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

Game Master Rednal

A couple of quiet chuckles ran through the crowd as Shalluk and Mira headed in to get cleaned - and Bethana (an old halfling lady, just as promised) seemed most grateful for the help in filling the tubs. They take some time to heat up properly, and while that was happening, Tanwen was able to talk more with the locals.

Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 2

"You'll have to talk to Shalelu." one of the patrons explained, nodding as Tanwen asked her questions. "She's not in town too often, but she's usually busy trimming down their populations, and I won't be surprised if she shows up someday soon. She knows more about the goblins around here than anyone besides the gods." Outside of that, though, this crowd doesn't seem to know much about unusual goblin movements - and if they don't know, it's fairly safe to say that nobody else in town would know much, either.

On the other hand, the question did prompt a (surprisingly) serious debate, with numerous members of the crowd chiming in about goblin antics, rumors, rumors of rumors, old stories, and several competing theories on exactly how afraid of horses goblins actually are.

The sun was just starting to set as another man walked into the Rusty Dragon... and from the reactions of the other patrons, he was welcome, but clearly not one of the group. "I'm looking for the ones who fought off the goblins at the festival grounds." he said calmly - and most of the group turned to look at Tanwen, as she was the only member of that group currently in the room. "Ma'am." the man said, nodding his head politely. "I'm Sheriff Hemlock. Are those who fought with you in the building at the moment?"

"You don't need to introduce yourself to me Sheriff, you are exactly as Kaye described. And my my, I can see why she talks about you so much. I'm Tanwen Anwyl, and I work at The Pixie's Kitten, but I'm sure you already knew that." Tanwen was not one for subtlety to be certain, she, like many of the people of Sandpoint, knew about the Sheriff's relationship with Kaye Tesarani, the owner of The Pixie's Kitten, but few would be so forward with the information. "I'm sure they are around here somewhere, they went off to take a bath, they wanted to clean up their wounds, but I, never. bathe. alone." She said giving the Sheriff a little wink.

"But you must be here on business, right Sheriff, we know your only pleasure visits are reserved for only Kaye herself."

Mira wandered back in refreshed from her bath. She'd cleaned up but her clothes still bore the scars of the battle. Stretching as she entered the room, she stifled a yawn. Scanning the room for Tanwen, she saw her speaking to a man in an orange cloak and mail armor. She paused for a second, thinking where she'd seen him before.

"Oh, you're Sheriff Hemlock, I remember you!" she exclaimed as she walked up alongside Tanwen. "Do you know Tanwen?"

Feeling stiff even after the bath, Shalluk was at least clean. Using Mending to repair the worst of his clothes, and heavy scrubbing to remove the worst of the bloodstains, he almost felt back to normal bar the warm glow of satisfaction he felt. It had been a long time since he had felt warm, happy and like he was doing something useful.

As he exited, pulling the cloak tighter, he heard Tanwen and Mira call the man they were talking 'Sheriff'. Shalluk paused, glancing at the man for any signs of hostility or anger. He'd had more than one authority figure at the head of the mob chasing hi from town, and still wasn't convinced that wasn't going to happen here.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"Hello, Mira. I am here on business, ma'am, but please don't worry - none of you are in trouble." he said. A smile tugged at the side of his mouth a moment later. "Unless there's something you'd like to confess to me? No? Well, then. Actually, I was hoping the three of you could assist me on a small matter. Most of my men are on patrol right now to ensure the goblins aren't coming back, but Father Zantus just came to me reporting that one of the tombs in the Boneyard by the cathedral has been opened. It was closed this morning, and I'd like the three of you to aid me in investigating the site, just in case there are any goblins that managed to trap themselves inside."

His words are calm, even, and collected - and he seems more curious than anything else, as if he's trying to take your measure and see exactly how talented you really are.

"One of the tombs in the boneyard has been opened?" Tanwen repeats back in disbelief. "Do you know which one it was?" She adds after a moment to regather herself.

Tanwen wasn't exactly thrilled to be going into a tomb, that was for certain, but if the goblins were responsible for this then there was a good reason and that reason likely had something to do with whomever's tomb it was.

Mira shook her head vigorously when the Sheriff asked if she'd been up to no good. When he moved on to the situation at the Boneyard she perked up, interested at a chance to see what was in the tombs. "Oh, the tombs?" she said curiously. "I've not been in the Boneyard before, or the tombs, what are they like? We can go see what's wrong!" she added excitedly, volunteering the others without thinking. After a moments thought she looked at Tanwen and added "I mean if you and Shalluk want to that is..." realizing that they might want a say in the matter.

"I will help," the tiefling agreed simply, ignoring his wounded bodies groans of horror at the idea of another potential fight. "My eyes are keen when looking for spirits and suchlike. Usually a benefit when in a tomb..."

Shalluk simply hoped they wouldn't encounter any major trouble. He was too banged up to want to get into a prolonged fight, that was for sure.

The Sheriff nodded as he moved towards the door, courteously holding it open for all three of you. "I'd also like to thank all of you for helping thwart the attack." he explained. "We're still trying to figure out how so many of them got into town without anyone noticing, but for now, I'm just grateful that so few people were harmed. If you don't mind me asking, what are your plans for the immediate future?"

Shalluk went very still, his mind racing. The Tiefling retreated into the hood of his cloak, his usual reaction to danger. Does he want to know if I plan to stay because he wants my aid? Does he want to know so he can move me on or worse? Or does he want something I cannot see? Shalluk wished he faced these questions outdoors, in the sun, where he felt strongest. But without that option...

"I have no plans," Shalluk replied honestly. He hadn't had any plan since coming to town, simply allowing events to push and pull him as he was needed. Nor had he any plans or goals before seeking aid in Sandpoint. He was a completely free agent, and free to stay or go as he felt the situation required.

"Plans?" She stopped to ponder the sheriff's question. Mira thought back to why she'd come to Sandpoint in the first place. She'd had visions of giants like the ones who had raided her Quah, and they led her from Ashwood to Sandpoint. She'd become so comfortable in living around town that she'd almost forgotten that. There hadn't been any dreams at all since she'd arrived, nothing to lead her anywhere, so she'd just settled in, especially after Shalelu tracked her down.

"I had a dream of giants once, it's why Andoril and I came here..." she offered, still half in her memories. Mira wondered if maybe the goblins were in some way related, but she couldn't really figure out why that would be. After all, she'd seen nothing in her dreams about goblins. An unusually serious look came over her as she pondered the situation. "I don't think we can leave until I know more about it."

"Plans huh? How immediate are we talking, like tomorrow, next week? I am certain that Kaye expects me to come in for work sometime in the next week to be certain, but if it was a favor for you, I am sure she wouldn't have an issue with my absence." Tanwen didn't seem overly concerned with missing work, honestly the events going on weren't exactly good for business and her employer would want them dealt with just as quickly as everyone else.

"In any case, I do not have any immediate plans at this point in time, but of course that is all subject to change." She concludes with a smile.

The Sheriff nodded in response to the questions, calmly strolling up the path towards the Cathedral (and the Boneyard next to it). "I see. Let's just keep the focus on the... near future." he elaborated. As you approach the Cathedral, you can see Father Zantus standing outside of it, looking rather fretful. "Good evening, Father. I'd like for you to stay inside until we're finished. I believe the four of us will be able to handle any goblins that may be in the tombs, but I don't want any of them hurting you if they run by."

The priest blinked slightly. "Ah... um... yes. Er. Very well." he said, clearly not entirely pleased with these developments... but ultimately willing to accept them. Sheriff Hemlock beckoned a moment later, leading you into the boneyard - and to a place where not only was the ground clearly disturbed by something, but a large stone door hung off of its hinges.

You can make Perception and Survival checks to uncover information, or simply head right for the tomb.

"I can find out where they went, let me see!" Mira says, immediately jumping in front of the group. After getting a bit of distance between the others and herself, she immediately sets about looking at the ground. After a few moments she stops and says a brief prayer, calling upon the great stag to aid her in trailing the goblins. She then crouches down and begins sniffing at and inspecting various areas on the ground, studying them intently.

Casting Deadeye's Lore, +4 to survival checks, and can do so without slowing down.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 4 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 (+8 more for detecting scent, may track by scent, vs DC 10 + 2/hour trail is cold)

Shalluk bowed slightly in respect to the priest, murmuring, "Forgive the intrusion, Father. Your blessings on our endeavours." Shalluk always envied the favoured of the Gods. Although his magic seemed to be divine, the Tiefling had no idea where exactly he drew his power from. He only knew he felt it more when he was in the sun, which suggested Sarenrae...but the Demon Lord Aldinach was also said to have something to do with the sun, as did Nurgal.

Turning to the tracks, Shalluk focused. He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them...and opened them again. It was how he imagined activating his Spirit Sense and Soul Seer powers, useful in any attempt to locate anything near by that was either dead, undead or other. Between the two he could usually tell if something was there, even if he couldn't see it.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

There are times when tracks are difficult to follow and interpret, but this clearly isn't one of them - not with how well you're examining the ground. The thorough investigation - locating and then interpreting the tracks - makes it clear that six goblins and one medium-sized humanoid moved throughout this area, climbing over the wall to enter the boneyard before approaching the vault.

"There was something here," Shalluk muttered as he examined the tracks. "Something that wasn't a Goblin, or was huge for such a creature. Do they tend to have bipedal humanoid allies of other races in there ranks?"

Shalluk unhooked his crossbow and cranked it. He couldn't see any obvious evidence that the creatures were still in the area, but he wasn't interested in taking any more holes to his person than he needed to. He was especially unimpressed with the idea of getting stuck in a narrow corridor fighting as many as six Goblins and whatever there humanoid ally was. Shalluk could far too easily imagine the smaller Goblins managing to swarm larger creatures in cramped conditions.

"Well, the goblins are likely too stupid to pull off a stunt like this by themselves." Tanwen comments upon learning that the goblins were not alone down here as she pulls out her sword and holds it at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Mira examined the tracks and came to the same conclusion as Shalluk. "Mmm hmm, something bigger came with them." She thought back trying to see if she recognized the prints and smell as belonging to something she'd seen before.

Is it a monstrous humanoid? Knowledge(Nature); Identify Monstrous Humanoid: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

In the middle of pondering the question, another idea interrupted her train of thought. "How big are the tombs? Should I call Andoril? He can help us if we need it." she asked of the Sheriff and Father. "He's very good in a fight and brave also," she exclaimed proudly, "and he's still young so he might be ok fitting down there."

You're unable to find any sign of a monstrous humanoid - which doesn't mean there wasn't one, of course, but it seems far more likely that it was a normal humanoid of some kind.

The sheriff looked at the tomb, which was about twenty feet on each side. "Might be a bit cramped with him and us in there. If he spooks, I think it'd be best for him to be outside." the sheriff said after a few moments. Indeed, these weren't massive catacombs, merely individual locations. The sheriff moved over to the door a moment later, then looked back. "Be much appreciated if one of you could help me open this." he noted after a few moments.

"Oh, ok!" she responded to Hemlock's description of the tombs. "I can help open it!" she said immediately afterwards, stepping up to try her luck at the door.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Though small compared to the others, she grabbed hold of the door's handle and applied her strength in an attempt to get it to open up.

With a groan, the door of the tomb slowly swings open - and as soon as it does, two skeletons dart out of the tomb, their bones clacking and clattering as they lurch towards the closest mortal morsel! Who, incidentally, was the only one reacting quickly to their presence despite her efforts in opening the door... perhaps this was the resilience of youth?

Initiative (Enemy): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Initiative (Mira): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Initiative (Shalluk): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Initiative (Tanwen): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Mira jumps back when the two skeletons come rushing at her out of the tomb. She'd some idea that such things were possible, having heard tales of the undead from her mother, but she'd never seen skeletons before personally. "Skeletons!" she called out in surprise as she instinctively reached for the short walking stick she kept with her bow in case she wasn't able to use it.

As the first skeleton closed with her she swung with the stick hoping to knock it apart before it had a chance to do anything.

Attack (Quarterstaff): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

She followed up quickly with a jab from her antlers, not really thinking about the effectiveness of such a move against her rattling foe.

Attack(Gore, Secondary): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 171d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The first skeleton - caught flat-footed - shattered and blew apart under the force of the blow from the quarterstaff, which had just managed to hit well enough and hard enough to break it apart. The second skeleton, however, didn't seem harmed at all... and swiped out with two claws as it closed in on the elk-like girl.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Attack Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 for Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The first blow went through the gaps in her antlers, but the second strike came down hard, digging into Mira's shoulder.

Shalluk cursed. His bolts were designed to wound flesh and blood creatures, and would have a very limited impact on the skeletons. Still, maybe the shot would get lucky or at the very least distract the undead creature. If such a thing could be distracted.

Shalluk raised his crossbow, checked to make sure it was cocked with a glance, and aimed down the stock. Glancing at the pointed tip, he vowed to go and get some more situational bolts for things like this, to make sure that he would be more prepared for such monsters.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 6

"Well, these aren't goblins for sure!" Tanwen states the obvious as she lunges forward and attacks one of the skeletons, doing her best to keep her sword steady, her flames engulfing the blade as it gets closer to the skeleton.

Falcata: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d6 ⇒ 2 Seperated the d6 incase these are immune to fire.

Mira tried her best to move out of the way of the second skeleton's attacks, but its claws caught her and cut deeply into her arm. The combination of the wound and the strain caused by attempting to leap out of the way reopened her earlier arrow wound, and she crumpled to the ground in response to the pain. For the second time today she felt the blood rushing from her head as she lay on the ground, blackness beginning to engulf her vision. This time, however, the knowledge that Tanwen and Shalluk were there comforted her, mitigating the sense of fear and loneliness she'd felt earlier when she'd been injured.

Stabilize: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 2 = 19

The remaining meat on the second skeleton caught fire under the force of Tanwen's blow - and together with the power of the physical strike, the assault sufficed to bring the beast down and clear out the area. The Sheriff immediately rushed over to Mira and bent down, placing his fingers on her neck for a moment before thoroughly examining her. "Either of you have healing magic? If not, fetch Father Zantus right away."

"My magic has been depleted." Shalluk glanced over at Mira. Apparently the Gods were not feeling especially kind to the young woman. Shalluk turned and fled, hunting for the priest and cursing that he hadn't kept a spell in reserve for just such an occasion. If he was just a touch more powerful, or had been wiser with his spells...

As he got back to the area they had seen the priest, the lanky Tiefling looked around trying to spot the priest. Throwing back his hood, Shalluk bellowed, "FATHER! WE NEED YOUR AID!" One way or another, he would get Mira healed.

"I am afraid that I have no magic to speak of, healing or otherwise." Tanwen comments as Shalluk rushes off to fetch Father Zantus. "She seems to be a bit of a fragile one, this is the second time I have seen her fall, the first time Shalluk brought her back up." Tanwen knew a trick or two on how to heal her own body, but she knew such methods would surely kill others.

It took a few moments - and the faint sound of several locks being undone - but the priest seemed to be hurrying as best he could and swooped down on the group, a holy symbol of Desna raised high.

Channel Energy (Heal): 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

As he arrived, a surge of healing energy rushed through the air, catching all three of you in its embrace and filling your bodies with revitalizing energy. "What... what happened?" he asked a moment later.

"Thank you, good Father." Shalluk moved his head around, feeling his muscles loosen in the aftermath of the positive energy. The worst of his wounds had sealed with it, and he felt somewhat re-energized. He sighed as the nagging pain and the naseua such wounds caused also faded. With a little luck the wounds would be most healed the next day.

The lanky Tiefling pointed to the tomb. "The Goblins, or a creature with them, raised two Skeletons into darkness." Shalluk paused, painfully aware that people had seen him raise spirits. He wasn't sure how to explain that they came willingly, to help him. "Mira was able to destroy one, but the second landed a lucky blow. On top of the wounds the Goblins inflicted, she could not stand. Tanwen smashed the creature in return, and at the Sheriff's command I called upon you."

Realizing his head was uncovered, Shalluk flipped the hood back over his head and horns. "Forgive the intrusion of my requests," the Tiefling demurred, "But I was panicked by the emergency. I regret my tone, but thank you for healing Mira."

Shalluk looked around, half expecting to see Andoril sensing his mistress' need and coming to her aid.

Mira felt warmth washing over her bringing her back from the darkness that had engulfed her. Gradually she opened her eyes and rolled onto her back, looking up at the others. "I think that skeleton got me good." she said with a weak smile. "It was much easier in the forest... hunting from a distance and with Andoril to shield me." She rolled over and slowly worked to right herself, using her staff to help her up.

Mira's wounds still hurt quite a bit, but she wasn't bleeding anymore as far as she could tell. "Did you heal me again Shalluk?" she asked before having it pointed out that the Father had healed her. "Oh, thank you!" she managed to get out with as much energy as she could muster. Looking down for a moment hesitated, but decided to see if he had more healing ability left. "Do... Do you think you could do that healing thing again Father Zantus?" she asked hopefully.

"Perhaps you should wear some armor, Mira." Tanwen notes, considering that it was the second time the small girl had been downed. "It would also probably prove worth while for us to acquire some sort of healing items, perhaps potions or wands." She adds, almost thinking aloud.

The father shook his head. "Not today, at least." he explained. "I was keeping a little bit in reserve for an emergency like this one, but the gods have only seen fit to grant me a limited amount of healing power." Such was often the case for clerics - perhaps serving as a good reminder that the rewards of the gods were great, but there were times when people needed to do things on their own...

Meanwhile, Sheriff Hemlock emerged from inside of the tomb, frowning slightly. "I found this inside, Father." he said, holding up what looked like a tattered robe. "And I'm afraid one of the tombs has been opened - Ezakien's remains are no longer within."

"Wear Armor?" she said, sounding slightly embarassed. She stopped to think about it for a minute. When she'd left her Quah she'd been given a suit of leather armor, but she'd found it cumbersome and uncomfortable, and disposed of it quickly. Andoril had always been there between her and anything they'd encountered, and she had always been able to run away if something was going poorly. This was completely different though, as she couldn't just run away and leave Tanwen and Shalluk alone. "Maybe you're right... Where did you two get your armor? I had some once, but... I ummm... sort of left it behind in the forest." she said sheepishly.

She nodded at Father Zantus' explanation and thanked him again for healing her.

When the Sheriff returned she asked "Who is Ezakien? Is it bad that his remains are gone?"

"Ezakien...Father Ezakien? But why would someone take his remains?" Tanwen had only met Father Ezakien briefly, though she couldn't begin to understand why the goblins would want his remains in particular. "And during the Swallowtail festival of all days." It didn't make sense, there had to be some important piece that was missing.

The Sheriff frowned. "We don't have enough information to say 'why'." he mused. "But... it's possible that today's attack was meant as a distraction to allow this to happen. I've never heard of goblins using undead, either." he considered for just a moment. "I'd like for all four of you to keep quiet about this. We don't know what's going on here and there's no point in making people upset if this turns out to be nothing of importance."

Shalluk nodded. He didn't like this, and certainly didn't want to panick half the town by revealing something was either in league with or in control of the Goblin population. Somehow Shalluk suspected that there was more to this puzzle, and until they found more pieces to the puzzle...

"I am sure you are already doing it," he mentioned quietly, "But you may wish to reinforce your usual guard. The Goblins give a good excuse, and you can prime trusted leaders to keep an eye out for...something else." Shalluk had seen enough town guards organized to keep him out - or from escaping - to understand how it seemed to work.

"Indeed. Actually, about that... would you three be willing to stay around town for a few days?" he inquired seriously. "Seeing you around should cheer people immensely - most of my men are a little too green for my tastes, and I want to bring some reinforcements from Magnimar. We have a longstanding agreement to call up seasoned guards as necessary, but I'll have to go in person to have it authorized." Bloody bureaucrats.

Shaloluk paused, considering. "As I said, I have no plans at the moment. If you wish my aid, I can stay." The tiefling tried not to sound to pleased about the idea, but it certainly appealed too him. An excuse to enjoy civilization's comforts a while longer. With the sheriff wanting him there it would be a brave mob to try and run him out of town.

Mira nods at the suggestion the stay. "I can stay!" she said, her energy apparently having returned despite her wounds. "Do you think they'll let Andoril stay in the stables? I think I want him close in case more goblins show up."

"If the main stables won't allow it, you're welcome to use the facilities at the garrison." the Sheriff said, nodding to Mira. "I can assure you that he'll be as safe there as my own steed... and if there's one place goblins will avoid, it's a stable full of horses." the little beasts were terrified of equine things, a detail which had come in handy on more than one occasion.

"Sheriff, surely you understand that keeping people cheerful is both part of my job and good for business." Tanwen says with a smile and a wink. "Rest assured that I have no intentions of leaving this area anytime soon."

Mira smiled at the sheriff's offer. "Thank you Sheriff! I'll bring Andoril over if the inn won't have him." Having Andoril closer would be good since she seemed to keep getting in trouble. Obviously she couldn't keep letting her new friends save her every time!

As her mind drifted off to other things she remembered the man who had greeted them after the fight with the goblins, and that he'd been at the inn when they were there. "Since we're going back to the inn, do you think we should talk to that man that wanted to reward us?" she asked of Tanwen and Shalluk.

Shalluk shrugged his slight shoulders. "I believe he said tomorrow would be better, given the chaos the Goblins caused. I'd also like too rest and regain my spells, as well as do a little shopping. I am poorly equipped for this type of adventuring." Actively fighting evil was a much different ball game to simply surviving, and Shalluk's gear was aimed at the latter. He needed more crossbow bolts, and of different types to cover situations where the normal ones wouldn't be effective.

Glancing up at the dimming sky, the Sheriff simply nodded. "Aye, rest is important." he said, tilting his head politely. "Weapon shop should be open bright and early tomorrow, if they're running that place the way they always have... people're going to be mighty interested in their own protection for a few days."

Unless there's something else you'd all like to do, I think we can go ahead and call it a night. ^^

The lanky Tiefling nodded and after saying his farewells, he headed back to the Red Dragon Inn and moved to his room. After bolting the door shut he stripped down to his small clothes and examined what was left of him after the tiring day.

The Cleric's potent magic had cured the worst of his injuries, but Shalluk was still a mass of dark bruises and shallow cuts. He sighed slightly, but he knew the worst of those would have faded to mere stiffness by the morning. He'd suffered worse beatings without the benefit of healings to have a good idea.

Cleaning and using Mending to return his clothes to a decent state, Shalluk wrote a short list of the equipment he expected he would need for the next day and then finally curled up in the blankets, listening to the subtle whispers of the dead until he drifted off to sleep.

Mira headed back with the others, calling for Andoril as they walked. When he arrived she guided him to the stable to inquire if he could stay there, and then once that had been settled wandered off to her room for the night.

The return to the Rusty Dragon was quick enough, and it wasn't long at all before all three of you were able to rest, driving the fatigue of the day away and recharging your powers. Morning eventually rose, heralded by the wonderful smell of soup from downstairs, and it didn't take long at all to eat... but more importantly, you did have the chance to plan out your day.