QUEST: Shrine of the Emperor of Bones (Friday 11th Feb 00:00 Pacific / 03:00 Eastern / 08:00 UK / 12:00 Georgia / 18:00 Brisbane / 19:00 Sydney) - FULL

Thyra is new in town and is looking to investigate the grandly named, ramshackle shrine that has stood abandoned for some time now. Rumour says the previous owner was a promising noble who dabbled in necromancy and accidentally killed himself and his devout followers. Ulman Dark  is offering 3 potion of healings, 3 potions of necrotic resistance, and six scrolls from his collection to the group that can venture into the shrine and recover any of the self-proclaimed 'Emperor of Bones' notes on the spell that ultimately proved his undoing. The shrine is said to be located south of Hope. Player Character Detail Party Role PP/Surv Paid Soap Thyra Level 1 Human Blood Hunter DPS, Smarts, Healthy interest in "monsters" 14 / +2 untrained Y Ayla Sofia Level 3 Dhampir Oath of Vengeance Paladin Tank, Balls of Steel, Badass, Questionable dining/interrogation techniques 10 / 0 untrained Y Catthulhu Bellas Emberkeep Level 2 Firbolg Twilight Domain Cleric Support, Utility, Questionable Chef 17 / +5 Trained Y Devo10 Snax Lvl 2 Kobold Storm Sorcerer Dragon in Disguise, Bug Zapper,  11 / +1 untrained Y Mad Jack Ryck Ashtley Lvl 1 Bard, Lvl 1 Rogue Tabaxi Never gonna give you up 12 / +1 untrained n Dash Rufus Level 1 Tinker Gnome Wizard Big hat, ponderer of orbs 10 / +0 untrained Y Joe Madagantos Level 1 Dragonborn Barbarian Tank, Big Hammer, Rage 12 / +2 Trained Y Great chance for low level characters to head out and poke around - what cold possibly go wrong? In game Date : 14th Uktar IRL Date:  Friday 11th Feb 00:00 Pacific / 03:00 Eastern / 08:00 UK / 12:00 Georgia / 18:00 Brisbane / 19:00 Sydney (PROPOSED)

This could be of interest to Invictus Sanctimonious Lautanus. Player Character Detail Party Role PP/Surv Paid The Magus Invictus Level 2 Triton Paladin Tank,  First Respoder, Righteousess 11 / +3 trained n

I'll sign up interest but I'll only have a level 3 character available. I don't want to unbalance the parties XP 

Ayla D. said: I'll sign up interest but I'll only have a level 3 character available. I don't want to unbalance the parties XP  I wouldn't be too worried about that... more a case of just having quests available and going ahead IMO

Bellas would be interested, pending any potential conflicts with a TBD Winter's Daughter II. Player Character Detail Party Role PP/Surv Paid Catthulhu Bellas Emberkeep Level 2 Firbolg Twilight Domain Cleric Support, Utility, Questionable Chef 17 / +5 Trained n

SoapBar said: Ayla D. said: I'll sign up interest but I'll only have a level 3 character available. I don't want to unbalance the parties XP  I wouldn't be too worried about that... more a case of just having quests available and going ahead IMO In that case all sign up Sofia my level 3 Dhampir Oath of Venegance Paladin 

Snax can go, would prefer the late day game slot, but I can do one early game per week. Devo10 Snax Lvl 2 Kobold Storm Sorcerer Dragon in Disguise, Bug Zapper,  11/+1 Untrained

I'm interested if the time and day works Mad Jack/Jonathan Ryck Ashtley Lvl 1 Rogue, lvl 1 bard Tabaxi Support 12/+1 Untrained

OK, I think we have enough interest. So now let's look at booking at date/time... I'm going to propose Friday 11th Feb in the "early" slot but can you reply to confirm if this works or not? If it doesn't can you confirm if you're available for any "early" slots or if you can only do "late" slots? Early slot: Friday 11th Feb 00:00 Pacific / 03:00 Eastern / 08:00 UK / 12:00 Georgia / 18:00 Brisbane / 19:00 Sydney

Can't do Fridays evenings, Invictus will have to sit this one out I'm afraid.

I think I might tag Rufus along to this for his first outing if it's an early slot.. Miles Rufus Lvl 1 Tinker Gnome Wizard (LevelUp 5e) Big Hat, Ponderer of Orbs 10 / +0 untrained early n

Works for me /Mad Jack

Since Bellas recently advanced to level 3 I'd be willing to give up the slot to a lower level character if anyone is interested. It would cut down on the xp sponging but the party may appreciate the extra healing spell slots if he stays. Just give me a heads up.

Catthulhu said: Since Bellas recently advanced to level 3 I'd be willing to give up the slot to a lower level character if anyone is interested. It would cut down on the xp sponging but the party may appreciate the extra healing spell slots if he stays. Just give me a heads up. From my point of view, I prefer having players/characters who want to be there - not overly fussed about XP tbh :)

Screw work, I am going to try and make this! (if there is a spare slot) Player Character Detail Party Role PP/Surv Paid Joe Madagantos Level 1 Dragonborn Barb Tank, Big Hammer, Rage 12 / +2 Trained

Joe W said: Screw work, I am going to try and make this! (if there is a spare slot) Player Character Detail Party Role PP/Surv Paid Joe Madagantos Level 1 Dragonborn Barb Tank, Big Hammer, Rage 12 / +2 Trained Hell yeah!

Paid 

Paid

Paid

Paid

Paid

Paid

Rufus sits alone at a table in the Stuck Pig, staring intently into his Orb. The shiny surface swirls, as a bird's eye view of Hope appears, before panning down to a group of adventurers, zooming to each individually. Firstly the pale Sofia , who suddenly bares her teeth, long, sharp canines dripping with blood. Then to the cynical Thyra , staring intently with disapproval at Sofia.  Next, the orb darkens, and the Firbolg Bellas  becomes illuminated in the darkness, while the Kobold Snax  crackles with electricity behind him. Flames fill the orb, before zooming out to reveal the Dragonborn warrior Madagantos  breathing fire. Finally, the majestic form of the Gnome  Rufus  appears, standing gracefully atop his staff and smoking his pipe, where the smoke forms an illusory dragon that circles him- and while short, he somehow towers above the rest of his companions. Rufus , back in the Stuck Pig, is engrossed in this scene with a smug smile on his face, when suddenly he yelps as the orb fills with the portrait of the Tabaxi Ryck Ashtley , his dreadful song bellowing out from the orb, causing the rest of the bar's patrons to look with confusion at Rufus , who slaps the orb in annoyance. The image swirls, and the scene of a campsite appears, Rufus and Thyra  are in discussion, Thyra  maniacally pointing at her teeth and making biting motions, when suddenly an enormous bear attacks. Rufus  holds the bear off with only his quarterstaff while the others awaken, and slaughter the poor creature from behind. The image swirls again, and Rufus  is now triumphantly riding a small bear out of a cavemouth while the others weep in awe. The orb fills with smoke before showing the campsite again- this time a giant snake is stalking the group. Before it has time to strike, Rufus hoists two bear cubs atop his shoulders and takes them to safety, trusting in his companions to deal with the threat. They barely survive, but see the deed done. The orb spins to reveal the group somehow in a new location- the Shrine of the Emperor of Bones. Smashing down obstacles and disabling magical traps, they finally come to their foe - the Emperor of Bones, and his army of undead. His magical prowess is apparent as he immediately puts Thyra and Ryck Ashtley to sleep, while Madagantos  is completely immobilized by his magicks. The Emperor stares down Rufus , clearly thinking he has the upper hand, and summons a paltry fog cloud over the Gnome. Rufus'  laughter is heard from within the cloud, as he retaliates with a bigger, better fog cloud, which completely fills the view of the orb. Seconds later, the fog dissipates, and Rufus  stands atop a mountain of bones, before descending to wake his friends. It was done. The orb returns to it's natural sheen, and Rufus  sighs with satisfaction in the Stuck Pig. He does love his orb.

Glorious haha

Dear Sir, I write to report on my initial progress. I have arrived in Hope and rumours swirl everywhere of adventures and evils... Many here already have a "reputation" and so it was that I managed to join a group while tracking a possible target. I fear there is potentially more work here than even the city I have had to leave! The party seems earnest enough for the most part. There is a calm Firbolg by the name of Bellas tasked with our navigation, they are aided by an impressive Dragonborn called Madagantos . I will watch for any sign of chromatic taint but they appear friendly enough for now. Snax is an excitable Kobold who appears to have issue with a blue dragon although it's unclear if this is from a moral or "competitive" stance. There is a delightful gnome chap called Rufus who I may try to build a relationship with. I know we've worked with some of the tinkerers in the past and I feel he might be able to help with equipment out here. There's also a Tabaxi called Ryck Ashtley who I'm sure I remember Mother talking about, he seems to have washed up here too. Then there is my first potential target here, a rather fearsome individual called Sofia . There's something about her pale skin and eyes that remind me of the vampires we have battled. I've not managed to get a good look at her teeth so far but something is a little off.  Further developments. I have recruited the eccentric Rufus to our cause. I fear his mind may be slightly addled by all his "orb pondering" but he did at least seem to understand to keep an eye on Sofia (and check her teeth if an opportunity should arise). Although that said, she seems pleasant and sociable so far and is very convincing in her faith.  Attacked during the night! A large bear stumbled into the camp and attacked poor Bellas when the Firbolg tried to soothe it. A mighty blow from Madagantos felled the creature but it was the swift response of Sofia that startled me somewhat as she healed Bellas and didn't seem interested in his blood. As we dusted ourselves off, we heard the cry of cubs in the distance. It seems we've now adopted two (admittedly adorable) bear cubs. I wonder if they could be trained to aid us in our fight against evil? (I don't know how someone might go about that... Mother had her dogs of course but I don't know if these could be trained in the same manner?) Another day travelling and we seem to have gotten turned around as we ended up by the sea. Sofia has joked about enjoying garlic and I find myself beginning to feel my earlier thoughts were misguided. While it is clear she is not human, she does not seem possessed of any evil intent thus far. However, I had bigger issues to concern myself with as that evening, I was crushed by a giant snake that ambushed us in the night (I miss the city!). I came back to consciousness thanks to the healing words of Ryck Ashtley (although it is small compensation for having that infernal song stuck in my head!) before we managed to slay the thing. A further update. We have found the Shrine of the Emperor of Bones. Navigating the pitch black tomb was made much easier thanks to the magic of Bellas who granted us the ability to see in the dark (a handy trick that I'll try to learn!). As we proceeded, we were immediately confronted by a giant, undead owlbear. Ryck Ashtley darted forward quickly and I headed to try and protect him but the monster shrugged off my attempt to bind it. Fortunately, Sofia charged it head on and a divine presence smote the thing. Rushing to aid her, Madagantos and I slashed and stabbed at it while Rufus and Snax pelted it with arcane projectiles. We managed to take it down eventually but not before it had rendered Sofia unconscious and taken a nasty bite out of me too. By this point, I was barely held together by the divine power of Bellas but we pushed on into the tomb. Ryck Ashtley was hammered by an arcane trap but otherwise, we found our way to a large room where the Emperor of Bones waited... I confess I don't remember much of the following fight. There was a burst of fog around us and the next thing I know, dear Rufus was waking me up. As I charged out to face the skeletal foe, I was overcome by fatigue again. Once more, I was awoken by Rufus (who seemed a little more irritable this time) before I managed to close the ground on the Emperor where I joined a bloody and battered looking Madagantos , brave Sofia , and earnest Bellas in managing to batter the Emperor to the ground while Snax and Rufus assaulted him with their arcane powers. And so, we return to Hope with the documents Ulman Dark requested. The good news is that there appears to be no ill effects from my incident at home. Also, I think I can  safely cross Sofia off of my list of potential targets... Your faithful daughter, Thyra

Dear Mother, My first adventure in the frontier was a bit of a mixed bag. I dishonoured our family through my brutish hammering! But not too long after I believe I rehonoured us through my brutish hammering, so make of that what you will. I ventured out with several curious companions Sofia who for a human had very pointy teeth, Rufus a small creature with a pointy hat and an intimate relationship with his “orb”, Thyra a sinister huntress who seemed to have some unusual interest in Sofia, Bellas Emberkeep a tall fellow and a dab cook too (although no competition for you), a celebrity the famous Ryck Ashtley on the hunt for another hit (not sure why he’d bother) and most curious of all a small blue dragon cousin Snax…. We set out south on the hunt for the Shrine of the Emperor of Bones, apparently, some Necromancer wants to discover some of this “emperor’s” research. We camped for the evening only to be set upon by a bear! To my shame, we attacked the creature and I landed the killing blow. Worse still the poor mother had bear cubs crying nearby! We resolved to take the cubs back to Hope and train them, Rufus seemed quite intent on Riding them… I had the chance to speak to Snax after this. Apparently, he knows of another Dragon other than the hated Zundadaerth! Can you imagine? Two Blue Dragon heads! We would be truly blessed. I will see what more I can learn. Unfortunately, Bellas gave me navigating duty and well, let us say my survival skills require some work. We ended up by the coast, even further from the Shrine than before. We were forced to camp for the night yet again only for Thyra and Rufus to be beset by a Giant Snake! Fortunately, I was on hand with my maul to lay the beast low. The day after, we reached the tomb. Down we descended into the depths. No sooner had we reached the antechamber than we struck upon a mighty owlbear! Something was amiss, clearly, it had been animated by the foul magics of the Bone Emperor. We fought fiercely! Sofia sliced the beast apart with the divine magic, quite remarkable! Eventually, after Ryck was nearly obliterated by a magic missile trap, we found the Emperor’s Shrine. There he stood silent and foreboding surrounded by his skeletal minions. He was fiendish combatant, trapping us in a fog cloud and magically putting our companions to sleep! I managed to charge through the cloud only to be paralyzed by a sinister holding spell! Motionless I was at the mercy of his bone servants. They stabbed and they clawed at me, it was a miracle I survived, mainly thanks to the healing magic of Bellas and Ryck. Eventually, I was able to break free of the spell and despite my injuries, we were able to crush the bastard and his skeleton minions! We were fortunate to recover the Emperor’s and we returned to Hope victorious. My next adventure is to the network of Caves in the Ettinheights! It is my great hope that I will bring you yet more tidings of honour for our tribe. Lots of Love Your Little Maddy