Cop and a Half: Episode 11 - Delving Down From The 'Top

Lem stood at the top of the winding staircase that led to the depths of the goblin fortress.  He couldn't help but be afraid, despite the fact that they had survived this far.  He glanced to his partner, but even his the bloodlust in the man's eyes did little to quell his fear.

Lem Starting Deck

Cure

Holy Light

Aid

Lightning Touch

Burglar

Toad

Aldern Foxglove

Sling

Holy Candle

Wand of Force Missile

BoG

BoDesna

BoPharasma

BoShelyn

BoSarenrae

Valeros, on the other hand, felt nothing but a burning desire.  A murderous rage could only be sated by cleansing this place.  They had killed not only goblins, but zombies and even men.  He didn't know who was behind such a gathering, and he didn't care.  It was time to end this.

Valeros Starting Deck

Sheriff Hemlock

Grizzled Mercenary

Magic Leather Armor

Chain Mail x2

Warhammer

Warhammer +1

Shock Longbow +1

Glaive

Spiked Chain

Spyglass

Masterwork Tools

BoG x2

BoIomedae

Lem crept down the stairs, listening for any sound, any hint of movement ahead.  Crude torches lit the stairs, and their flickering cast long shadows at every turn.  He reached the end of the first set of stairs.  It emptied into what appeared to be a barracks.  Fortunately, most of the goblins in this place had been slain in the upper levels.  

As he moved into the room, movement to his right told him they were not alone.  He blasted blindly with lightning in the direction of the movement, and was rewarded with a loud crash as an ogre fell into view.  That wasn't all, though.  A skeletal creature lumbered on misshapen leg bones towards him.  He blasted it with holy fire, sending bone shards skittering across the hallways of the rooms that lined the floor.

Turn 1

Lem – BoTorag

Goblin Fortress

Ogre – Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+3 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 16 = Success

Recharge Lightning Touch = Success

Discard Toad explore – Skeleton – Holy Light + Valeros = D10+3 + 2D12 +  D4+1 = 18 = Success

Recharge Holy Light = Fail

Valeros began kicking in the doors that lined the halls.  Most were empty, but he did stop to examine the rooms that weren't littered with discarded foodstuffs and goblin excrement.  He discovered a tome that might be helpful later, and placed it in his pack.  As he did so, he heard the unmistakable sound of goblin chittering.  Depositing the book, he withdrew his spiked chain and spun, lashing out in the direction of the sounds.  As he pulled the chain he felt it tighten, then give, as a goblin head tumbled into view.  Another one down.

Turn 2

Valeros – BoIomedae

Goblin Fortress

Tome of Knowledge = Intelligence + Lem Recharge = D6 + D4+1 = 7 = Success

Spyglass – Goblin Cutpurse, Scimitar

Discard Grizzled Mercenary explore – Goblin Cutpurse – Fail Wisdom Check = Bury a card at random

Cutpurse (+2 from Location) = Spiked Chain + Lem Recharge = D10+5 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 15 = Success

Lem had less luck in his own scavenging pursuits.  It seemed all he could find were shoddy goblin weapons.  

Turn 3

Lem – BoG

Scimitar – Auto-Fail strength check

As Valeros entered yet another chamber, he found himself faced with a row of crude cells constructed from iron and scrap.  Within these makeshift cells were men from the village, no doubt taken in the recent goblin attack.  

"Lem get in here, we have wounded!" Valeros moved towards the nearest prisoner, and as he did so, he felt a wire snap on his boot.  A rumbling sound accompanied the tripwire, and he threw himself to one side.

"Take cover!" He shouted to the men.  He hoped that they were conscious enough to hear him.

Huge chunks of the ceiling came down in the room, crushing a few of the cells outright.  Valeros was fortunate enough to have avoided the worst of it, but the dust and debris choked him.  He crawled towards where the old man was, and found him unhurt.  His cell had been strong enough to withstand the rocks that assailed it.  

Turn 4

Valeros  - BoG

Ilsoari Gandethus – Diplomacy + Lem recharge = D6+2 + D4+1 = 10 = Success

Discard BoG explore – Collapsed Ceiling – Dexterity + Lem recharge + Lem Aid = D8 + D4+1 + D6 = 13 = Success

Recharge Aid = Fail

Lem saw a cloud of dust explode from the room that Valeros had entered.  He covered his mouth and rushed into the prison.  

"You OK?" 

His partner nodded, as he helped an old man from his cell.  Peering through the dust, Lem saw the familiar face of a guard from Sandpoint in another cell.  He helped the man free, and then looked for more survivors.

Turn 5

Lem – BoG

Soldier – Diplomacy = D10+5 = 8 = Success

Discard Soldier explore – Potion of Ghostly Form – Intelligence = D6 = 5 = fail (due to scenario increased difficulty)

The pair did what they could for the prisoners that survived and sent them up the stairs to the exit.  The way should be clear enough from there, Valeros thought.  As he turned from the staircase, he found himself face to face with a man in ornate armor.  This was no prisoner.

"Set them free, did you?" The man cocked his head, looking at the staircase behind Valeros.

"Tsk, tsk.  Nualia ain't gonna like that.  Not one bit."  The man unsheathed his sword and assumed a combat stance. 

Valeros wasted no time with words.  He lashed out with his spiked chain, wrapping it around the man's sword.  He yanked, drawing the man off-balance.  As he did so, he spun, kicking the man directly in the face.  Blood exploded from a shattered nose, and the man fell.  

As he reached down to retrieve his chain, as well as the man's sword, he called out to his partner, "Hey Lem, the name Nualia mean anything to you?"  

Turn 6

Valeros – BoIrori

Orik Vancaskerkin – Spiked Chain + Lem Recharge = D10+5 + 2D4 + D4+1 = Auto-Success

Summon and defeat Goblin Raider to close (+2 difficulty from Location) = Spiked Chain = D10+5 + 2D4 = 15 = Success

D4 random weapons to location, acquire first one – 3 = Bastard Sword acquired

"Are you sure that's what the man said?" Lem asked, wide-eyed.  The name did, in fact, mean something to him.  Nualia was the name of the adopted daughter of the former pastor of Sandpoint.  She was thought to have died years ago in a fire that consumed the chapel in the village, as well as the pastor himself.  If she was still alive, that raised more questions than it answered.  

Confident that the floor was clear of all enemies, they moved down another flight of stairs.  As they did, the air became humid and musty.  A heavy stench filled the air, and it was all Lem could do to keep breathing.  As they went deeper, the walls shifted from crude goblin-make to a smoother, older construction.  He felt uneasy, as though he were being watched even in the narrow confines of the stairwell. 

More than that, he could feel movement all around him.  He thought he was going crazy, until a spectral hand tore at his face, leaving deep scratches.  Lem cried out in pain, and began to descend as quickly as he could to escape the narrow stairs.

Turn 7

Lem – BoG

Warrens

Holy Candle – 1

Ghost – put a random monster on top of random open location per Warrens – Throne Room – Wand of Force Missile – 4D4 + Valeros BoG = 5D4 = 11 = fail = 1 damage

Recharge Wand = Success

Cure – 5

Recharge Cure = Success

Valeros watched in confusion as his partner began running down the stairs, screaming and swatting at the air like a madman.  Had the halfling finally gone insane?  This was a poor time for it, if that was the case.  He shook his head as he watched Lem stumble and begin rolling down the stairs.  As Lem rolled out of sight in the winding stairwell, Valeros heard a woman's voice.

"Well well, what have we here?  Did Orik bring me a present?"

Turn 8

Valeros – BoSarenrae

Warrens

Charm Person – Intelligence + Lem Recharge = D6 + D4+1 = 10 = Success

"Not quite, lady." Lem wheezed, struggling to catch his breath from his unexpected descent.  He looked up to see a dark-skinned human woman in white robes.  Not Nualia, he thought, breathing a sigh of relief.  

"No?  Surely you could not have bested him in combat.  No matter, I'm sure Nualia will want to see you." She removed a wand from her robes and pointed it towards him.  "Come now, don't struggle."

Lem incanted words of power, and white flame consumed the woman.  Even as it did so, she unleashed a flame of her own from her wand.  Both the woman and the halfling writhed in agony, but in the end, Lem picked himself up from the ground, and the woman did not.  He was mildly burned, but it was not serious.  He stooped over the woman, wondering who she was.  

Turn 9 

Lem – BoGorum

Potion of Ruggedness – Auto-Fail

Discard BoG Explore – Lyrie Akenja – Put random Monster on top of random location – Thassilonian Dungeon 

Before encounter – D4-1 Fire Damage = 1 damage

Holy Light + Valeros = D10+3 + 2D6 + D4+1 = 23 = Success

Recharge Holy Light = Fail

Dexterity check to close + BoDesna =2D8 = 10 = Success

Location closed

Valeros reached his partner, and saw the smoking husk that he was standing over.  He reminded himself not to piss Lem off.  

"Was that Nualia?"  He asked the halfling.

"No, though she did say she was going to take me to her, so she must be close."  Lem was still patting embers from his clothes.  

Valeros took a moment to look around the chamber.  They were in a grand hallway.  It was obvious that this was far older than the upper levels, and strange runes were carved into the obsidian walls of this place.  

Sudden movement from behind him quickly brought him out of his reverie.  He spun with his glaive, bisecting the robed man that had attempted to sneak up behind him.  Satisfied that he was safe for the moment, he went back to inspecting the chamber.

Turn 10

Valeros – BoG

Thassilonian Dungeon

Sneak – Fail Wisdom Check – Discard Charm Person – Glaive = D10+5 = 11 = Success

Lem was also surveying the chamber.  The runes carved into the walls radiated with magical energy.  He could feel that energy flowing into him, speaking to him.  He watched as the runes reformed into words before his very eyes.  These runes told of great magical power, the likes of which he could only begin to comprehend.  He did make a note of some of the easier to understand incantations.

Turn 11

Lem – BoG

Thassilonian Dungeon

Dogslicer – Auto-Fail

Discard toad explore – Enfeeble – Arcane = D10+3 = 12 = Success

Discard BoSarenrae explore – Strength = Arcane = D10+3 = 10 = Success

This place was making Valeros uneasy.  It was time to move on, find this Nualia person and get the hell out of here.  He moved to Lem, shaking him from his trance.

"Time to move."

Turn 12

Valeros – BoShelyn

Caltrops – Dexterity = D8 = 3 = fail

"Yeah, sure.  Just one second." Lem reached out to touch one of the rune-words on the wall.  As he felt the smooth rock, the wall shuddered beneath his touch.  

"Look out!"  He cried, diving to one side.  A blade formed out of the wall like lightning, and shot out towards them.  His warning came too late for Valeros, as the obsidian blade pierced his armor like paper.

Turn 13

Lem – BoTorag

Lightning Touch = Arcane = D10+3 = 7 = Success

Discard BoPharasma Explore – Slashing Blade = Auto-Fail

Lem – D4 Damage = 1

Valeros = D4 Damage = 3

As Valeros fell backward, propelled by the blade that impaled him, he heard movement all around them.  Whatever Lem had done, it had clearly alerted the other denizens of this place.  Valeros could not worry about that now.  Falling off the blade and to the ground, he checked to ensure that limbs were intact and his guts were still where the belonged.  They were, barely.  Thank the gods for small miracles.  

A small goblin, clearly sensing it's advantage, dove upon Valeros.  The tiny monster had underestimated the man, and it was a fatal mistake.  Valeros lifted the creature with one hand, choking the life out of it.  The pain the blade had caused only served to piss Valeros off.  

Turn 14

Valeros – BoPharasma

Goblin Commando – 1 damage – Melee + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D4+1 = 18 = Success

Lem needed to figure out how this ancient trap worked before it got any worse.  scrambling across the chamber, he dodged blades as they shot from the walls around him.  Frantically, he examined the runes as he passed.  They were of no help to him.  Finally, he reached the opposite end of the chamber, and found a great lever.  Well, it couldn't get much worse, he thought as he pulled the lever down with all of his might.  As suddenly as it had started, the blades stopped.  Lem took a moment to breathe a sigh of relief before attending to his friend.

Turn 15 

Lem – BoLamashtu

Slashing Blade – Dexterity + Valeros BoIomedae = 2D8 = 14 = Success

Valeros was assailed by more creatures.  They seemed to be appearing out of nowhere.  He killed a giant lizard with a great swing of his warhammer, noting that his partner had stopped the blade trap.  Looking down, he saw the red stain of his wounded belly.  He'd live.

Turn 16 

Valeros – BoG

Giant Gecko – Warhammer +1 + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D8 + D4+1 = 19 = Success

Lem caught up with his partner, blasting a nearby goblin with lightning as he did so.

"You OK?  You're bleeding pretty badly." He appraised his wounded partner.  It was a nasty gut wound.

"I ain't got time to bleed." Valeros spat as he moved to the end of the great hall.

Turn 17

Lem – BoG

Goblin Raider – Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+3 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 22 = Success

Draw card for playing an Arcane spell

Recharge Lightning Touch = Fail

Arcane check to close = D10+3 = 7 = Closed

Lem followed, and they entered a large, elaborate throne room.  A woman sat upon the throne, regarding the pair with disgust.  She had snow white hair and a ruddy complexion.  She would have been beautiful if she were not marred with scars and self-inflicted mutilations.

"You dare to enter my chamber?  You shall pay for meddling with the chosen of Lamashtu!"  The woman shouted.

With that, yet another goblin leapt towards them.  Valeros batted him aside easily with his hammer.

Valeros shifted his hammer in his hands and smiled at the woman.  "Let's dance." 

Turn 18 

Valeros – BoGorum

Throne Room

Goblin Cutpurse – Wisdom + Lem Aid = D4 + D6 = 8 = Success

Warhammer +1 = D10+5 + D8+1 = Auto-Success

Recharge Aid = Success

Lem channeled some of the energy he had absorbed from this place, draining the strength from the woman standing before them.

Turn 19 

Lem – BoLamashtu

Throne Room

Potion of Ruggedness = Auto-Fail

Discard Soldier Explore – Nualia – Enfeeble to evade, leaving her on top

Recharge Enfeeble = Success

Nualia looked shaken as she stood from her throne.  "None challenge me and survive!" She heaved a greatsword with one hand, displaying impossible strength for a woman her size.  With the other hand, she blasted the pair with an arcane force.

Valeros fought against the blast, struggling towards the woman.  She blocked the first swing of his hammer, but his blow had knocked her sword-arm aside.  He swung again, shattering bones in the hand that even now channeled arcane energy.

Turn 20

Valeros – BoIrori

Lem Cures Valeros = 3

Recharge Cure = Success

Nualia – 1D4 Force Damage to each character:

Lem – 3

Valeros – 1

Lem casts Strength on Valeros

Valeros – Warhammer +1 + Strength = D10+5 + D8+1 + 3 = 11 = Fail = 1 damage

Second Check – Warhammer +1 +Strength + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D8+1 + D4+1 + 3 = 23 = Success

Recharge Strength = Success

Nualia gets shuffled back into the deck

Nualia shrieked in pain, and kicked Valeros backward.  She spun, and fled deeper into the chambers of this place.  As the pair chased her, a misshapen dog guarded the path.  Lem felt pity for the creature, but all he could do was put it out of it's misery with his wand, blasting it aside.

Turn 21

Lem – BoSarenrae

Cure – 4

Recharge Cure = Success

Goblin Dog – Wand of Force Missile = 4D4 = 12 = Success

Recharge Wand = Fail

Valeros charged past the deformed animal, bursting into what must have been Nualia's private chambers.  He smiled as he saw the fear in her eyes.

Turn 22

Valeros – BoGorum

Force Missile – Intelligence + Lem recharge = D6 + D4+1 = 8 = Success

Use Charm Person – Night Watch

Discard Night Watch explore – Wooden shield – Constitution  + Lem Recharge = D8 + D6 = 8 = Success

Discard Sheriff Hemlock explore – Dart = Dexterity = D8 = 3 = Fail

From behind Valeros, Lem once again used the arcane energies of this place to his advantage, continuing to drain the strength from her.  She may be a servant of Lamashtu, but this place was older than that.  Though it was clear that Nualia had perverted the ancient powers of this place, the energies here served no particular deity.

Turn 23

Lem – BoG

Nualia – Enfeeble again

Recharge enfeeble – Success

Valeros had her now.  She blasted at them with arcane force again, paying no mind to the shattered bones of her hand.  Valeros could not be stopped, however.  He rained blow after blow from his hammer upon the woman and with the crunch of metal meeting bone, the threat was ended.

Turn 24

Valeros – BoShelyn

Nualia – 1D4 Force Damage:

Lem – 4

Valeros – 1

Combat – Warhammer +1 + Lem Aid = D10+5 + D8+1 + D6 = 17 = Success

Second Combat (w/ +2 difficulty from Blessing use per Nualia) – Reveal and recharge Warhammer +1 + Lem recharge + BoG = D10+5 + D8+1 +D6 + D4+1 + D10 = 27 = Success  

Recharge Aid - Success

The pair climbed the stairs back to the top of the fortress and exited the foul stronghold.  Before them, the nettles still burned, leaving charred piles of ash in their wake.  They worked their way back through the forest, wordlessly.  Valeros had waved away any attempt from Lem to heal his wound, and Lem knew the man well enough to leave him be. 

They reported the events of the day to disbelief of Sheriff Hemlock.  The pair had not only ended the goblin threat, but also that of Nualia, who was undoubtedly the cause of the recent disturbances in Sandpoint.  Hemlock sent local priests and researchers, as well as platoon of guards, to the depths below Thistletop.  They would clear out any remaining evil, goblin or otherwise.

Weeks later, the Sheriff summoned them into his office.

"Gentlemen, I have good news." Hemlock stated from behind his desk.

"You're giving me the forest?" Valeros was hopeful that the mayor was going to grant his request.

"What? No.  No, we're not giving you the forest.  You can't just be 'granted' a whole forest." Hemlock sighed as he thrust papers towards the pair.  "I have even better news, you're getting transferred to Magnimar!"  

"What?!" the pair exclaimed in unison.  This was Lem's home, and he didn't want to leave.  Hell, he was only a cop for the free drinks at the tavern as it was.  As for Valeros, he just saw his retirement opportunity go up in flames before his very eyes.

"Yeah, apparently the mayor out there has a recent string of murders that they need solved.  They heard about the fine work you boys have done here, and put in the transfer request.  "Looks like you boys are attracting attention!"

Scenario Reward – Sihedron Medallion

Adventure Reward - Card Feat

Lem – Spell

Valeros – Item

Post-Game Analysis

This scenario started off really well.  It did feel weird to auto-succeed against the henchmen this early on, I must admit.  Once the pair hit that Slashing Blade (the same trap that killed poor Kyra in my 6 character game), I was scared.  So much damage.  I was fortunate enough to make the check the second time around.  If I hadn't, that might have been the end of our story.  Nualia herself was easy enough, though I couldn't believe I failed that first combat check by 1.  That's just the worst.

As for boons: a ton of spells, and a few useless allies.  Nothing too fancy there.  This concludes the first adventure deck.  Adventure deck 2 is all shuffled in and ready for action, so get ready for Cop and a Half: Magnimar!

Cop and a Half: Episode 10 - Carving Their Way To The 'Top

"...And over here, we could put another Churro stand!" Valeros gestured to an unremarkable spot in the woods.

"Look, Val, I'm just not sure that I get it."  Lem couldn't even vocalize how bad an idea this was.

Lem Starting Deck

Toad

Burglar

Aldern Foxglove

Holy Light

Aid

Cure

Lightning Touch

Sling

Wand of Force Missile

Holy Candle

BoDesna

BoSarenrae

BoG

BoShelyn

BoPharasma

"What's there to get?  Everyone loves Churros."  Valeros scowled at his partner.  "I'm trying to come up with a name for it, but Murderworld is already taken.  Any ideas?"

Valeros Starting Deck

Spyglass

Masterwork Tools

Chain Mail x2

Magic Leather Armor

Warhammer

Shock Longbow +1

Glaive

Longbow

Spiked Chain

Sheriff Hemlock

Grizzled Mercenary

BoG x2

BoIomedae

"Murderwha?  OK, well I don't even know where to start with that one.  Look, I'm glad you're thinking about the future and all, but I just don't know how..." Lem trailed off as he spotted movement in his periphery.  Valeros sensed it as well, and both froze in their tracks.  Lem's hand crept towards his newly "acquired" wand.  The thing in the shadows sprang towards him, but it was too late.  Lem's wand blasted the creature, a massive panther, sending it flying into a tree.  It lay there, limp and motionless.

Turn 1

Lem – BoG

Woods

Tangletooth :

Lem – Wand of Force Missile + Valeros – 5D4+1 = 13 = Success

Valeros – Reveal and recharge Warhammer + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D8 + D6 + D4+1 = 13 = Success

Lem Wisdom check to close + BoG = 2D6 = 5 = Fail

Lem recharge Wand = 11 = Success

Valeros regarded the creature, raised his eyebrows and nodded, "Nice."  Yes, these woods were perfect.  

"Look, I'm just saying I would appreciate your help with this business venture.  You're good with money, right?"  He moved closer to where the panther had emerged.  Was that a door hidden in the brush?  Only one way to find out.  He kicked the obscured seam, and was rewarded with a satisfying crunch.  It was a passage!  What he didn't expect, was a boar to come flying from the blackness beyond.  He fell back in surprise.

Turn 2

Valeros – BoGorum

Locked Passage – Melee + Lem recharge + Lem Aid = D10+5 + D4+1 + D6 = 19 = Success

Examine next card – Tickwood Boar

Lem recharge Aid = Success

"Good with money?  Why, because I'm a halfling?  Man, that is so racist!"  Lem took aim with his sling and brought the creature down before it could do too much damage.  He helped his partner up and took stock of the portal his friend had found.

Turn 3

Lem – BoIomedae

Tickwood Boar – Wisdom check failed – Reveal and discard sling + Valeros + BoPharasma = D8 + D6 + D4 + D4+1 = 21 = Success

Moving carefully into the darkness, Valeros was rewarded with the resounding clunk of something solid hitting his boot.  He leaned down to inspect it.  A chest!  It popped open with ease one he put his lockpicking tools to the task.  A gleaming warhammer greeted him.  Magic?  Possibly.  He tossed his pedestrian warhammer in favor of this new weapon.  

Turn 4

Valeros – BoCalistria

Large Chest – Recharge Masterwork tools – 1 random weapon from the box = Warhammer +1

Lem had to admit, that warhammer did look pretty sweet.  He was about to comment on it, but found himself unable to speak as spectral hands clasped over his mouth and dragged him deep into the shadows.  He struggled, but it was hopeless as he was dragged deeper and deeper into inky blackness.

Once he was able to regain control of his body, he tried to take stock of his surroundings.  It was hopeless.  The dark that surrounded him was impenetrable. As he stumbled around, reaching for a handhold to get his bearings, he was unable to hear the sound of metal escaping it's sheath.  Pain lanced through his body as a blade plunged itself deep in his back.  As he cried out in pain, he heard rasping laughter echo in the dark.

Turn 5

Lem – BoG

Spectre – Divine = D10+3 = 10 = Success but no magic trait so undefeated and Lem moves to a random location

Location moved to: Treacherous Cave

Discard BoShelyn explore – Longsword = Strength = D4 = fail

Discard BoSarenrae explore – Goblin Raider (forgot to add D4 for scenario) = Strength = D4 = 1 = fail = ton of damage

Bury sling

Valeros hadn't seen the spectre take his partner, but he knew Lem was in trouble.  The scream of pain had echoed out to reach him.  He drew a torch and plunged into the cave.  A small creature lunged at him as he ran through the small tunnels.  He didn't even slow as he used his martial training to kick the thing into a wall.  A goblin!  He should have known.  He made a mental note to exterminate them all at his earliest convenience as he moved deeper.

Turn 6

Valeros – BoG

Treacherous Cave

Wand of Force Missile – Fail Int check

Discard Sheriff Hemlock Explore – Goblin Warchanter (D4 difficulty increase from scenario – 3) – Fail Wisdom check - Melee + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D4+1 = 13 = Success

Lem tried to catch his breath as he slumped against a wall.  He heard a gurgling in his lungs.  It wouldn't be long now, he thought.  He was getting colder. 

NO!  Not like this!  He closed his eyes and focused, shutting out the world and concentrating on his body only.  Unconsciously, he murmured a prayer to the gods and incanted healing rites.  He could see the tear in his lungs closing in his mind's eye.  Taking a deep unimpeded breath, he offered a silent thanks to the celestial powers and regained his footing.

Turn 7

Lem – BoSarenrae

Exchange Aid for Cure

Cure – 5

Cure recharge – Success

Crown of Charisma – Diplomacy – D10+5 = auto-success

Discard Toad explore – Monster in the closet – Fail Wis check

Valeros wasn't going to abandon his friend in this place.  An entire army of goblins wouldn't slow him.  The air was getting heavy down here as he crouched through another small opening in the rock.  The descent was steep, but he paid it no mind.

Turn 8

Valeros – BoG

Monster in the closet – Fail Wis check

Lem extended his focus to his surroundings, trying to form a mental image of the space he found himself in.  It was a shame he didn't have a torch with him.  As he reached outward with his senses, he felt movement near him.  The creature that stabbed him was close.  Probably waiting for him to die.  Not today.  Lem reached outward, and summoned holy light from his fingertips.  His aim was true as the creature, a foul goblin, caught the light full on.  It's tiny form was ablaze with a white flame as Valeros burst into the room.

Once they had ensured that nothing else lurked in the dark, they worked their way back through the small tunnels.  Emerging back into the woods, they sealed the tunnels with rock.

Turn 9 

Lem – BoIrori

Goblin Raider (D4 difficulty increase – 3) – Holy Light  + Valeros = D10+3 + 2D6 + D4+1 = 16 = Success

Recharge Holy Light - Fail

Wisdom check to close +BoShelyn = 3D6 = 7 = Success

Valeros wasted no time.  He had spent enough time in these woods to pick up goblin tracks easily enough.  Those little bastards were going to pay for interfering with his retirement plan.  These woods were his.  It didn't take long for him to catch one of the foul creatures slinking around in the brush.  He snapped it's neck without pause.

Turn 10

Valeros – BoG

Woods

Goblin Warchanter – fail wisdom check (D4 to increase difficulty – 3) Melee + Lem BoSarenrae = 2D10+5 = 16 = Success

Lem recognized the murderous glint in his partner's eyes.  He was touched that Valeros cared enough about him to be so incensed with these goblins.  It was sweet, in a homocidal way.  He struggled to keep up with the his psychopathic partner, stopping only to check the pockets of the goblin corpses left in his wake.

Turn 11

Lem – BoLamashtu

Woods

Potion of Healing – Int = D6 = 1 = Fail

Valeros found more evidence of goblin passage as he moved deep into the woods.  He was farther from Sandpoint now than ever before.  He stooped to examine a roughly-hewn shortbow.  Goblin-make, most definitely.

Turn 12

Valeros – BoG

Shortbow – Dex + Lem recharge = D8 + D4+1 = 8 = Success

Lem nearly stumbled over a half-buried crowbar as he finally caught up with his companion.  He took a moment to take stock of his surroundings.  The trees here were thinning, and those that remained looked dead and twisted.

Turn 13

Lem – BoG

Holy Candle – 5

Crowbar – Str = D4 = 4 = Success

Valeros retrieved his spiked chain from the pack on his back.  His primary targets were the goblins, but he knew better than to be unprepared here in the wild.  Only moments after, he saw a shambling figure move between the gnarled trees that littered this place.  He struck out with his chain.

"Get over here!" he growled.

An undead humanoid was wrenched from the twisted undergrowth.  Disgusted, Valeros grabbed the rotted skull with his bare hands, and tore it free from the trunk.

"...Fatality" Lem whispered in awe.

Turn 14 

Valeros – BoTorag

Zombie – Spiked Chain + Lem recharge = D10+5 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 22 = Success

A familiar feeling of dread surrounded Lem as a spectral hand reached out towards him.  Not this time.  Lem braced himself and unleashed a blast of electrical magic at the incorporeal mass.  It dissipated in a howl of otherworldly pain.

Turn 15

Lem – BoG

Spectre – Lightning Touch +  Valeros = D10+3 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 18 = Success

Recharge Lightning Touch - Success

Wisdom check to close + Aid = 2D6 = 10 = Success

Recharge Aid - Fail

Ahead of them, Valeros saw a twisted maze of barbs and nettles where even the gnarled trees dare not grow.  This; this was the goblins lair.  He had no doubts.  He glanced to his partner and nodded.  They knew what they needed to do.

He switched weapons to his shiny new warhammer.  It was time to go to work.  As he rounded the first corner of the nettlemaze, a goblin leapt towards him, daggers in each hand.  Valeros adjusted his stance and swung his hammer as hard as he could.  There was a sickening pop as the creature's head flew off in midair, sailing over the barbs and into the distance.  He could hear more movement deeper in the maze.  This was far from over.  Good.

Turn 16

Valeros – BoG

Nettlemaze

Goblin Cutpurse – (D4 to increase difficulty – 4) Fail wisdom check = Bury a card

Reveal and recharge Warhammer +1 = D10+5 + D8+1 + D6 = 16 = Success

Spyglass – Goblin Pyro, Zombie Giant

Lem took a support position behind Valeros and leveled his wand at the next creature to round the corner.  It was a goblin carrying bottles of flaming oil.  Even as the diminutive monster was knocked away from the duo, the oil landed near enough Lem to burn him.  Worse yet, the dry nettles were beginning to burn behind them.  There was no going back.

Turn 17

Lem – BoErastil

Nettlemaze

Cure – 4

Recharge Cure – Success

Goblin Pyro (D4 to increase difficulty – 3) – Wand of Force Missile + Valeros = 4D4 + D4+1 = 14 = Success

1 damage from Pyro after encounter

Recharge Wand – Success

Valeros barely noticed the raging flames behind him as he put his hammer away.  The thundering sound from deeper in the maze told him that his next foe was no goblin.  He readied his longbow and took aim.  As the lunbering monstrosity came into sight, he launched an arrow directly at it's misshapen head.  A sploching sound told him that his aim was true.  The thing, a zombie giant, stumbled for a moment before collapsing into a wall of thorns, revealing a path deeper into the maze.

Turn 18

Valeros – BoLamashtu

Zombie Giant – Reveal Longbow + BoG + Lem Recharge = D8 + D10 + D8 + D4+1 = 23 = Success

Lem stopped for only a moment to check the corpse.  It was rotted and the smell alone nearly made him pass out.  Once he concluded that there was nothing worth taking, he crept deeper into the maze, lit only by the raging flames behind them.

Turn 19

Lem – BoIrori

Mace – Strength = D4 = 2 = fail

Valeros noted an inscription, some kind of symbol, carved into the zombie.  Strange, he thought, but understanding such things and their meaning was beyond him.  He slung his bow over his shoulder and unsheathed his glaive.  Time to go to work.

Turn 20

Valeros – BoG

Mystic Inscription – Int + Lem recharge + BoIomedae = D6 + D4+1 + D6 = 5 = Fail

Choose not to Banish it

Another goblin leapt from the the maze towards Lem.  He did not find the halfling unprepared, however, as the goblin was blasted back by a blast of holy energy.

Turn 21

Lem – BoErastil

Goblin Cutpurse – Wisdom check – fail = Bury random card

(D4 to increase difficulty – 1) Holy Light +Valeros = D10+3 + 2D6 + D4+1 = 27 = Success

Recharge Holy Light – Success

They were nearing the end of this path of barbs, Valeros could feel it.  As he rounded another corner, his suspicions were confirmed.  A man in black robes was incanting a foul litany as a hulking hobgoblin guarded him.  They stood in front of a crude structure, most likely the goblin stronghold.  The Hobgoblin regarded him with what may have been respect.  

"Finally, a worthy foe." It growled.  It's hairy muzzle struggling to form words in the common tongue.  It hefted a massive flail and charged at Valeros.  

Valeros was able to ready his glaive in time to block the first swing, but the shock of impact shook him to the bone.  This thing was much stronger than he was, physically.  He had to end this quickly before he was overpowered.  

He ducked the next swing from the monster, spinning as he did so.  The shaft of his glaive struck the creature at the back of the knee.  It stumbled forward, the momentum of it's swing carrying it off-balance.  Valeros reversed his spin and planted the butt of his glaive in the dirt, blade pointed upward.  Bracing himself, the burly monster fell upon his glaive.  The force of impact nearly bowled Valeros over, but he was relieved to see the blade expose itself from the hobgoblin's back.  

He lifted his gaze to the black-robed man, who still stood in the doorway, chanting.  He appeared oblivious to the carnage around him.  Valeros stopped the chanting with a swing of his glaive, and entered the fortress.

Turn 22

Valeros – BoG

Cultist – Glaive + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D4+1 = 16 = Success

Discard BoG Explore – Bruthazmus:

First encounter – (D4 to increase difficulty – 4) Glaive + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D4+1 = 16 = Success

Second Encounter – (D4 to increase difficulty – 2) Glaive + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D4+1 = 16 = Success

Summon and defeat a random monster to close

Attic Whisperer  Lem passes wis check, Valeros also passes (4!) – Glaive + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D4+1 = 20 = Success

Valeros shuffles Spyglass back into his deck from location close ability

Lem stooped to check the bodies of the fallen, but found nothing of use.  He wondered who this man was, and what he was doing here, at a goblin stronghold.

Turn 23

Lem – BoG

Goblin Fortress

Potion of Healing – Int = 1 = Fail

Entering the fortress, Valeros sensed danger all around him.  readying his glaive, he was greeted by an ogre.  Valeros wasted no time.  He charged the massive humanoid with his glaive, and buried it deep in it's gullet before it had a chance to react.  

Turn 24

Valeros – BoCalistria

Goblin Fortress

Ogre – Glaive + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D4+1 = 18 = Success

Nothing worth looting on the ogre either!  Lem knew he should probably be more concerned than he was, but he couldn't help but be disappointed with the haul on this outing.  He should have expected as much from goblins and their allies.  He sighed and hoped there was some treasure in here worth taking.

Turn 25

Lem – BoG

Burglar – Diplomacy + Aid = D10+5 + D6 = 14 = Success

Recharge Aid – Fail

Cure – 5 

Recharge Cure – Fail

A chorus of diminutive battle cries echoed off the fortress walls as a horde of goblins emerged from every crack and crevice.  Valeros dropped his glaive and launched arrow after arrow from his bow at the mass of chittering creatures.  Lem likewise levelled his wand and sent waves of the creatures crashing into the stone walls.  

Turn 26 

Valeros – BoG

Goblin Raid:

Valeros - Goblin Raider (D4 to increase difficulty – 1, also +2 difficulty from location) – reveal Longbow + Lem recharge = D10 + D8 + D4+1 = 19 = Success

Lem Goblin Raider (D4 to increase difficulty – 1, also +2 difficulty from location) – Wand of Force Missile + Valeros = 4D4 + D4+1 = 16 = Success

Recharge Wand – Success

Stepping on and over the bodies of fallen goblins, Lem began exploring the small pockets in the rock that served as rooms for these creatures. A deadly-looking cutlass slashed out of a doorway at him.  As he stumbled backward, he found himself facing a man. He was probably a mercenary hired by the goblin's leader for some nefarious purpose.  Lem dispatched him easily with a bolt of lightning sent down the conductive cutlass he wielded.

Turn 27

Lem – BoLamashtu

Mercenary – Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+3 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 19 = Success

Recharge Lightning Touch – Success

Among the carnage and corpses of goblins, Valeros spied an amulet.  He pocketed it for further study later.  

Turn 28

Valeros – BoG

Amulet of Mighty Fists – Intelligence + Lem recharge = D6 + D4+1 = 7 = Success

Unfortunately, there was nothing in the remaining rooms of value to Lem, and he moved back to the main passage to regroup with his partner.

Turn 29

Lem – BoCalistria

Dogslicer+1 = Strength – Fail

Valeros was moving deeper into the complex.  Disgusting trophies the goblins had procured hung from the walls in a sickening mockery of human nobility.  Body parts, gnawed skulls, and worse littered the hall that opened up before Valeros.  A bugbear looked up from the meal he was taking in, and stood to face him.  It was no contest, as the bugbear joined the rest of the dead flesh in this place.

Turn 30 

Valeros – BoLamashtu

Bugbear (D4 to increase difficulty – 2, also +2 difficulty from location) – Glaive + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D4+1 = 26 = Success

At the far end of the hall, a goblin, hunched and cloaked in robes, regarded the pair.  He cackled with glee as he unleashed flame at the intruders.  Lem and Valeros dove to each side to avoid the blast.  

"All is proceeding as I have foreseen!" the thing's voice creaked and cracked as it spoke.  "Soon, Sandpoint will be crushed, and she will bring us great treasures!"

This creature was clearly mad, but Lem couldn't help but wonder who it was referring to.  He wasted no time unleashing a holy light upon it, however, setting a diving fire in it's flesh.  Valeros took the opportunity to get close and cleave it in two with his glaive.  

Turn 31

Lem – BoGorum 

Acolyte – Diplomacy – D10+5 = Auto-success

Discard BoG Explore – Gogmurt

1D4-1 Fire damage – 3 damage 

(D4 to increase difficulty – 4, also +2 difficulty from location) – Holy Light + Valeros + BoPharasma = D10+3 + 2D6 + D4+1 + 2D10 = 30 = Success

Valeros takes the second check - (D4 to increase difficulty – 3, also +2 difficulty from location) – Glaive = D10+5 + D10 = 24 = Success

Behind the goblin was a steep staircase that descended into the heart of this place.  Lem glanced at the human by his side.  No, this wasn't over yet.

Scenario reward - Random weapon from Box

Lem – Throwing Axe

Valeros - Shortbow

Post-Game Analysis

Having skipped over scenario 3 (due to accidentally having completed it first), I think I was unprepared for how difficult this would be.  The first few turns saw me make some seriously reckless decisions, which almost got Lem killed when that Goblin Raider shanked him.  Fortunately, I've had enough critical situations with him at this point that I was able to cure him back to health quickly enough.  

It was pretty nice to be able to start reliably making those recharge rolls as well, which helped quite a bit.  The Wisdom/Survival checks to close the Woods and the Cave were serious pains in my ass, however.  Once again, I owed my ability to succeed on this scenario to the Holy Candle, since I went over 30 turns.  

Making that final combat check was pure luck on my part, and thankfully Valeros was there to back Lem up on that second check.  Not too many good boons were gained this time around, but Valeros did manage to get another magic weapon, which is always a plus.  Next time, we face off against the final scenario of this Adventure Deck, and a conclusion to this chapter of our story.  See you then!

Cop and a Half: Episode 9 - Loco Heroes

Things had been quiet for the past few days in Sandpoint.  Lem and Valeros had kept themselves busy by rooting out the last of the goblins that plagued the village, but that was hardly work.  Lem decided that now might be a good time to take a vacation.

Lem Starting Deck
Sling
Amulet of Life
Holy Candle
Aid
Lightning Touch
Cure
Holy Light
Aldern Foxglove
Burglar
Sage
BoShelyn
BoPharasma
BoSarenrae
BoDesna
BoG

Valeros also liked the idea of taking some paid leave.  He suggested that he and Lem go hunting.  Lem sighed; of course his partner would want to kill something on their vacation.  Nevertheless, he agreed to head out into the woods with him.

Valeros Starting Deck
Spyglass
Masterwork Tools
Sheriff Hemlock
Grizzled Mercenary
Chain Mail x2
Magic Leather Armor
Glaive
Shock Longbow +1
Spiked Chain
Longbow
Warhammer
BoG x2
BoIomedae

Immediately upon setting foot in the woods, Lem knew that he wasn't going to get out without killing something.  It was just a rule when you traveled with Valeros.  Sure enough, they weren't five minutes in to their trek through the woods before he nearly tripped over a hideous goblin snake.  He torched it with some lightning, and looked to Valeros for approval, but his partner didn't even notice.  He was clearly on the lookout for larger prey.

Turn 1
Lem – BoG
Goblin Snake – Fail Con check - Lightning Touch + Valeros – D10+2 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 17 = Success
Lightning Touch Recharge – 8 = Success
Discard BoG explore – Crow – Wisdom – D6 – 2 = Fail

As keen as his senses were, Valeros didn't notice the small goblin until it had already snatched something from his pack.  reflexively, he hurled his glaive like a spear, pinning the pitiful creature to a tree.  Valeros retrieved his weapon, and continued deeper into the dense woods.

Turn 2
Valeros – BoG
Goblin Cutpurse – Wisdom + Lem recharge = D4 + D4+1 = 3 = Fail = Bury a card
Glaive = D10+4 + D10 = 20 = Success

Well, if Valeros wasn't going to force him to carry onward, Lem didn't mind at all.  He stopped, looked around to ensure that his partner wasn't waiting for him, and settled down against one of the large trees that surrounded him.  His halfling senses told him it was nap time.  Unfortunately, his dreams were plagued with goblins and darkness.

Turn 3
Lem – BoSarenrae
Monster in the closet – Wisdom + BoDesna = 2D6 = 6 = Fail = undefeated

Valeros smiled, hacking his way through a wandering zombie.  In Magnimar, there just weren't untamed wilds like this.  If he ever returned to the city, maybe he would petition for some kind of protected wild area.  He loved nature.  Well, he loved killing.  He shrugged to himself.  Same thing.

Turn 4
Valeros – BoG
Plague Zombie – Glaive – D10+5 + D10 = 23 = success

Lem's fitful sleep continued, as he struggled against the monsters that plagued his nightmares.

Turn 5
Lem – BoTorag
Mionster in the closet – Wisdom + BoPharasma = 2D6 = 7 = Fail

Actually, maybe he wouldn't return to Magnimar at all.  Maybe he could convince the mayor of Sandpoint to grant him some of this land.  His own private monster hunting ground.  The thought of it filled him with happiness.  So much so that he was barely conscious of the fact that he had just hacked down a werewolf.

Turn 6
Valeros – BoG
Werewolf – Glaive + Lem recharge = D10+5 + D10 + D4+1 = 21 = Success

Lem, still deep in slumber, had found a weapon to defend himself with.  It was a short sword, but at least it was something to combat the horrors in his dreams.

Turn 7 
Lem – BoGorum
Holy Candle – 2
Short Sword – Strength – D4 = 4= Success

Maybe once he got too old to kill monsters himself, he could sell tickets to visit his murder-forest.  Like a macabre amusement park!  This plan was sheer genius.  Surely there were folk from around the region that would clamor to enjoy an afternoon of slaying.  Speaking of slaying, he had uncovered a nest of foul skeletons.  They didn't last long enough to distract him from his potential retirement plan.

Turn 8 
Valeros – BoG
Skeleton Horde – 
Valeros – Glaive = D10+5 + D10 = 10 = Success
Lem – Holy Light – D10+3 + 2D12 = 16 = Success
Recharge Holy Light – 10 = Success
Cure – 3
Recharge Cure – 12 = Success

Lem was nearing the source of the evil in his dreams, he could feel it.  He shuddered involuntarily as he crept forward into the darkness.

Turn 9 
Lem – BoIrori
Masterwork Tools – Dex = D8 = 4 = Fail
BoSarenrae explore – Monster in the closet – Wisdom + Aid = 6 = Fail
Recharge Aid – 11 = Success

Bloodlust sated, Valeros worked his way back to his partner.  Lem was, of course, sleeping.  His partner was good in a fight, and a better than average drinker, but he didn't quite share the same enthusiasm that Valeros had.  He nudged the halfling with his foot and at the same time impaled a goblin that was attempting to sneak up on him.  Fool me once, he thought.
"C'mon, let's get out of here." he grumbled.  Helping Lem to his feet.  "Want to go fishing?"

Turn 10
Valeros – BoG
Monster In the Closet – Recharge masterwork tools
Goblin Raider – Glaive – D10+5 + D10 = 12 = Success
Wisdom check to close location + Lem Recharge + BoDesna = D4 + D4+1 + D4 = 9 = Success

Approaching the waterfront of the village, Lem spotted another foul lizard like the one that had trampled him a few days before.  He hated those things, and felt no remorse as he buried a bullet from his sling into the things cranium.

Turn 11
Lem – BoG
Waterfront
Giant Gecko – Sling = D8 + D6 = 10 = Success

"Nice shot." Yeah, that halfling was all right.  Turning his attention to the pier, he saw a few of his fellow guards talking to a woman.  They were blocking access to his fishing spot.  Valeros frowned.
"What's the problem here?" he addressed the group of guards.
"This woman was robbed by a bandit, sir.  We're getting the details we need to start our investigation.  With any luck, we should have some suspects within a few days."
Valeros shook his head as his eyes scanned the surrounding villagers that were milling about the area.  He hefted his glaive and threw it at a group a short distance away, his weapon burying itself in one of the men.  The rest of the crowd dispersed immediately.  Valeros walked over to the fresh corpse and retrieved his weapon, and the body.  He dragged it back to the woman.
"Ma'am, this was the man who robbed you."  It was a statement of fact.
Wide-eyed, she nodded.
"I'll take her back to the station to get a statement.  Carry on, gentlemen."  These small-town cops were hardly better than the newest recruit at times.

Turn 12
Valeros – BoIrori
Waterfront
Spyglass – Guide, Collapsed Ceiling
Guide – Diplomacy + Lem Recharge = D6+2 + D4+1 = 12 = Success
Summon and defeat Bandit Henchman to close – Glaive = D10+5 + D10 = 11 = Success
Location closed – Both characters discard a card

Lem let his partner handle the paperwork, telling him that they could meet up at the general store.  Lem had had enough of the outdoors for one day.  It was time to do something he enjoyed: shopping.  Fortunately, the shopkeeper was actually manning his store today, and recognized Lem immediately.  He offered him a large discount on weapons and armor.  Lem didn't think he would actually use any of them, but a good deal was hard to pass up.

Turn 13
Lem – BoG
General Store
Guard – Diplomacy = D10+5 = 7 = Success
Free Explore from Store ability – Quarterstaff – Str = D4 = 4 = Success
Discard Guide explore – Shortbow – Dex = D8 = 8 = Success
Discard Sage explore – Bugbear – Discard Sling – D8 + D6 + D4 = 12 = Success
Free explore – Giant Hermit Crab – Holy Light – D10+3 + 2D6 = 16 = Success
Second roll for crab – 13 = Success
Recharge Holy Light – 9 = Success
Free explore – Chain Mail – Con – D6 = 4 = Success

It wasn't long before Valeros entered the store as well.  He was largely unimpressed by the goods that were being sold, but he did find a nice-looking spyglass.  Satisfied with their purchases, the pair moved on to their next stop: the local magic academy.  Lem had some books to return.  Normally, Valeros would laugh at someone choosing to spend their time looking at a book, but Lem had shown him the value a good book could have.  Namely, lightning and holy words of destruction.

Turn 14
Valeros – BoG
General Store
Grizzled Mercenary – Diplomacy + BoG = 2D6+2 = 10 = Success
Banish Chain Mail to close
D6 items to store – 1 – Acquired Spyglass

As Lem entered the large academy on the outskirts of the village, he noticed a small wand leaning up against the wall inside.  Well, someone had clearly dropped this on accident, and it was his duty as a public official to confiscate it.  You know, to keep it out of the hands of criminals.

Turn 15
Lem – BoG
Academy
Wand of Force Missile – Arcane – D10+3 = 10 = Success
Free explore – Battered Chest – Dex + Recharge Burglar = 4 = Fail

Valeros quickly lost interest in the endless rows of books in this place.  He began wandering around, opening doors and hoping for something to break the monotony of magic and boredom.  He was rewarded for his efforts as he opened a door to see a demonic-looking dog.  It immediately flew off the ground, charging straight at him in mid-air.

Turn 16
Valeros – BoG
Academy
Yeth Hound – Fail wisdom check – Glaive + Grizzled Merc Bury = D10+5 + D10 + D8 = 19 = Success
Free Explore – Augury – Int = 5 = Fail

Lem looked up to see Valeros coming towards him, smiling and wiping some blood off of his trusty glaive.  Wait, BLOOD?!  Lem couldn't take this guy anywhere.
"Let's get out of here.  Drinks at the Rusty Dragon?"
"You read my mind."

Turn 17
Lem – BoLamashtu
Speed – Divine – D10+3 = 9 = Success
BoPharasma explore – Archer = Diplomacy – D10+5 = 14 = Success
Arcane 6 check to close – Arcane = D10+3 = 8 = Success
Closed

Scenario Reward - Random Ally
Lem – Standard Bearer
Valeros - Toad

Post-Game Analysis

Another scenario in the books.  I was a little nervous about this one, just due to my past experiences with it.  Then I looked and saw that I had probably the two best characters for it, given the need for diplomacy.  The only location that was a struggle was the Woods, and I figured it would be.  Fortunately, that was the only one that required me to go through the entire deck.  The rest went smoothly, with a couple of good boons acquired as well.

Next time, we pick up on Scenario 4, since I already beat Scenario 3 with this group.  See you then!

Cop and a Half: Episode 8 - Goblins Raid Sandpoint! a.k.a A Monday

Lamashtu.  That was the name Father Zantus, Sandpoint's resident holy man, had given the goddess that adorned the foul shrines Valeros and Lem had uncovered.  It was unsettling to think that such evil rested beneath this small village, but it was hard to deny after what they had seen.

Lem Starting Deck
Aid
Lightning touch
Cure
Holy Light
Night Watch
Burglar
Sage
Holy Candle
Amulet of Life
Sling
BoCalistria
BoG
BoSarenrae
BoDesna
BoPharasma

Valeros shifted uncomfortably in his sleep.  His dreams were plagued with terrible visions of twisted and unspeakable beings that flayed him alive, removed limbs, and performed even more horrifying acts of torture upon him.  He awoke in a cold sweat.  Probably just too much ale the night before.

Valeros Starting Deck
Longbow
Warhammer
Glaive
Shock Longbow +1
Spiked Chain
BoG x2
BoIomedae
Sherriff Hemlock
Cyrdak Drokkus
Chain Mail x2
Magic Leather Armor
Spyglass
Masterwork Tools

Both Lem and Valeros readied themselves for what might be the hardest day they had yet seen during their time as guards in Sandpoint.  Today, the entire town would gather to honor them, and those who sacrificed their lives in its defense.  They glanced at each other before leaving the Rusty Dragon Inn, and steeled themselves for the celebration to come.

The morning was filled with a slightly reserved amount of drinking, at least by their standards, as they greeted and accepted gifts from the surviving villagers.  Father Zantus gave a brief blessing before lunch, which was served by all of the inns in the village.  Lem, realizing he had perhaps drank too much already, stood and went to a nearby alleyway to relieve himself.  There, he nearly tripped over the body of a guard.  Looking up, he say a strange man speaking with another who wore dark robes.  A holy symbol was worn around his neck, and Lem gasped when he saw it.  It was the unmistakable symbol of Lamashtu.  He wasted no time in using his slingshot to plant a bullet in each of them, knocking them out cold.  Satisfied, he finished relieving himself, told another guard to lock both men up, and went back to the party.

Turn 1 
Lem – BoDesna
Swallowtail Festival
Soldier – Charisma – D10+4 = 5 = Fail
Discard Night Watch – Tsuto Kaijitsu – Reveal Sling + Valeros + Recharge BoDesna = D8 + D6 + D4+1 + D8 = 20 = Success
Encounter next card to close location – Cultist – Reveal + Discard Sling + Valeros = D8 + D6 + D4 + D4+1 = 12 = Success = Location Closed

Later in the afternoon, the crowd moved to the Town Square.  Lem and a few other musically-inclined folk began playing music for the villagers.  Valeros did his best to look unimpressed, even though he couldn't help shuffling around to the beat.

Turn 2
Valeros – BoG
Swallowtail Festival
Move to Town Square
Augury – Intelligence + Lem BoG = D6 + D6 = 2 = Fail
Discard BoG explore – Heavy Crossbow – Dex – D8 = 2 = Fail

A cry erupted from the far end of the town square.  Lem reached for his weapon, but whatever was tearing through the crowd was too fast.  An extremely ugly goblin emerged from the crowd near the stage.  He was riding a giant lizard, and he was moving too quickly to follow.  Valeros already had his longbow out, because of course he did.  He launched an arrow at the blur, and was rewarded with a cry of pain from the goblin.  This spurred the lizard forward, bowling Lem over, and carrying it farther into the square.

Turn 3
Lem – BoG
Move to Town Square
Ripnugget and Stickfoot – Fail Stealth Check – Str + BoCalistria + Valeros + Valeros Longbow = D4 + D4 + D4+1 + D4 = 11 = Success 
2nd Check – Str + BoSarenrae + Valeros = D4 + D4 + D4+1 = 6 = Fail = 7 damage 

The goblin wasn't alone, though.  He was leading a motley assortment of creatures in a charge on the square!  Valeros dropped his bow to punch an oncoming hellhound, which yielded a satisfying crunch.

He then heard the cry of other citizens under attack.  Looking through his spyglass, he saw a young nobleman and a man who appeared to be a fellow master of the "carrying way too many weapons"-style of martial  arts.  Signalling to Lem, who had managed to pick himself up off the ground and brush the lizard-pad prints from his clothes.

Valeros – BoIomedae
Hellhound – Melee + Lem Recharge = D10+3 + D4+1 = 11 = Success = 1 damage to Lem and Valeros – Val discards Chain Mail, Lem discards Amulet of Life
Recharge Amulet of Life – D10+2 = 8 = success
Valeros Spyglass – Aldern Foxglove and Grizzled Mercenary

Lem did his best to mend his wounds as he moved towards the distressed men.  His mere presence scared off the goblins that were harassing the men.  They must have heard of his dragon-slaying prowess.

Turn 5
Lem – B oG
Exchange Aid for Cure
Cure – D4+1 = 2
Recharge Cure – D10+2 = 5 = fail
Aldern – D10+3 – Auto-success
Discard Aldern to explore due to Town Square ability – Grizzled Mercenary – D10+3 = 8 = Success

Some bird-like creature swooped down towards Valeros.
"Not today." he muttered, as he gave that bird-lady-thing a knuckle sandwich.  He didn't know why punching things was so satisfying, but it definitely was.

Turn 6
Valeros – BoDesna
Siren – Wisdom + Lem recharge + BoIomedae + Lem BoDesna recharge = D4 + D4+1 + D4 + D4 = 12 = Success
     
Lem continued to try to mend his wounds as he ensured the safety of those around him.

Turn 7
Lem – BoTorag
Exhange Holy Light for Cure
Cure – D4+1 = 4
Recharge Cure – D10+2 = 12 = Success
BoShelyn – Divine – D10+2 = 6 = Success
Discard BoShelyn explore – Speed – Divine = D10+2 = 3 = Fail

Valeros continued to try and punch things that didn't look friendly, but he was running out of punching material.  It was nearly time to move on to greener pastures.

Turn 8 
Valeros – BoGorum
Secret Stash – Wisdom – D4 = 3 = Fail

Lem had seen to the safety of nearly all the villagers that remained.  It was time to start mopping up the rest of the monsters that had managed to get past the duo.

Turn 9
Lem – BoG
Cape of Escape – Dexterity + Recharge Burglar = D8 + D10 = 9 = Success
Banish Cape of Escape to close location

Smoke rose on the horizon from the nearby Cathedral, so that seemed like Valeros' next punching grounds.  However, instead of things to punch, he nearly crippled himself on some stupid caltrops someone had left out.

Turn 10
Valeros – BoLamashtu
Sandpoint Cathedral
Caltrops – Dexterity – D8 = 3 = Fail

Lem had also moved to the cathedral, where he saw a Goblin trying to hack his way inside.  A quick bolt of lightning ended that threat.  He stopped and listened for the sounds of chaos to determine his next destination.

Turn 11
Lem – BoG
Sandpoint Cathedral
Goblin Raider – Lightning Touch + Valeros = D10+2 + 2D4 + D4+1 = 17 = Success
Banish BoCalistria to close
Recharge Lightning Bolt – D10+2 = 3 = fail
D6 for Scenario rule – 4 – No fire damage

Valeros glanced upward and saw his partner standing over a smoking goblin corpse.  No way was that runt upstaging him this time!  He moved towards the City Gate and found another unfortunate goblin.  He used his glaive to turn the creature into giblets.

Turn 12
Valeros – BoErastil
City Gate 
Goblin Raider – Glaive = D10+D10+4 = 15 = Success
D6 for Scenario rule – 5 – No fire damage
Summon and defeat Bandit Henchman to close – recharge Cyrdak – Glaive – D10+4 = 8 = Success
All cards but Ripnugget and Stickfoot removed

Lem was running to the city gates as well, and arrived just in time to see his partner moving in to take down the lizard-riding goblin that started this mess.

Turn 13
Lem – BoShelyn
City Gate

Valeros was going to enjoy this.  This goblin must have thought he was pretty clever to band together those misfits to attack his village.  The monster had made a critical mistake in underestimating his penchant for murder.  Valeros smiled grimly as moved menacingly towards the creature, warhammer in one hand, glaive in the other.

Turn 14
Valeros – BoG
Stickfoot – Reveal and recharge Warhammer + Lem recharge + BoPharasma = D10+4 + D8 + D6 + D4+1 + D10 = 27 = Success
Ripnugget – Glaive + Lem recharge + BoDesna + Bury Grizzled Merc = D10+4 + D4+1 + D10 + D10 + D8 =22 = Success

The villagers reconvened in the town square later that evening for a post-raid celebration.  Monster carcasses had been piled on the far end of town, and hasty repairs had been made.  The resilience of these people never ceased to amaze the pair.  They made a silent toast to the day and gulped down some more ale.

Reward - Skill Feat
Valeros – Strength
Lem - Charisma

Post-Game Analysis

Well, it has been a while, but I am super happy to be back on the Cop and a Half wagon.  I want to thank user flipsutter for encouraging/reminding me to keep going.  I recently took my family on a big vacation, my fiance's twins had their birthdays, my birthday is today, and my fiance has hers in a few days, so it has been BUSY!

As for this session, easy-peasy lemon-squeezy.  After accidentally doing the third scenario in this adventure, this one was a cake-walk.  Not a lot in the way of upgrades in this one, but the skill feat is always nice.  I must admit that I was pretty proud of Valeros being able to defeat the Siren as well.  I recorded the next adventure already, and just need to write it up, so it's coming soon.  Also, I bought myself Adventure Deck 2 today, so look forward to seeing more in the Cop and a Half Saga!