Where It All Began: Dragoncat's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Dragoncat

Current Date: Starday, 4th of Neth, 4710 AR

Current Chapter: The Skinsaw Murders

Current Map

Foxglove Manor


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Sylvia & Ekan

After about a minute, the sound of footsteps approaches the door. The door opens, revealing a middle-aged woman with black hair, worn clothes and dark circles under her eyes. "Hello? May I help you with something?" She asks, weariness and wariness present in equal measure.

Ilya

Perception & Appraise:
You don't see anything really out of the ordinary among the vendor stalls... but you do see a familiar face. Tsuto Kaijitsu is busy arranging several glass figurines in his stall, all of which seem to be exceptionally well-made. The prices on a sign next to his stall seem to be oddly cheap for such workmanship: 2 for 5 silvers.


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

"I know of nothing about giants, only what I see in my dreams, which are shrouded in darkness," she says reassuringly. "I do not have the prescience of our Master Ilya, only what Lady Shelyn may show me while I sleep. And I'm afraid I'm not skilled enough to interpret it to know what she wishes to show me."

"Oh, my! I'm sorry, you startled me... Amele Barret? Father Zantus sought my aid in helping with your son. I'm Syvlia, a priestess of Shelyn, and this is Brother Ekan, a devout of Irori. Might we come in and discuss your son? I would know more about what plagues the child," she says, introducing the pair.


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Sylvia & Ekan

Amele nods, relief appearing on her face. "Y-yes. Please, come in. Come in." She holds the door open.

The house is a rather quaint, if somewhat cramped place--a set of stairs along the east wall lead up to the second floor from a common room with a couch and a couple of chairs in front of a fireplace. A wooden archway in the north wall opens up into what appears to be a kitchen.

Seated in one of the chairs is a middle-aged, weather-worn man with a balding head of black hair and a thick beard that smells like the sea. His peasant's garb shares the same thick scent of saltwater. "Amele? What's all this about now?" He asks, standing up with a frown on his face. A dog with yellow fur comes bounding down the stairs, practically bouncing off the walls with energy.

"Alergast, these are Sylvia & Ekan--they're here to help Aeren." Amele turns to the pair. The dog bounds up to Sylvia and looks up at her with large brown eyes.

Alergast snorts. "About damn time..." He turns to the monk and priestess. "See, the night of the Festival, little Aeren saw something that can scar a kid for life... one of those blighted goblins lit a cat on fire and start swingin' it about like some sorta trophy, cacklin' like mad the whole time." His features darken. "Since then, the poor boy's been seein' goblins in every damn shadow--even his closet."

"Alergast has searched the house from top to bottom and can't find any sign of a goblin anywhere. Poor Petal's been trying to help Aeren, but her constant barking just makes things worse." Amele scratches the yellow dog behind its ears.


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

"It's nice to meet you both," Ekan says as introductions were made, "I'm sorry it's not under better circumstances." While he has no extra special touch with animals, he does like dogs and pets this one.

After hearing the trouble, he considers, "Well, with your permission I'd like to look through the house as well. Aeren will ask if we did, after all, and I'm not one for lying."


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

Sylvia nods at Ekan, "Is the child here? May I speak with him?"


A muscled arm wrapped around Nicat's shoulders, and as he was pulled close he was also inevitably pulled upwards "Hah! I knew it!" Fulko let out a short laugh "But shirking your duties as deputies" He shook his head but the approving grin that was on his face was in clear conflict with that motion.

"Well lads, why don't we look around a bit more, bound to be something interesting here" The warrior approaches the glass figurines that Ilya lingered near. He grabbed one, raised it up and saw how the light entered and danced through it.


M Halfling Bard 6 | HP 50 | AC 22 | T 16 | FF 17 | CMD 19 | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Will +6 (+2 vs fear) | Init +5 | Perc +12

Nicat grins and laughs at Fulko's enthusiastic reaction, but admits, "She's a sweet girl and we had a time of it, let me tell you. But her da nearly caught us at it, and he's got a temper like a nest of bees, especially when it comes to his daughters."

As the massive bounty hunter sets him down, Nicat's expresion grow more serious. "Truth is, Fulko, I like her, and would like to see her more." Walking alongside Fulko as he studies the artworks laid out, Nicat pays no mind to all the exquisitely crafted pieces, his mind elsewhere. "How can I make a good impression on Shay's father," he muses, "so I can see her without worrying he'll stave my head in? I could tell him I'm a deputy sheriff, I suppose, maybe do something heroic! Hey, do you think we could put me in charge of our gang of deputies, so he knows I'm a man of responsibility here in Sandpoint? 'Chief Deputy Sheriff' I'd be, and you could be 'Assistant Chief Deputy Sheriff'! What do you think, Fulko? Any ideas for how to convince Vin I'm the right man for his daughter, or at least a tolerable one?"


"I am the wrong person to ask about making good impressions" Said the warrior as he placed the glass crafted piece on the table and picked up another "Don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean I just walk around trying to make people angry, I just stick to being myself and if it annoyed anyone most people are willing to listen before they let their rage take over, like what happened with that Banny lad at the archery contest, of course that might have to do with me being a muscled man, carrying lots of sharp objects" Explained Fulko as he raised the second glass bauble to the sun, as if he was looking for something he had lost there.

"And don't ask me about love, I had almost, almost ended up with one woman and it ended with me hating horses" Fulko laughed as he picked up a third glass piece, not letting the second one down yet.

"Oh and I think you'd have to ask the sheriff for a promotion I am just a deputy same as you"


Male Samsaran Foresight Diviner 1
Stats:
HP 9/9 | AC 13, T 13, FF 10 | CMD 11 | F +1, R +3, W +2 | Init +8 | Perception +5
Fulko wrote:
"And don't ask me about love, I had almost, almost ended up with one woman and it ended with me hating horses" Fulko laughed as he picked up a third glass piece, not letting the second one down yet.

Ilya nods sagely as the glow fades from his eyes. "Makes sense. And that's a good lesson for you, Nicat... about women and horses."

"Besides," he says as he sorts through a number of Tsuto's wares, "women are such contrary creatures, her father's approval may be the last thing you need."

**Looks around furtively, then ducks flying objects thrown by Sylvia and Eostre!** =)


Female Dwarf Transmuter 5/Cyphermage 1 | HP 44/44 | Physical Enhancement +2 Str; Telekinetic Fist 7/7
Stats:
AC 12, T 12, FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Init +7; Perception +9

Back at the bar, Eostre pauses in her story.

"Why do I have the sudden and distinct urge to throw that beer bottle at something?"


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M Halfling Bard 6 | HP 50 | AC 22 | T 16 | FF 17 | CMD 19 | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Will +6 (+2 vs fear) | Init +5 | Perc +12

Nicat nods his head sadly as Fulko responds. I should have thought about who I’m talking to here.

And as Ilya weighs in Nicat can’t help but roll his eyes a bit. Look at me, asking for relationship advice from Fulko, who’s as likely to throw a girl over his shoulder as ask her to dance, and Ilya, who just might ask for his flowers back at the end of an evening, because he senses there’s a future date coming where he’ll need them. Still, they’re doing their best…

”Thanks, guys,” he responds, ”for your thoughts.” He then scans their surroundings, one eye out for trouble and one for sweet Shay (and her grumpy father). ”You know, I can’t help thinking that the goblins struck last time when there was a big gathering for the Swallowtail Festival, and now there’s lots of folk about for this art show. We should be on our toes, just in case.”


Sylvia & Ekan

Petal gives a happy *YIP!* as Ekan pets her.

"Ehh, ya might as well look around." Alergast says to Ekan, shrugging his wide shoulders. "I've searched this house top to bottom, front to back. And I've seen neither hide nor hair of a goblin anywhere."

"Aeren's up in his room." Amele says, leading Sylvia over to the stairs and heading up. The second floor of the house is basically a hallway with four doors leading off from it--two on the right, two on the left. Amele approaches the second door on the right.

"Aeren?" She knocks on the door. "Could you come here, please?"
---------
Eostre

Eostre wrote:
"Why do I have the sudden and distinct urge to throw that beer bottle at something?"

"That's normal after a couple of drinks. Pretty strong stuff, eh?" Ameiko quips in a transparent attempt to ease the tension around the bar.

Shalelu, on the other hand, gives Ameiko a quick glare before turning back to the dwarf. "This Tammerhawk does sound dangerous. Am I correct in assuming that, from the way you speak of him, that the two of you crossed paths?"


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Female Dwarf Transmuter 5/Cyphermage 1 | HP 44/44 | Physical Enhancement +2 Str; Telekinetic Fist 7/7
Stats:
AC 12, T 12, FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Init +7; Perception +9

"Not so much me. My teacher, however, did. I was taught the ways of wizardry by one of the younger Cyphermages, a Korvosan expatriate named Paulinus Ornelos. He was a hard master. He wasn't a good man, not by a long shot. Rapped my knuckles if my scribing was even a little bit off. Let me burn my hands while practicing fire spells. He could be a real prat. But compared to Tammerhawk he was as saintly as Shelyn. To defy the cliches, he wasn't like a father to me or anything. My own father's a good man. Didn't like my decision to apprentice under Paulinus, but he let me after I begged him. And after everything went wrong, he used his wealth and pull as the Gas Forges administrator to get me out of the city."

"Anyway, Paulinus brought Tammerhawk's wrath down upon him. He was something of an upstart in the order, and Tammerhawk had suspicions that he was spying for Korvosa's Acadamae. But it wasn't until Paulinus overstepped his bounds that he could do anything. He thought he was on to something and needed a particular book to cross-reference his findings with. Said book was Tammerhawk's personal property. And that theft was he needed to strike down Paulinus."


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

While the good cleric goes to talk to the boy, Ekan makes good on his word and begins to check the area, encouraging the dog to stay nearby in case the animal notices something he won't.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3
Nicat Brightluck wrote:
...and Ilya, who just might ask for his flowers back at the end of an evening, because he senses there’s a future date coming where he’ll need them.

Haha!

Syliva smiles thanks to Amele, "I thank you for allowing us to speak with Aeren. Have you noticed anything else out of sorts? Before the attack, I mean. Sometimes these things just need a trigger, such as that horrid goblin fiasco, but sometimes there are signs beforehand that something might be wrong."

"That isn't to say that the child doesn't have a cause to be afraid, though. Has he said anything unusual since the attack? I know I'm asking some questions that might seem... well, inane, but the more information I have, the better I can help Aeren," Sylvia says as she lays a comforting hand on Amele's arm.

"May I ask your other child's name? Have they had any complaints similar to Aeren's?"


After placing both glass made objects in his hand back on the table, Fulko nodded to Nicat "Aye, wouldn't be a big surprise if they decided to ruin another party" The bounty hunter looked about himself, his eyes looking serious despite the calm expression on his face.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Ilya I remember working with a wizard once and he would always be able to sense if magical things were near us, can you do the same trick?" Asked Fulko, as he grabbed his ranseur and held it in his hand, he supposed he looked more like a guard now that he was holding a pole-arm "Nicat, can you go around and check on all the people holding stands here, I think it'd be better if a local lad asked them how things were going than if I did" Fulko began running his fingers through his stubble.

"I'll just walk around the perimeter of this little crowd and make sure no goblin sneaked in" With that the well armed man began walking about the crowd trying to catch sign of anything out of the ordinary and occasionally he looked to the crowds, merchants and anyone who was there, trying to see if anyone looked nervous or was acting in a shady manner.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20


Patrol Group

For the most part, Fulko doesn't notice any goblins lurking about... but he does spot a swarthy-skinned man dressed in a dark-brown shirt, pants and scarves trying to pick some shoppers' pockets.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
He's failing miserably at it, incidentally.
------------
Eostre

Shalelu and Ameiko listen, with Ameiko becoming slightly more nervous over the course of your story and Shalelu remaining as stoic as ever.

"And you're worried he'll come after you next." Shalelu says, scratching her ear.
------------
Sylvia & Ekan

GM Rolls:
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Ekan's search with Petal at his side is thorough, but he doesn't find anything out of place about the house. The kitchen is in disarray, but other than that everything appears to be fine.

Amele sighs. "No... I haven't noticed anything else unusual. Aeren was a perfectly happy boy before--" She's interrupted by the door opening.

Before the two women stands a freckle-faced boy with brown hair and eyes that match his father's. His clothing is grubby, if free of rips and tears. He eyes the two women from behind his door.

"Aeren? This is Sister Sylvia. She's asked to speak with you about your goblin problem." Amele says, her tone reassuring and soothing.

She turns back to Sylvia. "Verah's only a month old--she hasn't been sleeping well lately, but that's mostly because of Petal's barking."


Fulko swims through the crowds with ease, his eyes easily catching gaps, his girth surprisingly shifting through said gaps with little trouble, and as such his steady pace was un-slowed. The hand of a man who had been swinging weapons all his life fell roughly on the shoulder of pickpocket, and quickly clenched to insure he would not get away.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Stealing when I am a deputy? You're either dumb, suicidal or both" He said to the man, his face showed a smith that was anything but mirthful.

"Nicat, Ilya I found us a thief!"

This of course is assuming he doesn't break into a dash, if that happens Fulko will chase after him.


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Female Dwarf Transmuter 5/Cyphermage 1 | HP 44/44 | Physical Enhancement +2 Str; Telekinetic Fist 7/7
Stats:
AC 12, T 12, FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Init +7; Perception +9
GM_Runecat wrote:

Eostre

Shalelu and Ameiko listen, with Ameiko becoming slightly more nervous over the course of your story and Shalelu remaining as stoic as ever.

"And you're worried he'll come after you next." Shalelu says, scratching her ear.

"Oh, he didn't need to come after me. He found me at Paulinus' apartment when he made his move. When Paulinus stole the book, he knew it'd bring the Speaker's wrath crashing down on him, and took every precaution he could. He warded the apartment so effectively not even a beetle could get in, prepared an extensive catalog of spells to defend himself and even bought a number of scrolls he planned to use to summon a veritable army of extraplanar creatures. When Elias showed up, Paulinus was going to throw everything he had at him."

"But it was all for naught. Elias Tammerhawk is first and foremost a diviner. He was ten steps ahead of Paulinus the entire time. When he came with his handpicked cronies and a few pirate thugs he'd recruited, he effortlessly dispelled all of Paulinus' defenses, countered all his spells and eliminated the scrolls right from the get-go by setting them ablaze. I had been in the next room, and just put Paulinus' notes in my blouse, hiding them, and I got out just in time for Tammerhawk to paralyze me with a spell. He didn't even look at me. Just raised his hand in my direction while staring at my master with a smug smirk. Up until then, I'd never seen Paulinus in a position of weakness. He'd always been tough, always been ready, always understood what was going on. Tammerhawk made me watch him make my master whimper like a child. Tammerhawk made me watch as he beat Paulinus to within an inch of his life, and made him beg for mercy...and Tammerhawk made me watch as he burned him alive on a pile of his books."

At this, Eostre takes a long pull of the beer, and it looks like the emotions are barely being kept in check again, like before.


Male Samsaran Foresight Diviner 1
Stats:
HP 9/9 | AC 13, T 13, FF 10 | CMD 11 | F +1, R +3, W +2 | Init +8 | Perception +5
Sylvia Jahlyn wrote:
Nicat Brightluck wrote:
...and Ilya, who just might ask for his flowers back at the end of an evening, because he senses there’s a future date coming where he’ll need them.
Haha!

That's silly. Ilya would ask for them back before the beginning of the the evening, because he remembered having been going to need them when the date started!

Fulko wrote:
"Ilya I remember working with a wizard once and he would always be able to sense if magical things were near us, can you do the same trick?"

"Sort of..." Ilya taps his chin in thought. "At least, when items do magical things, I can sometimes remember what it is even if they haven't done it yet."

Fulko wrote:

"Stealing when I am a deputy? You're either dumb, suicidal or both" He said to the man, his face showed a smith that was anything but mirthful.

"Nicat, Ilya I found us a thief!"

"Really?" Ilya starts. "But, the prices are so low... There's no reason to steal." Ilya leaves the glass sculptures on the table as he moves towards Fulko.


M Halfling Bard 6 | HP 50 | AC 22 | T 16 | FF 17 | CMD 19 | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Will +6 (+2 vs fear) | Init +5 | Perc +12

As Fulko takes off after the fumbling pick-pocket, Nicat joins in the chase, his relationship woes momentarily forgotten in the excitement. He tries to catch a glimpse of the man, to see if he knows him from around Sandpoint or if he might be a stranger to town.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

"Thank you, Amele," Sylvia says before turning to the child behind the door. "Hello, Aeren. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Before we begin, I would like to take a moment to call upon Shelyn for her guidance in this matter." As he stands there, she summons forth a quick orison to scan the child and the room beyond for any magical aura's. She then calls upon Shelyn for guidance in this serious matter.

"Shelyn, guide us in these troubled times, and let me see the truth behind what haunts this innocent child. Part the darkness before us so that the light of a parent's love can banish the evils set before us."

Finishing, she turns to Aeren and drops to a knee, using the highly decorated glaive she always carries to help support her in this awkward position, "Tell me, Aeren, what troubles you. I have heard from others what they believe to be the truth, but I would hear it from you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Verah!? What happened with the familial alliteration!? Hehe.


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Patrol Group

Nicat's Knowledge Roll:
The thief caught by Fulko looks like a local, but you can't quite place his face... his garb, however, looks suspiciously like a member of the Sczarni's garb.

The Sczarni are, in essence, an extended thieves' guild with ties throughout Varisia. They have no real headquarters, preferring a nomadic style of operation in keeping with Varisian culture.


The thief abruptly stops and pales when Fulko accosts him. "Wha--?! How DARE you?! I-I didn't steal anything!" He blusters, still visibly frightened of the man. Several vendors stop what they're doing and watch.
----------
Eostre

Throughout your story, Shalelu's expression never changes. However, you can see her hands clenching into fists on the bar.

Ameiko, on the other hand, is more expressive of her discomfort. By the end of it, her face has gone pale. "..."

She ducks under the bar and produces another bottle, this time of a different brand of beer. She slides it across the bar to you. "That's... wow. Disgusting."

"Indeed." Shalelu speaks up, straightening up from her slouch. "And he didn't think you were a threat." She leans across the bar. "But... I'm guessing that isn't the whole story?"
----------
Sylvia & Ekan

Sylvia:
You don't spot any auras, magical or otherwise, in the room...

Sylvia's words seem to have put Aeren at considerable ease. He opens the door more fully.

His room is surprisingly clean and tidy--aside from the kid-sized bed along one wall and a toy chest at the foot of it, there's not a single toy scattered on the floor.

Aeren sits at the foot of his bed. "Well... I... I've been seeing goblins. In my closet." He nervously looks at a closet door across from his bed. "I told Dad, but he doesn't believe me..."

He looks up at Sylvia. "He told you about the cat?"


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

"In the closet? May I come in and look, Aeren?"

Sylvia waits for allowance before stepping into the child's room and moving next to the closet door without opening it, "No, he didn't tell of the cat. Can you tell me of the cat?"


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Sylvia & Ekan

Aeren allows Sylvia into his room. "Go ahead..." He nods at his closet.

Sylvia's question causes him to look down at the floor. "It was a white one... the goblin took it and... its torch was shoved into its belly--"

He hugs himself, curling into a little ball. "It screamed so loud... it hurt so much..." He looks up at Sylvia, tears in his eyes. "Why do they do that? Why do goblins hurt people?"


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

Sylvia casts a quick light orison on the blade of her glaive before turning her full attention back to Aeren, "That is a difficult questions, and one I don't think I can answer. Goblins are... difficult... to understand. Some believe they have all the answers, but they are creatures of the god's creations just like you and I. And just as you and I, if we were brought up in an environment that had no love for us, we, too, would behave cruelly. It is love for our family, countrymen, fellow travelers on the journey of life, that civilizes us. Goblins have never been allowed this love of each other, so they lash out at beauty."

She shakes her head slowly, "I wish I had answers for you, Aeren, but I have none. As we learn to love and let love, we free ourselves from the burdens of such hate. These creatures... these goblins... they have no love, and likely never will, but we cannot hate them, for it is their nature to dwell in the dark places of their own hearts."

She then places a hand on the closet doors handle, firmly grasping the glaive with the light spell cast on it in the other hand, "Now stand outside, with your mother. Call for my friend, Ekan, he should still be about, and I will shed light into the dark places that hide those that hate the beauty Shelyn grants us."


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

Seeing that downstairs appears clear, Ekan joins Sylvia in the hallway just as she's about to go into the room.

Quote:

Aeren allows Sylvia into his room. "Go ahead..." He nods at his closet.

Sylvia's question causes him to look down at the floor. "It was a white one... the goblin took it and... its torch was shoved into its belly--"

He hugs himself, curling into a little ball. "It screamed so loud... it hurt so much..." He looks up at Sylvia, tears in his eyes. "Why do they do that? Why do goblins hurt people?"

Clearing his throat so the boy knows he's there too, Ekan says, "I don't know. Maybe they don't know anything but pain and so they cause pain to others to forget their own...not that that would excuse it. Maybe their gods are cruel and they are afraid of their gods instead of getting new ones they do cruel things too."

Oopps. Crossposted. Sorry, I fell behind.


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Female Dwarf Transmuter 5/Cyphermage 1 | HP 44/44 | Physical Enhancement +2 Str; Telekinetic Fist 7/7
Stats:
AC 12, T 12, FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Init +7; Perception +9
GM_Runecat wrote:


Eostre

Throughout your story, Shalelu's expression never changes. However, you can see her hands clenching into fists on the bar.

Ameiko, on the other hand, is more expressive of her discomfort. By the end of it, her face has gone pale. "..."

She ducks under the bar and produces another bottle, this time of a different brand of beer. She slides it across the bar to you. "That's... wow. Disgusting."

"Indeed." Shalelu speaks up, straightening up from her slouch. "And he didn't think you were a threat." She leans across the bar. "But... I'm guessing that isn't the whole story?"

"Those notes I mentioned? They pointed me here. I'm...I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. I'm an accomplished enough mage to go into business for myself, I suppose. I'm still fascinated by the ruins of Thassilon and their magnificent civilization, even if I've been burned by Cyphermage politics. I got out...and studying a site like this Old Light of yours, which seems pretty insignificant compared to the ruins other Cyphermages are at, is a great way to do what I know best while not attracting the Order's attention. But after that, what then? Do I criss-cross Varisia hoping to elude them? Leave it entirely and go someplace like the Five Kings Mountains or the River Kingdoms? Throw all caution and sanity to the wind and storm Riddleport with fireballs and summoned dragons to crush Tammerhawk beneath my heel?!"

Eostre hiccups a bit after that megalomaniacal statement. Clearly the beer's getting to her.

"I just...I hate feeling so weak. So powerless. I watched as Tammerhawk effortlessly broke my master, body-spell-and-soul, and that, more than anything else, frightens me to the core. I have to get stronger. Stronger so that *burp* no one can defeat me."


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Sylvia & Ekan

Aeren says nothing as Ekan arrives with Petal in tow. He heads outside with his mother and hides behind her.

Sylvia's light shines from her glaive as she opens the door...

GM Rolls:
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

...and finds what you'd expect in a closet--several sets of clothes, hanging up over a wooden bar. For the most part, they're little more than normal peasant's clothes...

...well, except for a set that's on the floor of the closet, wrinkled, dirty and hastily packed together.

Petal begins growling, her ears folding back.


M Halfling Bard 6 | HP 50 | AC 22 | T 16 | FF 17 | CMD 19 | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Will +6 (+2 vs fear) | Init +5 | Perc +12

Nicat moves up behind Fulko, catching the hulking barbarian's attention for a moment and says quietly, "Have a care. I don't know him, but he looks like a Sczarni to me. He may have a trick or two, and he may not be the only one about."

With that, Nicat looks around the crowd for anyone looking interested in getting involved.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

Sylvia motions Ekan over to show him the empty closet, giving him a meaningful glance and calls over to Aeren as she pushes the pile of clothes to the side with the tip of her glaive, "And how long have these goblins been infesting in your closet, Aeren? Since the raid, I presume?"


Fulko begins looking around, studying the people about them, searching for anyone that did not have a normal reaction to seeing a thief get captured "Thanks for the information Nicat"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Has Fulko heard of the Sczarni?

"Hah! If I had a gold piece for every bounty that said that to me" Fulko tightened his grip on the man, and gave him a hard stare to go along with his sinister grin "Ya see with me bounties usually end in three ways...severely beaten but alive, not alive and willing to give themselves up" He pulled the man in closer "Which one do you want to be?"

Before the man could answer, Fulko suddenly wraps both of his hands around the man's shirt and raises him above the ground "Are you with the Sczarni?" He whispered the question into the pickpockets ear, his tone sounding more like the seething of a wild beast.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

Ekan nods, and moves into the closet to look closer, particularly looking for odd signs along the set hastily put together.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16


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Patrol Group

Fulko's Knowledge Roll:
You've heard of their existence, but aside from their name, you don't really have any knowledge of how they operate. Odds are, they're just another thieves' guild.

The other vendors around the scene don't seem inclined to intervene on the thief's behalf. Especially considering the thief looks like he's on the verge of passing out from fright.

"I--I--"

"Hold on now, what's this?"

Nicat sees a lanky, olive-skinned and dark haired man in studded leathers step out of the crowd, flanked by two more men in brightly-coloured scarves. He strokes his well-groomed goatee with a vague sense of amusement. "Now, deputy, is that really any way to treat a man?" He says as he steps forward. "Even if he is a sorry excuse for a pickpocket?"
------------
Eostre

Ameiko and Shalelu keep quiet as you finish. Ameiko in particular appears to be affected by the story.

"I... kinda have to get back to work." Ameiko nods and hurries off to the back of the Rusty Dragon. Shalelu, on the other hand, remains at the bar.

"So, how do you plan on becoming stronger?"
------------
Sylvia & Ekan

GM Rolls:
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

The first thing Ekan notices about the interior of the closet is that it reeks. The rumpled clothes on the floor appear to be covered in a layer of dirt and... blood? That's what it looks like.

No sooner than when Sylvia calls back to Aeren that Petal starts barking loudly.

Just in time for the goblin under the clothes to lunge out at Ekan with a knife!
Attack!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
The knife leaves a scratch on Ekan's collar, dangerously close to his throat.

"MEAT! WANTS MEAT! WANTS MEAT! MEAT! MEEAAAAATTT!!" The goblin shrieks, its red eyes filled to the brim with rage and madness!

Initiative (Sylvia): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Initiative (Ekan): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Initiative (Goblin Commando): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Surprise Round over. Round 1: Sylvia is up!


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The animalistic expression that dominated Fulko's face was mostly directed to the horrified pickpocket, who was still kept aloft by Fulko's left hand as he turned his face to address the newcomer. His features morphing almost in an instant into his usual smile.

"You should see me when I drag them to jail" He replied as he shook his captive slightly "Not the most enjoyable of walks let me tell ya...well it isn't enjoyable for them anyway" A loud laugh echoed through the market place "I am glad that we agree that he's a lousy pickpocket....I don't think you've told me your name, but judging by the security around ya I'd say your someone I should get to know and quick" Another laugh roared through the market once more.

Diplomacy towards this new player on the scene to improve attitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21


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Male Samsaran Foresight Diviner 1
Stats:
HP 9/9 | AC 13, T 13, FF 10 | CMD 11 | F +1, R +3, W +2 | Init +8 | Perception +5
GM_Runecat wrote:

"Hold on now, what's this?"

Nicat sees a lanky, olive-skinned and dark haired man in studded leathers step out of the crowd, flanked by two more men in brightly-coloured scarves. He strokes his well-groomed goatee with a vague sense of amusement. "Now, deputy, is that really any way to treat a man?" He says as he steps forward. "Even if he is a sorry excuse for a pickpocket?"

"I would say it's a poor way to treat a man by stealing his hard earned cash," Ilya counters. "If he puts his hand where he knows it shouldn't be, it's hardly fair to cry when my friend here breaks it..."

Diplomacy - Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8


M Halfling Bard 6 | HP 50 | AC 22 | T 16 | FF 17 | CMD 19 | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Will +6 (+2 vs fear) | Init +5 | Perc +12

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Nicat gives the newcomer's face a quick study, to see if he can place him among the local Sczarni. He then speaks up, making his small voice as authoritative as possible, "My friend here's got a point. How would you treat a man who stole your money? Or, more to the point, who botched the job trying to steal it?"

Diplomacy, Aid Fulko: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22


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Female Dwarf Transmuter 5/Cyphermage 1 | HP 44/44 | Physical Enhancement +2 Str; Telekinetic Fist 7/7
Stats:
AC 12, T 12, FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Init +7; Perception +9

Eostre finishes the beer and claps the tankard down on the bar. She stares forward.

"I...don't know."


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

The goblin certainly surprises Ekan, but he keeps a cool head even as a thin line of red appears at his collarbone, "Aeren, stay back. Sylvia and I will deal with this. I promise you that."

Not my turn yet, but I figure anything to keep the kid from panicking is good


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

Holy cow, goblin from nowhere... I didn't expect an actual goblin, haha.

Surprised, Sylvia steps back, but quickly regains her composure and calls upon the aid of her goddess in the fight, "Guide our hearts in this time of need, Lady Shelyn!"

5' shift away, casting bless

Ekan, Sylvia: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saving throws vs Fear effects for 20 rounds


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

I'm guessing the goblin goes first before I do. If I'm wrong on that, let me know and I'll try to pop him hard


Yeah, Ekan, that's the case.

Turn Order
--Sylvia
-->Gresgurt
--Ekan

After Sylvia's blessing takes hold, the goblin leaps at Ekan's face, swinging its knife again!

Attack!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
However, in its hunger-crazed state, all it manages to do is barely nick him.

Ekan is up! Then Round 2: GO!
-------------
Patrol Group

Nicat's Knowledge Roll:
You recognize the man as Jubrayl Vhiski. He's the eldest brother of the Vhiski family, but seems to make an effort to not keep in touch with them. Rumours abound in Sandpoint of his rumoured ties to the Sczarni... but as it usually is with rumours, there isn't any proof.

Well, none that anyone's been able to find.

"How would I treat someone who tried to steal my money?" The leader looks skyward briefly. "Good question. Nobody's been stupid enough to try before--perhaps I should give it a bit of thought."

He looks back at Fulko, a smile on his face. It's difficult to tell if it's genuine or not. "Ah, but I must have left my manners back at the Feedbag. Jubrayl Vhiski, at your service." His buddies snicker a little, at some joke only they think is funny.
-------------
Eostre

Shalelu leans against the bar. "How to defeat a mage who makes a point of knowing his opponent's every move..." She stares at the wooden, stained countertop.

"Perhaps a different avenue of strength would be more effective than arcane might alone..."


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

Okay , my AC is 16 so I'm guessing the AC 14 hit nick is just a 0 dmg fx?

Ekan retaliates with a blur of motion, his fists flying trying to stop the goblin cold.
Bless included
Flurry, to hit #1 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
dmg if that hits 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Flurry to hit #2 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Dmg if that hits: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6


Nope. You were flat-footed when the goblin hit you both times.

The goblin barely dodges both of Ekan's well-trained blows.


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

Doh! Sorry. I'll adjust my hitpoints

"he's quick," Ekan admits with surprise as his blows are evaded. Perhaps more so than I. Perhaps I should give up extra speed for accuracy.


Female Human (Varisian) Cleric of Shelyn 2 | HP 19/19 | AC 18 T 12 FF 16 | CMD 14 | F +5 R +3 W +7 | Init +7 | Per +3

Sylvia, seeing Ekan in trouble, touches him on the shoulder, "Protect this man from the evil before us, so that he may see it banished from the light!" After her exclamation, a magical barrier forms around Ekan at a distance of about one foot, moving with the monk. She then moves back another step, putting further distance between herself and the goblin.

Cast protection from evil on Ekan (+2 deflection bonus to AC and +2 resistance bonus on saves against evil creatures), and another 5' shift back, so hopefully I'll get an AoO now if he comes for Sylvia. That's my plan, at least!

Ekan, Sylvia: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saving throws vs Fear effects for 19 rounds
Ekan: +2 deflection bonus to AC and +2 resistance bonus on saves against evil creatures for 20 rounds


Turn Order
--Sylvia
-->Gresgurt
--Ekan

As Sylvia's barrier envelops the monk, the goblin's glare intensifies.

"The meat is MINE." He growls as he swings his crude knife at Ekan again.

Attack!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
This time, a combination of Ekan's reflexes and Sylvia's magic cause the goblin's blow to miss! "No! NO! YOU WERE MINE!"

Amele and Aeren can be heard starting to panic in the hallway. Petal is barking madly, and a baby's crying can be heard from the next room.

"What the HELL is going on up there?!" Alergast's voice can be heard from downstairs.

Ekan is up! Then Round 3: GO!


Male Human Monk-6 (HP: 49/56; AC 19, 18t, 16ff; F+7,R+7,W+8)

"No, never yours, no one will be 'yours' again," Ekan asserts and this time strikes a single blow hoping to indeed increase his chances of a strike.

To hit, bless included 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8


Ekan's blow smashes right into the goblin's jaw, knocking some of its teeth free of its oversized mouth. It howls in pain, blood from its mouth spraying all over the closet's clothes.


Female Dwarf Transmuter 5/Cyphermage 1 | HP 44/44 | Physical Enhancement +2 Str; Telekinetic Fist 7/7
Stats:
AC 12, T 12, FF 10; Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +6; Init +7; Perception +9

"When you can move mountains and make oceans out of deserts with your power, what other strength can you have?"

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