GM Bret’s Outpost II Doom comes to Dustpawn! (Inactive)

Game Master BretI

"Wait! What operation? The whole town or just some business? And where are you going? Why!?"

The Admiral beams with approval. Good soldiers never ask why. He glances sidelong at Zorriah.

I'm sure there is sound reason for this, and we can find out by asking in town.

Melody frowns but agrees to move along to town.

Shouting over his shoulder the workman replies “Demos leather.” There is something strange about the way he says the name. You do remember being told that there was some sort of leather shop, where the leather comes from the goats.

The man continues to work with the mule, which has finally decided it will move the wagon.

Sense Motive, Wisdom drain: 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 - 1 = 23

"And what's so funny about leather?" Mongo rubs the back of his neck as he speaks, the weariness evident on his face.

"I guess we can forget getting any answers from these folks. Let's try the inn or the mayor's office."

"There seems to still be strange things we don't know about yet."

As you go past the public wells, Alyssia waves a greeting. She and a guard are there — the guard to keep people from just taking the well water before Alyssia can purify it.

You get to the Mineshaft Inn and find there is almost a dozen people there eating. Evidently word has spread that they are the only place that has trustworthy food. Dalviss, Nolan and Leeara are all busy handling the crowd.

Theodric scratches his head "Business as normal, or mass panic as people flee, I'm so confused..."

"Me too. This place has turned into a madhouse with or without that Emissary being here."

Warpac approaches Leeara and asks, "What's with the exodus? Are they scared or just smart?"

“What exodus? Sorry, I’ve been here working most of the day, but if you know who is leaving I might be able to help more.”

Pausing a moment, she then says “I don’t think this is related, but one of the guards came around looking for you. They left a message with Dalviss.” She seems slightly annoyed that they wouldn’t leave the message with her.

Tycho changes back into Pearl Hart, one of the forms Dalviss is familiar with.

She knocks the road dust out of her cattleman hat and approaches the inkeep, chewing on a twig. Howdy, Dalviss. Y'all got a message us?

Dalviss carries a tray of food and drinks over to a waiting table, then says to Pearl “Give me five minutes, I will meet you and your friends in your room.”

He seems uncomfortable about something.

I am just going to assume you decide to meet him in the room.

It is only slightly over the five minutes before there is a knock on the door. When you open it, Dalviss is there. “Sorry, been hectic of late.”

Once let into the room, he looks back and says “We should close the door.” Provided no one objects, he does so.

Running a hand through his hair, he says “The town is getting even more crazy, and the mayor left a message that I doubt you will like. Seems that woman, Abtaroh, somehow convinced a guard to let her free. The guard doesn’t know why they did it, says she seemed really friendly and convinced him it must all be a mistake.”

Making a face, he says “I’m betting she used some sort of enchantment on the guard.” He admits “During my adventuring days, I met a couple of mages that used mind magics against me.”

“Anyways, seems she has escaped. The good news is she didn’t attempt to free any of the others.”

“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”

Looking towards you hopefully, he asks “So have you found the thing causing all of this yet?”

Pearl hart puts hitches her thumbs in her belt and sighs. Can't say I'm surprised. Old Abtro's lower'n a snake's belly in a wagon rut, slicker'n butter'n a bac'n skillet.

She nods at the innkeep's question. Sure, we found what's been the cause'a these trials 'n tribulations. Turns out a whatchamacallit… some kinda cosmic horror what eats brains 'n souls… well, it's this cosmic horror's comin' callin' from beyon' them stars. It's hurtlin' hotter than blue blazes through the heavens above, aimed smack dab at Dustpawn! Should be landin' tomorrow, we reckon.

But don't you fret, we'll cream that Emissary's corn first thing in'th mornin.' Just need a good night's rest is all. Quite convenient it's landin' here, if you ask me. Old Pearl's ready to saw some logs, herself.

When Tycho produces yet another form and personality, Warpac just shakes his head.

I think this mission was meant for him... her... them?

"I'm going to go check out the temple for any possibility of a Death Ward scroll. I've about had it with all those nasty drainers this thing seems to employ."

I knew we should have stuffed that fellow into the bag.

Warpac snaps his... Well he was going to snap his fingers but he looks down and his axe is in his hand so he cannot.

"Got a good place to stash a bunch of books?"

He will empty the bag of holding of all the stuff that is not useful, like the books, foodstuffs, etc., then go hunting for a scroll of death ward.

When Warpac asks about a place to stash books, Dalviss gives him an unbelieving look then gently suggests “This room and two of the others your group is using has locks on the doors.”

——

Availability of Scroll of Death Ward: 1d100 ⇒ 98

Warpac goes over to the public well and asks Alyssia about her stock of scrolls.

She is able to immediately say “I am sorry, the church doesn’t currently have such a scroll. Is there some other potion or scroll that might work?”

You could have someone try to find other sources of magical items with a high enough Diplomacy roll. Sorry, the DC is higher than 22.

Melody assists Warpac with hunting down a death ward scroll, asking many people around town.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (10) + 24 = 34

Melody finds a human woman that seems to know something. She gives Melody an appraising look, but after some assurances is willing to talk.

“That doesn’t sound like any sort of normal stuff. If’n you aren’t particular about where an item comes from or how it was acquired...” She pauses a moment, watching your reaction before adding “...you could try Demos Leathers.”

“Be sure to ask for their Specialty Items.” She emphasizes the words specialty items.

She then warns you “Just don’t go forcing anyone with the guards or such to know where the stuff came from.”

Pearl Hart, considering herself deputized in the defense if Dustpawn, asks around town after Abtaroh, known felon and poisoner.

gather info: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
hours: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Warpac returns to the group disappointed that the scroll was not available. He looks at Mongo with concern, who is still looking like he was run over by a dragon.

Pearl searches but can’t find any information about Abtaroh. Most people have never even heard of the woman. They do notice that people’s tempers are even worse than they were.

"Warpac, it sounds like we can get magic item at this Demos Leathers place. I have to say, I don't think they sell leathers at all! We're supposed to ask for Specialty Items and not ask too many questions."

"Let's go check, then. I'm not much of one for dawdling at an inn."

With a spring in his step he starts for the door.

"Say, where is this leather place? Did you happen to find out?"

"Isn't that where the grumpy dude was loading the cart?"

"Maybe. Or maybe he was going to the leather place - they did say they were moving. Anyway, that's a good place to start if we can't find out up front."

The wagons that you saw have already left the town by the time you get back, but you have no problem finding Demos Leather.

Building 3 on the town map.

When you get there, you notice everyone is very busy packing goods. Going up to the desk, you are greeted by a young man.

“Hello! Demos Leather, only the finest in goat leather products! We are moving, but still have some products available for sale. Would you be interested in some riding chaps or perhaps a sturdy new backpack? How about some new boots! Perhaps a cloak to keep the rain off you? What are you interested in, I’ll try to find it before everything is packed up!”

All of that was said without pause. The fellow is very animated, gesturing with his hands in every direction as he speaks. You get the impression that if you don’t interrupt, he will just continue talking.

Hello! It's nice to meet you! We were told that you carry some Specialty Items."

"Like magical scrolls?"

“Specialty items? Oh, then you will need to talk to Elladas. She is in charge of the place and doesn’t let me handle that sort of...” He suddenly stops as Warpac mentions magical scrolls.

The young man is clearly confused by the statement, as it has rendered him silent for two full seconds, Still obviously puzzled, he restarts “I’ve never heard of magical scrolls made from goat leather, but I suppose if there were such things we would have them! As I was saying, you need to talk to the boss, Elladas, about that merchandise. She doesn’t let me work with those products, only the normal merchandise. She is in the back right now overseeing the move, but if you have the cash then I can go see if she is available.”

“As I said, I don’t work with that merchandise, but if you don’t have a few hundred gold then there is no sense in bothering the boss. She would just get mad about being disturbed. You seem like nice enough people, do you have the currency to be able to afford the items?”

He actually waits for an answer, standing mostly silent but nervously shifting around.

To speed things up, I’m going to assume you somehow convince him.

“Alright, just wait right here while I go see if she is available. I will be right back!”

With that, he goes skittering away, through a door into what you would guess is the warehouse area.

About five minutes later, he returns and excitedly tells you “Gotta be quick, she is a busy person, but follow me and I’ll take you to Elladas! Right this way!” He gestures through the door, then takes off through the door.

On the other side of the door it a warehouse area. About a half a dozen people are busy packing and loading items on wagons. Many of the boxes are already closed, so you can’t tell what might be in them although some of them must be heavy given the effort the workers are putting in to move them about.

He brings you to an office off to the side of the warehouse and gestures for you to enter. “Right in here! Best to not keep her waiting! Good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for!”

You don’t even have time to get to the door before he skitters away back to the front of the building.

A short, stout human woman is there behind a desk watching you as you enter.

Once you’ve had an opportunity to seat yourselves, she says “I am Elladas. Whom might you be, and who referred you to my humble establishment? What sort of items are you looking for?”

Theodric shakes his head a bit
That dwarf is subtle as a bag of rocks[/ic]

Then Theodric thinks [i]That said, so am I...

and waits for one of the more silver tongued members of the party to speak up.

Now, Elladas, I’m Prospector
pearl Hart, and this here’s my crew. Tough miners, one and all, though ta’look, you’d nary tell. We heard tell that y’all got the goods when it comes to protectin’ oneself, as in wardin’ oneself, from them elements that blow down from the mountains, deathly cold, them winds blow. I’m hopin’ ya’ll got somethin’ ta protect ourselves from them particular winds. It’s important to us, so we can pony up. An if ya got anythin’ else might tickle our fancy, let us know..

pass secret message: “Do you have scrolls of Death Ward for sale and how much?Possibly interested in other items as well.”: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

Have they got scrolls of Death Ward?: 1d100 ⇒ 1
Have they got more than one scrolls of Death Ward?: 1d100 ⇒ 45
We are on a roll here!: 1d100 ⇒ 25

“I don’t think ALL of those have been shipped out yet. Who did you say referred you?”

Warpac points meaningfully at Melody.

"She did. Why? Wait... Oh. I guess I'm a bit slow today. I'll just shut up."

sense motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5

"I don't think we caught 'er name, come ta think o' it. Asked around town a bit before we found a lady that recommended ya." Timtenzekil speaks up, shrugging his shoulders.

She wrinkles her nose at Timtenzekil’s pronouncement, then gives a shrug.

“How many do you need? Price is 700 gold each.”

Warpac is about to open his mouth but remembers himself. Haggling is not his strong suit in spite of his dwarven heritage. And then there is the matter of his fey blood which, well, sometimes causes him to say ill-considered things. At least Warpac blames it on the fey side of him.

Although the above post by Warpac amused me, I will say that the requisite rollls have been done and provided you don’t say anything that would cause a criminal to run for cover you can buy the scrolls now.

Or if you want to be the silent type, drop a bag of money on her desk.

If there are other items you want, best ask soon!

Any Dweomer’s Essence? Otherwise Tycho is ready to go.

Should make the request in character, but let’s find out.

Dweomer’s Essence Available?: 1d100 ⇒ 53

Yes.

Pearl Hart points to the packet of powder and drops a mud-stained, rawhide pouch onto the counter. The gold inside clinks, but the prospector remains silent.

Borrowing against the scenario gold if that's OK. If not, this isn't an item tycho desperately needs.

I believe it is allowed to use money gained in scenario against chronicle gold.
BTW: Items aren’t on display anywhere here.

She counts the money, then nods and writes the request down.

“So, how many of those scrolls?” she asks, looking back and forth between Warpac and Pearl.

Pearl holds up 3 fingers.

Per conversation in Hangouts, we can have 4 deathwards already covered: Tim can prep 1 (he will save a slot for a buff spell), Tycho owns a scroll already, and the sphere covers 2. That means 3 scrolls, assuming Tim wants Penny covered and we don't need Mango covered. 2100 gold. Mongo offered to pay for one out of pocket already, so 1400 GP. Happy to split the rest over the party if needed.

She notes the scrolls, then says “That seems to be it then.”

Going to the door, she opens it and calls out “Glyic!” You see a man run up and take the paper from her. She goes back to her seat.

“This should only take a few minutes..l”

Within about two minutes the man comes in and hands her a flat leather case and then leaves.

She quickly double checks the contents and then the money.

Pushing the case across the desk towards Warpac, she says “Quickly check the contents if you wish and then leave. Sorry to rush you, but we are moving.”

Tycho: Dweomer’s Essence, 500 gp
Mongo: Scroll of Death Ward, 700 gp
Need to know who will pay if the other two are not used. Otherwise 1400/5 = 280 gp each except Mongo (who paid for one all by himself.
If above is not how it is split, please post how it is split in Discussion.

Business completed, she has someone else escort you back to the front office.

Warpac does indeed shell out the 700gp for a death ward scroll.

Is there anything more you want to do tonight other than use Dream on Mongo?

Not me, though if anyone needs healing Warpac will heal them one way or another And he will use his delay poison on someone affected by the poison, if not a PC then a NPC. Is it time to pick new spells?

Dream, and a Restoration for the existing Wisdom drain.