Useplanb's RotRL Game - Player Journals Included


Rise of the Runelords

251 to 300 of 1,054 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | next > last >>

We traveled back through the room and started up some stairs the circled up to a higher level. Moxie was out front and spotted, what turned out to be, a hag. There turned out to be 3 of them and they filled the room with fog. With sight being a problem, it was mostly a hand to hand fight. After we had killed one of them, and injured the other two, they sued for mercy. Offering to give us information and leave the area. Personally, after all the damage they had done, the only mercy they deserved was quick death. They killed people through their actions, and would only go someplace else and do the same. They destroyed people’s lives, they didn’t deserve mercy. Some of our group wanted to let them go after talking to them and stopped fighting. That’s fine, I’m sure it will be remembered. The druid figured out that the non-stop rain was connected to the cauldron so they dumped it out. The weather will return to normal.

After going back down the stairs, we continued to the next room with Moxie again in the lead. She entered a room with Davok not far behind. Initially, nobody saw anything. Then the arrows started flying. Once we spotted what was going on, the attacker turned out to be the captain of the Black Arrows. The problem was that he had been turned into an undead monster.

It took us a while to get him back to a dead status. Once we accomplished that it was on down the hall. We entered a large cavern with 3 giants; a small one on a throne and two larger ones.


Rikert Krupt – Paladin of Iomedae

The small staircase, just past the room of our fight with the giant and ogres, led up to another room where Moxie encountered three hideous hags. These creatures were twisted and deformed, but still towered over all of us.

Combat started with a gunshot from Moxie, and turned into a hand-to-hand battle through thick, magical fog that was summoned by the hags. It took a while for the group to establish a good push against the hags as we were greatly hindered by the fog. I was one of the last to enter the room, and had to find a path to the enemy while being effectively blinded.

Our numbers eventually proved enough as we wore down the hags and pushed them back against the far wall. It was at this time that one of them begged for mercy and offered to give us information if we would spare them. For me, this wasn't an option. These creatures have spread misery and death through the area with their foul magics, and letting them leave to start tormenting others was something that we could prevent. It is also my belief that they would have told us anything in hope of buying their lives and freedom. Information given under threat of death is unreliable at best.

The party was divided equally about this issue. Simon and a few others grumbled about not letting them go, but we will get to the true cause of these problems with or without their (the hags) questionable assistance. There is no denying that these creatures would have continued to prey upon others given the chance. Furthermore, in a war like this one, failing to eliminate foes when the chance arises only gives them reason to seek revenge and rejoin their leaders at a later time. I've seen no sign that any of our past foes would give up their fight. Instead, they have all shown to be totally committed to their cause. To that end, they can expect no mercy from me.

The next room in the caverns held another shrine to foul Lamashtu! It is more proof that my choice to join this group was correct. The former captain of the black arrows was also here, but in the guise of an undead specter. He had lost all of his humanity with the exception of his skill with the bow. After painful and damaging rounds of arrow fire, we cornered him and I called again upon the power of Iomedae to fill my sword so that I could end his unnatural life.

After treating our wounds, we moved on into the caverns. We found a huge chamber that was partially open to the outside world through a rift in the ceiling. The room is filled with statues of giants, and at the end of the chamber there is a throne occupied by a living giant, and two others with him as guards.

Scarab Sages

Now THAT's a first, a Paladin who's never heard of the "Zone of Truth" spell. Wonders never cease.


Xandu's Journal:
After the fight with the ogres we found ourselves in a huge foundry. The ogres we making all sorts of giant weapons for a large army. Our eyes took in an immense hall or room that was the foundry of the Kreeg Clan. Sounds of metal on stone ringed throughout the room indicating that the mines were close at hand. The troupe decided to leave the mines and countless ogre behind and search for Lacrecia and this Mokmurian fellow. Moxie took up point and I far to the rear(Simon says). She was out of our sight for but a moment and before she went around the corner she turned to us and said “I’ll be right back”. She rounded the corner and then we all heard the unmistakable sound of her percussion wand. The troupe almost moved as one as we fought to reach Moxie.

A fog of sorts obscured our sight and it was a major cluster mess as we entered the stairway that Moxie had gone to investigate. We moved blindly up the stairs, another shot from the wand and cursing. I held tight to Simons outer garment, shirt, pants, I know not but I had a hand full of his clothes in my grasp. I asked Desna to share his wounds with me. I had no idea where we were going or how far we went. I could hear fighting and could feel Simon moving and fighting but could barely see Simon let alone anyone else. I may have felt Moxie pass by and heard her cursing in a slightly low voice “I’ll be right back“. “Where was she going” I thought. And shouldn’t we go with her? But Simon only moved forward.

Whatever we were fighting suddenly asked for mercy in trade for information. I thought it reasonable and said “give quarter” others voiced their opinions but the fighting continued. It was only after the fight was over and the fog started to dissipate that I saw three large female figures laying on the ground. “Hags” Haytham said. “They were the reason for the foul weather and all the mayhem in the valley because of the rain. Rikert was correct in continuing the fight and not giving quarter. May Desna keep me forever. I know I will atone for what I have done and probably more for what I have failed to do. Justification can corrupt as easily as actual deeds.

From this chamber we moved to the next. Again Moxie at the lead. Wide stairs leading to a dark chamber and another shrine to the terrible god Lamashtu. We moved up to investigate and were set upon by an undead creature called a Wight. This Wight was none other than the former captain of the black arrows, Lamatars. I couldn’t help but to feel pity for both him and his love, the nymph, Myriana. I wanted to bring them back together somehow. After the troupe, mostly Rikert, killed him (again), I took from him a finger to bring back to Myriana. Further into the cave we walked. Healing as we went. Checking gear, no one talked or said a word but we looked at each other with grim determination, we were in this to it's end and that felt near.

We moved on and have come to a huge hall with a crack in the ceiling, snow is falling in and light shows the troupe that this hall is filled with giant statues and a Giant on a throne at the far end and at least two other giants on either side of him. Moxie says something (I don’t know if to herself or to us or to the giants) and moves in. Desna preserve us.


You know things are looking grim when every player starts writing a journal entry for the battle ahead. ^^;;


Simon says: "We got this!"

Haytham's Journal:

Entry 5

The next room was filled with fog by the time I got there, so it took some time before I even encountered our enemies. Hags, worse, LARGE hags; I really hate these blasted creatures. They have no love for the natural world and these Annis hags are obsessed with unforgivable crimes such as stripping away a screaming child’s flesh and decorating themselves with it. It took some time to put them down but no one was dreadfully injured.

Afterward we met the captain of the Black Arrows. He had the misfortune to be turned into a Wright. Once most the party was in the room he backed into a corner behind a statue (altar). I was able to climb the altar to get behind him but could do little more than provide distraction so the more capable fighters had a better chance to kill him.

Now we stand in a great throne room. The ceiling has a fissure open to the cool mountain air, statues of stone giants flank the main path to a massive stone throne. All in all a pretty cool place, accept for the three live stone giants, specifically the little one on the throne who just ordered the others to “deal with us”.


Hey Kori'el:

I've heard of it. Just didn't have it available at the time. :)

Besides, they needed to die!


(Another little conversation between party members. This time the two head-strong fighters are having a little disagreement over how to deal with foes, especially those who offer information in exchange for their lives. This takes place after the combat during some down time.)

Simon:

Ok folks, I have a question: Whaddaya think is going on?

It seems to me that what we have is a very small group of dedicated individuals who’re manipulatin’ others to bring about some calamity. Judgin’ from the guys callin’ the shots (whatshername Nualia, them snake biatches, “Mocmurian”, maybe this giant dude), the pawns they’re choosin’ and what they’re havin’ ‘em do, I think we can all agree that whatever they are tryin’ ta bring about is undesirable from a whaddayacallit, civilized standpoint. I’m all for monkey-wrenchin’ their plans and bustin’ their heads. But it might be helpful ta have some idea of just what those plans are, don’tcha think?

Now in a way, Rikert’s on the money. As far as the plotters go, we can’t let ‘em go and we can’t let ‘em live if we have the opportunity ta kill ‘em. For one thing, I think that they’re dedicated enough ta their goal that even if we was to capture one and torture ‘em, they just won’t talk. They know about Rikert’s “Zone of Truth” as well as we do. But they have a lodge symbol that lets us know who they are—these Sihedron amulets, and I think that their henchmen are another matter.

Think about it: yer a guy who’s been hired ta do a particular job (say, make it rain) and some gang of do-gooders come in and kick yer arse for it. They have ya at sword point, they had ta have slaughtered a bunch of heavies ta get ta ya, and the boss ain’t around. Sure, ya try to sell yer miserable life; ya really don’t have much of a dog in this fight. Ya make a bargain ta tell what ya little ya know, and since yer an evil bastich at heart, ya figure on double-crossing these ‘heroes’ and ambushin’ them first chance ya get.

See, we can probably have it both ways. We can let ‘em live, we can get what they know (and Rikert can make sure it’s the truth), we can let ‘em walk and when they ambush us we get ta kill ‘em without breaking our word. We know they’re gonna break theirs, so everybody’s happy.

What if they show themselves ta be true cowards and high-tail it ta greener pastures? So what? Maybe the folks they’ll be preying on are arse-holes and deserve all they get. Sooner or later, these low-level bad guys (who face it, weren’t smart enough ta come up with these schemes on their own) will get up ta enough mischief ta attract the attention of some other hero, and they’ll end up dead anyway. Hell, they’ve just been through a fight, they’re wounded, they might be killed by the first critter they come across. Right now, we have bigger fish to fry; we’re busy chewing our way up the chain to whoever is passing out these Sihedron runes.

And don’t pull that, ‘but we’re puttin’ innocent lives at risk by lettin’ ‘em go’ crap; if ya really believed that, ya’d still be trying ta track down that Krav Magga thing. Innocent lives are sure at stake with that loose, too. Ya do have a choice in the matter.

So fair warning: the next time this situation comes up, ya can bet that I’ll be sitting on Rikert first and foremost. Do ya think ya can take me without being able to work yer ‘smite evil’ trick, pretty boy? ‘Cause I happen ta think that the intelligence we can get from these low-lives just might be important enough ta see ya try.

*****

Rikert:

All right, Simon. Since you asked…

Let’s address the tactical end of the equation first, since that is your normal focus and you insist on the others following along. For what it’s worth, I completely agree with you about the group not separating during combat.

To that end, perhaps you should examine your own actions from our last combat against the hags.

Letting the enemy go when you have them beaten down is bad tactics.

Having a tantrum and withdrawing from an active combat is bad tactics.

Your moment of anger could have proved costly to any or all of us if the hags had any surprises left to use as a last ditch effort to survive or escape. Abandoning the fight before it was finished diminished our group, which functions better as a whole.

How would you feel if your leaving resulted in the death of another who chose to support the party and finish the fight?

There is a time and a place for questioning foes and gathering information. In the midst of a blinding fog during the confusion of combat is not that time.

Chasing after Black Magga is far different than our current situation. We were never in a position to “let Magga go.” While I agree that Magga will continue to be a problem in a limited location, our priority at this time remains in dealing with the organized evil that is a far greater threat to all of us.

In regard to the hags specifically, there are few creatures that I would trust less. When given a chance to save themselves, these truly twisted and evil creatures would use any advantage to misdirect us with false information to save themselves. If you truly want to question foes effectively, we can subdue one and force the truth with the power of Iomedae.

Letting these creatures escape to continue to prey on anyone, be they arse-holes or saints, will never be an option with me. Some evil in the world is too great to be allowed to continue. On this matter, I rely on Iomedae’s guidance, even if that requires me to be judge, jury, and executioner at the same time.

You may come from a mercenary world, with shades of gray, where coin buys your loyalty, but that is not my way. Iomedae holds forth righteous valor, justice, and honor. On these issues, I will not compromise.

Simon, I value your strength and skills as an ally, and consider you a boon to our mission. I have no reason to cross swords with you, nor do I anticipate any in the future. As far as being able to “take” you in a fight, I hope it never comes to that. (looks Simon right in the eye) But … if you ever attempt to keep me from my divine mission, we’ll most certainly find out!

*****

Back to Simon:

Lettin’ the enemy go when ya have ‘em beaten down and they beg for quarter is called “mercy,” ya might want to look that one up, “good guy.”

As far as withdrawin’ from the fight before it was finished goes; ta my recollection the fight was over. Yer the one who kept it going, deprivin’ us of possibly valuable information. My point is, we didn’t have to trust ‘em; ya can do yer “Zone of Truth” thing (which ya’ve been happy ta yank out in less ugly circumstances) and know whether they was lying or not. If they agreed ta tell the truth and didn’t, I’d have been right there with ya.

If yer continuing the fight after it was effectively over had resulted in one of us dying, sure I’d feel bad; but that was yer decision, Rikert, not mine. Ta my mind, I was supportin’ the party, and ya and Haytham were out of line. I might have expected the Orc ta be that bloodthirsty, but ya were a surprise.

Look Rikert, you’re a good guy to fight alongside. One a the best I’ve had, truth be told, but if allowin’ a lesser evil ta survive in order ta more effectively fight a greater one “will never be an option” with you, then this argument ain’t over. I suggest ya pray to Iomedae for guidance, ‘cause the big picture might surprise you.

If yer really gonna take that line though, then ya really can’t make a distinction between an evil critter ya think ya can take, and one ya don’t think ya can. They call folks as does that “hypocrits.”

*****

Rikert again:

(Rikert looks expressionlessly at Simon for a long moment, and then replies)

“Mercy?”

I’m guessing you have had little training in religion, but perhaps you have me confused with the followers of Shelyn?

I openly wear the symbols of my faith … I make no apologies for my actions against evil … it is clear where I stand. I protect the weak and innocent by destroying sources of oppression, rather than the symptoms.

Iomedae suffers no evil to openly exist. It is my duty and the mission of the church to right wrongs and eliminate evil at its root.

If this troubles you, then perhaps you should reflect on your own soul for the motive that keeps you with us in this war. Our group has come together as volunteers to right the wrongs against Sandpoint, and stop the spread of evil that is awakening in the lands around us.

If ever there was a time to put aside petty differences and stand together, this is it!


Heh. I'm amused by the depiction of Rikert's paladinhood. See, I see Paladins as less vengeful and more merciful. They're the sword-arm of the good and neutral faiths, but that militancy is tempered by compassion. Which includes compassion toward the enemy... and if a foe sues for mercy and surrenders, then a Paladin would accept that surrender and then not let his compatriots kill that foe.

Which isn't to say they'd let that foe go. No, in the case of my paladins, they'd bring those hags to the flooded town and let the townsfolk put them on trial... and then carry out the judgment, should it be according to decent laws of the land. (Which means they'd likely be beheaded and then their remains burned.)

Spoiler:
Then again, my views of Paladins is skewed because of my own campaign world in which I don't really hold people to alignments per say, but instead on their actions and the consequences of them. Thus the holy orders in my world are not so much about "law" and "good" as in remaining true to the teachings of their Church. And one of the most interesting groups that has the most growth in my world is the Paladins of Marashieb, Goddess of Death and Healing. (Who's probably a bit like Pharasma, all things considered, though her priests are distrusted due to lies spread by several of the other major religions.) Thus outside of the Undead or the most evil of Outsiders, which are put down without question, a call for mercy and offering of information would have to be accepted. Even if the others disagreed.

Anyway, I loved seeing the dialogue! I hope you both get an extra die-roll for that effort! :)


Tangent, your views on Paladins sound like the conversation that I had with our Magus before the game last night.

We posted the argument around on email before posting it here, and Moxie came out with a rant that set Rikert back a step or two (heh). My own final comment was, "Abadar save us from narrow-minded Paladins."


Some thoughts on Rikert's background:

When I decided to play a Chelaxian paladin, I looked at where he was from, and decided he wasn't going to be the typical shining knight.

Rikert tends to be quiet. When he first joined the party, he sat in the bar and observed them from a distance to see how they interacted in a casual setting. He comes across as being a little unapproachable, and certainly isn't overly outgoing. (Lucien, my first character, was outgoing and gregarious. He liked to talk and tried to be everyone's friend.)

Rikert is different. His outlook is much more serious, and he doesn't smile often. He understands that he isn't one of the light-hearted members of the party like Moxie and Xandu. He may secretly enjoy their happier approach to life, although he would never admit it. He believes Iomedae sent him to the group to provide her blessings and strength to a worthy cause.

Rikert remains focused on the mission. He doesn't care about fame or wealth, or even making a name for himself. He sees himself as Iomedae's hand in this war. He follows the tenets of Iomedae regarding the destruction of evil in the world, and won't tolerate letting organized evil foes survive, as he believes they are truly corrupted and cannot be redeemed. As far as he is concerned, they have made their choice and will pay the price for it now.

That being said, he still provides aid to the weak, and compassion when needed. Following the ghoul activity and the deaths of the farmers near Sandpoint, he carried the dead bodies back to their homes, dug graves, and gave money to them and the local church to support the refugees that fled their farms for the better chance of safety in Sandpoint. However, seeing the suffering brought onto the local citizens by the enemy forces, has only strengthened his resolve to punish the ones responsible. Every foe he cuts down helps to even the score he keeps in his head.

Rikert IS a "good" guy, he's just not always a "nice" guy.

Grand Lodge

As a side note before I explain last nights escapades I would say this about paladins. Purities of Faith has a great write up of all the good gods and in the back there is a section on the paladin codes. Paladins come in all shapes and sizes when it comes to Retribution/Mercy. Torag is a jerk when it comes to enemies of its peoples. There is ZERO quarter unless you want to "extract" information before killing them. Then he/she goes after their families. No grey area there. And on the opposite side of the spectrum you have Shelyn who comes first with a rose, then a sword and believes "everyone is redeemable" and should at least try. Champions of Purity has a great write-up of good characters in bad places and ideas for how to act. To me, not offering quarter from an Iomedean is not a bad choice and very prudent in the situation they were in. If the BBEG wants quarter for info, I see them giving it and then being responsible for their life. But at that point they would march them to Magnimar for trial. Its taken me a while to brow beat into my players heads that Evil is not necessarily bad. People who are greedy are evil and may radiate as evil as well. Doesn't make them a person that should be killed, but I digress.

Last night they finished up against Barl, two Stone Giants (I increased from 1 Stone Giant because I had 7 players off the bat, with the 8th showing up 30 min later) and an Invisible Lucretia. All were at maximum health as well.

Turns out after about an hour into the confrontation the Paladin had to leave because of a family related matter, which was about two hours before he was expecting to have to leave. This almost made the encounter a TPK as the dice were not necessarily in my favor for the night, but they were cold around the table.

They started out about 40' or so into the room and I decided to make the small ravine that you would walk up to the throne about 5 feet deeper than the rest of the room. DC 10 Climb to get up the wall or DC 20 Acrobatics to jump up.

The fight started with Barl having a very high initiative and because, 1. I had all my players (sans the witch at this point) and 2. hes a jerk, I had him move off his throne to position himself in line with the group and dropped a fireball in amongst the group. They began to scramble at this point which is where Lucretia attacked going right after Xandu. Because of their hatred at having her escape them twice they Dimensional Anchored her and then pilled on.

The giants were kept busy with a Teori Monk Grapple Roc animal companion and the druid in the form of a celestial dire wolf. The druid was getting knocked around pretty good as my secondary attacks kept rolling 17s while the primary attack was generally just hitting. Three rounds of that and he had to back out and engage at range.

Barl and the ranger spent a few rounds and one round of 50 or so damage brought him from the back of the room to remove the ranger. He did this with a Ray of Exhaustion and followed it up with a Fear. Turns out you don't run in fear so fast while exhausted. Either way that got rid of the ranger. The next round it was centered on the main group around Lucreatia who is immune to that. This got the fighter to break and run.

Around this time the Roc was on the ground and bleeding out, the ninja/witch was on the ground but stable and the two heavy hitters were running away. Before grabbing Moxie and bolting, the cleric healed the ninja/witch and then Dimension Doored to the Chokepoint to gather the ranger and fighter.

Deciding to go after the giants at this point, of which one was already dead, a slumber hex and a failed Will save later the second giant went to sleep, who was promptly coup de graced.

Barl faced off against the ninja/witch, magus and druid. When it was said and done, they were at a combined health of 10 or under when Barl fell.

Lucretia had taken off to chase after the ranger and fighter hoping for a quick kill but instead ran into moxie and the cleric, as well as the fighter and ranger. By the time she was hacking them apart the remaining group arrived and were able to nickle and dime her to death.

For the most part I stuck to their tactics as written, and wasn't a complete jerk GM when the Paladin had to leave early. Had Barl just wailed away with his hammer on one character at a time, bad things would have happened. Instead I spread the love. But they survived . . . barely.


After action report, 19 Neth, Simon Roque reporting.

1) Entered a large chamber, lit from a crack in the ceiling, three stone giants at the far end. Engaged, and were ambushed by the Lamia Lucretia. The fight did not go well, and turned into a running battle after the enemy casters forced Davok and myself to flee. In the end, the enemies died and our group sustained heavy damage, though all were technically ambulatory.

2) We looted and gathered what intelligence we could, and then retreated down the mountain before the ogres still in the mines could appear and take advantage of our weakened state; I believe that all of our casters were entirely out of spells. One note that we found gave us indication that the dead ranger Kaven had been the traitor of Fort Rannick. Another indicated that an attack on the town of Sandpoint by more giants and a dragon (!) is immanent; they seem to be seeking some sort of artifact.

3) It remains for us to deliver the former Captain’s remains to the nymph in the swamp as promised, and to take the next available transport to Magnimar and Sandpoint to head off this new assault. We badly need rest and resupply.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

The Powder of Persuasion: A treatise on the miscalculation of bringing a knife to a gunfight…

We approached the lumbering stone giants and it seemed we would meet at the narrowest portion of the chamber for the brawl. I scrambled up the left side of the embankment from the center aisle and took refuge behind a statue. Xandu followed suit and hid behind the next statue directly in front of me. I moved towards the left wall hoping to either sneak behind them or at least use the narrows for cover. At the moment of engagement an explosion of fire erupted from the aisle singing me but good. Moments later the snake lady appeared behind Xandu and me. She wasted no time in loosing her fury upon Xandu in a fluvial wash of his exsanguination. E-gads but she is frightful indeed with a blade! At this, the entire left flank of our party descended upon her with retributive intent. Rikert and Brisket began with great deep strikes and powerful strokes while Xandu engulfed her with a magical barrier which I found out later prevented her magical escape, as she had accomplished before. We had her encircled. Lynn and I struggled to make good on our opportunities but provided for each other in keeping her occupied at her flanks while Annie held the rear. As to the others I could see Haybails Roc grappling with the giant on the right, Duh’rock casting arrows between the giants and Haybail himself in the form of dire wolf, holding the center aisle. Many blows were traded until another arterial spray blinded Rikert who struggled desperately with his visored helm. Then the tides began to turn, and panic crept into the hearts of the troupe, quickly for some, and progressively so for the rest!

With Rikert incapacitated Brisket toed the line swearing profanities at the snake lady as he landed his blows. We seemed to be able to hold if Rikert could correct his vision but then as with all plans the tables turned. The runt giant in charge cast some doom spells to the right sending Duh’rock in flight, weaponless, in a state of exhaustion. Then moments later a second wave engulfed Brisket sending him fleeing in a weaponless terror as well, both bolting at their best speed from whence we came. All of a sudden things became…DICEY TO SAY THE LEAST!!! It remained to us to finish or flee. A Magus, a Witch and her fox, a Druid and his Roc, and a rogue and her…their cleric! Many of whom were already gravely wounded.

I changed strategies as I had yet to land a blow with my blade. Backing away and firing my percussion wand into the snakey coil holding her upright! It stung and she let me know how much she didn’t appreciate it. The blur of her blades as she expertly handled them was awe inspiring and intimidating. My left arm took a deep gash which turned me about. One stroke entered the same spot Rikert had impaled me at the Foxglove Manor. The next plunged into my chest and the last slashed across my abdomen and back over my thighs. I was in a terrible lowly state! But Xandu was there, he relieved the mass evacuation of my life essence and we moved away. Lynn prepared his blade for the snake lady only to have to use it on a giant trying to gain an advantageous position on him. The snake lady pursued us. I loosed a second volley into her snake parts and unappreciated as it was she lashed out at Annie. Annie was unceremoniously thrashed, struck down in a wicked display of blades after attempting her witchery upon the snake lady. I shot into her midriff and received a stummy wound to the hilt. I felt a rush of wet warmth flow beneath my armor. This was beginning to remind me of Thistletop! This was a bad omen! I moved to Xandu and we spoke tersely of escape but came to no quick decision. I sent a second salvo successfully into her snake parts while Xandu revived Annie. We looked as though we hand been chewed upon by a creature with enormous teeth and felt the same. I stepped away from her with my percussion wand cracking the cool air striking her left arm. She advanced on Xandu and cut him with a single savage blow. My vision began to blur and my legs began to buckle. As I slumped to the ground I saw Annie crawling from the snake lady, bless her black heart, she cast one of her dark spells putting the second giant henchman to sleep after Haybail had put some dire wolf hurt on him- HUZZAH!!! Then Lynn sent a lightning bolt at the runt giant and dispatched the sleeper as Xandu came into my sight and transported us away.

We ended up in the dark. I smelled death and ogres. The first room of the cavern? He produced our wand of healing with less than a hands worth of charges and as he applied it to me he inquired if I knew how to use it. “What…well yes?? You want me to heal you??”As we closed our wounds we heard the heavy breathing and footfalls of Brisket and Duh’rock as they ascended to the temple of Lamashtu in their flight to safety. Combat still raged down the corridor in the chamber we had left. Snake lady approached quickly from the giant’s chamber. I braced for the inevitable with not a spell between us and only two small healing potions left, Xandu and I prepared for the end game! She did not see us in the dark and followed the footfalls of those in flight up towards the temple, a boon indeed! I heard Duh’Rock spit a curse and the snap of his bow-HUZZAH!!!I lept from my safety in the dark and ran up the stairs Screaming her name “LUCRETIA!!!”. Arrows skittered about the rocky walls from the top of the stairs and I heard Brisket roaring in the Temple on his way to help. The Roc, dire wolf, and Annie rushed in as I took another blow from the embattled snake lady. I felt the rush of confidence we all had in this end and what we had accomplished together. As she rose to strike I shot her in the stummy and she wavered. As I reloaded I noticed a shimmering sihedron rune-tattoo on her left breast and placed the next shot just below it. She gasped, dropped her blades and looked down at the smoking hole as it quickly began to spurt her life away. She fell into the wall turning slowly to the floor face up, her snake body coiling for a few moments as she exhaled her last gasp. She came to rest facing me eyes open and all I wanted to do was end it! I reloaded my wand and placed it at her head wanting so desperately to release its power. A blink or twitch was all it would have taken, but the tears welling in my eyes told me it was done. I sat beside her and took in the pain, a now all too familiar feeling.

I collected myself and washed the blood from my hands and face. We gathered a sizable trove of loot and information including plans to attack Sandpoint!! GASP!! I had a brief moment of panic, but it was short lived. We set to making a plan, first of which was to get away from Hook Mountain and get some much needed rest!!! Hey, where’s Rikert?

….Here endeth the lesson!


Three giants, and a lamia, that’s all we faced. We jumped at the lamia mostly as a group, but we had a couple looking toward the giants. They were throwing rocks as they got closer and Davok was shooting arrows at the small one, which turned out to be a spellcaster. The fight wore on much longer than was good. The lamia was tough. She was hard to hit and resistant to spells.

Hitting the giants was easier, but it meant they could hit back, not a good exchange. The spell caster hit some of us with a fear spell and sent Simon and Davok running, not good. Our paladin left too. Our witch, dropped a giant with a spell, and Hatham’s pet roc took another one out at the same time. Then we were left with the smaller spell casting giant. He was injured from previous attacks, but still healthier than I wanted. We concentrated, Hatham, I and Annie, and managed to take him down, but none of us were feeling well when it was done. We noticed that the lamia had run off after Zandu and Moxie.

I took a second to drink a potion, just to stop the bleeding. Then I took off after the lamia. Zandu had made it impossible for her to jump away from the fight, she was limited to her slithering. The fear affects finally wore off of Simon and Davok and they came back to join the fight on the lamia. We dropped her, only took three encounters to finally eliminate her, then we all took a breath.

I was basically out of spells, Zandu was nearly out and nearly all of us were nearly dead, but we survived. We rounded up all the loot and information we could find, part of the dead captain to take back to the nymph and trekked part way back down the mountain. Still snowing but much less than it was, but we were alive, and we knew more information.

Lots of talk about what to do and where to go. Seems like we have more work to do before we can relax. But we’re going back to Sandpoint, at least that’s where the information leads us to believe is the target of an upcoming attack, including a dragon. Have to finish things with the nymph first then some members talk about Magnimar, but we’ll see.


2 people marked this as a favorite.

Xandu’s Journal:

We entered the giant’s chamber tired but ready for the fight, we thought. Moxie leapt up and hid behind a huge stone giant statue and keeping Simon within close range I did the same, knowing that giants love to throw things, I thought it best for me to stay out of direct sight of the three giants. The quiet of our approach was suddenly shattered by a fiery explosion and we were instantly engulfed in flame. The intense heat and the sound of the explosion filled my senses. I was also sharing Simons damage so I took quit a hit. Afterward I had to let his protection drop before I was killed by collateral damage.

Haytham released his Roc and it’s beating wings filled the chamber with a roar. Lacrecia had appeared behind me with little warning, I tried to keep from her blades but it was to little to late and she made a good attempt at removing me from my friends. Knowing that Moxie may be next on her list if I failed to stay upright I summoned all my strength to appear unscathed. I kept Lacrecia’s attention by casting a dimensional anchor on her to keep her from escaping yet a third time.

Rikert, Simon, Lynn and Moxie working together against Lacrecia gave me the time I needed to meld into the stone of the cave and heal myself. While in the stone I couldn’t see but could hear the fight raging on. I didn’t dare stay to long but needed the time to catch my breath. Back into the fight I went.

As I appeared from the stone I could see Davok moving towards the entrance weaponless. Then Simon did the same after the smaller giant cast a spell that caused fear. To my left was Haytham’s Roc and it had a death grip on a giant. Haytham (in wolf form) held off the other larger giant in the middle of the chamber. Annie was now with Lynn and Moxie fighting Lacrecia. Something was terribly wrong with Rikert’s helm and he was fighting more with it than anything else. Moxie unleashed her percussion wand on Lacrecia. Lacrecia returned the favor by focusing her attention on Moxie. My heart and jaw dropped as I saw her sink dagger thrust after dagger thrust into my sweet little friend. I reached for Moxie and healed what I could, much to my surprise Moxie staggered but a little before aiming her percussion wand at Lacrecia and again hit. The lamia recoiled with pain. Then Annie attempted something crafty towards Lacrecia. I think it failed but it made Lacrecia forget about Moxie for a second.

Lacrecia hit Annie with the fullness of her fury and Annie went down in a red spray. Blood was everywhere. We had little to no time left, Lacrecia hit all three of us Lynn, Moxie and I with swift blade strokes. I was very close to death but kept a positive face on not wanting to worry Moxie. Moxie looked bad Annie might be dead and just as Lynn was about to return the favor and gut Lacrecia, he had to turn and fight off a giant that was moving in to finish us off. Rikert had fallen off the 5 foot ledge and was rolling on the ground. We must of looked bad because Lacrecia smiled at me and looked in the direction that Simon and Davok had gone.

Anne, still lying on the bloody ground, cast a spell on the attacking giant that put him to sleep. Lynn sent a lightning bolt at the smaller giant, I couldn’t see the effect. Haytham was engaged with the same smaller giant and the Roc still grappled with the same giant.

With Lacrecia’s attention now on Davok and Simon in their current state and the fact that she now had a giant or two to finish us here, she moved away.

Feeling almost dead myself I healed Annie and staggered to Moxie. Lynn finished off the sleeping giant. I asked Moxie what she’d like to do. Try and move to where Simon may have gone or to go all the way to the beginning of the cave. Then move back in so we wouldn’t miss Davok or Simon. I don’t think she understood what I was asking and just stared at me for a second so I asked Desna to show me the way back to where we were after the hags, a door opened and I stepped through with Moxie in tow.

I only had a couple of spells left so I took out a wand and healed Moxie a couple times before just giving it to her after asking if she could use it herself. She gave me a puzzled look and asked if I wanted her to heal me. What a precious friend. I hadn’t thought of what a state I Must have been to see. I knew I was about to die but was to busy trying to stay alive to notice the pain. I could have (and should have) kissed her right there but there was no time. I ran towards the room we had just left and froze when I saw Lacrecia heading our way.

Moxie came running up beside me as Lacrecia turned to our left up the stairs to ware we killed Captain Wight. I could here Davok yelling and arrows hitting snaky flesh. Moxie shouted for me to go and help Lynn and Annie, while she herself ran up the stairs after Lacrecia.

I found the others in the giants chamber, all the giants were dead so I rallied the troupe back to where Lacrecia and the others were. We all showed up in time to see our little gnome fire her percussion wand one last time into Lacrecia as the lamia fell Moxie reloaded and stood there shaking ready to fire again if necessary but she didn’t need to Lacrecia was dead.

We had to heal as best as we could and gather as much information as we dared before more of the ogres and giants discovered us. We did unfortunately find plans of an attack on Sandpoint involving giants and a dragon. To tired to think straight we slowly made our way out of the cave and down off of Hook Mountain.

I need to find out who’ll go with me to take back the relic to the nymph Myriana before we head to Magnimar and then to Sandpoint to head off an attack.


Haytham's Journal:

Entry 6:

The first move was made by the leader of the giants; casting a fireball right into the midst of our group. The group spread out to disable his ability to repeat his dangerous tactic. Unfortunately over half of our group became engaged with the “lamia” they had told me about. They had explicit hatred of this creature, giving it their sole attention. This left Davok, Simon and me to deal with the three giants. In the large chamber I knew we could use more people so I woke Vethrfolnir to help. Davok concentrated on the main giant and I began moving to block the other two from getting into melee with him. Rikert was taken out of the fight with the lamia so Simon went to fight her. I engaged one giant and sent Vethrfolnir to tangle with the other. Once more I am reminded of how much better he is at hunting than I, my weak attempts to tangle with this giant left me beaten and barely hindering the giant; on the other hand Vethrfolnir was holding his own quite well. Davok had gained their leader’s attention and he came down to join the fight. With a few spells he caused not only Davok to flee the fight but Simon as well. Luckily Vethrfolnir had dealt with his giant by the time the leader arrived but I had to pull myself out of combat with the mine to heal and get the last of my damaging spells off.

Lynn joined Vethrfolnir in occupying the two remaining giants but both were taking nasty blows. Just before I rejoined the melee, Anne caused the giant I was battling with to fall asleep. Lynn finished it off and it became three against one on the main giant. He landed one vicious blow to the side of Vethrfolnir’s head and he fell swiftly. I felt nauseas as I watched my companion fall but could see that his breast still heaved as he took labored breaths. I could tell Lynn was feeling pretty bad as well and I was near the end; one more hit to any of us and we would be out of the fight, possibly for good. Luckily the same could be said for the giant, for as I landed one last spell he fell.

First I needed to deal with Vethrfolnir, a couple of cures brought him back around. Apparently during our scuffle with the giants the others had moved their combat back the way we had come. Lynn and I exchanged glances and we knew we had to go help. Not everyone can have the luxury of quitting during the middle of combat. They had the Lamia in the chamber we encountered the ranger and Vethrfolnir and I made a few quick swipes at it but did little before she was felled by Moxie and her ‘percusion wand’ as she calls it.

From what we gathered, after we caught our breath and amazed at our good fortune that we were all still standing and among the living, was that there was about to be an assault of a town called Sandpoint. Though I had never heard about it except for passing conversation with this group it seemed to hit them hard, especially since the word DRAGON was used. Though we have come far and completed much in the short time I have been with this “Stormgaurd” I fear we have but gleaned the surface of what evil we are attempting to overcome.

Grand Lodge

Last night the group began the logistical nightmare of rapid travel.

I have been following a calendar since the game began and I had decided on when the attack on Sandpoint would happen. The group though, wanted to go shopping because they "needed" gear and upgrades.

We began with the group making the late night trek back to Fort Rannick after clearing out the Kreeg clanhold. Arriving early in the morning, exhausted and damaged. After a nights rest they inform the remaining Black Arrows what happened to their commander, and told of the attack. To this Shalelu expresses her desires to return to Sandpoint to help.

So that morning (late morning since they slept in) they decide to have everyone (party) trek to Turtleback Ferry, Haytham and Lyn taking the "body part" of the re-deceased captain to Myrianna, and Xandu, Moxie, Simon and Davok teleporting to Magnimar. We begin with a failed teleport by rolling "off the mark" and ended up arriving in Sandpoint. While this was happening I described that Xandu saw a Whipporwhil right before the spell ended. I did this as a "portent" from Desna that she wanted Xandu to go to Sandpoint.

We did some RP with Moxie and Xandu talking with the village elders while Simon did his best at scaring the already skiddish populace with questions of dragons along with rumors of giants. I tried to gently enforce the "stay in Sandpoint" with most of the village elders asking why if the town was in danger were they going to leave to go to Magnimar. They didn't key in on it, the "greed" of the loot was to great.

The next day Xandu teleports back to Turtleback Ferry and Lyn, Shalelu, Haytham, and Sheldor decide to fly to Sandpoint. The flight time with pushing Haytham's animal companion is 3 days. Meanwhile the rest of the group rent a wagon and begin a two day ride to Magnimar to sell all their loot.

The next day Xandu teleports the remaining two members, Rickert and Annie to Magnimar. This time when the spell ends he finds a dead whipporwhil at his feet. Knowing that this means something he seeks advice from Desna with a divination asking if he has 3 days. He gets an emphatic "no." Annie and Rikert then spend time doing personal errands and attempting to make contact with the lord-mayor. They then wait at the west gate into Magnimar for the others to arrive so that he can turn them around and begin heading back to Sandpoint.

We did a lot of dice rolls here for general time use and pulled it out . . . barely. I gave them 2 hours remaining to reach the bazaar and sell items. All rolls are 1d4 hours of searching for the best deals. They rolled a 2, any thing over that was going to cost them a flat 10% per hour over to any Diplomacy rolls they get to trade gear. Again I used a base 75% item value for trade with Diplomacy altering that by 5% per point difference. Maxing out at 100% and minimum of 50% trade. Cash starts at 50% and maxes at 75%, minimum of 25% total value.

While they did this Moxie went in Rikerts stead to meet the lord-mayor and explain the situation. When this was done, she was given a writ of 5,000 gold that was good in Magnimar for services rendered at Ft. Rannick and keeping the lord-mayor abreast of problems in Varisia. If it could elevate his status among the people of Varisia and make Korvosa look like they don't care or know what is going on, all the better.

We ended the evening as Xandu (who gains his spells at midnight when he prays) teleported himself, Davok, Simon and Annie back to Sandpoint while Rikert and Moxie rode through the night and after resting a small amount pushed hard arriving in Sandpoint the next day late in the evening.

Tomorrow morning the assault is going to happen. The group got most of their stuff done under the wire.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Oh, we keyed in on the fact that Useplanb didn't want us to leave, but it wasn't just greed that drove us to Magnimar. We were out of healing consumables, and since there is a balancing act going on between the army waltzing through the encounters and being blown away by them, we're getting regularly abused and some of us needed an upgrade. Good job with that, by the way; I think how hard this last bit has been means that you've hit the right nastiness level.

Action readiness report, 22 Neth, Simon Roque reporting.

This readiness report is brought to you by the letter “C”. Some popular “C” words are: “Confusion”, “Change of plans”, and the ever popular “Clusterfsck.”

1) Managed to drag our wounded selves to Fort Rannick at about 2 am. Expended the remainder of our healing magic and fell into exhausted slumber. Arose late the next morning to plan our lightning raid on the Bazaar of Sails in Magnimar; Xandu would teleport Moxie, Davok and I to Magnimar where we would commence a monumental shopping spree (19 Neth). Meanwhile Haytham and Lynn would fly to the swamp to deliver the captain’s remains to the nymph while Rikert, Annie, Sheldor and Shelelu went directly to Turtleback Ferry. Xandu would teleport back to T.F. on the 20th and ferry another three to Magnimar on the 21st. By that time we should have located and/or purchased the lion’s share of what we needed to re-equip ourselves for a raid against Sandpoint by stone giants with possible dragon backup.

2) Aaaannd Xandu screwed the pooch on the teleport and landed us in Sandpoint, 50 solid road-miles from Magnimar and the place where we could trade our captured junk for needed equipment. I must say that Sandpoint is a much nicer town with a vastly higher quality of entertainment than T.F. Davok and I took the day off while Xandu and Moxie spent their time alarming the HMFIC’s (not difficult, the populace here seems easily excitable). On the morning of the 20th, I contracted with the local stables for a wagon and team to transport our cargo to Magnimar; hopefully we could still fulfill our portion of the plan. Xandu teleported back, hopefully to T.F.

3) Uneventful trip to Magnimar by Davok, Moxie and myself. Moxie told us about local developments, including rumors of giant sightings by travelers. Arrived Magnimar west gate shortly before sunset on 21 Neth. We were met at the gate by Xandu, Rikert and Annie who informed us that Haytham, Lynn and the Shel- sisters were flying directly to Sandpoint. WTF, over? Xandu was babbling about Desna and whippoorwills and giants attacking Sandpoint tomorrow and we have to turn around right now… We decided to try our luck at the Bazaar anyway, and for once it was with us (Moxie staying at the gate to fulfill Rikert’s appointment with the Lord Governor [!]). Annie had earlier located an area of merchants with the sort of gear we needed, but was unable to negotiate an acceptable deal; we headed there and Rikert managed to charm them or something. We got excellent value for our trade goods, and were able to get nearly everything on our shopping list (new armor, shield and weapon for me, bracers for Annie, two new healing wands, new sword for Rikert, some sort of facial appliance for Moxie, various potions and protective items). Without a list from Lynn or Haytham, Rikert and I made up their shares with cash we had on hand, and then we “about faced” and headed back to Sandpoint.

4) Of course, the horses gave out just outside the city gates. I returned to a reputable stable and boarded the animals and wagon for the night, and paid for their transport back to Sandpoint (it seems whenever I leave Magnimar it is as a near pauper. I certainly hope that this does not become a pattern) while Rikert rode on with Moxie and Annie riding pillion. Being midnight, Xandu spent some time in prayer and once again teleported himself, Davok and I to a sleeping Sandpoint (on target this time). We are now awaiting the arrival of the others, expecting attack at any moment…


I'm loving this description -- I, too, put a date in the sand as to when the attack was going the happen. Unfortunately, my group is all about duty (and a stockpile of wands of CLW) and got there three days ahead of time, and I had to throw in difficulties in construction of the town's defenses or the giants would have been hosed.

Hiding a sentence on the results of the attack from my campaign:

Yeah, I know, if you've read my campaign journal you know they got hosed anyway, but at least it was good tactics rather than a town full a ballista and catapults that took them down...


Well I must say this is a somewhat boring, uneventful journal entry for myself. We arrived at Fort Rannick, beaten up and exhausted. After a good night's sleep and some healing from Zandu, we sort of went our separate ways.

Hathom and I went to return the body part to his lover Mirianna the nymph. We flew most of the way and landed outside the clearing. I called for Yap a couple times and we blindfolded ourselves and entered the clearing.

We stumbled a bit and continued moving toward the center until we heard a voice. I gave her a piece of the captain's body. She said some things and then disappeared. There was a naked male elf left in the clearing and the nymph was gone. After exchanging some information with the former captain, he decided to stay there. Yap gave us the remaining fairy dust and Hathom and I returned to Fort Rannick to let them know what was going on and what happened with the captain. Then we went back to Turtleback Ferry.

Zandu had left with Davok, Moxie and Simon to supposedly go to Magnimar. There was no way for Zandu to take all of us to Magnimar, so Hathom and decided to leave for Sandpoint the next morning, depending on whether Zandu showed up or not and what he said. He showed up and told us that they had accidentally teleported to Sandpoint instead of Magnimar. Annie, and Rikert stayed there to wait until the next day and teleport with Zandu to Magnimar. Hathom and I left for Sandpoint with Sheldor and Shelelu.

It took us two and a half days of flying to get to Sandpoint but we apparently arrived before any attack happened. With the market in town I need to get a couple things, I'll worry about getting to Magnimar later.


Xandu’s Journal Entry:

Omens

Exhausted from the dealings at and journey from the Kreeg Clan hold on Hook Mountain, the troupe finally reached Ft. Rannick. Arriving early in the morning we needed rest and healing. Later that day we informed the Black Arrows of Lamatar’s (their commanders) fate and what had happened up there (with all the ogres getting ready for a battle) when we got to the part of an attack on Sandpoint Shalelu voiced her desire to return with us. The trouble we were having was trying to accomplish so much in the little time we felt we had. We needed to unload or trade our goods at Magnimar for some much needed gear. We needed to fulfill my promise to Myrianna and most of all we needed to get back to Sandpoint before it was attacked. Too much to do with so little time.

As much as I wanted to be the one to take back the relic of the former Black Arrows Commander to Myrianna it wouldn’t be prudent. I was needed to teleport some (Moxie for trading, Simon and Davok for carrying our goods) to Magnimar and others (Haytham and Lynn) would carry out the promise I had made to Myrianna. The Rest would stay in Turtleback Ferry and wait for Haytham Lynn and I to return. Then I would teleport more to Magnimar. After we traded our goods there, we would then go to Sandpoint. A simple plan and as I look back we could have made a better one but we were tired and not at our best so that was our plan.

Moxie looking much better after her rest, Simon, Davok and I all held hands as I teleported us to Magnimar. The teleport was normal until we were coming out of it I could see the street in Magnimar where I wanted us to go and all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I glimpsed a whippoorwill. I lost sight of the Magnimar street for second then I saw a street again and finished the teleport, only to discover that we had gone to Sandpoint instead of Magnimar. A bit embarrassed I told Simon and Davok that I had made a mistake but that it was okay we weren’t far from Magnimar and this was where we needed to be anyway. I told them they could get meals and rest while Moxie and I informed the towns elders of upcoming events.

Moxie and I took Simon and Davok to the Rusty Dragon and introduced them to Ameiko. Ameiko was thrilled to see Moxie, I must say that seeing the two of them together was the greatest gift Desna could of ever bestowed on me. I wanted to leave them to themselves but time wouldn’t permit it. I told Moxie that we needed to tell the sheriff and the mayor and that I would start with the sheriff if she would get the mayor. She agreed and I left her and Ameiko. I funny thought came to me as I was on my way to see the sheriff I was passing the Pixies Kitten and Knocked on the door. After but a short while the proprietor came to the door and asked why I had come at such an early hour. She then recognized who I was and I blushed and said that I was on my way to the sheriff’s and I had a friend that was staying at the Rusty Dragon that was in need of “um” a companion for the day and well the night too. I think she didn’t take me seriously at first but when I reached into my purse for the coin and asked how much something like that would cost. She straightened and smiled and told me the price. I gave her the gold and as I started off she said tell the sheriff “I said hello”. “Odd” I thought but okay. I thanked her again and headed to the sheriffs office.

The sheriff was just leaving with a man I knew to work with the mayor and as I approached Sheriff Hemlock greeted me saying that he was on the way to the mayor would I have time later to talk. I said we could talk on the way to the mayor’s, that’s where I must go too. I found out that Uther’s body had made it back and that they had a small service in his honor. I also asked Hemlock to provide me with a note to the Lord-Mayor of Magnimar for men to help combat the ogre and giant raiding party headed to Sandpoint. The Mayor’s man turned green when he heard me mention ogres and giants. Have I become so callus that the mention of monsters no longer bother me? I pondered.

Moxie must have ran, for her to get to the mayors and send for the sheriff already. Oh yea the Pixie’s Kitten, that might have taken a little longer than I thought. I blushed again and decided not to tell the sheriff “Hi” at this time. Moxie had already informed Mayor Deverin and I the sheriff of upcoming events by the time the sheriff and I arrived. Plus they told us of rumors of giants being spotted by travelers, only cementing our need to be here and to get the rest here soon. Hemlock and Deverin didn’t see the need for Moxie and I to go to Magnimar. They must of thought we could hold Sandpoint against the giants ourselves, well along with Simon and Davok but they didn’t even know they were with us. I felt rude as I dismissed their idea to stay here in Sandpoint and wait for the others to arrive. So much to do and everyone needing our time.

Moxie and I both wanted to visit Father Zantus and try to figure out what relic the giants might be looking for here in Sandpoint. We left the mayor and sheriff in what seemed a rushed visit but what else could we do? Our visit with father Zantus didn’t uncover any ideas about a relic that anyone would be interested in. We told him to prepare for an invasion, that Sandpoint would need his help and guidance when the giants came. It was decided that Moxie would talk with the guy she knew that we had dealt with before concerning relics of old and I wanted to go and check on the Sanitarium and see if they were okay and to have them get ready for a possible influx of patients or persons just needing a place to call home for a while. I would meet Moxie at the Rusty Dragon later for supper.

At supper it was decided that I would teleport to Turtleback Ferry early in the morning and Simon, Davok and Moxie would hire a wagon and we would all meet in Magnimar later the next day. That night Moxie and I entertained at the Rusty Dragon but it wasn’t like old times something was wrong and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Ameiko was happy to have us back and I must say as weird as I felt I also felt good to be back “Home”. I looked out at the crowd , at the happy faces, I looked at Simon and his happy face, one I don’t see very often. He looked quit at home with that “Kitten” on his lap. I looked at Moxie and I smiled then I looked at Ameiko and I wondered.

The teleport to Turtleback Ferry went normal. On arrival the remaining troupe decide that Sheldor , Haytham, Lynn and Shalelu will fly straight to Sandpoint while I teleport Rickert and Annie to Magnimar in the morning to meet up with Simon Davok and Moxie, to do our shopping before we head back to Sandpoint. Well that sounds great until the next day Rickert, Annie and I are alone in Turtleback Ferry I teleport us to Magnimar and we make it just fine except there is a dead Whippoorwill at my feet when we come out of the teleport. Knowing that this is very important I tell Annie and Rickert that I am going to visit a Desna temple and meet them at the gate that takes us out to Sandpoint to meet the others on their way in.

I’m told at the temple that Desna sometimes uses whippoorwills and butterflies to communicate to her followers. “What does a dead whippoorwill mean then“, I asked and the priest just shook his head. “You didn’t kill it did you?” he asked “No” I said he looked at me with doubt in his eyes and then looked to the altar and said perhaps you should ask “Her”. I went to the altar and knelt down, I prayed for Desna to help me understand. I knew that Sandpoint was in danger but how soon I did not know so I asked simply “Do I have three Days before the attack on Sandpoint?” to which a definite “No” was my reply. I had a lot of time before I was to meet the others at the gate so I stayed at the temple and made some scrolls. When it was time for me to go I remembered one last thing. I asked the priest if he had a specific diamond, he replied yes. I bought the diamond from the priest and left. I had to get back to Sandpoint and the others too, now.

I raced for the gate that I was to meet the others at, there was Rickert on his horse, armor shining in the failing sunlight. Annie came next, it was not long until Rickert saw the wagon with Davok, Simon and Moxie. I told everyone of the severity of our situation and that we had to leave now, tonight. They held to the fact that we had trading to do and surly there was enough time. I agreed to let them have a few hours before we had to leave. Rickert was annoyed that he was needed to go help with negotiations and said he was waiting for a contact. Moxie said she’d stay for him and watch for his contact. Everyone agreed and we left Moxie at the gate, alone. I would have stayed with her but she gave me a bag full of goods and asked that I take them and trade for a special item of which she named and described to me so I wouldn’t forget. She also gave me permission to purchase anything else that the troupe may need with any of the remainder of her funds.

I have to admit, that with Simons guidance, Rickert made a great haggler and they did it all in two hours. I was able to get Moxie her goggles at the loss of her axe. But that is what she wanted. I also traded for some other smaller items. Nothing for myself but for the troupe.

The sun was completely down and the stars were coming out when we left Magnimar for Sandpoint. I was exhausted, working on scrolls and that whirlwind of trading at the last second just took it out of me. Oh yea, it was exciting while we were in the middle of negotiations but after, wow and Moxie said she had had a meeting with Magnimar’s Lord-Mayor and brought him up to date with what all was going on. We traveled a ways away from the gate and I teleported Simon, Annie and Davok back to Sandpoint. I rested in my own bed then got up to go to the temple and pray and talk with Father Zantus. To little time.


Haytham's Journal:

Entry 7:

We didn’t stop moving till we got back to Fort Rannik in the early morning. Used what we had left for healing and bedded down for a few hours of much needed rest. Zandu teleported himself, Moxie, Davok, and Simon to Magnamar to sell off goods and restock some items, in the meantime the rest of us made a gameplan. It would take Zandu another four days to teleport the rest of us, Lynn mentioned that Sandpoint needed to be warned and there was still the matter of taking care of the nymph.

While the others walked to Turttleback Ferry, Lynn and I flew to the clearing we had first met Myriana. I landed just outside so we could blindfold ourselves and walk in without fear of being blinded again. After a few steps I heard the pool in the middle of the clearing being disturbed and stopped Lynn. We informed Myriana of the captain’s fate and she began grieving her loss. Suddenly at the crescendo of a wail everything went silent for a few seconds. It took me a second to realize what had happened, I figured at first that I had gone deaf but this was not the case. I believe she was able to find peace with herself and somehow brought the captain back. I removed my blindfold to find a new elf in the clearing looking around rather stupefied. I let Lynn know it was safe to remove his blind fold and we began explaining the sad events of the captain’s lost months. He decided to stay in the woods for the time being, whether or not he plans to return to the fort at some point I cannot say.

Lynn and I returned to the fort to relay what took place in the swamp then went to join the others in Turttleback Ferry. Around a mug of ail it was decided that Vethrfolnir and I, carrying Lynn and Shelalu, should fly directly to Sandpoint to alert them of the coming storm and hopefully make some preparations to the town. The next morning Zandu would arrive to take Rikert and Anne to Magnamar the following day.

The next morning Zandu showed up and informed us that they had missed their target and ended up in Sandpoint. Knowing it would still take over three days for him to teleport the rest of us, Lynn and I agreed to go with the original plan of flying in. At about twenty eight hours of flight time it would be long trip but if we pushed it we could make the journey in just over two days.

I’ve never spent so much time above the clouds, it was amazingly peaceful. The only worry was getting Vethrfolnir to keep on track through the long days but he seemed to understand the urgentness of our mission and though we were both plenty sore at the end of each day he was ready to press on at each new dawn. We arrived outside of Sandpoint mid-day, Zandu and a few others had teleported back that morning and the rest were expected in the evening. Zandu looked plenty worried and I fear we have less time than we originally thought.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

BASS-ACKWARDS!!

We slogged our way to Fort Rannick and collapsed in the comfort of their hospitality. We slept long and hard, tended to our aches and pains, and marched to Turtleback Ferry, a day trip I could now make in my sleep. Lynn and Hayfevor went to return the token of the former Captian to the nymph in the glen, while Brisket, Duhrock and I magically and instantly traveled to Magni…SANDPOINT!?! “Oddsfish Xandu but you have a horrible sense of direction; this does not much remind me of… MAGNIMAR!! Ahh well, it beats the walk I guess (grin).” We tried ever so hard to make the best of our time while we were in Sandpoint. I played the weary traveler at the Rusty Dragon Inn and made my presence short with a promise to return for an evening of entertainment for the locals. First things first. I introduced Brisket and Duh’rock to Ameiko and left them in her capable hands with meals and much deserved libations and the advice to keep tight lipped as to the information we had gleaned from recent endeavors so as not to spook the locals to bad! Not my best move but Xandu and I needed to make our rounds to the elders.

I spoke with the Mayor with hat in hand, telling the story of our journeys since leaving to solve the murders in Sandpoint and ending with the threat of attack of a band of stone giants, ogres, and a possible dragon. My sincerity convinced her of the truth of it and she sent her man for the Sheriff. Returning with the Sheriff and Xandu in terse conversation I noticed the Mayor’s attendant nervously clinking the crystal as he poured himself a drink and seemed to be in a state most worrisome as he downed the generous helping of the Mayors fine brandy in a single gulp. I knew he had heard the conversation between Xandu and the Sheriff and that I would need to handle him before leaving. In our meeting we asked for an official writ for a request of assistance from the Lord Mayor of Magnimar. This was met with disbelief and incredulity. We explained that we needed to get help and supplies as soon as possible. We also explained our travel arrangements called for us to meet in Magnimar, and that the others would not arrive in time if we were not there to meet them. I was informed of Uther’s services and repose and informed them they could expect another such arrangement with the halfling wizard Ramad. They reluctantly acquiesced to our leaving. As the others walked to the door I took a moment to persuade the attendant to stay brave in the face of the circumstances and not spread panic in the community promising a generous reward for his silence. Let us hope he keeps the faith!

I took a moment to visit with Father Zantus in private concerning the matter to come and gave him the truth unwashed. He too was incredulous at the thought of our leaving for Magnimar. I told him support and relief from Magnimar would be sought and that I would personally see that needs of the people would be met. I placed ten platinum pieces in his hand and bad him to care for the folks of Sandpoint and took my leave.

Off to Brodert Quink’s office I walked with purpose smiling and waving at all who welcomed me home. I entered to find some relaxing with books and Brodert and two of his colleagues discussing the finer points of some arcane mystery. I waited patiently until my presence was noticed then I requested an audience alone. Embarrassing myself by not being specific the three gentlemen queried as to whom I wished to speak. When I specified Brodert, there were jovial harrumphs and we all giggled for a moment. I asked Master Brodert as I had Father Zantus if he knew of anything in Sandpoint that would or could be considered a relic and other than the discoveries we had brought to his attention recently he said he knew of none. I asked him to accompany me to the Rusty Dragon as I had a new discovery to share with him and needed his expertise in identifying it. I took his arm and shared the censored version of our exploits informing him gently of Ramad’s demise and excluding the threat of imminent attack. When we arrived at the Inn I found Duh’rock sitting alone and eventually got around to introductions. Brodert seemed relieved at this. I was quite worrisome at the absence of Brisket and inquired of his where-abouts. Duh’rock simply said “In his room…He’s got ‘company!’” Already!?! I excused myself in an attempt to track our tactician down. Sure enough, from the panting and heaving coming from behind the door Duh’rock was right. I knocked on the door and the response was “GO AWAY!” I knocked again and announced myself and my need of his presence. The response…”BUT I AIN’T DONE YET….(grunt)….GIMME A MINUTE WOULDJA!!” Disgusted I barked we were with Duh’rock when he could break himself away. We waited for him to arrive and wouldn’t you know it, he came down shirtless with a pixie kitten attached to his arm. UGH! Anyway I introduced him to Brodert and we talked of the black giant, scrimshawed dragon ribs, and he had no recall on such a creature. I asked if any of his colleagues from his shop might have any insight. He said his only rival in such matters was his late friend Ramad and added that he was rarely correct in his theories. I had Brodert accompany me to my room and asked Brisket to bring samples of the armor, luckily he thought to bring the oversized sihedron but none of it was familiar to Brodert. He requested a sample for research and promised to inform us with his findings. I left Brisket in pursuit of his kitten and escorted Brodert a short distant before politely parting company.

With a quick scamper through the streets of Sandpoint I waved and smiled as I made for the river. I called from the north bridge and found my raft along the east shore and met at the harbor piers where I fed them a meal of mussels and urchin with the intent of keeping them busy for a while. After their appetite was good and ravenous I spoke to them about the danger to come and asked them to hide after the warm sky light went away. We agreed on a good hiding spot and that I would collect them with a hearty meal when it was safe again. I fed them fresh caught bait fish and sent them off to hide. “Shelyn protect them!” I prayed as they frolicked away. I made time to visit the boneyard to pay respects to Barus, Lucien, and Uther. After a brief moment of prayer for each of them I took stock of the caliber of those we had lost, hoping their loss was not in vane and that we could prevail with our new troupe mates. Now away to fulfill one of many promises I have made this day.

I shopped in my state of disheveled traveler and bestowed my patronage upon the womens clothiers and purchased a pair of tight black cordovan pants, a short single layered black lace skirt, a black cordovan bustier with silk side panels, maroon lace front with silver buttons, black lace fingerless gloves, black heeled laced shoes, a black lace veil, and a bottle of perfume whose aroma was a mystery concoction of lilac, rose and vanilla mixed to a perfectly intoxicating rich sweetness. I raced to the Inn with my new clothes and put them neatly on my bed, removed my winter garb and unpacked my bag. I placed Ramad’s compass and magnifying glass alongside Barus’ humidor, and placed Uther’s wind chime with my new outfit. Then I put everything else away not needing cleaned or disposed of. I grabbed the cold towel, a longshirt and trotted off to the bath. This was going to be heavenly. I asked for three stiff drinks of Old Law and a refill of hot water after the first cooled. I waited for the drinks to arrive before entering the bath, I could feel the warmth coming from the tub and wanted so badly to wrap myself in it, but it had to wait. When they came I sat them in front of me on the floor and knelt on my towel. I lifted the first to the faint rays of light coming through the window and offered a toast to Uther, and the second toast I offered to Ramad. Putting their glasses to the side I raised my arms to the rays and spoke to Shelyn.

“Many miles have I traveled since last I presented myself to you humble, naked, and contrite. I have attempted to live and follow your path and find myself unsuccessful, blinded in the pursuit of justice for the people of Sandpoint. For that I ask your forgiveness in my misgivings and beg your mercy for the people of Sandpoint, my troupe and my raft. Please guide my troupe in your loving path and bless our pursuits in the defense of innocence. Please assure the transit of our fallen troupe mates, Ramad Underbridge, reckless wizard of Magnimar, and Uther the valiant pistolier who gave their lives rooting out the evil conspirators who plague our lands, to their final rest. Last I offer my performance this night in your name for all to see the beauty you bestow in this world. All praise unto you gracious, loving Shelyn, my Eternal Rose!”

With my prayers and supplications concluded I traced the sign of Shelyn in the air and stood before the steaming tub of hot water. I bent down and threw my towel and shirt on a chair with one hand and clutched the cool drink in the other. I could smell the aroma of the stout liquor and the steam rising from the bath as they fought for the equal space in the room. I sat on the edge of the bath and watched the wisps of steam swirl on its surface like the incorporeal ghost of Fort Rannick and watched them intermingle as the toasts I had offered worked on my will to deny myself the warmth of the bath. When I could no longer resist I surrendered to it slowly, feet, ankles, legs, hips and the rest melted in as I laid back in its embrace in complete satisfaction. As I lay in the water I dreamt of the warm ocean surf, the sandy beach and the windward breeze in my hair as the sun massaged my body to a rich golden…then I came too and the water had lost its warmth. I called for my refill and the beautifully cheerful halfing maiden brought the hot water and topped off my drink and we giggled as she came and went for more hot water. WOOF, it was hot and I loved it! I quickly scoured myself with the stone and rinsed my hair thoroughly numerous times. I leapt from the tub and grabbed my towel. The chill was mild and almost gave me a shiver and then I decided to get one more use of the bath. I raced to the window and opened the shutters to the night air. It washed me with a chilling sea breeze which contracted my skin in to a million tiny goose bumps and a complete contracting shiver of the spine! I slammed the shutters closed and splashed into the warm bath…IT WAS DEVINE!! Like a thousand tiny thorns teasing my entire body with the slightest of pressure. Now I was awake and ready for a show! I gulped the remainder of my drink as the Mayor’s attendant had earlier in the day and walked out of the tub to my towel. After drying I donned my longshirt and wrapped my head in the towel. I brought out my three empty glasses and told the patrons to expect it to be an hour more before I was ready to perform.

I sat at my table and applied the creams and powders to my face in a manner that was dark over the eyes and a single line underneath with a dark purple on the lips. I wore my hair flat to my head but for one curly bang and applied the sweet perfume. I dressed in my new outfit and with the gloves in place I grabbed Uther’s chime and sauntered down the stairs. I asked for twelve glasses of OLD LAW, and requested six of the regular patrons to stand in for the missing members of our troupe. When everyone had their drink I stood upon my table and requested those in attendance join me in a toast to our fallen troupe mates in their pursuit of the truth and produced the chime. I blew on it as I moved around the room causing the clapper to strike the bells. I spoke of Uther as I milled through the crowd and explained my reason for commissioning the chime. I finished with “….since his percussion wand will no longer shatter the calm, this exquisitely handmade chime crafted from his powerful ammunition will enhance it from now on in remembrance of Uther, may he rest in peace! NOW THEN, Xandu would you honor our remembrance of Uther with a raucous song that would delight him?” Removing my veil I sang and danced to each and every song and tried desperately to include and attend to every patron personally throughout the evening with routines and mischievous play appropriate to the nature of the songs. It was my best night ever and it was very enjoyable.

Xandu seemed distracted, his songs were good and true but his heart and mind were not present. When all was normal and we had retired from our entertaining, I returned to my room and lay on my bed wondering what had Xandu so flummoxed? I thought it might be my chastising him for bringing us to Sandpoint, so I grabbed Ramad’s compass and knocked on his door. He answered and invited me in. I declined demurely, and apologized for chiding him for bringing us to Sandpoint, explaining that it was likely a…happy accident! We laughed. Flushed from activity and with coy eyes and a devilish grin I told him to kneel, close his eyes and hold out his hand. He did so reluctantly at first. As we giggled in his doorway I placed Ramad’s compass in his hand, wrapped his fingers over the top and pressed his hand to his chest. I explained “Ramad left two remembrances behind and I realize now this one wasn’t meant for me!” I leaned into him with a big hug and whispered in his ear, “It will help find your way Butterfly.” I kissed him on each eye and said goodnight. I warmed my bed with a minor magical effect and fell asleep to the beautiful tones of Uther’s chime as it danced in the drafts from my curtained window.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

NO TIME!!!

Rising with a slow lazy stretch…and squeak… I dressed for the weather and ran to the dock for a bucket of bait fish for my raft. I found them in the dark asleep in a tangle of roots overhanging the west/south bank of the river a short walk from town. I gave them a squeak and out they bound for their daily feast. This time I reinforced the need to feed and travel in deep water and sleep in their hidden den until I came to feed them again. With a general belief they might have caught some of my warning I left reluctantly and returned to the Inn for breakfast and a cold wagon ride to Magnimar.

I prepared myself for a two day trip and ran down to the smell of bread and left over stew. I ate my fill and washed it down with a warm mug of spiced cider. I made sure to bring the blankets needed to make the wagon journey somewhat comfortable, some for wrapping and the rest for sitting or lying on in the back of the wagon. I knew it was not going to be an enjoyable experience in any case. I mean the half-orc has said less than 10 words since we arrived in Sandpoint and that was a lot for him! This will be made up for however because Brisket is never at a loss for words, for Shelyn’s sake, he barks orders even in his sleep! Not unlike one of the teamsters who drive to and from Magnimar on market day weeks, I think his name is….Jack Burton?!? We assembled at the wagon and said our farewells. I reminded Xandu of the compass and…POP! He was gone. “CRACK”went the whip accompanied with an ear piercing “HYAH!” the wagon lurched, and we sped toward the bridge on the Lost Coast Road. As I sat bundled in the back of the wagon watching the little town start to wake my doubt and apprehension grew, I hoped to be back in time to make a difference.

The Lost Coast Road is named that for a reason…Oiee! And, as I suspected the conversation was mostly one sided with a quiet late evening meal and cold fitful sleep in the wagon. An early rise saw a second day of brutality from the rough road into late evening again. Arriving at the Gate we met up with Xandu, Rikert and Annie, and were informed that we must return to Sandpoint immediately. GODS-PEACE but I just spent two days in the back of a wagon full of heavy pointy implements, That simply was not an acceptable option. It was decided we had time for a quick barter if the price was right we would make the exchange and then head back. And there was a catch, theres always a catch with this troupe?? A meeting with the Lord Mayor had been arranged to inform him of the circumstances facing Sandpoint. I volunteered and then they started off, I managed to grab Xandu, thrust my money ,my phylactery, and my throwing axe into his arms and bad him to trade whatever of the items he may need in order to purchase me a set of bulbous goggles that would improve my ability to ply my trade more affectively at greater distance. He retorted by thrusting a sealed scroll at me saying “It’s the request for help from Sandpoint. Give it to the Mayor if you get that far!” So there I sat as the City settled into it’s night time routine watching and waiting for an emissary coming to collect Rikert! But Rikert had gone with the troupe and I will not pass for a paladin of Iomedae. So I watched extra careful for someone looking for…someone!

Hours past and no one came to claim a Rikert. I began to doubt it was going to happen when along came a City guard who was looking about as though he was lost, in his own City. So I approached and asked if he was here for Rikert? “You’re not Rikert…a paladin of Iomedae…are you? Where’s Rikert? I explained he had been detained on important business and had sent me as his proxy instead. He bought it…HUZZAH! Off we stamped looking all official when I noticed how road-tastic I looked and smelled. So as we walked I used my minor magical application to make what transformations were possible and was flattered to find the guard had noticed. He voiced that he had been worried about the ability to acquire an audience in my previous state of yuckiness. Escorted into the “palace” all the way back to the dining room where we had celebrated earlier. I waited endlessly as the Lord Mayor droned on with his political parasite guests. I was dead on my feet exhausted the guard gave me a thump, waking me from my standing slumber as I was announced. I approached and reintroduced myself with regard to Fort Rannick. He recalled our arrangement and asked of the conditions at Fort Rannick. I explained our exploits to date and presented him with the writ from Sandpoint requesting assistance. He was most generous with his appreciation of our efforts and promised aid for Sandpoint in as timely a matter as was possible considering the late notice. He presented me with a healthy merchant stipend mark redeemable for goods and services throughout the City…IN MY NAME!!! OH WHAT THOUGHTS BEGAN TO SWIRL ABOUT IN MY HEAD!!! Alas, the amount was half that I had given to Xandu in money and gems not to mention trade goods, so I stowed it away for the troupes benefit on our next visit. When excused, I returned to the Gate where we had met and found the troupe waiting patiently.

Knowing time was of the essence we struck out in the wagon until the horses stopped not more than a mile or so from the gate. We changed travel plans quickly. Everyone but Rikert and I would return with Xandu to Sandpoint with his magical door. Rikert and I would ride his strong horse back to Sandpoint, pushing the beast as much as was prudent. After a rest only long enough for the animal to regain its endurance, we remounted and pushed the rest of the journey arriving late night before the attack was expected. After four days on the road I took just the time required to inform the collected entire troupe of the intentions of Magnimar and our payment for reporting the condition of Fort Rannick. I paid for a late bath, laid my gear out for an early battle and collapsed into bed to get what rest was possible. “Shelyn guard the gates and protect the innocent, and please wake me so I may (yawn) assist you…blessed…Eternal…Rooooosse.”


I swear, Moxie, you'll have written a novel by the time this is through. :)

So, does she get extra XPs per each word, UseplanB? =^-^=

(I still would absolutely love to see Moxie and Essanne meet up, if only fictionally!)

Grand Lodge

2 people marked this as a favorite.

Nope, I don't give out extra Xps for well written (and largely aggrandized) journals. To each their own. They are given a boon, 1 d20 reroll per night, either for themselves or to force me to reroll a d20, and damn do I regret having given them that boon at times.

With nine players at the table, not including me, everyone perceives what happens differently. Its either because they didn't hear what happened (which is quite common with all the side conversations that happen) or they just forgot between the game and actually finding the time to write the journal entry.

Our group has been doing this form of game play for a myriad number of years. Mostly because we are all XP pixie kittens (see what I did there?), or because we want others of the party to see what we saw. Of the nine players, only one had any Pathfinder experience when we started the campaign. All of us though are old Advanced/3.0/3.5 players (almost all of us have actually been playing since the game came out in a box with dice included).

Usually at the end of the evening I constantly hear how much they are enjoying the game and how much they enjoy Pathfinder over 3.5, which is what we had played the longest together. That is what really drives a lot of the desire to write the journals. The game *has* to make you enjoy what you are doing to take it to this step.


Yes, I saw what you did there. ;) My group had a different name for it: Weaseling for XPs. :)

I know what you mean about Pathfinder though... and how it's better than 3.5 - my joy of gaming was reignited thoroughly thanks to Pathfinder... and I thoroughly enjoy the APs I've seen so far. :)


Tangent101 wrote:

I swear, Moxie, you'll have written a novel by the time this is through. :)

So, does she get extra XPs per each word, UseplanB? =^-^=

(I still would absolutely love to see Moxie and Essanne meet up, if only fictionally!)

(YAWN!) Yaa...sure...after the ogre attackzzzzZZZ!


Rikert Krupt – Paladin of Iomedae

The past few days have been a whirlwind since our defeat of the enemy at Hook Mountain, and finding the information about the upcoming attack on Sandpoint by the giants and a rumored dragon.

We gathered ourselves as quickly as possible, and sketched a quick plan to return to Sandpoint by the use of Xandu's magic, and the powers of the druids. I remained behind in Turtleback Ferry to travel with the second wave to Magnimar to resupply, and alert the Lord Mayor and the Church of Iomedae about the imminent attack on Sandpoint.

Xandu returned the next day to take us quickly to Magnimar, but said there had been a problem with his initial attempt to teleport to Magnimar that ended with Simon and the others in Sandpoint instead. Luckily, we are all headed there shortly, so we changed our plans about who would carry information and gather new supplies.

Upon our magical arrival in Magnimar, we immediately set off in different directions. I stopped first at my parent's estate to gather my horse and gear, before heading to the church to let the priestess know of our progress and the developing plot against Sandpoint. I asked for any aid the church could render to be sent to Sandpoint as quickly as possible. I then left to make arrangements to speak with the Lord Mayor to apprise him of our progress and once again request aid for Sandpoint. I was forced to speak with the captain of the guard at the prison in order to reach the Lord Mayor without waiting in line for too long while time was escaping us.

It was agreed that the city guard would meet us at the front gate where we awaited the others traveling by wagon from Sandpoint that evening. Then, I would accompany them to visit with the Lord Mayor. However, things changed quickly, and it was decided that I should help obtain the much needed supplies. Moxie would meet with the Lord Mayor in my place, and we would then all meet to return as soon as possible to Sandpoint. Xandu had experienced a holy vision from Desna that warned the attack was nearly underway, and that we should all return to Sandpoint with great haste.

Our hurried dealings in the great bazaar were successful, and we all met once again near the city gate. It was decided that Xandu would take everyone except for myself and Moxie who would ride to Sandpoint overnight in order to ensure that we would all be there when needed. I gathered Moxie up in the saddle behind me and drove my steed as far and as hard as possible that night. We took a brief break early in the morning, and then pushed on through to Sandpoint, arriving early the next day before the battle was expected to begin.

Grand Lodge

Last evening the gang gathered up and with only really having most of one day available to some of them for preparations and defenses.

The general description that was given was that in order to prevent panic, all the town guard have been put on double duty. The response from Hemlock was "If you see it, you will know why the increased security." He also got the word out to the town militia to be ready. So the town was on pins and needles, not sure what was up, but the increase in security has gotten everyone on edge.

The only defense that they really did was remove the planks from the tanners bridge. The mayor refused to allow the south bridge to be dismantled in case outlying farmers tried to make it into Sandpoint for safety. A few glyphs were placed on in the smugglers tunnels just in case as well as one on the northern road near the main gate.

At this point people were scattered around town when the attack came. The ranger, druid and fighter were up at the wall and in fact only 1 person made the DC 30 Perception to notice the giants moving up. Alarms were raised and the rest of the party was beating feet from the Rusty Dragon to make it to the north gate.

We only did 10 rounds of combat and because I had 8 players present at the start I have doubled pretty much everything mob wise, but kept their hit points at normal levels. So instead of 3 assaulting the North gate, I had 6. In ~8 rounds, they had killed all the giants. And by 'they' I mean the ranger (which was killing one per round) and the druid in the guise of an eagle casting Call Lightning. The only reason they slowed down on killing them is because, once the threat of the ranger was known, every rock they could throw went in his direction. I gave them a +2 AC for cover on the wall. I chewed up the ranger pretty quick and only one of the giants noticed an eagle sitting on the wall that didn't seem to fly away as the rocks would pummel the gate. But I never rolled higher than a 4 other than once and my d20 of 17 didn't come close to his AC.

By the time the main group was half way across town they heard the cries of alarm as the giants and bears were making their way across the river by the tanners bridge. Most of this was narrative until the group engaged the giants and/or bears. My general description was a dire bear would shoulder rush through the doors and chase the people up into their houses where the giants would pluck them out after having ripped off the roof. I gave vivid details of what the giants and bears did to those that brandished weapons against them. Some of the giants were a little too exuberant in "stunning" the people before cramming them into their bags and as such were dead.

The fun part began when Longtooth showed up and did his initial flyover. Only Simon the fighter crapped his drawers from his presence. But the druid is chasing him around continually hitting him with Call Lighting. Thankfully Longtooth is having to much fun and is making his saves to worry about what is causing the strikes.

But as I said we finished the night having done 10 rounds. We'll see how well the giants really fare next week.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Action report, 23 Neth, Simon Roque reporting

1) Returned to Sandpoint in the early morning of 22 Neth. Went directly to lodging at Rusty Dragon Inn since we are expecting a big day.

2) After sunup, accompanied Xandu to the basement of the village glassworks and toured the “smugglers’ tunnels”; Xandu placed two magical traps to restrict access to the town from this area.

3) Met with Sheriff Hemlock and Mayor Deverin to request that the planking of the east bridge be removed in an attempt to use the natural obstacle of the river. Received Ok for the project, and assisted city guards in the task. Honest work for a change.

4) Retired early to a bath and room in the Pixie’s Kitten, did not get much rest. Went to the north gate and wall at midnight to check on the troops. Spent the night catnapping in the cathedral and circulating the wall.

5) Just before dawn, Davok and I noted giants approaching along the road north of town. Davok engaged with bow and Haytham with lightning, the giants returned fire with rocks. Many fewer rocks than I expected; most of the approaching giants had dispersed into the woods. Davok tried to eat a few of the rocks, unsuccessfully. Handed him a healing potion and advised that he make better use of cover.

6) Sighted dragon flying toward town along the coastal cliffs. Gate was failing under sustained assault from the giants, so I moved to reinforce as Rikert hustled up to the wall. He handed me potions as I advised him that Davok could use some healing; imbibed a Resist Energy and an Enlarge Person potion and took position against inside of gate.

7) Dragon appeared and blasted some trees with fire a short distance away; the sight was… unnerving (hope I took the right potion). Most of the guards not dead from the giant’s rocks quit the battle at that point.

8) Davok and Haytham finished off the giants at the gate, since the rocks stopped. Dragon landed heavily on the town garrison and engulfed it in flame (lightning was striking it now; Haytham still on the job). I gathered the remaining shreds of my courage and jogged toward it, as it blasted the town hall and dropped into the street. I find that I’m more than a little angry about the situation; I actually like this crappy little town…


First you pick it up, then you put it in the bag, bump, bump!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ol28kPTqa4

“(Tap, tap, tap)…Moxie…(tap, tap, tap)!”came Xandu, forcing himself into my dream. ” Wuh!?” I mumbled. (BAM,BAM,BAM)…Moxie, wake up it’s time! He said more forcefully. “EGADS, are they here, attacking!?!” I asked. “No it’s about sunrise, we need to get ready.” He said and moved to the next door.

I grabbed my clothes and armor and threw the on the bed. I washed my face and wet my hair, then dressed for battle. I strapped on my sword and percussion wand and gingerly walked off the saddle soreness on the way down to the smell of breakfast. Downstairs the troupe was assembled but for Brisket and Duh’rock who had spent the night at the north gate. Shelalu was still leaned back in her chair snoring where she had passed out from exhaustion the night before. No sooner than we had sat down and the pain had settled away we heard the bells of the cathedral start ringing. The alarm, EGADS!! The attack had started! Everyone darted for the door sending chairs tumbling. With my stummy growling for a warm meal I snatched a heel of bread on the way out and shared with those in the troupe trailing. This would be a heavy business on an empty stummy! The bells rang, not as if in celebration or a call to service, but in an oddly haphazard staccato. This in and of itself was disturbing. I could see and hear the towns-people checking their windows and seeing their family militia members off to an uncertain fate. The scene was that of chaos and fright. Not unlike the Festival of Desna some few months back. I knew this would be worse!

As we made our way to the north wall we could hear the crashing of stones into the wall, and other buildings in town. We could also hear the faint screams of the victims. Annie and I were followed by Rikert in his suit of heavy armor. We had been chasing after the long shanked Lynn and Xandu and noticed they had taken to the sky turning instead to the north bridge in a headlong rush! Annie scooped me into the air and flew straight as the crow flies over the town towards the bridge. There, wading from the river into town were four stone giants and at least six enormous bears!! “Powers of light protect!” I heard myself call out as I flinched to block the sight of their attack. Militia were effortlessly stomped, swatted, and mangled into stains on the streets and buildings. The bears mauled their way into buildings as the giants removed roofs. At which the giants would reach in and snatch up someone, smack them against a hard surface and stuff them into a shoulder bag. Annie asked where I wanted to go. I motioned to the tannery whose roof was partially intact. Annie swooped down releasing me from a safe height and arced away. I landed kneeling and skid to a halt with a hellish predicament! A giant and two bears ground bound, myself on the foot and everyone else in the air! Annie launched wand strikes into the giant as I shot at him relentlessly. The bears lunged toward the roof climbing the ruined structure, which collapsed under their combined weight fortunately for me! In a panic to relieve our situation I collected a scroll from my satchel and attempted to activate it, failing. I tried the second of the scrolls Xandu had gifted me, and as I spoke the last of the encrypted divine tongue a super-heated column of brilliant flame struck from the sky engulfing the giant, blacking his skin AND…ending the townfolk stowed in his bag. Oddly his attention was still focused on Annie, which afforded the moments of guilt and shame that washed over me. Once again a rash decision had led to the death of innocence at my hand. As I looked around from the remains of the tannery roof I could see the orange domes of light from fires throughout town. The areas of the garrison, town hall and the White Deer Inn were those burning. Xandu and Lynn, still airborne, showered the giants that had continued up Undercliff Way with a fusillade of lightning and fire. As I looked into the east I could see the coming of the dawn…and another squad of giants crossing the narrows of the river at the lumber mill!! EGADS!!

A new and ravenous rage began to take hold of me. Boldly I stood once again and shot the giant with no discernible reaction. I would see an end to this one and hunt down this the new squad alone if necessary. There is no relic, no artifact! They have come to destroy this town and take the people for their fodder, not a plan I find acceptable or intend to let them accomplish. Indeed at the end of this mornings fight, I will have answers from one of these beasts for this atrocity, and the skulls of their dead will adorn the north gate and bridge piers so no one else will ever doubt this town’s resolve again! From this day forward I will have no end of torment to my life in knowing the innocent lives I have ended this day added to that of Lettie Guffman. In this, there will be no relief, no reprieve, no forgiveness, but make no mistake…there will be a reckoning!


Oooh, fierce little gnome isn't she! =^-^=

I must admit some surprise that no one ever thinks of an evacuation plan. I mean, there's the tunnels under Sandpoint. It seems those should be able to hold most of the town easily. And if a giant attack is imminent then people SHOULD be sent to safety. *shakes head*

Ah well, too much watching The Two Towers for me I guess. I mean, they did make good use of those caves! ^^;;


I like the way Useplanb handled this. My group had all the townsfolk flee to the theater during the 10-minute warning phase, and, knowing how people react in such emergencies, I had a smattering of slow or stubborn townsfolk remaining, but most of the periphery of the town was abandoned. The party refused the help of a single guard or NPC other than Shalelu.

So yeah, the gnome pyromancer dropped the paladin and the barbarian between the giants and the remaining townsfolk, then went to town on the giants with no regards whatsoever for personal property (the tannery seems perpetually doomed in this encounter.) He kept up with the other strike points using Teleport. It was a set of crispy, disappointed giants and the overwhelming odor of burnt fur in my game, with 0 NPC deaths.

I find Useplanb's treatment far more moving, and (apologies to her) an angst-ridden Moxie is a glory to read.


After flying for a couple days, I was glad for good food and a bed to stretch out on. Gathered some components from the market that I was sure I’d need, then basically spent the day relaxing.

Most of the group returned by evening, Moxie and Rikert returned during the night as I went to bed early.

Zandu knocked on the door early, I tried to ignore him and wait for the food. It wasn’t ready yet. I got dressed and prepared anyway and went downstairs and grabbed some bread. Breakfast wasn’t ready when the bells started ringing. Zandu and I took off together, he cast a spell on me that he said was to split damage. He cast another spell on me that allowed me to walk on air. He’d done that before in the clock tower back in Magnimar.

As we were running we heard a commotion and took off for where the bridge had been removed. It didn’t really slow down the 4 giants that were coming through the town. The giants were grabbing up people and putting them bags after knocking them against something. The citizens were at least unconscious and likely dead. I drank a potion and cast a couple spells on myself on the way there. I now had several images, stoneskin and was hasted. As soon as I got in range, I launched a lightning bolt into a giant and one of the 6 dire bears that were accompanying them. Not going to be a good fight.

We kept closing on the invaders and I launched another bolt into the giant. I got closer and hit him with burning hands, he looks hurt, but we go hand to hand next. I hope the other attacks look better than this one. Zandu, Moxie, Annie and myself against 4 giants and 6 dire bears doesn’t look promising. We’ll see.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

We joke about Xandu's player being a 12-year-old girl at heart, but I think Moxie's player just hides it better.


Why Brisket...That is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the nicest, least disgusting thing, not laced with innuendo or vulgarity you have ever said to me!! (sniff...lip quivering...tearing! Graceful hand gestures and a deep scraping bow)


Haytham's Journal:

Entry 8:

After arriving in Sandpoint the Simon mentioned the north wall as the most likely point the giants would assault due to its vicinity to the mountains. I decided to set up a little camp just outside the wall in the forest, I can never get used to sleeping with walls all around me. Most of the day I spent wandering the woods taking note of how serene the area was. Something was deffinately coming, a storm of sorts, you could feel a vibration in the air as if the very landscape was shivering at the thought of tomorrow.

I made a few attempts to scout from above and find what any signs of the giants in hopes we could ambush them and save the town from encountering them, however this became false hope as I could find no evidence of their presence save that odd feeling. On my way back to town I found Vethrfolnir resting beneath a large elm, what was left of a large doe that had been unfortunate enough to catch his attention lay nearby. He chimed at my approach and I thanked him for dinner as I knelt to cut out a chunk to cook up later. Verth’s a good bird, always saves a piece of flank for me. We sat beneath that elm for a few hours taking in the salty air blowing off the sea.

It was well past dark when we arrived back at the wall. One of the guards panicked as he saw Vethrfolnir walk out of the woods and was about to sound the alarm when Davok smacked the back of his head, rather harshly, I barely caught him mumble something about dragons not having beaks and hopping around on two feet. I tried not to laugh as I joined him on the wall for a few hours to keep watch and meditate beneath the moon.

Crap, the sun’s already up; overslept this time, so much for Vethrfolnir waking me up. The blasted creature lay beside me snoring about a softly as a half-ton bird can. I shook him awake, grabbed what was left of the venison and rejoined Davok on top of the wall. Just as I turned into an eagle to fly out and scout some more I could already see the giants approaching only a few hundred meters out. I decided to stay at the wall and provide some ranged support. There were at least a dozen of them but the woods made it difficult to make them out till they were within a few hundred feet. I struck out with lightning but it was having less effect then Davok’s volleys that felled one every few seconds. Only six giants stopped to attempt the north gate, I fear more went to the east to cross the river. Just as I was turning to send Vethrfolnir that direction a wave of heat enveloped me and I turned to see a massive red dragon breathing fire upon a small outcrop of trees just inside the wall. I found my new target and Vethrfolnir gladly headed to the east side of town, away from the dragon. I took to the sky and began bombarding the creature with more lightning. Its speed and wonton destruction of the town was a terrible sight to behold. I just hope we can save a few from its wrath…


Going toe to toe with a stone giant is somewhat intimidating, probably foolish. He swung, but my mirror images kept me safe. I hit him with a shocking grasp and dropped him. The group of us finished off the stone giants at that entrance and I was told more were at the mill area. I told Zandu where I was going and used dimension door to get there.

The giants had moved further into town and it took me a couple rounds to get to where I could attack, but before I could, the dragon offered me a shot I couldn’t refuse and hit it with a lightning bolt.

He landed on the theater and I closed. That was a decision in the heat of battle, not well thought out, but the closest enemy. I overcame the dragon fear aura and closed to attack. He took out all but one of my mirror images with his attacks, one of them actually hit, but stoneskin took the brunt. I finished off the dragon with the next attack. He had been damaged by some combat and several lightning strikes, apparently from Hathom, so it wasn't just me.

Zandu had shown up with Davok in tow and Davok was doing his thing with giants. He got hit and dropped, but Zandu got him back up. Davok hates giants and couldn’t resist reengaging these foes.

I think we’ve got eight or nine giants left in town that we need to finish off. The town is a wreck. I think we left a couple of the bears running wild by the bridge area, hopefully the guard can take care of those and the people can stay away from them. The giants pose a bigger threat and we need to take them out. Possibly take one down alive to get some information, or so I’ve been told. We’ll see, the heat of battle is a strange thing.


Finished. Off. The Dragon. Wow. I'm impressed! Though I'm surprised the giants haven't pulled a retreat after all the damage you guys have caused!


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Action Report, 23 Neth (continued), Simon Roque reporting.

Note—This report will be uncharacteristically subjective and narrow focused due to the nature of the battle in progress.

1) The dragon mauled the top of the town garrison and breathed flame, nearly engulfing the building, then attacked the town hall on the other side of Church Street, and dropped from view into the street below. I drank an Enlarge Person potion and ran from the north gate toward the dragon’s suspected position.

2) As I crossed the market square at a dead run, I discovered why my old drill instructor had warned us over and over not to ever let our guard down in battle: the dragon ran into me at the south corner of the market square, hissed and bit me. I thought briefly that I might have a chance; Moxie hits harder than that. I missed my first swing, but the dragon jumped backwards and I saw an opening, striking it with my new frost-sword. It evidently didn’t like that much, since it sucked in a huge breath and breathed fire at me.

3) As I raised my shield, I had just enough time to wonder if I’d drunk the right potion when the flames rolled over me. Instead of being broiled alive, it kind of tickled (Note to self-RED protection from energy potion works against FIRE). I charged back in, and once again got bit for my trouble, missing my swing again.

4) This time, the dragon stepped in and hit me with everything: bite, claws, I think I even got smacked with a wing, for Abadar’s sake. OUCH. I ain’t ever been hit that hard before in my life. I took a step back and slashed a wonderful cut across that snake’s chin; I actually saw the blood freezing before it could drip.

5) The dragon said something then (don’t ask me what, I don’t talk dragon), reared up and bit me again. Lights out.

6) I came to just in time to catch the shadow of the dragon flying away, and Rikert leaning over grinning at me. Ain’t never seen that pretty boy smile before, so I know I done something monumentally stupid. “Get up, my stubborn friend,” he says, “the battle is not over yet!” I drank a healing potion and asked, “Did you get the number of the wagon that just ran me over?” Our armor was smoking so I figured the dragon had breathed on us again, and I stood shakily as the enlarge potion wore off. Rikert did his healing thing, and I drank another potion as we took stock. Dragon flying into the south part of town, garrison no longer burning, and at least one of the noble’s houses across the harbor was on fire. I saw a bunch of giant-flung rocks hit the town hall roof right down the street from us, so Rickert and I started jogging in that direction…

Note from player- I have never before in my gaming career had a character go one on one with a dragon for six rounds and not die. Best protection from energy potion EVER!


Also, it wasn't a very big dragon.


Yes, but it was a fairly mobile dragon. ;) My group is nowhere near that point so I don't know how they'll deal with it... but I'll also be upping his size! ^^;; (That Barbarian in my group is lethal!)


Rikert Krupt – Paladin of Iomedae

The siege by the giants, bears, and a dragon has us running from location to location to stop their advance and protect the innocent people of Sandpoint. The local militia and garrison are trying to help, but are sorely out of their league, and paying a terrible price in blood and lives. Thus, it falls upon us, the heroes of Sandpoint, to once again save the town.

As the alarm bells began to ring, I ran from the inn to the far wall to find Davok already engaging the advancing giants at range with his bow. The half-orc in his element with a bow is a sight to behold. He rained arrow after arrow into the giants, nearly every shaft finding its mark and burrowing deep into a foe. With a grim smile upon his face, he brought down a handful of giants before they even reached the wall. His actions didn't go unnoticed by the giants, and they responded with a hail of boulders that crumbled the walls and dropped Davok on the battlements just as I arrived.

I ran up the stairs, passing Simon on his way down to the gate. He yelled that Davok needed help, and I assured him that I would handle it. I reached Davok, and called upon Iomedae to heal his wounds so that he might return to the battle. His injuries were severe, but the continued healing from Iomedae flowed from my hands into his bruised body and he was able to rise and grab his bow. I knew that others needed my help, so I ran back down the stairs to find Simon and help him at the gate.

At this time, a red dragon of some size made a flying pass just over the wall, roaring and belching forth a gout of flame that froze us all in place, and made even some of our bravest friends cower and run. Steeled by Iomedae's presence, I shrugged off the fear, and hurried down the closest street in search of Simon.

As I ran through the ruined streets littered with stones from destroyed homes and businesses, I heard screams and yells for help from a nearby building that was partially collapsed and on fire from the dragon's breath. I forced open a door that was jammed by the building's collapse, and found myself in a room filled with heat and fire that blurred my vision and nearly drove me back out of the door. Instead, I called upon Iomedae to shield me from the fire, and advanced unharmed into the inferno. As I entered the next room, I found a small area that was clear of the flames. It was here that the source of the screams emanated. A young woman was trapped under rubble from the home. Next to her was a crying infant, wrapped tightly in a blanket, but laying on the floor just out of the woman's reach. The young mother begged me to take the child to safety, but I told her to remain calm while I began to clear the rocks and wood that pinned her lower body. The heat was intense, but I knew that these innocents would die if I didn't finish the job. With a final push, I moved the last timber and pulled her up from the floor. She quickly grabbed her child and held it close as I threw my weight against an already damaged wall. It took a few tries, but eventually I was able to force my way through into the street, creating a hole for them to escape the flames. The woman seemed to be in shock, so I pulled her across the way to an undamaged building and she and the child entered through an unlocked door. I told them to remain here where it was safe, and made my exit.

The confusion in the streets had increased, and I could here roars and the sounds of battle from around the block. I ran to the corner and rounded it just in time to see the dragon rear back and lunge at Simon, who was standing bravely against it by himself. Now I know from experience that Simon is as tough as they come, but the dragon was a foe beyond most men's capabilities, and its snapping jaws rent holes through his shield and armor and dropped him in front of me.

I charged the beast, powering my sword, intent on driving it away or slaying it and saving Simon if he still lived. The creature saw my charge and jumped back, crushing another building with its bulk, and drawing in a great breath of air. Just as I neared Simon, another gout of flame blew forth and washed over us both. The potions purchased in Magnimar did their job, and the fire had little effect. The dragon then launched itself back into the sky, and headed for the center of town.

I knelt beside Simon's battered form, and found him still breathing despite the gouges and burns covering his body. I knew he had a hard head, but I guess the rest of him is equally as thick! I called again upon the healing power of Iomedae and felt the energy flow from her through me and into Simon. As his eyes fluttered open, I extended my hand and smiled at him and said, "C'mon my stubborn friend. This battle isn't done with you yet!" He took my hand and I pulled him unsteadily to his feet, bracing him against me while he regained his balance. I continued the flow of healing energy until he was stable and strong enough to stand unaided.

Together, we turned to the closest sounds of battle and ran to help the townspeople.


OK. If that was Useplanb's management, I must applaud him. How do you keep your paladin from one-rounding the dragon? Put innocents in peril in his path! Beautifully done, sir!

In our campaign, Longtooth met a levitating paladin mid-air. He never stood a chance.


I'm lucky. No PC Paladins in the group. (Recent Cohort Paladin, but will hopefully not be too powerful by the time the Dragon attacks. But then again... the Raging Half-Orc Barbarian is downright scary and I'll likely be increasing Longtooth's age to compensate.)


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Though I'll be the first to give Useplanb credit for doing a fantastic job on this campaign, the paladin's journal entry was an example of "Moxie Syndrome." The player wasn't there for most of the session, and Useplanb said, "he's doing heroic stuff." Rikert's player took it from there, and just made things up. Well done to both, but it "didn't really happen" as far as the players who were actually there go.

I think you guys are really going to enjoy Rikert's next journal entry, considering how last night's session went. ;)


Tease! =^-^=

I think I might be about to encounter Moxie Syndrome with one of my own players; in my "Skyrim" (Reign of Winter) game, one player couldn't make it because of a new job. So I did a write-up of the game for her, and then sent out an e-mail to my group letting them know I was instituting a new rule that players can earn one free Hero Point if they submit a Journal on what happened in the last game.

The player who wasn't present wanted to know how much fire was used, because her character hates fire. So... I suspect I'm about to get a player journal from the player who wasn't present! =^-^=

Which would rock, really. I'm glad she's into the game, and we're rescheduling for an evening game in the future so she can remain in the group. :)


Oh, just don't get me started. In our Second Darkness campaign, Vorne's player and I (Leilani) work at the same company, and do a HUGE amount of roleplaying between the biweekly (once every two weeks) sessions. As our GM complained, "By the time I introduced the first romanceable NPC, you two were practically engaged!" I've even started posting actual session dates on my journal entries just to emphasize what happened in-game, and what Vorne and I did out-of-game (i.e. 90% of Leilani's journal entries).

251 to 300 of 1,054 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Pathfinder / Pathfinder Adventure Path / Rise of the Runelords / Useplanb's RotRL Game - Player Journals Included All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.