DM Zyren's Heart of Runes
Game Master Zyrenity

Celestra enjoys her time off and spends some free moments taking out her new flute, placing it on her lips and gently breathing over the mouthpiece to produce a sound.

Cayden Cailean, I now have a new instrument to help add to the life of a good party. Let your freedom ring with this music!

After some practice, Celestra will purchase some food and take her flute out to the streets where she will try to find some homeless kids to play for.

Perform 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"What's you name, lad? Are you and your friends hungry for a meal?"

While Harry has expected to find a brothel - or at least the rather open for everything kind of tavern, he is surprised to see that the Dryad Grove is some kind of upper-class spa with a wide range of cultural events.

There is a parchment in a small display box next to the front door - it reads Today: Night of the beastman! Free entry for naked musclemen with masks!

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Ailetha spends her day off in the library - surely the best one in all of Varisia.

Fort Rannick is situated at the foot of Hook Mountain - Hook Mountain is the southern-most peak of central Varisia's Iron Peaks, located just south of the Storval Deep and north of the explansive Sanos Forest.
The fort is not just a fort but rather a small castle that was build to stem the tide of ogres that rule over Hook Mountain.

You also find out that the region also belonged to the realm of Karzoug and that he had all kinds of giants in his army serving as officers. The mightiest of those giants, the so-called rune giants, served as his generals - luckily all of them vanished with karzoug's death.

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The boy you adressed tells you that his name is Tino, he is a young Varisian orphan who lives in the city's asylum. He and his friends don't care about one or two bad notes in your tune and soon you are surrounded by a cheering horde of children.

Ailetha finishes her research (which with a take 20 unrealistically took only 1 standard action) and heads back to the inn. On the way, she hears what sounds like a flute being played while someone nearby is playing with a squeaky wagon wheel. Hoping to keep the poor performer from the likely assault of rotten fruit which typically accompanies such a performance, Ailetha peeks around the corner and is surprised to see Celestra performing for an enraptured group of hungry children.

Deciding to avoid any issues for the new flutist, Ailetha runs back to the nearest bakery and any other shop (fruit, cheese) and purchases several armloads of day old bread and rolls, and a few tasty pastries as well. She then goes back to where Celestra is performing and as soon as Celestra is finished steps up.

I hear that this good priestess of the Lucky Drunk has heard that you kids like to eat. Well, today is your lucky day as Cayden himself has decided that you all should have your fill of bread and fruit. Please enjoy, and remember, no pushing or Cayden will be very upset with you all.

Diplomacy(get good prices): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Diplomacy(keep the kids from pushing too much): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"Ailetha, what are you doing here? I had no idea that you had such concern for orphans. This is wonderful!!"

Turning to Tino and the other children, Celestra declares, "If you want to hear a real musician, just listen to my dear sister here. Now, eat up and let's listen as we let her transport our souls to another realm!"

Celestra sits with the kids and ensures that they are all well fed from the ample stock of food procured. After eating and listening to music for a while, she asks Tino, "Tell me, my friend, are you and your gang familiar with the city? My friends and I are facing some of the most evil villains in Magnimar! Are you familiar with any ancient sites of the old rune lords?"

Ailetha shakes her head at Celestra's question to the children figuring that since many sages know little of the Runelords, it is unlikely that the children would, but who knows what might come out.

I really am not that good, but I can sing you all a quick song if you want.

Perform(sing): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

I then make a couple of off color jokes at Celestra's expense to give the kids something to repeat to their friends:

Perform(comedy): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Harry sees the sign and allows himself a small laugh.
"Suppose this is Magnimar and not Sandpoint afterall"

Quickly finding himself a mask, Harry steps inside and starts going through the motions of undressing, all the while looking for a spot to stash a dagger (behind a plant or the like) as being without a weapon to hand makes him feel uneasy. He managed to face off against a Goblin horde in not much more than a pair of shorts, so a mask is armour enough, but fighting bareknuckle isn't his idea of enjoyment.

He also spends sometime trying to get a feel of the overall scene, and whether anything or anyone seems out of place.

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"Thumper, you are going to have to stay out of this old friend. If you smell any of our enemies, you run in barking...you saved me once, you might do so again" as he speaks he pushes towards Thumper with his feelings, the two seem to have been undergoing a meeting of the minds of late. Harry attaches his Sap to Thumpers collar.

Post 5001! I win a kewpie doll!

"Righto Sir Karlan, was thinking about what you said too, you know there was alot of truth in what you said... a man has to stand for something, and whilst we wont ever see eye to eye on everything we certainly both know injustice and unfairness when we see it, reckon setting things to right is something we can both agree on."

"Yeah I'll try follow the Knightly code as best as I can, but you can take the boy out of roguishness, but you cant take the rogue out of the boy. Reckon I'd make a good advance guard or scout"

"That's good to hear, but you don't have to follow the knightly code. Plenty of commoners in the world could give you soem colorful remarks about that. Soemtimes it's enough to simply do what's right and honorable. I know that's what you've stuck with more or less. And I see no reason for that part to ever change in you if you can help it. In the meantime though I have to do some shopping. I'm not afraid to admit I don't like this particular job this lord-mayor has for us. So, Harry, you may want to inform the ladies that we're going into this more like irregular's than guardsmen. Can't afford to demand surrender first in the wilderness."

With that Karlan goes shopping The first stop is to an armorer where he'll attempt an even trade of his +1 BReastplate and 300gp for a set of masterwork fullplate.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 Diplomacy check if necessary.

After dealing with the armorer he'll find a weapons shop and attempt an even trade on his sword for a +1 scimitar. When he goes to make the trade he'll emphasize the weapons recent history, where he found it, what he had to kill to get it, and what it has done since then. Essentially he'll attach a history to the weapon in order to increase its desirability and give some advertising fodder to the merchant.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

After those particularly special purchases he'll askAiletha to enchant the armor (giving her 500gold to do that). Then he'll go make some much more mundane purchases.

Selling
Sihedron Amulet (don't think I trust this anymore) 1,750gp
Shortbow + arrows 15gp

Buying other than above.
500gp to make a cloak of resistance if Celestra would please.

2000gp to get amulet of natural armor.

1000gp For Ailetha to finally enchant my shield for weapon.

600gp to start building that kit mentioned in the ooc thread If I could get 150 from celestra and ailetha I can start passing out the various boss smashing bits.

Karlan - I can enchant the scimitar as well since it is only +1 if the guy is unwilling to do the trade with all your other purchases. Also, Celestra should be able to make the Amulet, but at a -5 as she does not know Barkskin.

Crafting Items:

Masterwork Fullplate to +1:
-->Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 vs DC8

Shield to +1 as a weapon (accelerated to 4 hours/1000gp value for a +5DC):
-->Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 vs DC13

Let me know if I need to do the Scimitar, I can also do it in one day if necessary at a DC of 13.

Those are most of my 2 days while not protecting the children from Celestra, or is it protecting Celestra from the children. Hmmm.

Tino and his band of friends soon sit to Ailetha's feet muncing pastries and listening to the song she is playing. The glowing eyes and beaming faces give testament of the fact that these kids normally don't have much to be happy about - gratefully they listen to the music now.

Once the song has ended Tino turns to Celestra and tries to answer her questions as good as he can

We are very familiar with the city, miss cleric! Whatever you are looking for I can tell you where to find it...Runelords? Uh... he looks at his friends who just shrug their shoulders - only one of them, a pale, fragile boy wearing a pair of broken glasses, raises his finger.

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As you enter the Dryad Grove, you are nearly overwhelmed by the stifling hot air and exotic scents. It smells like you would imagine a perfumer's workshop to smell. After stripping your clothes and putting on the mask, a heavy crimson curtain is pulled aside in fron of you and opens the way into the establishment proper. Two heavily-muscled, dark-tanned men wait behind it. They too wear masks that resemble the warped faces of a goat and a bull.

The bull-faced adresses you

Welcome to the Dryad's Grove. Tonight we celebrate the festival of virility. There are several different ways to prove your masculinity - which one do you choose? Prowess, sexuality, wits?

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Karlan, is it ok for you, if we don't play out the shopping? We just assume you got everything you needed.

Perfectly fine with me.

"Ailetha, kids can often see things and get in places that adults cannot. Give them a chance, and they may just surprise you."

Turning to the boy with his finger raised, Celestra asks, "Tell me what you know, Lad. What historic ancient sites do you know about?"

Harry has been around places like this before, Riddleport was full of them, "Prowess" he flatly replies.

Harry's been all around gay bars? [georgetakei]OH myyyy.[/georgetakei]

Dont suppose Riddleport 'pleasure houses' and spending time as a Sailor could leave you too sheltered!

It would explain how you showed up so bright and shiny on Aldern's gaydar. :P

I think he'd be absolutely tittering if he saw you right now.

Betcha this is the mayors hang out, and on a meta level thats what Harry is expecting to discover... to finally uncover the reason the Mayor was on the hit list - base hedonism.

The boy clears his throat, shoves his glasses up and explains

My father told me that his father's father once went into the Irespan.

he nods to emphasize the importance of his information and the other boys now all look at you - not sure if the information was really useful.

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The bull-headed servant nods. He eyeballs you quickly, turns around and signals you to follow him. Soon you leave the main corridor and through narrow hallways that lead you past doors from which you hear all kinds of human sounds...he leads you into a small, nearly unlit chamber. On a large table short swords, nets, tridents, tower shields, scimitars, axes and bucklers lie. The bull points at them

You will have to choose a combination of two of them. Commonly useed together are sword and shield, trident and net, large shield and scimitar etc. Fight until your opponent surrenders, no one will die tonight, but you might lose a hand or some fingers.

Harry looks at the assortment of weapons and picks up a scimitar and a buckler. "Lead on" he gruffly commands.

"That sounds really important! Do you know how he got in? Is there a secret entrance? Perhaps you boys would be able to take us there and show us!"

Turning to the bard, Celestra says, "Come on Aieletha! This could lead us to a valuable clue! Like I said, you should never underestimate kids!"

Sounds like a plan. Lets see what is there. But, we do not go in until we get the boys back with us. You may be a tough priest, but I would prefer Harry's axe and Karlan's sword if we run into trouble.

Unfortunately Harry is reduced to a swinging sword at this moment in time

Uh...

I can show you the site, but it's forbidden to enter. Tino interjects. He tries to look as grave as he can and adds Everyone knows that inside the Irespan there is only terror and darkness!

His friend with the glasses nods Yes, I heard gigantic insects live inside!

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The bull grunts and waits until you have chosen your weapons; then he points at a wooden door to your right

Behind that door are sweat, blood, tears and for some...for some there's glory.

Harry just grunts in acknowledgement, grips his scimitar, and strides through.

and either the Mayors sidekick is at the Grove being a twisted little minx, or we will find out that this is where the Mayor himself cruises for rough trade

"Well, I certainly will not ask you to enter the Irespan. We've got some friends with some big muscle that will help us in that respect. I just need you to help show us the way. Go ahead and lead us there. I've got my rapier if we get into any trouble."

O..ok! Tino seems encouraged by the weapon dangling from your belt. Together with his band of rascals you hurry back to the Shadow, the district that lies below the Irespan. From here you scurry up to the foot of the gigantic bridge, through narrow alleys and backyards until you reach a cobblestoned street that winds directly up to the monumental structure.

We have to follow this street, but guards patrol here very often. Tino whispers

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As you step through the door, you are nearly blinded by the mass of torches burning inside the room you now enter. You find yourself in a walled sandy pit - a mini-version of a colosseum. Above you, people wearing all kinds of colourful costumes sit, wearing masks, holding drinks in their hands and looking down on you - some look bored, others are obviouslythrilled by the spectacle to come. Some of them applaud as you enter, but most remain silent.

A voice, seemingly coming from nowhere demands

Welcome to the arena! We, the dryads, are watching you know, mortal - what is your name?

Harry grins behind the mask, a sort of rue smile that he has come all this way only to end up back where it all began, terrifying people.

"I didn't come for introductions of fine speeches, if I don't win then who cares what my name is, but when I DO win, much more than my name will be on your lips. Send your lamb to face the Dragon."

"Ok, Tino. Let's make a quick break for it. If the guards stop us, let me do the talking."

When it appears that the throughway is clear, Celestra will lead the others closer.

Stealth 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

We want Thunderdome! Two men enter, one man leaves!"

There are some catcalls, but it mixes with encouraging applause, you surely left an impression.

Then there is the voice of the moderator again

Then, tonight you will be the Dragon! Let us now witness the first fight of the Dragon versus Boris the Bear, prowler of the mighty forest's edge! Overcome him and get closer to the Dryad Grove!

A portal on the other side of the pit opens and a large shade becomes visible. A man, wearing a ragged bearskin, armed with clawed gloves steps inside the ring. His face and upper torso are crisscrossed with scars and there is bloody foam on his mouth.

I guess you know now why there is Be(a)r in Berserker, hah! the moderator shouts.

Ready to rumble?

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Tino nods and the whole gang follows you up the narrow path - you don't get very far though and a guard, waiting in the entrance of a house, stops you

Hey, where do you think you're going?

He eyes your strange band with a raised eyebrow and can't suppress a smile.

"Greetings, handsome! Celestra says with a sweet and innocent smile.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

"I am Celestra and my friends and I are on a little history field trip. I thought I would take them right up close to the Irespan. We aren't doing anything wrong, are we?"

Harry smiles his broad grin under the mask and steps up to the battle...

Bring it!

I put up my hand to stop the children. Quiet, let Miss Celestra talk to the good guard, then we shall be on our way.

Diplomacy(Aid Another): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

The guard shrugs and grins

Well, normally it isn't allowed to move so close to the entrance, but there are more guards up ahead and I just pretend not having seen you, ok?

Field trips. You gotta love em!

"Well, normally it isn't allowed to move so close to the entrance, but there are more guards up ahead and I just pretend not having seen you, ok?"

"You are so kind, my good sir. I am so glad that you are able to support the experiential education these kids are getting! Thank you."

Turning to Tino and the boys, Celestra adds, "Remember class, please don't touch anything and be sure to stay on the path. We must remember to respect ourselves and our environment!"

Celestra leads her class onward, closer to the entrance.

Behind you, the guard shakes his head and moves back into the entrance. As you approach the greyish walls of the towering Irespan, you see half a dozen of guards standing next to and in front of a gaping hole in the structure.

That's the entrance! Tino whispers, his voice shaking in excitement.

Meanwhile, Harry is waiting to murderise this berserker...

"That's the entrance!" Tino whispers, his voice shaking in excitement.

"Very good, my friends, now follow my lead and let's see if we can pull this off!"

With utmost confidence, Celestra walks up to the entrance as bold as brass, nods to the guards and says.

"Good day, gentlemen! How are you all today? I am here to ask you which of you is prepared to belay us in our canyoneering history field trip? I understand that this is the one of a kind structure, one of the rarest in the world. My students are very eager to get an inside look at this extraordinary piece of historic architecture! I am so delighted that these accommodations have been made for us! I will be sure to sing my praises for you all."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

@ Harry, we don't need a map, do we?

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Try a Bluff check, please

As flabbergasted as possible, the guards look at you and your entourage. The kids have pushed the one with the glasses directly behind you and he tries to look as much as an explorer as possible.

The guard's sergeant looks at his men and answers - with a certain degree of helplessness:

Uh, sorry ma'am...this is the Irespan, not the kind of place you would like to visit with school kids.

Nope
Waiting on initiative etc...

Harry quickly examines the man...
A) Do his weapons appear 'high quality' ie they could be m/work or magical.
B) Is the bearskin just for looks or is it armour?
Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

...And how far away are we?

Weighing up tactical options is all.

Harry's Initiative1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Boris' Initiative1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

The weapons don't look like ordinary ironwork - they could be enchanted.
The same is true for the fur, you guess, there is a slightly blurring aura engulfing the man.

The distance between you is about 20 ft.

Damn there goes THAT strategy then, the cheating bastards.

Calling his challenge to the foe, Harry rushes the man and gets his blade in to work before the Berserker can truly get his bearings.

I act first, catch him flat footed :p

Attack 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22
Damage 1d8 + 5 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 4 + 1 = 15
Sneak2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4+Brutal Beating - Target sickened 2 rounds.

Good sir, this structure has been here for thousands of years, it is not going to harm anyone. As my good friend here said, we are just examining this for purely academic reasons. We will only be in there for a brief few minutes. No harm done.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

"Indeed my assistant is correct! I can assure you, my students are very well behaved! This exploration is purely an academic affair!"

Bluff 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The guard seems a bit torn between his duties and Ailetha's explanations.

Well, I understand that this is a site of monumental importance for our city, but, it's just too dangerous to enter - you are only teachers, I assume? he furrows his brows and looks at your rapier.

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With astonishment Boris recognizes the crimson lines on his forearms, but a second later he just coughs as you ram your knee into his stomach

Hey hey! Our Dragon is a street fighter! See his dirty tricks! the moderator's voice echoes.

Boris flinches only for a heartbeat, then he rises to his full height and like a well-trained boxer uses jabs and hooks to turn you into bloody confetti

Boris attacking Harry / spiked Gauntlet1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 2 = 17
Damage1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Boris attacking Harry / spiked Gauntlet1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 = 13
Damage1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

R2

Harry slashes away at his foe again before shifting back ten feet, clearly trying to disrput his opponents chain of attacks. and keep the fight mobile...

Attack 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22 (Powerattack)
Damage 1d8 + 5 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 4 + 1 = 12

Acrobatics 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 = vs CMD

You hop away from the deadly embrace and hit Boris again - he growls - blood-red fume on his lips - and follows you

Boris attacking Harry / spiked Gauntlet1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 2 = 22
Damage1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

R3
AC13 HP 45/62

Harry keeps the fight mobile, but this time isn't as nimble, opening himself up to a parting blow as he repeats the move...

Attack 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16(Powerattack)
Damage 1d8 + 5 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 + 1 = 13

Acrobatics 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 vs CMD
As he steps away again...

Boris now just laughs as Harry's weak swipe is deflected bis his fur

You dance around like a girl!

He tries a vicious uppercut as Harry moves back

Boris attacking Harry / spiked Gauntlet/ Powerattack1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

he misses, but follows quickly with another powerful swing

Boris attacking Harry / spiked Gauntlet/ Powerattack1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8