DM Zyren's Heart of Riddles (Inactive)

Game Master Zyrenity

Hmm I might just upgrade my +1 bracers then and let Winter take/sell Sable's Noqual...

So what will it cost me to get the chain shirt made? Did someone post a link to the info somewhere? I'm in total ditz mode thanks to the lortabs.

SRD under Mithral has an explanation that with armor 'considered' light, one would still need the medium or heavy proficiencies. For fighter types it might not make a difference as the armor check penalty is applied to attacks and skills, but if this is reduced to zero there is no problem. It's the arcane spell failure that is a killer for Sebastian.

Chain shirt should be 250gp, assuming that Zyren's happy with the costs as stated.

A bard can cast bard spells while wearing light armor and using a shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance.

A 'Medium' BP becomes Light doesn't it? Sure you eat the ACP though.

OK Winter will 'borrow' some of Sables Noqual (7lbs), and give him an iou for 1750gp, sable you can sell the rest otherwise 9lbs x 250 = 2250

The costs are stated correctly, the magical versions are pretty expensive due to the anti-magic nature of the material

As the Teeth of Akasha sails past the Cyphergate, the piers and docks are full of spectators. Word must have spread that the survivors of haunted Devil's Elbow are about to return. You all know how quickly hyperbolised stories spread in Riddleport, but this time imagination must pale in comparison to the things you have really encountered.

As the ship slowly reaches the mooring, Zincher walks to Sebastian and Winter

An'? will you stay in our fine city?

Before you are able to answer, you see Kwava, standing at the pier, waving his hand.

"Clegg my friend, I believe that we will be staying in Riddleport for a very long time. Our journeys will take us far afield from time to time, but this is now my home. Erastil has seen fit to have me guided to this place, and it seems his work for me here is quite clear. You and I are both completely aware that I will never tame the wild jungle taht is Riddleport, not I or a hundred of his most loyal subjects and most devout sould could ever hope to achieve that, however what I can do is create a few well ordered gardens for those so inclined"

"Sven and his men, St Casperians and the Salvation Caravan to the Mountains, just a few of the many many initiatives I hope to seed. I save the odd soul here or there, I put the odd wayward traveller back upon the path and help them set their moral compass, and in return Erastil sends me forth to keep sewing more seeds. On that matter, Sven and his new band might well find the odd petty crew feeling inclined to push them about and try foil their hard work, in the way we were resisted in St Casperians, I know you will bias towards helping them should they call upon your aid. I don't expect you to become their advocate, but when they need a well timed wave or nod of acknowledgment, I know you will indulge them and help them in this way..."

"...Oh thats interesting, what does this wanderer want with us now?" Winter utters as he spots Kwava.

Kabal was all too eager to set foot in Riddleport. He could use a hot meal, cold beer and a shave...maybe a bath too... he thought; noticing all the drow blood on his armor. He ignored Clegg and Winter's talk. That criminal could only be trusted as far as he could through him...I wonder just how far I coudld throw him...he dont look that big... but still, the priest might bring him around one of these days.

Hmmm might need to call in some favours :p Armour will cost 1650+5000+2000=8650. Winter has 280+1825(old armour sale)+5658=7763. He aint moving unless the next person who asks him for a favour is either a) An Armourer with a discount plan, b) Paying cash upfront, or c) is an enchanter about to do mates rates! Mind you, we are now around WBL finally. Yay!

Kabal will have 83 gp left after getting his armor. Winter is welcome to that and his Potions of Lesser Rest., Neutralize Poison and 2 each Alchemist fire to sell off to hedge those funds though.

Clegg nods and then a broad grin spreads on his face

I have some free spots left in the ranks of the Gendarmes - what do you think, could that be the kind of job Sven and his men are looking for?

Also on the pier, some paces away from Kwava, are two young women...Samaritha, who must have come here with the ship that brought Clegg to the island, and Lara...

"I am sure they'd do well, provided, of course, that there was a proper application of law and order, and that things weren't crooked. Or perhaps that is the hard path thy have chosen to follow, just as I have, to seek to continue to do good even in the face of such adversity"

"Hmmm what do they all want?"

Take as much of Sable's coin as you need!

Did Winter take Cat's extra 3.5 lb of Noq as well?
If you need some extra cash Cat would also be willing to provide.

Caterine's arrival back into Riddleport is greeted by none she knows upon the docks, as there is no family or friends that were not on the ship with her. Eager as she is to make for a bar and a fine glass of port, it would seem that an entourage has come to greet the return of the others in her party. She rests with a shoulder leaning against the mast and listens.

Waddaya think, Cat? Zincher asked us te become Gendarmes...no' sure wut I should think about that...I mean, lots o' coins fer sure an'...Gorum's balls!

suddenly all colour vanishes from Sven's face and he quickly turns around...a tall, rather burly woman with two thick blonde braids is standing at the pier and looking out for someone...she reminds you a bit of Sven...

Distracted by the sight of the women close to him, Sebastian turns back to Clegg "Oh Yes. There is a lot hidden potential here in Riddleport for one willing to look. So I am here for a while enjoying all I find."

Short of time, so will post going ashore later. After a +2 bow Sebastian will have 1134gp left to loan, that include Kabal if he wants his potions back.

Caterine begins half a breath in response to Sven before noticing the burly braided wench awaiting him...

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

...fighting off the Puck-ish thoughts that arise and instead giving him more level advice "Looks like Helga there will be wanting a say in matters eh? Best ye check with her first before ye agree to Zincher's faustian stylings.... best of luck." and moves a tangible distance from Sven so there is no logical way that the burly lass could mistake Caterine for Sven's mistress.

Sable floats to the deck, and watches the dramatics unfold, keeping to himself as he scans the docks.

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Remembering Kwava as one who has done her a great service, Bree approaches him and bows. In elven she greats him, "Hello, again. I am pleased to see that you have not fallen victim to Riddleport. What brings you here?"
Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Bree tries to sound pleasant, and somehow manages to put aside her prickliness. "How fairs Kaesh?"

I'm having trouble finding info on noqual and how to detrmine what a noqual chain shirt will give me. What are you searching for in the PRD to find this, or where else are you finding it?

Kabal guffawed at Sven's reaction to the ulfen sized woman. She wasnt as feminine nor as pretty as either Cat or Bree and looked like she could easily handle the newly named gendarme with force if necessary. He clapped the man on the back and wished him luck...in both your future ventures...hahaha!... before stomping down the gangplank.

Only stole some of Sables lovely Noqual, so everyone should have a bit left over depending on what they had manufactured (or not). Maybe Winter needs to go find a craftsman he can wrangle/brow-beat a bulk deal out of; our killer going forward is enchantment costs. :p

Bree, the Noqual as a material is pretty much limited to this set of adventures so there's little info on it, so a chain short stats have to be manually converted. Essentially its going to give you a touch more AC, but will give you a +2 bonus against spells being cast at you.

Winter simply stays back to see what events unfold, he watches all the meetings carefully before getting involved in any conversations.

The first segment for the Shattered Star AP has starmetal details in it (of which noqual is one), so I'll double check that for any changes when I'm able to download it this arvo.

Sebastian rides the prow into the dock, his hair and coat blowing in the wind. He sees word has gotten out that they were due, confirmed by the sight of Samaritha already back in Riddleport and the crowd on the pier.

He gives a wink down to the ladies and he hops up on the ship's rail. As the mooring ropes are tossed, he calls out to the crowd. "The heroes of the Golden Goblin have returned after conquering the dangers of the Devil's Elbow. We have battled devils and beasts from another world. We listened to the songs of ghosts' laments and set them free. And we rid the seas of Captain Grudge and his pirates and today have sailed his ship into port. Now I wear his coat as I spin these tales....but to hear more, by a drink and pull up a chair...when I reveal these brave tales and more at the Golden Goblin. But for now, I see a pair of lips that made all the dangers worth it." He grabs some rope and tosses it over an overhead spar, before securing it, and then swinging down to the deck. He scoops up Lara in his arms and gives her a big kiss, getting a big Whoop response from the crowd. Continuing to hug Lara he reaches out with one hand to give Samaritha a half hug that brings her closer and a smile to show that he was glad she made it back safely too.

Perform Oratory -> 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Acrobatics -> 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

The frown that appeared on Samaritha's face when Sebastian grabbed Lara disappears quickly, she smiles and hugs the wannabe pirate captain before she releases him again in lara's arms...

While the crowd cheers and applauds and all eyes are directed on Sebastian, a norse pirate quickly scurries down the gangplank, he escapes unseen...for now.

When Kabal's feet reach solid land again, he is suddenly approached by the burly woman from the far north. Her eyes have the colour of the polar-sea and she reminds you of one of the chubby valkyries you have once seen in a sideshow theatre.

You there, big man! Where's my Sven?! as her booming voice hits you, you wonder if Linnorms are really dragons or just the women of that country far north...

...gods be damned; youd have to to have a real set of stones to shack up with this broad...and a strong back to boot...

Somewhat nonplussed by the woman's temper but more than thankful to not be the target; Kabal shrugged his shoulders and looked around for help.

Sven? Who the hell is Sven?

"Well looked after and delighted to be back here" Winter throws out, looking to save Kabal from any more northern interrogation.

The wrath of northern nature turns her head as she hears Winter's voice

Huh? looked after? You think we speak about the same man? My Sven is a giant of an Ulfen. Broad shoulders, blonde hair, blue eyes, big axe - you mean that man?

Sable stays behind the group, keeping all manner of henpecked quips quietly behind his beak.

Bree finds it odd that Winter does not approach, or at least Sable since Sable seemed so smitten with the two elves before. She carries on with her conversation though. Awaiting Kwava's response.

Kwava smiles as Bree approaches him, the tall elf with the tanned skin seems much more at ease than when you left him

Bree! Kaesh is...umm, yeah, what can you say about a priestess of Calistria...lustful? Hah! Good to see you're all ok and well.

then he lowers his voice and a shade of worry flashes over his face

What did you find on that island? Were our misgivings true? Did you find the drow?

Sable speaks up in

Kabal was relived that she wasnt yelling at him anymore and would have words with Sven for leaving them to deal with his ball and chain. He couldnt resist answering.

Oh...that Sven. Yah that one stands out in a crowd all right. He was just here a second ago. Maybe he went below deck to grab his kit?

Kabal didnt wait to walk off and sidle up behind the others talking to the elves.

An uncomfortable smile crosses her face and she says, "Indeed. Sable is right, we should wait. I am pleased to know that Kaesh is... well."

She glances back at Winter, cocking an eyebrow and twirling her braid.

"Not the time nor the place for full discussions about the denizens of the Island, suffice to say that we have information we still need to translate, and my companions need a decent rest in comfortable beds. We have much to do"

Caterine walks off alongside Kabal, a wry smile on her face at thoughts of Sven and his man sized consort. After Winter speaks "Aye, and there's a bottle of port that I'd care to introduce myself to... you say you own a tavern?"

Bree smiles very brightly and so VERY proud of herself, "We. We own a casino/tavern/inn. The Golden Goblin gambling hall. It's ours now, I'm sure you've heard of it."

Kabal's brow furrowed and he coughed into his clenched fist.

Uh...hate to burst your bubble lass but we used to own the goblin. Right up until we sold it to Zincher, remember?

The ex-mercenary knew it was the right thing to do at the time but second guessed that decision as they were now homeless on the streets of Riddleport.

Bree pauses for a moment and frowns, "Oh, that's right. Silly me..." She seems sad, as strong of emotion as has ever been seen on Bree.

"We still have a permanent membership and a room to stay there, however if your tastes are more modest I am sure the homeless that shelter at St Casperians would be blessed by the welcome presence of a brave bunch of adventurers with stories of great deeds and daring." Winter seems upbeat about the offer, however it's clear he is pretty doubtful that his comrades would forgo warm beds and freeflowing ale for an uncomfortable cot and soupkitchen fare.

"Regardless, we have a warm weclome awaiting us at either place of our choosing"

"...then again, I wonder how any of Croats men that remained in Riddleport might find the new change of leadership? I suspect the new management and fresh direction might clash with a few other not so warm viewpoints, perhaps I will be needed for a short period whilst Sven heads back to whatever Guildhouse they were operating. Croat might have some die-hard flunkies not so keen on law and order who might be in need of guidance - to a new way of living, or the nearest exit from Riddleport."

Winter almost grins as one hand unconsciously rubs his Parables of Erastil and the other starts drifiting towards the hilt of his sword.

Caterine chuckles "The room's of less concern than the vintages behind the counter. As long as the drink's decent I've no concern."

Well, we'll certainly be more comfortable at the Goblin. That is all depending on how comfy one can be in a snakes den.

"Then I suppose we are destined for a night back at the Goblin. It has the advantage of being the safer of the two as well I guess."

"Wherever I can hang my hammock suffices for me, though the winds carry our tales already, and if we're to earn a supper this night, singing our songs may be better suited for the casino's nest. I would fancy some crumbs to pick at before too many rounds are being bought in our honor."

Kwava nods and says

Sorry, this whole thing rests heavily on my heart. Let's go to the Gob...ah well, maybe I should tell you one thing upfront: Clegg wasn't very happy with the name and so he changed it...ahem...the Golden Goblin is now the Ostentatious Ooze...uh...you know. I guess he feared that people would always connect the Goblin to Saul...and then, during one day's lunch, he came up with that idea...

As you leave the pier, you can hear a tall blonde lady rummaging through the ship's hull...for a meoment it looked like the large vessel was rocking only by her doings, but then again, there are some waves too...

As you reach the place formerly know as Golden Goblin your jaws hit the floor - while the domed building's substance is pretty much the same, somehow Clegg managed to coat the whole building with some luminescent green slime. And to make it worse, on top of the dome sits a block of woodruff green slime, slowly wobbling in the wind.

I warned you... Kwava states.

"Finally, truth in advertising reaches Riddleport." Winter almost cracks a smile. With thhat he continues onward, undeterred by the changes.

Dont tell me that crap is coating the inside too?

Dejectedly, "Even I can't sell Ooze. Did he hire Troglodytes as doorkeepers? Why didn't he just close it if he didn't like the reminder of Saul?"

"So much for perching on the rooftops..."

After a moments thought, Bree shrugs, "I've been in worse."

Kabal spit to the ground and shrugged his shoulders.

Well, no sense in lollygagging. Lets see what the inside looks like and get a cold ale and a hot meal already.

With that the big man strode confidently towards the front door.