The Festival Night (IC, Pathfinder.)

[Pomegranite]

The Festival Night

The circumstances were somewhere between ordinary and extraordinary when you saw the first light. You were compelled to follow, something amazing had to lie beyond, just out of sight.

Hand in hand, you and Grel walked the streets of Absalom at dusk. You had done this many times before, but tonight was special. You had recently gotten engaged, the world seemed so much brighter now that you knew she would be yours in marriage. You were going to your favourite spot, a small café in the middle class district. They even had smaller tables, but you didn't mind the big ones. Both of you had the optimism of your halfling race, and you were excited to get your favourite cake.
But then you saw a glow emanating from an alleyway. Grel smiled at you as she pulled you towards it. Your glaive readied, you approached the light. It was one of many, leading a trail though the backstreets. You and Grel followed the lights, excited for another adventure together until you came to one that was far larger than the rest. Golden and pulsing, the light hung in the air. After one look into Grel's eyes, you could tell she wanted to see what it was. It didn't seem dangerous, so you stepped into the light.

You and your sister Magdelina walked along the rode. It was later than you usually stayed out, but this journey was a bit longer than usual. You wanted to rest, the strength you had gained from her flesh was draining, you would need to feed again soon. She pointed out a clearing, her Aasimar eyes almost glowing in the light.
It was then that you noticed the lights. Magdelina suggested you follow them, perhaps they would lead to people that could shelter you. The eerie floating lights only led you to a bigger one. She tried to convince you that it was not a good idea to go touching random golden lights, but eventually she gave in. You grasped her arm as she reached in to feel it.

"Come on!" You said trying to suppress your laughter at what your "niece" Kassy chose to steal from the shop. Educating her in the "family business" was supposed to be serious, the threat of getting caught a grave one, but she brightened it all. She had picked a loaf of bread, your least favourite flavour. You were confused, you had given her enough food to last her a little while, her foster parents didn't give her nearly enough. She giggled and ran over to a beggar on the street, presenting him with the bread. You patted her on the head when she came back, she really was a kindred spirit.
"Uncle Fallyn! Look!" said Kassy, pointing to a sewer grate that had begun to glow with golden light. You pried it open, as curious as she was. A trail of floating golden lights led you down the ladder, until you reached a larger one. The smaller ones didn't seem to hurt you, so you agreed to check it out with her.

Your sister Esmeralda led you out of the barn where you slept in the dead of night.
"Where we go?" You asked, but she only shushed you. You ran off of your father's property, hoping that he wouldn't notice you were gone. Later, as you jogged though the woods she explained that you two were going to have a better life, without your father. You smiled toothily and hugged her as gently as you could. She looked to the heavens and asked for a sign.
Your sister must have been magical! Glowing lights appeared and led you to a bigger glowing light! You and Esmeralda followed them, excited to see what they were. You reached out to touch the big light.

A tunnel of bright light burned your eyes, until you were shunted out of a glowing portal into a dark field. Before you lay a great festival, going as far as your eyes could see. There seemed to be an entrance before you, and there seemed to be other people there. Including you, there were two Halflings, two Aasimar, three humans (one of them quite a young girl,) and a half-orc. All of them seemed as confused as you were.

A Tian woman walked purposely out of the entrance, her almost supernatural beauty stunning you. Her noble face suggested some Azlanti heritage, but her eyes were as green as emeralds. She wore simple garments, but she wore them well. Approaching you, she spoke,

"Hello and welcome to the Night Festival. I am Phaek Meyahol. I think I am working here. You have been chosen by the Festival God to participate in the festival. This is a once in a lifetime opertunity! There are many games to play, and many prizes to be won! It is always night here, but you should probably sleep if you need to!" She looked at you expectantly before ushering you into a tent. She instructed you to sit on some pillows while she wrote some things down.

When she was finished she smiled radiently at you and asked if you had any questions before she allowed you in.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung replies without thinking further "Yes"

[Pomegranite]

After Grung responds so simply Phaek giggles, covering her mouth and asks him another question.
"And what might that question be?"

[zylodrizzt]

Grung struggles to sound out the word especially with his thick southern accentWhat is feast-of-vale?

Esmerelda beams at her little brother for sounding out the word though incorrectly. She knows he has a tendency to forget things and knows she has taught him much but her simple half brother simply didnt retain knowledge so well. She is slightly surprised he even spoke since he rarely ever saw anyone but pa and herself but she thinks maybe thats because he is kinda bold in his own simple way.

[hannahbbug3]

"That's festival, my dear boy," Swainyo says, a gentle and warm smile on his lips as he corrects Grung. Grei gives her fiance a soft prod with her elbow, mouthing the words 'be polite!'.

[Extrail]

Seeing no reason to distrust her. Raiden sat down, and he was tired. He was sure it was fine, and as he sat down. He decided to ask a question Why do you think your working here? Wouldn't you know something like that? he waits for a reply then asks Why do you think we were chosen by the festival god? and after she answers that question he asks one more. I think my final question is Why is it always night?

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn glances around at the group assembled here. He carefully takes stock of what each person is carrying.

As the others ask their questions, Fallyn focuses on Phaek and her answers.

Fallyn will use Sense Motive to try and discern if Phaek is telling the truth or misleading them intentionally. Rolled a 14.

[Pomegranite]

As far as you can tell, Phaek is telling the truth. Phaek has a light crossbow slung over her shoulder, but she doesn't look to be familiar with using it.

Phaek giggles again at Swain correcting Grung, before explaining to him what is a festival is.
"A festival is like a big party, you can play games, win prizes, eat food, and so much more!" She didn't seem to mind explaining it, almost as if she was reassuring herself of where she was. "This festival stays night forever so they can keep the lights on. I don't think this place is in the world that you or I came from, but I can't remember." She stopped before answering the next two of Raiden's questions. "I just don't remember. I asked one of the more experienced employees, and they said that they couldn't remember me either. New employees come all the time. I'm sure it's nothing."
"I don't know why you were chosen, the closest anyone ever gets to speaking to the Festival God is through her second in command, Jatoz." Phaek shudders after saying his name. "Jatoz....I try to hide when he comes. He's...not alive. At least not in the traditional sense..." She trails off, you can tell she doesn't want to talk about Jatoz.
She looks to Fallyn, about to ask if he has any questions, but another woman in simple employee robes bursts in. She looks to be older than Phaek, perhaps in her thirties. Her eyes look scared, but she smiles and speaks in an excited voice.
"I am here under express orders from Lord J-Jatoz. On the express orders of the Festival God, a certain four of these people are to participate in a wonderful contest! The winner gets 500 gold pieces!" Everyone in the room perks up, 500 gold pieces is quite a lot. "I have a list of who to pick." She points at each chosen person in turn. "Esmeralda, Magdelina, Grel, and Kassy. You beautiful young ladies are invited to come with me, the contest will start in an hour, you are free to rejoin your companions and explore the festival after."
"I can't tell you what kind of contest it is until we get there, Jatoz's orders. But I know it's something that you'll all be good at!" Says the other festival worker. "I should warn you that he would be very displeased should you not come and get ready now."


Kassy looks up at you, she is tall for her age, but you're taller.
"Pleaassee? It'll be fun! I might as well while we are here! I promise I'll come right back after, I'll even practice if I can?" She seems genuinely excited, for the contest, if not the money.



"Grung, do you mind if I go enter a contest? A contest is where a bunch of people are trying to win a prize. We could win lots of gold. Enough gold to buy a ride to a city, where we could work, and never see father again! I'll be back after, and maybe we'll even have some extra money to buy some snacks while we're here!" After carefully explaining what she was plans to do, Esmeralda looks at you for reassurance. She seems afraid to leave you alone, although it appears that you could fight off the other people in the room.

"You think I should?" Asks Grel. She has that look in her beautiful eyes, the look that tells you that she will do it regardless of your opinion. She has always been one for games, not gambling of course, but lighthearted fun. You have spent many rainy days together in the temple of Sheyln, playing games with the other clerics, games that involved creating beautiful art and singing songs.

Magdelina whispers in your ear,
"Brother, may I please go? Money like that would ensure us a place to stay even when people don't let us stay for free. You don't need to feed right away, do you?" She plays with her necklace nervously, you have relied on eachother for some time now, and she feels unsure if she should risk attention by participating.


Phaek engages in casual conversation with the other worker while they wait for your companions to follow the other woman. You get the sense that it may not be a choice. The scent of cooking food wafts in, you cannot wait to explore the festival, and perhaps make new friends as well.

[hannahbbug3]

Swain's smile turns slowly towards a frown. He... doesn't like the vibes he's getting from this place, and honestly, he would rather go home at this point. But Grei just looks so excited by everything, and it seems... they don't really have a choice in this. "Be careful, love," he bids, as he gives her a small peck on the cheek.

[Extrail]

"Of Course, Magdaline, Go and have fun. I'll be fine." Raiden assures Magdalina. he whispers in her ear "Besides, It's more suspicious to not join in. We'll eat later."

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn doesn’t entirely trust what is going on considering that they were brought here unawares. He turns to Kassy,”Ok. But be extremely careful and keep your eyes open. We sure could do a lot with 500 gold!”

[zylodrizzt]

If big sissy think it good then it is good. Have fun sissy. Hope pa not too mad we left. He hugs his big sissy and she disappears in his arms.

Esmerelda tells him to be good in the strictest way she can and Grung seems to shrink to almost the same size as a normal sized man. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She is fairly tall for a woman. She is around twenty. She wears a rose sun dress and bare feet. She is plain but on the pretty side. She seems intelligent and has a commanding presence almost like a mother.

Grung sniffs and recalls he hadn't eaten that day. Pa was displeased with him so didn't let him have anything. He forgets most everything as he stands up in search of food. A massive blonde haired blue eyed almost 7ft tall 350 lbs half orc (could pass as an orc you think). He is clearly powerful but you get the sense he is just a gentle giant. He is more stout/ husky and less built like a body builder. He wears fairly ill fitted chainmail has a crossbow slung around his waist and a very shiny and clearly well sharpened scythe on his back. He has a few other things but they are just supplies.

Where is food. Hungry. he asks almost demands.

[Pomegranite]

The unnamed woman smiles, she seems relived.
"This is going to be so much fun! Make sure to come see!" She says, before escorting Kassy, Magdelina, Grel, and Esmeralda out the flap of the tent. Phaek smiles at you, her eyes betraying a hint of sadness.
"I will just make sure that you are entered in the files then. The Festival God likes everything organized." She finishes writing some things down before placing some papers on a pile. After that, she rings a bell, and another employee, this time a man rushes to take them away. "I know that you are hungry, especially you Grung. There are some food stalls just outside, just be careful, make sure they count your change correctly. They serve all sorts of things, a good rule of thumb is to not buy anything you cannot pronounce, those goblins sometimes serve up strange things. This morning I got a muddy boot."
Phaek is truly an example of the prime human features, you cannot help but notice her otherworldy beauty, as she leads you farther into this other world. Her long black hair shines in the light of torches as she opens the tent and leads you out.
The Festival stuns you with it's beauty. It reminds you of the style of Tian'Xia. The ornate lanterns, and tents woven with scenery of dragons dulls your mistrust, if only a little bit. There are no plants growing, except for grass in some areas. The sky above is dark, and dotted with unfamiliar stars.
Roll a perception check.
There are people around from all over the world, and perhaps some from beyond it. Every race you can think of is here, all of them look to be enjoying themselves. They are getting along fairly well, you see a high elf and a drow bantering casually, but you can also make out the sounds of two kobolds arguing over some gold that they won.
"Here are the food stalls." Says Phaek, she seems happier outside of the tent. A multitude of goblins are running the stalls, cooking up food in a manner more organized than one would expect from their kind. The stalls are busy, so you wait in a line for about a minute before getting to the front. A goblin woman pops up and jabbers excitedly.
"What want? We sell foods! Many foods! You buy?" She pauses for a big breath before talking more. "You buy many foods! I see many big tall man and lady! And not as tall man. He taller than me. Tall buy many food! You buy many food! Yes yes! So many food! Delicious food!" She seems genuinely excited to sell you food. She jumps up and down before indicating a sign above her.


Food sells!
Normal animal meat.
Magic animal meat.
Normal tall meat.
Magic tall meat.
Mystery meat.
Other meat you want.
Wheat loaf.
Bigger wheat loaf.

BEST DEAL!!!
Live rat!!!!!


When she feels she has given you enough time (about five seconds later,) the goblin begins to speak again.
"What food talls want? What food? Yummy foods! You pay 1 gp for each food! SO MANY FOOD!" Phaek looks at your small group.
"I have to go now, but I will be at the competition if any of you need me. There are a few contests over there, best attempted on a full stomach. The food here is pretty good, as long as they don't pull tricks on you. This is the nicer of the goblin clans here, the other is quite violent. The Bugabu clan here just cooks." She waves goodbye as she darts off into the crowd. The lingering stare of the goblin woman makes you quite uncomfortable.

[Aaronmoze]

Roll was 26

Fallyn sniffs the cooking food and instantly regrets it. But, because he is hungry he tells the goblin chef/waitress “Give me a tall man food.”

[Extrail]

The Aasimar asks "What type of meat is Tall Meat? and is the live rat tame?"

14

[zylodrizzt]

Uh.... Um.... Grung looks at the sign and just looks perplexed and seems he might blow a gasket looking up at the sign. He looks to the food and drools some. He then has an idea. I have what he have. he points at Fallyn. He then realized he hasn't introduced himself. I Grung Halfborn and you? again seems more demanding then requesting.

When it comes to paying he pulls out his pouch of gold and says Take gold I owe. he hold his bag open. (Hopefully someone makes sure he doesn't spend too much or get ripped off)

When he gets his food Grung asksI stay with you all? Do not want to be lost. you have the feeling he will likely follow you no matter what you say.

Rolled 13 perception

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn peers at the open pouch the half-orc is waiving around. For a brief instant he ponders “helping” the half-orc with his money. Mainly by taking what is in the pouch. However, the feeling passes as he looks at his slow-witted but trusting face and knows he would no more take the gold from him than from an innocent child. It wouldn’t be fair or challenging, so where would the fun be.

”Here, take this”, Fallyn tells the goblin server as he hands her a gold piece from the orc’s pouch. He pays for his own and then turns to the orc. “Better keep that tucked away so no one is tempted to steal it. Grung you say your name is. I’m Fallyn. I guess we could stick together until the game begins. “ “Besides”,Fallyn thinks, “it would be good to have someone strong with me. Just in case. “

[Pomegranite]

You notice that the stars in the dark sky make out the shape of a woman in a veil.
You were deep in thought about your approaching wedding, that you didn't order anything at all.

"Yay! Much food come up!" Shouts the excited goblin, "Much tall meat! Rat you bite off head! Tall meat? Meat of tall!" She says, indicating the other patrons of the festival. You feel slightly sick to your stomach, you hope she wasn't saying that you would be eating other sentient creatures. You wait a few minutes before other goblins run up and produce your food.

The goblin happily hands you your food. The meat can't really be identified, but it smells delicious.
When you are just finishing up your food, you bite into something hard. Inside of your food, is a rock. The goblins laugh and point at you, the rock didn't hurt you, but it may have done some damage to your dignity.
You didn't really order anything, but the goblins happily present you with a large rat. They look at you expectantly, chanting for you to bite it's head off.

When you are all done at the food stall you notice 4 contests. They look pretty fun. One is a weight lifting, another archery. There is also a singing contest, and even a cake eating contest! You have enough time before the competition to go check them out, and maybe participate. There are also prizes of gold, some extra money wouldn't hurt. Speaking of money, there are stalls and stores all around, more gold would definitely be useful, if not fun.

"Hello! Welcome to the weight lifting contest!" Says yet another person in the uniform of a festival worker. "The weights get magically heavier, and anyone is free to try! See if you can beat our resident champion Thusri! She beat the record at only 14 years old, that was before she started working as a boarder guard." The other competitors look rather intimidating, but maybe you are the one to break the record?

(If you want to participate in this contest, post your max lift, and 1d4 for technique.)

As you approach the archery competition, you see that there are only 3 other participants. They glare at you, it seems that they did not want another rival. Yet another festival worker says that you are free to try, and offers you a bow.

(If you want, roll an attack roll on the target with your bow if you have one, if not just roll 1d20.)

"Hello!" A happy gnome worker offers you a napkin. "Trust me, my family's cake is the best you'll ever eat!" There are a few delicious looking cakes sitting out, free food, and you might even get paid!

(If you want to participate in this contest, roll 1d20 plus your CON modifier.)

A tired looking worker greets you,
"Welcome to the singing contest, full of angry bards who can't see why they didn't win. Feel free to try, but they might scream at you."

(To participate, roll perform(sing) or 1d20 plus your CHA modifier.)

Perhaps you could try your hand at one of those things, after all, the people you came here with shouldn't be the only ones winning prizes!

[Extrail]

Since the rat was clearly wilf He decides to bite it's head off. Still feeling hungry he goes to the cake eating contest, and just eats to he's full.
5
He then goes to the singing contest. And tries his best. 19
Finally, he tries his hand at archery without a bow 1 something that unsurprisingly turns out terribly for him.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung is so hungry he barely looks at the meat before its in his mouth chewed up and swallowed.

Grung makes sure to make sure everyone he came with are within sight before participating in anything. He wishes his sissy were here. He wants to make her proud and get more money and make her happy.

He is still fairly hungry so he will go to the cake eating contest

[roll0] con check

He thinks the cake has sweetened his voice so he goes and sings about how he loves to help and eat cake

[roll1] cha check

That was fun maybe they will let him throw something cause he hasnt really ever used a now

[roll2] attack roll (if they let him throw something I can't remember if you use your str mod and if you do then its 4 higher bonus)

Last he goes to something he is sure to win after all he is 14 too. Maybe thats a lucky number.

His max load is 520 but lift off ground is 1040 (not sure which you meant) tech roll [roll3]

[Aaronmoze]

”Well that sure tasted better than it looked”, remarks Fallyn. He walks over to the Archery contest. He carefully takes an arrow, draws the bow back and lets it fly toward the target. Dex roll 7

[Pomegranite]

Swain's player had to leave due to some personal concerns, so he is becoming an NPC.

You steady your nerves. You can totally win this.

All three of you are participating in archery. Swainyo decides to come along as well, he has his own bow. Along with the other angry contestants, you ready your bows. They provided bows for those of you who didn't bring your own. Raiden missed horribly and ended up hitting someone in the eye, surprisingly, they didn't mind much. A cleric of Zon-Kuthon...she just kept cheering. The worker happily yelled out the results.

First place- Swainyo.
Second place- Jaheros (the rude looking elf.)
Third place- Fallyn.

Grung and Raiden decide to compete in the contest. The cake sure smells yummy! A bell is rung and you all dig in! The results are posted on a large board.

First place- Bubar (A proud looking giant.)
Second place- Grung.
Third place- Nomar (A skinny half-elf that looks like he hasn't eaten in weeks.)
Grung and Raiden attempt the singing challenge. People gather round when Raiden sings, with his voice like an angel, but ultimately he was beaten. Grung manages to get in third due to some disqualifications, the other participants were attempting to beat eachother to death with lutes.

First place- Ino (a Tengu.)
Second place- Raiden.
Third place- Grung.

Grung is the only one out of you who joins the weight lifting contest, looking at the other competitors, they are no match. They even agree to give him all the winnings, they seem scared. The announcer magically makes his voice louder for all to hear.
"Grung Halfborn has beaten Thusri's record at the weight lifting!" You are so excited that you don't remember to ask how the announcer knew Grung's last name.

Grung- 13gp. Fallyn- 1gp. Raiden- 3gp.

As you are reflecting on how well you managed in the contests, Phaek runs up to you.
"Greetings!" She says, out of breath. "The competition is starting soon! Lord Jatoz is coming to see it himself, he told the other workers, who told me, that it has something to do with puppies!" Phaek seems very excited, so you allow her to lead you to a large stage. There is quite the crowd gathered, but she manages to get you to the front.
Over by the side of the stage, you notice a tall figure in dark robes. He sits on an ornate chair, resting his gore coated talons on his lap. He appears to be a ghoul, but not like any ghoul you have seen or heard of before. His flickering red eyes glimmer with intelligence, and his arms are well muscled. His long tongue flits in and out of his mouth, his clothing well kept. If he were not rotting you might mistake him for a human, but his sharp teeth dissuade you from the claim that he ever was.
Phaek shrinks back, she seems to be praying that he won't notice her. He doesn't, but his eyes linger on Raiden for a second longer than every other person in the crowd. Soon enough, he stands up and addresses the crowd. His voice is deep and raspy, clearly his vocal cords are barely preserved.
"Welcome to our first ever dog training contest, on the order of my mistress, the esteemed Festival God, these four beautiful ladies have been chosen by her to help." He indicates Kassy, Grel, Esmeralda, and Magdalina who have just stepped out on stage. They smile at you nervously, they don't seem to know what's going on, but they are excited. Jatoz smiles cruely at them before yelling "RELEASE THE HOUNDS!"
Onto the stage four large dogs bound, their lips slobbering, their teeth sharp. They eagerly rush towards the girls and rip them apart, their blood hitting an invisible barrier protecting the stage. You are stunned, tears begin to roll down your face, you look around, the rest of the crowd is cheering, clapping politely. Phaek is crying. This person you loved, is gone. You are horrified, words can not explain what you just saw. Once the corpses of your loved ones are destroyed by the dogs, they begin to circle around Jatoz. He reaches out his hand, a bolt of energy kills them all.
"Great job to our trainers, and thank you to our beautiful volunteers! I will be returning to the Keep now, may the Festival God bless you all!" Jatoz disappears at that, apparently teleporting away.

"I know you want to fight, but please listen to me. I had no idea this was one of those contests, and there is nothing to gain by fighting here. I have a way, to kill this so called God, and I daresay that you might want to help. My brother, he died at the festival as well. Please, please help me avenge him and your loved ones."

Swain collapses to the ground crying softly, Phaek looks at each of you in the eyes before bending down to comfort him. You all need comfort, but the thought of revenge looms in your minds.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung has experienced many hardships but nothing compares to what he is feeling now. Grief and rage fight for dominance. Tears stream down his face like miniature waterfalls and his teeth gritted and bared as savagely as any beast. He slams his arms into the ground repeatedly stomping and growling and sobbing. Sometimes he says Bring back my sissy both threatening and pitifully.

[Extrail]

Raise is Pissed with tears falling down his face. "Death is not all I am going to do to him. I'm not just going to kill him. I'm going to subvert everything he stands for, and that includes this festival. spitting at the end. " There was a reason why there was humanoid flesh, and a priest of zon-kuthon here wasn't there? This entire place is for that God isn't it?

[Aaronmoze]

”NOOOO!”, Fallyn screams. He frantically starts looking for a way onto the stage/platform and begins to draw his rapier. It takes some time for Phaek’s words to register through Fallyn’s racing emotions. Eventually he turns to her and realizes what she is saying.

”Let’s go then. Perhaps this whole thing isn’t real and we are just in a dream that has turned into a nightmare.”

[Pomegranite]

Tears drip freely down your face, the whole festival doesn't seem to care. The only people who care are the people who also have lost something here today. These strangers are your only allies in this strange land, where those you loved are now gone. Lost. The people cheered as those you loved died, died by the hand of savage dogs, died under the control of a ghoul, who obeys a god, who's realm you thoughtlessly walked into. The emotions are overwhelming you.
Anyone who tries to get up on the stage finds an invisible boundary preventing you from going there. Phaek pulls you all off the ground, trying to give you hope.
"Come with me, we need somewhere safe to talk." She says. You are almost in a daze as you follow her to an area filled with tents.

Roll a perception check and then consult the spoiler below.
5+ These tents are free for anyone to use. 10+ They use magic to silence sounds from both sides. 20+ Phaek has a small tattoo of a bird on the back of her neck.

"Here, come into the tent." She says, leading you inside. "I have some things to say. I know you are devastated, I know how it feels. I have a way to defeat the festival god, I know she isn't really a god. I don't know where I know this from, but I know it. You see, I made a deal with a mnemor devil, I don't know why, or what I gave up. But I know that I knew how to defeat her. I don't remember where I met him, but we need to find him." She turns to Raiden, answering his questions.
"I don't think there are laws here, everyone just does as they do. Those goblins use what they can, I hope they don't take your friend's bodies. Jatoz is the second in command of the festival god, he does everything on her orders."
"This isn't the realm of Zon-Kuthon." Says Swainyo dourly. "Too colourful, he wouldn't put up this front. I am a cleric of Sheyln, his sister, or at least the sister of what he once was. Regardless, whoever this god is, I intend to have my revenge."

[Extrail]

Still angry Raiden presses phaek impulsively, and uncaring of the circumstances. You dealt with a DEMON?!

[zylodrizzt]

It quite in here.

Grung does his best to pay attention but its hard to think especially without his sissy.

He responds raidens mention of a demonDemons bad right? But this one did something good. Maybe not so bad. I want to do bad to sharp tooth man. Sissy said be good but sissy is gone cause of him. I sorry sissy. he sobs some more.

Find demon now?

[Aaronmoze]

”He May be second in command, but who runs the festival. Kinda hard to do it from a hiding place. Who is the man on the ground, so to speak?” Fallyn inquires with agitation.

[Pomegranite]

"A devil. Not a demon." Swainyo says before Phaek can talk, explaining that demons are chaotic spirits from the abyss, but devils are lawful spirits from hell.
"Nevertheless, you did deal with one." He says to Phaek.
"I don't remember why, or what I got out of it, but I get the feeling that he allowed me to remember. I don't know how long I've been here, or why, or even why my brother had to die!" She breaks into tears and you spend a few minutes in silence before she speaks again. "I don't know much about the history of this place, there was an old man that had been here for a while, but he was killed by the goblins. The other goblins, instead of cooking, they attack people. Maybe we can find some of his notes in the goblin camp, before they are burnt. If anyone would know where the devil is it would have been him." Phaek takes another deep breath before answering Fallyn's questions. "We would have to see those notes. From all I know, The Festival god controls all that goes on here, and sends Jatoz to oversee it occasionally. He only comes about twice a month, or so I've been told. He was here more than usual-preparing for that dog training contest."
"Unless you guys have any other plans, I think we should go to the goblin camp. They might not attack us if we come in peace. If they do, I bet you guys could take them down. We can spend a bit longer talking here, or go right away."

[Extrail]

We'll discuss that later, but alright let's kill those bastards of Hadregash. He says having a way to vent his anger.

[Aaronmoze]

”It looks like we are stuck in this place for now. The goblins seem to be the only lead we have. What do you say Grung, wanna smash some goblins?” Fallyn puts his hand on the half-orc’s shoulder.

[zylodrizzt]

Don't want to but no choice. Is these goblins bad? Slash to bits if are. Want sharp tooth man dead. Where to go lady? He has sorrow and determination written on his face.

[Pomegranite]

"We will do what we must. I want revenge as much as you do, and I am willing to do whatever is needed to destroy the festival god. Quite frankly, I don't belive that the festival god is a real god, perhaps just a powerful magic user." Remarks Phaek as she leads you out of the tent. She gives each of you a hug, it doesn't help you much. As she leads you towards the place she thinks the goblin layer is, you notice an open tent. From inside you can hear shouting.
"THIS IS NOT FAIR! WHY DOES MASTER GET TO HAVE ALL OF THE FUN? NOT THAT YOU IDIOTS COULD ANSWER ME, YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE MOUTHS. WHY DIDN'T HE BRING ME? AREN'T I FUN? HUH? HUH?" The voice sounds relatively noble, but has a definite edge to it.
"Looks like someone is in trouble, perhaps we should go see what is going on." Says Swain, as he looks to you for your opinion. Phaek nonchalantly walks over to the tent and peers inside, she motions for you to follow. Inside are two statues of birds, and the ugliest hat you have ever seen.
The hat is purple and red, with fluffy muffs covering the ears. It is a hideous collage of patterns and patches, the most notable of which, a large yellow banana. The worst part of all however, is the large beady eye in the center of it. It stares at you, darting around, taking the group in.
You notice that the bird statues have started to move, floating up to attack. Meanwhile the hat opens a hole that seems to function as a mouth and screams,
"GET ME OUTTA HERE!"


Roll initiative.

[Aaronmoze]

Initiative roll 17 for Fallyn

[zylodrizzt]

Rolled 16 for innitiative

[Pomegranite]

Bird 1 -22
Phaek- 18
Fallyn- 17
Grung- 16
Bird 2 -9
Swain- 2
Raiden- 1
The map is on the discord.


One of the animated bird statues goes first, flying not by flapping it's stone wings, but by floating up eerily. It zooms out the door and attacks Phaek, who peeked in first. It slams into her face, giving her a bloody nose. She tries to run away, and it tries to hit her again. This time, it misses. She runs and hides behind another tent.

[Aaronmoze]

Move Back!”Fallyn draws his bow and moves 20 ft west (in relation to the tent opening). He turns and fires an arrow at the statue. 9 for attack and 2 for damage

[zylodrizzt]

Grung says Gonna help pirate hat.

Grung moves over to the other stone bird and slashes hard 24 hit 16 damage

He then grabs the hat and puts it in his head

[Pomegranite]

Fallyn's arrow glances off of the bird statue. The hat laughs loudly. Grung dissolves the other statue into dust, before successfully grabbing the hat. Unfortunately, he takes 1 point of damage from the other statue's attack of opportunity. as he runs out of the tent.
Now Grung has never been the most mentally strong guy, what would have been easy for most people to resist, was able to get him. He opens his mouth, and speaks,
"I shall just be borrowing our dearest Grung's body, until tomorrow. Let us party!" He begins to dance wildly.

[Extrail]

Laughing Raiden takes the hat off grung, and gets possessed himself.

[Pomegranite]

"ANOTHER BODY? LET'S GO PARTY! EVERYONE LET'S G-" Raiden stops speaking once Swainyo pulls the hat off of his head. Swain bursts out laughing, holding the squirming hat, and shoves it into his bag. You hear it's muffled voice sing,
"I AM BANANA, I LIKE TO PARTY, I LIKE TO KILL GOBLINS AND STEAL THEIR TOES!!!!!!!!!!" Swain steps into the tent and hits the remaining statue with his glaive. It isn't dead but it is hurt.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn retrieves his arrow. After inspecting it he sees it splintered slightly after hitting the stone statue. Sighing, he tosses it away. ”Where did Phaek go?” He steps inside the tent and looks around.

Perception roll 20

[Extrail]

Raiden no longer possessed thanks to swaine decide to try and hit the remaining animated bird statue with his morningstar.

11 to hit.
6 damage if hit

[Pomegranite]

Raiden kills the last bird with his morningstar. Phaek steps out from behind another tent nursing her bloody nose. You can still hear BANANA talking from inside Swain's bag. The only things inside the tent are regular travel gear, stuff you already have. It seems BANANA is what those statues were guarding. You wonder who enchanted them, and why someone created such an ugly hat.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn asks Phaek if she is ok. He then turns to Swain and asks if we should question the hat about why it was being guarded.

[Pomegranite]

"I'm okay..." Says Phaek, she seems like she isn't used to being in pain. You also notice that she hasn't wiped the blood off of her face, as it ran from her nose into her mouth.
"Good idea." Swain pulls out the hat, "I'll hold it."

[Extrail]

"Phaek I could probably patch that up real quick, would you like me to do that? Raiden said as he starts hungering for the one thing that he craves for.

[Pomegranite]

"Yes please, thank you." Says Phaek.
"PATCH ME UP TOO MISTER!" Screams BANANA. "LET'S GOOOOO LET'S GO PARTTTAAAYYYY!" Banana is in no way hurt.

[Extrail]

Raiden chuckles casts light on banana dispelling it almost immediately, and then cast light on phaek, and then cure light wounds, and dispel the light spell once cure light wounds is finished.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung speaks to hatPirate hat not nice. Not nice to control me. We can have fun. Like me to wear you? We are going to kill goblins.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn looks at the hat being held. ”Banana, we will go party shortly but we would like to know why you were being guarded and who did it to you?”

[Pomegranite]

"I'M NOT A PIRATE!" Screeches BANANA, "LET'S KILL ALL THE GOBLINS, AND THEN THEY WILL BE DEAD! EVERY LAST ONE! UNTIL THEIR BLOOD FILLS OUR CHALICES OF WINE, AND WE CAN'T TELL THE DIFFERENCE, AND THEN WE CAN EAT ALL OF THEIR SWEETS!" BANANA seems like a cross between an hyper child, and a psychopath.
"By all means, take him. Just try not to get yourself possessed." Says Swainyo as he hands Grung the hat.
"I was being guarded by my master. He left a week ago and hasn't come back. Bet he's been partying without me! He was some BORING historian who was born here, and like, chronicled everything. He's BORING! When he first made me, he was young and fun! NOW HE'S AN OLD FART! Now you're my masters now, so we will be doing a lot of partying! He only animates those stupid birds to guard me, because the last time he didn't I possessed this chick, and partied all night until she fell over and didn't get up. HAHAHA she died! He only did birds because I can talk to birds! That's right, whoever wears me, can talk to birds! And I know where all the goblins are! AND WE CAN KILL THEM ALL!" BANANA seems to be able to talk forever. Not in a good way though, his voice is very annoying, you cannot imagine why someone would have made him.
"Banana. Why were you created?" Asks Swain, smiling as he listens to the hat ramble. BANANA is likely one of the most annoying people/things you have ever met, but he brings some reprieve from the misery surrounding you.
"When my old master was a young wizard, he made me at a PARTAYYYY! To annoy his friend who was one of those filthy goblin scum! I HATE GOBLINS! ALL GOBLINS MUST BE DESTROYED!"
"Was your master the old chronicler?" Asks Phaek, looking at the ugly hat in disgust. You can tell that she likes pretty things, not disgusting hats.
"More like BORING non party-person! BUT YEAH! AND HE LEFT ME IN THE TENT!" BANANA has given you some useful information, but you get the feeling that he is not likely to tell you about the old man's research.

[Aaronmoze]

”Did your master say where he was going?”

[Extrail]

Can I call you Ban?

[zylodrizzt]

Sorry Banana. You look like pirate. You have only one eye. I wear you. Please don't try and control me again. We friends now. We go kill goblins and save your friend now. Can you keep quite when asked? Think better so we kill goblins easier. We have fun later. You know sharp tooth man?

[Pomegranite]

"My BORING OLD FARTY master said he was going to see some STINKY STUPID GOBLINS! YOU GOTTA CALL ME BANANA! AND I WILL CALL YOU ALL MASTER, BECAUSE YOU AREN'T FARTY. I THINK MY OLD MASTER IS DEAD. IT WAS ABOUT TIME THAT D*MN OLD CRACKER KICKED THE BUCKET. I won't control you if you don't control me! LET'S KILL GOBLINS? Sharp tooth man?" Banana seems to take on a more serious attitude and you can hear the tone in his voice change. "I know Jatoz. 20 years ago I watched him torture a 10 year old boy for theft. The boy somehow escaped, his future cannot be bright. He is cruel, but nothing compared to the Festival God..." He trails off.

"Let's go kill goblins now." Says Phaek. "I'd rather not cause them harm, but if they attack us, we need to defend ourselves." You all follow her lead, BANANA singing some old drinking tune quietly as she navigates through the tents. The tents here are smaller and less organized.
As you walk past one, it moves, shaking up and down. It certainly startles you!
Roll a DC 10 will save or become shaken. That tent was scarier than one would expect. OH, and initiative!
"THERE ARE GOBLINS WITHIN 50 FEET!" Screeches BANANA. Unfortunately you had no idea they were so close. Five goblin warriors appear before you, one of them has an eerily long tongue that lolls out, reminding you of Jatoz.

The map is on the discord because this site is CON- to the FUSING!

[Aaronmoze]

Will save 12, initiative 16

[Extrail]

17 Will Save
12 initiative

[zylodrizzt]

Shaken and inniative 1

[Pomegranite]

The tent jumping startled you. A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Goblin 2- 26
Goblin 5 (lasher)- 25
Swainyo -19 (higher dex)
Goblin 1- 19
Goblin 4- 18
Fallyn- 16
Raiden- 12
Goblin 3- 11
Phaek- 5
Grung- 1


The goblins yell as they charge to attack. One of the goblins attacks Grung with her short bow, it hits and deals 2 points of damage to him. The next goblin, the one with the long tongue, attacks Raiden with his bow. The arrow hits and deals 4 points of damage, the goblin then uses his long tongue to trip Raiden, lashing out at him and catching him by the legs.
"Surrender now, or face our wrath!" Says Swainyo as he steps 5 feet to the right and attempts to hit a goblin with his glaive, it misses, and the goblin taunts him. That same goblin then attacks Swain with it's short sword. It definitely hurts him quite a bit.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn draws his rapier and steps back to back with Swainyo. He thrusts at the NE from him. Attack 23 damage 3

[Pomegranite]

Hits, the goblin screams, it seems they aren't too used to people fighting back.

[Extrail]

As raiden falls to the ground annoyed. He casts murderous command on the goblin that tripped him. He then stands back up.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung moves over to the goblin that hit him arrow. He slashes at neck height like grung was just harvesting wheat.

16 to hit
17 damage

Goblins not nice. Banana you like this kill?

[Pomegranite]

The goblin that hit Grung with an arrow explodes into bloody pieces at the hand of his scythe. BANANA cheers loudly, you get the feeling that he likes Grung enough to not try and take over too often. The goblin with the long tongue growls, seeing his comrade destroyed. Rather than seek revenge however, he moves and attacks another nearby goblin with his sword. The other goblin looks very hurt. He mostly just cowers in fear, wondering what he did wrong.
Swainyo casts shield on himself, he is looking very close to passing out. The next two goblins glare at Grung, both moving in to seek revenge. They attack with their shortswords, dealing 6 points of damage to him total. Phaek, who was holding her action does nothing but whimper, she evidently is not used to combat.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn strikes again at the goblin to his NE. Attack 19 damage 6

[Extrail]

Raiden uses his sling terribly, as it doesn't hit the side of a barn.

[Pomegranite]

The goblin that Fallyn attacked falls over, dead. One of the remaining 3 goblins snickers at Raiden, before attacking Swainyo with her shortsword. He looks very hurt now, barely able to remain standing. Phaek looks around in fear, looking first at her crossbow, and then at the other goblins. She tries to shoot an crossbow bolt at the goblin with the long tongue, but it misses.

[zylodrizzt]

Again grung gets revenge slashing down hard skewering a goblin on the wicked blade.

18 to hit 20 damage

If possible id like the scary tent to get slashed too

[Pomegranite]

The goblin literally explodes into bone chips and pink mist. The remaining two goblins are horrified. One goes to surrender, but after a look from the abnormal one, it steadies itself. The scary tent is too far away to be slashed right now. The one with the long tongue screams in fury as he moves and attacks Fallyn with his shortbow, hitting and dealing one point of damage. It then tries to trip him but fails. Swainyo drinks a potion of CLW, healing him mostly up, but not fully. The cowardly goblin that wanted to surrender angrily attacks Raiden with its sword, but misses.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn moves north 2 and west 3(directly behind the goblin near Phaek). Sneak attack. Attack 16 damage 4 and 5 for sneak attack bonus.

[Extrail]

Raiden uses touch of madness on the goblin with the long tongue using up one of his 7 uses for the day, and moves 5 feet away from the goblin that attacked him.

[Pomegranite]

The long tongued goblin looks around, dazed. Raiden's enchantment worked. Phaek looks even more confused, perhaps she isn't too used to magic.

[zylodrizzt]

You gotta die. Gotta find banana master.

The great big half orc steps to the long tongued goblin and swings his sythe upwards.

17 to hit and 19 damage

[Pomegranite]

The goblin is dead. BANANA is still screaming. When your heart beat slows, you hear exactly what he is saying.
"THERE IS ONE GOBLIN WITHIN 50 FEET!" BANANA doesn't seem to be lying, and when he stops to take a breath out of the rip he uses as a mouth, you hear a squeaky voice.
"P-p-please don't k-kill me! I have something to say!" One last crying goblin warrior steps out of the tent that shook. You notice a bright silver ring on his finger. He speaks with an intellegence not normal for his kind. "My name is Blort, I acquired a ring of intelligence, but my tribe," He indicates the fallen goblins. "Ridiculed me. They did not listen when I asked to be something other than the tent shaker, and I am grateful for their demises. I have been learning to read in secret, and aspire to become a scholar. Although I can only fight as well as the other goblins, I know a lot about The Festival. I shall do anything, just please let me live!"
You notice that he is shaking, Phaek looks confused and scared. You can't tell which one is more pathetic. You know that you can't help but feel sorry for Phaek, but how do you feel about this Blort?

[Extrail]

Of Course, Blort I wouldn't dream of killing someone who only wants to live. But, I would like to examine that ring for a moment. It might be useful to see if the ring has been acting out, and is controlling you.If it is, like banana would it might be designed to be far more sinister than We might initially believe, so may you hand me that ring for only one minute? Then, I shall return it to you safe, and sound. As an Aasimar you have my word. Raiden Replies.

[Pomegranite]

"Put it back on me when you're done, please. Without it I am just like the others." He takes it off of his hand and gives it to Raiden. Instantly, his posture slouches and he starts muttering. "Gimme back, gimme back!"

The ring is definitely magical in nature. It is just an ordinary (albeit powerful,) ring of intelligence, it bumps him up from an 8 to a 14.

[Extrail]

Raiden hands him back the ring without any fuss. That ring is indeed powerful, but it is not like Banana. Your research is entirely due to you just being more intelligent then normal. I am happy to see a goblin striving to be better.

[zylodrizzt]

I wish I was smart. Banana you help me be smart? We looking for Banana master. You know where? Banana is it ok we not kill this one? He seem nice. Grung does his best to not look sad or angry or mean in anyway.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn checks out the corpses for loot and any markings. Perception roll 23

[Pomegranite]

Most of the goblins have nothing of interest on them. However, King Longtongue has a birthmark that resembles the hat of a jester upon his stomach.

"Thank you, wize man. I thank you for giving my ring back, I thank you for not killing me, and I thank you for liberating me from the role of tent-shaker. If it isn't too much to ask, I'd love to learn to read better. I, unlike my fallen kin, do not believe that writing steals the words out of one's mind." Blort still has tears in his eyes, it seems that wherever you go here, there just might be a few people who know this is wrong. Blort opens his mouth to speak, but he is interrupted by BANANA.
"I WILL MAKE GRUNG SMART IF GRUNG MAKES GOBLINS DEAD. LISTEN KID, THE ONLY SMARTS YA NEED IS PARTY SMARTS. LESSON ONE: DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW! WE DON'T NEED TO LOOK FOR MY OLD MASTER, HE'S A BORING OLD COOT. STAYED INSIDE WRITING ALL DAY, Y'ALL ARE SOOOOO MUCH MORE FUN!" BANANA screams, it seems he is incapable of being quiet when he speaks.
"Banana?" Asks Swainyo, "Perhaps you could give Blort a little more information, so that he might help us to find your old master?"
"MY OLD MASTER WAS AN OLD, BORING, FANCY PANTS WIZARD MAN. HE LOOKED LIKE AN OLD MAN, BUT WAY MORE BORING." Screeches BANANA.
"If what you are speaking is true, that man is dead. King Longtongue ordered him to be ambushed like what we did to you. Of course, I was the tent shaker. What exactly did you need him for? His notes were destroyed along with his body, but I would be overjoyed to follow the orders of my saviors!" Blort started out talking grimly, but by the end of the final sentence he was beaming. "I can even give you everything we stole!"
Blort runs into the largest tent and drags a chest out. Inside is:
24 gp
10 sp
Alabaster (12 gp)
Azurite (8 gp)
Carnelian (55 gp)
Bronze statuette of a warrior (15 gp)
Hemp Rope (50') (1 gp, 10 lb)


"I hope this pleases you! We are the second most successful thieves in all the festival!"

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn is intrigued at the mention of thieving. Who is number one?

[Extrail]

Raiden hearing a way to help the goblin picks up on it and says,Of Course, Blort I can teach you what I know. I suspect you'll be a quicker learner than myself. Turning his attention to grung he casts light follows it up with cure light wounds, and dispels light on grung. He returns his thoughts to the goblin market hungry for the tall meat that they offer, but he tries to push it to the back of his mind as he strives to assist the others, and push his own needs out.

[zylodrizzt]

I do not want to kill Blort. Blort nice and smart. Would not be nice. Big sissy would not like. Think you want me take ring. If Banana be good then me show you more kill and show you much fun I can have. Never had fun til here. Met nice friends and they help me I help them.

As he getting healed Not sure what did but feel better. Thank you.

[Pomegranite]

Turning to Fallyn, Blort says,
"You don't know about Bright? He's infamous here, everyone knows of Bright. He's a master thief, it is said that he knows almost everything about the Festival, and he can find anyone here! He came here once! During the reign of King Bootmuncher! I wasn't born yet, but it is said that he slaughtered the whole tribe, except for the ones who didn't fight! He can steal anything! Rumour has it, he's even been into the wastelands! And nobody goes in the wastelands!" Blort seems happy talking about Bright, it seems that murder here is more of an inconvience than an atrocity. BANANA on the other hand glares at Blort with his single eye.

[Aaronmoze]

”Where is this Bright now?”

[Pomegranite]

"Well, nobody really knows, but there are rumours. Why would you want to find him anyways? He is one of those filthy part fiendy devil things, what are they called aga-" Says Blort before BANANA interupts him.
"THEY'RE CALLED TEIFLINGS! THE WORD TEIFLING ORIGINATES FRO-" Before Blort interrupts him.
"Okay, I am now aware!"
"THEY AREN'T FILTHY, THEY PARTY HARDY!"
"Partying is unimportant!" They continue arguing, and you think they will do so until someone stops them. Phaek is too busy giggling, as is Swain.

[Extrail]

"Yes, I Know about Tieflings. Extollers of sins, which I'm sure makes them great partiers. They shouldn't be trusted since the lot of them are greedy, envious bastards." Raiden remarks with obvious vehemence about tieflings.

[Aaronmoze]

”Blort!”Fallyn grabs the goblin by the arm and turns him away from Banana. “You said Bright could find anyone. Would he help us find a way to get to the festival god?”

[Pomegranite]

"I'm sure he'd help you if you payed him enough, greedy devil. Why would you want to meet the Festival God anyways? She'd kill you in an instant for disturbing her privacy! The only one who has even seen her face is J-Jatoz! AND LOOK AT HIS FACE!" Blort seems confused, very confused. You are unsure if he believes that the Festival God is a real god.

[Aaronmoze]

”Phaek, where should we now?”

[Pomegranite]

Phaek looks at all of you before saying as she starts crying once more,
"I don't know. I thought it would be easier than this...."

[Aaronmoze]

”I think you should tell us what your plan actually was,” Fallyn demanded.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung concentrates for a minute thinking. When my sissy looked for me she just called. Could we just call devil? Or are we looking for a tie fling? Name is bright? Kinda confused. Think calling might work though.

[Extrail]

You know, You might be on to something Grung. Shouting, won't work not unless we attract a lot of attention. So, We need to head back to the festival, and cause a scene. Raiden replied shining brilliantly.

[Pomegranite]

Phaek looks at Fallyn with an expression of horror.
"I just thought that some brave people would come along, and help me get my memories back, and we could kill the Festival God....I didn't think of the rest...." She trails off, looking around at you miserably.
"Who are we trying to attract? Bright, or the mnemor devil?" Asks Swainyo.
"They're both filthy devils to me!" Says Blort.
"ACTUALLY TIEFLINGS COME FROM THE BLOODLINE OF FIENDS!" Screams BANANA, who was looking for a way to get into the conversation.

[Extrail]

They're both exemplars of sin, but if I must consort with creatures from the lower planes. Then we might as well make it, so that both hear the call. Raiden replied.

[zylodrizzt]

Sissy used to say how everyone has someone who care about them. Maybe someone care for bright? Maybe we find them?

[Pomegranite]

"I don't know of anyone who cares for Bright. I certainly care about finding that devil." Says Phaek, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Of course, there are always rumours about Bright going into the wastelands, but that is impossible. Nobody gets passed the boarder guards."
"The wastelands are scary, nobody really knows how they got there, or why they are growing. The Festival leaves a trail of destruction as it slowly moves and expands. There is no way Bright could get through the boarder guards anyways, and why would he want to? All that's out there are horrifying creatures under the control of the Festival God." Explains Blort.
"MAYBE IF WE HAVE A BIG PARTY AND INVITE THEM THEY WILL COME! WE CAN CALL IT THE BANANA PARTY! AND WE CAN FRY UP THE GOBLIN'S TOES AND SERVE THEM!" Screams BANANA.
As you are attempting to think of how to get the attention of Bright and the mnemor devil, you hear a cheer go up from the main festival.

[zylodrizzt]

Maybe that will draw them.

Grung moves towards the cheering

[Aaronmoze]

Feeling Grung probably won’t be stopped, Fallyn goes along with him.

[Extrail]

Sighing Raiden falls behind motioning for the rest to follow them .

[Pomegranite]

Arriving in the main area, you follow the noise to the stage where those you loved were killed. There are a troupe of actors on the stage, none more than 12 years old. The play is wrapping up, and there is a banner above the stage reading "The Princess and The Tarresque."
The only vantage point is from beside a tall man who smells heavily of sulphur. A bunch of children manipulate a giant tarrasque puppet while a girl in a pink dress screams. The puppet moves closer to her and she says very cornily,
"Oh no! What do I do?"
"Have no fear, fair lady! We shall save you!" Says another, much younger boy. He is accompanied by two older kids, who help him "fight" the tarrasque. Overall the play isn't very good.

[zylodrizzt]

Good play. Like little boy saving girl. Where now?

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn knows large crowds draw pickpockets. He keeps his out trying to spot one of Bright’s men working in the crowd. Taking 10+6 on perception

[Extrail]

First Asking the guy right beside him about the mnemor devil, before he moves around looking, and talking to others about the mnemor devil. He then moves onto asking the priest about where he might find the Mnemor devil, and others that he suspects might know.

[Pomegranite]

You only spot one pickpocket, a young boy, who gets caught shortly after stealing a coin-purse.

"A mnemor devil?" Asks the tall man who smells of sulphur, turning to you. His neck and arms are heavily scarred with long claw marks, and even a few things that look like bite scars. "I may know something about a mnemor devil, but I'd have to be paid. He flashes you a smile, his eyes are a very light blue, and his hair is blonde. "Who are you, newcomers?"

[Extrail]

I'm Raiden. My companions are Phaex, Banana, Fallyn, Blort, and Grung. Nice to meet you, who am I talking to?

[Pomegranite]

"Hello. You're talking to me. Quite an interesting group you've got here." He says, drumming his small claws on a nearby table. His pale blue eyes take you all in, you get the feeling he could kill your whole party. "Thirty gold pieces and I'll tell you everything I know about the mnemor devil."

[Extrail]

Handing over 20 gp, he asks him "So, What do you know?"

[Pomegranite]

He looks at the 20gp and slips it into his pocket, before smiling and saying something incredibly disheartening.
"I don't know anything more than rumours. However, those rumours point to the exact location of the devil! Well, almost exact." He speaks very dramatically, but his tone of voice is noble. "What exactly do you want this devil for? Perhaps I'd be willing to strike a bargain with you." His voice turns darker as he turns to Raiden, "Watch out, I eat aasimar like you for breakfast."

[Extrail]

Hey, That's neat so do I. I need to find out the memories Phaex had suppressed, which I believed the Mnemor Devil would be able to tell us. Raiden says smiling.
Intimidate: 28, with the assistance from Grung.

[zylodrizzt]

You smell bad.

When saying things about eating asimar

You not eat Ray-den. I cut you. Ray-den what mean when eat as-mar? Not sound good. Please just tell us where devil is. I give you gold. No lie ok?

[Extrail]

Grung, I'll tell you later, and I gave him the gold. Raiden whispered to Grung.

[Aaronmoze]

”And what would this bargain be?”asks Fallyn.

I watch the tall man to see if he is trying to set us up. Sense Motive 21

[Pomegranite]

The tall man looks at Raiden with an expression of horror on his face.
"Well..well then..." His face changes to a smirk when he says, "Perhaps we can get some together sometime."
"We can worry about your strange eating habits later." Says Swain.
"If the devil is anywhere, it would be in the wastes, more specifically, in the Festival God's keep. There's an old song among the boarder guards that says something about a sorceress imprisoning a devil here, and that is how she was able to sustain this demiplane. Of course, you may ignore that if you believe that the Festival God is a real god.
Now, you know where this devil is, assuming he is real and not some product of an overreactive imagination. I can guarentee that you couldn't survive in the wasteland for a day, unless you knew the right way. Nobody could, unless they had been there before. And nobody has, the boarder guards stay on this side. Well, I have, but it was a very long time ago. Without me there you have no hope, and I wouldn't mind seeing my old friend Jatoz." You can tell that this man is definitely not a friend of Jatoz, and that may explain all of the scars that line his arms and neck. "I'd guide you, and help you to avoid any serious hazards, for a price."

He seemed insincere at first, not believing much. You could tell in his eyes when he realized that he had been waiting for an opportunity like this. You get the feeling that if you do travel with him, you would have to watch your back.

[Extrail]

And, What is that price? The Festival "God" Is no god indeed. No god would make this place, meaning that this is a mortal man, who proclaims he is one, and nothing more. I have pored over numerous deities scripts, and this is not the handiwork of even the most obscure of gods. Raiden asks the man who he suspects is Bright.

[zylodrizzt]

You friends with sharp teeth? I not like that.

Ray den why you wisper? Is it later now? Grung whispers not so subtle to raiden

[Extrail]

Raiden whispers back to Grung No it's not later, and I don't currently trust him, so I'd like to inform you guys, on it when it's later.

[Pomegranite]

"The price? Hm, I want 40 gold pieces, and a right to any of the treasure we come across along the way. The Festival God's keep is dripping with riches, assuming we get past the wastelands." The tall man turns to Grung. "I am by no means friends with Jatoz. He tried to kill me, I wish I never followed those d*mn lights here."

[Extrail]

If we pay the 40gp, and due to us paying the 20gp upfront. We pay for that for the first two treasures, and then you get an equal share to the rest of it. Raiden replies trying to negotiate back. Result 17.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn tried to help Raiden. ”It seems you want to get to Jatok as well. I’m sure it’s dangerous in the wasteland. We would be helping each other. “

[Pomegranite]

"I want 10gp now, and one item. I want the magical dagger that belonged to my mother. If we come across anything else I am interested in, we can negotiate about it then. I am definitely interested in getting revenge on Jatoz, and I promise that I will help you to survive and not mislead you. Do note that if you run around doing stupid things, you'll get us killed." Says the tall man, who by now you can assume is Bright.

[Extrail]

Alright, here's the gold. Raiden says giving him 10gp in the form of an azurite, and 2gp.

[Aaronmoze]

”That sounds good. What will we need to cross the wasteland? You know our names, what is yours?”

[Pomegranite]

"Thank you." Says the man, slipping the gold and the azurite into his pocket. "The name is Bright, if you haven't heard of me I obviously need to try harder. The wasteland is infested, mostly with undead toys of the "Festival God," but there are some other equally unpleasant things there as well. It grows about a mile or two every year, so once we travel for about a day I'll know the way. If we can avoid the more dangerous creatures, it will be better for all of us.
We'll need food, scavinging and hunting there will be hard, and I'm not willing to eat random things we come across unless we're starving. We'll also need a way to get past the boarder guards, they will die before letting us through. Ideally we avoid combat with them, I've had dealings with their leader in the past, she would be hard to kill. Not to mention the fact that she leads a small tribe of orcs, or the fact that she has caught me trying to sneak in there five times in the last year." He smiles when talking about the leader of the boarder guards.

[Extrail]

So, that means I should drop by the meat shop. I can create water at will, so that won't be a problem, but the rest will be. I might be in worse shape then. Since, I won't be able to get something I need, but I should be fine for a little while. How many days do you think it will take for us? Raiden responded musing to the prospects.

[Pomegranite]

"I can take you around to any shops you need. I know where all of them are, and I'm willing to pitch in." Says Bright, as he leads you into an area that is a bustling market. "It will take about a week at the fastest, but I wouldn't be surprised if it took two."

[Extrail]

So, I think We'll need an Aasimar slave, 192 wondermeal, and 32 rations for a trek there, and back. The Slave can hold the rations, and Yeah I'm going to need that slave for me to be capable on that day. Two weeks will take a lot out of me without it. I can easily provide as much water as we need. Raiden said.

[zylodrizzt]

I can carry. What is slave?

[Extrail]

"Someone who is paid one lump sum to do work for a long period of time. It's typically cheaper, than a regular worker over a period of time. " Raiden Explains.

[Aaronmoze]

Excuse me Bright, but since you are experienced in procuring items in creative ways, perhaps you could lend a hand in relieving one of these well to do types of a dagger?” asks Fallyn.

Bluff roll 20

Sleight of hand roll 20

[Pomegranite]

"I see. We have a lot to get. I'll help Fallyn first, then we can get going." Says Bright, trying to put on a friendly air even though you can tell he doesn't like Raiden too much.

You and Bright nab a dagger from a nearby nobleman, as you walk away, Bright snickers and reveals that he also took the man's coinpurse, which contains 40sp that he splits with you.

Once Bright and Fallyn are done stealing things, Bright leads you towards a shady looking alley between two more permenant tents.
"I don't usually dabble in the slave trade, but I have some cohorts here that could help." He enters the side entrence of one of the tents, and gestures for you to come inside. Inside of the tent is an old halfling woman sitting at a desk, she smiles coldly when she sees Bright.
"I thought you had a problem with kiddnapping more slaves for me to sell." She says.
"I do. I've brought you some potential coustomers, just don't ask questions you don't want answers to, Lidbyn."
"Slaves aren't exactly illegal here, but some people, like Bright over here seem to have a problem with it."
"We want a strong Aasimar slave that can carry a reasonably high amount of weight for a long period of time. And no, we can't use that Aasimar." Bright says, indicating Raiden.
"Aasimar are expensive, I know a guy who has one that fits that description, but how much are you willing to pay? I'm asking for 80 gold pieces, I'll even make sure that it's a pretty one. I can have it here in 19 hours."
"You okay with that?" Asks Bright to Raiden, before rudely assuming that he would be and walking out the door. "Let's go food shopping, I'm hungry. And not for Aasimar, because I was joking and I'm assuming you're not." You walk to a variety of food booths to get your rations, Bright insists on it to ensure that it isn't suspicious. You spend a total of 5gp 9sp, and 2cp on food. Phaek and Blort keep to themselves while you shop, and you're getting tired. The sun shows no sign of rising, it seems that people here have odd sleeping schedules.
"Well, we're all done here. What do you think we should do about the boarder guards?" Asks Bright, grabbing a pin out of a nearby ladies hair to use as a toothpick.

[Aaronmoze]

”How did you get through before?”inquires Fallyn. “Can we bribe them?”

[Pomegranite]

"I got through because I was going in the opposite direction." Says Bright grimly. "It is an unwritten rule here, that anyone who manages to escape the Festival God's Keep will not be turned in, but will also not be sheltered. It is too dangerous either way, for everyone. At only 10 years old, the life of a theif was all that I could turn to. Of course, the unwritten rules have changed a bit since an intelligent undead managed to talk its way in and slaughtered some people." Bright looks sadly into the distance.
"Maybe they'd let you back in if you told them you were turning yourself in?" Asks Phaek.
"Nobody is allowed in under any circumstances, I'm not exactly wanted. Trust me, those guards aren't willing to bargain."
"MY OLD BORING MASTER ASKED THEM LIKE A GAZILLION TIMES AND THEY WERE LIKE NAH! THE GUARDS ARE BORING AND MEAN. BUT SO ARE UNDEAD BECAUSE THEY DON'T PARTY!" Screams BANANA. Blort seems deep in thought, but comes to no conclusions.

[Extrail]

Surely The Guards will allow several people to allow be escaped if not by reason, then by intimidation. Either that or climbing over, or under the wall where the guards are at it's weakest Or... Explosives. Raiden replied.

[zylodrizzt]

What it called if they don't pay? Pa used to whip me and tell me I was lucky that he let me live.


Can we just ask them?

[Extrail]

What you experienced should be called an abusive father. But, yes Children tend to work for free under their parents. While Some adults want to work for free, and the Slave owner provides their necessities, and if they are preferential towards them luxuries. Some people do abuse their slaves, but from what I understand that's an exception, and not how we're going to treat our slave. Raiden responded to Grung.

[zylodrizzt]

What ab you siv?

After you explain and I'm sure you will

Pa not bad. Grung bad. Messed stuff up. Pa made sure I not die. Gave bed and food. Had grung work for him. I glad we not whip slave. It hurt grung rubs a scar across his face

[Extrail]

"Abusive is a man who hurts, and is mean to someone because they can be..... Most of the time, they make the person they are mean to think it's their fault. YThough, I don't know the circumstances, and I might be assuming too much there. " Raiden responded.

[Pomegranite]

"I am unsure about explosives. Destroying the wall would put many of the people I care about in danger. But tunneling under it is a good bet. I know a place where we can get supplies. And I'm sorry about your Pa, Grung. I know what it's like to not get along with your parents, although I have to say that I never had it so bad that they beat me." Says Bright, looking at the wall in the distance. "Either way, we have about 18 hours until the slave is ready, so we should rest up."

[zylodrizzt]

Grung flops on the ground and begins to sleep

[Extrail]

Raiden seeks out a place to sleep, and let's grung sleep where he lay. Knowing he couldn't budge him if he tried.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn runs through some finger dexterity exercises before going to bed in a nearby empty tent.

[Pomegranite]

Bright produces a bedroll out of his pack and a blanket. He even has a pillow and a little sleep mask. He smiles and says "We'll let your annoying hat keep watch. Have a good sleep, before we actually have to stay up on guard. Not that it's safe here, haha!" He then proceeds to get into his makeshift bed and fall quickly asleep.
Unfortunately Banana isn't the best guard. You wake up to loud screeching, two chimpanzees are attacking you for seemingly no reason. And well, since you were asleep....surprise round. One attacks Grung with two slam attacks, both hit, dealing 7 points of damage. The other attacks Fallyn and Swainyo, who decided to share a tent with Fallyn, with one attack each. The attack on Fallyn hits, and Fallyn takes 2 points of damage.

Roll Initiative.

[Pomegranite]

Bright
Grung (15a)
Raiden (15b)
Chimp 1
Chimp 2
Fallyn (9)
Blort

At this point we can assume Phaek, while she does have a weapon, is a noncombatant. Because she is busy whimpering and wondering why we can't all just get along.

Bright is too far away from the chimps to attack, so he is holding his action.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung wakes up with a start thinking his pa had found him and started wooping his ass but when his head clears enough he has his scythe in hand and swings for the very arms that pummeled him

23 to hit
15 dmg

[Extrail]

Waking up to the sound of combat. He leaves his tent hurriedly, and use his gift of madness to try and make the last monkey confused. He doesn't know if it will work, but it should be helpful.

[Pomegranite]

The chimp that Grung attacked, is dead. It made quite a mess, but you don't think anyone will care. The monkey doesn't appear to be confused. The remaining chimp attacks Fallyn twice, dealing 6 points of damage.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn is severely bloodied and bruised from the chimps attacks. He barely staggers to his feet and holds his rapier and shield directly in front of him. ”Help!”he manages to grunt out through clenched teeth.

Activating Total Defense.

[Pomegranite]

Blort appears to still be asleep. Bright runs over to Fallyn, pulling out a rapier. He attacks the chimp, hurting it, but not severely.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung moves over to the chimpBad monkey as he impales the animal on his scythe before it slides neatly in half like a split banana peal

To hit critting 3 times hitting 27 AC and confirming for 21 (man wth hope its truly spectacular)

76 damage btw

Banana like?

[Pomegranite]

There is nothing left of that monkey. The only thing you are knowing is that you are breathing it in. Phaek wakes up and starts screaming.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn collapses into a sitting position on the ground. Blood pooling on his legs from from his injuries. He starts trying to bandage his wounds, though it is a struggle.

[zylodrizzt]

I help fallin.

Grung with his scratchs and all walks over to fallyn and picks him up to his feet with an arm and begins dusting him off.

Ray den use magic. Fallin hurt.

[Pomegranite]

"What the hell was that?" Asks Bright. "Did you guys forget to tell me that you angered some chimp cartel?"
"I bet the Festival God sent them! We're all going to die!" Whines Phaek.
"The Festival God isn't a real god, stop being such a baby." Says Bright, cleaning off his rapier.
"Logically it is true that she shouldn't be scared." Remarks Blort, who appears to have just woken up.
"THE FESTIVAL GOD SUCKS A*S! SHE'S SOOOO NOT A PARTY PERSON! SHE JUST CREATES HORRIFIC UNDEAD THAT DON'T PARTY AT ALL!" Screams BANANA.
"I think that we all reserve the right to be scared." Says Swainyo, "The Festival god killed people we loved and cared about, it is not unreasonable to think that she can view us from wherever she is. Although she is not a god, she has to be immensely powerful to sustain this festival."
"Well, regardless of who is scared and needs their mummy, I'm hungry. I suggest we enjoy the Festival until we get our slave. It's pretty nice when nobody is trying to kill you or those you care about. Fun is something we'll be missing out on once we get into the wasteland." Says Bright.

Two Perception, and one sense motive.

[Pomegranite]

You see a vegetable stall that looks mildly interesting. Suddenly a human woman in a flowing silk dress aggressively smears a paste on your arm.
"Look how it moisturizes, it'll leave your skin baby soft! And it smells good too!" She says with a heavy accent that you can't quite place. She then attempts to sell you all manner of lotions and potions.
"Get rid of her!" Whispers Bright, his teeth gritted. She appears to be looking around a little too much, and Bright seems to be a good ally. You wouldn't want to cause trouble for him.
Bright is such a nice guy. He is a really good friend, you have no idea why Ray-den is mean to him. He has such pretty hair, he doesn't look like a devil man, more like a angel man like Ray-den, but a bit smelly.
You see a stall where someone is selling sand. It is pretty sand, the Festival is a bad place, but they have pretty sand. Beside the sand stall, someone is selling pretty fabrics and hats.
Anger surges over you as you notice a shop selling paintings of Jatoz and a woman in a gauzy veil. You assume she must be the "Festival God." They even are selling small statues, and some strange looking potions. Another notable stall is one selling water. You aren't sure why they are selling water, but alas, they are. Something else you notice is that Bright looks very very happy!

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn quickly puts his hand on his coin pouch. I’m not interested my dear. I like my skin the way it is” He pushes her away. Not aggressively but with the obvious message “Stay Away”

[Extrail]

So, why would they be selling water in this place? Raiden wonders out loud ticked off, and due to his anger his follow up question is Bright, what's making you so happy? We were just assualted by what I'm going to assume are monkeys, from our major enemy, and I doubt that would cheer you up.

[zylodrizzt]

No be mean to bright. He must like sand. Sissy told me about sand and that pretty sand. I want had friend for banana.

Grung goes to look at the hats

[Pomegranite]

The woman looks at you, apparently offended.
"But these are the best cosmetics here! Don't you want your skin to be smooth? We also sell shaving creams that are guaranteed to also remove any blemishes!" She seems to be very passionate about this. grabbing your arm and attempting to drag you to her stall.

When you get to the hat shop a well dressed woman glares at you. There are many pretty hats, they look very fancy. The most notable hats are studded with gems, complete with gauzy trains. These look like princess hats. You notice two that come as a set, they say "BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!"
After a few minutes of you staring at the hats, Bright walks over beside you. He looks angry and upset.

"Raiden..." Says Swainyo. "Bright is clearly very upset right now...." You shake your head, Bright doesn't look happy like you thought he did, he is looking off into the distance forlornly. He glares at you and makes a sarcastic comment, that may have a grain of truth to it.
"Just remembering how unloved I was as a child, and the mistakes that led me to be trapped here. Ah, what happy thoughts, don't you just love being tortured by Jatoz? I know I do."
"Bright..." Says Phaek. This is getting very awkward. Bright walks over to the hat store where Grung is and shoots you a glare.

[Extrail]

Raiden feels bad for what he did, but he couldn't, and wouldn't apologize to Bright. He was going to investigate the water fountain, and see what's costing them money.

[zylodrizzt]

Why bright mad? Buy you a hat. What you like? Fallin want pretty sand? Ray den want hat? Banana want hat friend? Blort like sand? Maybe sway and phuck want hats?

Grung attempts to buy stuff for everyone and if there are written words he does his best but asks banana what it says and has banana do math for him if needed.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn produces his hidden dagger and holds it so only the woman knows he has it. ”I said no thank you. Now run along before you need something for your own skin”

Sleight of hand 26

[Pomegranite]

As you approach the water seller, an excited looking human man greets you.
"Welcome to the water shop, where all of you water needs can be fulfilled with the best water ever!"

Bright smiles at you sadly.
"I'm not mad, do not worry." When you offer him a hat he politely declines, but you apparently have already made up your mind.
"YOU SHOULD GET BEST FRIEND HATS FOR RAIDEN AND BRIGHT, THEY'RE BEST FRIENDS!" Says BANANA, causing the shopkeeper to glare at you once more. Bright sighs and glares at the hat. Then he spots some earrings being sold in the corner of the booth. They look to be elven in make, intricately carved silver inlaid with amber. Bright walks over to them, his brow furrows as his finger creeps towards them. He then smiles, pulls his cloak over his face to hide his identity and purchases them with 20gp.
You spend a few minutes talking to the shopkeeper, trying to make them understand what you want, before getting hats for Raiden, Bright, BANANA, Swainyo, and Phaek.The shopkeeper insists on the quality of the hats, and you end up paying 50gp there. BANANA tells you it's a fair price. You then make your way over to the sand store. The man there tells you that the sand is MAGIC! It is magical because if you put it in someone's eyes, they won't be able to see, and they'll cry! Sad sand comes in many different colours! You buy sand for Blort and Fallyn, both of them in a pretty green colour. It costs you 8sp there, your purchases totalling 50gp and 8sp.

She shrieks and runs away. Swainyo comes up to you and offers to heal you. You accept, because that chimp did a number on you. He channels energy, healing you back to full. You look around, Grung and Bright are over by a fancy hat store, and Raiden is over by a water shop. Phaek and Blort are leaning on a torchpost nearby, pointing out constellations. You look up, all the constellations are of the same veiled woman.

[Aaronmoze]

Tucking the dagger away just as discreetly, Fallyn walks over to Phaek and Blort. ”What is that constellation called?” asks Fallyn.

[Extrail]

So, What makes your water the best.? Raiden asks incredulusly.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung goes around handing out the hats all especially gaudy. He also hands sand over. Here hats for friends for thanks. Got green magic sand. It can blind people. Maybe hats and sand help get past guards?

[Pomegranite]

Phaek looks at you with an expression of longing.
"I don't remember."
"They're all of the Festival god anyways." Remarks Blort. There is an air of sadness around them, perhaps it has something to do with the stall with the bright sign "Baby Skull Bowling!"
"Do you really think we can do this?" Asks Phaek, still staring at the sky.
"Reasonably we have a low chance of success, considering the overwhelming odds." Phaek frowns, you get the impression that she is about to cry...again.
"This water is from the purified tears of every sentient species you can think of! It is high quality water!" Explains the man, you notice a fountain right behind him.... He smiles at you, expecting you to purchase some, the price is 10gp for a sip.
Bright sighs and thanks you for the hat, grimacing when you give the matching one to Raiden. Phaek thanks you happily, it seems she finds the gaudy hat to be quite pretty. Blort accepts the sand, he walks over to a nearby child and throws the sand in her face. Upon seeing her tears he mutters something and returns, thanking you.
"The sand doesn't seem to be magical, maybe have Raiden detect magic on it." Says Bright.

[Extrail]

Raiden pulling out hid gold pouch to show its empty smiles, and shakes his head, and leaves. Wearing Grung's Gaudy hat.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn absently takes the sand from Grung and says thanks. He turns back to Phaek and Blort, ”Were there ever any other constellations?”

[Pomegranite]

I am going to assume that everyone has reconvened at the torchpost.

"I've lived here all my life, and never noticed the constellations. I wouldn't know." Says Blort.
"I cannot remember..." Phaek trails off, her gaze still fixed on the sky. Her uniform of white robes is somewhat dirty, and slightly bloodied, something about it bothers you. Something about her beauty makes you feel as if she deserves to be in the garments of a queen. "Maybe you should ask Bright or Banana, they have been here the longest."

[Extrail]

Figuring That Raiden didn't have a good way to seek the information he sought other festival games instead. Diplomacy roll 16

[Pomegranite]

You look around, and ask a few people about good games. There is a children's fighting ring, and an art contest. It seems that the area you're in has more shops than games.

"Everyone, look!" Says Phaek, pointing at a booth where sketches are being done. "Can we all get a picture drawn of us together, so that I can remember you all when you become heroes?" She seems to really want to do it.

[zylodrizzt]

Never thought me a hero. You really think so?

Grung does hero poses for phaek. Youd expect muscles to bulge on such a strong half orc but nothing really changes.

Which you like?

[Extrail]

Sure, that sounds great. Even if we don't become heroes, I see most of you as my friends. Raiden said smiling. He attends the art contest to draw a rather cruddy drawing of Jatoz, and the Festival God in eternal torment.

[Pomegranite]

After finishing your drawing you get a lot of weird looks, most of the people here love and revere the festival god, or at least they seem to.

Phaek gathers all of you around for the sketch artist to draw you all. She's a cheerful looking gnome, who happily scribbles away. In the end, it turns out pretty good. It captures Grung putting his arms around Bright and Raiden, forcing them to be closer than they'd want to be, and their scowls. It captures Fallyn trying to look serious, and Swain outright laughing. BANANA looks as ugly as ever, as does Blort. Phaek smiles, her beauty represented as if she had posed for drawings many times before. You wonder about her life, what does she remember?
More importantly, what doesn't she remember? Who else has been affected by the mnemor devil, who else will die before this is over, and what will happen when it is over? You know this Festival is messing with you, somehow you have fun in the games and exploring, all the while the death of your loved ones was not two days prior. How long have you really been here, you don't know. You do know, that within this endless night, there is hope for you to bring daylight. And more importantly, hope for revenge. Not just for you, but for the countless others whose lives had to have been lost here.

"The Slave should be ready now." Says Bright. "Does anyone want to come pick them up with me, or shall I go alone and get it done faster? I'm having a hard time waiting to see Jatoz suffer in agony until he dies, again." You then notice a woman and a man walk over, glaring at Raiden.
"You shouldn't disrespect the festival god..." Says the woman, who looks to be a bard.
Bard 18
Fallyn 17
Raiden 16
Bright 13
Grung 12
Thug 6
The woman attacks Raiden with a rapier, but misses.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn quicklycome to Raiden’s defense and uses his rapier to attack.

[Pomegranite]

Fallyn's attack hits, she is looking very hurt.

[Extrail]

Listen it was a creation based around the current, and past suffering they had to face to make the festival like it was. It had no malicious intent in the art itself.
Raiden casts Daylight. Making the area around him brighter. as he takes a 5 foot step away from the bard.

[Pomegranite]

"Wait!" Says the Bard. "We don't have to fight. But I'm not sorry! You shouldn't disrespect the Festival god, if someone with a method of communication to Jatoz heard..." She shudders, before noticing Phaek and going white.
"I'm not that high up." Says Phaek. "And I am not loyal to that awful thing." Bright looks over casually at all of you.
"I'll let you handle them. They are obviously fans of Jatoz, and I'd rather get our slave so we can GO KILL HIM." Bright walks off. The thug and the bard don't seem to be attacking you anymore.

[Extrail]

Of Course, I understand. Thank you. Raiden says empathetically.

[Pomegranite]

"Wow, you're good at convincing people not to kill us!" Says Phaek.
"Gee, I hope that works on all the undead in the wasteland." Says BANANA. Bright has left, you think he will be back soon.

[Extrail]

I Figure It helps me appease those that I angered incidentally. Raiden replied liking the compliment.

[Pomegranite]

You all spend a few minutes milling about, chatting and viewing the passers bye. They were only as notable as everyone else here, their cold eyes judging you as they walked along. Bright returns quickly, leading a scared looking Aasimar in heavy chains. He looks malnourished, but still as strong as you requested.
"I've got the slave, told him what we're up to, he's on board, because he doesn't have a choice. Also I mentioned that in addition to carrying the food, he is the food. Raiden, he just can't wait to meet you." Bright smirks after speaking.
"P-p-please don't kill me!" Says the man.
"WE WILL KILL YOU, IF YOU AREN'T A PARTY PERSON!" Says BANANA.

[Extrail]

I promise, I won't kill you. You look malnourished. How would a nice meal sound to you
Before the journey? I'm sure we can afford whatever you want to eat. Raiden says as his stomach hungers for the flesh of the slave in front of him.

[zylodrizzt]

He is food? I not eat him. No one else eat people's. He not good at carrying if he eaten. Pa teach me that when hen not lay eggs no more then eaten.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn agrees with Grung. ”Let’s keep his strength up.”

[Pomegranite]

"A m-meal would be nice...I haven't eaten anything lately...And I don't lay eggs..." Says the slave, who seems to be very scared of Raiden. It seems that Bright may have told him a few things during the walk over to you.
"I know a good place!" Says Phaek. "I've think I've only been here for a few weeks, but there's this one booth, and they don't even kill people there!" You nod, agreeing and she leads you to a booth where they sell paisteries, akin to what one would find in a high class bakery. The menu is as follows:



Dainty Paistry. (5gp)
Medium Paistry. (10gp)
Large Paistry. (20gp)

Fillings- Strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, apple, rhubarb, and lemon.


Bright walks up to the booth, grabs a paistry and runs. The lady there stares at him, before muttering something to herself and saying,
"How may I help you?"

[Extrail]

Raiden gawks at the price, and says they better be worth the price. Before, seeing what Bright did, and deciding that's probably the better approach. For this stand. Should we pull a Bright? Raiden asks the part quietly.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn leans over to Raiden, ”Buy one of the medium pastries, but make a big deal about it. While she is listening to you, I’ll grab us some more off the side.”

Sleight of hand to steal some pastries. Rolled 10.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung hadnt been allowed pastries or desserts except when sissy snuck some to him so he is facinated and asks alot of questions like...

sample? What tastes like?What that? Banana flavor? Taste like hat? I have hat but he not like when I licked him.

[Extrail]

Raiden decides to head towards the pastry owner I'd like a medium Ackee pastry.

[Pomegranite]

"We don't have banana or ackee pastries. And we don't do samples." Says the shopkeeper seriously. "And they do not taste like hats."

You successfully steal a few pastries.

[Aaronmoze]

Carefully Fallyn slips a few pastries in his pack and walks away to find Bright and split the pastries with the others.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung looks disappointed. But regardless he likes sweets so he wants to buy a small snack and leave. Ok... I have a little snack. Give me one you think I like. I give gold but banana watching. Take only what I owe. grung opens his bag of gold

[Pomegranite]

When you find Bright sitting at a table, you notice that he seems to have purchased something. He has a small bag from the fancy shop Grung got the hats, inside of which you can see two silver earrings inlaid with amber, they look to be elven in make. He writes something on a piece of parchment, he doesn't seem to have noticed you yet. Phaek and Blort are with the others.

"Okay, I would recommend the raspberry, it is nice and sweet." She looks up to see BANANA's eye on her and shudders, only taking the 5gp she is owed, before handing Grung his pastry "Thank you for your purchase." She says.

[zylodrizzt]

Thank you. Banana you want some?

Banana probably says something like he doesnt need to eat and only needs to party. Grung laughs and then shoves it all into his mouth at once and goes and finds the others

[Extrail]

Raiden sighs in false dismay before walking away to where his fellow party members are.

[Aaronmoze]

”What ya got there Bright?” Pointing to bag.

[Pomegranite]

Bright seems startled by your sudden appearance, he smiles and then holds the earrings out in his palm to show you.
"It's for the woman I love. She doesn't approve of theft, so I bought these to match a necklace I got her in the past."

When you arrive at the table where Bright and Fallyn are, Bright looks up and tucks something into a bag, before standing up and speaking.
"Anything else you need to do before we go on an adventure that will likely end with us all dead in a steaming pile?"

[Extrail]

We Still need the digging equipment, and well what is The Festival God's home like?[ What approach do you think is best to enter the fortress? Raiden asks.

[Pomegranite]

Bright looks at you darkly, you can tell that he is reliving some bad memories inside his mind.
"It's too beautiful. It is like a small palace, but you can tell she didn't build it. A beautiful eastern palace filled with undead and arcane traps. There is only one entrance as far as I know, and that would be the front door. It isn't guarded because the wasteland keeps everyone out, but the few staff there are combat trained, especially Jatoz. Then again, I have not been there in a very long time, and I know not if things have changed."

[Aaronmoze]

”So we will have to figure out how to get in when we get there. The front door doesn’t seem like a great option, guarded or not. “

[Extrail]

Raiden having nothing to say on the matter. Partially due to lack of knowledge on either party involved either the architects, or the Festival God stays quiet.

[Pomegranite]

"So are we going to be buying tunneling equipment?" Asks Phaek. "It might be suspicious buying shovels and stuff, but I'm sure we could find some!"
"I think we should." Says Bright, as he combs his hair back, you notice that he has very small horns, but his fiendish ancestry seems to manifest most in his bright blue eyes that seem to glow, and his scent of brimstone.
"Banana?" Asks Swain. "What do you know about the wasteland?"
"WHY SHOULD I TELL YOU, MY OLD MASTER WAS BORING!" Swainyo grimaces and says,
"Because we are going to go teach all of the undead how to party."
"Oh, okay!" Answers BANANA happily. "Well my old master the boring old coot never went there, but he did study accounts from the boarder guards. The boarder guards actually keep out all of the undead, once there was an attack from a huge necrocraft, they took care of it. Barely, a lot were lost that day. The wastelands actually grow as the festival moves, you know, grass dying and the like. This demiplane doesn't seem to be a fixed size, my old boring master's research showed that it has definitely grown. He never got the information he wanted though, he wasn't willing to make deals with Jatoz. But.....BACK TO PARTYING!"
"Thanks for telling us." Says Swain.
"What's a necrocraft?" Asks Phaek.
"A bunch of corpses fused together by a powerful necromancer." Says Blort.
"Oh..." She seems quite demoralized.

[Extrail]

Speaking of the danger we face
Fallyn can you give him a pastry. Sorry, it was rude of me to forget your name. What is your name? Raiden asked realizing that the slave hasn't been given the pastry he promised him he would give.

[Pomegranite]

"M-my name is Aitean. And I haven't bathed in weeks so I suppose I must taste very very bad!" He says, nervously shrinking back. Bright seems to be trying to hold back laughter. When given a pastry he accepts it and devours it quickly, you notice that his Aasimar heritage manifests in the form of small feathery wings, but they have been folded in, and are covered in dirt. He clearly would not be able fly without magic, but they may help.

[Extrail]

Hearing that. Raiden turns his attention to Grung first. Grung, this is later. Then he turns his attention solely to Aitean. And says I will not deny I will eat a small part of you Aitean. I'm sorry, but It was a curse placed upon me when I was young. Like any other Oracle I was cursed, this curse for me was the necessity to eat the flesh of my kin. It wasn't something I enjoyed, but I became quite sick if I didn't , and for this journey I need to keep my strength up if we are to be successful. I know it sounds terrible. But, the flesh that I eat will be healed right back up again. As soon as it is cut. I was given the ability to heal like any good Oracle it's given me other spells as well. But, Just, because I need your flesh. Does not mean that your journey will be terrible. If you want baths, I can supply the water. You will be given the same food as the rest of us, because I don't see you as lesser, but rather you are similar. I have been afflicted by a curse, and I hope that we can help each other make our lives a little more pleasant.

[zylodrizzt]

Curse? Who curse you? Sharp teeth? Is bright curse? He smell bad. It ok we kill sharp teeth and you no curse no more. Sorry eaten (*mispronounced the asimar name) I be your friend though.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn hands out the pastries. Enjoy these guys. We may not get anything this tasty again for awhile. “
He pulls Raiden aside. ”Exactly how much do you need to eat off this person and how often?”

[Extrail]

Grung, I was cursed by the very gods themselves like all oracles. Turning to Fallyn he mined with his hands how much he needed to eat I need to eat this much. Something I can easily heal back with a cure spell.

[zylodrizzt]

Oh..... Maybe the festival God would remove. We could ask when we get there. It was not nice to do to Rayden. I not Oracle but think maybe cursed anyway. grung looks forlorn.

[Extrail]

I'm afraid that is unlikely. As I mentioned earlier the Festival God is not a legitimate
God, but a pretender, and I have never heard of an Oracle who's curse was removed. Raiden replied.

[Pomegranite]

Aietan looks at Raiden, you can tell that he is comforted but still very scared.
"Will it hurt?"
"I know how it feels to be eaten alive." Says Bright, pulling up his sleeves to reveal even worse looking scars, some aren't even fully healed. "At least dear Raiden will heal you so you'll have longer. It's been 20 years and some of them still bleed."
"That's horrible!" Says Phaek. "It makes me so mad that Jatoz can get away with all of that!"
"I trust that Raiden won't hurt you Aietan. His curse does not make him malicious in any way." Mentions Swainyo.
"I am sorry Aietan. I don't really approve of slavery, but I am working with these people to get revenge on the creature who ruined my life. Regardless, I think we should get ready to start digging, we need to start it at a certain time if we want to get under before any guards see us." Says Bright.

Sense motive, and perception.

[Extrail]

won't cause any pain that I can reasonably avoid causing. The matter that I've spent years doing this means. I will cut the piece off your back as that is where you will suffer the least amount of pain. If you want I understand it sounds terrible, and I will give you the full opportunity to cut a piece off of me yourself.
Raiden replied earnestly. Turning to Bright Raiden replied Alright, sounds good.
Sense Motive: 8
Perception: 3

[Aaronmoze]

”Let’s get moving then.”says Fallyn

Perception 13. Sense Motive 20.

[Pomegranite]

"I-don't want to cut a piece off of you..." Says Aitaran, while Bright smirks at Raiden.

You notice that Bright stands very tense, as if he is preparing for an attack at any moment.

"Get going indeed, is there anything else we need before we go?" Asks Bright.

[Extrail]

Well, I'm sure we're going to need some bedrolls at the very least glort, and Aitaran will need one. A tent, so that everyone can bathe, because wastelands are going to be dangerous, and I have no means to cure diseases, besides suggesting good hygiene. Raiden offered. He didn't know what was happening, but he was sure that they did need those things, besides the flesh of Aitaran would be better if it was washed first, and he didn't want to do that in front of everyone. Out of sight, out of mind is a very real thing that he knew people experienced. So, he hoped that that would help everyone be a little more at ease with the whole thing. The tent wasn't necessary it was just wise to bring it up now, before it was too late.

[Aaronmoze]

Bright, are you ok? You ready to do this?”asks Fallyn.
Perception roll to look around now that I think something might be happening.

Perception roll 17

[Pomegranite]

"We can just take one of the tents from the tent area!" Says Phaek.
"Budding theif, eh?" Comments Bright as he turns away. Ignoring Fallyn's questions, he leads your group back to the tents where you grab some bedrolls and a tent.

You notice that the wall is guarded by a band of orcs, marching around at regular intervals. Their leader appears to be a female half-orc, well armed and looking almost as strong as Grung.

[Extrail]

So We'll need the digging equipment, and the guards look tough. It'd probably be best if we avoid them as much as possible. So, Grung do you think you can dig the tunnel? You look to be the strongest among us, and As such the fastest miner. Raiden asked.

[zylodrizzt]

I can dig. Just hope y'all ok outside.

[Pomegranite]

"Let's get going." Says Bright darkly. He leads you to the store where you can get shovels and the like in silence. You purchase two shovels for 4gp. You silently follow Bright and Phaek to the part of the wall where you think you will have the best shot.

This digging and possible combat are going to go a certain way. Due to the fact that the guards will be moving towards you, it will be on an initiative order. I am going to assume that we are going by the roles that were determined on the OOC, EG: Phaek will be sitting on the hat to keep him quiet. The guards walk until they notice you, at which point, you run. You have approximately a minute (10 rounds) before they will be close enough to see you. If you can all get past the boarder wall, they will not follow you. Their attack may be stalled with diplomacy or intimidation, but unless you act quick, you will be in a tough combat with them. For simplicity's sake until you are seen the guards will all move on the same turn.

Bright 20
Swainyo 19
Phaek 18
Guards 17
Grung 12
Fallyn 10
Raiden 7
Blort 3

[Pomegranite]

Bright takes up his position on watch, while Swainyo holds his action. Phaek sits down on Banana before he can protest.

[zylodrizzt]

Pa made me dig all sorts of holes. I good at holes. Grung says quietly as he digs

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn hides as best as he can in the shadows between the torchlight. He takes his bow off and keeps an arrow nocked, ready to shoot one in the distance to distract the guards if they come to close.

Stealth roll 14

[Extrail]

Raiden starts setting up his offset bear trap by plunging the spike into the ground behind a tree near where he intended to set it up.

[Pomegranite]

Blort paces nervously, asking everyone if they need any help. Bright motions him over, giving him a message to tell the others.
"The Guards are coming from Bright's side, we still have plenty of time before they arrive." Says Blort. Pheak remains with BANANA, and if you look from where you are, the guards are little more than smudges on the horizon.

[zylodrizzt]

Dig dig dig

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn nods to Blort but stays where he is.

[Extrail]

Raiden opens the bear trap with surprisingly little difficulty.

[Pomegranite]

Blort dashes back and forth, carrying messages. The slave is digging well, not as fast as Grung, but he is helping. Bright remains on watch, signaling to you that everything is okay. Swainyo and Phaek keep doing their jobs as well.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn continues to watch until something happens.

[zylodrizzt]

Dignity dig.... Quietly?

[Extrail]

Raiden runs diagonally towards the guards, and away from the wall.

[Pomegranite]

Swainyo and Bright gape in horror as Raiden runs towards the guards. This was definitely not in the plan.
"What is he doing?" Asks Phaek.
"Probably going to eat them too." Says Bright. "How's the digging going Grung? We might not have as much time seeing as SOMEONE is drawing the guards towards us."

As you run towards the guards, you see them more clearly. Burly orcs accompanied by a half orc leader. Upon spotting you, they quicken their pace.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn keeps watch on his side of the digging. Unaware of what is happening behind him.

[zylodrizzt]

Grung momentarily comptiplates the meaning of life before being distracted and forgetting the one true answer.

Dig good.

[Extrail]

Raiden runs straight towards the guards waving his hand in a sign of hello, but not urgency. Hi, How are you?

[Pomegranite]

The guards keep walking as they talk to you, their leader speaks first.
"Good, how are you? Can I help you?" She is a tall half orc, with small tusks and a messy topknot of brown hair. She doesn't seem at all bothered by your arrival.
"Me smells-" Says a heavily armed orc.
"Shut up Borug." Says the leader. You notice that she is wearing a beautiful elven necklace, made of silver and with a pendant of amber.

Bright sighs and says.
"Raiden's run off to betray us. Fallyn, you can stay there if you like or watch over here, it's not likely that more will come. Aitaran and Grung, please keep digging as fast as possible."
"I think he's buying us time." Says Phaek.
"I agree." Says Swainyo.
"Well you can never tell with those cannibals." Says Bright coldly.

[Aaronmoze]

Fallyn quietly moves toward Bright. He holds his bow toward the orcs in case he needs to save Raiden.

[zylodrizzt]

Dig or not to dig that is the question. Actually no question at all. Need to dig so dig I shall.

Perception 3

[Extrail]

I'm quite well considering the circumtances. My name's Raiden what's yours? Raiden asks.

[Pomegranite]

"The wall goes down, we need to dig deeper." Says Aitaran.
"My name's Thusri, nice ta meet 'cha. What do you mean about the circumstances, something gone wrong lately?" Says the leader, they continue to walk along the wall, but they seem happy to chat with you. "And these knuckleheads are Borug, Krik, Crahn, and my older brother Grelkzuk.
"We not knuckleheads!" Says Borug.
"Shut up Borug!" Says another orc, who you assume is Grelkzuk.
"I wonder what he's talking to them about." Says Bright.

[Aaronmoze]

”I don’t know but be ready to help him. If they catch us, we all will die. “

[Extrail]

Well my sister died, and I'm currently suffering withdrawal. So, life sucks right now, and I just ran, so I'm tired. So, can we sit for a bit let me rest up, and ask some questions during the meantime? Raiden retorted. Diplomacy roll 29

[Pomegranite]

"I'm sorry for your loss, I have lost siblings." Says Thusri. "On withdrawal from what? Drugs aren't good for you, you know."
"Thusri I sm-" Says Borug before being interrupted again.
"Shut up Borug!" Say the other orcs and Thusri in unison.
"I'm sorry we can't sit, it has been our tribe's duty to guard the boarder for 400 years!" Says Thusri. "We have been here for over half of the Night Festival's 600 year history! If you like, one of us can carry you."
"Carry fun! I smell-" Says Borug
"Shut up Borug!" Says the whole group.

Nothing of intrest happens, but you are close enough to make out snippets of Raiden's conversation. You think they are talking about...drugs?

[Aaronmoze]

”Grung pick up the pace man. Dig faster. Swainyo get ready. They are getting close. “