DM Bigrin's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master bigrin42

A foul omen looms in the sky over the scoundrel city of Riddleport, an ominous shadow that defies the light. Is it a curse laid millennia ago by forgotten mages? Does it forewarn against the return of some terrible foe? Or does it portend a terrible


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Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"Careful, careful!" Anklebiter cautions, forestalling the Dwarf before he can open the cabinets. "Let me check first; there was a magic trap in here last time. Arcanum Revela!"

Anklebiter casts Detect Magic.


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

"Ah, yes, I forgot." Bruendor allows Anklebiter to examine the area for strange mystic auras before opening the cabinets. "That does beg the question - who laid down the magic for Saul?"


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"Someone he paid," Anklebiter says, shrugging. "He hired the Elfblood girl even while we were working here. Who he had before then... Dunno."

Spellcraft on any magic auras found: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17.


half-elf Oracle 13 | HP 107 | AC 27/15/24 | F +8, R +9, W +11(+2) | init +3, Perception +8 | CMB +10, CMD 25

Kel eyes the keyring with wide eyes. "Would one of those open the trapdoor that Saul fled through?"


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

"That's the next test, Kel. I doubt it though - Saul literally wanted the access to that close at hand at all times. It's possible, but knowing Saul, it's probably a long shot." Once Anklebiter has checked for magic, Bruendor returns to the pen to confirm his suspicion.


Bruendor wasn't terribly suprised to find that none of the keys fit the trapdoor inthe arena's floor. The mechanism was to large and unwieldy for anything other than the monster of a key Saul had on his stump.

Upstairs, Anklebiter relaxed visibly when he recognized the magical trap as nothing more than a silent alarm spell. Keyed to Saul, most likely, it let him know when someone was rummaging around in his records room. Likely he knew you guys were in there the previous time...

It took a good two hours before Anklebiter managed to decode and review most of the relevant files. The windows were smeared with the gray light of pre-dawn, and the others had made sure the building was clear of enemies. Broken windows were boarded over, and everyone else was resting. Well, everyone but Bruendor. The dwarf paced back and forth in front of the goblin, stopping every 5 minutes or so to ask if he had found anything yet.

The documents pieced together an interesting picture. Saul received a fairly substantial loan to purchase and fix up the Goblin. That in itself wouldn't be too unusual. The unusual part is that, despite appearances, the Goblin was actually turning a significant profit. The reason Saul seemed to have no money appeared to be that most of the funds were being siphoned off to someone indicated only as "D.A.".

Does Bruendor want to try out his new set of keys on anyplace specific, other than the trapdoor?


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"I say we keep this place for ourselves," Anklebiter says once he's finished his review, grinning despite his having to wipe sleep out of his eyes. "We can turn her into a real cash cow -- and we'll treat the staff a lot better than the one-armed bandit ever did."


One armed bandit? Hey that's a great idea for a game! Why don't we build a machine that you put a coin in, pull a lever, and it randomly chooses whether you win or not? ;-)


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

I've been calling him that for a while now. :p I am planning to put a rank in Craft (clocks) at next levelup, so if you'll allow it, I could make one...


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

In between pestering the goblin, Bruendor tries his newly-found keyring in several places - Saul's bedroom, and of course, the vault. In short, he leaves no place unturned, focusing primarily on the places Saul didn't want people to go.


Male(HP:(198; DR 2(3 when raging);AC:22/12/22;F+17,R+8,W+9;Init +0;Per +15) Human (Ulfen) Barbarian 13

"I just don't know, Anklebiter. Whatever Saul was up to, we may have interferred with it, but this 'DA' is still out there, and whoever he is, he's not likely to be happy. That means TWO enemies alive and well. Damn I really wanted Saul's head on a pike." Lefrik grumbles and not for the first time.


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"If we makes lots of money, it'll be easier to hunt them down," the Goblin says, winking.


Saul's bedrooom yielded nothing more interesting than a hand crossbow in the nightstand, beside a pouch containing 32 gold pieces. The night vault, of course, was far more interesting. There, Bruendor found a goodly amount of coins and gems, some paperwork detailing specific IOUs, and a strong lockbox. The lockbox yielded its secrets to another of Bruendor's keys - the deed to the Gold Goblin.

As per Riddleport custom, the deed is transferable to the "Bearer", and grants all title, holdings, and debts thereto. By simply possessing the deed, you have become the de facto owners of the Gold Goblin, legally in the eyes of Riddleport authority. The deed's language is fairly standard, though one phrase sticks out at Bruendor.

"The possessor of this property is entitled to full use thereof, restricted to above ground use only. No lien or ownership is granted for any sub-surface tunnels, structures, or public passageways."

Anyone Bruendor shows the document to can make a DC10 K. Local check to learn more about that particular clause.


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

Are any of the non-combatant staff still in the Golden Goblin?


Not as of yet. There is, of course, a possibility of some returning to work later in the day (around 10 am). It is currently just before dawn, about 5 am or so.


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"I'm going to grab five hours of sleep while I still can," Anklebiter announces, yawning hugely. "Anyone mind if I take the one-armed bandit's bed? I'm willing to share."

There is no double entendre to Anklebiter's words at all. Even if he were 'in the mood', he'd want to share with a lady Goblin. Or barring that, just a female Goblin. ;)


Male(HP:(198; DR 2(3 when raging);AC:22/12/22;F+17,R+8,W+9;Init +0;Per +15) Human (Ulfen) Barbarian 13

"Now that my strength is returning, I'm going to find a table or something to block that lid until WE need it again." Lefrik moves to do just that. He'll move it back if anyone asks.


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

And I'll definitely share this tidbit with the rest of the group.

Mechanics:

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Stupid dicebot!

Bruendor aids Lefrik moving the table over the trapdoor, and yawns as he rubs his tired eyes. "You all get some rest - I'll stay on watch for a few hours. I don't think Saul or D.A. will try anything tonight, but I'll not give them the chance either. Pick out different rooms than the ones you sleep in, and rest there. Stuff your bedrolls into the beds in your normal rooms, though - we want any intruders to think we're resting where we aren't." He goes and does just that, and nips off to the kitchen to boil some water and make some tea to keep him awake for a few more hours.

Assuming nothing interrupts us...

Bruendor's looking quite ragged when the sun comes up the next day. He's got dark circles under his eyes, and he's a bit fidgety. He's got the paperwork out on a table when everyone awakens, and has another pot of tea ready, along with some simple fare he was able to scrounge together for a working breakfast.

"So, let's go over where we're at. Saul's escaped with his life, and has fled the Goblin. He's been in cahoots with someone named 'D.A.' for as long as we've known him - almost definitely longer - and they were the ones responsible for financing the Golden Goblin's resurrection. In exchange, Saul's been sending money to them, cooking the books to make it look like the Goblin's tanking. In short, he's been laundering money for 'D.A.' We don't know who 'D.A.' is, nor why he needs the money, but it's safe to say it's not for something on the up-and-up. Moreover..." Bruendor pushes the Goblin's deed to the center of the table. "We've got the deed to the Goblin now, which means Saul's not the owner of the Goblin any longer. We are. Which means we've got a few options. We can either sell the Goblin, and make a pretty profit, or we can do what Saul said he was trying to do when he hired us - make this thing a legitimate business. There's benefits to both. I'm curious what you all think." Having said his piece, he leans back in his chair, and pours himself another cup of tea.


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

(Untrained) Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18.


Half-Elf (Chelaxian) Female HP 109, AC 26/18/21, F +13*, R +11*, W +15*, Init +8, Per +22 Inquisitor 13

Sorry; will have full post later tonight, I hope.

Knowledge (local) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

I really hope everyone but the guy trained in Knowledge (local) makes it. That would cement my belief that the dicebot has something against me. 8-P


half-elf Oracle 13 | HP 107 | AC 27/15/24 | F +8, R +9, W +11(+2) | init +3, Perception +8 | CMB +10, CMD 25

"Selling the Golden Goblin would be fine by me." Kel takes a cup of hot tea and settles back in her chair at the table. "We don't need to be distracted by running a business and create an opportunity for Saul to strike at us. We take the money and then either pursue Saul and D.A. with a few new trinkets in our pockets, or we wash our hands of the business and be done with it." With a sheepish glance about the table, Kel adds "and think how eager I was to burn this place down, Saul could do the same thing and we would have nothing left and might be in trouble with someone worse than Saul."


Half-Elf (Chelaxian) Female HP 109, AC 26/18/21, F +13*, R +11*, W +15*, Init +8, Per +22 Inquisitor 13

"I agree with Pretty Girl," Calla says. "Saul still has a reckoning coming to him. We have unfinished business and I prefer not to leave enemies out there.

"I've learned my lesson against doing that," she adds cryptically.

See, father, I did learn your lessons after all.


Anyone who beat DC10 K. Local:

The clause stating that the property owner does not own any subsurface tunnels or structures is standard boilerplate for Riddleport deeds. The smuggler's tunnels honeycombing the city are considered "public works". Not all the town's buildings have tunnels beneath them.


Male(HP:(198; DR 2(3 when raging);AC:22/12/22;F+17,R+8,W+9;Init +0;Per +15) Human (Ulfen) Barbarian 13

"Of course if we do that, we'll need a new place to stay. Maybe we should find a way to finally get through that trap door and see if he dropped some clue as to where he was going?"


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"Maybe people who use those tunnels regularly saw him go," Anklebiter suggests. "He's hard to miss."


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

Bruendor nods at everyone's words. "Lefrik's got the right of it - if we decide to sell the Goblin, then we've got to find somewhere else to stay. And we've little guarantee the owner won't sell us out to Saul, or any of the other crime bosses we've angered under his employ. Even if we sell the Goblin and decide to stay here, we don't know what allegiances the buyer will have. If we keep the Goblin, we can count on this place being rather safe - our enemies might know where we are, but as we've learned the hard way, the Goblin is very defensible."

"If we want to break through that trapdoor, we'll need to pick up some tools. I can get us whatever we need with some of Saul's funds. It'll actually feel good having a pick in my hands again." Bruendor smiles wistfully, clearly lost in the haze of nostalgia for a few moments. Then he remembers where he is, and returns to business. "One last thing to consider - the bosses all wanted a piece of the Goblin's action. You can bet your britches that if we sell, they'll be picking it up, either directly or through a proxy. Once again, there's only one way to deny them that."


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"Speaking of tools to get through the trapdoor," Anklebiter says with a big Goblin grin, "I might be able to brew some. But it'll take time."

The little Wizard actually hesitates before he brings up the next point: "I have... sort of an idea for making this place safer. You remember when I talked to the Cypherlord Wizard at the Lodge? I got a list of names of Wizards who aren't with them. I've been meaning to write to all of them to suggest we form a study group of the Blot.

If we make the Golden Goblin the spot where a bunch of Wizards regularly come together for drinks, private card games and study, do you think the crime bosses might be a bit more hesitant to try and muscle in?"


half-elf Oracle 13 | HP 107 | AC 27/15/24 | F +8, R +9, W +11(+2) | init +3, Perception +8 | CMB +10, CMD 25

"Why don't we shell out a few gold for some real information about those smuggling tunnels, where they lead, and where Saul might be hiding? 50 gold to the right informant might be worth much more than any minor potion of healing."


Male(HP:(198; DR 2(3 when raging);AC:22/12/22;F+17,R+8,W+9;Init +0;Per +15) Human (Ulfen) Barbarian 13

"A wizard bar? Won't it be on fire in less than a week?" Lefrik comments to Anklebiter's idea.

"Do you think anyone knows that that wouldn't sell us out to a higher bidder, Kelendra? Bah. You people are the only ones in this city I trust."


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

"Agreed, Lefrik. And it says something that I'm willing to trust Anklebiter over damn near anyone else outside our group in Riddleport."

Bruendor toys with the idea of inviting wizards to frequent the Goblin. "Not a bad idea at all. Certainly would give the bosses something to think about when they decide to come after us again."


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"Also, wizards like to drink, gamble and wench as other people," Anklebiter says, grinning at Bruendor, his eyes twinkling appreciatively. "Win-win. And I was thinking more of opening up a room to them and letting people think it's high-stakes cards. Don't want them to get too sloshed."


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Male(HP:(198; DR 2(3 when raging);AC:22/12/22;F+17,R+8,W+9;Init +0;Per +15) Human (Ulfen) Barbarian 13

"Well, if the rest of you wish, but if one gets unruly, it maybe a bit more difficult to escort them out. If I end up clucking like a chicken during this, I may just head north," Lefrik relents, but with clear provisos


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"We'll protect you, giant friend Lefrik," Anklebiter says, patting the Ulfen Barbarian on the elbow. "Won't we, Bruendor, ladies?"


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half-elf Oracle 13 | HP 107 | AC 27/15/24 | F +8, R +9, W +11(+2) | init +3, Perception +8 | CMB +10, CMD 25

"A group of Wizards partying in the Golden Goblin, there's no way that could turn out bad, let's do it!" Kel's bonuses are not from wisdom


Half-Elf (Chelaxian) Female HP 109, AC 26/18/21, F +13*, R +11*, W +15*, Init +8, Per +22 Inquisitor 13

"It's an interesting idea. I think I like it," Calla says after ruminating on the idea for a few moments.

"Perhaps we should spend some time exploring the tunnels under the goblin once we've rested, as well. Right now, that's our only clue to Saul, and maybe it shall lead to us to the treacherous slive."


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

"Agreed," Bruendor nods, then rubs his tired eyes. "I'm going to grab a few winks, then run out to purchase some mattocks for Lefrik and myself. We'll be through that trap door in no time."


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

"Someone needs to be awake to let in any workers that return," Anklebiter says. "Not it!"

With that said, the weary Goblin seeks the first available and reasonably clean bed...


half-elf Oracle 13 | HP 107 | AC 27/15/24 | F +8, R +9, W +11(+2) | init +3, Perception +8 | CMB +10, CMD 25

Kel looks about the suddenly empty table with the teacups still wobbling in their saucers. "Um, I'll take the first watch?" she proclaims to the empty room.

assuming we split watches, Kel takes the first watch then catches enough sleep to restore her spells


Male(HP:(198; DR 2(3 when raging);AC:22/12/22;F+17,R+8,W+9;Init +0;Per +15) Human (Ulfen) Barbarian 13

Edit due to cross post "Alright. Wake me when you need me, Kelendra."


You dispersed to rest and other activities just after 7 am, with the streets outside becoming noisy with daily traffic. A few hours later, there was a tentative knock on the ruined back door. Kelendra looked through the boarded up gap to see the old cook, Elara, and her husband Heinrik (the man you saved from the snake bite) standing outside, a querulous look on their faces. Seeing movement behind the door, Elara called "Here we are Master Saul, just like you said you wanted. I got some vittles for cooking, and Heinrik can clean up the place. Looks like you had some problems, but Heinrik can clean up, he's good at that, you know."


half-elf Oracle 13 | HP 107 | AC 27/15/24 | F +8, R +9, W +11(+2) | init +3, Perception +8 | CMB +10, CMD 25

"Hold just a minute, please" Kel calls out to Elara and Heinrik. She quickly rouses Lefrik, as she certainly won't open the door by herself, then making sure all the valuables and the deed are secured with the party, she moves to open the door and let Elara and Heinrik into the Goblin and the first day of their new jobs.


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The Millars wrung their hands nervously as the door was being openned, but as Elara looked into Lefrik's face, she practically beamed with enjoyment.

"You're back! Oh, I had so hoped you would be. We heard nasty rumors of werewolves and evil plots afoot. And then Master Vancaskerin told us that you were renegades and trying to burn the goblin down. Well, I doubted that, and so did most of the staff. Saul always was a liar and a cheat, but he paid well enough. Did you run him off? You didn't...kill him in my kitchen, did you?" It was obvious the older woman cared more for her kitchen than her employer.


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

Bruendor roused slowly as Kel lets the Millars in. He arrives in the kitchen to see her fussing over the mess. "That's entirely untrue, Ms. Millar," he deadpanned. "We only briefly entertained burning down the Goblin." He passes by her to set up another teapot on the stove. "And we didn't exactly kill Saul. Not for lack of trying anyway. That bastard's slipprier than a hagfish coated in butter."


Male Goblin Wizard 13 (Abjurer); Init +2; Fly 40 ft.; Darkvision 60 ft,; Perception +5; AC 25 (touch 14, flatfooted 16; +2 Dex., +1 size, +1 natural, +4 armour, +4 shield, +3 deflection, hp 91; Fort +10;Ref +10;Will +13

Anklebiter comes staggering into the kitchen, yawning and knuckling his eyes. When he sees the Millars, he beams.

"Happy day!" he squeaks as he scuttles forward and shakes both the Millars' hands. "Nice people come back! You make nice breakfast for conquering heroes, yes? Stay and work? Yes?"


Male(HP:(198; DR 2(3 when raging);AC:22/12/22;F+17,R+8,W+9;Init +0;Per +15) Human (Ulfen) Barbarian 13

"What is all the noise, some of us are trying to sl..." Lefrik immediately becomes more contrite upon seeing Elara, "Pardon, goodwoman Millar. It's been a rough day. Welcome to you and your husband. Know that Saul's comments about us were spurious lies. Aye, we tried to kill him, but he betrayed us and set us up to die first."


Half-Elf (Chelaxian) Female HP 109, AC 26/18/21, F +13*, R +11*, W +15*, Init +8, Per +22 Inquisitor 13

"It appears the staff are returning..." Calla says to Anklebiter. "Let's hope they're as nice as you think."

Later, she'll approach the cook. "So Saul lied to you and clearly turned some of your co-workers against us, to the point they tried to kill us. They paid for that, but how many others do you think will wish to do us harm?" she asks imperiously.


Heinrik looked taken aback, but Elara laid a hand on his arm. Her beefy arms folded over her chest and she glared at Calla. "Now, don't get prissy with me, young lady. I've been running kitchens in this town since before your daddy ever slept with your momma. Them that's got in in for you's already been dealt with, to hear you tell it. Saul was an employer, not a bosom buddy. It seems like you are going to be the next one, though not for long if you don't show some respect. We're good folks, not cutthroats and scum who will do anything for a silver piece. There's plenty a place in Riddleport who'd fall over themselves to have me in their kitchen, no mistake. I like it here, and some of you well enough," she gave the goblin and Lefrik a warm smile, then turned back to Calla, "but I ain't staying where I'm not wanted nor respected. Are we clear on that?"


Half-Elf (Chelaxian) Female HP 109, AC 26/18/21, F +13*, R +11*, W +15*, Init +8, Per +22 Inquisitor 13

"Hmph! I wasn't questioning your loyalty, Elara. I was asking what you thought of the other staff and whether anyone else would try to kill us. Remember, we were loyal employees until Saul turned a number of people against us and ambushed us as we returned from a death trap he sent us to."


HP 150/155, AC 26/13/24, F +14, R +15, W +6, Init +2, Per +16 (+19 traps)

"Once bitten," Bruendor says darkly as the teapot whistles. "Forever shy."

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