GM Derek W's Dragon's Demand Playtest (Inactive)

Game Master Derek Weil

Gio finds that his efforts this time are successful! After navigating the barricades, the team approaches the next cavern.

This large cave appears to have been recently scratched from the hard-packed earth, and its ceiling is only five feet high. Several tons of debris fill the western portion of the cave. What appears to be the body of a man lies half buried under the rubble near the north end of the cave.

The human is a white-haired, balding man clad in now-tattered finery. His body has been crushed by the rubble, and he is beyond healing. He has just one item of note on his person: A key ring with two keys. The bodies of two crushed kobolds lie nearby, each grasping a spade.

Nat walks into the room, not at all bothered by the low ceiling. She checks the bodies carefully, and gives a sad shake of her head to the others. "They were done for as soon as the roof came down."

knowledge engineering: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Giovanni stops at the sight of the crushed man.
He slowly creeps forward his hands on his face.

Horrible! absolutely devastating! To have died, alone,
with only yelping kobolds for company in your final moments.

He brings out his mandolin, absently strumming a slow, melancholy tune.

Knowledge Engineering, aid other: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"I guess that it is perfectly save now, the cave-in must have resolved anything that was unstable. I guess that the man is the late Baron, we should dig him out so the Baroness can prepare a proper burial. Luckily those kobolds brought spades

Yasmin moves over to one of the kobolds and grabs a spade with which she tries to move some of the debris.

"Allow me to deal with that, Yasmin," Darian says, taking the shovel from Yasmin and working to free the body.

Angus sets down the chest and helps Darian free the corpse of their target.

Nat checks the kobolds for anything of note, and searches the rubble.

These kobolds don't have any valuables, but Nat's poking around allows her to find a narrow passage leading further to the north, out of this chamber. It looks recently dug out, and is likely the way the kobolds got in here.

"There's a passage here. The walking lizards came through it, perhaps."

Giovanni ceases playing, drying his eyes on his sleeve.

Good eye, Cheri. Perhaps, we shall explore them?

"As long as we are here, we might as well follow this to the end," Darian agrees. "We just have to remember to come back this way to retrieve our burdens, yes?"

And here i was hoping that the Knowledge Engineering spoiler contained a disaster warning and that Yasmin's enthusiasm would cause that disaster to happen ;-)

Yasmin suddenly looks up from where she was helping Darian
"Oh, another passage? Great idea to explore more Giovanni! Let's go!"

The group heads north. After a short distance, a tunnel branches off to the west. Angus, Gio, and Yasmin explore the northern tunnel until it ends in a small rounded chamber. There they find a hole in the floor that drops to a narrow, 4-foot-wide tunnel. The claw marks here are consistent with kobolds using this tunnel.

Darian and Nat keep watch on the western tunnel.

Yasmin looks at Giovanni to see if he is ok with her going down the hole. It seems particularly suited for her and Nat, they would not have any issue with the height.

"What do you think Nat? Shall we go and look where the kobolds came from?"

Giovanni peers intently at the drop, searching for any of the traps Kobolds are known for.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

The tunnel proves to be quite safe. Yasmin and Natulcien investigate. The tunnel proves to be quite long, extedning for about 1200'. It exits ontot small ledge overlooking a flooded-out abandoned quarry. Formt heir vantage point, Yasmin and Nat can't make out any kobolds, but the quarry face, across the valley, looks as if it might hide caverns or caves of some type.

After a few minutes, the pairs returns to the group with their findings.

"I think going that far away may be more than we should do at this time, at least until we get more supplies. I'm not sure we've fully explored this structure as it is."

-Posted with Wayfinder

I believe that we should return his body before any extra exploration.

Giovanni nods at Nat.

I agree. If we do decide to continue exploring, then we should supply ourselves appropriately.

The group lines up and heads down the 10' wide tunnel. After a short distance the tunnel turns sharply south and narrows to a mere 5' wide. This narrow section is short, opening to a small cavern occupied by three kobolds!

Round 1:
Nat <<
Yasmin <<
Gio <<
kobolds
Angus
Darian

Yasmin smiles in delight as the perfect opportunity for some illusions presents herself.

From directly behind the kobolds the metallic sounds of 4 persons drawing swords from scabbards can be heard.

Ghost Sound DC14

Giovanni shrugs his shoulders as they actually continue exploring.

When he views the Kobolds, he nods expectantly as he pinches a piece of wool between his fingers while pointing at one closest.
Be still!

Will DC 13

As a move action, Giovanni draws his rapier.

Behind the kobolds is a dead end. Not sure that will work.

Nat levels her spear and yells, "You're outnumbered! Surrender, or we'll see what you look like spitted!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

That may only work to demoralize, in which case the nearest kobold should be shaken. On the other hand, if they do surrender, maybe we can get some answers about what's going on down here.

Nice idea Nat - your roll succeeded by more than 5, so I am going to give you the acts friendly result.

The kobold at the back lowers her bow and motions for the others to do the same. She speaks to Natulcien.

"So, you wretched interlopers brought a hated gnome along, did you? Well, I can't see fighting against long odds in any event. The fact is we've been hung out to dry by our own clan! And now I've failed them. So I can't go back. I'll tell you what: let us go and we'll swear an oath to leave this town for good. Our clan is holed up in the old quarry. There. We can't go back now. There's no point to senseless killings. We've lost enough of our kind trying to help that fool human Hunclay bring this tower down."

She seems to be honest to you.

How about we let them go if they leave their weapons and tell us everything that was happening, who Hunclay is, and why they were trying to bring down the tower? Also, we'll need to follow them out to make sure they don't steal our treasure!

Giovanni whistles at the mention of the wizard.

I guess that he really wanted this eye sore out of his view?

Seeing no objections here...

"Fair enough, we'll leave our weapons. we won't be needing them soon anyway. And here, take this as well."

Sesserak drops a small brown sack next to her bow and sword. Her companions leave their arms as well.

Nat, Darian, and Angus escort the trio to the tunnel and they make their way out.

The sack contains some gems. The team returns to the treasury and loads up. They climb out of the old tower, and make their way back towards town.

Ding ding ding! You all have reached level 2! Please update your characters. Roleplaying opportunities abound in town, so you'll have some time to get things sorted out.

Can we retcon interrogating the kobolds? Assuming yes:

"Why were you left behind by your people? Why were you helping a human bring the tower down? Who is Hunclay, is he the man crushed by rubble back there?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Giovanni takes out his mandolin and begins to strum it a bit.

There is a tragedy here, if I could only put it in song!

"We weren't left behind exactly. We didn't dare return after Hunclay bought it. It wouldn't do for us to get a reputation for killing off our employers, would it? Hunclay was ranting about studying some kind of dark curtain, or black carpet in the sky. It's true, he's the man you found dead. He was some sort of loony old wizard. But we messed up and our chief doesn't have patience for that."

As the group heads back towards town, they stop by Devy Manor to report to the Baroness and cliam their reward.

She hurries outside after the servant who answered the door goes to fetch her.

"Well done, strangers. What can you tell me about the tower's collapse?"

Giovanni bows formally to the Baroness, sweeping his feathered hat out wide.

Milady, alas with great sorrow and mournful and pale voices, we are the bearer of sad tidings.

He spreads his hands out wide, encompassing the surrounding landscape.

Foul, but tempting deeds were done. The fickle sway of the winds directed its path to this town with only mal intent!

He pauses. He sighs. He lowers his head in a silence that lends to the suspense and slowly he raises his eyes to meet hers.

Your dear husband is lost. Lost in the underworld that is that fallen tower. The Wizard too--Harclay--met his fate with his coat turned to the light.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

This check is to see if Nat recognizes what the kobold is talking about as the Dark Tapestry.

Knowledge(nature or Religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 +1 more if Nature

It would either be planes or arcana, probably planes.

The baroness listens to Gio's tale with interest. She thanks you again and motions for a servant to hand you a large bag of coins. The she addresses you once more:

"I've long been suspicious of a local kobold tribe living near the flooded quarry to the east, but the kobolds have never caused any problems, so the townsfolk left them alone. Clearly, those times have changed. Would you accept the task of driving the kobolds out of the region? Killing their chieftain is certainly one option, but I will leave it to you to determine the exact method. Scare them, bribe them, whatever you want. If you can drive the pests off, I'm prepared to offer you a larger reward—a dozen fine amethysts worth 100 gp each."

That's my area of expertise!
Knowledge (Arcane): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Yasmin barely controlled herself when the kobold insulted her. However her interest was triggered at the mention of a dark curtain in the sky.

Yasmin is sure the kobold actually meant the 'Dark Tapestry', the black space between the stars that many wizards and other scholars have been known to study for a variety of reasons.

Giovanni bows to the Baroness as she gives them her request.

I am not too certain about protocol and such things.
I do believe that your issues here are of a concern for the Society--
as wise--why were we sent here?

He turns to the group.

What say you?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

If he senses the Baroness might be a bit more generous, Angus adds, "Aye, I'll be help'n ye wit yer Kobold problem, but be there any chance we kin get a writ for discounts from the merchants er pub? Savin yer town be hard work'n a single gold piece may be the difference atween affordin that vital potion er piece o armor."

During the discussions with the noblewoman, Nat stays out of sight. She's seen too many nobby humans with halfling slaves to trust her.

"Well, friend dwarf, I will see what I can do. As a dutiful follower of Abadar I wouldn't ask my people to cut their profits too much. But I'll give you my writ asking for their assistance and generosity. While I can't guarantee a large discount, it should make a difference."

Prices offered will depend on the merchants' attitude towards the party. My thought is that the baroness' writ will improve their starting attitude by one step, making your job easier.

Giovanni smiles brightly as the dwarf haggles with the Baroness.

Well, it seems that I could take lessons from such as you, good Angus.

"I suggest we go and purchase ourselves one or two wands that can heal us in case of mishaps. Shall we go, we have dithered long enough already! "

Yasmin is eager to act, as it is clear what to do next

Finally leveled, see profile

Giovanni nods in agreement with Nat.

Aye, I will contribute to a wand.

let me know how much.

Ok, you guys kind of have a choice. The module allows for quite a bit of roleplay with the townsfolk, but in a PbP that can take up a considerable amount of time. We're only 1/6 of the way through the adventure, which is not necessarily a problem. Just let me know how involved you want this next segment to be.

I like a bit of roleplay, so am fine with taking the time for that.

"Normally a wand of infernal healing would cost 750 gold, if we all chip in that is 150 gold each. I am of to check if there is a spellcaster in town who sells wands, anyone wants to join?"

Yasmin collects the money and addresses the baroness "Excuse me madam, do you happen to know if there is a spellcaster available in town who might want to sell a wand to us?"

Roleplaying for a while is good.

Nat overhears what Yasmin is saying, and sends her thrush flying over. He alights on Yasmin's shoulder and whispers in her ear that Nat will contribute as well, "as soon as the longshanks nob leaves."

Giovanni takes a step back, swirling his cloak, bowing to Yasmin.

It would be my honor and privilege to escort you on this venture!

He then looks up into her eyes...

I have considerable talents in such areas.

Angus grumbles at the mention of the healing spell, Ain't Infernal some evil hells type thing? I dunna want no healin from a demon! Gimme a nice blessin'o Torag any time, even if it aint as amazin as ye be sayin this spell be."

Yasmin smiles at Angus "I am sure most demons are appalled that we mortals use their blood to fuel our healing! I know that using the spell makes you feel dirty, but in my eyes that is a small price to pay for healing in an unnatural way"

"Pehaps we may get a wand of healing of a more 'normal' form also?" Darian suggests. "That way we are not dependant upon just one person for healing?"

"Now that is a great idea, let's buy the divine wand as well, can everyone spare 300 gold for the two wands?"

Is the baroness still present at this point? Nat is wary of noble humans because of halfling slavery. She can spare 300 gold, though.