GM Polygoon's Beginner Box Campaign - Goblin Hunt!

Game Master Jerran_Kell

"Do we know how many goblins are in this tribe? Even a rough estimate could help." Krakkagar asks between shoveling his food into his mouth.

The ruins used to be an old Thassilonian outpost. Thassilon was a powerful ancient empire ruled by Runelords that once spanned all of what is now Varisia and beyond. That's about as much as I know about Thassilon, other than it crumbled and the Runelords disappeared ten thousand years ago. If you want to know more you could talk to old Brodert Quink, he's an expert on Varisian history.

To Fyfe
Sure, the scout is named Thamior Lianros, he is a local ranger who is helping to defend the town. I gave him another assignment but you can probably still catch him. He said he was going to buy something at the Feathered Serpent. It's a bit of a funny place but you can find interesting magical items there for sale, potions, wands, etc.

To Krakkagar
We have seen groups of goblins about 6-10 strong. One of them will be a bit nastier than the others , which qualifies for leadership with goblins. Thamior said he found a larger set of tracks as well but you'ld have to talk to him for more details.

To travel from one location in town to the other just declare it and rp a stroll along the streets to get there. If you're in a rush just say something like "I enter the shop, etc."

The owner of the inn, Ameiko Kaijitsu approaches the table with a fresh jug of orange juice. Hemlock, I swear, you are no fun. It's a beautiful day outside, why don't you let these brave people enjoy themselves a bit?

Belor reddens a bit and starts to reat to Ameiko but then he sees her smile. She just enjoys pushing his buttons. He turns back to the group. Alright, take your time getting ready and feel free to explore the town and get what you need. We need to wait for a bit anyway, I hear that there's a new recruit that will be joining you but they haven't arrived yet.

"Perhaps when we're finished with breakfast we should pay this Feathered Serpent a visit."

Fyfe wraps some more scraps of ham into a napkin and slips them into his pockets.

Navika sat quietly as the others asked questions she had not even thought of asking.
"I would like to join you when you go to the Feathered Serpent, although I do not believe that I will buy anything. Is there anywhere else anyone would like to go while we wait on our recruit to join us? I've heard there is a very big bookstore here, I think I will go there after the Feathered Serpent.

It's ok to split up if you want to, but it might take me slightly longer to post. :)

The door to the Rusty Dragon enters and the sun is blocked out by a large figure making his way through the door. As he steps heavily towards the table Belor grins and stands up.

Ah yes, here is the new recruit now. Team, meet Grognar, he's new in town and is here to help us with our little goblin problem. I asked him to join up after I heard what happened with that evil cleric.

Feel free to make introductions and get to know each other. Grognar, what do you look like, how do we see you?
That's a good question for everyone actually, it didn't occur to me to ask earlier.

Ameiko, the Inn's owner and bartender looks up at Grognar.

Well then, are you hungry?

A man steps up to Belor and whispers in his ear, very serious. Belor turns to the group.

Something has come up and I need to step away for a while. I'll leave you to finish your breakfast. See you when you get back.

Krakkagar is a little over 6ft tall, with a lean build. Unkempt looking blonde hair that you can tell he puts a lot of effort into making it look like he doesn't put any effort into. He generally dresses well when not in his armor. He's pretty much never seen without his lute and if he's not in the middle of some other activity, he's usually plucking at it absent-mindedly.

Greetings Grognar! You're a big'un aren't ya? Krakkagar says, smiling. Glad to have you in our little group!
Krakkagar extends his hand to shake Grognar's.

Fyfe is just under 6ft tall and a bit stocky, with a mess of wild long brown hair continuing into a beard over slightly cracked, sun-exposed skin. He is covered in a ragged brown cloak that has seen better days, over leather armor that looks nearly as worn. The bits of clothing that stick out beneath the armor are frayed and look like they may have once been well-made. He's got a slightly wild look in his eyes -- not crazy, just more like he doesn't belong here and he knows it. He could easily be mistaken for a beggar if not for the armor and the hilt of a blade on his hip.

Fyfe looks at Grognar with a bit of an uneasy smile, Welcome, Grognar! I'm glad you could join us!

He pauses for a moment then remembers to extend his hand.

Grognar is about 6 feet tall and 248 lbs heavy although I must admit that I'm European meaning that the imperial system is a bit hard to understand for me.

Before you stands a a big half-orc. He his skin is dark green on the greyish side. He has dark brown hair which falls in braids across his back.

He wears chain mail that looks well maintained but used. you see that he wears clothes that look like they are a bit warmer than most use in this region.

He as a two handed axe slung across his backpack and some 2 throwing hammer hanging from his belt.

He looks at everybody with his bright green eyes and grins showing off his slight tusks.

Greetings everyone,

I'm Grognar the Bold, but call me Grognar.

He turns to look at AmeikoI have traveled very far and would love to have some breakfast

He turns to KrakkagarYes I noticed when I left home that people in other places tend to be smaller than meHe grins while shaking Krakkagars hand.

He turns to Fyfe and notices the uneasy smile.This nature fellow must be having trouble around so many folks
And so am I.

He turns to Navika and holds out his handI'm very pleased to meet you.

And at last he turns to Vortok.Greetings master dwarf.
I hope you are not put off by my appearance. I come from a Ulfen tribe up north and have a fully human upbringing.
I hope we can become well acquainted. Grognar holds out his hand for Vortok to shake.

@Whoever knows. My base movement speed is 30 my fast movement increases this by 10 to 40 does this get dragged down by armor or am I able to move at 40ft per round?

@GM Polygoon What is the xp table that we follow is the next level 2000xp or something else(to correct the character sheet)

The dwarf finishes his meal, then looks up towards the new arrival. "Vortok" he grumbles as he stands up and walks towards the door.

Now he is standing you can see that Vortok is around 4ft 6. He is heavily muscled, and his black beard is neatly kept, as are his simple grey and brown monk robes. Underneath the beard you catch a glimp of a blue amulet hanging around his neck.

As he nears the door he looks backwards over his shoulder " Let's go the Feathered Serpent, before the scout has left. Also seeing you lot, we desperately need something to keep us alive.

Krakkagar, I saw you had more then 252 gold, how did you manage that? We spent all our starting money on potions and acid, only Fyfe had something left

You're right. I completely forgot about that. I'll fix it.

Grognar holds out his hand for Vortok to shake.

I am playing up Vortok's low Charisma, combined with the natural dislike that Dwarves have for Orcs and Goblins (Dwarves get + 1 to attack vs Orcs and Goblins, this ability is called Hatred)

@Whoever knows. My base movement speed is 30 my fast movement increases this by 10 to 40 does this get dragged down by armor or am I able to move at 40ft per round?

You first calculate your normal movement speed, which is 40 speed for an Half-Orc Barbarian, and then check the table halfway down this page.

Your movement will be reduced to 30 again with medium armor.

Navika stands up from the table, smoothing her shoulder length red hair back and walks over to the half-orc.
"Goodness, Krakkagar is right, you are a big one." Laughing, she holds out a slim hand to Grognar.
"Navika Stardreamer, here. It is nice to meet you, Grognar.

Turning back to the others, she asks "Are we ready to go to the Serpent?"

Grognar smiles at the warm welcome he gets.

He looks at Vortok leaving.
Guess you can't win em all at once.

He turns to Ameiko.
Could I get that breakfast to go, It seems we are leaving.

After he turns back to the rest he says:Could we go check out if they have any more light hammers here I could use some more.

Ok I was just wondering about the movement I only read the pdf on my mobile so far so I sometimes miss some rules

I changed my character sheet to reflect the encumbrance rules posted by the gm earlier on. The link to the sheet can be found in my profile which I also changed to reflect this.

Ameiko grabs a breadroll and a large turkey leg from a passing platter and hands them to Grognar, Here you go, it looks like duty calls. Take care of yourselves people. The Swallowtail festival is approaching fast and the whole town is going to be a big party. Make sure there's enough blood left in you to enjoy it, yeah?

Savah's Armory would have fighting hammers, or the Red Dog Smithy.

She then grabs a small steak from a different platter, wraps it in a cloth napkin and places it in front of Fyfe, winking. For your kitty, bring her in sometime to say hello, that is if she won't tear one of my customers apart.

As she walks away from the table she notices Krakkagar.You're a born performer I can tell because I am too. I think I've even seen your troupe in action on my own travels, back when I got myself into trouble for a living. The Swallowtail festival is coming up, you stand to make a name for yourself and some coins with your talents.

To Navika, Books? Plenty of them at the House of Blue stones if you can talk your way into the library.Big bonuses to some knowledge checks while researching there

Then there's the Curious Goblin, it's a proper big bookshop with a cafe right inside. The prices are a bit higher but a lot of the smart ones like to hang out there, reading and arguing.

And lastly Sandpoint Boutique is a cute place with imported clothing, weapons, toys, artwork, tools and books from all over.

I'm not sure when to prompt you to make rolls for things like Knowledge(local), etc, so go ahead and use them whenever you think you might gain from it, provide a clue, or it might make an interesting story. I'll probably figure out how to allow it anyway.

The group leaves the Rusty Dragon and steps out onto Market Street on a slightly overcast midmorning. The people in town are generally in a good mood, and there are already some decorations and preparations being set up for the Swallowtail Festival. You can smell bread from the bakery, and you can see the smoke from the smithies and the Glassworks off in the distance. Eventually you see the ornate painted sign hanging from a purple door marking the Feathered Serpent.

The interior of The Feathered Serpent boasts a disorganized collection of merchandise. The smells and odors of the various components that line the shop's shelves permeate the air of this small shop. Its sole proprietor, Vorvashali Voon, is an exotic-looking character with bright blue eyes, long red hair, and almost bronze-colored skin. He greets you enthusiastically.

Ah, more customers, and people with an appreciation for excitement if I'm not mistaken. Welcome to the Feathered Serpent then! Are you looking for magical items then? We have lovely items from all over as you can see, have a look.

Standing at a line of shelves examining various magical items is Eal Longwalker, in Ranger attire.

What happens next?

Vortok walks up to Voon. "We are looking for magical items, but also for a ranger who scouted out the goblins in the vicinity, a man named Longwalker, have you seen him? And as for the magic items, I would like a wand with 10 CLW charges, and a wand with around 10 charges of Mage Armor."

Fyfe adds to Voon, "Perhaps if you have a simple list of other wands and potions as well?"

He glances over at the Ranger with a knowing nod for a fellow outdoors-person.

He then looks up and around the shelves of the Feathered Serpent, awestruck by the eclectic collection of items.

"Amazing..." he trails off in a hushed tone.

Here are the rules for potions Basically any spell up to level 3 can be turned into a potion, except the ones with long casting times

And here the rules for wands

summarised, any spell can be put on a wand, and you can activate the wand without trouble if the spell is on your spell list(meaning the list with al possible spells your character can learn, NOT the spells your character currently knows), even if you don't know that spell yet. If you don't have that spell on your list you can use the wand with a Use Magic Device check

normally a wand with 50 charges of CLW costs 750 GP, with 10 charges only 150 gp, same for the mage armor. I assume some of you will help me to pay for the wand of CLW

Fyfe currently has 247 GP to put towards A Wand of Cure Light Wounds or other magic items.

Few shops would stock all possible items at all times, and inventory would shift with time. Will need to contemplate availability.

Grognar only has 13GP and change to put toward it but he wants some more weapons preferably ranged.

@GM can I assume that we keep the normal prices for items cause in that case I only need 2~4GP for those weapons.

Yep you might as well just make the purchase on your character sheet, and consider it part of the character creation process.

Grognar only has 13GP and change to put toward it but he wants some more weapons preferably ranged.

@GM can I assume that we keep the normal prices for items cause in that case I only need 2~4GP for those weapons.

How many weapons do you need? You do know that using the basic rules you can retreive the thrown weapons with 100% succes, unless you throw it somewhere you can't reach (off a cliff, in the sea etc)

If you throw more than 4 hammers in a battle, you are doing something wrong as a barbarian :)

@GM Polygoon, may I suggest to make shopping easier that you let us ask for specific items. if you rather have that we don't have that specific item, let the shopkeeper say he doesn't have it and let him either offer something with a similar effect, or none at all. This saves you from making up a complete inventory list for each shop.

in that case I don't need to buy anything and the full 13GP can go towards the group

Maybe he comes from a little known Hammerfling Sect of Gorum followers, or an early mentor of his was a blacksmith who collected hammers. When I played paintball for the first time at a weekend long game in the forest I took way too many canisters of paintballs with me into a mission, and it was in character because I was new to it, as is Grognar. We can assume characters have their own reasons for doing things, and try to find ways to say yes.

I need to spend time thinking about the magic items so my ego doesn't rule the decision.

Edited to be less grouchy, long week sorry...

As far as asking for the list, I wasn't sure if you'd had some specific items in mind for the magic shop. I know the CRB is a bit vague with some items to allow GMs to customize things. Don't go crazy on it since we can probably only afford a few things anyway. I'm sure the shop has all kinds of wondrous, shiny things that are way out of our price range right now.

And I'm completely with you on it being a long week...

I just wanted to prevent Grognar dragging a caravan of hammerwielding mules with him wherever he went. And I want to see his battleaxe at work, very big numbers are fun to see at our side.

On second thought, Fyfe, at what level can you learn mules to throw light hammers? :)

I get your concerns GM Polygoon. But allow me to out my disappointment about the local shopkeeper not carrying the Eye and Hand of Vecna :)

Eal returns Fyfe's nod, looks at Vortok, and points a thumb at himself. "Longwalker".

Grognar puts up a big smile and reaches out his handGrognar the Bold. But call me Grognar

I was wasn't sure about retrieving them but with those rules 4 are enough.

I was planning to mainly use the axe but in the one game of d&d that I played the GM attacked is with flying monkeys because we only had one ranged character so its more a just in case.

Vortok scans the man calling himself Longwalker from top to bottom, and then reaches out his hand. "Vortok. Belor said that you know all about the goblins in the Ruins of the old Thassilonian outpost here nearby. Is that correct?"

Don't worry about flying stuff, everyone in the party carries ranged weapons. But having the abilitie to deal multiple types of damage is good. I have one character who can deal piercing, bludgeoning, slashing, fire, and acid damage.

May I ask why you chose light hammers as a ranged weapon? I personally prefer javelins as they have a 30ft range and deal 1d6 damage.

Eal clasps hands with Grognar and Vortok. "Not all. Some. Tracked several goblins and ... something, possibly wolf, from farm to ruins. Hid. Saw goblins in awe of something, something big. Was shouting at them. Didn't see what it was."

Voon smiles wide as he hears the request Wands? Sure we got the wands then, we get wands in from time to time, sure.

He brushes a hand through his wild hair and starts to dig through shelves and crates.

The wanderers, you know? They come through, stock up, then leave into the forest or the caves, and later on someone finds their bones and their gear, you know? They don't come back but their stuff does, sure, yes? hehe....He stops himself as he remembers who his customers are...

Ah, ok then, a bit used, but this is what we have. and places some items on the table.

Wand of Cure Light Wounds, 7 charges left on this one then, I give it to you for 100 GP because of the bite marks then.

Wand of Mage armor, all 10 charges on this one, 150 Gold then.

Fyfe looks lost in thought for a bit, staring up at the ceiling.

To Voon, "I don't suppose that box of remnant wands would have anything with Druid spells, would it? Perhaps a Wand of Entangle or Obscuring Mist?"

Fyfe pulls a pouch of coins from his pocket and sets them on the counter.

To Vortok, "Here's all the coin I've got, 247 gold pieces. How much do we have total?"

We have between Krakkagar, Navika, you and me around 1000 gp, Grognar has 13 and Eal has 20. Total around 1030. But we should not spend it all, some of us probably want to buy some more expensive stuff later on.

I pay for the mage armor wand myself, and I suggest splitting the cost of the CLW wand between us all, with 10 gp for Grognar, and the rest of us each 18 gold.

We also have two potions of cure light wounds left. After buying those wands we have a total of 780 gold left.

Vortok turns towards Fyfe "We can afford to buy those two wands"

Then he returns his attention to Eal. "We got orders from sheriff Belor to hunt those goblins down. Are you willing to aid us?"

"Goblins? Don't like goblins. Will help."
Eal looks pensively at Vortok for a moment, then opens his belt pouch. "Coins for wand." He puts 18 gold pieces on the counter.

I'm more than happy to pitch in for the wands, I've got 252gp, just let me know how much to take out of my pot and I'll update my sheet.

Grognar pulls 10 gold coins from his pouch and puts them on the counter.It ain't much but it is almost all I have left.

He says to Ealit is good to have you join us.

I'll explain the hammers in the discussion thread when I'm on a computer

Voon: Druid eh? Nature then, yes? Sure, yes, we must have something for you then. He looks through his baskets and boxes and pulls out a large folded leaf and places it on the counter. He unfolds the leather-like leaf to reveal a few items, and picks up a twisted wooden wand. He pulls his hand away quickly and puts his finger in his mouth.

Ah, thorny one this! Here we go then, Wand of Entanglement, well used this one is, to be sure someone liked their plants. 5 charges left on this one then, 75 gold.

Ah, sorry but I don't have Obscuring Mist the moment, but things come through all the time, yes?

Vortok continues his talk with Eal "You are familiar in the area around here, are there any other dangerous things we need to look out for next to the goblins, like poisonous creatures, bandits, or dangerous terrain? "

To Voon, "Excellent! I'll take the Wand of Entanglement then. This is sure to come in handy."

To the others, "So we've got a Wand of Cure Light Wounds, a Wand of Mage Armor, and a Wand of Entanglement. I believe that should be everything then?"

Fyfe starts counting out from the stack of coins on the counter.

"Is ruins. Saw only goblins, but might be anything in there."

"Okay, thank you Eal" says Vortok as he turns towards Fyfe and Voon. "Here you go" says Vortok as he hands Voon the correct amount of gold coins.

Gold spent: Grognar 10 GP, Eal 18GP, Krakkagor 18 GP, Navika 18 GP, Fyfe 93 gp, Vortok 168 GP.

Items bought: Wand of cure light wounds, 7 charges, for Fyfe or Krakkagar
Wand of Mage armor, 10 charges, I would like Navika to use these on Vortok.
Wand of Entanglement, 5 charges, for Fyfe. (Note: Eal can also use this wand without any roll necessary)

"Fyfe, Eal, Grognar, let's go and find Krakkagar and Navika, I believe she was on her way to a bookstore." Vortok beckons as he leaves the shop

I was thinking about picking up a Composite Shortbow with the +1 Strength bonus for 150gp. It will let me add my +1 Strength bonus to my attack roll. Do you think that's worth it?

I don't know if it is worth it, never played a character that worried about his weapons. But you are our ranged specialist, and you can always sell it later for 75 gold. That looks a lot for now, but later on it will be peanuts.

Strength bonus is added to damage roll, not attack roll. I think it's worth it. Note that a composite bow has a 10 foot greater range increment than the equivalent self bow. Only reason I don't have a composite longbow is I couldn't afford it.

Navika walked out of the Rusty Dragon intending to follow the others to the Feathered Serpent but decided not to. Instead she made her way to the House of Blue Stones.
Once inside, she marvels at the amount of books. Looking throgh the books, she searches for something on The Swallowtail festival and on the ruins of the Thassilonian outpost.

Sorry to have been MIA last couple days..

Krakkagar had decided to wander the town. Whistling a tune called 'The Lass With The Raspberry Cap' he'd learned while traveling with his troupe, he'd smile and nod to everyone he passed. He found himself outside of Savah's Armory and while the shortbow the troupe had given him was reliable, it had seen better days.

He entered the Armory but didn't see anyone. Hello? Anyone here? I'm looking to buy a new bow...

This might sound weird, but is there a good way to ask for a +1 Strength bonus Composite Shortbow in-character? It seems odd to ask for something and mention stats. Maybe the shopkeeper presents a few options (if it's even in stock) and I try each one and find which one 'feels' right?

As the rest of the group exits The Feathered Serpent, Fyfe walks over to a small cluster of trees and brush and squats down, pulling out the various meats he pocketed during breakfast. A pair of yellow eyes stare out from the bushes beneath the trees and a large pair of spotted paws grab at the meats as Fyfe gently scratches his companion at her scruff.

"Good girl! I didn't forget about you!"

To the group. "I'll just be a few minutes. I need to meditate for a bit out here after I feed Xilanfur."

The leopard purrs and grunts contentedly as she gnaws on the meats.

During his meditation Fyfe will prepare the Obscuring Mist spell to replace Entangle since he now has the wand.

Grognar puts up a big smile as Vortok asks about other creatures. Sounds like I'll have plenty to smash.

He turns to the others as we walk outside. Lets pick the others up. I want to go smash some goblins.

In discussion you can read why I use light hammers.

On my character sheet is says that I have 20 ammunition for light hammers while I only bought 4 is this correct?