"In a sullen mining town called Diamond Lake, cultists beholden to the Way of the Ebon Triad walk widdershins around an ancient pool, chanting time-lost rituals to summon a tripartite god. Three days to the south, where the hills meet the fetid shores of a great swamp, a tribe of lizardfolk gathers to raid a human fortress, whipped into frenzy by a zealous black dragon. The hills crawl with undead creatures infested with wriggling green worms. Hulking abominations in the distant Rift Canyon undulate with paroxysms of near-forgotten obedience to a long-absent lord. They sense with excitement the impending return of their wicked sovereign. Kyuss stirs in his prison outside reality. The Age of Worms is at hand!"
The Age of Worms Adventure Path is a complete Dungeons & Dragons campaign that will take your adventurers from the down-and-dirty days of 1st level to the heights of power at 20th.
"Perhaps we should invest in a mule," Arianna chimes in, "so poor Marak isn't stuck fulfilling that position. Setting 10 gold aside for basic necessities and purchases in the future, can you think of anything else?"
"I'm not sure that we need a mule," Kalen replies. "I mean, it's likely just one trip out with the stuff. If we had a mule we'd have to feed it and take care of it. I think we just suck it up and carry the stuff out there ourselves. Or maybe we cold borrow a mule for one trip."
He pauses and takes a pull of his drink. "But we might give some thought to getting a few tools - hammers, chisels, prybars, that sort of thing. They might come in handy."
Some artisans tools might be handy for clearing away the hidden room. That, some food, rope, and light seems about right for our budget.
How's this for our 35 gp:
10 gp Tools
15 gp Rations
7 gp Hooded lantern
3 gp A bunch of torches and candles and oil for the lantern
If the rations were entirely trail rations, that would be 30 man days. Figure that since it's not entirely trail rations, we might expect half again as much, or 45 man days. That's a week and a half before we have to come back for food. Figure it's some trail rations and some bread and meat for the first few days, cheeses, small kegs of ale or cheap wine, a bag or two of whatever fruit is available, etc.
"Tools are good," adds Brother Jonus, "Me thinks that a good pick and shovel will help us in clearing the basement out tremendously!" After eating a bite or two, he then continues further. "A lantern and oil would be most welcome as well. After last night's exploits, I am saddened to say that I don't function quite well at all within darkened environments. Besides, the oil itself could prove to be quite versatile, using it as a makeshift weapon if need be!"
All in all, Brother Jonus seems happy enough with the way things are presently laid out, going so far as to even try procuring the items from the garrison's quartermaster if need be. Who knows, he might even be able to get the party a discount!
When Life Hands You Razorblades. You Make A Baseball Bat Covered In Razorblades!
Figure the best way to sum things up is to assume that you have managed to purchase the following with your hard-earned coin:
'¢ 2 weeks' worth of rations, trail and other dried goods.
'¢ Crowbar, hammer, pick, shovel, sledge, and a small wheelbarrow for clearing out the basement if so desired.
'¢ Minor tools such as wooden stakes, flint and steel, chalk, twine, etc.
'¢ A couple of sacks to carry stuff and 2 small wooden buckets.
'¢ Hooded lantern with 10 flasks of oil that should provide roughly 1 week's worth of light when exploring.
'¢ An assortment of candles and torches totaling a couple hundred or so items that should provide enough light for camping and/or exploring for 1 week's time.
Having formulated a relatively sound plan and finally finished with their proverbial "shopping list", the party quickly sets about purchasing the necessary items to begin with their quest. Heeding Arianna's advice, the group decides to take turns buying up supplies in small quantities as to avoid drawing any unwanted attention to themselves. By mid-evening, the last of the purchases have been made and the group finally prepares themselves to head off towards the Whispering Cairn the following morning!
Ok then, this will end the last of our Preambles and FINALLY begin the game. Know that I will be temporarily running Brother Jonus and Marak on Auto-pilot until their respective players' return. ALSO know that we have the honors of having both TetNak and Wayloss joining our ranks! Their introductions will be made in the first CHAPTER of the game. Until then!
When Life Hands You Razorblades. You Make A Baseball Bat Covered In Razorblades!
