A more Savage Sandpoint. A new look at an old friend.

Game Master ZenFox42

I'm assuming you all stick together for the clean-up.

Everywhere you go and help, the townspeople thank you. A baker offers you some sweetbreads, the local pub owner tells you that your first round of drinks at his place are on him, and when you get back to the Rusty Dragon Inn, the innkeeper says that you can have your rooms for a week without charge.

Full disclosure : I know nothing about how Paladins work (within the game), never having run one in Pathfinder. So I'm making this up as I go along...

After the clean-up is mostly finished, Evesk goes to the Cathedral. The priest there says that with so many gods, this place is dedicated to worshiping them all in general (at least the non-evil ones). But he does know of a small temple to Iomedae in town, and gives you directions to it. He says there is usually someone there maintaining a vigilance, but with today's events he's not sure if it will be open.

Evesk goes to the temple, and does indeed find it closed. Trying again the next morning, he finds it open and an acolyte inside. The acolyte tells him that Iomedae's only high-ranking priest in Sandpoint was killed during the goblin attack, and he's waiting for a replacement to arrive, which should take about a week. He says Evesk is welcome to perform his own rituals if he wishes, but for now he's on his own, and should just uphold Iomedae's teachings the best he can thru his actions.

You all meet for breakfast at the Inn, which is on the house.

Do any roleplaying you want to do over breakfast.

As the group starts gathering for breakfast they find Velrek already elbow deep into a large plate of meat and bread and more.
"Hail friends! Join me for a hearty breakfast! Don't mind my appetite, I'm still a growing boy!"

Having spent the rest of the evening and night at the small Iomeda Temple helping the acolyte he got up early and headed to The Rusty Dragon for breakfast since the temple did not have a kitchen. As he walked he contemplated the events of yestereday, he had not expected such immediate action upon arriving in Sandpoint but Iomedae had guided him here for a purpose and it was obvious that he was needed. He had talked to the acolyte and he puzzled over the Goblin attack as it was not something that typically happened so he wondered what was behind this recent incident. It would be something he would be looking into.

Upon entering into The Rusty Dragon he spots some of the others that had helped in the recent Goblin raid and waves to them as heads to the proprietar and orders the breakfast for the Iomedae acolyte so that he can bring that back to once he is finished since they are currently the only one manning the temple. He also makes is humble order and goes to join the others, "Greetings my name is Evesk a humble servant of Iomedae glad to meet you. Do any of you know anything about this recent Goblin raid as from what I understand it was highly unusual."

Ceri arrives, and says hello to Evesk and Velrek, and gives the innkeeper her order. When Evesk asks his question, she says "I'm a stranger to these parts, I don't know what's 'normal' or 'not normal' for a goblin."

"They seemed much more... organized than usual."
Velrek says between stuffing a slab of bacon in his mouth and following it with a chunk of bread.

Jzero rises early, as he always does, finds a secluded spot to meditate and do his martial arts katas. He returns to the Rusty Dragon in time for breakfast, orders eggs, cheese, and bread, declining the serving of bacon when it is offered. While the meat smells inviting, Jzero tries to get all his needs met without requiring any animals to sacrifice their lives. He also declines a knife and fork, instead producing a pair of short sticks which he uses like a pair of tongs to pick up food and deliver it to his mouth.

He joins the others, bowing with hands placed palm to palm in front of his chest. "I am Jzero. I apologize if I cannot recall your names today. I'm sure you told me yesterday, but the events were so intense, I fear I may not recall correctly." He speaks with a Minkaian* accent. When people repeat their names, he repeats each one to make sure he is pronouncing it correctly. As he eats, he mentally reviews them to commit them to memory.

When to topic of the goblin raids comes up, he shares some of the things he learned during the clean-up. TBD based on the roll below.

May as well do a gather information roll which would have been undertaken the day before to learn the normal relations with goblin tribes in the area.

Persuasion, unskilled: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Persuasion, Ace: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Wild, Ace: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Modifiers: -2 for unskilled
Result: 6 + 2 - 2 = 6

* Minkaian is the Pathfinder world's (Golarion) version of Japanese.

Velrek swallows a large bite of egg and cheese.
"Oh, yes, of course! I'm called Velrek. Nice to meet you!"

As everyone's sitting at the table, you notice the other patrons looking at you and talking excitedly to each other. You hear the words "heroes" and "the Goblin Killers" (like that's the name of your group). They all seem to be too much in awe of you to come over and bother you.

Evesk nods respectfully to Jzero and responds, "I am Evesk a humble servant of Iomedae and I am glad you were there to help against the Goblins. I am not sure what you are planning on doing going forward but I plan to look into why these Goblins attack this settlement and if something can be done to curtail any future incursions."

Velrek nods at Evesk. "Agreed. When they organize like this it's always bad news. That means some smart Gobbo or worse has worked hard towards some end design none of us will like."

After that outpouring of words he takes a quick look at everyone and hides his face gulping down a large tankard of meas.

Ceri smiles to herself (not visibly) and says "That was a very good conclusion, Velrek".

Jzero tells about what he learned from interactions with townsfolk the day before. "Seems five goblin tribes in area usually too busy infighting to bother us 'longshanks,' as they seem to call us. In past, they usually only a threat to isolated travelers. Seems they too cowardly to attack unless they have advantage of numbers."

"I like this place. I plan to stay and look for work. I'm available if any expeditions need people to seek out trouble before it comes back."

Evesk listens to everything and then asks, "Are any of you skilled in hunting and tracking? I ask because that could be quite useful in finding out where these Goblins came from and get an idea of the source of the current issue. If they have something motivating them from a safe distance that would most likely mean that the attacks will not stop but perhaps be directed in a more insidious manner, depending the ultimate goal of whomever was the reason for this attack."

Hey, have you three played this Adventure Path before??? ;)

OCC: Currently Evesk is operating off the information supplied thus far and some guesses I have made based on general background information about Sandpoint. Jzero made a high quality roll, and just relayed the information you provided them from what I understand. Lastly I am guessing Velrek has had some dealings with Goblins before and thus why they said what they did. Still see my full reply in the Discussion thread

I know it's hard to tell tone from text messages, but my tongue was firmly in-cheek for my previous post. I could tell the PC's were making logical conclusion on their own with the little real data they have.

As you're finishing breakfast, a portly human in his mid-50's comes in, and walks right up to your table.

"Greetings, I'm sheriff Hemlock. First off, I can't thank you enough for what you did yesterday. But I've been told that a crypt in the cemetery has possibly been broken into, and I was wondering if you all would be willing to accompany me in case we run into any more goblins?"

Before the Sheriff walks in:
"My skill in hunting and tracking is limited. I can usually feed myself and that's about it." He looks at the three empty plates in front of him. "Granted, I do eat a lot so..."

After:
Velrek wipes his mouth as if he were a civilized man, "I will be happy to accompany you, sir." He looks over to their host, "Was there something you wanted to discuss before we head out? I do thank you for the fine meal!"

I have not played this one but have wanted to for a while. My local group played Pathfinder society a time or two a month until second edition came out. Too many just didn't like the changes. Their OP characters wouldn't be possible in 2e. :) They used to occasionally get together for a long day that I just couldn't make (was married at that time and the answer was just a steely stare that said "Do what now?") and they would run through AP's then. Although my one time regular group did get through about 75% of Skulls and Shackles before it fell apart!

Evesk looks up to the Sheriff and says, "Sure but I must first deliver my fellow servant of Iomedae their breakfast. Still that is on the way to the graveyard so if you do not mind the minor detour I will accompany you otherwise I can meet you at the graveyard next to the Cathedral."

OCC: Note I am assuming they mean the graveyard that is in Sandpoint next to the Cathedral. If their is another graveyard please let me know in game.

Jzero admits no particular skill in hunting or tracking. He has just a d4 in Stealth and Survival.

Jzero makes eye contact with the sheriff and nods once. He finishes his meal quickly and excuses himself long enough to retrieve his weapons. Then he stands waiting for the signal to depart.

Ceri says "Glad to help, Sherrif, in any way we...I can. I need to go to my room for a minute to prepare..." and leaves.

It takes more like three minutes, then she's back.

The sheriff leads you to the cemetery, and as you walk he says "We captured a few of those goblins yesterday. None of them knew much more than that some human told them to kill everyone in town and burn it all down."

Velrek nods and grunts. "Yeah, that's not good."

"Might raid and crypt break-in be related? Seems odd time for grave robbing," Jzero observes dryly.

Evesk hears and the ponders what was said both by the sheriff and the others that had helped fight the raid. However his concerns were elsewhere and so he asks, "This human, did they get any other details about them. Male or female? Can use magic? Refined or uncooth? Basically why did the Goblins pay this human any heed and not just over power them and take what they wanted as usual? I mean anything we can learn about them might help us with their motivations as well as finding them and putting a stop to whatever it is they are attempting."

In response to Jzero's question, the sheriff says "It is a might suspicious that the break-in was discovered very soon after the raid. We'll see."

In response to Evesk's questions, he says "Heh - those little critters couldn't even remember the human's name, if he even told them. He promised them great riches, *after* the raid was accomplished, and they believed it. I'll give you 2 to 1 he never showed up to deliver."

Evesk nods to the sheriff's statement and then asks the sheriff, "And you are sure they said it was a he rather than simply inferring it was a he? As saying a human told us does not actually denote its gender, and I have found ladies to be as villainous as men and sometimes more so."

"Well, they constantly called the person 'he' and 'him', that's all I know."

After making a slight detour to drop off the food at Iomedae's temple, Hemlock says "So, I'm just curious, what are you all doing in Sandpoint? How long you plan to stay? What are your plans for the future?" He seems genuinely interested, he's not questioning you like suspects.

You soon arrive at the graveyard. The Sheriff seems to know the way, and leads you to a crypt. On the way he says "This crypt houses the remains of previous caretakers, priests, and acolytes who served at the Cathedral."

When you arrive, you see that the stone door is open, and hanging on only one hinge.

Before you go in, everyone please make a Notice-2 or Survival(tracking) roll, your choice...

Velrek lets someone else answer first then gives just a quick, "Ah, just passing through but this is a nice area."

notice: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0
wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2

He's too busy wondering if this Sheriff knows something and is barely paying any attention to the world around him.

I meant to add this description of the graveyard in my previous post :

Weathered tombstones, their inscriptions faded by years of exposure, stand in uneven rows. The gravestones themselves are a mix of styles and sizes, some adorned with intricate carvings and others simple and unadorned. Lichen and ivy creep over many of them, adding a touch of green to the grey stone.

Evesk replies to the sheriff, "I have come to this region to help with confronting evil. I did not expect to find it so quickly, but having done so I am committed to sticking around to root it out and quash it to the best of my ability, as that is the calling of a follower of Iomedae, and in particular my calling. Had my services have not been needed here I would checked to see if anyone knew where they might be needed or simply moved on to find where they could have been of service."

Survival: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Ceri says "I've been wandering the land trying to help those in need. But I came here only for the festival, I had no idea I would be needed here."

Notice & Wild,-2: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 21d4 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Jzero briefly explains that he was raised as an orphan in a monastery in Minkai. A woman from Magnimar had been taken to Minkai by slavers but she obtained her freedom, adopted him, and brought him to live in Magnimar. Having come of age, he struck out to make his way in the world, looking for himself. As he talks a montage of moments at a monastery as a young orphan, of the woman who was first a slave and then freed, a sailing vessel, and then his arrival on foot from Magnimar, while flute music plays in the background.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Modifier -2
Result: 2 - 2 = 0

We are evidently not a very observant group. Maybe it was the big breakfast. :)

The sheriff says "Well, let's take a look inside, and see what was taken."

As he opens the door more fully, suddenly 6 animated skeletons come rushing out brandishing swords!

As mentioned earlier, it is assumed that no two characters are standing next to each other at the start, so ranged weapons can be used. If you want to pick a skeleton to attack, state its number and you can close during your round and attack. But since the skeletons are attacking first...

Round 1

Initiative
Sheriff : JH
Ceri : JD
Skeletons : 8C
Jzero : 6C
Velrek : 5H
Evesk : 5C

The sheriff pulls out a rusty old longsword, and attacks Skeleton#1 :
Fighting: 1d6 ⇒ 3
and misses.

Ceri casts a spell :
Spellcasting: 1d8 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 3
and turns into the familiar small rocky humanoid you've seen before.

The sheriff is Shaken.

Everyone else is up! Post whenever you can.

Please note, SWPF skeletons are not immune to any particular weapon types, they just aren't affected at all by Called Shots.

Jzero gives the skeleton a chop, trying to gauge how tough they are before attempting anything fancy.

Unarmed: 1d10 ⇒ 6
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Wild, ace: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Modifier: +1
Result: 6 + 1 + 1 = 8

Unarmed Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5) = 6
unarmed Raise Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 6
AP 2

Jzero's blow connects, but doesn't do any damage.

Velrek takes a swing at the one facing him. Slashing it nicely.

2H sword: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
wild: 1d6 ⇒ 1
damage: 1d10 + 1d10 ⇒ (7) + (6) = 13

"Coming to help, Sheriff!"

Velrek' sword slashes the skeleton in two!

Valrek - friendly reminder : please always make a d6 Damage Raise roll, you never know what your attacker's Parry could be...

Ceri shouts "Hey! I'm the one with two of these things on me!"

Ceri shouts "Hey! I'm the one with two of these things on me!"

OCC: Not sure why Ceri would be in the front row per se especially with Evesk, Velrek, Sheriff, and Jzero all being combat types and not specifically spell casters.

Evesk, seeing the skeletons, immediately casts Smite on his Long Sword and then swings at the incoming skeleton.

Long Sword Attack: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Damage: 1d8 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + (7) = 11
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Evesk - casting Smite requires a successful Faith roll first, and if you choose to do both the casting and attack in the same round, *both* rolls are at -2 as a Multi-Action Penalty (MAP). Go ahead and make a Faith-2 roll, and if it's successful then I'll evaluate your attack rolls.

In her elemental stone form, Ceri does Jzero's damage, and has Valrek's Toughness. She can hold her own.

All - congrats! We just did an entire melee Turn in one day IRL! On to the next...but don't feel obligated to keep up this fast pace if life gets in the way...

Round 2

Initiative
Velrek : KH
Skeletons : 9D
Ceri : 7S
Sheriff : 7C
Evesk : 3H
Jzero : 2H

Velrek is up!

I shall. Yes, I assumed the 7 wouldn't be a raise. :)

"Sorry Sheriff, ladies first!"
Velrek moves to strike one of the skellies on Ceri

2H sword: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
wild: 1d6 ⇒ 5
damage: 1d10 + 1d10 ⇒ (1) + (10) = 11
raise damage?: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Velrek - just curious, where's the +1 Fighting coming from? Also, any bonus (or penalty) that applies to the Trait die (Smarts, Spirit, Fighting, Notice, etc.) also gets applied to the Wild die, always. So your final Fighting roll is a 6!
Also, not that it matters for this round, but one of your damage dice Aced, and should have been re-rolled. Not needed this time, because even without that...

Velrek's sword cleaves another skeleton in two! Its bones clatter to the ground.

The skeletons attack :

Summary : no one is hurt.

Ceri attacks her skeleton :
Fighting: 1d6 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 2
And hits, doing
Damage: 1d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (2) + (2) = 4
No damage.

The sheriff tries to recover from Shaken :
Spirit: 1d6 ⇒ 2
And fails.

Evesk and Jzero are up!

Jzero spin kicks hoping he can do more to break the strange magic animating the skeleton. It is the first time he's fought undead, but his discipline keeps him focused on the fight.

Unarmed: 1d10 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Modifier: +1

Spend Benny for reroll
Unarmed: 1d10 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Modifier: +1
Result: 5 + 1 = 6

Unarmed Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + (1) = 9
Damage Ace: 1d8 ⇒ 1
unarmed Raise Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 2
AP 2

Damage total: 8 + 1 + 1 = 10 plus 2 with raise.

+1 to Fighting is from the Trademark weapon Edge. I thought that the Wild die was always unmodified. May be thinking about the previous version of SW. :)

Jzero, just curious - what's the +1 Fighting from?

Jzero's kick seriously rattles its bones, but it doesn't fall apart (it's Shaken).