GM Qronos's Strength of Thousands Campaign

Game Master Qronos

The first campaign for the GCPathfinders


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M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

Still looming over the gremlin, Haunt adds, “What’s Stone Ghost’s problem with the school? And yours, for that matter?”


Handouts Tactical Map
Barnabas Montleroy wrote:
"Then who, exactly, killed our acquaintance?"

He looks a little cagey as he answers. "Well, the Stone Ghost brought 'im in, an' the lad was near enough to the Boneyard already, but it was the fly that sent 'im there. Drained 'im dry. I should know, 'cause I was very careful when I hooked 'im up to be sure not kill 'im. Shouldn't 'ave bothered though - that damned fly still wouldn't listen to me, even with a treat."

Haunter of Monsters wrote:
Haunt adds, “What’s Stone Ghost’s problem with the school? And yours, for that matter?”

"This school? Oh, he f*!&in' hates it, doesn't he?." He snorts a laugh, forgetting his dire situation for a momemnt. "I don't even know why, not for sure. Seems to hate it just for existin'. My guess? This place did something bad to 'im. I can smell a grudge, and the Ghost is nursin' a big 'un, he is. As for me? Well, I came because of Kurshkin. Lots of us did. She was a leader, and had a right sixth sense for mischief. Never steered us wrong."

He gets an angry edge to his voice. "She had a grudge too, but I knew that one. This school caught 'er up years ago, humiliated 'er, and sent 'er packin'. Been lookin' for a way to pay 'em back ever since, hasn't she? Then you lot killed 'er. He looks sad for a moment. "Now we're stuck with the Stone Ghost, ain't we? Good as he is at killin' you lot, he's just as good at killin' us. Seems to have a knack for it. So, we run the bugs, an' he runs us. Tidy like. When the jobs done, we get paid, have some laughs, and find someone else to muck about with. Tale as old as time."


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13
gremlin wrote:
"...Tale as old as time."

Sensing the gremlin has little else to offer, and feeling her companions' exhaustion, Much drags the gremlin to his feet and makes for the exit.


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

"Sounds like a great boss." As Much drags the gremlin to his feet and towards the tunnel, Haunt steps in line behind them, rapier point aimed directly at the gremlin's back.

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

Putting two and two together, tears spring anew from Laesah's eyes as she considers Hatsi's demise.

"The Stone Ghost," she muses. "That's why he had all that gravel and dust all over him." She ignores the gremlin prisoner.

Laesah dries her tears and follows the group out, she gives a mirthless laugh.

"That's the first that I realised that Kurshkin was female..."


Handouts Tactical Map
Laesah Doul wrote:

Putting two and two together, tears spring anew from Laesah's eyes as she considers Hatsi's demise.

"The Stone Ghost," she muses. "That's why he had all that gravel and dust all over him." She ignores the gremlin prisoner.

Laesah dries her tears and follows the group out, she gives a mirthless laugh.

"That's the first that I realised that Kurshkin was female..."

"Yes. The Stone Ghost dragged him through the walls. It's a dirty process," says a quiet voice from the shadows. "He was quiet brave, even though he was hurt so badly." A tiny gremlin steps out into the chamber. She has large ears covered with shaggy fur, and she's filthy. Threadbare burlap robes hang from her emaciated frame. She looks at Haunt with flat black eyes and says, "And I'm sorry to be disagreeable, but The Stone Ghost is a terrible boss. He's cruel, and doesn't care about anything besides his cruelty. There's no poetry in him. No art. I thought coming here would bring me closer to all these books, and I could learn so much, but it's just work and suffering. Can you help me? I can trade... I know these tunnels pretty well. You bested Kurshkin and Urbel here. Maybe you can protect me?"

She ducks her head shyly and gives a small wave. "I'm Binji. Nice to meet you! Please don't kill me?"


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13

Much's head whips around to the gremlin emerging from the shadows.

Binji wrote:
"I'm Binji. Nice to meet you! Please don't kill me?"

"Bi..Binji?"

She looks to her friends, at a loss on how to best proceed.
"We might want to kill you even less than you want to be killed, if you can believe it. We're tired and hurt.
If you can help us get through and out of here, we can talk about books or whatever else once we're safe and healed. Deal?"


Handouts Tactical Map

She looks excited. "You're hurt? Excellent! I mean, not excellent, but I can definitely help you with that, which might prove to you that I am best of service when I am unkilled. If you follow me, I know where there's a stash of healing potions, behind one of these secret walls."

She looks at Barnabus, and says, "First pick goes to the pretty one." Then she blushes brightly. Or perhaps that's a rash on her cheeks? It's really hard to tell, she's so dirty and generally unhealthy looking.


Barnabas's long face seems to stretch even longer as his frown reaches bold new heights. He sniffs.

"Come. Let's fetch these supplies and be on our way."


Handouts Tactical Map

Binji looks thrilled. "Great! Come on, follow me. But stay quiet, we're going past the bees." She slips around the corner, back into the room you were just in, beckoning you all to follow.


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

Haunt gives Barnabas a friendly, but awkward, punch on the shoulder. “Looks like you’re the pretty one! No accounting for taste, I guess!”

Assuming Much doesn’t need help carrying the unconscious gremlin, the amurrun tiptoes after Binji.

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

Laesah shakes her head solemnly at Binji.

"These gremlins..." she utters, then stops as Binji leaves.

"Well?"

The anadi doesn't seem to be in a forgiving mood.

She will sneak (Stealth +9).


Handouts Tactical Map

Around the corner, one of the walls you recently ran past stands open, the rock face cunningly slid open. Inside is a horrifying "pantry" and, down the hall, a large wooden table.

The first room, though likely once organized, has been pillaged over and over again, leaving barrels pried or punched open and sacks spilling their contents across the grimy floor. Piles of garbage flood the corners. A small cook fire has stained the ceiling with soot, and the nearby utensils seem to have never seen wash water.

"I work here. Cooking and minding the rest of them." Binji says. "I also hide here when I can. She reaches up onto a shelf and pulls down a Bag of holding type I and hands it to you. She then grabs a taxidermied Bloodseeker, plucks off the beak, and tosses it to Haunt. (This will function as the talisman Bloodseeker Beak).

Then she heads to the larger room where a table bearing a large cloth map pinned down with heavy rocks along the edges occupies much of this room. Though dirty and tattered, the aged map provides a detailed view of the Magaambya campus. Drawn atop the map are several caves and tunnels, creating a connected web of passages between the buildings.

Even though the plans are largely indecipherable, they plainly depict targeted attacks on the Magaambya. The Introduction Ceremony site is circled, as are the Tree-Stump Library and Tireless Hall. Many of the abandoned tunnels beneath the school are marked on the map, too, with the hatch leading to the Spire Dormitory circled with a note reading, “They Live Here. Send Urbel to kill them.”

Binji rummages in a few boxes and comes back with her arms full of potions, dropping three Potions of Lesser Healing on the table.

"Here, take these! It'll fix you right up."


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13

Much peaks over her prisoner's head to speak to Binji.
"Thank you, Binji. Is there anything else you can show us before we make for the surface?"

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

”Who or what is Urbel?” Laesah says with deadpan emotion in her voice.


Handouts Tactical Map

Binji gives a slight shudder, and says, "Urbel is a nuglub bully, and his cruelty is considered one of his finest attributes. He was Kurshkin's chief assassin, and when she fell, he started working directly for Stone Ghost." She lets out a shaky sigh and continues.

"He hasn't done anything much on the surface, but he's been dreadful to us down here. He pushes us and the bugs to our breaking points, having us to whatever Stone Ghost commands. I think he believed it would keep him out of the way of real harm. You have happily proven that wrong."

She considers Much's request. "As for what else I can show you... There are some rooms that may contain sleeping gremlins. I can't be sure if they will be there, or out on some assignment on the campus, but we could check. Otherwise, you have seen most of the caverns, from what I can tell. Except for the room next to Stone Ghost's room. And his room, of course. One of his room's anyway. I... have never been in it. Not even to clean. He frightens me too much. All these rooms have secret ways in. I know them all, except for his. But there must be one. I could lead you to the adjacent chamber?"

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

Laesah looks at her companions at the admission of getting the drop on some sleeping miscreant gremlins. She then shakes her head.

”I think it’s best we keep our investigations to the players, not the bit players. You will lead us to the adjacent chamber. Now.”

Laesah’s abrupt manner continues, including direct commands.


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

Haunt tilts his head to one side and gives the monk a look. “Yeah. Hey, Laesah, maybe before we go fight the guy who’s got all these gremlins and bugs beaten into submission, you ought to drink one of these potions. You still look pretty rough.”

I don’t think we ever stopped to heal after the combat with our prisoner and the fly, and it looks like Laesah is down below half max HP? Is anyone else injured


Handouts Tactical Map

I believe Laesah and Much are BOTH injured. You are under no pressure for time if you want to try another medicine check, and this is a safe area to do so.

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

Laesah notices her wounds as well as Much’s as if she had forgotten all about them.

”Yes Haunt, of course you’re right. Much, let me see that nasty wound.” Laesah says a brief incantation prior to using healer’s tools on Much.

Cast guidance to assist this first Treat Wounds check.

Treat Wounds (Much): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 = 242d8 ⇒ (5, 8) = 13 SUCCESS!

Satisfied with her efforts, she then refocuses on her own wounds.

Refocus as well as Treat Wounds.

Treat Wounds (Laesah): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 112d8 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6 FAIL.

She sighs.

”I guess I’ll drink one of those potions.”

Lesser Healing Potion: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (6, 3) + 5 = 14


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13
Laesah wrote:
”Yes Haunt, of course you’re right. Much, let me see that nasty wound.”

"Thank you, Laesah. That should get me to the surface."

Much looks up at Binji and then to the map.
"I say we get our prisoner out, rest, and reconsider our options in light of this map and our new friend."


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

Haunt nods in agreement. “I’m not hurt and I could stab backstabbing bullies like Urkel and giant insects and whatnot in their soft spots all day, but I don’t want to drag Urkel around with us and have to worry about him making trouble in the middle of a fight. And Binji, you’ve been helpful, but if we’re going to get you out of here, I think we should get you to our teachers before we go exorcise this Stone Ghost.”


Handouts Tactical Map

Binji looks relieved. They very clearly don't want to meet the Stone Ghost. They nervously step out from behind Barnabus, where they were hiding.

"Very smart. Let us go then. Binji leads you out and points out a couple of hidden areas on the way. "Sometimes gremlins rest in there. Sometimes they are empty. I clean up after them, and it's a lot better for me when they are gone, so I've learned some signs. You can listen at each door, and crack them open ever so slightly and they almost never notice what's going on outside."

With that, Binji takes you topside. Things are bustling, as different efforts are underway to explore different tunnel systems. A strix woman, stops and cocks her head at the group. "Are you collecting gremlins?" She asks. "I aim for shinier baubles, but you do as you wish."

She looks at Barnabus and says, "Now you have a gleam about you that might work..." Binji glares at the strix, and takes a defensive step towards Barnabus.

You are above ground, but don't immediately see any teachers. What do you do?


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13

"All of this started with Ot, let's go to him. Then I need to rest and, if we are going back down there, to shop. I'm not getting caught unprepared again."


Handouts Tactical Map

The strix woman nods once, a quick bob of the head, and directs you to wait on a small bench.

"Ot is still under the Tireless Hall, clearing out those caverns. You may stay here, if you'd like, or you can take care of other concerns and I can pass along a message for him once he returns."

She glares at Binji and says, "I can even take this... friend of yours off your hands and find them a suitable home."


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

Haunt looks pointedly at the corpse of their classmate, then at their unconscious prisoner, then glares back at the strix woman. “Speaking for myself, I think we should talk to Ot as soon as possible. If you would ask him to come here as soon as he can, we would appreciate the chance to rest here for a bit. Otherwise, we’ll all go to him.”

Intimidation (but see below): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

I may be misreading her attitude from your post, but the strix seems to be pretty condescending. If that’s what you mean to convey, Haunt is going to be awfully close to losing his temper. If I’m mistaken, then please disregard the Intimidation roll.


Handouts Tactical Map

Her large purple eyes sparkle as Haunt bristles. "Perhaps I mistook where the real treasure was... fascinating." She cocks her head to the side at an awkward angle as she considers him, seeming to take him in fully for the very first time. "Fascinating..." she says again.

Then she lifts her head and calls over her shoulder. "Ithuu!" A male strix, head topped with a patch of white feathers, jerks upright from the bench he was sitting at and drops the notebook he was writing in. He stoops to pick it up, wiping it off lovingly, and says, "Yes, Karai?"

"Find Ot and bring him back. Tell him a student is dead and his charges need him. That should set him running." Karai says.

Ithuu's eyes widen. "It's dangerous down there... And the paths uncertain."

Karai nods and says, "I recommend you be cautious, yet brave."

Ithuu lets out a quiet warbling sound, stands, and heads off.

She turns back to Haunt and says, "See? I have my best man on it for you. I do hope this satisfies. It will still take some time, even though Ithuu is very effective at his tasks. Let me know if I can be of any other service." She licks the palm of her hand and smooths down the single indigo feather that protrudes from her head in a practiced motion. It immediately springs back up at a jaunty angle. She sighs and tilts her head, waiting to see if you have any other requests.


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13

Much sets her burden down in front of her, locks her gaze on the Karai, and settles back onto her haunches to wait for Ot.


Handouts Tactical Map

A few long hours stretch by. In that time, Karai offers to tend any remaining wounds (healing you all back to full, if you take the offered help), but biding the time in relative silence.

When Ot returns, he looks harried. His normally well kept appearance slightly disheveled, and a tight grimace lining his face. He leans on his staff a little more than normal. When he seems Hatsi, his eyes fill with tears.

"An, poor lad. What a loss. Do any of you know what happened?"


Handouts Tactical Map

Ot takes your silence in and nods.

"A difficult question, I'm sure. I don't like to do this, because it feels intrusive upon the dead and can be difficult to endure for the living, but we need to try and help make sure this doesn't happen again..."

Ot produces a scroll from a pouch on his hip and speaks an incantation. When he finishes, the scroll crumbles to dust, which Ot sprinkles over the body in front of him. Hatsi's eyes pop open. They are glassy and without focus, but they turn their attention to Teacher Ot.

"Yes? What are your questions? You have three to ask, before I must return." Says Hatsi's body. The voice is harsh, and has none of the charisma or joy that was in everything Hatsi did or said.

Ot sighs, looks to Laesah and says, "I don't know what you and your friends have learned yet. What questions do you think we should ask? As it says, we have three. Expect the answers to be very factual, and sometimes too literal. Choose your wording carefully."

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

"Who killed you?" Laesah's voice - silent as she has wrestled with the now-emphasised fragile mortality of her classmates - speaks out forcefully, brokering no discussion. Tears shine in her eyes as she struggles to look upon the shell of Hatsi, the first person to formally greet her at Magaambya Academy.

I've been silent because I think Laesah has been wrestling with inner turmoil, but also because I've been on leave and I got sick. Sorry for my silence. Still here.


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13

Much opens her mouth to speak and then immediately slams it closed when Laesah speaks out. Hand still poised in the air to make her point, Much instead nods in support of her friend's choice.


Handouts Tactical Map

Hatsi's face turns to Lasesah. It seems to struggle with the question. "My life ended when a giant fly drained my blood and stopped my heart... I was put in that danger by Urbel, the gremlin that is with you now. I was given to Urbel by the one Urbel calls Stone Ghost, after being ambushed in the tunnels, beaten with a morningstar, and dragged through the walls. I was in the tunnels because A'mino was arguing with me and I was on the way to win her back. I was attacked because the teachers did not keep me safe. I am here at the school because..."

Teacher Ot raises a hand and says, "Peace! Enough! Hatsi's body rests, and Ot looks at you all, slightly bewildered and disturbed. "I think because he was killed by the fly, 'who' proved difficult to answer and it began to look for a way to satisfy the question, though none of the others directly ended his life."

The teacher sighs and rubs his eyes. "This Stone Ghost is certainly a lead. The name means nothing to me, as of yet... Research and recriminations will have to come later. What shall we ask next?"


Barnabas looks troubled. Gathering the others nearby, he speaks softly so that Hatsi doesn't overhear and waste a question.

"What is the most important thing we can ask about this Stone Ghost? Perhaps where to find them? Or what they are ?"


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13
Barnabas wrote:
"What is the most important thing we can ask about this Stone Ghost? Perhaps where to find them? Or what they are?"

Much, hands on knees and very much enjoying the huddle, nods along enthusiastically to Barnabas' reasoning.

"I'd also like to know why the Stone Ghost is here, but I doubt Hatsi would have known that..."


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

"Oh, WOW!" Haunt leans over Hatsi's corpse to see its mouth move when it speaks, then turns back to Ot and his fellow students. "Hatsi may have been ambushed, but he may have learned something more about the Stone Ghost than what Benji can tell us. Did he notice anything about its weaknesses? Immunities? Did it use any special abilities beyond hitting him with a morningstar? Does that count as a special ability? Is it big? Small? Did it change size in the middle of the fight? What about... OK, wait, no, just ask about special abilities. Or weaknesses?"


Handouts Tactical Map

Ot nods and says, "It is true, Much, that it's unlikely would have learned much about motivations... though some villains do like to monologue, so I suppose it's not impossible... But Haunt may also be onto something. The one thing we know for sure is that they fought. Hatsi was a fighter, so it's likely he would have something to report in that regard."

Ot regards Barnabas and says, "Your new friend Barnabas also raises excellent questions. Where he resides would be important, though I'm not sure Hatsi would know that as he was taken between the tunnels to..." It grimaces a bit and continues, "...his final destination. Though if he was able to determine WHAT the Stone Ghost was, that might go a long way towards answering Haunt's questions."


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13

The weight of choosing the right questions, after the tunnels and the fighting and the death leaves Much in a bit of a haze.
I feel like I've traveled too far, too fast. I'm tired...
Much sighs and regains her composure.
"Let's ask that, Master Ot. Where is Hatsi, how did he fight and what he was."


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

“You mean the Stone Ghost, right?” Haunt nods, assuming that’s what Much meant. “Those sound good to me.”


Handouts Tactical Map

"Good ideas, Much. Let us see what we might glean."

He turns his attention to the body and says, "You fought the Stone Ghost and were carried into their domain... what did you learn about them?"

Hatsi's unblinking eyes lock onto Ot, and he coldly begins to speak. "He is a strong fighter. I'd have been defeated even without him emerging from the wall in ambush. He like a spirit, but also like a man made of rock. My attacks didn't do what I hoped they would, passing through him, but also glancing off him. I don't know how effective a magic user he is, but he did use the shield spell once. He wore leather armor, and he hates you, Teacher Ot. He seemed disappointed I was not 'One of Ot's' and lost interest in me once he figured out that I had no information he could use to ambush you or your students. I do not know where he resides, but he took me to through caverns himself, before turning me over for the fly to feed on."

Hatsi comes to rest again, waiting for the last question. At that moment, you hear a scream from down the pathway.

"NO!!!"

A'mino is coming down the way, a crazed look in her tear-filled eyes. Esi trails behind her, clearly concerned and trying to slow her down. You overhear them as they approach, "Please, A'mino, let me go find out the truth of things. If it's as we heard, you don't need to see what's up there." Esi pleads.

"let me go let me go let me go," cries A'mino, trying to get loose and closer to the body.

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

Laesah intervenes, wrapping the grieving A'mino in her arms.

"He's dead, A'mino. He was murdered. He loved you."

As Laesah comforts the sobbing halfling, the anadi looks at Teacher Ot.

"A'mino should have the last question. It seems fitting."


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

“Yeah, that would be the right thing to do.”

Thinking about everything Binji and Hatsi have told them about the Stone Ghost, Haunt wracks his brain trying to identify what kind of creature they might be.

Recall Knowledge (Esoteric Lore {E}*): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
*Haunt isn’t looking specifically for weaknesses at this point, but to identify the creature from the description and any useful information that comes from the Recall Knowledge check normally.


Handouts Tactical Map

A'mino buries her head into Leasah's shoulder and grips her hard enough to leave a bruise. With one last shaky sob, she straightens herself out as best she can, closes her eyes, takes a breath, then opens them and looks straight at Hatsi.

"did you really love me?" She asks the corpse.

The body twitches slightly and a bit of Hatsi's playful tone returns to the cold, rasping voice. "I did. I do. More than any of the others," it says. Then the body loses the false life that is keeping it propped up and it collapses in a heap to the ground, eyes staring at the sky.

A'mino screams again and grabs Laesah. "you've got to kill it laesah promise me you'll kill it promise me." she mutters, then starts sobbing again. With a groan, she forces herself to stop. She calmly pulls her face out of Laesah's hair and says, with a very deliberate pace, Because if you don't, I will. Or I'll die trying. Hatsi couldn't take this thing, and he was strong. I don't know what chance I'd have, but I don't care. It's got to die."

Ot gently reaches over and closes Hatsi's eyes, the teacher, looking pained and tired, turns his head to Much and asks. "What will you and your friends do now? I know you want to rest, but that your caverns are not fully explored. I still need to help finish clearing the Tireless Hall. While the discoveries there aren't as grim as poor Hatsi, the fighting has been intense. Will you finish exploring your section tomorrow?"

As for Haunt's check, you don't learn anything new, and you can't figure out exactly what this thing is. From what you've been told and what you can recall, it is as described: A ghost made of stone, as odd a combination as that may be.


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13
Master Ot wrote:
"Will you finish exploring your section tomorrow?"

"Yes, I can go back tomorrow."

Much cocks her ears at her compatriots.
"But before that I need to rest and prepare. Would anyone like to accompany me to the market?"

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

Laesah strokes A'mino's hair after Hatsi's corpse collapses.

"I pledge to you, Hatsi, by the eastern wind on the back of a storm, I will kill this Stone Ghost." She makes eye contact with Teacher Ot, her resolve shaken for a moment by the stern look of surprised disapproval, but then looks away and frowns to herself.

Teacher Ot wrote:
"Will you finish exploring your section tomorrow?"

"I will take A'mino back to her room. Much, I would like to come with you to the market once I get her settled."

Laesah would like to consider purchasing something that would help make her more effective against a ghost, if possible.


Handouts Tactical Map

You are able to make all your purchases at the Powderpile, without much trouble. Xhokan, the kobold merchant who gives out your stipends and controls the inventory efficiently fills your request.

"I heard about the bugs. Glad you are taking care of them. Almost a shame to charge you when you are doing so much to save the school. Oh well." he says with a shrug, taking your money and placing it the small vault behind his counter.

The night is restless. Between Hasti's death and Ignaci's close call, the mood is terrible on campus. Esi checks on you, going over your arms and armor with precision, making sure you're in good shape for the next day. Chezire also checks on you, dropping off some wine, before letting himself into Ignaci's room with the rest.

Any nighttime activities? Any preparations for tomorrow? When day comes, do you head right back to work?


Fem Great Gnoll|Percep +9, low-light| HP 58/58|AC 21|F+10 R+8 W+9|Hero 1/3|Stone Rope +13 (2d8+4 B), Trip +13

Shopping done, Much pulls herself to the meal hall, and manages to complete a meal without nodding off into her tray. Back at the dormitory, Much collapses on her bed immediately.

The next morning Much is up at dawn. She opens her jaws in a wide grin at the rising sun, before memories of yesterday's loss come jolting back to her.

I thought being a wizard would be less pain and fighting and more...wizarding.

She leaves her room and heads back to the Powderpile. As discussed, but the store is still closed but the front door is cracked open.

Much approaches and knocks before Xhokan's surprisingly deep voice calls out.
"We're in the back."

Past the quiet shop Xhokan keeps small rooms for himself and his family. He looks a good different settled comfortably next to the fire. To his left a large egg sits on a pillow near the fire, and next to that a female Kobold.

"I didn't know you were expecting, congratulations."
Both Kobolds tilt their heads in thanks and nod proudly. Much can't tell if their expression have come to match each other's in the way couples' tend to do, or if it is just the lack facial mobility in Kobolds that gives them that appearance. She decides the former is more endearing and goes with that.
Still, so much to learn.

"It's on the table, there." Xhokan says and gestures to the middle of the room.
Much's stone and rope is coiled neatly on the kitchen table.
"Any issues?"

"None at all. It wasn't a difficult task, just time consuming."

Thank you, regardless. I'll be putting it to good use."
And then to herself, Likely today.

With what she hopes is a kobold-ish head nod of appreciation, Much makes her way back to her friends.


M Catfolk Thaumaturge 4 (Wiz Dedication) | Perception +7, low-light vis. | HP 44/44 | AC 21 | F+9 R +11 W +7 (+2 vs misfortune, +1 vs foes demoralized w/in 24 hrs) | Hero Points: 1/3 | Spells: 0 - ∞/5; 1 - 1/1 | +1 Striking Rapier +10 (2d6+1 P, ddly d8); Longbow +9 (1d8 P, ddly d10, range 100') | Add'l Damage: Pers. Ant. +4, Imp Emp +2/die | Esoteric Lore (E) +12 | Active* N/A

Haunt gets up early and goes through his preparations, a series of calisthenic exercises and stretches, all with his spellbook propped open in front of him, open to first to bullhornin case we get separated in the tunnels and I want to be heard, although given everything else down there, that seems unlikely — and then shield.

He checks to make sure he has all of his new scrolls in his magic bookbag, then packs and repacks his esoterica into the pockets of his vest until his fingers know what’s in each pocket without him having to think about it first.

On his way to meet the others in the Spire Dorm lounge, he stops in the hallway near Anchor Root’s room and searches the floor until he finds a few of Pelaksana‘s stray feathers in case they run into more centipedes. He puts them into one of his few empty pockets and continues on his way to the lounge.

Haunt will drink the eagle-eye elixir he bought when they start into the tunnels, giving him a +1 on Perception checks (+2 to find secret doors and traps) for an hour.

Silver Crusade

Female Anadi Monk 4 (Druid Dedication - Wave Order) | HP 30/48 | AC 24 | F+8* R+12 W+11 | Perception +9 | fist +11 (2d6+1 B) | dart +10 (1d4+1 P) | Conditions: none

Laesah excuses herself and spends the night with A'mino, likely keeping vigil over her sleep before nodding off herself, underestimating just how wiped out she is from the day's stress.

She awakes the next morning, momentarily disoriented to what room she's in. She sees A'mino - still asleep, poor dear - and scrawls a quick note for her before hurrying to find Madame Yao.

Note for A'mino:
"A- I will kill this Stone Ghost and avenge Hatsi. -L"

Once she enters the cafeteria, she gives a brief nod to her colleagues present and heads straight into the kitchen.

"Huia, I need your help. I am headed into the cavern system under the school to seek out the murderer of Hatsi. I wonder if you could assist my team. A batch of cooperative waffles or power journeybread could be particularly helpful. I have coin; I can pay you for the expensive ingredients."

Those two alchemical food items are found in the Treasure Vault book.

Huia:
It means 'grandmother' in Te Reo (Māori).


Handouts Tactical Map

Chef Yao sucks her teeth, but smiles warmly. "Best watch it with that 'grandmother' stuff, tamaiti. Now come with me and let's see what we can put together/"

Yao heads back and you follow, helping her cook like you have so many times. This is slightly different. This is magic. As the two of you put the ingredients together, the air has a charge to it. When you are done, Yao packages everything up lovingly.

"Can't rightly charge you full when you were helping with the cooking, can I?"

Please knock 20% off the price for a friends and family discount

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Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / GM Qronos's Strength of Thousands Campaign All Messageboards

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We are not currently recruiting, but here's a thread.


Post


Hey ya I’m interested. I guess I should lion through the game history? Any info Ron character creation?

Silver Crusade

Howdy howdy! I’m Paul (the New Zealand fellow).

Once you’ve got access to the Gameplay thread, you can post there as your character. You can also post in the Discussion thread as yourself.

Silver Crusade

I’d also highly recommend Pathbuilder (for 2e) on your computer for character creation. Android phones have it on mobile, but not iOS.


GM Qronos wrote:
We are not currently recruiting, but here's a thread.

Are you planning to start a game soon or have you already started one and this thread is just here in case you lose a player?

Silver Crusade

Hey there. We've already got a game going and are bringing in another player. This thread is for them to let them dip their toes in.

Sorry for the temptation.

FYI: I'm not the GM, but thanks for the interest!

Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Recruitment / GM Qronos's Strength of Thousands Campaign Recruitment All Messageboards

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