GM Riatin's Rise of the Runelords

Game Master riatin

Sandpoint Map
Current Encounter Map
Thistletop level 1 Thistletop Closeup
Thistletop level 2


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Savah waves as you exit her shop and turns back to removing the rust from the helm on her workbench.

You all return to the Town Hall and wait a while for everyone to assemble.

Once again you find yourselves in the Mayor's conference room where the Mayor, Father Zantus, Professor Gandethus, and Ameiko Kaijutsu wait for you and your party to enter.

The Mayor immediately launches into the meeting, keeping things at a formal level. "I've called you all here to help advise myself and our 'agents' in the resolution of the current crises. As you are well aware, Sandpoint is under attack from elements beyond, and possibly, from within its borders. It appears that certain town dissidents along with local goblin tribes in conjunction with a cult of Lamashtu have allied in this cause." Ameiko gives a notable intake of breath at the mention of a Lamashtu cult.

The Mayor continues, "This morning, as some of you may know, we attempted to strike back. Going on information from Shelelu, our agents infiltrated the goblin den Thistletop and killed their cheiftain, Ripnugget, but were thwarted from going deeper by elements of some nefarious nature. And that is why we need your help."She gestures to Ithrinniel. "Please describe these beasts that you saw and anything else out of the ordinary that you observed, my dear." She moves back to her seat at the head of the table.


Female Elf Witch/3
stats:
HP 19/19 AC 12, Str 10, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 14, Cha 10, 86G 2S

Ithrinniel clears her throat and stands tall, "The foul beasts we encountered, they are demon sent, nocturnal and unholy. We have learned that Silver is needed to pierce their flesh, and the howl of these Yeth hounds...it is..debilitating."

Ithrinniel pauses for a moment, and nods her head toward Garrok and Zaf, "Though now that Garrok and Zaf have heard the howl and survived, we think they will be safe from its piercing agony."

Ithrinniel takes a deep breath and continues, "We are looking for any type of magic or knowledge that would weaken the forsaken creatures. I plan on visiting Vorvashali Voon, Hannah Velerin and Nisaka before we return, to see what else we can do to aid in the fight." Ithrinniel shivers, remembering the stench and awful sights they witnessed. "They are evil beasts, through and through. The disgusting remnants of their conquests spoke volumes. I'm grateful we were able to save the steed, at least."


Those assembled listen intently as Ithrinniel details the beasts that you encountered. Professor Gandethus takes a worn book from a large satchel and places it on the table. He flips through the pages until he comes to one with a snarling dog that hovers above the ground.

"The Yeth hound, yes, I have heard of these beasts. Foul hunters and tricksters they are with a cunning more sharp than that of most animals. They are not from our plane, they come here from places beyond and hunt to cause fear and malice which they feed from. They are often found in the pits of Lamashtu's worshipers and their gift are a sign of her favor. They range far and wide at night to hunt and are a blight upon the countryside anywhere they can be found."

"Yeth hounds have the power of flight, able to pursue their prey from above, swooping down to strike at their leisure. They also have canny vision at night able to see in total darkness. A Yeth hounds bay is known to strike fear into the hearts of the most staunch warriors but is known to only work once per day. Their bite is known to cast doubt into the minds of all good creatures if only for a few seconds."

Silver is the means to kill them, hunt them in the day as they hate the sun like no other. Make all efforts to rid the world of this foul contamination."

"That is the description presented by the Bestiary of Sarenrae, our best weapon against the forces of Lamashtu and her followers. I pray by the light of the dawnflower that it is enough." The older gentleman settles back into his seat with a look of worry.

Ameiko stands next and says "Although I have faced many foul beasts in my adventures, these Yeth hounds were not among them. My advice is to stand firm and see to their destruction. To aid you, I present this ring. It is the companion of the one which you already wear, that belonged to my brother, a gift from our parents at a happier time. Put it to good use." She places the ring on the table and sits back down.

The ring is another Ring of Protection +1

Ameiko's Ring


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 3
stats:
HP 39/39, AC 18, Init+6 Str17 Dex14 Con14 Int12 Wis11 Cha10 Bank 755gp3sp6cp, DailyRage 10/16 rds left

"Yes, that's the one... Well, we know what we have to do, no question. We must get some rest, for sure - but then... Then we need to go back in there and face them, even if that howl can terrorize us."

Garrokmal looks at the ring on his finger, then at the one on the table.

"A generous gift - thank you, Ameiko... I'm sure you would have liked to have given it to your friend Katarina. I think it would best protect my friend here, who has taken his share of wounds and dispatched more than a few monsters himself in the last couple of days."

He picks up the ring and hands it to Hieronymous. "Use it in good health, brother... Perhaps we will return them to their rightful family once we've rooted out the evil that has brought us together."


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Hieronymous looks uncharacteristically shy for a couple seconds, and then accepts the ring from Garrokmal, smiling warmly at Ameiko "I would be honored to wear this ring, thank you Ameiko, and than you Garrokmal for your confidence in me."

He then backs away from the table, leaning on his blood-stained spear.

Uncharacteristically is a loooong word.


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 3
stats:
HP 39/39, AC 18, Init+6 Str17 Dex14 Con14 Int12 Wis11 Cha10 Bank 755gp3sp6cp, DailyRage 10/16 rds left

I'm assuming it's evening now? We left in the morning, cleared out the upper level and came back?

"Well, so we must do what we knew we must do: go back and destroy those hounds. There may still be more evil yet to find in the tunnels beneath the fort, as well. We need rest and then to get back up there at first light. Unless there's anything else, I'll meet you all at the north gate in the morning."

After leaving the meeting, Garrokmal visits with his friends (okay, more like "drinking-companions-by-proximity") at Cracktooth's, gives thanks to Cayden for surviving another day, and then returns to his hovel to sleep.

Absent any further actions, of course.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

"Yes, we should get there as early as possible to take advantage of any possible immunity we might have to the yeth hounds."

He sees Garrokmal wander off a different direction than the Rusty Dragon, and figures it's probably for the best, My outburst earlier must have alienated me from my companions a bit, perhaps I spent too much time wandering the wilderness alone after my village was ransacked. Hopefully I haven't done too much damage.

He heads for the Rusty Dragon and gets some food and a drink. If Zaf and/or Ithrinniel show up he waves them over his table cheerfully.


Yes, it was late afternoon/early evening, but you can pass the time drinking and carousing with little interruption.

With the end of the meeting the Mayor dismisses everyone and you each go your separate ways to find the evening's entertainment.


Male Gnome Bard 3
stats:
HP 11/11, AC 13 Base +2 Rosew Ar +1 Buck, Init +2, Str 10, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16, Bank 27G 8S 5C

Before retiring to his vice of choice, which tonight would likely be simply sleeping a lot, Zafzalurg turns to the mayor and ponders...

"You know, if the Yeth Hounds hate the sun so much, is there any way to take some with us? A jar, a spell, a special geegaw that shines as though the sun were its heart? Give them a good summer's day flash before waylaying them."

The gnome then calls to the retreating figures of his party and shouts, "Comrades, do we have anything like that?"


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Hieronymous turns to Zaf with his hands open. palms up, as if to prove he has nothing in them, "Not I, Zaf, my domain is the earth, not the sun..."

He smiles and waits to see if Zaf gets any other response before he heads to the Rusty Dragon.


Gandethus hears Zaf's question as they leave and thinks on it a few seconds. "From what I remember, there are a few spells and items that have that effect, but their magic is beyond the ability of anyone in Sandpoint. And I haven't heard of any item that powerful in this area for a long, long time."

He strokes his beard and thinks a bit more."I think there are some things the apothecary may have to help you though. I remember a tale of a reptile that roared causing considerable damage. The hunters used to put bits of waxed cotton in their ears to keep from going deaf. Maybe that could help you?"

Earplugs: Made of waxed cotton or cork, earplugs give you a +2 circumstance bonus on saves against effects that require hearing but also cause a –5 penalty on hearing-based Perception checks. 3cp at the apothecary.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Hieronymous days "Waxed Cotton, that sounds like it might help. I'll go pick us up some."

After asking for directions to the apothecary, he goes there and picks up 5 pairs of waxed cotton ear plugs (one extra just in case) before going to the Rusty Dragon for some food and rest.


Male Gnome Bard 3
stats:
HP 11/11, AC 13 Base +2 Rosew Ar +1 Buck, Init +2, Str 10, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16, Bank 27G 8S 5C

"Thanks for the tip, Gandethus! Wanna come with us? We could always use a wise fellow to advise and, you know, watch our stuff as we engage the beasts. Also, if you have any talent for healing, we wouldn't turn it down."

Zafzalurg smiles broadly at the professor.

"Well, think about it. Party leaves at dawn or after a hearty breakfast."

He waits another moment, gazing at the man obsequiously, then turns on his heel and jogs out of the room.

Just in case you want me to do a check to see how convincing the gnome was...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 3
stats:
HP 39/39, AC 18, Init+6 Str17 Dex14 Con14 Int12 Wis11 Cha10 Bank 755gp3sp6cp, DailyRage 10/16 rds left

Garrokmal downs another cup of ale... and another.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Hieronymous sits at the Rusty Dragon by himself, has some food and a drink, and then retires early so he will be ready for whatever craziness tomorrow holds.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

When Hieronymous sleeps, he dreams he is back in the chamber of the Yeth Hounds, only they are impossibly huge, too large to fit in the chamber. He tries to hit them with is mace, which is also impossibly large, and it merely sails through them, causing him to fall to the ground with each swing.

Eventually he wakes from this nightmare and then falls into a deeper, untroubled sleep.


Male Gnome Bard 3
stats:
HP 11/11, AC 13 Base +2 Rosew Ar +1 Buck, Init +2, Str 10, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16, Bank 27G 8S 5C

Awake early by the promise of the day's grim possibilities (mostly facing down the frothing muzzles of a pair of demon dogs), Zafzalurg finds himself alone in the Dragon's main room, sipping absently at a Dwarvish coffee.

Truthfully, thoughts of what lies beyond the Yeth Hounds trouble him more than the beasts themselves. The bard shivers under the weight of an unnamed dread, then after a moment straightens his shoulders and prepares his ready smile for the arrival of his companions.

I wonder if Gandethus will take me up on my offer...


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Hieronymous joins Zaf, "Greetings Zaf, another interesting day ahead no doubt, hopefully we're a bit better equipped for the likes of those Yeth Hounds."

He sits down with a smile and orders some food, knowing he'll need some fuel for the day's adventure.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

On finishing his meal, Hieronymous takes a look around and then says, "Perhaps Ithrinniel is already waiting for us. I guess we better see if we can find her and that crazy half orc."

He stands up in his heavy, weighted manner, gathers his belongings and heads out the door.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Hieronymous walks toward city hall, paying attention to the smells and sounds of the town, thinking he might not hear them again after whatever might be in store for him this day.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

As he walks, he looks turns and looks to see if Zaf is following.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Hieronymous gets to city hall and waits for his companions, hoping they will join him soon so they can get back to the Yeth hounds before their howl regains it's effectiveness. He starts to meditate and pray to his various gods, trying to find the strength to do what he knows needs to be done.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

After a while he slips out of his meditation and looks around, no Garrockmal, no Zaf, no Ithrinnuel. Perhaps it hasn't been as long as it seems, he tells himeself, and starts to meditate again.


Male Human Oracle/3
Quick Stats:
HP=4/28, AC=17(18), Init+4, Per+7, Fort+2, Ref+1, Will+2, Wand of CLW 42

Too much time has passed...

He stands up, realizing that they all should have been here by now, it occurs to him that something has happened to his companions. The first thing that comes to mind is that the Yeth hounds somehow tracked them down last night and killed them, but that doesn't explain how he saw Zaf this morning, unless they somehow got him after Hieronymous left the Inn.

It also occurs to him that some other as yet unknown enemy did something to his friends.

Whatever the case, he warns the mayor, vowing to protect the town at all costs, "As long as I draw breath, Sandpoint will not fall!"

He plants himself outside city hall, his mace at the ready, hoping that Shalelu and Ameiko will come to fight by his side should the need arise. If not...

One stout human will have to be enough.


Male Gnome Bard 3
stats:
HP 11/11, AC 13 Base +2 Rosew Ar +1 Buck, Init +2, Str 10, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16, Bank 27G 8S 5C

After drinking what seems like a months-worth of coffee, Zafzalurg looks around the Rusty Dragon for his friends. Well, not so much looks as bounces off every surface rapid-firing their names at the increasingly aggravated crowd.

"Garrokmal?"

"Hieronymous?"

"Ithrinniel?"

"Garrokmal? Hieronymous? Ithrinniel?"

"GarrokmalHieronymousIthrinniel"

"GarroHieronyIthrinniel?"

Eventually, the Dwarvish-coffee-fueled dervish terrorizing the inn slows enough for a moment of self-reflection.

I don't think my friends are coming... Maybe my constant tomfoolery drove them away... Maybe they didn't like my singing... The gnome shook his head at the last thought. How could they not like his singing? The gnome leaned against a rough support beam and considered what he might have done differently. Then a shiny bauble caught his eye and he drifted toward it.

Pain clutched at his chest. The caffeine was making one last strike at his heart, but it too subsided.

The shiny turned out to be a tarnished shoe buckle. While polishing it on the sleeve of his doublet, the bard overheard nearby group that talked of a tall ship short on crew. He was the shortest crew!

Zafzalurg hopped up on the table where the sailors spoke of the boat, and shouted "GARROKMAL!". When he was met with stunned silence and not the return bellow he'd hoped for, the gnome looked down at the men around him and held out his hand, "That's gnomish for Goodbye and Hello. It means the end of one adventure and the beginning of another.I believe you're looking for experienced sailors..."

And so ends the short career of Zafzalurg the Hero. Thanks all. See you 'round the realm.

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