PbP Gameday #3: GM Silbeg's Thornkeep: The Accursed Halls (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

The young man shrugs...they'd get to them all eventually, so he didn't care where they started.

Eventually Roudantaimi thanks the goblins, takes his leave from the Goblin Bazaar, and heads for the tavern. "Hello, brave companions! Hello well-bosomed lady, I see Shelyn has blessed you! Are you joining us? Any news from town? There's a goblin moot in Bramblewarren, there's some big chief, and the goblins seem to be a bit crazy about some Zog. Didn't sound too interesting, in fact."

The gnome orders a small mug of ale (with a straw, please), and listens to the stories of the others' findings. "A missing nobleman's son? That's almost like a prince, right? Rescuing him sounds like a noble task! Besides, last time we rescued a lady, so this would be really good for gender equality. On these modern times we should really give a thought what kind of image we give of the Society to the public. Having said that, I'm really fine with anything we choose, but if we vote on it, I vote the noble-man rescue", Roudantaimi says, and looks at the fellow Pathfinders, while taking a big slurp from his ale.

"Where is my food? I wish to eat now. I feel as if I am so hungry that my stomach is talking to me. Maybe I should go find a cow to eat." he turns to the gnome. "Do you know what my stomach is saying?"

A blur of quick movement slips through the door and approaches the table of adventures, moments later shown to be a decently sized wolf trotting purposefully between the various tables, chairs, and incredulous patrons. The next moment, the wolf is beside Ophiuchus and walking in a few slow circles until plopping ungracefully upon the floor to lay down.

The wolf looks up expectantly at nagaji.

Vox enters the tavern a few short moments after the wolf, and makes his way to the others, trying to get caught up on all the goings on in the town. "I know I'm itching to do some proper adventuring, and prove myself after my mishaps in Kassen. I've done a little training since then and feel a bit more confident now."

I'd like to think I can keep from making a fool of myself any more, but that doesn't seem likely," Vox jokes aloud. "Just promise me, if you kick me out of the group for one of my many mistakes that almost get us all killed, you'll let Einhardt stay on... she's far more effective than me, after all."

You are all welcome to follow up on clues, check out new places in town. I will say that there are several clues that you'll want to get, from a few places in town. Remember, you are here to explore The Accursed Halls... and not the first ones to do that, evidently.

After spending a few hours wandering around, the team reconvenes back at the Greenforest Inn. Arturo's "lap candy" leaves, giggling... soon after, he realizes his coin purse has been lightened during his stay there. It has become very apparent that this town is populated by thieves and brigands. So, you all fit in very well.

"Zog, you say?" asks Vess, as he places a crock full of soup on the table, "I heard that long ago, the Kingdom of Zog once held power around these parts. It’s true! You can still find relics from that time if you search the ruins enough. Some say that if the goblins ever got ahold of these powerful items once more, they’d be able to bring their dead empire back to life!"

"Oh, and if you are looking for the bounty for rescuing Silvercrown, you should talk to the Blue Basilisks. They also pay hired muscle pretty good to guard the caravans going down to Daggermark"

"Finding the dead nobleman seems the way to go, since our charter is to explore the Accursed Halls, anyway. Let's talk to these Blue Basilisks." The brute rises to leave, only when he starts walking towards the door does he look back, to see if his companions are following.

Arturo's "lap candy" leaves, giggling... soon after, he realizes his coin purse has been lightened during his stay there.

Not the first woman to lay her fingers on my coinpurse. I guess I won't be using that money to buy her flowers now, though I suspect her garden flowered long ago. I wonder what ever happened to that delicate cherry she promised me? She probably lost it, I guess.

"Let us not be so hasty," Arturo says as the strong brute leaves the table, breaking Arturo's train of thought, "This goblin moot sounds like mighty good fun. The Accursed Halls will still be there on the morrow, but the revelry will be over. I, for one, would like to see this Zog get crowned. If for no other reason, I hear goblins are really funny to watch when they're partying."

Arturo unconsciously twists his mustache, rubbing any stray oils back into the main body of it. "Perhaps we can pay a visit to these Basilisks first, though. Who knows, they may have some information about this Zog and his party as well. Although, if we're going anyway, it may be a moot point."

Before they head out, the party hears Vess telling Edders, "Uncle Bruston swears he saw a ghost near Echo Stream! Ma says he’s just pulling my leg, but if I know my Uncle Bruston, I know that his word’s as good as gold, and if he says there’s a ghost near the Mosswater Road, then there definitely is!"

So, any objection to heading to the Blue Basilisks now and (depending on how it goes) the goblin moot later?

I'll have to remember to ask Vess for some more about that later. Wow, so many things going on in such a small town!

None from me! Sounds like a good plan. Maybe there is a few other places we can stop, perhaps asking people if they know anything more about the goblin moot... I am trying desperately to create a few minutes where I can make a post and help update the doc... Its been a little crazy around here lately. Thank goodness for the weekend!

Definitely good with the Blue Basilisks, then the goblin moot. Strong Brute is pretty sure the nobleman is dead, so he won't balk at a delay.

Arturo leaves with Strong Brute.

"Come on, my friends! Let us find these Blue Basilisks then," Arturo looks around as he is midway through the doorway of the tavern, "I don't suppose any of you knows where they are, do you?"

The town isn't that big, surely they can't be too hard to find.

"Oh my, the pretty wolf is here. I will give you the food pretty wolf." Ophiuchus looks around and only see the soup on the table. Dipping both hands in and scooping the bottom, he pulls out mostly vegetables, and a few greasy stings of 'meat'. "Pretty wolf, I am so sorry. This is all there is. Would you like some?

Ophiuchus hands the wolf the meat strings. Turning back to the table, he ladles each adventure a bowl of soup and begins to heartily wolf his bowl down.

"Mr. Hariylip, why are you not eating your soup? Do you need me to feed it to you so you do not get any on your hairylip?"

Let's go see some Blue Basilisks, I will just make sure not to look them in the eye.

This new fieldstone building is the headquarters and barracks of the Blue Basilisks, a small company of mercenaries under the command of Ariane Redderfin, aided by her favored lieutenant Mirashi Verlon. A prominent handbill board by the door features a collection of job offers, bounties, and notices. The most interesting handbill offers a reward of 500 gp for the rescue of Garhal Silvercrown or the recovery of his signet ring as proof of his death. Garhal is the son of a minor lord in Mivon, and he came to Thornkeep with a small band of adventurers in recent months. They ventured into the Accursed Halls a couple of weeks ago and returned with stories of magnificent ancient chambers, but disappeared after going back to the dungeon to try their luck again.

"May I help you folks?" a competent looking woman in her mid-thirties looks up. "Looking for a bounty or some such? Or looking for work? We've got a caravan that will be leaving in three days if you wanted to sigh on."

Standing on his toes, Roudantaimi manages to get his nose above the desk, and look the woman in the eye.
"Hello! No caravans. At least not yet, business to do here. Maybe if we're really fast, then we could help with the caravan, but we can't know for sure. We'd like to rescue Mr. Silvercrown. I am Roudantaimi, and these are my companions; Poochie... Sven... Vox... Artie... Janny... Einhardt! (Hello doggy, how you been!? Who's a good boy now?)" the gnome presents each member to the woman, only to be distracted in the end into scratching and playing with Einhardt.

"Ahem, yes. We're expert group of adventurer's! What can you tell us about the Accursed Halls?"

The mercenary sees the excited gnome, and listens to his speech. She sighs
and answers his question. "All that I know is what Lord Silvercrown's son told us. He said the Door of Seven Stars in the Accursed Halls hasn’t been opened in thousands of years. I've heard there is a picture of it up in Goldenfire Tower, but I’d say those wizards aren’t any closer to cracking it than either you or I.

We try and stay out of trouble, and are not adventurers. Well, most of us aren't, at least. There is more profit in mercenary work, and a longer lifespan." She chuckles.

"There is wisdom in that, my dear," say Arturo bowing deeply and sweeping her hand up in the process. Once he has graced it with a kiss, he lets her hand go and stand upright once more, "It would be one of the greatest pleasures I have ever experienced to travel with you on a journey and the highest honor of all to stand at your side protecting a caravan. We shall see if we have time once we have bested these 'Accursed Halls'. On the other hand, fair beauty, we are here for yet one more night. If you would like to accompany me to the Goblin Moot, I would cherish the evening forever."

Arturo effects his most dashing pose while he waits for a response.

Ariane chuckles at Arturo, and as he kisses her hand, he can see the heavy calluses she has. "Oh, you misunderstand. I never said that I would be going with the caravan! In any case, I shall remain as far from those damned gobbos as I can. They do their 'moot' every night, what with the dares, and the drinking, and the chanting. If they weren't keeping the town clear of garbage and rats, I'd send my team over to clear 'em out. No, you go enjoy the goblin moot, youngling. I shall remain here."

With that, she returns to reading her ledgers.

Jaender looks slightly disappointed at the revelation that the goblin moot is every night.

"Well that suddenly sounds far less... special. Though it would be an interesting sight to see. I say we just head to the accursed halls, and see what we can find of this lost nobleman's son. Maybe with the bounty we can dig into what this quaint town has to offer a little more." He says with a wink to Arturo.

Arturo simply smiles at Ariane, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Worry not, friend Jaender. Tonight should be a special one. Did not Roudantaimi say that Chief Graalsk is to be crowned Zod tonight?" the Varisian seems a little more excited than he probably should be, "Even if they do hold a party every night, tonight's will surely be quite spectacular! A new Zod. Just think about it!

"So, my new companions," Arturo addresses the whole group, "What's it to be on the night before we vanquish our foes in the Accursed Halls? Shall we party this evening with wild greenskins or shall we go to bed early like over-worked washerwomen? " It is clear which option Arturo prefers.

The brute nods simply to the woman as she explains everything, leaving the talking to those more versed in it. As Arturo asks his question, the young man ponders. He really didn't want to party with goblins, yet did not want to be compared to a washerwoman, overworked or no. He maintains his silence, hoping a more vocal companion will answer in the negative to the goblin moot.

"Yes, Mr. Hairylip. Goblinmoot. Strong man that sings can join his voice to those of the goblins. I would like to see a king. I have never seen a king before. Do I have to bow, and address him as your majesty or your royalness? Do you think he will wear a long purple cape adorned with white fur and throw out gold coins to us? Will he have a beautiful princess? Maybe the dragon will come and steal her away and we can go and slay the dragon and rescue the princess. We would be real heroes again."

Upon hearing Ophiuchus' question about how to address the goblin king, the young man tosses out a suggestion as if he knows what he is talking about.

"I believe the custom is to kneel before Zod," voices Vox.

sorry for the terrible reference!

The team heads over to the Briarwarren just about dusk, to see the goblins putting the finishing touches on their bonfire. Just as they are done, a very fat goblin waddles out with a torch, and lights it. A cheer goes up among all of the goblins... "Zog! Zog! Zog!"

Then the goblin, who can only be Great Chief Graask hushes the crowd of about twenty goblins. "I see there are new followers of Zog here!" He points to the adventurers, who are led up to him by several exuberant goblin youths. "All have heard of great goblin Kingdom of Zog! I next King of Zog, but need powerful artifacts that are lost in the Accursed Halls! Goblins hear longshanks talking about great goblin idol in Accursed Halls, which we goblins know is place where powerful Sword of Zog lie. Graalsk send best warriors into Halls, but they no come back. You look strong! You go into Halls, find goblin warriors, and bring back Sword. You do that, and when Graalsk king, he remember and reward you!"

The brute looks on the proceedings with a kind of faint amusement and interest, not really understanding the trappings of what is going on. He allows himself to be led, but looks to his companions, not trusting his own judgment when it comes to accepting a quest such as this. Weren't this things supposed to be bad or evil?

"Uh.. heil Zog!!(?)" Roudantaimi tries to catch the goblins' chant. As if reading Young Brute's mind, the gnome squints his eyes, trying to comprehend Graask 's motives. Detect Evil, concentrate on Graask

"Ah yes, we are indeed brave adventurers, and are heading to the Accursed Halls. So I suppose we can look for your warriors and sword. If you don't mind me asking, what do you plan to do once you are the king of uh.. Zog?

"Chief Graalsk, a pleasure to meet you," says Arturo, dipping a bow with a flourish of his cloak, "You are indeed as magnificent as I had been told. We are considering a trek to the Accursed Halls ourselves. Should we come upon this idol and the mighty blade with it, I am sure my companions would consent to retrieving this blade for a wondrous leader such as yourself. After all, being owed the favor of a mighty king is worth every inch of a sword's steel."

Once the pleasantries with the pompous goblin are complete, Arturo will turn to the nearest female, "My dear, you are as lovely as the night is dark. Desna has seen fit, it seems, to festoon your face with many marks of beauty. Would you care to show me how to dance to this strangely arhythmic drumming?" I am almost certain this is a female...

"Ah... yes.... I suppose we can help you fine... eh... goblins, as we are venturing to the accursed halls ourselves," Vox stammers, wholly confused by their interaction with this future king of Zog, never having expected to have such a civil conversation with a goblin. Even if the conversation was a bit odd.

"Oh great and future king, are there another goblin artifacts within these Accursed Halls which you seek, or is it only the legendary and mighty sword of Zog?"

Turning to his companions, the young man jokes, "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm liking these goblins..."

maybe there is something wrong with me...

"Hello Your majes ... roy...er. King? Zog. If you need a sword I have one." The nagaji reaches behing his back to grip the pommel of his great two-handed sword. As he begins to tug it free of it's sheathe, after about a about a foot a barred steel glinting in the firelight comes free before it catches. The nagaji tugs all the harder, wrenching his back as the force of his pull contorts him like a snake. Suddenly free, the sword whistles over his shoulder in a swift downwards chopping arc. Creating a 3 foot furrow, the nagaji steps back, and holds the naked steel before him.

"See king, this is a sword. You can use this sword to be king and be great goblins. I once knew a man named Mr. Trask, and he was a great hero that named his weapon. I shall call this sword Merian's Vengeance. Since you are a king, you can have Merian's Vengeance. Would you like to try it?" The naganji extends the sword, pommel first towards the king.

'Sven's' eyes go wide as the nagaji draws his weapon, and the young man grips his scythe, about to yank it from its restraints at the sign of violence. He relaxes upon seeing it is apparently due to the strange occurrences that seem to plague Ophiuchus. Wary, he looks to Graalsk to see what he does.

"Wow Ophiuchus, you really just... whipped that out!" Jaender coughs uncomfortably for a few seconds, holding his breath on the reaction of the goblin leader. "Are you really sure you want to give away a sword named after your dear Merian? Something tells me she wouldn't be pleased, and this, er, king needs his own weapon in order to be truly king, not yours..."

Interesting, the gobbos need something retrieved... I can't imagine they are to be trusted, didn't the goblin in the market talk about how Zog would make EVERYONE bow down to him? Well at least we know how to prevent that from happening...

Jaender hopes he helped encourage the nagaji to keep his weapon. In the very least, he hopes he helped convince whatever spirit seems to haunt this poor oracle to convince him to keep it. He had a bad feeling about a goblin with a great sword, though the size of it did seem comical in comparison to the goblins.

Sorry, felt the need to finish my thought, wasn't trying to scold Ophiuchus, just gently direct him to keep his weapon... :)

Just trying to continue to be weird, not giving up the sword though :) And if there was ever a character to scold it is Ophiuchus. Funny how we are cross scolding.

Shaking his head slightly at the nagaji's offer, Arturo continues to enjoy dancing with his diminutive partners long into the night. Eventually, though, all good things must come to an end.

"Well, my new friends," Arturo says to the group when they get a moment together, "I do believe it is time that we retire. If we are to get a good start on those Accursed Halls, we'd best get some rest. We can compare notes over breakfast and see if we need to pick up on any further leads in town before heading out, but I think this party is over - for me at least!"

With that, the Varisian dressed like a Braavosi heads back towards the Greenforest Inn and his bed.

"Graalsk not need puny longshanks weapon. Graalsk need powerful Sword of Zog. You get sword, bring to Graalsk. Many rewards. Much feasting."

The group makes it back to the inn. Are you all planning on heading to the Accursed Halls in the AM?

Probably best not to go on a dungeon crawl somewhere with the "Accursed" moniker at night time. I know it'll be dark anyway... but I'd personally prefer to be able to flee the horrors into daylight.

I'll take that as a "Yes"
After a good night's sleep, the party moves on to the entrance of The Accursed Halls.

FYI: In the Accursed Halls, unless otherwise noted, the walls are all made of dressed sandstone, and the floors are flagstone (with a thin layer of sand on them from the walls). There are braziers with continual flame spells, and hte doors are stone.

I have arranged you on the map. Remember, these are 10' squares when you are moving. Feel free to move yourself. I was assuming a marching order, and spaced things out a bit. Perhaps, in the discussion thread, note how you want to be ordered? I'll then add it to the information page, once we have it.

This large hall is held up by a number of carved columns. Directly ahead, a doorway is sealed with stone blocks. In the center of the floor, the flagstones have been pulled up, revealing a staircase leading downward. The stench of rotting meat hangs in the air.

"Hold here, my friends, while I check around to see if there is anything to worry about up ahead," Arturo says with all the bravado of someone who has never been to the Crypt of the Everflame while it was overrun with the living dead before, "This should prove most enjoyable."

Arturo scouts ahead, looking for traps and anything else that may not have been apparent upon a first inspection. Specifically, he'll have a quick scout ahead for that rotting meat.

Arturo will unveil his bullseye lantern and descend the staircase - checking for taps all the way. He has a +5 perception, +6 for trapfinding. If his personal light source proves unnecessary, he'll cover his lantern and go ahead stealthily (stealth +9).

"Oh, ok royal high. If you don't want my sword, I can get you the pretty magical one. Does it sing? Does it talk goblin? Does it smell like you? I hope you rule well and take care of those that need you. That is what a good king does. Farewell, King Graalsk!"

Ophiuchus retires with the rest of the party. On the way back he turns towards Jaender, "Are all kings like that? He was not very impressive. I would not choose him as my king. Mr. Hairylip looks more like a king. With one of Merian dresses, he could look like a queen. Oh well, retrieving a sword is not as important as rescuing sisters, but I will follow."

To the party members, "I can make light if anyone needs it."

Ophiuchus readies his flail.

The young man follows the others quietly, retiring for the night. The next day, he grabs his scythe from where it is stowed on his back, following behind Mr. Hairylip. He nods to Ophiuchus. "My eyes are weak in the darkness."

"Strong man that sings, from all the enjoyment you have given me over the years with your beautiful singing like a turkey gliding through a forest, I will gladly light what you need."

Cast Light

"אור"

The strong man that sings furrows his brow in confusion. "Years?" He takes a hand from his weapon to scratch his head for a moment before shrugging, glad for the light.

no need for light at this time, the area is well lit

You find nothing in this room, save for the stench that is coming up the stairs.

Once Arturo confirms the route to be clear, Roudantaimi follows him to the stairs. "Not that I'm bothered with darkness, but there seems to be plenty enough light in here. The builders must have spent fortunes on the lighting..."

"I can say that I do not want to be caught in darkness, and don't trust this light to remain once we make our descent. I'll follow you're lead, Ophiuchus, and make sure I cast this before I need it," Vox says stepping beside Roudantaimi, and drawing his lucerne hammer and reciting a few magical words.

cast: light on the lucerne hammer

"Just let me know if you need me to douse the light. Aye, Arturo?" the young man says. "I wouldn't want to spotlight you while you're trying to remain hidden in the shadows, if there is danger ahead."

"Makes sense to me, Vox," says Arturo snapping a loose imitation of a salute, intending to indicate his understanding and not to mock the man, "Let's see about being quiet while I descend on ahead. I'll stay at the edge of the light so as not to be seen. Unfortunately, it will be harder to see what is coming for me in the darkness!"

Arturo stealth check with heavy load penalty: 1d20 + 9 - 6 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 6 = 7

Arturo's sack slaps noisily against the wall as he descends in the semi-darkness. Stopping half-way down (assuming nothing has come up to devour him), Arturo turns to the party's barbarian, "Ah, my dear Strong Brute, I had forgotten about this heavy sack that I'm carrying. Well, I say heavy, but it is only so for me. I rely on quickness and am unable to carry such loads and remain at my best. I don't suppose you'd be able to heft this for me while I'm scouting ahead? There's nothing terribly breakable or valuable in there, so feel free to just drop it to the ground at the first sign of trouble."

Arturo leaves the sack on the stairs, hoping the strong and silent barbarian will comply, and then continues down to whatever fate awaits him.

Totally happy to accept the above stealth roll for entering the next room purposes. Really chumped it!

Are you heading down, then? Sounds like it (since there isn't anything else to do here).

This small antechamber sports a hallway to the south and a staircase to the north. Iron stakes driven into the flagstones pin the half-eaten carcass of a pig to the floor in the middle of the room.

As the group enters the room, some of them notice a pair of giant centipedes lurking in the shadows among the detritus. Those someones would be everyone but Jaender, Sven, and Poochie.

Surprise Round. Roudi and Arturo are up. Partial action only.

Cyrus'd by Arturo? FYI - again, unless otherwise stated, rooms are all well lit!

"Ah, action at last!" bellows Arturo in delight, "Let us rid this place of these pests!"

At that, the young man charges the nearest centipede with scimitar drawn, acting before it has a chance to collect its many feet beneath it. With a sweep of his shoulder-cape, Arturo comes in low and attempts a slice at the centipede's exposed belly.

Charging and assuming it is flat-footed... that's a lot of feet to be flat, too!

Scimitar, charging: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25
Damage + sneak attack: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (4) = 10

Obviously, if it's not flat footed, that's only 6 damage - if I hit! Arturo's AC is temporarily 16.