Dot!
DOT
.
Whatever your personal reason for traveling, you have reached the city of Maerh-Varza late in the afternoon. Inquiring into fair lodgings, the gate warden directed you to The Stirge and Hammer as a favorite of locals known for its excellent brew and respectable nature. Following the Warden's directions, you near a modest, two-story building in the Market Hill district with an easily-recognizable 'shingle' depicting an oversized insect next to a blacksmith's hammer.
Upon your entry, a tall, lean man with grey hair and hawk-like features nods genially in cognizance of your entry from behind the bar - but it is plain as the fading sun he keeps a careful, watching eye of over the dark-eyed and voluptuous young woman who smiles at you in greeting.
"Good evening, traveler! How may we of the Stirge and Hammer be of service?"
-Common Room (bedroll and floor space in the taproom) 1 sp
-Private Room (two beds) 1 gp
-Noble Suite (bedroom with feather bed and separate sitting room) 10 gp
Meal (typically a meaty stew and bread) 1 sp
Old Blind Stirge (locally famous strong, black beer) Tankard 2 cp Hand Keg 1 sp
The strange group enters the inn and is warmly greeted which surprises Rulgha. However his savage beginnings he has been thoroughly trained in etiquette and representing Sarenrae.
"Hello sir, we have come for a place to stay and for some food and refreshment. I believe a pair of rooms would serve us well tonight" Rulgha hands the man 2 gps, "I'll not speak for the others, but I am very hungry and will take whatever you have for food ale." Rulgha hands him another 2sp.
"Alright I see a good table over there, I'll grab it quick!"
Katie enters in Rulgha's wake, comfortable behind his size and bulk. Dressed in a finely crafted armored breastplate with the symbol of Sarenrae prominently emblazoned on the chest, the small lady has an exotic beauty, but the look of a rodent and the long tail make it clear she is not human.
Katie hands over two silvers: "Bring a plate and a hand keg with four mugs. The blessings and protection of the Dawnflower be on your hearth and home."
Katie then presses the locals for information. Having read her blue book of Korvosa, she wanted to test it efficacy for learning things at spots humans liked to gather.
"What news have you for travelers starved for what has happened in these parts?"
Following the short rodentish woman into the inn is a tall stout woman. However, what stands out is not so much her nearly 6' height, but rather her pale blue skin and blue hair. Unlike her companions, this woman has nothing but light weigh loose clothing on with the symbol of Sarenrae emblazoned upon her chest. However, the distinct piece of equipment born by the blue woman is the huge composite longbow across her shoulder.
Being a rather unusual group, to say the least, Miraji scans around the room looking for any wishing to cause trouble. Having a lizardfolk, a blue girl and a very red gentleman is bad enough, but when people see the whiskers and tail of the little ratfolk, well, all kinds of inbred biases frequently come forth.
Perception:
Yes, a good meal would be welcomed. A plate for me as well.
Naraj is the last to enter the barroom, mentally chuckling at his companions sudden zeal for an inn. Their behaviour certainly doesn't seem to meet the common stereotypes, now does it?
Once in the room he pauses to stretch, subtly displaying both his large frame and the bronze symbol of the Dawnflower around his neck to anyone who might be looking at the newcomers. Noting that his more bestial companions dealing with the innkeeper, he stretches again and turns his gaze on the room, Seems a nice enough place... hopefully Miraji's glower doesn't upset them...
He turns his attention to the young woman who spoke, focusing his smile and the warmth of his eyes on her. His deep voice takes on a playful and slightly seductive tone as he answers her question, "Yes, it would be nice to have something...hot." The pause and emphasis in the response are so slight, they're almost more imagined than heard.
Rulgha chuckles which for him has more hissing in it and looks at Naraj, "It always throws me when you want something hot. You would think being practically on fire all time you would want something cold. You are making me thirsty just sitting next to you!"
"I'm sorry, a hand keg is large mug meant for one person, not a table-serving," she says.
"Papa, a mug and three hand-kegs!" she calls out, placing your order.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I forgot my manners! That's my father, Vasaro, pouring your drinks and I'm Basila. As for what passes for news around here, I'm sure that such...," she pauses to think of how else to describe a rat-woman, lizardman, blue woman, and red man before continuing, "worldly... folks as yourselves couldn't possibly find interesting the local goings-on of Maerh-Varza! Uhm, maybe... well, the only 'interesting' thing isn't news, but three years ago there was an evil cult that tried to open a church or something and the King had them all impaled - even down to the last woman, child, and dog! It was all very horrible, but the King has been good to those of us in Maerh-Varza so surely he knew what he was doing. Otherwise, we used to have a problem with gnolls but Papa was in the army and took care of them!"
Grinning with love and pride at her father, she pointed out the remains of what appeared to have been a gnoll chieftan that were now decorating the wall.
"Well, the only thing hot we have is the stew for dinner - and I should be off to fetch it for you right quick!"
With that, Basila hurries back to the kitchen.
Naraj smiles at Basila again, "That sounds far better than my friend's cooking. Thank you so much... Basila, was it?"
He watches her leave with an appraising eye, A warm bed would make tonight so much better... He takes a pull of his ale and winces, Maybe their darker beer is kept warm...
He puts down the glass and turns his attention back to his companions, acknowledging the joke, "But that's just it... I am fiery by nature... and so, to me, all of this...", he waves his hand, "is cold..."
Katie nods at the maid and smiles:
"If your father is not busy, with his permission I would like to buy both of you dinner and hear of the gnoll war."
The large rodent/human presses two more silvers into her hand.
"Now, I left a quality riding dog with my gear tied outside. Anyplace to put him for the night, or will he have to come inside?"
Katie hands two potions to Rulgha. "The enlarge formulae. Not recommended for use in confined spaces."
Miraji stretches her tall frame as she listens to her short rodent like friend speak.
Yes, and do tell of this evil cult. To my knowledge, rarely is a cult completely eliminated. Perhaps we could investigate this cult more and determine whether any remnants of their infernal worship yet survives.
Rulgha takes the potions and with a grin says, "Thank you, but why do you always have to be a joy killer!". Rulgha laughs as he finds a safe place for the potions.
Rulgha looks around the room, "This place needs to liven up, if only someone in the room was a story teller and could weave an interesting story." By the time he is done speaking his gaze stops wandering and stays focused on Naraj.
Naraj begins to make room to allow the young barmaid to squeeze in next to him. "Indeed, come, share these stories with us,", says invitingly.
He stops, as Rulgha speaks and turns, a wry smile on his face, "Aye, subtle."
He stands, and takes one of the hand-kegs, turning his attention to the barmaid once again, Still, it wouldn't be the first time I've used a tale to woo a pretty girl.... He says, "Though, it seems that my companion has reminded me that it's only fair to trade stories... and so, you don't mind if I tell a tale or two for your customers, and then we can hear all about your cults and the gnolls?"
Miraji simply continues to watch the crowd and the barkeep while listening to her fiery companion attempt to strike up a conversation with yet another barmaid.
While Basila fetches your stew, Vasaro answers some of your questions while bringing over the beer.
"Ain't much to tell, honestly. Basila told you all we know, and as a loyal King's man I trust well enough to let the King decide what's right or wrong for us and leave it at that. I did twenty with the King's Rovers, keeping the roads clear of bandits, gnolls, goblins, and other scum. Gnolls was the worst, though; not that it stopped me and the lads from taking real good care of 'em," said with a savagely wicked grin.
Leaning over Naraj, he speaks quietly,
Clapping the young, reddish-hued man on the shoulder he heads back to the tap as Basila arrives with your food.
Perception:
Miraji looks over at her fiery companion and simply smirks at the comment.
He stops, as Rulgha speaks and turns, a wry smile on his face, "Aye, subtle."
Rulgha shrugs with a smile, "Don't get blamed for that too often.....or really ever!"
Katie replies: "We are here representing the Dawnflower. I am sure all of us will uphold her principles. We will act appropriately."
She smiles at the patriarch: "Having traveled with the elves in the quest of knowledge, I have become quite the gourmand. I know, my race is not known for being finicky eaters. You set a wonderful table."
The small rodent/humanoid pushes away from the table.
"I will give my dog some meal if you cannot find any scraps in the kitchen."
Katie checks on her dog.
Naraj smiles at Vasaro, "Good sir, I would never do anything to take advantage of your lovely daughter."
He watches the man leave with a sigh, Don't any innkeepers actually hire comely barmaids anymore?
He rises, throwing a wink at his watery companion, "Don't worry, you're still the only woman in my life that matters...." He picks up his hand-keg and sighs again, "I suppose it's time to tell some tales and earn my keep..."
With that he walks deeper into the common room, offering smiles and nods at the other patrons, looking for a raised area to stand upon. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am Naraj Drost, teller of tales... and I will begin with a story of the Dawnflower's servant, the Sunlord Thalachos...."
As the city bells chime the midnight hour, you find yourselves in the taproom of the Stirge and Hammer Inn. The inn’s fieldstone walls are adorned with dozens of hunting trophies and war mementos—including a collection of two dozen gnoll heads mounted over the large twin fireplaces and the well-preserved body of a snarling gnoll chieftain clutching a rusty and dented great axe. The taproom has an L-shaped bar well and a dozen or so tables and benches, and is well lit by the roaring fires in the fireplaces and several oil lamps hanging from the walls.
Steady rain since mid-afternoon has produced a slow evening for Vasaro the innkeeper and his daughter, Basila, who have provided swift and courteous service to you and your comrades over the past few hours. In fact, you and your companions are the only patrons currently enjoying the inn’s taproom. As you contemplate turning in for the evening, your tranquility is suddenly interrupted by a rush of footsteps and a series of high-pitched yips and growls. This noise precedes the appearance of three small reptilian humanoids, followed by two armored men wielding scythes and a woman in dark, blood-red robes.
As you quickly come to your senses and move to defend yourselves, you see that two of reptilian humanoids carry smoking wooden batons and the other one carries a small bulging cloth bag. As the creatures prepare to throw their items at you, the robed woman draws a glass vial from the folds of her robe and shouts an order: "For the glory of the Scythe Mother! Kill them all!"
Initiative Order: Bad Guys, Party
All three kobolds throw their burdens,
hit
hit
hit
and smoke begins to fill the room while Rulgha feels an oozing mess splash all over him.
Behind the kobolds, the obvious leader stands in the back and smashes the glass vial to the floor while the two young, muscular men on either side of her Ready their weapons for combat.
Party up!
Seeing the enemy appear, Miraji stands while drawing her bow.
The Dawnflower shall prevail.
She then calls upon the powers granted to her to make her shots more deadly.
Cast Gravity Bow.
5-foot move to left.
Rulgha laughs as he strides around the table slower than even normal, "You have to do better than that little cousins" Of course they do not understand him as he is speaking Ignan but it doesn't seem to phase Rulgha.
Status Round 1
Double Move for 15'
Effects: Entangled –2 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity, move @ half speed
Round 1
Katie examines the alchemical bombs with interest.
"The fog should extend all the way to that wall if these are standard bombs."
Katie points to the wall to their left while facing the invaders. She drinks an extract of shield and advances to face the invaders.
A magical shield appears and Katie challenges:
"Who wants some rat?"
Naraj wonders wryly, "Is this the entertainment for the evening?", and draws his blade, advancing toward where he last saw the foes, trying to put himself in a position to strike should they attempt to race past him to the innkeeper or the daughter. Telling tales and demonstrating my prowess, and no comely lass to appreciate it, what a wasted night...
Waiting for a foe to approach, he draws upon his gift, telling the story of the Battle of Star's End (in Ignan) to bolster his companions.
Round 2
With a disconcerting yipping and yapping, the kobolds draw their sickles and advance on the weakest-looking foe, Katie.
From the back of the room, the woman casts a spell and a rippling, howling curtain of wind appears between her and her bodyguards, and the rest of the Inn.
Party up!
Unsure of what the spell that was cast is, Miraji steps back and fires two arrows at the kobolds before her.
Attack-FoB@kobold left of Katie:
Damage:
Attack-FoB@kobold left of Katie:
Damage:
The first shot flies harmlessly into the rafters while the second strikes the kobold. (Unsure of the AC or whether it hit).
Rhulgha moves around the table to one of the kobolds
Status Round 1
30/30
20 (FF 18 T 12)
Crane Style
Move
Move
Effects:
–2 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity, move @ half speed
Kobold AC 15
The kobold on Katie's right shrieks as Miraji's arrow pierces it.
Naraj steps forward, and girds himself before stepping into the howling curtain of wind, his voice still raised in the inspiring tale. He stops before the wall, clearly able to see the three figures on the other side, and points at the floor they're standing on, muttering the arcane words under the cover of a dramatic pause to his tale.
Both the cleric and the bodyguard slip and fall - the cleric with an indecipherable shriek of incoherent fury.
Rnd 2
Katie steps back and left, detects for evil auras on the enemy in red then retrieves and tosses a fire bomb at the kobold in the center.
Center kobold takes
"The fire of Sarenrae will burn you!"
Fort: <-- figures you would pick my crappy save.
Round 3
With pitiful wails of pain and anguish, all three kobolds succumb to the the party's attacks.
At the rear of the Inn, the first bodyguard stands up and attempts to move out of it toward Naraj along with the second bodyguard who takes up a flanking position on Naraj.
"Die!"
vs. Naraj, miss
As they do so, the cleric also stands up from the Grease and calls on the unholy power of her deity to cast a spell, launching a bolt of crackling black energy at Naraj.
vs. Naraj, hit
and Sickened, Will DC 17 for half damage and not become Sickened.
"Maramaga take your souls!" she cackles.
From behind the bar, Vasaro peeks up and unloads a light crossbow at the nearer bodyguard.
Bodyguard AC 17, Touch 10, Flat-Footed 17
Miraji and Katie, roll a Fort save DC 20. If you fail, you take 1 point of Constitution damage.
Party up!
Rnd 3
Katie rushes next to Naraj and speaks to the bodyguard with the crossbow sticking out of his side.
"You could use another."
Katie quickly mixes and tosses another bomb at the bodyguard hit by the father. The mixture once again burst into flames on contact.
Katie awaits Sarenrae's judgement on the red cloaked figure.
If evil, she calls on the Dawnflower to smite her.
Rulgha is too late to attack the kobolds so he enters the controlled rage that the Sarenrae monks taught him while entering a defensive stance. Slowed by the goop thrown at him he charges the nearest bad guy.
Status Round 1
30/30
20 (FF 17 T 11) (-2 Charge, -2 Entangle, +3 dodge and +1 shield FD)
Charge
Effects:
–2 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity, move @ half speed
+4 to Str (22)
in Crane Style -2 to Hit for +3 Dodge Bonus and +1 Shield Bonus (with Nine Section Whip)
+1 insight to attack and damage
Seeing the evil guards move forward, Miraji unloads two more arrows at the guard directly south of her, the one flanking Naraj.
Attack-FoB:
Damage:
Attack-FoB:
Damage:
Fort:
Miraji is clearly frustrated with her inability to get her arrows to strike anything dangerous.
-1 Con damage
The Reaping Sickness
Type supernatural disease; Save Fort DC 20
Onset immediate; Frequency 1/day
Effect 1 point of Con damage; those who roll a natural 1 on the initial Fortitude save instead take 2d6 points of Con damage and another 1 point of Con damage each day. The Con damage cannot be cured while the victim is still diseased. A successful DC 20 Fort save means the victim does not lose a point of Con that day, though they remain infected.
Bodyguard 2 -7
Cleric -0
{+2 trait bonus vs. the divine spell -- she's not a Dawnflower cleric}
Naraj shakes his head trying to clear it after the blast of foul energies, To be honest, I was hoping she'd keep falling down, rather than managing that... He whispers a swift prayer to the Dawnflower, drawing upon her gifts to heal some of the damage from the blast, and then swings his sword at the armoured man that's being distracted by Bryndyn.
Round 4
Despite taking damage, both of the bodyguards are still up and swing at Naraj with their scythes in an attempt to harvest at least one of the party for their unholy goddess. Safe behind her spells wards, the cleric calls upon her patron once more, and casts a spell on Rulgha. From behind the bar, Vasaro takes a pot-shot at the nearest bodyguard.
Rulgha, please make Will Save DC 14. Failure means Frightened for 1 round, success means Shaken for 1 round.
Bodyguard AC 17 Cleric AC 17
Party up!
Bodyguard 1 -15
Bodyguard 2 -11
Cleric -0
Once more, Miraji unloads two arrows in the direction of the guard flanking Naraj.
Attack-FoB:
Damage:
Attack-FoB:
Damage:
Unfortunately neither shot is particularly accurate.
The spell washes over Rulgha who instantly double moves towards the back of the inn.
Status Round 1
30/30
18 (FF 18 T 10)
None
Move
Move
Effects:
–2 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity, move @ half speed
Frightened Round 1/1 A frightened creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Must flee the source.