The Loot List has been updated. Jathal and Dayana find 20 arrows each on the Hobgoblins inside the tavern, and Dayana can take one of their longbows. Those in the wagon were lost to the fire, although the swords from those hobs could be retrieved once the fire went out.
Ingra does not recognise the maker's mark as belonging to any religious order or known cult.
~~~
Once within the walls of the town, the party is conflicted, with some immediately running to help defend the bridge while Zalindra still worries about the safety of her Grandfather.
Kra'el, Jathal and Dayana moving toward the North Gate Bridges (Gates north of Location #5 on the Map). Aelion, and presumably Zalindra in favour of heading towards the Hall of Great Valor (Location #16) first. You are free to split the party if you can't agree on a priority target.
I'll take a longbow later if nobody claims it. Also, it looks like the fastest route to the Hall of Great Valor is right past the bridges.
Scowling, Kra'el is clearly conflicted. The greater good here is absolutely to defend the bridge. But the Hall of Valor could be threatened. Most buildings can be replaced. That one, for many reasons, cannot. Nevermind that Zalindra's grandfather, Sertanian was similarly irreplaceable. His knowledge and experience would be a deep loss to the people of Brindol if something were to happen to him. They would have to divide their efforts. Kra'el's voice is somehow both loud and gentle as it rumbles forth.
"Zal... go to your grandfather. If he is in peril, come for me."
With that, the big dragonborn rushes toward the bridges at armored dragonborn speed, without waiting for a response.
I wasn't sure what Kra'el would do here, but I think if the people are holding at the bridge and there is danger at the Hall, he'll break off and go there.
@Javos: Did you take the potion from my last post?
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
If the bad guys were already on this side of the river and we were defending them to the south, are we certain that the best place to fight is at the north bridge? As we look over the town, do we fires arising within the town or from any other directions? If Zalindra is certain that there is no fighting within the town, she is happy to keep the bad guys out, but if it looks like they are already in, she is going to go find her grandfather.
--If the town looks intact and nothing is burning, she thanks Ingra and Cecilia and Aelion for the support but stays to support Kra'el and the defenders of the bridge.
--If there are fires, the town doesn't look intact, or there are reports of Goblins within the walls, she nods to Kra'el, thanks Ingra, Cecilia, and Aelion and takes whoever will go with her to make sure the museum is intact and her grandfather is alive, and to kill whatever goblins or other creatures have already gotten into the town.
I'm all for going to the Hall then. I think I justified it well enough for Kra'el to do that over going to the bridges. That said, I think we can go past the bridges on our way and see how dire the situation is there first.
Aelion sighed when he found Dayana, Jathal and Kra'el had claimed the only longbows and arrows to survive the battle, but his smile turned less wry as the party (all of us?) offered to join in seeing to Zalindra's grandfather.
Good people, he thought approvingly. I'm glad to fight beside them.
As Ingra and Dayana both criticised her actions, Cecilia wanted to say something in her own defence. She wanted to tell them that she had been saving the spell for the right moment. She wanted to tell them that Javos had wisely retreated from the battle when he was injured, and had been in no real danger. She wanted to tell them that she had been just as badly hurt as anyone else in the party, and that choosing to heal herself first was a logical decision.
But before any of these words could leave her mouth, the bard stopped. Could she really say that her actions had not been born of selfish motivations? After all, she could hardly obtain glory if she was covered in blood and hives, forced to take cover while the rest of the group dealt with this menace.
So in response to their words, Cecilia simply replied. "I only did what I thought was best." Crossing her arms, she turned her back on them. "And to answer your question. No, I don't have any more healing spells. That was my last one."
The bard then moved away from the others, stopping only to take one of the black longswords recovered from the goblins. She waits for Zalindra to lead them to the museum, keeping her distance from the rest of the party. While she tries not to show it, the words of the dwarf and changeling had shaken her somewhat.
Still, she had her shortbow and one of her arrows already nocked and ready to go.
Cecilia will take one of the masterwork longswords if no one else is laying claim to them. She will then reattach her whip to her belt, sheathe her rapier, and draw her shortbow. She will then follow whatever members of the party decide to investigate the Hall of Great Valor.
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
If Aelion needs any more arrows to restock, he can have some of Dayana's; I doubt she'll be needing too many of them since she can only fire one per round and will only be using the bow if dealing damage becomes more valuable than debuffing enemies with Evil Eye.
Dayana seems content to follow the bulk of the group, wherever they decide to go — which, at the moment, seems to be the Hall of Valor. Her new bow is clenched in one hand as she follows along, eyes darting around the streets as they go, wary for danger and potential ambushes. A keen eye might notice the small head of a rather unusual looking viper periodically poking out from her satchel as they travel.
Perception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Beledia's insight, however scarce, does make Dayana that much more attentive. What a helpful little familiar.
"I don't suppose you know any shortcuts we can take?" She asks, looking to Zalindra. At the same time, she tries to jog her own memory for potential routes.
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
Zalindra glances over at Dayana as they move down the street, and she reaches into her bag and fishes around a little as she responds.
We're already going the most direct way I know, but if there is trouble at the museum, I know the building better than anyone alive, except maybe my grandfather. I'm tempted to run, but if there is trouble, that would likely not help.
She finally finds what she is reaching for in her grooming kit, and holds it out to Dayana. A hair-tie. Looks like you might have need of it?
Thanks, Dayana! Would it be OK to take 5? He goes through arrows fast, haha.
Aelion did a double take when he spotted the viper tucked into Dayana's satchel. It's possible to get TOO friendly with nature! Bryn would have slurped it down in a second, though. He shook his head at himself. Who was he to decide what animal would make a loyal companion?
All the same, he wouldn't be passing Dayana her satchel anytime soon.
When Zalindra spoke, it broke him out of a reverie about Bryn - one more bad habit he'd been letting himself fall into. "Any decent person would help you with such a noble goal," he opined as they trotted along.
Then he grinned. "Not all of them would pack as hard a punch as this bunch, though! Don't worry. We'll be there soon." The obvious words masked a darker thought: we'll help no matter what's happened to the old man by the time we get there.
HP 8/8 | AC 14 T 11 FF 13 | CMD -1 | FORT +1 REF +3 WILL +3 | Init +7 | Darkvision 60’ Perc. +2 | Resist cold , elect, & fire 5
Din nudged one of the hob corpses with his boot as the others stripped the others of anything useful, ”How did you all get here…” he muttered as the group discussed where to go first.
Like some of the others, he was sure, Din felt that the smartest place to go to was the North bridge. But something about the way Zalindra worried about her grandfather pulled on him. It's one thing to help the people, it's another to help a person.
Plus, everyone else seemed to be in agreement to go to the Hall. Armed with only cantrips, a dagger,and seven crossbow bolts, Din knew he wouldn't survive by himself for very long.
—————
Din had been eyeing the triangular head peeking from Day’s bag when he caught Aelion doing the same and, subsequently, shaking his head. He grinned and loaded a bolt, ”I know some pretty indecent people that would help too. They would just need the promise of coin first.” He felt a pang of regret at the words and quickly added, ”You're right though. We took down that group fairly easily. And with an ogre backing them as well.”
The group races through the cobblestone streets of Brindol. As they pass by the College of Ioun, Dayana spots the signs of a battle fought not long ago. Blood soaks the streets and a few goblinoid corpses lie among the wreckage of some quickly erected defences. More bodies lie draped with cloth within the college gardens.
Spotting no imminent threat in through the haze of a nearby fire the group continue along to the market square. The town is eerily quiet save the occasional wailing of townsfolk in despair or crackling of a fire not yet extinguished.
As the group burst out into the market square they spot the signs of battle across the river at the gatehouse. To their relief it appears that the bridges are being held and the goblin force is slowly but surely being pushed back.
Turning south Zalindra leads the group south past Red Magic and Sundries down another main thouroghfare. They pass the Shrine of the Open Door, before finally coming to a halt in front of the Hall of Great Valor.
The scene before the group is not an encouraging one. The door to hall hangs loose from one hinge. A side window has been smashed out, throwing lead and stained glass over the grass outside. The old oak tree out the front has been charred black by a fire still clinging to life within its trunk.
Kra'el is not as ready as he has been preparing to be. Not by half. His calm and callous demeanor starts to show cracks as he surveys the scene across the town, especially when they reach the Hall of Great Valor. His gait takes on a desperate urgency and the grim set of his jaw speaks volumes. Even his silence says something. He should have been ready. He is clearly not.
Bahamut, I have failed.
No time for preparation or planning, the big dragonborn bursts through the front door shoulder first, not bothering to pause and open it.
I assume the state of the door makes it easy for Kra'el to crash through. Let me know if I need to make a roll.
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
Zalindra now wished that she hadn't let anyone talk her into staying to fight the invaders outside the inn. Why had she thought that her grandfather was safe? Because they were coming from the South? They were coming from *everywhere*! She had failed at the only important goal that she had in life.
Crushed inside, she stumbles after Kra'el, intent on finding her grandfather. If Kra'el hesitates, she will go around him or hammer at him until he gets out of her way and she can find her grandfather.
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
5's fine~!
Dayana blinks at the proffered hair tie, but accepts it without question and uses it to keep her hair from her face.
As they pass the College of Ioun, Dayana's now-perpetual frown deepens as she eyes the signs of fighting, but she doesn't stop and presses on with the rest of the group, to the Hall of Valor. The sight here does not enthuse her, either. She does her best to keep pace with Zalindra.
Ingra doesn't have the same attachment to this town as her fellows, but they have fought together now, and that builds bonds between people.
She manages to keep pace, and redraws her greatsword after the first bloody scene they pass.
The Hall is in ruin, and there are signs of battle taking place from the inside.
Not one for patience, but still able to use caution when needed, Ingra surveys the area as they make their way inside hanging back a few feet in case enemies try to ambush Kra'el and Zalindra from behind.
Reaching into his belt for the potion he was given he lifts it a moment as a silent toast of fortune and slams it back with a quick flick of his head. He grimaces past the taste of sweet wine witbout the minor blessing of alcohol and shakes his head as it begins to work.
Potion:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
With a sound almost like a grunt of pain he freels the wounds seal themselves rapidly. The sudden wave of nausea and dizzyness passes quickly and he rolls his now formally injured arm, "Not the tastiest brew, but it beats a stingy bard, aye?"
Noticing the elvish archer had vanished he spins and groans as he takes off out of the inn, remembering the others talking about heading to the hall. He shrugs his shield on and runs, grumbling as he goes, "No, Uncle, I won't need a horse. No sense in bringing one into town. Sounded like a bloody sensible idea at the time..."
Aelion nodded at Din. "We were fortunate with those casks, but the next ogre we meet probably won't set himself on fire. Whatever god you pray to, pray that we don't run into a pack of them."
Aelion's smile of encouragement for Zalindra eroded as they hurried through town. Truly, it looked as though the goblins had been everywhere, however they'd managed it. He kept an arrow nocked as they ran, prepared for trouble, and made a mental list by priority for places he should go afterwards to aid in the fight.
Jathal Mitheralia wrote:
Seeing that Aelion is running low Jathal hands him 20 arrows from her pack.
"Less haste, more aim." is her advice.
Aelion accepted the gift with a sheepish nod and a half-smile of thanks. [b]"Good advice,"[b] he admitted, and took a deep breath. The fire within that had shaken his shots in the previous battle had been tamed with the exertion of running; now it was time to be of use.
He hurried after Kra'el and Zalindra, more cautious than the dragonborn but more hasty than Jathal. Whatever had happened here, if anyone was still alive in the building, they needed help NOW.
With an arrow notched on her shortbow, Cecilia looked up at the Hall of Great Valor with a worried look on her face. She feared for the loss of so much of Brindol's history, but more importantly she feared for Sertanian's safety. It had been just a week ago that the two of them had last shared a meal. She dearly hoped that the old soldier was alright.
Shaking her head, she brought up the rear.
Cecilia will enter through the front door, staying towards the back of the group.
HP 8/8 | AC 14 T 11 FF 13 | CMD -1 | FORT +1 REF +3 WILL +3 | Init +7 | Darkvision 60’ Perc. +2 | Resist cold , elect, & fire 5
Din feigned being hurt, ”I seem to recall I set it on fire. He glanced at Cecilia and tried to convince himself that sometimes people get hurt in fights and to not worry about it.
With the Hall before them, it's door barely hanging on, Din cursed himself for thinking that the fight with the ogre had been the only threat. There's always another secret. Always another monster. He had awoken that morning with a sense of dread and was now wishing he had listened to his gut and prepared more combat spells. Well, live and learn. He looked at the charred tree, Please, let me live.
Din forced a grin at Aelion as they followed Kra'el and Zalindra inside, ”The only gods are those that sit around using us as pawns in some idiotic game where dice control our fates. But now's not the time for that, we have more important things to worry about.” Of course he didn't believe that, it was ridiculous. Even for him. But it usually managed to get a rise out of people so he liked to throw that fake truth out there every now and then.
Entering the Hall of Great Valor, all is silent save the crunch of broken glass beneath your feet. The glass cases lining the walls have been smashed open, with many of the relics of the Elsir Vale’s past strewn across the floor.
Three freestanding displays that usually show off artifacts of the vanquished Red Hand of Doom stand empty, the old relics nowhere to be seen.
As you cautiously make your way around a large map of the surrounding lands that fills a table in the centre of the room you see two bodies on the floor near the back of the hall...
Just goblins, their armour bears the insignia of the Red Hand. They lie in a pool of black blood. A shortsword stained with that same foul blood lies discarded nearby, but its wielder is nowhere to be seen.
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
Grandfather? Are you there?
Zalindra speeds towards his office, and if he is not there, the attached rooms where they live. If she hears him, she will of course go straight for him.
With an increasing sense of panic, Zalindra searches her grandfather's office, and when no one calls out in response, and she can't find anyone, the attached living area. Still, there is no sign of the old man.
Falling behind the young human, Kra'el stomps as quickly as he can behind her, finding the discouraging scene. His voice is quiet, like a low breeze.
"They were here for the relics... why?"
With a frown and a deep breath, he glances around for the elves while Zalindra conducts her panicked search. Whatever she finds, it is done, one way or another. It's too quiet. Rushing isn't likely to change anything.
"Aelion, Jathal, is it possible to track the wielder of that sword?"
Ingra approaches Kra'el, looking around just taking in the damage and lack of what really should be everywhere.
Bodies. Blood. Noise.
"What can yer tell us 'bout what was taken? Were they magic? Dangerous? I'd like ta know even if ya think it unimportant cause they came here for them.
They might be the whole reason for this little 'invasion'. Morale. We can't let them escape with them regardless.
If this is them now, don't want to imagine what they'll be like with such a grand morale boost. Relics from the greatest goblinoid leader in recent history."
Ingra goes to spit on the ground before remembering where she was and awkwardly swallowing it. Admitting goblinoid creatures were capable of anything noteworthy left a bad taste in her mouth.
The Red Hand almost took Brindol. She had listened to the stories and idolized the heroes.
Those stories set her life goal in motion, they were why she was standing there. But she knew they couldn't let them leave. It would bring another raid, another war. She wanted glory but if she could prevent it she would.
Horrified by what they'd found - and what they hadn't - Aelion squatted to try and make sense of any trail left behind.
Maybe they would find Zalindra's grandfather with the relic thieves.
Maybe.
He began with the shortsword Kra'el pointed out, and worked his way outward from there. Broken glass, bloodstains, scuffs and out-of-place furniture; all of it could tell a story, for the right eyes.
Ingra leant down to look at what the Elven archer was looking at. She could tell he was looking for something and she believed she could help put the pieces together while Kra'el told them about the relics.
Zalindra completes her search of the living quarters but it appears that the ransacking and violence were constrained to the public portion of the museum.
While Zalindra searches in vain, Aelion begins reconstructing the scene with the help of Ingra and Cecilia. The shortsword is old but well maintained. Cecilia recognises it as belonging to Sertanian.
After felling two of his attackers, some scuff marks seem to indicate the old man fell, or was pushed to the ground. There are a few drops of red blood on the floor that may suggest Sertanian hit his head when he landed.
Working his way out, Aelion finds some drag marks through the broken glass on the floor. He is left to conclude that Sertanian was taken.
Based on the evidence, it seems that Sertanian was in his office when the front door was bashed in, and at least four goblinoids began looting the museum's relics. Sertanian appears to have retrieved his old sword from its wall mount in his office and moved out to confront the intruders. He managed to overpower two goblins before he himself was knocked to the ground and rendered unconscious. The goblins appear to have then resumed their ransacking of the Hall, before dragging Sertanian out with them as they left.
While the others piece the story together, Kra'el busies himself pondering over which relics were taken.
~~~
Knowledge (Local) DC 15:
Most of the “relics” in the Hall of Great Valor have little or no intrinsic value. They’re museum pieces from the Red Hand invasion many years ago. But the sentimental value to the town is immense.
After spending some time assessing the state of the collection, the following items are noticeably absent:
A heraldic battle standard depicting the flag of Brindol flying beside an icosahedral diamond held aloft in two golden hands. The banner of the Diamond League.
An ornate, gilded dragon-crest helm and ceremonial platinum longsword, recovered by the Diamond League from the Fane of Tiamat in the heart of the Wyrmsmoke Mountains.
A set of three bright yellow shields bearing the insignia of the Red Hand, each with a charred hole near the centre left by the Flame Strikes of Sularys Terik the female Dragonborn cleric during the defence of Brindol.
A set of iron gauntlets dyed scarlet with extensive copper filigree, once they belonged to none other than the hobgoblin warlord Azarr Kul.
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
Knowledge Local:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Zalindra, trying not to panic, distracts herself with cataloguing what is missing from the museum. She lets the others know that these things are gone:
A heraldic battle standard depicting the flag of Brindol flying beside an icosahedral diamond held aloft in two golden hands. The banner of the Diamond League.
An ornate, gilded dragon-crest helm and ceremonial platinum longsword, recovered by the Diamond League from the Fane of Tiamat in the heart of the Wyrmsmoke Mountains.
A set of three bright yellow shields bearing the insignia of the Red Hand, each with a charred hole near the centre left by the Flame Strikes of Sularys Terik the female Dragonborn cleric during the defence of Brindol.
A set of iron gauntlets dyed scarlet with extensive copper filigree, once they belonged to none other than the hobgoblin warlord Azarr Kul.
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
"To state the obvious... this is no good. We'll need to find the way they went and move quickly if we intend on catching up to your old man, though..." Dayana crouches by the spatter of blood on the floor, dipping her finger into the liquid to try and determine how fresh it was.
Heal/Survival:1d20 ⇒ 11• I have the same bonus of +0 for both, so just use whichever is more applicable if I rolled high enough to determine how fresh/old the blood is.
"I imagine they're trying to leave Brindol, if they haven't gotten out already. We have the advantage of knowing the terrain, at the very least, so if it hasn't been too long... we might succeed at cutting them off before they get out if we know which breach in the defenses they're heading for."
Dayana smears one of the droplets of blood across the floor. She feels confident that the confrontation here took place sometime in the past half hour. This roughly corroborates with how long it has been since the tavern was attacked.
HP 8/8 | AC 14 T 11 FF 13 | CMD -1 | FORT +1 REF +3 WILL +3 | Init +7 | Darkvision 60’ Perc. +2 | Resist cold , elect, & fire 5
Local:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Din lingered outside of the office while Zalindra searched inside. He figured that the girl had the sole right to enter the room at the moment and when she raced back out towards the museum area, Din followed–only pausing momentarily to consider using a detect magic cantrip in the office. Seems….intrusive, he thought as he peered into the office.
With the group in the museum proper, Din kept an uncomfortable closeness to Aelion as the elf put the clues together. He occasionally muttered various musings to no one in particular.
When the scene was laid out before the group Dinner waited to see what the others thought before chiming in, ”Can anyone else connect the dots?” He paused as if waiting for an answer but continued before anyone could speak, ”These relics were the target. The attacks were a distraction, as Din spoke he gesticulated more and more and his eyes moved feverishly as if he was placing the puzzle pieces just as he could vocalize his thoughts.
"The old man was taken because of course you would take the person who has spent the most time with the goods and probably has forgotten more about the stuff that most people have ever known. If anything in this building had any sort of magic properties, whether it be the things that were on display or things kept hidden, you can bet that the old man not only knew, uh, knows but he knows how to activate them.”
Cecilia nodded along as Zalindra described the missing items. As a regular patron of the museum the bard was more than familiar with the artefacts the woman was referring to. Despite what the tiefling said, Cecilia believed the goblins had taken these weapons and armour for their symbolic –rather than magical– power.
She hesitated for a few moments before speaking. "Miss Feston is correct. We should leave immediately. We'll question each survivor we meet. We'll search the whole city if we have to."
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
Zalindra, frustrated and scared, is ready to run and take whatever obstacle down that stands between her and her grandfather, but she doesn't have a direction to aim. She asks Which way?, perhaps a little too loudly.
Aelion and Zalindra rush out the front door, where they find Ingra also working to pick up the trail outside. The ground is firm from weeks without rain, and in the moonlight, any signs of disturbance are especially hard to find.
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
"What's the nearest and quickest route anyone could take to get in or out of Brindol from here? That's the one we should take."
Still, if the others continue their tracking shenanigans and it means speeding things up, Dayana will sigh impatiently and abuse her darkvision to try and help find any tracks the others missed due to the darkness.
Female Elf Slayer 1. Hp 11/12. AC15. F +3, R + 5. W + 1. Init + 4. Perception + 8. Portrait
Survival (Aid another):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Looking around Jathal thinks things over. "If they were here for relics and the man in charge of them then they will have made for the nearest escape route. South is the closest gate. I suggest we head there if there are no tracks to be found."
Kra'el steps outside with the others and looks across the town with a frown. "We may be too late." It's not really said with any resignation or sadness. Just calm possibility.
The dragonborn follows that up by joining the others in their search for a trail.
Jathal offers an answer to Dayana's question, and with everyone pitching in it doesn't take too long to verify the wood elf's assumption. The trail leaves the museum grounds and turns south.
There are not so many signs of destruction along the streets leading down to the South Gate, but you feel certain you are on the right track. For one reason or another, the goblins that travelled this route were less inclined to draw attention to themselves than those outside the Antler and Thistle.
It is only a quick jog past the Moondust Temple to the gatehouse. When you arrive you find the gates wide open. Two guards lean casually on either side of the opening, gazing out across the moonlit farmlands beyond.
Please check-in here and take the chance to get to know each other. Also please familiarise yourselves with the Campaign Info tab, make sure your stat blocks are all polished off and finish purchasing all of your starting equipment.
If you have any final questions for me before we get started go ahead and ask. I'll have limited internet access over the next couple of days but should be able to get back to you over the weekend.
The first in-game post will be up on Monday 11 December.
Combat maps for this campaign will be handled on Roll20. I have just upgraded my membership so that you should be able to access them via desktop, mobile or tablet. The link to join is here.
Some Info on Game Mechanics:
With such a large party, the following mechanics will hopefully keep things moving quickly and help avoid confusion.
1: When in combat, I'll be posting the saves and AC for enemies. When you attack/use an ability that calls for a save, you'll be able to determine if you hit, and you will roll for the creature's save. This will help you describe your actions and their results, and move combat along faster, so please do so.
2: Initiative will be handled by averaging the dice rolls of all combatants on one side together. When it's the party's turn, people will act in order of posting. People inactive for 24 hours will be botted by me.
3: If you know you're going to be inactive for an extended period of time, please post in the discussion thread so I'll know and can be ready to bot you.
4: If the party needs to make a minor decision, rather than waiting for everyone to weigh in, I will consider the decision made as soon as a majority of players favour one outcome. Decisions that have a major impact on the story will still require everyone's input.
5: If you see a spoiler in a post that's not addressed to you, or that you didn't make the DC for, please don't look, even if you feel like you can separate your knowledge from your character's knowledge.
Woohoo! Excited to be playing with so many awesome people! Thanks for the selection, DM Kaavek!
(I just saw your PM, and I'll answer it now.)
ETA: Jathal, how do you feel about a background connection with Aelion? They could be friends, acquaintances, or even friendly rivals in their hunts. Kaavek mentioned that Jathal might have helped Aelion complete his mission after Bryn's death - does that work for you?
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
Female Elf Slayer 1. Hp 11/12. AC15. F +3, R + 5. W + 1. Init + 4. Perception + 8. Portrait
Aelion Kinandev wrote:
Woohoo! Excited to be playing with so many awesome people! Thanks for the selection, DM Kaavek!
(I just saw your PM, and I'll answer it now.)
ETA: Jathal, how do you feel about a background connection with Aelion? They could be friends, acquaintances, or even friendly rivals in their hunts. Kaavek mentioned that Jathal might have helped Aelion complete his mission after Bryn's death - does that work for you?
It works for me, it gives us a good reason to be in Brindol at the start of the campaign.
Background wise Jathal went against her family tradition by not becoming arcane caster. She responded to the disapproval this got her, and pressure to conform by drifting away and becoming strongly independent in her outlook.
Jathal is pretty apathetic politically, much preferring to be out hunting down the threats to the vale. Having read through your background this makes her uncaring to Aelion's activism. Which means they probably had some interesting conversations as they made for Brindol.
She does like meeting people of other races, so enjoys hitting the cities and wandering around seeing all the sights and races mingling.
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
Jathal Mitheralia wrote:
I do wish you could add your own avatar image
Heh, that'd be great! I'd also be happy with Paizo just uploading more icon options, though.
ETA: Jathal, how do you feel about a background connection with Aelion? They could be friends, acquaintances, or even friendly rivals in their hunts. Kaavek mentioned that Jathal might have helped Aelion complete his mission after Bryn's death - does that work for you?
It works for me, it gives us a good reason to be in Brindol at the start of the campaign.
Background wise Jathal went against her family tradition by not becoming arcane caster. She responded to the disapproval this got her, and pressure to conform by drifting away and becoming strongly independent in her outlook.
Jathal is pretty apathetic politically, much preferring to be out hunting down the threats to the vale. Having read through your background this makes her uncaring to Aelion's activism. Which means they probably had some interesting conversations as they made for Brindol.
She does like meeting people of other races, so enjoys hitting the cities and wandering around seeing all the sights and races mingling.
Hahaha, Jathal's apolitical views probably drove Aelion up the wall! On the way to Brindol he would have been unusually subdued, however, because of Bryn. Their view of what absolutely doesn't belong in their forests (and what to do about it) aligns well, though, and Aelion is a pretty zen guy (;D), so he'd probably consider Jathal a friend, if she's willing to be one. He'd definitely be in her corner about bucking the family tradition to choose her own path. What do traditions know.
Jathal Mitheralia wrote:
I do wish you could add your own avatar image, nothing in the Elf or Half-elf selection really was what I wanted.
Yeah, somehow "jungle elf" doesn't seem to be a thing in the avatars. I see we both had to pick blondes despite our descriptions, haha. I think I'll look for something I can link on his profile.
As a human raised by dwarves and worships both Moradin and Bahamut I'm easy to acomodate to various ideas. So if you have any ideas lemme know!
I remember thinking about how to connect with your character when I first saw your submission.
You've (at least) come across Kra'el and Sularys arguing vehemently about the tenets of the worship of Bahamut. Blackscale seems very single-minded about his interpretation of the dogma. Sularys tells him that he's missing the whole point by ignoring major aspects of it.
He's very focused on preparing people to fight their own battles, probably taking it too far in some situations.
Also, Kra'el doesn't get along with the other dragonborn in town, and Sularys is no exception. The community kind of considers him bad luck and he doesn't do anything to dissuade them.
I'm not sure how your character would interact with that directly. Any thoughts?
Edit: Also, in general, our connections don't necessarily have to be friendly ones. Heh.
Also, hearing you on the avatar front. I linked an image in my profile of what she feels like, since I couldn't find one that looks like her.
Regretting cancelling my Photoshop subscription lol.
I was under the impression we were already in Brindol, but if any of you are from Hammerfist Hold direction, might have at least joined the same caravan when traveling here.
So we're really going to do this with 9 players, huh? Should be interesting! :P
In terms of connections, it's possible that Cecilia knows Dayana if she's currently working at a bar, seeing as she's performed at more than a few taverns over the last few months. She probably wouldn't be big on the whole Changeling/Witch thing, but maybe she doesn't know about that yet.
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
Cecilia Hawthorne wrote:
In terms of connections, it's possible that Cecilia knows Dayana if she's currently working at a bar, seeing as she's performed at more than a few taverns over the last few months. She probably wouldn't be big on the whole Changeling/Witch thing, but maybe she doesn't know about that yet.
To anyone who's familiar with the traits exhibited by Changelings, Dayana's a fairly obviously one; she has the frighteningly pale skin, the heterochromia, the dark hair, and the tendency to creepily stare at people for far longer than is necessary. She's somewhat more subtle with the witchcraft part; after all, it's bad for business to have the barmaid trotting around with a viper prominently curled around her arm, whispering arcane secrets in her ear ;)
Beledia instead gets to take nice, long, and very cozy naps in Dayana's bag while she's working. Spoiled snake.
But yes, since Dayana's been working as a barmaid at Ilya's Cardhouse for the last few months, anyone who frequents there is more than welcome to have met and know her if they want to. She doesn't bite, honest.
I messaged a few people about developing possible connections with Kra'el. My hope is to get to everyone, but eight people is a lot so I'll have to do the rest tomorrow.
I felt like trying to talk about background connections with 8 different characters in the discussion forum could really clutter things up here.
I'm hoping to establish Kra'el as the apparent(not necessarily actual) leader of the party, in the sense that when we meet our foes, he's front and center, drawing as much of their attention as possible. And if someone decides to assassinate our 'leader' to cripple our plans, well.. good luck with that. I think it's not a bad idea to let him think he's in charge if you guys want. But I'm not too worried about it, either way. Kra'el will play whatever part he needs to play in the coming trials.
On a related note, Kra'el's morals and drive will play a big part in his contribution to our decision-making, but he's not stupid. He understands the value of diplomacy, even among allies and would much prefer that they're on the same page than pushing them to enact a plan they don't agree with.
Female Elf Slayer 1. Hp 11/12. AC15. F +3, R + 5. W + 1. Init + 4. Perception + 8. Portrait
Looking at the party balance, it's an interesting one. I've never actually played in such a large group in over 25 years of role playing.
We have ranged and melee covered. Skills, social, knowledge and sneaky are also well catered for. Arcane is nicely handled. Really only the divine side is a little light, and there are four characters who can use magical healing so I don't see any real problems in that area.
I was under the impression we were already in Brindol, but if any of you are from Hammerfist Hold direction, might have at least joined the same caravan when traveling here.
Graaagh! I'm so pumped!
Javos grew up in a Dwarf hold so we could just say it was Hammerfist Hold and they could travel together that way. For the sake of ease and all.
HP 8/8 | AC 14 T 11 FF 13 | CMD -1 | FORT +1 REF +3 WILL +3 | Init +7 | Darkvision 60’ Perc. +2 | Resist cold , elect, & fire 5
Oh boy, fast group!
I saw the announcement before I went to bed and decided I'd check in when I got up. I was not expecting so many posts but I guess that's bound to happen with 9!
I need to read through a few more PCs but, anyone that has spent some time at Ilya's they would probably be familiar with the Din. He's the Tiefling talking to anyone who will listen about the weird things that make no sense in the world so they must be some conspiracy.
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
Dinvirte wrote:
Anyone that has spent some time at Ilya's would probably be familiar with the Din.
Zalindra is in a weekly card game at Ilya's, so she would know you.
Dayana wrote:
Since Dayana's been working as a barmaid at Ilya's Cardhouse for the last few months, anyone who frequents there is more than welcome to have met and know her if they want to. She doesn't bite, honest.
Zalindra is in a weekly game there, so she would likely have met you. She's very friendly, so she probably would have asked you tons of questions.
____
Kra'el and I have already established a connection since we both grew up in Brindol... if anyone else would have met me, or *wants* to know me, Zalindra also travels often to nearby towns and archaeological digs, and might know anyone from another town nearby (she's very friendly) or who is into history or the buying or selling of war memorabilia or historical artifacts of any kind.
I sent out some PMs as well. I think everyone having a connection to everyone might b a bit tough but, if everyone has a connection to 3-4 others that should be enough to tie the group together.
Glad to see everyone's checked in!
I'm not sure if Zalindra and Cecilia have realised yet but Cecilia has been doing a lot of work with Zalindra's grandfather trying to uncover her father's past. They would definitely have met at the Hall of Great Valor and may even have been to a few archeological sites together.
I also wanted to let you know that the treasure system these modules use relies on players providing the GM with a wishlist of the kind of things they want their characters to find, so feel free to message me with any requests for anything you think you might like.
To anyone who's familiar with the traits exhibited by Changelings, Dayana's a fairly obviously one; she has the frighteningly pale skin, the heterochromia, the dark hair, and the tendency to creepily stare at people for far longer than is necessary. She's somewhat more subtle with the witchcraft part; after all, it's bad for business to have the barmaid trotting around with a viper prominently curled around her arm, whispering arcane secrets in her ear ;)
Fair enough. So maybe they know each other, but not friends or anything.
DM Kaavek wrote:
I'm not sure if Zalindra and Cecilia have realised yet but Cecilia has been doing a lot of work with Zalindra's grandfather trying to uncover her father's past. They would definitely have met at the Hall of Great Valor and may even have been to a few archeological sites together.
Somehow I completely missed that. It's funny how similar our characters' backgrounds are, looking at them now. So yeah, Cecilia and Zalindra should probably at least be acquaintances. ;)
MapTown Map Female Human Sharper Unchained Rogue 1 | HP -6/10 | CMB 1 / CMD 14 | AC 15 / T 13 / FF 12 | Fort +1 / Ref +5 / Will +2 | Initiative +3 | Perception +6 | Hero Points: 1/3 | Active Effects: None
Dayana wrote:
To anyone who's familiar with the traits exhibited by Changelings, Dayana's a fairly obviously one; she has the frighteningly pale skin, the heterochromia, the dark hair, and the tendency to creepily stare at people for far longer than is necessary.
That reminds me... Zalindra wouldn't care a whit about her being a changeling. She'd still try to get to know you.
Bale wrote:
So yeah, Cecilia and Zalindra should probably at least be acquaintances. ;)
Sounds good. If you want something more complex, just let me know.
Female Elf Slayer 1. Hp 11/12. AC15. F +3, R + 5. W + 1. Init + 4. Perception + 8. Portrait
I think Jathal and Aelion would be the outsiders here, they know each other slightly, but are not from Brindol, and haven't spent much time there in the past.
Female Changeling Witch 1 | 7/7 HP | AC 17, T 12, FF 15, CMD 11 | Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2 | Init +6 | Senses; Darkvision 60ft., Perception +0 (+2 when in arm's reach of familiar) | Active Buffs: Mage Armor
I would like to formally double-dog dare all y'all to impress Kra'el with our efficient combat skills :P
