
Tusker Tall |

The goblin chatters at Tusker.
** spoiler omitted **
He glances sideways at Gallows, then adds,

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JollyRoger wrote:The goblin chatters at Tusker.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
He glances sideways at Gallows, then adds,
** spoiler omitted **

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" 'The righteous man wages war with a just blade and a merciful heart', so sayeth Lothian and so we praise him with our deeds."
Gallows touches the ankh of Lothian to his eyepatch in supplication."Though I suppose I'll have to do some measure of penance for the one that caught on fire... Anyhow, let's take a look around at what they may have been doing up here."
Gallows will search the area as best he can.
1d20+1=10
Gallows shifts through the rubble and refuse, rather clumsily. The stench is probably overpowering him. There are piles of rotted chicken carcasses, rat bones, and a dead dog, some type of terrier. The floor is littered with filthy rags.

Tusker Tall |

** spoiler omitted **
Tusker frowns before replying,
Zilroy looks at Tusker agog. "You can actually speak to these little beggars? What are they saying?"
The half-orc shakes his head, looking frustrated. "They say there's no spirits here; they've been scaring the neighborhood because they think it's funny. Practical jokers, from what I can tell, but likely to get themselves killed if they're not careful."

Miasshirra |

The half-orc shakes his head, looking frustrated. "They say there's no spirits here; they've been scaring the neighborhood because they think it's funny. Practical jokers, from what I can tell, but likely to get themselves killed if they're not careful."
"Nasty little buggers, the lot of them." Miasshirra sighs. "We can't throw them out of the city - they'll just sneak right back in. I say we turn them over to the people waiting outside. They'll be glad to let these goblins know how much they appreciate their 'pranks'."

Rynia |

"Hey, I'm as game as the next person for getting even with someone, but these guys haven't hurt anyone. Turning 'em over to the people outside might be a punishment that doesn't fit the crime, you know? It was Father Fabitor that wanted us to figure this out, maybe we turn 'em over to him?"
She turns to Tusker, "So, you think they're telling the truth?"

Gallows |

"Aye, Father Fabitor may be the best person to take care of 'em. Failing that, I know a stern old dwarf at the orphanage that can knock the sense into 'em. Heh. Worked on me, right?"
Gallows chuckles dryly at his own joke.
"There's always the guard, too. I'd say the real problem is keeping the neighbors off of 'em on the way out. Ptolus is a pretty tolerant place most of the time, but you never can tell."

Tusker Tall |

She turns to Tusker, "So, you think they're telling the truth?"
"I don't think they're smart enough to lie," Tusker replies wryly, "and it fits with what we've seen here, doesn't it?"
Sense Motive check, GM, just to be sure:
Untrained Sense Motive (1d20+2=11)
Hunh. Well, I hope they're as dumb as I think they are...
The goblins look pleadingly at Tusker.
** spoiler omitted **
Another one of the goblins has become distracted and is reaching out for Rynia's shoelaces. A third is poking at Zilroy's armor with his finger.
To the others:
To the one who was speaking:
Tusker looks around. "I've told them we're going to take them away from here... we just need to decide where, and make sure none of them run off because they spot something shiny."

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Rynia wrote:She turns to Tusker, "So, you think they're telling the truth?""I don't think they're smart enough to lie," Tusker replies wryly, "and it fits with what we've seen here, doesn't it?"
Sense Motive check, GM, just to be sure:
Untrained Sense Motive (1d20+2=11)
Hunh. Well, I hope they're as dumb as I think they are...JollyRoger wrote:The goblins look pleadingly at Tusker.
** spoiler omitted **
Another one of the goblins has become distracted and is reaching out for Rynia's shoelaces. A third is poking at Zilroy's armor with his finger.
To the others:
** spoiler omitted ** (sharply)
The goblins jump at Tusker's command, and begin seriously contemplating their toenails.

Gallows |

"I say Father Fabitor. They're all the proof we need that the haunting was a hoax, since they'll admit it and he can manage getting them to the Brotherhood of Redemption or wherever he sees fit to send them. We look into either disguising them to get past the neighbors or ask the Watch to keep an eye in case of some... unpleasant developments. As much as I love a lynch-mob, they tend to make a mess of justice."
"Not that justice isn't messy. It often is. Do you know what they say about watching someone make sausage or the law?"
Gallows smiles, causing the scar on his cheek to distort and almost disappear.

Gallows |

"Before we go see Father Fabitor, though, does anyone else think these guys're too dumb to think of this on their own? Have you asked 'em if anyone put 'em up to this, Tusker?"
"Possible. And we aren't too close to the walls. We should do a thorough search for any hidden entrances or exits."

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"Please, let's come back afterwards. The sooner we get rid of these munchkins, the better!"
With that, our heroes head back to St. Gustav's. The local neighbors are more than a little surprised to learn that goblin's were the source of their problem. Some of the younger men are reluctant to admit they had been fooled by such a ruse, and generally walk off mumbling "I'm sure there's ghosts in there. These adventurers probably don't know what they're doing."
Father Fabitor, while initially surprised, is actually quite amused. "I shouldn't be laughing, but I suppose no one was hurt. Yes, I will take care of the goblins and see that they do not come to harm."

Gallows |

Gallows scratches at the scar on his cheek, occasionally turning his head where no one can see to get under the eyepatch. 'Always flaring up, the damned thing.' he can be heard to mutter.
"All's well that ends well, then. What's next? We can do another long look through that "haunted house" for anything we missed, mayhap."

Tusker Tall |

Father Fabitor, while initially surprised, is actually quite amused. "I shouldn't be laughing, but I suppose no one was hurt. Yes, I will take care of the goblins and see that they do not come to harm."
"Glad to hear they'll have someone to keep an eye on them, Father," Tusker says, nodding.
"Then by all means, let's return while there is still daylight outside. Thank you, Father Fabitor, for taking care of these wretches. Keep a close eye on them..."
"I've got no problem with that," the half-orc replies, "but rats can get just about anywhere, and goblins are quite similar in some respects." There is nothing in Tsuker's tone to suggest that the comparison with rats is intended as a slight; in fact, the words contain a touch of admiration.

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"You are all too kind," says Father Fabitor, "I've imposed upon you too much already, but it would set my mind at ease if you could determine there are no entrances from Ghul's Labyrinth in that neighborhood of fine people.
"Anyway, here is your promised reward, 100 gold thrones. You've certainly earned it, and without shedding a drop of blood. Most impressive..." Fabitor notices the uncomfortable sounds coming from Miasshirra.
"My dear little sister, is something the matter?"
Solving the entire problem without bloodshed is worth lots of bonus xp. 1,000 for everyone for the entire encounter. That should push everyone to level 2. Please adjust your character sheets accordingly.

Miasshirra |

"Anyway, here is your promised reward, 100 gold thrones. You've certainly earned it, and without shedding a drop of blood. Most impressive..." Fabitor notices the uncomfortable sounds coming from Miasshirra.
"My dear little sister, is something the matter?"
Her eyes darting back to Fabitor from the gold pieces, Miasshirra visibly brightens. "No problems at all! We'd love to try and find an entrance into the Labyrinth, too, wouldn't we?"
I'm unclear how many ways the gold is being split at the moment. Aside from that my character sheet is updated. Ledge Walker for my rogue talent.

Gallows |

"Aye, it wouldn't be proper to leave the house unexamined. No telling what new menace could move into the vacancy."
Gallows goes through his portion, counts out 25 gold coins and returns them to Father Fabitor.
"Lothian gets a quarter and since I don't see him around to collect, maybe you should hold this for him, eh?"
I believe Fabitor has said each of us would get 100 gold.

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JollyRoger wrote:"Anyway, here is your promised reward, 100 gold thrones. You've certainly earned it, and without shedding a drop of blood. Most impressive..." Fabitor notices the uncomfortable sounds coming from Miasshirra.
"My dear little sister, is something the matter?"
Her eyes darting back to Fabitor from the gold pieces, Miasshirra visibly brightens. "No problems at all! We'd love to try and find an entrance into the Labyrinth, too, wouldn't we?"
I'm unclear how many ways the gold is being split at the moment. Aside from that my character sheet is updated. Ledge Walker for my rogue talent.
That was 100gp each. You may take your payment in gold or healing potions.

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"Aye, it wouldn't be proper to leave the house unexamined. No telling what new menace could move into the vacancy."
Gallows goes through his portion, counts out 25 gold coins and returns them to Father Fabitor.
"Lothian gets a quarter and since I don't see him around to collect, maybe you should hold this for him, eh?"
I believe Fabitor has said each of us would get 100 gold.
That's correct
"You are a paragon of virtue and generosity my brother," says Fabitor with complete sincerity.

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Rynia wrote:JR, remind me, how are we doing hit points?Other than this quibble, Tusker is ready for level 2 as well.
Tusker nods and prepares himself to return to the "haunted" house.
Roll your hit die, must get half or better. Humans may take +1 hp or +1 skill point.
Edit: That's if you're in your favored class, you get +1 hp or skill point, not limited to humans.

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Our heroes return to the "haunted home".
As you approach the home, you see several of the neighbors poke their heads out of their windows, or pull their curtains aside to get a glimpse of the new activity. Some young men are still wandering about the street. One mutters, "See, they're back. I told you the place was haunted."
You enter dilapidated townhome, once more assaulted by the smell of refuse and filth. You begin a second, thorough search of the house. It doesn't take long to discover a trap door in the kitchen. You would have noticed it earlier, but it is covered in junk, rags, and various other garbage. You have the unhappy task of pushing side the rotted food and half eaten, dead rats before you can open the door to the cellar.

Tusker Tall |

"When searching the rat's world, it might be best to have a native guide," Tusker murmurs to himself. He spends a brief moment making a few quiet chittering noises, and then smiles as a rat the size of a small dog pushes into the kitchen. "Welcome, friend," he tells the animal. "We might need your help for this, if you'll give it." He gestures around the room. "There's food to be had, in thanks."
Using summon companion to call a dire rat before we go down.

Miasshirra |

"I don't suppose someone could check for booby traps, could they? I'd do it myself, but I wouldn't know a booby trap from a booby prize..."
Miasshirra (who has been quite a bit happier with Fabitor's gold in her purse) steps forward to investigate. "I really doubt those goblins were smart enough to put a booby trap on this thing. It probably took all their collective smarts just to cover it up in the first place. :)"

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Zilroy Specterbane wrote:"I don't suppose someone could check for booby traps, could they? I'd do it myself, but I wouldn't know a booby trap from a booby prize..."Miasshirra (who has been quite a bit happier with Fabitor's gold in her purse) steps forward to investigate. "I really doubt those goblins were smart enough to put a booby trap on this thing. It probably took all their collective smarts just to cover it up in the first place. :)"
As far as Miasshirra is concerned, this trap door is perfectly safe.

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"When searching the rat's world, it might be best to have a native guide," Tusker murmurs to himself. He spends a brief moment making a few quiet chittering noises, and then smiles as a rat the size of a small dog pushes into the kitchen. "Welcome, friend," he tells the animal. "We might need your help for this, if you'll give it." He gestures around the room. "There's food to be had, in thanks."
Using summon companion to call a dire rat before we go down.
The rat squeaks and chitters a bit, and then dives right into the buffet. (Buffet, that is, from his perspectived.) So anxious is he to get a bit of a rotting apple, that he runs right over Miashirra's foot.

Gallows |

Gallows chuckles to himself dryly as Tusker speaks to the rat. He addresses someone seemingly in the rafters...
"And people tell me I'm strange. Can you believe that, Lothian? ... Yeah, I guess you'd know better'n anyone."
He draws his longsword from its scabbard.
"Well, in we go. After our distracted "guide", of course."

Miasshirra |

As far as Miasshirra is concerned, this trap door is perfectly safe.
The rat squeaks and chitters a bit, and then dives right into the buffet. (Buffet, that is, from his perspectived.) So anxious is he to get a bit of a rotting apple, that he runs right over Miashirra's foot.
Miasshirra pulls her foot back, but not in time to prevent it from being treaded on. Pulling the trap door open, she kicks a few "choice" tidbits down the hole and listens for any noises.

Rynia |

Rynia wrinkles her nose a bit. "We really need to go down there, do we? Not exactly my idea of a good time ... I'll bet it smells even worse than here, too."
She quietly speaks a few words, and a strong scent of lilac can be smelled. "This should help a bit, I think." Casts prestidigitation to strengthen her perfume a bit, to keep the odors at bay.

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Rynia wrinkles her nose a bit. "We really need to go down there, do we? Not exactly my idea of a good time ... I'll bet it smells even worse than here, too."
She quietly speaks a few words, and a strong scent of lilac can be smelled. "This should help a bit, I think." Casts prestidigitation to strengthen her perfume a bit, to keep the odors at bay.
Clever
You proceed down a rickety ladder into the cellar below. Everything is covered in a thick layer of dust, making goblin footprints through the center of the room obvious. A little light clearly shows the following:
There is a medium-sized hole in the north wall, clearly the result of a collapse in support. The hole is about 3-feet off the ground, but there is enough rubble that one could use to climb up to the hole (however, judging by the rubble's stability, it may not be safe to do so.)
From the dust tracks, it is apparent that the goblins came through this hole in the wall, walked through the center of the room, and went up the ladder to get into the house.
On the surface, it appears nothing else was disturbed, except for an aging wine rack in the southwest corner. However, the goblins did leave a couple of dusty bottles of wine.
The cellar appears cluttered, and full of junk, but is actually a refreshing change from the kitchen above. It is filled with old, broken, and rotting wooden items, but there is no sign of decaying food or other refuse.