Chapter 3: The Road to Kupferkette

General Summary

The remaining Gnolls had been slain or forced to retreat and efforts were in full force to save what remained of Jaarvi- volunteers searched for those trapped under rubble, bucket brigades worked hard to put out the fires throughout town, and any medic and midwife worth their salt aided the wounded. The party put their skills tot he test as well, finding those who needed help and extinguishing flames. In the morning, it appeared their efforts had been well worth it. Despite all the destruction and chaos, only 10 lives were lost, 50 major injuries were reported, and 1/4 of the city damaged with 10% in ruins.   Mayor Ashglade made a plea for adventurers strong enough to travel to the mountain city of Kupferkette with a letter requesting aid and supplies. Marion Scritchenbach set up an aid station with volunteers to provide food and medical aid to those in need. Captain Ott Fendrel took volunteers to clear rubble, stabilize damaged buildings, and build temporary shelters.   The party took a short time to rest, and then headed off into the mountains. After Winston asked his human mother Marion for permission first, of course.   While Agathe's survival skills found a suitable camping spot for the night, the party's rest was interrupted by some hired thugs sent by Olana Dimmermoon- the Halfling Sodgrimm slinger from the Kleingold animal sideshow tent. Turns out, she's not the kind to live and let live. The party had no trouble dispatching the low-skill goons and their big angry dogs. Now, will this be enough to send a message to back off?   After a few days of travel, the party found a low mountain glade with tall trees, green grass, and a crystal clear pond. Excited for a swim, Agathe dove straight in, awakening a Water Weird and three aquatic imps who had been disguised as fish. Though there were a few moments of concern with Clawdius becoming grappled, the party managed to pull through in one piece.   Along the path, the group faced additional challenges and surprises, from an abandoned wagon with useful supplies, to the remains of a giant eagle's meal- followed by the giant eagle, and a dizzying chasm that required some planning, strength, and dexterity to cross.   Nearing Kupferkette, the party noticed smoke in the distance as they prepared to find camp for the night. The source was a bonfire surrounded by a group of Gnolls who appeared to be preparing a ritual. They took turns drinking some foul liquid, which resulted in an increase in physical strength and increased resistance to damage. The fight was nothing the party couldn't handle, as they interrupted the ritual and took down the Gnolls quickly. There were strange symbols carved in to   In the morning, the sun shined bright off copper domes in the distance. Near the top of a tall peak, grey stone towers loomed over a walled-in city. Following the road, the party approached the main gate- Guards stood watch as townsfolk came and went under their vigilant gaze. Inside, the bustling Dwarven city was filled with billowing smoke from forges, the rhythmic clanking sound of metalworks, and the sweet and toasty smells of breweries. The royal castle stood tall in the city center, each of its towers topped with bright copper caps that seem to glow in the sunlight. Welcome to Kupferkette.