Grandpre Academy (Second group)- DND 4E (IC)

[Grimlock]

I think we must investigate this. It seems to be too much of a coincidence that two groups of Kobolds, both linked by the green tattoo have attacked towns near each other and taken seemingly innocuous items... he pauses as he realises his potential faux pas and turns to Filass, Uhm, not that I am saying that your papers and family banner are unimportant, but it seems unusual for Kobolds to take it. He looks at the others, It just seems too odd to ignore.

[Shadow_Elf]

Ace grins sheepishly. Well, it is on our way, no? I say we stop over in Bartos and do a little investigative work on our trip back to Grandpre.

[Dekkah]

DM
Filass nod,
"Well in any case, you are welcome for the night, you as well kid. I guess you all can travel toggether to return to Bartos tommorow."
The messenger nod his thanks to Filass,
"Thanks sir."

When you are all done quesitonning the mensenger, he will take his leave and Gaston will lead him to his room.
Filass will continue to small talk with you all until you are all fully replenished.

You all get a good night of sleep.

June 15 - 17 :
When you wake up, breakfast is ready. Filass is already eating with the messenger.
"Good morning. Take seat."
When you all seated, Filass will tell you,
"I spoke with Malcom this morning. As I remembered, all the kobold that we've slain here had the green paw tatoo."
He then continues some small talk.

When your all ready to leave, he will go with you to the door.
"Good luck friends. If you learn something, have Bartos keep me informed. And if you ever come this way again, pass by and say hello."

The messenger is ready to go, on his horse.
You will travel 2 and half days under a blazing sun. The messenger name is Gary and you will learn that he is a fisherman first and foremost. He only does messenger duty to round up some more money.

You arrive at Bartos the 17th around noon . It is a small fisherman village with no fortifications. They live mainly from fishing and hunting from what you can see. There is one small inn named The smiling fish.

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First, if you had any more questions for the messenger, Filass or wanted to continue chatting among yourselves during the dinner feel free to do so.
I posted what comes next, taking assumptions from what you told me so far. If you wanted to do anything else into town before leaving or during the trip just roleplay it.
Unless you change something, your arrived at Bartos, what do you guys do?

You should spend 2 more rations for the trip.

[Grimlock]

Kallik looks down at Gary, It has been a pleasure to travel with you Gary, thanks for escorting us here. He looks around at the others I don't know about the rest of you, but I could do with a drink to wash this travel dust down. It will also give us a chance to ask around about the attack, maybe someone noticed something the others missed.
(OOCAssuming the others agree with this- if they don't, ignore what I have written and I'll do soething else)

He strolls into The Smiling Fish and wlks over tothe bar. Ahoy there barman, a pint of any good ale you may have. He flips a coin onto the table. Also, my friends and I have come to investigste the recent kobold attack. Can you give us any information?

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Diplomacy (1d20+2)[22] Streetwise (1d20+9)[22] Insight (1d20)[6]

Edit- (OOC- damn that was a rubbish Insight Roll, however the other two were good, better than my usual rubbishness! )

[Dekkah]

DM
As you walk into town, there is a few people. You spot a couple stores.
When you see the smith shop, you can see an empty spot where probably have been his sign.
As you enter the Inn, the barman look up at you.
"Welcome strangers."
The inn is empty right now. It is a lot smaller than Grandvent inn. There is only 5 tables.
At Kallik request, the innkeeper pop up a mug and fill it with ale.
"Here you go sir."
He then pocket the coin,
"So you heard about it already eh? Well, it happened nearly a week ago at dusk. They say there was about 30 of these little bastards running around town. They were quite organised from what I heard you know. They moved in groups and mainly do hit and run tactics, to rout people around. I know most of the villagers came here to get some shelter you know. They say Syl'than did a great job with the defenses. Of course they didnt fight them head on, this town militia isnt really trained you know. But at least, no one died. These stinky buggers were here for the loot anyway you know. They took lot of good stuff, but nothing we cant replace I guess. If you really want more details, you should go see Syl'than, he is the town sherif you know. His office is the green building near the lake, you cant miss it."

Spoiler

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Inn prices :
Stay : 5 SP
Food :5 SP
Ale : 1 SP
Wine : 5 SP
Hot Bath : 7 SP

[Dekkah]

DM
Just as you were about to reply, the innkeeper says extending a hand toward to front door.
"Well speaking of the devil."

You all see a tell and muscular elf enter the inn. He wears some hide armour and carry 2 longsword and a longbow. There is a sunshaped ingisna on his leather armour. He appear calm and serious. He walk toward you and say,
"Well met strangers, welcome to Bartos. I am Syl'than, sherif of Bartos. Gary just reported to me and told me you came into town to investigate about the koblods attacks. Lets sit and discuss."
Syl'than move to the closest table and sit.
When your all seated he start speaking,
"There was 32 kobolds during the assault. We managed to slay 5 of them, but killing wasnt our main priority. When I was sure the townsfolk were safe, I tracked them and managed to find the kobold group. I followed them up to their small village, somewhere on the north flank of the Green Peaks. They call themselves the "Green Paws" from what I know. When they arrived into their town, there was a big argument between the leader of the raiders and their shaman. I stayed up to the next day to make sure they would not come right back, but the fighters settled into town, and even the small patrols, that split up from the main forces during the trip back into their town, arrived the next day with some more food. That is when I left and came back to Bartos."
He take a short pause, breaking his dull tone, before adding,
"What else do you need to know? And what do you plan to do with these kobolds?"

[Arq Kujos]

"How about if you could use another hand to aid you during your troubles?" Another Elf, this one an Eladrin, walked in and smiled at Syl'than. He was slightly tall, standing around 6 ft. and he was well muscled, for an elf. He was wearing a set of well maintained Leather armor with a simple silk shirt under it. He had a small pack for carrying things and a large sword that hung behind him at his waist. His blond hair and bright, azure blue eyes did give him an almost otherworldly feel.

"Dear cousin." he said as he clasped the sheriff's arm. "What is all this I hear of you having problems with invaders? Surely you can handle a few Kobolds." He reached up and patted him on the shoulder. "If you need a little help, I'd be happy to aid you. I'll even wave my normal fee, seeing as how we are family and all." The Eladrin reached inside his shirt and removed a letter. He held it out to Syl'than. "Speaking of family, you father sent me to bring you this." Just now realizing that Syl'than was busy with work, the elf turned and bowed. "I do apologize for my rudeness. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Eliael Salas. It is an honor to meet you all." Eliael held out a hand in polite friendship, but on it was a ring that glistened gold in the light. It was the ring of a graduated adventurer from the Academy.

[Dekkah]

DM
As he hear Eliael voice, a faint smile breaks Syl'than serious face. He stand to great him and reply,
"Well met cousin, good to see you. I am not planing to do anything more than keep an eye on them for now. These little pest usually leave us alone, and beside, this town militia isnt fit to wage a war, even a small one against a lowly kobold clan."
He continues turning toward you,
"It is these young mens that appears to have some more interest on the kobolds from what I've heard from my messenger."

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You all remember seeing Eliael at the Academy, when you first came in, he was one of the few student left in the 5th years.

[Arq Kujos]

Interest in Kobolds? Why would you care about them?" There was a hint of interest in Eliael's voice as he looked the adventurers up and down. "Hmm, something about you lot strikes me as familiar, but I cannot seem to place my finger on it." Eliael stroked his chin for a moment as he contemplated.

[Shadow_Elf]

When Syl'than initially enters, Ace extends his hand to shake hands. Well met, good sheriff. I am The Ace of Spades, and these are my companions. We were on our way back to Grandpre when we heard about your troubles with kobolds here in Bartos. The Vistani tips his bowler hat, revealing the blood red ribbon of the Vistani Caravans wrapped around his head, and then flips it back onto his head.

After they have sat down and Syl'than explains the situation somewhat, Ace will ask did their shaman command a swarm of rats around his feet? Grandvents had some kobold trouble as well, trouble we have just returned from resolving, where more of these Green Paw kobolds attacked them and stole objects of value - but they had a village of their own, and I am starting to think these kobolds may have less in common than we thought.

When the flashy, somewhat rude Eladrin enters and interrupts the sheriff, Ace will eye him carefully under the rim of his bowler hat, careful not to give away any judgements. When he sees the ring, however, a grin spreads across his face. Eliael! Perhaps you remember me, from the Academy? My companions and I are students but a few years behind yourself. I'm sure I've played poker with you before... I usually remember best the games where I make the most money, laughs Ace, with a grin. So, the good sheriff is your cousin?

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Since Dekkah said we recognized you, Arq, I made some assumptions. Ace is wont to rip people off playing cards, so I figured that was the most likely connection . He rips people off in a fair and friendly manner, though. Now, if any checks are needed:

Insight: (1d20+6)[26]
Perception: (1d20+1)[11] +4 if the d20 comes up even.
Diplomacy: (1d20+9)[11]

[Dekkah]

DM
At Ace mention of the ratd, Syl'than nod,
"Yes, the one I called shaman had a lot of rats around him, which appars to obey him. Maybe I should call him a druid, I dont know where he got the ability to control them.
As for the attack on Grandvents, I was aware of it. We got a message from Sir De L'Aurore and Malcom explaining what happeneed there and previously in Deserte. They thought we might be next on the kobolds list, so they told us what they knew. It gave us a good help in protecting the villager and we managed to not loose a single soul."

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You guys can have met at a gaming table if you wish ;) I dont mind.

[Arq Kujos]

When the flashy, somewhat rude Eladrin enters and interrupts the sheriff, Ace will eye him carefully under the rim of his bowler hat, careful not to give away any judgements. When he sees the ring, however, a grin spreads across his face. Eliael! Perhaps you remember me, from the Academy? My companions and I are students but a few years behind yourself. I'm sure I've played poker with you before... I usually remember best the games where I make the most money, laughs Ace, with a grin. So, the good sheriff is your cousin?

Eliael pondered for a moment, but at the mention of poker, he smiled. "I remember you. I was warned to avoid playing with you at all costs. Something about you cheating, I believe. No matter, I would never believe such a nasty lie about a fellow adventurer."

Eliael smiled and laughed. "Yes, he is my cousin. So, if you lot are from the Academy, then are you on your graduation test?" Eliael gave a slight smirk towards Ace.

[Shadow_Elf]

Cheat? I would never! Lady Luck is simply very... very... kind to me. Luck is not forever - I will have to pay for it all in misfortune eventually, I suspect. He laughs genuinely. And yeah, we're on our final exam - in fact, we've already completed our exam mission. We're stopping over here in Bartos to lend our expertise in dealing with this kobold clan - and possibly to make up for our own actions, for it seems that in recovering some items for Grandvents, we may have pushed these brigands to steal instead from the good people of Bartos to make up the lost trophies. The Vistani's look of concern at their potential fault in the attack seems genuine.

[Arq Kujos]

"One must always be wary of the long term repercussions of their actions. With that in mind, allow me to grant you one piece of advice. No mission, no task, no journey is ever OVER until it is actually over. Still, if you are looking to deal with this Kobold issue, perhaps you might allow me to accompany you? Aside from delivering this letter, I have little else to do."

[Grimlock]

Kallik smiles at the appearance of the Eladrin and echoes Ace's welcome, recognising Eliael from the years above him at the Academy. He turns to Syl'than. The shaman, a rat master named Booktooth, seemed to be understanding, trying to avoid a confrontation rather than start one. He glances at Ace, I hope you're not right about our actions causing the attack here. I am glad that no-one was lost, and hope we can deal with this situation. He pauses for thought and takes a drink from the tankard in front of him, he nods appreciatively to the barman! As for what we can do, if kobolds are attacking built up settlements then it could keep escalating out of control, we need to find out why these kobolds are attacking and if it is anything more sinister than one aggressive clan of them! At Eliael's request to join them he smiles again Any assitance would be appreciated, especially from a fellow graduate of the Academy!

[Dekkah]

DM
Syl'than look suprised when you mention you might be responsible,
"You think they attacked us because of you? What make you think this? And what do you mean by thropies?"

[Shadow_Elf]

Ah, you see, good sir sheriff, we were hired by De L'Aurore of Granvents to recover for him a banner and a set of valuable documents. When we arrived at the kobolds' camp and trounced their initial guards, we managed to negotiate for the two items, which the war chieftain was keeping as trophies of his triumphs. We are considering the possibility that by taking away his trophies and leaving all his kobolds alive, we might have provoked him into searching for more "trophies" elsewhere. He inclines his head towards the sheriff. Hence our present concern.

He then turns to Eliael. My eladrin friend, we would positively love to have you along, if we venture back to give these kobolds a second lesson on taking things that are not theirs.

[Dekkah]

DM
Syl'Than ponders all these infomrations for a minute then ask you.
"When did you did all this happened?"

[Shadow_Elf]

June... twelfth? elventh? I'm not too good at keeping track of days.

[Arq Kujos]

"I would be honored to aid you. This is the kind of adventure I have been searching for since I graduated. Mercenary work just isn't the same." Then, he turned to his cousin. "So, do we need to eradicate this tribe of aggressive Kobolds, or do you think we might be able to appease them with an "offering" to soothe the bruised ego of our little Kobold warlord?"

[Grimlock]

I think eradication may be too strong and an offering may just encourage more raids. We need to investigate andfind out why these kobolds are attacking. Kallik stands and paces, swigging from his ale as he thinks aloud. There must be some reason for this. If more than one town has been hit the it suggests a grander plan. The dragonborn turns to Syl'Than. WHat immediate impact has there been in the aftermathof this raid? How has the town and it's people been effected?

[Dekkah]

DM
To Ace reply Syl'than says,
"That is about the same time we got attacked. I doubt you attack on their town and theirs here is related. It takes nearly 2 days to get to their town from here."

Turning to Kallik,
"Well it havent really affected us much. We were relativly ready. Of course we lost some tools and money, but this town will survive easyly. To my knowledge, most of the people were ready because of Grandvent warning. You seem to think they work for someone else, you might be right, I noticed a dragon statue in their village."
He then turn to Eliael and tells him,
"I seem to recall some old stories from a dragon in the forest. I dont remember seeing it or hearing someone claiming it, but this could be it. To my knowledge, kobolds often serve dragons."

[Arq Kujos]

I think eradication may be too strong and an offering may just encourage more raids. We need to investigate andfind out why these kobolds are attacking. Kallik stands and paces, swigging from his ale as he thinks aloud. There must be some reason for this. If more than one town has been hit the it suggests a grander plan. The dragonborn turns to Syl'Than. WHat immediate impact has there been in the aftermathof this raid? How has the town and it's people been effected?

"Its like you just said. You went and took the "trophies" of the Kobold tribe and left their leader with no glory to lord over his minions. I doubt this is part of a grander plan, but that is a possibility.

Eliael turned to Syl'Than. "It is also very possible that they serve a dragon or some other powerful monster. The only way we will find out will be to go there and have them tell us. Adventurers can't afford to be too squeamish when dealing with problems with like this."

[Grimlock]

At the mention of dragons Kallik stops walking and turn to Ace and Baldric. Booktooth did say they were raiding the town for money and loot andhe sounded sincere, but do you remember the big statue in the village? It was of a dragon. Booktooth called it 'the big one caller'! It was a horn of some kind. the big dragonborn stops and carefully puts down the tankard. If the kobolds could call a 'big one' what else could it be but a dragon? he flexes his talons and turns to the Eladrin. You may have hit the nail on the head here. If dragons are involved then we may have our lead to investigate!

[Dekkah]

DM
Syl'than, his face grave says,
"I really hope we wont start to have problems with a dragon. These monsters are powerfull and cunning if I can trust most stories. As for the village, now that you mention it, there was a statue in the village where I followed the kobolds, that is surely that same one."
Taking some time pondering, he add,
"So what do you plan to do then? I cannot really afford to hire anyone to investigate more on this problem, but if you do take the time, I would appreciate some feedback."

[Arq Kujos]

"Dragons? now they are an entirely different kind of monster. I recall rumors of a Dragon back home in the Fey. I know he had at least one tribe of Kobolds serving him, and I would wager he easily could have more. Though, I do not know if this tribe is connected to him of not. What is the symbol of these Kobolds? Maybe that will give us another clue."

[Dekkah]

DM
Syl'Than answer Eliael,
"It is a fingered green claw. You valso could say paw, they arent exactly very good and precise at drawing it it guess."

[Grimlock]

No need to hire us my friend. This is our meat and drink, it's what we do! he turns to Eliael. Do you recognize the symbol of the green paw? I feel we should rest up today and then go off and see what we can find out. We already know where the village is, but maybe we can check out further afield, see whats is near the village. Mayer talk to one of those on the raid, if we can catch a kobold.... Maybe even their hunt master who was talking to Booktooth. What ever we find out we'll inform you on our return.

[Arq Kujos]

Yes, I do recognize it. It is the symbol of Razcoreth, an old and dangerous green dragon. I had heard his reach stretched into this world, but I had hoped it only an exaggerated rumor. He is your typical dragon. Arrogant, excessive, and desires to have others do all the work for him."

[Dekkah]

DM
Looking surprised at Eliael reply, Syl'than says,
"That is an old story cousin. This dragon havent been seen or heard of for a long time."