A Campaign Adventure For 3.5 D&D

Chapter 1: Burnt Offerings
The coastal town of sandpoint has faced few trials and dangers over the course of its forty-two year history, but unfortunately, this is all about to change. Unknown to the town's founders, they chose to build their community over the ruins of an ancient stronghold once used as laboratory and prison, a place where horrific experiments and unholy explorations into what divides man from monster took place. These are the Catacombs of Wrath, one of several such sites used by Runelord Alaznist's apprentices during Thassilon's height, a place where arcanist explored and perfected the stolen arts of lifeshaping and fleshwarping. When Thassilon fell, these catacombs went dormant, but the one buried under Sandpoint was not fated to stay that way

For five years, the faithful of Sandpoint have attended church in smaller wooden structures rebuilt after fire destroyed the previous temple, and while their new pastor Abstalar was helpful, kind and wise, church wasn’t the same. Now the cathedral is finally done. All that remains is for the Swallowtail Festival to renew the site’s blessings from the gods and it will be as if the Sandpoint Fire had never occurred.

“Place the banner directly above the door” , mayor Kendra Deverin told Abstalar Zantus who was leaning a wooden ladder against the side of the new stone cathedral. “I want everyone who comes by to see it.”
“Aye Kendra, the Swallowtail will bring a revitalization to our town. It will be nice to have a more permanent place of worship for our fine parsonage.” Climbing up the ladder he fastened one end of the banner securely on one side of the main entrance with a small iron piton. “I bet the new cathedral will even be able to be seen from atop the Whistler’s Tors even”
“Perhaps Abstalar. Definitely from atop the old light eh" With this the town’s chief aristocrat turned and faced Belor Hemlock who stood next to her looking on with satisfaction. “Belor, have you come up with a security plan for the festival?”
“I don’t think we’ll be needing much security” , the town’s sheriff replied. A native Shoanti who inherited his post as sheriff after an unfortunate string of murders occurred in town ultimately ending in the previous sheriff’s death. He was generally regarded to be the man who stopped Chopper’s rampage on the small town. When the emergency election took place he had become the first Shoanti sherrif in Sandpoint’s history. He was probably right about security. Sandpoint had its share of trouble but it was generally regarded as a safe place to be. “But I’ve got Vachedi on duty in case any troublemakers show up. Probably just some teens trying to have some fun if anything. Most of the folk will be too wrapped up in the festival to cause any trouble”
Abstalar placed the other end of the banner up against the Cathedral wall. “Perfect Abstalar. That looks absolutely perfect.” The mayor turned once again to the sheriff and smiled. “I’m sure you have things well under control. See you back at the Town Hall later on. I have some paperwork for you.”
“Blasted paperwork” , Belor Hemlock mumbled and he gave a nod “Let me know if you need anything Abstalar.” With that he turned and walked down Church Street in the direction of Main Street.

grush could hear the celebrations from inside the shack that he shared with a dungsweeper *oh dear* he thought to himself he knew that his race was evil but what was evryones problem with him he was fine he hadnt ever hurt anyone who didnt insult or attack him. he was fed up with waiting for gorvi he was probably just fondling some women out near the docks. Grush gazed out the window oncemore at the familiar rockface of choppers isle as grush was so frustrated Grush decided to take a walk. He merged in and out of the varying crowd trying to blend in as much as he could

He thought *what strange festivals these commonfolk have*

he wantedd an exciting fetival a Battle festival in honour of gorum. he suddenly noticed Gorvi coming in a direction towards him, swiftly grush turned and fled back to the shack he had supposed to stay in.

Myra carried yet another box out of the Cathedral storage out onto the lawn and opened the box revealing it's contents. "This one is for Gozreh" she remarked to Abstarlar Zantus, the towns high priest. Boxes to the five gods of the Sandpoint Chapel were sprinkled over the lawn like a giant maze of crates. "I can't believe how much stuff there is for the swallowtail festival" and I can't believe I had to carry out all these boxes with so little help "Thats the last of them Sire"

"Thank you Myra. Now you can help me put some of these decorations. We have a lot to do. This is my first time setting up the festival since Ezakien perished in the fire .. may he rest in peace .. so I appreciate all your hard work."

With the Swallowtail festival only a couple of days away, the work seemed overwhelming but it wasn't going to complete itself so Myra set to work with busy hands making sure, for her part, that the Swallowtail Festival was a success for her high priest and mentor.

Selaro was an average human female on most accounts. She wasn't exceptionally strong, tough, wise or charismatic. OK she was a little more well spoken then most 17 year old's and more dexterous then most humans. She was however exceptionally intelligent, not just for her age or race but for most races - even more intelligent them most sun elves, but she used her intellect in an unusual way, for she was a blacksmith but if you happened to ask she was an artist who happened to work in 'The Red Dog Smithy' off 'Festival Street' for a drunkard slob, but she doesn't tell her employer that.

She was five foot 3, had black hair tied back in a pony-tail and deep brown eyes. Wore studded leather and hung a scimitar at her side.

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Selaro didn't like festivals, she liked festival days because it meant a change, she just doesn't like festivals, large crowds or drawing attention to herself for that matter. So on this merry day when the norm was suspended she set forth from her room in the house on 'Tomb Street' to the general stores on the other side of town.

As she crossed 'Tower Street' she found upon a strange site, as she crossed she saw an odd figure, perhaps a half-orc as she knew of no orcs in Sandpoint, dash from the direction of the cathedral and go towards the dung-sweeps shack.

Often people would disregard such strange events like this one but Selaro wasn't most people. Everything is a clue to something else and she would give this good thought later but for now the job at hand was to get food and to get it home. So she continued to the stores to purchase her supplies, with that done she made her way home to drop off the goods and proceeded towards 'Junkers Edge' as it was too crowded in the main town and perhaps she would find calm at 'The Old Lighthouse' or on 'Chopper's Isle'.

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EDIT:- TEXT (for a drunkard slob, but she doesn't tell her employer that)

The Swallowtail Festival began promptly, as scheduled, on the first day of autumn. The square before the church quickly becoming crowded as locals and travelers arrive. Merchants selling food and local craft set up booths to pawn their wares during this prosperous time. Soon the speeches .. the parade .. and the other festivities. Signs at the taverns advertise free lunch for patrons and as soon as the sun sets things will really be getting started.

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Gorvi's Shack

Gorvi walked into the shack followed by a couple of men dressed for working the trash cycle. Seeing Grush sitting on the bed with his head down he tried to liven the mood. "Grush! Buddy .. The Swallowtail festival is the perfect opportunity for you to interact with the town. I even bought you a mask to wear if you want. It is a green dragon skull! I've been working on it for you for a while now. I hope you like it." With this Gorvi placed a large box, poorly wrapped on the bed next to Grush. "Go out .. have fun .. the festival is just beginning!"
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The Cathedral

Abstalar smiled at Myra. "All done and not a moment too soon dear. The festival is on our doorstep." Even as he spoke people were filling the streets, many dressed in costume. A stream of people had been pouring into the city from all day and the inns were overflowing with renters. The whole town was involved with the festival in some way or another. "You have worked hard Myra .. head out and enjoy the festival" With that he stood out on the lawn admiring the decorations and nodding with approval once again

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The Blacksmith

Das Korvat called to Selaro as she entered the Smithy. "I heard you were over at the Junker's Edge again .. checking out the old lighthouse. Maybe you had your eye on Choppers Isle again. I would stay away from there if I were you. Nothing good has come from that Isle. Anyhow .. why don't you enjoy the festival?" Noticing a grimace on Selaro's face he shrugged. "I guess not everyone is into such things. But I imagine even the likes of you would enjoy the event if you gave it a fair chance. Besides .. the large crowds make it easier to hide in. And I have a small request for you .. Deliver this package to the High Priest. He has been waiting long enough and I promised it to him for the festival and not after." Das handed Selaro a long box which carried quite a bit of weight, sat down in his favorite chair .. and took out a bottle and began to drink. Another satisfying evening.

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Myra nods at the High Priest, glad to take the opportunity to explore the festival activities. She had seen a sign for a play at the Sandpoint Theater and wanted to check it out. Heading through the streets she passed by several townsfolk dressed in different costumes. Some with birdlike feather masks and others with complete outfits. Others still did not dress up but looked around with wide eyes spilling their well earned coin into the various vendors around the festivity carts. Myra herself ran up to a cart to buy some candy, a rare treat. It came in a small glass container and an inscription on the side of the glass read Sandpoint Glassworks The theater was standing room only so Myra squeezed herself in and stood at the back. The Harpy's Curse revealed a lead role of a harpy queen. Advertising at the theater promoted the play as starring the famous Magnimaian diva Allishunda, in the role of Avisera the harpy queen. How exciting!

As Grush regained his breath but not to alert Gorvi, he donned his new mask the green dragon mask was very well made, pity about the hands that wrapped it, thought Grush. once his mask was fitted onto his face he thanked Gorvi "Cheers Gorv" Grush said gruffly. "I Will go celebrate the festival now." As Grush strutted outside in his mask people around looked at his muscular frame and green mask and wondered if he was the orc that lived in the shack, but none voiced their opinion mostly because they feared the Orc. Once he was inside the town he mingled with the folk looking at the town merchants and decorations that seemed endless as he walked the streets. Once or twice as he walked his mask slipped a couple of times revealing a green tinted face but, no-one seemed to see though so he was ok. He knew though he had seen enough and stayed out much to long, so he hurried home to gorvi's shack.

"Very well, after I give this to Abstalar, but afterwards can I have the rest off the day off to explore the festival" she says courteously but underneath the charm of her voice she thinks '...you sourer odd drunk.' and Unintelligent townspeople and there unfounded beliefs.'
I wait for a replay and argue my case than take the package to the cathedral. Battering my way through the crowds my mind wanders '...I suppose that festivals can't be that bad, they can be enjoyable to watch. That creature I saw this-morning could be the same creature that is living in Gorvi's shack but I wonder why...' but then my thoughts are interrupted by seeing the creature that I had seen before and as I study his mask it slips slightly and I spot a green tinted face that confirms my suspicions that it's an orc.

Upon arriving at the cathedral I give over the package and, whilst attempting to hide, trail the orc in the mask to see where he's going as I have the rest of the day off, not much but who am I to argue.

As Grush hurried back to the shack he could feel a pair of eyes watching him at every turn. He wondered who this was so he sharply turned the next corner and waiited in the next alleyway. As he waited he thought suddenly what he was doing he already had a bad repuatation and it wouldn't do to assault a citizen and a especially a female at that as he sensed her turning the corner he stepped out the alleyway and merely said "yes" in a gruff tone.

The response comes slightly quicker then expected, and slightly different
"I was interested in what race you are. I saw you earlier darting through town and became suspicions, then when you turned up again I noticed that my suspicion was correct." You are taken aback by this quick and frank response and are even more astounded when you here
"Am I right in thinking that you are an orc, or at least a half-orc, and you have been sheltering in that dung-sweeps shack and he has made you where this foolish mask so that you are not reconised?"

After a short conversation in which Selaro's convictions were proved correct and the orc got to through some threats Selaro goes back to her room, collects her armour and her sword, gets kitted up and goes to meat the orc at the old light house with the intention of exploring Chopper's Isle.

Goblins are sneaky little monsters, but even so .. attacking a city in the middle of a festival. Unheard of! What is going on!

The entire festival crowd has gathered at the cathedral square to hear the closing speeches as the sun begins to set. Father Zantus takes the central podium and uses a thunderstone to attract everyone's attention. He clears his throat and prepares to recite the Prayer of First Dreaming. Unfortunatlely, it seems that while the town has been gathering at the cathedral square, goblins have been slowly working their way into town.

When the thunderstone detonates, goblins quickly mobilize. Dozens of goblins pour into the street raiding the townsfolk and cackling with glee. They shriek and leap and race and cackle, taking great joy in the panic and fear they spread. Some goblins wave torches as light tents on fire while others chase children and pets licking their chops and calling for their supper. Goblin warchanters sing horrifically catchy and nerve-wracking goblin songs, further spurring their kin into murderous frenzy. Everywhere you look you see goblins tear through merchant stalls, menacing locals with their sharp dogslicers, throwing rocks through windows and making terrors of themselves.

A young female cleric, a blacksmith's apprentice and a carefully disguised orc stand close together at the edge of the square. They do not know one another yet, but they know that they must work together as a small band of goblins approaches them with weapons drawn. A warchanter sings a shrieking song as they approach.

(Enter into Runelords Combat Thread and read the instructions carefully. Then post your initiative and start out round 1 with a spot check for me)
This combat is completed and a synopsis posted below. The synopsis is posted for new readers to get an idea of the combat without having to read through everything.
Round 1 Synopsis:
Goblin Warriors see the group and heads towards them to engage them in combat. They wield dogslicers (sort of small jagged blades) and approach to attack. Goblin Warrior 2 is busy watching a small dog and heads over to slice it ferociously growling in his directions. The Warchanter continues to yell out a horrible goblin song. Selaro and Myra see the goblins amongst the screaming and running crowd and chaos. They notice two goblins heading in their direction with blades drawn. Selaro readies his weapon to attack. Grush also readies his weapon and looks around for the enemy seeing only one goblin but it is coming strait towards Selaro with his blade drawn

Round 2 Synopsis:
The goblins unsuccessfully mount an assault on our heroes. The first Goblin to step up doesn't even get to swing as Selaro's blade slices cleanly through his head sending it rolling down the street with a permanent smile. Myra backs up and prays to her God as a surge of divine energy radiates through her companions. As she backs away from the oncoming goblins a goblin closes in on her swinging wildly and nearly missing her clerics tunic. Grush sees Selaro decapitate the goblin charging him and decides to go after the remaining goblin warrior charging at him before the goblin even knows he is on him and thrusting his blade into him causing him to cry out in pain and tumble to the ground.

Round 3 Synopsis:
Grush cuts a goblin so deeply that he falls to the ground. The fortunate dog scared and confused runs under a merchant cart for safety. Selaro attacks the first warrior with a mighty blow that dazes him as the stands totally petrified. Selaro's next attack wounds him deeply and stops his heart cold as his lifeless body crumples over onto the ground. Myra looks around, her spell ready to aid her companions or heal the wounded around the Cathedral Square. The heroes fail to notice when another group of goblins notices their comrades fall and approaches the heroes from behind. Chaos has engulfed Sandpoint and a sudden boom of fire sounds behind the group startling them. As they turn around they see a group of goblins who has found a cart full of bonfire fuel and wield torches and oil vials in their hands.

Round 4 Synopsis:
The Goblin warrior casts a spell and moves a ball of fire into Seraro who tumbles through the flames taking minor damage and attacking the warchanter with a mighty blow. He stumbles back .. losing his concentration and the spell fizzles. He tries to retreat (as he has 0HP and can move away) but provokes an attack of opportuity (Selaro can make this attack between their round 4 and 5 posts) Grush runs over to the Pyromaniac throwing vials of oil watching as one vial burst into flames right where Selaro and Myra were. Myra screams out in pain from the oil engulfing her body. She responds by releasing her held cure and also curing Selaro as well. Grush swings barely missing the Pyro. His height advantage of Grush makes it awkward to hit him as he is partially protected by a wagon he stands inside.

Round 5 Synopsis
As the warchanter runs, Selaro finishes him off with a quick blow. Myra and Selaro work together attacking a Goblin warrior. Myra's mace smashes its arm and shattering it while Selaro stabs it in the side causing it to fall over with a scream of agony. The 5th goblin screams in their faces yelling out curses in goblinoid. Grush jumps up into the wagon cart .. barely maintaining his balance as he gets knicked with some burning oil but manages to avoid most of the damage. The pyro shrieks and takes his dogslicer plunging it at Grush as he jumps aboard the wagon.

Round 6 Synopsis:
Goblins scramble to gather a hold on the situation but our friends are too much for them. Grush swings and misses the goblin but readies himself for a better attack. Myra and Selaro attempt to take out the last goblin warrior but he hangs on by a thread. Out of nowhere a short halfling wielding a bow and having a lute strapped to his back fires an arrow at the pyro. He is unaware but the arrow narrowly misses his head firing into the wall of a building behind him. He jumps up and down and screams at the new arrival.

Round 7 Synopsis:
Grush swings at the pyro as he leaps from the cart to flee. His blade slices cleanly through one of his legs sending it flying into the air away from the goblin. The goblin doesn't even have time to scream out in pain when an arrow comes flying into his dying corpse from afar. A halfling wielding a shortbow deals an additional blow to our goblin pyro assuring the others that he will not get up again. Selaro and Myra both collaborate again to make short work of the fleeing goblin warrior who will not make it home today. Myra looks around for the hurt people to help and sees many people that could be aided .. Many seriously wounded and others are merely hurt from the goblin attack.

Round 8 Synopsis:
Grush jumps off the wagon as Selaro jumps up into it. The wagon is still halfway full of containers of oil and hay. Grush had jumped off the cart because he spotted a stream of oil pouring towards a fire nearby caused by the pyro's flailing oil bombs. Selaro jumps into the cart and notices the same thing and that he is not in the middle of a ticking' time bomb. Welbry is scouting the surrounding areas and sees a goblin dives off a roof to land on a victim but misses and breaks his neck. The goblins in this area have been greatly thinned out due to the valiant efforts of our heroes. However, screams can be easily heard off towards the White Deer Inn to the north.

Round 9 Synopsis:
More Screams to the North
The party arrives on the scene, short of breath from running, and notices a nobleman surrounded by goblins. Most of them cower back from the action until the Goblin Commando steps up with his whip and dogslicer and strikes the man's hunting dog to the ground. The goblins throw up a cheer and more goblins emerge from hiding. They are too distracted by the kill to see the approaching group of local heroes. Upon seeing his dog die, the nobleman falls to his knees and begins to weep

Round 10 Synopsis:
While Goblins cheer .. a young wizard steps up and casts a spell. The young wizard throws his hands out in the direction of the bulk of the goblins. Flames shoot forth out of his hands dousing the unsuspecting goblins in a bath of flame. The commander and one of his fiercest comrades turns to face the new threat. They still do not see the town's reinforcements approaching quickly from behind

Round 11 Synopsis:
The commander and one of his fiercest comrades turns to face the new arcane threat. The goblin commander nearly lays a mortal wound on the wizard while his warrior swings wildly at the hot air. They both step up to challenge the wizards next move. His next move is to launch a volley of two force missiles from him hands pounding the commander in the chest with strong force. Other goblins step back in fear while the warchanter takes a charge from behind and startled by it, shrinks back behind his goblin allies. One turns around to face the attackers with his dogslicer in hand. Selaro attacks the warrior in front of her slicing through him and hitting his vitals dropping him to the ground. From the rear of the battlefield, Welbry launches an arrow at the goblin commander. Unforunately he is hard to hit as he is in combat and the arrow falls to the side glancing off the Commando's thickened barkskin hide.

Round 12 Synopsis
Welbry fires a second arrow. This time his arrow flies true and strikes the Commando finding its way through his thick skin. The commando grunts, reaching back and breaking the arrow off his back. Selaro steps up easily finishing off one of the Goblin warriors challenging her. The goblin coughs up blood as he falls over on the ground in a rappidly growing puddle of red. Grush swings at a second warrior impaling him sending him flailing wildly and falling over in a dead heap.

Round 13 Synopsis
The commando, bleeding profusely takes her potion and heals her wounds. She sighs in relief only for it to be shortlived as a quarterstaff smacks her upside the head. The pain is so great that she blacks out before she hits the ground and dies. Selaro attacks once again but this time is unsuccessful. The remaining two goblins seeing the warchanter fall to the ground drop their weapons and turn tail to run. Welbry's arrow falls short again. Myra stands defensively ready to heal if needed

This concludes your first major combat.
I know you will want to search the bodies so here is the loot list. I suggest you split things evenly for fairness.

3 Potions of cure light
1 Potion of Rage
1 MW Horsechopper (Small)
1 MW Whip (Small)
MW Shortbow (Small)
18 arrows
1 MW shortsword (Small)
2 Alchemist Fire
1 Pyro Bomb
18 gp
42 sp
212 cp

XP Totals
Myra, Selaro, Grush Gain 580
Welbry, Taden Gain 230

Taden had his spell book wide open on his bed. He was in a wizard masters house who had sent him a note requiring his assistance.It was full of the spells he had learned and ones he was working on. He was preparing for a fight. His master had said before he left that he had a vision of something horrible,but,sadly had to leave by advisory to the wizard council.

"Swallowtail festival,what a stupid excuse for a celebration renewing blessings blah blah blah." Taden thought. I need not any blessings though one would be nice. "The only blessing anyone needs is that he lives out his life in virtueous pursuit,and does not die without leaving a mark on the world and those around him."

Taden locked in his room prepared the spells he would need for the coming day studying them.

Distant noises outside, the sounds of scrapeing and lots of screaming. He stepped outside and what he saw caused him to run into the house.