Treasurefox's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master TreasureFox

"Well if they were trying to save the Town and thought I was hiding information that would help them do that, then sure I'd be game. But they aren't, and I ain't while we are and she might be, aye?"

"So one's possessions and privacy are safe depending on opinions - and who decides if those opinions should prevail? We each decide for ourselves?" - the barbarian presses on, curious about the customs and laws of civilized lands - "So if I suspect someone, even if I am not officially empowered by the local ruler or something similar, I am entitled to invade its homestead to confirm my suspicions?"

Maria sighs. But we are official and all that Helgarr. Remember all that paperwork? And sometimes public safety must come first. What if something started summoning those nasties in droves? We need to be rid of that pool.

"I understand that Maria - I just don't think it acceptable to barge into someone's home, or temple, because we did not like the answer given to us - I do not think we command that authority"

Cleo looks back and forth to the two, feeling a little uneasy. She knows theft is not something her deity approves of, but as long as they give it back it isn't really stealing...

Ugh.

We could check the Goblin before anyone has to make that kind of decision. she offers.

Maria looks around for a second. Look. We already know one person was working with these goblins while they appear to be connected to that temple.

We'll try our other options first but we can't afford to run off to Magnimar unless absolutely necessary. The town could be overrun with those things by the time we get back. Maria says agreeing with Cleo

Maria looks around for a second. Look. We already know one person was working with these goblins while they appear to be connected to that temple.

"I think that is perhaps where I am at a loss - how did we conclude they appear to be connected to the temple? I was under the impression we were simply looking for information" - Helgarr shrugged.

"And agreed" - the barbarian smiles at Cleo - "Let us check the Goblin first"

Not the House of blue stones, somebody's working with the goblins, the goblins appear connected with the temple underground. And there may yet be more conspirators of which we are unaware.

"On that we agree" - Helgarr nods.

"I know its a bit selfish, but I just really want to get a good look at the books she's housing in there," Vandra said with a careless shrug. "Priests tend to keep good records, as long as it's not a shameful part of the religion's past or something else to keep hidden. It's a pity we're not in Rahadoum, they'd be real quick to stop something like this." With a glance at Ali and Cleo, he added, "Well, you two probably wouldn't fare well there."

Can we just go? If I have to break into someplace I'd prefer the cover of night.

Ali shrugged before sighing. "Aye I have heard of the godless place but... My power stems not from the Eternal Lady, I do not think anyway. It is hard to describe... I am a devoutee of the Eternal Rose but not in any actual sense. I am not artistic, I am not a musician or a poet but I do create. My power is... force of personality. It comes from a depth within and I use it to create bonds with other planes and call forth beings of power to aide me in my fight, but it is not inherently divine... I think. Again I am not sure. This isn't an exact Magick after all!"

That's very pretty Ali the pun goes over her head.

"Was speaking more towards your strong belief than anything else," Vandra said with a shrug. "Anyway, the squirt's right. We should head off if we're to get anything done. To the Goblin, then?"

Furnok waits for Cleo to make her choice.

Let's just get this done with. Maria heads in the direction of the Goblin

Honestly I thought we were walking in that direction and talking.

What she said

At the front of the Curious Goblin, the elders have just parted ways. One of them is about to close the door when you approach. "Oh, good evening adventurers." The Varisian man says "I was about close for the night, but no matter. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Chask, Chask Haladin. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Afternoon. We are here wondering if you can help us with some things we found lurking under the Glassworks. Seems there was this little flying devil that was leading these nasty deformed critters. There was this altar at Llamashoo and this real weird well that bubbled and had monster jump out of it.

Stepping to the front of the group, Vandra replied, "Greetings, Mr. Haladin, my name is Vandra. While delving underground recently, my group and I encountered a bit of oddness and were wondering if you have any books that could help us. Specifically, I'm looking for any on the history of the area, and my friends Ali and Cleo have their own requests."

Cleo comes forward Not a different request, I'm just looking into the same from the idea it's tied to Llamashoo. We're sorry to keep you over sir, we feel though finding a way to close the summoning pool is better done sooner than later

Ali stepped forward, along with Vandra and Cleo. "Greetings Chask, and how are you this fine evening? As my new friend said, I too am looking for some information. I'd like to see anything you have on summoning, ritualistic to be precise!"

The old man traces his white moustache as the party introduces themselves and their quest. "Not at all, Ms. Cleo. Come in, come in. I'll put a pot of tea on the fire and we'll see to your request." He says, beckoning them inside. The shop itself is filled to the brim with all manner of books, scrolls, and maps, all piled in various disorganized 'sections'. Also inside are several large, comfy chairs.

Mr. Haladin snaps his fingers and a wisp of mist coalesces into a rough humanoid shape. It picks up a large tea pot and begins filling it, then putting it over the fire.

"So, let's find this mysterious summoning pool you were talking about." Mr. Haladin begins. "I believe the deity you are referring to is named Lamashtu. That's La-mash-tu. A very chilling deity to be sure. As for the summoning pool itself, I would guess that it would be of Thassilonian origin. Hmmmm"

As he searches through various texts across the shop, he chats with you. "I want to thank you for all you have done for our town. Most of you are not even from here, and yet you have put in considerable effort in our defence. If I might ask, why have you chosen to fight?"

Maria shifts uncomfortably. I, I'd rather not talk about it.

Well it started out with goblins attacking the festival and has turned out to be something more. Wouldn't be right to just leave.

It's the right thing to do Cleo shrugs, accepting the tea with a grin. This smells wonderful!

Ali shrugs, "This is my town. I was born here, my parents died here and I'll die here to protect her."

"Didn't want this place to end up like my home," Vandra said shortly as his eyes roamed longingly over the various tomes of knowledge.

Not really sure what to do, as she wasn't much for research, Jeaux moved over to the fire and laid her halberd against the wall.

Mr. Haladin nods respectfully to Maria. To Ali, Cleo, and Furnok, he raises his fluffy white eyebrows and smiles. "I'm truly pleased to see young ones such as you coming to our aid. There are many tales of mercenaries and adventurers refusing to assist due to inability to pay. Vandra, if I might ask, where from do you hale?"

Trying his best to not let his memories overwhelm him, Vandra replied, "A small village about 20 or so leagues from here. You wouldn't find it on any maps, nor would you ever find it in person again."

Sensing that Vandra has a hard time with his past, Mr. Haladin says "I'm sorry, Vandra. Here, take a look at this tome while I study. It is a translation of various Thassilonian texts."

Maria puts a comforting hand on his arm and smiles at him.

Giving a small smile at Maria, Vandra gratefully took the book and sat down at a nearby table. Opening the book, he started to read.

Within the table of contents, Vandra notices Message to Runelord Karzoug. The original document isn't included. Instead, the researcher describes what he has deciphered.

"4674AR (37 years ago)
Within the Thassilonian empire during the Age of Legends, the author of the documents writes to a Runelord Karzoug. Within, the author describes the functions of what is called a minor Runewell. It is supposedly capable of summoning wrathspawn onto the material plane. In order to do so, the well must absorb the souls of wrathful people who die within a mile of it's location. The author describes it as primitive technology, and informs the Runelord Karzoug that dropping blood into the well and summoning all the wrathspawn will deplete it's energies. In addition, the author says that pouring enough holy water to fill the pool will destroy it once the energies have been used up. This is because of a Runelord Alaznist's dependence on the Abyss."

Reading over his shoulder Maria smiles. See, I knew dumping gallons of holy water down there would help.

Vandra shook his head at Maria's enthusiam. "I think you missed a sentence. Before you just dump all that holy water onto the well, you have to summom all of the wrathspawn to deplete its energies," he said, pointing to the specific passage.

No. I just disregarded it in favor of gloating about the holy water.

So, dripping blood in and hacking at anything popping up seems the thing to do.

Sounds... easy she says uneasily.

Maria thinks for a moment. We should recruit some archers from here in town. If we surround them as they're summoned they'll die before they know what happened. 1 sail for each man per spawn should be sufficient.

Works for me. Get some chickens to bleed into the well.

Furnok will go to market and buy a chicken or two and then head to the sheriff's office to see if he can gather up some watchment for archer duty.

We need to rest a bit first... I'll tell the father what we found, if someone else will tell the mayor or sheriff.

"I'll stay here for a while and read up some more just to make sure we won't be surprised tomorrow," Vandra said as his head once more dived into the interesting book. A thought had him look back up. "Sir, you wouldn't happen to have a book on the Thassilonian language would you?"

The marketplace is empty save for a couple guards. It is night time, roughly 11pm, and most people have gone to bed to wake up at sunrise.

"Unfortunately, the Thassilonian language requires intense study in order to properly learn, and those who have guard their secrets jealously. However, there is a good man in town known as Brodert Quink. He is a scholar on all things Thassilonian and despite having controversial theories, understands the meaning of most Thassilonian writings. I would recommend you visit him if you're interested in the Thassilonian empire and it's language. He can be found studying the Old Light on most days. Otherwise, you may need to learn the spell Comprehend Languages in order to learn more. I'm sure Gandethus can tell you more in that realm."

I guess we will do this in the morning, we all need a good break anyways after the beating we took.

Maria nods. True enough Furny. Let's hope some dinner was laid out or I'm going to to have to gorge at breakfast.

FOOD Cleo stomach screams. Food, and then sleep

Don't get between a halfling and their food.

Maria nods. Very true, I once traveled through a small halfling's village on the back of a wizards cart. I snuck into one of their little houses, there was more food in there than 13 dwarves could eat in 3 sittings.