[Non-PFS] [3PP Class Only] Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands (Inactive)

Game Master djpika

Actually combat is over. I already cleared the map with the rolls; I just didn't have enough time to post.

What does the party do now?

Xephkiel looks around to his camp mates. "My friends! I'm so sorry! I should have been more alert. Please forgive me!" The astral deva looks to the scholar. "Is anyone injured?"

"Hmm.. Question. As a group. In retrospect I think I could've blown up a few before they got close to us.. but that is loud-also a fire hazard. So I tried to call out instead. Should we opt for explosion wake up next time? ...I don't know how to stop a foreest fire though." Lamenting the fact he froze with indecisiveness at sudden danger-again, like before, Zupon instead tries to turn it into a learning experience.
Sticking his torch into the ground, then reaching into his clothing"They weren't happy with my torch, but did anyone get hurt? I can patch you up." Zupon offers holding two small vials, as well as his obvious first aid kit attached to his bag.

"I can also offer some healing," interrupted Xephkiel, with a furrowed brow, as if, of course, the astral deva would offer healing.

Andru looked at his comrades and said to them with a look at Zupon I had to weigh the same thing. I could have used my fire shot. but its a 30 foot spray and I thought better of possibly starting a fire out here.

"Life might be easier if we're heading into a keep I guess. Less enviromental dangers...but more noise dangers for sure."

If you are hurt. I have 2 Healing Salves, I'll have to remake Alch Item after we finish resting anyway. So you may feel free to take one, and roll your helaing. 1d8+4. Or Xephs healing.

Braggi is 7 hp down.

"I'll gladly take one of those" he says while accepting one of Zupon's drinks. "Does it taste like mead?"

1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Much better! Now we should go back to resting."

Kurian says little, perhaps frustrated by his own inability to hit...anyhthing. He takes a salve from Zupon with a nod of thanks.

Salve: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

After taking care of the injured, the party is able to fall back to sleep per the plan, albeit a little less at ease than before.

The morning after brings stiff limbs and various kinks from sleeping on the open road in addition to the mending of torn tissue. Vapor rises with each breath in the hazy sun, the smoldering campfire offering little incentive to leave the bedrolls behind.

Assuming the group stays on a steady path to Swallowfeld, I'll post more when I get the chance. The map needs some tweaking to fit the location, so it'll take a bit longer.

In the morning Zupon awakens, and begins his morning habituals. Setting out his alchemical kit and setting down to create a few usable tools. While offering to the group, "I'm going to brew up some salve, and explosives. I imagine we'd like more salves, than explosives. Once I'm finished, do any of you want to have one to carry in case you're injured away from us?" Settling in to grinding a poltice, "Oh, feel free to throw any food scraps you have into this other pot-the black one, not the copper one. Its easy enough for me to watch over a stew while I work anyway-Thought we could manage up a breakfast with our scraps and some local fauana or flora."

Anyone looking into the pot notices random scraps-herbs, salt stone, and the like- left over from his alchemical works, as well as part of a ration pack. Currently just for Zupon-extending his rations for himself. Survival if required for local scraps to throw in to extend the meal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Also I can make 3 Items. My usual is 2 salves 1 Imp Fuse Grenade, or 1 salve, 2 imp fuse grenade. Depending on if the group wants more damage or more heals (can also heal with a dc15 heal check+standard and a kit use). Anyone have a strong opinion on the item split? I don't now how much healing Xeph has per day.

Lastly, I can hand out the salve for other folks to use, so if I make 1 or 2, some other folks can carry for emergencies as well

Named for the vast flocks of swallows found here by the first
settlers, Swallowfeld is an isolated place, perched upon the very
edge of civilization. Pressed closely on three sides by the near‐
trackless expanse of the Artfell Forest and bounded to the
south by the Elbewick Rise, the village is a hard, frontier place.

Notable Locations
1. The Wolf’s Head: tavern.
2. Grist Mill
3. Kerensa’s Hold
4. The Crumbled Tower
5. Church of the Father
6. Blacksmith
7. Tryfena’s: Swallowfeld’s trading post.
8. Melor’s House: village reeve.
9. Mellyn Vosper’s House
10. Hovel

Knowledge (religion), Church of the Father: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Xephiel hasn't heard that reference before.

"Well, I've never heard of the Church of the Father before, but it looks like this town has a tavern; a safe haven for any caydenite like myself" Xephkiel smiled encouragingly, despite the town's rougher edges. "Let's go inside and plan our next step."

"Yeah, I wouldn't mind some fresh ale and a nice leek soup" Braggi agrees.

"Ale can't be fresh, its fermented. But I agree, seems like a good place to go and find some info. Talking to the Reeve could be approriate later as well; I imagine they keep a going log on dangers in the area.. Someone might have some knowledge of the keep-or those who came before us and if they have come back.

Actually combat is over. I already cleared the map with the rolls; I just didn't have enough time to post.

The dead faces on those 3 wolves was a nice touch. :)

After the wolf attack...

With the battle decisively concluded and both Braggi and Kurian all healed up, Chigao helps out with clearing away the three dead wolf corpses before turning back in to sleep- only this time, the Young Kunoichi makes certain to keep her sheathed sickle nearby within reach.

Sticking his torch into the ground, then reaching into his clothing"They weren't happy with my torch, but did anyone get hurt? I can patch you up." Zupon offers holding two small vials, as well as his obvious first aid kit attached to his bag.

"I can also offer some healing," interrupted Xephkiel, with a furrowed brow, as if, of course, the astral deva would offer healing.

"I'll gladly take one of those" he says while accepting one of Zupon's drinks. "Does it taste like mead?"

"Much better! Now we should go back to resting."

Kurian says little, perhaps frustrated by his own inability to hit...anyhthing. He takes a salve from Zupon with a nod of thanks.

Chigao, while quietly observing the proceedings, isn't quite sure if she should bring up her own limited ability to heal. It was something that her master had warned her against casually revealing to others as it would put into jeopardy the false rumors (having some distant fey ancestry or having an unfortunate reaction to some strange Thuvian Elixir) that were made to help explain away her unusually colored hair while dissuading others from coming to the false conclusion that she must be some type of "lucky aasimar child". Ultimately, the Young Kunoichi opts to not reveal anything just yet. And it's not like we're near any caves leading underground at the moment...

The next morning...

Awakening to the morrow's morning with a yawning stretch, Chigao will waste no time in re-sharpening her sickle with the whetstone purchased from Kalverro's Outfitters once she's fully awake.

"Oh, feel free to throw any food scraps you have into this other pot-the black one, not the copper one. Its easy enough for me to watch over a stew while I work anyway-Thought we could manage up a breakfast with our scraps and some local fauana or flora."

survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8. If Chigao spots any usable wild herbs, she'll put them into the black pot.

Also I can make 3 Items. My usual is 2 salves 1 Imp Fuse Grenade, or 1 salve, 2 imp fuse grenade. Depending on if the group wants more damage or more heals (can also heal with a dc15 heal check+standard and a kit use). Anyone have a strong opinion on the item split? I don't now how much healing Xeph has per day. Lastly, I can hand out the salve for other folks to use, so if I make 1 or 2, some other folks can carry for emergencies as well

Out of curiosity, how much does the salve or grenade weigh? I think that Xeph has one healing power per day. Chigao also has one CLW per day but it's only usable/castable in caves/underground terrain that's away from urban areas.

Entering Swallowfield...

Walking alongside with her fellow adventuring companions, Chigao looks about, to and fro, at various irregular intervals.

"This isn't a very large town; I wonder what else they have here besides the tavern, Reeve, and church?"

The Monring found Andru sitting cross legged on drop cloth he had spread out, with tools laying there as he adjusted and cleaned the various metallic objects he had. He hummed as he worked making sure everything was perfect, before putting everything away and getting up.

Then he started the long walk to Swallowfield.

He muttered Kurian, do you ever wonder where they get these town names? Did someone stumble upon a field full of swallows and said...ahh I will call this town this...or did he get a bout of hay fever and have a hard time swallowing? and why not call it 'town near evil tower? or to abbreviate Eviltowerton. has a ring to it dont you think? he chuckled at his feeble attempt at humor.

then as they approached the small hamlet To the tavern then

Swallowfeld is a village of just over 500 people; Olfden close to 3,300. Swallowfeld is a true frontier settlement; life is not comfortable or easy for those living there. Most of the inhabitants appear to be human, although the occasional non-human can be spotted. All the dwellings adhere to the same basic design, although each varies in size and quality dependent on the owner’s wealth. A small fenced yard lies between the road and the house. Here, chicken scratch about while behind the house
higher fences and a ditch gird a much larger area used to cultivate vegetables and other crops.

The only tavern, the Wolf's Head is a two-story affair; one of the only such buildings in the village. A small stable block and barn comprise the three sides of a small courtyard.

Stepping inside, a heavily bearded man with a thinning crown wearing a fur cloak stands over a roughly carved table, wiping it down. At the sound of customers, he looks up and smiles, "Visitors! Welcome. What brings you to the Wolf's Head?"

Pictures added in the campaign section.

Kurian looks askance at Andru.

”Um. I never thought about it. Swallow. Feld. Field of Swallows? Mebbe there were birds here. Or...are...in the right season. The Beast will know.” he adds cryptically.

He looks about at the town, surveying the settlement. He has no particular inclination to
enter the tavern, but heads in with those who do.

”Talking to the Reeve is a good starting place Zupon. Oh, and although you say ale can’t be fresh, it *can* go stale, and warm: not very fresh.” he adds helpfully.

"That certainly sounds unpleasant for certain." Zupon cannot deny the truth of foul warm beverages, nor the danger of stale and soured drinks.

"Tavern first sounds fine."

The bearded man pauses for a second as the awkward silence lingers in the air. Puzzled, he looks at the group and asks again, "What brings you to the Wolf's Head?"

"Good evening, sir!" The big man smiles as he walks up to the bar. "A local exploration," Xephkiel explains. "But first, what fine drinks does the Wolf's Head offer?" The thirsty newcomer scratches his divine brand on his neck.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Drinks first, a man after my own heart. Well, we have a light ale, wine, and our finest - Old Man. It's a darkly colored lager that has a bitter, nutty, herbal taste."

Pricing:

Drink Ale, normal 4 cp/pint
Old Man1 1 sp/pint
Wine 2 sp/flask

"A local exploration? That sounds interesting. I didn't realize there was anything like that around here," asks a woman stepping in from the kitchen with a matronly voice.

Xephkiel looked to the others. "Six Old Men, please?" The big man put 6sp down on the counter. When all 6 drinks were served, Xephkiel passed them out to the others.

DM rel20, as we arrived in the village, would it be safe to say that both the crumbled tower and Kerensa's hold (looks like it's on an elevated hill or down below in a pit?) are easily noticeable local landmarks [by sight] upon arrival?

Stepping inside, a heavily bearded man with a thinning crown wearing a fur cloak stands over a roughly carved table, wiping it down. At the sound of customers, he looks up and smiles, "Visitors! Welcome. What brings you to the Wolf's Head?"

The bearded man pauses for a second as the awkward silence lingers in the air. Puzzled, he looks at the group and asks again, "What brings you to the Wolf's Head?"

"Good evening, sir!" The big man smiles as he walks up to the bar. "A local exploration," Xephkiel explains. "But first, what fine drinks does the Wolf's Head offer?" The thirsty newcomer scratches his divine brand on his neck.

"Drinks first, a man after my own heart. Well, we have a light ale, wine, and our finest - Old Man. It's a darkly colored lager that has a bitter, nutty, herbal taste."

"A local exploration? That sounds interesting. I didn't realize there was anything like that around here," asks a woman stepping in from the kitchen with a matronly voice.

Xephkiel looked to the others. "Six Old Men, please?" The big man put 6sp down on the counter. When all 6 drinks were served, Xephkiel passed them out to the others.

Somewhat taken aback by the appearance of the presumably fur-clad proprietor of the Wolf's Head, Chigao fidgets around a bit nervously as she finds herself unsure of what to say; luckily, Xephkiel, seemingly in his right element, is able to put things at ease with an order of these so-called Old Man drinks.

Gratefully taking her Old Man drink with both petite hands with a brief bow given to both the tall Deva and the fur-clad proprietor, the Young Kunoichi lass turns towards the sound of an elder lady making her remarks about local explorations to note the appearance of the matronly woman coming from the kitchen.

Deciding that she should at least address the older ladies' query as the sole female party member of the group, Chigao glances over to Zupon, Kurian, Andru, and Braggi, before replying with, "There is that ruined tower by the town that we noticed upon arriving here, unless it's already being used as a guard tower..." to the elder matron with a respectful bow.

Andru sits and sips the drink, enjoying the flavor. He lets the others ask questions until he sees a reason to add something

"Haven't had much alcohol before.. but thank you." Sitting down near Andru for a bit, mildy uncertain of where to start within a tavern setting.

Most of his considerations were asking the village lead concerning local issues in the direction we'd be going or about previous adventurers going through

Deciding that she should at least address the older ladies' query as the sole female party member of the group, Chigao glances over to Zupon, Kurian, Andru, and Braggi, before replying with, "There is that ruined tower by the town that we noticed upon arriving here, unless it's already being used as a guard tower..." to the elder matron with a respectful bow.

"Guard tower? That old thing with the caved in top? Heavens, no. Jory's only good for guarding the bottom of his tankard, I'm afraid," she replies with a mellow voice. "I hope that isn't the only thing that brought you out here."

In case the group would prefer more mechanical ways of gathering information, here is what can be learned after about 4 hours at the inn:

"A she-devil? Assaulting travelers? We must end this." Snorri is now sure that's why the place is so... abandoned. No one would dare trade with such a peril.

But wait. There is one trader. She must be in liege with the devil!

"Okay, this must be deeper than it seems. We might probably want to keep with our current job, but certainly we should return later and solve this..."

After all, another trade route would help his own business.

"A she-devil? Assaulting travelers? We must end this." Snorri is now sure that's why the place is so... abandoned. No one would dare trade with such a peril.

Xephkiel nods in agreement. "I heard that, too. Sounds like we should do our best to make our movements quietly."

"Guard tower? That old thing with the caved in top? Heavens, no. Jory's only good for guarding the bottom of his tankard, I'm afraid," she replies with a mellow voice. "I hope that isn't the only thing that brought you out here."

Chigao will bring up our interest in Ironwolf Keep to the Tavern-keepers Maban and Bleja unless prevented otherwise by the other party members. Just let me know if it's okay via ooc here. :)

After clarifying about the old caved in tower being currently abandoned or not plus revealing the party's interest in Ironwolf Keep (unless prevented otherwise, of course- in that case, Chigao will keep things vague about searching for adventure) to Bleja, Chigao will also add, "We were hoping to speak to the Reeve; would the hold atop that hill be the Reeve's residence? Come to think of it, we might also wish to speak with the Bailiff Teague as well."

Basically, a prompt to get us all to the Reeve and/or Bailiff. ;)

After a moment's consideration and a sip of her Old Man drink, Chigao will inquire, "We also might be interested in finding lodgings for the night- if there's anyplace available for it."

Potential free lodgings at the tower, if abandoned and not in use by the town?

Braggi Wrongeye wrote:

"A she-devil? Assaulting travelers? We must end this." Snorri is now sure that's why the place is so... abandoned. No one would dare trade with such a peril.

Xephkiel nods in agreement. "I heard that, too. Sounds like we should do our best to make our movements quietly."

Making sure to pass on a silver piece to Xephkiel for the drink, Chigao will mention, "Should we go to Tryfena's to get any further supplies?" -1 sp

Kurian is content to let the more...talkative (read: actually sociable) members of the group glean local information. He declines the drink and looks about furtively, checking the clientele.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"Are there any supplies we might think we need?" Braggi answers. With a mouth on his mouth to prevent overhearing, he adds "Maybe we should leave the situation here for later - if a she-devil is involved, the root of the problem might be deeper than it seems. And this merchant has all the tickets for the raffle of 'being guilty'."

Xephkiel looks over to Braggi and nods, eyes wide in comprehension. "I think we can improvise with the gear we already have." If no one takes Kurian's Old Man, the astral deva takes it and pours it out on the floor, in a prayer of good fortune for the tavern and adventurers to Cayden Cailean.

Just cross checking DC 10 knowledge against 1's or 2's: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 that is hilarious. Still meets it works I believe

" Well I don't think its a situation we can leave for later-She's in the Shadowedkeep. That is where we're going now. Chances are if there are old maps they either kept them, moved them, or destroyed them depending on disposition.
So; our goal is apparently full of a she-devil as well as ex soldiers, and briggands. That sounds.. difficult. Did anyone hear if she's an actual monsterous creature? Or is it a euphamism?
Ideally though, we don't have any conflicts."

If no one in the group obtained that. Zupon would inquire around the tavern (and other places as we go) to try and grasp if they're just calling her a she-devil or if there is a functional reason for doing so

------

"We were hoping to speak to the Reeve; would the hold atop that hill be the Reeve's residence? Come to think of it, we might also wish to speak with the Bailiff Teague as well."

"Up the hill? No. Melor's home is the most ostentatious in town, next to the church. Have fun with that. As for Beryan, I'm sure she'll pop in eventually. She likes to make sure no one gets too foolhardy with their drink." As Bleja moves closer for the conversation, Chigao is overwhelmed with the heavy-handed application of lavender perfume.

Images added.

Given that the party eventually spends the 4 hours at the tavern, Beryan will be there now.

After a moment's consideration and a sip of her Old Man drink, Chigao will inquire, "We also might be interested in finding lodgings for the night- if there's anyplace available for it."

"Well, the Wolf's Head is a tavern. If you look over there, by the bearskin rug, there's a sign with pricing."

Lodgings Common room 5 cp/night
Simple room 2 sp/night
Superior room 5 sp/night
Stabling 1 sp/night
Private dining room 5 sp/meal

If no one in the group obtained that. Zupon would inquire around the tavern (and other places as we go) to try and grasp if they're just calling her a she-devil or if there is a functional reason for doing so

------

After a little bit of probing, you get the impression it might be hyperbole, although no one really has first hand knowledge.

Kurian is content to let the more...talkative (read: actually sociable) members of the group glean local information. He declines the drink and looks about furtively, checking the clientele.

[dice=Perception]1d20 + 4

As the day moves into the early evening, villagers begin to migrate their way into the tavern. Maban greats each of them with a warm welcome.

Almost all the villagers wear homemade rough wool or linen clothes. Men wear coarse tunics and long stockings as well as thick sheepskin cloaks. Women tend to wear long dresses and stockings. Most clothes are of brown hue or other drab color such as ochre, sienna or gray. Everyone wears wooden clogs or shoes made of thick leather.

Standing out from the rest is a corpulent man wearing a wine‐stained jerkin that stretches over his immense belly. A goatee frames his mouth and thick, lank red hair tumbles over his shoulders.

Kurian indicates the slovenly individual to his companions by positioning himself so he is directly in line with the fellow with his back to him.

”Folks. The...ah...rotund, messy fellow. Perhaps one if the she-devil’s lackeys out for a pint?”

”Folks. The...ah...rotund, messy fellow. Perhaps one if the she-devil’s lackeys out for a pint?”

Xephkiel's brow furrows. "Let me check. The bar looks suitable full."

"I would rather assume that is likely the mayor or the local merchant. Position of power invites excess.

If Xephkiel needs a distraction to do that covertly, let me know and one of us can try to swing a distraction~ Teamwork!

Xephkiel isn't being stealthy about it. He sees it as his divine right to root out evil. I'll leave it for the DM is he wishes to make some visual cue, like glowing eyes, whatever.

Andru sipped his drink and said Someone in town is on the payroll of the Bandits. Thats normally how it works. Keeping them informed as to the comings and goings. So look for someone watching us...maybe?

He looked around the bar.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Braggi realises his mistake, and relaxes a bit now that he kows there's no devil around here. His companions seem a bit nervous still, though, and when they tell you about a possible spy, he quickly has a look around, totally not giving away his intentions...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9