GM Corwyn's Jade Regent (2) (Inactive)

Game Master corwyn42

Yes, you can take a 10 on the heal check

Heal DC10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

When the creature falls, Gundar leans over the body. He is dying. Shall we stabilize, secure and question him?

"I suppose so."

"I'm not opposed, but that's not my department, to be sure."

Filona's heart is jumping with adrenaline. She has trouble focusing, but then she says very loudly "What was that!" Then, as if that's the most important thing at the moment, she turns to the elf that entered and says "Hi!"

After getting what seems like consensus Temur will approach the creature and cast stabilize to prevent it from dying well they converse with this newcomer. He will then turn to the group and say "I've stopped the blood loss, he won't die now. What was your name?" Temur will ask the elf before reaching out his right hand and saying "Temur, by the way."

Visibly distracted by the gnome lady, Caladorn takes Temur's hand and says "Caladorn, I'm Caladorn Estvial. So I kinda got here in the middle of things, when this whatever it is was trying to kill people, and jumped in feet first. Can you tell me what's been going on?"

Baradim settles into one of the small seats that are nearby, a hand on his neck as he can almost still feel the wound underneath the freshly repaired skin. It ached with every movement before he gave a pained grin to the newcomer followed with a nod.

"Caladorn was it? I think I've seen you a few times with Shalelu. I am Baradim. Pleasure." The final word was especially grunted by the half-orc, who looked over at the unconscious body there. "This...thing...was impersonating the halfling that lived in the swamps. Maybe it is the thing in the swamps. Who knows. I don't recognize what it is though."

Posh whistles, "you are some kind of lucky elf Caladorn! Imagine what would have happened if you had gotten here on your own, and we hadn't been here!" He pauses a second to let the statement sink in. "That's right, you'd be getting cooked into porridge, or cookies, or whatever that creature eats!"

Suddenly aware that there is a thing in the swamp, and it might as well be this thing that attacked them, Filona ignores the new-coming elf completely and says "Where could the real Walthus be, then?" She starts opening doors and walking about trying to locate the halfling.

After Filona's query you hear a high-pitched voice which seems to be coming from the upper floor of the house.

"Hello?"

Caladorn replies to Posh, "Well, I did know you guys were ahead of me... so you guys were acting as my scouts." He then pivots away from the group to address the Filona as she starts opening doors and walking about "Hey, lets be careful about this there could be more of these things about."

Filona rushes upstairs without heeding Caladorn's cautious advice. "Hello! Are you ok?!?", she asks the walls. She can't bear the thought of someone locked up in their own house. If the others were right, that thing that attacked them wasn't Walthus.

"Filona, I really don't think you should go first!" Temur will shout as he jogs to catch up to her. He places his hand on her shoulder and says "If either of us had been the first ones targeted by that creature down there I don't think we would have faired as well as Baradim did. Let's wait for the others."

Filona looks at Temur a annoyed, then reluctantly agrees. Still, she says "Well, let's go, then! Walthus might be in trouble!" She over dramatically makes a face that shows how impatient she is. She paces back and forth and starts to check the quality of the woodwork as she waits.

Posh was unwilling to let Filona charge off alone, so he followed her up to check things out.

Caladorn looks on helplessly as the gnome rushes onward, makes a "what can you do gesture" and then follows...

As Filona rounds the stairs to the upper floor, she sees a long hallway with two doors to the west and one to the north. The northern door is opened a crack from which comes a voice:

"Hello. I heard fighting. Is it over? Please tell me you killed that thing - it nearly killed me."

Baradim slowly rises from where he was sitting, unwilling to let the others just wander off alone. Reaching into his backpack, he begins to tie up the unconscious beast just to make sure it didn't escape before following the others upstairs.

Ignoring the previous advice by Temur, Filona rushes to the door and opens it. She asks "Are you sure you are not another one of those creatures?"

The halfling opens the door a little further.

"You don't sound like it."

It takes a deep inhale through its nose.

"You don't smell like it either."

It lets out the deep breath with a heavy sigh.

"I guess it is safe. It is safe isn't it? You aren't here to kill me are you? My name is Walthus and if you aren't here to kill me then you just saved me from that creature. I'm sorry, I should really thank you. You saved my life."

Walthus comes out of his room and takes a closer look at Filona.

"Come to think of it - how did I get so lucky as to have someone come this far out into the swamp?"

You can see that Walthus has many wounds that are similar to the ones the party just received from the creature. His last sentence is much weaker as struggles to get the words out.

"What kind of host am I? Please let me get you something to eat."

As he takes a step towards the stairs, he falls unconscious in the hallway in front of Filona.

Wait! Before we go down stairs, let me do some healing.

He will then call on Torag for some healing.

Channel positive energy to include Wathus and Baradim (and anyone else: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The healing power from Gundar's divine magic help remove some of the wounds on Walthus. He regains consciousness looking around to find the source of the magic. He sees Gundar's holy symbol and replies

"Torag's blessings be upon you friend. Please, everyone make yourself comfortable, my home is your home. How can I repay your kindness?"

Filona watches astonished as Walthus stumbles through the corridor. She tries voicing out "no!", as he falls on the ground. She rushes to help, but Gundar is quicker in healing him and he wakes up. The gnome helps him up and says "Walthus, I think you should rest for a bit. Don't worry about us. You know, we've made ourselves comfortable already, the creature let us in. You want to hear about it?"

Caladorn addresses Gundar: "Thank you for Torag's blessing, what's your name?"

The earthy strength of Torag fills Baradim and the half-orc lets out a sigh of relief as the pain in his neck lessens considerably. Rolling his shoulders softly, he smiles at the dwarf and claps him on the back gently.

"Thank you Gundar, your divine aid is most considerate." The halfling's kindness is noted and much more like his kind tend to be. "I agree with Filona, you should rest and let us take care of you for a bit. We were on our way to investigate the goblin attacks on the recent caravans and were hoping you would have some insight; it seems that there have been other issues occupying you though..."

As Baradim talks slowly to Walthus, Filona says "I'm Filona, by the way. Pleased to meet you, finally!", extending her hand.

Since you are now free to move around inside Walthus' house, here is a description of each of the rooms: (They are numbered on the map)

1. Main Room: This living room features a settle and several somewhat damaged potted plants.
2. Dining Room: A wooden table with a single chair decorates this dining room along with a simple wood burning stove.
3. Pantry: Food and water are stored here.
4. Storage: Several wicker cages containing sparrows, mice, and other live food for the snakes in area 5 are kept here.
5. Snake Garden: This garden is open to the sky and walled in with a 10 foot-high brick wall. Walthus’ snakes live here.
6. Supply Room: This room contains tools, hunting supplies, and spare weapons, including three hand axes, a longbow, 40 arrows, and two Small suits of leather armor.
7. Guest Room: Sheets cover the furniture in this usually unused guest room.
8. Walthus’ Room: This bedroom looks well lived in.
9. Saferoom: When faced with danger, Walthus will hide in this chamber. The room contains enough food and water to last for several days.

After your initial greetings and recollection of the battle with the creature, Walthus states "Its getting late and we all need some sleep after a trying day. Feel free to make yourselves as comfortable as possible here. There is food in the kitchen."

Afterwards Walthus heads back into his room. "Good night everyone, see you in the morning."

The house is small, but serviceable for a safe place to rest for the night. You can consume one of your rations or use some of the food in Walthus' kitchen for dinner.

You post a party member to keep watch in the main room overnight which passes without incident.

Feel free to cast any remaining spells on Fireday before resting and update your character sheets if you desire to prepare different spells for Starday. There is sufficient food for the entire party for both an evening and morning meal.

You awake the following morning to a dull grey sky. The rain has stopped, but dense clouds remain - threating to unload a drenching later in the day. Walthus awakens and appears in much better condition. After some party member introductions and a recap of what happened last night, Walthus recounts what happened to him:

"I was in the back garden feeding my snakes when that monster attacked me by jumping from the top of the wall. I normally don't worry about getting attacked there - as the noise in scaling the wall usually alerts me to any intruders. It nearly knocked me down and grabbed me. It bit my neck and I could feel by resilience fading. If it wasn't for my snakes attacking it, I would probably be dead. They gave me time to run out the front door. I circled back around and climbed in through the second story window and shut it tightly. Then I hid in my secret room hoping the snakes would drive it off or it would go away."

Walthus pauses after this "Have you had your morning meal? Let me prepare you something."

He gets up and starts to head to the kitchen to make some food.

If anyone is still damaged I have 2 Cure Lights left for the day. Temur will steal some food from the halfling for dinner and make a note to come back and make a run for food for him at some point.

As Walthus goes to sleep, Filona starts opening all doors and looking inside, without any regards to privacy. She only avoids Walthus' room. Not due to privacy, but because she figures he deserves some rest. When she gets to the kitchen, she starts a small fire and starts throwing things in a pot with water, hoping to get a stew out of it and share with everybody.

Profession (cook) untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 17

She eats and loves the food. Then she goes to sleep. The next morning, Filona helps Walthus cook however he lets her. She says "I'm sorry you have had a hard time lately. I'm glad we came when we did. What was that, exactly?"

As Filona and Walthus prepare breakfast he answers Filona's question.

"I'm not sure what that thing was - you say it looked like me? Strange, nothing like that lives in the swamp - sounds like some sort of aberration. Not sure where it came from either."

You consume your morning meal and Walthus tells you what he knows about the goblins.

"Those goblins are known as the Licktoads - yes, they have been bolder than usual lately. I've seen some fireworks going off near the Lost Coast Road. As far as their village goes, it is off the Old Fish Trail. I know it well. I can help you find it. For all your help, it is the least I can do. In fact, I have here a cloak that might help you out."

He hands Filona his cloak.

"Please take it a reward for your assistance with that monster. It will aid you in fending off dangers."

This is the source of magic you detected earlier.

Without comment, Caladorn follows Filona's search of the house, letting gnomish curiosity substitute for paranoia and greed.

He moves the unconscious thing that Baradim tied up to where it can be watched communally, and checks the rope work. Then he helps with dinner and the dishes. Before going to sleep, he reminds everyone to check on the prisoner on their watch shift.

In the morning, after breakfast, he asks the big question - "So, what are we going to do with ugly over there?"

A Q - I assume the longbow in the supply room sized for a small user? (ie Walthus) If it's sized for a medium user, I'm going to try to trade it off him for my shortbow - which he can probably use as a longbow...

Walthus tells you that the longbow in the supply room is one he found in the swamp. It is sized for a medium sized user and is too big for him. He agrees to the swap - he already has a masterwork longbow, but he can use your shortbow as a backup weapon.

Walthus shares his thoughts on what to do with the creature.

"I tried to reason with it during our struggle. It wasn't interested in conversing - I doubt you will find out anything useful from it. If you want, we can drop that thing in the lagoon. There are some creatures in there that will eat just about anything - that included. If you want to keep it alive, all I ask is that you take it as far away from here as you can."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Posh too will enjoy the halflings meals. Even a bad meal from a halfling pantry, is better than a good meal of trail rations.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Filona exclaims "Wow, a cloak of resistance! Thank you Walthus! Uhm. We actually came here bringing you a gift. Your ugly trespasser didn't care much for it, but you might. Come, Baradim, show him our gift!"

Later, she comments on what to do with the aberration. She thinks they should kill it and get rid of it.

So, what do we do about this cloak of resistance? Who should wear it?

"I don't really know what that is, but you are welcome to it Filona."

Baradim eagerly reaches into his belt pouch and produces the mice that squeak rapidly, trying to escape the half-orc's hands. He offers them to the rested Walthus, nodding softly. "These are for you and yours. We thank you for your aid and your gift." The tall half-orc nods in agreement with Posh, smiling at the excitable Gnome. "I agree. Keep it and use it well Filona."

The question was brought up about their adversary and the half-orc's face soured as he looked over at the strange monstrosity. With a heavy breath, he would speak again. "I will talk with it outside. I shall decide its fate there." Sarenrae was a goddess of forgiveness, a chance to turn to the light and redeem oneself. For those would could not turn the other cheek and prove their devotion, that warm light hid a fiery presence. Evil would be burned away and all that would be left in its way would be cleansed. Baradim was Her fire and it would have the opportunity to choose its fate.

Dragging the strange thing outside into the mud, the sun piercing through the canopy above, Baradim would take a deep breath before looking down at the creature below. There was a grim look within the half-orc's eyes as he drew his scimitar and wielded it slowly in his hand.

"What is your name, creature. Tell me why you attacked the innocent halfling. Tell me why I should not send you to whatever divinity expects you." Baradim would stare down at the abomination, the sharp blade gleaming in the light.

Baradim will judge the creature's intentions, its thoughts, and words. If it is found wanting, he will execute it. He will study the creature as well, to better anticipate any trickery.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Filona dons the cloak in silence. She sees Baradim take the creature for interrogation and doesn't follow. She doesn't think she'll like it.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Here is hoping I don't just look incompetent <3 -crosses fingers-

Caladorn also sees Baradim lead the thing away for "interrogation", and does follow...

Baradim's surprise at the creature's escape from its bonds causes his swing to miss wide.

Baradim and Caladorn can roll an initiative check. If they beat the creature's roll, they can attack before it starts to run.

Creature Initiative Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

The creature attempts to flee and starts running into the closest cluster of foliage.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Well shit. Won't do that again.
Baradim curses as the creature slips free from its bonds, rising up out of the way and trying to escape. He slashes at it with his weapon once more, trying to place his blade back into its body.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I'll put my attack of opportunity just in case it flees and doesn't withdraw

init: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 4 = 26
+3 dex +4 wasp familiar

With the blurring reflexes of elvenkind, Caladorn strikes at the escaping creature with his spiked gauntlet.

To Hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 (Up to GM Corwyn if it counts as prone or flat footed)
+3 dex

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Possible sneak attack damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 (Again, up to Corwyn if this applies)

Fast reflexes I may have, but that's a swing and a miss

Before the creature can take more than a single stride, Baradim's blade opens a gaping wound on it's back. It once again falls unconscious.

Caladorn stands over the unconscious thing, boot raised to stomp, and asks Baradim "Finish it? We ain't getting anywhere...

Baradim nods at Caladorn's words, an almost sad look spreading across his face as he reaches down and flips it over onto its back.

"Thank you Caladorn, for your aid. I had let my guard down, I must expand my knowledge in things." Gripping the dagger with both hands, he would lift it up high before plunging it deep into the shapeshifter's chest. There was a low murmur of prayer of thanks to Sarenrae for her protection and grace, followed by a murmur to Pharasma to judge this delivered soul justly.

With the deed done, he would take it out towards the deeper water and toss it in for the swamp to consume. With the grim task done, he gave a nod to Caladorn again and made his way back to the house to meet with the others.

Filona hears the commotion outside. She spends some time considering if she should go see, but in the end, she does go out, only to see it being finished off. She covers her ears and closes her eyes to not see it happen.

She tries to put her mind away from it by talking to Walthus over the good smell of breakfast. "So, how do you propose we go about stopping the goblins from being so aggressive? Do you think this creature that attacked you is somehow related?"