Back at home, Tienarth’s Raiders began to notice an influx of refugees coming from the east. Slateholm had recently imposed increasing taxes on citizens encouraging many of them to flee for the wild lands. Jerker wanted Benabil to identify a ring he took from the giants, so they began walking to Slateholm, but turned around after hearing about the trouble there. Many businesses and farms were abandoned, and they wondered bout Benabil. They returned to the homestead to scry him with the mirror. They could see him in his bare shop along with his wife and assistant.
Rescuing Benabil
Once again, they traveled to Slateholm, this time entering the city while taking care not to confront red jacket rangers who were rumored to be taking slaves. They found Benabil readying leaving himself. All of his stock and capital was taking by the empire. Although it took some convincing, the halfling agreed to come with the party back St. Orlan. No real market for magical oddities existed in St. Orlan, but having access to Benabil’s services accessible was worth taking care of him and his family. He agreed to live in a deluxe tent set next to the small house. He was tasked with caring for the flock of sheep and analyzing magical items.
Jerker found his buddy, Leveret, with whom he’d traveled to Tosasth the year before. His friend agreed to leave his post as a town guard and being guarding the homestead for 10 gp/month. His skills as a cook were also appreciated. Jerker set him up with good gear and his own tent.
Ollie buried 1,500 gp somewhere and tried to commit the location to memory. Ferris brewed potions, wrapping up on the 25th of the month of Fire. Tienarth had just finished his new wand a few days before. He then got busy enchanting Ferris’s dragonhide armor. Jerker found himself donating blankets to refugees and bringing goat meat to his mother. His father had not yet finished the plate armor.
To the Tower
On the 4th day of the 9th month (Snake), they headed for the ruined tower. On the way, they spotted a column of goblins slinking across a ridge and then enter a cave. They made a note of the location, easily spotted from the road, and agreed to return later. By sundown, they reached the tower and retired. Ollie took first watch.
Presently, five skeletal warriors came rushing at the tower. Ollie gave a shout to wake the others as the skeletons closed the gap and were among them. Tienarth immediately cast a haste spell, and they all benefited from an aura of protection surrounding Nate. Though much tougher and faster than ordinary skeletons, they fell quickly to many sword blows.
The spent the rest of the night with no interruption.
End Notes
- Treasure: none
- Combat – 6 Haunted Bones – 725 xp
- Characters 121 xp
- Ferris 133 xp
- Ferris’ Dogs
- Jerker (fight) 134 xp
- Nate (fight) 134 xp
- Ollie (fight) 122 xp
- Tienarth (no combat) 122 xp