Week Six - Temple of the Seer (#13)

We decided tromping around through the wilderness might not be the shortest path to tracking down Jekserah the Necromancer. The Seer in the Temple might just be a decent ally.

After sleeping off the night's excesses at The Sleeping Lion we set off the next morning to visit the Seer.

Shortly after a mid-morning break we wandered just off the main road in search of our destination. (Road Event #10) Suddenly the ground started shifting and fall away. We dropped into a dark pit roughly twenty feet deep.

After picking ourselves back up we could see that we were in a man sized cavern with smooth floors and walls. What an excellent adventure we found ourselves in - off we went exploring the area (Option B).

Cymbidium used her elemental wizardry and lit up a torch. Once the darkness receded we found a number of passages leading out of the stone room. Un-phased, we headed down one of them and began exploring the network of chambers. In one we found a pedestal with a small metal sphere atop.

Ktzlx quickly palmed the sphere into his back pack and we continued our search. Shortly afterwards we found an exit and we were once again on the path to find the Temple of the Seer.

High up in the Watcher Mountains we eventually found the temple and hopefully our answers will shortly follow.

Visitors must not only survive the journey battling harsh winds, steep cliffs and loose rocks, but also must endure the trials that await in the temple. Finally we arrived at the threshold and quickly passed through the huge oak doors. It was nice to be out of the wind and cold for a moment.

"I am afraid I cannot accept visitors at this time" a disembodied voice boomed out at us. "Please come back in twelve years, I may be able to accommodate you then."

Before we could reply, a group of massive stone constructs materialized before us.

"I know, I know" the voice says, "You have questions, I have answers. Unfortunately, if you don't leave now, you won't have a head to ask the questions."

There was no way we were going back out into the cold wind and down that cliff again - so we pulled out our weapons.

Groot immediately went full on tank and barreled his way forward, smashing into the Stone Golems. Tabbax used the opportunity and leap behind the group, stabbing the leader in the back for 14 points of damage. Ktzlx stepped up and did his usual Stun, Poison and Muddle attacks, very effective and impressive.

Tabbax used her boots and leaped behind the Stone Golems and opened the door to the inner sanctum full of Cave Bears, Spitting Drakes and Living Spirits!

Cymbidium launched some Fire Orbs at the Living Spirits and a couple Cave Bears lurking in the back of the temple, then charged into the 2nd chamber. No holding her back. In a moment of lightness, her summoned Raccoon dealt the kill strike on the Spitting Drake Leader.

Groot eventually caught up and hammered a Cave Bear for 10 points of damage. Unfortunately, the Cave Bears all turned on him and Critically wounded him, dragging him to the floor.

Tabbax battled fiercely with the Spitting Drakes, doing another huge amount of damage before becoming exhausted. Cymbidium managed to open the chest this time (Chest #10 - 10 Experience Points)

Ktzlx continued to battle furiously and finally the voice of the Seer cried out "ENOUGH!" She was a being of enormous power - she could have finished us off. Apparently though, we had survived her trials and she offered to answer a single question.

She offered us Great Wealth, Great Power (Map Location #15 Shrine of Strength), of the Location of the Necromancer (Map Location #20 Necromancer's Sanctum). Despite Tabbax insisting on the Location, the rest of the party wanted Great Wealth (Map Location #17 Lost Island) Wealth it is...

Back in Gloomhaven we were crossing the Silent Bridge when a Quatryl wheeled a small cart up to us. (City Event #13). He offered us some rare delicacies from the east. "Food enhanced by science" he claimed. We were hungry - sure. (Option A)

The food was a bowl full of tiny golden spheres. After inhaling some vapours from a flask, the spheres were ingested and created a wonderful experience. Kind of expensive, and not very filling, but certainly a worthwhile culinary experience. (Gain a Bless - Lose 3 Gold each).

That was a fun scenario and tactical exercise. Here are the Locations we have unlocked:

#4 - Crypt of the Damned: (Scenario #2) Suggesting we find out more about the "Gloom".

#7 - Vibrant Grotto: (Scenario #8) Argeise suggesting we can track Jekserah in the wilds.

#9 - Diamond Mine: (Scenario #3) Jekserah wanted us to go find her a diamond.
#15 - Shrine of Strength (Scenario #13) Seer mentioned Great Power to be had

#17 - Lost Island (Scenario #13) Temple Seer told us about Great Wealth to be had

#19 - Forgotten Crypt: (Scenario #14) Hail told us Jekserah might be here
#20 - Necromancer's Sanctum (Scenario #13) Seer mentioned Jekserah might be here

#31 - Plane of Night:(Scenario #14) Hail wants us to help her build an orb with gold metal

#43 - Drake Nest: (Scenario #14) Hail told us Jekserah might be here.

#63 - Magma Pit: (Scenario #1) Random Side Scenario treasure map

#68 - Toxic Moor:(Scenario #8) Random Side Scenario treasure map

Peace

Mercenary Backstory: Tabbax - Human Scoundrel

The Pursuit of Wealth - noble, pure and honest. My motives are direct and open for everybody to see. I make no excuses and offer no apologies - I pursue Wealth.

As a youngster I hated my parents; they seemed content to plow fields and tend to vegetable gardens while nobles and wealthy folks rode by on magnificent beasts and in wondrous carriages. How could anybody proudly smile and offer up a basket of vegetables while covered in dirt and not want what you see parading past? How can you happily sing songs in a dingy hovel every evening and not think about flinching some of those bracelets, medallions and tiaras? They seemed completely oblivious to all the gold coins trotting past the family farm - EVERY DAY?!?!

I was not so oblivious - I saw each flash of a gold ring, each glint of a precious stone, each coin purse bulging with wealth. I wanted it all. Why should they have it and not me? They looked down on me leading a beast pulling a plow - but someday I will look down on them.

While my family was celebrating each evening just being alive and together as a family, I was seething inside at how mundane, boring and dirty the life of a farmer was. One day I saw something that changed my life forever, I finally saw a way out of this drudgery and misery....

It had been raining for a few days and both the fields and the road were thick with deep mud. You can't plow in the mud because it makes the dirt really hard and the plants won't grow. I was instead given the task of fixing the fence beside the road with my hapless brother. We were knee deep in the mud and almost finished when we saw two nobles plodding towards us down the road. It was odd because nobles usually avoided travelling this road during the rain because of the mud.

When the nobles were beside us, they reined in their mounts and one of them asked us how far the nearest inn was. My brother was quick to suggest they were welcome to take cover and spend the night in our home. The look of disgust on their faces was quick and cut right through me. I hated them immediately.

Suddenly a woman dressed in dark leather armor and wearing twin bandoleers of knives stepped from the bushes on the other side of the road. The two men immediately tried to get their mounts moving again, but the deep mud made it apparent they were not going anywhere quickly. Their faces became very pale and their hands shook nervously. They were scared of her!

She must have had some magical boots because she nimbly stepped right up to the men, despite the deep mud. Brandishing a couple of the knives, she simply asked the men for their money and valuables. They hastily gathered a bunch of their trinkets and handed them over - it was so easy!

My brother spoke up and apologized because he did not have anything of value on him. The two men and the woman looked over at him in astonishment. I could not contain myself and shoved him over and into the mud, he was so stupid. The men laughed nervously, but the woman looked at me curiously. She told the men to get lost and when they were on their way she approached me. She handed me one of the coin pouches from the men and told me to use it to find my own way in the world, then she disappeared back into the brushes. She looked into my eyes and understood.

My brother had by now gotten to his feet and reached for the coin purse I had been given "Mom and Dad will be thrilled, we can buy a new plow and fix the water well!". I looked at the coin purse then looked at my brother covered head to toe in mud - and shoved him back into the mud. I climbed over the fence up onto the road and started making my way towards a new life and the pursuit of wealth.

The road for me has been difficult, long and fraught with battles against the undead. For some reason my path keeps being crossed by the undead. I hate the undead - they don't have any wealth. Really, this world would be much better without the undead around so I take every chance to eliminate them from the world. The Living Corpse remind me of farmers covered in mud - they are both stupid and I hate them.

I have never seen that woman again, but have cherished the lesson she taught me that day and the path she had set me upon.

Peace

Week Five - Frozen Hollow (#14)

We decided to avoid the advice of Argeise and not visit the Seer of the Temple first. Mercenaries apparently do value their independence, so we set off for the Frozen Hollow (Location #14).

Following the path we encountered a massive group of felled trees blocking our way (Road Event #27) We decided to clear the trees from the road instead of taking the time to hack through the dense shrubs and trees to either side.

Fortunately, Cymbidium made good use of her elemental powers and was able to sweep them aside with ease.

Returning to our travels, there were rumors of an Enchanter in this area so we set out to find her. Standing before an abandoned and decrepit tavern: The Crooked Bone we had some doubts this was the right place. Cymbidium reminded us that not all Enchanters live in ivory towers.

The inside looked just as bad with cobwebs, rotting furniture and broken glass scattered everywhere. Once our eyes adjusted to the dim light a translucent female appeared before us. "Why have you come to this place, Mercenaries? You are unwelcome and disrupting my research."

We explained that we meant no harm and had been told we might find information regarding a necromancer we were hunting.

"Oh, look at the Aesther woman. She knows everything and can fulfill all our wishes. All she has to do is wave her hands and our wildest dreams will come true." She sighs in frustration and actually does wave her hands. "Leave me in peace."

We stood there somewhat taken aback by her somewhat manic display.  She stared back.

"Well, instead of disrupting, maybe you could help. Scratch my back and I 'll scratch yours. The woman turned and walked towards a dilapidated set of stairs, after a few steps she faded away entirely.

"I need an orb from the Frozen Hollow in the Copperneck Mountains." The woman's voice came from directly  in front of us, as if she hadn't moved at all. "Bring it back to me and I may help you."

A map materialized and dropped out of thin air right at our feet. "My name is Hail by the way. Do not come back without the orb."

The map was easy to follow. Deep in the Copperneck Mountains, obscured by snow drifts, we found the opening to a dark narrow cave. There were a lot of wolf tracks around the entrance, so we got our weapons out and entered. It was cold and the floor was slippery with ice and snow (Special Rules: Add three -1 cards to our attack modifier deck.)

The entrance to the first cave was well defended by a pack of wolves and a couple Living Spirits deeper within. Groot showed no fear and with the support of Tabbax quickly dropped a couple of the Wolves. Then oddly and out of character, Groot stopped mid battle to pick up a bunch of coins. Tabbax continued deeper into the cave and smashed the leader of the Living Spirits for 10 damage with the help of her Horned Helmet. His minions did not take kindly to their leader dying so quickly and dealt Tabbax a critical hit for 8 damage - severely knocking her back.

Ktzlx took advantage of the distraction and scooped up a nice haul of 5 coins. Cymbidium sprinted across the long corridor deep into the cave and opened a door to a smaller room with several Frost Demons and another Living Spirit. Tabbax launched a few arrows into the new room and helped Cymbidium hold the door.

Groot came rushing up from behind, leaping over the weaker enemies to smash the Frost Demon hard. Cymbidium demanded the attentions of the Leader of the Living Spirits allowing Tabbax to backstab the Leader critically for 14 points of damage. The Blessings to the Elder Oak were paying off.

Tabbax was close to exhaustion and a final dash to disarm one of the traps left her exhausted on the floor and out of the rest of the fight. Disarming that trap was critical because it gave Ktzlx a clear path to the treasure chest (Treasure #26: Gain 20 Gold) after stunning one of the Living Spirits. Ktzlx also used his mind tricks on one of the Living Spirits causing it to attack and mortally wound it's brother.

By this time Cymbidium and Groot were almost exhausted. Groot managed to delve deep into his soul and with a loud warrior bellow smashed into the last opponent securing for us a victory.

With the last of our adversaries dead, we approached the back of the chamber, where a small blue sphere floated above the floor. The orb was almost unbearably cold, but Cymdidium managed to stash it in her pack for the return journey to The Crooked Bone.

The abandoned tavern was still a chaotic mess but at least it was warmer than the Frozen Hollow. Approaching the counter, Hail appeared before us, holding the orb.

"Very interesting" She didn't even bother to take notice of us at all. "A rift in our plane, somehow contained within a spherical barrier. Good thing you didn';t break it. You could have easily been sucked into a realm of pure frost and been frozen solid for eternity - or something worse could have happened."

"It's confounding, Who would have had the power to do this?" Hail took a step to the side and vanished.

We waited uncomfortably for her to return, it seemed like hours. We called out occasionally, but received no response.

"Oh, you're still here." Hail had appeared behind us in the middle of the room. "Good, I would like to experiment on you if it's alright." She reached out to us and we all stumbled backward, falling over the broken tables and chairs.

"Oh, don't be a bunch of babies, I am pretty sure it will end well."

Hail explains that she wants to try toi bring forth raw power from another plane and contain it within a small orb that could give enhanced powers to anyone possessing it. The containment process, however, requires a lot of gold metal.

Now, that you have helped me in my endeavors, I suppose I ought to return the favor."  Hail sighs. "So what is it exactly that you wanted?" (Locations: Vibrant Grotto #7, Forgotten Crypt #19, Plane of Night #31 & Drake Nest #43)

Global Achievement: The Power of Enhancement

Returning to Gloomhaven we were approached by a Harrower dressed in crude robes and a mask. (City Event #11) It was clutching a piece of parchment and offered to sell it to us for five gold. It claimed it was "very powerful".

We recognized this Harrower and knew it was well known for trading in disreputable goods. If anyone saw us dealing with it, well, they might get the wrong idea. It was quite a discussion amongst us - but in the end Ktzlx cast the deciding vote to not take any chances. He shouted loudly, for the sake of any onlookers, his refusal and we just walked away.

Tabbax, Groot and Ktzlx all level up - Cymbidium is so very close...

To help decide on the next step we should take I will start listing the locations at the end of each blog that we have found but not yet explored and where we found it. I will also list a very short description of each location and where the "story" is taking us.

It seems Gloomhaven can be a "sandbox" game where we can just pick and choose scenarios more or less at random - but in doing so we will likely lose the thread of the story. Gloomhaven it would appear is more of a branching tree. It seems to be designed to do the quests somewhat following the story thread and branching off where we want to branch. But once we choose a branch it expects us to follow the story arc until the next branch.

The conclusion of the Gloomhaven Warehouse last time suggested we should go to the Temple and visit the Seer to see if she would help us track Jekserah. But it also gave us location options for just heading off into the wilderness after her and trying to track her ourselves. We decided to try to track her ourselves via the Frozen Hoillow, but much of the intro text made it obvious that we should have done the Temple Scenario first.

Now we are getting side quests to go find Gold and help Hail build an orb, when the main story suggested we were supposed to be tracking down Jekserah for the safety and security of Gloomhaven.

What kind of Gloomhaven game do we want to play? 

Locations we have found but not yet completed:

#4 - Crypt of the Damned: (Scenario #2) Suggesting we find out more about the "Gloom".

#7 - Vibrant Grotto: (Scenario #8) Argeise suggesting we can track Jekserah in the wilds.

#9 - Diamond Mine: (Scenario #3) Jekserah wanted us to go find her a diamond.

#13 - Temple of the Seer: (Scenario #8) Argeise suggested the Seer could locate Jekserah. 

#19 - Forgotten Crypt: (Scenario #14) Hail told us Jekserah might be here.

#31 - Plane of Night:(Scenario #14) Hail wants us to help her build an orb with gold metal

#43 - Drake Nest: (Scenario #14) Hail told us Jekserah might be here.

#63 - Magma Pit: (Scenario #1) Random Side Scenario treasure map

#68 - Toxic Moor:(Scenario #8) Random Side Scenario treasure map

Peace