Chapter 1 - Kem, City of Gold

Jun 15, 2024 1:54 pm

GM

KEM, CITY OF GOLD - 891 AF
It's been over a fortnight since you set forth from the Temple of the Moon in Low Country. Your destination is Kem, known as the City of Gold. It lies due east along the coast of Rûl along the Auroral Ocean. It is the richest city on the continent, and a good place to earn some money for your adventure. To solve the mysterious disappearance of the Daughters of the Moon, the best starting place is Set, City of Gods, which is the next city north of Kem. If that proves unfruitful, then the largest temple to the Maiden in the Moon is the Spire of Mystery in Lij, City of Wonder. But Lij is the second most northern city in the Confederacy and would take weeks if not months to trek that far. So first, Kem.

It is just before noon in the third week of Firstmonth of the new year. The weather is chilly and the sky is overcast, banishing the sun to a faint and diffuse glow in the east. A stiff wind tugs at your hair and clothes which gives a keener edge to the cold. You're tired, saddle-sore, and hungry. You have some trail rations left but after so many days, you are looking forward to a nice meal and a warm bed. And maybe even a change of clothes or at least a good wash. You swear when the horses snort it's because of your smell.

You are following the Kem River south when, just ahead, you see it flow through an arched wall that surrounds Kem. The city lies on the southern tip of a small peninsula on the east coast. The Kem River bisects the city and empties out into the Auroral Ocean. The stone wall is four meters high and there is a single arched entrance just to the east of the arch where the river enters and passes through. Over the walls on a rise inside the city is a white marble castle with four tall gold-topped spires each flying a fluttering golden flag. Also rising above the walls are cylindrical golden towers about ten stories tall dotted around the city. To the east, outside the city walls but inside walls of its own, you see the top of a white marble cuboid building. Men patrol the walls around this structure. A path of golden bricks connects this separate structure to the city.

A pair of city guards flanks the entrance to the city. They are dressed in chainmail and grey tabards. Each has a short sword and sap on their hips, with crossbows beside them leaning against the city wall within easy reach. There is a steady flow of people through the gate, a mixture of merchants and regular travelers. Merchants are stopped and must provide a letter of trade and pay a silver shilling to do business in the city. The guards look you over and wave you through.

Jun 16, 2024 12:13 pm

"Easier to get in here than it was to get out of there." Hagrac snorts, throwing a thumb back towards the way they had spent two weeks coming from. The goblins had needed to be spoken for before they could leave. There seemed to be no such prejudices here, it seemed.

Hagrac tried not to stare at the gold on the horizon as they approached. He also tried to keep a lid on any boasting about dwarves and gold and building. The would likely neither appreciate nor care about Dwarven marvels after two weeks of arseache and dry rations.

"What’ll it be then?" he grunts to the others as the city opens up before them. There hasn’t been time for eating or drinking much of anything on the road, and Hagrac wasn’t sure what passed for a substantial meal with this lot…

Jun 16, 2024 8:58 pm

"I'd like to start by looking for drinking money," Theodore says, looking around the crowds for any particularly full coin pouches.

"But let's find a place to settle down first," he continues. "You lot are drawing stares. Rather a disadvantage in my line of work."

Jun 17, 2024 2:18 am

"Every city has goblins that make the under city work. We'll see if they have heard anything about the Maidens, and which boats can provide passage north. I'm certain they'll know which ones will allow our folks aboard," Fingas says, dragging Butterfly along with him.

Jun 17, 2024 10:06 am

Hargrac admired that the goblin magician was all business. The only thing he admired more than drive was a nice tall mug of something and a steaming, heaped pile of grub sitting in front of him.

And so the dwarf sighs when the others don’t seem keen on filling their bellies with food and drink.

He claps Theodore on the back. There was one, at least, who knew how to unwind and forget the stink of horses for a minute.

"Someone talking sense, finally!" he croaks!

GM

Jun 18, 2024 12:50 pm

GM

Kem is accustomed to the constant influx of travelers so asking any citizen or city guard, called The Coins and who wear the same grey tabards and chain mail as the gate guards, give you a rough outline of the city. You are in the Trades Ward which is mostly middle-class merchants with shops of solid stone and tiled roofs. You occasionally see a wealthy merchant flanked by personal guards in red tabards trimmed in gold with armor and weapons in pristine condition. To the west of the Kem River are the Temple Ward and West Ward, the slums. South of Trades Ward on the east side of the river lies Center City, Market Ward, and Seaside. City Center is the upscale area with the best views and richest clientele. Market Ward is where most wares are sold after they are unloaded from the ships, or from the craftsmen just north in Trades Ward. Peppered about are sturdy stalls, open air markets, and people selling goods out of carts. Seaside is where the cheapest taverns and brothels are located, as well as any black market deals that need more privacy than what's available in Market Ward.

Jun 18, 2024 6:03 pm

OOC:

What's our goal here? Are we just looking for passage north to Set? Is there anything else we have to do while we are in Kem?

Also, as a reminder, Butterfly's player is out for a while, so I'm going to assume she just tags along with me for the moment.

Fingas gestured for Butterfly to follow him, making snide comments about how it must be nice for all these humans to travel around in paladades and wagons, rather than being down here in the dirt. Before he could even take two steps, he was roughly shoved aside by a some fancily dressed (in red and gold) guard to some rich human, nearly knocking him into a pile of horse dung. The guard didn't even look at Fingas as it happened.

"They don't even look at us. We are nothing to them," he said to Butterfly. "You can yell and scream all you want, beg for help - no one will listen to you. This is your new life; you are trapped with us now." Fingas aims for his words to hurt, like a twisted knife in the gut. Butterfly (he can't even remember their old human name anymore; but that was inconsequential) would learn what it was like to be goblin, to be treated just as she - he - did in their past life as a human. The disregard, the indifference, the complete lack of notice that goblins got.

"Come with me. It's time to see our people."

Jun 18, 2024 6:41 pm

Seeing Fingas and Butterfly take off, Theodore takes his leave of the group for now. He tries to find a suitable target for a little sleight of hand. Someone who seems rich enough that they could spare a few coins for drinks and lodgings. There was talk of pay, but Theodore always found food purchased with ill gotten gains always tasted sweeter somehow.

Jun 18, 2024 11:59 pm

OOC:

Yes, just looking to get to Set, could be by ship or caravan. But of course things are happening here too! You're doing a great job with Butterfly so I think we will continue as is with that part. Theodore, give me an Int check to find a good mark. Agi check to pickpocket. If you fail the Int check the Agi check will be with 2 banes as you picked a bad mark.

Jun 19, 2024 3:15 am

Hargrac watches as the goblins departs, and makes a face as the lead goblin is neatly tossed aside almost immediately.

"Yelling and screaming will do you no good, aye." Hagrac agrees with a cruel kind of laugh. "Thats what this is for." he says, heaving his massive maul for the goblins to see. Hagrac would have driven it into the belly of the red-cloak, if the long legs had thought to try knock Hagrac over.

If the goblin wouldn’t stand up for himself, then Hargrac wouldn’t intercede on his behalf either; no matter how much he relished to test just how good the red-cloaks were as guards. He waves the others off, and decides to wander the streets and head to Seaside.

Jun 19, 2024 10:31 am

OOC:

Don't know if my Pickpocket occupation will help out.

Rolls

Intellect - (1d20+1)

(12) + 1 = 13

Agility - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Profession - (1d6)

(3) = 3

GM

Jun 19, 2024 12:24 pm

GM

OOC:

Sure does! Added a boon for you, result is over 20 now!

Theodore spots an easy mark: an overweight man with a receding hairline and expensive clothes. He has shifty eyes and an uneasy step which communicates a distinct lack of confidence.

OOC:

Describe how you steal it. You get 1d6 gc 1d10 ss and 1d20 cp. Go ahead and roll it.

The goblins, being goblins, know they would find their kin in the slums of any town, so they head to West Ward. It is home to the Golden City’s downtrodden and destitute. The streets here are filled with excrement, filth, and vermin, and contrasts completely with the beauty of the inner city. The poor live in tenement houses or in alleys, and crime runs rampant. The Coins patrol the area, but their squads do little to curtail the problems. A small goblin enclave is situated on the east side of the Ward, right next to the western bank of Kem River. There seem to be between several dozen and a hundred goblins living here, most in tents, hovels made of crates, and refuse heaps shaped into igloos.

Seaside rests on the south side of the city and contains the shipyards, docks, and warehouses. It is also where the seedy, ramshackle taverns like The Scurvy Dog, The Whale’s Tale, and Tared’s Torrent can be found, as well as the cheaper brothels, such as The Lusty Mermaid, Bent Over a Barrel, Captain’s Choice, and Fisherman’s Delight. The air here is heavy with the scent of fish, and the district bustles with sailors, laborers, fisherman, and debarking travelers.

Jun 19, 2024 6:35 pm

Fingas takes a big sniff of the air and pleasantly sighs, "Ahhh.. smells like home." Then he laughs at Butterfly's look of disgust. "Come on, let's see if we can find a witch or a tribal leader."

Jun 19, 2024 6:57 pm

Theodore nonchalantly walks behind his mark until he sees an unassuming person. He hooks his foot casually into the unassuming person and trips him up so he lands right on the mark, causing them both to tumble to the ground. Theodore quickly comes to the two men's aid, helping them up (and helping himself to some coin). "You have to be more careful," he lectures the poor man he tripped, and to the mark he ask: "How are you doing? You didn't hurt yourself?"

Rolls

gc - (1d6)

(2) = 2

ss - (1d10)

(9) = 9

cp - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Jun 20, 2024 8:41 am

Hargrac hated the stink of the sea and fish and silt. He hated more the prospect of paying to spend days lurching up and down on open water; the prospect of a pirate raid the only thing keeping a bit of fire in his belly.

He groans, as the slew of ships bobs before him. The lesser quality vessels were those more likely to allow goblins travel without much trouble. While better quality ships provided the best opportunity for a defensive scrap along the way…

He grunts, knowing that he was duty bound to provide for the goblins for as long as the task took, and so heads off to the Scurvy Dog.

GM

Jun 21, 2024 3:50 am

GM

Luckily for Fingas, the tribal leader and witch are one in the same. The goblins greet him cheerily as if he was a long lost relation rather than a complete stranger. Fingas learns the goblins here are called the Clipped Coppers and led by Mad Mardigan. Some of the goblins take you to her abode, five outhouses cobbled together into one large (relatively) dwelling. Mad Mardigan is inside sitting on a lopsided stool and reading some papers at a rickety desk. You are surprised to see she is quite attractive for a goblin. She has the brick-red skin of an ouphe but with prominant blue veins. Her hands are covered in sharp bristles like a hedgehog's back and she has long earlobes that dangle almost to her shoulders. She looks up as you enter. "Welcome, new siblings. What can Mad Mardigan do for you?"

The man splutters. "Ah, yes, um, yes I think so. Nothing broken I think. Thank you for your help. I, uh, I'm in a bit of a hurry, so pardon my abruptness. Thank you, I must be going." The mark resumes his hurried walk through the city.

The man you tripped is not so lucky. He is clutching his ankle and making a scene, rolling around on his back in pain. "I think something twisted!" He looks at you accusingly.

The Scurvy Dog is truth in advertising. All two dozen patrons look like they have been at sea for months and fruit is a foreign concept to them. They are scrawny but with sinewy muscled bodies, weathered skin usually splotchy and sunburned, heavily bearded or scriffuly stubbled. And of course smelling of sea salt or unwashed body odor.

The bar itself is a mixture of white-colored stone and reclaimed driftwood. The layout is a simple large opening with a bar along the back wall and several round tables scattered over the main room. A single large fireplace shaped like a lighthouse takes up a wall adjacent to the bar and keeps the chill outside at bay. Several candle chandeliers hang from wooden rafters above. Two workers are behind the bar, a man with hair and beard like steel wool and a middle-aged red-headed women with a bosom as large as Hargrac's head barely contained by her blouse. No one pays any attention to the dwarf's entrance.

Jun 21, 2024 12:30 pm

"You must watch where you go," Theodore says with a shrug.

With a few steps, he passes the man and tosses him a silver shilling. "For the healer head into the city. He'll take the long way round to the Scurvy Dog.

Last edited June 21, 2024 12:31 pm

Jun 21, 2024 2:37 pm

"Mad Mardigan, such a name!" He says with a slimy flourish. "I am Fingas, and this little creature goes by the name of Butterfly," he introduces, knowing her name will set her apart from the other goblins. Whispers of, "why did she choose *that* name?" and "What was her tribe thinking ?!" should start to spread. "We are on a quest at the behest of the goblins working at thr Temple of the Moon. I am sure one of your magnitude has heard of what happened, yes? The disappearance of the priestesses. Our fellows have requested we find out what happened, and I am determined to help.

For the betterment of our people, we ask of you for any knowledge you have on it, and for passage to Set. We have a human and a dwarf travelling with us."

Jun 23, 2024 1:42 am

Hargrac didn’t looks a million miles from the patrons of the Scurvy Dog, save for his pale skin from years spent below ground (to say nothing of the many generations before him). The stink clung to his nostrils though, and he wrinkled his nose as he steps into the room proper.

He crosses the room, and throws himself up on to the barstool so as to get some information.

"This the place to book passage on a ship?" he asks the woman with a grunt, wondering if what they would book passage on would even pass for a ship.

"Need something with room for four." he says, and think better of it then.

"Call it three. Two of them are small." he corrects himself. Mentally, he dares someone to make a comment about his own height…

GM

Jun 24, 2024 3:09 pm

GM

A little too quickly, the man stops his complaining theatrics and snatches the coin out of the air. He gives one last suspicious look at Theodore before scrambling away into the crowd.

You enter the Scurvy Dog and it seems like your kind of place, just slightly more unwashed. You spy your dwarven companion at the bar talking with a busty barmaid.

The barmaid grins and nods. "Nothing official like, but there be many boat captains here. More important than room is where you headed? I might have some suggestions for you and your...shorter friends."

OOC:

Give me a Will roll with 1 bane for being an outsider to determine what she suggests for a boat captain.

"Well met Fingas and...Butterfly. A peculiar name. But mayhaps you come from a peculiar place? Mad Mardigan has heard nothing of which you speak regarding disappearing priestesses. Please fill Mad Mardigan's ears with the tale. Then maybe Mad Mardigan can help you find a ship."

OOC:

News travels only as fast as messengers and you all are the first people who experienced the event to arrive. News might not reach these lands for weeks if not months from other sources. You are the news messengers for the foreseeable future.

Jun 25, 2024 3:07 am

Fingas spins a tale of the events that occured as it matters to the goblins. The priestesses were kind to their people - not to him (he left that part out), but at least the ones that worked at the temple.

The night of their disappearance, they chanted:

"The Shadow falls and taints all that it touches.
Magic itself corrupts and unravels.
Seek the Words of Creation or suffer oblivion.
Drowning in riches, lines read in a folio of folly.
Profaned altar of an aqueous god, bloodily revealed.
Freedoms shackled, secrets tattooed upon the flesh.
Choked by fog, a mural viewed in drug-addled dreams.
Plague-ridden First City, sky rocks floating over ruins.
On the scarred peninsula, a grand boss can open the way.
Forged in the Crucible, a champion’s reward.
Among the wonders, the mad memories of a clockwork.
In the Witch-King’s tower, the final word is profane."

He stopped afterwards, pondering something - "'Drowning in riches, lines read in a folio of folly.' That might mean Kem. It is the City of Gold. Does that mean anything to you, Mad Mardigan?"

Pausing for the question, he didn't yet relay the rest of the tale, that of how their people asked him to help. He would get there, but first he wanted to hear if she had anything to say. He leaned in close and placed a hand up on hers as he asked, "Do you have any ideas?"

Jun 25, 2024 7:12 am

"North." Hargrac grumbles low, so as not to be overheard by too many. A moment later, he adds:

"Set will do."

Rolls

Will - (1d20+0)

(5) = 5

Bane - (1d6)

(2) = 2

GM

Jun 25, 2024 11:32 pm

GM

"Well now," says Mad Mardigan after a long pause. "That is quite the story." She steeples the fingers of her bristle-backed hands and thinks for a moment. "'Lines read in a folio' must be The Grand Playhouse. A famous theater throughout the Nine. Mad Mardigan thinks you are looking for a play of some kind. Yes, a play." She nods in certainty. "It won't be easy now with the ghost haunting it, of course. Closed due to spiritual violence."

"About the missing priestesses, Mad Mardigan sees a strange coincidence. Several weeks ago a few noble women disappeared as well. There was a search for days but nothing was ever found of them. Strange, strange."

When Hargrac mentions only "North" the barkeep rolls her eyes and frowns at you. Once you offer a more specific definition she nods her head. "That's better. Saying 'north' as if a direction is a destination would get you dangled from the crow's nest by your ankles. Set is the closest city so most ships pass by there. Many stop for pilgrims to visit their shrines and temples and whatnot. I reckon we can find you a captain without much sweat. You just enjoy a drink or five and I'll ask around while I work." You see as the barmaid does her round of refilling drinks and serving food, she is talking a little longer than usual with several of them. After a dozen or so minutes she comes back to you. "Grady will take you. He likes to meet his passengers first." She nods to a halfling with an eye-patch sitting a few tables away.

Jun 25, 2024 11:45 pm

"Several weeks ago? Was it on [the date of the disappearing priestesses]?" Fingas inquires. His mind begins to focus, trying to price together connections and gather it all in. At first he thought this errand was folly, but maybe there's something to it, after all.

Last edited June 25, 2024 11:50 pm

Jun 26, 2024 2:56 am

Hargrac laughs a menacing kind of laugh, as the woman tells him about how he would be strung up. The dwarf wouldn’t let himself be bound by ropes ever again, and so he tells her:

"I’d like to see the crew that would manage that!" before laughing again.

Hargrac follows her indication over to the Halfling, and in truth the dwarf is surprised that one of that folk sailed the seas as captain.

Half way to being a dwarf… he thinks, sliding off his stool. He gives the barmaid a wink and a coin for her trouble, and heads over.

He couldn’t help but wonder if the damned Halfling would carry goblins.

GM

Jun 26, 2024 7:41 am

GM

Mad Mardigan nods. "The time sounds right to Mad Mardigan's ears. The thirteenth full moon of the year. Strange, strange. The disappeared women's husbands have rewards for information. The owner of The Grand Playhouse, too, is looking for help. Not selling too many tickets with a murderous shade squatting there terrorizing any and all. Mad Mardigan has been helpful, yes?"

The barmaid winks back and puts the coin between her overly generous cleavage.

The one-eyed halfling sits by himself nursing a mug of ale. He's dressed in common clothes of natural colors but a long waterproofed black overcoat to keep out the chill of the Firstmonth air. His long brown hair is streaked with grey and pulled into a simple ponytail. He looks an unsettling mixture of young and old. He's playing a card game by himself but looks up at you with his one good eye, a startling bright shade of green.

"You must be the one Della was inquiring for." The halfling has a surprisingly deep voice that reminds you of a bullfrog's croak. He looks back down at his cards and flips one over.

Jun 26, 2024 1:36 pm

"Yes, you have been very helpful," Fingas says; he lifts his hand off of her hand and brushes her hair as he says it. He gives his best impression of a genuine smile, but his true intention is that a strand of hair becomes loose. His goal is to take a single stand of hair. If she tries to coerce him into doing something, he can make a control doll for her and take over control of the whole tribe. "The power behind the power," so to speak.

Jun 26, 2024 2:00 pm

OOC:

Don't forget her hands are covered in hadgehog quills lol. Give me an Agility roll with 1 bane for stealing a hair without her noticing.

Jun 26, 2024 2:23 pm

OOC:

I did forget that! I'm also fine with trying to place my hand on hers, and then "accidentally" getting pricked, taking a quill with me. I'm ok with taking some damage for it.

Rolls

Agility - (1d20+1-1d6)

(13) - (5) + 1 = 9

GM

Jun 27, 2024 6:29 am

GM

Fingas is so intent on grabbing a hair that he overlooked the quills on her hands until one pokes him and he jerks back, breaking the strand. Mad Mardigan cackles. "Careful, careful. I am dangerous by nature."

Jun 27, 2024 10:20 am

Fingas rubs his hand where the quill pricked him, hissing slightly under the sharp pain. "Ow. I really must be more careful," he feigns, pocketing the quill. Fingas always made a habit of collecting pieces of others, you never knew when you'd need it. Having something of another was a powerful tool - hair, nails, skin, blood... quill? But it would work.

"Thank you, Mad Mardigan, for your time. I would kiss your lovely hand goodbye, but..." he says with a smile, holding up his wounded hand. "Come, Butterfly." "We must leave before she asks us for some favor," he didn't say aloud.

Fingas turns to depart, ready to head back into the city to find the dwarf and the human.

Jun 27, 2024 1:01 pm

Hargrac’s nostrils flare in something like respect or amusement as he takes in the Halfling and then here’s his croaking, deep voice.

"Not less they get a string of dwarves in here every day of the week, looking to get their beards wet with seawater." the dwarf snorts then.

"You picky about who sails with you?" he asks, with something like a grumble.

GM

Jun 27, 2024 1:44 pm

GM

"Only as picky as the coin. I hears you're heading to Set? One silver apiece, and we set sail in two days after breakfast. How many of you'se?"

Jun 28, 2024 6:39 pm

Theodore enters the Scurvy Dog with swagger and heads to the bar for his companion. He puts an arm around his shoulder and smiles. "The job was successful. I got all the goods squared away and made enough for a few rounds for me and my friends."

He ask the barmaid for two tankards of ale. "And keep it coming throughout the evening!"

He makes a scene of it, playing it out with exaggeration throughout. Hoping some thirsty patron comes up to him to take part in his generosity. Always a great source for rumors in a new place.

GM

Jun 29, 2024 2:34 pm

GM

Mad Mardigan smiles at Fingas' smooth words. "There are other places to kiss besides hands," she says and waggles her eyebrows. As Fingas is just about to leave, she says "Oh, and one more thing. If you do make any money off of Mad Mardigan's information, do be a dear and donate a small percentage to our community here. We goblins must needs stick together, right right?"

After finishing with Mad Mardigan, Fingas enters the Scurvy Dog and finds his other two companions. The dwarf is speaking to a grizzled, one-eyed halfling, while the human-looking one is the center of a great deal of attention, drinking and laughing with many of the other tavern patrons.

Jun 29, 2024 3:02 pm

"Heya boyos," Fingas says, slapping the dwarf on the back as soon as he walks up to them. He's aware the familiarity likely makes the dwarf uncomfortable, but he feigns ignorance and pretends not to notice.

"Got some information for you. Turns out we might need to stay in town a little longer. There's some fancy play house in town - 'Grand' they call it. It's connected to the Maidens. They say it's ghosts. We gotta see how it all fits in. There were also some missing women - uppity class - disappeared the same day as our girls."

Jun 30, 2024 8:48 am

"Well, no use in me spending all this money on drinks if you already have information," Theodore shakes his head in reply. "Hope you don't take offence, but what do you reckon our chances are gaining entry to any fancy playhouse."

Jun 30, 2024 1:16 pm

"They say it's closed to the public, so our chances are pretty good as long as we don't go in the front door," Fingas says. "Besides, I've got an expert in getting into places they ain't supposed to be, right here." He says that last part, gesturing to the goblin tagging along behind him, Butterfly.

Jul 1, 2024 3:22 am

Truth be told, Hagrac had no idea how much a journey like that would cost. A silver didn’t sound too bad, and he had enough for the four of them; not that he would hand them over now, of course.

"Four." the grunts, growing more irate at each familiar touch and tap as his companions seemed to have sniffed him out again. Listening to the information quickly, he wondered how they would fare in the city for two days. Anything could happen.

"We’ll be here." he says, pointing to the floor of the bar, figuring it as good a place as any to meet this Halfling captain.

"Provided we ain’t dead. Don’t wait for us." he says, with a bullish laugh. It’s hard to know which prospect he’d prefer!

He rejoins the others then, having concluded his business with the Halfling.

"He’ll take us by boat. We’ve got two days. That enough time for whatever you lot are cooking up?"

Last edited July 1, 2024 11:25 am

Jul 1, 2024 10:43 am

Butterfly had remained sullenly silent during the encounter with Mad Mardigan. She shifted uncomfortably under the stares of the other goblins, trying to tug her cloak tighter around herself to hide.

Once the group is reunited again, the rogue grimaces when Fingas points out her expertise at breaking and entering. "Yeah, yeah. I can get us in," she says, wincing anew at the sound of her own lilting, high-pitched voice. She scratches at her arm. "Not that I have much say in the matter myself."

GM

Jul 1, 2024 11:28 am

GM

The halfling chuckles. "Don't flatter yourself. No passenger is too important that they can't be left behind. No need to meet anywhere, just be on the ship before we set sail." He takes a swig of his drink and goes back to his card game. He flips over a card and curses under his breath.

OOC:

Just throwing out the option that the theater owner is looking for someone to cleanse the haunting so if you volunteer he will let you in. But feel free to break in if you want of course lol.

Jul 1, 2024 11:34 am

I’ll flatten you… Hargrac thinks to himself about the Halfling, and lets himself smile for a moment!

Jul 2, 2024 12:05 pm

"Two days, eh? Should be enough time. Come on, let's check the place out," Fingas says, hoping to pull the others out of the bar.

Jul 2, 2024 2:25 pm

"I just got my beer," Theo says with a sigh. He looks over at Fingas and shrugs before he drinks it all in a few gulps, before getting up and following him outside.

Jul 3, 2024 3:20 am

Hargrac laughs in a low chuckle!

"Aye, that’s it! Get it down you!" the dwarf says, thinking to clap the man on the back for the feat! He stops himself short, as the human was as likely as not to spew up the beer on the bar floor after a thump from Hargrac!

He follows the goblin out, and reminds them quickly!

"Keep a silver aside for the Halfling! Or pinch one from somewhere!" he says with a dismissive grunt, as if it didn’t matter much to him!

GM

Jul 3, 2024 1:42 pm

GM

Asking around and it isn't too hard to find The Grand Playhouse. It sits on the southern side of the Kem River and on the east side of the main road leading to the Autarch's Palace. It is a large, two-story, half-timbered, wattle-and-daub building with a roof of grey stone shingles. Two large wooden arched double doors are closed but a piece of parchment has been nailed to one of them. The only windows are two sets in the front, and on the two sides near the front of the building. The back half, presumably where the stage and seating areas exist, are bare walls.

Jul 3, 2024 2:53 pm

Butterfly sets to work casing the joint, checking the doors and windows to see if they are locked. To her annoyance, she has to stand on her tiptoes to try and peer through the windows. She turns to Fingas and points at the words on the parchment. "I assume you can read that?"

Jul 3, 2024 4:24 pm

"Can't read your own tongue, eh?" Fingas sneers. He turns to look at the parchment to see what's written.

Jul 4, 2024 6:20 am

Hargrac puffs dismissively as he takes in the shoddy sight of the place. When they had spoken of breaking in, he had expected something sturdier than this. He was sure he could punch a hole in the side with his hammer, if it came to that!

"Grand must mean something different around here!" he jokes with the others, though he doubted any of them had much grasp on impressive architecture!

GM

Jul 5, 2024 2:38 pm

GM

NOTICE!

The Grand Playhouse Closed Until Further Notice!

REWARD!

One gold crown for the banishment of malevolent spirits
haunting the premises.

Officially,
Captain Asonia Gloom

Jul 5, 2024 2:41 pm

"For you illiterate, it says that we get a gold if we get rid of the spirits. And that it's closed until further notice. Come on, let's go in."

GM

Jul 5, 2024 3:03 pm

GM

The heavy doors are locked and do not budge.

Jul 6, 2024 10:36 am

Coin for the ship and several to spare.

"How is it you’re thinking of doing that?" Hargrac asks, poking a thick Dwarven finger at the writing.

For all his prowess, he’d never swung his hammer through a spirit! Would it even work?

He rattles the door and finds them sturdy:

"At least the doors are well made." he says, with a satisfied grunt. He beckons the others around the back!

GM

Jul 6, 2024 3:13 pm

GM

The back of the building is almost featureless; no doors nor windows mar the walls. It is likely because windows would allow unwanted light or people trying to watch for free.

Jul 6, 2024 8:20 pm

"I've got an expert for that," he says, gesturing towards Butterfly with a flourish. He knows Hargrac meant "how are you going to deal with the spirits," but he was intentionally ignoring that, instead pretending the dwarf meant "how are you going to enter."

Jul 7, 2024 1:20 am

Hargrac casts a disgruntled eye over the goblin duo, and makes theatre of taking a step back so that they might get to work!

He even waves a hand forward, as if to say ’after you…’

Jul 7, 2024 5:04 pm

"If there'd been windows I could get in as a cat," Theodore sighs. "I am more of a pickpocket than a lockpicker. Don't need lockpicks when a window will do most of the time."

He sits back waiting for Butterfly to do his thing.

GM

Jul 8, 2024 1:14 am

GM

OOC:

Picking will be an Agility check with 2 banes for the quality of the lock.

Jul 8, 2024 8:07 am

Butterfly retrieves her lockpicks and sets to work on the doors.

OOC:

Using Trickery boon to offset one of the banes.

Rolls

Pick Lock - (d20+4-d6)

(16) - (6) + 4 = 14

Jul 8, 2024 10:33 am

Hagrac lets loose a gruff chuckle, as the new goblin works on the lock, and he hears the tell-tale click of the thing springing open.

"Useful one to have around…" he offers, as something resembling a compliment. He pulls open the door then, and handles his big hammer, just in case something spectral came at them suddenly!

GM

Jul 8, 2024 12:13 pm

GM

The heavy door swings open smoothly. Inside is a foyer of grandeur. The room is circular and filled with arches. A richly decorated carpet leads from the entrance to a central arch leading into the theater proper, flanked by two counters. On either wall are carpeted staircases the lead up to the balcony level. The decor is red and gold carpeting, tastefully carved wood, and worked iron. Several hanging chandeliers and candelabra dot the room, all unlit. The room is dim and musty as if it hasn't been aired out in several days.

Jul 8, 2024 2:24 pm

"So, anyone know how to deal with restless spirits?" Theodore asks as he takes a careful step inside. Looking around for anything out of the ordinary.

Jul 8, 2024 7:30 pm

OOC:

Will my knowledge in magic or the occult help?

"I'd imagine we first start with proving they even exist. Then ask what they want to leave," Fingas suggests.

Jul 8, 2024 7:50 pm

"Ghosts," Butterfly mutters to herself. She draws her pistol, though she’s not sure how much use it will be against spirits.

Jul 9, 2024 12:02 am

Hargrac makes a face as if he’d been hit with a bad smell!

"Foppish shit." he says, as if wincing from the gaudy display!

Leaving the door open would air the room out. He grunts at the idea that the spirits would simply run out the open door, given time. He clears his throat loudly:

"HELLO!" his voice booms into the empty room! No better way to prove they exist than to call them out!

"There’s a ghost whisperer here to meet ye!"

Last edited July 9, 2024 12:03 am

GM

Jul 9, 2024 1:33 am

Bookrat says:

OOC:

Will my knowledge in magic or the occult help?

GM

OOC:

Sure, give me an Int roll with a boon for your profession.

Nothing. Well, almost nothing. After Hargrac's voice fades, a strong wind kicks up and slams the door closed with a loud bang!

Jul 9, 2024 1:58 am

"Sounds like they don’t like you!" Hagrac chuckles, as the door slams shut and his eyes are scanning the room for sudden ghostly figures!

Jul 9, 2024 4:37 am

OOC:

Here we go!

Rolls

Intellect+Boon - (1d20+1+1d6)

(1) + (1) + 1 = 3

Jul 9, 2024 8:24 am

KCC says:

"Sounds like they don’t like you!"

OOC:

Prophetic…

Jul 9, 2024 11:05 am

"So it's a ghost with good taste," Theodore jokes at Hargrac with a smile.

Then he turns his attention to the room ahead. "No reason to dilly dally here. Should we find the main stage? I assume it's a good a place to start as any."

Jul 10, 2024 10:01 am

"Aye!" Hagrac says, waving the others on, while he takes a moment to check the door that has just slam shut.

OOC:

Openable? Or are we stuck?

GM

Jul 10, 2024 11:41 am

GM

Fingas thinks back on what he's read about ghosts but it isn't very helpful. Almost every account is different. Ghosts have been recorded as floating lights, transparent figures at the moment of their deaths, flesh and blood but with an aura of cold, or wispy vapors that can alter their form. Who knows if any, or all, of them could be true?

Hagrac checks the door but it seems to be stuck fast.

Looking ahead, Theodore sees the chandelier and lamps in the next room suddenly flicker to life and a ripple washes over the great red curtain pulled across the stage.

Jul 10, 2024 11:46 am

Butterfly does her best to remain in the shadows as the group moves, trying to conceal herself from any ghosts or ghouls about!

OOC:

Rolling to Hide or Sneak, whichever is appropriate. One boon from Sneaky trait.

Rolls

Hide/Sneak - (d20+4+d6)

(13) + (4) + 4 = 21

Jul 10, 2024 11:48 am

"Seems it's trapped in here with us," Thedore says with false bravado, seeing the doors have gone stuck. Then he turns as he sees the light.

"Showtime I guess," he draws his rapier, as if it will help against a ghost and carefully moves towards the stage.

Jul 10, 2024 5:39 pm

Fingas tries to ignore the snide remarks. He doesn't like the lack of respect - and it shows on his face, ruining his countenance. He can't control his emotions from showing, like Theodore seemingly can. The insults threw him off, making it so he can't focus on his memories of ghost stories; his mind becomes jarbled by it all.

"Nevermind that," he snaps back at Hargrac, "There's too many stories, too many unknowns. Let's just see what we have to deal with."

OOC:

I love the banter! Fingas doesn't! Lol

Last edited July 10, 2024 5:40 pm

Jul 12, 2024 10:22 am

Layabout… Hagrac can’t help but think. No time spent working and so the goblin had time enough to fill his head with all sorts of nonsense.

He’s about to break off into a ’A few weeks down the mines…’ spiel, when he sees the flickering lights and moving drapes. He too pulls his weapon, and looks about.

"Bright idea, this!" he scoffs. "Taking a job to clear up a ghost, and not a notion on how to do anything about it." he grumbles, as if wasn’t a part of the problem himself.

Last edited July 13, 2024 9:38 am

Jul 12, 2024 3:32 pm

OOC:

Ignore the people lol.

Through the archway, the main theater gallery opens before you. It is large, perhaps about fifty meters on each side. A central aisle leads to the stage, flanked by rows of richly upholstered benches. Balcony seats dot the walls like cells in a honeycomb. The decor is gold and red, with a royal blue curtain edged in gold hiding the stage. Three chandeliers hang above the main aisle and smaller candelabra are suspended at intervals above the seating area. The place is eerily silent.

Jul 12, 2024 4:35 pm

"It's not the job. It's the Maiden's Riddle," Fingas spits back. "The riddle said to come here."

"Seek the Words of Creation or suffer oblivion. Drowning in riches, lines read in a folio of folly. We have to find a folio - Mardigan said the folio of folly was here, in the theater.

"Find the folio and get the words. Who gives a shit about some haunts. They're just an excuse to get here. And maybe a few extra coins if we can chase 'em off."

Fingas steps forward towards the stage. "Whatever this folio is - likely a book of plays or something - it is likely in the back of the stage."

Last edited July 12, 2024 4:36 pm

Jul 13, 2024 9:41 am

Hargrac makes a face as the goblin chastises him on the particulars of their being here. It wasn’t often he came up short when it came to giving lip to a goblin, but this one was quicker than most.

He grumbles something that can’t be made out, and stomps stageward.

Jul 13, 2024 2:15 pm

Theo keeps his focus on the stage as Fingas talks, not taking his eyes off it. "Right. A book shouldn't be too hard to find."

When he get to the orchestra pit, he'll take a cursory glance down to see if there's anything strange there. If not, he'll make his way up on stage.

Jul 13, 2024 5:06 pm

OOC:

I was half expecting someone to chastise Fingas for not fully explaining this earlier. And the reason he didn't, was because I didn't realize the full connection earlier! Lol

Jul 15, 2024 12:14 pm

Butterfly creeps ahead quietly, alert for any hidden threats.

Rolls

Perception - (d20)

(3) = 3

GM

Jul 16, 2024 7:51 am

GM

The crew creeps towards the stage cautiously. Halfway to the stage and a wind from behind the stage billows the heavy blue and red curtains outward. When they settle back down you see the impression of a face in the curtain as tall as a man, as if a giant was pressing his face into the soft material. The impression of lips curves upward in a smile. From up above you, a metallic clink rings out. One of the large center aisle chandeliers comes hurtling down!

OOC:

Agility checks from everyone. 5 damage on a failure, 2 damage on a success from shrapnel.

Rolls

Chandelier damage - (1d6)

(5) = 5

Jul 16, 2024 10:18 am

Hargrac rushes forward, heedless of danger as the prospect of a giant behind the curtain entices him into battle!

Too late does he screech to a halt, as the thing shatters before him, and bits of shrapnel cut shallow gashes into his arms!

"Heads!" he bellows to the others, hoping they can turn their faces away in time to not get a face full of debris.

OOC:

Parkour!!

Last edited July 16, 2024 10:20 am

Rolls

Agility - (1d20+0)

(15) = 15

Jul 16, 2024 10:31 am

Butterfly is completely caught off guard, getting a face full of shrapnel! "Ah! Damn it all!" she shrieks, recoiling in pain.

Last edited July 16, 2024 10:31 am

Rolls

Agility - (d20+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Jul 16, 2024 10:36 am

"I said heads!" Hargrac announces, as if to absolve himself of any responsibility for the goblin’s current condition!

Jul 16, 2024 11:15 am

Theodore hears Hargrac's words and tries to jump to safety. He gets out of the worst of it, but still catches some shrapnel. "Thanks for the warning," he says, getting to his feet and dusting himself off before picking up his sword.

Last edited July 16, 2024 11:18 am

Rolls

Agility - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Jul 16, 2024 2:45 pm

Fingas uses Butterfly to shove himself away, sacrificing her to save himself.

Last edited July 16, 2024 2:45 pm

Rolls

Agility - (1d20+1)

(15) + 1 = 16

GM

Jul 17, 2024 6:44 am

GM

OOC:

LOL! Everyone's responses were great!

The crash is almost deafening in the large theater as glass shatters, metal crumples, and stumps of wax candles thump to the ground. Not to mention Butterfly's screams. The center aisle and some of the nearby seats sparkle with glass shards like crisp snow. Anyone looking back at the stage sees the face has disappeared from the curtain and it is once again a calm plane of blue fabric. Once the echoes fade away, and Butterfly stops screaming, a haunting piano melody begins playing from somewhere on the stage behind the curtain.

[ +- ] Haunting Music

Jul 17, 2024 10:37 am

"You okay B...?" Theo asks, but is interrupted by the haunting music stopping him mid sentence.

Instead of finishing his sentence or check to see how Butterfly is doing, he starts moving towards the curtains.

Jul 17, 2024 10:44 am

"No. Ouch," Butterfly groans, yanking bits of broken chandelier from her skin. Her blood is a darker shade of red against her skin. She takes a moment to drink her healing potion, the worst of her injuries closing up, though she is still slightly hurt. She moves to follow the others. "If I see that damn ghost, I'm going to shoot it in the face," she promises.

OOC:

2 damage remaining after healing potion.

Jul 17, 2024 3:40 pm

Fingas doesn't even bother to ask about Butterfly or help her; instead he keeps his eyes on the curtain where the giant face appeared, while slowly walking forward towards the stage. His heart was thumping in his chest.

GM

Jul 18, 2024 1:26 am

GM

The main aisle forks at a small orchestra pit, diverging right and left to a set of short stairs on either side of the stage. The stage itself sits three feet above the main floor, so only Theodore can comfortably see over it (if the curtain wasn't blocking the view). Inside the orchestra pit are a dozen instruments: a pair of violins, a cello, several woodwinds, a drum, a handful of brass instruments, and a pair of cymbals. As you watch, they float up as if held by invisible musicians and begin to play themselves, giving accompaniment to the haunting piano melody behind the curtain. You feel the air temperature plummet and your breath fogs in front of you.

Jul 18, 2024 10:40 am

"You no said it was a giant ghost that haunted this place! I’ve half an idea how to deal with it, in that case!" Hargrac says, with a delighted, wheezy laugh.

"You suppose they’ll show themselves if we start smashing the place up?" he asks ignorantly then, hefting his hammer and imagining it smashing through the floating instruments.

Jul 18, 2024 1:16 pm

"Leave that as plan B perhaps?" Theodore suggests. "Could just anger it more. And who says its just one?"

He keeps heading towards the curtain to look behind it.

Jul 18, 2024 3:04 pm

"Yeah! Could just be two goblins in a trenchcoat!"

"Oi! Goblins! We be friends!"

Jul 19, 2024 11:39 am

Butterfly keeps her pistol aimed in front of her, ready to shoot anything that jumps out and says "Boo!"

Jul 21, 2024 9:03 am

Rather than ‘reaching out’ with the heavy end of his weapon, Hargrac rolls his eyes and instead just grasps at where the musicians should be with his hands, to see if they came back half-frozen!

GM

Jul 21, 2024 1:35 pm

GM

Hagrac reaches out but touches nothing, although his hands feel even colder. The air there seems a little denser, somewhere between air and water.

Theodore looks behind the curtains. What he sees is not two goblins in a trenchcoat, but four children's dolls playing the piano. They are hairless, dilapidated, cracked and chipped, and some caked with mold. One is under the piano working the pedals, and the other three are playing the keys. Perhaps sensing Theodore, they slam many keys in a great cacophony and then stop. Their ceramic heads all turn in unison to look at Theodore, even though their bodies remain facing away from him. Their eyes are black pits with glowing embers inside.

OOC:

I don't want to assume, but I think this will be combat lol. Only Theodore can see the dolls currently and they're in the middle of the stage about 10 yards away from the stairs.

Jul 21, 2024 2:42 pm

"Oh hell no!" Theodore mutters seeing the creepy little dolls. He freezes in place and enters a defensive stance until his companions can act.

OOC:

Will take a fast action and choose Defend.

Jul 22, 2024 7:25 pm

"What is it?" Fingas yells out, unable to see the dolls as of yet. He runs forward, joining Theodore, to see what the commotion is about.

OOC:

Fast turn, move towards Theodore.

Jul 23, 2024 8:29 am

Hargrac pulls his hands back quickly, and rubs the cold out of them before darting up after Theodore with great stomping steps!

He wasn’t a fast dwarf by any means, but the sound would surely be quite menacing to hot blooded enemies.

"Is it a giant, lad?!" he says, as he skids to a halt near the defensive fighter!

Jul 23, 2024 11:28 am

Butterfly slowly advances, pistol at the ready.

OOC:

Slow turn, move and take action pending on what she sees.

GM

Jul 23, 2024 12:05 pm

GM

The heavy blue and red curtains are yanked open by an invisible hand. The four small dolls are on display for all to see. Their heads swivel around, taking everybody in, each doll looking at a different person.

OOC:

@Dmbrainiac Waiting on your action.

Jul 23, 2024 12:09 pm

"Nope. Nope!" Butterfly declares, her voice tinged with wild terror. She points her pistol at the doll looking at her and opens fire!

Rolls

Pistol, Trickery - (d20+4+d6)

(6) + (2) + 4 = 12

Damage, Trickery - (3d6)

(416) = 11

GM

Jul 27, 2024 2:05 am

GM

Butterfly's bullet goes slightly wide and instead cracks into the piano making a horrible sound of metal and wood breaking. The dolls' eyes flash brilliantly--one in purple, one in red, one in green, and one in white--as they fan out and rush towards you. Dark purple tendrils come out of the purple eyed doll and plunge into Fingas. He feels his strength being siphoned off. The tentacles make a slurping sound and then dissolve into nothingness. Butterfly's pistol shatters in her hand, making her yelp and drop the ruined remnants. Theodore feels a consciousness invade his mind but his willpower quickly shunts the feeling away. Hargrac seems immune to any artificial fear and quickly stamps out a rising sense of fright before it can take root.

OOC:

Fingas is weakened, taking 2 banes on any Str roll for 1 minute. Butterfly's pistol is considered broken until it can be repaired. New round!

Rolls

Purple vs Fingas - (1d20+4)

(11) + 4 = 15

Red vs Butterfly - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Green vs Theodore - (1d20)

(7) = 7

White vs Hargrac - (1d20+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Jul 27, 2024 10:12 am

Thedore hopes his rapier can hurt these creatures. He makes a stab forward, trying to skewer the little doll in front of him.

OOC:

Fast action if the doll is close enough, if not he'll slow action to reach first.

Rolls

Rapier - Attack (Finesse Weapon Training) - (1d20+2+1d6)

(7) + (5) + 2 = 14

Rapier - Damage - (1d6+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

Jul 28, 2024 11:29 am

Health: 10

Damage: 2

Injured: No

Status Effect	Rounds Remaining
Weakened	6 rounds
Distort Appearance	6 rounds

"Ahhh!" Fingas yelled as the pain infused into his being. "Why me?! She's the one who shot you!" He suddenly collapses, grabbing onto Theodore's wrist to keep balance. "I'm... That was exhausting. I can barely stand." He places his other hand on his own ceremonial dagger, the decorated handle sticking up out of the sheath on his belt.

Speaking aloud strange words, the magic of his spell swirls around him until his own appearance is difficult to perceive. He becomes indistinct and any who look upon him find their eyes sliding right off.

OOC:

Now that I've seen these guys and what they are, will my knowledge of the occult help at all? Is there anything I might know about them that I can share with my wayward companions?

Rolls

Intellect (2 boons) - (1d20+1+2d6h1)

(7) + (63) + 1 = 14

GM

Jul 28, 2024 11:48 am

GM

OOC:

Sure, roll Int with 2 boons for your very applicable occupation.

Jul 28, 2024 12:38 pm

"Soul dolls," Fingas says, his voice barely above a whisper, yet still stretches across the stage. "Broken souls who have died, who have never made it to Thanatos' hands, trapped forever inside of a doll."

"That there's four of them...." His voice trails off.

Jul 29, 2024 5:36 am

"Oi! That were my idea!" Hargrac complains, pointing a finger and the busted piano.

"Trapped inside a doll!" the dwarf almost laughs. Not a good end for some folk. He’d certainly be less than happy to end up like that.

"Lets help them along then!" he grunts, and brings his warhammer down on one of them!

Rolls

Attack + Damage - (1d20+1, 2d6)

1d20+1 : (14) + 1 = 15

2d6 : (64) = 10

Jul 29, 2024 6:47 am

Cursing as her gun breaks, Butterfly draws her rapier and stabs out at the doll in front of her!

OOC:

Fast turn, draw rapier as minor activity, then attack!

Rolls

Attack, Trickery - (d20+4+d6)

(8) + (2) + 4 = 14

Damage, Trickery - (2d6+1)

(22) + 1 = 5

GM

Jul 29, 2024 9:20 am

GM

Fingas magic shimmers around his body, giving him a ghostly aspect that makes it difficult to perceive him clearly. Theodore performs a lunging thrust intending to skewer the little nightmare doll but only scores a glancing blow against its porcelain body. Butterfly likewise uses a rapier and gets a slightly more solid hit, punching a small hole in one doll's torso. Hargrac sees much more success with a solid blow to a doll's head, cracking it in half. White light spills out of the jagged wound but still it stands. Two of the dolls retaliate with magic. The purple- and green-eyed ones attack Fingas and Theodore with sharp ceramic fingers. All except the white-eyed doll are ineffective. Hargrac's body erupts in weeping boils all over his skin.

OOC:

Hargrac takes 1 damage and is frightened for 1 minute, taking 3 banes to all rolls while the doll is still "alive". PCs are up again.

Rolls

Purple vs Fingas - (1d20+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Red vs Butterfly - (1d20+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Green vs Theodore - (1d20+1, 1d6)

1d20+1 : (9) + 1 = 10

1d6 : (2) = 2

White vs Hargrac - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Damage - (1d3)

(1) = 1

Jul 29, 2024 9:43 am

Hargrac trades blows with the thing, and laughs bitterly when the thing causes his skin to break out. He hadn’t seen boils like that since he lanced one on his foot while in captivity.

Still, he swallows the irritated feeling and swings his hammer, hoping to hit the thing!

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+1)

(19) + 1 = 20

Banes - (3d6)

(156) = 12

Damage - (2d6)

(13) = 4

Jul 29, 2024 10:24 am

Butterfly swiftly stabs again!

Rolls

Attack, Trickery - (d20+4+d6)

(18) + (2) + 4 = 24

Damage, Trickery - (2d6+1)

(62) + 1 = 9

Jul 29, 2024 2:23 pm

Theodore swipes again at the doll in front of him. He also looks around to see if there's anything heavy he can use as weapon. He seems to remember there often being sandbags as counterweights in the theater.

Rolls

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Attack - (1d20+2+1d6)

(20) + (6) + 2 = 28

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Damage - (1d6+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

Jul 29, 2024 2:35 pm

Health: 10

Damage: 2

Injured: No

Status Effect	Rounds Remaining
Weakened	5 rounds
Distort Appearance	5 rounds

The shimmering effect on Fingas makes him hard to look upon - his distorted appearance plays into this fight, making the doll miss. Although he is weakened, he's still a goblin. Goblins are used to being weak, and accommodate it by being quick. He takes out a dagger and strikes back.

Rolls

Dagger - Attack - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Dagger - Damage - (1d3)

(3) = 3

GM

Jul 30, 2024 1:33 am

GM

While goblins adapt to weakness by being quick, being a tiny spirit-possessed doll is even quicker, and Fingas' dagger strike catches nothing but air. His compatriots fair much better, however. Theodore punches a hole right between his doll's eyes, causing a shaft of emerald light to pour out. Butterfly takes an arm off with her rapier attack, spilling red light instead of blood from the wound. Hargrac's hammer blow send cracks spiderwebbing throughout its whole body. The dolls remain standing but three of them are barely holding together, except for the one attacking Fingas who seems determined to suffer no harm and to inflict whatever weak damage it can with its little ceramic fingers. They each renew their attacks on the intruders to their theater. Fingas' spell seems to be working at least as his doll can't land a blow either and the two flail about in a dance of whiffs. The other three dolls find much more success, but only landing superficial damage against the party.

OOC:

Everyone except Fingas takes 2 damage. PCs are back up. I think you can finish some off this round!

Rolls

Purple vs Fingas - (1d20+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Red vs Butterfly - (1d20+1+1d6)

(12) + (3) + 1 = 16

Green vs Theodore - (1d20+1+1d6)

(8) + (4) + 1 = 13

White vs Hargrac - (1d20+1+1d6)

(12) + (5) + 1 = 18

Damage - (1d3)

(2) = 2

Jul 30, 2024 3:21 am

Health: 10

Damage: 2

Injured: No

Status Effect	Rounds Remaining
Weakened	4 rounds
Distort Appearance	4 rounds

Fingas weaves back and forth - though with the weakness effect he's more falling and barely catching himself, lucky to have dodged the doll's deadly attacks.

Once again he lunges forward, striking with his dagger.

Rolls

Dagger - Attack - (1d20+1)

(16) + 1 = 17

Dagger - Damage - (1d3)

(3) = 3

Jul 30, 2024 10:22 am

"Right…" the dwarf harumphs, as the thing gets him again and again.

He brings his hammer down straight overhead, aiming to send the thing every direction at once, once he smashes down on it!

OOC:

Pitiful…

Last edited July 30, 2024 10:23 am

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Banes - (3d6)

(245) = 11

Damage - (2d6)

(12) = 3

Jul 30, 2024 10:27 am

"Argh! Die already!" Butterfly curses as she attacks again!

Health: 12

Damage: 4

Injured: No

Rolls

Rapier - Attack, Trickery - (1d20+4+d6)

(1) + (1) + 4 = 6

Damage, Trickery - (2d6+1)

(42) + 1 = 7

Jul 30, 2024 3:25 pm

Theodore concentrates on the fight in front of him wordlessly. He grunts as the doll hits him, annoyed that he left himself open like that. He strikes again with his rapier, hoping to end this quickly.

Rolls

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Attack - (1d20+2+1d6)

(18) + (1) + 2 = 21

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Damage - (1d6+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

GM

Jul 31, 2024 4:54 am

GM

Two hits and two misses. Theodore breaks off the chest and belly of one doll, spilling more emerald light. It looks heavily damaged but still stands. Fingas likewise breaks off several ceramic pieces of its body, and it stands as well. The dolls retaliate by climbing up the heroes' bodies and scratching with their tiny hands. Despite Fingas' spell, the doll grabs on to his indistinct form and rakes his chest with sharp hands. Hargrac gets a shallow slash across his neck.

OOC:

1 damage to Fingas and Hargrac. 3 of the dolls are on their last legs! I believe in you all!

Rolls

Purple vs Fingas - (1d20+1)

(10) + 1 = 11

Red vs Butterfly - (1d20+1+1d6)

(5) + (5) + 1 = 11

Green vs Theodore - (1d20+1+1d6)

(5) + (2) + 1 = 8

White vs Hargrac - (1d20+1+1d6)

(18) + (2) + 1 = 21

Damage - (1d3)

(1) = 1

Jul 31, 2024 8:28 am

Butterfly attacks once more, with feeling!

Health: 12

Damage: 4

Injured: No

Rolls

Rapier, Trickery - (d20+4+d6)

(12) + (6) + 4 = 22

Damage, Trickery - (2d6+1)

(34) + 1 = 8

Jul 31, 2024 10:02 am

Theodore tries to stab at the creature, without accidentally hitting himself instead.

Rolls

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Attack - (1d20+2+1d6)

(11) + (4) + 2 = 17

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Damage - (1d6+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Jul 31, 2024 10:16 am

"Bastard thing tried to slit my throat!" Hargrac bellows, and he almost sounds impressed.

That doesn’t stop him from hitting the thing as if he was driving a golf ball downrange.

Rolls

Attack + Damage - (1d20+1, 2d6)

1d20+1 : (20) + 1 = 21

2d6 : (24) = 6

Banes - (3d6)

(154) = 10

Jul 31, 2024 10:24 am

Health: 10

Damage: 3

Injured: No

Status Effect	Rounds Remaining
Weakened	3 rounds
Distort Appearance	3 rounds

"Ah! Get it off!" the goblin yells as the creepy-ass doll claws at his face.

Rolls

Dagger - Attack - (1d20+1)

(9) + 1 = 10

Dagger - Damage - (1d3)

(2) = 2

GM

Aug 1, 2024 3:20 am

GM

The party rallies and takes the dolls to pound town. Theodore, Hargrac, and Butterfly each smash their doll to pieces, releasing flashes of their respective colored lights. One the light dissipated, a book remains inside each broken ceramic body. Fingas still has a nightmare doll clinging to his body, stabbing over and over with its stubby sharp fingers. It scores another slice along his shoulder.

OOC:

1 damage to Fingas. PCs are up, only one doll left!

Rolls

Purple vs Fingas - (1d20+1)

(15) + 1 = 16

Damage - (1d3)

(1) = 1

Aug 1, 2024 3:42 am

"Right! Hold still, or this’ll hurt!" Hargrac calls, giving the goblin barely have a second to prepare! Then, he wallops his hammer at the little creature, intent on smashing it to bits!

Rolls

Attack + Damage - (1d20+1, 2d6)

1d20+1 : (19) + 1 = 20

2d6 : (51) = 6

Aug 1, 2024 7:14 am

Butterfly briefly considers letting the doll stab Fingas to death. But she sighs as she realizes that means she'd have no choice of ever being returned to her proper body. She quickly grabs her dagger off her belt with her free hand and hurls it at the doll.

OOC:

Fast, draw dagger as minor activity and attack.

Rolls

Thrown Dagger, Trickery - (d20+4+d6)

(19) + (2) + 4 = 25

Damage, Trickery - (d3+d6)

(2) + (2) = 4

Aug 1, 2024 7:20 am

Fingas screams as the dwarven axe comes within millimeters of his face, leaving him breathing hard as the doll crumbles.

OOC:

I'm assuming this is enough to destroy it.

Rolls

Dagger - Attack - (1d20+1)

(2) + 1 = 3

Dagger - Damage - (1d3)

(2) = 2

Aug 1, 2024 10:02 am

If the doll is still moving about, Theodore tries to stab it deader.

Rolls

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Attack - (1d20+2+1d6)

(14) + (4) + 2 = 20

Rapier w/Weapon Finesse - Damage - (1d6+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

GM

Aug 2, 2024 2:26 am

GM

Bookrat says:

OOC:

I'm assuming this is enough to destroy it.

OOC:

Actually it was still up even after Theodore's attacks, but close enough to dead I won't drag it out lol.

The final doll shatters from the blows of Fingas' allies who have come to help. There's a purple flash and a fourth book drops to the floor among shards of broken ceramic. The theater is quiet in the aftermath of the skirmish. Four books now lie scattered around among the remains of their animated doll containers.

Codex of the White: Cover made from metal that bristles with blades and barbs, pages of vellum, titled: Codex of the Illuminates
Tome of the Green: Cover of solid gold, pages of paper, titled: The Beggar Merchant's Guide to Riches
Book of the Red: Cover of wood covered in rose thorns and adorned with a clasp lock, onionskin pages, untitled
Folio of the Purple: Cover of thin wood wrapped in leather, pages of parchment, titled: The Folly of Felonious Flibbertigibbet

Aug 2, 2024 3:10 am

"They was no giants." Hargrac mutters glumly, even as thin trickles of blood run down his body.

He rifles through the books, stacking them up, before passing them off to one of the others.

"Books." he scoffs, not interested in the slightest, though he’s sure one of the others must be.

GM

Aug 2, 2024 5:42 am

GM

OOC:

@KCC By "rifles through them" do you mean you open all of them...? Because I'm going to need the order you touch them, some rolls, and potentially have you make a new character lol.

Aug 2, 2024 8:01 am

OOC:

I was imagining myself picking them up and looking at the covers. Not caring much for them and then sticking them in a pile.

But I can look at the gold one a little more closely, for fun!

GM

Aug 2, 2024 12:51 pm

GM

OOC:

Alrighty, make me a Will save with 2 banes please!

Aug 2, 2024 1:11 pm

OOC:

Nat 20, coming up!

Rolls

Will - (1d20+0)

(13) = 13

Banes - (2d6)

(31) = 4

GM

Aug 2, 2024 1:14 pm

GM

OOC:

Lol lucky dog, you made it exactly!

As Hargrac touches the gold cover, he feels a slight tingle in his hand, as if the cover was slightly electrified, but the feeling quickly fades. Inside is a rags-to-riches story of a beggar becoming one of the wealthiest merchants to ever live. It would take serveral days if not weeks to read entirely, but at least there was a nice summary in the preface.

Aug 2, 2024 5:03 pm

When Hargrac picks up the book. Thedore takes one of them at random as well and rifles through the pages quickly. "Last thing I read was a leaflet. There's so many words."

Rolls

Random Book - (1d3)

(1) = 1

Aug 3, 2024 2:00 am

"Drowning in riches, lines read in a folio of folly," Fingas says, recalling the verse from the priestesses. "A story of a poor fool becoming rich might be what we are looking for. Hold on to that one. Let's check some more!"

Putting words to action, Fingas grabs another random book to see what it is.

GM

Aug 3, 2024 2:16 am

GM

OOC:

@Furmyr can Theodore read? Also need an Agility roll to not cut yourself on the cover. @Bookrat each book is different, please pick one lol.

Aug 3, 2024 11:09 am

OOC:

Interesting question, haven't given it thoughts. As a pickpocket and hunter he has probably never been taught and is just looking for pictures of lightly dressed nymphs.

Rolls

Agility - (1d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Aug 3, 2024 11:22 am

OOC:

Fingas can read both common and elvish!

Looking at the titles, Fingas grabs the Folio, bound in purple.

Furmyr says:

OOC:

Interesting question, haven't given it thoughts. As a pickpocket and hunter he has probably never been taught and is just looking for pictures of lightly dressed nymphs.

OOC:

Your character can only read if they picked up a specific talent that says they can. For example, many (but not all) paths can grant you the ability to read and write one language you already know. The magician novice path (which Fingas has) granted him the ability to read and write all languages he knew when he grabbed the path. You could have also had the ability to read and write based on your background roll for your ancestry. When you first made your PC and had the option to get two professions, you could have chosen to learn a new language or learn to read and write in a language you already know rather than getting a profession. And finally, if you had an academic profession, then you also learn how to read and write in one language you know.

Last edited August 3, 2024 11:27 am

GM

Aug 3, 2024 1:21 pm

GM

OOC:

I don't see any professions that grant reading so I'm going to assume you're illiterate. Which is lucky for you!

Theodore flips through the book, carefully avoiding the razors and spikes embedded in the cover, but can't see anything other than squiggles to him. There are a few diagrams that look like magic as well as two woodcut images on the center two pages that look like a scene from the Underworld and are enough to tell Theodore this is not a book of bedtime stories.

Fingas flips through the book and sees pages filled with neat handwriting in the format of a stage play script written in Common. However halfway through the book the handwriting changes, gets shaky, then on the next page is a completely different script Fingas has never seen before. When Fingas eyes land on the words they glow a brilliant scarlet and shimmer on the page like water reflections. In your mind you can hear the words even though you don't know what they say, and without a doubt you know these pages contain a part of the Words of Creation.

OOC:

Congratulations, you've found the first part of the Words of Creation! Fingas also gains 1 Insanity for his success lol.

Aug 3, 2024 2:20 pm

"You're looking a little green around the gills." Hargrac says to the goblin, though how could the dwarf really tell with a goblin like that.

"Fighting the wee dollies took it out of you, lad. No shame in it!"

Aug 3, 2024 5:07 pm

"Boring," Theodore muses to himself before throwing the book back down. He don't bother with the last book, figuring they're all like that.

"Not quite playbooks, but was this what we were looking for?"

Aug 3, 2024 9:36 pm

OOC:

Well. Fuck. But hurray!

Fingas' eyes glaze over as his mind exits reality for just a moment as he sees the words in his mind's eye.

"I..." He stammers. "I found it. This is it."

Aug 5, 2024 7:17 am

"Good. Let's get out of here before we get stabbed by more creepy dolls," Butterfly says.

Aug 5, 2024 10:17 am

"These piddling books is what we came here for?" Hargrac says. He turns his nose to them, clearly unimpressed.

"Say, how much coin was offered for smashing those wee dollies? We’ll be wanting that for the boat!"

Aug 5, 2024 10:40 am

"I may have secured some funds on my way to the tavern," Theodore says with a smile. "Found fair and square on the street if anyone asks."

"Of course, there's no matching pay we have literally bled for."

GM

Aug 6, 2024 11:21 am

GM

The notice on the door listed a reward for one gold crown for ridding The Grand Playhouse of its ghost, payable by the captain of The Coins, Captain Gloom.

Aug 6, 2024 2:08 pm

"And are we sure the ghost is gone?" Theodore shrugs. "Don't matter to me, as long as we're well on the way when it rears its ugly head again."

Aug 7, 2024 3:27 am

"Helloooo!" the dwarf suddenly bellows into the building.

"Anymore wee dollies looking to meet my hammer?" he goes on, adding a hearty guffaw to taunt them!

GM

Aug 7, 2024 11:06 am

GM

The theater is quiet and still. Hargrac's voice echoes back to him and all seems well.

Aug 7, 2024 11:50 am

"Should we bring the other books and blame them for the ghost," Theodore asks. "Offer them to deal with 'em or charge extra to destroy them ourselves."

Aug 7, 2024 1:14 pm

"Take them with you, lad! Can’t trust these theatre folk not to muck it up. Dead know what we’d be dealing with next time we pass through."

He says, with a nod that suggests he is dispensing great wisdom in that moment.

"Any funny business with them, and we toss them off the side of the boat and into the drink!"

Aug 7, 2024 7:02 pm

"Keep em. We earned them."

Aug 8, 2024 9:30 am

OOC:

Is there one more to be opened? Should we do that hear and let the effect fizzle out?

Aug 9, 2024 10:51 am

OOC:

Yes, the Book of the Red is untouched. Also what are your plans now? You'll have to contact the Captain of the Coins to collect the reward money.

Aug 9, 2024 1:35 pm

Fingas stands by to watch what's is surely going to be entertaining, pondering aloud, "So how are we going to explain the missing books? These are all plays, yes? The theater is going to demand to know what happened. With one book missing, we can claim that it was the source of the haunting and it was destroyed in the process. With all four gone, you'd look like thieves. I mean, you are thieves, but you don't want to go around advertising that, do ya?

Maybe we should leave the others here; might get better gold seeing the captain about the reward. Which, by the way, is your job, Hagrid. You dwarves know haggling the best, and they sure as hell ain't going to believe that I did anything here."

Last edited August 9, 2024 1:39 pm

GM

Aug 9, 2024 3:16 pm

GM

OOC:

Technically you know know one book is a play. One was a story about the rags to riches story, Theodore couldn't read his so he doesn't know what it is, and no one opened the red book. You could always ask, but judging by the covers alone Fingas would know these are not normal books that would be lying around in a theater.

Aug 10, 2024 4:23 am

"Ach. Fine. I'll do it, ya bunch of cowards," Fingas says, as he hops up and walks towards the red book grabbing it.

OOC:

This is such a better idea....

Sitting down and loudly pondering, Fingas takes out the doll he keeps hidden away. It's a small thing - a little goblin, with a small butterfly embroidered on it. For those who study the occult arts, it's a control doll, or sometimes called a voodoo doll in some remote parts of the world. He takes the tip of his ritual knife and idly pokes at it.

"Butterfly, why don't you grab the last book? Go on, I'm sure you'll be fine. Nothing bad will happen," he says. Then, in a very quiet voice, "At least nothing worse than what I can do "

Last edited August 10, 2024 6:53 am

Aug 11, 2024 10:26 am

"Hagrid?" the dwarf, Hargrac, asks incredulously. He gives the goblin a stern, unforgiving side eye.

"Clear the mushrooms out of them ears, Fungas! Har-grac! Proper dwarf name, that!" he growls back, unsure if the goblin is even listening, as it goes about its odd magic!

Aug 11, 2024 9:43 pm

"Theyallsoundthesame," Fingas mumbles to himself.

Then he smiles, his face plastered with fake enthusiasm, "Oh. Yes, right. Hragric. Sorry 'bout that. I shall en-dev-our to speaking it properly in the future."

Aug 12, 2024 1:24 am

Hargrac sneers, and gives the goblin an exaggerated nod. He folds his arms, and settles in to his place, leaning against the stage.

Ignoring the name barb, Hargrac motions with his hands towards the second goblin, Butterfly, and snorts. He says to Fingas:

"Right, let’s see this trick then, eh?"

Last edited August 12, 2024 1:24 am

Aug 12, 2024 7:51 am

OOC:

@Dmbrainiac You're up.

Aug 12, 2024 8:27 am

OOC:

Sorry, I was away for the weekend.

Butterfly starts forward jerkily. She really doesn't want to grab the red book, but Fingas' magic compels her to reach out and take the tome...

GM

Aug 12, 2024 10:56 am

GM

Butterfly opens the book and sees page upon page of meaningless squiggles. She thinks it's writing but as she is illiterate she isn't sure. All of this writing stuff looks the same to her.

Aug 12, 2024 12:10 pm

Butterfly shrugs and brings it to Fingas for the mage to inspect. "All yours."

Aug 12, 2024 9:07 pm

"Huh, I expected something to happen," Fingas says as he opens the book to read it.

GM

Aug 13, 2024 1:16 am

GM

At a quick glance, the book is a collection of short stories. The first one is titled "The Vivisectionist." From the opening page, the writing is so realistic that it seems to pull on Fingas' imagination...

OOC:

I need a Will and Int roll with 3 banes each.

Aug 13, 2024 1:47 am

OOC:

Of course! Lol

Rolls

Intellect - (1d20+1-3d6h1)

(3) - (356) + 1 = -2

Will - (1d20+1-3d6h1)

(14) - (336) + 1 = 9

Aug 13, 2024 5:30 am

"Oh, aye! Some trick that was! Very good!" the dwarf barbs, turning his back on the goblin then while snorting derisively!

GM

Aug 13, 2024 5:50 am

GM

nezzeraj sent a note to Bookrat

Aug 13, 2024 10:07 am

"Now that we have all books should we get out of here," Theodore says. "Place still give me the creeps."

Aug 13, 2024 1:17 pm

Fingas ingores the request to leave as he stays in his spot and keeps reading. "No, no, not yet. Hold on, let me finish this," he mumbles.

Bookrat sent a note to nezzeraj

Aug 13, 2024 1:44 pm

nezzeraj sent a note to Bookrat

Aug 13, 2024 4:44 pm

With a loud thwomp of closing the book, Fingas says, "Done! Ok, let's go."

Aug 15, 2024 10:28 am

"Aye! I reckon we’ve earned that coin. Just don’t piss it up against a wall." Hargrac warns the others, though he is sure that that is what would become of his eventually…

GM

Aug 16, 2024 11:52 pm

GM

Asking around the city, the party eventually finds the captain of The Coins, Asonia Gloom, at the Coins headquarters just a few buildings down from the Grand Playhouse. She's unhappily filling out some forms at a desk inside the two-story building. She's a stout, muscular human woman with wide shoulders and dark hair cut short. A sword leans against the wall behind her. She looks up as you enter with a kind but no-nonsense look on her face. "Welcome to the Coins. How may I help you?"

Aug 17, 2024 1:28 pm

While Hargrac and Theodore go in to deal with the exchange of money, Fingas takes a seat outside the building. He doesn't want to have to deal with the casual bigotry the tall folk generally hand down on people like him, and he has a really interesting book that he wants to delve into.

Aug 17, 2024 1:28 pm

"We're here about the ghost," Theodroe says with a smile. "Lookin' to cash in the bounty."

Aug 17, 2024 2:40 pm

Hargrac looks the woman over, thinking that she cut a nice, broad shape… for a human!

"Aye! Nasty bit of work that! But you can get back to singing your songs or what have you in there now! No fear!" Hargrac adds, trying to sound extra put out by the whole ordeal!

GM

Aug 21, 2024 11:19 am

OOC:

So I was checking in to see why there's been no updates and realized the stuff I wrote never posted... Sorry about that everyone.

GM

Captain Gloom's eyebrows rise. She looks over you with a skeptical eye. "Is that so? Well, I'm sure you can understand we don't just hand out money on people's say-so."

She stands up and grabs her sword, buckling it to her waist. "Carrot, these folks are saying they've solved the problem at the theater. I'm going with them to check it out. Hold down the fort till I get back."

An orange haired man barely into adulthood peeks his head in from the adjoining room and gives a nod. "Aye, aye, Captain." Gloom sighs.

"We aren't pirates, Carrot." She turns to you and says, "Well then, let's be off shall we?"

OOC:

If you have any questions to ask her about the city you can do so now. Otherwise I will move us to the next scene.

Aug 21, 2024 12:16 pm

"Strapping lad you’ve got there!" Hargrac says, as they head back out on to the street.

"Did you happen to bring the coin with you, by chance? Only I don’t fancy traipsing all over town for it! Back and forth and what have you!" he says, putting on his most reasonable talking-to-humans voice, while waving the goblins on to follow along!

Aug 21, 2024 12:55 pm

As they exit the building, Fingas gets up and follows, putting the book away as he walks.

GM

Aug 21, 2024 1:46 pm

GM

Captain Gloom laughs. "Carry around large quantities of money so I can get waylaid or robbed walking around the city? I don't think so. Maybe inconvenient for you, but safer for me. Now then, what did you actually encounter in the Theater? I'm not one for ghosts and boogeymen, myself."

Aug 22, 2024 6:41 am

"Four pieces is hardly a fortune in Kem." Hargrac groans, already feeling himself get annoyed with the slightly longer stride of the human, and her unwillingness to match the pace of the shorter folk!

"Mind you, if there’s folk going about robbing the Guard Captain, it might be that you’ve more work that needs doing by us?" he asks sweet as he can manage, with a glint in his eye.

He’ll let the long legs answer questions on ghosts and dolls and the rest of it!

Aug 22, 2024 11:09 am

"The sprit had possessed dolls, and tried to pull down a chandelier on us," Theodore says with confidence. "Nothing we couldn't deal with."

GM

Aug 22, 2024 11:53 pm

GM

"So what you're telling me is...one of the expensive chandeliers is smashed?" she says slowly. "Guess I'll have to add that to the report." You enter and she walks about the place, squatting down occasionally to inspect things like the smashed chandelier and the broken dolls. "Creepy," she says about the dolls. After a dozen minutes or so she claps her hands. "Well I'm satisfied. Congratulations on a job well done. Follow me back to headquarters and we'll see you rewarded properly. I'll contact the theater's proprietor and inform him that his theater is safe to re-open."

Back at the headquarters, Gloom returns with your gold coin. She eyes the four of you. "Would you like it's worth in silver? I don't want any murdering done over a gold coin on my watch." For some reason, she eyes Fingas more than the others.

Aug 23, 2024 3:09 am

"Aye, I’ll take the silver, if it’s all the same to you! Need it for the boat!" he says, his stomach lurching at the thought of being on the waves in only a short while from now!

Aug 23, 2024 3:09 am

Fingas rolls his eyes at the comment. Of course the human was going to look at him as if he was the thief! They had two, count em - two! - professional thieves standing right next to him, both human! Well, not one of them, anymore. But yes, it's the goblin that's the thief. Stupid fucking...

"Yes, silver is fine."

Aug 23, 2024 11:04 am

"Yes, it's the last chance to hire us if you have more trouble to take care of," Theordore says with a smile. "We'll soon be out of your hair. So any killing each others over loot will be far from your juristiction."

GM

Aug 25, 2024 2:47 pm

GM

Captain Gloom pays you 25 silver shillings each. "Well earned. The Coins thanks you for your help. Will you be here long? Now that the Theater can re-open I'm sure I could get you some tickets to the first show as an added reward."

Aug 25, 2024 2:52 pm

"Like they'd ever let me in," thought Fingas. "Goblins are to work, not be seen." But even still, he keeps his mouth shut. Talking to the big folk like this was a job for the human and the dwarf. Not for him.

Aug 26, 2024 8:28 am

"I do not think we're the theatre types," Theodore says with a smile. "And we are leaving town as soon as possible... Not to escape justice or anything like that. But we have already bought passage on a boat. Though, I may take you up on the offer should the winds of fate bring us back in town."

GM

Aug 26, 2024 11:13 am

GM

Captain Gloom shrugs and runs a hand through her short brown hair. "I guessed but no harm in making an offer, right? Where you headed? Some folks hire passengers to deliver letters and packages or other purposes. If you ask around you may be able to find someone offering. The pay isn't too much but if you're already headed somewhere, why not, right?"

Aug 27, 2024 3:32 am

"The City of Gods," Fingas answers. "We're headed to Set."

GM

Aug 28, 2024 1:27 pm

GM

Captain Gloom nods. "Common enough destination. I can put a few feelers out on anyone who is looking to hire. Feel free to ask around yourselves as well. Where are you staying? So I know where to find you."

If you tell Gloom she will send word or any prospective clients to you.

OOC:

Your ship leaves in two days, so you have a day and a half. You can ask around for work, take in the sights, or do something else. I think we can do a little montage once I know what everyone wants to do.

Aug 30, 2024 1:01 pm

Fingas, always obsessed with magic, decides to spend his time trying to see what kind of occult shops there are, what hidden magical oddities exist. He'll "explore the sites," but the sites he wants to see are all in the dirty underground of the city. The locals who deal in magical phenomena that's less than legal.

Aug 30, 2024 4:48 pm

Thedore will carouse away all his ill gained coins that he picked the other days. Always an opportunity to fill the pouch back up in the next town. He will not just get drunk and useless though, as he will attempt to gather the latest news and rumors on their destination.

Sep 3, 2024 11:04 pm

Butterfly begrudgingly accompanies Fingas on his errands, shifting uncomfortably as goblin mage deals in his magical gewgaws.

Sep 4, 2024 2:55 pm

OOC:

I think KCC will be back Thurs or Fri. I'll have a post up by Friday that will wrap up this first adventure and leave some plot hooks for the next one. Everyone can level up their character in the meantime. Thanks for your patience.

Sep 6, 2024 2:04 am

Hargrac sticks close to the place where he found the Halfling captain, getting the measure of the fellow. He drinks the first night away, and then sets some time aside to search out the city’s dwarves. Of them, he asks if any have heard of the priestesses lately, or of anything that might help the old dwarf handle the matter once he reaches his destination!

GM

Sep 8, 2024 4:03 am

GM

In a place where money rules all, Fingas is surprised to discover that there is no dirty underground. 'Legality' is a nebulous concept that waxes and wanes depending on the amount of coin one has. Almost anything someone wants to buy can be found at VanZent's Auction House. Once a month they even have a slave auction with the "merchandise" being brought from Dis, the only region in Rul where slavery is legal. In Kem, taboo and dangerous items aren't kept underground, so much as they are kept behind a paywall. There are quite a few magic shops however, peddling charms, potions, and geegaws of dubious value. The real stuff, Fingas suspects, is likewise kept in vaults and other safe places until one has the key of money to unlock them. Spending his day walking among the city, Fingas does stumble upon a one-eyed priest of the Seer standing on a soapbox, preaching the end of the world.

"They seek the end of the world! I have seen its end and it is the written word. As the world was thus created by words, so shall be its end! The words of magic will be used to undo us all! We must not let them find the words! Heed my words, we must excise the taint of magic users before they spell our doom! The Missing Twelve was just the first sign of many troubles ahead."

Theodore spends his day gambling and drinking, staying sober enough to put together whispered words and drunken slips of the tongue. A few of the patrons are sailors and many words are said about missing ships recently off the coast of Set. Speculation abounds that it could be pirates, the great leviathan Ktu'mak, or the displeasure of Oceanus, a near-forgotten minor god of the sea.

In Kem, dwarves aren't as isolated as the goblins and are found in every aspect of daily life. They do tend to congregate at drinking establishments that specialize in dwarven ale, however. The most popular of these is the Malachite Mug. The tavern sign depicts a stone mug made of copper that has oxidized and turned patina green to resemble the color of malachite. Inside is decor befitting dwarves: a large stone hearth, sturdy wood and iron furniture, and walls and floor of finely worked stone. Inside are two dozen dwarves with almost the same number of other ancestries sitting about with their sturdy mugs and plates of meat and potatoes.

Sep 10, 2024 2:13 am

"First sign?" Fingas says to himself. Then louder, to the preacher, "What are the other signs? Where did the Twelve go?"

He doubted he would get the answers he sought, but he had to ask. There may have been something hidden in his words.

GM

Sep 11, 2024 4:50 am

GM

Everything goes quiet as two dozen or so heads turn to stare at the goblin. Fingas can feel their stares boring into him, the weight of their disapproval is almost tangible on his shoulders. This was a sermon, and they were meant to be heard and followed, not questioned. The one-eyed preacher's single eye seems to look through Fingas with a far off but penetrating gaze. "I feel you shall know soon enough, for you are bound to this end-fate. The Daughters of the Moon have been called home by their goddess. Denizens of the sea shall rise from the deep dark waters. Children of the wind will bring the storms, while children of the flames will sow the wildfires, and the children of earth will shake the foundations of the world. The hooded ones seek the Words of Creation to pervert the elements to prepare for His arrival! And I am cursed to bear witness to it all!" His voice rises in a crescendo and as he finishes speaking he screams out wordlessly as his one remaining eye explodes out of his head in a bloody, pulpy spray. He collapses onto his back behind the soapbox. The tension is tight as a garrote and Fingas could very easily be the victim of that taught wire if he stays around after the immediate shock has worn off.

Sep 11, 2024 12:43 pm

Fingas quickly leaves, but as he does so, he pulls out something to write with and begins jotting down notes in his books.

Last edited September 11, 2024 12:43 pm

Sep 13, 2024 10:12 am

OOC:

Are we going to roleplay out this ship portion, or is it a case of subtracting the coin and it getting us to the next step?

Easy either way, but just wondering if I should subtract now or later!

Sep 13, 2024 1:57 pm

OOC:

You can subtract now. Been busy and now got a cold on top of it! I'm finally on vacation for 5 days so I'll be able to kick the next adventure off tomorrow night.

Sep 15, 2024 7:50 am