GM NovelEnigma's Extinction Curse (Inactive)

Game Master zer0darkfire

Map Slides


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Envoy's Alliance

NG Catfolk Swashbuckler level 2| HP 15/30 | AC 19 | F +5 R +10 W +5 | Perc(E) +5 Scent (imprecise) 30 feet| Stealth(T) +8 | speed 25| | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Drake will draw his rapier and cautiously approach the middle cow stall. "Just what were they keeping here?"


B19 Grim Tidings ||
Rhoxl wrote:

Rhoxl grunts and begins scaling the walls of the barn to get to the hay loft. “Rhoxl is dropping a rope for scaleless friends,” he grunts.

[dice=Athletics]d20+10

You could just use one of the two sets of stairs. I think a 17 athletics probably critically succeeds at walking up stairs.

Rhoxl
Map Slide
The loft is mostly bare; it contains only a small bedroll Nemmia left behind and a prodigious quantity of rat droppings showing that many rats once laired here with her. Nemmia engraved the wood floor of the loft with a detailed summoning circle;

A hero who succeeds at a moderate Religion or a harder Arcana or Occultism check to Recall Knowledge (DC nested):

DC 16 Religion or 18 Arcana/Occultism
Spoiler:

identifies several sigils that represent Gozreh, as well as many demonic runes. The largest rune translates roughly to "B-A-L-E-N-N-I".

Drake

The Hawfton family, Seirah, Rikart, and Aima, are roped together, lashed to the post in the middle stall, and gagged. They are awake and look relatively unharmed.


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Naatalu ascends the stairs and carefully steps onto the floor of the loft. He turns and scans his surroundings before proceeding, as if he's trying to avoid tainting a crime scene.

Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

That over there is very obviously the summoning circle for her mephits, but more than that I cannot say.

He turns and his eyes light up at seeing the tied-up family.

I imagine somebody is looking for them...

He begins to untie and ungag them, one by one, starting with the adults so they can talk.


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Zec follows Drake as backup. Upon seeing the family they address the mephits again, though in a firm enough voice that it is clearly also meant for the victims as instructions on what to do.

"We are going to untie these creatures but they will remain here, so you are still following your instructions and no violence is needed."

As long as the mephits seem amenable to this, Zec will help Drake release the hostages, quietly reinforcing they should stay in the stall for now until told it is safe to leave.


B19 Grim Tidings ||

As you free the adults, Seirah and Rikart, they assist you in untying the others. Their movements are weak and sluggish due to their ordeal, but they manage to help nevertheless.

Seirah shakes Aima, "Aima! Quick, we need water and food. We haven't had any for days!"

Aima's eyes are open, but nothing seems to be going on behind them and she only has a dazed expression.

Rikart begins scrounging around the barn for anything drinkable or edible. "Thank you for saving us." he says as he looks around, "Please, help my daughter if you can."

The earth mephits simply hang around out of the way, "No one is making us do anything anymore; we're on vacation now."


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Union mephits. Very good. Live and let-live will get you far across the planes!

While he has no food, Naatalu offers Aima a healthy drink from his water skin, before passing it around the family.

We can get you food back in town, unless one of my colleagues has some now...? He looks around the group.

Do they have obvious wounds we can treat? if so, Naatalu will try.


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Zec also offers a water skin and gently approaches the girl. Murmuring soothing words, Zec sits down next to her and speaks of Nature's healing abilities present in every living being. As they feel positive energy infuse their hands, Zec reaches out to lay them gently upon Aima.

Lay on Hands


B19 Grim Tidings ||

The water helps and Rikart manages to scrounge up something edible for people among the animal supplies.

Zec and Naatalu both confirm that no one is physically harmed (though you're welcome to Lay on Hands regardless).

"Thank you again for saving us, but the town is in danger! The druid, Nemmia, is trying to drive everyone away. As you can see, she is quite unhinged." Seirah tells you as the family stretches from having been tied up for days.

Rikart rubs the back of his head, "We've got a lot of work to do to get our house back in living condition."


N M Lizardfolk (frilled) Rogue 2 | HP 26//26 | AC 19 | F +5 R +9 W +7 | Perc +7 | Speed 25 ft | Hero Points: 1 | Active Conditions: None

“Short scaleless is in jail,” Rhoxl reassures the family. “Scaleless sheriff is dead here. Do scaleless remember sheriff being here before sheriff is dead?”


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Yes, Rhoxl is right. We have already subdued Nemmia and she is in the hands of town authorities. We found trouble at the church. Are you aware of other chaos she set in motion?


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Will hold off on healing when it isn't needed and preserve the Focus Point

"My friends are right, Nemmia is in custody. What do you know of her plans and actions? Any details you can provide, no matter how small, may help us put things right and preserve life."


B19 Grim Tidings ||

The family gathers around the table in the barn and takes a seat. "Nemmia was from the Hermitage of the Blessed Lightning." Rikart says. "She spoke of it often, between furious outbursts blaming the people of Abberton for everything. Heatwaves? Abberton's fault. Dry spells? Abberton's fault. Wells going dry, a decline in animals? Abberton's fault."

Seirah speaks next, "Nemmia commanded mephits and animals, especially the rats that followed her everywhere. She planned to terrorize everyone until they left the town. She talked about how a slaughter at the circus would be the final straw for most."

Rikart continues, "Nemmia only had two visitors. Both were members of the Hermitage of Blessed Lightning with strange, loose skin. Hideous worm-like creatures burst from the hermits, there was horrible screaming, and then Lindell brothers, who were tied up in the stall after ours, left the barn." Rikart shudders, "Part of me is glad we don't know what happened to them. It didn't sound pleasant in the least."


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Do we already have a location for the Hermitage?


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

"Thank you for your help. It sounds like a truly frightful experience. Who are the Lindell brothers, or maybe, who were they?"


B19 Grim Tidings ||
GM NovelEnigma wrote:

Just after breakfast the next morning, two heavily guarded wagons roll into the circus' camp. The Professor greets the visitors and helps them load the halfling druid into the wagon with barred windows.

The second wagon is more extravagantly decorated and a well-dressed man steps out of it and briefly speaks with The Professor. The Professor points in your direction and the man walks over to you.

The mayor takes off his hat and holds it before him with both hands. “...If you could, I’d gladly speak to Harlock about the woman who attacked you last night, perhaps even get you admission to the hermitage so you could talk to him and see for yourself they’re harmless."...

Rikart responds to Zec, "The Lindell brothers, Jano and Bindo, owned this barn. We own the mill."

Seirah adds, "They were always so helpful! They helped us rebuild after that fire and they helped us mill a few times when one of us was sick."

Envoy's Alliance

NG Catfolk Swashbuckler level 2| HP 15/30 | AC 19 | F +5 R +10 W +5 | Perc(E) +5 Scent (imprecise) 30 feet| Stealth(T) +8 | speed 25| | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

"It does sound like this hermitage is our next stop. Should we check back with the mayor to see if he's negotiated entry?"

Drake turns to Rikart. "And if it were my family, I'd take shelter in town for a short time, at least until we discover what is going on at the hermitage. Those... hermits don't sound familiar, but after what we saw at the church I have a bad feeling about them.


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Yes, we should go check on them. At the very least they'll have a reaction to Nemmia being apprehended. At most, they may know more about these strange happenings.

Naatalu mounts his corgi in preparation of heading to talk to the mayor.


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Zec walks beside Ash, ready to mount again as needed.


B19 Grim Tidings ||

The earth mephits look at you, "Will you destroy the circle? I doubt we are welcome here." they say glancing at the Hawftons.

If you look in the Lindell Brother stall:

The southernmost cow stall contains two piles of skin. These remains, each from a middle-aged human male, are clad in gray robes the color of a storm cloud and a wooden religious symbol of Gozreh. The religious symbols have been defaced with jagged runes.

Two bloody tridents lean against the wall of the stall


N M Lizardfolk (frilled) Rogue 2 | HP 26//26 | AC 19 | F +5 R +9 W +7 | Perc +7 | Speed 25 ft | Hero Points: 1 | Active Conditions: None

Rhoxl nods, then flexes his hands above his head. Carefully he taps and prods the circle, testing for any hidden surprises before scratching through the markings with his claws. Once he is satisfied with his work, he glances over the edge of the loft to ensure the rock creatures have vanished before dropping back down to the ground.


B19 Grim Tidings ||

The earth mephits melt into the ground beneath them and return to the plane of earth, "Thanks." one rumbles as they vanish.


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male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

I have never heard of such peaceable mephits before. Pity the fire mephits didn't follow their example.

Ready to head to the mayor.


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

"It seems a bit gruesome, but do you think the robes and weapons may come in handy if we want to try to sneak in?"


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N M Lizardfolk (frilled) Rogue 2 | HP 26//26 | AC 19 | F +5 R +9 W +7 | Perc +7 | Speed 25 ft | Hero Points: 1 | Active Conditions: None

Rhoxl looks at the robes, then at his companions, then shakes his head. “Scaleless are not used to seeing iruxi,” he explains. “Friend scaleless does not also look like… pink scaleless.”

I love the idea, but I don’t think we can pretend a hobgoblin, a catfolk, a lizardfolk, and a sprite are regular human priests. No problems though if someone wants to push that idea! XD

Envoy's Alliance

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NG Catfolk Swashbuckler level 2| HP 15/30 | AC 19 | F +5 R +10 W +5 | Perc(E) +5 Scent (imprecise) 30 feet| Stealth(T) +8 | speed 25| | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

"Perhaps we should take the defaced religious symbols and the weapons, if we need to establish that these monks met an untimely end."[b]

Drake turns up his nose at the robes. [b]"I don't think I'd risk getting any of that on my fur. Do any of you know if the priests of Gozreh favor the trident? Or were these used by whatever killed them?"


B19 Grim Tidings ||

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Drake knowledge:

The jagged runes on the holy symbols represent a cult dedicated only to the lightning and storm aspect of Gozreh.

Rhoxl knowledge:

The jagged runes on the holy symbols represent a cult dedicated only to the lightning and storm aspect of Gozreh.

Zec knowledge:

The jagged runes on the holy symbols represent a cult dedicated only to the lightning and storm aspect of Gozreh.

Naatalu knowledge:

[spoiler=Drake knowledge]
The jagged runes on the holy symbols are demonic runes simply meant to deface the symbol out of spite.

Rikart responds to Drake, "Gozreh favores the trident and he'll smite you with it just as soon as he'd call the rain for your crops."


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

"I think the jagged runes on the holy symbols represent a cult dedicated only to the lightning and storm aspect of Gozreh."


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Naatalu frowns at Zec. Really? I thought they are demonic runes simply meant to deface the symbol out of spite.

lol somebody succeeded and somebody crit-failed. This should be fun.


B19 Grim Tidings ||

You arrive back in town on your way to consult the mayor about visiting the hermitage, but something unusual seems to be happening.

A small crowd has gathered along the street to watch three colorfully dressed people shouting and playing tambourines and pipes. “Prepare yourselves and your souls, people of Abberton, for a cavalcade of celestial marvels! For sights so spectacular and so marvelous, that you shall speak of them forever after with awestruck tears in your eyes! Prepare for the show to surpass any you have ever seen, either yesterday or in days before! Prepare for the dawning of... Mistress Dusklight’s Celestial Menagerie!” The speaker is a tall, broad-shouldered woman carrying a whip and accompanied by a magnificent lion. A shirtless man covered in strange tattoos walks to her left, periodically breathing gouts of fire across metal batons he carries in his hands. To the woman’s right is a brilliantly bedecked clown who leaps, rolls, flips, and cavorts in constant feats of acrobatics.

You're not familiar with the three performers, making them likely replacements for the performers that left with you.


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Zec and Ash immediately shrink back into the shadows. Zec watches the antics with trepidation.

How can they be here. I thought we were rid of them. We must warn the others.


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Zaatalu recedes with Zec into the crowd and shadows.

Do you think they know we're here? We should check on our encampment and wagons very soon...


N M Lizardfolk (frilled) Rogue 2 | HP 26//26 | AC 19 | F +5 R +9 W +7 | Perc +7 | Speed 25 ft | Hero Points: 1 | Active Conditions: None

Rhoxl’s lips twist into a small snarl, then twist again into a semblance of a smile. “Dusklight circus wants to perform in scaleless town, but does performers in Dusklight circus know about how dangerous scaleless town is to performers? Maybe Rhoxl is telling performers.”


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Naatalu's expression lights up. Oooh! Right. It's not necessarily as if they are a brainwashed army for Dusklight. Perhaps they just need a little... perspective.

Envoy's Alliance

NG Catfolk Swashbuckler level 2| HP 15/30 | AC 19 | F +5 R +10 W +5 | Perc(E) +5 Scent (imprecise) 30 feet| Stealth(T) +8 | speed 25| | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

"Be careful, friend." Drake rubs a hand over the hilt of his rapier. "I don't believe in coincidence. Dusklight followed us here, and not to do any good. She's trying to end our troupe."

He pauses, considering his next words.

"If she went to that effort, who knows what she's told the new performers about us?"


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

At any rate we seem overall hesitant to engage them directly without seeing a little more.


B19 Grim Tidings ||

At some point during their performance, they notice you and overreact with dramatic expressions and outbursts of alarm. The lion-tamer speaks loudly so that you can hear just as clearly as the gathered crowd, “People of Abberton, do not let these cheap imposters give you a show,” she says pointing at you, “only the Celestial Menagerie can give you a real show, not some amateurish parade of feeble animals and struggling charlatans.”

Your initial thought may be how did they know we were part of the Wayword Wonders. You look around though and see a handful of Wayword Wonder posters hung up around town with the likeness of your images.


N M Lizardfolk (frilled) Rogue 2 | HP 26//26 | AC 19 | F +5 R +9 W +7 | Perc +7 | Speed 25 ft | Hero Points: 1 | Active Conditions: None

Rhoxl smiles, showing too many teeth. “Friend performers!” he bellows in response to the lion tamer’s taunt. “Do you know where Mistress Dusklight has sent you? Do you know the small scaleless that haunts the town? Small scaleless is killing performers, sending rats to chew ropes, planting seeds for plants hungry for flesh!” His voice drops almost to a hiss. “Are performers’ eyes so full of stars and Mistress Dusklight’s lies that performers cannot see how little Mistress Dusklight values performers’ lives? Performers are fleeing if performers do not wish to die in the town.”

Intimidate to Coerce: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Zec continues to hang back but studies the other group carefully, looking for any useful clues about their intent, their abilities, their condition, etc.

Perception:
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

Naatalu ignores their jeers and watches closely for their reaction to Rhoxl.

Sense motive (secret check)


B19 Grim Tidings ||

The lion-tamer backs down a bit, "See, fair people of Abberton! These performers threaten us with death. We have every right to perform here as you do, and if you don't like it, you'll have to win this territory from us with by putting on a more exciting act for the people than we can. Of course, it seems like your first reaction is to simply brawl, being the small-time circus you are."

The lion tamer is a bit taken aback by the degree the confrontation escalated so quickly to and is far more interested in outperforming you than fighting you.


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

The sprite grunts and nudges his nearest companion.

They're going to try to sabotage our acts...

Are the bystanders reacting favorable to either side at all?


NG (they) Hobgoblin Druid level 2| HP 25/28 Ash 24/24| AC 15 | F +6 R +5 W +9 +1 vs fear, +10 vs intimidate | Perc(T) +7 | Stealth(U) +1 | speed 25| spell DC 17| focus 2/2| spells 1st 3/3 | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

"We need to warn the others, inspect everything, and post guards." Zec starts to put this plan into action, pulling further back and preparing to head out.


male sprite (nyktera) wizard (universalist, cleric) 2 | HP 18/18 | AC 18* | F+4 R+7 W+8 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | 20’ | wizard spells 1 mage armor, magic weapon, sleep | ↻Counterspell, Recognize Spell | drain bonded item [X] | hero 1 | Active Conditions: mage armor

The sprite nods in agreement with Zec and begins carefully, cautiously backing away with him.

Envoy's Alliance

NG Catfolk Swashbuckler level 2| HP 15/30 | AC 19 | F +5 R +10 W +5 | Perc(E) +5 Scent (imprecise) 30 feet| Stealth(T) +8 | speed 25| | Hero Points: 1 |Active Conditions: none

Drake approaches the lion tamer, obviously empty handed.

"We're no threat to you, friend. My scaly compatriot was just passing on a warning. We've one dead, and more injured. Mostly by work set in motion by a really crazy druid, who now is in custody with the locals. Check with them if you want."

He starts to turn away, then turns back. "And watch your animals. That druid was barking mad and may not have worked alone."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

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