Beast Folio Vol. 2 Released

     Beast Folio Vol. 2 released on RPGNow. It is a pay what you want and includes four monster from my blog. Monsters included are the Cinder Hag, Gula, Observer Orb, and Radiation Zombie. Also has an appendix for simple radiation damage rules. Any money I make on the pdf goes towards new artwork.

     I'm hoping once I have enough material I'll get someone to do a proper edit, reformat the monsters with a legit desktop publisher program and produce an A5 hardcover that runs anywhere from 60 to 72 pages long with 30 plus monster collected. I thank everyone who has contributed to the project and has provided comments.

Beast Folio Vol. 1

Beast Folio Vol. 2

2015 Year in Review

2015 Year in Review

I started this blog in 2014 with the concept that I would highlight and talk about D&D creatures. In February of 2015 the blog slowly began to transform somewhat into a content blog. Instead of talking about published creatures I would turn my notes into content. The focus has always been on OSR D&D since that is what I enjoy the most. Looking back on the past 11 months has been gratifying. I feel my amateur writing skills have improved and I have received positive feedback on my work.

Looking forward to 2016 and producing more content. The goal is have enough material so I can compile it into pdfs and print on demand books. Listed below are links to the 3 indexes on my blog. Each index has a plethora of content.

Random Encounter Index

• 400 Hundred Random Mundane Items
• 42 Random Dungeon Rooms
• 12 Adventure Sites
• 20 plus Adventure Seeds/Ideas
• Random Wilderness, Sewer, and Urban Encounters
• 20 Random Curses
• 6 Dungeon Hazard
• Dungeon Graffiti Generator
• 20 Random Rumors
• 12 Strange Occurrences

New Monster Index

• 8 New Monsters (with original art)
• 80 Variant Undead
• Variant Killer Bees

New Magic Item Index

• 3 Magic Weapons (with original art)
• 5 Potions (with original art)
• 35 Magical Trinkets

2016 Goals

In 2016 my focus is on 4 to 8 blog post a month. At least one new monster with original art, more mundane items, get my random dungeon room series up to 100 individual rooms, finish the final four undead in the variant series, and whatever else suits my fancy at the moment. My end goal is hopefully a print on demand books for treasures, new monsters, and a random dungeon room book. May take a year or two but slowly chipping away. If you enjoy my blog consider subscribing or following me on google plus.

Lost Mine of Phandelver Complete

In June I finished up running Lost Mine of Phandelver for D&D 5th Edition. One of the players in the game was kind enough to write a session recap of each game. They are scattered throughout my blog and I thought I'd compile all the links for those interested in reading through the campaign. The campaign was ran on Roll20 and each session was roughly 3 hours long. This was my second campaign this year. I ran a 9 session AD&D 2E game earlier. I am hoping to run a Labyrinth Lord or Swords & Wizardry sandbox in the fall.

Here my random thoughts on the 5E/Lost Mine of Phandelver.

-Lost Mine of Phandelver is a very good adventure. I enjoyed running it and would recommend anyone wanting to start a 5E game to give it a go. The adventure has a main linear storyline with a few sandbox options. My group follow the main path and didn't do any of the side-adventures. They had the choice to do so but decided to focus on the main plot.

-I prefer running OSR Games since they are less codified in their rules. I found 5E to be a medium crunch game. Not as complex as 3.X/PF/4E but not as simple as OSR games. The main mechanics are straight forward though. Players get a lot of character options and it requires you to keep close track of them.

-I found Inspiration to be a throwaway mechanic. With my focus on the adventure and keeping track of everything I completely forgot to give out Inspiration. I only give it out once when I remembered. It didn't hinder the game but I found it to be unnecessary.

-The Advantage/Disadvantage mechanic was interesting and comes into play a lot. I didn't think I would like it but it did grow on me.

-I found monster mechanics to be relatively boring. Having ran a few Pathfinder campaigns I felt 3.X monster mechanics were more interesting. I replaced a few of the monster with more flavorful creatures from 5th Edition Foes by Frog God Games.

-I don't go out of my way to kill players but I don't mind a few casualties here and there. 5E is very generous with hit points, recovery, and death. The death saving throw mechanic is interesting but I prefer negative hit points and bleeding out. We did have one PC death though. Our cleric made some poor tactical decisions.

-Overall I think 5th Edition is a well designed game. I enjoyed running it. One of the players has decided to run Princes of the Apocalypse and I'm actually getting a chance to play a 1/2 Orc Barbarian. Also playing dwarven cleric in a AD&D 2E Game(DM is running the Saltmarsh series). I usually DM so actually playing in a couple of campaigns is a nice change of pace.

Links to all the Session Recaps

Session 1             Session 2

Session 3             Session 4

Session 5             Session 6

Session 7             Session 8

Session 9             Session 10

Session 10: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 10 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
This session is the finale of the campaign. After 3 months of play we complete Lost Mine of Phandelver.

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 4th Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 4th Level Mountain Dwarf Cleric
Neurion: 4th Level Wood Elf Monk
Daeris: 4th level High Elf Wizard

Recap written by Chris

Session 10 – The Black Spider

Battered, bloody and exhausted from the long hours of exploring Wave Echo Cave the weary adventurers knew not what else lay before them.Having hardly found signs of the elusive Black Spider they wondered if he or she even existed.After barricading themselves and setting watch they settled down to recoup as much strength as possible before what they hoped would be their final push through the cave.Although they all rested with unease they did so without incident.Gathering their belongings they opened the door to old cellar cautiously.As they filed out of the room Nestor called forth the light in Lightbringer lightly showering the corridors before them with a soft glow chasing the shadows back.

Heading back to where they had come across the jelly creatures they continued to move north.They entered a small cavern containing a pool of murky water that appeared to drain out through an opening to the northeast.The four of them not knowing what foul creatures might be laying below the surface of the water clung close to the cavern walls heading for an opening to the east.As they approached the eastern opening they noticed a door further to the east, a collapsed corridor to the south and a web entangle corridor to the north.

Checking the door to the east they noticed that it must be obstructed by something on the other side.Deciding to head North, Daeris called forth fire from her hands burning through the webs with ease allowing them to head north to a split.To the west they came across more webs and to the east a set of stairs leading down in to another cavern.Entering the cavern a spear flashed past Neurion barely missing his head.Three bugbears rushed the group, a male drow on the other side of a small stream barking orders to them in their animalish tongue.

Stepping back in to the corridor Neurion and Baelgor waited for the creatures to approach knowing they would have a better chance in the small confines of the corridor.Another spear flew past them in to the corridor beyond entangling itself in the webs beyond.Nestor called to Selune asking her to give his companions increased vitality.A bugbear suddenly appeared around the corner Neurion taking a wild swing and missing.The party set forth attacking and dodging the bugbear’s attacks as if they had rehearsed their maneuvers with each other thousands of times.A spray of acid, slash of a sword, the crushing blows of mace and staff all landing blow upon blow to the bugbears.

While the adventurers were focused on the bugbears they didn’t notice the drow sneaking behind them until they heard a bang at the door from the corridor to the south.Daeris with quick reaction filled the corridor with webs again blocking the forward progression of owlbears now entering the corridor and trying to flank them.Nestor, Neurion and Baelgor dispatched of the three bugbears hearing Daeris worn them that more had appeared behind them but were currently trapped.Going in to the cavern before them, Neurion, Nestor and Baelgor watched as the drow and bugbear appeared on a ledge to the east before dropping down in to a cavern below.Daeris, keeping watch on the southern corridor, called out to her friends as one of the bugbears broke through.Pointing at the closest bugbear she watched as it fell to the floor asleep, its companions trying to work their way through the webs.

Nestor, Neurion and Baelgor retreated back to the corridor as the drow and bugbear reappeared from the east.Trading blows with the companions, the drow suddenly transformed in to a doppelganger.The three adventurers suddenly had a flash back to their time in Cragmaw Castle with the other doppelganger and how that had almost taken Nestor for good.As if reliving that nightmare Nestor suddenly fell to the touch of the doppelganger and blade of the bugbear.Daeris wasting no time came to Nestor’s aid with a healing potion, quickly pouring it down his gullet.The fog of battle quickly encapsulated the heroes.Before they knew it bodies lay strewn around them, Nestor standing over the body of the doppelganger, Lightbringer in hand dripping with the creatures blood.

They quickly searched the area for any sign of the Black Spider finding some artifacts, potions and coins along the way.A blood-curdling scream suddenly came down the web filled corridor they had not explored to the west.As they approached the webs burst in to flame singing any exposed flesh.They rushed quickly down the corridor to a set of doors kicking them open.Before them a dwarf caught in webbing writhed in pain, a drow laugh echoing through the room.Three large spiders crawled out from behind large pillars lining the room.A hooded figure suddenly appeared before a dwarven statue, a shrine to an old hero or god.“It seems I must deal with you myself.A shame it must end this way.Go forth my children,” the drow called out fading in to nothing once again.

The three large spiders advanced on the group shooting webs towards the doors ensnaring Baelgor and Neurion.The Black Spider appeared again shooting forth magic missles from his hands striking Baelgor and Neurion.Neurion using his strength and maneuverability broke forth from the webs side stepping the large spiders, heading straight for the drow.The three spiders set forth attacking Nestor, Daeris and Baelgor striking with large dripping pincers.Just as Neurion reached the Black Spider, the drow disappeared once again, laughing at Neurion as he swung his staff at the air around him.Baelgor finally breaking free of his webbed bonds began hacking away at one of the large spiders; Nestor and Daeris joining him in the attack.

The party watch as the drow materialized on the other side of the room laughing and shooting forth magic missles from his hands, striking who could only be Gundren’s brother, causing his lifeless body to stop moving in the webs holding him.Baelgor, Nestor and Daeris knowing that nothing could be done for Nundro at this point, lashed out in rage at the large spiders taking them down one by one.The drow disappeared once again as Neurion approached.

A fireball suddenly burst forth filling the room with heat and smoke striking down Neurion, Nestor and Baelgor.Daeris having the gods behind her quickly ran to their aid, each of them helping one another back from the grasp of death.Quickly they encircled the drow as he continued to spew forth his arcane magic.Neurion striking out with his staff and sweeping his legs brought the Black Spider to the ground.Preparing to strike the drow down once and for all he suddenly felt something trying to intrude on his thoughts.Using his many years of training he shook the intrusion off from the drow mage before slamming his staff down on the Black Spider crushing his chest and sending him back to the evil god he served.

The party returned to Phandalin bringing Gundren’s brothes’ bodies with them.They filled Gundren in on the events that had transpired, as he looked saddened at his brothers broken bodies.Thanking them for their service and for bringing his brothers back to him to be buried as they should, Gundren told them of his plans to continue his brothers endeavors to get the mine back up and running and that they would entitled to 10% of the profit the mine returned.The party headed to the Stonehill Inn for a much needed and deserved rest only to find Shank still sitting at the bar as if he had been there the whole time they were gone.Smiling and laughing, the adventures sat down for food and drink trying not to think about the next adventure that might come calling . . .

Session 9: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 9 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 4th Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 4th Level Mountain Dwarf Cleric
Neurion: 4th Level Wood Elf Monk
Daeris: 4th level High Elf Wizard

Recap written by Chris

Session 9 - The Magic of Wave Echo Cave

The party gathered their belongings in the morning having had a tense but uneventful night. As Neurion and Baelgor removed the barricade from the door, Nestor whispered some words to Salune while grasping his warhammer, a warm light suddenly growing from the weapon. The four slowly entered the corridor once again seeing the star speckled cave ceiling. Seeing nothing of concern they quickly moved north to the next building checking it for any sounds beyond and hearing nothing. Pushing the door open Neurion entered the room hearing a voice in his head say "Hello", straight ahead of him a creature with greenish spiked skin, one large eye centered above a sharp toothed maw and 4 tentacles each with a blinking eye hovered above a pedestal containing a magical green flame. "You are not my master" the creature screeched telepathically causing Neurion to prepare his staff and get ready to strike.

The creatures eyes narrowed as it menacingly approached Neurion. Neurion quickly set forth slapping one of the eye stalks away and punching towards its eye. The creature angered by the strikes against him quickly shot rays of energy streaming towards Neurion striking his exposed flesh and removing some of it. Baelgor moved along side his friend slicing at one of the eye stalks, gashing it with his blade and causing the stalk to retract as if in pain. Nestor following, behind Baelgor, swung his warhammer at one of the other stalks seeing the damage it had done to Neurion but missed. Daeris standing off to the side let loose a string of webbing from her hands entrapping the beast's body. Neurion seeing the creatures eye stalks focus on him once again bashed the creature with his staff causing it to shudder slightly before the flesh eating rays struck out at him again hitting hard and removing even more flesh now exposing muscle and tendon. Baelgor aghast at what he was seeing happen to his friend sliced off one of the stalks, another one narrowly avoiding his deft blade. Neurion suddenly felt his flesh mending all the while watching as Nestor's warhammer crashed hard in to the creatures middle eye, blood bursting forth splattering everyone but Daeris. The creature lay lifeless in the webbing Daeris had trapped it in.

Daeris thinking back to the many legends she had heard of the cave and the many wizards that had visited here retold the story of the green flame and its ability to make magic items of great renown. Sensing the magic had long been abused by many of creatures she recommended everyone place their weapons and armor within the flame to see if it might imbue their items with the last of its magic. Everyone quickly set forth to placing their weapons and armor within the green flame crackling and rising each time a new item was added. As the party searched throughout the room they came upon a mace with a head shaped like a sunburst and made of solid brass. Daeris once again recognized this as a weapon that was made for the god of dawn, Lathander and that when asked would produce forth a light as bright as a torch. He also had heard that it might have an extra effect against undead. The party also found a breast plate shaped in the form of a golden dragon. Daeris telling the party that this had been made for the human Tergon who battled many of dragon. It was said that the armor would protect the wearer against the breath of a dragon.

The sound of waves crashing forth inside the cave was a surprise to all of them as they approached a large lake that appeared to move northeast in to a dark area hidden beyond. Not wanting to risk losing anyone to the unknown water and constant tidal waves the party headed south west in to a narrow corridor. As they approached an opening in the corridor they saw what appeared to be a water wheel connected to a large air bellow that seemed to be attached to an even larger blast furnace. Laughter suddenly filled the air around them as a human sized skull with green flames and devilish red eyes floated out from behind the furnace 10 ft above them. "Come forth my children" the skull called out, nine undead corpses animated and quickly moved to attack the adventurers. "Flameskull's, beware my friends these are old spellcasters capable of killing even the mightiest of foes", Daeris spoke softly to the party. Neurion wanting to gain any advantage possible headed back up the corridor waiting for the rest of the party and the creatures to follow. Daeris shooting forth webbing from her hand stopped the skulls movement while she retreated with Neurion. Suddenly a large fireball shot forth from the creatures mouth vaporizing four undead, flames licking at Baelgor's body and blasting Nestor straight in the chest sending waves of agonizing heat and pain through his body.

Daeris seeing the attack and knowing the cleric and fighter won't last long without her help began chanting calling forth a dust devil to attack and distract the flameskull if possible. A flaming sphere suddenly appeared by her hovering menacingly but doing nothing further. Baelgor, waiting for an opportunity to strike at the flameskull readied his blade. A zombie, unseen to Daeris, lashed out with its weapon striking her, Daeris retaliating with a stab from her sword followed by her casting another spell that seemed to give her skin an eery magical glow. Just has the glow surrounded her the flaming sphere shot forth fire, engulfing her body before a string of magic missles struck her flank dropping her to the ground in a sea of darkness. Baelgor wasting no time quickly dispatched of the zombie that had attacked Daeris. Nestor chanting louder and louder sent waves of healing energy forth from his body pulling Daeris from the darkness, lessening the burning pain Baelgor felt as well. Neurion staying guard prepared as he heard zombies approach from the southeast corridor they had come from. The zombies not noticing the monk in waiting felt the strikes of his might quarterstaff and kicks. Daeris shaking off the fog of death stood up glaring at the skeletal creature and sending out waves of green energy from her fingertips towards it. As it flew to the top of the cave ceiling, the flameskull cackled, "only a parlor trickster would cast such a spell against the dead", Daeris once again giving an evil stare that only the dead would not fear.

Fearing the skull would be their demise the party quickly retreated further back to the lakes edge where Neurion was entangled with 3 zombies. The group set forth dismantling the remaining creatures watching as the fiery orb burst forth towards Daeris again before it dissipated in to the then air. Having taken down all the zombies the group laid in waiting for the flameskull to appear only to hear its cackled laughter move off in to the distance. Not knowing if the creature was trying to sneak up on them the adventurers headed back down the southeast corridor towards the two buildings and looked for other ways through the cave. After exploring different dead ends and rooms with nothing of note the party found themselves at a door, hearing crunching sounds beyond they slowly opened and slipped in to the room. Before them a ghoul lay hunched over enjoying the remains of whatever it had caught earlier. Wasting no time Nestor and Baelgor quickly set upon the creature with Lightbringer and Baelgor's magical sword quickly destroying the creature before it knew what happened.

Neurion and Daeris waiting outside found themselves quickly entangled with two more of the fiendish creatures. Neurion quickly set forth with a flurry of blows to the creatures only to have his skin gashed by one of its claws feeling his body seize up. Daeris quickly let loose bolts of fire from her hands as she chanted in her elvish tongue, Nestor and Baelgor quickly entering the fray to help take down the creatures. Neurion able to finally move entered the room where the remains of the ghoul Nestor and Baelgor had slain. Searching around they found nothing of value but still more corridors and doors to explore. Coming around one of the many twists and turns Neurion watched as a large yellowish ooze dropped from the ceiling and slowly moved its way towards him. Baelgor standing not far behind him watch his friend quickly retreat back past him sensing something else was amiss and happening to look up watch as a yellow jelly like creature slipped through cracks in the ceiling falling in a pile of goo right before him.

Neurion finally recognizing the creature from his previous adventurers told Baelgor to be careful with his blade as it would only cause these things to split in two. Baelgor swinging his blade straight down through the creature heard these words only a little to late. The adventurers weary and worn from their struggles thus far bashed and hacked their way through the ochre jelly's bodies. Daeris, rays of frost coming from her hands, helped to freeze pieces of the creatures in hopes of keeping them from multiplying. With all of the jellies finally defeated the party scavenged around for anything of value finding a sack in one of the collapsed corridors containing a plethora of items.

Having been battered and worn from their battles the party headed back to and old beer storage room to rest and try and regain some strength to help them in finding the ever elusive "Black Spider" . . .

Session 8 Recap: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 8 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 4th Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 4th Level Mountain Dwarf Cleric
Neurion: 4th Level Wood Elf Monk
Daeris: 4th level High Elf Wizard

Recap written by Chris

Session 8 - Wave Echo Cave

It was a somber morning, overcast to fit the mood of the adventurers as they set forth for Wave Echo Cave, a new party member in tow and an old one that would be longingly missed. "Poor Shank, too bad the drink got the best of him" Baelgor murmured as they walked down a path heading east out of Phandelin. "Aye, Baelgor, but we have Daeris here now. Nothing like a good wizard to help us along the way and distract our enemies with those clothes," Neurion said glancing at the female high elf with little more than a smile on his face.

After two days of uneventful travel the party began to notice the landmarks Gundren had given them giving them an idea of where the entrance to the cave would be. Entering in the cave Nestor pulled for his warhammer chanting and causing it to light up brightly. They cautiously headed down the 10ft high tunnel coming in to an large open room, large stalagmites sticking up from the floor and gear scattered everywhere. "Look over there", pointed Baelgor to what appeared to be a makeshift camp and the outline of a small body laying close to some bedrolls. Nestor quickly rushed toward what appeared to be a dwarf, turning the creature over and recognizing it as Gundren's brother Tharden. "Salune, be with you in the world beyond", he prayed noticing Tharden's neck had almost been completely severed. "Those appear to be no ordinary boots my friend, I don't think he'll need them any longer and Gundren would want someone to put them to good use", Baelgor said to Nestor. Having been through all they had so far and knowing that only more danger was ahead he removed the boots from Tharden and put them on his feet feeling something was different about them but not knowing what at the moment.

The group scoured the area for any traces of other creatures and found a rope leading down a 50ft drop in to a cavern. One by one they slowly lowered themselves down the rope and into the chasm. Balegor reminding Nestor of one of his scrolls that could help them watched as Nestor pulled it forth from his pack, chanting the words from the page and asking if the Black Spider would attack them if they headed south. "Go forth without fear of this", Nestor heard a voice in his head assured that the information was of good and sound nature. "We should head southeast as no danger from the Black Spider awaits us", Nestor spoke softly to the party.

Weapons ready the party headed southeast noticing a tunnel heading to the north and the cavern continuing further southeast. They began hearing buzzing noises and noticing bodies of what appeared to be orcs and dwarves strewn about. Suddenly a bat like creature with a mosquito body flew down latching itself to Neurion as he fought to get it off him. "Stirges, the dark mage hissed. Don't let them stay attached to you for long," she spoke preparing to cast a spell. More of the creatures began filling the room dropping from the higher ceiling above. Everyone set forth ripping the creatures from their bodies as they tried to latch on and bashing them with weapons every instance they could. The female wizards voice called out before she was engulfed by two of the creatures, a dust devil appearing, swirling around and lashing out at any creature it could reach. Nestor calling upon Salune set forth healing Daeris as she fought hard to get the creatures of her. No sooner had the battle began the creatures all lay dead on the ground abnormal amounts of blood oozing from their bodies.

"It appears these creatures took down some of these orcs and dwarves however it also appears that some of them died from fighting with each other", Daeris spoke to the group. "Let us always be on guard no matter whom or what we come across my friends," Neurion cautiously spoke as he gripped his quarter staff tightly. The party continued heading southeast noticing another passage to the north, northeast and to the south. They came to an area with two doors and a crumbled impassible passageway to the south. Entering the room to the east they came across what appeared to be an old study with decaying paper and more orcish and dwarven bodies. Balegor noticing a strong box used his strength to pry it open finding a small treasure in side that would have made Shank happy to see.

Heading through the door to the west they entered a room that appeared to be an old armory of sorts where yet another battle between orcs and dwarves appeared to have transpired. Searching through the room for anything they might use or anything of magic the adventurers watched as eight of the bodies began to rise, armor hanging loosely from their forms and old decrepit weapons in hand. Baelgor and Neurion set in to action striking with their weapons, crushing the bony creatures and sending them back to the outer realms they came from. Nestor calling out to Salune once more, "be gone you unholy creatures" caused some of the undead to flee Daeris blocking their exit from the room. Having the opportunity the seasoned group spent little time dispatching the creatures finding nothing of value and moving on to search other parts of the cave.

Exiting the room they heard a large roar and echo to the north understanding that to be the wave echo cave and one of its many mysteries. They headed through the northeaster corridor entering a room filled with glowing green fungi. Daeris being the curious wizard approached lightly grabbing one of the plants to inspect it, a puff of green gas releasing from it, causing her to cough and gag as she inhaled the poison. Nestor recognizing the poison told Daeris that she would be fine with time and suggested that do to the nature of the fungi and the corridor to the north they had noticed that they should quickly dash through the area to avoid what had happened to Daeris.

Dashing through a narrow row of fungi, poison gas puffing out as they brushed swiftly against the plants, the party entered the corridor to the north without incident. Walking through the passage they found themselves in a large room with two freestanding structures. These were no ordinary structures as they appeared to be human size. Yet again more decayed bodies lay about the cavern. Looking up the four adventurers awed at the minerals glittering in the ceiling appearing to make out the look of a starry night sky. Daeris feeling uneasy about this place called upon her abilities to detect any magic in the area, getting only a slight hint that something magical of old had happened to the north and had faded with time.

Neurion and Baelgor worked to open the door to the building closest to them. Upon entering and looking throughout the room a dark, ghostly apparition began to form red eyes glaring out from the black fog a voice eerily spoke, "These treasures are mine, I will kill all those that think otherwise". Neurion and Baelgor quickly attack the creature hitting it with blow after blow but appearing to do little harm to it. The wraith reaching out with shadowy arms to grab Baelgor sent him crashing to the floor lifeless. Nestor wasting no time using his clerical powers to bring Balegor back to the living.

Daeris chanting louder and louder pointed at the creature a blue, crackling beam of energy shooting forth from her hands striking the creature causing it to writhe in pain. Neurion getting hit hard by the creatures deathly grasp continued to strike the creature with a flurry of blows while Baelgor falling once again was revived by his friend Nestor. Watching as the wraith tried to get at the cleric for denying its defeat of the powerful warrior, Baelgor his magical blade glowing sliced through the black mist causing the creature to scream out and disappear in to the air around him as if it had never been there to begin with. Looking around the room for any other danger the adventurers found yet another dungeon map possibly leading to more treasure but more likely just to more danger.

Having been drained of their energy and power from only a short time in this place and knowing that they would need everything they had to fight the looming danger beyond they set forth barricading the small structure with whatever they could in hopes of resting and preparing for whatever lay ahead . . .

Session 7 Recap: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 7 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 3rd Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 3rd Level Wood Elf Cleric (Reincarnated as a Mountain Dwarf)
Neurion: 3rd Level Wood Elf Monk
Shank: 3rd Level Forest Gnome Rogue

Session Recap by Chris

Session 7 - Resurrection

"Owlbear shit, that's not something you see every day", Shank chirped as he quickly slipped by Baelgor, preparing to see what Baelgor had yelled out. Not sooner than he had entered the room did he realize the actual danger he and his comrades were actually in. Shank quickly drew forth his blade positioning himself off to the side of the creature to try and distract it while his friends quickly entered the room behind him. "Owlbear shit; shit an Owlbear", Baelgor mumbled shaking his head while drawing his blade and rushing toward the creature. Shank quickly lashed out at the beast slicing a nice gash in its leg causing it to only slightly shudder. Balegor followed suit with his blade slicing off chunks of fur before watching Neurion thrust his staff in to the beast followed by a misplaced kick barely missing the creature. Nestor having no room to maneuver took up rank behind everyone waiting to heal whomever needed it.

The Owlbear lashed out with its large clawed paws and sharp beak nipping at the party as they gained up on the creature attacking it from all angles. Shank waiting for an opening final saw an opening sliding his blade through the creatures ribs as it reared up to attack. The creature quickly fell limp thudding to the floor, narrowly missing crushing Shank. Looking quickly around the room the party noticed a chest full of coins, scrolls and a potion.

As they sifted through the remains of the tower they heard a loud shouting noise coming from the northeast. They quickly set off finding a closed door and hearing more sounds coming from behind it, this time more like screams of agony. Bursting through the door, Baelgor watched as an Bugbear quickly thrust his blade into an already bloodied and beaten Gundren. Quickly looking around the room he noticed a female Drow as well as a large wolf.

Baelgor barreling through the door knocked past the wolf while he headed towards the Bugbear in anger after seeing the creature take the life of his old friend. The wolf taking a swipe at Baelgor as he passed barely clipped him not seeing Neurion quickly enter the doorway right behind Balegor. Before the creature knew what happened the world turned black, its last site a pointy eared creature kicking out at it and its last sound, the crack of its neck as it fell lifeless to the ground. Balegor catching a glimpse of the female Drow leaving the room called to Nestor telling him to watch their backs. Shank once again joined Baelgor as he set forth attacking the Bugbear. The creature seeming to have endless strength and vitality took blow after blow from Shank and Baelgor before smashing Shank in the face with one of its huge paws sending him in to a black shroud of nothingness.

Nestor lay in waiting with his mace in the corridor behind the room Baelgor and Shank had entered. He watched in shock as a female Drow appeared around the corner as if she had materialized from nothing. He quickly set forth trying to bask the creature with his mace calling out to Selune in hopes she would give him aid. Neurion hearing the commotion behind him quickly turned, rushing past the creature as he watched his friend strike out at the Drow worried about the fight that was to ensue. Hitting the creature with a flurry of punches from his fists and swipes of his staff both he and Nestor watched as the creature morphed out of its Drow shape.

Meanwhile, Baelgor in the other room fully enraged with the death of his two friends set forth attacking the Bugbear with a fury that only the likes of a Dragon not fear. The Bugbear fearing the human creature attacking him, tried rushing out of the room receiving mortal wounds from Baelgor's blade as he passed. Distracted by Drow shifting form, Nestor suddenly felt himself being pulled in to the darkness, the warmth of his own blood draining from his body down his back, calling out to Salune to once again to watch over his friends. Neurion continued to land blow after blow upon the creature before him unfortunately leaving an opening for the strange being to reach through grasping him by the neck, sending Neurion in to the oblivion beyond.

Baelgor rushed quickly out of the room following the Bugbear. As he leapt over the wolf he had slain earlier he caught a glimpse of his friend Gundren gasping for air as if he had suddenly come back to life. Summoning all his will he barreled down upon the Bugbear stabbing his blade through the beasts back plunging it deep in to its lungs while the creature screeched out blood filling its lungs as it dropped to its knees. Baelgor wasting no time quickly quickly withdrew his blade lopping the creatures bird like head and kicked its body to the ground only to look ahead and see the last of his companions fall lifeless to the ground.

The mystic creature floated towards Baelgor an eery glow coming from where its eyes might once have been. It quickly reached out towards Baelgor thirsting to drain the life from this petty human. Suddenly a searing pain shot through its ghostly arms and then through its chest. Standing in bewilderment the creature caught the glow of the magical blade withdrawing from its chest, finally realizing that he greatly underestimated the mighty fighter, as his form dissipated in to the air around.

Baelgor not having time to wonder what else might be coming for them quickly set to bandaging and healing his comrades with whatever he could find. Shank came too, the taste of a healing potion on his lips and the sound of Baelgor yelling at him to move his ars and help the others. He watched as Balegor ran out of the room yelling once again to Shank to help the damn cleric. Shank quickly ran towards Nestor laying his ear to his chest and listening for any signs of life. He lightly kicked Nestor while he half jokingly said, "Wake up elfy, no place to take a nap". Nestor did not respond. Baelgor taking another healing potion out of his pack quickly poured it down Neurion's gullet. He watched as Neurion leapt up from where he was as if ready to attack anything near him. "What happened", Neurion said as he looked at his friend Baelgor. Baelgor looked over towards the doorway where Shank and Nestor were shaking his head and mumbling, "Not even his beloved god Salune could have saved the damn cleric from the blade of the Bugbear". They all joined Gundren in the other room bandaging him up, Shank being his curious self searching the area for anything of value. They all decided they should try and see what help they might get Nestor and quickly get Gundren back to town.

Nestor found himself floating around in a fog surprisingly not concerned but more curious as to what was transpiring. He wondered of his friends and of his long lost family thinking back to his adventurers in the forests. A bright light suddenly shot out before him causing a jolt of lightning like pain to course through his cloudy form. Another jolt this time with a feeling of something pulling him somewhere within the mist. Feeling as if something was choking him he gasped for air but nothing happened. "Open your eyes my friend. You have returned to us but luck was not fully with you.", a voiced called to him. He felt his otherworldly form descend settling in to a somewhat familiar form. He opened his eyes slowly, the light causing him to turn his head, catching a glimpse of a robed figure standing before him smiling before it walked away towards a door.

"Ahhh my friends" the healer spoke, "I beseech you to come welcome your friend back to this world. I warn you though, luck was not completely with him". Baelgor quickly entered the room, stopping in his tracks to see a dwarf sitting up from the altar where he had lain his friend Nestor not only hours before. "What have you done with our friend" Baelgor glaring at the healer growled. "As I told you, luck was not completely with him. Although we were lucky to get him from the outer realms of death his corporal form was of no use and a new form was chosen by my god", the healer sad with a smile, holding the drift globe in his hands, peering in to its depths. "Remember you still owe me the favor", he said before leaving the friends with Nestor in his new form.

Nestor still trying to sort through what had transpired listened to his companions recant what happened in Cragmaw Castle, their safe return of Gundren and his offer to share 10% of the Echo Wave Cave's wealth once they helped him get it up and running and finally the deal they struck with the priest to bring Nestor back. "I, a banshee by the name of Agatha we must seek and bride to give us the location of a special spell book," Baelgor said. "I hope it was all worth you looking like Gundren, I don't know if I would have ever wished that on anyone". Nestor still in shock of what happened looked at his friends and in his usual softly spoken tone said, "I guess it could have been worse, I could have been made a gnome." The comrades bursting in to laughter before Shank suddenly realizing what was said put a scowl on his face.

The group proceeded to rest, resupply and plan over the next week as to what they wished to do. A dragon, a banshee, a mystical cave or who knows what else would come there way . . .

Session 6 Recap: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 6 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 3rd Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 3rd Level Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: 3rd Level Wood Elf Monk
Shank: 3rd Level Forest Gnome Rogue (Played by Greg this session)

Write up by Chris

Session 6 - The Trials of Cragmaw Castle

The party sat quietly in the run down building they had hunkered down in bandaging their wounds and thinking about their dilemma. Should they stay and face the deadly Venom Fang and his poison gas breath or knowing the location of Cragmaw Castle, go and help their friend Gundren Rockseeker. Baelgor spoke first, "We should leave this town and find my old friend and mentor Gundren. The dragon has not seemed to notice us and we may be able to still escape unseen." Neurion wanting to rid the town of this evil fiend shook his head in disagreement wanting to test out all of his new found powers and training. "You realize we can't attack this dragon without dealing with those cultists" Baelgor retorted to Neurion's gesture, knowing what he was thinking. "You know I can not just attack those men. They have shown us no ill will despite their ill-advised intentions" Neurion replied back. Nestor reflecting quietly spoke up softly, "From what we know of the dragon we will be facing a most formidable foe. With the force of its cult following behind it we stand no chance. However, should we rescue Gundren we might find additional allies in helping us rid this town of its scourge." "Shank, what say you," asked Baelgor. "Ah, this fog keeps swimming through me head not letting me make me decisions." Shank replied continuing to feel as if he were controlled by someone else. "Let us move along and explore the rest of town and get to Cragmaw Castle, but we will return to take care of this evil Wyrm another day" Neurion uttered in disappointment.

The four adventurers left the building, heading north to what appeared to be a town square. In the middle sat a statue of Palien, a legendary hero whom had defeated many of foul monsters and creatures Nestor recounted for the group. Wondering if there was some secret to the statue Baelgor using his formidable might tried pushing the warn figurine from its stand. Finding nothing of interest the party set forth exploring the three buildings encircling the statue. Finding nothing of importance in the two small buildings the party cautiously approached the building appearing to be an old barracks. Nestor slowly swung the door open, mace drawn and entered the building. Hearing a rustle to the north of the room Nestor watched as four cats, bits of flesh hanging from their bodies, reanimated letting out deathly screeches and quickly moving towards him. The rest of the group hearing the screech of the cats moved to assist Nestor but not before catching the glimpse of a skeletal creature with long sharp nails creeping around the north end of the building and four more creatures emerging through some foliage to the northwest.

Nestor and Neurion quickly set in to action obliterating the cats in the building while Baelgor and Shank headed to the northwest corner of the house to attack the corpse and what now appeared to be undead cats. Baelgor rushed towards the corpse slashing with his long sword and striking hard yet feeling like his blows barely made the creature shudder. Before Baelgor could adjust the corpse reaching out with its boney hands and long nails quickly grabbed Baelgor in an iron glad grip strangling him. Shank following behind Baelgor set in to action killing one of the cats and then watched in disbelief as Baelgor, struggling with the undead creatures grasp, thrust his sword up through the creatures chest in to its skull causing the creature to release Baelgor and fall lifeless to the ground. Nestor and Neurion hearing the battle outside the building ran towards the open door to aid their friends. Baelgor choking, watched as the undead creature reanimated letting out a scream that released great pain inside his head and caused him to turn and flee destroying an undead cat along his way. Nestor and Neurion turning the corner of the house watched as Baelgor bolted past them catching a glimpse of and undead creature reaching towards Shank, grasping his neck and lifting him off the ground in a death grip. They rushed quickly to his aid, Nestor calling to Salune to turn these foul beasts and make them flee. One of the cats quickly bolted for the woods to the north however the call to Salune seemed to have no effect on the undead corpse and Shank was struggling to stay alive at this point. Baelgor quickly rejoined the trio and they all set to destroying the corpse, freeing Shank from its deadly hold. Not wanting to alert the dragon but fearing the corpse would reanimate again they set fire to it and moved inside the barracks exploring it for more creatures and anything that might help them along their journey. Sifting through the refuse they found some potions but nothing further. After a short discussion they all agreed to head to Cragmaw Castle.

The party set out from Thundertree skirting the edge of Neverwinter Forest heading to the location Reidoth had shared with them. Resting and healing themselves along the way the party prepared themselves for even more fighting they knew would be ahead of them. Finding a path that Reidoth had told them to look for, the party headed in to the forest. Shank using his roguish stealth set about exploring the area ahead of them coming upon a dwarf building a large wooden staircase and seemingly oblivious to anything around him. While Shank headed North, Nestor using his ability to blend in with the forest, scouted the area to the east catching a glimpse of the staircase and the dwarf to the north. Regrouping with the rest of the party they decide to approach the dwarf and determine what he knows about Cragmaw Castle and what the purpose of the stairs could be.

Entering the clearing where the dwarf was working on the stairs Baelgor called up to the dwarf, "Rockseeker." "What" replied the dwarf in a curious voice looking down on the party through a pair of goggles. "Are you a Rockseeker" Baelgor yelled out again. "Rockseeker, bah, rubbish clan, I be of the Rumkeg clan. Who goes there? Do you come to marvel my stairway to treasure?" Baelgor slowly climbed the stairs towards the dwarf feeling them sway under his weight. "Be careful you fool, these stairs are not for the likes of you" the dwarf yelled out. "What are these stairs for exactly," Balegor questioned. "My brother told me of a rich ore in a distant land" the dwarf responded pointing towards the sun. "What do you know of Cragmaw Castle" Baelgor asked. "Cragmaw Castle eh, not intereseted, I must keep building me stairs to find the rich ore" the dwarf remarked as he went back to hammering. Baelgor knowing he would get nothing further from the dwarf headed back down to the group but not before setting off a chain reaction of the stairs splintering apart and crashing down carrying the crazy dwarf with it. The adventurers quickly set forth trying to free the dwarf from the rubble uncovering his lifeless body. Searching around his camp the party found some supplies and treasure.

With night falling quickly they set camp so that they could approach the castle in daylight if possible. In the middle of the night, Nestor heard the patter of foot steps approach the campsite. Springing up with his mace in hand he used his infravision to pick up the outline of a female figure approaching them quickly. Nestor called out to the group who quickly awoke and joined him as the girl finally reached them. Surprised by the unexpected presence of the four adventurers the sobbing girl quickly covered herself. "What brings you this way and why do you cry", Nestor asked. "My boyfriend . . . we . . . creatures grabbed him . . . lake . . ." she sobbed. "Slow yourself young lady and tell us what happened" Neurion spoke. Nestor grabbed some clothing from his pack and handed it to the girl as she covered herself, crying less and composing herself. "My boyfriend was attacked by creatures and dragged in to the lake. We came to the lake as we often do to get away from our parents. He's disappeared, you need to help him, quickly, please!" the girl began to sob again. The party not wanting to waste any time quickly headed to the Northeast following the girls directions to the location of the lake.

As they slowly approached the lake they heard and saw nothing. The water appearing to be calm under the moonlight above. As they approached the water slowly, Nestor heard a rustle off to the east in the trees unable to see anything and Shank watched the water ripple off to the north catching the outline of something coming forth. Quickly a green tentacle came through the trees grasping Nestor while he tried to call forth a spell from Salune. As the tentacle wrapped around him squeezing him tightly Nestor recognized the Decapus, a forest creature he recognized from the large bulbous head with massive fangs and multiple tentacles. Neurion quickly rushed to his aid lashing out with strikes from his quarterstaff, hands and feet. Shank and Baelgor distracted by the fighting to the east where surprised by the approach of a hideous fleshy creature with multiple mouths, beaks and eyes.

Baelgor and Shank, although surprised, took little time to bash and slice the Gibbering Mouther to shreds while Neurion, trying hard to free Nestor from the Decapus's grasp, set forth with a flurry of staff strikes and swift punches and kicks. The Decapus shrieked out in agony letting lose of Nestor as it fell from the tree it was holding to. Wasting no time Neurion finished the creature of crushing its body in to a green pool of sticky slime. After Shank and Baelgor helped Nestor up, Nestor set forth to healing the party. Shank caught a glimpse of something shiny in the water. Not wanting to leave anything of worth behind, and somehow thinking that nothing else lay below the moonlit water surface, he quickly stripped down and slipped in to the water heading toward the glimmer that caught his eye. He surfaced after a few seconds with an armful of treasure showing it to his comrades as they headed back to continue their rest for the evening.

Sleeping through the night with no other incident the party awoke rested and prepared for their investigation of the castle. After continuing north for a while they came up on the ruins of an old castle with 7 towers and its uppermost floors collapsed. Not knowing for sure if this was Cragmaw Castle the team searched all around the area investigating any entrance within that they could find. The adventurers quickly entered through a large hole in the north end of the castle. Entering a large open room they noticed some stores to the south along with a thick curtain and a door to the east. Baelgor set out to check the door to the east along with Nestor while Baelgor and Shank investigated the curtain to the south. Baelgor unable to simply open the door to the east lowered his shoulder and quickly knocked it open. Soon after the sound of feet could be heard heading south with the sound of doors opening. Having been alerted to keep a look out from the south, Neurion headed through the curtain to the south and laid in waiting for anything coming from the south.

Shank slowly following Neurion watched as two hobgoblins came in to the room, Neurion quickly lashing out with his monk fury surprising one of the armored and well armed creatures. Shank quickly moved along side Neurion while one of the creatures was distracted and landed a few blows with his scimitar. Nestor hearing the commotion returned back to the room they entered and quickly headed south to join his companions while Baelgor headed south in to what appeared to be a barracks. He noticed the door open to the west and the two hobgoblins within. He quickly ran through the door surprising the nearest hobgoblin and lopping its head off. The remaining hobgoblin upset with the fall of its brethren attacked Shank and Neurion with increased rage. Suddenly it heard a call to Salune and felt its skin explode in a radiant flame before it saw nothing but blackness. The three companions looked back at Nestor with a smile before they quickly moved to search the foul creatures and the barracks Baelgor had found. They also explored the area to the northeast finding a door but deciding that they should explore the tower just off the barracks to the south.

Preparing for whatever was beyond the door, Baelgor lifted a wooden bar off the door expecting that his friend Gundren might be beyond. Quickly opening the door he is greeted by the unexpected sight of a large bearish creature with an bird like head . . .

Session 5 Recap: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 5 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 3rd Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 3rd Level Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: 3rd Level Wood Elf Monk
Shank: 3rd Level Forest Gnome Rogue (Played by Chris this session)

Write up by Chris

Session 5 - Venom Fang and an Old Squirrelly Man

The air around them fell silent, hanging thick with an evil presence that none of the hearty adventurers could fully understand. Staying ever alert the party entered the old building to the north quickly scouring the first room for anything of value before cautiously moving in to a room to the west. Upon entering the room the scent of stale beer and mildew filled their noses. Once again, the party searched the room for anything of value finding nothing. Finding no signs of the druid Reidoth, or any other living creature, Baelgor led the way south down the ragged trail towards building that looked well taken care of with a thick metal strapped doors and solid shudders. Peering inside one of the windows, Nestor caught a glimpse of an old man resting on a bed inside. The remainder of the house was very barren besides a lone desk on the north wall. As the party knocked on the door Nestor watched in amazement as the old man quickly jumped out of bed transforming in to a squirrel before disappearing out of sight through a small hole. Quickly the team sprinted to the south catching no sign of the apparent druid.

Hearing the chatters of some squirrels in tree to the south, next to another dilapidated building, Nestor called up in to the trees telling Reidoth he could come down and that he would be safe. The squirrels just stared and chattered angrily back at Nestor as the rest of the party came to explore the area. As the party continued to try coax who they thought was Reidoth down from the branches, eight twig blights sprung in to action against the party. Having new found strength and purpose the group quickly destroyed the creatures with little effort. Not wanting to waste any more time calling to the druid, they headed back to the house the old man had been found in. Walking through the entrance to the house they were surprised to find the old man, once again, resting in a bed.

"Are you Reidoth" asked Neurion, "are you the druid friend of Qeline Alderleaf?" Hearing no response Neurion moved closer to the old man reaching out to shake him. As he got closer the old man raised his arm and in a gruff and short tempered voice asked, "What do you want?'. Once again Neurion asked if he was Reidoth the old man snippily responding, "Yes". "We heard that you might now the whereabouts of Cragmaw Castle and possibly the fate of my good friend Gundren Rockseeker" Baelgor said as he cautiously eyed the old man. "Yea" the old man quickly responded. The four men knowing that they would have to pry information and sensing they only seemed to annoy him quickly set upon him with questions around Cragmaw Castle and it's whereabouts along with any other information around Thundertree that he could share. The old man knowing that these adventurers were not going to leave him be, headed towards a desk drawing a map to the location of Cragmaw Castle and telling them of recent events in Thundertree. "There have been men with black masks and cloaks walking around town to the east and a nasty reptilian creature has setup residence in the old tower ruins to the north east". "I know nothing more than this so leave me be." The party was able to harass the man for more information around this reptilian creature learning its name, Venom Fang, and that it was a young dragon in dragon years but that the druid did not know why it decided to take up residence in the towns tower. Needing time to recoup and meditate the party asked the old man if the house was safe, hoping that he would be rid of them by the morning he assured them it was and they settled down for an uneventful night of cautious sleep and meditation.

Shank awoke the next morning to find the old man in the bed again having seen change in to a squirrel and venturing out the night before. Feeling not quite himself and as if he was being controlled by someone else he quickly set about gathering his supplies and waking the reminder of the sleeping party up. The group set out east from the house, making sure to avoid disturbing the old man, and headed down a path the appeared to lead towards the center of town. Along the way they stumbled upon some very large webbing sensing that danger lurked somewhere close. Nestor pulling a torch from his pack set it ablaze walking towards the webbing blocking the rest of their way. He slowly burned through the webbing while the rest of the party kept watch. As Nestor continued forward, Baelgor and Neurion watched as two large black spiders with fangs dripping with venom emerged, one from the southwest and one from a building to the south.

Before Nestor could react a glob of webbing shot past him striking the trees behind him nearly missing Shank. Shank quickly circled around to the south west working with Baelgor and Neurion to take down one of the creatures. Baelgor swinging his deft blade and Neurion releasing a flurry of kicks and thrusts with his staff bashed the creature to a pulpy mess. Nestor, unable to get through the webbing blocking the path to the other spider, pulled out his bow releasing arrow after arrow hitting everything but the spider itself. Another glob of webbing shot forth from the spider's mouth engulfing Nestor slowing his movement and preventing him from casting any spells. Neurion trying to find a clear path snuck around the side and back of the building only to find his way blocked by more webbing. Shank and Baelgor, finding openings in the webbing to get them close to the creature began a rehearsed dance of attacking and parrying, Shank distracting the creature enough allowing Baelgor to sink his blade deep inside the creatures head.

Clearing out the rest of the webbing they found a body engulfed in webbing, sucked dry of all of its fluids but still equipped. The party deciding to hold off exploring the path and tower to the north while they explored the town hoping to find anything that might help them in their big fight they knew might come soon. Continuing to move through town cautiously the adventurers destroyed two more zombies and explored more ruins finding the lost heirloom Miran's family before finally coming upon another well held together house with barricaded doors. Finding no way to enter the structure, or look inside, Baelgor knocked on one of the doors while the rest of the group stood watch. Baelgor listened as items scraped against the floor inside appearing that what was ever barricading the door was being removed. The door slowly creaked open a black masked figure emerging from within with the door almost closing completely behind him.

"Who are you and what do you want" asked the man. Baelgor replied, "We are adventurers looking for a friend. Who are you?". "I am Favrik, leader of the dragon cult here to serve the mighty dragon Venom Fang and to pay him tribute," replied the man as he slowly removed the mask. Baelgor and Neurion continued to listen to the cultist talk of his role of more cult members coming to Thundertree to pay homage in lard to appease Venom Fang in hopes of becoming a wyrm rider like others in his cult. Not wishing to waste any more time on the cultists, and not knowing what awaited them in surprise behind the doors, Baelgor and Neurion cautiously wished the Favrik good luck and the party headed north from the house hearing the door close behind them and items being slid back in place to barricade it. They looked off to the north west wondering wondering how quickly the dragon would devour the lard and the men that claimed to serve him.

Coming upon yet another aged and weather worn building Nestor entered slowly quickly being surprised by the sight and attacks of six twig blights and yet another green cauliflower looking creature. Nestor once again felt his brain being intruded as a rush of psionic energy swept through his body, paralyzing him in his tracks and sending searing pain through his thoughts. Shank still feeling under the control of something unknown set in to action with his blade dispatching of two blights and helping to distract the others form Nestor. Baelgor with a furry and speed of a skilled solder chopped the cauliflower creature in two while also obliterating one of the blights. Neurion calling upon his skillful staff attacks and powerful strikes dispatched of another blight before watching with somewhat awe and inspiration as Nestor enraged from the loss of control caused by the cauliflower creature, pummeled the last blight in to dust, his knuckles bloodied and his face contorted in rage.

While they took a short rest and healed their wounds, the party debated as to what the next course of action was to be: Should they continue searching the town in hopes of finding out what happened to it, then try and dispatch of the Venom Fang, should they go back and kill the cultists in fear that they attack the adventurers should they take action against Venom Fang, or should they go and find their friend Gundren not knowing what evil awaited them at Cragmaw castle. . .

Session 4: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 4 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 2nd Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 2nd Level Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: 2nd Level Wood Elf Monk
Shank: 2nd Level Forest Gnome Rogue



Write Up written by Chris

Session 4 - Betrayal

The party wondering how bandits could have snuck up on them in the crypt explored the northern corridor again only to find a secret sliding door which lead back in to the underground cellar they had entered from a few hours earlier. Having rested little the party cautiously explored the rest of the underground cellar looking for signs of Iarno. They headed down a staircase in the northwest corner of the cellar carefully entering through a door to the north leading them in to a wizard's workshop adorned with strange concoctions brewing upon a table and shelves of books along the walls. A rat scurried along the floor towards a hiding place along one of the bookshelves were it eerily stared at the group. Suddenly a door to the east swung open, a Red Brand stepping through the doorway to attack.

Behind the bandit a man dressed in arcane robes and carrying a glass staff began to chant, reaching out his hand towards Baelgor, magical energy filling the room as arcane missiles flew forth from his hand striking Baelgor down. Shank catching the Red Brand off guard shot an arrow through his face blasting him to the floor. Nestor calling out to Selune placed his hand on Baelgor's chest stopping his ascension in to the spiritual plane. Neurion all the while runs through the door to the east only to find the wizard has slipped through another secret passage and escaped. Fighting the urge to chase the wizard down, Neurion retreats from the secret door looking for any items that could possibly help heal is companion Baelgor.

Before the party even has time to regroup the wizard suddenly appears in the doorway they came through to enter the workshop. Feeling something tug at his senses Nestor remains sharply focused and wards of the prying power of the wizard only to see his companion Neurion fall in a similar fate as Baelgor. Shank and Nestor set in to action dispatching the evil mage before he was able to do further harm to the group. Nestor being ever thankful to the healing power of Selune helps Neurions spiritual body return to his corporal form. Having no other option than to try and rest and protect their downed companions, Shank and Nestor barricade themselves and their friends in to the wizards room hoping that by dispatching the wizard they have taken down the Red Brands and their apparent leader.

While their companions rested the duo searched the mages quarters discovering shocking information implicating Iorna had deceived the Lords Alliance and his friend Gundren under the command of the unknown Black Spider. Apparently Iorna was to obtain any maps the party might be carrying and capture if not kill the party if need be. Nestor and Shank wondered how Sildar would take this information and whether he would ask the party to investigate further.

The party was able to rest without incident and finished exploring the rest of the cellar looking for any other enemies, clues or treasure. After making sure the cellar was clear they party quickly returned to Phandalin to rest at Stonehill Inn. Waking up with rested but still worn down from the battles the previous few days, the party set out to find Sildar and deliver the bad news. They found him working in the Townmaster's Hall hunched over and looking through a pile of papers. Nestor delivered the news of Iarno's betrayal to a disgruntled but not overly surprised Sildar. "We must find Gundren," Sildar quickly spoke in a firm tone. "I offer you 500gp to find him." The party agreed to gather more information on Cragmaw Castle as well as Gundren's brothers to try and find them for more information regarding their brother and to set out to find Gundren.

Setting out from the Townmaster's Hall the group explored the town asking townsfolk along the way about any information they had regarding Cragmaw Castle, Gundren, his brothers or any other information they could gather. They entered the Miner's Exchange meeting the proprietor, Halia Thornton, a stoic and secretive female who only shared information with the party upon receiving information herself. After talking with her the group became uneasy sensing that now that the Red Brands were gone she might attempt to take control of the town which could mean good or bad for its citizens. Using the information they gathered from her the party set forth to talk with Qelline Alderleaf. It was through her that they learned of a druid, Reidoth, whom might have information regarding the whereabouts of this fabled Cragmaw Castle. They also learned that he had headed north to investigate Thundertree, the now evil enchanted and deserted town they had learned about from Miran just the day before. Selling their treasure and resupplying, the party stopped at Edermath Orchard on the way out of town to talk with Daren Edermath. Baelgor understanding the respect and nature of old military guard quickly struck up a conversation with the worn adventurer learning more about the region around Phandalin along with the Old Owl’s Well to the east and a strange tower located outside the haunted town of Thundertree.

The party struck out along the Triboar Trail heading towards the High Road taking it north to Neverwinter where they hoped to gather more information regarding Thundertree and the strange happenings that befell the town. Traveling along the High Road the adventurers reminisced about the trials they had faced thus far, feeling no closer to finding Gundren, but understanding that this mystery could be even bigger than they imagined. After a long uneventful travel, Baelgor and Neurion entered Neverwinter looking to gather more information from Baelgor’s old comrades and informants. Learning no more than they already knew, the adventurers set out once again this time heading east towards the Thundertree.

After a day of travel the group came upon a sign warning them to beware plant monsters and zombies around Thundertree. Knowing that they needed to press on to try and find Reidoth and any other clues that might help them, the team cautiously entered Thundertree, a small old and run down village with dilapidated buildings scattered around. Sensing a strange evil in the place the party prepared for battle not knowing when it would begin but that it would nonetheless.

Neurion and Nestor slowly approached the first cottage they happened upon entering through an open doorway when two small creatures made of twigs sprung forth from the corner of the room quickly attacking Neurion. Using his lightning quick reflexes Neurion is able to dispatch of the twig blights in rapid fashion. Nestor trying to assist Neurion in dispatching the creatures found himself uncontrollably dropping his weapon and unable to formulate his thoughts to cast a spell, not knowing what strange happening was causing this to happen.

From the east a large creature resembling a big green brain floated in to the village center along with five more twig blights rushing out from the dilapidated buildings to the south. Baelgor quickly attacked the large creature slashing it across its brain looking body; ooze pouring from the wound, without a flinch from the foul creature. Shank not wanting to let Neurion have all the fun destroying the twig creatures sprang in to action dispatching of one in quick fashion. The brain creature shot out a wave of energy from its body striking Baelgor followed by Baelgor driving his blade through the creature’s body watching it slump to the ground lifeless. Neurion and Shank with brute force quickly dispatched of the remaining twig men while Nestor, recovered from his paralysis, called forth the power of Selune to heal Baelgor’s wounds.

The party continued exploring the buildings south of town finding treasure but no clues as to what might have befallen the town or any sign of the druid Reidoth. Heading towards a lone building to the north, Neurion opens a door stepping inside to find two zombies shuffling about before they notice his approach. Baelgor quickly enters behind Neurion attacking one of the creatures sending hitting the creature and sending a strange dust in to the air. Nestor following Baelgors lead enters the room calling out for the undead to flee in fear causing one of the creatures to head towards the corner of the building while Neurion, staff and fists striking with fury quickly dispatches of the other zombie but not before the strange powder being released from the creatures injuries began to oddly effect him.

Two more zombies approached Shank from the west. Shank moving to the east and away from the creatures, attacked the approaching zombies with his bow trying to avoid the odd powder emanating from their bodies when they were injured. The remaining three adventurers quickly filed out of the building hearing Shank’s warning of the approaching danger. Without thinking the party set in to action attacking and parrying as if they knew each other’s next move destroying the evil creatures before they could do any real harm to the band of brothers.

The party quickly regrouped feeling an increased surge of strength, quickness, vitality, divine power and skill that they knew was a reward for their hard work and drive to accomplish the daunting tasks set before them. . .

Creature Compendium

New Big Dragon games recently released the Creature Compendium for OD&D, AD&D, and B/X D&D. This 92 page supplement has a host of new creatures to harass your players with. This monster tome is illustrated and written by Richard J. LeBlanc Jr. The book is loaded with inspirational monsters to torment your players with.

Perfect for mixing things up in your campaign. Its a nice variation of the typical goblin encounter when your throw brand new encounters with unique monsters that will throws your players off a bit. The book also has an appendix for treasure and experience for most of the prominent retro-clones like OSRIC, Sword & Wizardry, & Labyrinth Lord.

The book is very solid and I highly recommend grabbing a copy. You can buy the print version through Lulu or the pdf from Drivethrurpg.



Below are my top five creature from the Creature Compendium. They are not in any particular order but showcase some of the creativity infused in this book.

Fetch: A spirit creature that lives inside a mirror. Adventurers passing by must save vs paralysis or be reduced to a catatonic state. Then the Fetch jumps out of the mirror to assume a doppleganger form of the victim. It then proceeds to slay its victim.

Kam Warriors

Fluxbug: Giant Silver Beetles with anti-magnetic properties. Immune to metal weapons. Those who attack with a metal weapon have a 50% chance to have that weapon flung from their hands. That prompts a roll to see if it hits another party member. Also anyone wearing metal armor can't approach within 30 feet of this beetle.

Gaseous Lanterns: Flesh ballons with tentacles.These ballons explode with contact with open flame or if attacked by an edged weapon. When they explode they release toxic gases plus they cause a chain reaction of explosions if other Gaseous Lanterns are nearby. Perfect for creating a cavern with dozens of these creature and making the adventurers cross this mine field.

Gaseous Lantern

Kam Warriors: These 4HD supernatural warriors rise from being slain. When this 4HD warrior is slain it rises as two 2HD warriors. When the 2HD versions are slain they spring up as two 1HD creatures. Very cool ability.

Flash Dragon: Giant Lizards with the ability to teleport around the battlefield. They teleport to create flanking positions.

Once again I highly recommend grabbing a copy of the Creature Compendium!

Session 3: Lost Mine of Phandelver

Recap of Session 3 of Lost Mine of Phandelver for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

We have in our group four players. The cast so far:

Baelgor: 2nd Level Human Fighter
Nestor: 2nd Level Wood Elf Cleric
Neurion: 2nd Level Wood Elf Monk
Shank: 2nd Level Forest Gnome Rogue



Write Up written by Chris

Session 3 - The Dice Gods to the Rescue

"Nestor, you have served me well thus far, protected your friends and sacrificed yourself for the betterment of the world. As you continue your adventures you will come across great dangers and watch your friends and foes fall in battle. I see great things for you in your life but you cannot accomplish them without my blessings. Now awaken my son and venture forth in my honor to smite evil and protect those that can not" Nestor slowly opens his eyes as a warmth comes over him. Renewed energy and knowledge fill his body, mind and soul as he holds his lyre shaped amulet and says an elvish prayer in thanks to Apollo for his new found power.

Having spent the uneventful evening resting, Neurion, Baelgor, Shank and Nestor quietly ate a hardy morning meal at the Stonehill Inn in preparation for the fight they knew would await them at Tresendar Manor. They quickly moved east to the outskirts of Phandalin scouting out any vantage point they could discern for getting in to the Manor unseen. After scouring the hillside they came upon what appeared to be an underground entrance to the Manor. They silently readied their weapons as they slowly headed in to the hillside entrance.

As the party shuffled down the tunnel, Neurion, the first to enter the cavern, had a sudden surge of ki energy awaken in his veins sharpening his senses. "Hungry, please, need food" a voice called out to Neurion. "Please I beg you, food, hungry I mean you no harm,” the voice continued. Neurion quickly whispers in elvish to Nestor, "Did you hear that voice". "I did not my friend, be cautious" Nestor replied. Not even a few steps in to the cavern the party is approached by a one eyed creature, walking on two legs with dangly arms, sharp claws and drool dripping from its sharp toothed maw. Feeling danger surrounds this creature the party jumped in to action not wanting to be its’ next meal. With a flurry of movement and attacking prowess the party quickly dispatched the Nothic before it could do any serious harm.

Exploring the cavern further the adventurers discerned the layout of the cavern included multiple openings to areas in different directions as well as a small chasm crossed by two rickety bridges. Shank, being the curious rogue, asked to be lowered down in the chasm to search for anything of importance and quickly discovered an old worn chest. He carefully perused the lock and edges of the chest for any traps only to find it is easily opened and the contents were revealed. With a gleam in his eye gazed at the treasure within and began to think of the money he can get for these items and what he could do with it, before a tug on the rope attached to his waste bought him back to the present. Shaking off the fog of his roguish thoughts he asked the team to pull him up along with the treasure. Nestor quickly recognizes the Longsword Talon and tells the team of its history and apparent magical powers. Shank using his cunning tongue quickly persuades the team that his proficiency with this type of weapon can only help them moving forward.

The adventures headed towards a corridor in the southeast corner of the cavern, reaching a dead end only, to find it is a secret entrance in to a storeroom. Upon entering the storeroom they quickly look around noticing a large cistern full of water on the west wall, some supplies scattered around, a stair case on the east wall leading to a door, a door just north of the cistern, and a door in the northeastern corner of the room underneath the staircase. Before the team could react, the door near the cistern busted open, two Red Brands filing in to the room to quickly attack Nestor. Another Red Brand bursts forth from the door under the staircase quickly surprising the rest of the team. The adventurers quickly recovered from the surprise dispatching of the three bandits but not before Neurion took a swim in the cistern hoping it was shallow enough to help Nestor while he was being attacked.

The group quickly searched the rest of the storeroom finding some treasure but no evidence of Gundren or Iarno, Sildar's companion from the Lord's Alliance who was last seen investigating the Manor. Baelgor checked the door to the east noticing it was an exit back towards the back of the Manor that might come in handy for a quick escape later. The party headed through the northeast door only to find an open corridor heading back west. Nestor, having and uneasy feeling, searched around the room noticing some heavily warn areas along the stone floor close to the walls. Upon further investigation, he notices that the floor in the middle of the corridor is a pit trap that wouldn’t be able to sustain much pressure before it gave way. The group slowly worked their way along the wall before opening and heading through the double doors to the west.

Upon entering the next room they came upon three skeletons, clad in armor and weapons, sitting atop three sarcophagi. Not knowing if these creatures will animate an arrow was shot at one of the skeletons to see if it provoked a reaction. As the arrow thudded in to the creature, cracking bone and sending pieces of it flying, the party readied their weapons in anticipation . . . only for nothing to happen. After a quick exploration of the sarcophagi, finding three signet rings with no apparent powers, they decide to stuff the bodies back in their enclosures. As Baelgor moved to the north of the room to check out one of the two doors, the skeletal remains in Nestor’s arms burst to life quickly attacking him while the other two skeletons attacked Neurion and Shank. Two Red Brands, hearing the commotion, entered the room quickly from a door in the northeast corner focusing in on Baelgor. 

With a flurry of kicks and attacks with his staff, Neurion dispatched one of the skeletons while Nestor and Shank help take down the other two. The three watched as Baelgor, roaring out, seemed to swing his Great Sword with greater power and skill than they had yet to see before. Slicing through one of the Red Brands, Baelgor pushed himself beyond his normal limits, surging forward to help send the other Red Brand to his grave.

The team cautiously entered through the open door the Red Brands had came through. Inside they found a jail with two females behind a cage to the south and a young boy inside a cage to the north. They learn that the eldest woman, Miran, is the widow of Dale Dengar, the man that had been killed by the Red Brands for trying to fight them. The two children, Nars and Nellsa, and Miran had been imprisoned after they had seen Dale fall to the evil bandits. After fumbling with the cell doors the group was able to finally free the three hostages, Baelgor took them to the escape route they had found earlier in the storeroom and asking them to seek out Sildar and let him know what had transpired. Before leaving the manor, Miran thanked him and shared a story with them regarding a valuable and magical family heirloom he could find and have in appreciation for saving her and her children.

“50 miles north of Phandalin is my birthplace of Thundertree. Many years ago it was overrun by undead and I have not heard about the town sense. My family ran an herb and alchemy shop that was frequented by many adventurers. Without notice the town was quickly attacked by the undead and we were unable to retrieve a family heirloom, an emerald necklace that had been cautiously guarded and hidden. If you brave the danger that awaits you in Thundertree and are able to reach my families shop, you can find the necklace in a hidden section underneath some storage shelves. It is yours to take and use as you wish, I only ask of any news you can share.” Miran thanked Baelgor again and set off quickly and quietly towards town.

Finding nothing further in the jail they explored the other doorway in the crypt they had left finding a store room filled with weapons and Red Bandit Outfits. Neurion, having lost his prized staff to the Red Brands at the sleeping giant, feverishly searched the room before finding it lying against the wall in a pile of spears. Picking it up he bowed his head apology to his master swearing to never lose it again before he lost his own life. The party quickly dawned the Red Band outfits in hopes of disguising themselves and making it easier to surprise any other bandits they came across. Finding no other doorways or secret areas they headed back out to the cavern they had first entered the storeroom from.

Not having just entered the cavern, Nestor being behind his companion Neurion, was able to spot the likes of three Bugbears as one of them threw a spear towards Neurion, which missed and clanked off the cavern walls. “You killed my brother Klarg, I kill you know,” growled one of the Bugbears. The party knowing how formidable Klarg had been quickly set in to action while devising a way to gain any advantage they could. Shank, feeling unusually nimble and reading the movements of his opponents quicker than he had been able to before, used his extra skills to fire off arrows at his opponents working to surprise them while they were engaged in combat with the others while still being able to move around the cavern before the Bugbears could retaliate. Neurion having found his staff and with a new sense of purpose, set in to action quickly attacking the enemies with swings of his staff, flying kicks and bone crushing punches. Using his ki energy he was able to release a flurry of blows to his opponents while also moving swiftly as if he was gliding along with the wind. Baelgor, using his skilled blade, was quick to attack the Bugbears suffering large amounts of damage while Nestor worked to help distract and strike at the creatures when and where he could. 

After yet another long battle, the foes were finally taken down. Bloodied and beaten the party returned to the crypt, barricading doors and setting watch in hopes of recovering some energy while they rested and prayed to their gods. Fatigued from their many recent battles and having no knowledge of the number of Red Brands that remained, the party hunkered down in an effort to rest . . . only to be quickly awakened by Nestor yelling that they were under attack.

Two bandits quickly entered from the north of the crypt where Baelgor met them with resistance while Neurion and Nestor quickly prepare for the two bandits coming their way, skirting the edge of the pit trap. Shank readied his bow to assist where he was needed. The clang of blades striking, the thud of Neurions staff and fist and the twang of a bow quickly begin to echo throughout the room. 

Baelgor strikes at a bandit as he enters the room from the north, stabbing him in the stomach. Shank focusing on the wounded bandits chest lets lose an arrow that pierces the Red Brand through its heart throwing it up against the northern wall.

To the southeast, Nestor calls out to Apollo to give his companions strength and protection as he falls to the blade of one of the bandits. Apollo calls out to him, “Awaken”, Nestor hears him and tries to swim out of the foggy ether between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Neurion springs in to with concentrated focus bashing the bandit that struck down Nestor with fists and staff sending the bandit in to oblivion.

Apollo calls out to Nestor again, “Awaken and help your friends in battle” but Nestor hears nothing. Neurion focusing his rage from seeing his friend fall, badly injures the ruffian in front of him. Baelgor slashes with his mighty sword dealing crushing blows to another enemy coming through the door to the north but ultimately falls to his enemy’s relentless attacks. Baelgor slides to the stone floor, blood coursing through his body fighting the will to die. 

Shank, lets loose an arrow striking the bandit near Neurion in the face knocking the bandit to the floor dead but then he is attacked from behind by the bandit that took down Baelgor. The bandit slides his blade in to Shanks back cackling as he sees Shank fall to the floor. Shank sees an ancestor of his telling him it’s not his time. Nestor, continuing to fight his way through the fog does not hear Apollo calling to him once again.

Neurion with deathly skill lashes out at the last bandit pummeling him in the face as the bandits neck snaps back with a loud crack as his spine is severed and he slumps to the floor dead. Baelgor clings to life fighting with all of his might to resist the grasp of death. Shank tries running to his ancestor only to be turned back with a wave of his ancestor’s hand. Nestor hears Apollo’s voice again, telling him that great things await him before quickly being drawn out of the vapor gasping as he feels the remains of a liquid running down his gullet, Neurion standing above him smiling and yelling at him to help revive Baelgor and Shank.

Baelgor slowly opens his eyes exhausted from his fight with death while Nestor calls to holds his amulet calling for Apollo to help him spare the life of Shank. Shank awakens to see Nestor smiling and then looks around for his ancestor in confusion. 

The party quickly patches themselves up as they try to figure out what to do next . . .