PFS by PbP scenario TBD (Inactive)

Game Master Brayden Green

"The goblins here are sneaky and organised. Interesting."

"come on out, you sneaky little bastards, you've been spotted... no need to try hiding anymore." Varian calls out in a sort of pigeon goblin - which consists mostly of common with a few goblinish sounding words mixed in. I'm taking a level of linguistics, learning goblin this level, so it makes sense for him to have picked up a few words by now - though in truth if these goblins don't speak common, they probably still didn't understand more than word or two.. he probably just called one of their mothers a fish-eating horse or something, since he hasn't actually spent the point in linguistics yet.

Gobbo Percep: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

A group 'eep' is yelled out from the bushes in rough common is spoken. "Longshanks find us cuz your head is too big!" "Itz not me, Scrag smells like hated horse ploppings!" "Nuh uh, it's beef ploppings!"

This stoogey banter continues for a few more seconds as they poke their heads out of the bush simultaneously, eyeballing you all to see if the party is still paying attention to them. Looking at Varian, calling out to them to dance with a squealy gourd in their language, an audible triple-gasp is brought forth! "Longshank has da sword of Zog!"

I have a sword? Something I picked up during the mod that I didn't write down on my sheet I presume? We'll go with that for the time being, as I have a swiss-cheese memory.

Varian brandishes the sword a moment, then grinz at the Goblins. "THis old thing? So what if I do? What' it worth to you?"

The only sword you encountered was the small cold iron sword from the statue; you asked for it, so I'm assuming you're carrying it in your belt as a dagger-like weapon. Note that even though it's not on your chronicle sheet, we haven't gotten to the handwaved amount of gold coming your way for RP purposes (assuming you all sent a crate with maps, details, and other things to the Grand Lodge).

I remember it now! thanks for the reminder

Shilyn squints at the two goblins and simply shakes her head. "Sword of zog huh? Looks like an ill-kept blade to me," she says to Varian as she reaches to brush some hair from her eyes.

She flexes her fingers a bit to get a sudden stiffness out of them and mutters something unintelligible under her breath.

The goblins pop their heads out of the bush with a look of disbelief on their faces.

"Longshanks will give us fabled sword of Zog?!"

Following Shi's comment, they shout back. "Sword of Zog is legendary artifact of the great kingdom of Zog that once ruled this longshank land! Ptooey on you!" as the goblins then stick our their tongues and imitate Sbilyn... until the vanishes... for 6 seconds.

An eerie silence pervades the bush.

spellcraft to know what Shi did: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

"Shi, did you just cast a spell? I don't know that one..."

Then I remember where I am.

I wave to the goblins, "I'll pay you five silver pieces if you can tell me everything you know about the Kingdom of Zog."

Goblin Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Looking at each, the goblin heads hide behind the bushes with a mixture of whispering in Goblin and occasional curses in Common. After about 30 seconds of deliberation, the trio of green-skins hop out of the bush.

"Dat's 5 silver pieces EACH!"

[dice=spellcraft to know what Shi did]1d20+10

"Shi, did you just cast a spell? I don't know that one..."

Shilyn looks over at Mylvwara and raises an eyebrow. "Did I..what? What, pray tell, are you talking about?" She gives the Mage a genuinely confused look before turning to look at her other companions.

Amnur shrugs and fishes out the requisite number of coins and jingles them in one armored hand, his annoyance clear on his face, "Out with it and I'll hand these over."

I shoot Shi a grin, Well, unless you can naturally become invisible for a few seconds..."

Then I sit down on a conveniently sited and appropriately sized barrel and retrieve my writing gear, Please, share your stories.

Goblin Kn: History: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Oh, this'll be good!

The three goblins immediately run up to Amnur and count the counts... then count then again when they skipped the number four while divvying up their loot.

Finally agreeing to a suitable amount for each, they begin their tale.

"Zog is the mighty goblin kingdom that existed here many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many years ago!"

"No it ain't! That was too many many's!", argues the shortest of the three.

"Anyway, many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many years ago, we goblins ruled these lands with big goblin fist! Millions of miles of goblin land! We see longshanks, we shank! We see giants, we big shank! We see dargons... we run, have it follow us, then surprise dargon shank! It the greatest kingdom eva known!"

The middle one interrupts at this point. "Of course, Zog no more. I guess kingdom felt bad for killing all longshanks, and can't steal longshank stuff or eat babyshanks if we kill all longshanks, so they musta decided to call it quits."

The shortest goblin finishes the tale. "But ruins under big scary man's keep... used to be part of the castle of Zog, so some brave goblins went in to be heroes of the Brambleclaws and please Great Chief Graalsk!"

The short goblin then walks up to Shilyn and Varian. "So can I be da hero?", with a big toothy goblin grin and its pitiful attempt at goblin dog eyes.

Shilyn gives a more confused look at Mylv as the goblins relay their story, totally unsure of what the Elven woman is talking about. "I wish I could do that.. it'd be so useful at times." A small voice in front of her snaps her out of her thoughts..

"What?.. oh, sorry. You want be be a hero??" She blinks a few times in disbelief.

Amnur looks more confused and annoyed than ever, his great fleshy face scrunching up in consternation, "What exactly do ya loons hope to find in there?"

"Great goblin treasures!"
"Big, powerful weapons!"
"A tasty grub!", answer the three.

Amnur gets a wicked glint in his eye, "You've each been very helpful." pulls out a single gold coin, and tosses it into the middle of the three. He looks at the others, [b]"Now I really need that drink, and heads off towards the Thirsty Ogre.

I sigh and, after finishing my notes, close my notebook and follow Amnur.

"Thank you, um, gentlegoblins. That was fascinating."

As I catch up with the dwarf, I sigh, Field research is notoriously... haphazard."

"Wait wait wait!", screeches the shortest of the goblins while the other two wrestle over Amnur's gold.

"So about the mighty, awesome, and artifactly sword of Zog..."

"Those goblins are a hazard! Pity their so tolerated around here or I'd..." and about that time the smallest one scurries up.

Amnur just rolls his eyes and continues walking at the pestering goblin, annoyed the gold wasn't enough a distraction for them to get away. He shrugs casually at Shi, leaving it up to her.

Pausing a moment in thought, Shilyn shrugs. "Hey, if they want it that bad, I'm sure they'll be willing to act as scouts for us after we've rested. Of course, any thoughts of treachery will mean that the rusted blade of Zoog gets broken by powerful magic by our chief wizardess.."

"We'll be back!", cries out the lone goblin as the party walks off.

Sorry for the delay; was waiting for other people's replies, then got caught up in my own business!

It's been 3 weeks time since the first foray into Thornkeep. As you continue your stay at the Greenforest Inn, you start to meet some of the other locals. Shandar, the innkeeper, has been busy biting your ear for your exploration into the ruins as well as previous adventures. Meanwhile, the party has noticed an increase of goblin attention their way; nothing threatening, but the green ears and red eyes follow you around.

A package of notes as well as some artifacts (a small number of the gems found, but not all so the door can be reopened) has been sent off to the Grand Lodge. At this time, no word has been sent back until one lazy morning (involving the men sleeping off another 'sermon' with Brother Eldrast the night prior), a guest arrives to meet the party.

At this time, everyone can make Kn: History, Kn: Local, or Kn: Nobility checks untrained while in Thornkeep about Thornkeep stuff. Furthermore, everyone can detail a major action you'd like to have done in the 3 week period :) I'm just moving things up fast due to my being out of state at the end of this week to until just after the Gameday and the real next part begins!

Shilyn spends time trying to figure out what's been happening to her since her encounter with the shadow. A few strange things obviously.. like her vanishing during the talk with the goblins.. waking up in the morning to find burn marks the door of her room, which she hopes the innkeep doesn't notice..

Additionally, she'll roam the town talking to the towns people to see what she can learn about the area.

knowledge, Nobility (Untrained-take 20): 20 + 2 = 22

K: Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Amnur tried to strike up a few conversations with the locals about the area, but just got so bored every time they opened their mouths! Brother Eldrast had some amazing things to say, but Amnur could never remember their 'religious' conversations the next morning. Not that he was too bothered by that, it was just a fact.

While they waited to hear back from the Grand Lodge, Amnur kept himself busy polishing his weapons and armor, enjoying the new dents and dings their latest foray had added to the solid metal. He could feel goblin eyes on him now and again, and the feeling was fanning a slow, burning anger that grew just being near them. To take his mind off of it, he asked his companions and Eldrast to spar frequently, and these sessions always seemed to end at the tavern, which also helped the situation.

He did spend some time examining some of the gems they'd found, interested in how they had opened that door underground. He thought of that place constantly, and felt a keen itch to be back exploring and laying monsters low. He did wake up covered in sweat once or twice imagining a giant stirge circling his head and jabbing into his neck with it's blood-hungry little mouth.

Ever the busy researcher, I spend my time finding the people who claim to know the history of the area and then plugging them for information. I also make notes on any strange culture, flora and fauna that I encounter.

Almost seems like a waste of all that training. Obviously, I'll take20 if I can. If not, see below.

knowledge (history): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Varian spends his time in the practice yard, sparring alone or with Amnur. Though he lacks Amnur's skill, he makes up for it with enthusiasm.

He also enjoys the tavern and presence of the lasses in town, flirting, though always in a friendly manner. If any of the lasses are of a mind to spend a little extra time with him, he won't demur, and will depart with her/them, leaving AMnur alone in the tavern.

When not sparring in the practice yard, he visits the local weaponsmith and hones his craft more, working hard at the forge and learning about more and different weapons, the art of crafting them, and using them.

It's not a fascinating way to spend time, but VArian finds it absorbing and it fills his hours quite adequately. He might even join Amnur and Brother Eldrast in some of their religious discussions as well, expanding his store of religious lore too.

@Amnur/Varian:
Free Diplomacy @ Brother Eldrast: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 = 24

As you two hang out together, Brother Eldrast has taken a bit of a liking to both of you. Outside of his servant, Murfin, and the acolyte Taronnel, you both have been a bit of a fixture at the Shrine of Battle.

Eldrast sparring check @ Amnur: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Amnur sparring check @ Eldrast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Eldrast sparring check @ Amnur: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Varian sparring check @ Eldrast: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

While Eldrast's knowledge of dwarven tactics proves too much against Amnur, Varian manages to hold his own against the priest, who is confounded by the aasimar's grace and ability to draw whatever weapon is necessary. However, Varian is unable score decisive wins, either.

As you spend time with the Brother, you find out some information about the area, at least from the dwarf's point of view. He aims to win over the town by supporting adventurers and mercenaries who support honorable causes. Likewise, he holds most of the thieves' guilds in contempt, especially the largest, the Three Daggers. More so, he blames the current ruler, Baron Tervin Blackshield, for the current lawlessness of Thornkeep.

Lastly, from the battle experience, you can roughly guess that Eldrast is probably level 6-8 give or take.

@Varian: When not with Amnur/Brother Eldrast, you've also hung around Iozef Nevski at Echo Wood Arms. He's quite friendly to you, not having many people willing to appreciate fine weaponry outside of its ability to be concealed and stabbing potential. You learn he's from nearby Ustalav and has been in Thornkeep for half a decade. He's fairly quiet about his own past, though. You develop enough of a rapprt with Iozef that he offers to allow you to use his forge and anvil for any work you do while in Thornkeep (+2 to your next Day Job check Varian).

@Mylvwara: You can take 20 on the History thanks to the tomes in the Goldenfire Tower, but not on the Kn: Local.

Your research has been mostly fruitful. Although you think you've got some suspicious eyes upon you, your inquiries into Thornkeep go unimpeded.

Uncovering some truth to the goblin's tales, apparently goblin kingdom of Zog did exist about 700 years ago. Eventually, a strange disease weakened the kingdom enough that a gladiator from Tyvon spearheaded an assault that crushed the remaining goblin forces. After that, it's been a number of warlords and despots who have been ruling the area. Current, Tervon Blackshield is the ruler, having overthrew the previous leader. Thanks to the previous leaders' frivolous spending, Thornkeep's vaults are nearly empty.

Outside of that, several guilds hold power over the local populace one way or another.

-The Three Daggers: Largest and most powerful of the guilds, it does a number of illicit business including smuggling, banditry, racketeering, protection rackets, and even the occasional murder-for-hire.

-The Blue Basilisks: A mercenary group, its small but experienced number of members offer their services to the local citizenry as well as passing merchants.

-The Ironjaws: A roughneck group of thugs and thieves, this 'guild' has been the ire of The Three Daggers by attacking their protected businesses. Their crimes are more brutish and have procured the ire of much of Thornkeep.

-The Goldenfire Order

-The Hunter's Guild: Much like the Goldenfire Order, it exists to protect its guildmates. The leader, Jaervon Mardesal, is a half-elf archer who dislikes many of the viler citizens of Thornkeep, including the goblins, and wishes to rid the town of them. However, there is not enough support to do so, although he's always looking for allies just in case.

-Wolfmane Tribe: A group of Kellid tribesman that regularly do trade with Thornkeep as well as try to run occasional civil discourse with the townsfolk. They're protective of their forest territory, and their leader, Darioth, is keen to keep an eye on those who would intrude otherwise.

Mylv: Basically, you have knowledge of Thornkeep on pages 6-11 in the book.

After comparing notes and hearing what the others have to say about the area, Amnur snorts, "Quite the diverse little area, pretty rough around the area if I'm to judge! I like it!" and grins happily at the prospect of being surrounded by such varied groups of riffraff.

Ooh, permission to look in the book!

Shilyn, your post will come up later today :P, although information wise, there's only a bit more than what Mylvwara will come up with.

So I've been sick the past 2 days (technically still sick today, but had to come into work to get stuff cleaned up before I take some PTO next week).

As Shilyn works her magic with integrating herself into the seedy underworld of Thornkeep, she notes that a member of The Three Daggers has been watching the party since leaving the Thornkeep ruins. However, the scuttlebutt is that they're keeping tabs on them just to make sure this isn't a new group of adventurers wishing to make trouble in the town (more so by aligning themselves with the hated Ironjaws or, to a lesser degree, the Hunters' Guild, whose leader is openly against the Three Daggers.

Also of note, Shilyn hears a rumor that they weren't the first ones in the ruins besides the goblins; apparently a trio of men from the Blue Basilisks mercenary guild snuck in even before the Brambleclaw goblins made their foray a day before the party arrives.

After a few weeks of simple life in the town, a bit of excitement finally occurs.

"Yo! How's it goin' fellas?", colloquially greets a familiar voice. "Man, this place is just two steps above demon-monkey infested-jungles, amirite?". The tiefling walks into the Greenforest Inn during breakfast. Shandar immediately welcomes the fellow Pathfinder, asking him to sit down and asks for a tale about the journey up here. Oriandor politely declines, then refocuses his attention back on the party.

"Um, err, um... it depends on how big the steps are. I suppose."

After a flustered moment, I decide upon bonhomie, "So, what have you been up to? Other jobs for the society?"

"Not much, glad to be out of demon country up north. Had to do the mandatory stint up there. Makes it worth seeing his ugly mug again.", pointing his outstretched thumb to Amnur.

"Oh yea, got your cut of the artifacts and notes you guys took of the ruins 'ere.". Oriandor reaches into his back pack and tosses everyone a sack of coins. "Don't spend it all in one place!".

If anyone wanted to purchase special supplies/magical items, at this time Oriandor would also be distributing them.

"You brought my books. Fantastic! And some more vials from the temple too... thank you."

With unseemly haste, I begin flicking through the books, noting key passages and making comments in the margins.

"Glad to see chummin' through goblin dungeon didn't change you, Mylv.", replies Oriandor.

"So last thing; Cap'n Ambrus wanted me to tell you guys that since you did such a darn good job going through the ruins, he's going to postpone your Mendevian duty and have you go down deeper inside the place. Once again, once you've hit a noteworthy stopping point, send back a missive and await further duties."

Shilyn would like her master-crafted rapier enchanted to +1. If I'm reading it right, should be 2000 gp since it's already MC. Please correct me if I'm wrong :)

Sitting quietly letting Oriander and Mylv chat for a bit, Shilyn leans back in her chair and takes a sip of her wine. "Well, so the Captain wants us to journey back eh?" she asks. "Seems we're not the only ones that have ventured beneath the ruins," she says as she leans forward, lowering her voice so that it would not be easily overheard with all the background noise of the tavern. "I hear that the Blue Basilisk guild sent a foray there a day or so before us. Haven't heard what the outcome was as yet."

Sitting back once again, she looks over at Oriandar. "So, have you returned with my blade? Feel a bit naked without it, you know."

Amnur scoffs at the instructions, "A noteworthy stopping point, you say? I hope they have a sign down there pointing out such a place. Ha!" The dwarf laughs at his own little joke.

Shilyn, you are correct!
"Oh yeah, fine blade there; was totally not gonna keep it for myself.", teases Oriandor as he pulls a slim weapon out of his backpack.

"Well, buddy, if you do find that sign, make sure to have one of the ladies read it to ya so you'll know to stop. ", patting Amnur in the back.

Amnur just nods in agreement, missing the light-hearted slight.

Varian collects his new wayfinder and places his ioun stone securely into it. "Thanks, Ori for securing our new gear for us."

Looking at the others and admiring their new items, especially Shi's blade, he asks, "So when do we start delving below again?"

"Mighty welcome there, Varian. You're lookin' goid yourself, like you can take a hit or two besides just giving 'em out!"

Amnur shares Varian's desire to return to action, "Soon enough I expect. Something about going underground always gets my heart pumping!"

"Personally, I'd prefer not to be underground while my heart still beats," Shilyn quips quietly to herself.

"The Society typically frowns on being dead.", the tiefling quips.

"Anyway, gotta keep this brief; Zey wants me for some other travellin' assignment. Hope it's not in an Aspis or ape controlled jungle again."

Amnur gives Shi a slightly reproving look, "That may be the most unattractive thing I've ever heard you say."

"I have to say I can think of other things besides being underground that set my heart beating fast, but I don't mind it either. I can see why it pleases you so much Amnur, being a dwarf and all. You're not coming with us, Ori? I was hoping you were back to join us... ah well.. maybe on our next assignment."