Hu5tru Runs Jade Regent
Game Master Hu5tru

Father Flinthammer enters the house, and his darkvision gives him the ability to see that Warden Proudstump is attempting to hide in the shadows beneath the stairs. Treygan enters on his heels, and the only illumination in the poorly house is through the obstructed windows and now the door, casting all manner of shadows within the foyer. Despite this, it is easy to tell that there has been some manner of struggle in this room (no perception needed), and there is blood and drag marks through it on the floor. Unfortunately, even with Father Flinthammer's direction, Treygan does not actually see the Warden. Yamamoto Seiji and Joyabraund, for the moment remain outside.

Round 3

"This is my place now!" the warden hisses, stepping out from behind the stairs. "You all get out!"

Warden Slam attack vs Treygan's AC 18 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 if he hits, he will attempt to grab for 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 vs Treygan's CMD 13 and Treygan will take 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage.

The warden's feeble attempt to strike Treygan fails, and he is winded by the effort.

Sorry for being slow today, head has been in a strange place. Since Treygan delayed till after Valcrim last, that's where he'll act from now on.

Current Map

Initiative Recap:
Warden, Valcrim, Treygan, Broderus, Seiji, Joyabraund.

"You leave us no choice! Friends, this evil must be stopped!" Treygan draws steel and strikes at the warden.

Attack w/ PA 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

edited my post.

Treygan tell me that you know he is evil please. Joyabraund isn't sure that you have "confirmation from god" which puts me in a weird bind ;-p

As the warden leaps out to claw out the paladin's throat Valcrim roars "Ye've shown yer intent, ya nasty little bugger!" and strikes with his hammer Attack:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15, Damage:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 and steps down one square to make sure he cannot take advantage of the stairs, and also let Broderus enter melee.

He's attacking my companions! NOOOO!!!!

That's it! You've made your choice, and I won't let you hurt my friends!

Broderus enters melee with a frantic look on his face and attacks with both his longsword and light mace.

Attack (longsword): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11, Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Attack (light mace): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4, Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I do not understand, but my companions are threatened. I must act.

Seiji rushes forward to E9. Resting his crossbow on the interior of the frame (firing from the bottom-left corner of his square), Seiji looses a bolt at the warden.

Attack Roll (Crossbow) - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
If it hits, it deals 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 points of damage.

I was trying to shoot from the bottom-left corner to avoid cover, but I'm still technically firing through a doorway. If cover need be applied to my attack roll, just subtract 4 from the result.

Round 2 Summary
Father Flinthammer's warhammer finds purchase on the warden, but he can feel that the blow does not damage as well as he feels it should. Treygan's mighty scimitar comes down in an arc across the Warden's chest, parting his flesh and showing bone. Broderus's furious attacks fail to find purchase on the warden, though his intent is fierce. Yamamoto Seiji's crossbow bolt manages to avoid the hulking impediment that Father Flinthammer and his mail impose through the doorway and strikes the warden in his breast, breaking ribs and tearing vital organs.

The warden falls without so much as a cry. When he lands, his flesh ripples, and becomes mottled. What was once the warden's face is replaced by a rust orange and brown flesh interrupted only by a narrow orifice through which peaks a forked tongue. Clearly, this is no halfling.

Combat End.

"By tha coals o' Torags own forge! What be this abomination?" Valcrim says in abject disgust and turns to Treygan "Gled we had yer nose fer evil here, lad. Who knows what havoc this beast could wreak if he got inta town an' start impersonatin' people!"

Valcrim shakes his head and looks around for clues as to what actually went down here "We should find tha remains o' tha real warden an' put him in tha ground proper."

"Yes, as long as there is a real warden, as I'm inclined to believe by his words. Valcrim and Seiji, you two want to look down here while Joyabraund and I check upstairs? Broderus can you take a look around the shack outside? Keep an eye for freshly turned ground, in case he's already dead."

What in the world? Joyaraund scuttles over to the body and thoughtfully prods it with his boot. Kno Dungeon or Nature? Same bonus: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Yeah I'll never doubt your flair for declaring the sins of men or beast alike Treygan! I do hope the Warden lives! I'll look around up stairs!

With sword and shield in hand Joaybraund ascends the stairs poking about in earnest looking for other threats and halflings alike. Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Seiji says nothing, but the concern on his face is evident. It was a ruse. How easily the others saw through it...

He reloads his crossbow and follows Joyabraund up the stairs.

Perception - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Valcrim silently nods in acknowledgment at Treygan's request, and starts looking around.

Perception1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"Of course Treygan, I'd be glad to look outside."

Broderus moves towards the front door but then furls his brow and pauses for a long moment. Looking at some spot on the ground, he solemnly intones, "Valcrim, Treygan, I want to apologize for what happened back there. You two were on to this creature's deception from the very start, while I was completely on the wrong track... And then when combat started, I wasn't very effective by your side. His words begin to trail off into a mumble, "And it's not the first time I let someone down either... Some ranger and guide I am..."

He takes one final parting look at the corpse on the ground and then heads outside to finish his circumvention of the cabin.

Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Joyabraund's examination of the remains triggers a memory of others that he has studied before in the vein of abberations, and he identifies the creature as a Faceless Stalker. Evil by design, these monsters have the ability to assume any small form to disguise themselves.

Broderus

Moving around the exterior of the house, you generally see more of the same, that it is in poor repair, but you can follow the trail left by your foe to a low, likely once decorative fence abutting the shore. Within is the Warden's garden, in which it is quite apparent that the struggle between the halfling and the abomination began. The tall grass is stamped down and splattered with blood, and several snakes lay dead. If you try the door leading to the house, you will find it barred, but your companions are near.

Father Flinthammer and Treygan Gorski

Without a threat, the details of the ground floor of the Warden's shack become available to you. In the entrance, you find several potted plants smashed in an obvious struggle. The door from which Broderus entered reveals the dining room, once likely far more opulent than its current ruinous state, and in the corner a larder stocked with relatively fresh meat and hearty root vegetables, as well as rather odd collection of mismatched bottles stored here and there. The small room beside the dining room is a storage room of sorts, filled with various bird and mice cages, likely to feed the Warden's snakes.

Yamamoto Seiji and Joyabraund Northropple

As you ascend the stairs, the entire house seems to shift and screech in protest of your movement, giving an unsettling funhouse feeling, especially considering the adrenaline ramp of the combat.

All

As Seiji reaches the landing, the boards groan perilously. Shortly thereafter a voice calls out - "Killt that b*astard, have ye?"

"Bah! Nonsense, lad. Ye tried yer best, an' noone be dead. Next time, it'll be someone else, an' then someone else, 'til we all mess up somethin'" Valcrim slaps Broderus on the shoulder "'Sides, ye think anyone gets through ta this life and into tha next without lettin' someone down? That's what mistakes are for, lad; we learn an' grow!"

As the voice calls down, Valcrim laughs heartily "Well I'll be a gnome's uncle! Now be tellin' us quick Walthus, what be tha name o' tha tavern in Sandpoint, an' yer favored drink. Just so we know it be ye!"

Seiji tenses at the voice, and instinctively tries to move more quietly.

Stealth - 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

When Valcrim responds, Seiji stops and waits to hear the unknown voice reply.

Finishing his investigations outside, Broderus returns to the warden's home, only to find the door now barred. Scratching his head in confusion, he hears voices on the other side and quietly knocks on the door with the head of his mace. "Everything alright in there? I've been locked outside somehow. Can you let me back in?"

He then pulls away and raises his head as high as it will go. Straining his ears, he listens.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Voices ringing through a rickety house. Creatures wearing faces not their own. Nothing is clear.

"Which tavern?" comes a weak response. Joyabraund and Yamamoto Seiji cannot fail to notice a halfling with large, tired eyes, a pale and clammy face and dark hair peering out at you from the head of the stairs. "There were two or three," a filthy and bandaged hand rubs at his hair. "Why would I go there? Just more bothersome people, and I'd have to pay for drinks," the last is a bit softer, bordering on mumbling and you have to strain to hear.

"Treygan. Valcrim." Seiji speaks in a low voice. "There is a being here, with the appearance of a halfling. It seems you both possess some sight that the rest of us do not." He begins backing down the stairs, his crossbow trained on the halfling at the top. "Perhaps you will have a look?"

Valcrim studies the halfling closely, considering his words, tone and body language.

Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Sense Motive:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"Good 'nuff for me. If ye were another o' these creatures, I reckon ye'd skedaddle while we fought tha first one." he concludes and looks to Treygan "I assume his soul nae be tainted?"

Growing a bit concerned, Broderus doubles back and reenters the house through the window he shattered earlier. He arrives at the foot of the stairs just as Seiji begins backing down and Valcrim gives his response.

He also looks up at the halfling straining to see or feel something he may have missed earlier. Muttering a quiet prayer to Erastil,

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 5

Treygan comes up the stairs and takes a look at the halfling. "Let's take a look."

Is my pally-sense tingling?

The bard waves his hand at the group on the edge of "overly" excited. "Faceless Stalker" is what it was called. And wouldn't this one try to eat us too if he was one? The poor guy was assaulted in his house and now has townsfolk giving him the up and down!

Joyabraund puts away his various and sundry weapons. Can I get you anything? A drink? A chair? A pillow?

The halfling smiles weakly at Joyabraund. "Aye, a drink'll do, methinks," he sighs, coming out from behind his hiding spot to be seen more fully. "Haven't the strength ta try ye, really," he continues and scratches his filthy hair with an equally filthy hand and tries to smile.

If you allow him, Warden Proudstump begins moving down the stairs. "Were that my window ye broke earlier?" he inquires, seeming a bit in a daze. "I know it ain't look like much, and, I be grateful for ye putting that monster to heel, but glass ain't the easiest to transport here. Nor finished timber..."

"Not seeing any evil on this Warden Proudstump. Doesn't mean he's still not deceiving us, but I think we should give him a chance. A broken window is a small price to pay for vanquished evil, but when we head back to Sandpoint, I'll see about covering the costs of the repairs."

"You still seem to be in pain though. How badly injured are you? Anything broken?"

"Nay, nothin' broke," the warden says. "That thing bit me and ate up mah strength. Was lucky to get loose, really," he chuckles sadly, "and he never thought to check the house."

Are such creatures common in the swamps around here? We came looking for goblins but perhaps this is a larger problem we might confront if it is a danger to the town... Joyabraund talks over his shoulder as he navigates the house looking for the makings of a drink to serve the warden.

As Joyabraund makes his way about the house the halfling will stop at Treygan and kick him in the shins with his foot. What they don't teach manners in your fancy order? He was assaulted and forced to hid in his own house! BE nice to him! "Doesn't mean he's still not deceiving us" indeed! Manners!

Valcrim takes note of the broken window and starts piecing every shard into its place, and repeatedly casting "mending" to fix it while the others talk and check up on the warden. Likely takes a while, but the dwarf seems nothing if not patient with tedious tasks.

"Good as new. As fer fixin' strength, me spells be nae up to tha task. I reckon' we double back an' find ye a bed an' a nurse. Cannae have ye sittin' round a bog in yer shape. Durned skeeters are likely ta finish ye now, let alone gobbos an' whatever monsters be callin' this place home." he insists "An' ye can be tellin' us more about yer proverbial back yard and it's going ons while we get ye aide."

Walthus Proudstump shows you to the dining room, as mentioned before, the only room with chairs, and after a brief tour of his larder returns with several unmarked bottles, which he sets on the table, then takes one for himself and sits at the head of the table and takes a long pull at the drink.

"Common?" he repeats when Joyabraund inquires, and scratches at his chin. "Cannot say as I've seen a one in the years I've lived here," he says.

"Now, goblins is another story," he continues. "Them Lickwads? Licktoes? Toothy green b*stards been riled up of late," he states and takes another long pull on his bottle, then sighs loudly and smiles. "You'll find their compound of the Old Trail, bout an hours walk," he volunteers. "Skilled though I am with climbin' feets and bow to snipe those little sh*ts till they can't breed no mores, weren't what? four or five nights back they lit up the sky."

Walthus shakes his head. "Ain't seen nothin' like it 'fore. Fire, sure," he shrugs and takes another drink. "Aye, cousin, whatcha mumblin' bout back there? Large boy like you, could stand to eat huh? What about you boys? Can't say as I've fished of late for fresh fry, but least I could do is get some warm food in ye. Tell ya what, you wanna mow down them critters and have a place to stay after, yer welcome to mah rooms."

Seiji removes the loaded bolt from his crossbow and carefully springs the trigger. After the weapon hangs safely from his belt, he turns his attention back to Proudstump. "I am very sorry to have treated you this way. That creature, the 'faceless stalker,' as Joyabraund calls it, was skilled in deceit; I was entirely fooled. Because of this, I thought it best to choose caution over courtesy when you made your presence known. I hope you will accept my apology and allow me to assist you in some way."

Broderus also stows his weapons and bows slightly, "Ah warden, my apologies as well. It was I who shattered your window earlier in my haste to get inside, and I was completely fooled by that fiend too. I've seen the bodies of some of your snakes outside, and it looks like they defended their master honorably. Are you sure you'll be able to manage on your own while we deal with the goblins or should we help you get back to Sandpoint first? As my friend Valcrim has already repaired your window, is there anything else I can do to assist you?"

Broderus stands back and awaits the warden's answer. However, he does not sit down, and it is clear by his posture and expression that he is eager to resume their expedition and redeem himself for his failings here.

Valcrim continues working on various flaws, humming a monotonous "tune" as he goes Perform (Sing):1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3, which is about as pleasant to listen to as the noise of his tools at work.

"So ye sayin' ye dinnae want ta follow us back ta sandpoint fer medical care?" he calls over his shoulder when Walthus offers food and lodging.

MMhhhmmm food! And a place to stay is always nice. I can help clean up if you like and I know some simple recipes from my Mah. As long as you are feeling up to it there is no greater honor than the hospitality of home!

Joyabraund fidgets about the room looking for a place to start helping but conscious of waiting for the warden to either accept help or ask Joyabraund to kindly shut up. Apparently Torage teaches nothing of carrying a tune. If that is to be a habit a lesson is in order for sure!

"I will help Joyabraund cook and clean. You have been through quite the ordeal. Rest." Seiji eyes Proudstump carefully. "If you will not return to Sandpoint, perhaps you will allow me to look over your wounds? I have some expertise in medicine."

Heal - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 (Trying to get a sense of how wounded he is.)

"Ain't got gold for the fancy healin'," Proudstump says and looks as though he would like to spit. "Other tha' that, ain't got no reason to go ta town."

A sly smile creases the corner of his lips. " 'Sides, ain't like I got no practice layin' low."

The contents of the warden's larder leave much to be desired, but you find enough to make a proper meal for the lot of you. Over it, Warden Proudstump explains how, contrary to Shalelu's condescending assessment, he has been following the developments in the goblin camp for some time. As he said earlier, he occasionally infiltrates and kills a few females to keep the group from getting uppity, but they changed recently, within a few days of a fire he saw burning from their position.

If you show him your map of the area, the Warden points out the location of the goblin village located at point H and tells you that if you are eager to be away you can reach the compound today, but he'd gladly host you overnight if you would prefer to have a full day ahead of you.

Remember that moving off the trails significantly reduces your traveling speed, and there is a river bisecting the shortest distance. Let me know how you plan to assault the little monsters in your next posts and we'll move on from there.

"Hmmm...," Broderus listens carefully to what Proudstump says and looks over the map, doing some calculations in his head. "Any idea about the camp's defenses or how many guards they have?"

Waiting for the warden's response, he also turns to his companions and says, "It'll be tough going trudging through these marshlands. I say we take this trail off the road (points to B) and follow it all the way to the camp. Maybe we can get off the trail at the last moment and hit them unawares from the west. In any case, I'm eager to get started, but I think we should rest tonight and start tomorrow at dawn. I'd hate to get caught in their filthy grasp in the middle of the night!"

Valcrim beams a grin as Walthus tells of his goblin slaying "Well dip me in moss an' call me an elf! Anyone who be killin' gobbos be a good sort in tha eyes o' Torag!" he proclaims as he sticks his tools back in his belt.

"I be assumin' that this here line be a river. An' everyone know that dwarves cannae swim. So I reckon we best be takin' tha trail. Not sure if we should investigate tha ones that branch off, so we nae get any nasty surprises jumpin' out backs, or if we best be goin' in hard so tha gobbos nae wise up ta us." he muses and looks to the others for their opinion on the matter.

"I like Broderus's suggestion, though circling around will depend on the terrain when we get close. We'll have to see what we're up against as we near their encampment. I don't imagine that they would erect any kind of defensive fortification on their own, but it's possible they've inhabited a structure built by others. Now traps on the other hand are a worry. Especially with these fireworks. I'm not entirely sure what to expect until we find the source of them."

Treygan pauses before resuming speaking. "Warden, I apologize for my words earlier. I was merely exercising caution, but may have spoken out of place. I hope you can forgive my words."

"Oh, there's walls, and watch towers," the warden corrects Treygan's erroneous assumption. "Can't rightly say who built em, as I've only been here a few years, but its been as long as I've known. Proper fortress you might say. Good thing gobbos got sh*t for brains, and lazy to boot and don't think to clear the brush and trees," he says and cackles with some glee.

"Nevermind it lads," he dismisses apologies. "You ain't done no harm on me. But, might I be askin' if one of ye healthy folk pull that carcass out from under me stairs. Leave it for me to do proper, like as not will stink up the place and make us all sick."

Joyabraund struggles to keep his mouth shut as Valcrim's various declarations about Torag liking goblin slaying (who knew the god was so preoccupied with goblins?) and everyone knowing that dwarves can't swim (which Joyabraund knew but if Torag valued proper planning wouldn't he correct that glaring tactical oversight?) stun his tongue to stillness in an effort to stay on the cleric's good side.

As the group reviews the map Joyabraund merely nods taking more time to watch the other men and gauge their natures so he could accurately recount them in tales later.

At the mention of the body Joyabraund bounces from his position at the table and begins the process of moving the body. Did we check you for treasure little fiend? The bard looks over the body for any sort of treasure while he drags the creature outside. Perception! 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Treygan feels his spirits lift at the Warden's words, then gives a chuckle at Joyabraund's actions. "After you're done giving him a once over, Joyabraund, give me a holler. I think I'll go start up a hole for the little bugger. I'm not so good with mending windows, but I think I can handle that much at least. Broderus, would you give me a hand? Probably best to bury him a bit off, and I'd be liable to end up sinking in the swamp on my own."

Joyabraund discovers on the creature only a set of damaged leather armor sized for small creatures.

As several have mentioned that they wish to stay the night and travel in the morning via the trails, let me know now what you would like your watch order to be. If you feel as though you need to RP burying the creepy thing, go ahead and do so. If not, I'll move us along shortly.

Seiji is quiet for several moments, leaving the talk of strategy to the others as he looks over Proudstump's wounds. "It appears this bite you received drained some of your vitality. I can do nothing that rest cannot do better, but while I am here, I will undertake household tasks for you in order that you might get such rest."

Upon seeing Joyabraund moving the body, Seiji goes to assist him. "I will take the torso, and you the legs. Is this acceptable?" After the creature's remains have been taken outside, Seiji helps Treygan and Broderus bury it. Strange, this monster. I hope we have seen the last of its kind.

Wiping the muck off his hands, Broderus looks with satisfaction at the work he, Seiji, and Treygan did. "I wonder if that creature had any connection to the increased goblin activity in the area?"

He thoughtfully rubs the stubble on his face for a moment and continues, "Even if it didn't, we probably shouldn't take any chances tonight. I've been on the other end of not being properly prepared, and it doesn't work out well for anyone. I'm a pretty early riser, so how does this sound for our watch: Seiji you go first with Joyabraund, then Valcrim, Treygan, and I can follow on individual shifts. This way we can keep an eye out for enemies tonight and give Proudstump a chance to get a good night's sleep."

"Yer plan be sensible. Leave tha darkest hours o' night fer me, what with me ability ta see in tha dark." Valcrim gives Seiji a nod "If Seiji nae be mindin' tha task, he should tend ta Walthus throughout our stay, so he be findin' his feet well 'nuff 'fore we leave."

After that, Valcrim spends time creating fresh water first for various cleaning, sanitary and cooking purposes, finding tasks to busy himself.

"I do not mind at all. I would be pleased to do this for our host."

Assuming ya'll have naught else to do in the evening time.

When night descends on the swamps its less savory creatures are free to move as they wont. A feeling of disquiet haunts the run down shack as all is silent for what seems like a quarter of an hour, the warden's wood burning stove and his lamps the only points of light in the entire swamp. First one and then gradually another cricket chirp, and quickly thereafter the sounds of smaller inhabitants of this damp land begin singing and responding to another. Now and then you hear the sounds of what must be waves sloshing against the shore very close to the shack, or perhaps rather large fish beating themselves against it with the intent of entering. Whatever the sounds, the Warden does not seem spooked in the least, and retires early, after identifying a small room with several medium sized bunks stacked one atop another where you can sleep. If you search the room, you find that the mattresses are actually rather well kept, and there is a chest with fresh smelling blankets, and buried beneath them, several aging trinkets that might amuse men like cards and a chess board with several small disc pieces from several sources, including gambling chits, small coin from far and wide, and wine caps.

The night passes with little interruption. You wake in the morning refreshed, and eager to take on the day. Walthus wakes a little later, and if you are willing to wait, will make you a proper halfling breakfast.

Oh I am waiting for a *proper* halfling breakfast!

Joyabraund spends his evening (and morning too) tending to the warden's home and cleaning and arranging as best he can. Occasionally he stops to make an odd face at some piece of detritus or thinks better of dealing with a certain stack or pile if it seems too much to deal with.

Joyabraund casts his magic playfully, using a mix of playacting, fun voices and limericks to track about the house using prestidigitation to scrub floors, clean windows and generally be neat and tidy trying his best to be useful to Valcrim's own household efforts and not get in the way.

In the morning Joybraund checks his gear and sets himself up proper to leave when needed. He relishes breakfast with enthusiasm. So today we meet goblins! Assault their fortress! Smash their gates!...Everyone should remember that if they catch on fire they should roll around on the ground. I bet those green weirdos will turn those fireworks on us in a heartbeat!