GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Vorvashali Voon - an excitable fellow with bright blue eyes, red hair, and bronze-hued skin, looked up cheerfully as Shutai came in. "Ten gold for each item." he answered with a big smile. "That's the normal price, anyway, but I hear you've been helping get rid of the goblins that've been bothering folk, so I'll give you a discount and make it nine."

Shutai nodded. Over such a small sum it didn't seem worth battering. "Certainly." She placed the gold on the counter next to the items.

The wizard who ran the shop scooped the coins into a bad, then held his hands over the items and began muttering under his breath. "The ring is... a Ring of Climbing." he announced, nodding. "Surprisingly useful, actually, moreso than many people believe when you're out in the wilderness. The wand..." he repeated the process, then chuckled. "Well, maybe I should have done this one first. It's a Wand of Identify, and you can use it nineteen times before it burns out. Very useful if you plan on being adventurous and come across some things you don't recognize - otherwise, I'd be happy to buy it off of you."

Happy to sell both the ring and the wand, unless either of you wants them. I'd prefer the extra gold.

I'm fine with selling them.

"I think I'll go visit my Master's grave while I have the chance, unless there's anything you ladies need of me?" Ge lifted a brow first to Ameiko, then to Shalelu.

Shalelu's expression softened as Hisoka spoke. "It is good to remember the departed - by all means, visit while you can." the elven woman said.

Shutai nodded. "I think we can part with the ring, and will keep the wand for now."

No telling how often we'll have the chance to get loot ID'd, so we might as well keep it.

Sounds good to me.

Waiting for a loot split, then I'll finish up my shopping and get ready to proceed.

The shopkeeper nodded and rustled around behind the counter for a bit, eventually setting a bag with 1250 GP on top of the counter - the standard offer for that kind of magical ring.

"I'll return by nightfall, then."

Sounds legit. I'm ready to move on for now as well.

Happily lost in the details of the planning of the expedition, Shelby loses track of time as she makes figures, rethinks assumptions, crosses them out, then adds new ones in their place. Hours later, and she think she has a fair model of how much cargo the group should haul. Her mind weary from the exercise, the Iomedaean nevertheless feels fulfilled with the planning done. She awaits Shutai's return so they can talk about developments.

Crap, sorry, my post was eaten by web-goblins

Agreeing to the fee, Shutai added, "I am sure we will do some business again." Taking the coin she returned to the others, explaining the events and giving each there share.

Preparations took most of the day, and the sun had actually set over the horizon by the time the doors to the Rusty Dragon opened and a handsome man walked in, smiling broadly.

"Ameiko!" he said cheerfully, giving the innkeeper a tight hug - not a romantic one, but he clearly wasn't the sort who held back very much about friends. "All right, I've heard all sorts of things out in town today, but is it true you're heading for the open road?"

"That's the plan, Sandru." Ameiko said, hodding and gesturing to the three of you. "Our goblin-slaying friends have already agreed to come along and provide some protection."

"Ah!" Sandru said, turning towards your group and bustling over. As he arrived, he bowed with an elegant flourish. "Sandru Vhiski - Caravan Master, trader, and often the chief driver." he said cheerfully. "I've fought the little green buggers a time or two myself, but it's great to see others joining in! Goblins're tricker than they look, if only because you never know what they'll do next, and I think you'll be able to handle anything we're likely to find on the roads." He rubbed his hands together eagerly as Ameiko and Shalelu came over, and the two quickly outlined the plan.

"Old castles and ruins? Ancient legacies? Finances secured? I couldn't possibly say no!" he said, chortling cheerfully. "Sounds like we'll be stocking up tomorrow, then - can I count on you three to help?"

Having taken the time to visit his master, it showed in a positive light on Hisoka's face. The stress of the previous days was soothed and he wore his usual smile.

"Of course, I'll do whatever I can to help. Hisoka Izanagi, at your service."

Shelby nods enthusiastically at the positive energy of the newcomer. "We have been helping already, but yes, you can certainly count on us!"

The woman's cheeks redden for a moment, as she realized she should not be speaking for her foster sister. Still, Shelby was excited about this trip, and encountering someone else equally excited was infectious.

Nodding, Shutai greeted the man. "Well met Master Vishki. Thank you for the compliment - we've been trying to help, and we'll be happy to help you and Ameiko find her goal."

"It might be less interesting than you suspect." Sandru said warningly - and he was right. The next day consisted mainly of gathering certain amounts of various supplies - food, extra parts, and all the tiny little things that were so helpful and easy to forget. As the day went on, though, the wagons were filled higher and higher. Koya joined mid-day, bringing out her own wagon, a well-used fortune teller's hut that could wheel along just fine (and, though it hurt the mystique, carry some things in cunningly concealed compartments).

The sun had set again by the time the hard work was done, but as morning came, it was clear that the caravan was ready for a long trip. Once all of your duties had been taken care of and every last-minute emergency handled (there were always more of those than anyone wanted to admit), the three wagons set off.

The journey to Brinewall takes the caravan from Sandpoint up along the Lost Coast Road, passes through the villages of Galduria and Wolf’s Ear, cuts through the northeastern reach of Churlwood, and eventually reaches the northern town of Roderic’s Cove. Sandru, noting a preference to avoid Riddleport entirely, followed an old track north of Roderic’s Cove that skirted the southern Stony Mountains, then wound up into the Velashu Uplands, following the river northwest to a low pass in the mountains and then due north into the Nolands and, eventually, to Brinewall.

Yup, it was quite a trip.

The farther north this route goes, the more disused the roads become. By the time the caravan winds through the Velashu Uplands, the road is little more than a track. With the loss of Brinewall as a viable port, Koya notes that most trade between Varisia and the Lands of the Linnorm Kings has been via the sea route, but the trail the caravan follows isn’t completely abandoned. Sandru is quick to point out that several Varisian caravans take the route yearly, although he does admit that they generally make a wide detour around Brinewall, which is believed by most to be haunted, cursed, or both. Overall, the journey from Sandpoint to Brinewall covers about 500 miles, and it's sixteen days after you set out that you reach your destination.

If only things were that easy, though.

The closer you get to Brinewall, the more nerve-wracking things become - plants seem smaller and more shriveled, the nights seem colder, and it's not hard to figure out why most people believe this place is somehow cursed. There's not as much cheer in the caravan as there should have been, and Ameiko rubbed her arms as the caravan came close to the end of the road, with the castle just up ahead.

"Well, we're h-here, I think." she said.

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

Shelby gives the adventurer turned innkeep a nod, wondering how much colder the nights would get this far north. Not really wanting to find out, and relatively bummed that things had not been nearly as exciting as she had hoped, Shelby waves Shutai and Hisoka forward to a small conference.

"Think we should check things out, make sure everything's safe before everyone goes in?"

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Shutai glanced over at the stutter in the woman's voice, but was more focused on what was before them. And on the cold. It was definitely too chilly to be dressed simply, and she had added some heavier layers to her usual robe.

What time of day is it when we arrive here?

Mid-day.

"I think we should set camp out here, check out the surrounding area before we advance on the castle. Let's get a fire going and see what the others think."

Shelby nods, starting to help get everything unloaded so they can set up camp before the night gets brutally cold. Hisoka was right...the older, more experienced members of their group would probably make the wiser decisions.

Ameiko nodded and made her way over to one of the wagons, intending to pull out a tent. She didn't make it - with a Thud, she toppled over and hit the ground, breathing shallowly as cries of alarm started to spread through the camp.

Shutai let out an especially vile curse in Tian as she moved to her side. "Koya!" Silently cursing her lack of healing knowledge, the young woman called out for her teacher and surrogate mother to help.

Hearing Shutai call out for their foster mother, Shelby hurries to Ameiko's side, trying to ascertain what might be wrong with the woman.

Heal (Untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Koya hurried over, her eyes widening as she saw Ameiko's unconscious form. "Blankets, now!" she commanded, expecting someone to obey - and Sandru moved to do so as the old cleric bent down and began examining Ameiko's body. "These symptoms... what in the world?" she frowned, clearly concerned. "Well, she's not sick, that's for sure."

Knowing that Koya treasured patience, Shelby waited, even though it was in her nature to act, to do. Her brown eyes flit between the fallen Ameiko and her foster mother, waiting for instructions, or a pronouncement from the older woman about what was going on.

Shutai glanced at Koya in surprise. "If she isn't sick...magic of some kind?" It sounded like whatever her inheritance is, someone didn't want her family to receive it. Could they have cursed this place against her blood?

After a few moments, Koya took out a small metal needle and pushed it close to Ameiko's body - but rather than piercing her skin, it came to a quivering stop in the air a hair's-breadth away, then turned white hot and shattered. "...I would say yes, it's probably magic." Koya said. "Come, girls, help me move her somewhere more comfortable."

Shutai nodded and glanced over at Shelby. The Kitsune woman was too slight to do much when it came to lifting, but she always admired her sisters physical power.

Looking first at Koya, then at Shutai, Shelby nods. They each had their gifts and limitations. She gently lifts Ameiko up, not strugging in the least, and proceeds to carry her to where Koya directs, setting her down timidly, not wanting to causing the woman any more stress or pain...or whatever was wrong with her.

She then steps a pace or two back, still unsure of what to do at the moment. "If it's magic, how can we get rid of it?"

The moment Ameiko started to move away from the castle, an agonized scream came out of her mouth, and you could hear the cries of alarm as people from around the camp stopped (or literally dropped) what they were doing and hurried over. At the same time, Ameiko's body flailed wildly - right up until the point you stopped moving away from the castle.

Koya took a few deep breaths, pressing one hand to her chest. "Oh, this trip's not so good for my heart." she said. "All right, all right, take her over here." With the help of some of your other traveling companions, Koya made up a good, solid bed a little closer to Brinewall.

Sandru came up a moment later, his easygoing smile nowhere to be found - there were things you simply couldn't smile at. "Curse?" he asked Koya.

"Not sure. Not letting her leave, at least."

Sandru nodded, then clapped his hands together. His demeanor changed subtly as he did so - the mental change to a Caravan Master speaking as the one in charge. "All right. Selbarina, Hisoka, Shutai. You've experience working as a team. I need you to get into that castle, find anything or anyone that could be causing this, and... do what's necessary. I know Ameiko wanted to explore it herself, but if this is some kind of power that's targeting her, I don't think we'll get anywhere by standing around. The rest of us will stay here, take care of Ameiko, and guard the camp. Nobody gets left behind, so we're not leaving until she's better. If we need to contact you, I'll send Shalelu." The elven woman nodded. As an experienced ranger, she'd likely have little trouble getting through the castle - but it was best to avoid sending people alone, and her talents would also be helpful for protecting the camp from anything that might happen.

Shutai nodded. "Of course." It looked like resting up and investigating was no longer a luxury they could afford.

Shelby, like her foster-sister, nodded once to indicate she understood Koya's instructions. She looks at her companions for a split second, then starts stepping towards Brinewall, loosening her sword in its scabbard as she walks. She grabs her shield and straps it to her left arm, ready to go.

The castle itself was perched by a cliff overlooking the river - but as you trudged through the undergrowth (there were no roads, really, as they'd long since been overgrown), more and more of the area came into sight. Just ahead of you was an empty-looking village, mostly built to surround a lagoon of some kind, while the castle itself was up to the northwest. There was a lighthouse on the opposite side of the area, and with no real knowledge of where whatever was affecting Ameiko was located... where did you want to look first?

New map.

Sorry, didn't show new posts

Scanning the area through her mask, Shutai pointed to the light house. "The Castle seems the most likely place to have what we're looking for, but I'd like to see if there's anyone or anything in the lighthouse and village before we enter. It shouldn't take too long to do both areas, and we might get a better idea of this place before tackling the castle."

Shelby nods, "Aye...and not leave any potential enemies to ambush us while we walk into a trap, as well. Well thought, sister." She offers a small smile before drawing her sword, walking with the others towards the lighthouse.

"I figure we can start here, and work our way across the shore line."

Along the way to the lighthouse, you pass by the gates of an old cemetery, and there's a slightly odd air about the place. As for the lighthouse itself, though...

As you get closer, you can see that the stone lighthouse is now little more than an empty shell after its roof caved in many years ago.

Rolls: 3d20 ⇒ (7, 15, 18) = 40

As the three of you search throughout the area, you're able to uncover a strongbox mostly-buried within the rubble. Inside is 93 GP and an old, rusty, nearly-broken key. It's usable, but not reliable unless you have a way of fixing it up.

Shutai held up the key thoughtfully. "I think I can make it stronger," she murmured softly, and cast Mending on the fragile metal. She wasn't sure it would work, as it was a simple cantrip, but it might be enough to keep it from breaking.

"Good eye, everyone." Shelby smiles at the other two. Greed had caused much of the strife and suffering in Golarion, it was true, but goodly adventurers needed equipment just as sorely as evil ones. She nods her head in appreciation of Shutai's efforts with the key, waving them on down the coastline once the small structure was completely scoured.

The key was definitely in much better shape by the time Shutai was done casting - it would easily withstand the normal wear and tear of being used in locks. There didn't seem to be anything else of interest here - where exactly were you interested in going next?

Looking over the key with a satisfied eye, Shutai slipped it into a pocket. "Work our way back to the village, search the place before we try the castle?"

"Sounds like a good plan. Let us be swift, as whatever is troubling Ameiko could be growing worse..."

The building you come to is a collapsed temple. Now almost totally destroyed, it seems to have once been a structure dedicated to Desna, and it's just across from the town's graveyard.

Shelby dutifully sifts through the rubble and the remains of the building, not wanting to leave potential clues or answers behind.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Shutai looked over the ruined building with a slightly saddened feeling. it was sad to see such a building reduced to rubble.

Since Shelby was shifting through the remains of the temple, Shutai looked over the graveyard, not moving too far away just to be safe.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

There didn't seem to be anything left within the church - which was a bit odd, actually. There was usually something left behind, but this place seemed to have been methodically scoured at some point in the past.

As for the graveyard... this clearing consists of a low hill containing nearly two dozen graves. A stone crypt sits atop the hill to the east. The entire graveyard is unusually well-tended — the grass appears to be weeded and the gravestones are quite clean.

Set apart from the graves and off to the north is a small, well-tended shrine to Desna that consists of a marble statue of the deity holding aloft a small copper bowl. Three flasks worth of shimmering liquid - immediately recognizable as holy water to Shelby's trained gaze - fills the bowl.

Shelby looks at the well-kept graveyard with a hint of unease. Though she had a healthy respect for the dead, this meant that there was obviously someone around her doing the upkeep. She looked about sharply for anyone close by, but saw nothing.

After finding the shrine to Desna, she turns to her foster-sister and Hisoka. "That liquid is indeed holy water. When we return, we should bring flasks to fill. I suspect it might refill itself."

Turning to the south, she continues towards the landmarks there.

Wish to go to P, then Q, unless Shutai objects.

Shutai nodded and followed along. Holy water would be useful, and Koya would be able to tell them if they could take any.