GM Euan's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

Pleased to see the column was actually moveable, Seamus, as they head down the hall, wonders to himself if there was some way to take it with them. Seeing the three doorways, he carefully checks them for traps as Izomandakus and Kast discuss the graffiti on the wall.

Noting the southern door had only an indentation, he begins to wonder about the charm Val took off of Nualia, just as Val compares the two shapes. Turning to Izomandakus, he gestures towards Val, "Let's see if the medallion fits first." As he draws his long knives.

The medallion doesn't have the various nodules and blades it should have if its to fit in the doorway and looks to be a bit smaller - but close.

Do you try it anyway?

Me? I’d wait and see if we could find something better fitting. Val?

Val shrugs and tries fitting in the medallion, curious to see what would happen, but not expecting anything.

Izomandakus holds the torch closer to the doorway "Hmmm... that makes sense. If Nualia was searching for a Malfeshnekor here, it would be understandable she brought the key to open it first..."

Both Pachemu and him hold tense observing Valena's dealings with the ancient door "I hope the Malfeshnekor is some kind of gold container, perhaps a magical abacus"

Valena has to take the medallion off - unless she wants to be on her knees at the door. Either way, she presses the sihedron rune against the door, trying to see if she can make hers fit.

No luck. The medallion doesn't quite fit, can't quite be made to fit (short of reconstruction), and doesn't seem to do the job. Nothing blows up though, so that's nice!

Seeing the medallion doesn't quite fit, Seamus moves to the middle doors, "Nice try, Val, that's what I would have done. We may as well keep going." Once everyone is ready he opens the middle doors and looks into the room.

Taking 10(23/25) on perception and or disable device

Weird, I could swear I posted yesterday. Something must have gone wrong.

Having skipped breakfast that morning, Qetsiyah was ravenous and spent most of the picnic devouring crab meat when she was not keeping an eye on the perimeter. When the talk turned to smart people, she thought of her littlest brother, Bast. He was the smartest person she knew, maybe she should talk with Sasha about him attending one of the fancy Academies in Magnimar. Living in the city should afford him more options than just being a Flying Suncatcher like the rest of the family.

Izomandakus holds the torch closer to the doorway "Hmmm... that makes sense. If Nualia was searching for a Malfeshnekor here, it would be understandable she brought the key to open it first..."

Both Pachemu and him hold tense observing Valena's dealings with the ancient door "I hope the Malfeshnekor is some kind of gold container, perhaps a magical abacus"

Kizzy shook her head. "I don't think golden containers whisper or require taming. Considering Nualia's devotion to Lamashtu, I would guess it's demon or some other kind of dangerous beast. Maybe even a giant mutant goblin like we saw in that mural. We might leave well enough alone, if it's still locked up. Or else we might want to be sure we're at our best before we open that door." She suggested, always thinking defensively.

Kast things the idea to try the medallion is a good one, and is equally crestfallen when it doesn't work.

When others are ready, he opens the north door.

"Mmmm... you are probably right Kizzy" Izomandakus nods after some reflection "Indeed we already found a mutant Lamashtu goblin, so, it would make sense for it to be another mutant like the one in Sandpoint Crypts"

Izomandakus readies for trouble as both doors are opened at the same time. The boy casts torch light for Kast "Do you see more gold?"

While Pachemu steps east supporting Seamus own door opening efforts "Oink"

We'll start with the east and rotate north.

You open the eastern doors to a short set of stairs leading up into an oddly shaped chamber. This room contains three low tables, their tops covered with a strange and chilling selection of tools, saws, long-bladed knives, and objects whose purpose is not readily apparent. A strange collection of bones lies near the southern table - too many to be one skeleton, but too few to be two.

Close examination of the skeletal remains seems to suggest a two headed man, with an additional partial skeleton of a smaller man growing from the small of his back. The skeleton is ancient, and crumbles to dust as the wind from your movement reach it - let alone if you touch it.

The surgical tools however are exquisitely made and have stood the test of time somehow, though they are no longer magical. They’re worth 300gp.

Sitting on the easternmost table is an object that, upon closer examination, isn’t a tool at all - and may very well be what you seek. It appears to be a silver and gold seven pointed sihedron; one surface is studded with nodules and blades, and the other features a thin, curved handle. It looks very much like the key to the southern door in the hall.

Peaking into the room with Kast, Seamus sees the skeleton clearly before the turns to dust and stirs with the wind from their movement. He Pauses. "Was it my imagination or did that two headed skeleton have another skeleton growing out it's back?"

"Well there it is." She picks up the sihedron and turns it over in her hands. She focuses on the possible key so she does not have to think too much about the bones and the surgery tools. She brushes off Seamus's question with a joke. "Someone heard the expression 'making the beast with two backs' and took it rather literally, perhaps."

Kast moves in when ‘Mus opens the door, looking for danger, but then helping search when no threats emerge. He has nothing to say about the dusty skeletons.

”You think that is the key? Interesting. Okay. Neat,” he says looking on at the sihedron. ”Say Izo, is that magical too, like the one Meg wears?”

Kast will cast Detect Magic and look around the room.

"Trust it or not, is not that strange that some creatures have multiple heads. There are certain gargoyles with many arms, and stranger creatures with snakes for all hair" Izomandakus responds the half-elf while immersed in the observation of the bones.

The boy only comes back when Kast asks him "Eeeeh, ummm... probably just a key, but let's see..."
Detect magic in the room+K. arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"Let's open the northern door before unlocking the southern one" Pachem nods and follows accordingly.

"Well there it is." She picks up the sihedron and turns it over in her hands. She focuses on the possible key so she does not have to think too much about the bones and the surgery tools. She brushes off Seamus's question with a joke. "Someone heard the expression 'making the beast with two backs' and took it rather literally, perhaps."

Qetsiyah chuckles at Val's joke. "Looks a lot like the freakish remains we found in the catacombs beneath the Glassworks. Maybe all Lamashtu's followers try to become something monstrous themselves? Hmm. If the key was here, I guess Nualia hadn't found it yet. Lucky for us since her plans seemed to think that releasing Mal-whatever would be the end of Sandpoint."

Any other doors in this room?

Watching as Val picks up the 'key' Seamus rolls his eyes at her joke, not wanting to remind himself or anyone else of all the bad jokes he had heard growing up. As Kast wonders about the things magical abilities. When Izomandakus takes Val's comment seriously Seamus about chokes, turning away from his friend just in time to hear Kizzy Chuckle. Nodding his head in agreement with her, "Yes lucky for us, she didn't make it this far." Going to the table he starts picking up the fancy tools and stuffing them in his bandolier.

Once everything is loaded and everyone is done with their magical exploits, he offers. "Let's still open the northern door next, I don't like the idea of something being able to come out at us from behind." He then proceeds to the northern door and once everyone is ready he opens them.

The ‘key’ has transmutation magics, but nothing specific comes up in Kast’s identification. And that was the East room, sorry… ;)

You open the northern doors to reveal a barren room containing an upraised dais on which sits a gorgeous marble throne shot through with gold veins. To either side stand statues of a man clutching a book and a glaive.

A ghostly figure seems to be seated in the throne, an image of the same man who appears in the statues. He seems to be addressing an audience as he moves his hands about, his fingers decorated with hooked rings, but the words issuing from his phantom mouth are difficult to make out and in a strange language. Every minute or so the image flickers and repeats as if the magics that once worked are themselves flickering and this shadowy illusion is all that’s left.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Izomandakus observes the illusion and hears to the words intently, his face frozen "Even the magic of the most powerful Thassilonian wizards eventually fizzles out and slowly disappear..." he mumbles.

"I guess the time to open the southern room has come" making a sign for the pig to follow, the boy heads to the last door "Come Pachemu, let's solve this"

"Is that what that is, Izo? Huh? Sounds different than I thought it might," Kast tries to follow along. He's not as trained in Linguistics as others might be, a failure of his education he supposes.

Kast follows the group to the south door if there is nothing more of interest to the north.

"As whatever is inside these doors is likely to be dangerous, might we consider leaving it be? If we have the key, then there is no fear of letting it loose, is there?" Kast asks, ready to fight, but also willing to let sleeping beasts lie.

Val shrugs at Kast’s question. ”I mean, sure. We could do that. That said, it seems to me that whatever is in there, if it’s a monster, it is not going away. If we leave it, then it would just be a problem for some future Sandpointers.” She idly spins her rapier about as she thinks. ”We do not necessarily know whether whatever is in there even *needs* a key to get in and out. Or if this is the only key.” She holds her rapier up in a line and looks down it to make sure it is still pointing straight after all the fighting. ”Those are some big ifs, though. We could always just split the difference and finish scouting out the rest of the building and get a good night’s sleep before opening it. This has indeed been a very long day.”

"Why Kast? It just sounds normal to me. Back then, Karzoug seemed to think the cataclysm looming over his lands was part of Alaznist's petty plans. Nonsense, considering how Alaznist's territory received the worse part, ending shattered and below the Varisian Bay waters" Izomandakus shrugs as they leave the northern room.

"I think there is no other place to explore" Izomandakus leans over the wall casually holding the torch in his right hand.

"Besides, this place has been closed for so long that whatever was in there has sure perished long ago" comments the boy and his eyes shine while looking at the door "And there might be treasure inside"

Looking from Kast to Izomandakus, their jibber jabber, only making slightly more sense than the jibber jabber coming from the ghost that seemed to be stuck in some type of time loop. Seamus is surprised to hear Kast ask if thy should just leave the southern door alone, let sleeping dogs lie as it may. Turning as Val answers, he watches her deft moves with the long rapier, wondering if she could teach him to use a sword. Deciding the repetitive ghost was probably no harm, he moves back out into the hallway. Looking from Izomandakus to Kizzy, remembering the earlier ghosts. "Seems like some of the hardest things to kill have been stuff that perished long ago." He gestures to the south, "If were going in there can we shut the northern doors? I'm not sure I want Lord Chatty back there seeing what were doing. Might make him want to stop talking and start doing."

”We do not necessarily know whether whatever is in there even *needs* a key to get in and out. Or if this is the only key.””[/b]

Kast shrugs. ”I’m just making inferences based on what we know. A) We haven’t found any other keys and we’ve been all over this place. Secondly,” Kast begins to count off reasons on his fingers. ”Whatever was in there was deemed too dangerous to loose until it could be unleashed on Sandpoint. And Three) we can lock, block, and pin the door shut so it can’t get out. I mean, there is enough loose rock and debris that we can really pin the doors shut if we wanted.”

"And there might be treasure inside"

Kast shrugs. ”Aye, there might be.”

Kast closes the northern doors. He’s not going to demand that they don’t open the southern doors, but has spoken his peace/piece and was heard.

Val starts bending her rapier to correct a slight bend the other way in the blade. "Is it not tempting to finally just end the threat once and for all? We do not know who else knows about this place. Just get it done and no more worries, no more threats to Sandpoint. I mean, if it was a big deal to deal with the pool instead of leaving it, I do not see why this would not be a similar matter." She checks the line of her rapier again, and--satisfied--leans it on her shoulder once again. "I do think we should sleep on it so we are at full strength either way. Find a nice secluded, safe corner of the building."

Qetsiyah was unnerved by the strange apparition speaking in a strange tongue. "He mentions Alanznist, you say? Wasn't she the red statue under the Glassworks? It sure sounds like a threat... Maybe those old Thassa-bonians killed each other off?"

She nods her agreement with Kast. "I don't think it's long dead, Izo. It's been calling to Nualia to set it free. I think that means it can't get out on it's own. It needs to trick some unsuspecting soul to let it out, and we could be playing right into it's plans. We really can't even begin to guess what it is or how powerful it might be but the fact that someone locked it away for so long is a decent clue. We've already seen minor beasts that need special materials to even fight them, there's no telling what we might need for this. I think we should take the key with us and come back for it once we're really confident in our armament. We could put the town on guard at least... in case... in case we only succeed in unleashing whatever it is ourselves."

Hearing Kast's idea of pinning the door shut, Seamus stops and starts wondering if he has anything that would do the trick. Thinking of the 'bunk rooms' they found upstairs when Val talks about resting. Seamus turns and listens as Kizzy speaks of armament, of course Kizzy always speaks defensively. Shrugging, he subconsciously touches the 'magical shortsword' in his belt. "Odds are it's just a tomb. But the last tomb was problem enough."

He gestures towards Val, knowing only a little about how magic works. "Val says she'd like to rest and be at full strength. I assume that has something to do with restoring magical energies."

He then turns to Kizzy, "Kizzy wants to 'arm up' But their isn't really anything to buy in Sandpoint to arm up with." He thumbs his hand back towards where they left the helmet. "And we can't sell half that stuff in Sandpoint anyway,"

Shrugging "It would about take a trip to Magnimar to sell what we need and to buy what we need."

Val shrugs. "Well whatever. I do not care if we fight it now, tomorrow, or three days from now as long as we do it." She snatches a few gold pieces from her purse. "I bet any and all of you 10 gold and a night of drinks at the Dragon each that we open it, bluster through whatever is in there, and nobody is worse for wear and we all feel very silly that we spent all this time talking about it." She slides the coins back into her purse. "Luck comes to those who are willing to meet it halfway. Imagine if Cayden had not ran off to the Starstone on a drunken dare and how much less enriched our lives would be without him." She sheathes her sword and stretches. "Seems we are heading off though and I am outvoted. The bet stands, though. I do not do so idly!"

Seamus has a wide variety of things to chose from to try and keep the door in place - from heavy stone rubble in some goblin areas, to lots of heavy furniture and the like deeper down. He does what he can, with the parties help, to make it hard to get to the door to open it and harder to try and open it from the inside - if that's even possible.

The party returns to the upper floor, which stink of goblins and death. You expect the beds below will be more comfortable, and far less stinky. Either way, the night passes uneventfully, though your watch thinks it heard something rattle the front doors after dark… Though you didn’t need it here, please let me know who’s normally on what of the three watches overnight when you get a chance for future rests.

Looking back, you feel you’ve done well to this point. You’ve managed, thought teamwork and perseverance, to take down the Thistletop Goblins - the most powerful group of goblins in the region. Further, you’ve taken out Nualia’s cadre, and even left one alive for further questioning. By the way, he won’t wake in the morning, though he does look a bit less pale. You imagine, at some point, he’s going to need food or at least water, and that sort of thing is best done awake. Also, I doubt you want to carry him - and the helmet (which is going to be hard to get through the forest, but not impossible).

But for now, he sleeps quietly, locked around a stone pillar in Lamashtu’s temple. That’s gotta be tough on the dreams…

Refreshed, you you finish breakfast and prepare to go about your day. It’s about 9am on Moonday, Rova 29 by the time you’re ready to depart.

A few things, who’s carrying the ‘key’, and how do you plan to ‘carry’ the helm? I presume, for the helm, you’ll build a simple travois, and maybe get the horse to tow it, with help by the party.

Lastly, do you do anything else before departing this place for Sandpoint?

so close, still got ninja'd by GM Euan

Smiling at his friend, Seamus feeling froggy. "Your on, but make it a night of drinks at the winners choice. My friend Crackjaw can use your money." he pulls out a couple of tools to jamb the lock. "So we staying in the bunks in the basement or sleeping under the stars."

take 10 (23) disable device to jamb the locks

Val throws a thumbs-up to Sea. "Deal." She laughs at the mention of sleeping under the stars. "I have never slept without something over my head and I have no intention of starting now." She cracks her wrists and knuckles, trying to get out some of the tension that has built up over the very long day. "I would happily take first watch. I would rather stay up late than wake up early."

"I would be grateful if someone can take my watch turn" Izomandakus takes out of his backpack a small box with a few common tools, like a small builder's hammer and a small portable saw "I am going to be busy until late"

The boy works until dinner time scrabbling over the goblin trash to build a sled able to carry both Orik and the helmet, in addition to all the treasure found. Pachemu is very eager to help, pointing out loose nails and bringing around tools.
Craft: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 another +4 if clockwork craft can help

"Someone should cut the goblins ears. We were promised extra coin for each of them" Izomandakus comments through the dinner "I apologize but I think I will have to reject the drinking invitation. We need to be sober tonight for further work"

Afterwards, he unloads a protection from evil spell from his memory into a scroll using ink and paper, taking his time to make the perfect calligraphy required for the task.
Spellcraft (can I take 10 on this rutine things?): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
-12.5 gp

---

The next day Izomandakus help to load the sled and adjust it to the heavy horse. Bringing Orik, likely still unconscious and manacled, to the sled, where he makes sure he is properly bound.

"I think there is nothing else left to do. Well besides our friendly ancient chamber" the boy grins "I cannot wait to ask advise to Broddert Quink and omens to father Zantus about whether we should open it or not"

Usual watch schedule migth be: Watch 1: Meg/Val, Seamus. Watch 2: Kizzy, Kast. Watch 3: Izo, Pachemu.

But per Izo's request: Watch 1: Meg/Val. Watch 2: Kizzy, Kast. Watch 3: Seamus, Pachemu.

Kast will lead the party to a safe place to rest. He has no particularly good ideas for getting the heavy helmet back, save making a simple stretcher or sled and letting the horse pull it.

"I think we should get back to Sandpoint. I'd hate to have them be attacked and we're not there."

last night
Chuckling at Val's comment about never sleeping without something over her head, feeling emboldened after the wager, Seamus adds as he follows her to the bunks they found earlier. "Well, if we're sleeping outside you could always put your pillow over your head instead of under it." Seeing her crack her wrists and knuckles, he hopes the joke lightened the mood. Even with her magic depleted he would not be able to stop her from poking him with her rapier if she wanted to.

Not sure initially what Izomandakus was up to, he shrugs, "I'm like Val, I prefer seeing dawn from the night before not the morning of, but I'll take the last watch this time if it will help." Remembering the necklace that the Bugbear wore " But I really don't want to cut the ears off of dead goblins." Turning to Kast then Kizzy, "That means I better turn in early, would one of you two rouse me when it's my time to take watch?"

this morning
Having kept the leftover breakfast pastries from the morning before, Seamus pulled them out of his pack, and set them out with a couple of apples and pears Cracktooth had packed for him. Drawing his lute from his pack I forgot he put it in there he began playing, waking the others. As they got around telling them. "I have day old pastries and fruit. Better than nothing," Nodding in agreement with Kast smiling. "I doubt if they've been attacked, but your right we should head there." Asking Izomandakus, "Did you get your sled finished? I assume you figuring the horse will pull it?"

"I kinda' figured up something" Izomandakus yawns while taking a few of the pastries "We will discover soon if the horse just accepts it, I guess"

"Yep, let's go back to Sandpoint" the boy nods to Kast "How much do you think the sheriff will pay us for getting rid of the goblin infestation?"

Qetsiyah smiled at Seamus and Val's banter. "I'll take that bet too. And never be happier to lose 10 gold if you win." She says with a wink.

She spends some time tending to the horse as he would need his strength to help pull their load in the morning. She cleans wounds, applies salve and bandages to the best of her limited ability.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Take 10 for a second try of 18.
Heal+Kit: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20 Going for Long Term Care, if she has enough time.

She promised to wake 'Mus for his turn at watch and then went around collecting the goblin ears. She had no desire to mutilate the dead but remembering the goblin's meat locker and trophy room, it did not bother her either.

---

"I kinda' figured up something" Izomandakus yawns while taking a few of the pastries "We will discover soon if the horse just accepts it, I guess"

"Yep, let's go back to Sandpoint" the boy nods to Kast "How much do you think the sheriff will pay us for getting rid of the goblin infestation?"

"I guess we'll find out, if he is even back yet. Hey, that's some contraption you rigged up, Izo. And quick work too!" Kizzy did what she could to help ease the horse into helping to pull the load, as it was likely an unfamiliar task for a warhorse.

Take 10 again for 18 Handle Animal.

Kizzy heals the horse a bit more, maybe. (I think you guys used the wand on it didn’t you?) At the least she helps further calm it. She also does the grisly deed of cutting off goblin ears for the 1gp per pair they’re worth. She collects a blood sopping bag of 25.

With much trepidation, you lead the gigantic warhorse to the bridge. Naturally the goblins managed to get him across, but you’re a little uneasy getting him back. It looks so, well, goblin made. You reinforce what you can and guide the horse across. There are a few uneasy moments (the horse isn’t happy about this either and nearly bolts), but you manage to get across without trouble.

The helm weighs a tenth of the horse, but it’s bigger in some ways, so the only trouble is fitting it and dragging it. With the horses help and a bit of rope, you get the enormous gold helm across and through the low hedges, tearing up quite a few of them, and scratching the helm in a few spots (though really no worse than the damage it already sports).

You take some time to hack down a few young trees, tie them to the horse, and lift the gold helm and poor Orik onto it. Izomandakus leads the search and building, and does it well. The horse seems to get across the idea that this sort of labor is beneath him, but an apple or two go a long way to enlisting his aid.

Dragging the helm and Orik through the Nettlewood is, well, painful. You get stuck a few times, have to help carry them over streams, down into dry beds, up hillocks, etc. By the time you see the Lost Coast Road, you’d all but decided to leave the damn helm behind (at least!) - but the relatively smooth road makes all the difference.

You make much better time as you follow the roadway the rest of the way to Sandpoint. You arrive mid afternoon (about 3:00 PM), much later than you’d hoped. You’re still scratched up from the Nettlewood, and tired from your haul. It isn’t long before half the town turns out though - if only to gawk at the enormous golden helm!

The questions pour in from all sides, most asking about the helmet, a few asking about the horse, and all of them worrying about the Thistletop Goblins and wondering what you found there (other than a big damn hunk of gold of course!).

As you’re telling stories of your exploits (and please do so), Warren of the Watch eventually arrives, and demands a formal report of Kast, in writing, by the end of the day. Though it’s clear his lieutenants want to loiter and hear the stories too, once he announces his edict, he storms off back to the garrison. He will, if asked, begrudgingly take your prisoner away, promising to return the manacles, ”…when that report is on my desk!”

Izomandakus cleans the sweat from his forefront when after hard work the group manages to drive all the hoard and the horse up to Sandpoint "Oh, well, that certainly makes for a great story. The goblins had some gold, and we took it in repayment for bothering us this much"

"The Thisletorp will be no more of a problem" he announces, while trying to clear the way for the group to go into the town "They were worshiping Lamashtu and even had a few flying dogs with them, but Va...Meg was very bold at fighting them and the goblins fell one after another, while Seamus backstabbed them and turned their own traps against them."

"You should have seen how Kizzy protected us, holding the goblins away while Kast kept us guarded of all harm. I think no one guards the doors better than him, oh write that in your report Warren, Kast made the perfect door watch, at least twice" Pachemu oinks at the people asking for a free path "Where is the Sheriff? I will bring the prisoner personally to the jail and I would be grateful to be present when he is interrogated"

Val easily remembers that she will need to switch back to being "Meg" here. "And you should have seen Izo! Who would have thought a man could get so strong just from lifting all those books around! And so well-prepared with his spells, too. Personally, I could never decide with all those choices!" She cocks a finger gun towards Kast. "Speaking of books, your own Kast here is quite the well-studied young man. Why, we would not have understood half of the artifacts we came across! I lost count of how many final blows Kizzy struck and even more count of how many she prevented! Our boy Seamus--" She pats him on the shoulder. "--he may be the most tenacious of us all. I could barely keep track of how fast he moved those long knives of his. And he got through the traps so easily and quickly. Then again, where better to learn fast fingers than in a house full of Calistrians, eh?"

While Warren of the Watch is making an ass of himself, as expected, Val casually turns aside so that everyone aside from Kast and Warren can see her face, her hair and her hand casually placed up next to her mouth block the latter two. She makes an exaggerated version of Warren's face and mouths his words in similarly exaggerated fashion.

Bluff to Avoid Warren or Kast Noticing Her: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"…when that report is on my desk!”

"Yes, sir!" Kast offers a stiff salute at the command, then a more easy Lastwall fistbump should he feel the Warren reciprocate it.

When the Warren departs, Kast turns to the party.

"Well, sounds like I have a lot of work to do. I'll leave you to explain things to the townspeople. I gotta...I gotta take care of paperwork. You heard the man," Kast sighs, not complaining, but not exactly excited for the extra work when he had just hiked and fought, fought and hiked. All he wanted to do was get some food and relax.

But no, that's not what some knights are called on to do sometimes.

"You guys take care of this and maybe we'll catch up tomorrow. I gotta hope that my ink hasn't dried out and so I can get to reporting."

Kast takes his bardiche and limps off to get some work done, alone.

*limp, drag, limp*
*limp, drag, limp*

After a day of little more than killing, Seamus enjoys the trip back to Sandpoint, mostly. Well except where they got stuck in the thistles and tore his new cloak. Or when the goblin bridge started swinging under them and he nearly lost his lute. Or when they were crossing the stream and the helmet rolled off onto his foot knocking him into the water. Or when Orik slid off the boards and they had to drag him back on. Or when the horse started kicking and clipped him on the shin. Well, maybe the trip back wasn't better than killing things, but they were back. Breathing a sigh, thinking things could return to normal, he unslings his lute and begins to play.

Seamus didn't think about the fact that the 'hero's of Sandpoint' were dragging a prisoner back for people to gawk at. Let alone a three hundred pound golden giant helmet with crab remains in it. Realizing they couldn't avoid the crowd, Seamus begins to play a rousing tune as Izomandakus tells the tale. Missing a note when Izomandakus literally says Seamus 'backstabbed' people and then opened traps. Relieved when Izomandakus started talking about Kizzy. Ignoring Warrens rude discussion with Kast while the others shared the story, Seamus hoped that Kast would stay a bit.

As Val took up the narrative he changed the song to a bawdy drinking tune. Smiling when she complimented his knife techniques, he closes his eyes shaking his head when she talks about how easily he dealt with traps. Wondering if these two realize he has to live in Sandpoint. Missing a beat, he looks from Val to the golden helmet. They had enough money he could live wherever he wanted. He didn't have to stay in Sandpoint, he could go anywhere. Almost as if a weight were lifted from his shoulders, Seamus picked up the tempo of the bawdy tune, but only for a moment.

As Kast announced he had paper work to do, Seamus let the song slip into a dirge, wondering how he could help Kast realize that he didn't have to listen to Warren. That Kast didn't have to judge his 'perfection' through the eyes of Warren or the people of Sandpoint who may want to judge him.

Calling out to his friend, "Hey Kast, screw him and his paperwork. You don't have to do what he says, your not just a part of the watch. Your with us now."

Izomandakus openly laughs at Valena's interpretation of Warren. And nods when Kast decides to leave "I am eager to go tell Aneka and mom all about our epic adventure at the Thassilonian cliff of the Thisletorps!"

"Will I find you later at the Rusty Dragon? This deserves a grand celebration!" the boy and Pachemu will head to Sandpoint's Savories where he will update his family. Aneka was probably worried, or just fed up of taking her twin's turn in the bakery, but her mother is very much unworried and amazed by the adventuring story.

Later on, Izomandakus will look back for the team and celebrate with wine, even tossing perhaps a Thassilonian coin over the counter of the tavern.

You don’t expect the sheriff to return until, at least, Lamashan 2 an Oathday. It is currently late afternoon on Rova 29 a Moonday. So you’ve part of a week to guard Sandpoint before the sheriff’s earliest expected arrival.

That said, you were asked to stand guard against the Thistletop Goblins primarily, and whatever mischief they cause with the other goblins in the region. You can safely say that threat has been, at least for the foreseeable future, neutralized. Dunno if that’s enough to disobey an order and leave for Magnimar now, but it might be.

It takes two days each way to reach Magnimar by horseback, but you’ll need a wagon for the helm, which will slow you to three days each way.

The stories, mostly of the party patting each other on the back variety, are still very much appreciated by the residents of Sandpoint. They’re not sure how great a threat the goblins were of course - because the Sheriff was keeping that pretty quiet so as to avoid panic, but they know there are fewer goblins to harass the northern road - and that’s a good thing. And a Gold Helm - why no one here has ever seen that much gold in one place before. It's HUGE!

They’re more surprised by a human working with the goblins in the face of the man you brought back. Were he conscious, he’d likely get a stern talking to by many in the audience, and perhaps even some thrown fruit and veg!

Warren sneers at Izomandakus’ request to be there during questioning, ”You’re not actually a member of the watch! The man will be questioned by the Sheriff when he returns and not before.” he says firmly, falling back on his orders from the Sheriff a few days ago. He’s happy to follow orders, especially when it inconveniences Kast and his band of rowdies.

It’s about 3pm or so. Kast has said he’s off to do paperwork (though that may change). What are your plans for the evening and into the night?

Val looks through the assemblage of items that the party has collected. She holds up the scrimshaw jade amulet of natural armor. "Someone should probably take this. I already have the Sihedron medallion, but I could trade for a cloak if someone else would rather have the medallion than the jade amulet."

"Hmmm... well, as you say Warren. You are in command, here, but he prisoner thanks to us, thus it would make sense if we can be there for the interrogation and we can give our input on what happened" Izomandakus says but really pays not much attention to the guard's vent.

That night, Izomandakus joins the party. He seems in a very good mood "I think I will take a couple of the healing potions. One big one and one of the small shot ones"

Then looking at the pig "What about you Pachemu? What treasure will you claim?"

"Hey Kast, screw him..."

Kast spins on his twisted left leg to look at Seamus. He shrugs, putting up his hands, helplessly.

"I have to get it done either way and it's just easier to do when it's fresh in my mind," he explains. "I should do things right."

Kast will go work on the report, likely falling asleep at his desk and working again on it in the morning. He'll read and re-read it, trying to make it reasonably perfect as possible, then deliver it and check on his prisoner in the morning, before getting breakfast.

* * *

"Oh, you guys go to Magnimar. I can't leave here...not while the Sheriff is away and I'm supposed to be making sure Sandpoint is safe. But you guys go," Kast explains to the party then the suggestion is brought up. He scratches his open-air belly because he can, and his armor allows easy access to scratching there.

"Besides, I want to talk things over with Mr. Quint. There might be some reading I can do...and he'll want to hear about all of it. He might know things that can help explain what was going on with that beast."

"Also, I'm going to interrogate the prisoner as well, maybe. Or at least make sure Warren is taking good care of him. I'd hate for him to have an accident before the Sheriff returns."

Kast doesn't need either the NA amulet or the sihedron medallion, but would wear them if offered. If given the choice, he'd prefer the medallion because of the historical significance and the ties to old-old Sandpoint.

Earlier
Realizing that his hands were sore from gripping the knives all day yesterday, Seamus stops playing his lute. Turning to the others, he shakes his head. "I'm tired of fighting the crowds, I'm going to head to Cracktooths for a bit, I'll see you all at the Dragon, for a late supper and we can talk about what were doing."

Seamus ducks down Mud Street, catching River Street, he winds the long way around town, wondering what he will tell his friend. Walking in the tavern, Seamus drops his pack in the usually spot, taking a seat at the bar. Being too early to be busy, Seamus has Cracktooth's undivided attention. He tells his friends about the goblin fort and the multiple fights. Then told him about chasing the girl wizard, tackling her and handcuffing her. Then the fight with Nualia and the hell dog in the trapped hallway. He skips over the part where they killed both of them in cold blood.

He explains how they found the bugbear that Shalelu was hunting, and the necklace it wore. He touched on the prisoner, changing topic long enough to tell what an ass Warren was being. When he got back to the adventure he skipped right to the fight with the giant crab. Taking the time to describe how Izomandakus was so keen on bringing the helmet back that he didn't notice the giant crab in it. He smiled to himself, fishing one of the ancient coins out of his bandolier, showing it to his friend. He chuckles telling Cracktooth about how they used the horse to drag the helmet back to town. When Cracktooth starts to hand the gold coin back, Seamus waives him off, telling him to keep it.

Seamus stays at the tavern, done with his story, he grabs a towel and starts helping clean the tables. It didn't matter that they were clean. Or that the floor didn't really need swept when he grabbed the broom. The last several days had been so different, it felt good to be doing something familiar. As he wiped off the tables and swept the floor he thought about what he had told Kast, what he realized there in the town center. He didn't have to stay in Sandpoint just to survive. He could go and do anything he wanted. Not that he necessarily wanted to leave, but he had options now. He thought about his friends. Helping Val clear her name. Helping Kast make it to Last Wall. Helping Izomandakus become rich. He paused for a moment realizing he had no idea what Kizzy wanted. Stopping he looked at the clock. He probably should meet up with the others. Putting the broom back where it goes, he waived to Cracktooth as he grabbed his gear and headed for the Dragon.

Now
Sitting at the usual table, Seamus sips a little of the plum wine that had become their celebratory drink. He listened as Val asked about the medallion and the amulet, he shrugs, "I'm not really interested in either." He then gives a wolfish grin, winking at Kizzy. "But I hope Kizzy keeps that fighters bow, so I can have Atsuii's" Turning to Izomandakus, "I think we should keep all the potions, split them up to whoever needs them. Especially the ones for healing." Adding, "But I'd really like to be able to enchant my long knives, not being able to hit those ghosts, or whatever they were, was frustrating."

As the conversation turned to the next day, when Kast says they should go to Magnimar without him, Seamus shakes his head no. "I think we should wait to go to Magnimar when were all ready." Wanting everyone in Magnimar in case they recognized Val and had to fight to get away, He looks towards Val, then back to Kast, hoping his friend catches the inference. "That way if anything were to happen, we'd be there for each other." He shrugs, "But there's no reason not to go back to Thistle Top and finish what we started. That's still officially doing what we were told to do."

Abruptly, he turns and looks at Kizzy. "Hey Kizzy, why are you doing this." He pauses for a second. "While I was at Cracktooths, I started thinking." He nods at Val. "Meg here has told us why she's in Sandpoint." He then nods towards his two local friends. "I've know Izomandakus and Kast a long time. It's not secret Kast dreams of fighting in Last Wall." He pauses for a moment lifting his plum wine. "Which he would be very good at." Then gesturing towards Izomandakus. "And Izomandakus is always coming up with schemes to get rich quick, that's why he was so interested in that helmet that he didn't even notice the crab." Shrugging thinking that none of them actually had. "But What are your goals? I know you say you came to take work as a guard. But honestly you picked Sandpoint to learn more about your mother. But what now? With the money we've earned you won't need to ever work again, unless you want to. What will you do next?"

"Oh, if the magic worries you, worry not. I can reinforce both of your blades with magic before we open the door" Izomandakus nods in agreement when Seamus proposes delaying the trip to Magnimar, and smiles when he suggests the boy is trying to quickly become rich.

Taking a sip from the served wine and stabbing a couple of potatoes with the fork, he halts a moment, mouth open, to look at Kizzy. Pachemu raises her ears and listens attentively to the Varisian's answer.

The party meets, likely over supper at their usual haunt, the Rusty Dragon. Ameiko is still not seeing people, but she’s home now, and feeling much better then two days ago. You’re told that it might be another day or two - not long - and she’ll want to thank you in person!

You sort out what you want to sell and what you want to keep, and make plans for future purchases in Magnimar (though you’ll likely get your wands of CLW here at least to support the local church - or more properly cathedral!).

The night passes uneventfully, and you rise late, sore in places you hadn’t expected from your recent battles, and slog through the countryside. But you gather for a late breakfast in the Rusty Dragon on Toilday, Rova 30.

You have the whole day ahead of you, and possible a few more if you chose to wait for the Sheriff. It's a drizzly cold rain currently, and promises not to let up all day from the looks of it.

There are six more potions of Cure Moderate Wounds. May I suggest everyone gets one (or one more in the case of Izomandakus) and someone please take the last one.

You still need to decide what to do about the warhorse. It’s currently stabled at the Goblin Squash Stables, where Daviren is already admiring the powerful creature. He confirms no one from around here owns such a fine steed. He’d have known it. He suggests selling it in Magnimar so you can get the full coin - if you’re to be selling it at all.

A couple other transactions:
Valena - do you accept the cloak of resistance and amulet of natural armor and the loss of the medallion (goes to Kast)?
Kizzy - are you willing to give up the MW composite (+1) short bow (goes to Seamus)? You have a MW composite (+3) longbow.

Finally, I have one wand of CLW to buy. Does the group wish anything further at this time?

Finally, I have one wand of CLW to buy. Does the group wish anything further at this time?

If Kizzy was ok with swapping out bows, Seamus would have gone to the temple and asked the priest to prepare a spell for the next morning to make the shortbow MW.

Val is indeed happy to make the trade! Knowing now that Kast knows All the Thassilon, she'd feel bad keeping it from him

"I already have a horse of my own, but we certainly could hardly go wrong with a second. They are lovely animals, you know?" Val's "horse girl" tendencies are hard to restrain.

I'm personally good with holding off on further purchases, individual or otherwise for now. Val's feeling pretty well protected, and it sounds like we've got plenty of consumables and such atm. We can spent more time on loot after we check out that door maybe