lostsole31
  
     Wrath Shall Reign!
           When one runelord rose from his slumber, the frontier nation of Varisia shook with his power, and it took a band of heroes to save the world. Yet there remained six other runelords, and now the most wrathful of them  all has woken! As the runelords waken one after another, the dangers  and perils faced by past heroes pale in comparison. When a mysterious  and fearful ghost manifests on the streets of Roderic's Cove at the same time the town's gangs use the runes and legacies of ancient Thassilonian  tyrants for their own ends, a new band of heroes must rise to save  Varisia, and perhaps the world, from the return of the runelords!  
      
     DRAMATIS PERSONAE     
     Character
[Player]
  
  Speech Color  
  AL
  
  Faith  
  Race [Ethnicity]
(Gender ID)
  
  Side #1
  
  Side #2
  
  Campaign Trait  
 
    Alandra Hightower
[mbressler]
   
   Fire Brick Red 
  
 CN 
 Shelyn 
 Human (f)
[Azlanti]
(formerly male Taldan] 
 Dread 3
[Nightmare] 
 Mesmerist 3
[Cult Master] 
 Accidental Clone 
 
    Bořivoj ("Bořek") Brennan
[NPC]
   
   Blue
   
 LG 
 Order of the Godclaw 
 Human (m)
[Kellid-Taldan-Varisian] 
 Fighter 3
[Armiger] 
 Paladin 3
[Iomedean Enforcer] 
 Scion of Legend 
 
    Feiya
[NPC] 
  
   Golden Rod 
  
 CG 
 Desna 
 Human (f)
[Tian-Min] 
 ??? 
 Witch 3
(Iconic Witch!) 
 Intrigued by Thassilon 
 
    Ranghen
[NPC]
   
   Green 
  
 CN 
 Nocticula 
 Triaxian (f)
[Winterborn] 
 Cleric 3 
 Ranger 3 
 Close Allies
[Ziggy] 
 
    Rodrigo Anselmo Rodriguez y Syi-ting d'Oppara Nuevo  
   [NPC] 
  
   Violet
   
 ?N? 
 Pharasma 
 Human (m)
[Taldan, Tian-Shu] 
 ??? 3 
 ??? 3 
 Spirit Touched 
 
    Zygaxaryxon ("Ziggy")  
   [NPC]
   
   Saddle Brown
   
 C? 
 Nocticula 
 Copper Dragon??? (f) 
 ??? 
 True Dragon 3 
 Close Allies
[Ranghen] 
 
  
lostsole31
  
 
    Oathday, 6 Rova 4718 AR 
Weather: 70/ 55 F. Clear, calm, &amp; dry.   

It is a beautiful early morning at the Circle Market. Alandra Hightower, with only a handful of gold remaining to her name (though that is still a hair far better than some commoners), has come to the Circle Market to prepare for a day of busking. So beneath a beauty like herself, but survival comes first. She is eyeing some very attractive wooden bowls when a pretty little knife catches her eye at the stall next to the bowler. Nothing for court or even worth enchanting, but in asking about it, she finds that the vendor is looking to clear out some of their merchant and is willing to part with this knife for 2 silver coins .. an insane bargain.

True she can call forth weaponry, but this is a knife. A very useful tool for a variety of day-to-day transactions. it is both slender and sturdy, and has a serrated portion for stripping wood.

Does Alandra buy this dagger?
Blackhawk101
  “Oh what a lovely dagger! I simply must have it.”   she claps excitedly and gives the shopkeeper her most winning smile. She will fish a gold piece from her meager supply and ask for change.
lostsole31
She hands over a gold, and gets 8 silver and the dagger in change. There was a slight crack on the hilt - not enough to be a penalty - but enough that the crack on the hilt is something that would have kept that dagger from ever being sold.

As she heads over to the woodworker's cart where she was looking at bowls, she thinks she sees a larger fruit bowl ... moving slightly ... only a little bit at a time towards the edge. Next to the woodworker's cart at an angle is a grocer's whole kiosk and spread, with a wicker basket of bright, shiny red apples right near the end, next to the shelf the bowl is slowly creeping towards.
Blackhawk101
Curious, Alandra appears to study the other bowls while keeping an eye on the possessed one.
lostsole31
The bowl doesn't move often or very far or very jerkily, which shows a little bit of patience.  But it does move steadily, and finally part of the large fruit bowl hangs over the lip of the woodcarver's cart.

The grocer is doing business there, but after two minutes heads to the other side of their larger booth. When he does so, a curious little monstrous claw, caked with mud, reaches out and grabs an apple, pulling it under the fruit bowl.
Blackhawk101
  “A tiny thief I think,”   she thinks to herself. She continues to watch out the corner of her eye.
lostsole31
Alandra makes small talk with the woodcarver so as not to be too obvious. After a couple minutes, a scaly tail that - as with the claw she saw - has mud caked on it, is wrapped around an apple core, sans the rest of the apple as it seems to have been consumed.  The tail is coiled several times and slowly lowers down, swings a little bit, and then unfurls like whip to catapult the apple core into a brush behind the kiosks.

The tail returns into the bowl. A minute goes by and the little claw reaches down past the apples. It is reaching towards carrots placed in a mug so the leafy heads are soooo close to the little claw, but it seems to have trouble reaching the tallest head of a carrot.
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles at the wood carver.   “You have such lovely wares, sir! I am having difficulty choosing one over the other!”
“…I choose this one!”   she beams as she picks up the over-turned bowl at the edge of the table, quickly wrapping the bowl and its contents in the folds of her cloak.
She coos over the wrapped bundle,   “Don’t worry my pretty, I will take good care of you!”  
She pays the wood carver and buys a bunch of carrots too before leaving the market. She heads for a quiet place to unwrap her purchases.
lostsole31
It turns out that was one of his really nice, larger bowls and costs a silver, and then a bunch of carrots cost 2 copper. So, she gives a silver to the woodcarver, and then a silver to the grocer and gets 8 copper change from him. It should be noted that the wooden bowl (et. al.) seems to weigh around 10-12 pounds or so.

Once she gets to a quiet place, then what?
Blackhawk101
Bending down she carefully unwraps the bowl, whispering hopefully calming words.  “Easy little one. I mean you no harm.”
  She puts the bowl down and gives the creature some space as she examines it.
lostsole31
It is some type of winged reptile, and Alandra wonders if this might be some type of dragon as there is a classical dragon form, though that is a bit outside of her wheelhouse to know for sure. But dragon makes as much sense for its body plan as anything. Its entire body isn't caked with mud.  In fact, only its "grabbing" claw and the tail seem to have mud caked on them. The ... dragon (we'll just use that going forward) .... is little bigger than a smaller house cat (and about 12 lb. weight) and is much leaner than you'd think a real dragon would be. The overall color scheme of its scales are a mix of russet and coppery colors, with a lighter underside.

The eyes are much larger than the eyes of artist's renderings of dragons you've seen before, as either evil dragons have beady eyes to seem rapacious; and good dragons have beady eyes to seem inscrutable.  In fact, that's really the central focus like nothing else, but Alandra's trained eyes read detail outwards-in, rather than being distracted by central pieces like some people. The eyes of this dragon have a white sclera not unlike a human, though definitely a nonhuman shape as it is flat along the bottom but tall eyes with a high arch. The serpentine eyes like any reptilian creature are still there, but the soft mahogany eyes carry enough flecks and shine and are large enough to be almost breathtakingly adorable. You would have to have a lot of grit to want to cause harm to this cutie.

There does seem to be some trauma on the left side of its mouth. A bit of the reptilian beak is chipped, and underneath it seems like she may be missing a tooth as well.

   "Th-thtranger danger?"    mutters a scared little voice from the creature, and it sounds like the voice of a six-year-old girl with a lisp.

And with that, she is suddenly gone, and a whirl of wind is at the fabric that Alandra had by the bowl. It doesn't seem that she went invisible, but rather that she moved so blindingly fast to wherever she went that her movements could not be tracked.
Blackhawk101
Alandra squeaks a little in surprise as the adorable dragon runs off.    “Ohh!”
”Where did you go? I have some food for you!”  
lostsole31
A minute later, Alandra is approached - mind you, Alandra had sought an area on the outskirts of the Circle Market to interact privately with the dragon - by a very strange-looking woman. Nearly as tall as Alandra (who is statuesque herself) at 6' 1" but of a slightly sturdier build, this woman wears very bright, colorful garb that has been muted with time and travel, though the violet boots and cuffs still are striking. At her side is a sickle with a moon motif, and her semi-motley garb is actually studded leather armor (or at least its equivalent). But it's the woman herself who is strange, for where her skin would be is covered in short, soft, white fur. Her hair has a salted-ash white color undercut with some bits of slushy gray in a wild asymmetrical bob, including extremely short - almost shaved - section of her head on the left hand side.  She has extremely thick and flowing eyebrows. Despite the white fur, it seems that whatever she is still has a culture of feminine decoration, for she has a green lip coloring, upper blush, and eye-shadow that might not work for Golarion humans, but works moderately well for her and her clothing choices.

She has a cowl pulled up loosely at the top of her head, and a familiar little, housecat-sized dragon is coiled around the back of her neck inside, trying to be hidden were it not for its little claw-paw pointing at you.  She marches right up to Alandra while taking out that moon-sickle and says in very accented Taldane, and with an accent that Alandra not only cannot place, but is sure she's never heard before and a bit staccato,   "You try steal daughter? Tell happenings now or be pieces!"  
Blackhawk101
  “Peace, peace. I meant no harm, only to help the tiny dear. I did not want her to be discovered by the merchant for stealing. I sought to keep her from discovery. I bought these carrots for her.”
  Alandra smiles friendly and pulls a bunch of carrots from her backpack.
lostsole31
Everyone has their good days, and their bad days. No sooner does Alandra's voice escape her mouth, than she hears herself. The words seemed reasonable, but Alandra realizes that something about the way she said them perhaps was more wheedling than winsome, so it actually doesn't surprise her when the white-furred woman's eyes seem to steel over as she takes a breath to strike down Alandra, but then she gains some measure of composure and stays her bleed, as it seems the little dragonling is crying like a scared girl under the cowl, making this strange woman think the better of it.

The woman's eyes narrow.   "Next time, you let her be catch to learn lesson, or you learn lesson."  

She storms off. To the woman's credit, she actually did a great job of putting the fear of Aroden into her. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Intimidate 20, just so you know for effect.
 
It is enough effect that she spins and storms off before Alandra can come up with a witty retort as she is shaken.

It's not often that another person uses actual personality instead of psionic power to put fear into another.  Either Alandra can be petty about it, or she can be philosophical, perhaps using what she felt to meditate on later for her own use in the future.

What does Alandra do now? Does she go get some possum punch from Bimmer "Possum" Coots' wagon to steady her nerves?
Blackhawk101
Alandra places her hand on her chest to help still her beating heart. “Mama bear indeed!” She better grab a quick drink before she gets to work singing for her supper.
Alandra focuses her mental powers to implant a protective trick before she heads for Possum Coots wagon for a revitalizing tonic.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

implant trick Psychosomatic Surge
 
lostsole31
Local codger Bimmer “Possum” Coots is at the Circle Market, of course, as he is every week, selling cups of “possum punch” from his wooden cart not far from the old well at the circle’s eastern side. She pays 2 copper for a cup, which is reasonable, but when she tastes it she understands the low cost. It is not good. It is sweet from the fruit juices added, but the base alcoholic quality could peel wood off of a side of paint. The one thing that really helps it sell in addition to its cheap price, though, is that he has managed to have it chilled, which is quite the benefit of a drink purveyor on a late summer's day.

Alandra finds herself enjoying the simple act of people watching, and there is a good flautist that has scored an early set. As she is halfway through her cup, and suddenly realizing perhaps possum punch isn't as bad as all that, Alandra gets some more company at Possum's cart. Oh, there are other people there, including the barely-perceptible nobodies of men who drone in her ear, thinking she is either listening or cares about their lewd or shrewd discussions, when a strange woman catches her eye. Perhaps not otherworldly strange like the white-furred woman earlier, though this woman does carry for the theme of white hair.

This woman is nearly a foot shorter than Alandra and very trim (5' 3", 115 lbs.). Her physical features definitely show she is a Tian woman of Minkaian extraction, yet a lot of her clothes and manner betray that much of her time was spent not in that distant continent, but as one of the many Tian peoples that must have come across the Crown of the World and settled in Kalsgard and the Land of the Linnorm Kings. Even then, though, there is a singular way about her dress that seems to incorporate both the accidentally revealing of the seductress and the a complete doubling down of the whole "white-haired witch of the woods."  She even has an obvious familiar - a red fox - trotting at her side, though that is unusual for a red fox comes from much more southerly climes.

Her gear is spare. She has a backpack, but it practically is folded in on itself for want of material to contain. She carries a staff which, while ornate, might do better as a ritual piece than a weapon. She does have a light crossbow and two cases of bolts strung to her backpack.  A symbol you don't know, wreathed in actual plants, hangs from her neck. The oddest thing about her, though, is that the shadows seem to cling much longer than they should to her dark clothing.

She comes up to the cart and sets down a gold, to which Bimmer obliges with a cup of possum punch and 8 silver as he takes the gold away. As she begins to drink, she catches Alandra's eye and seems to be lost in thought.   "Do I know you? You seem very familiar for some reason."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra holds out her hand and smiles.
  “Alandra Hightower. I don’t believe we have met before but now we have. And you are?”  
lostsole31
The white-haired witch doesn't shake Alandra's hand, but does take it, turning it to supine position. She studies Alandra's hand intently for a minute, tracing some of the lines with her smaller, thinner fingers. As she does so, she cuts the awkwardness by speaking, or correction, ramps up the awkwardness, as her speaking voice is accented and of a strange pitching and cadence.    "I am Feiya, and he..."    and here she gives ever so slight a nod that makes you look to the fox,    "... is Daji. Strange readings on your palm. You have prints and patterns and creases like any palm, and yet ... you don't have a lifeline ... almost as if you are one who walks about already dead, and waiting to die, for you died already, but for some reason it did not take.

"Tell me, strangely beautiful lady from nowhere,"   she adds as she slowly looks up to meet gaze with gaze,   "how did you die? And how did you come back?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I am thinking her speech is like a cross between the seer-goat that Michelle Yeoh voiced in  Kung Fu Panda 2  and Bai Ling's femme fatale in  The Crow .
 

It should be noted that she speaks at normal volume, not intentionally loudly, but her physical actions garnered enough focus that when she began speaking,  everyone  at the punch cart is now looking on at the interaction and listening intently. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Kind of like when the Ghostbusters were in jail around the table, and everyone in jail around them were leaning in, listening.
 
Blackhawk101
Alandra’s eyes sparkle with anger at the intrusion into her past.
Conscious of the public place she quickly smooths her features and retrieves her hand. A pleasant smile returns but not before anyone watching notices her steely gaze.
  “It is not polite to ask such personal questions in public, my dear. Why don’t you meet me tonight at the tavern. We can discuss my past…and our future.”  With that open invitation, Alandra sashays off to find a good spot to do some busking.
lostsole31
Because of the setup of the Circle Mart, there really is only one place to perform with maximum exposure, and even includes a small stage where a flautist is just finishing up a set and stepping down. Anywhere else is really just in people's way, but they had the good sense to have a section here for a performer during the mart.  There is as small table next to the mini stage (which is no more than 6" off the ground, and only enough for one performer to be comfortable. So, it seems that there might be more formality than expected.

Does Alandra go up to the table with the person sitting there with a parchment or do something else?
Blackhawk101
She will approach the person at the table.
  “Excuse me. Are you the person to see if I want to perform on stage?”   ​she asks politely.
lostsole31
  "Yes! Hi, there!"   she says cheerily.    "What's your name? What type of performance do you do?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles prettily and does a little curtsy.
  “My name is Alandra Hightower. I am a singer.”   
She pouts a little.
  ”This is my first time performing here. How does this go?”  
lostsole31
  "Welcome, Alandra Hightower,"   says the clerk.   "Do you already have a busking license with Roderic's Cove?"  
Blackhawk101
  “License? How unusual! I am new here and I am not familiar with the local ordinances.”  
She looks at the clerk with large, dewy eyes on the verge of tears.
  “Can you help me?”  
lostsole31
  "Of course I can!"   she says cheerily.   "It costs one gold, and the permit lasts for one year. A portion of proceeds go to help the Orphans of Riddleport Piracy Foundation."  
Blackhawk101
The “clouds” part and her brilliant smile beams forth in a dazzling display.
  “Oh thank you!”
  Alandra hands over a coin with a little flourish.
lostsole31
She takes the coin and puts it in something that looks more like an official satchel than a personal coin pouch and she writes some things down.

  "Okay, then, Alandra Hightower. You are the last performer to sign up for the day, and you have the last slot. It is almost noon now, and you will be performing in the final 2-3 pm slot, per the water clock that you can see,"   and she points to it, some 20 yards away,   "right there. Please show up 10 minutes early to verify your position or we may fill your slot with an alternate. Any questions for me before you go back to shopping and people watching?"  
Blackhawk101
  “Thank you! I will do my best.”   Alandra says cheerfully.
She thinks for a few seconds, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
  “Do you recommend a tavern for food and lodging?”  
lostsole31
  "I'm sorry, as a representative of the town of Roderic's Cove, I feel it would be unethical for me to make any recommendations concerning private businesses."  
Blackhawk101
  “Oh! Okay then. Good bye!”
  Alandra will pass the time people watching until her time slot.
lostsole31
The best place to do that, of course is by Coots' Cart, though it is a painful act of self-denial on the warm day not to have another cup.

No sooner does she take her spot there, than a very colorful, fancifully-dressed man in an outrageous costume takes the performer's stand. It seems to be a foreign-born man of swarthy skin and extremely well-groomed, close cut beard, practically stubble-length but with meticulous design. The an himself is 6'4", but his performance hat adds a few inches to that, and has the most outrageous width to the brim. A trim man with dark eyes and black hair, he doesn't appear to be one of the "motley" types of bards so much that his very colorful outfit is just that ... some specific type of outfit. The most noticeable of which are these skull-faced pauldrons. At his side, he has a weird device on a fanciful belt that Alandra has never seen before.

He steps up on the dais and begins his set with voice and some type of mandolin she has never seen before.  He even adds all manner of dancing flourishes into his performance. As she watches, she realizes he minimizes his singing .... he isn't very good. That doesn't matter, though, as that is more decoration. His dancing is great, but his mandolin(?)-playing is incredible, and he gathers an enviable crowd listening to a type of music she has never heard before and that is very lively. Even when he switches to a slower love song (or at least it seems like a love song), the string playing is liquid and deft.

As the afternoon winds down and gets closer to Alandra's time slot (half past, so fifteen minutes before she has to report in for her slot), a group of five men and women converge on Possum's stand near where Alandra is standing, and they drink and talk to each other.  Alandra can even overhear part of their conversation - they're commiserating over the loss of several friends who perished in "the slaughter" the previous week) - and Alandra notices at least one crude patch on a bit of clothing bearing what appears to be a mouth with jagged fangs descending from it. Alandra easily recognizes the motif as the sign of the Horned Fangs gang.

Looking at what they look at, and trying to make sense of what they are there to do - the whole point of people-watching - Alandra notices a group of five other shady types winding their way through the crowd toward Possum’s cart, their expressions intent. None of them appear to be armed, but they certainly don’t look friendly.

As far as "the slaughter" ... Alandra heard that there was a row between rival gangs last week that left several people dead. It was no minor fracas but something that was definitely alarming to the sleepy town of Roderic's Cove, and now it seems that there might be some confrontation brewing again in the crowded Circle Market on a busy Oathday with lots of innocents about.

 Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
Concerned with the potential fracas hurting innocent bystanders (and audience members), Alandra rises unsteadily and weaves drunkenly through the crowd towards the newcomers. When she is about 20 ft from the group, she picks the most likely looking male candidate for leader and calls out to him.
  “William! Will! There you are! I have missed you so terribly bad!”
  With a tear full sob, she staggers forward and attempts to throw herself into his arms, bosom heaving.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

bluff being intoxicated
Alandra has two objectives:
1) alert the horned fangs of the approaching danger. She has no particular allegiance to either group but if the horned fangs are out numbered or unprepared for a scrap, they might flee instead of fight.
2) to get close to the leader of the new group and whisper some disinformation if she gets a chance regarding a horned fang “trap” with foreign mercenaries.
 
lostsole31
"William" is completely surprised, and  has a big, dumb grin.

It seems there were  others who recognized that something was amiss.  Ambling forward on all  fours, but then tripping up on her own tail and rolling forth like a  wagon wheel until she lands unceremoniously on her belly spread-limbed  in the space equidistant to the two groups, is that little dragon. She  stands and despite her tiny size calls out,   "Hey, buth-terth! You better'n't thtart no twubble and get gud people hurt or my momma' will kick all your buttth!"  

It  is a valiant effort, and completely adorable and not intimidating in  the least.  But she stands there, looking at each group in turn and says  "Grr. Grr." [NOTE: She says "Grr," as compared to actually growling.]

While most of the crowd of onlookers coo and ahh, not realizing there  was anything, but completely taken in by the tiny terror, Alandra sees  that both of the gangs and all members therein - including "William" are  looking on at the dragon and practically wetting themselves. That is  when Alandra sees that the reaction is not actually for the dragon, but  for what just walked up behind the dragon in obvious sign of show of  support for the dragon. It is a walking wall of metal some 7' high, and  something about the helm of this armored figure is scary as can be. the  armor also appears to be a custom job of banded mail, as it had to be  made to support a wearer of significantly larger proportions. It plants a  guisarme's butt into the ground as if daring somebody to do something  stupid.

The little dragon doesn't realize the massive man behind  her backing her up. She only sees the two groups quailing at her  dramatic might, and though she is an "alien" in that Alandra doesn't  know from dragon expressions, she can't help but think that the little  dragon looks pleased with herself while still trying to look scary.

One of "William's" people shout at the Horned Fangs and Alandra, little dragon, and big armored man alike, but with obvious worry and anxiety in their voice now, instead of a forceful challenge,    “Us
Roadkeepers were here first, and we’ll be here last!”   

Just then, the temperature of the summer day plummets and there is a darkening of the area despite no clouds in the sky. Indistinct and hazy, a glowing and transparent humanoid form appears as if viewed through a haze of murky water, In a booming voice that sounds like it’s gurgling out of the throat of a drowning man, the ghost cries out,  
   “NO! MY COVE! NO!”  
  
 Alandra , roll a Will save.
Blackhawk101
 
 Spoiler: will save 

spend IA to perform martial counter Inner Sense for +2 Will save ( not included)
 (1d20+10)[ 21 ] 
 
lostsole31
Alandra has spent her life studying the nature of fear. And while she does have to steel herself and grit her teeth, she resists the urge to bolt in terror.

Meanwhile, all of both gang members - and most of the nearby bystanders as well - flee screaming from the Circle.  The guitar music suddenly stops and even that colorfully-dressed musician has skedaddled.

Meanwhile, the visage of the watery spirit drowns from view. Still standing in that area of the Circle Market are Alandra, the armored man, the little dragon followed quickly by the "momma," the white-haired witch, and even her unflappable fox. A minute later, an abashed, colorful musician returns to find out what happened, apologizing profusely for having run, as doing so was so "unmanly."

Representatives of the town guard arrive on scene within a few minutes to try to sort things out.  Rather than accosting the colorful bunch, the guards on scene thank the heroes - and not knowing better they include the musician amongst those thanked, which he does not try to correct - as it seems the heroes managed to stop any escalation.

At the same time the guards arrive, the motley bunch are approached by a morose elf. Alandra recognizes the unusually dour-looking elf as Audrahni, Roderic's Cove's cemetery groundskeeper.

Audrahni was on her way to the Circle Market when the adventure begins, and she’s startled but not surprised to hear of Sir Roderic’s appearance. She approaches the armored man, who seems to know her, and he recounts to her what happened. To everyone else, including Alandra since they haven't really crossed paths, Audrahni introduces herself. She offers to buy the group dinner at the nearby Creekside Tavern and Inn.

 Alandra , do you accept?
Blackhawk101
Almost penniless, Alandra gratefully accepts the offer.
 She is on the lookout for adventurous persons to join her in forming a group to seek fame and fortune through the discovery and preservation of beautiful artifacts.
lostsole31
Once dinner is done and the group is relaxing with post-meal drinks, Audrahni broaches the subject of Roderic’s Cove’s recent troubles.

  “Thank you again for taking the time to chat with me. You seem like capable sorts—certainly not the type who’d be content to live out lives of comfort in a small town like Roderic’s Cove. I don’t mean that as an insult—far from it. I’ve been in town for several years and I think the Cove needs people like you: heroes. The stink of violence is in the air. The near confrontation you were just involved in isn’t the first we’ve had recently... surely you’ve heard of the slaughter that took place last week? Something strange is going on here in Roderic’s Cove, and someone needs to do some investigating to figure out what that is. I’m hoping you’ll be up to that challenge.”
  
For those that are unaware of current events, Audrahni gives a recap. Audrahni knows that there was a big fight between two groups in town that left six people dead from mysterious and supernatural causes. Audrahni’s main concern, however, is the appearance of Sir Roderic himself. She recalls that the last time Sir Roderic’s ghost made appearances in the Cove was during events 10 years ago that culminated in a minor uprising. Roderic’s Cove’s previous port-Governor, Jess Gildersleeves, was run out of town after she was found to be undermining Roderic’s Cove by diverting funds meant for the small town to shady interests in Riddleport.

Audrahni believes that Sir Roderic grows restless when his beloved cove is in danger, not that he is the cause of those dangers himself. She now suspects that, in order to give the town’s founder the rest he finally deserves, Roderic’s Cove must be made safe for its citizens, but that requires first determining what sort of peril is building in the town’s shadows. She’s done a little bit of work looking around town for clues, but she’s the first to admit that she’s not the best at getting people to talk or noticing subtleties, and suggests perhaps the PCs will have better luck than she did in finding out more.

As for Roderic’s ghost, Audrahni mentions that an investigation of his old home, an abandoned building outside of town called Roderic’s Wreck, would be a logical step, but she warns that the old building is dangerous and that the PCs should be careful and deliberate in their investigation of the building.

When the conversation’s winding down, Audrahni reiterates her hope that the PCs will become heroes for Roderic’s Cove. She’s certain that something dire, in need of a group of heroes’ attention, is building within the town, and also that the ghost can be put to rest if the town is saved.
Blackhawk101
Alandra is eager to form a new adventuring group and this colorful cast of characters is as likely a collection as she has yet to find. However, she doesn’t want to overplay her hand, so she asks a question of Audrani to allow the others to commit or no.
  “Audrani, I am considerate of the town’s problems and I am interested in helping, but I have a few questions.”  
She pauses and focuses on the Elf woman.
  ”Isn’t the local constabulary looking into the gang warfare?”
”What can you tell us about the two gangs and why there is escalating violence recently.”

  
lostsole31
  "From what I've seen, the local constabulary have their hands full with other issues. Dwarven merchants waylaid on the way to town, goblins in the woods, and so on. I would check with the town's leadership, mainly Port-Governor Larenza Thort, to see what they know,"   answers Audrahni.   "As far as the gangs themselves, that's why I am asking you to investigate, to get more information about who they are."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles at Audrani as she responds.
  “Oh, I do love a mystery! I am in!”  
lostsole31
As it is late today ... too late to likely get people at their work or offices (and not knowing where they live if you were rude enough to entertain that line of thought) ... do you make a plan to reconvene on the morrow? If so, what time/where?
Blackhawk101
Alandra winces a little as she remembers how light her purse is.
  “I suggest that we reconvene here at the inn tomorrow morning 8 am to plan our next moves.”
  After the group disperses, she will see if she can barter a reduced rate to stay at the inn in exchange for some songs to entertain the dinner crowd.
lostsole31
She cannot. It is too late in the evening.

What does she do?
Blackhawk101
She will inquire as to the availability of sleeping in the common room.
lostsole31
It would cost her a silver piece, and the Creekside Inn &amp; Tavern is not responsible for your items or your health.
Blackhawk101
She will pay the silver and take her chances.
lostsole31
As it is, she finds that Feiya (with Daji) and Rodrigo are both going to be in the common room with her that night.

Is Alandra going to go right to bed or chatter with them? 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If conversing with them, open up a new conversation in the RP channel. Otherwise, let me know she simply goes to bed here in the IC and I'll move forward regardless.
 
Blackhawk101
Alandra is quite the chatterbox so she will stay up chatting.
lostsole31
    Fireday, 7 Rova 4718 AR (Waning Crescent)  
 Weather:  70/ 50 F.   

Morning in the common room, and you are all awoken by the proprietor who chases everyone out so he can have the place cleaned. No, you may not convince them to stay through breakfast ... you have to go.

With the four of you outside the inn and rubbing your eyes. You begin your various morning routines, including Alandra, who meditates for an hour. 
 Spoiler: Alandra 
Do you change anything about your setup? Not on your sheet, so I forget if there is anything you can change daily, like mesmerist tricks or not.
 

Ranghen meditates, prays, and otherwise goes through taking care of her weapons and armor for an hour. Rodrigo does a lot of various physical exercises, limbering up, and quick draw of both blade and funny-looking Alkenstar device. Ziggy just runs around, playing and stalking butterflies.

Afterwards (and answer the above), what do you do/ suggest doing?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will clean up after her meditation as much as possible, even if it is only brushing her hair to a lustrous sheen and using prestidigitation.
She will approach each of the group in turn (even Ziggy) and ask if she can provide them a small psychic protection from harm. She will not give herself the same unless someone refuses.
once everyone is ready, she smiles and speaks to the group.
  “Let’s go inside and get a table so we can decide our course of action for today.”  
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Use cult trick Psychosomatic Surge on up to six
 
lostsole31
All three, curious, take the "protection." The remainder of the group shows as well. Do you offer the same to Bořek and Feiya (and, for that matter, to her fox)?
Blackhawk101
Alandra offers the same protection to the others including companions.
lostsole31
Feiya takes it, allowing it to be used on Daji. but Bořek politely declines, giving Alandra the ability to see to her own protection as well.

The group goes inside and gets a table for breakfast...

What does Alandra recommend for a plan?
Blackhawk101
Smiling warmly, Alandra addresses the group.
  “Welcome! I hope you all slept well.”
  She grimaces ruefully and rubs her neck.
  “Please feel free to offer any ideas or additional information you may have. As for me, I suggest we explore the old home of the former mayor, Rodrick’s Wreck. It sounds like it will be interesting to explore if nothing else.”  
lostsole31
Everyone is just fine with that for a place to begin.
Blackhawk101
  “Anyone know how to get there?”   Alandra asks?
lostsole31
  "I do,"   says Bořivoj.   "It is sort of the local 'daring place' where as kids we would dare someone to try to enter the place, let alone stay all night. To a young boy, it is a very spooky place. As an adult, it is a derelict cabin soon to be reclaimed by the swamp."  
Blackhawk101
  “Excellent! Let’s eat and then head over there and see what we can discover!”  says Alandra. She will eat light; ordering only milk and fresh bread if they have them. She will munch on a fresh carrot and offer some to Ziggy.
lostsole31
  
 
Ranghen will take the carrot, and feed it to carefully to Ziggy.

Led by the young armiger, the party travels a little bit before getting to what he identifies as Roderic's Wreck ...

Approaching the house, it is immediately apparent that Roderic’s Wreck is indeed a wreck. The house slumps visibly toward the water, one corner edging dangerously into the river. Boards in the house’s walls have warped and popped free from their nails, peeling back like bark from an old tree. The front door hangs slightly ajar. The sound of buzzing insects, creaking tree branches, and the river flowing by hangs in the moist air.
Blackhawk101
Alandra will draw her bow and cast a spell so that it glows with a bright white light.
  “Anyone good with finding traps or hidden dangers? If so, you’re up!”
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

cast light
 
  
lostsole31
  "Allow me to try my hand,"   says Feiya in her strange dialect and cadence of Taldane.   "My adopted mother-sisters enjoyed setting traps for me when I would escape, and in time I became quite good at looking out for dangers - hag-made and natural. Though I don't know what traps you expect if the young come here to try their bravery. Daji, come."  

Daji gives a yip of surprise, obviously smelling something off!

 Surprise Round ... 
 S14:  Something flies out from under the eaves over the porch and with a long nose/ beak/ something attacks Daji but misses.

 S13:  Daji bites at the flying thing, and viciously nips for  4 .

 S10:  Another flying thing comes out and attacks Feiya and also misses.

 End Surprise Round, Begin Round One ..

R1T28:  Feiya calls out,   "Stirges!  Magical, mosquito-like monsters. Be defensive in your tactics that they  don't attach to you and suck your blood! Daji, back!"  

She  moves to the back line and casts a spell on herself, using a cured  square of leather hide. A close magical force field appears briefly  around her before disappearing.

 R1T21:  Bořek takes Feiya's advice and attacks carefully and knocks one of the stirges out of the air for  11 , but keeps his position to block as many allies from being on the front line if the last stirge comes forward.

 R1T19:    "I help the fox-puppy, Mama!"    cries Ziggy enthusiastically and leaps forward into the air towards the  stirge and bites hard, doing the opposite of Feiya's recommendation,  but landing on the ground with the bleeding stirge in its mouth.

The stirges are finished off for sure, and tossed into the water.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
  "Well done, everyone!"   beams Alandra.   "It does seem that we will need to be on our guard in this place."  
Alandra moves to the center of the group with a dainty swirl of her skirts.
  "I have additional protection magic I can give you to mitigate wounds you would take. It only lasts several hours but it might be helpful. Does anyone want my protection?"
  If any accept, she will grasp their faces in her hands and stare deeply into their eyes for several seconds before pronouncing   "DONE!   in a loud voice.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

give each false healing 1d8+5 THP for three hours if they accept, including herself.
 (1d8+5)[ 11 ] 
Alandra will trigger the tricks if or when the subject takes damage .
 
lostsole31
Everyone is fine taking what protections may be granted all.

People start to take a bit of a "formation" at this point as Feiya and Daji step up. The moss-covered planks that make up the front porch are swollen and half rotten. The front door hangs slightly open.

Daji does a yipping bark at the porch and Feiya waves everyone away.  She takes a look, and says,   "Big Man, can you break the porch right here,"   she says pointing to part of the porch.

Bořek obliges and sets down his guisarme and taking out his flail and easily shattering part of the rotten wood.  Feiya nods and he puts his flail away, picking up his guisarme again.

  "It is fine now, the pressure is relieved from the rest of the porch, and it is safe now."  

Feiya checks the door and opens it to reveal a dank smell pervading a five-foot wide hallway. A set of stairs rises to the next floor, and the hallway turns sharply to the north past the staircase.
Blackhawk101
   “     Let’s clear this level first.     ”     whispers Alandra.  
lostsole31
Alandra, for the very tight passageways (5' wide), what do you suggest for a marching order? Note that Daji can share Feiya's space, and that Ziggy can likewise share Ranghen's space.
Blackhawk101
“  Humm…I think a good marching order would be Freiya and Daji first to scout for danger. Then Borek second, to pummel anything trying a frontal attack.”    she gives the young man a grin. 
  “I would put myself next followed by Ziggy and her Mom and then Rodrigo last. Any objections?”  
lostsole31
As the line moves to the first doorway on the east (ignoring the stairs for now), the warrior turns around and corrects Alandra,   "It's not Borek. It's pronounced Bořek."  
Blackhawk101
  "My apologies, Bor^ek. Your name is difficult for me to pronounce."   Alandra smiles embarrassed.
 
 Spoiler 

even using my laptop, I cannot get the special character correct.
 
lostsole31
This happens over the next two minutes, but substitute "Bořek" for "Nikolaj" ...

  
lostsole31
After that interlude has ended, Bořek moves to the north of Feiya while she's at the door, so as to protect the party from anything deeper in.

Feiya opens the door, and says, "It appears to be an old living room."

Daji starts yapping angrily, but nothing is seen by Feiya.   "Daji senses something. I am in front for my senses and ability to detect traps. Not to be your canary. Someone else can go in first."  
 Alandra , what do you recommend?
Blackhawk101
Alandra motions to  Bořek to proceed into the room. She gives the brave knight a bright smile with a fanatical gleam in her eye (*).

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

* Uses fanatical stare on Bořek; suppressing negative effects and providing +1 attack and damage and +2 will saves.
 
  
 Spoiler: crunch 
 
lostsole31
The young knight passes by Feiya and Daji to start moving carefully into  the room, and Alandra's stare just barely seeing enough of him to help  him.

There's a skittering sound heard from within, and Bořek's gauntlets grip his polearm tightly in response to a perceived threat.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T24:  Ziggy instantly is off the chain and goes rushing into the next room.   "Big rockamotches!"   she calls from the other room, followed by   "Ptooey!"   and a faint sizzling sound.

 R1T20:   The shadows around Feiya become slightly lessened as she then moves into the room.

 R1T19:  Rodrigo moves in and a loud report is heard from his Alkenstar weapon that makes Alandra's teeth rattle.   "Got one!"   he calls jubilantly. Then less excitedly,   "Oh, wait, it's still moving."  
 R1T11:    "She meant cockroaches,"    Ranghen explains matter-of-factly as she passes Alandra and makes her  way in, and the sound of her sickle carving through something resistant  and wet is heard.

 R1T10:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra readies her bow and after entering a martial stance she moves 5 feet to the North. She will fire her bow at a likely target.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

She will quickly analyze her opponent and shoot at the closest target; prioritizing easy shots over more difficult ones.
Sw: enter combat mantra stance: attack bonus
FA:5 ft step North
SA: attack closest “rockamotch” , no special sauce
  to hit  - (1d20+6)[ 24 ]   to dam  - (1d8+1)[ 3 ]  with psychic shot
She will trigger any Cult trick Psychosomatic Surges if party members or herself take damage.
She activates her aura of fear ability even though it mostly likely won’t work on nearly mindless creatures (vermin).
She readies her counters Body of Delusion and Inner Sense should she need them.
 
Blackhawk101
Alandra will move in the check out the room to the East.
lostsole31
Doors along the northern and eastern sides of this moldy room provide exits. The floor droops toward the south so the lowest corner of the room brushes the river as it flows by. The ceiling in the northern and eastern sides of the room is torn. The remains of a small desk lean into the northwestern corner of the room, its slim drawer hanging out.


The party does a quick search in here. The drawer hanging out of the slumped over desk is empty aside from a dried-out jar of ink and a few split pen nibs. However, a piece of paper is stuck to the bottom of the drawer by a film of mold. It’s jagged around the edges, as if the rest of the sheet was ripped from the remnants. The stuck and moldering page shows an “X” in the middle of some woods, and the letters “St. Hs.,” shorthand for “Stonehouse.”

Feiya - with Ranghen's help, recognizes the woods as the nearby Churlwood.

What now?
Blackhawk101
  “Feiya, would you be so kind as to check the door to the North for danger?”    
Alandra smiles.
   “Borek, proceed into the room if Freiya says it is okay to proceed.”  
lostsole31
Feiya stands back, and her curious double instead listens at the door. Meanwhile, real-Feiya says,   "No. My occultation will shield the man since something up close will stymy him with his big stick."  

Feiya checks the door, and then opens it. As the line begins moving forward, hundreds of swarming spider emerge from the broken floorboards and attack!

As soon as they swarm over the occultation, it disappears, and in doing so, shadows form and cling around Feiya.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T24:   Alandra , you have your bow in hand (emitting light). What do you do?
Blackhawk101
   “Eeeeek!”    screams Alandra in a high pitched shriek.
She turns and runs from the room’s Western door and then South outside to the extent of her single move.
  “Nope. No thank you. Nope…no…nope!”
   
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: move 5’ NW, 5’ W, 20’ S
FA: enter stance Battle Mantra (+1 AC)
SA: full defense
she will activate Psychosomatic Surge and False Healing if anyone takes damage. If she needs to make a saving throw, she will use the Inner Sense counter.
 
lostsole31
 R1T24:      “Eeeeek!”     screams  Alandra in a high pitched shriek.  She turns and runs from the room’s  western door and then south outside to the extent of her single move,  all while frantically jabbering,   “Nope. No thank you. Nope…no…nope!”   
 R1T23:  With pistol in hand, Rodrigo hustles outside and onto the porch stairs with Alandra.

 R1T21:   Ranghen's voice can be heard saying something inside just before there  is the sound of glass breaking and the indirect flash of orange-yellow  from within! Though a brief flash, that light and flickering of active  flames within then builds.

At the realization there is now a raging fire inside, Rodrigo mutters,    "Ay, dios mio!"   
 R1T19:  Lots of guttering flame inside now, and that light seems to be advancing, or getting brighter, or something ...

 R1T18:   More sounds of glass breaking, but this time there is an awful smell  that wafts down, and the lights of a fire slowly gutter out.

 R1T15:  Ziggy comes to the hallway and says,   "Spiders gone!"  
 R1T10:  Despite that, calls out,   "I've been poisoned!"  
 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T24:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
At Borek’s call, Alandra moves back to him to see if she can help.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: 20’ N, 5’ E, 5’ NE.
she has no healing knowledge to offer but will trigger the Cult Trick and False Healing if he takes damage.
 
lostsole31
 R2T24:  At Bořek’s call, Alandra moves back to him to see if she can help.

 R2T23:  Rodrigo follows her...

 R2T21:  Ranghen moves over to give Bořek first aid.

Daji, Feiya, and Ziggy delay ...

 R2T10:  After some deep breaths, Bořek finally nods gratitude to Ranghen as the poison has run its course.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
  “Is everyone well?   asks Alandra with genuine concern.  “I will not loose another group so fast!” , she thinks to herself.
  “Sorry I ran away but I have no weapons against a swarm like that!”

”If everyone is recovered, let’s search this room also,”
  
lostsole31
Ranghen answers.   "The young warrior has been weakened by poison, and that weakness likewise affects how well he bears the weight of his armor. Mind you, my medical skills and his hardiness fought off the poison quickly, so it's not too bad, but I recommend that he now cycle to the back of the group as backup."  
Blackhawk101
  “Agreed. Borek, please keep to the back for the time being.”
  She gives him a fierce grin. Alandra searches the room.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

use fanatical stare at Borek.
 
lostsole31
Two doors stand along the north wall of the room, and one stands along the western wall. A masterfully built table stands against the mold-covered windows in the room’s southeastern wall. Aside from a layer of mold and a few patches of moss, the dining set looks to be in immaculate condition compared to the rest of the house’s furnishings.

Most of the eathenware and porcelain dishes inside the cabinet shattered when it tipped over, but inspecting the interior of the cabinet you find the following:
 
 Silver serving set 
 Silver decanter 
 Set of (6) Copper Mugs 
 

Nobody in the group is skilled at appraisal. People can guess, but that might give the wrong idea.

The items are collected.  What now?
Blackhawk101
  “Interesting find! Bodes well for our luck on this adventure.”   Alandra smiles as the silver is collected.
  “Freiya, would you examine the doors to the West please? With Borek poisoned, who will volunteer to be our point person?”  
lostsole31
  "I and Ziggy will be in front with Feiya and her fox,"   says Ranghen.

The two women check both doors and determine them to be safe.

Which door (or both simultaneous) do you recommend opening first?
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods to Ranghen and points for her to open the Southern most West door.
lostsole31
The door opens up into the corner of a passage. The hallway you came in terminates to the north here before turning east. There are three doors ... one under the stairs, and two facing doors down the passage.
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods as if expecting to see the corridor there.  
“Ranghen, check this door to the north please before we move on.”  
lostsole31
Ranghen does so, and it opens up into a room.
Blackhawk101
Alandra motions Ranghen and her diminutive companions to proceed into the newly opened room.
lostsole31
A door that opens to the space beneath the stairs is boarded over. The doorknob is broken off and a steel spike has been driven into what used to be a lock.
Blackhawk101
  “Ranghen and Frida, check the door to the East and if safe, open it.”
  Alandra purses her lips and taps her chin.
  “It leads outside but let us check it out anyway.”  
lostsole31
 Alandra , you just begin to notice the sound of water churning behind the door under the stairs. Everyone else (except Rodrigo) look around and at each other as they hear the same thing.

What do you do?
Blackhawk101
  ​“I don’t like the sound of that! Everyone retreat back into the room we came from!”  
lostsole31
 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T25:  Feiya scoops up Daji and runs back through the door.

 R1T18:   Ziggy follows ...

 R1T17:  Bořek does just the opposite and enters the back hallway with his guisarme.

 R1T16:  Ranghen follows Ziggy.

 R1T12:  Rod follows Feiya  ....

 R1T11:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra moves East into the room and then south.
  “Borek, come on!”
  She prepares to close the door once he is inside.
lostsole31
 R1T11:  Alandra moves East into the room and then south.   “Borek, come on!”  she shouts as she prepares to close the door once he is inside.

He does so, she shuts the door, and all is quiet.

 Initiative Ends! 
Blackhawk101
Alandra carefully wipes some glistening beads of perspiration from her brow before addressing the group.   
“That was weird! Any thoughts as to what is apparently trapped behind the door under the stairs? Perhaps some kind of magical trap?”  
lostsole31
  "If the sound came from the external door to the north, it would have made sense,"   says Feiya.   "But it came from a closet. I doubt it is a big bug, but given the creepy rumors of this place, possibly a haunt or ghost of some sort?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra will wait if any one else wants to chime in. If not, she will put her hands on her hips and hold up her chin.
  “We will come back to this mystery later. In the meantime, Ranghen please take the lead as we examine the corridor to the West.”  
lostsole31
Ranghen steps out into the hallway. She turns around and asks.   "There is a door - likely leading to a closet - under the stairs a few feet south of me. Do we want to check that first?"  
Blackhawk101
Suspicious of strange closets now, she frowns briefly before responding.
  “Yes, but be careful to check it for danger with Freiya. If it looks locked like the other one, leave it alone for now.”  
lostsole31
Feiya goes out with Ranghen. It turns out the door is not locked.   "Nope!"   calls Feiya.   "Just a moldy linen closet."  
Blackhawk101
  “Good. Continue down the hallway then.”   She points West with a slim arm and daintily tapered fingers.
lostsole31
The doors are checked clear. Which do you recommend getting opened first, north or south?
Blackhawk101
Alandra motions to the Southern door.
lostsole31
The door is opened and Ranghen looks in from where she is.   "Looks like a family room."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods.   “Let’s check it out.”  
lostsole31
The party moves into the family room.

As they begin searching, Feiya suddenly stops and asks,   "Did anyone else hear children giggling?"  

Ziggy raises a little claw, looking spooked, and Daji seems uneasy and coiling closely at Feiya's feet.

Nobody else seemed to have heard anything.
Blackhawk101
  "I heard nothing. That is very ... unsettling. Let's keep our guard up as there may be supernatural entities nearby."

  A worried look crosses Alandra's face at the thought of ghosts. She carefully searches the room.
lostsole31
The PCs receive a vision of Roderic’s family. One child sits upon Roderic’s knee while the other two sit on the floor around him, listening to him read. Roderic’s wife, Andella, sits next to him on a chair doing needlepoint. This pleasant scene turns to horror as the family suddenly shifts, their skin sloughs away in wisps of shadows to reveal skeletal faces. Roderic turns to the PCs, points accusingly, and demands they leave, saying,     “Get out!”     in a long, gasping shout.

Alandra, roll a Will save ....
Blackhawk101
Alandra tries to steady herself in the face of supernatural horror.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

  will save  - (1d20+10)[ 22 ] 
 
lostsole31
Everyone feels fear, for sure, but nobody appears to be unduly put out as the horrible apparition disappears.

Alandra directs a careful search of the room that ends up taking 40 minutes, yet reveals nothing of interest and no clues of any kind.
Blackhawk101
  "Too bad we didn't find any clues here. We keep searching."

"Freiya and Ranghen, check the door to the North in the hall. Everyone else follow and stay alert!"

  As if to emphasize this, Alandra knocks an arrow and prepares to follow the other two women into the hall.
lostsole31
The door to the north is checked clear and opened. A sickeningly sweet scent hangs in this room’s otherwise stale air. Mold and fungus grow up the side of the northern walls, and what was once a table lies decayed and slumped to the floor at an angle. A door and a stone hearth occupy the west wall of the room, the oven’s door slightly ajar.

Ranghen passes that information along as she is the only one with a good view of most of the kitchen from her spot at the doorway.

Now what?
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods and motions the women to proceed into the room.
lostsole31
As soon as Ranghen ad Ziggy step in, Ranghen says,   "I have something. It's all mold and muck in here, but there is definitely something hiding in the muck to the west........ It hasn't responded to my voice or mention of it, so not intelligent. Wait, yeah, that's a garden ooze. Looks like flowering and fruiting mold that camouflages in other mold. How do you want to proceed?"  
Blackhawk101
  “Garden ooze? Is it dangerous? What do we know about it?”   Alandra asks prettily concerned.
lostsole31
  "Yeahhhh,"   admits Ranghen in her accented drawl,   "it's already starting to quiver, so I am guessing it senses our vibrations now."  
 Begin Round One ....

R1T24:    "Daji, stay,"    Feiya says before she casts a spell on herself, giving her a faint,  protective glow. She rushes in and jumps up on top of a side table.

 R1T21:  Daji steps to the side of the door and is ready to defend himself if attacked.

 R1T19:   Ranghen wasn't ready for how quickly the garden ooze would slide forth  towards her in a smooth, quick motion. Part of its amorphous, floral  form stiffens to attack Ranghen with a pseudopod.

 R1T18:   Alandra , your lit bow is in hand, and you have a partial view of something near Ranghen. What do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alarmed, Alandra advances and tries to cause pain to hamper the creature.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: move 5’ North (free)
SwA: manifest Lingering Touch (visual) spending 3 pp for duration 2 rnds
SA: RTA Devastating Touch with Fear’s Reach.
  to hit  - (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
  to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 6 ]  2 rounds
 
lostsole31
 R1T18:    Alarmed, Alandra advances and looks upon the  creature. A host of spectral creatures coalesce around Alandra - giving  initial alarm to her allies - when suddenly they all fly forth into the  quivering floral mass to make it quiver irregularly for  6  as it suffers terrible pain.

 R1T14:  Ziggy moves just a few feet north and then belches on the muck, but it seems to have no effect.

 R1T13:   Rodrigo enters, and in trying to get between Ranghen and Ziggy, the  things lashes out at him and misses. He ends up in the northeastern  corner. He quick draws his weapons while getting into a stance,  including an iaijutsu strike with his sword that does  14 .

 R1T6:  Ranghen doesn't move but draws her sickle and power strikes the garden ooze for  9 .

 R1T3:  Bořek moves behind Alandra, but doesn't advance farther.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T24:  A diadem forms on Feiya's brow before flashing, causing the muck to have a fit or seizure of some sort.

 R2T21:  Daji delays ...

 R2T19:  The muck quivers erratically, affected by Feiya's strange attack ,  but  then takes 4 lingering pain from Alandra's prior attack. The thing  quivers, but now seems to be a strange quiescent mass. Several seconds  again, Alandra's continuing damage hits it again and kills it, causing  it to lose all surface tension and falling apart in mud, muck, and  flowers.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
Alandra bounces up and down excitedly.  
“Well done! Well done!”

“Since we are here, take a look around and note if you find anything of significance.”  
lostsole31
It takes less than 2 minutes to toss the kitchen, and there is nothing found of note.
Blackhawk101
  “That looks like the extent of this floor except the freaky closet. Advanced Team: Feiya , Ranghen and companions. You lead us back East and then South into the entrance hallway. From there we head up/down the stairs.”
  Alandra smiles encouragement to the women and their companions.
lostsole31
The party reroutes as recommended, regrouping at the base of the stairs that lead upwards. The advance is carefully begun, with an eye to safe transit over the old, warped, wooden stairs.

Once Ranghen and Ziggy get to the top, they pass down what they see ... it is an upper hall. Two sets of stairs descend to the lower floor of the home. Two doors stand along the north, west, and south walls, while a single door stands partially open along the east wall.

How do you wish to proceed?
Blackhawk101
Alandra’s beautiful face scrunches up in concentration for a bit as she tries to suss the best direction to go.
  “To the …West I think.”  
lostsole31
Ranghen calls out,   "Looks like the west has a southern spur to the south with a door. Check that door first, or the west?"  
Blackhawk101
  “Yes, check the Southern door first,”   Alandra replies.
   “Do you need more light up there?”  
lostsole31
Feiya - who was carrying a light source, had already gone up, but Ranghen yells down,   "Couldn't hurt."  

It is assumed that the rest of the party begins moving upstairs. Ranghen and Ziggy check the door, and then open it, revealing some kind of lounge.
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods and smiles at the advanced team to proceed.
lostsole31
The leather of the room’s two large chairs seems mostly intact, but stuffing covers the ground beneath them and has been strewn about. Broken glass glitters on the floor, and a low table lays on its side, the drawers from a small cabinet on the ground beside it. A draft from a broken window stirs the moldy drapes, and a crooked painting of a sailing ship at sea bears a lengthy rip through the canvas.
Blackhawk101
  “Let’s do a check of the room.”   Alandra moves to examine the cabinet.
lostsole31
The party does a quick search of the room, which takes only about two minutes. From the cabinet, Alandra finds a fine crystal decanter, and Ziggy finds the decanter's stopper which rolled under one of the leather chairs.
Blackhawk101
Alandra gives the decanter to whichever party member(s) is holding the loot.
  “Alright! Advance team…back to the Hall and check the first door to the West!”
  She flips her hair over shoulder and points dramatically back into the hall, clearly enjoying herself.

   “Too much attitude?”  she whispers to the flamboyant swordsman Rodrigo as the group moves out.
lostsole31
  "No, no!"   says Rodrigo more flamboyantly.   "Gotta be relaxed, like  this...."   and he plops down on a leather chair like a  king in his  castle. When he does so, there is a long, slow, expelling squeak of air  as the air trapped between the leather upholstery and the cushion are  slowly pushed out. He jumps a little at the squeak, and everyone stops  cold as the long, awkward noise finally peters out.

Once the  noise is done, and it is obvious that the creepy squeaking was just old,  broken down furniture, Rodrigo slowly starts to laugh nervously,  embarrassed that he was spooked by so simple and mundane a reason, and  the other NPCs - mirroring the nervousness and building to a good laugh.

Does Alandra find herself laughing in what amounts to a form of stress relief?
Blackhawk101
Alandra’s high melodic laughter joins the others as they enjoy the chance to relax a little.   “Thanks for the advice!”   ​she giggles.
lostsole31
The team shares their first stress-bonding over the laughter, meaning  that the laughter is probably louder and longer than one would expect  more as a form of release than what caused the laughter, but as the  group's laughter begins to abate, one laughing voice seems to be  particularly sharp-edged and laughing longer and with more force than  everyone else and with a malignant overtone that gets everyone else's  laughter to stop .... for floating out of the chair and now above  Rodrigo is a ghostly, skeletal form accompanied by a fast-growing  mini-cyclone of loose debris from the room!

 Alandra , roll a Will save!
Blackhawk101
  “Gasp!”   Alandra is surprised at the haunts sudden appearance.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

 (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
 
lostsole31
A disturbing sight, to be sure, but not enough to make anyone in this group to go running for the hills.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T21:   Daji yips in alarm, but waits for a command.

 R1T14:    "A poltergeist!"   calls out Feiya.   "Spirit  undead- so positive energy or magic attacks only may hurt it. It is  bound to this house, so can't move more than 30 yards from the property.  Daji, carefully, outside!"  

She stares at the creature balefully, seemingly getting a reaction from the poltergeist.

 R1T13.5:  Daji scampers out of the room.

 R1T13:   Alandra , what do you do? Your bow (with  light ) is in hand.
Blackhawk101
Alandra is painfully unprepared in encounters with the undead. She withdraws NE and then N so that she is in the hallway just behind Borek.
  "I am not much use against the undead. I will try to aid you as much as I can."
   
 Spoiler: crunch 

FRA: Withdraw 5 ft. NE and then ten ft. North.
 
lostsole31
 R1T13:  Alandra is painfully unprepared in encounters with the undead. She  withdraws NE and then N so that she is in the hallway just behind Borek.   "I am not much use against the undead. I will try to aid you as much as I can."  
 R1T12:  A sound of a caustic hiss from inside and Ziggy scuttles outside and behind Alandra.   "I did thomething with my bweath, but vewy wittle,"   she half-heartedly boasts.

 R1T8:  Bořek drops his guisarme before stepping inside.   "I know not if you are sentient, but trust that I hope Iomedae gives my hands the power to send you to your final end."  
 R1T7:  There is a burst of light from the room.

 R1T5:   Rodrigo heads out into the hallway, following Alandra's light and then  getting behind Alandra (sharing square with Ziggy). He shrugs.   "Perhaps I should invest in holy water,  si ?"  
 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T14:  Feiya begins cackling wildly, which may just be more disturbing than the poltergeist. A faint flash of light.

 R2T13:   Alandra , what do you do?

Ziggy on deck, Bořek in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra moves to the doorway and stares fanatically at the young armored knight.
  "Get it Borek!"

   
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA= 5ft step South
SA= Use Fanatical Stare on Borek with only the good buffs: +1 to hit / +1 Damage and +2 Will svs.
 
lostsole31
 R2T13:  Alandra moves to the doorway and stares fanatically at the young armored knight.   "Get it, Borek!"  
 R2T12:   Ziggy runs back into the room, and takes advantage of the fact that the  poltergeist is flying. It breathes at it as it partially dodges and  takes   1 acid  .

 R2T8:   Bořek's hand is glowing when Alandra first sees him on her return. He  waves his hand through the poltergeist and the light on his hand flashes  as it does   5 PE  .

 R2T7:  Ranghen channels energy and does   8 PE  .

 R2T5:  Rodrigo delays ...

 R2T3:  The poltergeist seems partially insensate.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T14:  Feiya continues cackling and shoots a beam of blackness that warps through the poltergeist for  2    disruption  .

 R3T13:   Alandra , what do you do? If you just want to keep staring at the man until the battle is over, let me know.
Blackhawk101
Alandra keeps staring at Borek until the battle is over but she takes a battle stance and defensive posture.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Sw: Battle Mantra stance +1 AC
FAA: Full defense
 
lostsole31
 R3T13:  Alandra keeps staring at Bořek until the battle is over but she takes a battle stance and defensive posture.

 R3T12:  Ziggy spits at the poltergeist, doing   1 acid  . Ziggy then backs away out of the room.

 R3T8:   Bořek says a quick prayer under his breath, and reaches out. The  positive energy on his hand reaches out and destroys the poltergeist.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
Alandra thrusts her fist skyward in triumph.
  “Well done everyone! I knew that we would make a formidable team!”
”Keep alert still and let’s check the next door North in the hall. Advance Team, please take the lead.”  
lostsole31
The group gets into something of position (i.e., a mass of bodies in the hallway). Ranghen opens the door and then yells,   "Bugs!"  
 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T28:  Feiya glares into the room.

 R1T20:   Bořek drops his guisarme and moves into the room while readying his  shield. He moves in and takes the worst position possible ... on  purpose.

 R1T19:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
  “Attack!   yells Alandra. Amorphous shadow horrors swirl around her body before streaming towards one of the bugs.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Sw: manifest Lingering Touch 3 PP (2 rnds)
SA: attack Blue bug with Devastating Touch (RTA)
 (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 (1d6+3)[ 4 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T19:     “Attack!"    yells  Alandra. Amorphous shadow horrors swirl around her body before  streaming toward the only bug she sees, though those shadows disperse  against the far wall.

 R1T18:  Rodrigo rushes in while pulling out gun and sword to strike Red for  9 mod , as it seems the hard shell of the bug resists his blade.

 R1T19-13:  Red was clinging to the wall and hops down to bite at Rodrigo while Blue, on a desk, bites at Bořek.

 R1T11:  Ziggy moves in and spits at Red, which in turns moves enough to only take   4 acid  .   "Mama! They like the smockagoches downstairth, but theze is dead oneth. Smashy attacks!"  
 R1T10:  Ranghen darts in without provoking, and then lets loose with a burst of positive radiance that does   5 PE   to Red (resisting), but   12 PE   to Blue and   5 PE   to Green. Ranghen's white fur seems to have a faint lather on it from the exertion and she says,   "I  can't do any more of that today. But Ziggy's right... they're  exoskeleton cockroaches and crushing weapons work best as the hide turns  away blades."  
 R1T9:  Green hops off the wall and bites at Ranghen.

 R1T7:  Daji delays...

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T28:  Feiya seems to be concentrating on something for herself, doing some controlled breathing and even shutting her eyes.

 R2T20:   Bořek smashes Red and instead of dying like a normal cockroach, it  internally combusts and leaves no remains behind but a scorch mark on  the floor.

 R2T19:   Alandra , what do you do?

Rodrigo on deck, Blue in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  "****!"   snarls Alandra knowing her powers will not affect undead. She uses her Fanatical Stare on Borek. She shifts into a martial stance.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SA: use fanatical Stare on Borek
SwA: Martial Stance Battle Mantra (AC).
She will "pop" any Cult Trick Psychosomatic Surge if someone takes damage.
 
lostsole31
 R2T19:    "****!"   snarls Alandra knowing her  powers will not affect undead. She uses her Fanatical Stare on Bořek as she shifts into a martial stance.

 R2T18:   Rodrigo acrobatically moves south successfully, and the particular way  he does it seems to distract the enemy while heartening his allies. He  slashes blue with some type of special maneuver and dusts it.

 R2T11:  Ziggy spits at the last exo-roach for   4 acid  .

 R2T10:  Ranghen takes out her sickle and slashes the monster for  6 mod .

 R2T9:  The exo-roach attacks Ziggy, and seems to bite past the scales, but doesn't appear to do any actual damage.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T28:  Feiya moves just inside the doorway and points southwards, a line of black energy shooting forth, but missing.

 R3T20:   Inspired by Rodrigo's bold maneuver, Bořek smiles at him and then dusts  the last exoskeleton cockroach with his shield before stowing his  shield and picking up his guisarme again.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
  “Well done! Let’s check this room.”   Alandra takes a look around.
lostsole31
It takes a minute for a quick search, but nothing of interest in this room.
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles satisfactorily.   “Advanced Team head to the next door North and West once you are back in the landing.”  
lostsole31
The group does as mentioned. The door is checked and opened, revealing what is likely the master bedroom beyond.
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods to the forward group to proceed into the room.
lostsole31
A moldering mattress lies amid a bowed wooden frame, flanked on either side by ruined tables. A dresser in the northwest corner of the room has seen most of its drawers pulled out and discarded on the floor. Remnants of moldy and animal-gnawed clothes spill from them. A hole has been hacked into the floor, near a long, slender wooden case that is open and tipped over on the floor.

Appearing drenched and bloated, Roderic drains up from the floorboards into the room in eerie mockery of gravity, then speaks in a hollow voice:

     “The cove. The stone house in the wood. The gauntlet. Save them. My map. The key.”    
 
Blackhawk101
Alandra pleads with the ghost of Sir Roderick,   “We will help protect the town! What other help can you provide?”  
lostsole31
Sir Roderic's ghost seems nonplussed. With a slight change in inflection of increased frustration and anger, he repeats:
     
“The cove. The stone house in the wood. The gauntlet. Save them. My map. The key.”    
 
Blackhawk101
 
Alandra looks around at the others nervously.
  “Yes, we will!”   she assures he spirit with as much confidence as she can muster.
lostsole31
The ghost of Sir Roderic burbles and gags as water spills out of his mouth as he disappears.
Blackhawk101
Alandra shakes herself to clear the lingering uneasiness of the spirit’s visit.
  “The map we have of the stone house in the woods is obviously important to solving this mystery! Anyone know what the significance is of the other items he mentioned?”  
lostsole31
None of the NPCs know off the top of their heads.
Blackhawk101
    “All right then. We will figure it out later.”
  Alandra huffs, chagrined.
  “Let’s search this room before moving on.”  
  
lostsole31
It takes two minutes to search in here, with folk re-upping  light  as needed. This was once Roderic and Andella’s bedroom. Now, animals have torn out most of the bedding, leaving a scattered tangle of cloth remnants and soiled and shredded stuffing. Aside from the couples’ garments, little of interest can be found among the scavenged dresser. Most items of interest that resided within have long since been scooped up by those who took the dare to spend the night in Roderic’s Wreck.

The open wooden case discarded on the floor once contained a sword. The case is of masterwork quality, and a thin sheeting of lead lines its interior. Etched into a plaque in ornate lettering on the case’s side is the word “Baraket.” Two small but complex locks line the edge of the open case. A wad of adhesive gum holds a pair of keys tacked to the lid of the case. The case looks valuable (value unknown).

As the party discusses if they've ever heard the name "Baraket" before or not, Feiya casts a spell on herself, but it doesn't help. Nobody has ever heard that name before.

The keys are removed from the case and when closed, the case automatically locks. The keys are verified as being unable to unlock the case, and it is put into party treasury.
Blackhawk101
Alandra puts her hands on her shapely hips and addresses the group,   ​“We have more questions than answers but I say that we are definitely onto something!”
“Let’s go back to the landing and then explore the hallway to the North.”
”Advanced Team…move out!”   she commands with a giggle.
lostsole31
The hallway to the north ends in a window, but also has the northern set of stairs going down ... the one that downstairs had some creepy water noise coming from it.
Blackhawk101
  "Good to know where another possible exit is. Let's go back to the landing and check the next door to the NE."   ​Alandra decides after a few moments of thought.
lostsole31
The door is checked and opened, and the room is described for those that don't see in. The remains of a wicker cradle slumps against the wall between two cracked windows. A small wicker table in similar condition sits in the corner of the room.
Blackhawk101
The group will make a quick search of the room.
lostsole31
 Surprise Round ...

 As soon as the first two (+two) enter the room, there is the sound of a child whimpering and sobbing.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T25:   Ranghen reaches out and throws the overturned crib to the side,  revealing a small creature. It wears the tattered remains of a rabbit  costume, its canine skull protruding from the hood-like head of the  destroyed outfit. A necklace of lettered, wooden blocks hangs around its  neck, and the unsettling creature drags a wheeled wooden duck by a  soiled and knotted string.

Ranghen calls out,   "It's an attic whisperer, an undead child! Be careful, because its touch and attack can steal your breath or steal your voice!"  
 R1T24:  Feiya stays where she is and stares at the attic whisperer, and smiles.   "I ... have ... you...."   she says in her creepy dialect.   "Daji, away!"  
 R1T23:   Ziggy hops to the side and spits at the undead. It moves very quickly and only takes   2 acid  .

 R1T22:  Daji backs out all the way and looks around carefully.

 R1T16:   The attic whisperer steps to the southeast. It bites Feiya in the left  elbow with notable speed, like a serpent striking, doing  6 + fatigued , having taken some of the breath out of her. It then reaches up and touches her chest, but Feiya rallies and keeps her voice.

 R1T15:   Bořek bravely heads in past the rest, with the whisperer missing him  with its bite.  Despite attacking from a back line and the grating  tears, the armiger manages to strike the undead with his guisarme for  10 .

 R1T14:   Rodrigo rushes past everyone up to where the crib was and spins around  like lightning, drawing his sword in a brilliant twirl to slash  two-handed for  11 .

 R1T10:   Alandra , the sobs coming from the creepy undead are unsettling. What do you do?

Ranghen on deck, Feiya in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  “That is so gross! How do we kill it?”   asks a panicked Alandra. She will see if she can remember ever hearing of this kind of creature and then activate her Cult Trick Psychosomatic Surge on Feiya.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

FrA: assessment
Sa: activate Psychosomatic Surge Cult trick on Feiya.
 
lostsole31
 R1T10:    “That is so gross! How do we kill it?”   asks  a panicked Alandra, never having heard of such a creature before. She prepares in case Feiya gets hurt again.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T25:    "It's undead!"   answers Ranghen.   "I don't think it has special defenses, so same thing as any enemy, but as undead it hates positive energy."  

She takes out her sickle and slashes the undead for  5 mod .   "It's sobbing seems to be sapping a little bit of my attack strength."  
 R2T24:  Feiya begins to laugh hysterically before casting carefully to place a spell upon Ranghen.

 R2T23:  Ziggy carefully squirrels into the space of the attic whisperer and whips her tail at its leg but misses.

 R2T22:  Daji delays ...

 R2T16:   The attic whisperer bites Feiya in the foot and Alandra is ready and  energizes the trick that completely ablates the initial damage while  granting an additional  2 THP  and Feiya keeps her breath. It swings a little clawed hand at the witch but misses.

 R2T15:  Bořek calls out,   "You powers of the Godclaw hear me! Give unto me the means to give peace to this child."   With that request, there is the faintest glow on his polearm, though he misses with his attack.

 R2T14:   Rodrigo steps into the corner, draws an exotic knife, takes brief aim,  and throws it. The tanto hits the creature center mass for  12 mod   + entangled , as it staples the creature to the eastern wall.

 R2T10:   Alandra , what do you do?

Ranghen on deck, Feiya in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra adopts a Marshal stance and quickly nocks and fires an arrow at the horrible creature.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

FA: enter Battle Mantra stance +1 to hit
SA: Fire bow at creature , Risky strike, Psychic shot
  to hit  - (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  +1 Battle Mantra not included
  to dam  - (1d8+2)[ 5 ]  +1 psychic shot not included
 
lostsole31
 R2T10:  Alandra adopts a martial stance, knocks an  arrow, and fires it at the horrible creature, but misses wildly with all  of the interference.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T25:   Ranghen concentrates on a spell, and with a glowing hand reaches out to  touch the attic whisperer, which just barely resists to only take   4 PE  , the glow now gone from Ranghen's hand.

 R3T24:   Feiya continues to laugh at the unfortunate child undead. She points at  the thing and as a black beam shoots at it, the attic whisper touches  her shin. She gasps but continues her laugh as a black beam lances out  to just barely get the whisperer   12 disruption  !

 R3T23:  Ziggy spits at the whisperer and takes   3 acid  , and the string leading to the rolling duck gets destroyed.

 R3T16:  The attic whisperer bites Feiya in the knee with a speedy snap for  7 , removing the last of Alandra's protection. Worse, it steals more of her breath and now Feiya is  exhausted   and falls to the ground asleep, which in turn stops her laughter. It  then reaches out to touch Ranghen in the belly ... and she coughs as she  fights to keep her voice.

 R3T15:  Bořek picks up  Feiya, and then tries to get out of the room. As he does so, he gets  touched in the buttocks, though he doesn't show any signs of any kind of  struggle. Once outside, he drops her unceremoniously on the ground.

 R3T14:   Rodrigo continues his arc and stops at the door to screen Alandra, and  then quick draws his wakizashi that cuts across the attic whisperer's  small abdomen and spine. There is an internal burning - in much the same  was as for the exoskeleton cockroaches - and the entire attic whisper  combusts to ash from the inside out before dropping to the ground as a  scorch mark.

As soon as that happens, Feiya gasps awake  dramatically in the hallway as it seems that her supernatural link was  tied to the attic whisperer in some way.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
  “Thank goodness! Is everyone alright?”   exclaims Alandra.
She moves around checking on each party member. She doesn’t have medical training so she only tries to comfort the injured by assuring them that they   “Will be okay”   without any actual assistance.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Mesmerist Rider:
 
 Psychosomatic Surge Cult Trick is in place on all party members except Borek and Freida. Trigger=taking damage. 1d8+1 THP. Duration 1 hr. 
 False Healing : Active on all party members . 11THP. Duration =3 hrs. 
 
 
lostsole31
Courtesy of Alandra's preemptive measures, nobody is actually wounded, though Feiya's fortifications have been expended. Other than that, Brennan is weakened from poison, and Feiya is exhausted, sapping her strength and agility.
Blackhawk101
  “Poor Freiya is exhausted. Let’s rest here for a bit until she is better able to protect herself .”  says Alandra with a bit of Motherly concern.
  “Lunch break!”
  Alandra will munch on a carrot and offer one to the dragon and anyone else who wants one.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

 Mesmerist Rider: 
 
 Psychosomatic Surge Cult Trick is in place on all party members except Borek and Freida. Trigger=taking damage. 1d8+1 THP. Duration 1 hr. 
 False Healing : Active on all party members except Freiya. 11THP. Duration =3 hr 
 
 
lostsole31
Ziggy will definitely take carrots.

How long does Alandra take for a break?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will rest until Freiya feels better. About an hour.
lostsole31
After an hour, Feiya is no longer exhausted, but is fatigued, but willing to continue since there can't be much more of this house left to explore.
Blackhawk101
 “ We will check the room where we defeated the attic whisperer and then check the next door to the East.” 
 Alandra smiles at her group.  
 ”Freiya, hang back from the door check since you don’t have any protection.”  
lostsole31
It takes only a minute to search the room clear ... nothing of interest in there.

The next door to the east is checked and opened, revealing a set of bunk beds that have fallen apart and crumpled against the south wall of this room. A wooden chest of toys is turned on its side, spilling moldy stuffed animals, wooden blocks, and neglected toys across the floor.
Blackhawk101
  
“Take a few moments to check this child’s room. Stay on your guard.”   cautions Alandra as she daintily shoves debris aside with her foot.
lostsole31
No sooner does Ranghen and Ziggy move into the room than an exoskeleton  giant cockroach crawls out from within the ruins of each bunk bed!

 R1T26:  With the speed of youth, Ziggy zooms in and around from the north, and spits due south to wet both wacky waterbugs. Red takes   4 acid  , but Blue - protected by the bedding - only takes   1 acid  .   "Dead buggiethz!"   she shouts in alarm.

 R1T24:  Ranghen steps up to help her foster daughter with her sickle, cracking the shell and doing  4 mod .

 R1T22:   Rodrigo gets into a different combat stance than Alandra has yet seen.  He steps right up to Blue and tosses his tanto (the funny dagger he  carries) in a stylized way that does  10 mod .

 R1T17:  Feiya commands Daji to stay and then moves into the room. She shoots a black beam at Blue that misses.

 R1T16:  Bořek drops his guisarm and moves in while drawing his flail, and then splatter-combusts Blue.

 R1T8:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
Not to play favorites, Alandra gives her fanatical stare to Feiya. Alandra adopts a defensive marshal stance.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SA:Fanatical stare
SwA: Battle Mantra +1 AC
 
lostsole31
 R1T8:  Not to play favorites, Alandra gives her fanatical stare to Feiya. Alandra adopts a defensive  marshal  martial stance.

 R1T5:  The exo-roach bites Ziggy for  1 mod , though doesn't look like it.

 R1T3:  Daji delays ...

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ..

R2T26:   Ziggy gives just the cutest little growl at the exo-roach's mindless  temerity and closes, the exo-roach unable to bite past her scales. She  snaps with a bite, and then with a little claw completely opens up the  undead until it combusts and turns to ash.
 
Combat Ends! 

The room is searched for a minute or so, and nothing of interest is here.
Blackhawk101
  “Good work everyone especially Ziggy!”   Gushes Alandra enthusiastically.
  “Let’s move on to the next room to the South.”

   
 Spoiler: crunch 

 Mesmerist Rider: 
 
 Psychosomatic Surge Cult Trick is in place on all party members except Borek and Freida. Trigger=taking damage. 1d8+1 THP. Duration 1 hr. 
 False Healing : Active on all party members except Freiya. 11THP. Duration =3 hr 
 
 
lostsole31
The door is checked and opened. Off-color rectangles on the moldering walls show that there were once many frames hanging on the walls of this room. A selection of pens and brushes, as well as a silver-capped ink jar, lie on the floor amid the remains of a desk.
Blackhawk101
  ​“Spread out and look for clues!”  
lostsole31
In addition to being a courageous man who led others to a new settlement, and a privateer who patrolled the Varisian Gulf to keep it free from pirates, Roderic was also an accomplished cartographer. He created numerous maps of the gulf and the rivers he explored that fed into it.

There is reputed to be something called “Roderic’s map,” but that's not here. Alandra happens to know off-hand that Roderic's map - a map of the cove and its surrounding areas - now resides in city hall in the town's archives.

Sir Roderic's ghost manifests again, the power of the manifestation is felt enough for Feiya and Brennan to come down to see as well. He says the following in a tired, labored voice:

      “My map. They took my map. It holds the key. To the vault. Baraket will control them. It will control you! I should have taken the gauntlets, but I fled. I was a coward. You must be brave. You must endure where I did not. The vault. It lies still in the vault. You must save my Cove. Save. My. Cove.”
      
Blackhawk101
  “I think I know the map of which he speaks. There is a map of the area drawn by Sir Roderick located in the town archives! Gang, we need to do a little breaking and entering!”    Alandra’s eyes glow with barely concealed excitement.
lostsole31
    "You are the heroes of my beloved Cove now,"     he says before disapparating.
Blackhawk101
  “Let’s check out the last room on this level and then call it a day. We can decide after discussing our findings with Audrahani to explore the stone cabin in the woods or to secure the map first!”  
lostsole31
The last door is checked and opened. Sagging shelves, one of which has partially pulled free from the wall, line the walls of this room, set with spools of thread, boxes of needles, moldy scraps of cloth, bolts of decaying fabric, and various types of shears. A round box of soiled yarn rests on a worktable along the north wall, and a dress form lays propped in the corner.
Blackhawk101
  “Take a look around but be on your guard.”
   
 Spoiler: crunch 

 Mesmerist Rider: 
 
 Psychosomatic Surge Cult Trick is in place on all party members except Borek and Feiya. Trigger=taking damage. 1d8+1 THP. Duration 1 hr. 
 False Healing : Active on all party members except Feiya. 11THP. Duration =3 
 
 
lostsole31
With the walking wounded staying outside, the four of you begin a search of the room.

  "Did you hear that?"   asks Ranghen.

  "Momma, why ith thtuff in the room shaking?"   asks Ziggy.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T24:    "Haunt incoming. Back out if you can't fight it!"   says Ranghen, casting a spell on her hand, causing it to emit a warm golden glow.

 R1T23:   Alandra , what do you do? You didn't notice anything, and there's nothing immediately targetable.
Blackhawk101
Alandra will back out of the room all the while staring at Ranghen. She takes a martial stance.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

FrA:Battle Mantra +1 AC
SA: Fanatical stare at Ranghen
MA: move to hallway 5’ West and 10’ North or until she has a clear space to stand.

 Mesmerist Rider: 
 
 Psychosomatic Surge Cult Trick is in place on all party members except Borek and Feiya. Trigger=taking damage. 1d8+1 THP. Duration 1 hr. 
 
 
lostsole31
 R1T23:  Alandra takes a martial stance and backs out of the room, all the while staring at Ranghen.

 R1T22:  Daji yips in alarm when Alandra moves quickly up the hallway.

 R1T19:  Rodrigo shrugs and backs out.

 R1T17:   The items in the room come to life and chaotically fly through the air,  slashing at and tangling everyone in the area ... which includes out  into the hallway! Flurries of needles fly about like straw caught in a  dust devil, while scissors and shears flap dangerously through the area.  Strips of cloth wrap around people’s heads, and spools of thread and  yarn spread like ever-shifting webs. Creatures in the room and area out  to the limits of the hallway to the north get sliced and poked, some of  which gets overborne by Alandra's psychosomatic surge: Ziggy takes  5 mod +  3 THP  ; Feiya takes  7 ; Rodrigo takes  6 +  2 THP  ; Bořek and Daji take  5 , and gain   3   and   5 THP   (respectively); Ranghen takes  4 + entangled +  3 THP  ; Alandra takes  3 +  8 THP  .

Ranghen was entangled as cloth, threads, and unraveling balls of yarn swirl around her.

 R1T16:   Bořek takes out a glass vial and throws it against the wall next to  him. The blessed powers of the holy water splashes outward to flash  against some of the bits and bobs to do   6 PE  . He backs up a few feet.

 R1T13:    "Daji, clear out!"    says Feiya. She reaches her hand to the side where some things swirl  around and lets loose with a black beam that disintegrates multiple  pieces and impacts the haunt for   10 disruption  .

 R1T12:   Ziggy turns and spits at a sewing machine and whatever is flying in the  way. Some of the things float out of way, but Ziggy still does   4 acid  .

 R1T11:  Daji comes out of delay to do as told, getting away out of the area.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R24T24:   Ranghen touches the things entangling her and her power discharges with  a bright flash and everything drops out of the air ... the haunt  destroyed. For good or only for now, none can tell.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
Alandra untangles herself and carefully fixes her hair.
  “Everyone alright?  Check yourselves and then the room.”

  ​Alandra will check the room for anything of interest.
lostsole31
In the round box containing the moldering yarn is a concealed space; inside are five bars of gold, each worth 200 gp.
Blackhawk101
Alandra bounces up and down excited.  “Yes! Now we have enough to outfit the group for our upcoming expedition: The Hero of Roderick’s Cove Journey to the Stone Cabin! …eh…It’s working title.”   she shrugs

  “Let’s head back to town and try to sell what we acquired.”
”Not the sword case though. I think we might need that.”  
lostsole31
Ranghen says,   "I don't know if that haunt will be back ... or whatever was creating the water-sound in the closet below. We should be sure to let folks know that this wreck is still haunted and dangerous."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods in agreement.
lostsole31
Where to now?
Blackhawk101
The brave heroes of Roderick’s cove return to the inn to enjoy a repast and recovery. Alandra will sweet talk a local urchin into asking Audrahani to join us at the inn for dinner.
lostsole31
As an aside, on the road back to the inn, Ranghen casts a spell to heal Feiya's wounds. Feiya regains the rest of her breath after an hour. Meanwhile, Feiya uses a liniment to help Bořek recover more quickly.

Does this end the night for you?
Blackhawk101
If Audrahani doesn’t join us, then yes.
lostsole31
Audrahni DOES find and join you...
Blackhawk101
Alandra’s eyes glow with excitement at the arrival of the elven graveyard sexton.
  “We have much to discuss! …but not here.”   she waves a hand at the inn common room.

  ”We can get a room or do you have another suggestion?”  
lostsole31
Audrahni will pay for the group to room together. The boys will be in one room; Alandra and Feiya in another; Ranghen and Ziggy in their own room.

In the meantime, she says,   "Come by the graveyard tomorrow so we can talk freely and where there are no earwigs in the walls."  
Blackhawk101
  “You bet we will! First thing!”   Alandra agrees.
lostsole31
    Starday, 8 Rova 4718 AR (New Moon)  
Weather: 70 / 55 F. Moderate rain (3/4").   

The next day, will there be any kind of changes to Alandra's daily setup?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will perform her typical daily morning routine: Bath and/or Prestidigitation, brush hair, don jewelry , apply perfume. Once she is presentable, she will join the others and do her weird, mind meld implantation of the Psychosomatic Surge cult trick to: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji and herself.
After breakfast, the group will make their way to the cemetery.
lostsole31
And ... at the cemetery, Audrahni greets you and makes you all tea...
Blackhawk101
Alandra sips her tea and smiles at their hostess.
  “Thank you so much for the rooms at the inn and the tea! It’s lovely!”
  Why everyone makes such a big deal over dirty water, Alandra will never understand.

  “We had a very productive day yesterday at Sir Roderick’s home. We met his specter and found some clues that might help us!”
  
Alandra rises from the table and takes on what she hopes is an undead pose. Then, with her best Sir Roderick’s ghost voice, she recounts their encounter  :
    “and the ghost of Sir Roderick said    :      “The cove. The stone house in the wood. The gauntlet. Save them. My map. The key.”
     ”…and then he said in a different room!:     “My map. They took my map. It holds the key. To the vault. Baraket will control them. It will control you! I should have taken the gauntlets, but I fled. I was a coward. You must be brave. You must endure where I did not. The vault. It lies still in the vault. You must save my Cove. Save. My. Cove”

   Alandra regains her normal pose and sits.   “We found a map to a “stone house” in the Churlwood and a sword case marked Baraket in the house. I think the map may be found in the town’s archives.”
  
Alandra smiles at the elf sexton and asks   “What do you think?”  
lostsole31
Auhdrani somberly repeats what Feiya had mentioned before, but this time verifying that belief and from someone who lives in the town ... that Roderic was a skilled cartographer and charted the region on several maps that reside in Cove Hall, adding,   "That should obviously be your next place to go ... to seek an audience with the Lord-Mayor and ask permission to view Roderic's maps."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra eyes Audrahani skeptically.   “The Lord-Mayor interviews who can visit the town archives? Sounds like a low level bureaucrat job to me!”

  Alandra considers the forthright approach briefly before agreeing. Who knows, it might work. There is always plan B…

She addresses the hostess again,   “What can you tell us about Baraket?”  
lostsole31
She shakes her head and says ruefully,   "I don't know what that is."  
Blackhawk101
  “Is there a library or historian in the area who might know of this sword? It seems important.”   Alandra considers things as they stand for a few moments.

  “Regardless, we need a place to sell the gold and silver items we have collected. Anyone know?”  
lostsole31
Audrani answers,   "I mention going to Cove Hall to seek an audience with the Lord-Mayor Lorenza Thort, because she would probably be appreciative of being told of what happened at Roderic's Wreck and the appearance of his ghost. She also might give insight into the goings-on in town.

"As far as knowing about the sword, you could kill two birds with one stone. Remember that the trouble brewing was when the Horned Fangs and the Order of Resplendence got into a row a few weeks ago? Well, the Horned Fangs are thugs. But the Order is based in Peacock Manor, just north of town, and they're a group of scholars who share an interest in Varisian history. Perhaps they might know about the sword."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles at the elf and is genuinely excited with the information.
  “Great! This seems like the logical order: 1) we sell our finds and outfit ourselves, 2) see the Lord Mayor, and 3) visit the Order of Resplendence!”


  
lostsole31
Does the entire mob of you do all the things one at a time, or do you have the party split up to run down tasks?
Blackhawk101
Alandra wants to keep the group together for now.
lostsole31
Overall, after sales and exchange fees, the party gets 1,067 gp.

Bořivoj recommends seven shares, not six .... one share for each person, and then another share as a "party share" for shared party expenses, since it seems that this group might be working together for a little bit. Does that work for Alandra?
Blackhawk101
Alandra give the burly night an affectionate pat on the cheek if he is sans helm or will blow him a kiss if he is helmed.   “Excellent suggestion but who are you including in your count?”

“Does anyone want to do some shopping?!”
  Alandra is looking for one replacement durable arrow. Ghost touch arrows if available or vials of holy water. Also flasks of alchemist fire if available.
lostsole31
  "The dragonling has proven as capable as any of the rest of us,"   says Bořivoj,   "but the fox is an extension of its owner.  You, me, Feiya (but not Daji), Rodrigo, Ranghen and Ziggy each individually (even if that means Ranghen gets to decide what to do with Ziggy's share)."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods to  Bořivoj.
   “Indeed! Ziggy has proven to be a most brave and courageous ally! My only concern is that Ziggy has no need of equipment so our available funds to purchase gear are lessened.”

  Alandra thinks for a minute before a smile returns to her face.
  “What does everyone think of having the “party” share belong to Ziggy. Any permanent items purchased for party use, will be on loan from Ziggy. Any non-physical purchases (for services and the like) that the party makes, we will pool from our own personal resources? How does that sound?”  
lostsole31
Ranghen shakes her head.   "You don't get to judge who gets how much of a share or why; if she gives it all to charity, that is her right. No, one share for each person, and one share for the group for future combined purchases."  
Blackhawk101
  “I understand your position. The decision is not mine to make, but the group as a whole. I was merely making a suggestion as to a distribution of resources that seemed to me to be the most advantageous for the party. I mean no insult to Ziggy.”
“What say the rest of you?”  
lostsole31
The rest of the group is fine with Brennan's idea about seven shares - one for each primary (yes Ziggy, no Daji) - and a party share.
Blackhawk101
Clearly not happy with not one of the group siding with her but she agrees to the seven way split.

  “Does anyone want to do some shopping?!”
  Alandra is looking for one replacement durable arrow. Ghost touch arrows if available or vials of holy water. Also flasks of alchemist fire if available.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

I, the player, have no issue with giving a share to Ziggy. But from Alandra’s history, I judged this to be how she would respond.
 
lostsole31
The base share value is 152 gp, with the fraction going to the party share.

Assuming Alandra lets the group know what she's looking to purchase, Bořek (the resident local) will take them to Cove Armory. Distrusted by some in Roderic’s Cove,  Lyndwyn Suvasa  (female human) runs a small shop that provides weapons and armor to those in need. She gets many of her wares by special order from Riddleport, prompting some people in town to think that she has shady connections to that city. Lyndwyn doesn’t pay the town’s attitude much mind, and is very open with newcomers, warning them of the gossiping nature of Roderic’s Cove.

Alandra can get her single durable arrow for 1 gold here (purchased).

Before the party leaves, Lyndwyn admits that she gets her best pieces from a traveling dwarven weaponsmith who visits at least once a month to sell her new pieces and to spend some quality time with her. She calls over a friend of hers, and doing so two dwarves came forward.

The two dwarves look harried and worried. One is introduced as  Galdsbredtha Morgmon  (female dwarf), a skilled weaponsmith who always accompanies her shipments, partially out of honor, but mostly because she enjoys the company of Lyndwyn when she visits every few weeks. The other is her personal valet,  Fordren Kulsoth  (male dwarf). Galdsbredtha tells her story.

A few days ago, four dwarves from the Iron Peaks headed west to Roderic’s Cove to deliver a shipment of armor and weapons to Lyndwyn Suvasa. Their path took them west from the mountains, crossing the Lampblack River at Ravenmoor before skirting the Churlwood to the southern banks of the Chavali River. While they’d had problems a few times before with the bandits known as the Roadkeepers, the dwarves viewed this as merely a form of “road tax” and, as before, simply paid the relatively small fine the bandits demanded. Never before had they had problems with goblins.

Normally strong of nerve, the pair ended up having to abandon their wagon, walking through the night and most of the next day to Roderic’s Cove, after a group of particularly ferocious goblins attacked the camp and made off with their driver and his wife, carrying them off into the woods.

The two are very worried about the abducted dwarves. They approached the town militia for help, and Larenza Thort recognized the description of the goblins (who all wore distinctive lip piercings) as members of the Bramblemouth tribe—a group that has caused minor problems before but has never done anything as brazen as a roadside abduction. Thort sent a group of guards into the Churlwood with orders to confront the goblins, but that was 2 days ago, and the guards have yet to return. With Thort hesitant to send more guards into the woods, the two dwarves grow ever more concerned. They’ve sent a message home asking for help, but know it will be over a week before reinforcements arrive. Increasingly desperate, the pair of dwarves have been trying to enlist the help of anyone who will hear their pleas. A person they met named Kolton has heard their call and promised that he’ll keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

Bořek immediately offers to help, and Rodrigo agrees to help him.

Alandra?
Blackhawk101
Alandra attempts to comfort the worried dwarves.
  “We will be happy to help to try and locate and rescue your friends! We are heroes, after all!   she announces with a grand flourish of a raised fist.
lostsole31
Which is enough for Ranghen and Ziggy to get excited about that.

Feiya is more circumspect.   "We should talk with this Kolton first, shouldn't we?"  
Blackhawk101
  “Who is this Kolton and how would the have information on Goblin activities?”  Alandra asks the gathering.
lostsole31
  "Even smaller towns have their unfortunates, transients, and vagabonds,"   laments Bořek.   "Kolton is one such person. He's surprisingly charming, but a destitute wanderer all the same. It makes sense that in getting away from populated areas of town, he would find himself seeing those doing things away from more settled eyes."  
Blackhawk101
  “He sounds like a good person to visit for information. Let’s stop and see him on our way out to where the caravan was ambushed.”

  Alandra turns to the two Dwarves,   “Try not to worry. We WILL bring your people back to you!”


  To the party she says,   “All in agreement?”   
lostsole31
The party agrees and heads outside. It actually takes only 1-1/2 hours of asking around before the party finds Kolton, mainly because Kolton was seeking the heroes as well.

  "H-hey, guys,"   says Kolton nervously with a high voice.   "I-I hear you have been trying to keep the town safe. So, some dwarves got captured by goblins ... I don't know if you've been to the armory or not, but the survivors of the attack are there. Yeah, I know how easy it can be to get lost in this region. I know better than most that monsters lurk in the Churlwood and prey upon those who travail the Chavali River. Hey, you in town a few weeks ago when there was that big fight and all? Anyway, you gonna help the dwarves?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles at the vagrant tolerantly.  “You must be Kolton! We have met the dwarves and agreed to help them recover their abducted comrades!””Dear, Could you lead us to the location where the wagon was attacked since you know that area well?”  
lostsole31
Kolton blanches.   "Not for love or money will I go back there, but I can tell you where it is,"   and he tells you how to get there.
Blackhawk101
   “Well thank you for your help citizen!”   Alandra exclaims.

She suggests to the group that we might get some rations, water and camping supplies just in case we get stuck out in the woods overnight.
lostsole31
Bořek then leads the party to Conrel's General Store, and she gives her own bit of gossip. Since its original owner (a robustly rotund man named Conrel) passed away,  Varna Rigsten  (female human) has been running the town’s expansive general store. In addition to typical sundries, Varna also supplies animal feed. Recently, she’s become concerned with reports from her teamsters that goblins in the nearby Churlwood have been growing bolder and have been spotted at the edge of the woods, hurling taunts, insults, and the occasional bit of rotten food.

 Alandra , what and how much of what do you wish to purchase?
Blackhawk101
Alandra recites her shopping list:   “Trail rations 5 days, lantern and oil flask, flint and steel, warm weather-proof cloak or poncho, and bed roll.”  
  “How does that sound? I am not really much for outdoor activities but I am all in for the cause!”  
lostsole31
The shopkeep asks some amplifying information ...   "What type of lantern? Basic hooded? Also, I see you have a cloak, do you want a traveling outfit rather than just a peasant dress?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra puts a finger to her perfect lips thoughtfully before replying.
  “A traveling outfit sounds perfect! Do you have anything in red!”

  She makes a dismissive gesture with her hand and laughs.
  “I can use magic if I need light! How silly of me. I won’t need a lantern.”
”Just the other items please.”  
lostsole31
  "If'n you ain't gettin' a lantern, do you still want a flask of oil?"   asks Varna.
Blackhawk101
Alandra shrugs.   “Sure. Could come in handy!”  
lostsole31
Alandra purchases the following for 47 silver:
5 days trail rations (25 sp)
1 flask oil (1 sp)
flint &amp; steel (10 sp)
traveler's outfit (10 sp)
bedroll (1 sp)

There are no "fitting rooms" so she can't change over right now in her clothing.

Feiya, in her creepy way, asks,   "Do you have what you need to carry fresh water?"  
Blackhawk101
  “Oh! Feiya, you startled me! Try not to sneak up on me dear.”
  The beautiful woman pats the canteen on her belt in answer to the witch’s questions.
  “All set!”  
lostsole31
Feiya herself had purchased some food and a bedroll, but nobody else purchased anything.

Where to now?
Blackhawk101
  “If everyone is agreed, let’s make haste East along the Churlwood road to find the site where the caravan was attacked. From there, maybe we can track the missing dwarves and their Goblin captors!”


  
lostsole31
Roderic’s Cove sits on the northern bank of the Chavali River, and the Churlwood borders the river’s southern bank. The Chavali averages a thousand feet wide in this area, so swimming across is not the best option. The PCs can charter a boat to ferry them across the river to the Churlwood at a cost of 2 gp for a one-way trip, or they could walk about a mile up the Chavali River to a spot where a bridge has been started and a Cove resident ferries people across for just a few coppers.

Which way do you suggest?
Blackhawk101
As time is of the essence, Alandra suggests spending the gold for the more expedient boat ride. She does try to sweet talk the captain for a reduced fare due to the dwarfatarian nature of their mission.
lostsole31
Alandra finds that no matter how golden a tongue, this is not a land of hagglers, and the party is charged 16 gold ... which can come out of party treasure. The boat is chartered and they are dropped off on the other side. Now what?
Blackhawk101
Well you can’t blame a girl for trying.
Alandra will gather the group and head East on the road with Borek in the lead.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

For my benefit:*  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self
 
lostsole31
It's a 2-1/2-hour walk east along the south bank of the Chavali River before the group gets to the south side of Hallen's Ferry. Here the Chavali River grows shallow for a short stretch, twin rows of mismatched wooden pilings protrude from the water. This was originally intended to be the site of a bridge that would cross the river and continue the road south along the edge of the Churlwood, but plans for its construction fell apart after the pilings were driven into the river. Yet the Covers are tenacious, and rather than abandon this handy link to the south side of the river, a resident of the cove took it upon herself to set up a ferry service that uses a barge attached to a set of ropes hung between the pilings.

There is a footpath that heads south away from the river, and farther into the Churlwood.

What now?
Blackhawk101
Alandra takes out the “stone house in the woods” map and shows it to the group.
  “Can anyone tell if this path might lead to the stone house from this map?”
  Alandra muses, “  I don’t think the dwarves used the foot path so the ferry it is!”

  
lostsole31
  "Hand me the map,"   says Feiya.
Blackhawk101
Alandra hands Feiya the map.
lostsole31
Feiya and Ranghen look at the map and discuss amongst themselves, before they mention that they will share point together with their smaller friends. Making their way through the footpaths and trails through the Churlwood, the PCs find themselves following a network of trails that aren’t quite roads. Heading straight south from the ferry, as Roderic’s map suggests, they stumble into a large clearing within which a single dead oak tree looms.

The borders of this clearing are unusual in that they are well-tended,clear of brush, and strewn with gravel to form a circular road of sorts. A single dead oak tree looms at the center of the clearing, and something silver sparkles from one of the lower branches—what appears to be an amulet hangs there. The mutilated bodies of three recently slain people wearing the armor of the town watch from Roderic’s Cove lie near the tree’s roots.

The party talks amongst themselves - especially Feiya, Ranghen, and Ziggy - about the possible ramifications of what they see. Feiya finally speaks,   "If these bodies remain unburied and out of a sight of a road - these are just trails and footpaths, not roads, mind you - there is a danger they could reawaken. The Varisians call these fell wanderers  pârâie slabă  - trailgaunts."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra eyes the scene warily; not sure why but sensing danger of some kind.
  “The poor people deserve to be laid to rest but I don’t think the danger has passed. I will give everyone some protection from harm before we approach.”
  Alandra gives each party member a moment of looking deeply into their eyes while touching their temple.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

she gives each false Healing. 1d8+5 3 hrs.
 * Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger: if damage is taken.1d8+1
 
 
 
The party apraoches with the women in the lead.  
lostsole31
The ground rips open as the party crosses the rounded trail. A filthy,  pallid figure lurches forward as if it were not entirely in control of  its twitching limbs.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T20:    "I don't know what that is, but it don't look friendly!"    exclaims Rodrigo as he closes while taking out his pistol and taking up  a fighting stance. He speed draws his katana and it slashes across the  strange woman's upper arm for  9 .

 R1T15:  Feiya steps south to screen her fox from harm and casts  mage armor  on herself.   "Yes,  it is a trailgaunt, indeed. Undead, and all that means for those who  know. It has a terrifying mutter that weakens the heart and melts  resolve."  
 R1T14:  The trailgaunt  begins muttering and steps to the west of Rodrigo. It bites at Rodrigo,  but he does a dance step to move away. Yet, despite its brief step  already it seems to step after him and swings dirty fingernails his way,  but he parries each with his sword.

 R1T13:   Ranghen's resolve starts to wither, before she looks back at the armored  warrior that accompanies them, and she regains her composure. She  charges it while taking out her sickle and slashes its back for  7 .

 R1T11:  Ziggy races to the northern treeline before facing south and spitting at the trailgaunt, hitting it for   7 acid  .

 R1T10:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
Swiftly taking a martial stance, Alandra readies her bow and fires an arrow at the undead.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SwA: Martial Stance: Battle Mantra -attack +1
MA: Ready Bow
SA: knock and fire at the trailguant with risky strike and psionic shot
  to hit  - (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  Does not include +1 for Battle Mantra
  to dam  - (1d8+3)[ 9 ]  includes +1 for Psionic Shot

Mesmerist Rider:
 *she gave Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Dali, Borek, and self false Healing. 1d8+5 3 hrs. 
  * Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger: if damage is taken.1d8+1
  
 
lostsole31
 R1T10:  Swiftly taking a martial stance, Alandra readies  her bow and fires an arrow at the undead, hitting it in the upper left  leg for  4 mod .

 R1T3:  Bořek moves to the NE of the undead, but his polearms doesn't get past its dead-hardened skin.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T20:   Rodrigo chops the knees out from under the trailgaunt, and it  spontaneously combusts in the same manner as the exoskeleton roaches did  at Roderic's Cove, turning to ash and falling apart as its body hits  the ground.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
Perplexed, Alandra slings her bow over her shoulder.
  "That foe did not seem strong enough to defeat the three town watch. Let's examine the bodies to see if we can determine how they died." 
 Alandra moves forward to see what she can see of the watch corpses.
lostsole31
Feiya says, "I noticed that your arrow had a little trouble penetrating, but not so Ranghen's sickle or Rodrigo's sword. Look at the guards. They had short swords, and likely are not as accurate or strong as you with your bow. They probably could not do enough damage against its hide - a hide that seemed to resist the thrusting weapons of the guard and your bow, Alandra - but not cutting weapons."

Each of the three guards still wear their chain shirts, carried a short sword, a light steel shield, and a bow and quiver with 10 arrows each remaining, along with a pouch with 5 gold for each guard.

Bořek says,   "We will loot neither coin nor gear, but return them home for burial and for their families who no doubt are each at a loss without their sons, daughters, brothers, and wives. We need to let the Lord-Mayor know as well."  

The silver amulet hanging from the branch is covered in angular geometric shapes that refract light randomly, and with ethnic Varisian motifs and appears to be a Desnan holy symbol. Feiya and Ranghen both seek to detect magic on everything, and the amulet detects as magic with a faint aura of abjuration. Feiya and Ziggy determine that it is a  mind sentinel medallion , an item which protects against domination and confusion.
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods to Borek,  “We can notify the town when we return. We must make haste to find the captured dwarves.”  

She address the group,   “Can we tend to these bodies so that the risk of them becoming undead is mitigated?”  
lostsole31
  "Yes,"   Bořek says,   "as stated ... we return them to town for proper burial."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra scowls at the young knight,  “We have neither the time nor the manpower to transport three corpses. We must focus our efforts on saving the living.”

”We will see to their recovery as soon as we return to town…after looking for the captured dwarves.”  
lostsole31
Though Bořek and Rodrigo both seem uncomfortable with leaving the bodies, they acquiesce to Alandra's argument.

The party continues south to the treeline, and then it opens into grasslands and a hill to the south.

So, tell me again what you are looking to find? Not based on end desires, but based on what is shown on the map.
Blackhawk101
Alandra gathers the group together to reassess their goal.
  “I think we have to return to the main road and take the Ferry across the river and continue East along the road. Our priority is to locate the missing dwarves and I don’t think they were traveling this path in the woods.”
”From the description provided by      Galdsbredtha Morgmon, they walked a night and a half a day to get to Roderick’s Cove keeping to the Southern shore of the river and skirting the woods. Considering the slower pace of dwarfs, we should find the scene of the attack today or early tomorrow.”
     Alandra thinks a bit before speaking,  “ Unless the guards were tracking something into the woods.”
”Does anyone have the tracking skill?”
”Are there any signs of goblins?”  
  
lostsole31
Ranghen says,   "My specialty is tracking man or tracking underground, but I'm still good all around. I might need an hour to tell if I can find goblin signs around here."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods to Ranghen,   “I think that is worthwhile. Please do so.”  
lostsole31
  "Yes,"   Feiya quips,   " 'goblins' aren't on the map, so I guess looking for physical evidence of goblins is the best we can do."  

After an hour of Ranghen looking around with Ziggy's help, they find scant evidence ... scant, but present ... that are smaller humanoids moving about, despite an effort of hiding their tracks as they go. The direction of the tracks is southwest, following the treeline. The party follows the trackers. After a little over a mile, their appears to be a cave opening on the western slopes of a low ridge in the Churlwood. Lush and prickly blackberry vines creep across every surface and obscure the dark mouth of the cave if viewed from a long distance, but the stale smell of goblin sweat and the sight of smoke drifting up from the cave entrance makes locating the opening easily enough. Finally, you are there.

Thick blackberry vines grow from the ground here and sneak up the walls of a ridge. Among the thorny vines, curls of smoke waft up from a cave entrance.

  "We will need what lights you may offer, much as before at Roderic's Wreck,"   says Bořek.
Blackhawk101
  "Asking to see a map doesn't mean go traipsing off into the woods. Let's try to communicate better!"   Alandra snarls at Feiya.   "Nonetheless, we have found our quarry."

"A fast, hard strike to locate and extract the prisoners seems best.     Bořek and Feiya take the lead. I will be right behind you. The others behind me with Rodrigo rear guard, but leave a gap behind me. I can create an aura of fear that should keep the goblins from overwhelming us with superior numbers. Everyone ready?"
  Alandra will cast a spell and light will emanate from her bow. Once everyone is ready, they will move towards the cave quickly.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Mesmerist Rider= Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage.
 
 
lostsole31
Ranghen says,   "That's a bad plan, Alandra. My specialty is underground. We have to assume for goblins that it is limited passage width like the Wreck was. I recommend how you started, but swapping out myself and Feiya. The only thing I ask - since I am your spelunking expert, is either a torch in my hand or an hour to pray to Nocticula for a light against the shadows."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods in contemplation and responds to Ranghen,    “Good point! Take point and switch with Feiya.”
  Alandra addresses the group,   “Does anyone have a torch to give Ranghen or I can cast my light spell on her.”  
lostsole31
Bořek takes out one of his torches and hands it up to Ranghen. Rodrigo drops his pack at the front under a tree, covering it up some.

As the party gets closer, Alandra, Ziggy, &amp; Daji notice something in the bushes on each side of the entrance.

 Surprise Round ... 
 ST24:    "Goblin archers, mama!"   squeaks out Ziggy as she steps a little to the northeast and spits at Red, who dodges to only take   3 acid  .

 ST17-16:  Red shoots at Ziggy, missing, and Blue shoots at Ranghen, hitting her in the left hand with a crit for  16 . They each step together while dropping their bows.

 ST15:  Alandra, what do you do? This is a surprise round, with all that means ...
Blackhawk101
Strange,  distorted images of twisted fanged horses and growling slavering dogs swirl around Alandra as she activates her aura of fear; including the two goblins as her enemies.
  "Your Fear comes..."   she says to the goblins.
She takes a 5 ft. step to the SE and enters a martial stance.

 
 Spoiler: Crunch 

SA= activate Aura of Fear and includes the two goblins as her enemies.   All enemies within 10’ get -4 penalty on saves vs. fear  
SwA= enter Battle Mantra Stance : +1 to hit

Triggered Actions:
 
   Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage.
   
 If Ranghen is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and spend Psionic Focus and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =4 PP spent. 
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base + 3 PP augmented for +3 rnds duration. Save DC is Will 17. 4 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
 
lostsole31
 ST15:  Alandra thinks about things goblins are known to  fear - horses and dogs - and cultivates that energy as she activates her  aura of fear against the goblins, saying,   "Your Fear comes..."   

She takes a 5 ft. step to the SE and enters a martial stance.

 S7:  Daji yips in alarm!

 End Surprise Round, Begin Round One ...

R1T27:    "Daji, stay,"    says Feiya as she steps behind Alandra and glances at one of the  goblins. The diadem she wears flashes and Blue shakes their head but  seems to resist whatever was attempted.

 R1T24:  Ziggy steps into Red's square and bites Red in the belly for  7 , claws the chest for  5 + disabled , and continues the climb up the goblin to claw its throat for  7  as the goblin falls over.

 R1T16:  Blue steps back, readying its shield and short sword.

 R1T15:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra grins savagely and moves 5’ towards the retreating goblin. She reaches out toward the little green bastard and clenches her hand into a tight fist.
  “You’re mine!”   she snarls.
The nightmare shapes swirling around her suddenly dart at the goblin as it cowers in fear.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

stance: Battle Mantra +1 attack
SwA: Frightful Claim the goblin.
FA: Use Martial Terror to channel a Terror through her Devastating Touch. 5’ step East
SA: use Devastating touch and Fear’s Reach to attack the goblin. RTA
  to hit  - (1d20+5)[ 13 ]  stance bonus not included
  to damage  - (1d6+3)[ 8 ]  plus will save DC 16 (+6 aura and claim) or next successful attack by Alandra causes shaken 1-4 rnds.

 Triggered Actions:  
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage.
  
 If Ranghen is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and spend Psionic Focus and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =4 PP spent. 
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base + 3 PP augmented for +3 rnds duration. Save DC is Will 17. 4 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
 
  
     “Ranghen! Stay back and see to your wound.”   
lostsole31
 R1T15:  Alandra grins savagely and moves 5’ towards the retreating goblin. She  reaches out toward the little green bastard and clenches her hand into a  tight fist.

  “You’re mine!”   she snarls as she steps a few feet forward, but not far enough to actually attack the goblin.

 R1T14:    Rodrigo darts forward, and in stance unsheathes his sword to cut  through and open the goblin's abdominal activity, spilling its guts and  killing it outright.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
Alandra lets out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and goes to check on Ranghen.
  “How are you?”   ​she asks.
lostsole31
Ranghen prays to Nocticula and her wounds are healed.   "All good."  
Blackhawk101
  “Great job everyone!”   Alandra gushes with a smile.
  “It will get harder from here. We need to make haste.”

”Borek, please stash the bodies in the bushes and let’s move! Same marching order as before.”
  Alandra readies her bow and moves in formation with the others.
lostsole31
Bořek makes no move to do what Alandra just asked.
Blackhawk101
Alandra ignores the blatant insubordination and haughtily follows the others into the tunnel. Ignores…but does not forget.
lostsole31
Ranghen and Ziggy lead the way in, followed by Rodrigo and Alandra, then Feiya,

 Surprise Round ... 

Sounds from within the cave ...

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T23:    "Contact!"   shouts Ranghen with the sounds of fighting within.   "Two goblin sneaks. I've been hit twice."  
 R1T22:  Combat sounds ....

 R1T17:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
  “Ranghen, withdraw if seriously injured.”  
 Alandra makes a dramatic extension of her arm towards Borek with a Gleam in her eye.
  ”Borek, I have faith in you!”  
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SwA: Fanatical stare at Borek.
Ready an action to move forward up to Behind Borek if he moves]
  Triggered Actions:   
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage.
  
 If Ranghen is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and spend Psionic Focus and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =4 PP spent. 
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base + 3 PP augmented for +3 rnds duration. Save DC is Will 17. 4 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.
   
 
 
lostsole31
 R1T17:    “Ranghen, withdraw if seriously injured.”  Alandra makes a dramatic extension of her arm towards Borek with a Gleam in her eye.     ”Borek, I have faith in you!”  
 R1T16:  Daji delays ..

 R1T15:   Brown goblin shoots Ranghen in the chest, and yet the arrow goes  through her body as if she isn't there, hitting the wall behind her.

 R1T14:  Bořek flexes in his metal armor, scaring Green. He attacks with his guisarme, but the rock wall throws off his attack.

 R1T13:   Scared and badly wounded, Green gives a harsh whistle and withdraws,  but Ziggy's long neck manages to reach him, biting the goblin in the  back for  5  and dropping him.

 R1T11-10.5:    "Daji, come,"    says Feiya and she closes to where Ziggy is (where Green just vacated),  and Daji follows, but is waved back to be a few feet behind her.   "No more space here."  
 R1T10:  Rodrigo delays ...

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...
 
 R2T23:  Ranghen quick draws a dagger and throws it, but the sound of it hitting stone indicates failure.

 R2T22:  Ziggy moves forward carefully, getting underfoot of the standing goblin, snapping at it with her little snaggle-beak.

 R2T17:   Alandra , your readied action didn't go off, and you are without your SwA this turn as you protected Ranghen. What do you do?

Brown on deck, standing over his fallen, and Bořek in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra readies and action and continues her Fanatical stare on Borek.
  “Ranghen, be careful! I can’t do that again now!”
   
 Spoiler: crunch 

Readied action: use Devastating touch w/ Fear’s Reach (feat) on goblin if there is a clear shot.
  to hit  - (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
  to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base + 3 PP augmented for +3 rnds duration. Save DC is Will 17. 4 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
 
lostsole31
 R2T17:  Alandra readies and action and continues her fanatical stare on Borek.   “Ranghen, be careful! I can’t do that again now!”  
 R2T15:  The goblin sneak steps back, draws a dogslicer, and slashes at the tiny dragon.

 R2T14:  Bořek pushes in, but then calls out,   "I need light! I also got hit!"  

Doing so also broken Alandra's LOS to him.

 R2T11-10:  Feiya moves in acrobatically and Daji follows.

 R2T4-3:   There are sounds which are reminiscent of dogs barking, but a strange  quality to that sound. It comes closer, though echoing, and then  snapping sounds.

 R2T2:  Rodrigo disappears inside.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T23:  Ranghen moves in and swings her sickle, and hits a goblin for  8 .

 R3T22:  Ziggy doesn't close in, but snaps at a goblin.

 R3T17:   Alandra , your fanatical stare on the boy was broken when he disappeared deeper into the caves. What do you do?

Brown Goblin sneak on deck, Bořek in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra enters a Martial stance before advancing into the cave 20’ or so and taking a shot with her bow at a goblin if there is a target.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SwA: enter martial stance Battle Mantra +1 attack
MA: 20’ East +\- following the tunnel.
SA: shoot bow at goblin, Risky strike
 (1d20+4)[ 19 ]  +1 from Battle Mantra not included
 (1d8+3)[ 4 ]  includes damage from psionic shot

 Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage. 
 

 
 
lostsole31
 R3T17:  Alandra enters a Martial stance before advancing into the cave 20’ or so, following the bending of the tunnel.

 R3T14:  ...

 R3T11:  Feiya is heard casting a spell.

 R3T4-3:  Sounds of the strange, barking noises with snarling and snapping.

 R3T2:  Sound of sword cutting through flesh and a cry of pain from a goblin.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T23:  Ranghen steps back and casts a spell on herself for   4 healing  .

 R5T22:  Ziggy steps back with Ranghen, but is more protective of her mama than retreating.

 R5T17:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
  “I can’t see what is happening. Should I move up?”   Alandra shouts.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

FRA: reset Psionic Focus


 Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage. 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base + 3 PP augmented for +3 rnds duration. Save DC is Will 17. 4 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
 
lostsole31
 R5T17:    “I can’t see what is happening. Should I move up?”   Alandra shouts.

 R5T15:  Scream of pain from a goblin and the sound of something falling along with a clattering of metal on stone.

 R5T14:    "Not quite yet!"   replies Bořek.   "Fighting strange dogs, but no standing goblins seen. Corridors congested."  

Sound  of a doggo getting hit by something big, and a strange sense that  Alandra's stare into a the warrior's general direction is bearing fruit.    "Wait, yeah, there's a little space here next to me."  
 R5T3:  The sound of something crunching on metal and a grunt of pain from Bořek.

  "Next to Ranghen..."  
 R5T2:  Sound of pain from doggo.

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T23-22:  Ranghen and Ziggy both delay, motioning to Alandra the spot just east of Ranghen that is open where lays a fallen goblin.

 R6T18:   "Contact sou-aahh!"   shouts Feiya in warning and pain, followed by goblin shouting from within.

 R6T17:   Alandra , what do you do?

Bořek on deck, Feiya in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra moves up to the open space next to Ranghen, unleashing her Devastating Touch at range on the nearest living enemy combatant.
  "I am here!"  
 
 Spoiler: Crunch 

MA: Move 5' NE and 5 ft East (?) to the location next to Ranghen that was indicated.
FA: include any enemy combatants into her aura of fear affect.
SwA: Manifest Lingering Touch, 1 PP for one additional round of effect for Devastating Touch.
SA: Use Devastating Touch RTA with Fear's Reach (Feat) to attack closest enemy combatant.

  to hit  - (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  +1 for Battle Mantra
  to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Self. Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base + 3 PP augmented for +3 rnds duration. Save DC is Will 17. 4 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.
   
 
 
lostsole31
 R6T17:  Alandra moves up to the open space next to  Ranghen, and with brief concentration, roots shoot up from the ground  and around Alandra before disappearing as she unleashes a power on one  of the two creepy-looking dogs standing nearby. As she does so, one of  the ugly dogs (Blue) nips her in the chest for  4 , but she still successfully shoots at its companion (Red) for   9  , dropping it. Smiling at her success, she announces triumphantly,   "I am here!"  
 R6T14:  With Blue focused on Alandra, Bořek moves south to attack something that way.   "I broke a goblin's bow!"  
 R6T11-10:  Feiya steps behind Bořek and gives a fell glare at the southern goblin, and Daji follows.

 R6T3:  The ugly dog snaps at Alandra again, but her  shadow grows as faint images of terror are seen by the attacker and the  strange dog recoils in terror.

 R6T2:  Rodrigo leans into his blow and puts his blade  down Blue's throat and into its body to slay it outright, causing  Rodrigo to briefly lose control of his weapon before having to spend  time to wrench his katana out of the creature and doing a specialized  maneuver to flap the monster's blood off the blade. He flashes Alandra a  dashing grin and a shrug before stepping south to prepare against the  last visible opponent.

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

  R7T25:  A goblin (Red) appears from the south and as it closes Bořek strikes it for  11 + disabled . The creature tries to backpedal but then has its head severed by Rodrigo.

 R7T24:  Another goblin appears (Brown), but Bořek fails to land a blow this time.

 R7T23:  Ranghen moves past Alandra and seeing the savaged dog, drops her sickle on the other to make sure it is dead, spitting,   "Filthy goblin dog."  
 R7T22:  Ziggy passes Alandra to stand on top of the one her mama just dispatched, and spits at the fallen goblin sneak, killing it.

 R7T18:  An arrow comes in to strike Ranghen in the shin for  4 .

  "Broken, huh?"   retorts an angry Ranghen.

  "I thought so,"   replies an abashed Bořek.

 R7T17.5:  Another goblin (Green) moves in to queue up behind Brown, holding up its shield protectively in case of archers.

 R7T17:   Alandra , you are standing astride a fallen goblin, and all the action is with a new wave of goblins to the south. What do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra moves South to end up behind Rodrigo; to whom she blows a kiss.
To the two goblins in front of her, she grins and clenches her fist at the lead creature.
  "You're mine!"   she intones in a low voice as shadowy phantoms surge towards the foul beast.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: Move South 10' behind Rodrigo.
SwA: Frightful Claim Brown Goblin
FA: Include Brown and Green Goblin in Aura of Fear.
FA: Use Martial Terror with Devastating Touch attack. Terror is Incite Fear (Su):  Her next successful attack incites fear in her target. The target must make a DC x Will save (10 + 1 [1/2ML] + 5 [CHA]) or become shaken for 1d4 rounds. *  This is a mind-affecting fear effect.
SA: Strike at Brown Goblin with Devastating Touch at Range with Fear's Reach (Feat). RTA
  to hit  - (1d20+5)[ 22 ]  +1 from Battle Mantra Stance
  to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 6 ] 
 
  Mesmerist Rider:  
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Rodrigo, Ziggy, Daji + Alandra. Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
lostsole31
 R7T17:  Alandra moves south to end up behind Rodrigo; to  whom she blows a kiss. To the two goblins in front of her, she grins  and clenches her fist at the lead creature.   "You're mine!"   she intones in a low voice as shadowy phantoms surge towards the foul beast to harm it for  6 .

 R7T15:  More goblin sounds to the south....

 R7T14:   Bořek drops his guisarme, takes out his longsword, says a short prayer  to the powers of the Godclaw (receiving 6 healing), and strikes Brown in  the left hand for  14 , dropping it.

  R7T12:  ...

 R7T11:  Feiya glares at Green and then cackles wildly.

 R7T2:  Rodrigo delays ...

 End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T23  Ranghen puts her sickle away and moves forward, praying to Nocticula to bless Her champions and those allies in battle.

 R8T22:  Ziggy shoots forth under Rodrigo and finishes off Brown.

 R8T18:  The goblin archer drops her own bow and picks up one off of a dead comrade and shoots at Rodrigo, striking him in the knee for  4 , even as Alandra's trick lights off to give him  2 THP . He doesn't even look wounded.

 R8T17.5:  Green falls back out of sight.

 R8T17:   Alandra , what do you do?

Pink Goblin on deck, Bořek in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra targets the goblin she can partially see and tries to claim it and do it harm; recovering a bit of her martial ability in the process.
She speaks to the party,   "Is anyone seriously hurt?"
   
 Spoiler: crunch 

 SwA: Frightful Claim Pink(?) Goblin (-2 svs vs. fear); recover spent maneuver when claiming an enemy : Body of Delusion (SG, counter) last used in round 1. 
 FA: Use Martial Terror with Devastating Touch attack. Terror is Incite Fear (Su): Her next successful attack incites fear in her target. The target must make a DC x Will save (10 + 1 [1/2ML] + 5 [CHA]) or become shaken for 1d4 rounds. * This is a mind-affecting fear effect. 
 SA: Strike at Brown Goblin with Devastating Touch at Range with Fear's Reach (Feat). RTA 
  [roll=to hit) 1d20+5[/roll]  +1 from Battle Mantra Stance 
    to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 7 ]   
 
  Mesmerist Rider:  
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, Daji + Alandra. Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
 If Rodrigo is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and spend Psionic Focus and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =3 PP spent. 
 
  
  
 
lostsole31
 R8T17:  Alandra targets the goblin she can partially see (the goblin archer) and tries to claim it  and do it harm, but missing. She speaks to the party,   "Is anyone seriously hurt?"  

Ranghen says,   *cough, cough* "I'm good."  
 R8T15:  Pink scrambles over the bodies of fallen goblins to jab wildly at the armiger.

 R8T14:  Bořek readies his shield and then swings, hitting the side of the cavern wall.

 R8T12:  Feiya stops laughing and focuses.

 End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...

R9T23:  Ranghen casts a spell on herself for   9 healing  .

 R9T22:   Ziggy tries to bite Pink, but batters her head against the goblin's  shield.  There's a pause, and then Ziggy begins to cry and moves to get  under Ranghen. Ziggy now has full on kid-sobs, obviously in pain (but  not "damage").

 R9T18:  An arrow sails past Rodrigo from the archer Alandra claimed.

 R9T17:   Alandra , your claim on the archer ends. What do you do?

Pink on deck, Bořek in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  "I know your Fear and Terror is your reward!"
"You are mine!"   Alandra purrs as her fingers snap closed into a fist.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

 SwA: Frightful Claim pink Goblin [-2 save vs. fear] 
 FA: Include Pink Goblin in Aura of Fear. [-4 save vs. fear] cumulative with Frightful Claim 
 FA: Use Martial Terror with Devastating Touch attack. Terror is Incite Fear (Su): Her next successful attack incites fear in her target. The target must make a DC x Will save (10 + 1 [1/2ML] + 5 [CHA]) or become shaken for 1d4 rounds. * This is a mind-affecting fear effect. 
 SA: Strike at Brown Goblin with Devastating Touch at Range with Fear's Reach (Feat). RTA.
    to hit  - (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  +1 for Battle Mantra Stance.
   to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 
 
 If Rodrigo is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and spend Psionic Focus and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =3 PP spent. 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
 
  Mesmerist Rider:  
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, Daji + Alandra. Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
lostsole31
 R9T17:    "I know your Fear and Terror is your reward! You are mine!"   Alandra purrs as her fingers snap closed into a fist, striking Pink for  7 + shaken .

 R9T15:  Pink gives a timid stab towards Rodrigo before backing off.

 R9T14:   Bořek prays on himself again, being fully healed, before attacking  Pink. A bad parry by the goblin sees their short sword disarmed even as  the the guisarme drops heavily into its shoulder for  15 , dropping Pink.

 R9T12:  Blue steps forward and stabs against Bořek's armor.

 R9T11:  Feiya points her finger and shoots a black beam over Blue's head.

 End Round 9, Begin Round 10 ...

R10T23:  Ranghen draws a dagger and it is a wild toss.

 R10T22:  Ziggy delays while nestled in sobs in Ranghen's leg.

 R10T18:  The goblin archer shoots and hits Alandra in her left shoulder for  4 , which in turn has Alandra's Psychosomatic Surge trigger on herself to gain  7 THP .

 R10T17:   Alandra , your claim on Pink ends. You are currently giving fanatical stare on Bořek while gaining the benefits of a  bless  spell. Aura of terror is active. What do you do?

Bořek on deck, Blue in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra grins at the approach of a new target for her nightmares.   "Ican smell your fear. It smells ...delicious!"
  She clenches her fist and then spins and flings her hand open at her target sending a stream of phantom nightmare images towards it.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

 SwA: Frightful Claim Blue Goblin [-2 save vs. fear] 
 FA: Include Blue Goblin in Aura of Fear. [-4 save vs. fear] cumulative with Frightful Claim 
 FA: Use Martial Terror with Devastating Touch attack. Terror is Incite Fear (Su): Her next successful attack incites fear in her target. The target must make a DC x Will save (16) or become shaken for 1d4 rounds. * This is a mind-affecting fear effect. 
 SA: Strike at Brown Goblin with Devastating Touch at Range with Fear's Reach (Feat). RTA 30'.
*Note that she only has 8 total uses of Terror /day and she has used at least one but does not match what is on her sheet.
    to hit  - (1d20+5)[ 17 ]   +1 for Battle Mantra Stance.
    to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 5 ]  
 Potential Counters:  
 
 If Rodrigo is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and spend Psionic Focus and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =3 PP spent. 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
   M  esmerist Rider: 
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
lostsole31
 R10T17:  Alandra grins at the approach of a new target for her nightmares.   "I can smell your fear. It smells ...delicious!"
  
She clenches her fist and then spins and flings her hand open  at her target sending a stream of phantom nightmare images towards it, hitting Blue in the belly for  5 + shaken !

 R10T14:  Aided by her stare, Bořek's longsword hits Blue in the upper right arm for  9  to drop the goblin, and then the young warrior readies his shield.

 R10T11:  Feiya readies ...

 R10T9:  Purple comes up and climbs over the several bodies to then attacks Rodrigo by stabbing him in his shoulder for  4 . Alandra tried to help him, but forgot that she had previously expended her PF.

 R10T8:  Rodrigo returns the favor by slashing Purple in the chest for  15 , dropping them.

 End Round 10, Begin Round 11 ...

R11T23:  Ranghen tends to her baby, healing Ziggy of her battered condition.

 R11T22:   Feeling better, Ziggy is back to her peppy self and zooms to the south  on the wing. She goes out of sight, and she is heard spitting and a  goblin cursing.

 R11T21:  There is an angry sound followed by Ziggy going   "OW!"  
 R11T18:  The archer shoots Alandra in the left shoulder for  6  - not hurting much, in truth.

 R11T17:   Alandra , your claim on Blue ends. What do you do?

Bořek on deck, Feiya in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  “Push forward!”   shouts Alandra. She prepares to follow.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

ready an action to move forward as those in front of her move.
 
lostsole31
 R11T17:    “Push forward!”   shouts Alandra. She prepares to follow.

 R11T14:  Bořek moves forward, and Alandra darts in behind him. He swings hard at the archer, but she dodges.

 R11T13:  Alandra rushes in behind Bořek.

 R11T11:  Feiya steps in where Alandra was and goes to shoot but she slips on goblin blood that has been spilled and falls prone.

 R11T10:  Daji scurries to Feiya.

 R11T8:  Rodrigo moves and attacks a distant goblin, dropping Green.

 End Round 11, Begin Round 12 ...

R12T23:   Ranghen repositions and tosses a knife at the dodging goblin.

 R12T22:  Ziggy savages Green.

 R12T18:    "I Nighteye,"   proclaims the archer, the last standing.   "I end you now!"  

She drops her bow, pulls out a dogslicer, and strikes Bořek's hip for  3  before stepping away.

 R12T14:  Bořek strikes the archer in the left knee for  11 .

 R12T13:   Alandra , what do you do?

Feiya on deck, Daji in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra darts forward to in front of  Bořek . She addresses the lone goblin archer.
"  Where are the dwarves, Nighteye!"   she says menacingly, pointing her bow at it.
  "You know: Short legs. Thick ...beards."
"You seen them?"

   
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: Move 5' SW . She has a MA remaining and she will activate her Untouchable Aura (2 PP for two rnds). DC17.
FR: add goblin to Aura of Fear as an enemy.
SwA: Fearful Claim Goblin
SA: Make intimidate Check to Influence Opponents Attitude.
 
lostsole31
 R12T13:  Alandra darts forward to in front of  Bořek . She addresses the lone goblin archer.

  "    Where are the dwarves, Nighteye!"   she says menacingly, pointing her bow at it.   "You know: Short legs. Thick ...beards. ... You seen them?"  

Nighteye says something in Goblin that Alandra doesn't understand.

 R12T11-10:  Feiya stands and moves into the southeastern chamber with Daji following.   "All goblins down in here!"  
 R12T8:  Rodrigo moves back north into the main stem passage, and slashes the throat of one of the fallen goblins.

 End Round 12, Begin Round 13 ...

R13T23-22:  Ranghen uses her sickle to cut the throat of another fallen goblin, and Ziggy moves up to her.

 R13T18:  Nighteye slashes Alandra in the neck, hitting a nerve juncture, doing  6 + 2 DEX (+ limiting Alandra to one action next round) .

 R13T14:  Bořek misses wildly.

 R13T13:   Alandra , your demand on Nighteye failed, your claim ends, and you only get a MA or SA this round. What do you do?

Feiya/ Daji on deck/ in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Hissing in pain, Alandra will dodge behind Borek.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 


MA: use acrobatics skill to avoid AOO to move 5' NE and 5' N behind Borek.

 Potential Counters:


 
 If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =3 PP spent. 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
   M  esmerist Rider:


 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
 
  
 
lostsole31
 R13T13:  Hissing in pain, Alandra will dodge behind Bořek.

 R13T11-10:  Feiya stands up, then makes her way north behind Alandra, with Daji following.

 R13T8:  Rodrigo moves in and swings, but the goblin dodges.

 End Round 13, Begin Round 14 ...

R14T23-22:   Ranghen and Ziggy delay.

 R14T18:  Nighteye slashes Rodrigo across the chest for  3 , removing the last of the protection Alandra gave her.

 R14T14:  Bořek delays.

 R14T13:   Alandra , what do you do?

Feiya/ Daji on deck and in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra readies her attack should an enemy present itself.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Alandra readies an action to use her Devastating Touch at range up to 30’ with the feat Fear’s reach against a goblin or goblin dog should one approach.
 Potential Counters:


 
 If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =3 PP spent. 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
   M  esmerist Rider:

 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
 
  
 
  
  
lostsole31
 R14T13:  Alandra readies her attack should an enemy present itself.

 R14T11-10:  Feiya and Daji delay.

 R14T8:  Rodrigo does some type of stylized movement before attacking, his weapon clanging off the goblin's breastplate.

 End Round 14, Begin Round 15 ...

R15T18:   Nighteye attacks Rodrigo, but he counters with a dance move.

 R15T13:   Alandra , your readied action did not occur. What do you do?

Rodrigo on deck, Nighteye in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra stays at the ready.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Ready action to use her  Devastating Touch at range up to 30’ with the feat Fear’s reach against a goblin or goblin dog should one approach. 
 Potential Counters:

 
 If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =3 PP spent. 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
   M  esmerist Rider:


 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
lostsole31
 R15T13:  Alandra stands at the ready.

 R15T8:  Rodrigo stabs Nighteye in the elbow for  15 .

 End Round 15, Begin Round 16 ...

R16T18:  Nighteye misses Rodrigo.

 R16T13:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
  "Rodrigo, try to keep from killing it. We need it alive!"   shouts Alandra.
She keeps ready to act .

 
 Spoiler: Crunch 

ready action to use her  Devastating Touch at range up to 30’ with the feat Fear’s reach against a new enemy should one approach. 
 Potential Counters:

 
 If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] and augment three PP for +3 to AH roll (+10 total) to prevent all damage. Total =3 PP spent. 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
   M  esmerist Rider:

 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
 
  
 
  
  
lostsole31
 R16T13:    "Rodrigo, try to keep from killing it. We need it alive!"   shouts Alandra. She keeps ready to act.

 R16T8:    "Si, senora!"   answers Rodrigo as he slashes Nighteye's belly for  12 .

 End Round 16, Begin Round 17 ...

R17T18:  Nighteye attacks Rodrigo, who parries and does  1  to her.

 R17T13:   Alandra , what do you do?

Rodrigo on deck, Nighteye in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  “Give up goblin!”  shouts Alandra as she directs her gaze to Rodrigo.
  “Rodrigo, I believe in you!”
   
 Spoiler: crunch 

SA: fanatical stare at Rodrigo.
 potential Counters:


 
 If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] no augment. 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
     M  esmerist Rider:


 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
 
  
 
  
  
lostsole31
 R17T13:    “Give up goblin!”  shouts Alandra as she directs her gaze to Rodrigo.   “Rodrigo, I believe in you!”  
 R17T8:  Swords clang.

 End Round 17, Begin Round 18 ..

R18T18:  And clang again.

 R18T13:   Alandra ?
Blackhawk101
Alandra taps a dainty foot and studies her perfect nails.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

 ready action to use her   Devastating Touch at range up to 30’ with the feat Fear’s reach against a new enemy should one approach. 
 Potential Counters:


 
 If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] . 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
   M  esmerist Rider:


 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking

  
 
  
 
  
  
lostsole31
 R18T13:  Alandra taps a dainty foot and studies her perfect nails.

 R18T8:    "I fel' good for a second, but I feel your gaze no longer, senorita!"   Rodrigo laments, as Alandra stares at her nails, and not Rodrigo, with swords clanging in the background.

 End Round 18, Begin Round 19 ...

R19T18:   This time, the enemy scores a hit, clipping Rodrigo's chin for  2 .

 R19T13:   Alandra , what do you do?
Blackhawk101
  "What? Sorry, I wasn't listening."
"...anyway, you almost got him?"   asks Alandra.

She returns to staring at Rodrigo and keeping an eye out for other danger.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 
[/COLOR] Sw: Fanatical Stare at Rodrigo.
 ready an action to use her   Devastating Touch at range up to 30’ with the feat Fear’s reach against a new enemy should one approach. 
 Potential Counters:



 
 If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] . 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind.   
 
   M  esmerist Rider:



 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking  
 
   
 
lostsole31
 R19T13:    "What? Sorry, I wasn't listening...anyway, you almost got him?"   asks Alandra as she returns to staring at Rodrigo, keeping an eye out for other danger.

 R19T8:   "This isn't as easy as it seems, but I feel your gaze upon me once  more, sweet lady, gracias!" he calls as he successfully strikes  Nighteye's elbow for  9 + disabled .

 End Round 19, Begin Round 20 ...

R20T18:  Nighteye snarls and screeches and scratches across Rodrigo's stomach for  3  before dropping, overcome by her wounds.

 R20T17:  Hearing the goblin fall, Ranghen gets into action. She casts a spell and calls out,   "Stable!"  
 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
Alandra moves to the fallen goblin and gathers the rest of the group to that location.
  "If we can revive this filth, perhaps I can convince it to show us the way to the dwarves. It's risky. It could just as easily lead us into a trap, but I can be very convincing when I need to be."
"If it works, it could save us a lot of time."

  She strikes a dramatic pose, with her hands on her hips,   "I put the question to the group: Do we a) spend time and a little healing to get this goblin on its feet and try to convince it to help us or do we finish it off and try to track the dwarves on our own?"


  
lostsole31
Feiya says,   "I know the filthy patter of these vermin, if it comes to talking to them. It might make our job easier."  

Bořek shakes his head and says,   "I speak the words of men, and they often lie. I doubt what we can get from goblins is any better than we can get from searching ourselves."  

Ranghen,   "I don't know about these creatures, but I know that I will not use Nocticula's gifts to revive my enemies."  
Blackhawk101
  “Rodrigo?”
  
Alandra winces in pain as her fingers gently probe the gash on her neck.
  “I am lightly wounded and many of my reserves are depleted. How fair you all?”  
lostsole31
Feiya, assisted by Ranghen, take a look at everyone's wounds:
Alandra: Light wound.
Bořek: Light wound.
Feiya: Light wound.
Ranghen: Light wound.
Rodrigo: Light to moderate wound.
Ziggy: Faint scratch.
Blackhawk101
Alandra draws her dagger and slits the throat of the unconscious goblin.
Standing, she wiggles her  fingers *dramatic affect* to clean the gore from her blade before sheathing it.
  “We have no time to waste on this filth!”
” Bořek  take the lead with Feiya and Daji second. I will be third and followed by Ranghen, Ziggy and Rodrigo at the rearguard.”
  Alandra nocks an arrow.
  ”If we encounter stiff resistance, we will need to withdraw if possible,”     
  she says.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

use 0 level spell: prestidigitation to clean her blade.
 
lostsole31
Yet you find quickly enough that there is no more resistance forthcoming. The party looks in the area past where the goblin archer was last positioned. This cave is roughly fifteen feet wide. A passage to the north leads into a larger chamber, and a low defensive wall partially blocks egress into this cave. Piles of dirty rags and pine straw form a large bed against the south wall.
Blackhawk101
Alandra curses loudly and in a decidedly un-ladylike manner.
  “Let’s search this area and then if we don’t find any other alternatives we will double back and try to pick up the dwarves’s tracks.”  
lostsole31
It takes less than a minute for a quick look of this chamber, but it is not without merit. The goblin female archer possesses magical crystal lenses on her eyes, and a pouch full of cracked and flawed gems. Feiya and Ranghen discover that the crystal eyes are  eyes of the eagle .
Blackhawk101
  “Excellent!”   exclaims Alandra excitedly.
  “Whomever is the most perceptive should wear the glasses until we have a chance to divide up.”

    “Let’s head back to the last tunnel split and check the other passage to the South.”

”Feiya, try to pick up any sign of the Dwarves.”
   
 Spoiler: crunch 

Potential Counters:
 
  If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] .  
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to   make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind. 
 
  M  esmerist Rider:
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
 
 
lostsole31
The group makes its way around to the other chamber to the southeast. A small fire casts a flickering glow across this oblong cave, illuminating a haze of smoke that hangs in the ceiling. A low wall of rocks and broken masonry partially blocks the opening on the west side of the cave, and a tunnel in the east wall heads south. A number of piles of rags lie along the walls.
Blackhawk101
  “Feiya dear, please check for dwarf tracks while the rest of us do a quick search of this cave.”  
lostsole31
A quick search of this guard cavern turns up nothing of interest, nothing of value, and no apparent tracks.
Blackhawk101
  "Let's try the tunnel to the East. Same formation. Stay close."    Alandra directs the group.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

 Potential Counters: 
 
  If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] .  
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to   make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind. 
 
   M    esmerist Rider: 
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji . Trigger is taking damage.  
  ​  
 
 
lostsole31
The party continues single-file down the tunnel for close to 100' before Ranghen passes back that the tunnel looks like it is opening up or changing.
Blackhawk101
Alandra whispers to the two in front,    “Bořek take point with Ranghen next. Move out.”

    
 Spoiler: crunch 

  Potential Counters:  
 
  If Alandra is hit again with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg] .  
 
 
 If Alandra is attacked in melee between her turns, she will use an IA and spend Psionic Focus (if available) to manifest Untouchable Aura (1 PP base) for 1 rnd. duration. Save DC is Will 17. 1 PP spent.   Anyone trying to   make a melee attack against her must succeed on a Will save or lose their attack action as they recoil in fear from the images inside their mind. 
 
    M      esmerist Rider:  
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji.  
 
 
lostsole31
Before that happens, Ranghen and take several minutes to douse the fire in the pit. It should be noted that the  bless  effect ended many minutes ago.

Bořek shakes his head.   "I need a torchbearer, and that can't be me since I have to hands on my guisarme. I am better backing up Ranghen and Ziggy with my reach weapon.  Then, let's have you in the middle, Alandra ... followed by Feiya and Daji, and Rodrigo protecting our backs. That's also the best way to spread out light sources."  
   "Goblins!"    Ranghen shouts in warning.

 Begin Round One ...
 
 R1T23:    "Go defensive, but move forward and overwhelm and befuddle them!"   shouts Feiya running past her allies. There is a sound of glass breaking and a flash of flame beyond.

 R1T22-21:   More glass and flame.

 R1T20:   Alandra , Bořek is in front of you; then Ranghen and Ziggy. Feiya is barely visible beyond and on a slight curve. What do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra moved into a martial stance that helps focus her aim before moving forward. She looks for a defensive position to shoot from and survey the goblin threat. If there is a target she will fire her bow, spending her Psionic focus to add damage.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SwA: activate Battle Mantra stance for +1 to hit
MA: move forward past Feiya until she can spot the goblins and find a defensive position (if nearby and within her movement). She doesn’t move past her standard movement distance.
SA: spend Psionic Focus to add damage via Psionic Shot to her arrow and fire her bow.
  to hit  - (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  doesn’t include +1 for Battle Mantra Stance
  to dam  - (1d8)[ 1 ]  plus  (2d6)[ 10 ]  psionic shot

  Potential Counters:  
 
  If Alandra is hit with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg]   
 
     M       esmerist Rider:  
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji.  
 
 
lostsole31
 R1T20:  Alandra moves into a martial stance that helps  focus her aim before  moving forward. She looks for a defensive position to shoot from and  survey the goblin threat. With several targets available, she shoots  directly at a goblin on the other side of a low rock wall.  Her arrow  skips slightly on the wall, losing momentum and failing to puncture past  its leather armor (Red).

 R1T19:  Ranghen steps  forward, takes out a flask and throws it at Red. She misses, but it  lands behind Blue. Blue doesn't duck out of the way and takes   1 fire  .

 R1T17:   Ziggy zips past the women and hops up onto the low stone wall by  Alandra. Ziggy's long neck (for her size) is able to dart forth to hit  Red in the neck, catching the goblin by surprise, dealing for  13 .  As Red begins to fall, it looses a flask to the ground that bursts at its feet in fire for  1 fire , and Blue likewise doesn't get out of the way and takes   1 fire   from splash.

When  this happened right in front of Alandra, she was able to note from that  attack that Ziggy seems to have an intuitive understanding of weak  points on a target.

 R1T16:  In the dim light to the south, another goblin comes up to the wall with a flask in hand, poised to throw.

 R1T11:  Rodrigo moves forward some, quick draws his tanto, and throws it at Brown but misses.

 R1T6:   Bořek begins his advance, passing everyone and heading south to the  first switchback. (5' move remaining). As he does so, Purple throws a  flask of alchemist's fire at him, hitting him squarely for   1 fire  . Pink does the same, its flask also hitting the armored man for   4 fire  . Green's flask hits the man for   6 fire  . He continues his move a few feet.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T23.1:  Blue steps back, takes out a flask, and throws it at Bořek, hitting him in the belly for   2 fire  .

 R2T23-22.5:   Feiya casts a defensive spell on herself. She ducks down and into a  small alcove and calls for Daji, who in turn runs down and scurries up  to his mistress.

 R2T22:  Brown backs up to the  northwest, takes out a flask, and tosses it at Ziggy, but it hits the  northern part of the fighting wall harmlessly.

 R2T20:   Alandra , what do you do?

Ranghen on deck, Ziggy in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  "Borek Needs Healing to the South!"   shouts Alandra.

She reaches towards a goblin and hisses,   "I know your fear!"

  Shadowy shapes leap towards the targeted goblin.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

FA: Activate Aura of Fear (-4 SV vs. fear) 10' radius
SwA: Frightful Claim Goblin (blue) -2 SV vs. fear
SA: Use Martial Terror with her Devastating Touch (at range due to Fear's Reach Feat) to strike at Goblin (blue) and channel Terror Incite Fear.

  to hit  - (1d20+4)[ 8 ]  +1 for Battle Mantra Stance
  to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  plus save vs. fear if hit at DC 16 or become shaken for 1d4 rnds.
   Potential Counters:   
 
  If Alandra is hit with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg]  
 
      M         esmerist Rider:   
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen, Ziggy, and Daji.  
 
 
lostsole31
 R2T20:    "Borek Needs Healing to the South!"   shouts Alandra. She reaches towards a goblin and hisses as shadowy shapes leap towards it,   "I know your fear!"
  
Goblins, being natural cowards, are incredibly good at cowering. Blue is  no exception as it jumps clear of Alandra's fear attack.

 R2T19:  Ranghen quick draws and throws a dagger at Blue, missing.

 R2T17:  Ziggy scurries a few feet south on the wall and belches to the west.  Blue takes  8 acid  &amp; Brown ducks a little to only take   3 acid  .

 R2T11:  Rodrigo moves south to assist his fellow. He unsheathes his katana in a fluid motion but doesn't hit his target.

 R2T7-6.2:  Purple draws and tosses a flask at Bořek for   6 fire + catch dire  ! Green tosses a flask at Rodrigo with a great toss, despite the former attempting to dance away, and getting hit for   6 fire   and Bořek takes   1 fire    ( splash). Pink tosses a flask at Rodrigo for   3 fire + catch fire   and Bořek takes   1 fire    ( splash).

 R2T6:  Bořek takes   1 fire  . Bořek screams in pain, steps NE, then drops and rolls on the ground, putting out the flames on himself.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T23.1:  Blue steps NW and moves to take out a flask, but Ziggy bites it in the hand for  7 , dropping Blue.

 R3T23:  Feiya takes out a scroll, reads it, and touches Bořek for   2 healing   as her scroll disintegrates.    "That's he only healing I had!"   she informs the party.

 R3T22:  Brown takes out and tosses a flask at Ziggy, missing. The flask lands on the ground between Ziggy and Bořek, doing   1 fire   (splash) to Ziggy. Alandra's psychosomatic surge triggers on Ziggy (5 THP).

 R3T20:   Alandra , what do you do?

Ranghen on deck, Ziggy in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra steps up to the wall and tries to claim the remaining goblin in this group.   “You’re mine!”   she shouts.
Again the shadows dart towards the claimed goblin.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

 SwA: Frightful Claim Goblin (brown) -2 SV vs. fear 
 SA: Use Martial Terror with her Devastating Touch (at range due to Fear's Reach Feat) to strike at Goblin (brown and channel Terror Incite Fear.  
   to hit  - (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  +1 for Battle Mantra Stance 
   to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 5 ]  plus save vs. fear if hit at DC 16 or become shaken for 1d4 rnds.  
  
Potential Counters:  
 
  If Alandra is hit with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg]  
 
    Mesmerist   Rider:  
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Feiya, Ranghen,  and Daji.  
 
 
lostsole31
 R3T20:  Alandra steps up to the wall and tries to claim the remaining goblin in this group.   “You’re mine!”   she shouts as again the shadows dart towards the claimed goblin. This time, Brown takes  5 + shaken !

 R3T19:  Ranghen hurries to Bořek and casts a spell, touching him for   4 healing  .   "That's it!"   she calls out.   "I am out of healing beyond raw bursts."  
 R3T17:  Ziggy glides to the ground and snaps at Brown.

 R3T11:  Now it is Rodrigo that is burning, taking   3 fire  . He steps back and puts out the fire on himself.

 R3T7-6.2:  Purple takes out a flask and hits Bořek for   3 fire  , with splash to Ranghen and Feiya each for   1 fire  , which in turn triggers the psychosomatic surge on Feiya for  5 THP . Green also targets the prone warrior, hitting him for   1 fire  , doing no splash damage. Pink targets the same beleaguered paladin for   5 fire  , and Feiya takes   1 fire   from splash.

 R3T6:  Bořek gets back to his feet, touching a hand to himself for   3 healing  . Putting his other hand back on his polearm, he attempts to strike the goblins on the other side of the fighting wall.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

  R4T23:  Feiya stares balefully at Purple.

 R4T22.5:  Daji is defensive.

 R4T22:  Brown draws its short sword and strikes against Ziggy's scales.

 R4T20:   Alandra , your claim on Brown ends. What do you do?

Ranghen on deck, Ziggy in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra moves South and attempts to reach out and touch a goblin.
  "Show me your deepest fear!"   she calls as she dramatically as she reaches out towards the central goblin and seductively curls her fingers into a fist.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: Move South 15'
SwA: Frightful Claim (Pink)
SA: Use Martial Terror with her Devastating Touch (at range due to Fear's Reach Feat) to strike at Goblin (pink) and channel Terror Incite Fear.

  [ roll=to hit]1d20+4[/roll] +1 for Battle Mantra Stance 
  [ roll=to dam]1d6+3[/roll] plus save vs. fear if hit at DC 16 or become shaken for 1d4 rnds.
 
  Potential Counters:  
 
  If Alandra is hit with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg]  
 
      M        esmerist Rider:  
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Daji. Trigger: taking damage  
  (note) I didn't have Ranghen getting Psychosomatic Surge benefit but since she didn't get the benefit this past round, I assume that you are tracking that she already received it?   
 
 
lostsole31
 R4T20:  Alandra moves south and attempts to reach out and touch a goblin.   "Show me your deepest fear!"   she  calls as she dramatically as she reaches out towards the central goblin  and seductively curls her fingers into a fist, but her attack misses as  the goblin makes good use of the combat wall.

 R4T19:  Ranghen hooks around while taking out a dagger and throws it into Brown's upper arm for  6 , dropping it.

 R4T17:   Ziggy moves to the west to look down at the remaining goblins behind  the combat wall. She horcks and hocks, evidently gathering a lot of  spit, and then expels a darkened blob over Green's head and behind on  the dungeon floor, covering the area under Pink and Purple's feet with a  dark fluid and an iridescent sheen, and Purple loses its footing and  falls to the ground.

 R4T11:  Rodrigo moves around the southern combat wall and gives a "paper max" to Green for  20 , dropping it.

 R4T7:    Purple gets on his feet and carefully gets off of the slick to close on  Rodrigo while drawing its blade. Pink likewise gets off of the slick  and draws its blade and in closing, Rodrigo tips its chest for  10 . Pink attacks, missing, and Rodrigo thwacks it for  1 .

 R4T6:  Bořek moves forward and stabs Purple through the chest, killing it outright.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ... 
 R5T23:  Feiya stares at the last standing goblin, and then begins cackling hysterically when she sees that the goblin look nervous.

 R5T22.5:  Daji delays ...

 R5T20:   Alandra , what do you do?

Ranghen on deck, Ziggy in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  "Stand still so I can claim you, Dammit!"   snarls Alandra.
Dark shadows again swirl towards the remaining goblin.

 
 Spoiler: Crunch 

 SwA: Frightful Claim (Pink) 
 SA: Use Martial Terror with her Devastating Touch (at range due to Fear's Reach Feat) to strike at Goblin (pink) and channel Terror Incite Fear. 
    to hit  - (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  +1 for Battle Mantra Stance  
    to dam  - (1d6+3)[ 4 ]   plus save vs. fear if hit at DC 16 or become shaken for 1d4 rnds.
  
  Potential Counters:  
 
  If Alandra is hit with an attack, spend IA to use Body of Delusion counter [SG1-C; IA, Autohypnosis vs. attack roll, 1/2 dmg]  
 
      M        esmerist Rider:  
 
  Psychosomatic Surge: Daji and Ranghen. Trigger: taking damage  
  (note) I don't see the use of Terrors being tracked on Alandra's sheet. I know at least one has been used. Not sure if the attack doesn't hit if the Terror is used or not.   
 
 
lostsole31
 R5T20:    "Stand still so I can claim you, dammit!"   snarls  Alandra. Dark shadows again swirl towards the remaining goblin, but  again, it's the cover of the combat wall that helps it as the darkness  passes it.

 R5T19:  Ranghen concentrates and moves around to engage with Pink and misses wildly when she tried to touch the goblin.

 R5T17:  Ziggy moves into Ranghen's space and then snaps at Pink.

 R5T11:  Rodrigo cuts off the gobbo's sword arm at the shoulder, killing it instantly.

 Combat Ends! 
Blackhawk101
  “Wow! That was tough! How is everyone doing?”   asks Alandra with concern.
lostsole31
Ranghen assists Feiya in looking over the party, with everyone except Daji at least lightly wounded. Meanwhile, Rodrigo puts the fallen goblins to the sword to be sure.

Ranghen channels positive energy twice. One she does that, everyone is fully wounded, except Bořek (moderately wounded) and Rodrigo (extremely light wound). Bořek holds a hand to himself (now light wound).

Ranghen admits she only has on more channel (and very few limited spells), even as Bořek has only one more use of his limited healing.
Blackhawk101
  "I am glad no one is seriously hurt!"
"Ranghen, please search the area for tracks from the dwarves or anything else of interest. The rest of us: take a quick look around and while searching, gather all the goblin fire bombs that may remain. They may come in handy!"   says Alandra jovially.
  "Let me know if you find any other exits from this cavern."
  
Alandra takes a second to focus herself.

  
 Spoiler: crunch 

Reset Psionic Focus
Looks for arrow she missed with
 
lostsole31
  "I think we should check just this area and the goblins, but given our primary healer is tapped out, continuing forward is unwise,"   says Feiya.

Alandra regains psionic focus and recovers her arrow. Ranghen recovers her thrown daggers. Rodrigo recover his tanto.

Ranghen says,   "Stone floor ... no tracks. Also, none of the goblins had any flasks on them, which fits with their change of tactic to their dogslicers."  
Blackhawk101
  “I agree Feiya,”   says Alandra.
  ”Let’s retreat for now and find a place to rest and recover.”  
  ”We are no good to the dwarves if we are dead!”  
lostsole31
Do you camp in the field above? head back to town? Move back to the first set of very, very stinky and cramped goblin caves?
Blackhawk101
  “What is the most defensive or safest choice?”   asks Alandra striking a contemplative pose.

  “This cave is open and airy but hard to defend with multiple exits . If we leave, we will need to go far enough to out of goblin territory. Back to the road and back towards town. The second option opens the party to the potential of risks on the journey,”   Alandramuses.

  “I suggest that we move back above ground. This cavern has defensive walls and we don’t have to try to fight our way to safety. The potential downside is that we could be harassed by goblins or other baddies all night and not get rest anyway. I want your opinions.”  
lostsole31
Here are each NPC's input ...

Bořek: Return to town, inform the Mayor of the position of caves and number of goblins encountered so far.
Rodrigo:  Not a camper except for travel, he agrees.

Ranghen: Camp in the previous set of caves, specifically at the larger last cave to see the two ingresses ... the long one to this larger complex, and the other for external attacks.
Ziggy agrees with mama, of course.

Feiya hems and haws but without knowing the total force of goblins, she agrees with returning to town.
Blackhawk101
Alandra considers all of the opinions but finally decides to return to town and report to the mayor the disposition of the town watchmen and the goblin caves. As they leave, she will use her dagger to mark intersections and then trees or other landmarks to aid their return trip.
lostsole31
Is the intention to hope that the old woman is there to hear/ see you on the opposite shore, or to walk the five miles back where there is always a lookout, but is likely more expensive to bring you to the north side of the shore?
Blackhawk101
Alandra suggests that they take the more expensive but more reliable route across the river.
lostsole31
Ten gold is paid out of the party treasury (Ranghen hides Ziggy) and return to Roderic's Cove in the rain.

At this point, it is likely too late to get an audience with the Lord-Mayor. Tomorrow is a Sunday, so you won't get an audience until Moonday (the day after).

The party heads to the Creekside Tavern &amp; Inn. Do you RP for the evening, or have "small talk" (i.e., nothing worth playing out) and turn in for the night?
Blackhawk101
Alandra is curious to learn more about her teammates so would like to discuss their lives in more in depth. Also she will perform a post-fight analysis to see where we did well as well as where we can improve our communication and coordination.
lostsole31
After the conversation, does Alandra do anything herself, or turn in for the night?
Blackhawk101
That’s it for now.
lostsole31
    Sunday, 9 Rova 4718 AR (New Moon) 
Weather:  70/ 50 F. Winds WNW 15 mph. Dry.   

The next morning, what does Alandra do?
Blackhawk101
The next morning, Alandra will gather the team to discuss next steps.
  ”What should we do today while we wait to see the Lord Mayor on the morrow?”
  She lifts her slim hand and touches her first finger as if checking off a list.
  “We could:
1) visit the Cove Armory to see if      Galdsbredtha Morgmon is still there to update her on our rescue mission progress ( or lack there of) or
2) visit the Order of resplendence at Peacock manor north of town and follow up on information regarding the sword Baraket and their fight with the Horned Fangs or
3) Try to find the stone house in the Churlwood or
4) Meet with Audrahani to discuss our progress.
   Alandra shrugs and smiles before adding,   “My preference is number one. What say you?”  
lostsole31
Before we go into item&gt;&gt;&gt;item&gt;&gt;&gt;item, Alandra finds that none of the party are in their rooms.
Blackhawk101
Confused, she will look around for them.
lostsole31
Look around .... where? Within what search parameter(s)?
Blackhawk101
Around the inn and if not there, in town. She will ask people she encounters if they have seen the other party members.
lostsole31
Presumably, one of the first people you ask is the concierge at the inn. There are messages there by each "room" of your party to any of the rest of the party that they (individually) are going off to do whatever passes as worship or veneration to their powers/ deities/ gods/ philosophies for the morning, and they'll be back between an hour before and an hour after noon.
Blackhawk101
Alandra fumes briefly, lamenting the lost time.
To pass the time, Alandra goes looking around town for the town vagrant Kolton.
lostsole31
She can find Kolton around noon.....
Blackhawk101
Alandra saunters up to Kolton and leans up against a nearby structure/tree, lacing her arms beneath her ample bosom.
  “Hi Kolton! What’s new?”   she purrs.
lostsole31
Distracted by Alandra's beauty, Kolton stumbles on his words painfully. It takes him a full 45 seconds of halting and stuttering to get out what could be condensed to   "Good mornin' ma'am."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra straightens and moves to stand close to the man.
  “Anything interesting happened in town lately?”   she asks, twisting a strand of dark brown hair.
lostsole31
He turns tail and runs off.
Blackhawk101
  “Well …****!”   exclaims Alandra.
It is sometimes a hassle to be so good looking. She will make her way back to the inn to see if the others have finished their religious observances.
lostsole31
They start to filter in over a period of about 30-60 min. after Alandra gets back to the inn.
Blackhawk101
  Alandra will gather the team to discuss next steps. 
  ”What should we do today while we wait to see the Lord Mayor on the morrow?”  
lostsole31
Nobody has any special plans.
Blackhawk101
Alandra brushes a lock of her hair out of her face and smiles at the group.
  “    Let’s     visit the Order of resplendence at Peacock manor north of town and follow up on information regarding the sword Baraket and their fight with the Horned Fangs”  
lostsole31
The group travels to the fabled Peacock Manor!

You stand before the double doors of this large structure, having gone up a set of stairs onto a deck that seems to ring the building in both directions and around both sides.

What do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra retrieves a small vial from her kit and dabs a little of the liquid within on her wrists and neck. She smiles at the rest of the group, "Remember we are here for information and not to start a fight."

She adjusts her skirt and then knocks politely at the front door.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

Alandra Applies perfume.
She has provided Feiya with Psychosomatic Surge Cult Trick this morning.
Everyone has been given False healing prior just prior to arrival at the manor.
 
lostsole31
Opening the door is a bald Varisian woman in a strange green costume or uniform. She opens the door wide to get a good measure of the group, returning to a desk in the hallway to suit and presumably - as she dips ink in quill and looks at you,   "Please come forward, but not past the desk. Welcome to the Peacock Manor. Please state your business."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles pleasantly and steps forward, speaking with a cordial and confident manner.
  "Greetings! I am Alandra Hightower and we are collectively the "Heroes of Roderick's Cove". We have important business to discuss with whomever is in charge here. Please escort us to your superior. Thank you."  
lostsole31
The woman pauses when Alandra entitles the group, and though she doesn't look up, the skin moving back ever so slightly on her bald scalp informs that though Alandra can't see it, that deserved an eyebrow raise. Still, the woman dutifully writes name, group, and intention.

Varisian landscapes hang on the walls of this wide hall. Double doors on the north and south ends of the hall allow access to this space, and a number of other doors lead to other places in the manor. A set of varnished wooden stairs rises to the second level of the manor.

She finishes writing in her ledger and looks up, giving Alandra a long look, and then tilting her head to look out the door, then back to Alandra.   "I can give a message to Corstela Rostrata, who is in charge here. What is this concerning?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra continues to smile at the woman pleasantly.   
  She adjusts her dress to remove some phantom creases and stands a little straighter.
  "We are here to discuss two very important topics:
    1) We seek information about a sword of legend that once reportedly belonged to Sir Roderick; and
2) There has been several altercations between your group and the Horned Fangs gang. One such incident was broken up by the appearance of Sir Roderick's ghost just a few days ago. We seek to end this conflict and protect the town. "
  
lostsole31
  "Please wait here while I go deliver the message,"   says the clerk, and she leaves the hallway by exiting north to the intersection and then disappears as she heads east.

What do you do in the meantime?
Blackhawk101
Alandra turns to the others while they wait.
  “Strange outfit. What do we know about this Order of Resplendence?”  
lostsole31
The best that Feiya and Alandra can figure is that this place is some type of Varisian Heritage Club ... a place to celebrate ethnic Varisians through history .... their trials and tribulations; remembrances of wrongs; heroes, myths, &amp; legend; and, Varisian culture and art.
Blackhawk101
  "Interesting group. I hope they can help us."
  ​Alandra clasps her hands behind her back and attempts to wait patiently. "I wonder if this pose does anything for my figure?" she thinks.
lostsole31
After several minutes, the functionary returns and says,   "I have delivered your message. You will not receive an audience today. Thank you for stopping at the Peacock Manor."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra huffs angrily,   “Why not!”  
lostsole31
The gatekeeper replies,   "Reason neither given nor asked, nor shall it be. Please be sure to enjoy the rest of your day."  
Blackhawk101
  “I expected more cooperation but I guess      Audrani was wrong about these peacocks.  Instead of being concerned about the welfare of Roderick’s Cove and her citizens, they are only concerned with parading around and looking in the mirror!”       Alandra snarls at the useless attendant.
  
lostsole31
  "Alandra, it is time for us to go. Staying here serves no purpose but to potentially make us trespassers,"   says Bořivoj.
Blackhawk101
Alandra turns to  Bořivoj,   “Fine! I have said what I wanted to say.”
  The group will return to the inn.
lostsole31
Back at the inn, and having finished her longer responsibilities, Audrahni comes to check on the heroes and their investigation, and topping off payment for their room and board.

  "Troubling there are so many goblins,"   admits Audrahni after hearing everyone's account,   "but it does sound like you hurt them and a goblin champion in one cave before the greater resistance farther in. I am sure the Lord-Mayor will want to hear about that tomorrow. I don't know what to tell you about the Peacock Manor. They're not really my cup of tea."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra sulks a bit, disappointed that her efforts on this day failed so spectacularly. However, some attention from the local male and female(?) population soon buoys her spirits and she is back to her normal breathtaking self.
lostsole31
Anything besides perhaps some cross-training with the group before calling it a day?
Blackhawk101
Alandra is up to burn of some excess energy training with the team.
lostsole31
From a previous arrangement with Ranghen, Feiya takes Ziggy up to her room to begin a more formal scholarly tutelage than Ranghen can provide. Meanwhile, Ranghen took on a side job going into smaller sewer areas and hunting down some of the oversized bugs there. Rodrigo peels off to do private fencing drills.

Bořivoj is willing to do various physical workouts on stamina and overall health, and he proves to be a terrifying but effective trainer.

But the evening passes, then dinner, then sleep ... but not before Feiya and Ranghen stop in to look over their "patient" to help work out Alandra's previous muscle strain.

 

   Moonday, 10 Rova 4718 AR 
65/ 45 F. Winds W 20 mph  
 Alandra  wakes up, feeling fully refreshed, and her muscles are back to full (after working them out). Does she do anything different for her daily setup?
Blackhawk101
Alandra performs her usual morning routine; deciding to include Call Soul’s blade maneuver to those she readies before joining the others for breakfast.
lostsole31
What 's the plan for today?
Blackhawk101
To see the Lord Mayor to discuss the appearance of Sir Roderick’s ghost at his house and request a look at Sir Roderick’s map of the cove.
lostsole31
It just so happens that Creekside, where the PCs are staying ( 8 ) is only 100' away from Cove Hall ( 10 ), right across the Circle ( 9 ).

A clerk is there to greet the party, and upon seeing Bořivoj ("Bořek") Brennan with the party, they immediately show the party in to the mayoral chambers to Port-Govern Larenza Thort.    "Mr. Brennan, a pleasure to see you in my office. What brings you?"  

And here, Bořek introduces the various members of the party and says,   "Perhaps Alandra is best to speak for us."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra extends a hand to the Port-Governor.   
“Alandra Hightower. Pleased to meet you!”
  Alandra smiles warmly.
lostsole31
  "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. Hightower. Now, what do you have for me?"   says the Port-Governor.
Blackhawk101
  "I have much to tell you! First, the goblins in the Churlwood have killed three of your town guards! We found their bodies in the woods. We lacked the means to transport the bodies back to town so we left them as they fell by an old oak tree.   
Alandra twists here hands in obvious distress at what she is recalling.

  "We were in the woods trying to find the goblin's lair. We had heard the tale of the missing dwarf traders from their employer at the Cove Armory. This was just day before yesterday. We located the lair and endeavored to go inside and rescue the dwarves. Inside we found many goblins and managed to defeat them but we were forced to flee before we found the dwarves. We hope to return with any assistance you can provide; or if not, we will lead you to where you can recover the bodies of your guards."  
lostsole31
Larenza seems concerned.   "Thank you for doing what you've done so far."  

She looks to Bořek. "Mr. Brennan, you were part of this .... you know where the bodies are?"

  "Yes, Port-Governor."  
  "Please contact Julit Freson at the Cove Guardhouse to have a detail sent to retrieve our fallen."  
  "Yes, Port-Governor."  

He doesn't wait for anything but heads right out.

Larenza looks at Alandra and the party as he leaves.   "I sensed something was troubling Roderic's Cove. You obviously found the guards that were missing recently in the Churlwood, but what of the dwarves that went missing, supposedly kidnapped by goblins? With increasing tensions in town, I'm not eager to send out more guards into dangerous woodlands or haunted houses. It would be nice if a group of adventurers finished off those goblins, but we currently don't have anything in the budget earmarked to pay for such an endeavor."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods to the Port-Governor,   "We will pursue the goblins and try to save the Dwarves, of course. But there is more to tell you."  
She shifts her stance and stands up a little straighter before continuing.
  "A few days ago we met the ghost of Sir Roderick at The Circle. He only appeared briefly and seemed to be concerned about a possible showdown between the Horned Fangs and the Order of Resplendence. After he disappeared, we decided to visit his old home to see if we could uncover some clues as to why his ghost was haunting the Cove."  
Alandra flips her hair back and uses her body to dramatically tell the tale of their visit to Roderick's Wreck.
  "We entered the dilapidated structure and fought our way through swarms of giant insects, man-eating plants and dangerous spirits until we finally found Sir Roderick. He was with the ghostly images of his family. He spoke to us."  
She imitates a ghostly whisper.
     "The Cove. the stone house in the wood. The gauntlet. Save them. My map. The key" and " My map. They took my map. It holds the key. To the vault. Baraket will control them. It will control you! I should have taken the gauntlets, but I fled. I was a coward. You must be brave. You must endure where I did not. The vault. It lies still in the vault. You must save my Cove. My. Cove."     
Alandra points at the Port Governor,   "We want to help restore Sir Roderick's dream and protect the Cove. Do you know what the ghost meant? Do you have Sir Roderick's map?"   
lostsole31
  "Strange, but it makes sense that Sir Roderic's unquiet spirit - many of whom swear they saw spook folks in the Circle a few days ago - might be unsettled. Follow me,"   and Larenza leads the party to the archives in the same building, where she carefully pulls up and unrolls Sir Roderic's Map of Roderic's Cove.

Inspect Roderic’s map, the group finds on it a small seven-pointed star—inscribed on a ridge in the Churlwood a few miles southeast of Roderic’s Cove. There are also a recorded the combination of runes - each one placed at each of the seven points of this seven-pointed star.

  "I recognize this star symbol. It is very unique, called the  Sihedron  in ancient times of Thassilon,"   explains Feiya.    "The runes are associated with the seven sins, but their orientation is unusual .... each one rated in a different and unusual direction. Port-Governor, do you mind if I make a copy of this map?"  
  "If it will solve this mystery and bring peace to the town, go right ahead, but yes .... a copy only,"   Larenza says.   "The map itself stays here."  
  "I'm afraid I don't have any writing implements,"   says Feiya.

  "I have paper,"   offers Ranghen. She looks at the others with a shrug,   "I use it for my paintings."  

Larenza goes to the desk of the archive secretary to borrow ink, a quill, and a blotter, and Feiya looks to Ranghen.   "Actually, if you are an artist, you might better render a copy?"  

Ranghen nods and begins to draw, and she impeccably recreates the back of Sir Roderic's map. Though a copy of something else, everyone sees Ranghen's deft artistry, something she's been hiding under a bushel during this time.

  "So, I guess something is out in the Churlwood where that symbol is. Good luck heroes,"   says Larenza as she sees you out.
Blackhawk101
Alandra will gather the others once outside   “Let’s meet up with Borek at the Guardhouse and start the journey back to the Goblin lair. Any objections?”  
lostsole31
  "We've spent enough time here, what with Ranghen's rendering,"   rebuts Larenza,   "that I assume Mr. Brennand and Freson have likely already gotten a guard detail and been on their way."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra looks to the rest of the group for input,   “I think we should follow them to the guard’s resting place and meet up with Borek then. He can join up with us (or no) as we continue on to the Goblin lair. What say you?”  
lostsole31
  "That's going to depend on if he sets himself to protect the guards and back or not,"   intuits Feiya.   "It's in dangerous territory - thus the dead - and Bořek has a strong sense of protecting, so not sure that will work or not."  
Blackhawk101
  “True,”   agrees Alandra.   “I wouldn’t risk the goblin tunnels again without his help. Time is of the essence if we hope to rescue the Dwarves. Borek should consider that.”
”Anyone else have something to contribute?   she asks.
lostsole31
  "And you all can discuss that elsewhere, as I have things to do,"   says Larenza ... who sees everyone out of the town building.  "Good luck!" 

Now outside, Rodrigo asks,   "Do we have all we need to know about the troubles in town? Have we talked to everyone? I don't think I know much about the Horned Hermanos."  
Blackhawk101
  “The Horned Fangs are secondary to rescuing the missing Dwarves! It may be too late already. Have you given up on them?”   she asks angrily.
  “Even if we are too late, at least we could recover their bodies, I hope.”
  Alandra looks at each person directly and asks them,   “Are you committed to rescuing the Dwarves or not?”
”I will not put the group in danger unless we all agree.”
  
lostsole31
Rodrigo looks at the other women with a 'what the hell' look and walks away from Alandra.

Feiya looks at Alandra.   "I don't think Rodrigo has given up on the dwarves. But it is being productive until such time as Bořek returns to town. Now, either we can go off to rescue the dwarves now, but YOU were the one who was reticent to do so without our boy in armor. So, do YOU want to rescue dwarves - you know, saving lives in a timely fashion - and not wait until it is 'convenient' to have every person available you wish could be there since it is so important to you? or, do we take the better part of prudence in waiting for our heavily armored support and make use of our time in town in the meanwhile, but risk a dire end for our dwarves in durance vile?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra huffs angrily.   “Because of the way Rodrigo phrased his reply without referring to my concern about timeliness, it seemed to me that he was being dismissive of the issue.”
”I said that we need Borek with us to return to the Goblin lair. It will take a day or two for him to return. That is more time lost to secondary concerns!”
  
Alandra is clearly upset and she wrings her hands together to quiet them.
  “These delays are troubling and causing me to be short tempered. I apologize.”  

She will give Rodrigo and herself a few minutes to calm down before she will approach him.
lostsole31
Tick .. tick .... tick ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra will seek out Rodrigo to apologize for reacting disproportionately.
lostsole31
The party didn't fully separate and he's there. You approach him...
Blackhawk101
Alandra turns to Rodrigo,   “I apologize for my rudeness Rodrigo. All these delays have frayed my nerves! I hope you can forgive me.”


  To everyone she says,   “Let’s see if we can find something useful to do while we wait for Borek to return.”
”Let’s explore the town and see if we can find where these Horned Fangs hang out. Unless any of you have a better idea.”  
lostsole31
Rodrigo, accepting Alandra's apology asks,   "Where do we go first?"  
Blackhawk101
  “I suggest the we check out the Circle first and then work our way South to the docks. Unsavory elements usually gather in that kind of place.”   she says confidently.
lostsole31
The group heads out the door and right to the Circle (which Town Hall abuts). Now what?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will assess the activities going on in the circle to see if there are any Horned Fang members present (gangs of thugs) or Flouncing Peacocks.
lostsole31
After about 4 hours of loitering, she has seen nothing of the sort.
Blackhawk101
  “Nothing happening here. Let’s check the docks.”
  The group heads south to the waterfront.
lostsole31
They spend another 4 hours at the docks, milling around and asking aimless questions before it is already evening and time to head back to the inn for dinner, where your Iomedean bruiser pal is waiting for you.
Blackhawk101
  “Hello Borek! How did the recovery effort go?”   asks Alandra.
lostsole31
  "Fine,"   he says a little forlorn.   "We took a barge for quick upriver travel and back, and carted the bodies to the cemetery. Any news on the investigation?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra replies with an exuberant expression before turning serious.
   “We got a look at Sir Roderick’s map and found a clue relating to a mysterious symbol and the Churlwood! Rhanghen made a sketch of it if you want to see it. Definitely worth checking out!”
”My priority however is to return to the goblin caves and try to rescue or recover the captured merchant dwarves as we pledged.”
“What say you all?”  
lostsole31
The NPCs agree on heading back to trounce some goblins!
Blackhawk101
  “Good. It is decided then. We head out on the morrow. Everyone get some sleep.”  
lostsole31
    Toilday, 11 Rova 4718 AR (Waxing Crescent) 
70 / 55 F. Winds S 5 mph.   

Next morning, what is prepared?
Blackhawk101
No changes for Alandra.
She will ask Borek if a barge could be rented for the possible recovery of the dwarves as they might be injured or otherwise incapacitated.
lostsole31
Bořek answers,   "Of course. We didn't last time because it's an expensive option. It costs 2 gp to charter a boat to ferry us up there, but only as a one-way trip. There are no round trip options ... up and drop. Then we take Hallen's Ferry to cross when it's time to come home and walk back to town."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra shakes her head.   “No. That won’t work. We need transportation back. Perhaps a wagon or cart?”  
lostsole31
Bořek shrugs.   "I don't think Roderic's Cove has a wagon service, because the town just isn't that large."  
Blackhawk101
  “What about a pair of donkeys or ponies?”   Alandra asks.
lostsole31
  "I am sure you can purchase them?"   he answers.
Blackhawk101
  “Let’s see if we can find a couple of donkeys.”   Alandra says.
lostsole31
Feiya asks,   "Why? Why are you focused on beasts of burden?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles at Feiya but there is little humor in her eyes.   “As I said, if we find the missing dwarves they may be injured or worse. We will need the donkeys to help get them back here. Otherwise we will have to help them or carry them, slowing us down and exposing us to potential pursuit. Don’t you agree?”  
lostsole31
Ranghen, not one to offer an opinion normally, speaks up,   "I don't know. We don't know what need we have of an equine? We have to pay for it, feed it, and when done, then what? I would rather fashion a forest litter for any injured, even though that is tough work. Otherwise, who is buying such an expensive animal? Not me ... and I don't want it coming out of party treasury."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra glances down at her delicate hands and shapely arms that are definitely not up to the task of fashioning a litter out of forest materials, not to mention pulling such a contraption.
  “It you all have the skill and strength to craft and pull a litter, then I am agreeable.”  
lostsole31
Where exactly are you looking to go next?
Blackhawk101
Take the ferry back across the river and retrace our steps to the goblin cave in the Churlwood.
lostsole31
It takes the party nearly 2-1/2 hours to walk the clearly marked trail to the east to return to Hallen's Ferry, upriver from Roderic's Cove, where the Chavali River grows shallow for a short stretch stretch, twin rows of mismatched wooden pilings protrude from the water.

The party rings the loud bell several times, and it takes half an hour for Hallen to make her way from her home to the ferry.

You know the fee is 4 coppers, but party treasury only has gold. The old woman is not likely to have 96 coppers worth of change. Do you want to give her a whopping gold for the service, or to ask people to check their pockets for the much cheaper fare (and to be paid back later)?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will pony up the 4 coppers.
lostsole31
 Alandra coughs up four ponies. Everyone is understandably horried. 

Hallen is chatty and talks a lot as she ferries the PCs over. She’s naturally inquisitive, and while there’s nothing sinister about her, she’s quite the gossip.

How do you deal with her chattiness. Do you politely ignore, or give any gossip of your own?
Blackhawk101
Alandra loves to chat and so indulges the old woman with tales off their encounters with Sir Roderick and their current mission to attempt to rid the region of the goblin scourge.
She will try to get any information out of the woman regarding a stone house in the woods and it's location/directions using her natural charisma and charm.
lostsole31
Upon hearing that Alandra's group is trying to eradicate goblins, old Hallen hands Alandra back her four coppers.

  "Here, dear,"   she says, pushing the coins into her hand and cupping Alandra's hand with her other hand,   "for services rendered."  
Blackhawk101
  “My thanks, good woman!   Alandra smiles at the ferry pilot.
lostsole31
Since mentioning looking for the kidnapped dwarves, she’ll talk about how there are bandits, goblins, and monsters in the Churlwood,   “You pick which one is worse. Though, most of the time the bandits at least leave people alive. Goblins you never know, and monsters… well, that can go all kinds of ways.”  
Blackhawk101
Alandra laughs with the ferry woman.   “I know it! Right?”  
lostsole31
As you are nearly across, there is a woman in fancy dress across the way, but when she sees a heavily armed group on the ferry coming, she disappears into the forest.
Blackhawk101
  “Who was that?”   Alandra asks the Ferry woman.
lostsole31
  "Ain't nothin' but trouble, sure as that,"   croaks Hallen.   "That's one of them Roadkeepers. She prolly had a couple roughs also hidden, but one look at your lot and 'No, thankee!'"   That last bit gave her a wheezing laugh.
Blackhawk101
Alandra ***** (multiple male chickens) her head in confusion.   “Roadkeepers?”  
lostsole31
  "Bandits claimin' to be protectin' travelers for steep fare. Heh, pretty funny seeing her scamper off when she see'd ya'."  
Blackhawk101
  “Thank you for the information. We will keep an eye out for them.”  
lostsole31
Hallen finally gets the ferry to the other side and the PCs disembark.

Now what?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will wave goodbye to Hallen and the group will head for the goblin lair.
lostsole31
The party is just outside the entrance to the initial goblin caves, before attempting to work your way to the farther set of caves where you had the bottleneck with the alchemist fire-tossing goblins.

Before entering the caves, what does Alandra do, prepare, or recommend (not counting what others might do for illumination)?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will put a light spell on Borek’s breastplate.
She then addresses the group, “  We will need to stick together. I remember the way to the cave where we encountered the goblins with the alchemist fire. From there I plan to explore the door from that room. It was definitely not goblin made. However, there may be resistance.  
Alandra screws up her dark brows and crinkles her pert nose as she thinks hard about something.
  ”I have put protection on all of you and extra on Freiya. Once triggered on her, I will be able to give the same protection to a different person, one at a time.”  
She draws and strings her long bow and gives the group an encouraging grin. For Borek she adds a cheeky wink. She knocks an arrow.
  “Let’s use the same formation as last time: Ranghen     and   Ziggy followed by Borek. Next will be me followed by Feiya and Daji. Rodrigo will protect the rear. Any questions!”

   
 Spoiler: crunch 

Current Trick (1):  Feiya [Psychosomatic Surge]
False Healing:  Bor, Feiya, Ranghen, Rod, Ziggy, Daji, Alandra
Fanatical Stare : Borek
Psionically focused = yes
 
lostsole31
Well organized and with purpose, the group moves through the initial set of goblin caves, then down the long connecting tunnel, and out into the next series of underground where the goblin bodies seemed to have been moved, but there are no guards to greet them this time.

Surely you are deep under the Churlwood now. There appears to once have been an ancient structure which the ravages of time have left in underground ruins. Natural cavern walls are interrupted by ancient masonry that stretches through the ceiling. Although this is essentially a single cavern, the following encounters have been broken into separate areas.

The tunnel opens into a much larger cave, the ceiling of which arches to a height of fifteen feet overhead. The air here is cool and less pungent. Several long, low walls of broken stone transform the cave into something of a maze, while what appear to be ruined buildings built into the cave walls stand further to the south.

You come into a much larger chamber that the light is not strong enough to cover ... a door south and to the west, and another low wall to the southeast.
Blackhawk101
Alandra motions Feiya, Daji, Ranghen, and Ziggy forward.
   ”Advanced team: check the South door,”     she whispers. She covers the group with her bow.  
lostsole31
Feiya steps up and checks the door with Daji.    "Seems safe."   

She listens at the door.    "I think I hear ... slurping and chewing noises?"   
Blackhawk101
Alandra checks the others and if ready, nods to Borek to open the door.
lostsole31
Feiya and Daji back off and hunker down by the wall. Ranghen and Ziggy  do the same on the other side. As soon as Bořek opens the door, he  shouts,    "Contact!"   
 Begin Round One ...

R1T28:  Feiya casts  mage armor  on herself, but maintains her position behind the wall.

 R1T26:    "Mist going up to block line of sight against spells and snipers!"    warns Ranghen as she steps out behind Bořek and then casts a spell,  filling a wide area with thick mist. She holds the lit torch in one  hand, and doesn't draw any other weapons.

 R1T21:    "Breachin', mama!"   Ziggy's is heard gleefully informing the group, followed by scampering sounds and something biting into metal.   "Bit 'em inna' knee!"  
 R1T20:    "Ranghen, that is a good tactic, but I should have known beforehand, so as to choose different weapons,"    says Bořek. There is a clatter of wood and metal as the man drops his  guisarme. He's heard moving into the room while readying weapon and  shield. To an unknown opponent he says,   "Do not move, creature, or I will end your scourge on the land."  
 R1T19:    "I will go ahead and callout what I see,"   says Rodrigo. He then rushes into the cloud.   "Senorita Alandra, I'm at the door. Bo is just west of me, no enemy in sight."  
 R1T18:  Lil' Viper moves up quietly behind Feiya and Daji.

 R1T17:  Daji delays ...

 R1T16:   There is a sibilant voice heard echoing from the south, definitely in  the wider hall and not in the smaller room that was just breached.

 R1T15:   There is a shrill, rasping voice saying something unsteadily, followed  by very unhappy curses and lamenting in a nasty-sounding language.

 R1T8:   Alandra ,  as always, fanatical stare (as with all maintained things) drops once  you are jacklighted (i.e. initiative).  There's a huge cloud that you  can only see 5' into before you can't see into it anymore ... though  diffused and refracted light - albeit diminished - escapes from within,  making an almost rainbow sheen for what you do so. What do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra concentrates and manifests a power. Dark nightmare shapes swirl around her. She moves carefully South and hops over the low wall before continuing south, scanning the mist for targets, bow at the ready.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SwA: martial stance - Battle Mantra +1 AC
SA: manifest Untouchable Aura for 3 PP. Duration 3 rounds, DC = 16 (+2 DC for spending 3 PP)
MA: Move 30’ South with hop over the low wall. She stops if she sees someone and attempts to identify them.

Readied Actions:
IA: use Body of Delusion if damaged by a melee or ranged attack. 1 PP for 1/2 damage. Autohypnosis check.
IA: inner Senses. If forced to roll a Reflex or Fort save, use this counter to add +2 to roll.
Activate False Healing for any party member who takes damage: Alandra,  Bořek, Feiya, Ranghen, Rod, Ziggy, Daji.
Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage.
 
lostsole31
 R1T8:  Alandra concentrates and manifests a power. Dark  nightmare shapes swirl  around her. She moves carefully south and hops over the low wall before  continuing south, scanning the mist for targets, bow at the ready. She  stops when sees Rodrigo to her SW, and Ranghen's torchlight immediately  south of her.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T28:  Feiya's blue light moves away and Alandra hears her say,   "I pulled east out of the cloud. Daji, come!"  
 R2T26:   Ranghen's torchlight moves east and is partially obscured by physical  obstructions. Her voice is heard chanting a spell. Her voice is measured  and careful, so she must be near a threat. Her spell ends, the sound of  magic forming, and then something hitting metal armor.

 R2T21:  Something hitting chainmail.

 R2T20:  Sword strike against chain, and goblin's cries of pain followed by Bořek,   "There's space just south of me to attack this goblin from the east."  
 R2T19:  Rodrigo leaves Alandra's sight to the west. Fast sword draw, followed by chainmail strike.

 R2T16:  Shapes moving in the fog, but can't localize them or get direction.

 R2T15:   The goblin voice tries to speak again, but with Alandra closer it  sounds like spellcasting ... but a sound of anxiety when it fails.

 R2T8:   Alandra ,  what do you do? Nobody is around you, and the only feature you can  positively make out is the doorway to your SW from which some light  streams. Also, you can just make out the westernmost tip of a low wall  to your east.
Blackhawk101
Alandra looks about unsure of where to go.
  “Should I move into the room?”   She calls out .

  
 Spoiler: crunch 

SA: activate Aura of Fear

 Readied Actions:  
 IA: use Body of Delusion if damaged by a melee or ranged attack. 1 PP for 1/2 damage. Autohypnosis check.  
 IA: inner Senses. If forced to roll a Reflex or Fort save, use this counter to add +2 to roll.  
 False Healing for: Alandra, Bořek, Feiya, Ranghen, Rod, Ziggy, Daji. 
 Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage. 
 
lostsole31
 R2T8:  Alandra looks about unsure of where to go, calling out,   “Should I move into the room?”   
  "No!"   answers Bořek.   "Cover Feiya."  
 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ... 
 R3T28:  Feiya is heard casting a spell.

 R3T26:  Sound of something hitting chain armor followed by clanging of weapons together.

 R3T21:  Ziggy spitting acid. Very little sizzle, sounded weak.

 R3T20:  Bořek sounds like he struck a wound with his sword.

 R3T19:  Blades clanging several times.

 R3T18-15:  Alandra feels a sharp pinch in her lower back as she takes  3 ,  but she doesn't quite feel it with her false healing. To her east there  is a flash of red that whips over her head just as she recoiled  downward from the danger below her and a snake-like creature with a  goblin's head, whose tail wields a fiery whip, seems to have  overextended itself. Within the room, it sounds like the chief managed  to finish a spell for once. Alandra feels a dark malignancy attempt to  watch over her but she resists it.

 R3T8:   Alandra ,  it seems that not feeling the pain you take makes you unaware of some  of the more subtle dangers. That nip you felt is from a viper underfoot.  Roll a Fort save vs. poison. What do you do?

Feiya on deck, Daji in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra struggles to overcome the poison from the horrid little creature.
  “Let’s see how you like my sting, you disgusting worm!”
  She reaches out a hand to strike the creature. She then moves East looking for Feiya.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

use IA and Inner Sense counter to aid Fort save
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  Fort save +2 inner sense

FA: switch Battle Mantra stance bonus from +1 AC to +1 to hit
SA: use Devastating Touch to make melee touch attack and Martial Terror ability to channel a Terror with Devastating Touch attack as FA.
 (1d20+5)[ 17 ]  +1 Battle Mantra
 (1d6+3)[ 8 ]  to damage
MA: Move East until she spots Feiya or runs out of movement. If she spots Feiya, move towards her.
Readied Actions:
 Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage.
  IA: use Body of Delusion if damaged by a melee or ranged attack. 1 PP for 1/2 damage. Autohypnosis check.
 
 
 
 
lostsole31
 R3T8:  Alandra struggles to overcome the poison from the  horrid little creature, using her martial training to just barely fight  off the venom. She reaches out a hand to strike the creature, hissing,   “Let’s see how you like my sting, you disgusting worm!”   

Her hand slaps the viper on the head for  8 + shaken . She then goes to move east before realizing that the goblin-headed snake is standing right there, blocking that direction.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T28-27:  ...

 R4T26-10:  Sounds of battle in the room to the west.

 R4T18:  The snake snaps at Alandra again, striking Alandra in the calf for  1 NL +  2 poison  , having failed to focus properly with her  body of delusion .  Again, she barely feels it, but being aware of the danger, sees how  much more of her false healing is stripped by poison, whereas the weak  bite is unaffected by that protection. It then slithers away from  Alandra.

 R4T16:  The snake-headed goblin not only  appears to have righted itself, but seems partially distracted by  something on the other side of it to the east that Alandra cannot see.  There is a stone orbiting the strange monster's head. The monster then  makes a tremendously noxious belch that Alandra barely keeps from having  overcome her.

 R4T15:  It sounds like the goblin caster gets off another spell, and the cloud of mist is magically ripped away!

 R4T8:   Alandra , roll a Fort save vs. poison. What do you do?

Feiya on deck, Daji in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra hisses at her attackers before stepping to the NW She reaches out her hand towards the goblin-headed snake and purrs,   “Your puny soul is mine!”
  She slashes at the snake next to her with her hand.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: 5’ step to the NW

SwA: Frightful claim goblin-snake [cumulative -2 vs. fear effects)

SA: devastating touch melee touch attack against snake.
 (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  +1 from Battle Mantra Stance
 (1d6+3)[ 6 ]  to damage

 Readied Actions: 
  Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage.

    IA: use Body of Delusion if damaged by a melee or ranged attack. 1 PP for 1/2 damage. Autohypnosis check.  
 
lostsole31
 R4T8:  Alandra hisses at her attackers before stepping  to the northwest. She reaches out her hand towards the goblin-headed  snake and purrs,   “Your puny soul is mine!”
  
She slashes at the snake next to her with her hand, but it recoils from her.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T28:  Feiya casts a spell against the goblin snake, but other than the casting of magic, there is no apparent effect.

 R5T26:  Battle sounds in the room.

 R5T18:  The small snake tries to attack Alandra, but recoils in fear.

 R5T16:   The weird serpentine creature wields a fire whip in its tail somehow.  It is nonplussed by Alandra's aura and slashes her hip and buttocks for   7 fire  +  7 unholy + sickened   (+1 bleed)  !

 R5T15:  In a very accented Taldane, the goblin inside screams    "Zarongel take you all!"   

The  goblin in the room, and a bead of red appears briefly at the doorway  before erupting into a massive plume of flame that covers all of the  party except Feiya, but also includes both the snake and the snake  creature, damaging all as thus: Goblin snake (  18 fire  ); Ranghen &amp; Ziggy (  9 fire  ); Bořek &amp; Rodrigo (  8 fire  ); goblin spellcaster (  7 fire  ); small snake dodges and is completely unharmed.

 R5T8:   Alandra , you take   1 bleed  . What do you do?

Feiya and Daji on deck and in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
  "Ahh! Dammit! You bastard! ...I'll do you for that!"   screams Alandra, pain and anger contorting her features.
She takes a step back and glares at the goblin-snake thing. She then focuses her rage and sends her Devastating Touch attack at the creature while funneling her Terror into the attack.

  "Feiya! Help I'm bleeding!"
  
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

FA: 5 ft step North

SwA: Manifest Lingering Touch power for 1 PP. Her Devastating Touch ability will automatically damage the target again the following round.

SA: Target the goblin-snake with her Devastating Touch ability using Fear's Reach Feat to make it a  ranged Touch Attack . She will channel a use of her Terror :Incite Fear. Her next successful attack target must save DC 16 or be shaken for 1d4 rounds (unless they are in range of her Aura of Fear which is -4 SV vs Fear).

 (1d20+5)[ 17 ]  +1 Battle Mantra, -2 for Sickened
 (1d6+3)[ 9 ] 
  Readied Actions:  
   Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage.   
 
lostsole31
 R5T8:     "Ahh! Dammit! You bastard! ...I'll do you for that!"    screams  Alandra, pain and anger contorting her features. She takes a step back  and glares at the goblin-snake thing. She then  focuses her rage and sends her Devastating Touch attack at the creature  while funneling her Terror into the attack, ducking a very wild attack  from the fire-whip. Her power just barely hits the monster for   9 terror  .

  "Feiya! Help I'm bleeding!"  
 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T28:  Feiya uses the low wall for protection and casts a spell, followed by a wordless, noiseless scream at the monster for   2 sonic  .   "It's  a goblin-snake, if that helps ... an aberration. It possesses  unexpected magic, though. I can't get to you right this second, Alandra.  Step back, and try to bind your wound."  
 R6T26:   Ranghen steps outside the door, and then carefully casts a spell when  she sees that whip. Try as she might, that tail-held fire-whip snaps  threateningly several times and she loses her concentration and spell.

 R6T21:  Ziggy zips out under Ranghen'z legz and spitz some azid at the goblin-znake, but it duckz quickly and only takez   1 acid  .

 R6T20:   Bořek comes out of the room with sword and shield and with the monster  focused on Alandra already like it was, he tromps right up to her. He  throws down his sword and reaches out his hand that glows with the  Inheritor's power as he touches Alandra's cheek   3 healing  , stopping the bleeding and removing all NL.

 R6T19:   Rodrigo shoots out to the west next to the low wall but slips on the  dirt as he swings at the goblin snake, and as he tries to regain his  footing, the goblin snake stares into his eyes and sways, making Rod  feel very uneasy ( sickened ).

 R6T18:  The viper moves into Ranghen and Ziggy's square to attack Ziggy, but not before Ranghen hits it with her sickle for  9  and Ziggy nips it for  5 , knocking it unconscious.

 R6T16:   The goblin-snakes makes a terrifying display of prowess - not with its  fire-whip - but with its snapping, envenomed bite. Everyone is shaken by  this display - even Bořek! It then moves slightly northeast.

 R6T8:   Alandra , your  untouchable aura  ends. Your lingering touch does   8 terror   again to the goblin snake before it likewise fails. You are sickened and shaken. What do you do?

Feiya on deck, Daji in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles sweetly at the goblin-snake.   “Where are you going?”
  She reaches towards the creature as if trying to plead for it to stay; hand grasping.   
  Then she manifests her power and once again, dark shadows swirl around her.
She slips along the low wall, using it for cover as she stays close to her prey.
 
 Spoiler: crunch 

SwA: claim the goblin-snake. Recover maneuver: inner sense. -2 sv vs. fear

SA: manifest Untouchable Aura for 3 PP. duration 5 rnds . DC 17

MA: move along the low wall to the East(ish) until as close as she can get. About 15’ of movement or two diagonals.

  Readied Actions:  
  Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage.

  Use IA counter Inner Sense for +2 Fort or Reflex save if one is needed.
 
lostsole31
 R6T8:  Alandra smiles sweetly at the goblin-snake.   “Where are you going?”
  
She reaches towards the creature as if trying to  plead for it to stay; hand grasping. Then she manifests her power and  once again, dark shadows swirl around her. She slips along the low wall,  using it for cover as she stays close to her prey. The goblin-snake  seems transfixed in fear by something, its fire-whip halting when it  goes to attack Alandra as she moves.

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T28:  Feiya gives the goblin-snake the evil eye.

 R7T27:  Daji, who has been hiding crouched behind the low, delays.

 R7T26:   Ranghen stares at the goblin snake .... and then cuts the viper's head  off with her sickle, and the goblin-snake hisses in anguish and steps  forward.

 R7T21:  Ziggy disappears in a flash of  light, quickly followed by a gout of acid from the east that the  goblin-snake barely dodges to only take   3 acid  .

 R7T20:  Bořek steps forward a few feet and touches Alandra again for   1 healing  . He takes out his flail.

 R7T19:   Rodrigo sheathes his wakizashi, keeping out his katana for defense, but  trying to take a breath to recover. It works, as he is no longer  sickened.

 R7T16:  The goblin-snake moves east and  then snaps its whip at what Alandra can only guess to be Ziggy. No  sounds of impact, so that is a good sign.

 R7T8:   Alandra ,  your claim on the goblin-snake ends, though what you barely see is  supported by your feeling before it goes away. What do you do?

Feiya on deck, Ranghen in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra hops over the low wall and hurries after the Goblin-snake. She stops about 20 ft. from her target and then reaches out to claim it for her own. She dramatically gestures and the dark shapes that swirl around her dart forward to attack.

 
 Spoiler: crunch 

MA: hop the wall and then move 5 ft to the SE and then straight East until she is within 20' of the goblin-snake or her movement runs out.

SwA: Frightful Claim the Goblin Snake (-2 save vs fear). Recover spent maneuver : Body of Delusion

SA: use Fear's Reach Feat to make Devastating Touch Attack at range. Channel a use of Incite Fear Terror with her Devastating Touch attack. Previous successful uses of Incite fear should trigger with a successful attack. DC16 Will save.

 (1d20+5)[ 10 ]  +1 Battle Mantra (-2  sickened, -2 shaken)

 (1d6+3)[ 8 ]  Damage

Readied Actions:
   Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage.

    Use IA counter Inner Sense for +2 Fort or Reflex save if one is needed. 

Use IA Counter : Body of Delusion counter if damaged from an attack (spend 3 PP for no damage and +3 to Autohypnosis check).
 
lostsole31
 R7T8:  Alandra hurries after the goblin-snake. She  stops about 20' from her target and then reaches out to claim it for  her own. She dramatically gestures and the dark shapes that swirl around  her dart forward to attack, but miss the monster.

 End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T28:  Feiya glares at the goblin-snake again, and then starts to laugh.

 R8T26:  Ranghen runs up and tosses a dagger at the goblin-snake, missing ... even as it misses her with its fire-whip.

 R8T21:  Ziggy does a head bob to fake out the goblin snake, but fails to score a bite.

 R8T20:  Bořek hustles in to close on the monster.

 R8T19:  Rodrigo moves to screen Alandra from the monster.

 R8T16:  The goblin snake hisses out a protective spell for itself.

 R8T8:   Alandra , what do you do? Your claim ends.

Feiya on deck, Ranghen in the hole ...
Blackhawk101
Alandra focuses her Hypnotic stare at the Goblin headed snake, trying to sap its will. She then will use her Mesmerist powers to burrow Fear into its psyche.

 
 Spoiler: Crunch 

SwA: use Hypnotic Stare (-2 on Will saves) with the Bold Stare improvement: Nightmare (target rolls twice on will saves and takes the lower)

SA: Cast Cause Fear DC 16 Will. (creatures with 6 HD or more are immune) Fail: frightened for 1d4 rounds; success: shaken for 1 round

 Readied Actions: 
   Activate cult Trick : Psychosomatic Surge for Feiya if she takes damage.

     Use IA counter Inner Sense for +2 Fort or Reflex save if one is needed.  
 Use IA Counter : Body of Delusion counter if damaged from an attack (spend 3 PP for no damage and +3 to Autohypnosis check).

 
 
lostsole31
 R8T8:  Alandra focuses her hypnotic stare at the goblin-headed snake, trying to  sap its will. She then uses her mesmerist powers to burrow fear  into its psyche. It seems nonplussed by the spell.

 End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...

R9T28:  Feiya continues laughing as she moves up behind Alandra with Daji following.

 R9T26:  Ranghen throws a dagger, but it misses with Bořek in the way.

 R9T21:  Ziggy snaps at the goblin-snake.

 R9T20:  Bořek misses with his flail.

 R9T19:  Bored, Rodrigo steps to the south.

 R9T16:   The goblin-snake recovers from being sickened. It then rushes east past  Ziggy and Bořek with brute agility and into the darkness beyond, and  Alandra's stare fails.

 R9T8:   Alandra , your  untouchable aura  ends and you are no longer sickened. What do you do?

Feiya and Daji on deck and in the hole ..
Blackhawk101
  “Everyone circle up on me. Let’s talk! We’ll get that slimy snake soon enough!”  she calls to the party.
lostsole31
 R9T8:    “Everyone circle up on me. Let’s talk! We’ll get that slimy snake soon enough!”   she calls to the party.

 End Round 9, Begin Round 10 ...

R10T28-27:  Feiya stops laughing and she and Daji delay ...

 R10T26:   Ranghen moves over to her dropped daggers, but still seeing something  she quick draws a dagger and tosses it and a cry of pain is heard in the  darkness.

 R10T20:  Bořek moves to Alandra.

  "It's gone,"   says Ranghen, peering into the dark.

Alandra, we are now out of initiative, and you are no longer shaken (or in stance).

 Initiative Ends ... 
Blackhawk101
  “Let’s check this area for clues on the location of the dwarves.”
  She will begin her search.
Alandra will pause her exploration to ask,   “What happened in the room with the fireball?”  
lostsole31
  "The chief, he committed a death rattle,"   says Rodrigo.

How much of what area do you want to search ... and deep or quick ... which you can change depending on the section you search in?
Blackhawk101
Start by a quick search in an orderly fashion going around the perimeter of the large cave.
lostsole31
There is a point where the cave seems to give way to a hallway some 8' wide heading south ... I am not assuming you are including that, as there is a door down there to the west, and an opening to the east.  There are stairs to the west from the main part of the large hall that are choked with ancient rubble. There is nothing of value that you find, and that is with a five-minute quick search due to the expanse of the large cavern.

In that time, nobody is shaken anymore, all spells lapse except for one protective spell on Feiya, and Ranghen retrieves two of her daggers, but does not cross the low wall to the upper east to retrieve the third.
Blackhawk101
  “No signs of the dwarves here.”
”I suggest that we follow the goblin snake and see what it can tell us before we rid the world of its stain!”  
lostsole31
  "We should systematically start searching the chief's room for clues, and then moves south and west,"   says Bořek.

  "Ehhhh, I agree, but probably not the reason you are thinking,"   says Feiya to the man,   "at least not for being systematic. The goblin snake was emplaced here, but fled east. So, what is here on the western reaches of interest? It didn't seem to care too much about coming to the chief's aid so much as being its own agent."  
Blackhawk101
  “Sounds good. We’ll check the chief’s room then explore to the South. Let’s go.”

  Alandra will head to the West to check out the room.
lostsole31
Deep or quick search in the chief's room?
Blackhawk101
Deep search in the Chief’s room.
lostsole31
Formed by ancient walls on three sides, this chamber serves as the home of Chief Cheektooth, leader of the Bramblemouth goblins.

Bořek gives a prayer to Iomedae to give him the wisdom to know what to do, once Feiya notes that the Chief isn't dead. Feiya notes that the gobin chief is comatose, not dead.
Blackhawk101
Alandra will search the chiefs body and remove any weapons or items.
lostsole31
The following items are found on the chief:
 
  Small flaming dogslicer  
 Small masterwork chainmail 
 Iron Holy Symbol (presumably of the "Zarongel" that the chief called upon) 
 Spell Component Pouch (not usable or saleable to anyone else)  
 

Cheektooth keeps his tribe’s treasure in a battered, moldy coffer that sits unlocked near where he sleeps. The coffer contains three gold bars (each weighing 1 pound and worth 50 gp). Scattered among the gold bars are dozens of precious stones worth a total of 248 gp.

There is a desire among several to destroy the demonic symbol and the spell component pouch.
Blackhawk101
Alandra is fine with destroying the goblin holy symbol and component pouch.
lostsole31
The party gets into formation and heads to the door facing the chamber from the SW. Door opening protocol is followed and the door is opened. Dozens of moldy and lice-ridden blankets and hides lie along the walls of this chamber; a shabby curtain separates this area from the central chamber.
Blackhawk101
  “Ew! Don’t touch anything.”   Alandra backs away.
lostsole31
  "So, we  shouldn't  search for any clues?"   asks Feiya.
Blackhawk101
Alandra shivers in revulsion,   “Like what?!”
  She stomps her foot defiantly,   “Look, I am not going to dig through some old tattered, infested rags hoping for clues. Help yourself if you want to!”  
lostsole31
The party goes in and begins looking around. What does Alandra do in the meantime?
Blackhawk101
Alandra keeps an eye out while pondering the great existential mysteries of the universe.
  “I wonder how I would look in blue eye shadow…?”  
lostsole31
   "Ugly,"    whispers a goblin as it zooms past her from south going north.

Before Alandra can even respond to the situation, the goblin darts north and east out of sight.
Blackhawk101
  “Wha….? Hey!”   Alandra looks around for the speedy goblin.
  “We have contact!”   she shouts to the others.
lostsole31
By the time the rest of the party musters in the larger cave with Alandra, that goblin is nowhere to be seen.
Blackhawk101
  “He came and went so fast, I couldn’t react.”
“Any ideas on how to trap the speedy bugger?”   asks Alandra.
lostsole31
  "What direction did it come from?"   asks Feiya.   "And what direction did it last go?"  
Blackhawk101
  “It came from the south and left north and then east.”   
lostsole31
  "Then something is to the south, and danger - as we know since that is the way the goblin snake left - is now compounded and to the northeast,"   Feiya offers.
Blackhawk101
  “That makes sense.”   agrees Alandra.
  “Do you need more time to finish checking the room or no?”  
lostsole31
  "No, it is garbage like you thought,"   answers Feiya,   "but it was still good for us to be sure."  
Blackhawk101
  “Standard formation then and explore the South.”   directs Alandra.
lostsole31
Crumbling walls stand out among the rocky cave walls here. Manacles are driven into the wall with a sturdy metal spike.

A pair of haggard dwarves, the missing teamsters the PCs may have been looking for, sit slumped against the wall, their arms stretched above their heads and shackled in manacles. The dwarves are malnourished and terrified, but otherwise unharmed. Kaggie Shalestep and her husband Toagus are thankful for any help the PCs can provide them.

What do you do/ direct/ recommend?
Blackhawk101
  “Anyone good with locks?”   Alandra asks. She looks around absently for a key ring.
lostsole31
Feiya says,   "I have training, but I don't have the equipment."  
Blackhawk101
  “If we can’t unlock the chains can we free the chains from the wall?”
  Alandra asks hopefully.
lostsole31
A guisarme is just a fancy axe on a pole, and it may take several occasions of hacking away, but Bořivoj will soon break the chains.   "They will need to have shackles removed in town."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra smiles reassuringly as she addresses the dwarves.
  ”My name is Alandra Hightower and we are the Heroes of Roderick’s Cove! We heard of your abduction from      Galdsbredtha  Morgmon and we will get you back to town.”

   She will offer the dwarves her dagger, canteen and rations.
  “You can use my dagger if we are attacked and you must be hungry and thirsty.”
    ”Are you able to travel?”  
lostsole31
Feiya looks the dwarven married couple over, realizing that they can move, but they are injured and in pain from having had their arms shackled up. She calls them "partially ambulatory" ... able to move, but needing assistance.
Blackhawk101
  “While I don’t like leaving any of the goblin scum alive to continue to harass good people, our priority is to get these dwarves home safely.”

  Alandra will look to the more crafty members of the group.   “Let’s get outside and then decide if we would move faster by making travois or not.”  
lostsole31
The party backs out the way they came in, and a travois isn't needed, but they need a shoulder, as it were.
Blackhawk101
Alandra leads the group through the forest and to the road. She then heads for the ferry and back to town.
lostsole31
They ring the loud bell on the south shore, and it takes 30 min. for Hallen to make it to the ferry, and then another 10 minutes to ferry across. The party returns to town with the dwarves and then ... where do you take them?
Blackhawk101
The group heads to the Cove Armory. If they lack the tools to free the dwarves from their bonds, Alandra suggests that Feiya purchase lock picks with party money.
lostsole31
Captain Freson will take care of the dwarves, taking them off the party's hands.

  "Thieves' tools!"   gasps Feiya, eyeing Bořek and Captain Freson nervously.   "Surely such things are illegal and black market items. No, no, I will go to hardware and general store and pick up a variety of tools to help with any mechanical challenges we may face, but I'm happy for the party to pay for some tools."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods knowingly.   “Good idea!”
“Let’s go tell      Lynwynd the good news!”
  She will head for the Cove Armory with the others.
lostsole31
 7. Cove Guardhouse:   Though Roderic’s Cove doesn’t see much danger, the town maintains a town guard and a volunteer militia for larger emergencies whose members are ready to assist their fellow citizens should the need arise.  Captain Julit Freson  (middle-aged female human) is a gruff, no-nonsense woman who runs the guardhouse and trains anyone in town who wants to volunteer for the guard or militia. She dispenses good advice, whether people want to hear it or not, and always encourages people to do their best, especially the town children who look up to her. A few years ago, Freson recruited an unexpected second-in-command. After investigating reports of raids in the Churlwood, she captured  Keela Macrosh  (female human) and locked her up in the guardhouse’s jail cell. Over long conversations, Keela seemed to truly repent her ways and showed an interest in turning her life around. Though skeptical at first, Captain Freson agreed to mentor the former bandit.

 

 18. Cove Armory:  Distrusted by some in Roderic’s Cove,  Lyndwyn Suvasa  (female human) runs a small shop that provides weapons and armor to those in need. She gets many of her wares by special order from Riddleport, prompting some people in town to think that she has shady connections to that city. In truth, she gets her best pieces from a traveling dwarven weaponsmith who visits at least once a month to sell her new pieces and to spend some quality time with Lyndwyn. Lyndwyn doesn’t pay the town’s attitude much mind, and is very open with newcomers, warning them of the gossiping nature of Roderic’s Cove.



 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Both of the above are now in the gazeteer in Discord.
 

The party returns to Lyndwyn with the good news, and she is thankful for their help, though sadly because of recent issues she has no reward to give.

Now where to? Back to the Creekside for dinner, the day's denouement, and discussion about the morrow?
Blackhawk101
The tired band of adventurers will move to the Creekside Inn for dinner and discussions.
lostsole31
The party have a discussion with Audrahni (q.v.) and then retire for the evening.
 
  
  Wealday, 12 Rova 4718 AR (Waxing Crescent) 
65/ 45 F. Heavy rain. Winds N 15 mph. Dry.   

What setups are made today?
Blackhawk101
No change. Psychosomatic Surge trick on Feiya.
lostsole31
Done.

What is the order of the day?
Blackhawk101
Alandra will wash and ready herself for the day. Once done, she will go down stairs to breakfast with the party.
  “Well we rescued the dwarves. Now what?”   she asks while chewing some porridge.
She swallows and grins at the group.   “I suggest that we try to find whatever that symbol is on the map! Seems important!”  
lostsole31
  "We could a-split, si?"   asks Rodrigo.

  "What do you mean?"   asks Ranghen.

  "Well, it a-seem to me that we have-a two things,"   Rod replies,   "one is to do the scholarly things with a-that star. The other ... that is to look into what Audrahni ask about, taking a wider sample perhaps a-then maybe we a-have a-ready."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra looks confused.
  “You’re suggesting that we split up and one group looks for clues here in town and the other checks out the star in the woods?”  
lostsole31
  "Si, senorita,"   answers Rodrigo.   "I do not know if you find-a answers about the star in the woods, or looking at a library or a-something in town about-a the star."  
Blackhawk101
  “Is there a library in town?”   asks Alandra doubtfully.
lostsole31
  "Well, that would be something to discover, wouldn't it?"   asks Feiya blithely.
Blackhawk101
Alandra nods,   “I agree. Thank you for offering to help uncover more about Sir Roderick’s map. Who else wants to do research?”   
lostsole31
  "I'm much better suited for research,"   says Feiya,   "and you are much better at interacting with people, even though your focus is on the meaning of the star. I recommend I go with Ziggy and Ranghen to try to find information about that. Then, you go with Bořek and Rodrigo to ask around town about the Horned Fangs. That is probably the best mix of research, social talents, bodyguards for you and I for wherever our investigations may lead us."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra considers Feiya’s suggestion before agreeing.
  “Sound logic. I suggest that the research team try the Order of Resplendence again. They reportedly have an interest in Varisian History and that might also tie into Ancient Thassilon and the strange symbol on the map.”

  Alandra smiles prettily at the two boys.   “So let’s see it we can scrounge up some Horned Fangs!”  
lostsole31
 Alandra , how do you begin your task?
Blackhawk101
  “Let’s look for Kolton. He may have a suggestion as to where to look for these thugs.”
”You guys should try to speak to him alone if we find him. I make him …nervous.”  
lostsole31
It takes about two hours of asking around, but you will find Kolton loitering in town somewhere. Because of Alandra's request, Bořek leads Rodrigo to the flayleaf bum to talk with him for a few minutes while Alandra hangs back.

The men leave Kolton and come back to Alandra.   "Kolton witnessed the deadly fight a couple weeks ago, and he saw what he refers to as the 'cultists' fleeing north, and heard Ladia shouting for them to come back. He also saw the young boy Kynae slinking away from the site. He gave us pointers to find the youth upon a promise that we are kind to him. When Rodrigo asked about 'cultists,' the description was definitely the green, colorful, peacock outfits of the Order of Resplendence. He had nothing to offer regarding the other gang."  
Blackhawk101
Alandra looks pleased with the boys progress.   “Good work! Let’s see if we can find the child Kynae and see what he knows.”


  ​
lostsole31
People are clannish and protective when it comes to a handful of armed adventurers asking about Kynae, but after three hours they finally get a clue .. and that is to look for Kynae outside Blackberry's Bakery.

Outside of the bakery, a rain-thin boy with dirty smudges on his face and ragged hand-me down clothes is reading a book and munching on a baguette.

What do you do?
Blackhawk101
Alandra waves the others back and approaches the boy casually.
  “Um…excuse me? Hello. I was wondering if you could help me?”   she asks shyly.   “My name is Alandra Hightower. My friends and I are new in town and we are looking to hire a guide.”  
lostsole31
  "Ain' no gye-dth here,"   he says, going back to his muffin and book.
Blackhawk101
  "If you don't want a job, could you help us in another way?"   Alandra asks the boy, squatting down so that they're about on the same level.
  "Sir Roderick's Ghost has given us a special mission to protect the town and we need help finding the Horned Fangs gang. Do you know where they are or who is in the gang?"
  Alandra smiles encouragingly at the urchin.
lostsole31
Bořek is sure to have his helm raised so he isn't so terrifying.    "Even if your frightened of dropping names, perhaps you could describe what you saw that night?"  

It seems when he wants to, he is effective at helping Alandra with a more social hand when needed, and not just the blunt instrument he seems to portray. In fact, it is likely his help that finally gets Kynae to open up a little more.

Kynae tells the PCs that he was out late that night to get some night fishing done when he heard talking coming from the Circle. He crept to the edge, but hid behind a rain barrel as he watched two groups of people arguing. He recognized them as members of the Horned Fangs and the Order of Resplendence, but it was too foggy to recognize individuals. One of the order people, a woman, was accusing the Horned Fangs that,   “You are ‘properating a runelord’s rune”   or something like that, and she seemed enraged by it. The Horned Fang said something naughty back to the woman, and she sputtered and then, all of a sudden, things went real weird.

Kynae thinks the woman drew a rapier, although it looked broken to the child—there was no blade, only a fancy basket hilt. But as the woman jabbed it toward the Horned Fang, suddenly his throat opened up and blood went everywhere. But that wasn’t the worst, Kynae says, his eyes big.   “Things came out of the fog. Ghosts. Monsters. Worse. They all started swirling through the air, and one after another the Horned Fangs just dropped dead! When I saw one of the ghosts turn my way, when I thought that maybe it looked a bit too much like my old man, well, I took off.

“Please don’t tell him!”   he adds nervously.

With a brief confab, not one of you can make sense of what might have called up ghost, monsters, and worse. On the other hand, with Rodrigo aiding Alandra, Alandra recalls that  Baraket  - the sword for which you have a sword case - was written somewhere she had seen before as being a "bladeless rapier."
Blackhawk101
  "Well thank you Kynae! You have been most helpful."   She offers the boy a silver piece for his trouble.

Alandra turns to the others,  "We need to catch up with the others quickly. They could be in danger!"  
lostsole31
  "How so?"   asks Rodrigo.
Blackhawk101
Alandra keeps her voice down so that just Borek and Rodrigo can hear.  "If the order of Resplendence has the Baraket sword and the girls are asking around about it, who knows what the Peacock's will do to keep their secret safe." 
lostsole31
  "Where do you recommend we begin our search for them?"  Bořek asks.
Blackhawk101
  “Is there a library in town, Borek?”    Alandra asks.
lostsole31
  "I've heard of such things in big cities, but if there are any in Roderic's Cove, I don't know of them,"   the man answers.
Blackhawk101
  “My thoughts exactly!”   she gestures emphatically with a clenched fist.
  ”Then I think that they might have gone to visit the Order of Resplendence again.”  
lostsole31
The men waiting for actions, or directions of the same ....
Blackhawk101
  “Let’s head to the town center and if we find no trace of them then we will head for the Peacock’s manor.”   Alandra leads the way.
lostsole31
Alandra and Co. go the the Circle, but do not see the others. Straight to Peacock Manor, then?
Blackhawk101
  “On to the Peacock Manor!”    says Alandra. She leads the way.
lostsole31
As before, they have to knock on the door before a philosopher opens the door as before. Beyond, Varisian landscapes hang on the walls of this wide hall. Double
doors on the north and south ends of the hall allow access to this space, and a number of other doors lead to other places in the manor. A set of varnished wooden stairs rises to the second level of the manor.

  "What business do you have or request?"   asks the gatekeeper.
Blackhawk101
  “Good day!”   Alandra says brightly.   “We would like permission to do some research in your library.”


  
lostsole31
  "I am sure you do. I am sure many would. But this is not a public library for any road tramp to beggar into,"   answers the philosopher.   "Much like most libraries are private or related to some sort of special interest, order, or university. In fact, I can't think of a single library I've ever heard of that is public admission. Have you?"  
Blackhawk101
Alandra sniffs in distain at the rude philosopher.   "The world would be better off if people shared knowledge freely instead of hoarding it!"
"Neverless, we are not some penniless vagabonds. If you require a fee to enter, then lets have your price!"
  
She stares intently at the pompous oaf, smiling and trying not to grit her teeth.
lostsole31
  "You don't have the temperament to earn the fee to study here,"   says the philosopher.
Blackhawk101
  "And what is that supposed to mean?"   ​Alandra asks sweetly. Her upper lip twitches a little.
lostsole31
  "You see? You failed to infer the message,"   snorts the philosopher, who then goes to shut the door.

Does Alandra try something overt like stopping the shutting of the door, or leave be?
Blackhawk101
Alandra just smiles and says   “I’ll be back.”
 
 She motions to the others to follow her away from the manor and to the inn.
lostsole31
What do you do once back at the Inn?
Blackhawk101
Alandra says   “Let’s look around here and make sure the girls haven’t come back.”
”If they haven’t, we will rest and plan to return to the order of resplendence tonight for a look around.”  
lostsole31
A little over an hour later, the rest of the group meets up with Alandra and the boys. They made their way to Peacock Manor, but after chatting for a bit, it seems they didn't make it there until after an hour after Alandra and the boys.
Blackhawk101
Alandra is visibly relieved to see the girls and their companions safe and sound. She greets each with a hug and a big smile.
  “I am glad you all are safe! With what we learned, I was worried you might have fallen afoul of the Peacocks!”

  She gestures to all to sit at a table.
  “We found and interviewed a witness to the fight between the Order of Resplendence and the Horned Fangs gang!”   
 She takes a sip of her beverage before continuing  . 
   “The boy (a local urchin named Kynae) said the Fangs offered an insult to the leader of the Peacocks (a woman) and in response she drew a rapier with a fancy basket hilt but no visible blade! We conjecture the sword is Baraket!”

”He said it was when she drew the sword that things got weird.”
  Alandra imitates Kynae’s speech:    ‘      Things came out of the fog. Ghosts. Monsters. Worse. They all started swirling through the air, and one after another the Horned Fangs just dropped dead!’
’When I saw one of the ghosts turn my way, when I thought that maybe it looked a bit too much like my old man, well, I took off.’”
 
    “Very interesting, right?!”   Alandra gushes.

  “What did you learn?”  
lostsole31
  "The that only place in town that has any kind of library to research the symbol ... is in the Peacock Manor, which we were promptly asked to leave,"   says Feiya bitterly.
Blackhawk101
Alandra puts her finger to her lips for a moment. She flicks her long hair over one shoulder before she begins.

  "We could try to gain entry into the Peacock manor without their permission but I am reluctant to do so without the 'gauntlet' that Sir Roderick mentioned located in the vault."
  
She frowns angerly as she remembers their treatment at the hands of the pompous peacocks!

  "I say that we stop by the cemetery to speak to Audrani today or first thing in the morning and relay our new findings. Then tomorrow, we head to the location(s) provided on our two maps. Either we find the stone house in the Churlwood marked on the map that we found in Sir Roderick's house or we find the symbol on the map we copied at the town hall. If they show the same location, great! If not, we need to find the vault which should be at the location on the copied town hall map."

  Alandra pauses to think for a moment.

  "Now that I think about it, can someone who is good with maps tell if either of the two locations (stone house or symbol) are anywhere near the goblin lair we found in the Churlwood? The underground structures we explored last were not built by any goblin!"


  
lostsole31
  "If you seek access to Peacock Manor unlawfully, I will need to recuse myself,"   says Bořek,   "but I agree we should seek out Audrahni tomorrow - for the hour is late for an unannounced social call for the sexton - and see what counsel she offers."  

Ranghen says,   "The map is more artistic than truly cartographic."  

Feiya adds,   "Whether they are one and the same or not is not known, but they would be close together if different sites."  