There is the thud of hooves and a horseman approaches the clearing. He is a compact man in dark colours, with a black cloak, and on a black horse. There is a spear strapped to his horse, a morning star at his side.
Even your untrained eyes can tell that he is an unpractised horseman, but he has ease enough in the saddle.
His face is gaunt, and has the complection of someone who does not spend much time in the sun. His leather armour is unconcealed under his clothes. His eyes are dark and deep-set.
He steps down from his horse with what looks like some relief.
”My name is Mahlo,” he says in a low voice, obviously well-used to being listened to, ”Sergeant Mahlo, now.”
He shows the badge of Woodenhead’s sheriffs.
”I have come to talk to the Professor.”
"WHO DIS @SSHOLE"
"WHO DIS @SSHOLE"”Sergeant Mahlo, now.”
He shows the badge of Woodenhead’s sheriffs.
It would appear to be your superior officer!
"Thith Runewell thounds like a kind of thtorage device for the emotionth of the town, particularly their feelingth of wrath. Maybe the hunger the oracle mentioned is thomething to do with filling it up? If that is the case then thtarving would mean emptying it, yeah?...
Benzo nods sagely and runs his fingers over his calloused knuckles.
[b]"Hmmm, I think I'll recommend that you be set free! Proviiiiding you stick around and help us figure out this Thassilonian stuff."
"Hmmm, I think I'll recommend that you be set free! Proviiiiding you stick around and help us figure out this Thassilonian stuff."
"Indeed, but we will have our eyes on you missy." A flame shone a moment in Vizigog's red eyes, and was just as suddenly extinguished as he turned to the new arrival, "Now who is this young popinjay tearing into camp, what business have you with Mister Crowley sir? "
"Hmmm, I think I'll recommend that you be set free! Proviiiiding you stick around and help us figure out this Thassilonian stuff.""Indeed, but we will have our eyes on you missy." A flame shone a moment in Vizigog's red eyes, and was just as suddenly extinguished as he turned to the new arrival, "Now who is this young popinjay tearing into camp, what business have you with Mister Crowley sir? "
Hours pass...
Towards late afternoon the sound of thundering hooves breaks the silence
...and a horseman approaches the clearing... He is a compact man in dark colours, with a black cloak, and on a black horse...face is gaunt...
He steps down from his horse with what looks like some relief.
”My name is Mahlo,” he says in a low voice, obviously well-used to being listened to, ”Sergeant Mahlo, now.”
He shows the badge of Woodenhead’s sheriffs.
”I have come to talk to the Professor.”
Benzo steps up to Mahlo and pointedly angles his torso so that HIS deputy's badge is plain to see.
"Hi! I'm Benzo." says Benzo.
"Now who is this young popinjay tearing into camp!" Mutters Vizigog
”My name is Mahlo,” he says in a low voice, obviously well-used to being listened to, ”Sergeant Mahlo, now.”
He shows the badge of Woodenhead’s sheriffs.
”I have come to talk to the Professor.”
"I say, what business have you with Mister Crowley eh? " Called the emerald reprobate to the road weary traveller
"I say, what business have you with Mister Crowley eh? " Called the emerald reprobate to the road weary traveller
"He's a deputy like me! Chief Deputy Llewellyn musta sent him!" Benzo blurts out.
"Man oh man, I hope you ain't a drinker 'cos this town's got troubles that'll drive a lawman to the bottle! You ain't even heard about!"Benzo fans himself with a flapping hand.
"I'm gonna do all I can to help out though Sergeant, come on, let's find the Professor."
The Professor, pokes his head out of the carriage where he had been dozing
What's this? Not the sheriff already?"
He conjures up a floating disc and, shadowed by a wary Vernon, approaches the intruder
"You are not the sheriff, I don't believe I have...." his eyes glaze over for a second, he mutters soundlessly under his breath, beofre continuing "Your aura is strange, friend. What, who are you?"
"No. Not the sheriff already." Mahlo looks around at the others. "Llewellyn received your message, and sent me in response. We need to talk."
Again he looks around at the others. "As to who I am--Mahlo. Sergeant Mahlo. It's a pleasure to meet you. What I am is more complicated.
"Is there somewhere we can talk in private?"
" Very well, come into my carriage. Vernon, would you see to the deputies horse"
Mahlo leaves his horse with Vernon, and enters the carriage. It would seem to be as good a place as any to discuss things. After some time, he climbs out again.
”Greeting once more.“ He has a quiet voice with a hard edge, and he speaks quickly.
”Your Professor has informed me of much; you have done well to gather such useful information. It will be an honour to have as comrades a deputy as excellent as yourself, Mr Wickerfloat, and allies as dynamic as Mr Vizigog and Lambert, Vernon, and Bassa. We will make quite the menagerie.“
Mahlo takes a moment before continuing. ”As to me, as I said, I am Sergeant Mahlo of Woodenhead. Having such an esteemed hometown, you can well imagine that I am a man of class and breeding.
“As you are obviously aware, there is much that is afoot in town which will keep Llewellyn busy, so he sent me here in his stead. It might be that he saw something in my particular talents that he thought would be more useful here than in town, or it might be that he was feeling nice, it being such a perfect day for riding, and the darkwoods being so delightful this time of year.” He smiles towards the undergrowth, as if he could see the owlbears lurking there.
“At any rate, I have authority to act on his behalf, here. I’m guessing that that won’t hold much sway with the apes and Mr Hells-below here, but I’m sure we can figure out something. ”[/b]
Mahlo takes a moment to marshal his words, and speaks them more rapidly, and more quietly, as if to get them done with. ”The news of Baleson hit us pretty hard. It was only because I was impressed by Baleson that I joined the sheriffs , although I have other reasons for staying now. I’m Woodenhead born and bred, and Baleson offered a real hope that it might become a better place, or at least allay its slide into corruption. Certainly he offered some counter to Kreed and his like." His eyes have softened, but harden again quickly as he takes a swig from an earthenware bottle.
“The Professor has informed me of your plan, and I think it is a good one, although perhaps I am swayed by my heart; regardless, it has my backing. If Baleson were to return as a hero, that would strengthen his position no end. And if Kreed were forced to support this, then that would undermine any opposition all the further, and contribute to Baleson’s reification.“ While Mahlo is generally implacable, there is now a glint of something in his dark eyes—rage? Hope? Again, this fades slightly with a brief swig from the bottle.
”To business, though. As I said—I think the plan is a good one. Or, at least, the plan may be foolhardy, but offers the prospect of achieving something real for Woodenhead. Perhaps Llewellyn may think it more foolhardy than good, but we should be able to work passed that.
“Nonetheless, Llewellyn has plans afoot. We must be sure not to interfere with these. It would not do for us to work at cross-purposes with him, as depleted as we are. Without knowing exactly what Llewellyn is up to, we shall have to keep in contact with him, and listen to his injunctions. He is, after all, our boss, Mr Wickerfloat, and the void knows that this plan is reckless enough without the prospect of fouling up whatever he has in mind. “
Now Mahlo looks back to Woodenhead with a scowl. ”We can be sure that Kreed, too, has plans. Indeed,I have little doubt that he will be moving on them now. We sheriffs are now few in number, and will take some time to build up to the strength that we had. Time that we don’t have. We must move quickly to seize the initiative, and we must be wary of his manoeuvres as we proceed.
[b]”So. Let us proceed with your plan. If I have it right our first move should be to take our prisoners, Tsuto and Bruce, to the asylum, where they should be secure. I’m sure they’ll find comfort there. Perhaps more comfortable than they deserve.” Mahlo practically spits Bruce’s name.
“Whatever the official chain of command, I am happy to give such support as I can. If it comes to trading blows, I’ll do that, and can summon minions to help, amongst other things; I also have some capacity to cure wounds. Perhaps, however, I am most useful as a detective, and an agent. We shall see.
[b]”At any rate, I will strive to make sure that we are working in concert with Llewellyn; perhaps this is the most important thing I can do as we proceed. We may need to change our plans as we go.“ Here he stops for a moment.
”Now. Do you have any questions for me?“
Benzo elbows Vizigog in the thigh partway through Mahlo's monologue.
"This guy's the real deal!" he hisses excitedly, "a bonafied lawman!"
”At any rate, I will strive to make sure that we are working in concert with Llewellyn; perhaps this is the most important thing I can do as we proceed. We may need to change our plans as we go.“ Here he stops for a moment.
”Now. Do you have any questions for me?“
"Yezzir!" yelps Benzo. "I want to ask - as a newly appointed deputy of the Woodenhead sherriffing force... um... is there anything in particular I should do? I mean apart from investigating crimes and defending the meek, OBVIOUSLY. Sherriff Baleson didn't get a lot of time to really explain anything to me."
"Aaaaaaaaalsoooo... you kinda said that Chief Deputy Llewellyn was doing something...? But... not really sure what you're getting at... in terms of... what he is actually doing exactly... um... can you tell us a bit more about what he is doing."
Benzo trails off, fidgeting and looking at his feet.
"I want to ask - as a newly appointed deputy of the Woodenhead sherriffing force... um... is there anything in particular I should do? I mean apart from investigating crimes and defending the meek, OBVIOUSLY. Sherriff Baleson didn't get a lot of time to really explain anything to me.
"Aaaaaaaaalsoooo... you kinda said that Chief Deputy Llewellyn was doing something...? But... not really sure what you're getting at... in terms of... what he is actually doing exactly... um... can you tell us a bit more about what he is doing."
"I’ll answer your last question first: to be perfectly honest, I can't really tell you what Llewellyn's at," responds Mahlo, slower than before, and with a cryptic grin, "Because I'm not privy to that myself. We have been busy and my departure was quite sudden--there was little time for explanations--but truth to tell, I don’t think I’d’ve been told anyway. I’ve got some guesses--but guesses ain’t gonna see Kreed swinging from a tree.”
Mahlo is back up to speed now, rattling off speculations. "It might be that Llewellyn thought it best that we don't know. We can’t tell Kreed’s thugs secrets we do not know, after all. As a practised interrogator, I know that there are ways of getting answers; I don't see Kreed skimping on 'advanced' interrogation techniques. In fact, I reckon that he would enjoy them. Although I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t.”
Mahlo pauses for a moment, as if thinking about what Kreed and his goons would actually do to get information. “Back to Llewellyn: perhaps he doesn't trust me; for all that we’ve known each other a while, and I am of impeccable character, I am a shady character." Here he laughs briefly at his own joke, a joke which he expects nobody else will get.
"On the bright side, it might be that he's got nothing and he's stalling for time, trying to keep our hopes up. I like to think he would do that for us. That’s what a good leader would do." At this he scratches his chin in contemplation. "That would be interesting, because then it would be down to us.
"But I think he might have something up his sleeve. Perhaps he can get some help from out of town? Or maybe Baleson had a contingency plan? It could be that Llewellyn is trying to access some ancient magicks. There's some mighty weird stuff around Woodenhead." Mahlo seems to be thinking aloud at this point, fidgeting with his amulet.
"This is all speculation, though, and at a certain point your guess is as good as mine. I think we are best to assume that he is depending on us. In truth, I think we might be best to come up with more plans. If we can keep Kreed guessing about what is happening, perhaps we can wrong foot him. That, I guess, is the first of our duties as lawmen."
Mahlo takes on a slower, clearer tone now. ”As for your first question: as sheriffs, we swore that oath—to protect and serve the people of Woodenhead, uphold the peace and civil society, and to enforce the law. That oath is what it's about for me. The details of how we do that are gonna change from time to time, and right now Kreed is an enemy to all of those things. So I guess we should focus on him.
“As for the rest of it. Woodenhead may be a small town, but it is complicated and there’s a lot that we could be doing. Best to focus on the big stuff for now, and the stuff where people are really getting hurt. Like you said, ‘protecting the meek.’”
Benzo nods solemnly.
"Okay."
"My next question is: can you please show me the deputies' secret handshake."
"All told, up until now we haven't had need for a secret handshake. We've all tended to know each other on sight." Mahlo smiles infectiously at the halfling. "But the way things are going now, with new deputies and promotions, it might be time to develop one. I'm sure Llewellyn will see the sense in it."
"All told, up until now we haven't had need for a secret handshake. We've all tended to know each other on sight." Mahlo smiles infectiously at the halfling. "But the way things are going now, with new deputies and promotions, it might be time to develop one. I'm sure Llewellyn will see the sense in it."
Happy for me to move things along?
Do it!
Okay so us guys are all cooling out by the campfire.
Benzo makes dinner!
Profession: Chef
Coal-charred river crayfish with watercress and taters!
Tastes pretty yum, you guys...
"We better figure out how we gonna pitch this story to the town tomorrow, Mr. V! How you wanna swing it?"
Okay so us guys are all cooling out by the campfire.
Benzo makes dinner!
Profession: Chef
1d20 + 7
If you want you can reallocate that skill point. If we ever get into a high stakes situation where Benzo needs to cook something we can work something out.
If you want you can reallocate that skill point. If we ever get into a high stakes situation where Benzo needs to cook something we can work something out.
Never!
If Benzo Can Cook... So Can You!
After a good nights rest the heroes set off to Habe's Sanatorium to deposit their discombobulated captives in safe hands.
After some negotiation between Sargent Mahlo and Gortus, the Teifling gardener, they were ushered into the presence of Habe, the master of the Sanatorium.
Habe agreed to take in the captives in exchange for the wages of Bruce, the traitorous deputy. The wages are to be handed to Gortus on his monthly shopping trip to Woodenhead.
Our three bold adventurers set off to Woodenhead at a gallop hoping to reach the town at the busiest time of the Market where they could ensure their message would be heard by the whole town.
A seemingly simple stop to water the horses soon became a fight for their lives as a crazed Parasaurolophus burst from the bushes and nearly trampled them to death! Whilst Benzo nimbly leaped from the behemoths charge and Vizigog took a glancing blow, Mahlo was nearly crushed between the mighty beast's flank!
Rallying themselves, the heroes attempted to subdue the beast - Benzo with mighty blows from his three piece staff, Vizigog with stupefying magic and Mahlo with a summoned eagle minion.
Just as it seemed the Dinosaur was about to fall a crazed figure appeared running down the road frantically blowing on an ornate flute. The tune seemed to calm the beast which soon became torpid.
The stranger revealed himself to be the owner of the beast which had escaped from its bonds after experiencing an uncharacteristic conniption.
Lanny (for 'twas his name) claimed to be a dinosaur breeder, lured to Woodenhead by the promise of work for his mighty beasts. He was extremely apologetic, professing himself to be a victim of circumstance, and begged the heroes forgiveness for the actions of his beast.
Whilst Vizigog saw the possibility of financial reparations from the hapless mook, Mahlo, spinning and stumbling from the mighty blow, seemed intent on extracting favors of a more intimate nature from man and/or beast.
"What a day!" Lanny proclaims
After making peace with the hapless Lanny the adventurers set forth to Woodenhead to carry out their elaborate ruse.
After some ribald chit-chat with the gatehouse guard the heroes procure a cart and make tracks for their base of operations, the abandoned tavern the Twisted Tiki.
Whilst Vizigog prepares the bodies for display Mahlo and Benzo head towards the town square to make preparations for the big show.
Using his powers of disguise Mahlo moves incognito through the crowd, dropping hints and whispering suggestions into the ears of the various gossips and mavens of the town.
Benzo gains the trust of Miss Needles and the Sisters of Sin, a troupe of female impersonators, and takes to the stage in a pretty pinny to hype the crowd for the upcoming revelation.
Their missions accomplished the two conspirators rendezvous at the Tiki and lead Vizigog to the market square.
Mahlo vanishes into the crowd and uses his powers to silence hecklers and cock-blockers, whilst using his subtle influence to help work the townsfolk into a frenzy.
Upon taking the stage Vizigog makes quite an impression on the townsfolk (especially the ladies) but this is not enough to sell the party as the adventurers responsible for turning the tide during the savage raid.
After this brief setback Vizigog, supported by the tumbling and capering Benzo, rallies the townsfolk to his cause. The crowd is soon praising the name of the late Sheriff Baleson and demanding that he be resurrected.
Before the question of how this could be accomplished, given the feeble powers of the towns resident cleric a swarthy rake (introducing himself as Alazar the Magnificent) leaps onto the stage and proclaims himself worthy of the challenge, for a small fee...
In the midst of the uproar Chief Deputy Llewellyn confronts Mahlo and cautions him against drawing too much attention to the Sherrif's Department in this matter. The fulfillment of Baleson's contingency plans may be dependent on the lawmen keeping out of Kreeds attention for next few days.
Whipped into a frenzy by so much handsomeness on the stage the crowd demands immediate action. With the Sisters of Sin forming an honor guard for Baleson's body, the crowd surges up the hill to confront Kreed and demand the restoration of their beloved Sherrif.
The Goosey Gander has the following items in stock
Longbow (+2 weapon, Huntsman) (sheds light) (18375 gp)
This distinctive weapon is said to be imbued with the spirit of the renowned paladin Cotme Basi, leader of Sane's Ravens.
Morningstar (+1 weapon) (2308 gp)
This battered weapon is said to be imbued with the spirit of the illustrious warrior Icham, who defeated the Demon of the Sinking Moor.
Scroll of Aqueous Orb (apg, 375 gp)
Scroll of Silent Image (cr, 25 gp)
Spear (+2 weapon) (sheds light) (8302 gp)
This ornate weapon is said to be imbued with the spirit of the legendary warlord Jane, who defeated Beha the Gargoyle Knight.
Wand of Aspect of the Bear (apg, 4500 gp)
This thin willow wand was created by a god of magic for his most loyal champion.
Wand of Heroism (cr, 11250 gp)
This elder wand also shivers when undead are near.
Striding up to the counter, Vizigog brings with him an atmosphere of extravagance. Addressing the proprieter, the gnome Brix, the ManOrc beamed like a hungry tiger and waved his had casually towards the glass scroll case.
"Ah Mr Hildrensox, Brix, lovely to see you, you're looking like you've been eating well I must confess!" Laughed the moss-coloured Mountebank "But really, Im glad to see you're making good business. I was actually interested in a few of your scrolls, AQUEOUS ORB and SILENT IMAGE ..."
Roll for APPRAISE...maybe a modifier for high DIP too?
"I'll give you 300geeps for the both of 'em...whaddayasay?"
"I was actually interested in a few of your scrolls, AQUEOUS ORB and SILENT IMAGE ..."
Roll for APPRAISE...maybe a modifier for high DIP too? 1d20+6
"I'll give you 300geeps for the both of 'em...whaddayasay?"
Hildrensocks makes an inarticulate sound and shakes his head " Alas Master Vizigog, I am afraid I cannot equivocate on the prices of these rare and valuable items. The Scroll of Aqueous Orb was a most remarkable find, a contact in Magnimar found it in the gullet of a dire-manatee that washed up at the docks. I cannot charge less thatn 400gp for the pair"
Whipped into a frenzy by so much handsomeness on the stage the crowd demands immediate action. With the Sisters of Sin forming an honor guard for Baleson's body, the crowd surges up the hill to confront Kreed and demand the restoration of their beloved Sherrif.
The hated tyrant stepped up to the palisade to confront the howling mob. Flanked by his lackeys the infamous Druid Weasel and the humanoid wrecking machine Lister, Kreed listened impassively whilst the crowd howled its outrage and sorrow at the passing of their beloved Sherriff and demanded his immediate restoration to life.
Seemingly unmoved Kreed dismissed the request claiming it to be none of his business and a matter to be taken up by the Sheriffs department. Besides, his coffers had been emptied by the recent fortification of the town, he could not act if he wanted to. The outraged crowd, spurred on by subtle hints by our cunning heroes, refused to be moved by this argument and resumed their call for the raising of the beloved lawman.
In frustration Kreed proclaimed that the matter was irrelevant as there was no sufficient potentate in Woodenhead who was capable of carrying out the deed. The swarthy cleric Alazar the Magnificent stepped forth from the crowd and asserted his capability in this regard and named a price of 10,000 gold pieces. Kreed guffawed and postulated that the amount was equal to a month’s wages for the whole of Woodenhead and that if the town was set on this course of action he would happily dock their pay until the sum was raised.
This was not received well.
The crowd growing increasingly unruly, Alazar was persuaded to lower his sum to 7,500 geeps, but this was not enough to persuade Kreed who seemed firm in his decision. Continued haranguing by the crowd forced Alazar to seek the protection of Kreed, who acquiesced and admitted him into the Falcons Crest.
In a last ditch effort, Benzo attempted to rally the crowd into a strike. Alas, the memory of the Arthenfell massacre was still fresh in the minds of the populace and this did not go down well. Soon Lumberjacks, conspicuous in their red shirts and jorts snuck away so as not to be associated with such a course of action.
The mood of the crowd shifted, turning to the sadness rather than defiance. The body of Baleson was born away by the town priest Hollows and his acolytes to sit in repose in the chapel. Wearily the heroes decamped to plot their next move.
Vizigog was able to fiddle a few bob out of the local townsfolk for viewing the body of the defeated Hikioi, befriending the charming shemale artiste Jinx in the process.
Benzo attempted to shout a round in honour of Baleson at the Rueful Crab but Mungo, due in no small part to being the best guy ever, would not take his money and broached a barrel of ale gratis.
Mahlo, knowing well the repercussions of his conspicuousness at the gates, slunk off to await his fate at the hands of his superiors.
After a dressing down the young sergeant was sent to summon his fellow conspirators into the presence of Lewellyn the acting sheriff. Lewellyn proposed his strategem of subtlety and cunning to be no longer viable due to the heroes actions and asserted that their lives were in grave danger when Kreed took his inevitable revenge for their insolence.
To add to his troubles, the death of Baleson coincided with a great upheaval in the Woodenhead underworld. Kabram One-Eye had been murdered, leaving the various criminal factions without leadership or threat of retribution. A young group of neer-do-wells has been killed attempting to move in on Kabram’s old business and Lewellyn expected this would be the first of many such incidents. It was only a matter of time before innocents lost their lives.
But all was not lost, there still remained a chance for the heroes avoid Kreed's wrath and help the town in the process! By taking on Baleson’s mantle as protector of the town they could rise in the esteem of the town to be beyond the cruel tyrants reach. He implored the adventurers to descend to the demon-haunted dungeon beneath the town at once to demonstrate their bravery and determination to protect the town form evil. That the threat existed beneath Kreed's nose without his knowledge would make the tale all the sweeter to the townsfolk.
Invigorated by this opportunity to prove their worth the heroes agreed to the plans and returned to the Rueful Crab to prepare for the ordeal to come.
After a good night’s sleep, and an early morning visit to the shops, the intrepid trio set forth to the Twisted Tiki and the forbidding entrance to the Catacombs of Wrath
To their delight they found the grizzled veteran Vernon enjoying a dart in the Tiki's common room. The bodyguard had been posted at the dungeon entrance to ensure that any creatures that escaped the wrath of the heroes did not live to menace the town. When pressed on the whereabouts of Lambert and Baasa he recounted the Professor’s apoplectic rage at the news that Kat, the second in line to the Crowley fortune, had absconded from town on some ill-defined quest. Fearful for the future of his family name he had forbidden Lambert from participating in any dangerous activities until his cousin's safety could be assured.
With the well cooked geezer watching their backs, the heroes penetrated the damp cavity in search of the magic spot. As they stepped forth into the gloom the Sihedron Amulet effused an eeire glow, outlining a seven starred figure on the wall. Closer examination by Vizigog revealed an illusionary wall that hid a dreary spiral staircase.
Tentatively descending into the stygian depths, the heroes soon found themselves in a dark corridor. Sneaking ahead, Vizigog espied a hideous creature diligently standing guard in the gloom and attempted to maim him by application of an unexpected crossbow bolt. Alas the bolt went wide and the battle was on. Whilst the vile aberration struck out with it's wicked ransuer, Benzo ducked and weaved and dispatched the creature with a flurry of blows. Another Sinspawn came to the aid of the hapless creature but was soon dispatched by the fearless Mahlo and Vizigog.
Moving deeper into the complex, the heroes discovered a dully glowing statue of a formidable harridan, evidently a ruler of ancient Thassalon. The impressive ivory handled ransuer the statue clutched was noted for its quality and value and was marked for collection on the way out.
The next room presented a curious aspect, containing a raised wooden platform above innumerable small prison cells. Before the valiant Mahlo could hypothesise their utility he was set upon by more vile aberrations reaching forth their hideous limbs from beneath the platform where they had been lying in wait. Fortunately the 3 monstrosities WERE TOTALLY USELESS AND COULDN'T HIT THE SIDE OF AN ANKLOSAUROUS IF THEY TRIED and the heroes were able to dispatch them without considerable application of effort.
The prison cells contained a set of perfectly preserved skeletons, evidently ancient and preserved by the ancient magic of Thassilon. Gnashing his teeth in frustration Vizigog was unable to determine the location of any valuables that may once have been in their possession.
Passing into a room once set aside for the interrogation and torment of prisoners, the heroes nonchalantly opened a door to find a raging mutant savage waiting for them. However, the monster was seeming bewitched by Vizigog's extravagant mien and proceeded to divest himself of his weapons for no considerable benefit. Taking advantage of the monsters curious strategy the heroes were quickly able to dispatch him without any serious consequences other than a thin coating of acrid vomit on Mahlo's waistcoat.
You certainly had a chance of becoming a zombies kebab had I not messed up Koruvus's resistances.
While we are on the subject of potentially horrible character death we should clarify how I want to use hero points.
The general principle is that when a character does something particularly heroic, interesting or just plain fun they should be rewarded for it. Conversely, when they find themselves in a situation where a heroic deed is required to save the day they should have abetter chance of pulling it off than the average Joe.
IT also gives you guys a degree of insurance since all my attack and damage are rolled publically now.
A character gains a hero point when they level up, carry out a aprticularly heroic or clever deed. I may even consider awarding part points for an illustration of a particularly exciting moment in the adventure (Murray and Michael). Maybe Onslow could put quill to parchment and write up the adventure in the form of a sonnet under the nom de plume of Enresto Periwinkle...
A character can never have more than 3 hero points at a time
How can they be spent? This is from the website - any objections?
Act Out of Turn: You can spend a hero point to take your turn immediately. Treat this as a readied action, moving your initiative to just before the currently acting creature. You may only take a move or a standard action on this turn.
Bonus: If used before a roll is made, a hero point grants you a +8 luck bonus to any one d20 roll. If used after a roll is made, this bonus is reduced to +4. You can use a hero point to grant this bonus to another character, as long as you are in the same location and your character can reasonably affect the outcome of the roll (such as distracting a monster, shouting words of encouragement, or otherwise aiding another with the check). Hero Points spent to aid another character grant only half the listed bonus (+4 before the roll, +2 after the roll).
Extra Action: You can spend a hero point on your turn to gain an additional standard or move action this turn.
Inspiration: If you feel stuck at one point in the adventure, you can spend a hero point and petition the GM for a hint about what to do next. If the GM feels that there is no information to be gained, the hero point is not spent.
Recall: You can spend a hero point to recall a spell you have already cast or to gain another use of a special ability that is otherwise limited. This should only be used on spells and abilities possessed by your character that recharge on a daily basis.
Reroll: You may spend a hero point to reroll any one d20 roll you just made. You must take the results of the second roll, even if it is worse.
Special: You can petition the GM to allow a hero point to be used to attempt nearly anything that would normally be almost impossible. Such uses are not guaranteed and should be considered carefully by the GM. Possibilities include casting a single spell that is one level higher than you could normally cast (or a 1st-level spell if you are not a spellcaster), making an attack that blinds a foe or bypasses its damage reduction entirely, or attempting to use Diplomacy to convince a raging dragon to give up its attack. Regardless of the desired action, the attempt should be accompanied by a difficult check or penalty on the attack roll. No additional hero points may be spent on such an attempt, either by the character or her allies.
Cheat Death: A character can spend 2 hero points to cheat death. How this plays out is up to the GM, but generally the character is left alive, with negative hit points but stable. For example, a character is about to be slain by a critical hit from an arrow. If the character spends 2 hero points, the GM decides that the arrow pierced the character’s holy symbol, reducing the damage enough to prevent him from being killed, and that he made his stabilization roll at the end of his turn. Cheating death is the only way for a character to spend more than 1 hero point in a turn. The character can spend hero points in this way to prevent the death of a familiar, animal companion, eidolon, or special mount, but not another character or NPC.
As of this point in time you all have 2 hero points - you start with one and get one from levelling up.
The three heroes stood over the still twitching body of the savage mutant, contemplating the challenges lurking in the inky depths beyond.
A cursory investigation of an adjoining room revealed an ancient study; three hideously misshapen skeletons the only evidence of the diabolical experiments of the ancient scholar.
Fearing that the savage mutant guarded the way to their ultimate goal, the heroes decided to backtrack to ensure they had left no foes to harry thier rear.
The corridor beyond the carnelian statue led to an unholy shrine, bubbling with a putrescent liquid that the erudite Mahlo was able to identify as the vector for the mutation sported by Nualia, the savage mutant and, presumably, the skeletons in the study.
In the same room a pair of ominous stone door loomed graven with images of Lamaashtu and her cohort engaged in a variety of obscene antics. After affirming the resemblance between the doors and the chapel to Lamaashtu at Upoko Kino, Benzo threw open the doors to reveal the horrors within.
The adventurers had mere seconds to take in the features of this unholy shrine: a grisly fountain adorned with skulls and spikes, walls carved with demonic images and a curious bubbling pool that emanated a chilling radiance. Moments after the shrine was breached a Hellhound leapt from the balustrade and bathed the startled Benzo in scorching Hellfire!
Whilst battling the demonic beast Benzo was assailed by mental attacks. The indomitable will of the stalwart hobbit shielded him from their malign influence but it became clear that another enemy was at hand. The nature of this menace soon became clear as a tiny figure materialised above the bubbling pool. Remembering Nualia’s diary, Benzo identified the malignant poppet as the quasit Erylium mistress of the catacombs and mentor to the psychotic Aisimar.
Cursing the adventures for penetrating her unholy mother’s secret spot she slashed her wrist causing a gout of blood to fall into the pool. Immediately a Sinspawn leapt from the roiling liquid, this must be the runewell, the object of their quest. The emergence of the creature was accompanied by a noticeable dimming of the well, Benzo could not help but notice the look of consternation on the quasit’s face as she observed the phenomena.
The battle continued, the sinspawn was quickly dispatched but another hellhound, summoned by the quasit to menace Vizigog and Mahlo, proved a much more formidable opponent, spraying our heroes with hellfire again and again before being dispatched.
With her minions vanquished Erilyum gnashed her tiny teeth in fury. The heroes applied their collective knowledge and determined that in addition to having resistances to elemental energy she also appeared to have a limited healing ability. She also possessed the ability to become invisible at will, an action she took advantage of almost immediately.
Applying his devastating psychic probe, Mahlo was able to track the diminutive devil and determine that she had fled to seek assistance in another part of the complex. Vizigog’s judicious deployment of a scroll endowed him with the ability to see the creature in her invisible state should the heroes manage to catch up with her.
Ending the threat to Woodenhead depends on ridding the world of this malevolent sprite and destroying the diabolical runewell that she stood watch over for millennia. Surely, the heroes will need to employ all of their strength, skill and cunning to have any chance of defeating her!
Determined to track down the elusive Eryllium, Mahlo transmogrified himself into a hideous were-rat-man and attempted to follow his nose. Alas the pungent funk of Benzo's loincloth drowned out all other odours.
Tentatively retracing their steps the heroes determined to investigate the mysterious flight of stairs beyond the ruby statue. Leading the way, the indominitable Benzo was stopped in his tracks by the hideous visage of a disembodied head! The decapitated devil let out a mind addling scream which left poor Benzo unable to move BUT FULLY COGNIZANT OF THE HORROR UNFOLDING AROUND HIM! The hideous Vargouille licked its lips lasciviously and laid a skody pash on the hitherto celibate monk. Benzo immediately began to feel lightheaded, a combination of the abhorrent magic of the monster and the dismay that his frenching virginity had been lost to a disembodied head.
Seizing the initiative Vizigog and Mahlo leapt into action attacking the monsters with arcane missiles and spear thrusts. With an evil cackle the treacherous Eryllium apparated at the head of the stairs and immediately began attacking the helpless Benzo with her tiny dagger.
The Vargouille, excited by the chance to make it with a hot dude like Mahlo, succeeded in paralysing him with it's terrible screech. Mahlo, presumably having been around the block a few times, failed to be overcome by the power of the monsters kiss, exerting his will to the fullest to manage a tiny wink at the wretched creature.
A final blast from Vizigogs wand finished the aberration and Mahlo and Benzo regained their faculties. Seeing her advantage lost Erylllium disappeared again back into Vargouilles haunt- a small room distinguished only by a small fountain. determining that the invisible sprite was attempting open another door to aid her escape, Mahlo threw his cloak at her in the hope she would be entangled within. The creature avoided this ploy but was quickly snatched from the air by Benzo. After a series of desperate antics the creature was unceremoniously dunked in the fountain, subdued and restrained by bonds. Triumphantly the adventurers returned to the runewell to contemplate its destruction.
Whilst Benzo and Mahlo cogitated on the best strategy to employ, Vizigog demonstrated his preference for impulsive tactics by throwing the bound captive into the runewell. The creature screamed and flailed about but appeared to be unharmed. Nonchalantly the man-orc fired a quarrel at the wretch which drew a gout of blood and caused a Sinspawn to appear whilst draining the runewell to a small extent. Whilst Benzo and Mahlo dispatched the hideous beast, Vizigog continued to apply his crossbow thoughtfully to the helpless quasit, causing another Sinspawn to appear.
The creatures were quickly dispatched, leaving the quasit screaming and fuming in the empty runewell, bellowing and howling her rage at the valiant trio.
Their primary objective achieved, the heroes contemplated their next move - the rest of the dungeon must be explored to ensure no further threats to the town hid in its dark recesses. The question of what to do with the quasit also bore on their minds, whilst now in their thrall the creature was certainly capable of much mischief if set free...
Having vanquished their diminutive but formidable foe the adventurers set about exploring the rest of the dungeon to be sure no further threat to the good people of Woodenhead remained.
The room beyond the Vargouille's lair held a flight of spiral stairs that may once have led up to the surface but now were choked with rubble.
Returning to the torture chamber the heroes cunningly rolled a spherical instrument of torment down the stairs into the gloom to unnerve any creatures that lay within. When their strategy elicited no response they descended into the inky depths revealing a curious room containing a number of deep pits inhabited by mindless zombies.
Passing another rubble filled staircase the heroes discovered a curious spherical chamber transfused with magic that caused objects within to levitate. After securing the treasures that lay within the party returned to the surface to be greeted by Vernon, Professor Crowley and the recently liberated wizard Lyrie. Driven by a fascination with all things Thassalonion, Lyrie demanded to be shown through the dungeon immediately. Vizigog offered his services in this regard whilst Benzo and Mahlo reported back to the sheriff’s office to report on their success.
On arrival the two deputies were greeted by Lewellyn who introduced a confederate, Ernesto Periwinkle, the bard adventurer who penned the ubiquitous “Hollis and Wyvren King”. Lewellyn had convinced the hobbit to put the tale of the sherrif to song and implored the heroes to tell them his story.
Mahlo told the tale with force and gusto, highlighting the role that the sheriffs’ companions had in defeating the foul Hikioi, and impressed the bard greatly.
Mahlo is no musician, but he has some gift of the gab and attempts to help Periwinkle jam out some lyrics to a ballad.
This is the story of Sheriff Baleson
The man who saved the town of Woodenhead;
For ‘twas he that faced the enemies’ maelstrom
And was ever the treacherous Kreed’s greatest dread……When the people of the forest threaten’d the town
And Woodenhead’s leaders cower’d in fear
It was Baleson that faced the ‘poko kino down
And led the town’s defence with sword and spear……But Woodenhead, he learned, had been betrayed
By one whose word ever differed from his deed
The man whose antics triggered this dread charade
Was its so-called loyal leader, the two-faced traior Kreed…
This is the story of Sheriff Baleson
The man who saved the town of Woodenhead;
For ‘twas he that faced the enemies’ maelstrom
And was ever the treacherous Kreed’s greatest dread……When the people of the forest threaten’d the town
And Woodenhead’s leaders cower’d in fear
It was Baleson that faced the ‘poko kino down
And led the town’s defence with sword and spear……But Woodenhead, he learned, had been betrayed
By one whose word ever differed from his deed
The man whose antics triggered this dread charade
Was its so-called loyal leader, the two-faced tratior Kreed…
"Maelstrom" with "Baleson"? Inspired! Love it.
Here's an addition:
The hero's blood soaked the ground,
And gods wept from afar,
As in his last dying breath,
He gave stout Benzo his star.
Eustace Vizigog, unparrallaraly Rad!
Much more rad than both your Mum and your Dad.
To be caught in Iron full plate he'd rather be dead,
Please dont tell anyone about the horn on his head!
Im no poet, I most certainly know it!
Note:
Benzo is putting in an order for ten silver darts and ten cold iron darts.
(Wushu darts)
Maybe only 5 or 6 of each depending on the cost.
After relating their tale to the enthralled Ernesto, Mahlo and Benzo returned to the 'Tiki to rejoin their companions. On hearing of the Professors' success in compelling the Thassalonion zombie to speak Mahlo was compelled to utilize his comprehend languages scroll to interpret the wretches babbling. The Professor was unable to cast that spell again day and bade them to return another day for the endeavor. He also took pains to request that knowledge of the underground complex should be kept a secret for the time being and expressed a desire to refurbish the dilapidated tavern above. He encouraged the adventurers to let him know if they came across any potential tavern keepers.
Upon retiring to the rueful crab the heroes made some enquiries about likely publicans - the Kaijatsu family, who had previously run a tavern in the town, were mentioned several times. Unfortunately they were last seen fleeing to Magnimar after the murder of their patriarch and had not been heard from for many years.
After a good nights rest the heroes reported to the sheriffs office for their induction into the department. They entered upon a curious scene: a huge imbecile bellowed at an exasperated Lewellyn whilst a dour looking dwarf eyed them sourly. It seemed that Crawdad, as the great oaf was known, had been transporting a local celebrity - Doodle the bodiless calf - when his cart was overturned and the helpless calf abducted. Lewlellyn bade them return to the scene of the crime with Crawdad and the semi-retired tracker Butch.
Heading tot he crime scene, Vizigog attempted to engage the taciturn ranger in conversation. Butch seemed ill-inclined to speak and appeared to harbor a belief that the heroes had not done enough to save Baleson's life. Vizigog let slip that Baleson was betrayed by one of his own which seemed to be news to the dwarf and led him to ride ahead of the group in a huff.
On arrival at the crime scene the posse was greeted by Naesby, the somewhat more verbal of the genetically challenged brothers. The giant described a great kerfuffle where the cart seemed to be lifted up from the ground and tipped over. Once he extracted himself from the wreckage he found Doodle was gone.
Preliminary examination of the site revealed an area of disturbed earth not unlike a molehill. Butch posited that the disturbance indicated underground movement in the direction of the forests edge and the heroes set off to search for clues.
No sooner had they arrived on the scene when Benzo discovered a silver leaf brooch. Vizigog recalled an occasion when he attempted to hustle a fellow wearing a similar token who turned out to be a druid. Subsequent searching uncovered a fresh footprint, enough of a trail to allow Butch to track the druidic miscreant to their lair.
After half an hour of bush bashing the party found themselves at the edge of a small clearing sloping down to a murky pool. The faint sound of pan pipes seemed to overwhelm the sense of Vizigog, Mahlo and Butch who were compelled to advance to the edge of the mere and look inot its depth. Seeing visions of horror and impending doom Vizigog and Mahlo turned tail and fled leaving Beno and Butch alone to face the new menace of a Dire Bat. Working in coordination, they were able to bring the creature down but were soon faced by a new menace, a raged looking Beastman stepped out of the undergrowth and menaced Benzo with a spear. A mighty blow from Butches machete and repeated blasts from Vizigog’s wand were enough to send the pathetic creature running for safety. However the heroes were able to catch up to the creature and despite Benzos efforts to capture it alive it soon lay dead at their feet.
A reconnaissance of the area revealed a small camp - evidently the creature was a scout of some kind. Butch expressed concerned at the unusual presence of the beast so close to civilization but was able to determine that the creature was not the perpetrator of the kidnapping. The trail continued on to a rocky outcrop visible over the tress....
Hey, at some point last night you mentioned something about a serial killer being operative in Woodenhead some years ago?
You said it like we should've heard of it before... I can't recall such though, my apologies but could I trouble you for a recap on that?
Hey, at some point last night you mentioned something about a serial killer being operative in Woodenhead some years ago?
You said it like we should've heard of it before... I can't recall such though, my apologies but could I trouble you for a recap on that?
It was from Mahlo's prelude - he can probably tell you about it IRL next time.