The Grey Council
Rants | EverQuest II | Articles | Software |
Some of the categories above are still under construction.Dwarven Labor Unions are bogging down the negotiations and construction is slowed.Please bear with us.
Welcome to the website of the Grey Council! If you are looking for the
Note: this website is not in any way affiliated with The Minbari Federation, The Interstellar Alliance or the Babylon 5 Station.Our apologies to Madam President/Ranger One/Satai Delenn Sheridan.
The Grey Council is a Dungeons & Dragons gaming group that meets on alternating Fridays for an evening of role-playing and fun. We are friendly and only bite when very hungry, so feel free to give us an email! The Dungeon Master is standing by to take your letters!
News:
8 January 2009
Dear readers, it is with mixed feelings that I write today's editorial commenting once again on the expedition to Hommlet that was launched by our illustrious King, Ferrin I, so many weeks ago.
As you well know, we are the source of truth in today's world in which so often lies and deceit are the fare of the day. I have taken it upon myself, as editor of the Voice of Scon, to keep you, our dear readers, informed of the happenings and events that impact the daily lives of those of us who work hard to rebuild the city that was once the center of art, literature, knowledge and wealth for hundreds of leagues in every direction.
As you also know very well, I have been very critical of the quest financed by our tax money and handled in a dubious manner from the start, but I must now report that the adventurer mercenaries who left Scon all those weeks ago have met their untimely end in the tunnels and caverns underneath the old Moathouse near Hommlet. Sources indicate that they died bravely at least, and represented the finest traditions of their respective careers. I feel sadness at their passing, even as I feel some relief that at last this ill-advised expedition has at last come to an end. Perhaps now, the area will be at peace, even as the spirits of the fallen heroes rest in peace.
19 December 2008
It would seem, dear readers, that there is some truth to the public story being fed to us by our spinweavers in the castle. Indeed, something strange is happening near Hommlet, but I suspect it has m ore to do with Ferrin's expedition than any strangeness of its own merit. Now known to be traveling with - of all things - a Drow Elf, these hired swords of which I have been reporting have taken it upon themselves to locate and loot a ruined moathouse. Mind you, this moathouse was ruined because it remains, a desolated remnant of a war fought decades ago. It seems at one time this moathouse was an outpost in the posession of forces from none other than the Temple of Elemental Evil itself. When Hommlet won its war against the servants of the Temple, they - as an afterthought, it seems - besieged and eventually assaulted the moathouse. An entirely unnecessary use of military resources, mind you. The moathouse itself has remained for these long years as a testimony to the bloodthirsty nature of the victors of any war.
The mercenaries hired by Ferrin I are now using the precious resources allocated to them to go on an ill advised expedition to this moathouse, where they apparently discovered a small band of homeless people who were using the remaining intact section of the moathouse for shelter. These mercenaries, along with their Drow woman, ruthlessly attacked these people and, not content with simply driving them from the ruins, hunted them down and dragged them back to the ruins in order to pry from them the location of whatever earthly treasures remained in their posession. Apologists for this band of ruffians have said that the looted treasure is to be donated to the coffers of Hommlet, Scon, or one of the religious entities in Hommlet such as the Church of St.Cuthbert. We'll be keeping a close eye on that, dear readers. Otherwise rest assured while the donating of these treasures might appear to be a gift of pure generosity, one wonders what political favors will be puchased with them.
Perhaps it can be counted a warning from the gods that one of these mercenaries nearly met his untimely end by poison from a large spider living among the ruins. Most intelligent, open-eyed people would count their blessings and move on, but in this case the striken mercenary was cured of his poisonous wound by the Druid who lives in Hommlet. What this Druid, called Jaroo by the locals, is doing on the King's land, so far from the woodlands that are the common dwelling places of the Druids, is unknown but as always, dear reader, we shall not rest until we have answers enough to satisfy.
It would also appear that these hired thugs delight in wasting time and energy with an almost childlike level of foolishness. It has been reported to us by the most reliable sources that a large snake, living quietly within the ruins, was tossed to a swarm of large rats just for the sake of amusing these hirelings of our glorious and noble king.
21 November 2008
Apparently wayward adventurers commissioned by the court of Ferin I are in no short supply. The three adventurers that so recently set out from Scon have picked up a fourth, a young nobleman they encountered in Hommlet who was apparently wandering aimlessly. Perhaps this is a symbol of things to come in Ferrin's rule.
Shortly after this, they set out for, of all things, an old abandoned moathouse. Apparently connected with the war with the denizens of the nearby Temple of Elementals, this moathouse has stood empty since that time. Despite this, the party from Scon has inexplicably decided to investigate this place. I have no idea, dear reader, what possesses these men to waste time so. In conducting my own investigation I have found reason to believe that perhaps Rufus and Burne, yet another pair of adventurers representing Scon, are constructing a fortress in Hommlet, financed largely by the Church of St. Cuthbert. Why would a fortification be built in His Majesty's land without any support from the Royal coffers? What does the Church of St.Cuthbert gain from this that they should fork over so many gold coins? Something strange indeed is happening here, and I am forced to wonder, dear reader, why the adventurers of Scon seek to waste time with relics and old ruins. As always, I shall discover the truth for you, wherever it may be.
7 November 2008
Reports from the top indicate that our mighty King, Ferrin I of Ascon, has sent yet another expensive and ill-advised expedition into the wilderness. Far be it for this humble reporter to impugn the wisdom of our young King, and far be it for us, as his loyal subjects, to question how he spends our hard earned and strictly collected tax revenues, but we must wonder why the most loyal adventurers are sent as far away as possible, while the lesser adventurers are kept close? Should the Dark Elves come again, is it so much to ask that we be protected by the very best?
Sources say that the adventurers left a fortnight ago, took the ferry across the Gecko, and headed south. As everyone knows, nothing of interest lies to the South, at least, not for any reasonable distance.
Are they actually going as far as the village of Hommlet? What couild possibly be of interest in such a place? Everyone knows the war that ended the activities around the Temple of Elemental Evil ended long, long ago. The area has been quiet since. Has His Majesty perhaps dispatched them on some sort of ill-advised scavenging mission to try to fill the royal coffers?
Is this a wild goose chase? if so, why have they not returned? The adventurers were seen purachasing horses at the most expensive stable in town, and it hardly takes a savant to imagine where the gold came from for such extravagant purchases. Three left the city early the next morning, two of them who are believed to be either human or perhaps carrying elvish blood, and the other was their dwarf. No sign yet of the Dark Elf that is known to associate with these people, and who regularly waits upon the King even now, after all the trouble we have had at the hands of those people.
Be assured, dear readers, none of this has gone unnoticed by me, your faithful correspondent. I leave in the morrow to head south, to try and determine what these adventurers are up to. Fear not, for my editorials will continue to appear right on time, as I have only the best carrier pidgeons to be found anywhere.
4 November 2008
The devastated city of Scon is once more ruled by the rightful heir to the throne, King Ferrin I of Ascon. The people have high hopes that he wi ll rule long and well. Despite this, all is not well so quickly. The Kingdom of Ascon is still in a state of chaos, and its borders no longer certain. The Barbarians in the North gather closer and closer to the North Wall, and the warriors of East Keep drill harder than ever. Yet they know that there are dangers even within the borders of their land. deep inside the shattered Kingdom of Ascon lies an evil that is both ancient and powerful, and before Ferrin can truly bring peace and balance to his kingdom, this evil must be brought to heel. The Adventurers' Guild is once again filled with adventurers, but it is to his trusted friends and allies, the heroes called the Dragonslayers of Scon, that he will turn. New Campaign! Details here.
22 October 2007
The Campaign has been on hold for some time, but fortunately DM John has had an excellent game going with his WItch & Hunter system and has kept us going. Soon the Rise of the Phoenix campaign will once again rise like a phoneix and continue.
When last we saw our heroes, they'd reached the underground Dwarven city that was under siege by the armies of the Drow. The PCs have been treated like guests and are welcome to stay, but time is short. Events on the surface are getting worse and the Adventurers must find a way to slow the Drow advance. Will they?
The answer will be known soon...
1 May 2007
The Campaign has at last begun. Our heroes have begin a journey under the very surface of the world to track the Drow invasion to its source. Will they ever see the sun again?
16 February 2007
The brave heroes have returned safely to Scon, after a long journey from the East Keep. Count Ferrin now rules over the city and the city is at relative peace.Unanswered Questions: -Where did the giant spider tracks come from, and why are they ranging so close to Scon? -What is the meaning of the rumors circulating in the taverns?
2 February 2007
The bold Adventurers have proven not only their mettle, but their cunning! At the Ice Temple of the North, not only have the Adventurers freed the captive spirit of the late Countess of Scon, they have also brought themselves riches and fame by destroying an adult White Dragon! Upon their return to East Keep, the Adventurers' guild has affectionately taken to calling them "Team Dragonslayer" or "The Dragonslayers of Scon." Many a drink was bought for these brave heroes, and even Pandara, hated by those who hate the Drow, was received much more warmly than before. Huzzah!Unanswered Questions: -Who imprisoned all those souls in the Ice Temple, and why? Was it they who placed the guardian monsters there? -By what power was the magical ice made, and who forged the Artifact Hammer "Icebreaker" that freed the captive spirits?
22 January 2007
It is a time of mourning. Teleanor, Ranger and friend was slain in battle against a Drow Spidermount.He died bravely, and fought on even after being mortally wounded.It is unkown what, if any, family he leaves behind, but he will be mourned by his comrades.
Remaining Questions:
-Is Rufus' tale of the frozen underground true? If so, could it be true that Count Richard's wife is indeed entombed there?
-How many Drow Spidermounts have crossed over onto the west bank of the Kastelgarde river, and will there be more?
-What is the connection between Kasha and the two kidnappers? Are they connected to the Spidermounts?
10 January 2007
It begins.
The adventurers set out from the city of Scon to find and return Ferrin, the missing son of Count Richard of Scon.They found him held prisoner in the wreck of an ancient ship, guarded by a force of undead and two human captors.It is unknown what the purpose was for capturing Ferrin, or who sent these individuals, but it seems unlikely that this is the last of the troubles.
Remaining Questions:
-Who sent the kidnappers?
-Why did they take Ferrin?
-How did they get to him?
29 November 2006
Added a section under campaigns for the new campaign, Rise of the Phoenix. I will start putting all campaign info there and using the message board mainly for player communication and feedback.
20 October 2006
Planning is proceeding for a new campaign: The Rise of the Phoenix. The campaign will be using 1st Edition AD&D rules and is expected to begin in January 2007. Please see the forum for details on guidelines and details.
20 September 2006
The website is back up and once again fully functional.Sadly, we were unable to recover the message board posts from before the transition.The site will start changingto reflect the new needs of the group, so keep checking!
26 April 2006
I have a request, and I will repeat this in the message board.I would like to design some kind of logo for the Grey Council.We had sort of a contest before, but only one entry was submitted.(Thanks, Aaron!)Aaron's design was a good one, but I'm not sure if we still have a copy of it.If any of you do, please send it to me.If anyone has a good idea of their own, send that too!
I forgot to mention that this website would remain available to those of you honing your HTML and Web Programming skills.For the directly Grey Council related material, you still have the same free hand.The only thing I'd keep exclusive is the "business" part.
Look for big changes coming soon to the site. There will be an overhaul as I shift the focus of the site from D&D to IT related gaming. The site will not lose any of its existing functions, but will add new ones.
What I plan to do is to start using my website to earn a little money to keep it operating, as well as promote my own IT business. I plan to add a downloads section for IT developers to download custom software that I will write and copyright, with updates and feedback. Then I will try to get sponsors to put up banners for relevant material. In other words, gaming shops, gaming related companies, modeling companies, etc. The idea is to freely share my software to attract hits on the site.
That also means I will need to change the site to a .com suffix, since it will not be a nonprofit site anymore, but for at least the first 6 months or so after the change, www.ldsknights.org will continue to point to this site. After that, you would need to change your links to reflect the new url. That applies to the message board as well. I don't' know yet what the new website name will be, but I will try and get one that will be the name of my company. I will keep you posted.
The message board itself will not be impacted, and the archives and campaign info will also remain here. Links will be provided to access this stuff easily, so don't worry, nothing is going away.
Those who have admin access to the site will not lose that access, and will be able to operate as before.
I'm basically doing this for two reasons. One, this site costs money to keep running. It's not a whole lot, but it would be nice if I could offset the cost. Since the Grey Council does not collect any type of membership dues, the cost of maintaining this site has been 100% out of my pocket since the beginning. I don't mind that, but like I said, it would be nice if I could get the site to pay its own way.
The second reason is that I've been working on a few projects for gaming related software and I want to market some of it. For at least the first few, what I've decided is that instead of trying to sell completed software programs that would compete with others already out there, I will instead create software modules that other developers can use in their own programs. I will provide these modules for free, and in several different programming languages. I will provide a forum and a way to leave feedback. That's what will (hopefully) attract the banner ads, and get my name out there for when I'm ready to start on the next step.
The next step will be a couple of full blown gaming utilities that I will make available for free download, but only a trial version. I will sell the full versions on CD as needed. I will also expand into eBay to sell these programs. These will take longer, as I will need to go through the testing and development, as well as be careful not to infringe upon any copyrights owned by the gaming publishers.
Check out the new section for the Grey Council guild in EverQuest II!
The adventurers have been sent forth from Roselyn to Conrad, the mighty coastal city that is the seat of government for these wild lands.Roselyn needs food and supplies, and Conrad is the only place to get them.The discovery that gnolls were kidnapping children andtaking them off as payment to the orcs only increased the urgency.
And so it was that the band of adventurers set out with a merchants' wagon to sell lumber at Conrad, earning money for food and supplies.They were ambushed however, and met the Order of the Serpent, a mysterious organization that apparently is run by medusae.They survived the encounter but were taken as captives my slaver orcs, and only regained their freedom by being bought back with the last of the money the party had.
They arrived in Conrad the next day, and learned that the Order of the Serpent has a strong hold on the city indeed.Fortunately, an underground resistance movement led by the son of the Governor is underway.This secret underground is a strange marriage between the city thieves' guild and the members of the town watch who do not wish to see their city fall under the power of these new evil clerics.
19 May 2005
The town of Roselyn is, for now, safe.The gnolls have staged their attack but the brave and determined people of the town, together with Sir Walter and the band of Adventurers, have beaten them back.Now the fortification of the town with towers and palisade walls has begin, and it is hoped that these same walls will eventually be able to hold back even orcs…
Made a few changes to the navigation menu (to reflect the new campaigns). I also fixed a problem with the file downloads page (it opened in the navigation screen instead of the panel to the right). As always just email me if you notice any bad links, missing pictures, dancing dwarves... what the... HEY YOU GET BACK TO WORK!!!! -John
The
Our heroes have entered the Temple and have begun to explore its innards.Thus far, their search has been quiet, with only a single priest of Orcus having crossed their path.They have indeed entered the Temple during the quiet time, and are fortunate.They must hurry however, or the people will begin filing back in for the next wave of festivities…
In our last session, there was much mourning.No fewer than four brave heroes were killed in an ambush by the undead shadows that lurk in the darkness between the Duergar Realm and the new
The heroes have delved further into the mines, at last reaching their lowest level.There they found several captives of a team of demons, where they had beentortured to the point of death.The battle with the demons was fierce, with the evil denizens of the Abyss gating in reinforcements faster than our heroes could destroy them.Ultimately, the battle was won when it was discovered that to clear the room, only 12 demons needed to die.A clever trap, a deception of Abyssal forces.Raykir, the knife fighter who had been traveling with the band of adventurers has departed, but in his stead we meet Marcus, a northern Barbarian of notable strength.
I'm sorry to have taken so long to post this update. I have found the 3D dungeon set so this Friday (25 February) will see the a much better tactical map. In the last episode, the brave adventurers descended into the mines, encountering Stone Giants, Demons and Hill Giants. They have fought their way down to the second level, and we have left the heroes in almost precisely the spot where the first band of heroes met their fate at the hands of the horrid creatures in the dark. The experience from last sesion has been posted and can be found under the Campiagn XP link to the left.
This Friday (11 February) brings part II of the Bloodstone Campaign. The party is poised to enter the mines now and is assumed to be encamped just outside. The group may be a little larger this week so be ready to continue the excellent work form last week in keeping things running smoothly. As the DM it's my job to keep things smooth, but really it's the players who do the work and deserve the credit so once more, thank you! As most everybody knows, the set-up between my game and Ian's is such that characters who die in my game wake up in Ian's. I have not enforced that so far because the party is still running in "normal" circumstances and have not yet encountered anything that would cause the normal means of resurrection to fail or be hampered in any way. This won't last much longer, so close ranks and be aware. Finally, I don't recall whether or not I did this last time, but Baron Tranth has issued a medallion to each party member to identify them as agents of Bloodstone and operating under his authority. Any new characters that jopin the party at this point will be assumed to have one as well, since Tranth would have given a few extras to the party leader to deputize new adventurers as needed. WHich reminds me... you guys should really choose an official party leader. It should further facilitate the smoothness of things and it will give you an official person to speak for the party during any diplomatic situations. Strength and Honor
The first session of the Bloodstone Campaign has been completed and it exceeded my hopes. Thanks very much to everyone for maintaining the mood and setting, and for keeping it controlled. Great job. The immediate threat to th eoutlying farmers of Bloodstone has been identified and dealt with. The dead from the first expedition into the mines had been reanimated and unleashed as evil revenants upon the town. What power could accomplish this? Truly a very powerful being indeed must have been the one to raise them. Was it some evil priest? a Necromancer? A demon? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the darkness under Bloodstone. The party set out once more for the Bloodstone Mines but were caught in an avalanche on the way. 2 Remhoraz attacked the party, swiftly swallowing two of its members. Meladry of Opal was killed, but Elessar was there to call upon his deity to restore her to life. The party pushed on, intact and determined, and have reached the yawning mine openings. The darkness within is thick and seems to consume light. It is time.
30 January 2005 by John
If you look to the navigation bar to your left you'll see a new link to the new downloads section. It has the old character sheets from the yahoo site we had a long time ago so if you ever need a character sheet its now easier than ever. Oh and on a funny note, all tonight while creating the new page and writing this I kept spelling "download", "dowload". We got another i d ten t error I suppose. I also changed the default error message so to see it click here.
This Friday (The 28th) will be the beginning of the second expedition into the Bloodstone Mines. The band of adventurers this t ime will be much larger than the first, and will be much better equipped. Perhaps these brave souls will succeed in defeating the evil that threatens the peaceful town of
Thanks to that punk John Barnes the website has been given a total overhaul. With all luck this overhaul has gone smoothly and will result in a better experience for the viewers and the people who manage the site. If you notice any images which don't display or any broken links email John so he can qucily fix them. Hopefully there will be none, but lets not keep our hopes up.
For older adventure summaries, see the summary page.
This page is still a work in progress so suggestions are welcome.
We play every other Friday and run three Campaigns concurrently. Most of our games take place on the savage frozen world of Ith'Meireun.
Please take a moment to read this note from the creator of Ith'Meireun.
To submit information for the page please email the Webmaster.