In our last session, the party explored the ruins of a monastery
beneath the Giant Fall. After defeating the skeletons, they headed
east in the direction of a faint scream and the sound of rocks
moving. Rounding a corner the rear guard (Rolgrim) was attacked by a
tunnel wolf. He wasn't seriously injured however and the party
easily defeated the lone wolf. Moving on, the party came to a
door. Scouting ahead of the party, Asher put his ear to the door and
was surprised when it was opened – by an Ogre wielding a large
axe. Asher suffered an axe wound and retreated, allowing Imric to
cast a sleep spell, quickly ending the combat. Inside the room, the
party discovered two prisoners, a Cleric Zort and his traveling
companion Thilda. A search of the room and Ogre revealed some silver
coins and gems in the Ogre's pouch, and Zort's weapons and armor
piled amid some debris. A grateful Zort healed Asher and agreed to
continue on with the party, while Thilda returned to Frostmark.
The party headed north, with Asher in the lead as usual. Through an
archway, he entered a large, dark room and was immediately attacked
by two flying Goblin-like creatures who threw javelins at him. One
of the javelins found its mark and he retreated, wounded. The rest
of the party ran into the room and soon was battling six of the
creatures. After a few rounds the creatures were dead and the party
examined their surroundings. They were in an old library, complete
with with rotted shelves, books and scrolls. After a thorough search
which turned up nothing of value, the party headed north.
Once again Asher the Robber scouted ahead of the party. He spied a
small room off to one side of the main corridor, and peered
in. Sadly, it was not empty but occupied by a large serpent, who
from a darkened corner spat venom into Asher's face [DM Note: Asher
was surprised, the serpent hit and Asher failed a save vs. poison,
taking damage]. The serpent darted forward and bit Asher in the face
[DM Note: Failed initiative roll and another failed save!], and that
was all poor Asher could take as he dropped to the floor.
Meanwhile, the party rushed into the room as fast as they could –
Ambrose and Roger quickly killed the serpent, but it was too late
for their friend Asher. They gathered Asher's body and returned to
town. Try as they might, the Priests of Soldra were not able to
bring Asher back.
# Referee Notes:
Asher's demise was a comedy of failed rolls. Apart from the failed
surprise, initiative and two failed saves, he failed his CON save
versus death roll (the first session where I used this house
rule). Finally, he failed his shock survival roll during the
resurrection attempt in town.
