Welcome to the game! Please "dot" in and delete to import your character. The adventure will begin shortly.
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Over the next couple of days, word of your heroics spreads like wildfire through the town, and your names soon become household knowledge. Mayor Kendra Deverin invites you to a special ceremony on the steps of Sandpoint Cathedral, where she presents you with your reward bounty for ridding the town of Black Fang. ”And in respect and recompense for your bravery in defending our fair and beloved town, we the citizens of Sandpoint present to you this modest reward of one thousand gold pieces!” She bows, presenting the heavy leathern bag to Kandor (perhaps because he is closest to the ground).
Now, everywhere you go in town, the locals welcome you. Ameiko offers you free room and board for a month, until you plan your next moves. Her latest talent and employee, Samiya, is rapt by your stories, and it isn’t long before the young bard assumes a permanent seat at your table, laughing and commenting alongside you. A simple walk down Main Street results in local baker Alma Avertin charging out to press a fresh-baked loaf of bread into your arms, commenting that you’re getting too skinny and must be starving. A visit to the Hagfish brings an immediate round of cheers, applause, and a round of drinks on the house. Even Cyrdak Drokkus, manager of the Sandpoint Theater, tries to talk Golgast into auditioning for his newest play, Three Times a Fishwife. Koya even invites you into her home for a harrow deck reading to reveal the secrets of your future (and the fact that one of you is a fellow cleric of Desna doesn’t hurt, either)!
Yet one among you is restless and furtive, watching the change in seasons with an apprehensive look, watching the moon dance her midnight waltz with wistful sighs. Magwyn soon shares with his friends that is time for him to move on. One morning he appears at breakfast, his belongings packed, his greatsword sheathed on his back. With heavy hearts the heroes say goodbye, as Magwyn departs the northern gate and heads off along the Lost Coast, toward some great, unknown destiny.
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Tonight, as on many evenings, you gather at the Rusty Dragon with friends for some drinks and companionship. The late summer air is balmy and heavy with moisture from the sea, but a cool breeze flutters through the open windows with a promise of coming autumn. Tonight is notable because Sandru and his caravan just returned to Sandpoint earlier today, and he has spent most of the night regaling you with tales from the road - most of them 'enhanced' for better entertainment.
Now near midnight, Sandru stands on the bar, dagger out, as he displays a recent duel he witnessed. The little toy dragon above the bar watches in must amusement. Ameiko sits in a chair by the cold fireplace, tuning her samisen as she listens to Sandru with a smile. Sitting nearby, Koya runs her finger around the edge of her wine glass. Shalelu is present as well, but she remains silent in her corner seat by a window, staring out into the night, as she usually does.
"And as the rogue falls on his back, hands raised in surrender, the priest's rapier at his neck, he squeals 'Yield! I yield! You can keep the pig!'” Sandru ends the tale with a dramatic punchline, throwing the Dragon into a chorus of laughter.
As the laughter begins to die, Koya speaks up. "But which were you, Sandru? The rogue or the pig?" she jokes. Laughter spreads again through the tavern, from Sandru most of all. He jumps down from the bar to kiss Koya on the cheek. "How I've missed you, mother!"
Story finished, the tavern breaks into the din of a dozen conversations, as patrons head to the bar to refill their drinks and others beg off to leave for their beds. You have an opportunity to mingle and reaquaint with friends.
Samiya sits in a chair with her legs crossed and hands resting at the feet. Despite the pose looking rather uncomfortable, she seems to be alright with it.
Her eyes sparkles, as Sandru tells his stories. Samiya lives through each one as though she was the one experiencing them - Sandru surely is a gifted storyteller.
"Sandru, you're amazing!"
Samiya nearly jumps out of her chair while exclaiming that. She is too excited and almost falls on the floor, but fortunately for her friends' drinks, quickly regains balance. She then laughs "I win again, you sneaky chair!"
Lugert comes in from the night with 5 hares slung over his shoulder. He walks over to the kitchen and hands them off to one of the stewards. He scans the activity of the room. Witty bard, drinking groups, plenty of warm banter. He still wasn't used to this yet, even after the accolades he received from the town mayor. He wasn't treated as an outsider, but he felt like one. He focuses in on the elf girl sitting by the window and heads toward her.
Shalelu had run into him while he was out hunting the week prior and they struck up a bit of a competitive friendship. She could best him with a bow, that was no challenge for her but Lugert's stamina and strength allowed him great advantages in chasing down larger game over large distances. Coming up to her he grabs a chair and sits down. He puts one leg up on another chair and leans back on two legs.
"What story is the window telling tonight?"
Gôlgast enters the Rusty dragon looking harried.
He's been avoiding Cydrak.
Again.
He orders four ales and a brandy from the bar and greets Lugert, Samiya and Kandor before joining Koya at her table.
He gives Koya the brandy and puts the four pints in front of himself.
Downing one without any ado.
"This is much nicer than living in the rough. Like I did in Magnimar."
"But Cydrak keeps asking ME to act in his play!"
"I don't want to lose my temper and have to leave, like I did in Magnimar!"
Gôlgast quickly downs a second pint.
"I'm like my Mum, Shardoca. It's one thing to risk your life in battle."
"But standing up in front of an AUDIENCE?"
"That's just asking too much! Samiya can have that!"
Down goes the third pint. Gôlgast finally slows down, sipping his last ale, instead of all but inhaling it.
After a pause, he asks Koya:
"Have you decided to go adventuring, then?"
"I did promise Mum I would look out for you in that."
"Sandru, you're amazing!"
Sandru flashes a toothy smile and rustles Samiya's hair. "Little Samiya! How can one be so clumsy and yet so lithe? It is good to see you again. I wish you had come with us on the latest outing. The performers of Korvosa were... splendid!"
"How is life in Sandpoint? The usual quiet fisherman's hole? I heard that goblins were harrassing the hinterlands again... something about fireworks. We had no trouble coming up from Magnimar."
"What story is the window telling tonight?"
Shalelu smiles slyly, her eyes shifting slowly toward the fellow ranger. She takes a slow sip of her wine. "A story about being in a place one might call home, among friends. It is good to see you aagin, dragon killer." It appears she is about to say more, when her eyes return to the window, peering into the summer night. She seems distracted.
"Watch out, you'll break something if you are not careful."
"Aye," says Koya, placing her own wine glass gently on the wooden table in front of her. "'Tis bad luck to break a glass on the night of a full moon." She gestures toward the window in front of Shalelu, the bright orb resting gently in the sky beyond. "Desna's eye watches, seeing all. She is playful and sometimes capricious. Best not to tempt her." She chuckles softly as she glides her finger over the rim of her glass, casting a soft hum.
"If the gods have so much control over our lives, I wish they'd take more interest in mine," Ameiko says playfully, strumming her samisen. "All this talk of dragons and destiny is enough to make a girl pine for the road." She gently places her instrument on the stone hearth and makes her way brisquely over toward the bar. "Not that I should complain. It's grand hearing these stories straight from the lips of adventurers."
As Golgast begins his tirade, Koya cackles in glee. "Careful, that old Cydak will have you dressed as one of the fishwives, not even the groom!" She slaps the table, extremely amused at the notion of Golgast in a a dress.
"Have you decided to go adventuring, then?"
"I made that decision. Now it's up to Desna to see that an adventure finds me. And, of course, up to Sandru to indulge his old mother, isn't that right Sandru?"
"Of course mother, great adventure awaits! But a few days in town first, to rest the horses and replenish our supplies, aye? Not to worry, the world is our oyster now!"
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Kandor looks like he wants to protest Koya's decision, but looking at her he backs down for a moment and starts to think.
He knows Koya only for a couple of months now, but in that time he has seen that posture and that look enough to know that nothing can stop her now from getting exactly what she wants.
He has been in Sandpoint ever since that faithful night and his feet long to travel the roads again.
He stands up from the corner and crosses the room towards Koya.
"If you are sure you are willing to go on an adventure, I will offer my services to you" Kandor says as he makes a bow before Koya.
"The roads are dangerous as you and I saw, and let's not forget the Black Dragon, he may still lurk around."
[b]"But if Desna is willing, who's gonna stop us?"[b/] He asks smiling.
Lugert's demeanor turns somber "The dragon flew away before we could end its life. You'll have to save that title for someone else. I have found no traces of it around Sandpoint yet but I imagine it watching intently for new prey."
Lugert remembers the dream from the fountain room and stares blankly at the wall. He shakes his head, returning to reality, and watches intently as Gôlgast orders a round. He then sees the magus down the ales one by one, lamenting about his treatment by the local playwright.
"You're more scared of that playwright than that dreadful wurm!" Lugert lets out a chuckle and slaps Gôlgast on the back mid-sip, causing ale to spill across Gôlgast's face."I think you'd make an excellent fishwife"! Lugert's chuckle turns to a booming laugh.
He heads to the bar. "Two ales! The night is young! Another story Sandru! Another tumble Samiya!"
Gôlgast is finally a bit more relaxed after the fourth pint.
"At least I'm allowed to try and retaliate with goblins and dragons."
"How is life in Sandpoint? The usual quiet fisherman's hole? I heard that goblins were harrassing the hinterlands again... something about fireworks. We had no trouble coming up from Magnimar."
"Haven't you hear about the dragon?" Samiya asks him in surprise.
"There was a real dragon in the cave near the town, can you believe it!"She then nods to Lugert, Golgast and Kandor. "And they were the ones who drove him away!"
"Two ales! The night is young! Another story Sandru! Another tumble Samiya!"
"Cleasanna draíochta beag."
Samiya smiles and with a hand gesture, she creates some flying lights, slowly changing their color.
”Dragon???” Sandru’s mouth drops open in surprise. ”Is this true!?” He turns an accusing look toward Ameiko, who merely laughs. ”I knew you’d look that way! But I couldn’t ruin the fun. I wanted you to hear it from the heroes themselves!” Sandru pursues Samiya for the details, then regards the others. ”Tell me all about it! Why must the best adventures occur where I’m not present!” He then asks for a full account, and by this time you are so rehearsed in the story you have it told and acted out quickly, as Samiya plays the dragon, her magical lights serving as the acid breath, and Lugert wields a wooden spoon as the magical sword.
Koya regards Kandor with a mix of pity and mirth. ”Of course, master dwarf, you know very well of the dangers the wilds of Varisia may present. But I am not alone. Desna has blessed me with a brave son, and many friends, including you. And you are among the bravest of all, facing a dragon in its own home! You are welcome to join me wherever the road leads! Did you hear that, Sandru? We have a new journeyman!” But Sandru is now much too absorbed in the dragon story to hear her.
Shalelu smiles weakly at Lugert’s modesty. ”Still, an act of unparalleled bravery, to be sure.” But then her eyes narrow and she turns back to the window. "Do you smell it? There is a strange scent on the wind. Faint, but..." She looks to Lugert and gives a smile. "Worry not. I am happy to be among friends once again. Stay, and enjoy the wine and company. I will see you soon." She suddenly takes up her cloak and bow, and nimbly hops out the window and into the night.
Ameiko returns to the fireplace and picks up her samisen. She plucks a few arpeggios and then starts up a jaunty melody. Her soprano voice fills the tavern with a tale about a brave slave, his rube companions, and a fateful hunt for a dragon.
The nights starts to cool and Lugert moves his chair closer to the hearth. He puts his boots up on the stone foundation and holding both pints. He stares off into the fire, enjoying the music.
Young bard decides to stretch her legs, and jumps off the chair. Samiya comes to the window, following Shalelu with her eyes, until she disappears into the night.
Samiya then looks away from the window and returns closer to the fireplace.
She closes her eyes and listens to the music. Her feet begin to tap the rhythm. After only a few seconds, she can't help but start dancing. Samiya is spinning, and stepping, and freezing in place, her flying lights accompanying her movements, shining brightly when the melody and dance quickens, and dimming when they slow.
"I'm feeling a bit shleepy affer thoshe alesh."
"I need a kip so I can train in the marrow."
"Night-night!"
With a toothy bleary-eyed yawn, Gôlgast shuffles off for a snooze.
Ameiko's song plays lively through the tavern, telling the story of a brave warrior and his unfortunate companions/victims who follow a mischevious faerie on an adventure. It's a funny tale, speaking to the absurdities of mortals, with a moral lesson to never trust fae...or something to that effect. Ameiko sings it with humor as well, changing up her voice to squeak when singing the faerie's lines.
Samiya's dance draws all eyes as she rises on tiptoes to represent the capricious fae.
When the song ends, the Dragon erupts into applause and laughter, brought on by the quick reprise punchline that ends the tune. Ameiko then starts up a slow, somber melody, plucking slowly at her samisen to introduce the epic Rains of Cassomir, a tragic tale of treachery and vengeance.
Before she can get more than a few stanzas into the epic, you hear a loud screech of a distressed horse come from the street outside. As Ameiko halts her song, the door to the Rusty Dragon bangs open, and a man stumbles in and falls over the threshold. He is a modely suited in leather armor and a traveler's cloak, but he is noticably burned and blood seeps from several wounds along his legs. His scabbard is empty.
"Please!" he gasps. "We need help...caravan attacked...lights...explosions!"
Through the open door you can see his horse outside. It bucks and screams, as if in pain.
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"Oh bloody.... mumbles Kandor beneath his beard while he hurries towards the man, while grabbing his amulet."Desna, help this traveler survive" As he says this the rooms floods with light, reducing the wounds of the unexpected arrival.
He starts shouting orders. "Koya, Samiya, take care of this man and try to get more information out of him. Lugert, Sandru, go see if you two can calm the horse.
"Ameiko, where is the nearest bed where he can lay in?
"I am going to wake Gôlgast and get our gear."
"Shalelu, you have the most experience with defending this area, can you assist Koya and Samiya and make a plan to deal with this attack?"
He walks up the stair towards Gôlgast's room. From upstairs you hear him shouting "Gôlgast! Wake up! emergency! Caravan under attack!"
"Oh gods..." Samiya is shocked, but she quickly runs up to the wounded.
"Lonraí geala."
The space around Samiya immediately brightens, as she uses the closest thing to her to as a medium for the spell.
She then inspects the man closely, checking if he's all right.
"What happened? Who attacked you? How far is your caravan? What explosions? Was there a mage?" She pelts the man with questions.
Gôlgast bellows out to answer Kandor:
As he struggles from his room getting his gear on he mutters …
"Tämä on parempi olla hyvä!"
"Olin alusvaatteet!"
"I was in my undies!"
As soon as he's out the door and sees Samiya …
"Right! Where's the fight?!"
Lugert runs out the door and grabs for the horse's reins.
Ameiko's samisen twangs sharply as she she leaps to her feet in surprise. "Bethana! Fetch some blankets and pillows, soap and water! We can lay him on a table for the moment." She and Koya begin clearing a space, the old cleric moving swifter than her age would suggest.
But the man nods in thanks as Kandor's healing magic washes over him, closing wounds and easing burns. He pushes himself up stiffly.
"We need help! My caravan was just attacked, a mile or so outside the town walls. We were pushing through the night, just passing through a low wood... a bunch of bright flashes blinded me, an explosion hit us. I heard screams and shouts, but my horse bolted - it was all I could do to keep her on the road!"
Kandor turns to ask Shalelu a question, but find that the elf has vanished from the room.
Sandru and Lugert rush outside to find the rider's horse bucking and thrashing. A firey brand, still smoking, seems to be lodged into its saddle. Otherwise, the street is clear, but for some concerned citizens peering from their windows. Lugert manages to grab the horse's reins, though it bucks so fiercely it almost knocks the orc to the ground.
"The brand!" yells Sandru, quickly snatching the hot piece of metal from the saddle. Almost immediately, the horse stops fighting. It circles the area outside the inn at a canter, still obviously agitated. Sandru hurries after it, whistling and chirping to try to calm it down.
Inside the Dragon, the rider checks his scabbard and looks about forlornly for his missing sword. He turns to Samiya with hands raised as she fires question after question. "I didn't see who attacked us. My eyes were adjusted to the dark... the bright flash blinded me. I heard some shouts coming from the wood, but then the explosion hit us and it was all I could do to stay in the saddle. There may be others still back there. I lost track of everything when my horse fled. If one of you can lend a weapon, I will run back immediately! Will you come to help??"
"Yes, yes. I'll help you." Samiya nods, and runs upstairs to get her equipment.
She dons her chain shirt and grabs her dagger, crossbow and bolts.
After that Samiya runs back to everyone else.
Lugert ties down the horse and comes back inside. He grabs his kit from Kandor and throws it on. His adrenaline is already pumping through his system.
"Which route was it?"
Lugert then turns to Kandor. "We've got the eyes for now. I'll take the head of our trip there, you take the rear. The other two will stay between us until we get close and need to investigate. Try to keep the noise and light down. Whoever is was is clearly armed for ambushes.
Gôlgast talks to the man from the caravan:
"Where the caravan be?"
"Knowing that might make it easier to track."
The man coughs and continues fretfully. "We number eleven...six guards, and a handful of servants." He crawls to his feet, steadying himself on Ameiko's shoulder. [b]"We were just a few miles outside of town. I dare say I am well enough to ride back with you. My horse, is she still here?" As you group outside, he is able to corral his horse with a sharp whistle and some soothing words.
Sandru suddenly emerges from the stable a few moments later. He is on horseback. Behind him is tethered a second riderless horse in tow. "Mother, Ameiko, stay behind and prepare for more wounded. That makes six of us, and three horses. If we double up, we can all get there faster," he suggests. As you split and mount up, Ameiko and Koya watch from the front of the tavern with the handful of remaining patrons. They wave good luck as you ride down the street and out of the town.
You are familiar with the south road out of Sandpoint, but by night, even under the light of the full moon, it is difficult to follow. It doesn't take long, however, before the glow of fires up ahead guides your way. You quicken your pace as much as you dare push the horses, and approach the wrecked caravan a few minutes later.
Amidst a copse of oaks, the road dips into a low depression. At the bottom, the scene is chaotic. Four covered wagons comprise the caravan - the two in the center are ablaze, flame and smoke climbing into the canopy above. You smell not only the smoke from the burning wagons, but also another, more acrid odor.
Two horses lie dead, still attached to the burning wagons. One looks like it exploded from the inside. The other horses are missing.
The lead wagon is tipped on its side, its load crates and barrels smashed along the roadside. A tall, dark haired man standing in his stirrups, shouts out orders to another group as they try to keep the fire from spreading into the first wagon's wreckage. Meanwhile, a number of men are struggling to push the fourth wagon to safety before the slope rolls it into the blaze.
All of the workers have burns and many have bleeding cuts. Three guards, worse than the rest, nearby - one has lost a hand and is groaning in pain, another lies unconcious, half his body covered in burns.
The mounted man sees you approach and waves. "You there, help us please!" he calls in a thick southern accent.
Glad to get off of the horse he's sharing, Gôlgast approaches.
"We came to help."
"who, or what, did all this?"
"I'll let you see to the wounded. I'm going to scout the perimeter."
Lugert heads off the route 50 meters south of the ambush and slowly makes his way through the trees lining the road, going no further than 30 meters away from the group.
Gôlgast will draw his rapier and walk around the perimeter of the caravan, looking for any signs of trouble.
Since it's night, he will use Dancing Lights as often as needed to see what's in front of him.
To nobody in particular:
"Was it goblins? We had a dust-up with some of those runts recently."
Samiya climbs up to the lead wagon to have a better look, and casts dancing lights for the illumination. She also readies her crossbow, just in case.
Sandru kicks his horse forward, and Kandor's cool blue light helps the group of wounded caravaners significantly. Those beating back the fire from spreading are invigorated and attack the flames with renewed vigor. The three worst wounded are kept from the brink of death - the guard's burns fade from angry red and blackened spots to scarred but healthy skin. The four trying to push the fourth wagon away from the flames are still hard pressed; even with their wounds healed, the heavy wagon continues to inch towards the blaze.
"We need more strength... Help, please!" the mounted man calls. Golgast leaps off his horse and runs to their aid. As Golgast queries the rider, he retorts impatiently. "No time for speaking now. The cargo is about to be lost!"
Looking around, Samiya does not see any aggressors, only the scrambling guards and laborers. You count nine, including the rider who drew you to the scene.
Samiya has neither strength to push the wagon, nor magic useful for current situation, so she continues looking around.
Lugert comes out of the woods and surveys the scene. He hears the mounted man call out and point towards the wagon. Lugert runs alongside the works and starts working to move the crates out of the burning wagon.
He shouts to his companions, "I don't think whoever did this got far!"
Gôlgast lends a hand to try and save the cargo
Kandor's showers drench the fire, which is quickly reduced to smoldering ashes. While he continues to help with the firefighting, the rest put their backs into stabilizing the wagon. Golgasts feet slip in the loose gravel kicked up by the activity, sweat from the residual heat running down his back, and the wagon continues to inch forward. Finally, it halts.
With the concerted effort, everyone is able to start the wagon rolling backwards, away from the fire. After a few feet, you gain enough momentuk to turn it to the roadside and well clear of the lingering fires. On the other side, Kandor's water helps enough that the firefighters build a safe buffer between the cargo and the flames.
At about the same time, you hear a thunderous band and see a bright flash form the woods. The air fills with wood splinters and smoke, but a few moments later all is quiet.
"That's odd!"
Lugert arms himself with his bow and notches an arrow. He scans the direction of the tremendous sound and waits for an attack.
"What was that?!"
Samiya raised her crossbow and pointed it in the direction of the sound.
The explosion, whatever it was, was powerful enough to shred a foot-thick oak and scorch the surrounding area. Through the smoke and debris you hear movement closing in from the shadows up ahead--a grunt and horse sputtering.
But as you brace for battle, a familiar voice calls out.
"Stand down friends!" yells Shalelu, stepping into the firelight. She holds the reins of a horse, carrying an unconcious rider, while another caravan guard walks behind, holding his bloodied head. The elf holds a limp bundle in her off hand, which she tosses into the light as the caravan owner joins you.
It is the body of a goblin, pale yellow-green skin covered in spiral tattoos. An arrow is lodged firmly in its eye socket.
"Licktoad tribe, by the markings. Judging by the tracks, there were many more. They seem to have dispersed," she says, working her arrow free.
"We saw them chase after the horses," says the man. "The explosions of their attack frightened them. Some bucked and threw riders, others tore free from the wagons. The panicking horses did more damage than whatever magic they threw at us."
"Smaller, eh? Sounds like goblins to me!"
Gôlgast leaves Bardit with the rest of the caravan and readies his longbow to fire in the same area as Samiya
He then shouts in that direction:
Gôlgast listens to Shalelu's story with interest.
"It looks to me like the rumours of local goblins getting hold of fireworks are true."
"It might be an idea to make sure they don't have any more!"
Lugert lowers his bow.
"If we track the horses from here we might be able to save a few before the little bastards get to them. Shalelu, do you know how many could still be out there?"
Samiya lowers her weapon, when she sees Shalelu.
"It's definitely worth checking out."
Shalelu gives you a half shrug. "I saw two as we came up to the ridgeline. I managed to take this one down, but the other ran off. With the wounded in tow, I decided not to give chase."
The man leans forward, his face dark, and says in a low voice, "My name is Golvitis, and these vermin have cost me dearly. But I am a merchant, and will pay kind in kind. For every goblin ear you bring me, I will give you ten gold... three hundred for the head of the Licktoad chieftain."
"His name is Rendwattle Gutwad," Shalelu adds. As you begin to look about for tracks, she continues, "I can save you some time. The Licktoad live somewhere in the Brinestump Marshes, a few more miles down this road to the south, along the coast just past the Ashen Moor. Inevitably, their track will lead there - unfortunately, the Brinestump is notorious for being overgrown, crisscrossed with waterways and treacherous footing. It has never been mapped... not that anyone has ever wanted to try. There is a man, a halfling acutally, who might be able to help. An eccentric, self-appointed 'warden' of the swamp - his name is Walthus Proudstump. A fishing trail leads off the road directly to his shack. You could do a lot worse than to seek out his advice."
"We can tend to the wounded," says Sandru, already rummaging through his saddlebags for first aid supplies. "Transport them back to town for Mother and Ameiko. We may have need of the horses, though. What do you say to traveling on foot? Brinestump is a dense swamp--not good terrain for horses in any event."
Lugert regroups with his companions. "I'm always ready to hunt goblins but there is something quite big out in the forest. I don't know what but it sounded big and was making quite the racket before the last explosion. Do we want to start with checking on the halfling?"