Castle Caldwell and Beyond: (A 5e Campaign) - The Wrecking Crew (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Knowledge (nature): 1d1 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Is it some sort of fey creature?
LOL. I rolled a 0. I really have no clue.

"Ah," Magnus says, sheathing his sword. "It's no ghost or forest sprite, just that goblin Perry wouldn't let you kill back at the gatehouse, Ayita. I suppose that makes it his problem."

"Tell me, goblin-who-doesn't-want-to-be-stew, what do you know of this chest? Are there are any other traps in this room? A stew pot seems an odd place to sleep."

Ayita puts her hands on her hips and walks angrily into the room, "Seriously! You got lost! We literally walked you to the exit and told you not to come back!" She gives the kettle a hard kick. "Why shouldn't we just stew you, you lying baby-eater!"

Goblin! the timid voice now shrieks loudly, Where do you get off… and a head pokes up above the rim of the kettle.

Ayita – you actually only rolled a d1 up there, haha

This is obviously no Goblin. This human looking creature is about half the size of the goblins you’ve met so far. His skin is the color of dark wood, and he has leafy green hair. He wears a well tailored suit made of wool. He has a youthful appearance, though the corners of his eyes have some small wrinkles

As soon as his head is above the rim of the kettle, he cries out, You’re not goblins either. Wait, you’re people, regular folk, whew, you had me afraid for my life there for a moment.

The small man climbs out of the kettle, his feet do not touch the ground, and he must drop, from his hands holding the rim, to the bricks of the floor below. When he lands he falls on his rear, but quickly gets up and turns toward you, and putting his hands on his belt he introduces himself.

Well met, big folk. My name is Piatya Ikovolic. I live in the woods to the south of here. I’ve been exploring this place for the last few days, and ran into a group of goblins yesterday, they were going to eat me, but I gave them an enchanted wand that can find treasures, in return for their granting me my freedom. I was told to leave this place and never return, but…

He walks toward Lijan and holds out both hands toward the sea chest.

This box has been driving me crazy. I saw it a few days ago, but at that time there were a couple of really big ants poking around this place, so I avoided it. This morning I came back, and I was inspecting the chest for traps when I heard someone outside and quickly dashed into that pot. I thought the goblins had found me and, and found out, well, never mind. Anyway, I am glad to see you folks are not the goblins. Tell me, are you folks travelers looking for a night’s rest away from the bears and wolves, or treasure hunters, like myself? If you, we can share what this box holds fifty-fifty, after all I found it first and disabled all the traps on it before you came in.

"Oh I'm so sorry little fey man." Ayita apologizes profusely. "I thought you were a goblin. But I'm glad you're not. You are soo adorbs!" Ayita squeals and pinches Piatya's cheek. "We dealt with most of the goblins as well as the ants but it seems this castle has no end to its surprises so even now I can't say how safe it is. Although, I don't think we found the wand you speak of, so there must be more goblins somewhere. I suppose you are welcome to join us. We seem to be unintentionally gathering a very odd collection of followers as it is. And you can toats sit with me. I love your hair." Ayita beams a big smile at Piatya. "As for the treasure, I can't speak for the party on that."

"I think I preferred the goblin," Magnus says, staring in horror as Ayita begins to coo and pet the little green man.

Histoff makes a face when the small little fey man makes a comment about the traps and the splitting part.
FIFTY-FIFTY ? !!!! Histoff asks very loudly showing an angry face
Me too Histoff says after what Magnus says and also adds
I did prefer them dead !

"You gotta do 50% of the slaying to get 50% of the loot". Klodd grumbles. "I don't think you'd have anything sitting there in pot hiding if we hadn't come along".

"Easy, easy!" Perry says, raising a pair of placating hands. "Let's not freak out, especially considering some of the friends we've already made today, alright?"

Perry turns to Piatya and says, "I'm terribly sorry, but we've already had a very strange day - which includes a run-in with those ants you mentioned, and all their friends. Everyone's a bit stressed and weary. As for your offer, I have a counter-proposal."

Perry smiles and gestures toward the chest. "Now, you say that part of the reason you should get some of what's inside is that you already disabled some traps, and yet Lijan here found one still active that he had to disarm himself. So as a show of good faith, we'll let you be the one to actually open the thing - once you're confident it's safe to do so, of course."

"Once we see what's inside, we can divide it up, but a straight fifty-fifty won't do. You see, on our way here, we ran into some folks who had recently been robbed, and we told them we'd keep a lookout for their stuff. If we find out someone's stashed it here, we can't split that with you. Also, our job of clearing this place out has turned out to be pretty dangerous, so I'd like our group to have first claim on things that could directly contribute to our safety, like healing potions. But if the contents are simple cash or the like, then everybody here gets equal shares, although I'd be willing to donate my share to you if it makes you feel better."

Perry gives another big smile. "Now, what do you say to that?"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Victor stays silent keeping a watch on the groups back, This place is turning out quite unlike what I expected it would be.

If anything happens Perry,it's your fault
Histoff goes to the direction of the goblin and the little creature ,keeping eye on them.
If the group agrees then:
Histoff moves to the place the little thing came from and stands there on guard
I would not want you to escape on case you do any thievery or evil deeds
Histoff says

The little man listens to Perry, making a series of agreeing and disagreeing faces along the way, opening his mouth to protest at times, then shutting it quickly as Perry explains more, finally.

He frowns, then smiles, looks pensive for a moment, then smiles again and says

A share you say. A full share, you promise. Alright then, that’s fair.

He crosses paths with Lijan, as the elf moves back to the fireplace for safety, and then the little man cracks his knuckles, and reaches for the unlocked hasp of the chest.

He pause, looks around, and then says, Well, one of you big folk need to get over here, I can’t see in the darn thing, but I’ll lift the lid.

With that he flips the latch, then waves both hands and recites a minor cantrip. The lid to the chest springs open.

A voice from the other side of the wall, a familiar voice exclaims

Oh, what's in the box?

"Hopefully not some blonde lady's head," Magnus whispers, speaking to no one in particular.

"Alright," Perry says, "Only fair if I risk my own face on this."

Perry then approaches the open chest and peers inside.

When Perry looks in the box, all that he sees is a large, folded piece of old, heavy weight, parchment, tattered and slightly scorched around the edges, and folded twice, lying on the bottom of the chest.

What's in the box!

"Office supplies," Perry answers.

Amber turns toward Victor, who is watching for an ambush from the rear, and asks

What's an office supply?

Office supplies... Lol

" Parchment, ink, quills and the like. " Niall says moving into the room to the chest now that the danger of traps seems to have past.

" Why would someone place that kind of stuff in such a secure chest? Maybe there is a hidden compartment? "

He peers into the chest and picks up the parchment, checking the chest for a false bottom.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

if there is no hidden compartment:
Niall unfolds the parchment carefully to see what is written on it.

The little man makes a face of disgust when Perry says

office supplies

but then when Niall lifts out the folded, aged parchment, his eye grow in surprise, and he lets out a long breath followed by the word

wwwwwooooowwwwww

If that is what I think it is, brother, we are all rich beyond our dreams.

When Niall unfolds the parchment, he can immediately tell that he is holding a crude map of an island, with cryptic symbols and notes around the edges, and a dotted line from one coast of the island, to a place marked by the letter "X"

He does not recognize the island (there are few maps in the world of such places).

"Oh boy Mr. Piatya! If you want your share of treasure, you'll get to spend a whole boat ride with us. You'll have plenty of time to tell me all about yourself. Where are you from? How did you get here? Do you like elves? Where did you get those shoes? Do they come in my size?" Ayita prattles on.

Perry leans over to Lijan and whispers, "What happened to our monk?"

I don't know, probably gone nuts or she has fallen in love with the little dirt (the little thing/man/fey)

Histoff whispers to Perry.
He then whispers again to him showing that he doesn't like the idea that Ayita takes interest in the little brat
They can have their own boat

He than asks out loud with sarcasm
Is the goblin joining too ?

Histoff doesn't like the idea of Ayita taking interest in the little brat because he doesn't like the little man
he doesn't have feelings of love to Ayita he just doesn't like that little brat

Victor nods to Amber as Niall makes his comment, "A Seneschal in a Castle or Keep must track many things, parchment and ink allow him to do so. A good Seneschal is worth his weight in gold, a poor or dishonest one, will cost one much gold and heartache. Hold here a moment Amber, I would see what they have found".

Victor unslings his longbow and steps inside to look at the map...

Klodd steps up to glimpse at the map himself. "Figures... It would have to be a trip across open water. Why couldn't it be in a nice friendly desert, or even a swamp with some ground to stand on... but no out in the middle of a big body of water... And to boot I'll have to listen to that elf and this pixie prattle on in confined space. Any chance you could tow me about 100 spans back in a nice quiet rowboat?

Castle Caldwell, the country of Harrispania

Day 1, Wednesday (turn 97) approximate time of day, 4:00 pm.

The party has discovered a forest gnome or brownie like person hiding in a cooking pot in the ruined kitchen, and a map!

Piatya looks up at Ayita and smiles,

It would be a pleasure sailing with you, um, I didn’t hear you say by what name you were called, woman of the river folk. As to where I am from, my burrow is called Two Stones, and it is just south of the castle, and a little to the west. Our kind, for I am a burrow brownie, are simple folk, and our small burrow is home to only a few hundred. Our burrow is a series of dry and comfortable little cottages built into the side of a small hill in the bend of a little creek that feeds out of the higher hills to the south and into this river. We do a good deal of trade with elven folk who live to the west of us, there is a small elven village just a day and a half from here. One of my ancestors took up living here in this castle, when there were big folk here, and it was handed down from her that this place hid great treasures. I, myself, am a leaf tanner by trade, and can turn fallen leaves into durable garments for people my size, using a bit of magic and some family recipes that have been handed down for generations.

I accept a share in the treasure associated with this map, under your terms, good Sir,

Piatya bows at Perry. The customs of the big folk are always changing, and seem strange to my kin and kind. Such things as introductions must not be common among your people or perhaps you live so close to one another all of the time that you become used to knowing that you already know everyone you need to know. I have told you my name, and where I am from. If you would tell me your names, and then tell me how you intend to see to it that my share of this treasure is paid in according to our terms, I will say good day, and be on my way back home. The shadows outside are getting longer and I have but a short amount of day light left to allow me the ease of getting back to my kitchen before it is dark. I have spent three nights searching this castle, this time, and feel that I have discovered all I need to discover, for now.

When Victor steps into the kitchen, he sees the small dark clothed, little forest man, addressing Perry, who is holding the map, and when the man turns to great Victor, he immediately sees Amber following close on Victor’s heels

By the beech bark soles of my shoes, do I see a Marsh Wanderer among your group!

Amber pushes past Victor when she hears the familiar name, and says

Marsh Wanderer, and Burrow friend indeed! Greetings, sir. My name is Amber Agulincangar, and I am kin and kind to the Marsh Wanderers and Bog Dwellers of Mossy Willows Fen. Tell me what word do you know of the families and friends at Mossy Willow, what good news.?

Piayta looks at Amber and lifts his hands high to his sides as he leans forward and says in surprise

You do not know? How is this possibly? Have you been too long away from your family? I have terrible news young Amber. The goblins of the Split Hills drove out your people two summers ago. The Mossy Willow fen is now under goblin control and they have begun sinking the water into the ground with underground tunnels. They have claimed the Mossy Willow Fen, and I’m afraid no one in these parts has any clue where your people fled to, or even if they are safe. Do you live among the big folk now, is that what happened to your people?

Amber slumps, and shudders, as if some of the new hope restored in her has been drained

No, sir, I do not. I was only a few hours ago a ghost of this castle, and by a miracle of the fountain in the courtyard, and the efforts of these brave and noble human-folk, that I was returned to the living. I’m afraid it has been many, many, years since I was last with my family, and this news you give me breaks my heart. How will I ever find my place if the Mossy Willow is no longer my homeland?

Piayta approaches the Otyugh and touches her tentacle.

Don’t you worry Amber, dear. You’ll come home with me. And tomorrow we will talk to the Burrow Council. Perhaps for now you can live with us. Your kind is always welcome in the Burrows, and we will make a fine den for you. Who knows, maybe the next time we trade with the elves some news of your people will come up. Have hope, young Amber.

He pats amber a couple of times and then looks up at Victor, and says a quiet

Thank you for showing this young girl kindness. I was always quick to believe that kindness was rare among the big folk. Perhaps I was wrong.

He quickly skips across the floor to stand next to Ayita once again, and taps the tall elven girl on the knee

Hey, cutie, let’s wrap up this negotiation. I need to get home, and with Amber’s help, if she is willing, I’ll feel a lot safer making the journey even if we don’t make it home before dark.

Perry takes a moment to process the spectacle he's just witnessed, then composes himself and addresses the brownie.

"I apologize for the lack of introductions; it's been a rather busy day, full of goblins and ants and miracles and lonely clerics. Anyway, I am Lord Perivius of House Lalomaundriale, but outside of affairs of state I prefer to be called Perry."

Turning to Amber, Perry says, "I'm so sorry, Amber. What a situation to come back to! Do you plan to take this fellow up on his offer?"

Histoff stays silent for the time being

Magnus lays an encouraging hand on Amber's shoulder (or the closest thing to one).

"As one who has spent much of his life traveling, I can tell you that a welcoming home, even a strange one, is better than no home at all," he says, before whispering: "And please, get the little green man away from here before Ayita asks me to officiate a wedding."

"Ah yes, my name is Ayita. Fair travels to you, noble brownie. May you and Amber get home safely. It's a shame you won't be joining us but perhaps we'll meet again." She kisses Piayta on the cheek for luck.

"Name's Klodd, and yes, take her... I mean it would I'm sure be a better plan for you to take her and return to your home".

Histoff keeps silent but smiles at the idea of the little brat coming to where he came from

"Victor von Gladden little fey. You are not wrong, kindness is a rarity among big folk. I do not believe I have ever had someone describe me in quite that way".

Victor turns to Amber, "Safe travels if you will go with this one. Remember, if you need assistance we are the Wrecking Crew of the Solution Society and we shall not forget you".

Victor moves closer to the map to inspect it.

It’s all settled then, the brownie smiles. Amber you will go home with me. I think everyone in the burrow will be excited to meet you.[/b]

He then moves to follow Victor, and says

About that map, he says pointing at the large parchment sheet, “Seeing as you folk have a a mission you are already very deep into. I think I should take the map back to our village. I promise to keep it safe until you are ready to come and get it, and when you are I will be ready to join you on the expedition to solve the maps riddles. Who knows, maybe I’ll convince Amber to come along with us.[/b]

Before moving on to the next area of this castle, you are going to need to resolve the situation with this Brownie nand his claim to some rights in any treasure that the map might lead to

Perry smiles at the brownie and says, "As a token of trust and goodwill, we will trust you with the map. When we arrive for our claim, I hope you'll reciprocate and show us that the trust is not misplaced."

Persuasion (make good on the deal, please): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Piayta takes the map and rolls it up carefully. Then he goes to Amber and says

Come on Amber, lets get home before it gets too dark.

Good-bye everyone, and thank you again for everything. I look forward to seeing you all again real soon

Amber and Piayta leave the kitchen and then leave the castle

"Watch out for goblins along the way!" Ayita waves goodbye.

After Piayta gone, Histoff says
Good, now we have one less trouble to deal with

"You can say that again".

"Right then!" Perry says, clapping his hands together. "Shall we get back to our perimeter circuit?"

"Yes!" Ayita leaps up and punches the air.

Victor nods as well ready to sweep the rest of the Keep.

"Does this place seem not at all what the rest of you expected", he asks as he resheathes his sword and draws his bow notching an arrow.

"I've learned not to have any expectations of what might be normal when it comes to dealing with human stuff. Let's go".

Hold on, what's not normal about a brownie, holding a large pirate treasure map in one hand, and in the other hand, holding the tentacle of a young Otyugh princess as they walk together into the sunset...okay I admit, that's a little weird