This is a thread I will update as we play through the module Jade Regent. I am posting it in hopes other will see it and use some of the content we use or perhaps RP the module as it really makes it more fun to us.
Jade Regent
This is our groups story of the Jade Regent. It will have spoilers for those whom haven’t played so read at your own risk. I am sharing this to show the RP involved in our group in hope’s that is sparks such in others .These are our characters, players, and a brief summary of each from their back-story . The back-story of each was far more involved and I have only highlighted a little from each .
Gm- Dan – he adds a lot of flavor to things I will do my best to portray in what I write and recall from our game night
Arik –Jeff - lvl 1 Paladin Purifier Archetype of Shelyn. Arik is of Ulfin decent and his father Jarakai traded goods from his home in the Lands of the Linnorn Kings in Magnimar every summer. His father traded with Lonjiku Kijitsu whom is Ameiko’s father. They had a long standing friendship. Arik and Ameiko played as children and into teenage years. A strong bond formed between them easily seen by their fathers as love. This, however, was severed by events of Arik’s tribe getting slain by a rival one. Arik was sold into slavery and taught how to fight. He spent a year in the pits as a gladiator of sorts then was bought by a noble and used as a caravan guard. Upon that nobles death he was freed for his years of loyal service. Arik then hired on as a caravan guard and traveled back to Magnimar in search of Ameiko. He found their estate in tatters and ruin. Many spoke of the family’s tragic demise. He did hear a rumor however the daughter Ameiko had survived and now ran an inn in Sandpoint. He left that night to find her.
Gol -Gol –Gabe - lvl 1 Barbarian Rager Lizardman. Gol -Gol was hatched on a small island out in the seas off the coast near the lands of the Linnorn. He was captured soon after hatching from his egg by men. Gol -Gol was then taken south when he had grown enough to be sold as a slave in Cheliax. The voyage was difficult and the ship was lost near the coast. Gol -Gol was it’s only survivor having swim to shore. Gol- Gol lied upon the beach exhausted for a time. He awoke to the sounds of metal clanking together. When he awoke he seen green skinned thieves gathering items of his people from the wreckage. He couldn’t let this happen and grabbed a stone throwing it crushing one of them. He then let the spirits of his ancestors fill his soul (this is what he says when he rages btw) as he fought them off. The battle went on for a brief time until all of them laid at his feet dead or dying. He however had taken some injury as well and fell near them to his knees. He heard another noise from the north and as he turned to look seen a blurry outline of a wagon. Then all went black. He awoke in a wagon tended to by an old Varisian woman. She had dressed his wounds and spoke to him. My name is Koya, you are safe, and we are almost back to Sandpoint.
Podge Puddlepuck – Randy – lvl 1 wizard Halfling. Podge has lived in Sandpoint all his life. He is a wizards apprentice to Vorvashali Voon. Podge has big plans to travel all of Varisia selling potions and scrolls. He is an aspiring wizard whom has more guile and courage than many gives him credit for.
Marina –Bill - lvl 1 Scout – Tien and Ulfen decent human. Marina spent most of her life growing up in Kalsgard. It is in the Land of Linnorn Kings. She spent most of her life learning how to track and survive in the harsh lands to the north. She hired on as a caravan scout heading to Sandpoint. It was lead by Sandru. The caravan made many stops along the way. Its stop near the Brinwall castle led them to pack up and move from the uneasy feeling they had even a mile from it. The caravan encountered little problems along the way with only a few skirmishes which allowed marina to show her zeal in battle. Upon reaching Sandpoint she was told the best place for a hot meal and soft bed was the Rusty Dragon Inn.
Lead in for the Party – (this all happened with players rping)
Prelude that we all got to hear describing the scene once we are inside the Rusty Dragon Inn. The Inn is filled with almost everyone from the town it seems. The smell that greets you as you enter the large wooden doors makes you hungry and happy. The fire in the northern fireplace is lit and hot and you can see a very large pot steaming over it. The barmaids are bustling around handing out drinks and food as you stand in the doorway. You notice along the wall a few musical instruments and some fine artwork. This place is very uniquely filled. The guests are all adult as you look around and seem to be very happy. The noise is loud and it is hard to hear much other than garble as it seems to all mix together. You do notice a long legged blonde woman serving drinks that is very lovely and seems to enjoy her job. You scan the room to see a group of adventurers in one corner at a table discussing things it would seem and enjoying a warm meal. You see a young Tian looking woman scurrying about seating people and taking orders. She has a tattoo of a snake on her arm and her dark hair is down and has a white streak in the front. There are Halflings, Elves, and Humans here mostly. You think there may not be a table to sit or a seat available as you scan the room.
Gol -Gol had spent a few days in the care of Koya. She came to him one day and said that tonight he was to go to the Rusty Dragon. it would be good for him to get out and about . She herself was feeling the urge to travel once more as well. Gol- Gol unsure of himself walked to the inn. He took special care to avoid most places that still had many people milling about for fear of how they may react. He did meet a fisherman near the docks however that told him of the goblins and how they were becoming a nuisance. Gol -Gol finally made it to the tavern and entered. The place as usual was packed with townsfolk drinking and eating. The normal raucous crowd fell silent when he entered. Ameiko walked up to him and said “you must be Gol Gol “Koya said you would be visiting tonight.” She then led him to a corner table and said “we have stew today, one with meat and one without. I’m guessing here but you seem like a meat sort of fellow. “Gol -Gol simply nodded still sort of lost. Ameiko left him alone at the table and went on taking care of other patrons. Soon however his stew arrived brought to him by a different girl named Brilanna. She set the stew down and Gol -Gol said thanks she-man not bothering with names. He pulled the large bowl closely guarding it like it was his last meal.
Arik had arrived at the gates of Sandpoint. He entered eager to meet and see Ameiko once more but filled with questions. Would she remember him? Was she now taken? Is she the same girl he had known many moons ago. Along his walk after entering the gates a towns guard named Smitty stopped him asking “where are you headed friend? “ Arik said to see an old friend at the inn . Smitty nodded “ it is a great place and most folks meet there this time of the night so have fun “ Smitty nudged him a little saying “ they have the cutest barmaids anywhere in Varisia and if you are lucky Ameiko will play a tune for ya “ . Arik thanked the man and headed into the inn. He stopped inside the doorway and peered around. It seemed the place was at capacity. He seen a table with a few townsfolk at it and gruffed as he passed them for it was closest to the fire and door a very worthy area to sit. Arik finally settled at the far end of the bar . Arik seen Ameiko yet remained silent and only watched as she took orders and laughed with people. Ameiko finally came over and stopped in front of him. She looked at him half heartedly and asked “So what would you …… “Her eyes grew big as she looked at this huge man. Ameiko then stammered “Arik …..Arik …. Is that you? “Arik pulled back his hooded cloak and stood. “Yes Ameiko, It is Arik “Ameiko hugged him close and in shock he folded his large arms around her. He couldn’t help but feel the same emotions he had felt as a child growing up when she was close. Ameiko broke the hug “you must eat and drink, come this barstool is no place for you “grabbing his hand leading him to the corner. Gol- Gol noticed the small she-man bringing over another . Gol-Gol stood reflexively a hand going to his weapon. Ameiko quickly said “Gol Gol this is a dear friend of mine Arik. Arik this is Gol Gol “Arik nodded and moved around the table to the far side settling in. Gol- Gol seated himself once more as well and took his meal guarding it now fiercer. “This is mine he-man, all mine as he gave Arik a toothy grunt “Arik only nodded and said I only wish ale. Ameiko said one would be brought right over.” Ameiko looked over to Brilanna whom stood nearby semi staring at Arik .Ameiko asked her to bring Arik ale. Brilanna nodded and headed to fetch the ale. Ameiko then left the two men to talk because there was much work to do. Arik and Gol -Gol sat in silence for a few moments till Arik asked how he came to be in Sandpoint. Gol -Gol said I walked then came by wagon. The two then grew silent again. Brilanna returned with the ale as the two stood to greet her. She set the drink down on the table. Gol- Gol returned to his seat and began eating in earnest once more. Arik nodded to the barmaid and whispered “thank you lass this shall surely hit the spot “Arik then sat down grabbing the tankard as Brilanna stood near, Ameiko glancing over seen how she looked at Arik. Arik turned his attention to Gol -Gol as Brilanna leaned to whisper in his ear softly “ if there is anything , anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable do not hesitate to let me know Arik . Gol- Gol and Arik watched as she left then began on discussing Gol -Gol’s array of weapons.
About that time the Halfling Podge entered the inn. The townsfolk knowing him so well all shouted Podge as he entered. You see it was Podge’s birthday. Ameiko met Podge between table and led the Halfling to the table in the corner. Arik stood as she approached out of respect as he was taught, Gol -Gol on the other hand stood once more with his hand on his weapon . Ameiko looked at them both and said “this is my friend Podge, he is to join you for supper as this table will be for those with free meals. “ Podge looked a little unsure at seeing the large Lizardman and an even larger Ulfin. He thanked Ameiko none the less and sat on his stool. Arik and Gol -Gol returned to sitting down. Gol- Gol returned to finish his stew again guarding it. Arik asked Podge about Sandpoint and how long he had been here. Arik asked Podge about how well he knew Ameiko and her family. Podge answered all his questions yet kept a safe distance from Gol- Gol. Podge then asked Gol -Gol where he came from and tried to make light conversation. This seemed to put Gol -Gol more at ease. Podge told Gol -Gol that he was a wizard’s apprentice. Gol -Gol asked him of courage and Podge said Halflings wasn’t really known for it though some had it of course. Gol -Gol said fine manling again never using anyone’s name. Podge ordered wine from Brilanna. He even ordered some for Arik and Gol -Gol as it was a custom among his people on their birthdays to give things to others. Podge noticed Brilanna staring at Arik a moment .She then left returning with the drinks a few moments later. Arik dipped a finger into it and smelled it, Gol -Gol used his forked tongue to taste it before beginning to drink it fully. Arik pushed his towards Gol- Gol and said “I’ll stick to ale thanks” Podge shrugged his tiny shoulders and said cheers as they all drank. Gol -Gol took the second glass of wine saying “I have more you have less mine “. Arik wasn’t sure its meaning nor was Podge but they laughed and soon a friendship had begun.
The doors of the tavern opened up once more as a female clothed in leathers walked in. Ameiko made her welcome and seeing this place full lead her over to the corner table as well. She asked the girls name to which she replied Marina. Gol -Gol, Arik, and Podge had all stood as they moved towards them. Podge said “nice to meet you Marina and introduced himself. Arik merely nodded. Gol -Gol sniffed the air and sat down drinking his wine. They all talked for a few hours getting to know each other. Marina told them how she traveled down from the north with a caravan. That she was from Kalsgard. Arik nodded telling her he was from those lands as well as a child but that his tribe had been slain and he had been captured and sold into slavery. Gol -Gol upon hearing this also said of his captures and his struggles. They all seemed to warm up to each other. The drink flowed and people laughed and a good time was had. Podge even convinced Ameiko to play and sing because it was his birthday. Her voice was soft and seemed to just make you want to stop and listen. Gol -Gol even sat entranced like . Arik with each word felt the pangs from his childhood resurface, yet he knew nothing of her life now or if she was even still single.
Hours later the Sherriff came in and posted a new flyer upon the help wanted board in the Inn. Podge being the inquisitive soul he is ran over and took it down bringing it back to the table. The parchment read “ bounty given for anyone killing goblins , 10 gold per goblin ear , Gutwads head 300 gold “ The sheriff followed him over to the table and said “ Podge give me that , that’s for real adventurers “ Podge barked back but we are real adventurers , see , meet my new friends his arms opening up pointing to Gol- Gol , Marina , Arik in turn . The Sheriff looked them over and scratched his beard a little saying they do look like they could handle themselves, but still Podge, they haven’t taken the job. He pulled the sign from Podge taking it back over and hanging it back up. Arik stood and walked over to the board now pulling it back down. Arik looked down at the sheriff saying “10 gold for each goblin ear, 300 for leaders
head. Done “as he drove his dagger into the picture of the goblin leader. The sheriff backed up a bit and said sure …sure …, just bring the head and ears back to me when it’s done . The sheriff then walked from the bar. Arik took the banner over laying it on the table. “Tomorrow we hunt goblins and make money “. Gol -Gol agreed as did Marina though she was a little more disinterested than the others .
They all agreed to meet in the early morning near the marketplace area and leave from there. Gol -Gol finished his drink and headed back to Koya’s. Podge hugged each barmaid then as well headed back to his place in the feathered serpent. Marina paid for a room and went to sleep. Arik rose to ask about a room. Brilanna started to speak and offer to take him to his room but Ameiko grabbed his arm. Arik was shown to his room by Ameiko .She hugged him close. Ameiko asked “what brought you to Sandpoint? “ Arik answered with a mere word “you “The two stood hugging for a few more moments until Ameiko once more broke it hastily saying “well it’s time for me to go to my estate here in Sandpoint . If you need of anything Arik please have the staff tell me or get me “Arik simply nodded and leaned close to smell her scent before he closed the door staring deeply into her eyes one last time. Arik began to paint as he does when his feelings are on his mind. An hour or so later he placed the aisle on the corner and went to sleep knowing that at the dawn they would go into the swamps in search of goblins.
Let the Party begin – (the party’s first day together)
The sun had barely risen, Arik was first to enter the area of the marketplace. Gol -Gol and Marina arrived from different directions but merely at the same time. Podge was still conversing with his elder about adventuring. The old wizard saying “Podge come lets go out and tour Varisia and bring our magic to the cities. There is no need to go adventure. I mean why risk it we can make more than enough to live happily and eat well.” Podge said “I don’t know why I feel this way but it is something I have to do. I don’t know if it has to do with my parents being killed by goblins or what but I do know it’s what I have to do. “The old wizard nodded giving him a few scrolls. “You may have use of these and by all that is arcane be safe. “Podge rushed to meet his new friends just as they were about to give up on him and go ahead without him. Podge almost out of breath said “sorry I’m late but I had scrolls to prepare and the fruit at breakfast was just so good. “ The others chuckled a little welcoming him as they walked out the city gates towards the swamp .Gol Gol asked him if he had bought anything for the rest of us. They walked for a couple hours passing time talking about nothing. Arik did however find the time to ask Podge how well he knew Ameiko and if she was seeing anyone. Podge thought for a few moments then said” no... No she sort of keeps to herself in that manner and turns away any offers of affection from what I’ve seen. Podge could however sense how Arik felt about her, yet said nothing. Soon they entered the swamp and Marina with her skill at tracking led the way. The party traveled down a worn path passing over some small log like bridges. They seen frogs of all sorts and some were even a pale white. Gol -Gol said that we should capture a few of the white ones to see why the goblins like them so much. The others paid little mind to Gol- Gol as licking frogs didn’t seem very fun. There weren’t many other sounds besides the frogs however. Marina stopped to gather her way so as not to lose the trail. They then set off once more and came upon a structure on an island in the swamp. (( Gm description as follows – you come out of a thick grove and trees and see a small island surrounded it seems by water as the tide is high . The rustic old shack has seen better days but looks very livable. There is smoke coming from the small stone chimney. The plants out front are neatly kept as id the stone work marking the path to the shack. There aren’t any obvious goblin tracks or human tracks for that matter in the mud near the marsh. )) Podge crept forward showing his bravery and peeked inside the door. They had been told of a Halfling that lived here named Waldrous. He could tell them more of where the goblins may live. Podge’s calls were not returned so he called the others forward. Podge noticed broken pottery and plants strewn about inside as well as a few broken pieces of furniture. Podge felt it odd as most Halfling’s would never leave such a mess in case company drops by. Arik then took the lead stepping into the hut. A voice called out “just a minute just a minute. “ Podge called out “Waldrous?” The voice answered “yes I’m coming “and out of a back room limped a Halfling. Gol- Gol was still at the door and was guarding it in case someone tried to attack from outside. Arik noticing the limp said “Are you hurt Waldrous, I am skilled at healing perhaps I can take a look at those wounds “Waldrous was evasive in his answers alluding to falling on the stairs. Podge became a little concerned and talked him into letting his new friend Arik look at them. Arik asked Podge if all Halfling’s were so elusive in their ways and answers. Podge said no it was strange to him. Arik stepped forward and as he did used his divine power granted by Shelyn to detect evil. Waldrous detected as evil which gave Arik pause yet he still stepped forward looking at the wounds. They were snake bites. Arik asked where they came from. Waldrous said” from outside as he gathered herbs, h was attacked by some vipers. “Podge questioned him” what about the broken plants and mess of furniture , this is no way for a Halfling to live . “Waldrous stated “he was clumsy when he moved them”. Arik finally asked Podge if Halflings are evil. Podge scoffed at the notion as no Halfling he had ever met was evil. Waldrous hearing the conversation as Arik isn’t too much on the stealth side, immediately struck out at Arik surprising the paladin. He strike was true and did great harm almost dropping the big man. He grabbed Arik as his body transformed into a faceless shifter. Podge yelled for help as he looked on. Marina readied her spear. Gol- Gol drew his reach weapon and moved in. Arik almost unconscious went first and used his divine power to heal himself yelling aloud as his hand gripped his holy symbol " Shelyn ohh goddess of all that is serene ,strike down any evil that dare harm me and let me feel your gracious healing flow within my very soul " . (Righteous retribution from the Purifier Archetype is awesome btw) . His prayers were heard as he felt her healing. The stalker went next as it tried to keep Arik grappled. It did but soon let go from taking a serious jolt of divine energy from Arik. Arik was again almost down to his knees. Marina went next as she charged forward her spear striking home harming the stalker. Podge moved and cast a spell as scintillating colors came from his hand yet had no effect on the stalker. Gol- Gol charged now and struck a killing blow to it. The fight ended and Arik healed himself once more then bandaged his wounds best he could, knowing he had very few heals he could use in a day saving them as he could. Podge began searching the structure and soon found the real Waldrous. Waldrous told of the fight with the stalker and how his pet vipers protected him so he could hide. He gladly made a map for the party to follow but as it was getting dark he invited them to stay. They all agreed as the paladin Arik used the last of his healing magic to heal Waldrous and himself. Marina went out stalking toads and caught eight. Gol -Gol then surprisingly decided to find out why the goblins licked the toads and before Podge or anyone could stop him licked a white one. Gol -Gol then looked at Podge and drew his weapon yelling “it’s a goblin quick kill it so we can get its ears “Podge looked around quickly then seen Gol -Gol was looking at him so he ran off as Gol -Gol began to chase him. Arik still wounded somewhat tackled the Lizardman yelling “Gol -Gol it is Podge stop!!!”But Arik was soon thrown off. Marina tried to stop him as well grabbing an ankle screaming “stop Gol- Gol stop “but Gol- Gol pulled free. Podge ran outside into the swamp and Arik tried to grab Gol -Gol again but missed. Gol -Gol closed in on Podge. Podge turned and casted a spell at him knowing if it didn’t work that Gol -Gol was about to kill him. Arik and Marina were giving chase as well. Podge’s spell worked and soon Gol- Gol lay passed out on the ground. They waited as he came too seeing if he was still under the effects of the toad. Gol- Gol seen his group and asked if they got the goblin. Arik, Marina and Podge all tried to explain that it was Podge he chased but Gol -Gol would not hear of it adamant that he seen a goblin. Marina as they others talked quietly stepped outside and let loose the remaining frogs. The party then camped in the confines of the hut for the night knowing it is better to track goblins in the day than at night. They each took a turn guarding the group.
The next morning the group left again lead by Marina. She had the scribbled map that Waldrous gave the group showing how to get to the goblin village. The group travels for an hour or two in the swamp carefully moving and listening in case of ambush. They come upon a slatted make shift wall that has seen better days. Some of the planks are missing allowing you to see inside the village. (((Gm description – you crest a small hill and come upon what looks like the remains of a small fort or encampment. There is a wall that looks as though it surrounds the area made of flat boards standing on end at least 7 feet tall. There is however some places where nature has reclaimed the boards causing cracks or openings here and there but none large enough for Arik or Gol- Gol to fit through. There aren’t any sounds coming from the encampment at all nor any signs of smoke or fire. )) Podge again sneaks forward first and looks inside. He comes back to tell the party “I didn’t see any goblins but there are a few huts in there. I bet they are sleeping as they like to be up at night. “Arik nods and the group moves forward this time with the paladin of Shelyn leading the way. He uses his strength to break open a larger hole in the far wall and they group slips in. Podge again whispers “let me go and set a diversion and scout ahead, you guys wait here “. The group stays put as the tiny Halfling moves out alone. Podge sees a pit with charred remains in it
. He goes to the largest hut as Arik, Gol- Gol, Marina watch. Podge then casts burning hands on it setting it on fire. Arik clanks his sword to his shield letting out a Viking war cry and moves the group forward figuring their jig is up. The goblins come scurrying out of the huts. A few goblins are carrying some strange type of weapon. One goblin sits his on the ground as another runs up to it and lays a torch to the other end. The group is moving to intercept when the first boom goes off sending bright sparkling fireworks into the sky. The goblins all seem to stop and stare as the party now moves in to attack. A goblin that has a smaller version of the same thing lights his aiming it at Marina. It barely grazes her as the fight ensues. Marina strikes at the goblin with her long spear. Missing. Podge charges it from behind trying to stab it with a tiny dagger doing a tiny bit of damage to it. Arik and Gol -Gol have moved in seeming tandem and now each face 3 goblins each. Gol -Gol swings his mighty weapon down killing one
instantly. The goblin drops with part of its torso severed. Arik attacks and narrowly misses one as it ducks out of the way. The goblins the return attacks missing Gol -Gol completely but tearing into Arik ((odd they both have the same ac but Arik was getting lit up)) . Marina attacks again and hurts the goblin but on its return attack the firework in its hand goes off hitting Marina squarely dropping her into unconsciousness. Podge cast a spell and hits the goblin with a tiny missile from his fingers. The goblin drops dead near Marina. Gol -Gol swings again ripping another goblin to shreds his ancestral anger now taking hold of him (he rages) . Arik swings and connects this time severing a head from one of the goblins. The remaining goblins press the attack. A goblin misses Gol -Gol yet the other strikes Arik again almost making the man drop. The hut Podge had set ablaze is now on fire. The hut door is broken down as Chief Gutwad rides out on his goblin dog. Gol- Gol moves and kills the last he was fighting. Arik uses his divine power to heal himself again whispering a prayer “Shelyn, goddess of all that is beautiful and right hear my plea and heal me giving me protection from those who shall mean me harm.” The goblin attacks at Arik hitting him but it was a grazing blow (1htpt) but in doing so he falls dead to the fury of the goddess protecting Arik. Chief Gutwad rides forward charging Arik but misses. Podge maneuvers closer and cast a spell upon the chief and two goblins at his side. Gol -Gol moves and throws a weapon hitting the chief hard. Arik again uses his action to ask his goddess for healing. The chief again swings at Arik missing and a goblin strikes him causing a wound yet again dies to the wrath of his goddess. Gol -Gol charges the chief and strikes him down. The remaining goblin flees as the party shouts victoriously. Arik sees the fallen Marina and rushes to her. They all then hear cracking and popping from the hut that was set afire. It reminds Podge of the blasts from the goblins fireworks so they all take cover in the charred pit. Arik tosses Marina over his shoulder jumping down into the pit using the last of his heals this day to heal her. Gol -Gol cuts the heart of Chief Gutwad out and lops off his head then hops in the pit. The party watches in sort of horror as Gol -Gol says “the strength of my enemy is now mine I claim it as my ancestors before “Gol- Gol begins to devour the chiefs still warm bloody heart. The party almost all lose their breakfast at this. The hut on fire stops making noise as it calms they party climbs from the pit. They lop off both ears from each goblin they have killed as Arik states “it is 10 gold an ear not for each goblin so we will take both ears back for gold. ((Wow a lg paladin who uses the lawfulness for good measure, who would have thought it possible)) . The party searches the village and finds some items and gold. They also notice a set of tracks that seem to be of something heavy dragged over the soft earth. They decide to rest for the night since Arik is out of heals and Podge is also out of spells, and then follow the tracks in the morning. They take refuge in one of the huts thinking it safe and post watches.