Scarnettis of Sandpoint

Titus Scarnetti ca 4708

Perhaps Sandpoint's most notorious noble family, many of Sandpoint's elderly Varisian locals still haven't forgotten or forgiven Alamon Scarnetti's assault on their people more than 40 years ago, even with Alamon 20 years in the ground at the Sandpoint Cemetery. 

The Scarnettis of Sandpoint 

Now headed by Alamon's only surviving son Titus (age 45 in M1 4712, 52 in 4719) one of very few Sandpointers to escape the Burning of Sandpoint in M10 4708, the family controls Sandpoint region's mills and the lumber industry.  The Scarnettis are a traditional family, who cling to old Chelish 

Lucia Scarnetti ca 4708

values that are, according to some, outdated today. Titus Scarnetti is married to Lucia Scarnetti (nee Charvos) (age 37 in 4712, 44 in 4719). Younger than him but no less traditional, she usually remains aloof at the new Scarnetti Manor. Lucia reveres Iomedae the Inheritor, former Herald of Aroden and patron demigoddess of her family. 

Lucia Scarnetti: "The Charvos, like the Scarnetti, are old Chelish stock. My ancestors were strong in the faith of Aroden, blessed was His name. We still maintain the old virtues. The Lord of Hell has no hold on *our* hearts. Aroden is gone now, and Cheliax is fallen to Evil, but we do not despair. Here on the wild Varisian frontier, hope yet remains!" She clenches a small pale fist. "To drive back the Darkness and seek a better dawn!"

Titus & Lucia Scarnetti had one surviving child from the sack of Sandpoint, their 15  year old (in 4712) daughter Benta, captured in the sack of Scarnetti manor M10 4708, but ransomed along with Lucia back to Titus a year later, in M10 4709. Her older brothers Dario (then age 16)  and Gradon (then age 14) perished at the blades of Nualia's goblins, who burned Scarnetti manor. Following captivity by the Lamashtu cult, Benta was not believed to be marriageable, causing Titus to seek another heir (in 4715 Benta joined Windsong Abbey as a novice of Saranrae). As of M1 4712 Lucia was pregnant with Titus' fourth child. Some whispered that any child of Lucia will likely be born tainted by the Mother of Monsters...
Pathfinders met Scarnettis 20/7/4712. Scarnetti child born 27/7/4712 - healthy baby boy, Titus Alamon Quillux Scarnetti, delivered by Quillax the Pathfinder. Age 7 in 4719.
Pathfinders visited again 4/6/4713

The Scarnettis are also influential in Magnimar, led by Titus’ cousin Gradon and elderly aunt Urtilia Mendion, Alamon’s sister. 

Scarnetti Manor, Sandpoint

Titus also has two sisters, the elder Amona is married with children in Magnimar. 

Alicia Scarnetti ca 4708-4718 AR

The younger is Titus' baby sister, the shapely and glamorous  Alicia Scarnetti, some twelve years younger than him.  She vanished (29/10/4708 AR - 29/3/2015 AD) in the Sack of Sandpoint, and was believed dead until her unexpected return one year ago (16/2/4718 AR - 30/10/2017 AD) - she claims to have spent the years on another world! Age 40 in 4719, but having missed nearly ten years of Golarion's life (less than 17 months passed on Ghrenrek-4 from late M11 4445 -16/5/4447 BCCC) she now looks much younger, about 30-32. 
Alicia is said to be a woman of easy virtue, having had several notable paramours such as a Kaijitsu scion and the adventurer Lance Harcourt. While away she also developed sorcerous powers (Sorc-5). She also seems to be a Seeress, with the gift of strange visions.


Titus Scarnetti has a notorious liking for his Shoanti 'indenture' girls, and a half dozen Shoanti girls serve at Scarnetti Manor as housemaids, milkmaids, and farm girls.  They typically wear (at most) short dresses of plain unbleached cotton. Titus' long-suffering wife Lucia is said to turn a discrete eye to Titus' 'romantic' shenanigans, as long as they stay firmly outside the villa...

Runelords of the Shattered Star 5e Rules

RUNELORDS OF THE SHATTERED STAR

M1 4712 AR. The ancient empire of the Runelords may be long dead, yet the legacy of Thassilon continues to haunt the frontier realm of Varisia. Shadows of a dark past, the legendary Runelords now stir in their slumbers, and in waking seek to reclaim their lost kingdoms... 
With Korvosa still reeling three years after the curse of the Crimson Throne nearly brought the city to its knees, the people of Varisia fear that the greatest threat to their land has yet to play its hand. When agents of the newest Pathfinder Society lodge in Magnimar learn of a fragmented artifact scattered throughout the lands of old Thassilon, it falls to a new band of heroes to step in and gather up the remaining fragments of this Shattered Star. For if the greatest prize of Thassilon's first ruler cannot save Varisia... what can?


Runelords of the Shattered Star Pathfinder PCs (August 2017)
1. Quillax, human Moon Druidess, founder member
2. Claw, Shoanti Goliath Barbarian, from Hook Mountain region
3. Irizati, Half-Elf Warlock of Alkenstar
4. Yukiko, Eastern Priestess 

PCs absent/retired
1. Sephiria Kaddren the Bladesinger - Judith
2. Neril the Shadow Monk - Francis

Character Generation (5e D&D)
PC Hit Points are at level 1 are maximised. At subsequent levels additional hp are high-average (d10>6).
Attributes use standard Point Buy or the standard array, 15 14 13 12 10 8, arrange as desired. Normal Humans add +1 to every attribute.

Optional Human Racial Modifiers, replace default +1 to every attribute:
Chelish: +1 STR +1 DEX +1 CON +2 INT +0 WIS +1 CHA
Varisian: +0 STR +2 DEX +0 CON +1 INT +1 WIS +2 CHA
Shoanti: +2 STR +1 DEX +2 CON +0 INT +1 WIS +0 CHA
Ulfen: +2 STR +1 DEX +1 CON +1 INT +0 WIS +1 CHA
Mixed Race or Other Human: +1 every attribute
Humans alternately may take the Variant Human option.

Basic system is roll d20 + mods (typically stat bonus plus proficiency mod) vs a target number (eg 10, 15 or 20 for easy, typical, & hard tasks).

Attribute Bonus (STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA)
20: +5
18-19: +4
16-17:+3
14-15: +2
12-13: +1
10-11: +0
8-9: -1

Proficiency Bonus by Level
1-4: +2
5-8: +3
9-12: +4
13-16: +5
17-20: +6

Low (1-4) & Medium (5-10) Level
Level: XP Proficiency
1: 0      +2     (300 to level)
2: 300   +2    (600 to level)
3: 900   +2  (1800 to level)
4: 2700 +2  (3800 to level)
5: 6500 +3  (7500 to level)
6: 14000 +3 (9000 to level)
7: 23000 +3 (11000 to level)
8: 34000 +3 (14000 to level)
9: 48000 +4 (16000 to level)
10: 64000 +4 (21000 to level)

High (11-16) & Epic (17-20) Level
XP  Level Proficiency
85,000 11 +4 (15000 to level)
100,000 12 +4 (20000 to level)
120,000 13 +5 (20000 to level)
140,000 14 +5 (25000 to level)
165,000 15 +5 (30000 to level)
195,000 16 +5 (30000 to level)
225,000 17 +6 (40000 to level)
265,000 18 +6 (40000 to level)
305,000 19 +6 (50000 to level)
355,000 20 +6 (1 Legendary Achievement per Epic Boon)

Experience Points are awarded individually after each session.

Replacement PCs begin with half the XP of the previous PC (eg a level 6 PC with 14000 XP > level 5 PC with 7000 XP > level 4 PC with 3500 XP > level 3 PC with 1750 XP), or at the GM-set Start Level for new PCs, which is related to the overall party level spread, generally no more than about 3 levels between the highest and lowest level PC. A Level 20 PC might be replaced by a newly Epic Tier Level 17 PC with 225,000 XP.

XP Needed to Level & Non-Combat XP Awards (per PC)
Level Minor Standard Major Amazing XP Needed to Level
1        25         50        75     100            300
2        50       100       150     200            600
3        75       150       225     400          1800
4       125      250       375     500          3800
_____________________________________
5       250      500       750    1100         7500
6       300      600       900    1400         9000
7       350      750     1100    1700        11000
8       450      900     1400    2100        14000
9       550    1100     1600    2400        16000
10     600    1200     1900    2800        21000
_____________________________________
11     800    1600     2400    3600        15000
12    1000   2000     3000    4500        20000
13    1100   2200     3400    5100        20000
14    1250   2500     3800    5700        25000
15    1400   2800     4300    6400        30000
16    1600   3200     4800    7200        30000
_____________________________________
17    2000   3900     5900    8800        40000
18    2100   4200     6300    9500        40000
19    2400   4900     7300   10900       50000
20    2800   5700     8500   12700        N/A      

Session Account XP: Level 1-8 as Minor Award above. Level 9 - 550 Level 10 - 600 Level 11 - 650 Level 12 700 Level 13 750 Level 14 800 Level 15 900 Level 16 1000 Level 17 1200 Level 18 1400 and 1600 at level 19. At Level 20 Inspiration is granted instead.

Monster XP awards are standard. Exploration XP is base 100 per PC per discovery, such as a new dungeon level or secret - generally deeper dungeons give more exploration XP. In character session accounts give individual XP, base XP for a full account is the minor/easy encounter column above. A typical expectation is 1-2 sessions per level to 3rd level (6 medium encounters per level), then roughly 5 sessions/20 hours per level at 5-10 (15 medium encounters per level), ca 4 sessions/16 hours per level at 11-20 (10 medium encounters per level).

Advancement at Level 20
 Epic Boons. These require achievement of an Epic Task - "destroy an evil artifact, defeat an ancient dragon, halt an incursion from the outer planes",  A maximum level Adventure Path volume would typically involve at least one such Epic Task. Boons are awarded to epic heroes by the gods or other forces. Typical  Boons include either an attribute boost to attribute of player's choice, +2 to one or +1 to two, to a maximum of 30 (+10)-28 (+9)-26 (+8)-24 (+7)-22 (+6)-20 (+5); or a Feat of the player's choice.

Epic Mastery: PB +7. This may be gained by Heroes at conclusion of a full Adventure Path (some consider such Heroes to be 'Quasi-Deities'). Typical for Rune Lords, Liches, most Ancient Dragons, many Demigods, and the lesser Demon Lords. CR 21-24.
Mythic Mastery: PB +8. The level achieved by the very mightiest of Thassilon's Rune Lords, typically takes at least a thousand years. A typical level for the more powerful Demon Princes, Great Wyrm Dragons, and many Lesser Gods. CR 25-28.
Deific Mastery: PB +9. The highest possible level. Achieved by the strongest entitities in the Multiverse capable of interacting with mortals, such as the dragon goddess Tiamat, many Greater Gods, the great Primordials, and the lesser Old Ones, such as Great Cthulu. CR 29-30.

House Rules

Classes

Rogues may Sneak Attack with any light melee weapon.
Champion Fighters may exchange level 3 improved critical range for: +2 damage with 1-handed weapon (including with off-hand attacks) & +4 damage with 2-handed weapon.

Resting 

1. Short Rest is 1 hour. Maximum 3/day.
2. Overnight Rest of at least 8 hours restores 1 hp/level, and 1 level of Exhaustion. Casters may swap out 1 memorised spell after an overnight rest (but no slots are recovered).
3. Long Rest is 1 week, allows training to level up. Restores Exhaustion. A long rest may include some routine travel at a sedate pace along roads - ca 15-20 miles/day walking, or ca 30-40 miles/day riding - but not hiking through difficult terrain more than ca 10-12 miles. A day with combat or other exertion does not count as resting, but previous days of rest do count towards the total. A ship cabin allows for resting. Resting in squalorous conditions may require a CON save, usually DC 10 (easy) or 15 (moderate), with a failed save extending the rest time required by 1 day, then reroll. A comfortable wilderness campsite with some foraging and hunting of small game does allow for resting.

Firearms
Gunpowder cannons are relatively rare in Varisia, but in recent years are used for city defence in Korvosa and Magnimar, and sometimes on naval vessels. Handguns are much rarer and almost unknown in Varisia, though rumour has it that Cheliax is developing a corps of Handgunners.

Arbalest Heavy Crossbows do double damage dice (ie 2d10, crit 4d10) damage at short range only. They take 2 full actions to load, and a third action to aim & fire. A loaded crossbow may be carried in-hand.

Daggers used for a finishing cut (coup-de-gras) do maximum critical damage (2d4=base 8 damage). As per RAW a character who is holding two daggers, or is holding one with a free hand to draw a second, may throw both in 1 round.

NPC death
NPCs generally receive somewhat more hit points than a PC of equivalent power level. However NPCs taken to 0 hp by sharp weapons or lethal spells are usually dead or mortally wounded, with death within 3 rounds unless magically healed to positive hp. NPCs may potentially be subdued through use of blunt weapons or similar (a 'flat of blade' attack is usually at -2 to hit), in which case they follow the PC dying rules; a weak 5 hit point NPC is still killed by 10 points of subdual damage!

General Class/Level Rules
The maximum level in 5e is 20th, although few mortals exceed 10 hit dice. Advancement beyond 20th is by Epic Boon upon completion of an epic quest or task - no XP is used.

Spellcasting
In the current age the maximum spell level generally accessible by mortals is 9th, though there are ancient legends of more powerful spells, and there may yet be strange realms where such magics may still be employed.
Magic items of Common status are often available in large cities such as Magnimar. Uncommon & rarer status are not routinely available for sale, other perhaps than the scrolls scribed by wizards, although certain powerful individuals may be capable of crafting them, given possession of the requisite exceptional and rare components. A few Uncommon items such as +1 dragonfang daggers (made of dragon scales, 500gp) and even +1 Runecarved Longswords (2300gp) may be acquired by those with the right connections.
Arcanists (Sorceror, Warlock, Wizard) of High Level (11th+) may use the energy focus of their Wizards' Towers (or Sorcerors' Towers etc) to utilise powerful magical rituals such as Golem creation, Portal magic, and even Lichdom.
Divinists (Cleric, Druid) of 11th level and higher within their own Temples or Druid Groves may seek the direct intervention of their deities, and other such miracles.

Force Cage: victims adjacent to the Cage wall when it forms are allowed to use their Reaction to make a DEX save to get out, moving 5' to just outside cage. Caster can still auto-trap people within the 20x20 version, but not quite as many.

Starting magic
Level Starting Gear
Level 1-4: Normal
Level 5-10: Normal gear plus one uncommon magic item plus 600gp
Level 11-14: Normal gear plus two uncommon magic item plus 6000gp
Level 15-16 PCs begin with 6,000gp, 3 uncommon items and 1 rare item.
Level 17-18 PCs begin with 12,000gp, 3 uncommon items, 1 rare item and 1 very rare item.
Level 19-20 PCs begin with 22,000gp, 3 uncommon items, 2 rare items and 1 very rare item.
High level PCs may also have non-miscible assets such as land, castle, temple, noble title etc.

ITEM CRAFTING

Research Formula Time: 10-INT bonus weeks (70 - (INT bonusx7) days

Formula Research Cost or Permanent Item Base Purchase Price, & Crafting Time
Crafting cost is half this amount.
Common: 200gp - 8 days (Level 3)
Uncommon: 1000gp - 20 days (Level 5)
Rare: 5000gp - 40 days (Level 8)
Very Rare: 25000gp - 80 days (Level 11)
Legendary: 125000gp - 160 days (Level 17)

POTION BASE PURCHASE PRICE & crafting time
Crafting cost is half this amount.
Common : 50gp - 2 days (Level 3)
Uncommon: 250gp - 5 days (Level 5)
Rare: 1250gp - 10 days (Level 8)
Very Rare: 6250gp  - 20 days (Level 11)
Legendary: 31250gp - 40 days (Level 17)

Starting Magic Items for Higher Level PCs - Choose or GM rolls d20.

UNCOMMON ITEMS

1. Bag of Holding
Wondrous item, uncommon
This bag has an interior space considerably larger
than its outside dimensions, roughly 2 feet in diameter
at the mouth and 4 feet deep. The bag can hold up to
500 pounds, not exceeding a volume of 64 cubic feet.
The bag weighs 15 pounds, regardless of its contents.
Retrieving an item from the bag requires an action.
If the bag is overloaded, pierced, or torn, it ruptures
and is destroyed, and its contents are scattered in the
Astral Plane. If the bag is turned inside out, its contents
spill forth, unharmed, but the bag must be put right
before it can be used again. Breathing creatures inside
the bag can survive up to a number of minutes equal
to 10 divided by the number of creatures (minimum 1
minute), after which time they begin to suffocate.
Placing a bag of holding inside an extradimensional
space created by a Heward’s handy haversack, portable
hole, or similar item instantly destroys both items and
opens a gate to the Astral Plane. The gate originates
where the one item was placed inside the other. Any
creature within 10 feet of the gate is sucked through it
to a random location on the Astral Plane. The gate then
closes. The gate is one-way only and can’t be reopened.

2. Boots of Striding and Springing
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
While you wear these boots, your walking speed
becomes 30 feet, unless your walking speed is higher,
and your speed isn’t reduced if you are encumbered
or wearing heavy armor. In addition, you can jump
three times the normal distance, though you can’t jump
farther than your remaining movement would allow.

3. Cloak of Elvenkind
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
While you wear this cloak with its hood up, Wisdom
(Perception) checks made to see you have disadvantage,
and you have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks
made to hide, as the cloak’s color shifts to camouflage
you. Pulling the hood up or down requires an action.

4. Gauntlets of Ogre Power
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
Your Strength score is 19 while you wear these
gauntlets. They have no effect on you if your Strength is
already 19 or higher.

5. Gloves of Swimming and Climbing
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
While wearing these gloves, climbing and swimming
don’t cost you extra movement, and you gain a +5 bonus
to Strength (Athletics) checks made to climb or swim.

6. Goggles of Night
Wondrous item, uncommon
While wearing these dark lenses, you have darkvision
out to a range of 60 feet. If you already have darkvision,
wearing the goggles increases its range by 60 feet.

7. Headband of Intellect
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
Your Intelligence score is 19 while you wear this
headband. It has no effect on you if your Intelligence is
already 19 or higher.

8. Keoghtom’s Ointment
Wondrous item, uncommon
This glass jar, 3 inches in diameter, contains 4
doses of a thick mixture that smells faintly of aloe. The
jar and its contents weigh 1/2 pound.
As an action, one dose of the ointment can be
swallowed or applied to the skin. The creature that
receives it regains 2d8 + 2 hit points, ceases to be
poisoned, and is cured of any disease.

9-10. 8 potions of healing
A character who drinks the magical red fluid in this vial regains 2d4 + 2 hit points. Drinking or administering a potion takes an action. Each potion weighs 1/2 pound.

11-13. Spell Scroll of (50%) 1 2nd or 3rd level Spell, (40%) 2 1st level Spells, or (10%) 3 cantrips
Spell Level Rarity Save DC Attack Bonus
Cantrip Common 13 +5
1st Common 13 +5
2nd Uncommon 13 +5
3rd Uncommon 15 +7

14. Wand of Magic Detection
Wand, uncommon
This wand has 3 charges. While holding it, you can
expend 1 charge as an action to cast the detect magic
spell from it. The wand regains 1d3 expended charges
daily at dawn.

15. Wand of Magic Missiles
Wand, uncommon
While you hold this wand, you can use an action to
expend 1 to 3 of its 7 charges to cast the magic missile
spell without using any components. For 1 charge, you
cast the spell as if you used a 1st-level spell slot, and you
increase the spell slot level by one for each additional
charge you spend.
The wand regains 1d6 + 1 expended charges each day
at dawn. However, if you expend the wand’s last charge,
roll a d20. On a 1, the wand crumbles into ashes and
is destroyed.

16-20. Weapon, Rune Weapon +1
Weapon (any), uncommon (+1)
You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with
this rune-carved magic weapon.

RARE+ ITEMS - Choose or GM rolls d20

1-7. +1 armour (any), amulet of armour AC 11, or +1 shield

8. Bracers of Defence (requires Attunement), +2 AC when not using armour or shield.

9. 4 Potions of Flying
When you drink this potion, you gain a flying speed equal to your walking speed for 1 hour and can hover. If you’re in the air when the potion wears off, you fall unless you have some other means of staying aloft. This potion’s clear liquid floats at the top of its container and has cloudy white impurities drifting in it.

10. 4 Potions of Invisibility
This potion’s container looks empty but feels as though it holds liquid. When you drink it, you become invisible for 1 hour. Anything you wear or carry is invisible with you. The effect ends early if you attack or cast a spell.

11. 4 Potions of Vitality
When you drink this potion, it removes any exhaustion you are suffering and cures any disease or poison affecting you. For the next 24 hours, you regain the maximum number of hit points for any Hit Die you spend. The potion’s crimson liquid regularly pulses with dull light, calling to mind a heartbeat.

12. Ring of Evasion
Ring, rare (requires attunement)
This ring has 3 charges, and it regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn. When you fail a Dexterity saving throw while wearing it, you can use your reaction to expend 1 of its charges to succeed on that saving throw instead.

13-14. Ring of Protection
Ring, rare (requires attunement)
You gain a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws while wearing this ring.

15. Ring of Resistance
Ring, rare (requires attunement)
You have resistance to one damage type while wearing this ring. The gem in the ring indicates the type, which the DM chooses or determines randomly.
d10 Damage Type Gem
1 Acid Pearl
2 Cold Tourmaline
3 Fire Garnet
4 Force Sapphire
5 Lightning Citrine
6 Necrotic Jet
7 Poison Amethyst
8 Psychic Jade
9 Radiant Topaz
10 Thunder Spinel

16-20. Spell Scroll
A spell scroll bears the words of a single spell, written in a mystical cipher. If the spell is on your class’s spell list, you can use an action to read the scroll and cast its spell without having to provide any of the spell’s components. Otherwise, the scroll is unintelligible. If the spell is on your class’s spell list, you can read the scroll and cast its spell without providing any material components. Otherwise, the scroll is . Casting the spell by reading the scroll requires the spell’s normal casting time. Once the spell is cast, the words on the scroll fade, and it crumbles to dust. If the casting is interrupted, the scroll is not lost.

If the spell is on your class’s spell list but of a higher level than you can normally cast, you must make an ability check using your spellcasting ability to determine whether you cast it successfully. The DC equals 10 + the spell’s level. On a failed check, the spell disappears from the scroll with no other effect.

Once the spell is cast, the words on the scroll fade, and the scroll itself crumbles to dust.

The level of the spell on the scroll determines the spell’s saving throw DC and attack bonus, as well as the scroll’s rarity, as shown in the Spell Scroll table.

Spell Scroll
d20. Spell Level Rarity Save DC Attack Bonus
1-5   4th Rare 15 +7
6-10. 5th Rare 17 +9
11-14. 6th Very rare 17 +9
15-17. 7th Very rare 18 +10
18-19. 8th Very rare 18 +10
20. 9th Legendary 19 +11
A wizard spell on a spell scroll can be copied just as spells in spellbooks can be copied. When a spell is copied from a spell scroll, the copier must succeed on an Intelligence (Arcana) check with a DC equal to 10 + the spell’s level. If the check succeeds, the spell is successfully copied. Whether the check succeeds or fails, the spell scroll is destroyed.

Southern Varisia Map

ep 1-11 RSS 9-28/11/4710 AR 'Shards of Sin' #1-#11

9/11/4710 AR.
In the bustling port city of Magnimar, a strange artifact is uncovered...
http://www.meetup.com/London-DnD/messages/boards/thread/49331351

1/8/4708 AR: Death of King Eodred Arabasti of Korvosa, his wife the young Ileosa Arabasti becomes Queen.
29/10/4708 AR: Town of Sandpoint east of Magnimar sacked and burned by Goblin hordes led by the Lamashtu champion Nualia. One of the few survivors, the sage Brodert Quink, claims that the attack was linked to the activation under Sandpoint of a 'Rune Well' of ancient Thassilon.
21/1/4709 AR: The tyrant queen Ileosa Arabasti of Korvosa is overthrown by a band of heroes. Tsadok I Arabasti, long-lost grandson of Queen Domina, becomes King of Korvosa.
9/11/4710 AR: Pathfinder Lodge Captain Sheila Heidmarch recruits a band of novice Pathfinders to recover the Shards of Sin...

______________

Shards of Sin PCs
Starting Group
Lerizzle the human-raised Drow Rogue from Magnimar's Underbridge
Quillax the human Moon Druid
Scotty Saldare the Korvosan Ranger

Joiners
Gedout the human Barbarian raised by gnomes
Keenan the Bard.
Ilvain the elf Wizard
Anastasia the Tiefling Warlock

9/11/4710 Session 1 (XP)

Paradox Box opened - 160
2 Pugwampis 25x2=50
Amazing Zograthi Interrogation 50
Fenster the Blight Interrogation 100
2 Varisian Thugs 25x2=50
3 Sewer Goblins with heavy x-bow 50x3=150+50=200
Natalya Vankaskerkin - 100
Goblin Snake - 50
Recover Thassilonian Shard - 120
Total 880

10/11/4710 Session 2

Game start ca 2 am, long rest at Heidmarch Manor, currently mid-afternoon, ca 3pm, in The Crow, one of the Irespan Pilings around 2000' off shore from Underbridge docks.

Quillax & Scotty returning to Heidmarch Manor are accosted by a whip-cracking tower girl accompanied by three docks thugs. She demands the Shard; Quillax is full of Pride and refuses. Battle starts, a new Pathfinder, Keelan, sent from Heidmarch manor appears and aids them, while Quillax turns into a bear!

The group return to Heidmarch Manor; Sheila uses an Ioun stone to cancel the curse on the Shard, and proposes a quest to recover the Seven Shards and reform the Sihedron, the greatest artifact of ancient Thassilon. Quillax can detect the location of the next shard in The Crow, one of the Irespan pilings in the sea off Magnimar.
After a long rest and brunch ca 1pm the trio head to the docks, where they seek aid from the 'Eyes of the Hawk' monument while fire beetles nose around consuming garbage. There they meet Lerizzle, who recruits One Eyed Igor the boatman to row them out to the Crow. He leaves them there. They enter, soon encountering a wererat and human tower girls, killing all three.

21/11/4710 AR: Session 4
The Pathfinders penetrate deep into the Crow, now abandoned by the surviving Tower Girls following the ambush & death of their wererat leader (in Session 3) & a threat from Sheila Heidmarch to make themselves scarce before her 'archaeologists' return... One new recruit, a tiefling warlock, acquires an Aberrant Rat of Unusual Size as her henchmonster, and the group successfully solve the puzzle of the Siccate Doors - they begin to swing open...

21-22/11/4710: Session 5
The group journey down to the next level, battling grey oozes, aberrant bats, giant spiders, befriending a mite... the mite takes them to its leader King Zungga, who charges them with recovering his 'spare crown' and missing pet, 'Clickylegs'. They rest overnight in the mite warrens before proceeding down into dungeon levels beneath the Crow, battling yellow crab spiders and an aberrant Sinspawn. At last they come to an enchanted pool of healing water, where they take a short rest.

Session 6 22/11/4710
The group explore the Thassilonian dungeons beneath the Crow. Scotty returns. Eekum the mite is killed in a battle with giant spiders, much to Gedout's sorrow. Anastasia returns with her aberrant rat. The group battle a swarm of centipedes, defeat and capture Clickylegs - when he is carried back to King Zunga the king fails to recognise the party, orders their death & is swiftly dispatched by Keelan the Bard.
Back down below, the rat encounters and flees from ancient Thassilonian skeletons, only to be shot down by Lerizzle. Continuing explorations, stairs even deeper down are uncovered. Quillax senses that the next Shard is closer now.

Session 7 22-23/11/4710
The group explore the next level down, killing an enormous Larva; Gedout gains an enchanted ranseur. This level seems infested with devils. They kill two nupperibos, return a fire elemental to its home plane, then meet, chat with, and murder an imp who calls himself the Suzerein of Little Erebus, who says there is a portal from Hell around here. They kill several lemures then rest in the Suzerein's lair overnight before continuing, passing the hall of fleshwarping and safely navigating past an ancient fireball trap.

Session 8 23/11/4710
Party kill 5 nupperibos and Quillax-bear breaks down the door of Stink, an unusually intelligent lemure who asks them to kill the 'bullies' - the other devils in the dungeon. They find scrolls of water breathing, a sea exit to Magnimar bay and a glass undersea observation bubble, where they spot a wrecked ship offshore. Swimming out through the kelp beds to the Liza Jane they are attacked by two lobster-like Reefclaws; after a tough fight they loot the ship, finding an enchanted shield, a mithril rapier and a ring inscribed L.B. - Lerizzle recognises it as belonging to the lost fisherman Lockerbie Brast.
Returning to the dungeon, Quillax lights a fire and they feast on delicious roasted Reefclaw (short rest), then continue explorations, meeting imps (Anastasia gaining control of a Nupperibo) and eventually the Accuser Devil Lord Baz, who proves very cooperative, rewards them for slaying the Lord of Little Erebus, and even provides a map of the dungeon level. Further exploration uncovers a key which Quillax uses to wind up a Thassilonian Clockwork Servant discovered earlier - it imprints on her.

Session 9 23-28/11/4710 AR
Advancing deeper into the dungeon past the fleshwarper laboratory, the group are ambushed by a gray ooze & a hell hound from either side. In a bitter battle Ilvain is sore wounded by the fire hound, and Quillax nearly killed by the ooze. Eventually the party pull through, but are sore wounded. They rest and tend their injuries. Proceeding on they reach the pit of the Aquatic Sinspawn, Gedout leads them into battle and they dispatch the fierce brutes, then return to Magnimar at night. Tangling with two veteran guardsmen on the docks (loquacious Garus & silent Max) whose extortion attempt is deterred by mention of the Pathfinder Society, they return to Heidmarch Manor and report back ca 9.30pm.
28/11/4710
After four days (24-27/11) of rest, selling, and purchase of gear, on 28/11 the group return to the dungeons beneath the Crow; it takes about 90 minutes to work their way down to the next level, still unexplored. Quillax senses they are drawing closer to the Shard.
They enter a region of ancient Thassilonian sewer tunnels, and encounter a singing ghoul painting a cistern with painting of Magnimar harbour - it's the famous Lockerbrie Brast! He asks them to return his brooch to his wife, Liza Jane - but don't tell her he's 'alive'. He tells them of derro raiders beyond, seizing people from the city via a tunnel, and dangerous cave morays in the sewers beyond. The group pass him and prepare to battle the morays...

Session 10 28/11/4710 ca 11.30am-12.45pm
The group engage the three cave morays with trepidation, defeating them after a tough fight. Pressing deeper they hear high-pitched voices arguing - Derroes! They try to sneak up on them, but Scotty is a wee bit noisy... Three derro adventurers and their Carrion Golem vs 7 Pathfinders proves a tough battle, but the enemy are defeated, a female derro Atlatia captured, and their prisoners released - Fenster the Blight (charmed & strapped to Atlatia's Bed of Lurve...), One-Eyed Igor, and two Dockway fishwives kidnapped by the derro. Quillax finds herself strangely attracted to the eastern wall of the derro hall...

Session 11 28/11/4710-5/1/4712 AR
The party are still resting and making plans in the derro vault, having located a secret door to cobwebbed stairs, when they are attacked by their leader, Magister Khrysm, and her homonculi. She proves a tough and evasive little bugger, but is eventually defeated. The derro Atlatia fled during the battle. They loot Khrysm's laboratory then head down to the final battle...
Two massive Shriezyx guard the Runeforge and the black adamantine Shard nestled therein. The beasts strike with amazing speed, cutting down Lerizzle and Keelan in moments. Things look grim - but then the mage Ilvain unleashes a massive torrent of fire that kills one Shriezyx and horribly wounds the other. It lunges forward and fells Quillax too, but then Gedout impales it on the ranseur of Alaznist.
With the monsters dead, Keelan seizes the Shard of Greed, Quillax correctly identifying the right Ioun stone to negate its Curse (which would be bad) and the party with the four rescued captives take the long secret passage back into Magnimar's sewers, emerging in Dockway just after nightfall (about 5pm). On a quiet street they hear a cry for help, and rescue the aristocrat Aldern Foxglove from Wreckwash Blade muggers, Quillax turns into a bear and kills the leader, Gloria. Two flee, one is captured. Gedout summons the city guardsmen Garus & Max, who prove as helpful as usual... Eventually Ilvain and Keelan use magic and persuasion on them to send them down into the sewers to the derro lair, while Quillaz seals the manhole cover shut! The captured Wreckwash blade sneaked away. Aldern gives them 1pp each in thanks. The group escort Aldern Foxglove to a dockside tavern and question him. He is not very forthcoming, but a doxy tells them he's been looking for a particular someone in Dockside to buy something - a potion?  Eventually he takes umbrage at the questioning and leaves in a huff.
Back at Heidmarch Manor ca 8pm, Sheila is grateful for their efforts, and word is sent to the Lord Mayor's office - he sends a reward of 50gp each for their solving the mystery of the disappearances. Gedout is given the Shard, he can only see a vague image of marshlands... it will be over a year before the proper rituals are mastered and the location of the next Shard is revealed (2/1/4712 AR), in the Lady's Light tower at the SW tip of the Mushfens... Meanwhile the heroes can attend to daily business, and complete their Pathfinder training.

...Sadly Sheila Heidmarch is keeping the whole 'have acquired bits of Thassilon's greatest artifact' thing under wraps until you can get the whole set and reforge the Sihedron - she doesn't want bad guys getting wind of this - so your exploits won't feature in the Pathfinder Journal yet, but rest assured your friendly Venture Captain is sending confidential reports back to the Grand Lodge in Absalom, and one day you'll be famous. biggrin Sheila believes you found a Runeforge beneath the Crow that can be used to reforge the entire Sihedron, and is working with the renowned Thassilonian expert the scholar-mage Brodert Quink, late of Sandpoint, to research the ritual that might accomplish this.



Pathfinder Training (400 days Downtime) - choose one of:
+1 to any one Attribute
Proficiency in any one Skill
Learn two new Languages (eg Thassilonian, Necril, Draconic, Diabolic) or two Tool Proficiencies (or one of each).

M1 4712 AR. The ancient empire of the Runelords may be long dead, yet the legacy of Thassilon continues to haunt the frontier realm of Varisia. Shadows of a dark past, the legendary Runelords now stir in their slumbers, and in waking seek to reclaim their lost kingdoms... 
With Korvosa still reeling three years after the curse of the Crimson Throne nearly brought the city to its knees, the people of Varisia fear that the greatest threat to their land has yet to play its hand. When agents of the newest Pathfinder Society lodge in Magnimar learn of a fragmented artifact scattered throughout the lands of old Thassilon, it falls to a new band of heroes to step in and gather up the remaining fragments of this Shattered Star. For if the greatest prize of Thassilon's first ruler cannot save Varisia... what can?

Runelords of the Shattered Star Players
1. Judith (from Crimson Throne game)
2. Rebekah
3. Keelia
4. Joe B.
5. Jack
6. Francis (from Crimson Throne game)

Runelords of the Shattered Star PCs
1. Quillax the human Moon Druid
2. Keenan the half-elf Bard
3. Gedout the human Barbarian raised by gnomes
4. Anastasia the Tiefling Warlock
5. Bladesinger
6. Shadow Monk

Session 34 21/1/4709+ AR - Downfall

Tsadok's draw from the Harrow Deck of Many Things reveals that he is the true King of Korvosa, grandson of Queen Domina the Usurper and heir to the Arabasti line.

Vemi Tsadok Kaz and Naglatha ascend to the top of the Sunken Queen to face Ileosa in the floating Pool of Blood, accompanied by an enlarged Megrim, Laori Vaus, and summoned angels. Ileosa sends forth three dread wraiths, six simulucra of herself, her four elite erinyes, and six barbed devils from the pool before joining in herself, but her forces fall in droves, Naglatha's barbs downing many. Kaz is badly wounded by her adamantine dancing fan, but eventually Ileosa is overcome by the power of Serithtiel. Marie/Marius takes the Crown of Fangs and Tsadok smashes it with his hammer, as Serithtiel ends Ileosa's reign forever. The pool starts to form into the body of the great wyrm Kazavon, the sight stuns Laori. Vemi retreats, but Naglatha plunges Serithtiel into the forming dragon's skull and it explodes in a flash of blinding light. The pool scatters, falling dormant. Laori asks for the Fangs, but Naglatha gives her six seconds to leave, or die. She complies.

Back in Korvosa, Neolandus Kalepopolis has discovered Tsadok's lineage, the council of nobles unites to beseech him to take the throne and he accepts. Neolandus appoints Naglatha leader of the reformed Sable Company, and Naglatha seeks Wings of Flying for her wolf companion Megrim. Toff Ornelos, the sinister leader of the Acadamae, agrees to enchant wings of flying for Megrim, having recently acquired some left-over Horned Devil wings from the massacre in Castle Korvosa. Megrim looks like being one odd-looking bird...
She sends word east to Lastwall; the Church of Iomedae notifies her they are sending a party to recover the Fangs for safekeeping.
Tsadok, aware of the supposed Curse of the Crimson Throne - that no sitting monarch of Korvosa has sired progeny - determines to secure his lineage prior to his coronation. Marshall Cressida Croft graciously declines an offer to aid his efforts...
Kaz Anders prevails upon the new King Tsadok I Arabasti to appoint an elected Assembly of Commoners, bringing the long-sought-for democratic element to Korvosan governance.
Of Vemi Diaquani, Initiate of Zon-Kuthon, there is no sign.

XP
3 Dread Wraiths CR 10 xp 9600x3=28800
6 Ileosa Simulacra CR 7 xp 3200x6=19200
6 Bearded Devils CR 5 xp 1600x6=9600
4 Elite Erinyes CR 11 xp 12800x4=51200
Ileosa Arabasti CR 18 xp 153600
Dispelling Kazavon CR 15 xp 51200
Total 313600/4=78400 + 446384=524,784
635,000 for Level 15

"And that, dear children, is how we all defeated nasty Queen Ileosa, and served the Midnight Lord's will. The End."

Session 33 RL14 21/1//4709 Into The Sunken Queen

20/1/4709
Check contacts for available magic items.
Vemi checks on political situation - the Peerage Review looks likely to agree with Neolandus Kalepopolis, and appoint Marshall Croft the new Monarch.

21/1/4709 - morning
Greater Teleport to the Sunken Queen...
Draw from Harrow Deck of Many Things, causing an Earthquake, sundry disasters (aargh!), and much hairiness: 8,530
6 Boggard Champions CR 8 xp 4800x6=28,800
Beirawash the Gargantuan Devilfish CR 14 xp 38,400
Exploration & Negotiation with Erinyes 19,200
Total: 94930/3= 31,643 each

31,643+414,741=446384
445,000 for Level 14
LEVEL 14 REACHED
635,000 for Level 15

Session 32 19-20/1/4709 Dungeon Delving

Akaruzug Construct CR 13 XP 25,600
Thassilonian Dessication Pulse trap CR 10 XP 9600
Salt Zombie Bodaks CR 7x4 XP 3200x4=12800
Uncover Ileosa's Secrets CR 13 XP 25,600
Total: 73600/4= 18400 each

18,400+396,341=414,741
445,000 for Level 14

Session 31 18-19/1/4709 Simula-Queen

Octopoid 'Battle' in Throneroom

10 Gray Maidens - 1 killed 9 surrender: CR7x10=32000
3 Nessian Warhounds - 2 killed 1 rolls over: CR9x3=19200
Mavrokeras the Malebranche Devil, killed by Naglatha: CR 16 =76800
Queen Ileosa Simulcrum destroyed: CR 7 =3200
Total: 131200

Red Mantis Assassins leave
8 Red Mantis CR 7x8=25600
Mistress Kayltanya CR 14 38400
Total: 64000

Combat XP 195200/4= 48800 each
Korvosa liberated bonus +6400 each
Total: 55200+341,141=396,341
445,000 for Level 14

Session 30 RL13 18/1/4709 Devil Fortress Inferno

Barely has the initial battle ended and Vemi had a quick scan of Togomor's chamber, than Naglatha & Megrim arrive, followed by the angry Malebranche devil and his summoned barbed devils. At the same time a guardroom door opens and out come four newly-clad Gray Maidens. Kaz tosses Nagltha Serithtiel while Tsadok holds off the Maidens. The battle rages, the Horned Devil is sore wounded by Serithtiel and forced to withdraw. Kaz blocks the stairs down with a Wall of Ice, but soon six Erinyes teleport in all over the fortress level. Vemi's devotion to Zon-Kuthon protects him from their Unholy Blight. Naglatha fights like a fury, cutting down numerous mighty devils.
Eventually but one Gray Maiden still stands, yelling "For Ileosa & Korvosa" she strikes a mighty blow that fells Naglatha before she herself dies. Naglatha is saved by Vemi & Tsadok. The group are left standing amidst mounds of Gray Maiden and Devil corpses scattered through the first floor of the fortress.
The group search Togomor's room for his hidden stash then head upstairs to the Throne Chamber, where Queen Ileosa awaits accompanied by Gray Maidens, three Nessian Warhounds, and freshly healed Horned Devil. She commands the heroes to leave Korvosa...

XP
3 Barbed Devils CR 11 XP 12800x3=38400
Horned Devil driven off CR 16/2 XP 76800/2=38400
6 Erinyes CR 9 XP 6400x6=38400
4 Gray Maidens CR 7 XP 3200x4=12800
Total: 128000/3.5=36571 each

36,571+304,570=341,141
315,000 for Level 13
LEVEL 13 REACHED
445,000 for Level 14

Serithtial

Source Artifacts and Legends pg. 61 (Amazon), Pathfinder #11: Skeletons of Scarwell pg. 56 (Amazon)
Aura strong abjuration CL 17th
Slot none; Price —; Weight 5 lbs.

Statistics

Alignment LG; Ego 14
Senses 60 ft.
Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 13
Communication empathy
Dedicated Powers wielder gains death ward and freedom of movement against attacks and effects from followers of Zon-Kuthon
Special Purpose defeat followers of Zon-Kuthon
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 17th; concentration +18)
3/day - cure moderate wounds, zone of truth (DC 13)

Description

Serithtial is a +4 holy Zon-Kuthon bane bastard sword used in several crusades from Cheliax against Nidal, and finally used by the hero Mandraivus in his assault on Scarwall. Although made of steel, Serithtial is treated as being made of both cold iron and silver for the purposes of overcoming damage reduction. Serithtial glows with the equivalent of continual flame, but her wielder can extinguish or ignite this glow as a move action. In addition, the weapon gains a further +2 enhancement bonus and deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against foes who serve or worship Zon-Kuthon.

Destruction

Serithtial can only be destroyed if Kazavon—restored to life—or a great wyrm shadow dragon worshiper of Zon- Kuthon uses its breath weapon on the blade while it is unattended.

Session 29 18/1/4709 Assault on Castle Korvosa

06:15: In town, PCs Tsadok Vemi & Kaz are joined by two more rebel heroes, Bowfinger & Captain Hogan while Naglatha & Megrim go off to distract the local guard forces from the area. Encounter Sabina Merrin riding black dragon, she distracts her own mount, which is killed, and surrenders to the PCs, who take her back to the rebel base for questioning. She joins the rebellion.

Afternoon: Sabina, Vencarlo Orisini & co go to free the Gray Maiden prisoners from under Longacre Building and raise a ruckus while the PCs assault Castle Korvosa by air, evade a horned devil and enter the building, battling numerous devils and some sleepy Gray Maidens. The hideous abomination commanding the defenders phases in and tries to steal Serithtiel, but is slain, freeing the Bloatmage Togomor. Togomor weeps with gratitude and thanks Vemi - who kills him anyway.

Black dragon Zarmangarof: CR 11 12800
Evade Horned Devil: CR 12 xp 19200
4 Gray Maidens: CR 7 xp 3200x4=12800
3 Barbed Devils,  2 killed, 1 fled: CR 11 xp 12800x3= 38400
4 summoned bearded devils: CR 5 XP 1600x4=6400
Togomor: CR 13 XP 25600
Belier Devil (Bdellavitra): CR 15 XP 51200

Total: 166400/5=33280 each.

33280+271,290=304,570
315,000 for Level 13

Session 28: 2/1-18/1/4709 AR Return to Korvosa

2/1/4709: Leave Scarwall, head for Kaer Maga.
3-15/1: Resting and commissioning in Kaer Maga. Rumours from Korvosa - the Church of Asmodeus is taking vials of blood from the citizenry.
15/1: Vemi receives a dream message from Vencarlo Orisini in his sleep.
16/1: Final preparations. Vemi refuses a Caulborn's offer to take his painful memories.
17/1: Travel to Korvosa by teleport, accidentally arrive in the mountains to the east. Teleport again, arrive at dusk south of the city. D-door into Gray District. Meet with Cressida Croft, Vencarlo Orisini & co beneath Temple of Pharasma (to 8pm).
Vemi & Tsadok rest while Naglatha & Kaz explore the docks district with Marie and reduced-size Megrim. Encounter a bar brawl with Sczarni, then Trifaccia the 'champion' who turns out to be an efreet, defeat him, he has lots of nice gear. After half an hour drinking in the bar, exit & realise a dragon rider is approaching. Black dragon lands, ridden by the Commander of the Gray Maidens - Kaz & co D-Door to Gaedren Lamm's old fishery (10.20pm). Sneak back to Gray District around midnight.
18/1: Group leaves Gray District ca 5am, hear a Gray Maiden dawn raid led by newly-raised Oriana. Attack as they try to haul off a girl from near the tavern - Oriana & 2 maidens killed, 2 captured, 2 escape. 2 Red Mantis attack Kaz, 1 is killed the other flees, chased by Tsadok.
6am - With the enemy alerted, the group waits for the dragon to show...

XP
Rendezvous with Cressida & co CR 10 - 9600
Defeat Trifaccia CR 14 - 38400
Evade black dragon CR 9 - 6400
Defeat 7 Gray Maidens CR 7, 2 Red Mantis CR 7 - 3200x9= 28800
Total 83200/4=20800 each

20800+250,490=271,290
315,000 for Level 13

Session 27 RL12 31/12/4708-2/1/4709 End of the Curse of Scarwall

XP
Kleestad the Traitor, gargantuan worm-thing, & recovering Serithtiel CR 15 XP 51,200
Bishop Zev Ravenka, Demilich CR 14 XP 38400
Mithrodar, chained spirit CR 13 XP 25600
5 Spectres CR 6 XP 2400x6=14400
Lifting the Curse of Scarwall CR 14 XP 38400
Total: 168,000/4=42,000

XP: 42,000+208,490=250,490

220,000 for Level 12
LEVEL 12 REACHED
315,000 for Level 13

Session 26 30-31/12/4708 Gugs Defeated! Serithtial, Sword of Mandraivus, in View!

XP
30/12/4708
5 Spectres CR7 XP 3200x5=16000
Prelate Aruth CR 10 XP 9600
Locating Secret Door to Star Tower 5000
(Rest overnight undisturbed in the Star Tower.)

31/12/4708
4 Gugs CR 10 XP 9600x4=38400
Total: 69,000/4.5=15,333

15,333+193,157=208,490

220,000 for Level 12

Session 25 29-30/12/4708 Castothrane & Danse Macabe

After destroying its Devil guardians, the group loot Kazavon's Throne Tower of much loot and retire to the Orc-Held Outer Bastion to rest. Laori Vaus discovers that by wearing a golden circlet looted from the hoard she can see through the eyes of Castothrane, a Skeleton Warrior and Soul Anchor who guards the Gatehouse's battlements accompanied by two more skeleton fighters.

30/12/4708.
The group make an air assault on Castothrane and his 'men', facing only moderate resistance as Kaz's ankylosauri crush the undead champion into the wall, and Megrim finishes him. With Castothrane's demise his soul is released to whatever hell awaits him. The Dimensional Anchor over Scarwall fades for a moment, and hundreds of souls escape into the morning sky (including a powerful Dread Wraith), though thousands more doubtless remain trapped within the walls as the Anchor swiftly returns.

Next they proceed to Kazavon's ballroom at the west end of the castle, save Laori Vaus from an unfortunate incident with a cursed statue of Kazavon, subdue the Danse Macabre in the dance hall, and loot the corpse of a tortured knight buried beneath the ballroom floor. They locate the secret door by which Mandraivus' band entered Scarwall, and collect the platinum coin he dropped there for luck more than 600 years ago - it could be worth 200gp to the right collector!

Finally the group decide to assault the Donjon, where resides the Temple of Zon-Kuthon, Unholy of Unholies. Getting in and out proves problematic, twin powerful Forbbidance rituals shield the place, but the half-orc Shaman manages to Dispel the ward against entry by the non-evil. Laori is blasted by the Forbiddance that bars exit to the non-good. After ritually cutting and cleansing herself in the anteroom, she curls up by the pool for a nice sleep.

XP.
Castothrane CR 11 - 12800
2 Skeletal Serjeants CR 9x2 - 12800
Breaking the Third Anchor 6400
Free Laori Vaus from the curse CR 6 - 2400
Subdue Danse Macabre CR 13/2 (remainder if destroyed) - 12800
Enter the Donjon: CR 11 - 12800
Total: 60000/6=10000 each

10000+183,157=193,157
220,000 for Level 12

Session 24 21-29/12/4708 Crawling Scarwall

Laori Vaus on a good hair day

21/12/4708
Kaz has dinner with the Freemen, who talk with him about goings-on in Korvosa. Ileosa's grip tightens as she allies firmly with the devil-summoning Acadamae. She has increased grain tributes from the outlands, causing shortages in Kaer Maga. The Freemen speculate that she may be preparing for war against someone.

Naglatha is anointed as a Champion of Pharasma in the Godsmouth Ossuary. Boon: Naglatha may add Deathwatch to her list of 1st level Ranger spells. She may eventually add Death Ward to her list of 4th level Ranger spells (so useable at 13th or 14th level).

Jareth has met a friendly half-orc priest in Kaer Maga, Tsadok by name, who is willing to join the party.

28/12/4708 AR
After a week of rest and shopping, Vemi is nearly recovered from his death, when he receives a Sending from Laori Vaus beseeching his aid. Apparently the rest of her party have been eaten by Gugs in the Underdark beneath Scarwall, unless Shadowcount Sial was able to Word of Recall back to his Sanctuary in Nidal - Laori didn't see.

That evening Vemi Shadow Walks the party back towards Scarwall.

29/12/4708 AR
The group arrive at the Scarwall Bastion 3 hours before dawn, to find it held by Deadwatcher Orcs, who menace them with bows, but are successfully cowed by Tsadok.  The party spot a bedraggled Laori Vaus hiding behind a nearby rock. Vemi brings up a Tiny Hut to rest and plan.
Laori tells them that the undead Castellan Mithrodar, current lord of Scarwall, was persuaded by Shadowcount Sial to open the Warding on the Star Tower. The Brotherhood of Bones spent much of the week clearing out most of the gargoyles, before the Brotherhood Airwalked up to the Star Tower's entrance, Sial opened the final Seal, and they descended deep into the depths. She says she saw the glimmer of Serithtiel on an Underdark lake island - right before the Gugs struck.

Towards dawn a patrol of 5 orcs return to the Bastion, bringing their strength to 12.

Late morning and the party are rested and ready to set out. Laori wants to strike immediately at the Star Tower, where the rest of her group perished. Vemi rejects her suggestion - there is more pain and suffering to be had through first clearing Mithrodar's spirit anchors from Scarwall. By the end of Vemi's oration Laori Vaus is persuaded that he has special insight into the mind of the Midnight Lord, falling at his feet in awe.

The group pass through an honour guard of Deadwatcher Orcs at the Bastion and decide to start with whatever abomination bars the way through the Outer Keep - it proves to be a Corpse Orgy, an aberrant collection of bodies, easily destroyed by Kaz Ander's summoned tiger spirit.
The group enter the War Tower, locate and destroy an orc zombie that was once Kazavon's lieutenant General Gorstav. Much tedious searching of empty rooms ensues. The group work their way up spiral stairs to a cupola, where they find and destroy a gargoyle - but this alerts devil guardians of the heights, plus the few remaining gargoyles. A brutal fight ensues against two bone devils, three gargoyles, and Nihal, a powerful Ashmede Devil and one of Mithrodar's Spirit Anchors - Laori is wounded, but at length all foes are destroyed.

XP
Kaer Maga CR 7 XP 3200
Orc Negotiations CR 10 9600
Corpse Orgy CR 12 19200
General Gorstav CR 12 XP 19200
4 Gargoyle Brutes CR 6 2400x4=9600
Nihil CR 12 19200
2 Bone Devils CR 9 6400x2=12800
Total 92,800/5 = 18,560

18560+164597=183,157
220,000 for Level 12

Ashmede Devil

Session 23 19-21/12/4708 RL11 Vemi Dead & Reborn

19/12/4708

Group confer with the Brotherhood of Bones. It's decided that rather than Sial's plan to assault the Star Tower, the PCs will take out the Umbral Dragon while the Brotherhood of Bones explore the West Wing and deal with any reinforcements. Rest overnight in Count Sial's Bone Tower.

20/12/4708

At dawn, re-enter Castle Scarwall and enter the old stable block, lair of Belshazam the Umbral Dragon. A terrible foe, he slays Vemi Diaquani, but not even the aid of Nessian Warhounds can prevent his defeat. Kaz takes his head, and Megrim kills the last hellhound as it flees. The group withdraw, Naglatha taking Vemi's body. and confer with the Brotherhood back at the gatehouse.

That afternoon Naglatha Kaz & Jareth the monk re-enter the Castle to seize the dragon's treasure. Naglatha has a plan to put Vemi's soul into one of the Night Hag's soul jars, hopefully before it can be drawn into Scarwall. Kaz manages to get Vemi jarred at the second attempt, the first soul likely a hound or possibly Belshazam. Exiting the stables, gargoyle brutes swoop down, but the group evade them and escape.

Back at the gatehouse as night falls, Sial & Laori Vaus kindly offer to reanimate Vemi as an undead thrall of Kazavon, but Naglatha has a better idea. Using a Shadow Walk scroll they return to Kaer Maga, spotting Durnhelm's spirit now among the Shoanti shade guardians on Varisia's frontier.  

21/12/4708

Naglatha visits the Church of Pharasma, where she is regarded as a champion of the goddess. The priests successfully Raise Vemi.

XP
Persuade Count Sial to change plans CR 8 = 4800
Defeat Belshazzam, adult Umbral dragon CR 14= 38400
3 Nessian Hellhounds CR 9 x3= 6400x3= 19200
Escape 5 Gargoyle Brutes CR6x5=2400x5=12000/2=6000
Raise Vemi CR 10=9600
Total: 78000/4=19500 each

145097 + 19500 = 164597
Need 155,000 for level 11.
LEVEL 11 Reached
Need 220,000 for level 12.

Session 22 18-19/12/4708 Vemi joins the Brotherhood of Bones

18/2/4708 afternoon.
#8 Castle Kitchens
Crematory Blast CR 8 xp 4800
2 Cinder Ghouls CR 6 xp 2400x2=4800
#6 Porters' Hall - 5 Minotaur Skeletons CR 5 xp 1600x5=8000
#7 Malatrothe the Night Hag uncovered & killed CR 9 xp 6400

19/2/4708 pre-dawn:
Barbican - Naglatha deters orc visitors after they kill Durnhelm. CR 5 xp 1600x14=22400/2=11200
Total: 35200/5= 7040 each.

Vemi joins the faith of Zon-Kuthon and is inducted in the Bone Tower.

Session XP
7040+138,057 = 145097 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 21 18/12/4708 Mandraivus

After clearing the Barbican the group explore the upper floor of Scarwall, battling skeleton patrol, zombie servants and flee powerful wraith. Descending to the ground level they encounter the wraith of Mandraivus amidst a vortex of madness and defeat him, taking the hero's celestial armour.

XP
Minotaur skeleton 1600
12 skeleton warriors 7200
13 zombies 2600
Flee Dread Wraith 12800
Allip Vortex 4800
Defeat Mandraivus 25600
Total 58600/4=14650 each

14,650 + 123,407=  138,057 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 20 18/12/4708 Entering Scarwall

The group camp overnight in the Bastion ruins while the Brotherhood of Bones retire to the Tower of Bone. Next morning they are joined by a mysterious half-orc Monk of Irori, sent by Lastwall to investigate rumours of increased activity around Scarwall.
The group scout the area, noting vast serpentine forms in the black lake, and cross the bridge. A force of skeletons venture out from the castle, but are swiftly dispatched. Entering the gate house the party face stiff resistance from skeletal minotaurs firing giant arbalests, the battle rages for some time until Kaz's summoned ankylosaurus breaks through and the defenders are overrun.

XP
Sgt Lashton, skeletal Ftr-9 CR 8 xp 4800
Skeletal Nightmare CR 5 xp 1600
16 Skeleton warriors CR 2 xp 600x16=9600
8 Scarwall Guard skeleton minotaurs CR 5 xp 1600x8=12800
Total: 28800/5=5760 each

5760+117647= 123,407 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 19 15-17/12/4708 To Scarwall

15/12/4708

PCs head north & east across the Cinderlands, sleeping in a shallow cave on the edge of the Mindspin Mountains.

16/12/4708

Wake to snow blowing into the cave. Vemi Diaquani creates a Shadow Road through the Shadowlands to speed the journey... On the way they encounter ghost Shoanti who warn them to detour round a ruin ahead filled with ghostly orcs. They pass it safely, but Kaz has the group investigate a huge thorn tree just off the road - with disastous results. Barely escaping the wraith & spectral hordes of Zon-Kuthon they flee back into the real world, where the thorn tree's real analogue glares at them menacingly. They trek north a few miles in bitter weather and sleep overnight in an enchanted hut created by Vemi.

17/12/4708

The day dawns cold, but bright and clear. The heights of Scarwall can be glimpsed now, only a dozen miles away at the eastern edge of the Kodar mountains. Heading uphill the group are nearing Scarwall when they attacked by a ferocious Gug, which injures Durnhelm before Marie rips it apart. The Brotherhood of Bones arrive and greet them, escorting them to Sial's Tower of Bone (concealed in a welcoming ravine) for a rest. Then the group ascend the ridgeline to catch their first glimpse of Castle Scarwall, vast and sinister, rising from the mists of a caldera lake.
Consulting with the Brotherhood, the group decide to take the Barbican that guards the high walkway over the lake from the orcs lairing there. Seven orc warriors, apparently set there to guard against the forces of Kazavon, prove no match for the heroes. Seeing that the spell upon Scarwall does not affect the Barbican and that the orcs were apparently left alone by the undead, the group decide it should make a good campsite.

XP
Travel to Scarwall, encounter with Shoanti Ghosts - CR 9 XP 6400
Fleeing the Tree of Death - CR 10 XP 9600
Gug battle - CR 9 XP 6400
Battle at the Barbican:
6 Orc Fighters CR 5 XP 1600x6= 9600
Ury Sevenskulls, Orc Barbarian CR 8 XP 4800
Total: 36800/4=9200

9200+108447=117647 XP
Need 155,000 for level 11.

Session 18 15/12/4708 RL10 Leaving Kaer Maga

Leaving Kaer Maga heading north along the riverside the PCs are scryed, and soon attacked by a force of Gray Maidens, Red Mantis, Ashwing Gargoyles, and the mysterious Cinderlander. They kill most of their foes, capture the Cinderlander and strip him of gear, then continue north.

XP: 17,600 XP each, = 108,447 XP and 10th level.