Modified Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master mathpro18

everyone please post and then delete your post to be added to the characters list and to have this added to your active campaign list

[ooc]sorry guys for the delay and with out further ado lets get the show on the road[\ooc]

The streets were packed as you all came into town. Horns sounded as soon as you breeches the gates and a loud cheer erupted. Confetti and streamers rained from open windows of ships and the crowd barely parted around the party. Townspeople reached out trying to touch the "saviors of sandpoint". After a few moments the crowd dispersed and there it was. Right in the middle of town stood a 50 foot bronze statue of the party. A smiling Ameiko and Shalelu stood next to the statue. Your hearts sink as you see Shalelu standing there. You had issued orders for her to remain with the black arrows. Her presence here could only mean one thing, trouble was in your future. She had a smile plastered on her face however and as anyone approached she covertly held up a finger to her lips to silence any questions.

Baldric scowls as he and his companions approach Shalelu and Ameiko. He begrudgingly accepts her urging to wait on his questions about why she is away from her post.

she better have a pretty good reason for this... I wonder if any of the other recruits would have what it takes to run the fort if she doesn't... I may need to head back out there and do some more training...

Unable to think of anything to say that doesn't involve her abandoning her post he waits awkwardly for someone else to say something.

Zaphkiel hops off his horse and walks forward through the crowd, touching hands and leading his horse. Upon seeing the statue, he sighs.

Hardly worth a large casting of bronze, but the gesture is appreciated.

He greets Ameiko and Shalelu without observable distress, instead asking about Ameiko's brother.

Iozif grins as the crowd parts to reveal the statue.

Now what will our descendants make of that thing, will future generations remember us for all this, or will be be just another footnote in history?

"Our two favorite ladies, to what do we owe this pleasure?"

"WHAT IS THIS, LITTLE LAMB?" she hears her companion speak as the group enter the town, so many people, not to mention the statue.
"I do not know, my dear Wolf." she replies as they follow the party in. Neither of them interact with the crowd, unlike the others. Too many people. She appreciated her small size. And the size of Wolf. It did tend to ward people off a bit from trying to touch them

When they reach the one called Ameiko they follow her lead by not making small talk. But it did seam to way on the rest. It did bring a broad grin to the large Wolf
"THIS SHOULD BE INTERESTING" she felt his mind, she didnt have to see him to know he was smirking. She only smiled and shook her head

-Posted with Wayfinder

Zaphkiel looks back at Lamb and Wolf, seeing how they interact with the crowd.

I do hope nobody in this crowd is too old or ill. Does that trigger the bloodlust in these creatures the same way wounded enemies do?

He shakes his head quickly, refocusing on the situation at hand.

Stay close you two, and let me know before you decide someone needs your, eh, services.

Stay close you two, and let me know before you decide someone needs your, eh, services.

She gives the one called Zaphkiel a soft smile

"I do not make such promises..." the large flaming wolf grins

But you all know by now that the two are usually in consensus about things and Wolf tends to just like to sound his opinion, but unless both agree, he never acts on those tendencies

Amekio pales a little at Zaphkiel's question. "My Brother...he's...doing well I suppose. To be honest I haven't gone to visit him... she bites her lip passivly as she looks uncomfortable but brightens at Izof's quesiton. She then waves a hand to quiet the crowd. A hush quickly falls over everyone and then she smiles at the group. "We wanted to welcome you home. Word of your recent deeds for Magnimar have reached us and we wanted to thank the saviors of sandpoint for helping our nearest allied city. What you did against the giant folk was nothing sort of amazing and we thank you for keeping Tutleback Ferry, Fort Renick, and all of Varisia safe. We erect this statue in honor of your service to our humble town and ask that you relax while you recuperate from your adventures. The first round of drinks is on me down at the Rusty Dragon."

As soon as the words are out of her mouth the streets almost magically empty and you can hear quite the ruckus coming from the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko gets a slightly worried look on her face and excuses herself from you. "I...better attend to them...I'm sorry to run off I was looking forward to hearing more about your travels. I should have known better than to... her words trail off as she walks towards the Rusty Dragon.

Baldric waits somewhat patiently while Ameiko hurries toward the Rusty Dragon. As soon as she is safely out of earshot he asks Shalelu, "What are you doing here?!? What's going on at the Fort and why aren't you there?"

Shalelu pales as Baldric speaks but just scowles at him. "I bring dire news...your efforts with Barl have not ended the war as you had hoped. We were able to intercept this letter from an ogrekin and while I know I was to stay at Fort Renick...I knew you needed to know... she nervously bit her lip and handed a letter over to Baldric.

Holding the letter in his right hand, the knuckles of his left hand go white as he squeezes the shaft of his polearm. Shaking his head he holds out the letter for the others to see...

"You were right to share this with us, though a sending spell would have sufficed... we really need to find someone with some magical ability who has the right temperament to serve there with you... I suppose, though, since you're here you can go scouting for us; grab the fastest mount you can get your hands on and head out- see if you can determine how many there are and when they'll arrive."

Turning to his companions he adds, "We need to start planning and preparing if we're going to defend the city. If we can figure our what they're after that will obviously be a big tactical advantage for us too."

"I claim this Teraktinus as ours!" Wolf growls, small flames drip from his muzzle, one can only assume he is salivating

Lamb leans down and strokes the back of his neck "I concur my dear Wolf, he shall not escape my bow or your fangs. But we need to make sure the innocents do not go down with him"

She looks up at Baldric, smiling yet again, her smile seems to almost never leave her face
"Do you have a plan, for we both will do what it takes to bring this Teraktinus down and send his soul to the next plane"

Zaphkiel puts a hand on Shalelu's shoulder and smiles reassuringly.

You've done well. Be safe.

He looks at Baldric.

There seem to be three potential pieces of critical intel. Who is Teraktinus, where is Jorgenfist, and what is he looking for. Where he is retreating to could predict where he is coming from.

Iozif shakes his head. "This is bad. They're still going after civilians." He sighs turning to Shalelu, "Come back. Don't be a hero, your intel won't do us any good if they catch you."

"We'll need to get all the civilians into the town. How many can fit in the Cathedral, the garrison, the town hall, the glassworks, and the academy? They'll probably come from both the north and the east. They probably can't get across the harbor, but the Turandarok can be crossed. And not just at the bridges, at least not for giants."

Baldric's scowl softens into a wry grin as his companions immediately start strategizing with him.

we've come such a long way... the first time we defended this city, from those goblins, was such a mess: not one of them had any tactical sense at all, or much discipline for that matter...

"The letter says 'several of the people'... we shouldn't read too much into the phrasing until Shalelu brings us her report of their numbers but I'd guess it's a small raiding party. Any decent archers we should try to secure relatively safe spots to fire from. We can gather flares and signal whistles for any volunteers brave enough to alert us to where the giants are within the city. Everyone else should be hidden away in defensible locations like the chapel and the barracks, yes. My knowledge of geography isn't great... Iozif, have you heard of the Jorgenfist before?"

know:local (to recognize Teraktinus): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (13) + (2) + 18 = 33
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 1d8 + 20 ⇒ (13) + (2) + 20 = 35
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (20) + (6) + 26 = 52

Has Iozif heard anything about Jorgenfist or Teraktinus?

Holy knowledges...52 on knowledge history...

Iozif scratches his chin thoughtfully. "I seem to remember reading something about Jorgenfist once. I think it's about a fortnight northeast of here, maybe a little more. In a valley nestled in the Iron Peaks a little north of where we fought Barl."
"Teraktinus on the other hand is a problem. A stone giant woodsman with a pet dragon. And he's supposed to be bringing friends." He breaks off seeming to realize that he'd started to lecture.
"You know that note also gives us another clue. What do you think we can learn about this mysterious 'M' who signed it?"

Yeah, that's sort of his thing, and I got some good rolls.

know(arcana): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

"A red one, yeah," Baldric comments on Teraktinus, "thankfully it's only about 15 feet long from what I've heard. Still, we'll have to think about some protection from fear and from fire... and it'll be able to see through smoke at that age so they may try to use that for cover..."

Whoever they are, they signed it with an initial. It seems like they would be at Jorgenfist, but beyond that I don't think we have much to go on.

Zaphkiel rubs his temples with his hands.

Giants are too strong and destructive for it to be safe for anyone if they enter the town itself, what if we met them outside the town? I suppose it would depend on the numbers, but...

He trails off.

"We might be able to waylay the giants if we meet them outside of town but I'm not sure we'd have any way to stop the dragon from flying right into town and setting it ablaze."

If we prove ourselves to be a sufficient threat to Teraktinus he may keep it around for protection. That'd keep the townsfolk out of the fire, so to speak.

Shalelu stood listening to them discuss strategy. "The idea of bringing the fight to them before they reach Sandpoint is an intreaguing one to say the least. If this is the way you decide to go do you wish to have my assistance as well? We don't exactly know how many we are facing. Do you want me to scout ahead and get some recon on them or do you want to accompany me in tracking them down?"

"Lamb and I will be more than willing to help track down the prey" Wolf adds to the conversation

"Yes. Wolf and I will be happy to help track down the one who threatens this place of peace and refuge"

-Posted with Wayfinder

This could be fun, but it won't be easy.

"We'll need better info if we're gonna take the fight to them. I'd hate to head out and have them pass us because we went the wrong way."

"Iozif is right, the first thing we need is information. Go quickly- find out how many there are, what types of giants they are if possible, and what route they're taking. I'm honestly not sure if the four, or five, of us can beat them in the open field... Teraktinus and his dragon would be challenge enough; if he has half a dozen stone giants with him we could end up in real trouble." Baldric thinks for a moment then continues, "If we can chose the place where we engage them, get Shalelu and some of the better archers in town hidden safely away in the trees, and maybe even talk Ameiko into sing for us from a relatively safe spot we should be able to handle it. If he's got more than a small band though we may need to rethink that... If the town is willing to contribute we might be able to get a scroll to summon extraplanar aid, that could make a difference..."

Zaphkiel shakes his head.

Surely any such support we bring with us would only be rendered a target for the dragon. Remember when we nearly got blasted off the tower in Magnimar when we were all coming up the stairs and Xanesha launched a fireball at us? Surely the same thing would happen with any archers or if Ameiko came with us? Trees don't make for an impressive defense from flame breath.

"I do not fear the fire" Wolf interjected, followed by Lamb
"Yes dear Wolf, but they do"

"Any volunteers would be putting their lives on the line, yes. But, as you say Zaph, if we can make our selves big enough targets the dragon should focus on us, except for maybe a breath here and there and we'd try to bring only those tough enough to take one..."

Baldric pauses again to consider the priest's concern... he's always been protective of others, its no wonder he doesn't want to let them risk themselves while we are... then continues, "we might need help if we try to fight them all at once, which is probably what we'd have to do if we try to meet them outside the city, but this is all based on guess work. The first step is for Lamb and Wolf to go with Shalelu and try to get us numbers and an idea of their route- then teleport back so we have as much time to prepare as possible."

That's the real issue isn't it? There is little we can do until we know where they are coming from and how many they are. North and East are little to go on in terms of finding them, but let's see if you he points to Shalelu can find them and bring us useful information. Don't take more than a day or two, we might need you here. We'll prepare the defenses here in case they arrive before you do or in case you can't find them.

"Thank you, fair elven maiden, for bringing this news. Now fly like the wind and may luck carry you where you need to be." Iozif gives Shalelu a dramatic bow and turns to the others. "Now, is Sheriff Hemlock still in charge of the garrison? We should speak with him with all haste."

Shalelu looks at the group almost expectantly. "Could I trouble one of you for a couple teleport scrolls. If you want me to track them down it would be faster for me to just teleport to the cities along their possible path and see what I find and then teleport back. If you can't spare the funds however I guess I can just walk." her words trail off.

You all are inturrupted by a VERY pregnant Shayless who, despite her current state or maybe because of it, is stunningly beautiful. She stands in the street staring at the group. She is shaking a little and she has a pained look on her face. After a few moments of staring she speaks, not really to anyone in particular "I...I heard you were back...have you returned for good?"

'damn... dealing with people, especially upset women, was always Luthien's job,' Baldric reflects, hoping that someone else will speak...

Despite himself, Zaphkiel cringes slightly as Shayless ambles over.

Oh blast it all. This is exactly what we needed.

Please, Shayless, dear, have a care for your state.

He immediately removes his traveling cloak and folds it up, placing it on the base of the newly-made statues. I assume it's on some kind of stone base platform to keep the statues from sinking into the dirt?

"That there is yet wickedness in the world is not cause for defeatism, but a requirement that those who seek to do good seek evil to remove it." Iomedae said that before her Seventh Act, and we must follow her example. The world is still a dangerous place, and our work to make sure the area is safe requires constant attention, so it may not slip back to the way it was.

Wolf was quickly to surround her, his flaming body like smoke around the woman

"Don't you just look ravishing! I could eat you up where you stand!"
The soft voice of Lamb soon followed "Now now my dear Wolf, do not crowed the lady, you can see she is still with child."

At that, Wolf returned to Lamb's side, still eyeing Shayless. His blue eyes ablaze with intensity

Iozif glances at Lamb & Wolf as Shayless walks towards them, a sad look crosses his face,then disappears in a smile. Ah Luthien, how we miss you.
Bluff: 1d20 + 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (16) + (5) + 17 = 38

"You are looking... well. We have, just this hour, received news that we must travel once more. We must ensure that Sandpoint stands for us to return to. I wish it were not so."

Zaphkiel starts to react to the wolf's approach, but when Lamb called him off he relaxed slightly and continued his conversation with Shayless.

Shayless stiffens a little as wolf wraps around her, not used to the contact. She takes a seat at the base of the statue and looks up longingly at the figure of Luthien. "Its been hard...having the constant reminders...I miss him." her voice trails off and a single tear runs down her cheek. At word of them leaving again she gives a deep sigh and a hint of irritation becomes obvious. "I don't know why its on your shoulders to solve this worlds problems but if you feel you must go...I won't stop you. Just remember I'm due in 6 weeks."

Zaphkiel squats down in front of her and puts a hand on her shoulder.

I know, I miss him too. I... he looks over at Lamb and Wolf, I miss him too.

You aren't going to be left on your own to face this, I promise.

"Is our presence causing harm? We can help with stories of this Luthian?" she asks in an offering manner

"Bah! To die like you said, he mustve been a frail mortal" the large outsider growled

Once again Lamb spoke up, one would think she would reprimand him, but it was more like one mind having a conversation with itself. Juggling ideas and opinions
"My dear Wolf. What he did was brave. He did not run. He embraced his end with open arms. More than what most of our prey does."

-Posted with Wayfinder

this is not going well...

"Shayless, we will protect you and Luthien's child but that means that when threats arise we have to be prepared to ride out and face them. We'll return as soon as we can but until then get some rest." Baldric makes an effort not to sound too gruff when he speaks, though it stills come out somewhat stern. "Iozif, why don't you walk Shayless home. Please."

Iozif takes the gravid young woman by the elbow, "We all miss him," He glances at the pair that were once their friend, "in our way."

"Come, let me accompany you back to your home. There is much to be done in defense of you and our town. Zaph, and Baldric have their jobs to do. And I assure you, they shall do them well."

Zaphkiel touches Shayless on the shoulder.

I will be by later, Shayliss, to make sure you're all right. Baldric, we'll meet you at the garrison.

As soon as Iozif and Shayliss leave, Zaphkiel turns to Baldric and Lamb and Wolf.

We ought to check with Hemlock, yes?

The rest of the head off to meet with Sheriff Hemlock. He is not at the garrison when you get there but he returns shortly after with about half dozen drunk townspeople who 'celebrated' your return a little to hard. "Hail the local hero's" a drunken cheer comes from the townsfolk he's dragging behind him.

"Need to speak to me?" he asks as he passes you. "Let me deal with these...citizens and then we can talk. I assumed Shalelu in town meant something was up." He takes the drunks to a holding cell and locks them in and then guides you into his private office. Its new since the last time you guys were in town and it offers a private spot to converse where prying ears won't here.

"So what did you need to speak to me about?...oh and before I forget Ameiko has requested your presence at the Rusty Dragon before to long please. She said it had something to do with Tsuto but she didn't go into much detail with me."