Rookroost Recap 12th of Fireseek, CY 625 (01-25-2025)

We then made our way to Western Leering Keep, hoping to strike a blow against Iuz’s forces. A quick scout revealed it to be far too well-defended. Demons mingled with orcs, and a strange, imposing knight patrolled the ramparts. Clearly, an assault would be suicidal.

Our next target was Splinter Keep, where we hoped to find elven allies and perhaps secure reinforcements for a future assault on Western Leering. But Splinter Keep, too, proved impenetrable. We were forced to retreat, and in the chaos, Yasha fell. We managed to recover her body, thank the gods, but the loss weighed heavily on our hearts.

Desperate to bring Yasha back, we traveled two weeks to the Cold Marshes and sought out the Necromongers. Thol Mak, their leader, offered us a grim bargain: resurrection in exchange for retrieving an artifact from Rift Canyon. He spoke of the artifact, how it had mysteriously emerged from the earth, attracting the attention of numerous factions. No one knew its purpose or how it came to be unearthed, but everyone seemed to want it.

Now, our course is set. We must clear Western Keep, free our comrades held captive within its walls, and secure the mines. Rumors abound that the mines are not just a source of ore, but a gateway to something more, something connected to the artifact in Rift Canyon. The threads of fate are drawing us deeper into this conflict, and we must be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Altan- Wolf Sentinel

Rookroost Recap 28th of Sunsebb, CY 624 (12-28-2024)

Our camp was nestled amongst the snow-laden pines, a temporary respite in our march towards Central Keep. As we huddled around the fire, sharing stories and tending to our weapons, a figure emerged from the swirling snowflakes. A halfling bard, no less, with a lute slung across his back and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. PsyBorn Yin-Salvalore, he introduced himself, a chronicler of tales and seeker of adventure. He claimed to be on the trail of the legendary Gem Dragonborn, Fiodar “Fedar” Osmanivič Mikhailcki. Fiodar, of course, was puffed up with pride, basking in the attention. The prospect of having his heroic deeds immortalized in song and verse was too much for him to resist.

With our newfound companion in tow, we pressed on towards Central Keep. The battle was fierce, orcs and goblins swarming from every corner. But we fought with the fury of the storm, our blades cutting through the enemy ranks like a blizzard through a dry forest. Some of the orcs managed to escape on their dire wolf mounts, no doubt carrying news of our attack to the other keeps and Riftcrag.

We claimed victory, but knew we couldn’t hold the keep alone. We sent word to the elves of Tanglewood, seeking their aid. They responded swiftly, offering to defend the keep until reinforcements from our Wolf Nomad brethren could arrive. This keep, a strategic linchpin in the region, would serve as a vital bastion against the forces of Iuz. If we could seize control of all the keeps, we could cripple his supply lines and disrupt his operations in the nearby mines.

The war against Iuz was far from over, but this victory was a crucial step forward. With the elves at our side and the wind at our backs, we were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Rookroost Recap 19th of Sunsebb, CY 624 (12-14-2024)

19th of Sunsebb, CY 624:

Rookroost was abuzz with activity, even as the year drew to a close. We spent the day preparing for our mission, stocking up on supplies and magical gear at the Griphon’s Emporium. In the evening, we met with Seraphina, a striking Yuan-ti woman with an air of authority, at a dimly lit tavern. She was eager for an update on our progress and listened intently as we shared our findings about Rookroost’s trade with Iuz and the growing concerns about smuggling and tax evasion. Fiodar, unfortunately, had indulged in a bit too much ale and struggled to keep up with the conversation, much to our amusement.

Seraphina then entrusted us with a new task: delivering three wagonloads of cargo to Riftcrag. She provided us with hats of disguise, instructing us to adopt the guise of orcs or half-orcs for the mission. We were warned not to open the cargo under any circumstances and to eliminate anyone who attempted to inspect it. Once the delivery was complete, we were to leave Riftcrag immediately.

We met the caravan at the southern gate the following morning, and our journey to Riftcrag commenced. The trip took seven and a half days, and we encountered some resistance from guards at the gate who were keen to inspect our cargo. However, with a bit of intimidation and our convincing disguises, we managed to deter them. Upon arriving in Riftcrag, we sought directions to the warehouse from a local guard and delivered the goods without further incident. As we departed, we heard a chilling voice emanating from near the cargo, uttering the words “I hunger.” Another voice, distinct from the first, responded with a hint of concern, “So, now we are working with demons?”

27th of Sunsebb

We left Riftcrag immediately, heading towards Central Keep, which was a day’s travel away. As we journeyed, the wagon drivers suddenly unhitched their horses and rode off towards the Tangles Forest, leaving us to continue on our own. We made camp about ten miles from Central Keep, our minds filled with questions about the mysterious cargo and the unsettling voices we had overheard.

Rookroost Recap 6th of Sunsebb, CY 624 (12-08-2024)

6th of Sunsebb, CY 624:

Rookroost. A city of whispers and shadows, even in the waning days of the year. We were there, taking a well-deserved rest when Calemund, that sly fox of a merchant, approached us with a proposition. He needed an escort to Wheatfield, he claimed. But Calemund, an old friend with a knack for intrigue, always has a hidden agenda. Turned out, he was after a valuable magic item held by the Agile Hand’s guild. The reward promised was more than generous, and the thrill of the challenge was enough to lure us in.

7th of Sunsebb:

We set off with Calemund, our senses alert as we journeyed for 5 days towards Wheatfield. The roads were quiet, but a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. We knew this was no ordinary escort mission.

12th of Sunsebb:

Wheatfield. A city ripe with opportunity, and in our case, danger. We wasted no time delving into its underbelly, seeking information on the Agile Hand. We learned of Elix, a key figure in their ranks, the keeper of the key to their guildhouse. Yasha, with her strategic mind, formulated a plan. As darkness enveloped the city, she took her position on a rooftop, her bow a silent instrument of fate. Elix, oblivious to the impending doom, walked into her sights. Yasha’s arrows found their mark, swift and silent. We ensured his body disappeared into the night, leaving no trace of our involvement.

With the key in our possession, we focused on locating the stolen treasure – the Portrait of Cognoscenti Esoterica. Yasha, attuned to the magical currents, cast a spell to pinpoint its location. It was hidden within the guildhouse, on the top floor.

Under the cloak of darkness, we infiltrated the guildhouse. Fiodar, with his characteristic lack of finesse, triggered a trap, unleashing a wave of noxious fumes. I thought my lungs would give out! But we pressed on, reaching the top floor where the painting was concealed. Another trap awaited us, but we overcame it, escaping with the prize. We rendezvoused with Calemund, handing over the painting and completing the first part of our mission.

13th – 18th of Sunsebb:

With the painting secured, we journeyed back to Rookroost alongside Calemund. Upon our arrival, we met with Brother Alexander Engel, a trusted ally and friend. Alexander, true to his word, rewarded us handsomely for our services. He then revealed the true purpose of the painting, explaining how it held secrets that could expose the corruption of Lord Mortoth, a prominent figure in Rookroost. Alexander spoke of a hidden struggle for power, a shadow war threatening to consume the city.

With our pockets full of coin and a newfound sense of purpose, we turned our attention to a greater threat – the forces of Iuz. Alexander had a plan, a daring strike against five keeps and a mine near Rift Canyon. It was a dangerous undertaking, but we were ready to answer the call. After all, what good is wealth if not used to combat the forces of darkness?

And so, we stand ready on the precipice of a new adventure, our blades sharpened and our spirits high. The fight against Iuz awaits, and we shall meet it head-on.