A Baronet's Daughter and a Sunless Citadel IC

[Ensou]

 

Booth

 

Booth looks at his finger at Gawain's question. It grows a small twig, upon which a few leaves sprout and one flower bud appears.

'I am still learning what the Root of the World Tree has done for me. I was near death as a caravan escort a long long time ago, and longer still I slept while the Root rebuilt my body.'

Then with another glance from Booth, the foliage on his finger wilt and wither into small flakes that float off in the stench-filled breeze.

'Aspects of plants tie to growth and shelter, so I suppose I can protect and restore. The Root also tapped into my primal core, its words, not mine.' The gnome shows the small claws of his hands. 'Maybe my nose and ears can be of help too.'

Booth looks apologetic about it. 'Compared to you veteran lot, I'm very new at this. So thank you for being patient with me. It's going to take some time for me to get used to being part gnome and part plant--' He turns towards the town.

'We've got company.'

---

Level 3Woodling Feral Deep Gnome / Swordsage 2 Ardent 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

:::Deep Gnome:::
Blindness / Deafness 1/day
Blur 1/day
Disguise Self 1/day
---------
+2 Hide when underground
+1 racial bonus on attack rolls against kobolds and goblinoids.
+1 to the Difficulty Class for all saving throws against illusion spells cast by Booth.


:::Woodling:::
Entangle 1/day
Summon nature's ally II 1/day
---------
+4 bonus on Hide checks and Move Silently checks in aboveground natural environments.


:::Vow of Poverty:::
Fey creatures regard you as though you are fey.
+1 bonus on all saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities.


:::Swordsage:::
Maneuvers Known: Wind Stride, Sudden Leap, Sapphire Nightmare Blade, Moment of Perfect Mind
Readied: Mighty Throw, Crusader's Strike, Shadow Blade Technique, Clinging Shadow Strike
Stances: Hunter's Sense, Child of Shadow, Martial Spirit


:::Ardent:::
Life Mantle: Touch of Health
Mental Power Mantle: Mind Thrust | Init 3 | AC 35 Flat 33 | HP 22/22 | Walk 30ft | Darkvision 120ft | Fast Heal 2, DR 5/slash, SR 14, Fire 50% | FORT 4 REF 7 WILL 12 | NondetectionA svirfneblin has a continuous nondetection ability as the spell (caster level equal to class levels), StonecunningThis ability grants deep gnomes a +2 racial bonus on Search checks to notice unusual stonework. A deep gnome who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a Search check as though actively searching, and can use the Search skill to find stonework traps as a rogue can. A svirfneblin can also intuit depth, sensing the approximate distance underground as naturally as a human can sense which way is up., Plant TraitsA woodling has immunity to poison, magic sleep effects, paralysis, polymorph, stunning, and mind-affecting spells and abilities (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects). It is not subject to extra damage from critical hits. |Stance: Hunter's Sense (scent)| Sheet |

 

[Amoren]

Character Sheet

 

Kaldakaczil (Dragon)
Male Lawful Good Gold Dragon 3//Paladin 2/Sorcerer 1, Level 3, Init 1, HP 42/42, Speed 40ft, Swim 40ft, Fly 50ft
AC 17, Touch 11, Flat-footed 16, Fort 11, Ref 8, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3   
  Bite  +6 (1d8+3, x2)
Claws +4/+4 (1d6+1, x2)
  Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 Natural))
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18
Senses Keen Senses (half distance penalties for perception), Keen Low-Light Vision (multiply effective illumination distances for the dragon by 4), Darkvision 120ft.
Conditions Mage Armor

Human Form (Name Gawain)
Male Lawful Good Gold Dragon 3//Paladin 2/Sorcerer 1, Level 3, Init 1, HP 42/42, Speed 30ft
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, Fort 11, Ref 8, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3   
  Greatsword  +5 (2d6+3, x2)
  Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 Natural))
Abilities Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18
Senses Keen Senses (half distance penalties for perception), Keen Low-Light Vision (multiply effective illumination distances for the dragon by 4), Darkvision 120ft.
Conditions Mage Armor, Alternate Form (Human), + Hat of Disguise for the armor's appearance.

The young man thought for a bit as he considered the words of his compatriots. Two healers, a monk, and bard, plenty of support in their little adventuring band. But, to Booth's apologetic tone, he shook his head politely, "I am not much less green than yourself. Err, less experienced, I mean. I am still but an apprentice, a squire if you will, with much to learn myself."

"Still," he spoke with a soft smile and placed his hand upon his holy symbol, "I offer my pledge to He of Merciful Judgement to protect you on this mission as best I can."

When the guards came forward, and were presented with the notice by Malus, 'Gawain' offered a respectful nod of his head. "From what we've read from the note, your town has had no share of troubles visited upon it. The sooner we can remove these evils from your lands, the better." He paused for a second, though, turning his head towards the town, and the direction the scent of unburned rot had been reported to have come from. "As we approach, can you tell us what's happened recently? From what we've gathered, it seems like death has visited your people recently."

[Grudge]

 

 Malus| AC 16 | Ini: 4 | BAB +3 | Hit Points: 42/42 | Size: Medium | Speed: 40 ft |
Touch: +13| Fort: +5 | Ref: +6 | Will: +5 | FF: +12

 

---

Malus did his best to hide his smile at the "scare" they received and just asked, "Since you recognize this message could we borrow you for a few minutes so you can lead us to whoever sent it?"

 

---

Tools of the Trade

Unarmed:

 

Unarmed: 1d20+7, 1d8+4, (x2)

Unarmed (Using Shadow Hand): 1d20+8, 1d8+5 (x2)

Actions/OOC

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

Immediate:

Stances: [X]=Non-Active, [O]= Active

Island of Blades [O]

Stance of Clarity [X]

Maneuvers: [X]=Non-Active, [O]= Active

Clinging Shadow Strike [O]

Burning Blade [O]

Sapphire Nightmare Blade [O]

Mighty Throw [O]

Stone Bones [X]

Sudden Leap [X]

Wolf Fang Strike [X]

Shadow Jaunt [O]

 

OOC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 16, 2023 by Grudge (see edit history)

[DragonFriend]

Heading into Town

Lu nods to Malus, "Yeah, we can take you to the Baronet." Ben motions towards the town, "We can also fill you in on the situation. At least somewhat. We've had a string of murders out in the outlaying fields. Several farmhands found dead where they were working. Livestock slaughtered in the fields." Lu continues, "We are a small town. Not small enough everyone knows everyone else's name, but small enough that a string of deaths has seriously shaken up the people." The group is starting to walk through the town now. The few people outside stay away but otherwise pay the party no mind. Possibly because of the deputy escort. "Farmers from a day or two away have come to seek shelter in town, brought their flocks with them. We are doing what we can to accommodate them but it has been rough. Beyond that, the group of kids who fancied themselves adventurers have been missing for a while now. They were popular with the people and competent at dealing with wolves and such. I just hope they are alright." The pair of deputies both motion to the large, multistory stone house ahead of the group. "Ah, here we are. Baronet Vurnor Leng's manor house. Ben, go report to Felosial, I'll announce them to the Baronet."

 

The Baronet's Manor

Deputy Lu leads the party inside through a pair of thick wooden double doors. The building is old, the furniture and fixtures likewise, but everything is clean and well maintained. The foyer is large enough for a dozen people to fit comfortably, with a pair of staircases leading to a second level on either side. There are also a couple of couches and chairs along the perimeter. "Just wait here. I'll get the Baronet." Lu goes up the staircase on the left, leaving the party alone for a moment.

 

[Grudge]

 Malus| AC 16 | Ini: 4 | BAB +3 | Hit Points: 42/42 | Size: Medium | Speed: 40 ft |
Touch: +13| Fort: +5 | Ref: +6 | Will: +5 | FF: +12

 

---

While waiting Malus looks at the remaining escort "So far has the attacker shown any preference for cattle or Humans, and how many victims have been in all, have there been any tracks or something odd or suspicious? Also, there was mention of the disease of Baron's daughter, how far have there been two events one from another?"

 

---

Tools of the Trade

Unarmed:

 

Unarmed: 1d20+7, 1d8+4, (x2)

Unarmed (Using Shadow Hand): 1d20+8, 1d8+5 (x2)

Actions/OOC

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

Immediate:

Stances: [X]=Non-Active, [O]= Active

Island of Blades [O]

Stance of Clarity [X]

Maneuvers: [X]=Non-Active, [O]= Active

Clinging Shadow Strike [O]

Burning Blade [O]

Sapphire Nightmare Blade [O]

Mighty Throw [O]

Stone Bones [X]

Sudden Leap [X]

Wolf Fang Strike [X]

Shadow Jaunt [O]

 

OOC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 14, 2023 by Grudge (see edit history)

[DragonFriend]

The deputy ponders for a moment. "We cannot be certain of the total loss, too many outlaying farms and rural homesteads to know. But at least 13 dead, and at least twice that in livestock. People started going missing about 3 months ago, first body was found not long after. No tracks, and the wounds are strange. Piercings and holes, lots of them, but not from a blade or spear. None of the slain animals are partially eaten or anything like that. As for Olivia, she started getting sick around a month and a half ago. Corkie, our priestess, is doing her best but Olivia is just getting worse from what little I hear. The Baronet and Corkie aren't exactly announcing her condition from the town square."

[Grudge]

 

 Malus| AC 16 | Ini: 4 | BAB +3 | Hit Points: 42/42 | Size: Medium | Speed: 40 ft |
Touch: +13| Fort: +5 | Ref: +6 | Will: +5 | FF: +12

 

---

The large man politely nods "Thank you for your information." He moves slightly in the background and taps Gawain on the shoulder whispering in his ear "I might have strange sounding request but can't explain it with so many witnesses. When the party is alone I'll say everything, For now, could you arrange a meeting with the sick daughter to see if can you help her and check for evil if it's within your preview"

 

---

Tools of the Trade

Unarmed:

 

Unarmed: 1d20+7, 1d8+4, (x2)

Unarmed (Using Shadow Hand): 1d20+8, 1d8+5 (x2)

Actions/OOC

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

Immediate:

Stances: [X]=Non-Active, [O]= Active

Island of Blades [O]

Stance of Clarity [X]

Maneuvers: [X]=Non-Active, [O]= Active

Clinging Shadow Strike [O]

Burning Blade [O]

Sapphire Nightmare Blade [O]

Mighty Throw [O]

Stone Bones [X]

Sudden Leap [X]

Wolf Fang Strike [X]

Shadow Jaunt [O]

 

OOC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 14, 2023 by Grudge (see edit history)

[darlis moonbeam]

Kethar chuckles at the deputies statement about them scaring the party. If the local constables rattled them then they would all be in trouble. He listens as they continue to tell them about what is going on with the town and the surrounding area. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of the bodies having holes in them. "Do the holes appear to be bite marks of some kind? Are there any known large predators in the area? Have you buried all the bodies or would we have a chance to examine any of them?" he suddenly realized that he had been peppering them with questions and gave a self deprecating smile. "Sorry I am a healer so always curious."  He waits to hear their response as the continue to walk towards the town. When the reach the Baronet's home he speaks up once again. "May I see the Baronet 's daughter? As I said before before healer, I would like to examine her to see if I can determine what is wrong with her."

[Amoren]

Character Sheet

 

Kaldakaczil (Dragon)
Male Lawful Good Gold Dragon 3//Paladin 2/Sorcerer 1, Level 3, Init 1, HP 42/42, Speed 40ft, Swim 40ft, Fly 50ft
AC 17, Touch 11, Flat-footed 16, Fort 11, Ref 8, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3   
  Bite  +6 (1d8+3, x2)
Claws +4/+4 (1d6+1, x2)
  Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 Natural))
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18
Senses Keen Senses (half distance penalties for perception), Keen Low-Light Vision (multiply effective illumination distances for the dragon by 4), Darkvision 120ft.
Conditions Mage Armor

Human Form (Name Gawain)
Male Lawful Good Gold Dragon 3//Paladin 2/Sorcerer 1, Level 3, Init 1, HP 42/42, Speed 30ft
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, Fort 11, Ref 8, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3   
  Greatsword  +5 (2d6+3, x2)
  Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18
Senses Keen Senses (half distance penalties for perception), Keen Low-Light Vision (multiply effective illumination distances for the dragon by 4), Darkvision 120ft.
Conditions Mage Armor, Alternate Form (Human), + Hat of Disguise for the armor's appearance.

The disguised dragon offered Malus a smile when he brought up the daughter, giving a small nod and a whisper back. "We were thinking along the same lines, my new friend. Bahamut's grace does allow me to feel the presence of evil, although its range is limited. If there's any work of vile magic on the daughter, though, I should be able to feel it while in the same room as her."

When Kethar speaks up, the paladin nods his support. "We have a few healers, and academics, who bring knowledge and techniques that might not be known to your priestess. We would also like to speak with her, if she is free and able, so that she could explain the girl's sickness in greater detail."

[Faeryl_]

Céibhfhionn

The still-silent bard bobs her head along to the music she has yet to stop playing. It's changed a bit though, a softer, quieter music. Something suited for calm conversation.

Statblock

[URL=/sheets/?id=2833416][B][SIZE=+1]Céibhfhionn[/SIZE][/B][/URL] Female CG Feytouched Bard 3||Feytouched 1/Crusader 1/Marshal 1, [B]Level[/B] 3, [B]Init[/B] 3, [B]HP[/B] 27/27, [B]Speed[/B] 30 ft. [B]AC[/B] 18, [B]Touch[/B] 13, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 15, [B]Fort[/B] 6, [B]Ref[/B] 6, [B]Will[/B] 4, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 2.5 [B] Rapier [/B] +2 (1d6, 18-20/x2) [B] Chain Shirt[/B], [B] Masterwork Buckler[/B] (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +3 Dex) [B]Abilities[/B] Str 11, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 19 [B]Condition[/B] None

Céibhfhionn
Female CG Feytouched Bard 3||Feytouched 1/Crusader 1/Marshal 1, Level 3, Init 3, HP 27/27, Speed 30 ft.
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, Fort 6, Ref 6, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2.5
Rapier +2 (1d6, 18-20/x2)
Chain Shirt , Masterwork Buckler (+4 Armor, +1 Shield, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 19
Condition None

Current Condition

27/27 HP

Bardic Music: 3/3 uses remaining

• Inspire Courage +1
• Inspire Competence
• Mimicking Song
• Fascinate
• Bardic Knowledge
• Motivate Dexterity Aura

Charm Person (Sp) 1/day (Caster Level 3, DC 14 Will)

Edited October 15, 2023 by Faeryl_ (see edit history)

[DragonFriend]

Lu thinks about your questions for a moment. "No, they didn't look like bite wounds. Not caused by any of the animals or monsters around here. They almost looked like stab wounds from sewing needles. Really big ones, or maybe thorns I guess. If you want a look at them, you could probably find a livestock corpse in the fields without much trouble. But it has been some time since the farmers took their flocks in, no idea how decayed the corpses would be."

"You will have to ask the Baronet to see her when he comes down the stairs. Though not sure how he will feel about it, other than himself, the maid, and Corkie, Olivia hasn't had any visitors. But he might welcome some outside expertise if it helps her. If you want, I could run and get Corkie here if she is available."

[Ensou]

 

 

Booth

 

Booth steps forward. 'If the group does not mind, while we wait for the lord to arrive, may I step outside to examine the livestock wounds? I could find some tracks as well if they survived the night.'

 

 

 

 

---

Level 3Woodling Feral Deep Gnome / Swordsage 2 Ardent 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

:::Deep Gnome:::
Blindness / Deafness 1/day
Blur 1/day
Disguise Self 1/day
---------
+2 Hide when underground
+1 racial bonus on attack rolls against kobolds and goblinoids.
+1 to the Difficulty Class for all saving throws against illusion spells cast by Booth.


:::Woodling:::
Entangle 1/day
Summon nature's ally II 1/day
---------
+4 bonus on Hide checks and Move Silently checks in aboveground natural environments.


:::Vow of Poverty:::
Fey creatures regard you as though you are fey.
+1 bonus on all saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities.


:::Swordsage:::
Maneuvers Known: Wind Stride, Sudden Leap, Sapphire Nightmare Blade, Moment of Perfect Mind
Readied: Mighty Throw, Crusader's Strike, Shadow Blade Technique, Clinging Shadow Strike
Stances: Hunter's Sense, Child of Shadow, Martial Spirit


:::Ardent:::
Life Mantle: Touch of Health
Mental Power Mantle: Mind Thrust | Init 3 | AC 35 Flat 33 | HP 22/22 | Walk 30ft | Darkvision 120ft | Fast Heal 2, DR 5/slash, SR 14, Fire 50% | FORT 4 REF 7 WILL 12 | NondetectionA svirfneblin has a continuous nondetection ability as the spell (caster level equal to class levels), StonecunningThis ability grants deep gnomes a +2 racial bonus on Search checks to notice unusual stonework. A deep gnome who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a Search check as though actively searching, and can use the Search skill to find stonework traps as a rogue can. A svirfneblin can also intuit depth, sensing the approximate distance underground as naturally as a human can sense which way is up., Plant TraitsA woodling has immunity to poison, magic sleep effects, paralysis, polymorph, stunning, and mind-affecting spells and abilities (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects). It is not subject to extra damage from critical hits. |Stance: Hunter's Sense (scent)| Sheet |

 

Edited October 15, 2023 by Ensou (see edit history)

[Amoren]

Character Sheet

 

Kaldakaczil (Dragon)
Male Lawful Good Gold Dragon 3//Paladin 2/Sorcerer 1, Level 3, Init 1, HP 42/42, Speed 40ft, Swim 40ft, Fly 50ft
AC 17, Touch 11, Flat-footed 16, Fort 11, Ref 8, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3   
  Bite  +6 (1d8+3, x2)
Claws +4/+4 (1d6+1, x2)
  Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +1 Dex, +2 Natural))
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18
Senses Keen Senses (half distance penalties for perception), Keen Low-Light Vision (multiply effective illumination distances for the dragon by 4), Darkvision 120ft.
Conditions Mage Armor

Human Form (Name Gawain)
Male Lawful Good Gold Dragon 3//Paladin 2/Sorcerer 1, Level 3, Init 1, HP 42/42, Speed 30ft
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, Fort 11, Ref 8, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3   
  Greatsword  +5 (2d6+3, x2)
  Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18
Senses Keen Senses (half distance penalties for perception), Keen Low-Light Vision (multiply effective illumination distances for the dragon by 4), Darkvision 120ft.
Conditions Mage Armor, Alternate Form (Human), + Hat of Disguise for the armor's appearance.

"We would be most appreciative if you could fetch her, or at the very least inform her of our desire to talk if she is unable to make time at the moment," 'Gawain' offered with a thankful nod, before turning his attention towards the smallest of their number. "I think it would be best if you didn't go by yourself, just in case you run into whatever is responsible for these attacks. But, if you feel you would be quiet or discrete enough to be safer by yourself than with another of our number, I will not stop you."

[DragonFriend]

Baronet Vurnor Leng

At the top of the staircase the party can see Lu and Vurnor Leng appear from a hallway and start to make their way down the stairs. The Baronet is middle-aged, and seems well put together. His clothes are of high quality, but like most other things here in the manor seem fairly old. The man raises both his arms into the air and exclaims "Ah! I can hardly believe it, the message worked. Welcome, welcome heroes of realms untold." Lu excuses herself, presumably to see if the priestess can come. Vurnor Leng continues, "I'm sure the deputies have already filled you in on the situation? Also, I'm told a couple of you are healers? Perchance would you take a look at Olivia before heading off to the ruins?"

Edited October 15, 2023 by DragonFriend (see edit history)

[darlis moonbeam]

Kethar steps forward and gives the Baronet a bow "I would be honored to examine your daughter to see if I can determine what her malady could be. My name is Kethar, I am a spirit shaman, so not only am I a healer I also have a connection with the spirits of the world, they give me an insight I would not otherwise have."