Red's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master GM Fuzzfoot

Hmm... It sounds like we're leaning towards going back to town and perhaps returning afterwards? To answer Skarn's question, I doubt anyone but the most academically inclined of characters would know anything about the name Malfeshnekor at this point.

"You all know best about the overall mission than I, so I will defer to your judgement on the best path forward."

My vote is for returning, yes. I don't think we're in a good enough position without resting to deal with Nualia, and it's unclear how we would handle hostages while we attempted to do so.

I agree. Go back to town, bring the prisoners to the sheriff, rest up and then come back for Nualia and the bugbear.

You retrace your steps out of Thistletop, quietly through the upper floor and past the throne room where you had taken out King Ripnugget. Finally, you exit and move across the precarious bridge in the same fashion you had before to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

The trip back to Sandpoint takes a few hours, and sunset paints the cloudless sky purple as you enter through the main gates. Sheriff Belor Hemlock greets you at the stone fortress that is the Sandpoint Garrison. "Well, well, well. You've returned, and with Tsuto Kaijitsu and his colleague in tow." He nods over at two guards, who quickly apprehend Tsuto in tighter bindings. Without a word, the half-elf spits at their feet, but the only pull the handcuffs tighter. "Enough of that. Guards, take him downstairs to the cells. We'll question him later."

The guards walk off with Tsuto, and Hemlock's face lights up. "Thank you, you've done our town yet another service. I'm certain some part of Ameiko will be happy to see him alive. Well, perhaps a small part of her," he clears his throat before turning to an unfamiliar face. "And who are you?"

Orik throws the Sheriff a thumbs up. "Ah, Orik Vancaskerkin. A.. traveler of sorts. I once worked for Nualia, but I've been double crossed one too many times. I'm through with her."

"I see. Wait, did you say Nualia?" The Sheriff looks to you for an answer. "As in... The dead priest's daughter? What of her? No one has heard from her for years."

Yeah! Apparently she's alive and..well let's just say she wants to change into a demon! Cordwin explains.

”We intend to stop that though, right?”

Nodding, "Yes Skarn."

We have Lyrie too, right? Does she get locked up as well?

"Oh, and take this woman, too. Any accomplice of Tsuto must be just as violent as he is!" The Sheriff instructs his men, and they lead Lyrie down into the cells.

"A demon?!" Hemlock slams his palms down on the desk. "I knew the girl was troubled, but a demon! Is she mad? I don't like it. I don't like it one bit."

He stands up and marches to the other side of the desk, placing one hand on Skarn's shoulder. "You know what you have to do, don't you? I've said it many times. Our retinue of guards lacks the proper numbers for... demon hunting expeditions." He pauses for effect. "You've obviously shown both your skill and bravery bringing that half-elf in from whatever goblin lair he'd inhabited. You need to go back, and reason with Nualia. Maybe she can still see the light." He sighs heavily, furrowing his brow. "Or maybe she cannot. In which case, force may be necessary. If it's true she sanctioned the goblin raid along with Tsuto, she may be far past the point of reconciliation."

"As in... The dead priest's daughter? What of her? No one has heard from her for years."

René snorts and mutters under his breath. "Hard ta hear from someone ya think is dead."

"Oh, and take this woman, too. Any accomplice of Tsuto must be just as violent as he is!" The Sheriff instructs his men, and they lead Lyrie down into the cells

As they take Lyrie away, René yells after them. "Careful with 'er. She's all-" he wiggles his fingers in his go-to hand sign for 'magic' "-woo-woo-y."

"A demon?!" Hemlock slams his palms down on the desk. "I knew the girl was troubled, but a demon! Is she mad? I don't like it. I don't like it one bit."

"Well, it's kinda hard ta turn inta a demon, innit?" The question sounds more hopeful than factual.

As the sheriff reveals his plans for them to go back, his face begins to fall more and more as a cold feeling grows in his stomach. How on earth had he gotten drawn in to all of this? His legs start to feel like jelly as he leans heavily against the desk, vision blurring slightly and color draining from his face as the other man's voices gets transformed into background noise, with only the occasional word breaking through. Blah blah you managed to survive. Blah blah go get eaten by a demon. Blah blah your luck has to run out some day.

From his position in the bag at René's side, Hadley attempts to affectionately but his head into his companion's arm. His whiskers twitch in the universal bunny language to say "Don't worry. It'll be alright. I'll bring you lots of good luck."

The gesture is lost on René as he finally manages to croak out. "Sleep?" With a mighty shove, he launches himself off of the desk and starts slowly staggering in the direction of the building entrance with the intent of heading to the Rusty Dragon.

Sitting quietly and listening to everyone talk while slumping against the wall. Oh my Gods they were right! How could they be right? Rubbing her face with both of her hands before biting her tongue and the Hemlock's words. No they thought I would fail not that I would be asked to fight demons.

Glancing at René's vanishing form, "We are spent and need sleep if we are supposed to do your job."

Pushing off the wall and glaring at Hemlock, "Since you have no one willing or able to try I guess we can manage but you shouldn't assume we would. If the people of this town will not try to defend themsleves why should others?"

Turning on her heel and stomping out of the room. Slamming the door behind her and leveling a hate-filled glare at the door, "Cowards."

Tylur watches as René and then Lady Aurora left. He looked at the two dwarves and doubted they would react this way.

"Sheriff we will do what was asked of us. But we are spent and have come face to face with visiting Pharasma's Graveyard too many times. Let us hope that when the Dawnflower blesses us with the sun that she will give us the strength we need to restore the town back to balance."

Cordwin just stands there not sure how to react. Uhhh...I'm thinking we'll take you up on your offer to rid this menace Nualia. he says uncertainly. But if you can spare any resources to make the task easier, it sure will help. King Ripnugget almost sent me to Torag's forge, and I would rather not go back so soon as nice as it was. We should get something for bringing in those two, eh?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"It's all gone well so far, eh? I mean, e'er since the Lucky Drunk has sent me to join you people, it seems everything has been rosy. What say ye?"

Sheriff Hemlock raises his finger to stop Aurora and René as they storm out. "I, um..." He sighs heavily. "The Sandpoint Garrison only employs 12 full-time guards. Surely you can understand that even a single guard less would mean longer hours on everyone else, leading to decreased performance, and that would just be begging for unrest in Sandpoint. Keeping this city safe is my priority, first and foremost." He says with certainty.

"Regardless, I agree that a reward is in order. A menace like Tsuto brought here saves all of us time and potential future conflict."

He reaches below the counter to pull out a lockbox, and doles out a satchel containing 100 platinum pieces. "Here. Perhaps the angry redhead and sarcastic scarred man will reconsider."

I assume you probably want to make some purchases and rest before you head back out?

I'm still 15 hp short of a full deck, so I'd like to get healed before we sleep. Seem silly to waste our first spells tomorrow on healing. Anyone still able to heal?

Two channels left and one spell. Aurora can burn those before we sleep. Also I just make the 'And one more thing!' person :D

Glaring at the door and simply waiting for the others to come out before going back in.

Glaring at the captain and practically snarling, "You, your guards, and frankly the rest of the town are going to be in a really bad spot if we die. Cause that would mean she gets to turn into a freaking demon and then come after everyone here."

Closing her eyes and breathing in before speaking a little more calmly, "I get that you have very few people but we stand a way better chance with more people. I don't want anyone to die. Myself included. Could you round them up and let us talk with them? I'm not asking you to make people march to their deaths but by choosing to be a guard means your the front-line against threats to this town."

You make one sarcastic comment and suddenly you're the "sarcastic one". XD

Unless stopped, René dazedly wanders back to the Rusty Dragon and promptly collapses on his bed for an uneasy sleep.

I don't have any purchases to make. Though I suppose we have misc things to sell, like the silver comb. Plus deciding who actually wants what of the things we took off of Tsuto and Lyrie. I feel no particular need for any of the items. Though I can carry the everburning torch if y'all want since I typically only need one hand free and don't normally wield a weapon.

As the others leave Tylur heads off to the temple to seek Father Zantus' wisdom.

Skarn gladly accepts the healing, and heads to grab a brew before bed!

Cordwin will join Skarn in the bar for a drink (or two) before heading to bed.

”Drinks on the House? Are there any more beautiful words?”

Quick steps bring Aurora catch up with the two dwarves. Offering Ameiko a weak smile, "I think I will take you up on that. And when you have a chance can we speak in private?"

Yes Aurora will tell her all about it then have a fee drinks.

Cordwin will follow Aurora and Ameiko.

At the Rusty Dragon Inn, Ameiko supplies you with the booze and snacks, and tends to the other tables as well. As the night wears on and the bar begins to clear out, she finds a moment to speak with Aurora and Cordwin in at a round table in the back office.

Ameiko regards Aurora for a long time when she begins to talk about Tsuto, his association with goblins, Nualia, and all the trouble he'd gotten into. Her face is blank when she finally begins to speak. "I see. He's been brought to the Sheriff, then? Well, thanks guys. For bringing him in. I'm certain there will be a trial... Anyway." She stands up and begins to hurry away. "If that's all, I've gotta get back. We're closing soon."

René seems too out of it to hear Ameiko's offer of free drinks. A sure sign of his troubled mind if ever there were one. The rational part of the brain keeps trying to be productive. To plan their assault. To prepare. To do anything to improve their...or at least his chances of survival. It all goes well when planning against the goblins. Or even that weird creature that they had faced that had inflicted some kind of temporary madness of Tylur. But as soon as his brain heads towards the true threat- Nualia and some unknown demon- his heart rate begins to spike and he starts hyperventilating. But far worse than that, his brain simply shuts down, refusing to deal with the rising panic the grips his core at the idea of such a foe.

He had feared Tsuto, and Tsuto had been but a man. A man skilled in the martial arts, true, but a man nonetheless. A man could be beaten. But a demon? That was the stuff of stories and legends. Something to tell small children to frighten them in to behaving. Sure, he knew demons were real well enough. But deals with demons happened with other people, far away. Simple folk such as him would never see the likes. Or rather, on the occasions rare enough when it would occur, it universally ended up with the people like him dead. Unless some legendary hero happened to show up just in the nick of time to save the day. And even then, there would likely be casualties.

No, no, no. His brain said. Demons don't happen to regular folk like us. There's no way one will show up now. Nualia's just delusional. She can't really turn herself in to a demon. Or summon one. That would just be too preposterous. She wants to be a demon. But then I want to find an abandoned dragon's hoard. Just because you want something doesn't mean it's going to happen. She's just a girl. Maybe with some magical abilities, but that's it. There's no way the fates would throw such craziness at you.

Beginning to relax and fend off the panic, René continued to reassure himself as he went through the motions of preparing for bed on auto-pilot. Hadley watched his companion in silent concern from the bed. With a yawn, the man crawled under the covers, motioning for his fuzzy friend to join him. S'all a misunderstanding. Hadley curled up in his human's arms, affectionately nuzzling at his chin as the day caught up to René and sleep beckoned. Woulda made a good story to tell Ma though...

"If that's all, I've gotta get back. We're closing soon."

After Ameiko hurries away, Cordwin turns to Aurora. Not sure what I was expecting, but I was not expecting that!

Glancing at Cordwin, "She is in shock and mourning. Emotions are a really complex thing Cordwin."

Turning to the door and mumbling, "Keeping busy keeps the noise and grief away."

Walking out the door and heading to the bar to collect a glass of rum, that she pays for. Staring at the dark liquid for a moment before drinking the whole thing down. Blinking away the burn and shaking her head. Looking around the slowly emptying tavern and realizing she had been staring at that glass a little longer than she thought.

Glancing up at Ameiko, "Do you have a room where I can wash all of this day off of me?"

Ameiko says nothing. She only points upstairs where she's offered Aurora and the others free rooms. With it being well past midnight, the barkeep continues closing up shop before turning in for the night. Perhaps she will feel better tomorrow.

___

A new day dawns in Sandpoint, and with it, a knock on the door to Aurora's room.

Ameiko follows soon after, where she takes turns decidedly knocking on everyone's doors, a massive plate of eggs, sausages and tomatoes in her left hand.

"Good morning!" She practically shouts. She's so elated she nearly loses her grip on the platter. "Breakfast is served, so come on down and eat! The Rusty Dragon Inn opens for business for the 700th consecutive day!" She's smiling as widely as her jaw will allow. The perky human rushes back downstairs where she plops the platter on a table and pours a pot of coffee.

”I love those things as much as the next person lass, but I dinnae suppose there might be some scrapple in yer pantry?”

Taking the time to scrub away the dried blood and dust of the day. Leaving aggravated pink skin behind. Physically clean but still feeling incredibly dirty. Glaring at her next victim, her clothing. But they will probably look even worse tomorrow. Dropping them on the floor in early defeat

Flopping on the bed and glaring at her hands. Failure and death dance though her mind and plague her dreams once her eyes finally asleep. To toss and turn though out the night.

Jolting awake and snatching up her blanket. Making sure the fabric is wrapped around her whole body beside her head. Opening the door and poking her head around.

Quietly shutting the and falling to her knees. Her forehead sliding down the door in her dissent. Letting out a quiet whine and blinking away her tears.

The secondary knock jolts her out of her grief. Quickly standing before cracking the door, "Thanks. Be down in a moment."

Turning around and dressing in her dirty clothing quickly. Picking up her things and rubbing her eyes roughly before braving the hall to attend what might be her last meal.Taking a cup of coffee and portions of everything available.

Having not stayed up quite as late as his companions, René is already bathed and dressed by the time Ameiko comes knocking. He cheerfully takes the offered food, but does manage to sober up slightly as he softly informs her, "Oh, by the by, we found that Tsuto fella. Sheriff has 'im." He lifts the plate of food up slightly. "Thanks fer this. I'll take it downstairs." He pops a sausage in his mouth as he walks away.

Downstairs he enjoys the wonderful company of denial as he eats a hearty breakfast while waiting for the rest of the group to show up.

Cordwin is dreaming that he is back in Torag's forge. Was I there the first time or was that a dream as well? He is still pondering his near-death experience when he hears the knock on the door. What the? he mumbles to himself as we gets out of bed and walks to the door. He is surprised to see an elated Ameiko which is much different than the Ameiko he saw last night. He tells her he will be down in a moment and shuts the door. Humans! he thinks to himself as he quickly dresses and heads downstairs where he spies René. So! I guess we are demon-hunting today! He says to the strange man as he shovels a spoon-full of food into his mouth.

At dawn Tylur rises and begins with a morning reading of the Psalms of the Dawnflower. His mood is lifted as the sun rises into the sky to announce a new day.

At the knock of the door he stands up and washes his face and hands in the basin that rests atop the small table in his room. Gathering up all his equipment he heads downstairs where the others sit and break their fast.

Looking at the others, "I visited Father Zantus yesterday evening asking him if he knew anything about the name Malfeshnekor. He cannot confirm but he says that Malfeshnekor might be some shapechanger and does not believe it to be a demon. Still the creature might be an agent of The Beast, Lamashtu. He said we should avoid coming face to face with this creature but if we do weapons blessed with The Dawnflower's blessings or another deity's blessings would work best."

Shapechanger? I think I'd rather fight a demon. If this thing can shapeshift, how will we know when we find it?

Finishing her coffee in a huge gulp, "This gets better and better. Anyone have anything else?"

”Perhaps it will be wearing a name tag?”

Downstairs at The Rusty Dragon, six men and Sheriff Hemlock have joined you at an adjacent table. Aurora tells you that the Sheriff stopped by with them a little earlier this morning, and that they'd been offered as armed help for your return to Thistletop.

At the sound of the word shapechanger, the armed men all look at each other nervously. Hemlock clears his throat obnoxiously enough to nearly silence the whole restaurant. "The more I hear about this Nualia and this... Malfeshnekor... The less I'm so willing to dispatch our people into that fortress."

He stands up and walks beside Tylur, whispering to the group. "You would be wise to use some tact. They are not the most powerful, but they are brave and noble in their willingness to assist. However, I can't help but think all of this demon and shapechanger babble will have them turning back home before the trip even begins." He places a hand on Aurora's shoulder. "I leave them with you. Men, do your best. For Sandpoint!"

Hemlock marches out the bar, and the militia look at you expectantly.

Mechanically, they're all NPC class Warrior 1. Are we heading back to Thistletop, and if so, are you picking through the woods first (you'd missed a few outdoor rooms earlier), then continuing on to loot the place clean?

Also... Any takers for acting as some of those NPCs? Feel free to name them, as well. Perhaps you can split them? Your GM will appreciate not having to act as six additional creatures. That is, if everyone else agrees to bring them along.

René is about to comment that obviously they wouldn't be facing real demons when Tylur brings up what he had learned about the shapechanger. His cheery demeanor wavers as doubt wars with denial at this new information. "But...surely she ain't really gonna be able to ta summon such a creature, right? That'd just be...well...crazy, right?" He laughs nervously. "Yeah, tot'ly bonkers. Ain't no way. It's just a silly girl with dreams." His confidence once more returned, he continues to eat as much as he can before setting out again.

René's kind of a coward, so he's totally ok with more canon fodder. 0:-) And I'm fine taking on some of them. I'm guessing just use something like this NPC foot soldier (Warrior 1) for stats/gear? In which case I'll probably have mine stand behind Tylur/Skarn and use their spears. Though it might be nice if some of them could provide more ranged support since we lack that and it would also keep them more safe. That particular NPC build is not very range-helpful though.

As for Thistletop, I would imagine we'll explore both the woods and the remainder of the building, though I don't have a strong preference about what order to do it in.

I'm fine with exploring the places we missed first in the woods and then looting the place clean.

I could play one of the CF's (Can I name him Fodder? :D)

I’m fine with clearing things in any order. My mook is named “Sherpa.”

Player wants the potential loot but Aurora wants to make a beeline for the would be demon and loot later. That way we do not waste resources on anything but her. Also dibs on Jimmy!

Glaring at the captain as he leaves. Shaking her head and looking to the six volunteers, "Like I said if you are not willing to possibly never return home. He won't see you leave though the back. And if I make it back I won't mention it to him. But I will not go in there with you not knowing what we know."

Player wonders if the module provides tools or knowledge along the way that we may have missed which will aid in fighting the demon.

Mine are going to be twins: Samuel and Samantha. They go by Sammy and Sammi respectively.

Mine will be named Kern. He is also known as Old Scar. An old militia member (49 years) who has seen a lot. He has been in Sandpoint all his life and would gladly sacrifice his own life to protect the town. He is deaf in one ear following a goblin raid where a goblin Molotov cocktail exploded too close to his right ear. It destroyed the ear drum and left him a burn mark on the left side of his head. He uses a crossbow and does not rely on a spear but does wield a dagger

Oh, and of course, you can choose their appearance, gender, and what have you. As René suggested, they're human foot soldiers. I placed a bunch of tokens on this slide but feel free to Google your own and paste it in. I also put the stat box on the last slide in the deck.

After organizing the offered militia and getting to know them a little, you depart the Rusty Dragon Inn and depart Sandpoint once more. You pass by Orik on your way out to find that he's indeed decided to leave Sandpoint and journey home. He thanks you again for assistance and assures you he'll choose which overlord to serve more carefully next time.

The ragtag group of six of Sandpoint's best militia join you on your trek back out towards the Thistletop Woods. Tylur finds the same path through the nettles and into the tunnels you had used just yesterday. This time, you take the path to the northwest, where a thistle door leads to an unmanned watchpost. C8

The path through the goblin tunnels turns east through and eventually opens up to a large chamber to the north. You hear the sound of movement from this direction, and the Goblin language that had become all too familiar-sounding by now. C4

Map's here. I haven't placed your companions' tokens on it yet but will once you've got some chosen.

Cordwin will try and see if he can make out what the goblins are saying since he can speak the language now.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Skarn motions to Sherpa to stay back and hold the gear.