Synopsis:

Session begins mid-day on November 16.  It is dark and stormy with a pelting rain that soaks everything.  A strong wind blows from the southwest and the temperatures are mild.  The party has just finished entombing Rutlett's boat in a rock cliff face.

The party follows the stream upward from their campsite to the plateau above.  They find a trail nearby that runs east-west.  Malcolm suggests that they head west towards a pirate enclave that is nearby.  He says there are people there that can provide useful information for locating Kieren's daughter.  The party agrees and they head west.

Along the way Malcolm provides more detail about the pirate enclave which is known as Blackhill.  He says that the enclave is run by a Norse priest named Halfdan.  The enclave is a sanctuary of sorts for local sea-raiders and pirates.  Malcolm says that the enclave is a tough place and the party should be wary and avoid trouble if possible.  He also warns them not to use any magic there because the locals detest spell casters.

The party proceeds along the trail for about a mile when the come upon a squat stone tower (60' diameter by 40' high) and several hovels.  The tower is perched along the rocky cliffs that surround the same inlet where the party made landfall.  A watchman on the tower roof calls a challenge to the party to which Malcolm responds that the group is headed to Blackhill to see Halfdan.  The watchman waves the party on and there is no trouble.

A  short time later the party approaches a second stone tower but with fewer hovels.  They parley with the watchman on the tower and proceed without incident.

The party treks another mile before the trail slopes downward into a valley that opens to the head of the inlet.  Before them lies the enclave of Blackhill.  It is a sparse village of sorts with numerous hovels and an inn near the center of town.  Partway up a dark hillside to the east of the enclave is a larger stone tower (80' diameter by 60' high) that overlooks the valley.  The party also notes several other interesting structures including a mill with waterwheel, a stone bridge, a smithy, and temple that appears to be of Norse design.

As the party proceeds into town they note some activity in and around the hovels.  Kieren sees a tall humanoid working nearby that could well be an ogre or half-ogre.  The inn sports a sign that shows a two-headed serpent coiled around a flagon.  When asked, Malcolm replies that the name of the inn is the "Adder's cup.”

The party enters the Adder's cup and notes that it is very busy for mid-afternoon.  There are at least twenty people inside comprising several groups.  One group consists of the staff at the inn: two large half-orc/ogre bouncers, at least 4 serving wenches/harlots and the barkeep.  Another group comprises a group of humans/pirates huddled at the long table near the fire.  The third group appears to be some local toughs congregated at the far end of the bar.  The last group at the other end of the bar looks to be a group of adventurers: a female warrior, a half-elven rogue, and a dwarven rogue.

The party sits at the long table nearest the entrance and Malcolm yells to the innkeeper to bring ales to his companions.  Two wenches appear laden with four pitchers of ale and tankards for all.  The party begins drinking and discovers that the ale is surprisingly good.  Food is ordered and the party members begin surveying their surroundings.  Several of the inn's patrons are casting furtive glances in their direction and appraising them.

Jen and Esme, the serving wenches, make polite conversation and ask the party where they have come from.  They are told that the party members are survivors of a recent shipwreck in the seas nearby.  The wenches ask the party where they come from and Rhyawdd replies "Inverness.”

Malcolm, Rutlett, and Rolf go over to the bar and speak with the adventures that are drinking there.  The dwarves speak with the dwarven rogue who introduces himself as Gunar, an employee of Halfdan.  Malcolm speaks with the half-elf who is called Finn.  Malcolm apparently knows Finn and they begin conversing about Kieren's need for information on the possible whereabouts of his daughter.  Meanwhile, Gunar begins interrogating Rutlett and Rolf about why they are in town, where they are headed, and where they have come from.  The dwarves stick with the party line that they are ship-wreck survivors and offer little additional information.

Rhyawdd moves over to the far table to speak with the pirates.  He is met with a chilly reception at first but does manage to strike up a conversation with an individual named Hollis whose left arm is terminated with an iron hook where his hand should be.  Hollis also asks about the party: where they come from, where they are headed, etc.  Rhyawdd tells Hollis that their ship was sunk nearby.  Upon hearing this Hollis begins belittling the various party members in a raucous tone.  He pokes fun at the dwarves, elves, and halfling in the party and comments “Tis no wonder your ship sank.”

Hollis then begins to speak condescendingly about women on ships but is cut short when "Nellie,” the women adventurer at the bar, hurls a dagger across the common room and barely misses Hollis' nose.  Hollis appears outraged but fearful of Nellie, and he halts his tirade against women.

Malcolm returns to the party's table and tells Kieren that he has found someone who may have information on his daughter's whereabouts.  Kieren follows Malcolm back to the bar and meets with Finn.  The three of them retire to the kitchens so that Kieren can pay Finn for his information away from prying eyes.  Finn asks for 200 gp for the information that he has and Kieren pays him with platinum and gold pieces.

Meanwhile, a group of the local toughs walks over to the party's table and attempts to engage the group in conversation.  The locals are rude, belligerent and drunk.  Beorn, the spokesman, for the group, demands to know what the party is doing in Blackhill.  Nobody responds initially, until Dermid stands and tells Beorn and his fellows to go away if they value their lives.  Rutlett and Rolf sense the impending trouble and make there way back to the table where the party is.  Unfortunately their way is blocked by a massive half-ogre who muscles them aside and yells at them to mind where they walk.

Beorn is incredulous at Dermid's challenge and demands to know who is stupid enough to defy him and his lads.  Dermid responds with his name "Dermid Roy" as he reaches for his blades.  There is a moments pause before a hulking warrior named Angus steps forward next to Beorn.  As he begins to draw his claymore, he says "Dermid Roy! You’re the bastard that sold Artie to the MacLeods!"

Beorn and the other locals draw their blades and approach menacingly.

Angus leaps onto the table in front of Dermid and sends food and drink flying in all directions.  He gains his balance and begins a mighty sword stroke aimed at Dermid's head.  Dermid anticipates this move and thrusts his shortsword into Angus' calf  before he can react.  Liana slashes Angus' other leg with her sword which brings him crashing down on the table in front of them.  Angus' attack on Dermid goes wide of its mark as he falls.  Dermid uses this opportunity to leap onto table, and he places the point of his sword at Angus'  exposed neck.

Rutlett and Rolf use the distraction of Angus' attack to draw their weapons and engage the massive half-ogre before them.  They both attack the creature and Rutlett's axe finds its target.  Grond, the half-ogre bellows in pain and takes a swing at Rutlett with his claymore.  Rutlett is able to dodge the blow and he and Rolf retaliate with two vicious strikes to Grond's mid-section.  Several of Grond's companions join the battle with the dwarves and soon a pitched melee is taking place between Rutlett, Rolf , Grond and three of the locals.

Another local moves forward to engage Liana on the far side of the table, but Cedric steps forward to block his progress.  Blows are exchanged but Cedric uses the flat of his axe to avoid causing serious injury to anyone.  Rory, the local, however, has no qualms about spilling Cedric's blood and slices his arm leaving a deep gash.

Angus, who is flat on the table , attempts to rise but Dermid tells him to hold or he dies.  Dermid prods him with his blade to emphasize the point.  Angus goes berserk at this and rolls to his left to reach for his blade.  Dermid uses his sword to deal Angus a coup de grace and cleanly slices through his neck.  Angus' eyes go wide with horror, and he thrashes momentarily before expiring.

Rhyawdd, Lio, and the other party members keep clear of the fray, the remain watchful for any new threats.  Rhyawdd wagers with several of the pirates that the dwarves will prevail against the humans.  Five of the pirates take Rhyawdd's wager.

Rutlett unleashes a ferocious axe blow against Grond and drops him.  Rutlett then pivots to engage another assailant while Rolf covers his back.  Unfortunately for Rolf, two of the locals lay into him with their swords and he goes down in a flurry of blows.  Mem notes this and begins to advance to his aid.  Unfortunately, another local blocks his way so Mem cast hold person to immobilize him.

Joseph also sees Rolf fall in combat and decides that the time has come to act.  He draws forth his wand to attack .  Liana notes this and decides to intercede before the fool mage incinerates everyone with another lightning bolt.  She steps in front of  Joseph's wand as he levels it to cast a spell.  Liana reminds him that it would not be prudent to use that "thing" and motions for him to instead draw his blade.

While Mem is casting, another local charges into the fray with Rutlett and bull rushes him from his blind side which is no longer guarded by Rolf.  Rutlett is knocked flat and the locals around him move in to pin him to the ground.

Mem, Homer, Kieren, and Liana note Rutlett's distress and rush forth to assist him.  All but one of the locals turns to engage them.  The remaining local has his sword placed at Rutlett's throat, and he tells the dwarf to surrender or die.  Rutlett ignores the threat and rolls over to grab his axe.  The local slices at Rutlett's neck and deals him a grievous wound that gushes blood.  Rutlett gets to his feet and picks up his axe which he uses to attack his assailant and deal him a serious wound.

Cedric realizes the Rory is serious about injuring him, so he switches his grip on his battle axe and moves to attack his assailant.  Unfortunately, Cedric loses hold of his weapon in the process and it flies across the room.  Rory uses this opening to rush forward and take Cedric at swordpoint.  Rhyawdd notes Cedric's distress and moves to help him.  Before Rhyawdd can reach him however, one of the locals yells a warning to Rory.  Rory pivots to see Rhyawdd while he holds his sword point to Cedric's throat.  Rhyawdd tells Rory to back down or he is a dead man.  Rory replies that it’s Cedric who will be the dead one…

Rhyawdd charges Rory who attempts to dispatch Cedric with a quick thrust.  Cedric is able to partially dodge Rory's attack but he takes a severe neck wound in the process.  Blood begins gushing from the wound as Cedric scrambles to staunch the bleeding with his hands.  Dermid rushes to Cedric's side and pulls out a healing draught which he administers to the injured henchman.  Cedric's wound closes and stabilizes under the magical effects of the potion.  Meanwhile Rhyawdd and Rory exchange blows.

The doors to the inn burst open at this point and a large robed figure with a long black beard enters.  He is 6' 5" tall and armed with a quarter staff.  This would be Halfdan.  On his flanks are two armored figures with swords drawn.  Halfdan commands the combatants to hold and this causes the locals to cease fighting and adopt defensive postures.  The party members also take defensive postures save Rutlett, who clamps his neck wound with his hands to staunch the bleeding.

Halfdan surveys the room and demands to know who is responsible for trashing his inn.  Several of the locals look away nervously, while the party members remain quiet.  Halfdan advances into the room and notes the local who is immobilized by Mem's hold person spell.  "Who is responsible for this ensorcelment?"  he bellows.

Mem steps forward and says that he was the one who cast the spell.  Halfdan surveys Mem and then smiles knowingly.  "Well met brother priest" he says as he taps the immobile figure with his staff and somehow breaks the enchantment.

Halfdan tells Mem that he wishes to speak further with him once he attends to his wounded men.  The party and the locals begin separating and moving to their original positions at the table and bar respectively.  Halfdan moves to the fallen Grond and examines him.  He shakes his head disgustedly and then lays hands on the half-ogre.  Grond's eye's open and he slowly sits up.  Halfdan tells his men to tend to Grond while he walks over to the table where Angus' body lays.  After a quick examination of the body, he pronounces that Angus is too far gone for healing and directs his men to remove the body.

Halfdan notes Cedric's bloody armor and neck wound and advances toward him.  He lays hands on Cedric's wound and heals him of  completely.  Rhyawdd and Cedric both express gratitude for Halfdan's charity.  Halfdan then proceeds to heal his wounded men at the bar.  Meanwhile, Mem tends to Rutlett and Rolf and is able to stabilize both of them .  Rolf was very near death and is extremely weak from the ordeal.

While the others are occupied Kieren, Finn, and Malcolm step back into the kitchen to continue their discussion.  Finn relates that he knows that the MacLeods are delivering captured/enslaved women to Infyrana the dragon as a form of tribute which she has demanded.  Some of these women are delivered overland through Bracadale and then Drynoch en route to the dragon's lair in the Cuillin hills.  Finn advises that the party head south to either of these villages to begin their search for Kieren's daughter.  If she is not already there, then she will pass through there en route to the dragon.

Finn also advises that the party may wish to seek out Conor MacLeod the lord of  Bracadale.  Apparently, Conor is at odds with Malcolm, the clan chief about a number of matters including the disappearance of a number of women that were to be given to the dragon as tribute.  Finn suggests that Conor may prove to be an ally of sorts if approached properly.

Finn also tells Kieren that the dragon's forces have effectively severed any overland trade or sea commerce between the northern and southern ends of Skye.  There is also rumor that there is conflict brewing between the MacLeods and MacDonalds because of dwindling trade and resources.  The increased raids on the mainland appear to be a direct result of these problems.

Finally, Finn cautions Kieren and Malcolm to hide their mission from the MacLeods lest they inform the Dragon of the party's presence.  Apparently, Infyrana has her own "men"  placed in several villages to spy out trouble.  These "men" are large reptilian creatures that are rumored to be as a tall man with a snakes head.  Rumors on Skye have it that these creatures were spawned by the dragon to do her bidding.  Nobody knows for sure.

Back to the common room:

Halfdan demands to know who speaks for the party and Rhyawdd replies that he is the one.  Halfdan asks what is the party's business in his village and he gets the story about the shipwreck.  He then inquires as to why the party was sailing around Skye and is told that the party seeks to recover a girl kidnapped by the MacLeods.  Halfdan tells Rhyawdd that the party is wasting its time because the girl is already dead as a MacLeod sacrifice to the dragon.  Rhyawdd tells Halfdan that he disagrees because the party has divined that the girl is still alive.  Halfdan considers these words and tells Rhyawdd that he could assist the party with information and a ship for the appropriate monetary compensation.

Rhyawdd tells Halfdan that he will discuss his kind offer with the others and  respond.  Halfdan suggests that the party spends the night at the Adder’s cup and consider his proposal.  Rhyawdd expresses concern about possible problems with the locals, and Halfdan says he will dissuade them from further trouble for whatever good it will do.
Rhyawdd takes his leave of Halfdan and tells the party about his discussion.

Mem approaches Halfdan and is met with a hearty welcome.  Halfdan is a priest of Aegir, a kindred spirit of Loki (Mem’s god).  The two of them appear to establish a rapport and after a short while Halfdan takes Mem on a tour of  his temple nearby.  Halfdan and Mem are gone for almost an hour.

In the interim, the party discusses their course of action.  It is decided that they will spend the night owing to the inclement weather and Rolf’s frail state.  Three rooms are procured and the party unpacks and settles in for the night.  Kieren uses the dragon amulet to heal Rolf  and Rutlett back to full health.

Mem rejoins the party and relates what he has learned.  Halfdan is responsible for establishing the enclave at Blackhill.  He offers safe haven to anyone that will pay, and those that can’t pay are indentured or enslaved.  Halfdan is no friend of either the MacLeods or MacDonalds.  There is an iron mine here in Blackhill  that produces high grade ore as well as lesser gem stones.  Halfdan uses slaves and conscripted labor to run the operation as well as the town.  Apparently, Halfdan also employs a mage known as Thorfinn.  Mem is unable to find out anything further about him.

Kieren convinces the party to leave a first light before the locals have an opportunity to make any further trouble.  The party agrees and rests for the night.  Surprisingly, there is no trouble during the night.

November 17:

The party regroups and outfits for travel in the early morning.  They leave town around 7 AM and slip away unnoticed in the heavy fog that blankets the area.  There is a steady breeze blowing from the southwest which carries a light soaking rain.  The  temperature is mild  for this time of year.  The party decides to take the south road out of Blackhill as Dermid reckons that it is the most direct route to Bracadale.

Session ends.

Map of Party's travels:

Map of Blackhill:

Experience point awards and character status:

Liana Ashwood - Fighter/M-U
Total EP’s               838
Spell point total:      32 / 32
Hit point total:         38 / 38

Kieren Urquhart – Ranger
Total EP’s               800
Spell point total:     12  /12
Hit point total:        33 / 33

Joseph Kerr – Invoker
No EP’s
Hit Point total:        36 / 36
Spell point total:     34 / 34

Rhyawdd MacPherson – Rogue
Total EP's               838
Hit  point total:       74 / 74

Cedric – Fighter
Total EP’s                538
Hit Point total:        43 / 46

Rutlett Trollcrusher – Fighter
Total EP’s               938
Hit Point total:       59/ 73

Homer Goodmead – Rogue
Total EP’s               135
Hit Point total:       15 / 15

Mem Hammerworker - Priest of Loki
Total EP’s                1088
Spell point total:      18 / 18
Hit point total:         35 / 35

Rolf Trollsbane - Fighter
Total EP’s                   538
Hit Point total:         33 / 35

Liothien Snowhawk – Fighter
Total EP’s                 200
Hit point total:         75 / 75