Old Guy's Wrath of the Righteous Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Jeff Przybylo

She turns to the patrol leader

I understand you have a duty to continue patrolling, with your leave I would like to escort these newly met ones alongside those of your own people they are already journeying with. That way they get back to Neatholm and you are able to continue your patrol

"Patrol was sent to find Lann and guards at tower. We go back now. Take bodies if blind one says, but are many more to find." He gives a siganl, and four of his patrol move over and secure the corpses for travel. Then they move out, not waiting to see if you follow.

"Despite their brusqueness, following the local natives will probably be our best means of escaping this benighted hole." He looks to their guide. "No offense intended, it's just... not our proverbial cup of tea."

As the situation is defusing, Lucille puts her coiled whip back on her belt. Then she touches Anevia lightly on the shoulder. "We'll find her," she says softly. "Whatever's happened, we'll find her."

Then she turns to Horgus. "Can you give me a hand with this body?" indicating one of the dead Templars. "I'll carry it myself, but I need help lifting it." Once he's done so, she thanks him sincerely and profusely.

Dieter eagerly accepts the masterwork chain shirt from Bollwerk, and changes from his leather armor. "Bollwerk, would you mind carrying this leather armor? I'm afraid the added weight would burden my fighting style. You are of the strapping sort, and it seems it would affect you less. I would be happy to split the price it would fetch at sale for your effort."

"I will carry it. But let us worry about things like that... later. But
I appreciaty the offer!" Putting the armor in his backpack Bollwerk moves closer to their leading local. "I hope, I do not overstep my bonds, but I am curious. Who leads you. And if it is allowed, to wich gods to you pray?"

As the situation is defusing, Lucille puts her coiled whip back on her belt. Then she touches Anevia lightly on the shoulder. "We'll find her," she says softly. "Whatever's happened, we'll find her."

She gives you a quick nod, setting her jaw firmly.

Then she turns to Horgus. "Can you give me a hand with this body?" indicating one of the dead Templars. "I'll carry it myself, but I need help lifting it." Once he's done so, she thanks him sincerely and profusely.

Horgus looks at you, then the body, then back at you as if to say are you crazy? , but then he bends down and helps you lift. He can't get away from it fast enough though, and tries in vain to scrub his hands with a dirty silk handkerchief.

Putting the armor in his backpack Bollwerk moves closer to their leading local. "I hope, I do not overstep my bonds, but I am curious. Who leads you. And if it is allowed, to wich gods to you pray?"

The man looks you over, barely disguising his distaste for your tiefling heritage. There's irony for you, eh?

"Sull is chief. We worship as our fathers did. Lady of Justice is our guide."

With a sigh Bollwerk nods. Lady Justice, sometimes I wish I had lesser shoulders. But as you gifted me with broad, just pile on!"

Waiting to ensure everyone is ready on moving out, Farasha will take up a position in between the patrol and the new group.

Addressing them open to anyone to respond!
Greetings, I am Farasha, priestess of Desna she smiles tightly, gripping her bow as she casts her gaze around, evidently still looking out for potential threats

I signed up to the crusade, I take it you too are all crusaders?

The patrol sets out with all of you, the wounded, and the bodies of the fake crusaders. The going is slow, but nothing untoward happens. The patrol leads you through a maze of tunnels, and it's fortunate to have them, or you would have spent needless time searching for the right path.

Eventually you come a smaller cave with a crude gate at one end. The guards there quickly jump to arms when your group enters, but relax when they recognize Lann and the others. You are all given strange looks as you pass the gate, and it's clear they've never seen this many surface dwellers in one place.

Quickly Lann leads you into the larger cave beyond. It is the largest cavern you've seen so far, large enough to house a good-sized village. It is dimly lit with a greenish glow coming from lichen on and about the walls. All of the buildings of the village are clustered behind a wooden palisade located on a small island. This island is in the center of a dark lake, accessible via a single, narrow bridge.

Word spreads, and soon many of the villagers come to see the newcomers. The narrow streets are full of persons with various mutations, all eager to see the 'uplanders'. It is so crowded, in fact, that you are forced into a single file, and many of the people reach out to touch you as pass. Horgus is clearly revolted, and does his best to try to avoid being touched. Several call out to Farasha by name, and seem to be on familiar terms with her.

The road leads up to the top of the island, where a large home sits. On it's wide, flat porch sits this man, who rises to greet you.

"Welc-come to Neatholm, uplanders. I am S-Sull, chief of these people. Why h-have you come to our village?"

Feel free to have discussions on the trip here (i.e. answer Farasha, question), or otherwise talk to the Chief.

On the way to the village."I will try to get us passage, I know we all want to reach the surface as soon as possible. If there is anything you would like to say, any hints, any suggestions, just speak now.
When reaching the chief.
"May the lady of valor protect you and your folk, Sir Sull. I am called Bollwerk, and my companions and me trek to reach the surface. We had the chance to meet some of your folks and they brought us to you. We would ask for the right of passage and ask to be given the law of hospitality. I wish we could offer more in exchange, but our wish for your prosperity and our prayers. If there is anything you would like to know, please ask."

Kazul sports his new chain shirt, as he looks around and waits for Bollwerk to finish. "The demons have broken through Kenabres' protections and the grand silver dragon is dead. We need to return post haste to the surface to save our city."

"The d-demons have b-roken through you say? and the G-great One is d-dead?" The crowd around the mumurs at this statement and some cry out in surprise. Chief Sull raises his hand for silence. "We have suspected for some t-time that s-something was brewing. The f-fakes ones have been b-busy of late." He points to the bodies of the cultists. "But we d-di not expect this. You b-bring dire tidings, surface-dweller."

Turning to Bollwerk, Chief Sull says: "Down here the r-right of passage is not g-given but earned. And you will earn yours. I c-cannot give it to you b-because it is not m-mine to give. The passage to the surface is b-blocked by another t-tribe, an enemy. They have fallen in w-with those," he points again, "and they w-will not suffer you to pass. Yes, you will earn it."

He looks out amongst the crowd, stepping forward through you to address them. "My people! Long have we waited for this moment. Hidden here for generations, afraid to go forth and show our faces, sons and daughters of the First Crusaders! Now, Kenabres is burning, the Great Silver Lady is dead. Now is our time to fight!" The crowd erupts in cheering, the echoes raging throughout the cavern. Chief Sull turns to you.

"Indeed you w-will earn it, and we are with you. I will s-send scouts to g-gather the allied tribes. You must force the p-passage. Lann will guide. W-when you reach the surface, t-tell them the First Children are w-with them. Rest n-now and heal. You c-can set out tomorrow."

Now you will strike the first blows to retake Kenabres. You have a small village resource, what are you doing before tomorrow?

"And if your intention is to fight the followers of the pit, I am the first to welcome to the fight. My father told me early judge the soul, not the vessel. I salute your valor and I will gladly join shoulder to shoulder to you are any of you. Even every kind word, a helping hand is appreciated!"
Gathering his posture, he continues."If those who follow the fallen intent to block our way, I will show them. I will show them what one who believes in the code can do, if angered. I ask just for a little rest, because some of my comrades are wounded."

Rewinding just a bit...

Lucille smiles at Farasha's question. "Crusader? Goodness no, I'm a farmhand and horse trainer. I promised my daddy I'd come up to Kenabres and talk to the recruiters -- he and momma were Crusaders back in the day -- but it won't hurt my feelings none if they turn me down. And I reckon they will. I'm a tolerable shot, but nothing special."

And back to the present...

Lucille nods at the chiefs words. "Thank you, sir, for your help. What can you tell us about this other tribe? Do you know numbers, or anything about their territory?"

As they leave the chief's presence, Lucille will take Horgus aside. "Sir, if you're raring to come with us and fight our way out you're welcome to one of my weapons. But it might be better if you stayed here and watched over the wounded -- I'd rest a mite easier knowing there was somone able-bodied and trustworthy like you watching out for them. The First Children seem like a good sort, but you never know if there might be a couple of spies among them from this other tribe."

That night, Lucille will scrounge around town for whatever she can find that might help. Things she is particularly looking for: caltrops, smokesticks, sunrods, any alchemical splash weapons, and of course, black powder. Maybe a dagger or two for throwing.

"We are honored by your confidence, and are eager to join you in taking arms against the demons and their vile servants." Having no immediate needs (unless, of course, they happen to have a masterwork rapier lying around), he spends time taking in the remarkable sights of the cavern and the subterranean village.

Here are the stats for Neathholm. Mundane items are available within reason, but no more than 1d2 of each. No black powder, sorry Lucille. You have a one-time 25% discount on buying items, and resell is at 75% (instead of 50%) for saving Lann's companion.One-time meaning this is your opportunity to grab stuff, before you leave tomorrow.

NEATHHOLM
LN Village
Corruption +0; Crime –5; Economy –2; Law +2; Lore –1; Society –4
Qualities insular
Danger –5
DEMOGRAPHICS
Government overlord
Population 138 (100% mongrelmen)
NOTABLE NPCS
Chief Sull (LN male mongrelman ranger 2)
Seer Opoli (LN male mongrelman witch 3)
MARKETPLACE
Base Value 200 gp; Purchase Limit 1,000 gp; Spellcasting 2nd
Minor Items +1 arrows (8), +1 buckler, ring of protection +1,
earth elemental gem

State what you want to get, and/or are doing, and I will move it on once everyone is done.

Lucille, from the Chief: "They are s-strong. T-too strong for us to defeat them, for they h-have allied with uplander c-cultists, like the ones you have brought here. That is all I can t-tell you.

Sweet Lucille
I think at this juncture we can dispense with who signed a contract and who didn;t, all those of good heart are fighting the good fight after all.

she takes a slightly more officious tone, though the smile dancing at the corners of her lips betray the lighthearted nature of her next words As a properly sanctioned crusader, I hereby officially recognise you as a fellow crusader, having fought through demons and darkness on behalf of your fellows

She smiles

later at Neatholme
Farasha is glad to be out of the tunnels for now, and back to a place she is at least passingly familiar with. She greets those calling her name warmly, stopping to hold a baby at one point, passing a few words of conversation with the parents and tousling the hair of some of the children as the returning patrol moved down the street.

She greets Chief Sull with respect then settles down to listen to the conversation. Once he explains the situation she is thoughtful before speaking

Well I would join with you to forge this pathway back to the surface if you are willing to accept my company she addresses the party.

"I for one, would be honored to have you join our band of surface seekers. Welcome"

Kazul looks Farasha over. "Sure, we'd be glad to have you." Kazul is fine with equipment so he looks to see if he can grab a warm meal and a a bath, if possible, and rest till next day.

Answering Farasha on the way over, Fabian says, "It was my hope to become a crusader, and to begin fighting to defend Mendev. I suppose that is what I am doing now, but the beginning came in a manner rather different from what I had intended. I'm a man of magic myself. Somewhat to my shame, I did not grow up strong enough to be capable with weapons as my adoptive mother, Alissa Moldanado, a Paladin of Iomedae."

In response to chief Sull, Fabian says, "If there are infiltrators from the Temple of the Ivory Labyrinth sullying the name of the Inheritor down here, then it is only right for us to confront them and defeat them, even if we did not need to prove ourselves to you. I, at least, will take on this task."

Nodding to Anevia and Aravashnail, he says, "We have injured companions whom we are trying to help get back to the surface with us. While we're confronting these cultists and the tribe that have allied with them, could you please provide them with safe lodging? In addition, this man,"

Fabian nods in the direction of Horgus, "is an important and respected noble from Kenbares, and we would be most grateful if he could also stay with you while we confront the cultists."

In response to Farasha's offer to return to the surface, Fabian bows shallowly. "I, for one, would welcome your aid in our quest to return to the surface to participate in the defense of Kenbares."

Bollwerk, Kazul, Fabian, it will be a pleasure to fight with you

she performs a short bow.

Now before we move out, does anyone need healing?

"I have some minor wounds. It would be better to go at my best into battle, than say it is more than a little wound. It is, but little wounds can add up."

Farasha smiles at Bollwerk, and invites him and anyone else in need of healing to attend her. She moves gracefully in supplication, arms beseeching the unseen sky, and you swear motes of light flicker all around you like stars on a cloudless night.

positive channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Channel 3/4

FYI, it won't be an issue to heal the group, you have a night's rest ahead you.

Whats the order of march? You are entering enemy territory. Anevia, Aravashnial, and Horgus will stay behind at Neathholm.

Kazul first, stealthing in, falchion in one hand, javelin in the other.

Second in line.

Ah well we can all have a night's rest to recover, but I'd still like to have healed Bollwerk as that's the first healing i've ever done in a PF game ever ;p

Farasha takes up a position in the middle, so she can apply her arrows to threats front or rear, and has equal healing access to all party members.

So its Kazul, Dieter, Bollwerk, Farasha, Fabian, and Lucille.

You set out, guided by Lann and two others. After an hour or so, you come to a small cavern that has several tunnels leading from it. Lann stops the group.

"This is where we part. We must go on and raise the other tribes, while you," he points down one of the tunnel exits, "must go that way and clear the evil ones out to reach the surface. Good Luck." He nods at his companions, and they set off.

Are you guys using a light source now, as you approach the evil tribe's lair? And pre-roll a Perception check for me.

"May her smile be upon you!"
Bollwerk loosens his sword and asks for a little pow wow. "Kazul and I can see perfectly in the dark, but that is no option. I think the others will need lightning too. Also I am in no mood to hide my intention. BUT, I do not mind Kazul scouting for a while!"

"Just keep the light source near the back so it doesn't give away my location."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Just keep the light source near the back so it doesn't give away my location."

Perception: 1d20+7

You will need a Stealth roll as well if you are going to be both: far away so no one can the light, and close enough to see something.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

How far back is the party from Kazul and how wide is this tunnel?

OOC: It's a new day, so our spells (and Terendelev Scales) are all recharged, yes?

Fabian, near the back, will cast Light on the end of his staff to provide a light source for humans like himself, and others who require it.

Looks like Kazul is getting some very important tactical data. Pausing.

How far back is the party from Kazul and how wide is this tunnel?

Tunnel is 5' wide. They are back 30' to nearest bend.

OOC: It's a new day, so our spells (and Terendelev Scales) are all recharged, yes?

Yes

Okay, this is Kazul's thinking. If there's cover he can use (since he is not going to rely on darkness since he knows the mongrels have darkvision) to get 10' closer to the mongrels, he will try a Stealth check to get within sneak attack range. If there is no cover, he will stealth back to party. Either way:
Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
If 40' away, mongrels have -4 on perception checks.

As the party travels, Farasha will cast light on the feathers of an arrow in her quiver, which should compliment Fabian's magic as well, and make for a quick 'flare' effect if needed.

Farasha reverses the arrow in her quiver, quenching the light from her spell whilst the party moves in to a more stealthy profile.

She nocks an arrow to her bow and patiently waits to see what happens.

Dieter draws his rapier, grips his buckler, and waits.

Lucille will take up her traditional spot in the rear of the party, her loaded musket in hand.

Assuming I can use party treasure for this, here's what I would like to have purchased:

Caltrops: 1d2 ⇒ 1 1 gp ea
Smokesticks: 1d2 ⇒ 1 20 gp ea
Alchemists Fire: 1d2 ⇒ 1 20 gp ea
Acid: 1d2 ⇒ 2 10 gp ea
Dagger: 1d2 ⇒ 2 2 gp ea

EDIT: So, 65gp total, or 48.75 gp after the 25% discount. I'd like one of each of those, but if someone else would like the second Acid or dagger, feel free to claim it.

Upon confering with the others Bollwerk turns to Fabian."Do you have a spell to keep them... occupied. If not I will walk forward. Lucille and Farasha, take care no one can call for reinforcements!"

Upon confering with the others Bollwerk turns to Fabian."Do you have a spell to keep them... occupied. If not I will walk forward. Lucille and Farasha, take care no one can call for reinforcements!"

Not sure Kazul has come back to give the situation report yet... You need to wait a moment until I can get a map up for him to see (and explain, so you can see).

Depends on whether there is physical cover to get within 30' of the mongrels. If so, Kazul moved forward; if not, he came back to the party.

Fabian whispers back to Bollwerk, "I can create a silent illusion, of just about anything I can imagine-- although if I'm familiar with it, it will be more convincing. As long as I've got line of sight, I can send the illusion out to about 400 feet away from me. What's the tactic you had in mind?"

Map is up, I'd appreciate it if everyone except Kazul did not open it just yet. Kazul go ahead do your thing, then we'll go. Others may do any prep they wish. Oh, and I misjudged the cave size in the description, so go with the map, K.