Pixie Rogue's Shadowed Keep

Game Master Pixie Rogue

Fortunately for you, I haven't been utilizing crit fail rules.

Lalandar uses his special training in the combination of sword and spell. The combination of the woman's spell and the new elf's distraction provide sufficient opening for him to complete the job he started the little menace, dropping it in the leaves of the path. In the same breath, he casts a spell and sends a glowing projectile through the foliage to strike the goblin making good his escape near the campfire.

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The crazed dwarf, seeing a goblin getting away, charges the creature. He strikes the creature with his newly-sharped axe so solidly that the axe doesn't even slow as it removes the creature's head and right arm from its torso.

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A moment stretches into two and eventually into a minute before the assembled party takes a long breath. There seem to be no further threats.

Feel free to introduce yourselves to the other party and to the members that you are only now meeting.

After making a quick check to see all the targets down Lalandar approaches the elf that helped him flank the goblin. Well, that was interesting. My name is Lalandar Lalandar extends his hand to the elf across the dead goblin's body I can assume that someone hunting Goblins is a decent creature. He then turns to the body and proceeds to see if the corpse has anything useful on it.

After looting, he will turn to make sure his sister is fine.

Noting the goblins are down, she will dispel wood armor I believe I can do that . Then she walks towards where her brother is standing, introducing himself. And my name is Talaledar. Me and my brother trailed these goblins here. Was this your camp site? Haven't you heard the rumors?

The waraxe-wielding dwarf kicks the dismembered goblin once, "Ha! Teach ye t' surprise a dwarf!"

He looks up at the archer, "Eildrim, drag that dead 'un outta the camp. Don't want it stinkin' up the place while we're tryin' to sleep."

He grabs each hand of his victim and drags it into the trees, reappearing a few minutes later. "Drag it out far enough the wolves don't bother us tonight, either."

The elven archer rolls his eyes, but the mage nods and motions toward the body, so the archer gets to his feet and drags that one into the trees, as well.

Tyhal shrugs his shoulders and looks at his sister. "Give me a hand, would you, Rhasa?" He takes a hold of one corpse and motions to a second, dragging them into the campsite and toward where the other bodies were taken.

He comes back into the clearing carrying the meager possessions of the fallen. "Anyone happen to pick up my dagger?"

Rhasadinar moves to aid her brother, taking hold of the other goblin corpse and dragging it through the clearing and into the woods with the rest of them. Likewise, she returns carrying a small suit of armor, shield, and sword, placing them on a pile near the campfire.

She curtsies to the four men at the campfire with a slight smile.

"Torag's forge, but there are a lot of you. I saw him, but I had no idea there was anything as purty as you wandering around in the dark. Ye didn't get hurt, did you, lass? We didn't know what to think when we heard folks skulking around in the dark, hope we didn't scare you."

"My manners - name's Yurbin Dolduum. Note the name, you'll hear of me and be able to say you knew me before I was famous." He nods firmly.

He points to the two elves of his group, "The bookworm over there is Gaelreth Ruaerthar and that's his half-brother..."

The mage interrupts, saying firmly, "Brother, Yurbin. He is my brother."

"Ha! Your mother was an elf, Gaelreth. His wasn't. You might be brothers, but you aren't sharing the same blood. Not all of it." He holds up a hand to forestall further argument, "OK, Gaelreth's brother is Eildrim, and a damn fine shot with that bow."

He looks around for a moment, "Dolral, where did you get off to?" He looks at Tyhal, "There's another son of stone in our group, likes to do a lot of skulking himself, by the name of Dolral Ovlagg. We are going to find the lost dwarven citadel north of here. Hasn't been seen in a dozen generations. Time for it to be found, I'm thinking."

"Say, you lot wouldn't have a healer with you, by chance, would you? Those little vermin got the drop on me after we heard you in the trees and I took a few arrows to the back."

Tyhal shakes his head. "Whatever you heard in the trees, master dwarf, it wasn't us. We were tracking the goblins and didn't get here until well after the first shots were fired, judging by the roar of anger you unleashed as we approached."

He offers a hand to the dwarf and a wave to the elves, "Tyhal Dancingbrook. My sister is Rhasadinar. We are not healers, but one of our friends might be able to aid you."

"Your fourth is leaning against that tree over there, wondering how you can't see him standing there, I'd wager."

She murmurs, "Pleased to meet you."

Elwin quickly looks over Lalandar as he sticks out his hand. "Elwin Sarxina." he pauses a second before continuing, "We were not if what we heard was friend or foe, so we tried to stick to the shadows for a bit. But once we saw you guys fighting goblins, we figured you couldn't be all that bad."

Grabbing onto Lalandar's hand as he talks, he looks over Lalandar's shoulder to observe the rest of the people. "You guys have a large group. I count eight. Should I be worried?"

Hearing Elwin slip up and say "We", Ashia steps out of the trees, and is holding a black cat, that has now climbed out of her backpack. Petting it nervously, she speaks softly to Lalandar, "We are just traveling through and happened camp just a ways back. We heard the noise and thought we should investigate."

Catching only part of the conversation, Ashia's ears perk up as she hears the the injured dwarf asking for some healing. "I can help help him and the rest of your party some if you and your party will not rob and murder me." she says as if trying to make her serious question, sound more like a joke.

I will role 8 heal checks. Tell me if they refuse it as I can only heal them once every 24 hours (note: tell me before you check the spoiler :-), otherwise find your name in the spoiler and receive the healing goodness.

I don't think either of my character's have been hit. Therefore, I'll pass on the healing. So this wasn't your campsite? We actually trailed these goblins here from the Keep up the road. Turning around and facing the actual campers, Why were you all camped so conspicuously when every one in the area knows about the recent troubles?

Patience brother. You know as well as I that sometimes you have to rest, even when trouble is known to be about. You should not be so suspicious of people who are obviously willing to fight goblins. I apologize for my brother's lack of grace.

Approaching the other group, directing the question at the dwarf that seemed willing to talk, If there is more healing needed, I can help a bit. May we ask what you all are doing so near the famed Keep though? This is a dangerous place to camp. We could almost see you from the gateway as we were tracking these foul creatures.

Note that there were two separate conversations. Ashia, Elwin, Lalandar, and Talaledar are still among the trees about 20' from the edge of the clearing - close enough to easily hear the dwarf, far enough to have a private conversation. Rhasadinar and Tyhal have entered the clearing. I will assume everyone have moved into the clearing to facilitate unless you choose to speak privately first.

Yurbin, in response to Lalandar's remarks: "That 'famed keep' has been a haunted ruin since I was a child. Bandits like to move in and pretend they are tough, but nothing we couldn't handle." He gratefully accepts the healing. "We had a plan for 'em, too. Woulda worked if you lot hadn't distracted us and had us looking the wrong way when the arrows started flying."

All of the injured campers (Yurbin, Gaelreth, Eildrim) gratefully accept your offer of healing, Ashia, as does Tyhal. At least some of his injuries don't appear to be from a weapon, however. More like a fall from a moderate height.

Yurbin's wounds close. "Ah, lass, ye have the healing touch of the gods. I'm feeling much better."

Gaelreth and Eildrim are apparently completely healed by Ashia's good deed though neither is particularly gracious in their gratitude. Dolral doesn't address the group or even approach from where he stands on the edge, watching.

Apparently satisfied in letting Yurbin being the talker, Gaelreth returns to studying a hefty tome that was laying next to his seat by the fire. His brother has checked his weapons in a very cursory manner before retrieving a shiny bit of metal to use as a mirror. He is checking to make sure every hair is in place - which is odd, because his hair is a mess, more so when he's done than when he started.

The dusky-skinned elf nods in gratitude as Ashia applies her healing hex. "We had a hedge wizard where we grew up with a similar gift. My thanks that you would share it, Miss...?"

Realizing that Yurbin is still having issues, Talaledar will approach him and cast cure light wounds to continue helping him. You need not hide your injuries. We are always willing to help out those in need.

We are sorry that we interrupted your plan. We were worried that the goblins might do more damage. Can we provide any more help before we get back to trying to figure out what evil lurks in the area? Or, if you are native, maybe you could give us some advice as to what might be going on around here.

Elwin watches as Ashia slowly approaches those needing help. Her touch seems to melt away some if not all of the wounds those injured. He notes how quiet she finally is. She didn't seem to shut up while walking here, but now that there is a group she gets quiet. "What is with this girl." he thinks to himself.

He finally looks away from her when hearing the word "Evil". Looking over at Talaledar. "Evil? You guys wouldn't need help removing it would you? I swear I can strike better than I did with that goblin back there." He points his thumb over his shoulder.

Ashia slowly approaches the apply healing as wanted. Approaching each person she is oddly silent, speaking in reply to questions asked of her, and as she asked to see those that need healing.

Tyhal: "My name is Ashia," she replies softly. "I hope this helps. I have not had to do this much, as I have only just set out on my Seeking."

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

A seeking? So you're a good witch? It's interesting what you find when you start exploring the world. Ashia, it is nice to meet you. My name is Talaledar. Me and my brother are trying to help this part of the forest be put to rest. There is something dark in the area. Elwin, if you'd like to join us, we can always use another blade to help us progress through the Keep. I sense something very dark in that place She glances over her shoulder, back towards the Keep. We could always use your help to Ashia, I'm not very talented with healing but between the two of us, I think we can probably handle any injuries that are likely to arise.

I hate to admit it but my sister is right. We could use the help. He turns to the one names Gaelreth I don't think my character knows his name Can I ask about your tome there? What are you studying? I've studies my fair share of magic in my training and I'm always curious about the other magic that's out in this world.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

As Lalandar starts to approach Gaelreth, he notedly tries to soften his voice from the upset tone that he started the conversation in an attempt to start a discussion.

Gaelreth gives Lalandar a level look. "You can ask."

There is a long pause before he sighs and replies, "It is a treatise on the construction of golems, focusing on flesh golems. It's not particularly well-written, but there is little on the subject available in this area. The superstitious tend to frown on the subject, among others. Are you among the superstitious?"

At Talaledar's offer, Yurbin starts to demur until it looks like she might not follow through, "Ah, miss, thank you for the offer, but I'm fine. Really.... No, wait, if you don't mind, I'd be happy to accept some more healing."

"This keep sounds interesting. I don't have anywhere I need to be real soon, and clearing out an "Evil Keep", just sounds fun, and possibly profitable." Elwin pauses a second, and then continues. "I think I will take up your invite to help clear this keep."

"Ashia, I fear our paths will have to split after tonight as I am going to join them on their task." he says as he turns to Ashia as she finished up her healing.

Yurbin offers, "We don't have much to offer other than a fire and safety in numbers, but if you would want to rest here before continuing your journeys, it's the least we can do. We'd a taken care of the little rats on our own, you know, but it sure helped having some extra blades at work."

Gaelreth and Dolral don't seem particularly excited about his offer, but say nothing.

Eildrim doesn't appear to be paying any attention as he's checking his hair in his makeshift mirror again.

As everyone looks over to Ashia, they see her black cat, jump off and run over to Elwin, rubbing himself against the legs of the elf. He then stops, and looks at Ashia letting out a quick meow.

"Yes Timber. This is just what they told us we would find."

Ashia looks at Talaledar, "We will come along as well." Turning back to Elwin, everyone sees her first true smile, "Looks like you can't get rid of us that easy." Bending down on a knee, Timber runs back to Ashia, jumping into her arms, and purring loud enough for the whole group to hear. "What ever you like about him, Timber, I don't know. It must not be his smell." A bigger grin crosses her face as she looks back to Elwin.

Hearing the option to rest for the night, Ashia replies, "We have been traveling all day. We were about to rest anyway when we heard the commotion. I think it would be best for us all to camp here." Ashia looks over to Elwin to see him shaking his head in agreement.

"Well met, then. We will accept your offer and return to our delve in the morning. We have done each other a favor - that's seven fewer goblins we need to deal with when we return to the keep tomorrow."

He looks at the meager pile of gear that was obtained from the ambushers. "What should we do with these? I don't know that anyone can use them - the swords are a bit off-balance to use as daggers, but could work in a pinch."

He looks at the other pair of siblings, "Unless you two are in a rush to return tonight?"

Rhasadinar nods in agreement at her brother's remarks before looking at the other two in their group to see their reaction.

I do not see any need for us to return. Maybe a fresh sun will give us insight into the Keep anyways. I don't see any need to keep any of these items really but I'm not the warrior type really. Before we rest, I can do a few more healings before bed? She will not offer healing to Yurbin unless he asks for it again.

Giving a glance around, slightly nervous, Lalandar nods at his sister Yes, I think we might as well stay as long as someone stays on watch. Is there anyways to make the fire slightly less conspicuous? After looking around for suggestions and ideas he will turn back to Gaelreth.

At her brothers mention about covering the fire, Talaledar will make an attempt to do the same.

Yurbin shakes his head. "The fire was burning bright to bait the bandits. That's why I was singing. It will burn down soon enough."

Gaelreth has returned to his book, pointedly ignoring the discussions, but looks up at Lalandar's question. "If you want to know what the local peasants know about legends, you should ask one of them." He returns to his book.

As Ashia quietly setups up around the campfire, she starts to think about what the dwarf was saying about the citadel, and that about the fort we are to be exploring.

I apologize for not switching to Talaledar. I didn't realize it was still on Loegare. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 Well I appreciate the reference. Are any of the rest of this party more local? Do any of you know about the reference to golems?

Brother, breathe. I'm sorry for his lack of conversation skills. He deals with issues with his blade much better than his lips. You do have a point brother, does anyone know anything else about the area? We know the general history but if someone has heard more rumors, we'd greatly appreciate any knowledge that might be buried in their story.

At Lalandar's query, Eildrim offers only a bemused grin and Yurbin shrugs. "I don't solve me problems with books, lad." He pats his dwarven waraxe. Dolral's location is not immediately apparent, but when you look around for him, Yurbin offers, "Dolral's not much fer talkin' and it's his watch, anyway, so he's probably scouted out a spot fer watching to make sure there's not more goblins out there."

To Talaledar, he says, "What we know of the area, we got at the tavern on our way here. I told you what I know of the keep. You probably know more than I do - you've been there, right?"

Yes, we were there but we didn't get too far before we heard these goblins coming out to attack you. Also, we barely scratched the out building. Talaledar is slightly distracted by the trees and it's apparent from her actions as she's conversing with Yurbin. All I think my brother was after was any hint as to what might be happening there. We know that trouble has returned but we don't know what's behind it or what trouble it might take. The idea of superstitions based around a golem, well their might be a connection between those stories and the trouble. My brother, for his lack of skill in conversation, knows that stories often have a factual basis to build off of.

Speaking of watch, how are we going to break down the schedule? I'd rather not be gutted in my sleep from a roving goblin band that comes out seeking revenge?

"Do as ye will, lad. Ye can share our fire, but I won't lay out yer bedroll fer ye."

He turns toward the east side of the encampment, "Lad, yer good fer a watch?" A gruff "Aye," is the only reply.

"Set yer watch, boyo. Ours is taken care of. Time fer some shuteye." And he lays down near the fire.

Ashia leans over and speaks to Elwin, "I can keep first watch, just like before. I will wake you for second watch."

I generally want Ashia to be first or last in the watch order. She needs to commune with Timber each day to prepare spells, but I don't think she must have uninterrupted sleep (Pixie, correct me if I am wrong there). She just has a low perception and human vision. Timber helps though.

Hearing Ashia, Elwin turns to the group. "Ashia said she would take 1st watch. I can do second if you guys want the others. Just let me know how long of watchs we want, I am fine with that."

I am fine with Elwin taking any position in our group's regular watch order.

Feel free to specify a default watch rotation and marching order. I will put them in the campaign info and use them unless you want something different.

"I see well in the dark. I can take the deepest part of the watch, when it is the darkest. Shall we pair up?"

He looks at Ashia and then at Talaledar and Lalandar, "My sister's Art requires that she get a full night's sleep to recover the energy to use it again the following day. Is this also a concern for you? I suspect Elwin is not so constrained, am I right?"

The magus is supposed to get 8 hours of sleep to prepare his spells. So I guess Lalandar needs to go first or last. But the oracle, according to what I read, doesn't necessitate that. With her darkvision ability, maybe she can take the deepest part of the night also? Let me know if I'm wrong Pixie

To be fully prepared, I need to rest. I must take the first or last watch. I'd prefer the last watch. I could prepare my spells while on my watch that way to be ready for the day to begin without delay. Do any of you have an issue with that?

Rolling her eyes at her brother, I don't need quite as much prep as my brother. I can take whatever watch. I'm actually slightly more comfortable at night. The world seems much brighter. If you'd like, I can take a later watch so that all may be ready for the day. As she goes through, she gives her brother a smirk, obviously picking on him.

Six of us, two with darkvision. If we pair up and each pair takes four hours, four of us can have eight uninterrupted hours of rest. I suggest Tyhal and Elwin in the deepest part of the night with Ashia and Rhasa taking first watch while the remaining siblings take third. There are a lot of useful combinations, of course.

Six of us, two with darkvision. If we pair up and each pair takes four hours, four of us can have eight uninterrupted hours of rest. I suggest Tyhal and Elwin in the deepest part of the night with Ashia and Rhasa taking first watch while the remaining siblings take third. There are a lot of useful combinations, of course.

Sounds great to me.

agreed.

Then it will be so until we decide to change it. Perception rolls if you have not provided them yet, please. One for each hour of your watch.