Ch. 1: The Party Meets with Matriarch Giannia, Ranme the Wizard & Blutto:

Dungeon Master (GM): Ok, It's been about 9 days since your return to the Village of Tanaroa on the Isle of Dread. In that time you have Identified newfound magical items and mingled with adventures from previous expeditions that let you have some of their old gear since they were no longer adventuring.   Dungeon Master (GM): We will start with a visit to the village matriarch, where the party will talk about the happenings on the island.   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: ok   Grax Ironcloak: ok   Matriarch Giannia: says, "As you know the serpent men and their followers had left the villages of Dread isle, after brave adventurers defeated the Naga Explictica. It is said they have left for the Forbidden City on the north side of the island. It is within the central plateau. Matriarch Giannia says, the old hermit wizard Ranme may know more of this place.”   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Are these serpent men the Kara Kara?   Xilicien - Magic-User: No.   Grax Ironcloak: Kara Kara were just orcs i thought   Matriarch Giannia: says, "We ask if you would venture to the central plateau to see what is going on. Also, to see if you can find my son, whom has left the village to get answers for himself when none of the other villagers would dare.”   Xilicien - Magic-User: They appeared to be Half-Orcs.   Matriarch Giannia: says, “No, the Kara-Kara are not the serpent men but these of of the Yuan-Ti and various other reptilian races of which I speak of."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: So we are being asked to find your son, and to just see what the lizard men are up to?   Grax Ironcloak: Yuan-Ti and Naga be nasty creatures   Matriarch Giannia: says, "Yes, if you would please do so for us.", "Again I would advise you to see Ranme, as he might know more."   Elmfra (okey): where can we find Ranme?   Devin M.: "One-Half" relating to something the DM said.   Matriarch Giannia: says, "He has a hut to the north west of the village in a secluded grotto."   Du Matriarch Giannia: says, "Do any of you have any questions? Captain Malmir will again offer his services if need."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: “ So I will gladly be of service to you and take up your request and will go seek out Ranme, but my friends here, may need to know why they are to risk their heads again?” Coal is a 10 and Sheila is a 13 CHA   Matriarch Giannia: says, "If no one is brave enough to face the snake men head on, their demon lord Sertrous has ambitions to destroy the world but most of his followers are too blind to see that and only sees that he wants to rule over all."   Elmfra (okey): this kind of evil must be stopped   Grax Ironcloak: "Ah blind followers eh? I'll help fend em off."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Sounds like they don’t need much coaxing after all   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: we bid you farewell Matriarch Giannia. We will seek out your old hermit wizard   Quintolos - Cleric/MU "I will gladly rid you of this problem"   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Ubet Screams!!! WAIT!!!! I AIN"T DOING THIS FOR NOTHING!   Ubet - Cavalier: No I don’t   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: lol   Grax Ironcloak: "Eh? Aint you one of them holy warriors?" the dwarf asks Ubet   Maevis Silverleaf "I will help you out, along with my friends"   Grax Ironcloak: "Aint you supposed ta donate to yer church er something?"   Ubet - Cavalier "No I'm a Cavalier"   Ubet - Cavalier: Actually, I think I am Im not sure though   Grax Ironcloak: "Cavelier Paladin don't mean no difference ta me." lol   Matriarch Giannia: says to Ubet, "You are doing this for the sake of your very existence and that of your people and homeland."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Sheila thinks to herself "....."   Grax Ironcloak: "Don't worry Ubet, we get ta keep any coin and treasure we find along the way anyway." the dwarf tells Ubet and winks.   Dungeon Master (GM): Ubet's new platinum engraved suit & shield is all now super bright and shiny.   Quintolos - Cleric/MU "Thats a very good reason"   Ubet - Cavalier: Sweet   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: hows his helm?   Dungeon Master (GM): well, now that he knows it's a helm of alignment change I don't think he wants to wear it?   Grax Ironcloak: No problem better than something that changes your race or gender or something...   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: "knock knok knockin oh Hermit's Door"   Ubet - Cavalier: No I don’t   Xilicien - Magic-User: That depends on you.   Grax Ironcloak: true I suppose it is how far does it change your alignment   Elmfra (okey): as we approach the hermits hut i wave my hand over the top of my staff and whisper the command words to detect magic   Dungeon Master (GM): The helm of alignment change I have move you to the opposite of your alignment, if neutral I roll on the new alignment. The door opens and a frail old fellows opens the door. Elmfra does not detect magic outside here in Ranme’s grove.   Ranme Mgumbo: says, Well, looky what do we have here? Is there a party or something?!"                                             Grax Ironcloak: "Yeah party at your house Ranme. Didn't yah get the notice?" the dwarf jokes.   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Master Ranme, we were sent by Matriarch Giannia to inquire about the forbidden City and asked to bring back his son   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "oh my, this is interesting, though i'm sure I have enough to feed the lot of you."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: We would be so grateful for full bellies before we venture out   Grax Ironcloak: "Eh foods no worry o mine so long as yah got plenty ale."   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Oh dear, the dreaded Forbidden City you say? The snake men are said to have retreated to there yes. But, I do not think that that will be the last we hear from them."

Elmfra (okey): "more reason for us to hear all you know about the situation"   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "The Forbidden City is located on the Central Plateau of the island. To get there I know of two ways."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Well we will be headed there soon, so we will try to make sure that they are not a threat to the lands here on this dreaded isle, or its people. but will gladly hear everything you have to say over some of that.. What is that I smell cooking..?   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Oh please come in if you wish, I can give you all a little something to eat." “There is a known main entrance that leads to the Forbidden City.”   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: I enter his hut   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "It is a series of caverns that runs through the central plateau that then opens out into a lake, of which the isle of Taboo sits. It is upon this small isle that the Forbidden City resides."   Quintolos - Cleric/MU Do you know of another way to get there?"   Elmfra (okey): "such wonderful names your island has"   Grax Ironcloak: "Oddly fitting names. Forbidden and Taboo."   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "The other way into the Forbidden City, is to traverse the central mountain plain, to find a huge rope bridge that crosses from the mountains and onto the plateau. However, you would need to climb down into the old volcano to reach Taboo island."   Elmfra (okey): " i like the sound of the first path"   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: This series of caverns? does it run into the center of this volcano also?   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Captain Malmir can take you part way up the island to where a river empties into the sea.", "By following this river you should come to the central plateau and be able to locate the main cavern entrance to the Forbidden City."   Quintolos - Cleric/MU "The problem that I have with it is that it is the most obvious way in, it probably is the most risky"   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Yes the caverns will lead you to the city.", "It is known to be guarded."   Elmfra (okey): " i was afraid of that"   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Your other option then would be to climb down into the crater on the central plateau, which is near vertical."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Have you been there before Master Ranme?   Grax Ironcloak: "Naturally. If it weren't guarded then I'd be more surprised."   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "No I have not, but have picked up various information from all the travellers and merchants that have visited the isle of dread." "As well as what the snake men would offer of the place."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: So is there any special secrets you have picked up over time.. any doors that require special abilities to get through, or open?   Elmfra (okey): "you've spoken with the Yuan-Ti?   Ranme Mgumbo: says, “There could be another secret entrance that leads to the city, but that is just a rumor.”,  "Yes I have spoken to the Yuan-Ti, as their presence here was numerous, before they were driven away after the death of Explictica."   Elmfra (okey): "do you believe them to be all evil?"   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Explictica’s magics waned freeing those whose minds were bent to worship Sertrous."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: Do people travel to the Forbidden City often and return?   Ranme Mgumbo : “Merchants and those seeking adventure due to hearing about artifacts, have traveled to the Forbidden City. Some are never heard from again.”, "It appears they are in the process of rebuilding the city.", "This has also helped the native villages build up prosperously as well."   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "A Bard fellow named Altomi has told me, there was one wizard snake man that actually helped the party." "This snake man had found out what Sertrous's real intentions were. So, perhaps, they are not all purely evil or simply some are smarter than others."   Grax Ironcloak: "hmm what was the snake man's name?"   Elmfra (okey): "maybe if we can find him, he’d be willing to help us, as well"   Grax Ironcloak: cough cough...Name of snake man that helped Altomi?   Ranme Mgumbo: says, “The snake wizard's name was Zoldathra.",   Elmfra (okey): "Hmm, seems they don’t put much emphasis on Forbidden do they.”   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "The Natives themselves will not speak of the city, nor go there. The natives will not venture past the tar pits.", "However, the recent retreat of the Snake men, has embolden the Matriarch's son into leaving the village to find answers for himself when none other would follow him."   Grax Ironcloak: .....   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: There is a very thin line between courage and stupidity    Quintolos - Cleric/MU "In my experience, that difference is, if you live to talk about it in a tavern afterwards, you are brave"   Ranme Mgumbo: says, the snake wizard's name was Zoldathra."   Grax Ironcloak: "Thank you."   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "You're Welcome."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: So do you think they will let us walk in, or should we try to sneak in with some merchants? so not to arouse any suspisions?   Grax Ironcloak: "we could pretend to be merchants."   Elmfra (okey): "my guess is since their retreat they are not letting anyone in”   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Since the Snake Men retreated and the merchants heard about what had went on. Some of the ones that frequent the native villages have dared to go to the Forbidden City. Others simply go where the money is."   Grax Ironcloak: "hmm never mind then."   Elmfra (okey): "what more do you know of this volcano entrance, and how long of a journey is it?"   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: So if the captain is taking us by boat to the cave entrance, who took the Matriarch's son?   Quintolos - Cleric/MU "We could also use the less used way and not have to worry"   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "All that i know is that the entrance is guarded." As to how long of a journey from the mouth of the river, maybe 4 days journey following the river through mountainous terrain.", “The Matriarch’s son is believed to have left on his own.”   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: not sure if a vertical drop into a volcano would be a good idea to me quite this minute.. but it’s looking better..   Quintolos - Cleric/MU: BRB   Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Perhaps scouting both locations first would help in determining how you make your way into the city."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: perhaps   Grax Ironcloak: "It might be our best option."   Shadowfox: Coal & Sheila: yeah sometimes busting through the front door puts a bad impression in people’s minds

Well Master Wizard, we can’t say that you haven't been more than fair when it comes to giving us information. &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): "as much as I hate the idea of diving into a volcano, i think it may be the best option here' &nbsp; Ranme Mgumbo: says, "The volcano has been extinct at least, since the time the Native’s ancestors found the place and built the Forbidden City on Taboo Island." &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "I aint lookin forward to it either but we will have to weigh the options more on our journey." &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Agreed Grax &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): "so, is that food ready yet?" &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: what food the old man was just washing laundry lol &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Good thing I carry a spare MLT in my pouch &nbsp; Xilicien - Magic-User: What does MLT stand for? &nbsp; Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Yes, Yes it is ready" and goes to retrieve it and passes plates &amp; utensils around as well. &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Muttin Lettuce Tomato sandwich &nbsp; Xilicien - Magic-User: Okay, thanks. &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Its a princes Bride reference.. sorry.. lol &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: You're out of the group lol &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): hey.. i got it Shadow &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: INCONCEIVABLE!!! &nbsp; Devin M.: It has been years since I last watched The Princess Bride. &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): The DM has never seen it! &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: I've never watched that movie that i can recall. Unless the wife made me watch it with her. &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: So we eat and then what? &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): <a href="https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/details/The-Princess-Bride/16120" rel="nofollow">https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/details/The-Princess-Bride/16120</a> &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: then we sacrifice a goat to the gods. &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Good choice.. &nbsp; Ubet - Cavalier: Ive got to go sorry guys later &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: And stock up on Iocaine powder &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): OK Ubet thanks for playing! &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: G night Ubet &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: So does the captain have to take us to scout out both areas? &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: Bit of trivia iocaine powder comes from Austrailia &nbsp; Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Captain Malmir can take you up the west side of the Island’s coast until he reaches an area of swampland where the river empties into the sea. To get to the rope bridge that goes to the central plateau you need to travel up north in the central area of the island, then look along the mountain range for a path that leads to it." &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: And as everyone knows.. Australia is full of criminals &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): when should we depart? &nbsp; Devin M.: What is Iocaine ( a drug is obvious enough). &nbsp; Ranme Mgumbo: says, "As soon as you feel ready and prepared." &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: a plant &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): it is tasteless, and odorless, completely undetectable ;)\ &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: I know that you know... &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: OOC: Would I have been able to make enough arrows to fill my Quiver? &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): I would think you had retrieved the arrows you had found on Tiki-Nura-Ria &nbsp; Maevis Silverleaf the Bard, scrutinizes an item for any Legend, Lore, Item Knowledge, he / she may know ! (From Quintolos - Cleric/MU): &nbsp;Percentage chance to know (20%): Rolled:&nbsp; 51 % : Scrutiny of Item:&nbsp; 2 &nbsp;rounds : Determine information gained:&nbsp; 11 &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: ok. Just want to make sure I have 60 arrows before we leave &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: Any idea about the Forbidden City? &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): "we should probably stock up on rations right? &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): I think it was that many that was found plus the 15 +3 ones, which have their own Arrow recovery macro because they save at +3 &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Right.. and the 5 silver tip &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): ok anything more for Ranme before you depart his grotto? &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: Nope &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: nothing that i can think of &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): "is there anything we can do for you whilst we are out? anything to repay you for your help today?" &nbsp; Ranme Mgumbo: says, "Nothing that I can think of. The kind villagers here take good care of me as it is, but Thanks for the offer to help." &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): of course &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: So off we go to find the captain? &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): ok, so you all leave the Ranme's grotto and head back to the main village. Along the way you are approached by a seafaring fellow from the looks of it and he offers greetings. &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Salutations Kind Sir. &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): i bow my head in greeting &nbsp; Searfarer: says, "You are the group the matriarch wants to go to the forbidden city right?" &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: News travels fast around here.. Who is asking? &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU "And Who are you? Sailor?" &nbsp; Seafarer: says, "Well you see, I have a bit of a job offer from my boss."

Quintolos - Cleric/MU "Do we know your boss?" &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: You should probably take it.. you don’t look like you should really turn it down. &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "Hmm job offer?" &nbsp; Seafarer: says, "My name is Blutto" &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "Where's Popeye?" &nbsp; Blutto: says, "You see, the merchants speak of an obelisk within the Forbidden City", "My employer was sent to retrieve this artifact and he is looking to recruit a group to go have a look." "Aye, Popeye? don't know him." &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: And where is he now? missing? &nbsp; (From Elmfra (okey)): &nbsp;is there a way to judge intentions in this edition? &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: or she.. sorry Sheila.. &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): Blutto says, "No he is not missing but busy with getting a path made through the jungle to bring the obelisk from the city." &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "Ah alright...heard some tales of a sailor named Popeye." &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: So if he is giving you a job offer, what does that have to do with us? &nbsp; Blutto: says, “Aye, I am one of the boss’s personal guards. He sent me to inform you of the offer when he could not make your meeting with Matriarch Giannia.” &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU "The plot thickens, like a stew. What’s in it for us with your job?" &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "So yeah whats the job? An whats it pay?" &nbsp; (To Elmfra (okey)): &nbsp;I believe someone in the party can read minds with something they have. I could let you do a check and you would get either a "you feel he has good intentions or feel something is shady." &nbsp; (From Elmfra (okey)): &nbsp;gotcha so no charisma check or anything like that &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: OOC As another party of adventurers destroys an ancient city that has stood for ages by stealing its sacred artifact &nbsp; Blutto: says, "Because you are heading there you can look into this obelisk and perhaps see how to retrieve it from the city. Others have tried to unsuccessfully as they have never returned, including apparently the most recent group." &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "Ah hmm..." &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: I thought you just said that your employer was cutting a path through the jungle and he was already on his way to retrieve it? &nbsp; Blutto: says, “Yes, the path to the tar pits is currently being widened.” &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU "But, He has not gotten there yet, so, we go make sure it’s there and can be taken?" &nbsp; Blutto: says, “Yes, you see that is the thing, those others have failed to return." &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: So they are missing? &nbsp; (From Elmfra (okey)): &nbsp;sure ill give it a try &nbsp; Blutto: says, "Yes" &nbsp; &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU "We could just follow this path they made cutting their way and find out what happened?" &nbsp; Blutto: says, “We have only just started on widening the main path that is already there. It only goes to the tar pits. We will need to go farther of course.” &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): ok Emfra is going to do a charisma check to gauge the intentions of Blutto here. &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): just roll under my charisma on a d20? &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): yes &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): rolling d20&lt;14( 13 ) = 1 Success &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): ok you believe his intentions are good natured &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): "we should at least hear him out" &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Get your story straight. You tell me they are not missing, then they are missing.. and what is this obilisk and why is it so important to your boss? &nbsp; Blutto: says, “The device is rumored to be magical in nature thus why my employer wishes to retrieve it for the Emperor." &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "Ah so what’s in it for us then Blutto?" &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Well I cant speak for the rest of the party, but I am no thief. I may take what I find in the process of ridding evil, but I need more information to just hand over an artifact to someone I don’t know. &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU "Thats good enough for me." nudges Coal. Whispers to him "Its a trap, go along" &nbsp; Blutto: says, "My employer will pay you all 5,000 gold pieces for the job." &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): "if and when we find this obelisk, (to the party) we should at least investigate it” &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Not to be rude, but if we do find this object, and it turns out to be more than what you are saying. I will not turn it over until i know who it is going to &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: And who is your employer again? &nbsp; Blutto: says, "He is a prominent merchant from Thyatis, working for the Emperor himself." &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "Oh well that’s a bit different." &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "Hmm that’s a large sum of money this obelisk must be important...but what does it do?" &nbsp; Blutto: says, “No one knows what it does yet, that is something maybe you will find.” &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: You can say anything you wish. I will need proof. but we will look for this artifact and if we find it we will bring it back.. &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "The Emperor&nbsp; Thincol I Torion, eh?"

Quintolos - Cleric/MU "We are not in this just to make money, We are in it to right wrongs avenge the helpless" strikes a pose &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Correct and we do not want an artifact in the wrong hands &nbsp; Xilicien - Magic-User: Money is useful for an adventuring group, however. &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): 'but money will definitely help with future endeavors dear Quintolos &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: “ Mr Blutto I thanks you for the information and I truely hope that we can recover the artifact.” &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: OOC So, We either will make a potential powerful ally and patron, or really piss them off by keeping it &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Money only weighs me down &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: "How about we just leave it at we will see what we can do fair enough Blutto?" &nbsp; Blutto: says, "Sounds fair enough." &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: ther dwarf looks to the others to see if they are in agreement. &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): i nod to Grax &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Good here and I must go now.. Its my SSB Time &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU "I'm in this" &nbsp; Grax Ironcloak: i gotta go as well good night. &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: Shit SHower and Bed Time... for inquiring minds &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): ok Good night Shadowfox Thanks for playing tonight! Good Night Grax! &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: G night &nbsp; Shadowfox: Coal &amp; Sheila: night &nbsp; Devin M.: Social security breach? &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): oh geez &nbsp; Devin M.: Oh, just noticed &nbsp; Elmfra (okey): we need to find the captain and be on our way &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): Ok, I will say you head to where Captain Malmir hangs out then. &nbsp; Devin M.: I'll think I'll be going now. Goodbye &amp; possibly goodnight everyone. &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: G night &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: so we call it here dont want to decide on anything &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): at the real tabletop the longest session for me was 24 hours straight I play as long as the majority of players can stay and that has been the average. &nbsp; Quintolos - Cleric/MU: well g night &nbsp; Okey: yup night guys &nbsp; Dungeon Master (GM): see you later Quintolos! Good night Okey!