GM Silbeg's Thornkeep: The Forgotten Laboratory (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

The timid halfing listens to the nagaji's story, with a look like he'd like to be anywhere but there. Strong Brute and Ophiuchus can hear the sound of children playing in the back, and in the front of the house, the shop, there are all sorts of textiles on display.

"A talbard? Do you mean a 'tabard'? Yes, we could make you something like that." He pulls out a measuring tape, and walks around the front of the counter. "Do you mind?" he asks, before starting to take some measurements. "Never had to make a tabard, or anything, for one of your kind... 28... not that I mind your kind... 32... not at all. Just the first of you I have seen here in Thornkeep. Maybe back in Druma, but never here. Oh, and probably never in Druma, now that I think about it"

The halfling seems to be babbling as much as Poochie usually does. Without making any noise, Strong Brute notices that a competent looking halfling woman has been taking notes, as Hap takes measurements. He finishes his measurements, and walks back to his wife. "Lanni, we can do this, right?" She nods.

"A duck, you say... a vicious biting duck? Or a snake? Which would you prefer? Would you like a duck biting a snake?"

Lanni breaks in to her husband's babbling, "Sir... it will be five measures, and if you wouldn't mind, could you do it cash up front? You know how things go, and if you were to not make it back her, I am sure you wouldn't want us to have gone through all the effort of tailoring this without you paying?"

Lanni breaks in to her husband's babbling, "Sir... it will be five measures, and if you wouldn't mind, could you do it cash up front? You know how things go, and if you were to not make it back her, I am sure you wouldn't want us to have gone through all the effort of tailoring this without you paying?"

A sad look crosses Ophiuchus' face. "Ma'am, I have traveled far and wide. I have experienced loss. I have seen those I love die never to return, well, at least never to return as they were before." A cold wind blows through the house. The halfling children pause momentarily, look around, and continue their mischief making. "Rest assured, I will pay you. How much do you require for this tabard? Sometimes I stumble upon your words. I would like it to proclaim that I am a nagaji that is fierce, that will protect innocent lives, pet pretty wolves, and kill those that try to do evil. I feel that a duck is a noble warrior, but my friend believes that a snake my be more representative of my race. What do you believe would be a fitting? Maybe a semé of ducks?"

"We travel to find an artifact, one that has turned good, wild creatures into magical monstrosities. Have you heard any rumors of the Forgotten Laboratory under the Keep?"

Arturo finishes off his second beer and abruptly stands, "Well, Roudantaimi, it looks like our friends won't come to see us! The town's not so big. Grab that Sword of Zog that we gave you to hold and let's poke around town to see if we can't find where everyone has gotten to. It's not that big a place, shouldn't take too long. Come on, let's go!"

The rogue hefts his backpack, picking it up with ease. Corded muscles (or are they simply cords?) barely strain as he flings it over his shoulders and heads out the door.

A light drizzle hits Arturo on his face as he exits. I sure hope that's the weather and not the kitsune in 12B emptying his chamber pot... Before long, the man is wandering the streets of Thornkeep, popping his head in to mercantile establishments and looking for his misplaced companions.

Wandering back towards the inn, Jaender spots Arturo and Roudantaimi as they are leaving.

"Hey, I think I know you." he says, amusing only himself with his odd greeting.

"Where exactly are you off to? I was just coming to look for you. No matter, I will head out with you. I haven't seen Vox, Poochie, or Sven in a while. Plus, I wanted to tell you about some of the things I heard talking with the acolyte of Gorum."

Jaender continues to babble as they walk about the town, looking for their other companions.

Arturo seems happy to have the diminutive wayang sorcerer around, and smiles as he chatters along. Then, an idea hits him... something he'd heard of in another life (perhaps)...

On the other hand, for 500gp, we could each buy a Mask of Stony Demeanor, and get +10 to lie!

for a +10 to a skill, and +5 to feint -5 to pass messages, it is actually insanely cheap.

Not saying we should buy it, though. :D

"We really need to find ourselves one of these, perhaps order it in from Daggermark using our society contacts..." begins Arturo, "Something called a Mask of Stony Demeanor - could really help me out in combat. It may seem a bit expensive, but actually it is insanely cheap!"

Arturo doesn't have an spare GP, but I want to order this in-game so I can grab it for the next module.

Surely adding to the halfling's confusion, all the strong brute does as Ophiuchus speaks is nod solemnly at each point. He doesn't really understand half of what the nagaji says, but he is sure the fellow is the sort he'd want by his side in battle, and if he wanted a shirt with a fighting duck on it, that was ok in the young man's eyes.

"Maybe a large serpent riding a fierce duck?" That seemed like a compromise that would get things rolling.

"Ah ma'am. As I say sometimes I am confused by your language. Here is 5 gp. I believe I will take a tabard. I like the idea of a seme of ducks. I will leave it to your expertise on color and such. When will you finish the cutting and sewing? AlsoI would appreciate any information you might have on the Forgotten Laboratory under the Keep, or if you have seen anything that might be of interest to two men who fight for good, we would appreciate it."

Turning to Strong Brute, "I believe we should meet up with the others. We can always get my buckler painted with that snake later."

Arturo doesn't have an spare GP, but I want to order this in-game so I can grab it for the next module.

Use 2 PP

The man nods his agreement with the nagaji, and turns with him to go find their companions.

"Agreed, let's take the Sword of Zog back to the goblins. Should we go with full team, in case the goblins get funny ideas? I guess they weren't evil, though. Maybe we should take them flowers, too. Do you think they'd like flowers?"

Roudantaimi mounts his gecko, and is ready to go.

Roudantaimi mounts his gecko, and is ready to go.

And that, sir, will never get old. So cool.

"Wow! When did you get that?!" exclaims Arturo, probably having ignored the thing for their entire trek back to Thornkeep, "That is quite the fearsome beast! We should have no trouble locating our friends with you on that speedy thing. Me, I prefer to walk."

Arturo cocks his head to one side, his ears catching something, "It seems that some folk are arguing about the merits of ducks over cobras. I think we've found Ophiuchus and Strong Brute. Vox is no doubt hanging around the nearest edge of the woods somewhere.

"Vo-o-o-ox!" Arturo yells on his way to the seamstress.

No doubt. I have mount jealousy now. I waaaant ooooooneeeeee.... A mounted sorcerer.... mwahahahahaha...

The brute spies Arturo, and steers Ophiuchus over to him. "Ophiuchus has commissioned his new tabard. It is very fierce." He stares down at the smaller man, practically daring him to contradict his point when the garment is made public. "Anyways, are you guys ready to go?"

"Yes, but let's return the sword of Zog to the goblins first," says Arturo, trying very hard not to laugh at Ophiuchus's ducks when Strong Brute describes them as "fierce", "Jaender, did you say something about getting them to agree to move so they'd be more quiet for a friend of yours?"

Arturo will accompany the group to the goblin encampment.

"Mr. Hairlips. I no longer have my mustache. You can rest assured that people will not mistake us anymore. Who has the sword of Zod? Let us return it to the goblin king so he may begin his 1000 year reign of peace. Little man that speaks, what is THAT? Can I pet it? Do you want to put ribbons on its ... um. I am not sure where yo would put the ribbons. I am so happy that you all love animals as much as I do. I cannot wait to kill dead this person who is making wild animals wilder in s bad way."

Been sitting back watching you all interact... I am assuming you are going to the Briarwarren.
As the group passes through the Goblin Bazaar, they feel dozens of goblin eyes on them while the bazaar grows uncharacteristically quiet. Many goblins are on the move, and when they approach the Briarwarrens, they see about two dozen goblins, most armed with a variety of clubs, swords, and even a couple of horsechoppers! None look particularly competent, but they look upset.

The group is funneled to the clearing, where Great Chief Graalsk stands, horsechopper in hand, as if he is ready to start a war. "You! You say you bring Graalsk Sword of Zog, but you lie! You go to Accursed Halls, you kill great goblin warriors! You murder holy woman, Murgmo! And you steal Sword of Zog. Tell Great Chief why he no tell Brambleclaws to attack?!"

"Great chief, we are bringing you the Sword of Zog!" proclaims Arturo, bowing but keeping his hand near the pommel of his scimitar, "Apologies that we did not bring it earlier, we had other responsibilities to attend to. As for why you shouldn't kill us, just think about what happened to the last goblin champions who tried that. In any case, Murgmo didn't bring you the Sword of Zog... we did!"

With that, Arturo makes a grand sweeping gesture, indicating for Roudantaimi to produce the famous goblin blade.

"Sme sa, ako sa ctiť otca syna gule *," says Arturo in his best goblin.

A look of confusion cross Ophiuchus' face. "Murder. You say murder. I can tell you all here that we have never murdered anyone. That is not what we do. I have risked my life to save a sister. I risk my life to find a brother. I will risk my life to find the one who makes animals wilder. I risk my life to save lives. Do I kill people? Yes I do. I have killed those that live. I have killed those that live and are dead, and then live, and then I kill them dead. I have swam in dark waters. I have tried to climb ladders. But great king, I have never murdered. The goblins we killed we only killed because they attacked us. I would kill them again if they tried to hurt one of my friends. We have retrieved your sword, the sword of Zod. It deserves to go to a great ruler, one who is wise, one who strives for peace, one who defends the weak. I believe you to be that king. Do not disappoint me. Let us talk no more of murder." Flushed with anger, the nagaji widens his stance prepared for a fight should one begin.

Jaender sputters at the accusation of the goblin chief. "your upstart goblin warriors ambushed us! I was nearly killed in the first volley of arrows, and so was Arturo here! I have half a mind to give you this blade pointy end first! Why should we give you a sword when you send your warriors to kill us, and we were just trying to help you!? I dare you to unleash your pitiful dogs, and watch me burn them all!" The suddenly fiery wayang seems to stand almost 4 feet tall as his outburst gains steam, finally making the connection about the goblins who nearly cut him down in the entrance hallway of the accursed halls.

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"Agreed," a voice calls from behind Jaender. "If we are to be ambushed, then let it commence and be done with all this talking."

Vox appears amidst the goblin ranks, tracing the path the group has just taken. Loping at his side a stalking wolf takes quick, cautious steps while its his head and snout are perpetually pitched forward inhaling deep breathes of the goblin's scent.

"Einhardt would love another hunt..." the youth says, reaching his friends.

The brute just stands quietly, his anger burning inside of him. He chooses to follow his more calm companions, for the moment, but is ready for battle, should the goblin choose to die.

The chief seems focuses on only one thing... "You have Sword? You give Sword to Graalsk? Then maybe you great goblin heroes after all?"

There is definitely some chuckling about Arturo's bumbling with the goblin language, and some shock that any goblin would be a "dog".

"Yes, we bring you back the sword of Zog, silly goblins. And give it to Graalsk. So stop waving that... sword at us and put a happy face." Roudantaimi shouts from the back of his mount. The gnome is wary, but tries to keep a calm face. His weapon is holstered, for now...

Since he seems reluctant to hand it over, Arturo takes the Sword of Zog from Roudantaimi and kneels down to present it to Chief Graalsk.

"Σεφ Graalsk" Arturo begins, his voice taking on an air of ceremony, "Σας φέρνουμε το όπλο πρέπει να επιμείνουμε σε χοίρο με τη μόδα του αδελφού μαχαίρι. Mighty είναι το πέος του πατέρα του πατέρα. Αρτούρο και Arturo συζύγους γαμημένος με για να φέρει στην Graalsk.*"

Graalsk chuckles at Arturo's attempts at speaking goblin. He takes the offered sword, and looks at it... swinging it back and forth a couple of times. "Yes. Fine sword to be killing dogs and Longshanks with. But we not kill you longshanks now. You now heroes of Brambleclaws! We know Murgmo no understand you great goblin heroes, so she attack you, so you no murder Brambleclaw mystic." He puts the sword back in its sheath, but has some issues putting the sword belt on. He shrugs, nods to an aid, who takes the weapon for now.

"We have feast in honor of great heroes tonight! Much good food and drink! Games and celebration, and goblin maidens many! This a great day for Kingdom of Zog!"

The assembled goblins start chanting... "Zog! Zog! Zog!"

"Great King. I still do not understand why you would want such a small sword. Regardless I am looking forward to your festivities. What games are we to play tonight? I do so love to play games. Maybe we can play that game where you stand with an apple on your head and we throw daggers to try and pierce the apple. I am sure Mr. Hairylips would like that. I fear that your maidens will stay maidens." Casting a reproving glare at Arturo, and placing his hand firmly on the swashbuckler's shoulder, he continues. "What will be your first order to bring peace and prosperity to your great goblin nation?"

"Snake-man, me already you first order. We FEAST!"

"Zog! Zog! Zog!" chants Arturo, already getting swept away in the fervor. He picks the first goblin female and shows her an acrobatically good time dancing, trying his best to keep up with the nimble little greenskin.

Arturo does, however, pass on the bull slug eating contest.

The brute whirls around, getting a bit claustrophobic and overwhelmed as the goblins start to chant all around him. He shrugs, walking to the nearest thing that looks like it might support his weight and sitting down, preferring to watch the festivities than participate, for now.

"ZOOOOG! " Roudantaimi releases a might party-cry, and joins the festivities. He enjoys the dancing and the games, is wary of the foods offered, and is very cautious around the goblins maidens.

The group parties through the night... fermented cider apples are passed out... a variety of dishes served that perhaps cause the Pathfinders to go vegetarian, at least for the night... though now you know why the streets of Thornkeep are relatively free of rats and vermin. You see rat pies, roast rat, roach cocktails, stewed beetles, silverfish stew, earwig appetizers!

There are many dares... from who can eat the most cider apples (Sven wins this one, though Arturo gives a good showing), "Pet the Wolf", "Ride the Wolf", "Don't get Eaten by the Wolf"!

The party wakes up late, and has to decide what to do next...

Feel free to fill in some details here!

After a few cider apples, Arturo lost memory of what he did last night. He is sure his goblin became near perfect at one point. The key is to just stay drunk. Now what was it he said to his dancing partner? Ah, yes: "Moja čreva plne tryskanie na slnku! Váš tanec je rúhať psami. Lán Zog nezomreli!*"

Good times. Good times.

Arturo nurses his head in his hands while he waits for the staff to bring him the fry-up he ordered.

"So, fellows," he mumbles from behind his hands, "What is it to be next? Shall we figure out what's going on at the mill? That little mystery has my vote. No hurry to go back below ground just yet."

Jaender takes a little while to settle down from the plucky goblin's initial attitude, and eventually joins in the singing and dancing with the odd group of creatures. He makes it a point to stay away from any food or drink however, a wayang has to draw the line somewhere.

Ohhh... I hope giving them this sword doesn't come back to haunt us...

Can I confirm that the goblins were the source of the noise behind the Callanro house? I may have missed my RP opportunity - but I would like to make sure that part of this agreement is that they vacate the area...

Back in the bar the next morning...

Jaender meanders down after an easy night's rest. One look at Arturo confirms the wisdom of his decision to avoid the food and drink.

"The Mill sounds like a great place to start. The rumor is that the new owners are running the business into the ground, and breaking into people's houses at night on top of that. This could be delicate, and we may need to stake their building out tonight to get proof if that is the case..."

FYI - The Callanro House is a cabin, about 10 years old, currently owned by Shandar Tulman of the Greenforest Inn. In fact, Shandar has been hinting that you could rent the house rather than staying at the inn... he's willing to give you a good deal!

EDIT: I reread the rumor, and the location...

"Mighty king. Thank you so much for the festivities." the nagaji says as he spits out a tuft of fur from 'ride the wolf'. "That was great fun. May you rule wisely with wisdom." Turing, he follows his companions. "The mill sounds wonderful. I am sure that is by a river so we can see the ducks take off in the morning sun. Maybe afterwards we can stop by to pick up my tabard. And then we can go see about getting my shield painted. We should also check out Harley’s Pond to see more ducks. This really is the best place in the world."

"Agreed, Ophiuchus," Vox says, crouching to pet Einhardt for a moment. "Any extra time spent above ground and in the wild is a godsend. And I know Einhardt would appreciate it."

"Plus if we stop by the pond, Einhardt could have another chance to snack," he says, laughing under his breath.

Vox, Einhardt, all, I assume you realize which wolf they using for all the games. I am pretty sure Einhardt is not happy about the situation. :D

Those goblin punks!

Flash back: Goblin Party

As countless goblins run up and pull Einhardt's tail, slap her hindquarters, jump onto her back, and nose-up as close to her muzzle as they can, the wolf remains poised on the brink of attack. Each time Einhardt bares her teeth, releasing a low and menacing growl, and lashes out with her quick snarling jaws, she is quickly called off before her teeth can find a goblin-meal by Vox. Looking up to the youth, the wolf's eyes plead, longingly for permission to maul her hapless tormentors.

When Vox at last relents, granting the wolf permission to hunt and kill and revel and enjoy herself, it seems the goblin party will flame with a holocaust of ecstasy and freedom caused by Einhardt's release, however, the youth surreptitiously keeps his palm motioning for the wild beast to remain still. In that instant the goblins run for their lives away from Einhardt, screaming in a mix terror and laughter.

His mind reeling from the tasty and zesty apples, 'Sven' nods unsteadily to the Goblin King Zog as he gets to his feet, not trusting himself to speak, lest more than words come up. He follows his companions, the spoken consensus being to take a look at what was going on at the Mill. Thieves could not be abided.

Roudantaimi wakes up early the following morning. Taste of ferment apple and something else, much worse, still lingers in his mouth. There are some blackouts in the gnome's memory from the last night; Short flashes of limbo dancing, gnome-goblin pyramids, and plotting pranks with Einhardt. Nevertheless, the gnome jumps up refreshed and his usual, excited self.
"Rise and shine! A new day begins, and new adventures await us!" Roudantaimi yells, and starts rousing everyone awake.

"To the mill? Sounds good! Let's go already!"

As the team makes its bleary eyed way to Harley's Mill (#29 on the map). On the way there, you are stopped by Taronnel, the acolyte of Gorum. She sees Jaender, and asks, "What did you people do? The goblins were louder than ever last night!"

"Oh, that wasn't the goblins. I think it was our friend Arturo. He made quite a noise when he... Oh, well, what goes on in goblin market, stays in goblin market..."

"Right, so don't talk about Arturo... female goblins... and some game called Giggle-Pokes..." says the youth with both a laugh and confused look on his face, as if trying to act like he knows what the implication is.

The cleric of the battle god just shudders at that description... goes a bit red in the face, and tries to say something a few times. After nothing comes out, she just shakes her head, waves, and walks away.

You all continue on, walking by (site #33) Brishtargera Greenbottle's apothecary, to see the gnome sitting on her front stoop, shucking some sort of beans. She is whistling happily.

"Oh, I could go for some beans," says a bleary-eyed and thoroughly embarrassed Arturo, "Good morning Brishtargera, is it? I don't suppose you have any of those but in cooked form? Alternatively, if they can be eaten raw, I'll take a bag. I think I need some fibre."

And anything to get these tastes out of my mouth. The bacon and egg did not do the trick. Oh, I wish I could remember what happened last night. Moreover, I hope "Giggle-Pokes" isn't at all what it sounds like...

The brute listens to all impassively. Giggle-pokes had been an eye-opening experience for him...he was still trying to process it. Yet another reason to stay away from the booze. He doubted even Arturo would do the things he had done if he had been sober.

He stops with the others as the rogue makes his way to buy some beans...likely another mistake in the making. 'Sven' would have to make sure and remain in front of the smaller man.

Shaking his head in a disapproving manner at Mr. Hairylips 'games', he approached the bean counter. "Good day. I am Ophiuchus the battle nagaji. What fine looking beans you have. Once upon a time, I bought beans that were supposed to be magical. All they did was aid me in my music making. Do have magical beans?"

The gnome looks up from her shucking, and giggles. "I don't think you'll want these sort of beans. They are not magical, but crucial to several of the alchemical remedies that I make." She looks the team over, and says, knowingly, "Looks like a couple of you could use some Alchemist's kindness! I have a batch just finishing up right now! Only one measure of gold per dose!"

She waits for a moment, but not long enough for anyone to respond... "I don't have magical beans, not the sort of things I deal in. I deal more in alchemical cures and remedies! I suppose some would call my extracts and infusions magical, but I wouldn't. They are just things that come out of my brew pot inside!

"So, what sort of alchemical cures and remedies do you require?"

"I'll take a measure of Alchemist's kindness!" says Arturo, quickly reaching for a gold coin, "Who are the Brambleclaws? Perhaps we might be able to help. I'd be happy to go out and find some of those berries - we're not frightened of goblins (though after last night, perhaps I should be). Where do they grow?"