"I don't think we'll learn anything more standing out here.
Kagyu prepares to go inside the small dwelling, shield first. He casts a quick channel before stepping up tot he entrance.
From a distance Miyagi and Kagyu can begin to make out the sound of movement from within the small compound. It sounds mostly like something eating loudly.
Gortrek looked up from the note before handing it to Miyagi. "I assume you can read Tian? I believe there is more to this treasure and the Kaijitsu family than even Ameiko is aware.""Find something interesting, Gortrek-san?" Miyagi asked as he took in his surroundings.
From a distance Miyagi and Kagyu can begin to make out the sound of movement from within the small compound. It sounds mostly like something eating loudly.
As Miyagi started to glimpse the paper, his ears heard the noise stirring and went wide eyed. "Creature home. Ready your weapons." He said hurriedly in a hushed voice. He centered himself, forcing his mind to focus, as he attempted to silently close in on the noise.
'Be the breeze... light as a feather... the footfall of a kitten...'
As soon as Miyagi-san's foot falls on a dead branch you here a quick scurry inside the enclosure and then a moment of silence.
Losjien sees a flash of movement, missed by the others, but enough to let the party know that the creature is no longer in the enclosure.
Round 1: Soggy River Monster
Bold may act.
Losjien
Gortrek
Soggy River Monster
Kagyu
Miyagi
The creature lets out a fairly terrifying shriek and you can see its eyes lock on Losjien as it takes off at a dead run for the sorcerer.
The close it gets the more detail you see, roughly humanoid in shape, although its legs bend backward like those of a dog, its pallid skin is crisscrossed by a network of visible veins, and its jaws split down the middle into tiny grasping claws. Worst of all is the smell of decay and death the clings to the beast.
This creature is a Sinspawn. A corrupted product of magic used by spell-casters in a past era. It is the literal embodiment of a sin made flesh.
Immune: Mind Alter Effects
Bite: Causes sickness
[u] Round 1: Soggy River Monster [/u]
Bold may act.
Losjien
Gortrek
Soggy River Monster
Kagyu
Miyagi
Seeing the creature closing in on his comrade, the quickly charged to intercept the creature. "Let's see if Miyagi can knock wind out of monster! Tekken!"
As the creature rushes forward two things happen.
Losjien manages to not pee a little because Miyagi-san landed a heck of a blow, interrupting the creatures momentum but failing to stun it.
[u] Round 1: Soggy River Monster [/u]
Bold may act.
Losjien
Gortrek
Soggy River Monster
Kagyu
Miyagi
Gortrek takes a good strike but misses his target as it slips slightly to the side.
[u] Round 2: Soggy River Monster [/u]
Bold may act.
Losjien
Gortrek
Soggy River Monster
Kagyu
Miyagi
Losgien's bolt flys true and enters directly into the charging creatures right eye.
Anyone who had lived in Sandpoint long knows the tails of the Soggy River Monster and the problems it has caused. It is pretty clear that that threat has been removed. Seeing it is a Sinspawn is unusual.
Searching though the creatures lair there are many gruesome sights. Still there is a bit of value found in a leather bag containing 50 platinum pieces. Also a single crossbow bolt that with time Losjien can see is a Flaming Bolt (arrow 1d6 fire 1 use).
What would the group like to do next?
"Swamp monster... swamped." The monk said, chuckling a bit at his own joke as he rubbed his knuckles before picking through the monster's lair and bringing out the loot. "Perhaps along with goblin ears, bring this back to Sandpoint. May be more, may not be, but still something to warn Sheriff about."
Kagyu swats absentmindedly at the bit of exposed skin above his collar.
"I'd rather be out of this mosquito infested swamp. Though, at the very least we should let Proudstump me know the beast is taken care of.
"Can agree, Gortrek-san. Ameiko should know this information as soon as possible." Miyagi said before beheading the creature. "I would also like to make sure our business is really done here. When we return to Walthus, ask him if more to see in this swamp. If not, we return to Sandpoint. Sound fair?"
The trip back to Proudstumps is uneventful other than the constant nuisance of bug bites which you have fortunately grown use to.
Arrving at his place you find the halfling waiting for you, clearly one of his snake friends alerted him to people coming. He first smiles but becomes serious when he sees the corpse you have with you.
"What is this? A Sinspawn... well I'll be. I thought those were all done away with after the unpleasantness with Amiko's brother and the Runelords!" he prods the corpse a bit with a stick "It didn't bite any of you did it? No... you wouldn't look so good. Best to let them know in town what the Soggy River Monster really was!"
He will offer you a place for the night but clearly understands that you want to get back to town. If you tell him about the caves he lets out a quite whistle and tells you that he will check in on the caves and the goblins old hideout form time to time to keep them clear.
With that you head back to Sandpoint.
You arrive back in town just in time for dinner. The streets are fairly empty but carrying the corpse of a Sinspawn through town is going to draw some attention. Eventually, as you reach The Rusty Dragon Sheriff Belor catches up with you.
“Well now where did you get that nasty thing? Thought they had all be killed years ago. Were you successful?”
As he talks he waves a deputy forward to take the creature if you allow him and ushers you into the inn where Amiko joins the group with a smile. “Ahh your back and in one piece, that's great news. Sheriff you don’t need to worry about some little goblins any more I would bet.” She waves for food to be brought.
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Gortrek gave a small bow to the Sheriff and Ameiko. "We defeated the goblin's leader, and located the source of the fireworks they had been using. However..."
He reached into his bag, pulling out the letter they had found in the blade. "We have also found many items belonging to the Kaijitsu family, as well as a letter that I believe is of some importance."
He then quietly held the letter out towards Ameiko.
“Well now where did you get that nasty thing? Thought they had all be killed years ago. Were you successful?”
As he talks he waves a deputy forward to take the creature if you allow him and ushers you into the inn where Amiko joins the group with a smile. “Ahh your back and in one piece, that's great news. Sheriff you don’t need to worry about some little goblins any more I would bet.” She waves for food to be brought.
Gortrek gave a small bow to the Sheriff and Ameiko. "We defeated the goblin's leader, and located the source of the fireworks they had been using. However..."
He reached into his bag, pulling out the letter they had found in the blade. "We have also found many items belonging to the Kaijitsu family, as well as a letter that I believe is of some importance."
He then quietly held the letter out towards Ameiko.
"Miyagi believe this... sinspawn is rumored Swamp Monster everyone feared. Saw it leave half eaten prey in open and in hovel. Still, not as scary when punch to stomach and shot to eye shut mouth for good." The monk told the Sheriff set the body down for a bit before giving him a rucksack with the ears and head of the goblin chief.
Outside:
"Well you boys were busy. Good work, it seems we have some new local heroes, don't let it go to your head."
Inside:
When Gortrek speaks of her family and holds out the letter Amiko pauses and just stares, looking confused for a moment.
"I... what do you mean."
She takes the letter and starts to read, her hand travels to her mouth and a tear falls down her cheek.
"This was too my father. Oh... I had no idea. Give me a moment."
She quietly goes to the bar and grabs a few bottles and returns very quietly.
"I think I need to go to this Brinewall, it's not very far and I am sure Koya, Sandru, and Shalelu would want to go as well. I need to think about this overnight and you are owed a reward. Are they not sheriff?"
The sheriff agrees and produces a bag containing 3000gp. He explains he threw in a bit move then owed to compensate for he Soggy River Monster.
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Gortrek gave a small nod before placing a hand on his heart.
"If you decide to go, I humbly request that you allow me to join you and your comrades in the journey to Brinewall. Your grandfather's note seemed to indicate potential dangers, and I would be honored to provide your with protection in such an endeavor."
Outside:
"Well you boys were busy. Good work, it seems we have some new local heroes, don't let it go to your head."
"Miyagi not hero, not yet." He replied, taking his portion of gold. "Miyagi just monk who enjoy everything life have to offer. Wish we could've charted all of swamp for you though. " He said, copying from memory and aid of the goblin map some of the highlights of the swamp onto some paper.
"I think I need to go to this Brinewall, it's not very far and I am sure Koya, Sandru, and Shalelu would want to go as well. I need to think about this overnight and you are owed a reward. Are they not sheriff?"
"If you decide to go, I humbly request that you allow me to join you and your comrades in the journey to Brinewall. Your grandfather's note seemed to indicate potential dangers, and I would be honored to provide your with protection in such an endeavor."
Hearing Koya's name mentioned made the monk remember his promise to her mother shortly before her trip to the Boneyard. "If Koya travels with you, Miyagi follows. Her mother never forgive me if I let her have all the fun."
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Wait a minute, did Ameiko just say that Shalelu is joining us? This MUST be the same Shalelu he once apprenticed.
Losjien turns back to Ameiko. Shalelu is joining us? This is the Elven Shalelu correct? I look forward to seeing her once again.
"We should sell the gear we don't need and travel light."
Later that night before retiring to sleep Losjien studies the wand dropped by the skeleton leader.
He is unable to break into it's magic.
When you gather in the morning Amiko directs you to a table with a with a dark haired man sitting at it along with an older woman in bright clothing. You have all spent enough time in town to know that this is Sandru the leader of a caravan that travels through Sandpoint fairly often. The woman is his adoptive mother Koya, a seer of some renowned. They smile as you arrive and make a brief introductions. Before a conversation can begin Ameiko joins you.
"I appreciate your willingness. I see you have been introduced, Shalelu will be joing us as well but is not here today. I don't know what we will find but there may be fights to be fought. To be honest traveling to Brinewall is not what my grandfather wanted as he thought it would be dangerous. Still I must know. I spoke with Sandru, his caravan will make the trip with us to can provide needed supplies and security. I have people in place to run the Rusty Dragon so that is not an issue."
She pauses and looks at the note again and then at a map that is on the table which she points too.
"This is Brinewall it will take some time but should be uneventful. Still we should outfit ourselves, I know you all earned some gold and I can provide some money to get the caravan started. This is for the caravan not for personal gear, it really is all I have.”
Sandru chimes in.
“The journey will take about 16 days using the rout I have planned. We will pass through three villages so we can get modest additional supplies in a pinch but best to start with what we have. The journey will start up along the Lost Coast Road, pass through the villages of Galduria and Wolf ’s Ear, then cuts through the northeastern reach of Churlwood, and eventually reaches the northern town of Roderic’s Cove. We can be ready to leave tomorrow if you sort out what needs to be done on your end.”
Amiko smiles “I am glad that I have old friends and a reliable group like you four to accompany me. I appreciate the effort.”
"I appreciate your willingness. I see you have been introduced, Shalelu will be joing us as well but is not here today. I don't know what we will find but there may be fights to be fought. To be honest traveling to Brinewall is not what my grandfather wanted as he thought it would be dangerous. Still I must know. I spoke with Sandru, his caravan will make the trip with us to can provide needed supplies and security. I have people in place to run the Rusty Dragon so that is not an issue."
She pauses and looks at the note again and then at a map that is on the table which she points too.
"This is Brinewall it will take some time but should be uneventful. Still we should outfit ourselves, I know you all earned some gold and I can provide some money to get the caravan started. This is for the caravan not for personal gear, it really is all I have.”
Sandru chimes in.
“The journey will take about 16 days using the rout I have planned. We will pass through three villages so we can get modest additional supplies in a pinch but best to start with what we have. The journey will start up along the Lost Coast Road, pass through the villages of Galduria and Wolf ’s Ear, then cuts through the northeastern reach of Churlwood, and eventually reaches the northern town of Roderic’s Cove. We can be ready to leave tomorrow if you sort out what needs to be done on your end.”
Amiko smiles “I am glad that I have old friends and a reliable group like you four to accompany me. I appreciate the effort.”
"Miyagi do what is necessary to live, always will do much for friend." He said, looking to Koya briefly before sipping down his morning drink. "Half a month decent length of time. Don't doubt there will be plenty to see and do along way."
Kagyu turned to address Koya. "Well, Koya, you know if you're going I'm coming along as well. I still owe you for saving my life. Though ever if I didn't, I must confess, I've grown fond of your company. And Ameiko, I'm curious to see where this leads of your don't mind me saying so."
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Heat slow. Strike true. Respect the steel. Remember that there is honor is all things.
Excellent. Now, to attempt to reforge my own blade...
Hmm... It appears my skill is not yet enough. One day. At least the materials survived.
After a night at the forge, Gortrek returned. He held in his hands the reforged Whispering Strike. After she spoke, he approached Ameiko, blade held in both hands. As he presented it, he gave a small bow.
"Ameiko, I believe this blade belongs to your family. I have repaired it, and now wish to return it to its rightful owner."
Amiko smiles. "You did excellent work. It is a family heirloom but it should be used. Would you wield it as one of my companions on this adventure? It would honor my family's legacy."
With that task out of the way and having had time for preparation Sandru announces that the group will leave after lunch. Amiko lets the group know that Shalelu will be meeting them on the road at their planned first night camp location.
[u] Day 1 [/u]
The day passes without incident and true to the word of Amiko Shalelu joins the group at the end of the day.
[u] Day 2 - 3 [/u]
Over the course of these days you fall into a routine with some scouting ahead, lead by Shalelu and a routine of night watch being set. You are in civilized lands and there is not real threat.
[u] Day 4 [/u]
The caravan passes though Galduria. Sandru does some business in the sleep little town and you pick up another wagon full of cargo that is headed to Wolf's Ear. The town is small and there is little of intrest.
[u] Day 5 - 6 [/u]
After a day and a half more you reach Wolf's Ear where the cargo is unloaded and Saundru purchases enough food to fill the new wagon insure the caravan will be well fed.
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"Shalelu, old friend and mentor. I have done little traveling compared to you but will never forget natures secerets. How have you been these many years?"
After they catch up Losjien looks to the ret of the group
"This journey may be very long. We should name our caravan! sure it may be a mere three wagons at the moment. Any ideas? Better have some good ones or I'm going with Losjien's cart of Tricks" he expresses his hands as if unveiling the new name.
As the days pass Kagyu spends his time getting to know the background of the new traveling companions, Amiko, Sandro, and Shahelu. Other time is spend with Koya discussing the finer points of healing and channeling, while at night, around the fire, Kagyu provides entertainment with his playing folk songs and ballads he learned during his study as a Cleric of Shelyn.
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Amiko smiles. "You did excellent work. It is a family heirloom but it should be used. Would you wield it as one of my companions on this adventure? It would honor my family's legacy."
Gortrek nodded. "If that is your desire, then it will be my honor to do so."
As they journeyed, Gortrek made a habit of keeping track of everything he could, reporting the state of the road and caravan to Ameiko every day. Upon their arrival in Wolf's Ear, this was no different.
"The cargo has been unloaded, and supplies have been purchased for the next leg of the trip. General health and morale of the crew remains good. I have nothing else to report at this time."
[ooc]If you allow Honor in All Things to affect the check, that just becomes a success. Otherwise, it's a failure.[/dice]
Losjien
Shalelu is glad to see you saying it is good to have people that are recognizable on a long journey. She confides that she is uncomfortable being tied to a group but plans to stay by Ameiko's side as long as is necessary. When asked about the caravan Shalelu dose not offer much other then she would be glad to see more supplies and possible a couple more wagons, if nothing else they can become cover if attacked.
Kagyu
The group is pretty open when talking to you and Sandru in particular becomes more friendly when you provide entertainment. You find yourself invited to ride in the lead with him form time to time thought the journey. It seems he is a sucker for entertainment.
Gortrek
Ameiko is clearly glad for the company and the strong reassurance that you are providing. For the first few days you can see her smile as you approach with your report. On the last day before Wolf's Ear she seems strained and mentioned a headache but it is sure it will pass.
The caravan rolls out with the additional wagon that Sandru aquired and continues at the same paces it had been moving. Spirits are light though you can see that Ameiko is still suffering form the headaches.
The next town is passed without incident.
The closer the caravan gets to Brinewall the more everyone's spirits seem to fray. Something about the journey has an oppressive quality to it. As the sky darkens into night the track you have been following comes within a half-mile of Brinewall itself and about one hundred yards before you get to an old stone and wood bridge you see a faded sign point up an overgrown path that directs you to Brinewall. Clearly the caravan cannot go that direction and a group will need to continue on foot.
Ameiko has not weathered the last few hours of the trip well and is clearly exhausted and listless. While no one is concerned there is discussion about how the last part of this journey cannot be taken this evening.
In the morning Ameiko joins the group looking extremely pale and shaky. Clearly she is trying to hide her condition and put on a brave face. Before the party can question her she collapses to the ground, breathing but unresponsive.
You can tell that she is in some sort of magically induced coma.
Sandru, Koya and Shalelu agree that whatever is causing the coma has something to do with the Kaijtsu legacy hidden in Brinewall.
Ameiko's sudden decline worries Kagyu, and he tries to gather information.
"Ameiko, if you would allow me, I'd like to see if I can find out anything about what is affecting you so."
He confers with Koya "I haven't seen anything like this, have you? Do you know what's causing it?"
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Before setting out Losjien looks to the dark oppressive quality of Brinewall and has a second though. He turns and enters Koya's Fortune Tellers Wagon.
"Hello Koya, the sky over Brinewall appears ominous, perhaps you could give us some insight on what may lie ahead? We have very different abilities it would seem." Losjien's pupils sink into his head. His solid white eyes show Koya that while he possesses sorcery he cannot divine futures.
"you have my word we will aid Ameiko"
Koya examines Ameiko, clicking her tongue as she thinks. After pulling up her eyelids and tyring a simple healing spell she gives up and turns back to the group.
"This is of arcane in nature but very powerful. It is almost like some outside force is cutting off her higher functions. I am sure it is because of this quest and an answer [u] may [/u] lie in Brinewall castle."
Sandru says little but Shalelu joins the conversation as well.
"Well my firends, this is a spot. Sandru and I can guard Ameiko while Koya cares for her as best she can if you would investigate the town and castle."
She looks at each of you.
"I can see your competence has growen, I think you are Ameiko's best bet."
The overgrown path (green arrow on map) leads to a weathered and dilapidated town with Brinewall Keep overlooking it. Around the town the brush is think and would be difficult to move though in a hurry but nothing overtly hostile can be seen. You can see several ruined buildings along with an old lighthouse, cemetery and lagoon.
The path you followed ended at an old road and you can travel either either to the east or west. Not knowing the layout all you can say for sure is the keep is to the northwest of where you are.
The group heads out, leaving Miyagi-san back with the wagons. Oddly shortly after Amieko pass out Miyagi began to fell off and stumbled to his knees more the once. After a brief discussion it was decided that he would wait with the caravan until he had recovered.
The remaining members push forward and determine it best to head directly to the keep. As they begin to move some commotion is heard from the beach in front of them, really it is more of a lagoon.
At a quick glance you see what looks like a newly damaged small boat on the beach with a dwarf, human and a wolf standing over the bodies of two halfling-sized lobster like creatures. Further down the beach you can see more of the creatures approaching the group large claws clacking as they move.
Bold may act
[u] Round 1 [/u]
Thata, Maitoh
Blue, Yellow, Green, Red
Losjien, Durian, Kagyu, Gortrek