Gygax & Greyhawk Session #6 - Off the Mountain

DRAMATIS PERSONAE:

Ranzel of the Wood (Human Ranger 1)
Solcha (Elf Fighter 1 / Magic User 1)
Skeff Hawkridge (Half Elf Druid 1 / Thief 1) 
Goro (Half Orc Cleric 1 / Fighter 1)

Balthus (Human Fighter 1)  

Date/Time

Planting 4 - midday to Planting 5 - midday 

The party takes the bypassed branch and soon come to another intersection with 5 paths radiating from it. A crude abatis of brush blocks the two furthest paths, and a pair of frog-like humanoids guard it. There is also a crude wooden cage containing a giant lizard.  The party tries parley, but no one speaks bullywug and the dim creatures understand nothing else. Sign language and gesture leads to misunderstanding, and a battle begins. The bullywugs release the lizard from the cage, but it turns on them before running off into the swamp. Soon the pair of foes are dead and their heads placed on poles to scare any others. Footprints in the mud suggest two types of bullywugs are around, one larger or heavier than the others. 

Taking the path leading towards the plains, the party in ambushed by bullywugs who are dispatched as per the previous attack. The trail eventually leads to a thick entangled wood where the river reforms, and beyond which lies the plain.  It appear difficult to pass through, so the party opts to head for the nearby ridgeline where a path can be seen. After climbing nearly to the top, they note a cave and hear shouting in crude orcish. Five orcs emerge into the sunlight and reluctantly attack; three are killed and two surrender. Questioned by the party they reveal that a massive gnoll lives in the cave and had kept them in thrall. Releasing their captives, the party tries a bold approach with the cave, but Goro ends up with three arrows in his chest. They then opt to descend off the ridge for the night, and return fully rested the next morning to deal with the gnoll. Which they do quite easily this time, and recover a bit of treasure in return. 

The party descends onto the gently rolling plain, finally leaving the mountainside behind. They follow the river towards the sparkling lake and island, looking for signs of civilization along the way. The reach the edge of the lake and note riders coming from the east, leading a bound man on foot. They stop at the edge of the lake nearest the island and call out. After some time they receive a reply or sign, and ford across to the island. They return after a while, and release the man on foot, directing him towards the mountains before riding off.  The party waits for the man to get closer and then waylays him. They learn his name is Ritik of the Kharon tribe, and he is a horse-thief. He was brought here by his tribe to be judged by their shaman Arn Flowmane on the sacred Isle of the Serpent. He opted not to fight the Serpent as his punishment and redemption, but rather elected to try his fate on Hardway Mountain to search for the great "Eye of the Serpent" that legend says is found there. If successful, his shame will be erased and his crimes forgiven. The party gives him a few helpful items and advice before sending him on his way ...

GAINS

12gp

Crude Gold Jewelry  [50gp]

Electrum headband [25gp]

Golden earing with malachite gem  [50gp]

Tourmaline Hat Pin [250gp] 

KILLS/VICTORIES

5 Bullywugs

3 Orcs

1 Gnoll

LOSSES

none