Rise of the Runelords by DM Doctor Evil (again)

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Rise of the Runelord. Chapter 3

Hook Mountain Clanhold Overview Map

Hook Mountain Battle Mapb


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F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Cadas has the large cat hold Ironbar firmly as the cleric casts Detect magic and regard first his gear then the rest of the cultist's gear, and finally the room. Someone get rope and bind this lot. she says.

Moving adjacent to the enemy cleric she speaks plainly. You have surrendered. To me that means you have agreed to tell me what is going on here. Speak and you may live and even walk out of here.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21


HP 40/40 | AC (22) 20 T 13 FF 17 | F +8 R +6 W +2 (+2 vs betraying allies) Female Human (Varisian) Cavalier 4 (Sister-in-Arms) | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 40 | F +8 R +6 W +2| Init +3 | Per +6 | S.M. -1

Ok, I wasn't sure if some of the combatants were still combating or not.

Qetsiyah wipes the blade and sheathes her sword before she gets to work binding their new prisoners, removing the cultist's masks as she does so and looking for faces she recognizes from earlier.
Kizzy's CMB is +10, so that'll give us a DC 30 binding. If anyone can aid, that will boost it up some more.

She tries to back up Cadas' play as she finishes up. "And you can start with what is behind the other doors on this level. First one to speak up gets special consideration."
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 5

If/When Diplomacy Fails
"Alright you cowardly bastards, we know about the murders and the conspiracy. You'd better get to explaining yourselves and fast or we're about to mete out a little vigilante justice, right here, right now!"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 181d4 ⇒ 4

I am going to give room descriptions, then gear descriptions, then "conversation"

Room you are in: D6
A thick layer of sawdust covers the floor, mounded nearly a foot deep in places. Workbenches sit here and there in the room, their surfaces cluttered with saws, hand drills, planers, and other woodworking tools.

Ironbriar Office: D7
The walls of this room bear macabre decorations, human faces stretched flat over wooden frames by strips of leather or black twine. Each face grimaces in a slightly different expression of pain, looking down on a cramped room that contains a desk, a high-backed rocking chair, and a low-slung cot heaped with scratchy-looking blankets. A ladder in the southeast corner of the room leads up to a trap door in the ceiling.

Rookery: D8
A timber cabinet sits against the northern wall here, its doors made of iron mesh. Inside perch three strangely silent ravens. A table nearby holds a tall narrow bucket of bird feed, a quill, and a vial of ink, as well as several thin parchments weighted down by a polished rock.

Gear
13 sets of Cultist gear: leather armor, hand crossbow with 10 bolts, masterwork war razor, skinsaw mask, 20 gp.

Ironbriar gear: wand of cure moderate wounds (12 charges), +1 mithral chain shirt, +1 buckler, +1 short sword, masterwork hand crossbow with 10 bolts, reaper’s mask.

Gear found in Ironbriar office: a wizard’s spellbook emblazoned with two
entwined snakes (one red, one green) that contains the following spells: blink, cat’s grace, chill touch, enlarge person, fox’s cunning, grease, haste, lightning bolt, mage armor, magic missile, scorching ray, shocking grasp, shrink item, spider climb, and web.
A second book is an old and beautifully filigreed tome containing numerous hand-drawn illustrations and titled The Syrpents Tane: Fairy Tales of the Eldest. This tome is worth 1000gp to the right collector.

Contents of tome:
The book presents tales of the Tane—the most feared of a group of notorious fey known as the Twisted, goliaths of war and madness dreamt and stitched into being by the Eldest. The Tane are said to be terrible to behold, and the stories speak of them stumbling into mortal lands, where they ravage kingdoms by creating firestorms, crushing keeps with their feet, and eating dragons. Specific Tane described include monstrous creatures like the Jabberwock (a thing of scales and fire and crushing fury), the Thrasfyr (also known as the Dreaming Hill of the Dark, a chimeric monster wrapped in chains that the book claims took part in the Three-ThousandYear War of the Eldest), and the Sard (the Storm of Insanities, a thing of boughs and briars and misery, an ancient Wychwood Elm given life and hate by the Eldest).

500 gp worth of trinkets.
Finally, a slim volume near the bottom of the chest serves double-duty as a ledger and journal for Justice Ironbriar. He’s recorded everything in the journal in a cipher he painstakingly invented himself using a mix of Draconic, Elven, and Infernal characters.

Conversation
"I have surrendered, but that does not mean that I will betray anyone else. Do with me as you will." Ironbriar responds to the threats from Cadas and Kizzy.

DC 25 Sense Motive check:
Ironbriar is under some kind of charm effect

Next?

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

Adolina scampers up the ladder to the rookery, once she sees nothing of importance there she returns and removes the books from Ironbriar's study before returning to the others. The spellbook is handed over to Marcellano without comment. The fairytales go into her bag for later perusal and she tries to keep the journal out of Ironbriar's sight - assuming that the sight of her going through his journal might make the Justice reconsider his surrender.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

"Why not? You know how the law works int his city. You could arrange a lesser sentence for yourself with co-operation!" She demands of Ironbriar.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano sorts through the gear, musing. "Hmmmm. This is potentially useful!" he exclaims, raising the wand. "Cadas, or Robin--one of you should take this. The elf's mithral shirt is magic, too, as are his sword and buckler. And this--agh!" He's picked up the mask the cleric carried, but now he drops it to the floor, nudging it carefully and distastefully away from him with the toe of his boot. "We should not touch this. It is infected with evil magic. And, like Robin's mask, made of a person's skin." He looks at the elf distastefully. "I like the law enforcement in this city less and less each hour."

When the books are discovered in Ironbriar's office, though, Marcellano smiles widely. "Ah, nothing like magic! It is entirely neutral; though this elf may have been a follower of dark gods, his magic can be put to good use. And this looks like a...book of stories? Interesting. This is a cipher, but I might be able to unravel it, let's see..." Muttering to himself, the wizard sits down in one corner and opens the cipher book, poring over it slowly.

Linguistics to decipher the ledger: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
...Also, Spellcraft: did Ironbriar actually cast any arcane spells?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Man, if only I was a real wizard, Narcizia could talk to the ravens.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Cadas encourages Robin to take the wand. I can provide more healing than the bard. It i smart to disperse healing ability through the group. When Marcellano kicks the mask aside Cadas will pick it up. [b]My, disposition and devotion to my deity allows me deal with evil things more as tools to accomplish my goals. I know what this is and will not hesitate to use it if I need to.

Turning to the prisoners she asks the group What shall we do with these? We cannot let them go. Marcellano, can you read the journal?


Inactive

Robin frees and talks to the guy who was about to be sacrificed to see what his story is.

Just to make sure, there was a sacrifice victim, right?

-Posted with Wayfinder


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 81d4 ⇒ 2

Marcellano looks at the journal, but other than a word or two, here and there, can not make sense out of it. Perhaps if he spent a few days in the Magnimar Library, with someone who could speak and write in Elvish, he might understand.

"Thank you" the man says. "I am Gregor, a local merchant. They were going to sacrifice me to Norgorber, their deity. I don't know why, but thank you for rescuing me."

Ironbriar does not say anything else, right now.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano sighs and puts the ledger down in frustration. "I can't make heads nor tails of this--my Elvish is rusty. Well, non-existent. Adolina, do you speak Elvish? If so, we might stand a chance of cracking it together, with some research assistance..."

To Gregor, Marcellano just nods. "I'm glad you're safe. Not only because it is, of course, a good thing, but because I imagine that your testimony will be invaluable in getting these murderers put away for all that they've done. I hope that you'll stay with us until this is all squared away--or at least, as my old mentor in the militia used to say: Don't leave town." He chuckles, but then grows more serious as he looks over the defeated cultists.

"You're right that we can't let them go, Cadas. Perhaps the best solution is for one of us to go and get the city guard--I could even send Narcizia to do so. Then we can get the entire mess out of our hands."

Any info on whether I saw Ironbriar casting arcane spells? I'm not sure I did, just wanted to check. :P


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

I fear that Ironbriar will have too much pull here to trust the justice system. Better if he died in the fight... Cadas says grimly.


Inactive

Robin pockets the Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds. He also takes a close look at the buckler.

Question to DM Papa / David: Can Robin use the medium sized buckler even though he's a small sized character? Maybe it could be treated as a light shield for him?

"Hey, what about me? I know a bit of Elvish! Let me see that!" Robin tries to look at the journal, then realizes it's in some sort of crazy code. He shudders at the thought of spending days in the library to translate it. "You know, on second thought, I'm sure Adolina's a native speaker - you should work with her on that!"

He then looks to Gregor the merchant, chiming in with Marcellano. "Norgorber, eh? How'd you get captured? How did you know that the ritual was for Norgorber? We'll definitely need you to tell your story, to put these guys behind bars for good!"

Robin gasps at Cadas's implied statement. "What kind of heroes would we be if we didn't accept an honorable surrender? What we need to do is make sure the right person finds out about what's going on here. Kizzy, Adolina, any ideas?" Robin himself also thinks about whether he might know about an authority figure in Magnimar who was above reproach. Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9. But he obviously wasn't a native of these parts.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn
Marcellano Gallenica wrote:
Marcellano sighs and puts the ledger down in frustration. "I can't make heads nor tails of this--my Elvish is rusty. Well, non-existent. Adolina, do you speak Elvish? If so, we might stand a chance of cracking it together, with some research assistance..."

"I'm better with ancient languages but I'm fluent enough. We'll look later, I have some dictionaries which might assist as well." Adolina replies, keeping one eye on the kneeling cleric.

"As to locking him up, I know a couple of honest watch captains - they're men of ability and integrity, which is why they are still watch captains. With our testimony and Gregor's on record there will be little he can do to escape, at least for a time. Turning him over to the church of either Iomedae or Torag might serve also. They will not look kindly on a cultist of the Murder God."

Sense Motive (again): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

As she looks Ironbriar up and down something catches Adolina's eye. She leans in very close to the cleric and begins waving her finger in front of his eyes. "Look, he's not focusing properly. Marcellano, could he be enchanted?"


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15
Robin the Jester wrote:

Robin gasps at Cadas's implied statement. "What kind of heroes would we be if we didn't accept an honorable surrender? What we need to do is make sure the right person finds out about what's going on here. Kizzy, Adolina, any ideas?" Robin himself also thinks about whether he might know about an authority figure in Magnimar who was above reproach. [dice=Knowledge (local)]1d20+6. But he obviously wasn't a native of these parts.

The kind of heros that prevent a powerful murder from slipping through legal loopholes and murdering again. Cadas offers. Her thick Shoanti accent reminding you that she is not from your world at all and does not hold to the same morals or value sets. Were I at home we would quarter him with strong horses.

Enchanted? Cadas moves so that her circle of Protection against evil encompasses the man. Gozreh's protection should at least temporarily block any compulsions or control. Looking the man in the eye she asks Anything more to say for yourself? Did you even know you were charmed or dominated?


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano looks up sharply when Adolina suggests that Ironbriar could be enchanted. "Let me take a look..." Moving closer to the man, he mutters some words under his breath and leans in.

Scanning him with detect magic, if possible before Cadas moves in to avoid confusing the auras. :P


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

Ironbriar: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 vs DC 21

@Robin - Yes, you can use it, but while it would be the size of a light shield, it is still a buckler so only offers as much protection as a buckler would.

Marcellano casts detect magic, and agrees that Ironbriar is under a charm effect spell. Cadas moves in, hoping that her Protection from Evil spell will remove the charm from Ironbriar, but the elven cleric remains as stoic and uncooperative as he has been.

Gregor replies to Robin, "they took me from my shop, and that one (pointing at Ironbriar) spoke Norgorber name."

Next?

Protection from Evil. Read the 2nd paragraph. P from E only allows a new save, and only if it is successful is the charm suppressed.


Inactive

Thanks for the buckler/shield!

Robin straps on the slightly oversized buckler, replacing his old one. When the charm effect seems to not dissipate, Robin tries quickly to intervene. "Hey Ironbriar, why did the picture go to jail?... Because it was framed! Get it? Just like you!" Backed by a little magic, Robin hopes to break the man free from his mental grasp.

I should've announced this sooner but had no idea the PfE spell wasn't automatic! Can Robin use a round of Bardic Performance + Saving Finale to give Ironbriar a re-roll on his save?


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

"Well, Robin, if your jokes don't work..." Marcellano comments dryly, "Enchantments like this generally don't last indefinitely. I suspect there's a high probability that if we restrain the man and keep him under guard, he'll come to his senses in time."

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

Adolina tries a different tack. "Justice Ironbriar, a man of your obvious skill and intelligence would no doubt attract the finest of fellows. Have you met anyone particularly interesting or lovely recently?"

the +1 buckler would be an upgrade for Adolina as well, but the halfling got there first! :D


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano quirks his eyebrow at Adolina's new tactic, but says nothing, waiting to see whether it produces anything useful or not...


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

Ironbriar: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 DC 21 (base save including wisdom +9, +2 vs enchantment (elf), +2 vs enchantment (bardic inspire courage)
Adolina - Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
@Robin - Yup, re-rolled, *sigh* and failed again. Even the *groan* factor doesn't count.
Dang, the dice just don't want this to be easy for you.

Looking at the jester, Ironbriar turns his head away, ignoring the halfling, and he hears Adolina voice, he begins to say "yes, sweet Xa...... and he abruptly cuts off the name and doesn't finish the sentence. "Nice try elf, but you can not get me to talk."

Next?


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

"Aha," Marcellano murmurs. Striding up to Ironbriar, he squats in front of the Justice. "Look at me," he commands. "Were you about to say Xanesha? Have you met a woman of that name?"


Inactive

Thanks for letting me try!

"Drat, I thought that joke would've definitely worked!" Instead, Robin contents himself with questioning the remaining cultists. "Alright boys and girls, here's the deal. It looks like you guys have somehow taken over the mind of one of the members of the Justice Council. But I'm pretty sure that this is gonna be temporary. Which means that when he comes back to his senses, he is gonna be angry. Real angry. And he's gonna have the perfect people to take it out on. But if one of you starts cooperating, he also has the power to pardon you for your crimes. So do yourself a favor, and tell us what's going on here."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15
DM Papa.DRB wrote:

Protection from Evil. Read the 2nd paragraph. P from E only allows a new save, and only if it is successful is the charm suppressed.

Also read the last sentences "This spell does not expel a controlling life force (such as a ghost or spellcaster using magic jar), but it does prevent them from controlling the target. This second effect only functions against spells and effects created by evil creatures or objects, subject to GM discretion." So how we have always run it is that if say a creature si dominated by an evil creature he is free from the domination's control while he is within the area of protection from evil. As soon as he leaves, or the spell end, the domination starts back up. Your call of course on how you want it to work in your game.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 141d4 ⇒ 3
@Cadas - "prevents them from controlling the target", iff the second saving throw is successful, is the way I read it.

Ironbriar refuses to talk anymore, and hangs his head. The few cultists that survived look at Robin and seem to respond to his logic. "Justice Ironbriar is our leader. He chooses the sacrifices and we capture them. Something about a well, but we do not know more than that."

Next?


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

If we hold him a day I can try to end the compulsion tomorrow. Cadas offers.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano sighs when Ironbriar refuses to answer questions, but gives Cadas a nod. "That may be the best course of action. Shall we hold him here? That may be safest...trying to transport him without the help of Magnimar's law enforcement could prove tricky, and without him coming out of the enchantment they may not look particularly favorably on us, damning situation or no."

He glances at the others. "A well, eh? No more information than that? Have any of you ever heard of a 'Xanesha?' Or a 'sihedron?'"

Random knowledge checks to see if I can make any connections with the "well"...

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Knowledge (Planes)??: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Knowledge (Religion)??: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

days to go: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Marcellano:

Between Knowledge (Arcana, History and Local) you remember that there was a runewell in the Catacombs beneath Sandpoint that had something to do with greed. Probably that is what they cultists are referring to. Also, as Norgorber has assassination as one of his portfolios, a runewell of wrath would be in order for this deity, not greed.

How much did the previous DM tell you guys about the runewells and the Sihedron? Never mind, found a couple of posts.

The cultists look at Marcellano with puzzlement in their eyes. "Never heard them words from Ironbriar."


Inactive

"Where were you going to take the merchant after you were done with your ritual? I'm guessing you don't just leave the bodies here. Also, how many people have been sacrificed in this way?"


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 171d4 ⇒ 4

"We don't the bodies in the river and they get carried downstream, dozens of them."


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Its late and dark. We could take Ironbriar back to the condo. If we turn them all over to the local sheriff will it be a problem to explain why we were here though?

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

I assume Adolina has a couple of contacts who could be trusted if presented with evidence of wrongdoing like the masks...

Adolina watches the others interrogating the cultists before an idea blossoms in her head. "If our esteemed judge here is telling the truth then he must be in contact with his mistress somehow. There are ravens upstairs in a small rookery. Kizzy - can you come with me?"

Assuming the other Magnimar resident follows her Adolina will lead the way back to the rookery where she will carefully release a raven and hope they can watch its flight from the window.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

If you release a bird, it may alert this Xa. Cadas warns. Its a good idea to try to follow one of them, but lets be ready when we do that. At night and from up here we will have a hard time gaining more than a general direction of its flight. I would like the chance to regain spells before we release a bird.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano smiles. "No worries on the front of following the bird, Cadas; Narcizia can do that for us, can't you, girl?"

"*Crawk!* Always the dirty work. You're a jerk. *Crawk!*"

"Oh, hush."


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Perception:

DC 20 to keep eye on raven
Adolina: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Cadas: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Marcellano: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 +2 familiar near
DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 141d4 ⇒ 1
@Adolina - Yes, you would have some contacts that you can trust.
@Marcellano - Missed this, but he did not cast arcane spells, only divine
Kizzy ?

Heading up to the rookery, Adolina, Cadas and Marcellano briefly consult, then release a raven and watch it fly off into the distance. Narcizia follows the bird, as the three of them loose sight of it. A few minutes later Narcizia comes back and gives a birds eye view description of the ravens swooping under the Irespan to the north to alight atop one of the tallest towers under the ancient stone bridge. A place that Adolina instantly recognizes as the Shadow Clock tower.

Next?

What are you going to do with Ironbriar and the cultists?
Next move?


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Cadas is fine with killing them here. Ironbriar may currently be compelled but he was a bad guy before. He did not suddenly become a cleric of Norborger. She is also fine taking Ironbriar back to the town house as a prisoner and trying to relieve him of his enchantment in the morning. He likely has some good info that me might part with. Might not too. She could be convinced to involve local law enforcement but does not trust that as Ironbriar likely has friends in high places. If we turn him in I'd give even odds that he gets away and suspect there is a chance he might be free before we get back to the townhouse. Plus IF we turn them in we have to explain why we are in Magnamar in the first place and jhow we came to be in the saw mill at midnight.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

How are we for resources? We've got some time left tonight so we could go straight over to the Shadow Clock and investigate now. If we can get to the bottom of this tonight we'll have a much better understanding of where Ironbriar fits in...

"We could investigate the clock tonight." Adolina suggests. "It's not terribly difficult to get to, although its a nasty area. We could probably investigate and still get back here to deal with this lot before the night is done. Alternatively I say I get Watch-Captain Takt in. He's a trustworthy man, never taken a bribe that I know of - even when it would have helped him immensely. He'd hold Ironbriar for a day or two, particularly if we brought him here to the scene. As to why we are here, the truth would suffice. My friendship with" she gulps briefly "with Iesha was no secret."


Inactive

I wouldn't assume that Ironbriar is a bad guy--quite the opposite.

"Let's check this Watch-Captain involved. The authorities must know about some of these dozens of murders that have been happening, so it won't be that surprising. If we have time, we can investigate the Shadow Clock tower."


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

I believe he was an evil cleric of Norberger before he was charmed Robin.

I prefer to rest before taking on the clock tower. And I'd prefer to break the enchantment on Ironbriar and learn what he knows first as well. Also I do not want to call the watch as I do not trust law enforcement in this corrupt city. Watch-Captain Takt might be trustworthy but what of those above him. Ironbriar himself might be in the man's chain of command.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

"The Watch-Captains answer to the Lord-Commander of the City Guard. Ironbriar is part of the judiciary. The two have nothing to do with each other, at least in theory. I suggest we take him back to Foxglove manor and hold him there. We can even split our resources, Robin and I could go and scout the Shadow Clock while the rest of you take him back. If we seek out Watch-Captain Takt on our way back then we need not cause too many waves." Adolina eyes the rest of the group. "That still leaves the rest of the cultists however... I do not wish to murder them in cold blood but they represent a considerable danger to innocents."

I made all this up btw - anyone who knows the canon for Magnimar feel free to correct me! :)


Inactive

It's not clear to me that he was an evil cleric. I don't think he had a holy symbol of Norgorber and he casts spells from a spellbook. For all we know, he could be under a very powerful charm effect that has controlled him for months. While I agree he might inherently be some sort of evil cult leader, it doesn't feel like there's definitive evidence either way.

"Splitting up sounds like a good idea. Adolina and I can scout ahead while everyone else sorts through how to deal with these cultists. I really think we don't need to execute them. . . . but if Cadas and Adolina think it's necessary . . ." Robin trails off, unsure of what to do. "I'm just going to step outside, it sure is getting stuffy in here." Robin starts heading toward the door, not really wanting to witness what might happen next.

Are we settling on let Ironbriar live, kill the cultists? Robin's not to happy about that in character, but OOC I don't really object.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

No evidence that he is an arcane caster. The only spell we know he cast was invisibility and Trickery is one of his possible domains. He had a spell book but it was not his as best I can tell. DM actually stated he was a divine caster. Maybe those masks act as Norgorber holy symbols Unsure. DM Papa, did we find any holy symbols or items that could serve as divine foci? Regardless, Cadas IC thinks he is a cleric of Norgorber. Also splitting the party is a terrible idea. Its seldom a good idea. Everyone knows that! lol.

Cadas looks confused at the development. I plan to spend the night at the townhouse and will try to break the enchantment on Ironbriar in the morning. I recommend we all spend the night there and do not split up. I fail to see any need to rush the investigation of the tower. In the morning the real workers of this lumber mill will find the carnage here and report it. Maybe we leave these cultists ties and unconscious? Gregor do you have any recommendations?


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

It is worth noting that Ironbriar cast only divine spells--methinks this is someone else's spellbook. Re: the cultists...

Marcellano frowns, pursing his lips. "I for one would be happy to continue on to the clock tower tonight, but I hardly see any immediate urgency. I'm also, however, loath to leave these cultists here unsupervised...and equally loath to kill them. That does not seem like an acceptable solution."

"*Crawk!* Oh no. Not again! *Crawk!*"

Marcellano snaps his fingers. "I have it! Why don't we tie these cultists, as Cadas suggests, and then I'll send Narcizia with a message to the city watch--to this captain Takt, if possible. We can even watch, at a remove, to make sure that the watch does in fact apprehend and cart away these murderers, and then retire ourselves to Foxglove Manor with Justice Ironbriar."

He grins. "Why, I like this idea more and more. The pile of tied up villains, the innocent man who can attest to what happened--" he claps Gregor on the shoulder, "and the rescuers, disappearing into the night. It makes me feel quite dashing, almost like a...vigilante."

Ok, Paizo, where's my 30 gp for product placement?

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

Adolina follows Robin towards the door. "I think it makes sense to go tonight Robin. I understand that Cadas wants to deal with this first but if Xanesha is still in the city and taking innocents we need to know... If you are willing to come with me, then lets go now, while the rest have their hands full. Marcellano has a good plan and we are doing no good here."

Adolina hurries back in and gives a thorough description of Captain Takt to Marcellano and Narcizia, as well as a brief description of her intentions (observe and report - not engage) before heading out the door with Robin. If he agrees... If not then stand there looking awkward :D


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 121d4 ⇒ 4
You found a wooden holy symbol on each of the dead cultists, and an onyx holy symbol on Ironbriar. It was a one eyed mask, which represents Norgorber.
.
Need a decision on what you are going to do with everyone (Ironbriar & cultists) as well as where you are going from here (Shadow Tower or Manor).
.
If no firm decision by tonight, I'll go with Marcellano plan.
.
Also, I do not have the Magnimar players information, so all this is good with me.

Silver Crusade

HP: 99/130 | AC:28 (32) FF:22 (26) T:18 | F:+13 R:+14 W+14 | Init +7 | SM +15, Di/In +23, Lore Kintargo +14, KwNo/R +13 | Smite 0/2, LoH 4/8 (2d6+1), Channel 4/5 (3d6+1) | 1: 1/7, 2: 4/5, 3: 4/4 Wand 2, 50 | Whisper +16/+11, d6+12 15-20 | Active: Irskn

My plan: Adolina and Robin go to investigate the shadow tower. Everyone else take Ironbriar away after sic-ing Captain Takt onto the cultist base. Hopefully we all return in the morning safe and sound!


Inactive

Okay, I concede Ironbriar is probably a bad man!

"That's brilliant!" Robin seems delighted with Marcellano's plan. "The Sandpoint Vigilantes . . . ordinary citizens by day, heroic adventures at night. Nice to know someone here is picking up a flair for the dramatic!"

He then waves farewell to everyone in an exaggerated manner as Adolina joins him. "Anyway, looks like you have things under control here. I've got a hot date tonight. Don't wait up!" He bows with a flourish before the red-headed half-elf. "After you, m'Lady." And sets off to scout the Shadow Clock tower.


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

Cadas looks less than happy with the plan but turns to Robin and casts a couple of spells on him. After she whispers. There is something evil and controlling in that tower Robin. Be careful and come back to us.

Casts Barkskin +3 AC, and Freedom of Movement on Robin. Both last 70 minutes.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Conjurer 5/Cyphermage 5
Stats:
HP: 84 | AC/T/FF: 15/14/12 19/14/16 | Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +10 | CMD: 18 | Init: +7 | Perc +8, Sense Motive +2 (each +2 with Narcizia) | Shift Remaining: 7/8

Marcellano frowns, but acquiesces. "I agree with Cadas--it's dangerous to go alone. I'd come with you, but...well, I'm not very good at sneaking around...anywhere, really." He sighs. "And I have no abjurations prepared...Robin, Adolina, I urge you not to engage with any foes you might meet there. See what's going on at this tower and then come back to us. We'll come with you if there's anything urgent."


Inactive

Thanks for the buffs, Cadas!


F Human Shoanti [AC: 23/12 tch/21 ff; HP 83/95; Frt +9, Ref +5, Will +13; Perc +19/21 vs creatures] Cleric 10, Init:+1, Diplo +8, Heal +15, Sense Motive +15

I agree with our wizard friend. This is recon. No initiation of contact on your part. Agreed?

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