In Search of Adventure #10

 In Search of Adventure - #10 

The distance between Castle Caldwell and Threshold is roughly 2 hexes away as both castles have enough distance that, technically, Clifton Caldwell could rebuild and turn his castle into a domain seat of at least the baronial level. The party is subjected to three checks per hex, plus three night checks.
---

The next day was a short breakfast and another round of bread and water before the prisoners were tied off. After drawing lots, Longinus cursed his luck in having to carry and dump the Misfit and his partner’s chamber pot in the courtyard where the original wolves’ offal was located. Part of him regretted having spared the three, given the added labor, but Longinus was determined to see the matter through. The party started from the top of the plateau where Castle Caldwell was located and the party headed east using the old Halav’s Road that ran through the area. Patches of the road had been lost since the days of the old castle.

Daytime Encounters represent morning, noon (with lunch break), and evening. The results area: 2, 6, 5 - No Encounter

At no point did the party encounter anything significant. There was some wildlife in the distance, but nothing worth being cautious about. The party had lunch at noon, where they also found various bushes to squat at. Topace and Longinus worked to guard and ensure the Misfit, Hiram, and Bobby Lee had access to bread and water along with time to use the bushes, but they were always watched.

Night Encounters: 2, 2, 2

Night time saw little action. Perhaps The Misfit or his compatriots wanted to run or cause trouble, the problem is there was always an eye watching them. Even Tirnol, who at least appeared busy in driving the pony and ensuring the mule was following at a pace that was efficient, but never taxing to the poor beast. Even Tirnol’s ears seemed to crook in the direction of the three. Then there was Topace. The dragonborn was always watching, always narrowing his eyes and flaring the nostrils at the end of his elongated face. He always seemed to grip his sword or draw his breath, preparing to strike down or electrocute the three men.

After a night passes by, the party moves on towards Threshold and another set of Random Encounter checks are made while in patrolled lands: 6, 1 - Encounter: 6 - Centaur

Eventually the party reaches a small copse of trees next to a spring that had yet to be fenced off like some of the other fields the party had passed. It was clear they were getting closer to Threshold Keep and regions that were regularly patrolled. The party paused when the party spotted a figure napping at the glade. His massive equine body gracefully lowered on the ground at rest, while the broad figure of a human male, leaned forward, his eyes closed.

Surprise Check: 6 (Party) / 2 (Centaur)

The centaur opened his eyes as the party’s wagon drew close, he paused for a moment, watching as Longinus made his way to the front of the party with hands raised. The centaur did not shout or touch the bow nearby, instead the man grabbed and blew on a hunting horn that was answered by several more horns. Soon from various directions up to another fifteen centaur closed in on the group.

“What brings you here, travelers?” The centaur asked.

“For now, simple rest by the glade, friend,” Longinus said, “Last I checked no one had a claim to this glade.”

“That is true,” The centaur said.
--

Q: Does the centaur recognize Tirnol?
A: 15% ≤ 65% - Yes, the Centaur does recognize Tirnol when the harengon brings the horse and mule to drink.

Quick note - As for encounters, I rolled up 2d8 - Settled Lands and got a 6 (Centaur) - Number Encountered was 16 with a Reaction of 8 - Favorable
--

“Tirnol!” The centaur said, surprised when he saw the harengon wipe his hands after getting the animals to drink. The centaur stood up, holding his hand up and giving the nod to several of the centaur present. The centaur relaxed, which signalled that the group could also relax while Tirnol stepped forward and greeted the centaur.

“Vissarion, it’s been awhile,” Tirnol said, “Your herd moving through here I take it?”

“It is, we are about to return to the Hillfollow River, but decided to make one more patrol through this region so that we could give Baron Halaran an update. What are you doing around here?”

“Adventuring,” Tirnol said, “Well, I’m just acting as a guide and we’re taking some suspected brigands to Threshold. You heading that way? Perhaps we could tag along?”
--

Q: Are the centaur and the party going in the same direction?
A: 68 > 65 - No, they are actually heading in the foothills near Castle Caldwell as part of their scouting.
--

“I’m afraid not, we are heading east to the foothills to be scouting. We will be back by the end of the week. Are you planning to camp here?”

Tirnol looked at Longinus who shook his head and put in, speaking for the first time since Vissarion began speaking, “We plan to push onto Threshold.”

“Then best of luck to all of you. As you noted, Human, we do not own this glade. Feel free to drink from it and eat at your leisure.”
—

The party took up the centaur’s hospitality in sharing the glade, which allowed them to eat, drink, and take care of any and all bodily needs with a sense of security breaking some of the tension that had settled on the group. Demelza ate with Longinus and the two briefly discussed the tenets of their faith before settling into a quiet nap next to one another on top of their bedrolls. Fengir and Topace kept up with sentry duty, keeping one eye on the Misfit, who sat quietly with his head lowered, and the other on the Misfit’s compatriots who seemed more openly dejected at their rotten luck. Branwell and Messalina at first ate, then sipped a touch of sacramental spirits that Branwell carried before the two napped on top of a blanket spread and Messalina woke cursing and swiping at a trail of ants crawling up her leg.

Eventually it was time for Vissarion’s herd to move on. Vissarion and a few others walked up to greet Tirnol and wished him well before they pressed east. As for the party, they gathered their gear and got the three prisoners to their feet as they pressed west towards Threshold.
—

It is shortly around late afternoon getting to dusk when the party finally reaches the gates of Threshold and are met by the guard. Seeing as the group is escorting three tied up men, the first action was to summon the magistrate, in this case the Baron’s attendant and bailiff, Bailiff Morozov.

Topace did the talking as he gestured to the men, “Due to circumstantial evidence reported by this name who goes by the name Bobby Lee, we believe this is the infamous brigand, Wolfe the Misfit.”

“And does this man have any defense?”

Wolfe raised his head and said, “I believe you men have already made your minds or not about whether or not you lynch me, so I will deny nothing. I am the Misfit,” He gestured to the two men in his company, one was shivering in resignation, the other glared at the Misfit, “These two men and I engaged in brigandage. Bobby Lee in particular took joy in killing.”

“You dirty liar!” Bobby snapped as he tried to jerk his shoulder to free his hand from the binding rope, only for the strong hands of sentries to seize and hold him back, “Who gave us the nod to kill those people?”

“And who was the one who openly bragged about good fun it was to kill?” The Misfit asked gravely. Speaking as a man resigned, and perhaps eager to face the gallows rather than the rack of torture.

“Alright, alright!” Bailiff Morozov said, “We will have these men placed in the dungeons and we will look into this.” He then looked at Topace and said, “We’ll need to look over the letters we’ve received from the Bounty Hunter’s Guild about this. Where can we reach you in the next day or so?”

Topace volunteered the inn’s name as the Gold Dragon Inn, which, naturally, Morozov was aware of, being one of the longest living residents of the Keep.

In Search of Adventure #9

In Search of Adventure #9

Topace flicks his hard gaze at Longinus and slowly lowers his sword towards the ground, far enough that with his other hand he grabs a rag from his belt and begins to wipe down the blade, “I don’t see any good options, Longinus. What do you want to do? Drag them back to town and sacrifice all of our progress?”

“The castle won’t blow away because we are gone,” Longinus noted.

“But something else might move in while we’re out escorting doomed men,” Topace retorted without looking up from his sword.

“It might move in while we’re in this castle, what difference would it make?”

“We’d at least have the advantage of holding the castle, finding a choke point and forcing the enemy to come to us, not us risking our lives to regain ground we have already covered.”

“Okay, wait a minute, who are these three?” Branwell asked.

“Yeah, who exactly is ‘the Misfit’ and why are you giving him those eyes?” Messalina added, “Like he’s a practice dummy and you’re about to commit to a full swing.”

Topace looked at the two and gestured with the point of his sword, “That there is Wolf the Misfit. A brigand and fiend who has made his money by robbing and murdering travelers on the road. Men… women… I’ve even heard families have fallen to this bastard’s sword. There is a bounty of a hundred gold pieces, just for Wolfe,” Topace looked over the other two, “I doubt these two are no innocent angels who followed him. The only innocent in this whole bunch may be the mule, but I’m not sure.”

“Well I guess we can figure out what they’ve got on them,” Messalina approached the luggage near the mule, holding her hands and cooing, attempting to soothe the beast as it fidgeted and whinnied in concern at a stranger’s approach.

Meanwhile, Fengir and Branwell carefully moved through and tossed the swords to the side. Fengir was the first to note, “They’ll sleep through almost anything except injury. Slap them, cut them- if you have to do anything to them besides disarming them or binding their hands, it better be a coup de grace.” He tossed Wolfe’s sword to one side.

“We should kill them and be done with it,” Topace said, “The bounty is good for ‘dead-or-alive’”

“Which means we’d have to use time dragging corpses back. So either way we’d need to get back to town, not unless you want us dragging rotting bodies,” Longinus’ voice was sharp, he did not outright fear Topace would go too far at the moment. Topace had finished cleaning his blade, replacing the rag and turning the sword so that the tip rested against the ground while Topace’s right hand gripped the jeweled pommel. Longinus knew what direction Topace would go given the opportunity.

“At least they’d be dead,” Topace said, “We wouldn’t be dragging living men through the wilderness, and put a guard on them. Hoping the opportunity does not present itself that they put their hands around our throats at night.”

Messalina returned and placed a small wooden chest on the ground, “Looks like a combination of gemstones and pearls.” Messalina placed her hand and brought up a string of pearls, “A strand of pearls, like a set of lady’s pearls, not lone stones.”

“Pearls,” Topace said, looking at Longinus, “Who knows who they belong to, which neck they took them off, but I can assure that neck is quite stiff and gods know in what shallow grave thanks to this monster.”

Longinus looked at the pearls and shook his head, “Alright, let’s see if we can ask Demelza to come with us to help guard these men.”

“You really want to make the trip back to Threshold?” Topace asked.

“Yes,” Longinus’ tone was sharp and final, he knew what Topace wanted, and he was not prepared to allow it, “I understand it’ll be trouble, but damn it all I’m not going to stand here and let you simply kill three men like this.”

Topace looked to the others and asked, “And how do the rest of you feel about this? This is an open discussion, not a one man party.”

“I could use a crossbow,” Fengir said.

“We could also use the time to give a status report to Mr. Caldwell,” Messalina said. She saw Topace’s low look and sympathized about the trouble they had been given by these rapscallions. She was sympathetic, but added, “Plus, Topace, don’t you want to sleep in a nice inn at least for a day? We’ve brought in enough goods, plus the bounty we can collect from Wolfe, we should at least be able to get modest accommodations. At least that will beat and make up for sleeping on the ground, sharing the room with a talking statue.”

“I didn’t think he’d be that bad of company,” Branwell noted.

“Alright,” Topace said, “I guess I’m up against it, but alright.”
---

Altogether, the party recovers the following:

• (x6) Hard Currency - 500 sp each

• (x1) Deep Blue Aquamarine - 200 gp

• (x3) Blood Garnets - 100 gp each

• (x2) Banded Agate - 10 gp each

• (x2) Pearl Necklaces - 400 gp each

---

Topace binds the three men’s hands behind their backs and the men are slapped away. As they stir, each see weapons hovering over them, like the swords of judgement waiting to pounce. Longinus spoke up: “In the name of Baron Halaran of Threshold, you three men are accused of brigandage and are under arrest. We will escort you to Threshold. If you cooperate, you will be given bread and water. If you try to run, you’ll be cut down. You try to resist, you get one cosh, after that I am seriously considering letting my associate cut you down. This is your only warning.”

“That is starting now, in case any of you thought you’d try to fight against the rope,” Topace said, earning a glare from the trio.

Topace and Branwell were expected to act as guards for the group while Messalina and Fengir worked on coaxing the mule to follow them. So the party can move with ease, Fengir spends his last spell slot (0/2 Remaining) and conjures a floating disk to hold packs and other gear.

The group moved back into the hallway (Random Encounter 1-in-6: 4 - No Encounter)
--

The party makes their way back to the chapel and meet with Demelza. Her eyes lit up in admiration when Longinus explained the situation of how they captured Wolfe the Misfit and his companions, and that Longinus insisted on taking the criminals back to Threshold to stand before the Baron and his court. She seemed to appreciate Longinus trying to take the principled stance.

“You’re under no obligation at the moment, and you are certainly not in trouble, but we could use any assistance that we can get on the road. I am hoping you would come with us,” Longinus said.
--

Q: Does Demelza accept the offer?
A: 17 ≤ 75 - Yes, Demelza agrees to accompany the party as a 1st level Acolyte.
--

“I’m sure things will be fine for a few days,” Demelza said. Topace and Longinus had the three prisoners sit in one of the pews and wait while Demelza gathered her things. Topace specifically watched over the prisoners with his greatsword drawn while Messalina and Branwell walked down to fetch Tirnol.
--

Random Encounter (1-in-6): 6 - No Encounter
--

“What’s this about prisoners?” Tirnol’s whiskers quivered when Messalina gave him a rundown about events. At first he was met with surprise when he saw the mule she was leading, but now to hear about lugging prisoners back to Threshold. He suddenly felt apprehensive about the whole thing.

“Topace claims one of them is a true fiend and brigand, the other two are his lackeys. A hundred gold piece bounty is up for at least the lead bandit, possibly more if the other two were involved.”

“But we have to escort them back to Threshold,” Branwell said, “Sir Longinus was somewhat opposed to taking up the ‘dead’ in ‘dead or alive’ as part of the bounty.”

“I’m not the biggest fan of killing people outright myself,” Tirnol said, “Not unless my life was on the line.”

“It might be if things go wrong in the wilderness,” Messalina noted. They’re trying to get some cleric who was staying here to come with us and act as another set of eyes. That means you too, Tirnol. We’ll need to help each other in watching these brigands, possibly put them down if things go bad."
---

Before the party leaves for Castle Threshold, the group decides with it being later in the afternoon once they manage to look out the window and see where the sun is currently positioned in the sky, the decision is made to camp in the dungeon for the evening. The prisoners are led to Capulet’s old room which was at the corner facing the tower that Tirnol’s camp occupied, as well as the shepherd’s room the party was using to draw water and rest.

“Any of you touch this door, you’re going to have a lot of problems, because you will be cut down,” Longinus said as the youngest of the trio, the wild eyed Bobby Lee, was shoved in last, “There will be an armed guard waiting and given orders to kill. No warnings, no threats, you try to leave and that will be it,” Longinus and Topace ordered the men to stand against the back wall as Messalina sat down a wooden pail and three clay jugs with water along with some bread and jerky. Once she was out of the way, Topace reached for the door, drawing a piton from his kit.

Topace spikes the door leading into Capulet’s room, ensuring that even if the three men could drag the door inward, they’d have to make noise and alert the sentry. With the door secured, the party decided to split the group. Fengir was to sleep in the shepherd’s room with Messalina backing him and having the door spiked. Branwell, Topace, and Longinus, given Branwell had not used any of his powers and all three were fairly tough, would take a watch, and when not on watch, sleep at Tirnol’s camp.

Random Encounters (1-in-6)
Early Night: 3
Midnight: 4
Late Night: 5

The night passes without issue. Members come and go, exchanging tired nods as Longinus relieves Topace and Branwell relieves Longinus. The only members who probably had as relaxing a sleep as possible were Messalina and Fengir. At least their room did not smell of an impromptu stable.

In Search of Adventure - Session #8

 

In Search of Adventure - Session #8 

Having performed a check in one of the north rooms, the party turns to its counterpart south and diagonal from the empty utility room. As usual, Messalina took up the task of listening at the door, as she had done with past doors where there was an unknown factor.
—

There is a threat in this room, which requires a check to see if Messalina can possibly detect and alert the party and reduce the chance of surprise. She takes a round (1 minute) to listen at the door.

Hear Noise (2-in-6): 6 > 2 - Failure - She does not detect anything out of the ordinary, which means the danger present remains hidden. After she gives the nod, Longinus takes up the door and steps in.

There is a crab spider present in the room above the door. Without being heard, the spider has a 3-in-6 chance to ambush Longinus. Surprise Check (3-in-6): 4 - No Surprise.
—

Longinus took a step to the unoccupied four poster that was tucked near the back corner when he heard a creak from behind him. It was soft enough that he might have ignored it had he not turned to ask Messalina to check the room and he saw a movement out of the corner of his eye. Above the threshold, a set of eight eyes surrounded by a deep red arachnid body stared at him for a moment before leaping in his direction.
—

Round #1 Initiative
GM: 2
Longinus: 5
Topace: 3
Messalina: 5
Branwell: 2
Fengir: 7

Fengir delays as he remains in the hallway.

Longinus delays, setting a condition to slash at the spider as it jumps at him.

Messalina steps aside when she sees the concern on Longinus’s face.

Topace steps up and prepares to charge and help slay the creature.

Branwell remains in the hallway and watches the party’s rear during the fight until he is called for.

The Crab Spider launches itself at Longinus. He gets the first attack at the spider.
Longinus attack: 17 - Hit. Damage: 10. Spider #1 HP: 0/10 - Slain
—

The spider launched itself from the threshold, just as Longinus expected it to. He had entered the spider’s territory and it could not back down, possibly knowing in some way that if it did not defend its territory now, more humans would be around to harass and either kill it or drive it out. It hurled its body towards Longinus, it bounced off his shield in a hard thump before Longinus’s sword swung down, ending its life in a single stroke. Longinus half turned and hurled what remained of the carcass onto the bed. Its ichor staining the dusty covers and bed spread.

“Well, for a moment I was going to suggest camping in here, but I guess that put an end to that.”

—

(Kobold Encounter Chance: 1-in-6): 2 - The Kobolds have moved on from their neighboring room.

Q: Do the bandits in the neighboring north room hear this commotion and look out?
A: Yes, one of the bandits tries to quietly look out into the hallway.

Fengir Listen check - this would be a secret check to see if Fengir hears/detects one of the bandits in the neighboring rooms. Check: 3 > 1 - The bandit spots the party without himself being spotted. At the very least, the bandits are now alerted.
—

The party would follow a zigzag pattern, but they notice that the neighboring south door to the bedroom is still open. The party recalls how Escalus had stumbled into a room claimed by a trio of kobolds and that they had attacked him. Messalina takes a few cautious steps towards the door and uses her hand mirror to look around the corner. The bedroom remained empty, exposed to the elements as nobody wanted to get close enough to shut the door and deal with kobolds at the time. The party decides to move into the room with Topace remaining in the hall to watch the party’s back. Branwell joins Topace in watching the area.

Fengir tossed around broken crockery and said, “If they’re smart they’d get on the road and go somewhere else. It’s clear they grabbed whatever they could carry and moved on, possibly hiding in another room.”

Longinus agreed, closing the door to the courtyard to try and keep further debris from rolling into the room.
—

with Topace and Branwell remaining in the hallway, one of the bandits decides to peek out to learn the situation, possibly get lucky and hope the party had moved on, or were still distracted that the group could slip out. Because he is opening the door in front of two members looking right in front of them, we’ll give both sides a Surprise check. The pair might be too surprised to perform an immediate action, even if they alerted.

Party (Topace & Branwell) Surprise: 3 - Not surprised
Bandit Surprise: 3 - Not surprised
—

Topace tilted his head when the door opened and an unshaven human head stuck halfway out and looked first to the left to where the party once stood, and then straight ahead to catch himself staring at Topace and Branwell who were looking back.

“Oh, dear,” The man said.
—

Initiative - First round only uses the actions of Topace and Branwell
GM: 5
Longinus: 4
Topace: 2
Messalina: 4
Branwell: 2
Fengir: 3

The bandit slams the door in the face of Topace and Branwell and fumbles to try and brace the door with anything.

Topace growls and rushes the door, putting his shoulder in to try and break through the door. (Open Door Feat: 4-in-6): 4 ≤ 4 - He gives it a hard enough shove that the door blows in, knocking one of the bandits to the ground.

Branwell moves in behind Topace and backs him. The pair now face three bandits. One on the ground, two others stand with their short swords drawn.
—

(Bandit Reaction (2d6): 8 - Favorable)

The leader of the bandits puts a hand out, seeing as there are only three of them and in addition to facing an armed Dragonborn bearing a two-handed sword, along with enough movement in the background to suggest there were more adventurers, the bandits were reluctant to fight.

“We have done none of you any harm, there is no need for this needs to end in bloodshed,” The leader said.

“I agree,” Topace said slowly, his eyes flicking to each of the bandits, waiting for the first strike.

“May I propose we take our stuff and leave? The castle is yours,” The bandit said.

“You may yet get a chance to leave,” Topace says, “Though, given how you undoubtedly received your treasures, we will insist on a portion of your material goods as a toll.”

“You’re charging us safe passage?” The leader said.

“Either that or we’ll fight you for it,” Topace replied.
—

With the arrival of the rest of the party, the bandits remain unwilling to draw their swords and slug it out with the party. The bandit leader presents six sacks that their mule has been carrying. Each sack is laden with silver (500 sp per sack), which the bandits offer to split - three silver sacks go to the party (1500 sp), the other three are kept by the bandits.

“After all, can you prove we stole any of these sacks?” The bandit leader said.

“Would you be prepared to stand before the eyes of gods, men, and perhaps a zone of truth about this?” Longinus asked with Topace lingering behind with his two-handed sword drawn, resting in his gauntleted hand.

The bandits exchanged looks and said, “We’re offering 3 sacks at five hundred silver apiece. Do you want it or are you going to give us a fighting chance?”

Longinus exchanged a glance with Messalina before nodding and saying: “We are agreed. What else did you manage to pilfer from either the tombs of the dead or from the highway traffic?”

“I resent the suggestion that just because we are three men who rented a castle room and have a mule that we are brigands. We could have been adventurers who found all of this!”

Longinus took it in and said, “You know what, that is true. Perhaps we should all go back to Threshold and get to the bottom of this.” He turned as if to signal Topace and Branwell to help secure the situation and possibly disarm the bandits.
—

Reaction (2d6): 11 - Favorable

Does the bandit leader reveal more treasure to get the party off his back? A: 6 - Yes
—

“Alright! Alright,” The lead bandit snapped, gritting his teeth. He turned to the youngest of his thieves and said, “Break out the rest of the goods, Bobby Lee.”

“Ah, come on Wolfe!”
—
Q: Does one of the party recognize these men?
A: 5 - Yes
—

Topace perked up and asked, “Wolfe the Misfit?”

The lead bandit paused for a moment and looked up, his eyes were wide and bright as they met Topace’s cold glare. The two held each other’s gaze for a moment, both exchanging looks of hatred towards one another. Topace had heard of a bandit named Wolfe the Misfit, sometimes known as the Misfit. A fiend who did not merely practice brigandage, but was willing to put his victims to the sword - any of his victims he came across. Topace recognized it, and so did Wolfe. Both men were quick to grab at their weapons.
—

Round #1 Initiative
GM: 1
Longinus: 2
Topace: 2
Messalina: 8
Branwell: 3
Fengir: 7

Messalina’s hand went to her dagger and she was prepared for a fight.

Fengir casts Sleep and angles it behind the three men, affecting them. Each of the Bandits gets a Save vs. Spells to avoid falling asleep. (Slots: 1/2)

Misfit Save vs. 15: 6 - Failure
Bobby Lee vs. 15: 3
Hiram vs. 15: 11

All three stiffen and collapse falling to a magical slumber.
—

As the men lay asleep, Messalina and Branwell searched the mule and found the gem box along with a pair of ladies’ pearl necklaces.. While Longinus was grabbing rope to tie them, he caught sight of Topace looming over the Misfit with sword resting on his shoulder.

“If they are who you say they are Topace, they should go back and face trial,” Longinus said.

“They could escape from a cell, lots of people have slipped out of cells, that’s why they have bounty boards that read ‘dead-or-alive’,” Topace said quietly, his hands wrapped tight around his claymore.

Longinus shook his head, “It isn’t right, Topace.”

In Search of Adventure - Session #7

 

In Search of Adventure - Session #7 

After collecting the gems from the stirges and finding that their injuries were minimal, with only Longinus’ arm smarting from the strike caused by the stirge’s proboscis against his skin. The party takes only a brief break while Topace grabbed those gems and tossed the nest out of the broken window before continuing to the neighboring room north of them.
—
Random Encounter (1-in-6): 5 - No Encounter
—

“Alright, unless she has fled, we’ve known that the acolyte who accompanied those traders is supposed to living out of this chapel,” Longinus said, “That means she may have spells on hand.” He made sure everyone understood before he grabbed the door handle and turned. He went in first, followed by the others to find several wooden pews evenly spaced in front of them. Two of the front pews had been pulled and arranged to form a crude bed. Straight across from the entrance on a raised dais was an altar and two stained glass windows one window depicted the immortal Halav, waving sword above his head while gripping his shield, his holy symbol of the sword and anvil depicted below his image. The second window depicted Tarastia, the Mistress of Truth and Order, her black executioner’s axe carried on her shoulder. Her symbol of the executioner’s axe depicted below her image. Both windows remained in pristine condition and represented the grandeur of the original castle.

On the right, sitting at a crude table, was a woman with blonde hair clad in blue and silvery white, reading from holy scripture when she looked up at the approaching party.

“How may I assist you in worship of the grand trio? Perhaps you’d care to donate to this chapel?” She paused, recognizing Longinus’s holy symbol of the black axe on Longinus’ paladin seal. She rose and bowed her head, “A brother paladin, it is an honor. My name is Demelza”

“I would say the honor is all mine, Sister Demelza, but I am puzzled why are we meeting here, in the chapel of a castle that you do not own,” Longinus said. He looked over the room and noted where her luggage sat in one corner. Her mess kit was piled in one corner next to an old sponge which was laid out on a rag so that its grimy water did not pool on the floor. The chapel’s hearth included an iron railing where a cooking pot could be set to boil liquids ranging from stew to scalding water in order to scrub out the mess kit. Demelza had based her entire life around the stone walls of the chapel.

“As far as we were aware, nobody had a claim to this castle,” Demelza said before lifting her hand towards the windows, “Then I found this beautiful glazing and knew someone should guard such works of art, especially when those three fools decided to rent the other rooms to the likes of kobolds and low men.”

“I am sympathetic, but the castle is under new management,” Longinus said.

“We have an eviction notice that is signed by the Lord of Threshold, whose domain includes these lands at present,” Messalina spoke up from one side before noting, “I do have to admire your willingness to sleep between two pews. Your shoulders never ached from sleeping on that crevice?”

“I mastered sleeping on one side, the other portion is merely to catch me in the event I roll over,” Demelza noted before turning back to Longinus, “I’d ask that you let me stay until you present this new owner. Perhaps he could use an acolyte for his castle. I am willing to use my talents to heal all of you while speak to the other tenets of the castle.”

Longinus considered the matter, looking the others who shrugged and had no strong argument against the action. After all, the group itself was planning to camp within the castle until the matter was settled. Longinus nodded to himself before turning back to her, “Agreed. I must commend you taking special care of this chapel and see no harm in letting you stay here until Lord Caldwell arrives and he can have final say on the matter.”

Demelza rose and bowed in gratitude before changing subject, “I take it then you have given the bad news to Escalus and his companions?”

“We’ve met with them, the goblins,” Topace noted, “We are sorry to say we had a little trouble with the wolves, and one of the merchants stumbled into some fire beetles.”

Demelza frowned, making a sign of protection, “May the Immortals guide him to his final rest.” She looked to Longinus and asked, “Did you… the body?”

“He was buried and words were said over it, Brother Branwell led the eulogy,” Longinus said sheepishly. While undoubtedly Montague, being a human, was not a follower of Branwell’s patron, Garal Glitterlode, Branwell was at least trained in ceremony and deeper prayer compared to the practical training paladins tended to receive.

Demelza turned and bowed, “Thank-you, brother. I am sure you did right praying for the poor man.”

The party use the period of respite to drink and eat from their dried rations. It can be a fair amount of work stalking through castle ruins. Satisfied they have the chapel secured, the party moves up and turns towards the north corner tower (Random Encounter: 4 - No Encounter)

The party arrives and finds an empty corner chamber, which like the previous chamber that they left Tirnol in, is fairly sizable and could be used as a spare campsite. Other than that, there is little of interest after a sweep is conducted by the group. Stepping back into the hall, the party turns left and takes the first door on their right, going north, into an old utility room that had long been cleared of anything of note, right down to the furniture, which was absent. The only thing that did remain was the glazed double windows on a northern ledge that looked out over of the plateau.

“You ever think adventuring would be like this?” Messalina asked as she walked around, making sure there were no hidden doors which she would later confirm to the group (No roll required). She was talking to Fengir, who used his sharp felidae senses to aid her.

“Like what?” Fengir asked.

“Well there hasn’t been much action, you know? I thought we would be doing, I don’t know, something more heroic-”

“You mean something that would risk our lives and limbs for a cause greater than getting money and maybe fame?” Fengir asked.

“I wouldn’t mind piles of gold and jewels laying around, personally, but something like that, certainly.”

“That only happens in spurts,” Fengir said, “This may be my first adventure since my family fled Glantri for the tolerance, what little we found, here in Karameikos. Most of the time, its looking over empty rooms for the off-chance the other tomb robbers missed something.” Fengir poked at the walls in random spots for the off-chance he had found something. He had no luck, “Just give it time, Messalina, I’m sure you’ll find the danger you crave.”

“I mean, maybe I spoke out of term about danger,” Messalina said, “Maybe just a case of greater riches and a little more glamor than we’ve come into at the moment.”
—

As for the other party members: Longinus, Branwell, and Topace. They waited in the hallway to let Fengir and Messalina investigate the room. Topace sat on the floor with his back against the wall, head leaning back with his eyes closed. Branwell looked on from the doorway, watching Fengir and Messalina with thoughtful eyes, preparing to render aid in case they got in trouble. Longinus watched Branwell, clearing his throat, he spoke: “So, you and Messalina?”

Branwell scratched his chin, blinking when Longinus’ question registered in his mind. He turned and looked at the Paladin, “What about me and Messalina?”

“You two often sleep close in the camp, are you two… together?”

“Something like that,” Branwell said, “It’s not really a thing.”

“Not really a thing?”

“We’re keeping it casual. Sky goblins and gnomes, well, it’s different compared to our groundling counterparts when it comes to relations,” Branwell said.

“What about your tenets to Garal? I thought the Glitterlode did not like goblins?”

“That’s kobolds you’re thinking of,” Branwell corrected.

“This is quite fascinated,” Longinus said, “And not that you need my approval or anything-”

“That is correct, we do not,” Branwell said with a note of finality.

“But, some advice, as a friend, we need to keep this party as professional as possible. It does not need to be said that I hope I can count on you.”

“To do what?” Branwell asked, his voice sharp at any indication that he had not so far acted professionally.

“Perform your duties as agreed, making sure you heal those who need to be cared for, and don’t perform foolish acts in trying to rescue Messalina if she gets in trouble,” Longinus said, he had his hands raised to ease any tensions that might have built up. He did have full confidence that Branwell would fulfill his duty, the cleric had already performed his duties in healing Longinus earlier.

“I’ll keep that under advisement, sir,” Branwell said, “I’m sure Messalina would hold me to same standards-”

“I think Branwell will know that when I need rescuing, I’ll legitimately need rescuing,” Messalina said with a wink at Branwell before she noted, “Fengir and I are are confident this room is cleared.”

In Search of Adventure - Session #6

 

In Search of Adventure - Session #6 

GM Comments: When we last left our party, they had just found the shepherd statue, which seemed to sense the noble quality of Longinus’ spirit enough that it spoke aloud in a friendly voice

“Hello, may I help you?”
—

The group stopped a few steps, looking at the statue that was nestled in the corner. As the goblins had described, the statue was in the shape of a lone male human shepherd carrying a lamb under one arm while the other leaned against his crook for support. The statue had a gentle expression carved into the marble, and somewhere deep within had been enchanted by some magic that allowed it to speak.
—

Longinus spoke first, “We were told you hold dominion of this room. I appreciate your invitation to aid, I am curious what kind of aid you can provide.”

“I sense your noble heart, sir,” The statue said to Longinus, “I also do not sense any true dark thoughts from any of your band, perhaps selfish thoughts, but given all who have passed through I have come to live with selfish thoughts.”

“It’s always the human who gets the noble spirit card,” Messalina rolled her eyes, speaking from behind to Branwell, who shrugged his shoulders at the situation. A part of him agreed that it always seemed like the human was viewed with a noblest of souls when they were noble. Branwell himself thought he walked a fairly principled life, he was not about to argue with a statue.

“I appreciate your vote of confidence, statue. I am curious what kind of aid you can provide,” Longinus said, ignoring the other two.

“The first way I may aid travelers is by offering this room as a place of rest. I sense all who enter, and I will warn you if another presence approaches the door. Second, at dawn, I may answer three questions concerning this castle, to the best of my ability.”

Longinus absorbed the information. At least, in the matter of making sure they had a safe place to sleep, was potentially resolved. Although there remained a the matter of where they could store the supply cart and Tirnol’s cart horse for overnight resting. The corner towers seemed big enough, but that would mean someone who have to take a turn and sit with Tirnol during the night. At least the area was easier to defend compared to the wilderness. Longinus then looked to the statue and asked: “Alright, I guess my first question is where is the closest threat to me?”

“Your closest threat is three doors up in a storeroom,” The statue warns, “I can sense life that is bestial, lacking any supernatural essence or motives beyond a simple hunger. It is large enough that I can sense it, but that is all I can say.”

“I am told there is a chapel in this keep and that a mortal soul may be in there. Can you sense anything in the chapel?”

The statue paused for a moment before giving an answer, stretching its supernatural senses through the very stones and walls of the castle, “Yes, there is a being in the castle’s chapel. The chapel is four doors up from this room.”

“I figure we speak to the cleric first?” Longinus asked.

“It’ll at least be better smelling than whatever is rotting in a storeroom,” Messalina said.

“What about Tirnol?” Topace asked, “Should we move camp before we proceed further?”
—

The party decides to actually go back to Tirnol. Information or no information - there was only so much space to operate. Plus, in the event the acolyte decided to leave on her own accord, then all the better. It was one less person they’d have to evict. The party leaves the statue room and makes their way back to the entrance.

(Random Encounter: 1-in-6): 2 - No Encounter.

The party leaves the castle and makes their way down the plateau to where Tirnol is parked. Tirnol had been taking a stick and beating bedrolls in the sun to clear them of debris and bedbugs when a change of plans had been announced. To ensure everyone was secured, the party planned to move Tirnol, the cart, and the horse into the larger tower corners.

“I cannot imagine we will be here for that many days, but the idea is a few of us will either sleep in the well room with the statue, or we can just hold the corner with a dedicated watch shift during the night. It’ll at least keep the rain off our heads,” Longinus said.

“There should be enough fresh water sources that we can refresh the canteens once we are on the inside,” Branwell noted, trying to assure a potentially skeptical Tirnol.

In turn, the harengon shrugged and said, “My job is watching the camp- inside, outside. As long as there is plenty of room for the horse.”
—

The party makes their way back to Castle Caldwell, up the ramp, with Longinus leading the way. He is followed by Messalina, Fengir, Branwell. After Branwell is Tirnol and his cart with Topace bringing up the rear.

(Random Encounter 1-in-6: 2 - No Encounter)

The party turns right and moves through the relatively narrow hallway before turning left and north so that they easily back the cart into the corner tower. Once inside the tower, Topace and Longinus unhooked the wagon from the horse and moved it to one side. This is a solid period of at least one or two turns spent setting up a camp (Random Encounter: 1-in-6: 4 - No Encounter)

Even if the kobolds are still running around, none of them seem willing to spy on the party as they settle into the first corner tower. Dealing with the full group is apparently not worth the risk.
---

The party starts north from the base camp, past the statue room, and investigates the room immediately north of the statue room. The formation is Messalina, Longinus, Fengir, Branwell, and Topace. Naturally, Messalina is prepared to perform her specialized duties when it comes to detecting and removing traps of opening locks. The first room is an empty storeroom with some debris on the floor.

The same was the situation in the room after the initial store room. Empty rooms with debris. The only feature was the dim lighting from a pair of windows on a wedge above the room. It would require a ladder to reach if the party wished to clean or open the window.

The room after the last storeroom, the group pauses, this was the room that the statue had noted there was danger in here. Messalina draws three strikes with her chalk with Branwell watching with interest.

“You made those marks so confidently,” Branwell said.

“I just drew some lines, Bran, I wouldn’t say I sketched the Sapphire Tower,” Messalina winked. Both she and Bran would get the reference due to the grand tower located on Serraine.

“But you did those automatically, is that a code?” Branwell noted.

Messalina winked and patted the gnome’s cheek, “Trade secret, Bran.” She looked up to Longinus and waited for him to bring up going in, or moving towards the chapel first.

“I guess we might as well stick our heads in, now that I thought about it, at the very least, if the action scares out our acolyte we might have done two jobs at once,” Longinus said. He looked the others to see any objections, to which nobody provided. Messalina checked the door first, giving her nod before she opened it. The room was dimly lit, which Fengir volunteered to counter by breaking out and lighting a lantern. As Longinus pushed in, he was followed by Branwell, Topace, Fengir, and Messalina sneaking from behind with the door ajar. In the distance was the sound of small flapping wings.
—

GM Comments: The party moves in and does not give Messalina time to listen at the door. Their presence immediately triggers a trio of stirges whose excellent hearing and scent for blood activates them without surprising them. The party is potentially surprised on a roll of 1-in-6 (Fengir) and 2-in-6 (Party). Result is: 4 - The party is not surprised and Messalina points out the approaching stirges as they break from their nest up on the ledge and hover above the group.
—

Initiative Round #1
GM: 6
Longinus: 4
Topace: 2
Messalina: 5
Bran: 4
Fengir: 5

The three stirges descend from the window sill and fly down on the party - because stirges see Longinus, Topace, and Bran at the front of the party, and buzzing over head and down to the backrow would potentially lead to a strike, the animalistic stirge go for the most convenient pray for their need of blood.

Strige #1 targets (Longinus) - Attack: Nat 20 - Hit. Damage: 1 point + Attachment. Longius HP: 9/10

Stirge #2 targets (Bran) - Attack: 6 - Miss

Stirge #3 targets (Topace) - Attack: 7 - Miss

Messalina moves over to where Longinus is struggling with the stirge and draws her dagger. Being behind the stirge, and its attention drawn to Longinus, her attack is a Backstab. Attack: 13 vs. AC: 13 - Hit. Damage: 3x2 = 6. Stirge HP: 0/6 - Slain. She uses her dagger and punctures the back of the skull while Longinus is trying to cooperate, but is obviously disturbed by the vermin.

Fengir holds action. He concentrates on keeping the lantern up and sticking near the door.

Longinus takes a breath, feeling relieved he escaped that sting. He moves and slashes at Stirge #2. Attack: 20 - Hit. Damage: 9. Stirge #2: 0/8 - Slain

Bran nods his appreciation and turns, giving Topace room to maneuver.

Topace attacks Stirge #3. Attack: 13 - Hit. Damage: 10. Stirge #3 HP: 0/5 - Slain!

—

The party sees stirge’s nest near the broken window. This window is easily reached by a man-size party member if they stand on one of the nearby tables that actually remained up.

“Are stirges known to keep shiny things?” Longinus asked, working his left arm to remove the tingling sensation from where those little legs attached themselves. The fibers of the stirge’s limbs that allowed them to hook onto their victim, while not dangerous, seemed to have an irritating effect.

“Even if they do not, we have to make sure they didn’t lay any eggs,” Topace noted as grabbed and hauled a table over.

“Do they even lay eggs?” Longinus asked and looked at Fengir.

(We’ll give Fengir an Intelligence attribute check: 9 ≤ 16 for Lore - Dungeoneering) - Fengir nods and says, “Typically lays them near marshes and swamps, but they will make an exception if they’ve built a nest. They also bring back small animals to act as blood bags.”

Topace cursed, he was face first in the mud, twigs, bodies of what remained of birds and other life, and droppings that the stirges seemed to leave on the window sill outside of their nest, “Yeah, now you’re telling me.” The Dragonborn sifted through, being careful so that any small catching was on his glove and nothing broke through his skin. He does find three gemstones before shoving, finally giving the nest a shove out the broken pane and towards the ground, satisfied he found no eggs. Dropping down, Topace sets the gemstones and announces he needs a smoke break or something after dealing with that offal.

(The gemstones are of size and valued at 500 gp, 100 gp, and 50 gp - their details are left vague)

In Search of Adventure - Session #5

In Search of Adventure - Session #5 

Dusk was fading into night by the time the party had reached the bottom of the plateau and turned east towards camp with Longinus and Topace bearing Montague’s body in whatever carpet they could salvage. Since Longinus had insisted on bearing the body to burial, it was he who dug the grave as best he could with what tools they had on hand. By the time something was dug and the body was placed therein, Longinus collapsed to one side and drank several canteens of water that were provided from the wagon.

“Do you…” He drank a little more, “Can you say something for the dead, Branwell?”

“I’m not sure if this man was a follower of Garal,” Branwell said, noting his holy symbol of the Cog Lord, the Immortal of invention. When he glanced at how Longinus looked, his cheek stained with dirt, the way Longinus concentrated on breathing and praying that the aches he developed would taper off, the Gnome shrugged and held up his holy symbol.

“If the Cog Lord has any friendly relations with the Traladara Immortals, then may he listen to his servant’s plea. Help guide this man’s soul to his place of rest on the plane that his words and deeds had earned him.” Branwell made a gesture of faith, forming six different points. The spokes of the great cog that represented Garal. When Branwell finished, the voice of Tirnol, the party’s driver, had spoken up: “I got the fire going and stew boiling. I hope everyone likes vegetables to go with their jerky.”

Enough time had passed between committing to burying the body, searching and collecting whatever could be salvaged from the library and the bedrooms, having a quick lunch, and finally putting their plans into action that the party was grateful for an evening rest under the stars with the fresh air. Messalina had asked what Tirnol had been doing this whole time, if he saw anything unusual.

“There was a fair-sized goblin band that took to the road and headed up the old Halav Trail towards the mountains. They seemed annoyed, but they did not spread out like a raiding band, so I guess whatever you said to them got them moving on. Then I made sure the cart horse was taken care of, I collected and boiled the water, selected the spices and vegetables for this fine stew.”

“No meat I see,” Fengir said.

“That’s why you have your jerky, but no, I know how to ward off pesky and dangerous critters, but I’m not much of a hunter,” Tirnol said, rolling his eyes at the suggestion he would provide any meat. Had these people never traveled with a harengon?

Topace barely touched his soup and spent his time chewing on hard jerky, “We should make sure to set a watch. Between the remaining traders, those kobolds running around. Are you sure the goblins stayed on the road until they were out of sight?” He asked.

“I’m quite sure the goblins are gone. I haven’t seen any men that match your early description, nor have I seen any kobolds, but I am happy to help with the watch if we need it.”

Right now the main person that needed to rest was Branwell and Longinus, both of whom had used energies for their powers, plus Longinus needed the rest after spending that time burying Montague after hauling the body. So watches were divided between Messalina, Fengir, Topace, and Tirnol.

(Random Encounter - Forest x3 checks - 1) - Encounter: Boar, Wild - Watch: Topace

---

By the time we got around to Topace’s watch, Messalina and Fengir took their turns. Fengir had changed from his traveling robes to his house coat with its motley reds, blues, and oranges as he turned in. Topace was stretched out with his back against a log while listening out for any trouble. He probably should have taken a walk, but during those twilight hours on the highlands, even a dragonborn could appreciate a warm fire. ---

We end up with 1d6 (6) boars in the vicinity. Their reaction to so alien presence as the party results in a check (2d6): 9 - Favorable.

In this case, the boar are wary, but the party is not camped in their usual grounds, so mated sounder presses on, led by a dominating sow along with her mate and four piglets.

(Topace surprise check (d6 - 2-in-6 chance): 5 - Not surprised.)

---

The only disturbance during Topace’s shift was a distant rustle of the nearby sticks and a grunt. He rose with his claymore drawn and took a step towards the edge of camp. The nearby grounds were lit by a hunter’s moon, Topace saw the silhouette of the sounder as they passed by, giving the camp a wide berth before drifting back towards the opposite side of the plateau for roots and whatever else boar liked to dine on. Topace knew if either of those merchants or those kobolds lingered out there, they would be in for a surprise.

Topace returned to his place in the camp. He reported the incident to Tirnol when the Harengon turned up to relieve the Dragonborn for one more watch before morning finally crept over the eastern hills.
——

After breakfast, a brief wash, and a change over into new tunics and breeches while the old ones were tossed in a pile for Tirnol to grumble over.

“You could have waited until I stepped out of the way of the sack before throwing your clothes at it,” He flashed a look at Topace who had started tossing clothing the moment Tirnol called out that he had a linen satchel. Topace’s sweaty tunic had managed to land squarely on top of Tirnol’s head, causing the harengon to cuss and snatch at the soil linen.

“Alright, we’ve taken care of several things at once. I want to try and find this shepherd statue and look into moving the camp into the castle rather than this back-and-forth,” Longinus said.

“What about Tirnol and the draft horse?” Branwell asked.

“Those towers look spacious enough that we could probably fit the horse comfortably during the night,” Longinus said, “Hopefully that is the last of the gruesome deaths involving bugs.”

---

The party started making their way back into the castle. They passed through the entry halls where the Glumhold’s were using as their private chamber, the group then passed by the trio apartments. All of which were empty. From the hall the party turned right, heading east and past the door that served as Capulet’s room. At the end, the hallway turned in three directions. The first direction of the right led into an open tower room with multiple arrow slits.

The issue was that while the hall was wide enough to gently guide the horse in, the supply wagon would be another story. There was room at the front entrance, behind the double doors, but no further.

“No, it’s not ideal, but I like it, at least for a day or so when we can find a place to set up our needed gear and then send Tirnol back to town with a progress report,” Longinus said.

“Are we expecting to stay that long cleaning this place out?” Messalina asked as the group moved out of the tower room and back to the main hall, Messalina moved ahead to check the door on the immediate right.

“I’m not sure, I’m thinking it over,” Longinus said, “Would anyone be opposed to sending Tirnol back?”

“If he goes back, I’d like to put in a request for a crossbow,” Fengir said, “I only have so many spells on hand, and I feel like if I at least had something… firing a crossbow instead of standing there, energies for magical sleep at the ready, faced with the potential of putting my allies to sleep.”

“I for one appreciate not being subjected to your powers,” Topace said.

“Likewise,” Messalina agreed.

Fengir nodded, he also appreciated not having to explain to his party members that he did not mean to potentially put them to sleep, only that it was the nature of the spell and he had only so much control as a spellcaster manipulating the strands of the arcane. Fengir added: “On the other hand, Topace is right, are we planning to stay that long?”

“We’ll see how far we get and what hurts we take,” Longinus said.

Messalina spent time searching the next door for traps (No roll is needed - the door is not trapped and not locked).

---

Up until now, Fengir had been taking time, every once in a while lighting one or two of the torches that were on sconces. He also had been kind enough to hold onto one torch for the party to provide lighting. In the future, Longinus thought, it would be nice to get a torch holder, one might say a ‘professional’ torch holder, but for now the group made do with a combination of Fengir’s light and the natural daylight trickling through the windows and arrow slits.

It was in that dim light as the group stepped into the room, wedged in the corner, was a statue in the shape of a humble shepherd holding a lamb under one arm and a crook in his other hand. A voice emerged from the statue and greeted the group.

“Hello, how may I help you?” It said pleasantly.

In Search of Adventure - Session #4

In Search of Adventure - Session #4

“You just had to do it, huh? You just had to run,” Longinus’ volume was quiet, but his tone was layered in cold fury after they finally managed to get Escalus back over to the south hall where he was forced to lay on the ground so that Branwell could tend to his wounds. Not with healing spells, Longinus would be aghast that any magic was used on the rapscallion Escalus, just bandages and a touch of emergency liquor that caused Escalus to wince.

Capulet finally put on some pants and a tunic while watched by a quiet, but equally furious Topace. Although the dragonborn had been healed by Branwell’s magic, a part of him was still sore from the bite of the wolf.

“The three of us had troubled nobody, we had a good thing going on here before all you showed up and ruined everything!” Escalus snapped, “And where is Montague? Or did you cut his throat!” He stopped and seethed at Branwell’s rough ministrations.

“I told you,” Branwell said, “The bugs got him.”

“Bugs,” Escalus grunted and shifted his body when Branwell announced that he had done the best he could with his healer’s kit.

At the same time, Messalina had gone into Escalus’ room and looked over his chest. Tossing aside spare clothes, the things she found of note included the battle axe, which did have an ornate quality that made it masterwork, perhaps something more. She also found at the bottom of the chest the pouch that contained three gemstones. Capulet had spotted it first, but he happened to be interrupted by Fengir and Messalina.

A search of Montague and Capulet’s room yielded little of note - spare clothes, an extra knife, nothing that was of any monetary value. She did take the knives, not for herself, but to dump them on the ground at Longinus’ feet.

“The goblins claimed you were collecting rent from them and a few other types and you already converted it into gems?” Longinus asked incredulously. He looked at Escalus, who in turn kept his mouth closed and only looked off in the distance. Capulet noted sourly, “We were spending the coin we took in on actually straightening up this place. We were not just pocketing it on vices.”

“Must have been lean times if all you ended up with is a few gems,” Longinus said before turning back to Escalus, “Would you like to tell us how you got that injury?” (Reaction check: 10 - Favorable)

“Some of our other tenants, a trio of kobolds who I guess took issue with me stumbling into their room. I had no idea they would actually tripwire the entrance, though. Next thing I know, one of them had launched themselves with whatever served as their kitchen knife and tried to stab what he could. Now they’re running around.”

“Just three of them?” Longinus asked.

“That’s all I ever saw, that’s all I ever recalled renting out from us, but they could have smuggled in some more of their pack or tribe, whatever they call it. It’s a little hard to tell kobolds apart besides scale color, and all three of these were a vague copper color.”

“And now they’re running around,” Longinus noted, “either stirring up trouble, or waiting to ambush us given the chance.” The group became cautious, as if a multitude of eyes were watching them at that moment.

Longinus picked up the battle axe and tossed it down in front of Escalus, and in short order, dropped Capulet’s shortsword in front of him. He then gestured to the pouch Messalina held, “The gems we keep as compensation for dealing with the wolves among other obstacles you put in front of us. Your weapons you can take along with your clothes, and you get moving to wherever you need to go.”

“Not even a single coin?” Capulet whined.

“Not a penny, go back to Threshold and beg for a job. Maybe apologize to Mr. Caldwell about the trouble you caused and he’ll have you sweeping out stables, but I’m done dealing with you.”

Topace spat and glared at Escalus. He had a few choice words of his own, but he let Longinus do the talking.
---

Escalus and Capulet take their leave - I need to make a note they remain ‘around’ and possibly can show up later. In fact, let’s ping our Oracle: Do Escalus and Capulet linger in the area? 5 - Yes. That means they might either go looking for trouble or a potential way to ambush the party. For now, as far as the castle is concerned, they are out of the party’s hair.

---

“That was a pretty solid axe that the merchant had,” Messalina noted, “You sure it was right to let them keep it?”

“I left him with the means to get back home, and that’s important enough to me,” Longinus said.

“Well, now that we’ve assuaged our consciousness about that, which way do we go?” Fengir asked. The Catfolk had one ear out, just in case either trader decided to double back while his eyes stayed on the group.

“Let’s try to recover the other body, or whatever we can bury,” Longinus said, “Branwell, would you like to show us?”

The party heads west and turns the corner. Messalina used her sharp hearing and gave herself plenty of room to dodge back before looking around the corner. From the corner, the party moves up a couple of steps. (Random Encounter Check 1-in-6: 2 - No Encounter)

---

The party reaches the door that Branwell picked out. Branwell has already alerted the party that he spotted at least two, so the party is kind of aware that they would have a harder time being surprised. Longinus is at the door with shield raised and sword ready, Topace is prepared to move in from behind. Backing them is Messalina and Fengir with Branwell watching the party’s back. Topace gets the door and Longinus steps into the room first.

(Bug Surprise 2-in-6: 1): As Longinus enters the room it does not take him long before he spots what has the fire beetles distracted. They are finishing off what remains of Montague. It is certainly not pretty. Because they are surprised, as the group filters into the room, Longinus wastes no time charging Beetle #1 and attacking.

Surprise Round

Longinus sword slash. Attack: 8 - Miss

Topace follows behind and charges the second beetle. Attack: 8 - Miss

Messalina follows the pair into the room with a dagger drawn. She plans to work her way to get behind one of the beetles to backstab it.

Fengir moves and holds action until something clears up for him.

Branwell moves in at the last moment and closes the door behind him.

Initiative - Round #1

GM: 1

Longinus: 4

Topace: 3

Messalina: 8

Branwell: 7

Fengir: 4

Messalina dips to one side of the table and makes her way to flank the beetle that is engaged with Topace. Backstab. Attk: 17 - Hit. Damage: 2x2 = 4. Beetle #2 HP: 4/8

Branwell moves up next to Fengir and will close the distance in the next round.

Longinus attacks Beetle #1 with his sword. Attack: 11 - Miss

Fengir holds action until he gets a clearer shot

Topace attacks Beetle #2. Attack: 13 - Miss

Beetle #1 attacks Longinus: Attk: 20 - Hit. Damage: 6. Longinus HP: 4/10 - he takes a solid scratch that gets around his armor and slashes him. Longinus grits his teeth as he continues to try and hold against the beetle.

Beetle #2 attacks Topace. Attack: 3 - Miss

Round #2

Messalina shifts and dances to ensure she can get a flank strike. Attk: Natural 20 - Crit. Damage: 4x2 = 8. Beetle #2 HP: 0/8 - Slain

Branwell moves to support Longinus and engage the second beetle. Attack: 8 - Miss

Longinus attacks 9 - Miss

Fengir holds action

Topace turns and engages beetle #1 with his two-handed sword. Attack: 22 - Hit. Damage: 10. 0/6 - Slain

The final slash had cut down the beetle while Longinus winced at the way his armor’s endurance had been tested by the sharp mandible of the beetle. While he was watching the bugs, Messalina was cleaning her knife before looking over at what was left of Montague. Like Branwell said, the bugs got him. What was left was not pretty. Several coins lay scattered across the floor when one of the bugs had torn at his waist, his short sword laid in another direction. While Branwell said a prayer to the dead, Messalina moved to collect every coin she could find.

---

I decide to make a ‘secret check’ to see if Messalina can find all of the coins. Fengir is also free, and due to his feline eyes, he might pick up a few. So let’s test two different Wisdom attributes to see what can be found: Messalina (Wis 13 ≤ 14 - Success) and Fengir (Wis 4 ≤ 11 - Success). Between the two of them having successes, they are able to find all 8 gp and 20 sp that Montague had on him.

“So, what do we do now?” Messalina asked.

“Let’s find something, a piece of carpet, an old rug,” Longinus said and turned to Topace, “Help me carry the body, we’ll bury it before we return to camp.”

In Search of Adventure - Session #3

 In Search of Adventure - Session #3 

Shortly after Escalus closed the inner door behind him and stepped back into the center of his room, he took a moment to raise his battleaxe over his head, displaying the flat of the blade, before setting the axe on the nearby table. He stepped out into the main hall, Messalina had given him enough room that he, along with Montague and Capulet were encircled by the group. There was little chance to run, short of something coming along, or Demelza breaking from her routine and happening upon the group. Escalus saw the motley of human, dragonborn, catfolk, goblin, and gnome and cursed that all good schemes ended with a confrontation by adventurers.

“So,” Escalus began, “I guess I shall speak on behalf of my companions here. I would appreciate it if I could see the deed of ownership that your employer has provided?”

Longinus held up the deed and noted, “This is just a copy- in case you were thinking of tearing it up.”

Escalus rolled his eyes, “Faced with five armed adventurers and my back to the wall, do you really think I would be so petty as to tear up your document?”

Longinus gave him an even look and held up the document for Escalus to read, not to take. Escalus gave a look and said, “Distrust is quite unbecoming of a man who wishes to hold such a noble bearing.”

“Could I?” Capulet interrupted, gesturing at his bathrobe, making it plain he wanted to change clothes. He had been so far agreeable not to try anything funny beyond sipping his coffee and setting down his empty chamber pot.

Longinus slowly lowered the deed to look at Capulet along with the others before nodding and looking over to Topace and Messalina, “Could you two please follow and make sure there is no funny business.”

“They have to watch me dress?” Capulet asked sharply. His sentiments were echoed by Topace and Messalina: “We have to watch him dress?”

“At least make sure there’s no weapons hidden-” Longinus began. (Surprise Check 2-in-6 - 3) Montague on the left makes a move - withdrawing and sprinting down the east and then turning north. He commits to a withdrawal, meaning while Fengir is not surprised, he also cannot take a parting shot, only hissing and yelling for the human to stop.

Initiative - Round #1
Longinus: 6

Bran: 5

Messalina: 5

Topace: 4

Fengir: 3

GM: 2

Longinus heard Fengir’s warning and drew the deed back towards himself, cursing at the situation. “That bastard could bring who knows what down on us!”

Bran follows after Montague at his full speed. Which is slow enough to do little else, but gaining enough ground to make it difficult for Montague to evade.

Messalina drew her dagger and turned on Capulet, as if expecting trouble.

Topace drew his claymore and also looked at Capulet first.

Fengir pursued Montague, but stayed a step behind Bran so that the Cleric would be the first potential opponent (and target) to reach the fleeing trader.

Capulet jumped back and put his hands up, what remained of his coffee spilled on his robe around the time the robe came open and Messalina and Topace cursed their luck seeing what the rotund partly looked like as a man who greeted the morn wearing ONLY a bathrobe and a pair of complimenting slippers.

Montague ran down the hall and turned at the first door he found on his left. He shouldered his way into an unexplored room, which turned out to be a library with old shelves on either side and a partially broken table. He was a few steps into the room when he came upon several insectile silhouettes writhing on the floor. Their lower thoraxes glowing in natural bio-luminescence. The eyes of two large beetles were chewing on the carpet.

(Surprise Check (Bugs): 3 - No Surprise / Montague: 1 - Surprised) - The beetles are not surprised and both release a soft hiss as they smell something they like - a real meal.

Montague reached for his sword and bleated in terror, “God’s wounds.”

Escalus feels behind his back for the door latch and pulls it down, putting his weight in order to step back into his room. Things have gone sour and it was time to make one’s escape. Escalus performed a technical fighting retreat, but Longinus was too busy securing the deed to do but shout in annoyance at the slippery trader.

Fire Bug Reaction: Automatically Hostile - they are looking for a real meal, and it isn’t carpet.
---

Longinus gives the door a hard kick and it swings open because Escalus lacked the ability to replace the bolt to his door. He finds Escalus had snatched up his axe and was making his way to the back door. “Get back here!”

Bran closes the distance and is a step or two outside of the library. He takes the time to ensure he has hammer drawn and shield ready

Messalina holds a dagger on Capulet and tells Topace she will be alright. “All I need this fellow to do is to close his robe.

Topace drew his claymore and followed in after Longinus to confront Escalus

Fengir was a step behind Branwell. Having a longer stride due to his height, Fengir is able to hear and look in, spotting the bugs.

Because they were not surprised, one of the bugs charges Montague. Attack: 17 vs. AC: 14 - Hit. Damage: 6. Montague HP: 0/6 - Bug #1 pounces and bites into Montague. Montague shrieks and writhes but does not struggle for long.

Bug #2 is attracted to a full body and joins in finishing off Montague.

Capulet takes to sitting on the floor with his hands raised.

Escalus pushes through the back door and into the inner courtyard making a racket as he passes into the center grounds heading towards the middle well.

(Q: Does this alert the wolves? 5 - Yes) The two wolves look up when they see Escalus making noise. Their reaction (to Escalus): Favorable - they do not attack and watch with interest.

---

Round #3

Longinus moves into the courtyard to follow Escalus. He is also spotted by the wolves - Longinus Surprise: 1 - Surprised! He continues to pursue Escalus and does not see the potential danger ahead / Wolves Reaction: 5 - Unfavorable. The wolves seem to have some sense of loyalty, or at least appreciated Escalus’ feeding them in the past.

Longinus moves in on Escalus with his weapon drawn, “End of the line, trader. You’re coming back with me.”

Because Longinus is technically surprised, the wolves interrupt as wolf #1 charges towards him. Attack: 8 - Even with surprise, it’s a low roll and Longinus is able to suddenly pivot and block the first wolf away.

Wolf #2 circles and falls back into normal initiative

Bran knows there is little that can be done, and he is unsure about pursuing the bugs solo. He grabs the door handle and closes the door. “We need to get back to the rest of the party.”

Messalina hears a ruckus around the door. I say she knows something is going on. Cursing the situation, she decides to step away and check out what was going on. A more surface dwelling goblin might have ensured Capulet could do nothing by cutting him, but she was a Serraine goblin. She had some killer instincts when it came to business, but not quite cutting throats just yet.

Topace is aware of the situation he charges from the side and attacks Wolf #1. Attack: 7 - Miss

Fengir follows after Bran, “Damn fool had to make a run for it.”

Wolf #1 turns on Topace and attacks the Dragonborn. Attack: 16 - Hit. Damage: 5. Topace HP: 4/9

Wolf #2 also charges towards Topace and attacks him. Attack: 12 - Miss
---

Round #4

Longinus turned away from Escalus and rushed Wolf #1 to try and draw him away from Topace. Attack: 16 - Hit. Damage: 8. Wolf #1 HP: 3/11

Bran continues back down the hallway to where they first split from the party. He makes it around the corner back to Montague’s old room and sees the door opened in the center.

Messalina ducked out the back of Escalus’ room and used a low wall that bordered the courtyard as cover. She moved slowly and ducked underneath the cover provided by the wall so that she could slowly draw her crossbow and set a bolt.

Topace turned and attacked Wolf #2. He was hurt, but knew Longinus would be ganged up on if he quit the field. He was dancing enough to get back to back with his comrade. Attack: Natural 1 - Wolf #2 is able to dodge out of the way when Topace brings his sword down and it strikes the ground, the shock of it rattles the weapon from Topace’s hands.

Fengir is a step behind Bran. They were gaining ground but out of the way of the action.

Escalus used the distraction to cross to the north of the courtyard where the other door leading back into the castle was located.

Wolf #1 turned on Longinus and snapped at him. Attack: Natural 20! Crit - Damage: 1+2 = 3. Longinus HP: 7/10

Wolf #2 snaps at Topace. Attack: 4 - Miss

—

Round #4

Longinus turned away from Escalus and rushed Wolf #1 to try and draw him away from Topace. Attack: 16 - Hit. Damage: 8. Wolf #1 HP: 3/11

Bran continues back down the hallway to where they first split from the party. He makes it around the corner back to Montague’s old room and sees the door opened in the center.

Messalina ducked out the back of Escalus’ room and used a low wall that bordered the courtyard as cover. She moved slowly and ducked underneath the cover provided by the wall so that she could slowly draw her crossbow and set a bolt.

Topace turned and attacked Wolf #2. He was hurt, but knew Longinus would be ganged up on if he quit the field. He was dancing enough to get back to back with his comrade. Attack: Natural 1 - Wolf #2 is able to dodge out of the way when Topace brings his sword down and it strikes the ground, the shock of it rattles the weapon from Topace’s hands.

Fengir is a step behind Bran. They were gaining ground but out of the way of the action.

Escalus used the distraction to cross to the north of the courtyard where the other door leading back into the castle was located.

Wolf #1 turned on Longinus and snapped at him. Attack: Natural 20! Crit - Damage: 1+2 = 3. Longinus HP: 7/10

Wolf #2 snaps at Topace. Attack: 4 - Miss

---

Round #5

Longinus attacks Wolf #1 with his sword. Attack: 17 - Hit. Damage: 8. Wolf #1 HP: 0/11 - Slain

Bran steps out into the courtyard with his hammer and shield at the ready. He sees both of his party members are quite beat up from the encounter and he moves to help Topace deal with Wolf #2

Messalina peaks up, seeing Wolf #2 snap and circle with Topace that she is able to step up and fire on Wolf #2 with a crossbow. Attack: 11 - Miss

Topace draws his dagger and lashes at Wolf #2. Attack: 18 - Hit. Damage: 4. Wolf #2 HP: 8/12

Fengir moves in and sees the fighting. He decides to stand near where Messalina is firing her crossbow from. He planned to use his staff and claws to ward off any attacks while she loaded and fired her crossbow. “I regret I didn’t buy one of those back in Threshold.”

“Don’t you have oil?” Messalina asked.

“Too many allies are nearby to throw that.”

Escalus snatched the door latch and tore into the north room to make his escape. What he did not realize, moving so quickly, is that his kobold renters had rigged a trip wire. He makes a Save vs. Wands: 11 < 14 - Failure. He yelps as he falls to the ground.

The north room had been rented out to a trio of kobolds, at which time two of the three kobolds were napping on the bed, while another was watching the soup boil in a pot when Escalus crashed into their room, both literally bursting through the door before falling on their rented floor from the wire. (Kobolds Surprised 3-in-6: 5 - Surprisingly not / Escalus Surprise: 6 - On the ground but not surprised. Kobold Reaction: 6 - Unfavorable).

The kobold on the chair dove up from his seat with a chef’s knife and was on the intruder, who just happened to be his grifting landlord. Attack: 16 - Hit. Damage: 1 Point. Escalus HP: ⅞

Wolf #2 snaps at Topace. Attack: 13 - Miss. The wolf . It makes a morale check (2d6 vs. TN: ≤ 8) rolling a 7, the wolf finds its loyalty to its lost companion outweighs self-preservation. It wants blood!

---

Then we have Capulet, the third Merchant. (Q: Does he know where Escalus kept his money? A: No, Capulet is aware of the chest that Escalus keeps, but would only be guessing money is in there.)

Capulet knows he is lacking any treasure of his own. He decides he will make a try anyway to search Escalus’ room to grab what he can before retreating to his room, slipping on clothes, and trying to escape. Stepping inside, Capulet finds Escalus’ chest near the foot of the bed. He ignores the racket as he reaches the merchant’s locker.

Q: Is the chest locked? No, actually, it is open. Capulet prepares to open the chest to see if there is anything that he can grab.

Fengir is given a listen check (2-in-6): 1 - Fengir hears something suspicious going on in the next room.

---

Round #6

Longinus turns and slashes at the wolf. Attack: 15 - Hit. Damage: 8. Wolf #2 HP: 0/12 - His sword strikes down the animal with one final stroke.

Bran moves and casts Cure Light Wounds on Topace (1d6+1 = 5). Topace HP: 9/9 - Branwell Spell Slots Remaining: ½

Messalina has her crossbow set. She spots that the north door is open and is pretty certain she heard more ruckus ahead, and perhaps behind? “I don’t suppose we want to see if our runaway renter has stumbled into something?”

Topace retrieves and cleans his claymore. He nods his thanks at Bran. “At this rate let whatever has him, have at him. Did you find out what happened to the runner?” He asked Bran.

“Bugs got him,” Bran said, before confirming, “Giant bugs in the library.”

(A secret check is made to see if Capulet is even aware of Fengir watching him from the doorway - Surprise: 3-in-6: 3 - Capulet remains busy trying to open the box to hear Fengir’s padded bring the magic-user to the door)

Fengir uses the end of his staff to prod Capulet’s back, “If you stand up I will crack you over the head with this. You might as well give up.”

Escalus attacks Kobold #3 with his fist. Attack: 10 - Miss. He yells for the Kobold to get off of him. Unfortunately things are so hectic I will not give a new reaction check.

Kobold #3 attacks Escalus with the chef knife. Attack: 6 - Miss

Kobold #1 and Kobold #2 wake up and start grabbing weapons, yipping and hissing at an intruder!

—

Round #7

“I won’t rest until I know he is either dead or in my custody,” Longinus uses Lay on Hands to heal himself 3 points. Longinus HP: 10/10. He starts towards the door and calls out that anyone in the room should disarm and surrender at once!

Bran follows after Longinus to provide him extra support.

Messalina looks to see Fengir in the doorway and walks over to check on the Magic-User to find Capulet still in a bathrobe kneeling by a chest. “Oh…” She bore her teeth, shaking her head, “I was hoping I could trust not having to cosh you or tie your hands, but you just HAD to push it, didn’t you?”

Topace pauses, he sees Messalina and Fengir looking into something behind them, Longinus and Bran moving forward. He stays in the middle to try and respond to either emergency.

Kobolds hear Longinus’ commanding voice and look up (Reaction: 4) - they look on with hostility, but they also know their main tripwire has been activated and they heard enough footsteps, cursing, and movement to hint more are coming. The kobolds use the time to slip out through their front door on the north side of the keep. They leave Escalus prone and at the mercy of the approaching Paladin.

Escalus is all that remains and his hands are raised, “It looks like you caught me, sir.”

And as for Capulet, the merchant puts his hands, annoyed, but his eyes flick to the crossbow and staff pointed at him.

---

And with that, we will put a pause as the team continues to explore and clear Castle Caldwell.