SO Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master ScorchedOne

Little did they know, the goblins would massacre Sandpoint before the next dawn... just kidding. They're goblins. I'm sure they'll eventually be stupid and try to raid and be wiped out.

The group returns to town, they don't quite get the conquering heroes welcome, but those few who knew what they were doing seem grateful. Of course the real reward will come when the group heads to the Rusty Dragon and meets with their benefactor / employer. Seeing as they won't be getting much of a reward from the sheriff for their lack of goblin ears, her promise should more than suffice... though it doesn't exactly split six ways.

Arriving to the inn, they don't quite find it boisterous, but there is the usual crowd. Ameiko is able to pull herself away quickly enough and you find yourselves a room to discuss things in. "Well? How did it go? Did you take care of the goblins? Oh, and what sign of the previous groups we sent?"

"We think we've handled the goblins. They were attacked by a necromancer and some undead so their numbers are down a little. We showed the goblins how powerful we are by defeating the undead. We made a peace treaty with them.

We also found some other interesting stuff. I'll let somebody who understands what we found more than I do fill you in on it"

"I will not let Nikka take all the blame I went with the decision it is as much my fault as hers. I'm not clear on all the history but we found some people with a connection to a 'royal' family, maybe, from a faraway land. I'm not the best to be talking about this. Someone step in before a say more stupid things. There are some swords."

"We cut done some of their numbers and with a show of force I don't think they'll bother Sandpoint for a very long time. Skeletons were the real problem. And we retrieved the fireworks." Vance stands tall behind Nikka and Ryn, although he feels like he's more trying to convince himself rather than everybody else of his confidence.

"The letter was written by someone with your surname." explains Leandro, wondering why people seem to be circling the subject. "Apparently, some precious legacy from your family is in Brinewall."

I don't think anything in the letter was mentioning a royal family.

There was not but Ryn has several thousand years worth of ghosts in his head so he loses threads and gets confused. There were greatest treasures and heir etc. so his mind wandered further. If these ever prove right they will be insights from an ancestor.

Olaff busies himself with a big mug of ale while the others tell about their deeds. Unlike the others, he remains silent about the decision of letting the goblins live. He would not take the blame but was not childish enough to be pointing fingers.

"Guys, give Ameiko the letterr, ya?" Olaff suggests between sips from his drink. "Maybe she can make any sense o' that strrange vrriting."

Staying quiet throughout the explanation, Sunishi isn't sure what to make of all this sudden Tien history and items coming about. Preturbed by his violent flashback of memories in the cave and now confronted with the only other Tien person he knows, he finds himself unsure of things.

Pulling out the slightly damaged Wakizashi, "We discovered the note hidden in the pommel of this magical Wakizashi, if not for it being broken we likely would have never found it,"

"A letter? A note? What are you speaking of? And these are certainly wakizashi, strange to see them in a swamp here of all places." Ameiko reacts with some confusion, though she accepts your story about the goblins. "If they stop attacking, it is well enough."

Vance gives a smile in relief. Good, they agree with our decision. "Excellent. Yes we found an interesting note here..." Vance takes out the note, offering to translate it for Ameiko if she doesn't know Tien.

After she had had a chance to read Ryn asks, "What do you think?"

Ameiko seems lost to the letter, thankfully woken from her trance by Ryn's words. "I... am sorry. I did not have what one might call a 'stable' relationship with my father, but this leaves quite a bit to consider. I absolutely must know more... I will be setting out to Brinewall after proper preparations can be made, I wonder if you would be willing to accompany me? I do not know how I can repay you for this alone, to even consider what I will owe should you agree, but know my gratitude is and will continue to be yours either way." She considers the letter further briefly. "If there is a warded vault, it may contain items of value... if you would aid me, I would see to it you are properly compensated, either way. I'll find a way, I promise."

Thanks for real, I had missed that.

"I have to begin traveling soon anyway to collect stories as a lore keeper and you have helped me with my training so it would be my honor to go with you. I can start on my task and repay your assistance in preparing for it."

Traveling that far? Is that really in front of me right now? Vance almost goes pale from the sudden opportunity. Well I was given pretty vague allowances to go abroad as I saw fit...and this would certainly provide ample opportunity for learning from different cultures. As if to solidify his train of thought, Tiltha nips him on the ear. "Alright, I'm in!" I hope professor Covary agrees with my reasoning...

Nodding, "You are the one that pulled me from the sea and saved me, with no memory of why I came to this land, I have no qualms against following you around this place. Besides I don't know much beyond Sandpoint as it is, might be good to travel, hopefully it jogs my memory,"

Adjusting his backpack and swords, "Say the word, we can leave whenever,"

"Well it looks like we are forming a nice little adventuring party."

Olaff drinks another mug in silence while he thinks on his words. "Vell... sadly I'm out I guess. Beforre my motherr passed avay she made me prromisse to keep an eye on Aunt Koya." He shrugs. "I'd love to join ya, but I gave my vorrd and I never go back on that."

"Oh, and if ya arre leaving, I'd like my sharre o' the gold ve found vith the skeletons..." He laughts. "I might be anchorred herre in Sandpoint, but I'm still a skald and ve skalds have an open love vith a good plunderr!"

Vance gives a sad smile as Olaff says he is parting ways. "Of course. You earned your share. Who else is in?" He moves over to stand next to Sunishi and Ryn, beaming at them.

I assume Olaff and the others will join us once their respective NPCs join up.

With a smile, Ameiko thanks those of you that have agreed, and does not show even the slightest bit of unhappiness. She thanks you profusely for what you have already done, and also delivers on the previous promise of her magical ring. Ring of Protection +1 "I have no way to ever truly repay you. You risked yourselves to save our town, and in doing so you brought home a piece of my family that I didn't know was missing. You are true friends, and while I can't offer you much more, tonight is on me. Celebrate! Make merry! You have done a good thing."

She still awaits an answer from Nikka and Leandro, though a smirk betrays knowledge that the others don't have. Or perhaps the smirk is just a smile trying to contain itself, who knows? A decent sense motive tells you she's smirking.

Leandro is slightly flustered by Ameiko's gratitude.
"I- uhm. I'm not so sure that adventuring is the life for me. Truth be told, it was scary. But... I don't know, I feel that I'm a bit better for having done it, that I have seen something I wouldn't have otherwise. So, well, I'd say I'm in. Tentatively."

"Wow, I'd LOVE to join them. A trip like that would be wonderful.Who knows, there (or on the way) I may find answers to what happened to me. Hmm, Koya has been talking about a long trip"

"I'd love to go but I'm not sure that I can. Koya has been talking of going on a long journey. But she might be thinking of somewhere a lot closer and safer like Korvosa. If SHE is willing to go on this trip then I'll come too. But if she'd prefer to stay here or go on a safer trip then I'll stay with her. She needs my help"

"That is brilliant. If she came we could continue working on the ... things she has been helping me with. "

"Well I'll be sure to speak to you in the coming days before our departure. For now, enjoy yourselves." Ameiko ensures that the drink is plentiful and the food exists, before excusing herself.

You may continue to RP the night to your hearts' contentment, know that in the coming days Ameiko will persuade Shalelu Andosana, Koya Mvashti, and Sandru Viski to lead a caravan to Brinewall. Let me know if you'd like to RP further interactions, or if you'd like to proceed onward with story. I'm great either way.

I'd actually like to roleplay the bit where Koya tells us she is going. I think establishing that "on screen" would be useful.

Up to you and Leandro if he is also there as well

Fine by me. You guys feel free to roleplay this night IC, then we'll have an "expedition meeting" a few "days" later.

Ok, I guess I'll start then :-)

"Uh, Koya do you have a moment to chat?

So, shall we tell Ameiko no and instead make preparations to join a caravan to Korvosa? I've heard that Mihaithis is arranging one leaving in 2 to 3 weeks. Should I tell him that we'd like to join? Or is that too soon?"

Unspoken but likely understood by Koya is the fact that Nikka views Koya as an old woman who would find the trip to Brinewall too hard. The young so often underestimate the elderly :-)

Or so says the old fart player :-)

Oh, I was referring to drinking night, but sure we could do that instead. :P

Up for the chat too!

"She asked me too, and, well, I'd like to go, I think. And of course, I'm sorry that I'll be out of home for the time it'll take, but... I don't know. I feel that it may be time I leave the nest, isn't it?"

Leandro's face is flushed red, and he passes his hand between his hair.

"I mean, maybe it won't be that long. I'll probably be back in a couple of months. It's still in Varisia. I think."

Koya, being older and certainly wiser, smiles a knowing smile. "Oh yes, Ameiko told me almost as soon as she knew. She is very insistent that you go, and also that I go. As Sandru is being recruited, so am I, and if you went it would mean ever so much to me. I'm not as young as I used to be, and while I'm still a passable healer, the caravan may come under attack and I'm not very good in a fight." She continues smiling, looking at the two young people. "It is the journey of a lifetime, and as mine nears what very well may be its end, I don't want to let it pass me by. This could be what you tell your grandchildren about when you get to be my age. So what do you think, will you follow this old woman on a fool's errand, and possibly into the annals of history?"

Her starknife is close at hand, and you can see her bag is packed already. She seems reasonably ready to go.

To Nikka's words specifically, she replies, "If you want to go on a short trip, child, you certainly may, but I am going with Ameiko. She has a good head on her shoulders, and I'm not going to let her lose it while I'm still around."

To Leandro, she beams with pride. "My son, though you are not truly you are in all ways that matter, I am overjoyed that you wish to spread your wings and fly. I hope that my tagging along will not make you think I don't believe in you, but this may be my last chance for adventure, and wouldn't it be something to do it together?"

Allowing brief time for responses, would like to continue on before too long... though honestly not sure how to run the next bit, it's literally a combat slog through the trip, but I need an excuse because you should probably level before I send you into Brinewall proper.

"So, you know that it may well be your last trip. And you still want to go. While I hope it isn't your last trip you have certainly earned the right to make your own decisions"

"Feet are for Walking! If you are leaving with Ameiko then I definitely am too. Its a chance to see the world. I wouldn't deprive you of the pleasure for anything"

Sure. fell free to continue

Ryn listens sitting under a window. His soul feels settled. He then looks down at the pouch on this hip, heavier than it ever has been, excited to prepare for his new journey.

Once the group is reassembled at the tavern, a few nights after their initial conversation, Ameiko looks both energized as well as exhausted. She is filled with an energy, but at the same time she has done more than any sane person ought in that timeframe. "So, we have some little time left, I expect to leave on the morrow. Is there anything else you should be getting ready before then? I want us all rested here, bright and early to leave at daybreak. It will be a long trip, so the sooner we set off the sooner we can reach Brinewall!" Her smile is infectious and wide. "Are there any questions beforehand?"

Combat slogs happen sometimes. I would recommend doing as many dice rolls automated as you can reasonably manage (saves against marching, environment, survival checks to navigate, etc.). Other than that, for combat we will just have to run as efficiently as we can. Try to post quickly and in detail :D

We never ended up making a hard decision on the split of party loot. It seems we are wanting to split the loot evenly as well as split off 1 or 2 shares for "party loot", correct? I need to know exactly how much I have because I'm going to be crafting a ton of scrolls so that I'm not a useless low-level wizard.

I did post a loot list google doc to the header for the campaign, if you want to put stuff in there for ease of use.

Yes, and it's a remarkably well organized loot table. I am very impressed at it. However we as players have failed to put anything into said google doc yet :P

It looks like we have 1363 gp in raw liquidated coins (after selling off art/jewels/valuables). Are we wanting to hold onto the ring of climbing or sell it?

If we split the loot 7 ways (1 share to party loot) we each receive 194.71 gp with 3 copper leftover. If we split it 8 ways (2 shares to party loot) we each receive 170.37 gp with 4 copper leftover.

So these are the questions: Are we giving 1 share or 2 shares to the party? And are we keeping the ring of climbing or selling it?

Also I believe we had about 6 extra Wakizashis laying around. Those are worth 35gp, so well for 17.5gp each. Any that Sushini isn't planning on using we should liquidate as well.

I'm fine liquidating the extra Wakizashi's, I think I'm just holding onto the MWK Cold Iron and the +1 Slightly Broken Wakizashi and my original Wakizashi just because for now. I think its either way if we sell the ring of climbing, I'm a +7 but Nikka is higher with her +9, either way, I think we can hold onto it for now, maybe we'll need it, maybe not? If we sell it, its another 178 gold pieces for us and the party loot.

Securing his backpack with all his belongings, meager that they are, "I am as ready as I'll ever be, let me know if any of you need help packing,"

I had made a second sheet that contain all the found equipment and who possesses it. Less the undead wakazashi because it seemed like people did not want them. Anyone can go and move stuff for mark it for sale.

As for endless combats, in the past I have turned some of these into skill challenges, created diplomatic solutions and used modified chases to break these areas of modules in the past. Most modules have this book one or to travel and fight section.

"Ah! No, if you're coming, it's lovely! I was feeling so guilty, instead we're going on an adventure together! I'll pack some warm clothes!"
Leandro hurries upstairs to pack some half-folded clothes in his backpack.

I've added my current wealth to the loot table, I wanted first to be sure of what we are selling. Also, I think we had a few ears from our first battle.

I like the idea of 2 shares for the group. It has very little impact on what we can buy but gives more for buying the scrolls, wands etc that are often the difference between life and death

I'd vote for selling the ring of climbing and all extra Wakisashis.

CLW Scrolls Available: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Vance can hardly believe the amount of wealth at his fingertips. It ends up being split eight ways (well 7, but 8 shares), but it's so much gold he can hardly wrap his head around it. I could have stayed in my own room with this much money! My entire education! Still, he must master himself. They had a long journey ahead of them, and if the fights they had are any indication, they were going to need more healing.

Vance goes to the Cathedral and asks about purchasing a wand, sad when they come back and tell him they don't have one. He continues forward and sees about purchasing what healing they do have, then walks away with six scrolls.

I assume we can take the healing out of the party loot, yes? That should be 6x25gp = 150gp out of the party fund.

Olaff spent the previous days in a quite good mood. As a skald, he was always happy when he got his share but that was not all... he missed his time with the Blackravens and even if the small combat he had while exploring the swamp as just a pale substitute, it was better than nothing... joining the others in their travel would indubitably provide him with more combats than staying in Sandpoint.

On the other hand, he felt a lot of controversy: Traveling north was great... but on foot instead of a ship was not; Getting involved in some more combat was awesome... but having to worry about keeping Koya and Nikka alive, not so much.

Between the long amount of time he spent drinking on the Rusty Dragon, Olaff decided to upgrade his armor for the journey. He sold his old scale mail and bought a new breastplate... he never had own a completely new armor before and, surprisingly, it felt great. He also ordered his shield to be reinforced with a shield boss and bought a warhammer just in case they find more skeletons along the way or that 'necromancer' the others kept talking about.

When asked if they needed anything during the last night in town, Olaff offered his thoughts with a smiled while drinking yet another mug of ale. "If therre is rroom to sparre, I'd suggest one orr two barrrels o' this fine ale o' yarrs..."

Buying a breastplate for 200gp, a reinforcing boss for 30gp, a warhammer for 12gp and selling his old scale mail for 25gp. Total 217gp.

Ryn goes home after overhearing the Koya is going to come and that the journey will be continuing and he rereads all his favorite elven stories looking for anything that may help him. After collecting as many hits as he can he runs about the town to buy this and that from whoever will sell. It takes several hours to complete his task but in the end, he feels ready for the trip.

The journey to Brinewall is largely an uneventful one... except for the things which will happen along the way and everything after. But the roads themselves are simple and well kept until more than halfway through the journey. At this point, having passed most towns of note, the road becomes little more than a track.

Of course you haven't learned that yet, because a mere day north of town, you are AMBUSHED! GASP! A pair of ogres lurch from behind trees that were along side the road and otherwise blocked them from view... mostly.

_____
Leandro
Olaff
Ryn
OGRES
Sunishi
Vance
Nikka
_____

Ryn cast divine favor as a blessed light bathes his body.

"Here they come. Also, what are they Vance?"

Over the course of the trip Ryn would have explained that he can tap into ancestral memories of fights with different creatures but he needs to know what the creature is to best utilize it. This is the in character explanation for martial flexibility, his curse and being a lore keeper.

Olaff moves towards the nearest ogre while readying his shield and drawing his sword. He then slams it against his shield and assumes a defensive position. "Come, ye piece of crrap, COME ON!"

Move Action combined with readying shield and drawing sword. Standard Action to Total Defense. Current AC 24 until next turn.

"Hoy, what's this now? Giants?"

Leandro mimics Olaff, standing at his side with the rapier drawn, ready to puncture.
Same as Olaff, AC is 21. If I get attacked, I'm going to use Dodging Panache, step to the side (away from Olaff) and get +3 AC.

The ogres round on Olaff and Leandro each in turn!

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Leandro dodges deftly and only narrowly avoids a club nearly the size of his body.

_____
Leandro
Olaff
Ryn
OGRES
Sunishi
Vance
Nikka
_____

Jumping out of the wagon, drawing his MWK Wakizashi and moving toward the Ogre, Sunishi'll tap into his new innate power and fade from view instantly.

Move action to move and draw wakizashi, swift action to use the Vanish trick, now invisible for 2 rounds

Sunishi readies to cut the Ogre from behind, hoping to use Leandro's attack as a diversion for his own.

As Olaff effortlessly dodges the ogre's attack, he steps closer to it while striking his sword against his shield to get its attention. "Ya call that an attack? Come, ya mule!" To Ryn, he added. "Go help the others if ya can... I've got the stupidest o' the pairr and she vill dance vith me!"

To the ogre, he continued. "Ya two should have stay hidden, making yarr nasty sveet love... ya arre the lady, rright? That is a brreast, rright? A hairry nasty boob..."

Intimidate, smaller size: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 4 = 7

Free Action to 5 ft. step, Move Action to Intimidate (due to fearsome), Standard Action to Total Defense. AC 24 until next round.

Two ogres are difficult. My idea is to keep this one busy while you gang up on the other. Hopefully they are dumb enough to be provoked by Olaff's words!

Vance steps out from behind the wagon nervously, looking at the closer ogre. He pulls out a handful of multicolored sand and weaves an arcane sign in the air. "Kluchuduun ingis!" A colorful blast of light erupts into ogre!

Moving to the spot north of Rilka and casting color spray defensively. Should catch the ogre and nobody else. DC 15, effects depend on hit die.