Hu5tru Runs Jade Regent
Game Master Hu5tru

Broderus grimaces at the grotesque display and feels a cold sweat run down his back. He looks at the bones, trying to determine if they are of animal or human/humanoid origin.

Knowledge (Nature) - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

I guess Broderus missed class the day they taught bone identification! :(

"Do we knock?" Valcrim half-jests "This place nae be lookin' too invitin'. Treygan, ye sense any evil?"

Take 10 on Kno Nat for 17

Why would you hang the bones of small local creature out on your porch? Maybe its a mystic! Or another hermit? Yes, yes, knock! Joyabraund's tone suggests he may not have caught the joke.

"The one who chooses a swamp as a home may simply have strange ways. I would wish for us to leave this place be, had the goblins not marked it upon their map. We should speak with whoever resides here, and with courtesy. Yet be wary of danger!" Seiji fits a bolt into his crossbow, but keeps it lowered.

"Allow me to check, Valcrim." Treygan focuses his gaze on the shack, searching for the presence of evil.

Are you all in agreement that you would like to enter the shack, then?

"Stay behind me, lads." Valcrim insists and moves towards the door, whispers a short prayer of guidance before studying it cautiously for movement inside, or defensive contraptions, holding his shield ready, as he approaches.

Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Then, unless something is spotted, knocks on the door.

Not wanting Valcrim to face possible danger alone, Broderus moves up alongside the dwarven cleric. Holstering one weapon, his mace, he uses his free hand to push aside some of the vines and look into the empty window space. He also listens for any movement or other reaction to Valcrim's knock.

Perception - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Final position is at G-7.

Sword and shield ready, Treygan stands beside Valcrim as well, feeling his own doubts to the persons intentions as he eyes the bones, but glad for how everything was playing out thus far. "Whomever calls this place home may simply be another recluse, one the goblins planned on raiding at some point."

I7 for me

Hopefully we got to them before the goblins...I like something in the h-9 area :p

Saying nothing, Seiji carefully watches the open windows as Valcrim approaches the door.

I'll put Seiji in G9.

Sorry for the delay, gents, have been feeling crap of late.

As you approach the shack, peering through the dark and sometimes broken windows, you cannot see anything stir. Father Flinthammer's powerful paws cause the walls to shake, and the assorted ornaments hanging from the eaves to quiver, which sounds almost, and morbidly musical. Continued knocking pushes the door in on itself, and you see that nothing but the dust and detritus of a decaying shack lies within, at least within sight...

"There are none within who answer." Seiji lifts his head, doing his best to scan the inside of the hut from where he stands. "Yet there may be something to learn here. Let us look quickly, and be done with this place."

He steps forward, into the shack, taking care to test the floorboards before he walks upon them.

Perception - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Valcrim raises an eyebrow as the hut shakes at his touch "Cripes. Ain't no dwarf tha' built this sorry shack." he mutters and tries the door, not having found anything sinister on his initial inspection.

"Wait Seiji, there could be danger within!"

Broderus quickly hustles through the open doorway as well, hoping to join Seiji before any danger finds the alchemist.

Perception - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

You enter the home, and find yourselves inside a large room grown over with a variety of species of fungus on the floor, the walls, and the ceiling. The smell is musty, and the detritus floating in the air testifies to the fact that this home has not been opened in quite some time. The floor boards beneath you creak and shift violently as you step, lending to an unsettling feeling, an almost funhouse effect without the mirrors. Hanging from the rafters there are more grizzly skeletons and gords, and sachets, some so recent that there are still feathers, scales and other forms of flesh clinging to them. To the north is a small closet containing some rotten linens and pots that have not been used in quite some time, from the amount of fungus that has grown over them. Immediately to the west is the sagging entrance to another large room, through which can be seen several benches over grown with fungus and vines from a broken window.

Valcrim sniffs the air and shakes his head "Lookin' even worse in than out. 'Fore tha dump decides ta entomb us, I say we cut a couple o' wrist thick trees an' make some supports fer tha saggy rafters, fore we rummage through tha hut." he frowns "Or just leave this sorry dump ta be taken by tha swamp." as he starts doubting that there is anything worthwhile in this sorry mess of a shack.

Assume that I do not need to roll an engineering check to be able to tell that the place is about to kneel?

Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Joys will meander outside not exactly eager to walk into a building everyone is claiming is run down...

Broderus wrinkles his nose at the sorry state of the shack, especially disgusted by all of the overgrown fungus.

"Perhaps Joyabraund has the right idea in staying outside. I'm content in our victory against the goblins and undead. Why tempt fate in this deathtrap? I also cannot see the value in cutting down the swamp's vibrant, strong trees simply to support these walls for the few moments we're here. I vote to return to Sandpoint."

"Agreed. The building looks to be abandoned. Hello, anyone inside?" Treygan raises his voice, checking to see if anyone responds. If not, he looks to the other building. "Probably should at least take a quick gander inside there too, just in case."

Did I hear that right? Of course I have the right idea have you seen that building? Why don't you all come back out here and we can get back to town?

"We have followed the lead as far as this." Seiji steps outside, eyeing the other structure. "We should finish our investigation."

"Yes, yes, of course", Broderus says, a bit embarassed about completely forgetting about the second building. He walks over there and knocks soundly at the door, listening for any response.

Perception - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

There is no answer to Treygan's call save for the rustle of brush elsewhere around the shack.

Broderus does not hear or see anything in the out building, however an unnatural calm seems to have settled over the area, as the calm before a storm. The weather is balmy as usual, but when you look up, the sky is clear.

So far I got three for going back, Yamamoto Seiji wants to snoop around, and Broderus is checking out the shack. I'll get ya'll movin' along soon as yer Alchy is satisfied.

Getting no response, Broderus tries the door and if it opens, he enters the shack, moving very carefully for fear of this building collapsing as well.

If necessary,
Acrobatics - 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Also,
Perception - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

It takes some time to open the door, as it has been warped by moisture and heat, but when Broderus manages to gain entry to the outlying building, he finds not but an empty shack filled with all manner of debris one would expect to find in the wilds. Chairs too broken to be mended, scraps of linens and clothing grown over with mold and fungus. The stench of rat droppings is oppressive in this building, in particular, so much so it burns Broderus's throat to breathe, but he sees little else save for observing that the northern wall of this building has crumbled and began to admit nature to the area proper.

Seiji steps in behind Broderus. Have I known a fouler smell than that?

Perception - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Seiji sees nothing in the outlying storeroom other than what Broderus sees, a building full of decaying junk with crumbling northern wall.

Treygan will focus his gaze on the storeroom, seeking evil. If none are found, he turns to the others. "Doesn't look like much here. I'm not seeing much reason to stay, place looks abandoned for awhile now. Shall we begin trekking back to Sandpoint?"

Perception (with Detect Evil up): 1d20 ⇒ 4

Treygan detects no evil presences in any 60' cone that he is looking in, or any movement.

I got quite a bit of you pushing to go, so as long as Yamamoto Seiji is satisfied with his investigation, I'll post ya'll gettin' along soon enough.

"Yes. Let us return to Sandpoint."

"Agreed. Tha stinky shacks be kneelin' an' 'bout ta crumble. Senseless ta risk our hides."

"That sounds like a wise choice to me as well. Come Seiji let's find us a safe path back to Sandpoint."

Survival - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Having investigated the area to your current satisfaction, Broderus leads the way back through the swamp, this time, for the most on paths, so that you make good speed through the morning. You climb the hill toward the road, the treasure that Joyabraund was so eager to speak of in the town jangling on Father Flinthammer's back. Now and again, you believe you see a number of the colony of many toed cats peaking out at you from the brush, as though hoping you will drop something for them to play with. Or perhaps you have adopted the salt and fish smell of the swamp in your days here?

Lost Coast Road is still quiet and solitary, reminding you that the riches you carry would likely feed several dozen families for at least a year in the beleaguered town. Whether or not you feel like their champions, having defeated what remained of the goblin scourge and the problem of the undead in the caverns, you are fairly certain that they will react well to you bringing the news of their liberation from the terror, and your return.

The sun has begun its descent on the horizon when you spot the city proper, or, perhaps not quite so proper. Compared to the several boxes on Father Flinthammer's back, though a little roughened by exposure, the beautiful carvings upon them speak of a culture that this small town in the wilds could not possibly replicate.

As you approach the town, you are further reminded of your charge as the stench of the rotting goblin ears and Gutwad's putrifying head become more pronounced, having gotten the last of the swamp smell from you. Where shall you, Sandpoint's most recent heroes, go upon your arrival? To the Sheriff's to claim your reward, or to Ameiko Kaijutsu's Rusty Dragon?

As the group approaches Sandpoint, "Someone should probably head to Hemlock's office first. I'm sure Ameiko and her patrons wouldn't much appreciate the goblin smell too much." He ponders for a moment. "Well, I'll probably be the best to head there, so if you all want to head to the Rusty Dragon, I'll take care of Gutwad and meet you there."

Valcrim strokes his beard "Tha forge or tha Dragon? Work or ale?" he looks at the rest of the group "Reckon we should celebrate tha safe return and success o' our task, nae? An' tell tha lass o' tha letter."

Weary of the road, Seiji's thoughts drift for a moment to the comforts of the tavern, yet he finds himself following the paladin. "I will accompany you, Treygan."

Well Hemlock wont need me to count goblin ears but the taproom will surely need me to relay our deeds...besides I have a wager of sorts to collect on. Plus the whole letter thing! Joya hitches his gear and turns to the Dragon.

Remembering how he felt a bit uncomfortable around Ameiko, Broderus also joins Treygan and Seiji, "I will come with you two as well. Better to settle things first with the sheriff, before our thoughts turn to leisure."

I have enjoyed traveling with my companions, but is this the end of the road for us? With the mission completed, do we now go our separate ways? Is it already beginning?

"We'll meet you at the Rusty Dragon then."

"Let's go then. Hopin' tha taste o' hops an' barley'll wash away tha taste o' swampgas from me throat." Valcrim chuckles "An' give tha sheriff me regards, lads."

The streets are quite vacant in the early evening as you make your way through town. What little trade occurs between residents has long since concluded. What few permanent stalls there are have been shuttered for the night, and there are very few carts left , more being drawn in toward the homes of their owners. Despite this, you find that the streets are well lit, and spy deputies or militia on patrol on occasion.

Broderus, Treygan Gorski, Yamamoto Seiji

The notice that Sheriff Hemlock Balor hung at the beginning of your adventure remains outside his office. One of the heavy double doors remains open, through which the light of the building shines spills onto the street. A deputy is posted here tonight, he sniffs at the content of the bag you are holding and grimaces, but nods you ahead and into the building, his vigil over the town wavering only for a moment.

Inside you find Balor at his desk, the remains of a meal that smells no better than the trail rations you have become accustomed to stashed to one side of his desk, his elbows propped up as he peers at reports apparently recently handed to him by a young woman wearing a symbol of a key on a leather throng around her neck. He is in full fighting kit, his armor not quite gleaming, obviously well used, and seems to be in greater spirits for your entrance, though after a moment his expression turns a bit sour for the gore you have brought with you.

"I have it from the stink you were successful, to a point," he says and rises, and when he does the girl beside him looks your way, none too pleased to have been interrupted. Her face is handsome rather than beautiful, but her gray eyes betray cunning beyond her years, and patience. "Banker Hazel, I give you the new heroes of Sandpoint. Just as well you arrived when ya did," he sighs, apparently more comfortable with his drawl in your presence than in hers. "The Banker was just pressing for signatures on notice to Maginmar."

Sheriff Balor hazards a tight smile, but the Banker takes up where he left off. "The greatest bounty was for proof that you have disposed of the Licktoad Chieftan," she peers at Treygan Gorski. "I will accept his word that that which you present is authentic."

You should have 15 goblin ears and Gutwad's head, I believe.

Joyabraund Northropple, Valcrim Flinthammer

Even from without, the atmosphere about the Dragon is a great deal less subdued than the streets. Those folk who have braved the goblin threat, or perhaps too cowardly to leave believing themselves sieged have been catered to exclusively by the ever radiant Ameiko Kaijutsu. As you enter, you find her behind her bar, chatting with a dark and weathered character sporting multiple chains of precious metals and glittering rings on his fingers, as well as a dangerous looking scimitar at his hip, its sheath attached to his thigh by a bit of weapon cord as though he is one used to moving quickly with little obstruction. Valcrim, you recognize your friend and mentor Koya sits at a table a few feet away, a smile on her face as the youth converse. To Joyabraund the elder cleric appears a wash of colors that the Varisian people favor, her hair parted and plaited, decorated with ribbons and beads in a festive manner.

Ameiko looks up as Valcrim enters, her eyes widening at the litter he bears across his back, and Koya leans intently forward, her eyes and mind quick despite the decades she wears on her weather beaten face.

"Father!" Ameiko calls out Valcrim and waves cheerily. "Dispatched for goblins and return bearing riches unknown to us," she says, her eyes alight. She looks to Joyabraund and smiles. "Like as not, there is a tale in this. Ale and my best trimmings on the house, my friends. And for yours, when they arrive, too."

As the dwarf and halfling enter Joya leans to Valcrim, See? The humans don't know whats good for them. The right and proper reward will always be waiting but the fringe benefits are best enjoyed when he adventure is fresh and the people are excited! Think of how many mugs of porter I will get through before they even get back!

Joya waves at Ameiko and eagerly takes to her offers nodding at Koya whose sight catches his eye. Its not Sandru at the bar is it? Because I know him...just checking.

The little man almost shakes with excitement as he enters the taproom. Eventually he just stands looking desperately between table and stage.Food, Story or Drink. I'm having trouble deciding! Someone tell me what to do!

"By my honor as a paladin in service to the Dawnflower, this is indeed the head of the chieftan. As well as the requested ears of 15 of his tribesmen. I can't say we rooted out every single one of the creatures, but they won't be burning any more caravans for a good while."

And shall we tell them of what else we chanced upon? Seiji looks down at the floorboards, not speaking.

Looking sideways at Seiji, Broderus shifts his weight uncomfortably and focuses his gaze on a spot on the sheriff's desk. Back in civilization, he is clearly out of his element and doesn't remotely resemble the confident guide of just a few hours ago.

Nevertheless, he licks his lips deliberately and looks up at Sheriff Balor and the banker, Hazel. "We also encountered a bit of an undead problem in some caves by the river. A couple of skeletons..."

Valcrim chuckles with the excited halfling "Aye, lad. Tha hotter tha steel, tha better ye can work it. First order on me part will be ta get tha taste o' goblin swamp outta me mouth! Lass, a stein o' yer strongest brew, if ye'd kindly!" he calls to Ameiko.

Then he settles by Koya's table. "Good ta see ye, old friend. Yer guidance in me priestly trainin' may be part o' tha reason some o' tha young'uns be standin today." he smiles and lifts his glass in a toast "A share o' tha glory be rightly yers." he insists.

The term Valcrim should have used is "Strike while the iron is hot". I really should not post at 7 in the morning, when stressing to get out the door."

Joya scrunches his face at the dwarf. I see. I see.

Nodding to himself Joyabraund approaches the area of the tavern that will serve as his pedestal and prepares himself to tell the tale of his blooming career as an adventurer.

Ladies! Gentleman! A tale of the NEW heroes of Sandpoint...

Perform: Oratory 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 YYYUUUHHHEEESS!!!!

Joya recalls each detail with vigor and precision. The goblins on the run. Fireworks as weapons. The dead rise and mysterious treasure. Joya surely loses sight of the fact that they have not yet talked to Ameiko about what they found, too caught in the excitement of his revel and performance to consider such details...