The Viridian Castle

Game Master Kristev

Glasses clink, mixing in well with the atmosphere of laughter from the patrons, and the singing of the beautiful human girl in Hawaiian-esque attire on the stage.
The place looks Hawaiian in nature, with tikis, for example.

And in the center, at the bar, is Ginny herself. She's working the cash register right now, counting her delicious profits for the night, for full moons always bring on a large crowd.

"April! Don't pour that much liquor in the glass and use a lot more ice! Matty, table six is being ignored! Get back on your tables. Dinah and Lucy don't want to have to do your work for you again tonight, and I don't want to hear them complain about having to!" She shakes her head. "Men. If he wasn't my nephew, I'd have fired him by now."

Now, satisfied in her money and taking the largest coins with her to protect them, she comes up to the party, who is sitting at the bar itself. April, the new bartender in training, is trying, while Jake, the lead bartender, has stepped aside to observe while she works on her own.

Ginny comes up to the bar, where all the party is, and she sees that each of you has a copy of the printed notice from Mayor Durro beseeching help in finding his missing son.

"Hi there. What'll it be?"

She offers you each a friendly smile, as the woman knows all of you. She runs her bar like a tyrant, but she's great to the patrons, until they get drunk.

"I see you all got some of those fliers, huh? Say, I hope you're not planning to actually go to that crazy castle, are you? Kids, I own a bar. Between the drunks and the gossipers, and I've heard everything, but I don't remember hearing anything about disappearing castles.
"Now disappearing people, that's a much more common thing. With the derelicts, I'd say it's the sea. A lot of people go into the water and never come back. But the Mayor's boy. That's stumping me. Who'd kidnap a sickly kid, unless they wanted ransom money?"

"I suppose there has been no such demands. I have arrived here but this very day. Such a large reward amount surely draws many attempts to claim it." Krastov looks like a simple traveler. Dirt on his boots, shield slung on his back covering his pack. His brown hair and dusty face proved travelworn but his blue eyes still showed much energy beneath the skin.

"Oh yeah," stated Ginny, who leans toward Krastov with her elbows on the table, "draws all sorts of people. And that's been a real boon for business. But it can't be too good for Mayor Durro. He doesn't have this kind of money in the fiscal budget. This has to be coming out of his own pocket, you know?"

She sighs and shakes her head.

"Eileen must be running her head off, trying to vet who she will, and who she won't, let in to take up this fool's quest. I wonder if she's going to rely on that kooky husband of hers? You have met Sheriff Eileen Brady, haven't you?"

She leans in again, staring the party members she does not yet know in the face.

"Ginny, let the man finish his drink before ye go and talk him out o' helpin' the Mayor."

Smiling and setting his pack down, Grunyar looked at the bar owner and then the group sitting at the table.

"Would ye be willin' t' let me sit with down and wash the road away? My name is Grunyar o' Clan Thunderhelm, here to lend the assistance o' Torag in findin' the Mayor's son."

Seeing no objection, Grunyar took an empty seat and smiled again at Ginny.

"Would there happen t' be any of the Darkbridge Stout left?"

"Eileen Brady, well I have heard the name before, but luckily the sheriff yet. I doubt she frequents the library over much"

Finishing his drink, Alfred thinks A Darkbridge Stout sounds interesting, might help me make a friend too

"I'll take a Darkbridge Stout as well if its available, anything good enough for one of the brave followers of Torag will undoubtably be good enough for me.

And as for going out on a fools quest, well if there's money to be had and knowledge to be gained I can be counted in on the venture"

"Well, at least your priorities are in the right place, mister. Nothing's better than cold, hard coin," she says to Alfred. Then she smiled back at Grunyar. "I always keep a bottle of Darkbridge Stout in the back for you, the same as I keep a bottle of whisky for me, after I close, that is."

She leaves for the back, whispering something to Jake.

Cathran watched Ginny leave and smiled to herself. She liked forthright people with confidence and Ginny was all that. She hoped poor April wouldn't make too many mistakes and that Matty made some massive blunder which would make Ginny have to fire him.

Better for both: Ginny could get some proper help and Matty could learn to be a man and not go through life riding his relatives' coat-tails.

She sat considering the obscenely colourful virgin cocktail, wistfully tracing a line with her finger up the condensation. Then, sighing she looked down at the flier and shrugged slightly.

"Call me a cynic, but I believe we'll find this mysterious castle before we find a politician paying for something out of his own pocket. I just hope this affair won't cost the town too much ... in gold or lives."

"What do you make of Pelican bay? It's rather quaint, isn't it? I arrived yesterday and found a lovely room looking on to the bay at a hotel on the prom'. Where are you both staying?"

hmm I wonder what Ginny's whispering to Jake when she is normally so forth coming

Alfred tries to over hear Ginny's words whispered to Jake Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"Quaint is probably hitting it on the nose. As for where I'm staying, well that tends to be catch as catch can. Occasionally I help some one out enough they give me a bed for the night, occasionally I pay for an inn and, occasionally I just sleep outside to save some coin"

Good ears. Very well, the whispered conversation was precisely this:

"When I get back, let's send Alice to her lunch hour. When it's really hopping like this, I'd prefer good old reliable you in command of my bar 'cause I'll be too busy running the till. And if Matty isn't back to work, actually working by the time I'm back, I want to know about it."

Jake nods in agreement.

Sorry, no conspiracy here, unless you consider Ginny treating Jake like her first lieutenant and top assistant a conspiracy.

Ginny has gone into the back now, and everything seems fine.

Crash!

"Oh, I'm sorry, Dinah," said a female aasimar in brown robes, with a peach lab coat and a bag, and wearing a holy symbol as a necklace. "Let me fix that for you."

The aasimar quickly cast Mending upon the broken glass, repairing it at once.

But the human waitress, Dinah, is distinctly unamused. She puts her tray down on a table, and taps her foot.

"Sister, after the stunt you pulled last week, Ginny said you couldn't come back. Get out. You have no right to be here."

"Now I admit I'm part of the Temperance Movement," the sister replied, "but tonight I didn't come here to beg you all to stop drinking liq . . ."

She completes the mending spell and steps forward, moving around Dinah.

"But you can't! But Ginny said . . . Jake!"

"Excuse me," Jake said, both to April and to all of you.

He goes around the bar, intercepts the woman, and gives a quick whistle to the half-orc bouncer who was too busy removing a teenage elvish girl who had snuck in to drink using someone else's I. D.

"Deal with you later," the half-orc says. He abandons the kid and joins Jake in sending the sister out. "Ah, Sister Eugenia. How's my favorite bottle-smasher? Waiting until my back was turned? Well, out you go. Don't feel bad. At least it's just me and Jake, not Ginny herself."

Jake and the half-orc bouncer then throw Sister Eugenia out.

"Who was that person? Should I tell Ginny about this?" April asked nervously.

Jake gives her no answer and returns to the bar.

"Gurrax has an underage drinker with the wrong I. D. Fix it. Now," Jake ordered.

April ran straight to the elvish girl, to whom the half-orc bouncer, Gurrax, had returned.

Your move.

Réaltín has been quiet, not really listening. She has her favorite quill pen in her hand and a bottle of ink beside her, next to a mug of porter. Several times she almost grabbed the wrong container to take a drink. She is fixated on her work, going over the notice in detail and writing something on it.

Suddenly she sits up straight, drops the pen, stretches her arms, and downs the rest of the porter in one gulp. She looks for Ginny, but sees she is gone.

"All fixed! This mayor is a horrible speller, and he doesn't even know his own local vernacular!".

Then she sees the party next to her.

"The nice part about sleeping outside is reading books in the moonlight. You should try it sometime."

@Kristev - I wasn't really expecting much out of the whispering, but better safe than sorry

@Kristev - Do we get he impression that the Aasimar Sister Eugenia is telling the truth about not being here to ask us to stop drinking?

If she wasn't here to beg us all to stop drinking, then what was she here for? Alfred thinks to himself

To Realtin "Reading in the moonlight is quite wonderful, its actually how I prefer to read horror novels"

Sorry I posted as the wrong alias, fixed now

Try a sense motive check.

Any of you who are residents to the town know that Sister Eugenia is a low-level priestess of the Church of Gozreh, but doesn't actually work there. She works in the hospital as a trained nurse, using her clerical powers to increase her medical aptitude.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Hopefully I know whats up today

You just remembered that she was carrying a flier from the mayor's office when you saw her. She dropped it when she cast the mending spell.

She was not here to play Carrie Nation today. She was here for something else.

"Guys, I've a hunch friend Aasimar was here about the Castle. It might be interesting to go see if she knows anything" Alfred says looking to his companions.

I would like to check it out, but only if you guys want to.

"I think you're right there, Alfred. I wonder why was she here?"

Cathran pursed her lips lightly and looked up, thinking to herself.

Was she here to meet us? Is there someone from the mayor's office here we should all meet? Perhaps she was here to meet someone involved in the disappearances.

Cathran makes a show of checking her watch then glances to the door and back around the bar (as if she were expecting someone) looking for anyone who seems out of place or particularly affected by the Sister's visit.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Dinah is rattled, more because she dropped a glass at the surprise of seeing Sister Eugenia than anything else.

April and Gurrax are giving the heave-ho to the underaged teenage girl and her friends.

The patrons seem as relaxed as they were before, settling now because the woman who got herself banned by being absolutely smashing - to liquor bottles, can't disrupt their night of full moon drinking bliss.

Sorry, you just don't notice anything.

Cathran returns to her drink for a moment, looking mildly irritated but brightens up suddenly and addresses Alfred.

"A brisk walk might be nice. I'm sure our good sister Aasimar would appreciate the return of her flier."

"Yes, I am sure she would Cathran"

I hope the Darkbridge Stout is cold when I get back

Alfred gets up, goes over to get the flier and, makes to go outside after Sister Eugenia.

And at this point, everyone hears a loud female scream from outside.

This startles everyone.

Gurrax turns and races to the door, with April right behind him. Jake goes to the center of the bar, while Dinah and Lucy flock to him.

Some of the bar patrons are surprised and look around or look at Jake, but most of them just don't care and continue drinking.

"What was that?" Ginny screams out from the back. Her loud, tromping footsteps indicate she is on her way back to the front in quite a hurry.

"Who was that?" April added.

"It was Sister Eugenia!" Gurrax declared. He steps outside the door, but only just, and looks around. "I don't see her, Jake. Should I look for her?"

"Stay here and protect the girls. Matty, it's you and me, boy!"

Matty protests in a stream of angry curses as Jake walks right over to him and puts his arm on him.

Without hesitating, Grunyar quickly rises from his seat.

"I don't like the sound o' that scream a bit. Anyone care t' walk with me t' take a quick look?"

I'm assuming I made it at least a few steps towards the flier I was trying to pick up

Looking back from where he is on his way to get the flier, Alfred calls to Grunyar

"Aye, I'll come with you since I'm on my way out the door after Eugenia anyway"

Alfred then hurries towards the door Gurrax was looking out of.

Falling in behind the halfing, no easy feat as he seemed to glide through the crowd with an ease that Grunyar could not hope to match. Trusting that Ginny would not let anything happen to his few belongings, the dwarven paladin hoped that the Sister was still ok.

"Not a dull day. Wonder what's happened to her. Perhaps an extra set of eyes could help." Krastov follows the dwarf and halfling out onto the street.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Krastov, it's amazing, but you notice that she's been dragged away by someone else. Someone with feet and a tail. There is a trail left. The trail leads off the promenade and into the sand, in the eastern direction of the nearest store, Bunny's Beachbunny Beachwear.

Jake and Matty come out after you, followed by Dinah.

"Anything?" Dinah asked.

"Yeah," Matty protested, "me leaving."

He goes back inside, with Jake glaring. Meanwhile, Dinah approaches you blokes.

"I hope nothing's happened to her. She may have been a pest to the drinkers who finally busted up the bar, but at the hospital, everyone loves her."

Oh, and yes, you did reach the flier, Alfred.

"I think she was taken. There are marks here. Something with a tail." He points out to the others and shows them where it leads and heads that way himself, keeping an ear out.

Patting the pocket he's stored the flier in, Alfred heads out after Krastov, keeping a bit behind the more heavily armored man who moves surprisingly fast in his armor.

Examining the trail as he goes, Alfred tries to think of what creature this could be Knowledge(Whatever): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

All my knowledges have the same bonus so I will use whichever you deem most appropriate Kristev, unless you want me to choose, in which case it would be Knowledge(local) since this thing is most likely humanoid

Stepping out of the bar, Grunyar readied his axe and shield, as it would not do for them to be taken unprepared should the kidnapper be working with a group.

Following the others, Grunyar sought to calm his emotions knowing that Torag's gifts were not to be used in anger and fear, but in true dedication to protecting those in need.

Sorry, not quite high enough on the knowledge check. It would be, as the core rulebook is not clear on it, nature knowledge to determine someone's race.

You hear Sister Eugenia scream again, and Dinah freezes.

"You know what, I think I should go get Sheriff Brady. What do you guys think?"

"Not on your own," Jake insisted. "If you go look for her, I'm going with you."

They will wait for your consent before they leave.

If you continue on the trail, you see there is blood on it now and that, though the sand is constantly shifting, making the trail a bit harder to follow, it definitely leads behind Bunny's Beachbunny Beachwear.

Another perception check might be advisable.

Yes the sheriff. The law may help settle this. Quick go." Krastov follows the direction of the scream and the faded trail.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Dinah leaves to seek the sheriff, escorted by Jake since there's someone around who likes to kidnap young women, and for all you all know, he may not be satisfied with one.

And it's now quite obvious to you that Sister Eugenia is being dragged toward the public beach, which is north of the last two shops in the area before you get to the ocean - Ginny's Tonics and Bunny's Beachbunny Beachwear.

"This way quick!" Krastov calls and waves the others forward then takes off running in the direction of the beach past the shops.

Heeding Krastovs call, Alfred begins to run after him hoping to make it to Sister Eugenia while she still lives.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Running with the others, Grunyar's eyes flickered back and forth between the rooftops and the group. While it was easy enough to see the obvious trail of duress, Grunyar didn't trust that there might be helpers lurking above waiting to give aide.

No trace of an ambush. But you do see increasing blood splatter.

Arriving at the beach Cathran runs down to the water, looks about desperately and calls out: "Sister Eugenia! Where are you?"

She listens intently for any response.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

@Kristev
What's the daylight situation?

It's eight forty-five at night now, on a full moon.

"Help!" she screams, though you can't tell from where.

"Shut up, lady! You've talked enough!" snaps an angry male voice with a strange accent.

As Alfred arrives at the beach he takes a look around, and having heard another scream of help tries his hardest to find it.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Alfred also loosens the string on his spell component pouch and pulls out his bow and puts an arrow the string, better to be safe than sorry.

Now you can see it. It's a male lizardfolk, dragging Sister Eugenia toward the ocean. Already, their feet are in the beginning of the water. She is bleeding, and he has a knife dripping with scarlet.

"Help!" Sister Eugenia screams.

"Pipe down, priestess! It's too late for you!"

The lizardman throws her into the water, where she lands with a splash and submerges. Then he turns to face the party, ready for a fight.

Initiative time.

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Already feeling his iron shod boots sinking into the sand of the beach, Grunyar feels his blood turn cold when the body of Sister Eugenia goes down, but does not immediately resurface.

~By the Maker's Forge! Could there be more of them lurking in the ocean? What manner of creature is this?~

Looking at the more lithe members of their cobbled gathering, Grunyar points towards the water.

"One of ye, go after her! She may be too weak t' stay afloat!"

Praising Torag's insight to have him keep his weapon drawn during the chase, Grunyar set his eyes on the scaled creature.

"You and me bucko. I be thinkin' the time has come for ye t' consider repenting, before ye meet yer maker."

Advancing on the kidnapper, Grunyar focuses on the creature's movements looking to see if the creature is stalling or preparing to engage in the fight with the others.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Well isn't this just great, lizardfolk

"I'll try to get to Sister Eugenia"

[spoiler=Combat Actions]

Delay turn until the Lizardfolk is in melee with someone other than Alfred

Sprint [x4 move] towards Sister Eugenia as a full round action

[spoiler]

initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Krastov runs closer till he is within 30ft. of the floating sister and pulls his wooden holy symbol from around his neck. "Desna hear me, a sister needs help." A golden glow builds up for a couple seconds as he holds the holy symbol up then it pulses outward in all directions.

if I can't get close enough in 1 move action I'll sprint or double move and channel next round instead. channel positive energy: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Lizardfolk's initiative is 12. So combat roster is:

Krastov
Lizardfolk
Alfred
Grunyar
Cathran

No need for sensing motives here, Grunyar. This lizardfolk is here for blood, and while Sister Eugenia was his immediate target, anyone who crosses him will do.

Alfred and Krastov reach the water and the locale of the sister, or at least really close to her. But you don't see her anywhere and currents may be fast, but not this fast.

A perception roll might help.

Now, as for the battle, the lizardfolk glares at Grunyar.

"You're too late," he says, revealing his bloody knife. "She won't be singing any longer. As for repentance, dwarf, save that for yourself."

He abandons his knife by dropping it, in favor of drawing a scimitar, which he promptly attempts to slash Grunyar with.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Potential damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

That was a hit alright. I may need to prepare a second character to be ready after our first fight. Lol

Feeling his armor give way from the force of the blow, Grunyar's hands almost lose their grip on his axe and shield. Steeling himself to stand strong to buy time for the others, Grunyar lashes out with his axe.

Combat roll in previous post.

Cathran puts a 30 foot distance between herself and the lizard, holds her palms up to it and starts chanting. She visualises a bolt of electricity shooting from her hands hitting the creature and hopes the Gods grant her thought reality.

Elemental Ray: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Potential Damage(Electricity): 1d6 ⇒ 5

@Kristev! This is my first time using magic. Not totally certain about the rules. A few questions about 'Elemental Ray': 1) do I have to roll a ranged attack? 2) At level one, is the level damage bonus 0 or 1? 3) Is there a +3 attack bonus if the target is wearing/using metal - as with the 'Shocking Grasp' spell?

Is 6 the result of your attack roll? If it is, I'm sorry. His touch AC is 12. But if you simply made an error with the dice roller, you may roll again.

If you mean that you have no bonus to your ranged (based on dexterity if that helps) roll, then please list all further uses of ranged touch attacks as 1d20 + 0 so I'll understand more clearly. Thanks.

Yes, 6 is the result. That would be '1d20 + 0'. No need for me to re-roll. I was wondering if there wasn't a special attack roll for ranged magic touch attacks. I've double checked my rulebooks and see there isn't. Sorry for the confusion (1am here, tired and have a cold ... brain has gone a bit mushy).

Then, if you'd like, I will be an extremely generous DM and allow you to permanently replace one of your learned spells, either Mage Armor or Unseen Servant, with True Strike, which first level sorcerers have the right to know. We'll call it Desna's divine intervention, if you wish it.