Session 104: Axeholm & Triboar

19th day of Deepsnow 1492 (Full Moon)

Mission:  Gather information about Dragons

Campaign: Black Maw Bog

Location(s):  Triboar, Axeholm.

Present: Aerie, Anor, Bandur, Garet, Heimund & Droop, Karion, L'Aalratic Paskan

It was mid-afternoon when Aerie was happy with the way things were progressing in Triboar. Now she could use the pendent to travel to Axeholm. Before departing she cut a piece of parchment taken out of the back of her journal into 6 pieces and drew the symbol they were looking for onto each as reference. She used a second sheet to copy the map she and Karion drew out for Heimund to show his Master/peers.

Garet: "Be careful and don't vent your feelings on young Aramil."

Aerie: "I'll try."

Aerie hit her pendent. This journey was somewhat different. It seemed more powerful as she felt herself drawn magically, spiritually but it was a split second as she arrived and promptly threw up.

Aerie arrives in Axeholm.

A voice: "Nice, just nice, bloody well didn't tell me to expect unexpected, unexpectedness, persons................ooh you're pretty.

Aerie was still trying to get her wits, her feet, but felt giddy, unbalanced.

A voice: "First time dear, he was like that first time too, they all are. It wears off. So they tell me. Never been myself, too much to do here, cleaning, washing, all the good jobs I get. Never mind. I'm Dabbledob, pleased to meet your prettyness".

Aerie decided that sitting was the better option until the dizziness and nausea went away. Dabbledob she could see was a female Gnome.

Aerie: "My name is Aerie and I'm here to talk with a good friend of mine, Aramil. Do you perhaps know him and where can I find him, please?"

Dabbledob: "At least you got proper manners, Lionel has, he's pretty too. Likes to play tunes and sing a lot. Sourpus Aramil aint. But I'll take you to him if'n you want to. Ooh you are pretty."

Aerie nodded.

Dabbledob took Aerie down unfamiliar corridors until she arrived at a door and knocked. There was no answer. She knocked again. No answer for a third time. Aerie looked at the Gnome with despair in her eyes. Suddenly Dabbledob began banging and kicking the door.

Dabbledob: "If'n you aint comin out I'll take the pretty lady to meet Lionel or King Gnerkli".

The door was wrenched open. Aramil was about to let out a tirade of.......when he saw Aerie!

Aerie: "Hello. We need to talk".

Aramil: "Well , yes, are the others here too?"

Aerie: "No I'm here by myself".

Aramil: "Ah, ok, Dambledib thankyou, you may go now".

Before Dabbledob turned around to go Aerie spoke up.

Aerie: "Thank you Dabbledob, many thanks for your valuable assistance."

Dabbledob smiled and curtseyed to Aerie then stuck her tongue out at Aramil before rushing back the way she had come with Aerie.

Aerie: "You could try and remember her name Aramil!"

Aramil: "You've been here all of 5 minutes and you think you know the way this place runs! It's a madhouse of mayhem. And the two Kings, yes two are the worst of the lot. I tell you. That's why I spend all of my time here, or the library. Yes we have a library, of sorts, I'm starting to extend what we have or have not. My latest addition to the library is my Dragonomicon, everything you need to know about dragons in one handy tome!"

Aerie was about to speak when Aramil continued. She guessed he was unused to having other people to converse with other than Gnomes.

Aramil: "I need to have a break. Let me give you the guided tour".

          

Aramil: "And of course this room opposite the stables, yes stables, is my laboratory where we first met". (Blank room with no title)

Aerie: "So is this it, is this Axeholm?"

Aramil: "Oh no, this is sanity, Axeholm is up there the Madhouse of Mayhem and Bedlam, my pet nick names for the two Kings.".

Aramil walked towards a wall and it opened before him, another wall stood 5ft in front of that and it too opened. Aramil stepped forward and Aerie followed.

Aramil: "This is an old store room, as you can see we keep basic needs stuff in here. There are only 4 Gnomes who know how to get into the Sanctuary and when the group arrive they will all have access too".

Aerie: "Dobbledab mentioned Lionel, a bard?"

Aramil: "He's like Fabien, but a true Elf, he's aloof, always playing tunes and singing but he has done a lot of research on the teleportation circle".

Aramil led Aerie upstairs and proceeded to take her around Axeholm proper.

Ground and Upper levels:

A1. Outer Gauntlet

Axeholm’s primary entrance and exit is this defensible passage, which is blocked by a sturdy                                          portcullis. Arrow slits are spaced along the walls and murder holes line in the ceiling,                      enabling  fortress defenders to shoot ballistas at invaders or pour boiling oil on top of                          them. 

A2. Western Bulwark

This area contains seven ballistas pointed at arrow slits, a winch that raises and lowers the                                            portcullis, and a stone staircase leading up to area A22. Each ballista is equipped with five bolts.

A3. Eastern Bulwark

This area has the same features as area A2.

A4. Mustering Hall

This great hall has a 40-foot-high ceiling supported by four thick stone pillars. In the middle                                             of each wall past the entrance is a double door. Arrow slits are set high up in the north and                                      south walls, and a small stone balcony protrudes from the wall above the east exit, 20 feet                                       above the floor. (See areas A22, A24 and A25 for details of these features.)

A5. West Hall

A6. Armory

A7. Main Barracks

A8. Privies

Wool curtains conceal three neglected privies, each with a wooden bench set against the                                           back wall.

A9. Smithy

Standing before two hearths are a pair of anvils, which dwarves once used to fashion and                                        repair their armour and weapons. Unfortunately the Gnomes are not weapon smiths but                                             gem smiths!

A10. Tool Storage

Dwarven armoursmiths and weaponsmiths stored their tools here, which still hang from                                              hooks along the walls. 

A11. Inner Gauntlet

Four arrow slits line the walls of this corridor leading to Axeholm’s throne room (Area A14).

A12. West Guard Post

Two ballistas point toward arrow slits in the east wall. Each ballista is equipped with five bolts. 

A13. East Guard Post

Two ballistas aimed at arrow slits in the west wall come equipped with five bolts apiece.

A14. Throne Room

The 2 Gnomish kings hold court here.

A15. Dining Room

In the middle of this room, a carved stone dining table (15 feet long by 5 feet wide) is flanked                                         by a pair of equally long wooden benches. Above the table hang two iron chandeliers. North                                          of the seating area is a fireplace and an alcove containing a rough-hewn pit that descends 60                                     feet.

A16. Kitchen

The room has all the trappings one expects to find in a dwarven kitchen, including metal                                     dishware, utensils, and drinking mugs. A stone sink is equipped with a faucet which, when                                     turned, spouts hot water channelled from a naturally heated underground spring.                                                        May I introduce to you, Dimble, Uppendown (male) and Joybell, Panana, Tervaround (female),                                     the kitchen staff.         

A17. East Hall 

A18. Empty Room

A19. Shrine

A21. East Upper Barracks

A22. Upper Bastion

This large chamber extends over the outer gauntlet of the main entrance (area A1) and contains                              many former defensive measures. Arrow slits to the north allow outside light to enter, filling the                             northern half of the room with sunlight or moonlight depending on the time of day or night.

Other defences include two fireplaces, which were used to heat cauldrons full of oil that the                                 Gnomes pour through narrow slits in the floor. Three empty cauldrons are lined up along one of                               these slits. Arrow slits along the south wall open up onto area A4, and stone staircases descend to                         areas A2 and A3.

A23. West Upper Barracks

A fireplace is built into the west wall of this room. Hanging from a hook above its mantelpiece                                          is a nonmagical steel shield bearing the symbol of Axeholm: a dwarven gauntlet clutching a hand axe. 

A24. Old Haunted Hall

A25. Upper East Hall and Balcony

A26. Bath

In the middle of this room stands a carved stone tub. The tub is equipped with a faucet which,                                   when turned, spouts hot water channelled from a naturally heated underground spring.                                                    A stone plug seals the drain in the tub’s bottom.

A27. Bedchamber

This bedroom was set aside for honored guests.

A28. Kings Bedchamber

A stone-framed bed with a mattress stands in the middle of this room. Set into the south wall                                           is a fireplace. 

A29. Secret Vault

A30. Privies

Rusty chain mail curtains conceal a pair of privies, each with a wooden bench set against the                                    back wall. The chutes for these privies descend deep into the mountain, passing just east of                                       area A10.

Aramil introduced Aerie to the two Gnome Kings along with their Gnome servant Fibblestib, husband of Dabbledob.

King Gnerkli

                                                                       King Korboz
         

King Gnerkli launched into a potted history of Axeholm which went on for some considerable time.

King Gnerkli: "Axeholm  was a dwarven fortress and is carved into the base of a mountain fifteen miles south of Phandalin. 

                             

The site was abandoned and sealed up long years ago after being haunted by a banshee — the restless spirit of a moon elf ambassador named Vyldara who tried and failed to foment civil unrest among the dwarves. The dwarves imprisoned the elf and sent messages to her people, asking that they come to collect her. Before envoys could be sent, Vyldara killed two guards trying to escape, only to be cut down by dwarven axes before she could succeed.

The Sword Coast Adventurer Group cleared Axeholm and took it for their own. They brought                                           in the Gnomes of Gnomengard when the White Dragon attacked and destroyed our homes.                                      The We Gnomes look after Axeholm, we have restarted the old workshops and conduct our business                                      affairs from here.

When visitors arrive at Axeholm,they will see: Thrust out from the base of a dark gray mountain is the entrance to the old dwarven fortress — a dark, fifteen-foot-wide passageway flanked by forty-foot-high bulwarks of smooth, seamless stone. An iron portcullis blocks the entrance. Arrow slits carved into the bulwarks are dark, revealing no hint of occupation."

With a nod from the King, Fibblestib ushered out Aramil and Aerie.

Aramil: "Ok you're not here for a guided tour, what are you after?"

Aerie: "Aramil?" 

Aerie internally winced as her voice cracked a bit. Clearing her throat, she continued: 

"I know you must be busy with your studies, and I'm probably the last person you want to talk to right now- but I- ...the party needs your help. We're facing a hell of a big problem, and we were hoping you might be able to help with some information- dragons, specifically." 

Dry mouthed, and shoving her emotions brutally to the back of her mind, Aerie awaited his response.

Aramil: "Sanctuary, Library, bookshelf, 4th shelf, tome called Dragonomicon by yours truelly. Help yourself, copy what you need but leave the tome......please".

Aerie: "Fine by me, now could you take me back to the 'Sanctuary' and show me a room                                        I can rest in. I have a lot to do tomorrow".

Aramil took Aerie back to the 'Sanctuary' and gave her the choice of a number of empty rooms                                to use and if she wanted to keep as hers as long as she was in the group.

Aerie took the time to rest. She was surprised to hear a gentle knock at the door.                                                    It was Dabbledob.

Dabbledob: "Here you are pretty lady, the cooks have sent you some food. I'll bring you                                breakfast as you've work to do, an' don't you worry I look after you until your finished doing                                what you have to do".

Dabbledob didn't wait for a thankyou.

(MEANWHILE BACK IN TRIBOAR)

The group organised themselves into teams. They visited various taverns in Triboar and                                 places where they thought would garner information on the strange symbol. The remainder                                     of that day was fruitless.

On returning to the temple, Heimund offered to ask Master Raemdil Swiftbow if there was any                                 way he could help.

It wasn't long before Heimund returned. Master Swiftbow would ask his small network of                              contacts if they could gather information for the group.

20th day of Deepsnow 1492 (Full Moon)

Aerie was up early, the room she had chosen was comfortable and enough for her needs.                                        She thought it a pleasure for once not to have to wear armour or weapons and feel safe.                     She found the library, an Elf was sat in a chair playing a jaunty tune on a flute.      

Aerie: "My apologies for disturbing you, I am Aerie Silverwing".

Lionel: "Good morning fair maiden, Lady of the Avarial, it is a welcoming sight you are to                                      drab environment. I take it you've met the recluse........Aramil I think he's called. Elminsters pet                              I call him. He arrived and no sooner had he than he upped and left for Neverwinter. No sooner                          was he was back than he took over an empty room, calls it his laboratory you know, what of my                            friends Bandur, Heimund and Droop?"

Aerie took a moment to process the barrage of information delivered in a sing song, poetic way.

Aerie: "Forgive me Lionel....?"

Lionel: "Oh, just Lionel".

Aerie: "I have known Bandur for some time, he is a solid, dependable companion, Heimund                              and Droop have been with us such a short while, I have yet to get to know them but all are well.                       They are in Triboar at the present and as soon as I find this Dragonomicon tome and get the                  information I require I'll be returning.

Without looking Lionel pointed to a shelf behind him, on which sat a solitary tome.

Lionel: "I think this is what you're looking for.

Aerie thanked him as Lionel got up and left without another word.

Aerie opened the book an was astounded at the wealth of information contained there.                                            It would take her the rest of the day to copy what she required.

Aerie worked hard through the day. At last she thought she had enough notes for what the group                          required.

Lionel was standing in a corner, he nodded when Aerie carefully put the Dragonomicon tome                            back on the shelf she found it.

Lionel: "Follow me, time to get you back to the group.....the quick way".

He led her back to the teleportation circle and asked Aerie to stand in the middle and think of                           where she wanted to go.

Aerie' s nausea and dizziness wasn't as bad as the first time.

(BACK IN TRIBOAR)

Master Swifbow had sent a servant to bring the group to the temple meeting hall. 

Master: "Well it seems like your 'activities' yesterday had not gone unnoticed. My network                                     of informants have told me the area you should visit is the old market, near the Yartar gate.                                The west part of the city. You are to meet a contact of mine who will give you information                                     that may or may not lead you to a group dealing with articles with the symbol that Heimund                          showed me yesterday.

That area of the city can be a trifle tricky for newcomers, so be careful who you speak to and                               the rule of law is the rule of coin there. If you're willing to pay you can get any information or                              item you may want, for a price.

The person you need to meet is One eyed Jack, not only does he have one eye but he has                                one arm missing too the right one if memory serves me correct. You should find Jack in the                            Shady Gryffon tavern next to old market. He normally works there and you should find him                                 there most nights. I have also been able to get a council meeting arranged in 2 days so you                              may pass on the information you have gathered."

They thanked the master and used the remainder of the day wandering the 'safer' parts of                             Triboar.

As they returned for an evening meal they saw Aerie crouched down being a little sick in the                    courtyard.