Module: In Search of Adventure (The Veiled Society)

In Search of Adventure – The Veiled Society

"Threshold! The northernmost town in the Duchy - and your last stop before your adventures begin. Threshold, the gateway to mysterious castles, lost temples, deadly caves and caverns. You have heard the stories and legends, now you wish to see for yourself."

Characters:

Anastasia Byli (formerly Vorloi): Anastasia Vorloi is a fairly attractive 15 year old. She stands about 6 foot and is approximately 145lbs. She has long red hair that falls in loose waves down to her waist, and eyes that look like pools of ink. Her smooth skin glistens like bronze in the noonday sun.
Around the city she wears fitted black pants that lace up the sides of her legs, a red linen blouse; a black bodice wraps around her waits and laces up on either side. Black leather boots come up just past her knees and fitted black leather gloves adorn her hands. On her back a cloak, the color of her hair, falls down almost to her ankles where it ends in a rather ragged and torn edge. She seems to wear this cloak with the utmost of pride. There is a throwing axe and a sword on her left hip.
Anastasia carries herself in a proud and dignified manner. She seems confident in all she does. Her father, Lord Vorloi, a general in Duke Stefan's army, taught her swordplay since shortly after she could walk. While no one expected her to go through the shearing, her father was only too proud to cut her cloak, give her a sword and watch her go out to prove herself truly a Vorloi.
Since the shearing a few weeks ago she has traveled to the neighboring city of Specularum, to begin to truly earn her family name. She spends much of her time talking to people and learning more about the current goings on, and trying to glean small bits of information that might be useful to her.
In the evenings she has a room at a local tavern, and spends the evenings socializing with the locals, sharing in a few drinks, and then quietly retires to her room for the night.

Haverly Thornwood:

Kollin Jaleron: A slightly dim-witted but well-rounded warrior.

Krayven: Krayven is a short, frail young lad of about twenty winters. At first glance he is physically unimpressive and quite clumsy. His hair is a greasy, an almost faded black, as if the very strands themselves had given up on him. His sleepy eyes look out from their perch amid dark circles above a boring nose. He is neither ugly nor attractive; he merely is. He is only slightly sullen and withdrawn, and his presence often invokes feelings ranging from mild pity to slight annoyance in those around him. Unfortunately, one glance reveals much of this man.
Krayven grew up among a group of woodsmen and trappers who lived within the outer reaches of the Riverfork Forest north of the Black Eagle Barony. When he became a man (as measured by years, not manhood) his ineptitude with a bow or snare and his physical shortcomings made his continued presence among the clan impossible. Not even his mother would continue to support someone viewed as an invalid.
Krayven was often told during his younger years that he was named after his father, a fool of a man who had the courage to carry on with an affair, but never to own up to the bastard child that resulted. His step-father was a cruel man who raised him with no shortage of disgust or rage. His mother, in turn, raised with a detached care; she saw Krayven as an obligation rather than a son.
Krayven was not unintelligent and was eventually able to find patronage in the character of Marsden the Magnificent, a petty showman and even pettier merchant. The young man traveled with and worked for Marsden in exchange for food, a bedroll, and a few magic lessons. When the indignity of his position became too much for him to handle, Krayven set off to make his own way in a world that seemed determined to ruin him. Not long after, he found himself where he is now: much worse off.

Shayesti: Shayesti grew up in the Alfheim town of Shieldtree. Her mother was a wizardess of respectable stature. Her father was a great warrior and had been gone for the last several years since becoming one of Duke Steffan's first Homeguards. Despite her parents attempts to steer her towards a career similar to one of theirs, Shayesti (Shay to her few friends) never felt comfortable pursuing either weapons training or the magical arts. She liked hiding in the shadows among the tree branches, listening to people's conversations and seeing how close she could approach them before they noticed her.

She also enjoyed playing with mechanical things like locks and traps.

Unfortunately, this cost her dearly once when the lock she was trying to pick had a needle trap she failed to find. That incident cost her an eye and the respect of her parents. In hindsight, she probably shouldn't have been playing with the lock on her mother's magical laboratory doors.

Soon after that, her mother left Shieldtree on a voyage to Glantri. Her whole caravan dissapeared without a trace one night as they camped on a misty hillside. After that, Shayesti decided she should be the one to inform her father of the dire news. So she took what supplies she could carry and set out to the south on a journey to Karameikos. Eventually, she found herself in the town of Threshold with very little money left. Needing more funds to continue her journey, she decided to seek employment in this place.

Virilyth: Virilyth is a Callari Elf being held prisoner in the Black Eagle Barony. He traveled to Specularum intending to enlist in the Elvenguard, but was found entirely too average for that elite unit. Determined not to return to the Callari lands a failure, he set out with a sword, bedroll, and a couple of days’ provisions with no real set goal but to find adventure. He quickly found it, being set upon by the Baron’s agents and held prisoner as a suspected spy.

Introduction:

Date: Gromdain, Klarmont the 2^nd, AC 1000

Location: Town of Luln, Grand Duchy of Karameikos

You have been requested Townmistress Sascia to deliver a report to the scribe Franz Dubloi in Specularum. You will be given a small sack of gold to cover all traveling expenses.

Anastasia is more then happy to deliver the message and more the happy to aid the town in whatever way she can.

Virilyth has no desire to return to the simple life of the Callari lands and has formed deep feelings of camaraderie for the party he has faced danger with. He agrees heartily to join them in further adventures.

Shayesti gladly continues with the group to deliver the message to Specularum for Sascia.

Is it your desire to travel back through Threshold to pick up any banked monies? Specularum does offer more in the way of saleable goods.

OOC: Since we were unable to gain much in the way of treasure from this last adventure, I would agree to going south by way of Threshold to pick up banked monies. Shayesti looks forward to some shopping!

"Indeed, some time in my home city would be nice after our recent troubles, lets get our money and ride to Specularum."

"One direction is as good as any other for me. I have yet to spend more than a night or two in Specularum, but I am sure that I will be able to manage."

Then you set out. Your DM has made an error. You cam to your current location by being force-marched through open countryside. As the safest methods of travel are by the Duke’s roads, you would have to go through Specularum to reach Threshold. So your banked funds are unavailable unless you wish to postpone your mission. Assuming you do not, it takes you 4 days to travel to Specularum. You are able to find food on the trail on the first day, but you are not so lucky on the next three and are forced to eat rations. Luckily the gold you were given bought you all you needed.

Date: Nytdain, Klarmont the 5th^th, AC 1000

On your fourth day of travel, with the City of Specularum visible in the distance, you round a bend in the road. 20 yards ahead of you is a group of 4 large, very hairy men tending what look like beehives. What do you do?

Anastasia will keep riding, staying to the road, but being wary. One hand on the reins of her horse the other just an inch or so from her sword hilt.

Shayesti will keep a wary single remaining eye on the beekeepers while riding by, her weapon ever near at hand. "What a beautiful day it has been. Very good for a journey's end."

The men seem to pay you little attention as you ride past them. By the end of the day you have arrived at Specularum.

Specularum

This is the capital city of the Grand Duchy of Karameikos and is the most important city in the area. Specularum and the Duchy are ruled by Duke Stefan Karameikos the Third. Specularum is the Duke’s home and the trading center of his dukedom. About 50,000 people live in or very near the city. They are farmers, traders, craftsmen and sailors.

The city is accessed by a port. The port is protected on the seaward side by two long breakwaters. A large river east of the city allows ships to carry cargos inland.

Just south of the city is the Duke’s private estate; mostly well-tended woods and gardens surrounded by a 15’ tall wall.

Poor workers and petty thieves live just outside the city walls.

The city is a crowded, noisy, unsanitary place. The streets are very narrow, twisting and dark. Trenches in the center of the streets serve as the only sewer systems. Pigs, chickens, geese and goats are not uncommon in the poorer sections of the city.

Most buildings stand one or two stories. They are made of dried clay brick or mud and wattle, constructed on a wooden frame. A few buildings are made of stone or fired brick. Most businesses are on the ground floor, the owner living upstairs.

Water is drawn from public wells, or from the river when the tide is flowing out.

Crime and gangs are not uncommon.

The Festival of Lucor

Entering Specularum

The gate is open. A few soldiers with spears lounge near the entrance. They wear tabards of red and blue with a device of a ship on the front. Beyond the gate is a narrow muddy street. It is choked with people. Most dress in their best clothes and many wear brightly-colored outfits. Jugglers and fire-eaters are scattered throughout the crowd. The noise from whistles, drums, singing and happy chatter make normal talk difficult.

“Halt! Do you wish to enter Specularum?” shouts a guard inside the gate. “The tax is 8 silver pieces, each of you. All but daggers must be bound with cloth. Unbound weapons are fined. Murder by unbound weapons is punished by confiscation of property, or death for the landless. Interference with the Duke’s men gets you prison. Treasonous activity is especially nice – it gets you one day of slow torture and then we draw and quarter you. So enjoy yourselves.” The guard appears quite bored. He tries to watch the festival out of the corner of one eye as he recites his speech by memory – becoming interested only when talking about the punishment doled out for crimes.

Anastasia dismounts pulls the tax from her pack and binds all her weapons accordingly.
" Yes, we do wish to enter. We need to deliver a message from Luln to scribe Franz Dubloi. Oh and where might I find the General this fine day is he attending the festival or busy training?"

“And how would I be knowin’ that? Generals don’t report to gate guards in this city.”

Virilyth binds his weapons and produces the required tax.

Krayven briefly consinders binding his spellbook, but decides against it with a chuckle. Doing so would bring more attention to it than he would wish.

“You’ll not be finding a scribe working during the Festival of Lucor.”

You notice that 3 silver of each 8 the guard collects goes into his pocket. He checks all weapons to see that they are secure. He lashes swords with thongs and wraps spears and the like with rags. After binding your weapons, the guard appears to forget about you and turns his attention back to the festival.

Beyond the gate swirls a crowd of people. Mud churned up by stumbling dancers cakes on the crowd’s boots. People jostle each other, straining for a look at acrobats, knife-throwers, dancing bears and minstrels. The smell of sewage, grilled meats, breads, sweat, and wine mingle in a strange, but inoffensive odor.

Suddenly, the crowd sways to the sides of the street. The music fades and changes to bells and chanting. Statues carried by several men seem to float above the heads of the crowd. A sedan chair, borne on the shoulders of the clerics, follows.

“The procession is coming!” shouts a young boy.

The procession is led by a beautiful young woman. The procession stops. Something is happening at its front. Three men are arguing. A general hush falls over the crowd as everyone moves back from the procession. Two men, one small, plump, and pock-marked and the other tall and lean, are arguing with the lead bearer of the sedan chair.

Angrily, the small, plump man says to the lead bearer, “Bald-headed fool, do you Torenescu think you own the street? There’s space for all of us, without your ape-like behavior!”

The lead bearer contemptuously waves a rod in the small man’s face. “Out of the way of the Procession of Lucor, Radu rabble!”

The tall, lean man, spitting on the statue of Lucor says, “That old fool? You make me laugh!”

The lead bearer strikes the tall man, knocking him into the filth. The smaller man tenses, ready to lunge.

What do you do, if anything?

Krayven is inclined to keep his distance, but will continue to study the situation.

"Perhaps we should alert the watch." says Virilyth.

Two men in green livery break up the argument and pacify both sides. Anastasia identifies the green-liveried men as Vorloi servants.

What would you like to do?

Anastasia will go to the liveried men and offer them any assistance that she can.

The men wave you back. “All set here. Move along, miss.”

Turning to Anastasia, Virilyth asks "Can you enlighten us as to what just happened? I'm afraid the politics of the human kingdoms are indecipherable to me."

"Well in general causing a disturbance will get you jailed until you can settle down. Chances are they will take him to cool off and he'll miss the rest of the party. We may want to ask around for more information though, as I don't recall this sort of fighting and name calling when I was last here. Let's see what we can find out, all meet back at the Wild Wyvern Tavern when the sun hits the spire on the Temple, that should give us a few hours to find out what we can."
Anastasia looks like she is having fun being back in her home city.

"Ah" replies Virilyth, nodding.
"If we're on our own for the day, I'd like to find an honest trader. Can you direct me Anastasia, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the city?"

Please, everyone, tell me what you’d like to do/ find/ purchase, etc. with your hour or so in the city before sunset.

Virilyth will find a trader to do business with.
SELL
Chain Mail
Short Sword
BUY
Short Bow
40 Arrows
Dagger

Virilyth gets 20 gold for his chain mail and 3 gold 1 electrum for his short sword. The short bow

costs 25 gold, 40 arrows cost 10 gold and a dagger costs 3 gold.

Anastasia would like to find a trader
Sell:
Shortsword
Shield (she has 2 if I'm not mistaken)
Riding Horse and it's tack (if noone else needs a horse)
Is the chainmail she has the lighter weight chainmail from the last adventure. If so can she get it

identified, and if it is as good or better then her plate, she would like to switch to wearing the chainmail and sell her plate. If not open it up to anyone else who can use it.
Buy:
Shortbow (assuming this is like 3.5 and you can use a shortbow from horseback)
20 arrows

Anastasia gets 3 gold 1 electrum for her short sword, 5 gold for her extra shield, and 50 gold for

her riding horse and tack.

It will cost you 100 gold pieces to get a guaranteed analyze cast on your armor. It is the lighter set

that was found. You do not have that much so I’m holding off on your purchases until you decide.

Krayven, new to this city, will head to the inn slowly while getting a feel for the area. He will

acquire a room for himself and wait for the others in the common room.

Krayven finds that the inn is very crowded, He is told there is one last room available, a tiny thing that can not hold more than three people. If he wants it, he may have the room for 1 gold per person staying in the room.

Krayven will put forth the single gold for now.

We can assume the party meets up without incident. Who, if anyone, will be sharing the room with Krayven?

Anastasia will check to see if there is another inn with space for everyone, if not she will see if the common room has space.

Anastasia is able to find one other room at a different inn, and again, no more than 3 people could fit in it. The commons are packed solid with festival-goers.

"Lets split up and take both of these rooms, we can always meet up in the morning."

"Krayven and I will be fine in this room." says Virilyth.
"Is our plan to locate this scribe in the morning?"

So Krayven and Virilyth in one inn and Anastasia and Shayesti in the other?

"Chances are we will not be able to find this man until after the festival, but we should keep looking. We'll need to get a description of him and find out where he spends his free time."
and yes on the sleeping arrangements.

"When we do find this scribe, will we be needing to... befriend him? " Krayven asks, a slight glint to his eye.

"Being that casting spells of that nature is a violation of law, I would hope you are not suggesting that you wish or plan to use any spells in the city against peaceful civilians."
Anastasia's tone turn cold and militant, and it is clear that she will hear absolutely no more of it.

Shayesti runs back into the room after being gone for a bit. "There you all are! So sorry I dissapeared back there, but during that scuffle I saw a familiar face in the crowd and went to check it out and I was right! It was my father who I've been seeking all this time!!" Shayesti's happiness suddenly seems to drain away as she furtively looks back up to continue. "I don't know how to say this, so I'll just do it... My father needs me to assist him with an important family matter, so I find myself having to leave you now on the verge of our next adventure. I apologize to each of you and thank you for being true companions for as long as I've known you. You shall not be forgotten." With a tear emerging from her single eye, Shayesti turns and darts back out of the room and away from the group.
OOC: Though it pains me, I must leave the adventure for more important matters in real life. We will soon be moving and free time will be at an even steeper premium I'm afraid. What was said above is true for me also. I've enjoyed gaming with you all and thought I should at least have the dignity to stop by and say goodbye instead of just disappearing like others have. Hope the game keeps going and stays fun. Sorry to make the party even smaller. DM has my permission to use Shayesti any way he wants or needs as an NPC or whatever. Goodbye all, and enjoy.

My thanks for letting us know and good luck in any future adventures you and of your characters have. If time becomes available and you have the inclination, check back in with is and I’m sure there will be space for you to play. I think it’s fitting that Shayesti continues on her own rather than becoming a tool of the DM, especially given we’re in a large city.

Thank you again for your participation. I enjoyed playing with you.

Chris

First Event

(The citizens have finally slowed their celebration of the festival, although it has taken much time, food, and strong drink. From nearby in the smoky common room of Anastasia’s inn comes a loud tipsy voice.

A scarred man points at Anastasia. “Hey you there! Want some work? Here, sit and drink. I need strong bodies. Theosius is my name. You look brave. Do you want to earn money?”)

Second Event

(After Anastasia departs for her quarters, and as Krayven stands outside the inn, getting a breath of fresh air, a man walks by. He lurches drunkenly along. He smiles and nods as he passes. Suddenly, three hooded men step out of the shadows and the drunken man turns around. None of the men carry weapons openly.

“So, new to town, hm?” asks the drunken man, who now appears quite sober. “You look like you need some work. Now, we have some things that need to be done and you look fairly smart. I’m sure you would want to help us. You staying here?” he asks, pointing to the inn. “Be a real good idea if you didn’t leave for a while. We’ll see you tomorrow night. Here, catch,” he says. He throws a small bag.

With that the men slip into the shadows and run away. The bag holds 20 gold pieces.)

(Anastasia will join the man at his table. "I'm Anastasia, is the work for a a few? I have some friends staying at another inn, and I wouldn't think of taking a job without them.")

Theosius says, “Of course, if they’re trustworthy! I’m looking for just that sort to perform occasional duties for me. Nothing illegal, but it may be dangerous. If you accept I can offer you these three gold coins as a sign of good faith. I will call on you when I have need.”

As Shayesti leaves, she passes a large man approaching the group. He is young, with short brown hair and large, expressive blue eyes. The man wears a suit of banded mail, old and dinged up, but well polished and obviously maintained. A wooden shield is slung to his back and an unadorned bastard sword hangs from his left hip.
"I couldn't help but overhear you have a vacancy in your group. I was wondering if you could use another hand in...whatever you are doing. The name's Kollin. Kollin Jaleron."
Kollin steps forward to shake hands with whomever will greet him.
"By your equipment, I'd say you've got some experience in this line of work. More than me, anyway. I've spent a decent amount of time with caravan escorts and that sort of thing. Not a bad way to make a living for some, I guess, but I'm hoping for bigger things. There are guys I've worked with who are approaching sixty and they still talk about the time orcs attacked thirty years ago. I hope to have more interesting tales by that age, if you catch my drift."
Kollin stops, realizing he's getting off topic.
"So, there it is. I'm good with a blade and dependable in a scrape. What do you say?"

Anastasia steps forward and extends her hand to the newcomer. "I'm Anastasia Vorloi and this is Krayven and Virilyth. We have indeed got a vacancy it seems, if you are good with a sword I'm not opposed to you joining up with us, we’ve definitely got some tales, the more of us that travel together the more likely we are to survive a few more."
Anastasia sits down at a nearby table, "Come sit with us, we'll have a drink and tell you some more about us and you tell us a bit about yourself."
Anastasia looks at Krayven "Besides odds of us finding anyone until after the festival is slim, no one works during the festivals, well except the guards and tavern keepers, and no one stays in one place. Trust me I know this city, I grew up here. We're going to have to get the message to someone who can find him no matter where he is, we'll need the guards help."

Krayven, having followed Shayesti out for some air returns shortly, a bemused smile on his face. He pauses momentarily to consider the large man addressing Anastasia, but the smile remains. "My name's Krayven. Good with a blade? You wouldn't happen to know the city well, would you? We could use some help looking for a scribe..."
He trails off and turns back to Anastasia he continues: "I think I've just been recruited by a group of enterprising locals. Perhaps there might be some coin for us in helping them out."
Krayven gives his best smile.

Sorry, to clarify, the meeting happened after Anastasia had retired to her inn. But we can assume you have all met back up next morning.

Loshdain, Klarmoth the 6^th, AC 1000

An inn in Specularum, The Grand Duchy of Karameikos

At the Inn

It is morning at the inn. A cat stalks something in the corner of the room. The innkeeper’s daughter sweeps last night’s dinner off the floor. From the back comes the clicking of dishes and the splash of water. A traveler snores loudly in the corner. Suddenly, the door swings open and an elderly lady frantically looks about.

“Please, some kind sir. come quick to help me!” she pleads, panic overcoming her. She looks about for anyone to answer her. “Oh save me! There are demons in my house. I know it! I hear them at night talking to each other. They want to catch me. Please!” she says, falling to her knees.

The innkeeper runs in, kneels beside the old woman, and tries to comfort her.

“Goodwife Thanato,” he says, sounding concerned, “what are you doing? Sit down proper.” He turns, saying, “Could anyone help this poor old woman? Could anyone look in her cellar to find the problem?”

Anastasia stops mid sentence and stands up and approaches the goodwife, the friendly jovial demeanor is replaced with a militant and concerned demeanor almost instantly. "Certainly, we'll give her whatever aid we can."
Anastasia kneels down by the woman "Please tell us whats wrong."

Goodwife Thanato clings to Anastasia and tells you her story. Something, she swears, is in her root cellar. She can hear it moving about – sometimes during the day, but mostly at night. Things are moved and food is missing. Just minutes ago was the worst. This time she heard voices and they were calling to her. She begs for your help. Behind her the innkeeper quietly holds up a gold piece and points to it.

"Sir, while I can not speak for my companions, I will accept no coin for this. A citizen is in need, how could I ignore the call. Please take us to your home, we will get to the bottom of this at once."
Anastasia rises her arm out to support the woman.
"We will make you feel safe in your home again."

Kollin looks at the woman while she speaks with concern.
"I'll check it out. While I can't imagine what demons would want in a root cellar, but I don't claim to understand the ways of demons. Maybe a vagrant moved in or some kids playing a prank. Whoever they are, shame on them for scaring a nice woman like yourself"
The big man cracks his knuckles and stretches his arms.
"It'd be my pleasure to take care of this."

The old woman thanks you enthusiastically and leads you to a house a few feet away from the inn. She shows you the entrance to her root cellar. It is a trapdoor at the back of the kitchen, beside the brick and plaster oven. She refuses to go any further. Opening the door reveals a dark set of stairs, but there seems to be a glimmer of light from below. You’ll have to proceed single file

Krayven follows along deep in thought. When they reach the trap door he allows the others to proceed him.

Virilyth stands ready in the kitchen with his sword drawn. He will follow the others down the stairs.

Kollin looks at his companions waiting at the cellar door.
"Umm...I guess I'll go down first."
The warrior straps his shield to his forearm, then draws his well-used bastard sword.
"Anyone gotta light of some sort?"

Anastasia will leave her shield on her back, and her sword peace tied.
"I'd be careful drawing that we have not been given clearance by the law to draw blades in the city. If you injure anyone, including whatever we are after you may well be jailed. Krayven, do you have a torch or source of light you can spark up for us?"
Anastasia makes for the stairs.
"I'll take the lead, I'm fairly sturdy in all this metal, besides with all this on I'll be a good way to test these stairs."
Anastasia says the last bit with a chuckle and moves onto the stairs, as soon as a light is produced to light the way she will head down.

"I do not, nor any magic that may help in that regard. I do see some light in the back of the cellar, of if you wish, I am sure the old woman has a candle around..."
Krayven begins searching the room (quickly!) for a lightsource.

Goodwife Thanato provides you with a candle in a holder. She apologizes for not having something brighter. Who will carry it? (if not the lead it would have to be someone next in line for the candle to do any good)

Krayven could hold it second in line, if no one else has the free hand or inclination.

"I'd like to keep my hands free for subduing whoever is causing all this fuss. So if you would please Krayven that would be a huge help."
With the newfound light, Anastasia begins heading down the stairs.

Virilyth will bring up the rear with his sword in hand.
(Spells: Sleep)

Kollin steps aside to allow Anastasia to take the lead. He falls into the marching order behind Krayven.

1. Under a Garden

A large earthen cavern is covered with a pool of ankle-deep mud. The room is criss-crossed with supporting beams and planks cover the roof. Large blobs of mud seep down between the cracks. Across the chamber, three thin and naked men shovel by the light of a feeble lantern. Three ugly, armored creatures watch them work. The creatures are hobgoblins, very ugly humanoids with pointed ears and misshapen teeth. Their skin is a pale, earthy color. They carry swords.

It appears that you have caught them by surprise. The party gets a free round in which to act.

Krayven will cast Charm Person on the closest of the hobgoblins.

Magic happens after movement and missile combat. Does anyone wish to do anything in those phases?

Anastasia will move to tackle a hobgoblin.

Kollin will move forward, sword drawn, to try to intimidate one of the hobgoblins from drawing his sword. If the creature reaches for his blade, however, Kollin will attempt to strike him down.

Virilyth will move up with the others with his sword drawn.
((If melee breaks out - Standard Melee))

Surprise Round

Anastasia moves to a hobgoblin, as does Virilyth and Kollin.

Krayven casts his spell, and the targeted hobgoblin looks at him with sudden recognition and raises his hand in greeting.

Anastasia easily grabs one of the surprised kobolds.

The hobgoblin being intimidated by Kollin moves his hand away from his sword hilt, gazing slack-jawed at the size of the fighter (Kollin rolled a 12 for his intimidation check.)

Round 1

One of the workers drops his shovel and runs toward your group.

The party won initiative this round.

Anastasia has grabbed a hobgoblin, Krayven has charmed one and Kollin has intimidated one.

What do you do?

"Help us bind these others!" Krayven demands of the charmed hobgoblin, pointing to his former companions, but makes no other move.

Virilyth whirls towards the running man, raising his sword to strike and shouts "Stop!"

The naked human falls to his knees before Virilyth, a confused look crossing his face. “But I thought you were here to rescue us,” he pleads.

Anastasia continues wrestling with the hobgoblin but it breaks free (Anastasia’s wrestling roll was a 3.)

Anastasia asks Krayven to have his new “friend” come help her. She also tells Virilyth to sheathe his sword and get some blankets from upstairs to cover the men.

The hobgoblin covered by Kollin slowly raises its hands, while Krayven’s friend says to him , “But I have no rope.”

Round 2

The hobgoblins have won initiative, but there is only one still active.

That hobgoblin draws its sword and attacks Anastasia, hitting her for 1 point of damage.

Anastasia intends to strike at the acting hobgoblin with her fist.

What do the rest of you do?

Kollin steps forward, sword pointed at the intimidated hobgoblin's heart.
"Hey, um...Kraven, is it? Can you get your new pal to disarm this one. I don't want to drop my shield."
He turns back to the hobgoblin.
"As long as you don't make any sudden movements, you'll be fine. You try anything, my friend, and I will cut you in two."

Krayven further instructs the charmed hobgoblin: "I see, well, please, take this one's sword and place it against the wall, before we are forced to harm him."

Virilyth replies to the man "Stay here, you will not be harmed."
He goes up the stairs to look for blankets.

As Virilyth goes upstairs, Krayven’s new friend takes the surrendering hobgoblin’s sword.

Anastasia swings her fist at the hobgoblin (17 rolled), dealing 3 points of damage. The hobgoblin is stunned for 1 round.

Virilyth is still upstairs, what do Krayven and Kollin do?

Krayven monitors his hold over the hobgoblin, waiting for Virilyth to return.
"We will need something with which to bind them"

Anastasia, uses the time while the hobgoblin is stunned to look at the men.
"You will be safe, we will get you blankets with which to wrap yourself and see that you get to safety. How long have you been here?"
Anastasia draws her dagger and places it against the neck of the stunned hobgoblin as she speaks and turns back and glares at the creature.

The last hobgoblin puts his hands in the air

One of the men answers, “we were captured almost a year ago and have been digging tunnels under the city ever since.” The man points to a tunnel that leads further underground.

Virilyth returns with blankets.

Krayven’s friend stands at his side, eager to assist him.

"Virilyth, guard this one, I'll go and see if we can get some rope and fetch the guards. They'll want to question these things."
Anastasia kicks the hobgoblins sword away from his hand and motions him over where the other surrendered hobgoblin is.
After making sure they are fully guarded, Anastasia will go check on the three prisoners.
"Are you thirsty or hungry? I'm sure we can arrange a meal and some clothes for you, but you'll need to wait here until I return with the guards so they can ask you some questions."

Krayven askes his new friend: "Why have you been digging under the city?"

"Very well." replies Virilyth. He stands over the creature with his sword drawn.

“Food and water would be lovely,” one of the men responds. “We’ll wait as long as we’re not left alone,” says another.

“That simple,” says the hobgoblin. “Men pay us to dig tunnels. We don’t ask why, we like whipping little men, watching them work. I think men use tunnels to hide things, and sometimes to go places when streets don’t work.”

Kollin speaks, glaring at the hobgoblins with his sword drawn.
"Well...I'd say you need a new line of work. So, why don't you tell me about these men who pay you? Who are they? Where do you meet them? Tell me everything and you may survive this."

The creatures that surrendered aren’t saying anything, but do stare slack-jawed as the third one gets weepy. It turns to Krayvin, “We not know you would come down here. Not sure who pays us, they just leave money now and then. Why he so mad?” it says as it jerks its clawed thumb toward Kollin.

Anastasia goes upstairs and asks the good wife to bring down some food and water to the three men and that she will reimburse her for the expense of the food and drink. Anastasia will briefly explain that the men were captives and that the situation in her basement is now under control, but she needs to fetch the guards to that the creatures, that were holding the men prisoner, in for questioning.
Anastasia will head out and look for the guards and will apprise them of the situation and lead them to the house. She will also look to see, while getting the guards, if there is a tailor shop open anywhere so she can get the three men simple clothes to put on. If she can not find a shop before finding the guards she will hold off on the clothes.

Goodwife Thanato is happy to provide the men with food, water and clothing. She is very grateful for what you have done, but looks concerned when the men mention “tunnels further in.”

The guards are not terribly difficult to find, and do come to the house, taking statements and the bugbears prisoner, even though Krayvin’s friend looks terribly hurt about the whole ordeal. In answer to any questions you might have, however, the guards are very matter-of-fact, in a “Yes, well done, citizen, now move along, nothing else to see here,” sort of way.

After the guards leave with the hobgoblins, Anastasia looks to the others.
"We should check these tunnels, if nothing else we can give the Goodwife some peace of mind, plus I don't like the idea of someone tunneling into my home."
Looking at the woman,
"Would you mind us looking further, I don't know how deep the tunnels under your home go, but we can check them for you and make sure there will be no further trouble to you."

"Agreed. We should investigate this further, nothing good can come from this if left unchecked." says Virilyth thoughtfully.
"We should track back the way they entered."

Kollin nods, sheathing his sword.
"Agreed. We search the tunnels and check the extent of their work. Probably find all the answers we're looking for."

Krayven looks resigned.
"If we must. I suppose there may be some gain in following these tunnels, if only a hobgoblin's cache of goods. I highly doubt that the creatures began their tunnel from within town, so we may have quite a trek ahead of us. There are likely to be other groups of diggers as well. I hope we are all prepared?"

"Lets buy some supplies and plan to head out, a lantern and some oil, food, water, anything else we might need. Some rope may be a good idea as well, and we can set up with the inkeeper for a few days of stabling for our horses. We also still have this message to deliver to the Scribe, but until the festival is over I am unsure as too how we can find him."
Anastasia will ask the goodwife how many more days of festival is planned, and make sure the woman is feeling better now that the source of the sounds has been discovered.

Goodwife Thanatos is deeply distressed. “Oh, please, I can’t bear another moment knowing there are things down there. Please, can’t you take care of them for me? The guards won’t care if I say I have a problem and the festival goes on for days now. I will fetch what you need and see that the innkeeper cares for your animals.”

"Of course Ma'am, we'll make sure this troubles you no more. We need only a few provisions, here is a few gold, we will keep guard in the cellar. You have my word we will stop these creatures from troubling you and our fair city."
Anastasia will give her enough money to cover the lantern, 4 flasks of oil and a coil of rope, as well as a weeks worth of rations and a 4 extra waterskins

Goodwife Thanatos returns quickly with the supplies. They cost 38gp.

At the back of this cavern is a narrow tunnel that snakes back for 30 feet and ends in a light wooden panel.

"I'll carry that lantern to free up your hands," Krayven offers. "At least the light will be with me if something happens to go wrong!" he says with a weak laugh, hopefully in jest.

Anastasia hands Krayven the lantern, and straps on her shield, leaving her sword in it's scabbard she unties the binding on it, so she will be able to draw it if needed.
"Let's head out, and be alert we don't know where any of the tunnels lead, if we are found in the wrong place with weapons out we'll be in the stocks."

"I'll march near the front if it's just as well, I can see further than the light." says Virilyth.
His sword is back in its scabbard. He unwraps his bow and positions his quiver over his shoulder.

Kollin reluctantly sheathes his blade and guards the rear of the party as they proceed into the dark.

You find yourselves at the wooden panel, in a tunnel so narrow you are cramped, even moving single file. What do you do?

Anastasia will attempt to carefully and quietly see if the panel can be moved. If it can, she will move it just enough to see into the next area.

Virilyth stands by, ready to peer into the darkness beyond the panel and alert his friends to any danger lurking there.

2. Fortunato’s Cellar

Beyond the panel is a dimly lit cellar, some 20’ x 20’ in size. A similar panel can be seen 15’ down along the left hand wall, but it has been slid aside, revealing a dark tunnel. The air in here is dry and smells of meats. Cured hams and sausages hang from the beams. In the center of the cellar, two hooded men busily dig up the floor. A large bundle lies nearby.

“Come on,” says one man. “I think this is deep enough. Let’s get it buried and go.”

“No,” says the second man. “I want this to make it deeper. Nobody can ever find this but us.”

Krayven's eyes dart around, looking for a safe place to hide should the need arise. He grips his dagger and torch tightly, his thin hands pale further.

Anastasia motions everyone to be still and silent, and watches, as soon as their hands are full with whatever they are planning to bury, she will make her move on them.

Kollin struggles to see what is going on from the back of the pack. When Anastasia motions for quiet, he acts accordingly, waiting for his chance to act.

As you watch the men dig a little more and load the bundle into the hole. They fill the hole with dirt, move some items over the spot and leave the chamber through the other opening.

Carefully Anastasia removes the panel and moves into the chamber. After making sure the coast is clear she begins moving the items piled on top of the buried object.
"Lets see what those men were so interested in hiding."

"We can use the spades the prisoners were using." says Virilyth

You dig up the bundle and open it, surprised to find the body of a dead young woman. Examining the body shows she was strangled from behind, possibly by a rope or thick cord. She has no other injuries on her body. Under her fingernails are a few strands of red hair. On her right check and palm is dried blood.

Krayven looks down at the corpse, a little disgusted.
"Perhaps she belongs upstairs?" he offers.

Kollin looks down at the body. His expression grows dark as he examines the corpse.
"I'd love to have a word with the men who buried her," he says as he checks the edge of his blade with his thumb.

Anastasia's face darkens as she look over the girl."We must find those men, and bring them to justice."
ooc: How good a look did Anastasia get at the two men?

The light was poor and your vantage point was not optimal. You do not think you could pick them out of a group in the city.

Do you proceed on or head back up?

"Let's look for clues, these men must have left some evidence behind."

If each of you helps it takes about 10 minutes to do a thorough search of the area. You find nothing beyond what has been indicated; the body, the meats, and the panel covering the other tunnel leading out of this cellar.

Kollin looks at the panel from a decent distance.
"I guess we should go through there, right?"
The young swordsman looks to his companions for some confirmation.

"Agreed, as much as I hate to leave her here, we must uncover some proof that this was not our doing, so we can bring the true culprits to justice. Also we must find the source of these tunnels; the entire city is at grave risk if these tunnels were to be found by our enemies."

Then I take it your decision is to continue on. Not ten feet past the exit, the tunnel splits, one section going straight and the other turning sharply to the left. A quick reconnoiter shows that the left-hand tunnel dead-ends. You continue on until the tunnel turns to the right, going 10 feet before it turns again. There is a panel covering an opening to the left. Removing the panel reveals that the tunnel goes 25 feet to the left before turning. You must choose which branch to follow.

Krayven waits, unspeaking, but hardly silent. He shuffles his feet, scratches at his scalp, and shifts the torch he caries from one hand to the next. And back again.

Kollin examines the paneled passage. He frowns and turns to his new companions.
"All these twists and turns. We should be careful not to get lost. Anyway, I think we should go down this way to the left. If it has this panel in front of it, maybe it is guard against light or sound. Maybe something is going on? More digging, perhaps?"

"Agreed, lets go to the left, and if we stay with a wall always to our left there is no chance of getting lost. If all we take are lefts we need only take rights to make our way back."

Removing the panel reveals another tunnel. After a couple of minutes, the tunnel splits left and continues on straight. Following your previous indications you take the left-hand tunnel. You carefully make your way, single file through the tunnel for about 10 minutes.

3. Kobold Exploration Party

The tunnel ends in a dug-out cave, dimly lit by torches. From the cave comes the sound of several creatures. In the middle of the room is a group of kobolds struggling to place a wooden support beam. One turns towards you and begins to jibber. The beam slips a few inches and a small hail of dirt falls over the room and the kobolds.

The tunnel to the room collapses in billows of choking dust. One of the kobolds hisses in common, “Come help us or we will all be trapped!”

Anastasia will move forward so as to help keep the area from collapsing.
As soon as the area is stable however she will attempt to grab the creature who spoke common.

Kollin jumps forward, dropping his sword and shield. He grabs ahold of the support beam and pushes it into place to the best of his ability.
"I can help with this. Some of you pay attention to the kobolds."
Kollin voice is strained from the physical exertion, spoken through gritted teeth.

We are in initiative order.

As you enter the cave the kobold lets go of the beam. Anastasia is the first to grab the beam and holds it firm.

Both sides tied initiative so we’re going to individual initiative.

Five of the creatures attack Anastasia but only one hits, dealing 4 points of damage to her.

Virilyth is up, then 2 more kobolds, then Krayven, Anastasia has grabbed the beam, then 3 more kobolds, then Kollin.

Krayven will attempt to stay on the far reaches of combat, striking any kobold that may stray too far from the others.

"Oh you'll wish you had never hatched you filthy little vermin. I'll see to that."
Her eyes fixed on the kobold who spoke in common.
"Finish them quickly but make sure that one stays alive enough for some interrogation."

In the interest of keeping things going:

Virilyth attacks one of the kobolds, (17 rolled) dealing 1 point of damage to it.

Two more kobolds surge forward and attack Anastasia, one of them hitting her for 1 point of damage.

Krayven stays back.

Anastasia is holding the beam.

Another kobold moves and attacks Anastasia, but misses. Anastasia is now completely surrounded by kobolds.

The last two kobolds advance on Kollin and attack, but both miss.

Kollin grabs hold of the beam, lending his support.

Round 2

The kobolds have won initiative.

The kobold that Virilyth hit in round 1 squeals and barrels past everyone, fleeing down the hallway behind you. It makes it some 20 feet behind Krayven.

The kobolds continue attacking Anastasia, 2 hitting her for 3 points of damage each. The second kobold attack takes her down. Luckily Kollin is there and the beam does not fall.

The last two kobolds attack Kollin and miss.

What do Virilyth, Krayven and Kollin do?

Krayven will give chase after the lone kobold, hoping to find a clean hit as its back is turned...

Kollin is frustrated by his inability to do anything but hold the beam. He braces himself for impact from the attacks he is sure are coming.

Krayven easily makes it to the fleeing kobold.

(Posting for Virilyth) Virilyth attacks, and misses (8 rolled).

Krayven attacks from behind, hitting the kobold (19 rolled) with his dagger for 1 point of damage, slaying the beast.

It’s a new round and the party has won initiative. What would you like to do?

Based on previous rounds I have Krayven holding (waiting for kobolds that try to get away) and Kollin holding the beam.

Virilyth, I assume, attacks a kobold, hitting it (18 rolled) for 4 points of damage, instantly killing the creature.

Two of the kobolds attack and miss Kollin, but the third strikes the fighter, dealing 4 points of damage and taking him down. Down, too comes the beam and the ceiling dealing 1 point of damage to everyone in the cavern, except Krayven, who was waiting outside. The kobolds and Virilyth can free themselves in 1 round.

What does Krayven do?

Krayven will move back towards the others, and help fend off the last of the creatures and to help clear debris.

Krayven moves back into the cavern and stabs a kobold with his dagger (19 rolled) for 1 point of damage. The creature goes unconscious.

Three of the kobolds dig themselves free from the rubble.

Round 4

The kobolds have won initiative.

The remaining three kobolds dig themselves free as one of the ones that freed himself last round runs past Krayven and down the corridor.

The other two kobolds who are free advance.

One attacks Krayven, hitting him for 2 points of damage. Krayven goes down.

The other attacks Virilyth, hitting him for 2 points of damage.

Virilyth is able to dig himself out of the rubble.

Round 5

The party has won initiative. Virilyth is the only one conscious, along with five kobolds, all whom have dug themselves free. What does he do?

(I believe we may have lost Virilyth.) Seeing no other course of action open to him, Virilyth attacks a kobold but misses (8 rolled.)

The remaining kobolds all flee the cavern.

Virilyth is left alone. Checking the bodies of his fallen comrades he is chocked to discover that both Anastasia and Krayven are dead; but Kollin is still alive.

Not knowing what else to do Virilyth decides to return to Goodwife Thanatos and have her summon help. As he travels back through the tunnels, however, he discovers that Goodwife Thanatos has already done just that

In the room with the body are several guards. They immediately seize Virilyth, charging him with the murder of Lucia Vorloi, a niece of Baron Vorloi. On information gathered from the distraught Virilyth, the guards find and retrieve the bodies of the other adventurers.

A day passes and Virilyth and a now-healed Kollin are subjected to an examination by a clerical tribunal. This process allows them to prove their innocence without difficulty.

Virilyth is excused based on a health complaint, but Kollin is ordered to accompany a tribune to the scene of the crime. With him are two clerics, obviously important by their garb. On the way they collect a young man by the name of Haverly Thornwood, explaining that the guard is a bit thin in numbers these days and they are exercising their right to deputize citizens. On the way they also stop off at a temple, where a now-living Anastasia Vorloi waits. She explains that her family’s influence and a request for her cooperation in investigating the murder prompted a Raise Dead Fully spell to be cast on her behalf. Further ramifications and obligations, although almost definite, are unknown to her. It has also been explained to her that her family’s resources are no longer available to her, even after her shearing time has passed. In fact, she has been ordered to assume a different surname.

Anastasia assumes the surname of Jhyrasti, and removes her cloak from the shearing and packs it safely away.
With a nod and a word of thanks, to those responsible for bringing her back, she gets right back to her duties.

The young deputy, Haverly, moves in closer to the two warriors. "Looks like you folks have been through a rough time or two. Me--I've had nothing but good furtune and lucky breaks so far. Look at me, I've been in town but three weeks and I'm already drafted into the watch as a deputy!" he exclaims, banging a armoured fist against his plated chest. By the muted sound of the metal it is clear that the thick armour hides a body of considerable bulk itself.
"So what's this all about, anyways? Those priests barely gave me enough time to slip into some pants (let alone any armour!) when they dragged me out of bed. Serves me right, I suppose, sleeping well past morning."
Through it all he smiles brightly, highlighting his cheerful eyes.

Anastasia extends a hand in greeting to the new comer. "Welcome, we could use some of your good luck to be sure. I'm Anastasia, Anastasia Byli."