Jump to content
Mike (DM Mykkal)

Horselords I

Recommended Posts

Game summaries:

Quick thoughts, may not be complete sentences.

 

Chapter 1: Blessing of the Harass

 

Summoned from the Sommerwold by Lady Sidonia, band of Horselords relocate to Annakolia at the bidding of the lady.

 

Unconventional training by the Sensei for a number of months.

 

Aruncus loosing her horse, Artemesia, in an untimely and mysterious death.

 

The fallen rider Julian, being put to rest.

 

A mysterious warning in the Raging Boar

 

Supplies from Peregrina; A goblin army amassing in the Bane Mtns.

 

The Horselords learn of their forgotten place in History. [see Game Logs: Horselords: Feb 11, 2007]

 

 

Chapter 2: The Unity of the Harass

 

Reclaiming of their past, finding the book of the Horselords and the Horses Eye from the museum of Ludmilla. Amilia rejoins the group. Sidonia, granting the Longsword of the Horselords to Amilia. [see Game Logs: Horselords: Feb 20, 2007]

 

 

A young Trenton finds his way to the disembarking group. Setting forth to Elomen, lead through the mountains by a weather-worn druid. Safia gifted a special musical instrament. [see Game Logs: Horselords: Feb 25, 2007]

 

 

Shorembo grants the Horselords the gift of a bow to Sunny-- and the ability of speech for Gus. Bjorn stumbles across a golden ring, another horselord artifact. From Shorembo, they learn they must continue to visit the remaining two mages depicted in the tome. [see Game Logs: Horselords: March 4, 2007]

 

 

The Harras sets forth on a ship to Zamboni's island. The ladies of the Harras find their intrigue in the ship's cabin boy may be due to more than his shirtless physique-- his past strikes a remarkable resemblence to that of the Harass. He wears a fine belt crafted in the like of the other artifacts as well. The ship anchors off the banks of Zamboni's Island and the Horselords make their way to his door.

 

Zamboni's frigid welcome was quickly countered by his hot temper. But the Harras persisted-- rolling up their sleeves they tackeled the catacomb in the keep's lower level, found numerous artifacts including a set of Bracer's now held by Jennosa. Zamboni mended the nameless tome, now the Tome of the Horselord, with some suprising changes on the pages.[see Game Logs: Horselords: March 18, 2007]

 

 

A quick ship ride across the lake takes the Horselords to the dwarven city of Durin where they meet the final mage in the series, Krago. Their joyful greetings quickly turns into a challenge as Krago's "home brew" sends them into a dream realm. In the dream they encounter their past and possible future, as well as the shadow of the fallen Horselord, Vedka Dark. Refusing Vedka's assistance they find the stored artifacts and return to the waking world. During their group-dream the riders viewed 1. Their past, batttling the demons, 2. The oathe to the mages that the Horselords will return to aid if need be 3. New life ahead (a foal in a meadow) 4. Death ahead (Kindle's corpse in the midst of ruins) 5. A nameless horse lost in the desert 6. Artemesia and Aruncus reunited 7. A battle with themselves.

 

Chapter 3: For Those Who Came Before

 

Krago explains to the Harras that Vedka Dark fell in the battle with Hell and only his sword was recovered. Like many of the Horselord artifacts from that period, they were hidden across the world in order to hide their power-- "out of sight, out of mind" from the powers of Hell. The Horselords reclaim the items to reclaim their power. Even in Durin, the riders find no peace as orcs raid the gates. With their path back to the ship blocked, Krago pushes the Harras to the back way through the mountain to escape to Elomen. Daglar Stoneblood is appointed by Krago to lead them through the mountain but Daglar shows hesistation, knowing of something that is in there. Their move through the mountain is not a quiet one-- trolls in the cave make for echoes to move down the halls. Points to note: Safia plays a tune on her violin, Bjorn rationalizes their escape through the back, Kindle & Aruncus are separated from the harras, Gus and Trenton lay claim to artifacts-- the Staff of the Horselord and the Hammer of the Horselord. [see Game Logs: Horselords: April 1, 2007]

 

Successfully evading the Balrog of Moria, the Harass emerges from the mines to be greeted by a troup lead by Shorembo (he received word from Krago of the Harass' situation). In party was Aruncus and Kindle, having survived the attack on their ship and making their way to Elomen for safety. Finding rest and much needed supplies, the Harass tells of their premonition while in Durin-- Kindle finds little truth in it and Aruncus becomes tearful and upset. Shorembo's invitation to return with him to Elomen is refused as the Horses Eye has directed them to Tharbad, and a mysterious stranger with a harp. Other points: Daglar gets up on a horse and continues his journey with the riders, as well as Donovan. L'uv reveals he and Sunni are expecting.... a foal. [see Game Logs: Horselords: April 8, 2007]

 

 

The Harass begin their long trek to Tharbad but are rerouted to Pine Ridge Village to aid the call for help. It seems werewolves have attacked the village; Dr. Thadeus Kelmer leads the defensive measures in the village, but a small band of guards lead by the blacksmith have taken off into the woods after the attackers. To ensure the safe return of the guards, the Horselords follow the guards' trail. The guards' battle has not been successfull and the healers are able to revive most of the fallen along the way. As the Harass approaches the final battlefield, Guthlaff sees the visage of Vedka Dark laughing amongst the wolves-- and before Guth could get a second look, the image was gone. The guards were returned to the village to have their bites inspected; The Horselords were treated to a stay at the local inn, with all accomodations being offered (including to their horses!). Points to note: Bjorn says something about dreams, Jennosa examines his developing double chin, Safia knows the eye color of Vedka, and Gus starts looking for a pipe he's never had.

 

The toll of their travels begin to show as the Harras sits around the inn. Troubling dreams keep Safia awake and Guth still finds little comfort from others regarding his sighting of Vedka. Conall calls for a council to discuss the issues at hand but a bard appears to disrupt the meeting. He introduces himself as Canon and expresses interest in the party. Weary of strangers, many in the Harras show hesitation with opening up to the bard. But Safia is charmed by his ways and joins Canon in song, detailing the travels of the Horselords so far. Realizing they are all traveling to Tharbad, Canon turns down an invitation to travel with them as not to further upset the men. But he tells Safia to meet him at the Elven Glass inn when they arrive. Points to note: Aruncus snaps at the group and claims exhaustion from travels.

 

The Harras descend from the Bane Mountains and the woes of the village. During a brief rest of the horses, dark clouds are noted along the northern horizon. Quickly, these clouds overshadow the Horselords. Dark shadows, black sheets of rain, and the elements slow their progress through the meadows. Vedka appears in the flashes of lightning. The storm passes as the Horselords arrive at the Shire. Donovan falls to a sickness associated witht he corruption of the weather and he is taken to the Temple of St. Marcus. The priestess performs what curing she can, but advises the riders to find shelter-- a warm bed and warmer bath-- at the Green Dragon Inn.

 

The males of the Harras opt to ride ahead to scout the way-- rumors of Sharkey hang thick in the Green Dragon Inn. The rumors prove true as the riders enter the Greenway near Sharkey's Mill. An ambush nearly petrifies the Horselords but they overcome to make their way into the mill. Battle continues with the result being a cleared path for the caravan to make its way to Tharbad. The riders end in the Elven Glass Inn in Tharbad. Points to note: The Horselords give Ma Sharkey a thumpin' envoking more of Sharkey's wrath upon them.

 

The bard Canon has made arrangements for the Horselords to meet with the Tharbad Mage Council. The council, curious of the Horselords, put the unwilling riders to a test of intellect and prowess. Continuous insults and degrading behavior from the mages wins no friends from the Harras-- and the game ends in a draw as the squabbling mages fail to win or even notice the leveling of the game board-- during the ruckus, Canon leads the Harras out of the chambers and pilfers the artifacts the mages hold in their possession and gives them to the Horselords. The Horselords make to leave Tharbad with haste.

 

The events of Tharbad spread quickly-- news criers in Bree told the story of the theft being instigated by a bard with no mention of the horselords involvement. Using the opportunity to rest, the Harras meet another bard at the inn, Iasul. Raised on fairytales of such epic warriors, Iasual is drawn to the Harras and is quickly shown their deeds as they turn to aid a kidnapped girl. Ultimately, Vedka was again found to be the source of the strife. Points to note: L'uv proposed to Sunny for marriage and she accepted, Safia shows extreme discomfort when Vedka appears, the Horses Eye calls them now to Lathine.

 

The arrival to Lathine was not to be. Galadriel meets with the Harras in the Dark Forest, along with Krago and Shorembo in camp. An upset Krago informs the Harras the artifacts, once hidden in Lathine, have been moved by Galadriel. Her defense of defending her city does not sit well with Krago. The Harras is again invited to imbibe Krago's brew, and this time they see the Harras the night before the battle of Hell. They learn of Abigails pregnancy-- with a detached Vedka the father. Other Horselords of the past drift through the dream-- Harkstra, Competti, Jargon, and more... and preparing for the battle ahead. The present day Harras awake from the potion's power and face the question-- can they be as unified as they once where?

 

Chapter 4: Memories of the Empty Fields

 

Upon sobering, the Harras is directed by Galadriel to move to the Volcano in the Lathine mountains-- but her warning of caution is given; evil pulses from within drawing all with dark hearts towards it like "a moth to the flame". She also instructed the hidden objects were divided among three chambers the Horselords must seek. Guided by a half-orc selected by Shorembo, Karsk, the Harras journeyed into the mountains and to the opening of the volcano. Galadriel's words proved true as the entire party fell to the band of goblins drawn from Moria. When all seemed at its darkest, light shown from the heavens above-- a familiar face to Amelia saved the Harras-- and as quickly he came, the figure disappeared. Shaken, but persistent, the Harras moved into the belly of the volcano and discovered the first of the chambers claiming several long lost artifacts-- but not the one that drew the evil from afar.

 

Having secured the lost artifacts, the Harras take a moment to regroup and rest beforing exploring the rest of the volcano. Over stewed crab salvaged from the battle, the Horselords discuss the impact of the dreams and artifacts they now possess-- Safia laments over her memories connected with the violin, Jennosa battles with more than the bulge, Bjorn seeks to compromise with... himself, and Guth's language takes a turn for the worse.

 

Leeches, Goblin Hordes, and a band of undead pirates stood in the way of the Harras claiming the remaining Horselord artifacts. Found in the remaining stashes-- a set of rings, musical pipes, heavy armor, and the source of the evil taint-- a corrupted longsword.

 

The Harras returns to Galadriel's camp. Shorembo puts the decision to conintue before Karsk; the half-orc agrees to continue with the Harras. Attentions turn towards the reclaimed sword-- with much concern, Amilia places it into a crate and loads it onto the caravan-- it is too deadly for anyone to hold. The riders then turn to rejoice for the wedding of L'uv and Sunni-- Aruncus performs the ceremony and the newlyweds find refuge in a swanky tent set up for them by Krago. Points to note: Amelia talks to her angel, who happens to be the Horselord Harkstra. Luv and Sunni settle into the honeymoon night along with changes in attitutde (must be the stress of the marriage) and Safia takes cooking lessons from Karsk.

 

The reception is anything but warm as Sunni and Luv join the party. Sunni's fridgid attitude chills the air as she turns her nose up at most every other person there (her throwing her bridal bouquet into the brazier instead of to the guests is just one example) It seems most of the Harras are not themselves and this pushes Aruncus to the brink of tears. Shorembo, Krago, and Galadriel depart in the midst of the reception; the Horses Eye reveals their next destination-- "Alisha". A note left by Krago directs them to Port City. Loading up the corrupted artifact onto the chest, the Harras make their way out of the Dark Forest.

 

Amilia dreams of Harkstra- he warns of Vedka's increasing power and the need to defeat him. He speaks of Amilia's need to focus on the Harras and promote unity. He begins to speak his love of someone different than Abigail.

 

The Harras continue south in the Dark Forest until they come along a corpse of a goblin-- then another, and another. Leaving the caravan in a secure location, the Harras follow the bodies... into an ambush! Goblins, Cave Trolls, and those odd squealy heaps of flesh come at the Harras from all sides. The purpose of the attack quickly reveals itself with a scream from the caravan- it was a diversion. A dash back to the caravan revealed chaos. The wagon was destroyed and all supplies and possessions were gone-- including Vedka's sword! Kindle lay severely wounded and Aruncus was gone-- large human prints lead away from the scene but disappear into nothing-- VEDKA! By chance, the Druid Rose comes across the scene and leads the Harras to nearby Broken Tree, where the doe-eyed dryad tends to Kindle's wounds. Emotional chaos has its hold on the Horselords-- continue to Port City as the Eye instructs, seek the kidnapped Aruncus, or avenge the attack! Maybe the answer to each is the same?

 

Gathered around the remains of the caravan the Harras' frustration sparks aid from the pixies... or maybe it was the Eye... or the book. Regardless of the source, energies came together to reveal an image of Aruncus sprawled on the ground infront of Vedka. Sneering at her, Vedka demands her to sing a "song, taught by your mother." After a failed attempt, she finds one of the new songs Safia sings to fulfill his request. When the viewing ends the Harras continue to Broken Tree to ask further questions of Kindle. Before making it to the inn, they come across a lone merchant traveler in search of Aruncus-- he has been sent by Lady Sidonia to resupply the caravan. No immediate sales were made due to the bitter loss the Horselords have had. The Harras finds Kindle awake at Broken Tree and converse with her before she is lead away by Broken Tree to find more rest. It seems the pesty pixies aren't done with the Horselords-- a swarm surround the Harras and in a fit of pixie magic whisk the riders away from Broken Tree.... to the West Gate of Port City.

 

The West City Gate offered the Horselords a seedier taste of city life-- they learned fights, prostitution, poverty, and gang activity filled the paved streets. Coming to the aid of a young boy, the Harras comes into the midst of a gang war between two factions, the band of East Gate hooligans known as the Wharf Rats, and Manticore-- the organized group of the West Gate. The rescued boys lead the Harras to Konnie, apparently the boys older "Sister" or the like who is selling apples in the crowded PC Market. Her desperation and poverty was obvious as she tried to sell imported apples from her stand. Concerned, Konnie asks the Harras to find the other boys who may be in a mess due to Manticore-- and sure enough, each of the boys had bit off more than they could chew with the rival gang. Leaving the thugs in unconscious piles, the Horselords return the boys to Kon and receive her appreciation. By happenstance, the street wise merchants knows a captain-- and in her appreciation for the Horselords help, runs to ask if the Harras can have passage to their next destination. The Horselords await word east of the river at a hole-in-the-wall bar, The Black Boot.

 

The festivities of the Black Boot pick up with dancing girls coming to stage and the audience getting rowdy. This is no atmosphere for the Horselords, and they quickly leave when Kon gives the word. However, the route to the ship is blocked by Manticore's gang, in search of the Horselord. Sneaking past the thugs is a bust-- a flash of a knife (and a bit of boob) quickly turns into a street brawl. Upon arriving to the ship, Kon introduces Captain Gut Ripper, a nice enough captain who has been helping the Wharf Rats financially. He's a smuggler who has recently lost all his crew. Once aboard and set off to sea, the Harras stumble upon the reason of the Captain crewless state-- the stores below deck are filled with gnomish explosives being transhported to Farwest City. A stormy trip at sea quickly goes calm and with no delay they arrive for a brief stop at Arkham.

 

The ship captain sends the Harras on errands to seek supplies for the ship-- bear meat, cloth, iron, eggs, milk, and peaches. Most supplies are located, though the addition of the cow and chicken to the ship has the captain quite flustered. During shore leave, Jennosa stumbles across a university professor rich in historic knowledge of Horselords and thick in a political battle with a band of Halflings living in the Alishan desert and possibly possessing more of the Horselord Artifacts. Armed with this information, Jennosa approaches Lucious for financial backing when dealing with these cut throat halflings. The ship sets sail to the Farwest City, with a brief distraction by Sharkey's pirates as they sail along the coast.

 

A quick layover at Farwest City turned into a daring prison break as Jennosa is arrested for "smuggling". In the dark cell of Blackstone, Jennosa finds himself next to the bard, Canon, who provided aid earlier on. The Harras move to free Jennosa by various means-- Safia urges the Horselords onto the captains ship to free their friend; Amilia is torn between the need to rush to his side and abide by the laws of the land. Upon landing on the prison isle, the Horselords are met by a corrupt sept of prison guards who agree to "turn their backs for wine, gold, and a snuggle." Lucius hands over 50,000 gold to the warden who quickly attempts to arrest the Horselords for "bribing a guard". As the Harras distracts the guards, Jennosa manages to pick the lock of his and Canon's cell and escape through the battle. Now on Gut Ripper's ship again, the Harras sail to thier destination-- the Desert of Alisha.

 

 

Chapter 5: The Might of the Harras

 

On the ship off the shore of Alisha, Canon and the captain say their farewell's to the Harras. Carefully making their way to shore on row boats, the Horselords land safely on the Alishan beach, sand continues for as far as the eye can see. A worn path leads the party North to a small settlement filled with commoners and strange beasts called "camels". A commoner, Thuvia Slyfoot, meets the riders and orients them to the ways of the desert. The Horselords learn that the group from the univeristy had arrived and traveled to the east; The Thistlefoots-- who Jennosa now believes to hold more artifacts, are to the West. Deciding that what the Thistlefoots hold is more likely the route to rescue Aruncus, they make their way West through the blowing sands and the scorching heat. Other people's memories begin to swim thick in their heads.

 

With clouded minds and the thoughts of others impeding their travels, the Harras follows Thuvia through the desert, back tracking on themselves several times as they navigate the sands. By chance, they stumble across the Thistlefoot tribe. The shaman Krinni offers a premonition of "old blood has come home", "death is in your past and future" and other ominous viewings before passing out onto the sands. The good natured chief of the Thistlefoots (Thistlefeet) great the Horselords and turns over another Artifact at the command ot the channeling Krinni. At this time, the nameless horse appears in the distance and leads the Harras eastwardly into the sands of Osiris where, as fate would have it, Marra enters labor to birth her foal.

 

The birth is complicated-- the umbilical cord wraps around the foal neck and memories fog Sunni's mind as she aids Marra. In fact, memories cloud all of the Harras as the assist the birth. But the sands of Osiris do not leave them in peace-- wind and sand whips at the Horselords and the earth trembles with the approach of giant sandworms. As chaos swirls in the air, the birth is sucessful and as the blood spills onto the dry earth, the riders are transported in a blink of an eye to a tranquil, peaceful spot. Surrounding them they find their memories, Riders of the Past-- Harkstra, Abigail, Greggorian... all of them... watching the Harras with intent. The riders of the past explaing the situation: TWO Horselords must be rescued from the Dark Shadow (Hell). Aruncus, who is held by Vedka Dark. And Vedka Dark himself, as Helsa snips, NO riders is to be left without proper burial. But it is complicated-- to defeat Vedka he must be whole and to be whole he must have his blood taken from a relative. And now, that relative is in his possession-- Aruncus is his distant granddaughter. With the information reveal, the memories depart and a portal leads the Harras back to where they began in Lady Sidonia's courtyard. Feelings are mixed-- spirits should be high in order to celebrate the birth of the foal, the gaining of more to the Harras (Lucius, Thuvia and Daglar), and the return home. But how can one celebrate when a battle with Hell is in your immediate future?

 

The Harras is summoned to Lady Sidonia's quarters, "One can not defeat the dark powers of Hell; but one can survive a battle with a clear mission in mind." was Lady Sidonia's word to them. She clarified their mission-- to rescue the one close to their heart, Aruncus, and to rescue Vedka, though they would rather not. Lucius distributed provisions for the journey. In a pleasant suprise, Kindle was present. "All of the Harras is required" said Sidonia. The Horselords begin their westward travel to the opening of Hell, said to be in the Bane Mountains. In the foothills, Aruncus returns, though a dark imitation of herself. She offers a warning to the riders and then disappears. The Horselords continue west to between the northern peaks of the Bane Mountains. Again, Aruncus meets them but her message this time is mixed with fighting words. She leads an onslaught of Mordor Orcs and Moria Goblin Archers against the Harras. Her dark song rings through the air as she brings the forces of Hell against her comrades. Their battle is both physical and emotional as the Riders must fight against their friend. Fortold by a dream during the journey, Guthlaf steps forward, heavy of heart, knowing what must be done. In a team effort, Aruncus is turned to stone and shattered, releasing the dark shadow tainting her. As her blood spills to the earth, Vedka emerges, powerful and cruel. His attention is turned to the Horselords and he overlooks the flaw in his plan-- his mortality. The spilling of Aruncus' blood may make him more powerful, but he is now susceptible to the Rider's swords. In the final rounds of the battle, Vedka falls to the snow and his remains are collected by Safia. The soul of Aruncus does not wander far from her body and she is ressurected by a Healing hand. Weak and disoriented, she rejoins the Harras and is carried off to the Amberflame Caslte. Sidonia awaits with a funeral pyre and Safia gently lays Vedka's remains to rest, guiding his soul to the heavens beyond.

 

GAME ENDS.

  • Upvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.