Outpost VIII - 'Gallows of Madness - What Lurks in the Woods'

Game Master Shadow Dragon

Daegon tries to not look too offended by being called a devil.

Just so you know, there is no devilish blood running through my veins...quite the opposite though...my mother was half aasimar...she just happened to have been bit by a vampire while she was pregnant with me...and his attempt to embrace her tainted me while in the womb. She managed to kill him though.

Doh, I was late posting today (seems like we made survival roll) but Guardian has Survival +6 too.

Which non-android wants to knock on the door and get a warmer welcome than me? Or was it unoccupied and we're breaking in to follow him?

We aren’t at the door yet I assume.

Cannoli apologizes, ”Oh no, I am sorry. I didn’t mean you ‘were’ a devil. Merely that your powers come from devil’s blood. At least that spell. And don’t think I mean that negatively either, you using your gifts to help people is wonderful. I doubt if I had that kind of curse, I would be that nice.”

She blinks and squints and then wonders, ”What y’all looking at? We get where we going?”

Assuming no one else wanted them Eadric would have taken the alchemist's fires and the tanglefoot bag from the goblins.

As the party approach the farm Eadric glances around to see if he can spot where the shepherd may have gone.

Daegon appear4s to ponder Cannoli's response.

Hmm...never thought about the origins of the spells I can cast...I wasn't aware that it was devilish in nature...just assumed it was part of my...other heritage...

As Daegon and Cannoli debate and contemplate on the nature of the universe the door to the homestead if flung open and a human man runs out and falls at the feet of:

Random;1 Cannoli 2 Daegon, 3 Vreekka, 4 Eadric, 5 Guardian XI, 6 Jakeric: 1d6 ⇒ 5

BAAHAHAHA! So much for Guardian XI trying to get someone else to do the Diplomacy work!

Guardian XI and weeps tears of joy while shouting, "All praises to Erastil! You saved my family, my sheep, and my home! Please come inside and we'll provide you a meal and a place to sleep if you'd like to rest. It's the least we can do for what you've done for us!"

The man gets to his feet, places his arm around Guardian XI's shoulder, and escorts him into the house.

"My manners! I am Garreni Escoro, and you all are?"

Hey HEY! Those tears will rust my shell!

He softens as the man escorts him inside.

Um, I'm Guardian XI. I'm pretty sure we saw someone run in here just moments ago. Did you hear anything?

Cannoli grabs her big sac again and drags it onto the porch, dropping it with a clank of metal. She smiles at the farmer and enters, "Thank ya! Also, we got rid of your goblin problem. Killed like... twenty of them. Grave is back in your field thataway." Her ears swivel to point back the way the group came.

"So, any other issues here? And any idea where the gobbos came from?"

Diplomacy if necessary: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Garreni recoils in horror at Guardian XI's statement and immediately begins drying Guardian XI's shell, "A thousand pardons m'lord! I didn't realize that would happen. As for the young man that would be my son Carlo whose life you just saved! Carlo! Come in and thank the brave heroes who saved us all!"

A middle aged woman enters the homestead's common room and immediately fusses over the group, getting them seated, and answering Cannoli's question: "Greetings m'laday I am Ophani Escoro. I've seen shadows lurking at the edges of the homestead at night and I suspect it was these pesky goblins. We've lost a number of our sheep recently which is why Carlo went out to keep an eye on them today."

Answering his father's summons the young man who fled the horde of goblin enters the common room with supplies to clean and dress any wounds the group might have. He tells Cannoli, “Four days ago, I was chasing a lamb that strayed past the fence. Out of nowhere, I saw two ugly, green little things out in the clearing. They were talking some nasty, jabbering language I didn’t understand. One of them, the one wrinkled like a raisin, was all scarred up. The other had a big blade for chopping tied to the end of a pole. They were arguing back and forth, and then they walked off in different directions. Once I was sure they’d gone, I ran home and told my ma and pa.”

Ophania shouts out, "Cassicia! Bring our honored guest some refreshments!"

A young maiden enters with a tray of bread, butter, slices of cheese and meat, and mugs and a pitcher of milk.

"Greetings m'lords and m'ladies." and makes an attempt at a curtsy. While not a good attempt she does not fall over.

"May the Elk Father bless this house for your generosity." say Eadric, taking some of the food. "Would you be able to show us where you saw the goblins and which directions you saw them heading in?"

"May the Elk Father bless this house for your generosity." say Eadric, taking some of the food. "Would you be able to show us where you saw the goblins and which directions you saw them heading in?"

Carlo nods excitedly, "Of course m'lord! With heroes such as you present to protect me I can lead you to where I saw them."

Garreni and Ophani both insist the group should rest and heal their wounds. "Please we have plenty of room for you to sleep and we can see you well-fed before beginning such a harrowing journey."

Ophani asks the adventurers questions to ascertain their marital status and, when he locates those who are single, immediately extols the virtues of Carlo and Cassicia.

Smart move...and a keen eye, Carlo...your attention to detail will help us deal with the infestation of the goblins.

Yeah, we seem to be good at chopping goblins. You'll be fine.

Cannoli spends her time with the two possible suitors. Teaching them self defense skills.

”Ok, so hiding is good and all. But ya gotta be ready to strike too. Anything can be a weapon if you hold it right and swing it hard enough. Aim for the neck with anything sharp, otherwise just center mass. That means their chest. Sometimes it just takes a solid smack to make someone reconsider going after you. Gobbos are a bit different though, they won’t quit. Just keep hitting them till they stop twitching.”

As Cannoli teaches combat basics to Carlo and Cassicia, Ophani measures Cannoli for a wedding dress.

And goblins tend to be in groups...more like packs, actually...just watch your back...they tend to not take a straight up fight..they'll use every dirty trick in their book. Good thing they can't read very well... Daegon says with a chuckle as he munches on some bread and wash t down with some milk.

I must say, it has been a while since i've had milk this fresh...

Grizzlebin devours his share (and maybe a little more) of the platter of fresh food, and immediately accepts the offer of a comfortable warm bed for the night. Nice that someone 'round here recognises a divine being when they see one!

Meanwhile, Jakeric tries to make himself useful around the farmhouse--and probably just gets in the way.

After a good night's rest and hearty breakfast in the morning Carlo will lead the group to the place where he saw two goblins talking and then to where he saw the disorganized horde of goblins right before the assault waves the group repelled.

Survival checks please!

Eadric looks for tracks...

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 +1 if casting guidance is allowed.

Eadric looks for tracks...

[dice=Survival]1d20 + 6 +1 if casting guidance is allowed.

See Discussion thread.

Eadric's eagle eyes pick up the tracks of goblins at both locations. He deduces they originate from the same direction - northwest of Saringallow. He can also tell the others that the area between is forested but not densely so.

Light undergrowth means the area is considered difficult terrain so movement costs are doubled and no running or charging.

After escorting Carlo back to his house, and being fed an early lunch and asking for the group to stop by on their way back to Saringallow, the group sets off to follow the tracks.

A small stream passes along the base of a thirty-foot-tall black stone scarp. Strange, horse-sized cavities pock the face of the cliff, their edges smooth and warped as though etched or melted into the stone rather than carved. The air is thick with the stench of decay and rot, beneath which there is a faint tinge of an acrid, chemical odor. Despite the smell, things here are eerily peaceful.

What would you like to do?

Cannoli brushes out her fur and gets dressed after a nice night in the guest room. She doesn’t think it weird that the rest of the group stayed in the barn. Preferential treatment is pretty common to her. Certainly has nothing to do with any assumed future marriage(s).

She slips on her breastplate and readies her pack and weapons to go before grabbing a nice bowl of whatever for breakfast. After all the tearful goodbyes, she follows the group and young farmer to the woods. Squinting up at the trees she tries to help.

Survival Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

”Well a smart person would stay downwind and the wind yesterday was from the east. So one would look over there for trail sign. But these goblins are dumb, so I would look in the opposite direction.”

Daegon follows the ones doing the tracking, his crossbow ready.

Where is that smell coming from?

Survival, source of the smell, direction: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Eadric nocks his bow and glances around looking for potential threats...

perception + guidance: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26

Eadric and Guardian XI suspect the smell is emanating from one of the cavities...but what's causing it???

I completely missed your last post GM, it appears we cross-posted, dangit.

Cannoli looks up and sniffs. Then makes a very gross face, ”Ugh, listen. I can’t even see the stupid thing but it reeks. Just climb up and take a look already so we can leave. I’ll stay down here.”

Let's see what died up here...

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Eadric can cast guidance on Guardian before he climbs.

Eadric follows Guardian and also the horrible smell...

climb + guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25

@Guardian XI: You forgot the -4 ACP penalty.

Guardian XI can't make much headway on the climb but Eadric looks like he was born to climb.

Eadric can climb 5' as a move or 10' as a double move. How far would he like to go? It's 20' to the top of the cavity.

But Guardian XI's attempt at climbing gave him the opportunity to notice a smaller entry at ground level that he could squeeze through into the cavity's ground flood. Will he peek inside?

He will double move and then see if he can get to the top.

climb + guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15

Eadric attempts to continue up the cliff, as he climbs he recalls he has a grappling arrow and some knotted silk rope that he probably should have used for climbing such a high cliff.

Grizzlebin easily scoots up the cliff.

Hey, that 30' climb speed evolution I just gave him for leveling up has already come in handy!

Grizzlebin climbs up and over Eadric and waits impatiently at the top.

Once Eadric joins him the venture into the upmost cavity. They look around the place:

Perc Eadric: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Perc Grizzlebin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Grizzlebin spots something under debris...

Will tell Eadric and check what's there?

"Sumpin's here . . . lemme see . . ." Grizzlebin clears the surrounding debris to try to see what it is.

Grizzlebin finds a rusty metal canister with an insignia on it, a light shield, and some gold - 73 gold pieces to be exact.

@Guardian XI: You forgot the -4 ACP penalty.

Arg, sorry about that.

But Guardian XI's attempt at climbing gave him the opportunity to notice a smaller entry at ground level that he could squeeze through into the cavity's ground flood. Will he peek inside?

Guardian peeks inside.

GM Shadow Dragon wrote:

@Guardian XI: You forgot the -4 ACP penalty.

Arg, sorry about that.

GM Shadow Dragon wrote:

But Guardian XI's attempt at climbing gave him the opportunity to notice a smaller entry at ground level that he could squeeze through into the cavity's ground flood. Will he peek inside?

Guardian peeks inside.

Guardian XI can see (and smell) garbage and maybe something on the walls?

Grizzlebin tosses out the shield and the gold but holds up the canister with the insignia on it. As people reach the cave, he says "Any of ya recognise this?" He opens it up as he waits.

@GM: Is there a knowledge check on the insignia?

Cannoli shrieks and covers her head as a shield and coins are chucked down at her. She glares up in the general direction of the chucker but can’t see who it was. The catfolk picks up the shinies and the shield and grumbles, ”Well, I’ve had worse thrown at me…”

Appraise da Shield: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Detect Magic on it too

Grizzlebin tosses out the shield and the gold but holds up the canister with the insignia on it. As people reach the cave, he says "Any of ya recognise this?" He opens it up as he waits.

@GM: Is there a knowledge check on the insignia?

History or Nobility would work or an Int check.

Cannoli shrieks and covers her head as a shield and coins are chucked down at her. She glares up in the general direction of the chucker but can’t see who it was. The catfolk picks up the shinies and the shield and grumbles, ”Well, I’ve had worse thrown at me…”

[dice=Appraise da Shield]1d20

Detect Magic on it too

Cannoli detects no magic on the shield but she suspects it is better than typical quality.

It's masterwork. :)

int check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

lol...nope...

Well...it is definitely a shield of some sort... Daegon says with a shrug and a smirk

Deciding to remain on solid ground for now, Jakeric peers up at the cave opening where Grizzlebin is shaking the canister about.

Int on insignia: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

@GM: Grizzlebin will open up the canister too.

Cannoli approves of the shield, ”Fancy light shield here, any takers? I prefer a buckler myself. Helps with the spell casting.”

Deciding to remain on solid ground for now, Jakeric peers up at the cave opening where Grizzlebin is shaking the canister about.

[dice=Int on insignia]1d20+3

@GM: Grizzlebin will open up the canister too.

Jakeric remembers seeing the insignia on a shield on the wall of Gunty Keronna - it's the insignia for the Isger army.

Inside the canister Grizzlebin finds two vials with liquid inside.

Guardian XI can see (and smell) garbage and maybe something on the walls?

Hey, there's garbage in here, and something on the wall!

Can he see/read it from where he is?

GM Shadow Dragon wrote:

Guardian XI can see (and smell) garbage and maybe something on the walls?

Hey, there's garbage in here, and something on the wall!

Can he see/read it from where he is?

Not well enough to see what's on the walls. You have to go inside with the killer monsters garbage and absolutely nothing that could harm him... ;)

"That shield's from Isg-g-ger. Perhaps dating to the famous g-goblin wars!"

Grizzlebin shrugs, hands the vials of liquids to anyone who wants them, and climbs around the cliffs some more to see if there are any other little hidey-holes worth investigating.

Guardian XI wrote:

GM Shadow Dragon wrote:

Guardian XI can see (and smell) garbage and maybe something on the walls?

Hey, there's garbage in here, and something on the wall!

Can he see/read it from where he is?

Not well enough to see what's on the walls. You have to go inside with the killer monsters garbage and absolutely nothing that could harm him... ;)

Cannoli urges the android to explore, ”Oh just crawl in there already. It smells so bad whatever is in there is dead, so no danger. Unless it’s undead I guess maybe that could be a problem. But you have your fancy weapons so you’ll be fine. Though the tight quarters will make combat disadvantaged. But you also have you friends to back you up. Of course half of them are up top and I ain’t going in there and even if we could it’s probably too small for much help. Anyway I’m sure you will be fine. Be brave!”

______

She also takes the vials when Grizz climbs down to hand them off. The catfolk scans them with her magical detection spell and if they are magical, tries to ID them.

Spellcraft t: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Spellcraft t: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22