Dark Paths 18

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 18
November 11, 2012

Picking up the Pieces

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

The Gold Goblin Crew continued their pursuit of Saul into the lower levels of the casino. Saul and his cronie, Bojask, the animal handler, have descended into the pit with Saul telling Bojask to take care of Pigsaw, the giant boar that is running around while he takes care of Snargash, who is suffering from Old Scratch's poisonous sting. Aragon tries to get into the arena from the outside while the rest of the group converges on the seating area above. The previously unknown mage continues to fire bolts of magical energy at Bodi while he throws knives back at her. Aethel attempts to fry the wizard, but his lightning is bounced back at him and nearly misses. Aragon nearly severs Bojask's arm and Guy gets off a great shot, nailing Saul as he scrambles around down in the sand in the center of the arena. The mysterious female mage disappears. Bodi makes a heroic leap over the edge of the railing and tries to impale Bojask on his way down. He misses, but manages to keep his feet and lands near Aragon. Bojask is knocked out and when he goes down, Pigsaw squeals and charges him, slamming into him over and over, completely ignoring everyone else. Aragon and Bodi carefully back out of the arena, leaving Pigsaw to deal wtih Bojask. Saul's unconscious body is levitated back up to the viewing area. Snargash quickly moves to bandage any wounds before utilizing his healing magics. 

Continued Story Doc

Continued Story Summary

Bodi removes Saul's key-stump-arm and he is disarmed. Several items are noted as being magical and they are set aside. Saul is also carrying a vial of non-magical liquid, thought to be poisoned. His blades seem to be coated with the stuff as well. More magical healing is done, both spell-wise and potion-wise. Discussions of what to do with the wounded and dead above is started. Saul wakes up and attempts to fast talk his way out of the situation, saying Bojask was the villian behind everything and that he was being coerced into all of it, but no one is having any of it. Snargash retorts with "Aww, bitch please!" Everyone lays into him, questioning him and threatening him in equal parts. At this, Saul clams up and refuses to speak so he is tied up, gagged and locked in one of the unused animal pens down in the kennel. 

The Gold Goblin is cleaned up a little, at least the dead and unconscious bodies are piled up. Several of the wounded men were gone by the time everyone made it back upstairs, including the turncoat Ajax. The doors and windows were locked as securely as could be and the place was searched, looking for further foes as well as Saul's ledger, hoping to find some more clues regarding his double crossing ways. The vault is opened and everyone is shocked to find it nearly empty, including all the coin that several of them had stashed in there for 'safe keeping." Saul's journal is found, hidden upstairs, and upon cursory glance, it shows that much of the money that the Gold Goblin made was being credited to DA, whatever that meant. Aragon, who had been guarding Saul downstairs, wanders up aimlessly and follows the others into the vault. Everyone suddenly comes to the conclusion that Old Scratch must have used his devilish ways to convince Aragon to leave his guard duty. 

Everyone races back downstairs, splitting up and half taking one stairway and the other half going down the other, hoping to intercept Saul if he was trying to escape. Once into the basement, the group was assaulted by the many animals normally kept caged for pit fighting, now set loose and running and fighting in the narrow underground passageways. Dogs, baboons and even chickens assaulted the party. Pigsaw was even let out and tried to kill anything in its path. Aragon, mad at himself for being tricked, takes the lead. He acrobatically evades the mass of fighting dogs and chickens and charges at Pigsaw, followed by Aethel, Snargash and Shayla. Zenith and Nadir make quick work of the boar.

That'll do pig, that'll do.

At the other end of the basement, Bodi, Guy and Kwava take on a gang of angry baboons and eventually make their way to the pit viewing area. Aragon and the others enter the pit from the kennel area.

There they find Saul, crouched on the ground in the middle of the pit, trying to open what appears to be a trap door hidden under the sand. Bodi once again leaps down into the pit as several psionically thrown rocks and arrows from Kwava's bow stagger Saul just as he opens the door. Aragon approaches just as the one armed man falls forward and through the pit. He lands some  15 feet below. Old Scratch appears momentarily and yells out for all to hear, "Fuck you all very much!" Then the Imp disappears into thin air.

Saul lay motionless on a ledge in a natural cavern below, thoughts of exploring it were quickly nixed at least until the next day. Bodi and Snargash go down and secure the body, as Saul is found dead, and confirm that the passage continues down much further, but resist the urge to explore until later. 

The rest of the evening is spent securing the Gold Goblin, going through the ledger and sorting through the loot recovered. The next day, Hulger, the Halfling cook shows up for work, not aware of the events of the previous night. He shrugs off the news of the double cross and states that he likes the new owners better anyway and gets to work butchering Pigsaw and making breakfast. Considerable time is spent continuing to sort through the financials of the Goblin as well as the loot. It appears that the Goblin was making plenty of money, but Saul was embezzling it. Hulger, in the process of butchering the boar, discovers a ring in the beasts insides that used to be worn by Larur, the previous floor manager. The remaining loot is either sold or identified by a local enchanter.

Session Notes

This round of GURPS was played on my birthday. Happy Birthday to me! 

The continuing story document went on for 17 pages, nice. I really love how the action continues between live sessions. It allows everyone to get involved and by using the Google Drive documents, it is much more fluid and editable, as opposed to a forum like some other PbP games use. I have each player date stamp their entries and encourage them to post out of order, adding in stuff their character would have done earlier if someone else had already progressed the action past  that. I also encourage my players to include other PCs in their posts. We are all comfortable and familiar enough with each other that some minor posting for another players character is ok as well. Doing this makes the posts seem more realistic and organic and less like a message board. 

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodi Jantzen - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 17

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 17
October 28, 2012

In the Thick of It

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

Calling Saul out as they approach the dark and locked Gold Goblin Casino, the Crew gets no reply. They manage to get the front door unlocked and charge in, only to be met with arrows and blades. Aragon takes a shot to his shoulder, stunning him just inside the doorway. He is then set upon by Ajax, their supposed companion and another of the Gold Goblin bouncers. He is able to parry Ajax's attack but fails to defend against the bouncer's sword. Already, things are looking grim. Bodi rushes in and managed to kick Ajax in the groin, momentarily stunning him. Guy then enters the fray and, using his telekinesis, grabs a hold of the curtains hanging on the ceiling and pulls them down, trapping several bouncers beneath it.

The fray goes on for some time, with multiple defenders on the floor supported by archers in the catwalks above. Guy uses his ranged attacks to keep the archers busy while Aragon, Bodi and Snargash engage the fighters on the ground. Shayla, meanwhile, makes her way around outside to a 2nd floor opening to try to attain the higher ground. The battle rages on for some time until, in a surprise turn of events, Ajax, who had been feverishly attacking his 'friends' badly botches a defense and has his arm nearly cleaved off by one of Aragon's flashing blades. The strangely accented spear-man goes down in a bloody heap.

The battle is then joined by Old Scratch, Saul's bound Imp. The creature delights in using its invisibility to sneak up on opponents and sting them, afflicting them with its devilish poison. A brazier is knocked over and part of the floor starts burning. Several bouncers are intimidated and flee just as Aethel joins the fray, having made his way back around from the side of the building.

Snargash and Aethel use their magic to ascend up to the level of the catwalks, to finish off the stragglers there. Bodi and Aragon make their way toward the kitchen, with Guy following, looking for Saul to end this once and for all. Bodi is surprised in the kitchen as he sees Saul, with Hans and Beyar, his two bodyguards, rushing out, they nearly collide.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

Saul and his bodyguards push past Bodi quickly and make their way through the door leading to the Gold Goblin's lower level. They were joined by several new thugs, entering from the back door and engaging Bodi. Beyar, one of Saul's men, shouts out, "“Bodi, this is your fucking wake-up call, man. You all crossed the line. People trusted you and they died. You gotta' go down!” Old Scratch continued to use his invisibility to sneak up and sting unsuspecting folk, which allowed Saul, and what looks like a female mage, to get down the stairs while his cronies blocked his path.

The rest of the Goblin was cleared as the battle got going in the kitchen. Eventually someone calls out that "..they went downstairs!" and Snargash gets the bright idea to just cut them off at the pass. He summons his breath and plays the tune to teleport him directly to the open space above the fighting arena on the lower levels.

Snargash managed to get the spell right, but the strange movement of both levitating and teleporting at the same time sent him into a spin once he re-materilazed, causing him to vomit, spraying his breakfast all over himself and onto the sand in the fighting pit below. While spinning, Snargash is aware that Saul and Bojask are nearby, arguing about the fact that Pigsaw, the mean boar, champion of the fighting arena, had been set loose and is running around in the arena below, currently directly beneath Snargash, rooting through the sand for his vomit.

Aragon, Guy and Bodi finally make their way downstairs in pursuit of Saul only to find their way blocked by some iron bars that had been lowered to block the path. Guy uses his psionic powers to reach through and release the catch that is locking the portcullis in place, and the chase continues. Aragon heads down a side passage that will take him to the arean floor while Guy and Bodi chase Saul into the arena viewing stands. Meanwhile, the female Mage that was accompanying Saul shots a burst of flame at Snargash, attempting to burn him to a crisp. Saul continues to yell at Bojask, telling him to get Pigsaw under control.

Session Notes

This session was interesting because I got to use a former PC turned NPC against the party. That threw them for a bit of a loop. Ajax was much more skilled than the rest of the NPCs, though he was not as many points as the PCs. Still, a weapon master with the spear and Form Mastery allowing him to parry like a staff. Could have been trouble, but nothing a critical failure won't fix. 

Players Present: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed, Noble Elf wizard - played by +Daniel White
Aragon Whisperwind, Elven Bladedancer - played by +Arne Jamtgaard
Bodi Jantzen, Human swashbuckler and ladies man - played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone, Gnome telekinetic - played by +Gren Drake
Snargash Windblown, Half-Orc monk - played by +Amergin O'Kai  
and The Dungeon Master - played by +Jason Woollard

Dark Paths 16

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 16
October 14, 2012

The Double-cross?

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

Their new ally, the strange Elf, Kwava, is more than generous with his healing potions. He continues to explain what he knows about going's on's in Riddleport. The Crew ponders the in's and out's of the recent events, eventually coming to the conclusion that Saul has betrayed them and sent them to their deaths, like Kwava has suggested. The next order of business quickly turns to plotting their next step... revenge.

Eventually, it is decided that they will return to the Gold Goblin, pretending to be unaware of the double cross and with Aragon and Bodi posing as dead. They will get a cart and drag them through the streets from the north, making a big show that they had been defeated in the Boneyard and seem to be slinking back to the Goblin to regroup. Once at the Goblin, the plan is to confront Saul, and assuming he is guilty, take him out.

The next morning, the Crew heads back to town to carry out their charade. Upon reaching town, they receive many curious and surprised stares. Apparently word of their defeat had already reached Riddleport. As they traveled the streets of the City of Cyphers, more and more folk gathered around. Snargash used the opportunity to again sing their story to the masses and use his healing gifts to help those in need of minor healing magics. It takes most of the day to maneuver the cart back to the Gold Goblin through the crowds.

Finally, the cart and Crew reach the Gold Goblin. The establishment is closed, a note tacked to the door says 'Closed due to Illness.'  As they approach, several sentries are spotted out front. They rattle the shutters to alert those inside and then make a break for the back of the building via a narrow alleyway.

Clearly the management at the Goblin was waiting for their return. Aethel warms up a lightning bolt as Snargash calls out to the fleeing men.

The Gold Goblin

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

Realizing that they were in for a pitched battle, everyone, including those hiding in the cart, readied themselves for combat and they approached the Goblin. 

Session Notes

This was the session that Shayla turned into an NPC. Unfortunately Stephen +Stephen Kolmetz was no longer able to game with us after about 4 years of solid GURPS campaigns. He has been missed since his departure.

Players Present: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed, Noble Elf wizard - played by +Daniel White
Aragon Whisperwind, Elven Bladedancer - played by +Arne Jamtgaard
Bodi Jantzen, Human swashbuckler and ladies man - played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone, Gnome telekinetic - played by +Gren Drake
Snargash Windblown, Half-Orc monk - played by +Amergin O'Kai  
and The Dungeon Master - played by +Jason Woollard

Dark Paths 15

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 15
September 30, 2012

A Helping Hand

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

The Gold Goblin Crew headed south, around the infamous Riddleport Light, said to be inhabited by a crazy old Chelish diabolist who was in the habit of summoning and consorting with devils and demons. He always kept the light tended to, so the city saw no reason to pry into private business. Past the light, the terrain would get a little rockier, but Saul assured everyone there were several paths that would lead down to the shore and the edge of the Boneyard. Once in the swamp that comprised the Boneyard, Saul’s crude directions should be enough to lead the way to the Spar and the not so clandestine meeting of their enemies.

After some time of slogging through the wet and muck of the swamp, Shayla returns from scouting ahead to alert the group that she had spied a light up ahead. A little more scouting reveals that they have arrived at the Spar and that several cloaked individuals are huddled on the deck of the wrecked ship, clearly making secret plans.

They plan to send Shayla around to cover them from behind and then send Bodi in in an attempt to converse with them, to see who is present and if he can convince them to change their plans. If that doesn't work, then plan B will be to attack. Shayla's rear approach is thwarted by deep water so she chooses a more narrow flanking approach.

As she gets closer, Shayla is ambushed by an unseen archer as an arrow pierces her back. Arrows begin to fly at Aragon and Bodi as well. One strikes Bodi in the neck and he drops the torch and goes for a healing potion. Aragon charges the figures on the Spar but quickly realizes that they are not moving at all, probably decoys, and that the arrows are coming in from the surrounding swamp. He turns and looks for the unseen assailants. Aethel, in Body of Air form, floats up to try to get a better idea of the forces assailed against them.

Aragon spies to humanoid rat creatures crouching nearby, holding bows and charges them. Shayla taps into her infernal heritage and summons a could of darkness that surrounds her and she drops into a defensive position. Snargash also takes an arrow to the neck from some unseen archer. He calls out a challenge to the ambushers and starts to move into a tactical position.

Flesh Eating Cockroaches

The battle rages on between the Gold Goblin Crew and what appears to be a troupe of Human sized rats armed with bows. One of the ratlings is apparently some type of sorcerer and flings a glob of acid at Aragon, which begins to eat away at his ornate armor. Aethel throws lightning and Guy flings psionically propelled rocks, slowly taking out ratlings. Several swarms of flesh eating cockroaches also descend upon the fighters in the water, mostly covering Bodi and trying to tear the flesh from his bones. Some of the beetles also go after Aragon, which is a problems, seeing as he is afraid of bugs. In his attempt to flee the bugs, Aragon inadvertently ran into a much deeper part of the swamp and ended up going under. Though Bodi was struggling to stay conscious, he dove into the deep water, knowing that the Elf did not know how to swim. The swashbuckler managed to pull the Elf to safety.

Things are beginning to look bad for the Crew, but then, help arrives from an unexpected direction- the sky. A large bird swoops down and drops what looks like a healing potion into Bodi's hands and then arrows start flying from the opposite side of the Spar, striking the remaining ratling attackers. Within a few moments, the remaining ratlings turn to flee. Some pursue for a moment, but it is obvious that the Crew had taken enough damage that full pursuit would be a bad idea.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

After the remaining foes fled, it was quickly determined that these were Were-Rats, as those that had been killed were now in Human form. A shiver courses through everyone at the thought of these Lycanthropes attacking them. 

Kwava and Ganmeed

The source of the new arrows could now be seen. Crouching behind a broken piece of hull, a strange looking Elf stood, holding his bow at the ready, the moonlight glinting off the silver tipped arrow he had nocked. A piercing cry of a hawk echoed softly in the misty swamp as the potion delivering bird swooped down and landed next to him.

Speaking only in Elvish, he introduced himself as Kwava and the bird as his companion, Ganmeed. He says he was tracking a renegade Elf in the area and believed that the Crew had stumbled into the middle of his investigation. He invites them to come to his camp nearby.

At the camp, Kwava reveals that he thinks Saul is working with this renegade Elf and that he sent the Crew to into an ambush knowlingly. He says he had followed Saul to a meeting with Zirphas, a known Riddleport Wererat and minor Crimelord. He says he saw Saul give the Wererat a pouch of coins. Kwava then said he followed the Wererats, who came to the Spar earlier in the evening and baited the water with rancid meat to draw the flesh eating cockroaches. They then set up the false figures on the Spar and took up hiding spots and waited for the Crew to arrive. Guy then produces a note that he had found on the sorcererous Wererat. It was written in some sort of code.

My Trusty Trout Old Stumpy’s sending provender up Boneyard. They’ll be dunny lie at tomorrow’s darkman. Give them all the crash. Don’t try to grab any for your birds. Keep the dummees. The rest of the iron on earnest of the hush and ye’ll hie the ken. (signed) -Z

A brief examination of the note makes it seem that what Kwava says is true: Saul set them up!

Players Present: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed, Noble Elf wizard - played by +Daniel White
Aragon Whisperwind, Elven Bladedancer - played by +Arne Jamtgaard
Bodi Jantzen, Human swashbuckler and ladies man - played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone, Gnome telekinetic - played by +Gren Drake
Shayla, Tiefling archer - played by +Stephen Kolmetz
Snargash Windblown, Half-Orc monk - played by +Amergin O'Kai  
and The Dungeon Master - played by +Jason Woollard

Dark Paths 14

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 14
September 13, 2012

The Best Laid Plans

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

After his date with the attractive Human, Tandi, Aragon learns that Zincher has recently had some dealings with Boss Croat, which definitely makes sense, considering the recent events. Snargash and Shayla manage to spread the word of the Gold Goblin far and wide in the streets. Everyone else accomplished the tasks they had set out to do as well. Everyone heard first hand some of the rumors that were going around the streets, many making the Gold Goblin look good and more regarding Cromarcky and the Genedarmes level of involvement in the incident.

Upon arriving back at the Goblin, Saul calls a meeting and confirms with the crew that through his sources, he has been able to fairly certainly deduce that it was Zincher and Croat that were responsible for the raid. He also was able to find out that apparently someone in Cromarcky's camp re-routed several Genedarme patrols the previous night to ensure that none of them would be responding to the break in.

Better yet, he proclaims that the rumors are surging the Gold Goblin's popularity and that when reopened the following night, they should be able to easily cash in. Better yet, though, he has gotten some information that indicates a secret meeting by both Croat and Zincher, set to go down later that evening out in the Boneyard, the murky swamp just outside of town. He describes the place, called the Spar, which is an old meeting place for the more illicit activities in a town run by criminals. He suggests ta
ctics and routes with the group and encourages them to get some sleep, then get out there and see if they can listen in and find out any useful information.

Aethel does a scouting mission around the swamp and some gear is bought to prepare for the trek. Everyone gets some sleep and then later in the day, the crew heads out to the swamp.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The group heads out to the swamp, still a bit uncertain on their actual plan once they get there. Some want to simply hide and gather information while others want a direct assault to send a message of strength. Eventually the group agrees on approaching from the south, around the Riddleport Light. As darkness falls, the group heads toward the Boneyard.

Players Present: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed, Noble Elf wizard - played by +Daniel White
Aragon Whisperwind, Elven Bladedancer - played by +Arne Jamtgaard
Bodi Jantzen, Human swashbuckler and ladies man - played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone, Gnome telekinetic - played by +Gren Drake
Shayla, Tiefling archer - played by +Stephen Kolmetz
Snargash Windblown, Half-Orc monk - played by +Amergin O'Kai  
and The Dungeon Master - played by +Jason Woollard

Dark Paths 8

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 8
May 13, 2012

Clearing the Books

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

The fight through Smeed's house is concluded and a search is conduted as the Half-Orc neighborhood watch bangs on the outside doors. No signs of Larur are found anywhere in the place. Back at the Gold Goblin, the strong box is searched and Saul identifies the pouch that his payment for Smeed was in, though there is no record of the payment in Smeed's ledger. Saul points out that Smeed had been writing down incorrect payments for him in the past as well. The next few days are spent with a low profile, to avoid any problems with the recent killing of the moneylender. Saul finally decides that Larur is gone, either dead or left town, as he has been gone for too long. He gives the group  raises and promotes Aethel to floor manager of the casino.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The group further discusses the missing Dwarf as well as the inner workings of Riddleport politics, particularly regarding the late Lymas Smeed, his apparent connection with Boss Croat, a Half-Orc crime lord, and how the Gold Goblin fits into it all. A messenger boy arrives and gives Saul a message. He then sends the group on an errand down to the docks to pick up an expensive shipment of alcohol that he had ordered for the tournament the previous week, but had apparently been delayed. Saul gives them the contract and proof of sale and the group rushes off to meet the captain of the Foamrunner to take delivery of the shipment.

Players Present: 

+Amergin O'Kai as Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk
+Arne Jamtgaard as Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer
+Daniel White as Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard
+Gren Drake as Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic
+Mike Biancone as Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - Human swashbuckler, sailor and lady's man
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 6

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 6
April 15, 2012

The Lost Dwarf

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

In the aftermath of the tidal wave and fight with the sea creatures, the citizenry still need our assistance.  Snargash heals.  He has to do some convincing with some of his patients, because of his looks.  Bodi tries a line on Shayla, the tiefling.  They end up establishing a few rules of engagement.  Mostly involving Shayla using sharp things.  Snargash takes the opportunity to spread the word that we’re from the Gold Goblin and we help our neighbors - a little PR never hurts.  

Eventually they return to the casino.  The evening goes quite smoothly.  They are starting to find a rhythm to their individual contributions.  Guy works the tables looking for cheaters.  Bodi tends bar.  Aragon greets folk at the door to make sure they check their weapons.  Snargash provides beautiful music.  Shayla stays to the catwalks.  Ajax is a floor guard, and Aethel tries to class the palce up.

However, in the morning, there are worrisome tidings.  Larur, the floor manager has not shown up for work.  Saul is concerned.  He is not at his house.  Last night Saul sent him off with a loan payment and he hasn’t been seen since.  He asks the adventurers to investigate.

They are guided to Larur’s house by a young boy.  When they get there, they find the front door hanging off its hinges.  As they investigate, they find squatters have already moved in!  A drunk, muttering something about snozberries, is found in the trashed ruins of Larur’s abode.  There is no sign of Larur or the gold.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

Finding nothing at Larur’s, they set off for the moneylender’s.  It is early, and there is no response to a polite knock.  After a not-so-polite knock from Shayla, the group becomes aware of a gang of Half-Orcs across the street, watching their every move.  Obviously Lymas Smeed has made some arrangement with the local thugs for protection.  Hopefully, it won’t come to that.

Players Present: 

+Amergin O'Kai as Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk
+Arne Jamtgaard as Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer
+Daniel White as Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard
+Gren Drake as Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic
+Mike Biancone as Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - Human swashbuckler, sailor and lady's man
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 5

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 5
April 1, 2012

Making Waves

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

After a bit of a scare with the snake in the scullery, Saul is feeling a bit reminiscent and divulges some of his past, namely his connections to the Riddleport criminal element, though he swears that he is clean and trying to make a legitimate go at being a businessman this time. He is quite convincing.

Several days go by in the casino, and things are well. Everyone is settling into their new roles as bar and gambling hall owners and seeing that they actually enjoy some of it. Bodi has created a few new drinks at the bar and Aragon has begun giving dancing lessons to some of the more cultured ladies of Riddleport. Snargash's musical performances have been well received and word has gotten about the 'Gold Goblin' that sings at the Gold Goblin.

More strange events seem to keep taking place around Riddleport, mostly minor things that drinkers can talk about over cocktails. A new serving girl is hired, much to Bodi's pleasure, a Half-Elven beauty named Samaritha Beldusk, recently arrived in town with aspirations to join the Lodge of the Cyphermages. Unfortunately for her, there were no openings for new apprentices at the time so she had to look for other opportunities of employment and ended up at the Gold Goblin.

Aragon notices a group of local ruffians harassing Gold Goblin customers as they leave the building, so the crew heads out to chase them off. Later Saul has the group take a payment for supplies to one of his captain friends on the docks and on the way back, there is a freak tidal surge, washing water and other aquatic menaces up onto the streets of Riddleport. 

The group quickly come to the rescue of one of the fine citizens of Riddleport who had been beset upon by a dangerous Reefclaw who had been washed up by the wave.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The group then  engaged in a combat (link) on the streets with several Reefclaws and a Swamp Barracuda.

Players Present: 

+Amergin O'Kai as Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk
+Arne Jamtgaard as Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer
+Ben Zittere as "Ajax" - exotic Human spear-fighter
+Daniel White as Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard
+Gren Drake as Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic
+Mike Biancone as Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - Human swashbuckler, sailor and lady's man
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 4

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 4
March 18, 2012

A Snake in Our Midsts

Map Tool Session Log

Session Summary

Things continue as usual at the Gold Goblin, now under new management. The events of the night are punctuated by a visit by Clegg Zincher, one of Riddleport's crime bosses and an old nemesis of Saul's from the 'old days." He spends some time looking around the place, plays a few games, has a few drinks and then leaves. He plops a sack of coins in Aragon's hands as he leaves and thanks him for a wonderful evening.  Ajax breaks up a drunken brawl at the bar.

Later that evening, after the Gold Goblin has closed down for the night, a serving girl is bitten by a cindersnake that had been hidden under a bucket in the scullery. The snake was dispatched and Snargash tended to the girls wounds. A note was found with the snake threatening Saul if he doesn't get out of town.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The group fills Saul in on the snake sabotague and prod him for more information about what they are getting into. He finally breaks down and divulges information about his current situation as well as more about his past. Discussions are had regarding what steps to take to protect from other crime lords potential attacks. 

Players Present: 

+Amergin O'Kai as Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk
+Arne Jamtgaard as Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer
+Ben Zittere as "Ajax" - exotic Human spear-fighter
+Daniel White as Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard
+Gren Drake as Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic
+Mike Biancone as Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - Human swashbuckler, sailor and lady's man
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 3

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 3
March 4, 2012

Takin' Care of Business

Map Tool Session Log

Session Summary

It was business as usual in Riddleport, the Gold Goblin was still closed pending repairs but outside, more strange things were happening. Seemingly every bird in Riddleport takes flight at the same time, culminating in a huge spiral of birds above the city that eventually intersects with the towering Cyphergate above the harbor, killing hundreds of birds, but not before pelting half of the city with a storm of bird droppings.

Back at the 'Goblin', Larur Feldin, the Dwarf floor manager was confident that the casino could re-open that evening and everyone discussed what their particular jobs would be when that happened.

That evening, the doors were re-opened to a crowd of folk, most of whom were there to be reimbursed from the fiasco during the Cheat the Devil tournament the previous night. Eventually, things get back in the groove and the casino is humming.

Larur has an idea to paint Snargash the Half Orc, who is horrifically ugly, with gold paint to enhance his performance as he moves about the room singing his songs. Snargash agrees.

Aethel, Shayla and Guy monitor patrons on the gambling floor and Bodi serves drinks and flirts with all the ladies in the bar area. Ajax and Aragon deal with a disturbance caused by some drunken sailors and then Saul announces to the room that the casino is now under 'new management' and further hostilities will no longer be allowed on premises  He then proclaims that the Gold Goblin will henceforth be a weapons free zone, with the exception of the staff, of course.

Saul and his new associates discuss new ideas for the Goblin for the remainder of the evening. The next morning, the group meets Pigsaw, a large, ill-tempered boar kept in the lower levels, one of the veterans of the fighting pit below the casino. 

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

After the session ended, Guy went on a fishing trip (link) while the rest of the crew hung out (link)  at the Gold Goblin. Snargash and Aragon spar, Aethel explores the building and considers the weapons check process. Another strange event occurs as suddenly all metal objects nearby become magnetically attracted to each other, causing something of a ruckus in the kitchen. Snargash rushs off in case there are any accidents at the nearby Gas Forges, but none had happened. The group meets Lixy, one of the casino's dealers and her strange roulette game that incorporates an animated ghoul head that spouts insults at the players. Another night passes uneventfully in the casino and things are looking good.

Players Present: 

+Amergin O'Kai as Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk
+Arne Jamtgaard as Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer
+Ben Zittere as "Ajax" - exotic Human spear-fighter
+Daniel White as Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard
+Gren Drake as Guy Greystone - Gnome telekenetic
+Mike Biancone as Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - Human swashbuckler, sailor and lady's man
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the GM

Dark Paths 2

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 2
February 19, 2012

Got a New Job

Map Tool Session Log

Session Summary

We picked up the action with the bandits still trying to rob the casino.  Most of the patrons of the Gold Goblin are only interested in the location of the nearest exit, but a motley collection of individuals seem determined to deny the criminals their prize.  Each of the PCs got a chance to show off in their own way.

• Bodi demonstrated that he could fence while flirting
• Guy was psychically chucking lethal poker chips
• Snargash's music literally had thugs glued in place
• Aethel was flinging lightning left and right
• Aragon got manic as he sliced off someone's head
• Shayla distributed arrows at chaingun speeds
• Ajax kept it cool as he remembered to take a prisoner by crushing his kneecap

When the dust settled they met the floor manager, one Larur Feldin, a Dwarf, and Saul Vendercasken, the owner of the Gold Gobliin Casino.  He thanked the group profusely and bought them food and drink on the house to start to show his appreciation.  Snargash tended to the wounded, regardless of side, and then joined the rest in the dining room.  

Having seen how well they could handle themselves, Saul turned around and offered them all jobs at the casino!

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

Saul and the group continue discussions regarding their employment and the next morning the group meets Hulger, the Halfling chef of the Gold Goblin and then Saul sends them off on various tasks. Saul asks Aethel, Bodi and Guy to deliver a 'donation' (link) to Madame Pamodae at the Temple of the Silken Veil, the house of Calistria, the patron Goddess of Prostitutes, Trickery and Revenge. Saul has Aragon and Ajax deliver a payment (link) to a money lender in Rotgut. Saul also send Shayla and Snargash off to purchase some glass (link) to replace the broken windows in the casino. 

Session Notes

Im still playing with the format/ style of the posts. For this post, I've linked the actual session log at the top of the description, just under the session title where it says Session Summary. Likewise, I've linked the continuing story play by post link where it says Continuing Story above that description. In addition, I've included a few extra links in the Continuing Story description pointing to a few side-plots that some characters went on. I have also provided a link to the Pathfinder Wiki (and will do more in the future) regarding some background specific things, in this case, for Calistria, the Goddess of Prostitutes.

Players Present: 

+Amergin O'Kai as Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk
+Arne Jamtgaard as Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer
+Ben Zittere as "Ajax" - exotic Human spear-fighter
+Daniel White as Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard
+Gren Drake as Guy Greystone - Gnome telekenetic
+Mike Biancone as Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - Human swashbuckler, sailor and lady's man
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the GM