Maerk glared at the goblin, having little use for the creatures, but also having a certain dose of respect for their tenacity and nastiness in a scrap. The woman did look distraught and was certainly not the typical filthy little monster he'd squared-off against in the past.

His sharp ears picked up her mutterings and he rumbled to Arisa, "She lost people to bramble fires... or trapped them in... fort. Maerk not understand gibberings much."

"You talk her, elf-girl, Maerk will keep watch and warn..."

Among her people Arisa was considered a Whisper Elf so she had excellent hearing even for an Elf. Maerk’s comment about the Goblin woman’s plight made her chuckle a little. He was close but not quite right.

Glancing back with a bit of a smirk on her lips she said, ”actually, the woman is from the Bumblebrasher tribe but you are right in that it seems she has lost contact with them and is afraid they are somehow trapped within Citadel Altaerein which is the old, abandoned Hellknight Keep to the Northeast. As far as I have heard, the old Keep is abandoned but it seems her dispossessed Goblin tribe may have taken up residence there. I’ll ask her some questions”.

Walking up to the distraught Goblin woman, Arisa puts on a calming voice and begins to speak to her in Goblin, ”excuse me little one. I couldn’t help but overhear you talking to yourself. Am I to understand that you have lost contact with your tribe, is it the Bramblebashers and that they were living in Citadel Altaerein? How long ago did you lose contact? Maybe my large friend here and I could assist you by heading up to the castle and checking it out for you?”.

In reply to Arisa Whisperwood (msg # 31):

​"Pardon my distracted demeanor."  the goblin assumes a more dignified posture.​ (she replies in common)


​"The bumblebrashers are a tribe of goblins who have, for many years, lived peacefully and in isolation in Citadel Altaerein, the former Hellknight Keep on the hill just outsideo of town,

Typically, every two weeks I meet with Helba, the tribe's chieftian on the road outside the keep. We discuss news, and I convey the town's interest and hear any concerns that the tribe might wish me to bring before the council. It is a relationship of utmost importance, and Helba is normally punctual. But she missed our previous two meetings, and I have seen plumes of smoke coming from the top of the Citadel. The smoke is a chalky red in color - the tribe's traditional color of distress. I fear that the Bumblebrashers are in danger, or that something dire has befallen them. It has sickened me with worry."​

"You are adventurers! Are you not? You are just the heroes I hope the council might hire on my behalf. But please, there is a system in place for a reason. Come with me into the meeting and listen to my petition. If you are up for my task, I beg you to offer your services to the council. You might be my tribe's only hope!"​

As the Goblin woman started to speak, Arisa realized that she was addressing her and another man that was standing there. Turning her head, she slowly blinked her big, turquoise-blue eyes twice as her cheeks turned a light pink when she realized that she hadn’t noticed him at first and must have cut him off. She had been deciding between asking her question in Common or Goblin and didn’t realize the somebody else was already talking with the woman.

Rather than being rude a second time, she just waited and listened to her story, a small crease forming between her brows. Arisa has known the history of the Bumblebrashers because of the research she had recently done into an Isgerian Noble’s past. It seems the Noble’s chief rival did indeed have some Goblin blood in his heritage and she had forwarded that information along yesterday.

What she hadn’t known was this woman’s relationship to the tribe and the apparent warning they had sent her.  Based on both the Goblin’s agitated manner and her plea for assistance, there must be something to this and Citadel Altaerein wasn’t very far from town. What could it hurt to check the situation out and at least report back? It sounded like an easy job and some quick coin even if she wasn’t actually “an adventurer”. It could be fun to explore an old ruined castle.

Even though she felt the woman was being a little over dramatic about the whole thing, Arisa decided she would help out and hoped that Maerk would agree. Before she answered, she looked to the man that she had interrupted earlier and raised a hand signaling that he should go first.

”Please,” she said, ”I obviously interrupted you earlier and for that I apologize profusely. You were here first and should have the right to answer her first”.

Suiadan made space for the incoming elf had as she approached and quietly waited for her to finish her query.

"I thank you for your courtesy." He says to Arisa (in Elven) before returning to the goblin.

"I can't speak for any others here, but I will certainly hear your petition, Ambassador. Whatever the council decides, I will do what I can to support your tribe. While we wait for the doors to open though, I would ease your worry. Trust in Desna, trust in the council. That a warning message was sent means there is still hope."

The bird on Suiadan's shoulder flies away and Suaidan becomes briefly distracted watching it depart.

He once again turns his head to Arisa and offers a nod, indicating that he's done.

[Private to GM: Goal is to use the 'Make an Impression' diplomacy option at the end of the conversation.]

In reply to Suiadan Sivlei (msg # 34):

Warbal enjoys the interplay between the elves, but says nothing of if. She looks up at Maerk and feels a bit uneasy about his brick wall act. She turns away from his soldier-like stare.

"Then there is hope for my Bumblebrashers. I know great camping spot on a hillock just a 5 minute walk to the Citadel from there.

[Private to Suiadan Sivlei: Diplomacy wont affect the situation. She is already an ally.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:00, Mon 23 Sept 2019.

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:05:46 PM

​Noon strikes and the gathered crowd filters into the building while the children who have gathered run off to play.

Guards positioned at the front doors direct you to the council chamber, the entrance of which is just past the main hallway.

The council chamber is set up as an auditorium, with a carpeted walkway separating several rows of benches into two sections.
The carpet leads to a small set of steps and a raised dais. On the dais is a large desk separated into five parts, where the Breachill  Town Council's five members are seated, talking quietly with one another as they wait for the meeting to start.

On the desk, situated in front of each chair, are tarnished bronze plaques bearing the names of the council members.  From east to west their names are:

·Jorsk Hinterclaw
·Melma Ann Sendari
·Greta Gardania
·Trini Sprizzlegig
·Quentino

They are all humans except Jorsk is dwarf, and Trini is a Gnome.


Just before the meeting begins, the guards move to stand outside the chamber's southern door.​
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:34, Mon 23 Sept 2019.

Arisa listened carefully to the Goblin woman’s answer and noted the formality with which the man addressed her as well, giving him a small nod when he thanked her for her courtesy although, she wasn’t sure if he was being sarcastic or not. It seemed as if she had been right all along, the woman was looking for someone to go up to Citadel Altaerein and check on this tribe of goblins. That shouldn’t be too difficult a task, chances are that some Goblin got spooked and lit the fires by accident. They weren’t the most reliable people.

”My large ... friend ... here” she said, indicating Maerk behind her, ”and I would be more than happy to assist you with your troubles should the council call for heroes to see to it. Is there anything you can tell us about the Bumblebrashers or Citadel Altaerein that would help with this task?”.

Unfortunately, before the Goblin could answer, the crowd started filtering into Town Hall and they were forced to follow or get lost in the crowd. Grabbing Maerk by his thick wrist, she pulled him along after her to keep him close as they were directed into the council chamber proper. The chamber was split into two sections by a carpet and it wasn’t clear whether the sections were designated for a particular group or not, so Arisa led the big warrior as close to the front as they could go and found some seats near an end.

Leaning into Maerk, she whispered to him, ”I’m not sure if you caught all of that out there but, the Goblin woman is concerned for her tribe that has taken up residence in Citadel Altaerein. It has been a couple of weeks since she has heard from them and they lit some sort of signal fire indicating they were in danger. She wants someone to go check it out. It sounds like a pretty simple job so I thought we should volunteer when she brings it up to the council What do you think?”.

In reply to Arisa Whisperwood (msg # 37):

As the group gathered in the auditorium, Tamar surveyed the room. She leans over to Suiadan

I heard that Greta Gardania presides over this meeting. And so it follows that the woman in the center is in charge. I assume she will call is to order briefly. I feel lead to help the Goblins....

But, let’s hear what else is going on I guess. I am certain the Goddess will guide me. “

In reply to Tamar Numida (msg # 38):

Everyone look at the group 1 map and tell me approximately where you are so I can place your avatar

[Private to GM: I plan on being front row and center.]

Suiadan nods at Tamar in agreement, as she had confirmed what he already knew.

"Front row, center then?"

He points to the first row pew on the left side of the hall and makes his way there to sit, offering a friendly bow to Greta Gardania before doing so.

Maerk stepped into the hall, making way for Arisa. He ignored the seating and simply took his vigil by standing to the right of the entrance door, leaning his massive frame against the wall and resting his hands on his weapons.

"You sit elf-girl?" It was a question as well as an invitation. "Maerk will stand."

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:07:47 PM

Greta Gardania raises one eyebrow..not sure what to make of Suiadan yet.

See Group 1 map!

​With a sharp rap from her gavel onto the desk, a stern, dark-haired woman with a deeply furrowed forehead and kind eyes brings the assembled crowd to a hush. "Welcome, neighbors and friends..." the dark-haired woman begins, her rich voice washing over the room, "to the Breachill Town Council's monthly Call for Heroes. I am council president Greta Gardania, at your service. On behalf of my colleagues beside me, I promise you all that we will hear and consider today's petition with the utmost discretion and care. There is no existence without community, as our town charter says." "Today our agenda includes one petition. Miss Warbal, our very own ambassador to the Bumblebrashers of Hellknight Hill, requests the help of heroes for a matter of utmost importance. Let's hear her concerns in her own words, shall we? Miss Warbal?"

Miss Warbal emerges from the front row of benches. The well-dressed goblin woman makes her way to the foot of the dais's steps. She clears her throat and begins to address the council.​
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:13, Fri 27 Sept 2019.

"Esteemed councilors,"  Warbal says, with a frazzled tone to her voice.

"It has been more than a month since i've been able to contact the Bumblebrashers. I fear that something terrible has befallen them. What's more, I have seen my people's distress signal coming from the top of Citadel Altaerein-"

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:08:27 PM

Before the goblin can continue her petition, the door on the western side of the room flies open, as a young man, his eyes wide with panic, runs in shouting and waving his ink-stained hands. Billowing black smoke and flames follow him into the room:

"Fire! There's a fire! Everyone flee!"​
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:20, Fri 27 Sept 2019.

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:08:58 PM

​the fire jumps into the chamber, and the councilors begin moving down off the dais and shouting for the crowd not to panic.

​It engulfs the western door and a 10-foot x 10-foot area immediately east of it.

​But the 40 spectators are terrified; they scream, jump up from their benches, and try to jostle towards an exit row.  They also knock over the benches in their hurry to escape, many of them falling over themselves in the process.

Because the spectators knocked over the benches in their panic, these areas serve as difficult terrain.

Some of the spectators are able to pick themselves up and escape the chamber with help from the councilors, but others are so terrified or tangled among the benches and each other that they need further assistance or they wont escape the fire unharmed.​​​​

​In the unfolding chaos of the fire, as dozens of frightened townsfolk begin to panic, a snickering creature slips through the chamber's western door. This little Bipedal critter has bat-like wings.​

See Group 4 map for a picture of this creature
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:30, Fri 27 Sept 2019.

In reply to Smiles (msg # 45):

Everyone roll initiative!

We will act in initiative order.  Out of order posts may be erased to preserve clarity.

The only post I want to see is initiative.  Dont declare any actions yet... You can assume that you are all standing since the benches are all knocked over.

ROUND 1

Initiative Order

21: Complex Fire Hazard
20: Tamar
19: Suiadan
11: Arisa
09: Snikering Creature
08: Maerk
05: Councilors

​The PCs have the following options:

1. Dousing the Flames - Be Creative
2. Assemble Bucket Brigade - Must rescue 15 spectators first to have enough to make one.
3. Rescue Spectators - See Below
4. Fight Snikering Creature - Beware! He will laugh at you!

Note: Because the spectators knocked over the benches in their panic, these areas serve as difficult terrain.​

Rescue 2 Spectators: Must move to correct side of room
                     Locate Spectators - theres smoke!
                     Calm the Spectators - they panic!
                     Escort spectators to Southern Door - they disoriented!
                     3 actions total: No rolls required
                     No need to spend a move actions as long as the spectators are on
                     same side of room as you.

Rescue 6 spectators: Two PCs must work together using above steps.

Fire Hazard is up first!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:24, Sat 28 Sept 2019.

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:08:58 PM

ROUND 1

Initiative Order

21: Complex Fire Hazard
20: Tamar
19: Suiadan
11: Arisa
09: Snikering Creature
08: Maerk
05: Councilors

Complex Fire Hazard:

The fire spreads two squares!

Tamar is up!
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:08, Sat 28 Sept 2019.

In reply to Smiles (msg # 48):

Tamar begins searching through the smoke for the nearest people.

“We must get the people out of here! I will concentrate on rescuing people!

Finding a pair of people near her she kneels and helps them.

“Friends! You will be alright. The sacred light of the Goddess shines upon you. Follow me!”

With that she leads the pair to the southern exit

“we need to get the fire under control! Get help from the other villagers!”

What can this possibly be?


Following Tamar's lead, Suiadan begins to help usher people out of the building. "Please, you must remain calm or we will not be able to help you!"

The powers that guided him to be here did not seem to have any particular insight as to what to do, so he does his best to spot the spectators through the smoke and lead them to the southern exit.

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:08:58 PM

ROUND 1

Initiative Order

21: Complex Fire Hazard
20: Tamar
19: Suiadan
11: Arisa
09: Snikering Creature
08: Maerk
05: Councilors

Spectators Rescued: 6

SUMMARY:

Tamar and Suiadan bravely rescue 6 frightened souls!

Arisa is up!...Arisa, you can also take actions for Maerk if he is not available.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Mon 30 Sept 2019.

Arisa stands soon after the commotion begins, looking around and trying to figure out what the heck is going on here. By the time she gets to her feet, a few people have already started escorting spectators to safety but the fire is spreading rapidly as yellow and blue flames lick along the wooden structure. Visibility is getting worse as smoke begins to fill the room and people start knocking over benches in their haste to get away from the growing inferno.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spots a diminutive creature with bat-like wings that seems to be made of living fire. Her almond-shaped eyes narrow as she realizes that it must be the cause of the fire threatening the townsfolk. Drawing her rapier, she begins chasing the creature across the room trying to kill it before it can spread the fire any farther.

”Maerk,” she yells, pointing at the demon-like figure, ”that creature is the cause of the fire, we must kill it before it can start any more fires. Cut it off, don’t let it escape into the main hall”.

Arisa has always been fast but if the creature manages to slip past Maerk they may never catch it. They need to kill it now before it can trap everyone in this wooden box of fiery death. Vaulting upturned benches and dodging screaming people, she attempts to catch the creature and skewer it on the point of her rapier.

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:08:58 PM

ROUND 1

Initiative Order

21: Complex Fire Hazard
20: Tamar
19: Suiadan
11: Arisa
09: Snikering Creature
08: Maerk
05: Councilors

Spectators Rescued: 6

SUMMARY: Arisa
Action 1: Arisa removes her pristine rapier from its sheath... (Interact Action)
Action 2: Stride - NW (Difficult Terrain) - NW - W - W - W
Action 3: ??? The snickering creature is surrounded by fire, and thus inaccessible.

See updated map!

17 Arodus, 4719 AR 12:08:58 PM

ROUND 1

Initiative Order

21: Complex Fire Hazard
20: Tamar
19: Suiadan
11: Arisa
09: Snikering Creature
08: Maerk
05: Councilors

Spectators Rescued: 6

SUMMARY: Snickering Creature
Action 1: starts flying
Action 2: Stride S - S - S - S
Action 3: Lights a fire with its breath.

The creature continues to cackle at all the delicious chaos about him...He takes to the air with his bat-like wings. and flies 20 feet south. He then lights a 5-foot section of floor on fire...

Maerk is up!