Saturday, 12 January 2019

ep 65 12/4/4719 Sins of the Saviours #1 - The Sandpoint Sinkhole (1880 XP)


   

8:29am  2019-1-12 Smon Has entered the room
DESTROYERBILL: yeah its not
Smon: Hi James
JamesDevil: the meetibgs i get stuck in involved in taken 2 hours and achieve nothing
JamesDevil: Morning Simon
8:31am  2019-1-12 joriandrake Has entered the room
8:31am  2019-1-12 Keelia Has entered the room
DESTROYERBILL: hello jorian
8:31am  2019-1-12 sandor sunneson Has entered the room
joriandrake: hello
JamesDevil: Morning
sandor sunneson: Morning all
Keelia: hey everyone
Smon: Morning Jorian & Fergus & Keelia!
Smon: Excellent timing
DESTROYERBILL: oh my god everyone is hear on time
DESTROYERBILL: moring all
sandor sunneson: I'm dissapointed to see the amended arrows of slaying don't kill upon impact anymore.
DESTROYERBILL: we have 3 barbs 1 druid and a wizard
DESTROYERBILL: 19,17,17,16,15
Smon: GM: Reckon I'll start with Prince Sandor & Lord Shieldbiter & Jorian's PC Drakhaien, Elf Rogue-16 then bring in Lady Quillax & Lord Claw.
JamesDevil: whos 19?
DESTROYERBILL: me ive been playing alot off line in small quests
Smon: Bill's PC will have dimensional instability as I only have him for half the sessions so he'll level up slower.  GM: Everyone ready?
joriandrake: (I woke up in time a half hour ago, then I almost fell back into sleep to miss session)
Smon: Campaign page w maps http://smonscurseofthecrimsonthrone.blogspot.com/2019/01/rise-of-runelords-4719-ar.html
JamesDevil: Lord Claw says yes Simon
joriandrake: (brb I go down for coffee)
Smon: Scarnettis of Sandpoint page - http://smonscurseofthecrimsonthrone.blogspot.com/2019/01/rise-of-runelords-4719-ar.html
DESTROYERBILL: weill so its 3 barbs 1 druid and 1rager no wizard
joriandrake: back
Smon: GM: Morning, 12/4/4719. The Old Druid Stones in the woods south of Sandpoint. The circle of standing-stones, rune-carved and ancient, crackle with blue fire. Standing just outside the circle, Alicia Scarnetti holds aloft the dark summon-stone, coruscating with blue flame. Beside her stands the cowled figure of the elven Rogue Drakhaien, purveyor of the artifact.
Smon: Called from across the Interdimensional Void, the time-lost Prince Sandor of Mystara and Lord Shieldbiter of Hara tumble down an endless tunnel of blue flame, each in sight of the other.
Keelia: strange how much I remember of that map after almost 18 months!
sandor sunneson: that's a good description Simon, time lost
Smon: Suddenly with a final flash they plummet out and land prone together within the druid-stone circle. As the blue flame around them fades they see two robed figures just beyond the circle - a male Elf and a familiar human female.
JamesDevil: quick, attack them while they are prone!
sandor sunneson: Sandor jumps up, flame sword at the ready as he's unsure of what is happening, reminds him of being cast away from his home to a cave in the middle of nowhere
Smon: They recognise (vaguely) the shapely & glamorous dark-haired figure of Alicia Scarnetti, formerly the paramour of Hakeem's friend Rey (RIP), said to be a minor sorceress. She is said to have been returned to her home world well over a year ago.
sandor sunneson: Miss Scarnetti I believe, not expecting to see you hear Sandor says
Smon: Alicia looks a little disappointed as Sandor leaps to his feet, brandishing the flaming blade. "I was hoping for Hakeem *sigh*."
Keelia: (oooh, burn)
joriandrake: "Well, I've done as asked, no return policy" the elf says to Alicia
DESTROYERBILL: i get up and say 'what just happand '
JamesDevil: you died
DESTROYERBILL: what do you want with us
Smon: Alicia nods, stepping forward. "Thank you Drakhaien." She adjusts her scarlet dress to show more cleavage and smiles at Sandor and Shieldbiter. "The ancient magics have summoned you both. My world - all worlds - are in terrible danger! The Rune-Lords are rising again!"
sandor sunneson: Sandor on seeing familiar faces puts his sword awat
Smon: "Will you aid us?" She asks beseechingly.
DESTROYERBILL: you dear summon me i just got back to my family after an expidition lasting two weeks
sandor sunneson: It will be a nice change from aiding Ahyf, so happy to do so
DESTROYERBILL: ill help becouse the dragon lords told me to
Smon: Alicia smiles to Sandor. "My thanks." She turns to Shieldbiter. "I am sorry great lord Shieldbiter - fate has chosen you for this task. I had no control of who would come."
Smon: "Yes, the Dragon Lords."
DESTROYERBILL: the dragon lords did becouse i am there champoin
Smon: Alicia: "I have heard the tale of how they sent you to aid Lady Quillax and Lord Claw defeat the evil Mukmurian at Jorgenfist, years ago."
DESTROYERBILL: i did but whats it matter to you and how do you know about that wait have we been sent back to that place
joriandrake: Drakhaien, the elf beside her observes the newcomers
Smon: She brightens. "My brother Lord Titus has summoned Quillax and Claw to our manor, just north of here. They should be arriving soon, I hope. A strange pit has formed in Sandpoint, unearthly howls emanate from within and none who have entered have returned..."
JamesDevil: err,Bill that sentence maded no sense
sandor sunneson: We shall be the first to return then.
sandor sunneson: Sandor looks at SB in a confused way but nods agreeing with him even though he didn't understand what was being said.
DESTROYERBILL: 'okay we will come to your manor'
Smon: GM OOC: OK will switch to Claw & Quillax at Scarnettti manor now
sandor sunneson: well played GM, well played
Keelia: Quillax meanwhile struggles not to laugh as she explains to Claw the story of Clank and his companion and the problem with the newbie adventurers.
Keelia: "They had no idea what to do with the book!" she chortles
Keelia: 
JamesDevil: Claw smiles responds "gods i miss clank, where is he anyway?"
JamesDevil: "and also do robot has a gender?"
JamesDevil: "these are the important questions in life...."
Keelia: "Still in the library with his buddy. After Clank went after that boss' genitals, if he wants to be a he, he's welcome to it.@
Smon: GM: Lady Quillax of Wolf's Ear and Lord Claw of Ravenmoor have received a request for aid from Lord Titus Scarnetti (via Sending spells from his sister, the recently returned sorceress Alicia). Traveling via transport via plants, the great druidess Quillax collects Claw and then on to Sandpoint, to the rebuilt Scarnetti manor on the bluffs south of town, where the butler announces the arrival of Claw the Lord-Warden of the Storval Steps and Quillax, Lady Warden of Jorgenfist.
Smon: manor https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjgKiqn2MmL-0c4IOZbvNy6JWCUZ089XxirMMxR9iTWDIoajd7q2ItRSDEstY8ySxolyCKd-z3NOAknNF7hzumq26LqrBnlp3JQpJedY8QlHf7v6LIcBcjzrGODFkS-=s0-d
Keelia: She clears her throat and smooths down her armour. "I'll finish that other story later," she grins. "This brings back memories. Mostly memories of undead, but still."
JamesDevil: "the good old days..."
JamesDevil: Claw heavs his axe onto his shoulder, puts his sword on his hip and follows Quillax
Smon: In the manor's marble-floored entry hall, Lord Titus (looking older, it's been a few years since you saw him last) emerges to greet the great heroes. With him is his wife Lucia Scarnetti and a sturdy tow-headed bow of 7 years, their son Titus Alamon Quillux Scarnetti. Lucia gives Quillax a warm smile and moves forward to embrace her. "Lady Quillax!"
Keelia: "Lady Scarnetti! Have you been well?"
Smon: Titus smiles business-like at Claw and offers a hand to shake. "Welcome! Welcome my friends! We have great need of you!"
JamesDevil: Claw towers over him, fine my friend and you?
Keelia: "How are your children? Still well, I hope?"
Smon: Lucia releases Quillax, still smiling. "Very well thank you! See how big Titus Quillux is now!" She yanks the boy forward.
JamesDevil: (sorry for any typos, my meds gives me hand tremors sometimes)
Smon: Titus Quillux looks up at his Druidess namesake.
Keelia: Quillax oohs over his size.
Keelia: "Such a fine lad!" she approves. "You've been minding your mother?"
JamesDevil: Claw looks down at the child
JamesDevil: "hmm, not alot of meat on the bone though,"
joriandrake: (heh)
Keelia: "Eh, all children are small compared to you!" she chortles, nudging him in the side.
Smon: Titus: "I am very well, unfortunately the town has a problem beyond the ability of the guards or local adventurers - we have lost two parties already, *sigh*. So my thoughts turned to the Saviours of Varisia..." he grins.
JamesDevil: "most people are small comp-ared to me"
Keelia: Quillax shoots him a sly grin, then turns to Titus. "Sounds ominous! Just up our alley!"
Smon: The boy looks uncomfortable, as 7 year old boys often do in formal company. He looks up at the Shoanti goliath Claw in some wonderment though.
JamesDevil: "want a shoulder ride?"
Keelia: She leans down to him. "He doesn't bite. Not like me," she grins widely and picks the boy up, boosting him up for Claw to lift onto his shoulders
Keelia: "Just don't go through any doorways."
Keelia: "You may forget he's up there."
JamesDevil: "Claw dashes around the outside of the mansion at full speed jumping over plants and sliding under trees
Smon: Lucia to Quillax: "Benta is in training as a Priestess at Windsong Abbey! She's doing very well I hear, Abbess Yukiko speaks most highly of her... But we shall talk more later, my husband's concern takes priority of course." She smiles wryly.
Keelia: "Still, Titus, what's this about two parties lost? Newbies, hm?"
JamesDevil: Claw returns from his run
Keelia: "I want to hear all about Benta! She's a dear thing. Tonight, you and me and a bottle of wine. We'll do all the gossip!@
JamesDevil: boy still on his should....his hair blow back
JamesDevil: shoulders*
Keelia: "Windsong, there's another place of memories, eh, Claw?" she mutters. "Good to hear it's getting put to rights. I'm sure Benta will help greatly with that."
JamesDevil: "we we're talking about old memories..."
Smon: The boy whoops delightedly as Claw runs him through the gardens; ducks to avoid knocking his head on the door frame as they return from the short run. As Claw comes back to the manor he sees four figures approaching up the south road to the woods - an Elf, a shapely human female, a Viking, and the immense bulk of a winged dragonborn - Shieldbiter, who fought beside him at Jorgenfist 6 years before.
DESTROYERBILL: james how tall is claw
JamesDevil: 8'
JamesDevil: and no you are nt that size or taller
DESTROYERBILL: im 7 11'
JamesDevil: Claw looks at Shieldbiter.
JamesDevil: cool
JamesDevil: "HA! back for more are you and makes a full hand clasp hand shake." predator style
Smon: Lady Lucia is clearly fond of Quillax, her erstwhile midwife, and chit-chats a little.
Titus: "A great pit has opened in the town square. Unearthly howls emanate from within..."
The butler calls out. "Alicia Scarnetti has returned with Mr Drakhaien and company, Lord Titus!"
DESTROYERBILL: i shake your hand as hard as i can
JamesDevil: Claw sniffs the the newcomers.
JamesDevil: Claw walks up to Sandor, grabs him by the hair leans back then headbutts him!
joriandrake: Drakhaien nods at Claw
JamesDevil: "He still stand! he will make a fine companion!"
JamesDevil: He looks down at the other figures.
JamesDevil: Are you ok? you little....squishy.
sandor sunneson: Sandor nods at the randoms
DESTROYERBILL: i brandish my wings
Smon: The shapely Alicia looks up at the gigantic Claw, pushing a lock of hair from her eyes and smiling coquettishly. "Welcome to Sandpoint, great Lord! I am Alicia." She offers a delicate hand.
JamesDevil: Claw leans down and gentle kisses it
JamesDevil: "a pleasure m'lady"
JamesDevil: "come, let us head inside, with luck Shieldbiter there will be a large supple of ale!
Keelia: Quillax wanders over, looking them over. "Not too squishy," she decides. "Shieldbiter, just in time, Titus was talking about unearthly howls and great pits."
Smon: Alicia smiles very warmly as Claw kisses her hand, then introduces the others: "This is Drakhaien, an Elf scout and hero who has been of great aid to my family. Prince Shieldbiter and Prince Sandor, great heroes of the Wilderlands, a far-off land. They have come to aid us...."
DESTROYERBILL: ha i braught 100 bottles of fine elven wine 25gp a pop
JamesDevil: @quillax "psst, "i did the whole polite thing with the lady"
sandor sunneson: Sandor will nod
sandor sunneson: and bow respectfully
JamesDevil: "bah, elven wine is disgusting
Smon: GM: Titus ushers you all into the drawing room, where Titus' scantily clad Shoanti maids bring you wine, beer and nibbles.
JamesDevil: "you need ale!"
Keelia: Quillax grins up at Claw. "So you did."
DESTROYERBILL: trust me this is the finest stuff you can get
Smon: Titus: "I have a good Korvosan dark ale you may enjoy - or brandy?"
joriandrake: The elv smiley and playfully reacts "I agree"
Keelia: She looks at the others, "I don't know you but if you are vouched for, the more the merrier!"
DESTROYERBILL: want a bottle quillax
joriandrake: Elf smiles and*
JamesDevil: "this one surived a headbutt without falling over, so i think they are good"
joriandrake: (oh gods, the headache)
Keelia: Quillax nods and accepts a bottle. "I'd better stay off the hard stuff. Only human after all," she grins
DESTROYERBILL: okay ill give you the weak one then
Keelia: "Ah, you survived a traditional welcome, very good!"
JamesDevil: "I'll take the strongest stuff you have!"
DESTROYERBILL: okay here you go claw
Smon: Shieldbiter offers round elven wine from his bag of holding. Titus & Alicia sips it appreciatively, Lucia demurs. Little Titus Quillux gets lemonade.
Smon: After some more chit chat, Lady Lucia and little Titus Quillux withdraw, leaving all the PCs with Lord Titus (looks 50 or so) and his much younger sister Alicia (looks 30).
Keelia: Quillax ruffles the boy's hair as she crosses to find a comfortable seat, slinging off her dual scimitars to sit
JamesDevil: Claw stands stoically next to her seat
JamesDevil: glacing down at the boy he winks
joriandrake: The elf, Drakhaien looks in his forties
Smon: Titus: "So, two weeks ago following heavy rains, a great pit - sinkhole - appeared in Sandpoint town square. Strange sounds emanated from within. I sent a guard squad down - none returned. So I contacted Sheila Heidmarch in Magnimar, she sent a Pathfinder team. None returned. I think, therefore, this is a matter for Heroes..."

Alicia: "My old nightmares have returned. Strange visions - I fear the Runelords are finally Returning! Brodert Quink the Sage says it may be Karzoug, Runelord of Greed?"
DESTROYERBILL: i chug two bottles of my fine elven wine
DESTROYERBILL: greed that means he has money im on board with that onwards to save the money i mean the world
Keelia: Quillax sets aside her bottle and sits up. "Karzoug has been a threatening shadow for years, I was starting to think he would not be further trouble in my lifetime.
sandor sunneson: Sandor watches the alcoholics and says nothing and contemplates about the adventures ahead and what beastly sights his sword will have to deal with
Smon: GM: Quillax & Claw recall how when they killed the stone giant priest Mokmurian 6 years ago at Jorgenfist, the body appeared possessed by the spirit of Karzoug, Lord of Greed, who threatened them. But they stopped his plan to feast on the souls of the Stone Giant army besieging Riddleport, and nothing has been heard of him since.
JamesDevil: Claw looks at Quillax, "I thought Runelof Greed was defeated? otherwise the sword of greed wouldn't be working?"
Keelia: She looks to Alicia "What leads you to think it is him?"
sandor sunneson: Sandor listens with intrepedation at all these unknown names
Keelia: "Not defeated, just thwarted in his attempt to cross into our realm."
JamesDevil: "ah, ofc"
Keelia: "Your sword holds power separate, but you should be mindful. If Karzoug is getting through, the sword and the shard, may become more powerful."
Smon: Alicia looks to Quillax. "I have dark dreams - a strange figure, a man in emerald cloth, his brow studded with gems, within a... a golden cyst or sphere. Like a spider at the centre of a web. He is... not in our world. Not yet. But he draws near..." she shudders.
JamesDevil: (for the record Clank has the sword of greed unless you say other wise Keelia)
sandor sunneson: He'll be away somewhere plotting his comeback, it's how it is with these sort of characters Sandor will say wistfully
JamesDevil: (I have gluttony)
DESTROYERBILL: shieldbiter has greed
Smon: Alicia: "I have spoken with Brodert Quink, the great sage of ancient Thassilon. He says it is Karzoug!"
Keelia: (Clank has the sword safely tucked away for the moment)
JamesDevil: "hmm, won't he come looking for the greed shard?"
Smon: OOC getting breakfast brb
Keelia: (hard for greed to take over a robot, so it's safe for the most part)
JamesDevil: Bill how did you get that get that?
JamesDevil: also i have the greed shard i'm just not using it
DESTROYERBILL: no he is greedy
JamesDevil: ah, k
joriandrake: heh
DESTROYERBILL: i thuaght you were talking about what sin youre charecter embodies
JamesDevil: mine is rage ofc
JamesDevil: "well eitherway I have the shard, so if the Runelord wants it he'll have to come and get it, we can set a trap"
DESTROYERBILL: shieldbiter is part dragon and has the atribute of greed
Keelia: No, there are special shards, each one a Sin - greed, pride, etc. The shards the group previously collected were never given outside of the group. So they would be with Claw, Quillax, and Francis/Judith's characters
Keelia: They enhance a negative attribute. So James carries Gluttony, which means Claw eats and drinks a lot
Keelia: Quillax has pride, so she's prideful (but won't admit it!)
JamesDevil: but we have the ion stones so they arn't as bad, nowhere near infact
DESTROYERBILL: shield biter has greed and pride like the dragons
Smon:
Keelia: There are also matching weapons.
JamesDevil: Bill, please stop confusing things
Keelia: Shieldbiter may be greedy and prideful but he doesn't have a shard
DESTROYERBILL: no but whats so special about the shards do they give power
Keelia: Yes. And the old team guarded them very carefully.
JamesDevil: did you even read up on this adventure?
Keelia: If all seven shards were put together, someone could become VERY powerful - more likely, it would open a dimensional gate to allow evil thru
DESTROYERBILL: who owns greed
sandor sunneson: Sandor says 'Well lets bring it on', swings his sword into the air and is looking forward to the experience (points) ahead
Keelia: Each shard has special abilities, but like I said, the team guarded them carefully and kept them split up. One person can NEVER hold more than one without bad consequences
Smon: OOC It is actually important what sins each of you embody.
JamesDevil: Wrath for me, using gluttony because it was the best for me at the time
Keelia: (Was Greed with Francis' character, Neril? We thought it was funny since he was a monk?)
Smon: GM will make a judgement at appropriate time but Wrath for Claw is likely one yup
JamesDevil: I've got it in a bag at the mo, but yes
sandor sunneson: Sandor being a barb northerner will go for either pride or lust
sandor sunneson: 1 lust 2 pride
sandor sunneson rolls 1d2 and gets: 1
joriandrake: I assume at least one item has no owner or is gone
JamesDevil: he had it because it was gunny for amonk to have it
sandor sunneson: lust lol
JamesDevil: Yea, lust is ammusing
Keelia: (at the moment, no one will get any of them that doesn't already have one because they are guarded very carefully by the old Shard crew  )
sandor sunneson: Sandor eyes up the ladies
Smon: Alicia smiles at Sandor.
sandor sunneson: then tries to focus on the mission in hand
Keelia: (ah, lust, that's right  )
joriandrake: Drakhaien looks at Sandor's palm
Keelia: Quillax clears her throat. "Yes, shards, swords. Titus, please continue"
JamesDevil: Claw hit Sandor on the back of the head
sandor sunneson: So we start in the morning then?
JamesDevil: "don't eben think about it"
Smon: Titus: "I suggest you lunch with us, then this afternoon I'll take you to the sinkhole?"
Smon: It's about 11am now.
sandor sunneson: That sounds like a good idea, thank you for the invite
DESTROYERBILL: claw did you say that you had the shard of greed on you
Keelia: Quillax nods at Titus. "Claw is always hungry."
Smon: Titus: "I'll have the maids show you to your guest rooms. And the water is hot if any of you need a bath. The maids do a good massage..." he eyes SB's dragon scales. "Possibly not for dragonborn though."
DESTROYERBILL: i will need alot a water any tempature i can heat it up my self
Smon: GM: Two of the maids show you to your upstairs guest rooms, one each. They are nicely appointed, though the ceilings a little low for the Goliath & winged Dragonborn.
Keelia: (I forgot to mention, each shard is cursed. The curse is mostly negated when linked to an Ioun stone)
sandor sunneson: Well go and prepare and we see you at the sinkhole after lunch?
JamesDevil: "sounds goo"
JamesDevil: good
Smon: GM: Lunch is served at 1pm, the three Scarnettis all attend along with the five heroes (PCs). At lunch, Alicia to Drakhaien: "We would be most grateful for your further aid, Master Drakhaien. We are not a wealthy family but we do have some more gold to put at your disposal..." Titus nods.
JamesDevil: Claw Rage eats as much food as he can
DESTROYERBILL: please you dont need to im extremley wealthy
sandor sunneson: Sandor will say to Alicia, I need no payment in gold, what I take from the adventure I will keep myself
Smon: Alicia smiles gratefully to SB & Sandor.
DESTROYERBILL: a champion of the dragon gods has to be rich beyond compare
Smon: Lucia looks at Claw eating half the feast.
joriandrake: "That is very kind of you m'lady, and of course I wish for the best of you and this town, so it will be a pleasure of this detective to offer his aid to you." Drakhaien bows and kisses her hand
DESTROYERBILL: claw did you say you did or diddnt have the shard of greed
Smon: OOC Sandpoint map - you are #49, Scarnetti manor. The surrounding villas are burnt out shells.
DESTROYERBILL: with you
Smon: http://buymyna.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sandpoint-sq-on-map.jpg
JamesDevil: you don't know Bill
Smon: Alicia smiles at Drakhaien as he kisses her hand. "We are most grateful."
joriandrake: (now I remember, you spoke once about this campaign SImon, the players were meant to save Sandpoint but failed I believe)
joriandrake: Drakhaien goes to mingle with the guests and locals at the feast.
JamesDevil: Claw nods at Alica, Mi'lady
Smon: Lord Titus: "My Black Dog mercenaries cleared dungeons beneath Sandpoint, down from the Old Light, the great ruined tower you see on the coast. It's possible this sinkhole connects to the dungeons and that they have become re-infested by something ...Evil."
DESTROYERBILL: what are we waiting for we must slaughter the forces of evil and take there loot
Smon: You finish lunch a little before 2pm. Titus: "Come, let us go into town. It's not far. I'll have my men bring ropes in case you wish to descend the sinkhole."
DESTROYERBILL: i have a 50 foot silk rope if you want to use that
JamesDevil: I have gloves of swiming and climbing if some needs them
JamesDevil: amy str basically lets me moonwalk down
DESTROYERBILL: i can fly down any way
JamesDevil: my*
DESTROYERBILL: whats your str
Smon: Titus: "Silk rope - excellent!" GM: The 5 of you, Titus, Alicia, and 2 burly Scarnetti house guards carrying thick 50' hemp ropes head out from the Villa. A cold wind is blowing as you head over the bridge across Boggy Creek, up Schooner Gulch Road to the bridge over the Turandarok River, and enter Sandpoint.
JamesDevil: 20
DESTROYERBILL: 24
JamesDevil: also dragonborn can#'t fly btw
DESTROYERBILL: minor legendary item baby
DESTROYERBILL: barbarioun level 14 ability totem eagle
JamesDevil: how convenit that you have a legend item...
Smon: You head through the rebuilt township; it still shows signs of the inferno that burned down most of the town 11 years ago now.
JamesDevil: that only last one round then cuts out, i know from experience
DESTROYERBILL: i got it after destroying a locked chest with my bare hands sandor was there
sandor sunneson: Yeah, you took the prize and gave my character nothing
Smon: OOC SB's wings give him an Overland Flight ability if he can get high enough eg by climbing a tree - or a fire giant yesterday.
JamesDevil: why am i noty suprised, probably because he is apparntly greedy as his fault
sandor sunneson: Anyway, on with the game
DESTROYERBILL: we realy do need to go back there there was somthing else down there we were going to give you and i gave you a headband of intelligigence
sandor sunneson: which is useless, it puts up your WIS by 2 points
sandor sunneson: we do, we'll get back there one day
Keelia: Quillax turns to Titus, "Where's this pit?"
Smon: Alicia detects the tension between the three barbarians (IC parrallels OOC).
Alicia: "There is a reason the gods have sent the three of you to this task. You must work together, or I fear all will perish."
sandor sunneson: by one point
DESTROYERBILL: fine if youre so sad take 47547gp then curtesesy of me
sandor sunneson: not 2
joriandrake: (I wouldn't say +2 WIS is useless, it improves skill checks and WIS save)
sandor sunneson: why? I'm not sad, just want to explore the pit
DESTROYERBILL: okay
sandor sunneson: Sandor has enough GP, he doesn't need someone elses charity
DESTROYERBILL: still want the money though
Smon: Eventually you reach a 30' wide pit on the west side of the town square, just south of #5 on the map.
DESTROYERBILL: okay
Smon: A horrible unearthly howling comes from the darkness below, like demonic hounds.
joriandrake: O_o (face Drakhaien shows watching the offered gold then the decline of it)
Keelia: Quillax's ears perk up. "Hellhounds?"
Smon: The townsfolk are staying well clear, no one else is in the square but a few guards in chain are watching from a safe distance.
Keelia: What were those Spire hounds called? The ones that came through the cracks?
Smon: Hounds of Tindalos
Keelia: Hounds of Tindalos
sandor sunneson: How many?
Keelia: (Thanks!)
Keelia: Does it sound like those?
joriandrake: Drakhaien says a few words and snaps his fingers on left hand (casts Nondetection)
sandor sunneson: Here we go, the sound of combat doesn't sound too far away, Sandor gets his sword ready
Smon: Passive Per 12+ you can see the pit is 30' deep and at the bottom opens into a void below, another 20' deep, which looks like some kind of flagstone-floored chamber.
joriandrake: snips? one of those
Keelia: PP 23
Smon: Quillax can roll Religion or Arcana re hounds
Keelia rolls 1d20+4 and gets: 11, (+4) = 15
Smon: The Hounds of Tindalos were always silent.
joriandrake: Pass Per 26, Pass Inv 29, Pass Insight 16 whenever its needed
Keelia: (Thanks  )
Smon: It doesn't sound exactly like hellhounds either - more eerie & mournful.
sandor sunneson rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 4, (+6) = 10
sandor sunneson: not feeling very passive today,
Keelia: Quillax leans over and peers into the pit. "Right, shall we?" she asks
Keelia: She checks her swords and her shield are secure.
joriandrake: "in wthe abbys we go"
Keelia: With a grin, she jumps into the pit
JamesDevil: Claw tosses a rock into the hole
Keelia: Her featherfall ring floats her gently down.
sandor sunneson: Sandor looks to see where rock lands using his eagle eyes
DESTROYERBILL: i can use commune with nature its a 10th level totem barb abiletey it takes 10 minutes
sandor sunneson: Sandor asks if SB can carry him down
joriandrake: Is the lower part of the pit shadowy? dim lit?
JamesDevil: Claw flighs down every 6 seconds then grabs the wall working his way down
DESTROYERBILL: it can tell me if there un worldly fey or undead
sandor sunneson: Sandor will climb down wall,
sandor sunneson: OOC, play Barb, not monk
DESTROYERBILL: i will climb down
DESTROYERBILL: i can carry you down sandor
sandor sunneson: thought you were going to fly down, am climbing
Smon: The men lower the ropes into the pit; Quillax floats down and the rest of you can easily climb down. The hole into the chamber is about 8-10' wide.
Keelia: (I hope these aren't yeth hounds...)
DESTROYERBILL: its way to narrow for my wings
DESTROYERBILL: 40 feet wing span
sandor sunneson: cool
joriandrake: If the lower parts are dark or dimly lit Drakhaien jumps down, if not he climbs
sandor sunneson: Sandor looks to see what he can see with his eagle eyes
DESTROYERBILL: i can easily do it using level 18 barb abiletey auto 24 on athletics checks well its auto what str you are
Smon: You arrive in the NE corner of a large chamber about 40'-50' e-w (the east wall is curved) and 25' n-s. To the west narrow stairs lead upwards, while a 5' wide tunnel runs south. From the tunnel the baleful baying is louder now.
joriandrake: Drakhaien will go stealth mode
Smon: Light filters down from above, but the tunnel is unlit. Do you all have darkvision?
sandor sunneson: Sandor will scan with his eagle eyes
JamesDevil: I don't have night vision can someone light up the place please?
joriandrake: yes
DESTROYERBILL: i can scan the other side with the same abilitey
JamesDevil: cool, i stay in the light for now
Keelia: googles
Keelia: *goggles
Keelia: (sorry, tech typo  )
joriandrake: I meant yes, answer to GM question on Darkvision
Smon: Drak melts into the shadows...
You notice 11 5x5 pits in this chamber's floor, with wood coverings scattered nearby but not covering them. At the bottom of each 20' deep pit are skeletal remains.
JamesDevil: standing in the light from the shaft Claw whistles to the dogs in the dark
JamesDevil: (assuming they are dogs)
joriandrake: (readies bow)
Smon: With darkvision you can see the south tunnel is 35' long, ending in a door, with a side tunnel after 25' in east wall. The howling seems to be coming from this side tunnel.
Smon: Claw's whistle elicits no response.
JamesDevil: Claw lights up a torch
Smon: The skeletal remains in the small pits look human; most still have dry tattered flesh on them. Several are pierced with arrows.
Smon: With the torch Claw can see down the south tunnel now.
Keelia: Do they look fresh or dry?
Smon: dry
Keelia: the skeletons? Are they old? Are the arrows?
Smon: Roll Investigation Quillax
Smon: The flesh shreds on the corpses look years old but not really mummified.
Keelia: (I'm not sure if it's +4 or +9, I had +9 on certain circumstances but can't remember what they were  )
Keelia rolls 1d20+4 and gets: 4, (+4) = 8
joriandrake: Drakhaien goes and inspects the bones, arrows for any usable clue.
Smon: She doesn't recognise the arrows.
JamesDevil: Claw starts walking toward the door where the noise is coming from
Smon: Drakhaien can roll Invest.
sandor sunneson: Sandor follows Claw, sword at ready
joriandrake rolls 1d20 and gets: 5,
Smon: Claw starts down the south tunnel, torch held high, followed by Sandor.
joriandrake: 24
Smon: LOL
JamesDevil: once Claw sees the door he will toss the torch outside of it to free up his hands, then raise his axe
Keelia: Quillax raises her shield and draws her silver sword and follows Claw
Smon: Drakhaien recognises the fletchings on the arrows as those of the Black Dog Mercenaries, a fighting force often employed by the Scarnettis of Sandpoint.
joriandrake: "The arrows.... used by Black Dog mercs"
joriandrake: After investigating the crime scene he fades back into the shadows
Smon: 25' down the south tunnel, 15' north of the stone door at its south end, Claw reaches the side tunnel to his left (east). It is 5' long and opens into a spiral stairway descending. The howling comes up the stairs. There is a lot of rubble scattered on the stairs.
JamesDevil: once we reach the door, Claw will gesture to the door for her to investigate
DESTROYERBILL: they went insane and started killing each other
Keelia: Quillax glances back at where he had been and nods her thanks
Smon: Quillax follows Claw & Sandor.
Keelia: "Not necessarily. The skeletons are dry. Could have been from when the Black Dogs took this 11 years ago"
DESTROYERBILL: okay
Keelia: "Doesn't mean to lower your guard, though," she grins.
JamesDevil: does the spiral run along a wall? can we drop a torch down the middle or is to closed in, one person at a time?
Smon: OOC Keelia you are right, in fact I think you played one of those Black Dog mercs
Smon: It's a closed narrow spiral with a central stone column, like a castle spiral stair.
Keelia: (Ah, that game at Judith's!)
Keelia: (I think I died  )
Smon: Stairs descend clockwise around the column.
joriandrake: (Eh, Drakhaien says whatever GM decided is the truth about the arrows)
JamesDevil: ok
JamesDevil: Claw heads down
Smon: Intermittent howls emanate up the stairs, louder now. Sounds like several unearthly hounds.
Smon: Claw descends the steps, rubble crunching under his sandalled feet.
JamesDevil: Claw whistles again
sandor sunneson: Sandor stays alert
Keelia: Quillax moves up to the staircase and splits her attention between watching Claw and watching the door
Keelia: Finally, she looks to the others, if you follow us down, keep an eye behind. She steps into the staircase and creeps down after Claw
joriandrake: sneaky sneak
JamesDevil: brb
Smon: As he descends the spiral about 20', he sees thick webs clogging the stairs ahead. There are deep scratches on the walls and steps.
Keelia: "I'm going to make sure he doesn't end up a chew toy. It's not a pleasant experience," she mutters to herself.
Smon: The area is dry, no mildew.
Smon: No more debris here either.
Smon: Quillax follows Claw, catching up with him.
JamesDevil: back
sandor sunneson: Sandor looks at the rock type, wondering if it is carbiniferous and whether he'll see any stalagmites
Keelia: Quillax frowns at the webs and the scratches.
Smon: Looks like granite to Sandor.
JamesDevil: can we still hear the growls? are they louder?
Smon: Yes the yowls are louder.
Keelia: (@James, is Claw poison resistant?)
Smon: The glistening webs look eerie, unnatural.
JamesDevil: any particular direction?
Smon: Sandor is between Claw & Quillax. The sounds come from below, past the webs presumably.
Keelia: Does it look like the spell "Web"? or does it look like spider webs from something nasty large?
Smon: Yes it looks like the Web spell to Quillax.
sandor sunneson: Do they sound threatening? or begging whine?
JamesDevil: hmm, we can proably burn them away
Keelia: "Magic made those webs," she breathes out, knowing Claw will hear.
sandor sunneson rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 4, (+6) = 10
sandor sunneson: guess the howl tone
Smon: GM: I take it you all followed Claw down the steps.
sandor sunneson: hmmm....notsure
Smon: Sounds mournful but evil.
DESTROYERBILL: yeah
JamesDevil: Claw lights another torch reachs up and tries to burn the webs
Smon: The webs burn away at the touch of the torch, and you can continue your descent.
joriandrake: Drakhaien keeps some distance from the torchbearers
Smon: You have descended a full 50' from the level above, Claw's torch burning away the webs, before you reach the base of the spiral stairs. The foot of the stairs appears to be a dead end... everyone tell me your Passive Per now & I'll make a note.
Keelia: PP 23
DESTROYERBILL: 17
JamesDevil: 17
joriandrake: 26
joriandrake: and dim light doesn't give disadvantage on Perception for Drakhaien
Smon: GM: Quillax & Drak can tell the sounds come from the west wall, Drak immediately spots the well hidden secret door (DC 25!).
Keelia: (wargs?)
Keelia: (yay, drak!)
Smon: Too unearthly for worgs you think Q.
DESTROYERBILL: good job
joriandrake: Drakhaien checks the door for opening method and traps
Keelia: (I can't think of any other hounds we have encountered, so, guess we'll wait and see  )
Smon: Drak spots the catch to open the door. If he has Arcana trained, can roll it.
JamesDevil: Claw will follow and place the torch infront of where Drak is checking
Keelia: Quillax will edge over and offer up her assistance if required.
JamesDevil: Claw draws his Axe
Smon: Quillax also spots the door catch. Can roll Arcana if trained.
joriandrake: I'm not trained in arcana, but can't I still roll? will jsut have am uch lower success chance
Keelia: Not arcana trained. Only +13 in thieves tools
sandor sunneson: Sandor on alert
Smon: OK, DC 30 Perception then J.
Smon: DC 30 Perception K.
Smon: roll Per you two.
Keelia rolls 1d20+13 and gets: 7, (+13) = 20
Keelia: nope
JamesDevil: can i hellp by hitting it with the earth breaker?
Keelia: quillax grumbles about getting old and moves out of the light
joriandrake rolls 1d20 and gets: 4,
joriandrake: just 21
Smon: OK you fail :). Yes Claw you could hit it w your hammer.
Keelia: Quillax stands well back
JamesDevil: ITS HAMMER TIME
JamesDevil rolls 1d20+12 and gets: 4, (+12) = 16
joriandrake: Drakhaien quicklyl eaves proximity and hides in the back
JamesDevil: did the wall dodge?
Smon: OK, Claw gives the door a mighty whack & it bursts open (can take 10)
DESTROYERBILL: i can try and pry it open with my claws
JamesDevil: Claw switches back to his axe and steps through
JamesDevil: what does he see
JamesDevil: ?
Smon: Beyond you see a narrow gap through a largely collapsed passage, Claw & SB would have to squeeze through. After 15' it opens out into a pillared hall. The howling grows louder.
JamesDevil: Claw whistles again
sandor sunneson: Sword ready and ready to rage
Smon: Suddenly a hideous looking hound appears at the far end of the tunnel!
Smon: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6d3ofrw4J1RoaVtqMtRAcaOCnVLJAaccfIhbtPJJYeBuQXLt6E7PijazsDpgCP-2BhwMz7fjaDP34ytg3jGPYf0WdqhInvdncoEBQqSf41gNPxoCLkTlIgo6HFdg1d1GbgpG-UZfDd9ps/s1600/Hound+of+Lamashtu.jpg
JamesDevil: Claw readies his axe
Smon: Everyone roll DC 13 WIS saves or be Frightened!
joriandrake: If there is a line of sight fromn Drakhaien to hound I would like to know if hound spots him as if he remains hidden he uses the stealth surprise round to shoot at it
JamesDevil: "Bad Dogy!
Smon: & roll init
sandor sunneson rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 15, (+6) = 21
JamesDevil rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 4, (+2) = 6
DESTROYERBILL: on no not this
Smon: /roll d20+4
JamesDevil: bugger
Smon rolls 1d20+4 and gets: 5, (+4) = 9
DESTROYERBILL rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 19, (+1) = 20
JamesDevil rolls 1d20+4 and gets: 15, (+4) = 19
sandor sunneson: Init
sandor sunneson rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 3, (+3) = 6
DESTROYERBILL Rolls 1d20+1x2 and gets:
9 (+1) = 10
4 (+1) = 5
joriandrake rolls 1d20+6 and gets: 10, (+6) = 16
sandor sunneson rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 18, (+3) = 21
Smon: barbarians have advtg on init
JamesDevil: so, this isn't a great start...
Keelia rolls 1d20+14 and gets: 16, (+14) = 30
Keelia: for wis
JamesDevil: o yea!
JamesDevil rolls 1d20+4 and gets: 6, (+4) = 10
Keelia rolls 1d20+3 and gets: 16, (+3) = 19
Keelia: for init
joriandrake: not frightened, if hound is unaware of presence Drakhaien uses surprise round
joriandrake rolls 1d20+5 and gets: 1, (+5) = 6
joriandrake: init
joriandrake: eh
JamesDevil: 19 is good for me
Smon: Drak you are out of sight of the hounds initially, too far up steps, and they are not surprised but are not aware of you.
joriandrake: Was only my rogue stealthing?
joriandrake: ok
Smon: Claw flinches back, filled with unearthly fear.
Smon: #21 Sandor are you attacking? You'd need to move forward into the hall.
sandor sunneson: yes
sandor sunneson: sorry, moving forward to attacj
JamesDevil: ooc what was the DC?
Smon: DC 13
JamesDevil: bah, ok
Smon: Sandor are you Raging?
sandor sunneson: yes, rage and attack
sandor sunneson Rolls 1d20+11x2 and gets:
20 (+11) = 31
8 (+11) = 19
joriandrake: nice
sandor sunneson: sorry, not played him for aghes, chekcing his sheet for attack stuff
Smon: Sandor races forward, from the darkness two hideous hounds leap at him - he swings - crit & hit!
Smon: AC 15
sandor sunneson: crit first
sandor sunneson rolls 1d8 and gets: 8,
sandor sunneson rolls 2d6 and gets: 2, 6, = 8
sandor sunneson: sorry crit
sandor sunneson rolls 1d8 and gets: 4,
sandor sunneson rolls 26d6 and gets: 5, 2, 4, 3, 3, 6, 3, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 4, 3, 2, 1, 5, 6, 2, 2, 3, 5, 4, 3, 5 = 81
sandor sunneson rolls 2d6 and gets: 3, 2, = 5
joriandrake: wow
DESTROYERBILL: roll 2 more d8 you have brutal critical
sandor sunneson: 25+2d8
sandor sunneson rolls 2d8 and gets: 4, 2, = 6
sandor sunneson: 31 damage
sandor sunneson: thanks Bill
DESTROYERBILL: youre welcome
sandor sunneson: second roll
sandor sunneson rolls 1d8 and gets: 5,
sandor sunneson rolls 2d6 and gets: 1, 2, = 3
Smon: Sandor slashes a beast with his enchanted blade; green blood spurts.
sandor sunneson: 18 damage for shot 2
Smon: Two blows; it's bleeding but does not seem seriously injured.
Smon: #19 - Claw flinches, taking several steps back, at end of his turn can roll WIS DC 13 to recover from the unearthly terror.
JamesDevil rolls 1d20+2 and gets: 14, (+2) = 16
JamesDevil: yay
Smon: OK Claw moves back past Q & SB, can act normally on next turn.
JamesDevil: its end of turn right, so i have to wait till next round?
Smon: #19 Quillax
JamesDevil: k
Keelia: She'll conjure a flaming sphere above the hound and slam the sphere into it
Smon: OOC You all have magic weapons right?
JamesDevil: I do
Keelia: (silver scimitar)
DESTROYERBILL: yeah
Smon: GM: Quillax summons a flaming sphere and rolls it into the chamber into the wounded hound (silver is good)
joriandrake: depends
Smon: Specifically says silver can hurt yeth hounds inc Hounds of Lamashtu
joriandrake: asked in chat PM but you might not have noticed: joriandrake: I forgot to ask, but the gold I got at start, can it be use to buy magical armament, like +1 bow or studded leather? or would that be considered going over the limit of items of 3 uncommon +1 rare?
joriandrake: I can still have magical weapon if not as item, then as spell
Smon: You can use it to buy +1 weapons (1000gp), +1 armour is +5000gp.
DESTROYERBILL: all mele attack have advantage on the dog sandor is fighting due to his wolf rage ability
joriandrake: ok, magical bow and dagger +1 then
Smon: Flaming Sphere at level 2 Q?
Keelia: yes, just testing the waters magically speaking
Smon: hound DEX save
Smon: /roll d20+4
DESTROYERBILL: you mean testing the fires
Smon rolls 1d20+4 and gets: 19, (+4) = 23
JamesDevil: aw
Keelia: DC 19, so it's passed
JamesDevil: poor joke Bill, tahts Day level humor
Keelia: ah well, it still takes a little damage
JamesDevil: dad*
Smon: The hound leaps over the sphere as it rolls underneath, only lightly singed (half dmg)
DESTROYERBILL: i know
Keelia rolls 1d6 and gets: 2,
Smon: 2d6 halved
Keelia rolls 2d6 and gets: 5, 5, = 10
Smon: 5 dmg
Keelia: brb
Smon: #10 SB!
DESTROYERBILL: rage
DESTROYERBILL: i go in and attack
Smon: SB squeezes in through the gap
DESTROYERBILL: advantage du to sador wolf rage
Smon: acrobatics DC 10
DESTROYERBILL rolls 1d10+1 and gets: 4, (+1) = 5
joriandrake: that's a dex, good luck not being stuck
DESTROYERBILL rolls 1d20+1 and gets: 17, (+1) = 18
joriandrake:
Smon: He gets through w/out bringing the ceiling down
Smon: & can join Sandor in attacking
DESTROYERBILL Rolls 1d20+15x4 and gets:
19 (+15) = 34
13 (+15) = 28
7 (+15) = 22
10 (+15) = 25
joriandrake: added bonus!
joriandrake: even better
Smon: w advtg 34 & 25 2 hits w giant flaming sword
DESTROYERBILL Rolls 1d20+13x2 and gets:
11 (+13) = 24
8 (+13) = 21
DESTROYERBILL rolls 4d6 and gets: 5, 5, 3, 6, = 19
Smon: 64 dmg - SB kills it, decapitating the brute, green blood spurting.
DESTROYERBILL: guantlets are really powerful strength up 4 points and damage dice up by one catagory
JamesDevil: any more howling?
Smon: #9 The remaining hound attacks. Weird glowing writing coruscates over the chamber ceiling walls & floor.
Keelia: (sorry about that!)
Smon: /roll d2
JamesDevil: Gualts of power set your str to 19they arn't plus 4
Smon rolls 1d2 and gets: 1
Smon: attacks SB
Smon: Bite
Smon: /roll d20+8x2
Smon Rolls 1d20+8x2 and gets:
4 (+8) = 12
18 (+8) = 26
DESTROYERBILL: its special ones
Smon: & sting - tail sting hits AC 26
JamesDevil: ofc they are
DESTROYERBILL: ow
Smon: d6+5
Smon: (they're Legendary dragon gauntlets)
DESTROYERBILL: there legendary guatlets not the common stuff
Smon: /roll 4d6
Smon rolls 4d6 and gets: 5, 2, 4, 4, = 15
Smon: /roll d6+5
Smon rolls 1d6+5 and gets: 2, (+5) = 7
Smon: poison save CON DC 15
DESTROYERBILL rolls 1d20+11 and gets: 10, (+11) = 21
Smon: ok 7 piercing & 15/2=7 poison, 14 dmg, raging = 7
Smon: #6 Jorian
Smon: Drakhaien
joriandrake: Drakhaien steps down on the stairs and shoots from the shadows from the back at unaware hound
joriandrake Rolls 1d20+9x2 and gets:
16 (+9) = 25
13 (+9) = 22
joriandrake: elven accuracy
joriandrake rolls 1d20 and gets: 4,
joriandrake: ok, shot AC 25
joriandrake rolls 1d8+5 and gets: 3, (+5) = 8
Smon: Passive Per 20 for hound, roll Stealth Drak
joriandrake rolls 8d6 and gets: 5, 1, 4, 3, 1, 6, 6, 6, = 32
joriandrake: 40 hp
Smon: anyway you hit even w/out advtg
joriandrake: ok
joriandrake Rolls 1d20+15x2 and gets:
10 (+15) = 25
20 (+15) = 35
joriandrake: critical stealth
Smon: Why advtg on stealth? elf cloak?
joriandrake: so sneak att 40 hp shot, magical
joriandrake: Cloak of the Bat, already in pdf I sent
Smon: (OK) The enchanted arrow pierces the hide of the hound; Drak melts back into the shadows.
Smon: Round 2
joriandrake: its why I asked at start if pit is dim lit or dark, otherwise I wouldn't just jump in, but with it I can fly
Smon: #21 Sandor
sandor sunneson Rolls 1d20+9x2 and gets:
9 (+9) = 18
7 (+9) = 16
sandor sunneson rolls 2d8 and gets: 3, 6, = 9
Smon: AC 15, 2 hits
sandor sunneson rolls 4d6 and gets: 6, 4, 4, 3, = 17
Smon: (Bill says you should be +11 to hit Fergus)
sandor sunneson: 44 damage
sandor sunneson: yeah, just realised that after the roll
Smon: The second hound is badly wounded
sandor sunneson: +9 damage
sandor sunneson: anyway,both were hits
Smon: #19 Claw your go finally!
Smon: Also #19 Quillax
JamesDevil: Rage rush up and attack
JamesDevil rolls 1d20+12 and gets: 17, (+12) = 29
JamesDevil: i think that hit
Smon: (advtg beside Sandor wolf packpower)
JamesDevil rolls 1d20+10 and gets: 14, (+10) = 24
JamesDevil: bah
Smon: AC 15
JamesDevil: wrong die
Smon: call that the advtg roll
JamesDevil: that was meant to be damage for the first hit
Smon: roll dmg
JamesDevil rolls 1d12+10 and gets: 4, (+10) = 14
JamesDevil: plus 1d12 necro
Smon: Claw whacks it
JamesDevil rolls 1d10 and gets: 1,
JamesDevil: -.-
JamesDevil: next hit with Adv
Smon: Is this Gluttony blade?
Smon: it takes 1 necrotic
JamesDevil: no the necro axe
Smon: ok
JamesDevil: so no hp drrain
Smon: necrotic great axe ok
JamesDevil Rolls 1d20+12x2 and gets:
14 (+12) = 26
4 (+12) = 16
Smon: 2nd attackhits too
Smon: *CHOP*
JamesDevil rolls 1d12+10 and gets: 1, (+10) = 11
DESTROYERBILL: both were with advantage any way becouse of sandors rage
JamesDevil: dead?
Smon: The hound collapses as the axe severs its spine.
JamesDevil: I know Bill
JamesDevil: sweet
DESTROYERBILL: we won
JamesDevil: I stand ready for more
Smon: You stand triumphant - but in the distance you hear more howling, a much larger pack... still they don't seem to be getting closer.
Smon: OOC ok need to wrap up now
DESTROYERBILL: well this must be the climax of all the books it will only get eaiser from here
joriandrake: Drakhaien inspects the room and writing, picks up arrow for reuse if possible
Keelia: Quillax will roll the flaming sphere forward out of the way
JamesDevil: sounds food
JamesDevil: good*
joriandrake: yummy
JamesDevil: although food will be good
Smon: Shieldbiter begins to fade away as Dimensional InstaBillity takes hold.
joriandrake: thanks for the game Simon
JamesDevil: Thanks man
sandor sunneson: excellent game
Smon: There are several exits from this hall - will describe it more next week. Thanks guys
sandor sunneson: thabnks again Simon
joriandrake: see you all next week, good bye
Keelia: Thanks, Simon! Good to have Quillax back  Need to go pick some spells
Smon: Really enjoyed getting back to Runelords
JamesDevil: me too
Smon: See the adults next Saturday!
sandor sunneson: XP?
JamesDevil: see you
Keelia: yep
JamesDevil: o yea, ofc xp
Smon: 4400/5 = 880 each for hounds
sandor sunneson: I'll be in France, see you back in 2 weeks
Smon: +1000 for the roleplay at start so 1880 total
Keelia: (have fun in France!)
Smon: OK Sandor also fades away for 2 weeks back to Ahyf
joriandrake: wow, france, have fun
JamesDevil: Get me some stiny chesse!
Smon: will post log

Monday, 7 January 2019

Rise of the Runelords 4719-20 AR

The Sihedron
Image result for karzoug
Karzoug, Runelord of Greed


PAST EVENTS
4707 AR: The young adventurers Seoni, Merisiel, Harsk, (not so young) Ezren, Valeros, & Kyra begin their adventures in the Varisian town of Sandpoint. They slay the dragon Black Fang.
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 including the archer Naglatha Winterkill, Kaz Anders the Summoner, and the bard Vemi Diaquani. Tsadok I Arabasti, long-lost half-orc 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. Among them is a young Druidess called Quillax.
30/6/4713 AR (AD 29/10/2017): Following the defeat of Mokmurian and disbanding of the giant army, the Pathfinders Quillax & Claw the Shoanti are granted lands and titles by Magnimar.
M6/4715 AR Shoanti Sklar-Quah invasion of Korvosan territory turned back at Sirathu by defenders led by Order of the Nail Hellknights, with heavy losses on both sides.
M4/4719 AR: Eleven years since Nualia burned Sandpoint, and six years after the defeat of the stone giant leader Mokmurian, Titus Scarnetti, the Lord of Sandpoint, summons a group of heroes to deal with a possible threat to his reborn town.
M12 4719 AR: After 7 months on the Astral Plane, the Arch-Druidess Quillax returns to Varisia. In her absence the Runelords Xutha & Krune have returned, and their realms of Gastash, Haruka and Shalast are reborn.
25/1/4720 AR - With the death of the blue dragon Cadrilkasta, the Final Shard is gained, the Sihedron is ready to reforge.
17/2/4720 AR Sihedron is reforged in a grand ceremony atop the Irespan, Magnimar, precipitating earthquake and tidal waves.
20/2/4720 AR The Sihedron Heroes defeat the Reliquary and free Xin's spirit to journey to the Great Beyond.
M3 4720 AR The Sihedron Heroes free the ghosts of the Vekker dwarf brothers from the Wendigo, and travel high into the Kodars to Xin-Shalast, aiming to finally destroy Runelord Karzoug. 22/3: They find that four Pathfinders have already tried and failed - three Valeros Kyra & Harsk are dead, Seoni was captured by Karzoug - released to the Heroes. Quillax saves the world from Mhar, and the Leng Device is disabled for decades, but Claw Seoni & Eldren are destroyed by Karzoug's forces; Mal escapes with Quillax (raised by Xin) and the pair return to Jorgenfist where they dream of Sorshen (24/3) - she has a plan to destroy Runelord Zutha. After resting they recruit Queen Rukvara & Hellknight Septimus, the Sihedron Council agrees Zutha should be destroyed. 30/3 Wind Walk to Kaer Maga seeking Bone Grimoire.
Army of Shalast Campaign 4720 AR
14/3: Storrval Stairs 21/3: Ravenmoor 25/3: Wolf's Ear 27/3: Galduria 2/4: Sandpoint
6/4: Magnimar - army destroyed by the Perfect Atomisers. Sunset - Quillax & co. destroy Runelord Zutha on the Isle of Xin.

Original 2007 Runelords Players Guide





PCs - The Sihedron Heroes
1. Quillax, Arch-Druid, Lady of Wolf's Ear & Warden of Jorgenfist  - Human female Druid 20
2. Malassandra, Human Azlanti female Paladin 20
3. Rukvara, Queen of the Iron Peaks - Goliath female Barbarian 20
4. Victor Septimus, Hellknight of the Nail - human male Paladin 20

Deceased Heroes
Claw, Lord of Ravenmoor & Warden of the Storval Stairs, spouse of Rukvara - Goliath male Totem Barbarian 20.
Eldrin Aetherwood of Crying Leaf, Eladrin Elf male Wizard (Bladesinger) 20

Retired heroes
Sandor Sunneson of Mystara, Prince of Soderfjord - Human male Barbarian 20
Silrus, Silver Dragonborn male Sorcerer 20
Drakhaien, Elf Trickster Rogue 20

Claw's Company . Levy 4x19 = 76.  Army/Horde 18x400 = 7200

5e Magic Items Listings

Items available in Magnimar 4720 AR
1. Bag of Holding - 2000gp
2. Boots of Striding and Springing - 1000gp
3. Cloak of Elvenkind - 1500gp
4. Gauntlets of Ogre Power - 4000gp
5. Gloves of Swimming and Climbing - 1000gp
6. Goggles of Night - 1000gp
7. Headband of Intellect - 4000gp
8. Keoghtom’s Ointment (5 doses) - 500gp
9. Wand of Magic Detection - 1000gp
10. Wand of Magic Missiles - 3500gp
11. Various +1 weapons & shields - 2000gp each
12. Potion of Climbing (3) - 100gp each
13. Potions of healing (35) - 50gp each
14. Cloak of Billowing - 200gp
15. Potion of Growth - 250gp
16. Potion of hill giant strength - 250gp
17. Ring of mind shielding - 2000gp
18. Ring of swimming - 2000gp
19. Perfume of Bewitchment (12) - 50gp each
20. Ring of Warmth - 2000gp

PC Followers
1. Queen Rukvara (was Lord-Warden Claw (124 Storval Garrison)
Elite Company 6+19-1 = 24: 1 Shoanti Knight CR 4 (Iskar) with half plate, shield, +2 battle axe. 20 Shoanti Burnrider CR 3 elite light cavalry with half plate, war spear, longbow & hand axe. 3 Scouts CR 0.5.
Garrison: 100 human heavy infantry CR 0.5 with mail & halberd under Balthus (Veteran). Can also raise a militia Levy of 76 from Ravenmoor.
2. Lady-Warden Quillax (85, at Wolf's Ear & Jorgenfist):
Elite Company 22: 16 human Druids (6 lvl 1, 3 lvl 2, 4 lvl 4, 2 lvl 5 Sheela & Dermirr, 1 lvl 6 Rothunn), mostly at Jorgenfist, Sheela's Pixie (Alkaia), Rothunn's Hippogriff (Blackmane), Dermirr's black bear (Tom), 1 human werebear (Vernor Bruin, Mayor of Wolf's Ear), 1 Clank. 1 Therassic Librarian.
Followers: 70 assorted Commoners, Guards, etc. Can also raise a militia Levy from Wolf's Ear, including werewolves, werebears, & wereboars!

Q's druid Rothuun has been growing a willow at Jorgenfist that can now be used as a destination from M3 4720 AR.
Dermirr

Rothunn

Sheela, boyfriend Escaplion Drd-5 in Magnimar


Magnimar Chelish Heavy Infantry CR 0.5
HD 4d8+4 HP 22 AC 16 (Chainmail) speed 30'
ST +2 DE +1 CO +1 IN +0 WI +0 CH +0
weapon:
Halberd ATT +4 dam 1d10+2 reach 10'
2 Javelin ATT +4 dam 1d6+2 r 30'/120'

Image result for Shoanti Burn rider
Burn Rider cavalry
Shoanti Burn Rider Elite Mercenary Cavalry CR 3
HP 9d8+18 HP 58 AC 15 (chain shirt, DEX) AC 17 with shield. speed 60' on horse, 40' on foot
ST +3 DE +2 CO +2 IN -1 WI +1 CH +0
Skills: Athletics +5, Perception +3
Extra Attack: 2 attacks per attack action
weapon:
Composite Longbow (2hw) ATT +4 dam 1d8+2, range 150', long range 600' with 20 arrows
War Spear ATT +5 dam 1d8+3/1d10+3, reach 10' when mounted, +1 die (2d8/2d10) on a charge.
2 Hand Axe ATT +5 dam 1d6+3 range 20'/60'

Varisian Militia Levy
HP 11 (2d8+2) AC 12 (padded) or AC 14 with shield
ST +1 DE +1 CO +1 IN +0 WI +0 CH +0
Shield (AC 14) & Spear ATT +3/d6+1
or
Shortbow ATT +3/d6+1
club or dagger ATT +3/d4+1
Leaders are typically Scouts or Heavy Infantry (above).

Drakhaien's Riddleport Spies (16): 14 Spies (1 half-orc, 13 human), 2 Assassins (1 elf, 1 human)

Sandor Sunneson of Soderfjord
Lord Shieldbiter

End of previous campaign 30/6/4713 AR (AD 29/10/2017)
Back in Magnimar there is much rejoicing; Mayor Grobaras makes the PCs Lords of Magnimar.
Quillax Druid 18 - Lady of Wolf's Ear & Warden of Jorgenfist, including the Therassic Library.
Claw Goliath Barbarian 18 - Warden of the Storval Stairs & Lord of Ravenmoor (Hellknights recalled).
Yukiko Cleric 16 of Irori - given Kaijitsu estate in Magnimar, and made Abbess of Windsong Abbey.
Sephiria Kaddren is also formally made Lady of Hook Mountain, including Turtleback Ferry & Fort Rannick.

Sheila Heidmarch takes reports from the Pathfinders; the Guiltspur is likely too heavily defended to make retrieving the sixth Shard of Sin practical, at least for now.



The base of the Storval Stairs, a 400' high giant-sized stairway on the Storval Rise, which is typically 1000' high cliffs.
The Storval Rise is one of the most unique and infamous landmarks in Varisia; the change in terrain
from the fertile lowlands to the rugged and stony scrublands of the plateau above marks the lands of
giants and barbarians with an unmistakable boundary. The rise itself often reaches dizzying heights of 1,000 feet or more, but at the location known as the Storval Stairs, the cliffs are only 400 feet high, and feature an ancient Thassilonian monument once used by armies of enslaved giants for easy foot travel between the lowlands and the plateau.
The Storval Stairs rise in 2-foot steps, and are flanked on either side by immense statues of Runelord Karzoug (although the southern statue has finally begun to crumble and erode) and walls of ancient towers, buildings, and dwellings. Until ca 4712 AR harpies and trolls dwelt in the area, but Mokmurian intended to use the stairs as a convenient invasion point, marching his army down into Varisia when he was ready. To prepare for this time, he sent one tribe of hill giants here to “clean
it out.” The place is now (4719 AR) garrisoned by the Magnimaran & Shoanti forces of Lord-Warden Claw as sentinels to keep the harpies, trolls, and other undesirables from returning.
Walking up the stairs takes 2 squares of movement per square for Medium or smaller creatures.

Battle on the Storval Stairs
Jorgenfist, home of the Therassic Library & Arch-Druidess Quillax

Rukvara 'Ruk' of Bearkiller Clan, Shoanti Goliath Queen of the Iron Peaks (PC)

Jorgenfist: The mountains give way here to a wide valley perched on the upper edge of a cliff overlooking the Muschkal River. At the western edge of the valley entrance, a lone watchtower stands upon a low hill, but this structure is overshadowed by the larger one that looms in the valley proper. Here stands a ring-shaped stone wall, fifty feet in height and surrounding several buildings, the most impressive of which is a looming black tower with bladelike crenellations that overlooks the river gorge. Within the ring, a one-hundred-fifty-foottall stone spire rises, surrounded by three low buildings. Apart from the black tower, five smaller towers are built into the fortress wall—one of these towers is wider than the others and is the only gateway into the courtyard within.




Image result for Conna the WiseStone Giants of the Storval Mountains & Iron Peaks
These are divided into numerous small clans. The most powerful warlord of the Stone Giants is Teraktinus, who defeated Quillax & co in the Battle of Hook Mountain years before and brought the Kreeg Mauls to the giant clans, though at the cost of his red dragon companion. Second most powerful is the elderly chief Galenmir, new (since 4718 AR) husband to Conna the Wise. Galenmir is a skilled General who commanded the stone giant army in the 4713 AR Siege of Riddleport. Unlike Teraktinus and many of the giant tribes, Conna & Galenmir have friendly if somewhat condescending relations with the local Goliath Shoanti.
Update 4720 AR: Having defeated Teraktinus in single combat, the goliath Lord Claw of Bearkiller Clan claims leadership of all the Stone Giant & Shoanti Goliath clans of the Storval Mountains & Iron Peaks.
Image result for Galenmir
Galenmir
Image result for Teraktinus
Teraktinus
The high priestess of the stone giants is Conna the Wise, a friend and ally to Quillax & Claw who aided in the defeat of Karzoug's failed prophet Mokmurian. Conna's husband Chief Vandarrec was murdered by Mokmurian, and she has a burning hate for the Runelord Karzoug and his agents.

Stone Giant clans of the Mountains include the followingfour groups. Together can muster around 166 stone giant warriors. Adding various smaller families and gangs brings the total to around 240, enough to destroy most human armies. They are typically armed with gigantic iron Kreeg Mauls (huge maul, 6d6 damage) based on the feared Shoanti Earthbreaker.

1. Kavarvatti - Chief Galenmir, High Priestess Conna. Former clan of Mokmurian and among the largest in the mountains. There is friction with followers of Drogart, a former bodyguard to Barl Breakbones, who fell at Hook Mountain. Drogart is thought to have been conspiring with Teraktinus to become Chief. They can field around 40 warriors.

2. Crannoch - under Chief Oriandian, can field around 33 skilled warrior-hunters and 12 dire bears.

3. Valissgandr - can field around 47 warriors led by the fierce Teraktinus and his deputy, the thuggish Zinderall. This clan has grown in recent years as Teraktinus has attracted followers.

4. Jormunsir - can field around 30 warriors. Led by the one eyed and grizzled Vlorian.

5. Maidens of Minderhal - a cruel gang of 12 female stone giants led by Halvara the Oracle.

Other Tribes of the Mountains include:

Red Shield & Nightshade a combined ogre clan of the southern mountains, of around 69 ogre warriors total under Papa Beshk. In recent years the ogre clans have learned to avoid the Gray Maidens of Fort Rannick, and these days they stay north of Hook Mountain.

Black Fist - 43 hill giant warriors under Chief Doach. Formerly dwelling in the western foothills, clashes with the Magnimaran forces of Lord Claw have driven them into the central mountains.

__________________________________________

HOUSE RULES

DC & Roll Caps
Maximum AC Save DC is 30.
Maximum To-Hit Bonus & Save Bonus is +20.
Skills are not capped, but Skill DCs rarely exceed 30 (Nearly Impossible).

Oversized Heavy Bows
Bow Damage Minimum STR needed for Medium humanoid.
1d10                   18 eg Heavy War Bow
1d12                   20 eg Odyssean War Bow
2d6                     21 
2d8                     25 eg Kuchrima Bow
3d6                     28
2d10                   29 eg Herculean Bow

PC HOUSE RULES
Rogues may Sneak Attack with any light melee weapon.

Armed Forces

Muster Levy
A Levy is a force numbering in the scores to the low hundreds of individuals, who join for a specific task lasting not more than a few  weeks - traditionally 40 days for a feudal levy.
A PC ruler can summon a number of warriors equal to (5 + Cha modifier) per character level. It usually takes 3 days to muster a levy from the general area. If you are in the same city or village as the levy you wish to call, you can organize a half-strength muster in an hour. You can summon a levy three times per year, although the GM may permit additional uses of the ability in appropriate circumstances.
Example: Sephiria Kaddren, the Lady of Hook Mountain, is a level 15 ruler with a Charisma of 18 (+4). She can summon a local muster of 15x9=135 warriors.
Example: Lord Warden Claw is a level 19 ruler with a Charisma bonus of -1. He can summon a muster of 4x19 = 76 warriors.

Army or Horde: When a king or general raises a mighty army, they can summon a number of warriors equal to (character level + Cha modifier) × 400; the exact types of follower is determined by the domain. The army includes sub-leaders, mounts, warbeasts, or special units as appropriate. It requires at least 1 month to gather an army or horde, and the ruler must be in the homeland of the warriors they are assembling. The army remains together through a full military campaign or effort—for example a march against an enemy city and the ensuing assault or siege—and may remain in the field for months or longer if the war continues. A ruler, warlord or general can summon an army or horde no more than once per three years, unless the GM decides otherwise.
Example: King Tsadok Arabesti of Korvosa is a level 19 ruler with Charisma bonus of +3. He may summon & command a field army of 22x400 = 8800 warriors.
ExampleLord Warden Claw is a level 19 commander with a Charisma bonus of -1. As a general or war chief he can summon & command a horde of 18x400 = 7200 warriors.

Mass Warfare

COMBAT POWER
To determine the combat power of a side, add up the total Challenge Rating of the combatants (0.25 to 0.5 per human or humanoid warrior is typical).
Example: 40 of Sephiria Kaddren's Hook Mountain muster of 135 are elite CR 1 Gray Maidens from Fort Rannick, plus a CR 5 commander, supplemented by 64 CR 0.25 local levy and 18 CR 0.5 Ranger-Scouts, with 2 CR 1 leaders. They have a total Combat Power of 40+5+16+9+2= 72.
Example: King Tsadok's Korvosan army of 8800 primarily comprises rural levies, supplemented by Korvosa city guard and a few elite units such as the Sable Company and Hellknights of the Nail. They have a typical CR of 0.3, and a total Combat Power of 2640.
Example: Lord Warden Claw's Storval Stairs garrison comprises 100 experienced Magnimaran Infantry (average CR 0.5), 20 elite Shoanti Burnriders (average CR 2), and 1 Shoanti Veteran (CR 4). They have a total Combat Power of 50+40+4 = 94.


BASE DAMAGE
The base damage inflicted by a warband each round is equal to 20 percent of its current combat power, rounding down to the nearest whole number (minimum 1). 
Example: Sephiria Kaddren's Levy of 135 has a Combat Power of 67, and a Base Damage of 13.
Example: King Tsadok's Army of 8800 has a Combat Power of 2640, and a Base Damage of 528. 
Example: Lord Warden Claw's Storval Stairs garrison of 121 has a CP of 94 and a BD of 18.

RESOLVING COMBAT
At the end of each round of combat, after the actions of the PCs and any monsters or
villains they’re handling, resolve one round of follower combat. The attacking and defending forces make an opposed battle roll (d20); the side with the higher result “wins” that round, and deals their base damage to the combat power of the losing side. The losing side deals ½ of its base damage to the winning side. If the result is a tie, neither side takes any
damage—the fighting was inconclusive.

Command: If a force has a clear commander and that commander spends his or her turn directing the battle, the commander can substitute a Charisma/Intimidation skill check for the battle roll. 

Terrain: Good defensive terrain—simple field fortifications or anything that impedes the attackers’ movement or provides defenders with cover—gives the defending side advantage on its battle roll. Superior defensive terrain, such as fighting from fortress walls, not only gives the defending side advantage on its check, but also reduces the damage the defenders take to half the attackers’ base damage (if the attacking side wins that round) or none (if the defending side wins).

Surprise: If one side gains surprise, it has advantage on its battle roll. The benefits of surprise last until the side with the advantage of surprise fails to win a battle roll, so it’s possible that surprise might persist throughout a battle.

MORALE AND VICTORY
Few forces manage to stick it out to the bitter end. Each time a side loses a battle roll while it is at half or less its original combat power, make a morale check. Roll a d20; on a roll of 10 or better, the force succeeds. On a failure, the force’s morale fails, and it breaks (see below). A commander may substitute a Charisma/Intimidation check for the morale check. Elite followers do not need to make morale checks. They do not retreat or surrender as long as the PC to whom they are loyal is still fighting. In fact, a PC can order them to remain behind and cover a retreat if necessary.

Break: When a force fails a morale check, it loses the battle. If possible, the force retreats. If retreat is not possible, the force surrenders. In rare cases when it’s clear that surrender means certain death a broken force stands its ground and keeps fighting, but its battle rolls from that point forward are made with disadvantage.

Total Defeat: When a warband is reduced to 0 combat power, it is completely defeated and the battle ends. Some members of the force may still live (see Tallying Losses), but they are scattered, badly wounded, disarmed, exhausted, or otherwise unable to keep fighting.

TALLYING LOSSES
Divide losses in a side’s combat power proportionally among all participating groups of followers. 
Casualties: Not all casualties are battlefield deaths. Of the individuals represented by “lost” combat power after a battle, you can assume that one-third are dead, one-third are badly wounded (half hit points), and one-third are unhurt but scattered. If one side retreats, all the badly wounded and half the scattered casualties are left behind on the battlefield. Their fate is determined by the victors.




Guiltspur Environs
____________________________________________________________________________________



New PCs
New PCs from 2020 begin at Level 20. Use Point Buy or Standard Array.
Feats allowed, use standard saves & skills rules, no multiclassing.
Level 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.

Runelords 5e Rules Page

CRAFTING MAGIC ITEMS
This normally requires a Formula or Sample - Herbalists start with the Formula for healing potions. A Formula typically has a Rarity & research level requirement 1 step higher than the item itself. Some formulae such as for simple magic weapons & armour, or spell scrolls, are widely known to those able to create the item. Consumable items take half as long and cost half as much. All items require rare and valuable ingredients.
For commissioned items, the commissioned price is typically double the creation cost, sometimes more.
Level 11+ casters require a Power Focus such as Wizard's Tower or Druid Grove to craft Very Rare items.
Level 17+ casters require a a Power Focus to craft Legendary Items.
Crafting times allow & require about 1 day in 5 spent recuperating or on other activities such as travel and adventure.

Item Rarity Minimum Level Minimum Cost to Create/Sale Price / Days to Craft (Consumable/Permanent item)
Healing Potion (using kit only) 1st             25gp/50gp         8 (1 Tenday)
Common   3rd                                   50gp/100gp/200gp      4/8 (1 Tenday)
Uncommon 5th                                 250gp/500gp/1,000gp   8/16 (2 Tendays)
Rare           8th                                1,250gp/2,500gp/5,000gp  35/70  (7 Tendays/2 months & a Tenday)
Very Rare  11th                           6,250gp/12,500gp/25,000gp   92/183 (Six Months)
Legendary 17th                         31,250gp/62,500gp/125,000gp  183/366 (Year & a Day)

Spell Acquisition Cost
level 1 - 500gp
level 2 - 1000gp
level 3 - 2000gp
level 4 - 4000gp
level 5 - 8000gp




The Runelords of Thassilon

Xin, First King of Thassilon
Thassilon was founded in -6530 AR by First King Xin who had been exiled from his homeland of Azlant for promoting heretical beliefs. As the empire grew beyond the bounds of Xin's ability to control, both militarily and administratively, he appointed powerful wizards as governors to oversee his lands. The mightiest of these were the runelords, seven of the most skilled (and power-hungry) wizards in Thassilon, if not all of Golarion. In -6420 AR, the runelords assassinated Xin and subjugated those loyal to him—including his own son, who became a puppet emperor—while each plotted within his or her own lands to become ruler of all Thassilon.[2]
The Virtues of Rule (generosity, love, humility, temperance, charity, kindness, and zeal), passed down from the goddess Lissala and First King Xin himself were seen as the benefits of power, and each of the runelords was drawn towards one of the seven. Over the course of time, the runelords corrupted these into what modern scholars understand to be the "great sins of the soul," abandoning the positive aspects of each and embracing the negative connotations of each (greed, lust, boastful pride, gluttony, envy, wrath, and sloth) as the rewards of rule. Each of the seven rulers specialized in a single school of rune magic and possessed a mighty weapon which not only served them in battle, but also became a symbol of their rule.[3]
The runelords forged alliances with dragons and enslaved giants by using secrets of rune and glyph magic stolen from the aboleths in their efforts to increase their own power. With their enslaved giant armies, the wizards of Thassilon built massive tombs, enormous magical constructs, and staggering monuments that survive today, mute testimonies of a mysterious age long past.[4][1]
At the time of Earthfall, the following runelords ruled. Karzoug of Shalast was winning a war against Alaznist of Bakrakhan. In rough order of power they were:

1. Xanderghul, 1st Runelord of Pride










































Domain: Cyrusian
Weapon of rule: Lucerne hammer made of an unknown type of skymetal
2. Sorshen, 1st Runelord of Lust
Domain: Eurythnia
Weapon of rule: Double-headed guisarme
3. Karzoug, 8th Runelord of Greed
Domain: Shalast
Weapon of rule: Burning glaive studded with meteoric gemstones
4. Alaznist, last Runelord of Wrath
Domain: Bakrakhan
Weapon of rule: Charred adamantine ranseur impaled with the skull of the first Runelord of Wrath
5.  Zutha, last Runelord of Gluttony
Domain: Gastash
Weapon of rule: Life-draining scythe of bone
6. Belimarius, last Runelord of Envy
Domain: Edasseril
Weapon of rule: Ornate memory-stealing halberd of gold and mithral
7. Krune, last Runelord of Sloth, High Priest of Lissala
Domain: Haruka
Xanderghul
Sorshen
Karzoug
Weapon of rule: Dragon-tooth longspear that can move and attack of its own volition
Alaznist
Zutha destroyed 6/4/4720 AR

Belimarius


Krune









Nice Sorshen



_________________________________________________________





Monday, 27 November 2017

Matrix Sorcica writes:
Hi, very interested in this. Do you have notes, campaign outline, lessons learned etc.? I read your campaign blog, but find it difficult to extract the reasonss as to why you mashed the two AP's the way you did.
Thanks.

My answer:
I didn't write an outline in advance, I don't do a huge amount of prep. The basic idea was that Karzoug's rise and the quest for the Sihedron proceeded in parrallel and the PCs & GM would usually have a choice what to do next, to get away from the very linear feel that bugged me running Crimson Throne. I also did not want the "let's get to the end of the line" feel I felt running Crimson Throne, where the goal was always to beat the BBEG at the end of book 6. I felt it was better to have too much material and do what interested the players. I was trying to get something of a living world feel within the constraints of an AP.
Lessons learned - well I found I worried too much trying to convert countless weird monsters from PF Bestiary 2/3 to 5e, in retrospect it worked best when I just ignored them, maybe used an existing 5e monster, maybe made something up whole cloth. Shattered Star especially, but Runelords also in places, suffers from too many strings of static monsters sitting in rooms. It worked best when PCs could evade or negotiate, or a bunch of monsters ganged up in one big fight.
I did find that 5e play balance remained good even at high level; unlike in Pathfinder the battles never felt trivial.

Monday, 30 October 2017

Postscript - Alicia Scarnetti

The planet Ghenrek-IV, a long way away from Golarion.

The village green of Thusia, around midnight, 16/5/4447 BCCC.

Alicia Scarnetti, younger sister of Titus Scarnetti:
"Excuse me... Lord Thuruar? Lady Meda? If you would... Can you find out about my world? Are the Rune Lords victorious?"

Archpriest Thuruar looks puzzled at Alicia's words. Meda smiles, shakes her head.

"No, Alicia. Only yesterday the forces of Light won a great victory. The one called Mokmurian is dead, the threat of the Rune Lords ended, for now. That campaign is over..."

Simon OOC literally - http://smonscurseofthecrimsonthrone.blogspot.co.uk/ :)
Chris OOC: It seems that many campaigns are drawing to a close?

Alicia:
"In that case Lord Thuruar, please Banish me home, like you did those other girls."

Hakeem Godslayer:
"Good bye, Alicia. This world is a little colder without Rey."

Alicia looks around Thusia one last time as Thuruar grips his Athena-owl focus and intones the ritual of banishment.

Hakeem:
"Rey, Bjornolf, Ursa..."

Alicia Scarnetti:
"Much colder, Hakeem..." her voice on the breeze, and she is gone.

Malenn:
"The cost has been heavy, Hakeem. Let it be enough. Let the days of peace begin now."

Meda:
"The night grows cold. Come, all of you, into my Hall."