Combined World Map

As part of an ongoing Campaign Design/History I've been assembling, our group - the Foaming Flagons decided to create a single world map that we will adventure in. John was kind enough to assemble the main layout, with the only pieces missing being Harn and The Land. I added those in, and currently:

John has his 0E campaign in the Wilderlands
Brett has his 2E campaign in Faerun
I have my 1E campaign in The Land/Harn

The benefit of such a world is that there is the very real possibility that the players from different campaigns may well meet each other/adventure together. But more-so was the concept that we all agreed upon of a "Living City within a Dungeon" complex.

The group in my campaign is at a point that they might well descend into one of these Living City levels within Castle Zagyg (depending on which of the 3 sets of stairs they choose).

Lastly, in the very near future, I'm gearing up to run a Middle Earth campaign set during the 2nd Age - just forget any reference to the ring and you've got the correct mindset.

Cheers,

First taste of combat...

Diary Entry: Northwind Campaign

I awoke to the tingling of my arms regaining their circulation and once my vision cleared I could see the large helmed man and his men had been beaten. A Sleep spell had knocked us and most of the guards out and after finding my equipment and getting my bearings I turned to the odd Dwarf with the deep accent, bowed and introduced myself, thanking him and his group for the timely rescue.

Turns out they were exploring this dungeon themselves in hopes of finding some information on the area in general. After spending a bit of time searching the room a leather bound book was found in a secret compartment. Malator, a human mage decided to study it in some detail. While he worked on that, we tried to find one of our formal captures whom knew anything, but it turns out most of them were hired help only in it for a few golds.

We'd wake a man, strip him naked, question him, then move them to another room, leaving their clothing behind as a sign to the others. In the midst of this questioning a voice screamed out:

"FELHUXOR!!"

With weapon's already drawn, and silent curses to various gods we all tensed, turned and stared at the mage - whom held the large tomb in his hands frozen in place, eyes wide open. He glanced at us, then down at the book, and then we heard the sound of something approaching quickly.

Dark shadows could be seen coming down a side hallway, I being the closest knelt down and drew my bow, another fighter in the group stood behind me and I could hear the string on his bow stretch under the strain of an arrow held in place. Odd primeval sounds came from the direction of the unknown creatures, but we could plainly see they held spears at the ready.

A throwing axe flew past my head, followed moments later by the caveman running past wearing only a loin cloth and screaming something unintelligible. I loosed my arrow but too quickly and it slipped sideways off my hand, however it took off like a shot and buried itself into the caveman's shoulder. I grimaced in sympathy but quickly drew another arrow. Three more arrows joined mine in flight, along with another axe.

Artemist the alchemist, standing in the back of the party threw a flask of oil down the corridor, holding a lit torch at the ready. The oil bounced and let loose its bounty, covering a wide section of the floor amongst the creatures and our men. My eyes grew wide at the possibilities, but as quick as the fighting had started, it was quickly ended when Ukkla, the caveman, body pressed the remaining creature into the floor.

I bashfully made my way over to try and help with Ukkla's wounds...

There and back again: One stinky dwarf!

Diary Entry: Northwind Campaign

Drowsily I opened my eyes and tried to make sense of the flickering images. I was being herded, along with a dwarf and fighter through a dark corridor lit by greasy torches that filled my eyes with smoke. A cold chill ran through my bones when I tried to flex my arms but I was bound tight with no weapons nearby and I was naked. When we slowed, stumbled or fell down, a knife stabbed me in the ribs. I swore that I'd remain silent and not cry out, praying for the blow to come fast and sure. If my lot was to die in this dank place, I'd not give my captor any pleasure. Memories flooded back...


"Khem-Tep, I grant you leave. Return with proof of these dark tidings and keep thy mind strong. Take with you this feather of Maat, and the carved figurine of Sekhmet - items to help you on your journey. Speak with no one of this, but seek the guidance of a singer. Opal eyes shall be your sign, oh son of Idonis" The voice of Herem-Tem, Priest of Ptah echoed in the silence.

I ran, hard and fast through the woods stopping near a brier bush to collect my breath. For twelve days I'd ran, and now finally I neared my goal. A small village lay in the distance, a promise from the bard that I was nearing a clue. Three hours later as I left the witches room I felt something tugging on my cloak. As I glanced down a small wax beetle with gossamer wings flitted away, and the world went dark.

***
"Get a move on you bastard, or I'll poke you again"..

I felt the knife dig a bit deeper in my side, and I bit my lip hard to not cry out. We had travelled for an hour or so, when we entered a large room. In the torchlight I could make out tapestries on the wall, and the smell of ape filled my senses though I wasn't sure what kind it may have been. We were shoved into a corner, and then our feet were tied together. I was side by side with the dwarf, a smelly stocky one at that. When our captor moved over to talk with the others, I nodded to him and whispered "I am Khem, we will escape and kill them:". He gruffly replied "Burr".

Suddenly Burr yelled towards a guard, the man walked over, a sword in his hands and backhanded the dwarf hard across the face. I saw something in his eye - defiance.

I drifted off for a while unsure how long I slept but when I woke a female was tied near us. I tried not to stare but was struck by her physical strength. She sat with back against the wall, though relaxed she looked ready to fight. The guards had moved away, though some milled nearby, not close enough to catch any real news of where we were or how long we'd been here. A large man, wearing a huge helm was their leader, dark energy flowed around him and his aura was black as night to me. He pointed to us, then broke into shrill laughter, and the word "slaves" filled my head.

Then, a blast of light came from a corner of the room - "Have at ya", a dwarf with a deep accent screamed out, running into the room he hefted a throwing axe. Soon, I saw a couple spells being cast, one certainly a missile of some sort and the large helmed warrior was hit hard. Some of the guards slipped to the floor, never to breathe again, and then a break..a dagger came careening towards us.

I tried to reach it with my feet, but it was no good. The ropes held me tight and too far away. We had to move together as a unit quietly sliding forward. Just as I reached the dagger, a chant went off in my head and darkness engulfed me....