way through the Outer Keep - it proves to be a Corpse Orgy, an aberrant collection of bodies, easily destroyed by Kaz Ander's summoned tiger spirit.
The group enter the War Tower, locate and destroy an orc zombie that was once Kazavon's lieutenant General Gorstav. Much tedious searching of empty rooms ensues. The group work their way up spiral stairs to a cupola, where they find and destroy a gargoyle - but this alerts devil guardians of the heights, plus the few remaining gargoyles. A brutal fight ensues against two bone devils, three gargoyles, and Nihal, a powerful Ashmede Devil and one of Mithrodar's Spirit Anchors - Laori is wounded, but at length all foes are destroyed.

XP
Kaer Maga CR 7 XP 3200
Orc Negotiations CR 10 9600
Corpse Orgy CR 12 19200
General Gorstav CR 12 XP 19200
4 Gargoyle Brutes CR 6 2400x4=9600
Nihil CR 12 19200
2 Bone Devils CR 9 6400x2=12800
Total 92,800/5 = 18,560

18560+164597=183,157
220,000 for Level 12

Ashmede Devil

Session 23 19-21/12/4708 RL11 Vemi Dead & Reborn

19/12/4708

Group confer with the Brotherhood of Bones. It's decided that rather than Sial's plan to assault the Star Tower, the PCs will take out the Umbral Dragon while the Brotherhood of Bones explore the West Wing and deal with any reinforcements. Rest overnight in Count Sial's Bone Tower.

20/12/4708

At dawn, re-enter Castle Scarwall and enter the old stable block, lair of Belshazam the Umbral Dragon. A terrible foe, he slays Vemi Diaquani, but not even the aid of Nessian Warhounds can prevent his defeat. Kaz takes his head, and Megrim kills the last hellhound as it flees. The group withdraw, Naglatha taking Vemi's body. and confer with the Brotherhood back at the gatehouse.

That afternoon Naglatha Kaz & Jareth the monk re-enter the Castle to seize the dragon's treasure. Naglatha has a plan to put Vemi's soul into one of the Night Hag's soul jars, hopefully before it can be drawn into Scarwall. Kaz manages to get Vemi jarred at the second attempt, the first soul likely a hound or possibly Belshazam. Exiting the stables, gargoyle brutes swoop down, but the group evade them and escape.

Back at the gatehouse as night falls, Sial & Laori Vaus kindly offer to reanimate Vemi as an undead thrall of Kazavon, but Naglatha has a better idea. Using a Shadow Walk scroll they return to Kaer Maga, spotting Durnhelm's spirit now among the Shoanti shade guardians on Varisia's frontier.  

21/12/4708

Naglatha visits the Church of Pharasma, where she is regarded as a champion of the goddess. The priests successfully Raise Vemi.

XP
Persuade Count Sial to change plans CR 8 = 4800
Defeat Belshazzam, adult Umbral dragon CR 14= 38400
3 Nessian Hellhounds CR 9 x3= 6400x3= 19200
Escape 5 Gargoyle Brutes CR6x5=2400x5=12000/2=6000
Raise Vemi CR 10=9600
Total: 78000/4=19500 each

145097 + 19500 = 164597
Need 155,000 for level 11.
LEVEL 11 Reached
Need 220,000 for level 12.

Session 22 18-19/12/4708 Vemi joins the Brotherhood of Bones

18/2/4708 afternoon.
#8 Castle Kitchens
Crematory Blast CR 8 xp 4800
2 Cinder Ghouls CR 6 xp 2400x2=4800
#6 Porters' Hall - 5 Minotaur Skeletons CR 5 xp 1600x5=8000
#7 Malatrothe the Night Hag uncovered & killed CR 9 xp 6400

19/2/4708 pre-dawn:
Barbican - Naglatha deters orc visitors after they kill Durnhelm. CR 5 xp 1600x14=22400/2=11200
Total: 35200/5= 7040 each.

Vemi joins the faith of Zon-Kuthon and is inducted in the Bone Tower.

Session XP
7040+138,057 = 145097 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 21 18/12/4708 Mandraivus

After clearing the Barbican the group explore the upper floor of Scarwall, battling skeleton patrol, zombie servants and flee powerful wraith. Descending to the ground level they encounter the wraith of Mandraivus amidst a vortex of madness and defeat him, taking the hero's celestial armour.

XP
Minotaur skeleton 1600
12 skeleton warriors 7200
13 zombies 2600
Flee Dread Wraith 12800
Allip Vortex 4800
Defeat Mandraivus 25600
Total 58600/4=14650 each

14,650 + 123,407=  138,057 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 20 18/12/4708 Entering Scarwall

The group camp overnight in the Bastion ruins while the Brotherhood of Bones retire to the Tower of Bone. Next morning they are joined by a mysterious half-orc Monk of Irori, sent by Lastwall to investigate rumours of increased activity around Scarwall.
The group scout the area, noting vast serpentine forms in the black lake, and cross the bridge. A force of skeletons venture out from the castle, but are swiftly dispatched. Entering the gate house the party face stiff resistance from skeletal minotaurs firing giant arbalests, the battle rages for some time until Kaz's summoned ankylosaurus breaks through and the defenders are overrun.

XP
Sgt Lashton, skeletal Ftr-9 CR 8 xp 4800
Skeletal Nightmare CR 5 xp 1600
16 Skeleton warriors CR 2 xp 600x16=9600
8 Scarwall Guard skeleton minotaurs CR 5 xp 1600x8=12800
Total: 28800/5=5760 each

5760+117647= 123,407 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 19 15-17/12/4708 To Scarwall

15/12/4708

PCs head north & east across the Cinderlands, sleeping in a shallow cave on the edge of the Mindspin Mountains.

16/12/4708

Wake to snow blowing into the cave. Vemi Diaquani creates a Shadow Road through the Shadowlands to speed the journey... On the way they encounter ghost Shoanti who warn them to detour round a ruin ahead filled with ghostly orcs. They pass it safely, but Kaz has the group investigate a huge thorn tree just off the road - with disastous results. Barely escaping the wraith & spectral hordes of Zon-Kuthon they flee back into the real world, where the thorn tree's real analogue glares at them menacingly. They trek north a few miles in bitter weather and sleep overnight in an enchanted hut created by Vemi.

17/12/4708

The day dawns cold, but bright and clear. The heights of Scarwall can be glimpsed now, only a dozen miles away at the eastern edge of the Kodar mountains. Heading uphill the group are nearing Scarwall when they attacked by a ferocious Gug, which injures Durnhelm before Marie rips it apart. The Brotherhood of Bones arrive and greet them, escorting them to Sial's Tower of Bone (concealed in a welcoming ravine) for a rest. Then the group ascend the ridgeline to catch their first glimpse of Castle Scarwall, vast and sinister, rising from the mists of a caldera lake.
Consulting with the Brotherhood, the group decide to take the Barbican that guards the high walkway over the lake from the orcs lairing there. Seven orc warriors, apparently set there to guard against the forces of Kazavon, prove no match for the heroes. Seeing that the spell upon Scarwall does not affect the Barbican and that the orcs were apparently left alone by the undead, the group decide it should make a good campsite.

XP
Travel to Scarwall, encounter with Shoanti Ghosts - CR 9 XP 6400
Fleeing the Tree of Death - CR 10 XP 9600
Gug battle - CR 9 XP 6400
Battle at the Barbican:
6 Orc Fighters CR 5 XP 1600x6= 9600
Ury Sevenskulls, Orc Barbarian CR 8 XP 4800
Total: 36800/4=9200

9200+108447=117647 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 18 15/12/4708 RL10 Leaving Kaer Maga

Leaving Kaer Maga heading north along the riverside the PCs are scryed, and soon attacked by a force of Gray Maidens, Red Mantis, Ashwing Gargoyles, and the mysterious Cinderlander. They kill most of their foes, capture the Cinderlander and strip him of gear, then continue north.

XP: 17,600 XP each, = 108,447 XP and 10th level.

Session 17 26/11-15/12/4708 Hunting the Naga

26/11/4708 AR: Senior Duskwarden Jaran asks PCs for help; three days ago a food caravan on the Halflight Path was wiped out, with the loss of three trained Duskwardens and twelve farmers. The food was left untouched. Assigned Duskwarden Karl.

27/11/4708 AR: PCs descend the Halflight Path with Karl to caverns and the remains of an underground city. Investigating at the spot where the caravan was destroyed, the PCs are attacked by wraiths & cloakers commanded by a Spirit Naga. They defeat the monsters in a gruelling battle. Returning to the surface Jaran pays the promised 4000gp reward.

29/11/4708: Vemi's hammer upgraded to +2.

9/12/4708: Naglatha's bow upgraded to Undead Bane.

15/12/4708: Durnhelm's sword upgraded to +1 Corrosive.

Have 1 week to planned rendezvous with the Brotherhood of Bones at Castle Scarwall in the Hold of Belkzen.

XP: 7733 each + 83114 = 90847
105,000 XP for Level 10
Subsistence: 60gp each Kaz, Vemi, Durnhelm. 20gp Naglatha.

By the time your gear is ready winter has set in, a cold dreary rain with occasional sleet has been spattering the city for the past several days.

Session 16: 19-25/11/4708 Kaer Maga

19/11/4708: Reach Harse, dinner with Jasan Adriel, with Vencarlo last of the Blackbirds.
20/11/4708: Rest in Harse.
21/11/4708: To Janderhoff, greeted at the gate by a blue-sashed dwarf 'Sky Magistrate'. Farewell to Vencarlo Orisini, Trinia Sabor & Seneschal Neolandus Kalepopolis.
22/11/4708: Rejoin the Brotherhood of Bones, through frontier territory to Sirathu. On the way, party sense that someone is attempting to Scry them.
23/11/4708: Up the Storrval Rise, dispatching a hungry Bulette. Reach Kaer Maga, meet a Caulborn near the Bank of Abadar and stay at a Duskwarden-frequented Inn. The Sun Clan Shoanti are on the warpath, but with winter now closing in they seem unlikely to march on Korvosa until ca M3 next year.
24/11/4708: The Brotherhood of Bones including Fane Korvaski depart, arranging to rendezvous with the group at Castle Scarwall in one month (24/12/4708). Magic item shopping. Item creation by a local Bloatmage will take 22 days (to be ready morning of 17/12/4708). Arrange with Senior Duskwarden Jaran for a guide to go hunting a Gray Render.
25/11/4708: 10 year old Duskwarden apprentice leads group down to the Prison Levels, where Kaz summons a celestial ankylosaurus to defeat the Render and its Black Orc allies. Some minor loot marked with Blackbird logo, including brooches.

XP
Roleplay & Investigations: 400  each
Combat XP
Bulette CR 7 XP 3200/6= 533 each
Gray Render CR 9 XP 6400/4=1600 each
5 Black Orcs CR 2 XP 600x5=3000/4=750 each
Total XP: 3283 each + 79831= 83114
105,000 XP for Level 10

Session 15: RL9 Maidens in the Temple, Brotherhood of Bones 14-19/11/4708 AR

The group oars out of the Vivified Labyrinth on the barge and the receding tide, putting in a mile down the coast just after midnight.

14/11/4708

They head back east to Trail's End to stay with the Soldado family.
At dawn when the gates open, Naglatha and Fane Korvaski acquire a handcart from an apple seller to carry Vemi's body into the city, while Vencarlo, Neolandus & co stay at Trail's End. They talk their way past the Gray Maidens at the bridge and head through town to the Temple of Pharasma, where Bisophess Keppira agrees to try to raise Vemi.

The ritual takes an hour and is successful, but just as Vemi is raised, Gray Maidens led by alive-again Oriana burst in and attempt to arrest them! Naglatha swiftly shoots down Oriana; Keppira calms two Maidens and Korvaski kills another as the PCs flee, evading the Maidens and taking refuge in the catacombs where once Rolth laired. At nightfall Naglatha sneaks out to rendezvous with Kaz Anders, passing through the sewers and swimming the Narrows of St Alika to meet him at his garret in Old Korvosa. They use Dimension Door to return to the mainland.

The party meet up and head through the streets to the docks of Midland, where they wait overnight.

15/11/4708

At dawn Kaz is able to get a good view of East Dock and D-doors over with Naglatha & Fane Korvaski, while Vemi disguises himself as a fishmonger and crosses the bridge to East Shore unobserved.
The group rendezvous at Themaneuxus Academy where they ask the gnome wizard Tempest Geezelbottle about various magical goods and services.  During discussions Tempest is called away to another client - the Zon-Kuthonite Cleric Laori Vaus has come to collect her newly augmented Spiked Chain! Laori is taken with Fane Korvaski, and offers to hire him for an expedition into the Cinderlands in search of a lost artifact, the sword Serithtial that can defeat Ileosa. Naglatha talks with her and offers to join forces with her group. They arrange to meet at midnight in two days' time at the statue of St Allika on St Allika Street, Old Korvosa.

16-17/11/4708

The group lie low for two days at the Soldado house, unmolested by the local Scazarni despite many wanted posters promising rewards for their capture. With the plague over, the quarantine on Old Korvosa is being lifted at last.

18/11/4708

Just after midnight Laori turns up at the statue of St Allika with her companions in the Brotherhood of Bones - Shadowcount Sial and his chain devil companion Asyra. They disuss plans; according to their divinations the sword Serithtiel still lies inside undead-infested Castle Scarwall, where Mandraivus of Lastwall defeated Kazavon centuries ago. Laori wishes to separate Ileosa's chocolate from Kazavon's peanut butter - or vice versa. Vemi reckons that the Brotherhood of Bones seek the re-assembly of Kazavon from his various relics, but for now their interests seem to coincide.
Laori casts Air Walk on everyone so they can return to Trail's End unseen.  At dawn they buy horses from a local Varisian dealer, then head west away from Korvosa, staying the night at a country inn where Laori really gets her hooks into Fane Korvaski...

19/11/4708

Next morning the group heads on, reaching the small town of Harse that evening, and taking the ferry across the river into town. Vencarlo leads them to the Blackbird Ranch house of his old friend and adventuring companion Jasan Adriel. Kaz Anders is reunited with a delighted Trinia Sabor. Jasan's wife serves an excellent meal (the beer a little rough), Jasan chats about their old party the Blackbirds - Vencarlo & Jasan the only survivors; after a falling out over dwarven relics the others vanished a season later in the dungeons below Kaer Maga.
After dinner Jasan leads everyone downstairs to see his cellar brewery, where they can discuss plans away from the ears of Jasan's family. Vencarlo plans to take Neolandus to seek sanctuary with the dwarves of Janderhoff, while the main group will proceed to Sirathu on the edge of Korvosan territory, then up the Storval Rise to Kaer Maga, hopefullt re-equipping, and possibly seeking the Blackbirds' lost treasures. Then on through the Cinderlands to the Orc-ruled Hold of Belkzen, where lies cursed Castle Scarwall and their goal. But rumour has it that the Shoanti tribes of the Storrval Plateau are gathering for war against Korvosa...

The Brotherhood of Bones

XP:
Get Vemi raised, evade Temple assault: 3000 each
Ally with Laori & Sial, Get everyone to Harse: 3200 each
Total: 6200 + 73631 = 79831
LEVEL 9 REACHED
105,000 XP for Level 10

Session 14: Escape from Old Korvosa 13/11/4708 AR

The group rescue Seneschal Neolandus and escape the Vivified Labyrinth by barge, but on the way Vemi is killed by the poison of a giant cobra.

XP
Defeat Senshir the Beatific One CR 9 XP 6400
2 Emperor Cobras CR 5x2 XP 3200
Enormous Reefclaw CR 8 XP 4800
Avidexu the Rakshasa CR 10 XP 9600
Rescue Neolandus Kalepopolis & Vencarlo Orisini CR 10 XP 9600
Total: 33600/4= 8400 each

8400+ 65231 = 73631 XP
75,000 for Level 9

Session 13 RL8 12-13/11/4708 AR

The party rest until nightfall on the 13th in Kaz's garret, then head to near the wall bordering the Arkona estate. Vemi scries Vencarlo Orisini, chained in a throneroom with a dark sphinx lounging on the throne nearby. Kaz D-doors himself, Vemi, and Naglatha to the location. They defeat the sphinx, free Vencarlo, and set about locating the Seneschal, Neolandus Kalepopolis. They encounter and defeat Vimanda, the fox-headed rakshasa, and eventually escape the vivified labyrinth. Vencarlo points the way through the illusionary wall to the basement torture chamber where Neolandus is being held...

Defeat Sivit the Darksphinx: CR 9 XP 6400
Defeat Vimanda the Rakshasa: CR 13 XP 25600
E5 Symbol of Fear over pool CR 6 XP 2400
E6 Symbol of Pain CR 5 XP 1600
E7 Three Trapped Chests CR 1, 5, 6 XP 400+1600+2400=4400
E8 Symbol of Insanity CR 8 XP 4800
E10 Fangs of Diomazul rotating blades CR 7 XP 3200
E11 The Wailing Maidens CR 6 XP 2400
E12 The Stinging Wasps CR 6 XP 2400
E18 Symbol of Sleep CR 5 XP 1600
E19 Symbol of Stunning CR 7 XP 3200
E20 Rescue Vencarlo Orisini CR 9 XP 6400

Total: 64400/3.5=18400 each
18400+46831 = 65231 XP
51,000 for Level 8.

LEVEL 8 REACHED

75,000 for Level 9

Session 12 11-12/11/4708 AR

11/11/4708
Rescue Salvator
Get back to the mainland
Shopping, Kaz visits his supporters
Rest at Inn

12/11/4708
Errands
Doggie Blanket of Resistance for Megrim stitched by Grau Soldado's sister
At nightfall return to Old Korvosa by dimension door & swimming the Jeggare River
Visit Vencarlo Orisini's house
Attacked by Gray Maidens & Red Mantis

XP
Rescue Salvator Scream - 3200
Investigations, talk with Lord Arkona - 3200
Battle at Vencarlo's House:
6 Gray Maidens CR 3 XP 800x6=4800
Gray Maiden Cmdr CR 7 XP 3200
2 Red Mantis Assassins CR 6 XP 2400x2=4800
Total: 19200/3= 6400 each
6400+40431=46831 XP
51,000 for Level 8.

Session 11 10-11/11/4708 AR Emperor of Old Korvosa

The group rests at Kaz's garret and waits, sleep interrupted by the rantings of Kaz's crazy neighbour downstairs. At 3am they rendezvous with Laori Vaus near Vencarlo Orisini's house, then enter the Old Dock district and assault Emperor Pilts's 'Palace'. Durnhelm the Shoanti falls during the battle, killed by Pilts's one-eyed gnome executioner Jabyr, but the party and Laori defeat a score of Pilts Swastel's elite 'captains' and Jabyr. Vemi captures Pilts, and executes him for his crimes.  Salvator Scream is found in an artist's studio/prison cell.

XP
20 Old Dock Captains War 2/Rog 3 XP 800x20=16000
Jabbyr Gnome Barbarian 8 XP 3200
Pilts Swastel Bard 10 XP 6400
Total: 25600/5=5120 XP each

5120+35311=40431 XP
51,000 for Level 8.

Session 10 RL7 9-10/11/4708 AR - Lord Glorio Arkona

9/11/4708 AR

Mid morning - Naglatha Kaz & Vemi encounter Durnhelm coming ashore, chased by four Gray Maidens in a boat.

To afternoon - Watch the border of Old Dock, the Emperor of Old Korvosa's domain, from hiding, then and join Tesh Zobberdein, a drunk and foolish man out to get revenge on the Emperor, Pilts Wastrel, for the murder of his family.

Entering Old Dock the group battle squads of the Emperor's guards, their new ally Tesh is killed, but they kill or drive off over twenty men and rescue a battered Devargo Barvassi. Devargo tells them that Eel's End has been burned down and his people massacred. He goes off 'to see if Chittersnap is ok' and to report to Lord Glorio Arkona, apparently his superior in the Korvosan underworld. They meet the ever-cheerful Laori Vaus again, Laori agrees to hang around near Vencarlo's house in case they want to meet up again.

Dusk - Naglatha swims back to the mainland with the body of Megrim on a raft, she just misses being spotted by a Gray Maiden on the wall above. She makes her way through the sewers, greeted warmly by many Vault-dwellers, and back to Midland.

Kaz, Vemi & Durnhelm enjoy an audience with Lord Glorio Arkona, talking of weighty matters. Glorio tells them they may be Korvosa's 'last best hope', hints of opposition to Queen Ileosa, and asks them to eliminate the Emperor. Vemi swears to return a missing Vudran dagger given by Glorio's niece to the scoundrel Verik Vankaskerkin, leader of the deceased Cow Hammer Boys gang of renegade guards and murderers. Glorio gives Vemi a Ring of Evasion.

10/11/4708

Naglatha takes Megrim's body to the Temple of Pharasma, and rests there till dawn. She meets Bishopess Keppira d'Bear, who takes one of six diamonds from a velvet drawer and successfully raises Megrim on the altar of Pharasma as the morning sun brightens the eastern sky. Keppira says that it is a good omen.

The group wait until dusk to attempt to infiltrate the Emperor's domain. Durnhelm kills time by rescuing an old man from four street thugs, three are killed. The old man thanks them, happy to see the Law returning to Old Korvosa. They discuss his setting up a neighbourhood watch to protect his street, he seems keen.

Naglatha and Megrim return to Old Korvosa, and rendezvous with the others at Kaz's garret.

XP
Defeat 4 Gray Maidens - 3200
Defeat 18 Old Dock Thugs - 10800
Defeat 3 Old Dock Captains - 3600
Total: 17600/4 = 4400
Rescue Devargo Barvassi: +200
Naglatha swims Narrows of St Alika both ways, has Megrim successfully raised: +300
Audience with Glorio Arkona, Things of Import discussed - +2400
Defeat 4 street thugs & rescue old man - +400

Total: 7700+27611=35311
35,000 for Level 7.
LEVEL 7 REACHED
51,000 for Level 8.