Loudwater
Chronicles
Session 1:
The four of us found ourselves chained in a single room in a prison. The cell was adorned with a small high window and an entrance with long bars. Two tieflings and two elves, though the two elves look very different. Some of us recognized each other from a bar fight that brought us here - one of us was a stranger to everyone.
We heard footsteps from past our cell doors - a man complaining out loud to himself, “I’ve got better things to do than work pro bono this late on the night of the festival.” Thessus was to be our lawyer - we were all to stand trial the next day. He recognized Silas from the town. After some unpleasant conversation, he determined he may be able to help Silas, Artemis, and Brinden, but Illi was probably headed to the mines. On his way out, Brinden attempted to bribe him, but upon the mention of his town, Thessus promptly shuffled away.
After some introductions, we heard a voice from the window at the back of the cell. Silas’s sister had come to check in on him. Themis brought with her a master key which bounced off of Silas and landed in front of Artemis. Artemis freed Silas, then Illi, and finally Brinden. We stepped out of the cell to the main room.
The main room had 3 cells off of it, a staircase, and a fancy door. Behind one cell, we met a man named Dunk. Dunk seemed to be questionable to Artemis, Illi, and Brinden, but Silas seemed to trust him. While we deliberated about what to do about Dunk, Brinden slammed himself against the fancy door which creaked loose under the power of his strength (damn). With a little help, Brinden got enough room to let Illi slip in.
Illi was inside what turned out to be the room holding confiscated items from prisoners. Illi found her pack, but not her jewel. She found Brinden’s pack and pendent and several javelins. She found Artemis’s soft blanket and pack. Brinden seemed to take a liking to Artemis’s blanket. Illi found Silas’s pack and yet some more javelins (seriously guys? :P). The group asked Dunk if he had anything they should retrieve, and he pointed out his cloak to them. We examined the cloak to not be special and passed it on to Dunk, who snatched it greedily. Illi also found a small purse of gold and kept it in her back.
After coming out of the room, Illi went up the stairs and saw that the upstairs room contained a guard room leading to a main room with a guard in each room. The guards noticed her spice scent, and so Illi backed away. Illi noticed that no one had talked to Silas’s sister since she gave them the key, so Artemis went to go speak to Themis. Silas decided to go up next and was definitely heard. Themis offered to create a distraction which came just in time to save Silas from being discovered by the guards. The guards followed Themis out of the prison.
Silas and Illi decided to go up stairs and then pass the key down to Brinden to go free Dunk. Brinden and Artemis went to go see into Dunk’s room but found that they saw nothing. Illi rummaged through the guard’s desk to find an illicit photo of an elf maiden, a brass key which she quietly kept in her pack, and Dunk’s rap sheet. Upon seeing the several murder charges, Illi handed the rap sheet to Silas and went down to go save Brinden and Artemis. She too could not see anything in Dunk’s cell.
Everyone went upstairs, and Brinden quietly shut the door behind him. Upon seeing the illicit photo, Brinden decided to keep it. Silas opened up the guard room door into the main area. The main area had another fancy door to its left and what looked like an exit. Silas approached the fancy door and heard a loud ticking. Illi walked up and opened the door with the key she never told anyone she found - Silas questioned her about it, but Illi answered curtly.
Session 2:
Artemis watched as Brinden magically disappeared in front of her - she had no clue what was going on there. Confused, Artemis joined Silas and Illi at Krespin’s courtroom. And slowly, they entered Krespin’s courtroom. Upon entering the room, blue magical lights lit up the room for them - motion-sensored magic.
Silas was intrigued by the door at the end of the hall, noticing that it was as ornate as the courtroom door. Meanwhile, Artemis checked out Krespin’s table at the courtroom. A large stone plate stood where a small gavel and block should have been. Illi took a look at the large clock. The large clock had some floating parts controlled by something magical. Instead of quietly searching for traps, Illi accidentally knocked out the clock’s pendulum (whoops) and the loud ticking of the clock noticeably stopped. She picked up the pendulum piece - a small bass disk, because… why not?
Silas asked Illi to open the ornate door with the brass key Illi still hadn’t adequately explained nor seemed like she was willing to give up. In the office, Silas noticed no important papers but did notice a wall hanging with two hooks. It seemed like some sort of large item was on the hooks. Silas remembered that Krespin liked to carry a large hammer and that was what was missing.
While Silas was rifling through Krespin’s desk, noticing that no papers related to all of us were there despite Thessus implying our court date was soon, Artemis noticed a shadow at the end of the courtroom. The shadow seemed to move along the wall, and upon seeing Artemis’s gaze on it, it curved around the doorway and disappeared. Artemis started worrying about why we never saw Dunk in his jail cell. Artemis shared her shadow with Illi and Silas, Silas thought she might be on to something, but Illi assumed she was crazy.
We decided from then to just move forward and try to find freedom. Upon going through the far door in the previous room - closing all of the doors behind us. We discovered a tall room with stairs leading up to offices on a second floor overlooking the room. Under the offices was a large heavy door, and to our right was a door that looked shut from the inside but, from the light underneath, looked like it might lead outside. There was also a window high up on the side of the door that lead outside.
Illi went up the stairs hoping to be able to see outside the window. She noticed a small tower and the town far away. Definitely outside. Silas checked out the large heavy door - he noticed gears on the door but no keyhole or any sign of how to open it. She noticed a sign board at the top of the stairs with a wanted poster for a very strange looking "Demon of the Deepwoods." Illi, having grown up in the forest, took the poster thinking to herself that she had never seen such a creature.
Illi came back downstairs while Silas went up. Artemis, though desperately wanting to leave, couldn’t help looking at the large heavy door. She asked Illi to look at it too - upon doing so, Illi (I honestly don’t know why) decided to hold up the metal disk to the door almost reverently. Artemis was starting to think maybe Illi was the crazy one, not her.
Silas found three offices on the top floor. The far office belonged to Thessus. Thessus’s office was an absolute mess. While rifling through the papers, Silas organized it. Silas found 60 violations being levied by Piscene Corporation that he decided to keep. Silas moved on to the middle office belonging to Nesta. Nesta was super organized. Silas found papers about the prison buying metal guard dogs and metal guard man with notes on their weaknesses. Silas also decided that the office was just a little too organized and moved one pencil out of place (what a jerk!). In the last office, a storage room, Silas found a couple guard uniforms that he took.
Silas came down and we decided that it was finally time to go outside. But before going outside, after a long debate, we decided that Silas should wear the guard uniform. Silas looked so stunning in the guard uniform that Artemis couldn’t help herself, “You want me to carry your javelins?” Mistaking this affection coming from Illi, Silas replied, “No, my javelins are just fine where they are… thank you.” (I have this on “tape” - recorded.) Silas opened the door and noticed that the door had another bar on the other side, and they opened together.
Opening the door, we noticed three metal eggs buried in the ground. Without hesitation or care, Illi threw the metal disk from the clock at the eggs (why again, I don’t know…). The eggs vibrated and opened up and from inside three metal guard dogs came out and rumbled - almost a growl. Artemis met up with the dog on our far right while Illi and Silas geared up to fight the dogs on the left together. The dogs approached Artemis and Illi, but seemed to veer away from Silas.
Silas pointed out, from the papers he found earlier, that the dogs were weak against blunt attack and had vulnerable armor. Artemis made the first strong attack and knocked off a piece of the dog’s armor. Silas tried using the blunt side of his axe to make attacks, and Illi, well she swung as best as she could…. Both dogs decided to fight Illi first and upon getting hurt, she was also bitten by a dog and pulled down with the dogs teeth clamped tight on her ankle.
Artemis continued bearing down attacks on the dog attacking her, while Silas ignored Illi’s situation and battered the dog on him. Illi weaseled her way out of the dog’s grip and stood up. Artemis also got bitten and dragged down - and Illi another time. This time, Silas, instead of ignoring Illi, absolutely murdered the shit out of the dog biting down on her leg. Its head flew off somewhere and oil splattered across everyone.
The dog who had Artemis dragged her across the room as Artemis continued to hit it with her shield - dragging her closer to a hallway where we could all hear an ominous loud banging coming from (we all guessed it might be Brinden having some alone time with the Elf picture). Illi decided to hide behind Silas as Silas used his shield to protect them both, and his axe to attack the dog who was on them. However, Silas's attacks missed because his shaft was a little to slippery (from "oil").
As Artemis got dragged all the way across the room, she saw that the banging was coming from a crate. The crate burst open and a metal guard popped out. Unsure what to do, Artemis used might to get out of the dog’s grip and ran back. The dog attacked her again, but she destroyed it with fervor and determination. Oil, oil everywhere.
Upon noticing the kill, the last dog turned and attempted to take down Artemis as the guard approached her. Silas threw a javelin at the dog and took a chunk off it’s butt armor. Illi let the arrows fly that seemed to do more sliding than piercing. All the blood gushing out of her was making dizzy and her aim weak.
Ignoring the battle going on, Silas decided the door on the left, which had to lead outside, right?, was worth looking at. Silas noticed the door had a handle and considered the situation - go outside and leave everyone or help? The guard threw a net on Artemis, restraining her. Artemis tried attacking the last dog, who still seemed to want to kill her, but couldn’t. Silas owed Artemis, so he let loose another javelin on the dog. The dog fell back, and Silas dragged Artemis to the door before the guard could do more.
Silas urged Illi to open the door - bleeding, hurt, not thinking for herself. Illi opened the door after failing once again to hit anything with her arrows.
Session 3:
In the midst of a battle brought to an abrupt stop by a dragonborn, Brinden materialized behind the rest of us. Brinden was certain what happened to him was 'devilry.' (has to be!) As Brinden was trying to make sense of the situation, the dragonborn continued to question us.
Brinden's first instinct was to grab a javelin out of a puppy (gotta go for something 'physical'). Pulling out the javelin, Brinden got sprayed with just a little oil (couldn't leave him clean while the rest of us are so oily :P). The puppy (yes, puppy!) died, still attached to the javelin. (Compassion? What's that?). While Brinden was ... wielding... the puppy on a stick, Silas and Artemis noticed that the dragonborn was one of the royal guards (Illi was hiding in the corner in a bloodied haze.).
(Cue lots of lying:)
Dragonborn: "I don't remember hiring any tieflings for the guard. What are you wearing, and where did you get it?"
Silas: "I was helping out with the festival. I'm not in a typical guard uniform because of that." *unblinking*
Dragonborn: "Let us cut this 'apparent' story where *I*, master of the guard, do not know one of my squires." *turned to a (real) guard* "Bailbub, who are these people?"
Guards... "I... I... I... umm... I don't know. They.. they look kind of like the lot that was brought into the jail tonight. It's hard to tell. That one is in a net, and that one appears covered in something."
Brinden: "Hold hold hold hold on."
Dragonborn: "The one on the stick that you just destroyed? The property of the ROYAL GUARD."
Brinden: "I .. uh.. I'm maintaining the dog. I would like to repair it... as I have been employed to do by Master... serr. err. Hm. It's not in a good state, and I'd like to finish my work with my assistants here. They're not in a good state right now.. I mean uh.. It's mechanical, you can see that, but I also think it could be in a lot of pain right now. What you're doing is prolonging the pain... And I would like a chance to enter town and... uh I'm going to need about 4 quarts of oil, gonna need metal... and other things too, like a skilled artisan so that he may return to you in good service" (does anyone really buy this?)
The poor dog slid off the javelin... *screeeeeech* into a pile on the floor - the pain!
Dragonborn: "You mean to tell me that you've been hired by Nesta?""
Brinden: "Nester, yes! I don't believe he's here, right now."
Dragonborn: "So you know Nesta hired you then. So you've met with Nesta..."
Brinden: "Sure!"
Dragonborn: "Then you would know Nesta is a woman!"
Brinden: "Probably just the long hair... I mean.. I just... That's the one, yeah."
Dragonborn: "YOU ALL INSIDE NOW!"
Noticing that Brinden was having trouble with his lies, Artemis charmed the Dragonborn (nice going!! Commence more lying...). Brinden was aching for battle - a little antsy. Silas let Artemis down, while whispering, "His name is Bharash Pallermourn (Bharash Powerlord ;P). He's the head of the Order of the Flame. He's a *very* important person in town.," so she could smooth-talk our way out. Before Brinden could make any sudden moves, Artemis stepped up and started a new host of lies.
Artemis: "Bharash!"
Bharash: "I apologize, I didn't see you under that net... I should know your name, but I feel so embarrassed - what was your name?"
Artemis: "Artemis."
Bharash: "Artemis, of course! Thank heavens there's a friendly face among this rabble. Why are my robot guards destroyed, why is everyone covered in oil... why does that one have a guard uniform on?"
Artemis: "We were brought in as extra help for the festival, and things just got out of hand. We were trying our best, and there was some sort of mishap with the guard dogs."
Bharash:"Nesta did write a scathing report. There are lot of inherent mechanical flaws. I see." *Brinden lightly tapped on the dog - see?* "I apologize Artemis, you look terrible."
Bharash handed over a mystery potion to Artemis, who hoping that the charm spell meant he was a friend, imbibed the potion. She healed.
Bharash: "So why does my associate tell me that you were all locked up tonight?"
Artemis: "Maybe he saw us here... but we're here on business not as... prisoners"
Bharash: "You were here on business in the jail cell?"
Artemis: "Yes..."
Brinden: "We were here to interview an individual who is no longer in his cell. We are very disappointed because we couldn't perform our interview to ascertain the true nature the character that was within this cell. He wasn't there."
Bharash: "Wasn't in his cell? Who isn't' in his cell?!"
Brinden: "Shockingly disappointing." (or terrifying...)
Bharash: "Who are you by the way?"
Brinden: "*silence* ... Friend of hers." *pointed to Artemis* "and it's in her employ that I am here - to protect her of course - because the nature of the individual that we're here to see - whose name was Dunk - and we'd like to know where he is if he's not in his cell, which is under your care. Her associates will be very disappointed to have this information." (Oh my. Things are getting serious. Where the hell is Dunk anyway?!)
Bharash: "You certainly have a silvered tongue, don't you 'friend'." (15 out of 20 on that Silver Tongue rating :P)
Bharash: "I know you. I question you. What's your story?" *pointed at Illi*
Illi: "I'm the cook."
Bharash: "The cook?"
Brinden: "Always take a cook."
Bharash: "Always... You take a cook with you wherever you go?"
Artemis: "She does amazing things."
Illi showed him her spice pouch.
Bharash: "Mmm that does smell delicious and..." (obviously distracted by the smell now :P)
The guards recognized the familiar scent. Illi quickly put her pouch away...
Bharash: "What was your story again, and keep in mind that I know you're not a requisitioned member of the guard." *pointed at Silas* (he doesn't seem too too mad about the lies from earlier...)
Silas: "Maybe not this guard. I'm in from Highwater. I was in town for the festival."
Bharash: "You're all guards ? This is all very very confusing. Oh! For your charges."
He handed one potion to Silas and one to Illi... but after looking at Brinden - who is completely clean and put together tapping a javelin on a metal dog...
Bharash: "Apologies, but you look like you're doing just fine."
Brinden: "Sure. Why don't we step outside and get some fresh air."
Bharash: "Where outside? We're outside."
Brinden: "Well see they're drenched and myself included, I have a spurt upon me. Let us walk a while and let this beast rest in peace."
Bharash: *turned to Artemis* "Do you always let your servants speak for you like this?"
Artemis: "Yes, in this manner. I'm a little dazed."
Brinden: "We're here for her protection."
Bharash: "If you truly are guards from out of town, and of course I trust you Artemis dear friend, why don't you let me give you the hospitality of the guard here? Join me back in the barracks."
Brinden: "If I may speak for the lady.."
Bharash: "I think I've heard enough from you. I'm speaking to my friend Artemis, and I expect you to respect that."
Brinden started pointing his javelin slowly in Bharash's face.
Brinden: "What about Dunk? We will not stay here while he is out and about. Here but not here."
Bharash walked up to Brinden and slowly lowered the javelin with one talon and started unclasps the hilt his 8-foot-long sword. (we need to get out before Brinden gets us all killed...)
Silas: "If I may my lady..."
Artemis: "Yes!"
Silas: "While we appreciate the hospitality, we have rooms rented already, and we'd like to get back, so we can clean up on our own and relax. She's extremely stressed right now. She needs someplace comfortable to relax."
Bharash: "Where are you lot staying?"
Silas: "The Wandering Elk"
Bharash: "Oh, naturally. Why don't you go to your rooms there."
Brinden was poking him with his javelin the whole time... "Would you stop that!"
Bharash: "I will expect to see you lot in the morning for a full report. I will send an envoy for you personally. I leave you and will take care of everything here"
Illi: *whispered* "Can we take the puppy with us...?"
Illi saw the metal brass disk and sneaks it without anyone noticing. (so sneaky. expect more funtimes with this disk.)
Bharash: "No. I don't think you should take this dog with you. If anyone can fix it, Nesta is the one."
(FREEEEEEEEEEEDOM!)
Silas: "By the way Brinden, I want my javelin back."
Brinden: "Oh uh..yeah"
Artemis: "Silas lets no one touch his javelins." (best. line. ever.)
---
After much deliberation on how to get out of town safely, we decided first to hit up the tavern at which Brinden was staying - the Blinded Eye, then Silas's sister (family and friends come first), and then off to the woods to figure out what comes next. Silas and Brinden learned that Artemis and Illi are from the woods and weren't planning on staying in town.
At the tavern, we were greeted by two guys, the larger one carrying the smaller one as he's throwing up. We decided to attempt to sneak through the back door. At the back door, we were greeted by a man quietly smoking away.
Brinden: "Good evening sir."
Man: "*Chokes on pipe* Sorry, I'm not used to anyone calling me sir."
Brinden: "Well, well I am one who greets the next man as if he's his own kin." (and then lies to him through the teeth)
Man: "Don't I know you from somewhere? Were you here earlier?" *to the two tieflings*
*silence*
Silas: "I don't think so. It's been a long night."
Man: "Long night indeed. What are you doing back here?"
Brinden: "You see I have two friends who are staying here, and I would like to go see them."
Man: "The entrance is on the other side of the building,m you know that right?"
Brinden: "Uhh no. That's why we're here." (just can't stop lying)
Man: "Yes, you go right around the corner... This is where the cooks and attenders come out for their breaks."
Illi: "You see... I'm one of the cooks." (I wonder if I'll come up with more interesting lies eventually. I don't think Illi likes to lie. She *is* a cook... and don't you question it, Beechler.)
Man: "One of the cooks, you say? We have been hiring a lot of new people. What are you doing outside of the kitchen?"
Illi: "Uhh one of my friends is sick, so I just went out front, and another friend carried him home."
Man: "Ah yes Squints, yes, he has the heart of a lion, but the constitution of a wee babe child. Always tries to keep pace with his older brother. Well, get in there! Get back to work."
Brinden: "Wait, who are you? If I may be so bold."
Thordid: "Well, I am the head chef here. I'm Thordid."
Brinden: "Well, Thordid. Pleasure."
Thordid: "I'm awfully tired of hearing... would you just get inside for crying out loud. I come out here for quiet and peace to smoke here at night, and I am greeted by a bunch of buffoons."
As we walked in, Brinden smacked Thordid hard on the back and knocked the pipe right out of his hand (very courteous there, Brinden). Inside the kitchen, Illi found and stole a bunch of spices. (Yum.. *sniff sniff sneeze sniff*). After leaving the kitchen, we arrived in the main tavern area. Behind the bar we noticed Belinda, a buxom woman with an eye-patch.
Walking into the tavern, Brinden winked at Belinda and ordered himself a pint of ale. Artemis took a look around the room and noticed a few patrons left and two large bulky males by a fire and an elf at the end of the bar.
--Illi in the mean time--
Illi stood by the door of the kitchen and looked for any food leaving the kitchen. With a strong desire to fix bad food, Illi stopped an unsuspecting waitress on her way to serving stew to a few customers. She adjusted the flavors of the stew. The customers called over the barmaid and told her they liked the food (to the waitress and Belinda's surprise)! :D
Barmaid: "The weirdest thing just happened"
Belinda: "What weird thing?"
Barmaid: "Someone actually said they liked the stew!"
Belinda: "Well, you know, they're salt of the earth folk, of course they like it! Probably haven't had food in days."
--Back to the main story--
Brinden knocked that ale down. He notices that his friends are by the fire.
Brinden: "Friends!"
Sven: "Is that the pointy-eared? How'd you get out of jail, then?"
Brinden: "It was just a misunderstanding..."
Sven: "You stabbed someone! What misunderstanding?"
Brinden: "He slipped on his own sword... He'll be fineeee... How did the trades go?"
Bjorn: "We had to take a small bit of cut on our earnings when it was noticed you were gone - had to knock prices down a bit to make up trust with the people here. We were about to go back. We figured you were going to be post up in prison for a while."
Brinden: "Well this is good news, I, myself, will be staying back. I have 'given my services just for the night' (can't believe you said those exact words) to some people that I have met here."
Sven: *leaned in* "You talkin' about those two seated over there?"
Brinden: "Aye, them two, over there."
Sven: "You know the people of the village say you're lenient about who you give your 'services to.' It's good you found yourself a pointy-eared like that. The women back in town used to joke that they'd break you like a twig."
Brinden: "Augh, get off you cheeky monkey." (nice comeback there Brinden...) "Go back. Let them know I'll be behind you at some point - not that way. Don't get any wrong ideas. I'll be back in town as soon as I can. I'll be with these for 24 hours, no more."
Sven: "Alright alright, you take care of yourself there you little mutt."
Brinden: "Good t' see you."
Sven: *to Artemis* "You be gentle with little brother over there, a'rite? He looks like a big'un, but he's not that strong, you see. heh heh heh" *slid a piece of sliver to Artemis* "Show him a good time."
Artemis slid that piece back, but Brinden put his finger on it as it slid over and took it. (no shame when it comes to drink money :P)
Brinden: "I see where our business cuts ended up"
Bjorn: "Alright little kin, we'll see you back in town."
Brinden: "Let the new Lord know that it's been an honor to serve him, and I hope he favors me well on return."
Bjorn: "Favors you well, that will be the day."
Brinden grabbed another drink - which did not go down as well. With a half dazed drunk Brinden, we moved on Silas's house to check on Themis. We made our way into the house - a clean simple accommodation.
Themis: *gave silas a hug* "You got out! You got out! What happened?"
Silas: "Yes. I'm fine."
Themis: "Those were the people in jail with you, you broke out the prisoners?"
Silas: "Yes, but I need to leave now."
Brinden is belching in the background.
Silas: "I need to leave now"
Themis: "You can't leave! You just got here. How long will you be gone this time?"
Silas: "I don't know when I'll be back, but I need to go."
Themis: "That's all well and good, but what about father, are you going to tell him?"
Brinden: "Uh, Is there a bathroom nearby?"
Themis: "Uh... well there is outside."
Brinden left to go to the bathroom.
Themis: "Alright, go on and be safe.... You will take care of him won't you?"
Illi and Artemis: "Of course."
Themis: "Okay... be safe." (the feels, so much feels)
Then we decided maybe we should all take a bathroom and shower break... who knows what the accommodations are like in the forest. (DnD: Babysitting edition - Dungeons and Nannies. 'take a shower' 'go to your room!')
Arriving in a forest, we set up our camp. Brinden offered to take first watch, and Illi second watch. All went quietly on Brinden's watch, but on Illi's watch, she was surprised by a gnome helping a human stumbling (through Artemis) into the camp. The human was badly injured and the other, in his confusion, brought out a knife in defense of the injured one.
Gnome: "Who are you lot?" *panting*
Illi: "Who are you?" *pulling out her scimitar* (just in case...)
Gnome: "I owe you no explanations. What are you doing out in the woods? Are you with them?"
Illi: "With who? Who are you talking about?"
Gnome: "The goblins. You're with the goblins aren't you!"
Brinden: "What is going on here?"
Illi: "Where are these goblins?"
Gnome: "They attacked us. We were... *deep breaths* we were... I have to get back. I have to alert the guards."
Brinden: "Where were these goblins?"
On the mention of goblins, Illi decided to trust these gnomes and put her sword away.
Brinden: "Put away your weapon and take a deep breath."
Gnome: "Ota is dead. They have Nord. We're trying to get back to Loudwater; we're so close. This is not a time to talk!"
Illi: "We can help you. You don't need the guards."
Silas healed the wounded gnome, Halef, a little. With a little luck and some convincing, the gnome, Greppa, agreed to stay back as we decided to go ahead. Greppa told us that they were delivering mining material for Merrick - Artemis noted that that area has long since been abandoned. Greppa also told us that Nord was Thessus's cousin. (Time to buy back some good will and head back to town!)
Session 4:
We walked through the woods a few hours.
Silas: So, yeah. Merrick. *spits*
Artemis: What do you know about this guy?
Silas: I have a lot to say about that guy, but I'm not going to. He's a halfling; he's the head of the Piscene Corporation; he's rather wealthy; and he essentially controls most of the shipping in and out of Loudwater and the surrounding area. (Illi's silently taking note of this. :P)
The Piscene Corporation controls all trade transactions that happen in Loudwater. No one buys, no one sells, no one trades without Merrick's approval. When people try, Merrick levies charges against merchants and travelers. Merrick made his money through predatory lending (the Fannie Mae of Loudwater - NOT fanny pack, which is what I heard the first time...).
Artemis: Do you think there's a legitimate trade happening here or these people were sent out there as a ruse?
Silas: You two are obviously very comfortable here... what do you know? You obviously know where we're going.
Artemis: This doesn't seem right. This area has been pretty dead for a while, so I'm not sure what they would be doing out here - it sounds like a ruse Merrick created.
Silas: Well, Merrick doesn't do things like this if it will cost him money, so this is probably legitimate. If there are prospectors coming out, he's probably finagled it so that if it's not legal right now, it will be by the time he does it. He's planting some seeds and is going to see what's going to grow.
Illi: Artemis... how long have you been in the woods?
Artemis: A little while... some years. three... four years? That I've been hanging out in the woods by myself. (How does Illi not know? hmmmmm... sneaky. Also how does Artemis not know about Illi? WTF is this elf doing in the South Woods?)
(Silas: "What Am Goblins?")
Illi: What brought you to the woods.. and how did you manage to stick around this long without *anyone* noticing?
Artemis: I blend pretty well... (... yeah tiefling, you blend, tooootally). I ... sort of left home. I didn't like what was happening there, and I just wanted to get away for a little while and figure things out. I didn't keep in contact with very many people or family... (nicely done there, Artemis!)
(Time for traps!)
We approached a path with two creatures with green cloaks and hoods up. One was hunched over and the other face flat in a pool of blood next to a broken wagon. Artemis approached with caution, Illi behind her. Silas decided to keep back and watch the ladies "do their thing." The cloaks were the same as the clocks we had seen Greppa and Halef wearing.
Artemis approached with caution and whispered, "Nord?" But she only got a groan response. She tried again but with no luck. Silas, moving South, hearing sounds coming from trees below, pulled up his shield. Illi, still cautiously keeping her distance - sensing a goblin trap, was hearing sounds from the trees North East of her.
Confident that the groan meant it was Nord, Artemis approached the hunched over body and was surprised by a goblin throwing the cloak over and attacking her. Artemis took a pretty severe blow, Illi was shot with an arrow from behind, and Silas, shield up, caught an arrow in his shield. Silas, noticing Artemis was in trouble, let loose a javelin that just barely missed her and thudded into the ground behind. The goblin, attempted to hit Artemis again - but she artfully dodged around the corner (putting herself close to Silas's javelin ;])
Unable to see the goblin who shot her, Illi, cursing in Goblin (wait, she speaks Goblin?), attacked the goblin who hurt Artemis from behind Artemis. Artemis, caught unawares, smells a hint of spice and then sees a blade come up from behind her. With the swing of her sword, she sliced him in half starting from under his right arm and across his body, curing in Goblin, "Say hi to Maglubiyet." (the Goblin God who's kind of a dick to dead Goblins.)
Silas, blindly throwing his javelin, skewered a goblin who was hiding in a tree deep in his throat. The goblin fell down with a loud *thud*. (15 / 16 on disadvantage, NICE!) Silas moved towards the two bodies and noticed that the body that was lying down had been dead for a while and surmised it was probably Ota who Greppa had mentioned was slit in the throat. Artemis, hurting, moved back and rested against a rock - picking up a javelin on her way (mmm Silas's javelin ;]).
The goblin landed another arrow in Illi (curses!) and jumped down and started fleeing. Illi, in a blind rage, started chasing the goblin - letting loose more Goblin curses and another arrow. Silas noticed Artemis was hurt pretty badly and decided to heal her a little. As Silas laid his hands on her face, Artemis could feel waves of energy flowing through her like a cool sea breeze with sounds of crashing waves.
Artemis: Can I hold on to the javelin for a while?
Silas: You can hold on to the javelin until we're safe...
Illi: What are you two doing! There's a goblin that needs killing. (moment killer :P)
Silas: Then, maybe you should go get it! (oooo don't want to get on his bad side...)
Artemis: Maybe we should go over there with Illi and check out what's going on. (I like this chemistry) That is probably the last goblin.
Illi: That or he's leading us to more ambushes.
Illi continued to chase the goblin as the goblin clears the woods - heading East. (This is where Aaron sang that song.... "If I could click and drag, I could show you the map, and you could see the goblin standing over there to attack.") Illi hit him with an arrow smack in its back.
Illi: I could use a javelin!!
And the instant Illi yelled out for help, she could feel a javelin whoosh past her. With another blind throw by Silas, a javelin pinned the goblin like a bug (15 / 16 on disadvantage twice, what is this magic!). Artemis, witnessing this amazing feat, clutched the javelin tightly.
With all the goblins dead, we gather up our materials.
Illi: I could use a nap...
Silas searched Ota's body but didn't find anything. After looking over the goblins, Illi found a strange symbol on a small piece of fabric on the goblin (a star with an eye). Artemis noticed that there were marks from the cart where a large object had been dragged off. She also took a hammer out of the broken cart.
Silas decided... well might as well.. to check the pockets of the human body oneeeee last time. Silas found that the pocket had a sewn in pocket with a piece of paper with an inventory of goods. It had the mark of the Piscene Corporation on it. Just to be thorough, Silas decided to take the green cloaks (in Silas's backpack of cosplay).
Artemis, holding up the javelin in reverence (much like Illi with the clock piece), handed the javelin back to Silas. As she held up Silas's javelin up into the air (an ethereal ahhhh!), the sun hit it just right and shone across the scene.
Silas: Thank you.
Illi to herself: What's going on with those two? ....
Silas to the ladies: I'm going to take your lead because I'm not very good in the woods.
Illi: There are about 5 - 7 of them. The goblin was going this way *pointing East*. (They were here 8 - 10 hours ago.) They're only a couple minutes away - we should go kill them. I mean, I'm going to go - you could join me.
Artemis: I think we should head out, and see if we can find them.
Walking East, we noticed two patches of trees with an opening between them leading to a cave - must be where the goblins are. Illi walked to the right, Silas and Artemis stayed in the middle/left area. Silas heard a snoring, so he asked Artemis, seeing as she's better foresty things, to check it out. Trying to sneak towards the person, Artemis accidentally woke up an gnarly goblin who ran into the cave yelling something in Goblin which Illi translated to "Intruders! Open the pens!"
Session 5:
Behind us a wild Brinden appeared, dazed and confused. He saw Artemis and Silas, but Illi was nowhere to be seen. Silas and Artemis mentioned something about goblins up ahead - he could see their gazes focused on a cave up ahead. He wondered where Illi was, but he could tell that he was going to get nothing from Artemis and Silas at the time.
--- William (???) in the mean time ---
Three green clocked people and a little boy approached the scene of the previous battle: a broken wagon, a dead man, and three dead goblins.
Vrin: What do you see up ahead, boy?
William: Why don’t you go take a look?
Vrin: Just go check it out, go on.
William: What about the two of you?
Gavil and Broderick looked at each other with fear in their eyes.
Gavin: That’s not the deal. You get paid extra if you bring us back alive. That’s part of the deal, don’t forget. We’re not going anywhere.
William: Fine, I’ll go ahead by myself. You all stay here.
Gavil & Broderick: Stay here, sounds good. You go ahead.
William approached the scene with curious eyes, seemingly undisturbed by the dead bodies all around him. He noticed that one goblin was sliced in half, and the others had large holes (Silas with his javelins *swoon*) in them.
--- Back to the main story ---
Stealthily from behind the party, William silently, curiously, approached the scene.
Artemis went into the cave, despite Illi’s warnings. At the mouth of the cave, she stopped and noticed there were two goblins, one running in towards the right of the cave, the other at the far end by a small fire. She stealthily hid herself behind a rock on the right of the cave so neither goblin could see her. Silas followed behind her keeping to the left curve of the cave. Brinden, still dazed and confused moved a little closer to the cave, but still somewhat by the foliage where Illi was hiding.
Illi sneaked up next to Brinden, still inside the wooded area.
Illi: *whisper* Brinden, the goblin said something about opening pens. We need to kill it quickly.
Brinden was thrown off by the sound of Illi - finally realizing where she was.
Inside the cave, the goblin, still fiddling with his keys, ran up to what looked like a gate - yelling furiously about intruders. Silas moved closer into the cave - Artemis stayed hidden. William got closer to the group. Brinden moved towards the mouth of the cave. Illi, afraid of what was coming next, flew right into the cave and let an arrow loose into the goblin who was opening the pens. Unfortunately, the arrow did not take down the goblin, and it managed to open the pens.
Within moments, three boars and two goblins (one pretty bloodied) were upon us. Illi, being the only target in sight, took an arrow to the chest from the goblin at the far end of the cave and fell to the floor with a *thud* - Silas, standing beside her, did not catch her. (Yeah, Silas, I’m not letting that go!)
The boars formed a triangle shape - one in front of Silas, one in front of Artemis, and the other in the middle, a little behind. The boar closest to Silas attacked, but Silas was able to shrug it off with his shield. (Eh? What? Didn't even notice that.)
Artemis, noticing that we were very very outnumbered, cast a spell that sprouted vines from under the boars and a goblin. Two of the boars got caught. (F* yeah!) Silas slashed the boar in front of him. Meanwhile, William, walked towards Silas right in front of Brinden with his short bow out...(showing off his adorable cinnamon bun ears :P)
William: Hi :D! *waving*
Brinden: *placing himself between the fallen Illi and William* What? Wait... Who are you? *pulling out his sword, protecting Illi* (D'aww, so sweet. Protecting his Elven kin)
William wet himself... (ewwwww)
William: O_O Do you need help?
Brinden: Help? Wait. What is going on here? How did you get here? I... *noticing the gravity of the situation* Can you heal?
William: No.
Brinden: Can you use that well? *nodding at the boy's bow*
William: Well enough.
Brinden: *voice a little threatening* Use that on the boars.
William: Okay. :)
Brinden urgently turned his back on the little boy and turned and beheaded the boar in front of Silas, hitting an artery and covering Silas in boar blood. The boar in the middle freed itself from the vines and stepped back (charge attack time - we never did see one of those, did we). The boar by Artemis continued to struggle. The hurt goblin continued to struggle. The goblin by the fire let loose an arrow at Silas whose shield was still busy dodging the first boar.
Silas went to go protect Artemis (his "healing investment" from an earlier Lay on Hands spell). He threw a javelin into the goblin by the fire who broke off the javelin and stumbled. Artemis took a swing at the boar in front of her. Brinden went to the boar on the far end and took a slash; William finished him off with an arrow in the neck.
The goblin by the fire started to make his way down a ladder to run away. The goblin by the pen freed himself and started out of the pen. The boar in front of Artemis freed itself, and as it ran away, Artemis cut at him. Seeing the pain in the boar's eyes, the scars on its back from taking lashes from the goblin, Artemis killed it mercifully - separating the spine from the brain.
Silas took down the goblin who damaged his javelin by slicing him in half (a page out of Illi’s book!). Artemis, noticing that Illi was unconscious, decided to subdue the goblin who opened the pens. She knocked him out for future questioning (hopefully Illi won't just kill him). Brinden, noticing that things were dying down, went back to attempt to save Illi... He rubbed soil on her... he shook her really hard... he slapped her (and so much more), but nothing seemed to work. The little boy, seeing that the boars were dead, went to go help. He pulled Brinden off poor Illi and stabilized her.
Artemis: Does anyone have any rope?
Silas threw a rope in Artemis's direction, and she tied up the goblin and put him in the pen. Artemis picked up the key and locked the door. Silas searched a pile of boxes by fire. Silas found a few valuable items. A small stone emanating bright yellow light, gems worth 50 gp, and two red vials - which after a taste contained health potion - that he pocketed (:P taking after Illi, I see). Silas brought one to Illi, having to fight off Brinden's over protective rage. Illi woke up with a start.
Illi: Are the goblins dead?
Brinden: Are you okay?
Illi: I'm fine. Are the goblins dead? (one track mind)
Silas: Yes. Well.. Not exactly.
Illi: Not exactly?
Silas: One is alive. *holding back Illi* We need to question him. I need you to question him; you're the only one who speaks Goblin. You can kill him after that.
Illi: We need to kill it!
Silas: Hey, I didn't have to heal you. I healed you. Promise me you won't kill him until after we question him.
Illi: ... I promise. (I can cut the tension between Silas and Illi with a blunt knife)
Illi sat up and noticed there was a little boy in front of them.
Illi: Who are you? What are you doing here? *looking quizzically at the others*
Brinden: Yes. Who are you?
William: William. I came looking for some people. What are you all doing here?
Brinden explained that we came here on behalf of Greppa looking for Nord. William surmised that those were the same people he came here to meet. Satisfied for now, Brinden cleaned off in the pool of water next to the pen. He noticed that there were two holes. One seemed to be letting water in from the cave wall, another below the pool of water that was sucking water down. William decided he should also clean off the urine from his pants. Silas gathered up his whole javelins (sob, poor broken one. I believe Artemis is considering taking one as a souvenir).