DM Zyren's Heart of Runes (Inactive)

Game Master Zyrenity

Adventure Path Rise of the Runelords - Strange incidents in Sandpoint: a goblin raid, shadows of the past, a serial killer...what other perils do the brave Sandpoint Saviours have to master?


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Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

After the barkeep answers, Ailetha stops and thinks for a few moments while again slowly sipping her ale: It seems very strange that the boat just sank. Do you know anyone who was on the ship that night? Preferably someone who was not too into his or her drink that night? I would be very interested in hearing what happened. After all, if it was a gambling boat, it likely had a lot of gold on it. It might be worth braving the giant gars if there is enough down there.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22 <-- on the barkeeps previous and next answers


Other people have thought about that too...but know one dared to enter the lake's depths. Surely there is quite a load of gold to find. I think Barrior was on the boat that night, he runs a small butcher's shop at the market square.

Ailetha:

No signs of a lie.

------

A secret pass? I would surely know if there was one, no, there is only the old mountain path leading to the fort.


Female Half-Elf/Human (Bloodline Fey) Sorceress/8

"How steep and treacherous is this mountain? Perhaps we can make a course off the path?"


You can get up there without problems...the path was renewed last year...by the rangers...they have done good work, even mules can get up there without problems.


Female Aasimar Cleric 10 hp 81/83; AC 22, FF 19, T 14; Channel Energy (5d6) [8/10]; Touch of Good [8/9];Agile Feet [9/9];Holy Lance [1/1] Fort: +12, Reflex +10, Will +17; Init +3, Diplomacy +19, Perception +17
Alana wrote:
"How steep and treacherous is this mountain? Perhaps we can make a course off the path?"

"That's a good point, Alana. Is it possible to reach the fort any other way than through the old mountain pass? I am sure the path is in good shape, but can we climb any of the mountains surrounding the path and reach the fort by surprise?"

"I am also curious, how many Grauls do you think are laying siege to this fort? I admit that Cayden Cailean keeps a watchful eye over us, but even so, what hope would a small group of adventurers have of breaking the siege against an army?"


Male Half Orc Rog5 Cav 3: HP:84/84, - AC: 21/T:14/FF:18 - Perception: +12(Dark Vision) F: +6/R: +8/W: +4 - CMB: +11 - CMD: 25, Speed: 30ft, Init: +2 (+4)

"Strange tale indeed." Harry just sits back, unsure what to make of the news of so many men branded with a Tattoo for the sake of a discount at a casino.


No, the maountain path is the only way if you are neither a capricorn, nor have wings, heh.

No, not an army...maybe I hyperbolised that. The Grauls are about a dozen...but a dozen ogres can be worth an army.

----------


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

I look over at Harry. Should we talk with this butcher? Sounds like a lot of loot just waiting for someone to take it.

Unless someone else has a better idea, I say we see if we can find this butcher.

If/when we leave the tavern I quietly say to Harry. Might as well make them think that we are just treasure hunters, should throw off some tails we may have.


Male Tiefling (Daemon-Spawn) Magus 8 (Fiend Flayer)

Marek leaves the tavern with Ailetha and Harry, a grey shadow deep in thought.

I agree, that way we could at least discern what happened to the boat. But the sihedron symbolizes the Thassilonian schools of magic, why would anyone inscribe an obscure symbol like that? There might be only a dozen folks in all Varisia who know what it stands for. What kind of message could that mean? Were these tattos perchance magical? That is not unheard for. My people have been using them for many millenia.


Male Human Paladin 10| AC 28 T 14 FF 26 | HP 99/99 | F +15 R +10 W +13 | Init +2| REACH
DM Zyren/ Heart of Runes wrote:

No, the maountain path is the only way if you are neither a capricorn, nor have wings, heh.

No, not an army...maybe I hyperbolised that. The Grauls are about a dozen...but a dozen ogres can be worth an army.

----------

"Especially if they have magical backing as we've been led to believe." Karlan muses.


You're right, Mammy Graul is a mighty necromancer...my heart sinks when I think of the powers she commands...

------------

Barrior's small shop is exactly where the barkeep said. It looks a bit run-down, as if the money was missing for some overdue repairs. As you arrive Barrior is just buying the body of a massive stag from a hunter.

He looks at you...and there is a bit of distrust in his eyes...

Hello... he says curtly and heaves the stag inside.


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Before we get to the butcher.

At Marek's statement, Ailetha suddenly stops and looks him in the eye.
Do you know anything about the Runelords who ruled this land many thousand years ago? Do you know which Runelord controlled the land on which we stand at this point?

Without waiting for Marek to respond, Ailetha continues.

This was the land of Shalast, the realm of Karzoug the Runelord of Greed. Why do people go to casinos? Because they are greedy. They want money for nothing. I would be willing to bet if we found that sunken ship, it would have a temple of some sort dedicated to Karzoug. Furthermore, I imagine that all those who agreed to have the Sihedron tattooed on their arms were considered sacrifices to power some Runewell dedicated to the Greedy Runelord. Yes, I like gold, but that is not why I want to find that boat. I want to find it because it will hold clues to how close those who seek to bring the horrible Runelord back from his silent rest are to achieving their goal.

Now, lets go and talk with the butcher, I am guessing that if we do this right, he will have some very interesting tales about what happened that night.
__________________

Hello. Looks like you got a fine stag there. Bet it will have some prime cuts of venison when worked with your superior skills.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18


Female Aasimar Cleric 10 hp 81/83; AC 22, FF 19, T 14; Channel Energy (5d6) [8/10]; Touch of Good [8/9];Agile Feet [9/9];Holy Lance [1/1] Fort: +12, Reflex +10, Will +17; Init +3, Diplomacy +19, Perception +17
Mayor wrote:
"You're right, Mammy Graul is a mighty necromancer...my heart sinks when I think of the powers she commands..."

"So she is a necromancer herself? Hmm? This certainly does not bode well. Do you think she would involve herself in the siege herself or simply leave that to the rest of her clan? I wonder if there is a way to separate her from the rest. Tell me, who is in charge of the Rangers of the Black Arrow? Is there a particularly strong leader among them?"


Male Half Orc Rog5 Cav 3: HP:84/84, - AC: 21/T:14/FF:18 - Perception: +12(Dark Vision) F: +6/R: +8/W: +4 - CMB: +11 - CMD: 25, Speed: 30ft, Init: +2 (+4)

Harry just listens to the history lesson as he walks, undecided as to how it all fits together.

"Hello Barrior, mind if we all have a chat?" Harry smiles and steps in close to the butcher as he goes inside "No of course you don't" he continues, a degree of finality in his tone.

"Just here to ask you about a boat, you know the one..." Harry smiles suggestively, a bit like a shark smiling at a baby seal.


Barrior is surprised to say the least, the short spark of resistance is quickly extinguished

The Paradise? What about it? he says gruffly

--------------

Commander Bayden is in charge there, a legendary archer he is. And a good man who would rather give his last drop of blood than to surrender to these foul monsters.


Male Tiefling (Daemon-Spawn) Magus 8 (Fiend Flayer)
Ailetha Aurcalam wrote:
Do you know anything about the Runelords who ruled this land many thousand years ago? Do you know which Runelord controlled the land on which we stand at this point?

Marek inhales and lifts a finger as he prepares to respond, but then

Ailetha Aurcalam wrote:
Without waiting for Marek to respond, Ailetha continues.

The arcanist smiles faintly, his mind comparing the exposition to the long ramblings Ilsoari provided. He settles in his "student" position and hears the information.


Male Tiefling (Daemon-Spawn) Magus 8 (Fiend Flayer)

Marek accompanies Harry and Ailetha to the butcher's shop, removing his hood as he enters, knowing the effect his strange appearance has on people.

It seems you had the good luck of surviving the ship's sinking. Care to tell us how you managed that?

Marek will Aid Another on Harry's Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Or more to the point. What happened on the Paradise, and how did you manage to survive it?

DMZZ:

Do I see a Sihedron on his arm?
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18


Male Half Orc Rog5 Cav 3: HP:84/84, - AC: 21/T:14/FF:18 - Perception: +12(Dark Vision) F: +6/R: +8/W: +4 - CMB: +11 - CMD: 25, Speed: 30ft, Init: +2 (+4)

"That question. Needs answering" Harry prods.


Ailetha:

Yes, he also has that tattoo - but on the palm of his hand.

Barrior sighs in frustration and lets the stag drop heavily to the floor

I was gambling...had a streak at the Ghouelette table and then...suddenly people were screaming Fire Fire...fecking bad luck...well the ship sank like a bucket of lead. Never have I seen one of the fisher boats sink so fast.


Female Aasimar Cleric 10 hp 81/83; AC 22, FF 19, T 14; Channel Energy (5d6) [8/10]; Touch of Good [8/9];Agile Feet [9/9];Holy Lance [1/1] Fort: +12, Reflex +10, Will +17; Init +3, Diplomacy +19, Perception +17
Mayor wrote:
"Commander Bayden is in charge there, a legendary archer he is. And a good man who would rather give his last drop of blood than to surrender to these foul monsters."

"Well that is good to hear! Those are the sorts that we really need in there. These sound more like the rangers I've heard of! Tell me mayor, do we know where the Graul's have their base of operations? Where do they come from exactly?"


No no! Would we know the location of their home, we would have asked Magnimar to send soldiers and attack them...the mountains are dangerous and no one has dared to venture deep into them out of fear of the Grauls...


Male Half Orc Rog5 Cav 3: HP:84/84, - AC: 21/T:14/FF:18 - Perception: +12(Dark Vision) F: +6/R: +8/W: +4 - CMB: +11 - CMD: 25, Speed: 30ft, Init: +2 (+4)

Harry's face becomes a bit distant and its as though he's miles away in thought as he hears of the sinking ship and its fiery demise. Thumper moves in beside him protectively.


Female Aasimar Cleric 10 hp 81/83; AC 22, FF 19, T 14; Channel Energy (5d6) [8/10]; Touch of Good [8/9];Agile Feet [9/9];Holy Lance [1/1] Fort: +12, Reflex +10, Will +17; Init +3, Diplomacy +19, Perception +17
Mayor wrote:
"No no! Would we know the location of their home, we would have asked Magnimar to send soldiers and attack them...the mountains are dangerous and no one has dared to venture deep into them out of fear of the Grauls...

"Well I thank you for all of the information. This gives us a good deal to work with. Karlan, Alana, unless either of you have any further questions for the mayor, I think we are finished here. Thank you for your time."

If Karlan and Alana are finished, Celestra will depart with them and return to the Tavern, hoping to meet up with Harry, Ailetha, and Marek.


Male Tiefling (Daemon-Spawn) Magus 8 (Fiend Flayer)

Marek steps up following Harry's distraction. He unleashes a torrent of questions, relentlessly denying the butcher much time to think about his responses.

Were there other survivors? Did you manage to see the source of the fire? Could the ship have been sabotaged?


Male Human Paladin 10| AC 28 T 14 FF 26 | HP 99/99 | F +15 R +10 W +13 | Init +2| REACH

Actually no.

"One last thign mayor. Do the Grauls have any allies you know of? Pets? Things that fight with them? Or better yet do you know of anyone in town that can tell us more?"

After the mayor answers KArlan he'll drag the ladies to a local bowyer's and fletchers and see about getting some good "Hunting" implements. Be surprised if one wasn't here with all the trappers and hunters and rangers about.


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Ailetha watches the butcher carefully.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Who owned the Paradise? Did they survive? And who worked on the boat? Local men and women or were they from elsewhere? Also, was Turtle Ferry the only port for the boat? Or did it make port in other places as well?


Female Half-Elf/Human (Bloodline Fey) Sorceress/8

Alana shakes her head silently, indicating she has no further questions. She seems rather lost in thought, but is still listening to the conversation.

"Agreed. We should gather some things to take with us, what would you have us get, Karlan?"


Ailetha can't sense any lie in Barrior's next words. The man scratches the back of his nose and tries to remember the evening in detail

'twas like that: As I said, suddenly someone shouted Fire...and then most people grabbed their gambling tokens and chips...but I didn't, I just ran for the next door to get on the deck. I realized instantly that the ship was about to sink in the next seconds, so I jumped into the water and preyed to Erastil that the gars wouldn't spot me...I guess about half a dozen people were as clever as I was and half of them really reached the shore...it's a bit weird, but I think they all either left Turtleback Ferry or were killed by the Grauls in the weeks since then...guess I was lucky, heh. The people who worked there all died in the fire, they were all from here, but the whole venue was run by Lady Lucretia from Magnimar...a stunning beauty...Uh, other ports? Nah, only Turtleback Ferry. Now is that all? I have work to do!

-------------

Allies? Who would be crazy enough to work with monsters? Mhm...maybe other monsters, I see what you mean...but no, I don't know of any. You could ask Ilsardo, he is the most experienced hunter in Turtleback Ferry. He lives at the lake shore...down this path. he points at a small path leading out of the town to the west.


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Knowledge(local): Loremaster - take 20 --> 20+10=30 <-- have I heard of this Lady Lucretia.

I continue to carefully watch his expression as he answers.
You did not try to grab any chips or coins? The others who survived, did they try to grab any money before fleeing and swimming?


Male Human Paladin 10| AC 28 T 14 FF 26 | HP 99/99 | F +15 R +10 W +13 | Init +2| REACH

"Thank you very much mayor for your time." Smiling and bowing his head slightly Karlan leaves the mayhor be and searches for that fletchers shop.

"I want to talk to that hunter later this evening. No guarantee he's even home right now. And to answer your question I'm shopping for a good strong bow. I'd sugest getting whatever you can use yourself. Your rapier will do fine against goblins and ghouls but against ogres it'll just be a very expensive toothpick after they rip out your spine. And honestly I don't want to have to get under their reach and take a club to the face just to get at sword length. And Harry will have to deal with that as well. By the time they even get into sword's reach I want them already regretting the decision."


Female Half-Elf/Human (Bloodline Fey) Sorceress/8

She doesn't carry a rapier. She has a dagger, quarter staff and light crossbow.

"Ah, yes, well I rely on my casting and my crossbow mostly. I try my best to stay behind the fighting, whenever possible and out of harms way. Yet if I must, I will not hesitate to crack someone's skull with my staff or stab them with my dagger."


Male Half Orc Rog5 Cav 3: HP:84/84, - AC: 21/T:14/FF:18 - Perception: +12(Dark Vision) F: +6/R: +8/W: +4 - CMB: +11 - CMD: 25, Speed: 30ft, Init: +2 (+4)

"When a ship starts going down fast its a mad scramble for the deck and into the water as fast as you can, anyone who dawdles or tries to swim with loot simply gets sucked down to the inky deep. Very few of us made the shore when the 'Eel went under the exact same way on the Magnimar route. Not everyone was lucky enough to have a loyal dog to save 'em"

"Lady Lucretia from Magnimar eh? A stunning beauty... an Elf I bet?"


Male Human Paladin 10| AC 28 T 14 FF 26 | HP 99/99 | F +15 R +10 W +13 | Init +2| REACH
Alana Wayworth wrote:

She doesn't carry a rapier. She has a dagger, quarter staff and light crossbow.

"Ah, yes, well I rely on my casting and my crossbow mostly. I try my best to stay behind the fighting, whenever possible and out of harms way. Yet if I must, I will not hesitate to crack someone's skull with my staff or stab them with my dagger."

"Sorry was talking mostly to Celestra. She has a habit of pulling her blade at inappropriate times."


Female Half-Elf/Human (Bloodline Fey) Sorceress/8

Alana chuckles, full of mirth and smiles at Celestra in response to Karlan's comments.


Female Aasimar Cleric 10 hp 81/83; AC 22, FF 19, T 14; Channel Energy (5d6) [8/10]; Touch of Good [8/9];Agile Feet [9/9];Holy Lance [1/1] Fort: +12, Reflex +10, Will +17; Init +3, Diplomacy +19, Perception +17

Celestra joins in smiling and laughing as Alana chuckles, but she does reply to Karlan.

"Hey, I've gotten much better as of late! I have been learning to let Cayden do more of the work as I find that my spiritual rapier works much better when I don't need to be holding it to attack. This has freed me up to support the rest of you."

"But don't worry, Karlan, I'll take your advice and bring along my crossbow as well. I wonder if the fletcher has any extra bolts I could purchase?"


Lucretia is...eh was...no elf...but if you ask me, she wasn't a human either, heh...just too beautiful...well yeah, the others grabbed chips and died, guess I was cleverer.

solved the bracket problem...

------

There are two bowyers who sell all normal bows and masterwork variants for list prices.


Male Half Orc Rog5 Cav 3: HP:84/84, - AC: 21/T:14/FF:18 - Perception: +12(Dark Vision) F: +6/R: +8/W: +4 - CMB: +11 - CMD: 25, Speed: 30ft, Init: +2 (+4)

"I think I came across a similar woman in Magnimar, running a similar sort of operation." Harry cuts it there, looking a little guilty but also half grinning.

"Think I've heard what I need to know. If I were you, I'd think about you lot removing that tattoo. There's a lot of people might consider gutting you for being a cultist, for that is the mark of a nasty one. To be honest I was half considering turning you into a pile of sausages myself. Glad we had this chat."


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Ailetha looks surprised that Harry mentioned the tattoo. She then nonchalantly makes the following comments in a manner sufficient to cause most men to relieve themselves on the spot.

Yes, I have seen that mark carved into the chests of several people who had been sacrificially killed and partially ritually disemboweled. It really did not look like a pleasant way to go.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28


Male Half Orc Rog5 Cav 3: HP:84/84, - AC: 21/T:14/FF:18 - Perception: +12(Dark Vision) F: +6/R: +8/W: +4 - CMB: +11 - CMD: 25, Speed: 30ft, Init: +2 (+4)

Hey you raised the tattoo's first :p It's just sad for them its bad cop/worse cop from us


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Not the first time we have played this game. Unfortunately for Mr. Butcher, the good paladin and the alcoholic priestess are not around this time.


Barrior seems genuinely surprised

Wait...you mean someone is hunting the people with these tattoos? That would explain why...yeah well, a sad story, I agree and will be careful.

he ends the chat here and picks the heavy stag body up again.


Male Tiefling (Daemon-Spawn) Magus 8 (Fiend Flayer)

It would explain what? Any information you provide us increases the chances we can find whoever is behind this and put this matter to rest. The more swiftly we act greater are the chances we can find them before they get to you.

I guess the tiefling plays the good cop.


Female Aasimar Cleric 10 hp 81/83; AC 22, FF 19, T 14; Channel Energy (5d6) [8/10]; Touch of Good [8/9];Agile Feet [9/9];Holy Lance [1/1] Fort: +12, Reflex +10, Will +17; Init +3, Diplomacy +19, Perception +17

Celestra looks up at the sign for the bow shop and comments, "Well Karlan, here we are! Do you know what you want to purchase or are you going to look around for a little while?"

Celestra enters the stores and inquires on some bolts for her crossbow.

"Excuse me, young man, do you carry bolts for a light crossbow? I am looking for something that works well against ogres. Particularly of the Graul sort."


The young bowyer apprentice grins

Every bolt buried in a Graul's eye is a good bolt...take a look at these here...

Unless you are looking for magical ones they have all kinds of ammunition here.

-----------

Nothin'...I've already said too much...


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Ailetha holds up her hand before the butcher leaves.

One last question. Who is the artist who actually gave you the tattoo?


Who's Alexa?

Lady Lucretia was the tattooist...

there's a bit of longing in his voice as he leaves you and enters the backroom of his shop.


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)
Zyren DM wrote:

Who's Alexa?

Er, a level 2 druid trying to figure out what is happening at the Harrowstone Prison in Ustalav I believe.


Also a nice place, I guess :)


Female Changeling(Hulking) Bard/10 (HP: 82/82; AC27; FF23; T14; F+7, R+11, W+7; Perc: +11, Init +10)

Yes, nice . . . in a haunting way.

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