Session 10 - Chapter 4 - Order of the Gauntlet

Hello and Welcome!

The troupe continued their way to Elturel in the mended wagon and the remnants of Ariel's supply, slowly trundling along the road. The clop-clop of the horses, the gentle squeak and grind of the wagon wheels against the road, the birds happily chirping and fluttering about. The weather was pleasant and the woods started to give way to rolling fields and fertile lands. It was almost picturesque scenery. And the paradoxical juxtaposition of the ideal countryside against the deadly encounter from the previous day was not lost on the travellers as they chatted away with Ariel to learn about the latest news since they reached Greenest nearly 2 Tenday ago.

Ariel, still in a bit of shock after managing to escape with her life (sadly the same could not be said for the rest of her retinue), talked about what the streets and taverns of Elturel were filled with. Indeed it was about the happenings in Greenest and the siege by the Cult of the Dragon. But it was being discussed in a rather distant way, as if this was just an isolated incident that happened in a far away small town, not properly defended by the town guard and proper fortifications. 

Most surprising to the people was that a Dragon had become involved. For quite many a year Dragons really just kept to themselves and didn't meddle with the affairs of man. Not since the wars of long ago that are now in stories and legends and on the lips of many Bards in various taverns. The Dragon's colour was in all the shades of the rainbow as different people recalled and relayed the story in so many different ways that no one really knew the actual details.

The Heroes decided not to go into too much detail with Ariel. She had already been through such an ordeal with the Ogres and Orcs. And why should they burden her with perils far greater than a band of Orcs? Plus, could they truly trust her? After the betrayal by the Bandit Captain, they decided to be more cautious, at least for now. 

They continued their journey, the countryside becoming more serene with each mile, almost as if deliberately to be in direct contrast with the true dangers that threaten everything - the details not yet still fully clear. The sun slowly began to set but as they now could see Elturel off in the distance, there was a bright light shining off in the distance.

Torsion was eager to return to Elturel. This is where he made the decision to become a Cleric and he began his studies and apprenticeship. It was a special place to him and helped really define the Dwarf that he is today. He'd not been back for several years as he'd been in Waterdeep for many years. Much like his kin who were mining deep into the earth for rocks and gems, he was doing similar mining deep for nuggets of knowledge and information. He had learned so much from his books and tomes but now it was time to get to action.

He explained to his companions that there is a magical beacon high at the centre of the city which keeps the denizens of the Undead at bay and protects all the residents. And the effect it has is that it has perpetual sunlight all day and night. It was a strange site to behold for first time visitors. Torsion and Ariel were used to it but Chard, Dafnae, and Pipp were looking on in awe as this was the first time they'd seen this.

The southern entrance to the city is accessible by ferry and as they approached the caravan ferry, Ariel said she would cover the cost as a beginning for repaying her thanks to them for saving her life. Once across and in the city, the four bid farewell to her and luck with rebuilding her trade. Ariel thanked her again and wanted to confirm where they were staying as she would stop by to give them a proper rewards. Torsion clarified that they would be staying at the Pair of Black Antlers Tavern and Dafnae urged her to drop in and have some tea before they continue their adventure.

The four then made their way from Shiarra's Market to the Tavern. The Market was now closed and the evening bell had chimed to let the residents know that despite the constant bright light, it was now starting to be late evening. 

Walking through the city was a lovely site to see. Despite the time was getting late, there were still plenty of people out enjoying The Garden and the Maiden's Leap waterfall was majestic. They saw all the windows were boarded with curtains drawn to block the light on and give the impression of it being night time. Pipp remarked on how people are able to adapt to circumstances and especially if in this case it was for their safety. Torsion seemed to perk up and seemed to even stand an extra inch or two taller. The others could tell he was happy to be back in this city. Chard even remarked that Torsion wasn't his usual grumpy self which elicited the all to familiar harumph and beard pull from Torsion. 

They eventually made their to the Pair of Black Antlers and made their way inside. Inside, Pipp immediately felt at home. The sites, the smells, the sounds - all so familiar from back home. She had performed in the largest taverns back home but this was a huge area, spread over two floors with enough space for several minstrels to play their performances and not bother each other.

They ordered their wine and mead and ales and their meals and secured rooms for the evening. Torsion asked the bald barman who introduced himself as Brando if Ontharr was in residence. He confirmed but said that he had some visitors in attendance. Torsion reiterated that Ontharr was waiting for their arrival and to please relay a message to him. The barman acknowledged and so the four sat down to their drinks and meal. 

Dafnae had the taste for some fine Elvish wine with some snapper. She found herself eying the crowd to see if she would get a glimpse of Talis. She knew it was highly unlikely but the whole situation was plaguing on her mind. The sweet taste of the wine was bringing back memories of when they were running through the different alleyways in Baldur's gate. Well, she'd have to worry about that another night. As she sipped her wine, she thought to herself, there would be plenty of nights when she would have to worry about something. But at least today they had helped Ariel. Not everyone was in league with the Cult of the Dragon after all.

The brandy was strong as Chard idly sipped it. It went well with his venison haunch. He did enjoy the finer things in life. As he sipped, he thought about his dreams. What did Avernus have to do with what was going on. Was his lineage all part of this. Would Elturel burn as well? Did it matter? Was it inevitable? Could he still get some Brandy when everything was turned to fire and ash? He took another sip of the brandy and pushed these thoughts to the side and enjoyed the atmosphere. Elturel was a very reserved and military state. He liked the order of it at least, even if it was a bit repressed. At least in this Tavern the people knew how to have a good time. But how long would they be able to do so.

Pipp sipper her orange mead and enjoyed her vegetable pie. The crust was nice and crusty with a nice thick gravy. She had drunk lots of orange mead back when she was performing in Bergerost - patrons always liked to buy her a flagon from time to time which she happily accepted. Despite her size, she could drink a fair amount and many a visitor found themselves under the table while she was still merrily singing her songs for the crowd. The atmosphere was joyous. She enjoyed listening to the merriment and she looked at her new friends and was happy to be on this adventure. But she saw both Dafnae and Chard somewhat lost in their own thoughts. What were they thinking? Or hiding? She would need to have a chat with Chard about his restless sleeping at some point and why she thought she heard Avernus. Torsion oddly seemed happy - must be the fact that he is back home in a familiar place she thought - and he didn't seem to have a care in the world as he was diving into his meal. As soon as she finished her meal she she excused herself from her friends so that she could go mingle with the other performers. Maybe one of them would let her play a few songs with them. And so she found some minstrels which seemed friendly enough and the proper vibe and she asked and thanks to a great performance roll, they let her play songs with them. And the crowd loved it.

Torsion's preferred meat of choice was chicken. He liked it however it was prepared. So he took his gallon of mead and his whole chicken and he set to having his fill. Dwarves had a legendary appetite. He was excited to meet up with his mentor in the morning. They had much to discuss. Pride was unbecoming of a devout Cleric, but he couldn't help but be proud that now the four of them had come this far and learned so much but he knew there was still so much more to learn and resolve. He tore into the chicken and gulped his mead. Halfway through his meal he successfully passed his Constitution save - it would take more than half a gallon of mead to get him to feel the effect.

As he continued to enjoy his meal, Torsion heard someone call out behind him in the Tavern. "By the light, Torsion, is that you", the voice said. Torsion set down the drumstick, wiped his beard with his forearm and swivelled around to see his old friend Gromagar, the Half-Orc Paladin with that half tusk-toothed grin of his staring right back at him. He replied, "Gromagar, my old friend, yes, and what are you doing here. The two gave each other a big bear hug, albeit somewhat comical consider the Half-Orc towered over the Dwarf.

Gromagar pulled up a chair and Torsion introduced him to Chard and Dafnae who were still finishing their drinks and he pointed over to Pipp who was still playing with the performers. The two friends caught up on the recent happenings and Gromagar was quite impressed to learn that these were the same Heroes he had heard rumours about that saved Greenest. Torsion pulled some of his mead for Gromoagar who happily took it and then he reminded Torsion that he still owed a debt to Gromagar to which he said "Well, Torsion my friend, shall we make good on that agreement?". Torsion replied, "Aye, help make room on the table Chard and Dafnae".

So they made room on the table and then the two of them squared up their chairs and clasped arms in a classic stance of doing an arm wrestling contest. They each firmed up their grips and stared each other down. Torsion could feel the slight effect of the mead as he just failed his next Constitution save but he was determined to not let his friend best him.

Pipp kept an eye on the table where they were sitting and so shesaw this strength contest begin and she wanted to observe closer and see if she could somehow help her new friend so she excused herself from the performers she had joined up with and moved over to the table while still playing. She cleverly changed her tune to something Dwarvish she had learned - it was lower notes with stronger beat. She had hoped that this tune may help give him some Bardic Inspiration to then give him that extra little edge in the arm wrestling. 

Torsion and Gromagar were locked in the contest, straining a bit but not letting the other see. Torsion was pleased to see his Halfling companion and flashed her a smile in thanks for the tune which did seem to spur him on. Torsion was able to resist the initial effort by Gromagar and pull things back into the middle. The sudden rush of exertion helped him regain composure as he passed his next Constitution saving throw and with the help of the music, And he was able to push the challenge to his advantage with the next contested Strength roll. Dafnae watched with amusement and Chard egged them on - he enjoyed the randomness of the encounter. He even quipped with Torsion that he wagers a silver piece the Half-Orc will win. Torsion furrowed his eye brows and let out his harumph.

The contest continued but Torsion finally lost the contest to Gromagar after two bad Strength rolls hindered by his failed Constitution check but still to a quiet shout and roar from the nearby crowd who excitedly watched it when they turned to the music playing close by them.

The five chatted away and finished their food and drinks and agreed with Gromagar that he would meet the next day and accompany them as they made their way around the city. Afterwards they retired to their rooms, Chard and Torsion together, Dafnae and Pipp together. They all slept soundly.

The next morning they got up and went to breakfast; Torsion luckily was able to sleep off the effects of the mead. They asked the barman if Ontharr and replied to their note yet and while wiping a mug dry, the barman pointed over to the corner and said that he is there at the large table waiting for you.

They all moved over and were greeted by a tall, heavyset man who clearly looked like a man who could handle himself in battle. He had a commanding presence about him which seemed to increase as he stood up to greet the Heroes. "Welcome, welcome!", Ontharr said boisterously. "Sit and eat and tell me your tale!". His outward demeanour was larger than life, the emblem of the Order of the Gauntlet prominently emblazoned on his breastplate. Chard thought to himself that yes, he clearly is a Paladin. He did everything with fervour and gusto as he urged them to take from the wide assortment of food laid out in a banquet. Leosin was also here and they made their introductions.

Once the initial pleasantries were over and the fast had been broken, Ontharr wiped his beard and with another boisterous laugh, he asked the Adventurers "Please, continue to eat, have your fill, but now tell me your harrowing tale since you reached Greenest. And spare absolutely no detail. Tell me everything. Especially tell me how you saved this poor soul, Leosin". And with that he gave another big laugh and gave his holy friend a great big slap on the back.

They each told their tale. Each adding detail to supplement the parts the others told. Ontharr would let out various exclamations in his bellowing voice or laugh or slap the table from time to time depending on what they told. And where he felt there was something more, he asked for more details or exclaimed "What happened next". He seemed to hang on every word like someone hearing an epic tale. But Dafnae clocked that despite his outwardly outlandish behaviour he seemed to be taking in every morsel of detail they provided, much like he did with every bit of bread, meat, and cheese on the banquet table. She thought to herself that Torsion's mentor indeed was a clever man and likely a force to be reckoned with. Chard and Dafnae of course left out their nightmares and the information about Talis. Ontharr seemed to especially enjoy the portion about how the fourth member, Pipp, joined the party as previously said there were only three so he was especially overjoyed to learn that another brave soul had joined the cause.

When the story was over, Ontharr got up and exclaimed in his usual fashion "Wonderful, wonderful! Such an amazing adventure. But friends, we are only at the beginning of this saga, one which you are now deeply intertwined into. Many more perils await not only us, but the entire known world so we need the bravest and strongest and fearless Heroes t join us. Are you amongst those that will fully commit to the cause to end the blight brought on by this Cult of the Dragon?" The others all answered yes, Torsion most fervently trying to impress his mentor. He continued "Wonderful, but we will need to further test your skills and commitment. Let's arrange a challenge for you at our Order's training grounds to really see what you are made of because these cowardly cultist and week Orcs are only but a fraction of the dangers we will face. So today rest and explore the city and then we will see you at the Order of the Gauntlet's Training Ground." 

Ontharr then left and Leosin continued the conversation and explained how happy he was that they were back and such good things to learn based on their investigations. He said that indeed Ontharr was impressed but that he would need further proof that you are up to the task. He further clarified that while he and Ontharr were longterm friends, they have different perspectives of how to approach things. Ontharr would like to rush in while he and his order would prefer to do things slowly and carefully from behind the scenes. While they don't always see eye to eye, they do agree that this threat does need to be neutralised. While unknown at the moment, the right way forward is somewhere comprising both of their ideals and that a lot of help would be needed. With that they finished their breakfast and then took to the streets to explore the city.

The day was spent exploring the sites of the city.

Dafnae spent some time in the library researching healing potion recipes. This would go nicely with the book of poisons she had previously purchased. Poisons and Healing Potions - it shows the duality of life as in most things. She would attempt to do some foraging when the opportunity presented itself. And she would need to gain proficiency with the Herbalism Kit that she purchased. She is proficient with the Poisoner's Kit so how hard could the Herbalism Kit be to use she thought to herself? She also picked up 10 empty bottles which she hoped to fill up with one form of crafted potion or another. Ideally both.

Chard managed to sell some of the better weaponry that they recovered from defeating Cyanwrath and Frulam. That made his pack lighter. 

Pipp popped into the Lover and the Lyre shop to see what Bardic items they had but everything was so expensive. But it was nice to see the different items.

Torsion spent the day catching up with Gromagar. Gromagar learned a bit more about the threat happening. He had heard the rumours and Tavern stories but he wanted to get it from the Dwarf's mouth directly. He agreed it was quite ominous.

Afterwards, the team regrouped in the Antlers (as the locals called it) and they were met by Leosin who informed them that it was time to visit the Training Grounds. So the troupe got their gear ready and headed out together with Gromagar and Leosin.

The Training Grounds was a large building. Large double doors led down to a wide open space. As they crossed the threshold they felt an unusual pressure. Dafnae and Pipp asked what was that. Gromagar explained that this was the Anti-Magic field that is put in place for training. He explained that Ontharr valued the use of Magic on the battlefield, but that he wanted his warriors to be capable even when the spell slots ran out. 

The four went down the stairs into the stonework open area room. They saw four pillars in the centre with some chainwork attached to them and large double doors to one side and what looked like a separate meeting room in the back. There were a few other members practicing their sparring and some statues of armour in the corner.

Gromagar announced: "Well, then, let's put you to the test in the Gauntlet that our praised leader Ontharr Frume has prepared for you! In the first round, there are two types of challenges. The first challenge is a regular boxing match and the second challenge is a bare weapon fight. The boxing is without weapons and armour and the bare weapon fighting is also without armour and only with simple weapons. And as you could feel on your way in, no magic. So, please, each of you pick a challenge and try to impress Ontharr!

The four looked at each other and discussed. Chard and Dafnae agreed that they'll give a go at boxing and Pipp and Torsion would do the bare weapon combat. 

And so the challenges were accepted and each took their turn.

Chard took his gear off and set it to the side. He even undid his shirt and took that off. Sometimes he gained some advantage as people were distracted by his red skin. And he had a good physique which he didn't mind showing off from time to time. He limbered up and did a few punches in the air and some jumps in place and rolled his head from side to side to loosen his joints and he want into the centre of the area. His opponent, a human male, walked up and said "Alright you, get ready for a proper thumping!". Chard squared up and prepped in a Brawler's Stance and Gromagar announced "Begin!".

The two boxers danced and Chard landed blow after blow with good hit rolls. Head shots, body shots - he was definitely landing good hits against his opponent despite him even trying to take the Dodge Action on some turns. He managed to land a few blows back but he was no match for Chard as he was really on form and managed to land two good hits in one go thanks to his Action Surge. 

Gromagar announced the end of the challenge and Chard as the victor. Chard shook his opponents hand and set to the side, shirt still off. He liked the cool underground air against his skin.

Next up was Dafnae. She kept her cloak on and squared up against her human male combatant who met her by saying "Just be warned, I'm not afraid of hittin no lady" to which Dafnae wryly quipped back "Who says I'm a lady?" and as soon as Gromagar announced "Begin!", she landed a quick pop of her fist into his jaw which caught him off guard.

They similarly danced around the room. Dafnae while not able to hit as hard as her opponent, she was able to get good consistent hits in with both her fists and legs quickly and rapidly and she was able to Disengage each turn in case she needed to really move around the room. The other boxer even tried to grapple her but she was able to Dextrously wriggle out of it.

Again Gromagar announced the end of combat and Dafnae as a victor. The opponent clearly under estimated her and he was not too pleased to have lost. The others were impressed with how much grace she was able to almost float around the floor and defeat him.

Next it was Torsion who decided a hammer and shield. He took off his main armour but he was ready to battle. Gromagar activated one of the Animated Armours in the corner which he said were the Training Constructs and so they battle commenced.

The two exchanged blows, Torsion using his shield effectively to knock away a few of the blows. The Construct used the Disarm action and managed to knock the Shield free from Torsion's grasp. Undeterred, he grabbed his hammer in two hands and swung more fiercely, causing some good damage. This put the Construct at disadvantage when trying to disarm him again while holding his weapon with two hands. 

After several exchanges, Gromagar announced Torsion as the victor when the Construct took enough damage and deactivated.

Finally it was Pipp's turn to face the Construct. She selected a rapier and a dagger and bravely faced it head on.

She landed some good hits with both weapons but did get hit with a pretty hard hit from the Construct. The Construct even managed to disarm her of her Rapier. She decided to pick it up and not continue with just her Dagger and this helped because together with her smaller stature, she avoided a hard swing of the Construct's Axe which sailed over her head. This gave Pipp the opportunity to land the deactivating final attack.

Gromagar finally announced Pipp as the winner and all four of the Heroes congratulated each other on a job well done.

During their congratulations, they heard very loud clapping from the top of the entryway stairs followed by a very boisterous "Well done, well done!" echo from Ontharr who had come to watch the competition. 

He laughed and continued "Good, you have shown prowess and good skill. But these were just mere trainees and training machines!". The two defeated boxers looked sullen at this statement. He continued with another laugh "But how well do you fight as a team against more serious foes? Come, release the Beasts and let's see how they fair together. Hurry, put your gear on and face a real Challenge!".

The Heroes all looked at each other and hurriedly put their gear on as they opened the large doors to the sides and led out the Beasts. Each was chained to one of the pillars to restrict its movement and the four gathered into the centre area, ready to face the next wave.

Ontharr announced "Are you ready? Let the second part of the Gauntlet Begin!". And with that, the battle commenced.

Chard and Dafnae were able to get the jump one of the bears, dealing quite heavy damage initially. That bear was not able to hit back well. The other bear landed a good hard blow onto Torsion and together with Pipp engaged the other bear initially. But the sabre-toothed tiger and wild boar also joined the fight. Both getting a running start the were able to knock Chard and Torsion to the ground. 

The battle continued, pairs splitting off, each taking on a pair of beats. The bear that took heavy early damage succumbed to its wounds which allowed Dafnae to peel off and help Pipp and Torsion, leaving Chard to take on the tiger. Torsion and Pipp were having some trouble with their bear and wild boar. Pipp fell unconscious after a hard hit from the wild boar because she was still hurt from the hit she took from the Construct. Luckily she rolled well on her Death saving through and this allowed Dafnae together with Torsion to take them both out. Once they were addressed, Torsion stabilised Pipp and that just left Chard to finish off the tiger which tried to take advantage of the other's having their backs turned to it. 

But they were able to finish it off as well, thus finishing this round.

This was met with more roaring laughter and clapping from Ontharr who exclaimed "Amazing, wonderful - such a great show of teamwork and tactics!" He continued as he walked past them "Come, come, you have completed my Gauntlet and while you may be a little beaten and battered, you came out victorious. So let's feast and celebrate and discuss future plans". He led them into the separate meeting room. The others cleaned themselves up quickly and joined him in the room which was laid out for another lavish banquet.

They sat and ate and discussed. Similar to the start of the day. Leosin and Ontharr debated about immediate action now or a more measured and methodical approach. The four thought that these two would never see eye to eye on tactic but their hearts were in the same place in regards to needing to face this threat.

The meal was lovely and the discussion ended with the plan to meet up the next day and decide on a plan. But they agreed that for the rest of the evening they would celebrate their triumphant success on the training ground and the completion of Ontharr's Gauntlet. 

As they started to retire to their rooms for the evening, Ontharr asked Torsion to remain behind as he had some brief Order business to discuss with him. The others all left leaving Torsion in the room with his mentor.

Ontharr asked Torsion "Are you ready to continue this journey? Are you confident in your travelling companions? Can you trust them stand by your side as you face the horrors that will come your way?"

Torsion thought for a moment and replied "Sir, my faith may be put in a different god than you but nevertheless my faith is strong. And I put the same strong faith in all three of them. Since the first day we met by chance as we entered Greenest in the middle of the siege we have stood together and faced down many foes and came out victorious. I fully believe and trust in them to carry that forward. So yes, I stand beside them because I know they will stand beside me and we are ready to face whatever comes out way, together".

Ontharr grabbed him by the shoulder and said "Good, good - this is what I want to hear. I want you to be a strong group because you will need to rely on each other every step of the way.". Then he laughed and said "Torsion, my boy, whatever are you doing with that war hammer of yours? If you are to lead your Party then you are in need of a proper weapon!". Then he reached into the corner and opened a chest and gave Torsion and item wrapped in canvas saying "Here, take this and may it guide you and give you strength in your pursuit!"

Torsion thankfully received the parcel and opened it up to find a Warhammer with a glowing head. It had a good weight and proper balance. He thanked his mentor and said he would wield it bravely. Then they retired for the evening.

Torsion would tell the others at breakfast and he would examine the properties of the weapon he received called Torm's Blessing and he would take the necessary time to properly attune to it.