Synopsis:

Session begins early morning on November 17.  It is foggy, and 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 travels the south road out of Blackhill en route to Bracadale/Drynoch.

It is slow going because of the rain and poor visibility afforded by the fog.  The path out of Blackhill rises into the wooded hills south of the village.  The trail twists and turns along the contours of the hills and soon the party loses their bearings.  After an hour and a half the party comes to a split in the path.  The woodsmen in the group reckon that the left-hand branch of the path heads south so they go that way.

The party crests a hill and begins descending the far side.  The trail  intersects and then follows a stream flowing down the hill.  After another hours travel the trail splits again with one branch following the stream and the other heading off to the right.  The party still can't get its bearings because of the dense fog so they decide to follow the stream, which they reason will lead them to the seas along the western coast of Skye.

A short while later the trail splits again with the main path following the stream and the other path branching off to the right and crossing the stream.  The party continues following the stream.  After a while the fog begins to lift and the party soon realizes that they have the sun at their back.  They are going north!  There is a brief discussion and survey of the surroundings.  The party is in  a sweeping valley heading north.  There are towering hills to the east and west. The party takes a break and Kieren uses the Dragon amulet to heal Rutlett’s remaining wounds.

The party decides to backtrack and retraces its steps to the second branch in the path that they encountered.  Once there, they follow the other branch which they determine to head south.  After an hours travel the trail splits again with one branch going southwest and the other going southeast.  Kieren climbs a tree to survey the surrounding area.  He determines that the southwest trail crosses or follows a stream that flows down from the hills to the west.  The southeast path appears to skirt some hills ahead and continue south.

The southeast path is chosen and the party travels along it for another half hour before coming  to a fork in the path.  The main path proceeds south while the branch path heads southeast.  The foresters discuss which path to follow when Kieren notices that both paths have been heavily traveled within the past few hours.  The tracks appear to be made by booted feet indicating some sort of human or humanoid.

This question about who made the tracks is quickly  answered as an orc hunting party appears in the distance along the southeast path.  The party quickly forms a defensive skirmish line as the orcs make ready to charge.  Rutlett and the other two dwarves charge through the woods north of the orcs to flank them.  Joseph points his wand of wonder at the orcs and proceeds to make the grass in the area grow 40 inches high.  Liana casts 4 magic missiles at the orcs and kills the two lead orcs.  Liothien kills the next two with arrows.

The orcs are easily intimidated by the show of magic and ranged firepower.  They break ranks and flee into the woods to the east.  The party examines the fallen orcs and determines that they are a lightly equipped hunting party that must be part of a larger encampment nearby.

After a brief discussion the party decides to follow the south path instead of the one that the orcs were travelling.  Dermid is placed on point well ahead of the party to scout out any possible orc ambushes.  This strategy pays off because a short while later Dermid motions for the party to halt.  He returns to tell them that there is a clearing ahead that is defended by  an orc hill-fort with palisade.  The left flank of the fort is defended by lake.  Dermid estimates that there must be at least 100 orcs judging by the size of the fort and the amount of activity.  This would account for the tracks and the hunting party the were encountered earlier.

The party decides to skirt the right flank of the clearing and orc encampment so that they can continue their travels south.  They cautiously pass around the clearing by keeping to the trees and using them for cover.  Beyond the clearing they leave the trees and enter a sweeping valley that descends to the northwest.  A stream flows down through  the valley and appears to originate from the lake near the orc encampment.  The party crosses the valley and presses on through the woods in a southerly direction.  There is no path through the woods so it is slow going.  After about  30 minutes travel the party clears the trees and notes that they are ascending a range of hills that run east-west.  A short while later the party crests the hills and is afforded a view of the lands to the south.  The sea can be seen off to the southwest and a sweeping valley with a river heads in that general direction.  Dermid recognizes the terrain as that near Bracadale and tells the party that they are getting close to their objective..

The party descends from the hills and follows the valley toward the sea.  Daylight is waning as the party approaches the outskirts of Bracadale.  Dermid tells the party the he has a contact in Bracadale named Corwin MacIver.  He is the proprietor of the Nine Fires, an inn on the outskirts of town.  Dermid volunteers to speak with Corwin and arrange for the party to stay at the Inn.  He suggests that the party should wait until dark to enter town so that they do not attract unwanted attention.

Dermid goes into town and returns 20 minutes later.  He tells the party the Corwin has agreed to provide the party with one of his two common rooms so that they have some privacy and can maintain a low profile.  Corwin also has agreed to let the dwarves stay in his cellars where they can remain out of sight.  Apparently, the presence of the dwarves would attract unwanted attention.

The party enters town under the cover of darkness and proceeds to the Nine Fires where they use the kitchen entrance at the rear of the building.  The party is ushered from the kitchens down to the cellars and served a hot meal.  A short while later Corwin appears and is introduced to the party by Dermid.  Corwin advises that it would be best for the party to wait until the locals vacate the bar and dining room before going to their common room on the second floor.

At  10 PM Corwin reappears and tells the party  that the way is clear to the common room.  They head upstairs to the common room and settle in for the night.  Meanwhile, Corwin has bedding and blankets brought down to the dwarves in the cellar so that they have suitable sleeping arrangements.  Rutlett purchases a small hand keg of ale for his men and they drink themselves to sleep.

November 18

The night passes uneventfully and the party is roused at 8 PM by the serving wenches who have brought breakfast to them.  The party discusses their plans over breakfast and it is decided that Dermid, Kieren, and Rhyawdd will go to speak with Conor MacLeod to see if he can provide Kieren with information on the whereabouts of his daughter, Sarah.

There is a heavy fog outside that reduces visibility to no more than 30 feet.  A light drizzle is carried on a southerly wind and the temperature is an unseasonable 50 degrees.  At 10 AM  Kieren, Dermid, and Rhyawdd leave the Nine Fires and head for Conor MacLeod’s house.  The fog still lingers so they manage to avoid any encounters with the locals until the pass the churchyard near Conor’s house.  As they pass the entrance to the church, two of the acolytes who are exiting the church bid them good morning.  The acolytes appear puzzled  by the presence Kieren and the others, so Rhyawdd tells them that they are looking for the priest of the church because the wish to pray to Dagda.

The acolytes, William & Agnes, usher the party into the church and fetch Robert MacLeod, the head priest.  Robert speaks with the party members and politely asks them about their business.  Rhyawdd tells him that they wish to pray to Dagda.  Dermid lies and tells Robert that they are from the isle of Mull on business for Clan MacLean.  This appears to satisfy the priest and he conducts the party members to the altar for worship of Dagda.  Robert leads them in prayer which last about 10 minutes.  Rhyawdd gives a donation of 5 SP to the church.

The party members take their leave of the church and proceed two doors down the street to Conor MacLeod’s home.  It is a large stone structure with a heavy wood door.  The party knocks at the door and a short while later it is opened by a large grizzled man who appears to be about 50.  The man asks the party members what they want, and Dermid tells Conor that they have a business matter to discuss.  Conor appears to recognize Dermid and admits the party members to his home.  He directs them to a sitting room off of his entrance foyer.

Conor asks about the business matter and Kieren replies.  He explains to Conor that the dragon, Infyrana, is causing great hardship for many clans and needs to be dealt with.  He also mentions the young women who are being captured and given to the dragon as tribute.

Conor’s eyes narrow as he glances suspiciously  at the party members.  He speaks to Dermid first and indicates that he recognizes him.  He looks at the other two and tells them that he doesn’t recognize them nor does he trust them as he notes the sword that Rhyawdd carries.

Kieren decides to be more direct and tells Conor that he is a member of clan Urquhart and he has traveled to Skye to recover his daughter who was kidnapped in a MacLeod raid two months ago.  Conor appears taken aback by Kieren’s candor and he asks why Kieren would think his daughter alive after all the time that has passed.  Kieren explains that he enlisted a priest of Dagda to divine his daughter’s fate and the priest told him that his daughter lives and could be recovered if Kieren acted quickly.

Conor considers Kieren’s explanation as he appraises the party members before him.  He tells the party members to leave their weapons behind and follow him.  Conor dons a cloak and leads the party members from his house to the church.

They enter the church and Conor calls for Robert, who appears moments later.  Conor tells Robert that he requires his services and his chambers.  The priest leads the group to his chambers and directs everyone to sit while he makes tea.  Conor  tells Robert about his discussion with Kieren and asks the priest to uses his magic to determine the validity of Kieren’s story.  Robert collects some material components and begins casting a spell.  He then tells Conor to ask Kieren anything that he wishes.  Conor questions Kieren at length about his story and his daughter.  When the questioning is over, Robert the priest says that Kieren speaks the truth.

Conor considers this and appears to relax slightly.  He tells the party members that he was concerned that they were spies sent by his cousin Malcolm and/or the Skaren to test his loyalty.

The party members about the Skaren and are told that they are minions of Infyrana sent to do her bidding.  The Skaren are slightly larger than men and they have reptilian features including a snake-like head.  Conor says that they are fearsome adversaries and powerful warriors.  He also mentions his suspicion that they can cloud men’s minds and control their actions.  Conor fears that Malcolm, the clan chief, may be under their control.

Kieren asks Conor if he knows the whereabouts of his daughter Sarah.  Conor tells him that Sarah is the ward of Denbecca, a wise women who lives about a mile northeast of town.  He also tells Kieren that four other girls are being sequestered to prevent them from being sacrificed to the dragon.  Two of the girls are with the fairie folk on the Trotternish peninsula.  One of the girls is being hidden here at the church, and the other is being hidden at the Scarlet Spear inn.

Conor explains that it is his intention to force a direct conflict between the dragon and the clan MacLeod by withholding her tribute.  Since Malcolm is unwilling or unable to lead the clan against the dragon, Conor is attempting to force the issue by making the dragon follow through on her threats and intimidation.  The coming conflict could lead to destruction of  the clan but it may be the only way to shed the dragon’s yoke of oppression.

Kieren requests that he be taken to his daughter with all haste.  Robert, the priest, calls for the acolyte William and instructs him to take Kieren and his companions to Denbecca.  William appears slightly shaken by this request but does as he is instructed.  The party members are taken to Conor’s house to retrieve their weapons and then taken on the northwest trail to a wooded grove in the hills where Denbecca’s cottage sits.

As the party members approaches the cottage, William tells them that it is Denbecca’s home and takes his leave of them.  William appears agitated and practically flees the grove as the party voices its thanks to him.  Kieren knocks on the cottage door and waits for a response.  The door is opened a crack and an old crone peers through the opening.  She demands to know what the party wants and who they  are.  Kieren responds that he is Sarah’s father and has been sent by Conor MacLeod to collect her.  The crone voices her disbelief at Kieren’s story and demands that he hands over his weapon.  Kieren complies and gives her his dagger.  The crone tells the party members to wait outside and she slams the door in their faces.

Ten minutes pass before the door opens fully and the crone reappears.  The crone introduces herself as Denbecca and asks the party members to come inside and be seated.  The party members enter and sit around a square table that has Kieren’s dagger on it.  Rhyawdd and Dermid remove their weapons and place them next to the doorway.
Denbecca’s cottage is small and fairly cluttered.  It has a large cooking area with fireplace and cauldron.  There is one  door leading from the main room.

Denbecca offers the party members tea and cakes which they accept.  While she is preparing the tea, she begins questioning Kieren at length about his intentions and his daughter.  Kieren responds truthfully to her queries and asks to see his daughter.  Denbecca responds that Kieren must truly love his daughter to risk so much to recover her.  She calls for Sarah, who appears from the door at the back of the room.

Kieren and his daughter embrace heartily and begin talking at length about their adventures.  Sarah mentions to Kieren that she has been watching the party’s progress from afar.  This admission surprises Kieren as he ponders its meaning.  Denbecca interrupts and says that there is much yet to be discussed about Sarah’s future.

Denbecca asks Kieren if he intends to take his daughter home.  Kieren replies that he does intend to take his daughter but there is still the matter of the dragon and her threat to everyone’s safety.  He tells Denbecca that he and the party will probably have to deal with the dragon.  Denbecca seems doubtful of Kieren’s statement and says as much.  She comments that the dragon has surrounded herself with a goblin army and Skaren minions.  She also says that it is unlikely that Kieren and his party could deal with the dragon even if they could reach her.

At these words, Rhyawdd tells Kieren to show Denbecca the dragon amulet.  He complies and presents it to her.  Denbecca fondles the amulet and concentrates on it for some time.  She hands it back to Kieren ands says that the amulet is powerful magic indeed.  She asks Kieren where he got the amulet and he relates the story of the party’s exploits over the past month as well as the history of the amulet.  Denbecca considers Kieren’s words and asks him if he has told Conor MacLeod about the amulet.  Kieren has not, and she suggests that he does so with all haste as the amulet could allow Conor and the clan to be successful in the coming conflict with Infyrana.

Denbecca offers lunch to the party members which they gladly accept.  She instructs Sarah to cook up some sausages while she gathers some eggs.  Denbecca asks Kieren to assist her and the two of them leave the cottage and head for a small chicken coop behind the cottage.

While they are gathering the eggs, Denbecca tells Kieren that his daughter has strong magic in her blood and is gifted with “the sight.”  He tells her that he is not surprised by this given her parents proclivity for magic.  Denbecca tells him that he doesn’t fully understand because with the proper instruction Sarah could become a powerful sorceress; more powerful than even Kieren could imagine.  Denbecca also expresses concern for Sarah’s welfare if she is returned to clan Urquhart because of their distrust of spell-casters.  She comments that Sarah should be apprenticed to a witch or mage who could properly train her and develop her abilities.  Kieren replies that he is acquaintance to at least two people that could train his daughter.  Denbecca admits that she has begun training Sarah in the magical arts and working with her to develop her latent magical talents with “the sight” as well as faerie magic.

The party members have lunch with Denbecca and Sarah and discuss their course of action.  Kieren decides to take Sarah back to Bracadale with him.  She is elated at the news and begins gathering her meager possessions.  The party members note that these possessions include an ornate dagger which she wears as well as what appears to be a spellbook.  At 2 PM, the party members and Sarah bid farewell to Denbecca and depart for Bracadale.

On their return to Bracadale, the party members see a longboat entering the inlet and heading for town.  The party members return to the Nine Fires and enter the Inn through the kitchen door.  From there, they proceed through the dining room and bar to their common room on the second floor.  There are two locals in the bar area who give them little more than a passing glance.

Kieren introduces his daughter to the other party members and she exchanges pleasantries with them.  Sarah appears to know quite a bit about the individual party members and their recent exploits.  This knowledge surprises both them and Kieren.  Sarah must note this as she quickly explains that her father has told her much about the party and their travels.  Kieren, Rhyawdd, and Dermid know that this is not the case but they say nothing.

Session ends.

Map of Party's travels:

Map of Bracadale:

 
Experience point awards and character status:

Liana Ashwood - Fighter/M-U
Total EP’s             620
Spell point total:      32 / 32
Hit point total:         38 / 38

Kieren Urquhart – Ranger
Total EP’s              970
Spell point total:     12  /12
Hit point total:        33 / 33

Joseph Kerr – Invoker
Total EP’s              320
Hit Point total:        36 / 36
Spell point total:     34 / 34

Rhyawdd MacPherson – Rogue
Total EP's              420
Hit  point total:       74 / 74

Cedric – Fighter
Total EP’s               20
Hit Point total:        50 / 52

Rutlett Trollcrusher – Fighter
Total EP’s              20
Hit Point total:       73/ 73

Homer Goodmead – Rogue
Total EP’s              20
Hit Point total:       15 / 15

Mem Hammerworker - Priest of Loki
Total EP’s               20
Spell point total:      18 / 18
Hit point total:         35 / 35

Rolf Trollsbane - Fighter
Total EP’s                   20
Hit Point total:         34 / 35

Liothien Snowhawk – Fighter
Total EP’s                20
Hit point total:         75 / 75