Lil"Eschie The Emerald Spire-Team I'm good and I know it! (Inactive)

Game Master Escharid Blackrose

Darn I always forget about ranged touch attacks. That's the only combat rule I have trouble remembering. Sorry about that. Should I roll for the ranged touch attack?

You forgot my +1 BA bonus GM :)

Feeling emboldened by the wave of healing magic that washes over her, Joza takes careful aim and swings at the goblin dog, hoping to finally put the beast down for good. Unfortunately, she stumbles over the rough, uneven surface and her first swing misses horribly. However, she manages to regain her balance and brings her kukri around to slice deeply into the creature.

Attack (Trident): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

Attack (Kukri): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4

Yay, I finally remembered my Favored Enemy bonuses on my own! Huzzah!

Thanks to Joza, the goblin dog finally perish! The battle was tough, however, and you struggle to catch your breath...

There is not much to pick up on the goblins, beside their dirty crude weapons and two short bows with some spare arrows that only Zinli could properly use.

Should you press on and get deeper into goblin's territory?

With the goblins and their dogs defeated, Joza sheathes her weapons but keeps an eye on the path that leads deeper into the Spire. "That was...that was more difficult than I thought it would be," she pants. "Is everyone okay?"

Rahiv seemed far too calm and collected compared to the others, his movements slow as he walked among the battlefield. He reached down picking up one of the crude weapons and bending low over the goblins and slitting their throats.

He stood up and moved on to the dogs, getting down onto his knees and whispering a prayer into the poor animals' ear before doing the same.

He dropped the blade and stayed silent for a few minutes before standing up slowly and putting a hand on Joza's and Ekran's shoulders.

He closed his eyes once more whispering a final prayer for the combatants...

Channel Pos: 1d6 ⇒ 6

I'm okay, but I think we might need some more supplies. Not to mention I think going through the front door was a bad idea.

While his eyesight might be affected by the darkness, his hearing wasn't as he listened to make sure no more enemies were charging at them.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Joza sighs and feels a wave of peacefulness wash over her thanks to Rahiv's healing magics, in spite of her blood still being up from the battle. "Thank you, Rahiv," she smiles at the undine. "And well done, everyone - that was bravely fought!"

As she looks around for signs of more trouble, Dav's words about the wisdom (or perhaps lack of) in entering via the front door give her pause. "Good point," she sighs. "But is there another entrance? I'm not sure, though I would be willing to step back outside and have a look if it seems a good idea. As far as purchasing more supplies goes, I suppose...though I am not sure of what else we might need," she shrugs.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Ekran's face smiles broadly and brightly.

Well done! Well done to all. He claps Joza and Rahiv on the back.

A well fought battle indeed, but a good warrior knows when to press on and when to regroup and restrengthen ourselves.The two greatest warriors are Time and Patience. Let us return to the Fort and rethink our plan of attack. What say you all?

He seems much more relaxed and rested after Rahiv's touch.

I agree. It might be best to return to the Fort and rethink our approach, Davlamin said.

He added, When we return, let's scout the area more thoroughly. Maybe we could thin the enemy's ranks or even find a back entrance to give us the element of surprise.

It will take you another six hours to go back to the Fort, meaning you'll probably sleep outside halfway back.

But it's surely safer than to stay too near from the Spire...

"Yay! Rahiv's our new hero! And Joza too... And Ekran. And Davlamin. And everyone. Yay! We need a better strategy for our next fights, though."

Zinli replied to Joza:

"Torches might be a good start. Anything that would light our way. Ordinary ones don't seem to work very well in this place. And meals. And water. Are you feeling better, guys?"

She seemed worried for Joza and Ekran.

Joza resists the urge to pat the little gnome on the top of the head. Somehow, she had a feeling that to do so would be considered mildly annoying at best and quite rude at worst. Instead, she simply smiles down at her. "I am, I promise! Good as new, thanks to Rahiv's healing magics," she replies, giving the undine another appreciative nod.

"You're right about the torches though," she continues. "It seems that stocking up would be a good idea." As they collect themselves and prepare to begin the return journey to Fort Inevitable, Joza pauses as she considers the current time of day. "I don't think we'll be able to make it all the way back before the sun sets," she sighs. "Hopefully no one will mind sleeping under the stars for a night."

Rahiv smiled "It was simply my job. I am just glad that everyone was alright in the end. Forgive me, but while I do enjoy the stars...The spire worries me and so do the roads. I have heard of bandits before in the area and the like. I see well in the dark and I can rest when we get back. If you like, I can watch over you all tonight." he offered.

He found himself a tree and leaned back against it watching the surroundings carefully.

Thank you Zinli, the sorcerer said giving a bow. He quickly smiled and chuckled at everyone's antics.

I believe we best set up a guard schedule so that way we won't be ambushed while we are resting on our way back to the Fort.

"You're welcome! Sleeping under the stars, that's the BEST about being an adventurer! We can make a campfire, roast some sausages, sing a few songs, and tell some embarrassing anecdotes..."

The gnome pondered a bit:

"And probably getting attacked by strange things who wanted to steal our sausages. Rude people, but that's part of the job after all! Anyway, I agree with Dav -can I call you Dav, by the way? Joza and Ekran can have a good rest. Soooo... We'll be four guarding the camp... So it could be Strider, then me, then Rahiv, then Davlamin. What do you think? "

Smiling, the half-elf replied, Sure! I don't mind if you call me Dav. And I like that plan, Zinli.

"I promise I'm fine, truly!" Joza objects, looking a bit uncomfortable with the thought of sleeping all night while the others took watch. "If Ekran or myself were still badly hurt it might be different, but I don't see why the two of us can't take a watch as well," she continues, oblivious to the fact that perhaps Ekran might have actually been looking forward to a full night's rest.

Bending down, she picks up her dropped bow and arrow and sheathes them once more. "Tribes are strongest when everyone that can contribute something does so," she notes. "The more of us that share the watch, the shorter each watch will be and the more sleep each of us will get. But, we can talk more on the way - we should get started soon if we plan to head back."

Guided by Joza, you find what seems to be a secure place into the Echo woods.
You settle for the night, and after roasting a few sausages, talking about yourself so you know everyone else better, singing, you finally put your bedrolls to good use.

The night passes without troubles, once you get accustomed to the noisily night life in the forest.

You're not too far from the Fort, and should arrive before midday.

After your breakfast, you resume walking to the Fort. Once again, the travel is quiet. The sky is cloudy, and you would appreciate a sunnier and warmer day, but no one told you an adventurer's life was without little nuisances.

At least you're still alive after your first encounters with the Spire's resident goblins, and it was a tough fight.

As you come closer to the Fort, you start noticing some kind of leaflets nailed to some trees. Pushed by his innate, cat-like curiosity, Strider got a closer look at one

Uhoh... that doesn't sound good...

He seems embarassed, and shreds the leaflet
I'm sorry, but I can't go back to the Fort with you... I have to leave, right now. Don't believe this, if you find some. Sorry I couldn't help you more in the Spire.

With these final words, Strider runs into the forest, doing his best to hide himself despite moving as fast as possible into the opposite direction of the Fort

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 13 - 5 = 9

"But... Strider? Strider, where are you going?"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"STRIDER! WHY ARE YOU HIDING?! WE CAN SEE YOU, YOU KNOW?!" Zinli shouted. "Aaaaw... He's running too fast..."

She looked disappointed -and completely unaware that she was ruining his plans of staying stealthy.

"Well, that was... unexpected. Too bad... He was nice... And full of surprises."

She knelt to examine the leaflet, her eyes full of curiosity:

"I wonder what that is..."

The leaflet is torn in multiples pieces, and some might have been gone with the wind...

DC 15 Int check to recompose the puzzle

Wait what!?

Davlamin was completely caught off guard by Strider's quick exit.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Like the gnome, the sorcerer was able to spot the male catfolk as he fled, but unlike Zinli, Davlamin kept his mouth shut. While sad to see Strider leave, it did mean that he no longer had any competition for the affections of Joza. Still he best take it slow with the female catfolk, remembering her last outburst.

I wonder what was on that leaflet....

The half-elf takes a closer look at the paper...

Intelligence: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

"Uuuuum... Oh! Wait! I get it! If I put that here... And that... There..."

Zinli started to recompose the leaflet, with as much enthusiasm as if she was doing some kind of tricksy puzzle.

"Aaaaannndd.... Ta-daaaa!"

WAIT!! Strider! ......by Abadar's beard that fellow runs as if a devil is pulling his tail. Well, I suppose it's best he leaves now before any imperial entanglements...

Ekran peers over Zinli's shoulder with interest...

The leaflet appears to be quite old

Reward: 100 GP. My daughter has lost her pet cat, Strider. He might be acting strangely, as he There is a part missing a few too many times. Ask for DealMissing the Transmuter in th The end misses too.[/b]

A picture of a male cat with nearly human eyes, with a black as night fur, is added. It's missing the higher left part of its "face", just above the eye.

Wait...pet cat...um...Okay. It seems that some transmuter had way too much time on their hands.

The sorcerer was a bit surprised at the leaflet as well as the fact that Strider wasn't what he seemed to be. The half-elf did look at Joza, wondering what the female catfolk's reaction would be.

Oops! I forgot to put this in here.

The half-elf smiled at the gnome.

Good work Zinli. You have a keen and clever mind.

Zinli smiled back:

"Thanks! That's nice, but truly, I just like puzzles, and that one wasn't too difficult... My father was very fond of them, even the hardest ones. The thousand piece puzzles, you know? He could spend months to do one of them. He used to say that 'every problem has its solution, and if it's difficult to find it, you just have to keep testing all the possibilities until you find the one that works!' Luckily, I guess," she added. "We usually have plenty of time to figure it out."

She frowned while looking at the leaflet:

"I don't really understand what that means, though... It's Strider on the picture, but... He isn't a pet. And it looks like there's a reward. Oh! So that would be some evil guy who's looking for him? Like... Is he being researched?"

Smiling, Davlamin replied, That is a wise ideal to follow my friend. I've always liked puzzles myself, mainly the magical kind but others also interest me as well.

When Zinli mentioned about Strider being studied and researched on, the half-elf thought for a few moments.

Hm...It's possible. Some mages and scholars often commit...unethical research to understand their areas of study. For example, necromancers often raise the dead to study how death affects each person, as if they were trying to understand the very nature of death itself. Some sages believe that is how the research to become a lich was first created. One reason why I never wanted to be a wizard, even though I had the talent to become one. I always liked to conduct my studies via books, scrolls, and investigating the areas of my study, mainly history. History is much easier to study and learn from. The arcane is another area of study I've always been interested in. There is so much magic to be learned from the past. Although I'm not stupid or naive to not realize that there are some things better left buried.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Joza simply gapes in amazement as Strider suddenly blurts out that he needs to leave and takes off in the opposite direction, into the nearby trees and brush...though he makes enough noise as he runs that it's quite easy to pinpoint where he is until he finally gains enough distance that she can no longer hear him.

Nonplussed, she finally turns to look at the others. "Okay...what? What was that all about? I don't get it! Are all cityfolk* as strange as he is?" She shakes her head. "I don't understand..." she grumbles.

Int: 1d20 ⇒ 16

However, as she peers curiously over Zinli's shoulder and listens to what Dav has to say on the matter, her eyes widen with shock. "Wait, so Strider is...was...a true cat and not one of the folk like me? And some wizard did this to him? I...I don't even know what to say..." her voice trails off into silence as she processes this new information. After a moment, she speaks once more, "Although...that does explain a lot. I had just been thinking that his strange behavior was from growing up in the city among humans and not among other folk...either that, or that he had been dropped on his head a few times as a child. Or possibly both!"

Turning to look at the others, she sighs. "Well...unless anyone feels particularly interested in trying to chase him down, it seems we've lost our best chance at bypassing whatever traps the Spire has within it. Since we're heading back to Fort Inevitable anyway, perhaps we can try to find someone else with similar skills that would be willing to go?"

*Joza is referring to Catfolk that live in urban areas, rather than city dwellers in general.

Davlamin had to do his best not to smile, smirk, or bust out laughing at Joza's reaction, and it took every ounce of willpower to do so! He simply patted the catfolk on the shoulder, trying to comfort her.

Well I do wish him all the luck in the world. I really do. Besides he was a good friend. He will be missed, but you are right Joza my friend, we will need to go back to the fort and see if we can find another who can aid us with traps and other nasty surprises. As well as to stock up on supplies.

Before he finished the sorcerer added, By the way Joza, you were quite magnificent during that battle. I did notice you were quite skilled in fighting goblins. Are goblins a major threat in the Mwangi Expanse?

Rahiv was a bit passive as the situation unfolded in front of him. He was not one to restrict anyone's freedom so when Strider said his goodbye he merely bowed his head in respect.

When Zinli and Davilamin figured out the leaflet and the likely story behind Strider, he only felt a bit of pity for the poor creature. Even if it was a ploy to capture the man under false reasons, still he didn't wish the kind of hospitality that the man would find if he was caught.

He nodded as they spoke of trying to find another trapfinder "That would certainly be wise, otherwise we're gonna need a really long pole to poke around with like a blind man the entire way, and that does not sound pleasant."

Hearing the witty comment from Rahiv caused Davlamin to laugh.

That was quite good, Rahiv!

"Oh, of course! I hadn't planned on trying to force him to come with us or to try and report him to whoever made that flyer," Joza hurriedly responds. "In fact, I'd much rather give a piece of my mind to the man that would experiment on his daughter's pet," she snarls.

As Dav comments on her battle prowess, she smiles but seems a bit awkward as well as pleased. "Thank you...and no, not terribly. Oh, there are goblins that live there, make no mistake. The Screamwings are as sneaky and vicious as any of the goblins I have run across since leaving home." Shifting uncomfortably, she brings one hand up to scratch at the back of her head. "It's more that, well...there was an incident on the road when I had first arrived in Varisia involving a traveling caravan, a raid by goblins, and erm...fire. Lots of fire. Anyway, we should hurry and get moving again..." she mutters as she shoulders her pack once more and begins to hurry down the road once more.

Realizing that Dav and the rest of her companions have yet to move to follow her, she turns around and cries out in exasperation, "I don't appreciate being set on fire, okay!?"

Upon hearing Joza's tale and how she doesn't want to be set on fire, Davlamin cracked a smile before replying, Quite understandable. Goblins are known pyromaniacs. And I agree I wouldn't want to be set on fire by those pests either.

He then quickly walked up beside her as he decided on what to write in his journal when they got back to the Fort.

Curious to learn more about her and her tribe, he asked, So Joza, what is life like living in the Mwangi Expanse?

As you walk and talk, sharing past experiences and hopes for your future, you start to see the Fort in the distance.

You shouldn't be more than one hour away from the inn.

That way, you can finish any RP you want, and I'll be able to introduce our new player soon... Remember I'm away on vacation for two weeks by next Sunday.

"Er, well..." Joza pauses as she tries to think of what to talk about. "We live on the open plains, like I mentioned before. We mostly hunt, though we do occasionally trade with the humans of Freehold when our wanderings take us close to their settlement, as well as with travelers that we meet."

"It's also quite hot most of the year, as you might have guessed," she continues with a chuckle. "There are dangers of course...goblin tribes, wild beasts, thieving humans, but nothing that cannot be found anywhere else in this realm," she shrugs.

I see. And are there many ruins there? I heard something about a Gorilla King or Ape Emperor, can't remember which he's called. Maybe one day, you'll escort me to your homeland as I would love to explore it. As a little boy, I dreamed of exploring every ruin in the world. So and...this might be a bit personal but what is your family like?

Joza frowns for a moment as she thinks. "I've heard those same stories, but there aren't many ruins out on the open plains I'm afraid. The humans seem to largely prefer to build their settlements near the forests and mountains. The jungles might be a different matter, but we've always steered clear for the most part."

As he asks about family, she smiles as a faraway look enters her eyes. "The entire Fersig tribe is my family. Although our way of life may be quite different from yours, or Zinli's, or Rahiv's, we are just like any other family. We laugh, we quarrel, we love. And we survive - together." She glances over and gives him a slightly mischievous look. "Though I suppose you were asking about what the humans and most other races would call erm...'immediate' family, yes? Much the same. My mother and father are Alyara and Zithembe. I have two younger siblings; a brother, Dulane and a sister, Miri."

Suddenly aware that she and Dav had been doing the majority of the talking this day, she looks around to the rest of the group. "What about you, Zinli? Or Ekran? What sorts of places have you seen?"

"Oh, I haven't seen a lot, actually... I'm from a small village, in Rostland. Quite peaceful, except when people start to argue about politics -and trust me, they do that a lot.

Zinli shrugged:

"I grew up there, without seeing very much of the world. I was getting bored, so I decided to leave, and I've been on the road for like... Eight years, now? I've started with Silverhall, where I got a job. I've been briefly to Numeria, but I had to stop in Hajoth Hakados. Nothing like Starfall, BUT I've seen real skymetals, and THAT was worth the trip!!!"

The mere fact of mentionning skymetals apparently got her overjoyed:

"Oooohthatwasosgreat!!!! Isowantedtoholdoneinmyhand! Theyreunique, theyreunknown, theyre..."

Zinli took a deep breath, unable to continue:

"That was not what I was talking about, wasn't it... Oh, yeah! Numeria! Yeah. So... The landscape's also astonishing... Looks like a big desert. Nothing like Brevoy or the River Kingdoms. Too bad I didn't see any monstrous deadly machine. I'll have to go back later. So I went down to the River Kingdoms, where I've stayed. That's all." she concluded.

Davlamin was very interested in learning more about Joza. After she had finished and the others to tell about their pasts as well, the half-elf realized as well that he and Joza had done all of the talking. He listened intently to what the gnome said.

Rahiv listened passively to the others, he enjoyed the stories of the world around him as he hadn't had the chance himself to really travel. It all seemed so different then what he remembered moving from swamp to swamp.

His hand was placed gently on Zinli's shoulder when she got too excited hoping the sentiment was good for a calming effect and not considered undue and perhaps rude.

He felt the rummaging in his pack and soon heard the all familiar cry from his friend that he was awake after the long nap and soon the cat climbed up and stretched out over his shoulders. He yawned a bit and gave it a scratch before looking at Joza.

He really wasn't sure if it was poor taste that one of his friends was so similar to the other but he remembered something that had deeply disturbed him earlier.

"Joza...why were you using a giant fork on the goblins? I dare say they aren't good eats and I've mostly only seen the smaller variety of your weapon used to hunt fish. Please tell me it is not designed to hunt bigger...fish." he said with a bit of a gulp.

Upon hearing the undine's question, the sorcerer also began to think.

You know Rahiv I had thought the same thing but during the heat of battle I had practically forgot about it.

"A desert...that sounds incredible," Joza breathes as Zinli describes the landscape of Numeria. "I've heard of such places, heard distant tales of the deserts of Osirion and Qadira from travelers as well as during my travels, but I've never seen one. It...it's hard to imagine places with no greenery at all," she confesses.

When Rahiv asks about a 'giant fork', she briefly looks surprised before realizing that he's referring to her trident. "Oh! You mean this?" she asks, holding it up. "It's called a trident - though I guess it does look like an oversize fork, doesn't it?" she chuckles. "This is the favored weapon of Gozreh; I wield it as a show of respect and devotion to him."

The guards stop you at the Gate, and a sergeant comes to see your group. He looks at Joza carefully, and barks orders

You're the explorers of the Emerald Spire? Go to the Citadel and report to the Paralictor Drovust, commander officer of the Order of the Pike. Lekbar! Drahim! Escort these folks to the Citadel.

Two guards step aside, and escort the adventurers to the Citadel. It's a roomy, octagonal tower more than 90 feet tall, and probably the single strongest fortification in the Crusader Road region. Round turrets at the corners of the main structure provide excellent fields of fire both inside and outside the city wall. The main door opens on
the bailey inside the walls, but there is also a small postern (usually locked) that leads outside the city wall to the shore of Misty Lake.

The building is massive and impressive. Squadrons of soldiers patrol or train, and everything is done with martial dignity.

Two new guards escort you from the entrance of the Citadel to a small chapel dedicated to Asmodeus. You are told to wait a few minutes, then the door opens. Inside, you see two women, as different as you could dream.

One is a gnome sized strange girl, who opened the door.
The other is a tall, athletic woman in her mid fourties, with a plate armor and a wicked sword by her side.

Enter.

By the tone of her voice, she is used to be obeyed without hesitation. As you come in the chapel, the door is closed by the same gnomish woman.

Candle light illuminate the room, and, sitted on his throne, a statue of Asmodeus, ruler of Hell, is looking at you over the altar.

I am Lady Commander Drovust, commanding officer of this Fort. This one is Pekoe. As you are exploring the Spire, I have a mission for you. I am seeking information on an old Hellknight expedition, lead by Signifier DiViri, to this place. If you find hints and clues about the fate of these Hellknights, I want you to bring them back to me. In exchange, you will get a free entrance to the Fort, without any fee, and you will receive a reward of a thousand gold pieces for you six. Pekoe will go with you. Any questions?

Knowing the usual answer he asked anyways, What were they doing in the Emerald Spire?

I guess you wanted to say "What were they doing in the Emerald Spire, Paralictor Drovust?"

After a short silence to let the sentence sink in, she adds

They were checking the place for any potential operture to other planes, specifically for demon-plagued otherworldly places. We can't tolerate Chaos so close to the civilisation, and we have sworn to protect the road to the glorious Crusade.

The answer is quite straightforward, and the stare to Davlamin DARES him to doubt the Paralictor words.

Pekoe tilted her head down, letting her floppy bangs of white hair hide her face while she silently mocked the orders from the Big Lady Hellknight as she was told to open the door. Probably not the wisest choice, but she was feeling a little disgruntled at the moment.

I've been gang planked! Hoodwinked! Blackmailed! Threatened! Oh the humanity!

The dramatic monologue she was running through her head as she hauled open the over-sized doors was cut short by curiosity as she looked up to examine the adventurers. Her eyes widened in delight as she ushered them in; she had never actually been close enough to touch an adventurer before! She scurried back over to her spot beside the Big Lady Hellknight once the door was securely closed behind them and gave a big beaming smile and wave when she was introduced.

"I respect your altitudes!" she said with a salute, adding a wink for the gnome who had shuffled in with the others.

Knowing that the glare was meant to trick him into doubting her, but not taking the bait, the sorcerer smiles and bows slightly.

Thank you for the information, oh gracious Paralictor Drovust. It is an honor and a welcoming blessing to know that you and your fellow Hellknights are so committed to stand against the evils of the Abyss and that of the Worldwound as well. And my apologies to forgetting to address you properly. I was so amazed by your prescene that I misplaced my manners, which does not happen unless I stand before a radiant creature like yourself. But before we go Paralictor Drovust, are there any...how should I put this...ah yes...other strange things happening, such as omens, increased cultist activity, or even sightings of unusual creatures in the area around the Spire? such information would be vital to aiding us in cleansing the ruins of the evil that infests it.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23