[Game Thread] A Story to tell in the Dark

[sertaki]

Slowly, the vision fades away as you return to consciousness, but the sight that greets you is almost as disturbing. The dying gray light of sunset peeks through slits in the boarded windows, barely illuminating a yawning courtroom replete with pews and a towering bench covered in cobwebs. A shadowed mural on the domed ceiling above depicts Iomedae in her shining plate mail of gilded sunlight, locked in mortal combat with Norgorber, Rovagug, and Asmodeus, holding the trifecta of evil at bay with her shining sword. You find yourself in a jurors’ box, and you are not alone. In the other chairs, figures stir in the darkness, each emerging from troubling dreams into a new nightmare. Any pain and damage that you suffered before the strange dream is miraculously gone. Rows of dusty benches, several askew or knocked over, are lined behind a waist-high partition separating spectators from trials. A dusty wooden jurors’ box, rickety from generations of termites and time’s cruel fangs, stands against the south wall, containing a large number of confused people. A high bench covered in muslin rests against the east wall. Two thick tables once stood facing the bench, now one has been smashed to kindling. An evidence table rests against the south wall, a rusty axe lying atop it. In addition to the other player characters, You see a first glimpse of a number of other persons.

OOC You can use Knowledge (Local) to try remembering this building and it's history from your experience and stories you heard about Beldrin's Bluff. Luxanna gets a +5 bonus because she has lived in the area for a long time, and she knows some of the basics in any case. She gains all information with DC 10 without rolling dice. As usual, you can try this check even without ranks in Knowledge (local), but in that case you are unable to gain any information with a DC higher than 10.   You are inside Beldrin's Bluff Courthouse, one of the last buildings standing in the Precipice Quarter. Here, trials were held and criminals convicted before the earthquake and the quarter's later abandonment. Those unlucky ones to get a death sentence didn't have to wait for long though. After a few days of being locked up, they were led to the gallows by the resident executioner, Jarbin Mord. The Courthouse is haunted by the vile spirit of this brutal murderer who was the last man to swing on its gallows. Jarbin Mord killed his wife and son with an axe, then he swung from the very gallows he tended as executioner for ten years. His restless presence was one of main reasons to leave the Bluff's ruins for many of the more enduring citizens that still remained after the earthquake. A band of adventurers led by Father Kelgaard of the Church of Sarenrae braved the courthouse five years ago, but only one of his band survived—a burly human named Grisom Twin-Axe, and his mind was shattered by the harrowing experience.   Noose Wealday the locals called the weekly event when the convicts were hanged, but the common folk were not able to watch the spectacle as was the case in many other towns and cities. The gallows were inside the building and the deaths remained private. Mord’s own trial was swift, held amid the chaos of the abandonment of Beldrin’s Bluff after an earthquake collapsed several blocks of the district into the sea. Little evidence was brought forward in his defense, and his execution was carried out at sunrise the day after the guilty verdict was reached.   Many whisper that Mord did not kill his family, but rather was framed for the crime and wrongfully executed. They say his tormented spirit prowls the courthouse, yearning for justice. When Grisdom Twin-Axe, the last survivor of Father Kelgaard's expedition, emerged at dawn the next day, he was blind. His eyes hulling from his face, the guard captain cradled a lantern with the group's wizard Sashrala’s decapitated head stuffed inside, a still-lit candle in her silently screaming mouth. Demands for an account of the night’s events only solicited senseless fragments from the tatters of Grisdom’s mind: “The Hangman… a neck for a neck… hate never forgets… show me the way out, Sashrala! Show me the way!”   I will post this tidbit once somebody beats the DC, just in case anyone is snooping around

Map Map

 

Dice Roll:

1d20

20

Dice Roll:

1d20

15

[chuckx777]

"I need help to identify why I am here, but I don't want to alarm those around me. They'll think I'm crazy! Dangerous! I know I am some sort of juror, which is a lot better condition than of the lost soul I was before coming to consciousness here," thought Esiak Telet.

He twisted his scaly face quietly and in a determinedly non-threatening manner until he found a target for his probe. It was the quiet and unassuming juoror next to him.

"Pardon, kind person," Esiak whispered. "I missed some of the instruction as I was deep in thought. When should we expect the accused in this matter to appear next?"

Before the juror turned, Esiak took on the visage of a gentle smile that, while not a part of his reptilian nature, had been purposely taught to him by his mother and the Lord's family while he was in captivity, until freed by the Lord. They had explained it was important in communication with those not of his race. He was to save the cold-blooded visage for only those he knew deserved to see it.

 

HP: 13
AC: 16
Touch: 11
Flatfooted: 15
W: +1 F: +5 R: +1
XP: 0
Actions: Initiate Conversation

[wodine]

This is it. I’ve finally gone mad. Mad as a hatter. I’ve lost all grips on reality itself. Oh dear sweet Amalthea is this what your end was like? If I am mad, it is mercy! May the gods pity the man who in his callousness can remain sane to the hideous end? I no longer have to worry if it will happen, now that it has. But wait, my thoughts seem rather lucid. In fact if I were mad would I even know that I were mad? René rests his chin upon his hand as he ponders this a little more, and finally raises his head to look around and gain a better grasp of where he is, so he might know why he is here. Perhaps this is merely some fantastical recreation, and illusion meant to trap my mind herein? I can’t imagine I would wake up in a courtroom and not remember how I got here. René carefully looks over the other humanoids in the room in an attempt to further understand this strange situation.

OOC   Dice Knowledge local: d20+8 (20)+8 Total = 28 Dice will save from disbelief: d20+3 (10)+3 Total = 13 Dice perception check: d20+1 (14)+1 Total = 15

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 6/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[sertaki]

Slowly, the others awake from their slumber. The half-orc and the three humans seemed to be the first to rise apart from your characters and appear quite horrified from the realization of where they are. Others are still somewhere between sleep and waking. The only ones who seems to be unfazed by the situation are a strange scaly humanoid creature and the hobgoblin who is leaning nonchalantly on the judge's bench, in the process of lighting a cigar - his only reaction a mere sneer and some apparently amused chuckling in a deep bariton voice. Surprisingly, the lizardfolk (or whatever it is) is the first to talk, adressing the man besides him as if he knew something about what is going on. The wooden benches you sit upon are in a dire state, partialy rotten and almost breaking under the weight of so many people. The air in the room reminds you of an attic that wasn't ventilated for years, and there is the smell of something rancid or foul permeating it. The thick glass windows are still intact and the evening sun invades onto the scene, bathing everything into a warm but fading light. Decades of dust whirl around, roused by the fantic movements of many feet and bodies thrust into a situation they do not understand.

René Looking around, René realizes to his horror in what accursed place he must have wound up. It all seems quite real, much to real for his taste. Especially that scaly thing that just has spoken. And the hobgoblin. At least there were no more dolls.

OOC Esiak will need to make a bluff check to mask his own confusion about the situation. As per the map, the person he was talking to is Jonathon. Anybody who tries to identify the scaly creature can make a Knowledge (Local) check.   The scaly creature is a Troglodyte, a race of reptilian humanoids living deep underground. Strangely this one lacks the strong stench that normaly accompanies each member of the species.   This specimen might well have been kept as a slave. While troglodyte slaves are not very common, if one choose to keep them, the usual procedure is to remove the glands responsible for the unbearable smell during infancy. Also: I forgot to include the fact that you have awoken with all equipment that you need. This includes objects that were not on your body or near you at the time you lost your senses. Jonathon's pet crow is still completely knocked out.

Map Map (nothing changed, but wanted to make it easier to find)

[Kylie]

Luxanna stirs awake and slowly gets to her feet grasping her wooden holy symbol of Sarenrae on her chest. Mostly to make sure it's still there. When the creature to her left speaks, she turns and shierks to see a scaly lizard creature and that's when she notices the smell of smoke. She turns to see the hobgoblin nearly faints again. She thinks to herself, 'Why am I in this courthouse and their scaly people and goblins running around. Sarenrae please shine your guidance upon me.'

Luxanna cast guidance upon herself as her holy symbol glows briefly and turns to the others, "Um, excuse me, Mr. Lizardman. Was you knocked out and dragged here?"

Luxanna thinks to herself, 'Was I kidnapped, but that doesn't make sense, why keep my weapons on my person. Who are these other people.' She nervously clutches her oak statuette of Sarenrae as she looks over the other who are here. She turns to her right to see a rather quizzical man (René) study his surroundings. She starts to stand up and realizes that her chainmail is laid on her stomach. She's even more confused on how this got here. She hasn't worn this old thing in years. Luxanna wants to get a clearer view of the courthouse, so she activates her halo upon her head. Light glows from the ring above her head brightening the room around her.

 

STATBLOCK Anna HP: 9/9 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +5 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 18; 11; 17 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +3; +1; +5 Channel Positive Energy (Su): 9/9 (daily), Touch of Glory (Sp): 6/6 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Stabilize, Guidance Spells Prepared Level 1: Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith (Domain) Always On: Faint Aura of Good, Halo (Bright Light: 20 feet) Languages: Common, Celestial Notes: My Channel is 1d6+1.5 Damage, DC 17 Will (Half Damage), (DC = 10 + Charisma Mod 4 + Glory Domain 2 + Sacred Conduit 1

[wodine]

René takes a deep breath in an attempt to center himself as the realization of where he is truly begins to set in. He settles knowing that men of broader intellect know that there is no sharp distinction betwixt the real and the unreal, and decides real or imagined he must play along either way. He looks over at the pretty cleric beside him and and the monstrous thing on her far side and

Dice knowledge local:

d20+8

(16)+8

Total = 24

studies it for a moment. His studying of the creature is rudely interrupted by a sudden glowing of light from the maiden beside him. She has a halo now. How queer.
René, seeing the hobgoblin puffing away on his cigar decides it may be time to support his own vice to calm his nerves. He reaches into his coat pocket and removes a flask which is filled with a strong brandy and takes a nip to help sort his thoughts. This is not time to lose your wits René. Just sit here and enjoy your brandy and play along with this charade.

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 6/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[PirateDevon]

Wulfric awakens with a start and

Dice Kno Local:

1d20+1

(13)+1

Total = 14

Dice Perception:

1d20+4

(2)+4

Total = 6

takes in his surroundings. The barbarian does not stand but his voice is low with menace, What is going on here?!

 

STATBLOCK Wulfric HP: 16/16 Senses: Initiative: +2; Perception: +4 (Darvision) AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 16; 12; 14 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +5; +3; +0 Rage: 6/6 (daily) Languages: Common, Celestial, Draconic Traits Deft Dodger, Suspicious Notes:

[wodine]

René looks to the man on his right and takes another drink from him Brandy before he takes the opportunity to speak, in a monotonic way, typical of a bored lecturer. We’re in Beldrin's Bluff Courthouse. Bear in mind that it is a haunted courthouse and the last group people to come here were all butchered except for one whose mind was shattered by the events that took place herein. René takes another sip from his flask. Drink? René offers the large man his flask full of brandy.

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 6/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[PirateDevon]

Wulfric looks to the other man and frowns, I know where we are are but why? I dreamt of a man attacking a woman? The barbarian rubs his temples for a moment, I was drugged. No ghost did that... Wulfric reaches out and takes the offered flask and takes a drink from it then hands it back. Has anyone tried to leave?

 

STATBLOCK Wulfric HP: 16/16 Senses: Initiative: +2; Perception: +4 (Darvision) AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 16; 12; 14 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +5; +3; +0 Rage: 6/6 (daily) Languages: Common, Celestial, Draconic Traits Deft Dodger, Suspicious Notes:

[sertaki]

With a short guttural laughter the hobgoblin answers Wulfric's question. "I did try. Can't get out of this damed place." He draws a large amount of smoke from his cigar and lets it out slowly. "And it's not a lock that stops us from getting out. Damn Mord wants to have some fun with us I say!"

"Stop screwing with us Malgrim! This situation is dire enough as is, we don't need to hear your antics to instill even more fear in these good people!" the armor clad man shouts out against the slowly building smokescreen from Malgrim's cigar.

The white-haired and well clothed man farther to the left joins into the discussion with a clear but very quiet voice. "Gentlemen, not this again. We got enough problems without your quarrel." To accentuate his point, he slams his cane rather hard against the ground - awaking the gnome who springs up frantically.

""Waaaah! Stay away from me you frickin' asses!" he shouts at nobody in particular, obviously completely confused and with one feet still in a dream. Then he looks around himself and his face freezes in terror.

The half-orc sits on the bench with sunken shoulders and regards the floor with disinterst, making the impression of a man who lost all hope, while the woman in the red dress watches all gathered in this place, as if trying to understand the situation better this way. The halfling and dwarf are still sleeping, but seem to slowly stir awake.

[chuckx777]

"Please do not be alarmed, kind woman," Esiak whispered to the woman near him who shrieked. "I assure you I mean no one here any harm."

Esiak maintained his human smile to assure a non-threatening persona.

"I am in a state of bewildering confusion, as you. My name is Esiak Telet and until the previous fantastic events here, I and my mother were servants of one of the local Lords. We were both freed after evacuation and I returned here in hopes of finding clues regarding my father's whereabouts. I do think, as you questioned, that I may have recently been the victim of an attack. Perhaps if we compared details, it would give us some insight into our circumstances?"

 

Dice Roll:

1d20-1

(14)-1

Total = 13

 

HP: 13
AC: 16
Touch: 11
Flatfooted: 15
W: +1 F: +5 R: +1
XP: 0
Actions: Roll for Charisma Check in lieu of Bluff Check to understand surroundings

[wodine]

René sits back in his chair regarding his new prison mates. He puts his flask back in his coat pocket, as he has an inclination that he will need to nurse this drink for a long while yet. A smile creeps across his face as he creepily sings

Dice Sing Check:

d20+2

(15)+2

Total = 17

Wealday, Wealday, Hangman comes for you, Ole Broke-Neck Mord, gonna hang you too. He then lets out a laugh that is halfway between a snicker and a cackle.

 

STATBLOCK René HP: 6/6 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +1 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 11; 11; 10 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +0; +1; +3 Arcane Resevoir: 4/4 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost, Open/Close Spells Prepared Level 1: Mage Armor, Hold Portal, Charm Person Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Aklo, Abyssal Traits Magical Talent – Mage Hand, Tireless Logic Notes: Potent Magic – Each point from Arcane Reservoir spent increases CL by 2

[Kylie]

Luxanna relaxes as the scalyman declares her no harm and for some strange reason she is relieved as she thinks to herself, 'It has to be true otherwise he would have done so already.' She gently takes his rough hand, or what Luxanna thinks is a hand and says, "I'm Luxanna Thornhall, but please just call me Anna."

Luxanna thinks to herself as she notices all her personal belongings are with her, 'I would like to think this is your blessing Sarenrae, but I fear it's someone's cruel game. Oh lady dawnflower, please light our way to safety.' Luxanna starts to remove her clerical vestments and once she's down to her plain clothing, she starts to don her armor. She looks to the others, "Did you have a nightmare of a headless elven women?"

 

STATBLOCK Anna HP: 9/9 Senses: Initiative: +1; Perception: +5 AC (Normal, Touch, Flat): 18; 11; 17 Saves (Fort, Ref, Will): +3; +1; +5 Channel Positive Energy (Su): 9/9 (daily), Touch of Glory (Sp): 6/6 (daily) At Will: Read Magic, Stabilize, Guidance Spells Prepared Level 1: Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith (Domain) Always On: Faint Aura of Good, Halo (Bright Light: 20 feet) Languages: Common, Celestial Notes: My Channel is 1d6+1.5 Damage, DC 17 Will (Half Damage), (DC = 10 + Charisma Mod 4 + Glory Domain 2 + Sacred Conduit 1

[chuckx777]

"My experience was with a cloaked figure who attacked me until I was unconscious, Anna. My dream experience was much more disturbing and I don't want to upset anyone."

Esiak's reptilian eyes took on a nearly humanoid cast for a moment.

"But I was punished in the manner of humans. In the dream that followed my attack. In the manner...fully and finally."

Esiak looked at Luxanna Thornhall, and then the others in the ruins of the jurors' area who were seeking a level of normalcy, sanity, or at least understanding and had not yet arrived.

"Did this elven woman in your nightmare attempt to punish you in some way? Is punishment, however unjustified, the idea we are here?"

 

HP: 13/13
AC: 16
Touch: 11
Flatfooted: 15
W: +1 F: +5 R: +1
XP: 0
Actions:Explore surroundings through conversation

[PirateDevon]

Wulfric sighs at the circumstance but is uninterested in merely sitting by. The barbarian rises from his chair and attempts to

Dice Perception:

1d20+4

(2)+4

Total = 6

inspect any potential exits to the room...