Rise of the Runelords Table 1 (Closed)

Game Master ElegantlyWasted

"Anything we can do to help I guess," she says with Blake on her shoulder.

Mary smiled beneath her mask and stepped in Calin's way to keep the poor fellow put. No sense in letting him get away being so shy, especially when a pretty girl and a cat are about. His nervousness was quite apparent, or so she thought, and that Calin might like her. She wasn't quite sure yet but certainty never stopped her before, and if she could be part of sparking up some romance by golly she was going to be a part of it!

She turned him around, if she managed to keep Calin from running away, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah! We'd love to help!"

The Story So Far- With a Bit of Editing

The Heroes of Sandpoint. That is what you all are. Some of you banded together during the fight. Selaros, Calin and Mary had other allies, and Rast, Eloisa, Asa and Annika formed another group. Between your combined might, the Goblins never really had a chance.

Rast, Eloisa, Asa and Annika have been helping out at the Cathedral. Many townsfolk injured in the attack went there for refuge, and Father Zantus, the local cleric and leader of the Church was more than happy both for the extra healing and for the protection.

You have all met, though you have yet to adventure together. Ameiko Kaijutsu, proprietor of the Rusty Dragon, has given you all free rooms as thanks for your actions.

FIAT-Y NONSENSE

Desna Knight; in inspecting the house, you do come across a Goblin! It managed to find a crawlspace and wedge itself into it; however, the space is extremely narrow, and the Goblin has been there for some time without food. It is weak and confined; you easily trap and kill it. The Barrett's are shocked that there was actually a Goblin in the closet, but are extremely grateful; your reputation seems to be growing.

Shalelu has let information be known about the Goblin tribes.

Aldern Foxglove has had you all on a boar hunt. You killed a mighty specimen and brought the meat back. Ameiko is planning on turning it into a feast.

Night has fallen. You all find yourselves relaxing at the Rusty Dragon Inn. If there is anything you want to have accomplished during the day, you may have done so; just list it here.

Father Zantus comes into the common room, looking rather troubled. He sees you all, though your groups are not separate. He goes to sit with Selaros, Mary and Calin, and waves over to the group of Rast, Eloisa, Asa and Annika. The priest looks disturbed.

"Evening Farther, you seem to be troubled. Sit down, take a drink, and than tell us about you troubles. And who is these people?" Selaros asks as he looks from the farther to the group he waved over, inclining them to introduce them to the him and the others.

Asa looks up from her cup of water to see the cleric beaconing her over. "Great, what is wrong this time..." Taking her cup with her, she wordlessly approaches and leans against a nearby wall.

"What happened now?" she gruffly asks, taking a sip of her water as she does. "'Go see the festival, it will be fun'... yeah, loads of fun..."

Annika approaches the table curiously, her spirit owl sitting on her shoulder glimmering faintly with starlight Yes, Father, what is troubling you?"

She glances at the half elven woman who spoke, "In my clan I am called Watches Sky, but you'll probably prefer to just call me Annika."

Father Zantus is troubled. He waits for you all to gather, then speaks.

"There has been some...troubling news. Reports of activities near Jervis Stoot's old house...on Chopper's Isle."

Zantus continued.
"I don't mean to impose but in light of the recent events, anything having to do with Chopper could deeply unsettle some of the townspeople. If the Heroes of Sandpoint were to look into the matter..."

Seeing father Zantus Rast is much more interested in what is going on and greets him warmly though he is clearly intimidated by the new people in the group.

Father Zantus, you know anything I can do I will.

Addressing the people that are new to him.

I hope that I, err, Rast young eyes linger on Sizma and the Wisp can, umm, be of some help. By this point Rasts slightly green screen has taken a pink color Err, so, umm, Oh I am Rastillian, Rast for short. Deep breath . Father what do you need?

Asa looks at the Father blankly. "What is a Chopper? Is it a form of goblin? Is this ... Jervis you called him... still out there or did he move?"

Turning toward her fellow "Heroes" ("Hah... kill a few goblins and everyone suddenly thinks you can walk on water.") she inclines her head. "I am Asa by the way. I am spending way more time in this town than I anticipated, but I suppose that will happen after you decide to not stand idle while your surroundings are being invaded." A hint of a smile is upon her lips, but for some reason her teeth do not show through it.

knowledge local dc 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Calin blinked at the newcomers arriving to the table and swallowed slightly. So much had happened so fast he still wasnt sure what to make of it. The mention of Chopper's isle caused the hairs on the back of his neck to rise slightly In a round a bout way it was why he was even in Sandpoint. Not that anyone knew except for mr Hosk of course.

"I...chopper's isle you say?"

He said finally licking his lips and draining what was left of his mead in his cup rather hurriedly. The idea of that place creeped him out, but he couldnt say no. He looked first to his newfound friends... then to the other group.

"I'm Calin, i work at the stables next door and am part of the city militia when its called forth."

He began first offering his sword arm to Rest, then slightly hesistant to the women. It was clear that he was at least slightly intimidated by them.

Zantus grimaced, then spoke.

"This was shortly before the previous Cathedral burned. Father Tobin was the head of the Church at the time...good man. I miss him dearly. I'm not actually privy to all of the details myself, but...in brief, several years ago, the town was afflicted by deep troubles. Lonjiku Kaijutsu's wife- Ameiko's mother- died in a tragic accident. The Cathedral burned down, claiming the lives of Father Tobin and his poor daughter, Nualia.

Leading up to the fire, the town had been plagued by...a serial killer. Even after all these years, it's hard to believe that it happened. Over twenty people were murdered before the end. He...did things to the bodies. Mutilated them. They were missing organs, sometimes limbs. The previous Sheriff, Casp Avertin, lost his life bringing Chopper down. Sheriff Hemlock was his second in command, and she took over afterward. She could tell you more; she has kept some of the details from even the other leaders of the town, but if anyone has her trust, I'm sure it's you."

Asa sighs and takes a long sip of her water, finishing it.

Shaking her head, she switches to common and addresses the cleric without seeming to realize her having switched tongues.

"You mentioned some ... activities. What have you heard that bothers you enough to ask us to investigate the place?"

Annika glances at the half-orc intently before looking back at Father Zantus with her head tilted thoughtfully, "I see, I can see why the people might be troubled by something like that."

Eloisa moved slowly to the other table when the Father waves them over. She looks nervous as she listens to the Father speak about being "Heroes of Sandpoint" I didn't do that much during the attack.

"Hello I'm Eloisa Rathswing." she says in greeting to the others. Hanging like a pendant from a round ring on her necklace is a small green scorpion.

She looks more and more upset as the Father asks the group to look into this Chopper person. "Of course we want to help Father. What can you tell us about Chopper Island?"

"I'm Selaros, I work her in the Rusty Dragons during the day, but since I've helped out killing a few goblins in self defense I got some more leewayto help around town. He says greeting the newcomers.

Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
"Oh yeah that was a horrible time for us all, I was always afraid that I'd return home to find my friend one of the victims. I'll like to help in anyway I can, but I'm not much of a fighter." He adds to the tale of the farther, while thinking how he gets out of this and lets the Knight takes his place.

Zantus continues.

"There's not much out there in the way of wildlife. It's mostly just a patch of wilderness that Stoot made a home in. He liked to watch the birds. No monsters out there that we're aware of. The bridge there might be in a bit of disrepair but should be sturdy enough. As for the specific activities, lights and strange sounds have been reported. So far that's all, but it's enough to make folk nervous."

Realizing he didn't really introduce himself.

Oh, sorry. For those that don't know me at all I am a cleric of Desna just as Father Zantus. My travels brought my mentor and I here for the festival so, umm, I will help where I can.

"I agree that could put folk on edge. It might just be some homeless who is taking shelter, but I can see why it would be a good sign to investigate it."

Turning to Rast "Always happy to meet a new follower of Desna. What did you think of the festival, before the goblins crashed the party?"

To Selaros - I had seen nothing like it. The community spirit was so... strong. It made me see my choice to leave home was the correct choice.

"There is nothing keeping you from going at any time. If you wish more information about the events that took place five years ago, you may find Sheriff Hemlock at the guard house. If there's any other aid I can render you, it is of course yours."

Asa sighs. "Lights. I am now being asked to look into lights. I seriously need to move on soon, these parochial concerns are almost not worth my time. Still, it is a tad unusual if the place is as deserted as the good Father claims. Perhaps she has agents out here after all..."

Shrugging, Asa turns to her table mates. "Sounds like we have something to look in to tomorrow. Perhaps we should get our information tonight after dinner? The sheriff and I have not really exchanged much in the way of pleasantries, perhaps one of you will be kind enough to introduce me."

Annika gives Rast a searching look, An orc-blooded priest of the Lady? Ah, I suppose some of them can rise above their heritage..

She then returns her attention to the group, "Seems like a good plan to me. I admit the local goings on are entirely unknown to me, so I think it would be prudent to gather more information."

"Thank you for your time and bringing this to our attention Father. If we have more questions, we know where to find you. I'm sure the Sheriff can help us with more details." Desna knows we need to know more about this. It's probably just more goblins playing with lights in the woods. At least I hope it's just more goblins.

"I think Calin might be on the best terms with the sheriff, of our little group, him being a part of the city militia and all. But I should be able to show you to where he/she has her office." Selaros says looking around to see if he can spot the sheriff at the Inn tonight. I can't remember if the sheriff was a man or woman.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Maybe I can earn acceptance in this town and overcome my birth and past. I need to make a good impression on these people.

Hemlock is female

You guys have until tomorrow then. Feel free to roleplay or I can just advance time.

Eloisa looks around the table after the Father takes his leave. "I'm a wizard. A couple of you mentioned your professions. What does everyone else do? Other than defending a town from goblins of course." Her hand goes to a book she had carried to the table as if she is itching to take notes about the conversation.

"I'm just a regular aid here at the Inn, I only got mixed in with all this when I defended myself against some goblins. Luckily I am trained a little bit in throwing the starknife around, so I could keep them at bay. Other then that I've never really been outside of the town, adventure is not something I'm drawn to." Selaros responds to Eloisa.

The look that Asa gives Eloisa is a mix of incredulousness and suspicion. "Keep calm. She is probably trying to be polite."

"I do a lot of things, most of which aren't relevant enough to share. I have studied a bit of swordsmanship and a bit of magic, though no where near enough of either to call myself a proper student. I also know enough of my way around a proper forge to craft weaponry, though not armor." An almost wistful look briefly graces the woman's eyes as she mentions the forge, though it departs quickly.

"I am a shaman of my clan, the spirits have given me the power to heal, as well as some other small magics."

Well as I have said I am a cleric of Desna, beginning my journey. I'm, err, from Trunau and recently journeyed her to Sandpoint which, despite the goblins, seems a place I will fit in more.

Starting to sweat a little.

Umm, if there are more goblins in the woods my mace will gladly back up my lady Desna's gifts. They should not have interrupted such a fine celebration.

"There should be goblins a plenty in the forest, so better not polish the mace to much before traveling beyond Sandpoint. Nothing is better then making new friends, but I'll think I have to catch some shut eye now, so I'm ready for the morningwork. I'll see you all around town." Selaros says taking off to find his room.

In his room he walks straight to the window to look and listen to the town for any sign of nightly trouble. "I won't be going outside this night unless I'm really needed. Should be fresh and ready for whatever might happen at the old Chopper's isle tomorrow. I should let the Knight join them in my place."
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Seeing no one else stepping forward Rast excuses himself.

You are correct. A night of rest and prayer will be the best preparation.

Rast retires to his room. If anyone were present they would here soft words begin Lady Desna your will has brought me to a new town from which to begin my travels anew. May I be mindful of my training when threatened and not give in to ferocious thoughts in combat but remain poised. Rast continues for some time quietly praying and retires for the evening.

Asa helps herself to some of the boar when it is served. "At least we aren't being wasteful."

Upon finishing, she begins to head for her room, but pauses. After a moment she turns to Eloisa. "If you wish me to accompany you in the morning, I will meet you here after breakfast. If not, I will take neither offense nor slight." Without waiting for a reply from her or anyone left at the table, she withdraws to her room to focus on her spells for the next day.

Will have those posted with her next days actions.

Eloisa nods as Asa leaves the room, and heads for her small home. She makes a few notes in her book as soon as she arrives. Her scorpion climbs off her necklace and sits on the desk. "Well Ausarta looks like we've got more work to do. I have no idea why they think we're brave adventurer material. Maybe there will be tomes or scrolls with new spells at the end of this. she writes some more in her book for a few minutes and thinks about the last few days. "It is nice to be needed." She heads to bed, and rises early to prepare her spells.

She heads to the inn for breakfast. She doesn't want to miss the others.

Annika returns to the small room she's borrowing at the Cathedral to sleep, and then in the morning to to commune with the spirits for spells, before showing up at the inn for a simple breakfast.

Selaros is up early to do his daily chore preparing the breakfast and making sure Ameiko has all the ingredients for the lunch and dinner time ready and prepared.

Cook: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Just rolling for fun to see how good the food gets.
When the newcomers come down he serves them some a small freshly made buffet of fresh fruits, some reheated spiced boar with eggs and a porridge of local grains and rice. "Good morning here are something to get you going all through the day. Should made you able to deal with whatever you encounter on Chopper's isle."

Like Selaros Calin was up early hurriedly mucking out the stables of the few horses in attendance that belonged to guests boarding them up, and then feeding all the animals. He paid only slightly more attention to the stall that housed Honor, his personal horse. He didnt think they would be bringing them to the island seemed kind of silly to think on.

profession stablemaster: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Warming the roller back up along with Selaros with the long absense

Satisfied he made his way to his things, sliding on his armor and bidding Mr. Hosk a good day. He had already spoken with him about the 'extended' sweeps some of the militia was doing after the goblin raid before he too made his way to the inn next door to meet the others.

Rising early Rast performs his morning prayers gathers armor, mace, shield and supplies and heads downstairs for breakfast with the others.

Re-preparing the same spells that I had prepared for the last day: Read Magic, Light, Acid Splash for Cantrips, True Strike for Level 1.

Asa rises when the light finally hits her bed, cursing the sun softly under her breath. The solar orb might not have the same affects on her as they did on others of her ... heritage, but that did not make her any more fond of her daily reminder of its existence.

Checking her falcata for sharpness before securing it to her waist, the woman joins the common room to take her meal.

"I wonder if the other 'heroes' will actually take me along for this... investigation. If not, no blood from my veins... I will just head over the smithy and see what I can do to pass the time."

It seems that Father Zantus took the liberty of contacting Sheriff Hemlock. The woman walks into the Rusty Dragon and fines you, walking over. She sits down without preamble, and motions to Bethana, the halfling assistant to Ameiko, to bring her a bit of breakfast.

"I don't really want to have this talk on an empty stomach. Seems you'll be looking into the disturbances at Chopper's Isle, eh? I'm sure the good Father told you a bit. What more information would you like?"

Eloisa takes out her notebook, and a pencil. "What happened during the time when Chopper was killing the citizens? How was he killed? Are you sure he died? What's been happening at the island that the Father wanted us to investigate?" She takes a breath and looks a little nervous at asking so many questions before anyone else could. She quickly picks up her tea cup, and takes a drink as if trying to hide behind the cup.

Same spells as yesterday. In the spoiler

"I really don't want to relive the time of the Chopper, so I'll excuse myself and finish my work for the morning. Call if you need anything."He says begining to remove empty plates and mugs around the inn.

Asa rolls her eyes as Eloisa begins bombarding the poor sheriff with questions. Nodding thanks to Selaros as he leaves, Asa proceeds to finish her meal.

"I only have two questions. During that time did any pregnant women go missing and not be recovered as confirmed kills to this murderer? And have you noticed any animals drained completely of blood, then or now?"

Asa smiles at Hemlock in what she hopes is a disarming fashion, but as before the smile is with her lips only.

Clearly surprised by the speed of the questions looks at Eloisa and Asa with respect as he nods with each question.

I can learn a from these women. Best to hold my tongue and listen for the moment. I do not need my inexperience to be obvious.

He could only raise his eyebrows at the questions the two strange women asked. He had questions about chopper as well... only well not so much about the madman really... more about the people he killed. He wasnt about to totally bombard the sheriff, so he kept his mouth closed for now

Sheriff Hemlock quirked an eyebrow.
"Not usually the questions I get...well, at least the animal and pregnant women ones. There were...a lot of things that went on when the killings happened. The Cathedral burnt down, claiming the life of Ezakian Tobyn and his daughter Nualia. Ameiko's mother died in a tragic accident. And there were the two dozen people that were killed. The way they were killed...eyes. Tongues. Hands. Hearts. Carved out, removed. People weren't just killed, they were mutilated.

It's not public knowledge, but my old boss, Casp Avertin, lucked across Chopper after he'd made a couple of kills. Casp was too late to save the victims, but fought with Chopper. Casp was killed, but he managed to mortally wound Chopper. I...well, I'm the one that found Casp's body and followed the blood trail."

Hemlock grabbed an ale and drank deeply, grimacing not at the alcohol but at the memories she was facing.

"I followed it out to Chopper's Isle. It didn't have a name, then. It was just an island. The blood trail led to Jervis Stoot's home. I picked up my pace; I was worried Chopper might hurt poor Jervis."

Hemlock snorted.

"What I found down there, I'll never forget. It was the most gruesome thing I've ever seen. I followed the blood, finding a secret door left open and stairs going down. The stairs led down into a profane temple. There was an evil statue, depicting a demon whose name is best not spoken. In front of the statue lay Stoot. He had blood pouring from a wound on his side. The blood trail was his. Kindly Stoot...he was Chopper. I think he worshiped the demon, and in a final act of subservience, he had removed his own eyes, offering them to that...thing."

Hemlock shivered.
"We kept Chopper's identity quiet. Didn't want kids knowing that the nice man that carved pretty birds into their parents shops had gone on a killing spree. And that was the end of it, or so I thought. No one has gone to investigate this matter yet...people tend to think of Chopper's Isle as cursed, and it's hard to blame them.

No, there have been no pregnant women gone missing or animals drained of their blood."

Hemlock patiently sat, awaiting any more questions.

Father Zantus said there were reports about activity on the isle... what sort of activity? Who made the reports? Were their specific times that keep recurring?

He asked the sheriff doing his best to well seem thorough and guard material She was his sometime boss when it came to the militia... well not like boss boss, but like his bosses boss. He did his best to not fidgit nervously.

Your story is most concerning. Given your personal history it is no surprise you are concerned about activity. This demon that you would rather not name. Is there any other, um, connection to the area, old tales even?

Wondering if influence of the demon made certain people a target or simply random death was the goal.

Also did the other victims have anything in common? Any, umm, even lose, common thread?

Feel free to make a Knowledge Religion roll.

Hemlock shakes her head.
"As far as I know there's no connection to any demonic forces in the histories of Sandpoint. There was no common thread to the victims. Some were rich, some poor. Men, women, children. All races, all ethnicities. As for the reports, there have been several, all by common citizens. They reported seeing lights and hearing distant noises from Chopper's Isle. All the reports are the same, and I have no reason to disbelieve them."