GM Enchanter |
You were all given orders to a small cottage near the Fenwell Mountains deep in Varisia. It took you the entire day to reach the location and when you finally enter, the sun has just gone down.
Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch glances out a window as the last wisps of twilight fade over the Fenwall Mountains. Turning from the sight, she runs her hand along the rustic cabin’s wall and stands beside an occupied wooden bed before addressing you.
"This," the venture captain says, gesturing to the man thrashing around violently, straining against the bonds that lash him securely to the bed, "is our colleague, Kalkamedes. Every night for several weeks now, he has fallen into a deep slumber and tried to sleepwalk right out of his cottage. If not restrained, he marches straight north, eventually falling off a cliff or into a bog as if trying to get himself killed in an attempt to reach an unknown goal." As though he were expressing disagreement, the man tied to the bed suddenly begins pumping his limbs even harder, the violent spasms threatening to smash the bed into splinters.
"There are those who have recently criticized the Pathfinders for our indifference to the plight of our fellow field agents. It’s time to show that’s not true. I want you to help Kalkamedes, whether he wants it or not. Several of our best spellcasters have attempted an extensive list of magical cures, but whatever sleepwalking curse or effect he’s under tenaciously resists our efforts. All we can do is keep him safe." Heidmarch pats him with a degree of professional affection, and Kalkamedes rewards her by trying to swat her with his head.
"Kalkamedes’s friends are at their wits’ end, so we are going to attempt the only thing that we have not tried: we’re going to let him go tonight. That’s where you come in. I want you to follow him and keep him safe and in one piece. Let him get to wherever his addled brain thinks he needs to go so badly. Maybe, just maybe, if he gets there, you can find a way to help him. Maybe you can determine who or what did this to him and find a way to undo it." Heidmarch pulls out a serrated knife. "Now before I cut him free, does anyone have any questions or last minute preparations?"
Vardel |
The petit knight, dressed in his noble attire and breastplate armour, longsword at his side and bow at his back, eyes the bound pathfinder in deep thought. "Perhaps one day this is what I too shall become if I am not fortunate enough to find an early end on the field of battle defending a righteous cause."
Turning to his wolf companion his demeanour improves and with a genuinely good natured smile on his face he addresses his companions and Venture Captian Sheila Heidmarch. "Well I for one am intrigued as to where our honoured companion seeks to travel. We shall follow and care him and the Gods willing restore him to his old self."
Vardel looks to the others for their ascent while Furrious, the man sized grey wolf, cocks his head at the sound of his master's voice.
Draylan Gossamar |
"What a strange ailment. Does he ever speak while under this trance? Are there any recent assignments he was given that might provide some insight into his current condition? Or perhaps any strange events that came to pass in the recent weeks just prior to the development of his behavior?
Draylan turns to the rest of his comrades, "How rude of me. My name is Gossamar, Draylan Gossamar. Ragnar knows me, and I believe Sir Rumblebelly may have heard of us through a mutual associate (Brayden) from out our Confirmation. I am skilled in martial combat, with an emphasis on the tactical, keeping my distance while pinning the enemy to the ground with this mastercrafted guisarme. I look forward to seeing each of you contribute your own special talents during our next assignment." Draylan grabs a wand of cure light wounds from his pack. "I was given this from the lodge quartermaster, after my Confirmation. I must admit a bit of ignorance in magical devices, but the quartermaster assured me that it was something no pathfinder should be without. He told how to use it, but unless it has a blade on it, it tends to lose my interest. Perhaps one of you who is more familiar with these things can make use of it during the upcoming investigation." Draylan offers the wand to either of the new pathfinders for safekeeping, provided they have the ability to use it.
GM Enchanter |
Shiela shakes her head. "He never says anything, though he can make quite a bit of noise if restrained like this. And he never remembers anything when he wakes." She looks down at the Pathfinder with concern.
"Kalkamedes is semi-retired and less subject to tracking by the Decemvirate than others. He's also earned a good deal of trust and often now he operates on his own, so there's no telling what he might have been doing prior to all of this. I know he was out here mapping the Fenwall Mountains." She considers the thought for a moment. "He built this cottage out here. Perhaps there could be something here which might give us a clue?"
Kalkamedes is a veteran Pathfinder, though his fame does not extend beyond southern Varisia. Although he is now semi-retired and only forwards the occasional report to the Decemvirate these days, his colleagues continue to respect him for his many prior accomplishments.
Late in his career, Kalkamedes developed an interest in lore of the ancient runelords and the rare heroes who dared to oppose the runelords’ tyranny. He relocated from Absalom to Varisia for the chance to further his study.
Early in his adventuring career, Kalkamedes swore the oaths to become a paladin and served as a staunch defender of the meek; however, years later he abruptly left his holy order. Few truly understood his decision.
Kalkamedes was sometimes seen carrying a broken sword. Few but his closest friends know that it is actually a sentient blade, and it and Kalkamedes were inseparable.
Ragnar Northman |
Ragnar stands beside the others, he does not say something, but he's listening. Knowledge lessons were not Ragnar's favorite during his training.
Marius Silverlight |
Marius seems to keep a ready eye on things, pondering for a moment.
knowledge local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
After thinking for a moment, he cannot seem recall anything that might be important. "Is there anything in particular the Fenwall Mountains are known for?"
Lemore Saul |
"Greetings Draylan Gossamar, I am Lemore Saul. I do not believe I have had the pleasure of meeting."bowing slightly. For a elf Lemore does not seem to posses the natural beauty that most other elf have. in fact, he is rather ugly. turning to Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch "is there anyone that would want him dead? and how far has he made it sleepwalking before he was stopped?" quickly Glancing around after asking a few question, Lemore mind begins to possess all the info.
GM Enchanter |
The VC shakes her head. "Kalkamedes has nearly killed himself sleepwalking each night, so he hasn't gotten far. From what he's told us, the first night, he woke up in a field badly injured. The next, he nearly broke his neck tumbling down a bluff. The only thing we know is that each time he was headed north. What we haven't tried is letting him go and seeing where he leads up. It'll be your job to take care of him in this sleep state and protect him from enough dangers that he can show you where he's going."
"The man has made no shortage of enemies over his career, but the worst are actually dead. Like I said, to my knowledge, he was just out here mapping the mountains. The Fenwalls can be a dangerous place. It's untamed wilderness and has no shortage of monsters and beasts. You'd best be on your guard when out there with him."
Vardel |
Vardel listens to his new companions with interest while pacing back and forth. It seems like a quite a puzzle. It seems only logical to follow him and see where it is he is so set on reaching. He pauses for a moment and says, "North you say. What does lie to the north of here? Would our map maker friend have a map of the North. Such a map would aid us in this quest." Vardel starts to scratch Furrious under his while he awaits a response.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Renli Rumblebelly |
At the mention of his name, Renli peers through the doorway at his intended companions. A rye smile on his face, he taps out the wasted embers of his pipe then slides it into his vest. Stepping through the doorway of the small cottage, he sweeps off his hat and offers a bow to the lovely Venture Captain. Turning to his fellow agents, "Honored lady and humble gentlemen, I must apologize for my tardy arrival. The majesty of the woodlands had distracted me, slowing my pace to but a crawl as I neared the enchanting cottage. The mention of my surname snappe d me back to the moment, so thank you. Yes, good sir Brayden is a friend of mine, and he has spoken of your courageous actions during your Confirmation. It is sad he could not join us, but I believe he had a recent discovery of faith and is dutifully seeking divine counsel on where his life should lead."
After pausing for a moment, he continues, "But enough of him - for I am Renli Rumblebelly, explorer, chronicler, slayer of monsters, savior of the Balkros Museum, and hopeless romantic, at your service. Venture-Captain Heidmarch, it is an honor to serve you. It is sad that this is the first time our paths have crossed, and that it must be work related. Still, perhaps we will have time to share a bottle of Varisian port when this is all over. Now, to troubled Kalkamedes. We will follow him on his midnight escapade, protecting him from harm, both foreign and self-inflicted. It is possible some horrid curse draws him to his doom, but I believe in providence, and we have luck on our side. My guess is his mind hides a secret treasure, one he could not unravel consciously, but within the mystery of the nocturnal realm, the answer was revealed to him. And thus he goes! And so shall we! Onward then! Haza!" Jumping up on a chair, he boldly points out the door whilst waving his hat in the air.
Even as he stares out into the beyond, he takes in all that he sees of the wilderness, and lets his mind wander with his innate luck as his guide.
Adaptable Luck on knowledge (local) check
knowledge(local): 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 3 = 30
Draylan Gossamar |
"What an animated fellow. Well... we are not finding any answers here. Perhaps you should let loose the restraints and see what will become of him... and us." Draylan alternates looking at Renli... then Marius... then Renli... back to Marius. "Would either of you two be skilled enough to use this." waving the wand of cure light wounds back and forth with his head.
Draylan will hand the wand to whoever wants it for use throughout the adventure
GM Enchanter |
Renli, you have access to all the spoilers above.
"You're ready then? Once I cut him loose, he will likely head north immediately and there won't be much time to waste. We have no idea what might have happened to him out in the Fenwall Mountains. Unless there's something here in the cottage showing what he's been up to, the only way to know will be to follow him." She moves the knife to Kalkamedes' bonds, but waits for the group's answer.
Ragnar Northman |
Ragnar raises his hand. "I'm also skilled to use your wand, Draylan" he says.
At least I think so, because he's a ranger.
"I'm ready to follow and protect Kalkamedes."
Renli Rumblebelly |
A quizzical looks crosses Renli's face. He surveys the small cottage, seeking a item that has crossed his mind.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
"Come to think of it, I have heard a great many things about Kalkamedes. Lady Venture-Captain, have you seen a broken sword about anywhere? It is said he was never parted from it. Given that he abandoned his knightly order some years ago it may be his last relic of a bygone life, perhaps this all ties together."
Lemore Saul |
"AH!, yes. anything linking to his past might be helpful." lemore addesses Venture-Captain then turns to Renli."Your knowledge is greatly impressive master Renli" lemore give a small node of appreciation "I am ready to follow once we have finished here"
Marius Silverlight |
Marius prepares himself, gathering together his gear. "Seems we have enough to know what we have to do. Renli, is there any significance to the broken sword at all? Are you saying that his former order may be involved in this?"
GM Enchanter |
I knew I could count on the Bard!
Shiela frowns at Renli's mention of Kalkamedes' sword and pulls the knife away from the bonds. "He was never without that sword after he found it several years ago. I'm sure it must be around here somewhere. Look around."
The seven of you begin to search the small cabin. Quickly, Draylan opens up the wardrobe and finds a set of traveling clothes and boots(Explorer's Outfit). Lemore opens the end table and finds several unfinished maps of the Fenwall Mountains. Renli's keen eyes meanwhile note that the stove door seems to have several smudge marks on it, more than he would expect. Opening it, he slides he hand around the soot-stained stove until his fingers find a small catch.
You hear a thump from the other side of the wall and you find that several water barrels in the main room have shifted. A trap door has fallen open beneath them. Underneath you can spot a chest.
Vardel |
Vardel and Furrious watch the curious scene unfold. "I can understand the attachment that grows between a warrior and his blade when they have overcome so much together, he thinks to himself, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Vardel aids the others in the search and is quite intrigued at the discovery of the trapdoor. "Yes, it has been my experience that trapdoors and traps tend to be quite inseparable. Is anyone of our company skilled in dealing with such devices? he asks looking to his companions.
Renli Rumblebelly |
Renli smiles as he examines the chest, "It just so happens I am the guy for such things. Now, a moment of quiet if you please."
perception check to find traps
perception: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26
"and if you'd believe the drunken tavern tales, they say it was not merely some relic from a forgotten adventure, but in fact a companion - they say the sword had a mind of its own!"
GM Enchanter |
Renli finds no traps, but the chest is locked.
The halfling works at the lock for a few moments and he's able to spring it open. Opening the chest, Renli sees that it is Kalkamedes' stash of adventuring gear. There are several items here: a cloak, bracers, a vial of liquid, a dried gourd which appears to contain liquid, a flask with razor sharp sides, and a longsword with an obvious crack down the middle.
Cloak of Resistance +1
Bracers of Armor +1
Elixir of Swimming
Potion of Cure Light Wounds
Potion of Hide from Undead
+1 Allying Mithril Longsword
Marius Silverlight |
Cloak Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Bracers Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Vial Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Gourd Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Flask Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Sword Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Marius starts to examine the items carefully. "They all radiate magic, but the only things I can tell exactly what they are is this vial, and the gourd. The vial is an elixir of swimming, and the gourd has a potion of cure light wounds."
Draylan Gossamar |
"Well I'm already skilled at swimming, so anyone may hold onto that in case it's needed. A potion only requires yet another skill of mine: Drinking! If there are no objections, I would appreciate keeping that on my belt, should an emergency arise, that prevents you from using my wand on me. The sword, if it really was a companion, should be brought with us. If we are successful in our purge of this strange evil, he may want to have it handy. Any last thoughts before we let him go?"
GM Enchanter |
Shiela looks over your shoulders at the items. "If you're going to save Kalkamedes from whatever ails him, I doubt he would mind if you use these items for a while. Feel free to take them with you."
"Now, are you ready to depart? Kalkamedes can't take much more of being tied up."
If you're going to take things, I'd like to know who's taking what and if you're wearing/using it.
Vardel |
Vardel watches the wizard work his magic on the items with keen interest, having always been fascinated by it.
Vardel examines the fine longsword watching the light shine of the magnificent blade. "It's so much lighter in the hand than it seems. Though I have never heard of a weapon which had a mind of it's own." he says to Renli appreciating the weapon and wondering if the other halfling is attempting to pull one over on him, as the tall folk say.
Having handled numerous weapons Vardel has a nagging feeling there is more to this blade that he is able to discern.
"Marius, it this a magical sword?" he enquires with the wizard.
I'll take the sword unless anyone else want's it, I'm not particularly fussed. Quick question GM Enchanter can I use the blade since I'm a halfing and the blade is probably medium sized. Also I have a wand of cure light wounds, if anyone can use it, they can hang on to it for the duration of this adventure and zap whoever needs it since I can't really use it.
Marius Silverlight |
Marius nods. "There is certainly magic on there friend, but what form, I cannot discern right now. Maybe a little time, while we shepherd our colleague, and I could try and identify it again."
GM Enchanter |
The sword will be too big for you to use without a penalty. -2 for a inappropriately sized weapon. Also, while it is magical, it does have a crack running down the blade too. Of course, you can simply carry it without any issue.
GM Enchanter |
Ok, I'm going to move this on, so we don't get bogged down. Please tell me who's taking what and if you're using it such as Lemore taking the cloak. If it's not mentioned, I'll assume you guys don't take it with you.
After the group finishes with the equipment, Shiela returns to Kalkamedes' bedside. The man has strained at his bond so much, he's beginning to cut into his wrists with the ropes. "He can't stand much more of this. I'm going to have to cut him loose. I know you haven't had much time to prepare, but I'm going to have to release him. You know your assignment. Follow him, keep him out of danger and harm's way, and find out where he's going and if you can cure him of this." Without further word, she slices the ropes holding Kalkamedes down.
Immediately after Shiela Heidmarch cuts the bonds, the semi-retired Pathfinder rises from his bed and exits the cottage. He begins to head north, stumbling over the ground. The night sky is clear with a waning quarter crescent moon. In his sleepwalking state, Kalkamedes staggers forward blindly. It's obvious he will have no sense of self-preservation and even the smallest challenges could prove to be a hazard. Clad in only his pajamas, the ex-Paladin stumbles over rocks and slams into a tree before bouncing off and continuing north.
A half-hour into his walk, Kalkamedes steps squarely on a small rock and his foot slips off. The man falls and when he rises again, he begins limping.
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
GM Enchanter |
Crud. I forgot something back at the cottage. Renli also found this picture crumpled up in the stove. Shiela knows nothing about it.
Vardel |
Vardel swings the blade with blade with a practised hand. "It weighs no more than my sword, but it just doesn't feel right, out of proportion for me. Made for a larger person no doubt." As he swings the blade Vardel notices a crack on the blade he missed earlier. "You've been injured." he mumbles to himself.
"I cannot use this fine weapon, if any of you would have use of it please make use of it, else I shall hold on to it for Kalkamedes, perhaps he will have need of it if he returns to his usual self."
Vardel hops onto Furrious in one smooth action and lighting a torch they stroll off into the night with the others, following noble Kalkamedes to wherever he leads them.
Ragnar Northman |
"I will take care of the rest I suppose." Ragnar says. Altough he already took the potion, he takes everything what is left. Which schould be the bracers and the longsword if I'm not mistaken
He puts the longsword on his back and offers the bracers to Marius. "Do you want to take these? They could save your live if it comes to a fight."
GM Enchanter |
You've only ID'ed the Elixir of Swimming and the Potion of CLW. However, as these were Kalkamedes', you could hope they will be beneficial items.
So far I have:
Cloak -> Lemore (being used?)
Bracers -> Ragnar
Elixir of Swimming -> ??
Potion of CLW -> Draylan
Razor sharp Flask -> Ragnar
Longsword -> Ragnar? Vardel?
Ragnar Northman |
Ah, sorry. You're right the bracers and the sword are only common for us :D But Ragnar takes it with him in any case. Also the elixir of swimming.
GM Enchanter |
Well you know they're magical. So they do something. It's just that they could be the rare Bracers of Undetectable Alignment. Or Bracers of Jumping.
As Ragnar picks up the razor-sharp flask he nearly cuts himself. He believes the flask itself could be used as a caltrop or an inprovised dagger. Of course, that doesn't tell him anything about the liquid inside.
Ragnar Northman |
I remember something with Perception check and identify a potion through taste :) DC is 15+CL of the potion I think.
Ragnar opens the flask very careful, puts his finger into the liquid and tastes.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Vardel |
Ragnar can have the sword, it isn't even my size so no sense in me hanging on to it. I'll just assume he took it off me when I offered to anyone else who wanted it.
On seeing the former Paladin stumble and begin to limp, Vardel immediately dismounts and begins to assist the man.
"If one of you is so skills could you inspect his injury." says the halfling knight as he attempts assist his sleepwalking companion. "Perhaps some healing magic, eh, he says to Marius." and tosses the wizard his healing wand. Wand of CLB
Marius Silverlight |
Marius looks at the wand, and the mention of healing magic. "Healing magic..., what do I look like, a cleric? A man of the cloth?" He looks down at his robes, then looks back up. "Ok, not the best choice of words. But I have no idea what to do with this thing."
GM Enchanter |
Ragner believes Kalkamedes has sprained his ankle badly. If it's not taken care of, he'll continue to aggravate it.
GM Enchanter |
Very likely. You also think a splint could work, but you'd need to immobilize him for a bit to get it done.
Renli Rumblebelly |
Renli will definitely take the picture with him and keep an eye out for that view
"I can generally manipulate a wand pretty well if needs be."
GM Enchanter |
Both Renli and Ragnar have CLW on their spell list, so they both can use the wand.
Vardel |
Vardel tosses the wand to Renli and says, "Give him a hit with that. I'm no expert but that should have him back to being himself. Well as much of as himself as he was when we set out."
After thinking for a moment he adds, "It's probably best you hold on to that for a bit in case anyone needs a bit of healing."
Vardel hops back onto Furious and whispers to the wolf, "Stay a alert fella, there could be anything out there."