20040515 Brighton06

<H1> Brighton County: Alpha Wolf </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Mirto </TD>
 <TD> 10th Human Wizard (Evoker) </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Paxus </TD>
 <TD> 10th Human Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kha'Narek </TD>
 <TD> 7th Githzerai Monk (9th CL) </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Bimblefin Candytuft </TD>
 <TD> 4th/2dn Pixie Rogue/Sorcerer (10th CL) </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 16th/7rd Human Fighter/Hospitaler </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Elverie </TD>
 <TD> 8th/2nd Half-Elf Druid/Rogue </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kristoff </TD>
 <TD> 9th Elf Druid </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar (Unavailable) </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Foradun </TD>
 <TD> 5th/3nd Githzerai Psionic Warrior/Soul Knife (10th CL) </TD>
 <TD> Rick DiRicco (Unavailable) </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
Paxus does Lesser Restoration on Elverie, restoring 3 DEX. Then he heals Bimblefin for 4 CON (1 and 3) and 2 DEX. The group sets watches and decides to rest for the night.
That evening, Colin Bimblefin and Ox are on watch. There are about 40 wolves gathered and paying attention to a small group of 4 which appear to be discussing. The large group appear to be a mix of wolves and several in humanoid wolf form. The small group are all in small humanoid form.
Colin convinces Bimblefin
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Wolf2:</B> They've done all we need. They're a danger now. Especially that big one who leads them. We must kill them now.
<B>Wolf1:</B> No, no, they will kill too many of us in open battle. We must placate them.
<B>Wolf2:</B> You say you can handle them, that you can lead them. How can we tell that you're fit enough?
<B>Wolf1:</B> Are you ready to challenge me?
<B>Wolf3:</B> No, but you may be challenged soon. You'll get yours someday.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
One appears to be the leader. The second wants to kill "them" as soon as possible. The third one is constantly challenging the leader. The fourth one remains quiet. Eventually, the fourth one says: "You forget that we are not alone in this down. And if we do not consider them, then we might be in trouble."
At the fringes of the group, clinging to one of the nearby houses, there is someone clinging and listening to the wolves. Bimblefin flies closer and it appears to be a wererat in humanoid form. He appears to be
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Hey, hey ratty? What's going on? I'm invisible.
<B>Wererat:</B> (Holds up a finger to keep him quiet)
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Yeah, I'm right over here. Use your nose.
<B>Wererat:</B> (He shudders and runs straight down the poll)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Bimblefin watches the wererat go down a hole.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Bimblefin:</B> They were talking--it was pretty boring.
<B>Colin:</B> Could you elaborate a bit more? That is why I sent you.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> They were worried about us and them. Something like that.
<B>Colin:</B> Right, I think I'm have to start investing in Clairaudience.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Why don't you go talk to them?
<B>Colin:</B> Sure, why not?
<B>Bimblefin:</B> What? I was only kidding...
<B>Ox:</B> Want some backup?
<B>Colin:</B> Nah
<B>Ox:</B> (Begins stringing bow)
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> Hey guys, town meeting huh?
<B>Leader:</B> What are you doing here?
<B>Colin:</B> You're my people, so I thought I'd see what you're discussing.
<B>Leader:</B> Why do you show no fear? Does our nature not concern you?
<B>Colin:</B> Yeah, well...
<B>Leader:</B> Ahh...of course our Of course, we are discussing what we should do.
<B>Colin:</B> Anything I can help with?
<B>Leader:</B> Many of our enemies have been killed. Our future is up to discussion. It's time for us to meet.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Leader:</B> Some of us have a freer spirit than usual.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Leader:</B> No, you have nothing to fear from us. We are your faithful subjects.
<B>Leader:</B> Yes, I think we'll have things sorted out enough
<B>Colin:</B> Well, one thing you might consider is who might be interested in helping with the stirges and the cockatrice.
<B>Leader:</B> (Laughs) Well, while we might be unusual we are hardly shock troops.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, I guess you rarely see trouble from them.
<B>Leader:</B> We have little to fear from the bloodsuckers and the stonebirds never come this far.
<B>Colin:</B> You haven't seen any of the vampire spawn running around?
<B>Leader:</B> We'll keep an eye out.
<B>Colin:</B> You haven't seen any of the vampire spawn running around?
<B>Leader:</B> We should talk about immigration. If you intend to reopen the mine, there will be people interested in coming into the area. What would you say to someone who wished to move to Brighton and work in the mines.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, I'd let them know that this town is a little bit different and I'd have to give them information about the nature of the town.
<B>Leader:</B> Would you defend us from adventurers?
<B>Colin:</B> Here's how the system works. I'm in charge of you and I'm here to protect you. As long as you obey the laws and don't attack me, I will
<B>Leader:</B> So, if we've done all that you ask and live peacefully and restore Brighton County to its glory. If adventurers had heard of our nature and decide to eliminate us, then you would protect us?
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Leader:</B> It is good to hear. We have hidden our nature out of fear from a long time.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Leader:</B> This is true of all the citizens of Brighton, correct?
<B>Colin:</B> Sure.
<B>Leader:</B> You have met the others that led hear?
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Leader:</B> Do you have a preference? Should
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Leader:</B> So you see them as equals in this town?
<B>Colin:</B> You are all people of Brighton County. Naturally, those that
<B>Leader:</B> What of the forest goblins?
<B>Colin:</B> What of them?
<B>Leader:</B> Do you consider them citizens or interlopers? Are we allowed to drive them out?
<B>Colin:</B> If they keep to themselves then they can be left alone.
<B>Leader:</B> If they said that the people of Brighton were hunting and killing his people, what would you do? Would you tell us not to hunt the goblins?
<B>Colin:</B> If they become productive members of the community then acting against them is a crime.
<B>Leader:</B> What of the lizards in the mine?
<B>Colin:</B> I don't see them being active members of the community...
<B>Leader:</B> So if there was a conflict between us and them, you would side with the citizens of Brighton County?
<B>Colin:</B> Yes.
<B>Leader:</B> What you say is generally pleasing. Obviously, we are new citizens and you are a new leader. I am please by what I see so far. I trust that we can earn your respect. I trust that what you say today will be your actions tomorrow.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Leader:</B> I would be pleased to serve on your behalf while you are not here.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, putting together this area is going to be my priority.
<B>Leader:</B> Well, given the hydra, the loose spawn, etc., you have quite a bit of work to do...
<B>Colin:</B> Uh, work *we* have to do...
<B>Leader:</B> The smith was once such problem. It seems that you have dealt with him.
<B>Leader:</B> So, if we've done all that you ask and live peacefully and
<B>Colin:</B> Temporarily only for now.
<B>Leader:</B> Temporarily?
<B>Colin:</B> (Explains ghost)
<B>Leader:</B> We have no holy men, so our ability to deal with this is limited.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, they told me all this. So they may not be able to do it for now, but I'd say just give the smithy a wide berth.
<B>Leader:</B> Sleep well, you have nothing to fear.
<B>Colin:</B> I know I don't.
<B>Leader:</B> I think you'll have less to worry about...
</BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Bimblefin:</B> So, my plan worked.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Bimblefin:</B> What? I said you should go talk to them...
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Kha:</B> How did things turn out?
<B>Colin:</B> They were a bit hostile at first. I gave them truthful answers: as long as they remain law obeying citizens, they should be fine.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin sets up the same meeting with the wererats.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Old Man:</B> I hear you were there.
<B>Colin:</B> Being leader of this area, I felt that I had to talk to them.
<B>Old Man:</B> I don't know how you walk so fast with stones like that.
<B>Colin:</B> I have a favor I can call in if I get into trouble.
<B>Old Man:</B> I can believe that.
<B>Colin:</B> I'll tell you what I told them. Everyone here is a citizen of Brighton County. If you're law abiding citizens, you are under my protection. If you are not law abiding citizens, you are not under my protection. I'll get that written up.
<B>Old Man:</B> The laws so far have been don't cross Caleb and don't cross me.
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Old Man:</B> I hear that you were interested in the mansion.
<B>Colin:</B> I'd appreciate if you'd have someone show us back.
<B>Old Man:</B> You gonna move in?
<B>Colin:</B> Once I make sure that it's safe.
<B>Old Man:</B> So, you're actually going to stay here?
<B>Colin:</B> Yup.
<B>Old Man:</B> We just like to know that you'll be here. And we won't be exposing ourselves to midnight retribution, ya know what I mean?
<B>Colin:</B>
<B>Old Man:</B> You travel with Spigot don't you?
<B>Colin:</B> Yup.
<B>Old Man:</B> You know he's a big man in some circles.
<B>Colin:</B> Oh yes, sometimes he gets quite a welcome.
<B>Old Man:</B> Let's see...how do I put this? Sometimes there are certain kinds of organizations that...sometimes gets things done in a quiet, backdoor kind of way and I see that kind of situation developing here. And seeing how you understand how these things work, I figured if you have an opposition to any sort of thing like that. We could be your ear to the ground if you catch my meaning.
<B>Colin:</B> I may need to consult with Grackle about what form that organization should take. In principle, I'm not opposed but don't take that as license to form your own.
<B>Old Man:</B> Got it.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The old man describes the layout and contents of Caleb's room. Since the group isn't ready to handle Caleb's room today, they instead head to the mayor's mansion to clear it of dangers. Mirto tries his first Dispel Magic (6th, 14th and 4th), but the door remains magical. He tries again (15th, 16th) and removes the rest of the magic.
The room appears to be a bedroom. It looks like no one has been in here in a while. The room appears to be in disarray--as if it had been gone through thoroughly. After some examination, it looks as though nothing was damaged, indicating it was more of a quick packing job than a burglary. The most recent written document that they find is about 3 years old. The documents indicate some low-quality silver production and very little mithril ore. However, the general rarity of mithril still made it worthwhile.
Colin sends Paxus with a message to Aquitaine.
The next day, Colin and the party return to the room. Colin moves the dresser (which appears to be heavier than it looks). Inside, There are gold bars that are stamped a certain way. Once taxes are collected, the gold gets melted into gold bars, stamped with the royal seal of Aquitaine, and then delivered. There are 10 bars and each bar is worth 1000 GP.
They find a box underneath the bed is a locked steel strongbox. The jewelry appears to belong to House Roarke. There are letters with the same symbol. The letter indicates that someone was holding two children hostage.
In one of the drawers of the dresser is silk clothing for small children, stained with blood.
They get back to the party and ask Paxus to do a Commune that evening:
<OL>
<LI> Was this evidence planted in order to frame Caleb? Yes and no 
<LI> Was this evidence planted? Yes and no
<LI> Was Caleb involved in the kidnapping of Liam and Marianne of House Rourke? Yes
<LI> Was Caleb involved in the murder of Liam and Marianne of House Rourke? Yes
<LI> Was Caleb involved in the theft of the Aquitainian gold bars? Yes and no
<LI> Did the wererats plant this evidence? Yes and no
<LI> Were the wererats involved in the kidnapping of Liam and Marianne of House Rourke? No
<LI> Were the wererats involved in the theft of the Aquitanian gold bars? Yes
<LI> Are any of the druids of the circle still alive? No
<LI> Is the pixie being truthful when he claims ownership of the mine? No
</OL>
The next evening, the wolves gather again. It's the night of the full moon.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Young Boy:</B> Mister Colin sir?
<B>Colin:</B> Yeah?
<B>Young Boy:</B> Caleb would like you to join us tonight!
<B>Caleb:</B> Welcome glad you could join us. This is a special evening, we are having a celebration.
<B>Colin:</B> How do you celebrate?
<B>Caleb:</B> We get together, have a party, enjoy each other's company. It's also traditionally the time we welcome newcomers.
<B>Caleb:</B> I don't know that your two friends should be here.
<B>Colin:</B> I see.
<B>Caleb:</B> This is a time of great turmoil within us. And it's when outsiders are at great risk. It might be best that they are safely out of reach.
<B>Colin:</B> Do you expect any trouble?
<B>Caleb:</B> And as long as you use any force judiciously, then between you and I, trouble can be avoided. I don't expect any trouble--you're one of us now.
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> Well, given that it sounds like nowhere in this area would be safe.
<B>Caleb:</B> Well, when you are in the home it's a safer situation. You, out here in the open--it would be difficult to protect yourself and for us to protect you.
<B>Kha'Narek:</B> What about if I were to stay in that house over there?
<B>Caleb:</B> You should be fine there.
<B>Caleb:</B> You know, funny thing today. I think I had been robbed!
<B>Colin:</B> What makes you say that?
<B>Caleb:</B> Someone had broken in and opened the town's strongbox.
<B>Colin:</B> No need, I know what happened?
<B>Caleb:</B> What is that?
<B>Colin:</B> I was told that there was problem of what's there.
<B>Caleb:</B> Only some Aquitanian tax money was taken. Did you take those?
<B>Colin:</B> Yes, I thought it belonged to the kingdom.
 
<B>Caleb:</B> 
<B>Colin:</B> 
<B>Caleb:</B> I trust your judgement in this.
<B>Caleb:</B> I did mean to talk to you more about coming into my home today. It's a bit disturbing? Is this the way you plan on running things in this town?
<B>Colin:</B> I have been granted the land here and thus the right to rule by law.
<B>Caleb:</B> Do you see the strength around you? Do you think I couldn't kill you in a single moment? The audacity!
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin and Caleb begin to change. Just at the moment, the entire town begins to change as well.
<B>Round 1:</B> Colin hits with all three attacks for 38 (crit), 22, and 17. Caleb hits Colin three times for 27 pts.
<B>Round 2:</B> Colin hits twice for 22 pts each. Caleb hits Colin twice for XXX.
<B>Round 3:</B> Colin hits twice again for 39 pts total. Caleb hits twice for 37 pts. Caleb looks to be on his last legs.
<B>Round 4:</B> Colin hits twice for 42 pts. Caleb had 5 pts left. Colin grabs the body with his teeth and tosses it like a rag doll.
Finally, Calebs body returns to his human form. At this point the wolves close in and they begin savaging the body of Caleb.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Bimblefin:</B> Colin's a werewolf.
<B>Mirto:</B> What?
<B>Paxus:</B> What?
<B>Bimblefin:</B> You guys have got to save him.
<B>Paxus:</B> (Looks at hundreds of werewolves giving Colin a wide berth) Save him from what?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin wakes up the next morning. Copper taste in his mouth. And he's full.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Ox:</B> We're going to need to get you some pants.
<B>Colin:</B> Not exactly.
<B>Bimblefin:</B> What?
<B>Colin:</B> I got turned.
<B>Ox:</B> You okay?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin notices that his sense of smell is much sharper today. Colin goes to talk to Seledan.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Seledan:</B> How are things going?
<B>Colin:</B> It's hard to say. You got my letter?
<B>Seledan:</B> Yes. An interesting situation. A potential asset for the kingdom.
<B>Colin:</B> Well, it's likely to be an asset because I was infected. And I ended up taking care of things.
<B>Seledan:</B> Just to tell you, Donner and I likely to come down on different sides of issues. If I were solely king, the kingdom would be weaker than it is. A kingdom solely run by him, and his father would have certain blind spots. I can give advice and it is up to you to choose. With that said, here's what I offer to you. I believe Brighton is an unsettled region and needs as much protection as it could require. Those townspeople can handle themselves whereas it would normally take an army of thousands to protect a similar area. If you step away from this and come into this as an outsider, they will want to take care of these things. There are those that believe that they will need to be either cured or killed. During this unsettled time, I believe it is best to let them learn to love the kingdom of Aquitaine and then cure them later.
<B>Colin:</B> I agree. I've talked to them, and they have no great love for the kingdom of Aquitaine.
<B>Seledan:</B> For example, if you join them for a while and then
<B>Seledan:</B> Many of these are true lycanthropes. They cannot be cured. So, you'll have two choices at that point, run them out of town from their parents or kill them.
<B>Seledan:</B> The other thing is that Brighton is remote. It is possible to set up appropriate patrols and they will be easy to control.
<B>Colin:</B> By the way, I have ten bars of taxes that need to be returned to the kingdom.
<B>Seledan:</B> My advice would be to get a handle on this immediately. Get a handle on their trust. Rule them well. Show them how a werewolf can be a fine upstanding citizen of the kingdom. Many creatures have a nature with them. As I am simultaneously an advisor and an honest man, part of my reason for giving you this advice is for the good of the kingdom. We don't have the resources of the Imperium. There will come a time when a loyal group of werewolves fighting to defend their home against the Imperium, will be an asset.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin goes and talks to the high priestess of Athena is Aquitaine is Laranna.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Laranna:</B> The first thing is that you, Athena and I need to spend an hour to discuss this. If you truly have committed this crime, then things will be fine. The important thing is to show that you are truly contrite.<BR />Athena has chosen to restore the ability to perform miracles on her behalf. I would say that you should either cure the condition as Atonement or you must discover who your victims are, and they must be restored as best you can. If that is not possible, you must take care of those who relied on that person. And you must in every way carry the burden that he carried burden.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Paxus takes Colin to Home to talk to Donner. Colin explains the situation to Donner.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Donner:</B> Well, what are the disadvantages?
<B>Colin:</B> It's your kingdom and as my liege lord, I would discuss with you. I'm not comfortable being a werewolf.
<B>Donner:</B> Well, it's a disease and some people choose to live with such a disease. But it's a tough thing. Already, you've already done one thing since you've been afflicted. I think the quick and easy choice is to stay a werewolf and ensure the loyalty of the town. The difficult path is to return as a human and find another way or struggle through it on a day-by-day basis.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin chooses to become a werewolf and successfully controls it.
Colin asks for volunteers to go after the lizards, hydra, stirges, and cockatrices. He gets about a dozen volunteers to take care of it. The ones who volunteer are actually glad to see druids, especially druids who have such an affinity to wolves. With the help of the wolves and druids, they manage to clear out the grove area after a couple of days work.
Colin talks to the Old Man.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Old Man:</B> You know, some of my boys are harder to control than others. There was this group of nobles, not that far from here. They were coming to see--I don't know what. They didn't get very far before they were attacked by the wolves. A couple of the kids managed to get away where my boys found 'em, where we kept them safe.<BR />So, we sent a message to their aunts and uncles and we asked for some ransom. So, we get our first payment and Caleb gets a hold of it. And he jumps in and takes the kids from us and says, "I'm going to get my cut." We were going to return the kids. So, Caleb holds on to them, extracts payment twice more. At this point it was out of my hands. And the third time was really bad because I think the kids were dead by then. Some of my boys found what was left of them.
<B>Colin:</B> And those bloody clothes you put in his room?
<B>Old Man:</B> Yeah. We took all that we found, and we put them where they'd make the most sense to ya.
<B>Colin:</B> And make me suspicious.
<B>Old Man:</B> Yeah, he did all that stuff. You were an outsider and all and I'm sorry that we did that to you. We didn't think we had much more time left under Caleb.
<B>Colin:</B> You do understand that as part of the kidnapping, you will have to be punished. Even though Io
<B>Old Man:</B> I don't see them as kidnappers--they were more like refugees.
<B>Colin:</B> Under those circumstances, I can see your motive, but rule of law requires some punishment will be meted out. A common punishment is servitude.
<B>Old Man:</B> I'm getting old, I can't carry much nowadays.
<B>Colin:</B> I don't know what's appropriate, but I think you'll be serving me.
<B>Old Man:</B> I'll tell you. We was all involved somehow. Some of us took 'em in. Some of us fed 'em. Some of us protected 'em. Some of us died when Caleb came and took 'em. What I'm trying to say is that we were all involved.
<B>Colin:</B> So, are you satisfied with this Mirto?
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Colin finds the Rourke family members in Tarthenel. They are actually functionaries in the government there. They are sad to hear that their niece and nephew were killed. They can tell exactly how much was paid out and they can produce the letters. The kidnappers' letters show the change in handwriting.
Looking at the chest, that the treasure is on the order of 30,000 GP. They ask for some of the ransom money to be returned (20,000 GP was paid out) and for justice to be served. Colin returns the ransom to the Rourke family.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Colin:</B> I can tell you for a fact that the second person has paid with his life. It was not directly related to the confrontation.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Each share of the monetary treasure comes to 18012.91 GP. Colin decides to have the two books destroyed and the spellbooks to the library of the Donnerparty. Colin claims the Ring of Shadows, and gives the Ring of Wizardry to Mirto. Kha'Narek claims the Cloak of Displacement. Bimblefin claims the Bag of Holding. Foradun, Elverie, and Paxus takes a bar of mithril. Zed gets the magic Great Axe. Mirto chips in 2000 GP to get Zed a True Resurrection. One last bar is given to the town and the last bar, divided up into 5000 GP chunks of the mithril bar.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
1 Leader of Brighton County