Into the Blue: Spellgard II

Game Master Rev Rosey

You spend the day after your rescue of Lady Saharel at the monastery, telling Allendi in some detail about your exploits. His gratitude is immense and expresses itself in practical terms in the provision of 6 potions of healing for your journey.

Having spoken with Perigia, he knows well that your road is likely to take you down dangerous paths and late that evening, joins you at the refectory table with the student mages Palagro and Tervinwerd to offer what help they can.

"If it's Spellplague you're looking for, then I think young Palagro here is right in his advice to you, Perigia. Look for the Order of the Blue Flame. They do good work with the afflicted ..." he glances at Brujo "... no offence intended Brujo, but it's a hard burden to carry."

Palagro nods. "You'll find them in most places. Cities are the most likely, but they're everywhere. And if anyone can tell you where to find a patch of Spellplague, it's them."

Tervinwerd scribbles frantically on a piece of paper, noting equations and arcane formulae. "Not sure about the good works myself," he comments absently. "My old man never had a good word to say about that Order."

"Terv, your old man never had a good word to say about anyone."

"Very true. Doesn't make him a fool though. Just because he was paranoid doesn't mean he was wrong."

"Ahem."

Allendi pulls the discussion away from an argument about the Order of the Blue Flame's motives and returns to practical matters.

"As it happens, Sister Cherra will be leaving the monastery on a matter of business tomorrow morning. If you care to accompany her, I'd be grateful and so would she. She's joining a pilgrim band taking some relics for reburial. She's a good girl and she's been a boon to us here, but she needs to spread her wings a bit. Keep an eye on her until she's safely with the main party would you?

They're heading east, in your direction, and this is not good country to travel alone. She's due to meet the rest of her group just on the edge of the Wodewood. Rough country."

Brujo nods and goes back to nursing his drink. Out of the chaos over the last few days the only real thing that's brightened his day are the monastery's 'spirits'.

"Got to hand to them. They make one good brew" he thinks to himself. Hoping to drown out the whispers in hi mind.

You spend the day after your rescue of Lady Saharel at the monastery, telling Allendi in some detail about your exploits. His gratitude is immense and expresses itself in practical terms in the provision of 6 potions of healing for your journey.

Having spoken with Perigia, he knows well that your road is likely to take you down dangerous paths and late that evening, joins you at the refectory table with the student mages Palagro and Tervinwerd to offer what help they can.

"If it's Spellplague you're looking for, then I think young Palagro here is right in his advice to you, Perigia. Look for the Order of the Blue Flame. They do good work with the afflicted ..." he glances at Brujo "... no offence intended Brujo, but it's a hard burden to carry."

"So what can you tell us about this "order"?" Leo asks curiously.

[quote=]Palagro nods. "You'll find them in most places. Cities are the most likely, but they're everywhere. And if anyone can tell you where to find a patch of Spellplague, it's them."
Tervinwerd scribbles frantically on a piece of paper, noting equations and arcane formulae. "Not sure about the good works myself," he comments absently. "My old man never had a good word to say about that Order."
"Terv, your old man never had a good word to say about anyone."
"Very true. Doesn't make him a fool though. Just because he was paranoid doesn't mean he was wrong."
"Ahem."
Allendi pulls the discussion away from an argument about the Order of the Blue Flame's motives and returns to practical matters.
"As it happens, Sister Cherra will be leaving the monastery on a matter of business tomorrow morning. If you care to accompany her, I'd be grateful and so would she. She's joining a pilgrim band taking some relics for reburial. She's a good girl and she's been a boon to us here, but she needs to spread her wings a bit. Keep an eye on her until she's safely with the main party would you?

"Anyone have any objections to this?" Leo asks the others.

"I don't mind any chances you could elaborate on these relics and why they need to be reburied? I assume there's a tale there that might be of interest?" Leo asks.

Mirth has spent the day solitary, silent and visibly restless. She now sits, eyes heavy-lidded and nearly closed but tail a-twitch, listening to Allendi and Leo banter back and forth about reburying sister Cherra in the Wodewood.

Her eyes snap open suddenly, a dangerous light rising in them."This spellplague," she murmurs, as her gaze follows the old monk Allendi. "Can it be... harnessed?"

Having asked, she seems to withdraw into herself, looking now at Brujo, but plainly seeing something other than the swordmage.

Arcana, to gain insight into her own question: 1d20+11=31 Woohoo!

Mirth has spent the day solitary, silent and visibly restless. She now sits, eyes heavy-lidded and nearly closed but tail a-twitch, listening to Allendi and Leo banter back and forth about reburying sister Cherra in the Wodewood.

Her eyes snap open suddenly, a dangerous light rising in them."This spellplague," she murmurs, as her gaze follows the old monk Allendi. "Can it be... harnessed?"

Leo glances over at Mirth before looking at Brujo

[quote=Having asked, she seems to withdraw into herself, looking now at Brujo, but plainly seeing something other than the swordmage.
Arcana, to gain insight into her own question: 1d20+11=31 Woohoo!

Leo glances back at Allendi.

Allendi grunts slightly in acknowledgment of Leo's half-muttered comment.

"Yes. Well now." He scratches his head. "The Order of Blue Fire exists - regardless of what Tervinwerd's old man may say - to support spellplagued victims. That is a partial answer to Mirth's question as well," he adds, looking across at the languid teifling.

"Yes, it can be harnessed, but the effects are highly unpredictable and the results, so I believe, are not always stable or assured." Allendi can't restrain himself from casting a quick glance and the moody moonelf.

"For the most part, the afflicted just try to ignore the effects and the Order has done wonders in making sure these poor souls are not left destitute or turned out of their communities. They also work towards a cure. A ritual that can remove a spellscar entirely. Now, whether such a ritual could affect more than a spellscar, I have no idea."

He tops up Brujo's glass with more of Turnagall's treasured whiskey.

"As for Sister Cherra and her own small quest, it's a simple story. Before the Plague, the Wodewood was the site of an ancient battle. Two great war chieftains sought to avoid needless bloodshed by challenging each other to single combat. In the event, they killed each other. Both were taken for honourable burial by their people. The monastery housing Margant's bones flooded last summer and the remains were removed for safety. Now they return to be re-interred. Sister Cherra has made a study of the story and wishes to witness the event."

Mirth's insight check lets her know that Allendi is telling all the truth that he knows.

Perigia looks at the staff that she recieved from the White Lady, and then looks staff she had recieved from her mentor. She turns to Plagro and smiles. "Take good care of this for me," she says as she hands him the older staff. "I'll be back for it." Then she walks over to Brujah and places her hand on his shoulder. "We had better hit the road," she says. "The sooner we find the Order, the better it will be for everyone."

Anyone who is paying attention, notices that Perigia is more impatient than usual.

He takes in the warmth of Perigia's hand before taking his final drink "Right, let's go".

He walks over to Allendi "Is there any way I can get some of that whiskey in a jug?"

Allendi raises an eyebrow and smiles slightly at Brujo and Perigia's obvious closeness.

"Do you specifically want a jug or would the bottle it comes in be acceptable? Brother Turnagall will be happy to donate to a good cause. Commander Caine is a fan as well I believe."

"A jug, I think, would be a better fit. We have a long road ahead, and with Caine, Leo and myself, well I think you get the idea." He manages a smile.

"Perigia before we go I need to see to something"

With that Brujo leaves the others and searches for Harrak.

Rev:

Mirth only - note later edit

"A jug, I think, would be a better fit. We have a long road ahead, and with Caine, Leo and myself, well I think you get the idea." He manages a smile.

"Perigia before we go I need to see to something"

With that Brujo leaves the others and searches for Harrak.

Allendi laughs. "I'll arrange for a decent supply for you." He tells you where Harrak can be found and leaves you to your conversation in private.

"Um, I hate to ask, but have you any healing po-tions that we can use? We no longer have Cronin's spells and I just little kobold who get hurt alot." He gives the most sheepish grin he can manage. "White Lady very nice. She give me new armor and cool backpack. But I still worry about getting hit by big monsters."

regardless of outcome, Snaggle has a couple more questions to ask Allendi

"Is Sister Cherra a healer like Cronin? Can she call fire on enemy or beam of light to hurt enemies? Snaggletooth need to know if she can protect self or if she need kobold bodyguard. I good bodyguard. Nobody die on me yet." He smiles brightly.

It got rather hidden at the top, but Allendi has already given the party six healing potions.

Allendi seems to enjoy Snaggletooth's company, relishing a rare opportunity to get to know a kobold.

"Cherra is a historian, not a healer, I'm afraid. She will certainly value your companionship and your skills." After a moment he adds,

"Your people are skilled trapmakers, aren't they? I'm a decent hand with a quarterstaff if I have to be, but frankly, traps to catch intruders would be more helpful. Can't be everywhere. Do you have any advice - man to kobold? Had a break in while you were dealing with that menace in the Tower. Young Perigia put a stop to that, but you're off in the morning. Need to keep the place safe."

Allendi raises an eyebrow and smiles slightly at Brujo and Perigia's obvious closeness.

"Do you specifically want a jug or would the bottle it comes in be acceptable? Brother Turnagall will be happy to donate to a good cause. Commander Caine is a fan as well I believe."

"Yes a very big fan. Where is Brother Turnagall anyways?"

For Brother Turnagall

Allendi seems to enjoy Snaggletooth's company, relishing a rare opportunity to get to know a kobold.

"Cherra is a historian, not a healer, I'm afraid. She will certainly value your companionship and your skills." After a moment he adds,

"Your people are skilled trapmakers, aren't they? I'm a decent hand with a quarterstaff if I have to be, but frankly, traps to catch intruders would be more helpful. Can't be everywhere. Do you have any advice - man to kobold? Had a break in while you were dealing with that menace in the Tower. Young Perigia put a stop to that, but you're off in the morning. Need to keep the place safe."

"Oh, yes, I very good at traps. Mostly disarm traps, but sometimes set traps, too. Where you want them? You want capture or kill intruders?" Snaggle asks matter-of-factly and a bit innocently.

Snaggle thinks you want to hire him for his trapmaking abilities. I would glad to make some thievery checks to set some traps for the complex. Just let me know if that is what Allendi needs. As for his demeanor, Snaggle doesn't see anything wrong in setting lethal traps. If someone wants to take your stuff and you don't want them to, killing them is the easiest to prevent loss. Then you don't have to worry about returning thieves. It's only logical, to a kobold.

"A jug, I think, would be a better fit. We have a long road ahead, and with Caine, Leo and myself, well I think you get the idea." He manages a smile.

"Perigia before we go I need to see to something"

With that Brujo leaves the others and searches for Harrak.

"Of course," Perigia says. "I'd like to spend some time in the library myself, now that I think about it."

Perigia will study up on some new spells. That is how she learns the stuff on her sheet.

Caine

Snaggletooth
Allendi is certainly prepared to hire you as a trap consultant. Tervinwerd is an excellent engineer and can build to your suggestions. Allendi will give you 30gp.

Allendi gives Snaggletooth's questions serious thought. "Disablement I think. After all, someone may need to get in for legitimate reasons."

Snaggletooth smiles and goes straight to work. He examines the whole place and finds the best areas to set traps, marks down their locations, describes the kind of traps he would use for each area.

since he is just consulting, I went with a perception (to find spots) and thievery (to design traps) for the whole thing. (perception= 25 and thievery= 31) do they have rules for this kind of thing in the DMG?

"Traps are best when person no expect them. But even obvious trap useful to prevent someone from going that way. Intruder see trap, he may go another way to avoid trap, especially if trap look hard to disable. So use hidden trap on other way to surprise him." Snaggletooth smiles and points a few times to his head. "Kobold guile. Since you no want kill people, you use snares and pits and other traps that confine people to certain area 'til you deal with them. Here is few ideas to making these kinds of traps. I know you not rich and you not have lots of supplies, so I design traps that use materials you have available around here. You need to dig a couple of pits, tho. Here and Here. Not deep enough to kill, just injure and confine. Then use grease on walls of pit to prevent climbing out." Snaggletooth pauses in thought for a moment. "Lastly, this very important, you need to check traps regularly to make sure they still work. Traps no good if not maintained. Defeat whole purpose."

As he wraps up his presentation, he looks expectly at Allendi. "That good, that help? Snaggletooth could stay and build traps, but I help Fire-lady save her sister. But with these notes (and crude drawings), you and Naked Wizard can figure out, though? Right?" He hands the notes(written in a Draconic scribble), the crude diagrams and a hastily drawn map with points marked with Xs to indicate where to place traps to Allendi. He then politely sticks out his hand.

Rev

Harrak

Allendi and Tervinwerd listen intently to Snaggletooth's informative lecture, nodding and exchanging glances from time to time. Tervinwerd takes copious notes.

"Thank you. A most instructive session. We shall certainly take full advantage of your expertise." Allendi thinks a little.

"Is it possible that some of your brethren might consider gainful employment in the maintenance of these traps? It seems a pity that so much talent should be wasted on attacking the largely penniless seekers who want only guidance. We would, naturally, pay for their services."

He looks a little embarrassed. "I am merely following the old suggestion, to set a thief to catch a thief. Or in this case, unwanted intruders. Your people could set up a useful enterprise if they were so inclined."

Tervinwerd grins. "It's a wonderful idea. Kobold security. There's no insult intended at all Snaggletooth, just that Abbot Allendi's good at helping us all find our niches. I'd love to work with your kindred, if they'd let me."

Brujo

Once Brujo has wrapped up his heart to heart with Harrak, unless anyone else has things they want to buy or borrow from the monastery, we'll head on out.

"Well I better leave this here since I really don't need two suits of scale so I'll donate this here," leo sighs as he moves to his pack and removes his original suit of scale armour and passes that over to the monastery to either sell on or use themselves.

"Now this reburial you mentioned, sounds like it might be an interesting diversion before hunting down Perigia's sister," Leo nods.

"So where is this Wodewood in relation to the route we will be following?" Leo asks.

I'm working on a map for you, as the FR maps are somewhat unhelpful. It will follow shortly.

"Leo, you have a generous heart. Thank you." Allendi accepts the gift gratefully.

"I'm sure the reburial will be of interest to you. Cherra is very excited about the whole thing."

Forgive the extreme rubbishness of this map. Scaling is nearly impossible to work out, but you're roughly a 100 miles from Loudwater. You are about a day and a bit ride from Wodewood, which is pretty much on your way to Oreme, if that's where you're going as the nearest large city to the east. I'm guessing you'll want to go east, as that is where both the Shade Enclave and Thay are.

Allendi explains that Wodewood marks the site of the ancient battle. Trees were allowed to grow over the area in a long ago attempt to erase the horrors. The place is rumoured to be haunted, and according to Cherra, part of the purpose of the reburial of the relics is to help the spirits there rest in peace.

Harrak

Do we have mounts for this little sojourn?

"Is it possible that some of your brethren might consider gainful employment in the maintenance of these traps? It seems a pity that so much talent should be wasted on attacking the largely penniless seekers who want only guidance. We would, naturally, pay for their services."

He looks a little embarrassed. "I am merely following the old suggestion, to set a thief to catch a thief. Or in this case, unwanted intruders. Your people could set up a useful enterprise if they were so inclined."

Tervinwerd grins. "It's a wonderful idea. Kobold security. There's no insult intended at all Snaggletooth, just that Abbot Allendi's good at helping us all find our niches. I'd love to work with your kindred, if they'd let me."

"I not think so. Most kobolds not trustworthy. They check traps and then later steal from you. Only Kneebiter might, but he kobold leader now. He work with you and he lose others' respect. So that be bad idea to me. More time he spend with kobolds, the more kobold Kneebiter become. Soon, he be like others, and not see the evil in bad things. That why I not return to them. You hang out with kobolds long enough and bad things seem like good idea."

Snaggletooth pauses and thinks for a minute.

"I hope Kneebiter move band away from Tower. Pilgrims too much temptation for kobolds. They think they are mighty for ambushing them. That kobold way. But Kneebiter know better way now."

"Besides, it not hard to check traps. Naked Wizard can do it easy. I thank Allendi for trying to help kobolds by offering them job, but it no good. Kobolds will be kobolds. Why I not feel that way anymore is mystery, but I different from others. I afraid Kneebiter will go back to old ways, but that his choice."

Then Snaggletooth coughs, and sticks out his hand again. "Plans good, good for money?"

you didn't think I forgot, did you?

"Snaggletooth, you remind me of this old comrade of mine named Shenker."

Allendi listens intently to Snaggletooth and finally nods. "You're very wise in the ways of your kin. Thank you."

With that, he hands over the promised coin. 30gp

"You are welcome to take horses, Commander. Cherra is not used to walking and could not keep up with you otherwise."

Brujo

"We ride horses? Horses are big, too big for little kobolds. I afraid I no control it well. Can I ride with someone?" Snaggletooth asks his companions.

"You can ride with me."

Harrak

"Thanks, Caine. Maybe on way, you tell me about this Shenker."

Anyone got any other unfinished business to deal with? If not, you're on your way.

Not I. Let's be off!

let's move out!

Cry Havoc! And Let Loose the Dawgs of War!

Early next morning, you set out. Snaggletooth and Caine make an incongruous enough sight sharing a horse, man and kobold, but even so, you look a formidable party. Cherra seems relieved to have your company and has no hesitation in saying so.

"I'm good with books, but bandits frighten me," she says simply as she turns her placid mare to the narrow road leading to Wodewood.

You see the reasons for her caution soon enough. The road is something more than a track, but only just, offering plentiful hiding places for bandits to attack. None are so foolish as to try however, and an easy day follows. Your camp that night is undisturbed and by mid-morning on the second day, you pick up the trail of a much larger group. To your left the ancient Weathercote Wood stretches, serene and huge, an ocean of trees. To your right, you see the edge of what can only be the Wodewood.

Your party of six travels swiftly now and shortly afterwards the road narrows to skirt the edges of the Wodewood.

Cherra looks at you all. "This is the other reason I'm glad you're here. I'd hate to ride past this wood on my own. They say the battle was so horrible that the spirits still live and the trees absorbed the blood and rage of the soldiers. I don't exactly believe that, but it's not a good place. There are too many bad memories here."

Almost as she finishes speaking, what can only be the pilgrim party comes into view. Three large ox wagons make stately progress down the road, accompanied by about 40 pilgrims on foot. At the sound of your approach, the wagons halt and soldiers turn from the ranks of the pilgrims, holding crossbows threateningly.

"Stop right there and tell us your business," shouts one of them.

"And here I thought we were going to have a nice peaceful day. We couldn't just ride past them could we?"

"I think they think you might be bandits," says Cherra quietly. Swallowing hard, she pulls her horse to a halt.

"I've come to join the pilgrimage. Will you let us approach?"

"You're welcome if that's true." The crossbows stay fixed on you all, but the soldier's tone is milder.

From the front wagon, a plump, authoritative woman appears. "What's going on Frodgar? Why have we stopped?" - she looks hard at your party and Cherra.

"If you come in good faith to follow these holy relics to their new resting place, you are welcome," she says formally. "If you seek to to rob or desecrate, Kelemvor's power will surely protect us."

"Kelemvor? Leo these are your... 'people'. Try to talk to them."

"Sorry Brujo its been a while since I met any members of my faith,"Leo mutters to Brujo.
"Hello there, nice to meet another member of the faith!" Leo greets the pilgrims.

Caught me by surprise there, should have noted the reburial part as a clue!

Just in case a diplomacy check: 1d20+13: 16+13 for total of 29

Leo's good looks and cheery manner have a soothing effect, especially in view of his obvious affiliation to Kelemvor. The plump woman gestures to the guards.

"This is a soldier of faith."

Smiling up at the paladin, she gestures again. "Join us, please."

Cherra breaths a small sigh of relief. "I knew it was a good idea for you all to come along."

"Whew. I though we were in another massacre."

"Greetings," she calls. "I am Mother Bartha, leader of this pilgrimage." An expression of concern crosses her face.

"Is it safe to travel these roads with a child?"
Unable to see Snaggletooth clearly, she makes an easy mistake.

"Leo, did she say a child?"