Category Archives: Jade Regent

The Jade Regent adventure path.

Character: Ivan

Ivan’s journal entry for November 2015

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=== Sarenith 23, 4712; later in the day===

We fought our way through to the goblin king’s throne room; I guess this is really the goblin chief. I looked down the hallway only to discover that there is no way that I am going to get into that room. These were not big rooms so I am not sure how we would all get into the room and have the space to fight. I stayed back and watched the gate through the doorway. My first real use of the bless spell. I know Koya really believes in the little words of encouragement before casting spells such as these but I couldn’t remember what I wrote down. Instead of taking the time to find the paper with the message I instead just decided that I am no longer going to even try to encourage people; the effect of the spell should be enough.

They allowed Qatana up front and she was the one to break open the doors. I couldn’t really see much but I did see the explosion as the fireworks engulfed a lot of the party. Qatana said that she after that did something called a channel to do a group heal. I think it is like my spell bless; where it bursts out from me. Whereas my spell only affects people that I trust her channel affects everyone within range. She said she has the ability to exclude some number of people. Through this discussion I learned from her that burst spells like bless or her channel are blocked by things like walls. So I have to remember that people around the corner will not get the goodness of the spell.

Those that could fit  inside the room finished off the goblins and the goblin chief. Ears have been removed and we have the head of the goblin chief. Someone found a hidden room and Olmas used his Axe to create a door way. Kali was on and on about the strange language on the box and some of the items. A fan in the chest provides a crude map of Brinestump march with X’s to mark spots. We decided to first go to the one towards the coast near by.

I found my arrows and mended them. I also found and mended Radella’s arrows. We have the goblin ears and the chief’s head. The chief was using a masterwork composite longbow. After discussion I am currently the holder of the longbow. Radella wasn’t sure if she could use a longbow. I really need one that adds my strength to the damage.

The longbow is not as good as the one over at the general store. The composite masterwork at the store had a stronger pull so that it would do more damage. They said that they had recently obtained this longbow for a good price; normally most people just by the standard composite masterwork longbow. The longbow I wanted was 600 gold; 200 gold more than the standard composite masterwork longbow. I originally went to pick up cold iron arrows. Alistair told me that when I go out into the world to get cold iron arrows to help against those pesky red caps. While I was there the clerk showed me these blunt arrows. When I asked why someone would by them she didn’t really have a good answer. She just told me to think about it as being able to punch someone from 100 feet away. I had money and could not resist. She also showed me blanches for weapons. It’s a one use type of thing that for me would cover 10 arrows. I was going to skip these until she explained that I would have to pre-treat with a hot flame to set it. It cost 5 gold to make 10 of my cold iron arrows to also have the silver trait. She explained it as getting through damage reduction of some creatures. Maybe someday I will figure out what to use silver on.

I still remember how much fun it was to create a hot flame to set the weapon blanches on the 10 arrows. It actually didn’t take that long and I kind of wish I bought more. I spent more time playing with the fire then actually applying blanches to the arrows. I will just have to carry around the blunt arrows and the blanched silver arrows until I can figure out when to use them.

Speaking of bows Rarallo has some supper cool bows. The last time I was there He showed me a +1 holy darkwood composite longbow that was ordered. When I asked about cost Rarallo said this cost 18,000 gold. How can anyone afford that much gold? When I asked him what holy does he told me that it does more damage to those that are evil and aligns the weapon good. When I asked how to you know if something is evil he just said “just wait for the Paladin to proclaim that it is evil”. I didn’t really understand. I thought if the bow is expensive then I will maybe buy some arrows. 50 arrows of holy cost as much as the bow; 18 thousand gold. He doesn’t normally stock holy arrows so I would have to buy all 50. Some things like fire arrows sell better so he sells them by arrow for 160 gold per arrow or 8,000 if you want 50. There was something called bane that he sold buy the arrow but only the version for animal. Turns out that some well to do merchants get together for hunts and they each secretly buy these bane animal arrows to get the edge. These bane animal arrows can be purchased for 160 gold each. If I ever get lots of money for magic bows I might need more then one. Oh, Rarallo also showed me this efficient quiver that would hold 60 arrows and store other things like extra bows. We went out back and Rarallo let me try a flame longbow and the efficient quiver. Way cool. This quiver actually lets you pull the arrow you want. For demonstration he had me shoot two arrows one blue and one red. This is really cool. When I mended his arrows with magic Rarallo suggested that maybe I should in the future consider learning to enchant weapons or magic items. Rarallo sells the efficient quiver for 1,800 gold; much more then I have. Coming from the farm I have a hard time figuring out how people can afford these things.

I am also carrying 2 of the 5 bane animal arrows that we found. I wonder if these were created by Rarallo. These plus the longbow are really on loan until we get to town and begin selling things.

Let see. Ok we headed through the marsh over to the “X” near the coastline. At the point where the “X” was we found a ship with some strange writings on them. The goblins were piled up out side and have been there for a couple of weeks. Some of the others did some searching inside the ship but they really didn’t find anything and this ship is dangerous and falling apart. There was some strange writing on the ship and even Kali could not read. Kali really puts a lot of importance in knowing languages. Once again in the goblin fort they kept speaking in some strange language so I had no clue what they were talking about. Supposedly I was supposed to know what the hell they were saying.

Finding nothing of interest we head out of the marsh. We headed over to one of the next “X” spots. We arrive just before sunset and discovered that the boney footprints come and go from a cave. We back tracked and made camp near the lost coast road.

=== Sarenith 24, 4712; ===

Morning arrived and I spent my 15 minutes of focus on energies of my spells to refresh. I looked over to see Kali and Etayne still focused on this task. I have been watching the other spell casters over the last two days to see how they perform this ritual. As far as I can tell Qatana prays similar to Koya. Kali seems to spend her time reading through her book and Etayne does some animal thing with her fox. It all looks so natural when they are doing there thing. What they do looks complicated. It looks like these people have been working on there magic for some time. The other three kept talking about what spells to memorize for the day and I don’t know what this means. When they ask me I just say that I have cure wounds, bless, and magic weapon. They seem to be oh ok so I guess that is the right answer? I have the spells that I can cast continually throughout the day and then those 3 spells. I keep practicing the new spells that I am trying to learn but I just haven’t yet gotten it correct.

The snare trap I set last night didn’t catch anything so rations for today. We broke camp and headed back down the path towards the bottom of the cliff and then over to the cave. On the second spider I moved in behind Ana and shot the spider. In the end Ana took her nice looking Greatsword and carved up the spider. I retrieved my arrow and used mend to fix the arrow. With a light source Qatana pushed her way forward. Sparna and Etayne checked out a path that led to a pool with a strange creature inside. I took a light over so Etayne could see but in the end Sparna pretty much took care of this thing. The others had a name for the creature but I don’t remember what they called it.

A little further down we found the large group of skeletons. I think it was Qatana who said that you need blunt weapons against skeletons. Ha how I found a use for those blunt weapons. So I out 5 in my quiver and held two for the first shot. The fist shots were dead on and took down a skeleton. After that it was the luck of the draw. I really wish I had that efficient quiver.

Qatana said “fall back” so I did. But then the rest of them had no way to fall back so I move forward. Qatana’s health was becoming and issue so I started to move in to help with healing. I indented to cast then step into melee to keep spell casting simple but Olmas backed up bringing the skeletons with him. Olmas was almost dead so I attempted a tricky defensive casting. It’s really hard and I wasn’t really sure if it was going to work. I either need to learn how to get better at casting defensively or stop doing it at all.

Olmas now healed he runs to the other members of the group to help them leaving the skeleton attacking me when I don’t have a melee weapon out. I took damage staying there to help him and he just runs off to find glory. Luckly Sparna stepped over to help out with the skeleton. I am not sure if Olmas running towards what he thought was a bigger battle or afraid of this skeleton. As we had defeated all of the skeletons I got after him about it and he just said that the others needed his help. I am clearly not running into melee to heal Olmas again; it is too dangerous. He has been almost dead twice in the last two days; he is on his own if it happens a third time. These skeletons didn’t have anything of value so I just repaired my arrows and put the blunt arrows back in my backpack.

Moving onto the next room we of course find a skeleton on another chest. He wasn’t moving so I took the time to pull two blunt arrows; At least I will get one good shot off. After several failed throws to get his attention Qatana throws her light rock and hits the skeleton. He stands up points at Olmas and says something that I do not understand. Olmas responds spouting some crap and steps forward. Sparna goes to disarm the skeleton and gets hit really hard before nicely disarming the skeleton. I was able to heal up Sparna after his bold move. This may have saved a lot of damage from this skeleton.

With the skeleton dispatched we found that his sword had some heavy magic on it. It was magic and did something special so it is even more expensive. From my talks with Rarallo it is worth 8000 to 18000 gold if purchased from a store; not sure how much they will buy it for. Even at half price this is a lot of money. We also have a number of other magic items that can bring in money as well. I didn’t pay attention to everything in either chest but I saw Qatana creating inventory and she has normally been straight forward on things.

We have a lot of stuff so we need to go back to town. It would be nice to check out the other ship but we figure that we would need a boat from town to get there. Once I get my one eighth of the loot plus what ever we find out the boat I will hopefully have enough to get away from Sandpoint and see the world.

Character: Qatana

Magnimar, Late Pharast 4712

Winter was reluctantly releasing its hold on the city. Crusts of ice still formed along the river banks at night, and the citizens continued to wake to find everything coated by a soft and frizzled frost.

But even as the morning’s ice was forming Qatana was returning from an early morning errand. Some years ago a rickety old tavern along a back alley in Rag’s End had burned down, but the kitchen ironically enough escaped unscathed. For more two years now Qatana had made this kitchen her home.

The embers in the oven had all but died, and the room was chilly. Qatana put a handful of coal from the scuttle onto the grate before realized she had company.

Quickly turning around she saw three mice crouched near a small wooden box lined with soft wool. The boys had returned while she was away, possibly to keep a watch over Star while Qatana was out.

Star was old—just how old Qatana had no idea—but for a mouse a few years was a lifetime, and Star had been with Qatana for longer than that. There was little doubt Qatana’s care and feeding had allowed this little rodent to live far longer than was normal for her kind, but in the end, even the best care was not enough to stop the ravages of time on a mortal frame.

She now slept in a the small box Qatana had placed across from the oven to keep her warm through the winter. “Her last winter,” thought Qatana morosely.

She bent down and pulled the wool back to reveal an ash-grey body of a mouse. One of the boys softly squeaked, perhaps in sympathy. Star was gone.

Star. The last of the original eight mice Qatana had befriended since moving to Magnimar. Other mice had come and gone through Qatana’s kitchen, taking advantage of the warmth and a bite to eat, but most had passed on to other places, seeking some special mousy needs that only mice understood. But her first eight had all stayed, and she had known Star longer than the others.

Qatana was uncomfortable with feelings of grief and usually did her best to suppress them, lest she give herself totally to despair. But Star was gone, and she could not stop the tears: the first she had shed in more than a decade.

The boys seemed unsure of how to react. They did not visit every day, and usually stayed only a day or two at a time. She had found the three in a trash bin, next to their dead mother, and had taken them in a few months back. Star had given them a sniff and an approving twitch of the whiskers, and that was enough. But the boys liked to roam, and were not dependent on Qatana’s care.

Qatana looked at the mice, and they stared back at her. “Will you miss me when I’m gone?” was all she could think to say.

Character: Kali

From the Life of Kali Nassim: Pluralism

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Magnimar, Early Spring, 4710

Shelyn

© 2007 Paizo Publishing

Kali considered the oil paintings. In all, there were seven songbirds, the holy symbol of Shelyn, of different varieties all done in a mixture of styles and settings. The little artists’ shop was small but more cozy than cramped, and behind her Qatana was casually browsing through a series of more traditional paintings, almost absentmindedly. She had picked up a landscape depicting the Lost Coast Road and the sea beyond but gave it little scrutiny before hanging it back in its place.

“I didn’t know you were a follower of Shelyn. I never even thought of you as being religious.”

Kali was still deciding between two of the paintings that she liked the best; she didn’t respond immediately so Qatana continued.

“Shelyn is a strange choice for a Vudrani.”

Said the way one might remark upon the weather: “It’s hot in the sun” or “The wind is picking up”.

Qatana was like that. Kali found it oddly comforting. Yes, she could be blunt and occasionally rude, but she was honest and said what was on her mind, and she never did so with malicious intent. You always knew where you stood with Qatana. For years, she, Ana and Ameiko had been the only friends that Kali confided in.

“I’m only half Vudrani.”

“Still.”

Qatana knew how Kali viewed herself, and was not going to let her avoid the implied question with this response.

“The texts of Irori are as much an elaborate series of fitness manuals as they are spiritual guides. I tried when I was young. I really did. I even read Unbinding the Fetters when I was thirteen and attempted to follow everything in it: the diet, the meditations, the exercises…all of it. I couldn’t do it.”

She followed it strictly for many years—she still did, more or less, save for the exercise—and it had had a profound effect on her health and her mental discipline, but almost none at all on her physical strength.

In the Church of Irori, it was not enough to try. You had to progress.

“Self-perfection of both mind and body,” Qatana remarked, quoting its best-known tenet. She was idly inspecting another painting that she had no interest in.

“Yes.”

“You haven’t the strength.”

“No.”

Qatana had picked up a pendant from a small display rack, the first item to genuinely intrigue her. The pewter disc was strung onto a simple leather necklace, and carved into it was a scene of a leafless tree in front of a barren landscape. It reminded Kali of the dead of winter.

“Why Shelyn?”

“Why Pharasma?”

Qatana gave her a blank stare.

She is not going to let this drop.

The truth is, Shelyn appealed to her. A lot. The goddess of art, beauty, love and music embodied almost everything Kali cherished about her Vudrani heritage. Music and art were integral parts of the culture. The ornate architecture and ever-present music in Jalmeray, the aureate textiles and fabrics, the fine and intricate details in carvings, paintings and sculptures. Even her clothing was a celebration of art: sarees in rich reds and golds edged with sophisticated patterns in contrasting tones. Kali had gone so far as to line them with pockets, and she wore her sarees in place of the more traditional wizard robes favored by others (the morning after altering her first, she awoke to a brilliant Scarlet Tanager singing at her windowsill).

Photo by Jeanne Kosciw. Used with permission.

Followers of Shelyn were even encouraged to produce artwork and music of their own, to the best of their ability. The emphasis was on self-expression, not on a constant need to improve. This, too, resonated with her deeply.

“The art. The music. And, unlike Irori, with Shelyn it’s the journey that matters.”

Qatana considered this for a moment and then nodded, apparently satisfied.

“Why Pharasma?”

Qatana was silent for some time, fingering the pendant, turning it over and over in her hands.

“She brings us into the world and then sees us out. She does so dispassionately and with little thought or concern for what happens to us between. There is no pretense, no good or bad, and no judgment. It is a brutal and ugly existence, and I found her disinterest appealing.”

She stopped, and Kali thought she had finished and was about to comment when Qatana continued.

“It is sometimes hard to find meaning in such world, and yet here we are. I thought that a life in service to Pharasma would lend meaning and purpose, but as much as I respect her, she leaves little room for hope.”

Her words sank in.

“You’re considering leaving her Church.”

“I am.”

This was significant. It was almost expected for someone like Kali, still young and merely a follower, to have some uncertainty in their life before settling on a deity, but Qatana was pursuing the clergy. It was not unheard of, but it was rare and it would have consequences.

Kali was holding a painting of a stylized Cardinal with a flourishing tail, perched on a stone wall covered in ivy. She recalled that Tanager in her window and the choice seemed obvious now. This was the one.

Kali spoke again.

“Pharasma leaves little room for hope. Irori leaves little for contentment. We have something in common.”

“So it would seem.”

“I hope you find what you are looking for.”

§

 

Contributing authors: Leonard

Character: Kali

From the Life of Kali Nassim: Denea Borellan Nassim

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Spring, 4709

Kali had finished packing up her room and was helping her mother with what was left in the study. The wagon that would move these final items to their new home in Magnimar would arrive before noon the next morning, and due to some delays in the deed transfer on the warehouse and office space there Akmal was unable to return to Sandpoint to help them finish. Denea was loath to hire help for crating up what was essentially a collection of sensitive and personal family items—Next time we move, we’re packing these first, she thought—so it was up to her and Kali to finish.

When giants and a dragon attacked Sandpoint the previous year several blocks of the city were damaged or destroyed, and while the family home escaped unscathed the warehouse for Nassim Goods had not. The fire that engulfed the theatre sent hot embers into the air and raining down across the waterfront, and one of those embers landed on the roof of the warehouse and set it ablaze. Fortunately, the roof structure collapsed before the fire could completely engulf the building, and the business suffered only a partial rather than total loss.

Akmal and Denea had less luck with the insurance adjuster, who argued that their policy did not cover “damage in times of war”. Reports from agents of Magnimar, who had been tasked by the Lord Mayor with investigating unrest in eastern and northern Varisia, had turned up evidence of organized giant activity under the command of an upstart leader named Mokmurian. “And that, you see, qualifies as war,” he said, emphasizing the final word by stabbing his finger on the desk where the copy of the policy lay. Denea did not have to look down to know that his finger had landed squarely on the word “war” on the parchment. The man had probably had this exact same conversation a dozen times in the past week. That he was still alive given how emotions were running in town said a great deal about Hemlock and Deverin’s commitment to law, order and security. It was not often that either Akmal or Denea admitted defeat, and even rarer for both of them to do so at the same time, but they knew a losing bureaucratic battle when they saw one. They ate the loss, and Akmal made the decision to move the business to Magnimar as soon as he was able.

The financial impact on the family was significant, far more than either of them was comfortable admitting. Coupled with the move expenses, 4708 and 4709 were very lean years and Kali had to wait until the latter to begin her schooling, but they were alive and on steady footing. A great number of families in Sandpoint were not able to say the same, including even the infamous Scarnettis. (Recognizing how fortunate they were, Akmal and Denea donated generously to the town’s emergency fund over the next year. “I never asked your father, and he never asked me. We just did it. It was the right thing to do,” she recalled while talking to Kali about it a few months later.)

Kali was clearing some papers out of the main desk in the study when she saw one that caught her eye.

“Mom…what is this?”

She was holding a letter addressed to Denea Borellan, from the Aneka University in Korvosa dated in early 4687, offering her a tenured teaching position and describing what that would entail. It went into some detail about salary, a stipend for living expenses, and even support for research and publication. Denea came around the desk to where Kali was sitting while she read. When she finished, Denea spoke in a light voice as she reminisced, half-smiling.

“That was the year your father asked me to marry him. He proposed just a month after they sent me this.”

Kali knew precious little about her parents from before they had met. She had the stories they told her, and what both sets of her grandparents had told her, to draw upon but they seemed to exist in a different place and time. She remembered that her mother had taught for a year—Or was it two?—before she and her father married, but she didn’t remember hearing anything about this. A tenured position? She knew that was significant. And mom would have only been, what, twenty-two? Twenty-three?

“You…you gave this up?”

It was the wrong thing to say and she immediately regretted it. The expression on her mom’s face turned hard in an instant. “That is what your grandparents think, yes,” she said sharply.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

“Kali.”

Kali stopped and considered her mom. She’d known for years that she had a strained relationship with her own parents. Very strained. It became more obvious as Kali grew older, and that relationship was almost certainly worsening with each passing year. It was part of the reason they did not visit Korvosa very often anymore. If it weren’t for their granddaughter Denea may not have even seen her parents at all since leaving. She’d overheard bits of the arguments they’d held behind closed doors on more than one occasion and some of the things that were said were awful. She had always wondered what had caused their falling out.

I guess now I know, she thought.

Denea’s face softened, as did her voice.

“Even before I met your father, I was happy. I was researching and teaching Thassilonian history, and a little of world history after the fall of Thassilon. I was a socialite in a Varisian city-state. I knew what I wanted from my life. What I wanted was that.

“Then I met your father and I fell in love. And because of your father, I am happier than I ever was or thought I would be, I am discovering the world for myself instead of learning it from books behind a desk, I am a contributor to many of those same books that I used to read, I find and touch relics from history instead of seeing them in museums and sometimes I even put them there myself, my world is much larger than one city of modest influence and an inflated sense of its own significance, and most important of all? I have you.

“Now. Tell me, Kali. What have I given up?”

§

Character: Ivan

Storytime: The abduction of Ivan Milner

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Sarenth 16, 4712 (Dusk)

On the way through Sandpoint as dusk approaches Ivan takes one of the back alleys on his way to watch the sunset. As he rounds the corner he sees this couple that appears to be having sex. He was about to take another path when he faintly hears a call for help, it was then that he realized that she was all beaten up and blood covered her mostly naked body. Ivan immediately slammed into this guy to get him off her and then proceeded to punch it out with him. Ivan saw her run out of the alley; the distraction gave the rapist time to round the corner and get away.  By this time help had arrived and they can now go after the rapist.

In a woman’s voice Ivan hears “filthy rapist” and then everything goes black.

As Ivan regains consciousness he finds himself looking up at a ceiling. His head is pounding and everything is still a little out of focus. The fire in the fireplace is providing the only light in the room as there are no windows. The door off to his left is closed and appears to be the only way in and out of the room. As Ivan attempts to move he suddenly realizes that he is sprawled out on a bed naked with his hands and feet securely tied to the ends of the bed. He quietly listens for any sounds from the other side of the door but he hears nothing. After several minutes of attempting to get free Ivan realizes that he is trapped!  Unlike the previous time he was tied to a bed naked Abby is not here to make sure he is safe. Over the next couple of hours of waiting Ivan could not help but wish that Abby would show up and free him.

The silence was broken as he hears people in the next room. The best he can guess there are several people in the next room and at least a couple of them are female. The door opens and he hears a female voice.

“Awe he is finally awake”

Three women walk into the room, the one talking is much over than the other two. Ivan is not sure but the other two look to be a few years older then he is.

Older woman says “There seems to have been a mix up here. Penelope says that you pulled Tobis Frederic off her and saved her. So I am sorry for hitting you on the head and tying you up. I have talked to the city guard and let them know of the mistake. We told them that you were injured and that we would take care of your injuries, It is the least we can do.”

Momentary awkward pause as Ivan waited to be untied but all three women just stood there. The younger two were clearly more interested in checking out the naked man then untying him.

Woman says “My name is Angela, this is my daughter Jennifer and her lover and life partner Samatha”

Short hesitation before Angela starts talking again.

“So we don’t actually currently have any of your clothes or equipment here at the house. With the rapist still on the loose it’s too dangerous for us to get them tonight and with the bump on your head it is just best that you stay here anyway. “

Pause

Angela “I have a confession. Samatha and Jennifer have never shown any interest in men at all and you are actually the first naked male that either has ever seen. Since you did not say anything when I asked and we already had you to tied to the bed naked I took this opportunity uh gently uh explore uh ” pause “with there hands”.

Angela “Ok I know that we should have waited and asked but I want Samatha and Jennifer to give me grandchildren.”

During this time Samatha and Jennifer are tracing the symbols on Ivan’s body with there fingers. In all of the confusion Ivan did not notice that Samatha and Jennifer were only wearing night shirts until they pulled them off.

Ivan’s eyes jump to the door as he wanted to get away but then back to the two naked girls. At that moment he realizes that this is no stranger then the shit Abby has been getting him into his whole life. He remembered one of Abby’s favorite Desna quotes “experience life in all its forms”. Clearly this qualifies.

Ivan “Ok then. You girls will need to get a lot closer”

Sarenth 17, 4712

After a night of passion all three of them slept in until mid morning. It was late morning before Ivan’s clothes and gear was returned. Angela informed Ivan is that

“The story told to the guard and everyone is that Tobis Frederic attempted to kill Penelope during a robbery. An unidentified man rescued Penelope and then slipped back into the shadows. It is all an exciting mystery. Penelope’s father has made everyone promise not to reveal the truth. Only Sheriff Hemlock knows the truth but none of his guardsmen no the real truth.”

Angela says “The Girls are right those are sexy tattoos” as she intently watches as Ivan checks to make sure all of his money and gear are accounted for. He puts his clothes and armor on then starts to head out the door.

Angela “They still have not caught Tobis Frederic so be careful in case he tries to get back at you”

Ivan heads over to the guard house to get the latest update on the status of Tobis”

Guard: “We haven’t captured him yet but if he is in town we will get him”.

Ivan starts walking towards the south bridge.

Ivan talking to himself “He must be heading to Magnimar to get away from the charges. He can only be a couple of hours ahead of me. I should be able to catch him before he gets to Magnimar and this time he will not get away.”

Ivan asks around to see if anyone has seen someone with Tobis’s description that headed out this morning.

Daviren of the Goblin squash stables “That sounds like the guy who paid for passage on the caravan headed to Riddleport. I think he said his name was Tobis. Can’t remember the last name he used.”

Ivan “do you mean Tobis Frederic?”

Daviren “Ya that’s it”

Ivan “Thanks”

Ivan continues to talk to himself as he walks away from the south bridge.

“Well I didn’t expect that. I would never be able to find him in Riddleport. At least Penelope should be safe now. I should tell her family that Tobis has left town. But how would I even no how to find them”

Ivan remembers that this morning after the final session with Samatha and Jennifer that they were telling him about the house that Penelope lives in with her parents. This was right after talking his ear off about how Angela and Sam are crazy about each other but neither will admit it.

With the general direction and description it takes Ivan about an hour to find the house. He knocks on the door and a woman answers the door.

“What. This is not a good time”

Ivan “I am here to check on Penelope and”

Out of know where this woman starts swinging at him.

Woman “You stay away from my daughter you bastard”

Ivan takes a step back and puts his hands out in front of him to defend himself as he makes his getaway.

Ivan “I’m going”

Ivan hears a woman’s voice from within the room “No Mom. Stop. He is the one who saved me”

Ivan backs up another step as this crazy woman leaps towards him with arms out stretched. This all happened so fast that Ivan wasn’t sure what was going on. The woman’s advance stops two feet away from Ivan and that is when he realizes she was trying to hug him. Ivan is now freaked out about this woman and he is very aware that an angry mother is very dangerous. He is just standing there waiting to get away.

The woman looks into Ivan’s eyes and says

“Your safe here. You can let go of my breasts now”

Ivan’s eyes shift from the woman’s face and begins staring to his hands now on her chest. He realizes that he had been using is hands to keep her away from him.

The woman starts to laugh saying “It’s ok I am not going to hurt you”

That is when Ivan realizes that he has not moved. Ivan jumps backward and drops his hands.

Ivan “I just want to tell you that Tobis Frederic left town. He paid for passage on a caravan heading to Riddleport”

Woman says “Well then come in and wait for my husband to come back. You deserve a reward for all that you have done. He is out looking for him and don’t worry we have lots of friends in Riddleport.”

Ivan “I don’t need a reward. I have to get going.”

Ivan hustled down the road to get some distance between him and that scary woman.

Ivan talking to himself “No good deed goes unpunished. I have earned a few drinks at the Rusty Dragon. Maybe Sparna will tell some great tale of his adventure in the real world. I need to remember to stay out of the alleys”

Ivan is walking through the street on his way to the Rusty Dragon.

Ivan hears Abby’s voice “Ivan STOP. Aren’t you going to help them?”

Ivan stops and looks around for Abby but his sister is no where to be found.

Ivan talking to himself “Great now what.”

The door 15 feet ahead of him on the right opens and two people walk out the door.

Jennifer “Hey Ivan. What are you doing here? Are you checking up on me or maybe you just miss me.”

Ivan hears Abby’s voice “You know what to do”

Jennifer “Are you ok Ivan? Oh this is my boss Sam.”

Ivan “So this is the Sam”

Jennifer “Yes”

Sam approaches Ivan and shakes his hand.

Sam “Glad to me you. I have heard a lot about you today. You know that Jennifer and Samatha are very special girls. “

Ivan “And so is Angela but she seems very lonely”

Sam “oh yes she is very special”

Ivan “So!”

Sam “She is special but I know that she is just being nice to me”

Ivan intimidates Sam “Look I know that you love her and the she loves you. She is not happy because she needs you in her life. You need to go to her and confess how you feel”

Ivan “Jennifer take Sam home to dinner and I will be there to make sure that these two idiots share how they feel about each other.”

Ivan continues walking down the street.

Ivan talking to himself “Fine if these idiots can’t confess affection for each other then I will force them. Oh my God. I just committed to going back to that house. “

Ivan continues talking to himself “Ok just take a deep breath. Everything will be fine if you keep your wits about you. You can do this. Just keep all your gear with you and make sure you have a clear path out the door.”

Ivan knocks on the door and Samatha motions for him to enter. He sits at the table taking the chair closest to the door with everyone in front of him. About 10 minutes later Sam shows up and is greeted by Jennifer. Ivan motions for everyone to sit for a minute.

Ivan “please sit down so we can talk for a minute”

Ivan waits for everyone to be seated and then begins to speak.

Ivan “Sam you know you are crazy about Angela and you need to tell her. And you Angela these girls tell me that you really like Sam as well. Life is too short to not be with the ones you care about”

Ivan “Sam do you trust these two to take care of your business tomorrow?”

Sam “Of course.They are like daughters to me”

Ivan “Sam you need to take Angela out for something to eat and then go somewhere and talk or what ever. Jennifer and Samatha will take care of the business so you can spend the whole day together!”

Sam and Angela get up take each other by the hand and head for the door. Sam turns around at the door.

Sam “No. I am sorry but there is something more important that we need to do first. Angela and I have already decided to get married and we both feel that our daughters come first! The midwife Hannah from Hannah’s told Angela that the next few days are ideal”

Ivan “No. I am leav”

Ivan looks down at the mug of ale that he has been drinking from and then all goes black.

Ivan slowly awakens with a headache. He opens his eyes to see a familiar ceiling. Again he finds himself once again sprawled out on the bed naked with his hands and feet securely tied to the ends of the bed. Samatha and Jennifer have there naked bodies press up against him. It appears that they fell asleep waiting for him or maybe they didn’t wait for him to wake up.

Ivan “Samatha and Jennifer wake up and untie me. I have to get out of here.”

Samatha and Jennifer begin untying Ivan.

Samatha “We didn’t want to tie you up but they insisted to make sure you didn’t lash out. The door is barred from the outside. Sam had it installed.”

Jennifer “we have enough food and water for the next 4 days. They will let us out in four days.”

Ivan gets up and checks the door. Clearly the person that installed this knew what they were doing. Ivan eats some bread and paces back and forth trying to convince Samatha and Jennifer to let him out. Samatha and Jennifer give Ivan a few minutes and then simply just pull him into bed.

Ivan “experience life in all its forms”

Sarenth 22, 4712

Ivan awakes as he hears a sound at the door. Looking over he sees that the door is open. Untangling himself from Samatha and Jennifer without waking them was a lot harder then he expected. He quietly moves into the next room where he found Angela holding his clothes.

As Ivan dressed Angela says “All of your stuff is there. Although we did lock you in it was for the greater good and clearly you are not worse for wear. Would you like some breakfast?”

Ivan looks up at Angela “No thank you, I am not hungry”

Ivan finishes dressing, picks up his bow and pack while heading out the door. After he gets to the next block Ivan checks to make sure he still has his money as he is going to need that this morning. He picks up his gear and heads straight for the Rusty Dragon.

Ivan talks to himself as he is walking to the Rusty Dragon:

“I am going to go have some drinks, get something to eat.”

“I have been temporarily blamed for a rape, Knocked unconscious, abducted, drugged, tied to a bed naked. Twice. And held against my will. Ok so I really didn’t try to get away but the door was barred from the outside. I could have just ignored Samatha and Jennifer. Who am I kidding being locked in the room with two naked women I didn’t have a chance.”

“I will get a room and spend it by myself. Tomorrow I will find a group of adventures and go do something exciting. No make that a group of male only adventures.”

Ivan reaches the door to the Rusty dragon and just stops.

Ivan “Who am I kidding. If I join a group of male only adventures it would just be my luck that that are all gay and I would have to watch my own backside. “

Narrator “And thus ends the story of The abduction of Ivan Milner”

Character: Olmas

Annals of the Order of the Dragon

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as written by the cavalier, Olmas Lurecia, himself.

22 Sareneth 4712, Fireday

I’d come to Sandpoint at the advice of Shalelu, who seemed to feel I needed to make a decision. I was feeling some gentle pressure from her to take up the life of a ranger, which by no small coincidence was a largely accurate description of Shalelu’s life, but I was leaning towards a more … a more principled life. A more ordered life.

Not to say that Shalelu was without principle! But she seemed to spread herself thin. Mentoring me, caring for Qatana, and calling no town her home yet every town her responsibility … I felt something with a more singular purpose suited me better.

As a member of the Order of the Dragon, I would be bound by vow to the protection of a particular group, or cause. I would be judged by my steadfastness and bravery rather than by how many people I knew or how many places I visited.

I would make my mark by how well I focused, not how well I wandered. It was well and good that Shalelu served the region at large, but I’d come to desire a more immediate and practical way to display my skills.

So while Shalelu seemed to feel I needed to think things through, I was already pretty sure I knew where my path would lead when I got to town. On this particular Fireday afternoon, I went looking for Shalelu. I know that when in Sandpoint, he sometimes heads over to the Rusty Dragon – apparently she knows the owner (but then who doesn’t she know here? ) Shalelu was not immediately evident when I headed over there late afternoon, but there appeared to be lively discussions at several tables. I spotted Qatana sitting at one table so I sat down.

The discussion at this table, and apparently at the adjacent tables as well, was about the recent announcement of a bounty for goblin ears. Apparently the town had had a similar bounty in the past, but it had been discontinued for some time. Quite recently, however, the sheriff or mayor had announced 10gp per ear was being offered, meaning 20gp per goblin (unless you had the misfortune to kill one that was already half harvested.) There was substantially more available should we kill the chieftain of the goblins: 500 gp.

They’ve been getting more aggressive and waylaying travellers between here and Magnimar, in and around the Brinestone Marsh. Dead (or broke) travellers is bad for business, but Sandpoint is small while Magnimar is large. Magnimar won’t put any effort to fixing this problem, so Sandpoint had to.

Well, ever since she warmed to me (a little) I’ve been a little protective of Qatana. Although I’m sure she’d brush it off if I said it out loud, sometimes Qatana … well, she has an odd approach to things. She lives by the moment, sometimes with little consequence for the next moment. Anyway, she showed verbal interest in this goblin hunt, and upon rapid reflection I realized that she herself really had no way to kill goblins, that I knew of. But several around her quickly huzzahed the idea and it occurred to me that my dilemma had solved itself. I had a purpose, and a group to protect. With some trepidation but little hesitation, I joined the group. It would have been better had we formed on Oathday, but I could tell this group wasn’t going to wait another week for the right day to come around again.

The group consisted of

Qatana – a human body filled with quirks and topped with tactlessness
Ivan – human with a bow
Sparna – a heavily armored dwarf with a big pike
Radella – a sword, yet she claims to be stealthy
Etayne – another ranger? or a magician? not heavily armed
Kali – young wizard
Anavaru – more bow and a — horse? apparently this was an in joke
among many, but her horse looked an awful lot like a camel to me.

Ameiko came over to talk with us and temper our – their – enthusiasm. It was she who suggested we introduce each other and briefly describe what skills we bring to this rag tag group. She also provided some information that she’d heard about the goblins: apparently they are members of the Licktoad tribe, they seem to be concentrating their attacks right along the edge of the bog where the main road passes closest, and also to be careful of the “soggy river monster” that lives in the swamp. She also suggested there is a person or creature living in the swamp who calls himself (or who has been named) the “warden of the swamp” and he might know more about the goblins.

Armed with this and a healthy dose of optimism, the group disbanded briefly to gather supplies and then rejoined an hour later at the south bridge. And off we went, many brimming with confidence. Because we’d be operating in the swamp, I was reluctantly convinced to leave Kasimir in the stables.

We proceeded south to one of the fishing trails leading into the swamp. Ameiko had said taking that trail into the swamp should take us, eventually, to the Warden. After we entered, I noted that the tree cover got denser and thicker, and as my thoughts flicked back to my mock hunting with Shalelu, I involuntarily kept looking up at the trees. She always tended to go up.

There was rustling and a splash off to one side, as something seemed to find water.

And we came across a soggy looking, rickety bridge. While this was just a swamp and not a raging river, I don’t think anybody was interested in getting wet at this point. Kali, however, announced she could fix this, and after casting a spell she called prejidistashun (I think) the bridge did seem less mossy and more sturdy. We crossed without incident.

Off to the left, there was a squeal like a pig that ended abruptly.

Another bridge was cleaned by magic, and another bridge crossed.

And a third.

And we started to make out tracks other than ours. One was alien looking – three toes but human sized. There also seemed to be halfling tracks, but human sized as well. Some of the human ones covered the halfling ones, implying they came later. But both were relatively fresh.

What did Ameiko say? She had gestured at the dwarf and said, “it’s said he’s about your size”. Perhaps the halfling prints were his, then, but did he have a companion, or was he in danger?

Finally we emerged into something of a clearing. There was here a swampy looking lagoon at the edge of the bog. And a building, of sorts. It appeared a little mossy and soggy and in a similar state of disrepair as the bridges, but perhaps everything here is like that after a few days. I swear I’ve never felt such dampness before. It was a two story building, and the halfling tracks led to the house, suggesting we were in the right place. The human tracks led towards the house too but to a different side.

We called out but there was no response. Anavaru and Qatana hurried to to the door and called again. This time the door opened. A halfling stood there, bleeding from several wounds. “Now is not a good time for visitors,” he said. We ignored that and asked him about goblins in the swamp – were they the ones who injured him? He seemed confused and replied hesitantly that, yes, goblins had injured him.

Ivan pushed his way to the front and healed the man. Just like that? Sheesh, do I have another Qatana on my hands? The man seemed surprised too, but hesitantly thanked him.

Then Qatana did something dangerous but not entirely out of character. She quickly stepped past the halfling into his house, asking as she entered, “Do you have mice?” She looked anxiously about before muttering, “is that the pantry? Always mice in a pantry” and moving into an adjacent room.

Our unwitting host didn’t know what to do with that, and awkwardly began something of a tour. Sparna guarded the outside front of the building. Anavaru started apologizing for Qatana as she entered the house. Kali entered and asked, “Everything okay” and Anavaru in a stage whisper responded “put a lid on Qatana, willya?”.

Meanwhile, the halfling almost got whiplash from watching people enter and move through his house. “You should, uh, you should definitely go take care of the goblins now before they hurt somebody else. In the swamp, the goblins in the swamp. Right away.”

Meanwhile, Qatana called from the pantry, “No wonder you don’t have any mice. There’s a friendly little viper in here. C’mere, you.” And even though the halfling was already injured, I swear he paled. “Viper? A snake? No, no, snakes are bad.” Kali called out, “Qatana, he’s scared of snakes, and you’re freaking him out!” But also cast detect magic, and looked around the entryway. Anavaru looked at the halfling and her eyes narrowed; she told me later she could tell he was being untruthful about something.

Outside, Radella had found signs of a struggle on the far side of the house. Judging from the tracks, it probably had occurred not too long ago. She called out to Sparna.

However, inside, the halfling was trying to compose himself and saying, “Ok, everybody needs to get out right now” while still occasionally glancing into the pantry where supposedly there was a snake.

I continued to engage the halfling in polite conversation, even as he tried to convince people to leave. Something was very strange here and even I could detect that his answers were odd and forced. Still, if anybody, we were the ones in the wrong here, having essentially forced our way into his house. And he’d not attacked us or anything; if anything, he seemed to be the victim of an assault.

Meanwhile, Qatana had entered another room nearby and found cases of snake food and yes, live mice! Ivan asked the halfling, “wait, why do you have snake food if you hate snakes?”

“Kill the snake!” responded the halfling. “Kill the snake, then go kill the goblins! Go now!”

Qatana smiled and headed upstairs. Ivan shrugged at the halfling, and followed her up. The halfling clearly had a look on his face that said, “When did I lose control of this circus?”

Kali’s detect magic had found some sort of lingering magic on the halfling. “Qatana,” she called up in Elvish, “we need to get you down here; there’s some sort of magic.” Meanwhile, I opened the door to another room from the entryway, and it seemed to contain a room with no roof, a high wall, and … snakes!

Surprisingly, the halfling replied, in Elvish, “that’s probably lingering from your friend.” Kali looked sharply at the halfling, and the halfling started up the stairs.

Sparna and Radella came back in. That meant Qatana and Ivan were upstairs, and the rest of us were downstairs, with Anuvaru feeding mice to snakes in the open roofed room. The halfling was slowly moving from frustrated to angry. Kali continued to call up to Qatana, “Hey, I need you down here”.

I followed the halfling up the stairs, saying, “Hey, you’re injured; you should sit down and rest.” Meanwhile, the halfling got about halfway up the stairs before Qatana, already upstairs, turned and asked, “hey, if you’re afraid of them, why do you have snakes?” The halfling stopped and gave her a level look, saying in a stern voice, “That’s it. Leave my stuff alone, and Get Out of My House.” Qatana did not move, and he said, “Fine then.” He shapeshifted into some sort of creature, about medium size, and slashed at Qatana, connecting and drawing blood.

Blood having been drawn and safety having been threatened, I now felt comfortable attacking him. Well, that and the fact that he could change shapes and so clearly wasn’t actually a halfling. But most importantly, he’d threatened my charges. My first swing at him missed, but my next swing connected soundly and Sparna, who had run up the stairs, polished him off.

But where was the halfling? Was there a halfling?

We found him unconscious in a secret room upstairs. Reviving him, we found him not at all hostile but instead grateful. He called his attacker a “stalker” and said they lived in the swamp. Not a lot of them, and they usually stayed away. That’s one reason why he keeps snakes – they really don’t like them. But they can take the appearance of their victims, which this one obviously did.

His name is Walthus Prodstone, and he invited us to stay for dinner. We asked him about the three toed tracks, and he said, “That’s the swamp monster! Terrible thing. Claws for hand AND feet. Legs bend the wrong direction. Jaws open wide – it’ll eat anything!”

He was so grateful at our intervention that he offered us his enchanted cloak.

[100] cloak of resistance +1 (small)

Being small, Sparna was pretty much the only one who could wear it. But he did appreciate it.

“The goblins,” said Walthus, “are largely at the southern end of the swamp. I’d stick to the paths to get there; the swamp monster is much more likely to find you (and harder to battle) in the underbrush than if you stay on the paths. And the swamp is so dense through there that you’ll likely not gain any time anyway. The goblins have constructed a crude fortress; while it will be difficult to approach undetected, you’re most likely to find the bulk of them and/or their chieftain there.”

We set watch for the night, but we will take off in the morning.

23 Sareneth, Starday

We wound our way through the swamp the same way we came until we returned to the road. We then took the road to the area where both the attacks had been happening and Walthus had said there was a path into the swamp that the goblins were likely using.

Sparna asked if the bridges were high enough, and the goblins small enough, that they could hide under the bridges. Taking the time to inspect, roughly measure, and consider, the answer is yes. Something to think about.

Following the path from the road, we entered the swamp again. Although the early morning sun was burning off the mist, it was no less moist and dank.

It wasn’t too long before we came across goblin architecture – that is to say, scrap lumber vaguely arranged as walls, windows, and structures. There used to be a gate to this “compound” but it looked like it had been broken down. There was a pool just inside the gate, but it was algae-filled, and perhaps more insidiously, there were remains in and around the pool. Some bodies were burned.

There were footprints but they were both human sized, and apparently skeletal. Could we be dealing with undead? I’m not sure we signed up for that, and I’m also not sure if we’re prepared to handle them. Judging from the footprints, though, it appears goblins have fled the compound.

Now that we were inside, I could see that most structures were actually empty underneath. It appears that the useful part of these structures were on the second story. Sparna climbed one of the ladders and almost happily proclaimed, “Goblins!” and entered.

I glanced around and thinking to approach from another entrance, chose another ladder nearby and climbed it, hoping to meet Sparna from a different direction in the same building. When we first entered, the goblins were cowering, but when they saw who we were, they stopped and attacked.

Clearly, whatever had been here was more fearsome than a dwarf wrapped in a tin can. Or a half elf carrying a great axe. From below, Ivan shot a glowing arrow into the room and not only hit a goblin but lit up the room, making the attack even easier.

The next several minutes were a blur, as we took out goblins and moved to the next building. Eventually, everybody ended up on the second level, either attacking or healing. For my part, I got winged once but was quickly healed by Ivan. In general, I either missed, or gravely wounded a goblin. A great axe is fantastic on these little critters.

One thing was clear. The goblins are happy we are us, and not someone or something else. Something to think about. But first, we do need to clear out this area …

Character: Ivan

Ivan’s journal entry for October 2015

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=== Sarenith 22, 4712 ===

As I entered the Rusty Dragon I immediately spotted Sparna but it took me a few seconds to realize that Qatana was also sitting at the same table.  I sat down with the group and ordered breakfast. It looks like the others had been there for a little while and the place was abuzz with take of the bound of 10 gold for each ear and a bounty on the Licktoad chief’s head of 500 gold. Ah Qatana hasn’t changed and simply stated

“I need money”

I of course quickly decided to join her in collecting goblin ears. Sparna decided to join. There were six others that I was not exactly sure what there capabilities were at the time. We were all ready to set out on this big adventure when Ameiko came over to the table to give advice. I have heard that she was once a great adventure and that is how she was able to purchase the Rusty Dragon. For some reason taverns almost have a spiritual vibe to me. This place fills up far more often then the church so maybe taverns are holy places.

Ivan signals the barmaid for another drink. She brings the drink.

Ivan “This is for the drink and this is for you. It can’t be easy dealing with all of these adventures”

Ivan looks the barmaid directly into eyes and pays for his drink and then gives the barmaid three silver. Ivan then goes back to listening to the discussion with Ameiko.

Ameiko has suggested that we find out what each of us can do. I proudly told then of my skill with the bow and suggested that I have access to some healing magic. I was supposed to be working on my magic; Koya did tell me that I needed to work on it until I get comfortable. I had a lot of fun with the spells that I can continually cast. Who couldn’t have fun creating water, creating light from nothing or breaking and then mending objects. I was just sitting there trying to remember the lessons from Koya when I notice that look from Ameiko. It would really help if I knew what that look was. My whole life Abby has been trying to teach me the different looks women can give you but they all look the same. He can never tell if it means pay attention, go way, or follow me to my room. Luckily Abby has simplified it and I should just always assume “Hey stop staring at my breasts”. So I focused on the beret in her hair.

I started thinking about the rumors about how she does not accept any sexual offers from the men in town. The rumor is that she has a lover. Recent experience makes me wonder if her lover is a man or if it is a woman. We decided to gather gear and head out to the warden in Brinestump Marsh to find out about the gobins. The rusty dragon was serving bacon today and I ordered some bacon and bread to have as lunch. The bacon is nice and crispy today.

I quickly purchased boots to repel water and then waited for other just outside the south bridge. Once again they covered the skills that each of us have.

The travel down to brinestump marsh was uneventful. We found the path that is supposed to lead the way to the warden. I had never been in the brinestump marsh before. It is not exactly safe for someone to go into the marches around here by them self’s. The trip to get to the wardens shack was fairly easy. I learned the Kali has a spell that cleans things and supposedly people, armor. The first bridge was slimy and dirty and she cleaned the bridge to make it easier to cross. I was the last to cross the bridge when I noticed that it was need of repair so I used mending to repair the bridge so that it will be safer on the way out. Kali and I repeated this cool trip on two other bridges. The warden should thank us for fixing his bridges.

As we got closer to the warden shack we discovered strange alien tracks on the right side of the path and what looked like Halfling and human tracks. It looked as though the human may have been chasing the Halfling but it was hard to tell. I thought that I was pretty good at tracking but it looks as if there are several that are significantly better then I am. They are considerably older then me so they obviously had more time to work on there skills. Anyway luckily the group is more concerned about collecting goblin bounties and not so much on putting an age limit on there companions.

We arrived that the warden’s shack earlier today. At first no one answer the door but then a Halfling answer the door all bloody and clearly injured. The others were trying to get information out the Halfling and I noticed a tension. At that moment I remembered that Koya had told me the true test of your magic mastery will be when you have to use it in a tense situation. I had to find out so I attempted to cast heal wounds and stepped forward to heal the Halfling. The great news as it worked perfectly and the bad news is that later we found out that this was not a Halfling but something called a stalker. I cast the spell stepped forward and put my hand on his chest to deliver the healing; exactly like Koya had shown me.

When Qatana basically pushed her way past the stalker I followed right behind her. Qatana was searching for mice. Not sure why but we did find a snake that seemed as though it lived here. The creature in the entry way seemed petrified of snakes and we found a room with caged snake food. This creature asked us to get rid of the snakes so I suggested to the Halfling creature that we could search the house and get rid of all of the snakes. He jumped at the idea of us getting rid of the snakes. Qatana and I went up stairs use the guise of searching for snakes. We had just finished a basic search of the three rooms upstairs when the stalker suddenly showed up. For some reason the others just let him go upstairs. I believe the others all attempted to climb the stairs to get to the Stalker but a single file stairway was a big advantage for the stalker. Olmas and Qatana were the only ones that could get into melee combat with this creature; I would think that the high buff people would have been able to keep him downstairs. I hit the creature with a very good shot from the bow. It was a hard shot being I have to make sure to not hit Qatana. I really couldn’t see the others but supposedly Sparna also helped kill the creature.

With the creature dead we again search the upstairs more carefully. I know that Qatana and I did not find the secret door initially but I am sure we would have found it. The real warden was healed by Qatana and very thankful for the rescue. He gave his magic cloak to us, it barely fits Sparna. Walthus also treated us to a wonderful meal; the stew was the perfect way to top off a bacon breakfast and lunch. I never realized that adventures eat so well. It took me a few minutes to get to sleep as I laid there for a little while listening to the interesting and wonderful night sounds coming from the swamp.

=== Sarenith 23, 4712 ===

Another wonderful breakfast from Walthus and we were on our way. Following the guidance of Walthus we travel all the way back out to the road and then down the other path to the Goblin fort. The trip was pretty easy up until we reach the fort. Well except the smells of the swamp.

The main gate of the fort had been pulled down. I think it was Sparna that said

“It was pushed down from the inside”

That must mean that something nasty attacked this fort and they did anything to get out. I don’t remember who but someone said that the goblins the left looked like they were being chased by skeletons. We decided to see who was still remaining in the fort. The pit in the center had some burnt bodies and it looks like we might get a couple of ears. Sparna climbed a short ladder and announced

“GOBLINS”

I moved around but could not see anything so I cast light on an arrow. Firing the arrow in the room provided light so that I could see and shoot. My two arrows seemed to have hit and now the room has enough light to see. It hit me when I had no target that I just instinctively cast the spell. That moment of pride vanished as goblins hanging out a window started shooting arrows at the party. Radella and I shoot back and those goblins were quickly killed. I have noticed that I was able to shoot two arrows in the same amount of time that Radella shoots one arrow. She seems to be better at a lot of other stuff but maybe just maybe I am actually a little better with the bow; Or maybe just a little lucky today.

The current goblins taken care of we press deeper into the fort. With the next wave there wasn’t any place to get a view to shoot. Olmas charged into the room so it must not be too many goblins. I was just keeping watch when Qatana ask me if I would mind going into the room and healing Qlmas. I cast the cure wounds spell, stepped into the room next to Olmas, and then touched him on the back just like Koya had shown him. Wow in just two days of adventuring I have used both techniques for delivering a Cure wounds spell. I was a little worried that in the heat of the moment that I would get it wrong. The last goblin was trying to get away I put an arrow in him but he continued to move forward opening the next door. He was just doing enough to avoid hits from the big weapons so I had to send another arrow at him to finish him off.

The others have found a room with a double door that looks to be barred. Looking around we clearly have enough muscle to get into that door. I don’t see how to help in the combat so maybe if we get everyone together I will try casting “bless”.

Character: Anavaru

From the diary of Anavaru

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22nd of Serenith

It was morning in the Rusty Dragon, much like any other morning.  I was having breakfast with Kali and my baby brother, catching up on the goings-on in town since the last time I had seen them, at Niska’s funeral.  Although it was by no means unexpected, Niska’s death has hit Alarph really hard.  I’m a little worried about him, actually.  He was closer to her than any of us, and it’s no wonder; he was so young when mother died that I’m not even sure he has any memories of her.  Niska had a large part in raising him.  I’ve tried to do what I can to comfort him, but grief has its own timeline.

There were a number of new faces in the tavern that morning, and it seemed like the topic of the day was goblin hunting.  I was surprised to hear that the bounties had been reinstated; last time they were in effect, a couple of kids managed to get themselves completely in over their heads and consequently killed. 10gp per ear is certainly nothing to sneeze at, but there’s no such thing as easy money.  I dearly wish we could have made them aware of the risks before they snuck out of town.

A dwarf stranger tried to show off his new polearm, but Ameiko shut that down pretty quickly.  There’s a time and a place for comparing whose is bigger, and the Rusty Dragon is not it.  The dwarf quickly apologized and bought everyone a round; I raised my mug in a toast and ended up joining the discussion of the group of both newcomers and a few familiar faces.  Long story short, we decided to band together and investigate the quickly escalating goblin situation.

Ameiko informed us of a newcomer to the Brinemarsh whose self-designation is “Warden of the Swamp,” and suggested that he might have information about the goblins.  With the combination of having grown up here, and having roamed quite a ways, I know the area around Sandpoint pretty well.  I’ve often taken odd jobs as a guide (probably the oddest was that time an archaeological expedition was thwarted by an insurmountable army of bunny rabbits.)  Just like everyone else, however, I lack in depth knowledge of the Brinemarsh.  There’s been simply no reason for me to go there; it’s too overgrown for effective hunting, and it’s not exactly a tourist destination.

I gave Sopwith a couple of dates and a pat, and assured him we’d return soon.

22nd of Serenth, evening

Well, the rest of today was….eventful, to say the least.

In the end, we met the Warden of the Swamp, but not in the way we had anticipated. Upon encountering his house, and a tired, wounded halfling that appeared to be the Warden himself, Qatana barged past him inside yelling something incomprehensible about mice. I frantically tried to initiate damage control by apologizing profusely to what we thought was the Warden. While attempting to converse with him, I noticed a weird ripple across his face, almost like his form was unstable. “Oh, shit.” I thought. While I excused myself and began to search the house under the pretense of “taking care of his snake problem,” a bizarre standoff between our party and the “Warden” ensued.

The snakes that I found in a side room looked perfectly normal to me. I had even started to befriend one, when Kali peered into the room and motioned for me to come over. She told me in a low voice that he seemed awfully “together” considering his poison. I opened my mouth to agree when we heard a loud crash and some scuffling upstairs. I reassured my new snake friend that I’d be back, slid my greatsword from its sheath, and bolted towards the staircase, where I skidded to a halt as I noticed the narrow quarters and lack of room.

After the “Warden” was dispatched, we found the real halfling hidden away in a safe room, unconscious and wounded. I shudder when I consider what could have happened if we had waited a few days, or not come at all. He told us a few more details about the monster who took his form, and has generously allowed me to keep my new snake friend (who I have named F16, although I don’t expect anyone in this timeline to get the joke.) I promised that I’d bring her back to visit. Before the evening meal, I dragged the monster’s stinking corpse out of the house and burned it.

On a side note, I’m becoming increasingly concerned about Qatana. I get that she’s been through some trauma, but if this group continues adventuring together, her erratic behavior and affective instability could endanger all of us. Maybe Kali will have some ideas on what we can do.

Character: Etayne

Etayne’s Diary

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“I told you she would be trouble!”

“Don’t lose her!”

“The Witch must burn!”

The shouts from the Crowd were getting closer, but I continued to run. It seemed no matter how much faster I would move my legs the Crowd moved quicker. It was so dark, so hard to see. I looked over my shoulder to see how close… Just a giants height away. I turned back around just in time to run directly into something. I fell to the ground and every thing went silent. I felt someone grab me and jerk me up. I stared with a sneer at my attacker. It was a tall Older Man with a sinister Grin on his face. He was holding me tight to him. No matter how much I struggled I was unable to move. He then opened his jaw wide to reveal razor sharp teeth. His mouth engulfed my head.

I quickly opened my eyes, sweat covering my body. Ling lay close to me. I am grateful for his friendship. It was that dream again. One of these days that dream will no longer scare me. One of these days that man will pay. After I communed with Ling, I sat brooding over the nightmare, and my frustrations grew. I needed to clear my mind. The Rusty Dragon was usually a great place to clear the mind and hear the tales of others.

I entered the Rusty Dragon and was relieved to find my favorite spot open. I sat in the dark corner watching and listening. There seemed to be a lot of talk about Caravans and Goblins with fireworks. Then someone, I believe it was Ameika, said the bounty for Goblin ears was reinstated. Then what looked like a freshly cleaned Qatana spoke up and said she could use the money and asked if anyone wanted to join her. As people started to speak up I decided that it may be a good way for me to clear my mind of last nights dreams.

I spoke up and I guess the soap did more than clean her body, for she did not seem to realize it was me. I guess that is understandable. She began to drill me about where I was from… Would a Nightmare work as an answer, probably not. I told her “North”. Shortly after I was welcomed into the mob of would be Goblin slayers. Ameika Gave us some advise including that we should share our talents with each other. There were 4 Warriors, 2 Clericy types, a wizard and me. The warriors were Sparna a Dwarf with a large weapon, Olmas a Half-elf with great ax and a horse, Anavaru a Human with a bow, and finally Radella with a sword. The “Healers” are Qatana a Human with her heavy flail and Ivan a Male Human with a bow. Kali is our Human Wizard and like me she has a Familiar which is a Raven. Ling didn’t seem to have a problem with them and surprisingly neither did I. We chose to meet at the southern bridge, and all went our separate ways to prepare.

I went straight to the bridge with Ling. If I am prepared I am prepared. If not, oops. I stood staring at the water, the movement, the strength, the adaptability. If something got in its way it would move it or change its path to go around it. If it were completely blocked it would wait and build up for the day it could over take the dam. In most cases it would prevail or work with what it is given. Adapt.

When everyone arrived we began our journey south to the foreboding Brinestone Swamp. It was a nice sunny day. Not my favorite weather but I guess it is good for this sort of thing. We walked for a while and it did not seem like there was much talking going on in the group, certainly not like the mob in my dream, Oh, yes, the dream had stopped bothering me at this time. I think it was focusing on the water that helped. As we entered the Swamp I took a middle position in the group as we walked single file down the Fisherman’s Path.

The Brinestone Swamp was just as I expected. There was a lot of plant growth as well as a lot of decay. It was a perfect contrast. Birth and Death. I spent my time threw the swamp looking paying attention to the foliage but mainly keeping an eye out for movement, specifically Goblins. Apparently these were the Licktoad Goblins. Fascinating name. There was no movement the whole time. We crossed several rickety bridges while following a trail of foot prints. Somewhere along our journey we heard a pig squeal. Must be Dinner time.

After we crossed the last bridge the foot prints changed from one set of human prints to a few sets of prints. One alien and another smaller like that of a child’s. We followed the path that took us to a broken down 2 story shack, which we figured belonged to the Warden that Ameiko told us about. Some of the group knocked on the door and engaged in conversation. I figured they had that under control, thankfully, so I kept an eye on the woods with Sparna. He looked a bit concerned about what was transpiring around in the shack but diligently kept an eye on our surroundings. I am not sure why he was concerned, from the sound of things, I thought every thing was going well. I was then requested to come in and see to a snake bite.

I came in and noticed that the little man seemed shaken up and was suffering from the effects of a poison. I was directed to a room which contained several, what seemed to be, non-agitated vipers. This got me questioning this little man’s situation. When I went back to talk to him to see if I was going to treat him, I noticed he wasn’t right. Something happened with his face. It kind of freaked me out. I tried to encourage a few of my associates to come out and create a plan, but after I created my excuse of getting ingredients for the remedy, things progressed quicker than I thought. I came back in and handed off my Long spear since the little man was in the stairwell and there was no room for me.

The villain was dispatched and we discovered it was a creature that inhabits the swamp, but hates snakes. Shortly after dispatching the creature a secret door was discovered and the actual warden rescued. He opened up his house to us for the night, for which we were grateful. He also gave us information that should help us in our hunt for the goblins. I am now laying down with hopes of a somewhat peaceful sleep.