RoTR / CotCT Hybrid Campaign Adventure

[Corvin]

"It is good to meet you, Milady. I'm guessing that you are the one responsible for the card?" He asks, already knowing the answer.

As he speaks, he keeps an eye on the half-elf, watching her as she sheaths the dagger, and also noticing the little acknowledgement between her and the half-orc.

It seems some of the people here are handy in a scrap. He muses to himself, as he is honest enough to himself to know he is not, and absently traces the scar on his face with his free hand.

[Algret Durthane]

DM

Spoiler:

sense motive check on both of the females...

[DM_Iziak]

Now assuming that everyone is seated and introductions have been made. I’ll need to make assumptions like this, and I already have quite a bit, for speed of gameplay… if there’s ever an assumption that I make that you don’t agree with, please let me know and maybe we can “rewind” a few posts, so to speak.

As she sits, Zellara draws out a deck of Harrow cards and beings idly shuffling them with more skill than you’ve seen anyone do so in the past. They seem to float and dace over her hands and the table, almost as if they were doing so of under their own power and not that of a human.

“Why, Liandra, we all share a common enemy. The group of goblins which I have found stole my Harrow deck, an heirloom passed down through a dozen generations, and which is also my sole means of support. When pickpockets stole it—I knew not at the time that they were goblins—my son, Eran, tracked them down. The goblins were in the employ of a cleric of Lamashtu, goddess of monsters, and in reward for finding them, this cleric murdered Eran.

“I sought help from the Guard, but they turned me away. And so I asked around. I paid bribes. I consulted my Harrow deck for advice. And recently, I was rewarded—I found out where the goblins dwell. They can be found in an old fishery north of here at Westpier 17, where the little devils count their stolen treasure.

“And now, I need your help. I cannot hope to face the goblins on my own, for I am growing older now and never was a warrior even in my youth, and the Guard moves so slowly that if I were to go to them, the goblins would certainly know of their coming well in advance… and these crooked monsters have evaded the Guard for generations of their lives. Buy you know of these frustrations as well, for I have heard that goblins have harmed each of you, too. So there we are. It is time for them to pay. What do you think?”

Sense Motive: Algret 15, Corvin 9, Goburn 9, Skazz 5, Liandra 11

ALGRET

Spoiler:

You think that everything that the two have said so far is true. If you initiate a roll, like you did there, you can make the roll for yourself if you want… I trust you all to be honest about results. I’ll just roll for you with the skill check is needed in the middle of one of my posts or if I otherwise think that it is necessary.

CORVIN, GOBURN, SKAZZ, LIANDRA

Spoiler:

You think that everything that Zellara says is true.

[Algret Durthane]

I think your words ring true! I for one would enjoy the chance to strike a blow against those vermin. It is even more blessed that it is a holy quest against the Lady of monsters! I shall help to over throw this evil cleric in Torag's name.

[Corvin]

At the mention of goblins, Corvin's knuckles whiten as he grips his wizard staff tighter, and his face tales on a savage cast. It his clear that his thoughts have turned towards something from his past, and his eyes burn with unspoken anger.

"Milady, I will do this. I will lend my magic and my blade to this endeavor, and see these goblins crushed." He says vehemently.

Corvin nods his approval at the female Dwarf, who, by her words is obviously a priest.

[Skazzgrakk]

"It seems we all share a common foe. I will lend my axe to this cause, for Tusk-Taker longs to taste the blood of goblin filth again. And those who consort with goblins deserve the same! But first, describe this priest of Lamashtu...what race is he...?"

[Liandra Nightwind]

Liandra gives Corvin an appraising glance at the ferocity of his words. She listens to the others and slowly smiles.

"Well, I promised the little bastards they'd pay...and besides the way you people operate, you'd probably walk into a trap. By the way," she looks at the young wizard,

"How many spells do you know of that, shot through a window, can kill a bunch of idiots standing around a table in response to an anonymous summons? Just a thought."

[DM_Iziak]

Since he has not posted, I now assume that Goburn agrees. ”Wonderful!” Zellara exclaims, “So it is settled. As to your question, Skazzgrakk, I know not the priest’s race. I have not gone there myself, for if I were to be spotted I would surely be killed… all that I know of the man is that he is a servant of the Mother of Monsters… my Harrowings revealed nothing more.”

[Corvin]

Liandra Nightwind wrote:

"How many spells do you know of that, shot through a window, can kill a bunch of idiots standing around a table in response to an anonymous summons? Just a thought."

"I'm sure a fireball spell would do the trick." He says, almost automatically - like he's taking a test. "A lightning bolt spell would bounce around in here fairly effectively also."

"Why? Do you think someone would?" He asks, sounding concerned. At that thought, he mutters something unintelligible under his breath, and makes a small motion with his free hand.

DM

Spoiler:

Casting Detect Magic.

[Goburn, Son of Ogrun]

"Well, fireballs aside, when do we leave?", Goburn grunts. "I myself cannot wait to sink my axe into a stinking Goblin skull".

[Liandra Nightwind]

Corvin wrote:

Liandra Nightwind wrote:

"How many spells do you know of that, shot through a window, can kill a bunch of idiots standing around a table in response to an anonymous summons? Just a thought."

"I'm sure a fireball spell would do the trick." He says, almost automatically - like he's taking a test. "A lightning bolt spell would bounce around in here fairly effectively also."

"Why? Do you think someone would?" He asks, sounding concerned. At that thought, he mutters something unintelligible under his breath, and makes a small motion with his free hand.

DM
** spoiler omitted **

"The problem isn't so much that someone would; it's that it didn't occur to you that someone might. If I had a bunch of enemies, I'd gather 'em all up, have 'em sit down over a nice poisoned meal and pay one of you spellslingers to "Fireball" the whole place."

"If we're dealing with goblins you gotta think dirty, this city ain't as pretty as it looks "

[Algret Durthane]

I completely agree with Goburn. Let us discuss hypothetical enemies on our way to rid the world of real vermin.

[Skazzgrakk]

I agree. Enough of this talk. Let us be to action!

[Liandra Nightwind]

"Fine, better now than in broad daylight."

[Corvin]

I'm just waiting on Iziak before I post a response - I blame Liandra for making Corvin suspicious. Sorry for the delay.

[DM_Iziak]

“My… I’m terribly sorry if I’ve concerned any of you,” Zellara says, “And you can leave any time that you wish… Liandra’s idea does sound quite reasonable, however.”

CORVIN

Spoiler:

Your Detect Magic reveals faint illusion. Sorry about the delay… I have really busy Wednesdays.

[DM_Iziak]

"Before you leave, though, a Harrowing? Free of charge, of course."

[Corvin]

DM_Iziak wrote:

"Before you leave, though, a Harrowing? Free of charge, of course."

"A harrowing?" The young mage asks. "I would be honored - I have never had the opportunity to see one performed before." He continues, paying little mind to the spells he can sense in the room.

"Shall we see what fate holds in store for us, friends?" He asks the others, a smile on his face - his earlier anger apparently forgotten.

[DM_Iziak]

It may take awhile for me to write and prepare the Harrowing. Give me a few hours... you can all talk amongst yourselves in the meantime.

[DM_Iziak]

For those of you who already know how Harrow divinations work, you may notice some differences, notably that there is no “choosing” here. There are also no in-game bonuses granted by the results of the Harrowing.

Nine cards fly out of the stack that Zellara continues to shuffle expertly, and they seem to dance onto the table to form a grid, each of them face down. Zellara sets aside the remainder of the deck and pulls her chair in closer to the table, and as she does so you momentarily think that the lights have dimmed and the incense has grown stronger, but whether it is real or just a trick of your mind, you cannot tell.

“Now, let us see what we have.”

Zellara slowly flips the cards face up, starting with the one in the top, leftmost corner, before working her way down to the bottom of the left and continuing in the same way with the central and rightmost columns. As she turns each card, her face pales.

The Empty Throne-----The Keep-----The Tyrant

The Avalanche-----The Crows-----The Mute Hag

The Big Sky-----The Uprising-----The Cyclone

“Oh my.” She says, “This is the most clear Harrowing that I have ever seen. A great chaos approaches Korvosa, caused by the death of a powerful figure. The people are in chains, unable to act against the will of the chaos. Some resist, but many fall to lies and treachery.”

She closes her eyes, her concern plain upon her face.

“Nothing good shall come of it.”

[Liandra Nightwind]

"Sounds to me like we need to get going and get this done quick, get the hell out of there and keep our heads down."

"At least the two things aren't connected. Nothing important lives where we're going"

[Skazzgrakk]

"I agree. Let us be moving and qick, I thirst to see Goblin blood again, for 'tis what my path has brought me to!"

Skazz glances at the table and the cards laid upon it. For a second, a worried frown crosses his face but then it is gone

"Nothing good can come from knowing one's destiny, of that I am sure. If I die tonight, then I die knowing that I am master of my own fate!"

He stands and hefts his Great Axe

"Tusk-Taker's destiny is clear enough to me and it'll be clearer soon too, to goblin scum, I wager afore this night is through!"

[Algret Durthane]

"If chaos is approaching, it is more imperative than ever that we clean out that nest of goblins. It is never good to have the enemy on your doorstep and in your house at the same time."

[DM_Iziak]

I’m going to assume that you have all said your farewells to Zellara and left to go to the fishery. It will probably tomorrow morning (US Eastern Standard Time) until I get up a large block of description for both the journey and an overview of the fishery itself. I’ll also prepare some more guidelines regarding Combat to put in the Discussion thread, since there will probably be some soon. If there’s anything else you wanted to do at Zellara’s home before you leave, feel free to post now.

[Skazzgrakk]

Skazzgrakk turns to Corvin. " I see that your path lies not along the same one as mine huma...Corvin. Perhaps we can help each other in this endeavour. When we reach our destination, i'll try to watch your back. Hopefully we can learn to all work together fast."

[Liandra Nightwind]

As the group leaves Liandra looks to her new compatriots.

"My friends call me Liandra, the streets call me Nightwind, and my enemies..." she smiles coyly at Corvin and Skazz.

"Well it's kinda hard to talk through your neck"

[DM_Iziak]

That went faster than expected. The combat section will have to wait until tomorrow, though. The journey to the fishery is just a few blocks, so it is relatively short. You arrive just as the last speck of sunlight passes out of sight, and the city is engulfed in eerie darkness. You hear strange rustlings all around, but whether they are real or just a figment of your mind, you cannot tell. The reek of brine and the stink of week-dead fish hang thickly in the air.

You all see different things based on your vision type. The only land approach to the fishery is from the East.

ALGRET, GOBURN, SKAZZ

Spoiler:

The old double doors in the side of this weathered building are tightly closed, with a drooping signpost hanging above. The sign it once displayed is long gone, leaving behind only a single short length of rusted chain. A fifteen-foot-wide loading dock abuts the side of the building on the left. A few carts sit nearby, partially loaded with large tar-caked barrels marked with a fish-shaped splotch of red paint on the side. Double doors to the immediate south of the loading dock’s ramp provide access to the building’s interior, while a rickety flight of stairs descends nearly to the river’s surface to the east, where a second door provides another entrance. To the building’s right, a slippery boardwalk clings to the side of the fishery, held together by barnacle-thick pilings that have been worn halfway through their thickness at the waterline.

LIANDRA

Spoiler:

The old double doors in the side of this weathered building are tightly closed, with a drooping signpost hanging above. The sign it once displayed is long gone, leaving behind only a single short length of rusted chain. A fifteen-foot-wide loading dock abuts the side of the building on the left. A few carts sit nearby, partially loaded with large barrels. Double doors to the immediate south of the loading dock’s ramp provide access to the building’s interior. To the building’s right, a boardwalk clings to the side of the fishery, held together by pilings that have been worn halfway through their thickness at the waterline.

CORVIN

Spoiler:

The old double doors in the side of this weathered building are tightly closed, with a drooping signpost hanging above. A fifteen-foot-wide loading dock abuts the side of the building on the left. A few carts sit nearby, partially loaded with large barrels. To the building’s right, a boardwalk clings to the side of the fishery, held together by weak-looking pilings.

[DM_Iziak]

I've added section on combat to the Discussion thread.

[Skazzgrakk]

Liandra Nightwind wrote:

As the group leaves Liandra looks to her new compatriots.

"My friends call me Liandra, the streets call me Nightwind, and my enemies..." she smiles coyly at Corvin and Skazz.

"Well it's kinda hard to talk through your neck"

Skazz smiles at Liandra "My enemies call me a lot of things,some of it true even, and they also have this problem with talkin' ... 'specially when their talkin' requires a head!"

[Skazzgrakk]

Skazz stares long and hard at the building.
" My gut says we should try the East entry; attack from below. But perhaps a scout of the place may be wise first. After all it's big bad goblins we're dealing with, not ogres!" chuckles to himself

[Liandra Nightwind]

"Agreed. We should also cut off their escape route. I'll scout. Cover me."

She drops into a crouch and slowly makes her way towards the point suggested by Skazz.

Stealth 20

When she gets to the door she listens for any sounds of activity, looks for sign of use etc.

Perception 15(Sight/Sound) 13 (Smell)

As she advances she draws and ties a black silk scarf over the lower half of her face. She lowers it momentarily as she reaches the door, to sniff for the stink of unwashed bodies.

[PsionicFox]

Corvin watches with interest as Liandra makes her way to the entrance - truly, he had never seen someone move so quietly, nor so confidently about her purpose.

Belatedly remembering his still-active spell, Corvin focuses his attention on the building looking for any sign of what he considered to be his forte amongst this eclectic group.

Spending some time focusing on the building, looking for magical auras.

[Skazzgrakk]

Skazz unraps his long bow, carefully taking an arrow and notching it, ready for flight.
"Perhaps you to will soon be deserving of a name" he murmers, stroking the curves of the weapon.
He watches the building for any movement.

[Algret Durthane]

Algret loosens her warhammer and gets ready to call an acid dart to her hand, all the while wondering which of her new companions will need her healing capabilities first.

[Goburn, Son of Ogrun]

Goburn hefts his axe in one hand, ready at the first sign of danger.

[DM_Iziak]

Sorry I didn’t post sooner… Yesterday there was a storm that knocked out my internet connection (I’m positive that it fails if the wind blows the wrong way), and Saturdays have really busy mornings and afternoons. SO… here goes.

From looking at your posts, I think that you are beginning your investigation from the door that is down the stairs from the loading dock. The following spoiler assumes that… if that’s not the case, please notify me and don’t look at the spoiler.

LIANDRA (provided I have the direction correct; see above)

Spoiler:

The door looks like it has seen some recent use, but not a whole lot. The stench caused by any goblins is covered entirely by the entire building’s odor of dead fish. Listening at the door, you hear some high-pitched, guttural muttering in a language that you can’t understand. The crack under the door and the keyhole both seem firmly sealed.

Perception checks: 6, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18.

CORVIN (regardless of the point of entrance)

Spoiler:

You detect that there is a powerful magical presence of divination somewhere in the building’s lower levels but, underlying that, you can also sense some strange and slightly twisted magic that you cannot identify (Knowledge [arcane] 17).

[Liandra Nightwind]

Liandra waves her hands at her comrades and points to the door signalling the presence of the enemy.

[Skazzgrakk]

Skazz re-raps his bow and replaces his arrow. He then hefts his great axe as he stands and moves from cover.
"Ahh, it seems the game is 'afoot. Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!"
Skazz does his best to move from shadow to shadow as he crosses the area to the lower door

[Goburn, Son of Ogrun]

Goburn walks near Shazzgrakk, keeping pace.

Stealth: 18. Just in case.

[DM_Iziak]

Skazz’s Stealth: 17. Enemies’ Perception (including -5 penalty for distance and Line-Of-Sight blocking wall): -1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13.

GOBURN

Spoiler:

The door near Liandra looks like it has seen some recent use, but not a whole lot. The stench caused by any goblins is covered entirely by the entire building’s odor of dead fish. Listening at the door, you hear some high-pitched, guttural muttering in a language that you can't understand. The crack under the door and the keyhole both seem firmly sealed.

SKAZZ

Spoiler:

The door near Liandra looks like it has seen some recent use, but not a whole lot. The stench caused by any goblins is covered entirely by the entire building’s odor of dead fish. Listening at the door, you hear some high-pitched, guttural muttering in Goblin, and you can tell that there is some sort of argument going on due to the language’s similarity to Orc. The crack under the door and the keyhole both seem firmly sealed.

[Liandra Nightwind]

Liandra unslings her crossbow as she smiles at her allies.

"Think you big strong warrior types can handle the door?" she asks softly, stepping back 15 feet and readying the loaded weapon.

[Skazzgrakk]

Skazz steps up to the door, smiling at Liandra
"I'm starting to like the way you think lady. Everyone ready? We should be able to capture the little greenies by suprise. I think their arguing over something."
Skazz holds Tusk-Taker in one hand while he attempts to barge the door open with his shoulder.
Strength Check 15+4=19.

[Algret Durthane]

If the door burst open Algret summons an acid dart and will launch it at any of the little green vermin she can (avoiding firing into any melee her new friends are in as her Dex is not the good)

If the door does not give, she nudges skazz with her elbow and whispers "hey hi pockets, need a little help with that?"

If the door does not open she will use artificers touch to give 1d6 damage to the door and the lock and then Skazz can try again. I will not get a chance to post again until late tonight/early tomorrow morning due to work. If melee ensues and things are moving fast, Algret will try to stay towards the back and fling acid darts. If a goblin closes she will switch to the warhammer. She will freely use your heal skill, healers kit, and cure light wounds on teammate as needed.

[Corvin]

"I'm ready." The young mage said quietly. "However, there is some kind of divinatory magic present within. Be alert for anything unusual."

His warning delivered, Corvin gripped his mage staff tighter, betraying his nervousness.

DM:

Spoiler:

Knowledge (Arcane). (1d20+6=8)
I fail at magic!

[DM_Iziak]

I now assume that Algret and Corvin have approached the door. Stealth=Algret 15, Corvin 11. Enemies used the same Perception.

Algret, thanks for the heads up. If your turn comes up, I’ll figure out an appropriate action.

Corvin, you don’t need to use an online die roller. I’ll trust everyone who just rolls at home.

The dock creeks as the human steps onto it.

SKAZZ

Spoiler:

There is a sudden silence through the doors, before you hear one of the goblins say, roughly, “what’s that!” They start walking around inside.

GOBURN, LIANDRA

Spoiler:

There is a sudden silence through the door… the goblins, if that what was on the other side, have stopped talking. Then one of them breaks the silence, but once again in a language that you can’t understand.

EVERYONE: As Skazz knocks in the door, you can see that there are, indeed, goblins within the room. Link to Pathfinder goblin artwork. As they little monsters see you, their eyes go wide and one of them cries for help.

The floor in the room is slick with seawater, bits of seaweed, and fish blood—the air is thick with the accompanying scent. Wooden catwalks to the north and south allow access to the western part of the fishery, while the floor here is only five feet above the river below. An open bay to the south allows direct access to the sloppy, muddy water, while to the northwest stands an immense ten-foot tall vat, its sides caked and waterproofed with tar. Inside is a foul-looking mixture of chum, seawater, and who knows what else. To the east are stacked many barrels and crates, each marked in paint with a fish. Nearly two dozen small hammocks hang from under the catwalks, each with its own ratty blanket and pillow.

Initiative: Corvin 16, Liandra 13A, Goburn 13B, Algret 12, standard goblins 7A, Skazz 7B, goblin warchanter 4.

Standard Goblins (5): These goblins wield a small sword that they call “dogslicers” in one hand, and a wooden shield in the other. Their leather armor looks worn and tattered and is covered in grime from the streets and all sorts of disgusting residue from their work in the fishery. AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 14. Fort 13, Ref 11, Will 9; HP 5; +1 bonus on saves against fear and charm.

Goblin Warchanter (1): One of the goblins stands off to the side of the others. His clothes are much cleaner… it doesn’t seem like he’s been working with week-old fish as much as the others have. He carries a whip instead of a shield, so he has a weapon in each hand. When he sees you, he bursts into song. AC 17, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Fort 11, Ref 15, Will 13; HP 7; +1 bonus on saves against fear and charm.

Surprise Round: Algret had readied an Acid Dart, and is the only person to act in the surprise round. Attacking Goblin 1: 16 vs. AC. Damage: 4. Hits AC 15. Goblin 1 is now at 1 hp.

[Skazzgrakk]

"Perfect! Goblins and fish! What a wonderful smell we've discovered!"

[Liandra Nightwind]

DM

Spoiler:

Is the clean goblin flat footed or did he act on the surprise round? Need to know if to roll sneak attack.

[DM_Iziak]

All goblins are flat-footed until they act. EDIT: Remember that Corvin needs to take his action before you.

[Liandra Nightwind]

I know. Just rolled it and recorded. Will modify my action if need be.

[Corvin]

Covrin, not far from the door, makes a fist with his free hand, and makes a punching action, as his fist begins to glow with a pale blue light.

Telekinetic Fist - Ranged Attack: 1d20+1=18. Damage: 1d4+1=2

The blue glow leaves his hand at high speed, and slams into the goblin his Dwarven compatriot previously blasted with her power.

"Die goblin scum!" He cries, as the blast of power leaves him.