Session 12 - Grand Temple of the Peacock Spirit (July 2021 retreat) Everyone should now be level 12. Our annual D&D/Pathfinder retreat was a big hit. This year, we travelled up to a cabin at Mt. Hood and spent all Friday and Saturday finishing book 4 of the adventure path. Too many details to post here, but the PCs finally defeated Runelord Xanderghul.
Session 14 - Grand Temple of the Peacock Spirit (May 2021) Experience Points = 140,530 (28,106 each). Everyone should now have 105,200 EX PTS. We started with the PCs newly arrived in a building somewhere on the temple grounds. They took a couple of rounds to get their bearings and cast light. Rook, with his darkvision, moved through the archways into the main room. He was rudely welcomed by archers with wriggling snakes on their heads (it took awhile for someone to roll a successful knowledge check and identify them as medusa). After defeating the medusa, they took some time to heal up (the medusa were very good shots). Wren had to use his Break Enchantment spell to remove the curse from Brad (he failed his save going through the arch). Wren also used his divination spell to inquire on how to defeat Tunelord Xanderghul. The answer was to disable the seven Peacock Shrines. The PCs exited the building and searched the western pool where a metamagic rod was found. Searching the eastern pool resulted in a teleport trap to go off. Everybody made their save, except for Rook, who was whisked off inside a jail cell. The rest of the party moved further into the valley and decided to head south, to a small building straddling the river at the base of the cliffs. Meanwhile, the jailer was interrogating Rook by intimidation, summoning some additional creatures, and finally shooting Rook full of arrows. Rook bluffed being dead and collapsed in his cell. The jailer then alerted the medusa that visitors may be coming and went back into his room. When the rest of the party arrived, they had a BIG fight with the medusa and summoned creatures. Brad was turned to stone and Aytu was in trouble until Hondo was able to break through and fight the medusa hand to hand. Rook realized that he was left alone and started trying to bend the bar of his cell. After 3 rounds of trying, a natural 20 bend the bars enough for him to squeeze through. With Wren healing people, the PCs were victorious. They healed up some more and broke into the jailer's room. After another big battle, those 6 arms can shoot a lot of arrows, the jailer lay dead. The PCs then found and disabled the first Peacock Shrine. Being noon, they ate a meal and then used Wren's Napstack spell to sleep 2 hours and regain spells and abilities. With a new set of spells, they were able to use Break Enchantment to turn Brad back into flesh. It was now time to head north to the larger building that was blocking the valley beyond. Upon nearing the building, the PCs were contacted by both the Wereboars and the Hobgoblins who were mired in a feud. The PCs attempted to negotiate, but the Wereboars eventually got bored and attacked. A major battle ensued with the Wereboars as the PCs left the Hobgoblins alone. The Wereboars were defeated and the PCs healed up and began to consider how to handle the hobgoblins. But, at that point, an escort arrived and brought the PCs into the temple. High Priest Zurea had a long conversation with the PCs during dinner. Many questions were answered and a brief tour of the temple was given. The PCs were then allowed to watch/participate in a service to the Peacock Spirit. Afterwards, Zurea tried to convert the PCs, but was disappointed when none of them accepted. The PCs were then escorted back to Hobgoblin's building for the night. After a bit of planning, a night of card playing a drinking ensued. Using some invisibility, bluffs, and urinating in a doorway, the PCs started a fight with the hobgoblins while also trying to disable the Peacock Shrine that they were guarding. Brad and Hondo were able to disable the shrine, Rook and Aytu battled the hobgoblins. But with the shrine's magic gone, the hobgoblins were weakened and the PCs were victorious. More healing from Wren and a night's rest ended the session. Next time, the PCs will have to decide their next step (maybe with help from another divination spell).
Session 13 - Therassic Library (April 2021) EX PTS = 78,262 (15,653 each)
The PCs met with Runelord Sorshen and decided to travel to the Therassic Library in Jorgenfist to research the Grand Temple of the Peacock Spirit. They teleported to the Storval Plateau and came across a band of Shoanti. In exchange for guidance to Jorgenfist, the PCs agreed to fight a group of trolls, which included a spell caster that had killed a few of the Shoanti. The PCs defeated the trolls, using their own magic to kill the troll spell caster. So the Shoanti guided the PCs to the road to Jorgenfist. Before arriving at Jorgenfist, the PCs encountered a group of hill giants. Aytu was almost killed by a large volley of rocks thrown his way. The other PCs, who had taken cover behind boulders, then emerged and fought the giants in melee (or with spells by Brad). Luckily, Wren was on hand to cure wounds as the giants did major damage. The hill giants were finally defeated and the PCs finally arrived at Jorgenfist. Jorgenfist was clearly suffering from some type of time fracture. The PCs encountered a very confused time dragon named Ninuron. The PCs convinced the dragon they would help him in exchange for 3 viles of dragon blood. The PCs contined into Jorgenfist and searched for the Therassic Library. The whole complex was in some type of time warp. The PCs encountered several traps and deadly enemies, including a very powerful Time Dimensional. Eventually, they found the book that was causing the time fracture and removed it from Jorgenfist. The time dragon Ninuron thanked the PCs and returned to his home at Stethelos. With the time fracture removed, the PCs spent several days researching the Grand Temple of the Peacock Spirit. With enough clues, the PCs decided to teleport to the Kodar Mountains to search for a magical entrance to the temple grounds. While searching for the entrance to the temple, the PCs were attacked by a group of stone giants and then a white dragon. The stone giants proved to be a very difficult battle. But, the battle with the dragon was very easy, as the PCs made their saving throws versus his frightful presence and the dragon failing two saves on fire spells from Brad. The PCs eventually found the magical entrance to the temple grounds and have just been transported into a building on the temple grounds. We will start next time with the PCs in the Cloister of Cerulean Languor, which is surely guarded by something.
Session 12 - Shrine of the Seal (Feb 2021) Everyone should have 75,994 EX PTS. The PCs continued to search the upper shrine. After finding nothing, the entered the triangle room and starting pushing the wall. The room turned a quarter of a turn and then spears shot out of the ceiling. After a few positive energy channels from Wren, the group felt better. They pushed the room another quarter turn only to have a fireball explode in the room. More positive energy channeling healed some of the damage. After another quarter turn, a hole in the floor opened up. Aytu and Brad fell through the hole. Luckily, they both had feather fall rings and floated gently to the floor below. There, they were attacked by outsiders. As the battle began, the rest of the group dropped through the hole to join their friends and eventually defeated the outsiders. More healing was required to patch several of the PCs back up. They proceeded down the stairs and found the Shrine of the Seal. The seal was now broken and they found many broken bodies of the monks that used to serve here. They were attacked by several undead here and eventually attacked by several shape changers as well. Eventually, Eriantus emerged, flying, and started throwing spells around. The strange lady from the future showed up just in "time" to save Rook from a Finger of Death. She disappeared again and the battle raged on. The battle was shorter than expected when Brad sent a maximized fireball onto Erigantus (who rolled a natural 1 for his save). The PCs searched the shrine and found the Bone Grimoire. The PCs then headed to Korvosa, and then Magnimar, and then out to the island to find and defeat Thrune. With some very good skill rolls, Aytu completed the ritual with the Bone Grimoire needed to call a weakened Krune for one minute. The battle lasted a full minute, with spells exploding everywhere. In the end, the PCs were badly damaged, but victorious. Krune was dead and gone forever. The PCs headed back to Magnimar, to heal up, resupply themselves, and meet with Runelord Sorshen about their next mision.
Session 11 - Zincher's estate and Korovsa (Jan 16, 2021) Everyone should have a grand total of 51,894 EX PTS. The PCs successfully fought off the raid from the Yamasoth cultists. The scroll of true resurrection remains safe, and Runelord Krune remains dead. Clegg Zincher rewarded the PCs with enough gold that they could complete their purchase of their new magic items. Back in Magnimar, they PCs reported to the Sihedron Council and claimed their new magic items. They continued to be attacked by time guardians at random times. But, they also received a message from a time traveler who knows their future selves. The PCs headed to Korvosa to meet with the woman from their dreams. Upon arriving, they discovered that she was Runelord Sorshen. They enjoyed an evening in Korvosa at the Crimson Festival, where they talked about the current situation of the other runelords. Sorshen told the PCs that a necromancer named Erigantus has recovered on piece of Runelord Zutha's phylactery, a book called the Bone Grimoire. She fears he will be able to assist Runelord Zutha in returning if the PCs don't intercede. Sorshen also imparts a ritual to the PCs that they can perform on the Bone Grimoire that could destroy it and Zutha forever. Before the night was over, cultists of the Peacock Spirit attack and killed Sorshen. The next morning, you discovered that it was only a clone of Sorshen as she met you again. The PCs travelled to Kaer Maga to find the Shrine of the Seal, where they believe Erigantus is researching the rituals associated with the Bone Grimoire. Upon finding the shrine, the PCs were attacked and Brad was turned into a blabbering idiot. Some of the PCs decided to secure the shrine entrance, while others went up to Kaer Maga to buy a magic scroll to reverse Brad's feeblemind. We ended with Brad restored and the PCs rested and ready to continue.
Session 10 – The Gecko (December 19, 2020) EX PTS TOTAL = 42,750 (7,125 each) Everyone should now have a grand total of 37,094 EX PTS. On the return trip to Magnimar, the PCs had a vision on board Tyalee's Whim. They were also attacked by a strange, possibly planar, hound. After reporting to the council, the PCs were approached by Ayavah, a tiefling woman, who claims to have had visions of her deity Nocticula being redeemed. She also believes the Runelord Sorshen is a potential ally and also can be redeemed. The PCs noted this information, but needed to go investigate the cult of Yamasoth in their headquarters of The Gecko. After many difficult battles, the PCs were able to defeat the undead minions in The Gecko. But, they learned the cult was gone and was searching for a scroll of resurrection in Riddleport to raise the Runelord Krune. Apparently, they plan to team with the runelord to perfect their runeplague. So they PCs headed off to Riddleport to warn crime-lord Clegg Zincher that the cult was trying to steal his scroll. With some very good diplomacy rolls, the PCs convinced Clegg of the impending raid and he left them to guard his estate. The next day, the raid on Zincher's estate began. This is where next session will begin.
Dream 3, Scene 3. Scene 3: You find yourselves standing together on the Irespan (the ruined Thasalonian bridge) in Magnimar. As you look upon each other, you see your fellow companions twist and transform into hideous monsters that clamber twenty feet down the sides of the Irespan to enter a piling carved engraved with reptilian figures.
Dream 3, Scene 2. Scene 2: Each of you sees yourself in present day Magnimar, at the Stone of Seers Arcane Academy, where you are paying to have the magic item from Scene 2 crafted. Brad - a vile of glowing red liquid
Dream 3 (while aboard Tyalee's Whim) - contains three scenes. You have a strong sense of déjà vu. Scene 1: In the dream, you have a vision of standing in a pleasant green meadow. Each of you is carrying a new magic item. Before you stretches a vast ocean, while behind rises an ominous forest that you instinctively feel contains great dangers. A moment later, a complicated-looking scepter appears in the air before you, apparently pointing out to sea toward a distant city on the ocean’s far horizon. You feel compelled to reach for the scepter, but as you do, the scepter warps and twists, distorting into an infinity symbol before it suddenly snaps and flies apart into glowing fragments, causing the green meadow, forest, and ocean to distort and transform as well.
Dream #2 (while aboard Tyalee's Whim). A young woman, in a fancy red dress, with a large weapon appears to you in a dream and speaks to you. "I've been watching you. Your work in Hollow Mountain was impressive. Runelord Alaznist is gone. We need to join together to fight her. I'm a valuable ally. Meet me in Korvosa when you are able."
Session 9 – The Degradation of Thybidos (November 21, 2020) EX PTS TOTAL (Crypt) = 9,250 (1,541 each)
Day 6 – The next morning, the PCs left the library and went to explore an old crypt connected to the Gauntlet of Fury.
Day 7 – The next morning, they hiked back to the mountain and searched for the entrance with the weeping dragons, as
Day 8 – In the morning, the PCs hiked back to their base camp and had one final conversation with Kelud. Day 9 – They headed back to the beach and signaled to the ship that they were ready to be picked up. By afternoon,
Absalom's Edgewatch division is recruiting. Do you have what it takes to join this newly formed city watch? The Agents of Edgewatch Adventure Path takes place in Absalom during the city’s grand centennial celebration, the Radiant Festival, which spans the entire summer season. The six volumes of this campaign assume that the player characters are fledgling city guards at the outset of the festival and the city’s only hope by summer’s end. This adventure path will be played using Fantasy Grounds Unity. The GM has an Ultimate license, so players only have to download the free, demo version. But, players will be expected to chip in so we can purchase the PF2 content and the adventure path content. The game will be held every other Tuesday, from 6 - 9 PM (Pacific Time). Due to the "city guard" theme in this AP, PCs must refrain from chaotic and evil alignments. You can download and view the free Player's Guide for this AP at paizo.com. Estimated start date could be as soon as Nov 3. We currently have a GM and 1 player. Looking for 4 more players to fill our ranks. Reply with simple PC ideas if interested. And feel free to ask questions.
Session 8 – Gauntlet of Fury (October 10, 2020)
Day 5 – In the morning, Wren cast the Remove Curse spell on Viralane. It was doubtful that the spell was powerful enough to work. But. Viralane was grateful and wished the PCs farewell as she headed back to Magnimar. The next area to explore was the Great Hall and the clockwork librarian. Hondo made several attempts to get the librarian to do something while others were looking about the hall. When the incorporeal creatures attacked, the PCs decided they wanted no part of that battle and ran away like little girls. Eventually, the reading rooms were explored and the secret door was found. They used the key to get the clockwork librarian to retrieve the Blessed Book. But, of course, they wanted to know what else was in the secret room. So after pummeling the librarian, they gathered the remaining treasure. It was now time to finish the Gauntlet of Fury. Placing the (wrong) gemstone activated the Chaos Beast and a battle ensued. Most of the party, after using the correct gemstone, fled into the corridor. Meanwhile, Rook and Varduzi fought with the beast. After some good rolls, and a wise use of a Hero Point on a failed save, the PCs emerged victorious as Brad delivered the killing blow with a Magic Missile (while cowering in the hallway). Brad, Aytu, and Wren took the Apprentice's challenge and earned the abyssal runestone. Maga Szuul was rescued and tagged along with the PCs into the next challenge. Rook, Aytu, Hondo, and Varduzi fought the summoned beasts. While Wren hung back in the hallway when healing was needed and Brad discovered magic was a bit chaotic in the battle room. In the end, the abyssal runestone appeared and an invisible Maga Szuul grabbed it and tried to escape. Fortunately, he could not get by Wren in the hallway. Maga Szuul was killed and the runestone recovered. With most of their spells and potions used up, they cautiously went down the north corridor. As they viewed the library at the end of the corridor, they were attacked by fey creatures and a gnome enchantress. The fey were more annoying than dangerous, but still managed to cause damage. When they were finally defeated, a tired group of adventurers decided to spent the rest of the day here recovering and exploring the library. One interesting thing they found, before sleeping for the night, was a three dimensional mural that possibly could be a connection point to the First World.
Session 7 – Forges of Wrath (September 12, 2020)
Day 3 – In the morning, the PCs headed down into the Forges of Wrath. Brad and Rook were stunned by the combusted creatures and dropped their weapons (including the cursed falcata) and wand. Hondo and Varduzi were able to drag Brad and Rook through the gate until they recovered. Eventually, the combusted were defeated and they found the body of the dead cultist. The magical (cursed) falcata was placed in the Handy Haversack for safe keeping. The party was blasted with acid after finding the lever in the stone statue. But, they did come away with some nice gems. After healing up, they continued on and searched the old mine shaft and weapon workshop. Among the old, ruined weapons, Wren and Hondo found the two magical weapons which the party gave to Varduzi (since he had no magical weapons). As they continued further into the Forges, they found the portal. But they decided to finish exploring the complex before disabling the portal. Therefore, they ended up defeating Boag-Hok and found some of Mozamer's notes. Using the notes, they destroyed the portal and were unexpectedly transported to the Gaunlets of Fury. Most of their spells were gone by this point, so the battle with the Skinstiches proved difficult. After killing the Skinstiches and swarms that emerged from them, the PCs limped forward and retrieved the gem from the plinth. They then decided to rest in the Grand Hall and heal up. Day 4 – The next morning, they headed into the Watery Fane of Gholz. Aytu was spelled and went to retrieve the gem from the statue's mouth. A poor acrobatics roll ended up with Aytu falling into the pool. Hondo (with Acrobatics) and Varduzi (with a fly potion) can to rescue Aytu. But, it was soon discovered that Aytu was blind. They retreated back into the grand hallway and Wren got to use his new 3rd level spell to remove Aytu's blindness. With everyone recovered, they decided to head into the Hall of Worthies and save the iron door with the gem key for later. Varduzi, with some excellent disable device rolls, was able to disable 5 of the 6 trapped statues. So with minimal fire damage, the PCs headed up the stairs into the Dust to Dust level. They evaded the haunt and the poltergeists with minimal damage and discovered the battle site near the intersecting corridors. After some additional healing, the PCs were ready to investigate the battle scene. This is where the session ended.
Session 6 Summary EX PTS TOTAL = 20,785 (4,157 each)
You have traveled to Magnimar with Baraket, the sword of pride. On your journey, a famous opera singer named Viralane (and her halfling lackey), tried to steal the sword from you. You killed the halfling, but Viralane escaped with some type of teleportation. Upon arriving in Magnimar, you made an appointment to meet with the Sihedron Council. The night before the meeting, an assassin broke into your room, but was defeated. You believe he was also after the sword of pride (and perhaps hired by Viralane). During your meeting with the Sihedron Council, you found out the following information: 1) The recent flare in power is suspected to be caused by a runelord awakening, or possibly a runelord's death.
You have been tasked with travelling to Rivenrake Island and accomplishing the following:
You decided to leave Baraket, the sword of pride, with the Sihedron Council for safe keeping. After sailing to Rivenrake Island, you located a Sihedron Council contact named Kelhuud. From his camp, there is a 5 mile trail that should take you to an entrance to the Forges of Wrath. But, another party has landed on Rivenrake Island and headed to the other side of Hollow Mountain. From Kelhuud's description, this may be Viralane. That is where we stopped last time. You have a total of 10 days to investigate and return to the waiting ship (you have spent 1 day already). Do you take the northeast trail to the Forges of Wrath? Or do you first follow the other group to the northwest and see what they are up to?
Session 5 Summary – Roderic's Cove (May 9, 2020)
The PCs made a deal with Jana Gildersleeves, that would allow her to gather followers loyal to her to remain in The Underflume if the PCs could take out Mozamer and his allies. As they got to the bottom of the well, they could see the rubble and underground lake in the dark. Rook, the barbarian, went a little bit ahead using his dark vision. A few fleshdregs were spotted roaming a corridor on the north side of the lake. So Rook, and the rest of the PCs with light spells, headed toward the double doors on the west side of the lake. After a battle, that made too much noise, with the hydraggon in the lake, the PCs went through the double doors into the foyer. After a few perception checks, it was determined the people were coming. Their battle with the hydraggon had been heard. The curtain to the ballroom was thrown open and the battle began. The pCs got a bit overwhelmed as enemies came from multiple directions. A couple of hits and then a critical hit from a Horned Fang barbarian dropped Rook. Hondo the monk took the point as the others retreated. Jana had also come up from behind to close the double doors once all the PCs had retreated. Rook had stabilized and a few healing potions got him back on his feet. The party quickly retreated back to Creekside Inn where their cleric, Wren, was resting after falling ill the last couple of days. Wren was able to heal the party and they headed back into The Underflume. This time, only Hondo went down the well, as he tried to distract the enemy from a distance. The others went down through Jana's room below Creekside and approached from the north. A few of the Horned Fangs loyal to Jana helped the PCs sneak through the kitchen and they were able to do battle at both ends of a narrow hallway to avoid getting overwhelmed. The strategy seemed to be working until Mozamer showed up and starting using spells and negative energy. Several of the PCs dropped, but were healed back up by potions from allies. Unfortunately, Galen the wizard, got hit hard by a fleshdreg and then failed a save against Mozamer's negative energy and died. Finally, with all their healing gone, some of their Horned Fang allies running away, the desperate PCs prevailed with the help of Jana. The rest of the day was spent resting and recovering. Jana gave the PCs a tour of The Underflume. The malfunctioning portal and Thassolianruins were very interesting. That evening, they took the body of Galen to The Lady's Chapel for burial. Their friend Audrahni prepared the body and dug the grave. A brief memorial service followed and the PCs retired for the evening at their rooms at Creekside. The next day was spent selling loot, buying supplies, and planning how to approach Peacock Manor with the goal of obtaining Baraket. They also met a young wizard named Brad and enlisted his help. They figured that some arcane knowledge may be needed when they approached Peacock Manor. The following day, they approached Peacock Manor and requested an urgent meeting with Corstela. Using Diplomacy and Bluff, a meeting was scheduled for later that day. At the meeting was Corstela, Alden, two of the Order Philosophers, and the PCs. The PCs laid out their case with Sir Roderic's request, the eye-witness testimony of deadly fight with the Horned Fangs, and the death of their friend Galen. The PCs offered the combination to the vault and the location of other historically interesting location in exchange for Baraket. After long debate, and a few good diplomacy rolls, Corstela agreed to the terms. As Corstela finalized the agreement with the PCs, Alden slipped upstairs to alert Kantulin. The cambion quickly used Charm Person, Command, and Intimidate to recruit Dolland and two Order Philosophers to stand against the PCs. When Corstela and the PCs arrived upstairs to retrieve Baraket, a battle began. The PCs were victorious, although their new companion Brad went down and Aytu had to withdraw with zero hit points. In the end, Brad was given a healing potion prior to dying and Baraket was delivered to the PCs. Corstela and Peacock Manor would continue their work studying ancient history. Sir Roderic's final request was for the PCs to take Baraket away from his cove. Only then, could he truly rest in peace. So the PCs have retired to their rooms back in Creekside to rest and decide where to travel to next.
Session 4 Summary – Roderic's Cove
The PCs arrived in the den of the Bramblemouth clan. After defeating several goblins, they were driven back by Cheif Cheektooth, the goblin snake sorcerer, and the goblin witch. After retreating to heal and regroup, the PCs emerged victorious. The PCs gathered the loot and rescued the enslaved Dwarves. Even the goblin Munkle, who the PCs were kind to earlier in the adventure helped out. She got too excited though and threw an alchemist fire on the goblin witch (while she was being grappled by the monk Hondo). A slightly singed Hondo forgave Munkle and they left her in charge of the Bramblemouith Den. Munkle says "Become big chief now. Eat pickle every day. Always be friends with PCs and always be very, very good." The PCs left the little goblin to her delusions and returned to Roderic's Cove. Back in the Cove, the PCs rested, sold their booty, and looked for the boy Kynae (whose father had been killed by the fleshdregs). The interviewed several people and finally discovered the Kynae was running errands for Jana and living in her rented pantry. They also found out the Kynae was doing some spy work for the Order of the Resplendent. They finally forced Jana to disclose what is going on in the Underflume and it has been decided to sneak down the well at night and take out the evil sinspawn. They also need to confront Corstela and find out what she knows about Baraket. A jail-break interrupted their plans as Riddleport pirates busted Lullaby out of jail. The PCs were able to kill a couple of Road-Keepers and two pirates. But, Lullaby got away on the Riddleport pirate ship. So after resting and prepping the remainder of the day, the PCs have descended down the well and into the Underflume. This is where we will start next time.
Session 3 Summary – The Churlwood TOTAL Experience Points for session 3 = 11,100 (1,850 Ex Pts each)
The PCs entered the Churlwood in search of the Stone House. After scouting, they discovered a Road-Keeper Camp and a cave in the ridge. They cleared out the Road-Keepers and dismissed the Dwarf that was trying to crack the code into the vault. The PCs entered the vault and obtained the Runewarded Guantlets. They returned to Roderic's Cove with their booty, only to find out the Kynae had been missing for a day (and his father had been killed by fleshdregs). They spent a day investigating, but didn't find him. He was last seen at Creekside Inn and was also spotted near Peacock Manor. The PCs returned into the Churlwood to investigate the cave. The two dwarves from the caravan are still missing. Goblins were discovered in the cave and defeated. The PCs are preparing to delve deeper into the underground passages in search of riches and glory (and the missing dwarves).
Session 2 Summary – Roderic's Cove TOTAL Experience Points for session 2 (part 1) = 7,098 (1,183 Ex Pts each)
The PCs investigated Roderic's Wreck and discovered that it was indeed haunted. Most of the valuables had been looted over the years. But, a special (lead-lined) weapon case with the word “Baraket” was found. After some research back in town, you think Baraket was a rapier (Sword of Pride) wielded by the Runelord Xanderghul. Also during the exploration of Roderic's Wreck, the ghost of Sir Roderic appeared several times and left the following two messages: “The cove. The stone house in the wood. The gauntlet. Save them. My map. The key.” “My map. They took my map. It holds the key. To the vault. Baraket will control them. It will control you! I should have taken the gauntlets, but I fled. I was a coward. You must be brave. You must endure where I did not. The vault. It lies still in the vault. You must save my Cove. Save. My. Cove.” On returning to town, you researched Sir Roderic's message and found one of his old maps in the town hall. Not only did this map show a stone house, near a ridge in the Churlwood, but also a sihedron symbol that showed the seven sins in a unusual pattern. You are hoping this is the “key” that Sir Roderic referred to in his message. Before leaving town, a flay-leaf bum named Kolton approached you and asked you to go searching for two missing dwarves that did not arrive with their caravan. He suspects the goblins in the Churlwood are to blame and informs you there is a cave in the side of the ridge. After taking the ferry across the river, the PCs encountered three Roadkeepers who were demanding toll. You killed two of them and took their leader back to town to be locked up in the jail. You also gained information that the Roadkeeper hideout was in a cave in the Churlwood (although, you didn't completely trust the information). In the Churlwood, you did encounter a small goblin raiding party, but easily defeated them. In a clearing, you also encountered a strange undead creature in the dead stump of an old tree. It is here, that you found the bodies of two dead guard from town that were sent to investigate the missing dwarves.
Session 1 Summary – Roderic's Cove TOTAL Experience Points for session 1 = 4,650 (930 Ex Pts each) After attending the memorial service for Brodert Quink in Sandpoint, the PCs boarded a ship for Roceric's cove. With the map to the ancient Tian settlement in hand, plans were made to explore the foothills of the Fogscar Mountains. An old hunting cabin is shown on the map near where the settlement should be. Arriving in Roderic's Cove, the PCs reserved rooms at Creekside Tavern and Inn and starting preparing for the journey into the foothills. Wren and Galan caught up with their old friend, Audrahni, who works at The Lady's Chapel in town. Two days later, the trip into the foothills began and the old hunting cabin was found late one evening. Various animal tracks and a few gobliniod tracks were seen on the trail. So the PCs were careful as the approached the cabin. All of a sudden, a torch was lit on top of a small, rocky outcrop and the PCs were surprised a maniacal goblin “mooning” the party. A magical missile from Galan struck the “moon” and the goblin climbed off the rocks. Then dogs started barking and another goblin appeared and started to retreat away from the cabin. Eventually, after only one goblin dog death, the goblins convinced the PCs to leave them alone as they were growing a “crop” near the cabin. The goblins did provide information about a cavern close by where a couple of their group was killed. The goblins and the PCs left each other alone for the night. In the morning, after noticing the goblin's crop was some sort of poppy field, the PCs heading in search of the ancient Tian settlement. The cavern was found and explored over the next two days. The entire cavern system showed signs of an ancient Tian settlement with many statues, carvings, and other stone work. At some point, evil has invaded the settlement and raised many of the bones into animated skeletons. Skeletons, spiders, rats, and swarms were also discovered while exploring the complex. A necromancy, negative energy blood pool was also disabled after nearly killing several party members. But, treasure was also to be found and the PCs returned to Roderic's Cove with valuable experience and items. Upon returning to Roderic's Cove, it was discovered that six members of the Horned Fangs gang were killed in some type of altercation. Another altercation, between the Horned Fangs and the Roadkeepers was broken up by the PCs. At this point, Roderic's ghost appeared and his spirit is not happy with the violence in his cove. Encouraged by Audrahni, the PCs were given permission by the militia captain to investigate these deaths. After listening around town, interviewing Ladia Kelstrop, and handing out fliers offering a 15 gp reward – the PCs were finally approached by a boy (Kynae) who witness the killing. Apparently, members of the Order of the Resplendent and the Horned Fangs got into an argument. A woman from the Order of the Resplendent drew a blade-less rapier and instantly killed one of the Horned Fangs with a critical puncture wound to the neck. A horrible spell was also released, similar to a “Weird” spell and killed five more of the Horned Fangs. Everyone else, including Kynae, fled the scene. The PCs next move was to head up to Roderic's Wreck, the old home of Sir Roderic where his ghost is rumored to manifest. Session 1 ended in round 3 at Roderic's Wreck with the following:
Our group (for the most part) has been playing together since college days in 1981. We have played years of D&D adventures and started playing Pathfinder a few years back. So far, we have completed Rise of the Runelords and Serpent's Skull. We play once a month on a Saturday from 3 - 11 PM. For year 2020, we have started Return of the Runelords. Here is our journal of game play. NOTE - there is some additional DM created content included in the adventure path. First of all, let's meet the PCs: Our PCs are summoned to Sandpoint to attend a memorial service for Brodert Quink. The old Tian man had made friends with each of the PCs over the years and have named them in his will. The PCs arrive and stay at the Rusty Dragon Inn. Aytu Kajitsu-Strongfist, Human Skald - Your parents, Sihedron Hero Akrem and Ameiko were good friends with Brodert in Sandpoint. And you enjoyed many days as a child with Brodert looking over his maps, listening to his stories, and learning about your mother's homeland (and Brodert's homeland) Tian-Xia. Rook, Halforc Barbarian – You have been a bit of a wanderer in your youth. Eventually, you ended up in Sandpoint and have worked in the forests and lumber mill for the past few years. You learned your fighting skills as you encountered various creatures in the forests. An unlikely friendship has grown between you and the old man, Brodert Quink. He would often hire you for odd jobs around his place (repair the roof, build a porch, etc.) in his failing years. Upon his death, you long for the loyalty of good friends. Galan Darke, Elf Wizard – You were raised in Magnimar and were fascinated by all the Thassilonian relics. For years, you have studied these relics while also studying arcane magic. While in Magnimar, you made friends with the elf Audrahni. The two of you had many discussions about the planes and the after-life. You eventually moved to Sandpoint to study under a Thassilonian expert named Brodert Quink. It was Brodert that introduced you to the Sihedron Hero Merisiel. She expanded your studies to include geography, history, dungeoneering, as well as the arcane. You feel your education is now well rounded and you are ready for the next stage of your life. Hondo, Human Monk – Your family immigrated from Mwangi to Varisia when you were very young. You grew up working the farms and forests around Galduria in Varisia. You were fascinated by your Uncle's stories of the Sihedron heroes who defeated Karzoug. Eventually, you trained in fighting and were hired as a caravan guard that ended up in Sandpoint. It was there that you met Brodert Quink and made an unlikely friendship with the old man. For a year, you worked for him and learned from him. It was Brodert, who suggested you go to Windsong Abbey and discover your calling in life. After spending nearly two years in Windsong Abbey, you have trained as a monk who follows Korada – The Open Hand of Harmony (the same Demigod followed by the Sihedron Hero Rothlin, who is also your uncle). Varduzi, Human Rogue – Your father, Dun-Kor, was one of the famous Sihedron Heroes. He married Shayliss, daughter of Vin Vender, who owns the general store in Sandpoint. Shayliss was always kind to the old historian, Brodert Quink and Dun-Kor always treated the man with respect. As a youth, you would often run errands for the old man and liked to listen to his stories. And although you have rogue skills and your father has dealings with Jubrayl Vhiski (the local Sczarni leader in Sandpoint), you don't belong to the local gang. Wren, Human Cleric of Desna – You were raised in Magnimar and studied under Bevaluu Zimantiu at the Cynosure Tower shrine. During your time in Magnimar, you befriended an elf named Audrahni. Although Audrahni was not a follower of Desna, she had a strong faith and you spent many hours discussing religion, the after-life, and many other topics. Her perspective, as a long-lived elf, was very beneficial to you. As you came of age, you were sent to Sandpoint to serve two years under Father Zantus in the Sandpoint cathedral. You learned much, but also decided that tending a local flock was not your calling. Your friend Audrahni also passed through Sandpoint while you were serving in the cathedral. She has moved on now, and you have been tending to Brodert Quink until his recent death. Your two years of service is now over and you are free to serve Desna as you see fit. Also included in Brodert's notes is a map with Nalinivati's symbol on it. The map shows a potential location of an ancient cave shrine to Nalinivati made by early Tian immigrants to Varisia. The cave is in the northern foothills of the Fogscar Mountains near Roderic's Cove. Brodert bought the amulet from some half-elven hunters who made the discovery near an old hunting lodge in the mountains. Due to Aytu's Tian heritage, Brodert leaves the map to Aytu and any allies that want to explore this ancient site. |