Thrawn's Gallows of Madness (PFSRPG) (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Muldoon

Khafra casts a javelin at the goblin Truddig missed, but it sails wide over its head.

javelin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The goblin screams out at the attack, alerting the other guards, who snap to attention.

Conditions
Dim Light (moonlight, so 20% miss on shots over 20'

ROUND 2
Boss
Khafra
Hasmed
Truddig
Ingrge
Goblins

Ingrge will stay on the rooftop, moving 5' NE and to fire at orange...

Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 vs. flat-footed AC

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Truddig grumbles and curses himself at failing to contain the alarm. Well, better finish this little guy quick; more'll be on the way shortly!

He wheels around and smashes at the goblin again with the shillelagh-enchanted club, then steps away, hoping to gain some space so that he can use his ability to grow!

Khafra exits one of the buildings and attacks the nearest enemy, but in the dark he has a hard time seeing it.

MW fauchard (two-handed): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 101d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Hasmed steps around his companions and thrusts his blade forward, arcane power surging forth through it. "Bimsutchi take you!"

Punch!: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Ingrege drops the second patrolling goblin, and the others are able to dispatch the two gate guards. I used all of your rolls, and redirected you at the next two goblins.

A scream issues from the door leading to the cave. Seeing over the 8' fence, Ingrege can see that several goblins seem to have a human female cornered back there.

Conditions
Dim Light (moonlight, so 20% miss on shots over 20'

ROUND 2
Khafra
Hasmed
Truddig
Ingrge
Goblins
Boss
Big Boss
Human

Ingrge yells to his friends. "To the fence! I'll cover you!"

The Elf fires another arrow towards the nearest goblin that he can see in the fenced in area...

Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 (vs. flat-footed AC)

Damage: 1d7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Hasmed begins running towards the fence, and attempt to jump on over it!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Sadly, the gods of Vudra have decreed that he would get caught on the wall and lay half on it, half off in a most inglorious fashion.

Truddig follows Hasmed, moving quickly towards the fence. He knows that a jump is out of the question, so he satisfies himself with simply getting to his destination, ready to act as soon as he can.

Khafra double-times it after the others, reaching the fence quickly.

The goblins are ineffective in attacking the woman, but the hobgoblin lands a solid strike on her. She fights back hitting one of the goblins with the rock she had picked up, dropping it in a single hit.

Conditions
Dim Light (moonlight, so 20% miss on shots over 20'

ROUND 3
Khafra
Hasmed
Truddig
Ingrge
Goblin
Boss
Big Boss
Human (10 dmg)

Is H5 a building with a roof? And did Ingrge's last arrow hit? Forgot to include Miss roll for that shot = Miss<Low is Good: 1d100 ⇒ 69

H5 is the open pen full of goblin dogs. (You can murder them if you want, but they are penned up and can't fight back.) No roof there.
I see my response to your shot was eaten at some point. Two goblins died so far. One to your arrow, and one to the rock. (The rock one was unexpected, first time I recall her killing anything in about 8 runs of this.)

Thanks GM, I'll stay on this building then since I've got elevation and shooting over a pen should be no issue...

Ingrge will move 15' west along the roof and attempt a shot at the Big Boss...if he doesn't have line of sight on the Big Boss, he'll target the Boss instead...

Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Confirm: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Damage + Crit: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4) + 6 = 19

Miss<20: 1d100 ⇒ 25

After watching the hobgoblin leader of the fort drop to a single arrow, the final goblin, the last goblin flees into the cave as fast as it can. (The "boss", who was has been invisible from the first fight, decides getting out of here is the better option as well.)

Combat over

You have taken goblin fort. You find the stone building is packed full of jars of the purple ooze, that the goblins seem to have been collecting in this shrine to Lamashtu. Nixa Volsetti, the human woman you rescued, as well as several other captives are now freed to go back to the village.

You can decide what to do with the ooze, fort, and prisoners

"It may be valuable to keep a sample of this ooze for further study; I'm sure someone down there in Absalom would love to take a look at it. But we should destroy the rest." Truddig says this while he's already working to free the prisoners from their bonds. "You can travel with us, if you like," he tells them, "I think we should be heading back to Saringallow right away unless someone else has an idea?" He looks at the other Pathfinders to see what they think.

"As for this fort, it's a nice structure. Could use some work, obviously, but I'd hate to see it be torn down, or go to disrepair. Maybe we tell the Mayor, and she may have thoughts on some way that Saringallow could make use of it. If it were me, I'd staff it as a defensive outpost, but maybe a hunting club would like to take possession or something."

Ingrge nods at Truddig. "Yes, the purple ooze needs to be studied by alchemists; we could take some back, and burn the rest. And I'm sure the mayor would be interested in this journal we've found. The mayor might also have use for the fort...but, if not, probably needs to be burnt down before goblins move back in...or worse...

Let's get these former captives back to town..."

Hasmed struggles to get to the other side of the fence... Only to find out that the fight has been decided without him. "Majinkusta laughs at me in my hour of weakness.At least it looks like we have made it in time!"

He looks at his companions and sighs. "Truddig's words burn with the fire of truth. I agree to do what he advises."

"We should certainly report back," Khafra says pensively.

I'll get leveled up...hurray!

The pathfinder has been working to get approval to build a pathfinder Lodge in the city of Saringallow. Although it's only a city of 5000, it sits at a strategic location where no lodges currently exist, so pathfinders have been sent to make good with the mayor to get her support and approval in making the Pathfinder Society permanent residents. The pathfinders have curried favor by doing several jobs for the mayor, and have been called for one last mission. To help with this mission, the society has sent reinforcements to replace those who have been called away to other important tasks in the area.

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Although it’s covered in a layer of files and paperwork that indicate its official nature, this office is also eminently comfortable, with its plush carpet, velvet-lined oaken furniture, and ornate serving carts bearing colorful fruit and fine drinks. The soothing smell of sage and apple blossoms floats on a warm breeze wafting through the large, open picture window.

At the center of the room, behind a solid and polished wooden desk, sits Mayor Sandra Trinelli, her long fingers folded together in thought. Her face is solemn as she surveys her visitors. “Thank you for your quick attention to my request,” she begins, motioning to the oversized chairs in front of her. “As you can imagine, it involves a delicate task that promises results of great significance to our beleaguered population. Let me explain."

“The history of this town, I’m afraid, is written in blood. More than a century ago, the family that founded Saringallow committed heinous crimes against the hard-working folks who toiled on their behalf. When all was said and done, these nobles—the Sarinis—kidnapped and murdered many local children. They were hanged for their crimes, but the bodies of the youths were never found, and our families still suffer those tragic memories today. After all of these years, they’ve never had closure, and our town has never been the same."

“However, not long ago, while I was searching the town archives, I discovered a few old letters that seem to indicate that these evil nobles kept records of their victims and diabolical rituals. Finding these documents would go a long way toward healing the deep wounds the Sarinis inflicted on our poor people."

“Unfortunately, the evidence is presumably stored in the Sarinis old, walled estate, which is located some distance from Saringallow proper. Around here, superstitions regarding the Sarini family still run deep, and the good men and women of our town watch—bless their hearts—are reluctant to help. There’s no proof, however, that any of the rumors about the Sarini Estate are real, so I’d like to hire you help me solve this matter. Please, if you will, bring me any records of these terrible crimes that exist. Once you do, I believe our town will finally begin to heal. This will go a long way in building our town's relationship to the society, and perhaps remove enough mistrust of outsiders to allow your lodge to be approved.”

"Sounds interesting, ma'am...and we'll get right on it. But can you tell us about some of the rumors? Being as during our last couple of ventures, many rumors we heard turned out to be true...it'd be nice to know what may, or may not, be awaiting us at the Sarini estate..."

The halfling clad in reddish brown and green leathers with blonde hair walks over to the large open window and hops onto the windowsill and crosses his right leg over his left leg and places his slingstaff over his knees, he raises his eybrow and says...

"That's a tragic story. Too many have gained on the blood of others. But like my half-elven friend here says, forewarned is forearmed. What can ya tell us about this house Mayor Trinelli?

"One of my primary purposes is to ensure the dead rest. If these children or their families are not at peace, we must do what we can to help," Khafra says.

dot

“This tragedy has had several generations to generate rumors, but they’re all nonsense, as far as I’m concerned. Some say the estate is haunted by the spirits of those murdered there; others say the estate has collapsed under its own weight, and still others believe diabolic powers still lurk within and plot against us. Given what the town suffered, can you blame them for projecting their fears into that hated place?”

“The estate is a large place, with two main stories and a basement, or so the old stories go, but we don’t have a map of the place in our archives. Given what horrors happened there, the townsfolk have always given the place a wide berth—no one here is greedy enough to covet the murder-tainted valuables that hated family might have owned. Some things are more important than gold, you know. The Sarinis and everything tied to them are a blot on our existence."

“The estate is located about 10 miles from town, down a road almost no one travels except for foolhardy youths trying to prove themselves. Given its isolation, I would not be surprised if there weren’t a few dangers in or around the place. You’d do well to arm yourselves sufficiently before heading out.”

"Sounds like a straightforward gig. And if it helps build some more trust in the town and the Society then all the better."

Quinn leans in "So when d'we get this show on the road?"

"Perhaps it would be best to consider the use of Holy Weapon Balm, a salve that serves to strike at the heart of evil" offers Hasmed as he digs through his memories to see if he can recall any other potables that would act in their favor against supernatural evils.

"No worries, ma'am. We should be on our way..."

Ingrge nods to his friends to see if they're ready to head out...

"If you'd like to do any research, my assistant can look up documents from the archives. If you feel you are ready, the road to the manor is easy to follow."

Bristot finally speaks at the mention of documents. ”I woukd like to see these documents.”

"Research is good. Lets see if there are any incidents worth noting about that might've made the papers."

"We have quite a bit of information available about the
time period in question in the town hall’s archives. I suggest that you start there. Find my assistant, Lupia Marietti. She’s a kind woman and will help you with whatever you need.”

After questions with the mayor, if you choose to use the archive, there is a mechanic that is a bit different. You tell Lupia topics you would like information on, and she goes and fetches documents from the archive. Basically a keyword search and Lupia is your google. This part is optional, but can give info that can help at the estate. This adventure is also different from the first 2 parts in that pretty much all of it will take place on one map.

"I would know more of the murderers," Khafra says. "What drove this family? Greed? Power? Something else?"

"I'd like to know if there's been any missing persons and of the surrounding area of this house, threats, terrain, wildlife and hazards."

Quinn nods a thanks to Lupia with a half smile.

Missing Persons: Between the years 4600–4604 ar, many missing persons were reported. Any PC who succeeds at a DC 12 Perception check notices that the average age of the missing persons was 12–20, and many
of them were female.
Reports written by a watch captain of the time indicate that the bodies of a few missing people were found.

------------------

There aren't official documents on what drove the Sarinis. However, some rumors around town that you pick up about the Sarini Family:

“Those evil Sarinis were hanged—they were hanged high! Ever think where the ‘gallow’ in Saringallow comes from?”

A well-known nursery rhyme starts as follows: “All Sarinis, red or blue, slit your throat or we’ll hang you too!”

“The Sarinis worshiped demons and devils,and they held unspeakable revels at their estate back in the day!”

“The Sarinis kidnapped children and drank their blood.”

-------------------

From the Archives on the Estate:

An invoice for construction materials reveals that the construction of the main estate building began in 4426 ar, and a later bill indicates that a wall was built around the grounds in 4600 ar.

--------------------

Rumors around town about the estate:

"The estate is haunted, and crawling with undead victims of the Sarinis."

"The Sarini family came back as devils and took back over the estate."

“Some folks say they’ve seen little blue people near the estate!”

“The Sarini Estate is haunted! Hungry ghouls and ghosts lurk in the shadows!”

“They say there’s a funny smell coming from theestate, and it’s the smell of rotting corpses.”

“Goblins have taken over the abandoned Sarini Estate! The town watch ought to do something about it!”

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

"The Sarinis were sick folk...most abductees/victims were female, between 12and 20...and they were completely drained of blood...

Hmmm...beware the invoice...it's been tampered with, trying to hide something..."

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"Hide something? Hide what? I reckon there's more to this than meets the eye." Quinn says raising a suspicious eyebrow as he pours over the articles and books with the rest of the group.

”Their blood was drained and the text seems to suggest that tgey died in diabolical rituals” he pauses, listening to what the others say ”All female? Maybe they were trying to birth demonic creatures?

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Knowledge (Arcana) & Inspiration: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 8 + (6) = 31
Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Lupita will look up more key words if you have more you want, or you can head out with the info you have.

"Or they wanted virgin blood. Which seem's to be a staple of rituals. Ugh." Quin rubs his temple in aggravation.

"I hate cults. They're so stupid."

I'm good to go if everyone else is.

Ingrge shrugs. "Lupia, anything in the archives about the Undead at the estate? Or perhaps Demons or Devils?"

Khafra examines the documents.

"In my land, I have examined many tombs. The amount of construction materials ordered was too large for the wall’s size. Curious," he adds.

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
knowledge engineering: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"This may be a stretch to find in the archives, Lupita, but see if you can find anything referencing blood or rituals. Also, I heard a rhyme referencing 'red or blue' Sarinis, and something else about blue creatures. See what you can find about that."

There are no documents that even mention the word diabolism or any other outward indicators of the subject. However, Lupita is able to dig up some letters from a Marcus Sarini to an unnamed priest of Asmodeus in Egorian. These letters contain vague and cryptic language, but they do mention the existence of gifts for some nebulous patron, and that these gifts were carefully recorded somewhere in a secure location in the estate known only to Marcius and Sadira Sarini.

There are no other red or blue references evident in the records, and nobody seems to remember the original meaning of the song, other than it rhymes well.

"Thank you Lupita...

Shall we head to the estate now?"

Khafra has studied religious records before and points at a few words.

"This is a very thinly veiled reference to diabolic sacrifices, and if we could find these hidden records, it will be precisely what the mayor needs."

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Quinn grabs his slingstaff and hops off the chair and turns to everyone with furrowed brows.

"Lets find out what's been going on at that house."

You are met outside by the woman who you saved from the hobgoblins. She gives you a sketch of the estate grounds, which she had visited when she was younger. Outdoor areas will be revealed.

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

As Hasmed finishes his purchases (a Holy Weapon Balm and an Oil of Bless Weapon), he pauses, recalling what he read. "By all that is holy... They were sacrificing people to devils in there! There were talking of records! Scrolls! Something written! We must go and purge the evils within!"