All of you are in Saringallow, a town in Isger. Some of you just arrived while others of you have been there a while. Some of the people originally sent to Saringallow were recalled to other missions and two new agents were assigned to replace them.
Those of you who are new to town are told that there was a problem with an Abyssal substance called Demon Bile that acted like a disease. If left in an open area unchecked, even a small amount can grow into a hazard. Demon’s Bile attracts and can cause mutations in vermin. Fortunately there are a few ways to get rid of it. Any good-aligned damage, damage from cold iron weapons, or positive energy damage applied to it will destroy it.
Do not eat Demon Bile.
The missing apprentices as slowly recovering from their ordeal.
One of the apprentices that was rescued, Nolaria Wintren, informs you that her cousin Nina Volsetti was also abducted. She was bound and left outside of town near the woods, where goblins have been known to lurk.
The mayor has contacted your group, asking you to meet with her in her office.
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By the salty kisses of Besmara, this place is too far from the sea for its own good!
an half elf enters the room, her wild mane of hair partially tied with a bandana. She wears a shiny chain armor, and got a pretty rapier by her side. Her clothes are quite unkempt, and she walks with the gait of a practised sailor
Which one of you land-dwellers is the mayor? I have been sent by the Pathfinders to help. My name is Evelyn Kelbor.
Golden beams of light stream into this comfortable-but-official room's picture window, illuminating a cluttered wooden desk and an empty chair pushed haphazardly to the side. Between the window and the desk strides Mayor Sandra Trinelli, who, brow furrowed, has clearly worn a pacer's path into the plush red carpet. Noticing her visitors, she sighs in determined resignation and steps behind her desk, leaning over it gravely. “I'm glad you've arrived,” she says, a measure of relief creeping into her strained voice. “Our town is dealing with its share of troubles right now, and this unknown menace beyond our walls has me the most worried.”
She takes a deep breath as if composing herself, and sits carefully in her chair, assuming a self-assured posture that seems to come to her much more naturally.
“Specifically, we may have a goblin problem,” the mayor continues. “I've recently received reports of goblins lurking in the woods outside of town. There have been no attacks yet—only minor damage to fences and some stolen sheep, I'm told—but we can't afford to let our guard down. Given how we suffered during the Goblinblood Wars, we can't assume that these scattered sightings are meaningless when they might very well mean that a major warband is about to descend on our heads.”
“Even worse, it seems that these goblins are covered in some unholy manner of filth—even more so than normal! If word about that gets out, well, folks might start to panic. We are a superstitious lot here in Saringallow, as I'm sure you know.”
“In short, we need to move quickly and deal with these goblins before they become a larger threat. Sending members of the town guard out into the woods, though, could leave us open to attack. I'm sure you see my dilemma.”
“This is where I'd like you to intercede, my friends. Find out where the goblins are coming from and who—if anyone—is leading them, then take out the threat. I can offer you a bounty of 5 gold pieces for each goblin you kill, 10 gold pieces for each goblin dog, and an additional bonus of 100 gold pieces if you bring me proof that you've destroyed their camp or otherwise dealt with whatever additional threat they pose.”
“Most of the sightings have originated from the area northwest of town, particularly near the homesteaders out by Clover Stream. That's probably a good place to start your investigation. Aside from that, I'm afraid I don't have much else to tell you.”
“Unless you have any specific questions?”
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Filth? You mean something like a fungus or the like? I've studied some things at the abbey...but nothing too extensive, mind you... Cara says as she jots down the important parts of the Mayor's briefing. Her nose crinkles at the mention of a bounty.
You're...asking us to mutilate the dead goblins? I mean...I'm not opposed to it...just..the thought is a little...barbaric. But if that is the proof you need... she says, resigning herself to lopping off ears.
“I don’t have a good description, just that they look different in a disgusting way. I am hoping it isn’t the same thing some of you recently helped us clean up here in town, the Demon Bile.”
“I don’t recall asking you to mutilate anything.”
“With two priests of good gods, should be as simple as you telling me the number and swearing in your god’s name it to be true. If you want to bring in proof, please make sure to give their bodies last rites. I believe that involves a pyre in Sarenrae’s case.”
“We have enough problems around here, I don’t want bodies left where they can be turned into undead.”
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"This is certainly troubling to hear. I hoped we'd dealt with all the demon vile in that warehouse."
Azalmak looks at the two new faces. He's a young half-orc with rusty red hair and beard wearing dark leather lamellar plates which appear well cared for.
"I look forward to working with you both. Call me Azalmak. Things got pretty nasty a while ago, and with demon bile involved, I'm sure it's going to get worse."
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"I hate to be the bearer of bad news Mayor but Nolaria Wintren informed us her cousin Nina Volsetti was also abducted. She was bound and left outside of town near the woods, where goblins have been known to lurk. I think finding and recovering her should be our first priority. Who has reported seeing these 'filth' goblins? We may need to speak with them."
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What the trouble with that bile? And are demons really the cause? Things looks nastier than expected.
Gaius will introduce himself to the new arrivals and answer the question. "I am Gaius Marius, Inquisitor of Hathor, it's a pleasure to meet you. While we did not find any 'demons' what we did find was a substance that's been named "Demon Bile" that, when consumed, turns regular vermin into much larger vermin with certain Abyssal traits. With this odd new look about the goblins we may need to consider they could be augmented in some way so cold iron weapons and ammunition should be well-stocked."
Pausing for a moment he adds, "Also considering Cheliax's influence here alchemical silver would be a prudent addition as well."
When told of Nolaria, the mayor nods. “I haven’t yet had a chance to speak with the apprentices myself. If her cousin is missing, please do find her.”
“So far the reports are from shepherds, farmers and hunters. At most, folks have seen two or three goblins at a time, but in a few cases they were also riding goblin dogs. I don't know if that was the same two or three each time, or if there's a larger group nearby.””
“I would suggest you look to the northwest at the edge of the forest. Try along the Clover stream.”
At mention of cold iron and silver weapons, the mayor says “Saringallow's Sundries has some common weapons made from cold iron and silver.”
“Other than that, I don’t know what to tell you.”
The journey through Saringallow's outskirts is largely a pleasant one. The homesteads nearest to the city belong to farmers. When you enquirer about goblin sightings, they point you further down the road.
Eventually, the dirt roads give way to smaller, worn-down trails. Pastures thick with green grass and dotted with sheep and other livestock replace the rows of wheat and vegetables. Soon, you can faintly make out the sound of running water nearby.
A young shepherd bolts across one of the nearby fields, clearly terrified by something behind him. He shouts and gestures frantically toward whatever he's fleeing. “I saw them!” he screams. “Goblins! They're in the woods! They took our sheep! You have to do something!”
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At mention of cold iron and silver weapons, the mayor says “Saringallow's Sundries has some common weapons made from cold iron and silver.”
A young shepherd bolts across one of the nearby fields, clearly terrified by something behind him. He shouts and gestures frantically toward whatever he's fleeing. “I saw them!” he screams. “Goblins! They're in the woods! They took our sheep! You have to do something!”
"The woods, you say?!" replies John as he reaches for his staff. He rushes toward the woods, stopping short at the water, in an effort to see if he can spy the sheepthieves.
At mention of cold iron and silver weapons, the mayor says “Saringallow's Sundries has some common weapons made from cold iron and silver.”
At Saringallow’s Sundries, John asks about the mace. “One moment while I check in the back. That is where we keep the really expensive items.” He goes off through a door and returns just a few minutes later with the requested weapon. Setting it on the counter, he accepts John’s money and gives him the masterwork cold iron heavy mace. “Thank you very much for your purchase, sir!”
Before the Sheppard really has a chance to respond, John goes rushing towards the stream. Looking around, he notices three sheep that doesn’t look nor sounds like the others.
Most of the sheep are bleating as expected. Three of them are making sounds that are more like “Baaaw he he he”
Gaius takes time to look around before moving and notices the same three strange sheep. Cara notices the same thing.
Everyone realizes those back three sheep aren’t really sheep.
Round 1:
Kn: Local to identify weird sheep, can be done untrained
Bolded may act
Cara
Evelyn
Red sheep?
Purple sheep?
Gaius
Azalmak
Cracking John
Yellow Sheep?
Cara recognizes that those are goblins using the skins from dead sheep as really bad disguises.
Gaius realizes these are fiendish goblins. Having fought so many creatures like that he expects them to be somewhat resistant to magic, fire and cold. They are still goblins, so expect them to be weak willed.
Red Gleep gives another “Baw ha ha ha!” as Evelyn convinces him of how fantastic his disguise is.
Cara shoots at Yellow but badly misses.
Red Gleep slowly approaches so as to ambush you all!
Purple Gleep throws off his sheep skin and charges John. The swing is wildly off target.
fragile
Round 1:
Bolded may act
Cara
Evelyn
Red Gleep
Purple Gleep charged -2 AC
Gaius
Azalmak
Cracking John
Yellow Gleep
With a single swing of his staff, John cracks the goblin’s skull. He then strides towards the other disguised goblin,
Gaius moves to protect the fleeing shepherd and shots another of the goblins down. The goblin gives a surprised yell as it goes down to the arrow.
Round 1:
Bolded may act
Cara
Evelyn
Gaius
Azalmak
Cracking John
Yellow Gleep
Yellow Gleep discards his disguise.
“Goblins in sheep skins,
Slice you in the shins!”
The goblin’s lyrics are only slightly better than his aim.
fragile
The shepherd flees to behind Evelyn.
The sheep scatter in all directions.
Round 2:
Bolded may act
Cara
Evelyn
Gaius
Azalmak
Cracking John
Yellow Gleep
Gaius is able to kill the last goblin before they can inflict any more of his songs on you.
The shepherd says “I’m heading home! Too dangerous here!” and runs away.
As the dust settles from the goblin attack, the sound of deranged, off-key singing filters onto the field. Seems there is someone else who thinks they are a minstrel.
Cut their eyes out, make them cry!
Cut them! Chop them! Slice them up!
Feed them to our goblin pups!”
The echoes make it difficult to know where the crashing is coming from, but Cara thinks it is coming from the south beyond the fence.
Two goblins riding animals as small as they are come out of the woods. One jumps the broken fence while the other goes through the gap where it is broken. The goblins have bows out and are ready to shoot.
Yellow will have same initiative
Orange will have same initiative
Round 5:
Bolded may act
Kn: Local to identify the goblins, but other than weapons they look like the ones you just fought
Kn: Nature to identify the beasts
Evelyn
Cara
Gaius
Azalmak
Green Goblin
Orange Beast
John
Red Goblin
Yellow beast
The crossbow bolt flies over the goblin’s head.
Round 5:
Bolded may act
Kn: Local to identify the goblins, but other than weapons they look like the ones you just fought
Kn: Nature to identify the beasts
Evelyn
Cara
Gaius Protection from Evil, Divine Favor
Azalmak
Green Goblin
Orange Beast
John
Red Goblin
Yellow beast
The arrows from Gaius take out the goblin and the creature it was riding.
Gaius realizes that the creatures are young goblin dogs. The closest thing they have to a special defense is their dander which can cause an itching if you get any on you from striking the animal, getting bit by the animal, or otherwise having close contact with the animal. He does know that the dogs are immune to disease.
Young Goblin Dog
N Small animal
Immune Disease
Allergic Reaction (Ex) A goblin dog’s dander is highly irritating to all creatures save those with the goblinoid subtype. A non-goblinoid creature damaged by a goblin dog’s bite, who deals damage to a goblin dog with a natural weapon or unarmed attack, or who otherwise comes into contact with a goblin dog (including attempts to grapple or ride the creature) must make a Fortitude save or break out in an itching rash. A creature affected by this rash takes a –2 penalty to Dexterity and Charisma for 1 day (multiple allergic reactions do not stack). Remove disease or any magical healing removes the rash instantly. This is a disease effect.
Gaius doesn’t see any difference between these goblins and the others except that they have a bigger melee weapon and short bow.
Round 5:
Bolded may act
Kn: Local to identify the goblins, but other than weapons they look like the ones you just fought
Kn: Nature to identify the beasts
Evelyn
Cara
Gaius Protection from Evil, Divine Favor
Azalmak
Green Goblin
Orange Beast
John
Red Goblin 10 damage
Yellow beast 12 damage