Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Sorin makes his excuses with Izumi and instead takes his meal from the Rusty Dragon back to his rented room over Brodert Quink's Bookstore.

Once through the door, the meal is forgotten and Sorin's evening dissolves into a whirlwind of cross referencing, annotations and explorations into the poetry, language and grammar of Minkai.

While I want this to be true, to finally have a lead after so long, I have some certainty that this IS true.

The snippet of sonnet describing the Jade Edge is of a form created in Minkai and almost entirely unknown here in Varisa...which explains why I could never determine its origin...

While fungible goods are normally traded, items of intrinsic culture, such as poetry are not. So a Minkai scholar came to Varisa at some point, for some reason, and mentioned the Jade Edge? I need more information...

And exhausted in mind and body, Sorin fell asleep on his books, the ghostly dancing lights he used for illumination snuffed out a few moments later.

The morning finds Sorin, rested and awake, sitting downstairs at the Rusty Dragon, eating a bowl of the regular morning porridge, his traveling pack on the bench next to him.

Before Izumi bids Sorin a good night, he asks: "Sorin... if we are to do battle with the undead tomorrow... I feel my blade may prove less than useful against bone and magic. Do you have any suggestions as to equipping myself before tomorrow's expedition?" The man looked a bit fervent. Could use the rest.

Izumi is sitting at a bar stool at the Rusty Dragon, giving Ameiko an account of the day, if she will listen, pointing out various injuries (now bandaged). He tends to overemphasize his own accomplishments, and isn't being quiet about it. Anyone listening in would easily hear the tale. He also includes a description of the fallen skeleton, and his Kaijustsu markings.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

The retelling is a little fantastic, but believable enough. After his meal and a glass of wine (3gp? for the food, a glass of fine wine, and the room for the night), Izumi will ask Ameiko if she has anyone who could do a favour for him, as they plan on returning to the swamp tomorrow, at first light.

"The armour I have doesn't provide the best protection, and the shield I have, while being light and agile, doesn't provide the greatest cover. I wonder if I might have a new suit of armour commissioned, as well as a new shield." If Ameiko assents to the request, Izumi will offer 5gp for the trouble.

Would like to commission a suit of Banded Mail (250gp), and a Heavy Steel Shield (non-spiked) (20gp). The shield will be commissioned to bear the symbol of the Kaijutsu family on it. Also, if Sorin is able to suggest a bludgeoning weapon, as that is what I'm hinting at - but Izumi wouldn't know to use one - he will try to pickup a Warhammer before leaving in the morning (12gp)

Total spent this post (if all is good): 290gp

Izumi awakens well rested, though still sore. It is difficult to hoist himself out of bed at first, but after a couple attempts he is able to stand a stretch. That was more exhausting than a day in the forge! Izumi thinks as he splahes cold water on his face, and proceeds to dress himself before going downstairs.

Before they set off, Izumi will smile at Ameiko and say: "I'll bring you back another tale for this evening!"

Trait Charisma Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 Awww

Raith spends the evening listening to Izumi talk to Ameiko occasionally slipping in his own gruff corrections and addtions to the tale. He helps Ameiko if any one gives her any guff and fetches what she might need if she makes it known. He talks a little of the Tien tongue with her for practice. He drinks a winterdrop mead and eats Ameiko's award winning curry-spiced salmon with some white rice. Maybe she'll give him a smile and a kind word, maybe she won't.

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

After the place closes, he'll go home to his family home to sleep. He invites Pavel to stay at his family home if he wants to save a bit of coin. He tells the others he'll be back in the morning if they plan to leave early for the swamp.

A few questions from a player that played Rise of the Runelords.Does Ameiko still run The Rusty Dragon or is she running the glassworks now or both? Is the new Cathedral still standing and can you buy healing potions there or should I go to the local magic shop? I believe there was one last time. Nothing extravagant, but usually good for an item or two.

I'm ready to go. But I'd like to bring a little more healing than the last fight. Who is taking the two potions of CLW? I'll take them if no one else wants one. Otherwise maybe split them between Pavel and Izumi. Sorin should take the fire sticks if Hemlock doesn't want them for study

"Izumi, I am sorry. I didn't do any research on the skeletons for you...I got wrapped up in another project and fell asleep before I realized it. Let me think for a moment."

Sorin rubs idly at an ink blot on his sleeve for a few moments, as he thinks, his porridge cooling and congealing.

"You cut flesh and typically saw bone, or put a blade into a joint to pop it apart. Bone resists cutting from a knife edge quite well. Perhaps smashing bone with something heavy? A maul or hammer? Yes. A blunt striking implement would likely prove to be the most effective weapon."

I don't think that Sorin is going to bring the sticks. I don't think that they are as tactically useful as weapons. It is too easy to blow the hell out of all of us. Raith, Sorin is going to have a Mage Armor spell for you as well, since you have a habit of wading into the thickest fight. Additionally Sorin copied down the map before selling the loot.

That's cool, Sorin. My AC will be pretty nuts with a mage armor. I think I'll take the fire sticks if you're not. It seems the goblin chief was able to do AoE damage with them. I'll keep them about in case we run into a swarm or could use some low damage AoE.

Garand seeks out Koya, to see if she has healing to spare at the end of the day, before she retires for the evening.

If she is still awake.

"Wise-eyes, I seek your healing gift, for my companion," he says, pointing out the injuries that bear-spirit has taken, "And those who accompanied me may as well seek your talents, as Izumi and Pavel were injured as well, in the fight against the goblins."

He looks shamed to admit it, but moves past it, "My own healing arts are exhausted for the day, or I would not seek to burden you with my responsibilities..."

The evening's meal and the wine are truly delicious. You are treated to Ameiko's famous salmon, served with a fresh white wine. When you take out your purse, she frowns at you: "Easy boys, all those ears... They've earned you more than a meal, for sure!"

During the evening, Sheriff Hemlock shows up to congratulate you and hear the tale. He laughs hard during the tale, obviously exited about your success. He seems relieved mostly of having such a threat taken away. He turns to Ameiko: "You just watch Ameiko, you just watch! These men will make us all proud! Mark my words! Ah! Ah! Ah!" He listens intently as you tell of the skeletons that attacked: "A threat behind a threat it seems, and what of those Minkai objects, I wonder... Okay, my mind is set. I'll pay you each twenty gold to get to the bottom of this. I know you were going anyway, shows the quality of your heart that, but I'm not to be pointed as someone who would take advantage of that, no, no! So off you go, but on official duty. ... Oh, and those fireworks, the city will buy them from you, full price, so we know where they are, and they'll be used during our next festival!" He offers 300 gp for the lot, including any you would find in the caves.

Finally, Father Zanthus joins you. You've known him since you've been in Sandpoint, as he is the center of Sandpoint's religious community, manning the cathedral and the numerous small shrines dedicated to the various benevolent gods protecting the town. He always struck you as pragmatic and open. He offers to heal your wounds. All of you at max. Then presents you with five potions of CLW. "Stay safe boys, the town needs you!"

Later, Garand goes to visit Koya. The old lady smiles at the young druid, and gladly heals his companion. "Tell me Garand, what of today? That bear has seen a lot of blood, and not just his own it seems..." She listens avidly to the tale, closing her eyes from time to time, as though living the adventure by proxy...

If you leave the next day, you can't buy a lot of equipment. I'll allow for you to get blunt weapons though.

Pavel smiles politely, if sheepishly, especially thanking Father Zantus for tending his wounds. But he mostly stays out of any conversation, suddenly seized with something close to stage fright around so many people (important people, even).

At Raith's offer of staying over, he responds quietly:
"Th'Thuh'That's uh'okay, Raith. I yuh'yuh'usually sleep above the Guh'Guh'Goblin Squash; Duh'Davrel don't mind an'and I sleep better around the huh'horses...."
The promise of free food and drinks keep him at the bar, though, and he downs about three more flagons before calling it a night.

Raith thanks Father Zantus for the healing and the potion. He gives the good father 20 gold as a donation. He gives Hemlock the fireworks and tells him how they work according to what he's seen. Raith says to Hemlock, "Damn if this adventuring don't pay more than being a handyman. But it sure is dangerous work.", he drinks a bit of his white mead.

Ok. I gave up the fireworks. I have one potion of CLW from the five. I hope someone claimed the MW Shortbow. It's still sitting there on the loot page last I looked.

Izumi is glad to accept the praise and assistance of the townsfolk. With Ameiko in the room, his boasting is quite apparent. Preferring to talk to her rather than the Sheriff, he says to her: "More than a meal, lady?"

In the morning, Izumi is keen to get a new set of armor, but doesn't want to hold the group back if they want to get on. "Best to be completely prepared, I don't think anything will be attacking the undead in the swamp before we arrive."

I don't see any reason to be in a hurry. I'm fine waiting for Izumi to upgrade his armor. So unless anybody objects, an extra day or two in town shouldn't hurt.

When a moment to speak presents itself (and her would-be paramours are not courting about her like preening callybirds), Garand asks Ameiko, "Do you recognize the nature of the items we discovered? As I understand it, your homeland is quite far from here, so it seems unlikely that the presence of Minkai artifacts among the goblins would be mere coincidence..."

Ameiko plays along gracefully through the different innuendos, though she never opens too much.

At Garand's question: "Yes, my father had similar items... I've heard that my grandfather had died at sea. It's possible some items have washed up on shore? I would like to buy those from you, also any other you might find in the marsh."

The next day, each and every shop receives you with a broad smile: you have fame and you bring real money, two things that are good for business. It seems clear though that staying a second day would start gossip about whether or not you are really that brave...

Izumi finds a smith, a dwarf named Caleb Frodsek, to commission his armor: "I would be honored if, in the meantime, you would wear a similar one. Just mention my name perhaps..." Izumi is quite impressed with the quality of his work.

Off to the marsh? Just list your shopping in the OOC, to give me an idea. Healing potions can be found without problem at the Cathedral.

Izumi nods approvingly while inspecting the armor piece offered. "Such finely crafted equipment deserves to see action Caleb, and it would be honour to wear such an exquisitely crafted piece, and to tell others of your work. Also..." Izumi pauses a second here to consider his words "I understand you run a business here, and that it is your livelyhood, but I don't want any youngsters getting the wrong sort of idea; running into danger thinking they are immune to blades simply because they have a little steel. Would you help to dissuade them, if they come looking?"

Satisfied with his purchases from the dwarf, Izumi will look for a spot wherein he might have a little peace and practice with his new hammer and armor, testing the heft of the hammer and the new weight of the armor. He drills for a good two hours before returning to the Rusty Dragon.

Sorin waits at the Rusty Dragon for nearly an hour for the party to reform. But it is quickly apparent that everyone is enjoying their new-found wealth.

"I guess I should do some preparation too. Who knows what we will encounter with the undead?" he says to nobody in particular as he leaves the inn.

An hour worth of shopping around is enough for Sorin to find and buy the various small ingredients that he will need to make the ink for his scrolls. He retreats back to his rented room and begins preparing the ink and parchment for his scrolls.

The sun is beginning to set when he finishes his fourth scroll, dries the ink and places the scroll carefully into the scrollcase. My first scrolls, he thinks, but not my last. A pretty good job if I do say.

Flare Burst, Flare Burst, Grease, Enlarge Person, -100gp, 8 hours of work

Sorin cleans up his workspace and heads to the Rusty Dragon for dinner, and perhaps, with luck, some music.

The companions set forth the next morning, with newer equipment and clean(er) clothes. It is early and Sandpoint is still. The three boys are waiting at the Rusty Dragon, yawning loudly and slow moving. They hop on the back of the horses and a wide smile lightens each face. Something they'll brag about certainly.

As you move up the trail, you are once more taken by the magnificence of the view. Still you know, as you look down, that the Marsh is still a terrible place...

As you reach the trail head, the boys agree to be back with the horses at sunset. "Gewd Lock!" as they wave you down the cliff, back into the damp, muddy and very wet environment of Brinestump Marsh...

First, climb check for all. Then it's survival for Pavel, with support from those who have ranks. Let me know where you're headed, then roll perception (and stealth if you prefer to move more slowly).

Pavel consults with the map copied off the fan, leading toward the source of the skeletons and the fireworks.

Climb check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Survival w/compass: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Stealthing with Izumi in Banded Mail probably pointless. I'd just assume move at the half speed we'll already being moving at while Pavel tracks.

Garand sighs at the sight of the marsh again ahead of them, and begins intoning a near-constant sing-song chant in the language of the Druids, blessing each of his companions as they begin their descent.

guidance on everyone, +1 to your climb checks.

Once all others have descended, he instructs bear-spirit to take his turn, and the bear yowls in protest, shaking his head. A brief negotiation ensues, but finally the cub begins backing down the incline, protesting occasionally.

bear-spirit's guidance-assisted Climb check 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Garand winces slightly as the bear's initial complaint echoes out across the marsh below them, and follows close behind, hoping to steady his companion, if possible, although he doubts he'll be much help...

Garand's guidance-assisted Climb check 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

After whatever debacle ensues getting down the rise, Garand lends his assistance to Pavel, in divining their path.

Both Garand and bear-spirit have Survival (and with a +9 to the roll, Garand can't fail a Take 10 to provide Aid at DC 10), but bear-spirit, being an animal, more focused on interesting smells than anything strategically useful, probably is more hindrance than help...

Climb 1d20 ⇒ 18
Survival support for Pavel 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Sorin does much better coming down the hill this time...experience is everything!

Guidance-assisted climb: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 - 6 = 3
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Izumi's not quite as comfortable in his new armour, unable to find his feet properly.

Clank... clank... clank...

The climb down proves difficult only for the armoured warrior. A bigger armour means a lot less flexibility, as Izumi quickly finds out. He manages, but eventually looses his footing, sliding and crashing down, all metal and flesh, into the marsh below. Fortunately, he doesn't hit any strong or too pointy branches along the way, and the marsh absorbs most of its momentum. (-1 hp to Izumi)

A flock of birds suddenly flies up at the sound of the crash, reinforcing the sound made...

You proceed for an hour without any problem. Are you heading for the points on the map, or trying to find the beast that might have Izumi's sword?

I assumed we were following the map to the skeletons, but we can change course if everyone else votes that way.

Stay on course is good with me. I think Izumi intends on using his warhammer because Sorin told him they work better on skeletons.

Yeah, the katana would a liability at this point, cause it'll be difficult to carry securely and still fight. Stay on target.

Also to be fair, banded mail's check penalty is 2 more than scale mail.. pretty sure I would've slipped anyway. xD

Izumi winces as he gets up. Could've been much worse though. It will take some time to get used to this new armour. Drills could only help so much.

The group proceeds further into the now ominously silent forest. The plucking of their feet is, once in a while, punctuated by the swooshing of a boot slurping out of a mud hole. You can't tell if it's sunny or not, but there is light enough to feel comfortable.

And around noon, reaches the goblin village.

Anything you would want to do before proceeding further even?

Raith says, "We forget to search anything before we left?".

Take some time to look around any buildings we missed and see if anyone has been here since we've been gone.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

"Don't thuh'think so. Be cuh'careful- the bodies might have attracted sc'scavengers. Or other things."

"That sounds fine Raith, take a moment to look around. The map had the village as the trail head in any regards. Pavel, do you mind helping me find the trailhead?"

Sorin takes out the sheet of parchment that he copied the map onto, turns around slowly, trying to orient himself under the overcast sky. Then, seeing a corresponding landmark on the map, he walks to the edge of the village, looking for the trail.

Survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Raith finds a trail that is very recent. It resembles the one they had associated with the Brinestump Monster yesterday. Seems like it snatched a few goblin bodies. The trail would be easy to follow, for the weight has made them deeper.

Sorin finds the trailhead leading to the map area.

"Well that's plain as day isn't it Sorin? Should be easy to follow. We should gather the party." With that, Izumi walks back through the village, looking for Raith. His eyes widen as Raith points out his discovery (assuming that's alright). "That must be the creature! These tracks seem fresh too!" Izumi is clearly very excited, but also torn. A question of duty. It would be selfish to ask the party to delay their work for his own gain.

Seeing Izumi's distraction and the tracks of the Brinestump Monster Sorin groans inwardly.

Izumi is going to be distracted now. So do we take care of this now, or later? I am not really worried about the creature, it has taken enough bodies to feed on, and there are more here to eat...I am worried about Izumi not focusing on the matter at hand...

"The creature is close. It may be a threat to us...perhaps even tracking us as we leave this village to go to the points on the map. I do not think that we should leave such a vicious predator on our trail. What do you think Izumi?"

Raith says, "I don't want a beast like this at our backs. I say we track it and finish it."

Pavel is a lot less subtle than Sorin.
" 'sides, I'm sure you're pluh'plenty eager to show Ameiko the ol' "Minkai sword" wh'when we get back to town, eh?"
He raises his eyebrows in a suggestive fashion, prodding Izumi playfully with his elbow.

Izumi is encouraged by Sorin's advice, not really thinking about it himself. To Pavel he says: "Yes, she has taken a keen interest in artifact of tien make indeed." but it's hard to tell if he's extending Pavel's innuendo or not. "It looks like it should be easy to track, now might be the best chance we have!"

Raith grimaces, "I'd be obliged if we would keep talk of Ameiko of the kind she would be glad to hear herself.".

The group of companions proceeds north-west, following the deep tracks.

Those are strangely shaped, with long three-fingered feet. They go in sinuous trajectories through the trees and often cross watery area of greater depth. You find yourselves going from up to your thighs in stagnant tepid water to higher solid ground, then back in water again.

This proves very tiring. After an hour or so, the trail reaches a river. The crossing is 20 feet wide.

Please roll perception, swim and survival to ascertain the situation.

Raith bears the weary travel like a stoic.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Swim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Hmm, lost my previous post. If I put my shield on my back, will the armor check penalty to swim still apply? If not, please add 2 to my swim check result.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Swim: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Survival w/tracking bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
Aaand Pavel drowns.

No worries, this roll is to ascertain the danger, not cross per se.

If it is only 20 feet across, we can find a shallow point or rope together.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Swim: 1d20 + 3 - 6 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 6 = 3
Survival (untrained): 1d20 ⇒ 8

Izumi grimaces. Maybe this new armour wasn't such a good idea.

"What? We haven't crossed enough mud puddles today that there has to be a river now?" Sorin asks the sky.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Swim 1d20 ⇒ 1

Woo hoo for the waterproof bag! Scrolls and spell book all safe and dry. Now somebody if someone could pull me out before I drown...

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Survival 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Swim 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

No worries, this roll is to ascertain the danger, not cross per se.

No comment.

The companions reach the river's edge.

"I fear the creature may be skulking in this river, waiting for us. It ambushed me once before." Izumi says, then looks at Pavel, "Is it possible it knew we were tracking it?" Izumi scans the waters, looking for any sign of the creature.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Raith looks at Pavel, "What do you think? The thing in the water or swam downstream before going out? As fresh as these tracks are, thing might have heard us and entered the water to set up an ambush. It doesn't seem to mind attacking humans.". Raith scans the surface of the water and the river banks for any sign of the thing.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

"Muh'maybe it did. We weren't exactly qu'quiet... how long you thuh'think it'll hold it's breath?"
Pavel looks at Izumi.
"Ruh'remind me: were you nuh'near the river when it attacked you? Did you see it's luh'lair?"

"It's a bit hazy, especially since there's water everywhere, but I don't think there was a river. It looked almost human though, so maybe it can't hold it's breath forever."