Jade Regent, presented by DM Hamied - Campaign Thread

Game Master Hamied

Alazandaru looks over at Almar, sneering a little at his weapon.

Thats a 'firearm' then? Seems to make a lot of noise, but I didn't see you take down any Goblins with it. I imagine they would be fascinated with such a device.

How quickly is the fire spreading? Do we have mere minutes to act before the whole place is aflame or do we have some time available to us?

Lisabett is fighting a losing battle to keep the fire spreading from that hut. If she does not receive help, the village will be ablaze within ten minutes. If she stops, it will be more like three minutes.

"Okay people, move along, there's nothing to see here."

If this had been communicated, Lisabett would probably have stabbed the damn chief in the heart and yelled at the others to stop fartin' around and help her, but nothing to be done about it now.

If Lisbett calls for help Alazandaru would suggest Almar goes to help.

I didn't want to interrupt whatever negotiations have not actually occurred with Gutwad. I'm actually confused OOC what's supposed to be going on with the chief. Why did we spare him again?

"If you have subdued the chief, I could use some assistance putting out this fire." Lisabett says, a note of alarm in her heavily accented and smoke choked voice. "We do not know what has become of the remaining fireworks, or what will become of them should the fire reach them."

Sorin called for the chief to surrender, which he did (I didn't really think he would so I was surprised). If you're asking why we didn't kill him after he surrendered, in Sorin's case this would have been a blatant violation of his paladin code and he would have moved to prevent anyone else from doing so as well. If you're wondering why no one has moved to help Lisabett yet, that's probably my fault as I kept asking questions about the situation. If that's stretched this out too long then I apologize.

Seeing the flames beginning to rapidly spread, Sorin rushes over, grabs one of the cooking pots, scoops up some water from the pond and throws it into the flames and moves back to refill it. However, having run around the walkways over the course of the battle, Sorin stumbles on his way back to the pond and drops the pot. Keep moving, fool! Sorin berates himself mentally. Grabbing the pot he forces himself to continue but is clearly spent and moving slowly.

Con check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

With a quick grunt in Alazandaru's direction, Almar joins Lisabett and Sorin in their attempt to quench the fire. He is clearly still feeling the wounds he has sustained, but he continues with determination nevertheless.

Constitution Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

The fire is beginning to be contained. It will take several minutes to entirely douse it.

Alazandaru makes sure the Chief has no weaponry on him other than the dropped spear, confiscating it carefully with a dagger in his spare hand the whole time. He then pokes the Chief's armour with his dagger.

Remove it.

"You men help?" the chief repeats as he pulls his chain shirt off.

"Do you need help in watching over these, Alazandaru?" Raziel will ask. "If not, I should help keep this place from burning down, and see to the wounds of the others.

Perception Roll to see if Alazandaru is wounded: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Okay, I hope this isn't too forward, but in the interest of progressing...

Lisabett, covered in filth and grime, and now face darkened with soot and sweat, sets another load of pots down on the walkway for her Alamar and Sorin to choose from and pauses for a moment to peer into the hut where the goblin Chief still stood, at the end of Alazandaru's dagger.

"We are having difficulty containing the fire," she announces, addressing no one in particular, then flicks her cool eyes to Gutwad. "You recognize our tongue? Show him," Lisabett points to Alazandaru, "where the fireworks are, or grab a pot and help us. We've need of more arms to keep this village from burning to the ground."

Go. Alazandaru says simply to Raziel. When Lisbett arrives he has already begun to question the Chief.

We are putting the fire out yes. It looks like you were attacked once already. Tell me what happened.

Gutwad looks confused by Lisabett's prompt, but appears to take some understanding from Alazandaru. "Fire good. Fire end this. Start with fire, end with fire. Dead men come. Dead men want things we find with fire. They take things, but there more things. Mud now. Gone. All gone."

End with fire? Lisabett seethes, but simply shakes her head and returns to her project. She finds that the several pots that she has brought with the aide of her spear have simply been discarded at the scene, and Alamar and Sorin running to the pond to fetch more, all while the hut continues to burn, threatening the walkways and everything near.

Fire end this... Lisabett coughs violently and then gathers the pots together, slides her spear through their handles and lets herself down off the walkway to gather more water.

Gutwad was a monster, and Lisabett was familiar with his ilk. It rankled beneath her sodden and filthy dress that he had been spared. As she fights the flames, the putrid smoke burning her nostrils, throat and lungs, she can think only of Minherzi lying in her bed in Sandpoint, and feels nothing but hatred for the creature.

Lisabett Perception (to notice the others are wearing down) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

There must be a more efficient way of directing this, Lisabett thinks as she kneels at the pond to collect water in her various pots. She gives a glance over her shoulder at the flames, and the huge column of smoke that is towering above the village. As great a pyre to make any Jarl of consequence envious, she recognizes, then slides the pots through her spear and lifts it, again.

Lisabett knows not what to make of the greater mystery of the dead men needing what was found in fire, or indeed, what fire Gutwad mentioned, only that the fire before them needed to be contained. If Gutwad's answers be none but riddles, she would need more information to decipher his intent.

Con Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Raziel joins with the others in trying to put out the fire.

Perception checks on the others to see if they are wounded:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"Well done people! Now I'd say the "goblin problem" has been permanently solved, so... what shall we do with big bad gobbo there?"

Aaaaand.... I'm Back! Thanks for waiting!

Lisabett stretches and strains her neck, and for a moment appears as though she means to scrub soot from her eyes with a filthy sleeve before sniffing at the foul odor and thinking better of the action.

"He speaks in riddles of fires and dead men," Lisabett observes. " 'Dead men want things we find with fire,' " Lisabett quotes.

Lisabett gestures to the patch of earth they had each crossed several times attempting to contain the blaze. "Track there, same as without. We might follow them and discover their origins," Lisabett suggests. "Only other men we heard about in this mire were the three considered 'missing,' if they be dead..." Lisabett trails and shakes her head mournfully.

"Many things are uncertain. I know only this, that signal," Lisabett gestures to the smoke, "has endangered us all. We must decide what will be done with this creature quickly, and be away from here and in a defensible position before nightfall."

"Well done people! Now I'd say the "goblin problem" has been permanently solved, so... what shall we do with big bad gobbo there?"

Once the group has gathered in the hut after containing the fire.

We take... was it the ears the bounty was on? We take those if so, off the dead ones. I'm... not sure about these two. I didn't want to kill the female and he did surrender... It doesn't seem right to kill him in cold blood.

"He surrendered when clearly defeated. It proves nothing but that his desire to live is greater than his pride," Lisabett replies.

Lisabett studies the goblin with tired eyes, stung by smoke and narrowed. "An animal preserves its life at all costs. A monster enriches its life and gains power at a cost to others," she says. "Would you have it travel with us? To stand trial in Sandpoint for its crimes? Do we free it to raid and murder again?"

Gutwad looks between Alazandaru and Lisabett frantically.

"By its own admission, it is aware of the power of fire. And it knows fear," Lisabett observes. "It employed fire against the caravans, burned and terrified innocent women and children. And for what? So that it might return and lord over this filthy hovel?" Lisabett fairly hisses.

"Monster, I name it, the subject of Minherzi's living nightmares," Lisabett continues. "A swift death must not needs be cold, though it is better than he deserves for the lives his greed has wronged."

I believe that the choice is in Sorin's hands, not yours. It was he the Goblin surrendered to. Of course I do not advocate releasing him, but killing a sentient being who surrendered does not sit well with me. What say you, Sorin? You were the one who called for his surrender. What is your plan?

Lisabett's eyes narrow as she studies Alazandaru. "If my words are as ash here, I will find employment for my eyes and wit," she says, and affords him the barest of salutes before quitting the crowded hut.

Lisabett will begin searching those huts untouched by the fire, beginning with the largest (N17-P21).

Lisabett Perception (if needed) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

I was called away while I was typing this post and thus missed Lisabett and Alazandaru's exchange before I finished. Though it sounds slightly out of time now, I think it still sums up Sorin's view.

Sorin looks up wearily. The black soot on his face makes his golden eyes stand out strangely. "There is so much we don't know. I beleive we are even more in the dark than we think we are...I know that sounds odd but I don't know how else to put it."

"Lisabett is right in that it is dangerous to remain her long but there is also more going on here than just goblins with explosives they shouldn't have; a mystery that we still have no answer to. I think we should take this goblin back to the Sheriff where we can learn what this Chief knows; Ameiko and Sandru have had experience with goblins so they may be able to help as well."

Sorin leans heavily on his glaive as he speaks, looking first at the fire and then to the back of the compound. "The fire is contained enough for now." Sorin gestures to the area with the two largest huts in the back. "Back there was no doubt the Chief's area. Even a quick search of the area may yield valuable information. Then I suggest we return to Sandpoint as quickly as possible."

Lisabett steps into the large, southern hut. The walls are decorated with poorly skinned animal pelts. Based on the smell of rotting flesh, it can be guessed that they were not properly tanned. On the floor are piles of rags, in greater concentration than in the other huts; perhaps this is the mark of luxury bedding among goblins.

Is it okay to assume that Lisabett would have heard Sorin's decision before she left, as the player intended it to be a response to the situation? I won't reference it in this post, so as not to mess up the timeline.

Trophies. Lisabett observes, her nose wrinkling at the scent. In a den of filth this monster kept trophies.

Recognizing that her companions have not yet determined if the huts are indeed clear or safe in the least, Lisabett frees one of her javelins from the quiver and advances slowly. She uses the javelin as a tool to scatter the rags on the floor.

No leader would remain one for long if his troupe had access to superior weaponry, Lisabett reasons. And with their dreadful aim, the village would like have burnt long before our arrival.

Lisabett Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Also making no reference to any others in this post as well, I assume that others will join in the search when they are able to post.

Raziel takes time to check out the skeleton in the pond.
'Maybe this will shed some light on what the Chief was talking about,' he thinks.

Perception Roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

After this, Raziel will join Lisabett in searching the goblin camp.

"So... what about those "dead men", goblin? You heard the lady... she wants you dead, and I can't blame her... so you have better to meke yourself useful, answer questions and you MIGHT keep your hide for a bit longer..." says Almar in an omnious tone. Looking directly into the goblin's eyes he starts with his questions:"Let's start easy: were all the fireworks you stole here in the village? Have you got some others somewhere else? Are the goblins in the village the only ones who were left? And what about these "dead men" you keep talking about? Were they the ones who attacked your village before us? Where they led by a black robed man perhaps? I think satisfactory answers to these questions should be enough to keep you away from the lady clutches... providing you don't lie or mislead us, of course... otherwise she's most certainly going to cook you alive I fear..."

Bluff check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Sense motive check:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Gutwad appears genuinely confused by Almar's line of questioning. "No, me not dead. Fire is gone. Village not have goblins now. We hide, yes. Dead men attack, yes. Cook me, yes. Me hungry!"

After checking on the pool, Raziel moves to help Lisabett check out the rest of the camp.
Didn't the goblins drop a chest of some sort on the ground?

"It looks like some undead in strange armor did attack here before we came," Raziel comments. "Stil, a check around before we return to the city would be prudent."

Lisabett looks up at Brother Holheim's words, from her fruitless task of shifting the rags on the floor. "Much of your armors are strange to me," Lisabett observes sadly. "If... If we were to remove a sample for the sheriff or Sandru, or the Lady Ameiko to investigate, will we put ourselves at any significant health risk?" she inquires.

Lisabett rises and looks to Brother Holheim. "Sorin and Alazandaru intend for us to travel with that monster to the city, so that the sheriff might conduct an interview. We must organize our watch, now, out of its hearing, so that it can take no advantage over us."

With Almar taking over the interrogation, Alazandaru busies himself severing the ears of the Goblins slain. With this done and in little mood for further discussion, he searches each hut with pinpoint scrutiny.

DM, let me know how many I gather (for accounting purposes party, don't worry hes not that guy who steals from his companions.)

Take 20 to search each hut, total of 27 on each. Will also search the pool and take 20 on it. Alazandaru's determined not to miss anything.

Lisabett has declared publicly that she has no interest in monetary gain from this venture.

"No more of a health risk than mucking around in this swamp," Raziel replies to Lisabett.

"A watch should be decided by marching order when we leave, with those in the rear of the group watching the goblins, leaving those in front to check the trail ahead," he states. "And if we finish up here, it should not me a long march out of these swamps and back to Sandpoint. I worry about those undead, and think that it requires more investigation. And the swamp has its own hazards besides the restless dead."

Raziel will go back and get a piece of the strange armor, maybe a helm. And then return to help check the goblin camp.

"Agreed," Lisabett concurs and nods. "But I have no intention of our group becoming like them who came before us," she says and sighs. "I have great anxiety concerning their fate, as Warden Proudstump knew nothing of their presence here. Like as not, they were met upon the road, or... elsewhere by one of these other hazards." Lisabett frowns and shakes her head.

Three men missing still, and not a lead on them. A witch, and her creations which can steal faces. Undead interested in fire... Why?

24 ears total, not counting the two that you cut off earlier in the swamp. I assuming you're leaving the wounded female's ears alone, along with Gutwad's?

Raziel appears to be investigating a few human skeletons that were found in the pool. They wear strange armor, most of which has decayed. Looking carefully through the water, Alazandaru pulls out three swords. The blades are curved, but unlike those of a scimitar. A Knowledge (Geography) check might tell you more, but I don't think anybody here is trained.

Checking the corpses of your foes, you find that each goblin carries leather armor, a wooden shield and a short sword (13 of each, total). You also find three more cylindrical explosive devices, yet to be used. Gutwad's possessions (included here for convenience) are substantially nicer. His longbow and chain shirt are both masterwork, and he also carries a pouch containing 32 gold, two strange cylinders you presume to be fireworks, and a potion. His quiver has an assortment of nine arrows. The spear he dropped does not appear to be anything special.

Beyond what you find on the bodies, there appears to be very little of value in the goblin camp. Hut after hut contains nothing but filthy rags. Finally, you come to the hut nearest the chief's. There are several unused fireworks within, of varying shapes and sizes.

Strangely, you do not find anything of note within the chief's hut, but on your way out, you catch notice of a red chest in the mud, just in front of the walkway.

24 ears total, not counting the two that you cut off earlier in the swamp. I assuming you're leaving the wounded female's ears alone, along with Gutwad's?

Yeah thats the plan. We might want to pause on me a little here as I imagine that took some time. When you feel we're all together time-wise...

Over here! Alazandaru calls, drawing attention to the red chest he spotted.

I think the group is mostly focused on investigating the village. I assume the others are, to some degree, assisting you on your search, so I think we can move to the point where you spot the chest. It's easy enough to set an agreed upon marching order when you leave the village.

The red chest appears to be unlocked.

Lisabett sits with her long legs dangling over the walkway, something like a child, leaning on her spear which is propped against the ground. She watches intently as the items are examined by another, a frown growing on her face.

"Toys," Lisabett dismisses derisively. "We cannot eat gold and silver, but the Lady Ameiko may make something of these... patterns?"

Lisabett looks to the sky, and using her spear as a prop, hops to the ground. "We race against the sun now," Lisabett says. "I do not trust my sight to keep the goblin. To avoid danger by track... she trails and shrugs. "Alamar's weapon has the singular advantage of intimidation, but I shouldn't like for him to use it if we are meant to pass unnoticed."

"All weapons should be respected but a pistol is more effective than most... and louder, unfortunately. Let's bring this wretch back to Sandpoint, I guess the villagers will give him a fair trial after all he submitted and I'm not one who enjoys killing a beaten foe"
[i]All but one, actually...[i]

"Let's get back, we'll see if the caravan can move now, and we'll split our reward for a work well done" concludes the gunslinger

"Yes, by all means, let's be out of this swamp before dark," Raziel agrees.

"Toys?" he comments to Lisabett. "They might be toys to you, but they aren't made around here. Like the swords and armor of the dead, they might conceal a deeper story."

Raziel ponders for a moment. "If the undead did come here chasing after other things that the goblins found with the fireworks, then the fireworks, these things, and something else are connected together."

"And this fan has a crude map on it, that might lead us to the solution. But that should be for another day."

Raziel will make sure nothing from the red chest is left behind, including the red chest. Even if he has to carry it.

Trial? Lisabett raises and eyebrow, but simply shakes her head at Alamar's suggestion. How merciful is it to slaughter this creature's kin, then march it hours from its home to be condemned?

Lisabett slides her spear onto her back, and recovers the javelin she threw at Sorin earlier, keeping it in her hand. She allows Alazandaru to scout ahead, and keeps herself as far from the goblin chief as possible.

Raziel, I'll update the loot document to include the box itself, if you are so determined.

You are not wrong to bring along the chest. Though it is covered in mud and the paint is faded, it seems ornate, at least to some degree.

It sounds like people are inclined towards Sandpoint. Am I correct? If so, can I get a marching order?

I haven't referenced time of day in a few weeks. It's just before noon right now.

I would assume Alazandaru in front, with either Raziel or Lisabett immediately following, Alamar, and finally Sorin bringing up the rear. If it is noon, can we get back to Sandpoint before dark... assuming no encounters are forthcoming?

Are you traveling back the way you came, or up the Old Fish Trail? It's right outside the village. Either way, can I get a Survival check from Lisabett?

Lisabett votes for whichever route doesn't mean that we have to watch Gutwad while we're swimming, essentially, the Old Fish Trail.

Lisabett Survival 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Beyond the pool, the ground holds heavy evidence of the invading force, which you assume to be undead. It is clear that they came from the south.

Any last business in the Goblin village?

Good grief. Was I the only one getting "The site is down for maintenance" error?

Sorin frowns at the discovery of the chest and its contents. There's too much going on here. Just how strongly is it al interconnected?

He smiles slightly at Lisabett's reluctance to accept any profit from this. "Do not be too quick to dismiss your rightful due from this, my Lady. Even if such things have no value to you, there are...others who might benefit from how you choose to use it." Sorin winks. "It is a wondrous thing to take something that comes from ugliness and turn it into a beautiful purpose."

Holding his glaive again, Sorin appears displeased at the suggestion that he bring up the rear for the return trip but he shrugs and says nothing.