Grimlocks

In The News

Korranberg Chronicle: Wir 18 Lharvion - Breland Page 1
Eleven dead after reconciliation service - This Sul 15 Lharvion six humans and five Shifters were killed at a Silver Flame reconciliation service. The service was held in the Cathedral of the Silver Flame in the Sovereign Tower's district of Sharn. Sources confirm that a group of reactionary shifters were able to gain entrance to the cathedral and began killing the attendees - both human and Shifter. Fortunately, the actions of the temple warriors and a small group of heroes managed to save many more than were killed.

Sharn Inquisitive: Sul 22 Lharvion - Front Page
Massacre at the Cathedral of the Cleansing Flame - When you say the word 'atrocity' to someone in Sharn, something will probably come to mind. The destruction of the glass tower, the slaughter of the innocents in Droaam, or perhaps the infamous Orphanage of the Cogs. Well, last Sul (15 Lharvion) a new atrocity was added to that list.

Sul morning the Cathedral of the Cleansing Flame held its first shifter reconciliation service. The service brought together faithful of the church and shifters of the city for fellowship and forgiveness. What they found was blood and death. Somehow a large band of armed shifter whoresons found their way into the church and began cutting down innocents with vicious weapons of evil! They killed man and shifter alike. Women and children shrieked as they were hacked into gory bits on the temple floor.

But for a group of three brave souls the carnage would have cost every attendee their life. The Inquisitive has not been able to attain their names, but witnesses report an elf, a halfling, and a shifter fighting the wicked murderers with tenacity. Only the efforts of these brave heroes stopped the event from become wholesale slaughter. If you know of these courageous Sharn vigilantes please direct them to the offices of the inquisitive. We would like to interview them.

In the end eleven innocents lay slain. Cut down, never to see the towers of Sharn again. Most of the attackers were also killed, but the few scum that remained were taken to the central jail. Unfortunately the ringleader, a large shifter who went by the name Gorebrute escaped shortly thereafter and is currently at large. The other captured shifters were found dead in their cell, along with a prison guard on Mol morning, and Gorebrute has not been seen since. When questioned about the incompetence of his staff, the head jailer was belligerent, as usual.

The Inquisitive feels that this atrocity should not go unpunished. If you know anything about the whereabouts of this Gorebrute whoreson, please report it to The Inquisitive or to the city watch.

Sharn Inquisitive: Sul 22 Lharvion - Sports Page 1
Annual Reachrace Complete - This years annual reachrace competition was a huge success. There were some great competitions and exciting upsets. Also, this year House Cannith sponsored the event giving out substantial purses and magical items to the victors. This was part of its campaign to introduce its new line of shifter braids.
...

Here are the winners of the events:
Dash Race - Jebediah Riptooth
Bear Strength - Jebediah Riptooth
Arrow Dodge - Sarl Reacher
Quick Climb - Sadie Wolfchild
Wrestling - Jebediah Riptooth
Swimming - Herv Baroke
Hide & Track - Jebediah Riptooth, Harold Longstride, Sarianne Tealfeather, Emer Candlefish, Toothy Starli
Longrun - Jebediah Riptooth
Highclimb - Tanner Furlip
Reachrun Extreme - Jebediah Riptooth

Jebediah Riptooth was named the overall champion for the week. A large and surly shifter, he declined comment, only barring his teeth menacingly.

Sharn Inquisitive: Sul 22 Lharvion - Classifieds
Seeking Grimlock Speaker - We are seeking a person who can speak the Grimlock language. If you can help us please contact Sadie at the Lizard's Mantle.

Sharn Inquisitive: Sul 22 Lharvion - Classifieds
Seeking Adventurers for Droaam Excursion - Looking for talented adventurers for an expedition into Droaam to recover a lost item. Please leave your contact information in mailbox 1938 in the central exchange.

Sharn Inquisitive: Sul 1 Barrakas - Front Page
Bodies Found in the Hilt - Its not entirely uncommon to find bodies floating in The Hilt of the Dagger River, but finding three is an exceptional day. Yesterday three bloated bodies were found floating in the The Hilt of the Dagger river. The bodies have been identified as Ameil Syrandor, Mansfield Twinner, and Marcus Wyn-wir. Sources have confirmed that all three half-elves had ties to the Boromar Clan. Whether this is an act of retribution, or a move by a rival syndicate, the Inquisitive can definitely say - these are dangerous times we live in.

Sharn Inquisitive: Sul 1 Barrakas - Special Interest
Man Dies Laughing - Meller Bredbaker died last week... of laughter. The man apparently picked up a small coin in the street which had been cursed with the Hideous Laughter spell. The man could not stop laughing until he rain out of air and died. It is assumed that the death was the result of a practical joke gone wrong, and the authorities (as usual) are not interested investigating any further possibilities.

Sharn Inquisitive: Sul 1 Barrakas - Classifieds
Seeking Adventurers for Droaam Excursion - Looking for talented adventurers for an expedition into Droaam to recover a lost item. Please leave your contact information in mailbox 1938 in the central exchange.

Chronicle

After spending time apart Cora, Thaspar, and Sadie were eager to spend time together and share the events of the previous week with each other. When Thaspar mentioned that as part of his trials he had not eaten in six day, the decided to go out for a fancy supper at the first available opportunity. Sadie dressed in her recently repaired outfit, the three set off for "Ezaryadra Wannadras", or as it unimpressively translated into Common, "The Baboon’s Kitchen".

Over a dinner of toucan and roast baboon, the trio discussed the events of their weeks. After the meal they indulged with some "Ice Cream", a delicacy of Aerenal. Though Cora and Sadie were skeptical, Thaspar insisted it was delicious, and they soon found out that he was right. Over desert, Cora confessed that there had been more to her week than just visiting her uncle, but she was not allowed to speak of it. At least not just yet - and Thaspar and Sadie were understanding. In all the evening was a splendid time.

While Thaspar recovered from his six days of fasting, Sadie and Cora made plans to return to the area near the Forgotten Forge. Sadie also had here second date with Merrin Tox. The Bard's singing was superb, and both Sadie and Merrin enjoyed the evening and each other's company immensely. Merrin walked her home to the Lizards mantle, hand-in-hand, before returning to the cathedral.

Once Thaspar was fully recovered, the party wasted no time returning to the vault. This time, however, they found several unwelcome changes. First of all, laying upon the ground in forge were the bodies of two grimlocks. In addition the rusting weapons had been strewn haphazardly across the floor; the rope ladder had been shredded; and the keys to the vault - were gone. This was indeed an unpleasant discovery. It was quickly decided that the trio would head towards the area where they had encountered grimlocks earlier.

Once again in the large street-like chamber they made their way towards the large building that dominated the room. After scouting the exterior, they decided on the direct approach - opening the door.

"Wha? Argurdabzdizaaa!"

The moment the door swung open the party was set upon by the three grimlocks guarding it. Wielding vicious stone axes the two nearest the door set into Sadie and Thaspar. The first axe swung wide of Sadie, and the one aimed at Thaspar's head shaved a sizable chunk from the wooden doorframe. The three wasted no time defending themselves. Sadie's sword whistled through the air, but just missed the creature closest her. Thaspar’s fist found a home in his quarry's chest, but his follow-up kick caught only air. As the grimlocks readied their second blows Cora hurled one of her darts into the side of the closest opponent. A pitched battle of parries and dodges ensued, and several more chunks were hewn from the doorframe. At last Cora's second dart skewered the nearest foe and his eyes rolled back as he fell forward. Seconds later a joint strike by Sadie and Thaspar downed the second beast. As the grotesque creature crumpled to the floor, the final creature near the rear of the chamber held out his hand tentatively.

"Androja? Androja? Androoooojaaaaa!!!!!"

Suddenly he attacked with terrible ferocity. Firing the bow in his hands wildly and crazily, however, did not score him any hits. Wanting to take some foes alive, Thaspar delivered a blow to the head which left him in an unconscious pile.

Finally having time to observe their surroundings, the trio found themselves in the narthex of a temple. A dark altar sat across the way, and large pillars framed the open entryway into the main of the building. Beyond those pillars there were the definite sounds or scuffling feat, moving weapons, and creatures trying (in vain) to be silent. It looked as if battle was inevitable.

Thus the three hurled themselves into the opening. Beyond the archway was what was once an elaborate temple. The broken remnants of stone seats lay knocked over on the floor, between the filthy cots of the temple’s new inhabitants. Even the raised, unholy altar against the far wall had been completely redressed with animal skills. In the center of the room a large grimlock, clad in armor that appeared to be the hide of a Horrid Rat stood – arms folded. Raising his massive battleaxe he shouted a guttural war cry and his five companions charged recklessly towards the trio.

These creatures were more successful than the guards had been. Crude stone blades tore deep gashes in both Sadie and Thaspar, but they fought back claiming several hits of their own. As the melee fighters entered the dance of threat, dodge, and attack, Cora drew a flask of alchemist’s fire from her pack. About this time, another grimlock entered the scene.

Low and squat, but crowned with strange bones and bits of rock he came shambling forward. Muttering some low and disturbing mishmash and doing a bizarre dance he suddenly turned his eyeless face up towards Sadie. In an instant she felt a strong sense of despair creep over her, but ever strong in the face of adversity she shuddered and shrugged it off.

Sensing that this new grimlock was trouble, Cora hurled the flask towards the shaman. It struck him square in the face, spewing its contents across his body. The chemicals, igniting upon contact with air, immediately burst his entire body into flames, and he began screaming and trying to put out the blaze. He began angrily casting another spell towards Cora, but the fire flared up again and the spell was lost.

Meanwhile Sadie and Thaspar had managed to down one of the grimlocks, but more were closing in for the kill. However the two proved too much for the creatures. Sadie’s amazing shifter reflexes and Thaspar’s monastic training allowed them to dodge, jump and swerve around every blow. As his followers began to fall, the large grimlock hefted his mighty axe and strode forward into battle.

Charging forward with his massive axe he brought it crashing down on the floor next to Thaspar. The elf did not even have to try to dodge the blow. Clearly embarrassed, the creature angrily lifted the axe for a second attempt. Before this could happen, however, he was hit in the chest with a second flask of alchemist’s fire. The blast singed Thaspar and Sadie, but they were able to evade most of the heat.

The next few seconds were a heated brawl of thrusts and counter-thrusts. Most of the grimlocks fell. As the flames died down on the chief, the shaman approached and healed him from behind. The chief nearly landed a blow on Thaspar, but an amazing swirling dodge saved him from the deadly axe. Meanwhile the shaman had edged forward. His hand wreathed in blackness, he reached forward for Thaspar. At the last moment Thaspar pivoted out of the way and killed the twisted creature with a single blow.

The chieftain missed pathetically several more times, and it was clear his shame and rage were growing. With a howl that sounded like a beast of the depths he brought his full weight into the swing of his axe. Ignoring everything but his anger he crashed his axe down on Thaspar as he struck out at the shaman. With shock Thaspar felt his flesh being torn, and his bones snapping – then nothing.

His axe dripping with blood the chieftain smiled wickedly. His followers had all fallen, but all that remained before him were two easy opponents. Unfortunately he had never dealt with two clever rogues before. Flanking him, Cora feinted one attack before plunging her tiny dagger directly into the base of his spine. In the same moment he shuddered as Sadie’s rapier shot through his abdomen, and too pierced his spinal column. Everything was still for a moment. Then the creature slipped from the weapon and lay on the floor – convulsing in death.

Several healing potions later Thaspar was revived from the brink of death. Sore and groggy he got to his feet and surveyed the room along with his companions. Sadie and Cora expertly searched the room and came up with several treasures – but most significantly they found the keys to the vault (the two iron rods) behind the chief’s chair. Cora also found an odd stick, which she suspected was a wand, as part of the decoration.

The party decided that it was time to go back to the surface to lick their wounds – but Cora insisted on just checking out the back hallway (behind the animal hangings). Fortunately they did not find any more grimlocks there – only a putrid latrine, and a storeroom. Thus, they promptly returned to the surface.

After a day of healing they returned to the area, to check on any changes. They found the grimlock temple much as they had left it – though the “Androja” shouting grimlock they had left unconscious had fled. Quickly surveying the area they found the chieftain’s room, up the stairs on the left. Oddly, the room contained three dead concubines (with no marks on their bodies) and one who had fallen out the window to her death. This scene was exceptionally odd and disturbing, so the three made quick to leave, and investigated the opposite stairs.

The door at the top was stuck – which was not surprising, given the garbage that piled on the stairs themselves. Thaspar was undaunted, however, and he effortlessly kicked the door off its hinges. The room on the other side looked to have once been a library. One broken bookshelf lay against the far wall, and another had fallen broken on the floor. It also appeared, however, that this room had once been the lair of a large creature. The scrolls and shredded vellum lay twisted into some kind of nest. Yet, it looked like the place had been abandoned for some time. The room had a musty, stale smell, the nest was in a state of decay, and cobwebs covered the ceiling and walls.

Cautiously moving forward, Thaspar stepped into the room. His well tuned senses were tingling and he suddenly glanced up to see a gruesome spider – the size of a cat – quickly descending on him from the ceiling. He quickly dashed it to the floor, narrowly escaping its poison dripping mandibles. But the thing was not through. It scuttled forward, jumping towards the elf, who had backed into the far corner to allow passage through the doorway. The spider jumped at Thaspar, this time injecting its foul poison into his veins. Immediately he felt his muscles around the bite weaken. But that was not all. He then also noticed five more spiders descending on him from the ceiling. As Cora and Sadie moved to crush the ones that headed towards them, Thaspar flailed desperately at the carpet of eyes and legs that now covered him. Spiders bit, but halflings, shifters and elves punched, squished, and stomped. Thaspar crushed the final spider (which had found its way onto Sadie’s chest) with his hand. The trio decided they had had enough. They were groggy and stiff with the mild poison of the spiders, there was nothing of value in the room, and they were ready to go home.

All three returned to the city, and after nice private baths at the Lizard’s Mantle they retired for a well deserved rest.

Timeline

• Zol 24 Lharvion - Fancy supper
• Far 27 Lharvion - Sadie's date with Merrin Tox
• Sul 1 Barrakas - Fought the grimlock chief
• Mol 2 Barrakas - Resting and healing
• Zol 3 Barrakas - Return to the Grimlock lair

Heroic Actions

• Thaspar swung to the side to avoid the axe of a grimlock, which put him just off balance enough to swing back to avoid the huge axe of the grimlock chieftain.

Heroic Quotes

• "We should feed Thaspar a potion." - Sadie "I'm not in a position to object." – Robert
• “He’s not lookin’ so hot” – Jon “Uh actually he looks very hot” – Robyn & Bryan (about the burning shaman)
• “Aw man, I roofed the halfling” – Jon (on the prospect of throwing Cora)

Adventure Names

• Robert – ANDROJA!!!!!!
• Robyn – Androja’s Revenge
• Bryan – Catch & Release

Legends & Lore

The dead of Sharn are usually cremated these days, but in the city’s youth (and still, to some extent, at least among the wealthy) they were more commonly entombed in the mausoleums and crypts of the City of the Dead, high on the cliffs surrounding the city. Theses districts are nearly deserted in contract to the bustling streets and towers of Sharn. The City of the Dead lies outside the manifest zone that allows the astonishing towers of Sharn to stand, and magic linked to that zone does not function there. As with most graveyards tales persist of both great treasure and great peril to be found there.

Statistics

Date Played: October 16, 2005
Session Length: 5 1/2 hours
Experience Gained: /character
Foes Vanquished: 5 Grimlocks, 1 Grimlock Chieftain, 1 Grimlock Shaman, 7 Tiny Monstrous Spiders