PFS by PbP scenario TBD (Inactive)

Game Master Brayden Green

"Ah... he looks almost awake at last... Hello Kalkamedes, nice to meet you finally. You are awake, aren't you?" Varian exclaims to the fellow Pathfinder... He tilts his head to one side and tries to see why Kalkamedes is still walking around with his eyes closed.

"Aww man, you guys are no fun," the Pathfinder smiling and finally opening his eyes.

"I wanted to say thanks to you in person for saving my life. Someone else also wants to say something."

From his backpack, Kalkamedes pulls out a cracked silver longsword from his side.

"Greetings, Pathfinders. Thank you for saving my friend.", Gamin announces to the room.

Kalkamedes speaks up once more, "After this incident, I'm taking my official retirement now. With the discovery of the Thrallkeeper lair you guys found, I think that covers much of what needs to be found in the forest. And since I'm finally going to settle down... Gammy and I thought that he'd be of more use with you."

The sword glows warmly in acceptance. "Yes, if you can look past my flaws, I'd be happy to aid you in your adventures."

"Wow... wish I could take you with me, but unfortunately, I have few proficiencies other than with the weapons I can make. But perhaps someone else would be happy to wield you and travel with you? You would make a fine addition to any adventurer's group! Of course, I COULD carry you with me as a friend and companion, but your abilities as a blade would be beyond me..."

I grin and take hold of Gamin, feeling the weight of him in my hands, "Like most of my kin, I have been trained to wield a longsword."

I guess I'll have to buy him but, if funds allow, I'm quite keen. And, if needed, I might loan him out to adventuring companions who go in for a bit more sword-swinging.

Heh.. you know what I'll buy.. funds permitting bwahahahaa

Shilyn smiles at Kalkamedes and bows graciously. "My thanks for the offer of your blade, but I'm afraid it's a bit heavy for my tastes."

Bounding the silver bracelet in her palm, she continues as her eyes light up mischievously, "This, on the other hand, will prove quite useful.. and fun."

"This exploration was an interesting diversion, but I fear I have other journeys I must undertake. Perhaps I will travel to Tian-Xia; I hear they are a far more refined sort then the peoples of these lands."

"Oh yeah, that also reminds me, Lady Heidmarch wanted me to tell you to pack your things; looks like you're supposed to go back to the River Kingdoms."

"Back to the River Kingdoms? But it's so... humid.. there," Varian says, trying to be diplomatic and not say what he really thinks of the River Kingdoms.

I shake Mahasi's hand, "It's been enlightening working with you."

However, I stiffen slightly at the message about the River Kingdoms, But surely we can have a few days to explore the library here. And all those Azlanti ruins...

Orion, out of his depth in the caves, now feels more a part of his element.

After reporting back in Heidmarch Manor, you are told someone is waiting for you in another room. You are taken there and see a dwarf in a green traveling outfit, red beard and hair

He is relaxing in a chair, smoking a pipe. As he sees you he stands up, moving towards you. You notice a symbol of a closed fist in silver embroidery on his outfit. He wears the same symbol as an amulet from a chain around his neck. On his belt he wears a dwarven waraxe.

"Well met, I am Deaglan, priest of Trudd. The Venture Captain said I am to join you on a trip to the River Kingdoms. She also said you would introduce yourselves and did not even divulge your names."

The dwarf seems a bit annoyed "I for one could live without all the intrigue going on in the Society, what do you think?

"Hello Deaglan, nice to meet you. I am Varian, weaponsmaker and specialist with metals of all sorts. I am a follower you could say of all the gods, but I must say I'm not familiar with Trudd. I would love to be enlightened if you would be so kind."

The speaker is of average height and weight for a human, though there is something not quite human about him. Perhaps it is the odd lilt to his voice, or the six slim fingers he bears on each hand. His bright green eyes seem a bit luminous for a human, but he lacks the pointed ears of elvish heritage.

For a self-proclaimed weaponsmaker, he is lightly armed, bearing only a dagger here in the manor.

"I agree with you about the intrigue in the Society, but I guess no venture of the scope of such a group can survive long without intrigue and secrets. As little more than a minion myself, I am like a mushroom... kept in the dark and fed sh*t... So I just smile and not let it bother me. I will know what I know when I know it. Until then, I go where they tell me and do what they ask of me. And the RIver KIngdoms seem to be our next destination."

He flashes Deaglan a smile that seems to brighten the room a little and shrugs.

A woman in a trenchcoat and with a wide brimmed hat casually strolls into the room. Her movements are graceful and precise; underneath her coat can be seen flashes of strange weapons - rumored to be tubes that shoot fireworks of some sort. She wears a flamboyant red scarf around he throat, as if inviting the enemy.

"Well now, quite the assembly y'all have going here. I heard there was some adventuring to be had, and someone well equipped to handle danger. Names Lirianne, at your service."

She doffs her cap, revealing short brown hair and small pointed ears.

"Well met Varian, I would be glad to enlighten you about Trudd. I trust you do know the great creator Torag? Trudd is his youngest son, the strongest of Dwarves. The reason not many outside dwarven halls have heard his name is because he is the guardian of Torag's hall. His is the silent strength that the other dwarven gods rely on to be always there."

Seeing that Varian's companions are losing interest Deaglan turns to Lirianne "Well met Lirianne."

Funny, my ranger is also in Thornkeep with Lirianne ;-)

Hey she's not Kyra! She's not promiscuous; she's selective about the parties she hangs around with.

I wander into the room, peering deeply into a book.

I step over to a chair, sit down, turn a page, make a note in the margin and save my page.

"Sorry, what was that?"

Then I look about, "Oh, newcomers! Hello, I'm Mylvwara. I do a lot of research."

Orion looks around at the newcomers and welcomes them.

Buy you a drink? he cheerfully asks them.

Varian grins and winks at Orion. "Does that include us old-timers too?"

My eyes are fixed back on the chronicle I am reading but my arm extends, my hand cradling a wine glass.

Classy gear at Heidmarch Manor, surely.

But of course; although she's not shy about dirty work, it does have its rewards.

Lirianne laughs and smiles at the warrior's overtures.

"Sure, sweet thing, I'll take a drink if you're offering. Sounds like a fine way to start a journey."

What's this? Starting things a touch early for RP'ing! Oh my!

As usual for most of the party, the journey to Thornkeep is lengthy and somewhat dull. While the threat of banditry is always there, the protections of Taldor and Tymon for much of the journey do help, and having a large dwarf in heavy armor drinking beer and yelling at anything that might seem bad does much to dissuade the more cowardly thugs.

After arriving at Fort Riverwatch in the morning, it's a leisurely stroll through the edge of the Echo Woods until the pathway begins to widen and the scent of heated coals can be detected.

@Varian, Mylvwara, Shilyn, and Amnur: A familiar rustling comes from the trees. While others are grabbing their weapons, you shake your heads as a familiar trio of goblins jump out!

"It's dem again! Let's do it!"

The tallest of the three bangs on a bent tuning fork before they start singing.

Inspiration and the tune this is written to: from The Bard's Tale

Oh, it’s bad luck to be you.
You'll be used in some monster's stew.
And we sure aren't fibbins'!
You'll be cut to ribbons!
Oh it’s bad luck to be you.

Oh, it’s bad luck to be you.
Don’t think for just a second it’s not true.
If this doesn't make no sense,
we gave you our two copper pence,
Oh, it’s bad luck to be,
really bad luck to be,
nobody could disagree.
It’s a freakin’ guarantee!
It’s bad luck to be you.
Diddly doo.

With a familiar goblin giggle, the aurally challenged trio make a break for it back to the trees.

As always, you can try and chase the goblins down. Their AC is 15 and the CMB is 13. Just need to beat their init first as they start running immediately after the song.
Goblin Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Outside of the interruption of goblin music, the rest of the journey is uneventful. Once again, the party makes its way to the Greenforest Inn, the familiar base of operations to most of the party. With a hearty greeting, the owner of the establishment, Shandar Tulman, comes up from behind the bar to see the party. "Welcome back! I see you guys still look 'bout the same... except you gotta different lady joinin' the group!" He gives a handshake or a hug as appropriate, then barks out, "The guests from the Lodge are here! Tell the misses to get the braised pork ready!"

Over a copious amount of good food and applewine, Shandar prods everyone for stories, it been the better part of two months since he's since any of you.

You guys are in spot 3 on Thornkeep town map. As you can see, the others can point those unfamiliar with the town to other locations as needed to buy any last minute supplies. Feel free to RP when you can, but I'll be moving you guys inside tomorrow morning.

Rather than give chase to the goblins, Varian tosses a handful of copper and silver coins at them for their trouble to entertain the party...

Once in town, he enjoys the time feasting and drinking at the Greenforest Inn with the others, new and old, and getting to know the new folks a bit better. He will tell the tale of the sleepwalking Pathfinder, the zombie dragon, and the awesome encounter with the angelic being and how the party sent the demon packing. Of course he lacks the flair of a true bard but he does have some natural charisma to pull off a good story.

perform: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

When it comes to shopping time, Varian will stop by to see Iozef and trade in his old chain shirt for a new +1 chain shirt. Hopefully he'll get a chance to chat with Iozef and find out if anything interesting has been going on at the forge or in town or at Thornkeep since his last visit.

putting this on previous chronicle sheet, just rp'ing it out as being done in Thornkeep

Giving up on recording the goblin songs, I note them down as 'another tuneless grand guignol' in my records.

Once in town, I head to the Goldenfire Tower to parlay for some spells adding spell costs on my latest chronicle, just gotta finalise my selection.

"What an odd song... but weren't they the cutest thing. Does that happen a lot?" the half-elf gunslinger asks.

Muttering to herself at the last serenade, Shilyn simply shakes her head and yells after the retreating goblins, "It's bad luck to be you.. do this again and I'll run you through!"

With a shrug and a grin to the others she continues, "You know.. it wouldn't be so bad if they could carry a tune.. or two." Glancing at the newcomers she furrows a brow. "Oh, I'm sorry.. I was a bit preoccupied thinking of ways to remove tongues from singing goblins. I'm Shilyn. Don't mind me.. the others don't. Well, except Orion who always tries his charm.. which, by the way, may work on old ladies and young kids.."

With a grin toward Orion she heads over to grab a piece of fruit from her pack.

Ack! sorry for the late reply.. I didn't realize I had two discussion tabs open instead of gameplay and discussion.. ugh.

"Oh come, Shi... you're far too critical. Poor things may not be able to carry a tune in a handbasket, but at least they were entertaining - it was in common and it DID rhyme. I've heard worse from human bards. Anyway - we have always proven their dire predictions wrong in the past, and this is no time to expect anything different... I hope."

Varian also makes sure while in town to replace his silk rope which got cut up to make floaties during his last adventure.

Deaglan had changed into his full plate for the trip and is flabbergasted as the goblins appear.

"Why are a bunch of goblins singing songs at you?"

In the hamlet of Thornkeep he welcomes the good food and ale in the inn. "You clearly have been here before, do you know what we are supposed to do in town?"

In there own strange way, they may be helping us: it sounds like another group has entered the dungeons. I hope they're alright."

In response to Deaglan's question I start a meandering description of the local flora, fauna and folklore that I have been documenting. Then my wisdom catches up with my intellect, "I think we're going to delve deeper into the dungeons beneath Thornkeep: we've been through the first two sections already, clearing out the nasties and uncovering some fascinating finds. As long as nothing else moved in, we've probably done the whole community a favour."

After a good morning breakfast of biscuits and pork belly gravy, the party sets off into the ruins. Mylvwara explains the adventures they had before, noting important information That will be left at that to avoid spoilers for those that haven't run The Accursed Halls or Forgotten Lab

With [redacted] in hand, the group descends down into the unknown floor, where the black wind that howled before has gone silent.

Note, there is no natural lighting past the first floor, so presumably, I imagine everyone has either darkvision, a torch, or a light spell used for illumination.

The winding staircase descends to a ten-foot wide hallway that curves west. An octagonal central chamber can be seen from the hallway by barred windows from the west and south. The floor of the chamber is painted by what appears to be a night sky filled with stars.

New map for the Engima Vaults has been added to my profile! Please move yourself as desired, just don't peek ahead! :P

"Do we open these doors or first explore everything that is not behind a door?" Deaglan asks.

Do we need to set a SoP? Deaglan has 3 blesses memorised, but if anything I have heard about Thornkeep is correct he can not use them each encounter. Save them for when the going get's tough?

SoP?

sop=standard operating procedure

Ah, right. Well, so far it has been Shi trying to scout ahead only for Amnur to clang past her and headlong into trouble. Followed by frantic improvisation...

For what it's worth, this is my spell list:
3rd—haste, summon monster iii [S], summon monster iii
2nd—bull's strength, invisibility, spider climb, summon monster ii [S]
1st—color spray (DC 15), comprehend languages, grease [S] (DC 16), grease (DC 16), protection from evil
0 (at will)—detect magic, mage hand, prestidigitation (DC 14), read magic, spark (DC 14)

Clanging into trouble is something that Deaglan also does well ;-)

Improvising is fine with me, just wanted to be sure I do not ruin a well-oiled fighting machine that was established in your previous adventures.

Deaglan moves around the corner, curious what is to be found in this keep.

@Deaglan: Across the way, you see a large bookshelf that seems to span the entire eastern wall. Filled with a number of ancient tomes, the titles on the spines are in a language you do not understand.

Because no one in the party knows the language natively, I'll need a DC 20 Linguistics check to make sense of the books.

"Facinating."

I will take ten, but if I can't for some reason, my roll is below.

linguistics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

If I can't take ten then I will cast comprehend languages

You can take 10, nothing trying to kill you :P

The books are written in Azlanti: Dreams in Liavara’s Womb, Whispers from the Red Star, and A Myriad Mirrored.

Varian tries to read the titles on the spines of the books ...

linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

and finds it surprisingly easy, even without Mylv's help.

"The books seem to be in Azlanti... interesting. The author must have been quite erudite, or these are extremely ancient."

Muttering in her usual way as yet another dwarf darts past her through the doorway, Shilyn turns to Mylv and says "Some things never change.. why fight it eh?" After a second's pause, she quickly adds "But then again.. that's usually the cause of us fighting."

Stepping into the room with the others, and resisting the urge to bounce something hard off a dwarven helmet, she begins to scan the room.

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

@Shilyn: The floor appears to be in a design. At the northern end of the room, there is a pair of stone doors that bear an inscription on them.

@Varian & Mylvwara: Obviously, you both understand the script fairly well, picking up some ancient language lessons after the Thassilonian bit on your previous adventure.

The author must have been quite erudite, or these are extremely ancient."

"Well now sugar, I don't it's polite to call someone rude now." She winks at the Varian. "In all seriousness, those sound like pretty heavy titles. Whadya reckon they go on about?"

At this point I would like to apologize for getting the American southwest in your fantasy game

"Sugar?" He chuckles, never having been addressed by that title before... "No telling what they might be about by the titles, hon... they do sound very... eclectic? I think we should take them with us though, and read them when there is time... perhaps sell them later, but definitely read first."

Varian casts detect magic and scans the room, especially the bookshelves, to make sure nothing important is being left behind.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Deaglan waits patiently while the others deal with the books. Noticing that something is bothering Shilyn he goes to her "Is something wrong? You seem disturbed."

Hearing Deaglan's voice, Shilyn stops her examination and turns to the dwarf. "Huh? Oh, no, not disturbed," she replies. Tapping a finger to her lip, she says "Have you noticed this design on the floor? Quite interesting actually."

With that, she turns her attention back to scanning the books, reaching up to slide a seemingly random one from its place. "Hey Mylv, what's those inscriptions on the door?" she asks over her shoulder as she continues her examination.

@Varian: None of the books are magical... but, as you try to grab one just to see if there's anything useful inside it crumbles apart to dust.

Give me a Perception check to see if you can glean anything before its destruction.

@Mylvwara: If you look at the starry floor, give me a Kn: Planes or Kn: Geography check!

Lirianne gasps in disappointment as she watches over Varian's shoulder as the books crumble.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

@Lirianne: You can see there's a name inscribed on the front cover, but do not catch it quickly enough to figure out what it said.

perc: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Varian gasps in surprise and then scowls in disappointment, and refuses to touch any more of the books for fear they will do the same... perhaps some spell could restore them to life before being touched if done properly before handling.

@Varian: Testing a few other books, all seem to do the same; doomed to destruction by the passage of millennia. However, your understanding of Azlanti and your quick eyes manages to catch a similar name at the cover of each book: 'Nhur Athemon'.

I'll need a REALLY good Kn: History to know anything of that name.