Chat log started at 1.4.2008 / 21:10:31

Night One

You have been traveling north out of Magnimar for the better part of two days. Most of this morning was spent traveling along the Brinestump swamp, eyes sharp for maurading goblins or even the stray Boggard. Luckily you saw none... the heat - unusual this late in the year must be keeping them in the heart of the swamp...

By your reckoning you are probably only two or three miles out of Sandpoint on the Lost Coast Road...You see the great limestone mesa of the devil's platter to your east, and cougar creek lies in the valley ahead. The swamps have been replaced by warm breezes off of the Varisian Gulf.
It is late in the day, as you approach the old bridge over Cougar Creek.
In the twilight you eyes pick out a figure leaning against the bridge.
GM: (At this range, the figure appears human and like a commoner)

Nikolen's arm instinctively comes out, slowing the pace of his sister who walks beside him. He trys to position himself slightly in front of her
Zuriane pushes his arm aside and scoffs "Where were you five years ago, big brother?"
Zuriane hails the figure "Holding up that bridge, are we?"

Rough-looking man:: Actually, it's holding me up...
Zuriane laughs ... "So there's a tavern around then?
Rough-looking man:: Few miles up the road, yeah... You heading that way?

Zuriane: Sandpoint ... you made is this far from the tavern? Quite the fortitude, you must be Varisian
Rough-looking man:: Just like you lass, but not near so pretty.
Nikolen speaks under his breath "Zuri ..."
Zuriane speaks qu back to her brother "shut it"

Rough-looking man: leers somewhat disturbingly...
Nikolen steps around his prancing sister

Nikolen: So, heading south then?
Rough-looking man:: No... Staying put.
Nikolen: Do you own a farm nearby then?
Rough-looking man:: Farm? No lad, I'm a Lord!
Zuriane : Oh, a Lord ... Lord Bridgefeild perhaps ... or possible his highness Sir Walkingmunson
Zuriane laughs

Rough-looking man:: Ah! A smart lass!

I'm the lord of this here bridge!
Rough-looking man:: Now, how about you both make a donation to the Kingdom of the Bridge?
Zuriane laughs again
Zuriane : A Lattice of coincidence, your highness, I was going to ask you for a pitance for two poor travelers passing through your fair kingdom!
Nikolen sighs, speechless
Nikolen looks at his sister in wonder

Rough-looking man:: Oh, if I were such a kind and benevolent lord. A shame I spose. Now empty your pockets right there, drop your steel, and you can cross me wonderous span.
Nikolen curses and draws his sword ... "Step back or lose your life"
Zuriane face goes expressionless--her eyes suddenly hard
Rough-looking man:: The trees rustle around you, and two more bandits step out from what was absolute concealment. Across the river crossbowmen rush from the trees.

Rough-looking man:: Now lad, this has been fun, but you don't really think I would try this all by myself. Just look at yourself, all strapping and young...
Rough-looking man:: You going to take us all? You move, one of my boys will have a bolt through your chest before you are half way to me.

Nikolen snarls and begins to answer, but Zuri cuts him off ...
Zuriane : Lord Bridgefield, I would think that this is too much trouble for too little rewardl ... what do we look like to you?
Zuriane : We have no money
Rough-looking man:: That's what they all say. Don't make me search a corpse...

(the men flanking you step closer...)
Zuriane : Very well then--what is your toll?

Rough-looking man:: Empty your coinpurse, leave your steel.
Nikolen pushes his sister behind him as he slowly steps back ... assessing the nearest threats ...
Nikolen: That will cost you more than words.

Rough-looking man: grins darkly
Rough-looking man:: Take them, boys.
Zuriane draws he blade
Roll initiatives

GM: [1d20+2 = 16]
Zuriane : Initiative [1d20+3 = 15]
Nikolen: Initiative [1d20+2 = 12]
GM: [1d20+2 = 8]
Kaya: Initiative [1d20+2 = 14]
Jehnos: Initiative [1d20+2 = 5]

You hear the twang of crossbows as you go for your weapons.
GM: Crossbow [1d20+2 = 6]
GM: Crossbow [1d20+2 = 4]

You cringe, but the impact doesn't come. They must have fired wide. The bandit from the north lunges in with a handaxe on Niko
GM: Handaxe [1d20+1 = 17]
GM: Handaxe [17]

Niko blocks just in time to deflect the blow...
The one from the south lunges in with a dagger...
GM: Dagger +2 () [1d20+4 = 14]
GM: Dagger +2 () [14]

Niko twists away in time.
The man at the bridge seems to be watching, sizing up the melee before joining...

Zuriane : Tumble [1d20+7 = 17]
Zuri does a quick sommersault to position herself behind the rogue
GM: You get your vexxing flanker bonus, and if you hit it's a sneak.
Zuriane : [1d20+5 = 15]
Zuriane : [2d6 = 11]

GM: You put him down. I'm going to give you the honor of providing the flavor text of her first kill.
Zuri rises from her tumbling dive and a blade flashes in the wavering light. The thief's eyes widen in surprise as the blade slips between his ribs and splits the paths from his heart. Much to the surprise of Nikol, the bandit in front of him crumples ... equally surprising, the look of naked venom on the face of his little sister as she stand before him with a bloodied dagger


Nikolen: Long Sword +1 (Attack 1) [1d20+6 = 23]
GM: That hits.
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 damage [1d8+3 = 10]
As he blocks the blow from the handaxe, he fells the bandit with a great overhand slash, his blade flashing in the twilight!

The "Bridge Lord" falls back across the bridge while his companions continue to fire at you...
Jehnos
Jehnos: Bola (Attack 1) [1d20+4 = 15]
You hear a strange whining, when suddenly something strikes one of the crossbowman!
GM: [1d20+2 = 4]
Jehnos: Strength bonus [1d20+3 = 10]
Something wraps him up completely, entagling him and sending him toppling...

GM: (red dot indicated bola'ed enemy... he is prone.)
The other bandit fires his crossbow at Zuri
GM: Crossbow [1d20+2 = 7]
it rattles harmlessly into the trees.

Zuri places her foot on the back of the fallen thief, then spies Lord Bridgewater retreating
She calls to him "Lord Brigewater, have you given up your kingdon?!"

Rough-looking man: about to answer, he turns and looks behind him, and then drops his blade...
Rough-looking man:: Aye, I suppose that's enough for today lad...
You see a extremely tall, dark skinned shoanti approaching up the train with a great axe, a silver wolf at his side.
The wolf's teeth are barred, a low growl rumbling in her chest.

Jehnos in a thick Shoanti accent, the tall man calls across the water.
Jehnos: A little misunderstanding here tonight?
Nikolen: Simple thieves on the road ... we are obliged for your help
Jehnos: You looked to be doing fine all by yourselves, but I didn't want to miss all the fun.
Jehnos: Come across. Let us decide what to do with our new friends.
The fellow with the crossbow breaks away in a run, heading south along the creek.


Zuriane makes her way over to the ringleader
GM: He has dropped his weapons, hands raised.
Jehnos: What should we do with him?
Jehnos stands close, intimidating the bandit with his height.
Zuriane walks up close behind him ... her lips nearly touching his ear "He was going to kill us for a few coins" ...
Jehnos: He was going to try. Given how things were working out, do you really think he would have? He would have died, just like his friends. I think he chose a poor profession.
Jehnos: You should have been a farmer, man.
Zuriane traces her long middle finger down the neck of the theif, tracing his artery ...
Zuriane : Does it mater? What if we were a family of farmers?
Rough-looking man's breathing is rough and fast, almost panting.

Jehnos: True. But is it yours to decide his day to die?
Zuriane : He thought to decide mine ...
Jehnos: He is a fool. Your eyes say you are not.
Nikolen: He's right, Zuri, it's not our decision
Nikolen: My sister, is ... passionate
Jehnos: I think today he learned his place in the world. I think after today he will go buy a ox and a plow. I think if he doesn't, Jehnos and Kaya will find him.
Jehnos: And we will...instruct and encourage... him more in farming.
Zuriane pouts and backs away from the theif ... "Okay, but their shit is mine"
Zuriane she walks back to the bodies
Jehnos: Yes. You have the right to claim his posessions in place of his life.
Jehnos locks eyes with the bandit and speaks slowly...
Jehnos: You will leave everything. If you take more than the hair on your body, Kaya will run you down. Tonight you will know what it is to be vunerable and afraid in the wild... Now, take off your clothes, and leave it all here...

Jehnos: NOW!
Rough-looking man: eyes widen....
Zuriane laughter echos off the trees as she spins around to see the scene
He quickly strips, and when he is naked runs into the brush. You can hear him crashing into the distance.
Nikolen holds out his hand in greetings to the Shoanti "Well met"
Jehnos turns with a broad, white smile as he takes Niko's hand.
Jehnos: Good earth, friend. I am Jehnos of the Shoanti.
Nikolen: Nikolen ... and my sister Zuriane ... well met.
Jehnos: Do you travel to Sandpoint?

Nikolen: Yes--we do. Will you join us? There's an old Varisian saying "the road is sweeter with many steps" ... and good company is welcome
Jehnos: Yes. I was headed there as well. Tomorrow marks the first of Autumn, and the town will be celebrating the Swallowtail festival. Jehnos and Kaya wish to attend.

Nikolen: Ah, Kaya--your Wolf?
Niko suddenly senses something behind his shoulder... He turns to find a quite striking blonde womand standing there, seemingly a half-elf.
Kaya: Hello Niko.
Nikolen 's jaw drops and his mouth moves slightly... though no sounds issue from it
Kaya: Jehnos, retrieve you bolas. We should get moving soon - it is almost night dispite the warm Gozreh has blessed up with.
The big barbarian nods. He takes a few moments to free the entangled man, also making him strip and sening him running...
Kaya: I'm sorry if I caught you off guard.
Nikolen: No, it's a ... I'm good
Kaya smiles warmly.
Kaya: You are from Magnimar, no?
Nikolen adjusts various belts and straps about his person

Nikolen: Originally from Sandpoint, but I've been in Magnamar to get her ...
Nikolen as he motions toward Zuri, she jumps up from the corpse she searching with a whoop "Yes!"
Kaya: A homecoming then! Even less reason to tarry.
GM: On the corpses: 14gp 23sp and a mwk dagger. Other weapons as described by they are poor to common.

. So have fun, but behave. Now, before we miss, let us take one last moment of silence to remember those that were claimed by the 'late unpleasantness. To good father Tobyn and his young ward who died when the first cathedral burned, and two the twenty-five who fell to choppers blade before he was brought to justice. May the rest in peace.
.
The sheriff lowers his head in a moment of silence, and the town follows. For a long moment the town is filled with eerie silence. Then with a solemn nod, the sheriff steps away. As he leaves the stage, a thin man with a waxed moustache in bright clothing leaps on to the stage.

Cyrdak Drokkus: Ladies and Gentileman! I am Cyrdak Drokkus, thespian, theater manager and entertainer extroirdinare! I invite you all to visit me at the Sandpoint Theater for our latest production - "The Harpy's Curse," starring non other than the famous Mangimarian dive Allishanda! The first showing opens at...
Just then, Cyrdak notices the sheriff's return to the stage, presumably to remove him, and takes the opportunity to leap off the opposite side of the stage with feigned terror, which is met by the hoots and chuckles of the crowd. The sheriff just shakes his head, as a new person takes the stage.

A tall thin man in friars robes take the stage.
Father Zantus: Friends, neighbors and visitors, thank you for coming to share in the glory of Densna's triumph. Thank you all for also supporting the temple, giving us the resources to rebuild the church that we lost five years back. May this grand new cathedral serve as the heart of the community, a vibrant center that joins us all in faith and hope for a bring future. Now, in the name of the Godess Desna, I declare the Swallowtail festival to be underway!
The crowd gives a great cheer before it begins to disperse, visiting and moving towards the food tables the locals inns have set up nearby.

GM: Anything particular your characters want to do, or just sample the food and ask around a bit more?
S (Nikolen ): Prolly sample, Zuri might point out to Kaya that the brewer is the brother of someone killed by Chopper
GM: Throw one more gather info...
Nikolen: Gather information [1d20+4 = 20]
"Gorvi the garbage boss has been acting up lately up something feirce lately - drinking, carousing with his bum employees and causing trouble all up and down the boardwalk. Just the other night at the Hagfish, he made grab at one of Quinn's young lass' rear end! I thought old Korvut was gonna tear his arms off. Sheriff Hemlock ended up hauling the whole mess to they mayor, who had the sheriff lock up ol' Gorvi until he was sobered up. I'm guess Gorvi was none too happy about that -- and you know them half orcs -- they can hold a grudge!"
"There is tension between Sheriff Hemlock and Garridan Viskalai, who runs the White Deer. They're brothers you know... Their parents were Shoanti, but the Sheriff wanted to fit in, so he changed his name to the Chelish equivalent - 'Hemlock.' While the town loved it, his brother though he was turning his back on his herritage... Has never quite forgiven him. Shame, that."
"Old 'Pillbug' Podiker has got himself mixed up with Sczarni somehow. I can't say what his racket is, but Jubrayl and his thugs poke their heads in and out of there a little too often for it all to be legitimate..."
"Ven Vinter's daughter Katrine is secretly seeing young Banny Harker from the lumber mill. He seems a nice enough boy, but Ol' Ven won't have it, and had forbid her from seeing him. Of course, when has that stopped love... Now Ven's driving himself mad sneaking all over town trying to catch the two together. At the same time his youngest girl, Shayliss is free to do what she wants - and at the rate her reputation is growing, it won't surprise me if she end up working at Miss Kaye's brothel! But don't you tell Ven you heard that from me!"

Hannah Velerin makes some of the best medicine between here and Magnimar, but even her poultices don't seem able to cure old Ethram Valdemar's black lung. Old Ethram was one of the founding members of Sandpoint you know... It will be a shame when he passes.

The morning passes with you talking with locals while Kaya and Jehnos listen intently... At noon, the crowd begins to gather again... You wonder what is coming...
At noon, a crowd begins to gather once again in the courtyard in front of the new cathedral. The crowd parts as the local priest, Father Zantus, and his acolytes wheel a large covered wagon into the square. He wears simple friar's robes, and stops to wipe his bald head with a hankerchief before he turns to face the crowd. With kind eyes and a freindly smile, he begins to speak. His warm, deep voice is surprisingly complelling:
Father Zantus: When the goddess Desna first fell to earth, she was greiviously injured in the fall. Her own salvation came from a most unlikely place - she was found, and nursed back to health by a small, blind child. To think, one so weak and disadvantaged has the power to save a god! We should all look into our own hearts to find our strength, for none who stand here today are lesser than a sickly child! This child found within herself a great kindness, a kindness that had never been visited upon her in her own short and wretched life. And as a reward, the Goddesss transformed the child into an immortal butterfly!
With a dramatic flourish, Father Zantus pulls aside the wagon's cover, releasing the "thousand children of Desna" - a furious storm of a thousand swallowtail butterflies that swarm into the air in a spiraling riot of color to a great cheer from the crowd. The children of sandpoint race through the streets, running every which way, futilely chasing the butterflies, never quite quick enough to catch them.

The rest of the afternoon passes much as did the morning... Eating, sampling wine and beers, meats and cheeses. The Sandpoint Theater puts on a small one act, open air play at one point. They have three legged races (Kaya and Jehnos place second, Niko and Zuri fourth...)

As evening comes upon town, everyone begins to gather again around the curch... You ask around, and learn that the new temple is to be opened and concecrated at dusk... Father Zantus takes the podium, but the crowd, now full of wine has a hard time giving him their attention...
He raises one hand, and you see a small, roundish object in it... He throws it to the ground.
A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun's setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus has taken the stage. He clears his throat, takes a breath to speak, and suddenly a woman's scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rises-high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human.

Suddenly, pandemonium breaks loose...


Night Three

Where we left off: Niko and Zuri had spent their first day back in Sandpoint attending the Swallowtail festival with their new friends. While they managed to pick up some choice local gossip, they did not learn anything truely distrubing that might help Kaya on her quest.
Now, you gather with the rest of the town for the dedication of the newly built Sandpoint Cathedral...
A sharp report, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun's setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus has taken the stage. He clears his throat, takes a breath to speak, when suddenly a woman's scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rises-high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human.
The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices, echoing through the streets and alleys from the town.
Almost instantly, pandemonium breaks loose, with people running and screaming in every-which-way. Men race off, in all directions, while women gather their children up in their arms, covering their ears as they race for safety. Amidst the chaos you see goblins racing about with torches and cruel, makeshift blades. They are ugly creatures, standing (at their tallest) waist high to a man, with mottled skin that ranges in shade from ochre to grey to purple. They have wide, flat, oddly asymmetrical heads, with tiny, evil eyes. Their wide mouths split their faces from ear-to-ear, tongues slavering over sharp little teeth as they shriek and sing their twisted little tune.
GM: (let me know when you are caught up...)


The goblin that killed the dog now hides under a nearby table, licking the blood from its blade. Another goblin rushes at Ameiko, who deftly picks up two serving knives from the table and launches them into the goblins chest in a smooth motion. You see another goblin running wildly down the middle of the street, swinging the flaming corpse of a cat around by its tail - before launching it onto the roof of a pavilion tent, setting it ablaze. In a nearby alley a man holds back the wild assault of two goblins with a pitchfork. It appears that he is in serious trouble until moments later he is joined by two other villagers, one armed with a shovel, the other an ax. They quickly dispatch one of the little menaces. The remaining goblin flees, the men giving chase.
The festival grounds are almost empty now, as men race off to defend their homes. Momentarily unsure what to do, you turn to see three goblins racing directly toward you, still shrieking their horrid tune.

GM: The "Z" is Father Zantus, the "G"s are gobs... of course, imagine in you mind this all happening in the chaos of people fleeing everywhere...
GM: Let's roll some initiatives!
GM: [1d20+1 = 16]
Zuriane : Initiative [1d20+3 = 20]
GM: [1d20+1 = 21]
Nikolen: Initiative [1d20+2 = 11]
GM: [1d20+1 = 2]
Kaya: Initiative [1d20+2 = 3]
Jehnos: Initiative [1d20+2 = 15]
GM: Combat order goes: Goblin/Zuri/Goblin/Jehnos/Niko/Kaya/Goblin

The first goblin charges directly at Niko, tongue snapping!
GM: Dogslicer +3 () [1d20+5 = 19]
GM: Dogslicer +3 () [19]
GM: Dogslicer damage [1d4+1 = 4]
GM: Dogslicer damage [4]
You suddenly have a solid respect for the tiny little monsters as his rustly hatchet sword cuts a gash across your leg...

GM: Zuri is up.
Zuriane : Tumble [1d20+7 = 21]
GM: Are you going all the way behind him to set up the flank? (You can do that...)
S (Zuriane ): no, I don't think she'd turn her back on charging Gobs ... she's going to tumble in and do the old "Aid Another" for Niko's Attack
Dangerfish: Good point. I get greedy :-)
S (Zuriane ): so she rolls an attack vs AC 10 ... looks like
S (Zuriane ): if sucessful, it gives him a +2
GM: Okay - either way, she manages to tumble in cleanly. Place her where you want an make you aid another roll.

Zuriane : Dagger +1 (Attack 1) [1d20+1 = 11]
GM: Are you aiding his defense or offense?
S (Zuriane ): ... In my mind she's just getting in the Gob's face ... meta: Niko's attack
GM: Okay - she's successful in harrying the goblin.
The second goblin races over and climbs on top of one of the tables. He reaches down with one hand and grabs a handful of potatoes, stuffing them into his mouth while he launches a pewter pitcher at Zuri with the other...
... which flies safely past her.

Jehnos lets out a startling roar as he frees his great battle axe from his back and charges across the open space...
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) +5 [1d20+7 = 18]
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) damage [1d8+3 = 7]
Jehnos' axe comes across in a broad swing cleaving deepling into the tiny menace, sending it flying.

Nikolen
GM: Remeber your +2 for Zuri's aid.
Nikolen curses as the tiny horror gashes his leg and swings his sword down on the creature
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 (Attack 1) [1d20+8 = 21]
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 damage [1d8+3 = 5]
GM: The goblin collapses.

Kaya
Kaya runs up behind Niko...
Kaya: Hold still!
Kaya lays her hand on Niko and a peculiar warmth radiates from it... for a moment the air smells like it does after new rain...
Kaya heals Niko's wounds completely.
Zuriane

Zuriane : Bladed Scarf (Attack 1) [1d20 = 10]
Zuri's scarf snaps in front of him, but he dodges with surprising speed.
He retaliates by lobbing a carving knife in her direction!
GM: [1d20+2 = 21]
GM: [21]
GM: (threatens critical...)
GM: [1d20+2 = 4]
GM: [4]

With surprising skill the knife finds it mark... luckily it was only a carving knife and not a real dagger... (1 point of damage)
The goblin cackles with glee and pumps it's fist in the air, triumphant!

Jehnos charges, axe raised overhead, his face a contorted picture of rage.
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) +5 [1d20+7 = 21]
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) +5 [21]
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) damage [1d8+3 = 8]
Jehnos' axe crushes the goblin and buries itself in the table, silencing the creatures victory cries.
As you slay the final goblin, you look around for a moment, trying to take stock of the situation. Chaos has engulfed Sandpoint. Goblins race everywhere, chasing villagers with torches or twisted, rusty blades. A large dog races snarling through the streets, driving a small horde of goblins shrieking in terror before him. A goblin stands on top of a table slashing away at a vilager, who defends herself by using a serving platter as a sheild. Suddlenly, the goblin notices that he is standing over a chocolate cake, and with a giggle he reaches down to grab a handful. This gives the villager the moment she needs to smash the little monster over the head with the platter, knocking it out cold. She drops the platter and runs away to the north.

You see another goblin attemping to fit a water pail over his head, presumably for use as a helmet. Seeing his difficultly, a second goblin "helps" by smashing the top of the bucket with a loose brick, sending the first crumpling to the ground. With a shrug, the second grabs a handful of rocks and races off through the streets, lobbing stones through windows all the way. You consider chasing him down when a huge plume of flame suddenly blooms above the rooftops to the west, lighting the scene momentarily in orange and gold.

Nikolen Shouts to the companions "Let's go!"
Nikolen He begins running toward the plume
You run through the narrow space between two homes. Behind them you find a flat-bedded wagon heaped high with wood and branches that were intended to be fuel for the evening's bonfire. Now goblins dance around the wagon with glee tossing jugs of lantern oil on the blaze while one particularly withered and ugly goblin shrieks out a disturbing tune.

GM: (what is your running order? Niko, Zuri, Jehn, Kaya?)
GM: The "G"s are the goblins, the "W" is the withered singer... A couple of mood images for you... first, the pyros...
After a moment, it seeps into your mind that they are actually singing in common... You can now make out the words...
Goblins chew and goblins bite, goblins cut and goblins fight.

Stab the dog and cut the horse, goblins eat and take by force!
Goblins race and goblins jump! Goblins slash and goblins bump!
Burn the skin and mash the head, goblins here and you be dead!
Chase the baby, catch the pup! Bonk the head to shut it up!
Bones be cracked, meat be stewed, we be goblins! You be food!

At the end of the Chorus, they cackle with glee, launching more bottles of oil onto the pyre.

GM: I sense conflict. Let us roll the intiative.
Nikolen: Initiative [1d20+2 = 17]
Zuriane : Initiative [1d20+3 = 22]
Kaya: Initiative [1d20+2 = 4]
Jehnos: Initiative [1d20+2 = 18]
GM: [1d20+1 = 16]
GM: So, the order looks like this: Zuri, Jehn, goblin chanter, Niko, all gobbers, Kaya

S (Zuriane ): She going to draw her short bow ...and move around Nikol

Zuriane : Short Bow (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 20]
You hit. Roll damage.
Zuriane : Short Bow damage [1d6 = 5]
Zuri's arrow peirces a goblin's neck, and sends it slumping to the ground with a gurgle...

Jehnos pushes roughly past Niko, his mind only on the battle before him... The flames seem to dance in his eyes, reflecting an almost feverish quality...
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) [1d20+5 = 23]
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) damage [1d8+3 = 9]
Another goblin falls to the blood-song of the barbarian's axe.
Niko notices the withered goblin has stopped her song, and now chants something somehow darker... A cloud fills his mind like silt stirred up in a stream...
GM: You feel her magic pushing on you mind... Make a will check...

Nikolen: Will save [1d20 = 7]
You are filled with a strange feeling of confusion... Why are you here? What is happening? Why the noise and the bright lights?
GM: (You are dazed... You can defend yourself if you are attacked, but you can take no action for this round...)

The goblin nearest Zuri sees it's companion die and charges, dogslicer in hand!
GM: (Unfortunately it is careless in it's route, and provokes an attack from Jhenos on it's way...
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) [1d20+5 = 18]
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) damage [1d8+3 = 5]
The axe slams across it's back, driving it to the ground. It is unconcious, if not dead.

The remaining goblin rushes at Jehn with a shriek...
GM: Dogslicer +3 ( +3) [1d20+6 = 9]
GM: Dogslicer +3 ( +3) [9]
...and misses wildly. It's eyes widen as it's folly is realized.

Kaya chants in a strange tongue...
You have heard the sorcerers of Magnimar many times, and this sounds nothing like that... Wind swirls around her form, then suddenly the fires on the wagon flare up, and a creature leaps from the heart of them. No bigger than one of the goblins, the small humanoid-shaped being it is made of fire itself. It roar with a furnace hiss as it rushes the nearest goblin!

GM: Slam [1d20+3 = 13]
It misses with it's flaming fists...

Zuriane takes aim at the chanting Goblin
Zuriane : Short Bow (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 10]
Dangerfish: Her shot misses.

Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) [1d20+5 = 20]
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) damage [1d8+3 = 9]
GM Jehnos crushes he most recent attacker....


The withered old goblin takes a step forward and lashes out with her whip at Zuri!
GM: Whip [1d20+1 = 14]
The whip snaps and wraps around Zuri's ankle... The goblin yanks back!
GM: Roll a dex check!
Zuriane : Dexterity bonus [1d20+3 = 11]
GM: [1d20+2 = 9]
GM: [9]
You manage to resist the trip attack and free yourself from the lash!

GM: Niko feels his head clear from the spell...
S (Nikolen ): cool--does he have the presence of mind to chrage the Gob?
GM: He's all yours again... you can do whatever you want with him. Yes - assumed the spell cleared almost instantly and he understand of the situation rushed back.

Nikolen: Long Sword +1 (Attack 1) [1d20+6 = 17]
GM: That will hit her...
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 damage [1d8+4 = 6]
Niko realizes in horror that the withered old warchanter is actually a female! He sword peirces her shoulder, and she howls in pain. Gravely wounded, she still does not fall.

Kaya
With frightening speed the elemental charges the warchanter.
GM: Slam [1d20+3 = 16]
GM: Slam damage [1d4 = 3]
GM: Slam damage [1d4 = 4]
GM: Slam damage [3]
GM: Slam damage [4]
The elemental slams into the warchanter, almost tackling her. Sparks leap into the air in the collision. As she goes down, the elemental disappears, living embers floating on the breeze.
You slay the last of the goblins. Seeing the way now clear, villagers rush in with buckets of water, hoping to douse the blaze before it jumps to nearby rooftops. One of the villagers yells to you "They are still fighting at the north gate! Go! Hurry!"
Nikolen Stops and looks around, trying to get his bearing in the strange town ... "North ... uh .."
Kaya notices the bleeding on Zuri's arm from teh knife wond in the earlier fight... She reaches out and touches the wound, which closes under her fingers...
Zuriane smiles at Kaya

GM: So, what's happening?
S (Nikolen ): With all the flame and confusion in the alley, Niko doesn't know which way is North ... he is turning in a slow circle and wishing for a sign
Jehnos looks at Niko for a moment...
Jehnos places a hand and his shoulder and forces their eyes to meet.
Jehnos: Our work is not done, my friend. Back though the festival grounds, then up the street. These people need our blades. Are you ready to fight?
Nikolen: Yeah ... yea--just lead the way!
Jehnos smiles with big, white teeth.
Jehnos: Then let us bring honor to our ancestors and death to our enemies!
You come back through the festival grounds, which are now quiet. Here and there, the sounds of battle, clanging swords, calls of support by the town guard, and shrieking and singing goblins echo through the streets, but at the festival itself, most of the citizens have fled. Tables are overturned and food is scattered everywhere. The corpses of many goblins are scattered around the area, but unfortunately, you also see the bodies of some of the Sandpoint locals, slain in the melee. Nearby you see Father Zantus kneeling over one of the body of a man, whispering a prayer as he closes the man's eyes one last time.

The priest stands.
Father Zantus: Are you wounded?
Nikolen: No, we are well ...
Father Zantus: Then you must make haste! They are almost repelled, but they need reinforements near the gate!
Jehnos sprints off to the north
Nikolen and the party follows ...

You arrive at the city's north gate. Nearby, in front of the White Deer inn, you see a goblin armed with a halbard-like weapon mounted on top of some kind of hideous, rat-faced dog-like creature. A man, noble by dress, cowers behind a rain barrel on the portch as his dog snarls and snaps at the mounted goblin, defending his master. With a lurch, the goblin-dogs leaps forward, allowing its rider to land a cleaving blow across the dogs back, killing it with a wet crunch. Seeing the dog dead a group of nearby goblins throw up a cheer and emerge from their hiding place in a hedge, moving in to kill the cowering man - until they notice you!

GM: I sense more conflict... lets roll more inits
GM: [1d20+3 = 5]
Nikolen: Initiative [1d20+3 = 15]
GM: [1d20+1 = 19]
Zuriane : Initiative [1d20+3 = 10]
Kaya: Initiative [1d20+2 = 7]
Jehnos: Initiative [1d20+2 = 4]

GM: Combat order looks like: Goblin foot soldiers, Niko, Zuri, Kaya, Mounted Goblin, Jehnos
The goblins charge at Jehnos en mass!

GM: Dogslicer +3 () [1d20+5 = 20]
GM: Dogslicer +3 () [20]
GM: Dogslicer +3 () [1d20+5 = 23]
GM: Dogslicer +3 () [23]

GM: Dogslicer damage [1d4+1 = 3]
GM: Dogslicer damage [1d4+1 = 3]
GM: Dogslicer damage [3]
GM: Dogslicer damage [3]

GM One goblin goes wide around the melee with the barbarian to attack Niko
GM: Dogslicer [1d20+3 = 13]
GM: Dogslicer [13]
but he misses
The final goblin rushes to the portch to root out the noble...
Nikolen
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 (Attack 1) [1d20+6 = 24]
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 damage [1d8+4 = 5]
Niko stabs the slavering goblin in the ribs, and it collapses.

Zuriane : Short Bow (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 15]
GM: That will hit him.
Zuriane : Short Bow damage [1d6 = 6]
The arrow hits the goblins shoulder, and he snarls at the pain... this one is obviously more formidble then the rest.

Kaya
In a step Kaya form transforms into that of a wolf, and she charges between Niko and Zuri to rush to Jehn's side.
Kaya: Bite (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 20]
Kaya: Bite damage [1d6+3 = 5]

Kaya pounces upon one and drives it to the ground, fangs buried in it's throat.
The goblin commando sees the appearance of the wolf and charges, lowering it's halberd!
GM: Mwk horsechopper [1d20+3 = 4]

GM: As it charges, it seems to become off balance... the tip of the halberd touches the ground at catches, launching the goblin like a pole-vaulterover the melee!

Dangerfish: (he rolled a 1)
GM: (now the goblin rat-dog (D) and his rider (C) are separted. The rider is prine.
GM: prone
GM: Bite [1d20+2 = 17]

GM: The goblin dog actually just landed a bit on Kaya...
GM: Bite damage [1d6+3 = 7]
GM: Bite damage [7]
You hear a yelp from Kaya as the goblin rat-dog tears into her.
Kaya: Fortitude save [1d20+3 = 6]

Jehnos
Kaya hears Kayas whimper and lets out a blood-curtling roar! His eyes almost roll into the back of his head, and he begins to attack like demon set loose...
Dangerfish1 (Jehnos): barbarian rage...
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) [1d20+7 = 9]
GM: Dogslicer [1d20+3 = 18]
GM: The goblin attack Jehnos back, and lands a blow through his sloppy defense.
GM: Dogslicer damage [1d4+1 = 5]

The other goblin is now chasing the noble in circles around the rain barrel!

Nikolen
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 (Attack 1) [1d20+6 = 7]
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 (Attack 1) [1d20+10 = 24]
Nikolen: Long Sword +1 damage [1d8+4 = 12]
Niko stabs the goblin through the chest as he lands...

Zuriane
Zuriane takes aim at the horrible dog-beast
Zuriane : Short Bow (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 11]
GM: Not good enough...

Kaya
Kaya: Bite (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 18]
Kaya: Bite damage [1d6+3 = 9]
Kaya leaps back, and for a moment, the two dogs are a tangled mess, snarling and biting. Then with a yelp, the goblin dog goes limp.

Jehnos
Jehnos still battlerages...

Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) (Attack 1) [1d20+7 = 25]
S (Zuriane ): there we go
Jehnos: Battleaxe (focus) damage [1d8+3 = 8]
Jehnos cuts down the goblin before him...
The remaining goblin realized that he companions are dead, and leaps from the portch, fleeing to the west.

Zuriane : Short Bow (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 16]
GM: Hits him.
Zuriane : Short Bow damage [1d6 = 2]
S (Zuriane ): plink
GM: ...but doesn't finish him...

Kaya
Kaya: Bite (Attack 1) [1d20+3 = 18]
Kaya: Bite damage [1d6+3 = 5]

GM: Zuri's arrow makes the goblin stumble, allowing Kaya (still in wolf form) to run him down and finish him...

Chat log started at 22.4.2008 / 21:15:49


The noble emerges from his hiding place behind the rain barrel on the portch of the inn. You are surprised to find that he is actually quite young, boyishly handsome with carefully miskept hair. He wears fine clothes, including knee-high black riding boots, riding gloves, and a long, red-dyed leather coat. A rapier hangs at his side, it's sterling silver hilt (and the fact that it remains in its scabbard) making you think that the weapon is mostly for show.

Aldern: Oh! Thanks the gods you showed up when you did! There was no way I could handle that many goblins by myself! One or two maybe... but four, and a dogrider!

Aldern rushes to Niko and grabs his hand, shaking it violently.

Nikolen: Well ... it was our, ah, pleasure ... shame that the beasts should spoil the fesitval
Nikolen looks somewhat befuddled at the man pumping his hand
Aldern: Indeed! Filthly little bastards!
Aldern turns to Zuri, eyes brightening...
Aldern: An you! You are the very vision of an angel, and yet you fight light a demon... I must know your name!
Zuriane extends her hand daintily ... "Zuriane"

Aldern: Zuriane... My name is Aldern, Aldern Foxglove. And I guarantee you, this pleasure is all mine.
Aldern snatches up Zuri's free and and kisses the back of it, his eyes never leaving hers.

Jehnos raises his eyebrows.
Zuriane smiles coyly across at him--a charmer
Nikolen clears his throat abruptly "My sister is an experienced fighter, to be sure"
Aldern: Indeed (eyes still not leaving her)... I find her... *facinating.*
Aldern smiles coyly back at Zuri for a long moment before turning back to face the party.
Nikolen: Yes, well--she has that ... er--effect ... on some
Zuriane glows
Aldern raises an eyebrow at Niko - strangely condesending.
Aldern: Well, I will be in town for a few more days - I plan to stay at the Rusty Dragon. Please, come find my there and allow me to reward you properly...
Aldern turns back to Zuri
Aldern: And possibly get to know you even better...
Nikolen: Reward? For ... what?
Aldern: For coming to my aid good sir. Certainly in a polite society a man may still show his gratitude?
Zuriane eyes flash angrily at Niko when Aldren looks away *shut it!* she mouths at him ...

Nikolen Uh, ... right--of course.
Aldern: I will not keep you any longer - the town needs heroes this night, and you are all obviously well suited to that role. [makes eyes with Zuri again] but I do look forward to getting to know you all over a proper meal and a fine wine.
Zuriane smiles again ... "Likewise ..."
Nikolen nods
Aldern bows deeply and extravagantly, steals a quick wink at Zuri, and walks away toward the south of town.
The sounds of battle have subsided, except for the occational yell or the barking of a dog. As you look back across the town you can see that fires burn in various places, although they look to be mostly small fires, limited to single structures. Men already run through the streets with buckets to form fire brigades. You see a large, dark skinned man striding up the street, and you recognize him immediately has the Sheriff. He is followed by a second man, tall and thin, who carries a longbow. The sheriff stops for a moment as he crosses paths with a group of militiamen. He calmly gives them instructions and sends them on their way before approaching your party.

Sheriff Hemlock: Well met!
Nikolen seems pleased to have a more straight-forward meeting
Nikolen: Yes, well met!
Sheriff Hemlock the sheriff offers a hand shake. It is the firm shake of a warrior. He offers a special greeting to Jhenos by touching his first two fingers to his forhead.

Jehnos returns the gesture
Jehnos: Good earth, brother.
Sheriff Hemlock: The tales of your valor already spreads through the town. I appreciate your help.
Nikolen: Happy to help. Though it's been many years, this is a bit of a home coming for us--and we're pleased to help out
Sheriff Hemlock remebers his companion...
Sheriff Hemlock: Oh - let me introduce Daviren Hosk. He runs the stables, but he also has earned quite the reputation as our resident goblin-slayer.
Davi Hosk: 'Evening. You can call me Davi. Most folks do.
Nikolen nods "Evening"
Sheriff Hemlock: So, you say homecoming? I don't recognize you?

Davi Hosk: Excuse the Sheriff... He's a little... direct.
Nikolen: Direct: I appreciate it. We were half our size when we lived here last--I'm Nikolen Sorescu and this is my sister Zuriaine. You may have known our Mother, Miren?
Zuriane seems to fade back a little in the half light
Sheriff Hemlock: Your mother was Miren? Nice woman, but kept to herself. Then just up and left. How is she?
Nikolen feels his cheeks flush at the question he knew would come eventaully
Nikolen: Well, that's part of the reason we're here ... to find her--or what happened to her while we were away
Sheriff Hemlock: I'm sorry. I pry. This is obviously family business, and tonight we have other concerns...
Davi Hosk: [chuckles wryly] Yeah, we do. I've never heard of goblins hitting a settlement like this.

Nikolen: Aye--this seems unusual ... where they after something?
Sheriff Hemlock looks to Davi
Davi Hosk: I think so, but who can say what. They seemed to hit the city from three different directions - which to you and I isn't that amazing, but the thing you gotta know is that *goblins don't think ahead*. They just don't. These little buggers had a plan though...
Davi Hosk: So, either one of them starting thinking, or someone - or somthing - else is thinkin' for 'em.
Nikolen: Is there a way to seal off access to the city proper? At least until we can get some trackers out in the morning?
Sheriff Hemlock: Gates are shut tight, and and I've got triple watch on the south bridge. We are organizing groups to sweep the streets and make sure there aren't any bands left behind. Mostly militia men - able bodied folk like you would be much appreciated. Think you caould spare a few hours?
Nikolen: I can only speak for myself, but I'd happy to lend a hand
Jehnos nods

Zuriane shrugs--"Sure--I'm in ..."
Kaya: Of course Sheriff. Something is strangely out of balance here. I will help, and please let us know if you find anything strange.
Sheriff Hemlock: Yes, of course... And thank you for your help.
The Sheriff leads you down a side street to a mustering area, where the various patrols are organized and fiven their orders.
You spend the next couple of hours patrolling through the streets of Sandpoint. You search the shadows with a bulls-eye lantern provided to you by the garrison. While you find no additional signs of goblin infestation, you are able to take in the effects of the raid first hand: While less than a handful of Sandpointers were killed, many were hurt, and several homes were burned to the ground. You find the carcasses of several dogs, hacked up in such a way as to demonstrate what must be a special hatred the goblins have for them. After hours of searching, the local men reconvene at the festival grounds. The Sheriff declares the town to be secure again, but also orders that the militia double the watch just in case.

Finally, you return back to the common room of the Rusty Dragon, tired and sore from the day's ordeal. You open the door, and our met with a loud cheer! You look up to find a room full of the younger local men (many of them wearing bandages in one place or another) hoisting tankards of foaming ale in your direction! Ameiko approaches with a tray with three full mugs of ale, offering them. "For our newest heroes'" she offers with a warm smile. You notice Aldern, the noble you rescued on the porch of the White Deer Inn. He is clapping happily, his eyes full of adoration.

The crowd presses in around you, patting backs and cheering
Aldern pushes his way through the crowd...
Aldern: Please... come, join me at my table!
Aldern grabs Zuri's hand and starts leading her to his table.
Nikolen sighs and follows
Nikolen wonders how he didn't appraciate a simpler life before he found his wayward sister
You all sit around the table
Aldern fumbles around in his coat, and then pulls out a pouch heavy with coin

Aldern: This is for all of you... One-hundered gold. Divide it as you will.... It seems only a pittance considering you saved my life, but alas, I don't carry too much with me when I travel. If you are ever in Magnimar, I would reward you with for times this!
Aldern: Now, tell me all about yourselves! Where do such brave and hearty adventurers come from!

Zuriane nods appracitively: Ah, well--Magnamar ... what brings a cultured man about town to Sandpoint might be the more interesting story!

Aldern: Oh, you are so kind to feign such intrest in me! My life my be pale and drab by comparison - beauty, skill at arms, and wit! Your surprises never cease! But I will endulge your question - who doesn't like to talk about themselves... My family was one of the orginal merchant families in Sanpoint.... I am here on some business.
Aldern: Plus, we own an old mansion outside of town... I am considering rennovating that. Maybe into a summer home.

Nikolen : The heroics of tongihts battle forgotten, Niko begins to feel somewhat small and insignificant
Zuriane: Yes, well--business will keep one moving about ...
The conversation goes on like this for a long time - anytime anyone else interjects, Aldern politely listens and then immediately turns his attentions back to Zuri... He asks lots of questions about her, her background, where she learned to fight, how she enjoyed Magnimar...

(He does, thankfully, buy everyone dinner)
Eventually, you break off into your own conversations, and then begin to mingle, when you realize that you have become local superstars...

Nikolen Nikolen gazies around the room at the eager faces of the people. He knows he did the right thing to return here. This is his town ...
Aldern does his best to keep Zuri all to himself - at one point another man approaches to thank her, and he blow up at his "rude and discourteous interruptions" sending the man back across the tavern with and angry glare...
Within another hour, the ale warms Niko and Jehn's blood, and together they eagerly retell the story of the battle... The burning cat, the goblin getting smashed by the platter, and the pole-vaulting commando all earn hoots and cheers.
Finally, Ameiko stand on the bar.
Ameiko lets out a peircing whistle.
Ameiko: That's it folks! Closing time! Time to go! One more cheer for the heroes of Sandpoint!

The crowd roars!
Aldern leans across the table toward Zuri
Aldern: Zuri... I do not wish this night to end... but alas, it must. I have one more day in town before returning to Magnimar... What say you and I go on a picnic tomorrow?
Zuriane smiles radiantly: "A wonderful idea, Aldy ... perfect"
Aldern suddenly beams, and you realize he didn't expect you to agree!

Aldern: Wonderful! After this night, I should you will want you beauty sleep - although any more beautiful and your smile will become more deadly than you blade!

Aldern: How about we meet here in the common room at 10 bells?

Zuriane: Your charm may surpass my blade ... until 10 bells, then.
Aldern a bold look crosses his face, and he clumsily goes in for the good night kis...

GM: He gives her a very innocent kiss, and then turns to leave the common room. He is almost walking on air. Jehnos says goodnight and thank you as he passes, but Aldern just gives him a "Mmmm"


The night passes, and you wake up. Sun streams in brightly through the window of the Inn, and you realize that you have slept in until late in the morning... The air is warm, and the day feels full of possibility.
GM: (I'll let you decide if he slept in past Zuri leaving or if she is still around.)


GM: Okay - so she learns that Aldern is in fact noble, and really, *really* wealthly, athough the family has a reputation as ecccentric. He is kind of awkward (which she find almost a little surprising after last night).
GM: Other than that, he comes in and out of town, and always stays at the Dragon...
GM: Seems "nice enough, if not a little high strung."


Niko comes down the stairs into the common room. He sees Jehnos sitting at a table, eating steak and eggs. Kaya is nowhere to be seen. Ameiko smiles as he enters the room.
Ameiko: I was about to close the kitchen, sleephead. Sit down, I'll bring you some eggs and black tea. The ogre over there ate the last of the steak.
Jehnos grins at the ogre reference.
Nikolen: Eggs are fine--I wouldn't want to wrestle him for the steak
Nikolen claps Jehnos on the back as he sits down
Jehnos: How does the Dawn Lord greet Niko this day?
Nikolen: It's a good day. You know the feeling--like you
Nikolen: ... like you're on the right path?
Jehnos smiles
Jehnos: Yes. The right path is always the one that your next footstep lands on.
Jehnos: But I know what you mean. This is a good day.
Jehnos: Where is your sister?
Ameiko arrives with breakfast
Nikolen brow furrows as he looks around
Ameiko: Oh! I almost forgot - Zuri said to let you know she would be spending the day with the Foxglove boy. She'll be back later.

Jehnos raises an eyebrow.
Nikolen sighs ... he looks at Jehnos
Nikolen: Do you have sisters?
Jehnos: Yes, and no.
Nikolen cocks his head at Jehnos ... "Yes and No?
Jehnos sighs
Jehnos: This may be confusing.
Jehnos: I am *Ugani*

Nikolen: Ugani? Is that your tribe?
Jehnos: Think of it as a warrior caste. Once a warrior takes the path of Ugani, he takes the Uru-ugan as his family.
Jehnos: But before I was Ugani, I had two sisters, yes.
Nikolen: Ah--so you have warrior sisters then ...
Jehnos: Yes, I have warrior sisters as well, but they behave as Ugani. I did have two blood sisters as well. They were both younger than I. I have never faced what you face though, as I entered the Ugani at 12 summers.

Nikolen: Our experince may be more simular than you know--I left home to train when I was 12 as well ... Zuri was so young. I hardly know her now.

Jehnos Jehnos considers this with a nod.

Nikolen: We share a mother only--different fathers.
Nikolen's face brightens I'm going to find her old house today--if you're not doing something you could come along ... if you care to

Jehnos: Kaya is gone most of the day on the business of her circle, so my day is free. I would love to see your ancestral home.
Nikolen laughs
Nikolen: Ancestoral home ... I'm not sure if it's quite that nobel ... but it's all we have
Nikolen: Come along then
Jehnos nods, and hefts his axe

You leave the tavern, and begin to travel north towards the home..
GM: (see the red dot?)

GM: We left 37, so it's only a few blocks away.
Nikolen: how do you want to cover it ... ? And do you want to close this epsiode with them standing in front of the wreck of it?
GM: (gonna close map)

GM: Yeah, that's what I was thinking... got one more thing tho...

GM: The trip through town is almost surreal. People call to you as if you have lived there all your life. Hello! Good day! You recognize a few of the faces from either the night patrol duty or the Dragon, but many you have never seen. At one point an older woman

GM: even rushes from her home and presses a loaf of bread into your arms says "you are getting to skinny! A hero needs to keep his strength up!"

This appreciation of the town bolsters your sprits even more, until you round the last corner to your moms old street.... There her house sits, dilapitated and in much worse shape than you remember... Windows are broken, the paint has all peeled off long ago... The building is an eyesore on an otherwise clean street.

Jehnos: Ah!
Jehnos claps a large hand across Niko's back "It, it is magnificent, my friend!"


Chat log started at 6.5.2008 / 21:30:29


Nikolen swallows hard and looks at the dilapedated house in disbelief

You stand for long minutes in front of the sagging ruins of your mother's home. Like most homes in Sandpoint, it is a small, square, two-story structure, with a living room and kitchen on the main floor, and bedrooms upstairs. Over the last few years, most of the windows have been broken out, and the front door stands open to the elements. It appears that most of the furniture has been carried off long ago.
As you enter the house you are struck by the stale, heavy smell of molding wood. The walls are stained with moisture, and in many places the plaster has sloughed off to form pasty grey piles on the floor. The floorboards warp and creek with rot. You climb the stairs to the second story to find sunlight streaming through several holes in the roof. At first dispair washes over you, but as you look into your childhood room, you can see it as it once was... After a long moment, you let out a tired sigh, and the begin the chore of clearing debris. You gather an armload of rotted wood and carry it out to the porch, dumping it. Jehnos watches impassively for a moment, and then wordlessly joins in.

A few hours pass, and you realize you are already making progress. The pile of discarded material builds on the porch, and you are starting to get a good sense for the work that lies ahead in renovating the home - which is extensive to say the least. Around midday, you are visited by a rough-looking half orc. As he approaches, you notice Jehnos tighten up, his back going straight as his hand reaches for his battleaxe that leans against the door frame of the old home. You put a hand on his bicep with a little shake of your head, and then walk out into the street to meet the half orc.
He introduces himself (with breath that smells heavily of whiskey) as Gorvi. He operates the local garbage collection service. You find him coarse and rude, but he offers the services of one of his men in clearing your debris for the 3 of silver per day. Not knowing how else to keep up with the growing refuse pile, you take him up on his offer. Within a half an hour a scruffy but polite man named Lars arrives, pushing a bright red wheelbarrow. After a short, mumbled introduction he goes right to work, loading the garbage and carting it off.


Jehnos: I don't like working with half-orcs... I know where they come from.
A little later, you and Jehnos stand upstairs in the master bedroom, looking at the rafters, when you are interrupted. "It's all gonna have to go, I'd say," grumbles a gruff voice from behind you. You turn around to see a short, sturdy dwarven man with a fire-red beard standing in the doorway. "You boys look like amateurs - no offense."
He introduces himself as Aesrick Battlehorn, Guildmaster of the Carpenter's Guild. "Yeah, I know what you are thinking - a dwarven carpenter? I always say, there is more to the world than just metal and stone, but the folk back and Janderhoff don't agree - so here I am. I'll promise you this lads - I know my craft, and I bring the precision of dwarven engineering to everything I do - be it stone, metal or wood."
Nikolen smiles as he rubs the back of his neck and tired shoulders ... "None taken ... and you are?"
Guildmaster Battlehorn: Aesrick Battlehorn, Master Carpenter, and Guildmaster of the Carpenter's Local - at your service.
Guildmaster Battlehorn stares at the rafters...
Guildmaster Battlehorn: Half got the dry rot, the other half are water logged. Quite the feat, that is.
Nikolen: Doesn't surprise me, somehow
Nikolen extends his hand to the Dwarf "Nikolen Sorescu"

Guildmaster Battlehorn the dwarf shakes his hand with a thick, gnarled hand and a iron grip.
Guildmaster Battlehorn: You must be the new "hero" they are all up in arms about. What's your name, son?
Nikolen: This is Jehnos ... he has a way with Goblins ...
Guildmaster Battlehorn: Huh, I'd guess he has a way with anything he wants to... The pair of you make quite the team. You planning on sticking around?
Nikolen: I can't speak for my freind here, but for me? Yeah, that's the plan. I want to get this place back in order

Guildmaster Battlehorn: You look handier with a sword than a hammer... You are going to need some help here. How about I get one of my men to help out. I have a new apprentice that this woud be a perfect job for...
Nikolen: Not a bad idea ... what kind of time and cost do you think it'll take? Materials and all ... doesn't have to be a palace, just watertight ....
Guildmaster Battlehorn: I'll cut you a deal - only fair considering the way you helped us out against the raid last night. We can also coordinate the procurement and delivery of your lumber through the mill. It's probably quicker and easier for you to go through us - otherwise Belven Valdemar and his shipyard gets all the wood."
Guildmaster Battlehorn: Lets figure 8 sp a day for the man, and lumber at a 10% markup. He can be here in the morning to start on a plan and a bid...
Guildmaster Battlehorn: We can have you weather tight in 3 weeks I'd say.
Nikolen extends his hand. "I'd say you've got a deal."
Guildmaster Battlehorn reaches out to shake again.

Guildmaster Battlehorn: Good then. We'll settle up weekly, but I'm going to ask for a 1 week deposit - 4 golds if you don't mind.
Nikolen: Fair enough ...
Guildmaster Battlehorn: Good then. Well, no reason to stand here yammering. I'll let you boys get back to work, and I'll have a man here in the morning. Welcome to town.
Guildmaster Battlehorn looks seriously for a moment
Guildmaster Battlehorn: It's a good town, Niko. Good people here. Living this far up the Lost Coast isn't easy - treat these people well and they will take care of you in turn. They took in a dwarven carpenter after all...
Nikolen: Yeah, I kinda got that feeling about the place myself ... grows on ya pretty quick
Nikolen smiles at the dwarf ... "Maybe we'll see ya around the Dragon sometime

Guildmaster Battlehorn: You want to find me, come looking at the Hagfish. Dragon is a nice place and all, and Ameiko is a good girl, but I like rollin' the bones...
Guildmaster Battlehorn: Stop by and I'll buy you a pint o' stout.
Guildmaster Battlehorn: But now, we all better be getting back to work. Good day boys, and I'll have my man here in the morning.
You work through midday in the autumn warmth, a slight breeze from the sea keeping the day from getting uncomfortable. You new found celebrity status has been reconfirmed over and over again as people wave and approach you, introducing themselves (and trying to get a bead on if you plan to settle in their town.) At first the interruptions are tedious, taking away from the work at hand, but as the afternoon goes on, and you realize the magnitude of the task before you, you begin to welcome the interruptions and the small breaks they offer. The people welcome Niko openly, but seem a little more reserved toward Jehnos. Given their Sheriff, you assume they are comfortable with Shoanti, so you assume that the reaction must come from his extremely tall, tattoo-covered frame.
While the adults approach directly, young women swarm like nattering flies around the perimeters of the buildings, all trying to catch a peek of the Sandpoint's latest (and suddenly most interesting) bachelor and his savage friend, before rushing off giggling down side streets.

Soon your work finds a steady a rhythm, interruptions and introductions included. You have already pulled free many of the rotting interior wall boards from one of the upstairs bedrooms, piling them in the street. The face of Gorvi's garbage man glistens with sweat as he runs his wheelbarrow back and forth at top speed just to keep up with the demolition efforts. You dump another such load in the street and turn to go back inside when a musical voice speaks behind you:
Voice:: Excuse me…
You turn to find a girl standing before you. She is tall, young, and stunningly beautiful. She wears a blue and white gown with an extrordinarily tight bodice and a plunging neckline, all of it working together to show off a figure that is far too mature for her seventeen or eighteen years of age. Her auburn hair cascades down in great, loose ringlets to frame her face and bosom. Her hands are clasped together in front of her and she rolls her shoulder forward innocently, batting long eyelashes at you.
Nikolen stammers as he turns to face the girl ... suddenly aware of how dirty he must appear
Nikolen: AH, yea ... can I , uh--help you?
Shayliss: Hello... I know your really busy an all, but I was wondering if you could help me?

Nikolen: Ah, you bet--no problem at all
Shayliss smiles a stunning smile
Nikolen glances over his shoulder to see if Jehnos has noticed him talking to the girl
Shayliss: Oh good! My name is Shayliss...
Jehnos leans agains the upstairs window frame watching with a huge smile on his face...
Nikolen: Ah, right ... Niko ... Well, actually Nikolen, but you can call me Niko ...
Nikolen: Everyone does ... sorta
Shayliss reaches out and shakes his hand
Shayliss: Oh my, what a strong name.... You are so... different. You are from the city aren't you!?
Nikolen: Ah, well--we grew up for a time here, then traveled ... spent some time in Magnamar, yes
Nikolen: You're from Sandpoint, then?
Shayliss: Oh yes. Stuck in this dreary little town with all of it's simple boys.

Shayliss: But you came just in time! (bats her eyes) I need a hero you see... And from what I understand, that's what you are... Now my problem is nothing as bad as a goblin raid, but I can't take care of it myself.
Shayliss runs her finger down his bare, sweaty arm....
Shayliss: I need someone strong and capable to help me with a problem...
Nikolen: I'm sure I can help
Jehnos is now sitting in the window sill, eating something from his pack and watching intently...
Shayliss: Goody!
Shayliss: Here's my problem...
Shayliss: My father runs the general store, only he leaves me to take care of the store almost every day... You see, my sister Katrine is has been seeing Banny Harker over at the mill... My dad wants her to have nothing to do with him, so he spends his day sneaking around trying to catch them together...
Shayliss: It's become an obsession... he hardly tends the store anymore, which leads me to my problem. I've got a rats in the basement. Not normal rats either... Monster rats. Almost as big as a dog...

Shayliss: I tried to tell my father, but he's just told me to stop exaggerating and not to be afraid of mice, and then ran off again to chase down Katrine.
Shayliss: So, I know it's probably beneath a hero like you, but would you come and help me kill the rats?
Nikolen: Ah, Yeah, you can't have rats in the store ... I think
Shayliss: No! Absolutely not! I can't even get into the cellar to re-stock!
Zuriane: Ah, those probably aren't the only rats this girl is going to have to worry about, yes Brother?
Zuriane steps quietly around the corner of the house ...

Zuriane glances up at Jehnos with a wink ...
Jehnos feigns shock
Zuriane: A beautiful girl like you ... probably has many rats trying to make their way into her cellars, yes?
Jehnos: The store has rats. Jehnos thinks this is a bad thing and your brother should help.
Shayliss face starts to turn red
Shayliss: An who are you?!
Zuriane: And I agree! Perhaps some time in the cellar will be just the thing for this brother of mine!
Zuriane: I? Has Niko not told you of his sister?
Shayliss face calms...

Shayliss: Oh - his *sister*... No. Funny, he didn't mention you... Although now that I meet you, it's not that surprising.
Jehnos chuckles.
Zuriane's eye narrow as she assesses the girl.
Nikolen face is a deep crimson as he stares speechless at Zuri and back at Shayliss
Shayliss grabs Niko's hand...
Shayliss: Come on, let's go.
Nikolen: Uh--right--yes!
Jehnos: climbs down from his window...
Zuriane laughs quietly with her hands on her hips
Zuriane: I'll hold down the fort, dear brother!
Jehnos: Come Zuri, your brother works me like a Kaer Magans slaver. I wish to eat. Join me while he does his heroes work, and tell me of your morning...
Zuriane turns on her toes to face Jehnos
Zuriane: Why, sir--that is just the kind of offer I'm after
Zuriane batts her eyes
Jehnos holds out his arm awkwardly
Jehnos: Is this how the men do it in the city?
Zuriane slips her elbows through and presses her cheek on his arm ...
Zuriane: perfect
Jehnos smiles

Jehnos: Let us go eat meat.
Jehnos and Zuri leave in the direction of the Dragon and Shayliss leads Niko off with a smile...

Shayliss leads you through the streets of Sanpoint to her father's general store. A large, two-story building, the store sits directly across the street from the impressive ivy-covered stone walls of the Turandarok Academy, and just north of the piers of sandpoint harbor. The smell of the nearby fishmarket is heavy in the air, and the constant calling of gulls fills the air.

Shayliss puts a key to the front lock, and you enter the general store, a small brass bell announcing your arrival. The interior of the store is appears well kept and fully stocked with a little bit of everything: farm equipment, weapons, tack, tools, furniture, food, and even a counter of homemade pies. Shayliss grabs you hand in hers, "This way," she says, as she pulls you along. A door behind the counter leads to a stairwell with two flights of stairs. One leads up, presumably to the living areas, while the other leads down to the basement. Lighting a small lantern, Shayliss leads you down the stairs.
The basement is cramped with crates and boxes. One wall of shelves holds an impressive array of wines harder alcohols. Shayliss stops at the base of the stairs, pointing into the far back corner of the basement. "The rat was back there. I think it has a nest behind those crates. Be carful! He's a monster!"

Shayliss hands the small lantern to Niko

You look behind the crate, but you find no rats, nor signs of a rat's nest. You search around for a moment, but then decide that the girl must have been imaging things. You turn around to return to the stairs to discover Shayliss is standing right before you. Before you can react, she has slid her arms around your torso and pulled herself close to your chest. You realize then that her bodice has come off, and she is bare to the waist. Before you can speak, she presses her lips agaist yours, kissing you passionately.

Shayliss stops kissing you for a moment, and nods to your left. you realize that a small cot has been set up in the corner of the room, all made up with blankets and pillows. A bottle of her father's wine and two glasses sit nearby. With a coy smile she pulls you by your hands toward the bed.
You suddenly hear the distant ring of a brass bell. As it registers with your brain, you hear a booming voice call "Shayliss!? SHAYLISS!? Where are you girl!?"
Shayliss' eyes go wide as the color drains from her face.
Shayliss: "Daddy!?!"

You hear the upstairs door slam and footsteps heading toward the stairs. Shayliss is frantically trying to get her bodice back on, and that's when you realize just what kind of demonic contraption a corset is... It's taking too long... You hear feet coming down the stairs...
Ven Vinder: Shayliss? You down here girl.... Shayliss? SHAYLISS!!!
Ven Vinder: Daddy! What are you doing home...

Ven Vinder face turns a brilliant crimson, then his eyes narrow.
Ven Vinder: Where is he!
Shayliss: Where is who daddy?
Ven Vinder: Don't play me for a fool girl! I've been playing this game with your sister for two years! I know there's a boy down here! Where is he!
Ven Vinder yells to the room...

Ven Vinder: OKAY BOY! LISTEN HERE, YOU COME OUT THIS INSTANT OR I"M GOING TO DELIVER YOU THE BEATING OF YOUR LIFE!

Nikolen sighs to himself, imagining Zuri's gut wrenching, gales of laughter over this event.
Nikolen: Okay.
Nikolen climbs out from under the cot, dusting himself off
Nikolen: Good afternoon sir ...
Ven Vinder eyes widen
Ven Vinder: You!?! You are all of one day into town and you are already trying to steal our children!
Nikolen: Ah, your daughter and I were just discussing ... um, some possible vermin problems ....
Nikolen: Children .... children ... um, I thought your daughter was --well I don't knwo
Ven Vinder: Discussing a problem, with her top off and a bottle of wine? What kind of a honorless man are you?!
Nikolen: She seemed so ... developed in a way
Ven Vinder face turn even redder.... You expect steam from his ears...
Nikolen neck hair prickled over the comment "honorless" but he took another deep breath--I deserve that
Nikolen: My fault sir, with your leave, I'll be going and not bother you again .....
Ven Vinder: Mind your tongue by, lest I rip it out and hang you by it. That' s my daughter you are talking about. If you think you can just walk into our town with your shiny sword and fancy words and steal out daughters, you better think again.
Ven Vinder: Yoy're not welcome in my store, boy, or your friends. Stay away from my daughter. I may just be a store keep, but I'll surprise you if you make me.

Nikolen: I don't want any trouble sir--you'll not see me again.
Nikolen glances sideways at Shayliss as he walks toward the stair

Shayliss: bye Niko... (winks)
Nikolen winces "see ya"'
Ven Vinder: SHAYLISS! Get upstairs to your room. You won't see the light of day for a fortnight... if your mother knew.... (the rest is lost as you climb the stairs and exit the store...)


GM: Niko goes back to work at the house, wanting to get away from his troubles?
Nikolen sadly shuffles home, his body now sore, and his back covered in dust

Just a little side trip then... While Jehnos and Zuri are eating, Ameiko stops by the table...

Ameiko: Sooooo, how was your picnic with your noble friend?
Zuriane smiles "it was nice ...he knows how to treat a girl"

Zuriane: We went horsback riding, out the cliffs ... he had servants set up the meal!
Ameiko: Servants? Really? Well, I guess it's good to hear he turned out okay after all that.
Zuriane smile fades a little ...
Zuriane: All that?
Ameiko: Oh, he had a hard childhood. The Foxgloves were town founders... Lived here for generations, but seemed cursed with horrible luck... For years people claimed the manor was haunted. Then one night there was a fire in the servant quarters... He mom died in it, and in his grief, his dad took his life...
Ameiko: Aldern was taken to Magnimar and raised by extended family. It think it's great that he was able to overcome all that and still turn out a decent guy...
Zuriane pales "Oh ... I had no idea"
Jehnos: We don't choose our childhoods. All we can do is accept our lot, and overcome it.
Zuriane glances at Jehnos

Jehnos has a faraway look in his eyes.
Zuriane: True--my own mother was a serv ... or, well for part ... I dunno
Zuriane gets a little quiet as well
Ameiko eyes go sharp
Ameiko: Don't ever regret what you are.
Ameiko face softening...
Ameiko pats Zuri's hand
Ameiko: I'm glad you had fun! Will you see him again?

Zuriane 's face find it's composure again. Again? Well, maybe ... I like him
Zuriane lowers her voice and leans toward Ameiko
Zuriane: He ... well, he can be a little "sharp" with his servants ... dunno. I don't regret who I am, I guess sometimes you just forget for a minute too
Zuriane: With all the flattery and fancy ... stuff
Ameiko: You just need to start believing that you're worth it all... Because you are.

Ameiko stands and picks up her tray...
Ameiko: I better get back at it... customers waiting an all.
Zuriane worth it--damn right.
Zuriane smiles at Ameiko
Zuriane turns to Jehos ... "so your childhood ..."
Jehnos: Yes?
Zuriane: Have you always been bald, darling?
Zuriane laughes loudly ...
Zuriane: Seriously, where did you grow up?
Jehnos: My clan lives along the Chavali river, at the foot of the Storval. We know good earth compared to many of the Shoanti.
Zuriane: Ah, that's a long ways from here ...
Zuriane places her hand on Jehnos in mock solumnity ...
Zuriane: did you get some young lady into trouble?
Jehnos looks really confused...
Zuriane slaps his hand

Zuriane: Ah, you know ... your Love ... your girl
Jehnos face darkens visibly...
Jehnos: Your brother should have killed the rats by now. He probably needs my help.
Jehnos stands, looking desperate to escape.
Zuriane: If my brother has any luck at all, he's sleeping it off right now, but we can head back if you want
Jehnos calms
Jehnos: Thank you for joining me. I will see you for dinner? I hope for Kaya's safe return this night.
Zuriane watches Jehnos out of the corner of her eye as they walk back to the house ...
Zuriane: I'll be around

As they return...
Jehnos: So, Niko, did you perform heroically?
Nikolen looks like he'll speak ... but can't seem to find the words
Jehnos raises and eyebrow

Nikolen: I think it's taken care of ...
Zuriane doesn't miss a beat
Zuriane: Ah, brother ... perhaps prince ratkiller helped her with her Oats as well?!
Jehnos looks really confused...
Zuriane: His prowess at the butter churn should thrill any young maiden!
Nikolen: Enough!
Nikolen: It's fine. It's done ... I don't want to talk about it
Zuriane looks dissaponted ... "fine. better luck nextime, brother"
Zuriane she begins to poke around the house
They go back to work, as Zuri just kind of looks around dreamily. Niko can't decide if she remembering what was, or seeing what will be. Jehnos honors his request and says very little for the rest of the day.

Near dinner time your garbage collector lets you know he's off for the day, and you decide that it is probably time to retire as well...You return to the Dragon, and find the many of the older patron glaring at you, while some of the younger men look at you with even more adoration...
Ameiko: "

Ameiko: "Nice work, loverboy..." whispers Ameiko as she passes by. "I'd keep my head low if I were you."
Nikolen speaks under his breath
Nikolen: Why didn't you warn me about that one--she's crazy!
Nikolen slinks a little lower in his chair
Ameiko: You didn't exactly give me time, did you... You move awfully fast.
Nikolen: It wasn't me that was moving fast! She told me she needed help with some rats!
Ameiko smacks the side of Niko's head playfully
Ameiko: Either you are dumber than you look, or you heard what you wanted to hear...
Nikolen: Man, anyone else I should be watching out for?!
Ameiko: At this point, I'd be watching out for old Ven.
Zuriane: hmm, dumb or selective .... My vote would be for ... hmm, actaully itmight be a tie
Nikolen takes a long pull off his ale
Jehnos bursts out in booming laughter... (the first time you have heard that)

Just then the door opens, and Kaya comes in. She looks tired and haggard.
Kaya smiles weakly as she sits
Kaya: Hello friends.
Jehnos: Kaya, it is good you returned. Is all well?
Kaya: I don't know Jehnos... But I am weary. Let us eat first, and then talk of darker things... What is it you say - it is easier to be wise on a full stomach?
Jehnos: Yes, yes.
Jehnos looks very worried....
Nikolen waves to Ameiko for aplate for Kaya
You eat, and fill each other in on the events of the day... Zuri spends a lot of time on her date - partially because she's excited, and partially because it's aggravating her brother. You talk about the house, and briefly about Niko's misfortune...
Then, as the dinner crowd is leaving, Kaya leads you to a booth near the back... You order drinks, and she speaks.
Kaya: I apologize for the way I left without warning. Jehnos is used to it, but I should have been more considerate of my new friends.

Kaya: I needed to consult with the master of my Circle.
Kaya gather herself for a moment
Kaya: Dark tidings are afoot. This is what sent Jehnos and I into the world of men. His Shaman's felt it first, and they sent Jehnos to seek the council of the Circle. Our Sentinel Master felt it as well...
Kaya: Have you ever seen a blighted tree, Niko?
Nikolen: A blighted tree--yeah, sure
Kaya: The blight, it starts simple. A few dark spots on some leaves, but nothing to be concerned with. Taken as individual symptoms, they add up to very little... But the sickness, it is systemic. By the time you can clearly see it, it is already too late for the tree...
Kaya: We fear that something dark has taken hold in the bosom of this land. Even now it's tendrils are reaching, but the source is unknown...

Kaya: The natural order of things is shifting. The goblins are only a sign, in the way aphids are drawn to the weakened tree... But the natural order and been violated, and a dark cancer grows in the bosom of this land... We only hope to find the source, as it completely illudes the master of my circle.
Zuriane leans in toward Kaya
Zuriane: This is like that Chopper story--and fire, right?
Zuriane: They say that guys was normal
Kaya seems to consider this...
Kaya: I had not though of that, but yes. Maybe those events were the first spots to show on the leaves... Clear signs that went undetected?

Zuriane: Well, and some guy told me about the old lighthouse too ... they say there's something weird about it
Kaya: We should learn what we can about those who left the monuments... it may be that they left a dark legacy for us to inherit.
Nikolen 's face darkens
Kaya notices Niko
Kaya: I do not mean to bring such grim tidings... There is still time, and hope is not lost.
Nikolen: Don't worry ... it's better to know what we're up against than be unaware of an enemy
Nikolen: I just wish ... well--the house. Anyway ... should we head out there an see what's going on?

You all retire. What began as a perfect day for Niko ended in bitter disappointment, and he is happy to let sleep take him from his brooding thoughts...


You awake to a pounding on your door. You wake, and see that Zuri is still sleeping soundly across the room. After a pause the pounding returns.
You guess it is early morning...
Nikolen grabs his blade as he hurries to the door

Jehnos stand at the door. He is dress in his strange, lizard scale armor and has his axe slung over his shoulder.
Jehnos: Wake your sister and get your things. The Sheriff has summoned us.


Chat log started at 13.5.2008 / 21:38:15

Nikolen calls to Zuri and quickly gathers his gear and suits up
Zuriane curses and dresses quickly

You prepare, and then head down to the common room to find Kaya sitting at a table, drinking tea. One of the town watchman stands nearby.
GM: (throw a sense motive check)

Zuriane: Sense motive [1d20+1 = 8]
Nikolen: [1d20 = 19]

GM: Niko, used to hanging around guards, reads his face. There is no real tension there, so you guess there is no dire circumstance. At first that gives you hope, but then you remeber yesterdays...activities... Could this be about that?
guardsman nods as you arrive
Zuriane sits heavily in the chair across from Kaya and puts her head down on the table
Nikolen: What's up? What's goin on?
guardsman looks at Zuri, confused, then addresses Niko.
guardsman: The Sheriff asked me to fetch you. Bring you back to town hall. Don't exactly know why, but then, he don't pay me to know why, does he? Must be something interesting though - I been told to take you to the mayor's office.

Nikolen nods, though somewhere in the back of his mind he wonders if the mayor would take Shayliss' word against his own ...
Nikolen: Okay, let's go
guardsman: So, seeing as how fetching you all interrupted my breakfast, ya mind if we get going?
Nikolen: Zuri--up!
Zuriane 's head pops up and she squnts at Niko ... her hair a mess of tangles
Zuriane: So demanding ...alright, alright
You follow the watchman through the streets of Sandpoint. This morning is much cooler than the last few weeks, the edge of fall clear in the air. Steel gray clouds hang over the Varisian Bay, leading out to a brooding dark wall where the ocean meets the sky. The first autumn storm is clearly on its way.

Eventually, you reach the Sandpoint City Hall, a two-story structure directly across the street from the garrison. While the garrison is a squat, imposing and utilitarian, the town hall is more attractive, with large windows, and a pair of huge oak doors, flanked on either side by somewhat impressionistic stone lions. An embosses brass plate bearing the symbol of Abadar, the god of cities, merchant and law hangs above the great doors, a reminder to all that this is a place of civilized justice.

You enter the town hall, and the guardsman leads you through the hall of justice to a staircase that leads you to the second story. You pass a number of small offices before reaching a larger office at the end of the hall. A smart-looking middle-aged woman with close cropped hair sits behind an ornate oak desk. She smiles warmly as you enter the room, and you recognize her immediately (from the Swallowtail festival) as the Mayor. Sheriff Hemlock stands nearby, wearing his usual grim expression, nodding curtly as you enter. Father Zantus sits in the corner of the room in, his normally warm face looking as cloudy and troubled as the sky outside.

A woman you have never seen before sits in a nearby armchair. She rises to greet you, and you are momentarily captivated by her beauty. After a stunned moment it dawns on you that she is an Elf. Tall and thin, her proportions favor her long legs. Her skin is smooth as porcelain, her elegant face holds wide eyes that stare back at you like moon pools. Long ears poke out from under waves of curls that flow like a waterfall of molten gold. She wears the rugged clothes of a hunter, which stand out in absurd contrast to her ethereal beauty.

Sheriff Hemlock: Thank you for coming so early. You know Father Zantus. This is Mayor Deverin.
Mayor Deverin nods with a smile
Sheriff Hemlock: And our guest... This is Shalelu Anosana... She is a bit of an "unofficial" member of the town guard. One of the wood folk, she patrols the surrounding forests and helps us keep tabs on things... Shalelu - I'd like you to meet Sandpoint's newest crop of heroes.
Sheriff Hemlock the sheriff steps aside to allow for introductions.
Shalelu rises from her chair with a smile, tossing her blone hair from her face.
Shalelu: Hello, and well met.
Nikolen smiles; "Well met"
Kaya suddenly seems very stiff and self conscious, her hands gripping at her leggings...
Zuriane nods at Shalelu
You make the rounds, introducing everyone by name...
Shalelu: “Belor’s told me of your work against the goblins—well done. I’ve dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around the hinterlands, but they’re tenacious little runts. Like weeds that bite."

Nikolen: Agreed, they did put a damper on the festivites ...
Shalelu: Yes, well... I may be able to shed some more light on that.
The elven woman sits back down, her face calm, and continues:
Shalelu: "There are five major goblin tribes in the region, and, traditionally, they are pretty good at keeping each other in line with inter-tribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I’ve been able to piece together, members of all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair amount of the Mosswood goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and as I stalked them I heard a fair amount of chatter about the ‘longshanks’ who killed so many of them. Now that I’ve met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you’ve made an impression."
Shalelu: “In any event, the fact that the five tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don’t get along unless they have got something big planned, and for goblins, big plans require big bosses. I’m afraid that someone’s moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, what they’re organizing seems like bad news for all of us.”
Shalelu: I'm not sure what is behind it, but I intend to find out.
Sheriff Hemlock as the Sheriff listens, he shakes his head...
Nikolen: Count us in as well ... I'm sure "Longshanks" here would enjoy another crack at them
Nikolen nods to Jehnos
Sheriff Hemlock: Your council is, as always, valued Shalelu. Thank you for bringing us these tidings, dark as they are. But we cannot risk another attack with only a local milita...

Sheriff Hemlock shakes his head again, as if convincing himself...
Sheriff Hemlock: "I'm taking a few of my men south to Magnimar to see about securing additional soldiers to station at Sandpoint for a few weeks, at least until the extent of the goblin threat can be determined. While I'm out of town, I've asked Shalelu to sniff around Shank’s Wood, Devil’s Platter, and other places where goblins live to see if she can discover anything else about what’s going on."
The sheriff looks directly at Niko:
Sheriff Hemlock: I know you and your friends want to help, but your help may not come in the way you expected it to...
Sherrif Hemlock: "I need you and your friends try to keep a public presence in Sanpoint over the next few days, if you don't mind. The locals seem to have taken to you. Seeing you around town will do a lot for keeping worries down while I am away. Can you do this?”
Nikolen: That's it? ... Just, be around?
Mayor Deverin: With our Sheriff gone, they will need to know there is still some martial strength in Sandpoint. You and your friends single-handedly slayed almost as many of the goblins as the rest of our volunteer militia combined...
Zuriane studies Shalelu and then turns her gaze to Kaya
Mayor Deverin: Plus, it is my hope that your mere presence serves as a deterent against another raid...
Nikolen: We'll do whatever you like, just say the word.
Sheriff Hemlock: Shalelu will continue her scouting... I should only be a few days - then hopefully you can join her on a decisive strike.
Nikolen: Perfect. Will Hosk be joining us for that--I've heard he has some experience

Sheriff Hemlock chuckles....
Sheriff Hemlock: We shall see. He's memories are stronger than his sword arm these days, although I'm sure he would beg to differ.
Sheriff Hemlock: Then it is settled. I thank you for this thing. Shalelu - your council, as always, is invaluable. Please, let Niko and his companions know should you discover anything.
Shalelu nods
Shalelu: I can do that. I understand you are staying at the Rusty Dragon?
Nikolen: We are. By day I'm working on a house on Prickleback Lane ...
Nikolen: Just shout if you need anything
Shalelu: I plan to make a loop out past the Brinestump and see if the Licktoad tribe riled up as well. I will seek you out at the 'dragon and let you know what I find. Perhaps I will even have the honor of sharing a meal with Sandpoint's latest heros.
Shalelu smiles a playful grin
Nikolen smiles ... we were just at the right place at the right time ...

Nikolen: And, Jehnos here swings an axe as big as me ...
Jehnos back straightens with pride
Shalelu: Give Ameiko my regards. It has been months since I last passed through town, and I look forward to seeing her again.
Zuriane: Oh, you know her?
Shalelu: Oh yes. We... traveled together, for a time.
Zuriane smiles ... you'll have to share those stories sometime
Shalelu gives a coy smile
Sheriff Hemlock: Thank you all. It feels strange to put you all in such a position, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Shalelu - safe travels.
Shalelu gets up and bows shallowly...
Shalelu: See you all soon. Be safe.
Sheriff Hemlock: Could I keep the rest of you a moment longer?
Nikolen nods
With a nod, the elf excuses herself, and the sheriff closes the door behind her.
Sheriff Hemlock: "There is one more thing you should know."
The Sheriff glances up at Father Zantus as if seeking approval. The priest nods, and the Shoanti man continues:
Sheriff Hemlock: There is something quite distrubing we have recently learned...
Sheriff Hemlock: "During the goblin raid, someone or something exhumed and stole away with the body of Father Tobyn, our former priest."
The Mayor iterrupts:

Mayor Deverin: "Father Tobyn was killed by burns he received when the first chapel burned. The building was coming down around him, but he wouldn't leave - His adopted daughter, Nualia was still inside. He finally succumbed to the smoke and heat, and some of the watchmen were able to drag him out. Unfortunately, it was too late. He never woke again, and passed three days later. Nualia couldn't be saved, and was consumed by the fire."
Sheriff Hemlock: "We do not know why goblins would come after the bones of an old priest, but this turn of events only reinforces are fears that something more sinister is behind all of this. As town leaders, we have kept this fact a secret until now, not wishing to sow seeds of fear and panic unnecessarily in an already shaken community. As we leave the town in your care, we thought you should know the whole truth, but we ask that you tend this knowledge with care. Until we understand the significance of it, I do not see the value in disturbing the our citizens with such dark tidings. Do you understand?"
Kaya face grown dark, as her brows knit deep in thought...

Nikolen: Yes, of course. Though that is drak news indeed .... where was the body?

Father Zantus: Buried in the boneyard, behind the chapel. Old Naffer discovered the desicration yesterday.


Nikolen: We might have a look at the grave ... it may shed some light on "who" did it
Father Zantus: You are more than welcome to. I will tell Naffer that he might expect you.
Nikolen: Thanks, we'll keep it quiet otherwise
Sheriff Hemlock: Then our business is settled. I leave my town in your care. I expect it to be in one piece when I return.
Sheriff Hemlock: Oh, and Niko. You need to find a way to make peace with Vin. He's a good man, and chair of the merchants league. I don't blame you, as I know his daughter's reputation, but I need you to be more careful while you are in charge.
Sheriff Hemlock: Do we have an understanding?
Nikolen blushes deeply, but keep eye contact with the Sheriff: "Yes sir, we do"
Zuriane snorts--stifling her laughter in her scarf

Sheriff Hemlock: Vachedi, my goaler will keep the watch rotations going, and keep an eye on the garrison. Let him know if you need to draw on the watch for any reason.
Nikolen: Are the bridges closed down in the evening? Do we know how they go it?

Sheriff Hemlock: We post watch on the bridges, but that isn't how they got in... To be honest, we aren't sure how they got in...
Sheriff Hemlock blushes slightly
Sheriff Hemlock: Maybe you will learn more than we have been able to.

You wrap up the meeting, and the town fathers all thank you for your help and support. The mayor tell you to let her know if you catch wind of any trouble, while the priet blesses you. You can tell Sheriff Hemlock is nervous by the whole siutuation, but deals with it stoically.
You are excused, and soon find yourself back in the street. The wind has begun to pick up as the storm is blowing inland.... You have the day to yourselves, it would seem.

Kaya: Jehnos and I had intended to leave town today and return north, but given this turn of events, I think it wise we remain. Missing bodies speaks of necromany... or worse.
Nikolen: Agreed--the thought that someone or something would use a Gob raid as cover to steal a body is not a good sign of things to come
Kaya: Agreed. We should continue to learn what we can.
Zuriane looks at Kaya ... "So, did you know Shalelu?"
Kaya 's face turns bright red.
Kaya: I do not know her, but I know of her...
Kaya: She is a good huntress, protects the land.
Zuriane: But ...

Zuriane nods her head at Kaya with thin empathy
Kaya appears releived that Zuri chose not to press the issue.
Sheriff Hemlock: You had learned from Ameiko that Quink lives in the house right at the base of the Old Light, which is very nearby...
GM: gah.
GM: You stand almost in it's shadow now...
Zuriane: I'd light to talk to Old Quink ... anyone interested?
GM: (you can see it on your map at the end of tower street... keep in mind the ruins go 70 ftl into the air...

Jehnos nods his head emphatically, surprisingly.
Kaya: This "old light" is not the only ancient ruin to stand on these lands... I would know of their history.
Nikolen: Very well ... it's close--let's go

GM: You walk up the street to the old light, the foundations of the massive tower sit upon a ragged cliff, over 100 feet above the churning surf below... A small house sits nearby, almost immediately at its base. A sign near the door reads "Brodert Quick, Eng."

Nikolen walks up the house and raps on door
Muffled, from inside.... "WHAT!?"
Nikolen: er, Ah ... Mr Quink? We'd like to speak with you if you have a moment ...
The door opens about three inches. You can see it is chained. Inside is a balding man with thick spectacles that make his bright blue eyes looks huge.
Quink: Who are you and whaddaya what?

Nikolen: My name is Nikolen Sorescu and this is my sister, Zurine and our companions Jehnos and Kaya. We've heard that you were an expert on the history of the Old Light, and as newcomers to town would like to hear of it
Quink: Oh! Expert eh? You come to make fun of me too? Tease ol' Quink the Looney?
Nikolen: No, no, sir--I'm completely serious
Quink: (mubling to himself) uneducated bunch of louts... can't even understand the meaning of a hypotenus... I otta...
Quink: What? Serious? Eyes narrow....
Zuriane pushes her brother out of the way of the door

Zuriane: Good professor Quink ... we are only students to the history of this town and wish to learn more. We are completely earnest
Zuriane: Diplomacy [1d20+4 = 9]
.
Quink: Hah! Completely earnest my arse! What do you want - and be straight with me.

Zuriane Alright, look: they all said you were a raving loon--but they also said that you had some theories about the Old Light. Now, I've been around long enough to smell a thread of truth to town talk and I want to hear what you think about this light ... If you haven't noticed, things have been pretty weird around here lately

Quink stares at Zuri for a long minute, then slams the door.
You hear a chain rattling on the back...
The door opens and the slight old man guestures you in.
Zuriane turns and smiles at Niko as she walks into the house
Quink: Fine, but don't piss me off. I get enough of that from the locals.. Now coming, and for gods' sake, don't touch anything.
The front sitting room of the house contains a couch and two arm chairs, and several stuffed bookshelves. More interestingly, the room is also filled with small scale models of many different things - bridges, waterwheels, catapults, burrowing machines and other, more exotic seige engines. Blueprints for more exotic contraptions that you don't begin to comprehend hang on the walls, some with notes and calculation writen in dwarven runes.
The old man fetches himself a cup of coffee (not offering you any) and adds a liberal dose of what you assume to be whiskey to it. After a drink (and a grimmace) he joins you.
Quink: So, you want to know about the old light...
Old Quink: I don't believe the "Old Light" was a lighthouse at all... Look at this...
The old man clears the clutter off his desk, revealing a broken piece of stone fresco. The stone bears a roughly carved image of what appears to be a wide river valley. On one side of the valley stands a string of towers, each topped with a strange, pronged crown. Above these tines floats what appears to be balls of fire. On the other side of the valley stand massive statues, stern-faced guardians peering back at the towers. Assembled armies of men mass around the base of the statues, not even ankle high, giving you a sense of the massive scale of the statues. One of towers seems to be launching gout of flame across the river, bathing the gather host in fire.

Old Quink: "I believe that Sandpoint sits on what was once the border between two rival nations, and that the "Old Light" we see is really the base of one of those "sentinel" towers you see here. Now, look at this..."
He digs out a map of the Varisian Coast points to the Varisian bay…
Old Quink: "I believe that the other nation stood here… (his finger circles the area of the Varisian bay) I beleive that the Varisian Bay was once that rival country, devoured in it's entirety by some kind of magical cataclysm… See here (he points to the chain of islands that extend out from Magnimar)… this was the old coast line, before whatever calamity came and laid the nation low."
Quink: So, have at me, so I can throw you out.... Blah, blah, Quink's crazy as a loon...
Kaya looks on with interest, her finger lazily tracing the chain of islands

Zuriane: Where did this come from? Have you explored the ruins?
Quink: A fisherman found this... came up in his net - while fishing in the gulf...

Quink: As far as the light - nothing to explore. Collapsed in on itself, it did.
Nikolen: Those statues look huge ... surely there's some evidence ... somewhere
Quink: Well, if I'm right, it's at the bottom of the Gulf. You got a way of going down to look for it?
Nikolen blushes ... well, no ...
Quink: Well, I don't either... yet!
Zuriane: Yet?
The old man grabs sheets of overlaid onion paper, which has blueprints on it of some kind of strange suite with a round, bulbous head and round portals. A strange tube extends from the top of it...
Quink: I'm working on a diving suit, but I can't quite get it right yet... But when I do, I plan on going down there and finding out for myself....
Zuriane stares at Quink
Nikolen: In that?

Quink: I started with the idea of an "underwater ship" but the cost of fabrication was just too high, not to mention the meturgical calculations required to get a hull that could properly withstand multiple atmospheres of pressure...
Nikolen mouths "atmospheres of pressure" to himself
Quink: When I decided that route was infeasable, I resorted to more of a "personal diving aperatus" concept, which you see here... Unfortunately, I'm going to have to send back to Janderhoff to get it build, as Das Korvut just thinks I'm as daffy as everyone else does...
The old man sighs, sitting down in one of the soft chairs.
Old Quink: "But, while interesting, the old light is not my primary concern... In fact, I'm hoping it is but a signpost to my true interest..."
Zuriane: What's that?
Quink the old man pulls off his spectacles and looks at you with eyes that have a feverish intensity...
Old Quink: "Have you ever heard the legend of the Lost City of Xin Shalast?"
(he says the words Xin Shalast with almost a religious ferver...)
Zuriane: Ah, ... no

Old Quink: "Xin Shalast was the seat of Thassilonian power! The tales say that the City of Xin Shalast was the seat of Thassilonian power. This is where the First Emporer Xin made his home, until he was betrayed by his own lieutenants. They say that the streets of the Xin Shalast were paved in gold, and there whole buildings carved from immense gemstones."
The old man holds up a single finger as a thought strikes him. He rushes to a shelf and rifles around for a moment. Returning, he places a massive book on the table before you. He opens it, and you quickly see that it is filled with charcoal rubbings pressed between heavy parchment pages. He leafs through a few pages until he settles on the image of city filled with strange architecture and massive structures.

Old Quink: "There." (he points to some strange, spiky runes) "See the inscription… It's Thassilonian, but it reads, "Here rules Xin. May his will be as the Gods." That is Xin Shalast. I bought this second-hand from a traveling Varisian merchant, who himself acquired it from a group of adventures said to have taken this imprint from deep within Thassilonian ruin. His story went that the adventurers had all contracted a strange pox while in the ruins, an were delirious with fever. None could remember where the ruin was, and all died within days - a curse, he said. Still, I believe that this is proof that the city existed, somewhere. The last great secret of old Thassilon.. and I just have to find it."

The old man's eyes get a far away look as he is lost in his own thoughts...


Kaya plays the word "Thassilon" across her lips.
Zuriane: Where do you think it was? Even the ruins must be huge!

Quink: I don't know! If I knew, it wouldn't be lost would it. And I would need to build a submersible to find the next clue!

Zuriane is excited and begins speaking very quickly ...
Zuriane: But, someone, somewhere should have seen something ...
Zuriane: Those guys that found this we'ren;t underwater ... Have you talked to Ameiko or other that have traveled?!
Quink: How do you think I got a reputation as crazy!
Nikolen attention drifts around the room at the strange drawings and gadgets ...
Zuriane: By asking questions? That is crazy. I'll ask!
Quink: Go ahead lass... They will just brand you as crazy too...
Zuriane: Hell--they probably do already
Quink leans forward intently...
Quink: Think about it... if they knew, would it really be a secret. This empire fell literally thousands of years before the first Chels came north. Only the Varisians remeber the Thassilonians, and then only as dark legends. But it's out there, I tell you... it's out there.

Zuriane sits back into a chair with a puff of dust ... she nods at Quink with conviction "Tell me more"
Quink smiles at Zuri, a fellow beleiver, as he puts his specatacles back on