Round 2
Idril whirls to (X,27) and flank attacks (W,27)
for a possible slashing damage.
Round 2
Arthur will try to 5ft in order to be flanking.
round 2
As the creature throws itself against the elf, Shalelu readies herself for close combat. Dropping her bow, she whips our her beautiful elven curve blade and subsequently quickly swings it down on the sinspawn all thickathwack style. Twice.
Shalelu slashes towards the sinspawn with her curveblade, but she hesitates just a moment too long, allowing the creature to dodge her attack.
However, the creature is not so lucky as her second strike lands just at the base of its neck, dealing 6 damage and cutting the foul creature's head clean off!
Round 2
Then step 5ft readies to flank with Arthur. (W28)
Fraadok will stab at the sinspawn (Y29).
Edit: updated the post as the first sinspawn died before my post was submitted.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
On Going Effects: Inspired Courage, (Dexter)
Round 2
Idril, seeing that the elf has taken care of her initial target, keep dancing a little further and then whips her scarf at the sinspawn engaging Fraadok.
Unfortunately, she is unable to land a blow!
______________________________________
The remaining sinspawn turns to Arthur as he steps in to flank. Drool dripping down its face and horrid teeth bare and gleaming, it proceeds to viciously claw and bite at the beautiful man!
plus DC 12 Will save
but the creature's attacks fall harmlessly against Arthur's shield and armor!
______________________________________
Fraadok steps forward and lunges with his trusty spear! His eyes flash brilliantly with the ghostly glow of one of Pharasma's chosen, his spear pierces into the sinspawn's side, dealing 10 damage!
______________________________________
Arthur, retaliating against the creature, raises his club high above his head and brings it down crashing upon the sinspawn's skull! The ugly brute takes another 10 damage and falls to the ground dead!
______________________________________
Thalrik, I don't know what you are trying to do, but whatever it is it fails.
i got it off you fraadok, it won t take long before all of us kill it.
Just to mention, you all originally entered the glassworks yesterday and fought gobs and tsuto. Then rescued Ameiko out tsuto in jail, rested for the night.
This morning you entered the catacombs (let's say around 11am). At this point, it is about 4pm, as you estimate about 5 hours hve been spent down here.
Returning to the daylight with a content sigh, Thalrik leaned against the glassworks. While he hadn't suffered any noteworthy physical harm, expending all his arcane reserves had drained him. Add to that the loss of two people who had been potential friends, the first time Thalrik had thought such a think about anyone but Rikka, and he was positively exhausted.
"If its all the same to you I will retire to my room. I have much to think about...so...much." He walked away rubbing his temples, already seeming lost in thought.
Works for me all actually the day has been full of good and bad things. turning toward the two newcomers you would you both consider dining with us at the rusty dragon, we will eat and drink and maybe talk of the future?
Thalrik walks over to the runewell, the creature's cold iron dagger in his hand. He slashes his hand and lets the blood fall into the pool.
Once again, it rumbles up and two sinspawn jump out. They put up a good fight, but it is easy for all of you to subdue them in a short amount of time. Once the creatures die, the well begins to glow intensely, and then all the evil looking water begins to evaporate until the runewell is empty and barren and inert and deactivated.
Heading back outside, you find a small gathering of townsfolk still huddled outside the glassworks. As you emerge, a cry goes up and you are bombarded by questions demanding what is going on.
Luckily, Dexter is true to his word and 4 town guards are posted and keeping the crowd at bay. Shalelu, not wanting to be around so many people, bids you all farewell and tells you to meet her at the sheriff's office when you are ready to speak.
"Friends, is there a local shrine to Pharasma within Sandpoint, if not could someone please point me in the directin of the local cemetary? I will meet you all for dinner later tonight, after I have had time to medidate an d contimplate over todays activities."
"I am sure I will have many questions and eagerly wait to hear what we will do next with this Abyssal shrine below us."
"May Pharamsa watch over you and protect you until I meet with you next."
Then Fraadok heads towards his place of meditation.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
On Going Effects:
Dexter offers to walk with you to the Cathedral, as he wishes to speak with Father Zantus. The sandpoint Cathedral is unique in that it is dedicated to not one, but six different gods. In addition to the main six gods worshipped here, the cathedral offers shrines to ALL different gods, believing acceptance of all religions is very important. As such, it would be very easy to find the shrine to Pharasma there and meditate in peace.
Standpoint's brand new cathedral who was just opened yesterday caters to all 8 major gods and offer shrines to all others, so you will find what you came for partially. And yes the Rusty dragon in one of the few inn in town and the one we use as our camping base. says arthur with a smile
Suddenly fatigues, Idril votes to go back to the Rusty Dragon.
Fraadok and Dexter head off to the cathedral, while everyone else heads back to the Rusty Dragon. On the way, you sell off your unwanted loot to purchase a +1 bladed scarf and a +1 longspear. .
Dexter leads you to the Sandpoint Cathedral, and as soon as you enter, Father Zantus rushes up to greet you.
"Oh, Desna be praised! What is all the ruckus that was going on at the Glassworks? You said Ferdin and Darlin have perished? We must send for their bodies at once, I cannot stand the thought of two of Sandpoint's heroes laying forgotten! So is it true, is Nualia truly alive and causing all this grief?"
Dexter gives the Father the rundown on Nualia being corrupted by the evil in the Catacombs and using her father's ashes as a sacrifice to Lamashtu for demon powers and how she basically is raising an evil goblin army to kill everyone here. Fraadok wonders off to pray to Pharasma.
You arrive back at the tavern as the halfing maid is busy serving dinner. She approaches you as you arrive, eyeing the strangers and giving a quizzical glance as to the whereabouts of the missing party members. She explains that lots of talk has been going on about them and strange things happening at the glassworks, and that Ameiko is awake and waiting to talk to them upsatairs.
Arthur will nod, thank the halfling and will take every one usptaires.
He will knock and as if the party may come in
A voice calls out from the room:
"Come in! Arthur, is that you?"
Entering the room, you see the beautiful Ameiko laying in bed still, but she looks to be a whole lot better. Noticing your looks, she explains:
"I got some healing this morning from Father Zantus, I am going to be ok. What can you tell me of Tsuto? Is my brother still alive? I feel that maybe this is my fault... If me father had treated him better... maybe if I'd been a better sister...."
She stops to hide the tears that are forming in her eyes before continuing on.
"He spoke of such strange things to me! I think he is worshipping demons and..."
Her eyes grow wide with fear.
"Thistletop! An army is gathering at Thistletop! Nualia is planning on using the entire town as a sacrifice to further her 'transformation'. Whatever that means. If the sheriff still in Magnimar? Something needs to be done, and quickly! But tell me, what did you find under the Glassworks? Where were you, what has happened? Where are Darlin and Ferdin and Dexter?"
Darlin and Ferdin were killed in the action. Dexter is ok he is downstairs.
arthur move toward ameiko in order to comfort her if she needs it.
As for your brother he is alive and well, no harm came to him. From what we could find out your brother resents your fathers mostly for his money and resents you for your success with the dragon inn. In short he wanted recognition for his skills, whatever they may be, as well as a life in luxury.
He pause for a bit in order to let it sink in.
He fell in love with Nualia and by helping her he feel fulfilled. Nualia for some reason we don't know has only one goal in mind. To shade her celestial heritage. But combining artifact of old and sacrifice to the mother of monsters she is hoping to become a full fledge demon. Will i do understand the basic magic Thalric is doing more reaserch on the subject.
And yes the sherif is still out of town. And under the glassworks there is an old complexe and one of the artifact of power that Nualia is hoping to use in order to create an army that she would be controling.We we have somewhat sucessfully delayed all that as the artifact is now drained of all its power.
In short there you have it ameiko.
Idril nods at Arthur's recap, then she turns back to Ameiko startled.
"Wait, what was that you said about Thistletop?"
that apparently the different goblin tribes are gathering there and getting united in order to attack us.
"yes... That is what my half brother said. He claimed Nualia, in the name of lamashtu, is gathering all the local tribes at thistle top. Thistle top is an island about 6 miles north along the coast. Traditionally, it has been the most coveted goblin land and the tribe that lives there is generally the strongest."
"but now hold on... You say ferdin and Darlin are dead?? We must prepare at once for a heroes funeral..."
indeed
"That may well be" Thalrik said. "But I think we, the so-called "Sandpoint Heroes" should focus on those goblins. We don't have time to sit around for a funeral while there's an army mustering."
He looked around at everyone, their looks telling him their feeling despite his social ineptitude "Well I'm not wrong you know. We should rest, then make haste for this Thistle Top. Goblins must be stopped before they can truly muster into a horde, and with this demon woman to unite them, there's no telling when they will be on the horizon."
On his shoulder, Rikka gave an agreeing nod.
You all chat with Ameiko for a little while, explaining what happened in the catacombs and the glassworks again, and apologizing for the tragic death of her father and her half-brother's treachery. Eventually, Ameiko asked that you let her rest up, for tomorrow will be a long day, and bids you goodnight. Afterwords, you head back to the main room and meet Dexter and Fraadok, eat a quiet, melancholy meal and then head off to bed. No music plays that night, and many of the villagers eye you all suspiciously.
In the morning, you all find Ameiko up and out of bed and readying breakfast. She still lacks her usual charming attitude, but it is good to she her healed up and keeping herself busy. You all take a seat and help yourself to some delicious spicy potatoes and eggs, and then get ready for the day.
Dexter tells you all he is going to go to the cathedral to help with the burial of Darlin and Ferdin. The funeral is tonight and the little gnome seems especially crestfallen over their deaths. He explains to everyone,
"Last night when I met with Father Zantus, I said my vows to the goddess Desna and have taken up the mantle of one of her Clerics. Although I wish to see these villains pay for what they did, the pain for me is too near to continue our journey together. After tonight, I will be leaving Sandpoint. I plan to travel the world and learn powerful healing magics in the hope that one day, I will be able to bring my dear friends back from the grave! I know you all may not have time to attend the service tonight, but I would not feel right not setting them in the ground immedietly. They are heroes... and they were *sob* my friends."
With that, he heads off the help prepare the cathedral for the funeral.
we can toast to their spirits tonight and leave in the morning..
After Dexter leaves, Ameiko approaches the group, ladle in hand and apron tied loose around her shapely figure.
"So... you all really mean to go to Thistletop then? *sigh* I should know you all well enough by now to see you will do whatever you can to fight this evil... but before you go, Shalelu said she needed to speak with you and that it was urgent. She is waiting just outside of town. Arthur, Shayliss also came by this morning looking for you... the poor little thing at tears in her eyes."
"Oh... and here! Thalrik, you may be the only one to get a use out of this but... I found it back a few years ago when I was adventuring through some Osiran ruins... amongst other things. But I believe it will do you all more help than it will do me. I don't know what it does but... here"
And she hands you a ornately carved staff, Osiran runes curving snakelike up the shaft.
And then she kisses you each on the cheek and says a quiet prayer in Tian, wishing you the gods' blessings on your hard travels.
Arthur will get up from the table and excuse himslef while he tends to a private matter.
Heading over to sayliss's place he will spend a little time there before his others obligations require him to leave
Arthur heads over to see Shayliss Vendor while the rest of the group prepares for their journey up the lost coast to Thistletop
Shayliss explains she heard from Father Zantus of his terrible loss and of his heroic bravery.
"Oh, Arthur my love! I know you must leave to save us once again! All I ask if you keep yourself safe and that you wear this to remember me."
She hands him a hand knitted fabric depicting a beautiful motif of autumn leaves, and then helps arthur tie it to his armor. They then get all bow-chicka-bow-wow for a bit. Then Arthur says a heartful goodbye and meets back with the party.
As this is all happening, Dexter rushes back into the Rusty Dragon.
Idril! I almost forgot... You mentioned you traveled here with Fraadok to speak with Cyrdak Drokkus at the theater? I... when I first came into Sandpoint, I was supposed to meet with him and give him this letter of recommendation... but I fear my life as a bard is behind me. As a dancer yourself, I would be honored if you took this letter and used it to get yourself into the theater, if you so desire."
And then, with a quick flash, Dexter disappears once more.
Thalrik accepted the staff, eyes gleaming with curiosity. Hefting it, he immediately started examining it. A few long moments of awkward silence passed, before the obligatory Rikka complaint snapped him back to his senses. "What, I'm busy, cant you see? This staff might be..." he paused, looking the Mongoose in the eye, before turning to Ameiko "Ahem, yes, well, thank you Ameiko. Im sure it will prove useful. Whatever it does..." No sooner had he satisfied his social obligations before he was lost in the staffs mysteries again.
The staff is beautifully carved, bearing obviously Osirion runes and motifs.
The staff emits a strong thrumming of energy when held. Thalrik, after carefully studying the staff's aura, determines that it is a fully charged (10 charges) staff containing the obscuring mist and magic missile spells. ( drain 1 charge each)
You mentioned you traveled here with Fraadok to speak with Cyrdak Drokkus at the theater? I... when I first came into Sandpoint, I was supposed to meet with him and give him this letter of recommendation... but I fear my life as a bard is behind me. As a dancer yourself, I would be honored if you took this letter and used it to get yourself into the theater, if you so desire.
Idril gasps in astonishment.
"Drokkus himself?" She grabs the letter and reads it hungrily."Yes!" She shouts, throwing up her arms and dancing with glee. "Now that cow of a casting director can't throw me out because I don't have any theatrical credits!"
She secretes the letter on her person somewhere you can't see, and kisses Dexter thoroughly. [b]"Thank you thank you thank you..." She repeats until Dexter escapes.
"Now. All I have to do is find him at his theater in Magnimar..." She muttered, plotting her next move.
Her eyes turn to you and she snaps out of it. "Uh, after the goblins are dealt with, of course!" She blushes.
Rereading Tsuto's (now transcribed) journal, you notice that his most recent entries referencing Thistletop are from only 4 days ago, leads you to speculate you could probably stand to take a couple days to better prepare yourselves for the upcoming challenges.
The first night, you all meet at the cathedral for a somber ceremony honoring the tragic and heroic deaths of Darlin Dayhammer and Ferdin Grenling. Ameiko plays a beautiful lament on her samisen, moving the crowd to tears. Many others step up to share their stories of the men, most notably, Dexter gives a rallying speech about their bravery and wish to save the world cause they were such good guys and everything. At the end, Dexter announces his acceptance of the mantle of cleric of Desna, and how he vows to one day resurrect his friends.
At the end of the service, everyone goes home and the party spends that night and the next day preparing themselves for their journey. Thalrik and Fraadok craft scrolls while Idril and Arthur head to town and buy everyone their requested supplies.
On the dawn of the next day, everyone packs up, says their farewells to Ameiko (and any young, sexy townsfolk they may know ;p) and then heads out of town to meet Shalelu just outside of Northgate on the Lost Coast road.
You all find Shalelu several yards down the road, leaning against a gnarled oak tree. On your lefthand side, the ocean reaches out for miles until it disappears in the distance. The tide can be heard crashing against the rocks amongst intermittent cries of seagulls.
To your right extends the beggining of the Tickwood Forest, though at the point the woods are still spread out and not as thick as they get further on.
Shalelu approaches you as you walk by, damn near startling you as she slinks out of the shadows of the trees. She looks at each of you with weary eyes as she speaks.
"Greetings again, my friends. Are you all prepared for the journey ahead? You have all already proven yourselves to us all here in Sandpoint, but taking on an entire goblin tribe is no easy task. Let alone whatever evils lurk within Thistletop... long as the island been the most coveted tribal land amongst goblins, but it ended at that. Never before have I seen the goblin tribes band together like this, and I have only heard tell of it in the old Varisian Folktales of the Thasilonians.
"This will be a true test of your abilities. It is about a 6 mile journey down the Lost Coast road to the Thistle River crossing. The island of Thistletop, and the fortress built on top, is not far off the coast from there, only a matter of yards. However... It is neigh impossible to reach. By sea, the current is harsh and the rocks many... and then the steep cliffs of the island would need to be scaled.
"Approaching from land would be the easier of the two, though the part of the mainland is heavily wooded and full of briars and other nasty things. The wood is so thick, that even I do not know the exact paths through there. Still, I believe it to be the most logical approach.
She pauses to let you all soak in the information for a few moments. While this is happening, Shalelu takes Arthur aside and asks to speak with him privately:
"Arthur Brimstone... I have a special message for you. My whole life I have wondered the wild forests of this land, and as such I have often come across many of the strange wild magics and creatures of the woods. One of these beings, who claims to represent something called The Green, wishes to meet with you.
"He is, in fact, waiting for you in a small glade in the Tickwood, not far from here and not out of our way to Thistletop. He said it was of the utmost importance that you heed the call. Will you go to him?"
Idril yips a little when Shalelu startles her, but she quickly recovers and listens to her report.
"Yes, well, I can deal with the climbing, but not the swimming. My vote is overland."
"I wouldn't be so hasty to take the land approach." Thalrik interjected, thoughtfully stroking his chin with one hand and Rikka with the other. "The waterway may be dangerous, but if we can find a way to circumvent the danger, we would likely be able to enter unopposed." Crossing his arms he added "But let us see what the conditions are like when we get there."
The mention of this mysterious representative of "The Green" made Thalrik stare off into space with a vacant expression, his mind wandering in search of any knowledge he might have of such a thing.
Thalrik:
In some cultures, the green is said to be the spiritual connection between all living plant life. It is also said that in times of need, they appoint an avatar or a protector to ensure that the green will survive. Scholars of this believe that the green extends beyond golarion, and connects all places worlds dimensions planes etc. anywhere there is plant life is connected through the green
coming back toward the group
i am going to have to take the land route. There is something i must do on the way apparently.
So you all follow Shalelu down the Lost Coast road for about two hours, seeing few other travelers along the way. The shadow of the Ravensroost Mountains loom to the south, and the Forest begins to thicken on either side of the Lost Coast road. Eventually, Shalelu cuts off the beaten path and leads deep into the woods.
You pass through the woods for another hour until you reach a lush glen. Sunlight streams in from the foliage above and countless flowers and ferns dot the shady landscape. The trees seem to cluster in a circle pattern in the middle of the glen, forming a wall save for a door like gap in the trees.
Both Arthur and Thalrik recognize this as what must have once been a druid's grove.
Arthur, you have a sudden thought that you should be the only one to head into the grove. Also, you get the feeling that none of them probably could get in. Like they aren't allowed or something, whatever that means.
Arthur, upon walking into the center of the grove, ivy and vines grow up around the entrance behind you. No light comes through the thick trees save a single beam of sun shining down from the exact center. It shines down upon a single tree stump, surrounded by a circle of small stones.
"Fear not, Arthur Brimstone, for you have been chosen."
A vaguely humanoid shape steps out of the shadows and into the light. He appears to be completely made of plant matter: vines and leaves and bark.
"My name is Alec Holland. I was once a man, in a world long long long from here. I have traveled far to find you, Arthur. The Green has chosen you since your birth. Why do you think you could not manage to join the paladinhood? Because you have always been meant to be our paladin! Events are happening here in your world that will resound throughout the universe. These events must be stopped. Not just The Green, but all life is in peril. You must act on The Green's behalf, be our champion here in this world."
A bright light then surrounds Arthur, and he finds, if he focuses really hard, he can almost feel the life force of plants all around him! Looking down, he notices that his armor and shield have transformed into smooth, beautifully polished wood that is as hard as iron. He also feels much more in tune with "The Green"
The man creature seems to smile and then stares off to the North.
"Thistletop... yes, I believe you are on the right path. You will find much information there, amongst much evil. Be careful, Arthur Brimstone, may you and your companions become the heroes you are destined to be."
He then seems to disappear into the vines behind him, never to be seen again.
Arthur comes out of the glen, a changed man. Shalelu smiles, almost knowingly, and then suggests you all head back to the Lost Coast road and continue on, as it is about midday at this point and there are still several miles to go before Thistletop.
Arthur snaps into attention listening to the chosen . Once the speech is done. Looking transformed and without a doubt in his mind I now understand was all that he could reply
At first, Thalrik did not notice the difference upon Arthurs return, his face buried in Quinks journal. "So, what did the representative of the Green tell you Arthur? Something useful to our current situation I hope?" he said, eyes never leaving the crumbled pages. It wasnt until Rikka vigorously tugged at the collar of his jacket that he turned to look, almost returning to his book before realizing what was different. "Rikka not now. Yes its Arthur so wha...?" He stopped mid sentence, mouth hanging open for a moment before he realized and snapped it shut with an annoyed exhalation though his nostrils.
"So, it seems theres a story here." He said as he approached Arthur. Quinks journal all but forgotten, he circled the Arthur, eyeing the armour with obvious interest.
"What happened?"
i Am now the champion of the Green and no unfortunately i haven't learned anything useful to our current mission
Following Shalelu, you all head back to the Lost Coast road, following for another couple hours until you reach the thistle river crossing. Here, you all easily cross the river and then turn towards the ocean (north) and head into the woods. It does not take long before your progress is halted by a thick tangle of nettles and briars.
Shalelu informs you all that she is going to scout about to see if there is a way through the nettles elsewhere. And without hardly another word, she takes off, leaving you all alone and essentially lost.
ok then lets grab a bite to eat now, since we have to wait.
Arthur will take first sentry duty while the rest of the party takes a break