This is a journal of our group’s exploits in Varisia, in the world of the Pathfinder Chronicles. I’m drawing primarily from the Rise of the Runelords AP, but giving the players ample room to take the story in the direction they want. Since I’m hoping my players will read and contribute to this journal, please refrain from posting any spoilers.
We actually started playing quite a while ago, but I haven’t gotten around to starting this journal until now. I’m hoping to get caught up over the next week or so. The first entry is from before the game started. Via email, I tried to get everyone’s characters introduced into the town and the story. The entry after that will be our first actual session.
The characters:
Adier Dow – male Chelaxian fighter
Noalani – female Varisian cleric of Desna
Teosi – female Varisian rogue
Vaela – female gnome ranger
Votha Hopperhill – male halfling druid
It was the morning of the Swallowtail Festival, a day-long celebration of the goddess Desna on the first day of autumn. The citizens of Sandpoint were especially celebratory, as they would be consecrating their newly built cathedral that day, after the old chapel burned down five years ago.
The PCs arrived to town mostly independent of one another. Noalani and Votha Hopperhill met along the road when Mr. Hopperhill came across the caravan Noalani was traveling with. She was on her way to attend the Swallowtail Festival, and he was on the open road seeking new surroundings. The old halfling decided to tag along with the caravan and spent a few nights chatting with Noalani about faith and other matters. They arrived in Sandpoint the evening before the festival and sought lodging at the Rusty Dragon Inn.
Two of the others had already arrived to town earlier that day. Vaela had passed by the White Deer Inn, its three stories a bit too lofty for the diminutive gnome. She wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and smells of the bustling town – particularly the smells from the Sandpoint Savories, where she purchased some stickybuns from the twin Avertin girls. She eventually made her way to Sandpoint’s other inn, the Rusty Dragon. As Vaela entered the inn, Teosi was just leaving it.
Teosi had just arrived to Sandpoint, hoping to earn some money as a dancer during the festival. At the Rusty Dragon, she inquired about a room from the halfling woman at the desk, but then the owner of the inn entered the room and introduced herself. Ameiko Kaijitsu recognized Teosi as a fellow adventurer and offered her a discount if she would share a story or two that evening. Teosi had few stories to tell, but said she would be happy to perform a few dances.
That evening, Noalani, Mr. Hopperhill, Vaela, and Teosi all enjoyed the great food and great entertainment the Rusty Dragon is known for. Many great stories were told, Ameiko herself performed a few songs, and Teosi danced.
Early the next morning, Adier Dow arrived to Sandpoint. As he entered the square near the new cathedral, people were busily setting up for the day’s festivities. Teosi had also gotten up early and was exploring the square.
"You know, it really is a wonderful honor to their memories," one elderly woman said, stopping to admire the new cathedral. "Father Tobyn was so kind, and that young girl was surely a gift from the gods themselves."
"It's true," replied her friend. "And I can't believe it has been five years already. Perhaps now we can put that all behind us."
“Oh, for the love of Gozreh!" a one-legged man shouted to the young man carrying a crate of supplies, hobbling around with his palm on his forehead. "I told him not to eat those scallops. Now how are we going to get everything from the Hagfish to here in time for the festival?"
Adier turned toward the one-legged man and said, "Pardon me, guv, but I couldn't help overhearing your frustration. If it's some portage ye be needin', I'd be more than happy to help."
The man agreed to pay Adier for his services and showed him where to begin hauling.
Soon it was mid-morning and a crowd was gathering in the square for the opening ceremonies. The PCs were all in attendance, though none of them knew each other yet except for Noalani and Mr. Hopperhill. A woman with short auburn hair stood up on the stage near the cathedral, four chairs behind her, three of them occupied. As the crowd began to notice her, a hush descended and all eyes turned toward her.
I've always considered myself to be somewhat of a loner. One does what one has to in order to survive- forming attachments to others only complicates matters. Not that I haven't ever been attached to anyone- I just choose my company carefully. When I arrived at the Swallowtail Festival things seemed pretty cut and dry. I was there to make money, and if it included dancing then so be it. As they say, "if you've got it..." something like that. You can imagine my surprise when a young woman named Ameiko asked me to tell stories for a discount on my room! This was not in the contract. I had the money so I certainly didn't need a discount. Furthermore, I am a private person, not prone to indulging the masses with personal details of my life and, if truth be told, I had nothing too grand to share with them anyway. I'm not much of an adventurer- more of an explorer- and not much of that, either. Not that I'm going to admit this to a perfect stranger. I chose to dance instead.
I must admit that I am intrigued by the group of people that I've encountered at this festival. I can't explain it, but I feel very drawn to them- though the short one gives me pause. He talks a great deal and insists on becoming a "party"- I am not one to rush idly into commitments or contracts, and the others don't seem to be jumping at the idea. However, I am forced to consider the fact that I haven't said "no" to the proposal. For now I'm committed to watch them from a distance. Only time will tell if there is a reason for my unexplained interest.
Until tomorrow,
Teosi
What could Desna be guiding me to? Never before have I felt her will so distinctly as I did in that dream. And now, after weeks of traveling, I am here in Sandpoint. I shall not speculate her purpose for me, but keep my heart open and my starknife close.
The journey has been quite pleasant thus far and I have arrived in Sandpoint on the eve of a festival. Desna be praised, she does not leave her faithful to want! Though I am not familiar with the local legend, I am pleased to attend any of Starsong's celebrations.
I met an interesting and unlikely character by the name of Votha Hopperhill in my travels. It seems, despite his gruffness, that he seeks to make a difference in this world for the better. In that we are kindred, though I would be more at ease if he demonstrated the same care for the populace as he does for the creatures of the fields and forests.
For now, I am ready to wash the road off my face, enjoy a drink and song, and get a good night's rest in a soft bed. The guard at the gate, when pressed, said that both the White Deer Inn and the Rusty Dragon have comfortable accommodations but that the Dragon had a livelier crowd and better food. I think my feet can handle a few extra paces...
[Because our group recently dispersed into a few widespread cities, this campaign is being played online via Fantasy Grounds. The program is really pretty cool (and provides me with a chatlog which makes writing this journal much easier), but it's taking us a while to get the hang of some things. Thus, the first 3 sessions didn't have a whole lot happen, so I've combined them into this one post.]
A woman with short auburn hair stood up on the stage near the cathedral, four chairs behind her, three of them occupied. As the crowd began to notice her, a hush descended and all eyes turned toward her.
The woman introduced herself as Kendra Deverin, mayor of Sandpoint, and gave a speech welcoming everyone to the festival and thanking them for keeping the community strong and vibrant. After her, Sheriff Belor Hemlock led the crowd in a moment of silence for the victims of the fire five years ago and then reminded everyone to be careful during the festival. Next, Cyrdak Drokkus, proprietor of the local theater, cheered the crowd with a rousing tale of the building of the new cathedral. Lastly, Father Zantus gave a blessing and declared the festival underway.
The crowd roared as music from a previously unassuming troupe of musicians filled the square. People began dancing and children ran to play in the streets. Booth-workers called out, enticing excited consumers to try their wares. The mood in Sandpoint reached a high seldom seen.
Noalani grabbed Votha Hopperhill by the arm, pulling him into a merry dance. The bewildered old halfling smiled and joined in. Ameiko was there, selling her famous spiced salmon and curry-dusted chickpeas. She recognized the patrons of her inn and called them over, asking how they were enjoying the festival while Teosi eagerly purchased a plate of food. Vaela sat down out of the mid-morning sun to watch the festival, while Adier wandered about. Teosi and Mr. Hopperhill introduced themselves to each other and Mr. Hopperhill mentioned that he was hoping to find some traveling companions here in town.
At noon, several acolytes of the cathedral wheeled a large covered wagon into the square. Father Zantus told the parable of how Desna transformed a little child into an immortal butterfly for nursing her back to health after she fell to the earth. Then they opened the wagon and a thousand swallowtail butterflies swarmed into the air as the crowd cheered.
The sun was setting, and the crowd gathered in the square once again for the consecration ceremony. Just as Father Zantus was about to speak, a woman’s scream sliced through the air. Another scream, and then another! Soon several high-pitched shrieks, not quite human added to the din. Something low to the ground raced by, giggling, and a stray dog gave a pained yelp and collapsed, its throat cut ear to ear. Suddenly, shrill scratchy voices began singing a strange song…
Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog and cut the horse,
Goblins eat and take by force!
The goblin that had killed the dog fixed his eyes upon Vaela, the little gnome, and charged at her, swinging his dogslicer, but she narrowly dodged out of the way. The crowd scattered in a panic, and the soon-to-be heroes leapt into action. Introductions seemed rather unimportant for the moment as they suddenly found themselves fighting side by side. They bravely fought the goblin and a few others that appeared, defeating them soundly.
As they caught their breaths, a sudden bloom of fire caught their attention. Near the cathedral, a cart full of fuel was engulfed in flames while several goblins danced around it gleefully. One of them seemed to lead them, carrying a whip and chanting loudly. Goblins were everywhere, chasing townspeople, wreaking havoc. After a difficult battle, the heroes proved victorious once again, Vaela’s hammer landing the final blow on the goblin warchanter.
Just as they thought the chaos had ended, they heard a fearful scream and frantic barking coming from up the road. Goblins had attacked a noble and cornered his hunting dog. Just as the heroes arrived, the goblin commando killed the dog with his large horsechopper, and he and his friends turned to face the noble. Once again, the heroes leapt into action, Adier charging in and slicing through a goblin with his longsword. It was a very tough battle – Adier went unconscious and Noalani was dropped to zero hitpoints. They came through in the end though, and they defeated the goblins.
“Thank you all so very, very much! You've saved my life! Alas, poor Blade, my dog. Loyal to the end, he was.” Turning to Noalani, the noble smiled and said, “You, my dear, were simply marvelous. I must say, your skill at combat can only be matched by your stunning beauty. Have I seen you before?”
Noalani replied, “I don't believe so. I am Noalani. You are?”
“My gods, now, I've forgotten my manners. My name is Aldern Foxglove, and I'm from Magnimar, though I'll be in town here a few more days. I'm staying at the Rusty Dragon Inn, and when you get the chance, I'd love to talk with all of you more and perhaps reward you properly for saving me from a terrible goblin-ing!”
Finding themselves drawn together by their heroics and by the opportunity for reward, the group decided to convene back at the Rusty Dragon for a celebratory drink. By this time, the battle had been decided. Surviving goblins fled north in droves, in some cases preferring to leap to their certain death off cliffs rather than be captured. Night began to fall, and the town began picking up the pieces of what had been quite a lovely festival.
It was such a wonderful day - music, dancing, food, and celebration all in Desna's name! But then those vile wretches came out of nowhere to spoil it. I wish that I were a more capable fighter, but I did my best to dispatch those goblins that were near me. Thankfully, some of the other guests from the Rusty Dragon were at my side in the fight. Together we were able to win against the goblins. The attack does not bode well for the future, though.
It seems too much of a coincidence that the goblins would attack just before the temple could be consecrated. Goblins are famous for their caprice and I cannot help but wonder if a hidden malice is behind it. I will not dwell on an ill omen, though, but instead concentrate my efforts on helping Sandpoint's citizens deal with this unexpected attack. Maybe this is why Desna brought me to Sandpoint?
I could not imagine a more beautiful day- especially when the butterflies filled the air. For once, it seemed that everything was perfect. Then the goblins came. Before we even knew what was happening, I found myself fighting side by side with others from the tavern. They were ruthless- killing anything that came into their sights. We gave them a beating to remember, though not without injury to ourselves. I thought for sure Noalani was dead, and that young fighter...I must admit I've never seen so much blood in my life. So this is what it feels like to be an adventurer? I thought it would be different, somehow. I think I need a drink...
Back at the Rusty Dragon, the group was met with cheers from the patrons, and a round of drinks were provided on the house for the “heroes” of Sandpoint. Ameiko and the crowd asked to hear more stories of their adventures, but no one seemed to have much to share. To appease the crowd, though, Mr. Hopperhill got up and told the fantastic story of how his father defeated a giant snake. After the exciting tale, Ameiko returned to the stage to sing the Ballad of the Desna-Blessed Maiden, while the group got to know one another better.
The next morning, while nursing hangovers, the group decided to explore town a bit and try to find out what they could do to help in the aftermath of the goblin raid. They went to the cathedral, and then to the city garrison, where they met Sheriff Belor Hemlock. Noalani asked about the town’s earlier troubles, mentioned the day before at the festival. The sheriff explained about the Late Unpleasantness, as the locals called it. About five years ago, Sandpoint experienced a rash of murders committed by a person known as Chopper, for the state in which the victims were found. The clues eventually led back to one of the most beloved, if somewhat eccentric, citizen’s of Sandpoint – Jervis Stoot. The town was shocked and devastated at the news, and then shortly thereafter endured a second tragedy. The Sandpoint Chapel caught fire and burned to the ground, taking with it the town’s beloved priest Ezakien Tobyn. Several other buildings were also destroyed or heavily damaged in the fire before it was contained, and it’s taken the town until now to fully rebuild.
The group offered its services to the town guard as they all felt the goblin raid was just the beginning of something bigger. Sheriff Hemlock said that he had his people working on it, and the heroes ought to enjoy the town a bit. He said he would contact them if he needed them. After doing some shopping in town, they returned to the Rusty Dragon to meet up with the noble they saved the day before. On the way, Adier noticed some girls shyly giggling as he passed by.
At dinner, Aldern Foxglove thanked the group again for saving him, and he offered to take them boar hunting with him. So the next morning they left early in the morning for the Goblin Squash Stables, where Aldern promised to buy each of the heroes a horse (“and ponies for the wee ones.”) On the way, they ran into a hobbling, elderly Varisian woman, who kept pinching Adier’s cheeks and cackling happily to herself. She seemed a bit batty as she rambled on in the language of her people, but Noalani was able to understand her words and recognized the wisdom in her eyes.
The stable-owner, a man named Daviren Hosk, was amicable but slightly bitter-sounding. His distaste for goblins was evident in the scores of goblin ears preserved and nailed to the rafters of the stables. Aldern purchased the horses and soon the group was headed out of town toward the Tickwood to hunt.
On the way, Aldern asked question after question of the group. He was certainly taken with Noalani, and blushed when he realized he was all but ignoring everyone else. Noalani talked of her devotion to Desna, and Teosi spoke of her mother’s decision to settle in Nybor. Mr. Hopperhill told of his time near Wolf’s Ear and his parents’ explorations in the Churlwood, while Adier said that before he became a “hero” he was in the business of tourism and perhaps “a little trade too.” When asked about himself, Aldern Foxglove admitted that while he was from a fairly wealthy family in Magnimar, his life was terribly boring in comparison – all about estates, servants, and bureaucratic dullness, really.
Soon they came to the woods, and left the horses to hunt on foot. Teosi found some boar tracks, and Vaela managed to track them for a ways. Out of nowhere they were ambushed by two fire-pelt cougars, hoping for easy prey. Teosi was knocked unconscious, but they were able to scare the cougars away and Noalani said a prayer to Desna to heal Teosi. After the fight, Noalani discovered a potion in her backpack with a note attached – “Good luck! –Ameiko.” To their surprise, everyone else found the same in each of their packs.
Eventually they came to a small clearing, and Vaela held her hand up to signal the group to stop and be quiet. Up ahead, a large boar was rutting in the dirt. Though they managed to surprise the boar, it was a very tough fight, and several people were wounded badly by its goring tusks. However, in the end, Teosi was able to defeat it and then ran to help her fallen comrades. They brought the boar back to the Rusty Dragon, where Ameiko gladly offered to prepare it for the evening meal at the inn.
The sadness and fear after the goblin attack was lessened somewhat by the hospitality of the Rusty Dragon and the unexpected reaction of Sandpoint's citizens. I only did what anyone might have done in fighting against the goblin scourge, but to be labeled a hero is somewhat overwhelming. I hope that the citizen's ardor will soon fade.
Certainly Desna has guided me here to do more than route a few goblins. I feel compelled to unravel the mystery of their attack. There are too many questions; simple coincidence cannot account for the goblin's timing. The more I learn of the city's past, the more my heart aches for it's people. There must be something that I can do to help, although the town authorities assure me and my fellow travelers that every effort is being made to deal with the situation. For now, I must content myself with helping as I can.
That handsome noble we saved from the goblins has invited us on a boar hunt, presumably as a reward. I am not terribly familiar with Chelax customs, but hunting and killing seems an ill-suited thank you in this circumstance. Honestly, when he invited us to dinner, I had something more ... intimate in mind. Alas, what else can be expected of city-dwellers. So much time spent confined, separated from the wonders which Desna implores us to explore. It is no wonder Foxglove acts so peculiarly.
Sandpoint is in no short supply of interesting characters. The wizened old Varisian, Madame Mvashti, crossed our path the morning of the hunt. She seemed oddly familiar, said she was a seer. I do not doubt her wisdom, but in the case of Adier I think she would do well not to let herself be carried away by fancy. His charm is only skin-deep, if that. One only needs to witness the shameless hussies twittering as he passes to realize that only shame and folly can be found in his arms.
And speaking of folly, I should never have gone on that ridiculous hunt with Foxglove. We were completely unprepared for the perils of the forest, being attacked by a pair of fire-pelt cougars before even sighting our quarry. And the boar! I never realized the beasts were so ferocious. If it were not for Teosi I believe it would have been the end of all of us. Even Ameiko's generosity, Desna' bless her dreams, was not enough to see us through.
But it seems that Desna has seen it fit to preserve me and my companions and so I must believe that I have work still to do in Sandpoint. Let my dreams praise Desna 'till the sun rises anew.
Well, this old man isn't sure about keeping a journal, but maybe it will help me collect my thoughts. Much has happened in the past few years and especially in the few weeks since meeting my fellow adventurers. I truly feel like I'm young again. What exhilaration! It cannot be beat. I knew I was made for this stuff. Too bad it took me this long to figure out, but I had my brother to take care of. And of course there was my parents research. Damn them and their determination! Maybe, I'll get back to it, but for now life is mine to take.
Today was especially intriguing. We traversed into the thick foliage of brambles after Teosi found a secret passage. It was very beautiful and calming until we bumped into the confounded goblins. Smelly creatures, I tell you. Stay away from them if you can and watch out for their damnable dogs. Accursed creatures. Anyways, we beat down a few of the vermin and found some of their wretched pets as well, which we vanquished with due ease. Of course between our excursions of wonderful adventuring, our over-skilled elf showed her true colors as a stuck up b&*+*, but enough said on that account. I've met few elves in my time and she is the most vivid. Not a bad girl at first meeting, but she has a nasty bite and a quick temper. So for those of you who wish to venture out into the wide world of danger, remember elves are quick to temper and retort, but quicker with their blades. Watch your back, I say.
We also ventured across a rather more ugly goblin who proclaimed himself Gripmug or Grisptooth or something. Don't rightfully remember, but he was a straight bastard and clearly bent on feeding us to his cougar. He dabbled in a bit of the magic my parents taught me and did a decent job of trying to take us down. Stupid creature didn't know what it was getting into. It finally understood it was overmatched and ran like a fat little coward before our sneaky elf spit an arrow in its back.
That pretty much brings me to the end of the day. We still have to head up to Thistletop, which is where the source of evil plaguing the town should be. I looked forward to it. I have a couple tricks tucked away for the occasion. Wink.