Journey to the West: Kyrademon's Jade Regent PBP

Game Master Kyrademon

I will happily act as interpreter for you if you'd like. She pauses, looking unsure of what she's about to ask, and then in a rush, But, other than the fact you just met her and know absolutely nothing about her, is there a reason that you don't like her. Justbecauseshenothuman?

"Not being human is hardly a barrier to romance. If we confined our attentions, there wouldn't be half-elves, half-orcs or halflings, although I've yet to meet a ling. I would be honored to be considered her friend, of course. And yes, not knowing her is a barrier. It's also that I like woman a little... erm... taller. With less teeth. Or at least teeth that don't look quite as likely to eat the soft parts of my face. Maybe skip that last part. I don't want to give her a complex. I'm certain she's an exemplar of her species."

Later, on the discovery of the items in Gutwad's hut, He was being truthfully about wearing pretty panties... Maybe we can offer them to Reta?

"Oh, good. I was afraid that I wouldn't have any nightmares from this little adventure."

"Ahh, I was looking forward to Kalimac modeling them for us." she grins widely.

Kalimac grins back. "Buy me a drink first. I'm not that easy."

"Lio, can I have my water skin, please?" grins evily again at Kalimac. Then to the group as a whole, "So, does anyone know what these things do?"

GUTWAD’S BEDROOM

An untrapped, unlocked door leads to a further room. The chieftain’s bed is little more than a big, nasty pile of ratty blankets, moss, and foul-smelling animal furs, roughly large enough for four small creatures. The walls of this room are decorated in similar motifs to the throne room.

A further door leads to yet another room.

Having checked the rules, arrows are also sized. Those arrows are small.

"Not being human is hardly a barrier to romance. If we confined our attentions, there wouldn't be half-elves, half-orcs or halflings, although I've yet to meet a ling. I would be honored to be considered her friend, of course. And yes, not knowing her is a barrier. It's also that I like woman a little... erm... taller. With less teeth. Or at least teeth that don't look quite as likely to eat the soft parts of my face. Maybe skip that last part. I don't want to give her a complex. I'm certain she's an exemplar of her species."

Do you want me to translate all of that, or wait until you can have a sit down discussion with Rita? Mel seems pleased with his response thou.

"Oh, good. I was afraid that I wouldn't have any nightmares from this little adventure."

He also claimed that human spies stole the secret of pretty panties from goblins, do you think he was telling the truth about that too? A weighty pause, If so, I may have to reconsider the source of my underthings.

Kalimac grins back. "Buy me a drink first. I'm not that easy."

You know we might hold you to that when we get back to the Dragon.

Of course, on with the searching.

Myri definitely makes sure to keep track of where those 'pretty panties' go. ;)

Do you want me to translate all of that, or wait until you can have a sit down discussion with Rita? Mel seems pleased with his response thou.

"No, you're right. It can probably wait," he says, giving Mel a thoughtful look.

He also claimed that human spies stole the secret of pretty panties from goblins, do you think he was telling the truth about that too? A weighty pause, If so, I may have to reconsider the source of my underthings.

Alaric laughs. "Probably a wise move."

You know we might hold you to that when we get back to the Dragon.

"Might?" Alaric grins.

Alaric looks the party over. Who is still hurt? And how badly?

I think Kalimac and Hrunndalf are still injured, I think everyone else was healed by the burst you did earlier. Except maybe Reta.

Mel helps pack up their spoils, even if it means displacing a disgruntled Xander from her bag. She does ensure that everything (esp the panties) have been sterilized via prestidigitation before packing.

Alaric silently hopes that Purify Food and Drink would have no effect on the panties.

Kalimac is down 7 HP.

Hrunndalf takes interest in the part of the goblin's account pertaining to a ruined ship and its undead crew, but no so much in her newfound feelings for Alaric.

"Undead are a worse threat to Sandpoint than goblins are. We should seek them out and cleanse the swamp of their presence. However, if we are to do so right away, it would seem prudent to be rid of our wounds first. Sir Alaric, can you spare another healing blessing?"

Kalimac and Hrunndalf are still injured. I will note that there are some potions of cure light wounds there, if you wish to conserve spells and channels. Or spells and channels are an option if you wish to conserve the potions.

Alaric will channel once more and hope to roll higher than a two.

1d6 ⇒ 6

Myri continues through the next door.

If needed:
Perception(traps): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14
Disable Device: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

I believe that means Hrunndalf is fully healed and Kalimac is only down by 1 hp.

LICKTOAD TREASURY

The last room in the chief’s house clearly once contained the Licktoads’ accumulated treasures, but today the chamber is nearly empty. What little remains is a single beautiful red chest. This chest is itself a work of art, worth 150 gp. Myriana, Alaric, and Liothonae, with their geographical knowledge, are able recognize the chest and its delicate etchings of cranes and frogs playing along a beach as being of Minkai manufacture.

Inside the chest lies the remaining treasure of the Licktoad tribe:
3 more skyrocket fireworks
9 medium-sized masterwork shuriken
429 sp and 192 gp in loose coins
A long hairpin with a red pearl at one end worth 200 gp
A gold-and-ivory fan depicting a gecko walking amid cherry blossoms, worth 80 gp

The fan would have been worth more, but a crude map has been painted on the reverse side. The map is messy, but you are able to determine that it depicts Brinestump Marsh, with three locations marked on it -- two shipwrecks and a cave.

I guess we know where we need to go... Although Myriana and Lio can probably take us their more easily that the map. Her gaze catches on the hairpin, the red gemstone pulling at thoughts that she can't quite remember.

Mel looks at her companions, Do we have what we need to go hunting undead? I mean, they obviously want to keep their treasures, and the last thing we want to do is have them follow us back to Sandpoint. And some undead require extra steps to find peace.

She thinks for a moment, For example, there are, ummm, bloody skeletons, and they don't stay at rest until they have been sprinkled with water that's been blessed.

Alaric tries to hide the smirk that appears as soon as holy water is mentioned. "Undead are a violation of the natural order of things. It's merely a matter of encouraging them to return to a perfect state. I'm not at full strength, but I still have enough power to trouble some skeletons."

To be edited based on dice roll. And rolled.

I don't think that the negative energy that powers most undead is actually a violation of the natural order so much as it is a balance. It may be inimical to what we consider life, but that doesn't make it unnatural.

Hrunndalf appears pensive, oblivious to the playful banter about lace panties. He seems to be concentrating on the afterglow of the battle's excitement instead, trying to glean some insight from the events. That crucial moment in particular, when he was blinded, singed, impaled, and a hair's breadth from passing out... he felt like there had been something more to it, something barely glimpsed with the corner of his mind.

Then Alaric's positive energy washes through him, and the sensation passes. Fair enough. Maybe next time.

"I am almost out of blessings myself, but I can swing a hammer all night if need be. Let's pick a shipwreck and go forth."

I don't think that the negative energy that powers most undead is actually a violation of the natural order so much as it is a balance. It may be inimical to what we consider life, but that doesn't make it unnatural.

Alaric listens and considers her words carefully before responding: "Your point that the unknown should not be thought unnatural is well-taken. However, I have to disagree with this particular conclusion for one reason: zombies are not a common danger at funerals. It seems to me that all undead are raised with that purpose in mind. Regardless of their origins -- which I am more than happy to discuss and admit my woeful ignorance -- I have the power within me to hurt them. Although with a good night's sleep, I'll have more."

Mel looks like she's about to offer a counterpoint, when Hrunndalf speaks up, Yeah, shipwreck. Action now, discussion later...

So do we want to ask Reta to lead the way since she'll already gone?

Alaric nods.

Myri leans up close to Lio, "Umm, skeletons." She shivers slightly, "I don't suppose you'd be willing to trade some arrows with me. Could I have maybe 10 blunts? I'll replace them later, if you want."

...and as everyone is getting ready to leave.
Myri looks around. Transfers her weight from one foot to the other and then back again."Um, since no one's said anything. If..if no one else minds...can I use the hairpin? At least until we sell it I mean?"

if no one says anything or there is a generally positive response, if anyone says anything before or at this time she will not touch it
Myri gleefully uses the hairpin to redo her hair and keep it back.

Myri also retrieves her pack on the way out...if it's still there. left overlooking the fort, I believe

"After Alaric's last blessing, I feel hale enough to go hunting skeletons. Thank you for that, Alaric."

As he exits the gate, Kalimac takes a moment to properly stow his weapons. After some well-earned praise to Attatoq, he springs into the saddle.

...and as everyone is getting ready to leave.
Myri looks around. Transfers her weight from one foot to the other and then back again."Um, since no one's said anything. If..if no one else minds...can I use the hairpin? At least until we sell it I mean?"
...
Myri gleefully uses the hairpin to redo her hair and keep it back.
...

Then she appears to catch herself remembering something...perhaps it was just a look, but...she removes the hairpin, locks falling around her shoulders and offers the pin to Mel.

"Here, you wanted this didn't you? Something about it...suits you...don't you think?"

She smiles wanly at Mel, before doing her hair pack in a ponytail, the way it was before.

Lio stops laughing shortly, seeing that her friends are distressed at the death of the Goblins, whose lives were taken by Gutwad's careless actions. She doesn't really understands why they're so upset... the Goblins wanted to kill them, so they killed the Goblins first. Well, that or Gutwad killed them, but either way, dead is dead. She still thinks the whole situation with the pantomime was pretty funny though.

Keeping an eye on the village, while there is discussion about somebody's pretty panties, Lio looks a little uncomfortable. She tries to keep her vigil of overlooking the Goblin enclave, just in case there's more trouble. But it's pretty easy to be distracted with all thats going on. She looks at Melinda when she speaks Thassilonian, offering the tall girl a little smile. She looks over at Alaric, who seems none too happy about the attentions of the Goblin woman.

Lio turns to Myriana when she asks for her water skin. "Ah dunna 'ave yur wat'r sk'n; ah 'ken ets wi' Melinda, but yu kann 'ave somma mein" She pronounces Melinda's name very carefully, like she's trying to get the sound just right (Melleeeneda). Then she takes out her waterskin, and offers it to Myriana.

Once the beautiful red chest is revealed, Lio admires it. Her eyes get wide at the treasure inside... a few hundred silver and gold pieces is probably more than she's ever seen in her entire life. She studies the map to get a good idea of where they should be going, as the discussion turns to undead and things she doesn't really know anything about. She handles the fan with the map on it very carefully, trying not to smudge the side with the picture on it with her fingerprints. Her discomfort at handling something so nice is pretty evident. Knowledge Geography to get a good idea where the locations on the map are in relation to where she is in the swamp 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

When Myri asks for blunt arrows, Lio doesn't even hesitate. "Ah got plenteh oph 'um, an' let meh seh 'e uns yu recov'd from t'e hut, ah can mend 'em." She gives 10 blunt arrows to Myri out of the quiver.

She looks at each of the party members, her eyes resting on the ones who were injured... Kalimac, Hrunndalf, Alaric... and wonders that will all the armor the boys were wearing, why they were the ones who got hurt the most in the battles they fought today. She figures she has a lot to learn about fighting in a group with other people.

i edited Melinda's name, to show how Lio would pronounce it. also, some questions: how late is it in game, would it be better to find a place to rest, or to carry on? are the locations of the skeletons close enough that we can get there quickly... or is it hours of slogging though the marsh?

Lio looks briefly at the pretty hair pin. It's clear she has no idea about such pretty things. She doesn't mind if Melinda or Myri take it... If asked, she shrugs and smiles.

You think you could reach all of the locations before night falls -- slogging through the swamp is a pain, but the whole area simply isn't all that big. Based on what people were saying, I am going to be moving forward with the assumption that the group intends to continue on today, unless I see arguments otherwise.

"Here, you wanted this didn't you? Something about it...suits you...don't you think?"

She smiles wanly at Mel, before doing her hair pack in a ponytail, the way it was before.

Mel shakes her head, No, Myri, out here I'm not going to give up my current hairpiece, anyway. So better that it serves a purpose. It look good with your hair. She smiles, The gemstone, just seems familiar. She shrugs. No doubt the practical thing do would be to sell it anyway. Although she looks sad at the idea.

...

Lio turns to Myriana when she asks for her water skin. "Ah dunna 'ave yur wat'r sk'n; ah 'ken ets wi' Melinda, but yu kann 'ave somma mein" She pronounces Melinda's name very carefully, like she's trying to get the sound just right (Melleeeneda). Then she takes out her waterskin, and offers it to Myriana.

"Oops, you're right Lio, I forgot Mel offered to carry my waterskin. Thanks, though, I don't really need water right now. I was just teasing our halfling friend."

...When Myri asks for blunt arrows, Lio doesn't even hesitate. "Ah got plenteh oph 'um, an' let meh seh 'e uns yu recov'd from t'e hut, ah...

Myri relaxes visibly, "Thank you so much. Yet another thing I've been short on this time out. Here's 8 of mine to fill that gap in your quiver...the 2 that I retrieved from Gutwad's hut, plus the ones you used as well."

Mel shakes her head, No, Myri, out here I'm not going to give up my current hairpiece, anyway. So better that it serves a purpose. It look good with your hair. She smiles, The gemstone, just seems familiar. She shrugs. No doubt the practical thing do would be to sell it anyway. Although she looks sad at the idea.

Myriana does not answer verbally, but her eyes sparkle as she takes back the hairpin and does up her hair once again. When she is finished she does a little dancer's twirl. Stops and leans close to Mel, giving her a light peck on the cheek and a whispered...

OFFTRAIL, PART I – THE FIRST SHIP

You rejoin Walthus out in the swamp and begin making your way to the first ship on the map, guided by Reta. She and Walthus regard each other with a good deal of suspicion, and neither look particularly happy to see one another – it does not take a much insight to realize that the swamp warden and the Licktoads had at best an uneasy relationship. But they grudgingly accept each others’ presence, and you move on.

The first ship lies almost due west of the Licktoad village. It is easy to see how the traitor “Scribbleface” stumbled across it. While it’s not far, however, there’s also no trail leading there, so for the first time you are making your way directly through the swamp.

It’s slow going. Slow, wet, fairly miserable going. The kind of travel where every few seconds, something wet and leafy hits you in the face. And if the mud was difficult to keep out of your clothes before, it is impossible now. Only Walthus seems able to move through the wetlands with practiced ease.

The point indicated on Scribbleface’s map isn’t quite on the coast, but it’s close enough to hear the faint susurrus of waves crashing on an unseen swampy shoreline. The site itself is obvious once it is approached — a large wrecked ship lodged in a shallow pool of swamp water. From the looks of it, it must have been driven aground decades ago, perhaps during a particularly violent storm that flung the ship several hundred feet into the flooded swamp.

The ship itself is a two-masted Chelish sailing vessel with strange, faded writing on its bow:

玻璃製造商明星

Although much of the ship’s decor has faded, there remain here and there faint and subtle hints that the ship may have once been a work of beauty.

A careful search reveals nothing of interest. There are no undead at this site, and whatever time and tide did not destroy has been thoroughly looted by the goblins.

At the sight of the writing on the vessel, Alaric brightens a bit. "Finally, a language I know," he mumbles.

Myriana asks Reta through Mel, "Do you think we'll be able to get to the next destination before night falls or is that unlikely?"

...& to Alaric, "What does it say?"

"Kaijitsu Star. The vessel's name, if I'm not mistaken."

Kaijitsu? Like, Ameiko Kaijitsu?

Reta believes that you could make it to both of the other locations on the map before night falls if you wanted. Those of you with Knowledge Geography who care to examine the map would agree.

Kaijitsu? Like, Ameiko Kaijitsu?

"Aye, could be. When we return, one of you should ask if she's misplaced a ship."

We should check out the other site, in case she's misplaced a pair.

"...and a cave? How does that work?"

OFFTRAIL, PART II – TOWARDS THE SECOND SHIP

The route to the second ship indicated on the map is more roundabout and difficult. For one thing, the location is in a much more remote part of the swamp, and for another, it is near the location where Old Megus the swamp witch is said to live – and Reta leads you in a wide detour around that area. When asked through Melinda, she says that the swamp witch is “creepy”. It is possible that you all spend a few moments trying to imagine what a goblin would find creepy. Or trying very very hard not to imagine it.

Since the shipwreck is apparently on a small “island” formed by the twisting waterways, there is no way to get to it without swimming across a wide stream at least once.

The streams are placid, so any character with a Swim modifier of +0 or more can make it across with ease. Kalimac and Alaric, who both have a negative Swim modifier from their armor check penalty, must either make a DC 10 Swim check, or take off their armor for the crossing to make it without having to make a roll.

Alaric will remove his armor before going. Potions can cure gator bites and arrow wounds, but not drowning.

Mel will go across the stream, holding her bag out of the water if possible. She offers to take one end of a rope so that a guideline can be made for those who don't enjoy the water.

On the far bank, when she gets out of the water, her clothing clinging to her form until she shakes once and is perfectly clean and dry.

As they walk from the first ship, to the second location on the map, Lio asks Walthus "Olde Meg'es hasn' ben sen 'n toun forr a lon' wile, you 'ken 'e hass anyten ta do wit 'e walkn ded?"

Before they are about to swim, Lio checks to make sure the area is safe, and if she feels it is, she removes her armor and boots. She leaves her commoners clothing, a rough spun shirt and pants on. She then secures her things in her waterproof bag (if it's big enough... if not, whatever fits), and then she sticks that in her backpack and carries it, and her bow, over her head as she paddles across the water.(swim mod. is a + 2)

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Survival 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Unlike Melinda, who looks quite fetching as the water cascades off her body, Lio looks more like a drowned cat. Her shapeless clothes are streaming with water, which she somewhat wrings out, before putting her armor and shoes back on. She also wrings out the ends of her long hair; some of the brownish mud that was in it, covering her hair color has come out, revealing the white underneath. She looks at it with a bit of consternation, and scoops some dirt from the ground, smearing it into her hair to cover the color again.

"I can swim. I will bring the end of the rope over. We may need it again. ... Wait a minute, what am I saying, just pull me across, d@#n it." Myri stands watch with an arrow knocked as the others swim or pull themselves across with the rope.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Like Lio, she has already placed the majority of her things within her waterproof bag, but adds her quiver and bowstring as well. Securing them in her pack and tying her pack to the rope before making her own journey across the stream. She keeps her left hand up and out of the water, still not wanting to get her unstrung bow wet as much as possible, while keeping her right arm entwined in the rope. Assuming the others pull her across she should have no problems, if not, she will be (mediumly) encumbered.

swim:1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 1 = 10 (ac-1,assuming no encumberance penalty)

With the above roll, if they do not pull her across she will request assistance. Unlike Mel, she does not dry off by herself with just a little shake.

Although Hrunndalf looks strong enough to power through the bog in his armor, he removes it for the crossing. There might always be hidden risks involved, and he doesn't trust the swamp.

Taking 10, for a result of 14 sans armor.

On the other side, he notices Mel's effortless clean-up, and suspects it is of magical nature. "Melinda, does your grooming trick work on others too, or just on you? I'd rather not get my armor muddy from the inside."

Broad-shouldered, half-naked and smeared with mud, he makes for quite a nice view for anyone so inclined. ;o)

Although Hrunndalf looks strong enough to power through the bog in his armor, he removes it for the crossing. There might always be hidden risks involved, and he doesn't trust the swamp.

Taking 10, for a result of 14 sans armor.

On the other side, he notices Mel's effortless clean-up, and suspects it is of magical nature. "Melinda, does your grooming trick work on others too, or just on you? I'd rather not get my armor muddy from the inside."

Broad-shouldered, half-naked and smeared with mud, he makes for quite a nice view for anyone so inclined. ;o)

As Hrunndalf speaks to Melinda, Lio takes a quick glimpse out of the corner of her eye, appreciating how very buff the blonde man is. She probably blushes, but she's pretty dirty, so it doesn't show. She is sure traveling with a very attractive crowd. Well, that just means no one will pay attention to her... and that's a good thing, she thinks to herself.

"Kaijitsu Star. The vessel's name, if I'm not mistaken."

"Most interesting. Perhaps this ship is indeed linked with Ameiko's family."

As they walk from the first ship, to the second location on the map, Lio asks Walthus "Olde Meg'es hasn' ben sen 'n toun forr a lon' wile, you 'ken 'e hass anyten ta do wit 'e walkn ded?"

"Could be," Proudstump allows. "Fact is, I usually see Megus maybe once or twice from one year to the next. Us that live in the swamp usually aren't here with the goal of attracting a lot of bother, you know? So something could have happened to her, or she could just be holed up for a while working on her, uh ... experiments."