GM BPChocobo's PFS Cult of the Ebon Destroyer (Inactive)

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

Howdy!

Creating this so there's a tab for you. Please introduce yourselves as you await your orders in Adril Hestram's large office in the Grand Lodge of Absalom. Also, if you haven't, please read the Campaign tab to read about my rules for this PbP. I'll be fully ready to go tomorrow evening, so thank you for your patience!

dot

As everyone sits quietly in Adril Hestram's office, the man finally lumbers in from a backroom, clutching a rolled parchment in his large hands.

"G'morning, Pathfinders!", exclaims the broad-shouldered man. I know ye ain't used to meeting at this time of the day after what that daft Dreng puts ya though. But me, I need my morning coffee before I send you into harms way!", bellowing a boistrous laugh at his own joke.

The large warrior then reaches unfurls the parchment on his oaken desk, revealing a map of the Inner Sea that leads north from Taldor. "This here is the collection of various 'governments' that loosely are grouped as the River Kingdoms; we've been doing some work exploring this untamed area recently and a new ruin inthe town of Thornkeep in the Echo Woods has been brought to our attention. Not much is known to us since we don't have a reliable foothold in the River Kingdoms, but the Society quickly compensated the current lord of Thornkeep, Baron Tervin Blackshield, for exclusive rights to the lair in the center of town. I arranged for the Decemvirate to have you guys make the first Pathfinder foray into Thornkeep ruins. Your goals will be to do an initial sweep of the lair and to keep a low profile in the process. It's alright if you need to use the town's services, but try not to let the numerous criminal organizations that are common through the River Kingdoms know of your status as a Pathfinder. We wish not to encourage those Aspis dogs to head into town and give us trouble exploring those ruins, let alone the dictator of Lambreth or gothic Ustalav to impede us. And if the ruins go much deeper, I want to to return back to the Grand Lodge; we'll want to do more research before sending a team in that deep if the ruins are more expansive than we were led to believe."

"You won't have a guide," contiues Venture-Captain Hestram, "so keep your wits about you. The Echo Woods is known for banditry and what we know of Thornkeep is that it is controlled by a small number of organizations, most of 'em criminal. Think backwoods Riddleport if that'll help paint a bigger picture. Travel and provisions has already been arranged for tomorrow and it should take you about about a month travel by boat, river ferry, and foot. This journey will take you across the river borders between Andoran and Taldor, Kyonin and Galt, and finally travel alongside the edge of Razmiran until you hit the Sellen River and Fort Riverwatch. From there, it's a half day's journey to Thornkeep on foot. Finally, we want you to stay in Thornkeep no more than 4 days; unfortunately that was the request by Lord Blackshield so we'll have to respect that. However, I am sure that's more than enough time for you to tackle the ruins under Thornkeep. I hand picked you for a reason after all! Any questions before you start making preparations?"

Dot. Will be back soon.

As a heads up, supposed to return home today, but home being the Black Hills of South Dakota, which got somewhere between 30-48 inches of snow between Thursday night and Saturday, so there's a fair chance I will either be getting home late or even delayed until Monday. So if I'm quiet, I'm stuck somewhere in Denver awaiting my airport to be cleared out :P

"What do we know of the interior of the keep?" asks the elegant elf dressed in silk robes and bearing a rapier at his hip.

An obese halfling clad in blood-stained hide nods approvingly at the question offered by the finely dressed elf.
"That's a good question! And are there any tales or rumors on what these ruins might have been?"

Sue will bow to the venture captain and gracefully accecpt the mission but not ask any questions at the moment.

Guido eyes the Gnomish monk suspiciously. I'll bet if I could pick a fight with her I could learn a thing or two. I don't think the VC would like that too much, though."

I'd like a K Local check to see what I might have heard about this hive of scum and villainy.
K Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Sue eyes Guido back. Those beady eyes, I bet he's looking for trouble. Perhaps he will make a good sparing partner later though. .

"Not much...", Adril answers. "The ruin has been uncovered for a while now and I believe a cabal of wizards in the town has done a minor bit of exploration. Of course I can't imagine those backwater hooligans would appreciate the potential wealth of knowledge that may be laying beneath their feet." Turning to Horgrym, he continues. "We do know that the 'keep' the town's named after used to be the site of an unusual goblin kingdom that held power for a couple of centuries. Twould be possible that something to do with those meddlesome pests might be under there."

@Guido: Thornkeep itself isn't much on the radar at Absalom; most of what you hear is that that area of the River Kingdoms is thriving with banditry and several organizations vie for power and control of the area. It is also known that warlords and despots have ruled the area off and on, a new one popping up with the death of the previous.

Llathander steps in his chainmail gleeming, unused in combat. His sword however tells a different story. The symbol of his deity carrying many dents.

Greetings. He says matter-of-factly.

Unless everyone agrees to head out immediately, I'll let you guys RP banter a bit more/get supplies/whatever before pushing you to Thornkeep :) tomorrow morning.

In hindsight, because Thornkeep level 1 takes a bit longer than normal, I'm going to just put in the travelly text here and drop you into town. Any purchases noted before Thursday will be assumed to have occurred while in Absalom unless you tell me otherwise. Also, any questions to VC Hestram or Knowledge checks (I'll allow Geography, Local, or History) made before Thursday will considered done before the trip to Thornkeep.

The next day, the party trepidaciously starts their journey towards the lawless wilds of the River Kingdoms. The first day's travel ended in Cassomir. Despite Guido's best efforts at drunken revelry (due to a large amount of Taldan honey wine), the party make a hasty exit the next morning without attracting any attention from the damned Aspis Consortium.

The later week's travel past Bellis finally brought the party to the border of Galt. Stopping by at Woodsege for a resupply of foodstuffs and camping gear, party then spent the majority of the rest of the trip out under the open stars. The river journey was thankfully uneventful past Kyonin as the party finally reaches the outskirts of the River Kingdoms. The party quietly made their way past Lambreth after causing a minor ruckus near Tymon's arena (Guido was double-dog dared and it took all Sue, Hogrym, and Llathander had to get out of the area peacefully), and finally reached the unclaimed territory that holds the vast portion of the Echo Woods.

Fort Riverwatch provides the last 'safe' refuge before the 10 mile trek to Thornkeep. The paladins of Iomedae, notified by the Society already of your mission, allows you lodging for the night, but cannot spare any horses for travel due to their already small number of horses they need to maintain something of a semblance to a cavalry. After a good night's rest, the party is now ready to make the expeditious trip to Thornkeep.

At this point, I'd like 3 Perception checks from everyone.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Is this everyone? I thought I saw 2 others in the discussion thread. At any rate, Guido is buying 3 potions of Mage Armor before we leave.

"I could have done it you know. Besides, he dared me, so he had it comin'.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Before leaving Horgrym will purchase a backpack, 50ft of silk rope, and 2 sunrods.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

@Guido: We are missing 1 person, but since the stuff up ahead is mostly RP since the only thing that I can really hit you with is in the dungeon, I'm alright moving ahead.

And Guido & Horgrym, all purchases noted.

Waiting for another person or two to make their Perception checks before continuing.

Perception checks
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Will make note of purchases and other relevant checks later tonight.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

@Amarthecthel: Interesting on the 3 12's in a row.

The morning sun provides the perfect illumination as you trek the forested road from the fort to your destination. Warned of potential bandit strikes, everyone is on their toes. However, Sue has an eerie feeling about halfway through the walk. The gnome's monk sense is tingling that something has been following them. Honing her ears, she can roughly guess there are three of them. She cannot make them out in great detail, but notes their short stature when she casually looks in the direction of the noise.

@Sue: You can make 1 full-round action before other stuff happens.

Sue's ears perk up. "Somebody short, 3 somebodies short."

Sue will activate crane style, move herself in between the party and the stalkers and full defense.

As Sue raises one hand, ready to block whatever might be ready to pounce on the party...

instead of arrows or impending doom, the gnome is greeted with high-squeaked banter in a mix of Common and some other dialect she is unfamiliar with. "... should we now?.... think it's them ....shanks....shortshank sees us!"

At that last line, a trio of goblins jump out from the brush. At first ready to deflect dogslicers, Sue is instead assaulted by the unarmed greenskins with a screech for tuning before they begin to sing.

For the inspiration and the music to listen to this to, check out this song from The Bard's Tale.
Oh, it’s bad luck to be you.
Exploring Thornkeep’s ruins isn’t new.
When you think you’re full of skill,
Monsters will go in for the kill.
Oh it’s bad luck to be you.

Oh, it’s bad luck to be you.
Don’t think for just a second it’s not true.
When your life is run amuck,
you will see that you’re the schmuck.
Oh, it’s bad luck to be,
really bad luck to be,
nobody could disagree.
It’s a freakin’ guarantee!
It’s bad luck to be you.
Diddly doo.

After singing their song, the goblins giggle and run off into the forest. If anyone wants to catch one of the lil pests, I'll need an initiative and a grapple check.

Sue doubles over in laughter.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Goblins! Amarthecthel hates goblins!

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Mwk cold iron rapier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 <-Probably not.
damage, just in case: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Gobbo Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

@Amarthecthel: With Sue doubling over in laughter, you leap over the gnome and nearly skewer one of the goblins through. With a screeched "EEEEP", the slowest of the three ducks under the black iron weapon before scampering back into the tree line.

Horgrym takes a single step towards the goblins before his swaying belly convinces him that it would be a futile effort.

"That may be the strangest thing I've ever seen. Nobody's going to believe it when we report it..."

Horgrym stares off in the goblin's direction, as his voice trails off, with a look of utter confusion.

Guido tries to catch a goblin for questioning.
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Grapple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

The one that Amarthecthel misses, Guido catches! The other two goblins leave their compatriot behind after the lumbering Varisian moves much faster than the carolers thought.

"No! No, let me go longshank!", the stopped goblin cries out!

"Tell me more about these goblins, and the things in the dungeon."

@Guido: Gimme an Intimidate check good sir!

Horgrym waddles over to get into the goblin's personal space and glare in an attempt to help Guido put the squeeze on him.

Aid Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 9

"Ah! I see you captured one of those goblin pests! Let me help you to get answers from that vile creature! Let me call forth a dog from the depths of hell to eat the knowlegde from his green head!

SLA: Summon Monster I: Dog

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

@The Ringmaster: Cuz these are goblins, I'll give you a +4 bonus to Guido's Intimidate roll :)

Llathander merely looks menacing behind the others in his armor with his sword brought to bear

Aid Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Guido's Intimidate roll: 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 4 + 2 = 26

Surrounded by the 3 intimidating men, the goblin instantly cracks. "I dunno what's in the ruins you longshanks wanna see! I just know that the chief sent some guys to look for a legendary goblin weapon that's supposed to be hidden there! Think there's one-three-seven.... more than this many to look for the Sword of Zog!", cries out the goblin, holding both of his hands and fingers outstretched.

"Now pleeeeeeease don't feed me to the hellpuppy!" as the held goblin starts balling in the Varisian's arms.

"Who is your cheif? And tell about the Sword of Zog. I'd hurry the puppy looks hungry..."

"Great Chief Graalsk! The Sword of Zog is a legendary weapon made during the great kingdom of Zog's reign over you longshanks many many many many many many years ago! Supposed to be hidden somewhere. With its mighty mightiness, us Brambleclaws can rebuild the kingdom of Zog! ZOOOOOOOOG!", screeches the goblin with much bravado before remembering the situation he's in.

Sue is still highly amused and does her best to stay out of the way and to keep a straight face.

"Graalsk...Brambleclaws... Zog..." Guido mutters to himself to help remember later. "Okay I'm done with you. Anybody else?"

If no one else has questions proceed to the next bit.

To the goblin, "That's it, time to go to sleep."

With that Guido delivers a knockout punch. Non-lethal damage.

Horgrym looks at the unconscious Goblin and then up to the skies and shakes his head.

"Still better than Mendev..."

With a satisfying crack, Guido easily renders the goblin unconscious.

The next hour goes by uneventfully, although everyone is on alert for more goblin antics. Finally, Thornkeep is in your sites! Despite what Captain Hestram noted, the town is much livelier than one would expect. As you walk into Thornkeep, the afternoon business of traders and traveling merchants intermingle with woodcutters carrying in lumber, a blacksmith hammering out a piece of steel, and children playing a game of 'bandits' in the streets with small sticks as swords. While mostly human, the sight of a family of half-elf farmers catches your attention as well as a goblin arguing over the price of a meal that he couldn't read.

The first shops to pass you by are 'Brodwyr's Smelter' to the left, and 'Kevith Glaziers' to the right.

The map to Thornkeep is now updated in my profile link. Besides the two building mentioned above, other important locales are marked on a map provided by Venture-Captain Adril Hestram. If there's any location you wish to head to, please move your character there and also roll a perception check. This also includes any unmarked areas; as you explore Thornkeep, I'll expand the map's locations.

Sue speaks up "Well guys, where to?"

Sue speaks up "Well guys, where to?"

"I think we should scout out the entrance to the ruins and try and find an Inn or something nearby to use as a camp. And perhaps get some food!"

"I have my doubts regarding the quality of food here, but a safe place to retreat to could be invaluable."

Following the directions given by Captain Hestram, the party makes its way to the base of the hill sporting the namesake fortress.

Inspecting the entrance, it appears that it was once boarded up and blocked, although it is no longer. The excavated tunnel descends down into a number of steps that, from low-light and darkvisioned eyes, go for about 60' before turning a corner.

Amarthecthel, Horgrym and Llathander: You all note that the entrance and debris that previously closed off the entrance was removed previously by someone human-sized; as evident by crowbar marks along the rock. Furthermore, all three of you see a large number of small footprints in the dirt going inside the dungeon before you.

Holding out a wand to Ringmaster,Hey Ring, if things get dicey use this, just use it on me first."

It is a wand of Mage Armor. I'll track charges.

To everyone, "Are we going in?"

"Indeed," replies Amarthecthel, who is obviously ready to go immediately.

If 2 more people agree to step in, we'll go inside!

Hello my players!

As a heads up, I'm going to be out of the state until October 6th, so we're going to have a day or two late start. Gasp!

If you have a problem with this, I'll make sure and reserve my GM 20's just for you.

So a few things I'd like to note:

1. If you would, either a quicklink or brief overview of stats to always display on your character post's would be nice (either in the Race or Class section of the character sheet). Makes it easier for me to do quick references.
2. I use Google Docs for maps and will take your PC avatars and drop 'em in the appropriate map. I'll have a few map links under my name between the town of Thornkeep, the floor you're on, and finally a special combat map for better tactical planning.
3. For combat, I roll initiatives and play things roughly in turn order. You can feel free to post ahead of time and I'll allow another post to change your action if its invalidated (example, attacking a target that is just felled by another player).
4. I'll eventually need everyone's email address so I can email out Chronicle sheets at the end of the session. I do send out unique chronicle sheets that also note any expenditures as well as the Day Job check results (since those are now allowed for modules).
5. For prior character activities, I'm going by the honor system here: as long as everything is noted on your character page, I'm going to be alright with it. I may review PC's just to make sure everything looks good.
6. My best posting time is in the 10am-5pm MST range, although I'll try to check on things in the evening when I can.
7. Please PM me if you have any questions!

Yarr. I'll get my character posted in the next day or two. As a note I will be at Nuke Con in Omaha and will not return until Monday the 7th.

< Pirate Rob. Full character info in profile.

As a note I have previously GMed this adventure as a pbp on the Paizo forums here, but I have not played it.

No worries, thanks for the heads up Pirate Sue :p

Amarthecthel, signing in!

Guido, signing in?

He's actually at the very end of another PbP. If we can finish today/tomorrow I'l use him, otherwise the Monk pregen.

Ok, I'm signing in, but no idea what character to play yet... I'll play something to balance out the party. (Enough GM credits to create a new 2nd level character)

Here and flexible on a character to play. Either way will send character info soon.

dot

New and improved Guido checking in!

Hey, I know that dude!

This is Paul, will be using Horgrym. Am in the process of updating his stats in profile for a recently completed adventure.

As a note I will be leaving mid day Thursday for a convention and won't be back till Sunday night. I should have internet at the hotel but not much in the way of free time.

Have fun! Don't let my burning jealousy bother you too much!

Don't be too jealous, I've got to work for my free time.
I'll be GMing Bonekeep p1. The Waking Rune & Siege of the Diamond City

Oh, so you want to kill people :P

Have fun! I'll try to make sure Guido doesn't get you killed, but you know

Should I chase these goblins or no?

Just be in character. Whatevs.

Greetings, I was told you could use some help for your upcoming adventures. Dyn Ramil, at your service!

Dyn! Glad to have you.

Welcome to the team!

And Merry Christmas to you all!

Another Dot

Hello everyone

Please forgive my absence. First I was sick and now my wife and baby are sick and I'm taking care of them. Posting may be slow for a short while.

No problem, if you want to PM me an outline later of what Amarthecthel's tactics/tendencies will be, I can bot you while you take care of your family!

I'm at OwlCon this weekend but I'll try to post when I get a chance.

You guys up for playing the Enigma Vaults for the 2nd PbP Gameday?

Sure! What level PCs is it for though? I'll only be 3rd level after this one. I can always bring a different character if I must.

it's tiered 3-5. On that note, it is a challenging level, more so than this one.

sure I'd be interested.

May as well keep this rolling. I'm in.

I'd be down for it. Maybe we'll have to employ the '5 minute adventuring day' if gets too hairy.

Yes, that's one tactic that is fair game; returning topside to rest if things do get hairy. Of course, then I get to break out my wandering monster chart!

Bluff check!

I added us to the event... now let's finish this place!

But of course!

Nice! I'll level this guy up this weekend and we'll see how the next one goes!

Horgrym is leveled. Purchases for the Forgotten Laboratory:

100 gp – Masterwork Thieves’ Tools
3,350 gp - Small Masterwork Adamantine Greatsword
Sold: Small Greatsword (25 gp)

Twigg is leveled

Purchases:
Wand of Acid Arrow - 1080gp
Scroll of Enlarge (x2): 50 gp
Scroll of Mage Armor (x3): 75gp
MW Mithral Buckler +1: 2255 gp

Pelkin is also, I just need to update his profile when I can.

Sold : Lamellar Armor (+75), MW CI Falcata (+168)

Purchases : Agile Breastplate (-400), +1 Falcata (-2318), +1 Cloak of Resistance (-1000), Scroll of Protection from Evil (x6) (-150)

I hadn't realized that I got 3xp for The Accursed Halls, so I was actually 4th level then and now, after The Forgotten Laboratory, I'm 5th level.

All leveled up.

I sold my composite shortbow (+2 STR) and bought a composite longbow (+3 STR) as well as a Belt of Giant Strength +2 and an Amulet of Natural Armor +1.

Profile not updated, but the sheet through the link is.

Bought: Bandolier, 3 Alchamist Fires, 2 Alkali Flask, Cloak of Resistance +1

OK, I was able to complete another module so Pelkin is now 4th. Stat block updated.

If I want Twigg to pick up a 1st level wand by spending 2 PP do I have to do it before we start the next session?

@Twigg: Technically it's once per adventure. I've always seen it as either during or after (since your very first mission, you don't have PP!). So a PP wand purchase will count for Forgotten Labs. If you wish to make one during the Enigma Vaults partway through, that will be your Enigma Vaults PP purchase (presumably, you'd have been in Thornkeep long enough that you know the locals somewhat and in the wand's case, received it from the Goldenfire Tower mages.[/ooc]

Alright guys, we're basically close to the end of the adventure and should be wrapping things up by the end of next week (which I hope since I'm out of town from June 28th-July 7th).

That being said, boons are done differently this year. Instead of them random drawing it, you guys get to roll for it!

Do a dice d20 roll in the discussion; the post cannot be edited. If it's a 20, you get your choice of boons. If it's a 1, you get a random boon. I will roll for anyone who has not rolled by June 25th so I can report things in time.

Here's mine!
Boon roll: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Amarthecthel's Boon Roll: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Say, GM! I've really enjoyed this. Have you contemplated doing more of Thornkeep?

Boon: 1d20 ⇒ 10

I hope so, we've done three levels so far.

But of course! I think we got a stable group now, barring if I can get a hold of Guido again <_< We'll see.

Admittedly, the next level, the Dark Menagerie, is comparatively easier than this one. Of course, that's just a lull before the (arguably) hardest floor, the Sanctum of a Lost Age.

But yes, if everyone's interested, I'd like to see this through :)

Great!

BTW, Dyn's player is having trouble accessing the site and asks that you bot him until he's worked it out.

Ahh thanks for the head's up!

1d20 ⇒ 10

Twigg is up for more adventures with this group!