The First Heroes

[Admin]

Below is a catalogue of the adventures of the first heroes of Landtor.

03/25/21: The heroes arrive as visitors. Shaken but resolute, Robert Layman, Todd Grant, Carmin Faljean, Rhett Hurd, Sean Quinn, and Mike Arena and his son Mikey determine to discover what caused them to be transported to this strange land.

06/19/21 The party defeats Gugen the dwarven prophet in an epic battle at his camp.

07/02/21 The party and Gareth's men confront a small orc-led humanoid army at the delta of the Coreth River.

07/04/21 The Half-Orc Bardholvag is slain in battle.

07/06/21 Our heroes arrive in Coreth and are told of the orc army besieging the city's north walls.

07/07/21 The heroes travel into the woods east of the city to slay an Ogre mage suspected of leading the orcs.

07/11/21 The heroes meet the ranger Cytryn of Toth, and join her quest to obtain the second chalice from an ancient cavern.

07/15/21 The heroes meet with Vicereine, Her All Matchless Immensity, Eibeth, The Countess Determined, Decimator of Orcs, leader of the forces of Coreth. They determine to travel
with Cytryn to Toth.

07/18/21 The heroes are caught in a bandit ambush at the spring along the road to Toth. They engage in a fierce battle, taking heavy damage from boulders thrown by the hill giants
manning the high ground of an abandoned fort meant to protect the area.

07/19/21 The heroes defeat the bandits, mysteriously finding their friend Menion captive in the fort. A soldier from Coreth named Greymore, also imprisoned, tells them that this
strange old man wandered into the fort a few days before the bandits attacked. Two other soldiers left behind to guard the fort were killed. Greymore decides to travel with the group since his unit abandoned him. Of the next 5 days, the heroes travel through Toth where a banquet is thrown in their honor. Cytryn sends a small group to man the fort until Coreth reinforces it, and the heroes head back to Landtor.

07/24/21 The heroes arrive back in Landtor. They find their tower miraculously transformed by "Buddy" and Menion into a comfortable homestead. Menion's memories return more rapidly now, until his true name is revealed: Jim Morrison. At the same time, his health declines mysteriously, until on September 1st, he passes away quietly as he rests. Before his passing, Jim managed to recall some important facts about his former traveling companion, and the likely source of the powerful magic drawing visitors from Earth to Landtor. His name is Scaringe Depesto and last Jim knew, he was headed over the Abbolith Mountains to return to the land of the dwarves. Garreth and Johnathon tell the party of the stirrings in Brith and the emergence of another chalice. Landtor's forces from Mountainhome return bearing news of a large dwarven force led by a general which came in peace and has been working with the humans to improve their mining ability.

09/04/21 The heroes intervene in the witch hunt of Brith Village, successfully returning the Chalice of Inner Sight to its rightful bearer, Elizabeth Maher. On their way back to Landtor, Todd Picks up the books he commissioned to be copied at the Brith Chart House. He is fairly certain that the symbols contained within chart the arcane pathways to new spells...

09/17/21 After a brief respite in Landtor, the Heroes have re-equipped and traveled by barge to Coreth, where Devan and Horton round up a group of sell-swords to accompany the party to the Cavern of Doom. Outside the gaping maw where the two rivers spill into the darkness below, the party sets up a camp them goes where no known human has ever gone before: into the mysterious cavern that some say is connected to the cataclym itself!

09/21/21 Our heroes, having delved to the deepest levels of the Cavern of Doom, return triumphant. The Being that has plagued Thirith for centuries, sucking in hundreds of visitors from Earth (and other realms...) has been "freed". Are the gods of old now also free? Released from the struggle they have maintained for hundreds of years?

[Admin]

As of the summer of 21, Menion and Rhett Hurd have quickly progressed in rebuilding the abandoned tower. Though in a constant state of disarray in the interior, the walls have been strengthened, re-mortared, cleaned and painted. Garreth is suspicious of the renovations, as they seem to be moving far too quickly for the crazy old man's skill and abilities, even with his new helper. To add to the mystery, Garreth found Menion missing when he visited to investigate exactly what has been going on, and Rhett has no idea where the old man was off to.

[Admin]

Towards the end of the month of Merica, of the year 21, Landtor is abuzz with the return of her heroes, as word of their recent deeds has preceded their arrival, borne by Devan Terraflare and Horton Clawdust, their Corethian sell-swords who arrived bearing the heroes' tales and treasure, as promised.

Garreth is eager to meet with them, to ensure their allegiance still lies with the town's prosperity, especially after the mysterious arrival of a gnomish-fellow possessing a large quantity of poison while carrying a letter from the party vouching for his entry.

Horton and Devan are not present when the heroes arrive, having promptly signed on with a fishing boat captain named Ronald Foulworth, a visitor originally from Gloucester, Massachusetts.

One of the heroes' new companions, a dwarf named Caldahk, creates quite a stir in town, especially as residents start to notice his peculiar resemblance to one of their own...

...and his boar.

[Admin]

In early September of the year 21, the Heroes of Landtor arrived in Brith Village to mediate between the powerful Putney and Maher families, intending to put a stop to a witch hunt which had already claimed 5 lives. With the help of Cytryn of Toth, the Heroes ensured the return of the newly discovered Chalice of Inner Sight to it's rightful bearer: Elizabeth Maher. With peace restored, the Heroes and Cytryn left the village for parts unknown. Sammy Paris, the minister, abandoned his post in shame, having led the movement against the village's own citizens. Currently, George Boroughs is interviewing righteous men to replace him.

Upon the triumphant return of The First Heroes of Landtor from the depths of the Cavern of Doom, the great Coreth River has reversed course to flow as nature intends: towards the Sear of Fate!

In the year 21, through the successful actions of the First Heroes deep in the Cavern of Doom, it was revealed by The Being that it had drawn the visitors here from Earth through his connection with the mysterious Menion, now revealed to be Jim Morrison of The Doors.

Menion's friendship with The Being's avatar created the possibility that more from Earth might eventually free the creature, so he continued drawing souls into Thirith until finally exerting what little power he had left to bring The Fist Heroes to him, a group with the unique connections necessary to complete the task.

Unfortunately, the exertion was too great, the drain of its power insurmountable. Through the First Heroes the being achieved release, but its only option was to succumb to the nothingness its mysterious race seeks as a final act.

On the 17th of March, in the year of Peace 22, Jesse, Todd and Graymore of the First Heroes led the city's militia against a superior force of goblins, orcs and orgres. Through excellent tactics and gallantry, the men prevailed, but not before Graymore fell in battle while heroically leading the archers of the force. May Graymore's name never be forgotten and may his deeds inspire heroes for many decades to come.

[Admin]

As the winter snows receded, Mikey arrived in Coreth on one of the first boats to brave the melting ice of the river. He bore a message from Garreth for the Heroes, asking them to investigate the problems affecting the mines in Mountainhome. Within the days, the party was traveling with a large caravan towards Toth. One of the sell-swords hired to protect the caravan, a former soldier and veteran of the orc wars calling himself Birn, asks to join the party based on the legends he has heard of their exploits.

When they arrived in Toth, Cytryn bid the party to spend some time with her to discuss all that has occurred since they'd last met. Jesse fired off a missive to Landtor, borne by his trusted hawk, Tony. When the hawk returned, he unfortunately was carrying bad news. Since Mikey had left weeks ago, a terrible flu had overtaken the town. Garreth was one of the unfortunate victims, along with many others. To further anger the party, the strange man they'd first appeared with,
"Buddy" Rhett, is apparently running to take Garreth's place as mayor.

The party decided immediately to return to Landtor to address these issues. Cytryn angered Todd with her refusal to involve herself in the local politics of another town, but he reluctantly left his horse Falkor in her care due to the scarcity of large boats traveling towards Landtor. Before they left, a mysterious bounty hunter named Varsera joined the group, in case more nefarious means were necessary to deal with Rhett. At the same time, they encountered 3 dwarves in Ned's Tavern. These men were carrying word to Coreth with details of the problems in the mine. Apparently ankhegs had broken through into the Brave Silver Mine operated by Morel Operhev's company, killing many of the dwarves and trapping others. Though this news is terrible, the Heroes decide that the problems facing Landtor are more pressing.

Upon reaching Landtor 5 days later, the party immediately confronted the issue of the upcoming election. After carefully gathering information, they came to realize that Rhett's plans for the town are completely out of line with the population's ideals. Jesse convinced his father, Paul Merino, an original visitor with Garreth Spencer, to throw his hat in the ring. With the election on 2 days away, the party used everything at their disposal, including magic, to help his cause. After a tense ballot, Paul prevailed! Rhett, dejected and no longer welcome in the Heroes' tower, decides to move to Scevous where he is unknown. Mikey, still rocked by the loss of his father, opts to stay in Landtor to maintain the tower and keep the heroes abreast of any important news.

Reluctantly, but fully understanding his responsibilities, Jesse decided to stay in town to help his father and Corey with the common defense, while the party solemnly parted ways to travel to Mountainhome...

[Admin]

After the election celebrations, the party retired to their tower to discuss its upkeep with Mikey and to prepare for the next day's journey. While Varsera was discussing her expectations with her new friends, there was a knock on the door. A large half-orc stood in the doorway, outfitted for battle. He introduced himself as Garrok, a loner looking for adventure. Having seen the effectiveness and loyalty of the fallen Bardhbolvag, the other quickly agreed to have him along.

The next morning, the party set out promptly, having secured free passage to Scevous with a caravan. The trip was uneventful. In Scevous, they worked a deal with a horse trader to deliver 10 of his riding horses to his man in Toth, Gerey. That trip was also uneventful. By the time they arrived back in Toth, almost 10 days have passed since the election in Landtor. It has been many days since they were last in town and unfortunately, much has changed.

After spending some time in both The Bow and Buckle and Ned's Tavern, the Heroes learned that very few boats or caravans are passing through Toth. The seasonal workers are desperate. Many have moved on to farming towns looking for work, or have joined the lumbering crews. They learn that the dwarves they'd encountered last they were in town split up, with two traveling to Coreth and one going back to Mountainhome. But before he could leave, the dwarf traveling to Mountainhome seems to have been involved in a fight in which a dockworker was killed.

In speaking to the townsfolk and a soap merchant named Janwi, the Heroes learn that the situation in Mountainhome is far worse than they expected. Many dwarves were killed by ankhegs, causing the silver mine to be closed up. To add to the problems, supposedly a new group of dwarves recently arrived looking to call back those who'd been slain. They brought word of an undead army threatening the Dwarven Clans from the east, and eventually, all of Thirith.

The next day, the party set off on boats secured by Janwi at a discounted rate. Fighting the current, the going is slow. What they are heading into weighs heavily on their minds...

[Admin]

The party has been through a lot over these last few weeks!

Upon arriving in Mountainhome, they were informed that The Brave Silver Mine had been overrun by ankhegs, resulting in a furious battle where many of the dwarves were killed or trapped in the mine. General Zahkran welcomed the Heroes' aid, but feared that too much time had passed to save any of the trapped miners.

On their first foray into the mine, the Heroes did find 3 survivors. When the dwarves were safely returned to the surface, they negotiated with Morel Operhev, the owner of the mine, for a stake in the profits should they return to clear out the remaining ankhegs. But while the Heroes were underground, another dwarven emmisary had arrived reporting a that a massive army of undead is threatening the dwarven homeland! After a tense negotiation led by Todd, the party decided to return to the mine even though the dwarves made clear they were leaving immediately to fight for their homeland.

After a few hours back in the mine, the party realized their mistake. Sean and Carmin convinced Todd that the dwarves needed them far more than Morel Operhev deserved their services. Within the hour, they were in hot pursuit of the dwarves who'd already been in the mountains for a full day.

After nearly 2 days of travel, the Heroes came upon the dwarves holed up in a camp high in the mountains. General Zahkran quickly filled them in on what had happened. After a rockslide, the dwarves were attacked by two basilisks. Two warriors were killed and three more had been turned to stone by the basilisks' gaze. Putting their heads together, the party crafted an ingenious plan to draw the beasts into a trap. As darkness fell, the trap was sprung and the battle was on! Though the plan did not go as hoped for, the basilisks were slain without further blood shed. Back in the good graces of the dwarves, the party settled in for the night, ready to confront any threats that lay before them!

[Admin]

After a brutal fight with the basilisks in the pass, a slow 3 day journey through the mountains ensued. While the views were spectacular, the tough work dragging 3 stoned dwarves through the tough terrain began to weigh on the party. Finally, late on the 3rd day, scouts came rushing back to the group to report the switchbacks down to the plains were visible ahead, but, they also spotted a large orc camp!

Something seemed off about the organization of the camp. Orcs normally don't travel with hordes of women and young, so a plan was hatched to send Birn and Sean down to speak to the leader of the clan. They were welcomed into the shaman's tent where the leader of the orcs explained that a large force of skeletons had decimated their village. In a panicked flight, they'd opted to travel down The Broken Road, the ancient, haunted, road between ruined human settlements. In a strange ceremony, the orc leader reluctantly his ancient human sword to Birn, the long sword known as Sniper.

The next few days were a blur as the party traveled first to Thineldur, then on to the dwarven capital of Rumblefish. After a brief audience with King Tigrim, his champion Bragosh Knucklecracker filled them in on what little is known about the impending doom. Clan Falkor has already been besieged within their mountain fortress of Kir Dungar, the dwarven army stands waiting for the start of the annual games in 4 days, hoping for more news before they mobilize. But all agree, it will not be enough.

To this end, Bragosh asked the party to travel to the ancient human ruins of Olnwood and Wheadale to secure powerful weapons and magic only humans can wield which the dwarves believe still remain in the ruins...

[Admin]

As expected, Clan Falkor's representatives for the annual dwarven games do not arrive at the appointed time. Sensing a new urgency, the king suspends activities to prepare for war! Bragosh implores the party to set off immediately for the human ruins, and provides mules, a cart, and provisions for their Journey.

The Heroes opt to cut straight across the vast plains to save time. In doing so, they encounter a band of centaurs on the second evening. Clearly they are being followed and watched, but the centaurs maintain their distance and seem almost protective. On the third night, the party encounters a strange cabin. It is in magnificent condition, well lit, stocked with food and yet, empty. This raises their hackles so rather than spend the night in the seemingly welcoming cabin, they camp outside before leaving in the morning.

The next day they reach Olnwood. While exploring the surface ruins, Birn is poisoned by a giant spider and tragically dies! The party is distraught as he'd become a vital part of their efforts. After a respectful ceremony led by Friar Sean, the warrior is interned in a hastily dug grave.

Suddenly, a dwarf comes huffing and puffing towards the party! When he catches his breath, he tells the men that he is Thraxel of Clan Rumblefish, sent by Bragosh to help their cause. His companion was killed along the way, but that is not all the news he brings. Apparently the ghost of the magician Craderac inhabits the mysterious cabin, and he implored Thraxel to bring the party back when he found them.

The group finally discovers the entrance to Craderac's keep. Most of the tower has collapsed, but they are able to descend stairs into the depths. Soon, a loud voice is screaming warning to anyone below, as the sound of slamming doors foretells!

Once at the bottom, the party soon finds themselves fighting a mysterious mage. He is killed quickly but not before his magic wand severely injures Thraxel. The party loots his body but finds no evidence of who this man was.

Deeper into the dungeon they encounter a strange machine that the Visitors recognize as some type of engine. It appears to be still functioning even after all these centuries. In a strange room with two large mirrors, Thraxel becomes frustrated and smashes them to bits, ending any chance of determining their purpose.

A large room is encountered where the party is set upon by two vicious gargoyles! The battle is fierce with Todd and Thraxel sustaining very serious wounds. After the gargoyles are finally slain, the party decides to retreat to the surface to rest before continuing their explorations.

[Admin]

The next morning, the group returned to the dungeon with a newfound zeal for exploring every nook and cranny. It took some time, but they finally uncovered a secret room which held a few small trinkets and the key to opening Craderac's vault. After Friar Sean used his divine powers to creatively bend the outer stone doors, he spoke the command words found in the secret room which opened the heavy vault!

Inside, many wonders were found including a magical staff, another small stone in a jewelry box, and riches beyond belief!

It took many hours to haul the whole treasure up the stairs, and being evening, the party rested another day before setting out for the cabin they'd previously ignored. After an arduous journey, they found it, exactly as they'd left it of course.

That night, following Thraxel's direction, the party chose rooms and slept. After a few hours had passed, a voice awoke them all, summoning them to the parlor where a mist - sometimes taking the shape of a man - explained that he was the ghost of Craderac, trapped in this cabin forever. Unfortunately, the party is as well until they can defeat the shadow creatures whose presence outside hold the cabin in that realm. Once freed, the cabin is a powerful magic item of rest and relaxation which can be carried in a man's pocket! The question is, what will become of Craderac?

[Admin]

After some careful planning, the Heroes burst out of the cabin into the dark, foggy shadow realm outside. Within moments, the orcs called out from their hiding place amongst the dead trees. Thraxel's challenge drew their charge and the battle was on! Todd unleashed a fireball, severely injuring most of the orcs, though none fell. They fanned out, surrounding the party, but quick thinking by Thraxel, Carmin, and Sean blocked them from completely engulfing them all, especially the more vulnerable Todd and Varsera.

The battle raged for many minutes before suddenly a raging lion burst onto the scene, trampling one of the remaining orcs and severely injuring Carmin and Thraxel. Thraxel raged, stabbing the lion repeatedly, eventually bringing it down but not before Carmin took more damage.

In the rear, Varsera and Todd fought to defend themselves from the few orcs that managed to get past the fighters. Todd used his spells to entrance some of the orcs, freezing them in place, then unleased a color spray on the closest threat he faced. Varsera deftly maneuvered to the rear, blocking attacks before dealing death to the last of the orcs!

Bruised and battered, the party burst back into the cabin as victors, reveling in their new "base" of operations and the warm beds contained within.

[Admin]

The Heroes, with their new powerful magical item and the ghost of Craderac (maybe) in tow, traveled for a few days before arriving at the ruins of Wheadale where a massive battle between orcs and zombies is raging!

The party sits back observing the fray until they realize that some powerful being is fighting on the side of the zombies. Though the orcs are generally winning the battle, this creature is causing widespread havoc amongst their forces. Eventually it is revealed to be a vampire when he attacks Sean, striking him down in power! Before flying off towards the cathedral ruins, he issues a challenge: "Follow me to the ruins where you will die!"

The battle is won, but the fight is not over. Will this dangerous vampire slay the party as he swore to do?

[Admin]

On the first of Merica, in the year 22, the First Heroes confronted the vampire Lord Froc, general of Nightbay's Army, in the shadow of Dlixica's Temple. As Anhur's blessings surrounded them, the Heroes defeated the vampire in a fierce but short battle. Though his coffin lay near, the Heroes managed to defile it, causing Froc to dissipate into the nether. It may never be known whether he was truly destroyed forever, but for now, he is no longer a threat.

The Heroes entered the ruined shrine of Dlixica, goddess of light. Friar Sean placed his continual light stone upon the bare offering plate before her statue. While he knelt in prayer, the goddess materialized. Her immense beauty bathed them all. She explained that a foul creature was trapped in her champion's tomb, attempting to steal her Chalice of Dragon's Breath stored within.

The Heroes burst into the tomb to destroy the defiler! A great struggle ensued with the Phantom Stalker. Sean, Carmin, and Todd realized that this was the same type of creature attempting to recover the chalice they'd helped Cytryn find. In it's dying throes, the Stalker exploded into a fireball, nearly taking the Heroes with it!

Friar Sean attempted to lay his hand upon the chalice but was thwarted by the light force. Todd returned to Dlixica, who told him that only one who'd never touched a chalice and who could serve as her Champion would be able to remove it from the light. They realized there could be only one: Thraxel.

Reluctantly he did so, becoming the first dwarf to champion for the Goddess of Light, wielder of the chalice of Dragon's Breath and her only worshipper upon Thirith.

As the Heroes departed the temple, a new era lay ahead, aided by their actions throughout these past two years. The future of Thirith may be unknown, but for now at least, the last vestiges of the darkness brought by the cataclysm were finally at bay.