GM Rednal's Rise of the Runelords: AE (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Tanwen assists Shalluk in quickly getting the woman to the sheriff's office.

"Quickly, everyone out of our way, she could wake up at any minute, we need to get this woman to the prison." Tanwen says, informing anyone in their way to move aside.

Tyranius follows behind, weapons drawn in case she awakens at all on the trip. He watches for even the slightest twitch.

One of the guards stood up as the three of you rushed in - and stared at the figure you'd carried, clearly shocked. "Nualia!?" he fumbled for the keys, finally managing to open up a cell as she let out a groan, even as another guard ran to find the Sheriff. "What's going on, here!? She's dead!"

"Apparently not." Tanwen commented, before explaining further. "She was working with the goblins, had a nasty unholy symbol of Lamashtu on her too. We believe she was the mastermind behind the attack on Sandpoint. Oh, and she tried to kill us." She explains while making sure to get Nualia into a cell.

Shalluk glanced at the woman. "It's possible she was revived by her patron. Perhaps the...arm...is tainting her. Or perhaps she acquired it through dedication. Either way, she needs to be locked away and judged." Shalluk kept one hand on his crossbow until she was safely in the cell.

Tyranius turns to the figure. Who was the Nualia you knew? He stowed his weapons once she was locked tight in the cell.

Clearly puzzled, the guard locked the door and turned back to you. "She died in the Late Unpleasantness, t-the fire." he said, shaking his head. "It must have been divine intervention to survive that..." he glanced uneasily at the unconscious woman's blood-red arm.

"Divine does not mean nice," Shalluk murmured softly, "Lamashtu is involved with her. Tell us about Nualia, and this fire, please. Is it what caused the Cathedral to be rebuilt?"

Tyranius waits patiently for the man to explain further about Nualia. Finally having a slight free moment without having to worry about someone slitting his throat.

Tanwen recalled the fire, she didn't want to speak of her memories of it for fear that someone once again might accuse her of being responsible for the fire.

"We don't really like to talk about it, but..." the guard frowned and shook his head, quickly going over the major details.

A month after the Chopper - the worst serial killer in Sandpoint's history - was slain, a terrible fire struck Sandpoint. The fire started in the Sandpoint Chapel and spread quickly. As the town rallied to save the church, the inferno expanded, consuming the North Coast Stables, the White Deer Inn, and three homes. In the end, the church burnt to the ground, leaving the town's beloved priest Ezakien Tobyn and (so the town believed) his beautiful adopted daughter Nualia dead. That Nualia was here now seemed almost impossible... but it was hard to mistake her for anyone else, given her shimmering hair and angelic (if scarred) features.

Shalluk looked around. "Two sets of remains were found?" If a second set had been, it begged the question - who had died in Nualia's place?

"It's a sensitive topic, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who wanted to talk about it." Tanwen said agreeing with the guard before he explained.

But it seemed Shalluk still had questions, Tanwen however didn't want to hear anything further about the fire, her memories of it were bad enough without having to relive them. "I need to step out for a moment." She excuses herself while the others converse about the fire or whatever they needed to speak of. "Let me know when she regains consciousness." She adds before she steps outside to gather her thoughts.

Tyranius follows Tanwen out the door as he owed little to this investigation. Nualia was caught. His job was done.

Seeing Tanwen waiting outside he taps his bag. Should we see if we can get a few coins from her gear while Shalluk figures out what is going on?

That's certainly an option. XD

"If Nualia wakes, we need to be certain she doesn't escape. We should at least wait around until the sheriff shows up." Tanwen answers, she clearly wasn't that eager to get away.

Yea, I guess so. She shouldn't put up much of a fight since we stripped her of everything.

Speak of the law, and he shall appear...? That probably wasn't the right phrase, but then, it had been a little time since the call had gone out. Sheriff Belor Hemlock stumped into the area, taking a few long moments to look into the cell. "...Oh, I am going to love hearing about this." he muttered. He looked up at you a moment later, then tilted his head towards the door. "Come on. I'm sure Mayor Deverin will want to hear this, too, so you might as well tell both of us at once and save some time." With that, he stepped back out of the jail, clearly heading for the mayor's offices.

Nodding, Shalluk followed behind. He gave the pathetic creature one last glance before he went, however. He hoped that he would have a moment to talk to the woman before she left. She was...his opposite. Born of blessed blood and heading into darkness. He almost admired how she had defied that natural impulses her heritage likely gave her.

Tyranius follows the Sheriff as he shrugs his shoulders. Either way he had little to do besides study more of Nethys texts.

Sheriff Hemlock walked straight into the mayor's office, getting the guard on duty there to move aside with nothing more than a look. The mayor was talking with someone, but stopped as you approached, then closed her mouth and eyed you for a moment before looking at her guest.

"I'm sorry, it looks like something's come up." she said.

"I understand." her guest said, raising a hand and shaking his head. "Just send me a note or something with an appointment and we can finish this then." he got up and strode out of the office, pausing for just a few moments to look at Tanwen.

Finally, when he was gone, the mayor spoke again. "All right, why don't you tell me what this is all about?"

"The short version would be that we captured the woman who is the leader of the Goblins, or at least the one using them. She ia apparently a woman you know, named Nualia." After a moment, Shalluk explained in more detail - assailing Thistletop itself, the defeat of the bulk of the forces actually there, finding Nualia in the lower chambers and the battle with her.

Tanwen adds, "While we never actually saw her in the same room as the goblins, it's clear she wasn't a prisoner. Additionally it seems she was worshipping the Mother of monsters." Although she had been quiet before, Tanwen had little issue speaking now that questions were not being asked about the fire that had taken the previous cathedral.

Tyranius glares at the council. What could have caused her to want to ally with goblins and want to destroy the town she grew up in?

"I don't know." the Mayor said, grimacing. "Maybe we can convince her to talk." She listened carefully as Shalluk explained your group's assault on Thistletop, including the change in companions. "All right... so you explored much of the place, but not all of it, and there's no way of knowing what forces are still alive there." she said. "Is that correct?"

"Correct," Shalluk agreed. "I don't believe much is left there, but we are...unable to continue until the morrow. Once we are restored, we can finish the exploration, and be certain no more threats lurk within the halls."

"We felt it was important to get Nualia here under watch rather then risking her waking up and trying to murder us again." Tanwen explained, knowing that things would go over better if the people of sandpoint had someone to blame for the attacks.

Or at least the goblins should scatter at this point as the woman holding them together isn't issuing orders any longer

"I wouldn't bet on it." the Mayor said with a grimace. "Goblins are nothing if not opportunistic - I'm sure one of them will take charge soon enough, but they shouldn't have any long-term plans left after what you did. Belor, make sure the guards are on their toes tonight, just in case. You three, make sure the goblins have no more nasty surprised waiting for us. All right?"

Nodding his agreement, Shalluk withdrew to the Inn to rest. It had been a long time since he had been so completely drained of magical ability and he felt vulnerable and scared that he could not heal in an emergency. He would have to purchase additional supplies for such events.

No problem. Tyranius says We'll get some rest first and head back to make sure the goblins don't have any other surprises.

"We'll return first thing in the morning, and please, if anything happens with her," Tanwen makes certain that everyone knows who she means, "Do not hesitate to ask for our assistance."

Fortunately for all concerned, the night passed without incident, and the guards reported no sign of goblin activity while you rested.

You can prepare a bit - go shopping, etc. - before you head back out again... or we can just move back to Thistletop. ^^ Either works.

We really need to go and make sure we have all the loot up to date, so we know what plunder we have to sell/trade.

Tired and drained, Shalluk slept well. He dreamed strange dreams. Violence and terror, old dreams, but mixed with calm and peace and kindness. He awoke pleasantly refreshed and restored. He went to the common room and ate breakfast, although at some point he would have to start paying for such things - he couldn't drain Ameiko's resources indefinitely.

After restocking his supply of crossbow bolts, Shalluk met with the others, ready to leave.

Anyone have a Loot List spreadsheet going? If not I picked up a
Mwk Dogslicer (1)
+1 Banded Mail (1)
+1 Breastplate (1)
+1 Bastard Sword (1)
Mwk Composite Longbow

That can all be sold.

I don't believe we have a loot sheet going at this point.

That night, Tanwen dreamed of the fire that had engulfed the cathedral. The fire that she tried hard to not think about, that she tried hard to black out and not recall...

She woke up the next morning in a cold sweat, relived to finally know she hadn't been responsible for the fire, but unnerved nonetheless. Tanwen didn't speak a word as she ate breakfast when she got to the bottom of the stairs, there was little to be said, but she was soon ready to dispatch the remaining goblins.

The town's purchase limit is 7500 GP, by the way, which is more than enough to cover the cost of those enhanced items at normal selling prices. The Base Value for buying stuff is 1,300 GP.

dottin' for fun

Considering the situation, Shalluk made a last minute decision to pick up a few more items - mostly more rope, along replacing the crossbow bolts he'd used and a few other items that might be of use. He also needed to see if the bolts he'd ordered were ready for collection.

When dawn finally arose, there were two instead of three - after a plea from those who worked with, Tanwen had ultimately relented and chosen to stay back with them, rather than risking her life once again. On the bright side, Shalluk and Tyranius found a new friend by the name of Zelani Tanith - an Aasimar who seemed to have quite a connection to nature.

(...Admittedly, that was just a little bit awkward, given who was in jail at the moment.)

She'd been living quietly outside of town for a few years, but the animals had been disturbed lately, and so she'd come to offer her help in resolving the situation. After all, pyrotechnics-obsessed goblins weren't exactly the kind of thing most druids liked...

Zelani, Shalluk and Tyranius currently have a shopping opportunity in town, and you may join them if you'd like to try and nab anything before you set out. ^^

Stepping out in the dawn light, Zelani's smile and personality shined almost effortlessly from the start as the aasimar perused the shops alongside the others, chatting and laughing with shopkeepers as the three went along.

After getting some food for herself, some of which she ate, some she stored in her backpack, and some which seemed to disappear in the folds of her brilliantly colourful clothes, Zelani turned to the other two and asked with a broad smile and a light voice, "Anything you gentleman suggest I pick up? A lady would prefer to be helpful; I would hate to be underprepared or a problem for either of you... " as she gestured to herself, sparkling pointed fingernails gleaming in the early light.

Saddened by the departure of Tanwen, Shalluk considered the new recruit that had been suggested join them. She was...bright, pretty and engaging, her Angelic heritage clear in each elegant movement and musical word. He had been told she had a deep connection to nature and the world around them, despite her Outsider heritage. Compared to the ugly, demonic and nomadic Shalluk...he knew it was like night and day, and withdrew into his hood almost before she had gotten her name out.

"I would, um, imagine that the usual equipment - ropes, food, torches if you require them, things like that - would be your best bets. Although, um, I have some rope, and food and, I, well, I cook..." Shaking his head, Shalluk sighed. "We don't believe, with the capture of the Aas- uh, Nualia, that there is much danger left, but...the Mayor wishes us to be sure. It will take an hour or so to reach the fortress - a bit longer if we wish to walk - so, with luck, we should be done before the evening meal."

The Tiefling considered whether attempting to destroy Thistletop entirely - or at least the upper, Goblin-riddled levels - would be a wise move. If nothing else it would discourage the little green menaces returning. "Also, flint and steel and kindling may be useful..."

This is all I have to currently sell. Don't know if anyone else has any more or not.

Mwk Dogslicer (1) Sell price 154 gp
+1 Banded Mail (1) Sell price 625 gp
+1 Breastplate (1) Sell price 600 gp
+1 Bastard Sword (1) Sell price 1,167.5 gp
Mwk Composite Longbow Sell price 200 gp
Total gold 2746.5 / 3= 915.5 gold each.

Don't know if we just wish to split 4 ways and create a party consumables pot for scrolls, potions, wands and whatnot. If so ten that will put 687 gold for each of us and the same for the party pot. Let me know your thoughts.

I suggest we at least pool in for a wand of CLW to take down the rest times.

Tyranius mills about the shops, looking at all of the trinkets and babbles. There was little here that he wanted besides a resupply on food and basic living necessities. Looking to his new companion he grimaces a bit, remembering how he was forced into his situation. At least he is not back in jail.

Anything you will need to live a couple days on the land should be fine. We routed out most of the goblins into the surrounding forest.

Zelani pondered for a few moments, considering both their words and their mannerisms, before replying with her bright brown eyes and wide smile first on Shalluk, her voice chipper with growing exciement "Well, I've never had much use for torches - I'm mainly suited and trained for working in the dark though I can carry a few spare if needed; kindling is a very good idea, I'd rather have that than have to use my flint and steel on my charcoal...it works in a pinch, but charcoal is better for other things I think..."

She then looked over to the grimacing Tyranius, Zelani smiling just as brightly, running a hand through her jewel-red hair "I think I have enough for that, I'm pretty used to living off the land...it will be good to help you two deal with the rest of it".

Zelani tightens the kapenia scarf around her waist, hiding her nervous hands under the fabric, before she turns to go find the kindling and torches, purchasing 2 bundles of the former and four of the latter from coins that seem on close observation to be coming from the bottom of a cup she pulls from her backpack...

As GM, I generally encourage splitting the loot into an extra portion for party supplies. o wo/

Zelani certainly seemed a bit... dexterous... for an Aasimar, didn't she? Still, a variety of talents was good for those who were out to face the world together.

Let me know when you're all settled, and off we'll go. ^^

With the equipment bought and a wand of Cure Light Wounds acquired, Shalluk was ready to leave.

Double checking her bag and pouches once more, Zelani felt as prepared as she could be to follow and help the other two...

Walking quietly behind the others Tyranius picks up very little.

Purchase Cold Iron Shortsword -20 gp

As he sheathes his new blade across his hip he lets Shalluk know he is ready for the journey back to the goblin stronghold.

Traveling overland again, it took the same amount of time as before to reach Thistletop - right up to and including the rather nasty maze outside. On the other hand, you had a druid with you, and the plants weren't too much of a problem. After the violence of the day before, the place seemed deserted... but there was no telling where the goblins might be hiding.

*Gestures at the map* Where would you like to go?

Following the same path they'd taken before, Shalluk headed to C9 and into the building proper, continuing until they reached the lower level Nualia had been fighting in unless they ran into a problem. Like Goblins, or the spellcaster that had invisibly fled.

As they moved through the now familiar sections, he murmured a constant stream of commentary on what had been there, why there was a charred corpse or a blood splatter here and there, filling in Zelani on the previous day's events.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22