Jockomo

=G'kamo (Jockomo) of Tyr= Leaffall 1376 DR: Jockomo spends a full two years fighting the Sothillisian Empire, sometimes alone, sometimes with Dacker Ronheid, sometimes at the head of a small resistance movement engaging in guerrilla warfare. For a time he set his hatred for the ogre magi aside to fight the Stingers (the tlincallis of Oaxaptupa). While he feels his efforts have been futile -- his homeland is not free -- one can only wonder how much more power and influence the Sothillisians would have had in Jockomo's absence (let alone what the Stingers might have done). With the situation in Amn stabilized and signs that Sothillis has gained a permanent foothold in the region, Jockomo reluctantly accepted Lia Nightbreeze's invitation to investigate far-off Barovia.

Update 8 Jan 06: We escape Shoonach through a portal, but not before one more fight with Merlinzak. Jockomo captures two Merlinzak Minion Monks, and the group ends up in the Moonshaes near Nelanther(?), in a wixard's tower. One monk died, the other is being converted. We still plan to rescue Lia Nightbreeze, but need a ship to get there. The Portal map and guide have to be returned to Alastare and the Red Claw. Had big fight in a pirate town with a party sent to kill us. Jockomo was mentally dominated and almost did the job himself. Oh, and we added Rob's Elf Druid/Ranger and Justinian's Incarnum user to the party. Jockomo will retire soon.

Update 13 Nov 05: The Drow committed their sudden but inevitable betrayal, with Zak, Elsessa, a big spider and two squads of fighters. We took them all down with no casualties, and Jockomo left seven of the Drow alive, plus Zak. We're lost in the Drow Enclave, and don't know where the tunnel to the Tomb might be.

Update 06 Nov 05: Got level-drained by a Vampire Gnoll, boss of the Gnoll enclave in Shoonach. They finally came to take back from us Elsessa and Tanaquil, two prisoners we rescued. Tanaquil is an elf, Elsessa is a Drow Wizard and a leader of the Drow Enclave in Shoonach. The fight with the Gnolls was at the very steps leading into the Drow area. Tough fight, but we prevailed. Jockomo has a new protege, 'Brutus' the Lizardfolk Ranger/Monk. We have also fought numerous undead, and brought down a young Red Dragon -- possibly Merlinzak's follower. Now that was a fight.

Update 9 Oct 05: We rescued a tribe of Lizardfolk from their Blackscale overlords, mainly by Jockomo killing both of them in unarmed combat. Finally got a Monk's Belt, which makes his unarmed strikes devastating, with another 1d4 on top of that when I use an improvised weapon. Now we are invading the Gnoll's enclave in hopes of rescuing a Drow priestess who will grant us safe passage through Drow territory and use of a tunnel to allow us to enter the Tomb of the Unicorn...which is where Leah Nightbreeze's book on Portal Control is. Lost Henk and Kosjoth and Lathander to boredom, and now Olist is gone as well. Along the way we defeated another whitefurred Gnoll, disabled two traps, and fought 3 shadows, 3 wights, 2 blackscales, 3 pygmys, a gel. cube and Jockomo smacked an incorporeal snake for 41 points (using oil of bless weapon on his fists - Jesus finished it with flame strike).

Update 11 Sep 05: New date: Marpenath 30 (Leaffall 1373). We have traveled to and entered Shoonach, ancient city of undead and other foul things. Our goal is to rescue Leah Nightbreeze and recover her father's book per instructions from Alastair. We thought Leah had rejoined us, escaping her captors. Turned out to actually be a Lamia using telepathy and illusions to appear as Leah, hoping to lead us to her lair. We defeated her, and Jockomo spared her life in exchange for information. In the meantime, we lost our guide, Balandine (killed by Drowned while crossing the River Agis), but gained a cleric of Lathander called Lathander (he was a statue in the library the Lamia was using as a lair). Successfully fought Gnolls, Drowned, an energy creature, a Boneclaw, Skeletons, a Zombie Mob, and a Gnoll with the Half-Vampire template (nasty!).

Update 07 Aug 05: After finding a Drunken Master willing to train him at a monastery in the Calim Desert, Jockomo and other Monks held off an attack by a mercenary band. Well-equipped, but individually weak, they were defeated. Afterwards, when the rest of the party returned from exploring a tower in search of the kidnapped Leah Nightbreeze, we pursued and destroyed the rest of the band at their campsite (they were trying to flee in wagons). The captured leader, Baldurk, confirmed they were hired by nobles in Calimport. He and the other survivors remained in the Monastery as we left in two wagons to follow Alaistear's letter (head north to River Agis, then east to caravan that visits Halfling village. Shoonach is further to the east. Leah is in Shoonach (according to a dead mage interrogated via Speak With Dead -- mage was killed and magic items taken by Olist).

Added two members to the party: An Elf and a Wyrmling Copper Dragon. We also sold a lot of gear (the mercenaries' armor and weapons) and have acquired some new items. One of Jockomo's kamas was enchanted. Jesus now has the Blue Dragoncraft Shield (also enchanted), so he's much better off than before.

Found someone to turn Blue Wyrmling hides into large Dragoncraft Shield in Memnon (a city between Tethyr and Calimshan under siege) -- a gift a Jesus. Arrived in Inaurlith after a side trip to a tiny island where Dwarves unearthed a portal in a box, and almost got into a fight with the crew of the Gilded Lady. Then we did get into a fight with pirates led by Captain Draco, who died. In order to proceed we needed Sahuagin guides, so we polymorphoed into Locathah and went to a reef to make contact. Instead we fought an Eye of the Deep; Jockomo nearly died but Jesus summoned giant sharks that finished it (just as he'd won the fight with Draco using Call Lightning).

Update 5 Jun 05: Went to coast w/Heironymous the Ranger (works for Alaistar & Moonstars), met with tribe of Goliaths, fought two Hill Giants and nearly got ourselves killed. Skalen's Disguise -- masterwork for attempting to pass as an Illithid. Treasure: 4x MW Spiked Chains, Ring of Water Walking (Olist), Minor Circlet of Blasting (Leah). Lumo's treasure: 236 gp, 510 sp, 18 pp, 3 x gold crunk cups set w/ red agates, belt (I think I claimed this hoping it's a Monk's Belt), magical harp, carved lead statue of a bear, 6 potions (2xconjuration, 1xnecromancy, 1xabjuration). Something about 'glory of the deeps' and owlbears.

29 May 05: Completed Side Quest by returning Scalen's(?) body to platform overlooking the Heart of Thunder (a counterweighted bucket fills with water, that causes a ball to strike a crystal gong, causing gelatinous creature to manifest). Bard's spirit merged with creature, removing the taint of evil and freeing the souls trapped within. Found Lumo's body, instrument and treasure. Know where his Mask can be found (behind false back to wine cask). Dacker slain by Lesser Knell Beetle. Stopped Olist from looting Dacker's body, but caused friction in doing so. Lumo's ghost still a problem (it Magic Jar-ed Jockomo!).

22 May 05: Nolpen returned with Adam. Kamas. Protege Experience=5821. Followed Grimlocks down into Underdark using hatch made by Lumo? Burgomon? That Bard/Spelunker who died last week? Taking Bard's body with us, I negotiated stableboy's release, and then we were heading towards the Heart of Thunder. Met devils -- Dretch and a talkative Imp that I hit while invisible (even w/ the double miss chance) and killed after making it talk. Took stinger as trophy. The Heart is a magical creature of a lesser deity, being corrupted by evil as part of 'The Project.' Later we met a Chain Devil who is also part of the The Project, who we managed to defeat. The role of the devils is to feed a vial of corruption to the HoT. They also lied to Ghost Lumo to keep him angry and willing to do their bidding. Burgomon founded the Temple of Talos and is greatest of Three Thunders masters. Directions from hatch: Rift of Dwarves 300 mi E; Place of Strange Drow 200 mi W; Caves of G??? 200 mi SE; Lightless Sea 400 mi S; Earth Node 6 mi NW.

15 May 05: Inn of Three Thunders. Met new NPCs...Lumo the ghost bard, Montagu the priest of Talos. Inn is at Firesteep Mountains, where Jockomo went on his first mission for the Red Claw. Fought a band of Grimlocks that raided the Inn and took a stableboy hostage down a hidden entrance to the Underdark. Olist found the key. Now we need to carry this adventurer's body to the Heart of Thunder to satisfy his last wish and release his ghost...

1 May 05: Saved the children of midsummer, only to lose all status in Shaarmid by joining Dacker in an arena duel and helping an Eagle Tribe druid and his gladiator slave brother escape. Banished from Shaarmid, it's just as well we're on our way to Calimshan. Nolpen is no longer my cohort, and my actions have caused grave concern to the Esteemed Master of the Triad Monastery in Shaarmid. He has told me that once I finish my Denying Stance training, I am no longer to be considered an active Monk of Tyr, although I am still welcome at any Temple or Monastery as a guest. As a result, have changed focus and will now follow the Drunken Master route (taking levels of Fighter or Reaping Mauler until I get in). 3 Apr 05: Whispering Wind message: 'The Caves can leads you to the Sanctuary -- Make your way east, where you can ascend. Sending help; will take time.' In dungeon, more of a set of lava caves. Lost Li Bow Xin to Magma Hurler. Beat up on Necromancer Bob, his flunkies and assorted undead.

20 Mar 5: The Gondsman -- Gnome Alchemist shoppe (Stannark). Merzeg gone to Wizards' Reach to look up Imaskar. Invited to old temple of Jhergal (Shoon, 18 miles from Shaarmid). Supposed to be a ruffian gathering. It's a Calishite Necropolis. Tried to infiltrate Necropolis, wound up in dungeon instead.

Update 6/13 Mar 05: Merlinzak 'The Liar' and Rahong of the Noble Death...Merlinzak was seen in Shaarmid with four Thri-Kreen..the Black Sun...south from Inaurlith. The Lie was born in its Keep. Merlinzak runs with 'Old Blue Eyes' (not Sinatra). Solved two Gynosphinx riddles, met Halfling Tobias. Murder Cults...Prince of Lies...friendly NPC -- Ronald from Mintar. Knows Nastor the Antiques Dealer. Met Master Pastel, a Monk of Ilmater who gave me a Disciple. Staying at Furlong's Inn, Shaarmid, where we fought Thri-Kreen stealing the Babies of Midsummer. They took 14, we rescued 4 and killed 6 of them (I got 4 personally).

Current: Thri-Kreens are harassing the White Tail Clan by Landrise...fought a Shadow and a Locust Swarm. Nasty. Killed two Blue Wyrmlings, mostly by me flying and being aggressive. Ate Dragon Steaks and Dragon Heart. Failed to defeat Assassin Vine by Grappling.

The Eightfold Wagon: A Trading Coster enagaing in hostile takeovers of other costers, including the Cassock (Black Dragon clutching coin emanating green rays)...date: Shieldmeet 1373 DR (The Year of Rogue Dragons). NPCs: Nolpen, Monk/Ranger Disciple; Pastol, Monk of Ilmater in Shaarmid; Thurlin 'Threeder' Streamstone, Cleric of Sune; Lucinus, Shaaran Huntmaster; Twillan Brickbacker, Half-Elf Druid; The ClueMongers -- #1 is Dwarfline, #2 is 'The Black Cannon' (a huge Bedine from Anauroch with an oversized Crossbow), #3 is a Lightfoot Halfling; Black Hacks -- Half-Elves from Derlusk; The Red Claw -- owns and operates an Eightfold Wagon trading coster/trade route; Alaistar, Chief of the Red Claw; Dersarik, Gate Guard; Marid Lord, Ruler of Forest Kith; Decktown Sammy, Goliath Eunuch bouncer; Slanter, Gold Dwarf proprietor of Teasers'.

Younger brother of Droka, but even bigger and stronger. Both were orphaned at a monastery devoted to Tyr. Both have embraced the discipline of the Tyrian Monks, but with a focus on Grappling. Jockomo is big and strong, but he has poor eyesight and a tendency to meditate when he should be watching or listening (a flaw he's working to overcome).