Wandered Roads 6

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 6
January 7, 2012
Campaign Timeline

Goblin Shaman

Takin Care of Business

The next morning, the brave heroes left town and headed out along the Lost Coast Road toward the Nettlewood and the Goblins of Thistletop. The Goblins supposed stronghold, a fort built on a rocky island just of the coast, was said to be reached by crawling through the nettles and brambles of the thick Nettlewood. Approach along the coastline was warned against, as the coastline is very rocky and prone to have many gulleys and ravines hidden by the thick undergrowth. A fall to the rocky sea below could be deadly, not to mention the many dangerous creatures known to inhabit the cold waters of the Varisian Gulf.

Before leaving town, the heroes are given a Harrow reading by the Varisian seer Madam Seoni.

Well on their way, the party was joined by Calina's animal companion, the firepelt Paka. Upon crossing the Thistle River, the party turned in to the thick woods and after a short time, managed to find some well hidden Goblin trails, but not before Ehlyna and Ellie both fell victim to the perils of the forest... stinging nettles! Following the trails eventually led them to a thick wall of brambles that was used to shield the approach to the Goblin stronghold.

A secret entrance was discovered in the wall of vegetation and the group, mostly crouched or crawling, entered the nettle tunnels. A group of rag-tag Goblins were encountered huddled around a small fire, and they were dispatched quickly. The group then encountered a kennel of sorts where several Goblin Dogs were kept. While deciding what to do with them, a Goblin Druid stepped out of the vegetation and attacked, using his magic to split the party. Another firepelt, possibly the Druids companion, leaped out and engaged Paka while Ellie was trapped to the ground. Another Goblin snuck out of hiding and attempted to attack Ellie, but was defeated.

After some rest and healing, the group found the rickety looking rope bridge leading out to the Goblin fort on the island. Being as stealthy as they could, the group made it out to the island and infiltrated the compound. Several Goblin sentries were dispatched before the alarm went up.

The group, now separated about several areas of the compound, rallied to face the Goblins in their own home.

Thistletop

Flashbacks

Several of the players worked on player flashbacks between this session and the next and off and on over the next several months.

Calina's Flashback

About 10 years ago, Calina had a run in with some slavers out of Riddleport. She managed to escape them and went on the run through the northern wilderness. She encountered several people while on her flight, some friendly, some not so friendly.

Kallin's Flashback

After Kallin's Human mother died, he was not so politely asked to leave his village. He wandered the nearby hills and encountered some ghostly youths fleeing from Ogres.

Zurzat's Flashback

Many years ago, when Zursat was a lad of no more than 14 years old, his clan traveled Varisia perfecting their 'magic without magic' act. During a stop in the quiet little hamlet of Sandpoint, he managed to get himself in a bit of nautical nonsense and manages to fall in love.

Daellin's Flashback

As a ranger new to the ranks of the Farstriders, Daellin comes across a dangerous force moving through Mierani Forest, killing all in its wake. The young Elf does all he can to stop, or at least slow, this band of evil down.

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by +Daniel Ernst
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by +Carol Coburn
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben Lipe
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven warrior - played by +Jodi H
Ellie - Halfling finder of things not necessarily lost - played by +Megan McCarron

and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 13

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 13
September 2, 2012

Looking for Answers

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

 The Gold Goblin Crew wants to mount an immediate attack on Zincher and Croat's teams, but Saul convinces them otherwise. He agrees that something must be done, but he cautions the crew to bide their time and make sure its done the right way. He thinks that they should capitalize on the fact that they scored a major victory this evening. He reminds the group that they beat off a much larger force, and that would carry a lot of weight in Riddleport. Playing this up and banking on it will actually raise their reputations and standing in the city. It will seriously crush the spirits of the two Crimelords empires. Saul assumes that it will take time before anyone will threaten the Goblin again. 

Snargash questions one of the captured thugs, Daavis, and tries to get information out of him. Initially, he does not get anything from the thug, but eventually he finds the connection to Zincher. 

Eventually the Riddleport Genedarmes show up, though they take very little interest in the events that transpired. They do however agree to take the prisoners and bodies off the premises. Saul spits as they leave and hints that they were somehow involved in the action.

Saul Vancaskerkin

The next morning, everyone gets to work cleaning up the mess. Saul says there is no way the Goblin will be able to open that day, but possibly the next. He also shares that he has already gotten some info on the previous nights raid. Apparently the word on the streets is that the Gold Goblin Crew is bad ass and that they handily took care of a much larger raiding party. The stories also implicate Boss Croat heavily and verify that one of his highest capps, a Jasker Gant, was killed in the raid. There were also rumors that the Genedarmes were involved as well, some stories even indicated that they were disguised and actually took part in the raid. That might explain the Humans in the mix. So apparently this rumor sparks off a firestorm down at the Cypherlodge and Elias Tammerhawk, their leader comes out and publicly denounces Overlord Cromarcky for his part in the raid. Now I've never had not particular love for them Cyphermages, but hey, I'm not complaining he did that! Cormarcky then had to make a public statement that neither he nor the Genedarmed were involved in any way. Saul then stresses that of course, all this is just rumors and hearsay, but in Riddleport, thats nearly as reliable as gold!

Aragon decides he is going down to the Arena to speak to Clegg Zincher himself. Snargash decides to take to the streets to do a little public relations work. Shayla goes with him for backup. Aethel needs to find an enchanter to recharge his ring and Bodi needs to run a 'personal' errand, which most assume is a booty call of some sort. 

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

Everyone heads out to take care of their intended tasks. Aragon makes his way down to the Arena and looks for an audience with Zincher, a risky move, but Aragon has always been a bit headstrong and overconfident. At the arena, he runs into one of the fighters he had faced off against in some recent tournament. The two exchange greetings and the fighter directs Aragon to Zinchers office. He meets a crass Dwarf armorer named Arn Ironfist, then tries to seduce a young Human secretary. In the end, it turns out Zincher is not there and Aragon leaves empty handed, though he may have a date for later. 
Aragon Looks for Zincher Continuing Story

Bodi heads off to St. Casperian's Salvation, a local mission and orphanage that has a special place in Bodi's heart. He often takes excess gambling winnings or other ill gotten coin and donates to the good people at the mission.
Bodi Helps the Kids Continuing Story

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
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 12

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 12
August 19, 2012

Assault on the Gold Goblin (2nd Wave)

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

The second wave of attackers enters the Gold Goblin and the party moves about the building engaging them and dispatching them. It seems a group of Half Orc thugs (assumedly sent by Boss Croat) had entered through the back door of the building and made their way upstairs. There they met Shayla and Snargash as he followed them up. They had made a beeline to Saul's office so it was assumed they were looking for him. 

One of Boss Croat's Half-Orc Attackers

After a few more long moments of battle, the attackers were either routed or killed. A few casualties were sustained by the Gold Goblin crew in the form of a few dead bouncers as well. 

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

It seems that the fighting is over, for now. The group hastily blocks any easily accesable windows or doors then gets down to discussing the attack and possible counter attacks.

Session Notes

This session marked a the first big turning point of the adventure. The characters had successfully defended the Gold Goblin from an all out assault. After this session, all the characters 'Leveled Up!' with a special package worth 10 CP in addition to their normal session rewards. My plan is to give out a 'Level Up!' a each new turning point in the campaign, scheduled about every 10-15 sessions. This first 'Level Up!' consists of:

Special Exercises: HP can exceed ST by 100% [1]
+3 HP [6]
+1 FP [3]

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
+Stephen Kolmetz as "Shayla" - Tiefling archer
+Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 11

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 11
August 5, 2012

Assault on the Gold Goblin

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

After a  busy night at the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall, while everyone was off doing their jobs to close out the day, the front windows crashed in and several Humans and Half-Orcs entered, intent on killing all occupants and destroying the building. The heroes and other staff of the Gold Goblin fight valiently and eventually dispatch the invaders, though several fires had been lit along the way. Samaritha Beldusk, a Half-Elven mage working part time at the Goblin rushes to put the fires out. As things are winding down, Snargash alerts the group that more invaders have crossed his magical trip wire set up at the back door.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The group quickly moves toward the back of Goblin in hopes of heading off the new threat. Snargash senses danger coming from the staff lounge area and slams the door before heading to the back door to close and bar it. Shayla, who had been up in the catwalks, moves into the 2nd floor to head off any invaders trying to get up there. Everyone else follows Snargash into the kitchen, looking for the fight. Calls from out front indicate that some more attackers are hidden outside, firing arrows at any Goblin staff that is out on the front steps.

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

Wandered Roads 5

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 5
December 17, 2011
Campaign Timeline

Foiled by the Tiny Dancer

Session Summary

The Heroes of Sandpoint, as they were now known around town, rose bright and early and headed back to the ancient catacombs below the streets of the quiet Varisian town. Slowly and surely, though not always quietly, they explored further and further into the tunnels and chambers. They discovered an ancient torture chamber, fought a mutated Goblin wielding a magical sword and spewing acidic, bloody spit.

Mutated, acid blood spitting, Goblin.

Zursat managed to fall into a pit inhabited by a zombie. He narrowly survived nearly breaking his neck and being eaten by the undead, thanks in part to the brave heroics of Ehlyna and Ellie, who both leapt into the pit to save him. 

The group then encountered a strange spherical room with metal walls that sparked with black energy. What was strange about this room though, was the lack of gravity. Anyone who went into the room merely floated around, as if in water. Several items of interest were retrieved from the weightless room.

The Tiny Dancer

The party was then ambushed by a strange and small creature who somehow magically shattered Zurzats sword right out of his hand. The party pursued her but quickly lost the tiny flier, so they continued their exploration. They found a circular room with a bloated, shrieking and tentacled head that Dwarven axes made quick work of. 

Tentacled Shrieking Head

They were then ambushed again by the tiny creature. This time, Daellin was targeted and brought to the brink of death by her foul magics.

The group made as hasty a retreat as they could with Daellin nearly dead and Kallin exhausted from casting his healing magics. Zursat claimed the magical sword that was recovered to replace his own blade that had been destroyed.

Dwarven made enchanted blade 
Kh'a Thkaan (True Steel)

Continuing Stories

After returning to the surface, the heroes once again seek the healing aid of Father Zantus. They are also greeted by the Mayor, who informs them of her concern about the Goblins of Thistletop and Tsuto's journal showing plans of another imminent attack on Sandpoint. She gives them all a pouch of gold coins and a Potion of Healing as 'pay' for helping police the town while the Sheriff is gone. She then implores them to head to Thistletop as soon as possible to at least assess, if not stop, the threat that looms over the town. The party agrees and plans to meet early the next morning to go over their plans.

The rest of the afternoon, Calina and Kallin spend out of town, ranging about the hinterlands. In their journeys, they come across a wounded pair of merchants and help them return to Sandpoint. They also discover that a tribe of Varisians, the Ot'Betot, have come to Sandpoint and set up camp just outside its walls. Calina and Kallin both spend the evening helping and socializing with them and end up camping out with them as well. 

Calina and Kallin's Continuing Story

Daellin spends some time wandering the town, making his presence known while visiting the Turandarok Academy in hopes to make a contact with the Master of the school, Ilsoari Gandethus, for possible magical instruction. He also visits the local bakery and samples some tasty treats. He spends the rest of the evening at the Rusty Dragon listening to Zursat and Ameiko entertain the crowd. 

Daellin's Continuing Story

Ehlyna has a bit too much to drink then takes a walk where she meets someone from the Sandpoint Mercantile League and then runs into one of Sandpoints beautiful ladies of the night, who in turn mistakes Ehlyna for a male and attempts to seduce her. She spends the rest of the evening at the Rusty Dragon listening to Zursat and Ameiko entertain the crowd.

Ehylna's Continuing Story

Zursat has another encounter with his friend Shayliss, but then ends up breaking her hears. He then has a run in with some low-life Varisians and gets into a bit of a scuffle. He meets some appreciative townsfolk and then returns to the Rusty Dragon, performing with Ameiko and entertaining the crowd. 

Zursat's Continuing Story

Ellie spends the day wandering the streets and alleys of Sandpoint until she runs across a group of children playing a game of hide and seek, which she joins and finds that she is pretty good at. She spends the rest of the evening at the Rusty Dragon listening to Zursat and Ameiko entertain the crowd.

Players Present:

+Daniel Ernst as Kallin Hawkril - Half-Orc Shaman
+Carol Coburn as Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout
+Ben Lipe as Daellin Silvanthalas - Elven Farstrider Ranger
+Greg Grady as Zursat - Varisian Human professional adventurer
+Jodi H as Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven warrior
+Megan McCarron as Ellie - Halfling finder of things not necessarily lost
+Jason Woollard as the DM