I recently began running a new game of the Shackled City Adventure Path for six players. I've decided to stick with 3.5 for this one to avoid the lengthy process of converting to Pathfinder. Three of my players are veteran gamers familiar with the system, while the other three are basically new to the game in any form.
I don't have a standard format for writing a Campaign Journal, so bear with me.
The Cast:
Saya: Human Swordsage with Child of Jzadirune Campaign Trait
Aspin/Smalls: Elven Rogue with Touched in the Head Campaign Trait
Cyrus: Zeph Mindblade with Nobility Campaign Trait
Ral: Human Warlock with Scarred Soul Campaign Trait
Kira: Human Cleric of Pelor with Wyrm Blooded Campaign Trait
Caledwen: Half-Elf Monk with Touched in the Head Campaign Trait
Session 1
Characters present: All
Investigating rumors of disappearances all around their city of Cauldron, various would-be adventurers meet in a chance encounter one evening, responding to cries from a nearby alley.
Ruphus Laro is being accosted by members of the Last Laugh thieves guild. Aspin correctly identifies them as such. Cyrus takes the lead and insists the bullies back off. The other characters back him up, and several brandish weapons. Being successfully intimidated, the thugs leave. Saya and Aspin spot the shadowy figure of Jill watching from above.
The characters then meet with Jenya Urikas, acting high Cleric of St. Cuthbert. Kira pretends not to be impressed with their larger church, and compensates by loudly proclaiming Pelor's "superiority." The others decide to help out Kira by smoothing over the situation and gain her trust. While talking to Jenya, the characters begin to get to know each other. Jenya reveals the divination she received in regards to the missing orphans, and suggests the PCs work together to find them. They agree to meet at the orphanage the next morning to search for clues.
As they arrive at the orphanage, it becomes clear that Aspin is now calling herself "Smalls," and seems to be more gruff and disagreeable. Only Saya seems unsurprised. Caledwen refuses to let any of the orphans touch her. While Kira plays with several of the children, the others find out about he half-orc gardener Patch, and his agreement with the thieves guild. Ral sympathizes with him and urges the others to forgive him. They do, and realize the locks weren't forced when the children were taken. They find out where the locks came from, and head to the locksmith's.
At Ghelve's Locks, they run afoul of the hidden Skulk. It is quickly dispatched by the group before it can inflict injury. Keygan Ghelve admits to assisting the kidnapper's comings and goings, due to his captive familiar, Starbrow. The PCs decide to keep quiet to the town guard as long as they can freely come and go from the ruins below his shop. Saya is hesitant to enter the much feared Jzadirune. As the day ends, they agree to meet at the shop the next morning to explore the ruins for clues.