Your characters have been traveling together for more than a
week on a dreary camel caravan from the town of Solku to an
unknown location in the northern scrublands of Katapesh (the desert country you are all from).
The man who hired you is Garavel, a no-nonsense
major-domo of a merchant princess awaiting you at your
destination. In the distant haze to the west, you can just
make out the immense outline of Pale Mountain looming
over the mid-evening horizon like a tombstone.
Each player should describe his character, what he looks like,
how he acts and so forth.
Everyone has had a few days to get to know one another. (The PC know each other from before you may decide how before Saturday or i will decide.)
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A black spot appears on the horizon. You all take notice. Friend or foe, you wonder. Hands move to weapons, magic-users begin to mutter under their breath.
The figure is hazy in the midday heat, but definitely bearing a weapon. You tense. He is man-sized, a little taller even. Then you all relax as you see that it is your fellow traveler, Redleg the half-orc, back from a patrol of the caravan's perimeter.
"What news?" you shout.
"No gnolls," Redleg growls.
It doesn't seem like he will elaborate further. Redleg takes his place in the party, picking some stray meat out of his tusks with his sharp claw-like nails. You're happy to have the fighter back where his bulk can get between you and the baddies. You just wish his hygiene habits were a little less disgusting.
Although she disappeared for a while, a small figure deftly reappears in the group exclaiming that she found another treasure. Whether that treasure really was found, acquired, or stolen, you have no idea. Amani, your halfling companion, gleefully prances about injecting a little light in an otherwise dreary camel caravan. Is it the unending supply of sweets she seemingly inhales or is she still addicted to pesh, a more potent treat? Either way, her name is well known in town for being a slick little thief with a hunger for adventure.
In the twilight of the evening a tall silhouette of a man can be seen... Recognizing the scent of Redleg and the pointless prancing about of the thief, Amani, Shenlon approaches the group. He is a loner, an assassin and a mercenary. According to local legend, he was so cold he would "kill his best friend for the right price".
Shenlon is loyal to his team, only up until they have served their purpose to further his agenda, or start to get in his way. He comes and goes as he pleases...usually when he joins a party, he rarely talks and shows little interest in their exploits, often staying only until he can collect his fee....
SPOT Redleg
SPOT Shenlon
SPOT Hipoc
SPOT Stan
No one saw Amani Coming until she was almost entering the circle. Hipoc and your Summoner are also in the circle. They may describe what there characters look like at their leisure.
Contrary to Shenlon's post he has been traveling with you all for some time and has proved loyal despite rumors you have heard floating around. I assume some of you have embraced him as a companion and some are still skeptical of his true intentions.
Pre Made stuff with starting gold:
Craft Alchemy: Sunrod DC 25
Craft Alchemy: Sunrod DC 25
(retry)
Craft Alchemy: Sunrod DC 25
Craft Alchemy: Sunrod DC 25
Craft Alchemy: Acid Flask DC 15
Craft Alchemy: Acid Flask DC 15
Craft Alchemy: Acid Flask DC 15
Craft Alchemy: Acid Flask DC 15
Craft Alchemy: Tanglefoot bag DC 25
Spot for the halfling:
Fizzlethorpe eyes around anxiously looking for anything to distract him from this terribly boring drudge through the wilderness. He stands roughly 3 feet tall, and has fiery orange hair with a beard that ends in a curl at his chin. On his forehead are a pair of greenish-tinted goggles that are caked in dirt and grime.
The "Doctor" is mumbling something to himself while haphazardly mixing some vials, and feeding the result to his 'pet'. Besides the gnome is a horror that loosely resembles a large house cat, with green mottled fur and misshapen legs with mismatching lengths, as well as a few extra set of teeth and perhaps even eyes. The feline laps up the concoction and makes a distressing gurgling sound, while this strange man observes the results.
Fizzlethorpe catches your gaze, and immediately looks up and smiles, rushing over (spilling his vials in the process, which burn a hole into the ground below) to introduce himself. He extends a hand, covered in chemical substances, and says "Doctor F, howd'ya do?!" emphatically while nearly pulling your arm off while shaking it so vigorously. As you begin to formulate a response, the gnome seems suddenly distracted, and goes back to muttering to himself while wandering in circles.
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<OOC> Not sure to what extent we're establishing prior relationships, or if this is our first adventure together. I have a couple of ideas, let me know what you think, and throw out your own.
1) Amani - if you're actually involved in the pesh trade, we may have run in the same circles. I did some "bodyguard" work for some less-than-reputable types in Katapesh City. Do you have a reputation for being involved with pesh? If you do, I may come to you to get some. I'm not addicted. I can stop anytime I want.
2) Shenlon - if you come and go like the wind, we may have fought together in a war or you may have bailed me out of a tough street brawl. If we've fought side-by-side before, I think I'd be more likely to trust you. If this is the first time we've really worked together, I think I'd be more likely to be suspicious of you. Also, the gay lover option is still on the table.
3) Fizzlethorpe - if you're the type that needs obscure chemicals and ingredients for your creations, you may have hired me in the past. Otherwise, are you famous for creating anything in particular? I may have come to you to obtain something for myself or a wealthy patron.
Any other relationship ideas? Or did we all just meet in a tavern?
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<OOC> Not sure to what extent we're establishing prior relationships, or if this is our first adventure together. I have a couple of ideas, let me know what you think, and throw out your own.
1) Amani - if you're actually involved in the pesh trade, we may have run in the same circles. I did some "bodyguard" work for some less-than-reputable types in Katapesh City. Do you have a reputation for being involved with pesh? If you do, I may come to you to get some. I'm not addicted. I can stop anytime I want.
2) Shenlon - if you come and go like the wind, we may have fought together in a war or you may have bailed me out of a tough street brawl. If we've fought side-by-side before, I think I'd be more likely to trust you. If this is the first time we've really worked together, I think I'd be more likely to be suspicious of you. Also, the gay lover option is still on the table.
3) Fizzlethorpe - if you're the type that needs obscure chemicals and ingredients for your creations, you may have hired me in the past. Otherwise, are you famous for creating anything in particular? I may have come to you to obtain something for myself or a wealthy patron.
Any other relationship ideas? Or did we all just meet in a tavern?
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Amani sees Fizzles' cat and with a squeal she cries out its name and runs to give it a hug. She says a greeting to Fizzles and carefully shakes his hand trying to avoid the chemicals.
"I'm so glad you guys are joining us to go gnoll hunting!"
** spoiler omitted **
Fizzlethorpe eyes around anxiously looking for anything to distract him from this terribly boring drudge through the wilderness. He stands roughly 3 feet tall, and has fiery orange hair with a beard that ends in a curl at his chin. On his forehead are a pair of greenish-tinted goggles that are caked in dirt and grime.
The "Doctor" is mumbling something to himself while haphazardly mixing some vials, and feeding the result to his 'pet'. Besides the gnome is a horror that loosely resembles a large house cat, with green mottled fur and misshapen legs with mismatching lengths, as well as a few extra set of teeth and perhaps even eyes. The feline laps up the concoction and makes a distressing gurgling sound, while this strange man observes the results.
Fizzlethorpe catches your gaze, and immediately looks up and smiles, rushing over (spilling his vials in the process, which burn a hole into the ground below) to introduce himself. He extends a hand, covered in chemical substances, and says "Doctor F, howd'ya do?!" emphatically while nearly pulling your arm off while shaking it so vigorously. As you begin to formulate a response, the gnome seems suddenly distracted, and goes back to muttering to himself while wandering in circles.
Amani sees Fizzles' cat and with a squeal she cries out its name and runs to give it a hug. She says a greeting to Fizzles and carefully shakes his hand trying to avoid the chemicals.
"I'm so glad you guys are joining us to go gnoll hunting!"
"Gnoll Hunting...? (pause) Yes! Gnoll Hunting!" Fizzlethorpe, still making eye contact with you and wild eyed begins to mutter to himself "Excellent. The test subjects perfect" while clasping his fingers together in a point and grinning maniacally.
Amani grins back, not quite maniacally, but with much vim and/or vigor. Then she takes what seems to be a handful of gummibears, gulps them down, then continues on the path humming (rather poorly) to herself.
SHORT RECAP
The party arrives at camp and meets Almah.
When they arrive there a wagon from the caravan's camp is burning.
At Almah's request the party helps out in various ways. Examples: Putting out fire, calming animals, tending wounded and moving a near by wagon out of the way.
Since the party wasn't there when the fire started the were asked to investigate how it started. (The fire burn the fortune teller's wagon to ash with him inside.
A Gnoll expert named Dakashi was the primary suspect. He also has an rather creepy crush on Almah.
Dakashi claims it wasn't it and it must of been Pugwampis. Eventually the party finders the offending pugwampis and Dakashi's name is clear.
(Amani ends up getting in some trouble with Almah.)
The party agrees to work for Almah cleaning out the town infest with Gnolls for 200 gp.
The party then begins to 'clean out' an old church of Sarenrae which is now infested with pugwampis and other things.
This is where our heros left off.
You have to options on the board talk about the time between seeking out the first pugwampis and go the the church or you can continue exploring for the church. If a battle starts i will role for people who do not take action at least once a day to keep things going. If someone gets in bad condition i will wait for them. I anticipate everyone leveling up before next session so you can look into what you want to do for level 2 as well.
You are in:
A4. North Cloister
A sweeping bas-relief sculpture along the north wall depicts
five bearded, larger-than-life humans riding the wind with
triumph carved upon their faces. Though some of their
arms and hands are missing, each is clearly meant to wield a
distinctive weapon. One of the five warriors holds a large axe,
while another holds a fragment of what must once have been
a regal staff. In the distance, an ominous mountain looms
over the quintet. East of the wall decoration, two open arches
lead into small rooms off the north wall. The south wall is
little more than a series of open arches that look out into an
open-air courtyard.
You may go left, right, or straight. Straight is into the overgrown courtyard. You may pick your way through if you would like.
After deciding that he wasnt needed at the princesses side anymore, Shenlon heads after the group at the monastery.
Tin can... I mean Shenlon enter the front of the monastery A1. He sees
A1. Ruined Nave
Scrub brush and a light, patchy carpet of weeds invade the
monastery through two huge fallen sections of the western
wall. The exposed nave beyond is a huge hallway littered with
bits of debris ranging from tiny rocks to enormous sections of
collapsed masonry. Most of the roof above the long promenade
is gone, but several jagged pillars remain.
Fizzlethorpe starts to shuffle around nervously. 'This tension is killing me! Lets go blow something up!' Dr. F vainly attempts to corral the Orc through to the door on the right.
Ok so I apologize after A4 you went to A12 and then went down the stairs...
So the party save Shenlon are all in A20
A20. Undercrypt
The monastery’s undercrypt is a series of ten-foot-wide
rough-hewn passages dug in a double-cross formation. The
main thoroughfare runs north to south, with two similar eastwest
passages crossing the main hall about fifty feet apart.
An eerie silence pervades the cool subterranean funerary
network, which must contain the bodies of scores—if not
hundreds—of honored worshipers of Sarenrae in shallow
niches carved into the walls of the east-west passages. Many
of these skeletal remains have been roughly tossed from niches, and countless bones and skulls line the floor.
Even a casual look at
the remains littering the floor shows signs of the struggle.
Some skeletons lie jumbled up against a wall where they
fell, their skulls crushed by the blow of a weapon. Many
wear the faded orange robes of monastery clerics, often
with signs of crippling injuries suffered at the hands of
their betrayers. Yet a few valuable still remain.
Your action.
A1a. This debris-laden chamber once held a shrine and
wooden altar, but all of that was smashed decades ago by
vandals. The ceiling here has remained intact over the
years, helping to preserve a huge bas-relief statue of a
muscular humanoid man with a pointy beard gesturing
toward a huge mountain in the background, his face a
picture of mortal concern.
You should post where you go or what you do to look for your friends.
Going deeper and to the right...
A20a. A pile of skeletons bearing terrible broken bones
lies at the terminus of this passage. A mace is still
clutched in the bony grip of a skeleton here.
Perception Check:
What stuff do we see?
Then...
Appraisal:
"Uh, do you think we should ahm, smash them up so they dont get up and eat our brains when we arent looking?" Doctor F looks nervous and skittish.
Amani says, "Whoa, don't smash up stuff until we get the mace - it's worth a lot...like, nearly 2000 gold a lot. I'll add it to our tally of goods. Can someone tell if there's any magic or if the skeletons are going to attack us? I would not like that. :("
Redleg you successfully smash the skeletons strewn about in this area.
Are you only smashing the ones in the passage or are you also smashing the ones in the crypts?
A20 did not have anything of particular note.
I want to take a look around, to see if there are any signs of people being there recently...things that seem like it was recently disturbed, to see if i can find a potential trail to follow...
Doctor F looks longingly at one of the skulls, thinking it would make a fabulous hat. He looks over his head at the stuffy cleric, and determines to sneak one away later
Giving up on the trail idea, i decide to go the old fashioned route and start to shout out to the rest of my party. "hello....is there anybody out there?!"
I walk out of the room I was in and head into the large hallway i walked in from. Going to the end of the hallway, i see a door to my left and enter the room.
You hear no answer. A few moments later you have a couple of arrows fly out at you.
Attack Damage
Attack Damage
Attack Damage
You see 3 tiny creatures - Pugwampi. All of their 3 shots miss you.
Amani (without her login handy) follows Redleg after accepting the mace. Amani looks around the area while walking down the corridor.
Perception Check:
Appraise:
Amani relates to the group that the armor looks pretty nice on the corpse - masterwork leather. Seeing as she is too small to wear it, she tells the group anyone medium size is welcome to it. He also has a dagger that Amani takes since her other daggers got destroyed by the Mugwompuses.
Amani treks on ahead as the rest of the group presumably follows.
perception check on new place:
The group notices: A20c - Buried under a jumble of bones at the end of
this passage is a small teak box emblazoned with the
holy symbol of Sarenrae. The box contains a wooden holy
symbol of Sarenrae suspended from a silver chain and a
well made brooch.
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Redleg pats the corpse on the head.
"Thanks, buddy," he says, as he rips the leather armour off and holds it up for the group to see, "Anybody want this? If not, might be worth a few coins when we get back."
If no one takes him up on the offer, Redleg stuffs the leather into his backpack.
"Hipoc, you'd better grab those holy symbols."
Nodding silently, the cleric does so.
Hipoc takes the box.
You have cleared the Undercrypt area. There are the secret stairs you came from and the main set up stairs back up.
Aya has no problem with Redleg storing the goods and takes note of it for later $$ distribution. She continues on to A19 with, presumably, Redleg and anyone else who ventures forward. She will attempt to enter first and stealthily to make sure nobody else is there.
STEALTH:
Once Amani arrives, if there is no danger, then perception:
A19
This chamber seems to be an enormous laboratory. Against the
north and south walls are two identical daises raised about five feet from the laboratory floor, each accessed by a wide set of curved
stairs. Atop each dais is a wide workbench covered in a bewildering
series of glass beakers, tubes, alembics, athanors, and other
alchemical tools. Some of these containers are filled with a murky
green substance.
A massive mold-encrusted basalt table dominates the entrance of
the room, flanked by two small tables to the east and west containing
surgical tools and sheaves of old parchment. The walls of the
subterranean lab were clearly fashioned from the living rock under
the monastery, but carefully cut mold-encrusted tiles line the floor,
interrupted occasionally by metal drains the size of dinner plates...
Amani with your perception...Characters who approach the glass apparatus
on the north or south walls receive a DC 20 Spot check
to notice the liquid within quivers ever so slightly.
Guys, before we get too enamored with this laboratory...I heard some fighting upstairs. Fizzles, is any of this stuff here important? Maybe we should go upstairs and make sure there's nothing going on?
Shenlon burst through the door at the top of the stairs. Amani sees this everyone else just hears familiar clanging.