Lord T's page

Ugh...sorry to have waited a few days to get on here, life continues to get in the way . I am thinking I may need to step away as DM, I have just had a lot go on in a short period of time and have some commitments that will keep me distracted more than is fair to you guys for the foreseeable future. So he is my thoughts, if you guys want to see if someone wants to take over I would be glad to shot an email over to the webmasters letting them know to move it to there campaigns tab I can also message that person where you were in the campaign either way let me know what you guy's decision is. Thanks again, and sorry once again.

okay well I will give everyone a bit to post and then I will roll any who didn't if they don't by end of this evening

Work for me Timmins, the other option for time saving purposes I can roll it for everyone like I did you perception checks. I was doing it in the other game and it sped things up a bit.

Cool beans thanks guys, even with a slightly bigger group, I would rather have one thread than multiple....easier for me to keep track off...as to class and races

they are
Tony Nedraid, Male Human Rogue(Swashbuckler)
Orsal Hort, Male Half-orc pirate (bard)
Jesset Litorian, Fighter/Inquisitor

I will let them introduce themselves on the discussion thread and then once you finish this encounter with the ratfolk I will go ahead and bring them in

So wanted to pose the question you guys since you were far more active in the last week then myself or the other group I was running through this same campaign..said other group has fallen apart however I have potentially three players who still want to play in that group (down from 8ish) would you guys care cause they are only a little bit past you if I bring them into this game?

Roll Initiative

The group moves into a damp room filled with leaves and refuse blown in through the open doorway. A red carpet, dark with moisture and grime, covers most of the floor. The walls are bare stone, most of it rather crude, although upper portions were rebuilt with greater skill. There is a staircase along the northwestern wall that leads to a ledge twelve feet above to the north. There is a mildew stained curtain hanging on the eastern wall, there is a door on the adjacent wall to the curtain and two under the ledge.

Perception checks for party
Perception for Timmins: Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Perception for Rain: Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Perception for Shol’a’saul: Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Perception for Aurora: Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Perception for Morsai: Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Perception for Ludo: Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Two things occur at this point...everyone except Aurora as soon you enter the room a sense of foreboding falls over each of you. You can sense that something is off. Shadows seem to move all around the courtyard when ever anyone looks away just out of the corner of your eyes. As you look around you hear whispering all around you as if the room is full of people talking softly the cacophony seems to ebb and grow louder before reach a crescendo and ending. One particular voice stands out during this time, it is what sounds like a male voice saying Come to me.....

The second thing that is notice is by Morsai, Ludo and Rain. As you are shaken by the eerie voice you glance toward the ledge and notice a what appears to be ratmen scanning the room from above they do not seem to have notice you guys though for some reason...

Ludo the answer to your question is that single file is the best way at this point.

thanks guys, I will post by this evening after work, I need to look over the part you guys were at and your rolls

Sorry guys I am back, I had a death in the family, and had to travel (just got back ysterday) for the funeral, the area I was in had bad cell service and limit internet access.

Ludo you do not smell anything on the stairs beyond the mold ever present. Nor do you spot anything unusual on the stairs or the landing above as you casually glance over the area.

Sorry Morsai I missed you comment about the front door. Yes, in the initial description of the courtyard I said An open archway ahead and to the left leads into the inside of the house, its door long gone. That is the front door as far as you guys can see, though the front door is no longer there just the hinges that once held it.

You throw a rock at the shimmering, it bounces off and lands at your feet. As you take a look at the shimmering you realize it extends from the top of the archway between the gatehouses to the ground and from one gatehouse to the other.

Timmins you begin to search the courtyard. Nothing of real interest initially peeks your interest. There are a set of stone stairs leading up to the next level on the north side of the courtyard. You do however notice a strange shimmering in the air between the gate houses after Morsai moves towards the opening and the rest of the group comes fully into the courtyard. You are not sure what it might be.

Timmins you find no track outside of the front gates, you suspect no one has been this way in some time.

Morsai you march on in and find yourself in the courtyard that was previously described it is grimy and rats and mice and all manner of bugs scurry away from your presence. From you description I am not sure if you were saying you were headed into the actually into the building or just into the courtyard.

Sounds good, I will note that Shol

As the group approaches the empty archway where the gate doors should be you all get your first glance of the interior, before you is a empty courtyard. You see rats and mice scurry away into hiding places among loose stones as you look into the overgrown courtyard. The walls are so high that it almost seems like an interior chamber, except that it lacks a roof. Mosses and fungi cover the stones more so than weeds or grass. Everything feels damp, and there is a palpable chill. An open archway ahead and to the left leads into the inside of the house, its door long gone.

Rain while you walk toward the courtyard with the rest of the group you look he building up and down. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. You can tell the building has gone through some renovations over its long history as there are parts of the house that look newer than other parts.

Umm there are not really any laws against it perse, as the Knights are not the City Watch. You might run afoul of the Knights of the Pale if they were to find out that you had gone into a place they sealed up. Not that they will likely come and beat you up or throw you in jail over it. You will likely just get a serious reprimand to say the least...but we will come to that bridge if and when it gets crossed. And no you would not need permission necessarily.

The trip to Pythoness takes almost and hour. When you arrive you are greet by this site. Pythoness House is a square keep with a tall western tower, an exterior walkway connecting keep and tower, and an impressive gatehouse with twin guard towers. The entire structure sits atop a hill overgrown with weeds and shrubs amid the tall, unkempt grass. The hill is surrounded by a wrought iron fence in poor repair. In the front, a gate in the fence swings in the wind. Behind the house sit piles of rotted wood debris, the remains of a balcony that collapsed long ago. There is no door or gate on the keep between the two guard towers which strikes you all as odd but as old as portions of this building looks the wood could have rotted and been drug away for all you know. There certainly is something eerie about this place that you seem to sense, a chill goes through you all despite the fact that it is broad daylight and warm.

Aurora the only thing you remember about either the House or the Crimson Coil is that, no one knew for sure who they worshiped, there were rumors but nothing ever clearly determined, some said they were a chaos cult others said they worshiped a many gods of luck. This would not be a far stretch as you know the Pythoness was known for providing fortune telling services in addition to other services...

Rain, you ask around and are told that it is off of Emperor's Road in Oldtown just inside the Old City Gate on a small hill.

Timmins you sure its in Old Town but not sure its exact location

Rain, Aurora and Timmins
You ask around the Ministrel and later in the morning around in the nearby shops in Delver's Sqaure. After quite a bit of goading the three of you are able to get it out of three separate individuals information about the Neverin's Key

Rain, The guy you talk to tells you about a cult he heard that had the Key last, they resided in a brothel somewhere in Old Town.

Aurora, an delver you talk to tells you that he had heard that the likely place to look is Pythoness House, but was not quite sure where it was. He also had heard it got raid several years ago.

Timmins, the shop keeper you got your information from tells you that Pythoness House was a brothel and they had heard it was mixed up with some sort of cult but got shut down sometime ago.

Separate from all this Shol, you go to a nearby library in Oldtown where you dig into some old records. You come across a mention of a cult known as The Crimson Coil, in a City Watch report. According to the report their hideout which was a brothel of some sort, got raided by the Knights of the Pale about 4 years ago. There was a brief mention in the record that there was likely quite a bit of loot to be had after the raid as the Knights sealed the place but never really completely explored it. Instead they went after some fleeing cultist.

Actually just realized go ahead and try your Knowledge Arcana or Local if you have it as well

So the night passes swiftly before long the rays of sunshine are glinting off the the still damp buildings. The rain has stopped and the clouds have disappeared. Shops all over town open bright and early despite a night of festivities.

If you would like you guys can ask around town this morning go ahead, for those who would like to gather information roll me a Diplomacy check, for those spending time among books and sages roll me a Knowledge (History) check

Morsai go ahead and roll me an knowledge arcana check

Everyone else you ask around but no one seems to have heard of the All Key, though at one point Rain, a drunkard mentions something about a brothel but he passes out before you can get much else from him.

Kellisan looks at Shol I would prefer it stay here but if you can offer a better alternative and ensure I will get back my property I would be open to suggestions he then turns to Ludo Sadly all I know of them is what I told you. As to better left in the chest, where is you since of adventure, Sir? I for one would be interested to see what the chest hold with in it.

Ludo, you do not remember anything more than what Kellisan has told you as it pertains to Alestia Fornol and Faraban Kagestos, but you remember hearing about this chest being impossible to open as well.

Rain you try to open the chest but to no avail it seems to be well beyond you capabilities.

Aurora you spend time really looking over the chest, you find no clues to how to open it but you do after some thinking while examining the chest remember a local minor artifact that may help you open the chest. The item known as Neverin's All-Key, you came across mention of it sometime ago but never thought you would need it. Essentially it will open any lock regardless of the magic sealing it. You are sure this could be useful in opening the chest. You do not however know where it was last located. You are sure you could ask around and track down it last known whereabouts.

Kellisan nods Its a legend the book I read seemed to infer this happened centuries ago. Eallister is a friend of mine keeps an eye out for the real treasures, he bought this off some adventurers who dragged it out of the caves below the city, he said several people had tried to steal it from him since but his ogres had prevented it....I tell ya what though I might not sell it I am somewhat interested to see what these items of magic are...If you could find a way to open the chest for me I would reward you. Not sure how you would necessarily do this but if you lot could figure it out I would truly appreciate it..

Kellisan leans back in his chair I remember reading a book on Alchemy some time ago that the was about the legend of the "First Fire", a flame that had burned so hot and so long it is said it has burned since the time before time. The Lost Lores were primal truths of which the First Fire is one of them. Within the same book there was a story about a chest that was used to house many powerful magic items that were created by Alestia Fornol, a sorceress and Faraban Kagestos, a cleric of Niveral, the god of secrets. They had tried to harness the power of the Five Lost Lores which included the First Fire. They had some success with this but were never able to master it. They placed the items they created into a chest before one last attempt to harness the power of the First Flame. Sadly they failed and were both incinerated in the process as well the chest was supposedly seared by the powerful flames so thoroughly it became impossible to open. This is supposedly that chest...you see the searing and how it seems flame kissed in spots?

What he tells you seems accurate to what you remember of the Lost Lores and First Fire, Aurora and Shol.

Rain

Kellisan closes the front door and follws the part of the group that is in the shop to backroom where the chest is. He seems less nervous but resigned to the fact that he is not going to get rid of you with out answering your questions. After thinking on it for a minute you realize you have no idea who Ealistar Fallingeye is, Aurora.

Timmins you look over the chest it does not look trapped but does like very secure in fact you have a hard time finding a seam where the lid and the base meet. You are sure this will not be easy to open.

You make a good argument, My Lady he says to Aurora, Ireale is a former lover of mine who I did wrong by, cheated on her with a common trollop. It is no wonder she told you I was selling children to ogres He sighs and grabs a nearby chair and sits down in it. You are sure he is telling the truth And yes I know of the magic on this chest. It is a rare thing indeed that I have an actual item of value in this shop. A person wanting status or the like would likely buy this. So they can say they own the chest or someone who thinks they can open it. The likelihood you could open it is slim, and I have no idea what is it. Let just say there is a legend related to this chest, Any of you ever heard of the First Fire or the Five Lost Lores?

Ludo decides to trust his first instinct, "There is something about the chest that bothers you Kellisan. Through your eyes, I see the fear in your heart. Is it dangerous? Perhaps we should summon someone for assistance. I work with the Knights of the Pale. I could send for help."

At the mention of the Knights of the Pale, Kellisan seems to get nervous again Please just leave, there is nothing wrong with the chest or its contents I bought it from a Harrow elf named Ealistar Fallingeye. It is a rare item of which I do not usually have in this shop. I am hoping to make a sizable profit from this chest if I can find the right buyer. The only thing that worries me is you and your friends, sir. You have burst into my shop in the wee hours of the morning without provocation and begin accusing me of selling children to ogres because some trollop told you I did this thing.

Rain, from your view outside you see several drunken watchmen strolling leisurely down the street perhaps a block away. They seem to be heading this way and will shortly be passing the shop.

Thanks Shol, I appreciate it, and I agree I want everyone to have fun and participate the ball at this point as they say is in his court.

Kellisan looks at you, Ludo, there seems to be a slight bit of fear in his eyes when you mention the chest, but it could just be your imagination. What woman are you talking about? The chest is mine I paid good money for it if you are here to take it I will bring the Watch and the Commissar's Men down upon you, by Lothian I will, now will you all please leave I have things to do... as he says this Aurora walks into the back.

Aurora you stare at the chest, the chest measures about three feet long, two feet wide, and two feet tall and weighs three hundred fifty pounds. It appears to be made of wood bound in bronze, with small bronze plates set into its back and sides; images of winged horses are engraved upon the plates. A hefty, built-in lock is obvious at the front of the chest. You also notice what looks like scorch marks in various places all over it. The chest radiates a strong aura of abjuration magic.

To be honest Morsai, Ludo is right, you have had multiple opportunities to follow the group, I left it open that you guys would likely know each other (the group that is) if you want to participate great if not I would ask you to withdraw rather than disrupting the flow of the game.

Timmins looks around the room while Aurora speaks to the man.

Perception: 1d20+9+2

The shop front is pretty standard, he odd trinket and fake antiquities litter several tables and various "rare" goods stuffed into baskets with signs saying things like "What an Amazing Deal!!". You see a door leading to the back of the building behind the counter.

Aurora, you some how get him to let you in whether its your smile or your endearing qualities he opens the door and lets you into the front of the shop.

He seems nervous to say the least, but you see only shock on his face when you mention the children. Your sure its not the kind of shock that comes from someone who has been found out. It more the shock of someone who been accused of something they did not do.......Sold children to Ogres...What idiot told you such a thing...I paid them in gold thrones, the rest is none of your business.
He seems very truthful in what he says.

Shol’a’saul

Rain and Ludo

Everyone else:
Aurora you walk up and knock on the front door, Timmins stands up as you walk over to stand beside you just in case. After knock a few times you hear the sound of someone coming to the door. The door opens halfway and an middle aged balding human in clothes that look to be his best representation of fashionable (even though they are not), looks back at you. He has a slightly hawkish nose and frowns when he looks you over before speaking. Yes, I am Kellisan...And who are you? You know it is quite late for visitors and questions...why have you come to my door at this hour and what is this prattle about children you are on about?

Aurora, your sense motive check tells you he is nervous as to what your not sure but you catch a few side long glance toward the backroom he is trying to be very nonchalant about.

Timmins

Everyone Else:
From the Alleyway you are hiding in you observe Timmins search the outer part of the building and then he sneaks under the window in front and appears to be listening. After several moments the ogres exit the building from the side door one of them has its hand in a coin purse and you hear clinking as if coins are rubbing against each other. The turn out of the alley and head west down the street. They either don't notice you or don't care as they pass the alley you are all hiding in.

The group follows the ogres who either do not care or do not notice you trailing them. They follow a pretty random path toward the shop and on several occasions begin to argue which direction to go almost leading to a fist fight on one occasion. After a fashion they arrive at what you assume to be the antiquities shop. The store front is not much different from most shops in Ptolus if a bit worse for wear. The sign on the front read Kellisan's Rare Goods Emporium!. From your view in an alley mouth across from the shop you see graffiti painted on one of the walls that says "fake" "scum" "swindler". It is obvious Kellisan is not well loved around the city by the amount of graffiti.

The ogres walk across the street to a side door and knock. After about 5 minute the door opens and the ogres walk in, before the door closes a shady looking human male peeks his head out and looks around in both directions as if scanning to see if anyone has followed the ogres. He looks to be in his mid years no older than 45. He is balding and has beady eyes. After a minute he goes back into the shop and closes the door.

Morsai out of the corner of your eye while getting deeper into you book, you notice the woman your friends were talking to before they left, walk out of the Minstrel.

The ogres look you lot over We escort chest by selfs just fine...you no need help us they pick up the chest and begin to walk away

Aurora
You thought you were stunned by the mention of children being sold, but the look on both of the ogre's faces is clearly shock. What we do with human or elf child? Raise them? Both ogres start laughing Our master not pay us in children, he pay us in gold and he not Kellisan.....Kellisan bought chest from our master, we not know what in chest only that it really hard to open... The ogres look at Ludo Our master already pay us we just delivering to Kellisan because master say so

You are sure they are being truthful.

They look at each and the smarter one shrugs Would have to be lot our master paying us 1000 gold to get this chest to Kellisan

Not close they are still at least 10 blocks away from Kellisan's shop.

The ogres put down the chest they are carrying between them and turn toward you Timmins. One of them who looks just a smidgen more intelligent says to you What you want? Why you ask bout Kellisan? both of them stare at you with baleful glares and they clutch javelins in their offhand as if they are just waiting for you to say the wrong thing.

Out of Games, yes and no, there are not necessarily laws protecting ogres but there are laws to protect residence and though ogres only make a very minute percentage of the overall population its not unheard of them to be considered citizens or to see one walking down the street even on a bright sunny day. They are consider humanoid according to the bestiary and do have intelligence thus they are sentient.

Timmins

Everyone else: You all follow Timmins and Shadow west into Midtown and after several minutes they seem to pick up the trail and starting moving south. The downpour ease up only slightly, despite this you continue onward and after several more minutes come to an empty intersection. None of you have noticed many City Watchmen out and about, which is not surprising considering the weather and the fact that most will be inside enjoying the festivities. Even the few shivvel addicts you pass hiding among the eves of doorways know tonight is not the night to be venturing out and about with the weather. The last time you saw a watchman was several streets back and he and his mates were half drunk.

Timmins stares at the ground for a few minutes, Shadow lets out a whine, and then they both head to a nearby alley entrance and stare down it.

Give me three survival checks, Timmins and include you bonus for tracking

Rain

The woman looks you lot over and then settles on Aurora You more likely to catch the ogres out on the streets, from what I hear they were traveling through Midtown toward Southmarket where Kellisan keeps his shop. If you are fast you could catch them before they even get to the shop.

Kellisan rips people off by selling "antiquities" and rare goods that are neither rare nor old....

The woman chuckles and accepts your gracious offer of more wine. Well according to what I heard its happening tonight probably as we speak because the Watch won't be as prevalent in the streets what with the weather and the amount of ale being poured for the festitivies

She looks you up and down Timmins, its makes you feel like a piece of meat Well my, my aren't you just a tall drink of water....I was not trying to be rude but your friend should mind her business. As to said rumor, its not a rumor its fact Kellisan has paid two ogres to transport a chest across town...to his "Antiquities" shop

Aurora:

The human woman does not look as surprised as you had hoped she would she in fact has an incredulous look on her face. She looks you up and down and then scoffs Mind you own business, elf and then goes back to whispering to her halfling friend who seems somewhat worried by the situation by the look on her face.