Rise of the Runelords Recap # 85 [RPG]

[12 Calistril 4708 continued]

When the Scribbler was returned to life by Lamashtu, 

he emerged from the birthing pool.

Returning from their investigation into the grippli chief’s suspicious death, Ava, Jinkatsyu, and Erik go to check on their companions.  Yuzo is starting to awaken from his ordeal in the tunnels below Sandpoint, while Kang seems to have recovered from the supernatural fear that sent him fleeing (while tearing off all his clothes!).  Discussion is had about the strange magical effect that made Jinkatsyu and Erik almost turn on each other, and how there is still more of the catacombs to explore.  But first, the adventurers decide to continue looking into Elder Chief Cragpawmpum’s death.  Kang examines the four vials found under the deceased’s bed, and the tiefling reports to the others that it’s definitely some kind of poison but that he can’t pinpoint its precise nature.  The group decide that they’ll share their findings with Sheriff Hemlock in the morning, after the dawn funeral for Salma.

[13 Calistril 4708]

Salma’s funeral is attended by several notable residents of Sandpoint who felt a debt for her aid in defense of the town.  Father Zantus speaks about her heroism, while Cracktooth gives a eulogy about her enigmatic but friendly nature.  The adventurers take turns delivering a few words, with the highlight being Ava’s heartfelt remembrance of travelling with Salma before the two met the others.  When the ceremony is over, the adventurers update Sheriff Hemlock and Mayor Deverin on their suspicions about the elder’s death.  All agree that the matter merits further investigation, but no obvious leads remain.

Later that morning, the Heroes of Varisia re-enter the underground catacombs (choosing one of the distant entrances, since the sinkhole has been completely filled in).  On the way, Erik and Kang talk about the stanzas of the poem they’ve found hidden in the scribblings of the walls and agree that it must provide cryptic directions to Runeforge.  Exploration of the complex’s unvisited rooms reveals a shallow pool of water that glows softly in a chamber carved with large runes; Ava identifies it as a birthing pool dedicated to Lamashtu.  Other chambers are largely empty, filled with rubble, or otherwise of unknown purpose, and exploration of them only leads to Yuzo growing increasingly despondent that she’s not strong enough to bash down their doors.

Ava, Jinkatsyu, and Erik start leading the other two adventurers to the location where they ended their previous expedition.  But as they traverse a fog-filled corridor, a summoned demon appears at the rear of the party and claws Kang in the back!  Jinkatsyu rushes into the fray, and after Kang’s bomb of magical force knocks the demon to the ground, the swashbuckler is able to kill it.  The Scribbler emerges to skirmish with the adventurers, but they stand united and he’s forced to teleport away again.

Having defeated him twice, but failing to capture or kill their foe, can the heroes emerge victorious in round three?

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Director's Commentary

This is one of the very few times I can remembering in gaming of an actual funeral for a fallen PC!

Somehow, the Scribbler survived again--he turned out to be a better foe that I expected.